Hero

By SpikedLuv

Hero
Written by: Enrique Iglesias, Paul Berry and Mark Taylor
Performed by: Enrique Iglesias

Let me be your hero

Would you dance if I asked you to dance?
Or would you run and never look back?
Would you cry if you saw me cryin'?
And would you save my soul tonight?

Would you tremble if I touched your lips?
Or would you laugh? Oh, please tell me this,
Now would you die for the one you love?
Oh hold me in your arms tonight.

Well, I can be your hero, baby.
I can kiss away the pain.
I will stand by you forever.
You can take my breath away.

Would you swear that you'll always be mine?
Or would you lie? Would you run and hide?
Oh, am I in too deep? Have I lost my mind?
I don't care...you're here tonight.

I can be your hero, baby.
I can kiss away the pain.
I will stand by you forever.
You can take my breath away.

Oh, I just want to hold you.
I just want to hold you, oh yeah.
Am I in too deep? Have I lost my mind?
Well, I don't care...you're here tonight.

I can be your hero, baby.
I can kiss away the pain, oh yeah.
I will stand by you forever.
You can take my breath away.

And I can be your hero.
I can kiss away the pain.
And I will stand by you forever.
You can take my breath away.
You can take my breath away.

I can be your hero.

Part One: Saturday

It was a Saturday night in late September and the Scooby gang was at the Magic Box researching.

"We're going to The Bronze before patrol," Buffy announced to Giles as she closed the book she had been reading. Riley, Xander and Anya shut their books and the four of them stood from the research table and reached for their jackets.

Willow looked up from the computer screen at her friends in surprise, "You're going to The Bronze?"

"Yeah. Do you want to come with, Will?" Buffy asked the redhead as she pulled on her jacket.

"Uh, no, sounds like you guys already made plans. Besides, I need to finish this research for Giles," Willow said cheerfully, trying to mask the hurt she was feeling that her friends were excluding her once again, and turned her attention back to the laptop in front of her.

"Okay, then, we're off!" an oblivious Buffy called out as the group left the shop.

Spike had joined the research party out of boredom, and because it would allow him to annoy the bloody 'Scooby's', which always made him feel good, er, bad. He was sitting on the counter, shoulders slouched, book in hand, when Buffy made her announcement, and he looked over the top of the book at the Slayer and her friends.

He noticed the bright shine of unshed tears in Willow's eyes that she tried to hide, and wondered how her friends could be so unaware of her pain. He watched the two couples leave the Magic Box, chattering and laughing, then jumped off of the counter and, with a quick, "Need a smoke," followed them out into the night.

Spike leaned against the brick wall of the Magic Box and lit his cigarette, letting the group take several steps away from the shop before he spoke, "You don't really believe her, do you?"

"What are you talking about, Junior?" Xander didn't try to hide his annoyance as he turned to the bleach-blond vampire.

"Red," Spike took a long drag on his cigarette before continuing, "you don't *really* believe she'd rather sit in there an' do research than go to The Bronze?" he blew out a cloud of smoke. "You bein' her best buds an' all?" he mocked.

"I *asked* her to go...," Buffy defended herself.

"Right," Spike interjected. "Can you say 'after thought'?"

"... and she said she didn't want to!"

"What she doesn't *want*," Spike emphasized, "is to feel like a fifth wheel every time the four of *you* gits 're around."

"We don't make her feel like a fifth wheel! Tell him Xander," she turned to Willow's oldest friend for support.

"Well, actually," the brunette began, his mind drifting back, "I remember, back in high school, when Willow was with Oz, and I was dating Queen C, and Angel was...well, you were single...Willow made a point of having us act un-couple-y around you."

"What?! Why?" Buffy asked in surprise.

"So you wouldn't feel like a, um, fifth wheel," Xander admitted, chagrined that he may have inadvertently hurt his best friend by leaving her out.

"What do we do?" Buffy asked in a small voice.

"Go *get* her!" Spike was exasperated that he had to be the one to make them realize that they'd been ignoring the redheaded witch. "Don't let her give you 'no' for an answer," he continued as the group moved back toward the shop, "and for hell's sake, don't let her know that *you* morons weren't the ones to figure it out!" He shook his head as he took another drag off of the cigarette. Idiots!

He listened as the group stomped back into the Magic Box and surrounded Willow. "Giles," Buffy said, "can this research Willow's doing wait until tomorrow?"

"Oh, um, well, yes, I suppose that it can," he stammered, surprised to see them all back in the shop.

"Good, 'cause we're taking Willow with us," Buffy announced to her ex-Watcher, then turned to her friend. "Turn that off and get your coat on," she pointed at 'that darn contraption', as Giles called it.

"Wh-what are you doing?" Willow looked at her friends in confusion.

"We decided that we wouldn't have as much fun if you weren't there, Wills," Xander told her.

"Yes," Anya agreed. "You must come."

"What they said," Riley smiled at her and tilted his head toward the others.

"But...,"

"No 'buts'," Buffy interrupted her. "Turn off the computer and come on. You know if I do it you're sure to lose something important," Buffy waved a finger toward the keyboard in mock threat.

"No!" Willow cried, bending over to cover the keyboard protectively with her arms. "I'll do it; just let me save this...," she tapped some keys, then flipped the power switch and closed the cover.

"Okay, now put your coat on," Buffy picked up Willow's jacket and held it for her.

"Buffy! I'm not a child," Willow huffed as she obediently turned around and stuck her arms in the jacket sleeves.

"Bye, Giles!" everyone called to the stunned shopkeeper, and moments later Willow was hustled out the front door, Buffy dragging her by one arm while Xander held the other, Riley and Anya bringing up the rear.

"Change your mind, Red?" Spike asked as the gang filed past. He took a last drag on the cigarette before pinching it out and tossing it into the gutter.

"I guess so," Willow called back over her shoulder, and Spike smiled to himself as he reentered the shop.

"Well, Watcher, looks like the party's over," he grabbed his duster off of the counter and swung it around his shoulders. "Guess I'll be heading out myself," he turned toward the door.

"That was a very nice thing you did, Spike," Giles commented.

"What're you talking about, Watcher?" Spike asked.

"Having them come back for Willow."

"That wasn't my doing," the blond vampire denied. "And don't let me ever hear you call me 'nice' again, or I'll bite ya, no matter how much this soddin' chip hurts," he exited the shop in a billow of duster leaving a smiling Giles behind.

Part Two: Sunday

The next day Willow slept in until nine o'clock, and then called Giles to make sure she could get into the Magic Box where she had left her laptop. Giles said that he would be at the shop by one o'clock that afternoon to continue researching, and Willow told him that she'd be by to help.

After showering and dressing in a long flowing skirt, a tank and a pair of sandals, Willow called Buffy and Riley, and made plans to meet at the campus cafeteria for brunch at eleven.

Since she had a little over an hour to kill before heading for the cafeteria, Willow made herself comfortable on the bed and began reading the next chapter in European History. She and Buffy had recently started their second year of college and Willow wanted to do better this year than she had last year, what with the debacle that was Adam taking up much of her time around finals.

A couple of minutes before eleven o'clock, Willow locked the door to her dorm room and began the trek over to the cafeteria. It was a beautiful, sunny, fall day and Willow enjoyed the walk. She arrived at the agreed meeting place, having very originally chosen the front steps to the dining hall, and sat down to wait for Buffy and Riley. She wasn't sure why she bothered to arrive on time, they never did. Always wanted just one more...well, she wouldn't think about what Buffy was getting these days and she wasn't!

After Oz had left last year she had been heartbroken, a fact her friends never let her forget due to the 'my will' spell which had gone awry. Particularly Buffy, who would glare at her on occasion and mutter 'Spike lips' under her breath. Willow didn't know what Buffy was complaining about, Spike's lips looked mighty fine to her. Especially when he smirked...or did that pouty thing...oh, naughty Spike thoughts. Bad Willow! She giggled to herself, that was probably what had pissed Buffy off the most, she *had* enjoyed it! Goddess, if Spike thought that he'd never let Buffy hear the end of it. Buffy would really kill her then, best friend or not!

She had met a fellow Wiccan named Tara, and they had become friendly, but it had soon become obvious that Tara was interested in something more than friendship. Willow had told her that she just wanted to be friends, and they had tried, having their interest in witchcraft in common, but it had been too difficult. So, now they just said 'hi' if they saw each other in the halls, and went their separate ways.

"Hey, Will," the arrival of a breathless Buffy and Riley pulled Willow out of her thoughts.

Willow turned her wrist over and looked at her watch, 11:15. "Have to run?" Willow teased.

"Very funny," Buffy pouted. "Can we just go eat? I'm starving," she pulled Riley up the steps after her.

"When *aren't* you starving?" Riley asked. "I don't know how you can pack it away and stay so skinny."

"The *best* Slayer power!" Buffy assured them. "Metabolism."

Willow followed the couple, shaking her head.

***

An hour and a half later, Willow sat on a bench outside the Magic Box waiting for Giles to arrive. She had gotten there a couple of minutes early and was replaying her conversation with Buffy in her head.

"You're going to the Magic Box to meet Giles?" Buffy had asked innocently when Willow mentioned her planned research session.

"Ye-es," Willow admitted cautiously. "Why?"

"Would you do me a favor? It's really big and I'd owe you for life," Buffy cajoled.

"You *already* owe me for life," Willow reminded her. "We've moved on to your offspring now."

"Oh," Buffy was taken aback. "Which one are we up to?"

"Just the second."

"Okay! So will you?"

"Will I what?"

"TakeSpike'sbloodtohim," Buffy spit out too quickly for Willow to make it out.

"What? Stop mumbling, you sound like me!"

"Take Spike's blood to him," Buffy repeated more slowly. "Giles asked me to do it, but I don't want to see the bleached wonder and, besides, he likes you! He even...ow!" as Riley kicked her under the table.

"You alright?" Willow asked.

"Yep, just a pain in my...*foot*. A cramp, I think," Buffy assured her friend with a glare at Riley.

"What were you going to say? He...what?" Willow asked.

"Oh! He, um, he's not as mean to you!" Buffy finished triumphantly and Willow frowned.

"Well, he's not," Buffy whined. "He likes you. Okay, *like* might be too strong a word, 'cause Spike doesn't like any of us, he...*tolerates* you better than the rest of us!"

"That was a glowing endorsement," Riley muttered. "I know I'd do it for you."

"Oh, be quiet, you!" Buffy smiled sweetly at him.

"You just want me to drop his blood off to him?" Willow confirmed. Buffy nodded with a beseeching smile. "That doesn't sound too bad," Willow allowed. "Just remember, I get to name them, too!"

"Name who?"

"The offspring that you owe me."

Willow didn't know why, but she felt uncomfortable around Spike. However, she'd die, well, color her hair purple, anyway, before admitting it to Buffy, so now she was stuck taking his blood to him. If she felt uncomfortable around Spike in a group setting, how would she feel one-on-one? Not that anyone was going to be *on* anyone else, she clarified to herself. Wow, why did that thought just make her think other naughty thoughts about bleach-blond vampires with pouty lips? She shivered despite the warm air.

A red convertible driven by Rupert Giles pulled up to the curb in front of Willow drawing her attention away from Buffy's favor, and thoughts of Spike lips. "Hey, Giles," she stood up and waved.

"Afternoon, Willow," he greeted her as he climbed out of the car. "How was The Bronze last night?"

"It was alright," Willow told him as he walked around the car, "if you enjoy sitting at a table with your friends while they snuggle and then by yourself while they have vertical sex on the dance floor...and did I just say all of that out loud?"

"Yes," Giles nodded his head, eyes wide, as he unlocked the front door to the magic shop. "Some of that information I could have done without."

"Sorry," Willow laughed apologetically as Giles held the door for her. "They try, but couples going out with single friends, it's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole."

Willow followed Giles into the kitchen where he put a pot of water on to boil for tea.

"Before I start helping you research, Buffy asked me to take Spike's blood to him this afternoon."

"Why can't Buffy do it?" Giles asked as he spooned loose tea into the pot.

"I think she'd rather be smooching with Riley than arguing with Spike," Willow smiled.

"So she makes you go?" Giles was bewildered. "Does she think it's going to be any more fun for you?"

"She *said* she thinks Spike 'tolerates' me better than anyone else, I think she was just trying to come up with something that would make me do it for her."

"Well," Giles shrugged his shoulders, "she's probably right about that. But, that doesn't mean that she should use you to do her dirty work."

***

Twenty minutes later Willow stood outside Spike's crypt with a cooler of blood. To knock or not to knock, that is the question, she thought to herself. Oh, heck, he's probably sleeping, anyway. I'll just sneak in and leave the cooler and he won't even know I was there. Well, not until he sees the cooler, anyway, 'cause then he'd know *someone* had been there.

Shaking her babbling thoughts away, Willow pushed the crypt door open just far enough for her to slip through without allowing in too much sunlight, then closed the door behind her. In the dim light she could make out Spike's sleeping figure on the tomb. She moved toward the corner where he had his chair and television and quietly set the cooler on the floor by the chair. She turned around to leave and screamed.

"Aahhh!" Spike was standing in front of her, wearing only a pair of jeans, with his hands on his hips and his head cocked to the side. Naked Spike chest! Holy *cow*, she swallowed hard.

"Looking for something, Red?" he drawled with a smirk as he listened to her racing heart.

"Don't *do* that!" she slapped his arm when she'd recovered enough to think straight. "You scared me! And, no, I wasn't looking for anything. There's nothing in here I'd *want*," she looked around the dark, dusty crypt. Except maybe, naked Spike chest and soft, pouty Spike lips, she amended to herself.

"No?" Spike raised his eyebrows and flexed his muscles, drawing Willow's attention back to his naked chest. "Nothing?" he smirked again.

Holy...goddess! Could he read her mind? Oh, that would be bad. Very bad. Especially since she couldn't seem to stop the naughty Spike thoughts.

"No!" she adamantly denied, the heat between her thighs belying her words. "I was just delivering your blood," she pointed to the cooler as she spoke, "and I didn't want to wake you!"

"Wasn't sleeping," he walked back over to the tomb, pulling his cigarettes out of his pocket as he went to give his hands something to do. He shook one out of the pack and lit it as he leaned back against the tomb.

"Fine!" she huffed as he walked away from her. Nice back, too, she thought, then closed her eyes to block the sight. Oh, this was bad. *Bad*! Buffy was *so* dead. But, no, because Buffy could never know about the naughty Spike thoughts.

"Thanks for the blood," he said after taking a soothing drag on the cigarette.

"You're welcome," Willow opened her eyes. She was calming down, now that her heart wasn't beating so fast. "Well, I guess I'll be going now," she turned toward the door.

"How was The Bronze?" Spike asked, partly because he wanted to know and partly because he wanted to keep her from leaving yet.
"Why is everyone so concerned about The Bronze?" Willow asked shaking her head in wonder.

"Who else was asking about it?"

"Giles."

"Really?" Spike's eyes narrowed.

"Yes, and it was fine."

"Just 'fine'?"

"It's just...it's tough being single in a group of couples. They like doing couple-y things, like holding hands and whispering and kissing and dancing...anyway, they try," she repeated her words to Giles. "It's just not the same."

"The same as what?"

"The same as *before*. Sometimes, I really hate change. I mean, I knew things were going to change when we graduated high school and started college, I just didn't think *we* were going to change," she looked into Spike's blue eyes, surprised to find understanding. "Best friends forever!" she laughed mockingly at herself with a slight grimace.

"Well, I'd better get back before Giles thinks you ate me," Spike raised his eyebrow, smirking at the redhead and she blushed as she realized the double meaning in her words. "I mean, bit me and...and drank all my blood. I've got to go. I'm supposed to help him do research," she started backing toward the door, "and I need to go. Now. Bye," she turned and pulled the door open, racing out into the sunlight where she'd be safe from Spike, but not from her own treacherous thoughts.

***

Spike finished his cigarette and pinched it out before tossing it into the can by the chair. There was just something about the redhead that made him want to protect her. He figured it was because he understood her pain at losing dogboy; after all, he knew what it felt like to be dumped. He was intrigued with the little witch - despite her 'my will' spell - or maybe *because* of it.

He was disgusted that he had kissed the Slayer, but he was amused that the seemingly shy witch had some fire hidden underneath all that...goodness...and had punished her friends for ignoring her pain. They'd all been so apologetic, Willow for doing the spell and the rest for ignoring her, then once it was over, they'd ignored her again. Spike couldn't understand how they could so easily dismiss the redhead.

But lately he'd found himself thinking about more than protecting her. He wanted to run his fingers through her beautiful red hair and over her porcelain white skin. And today, he remembered how her tank top hugged her breasts, how her nipples had puckered when she'd stared at his bare chest, how delicious her arousal smelled, and how easy it would have been to back her up against the tomb, lift up her skirt and bury himself inside her human warmth.

Bloody hell! Spike unfastened his jeans and wrapped his fingers around his erection, stroking himself as he thought about sinking into Willow's tight, wet heat. He moaned her name as he spurt his dead seed over his hand and stomach.

Spike cleaned himself up and then lay down on the tomb to try and get some more sleep, but thoughts of Willow raced around his mind. What was he doing, thinking about a human? He was becoming a bleedin' nancy-boy, just like his bloody sire.

Part Three: Monday

Spike took the sewers into the basement of the Magic Box and entered the store from the door behind the counter. Willow was leaning over the research table with her back to him. She was wearing another long skirt, a sleeveless v-neck crop top and sandals. The skirt pulled tight across her bum as she searched through the books piled on the table, her shirt lifting to expose the bare skin of her lower back as she reached across it.

For the past 24 hours his mind kept torturing him with thoughts of Willow and he'd needed to see her again, smell her, and the sight of her bent over the table, with her tight little bum and that little bit of bared skin, made him hard. He thought about walking up behind her, pushing her skirt up, grabbing her hips and...He pulled his duster around him to hide his erection and leaned back with his elbows on the counter, waiting for Willow to turn around and notice him.

"Giles, I can't find it. I don't think it's...aahh!" Willow turned away from the table and saw Spike leaning casually against the counter. She grabbed her throat and tried to slow her breathing. Damn...darn...vampire had scared her again. He did it on purpose, she just knew it. He was so aggravating and annoying and...and sexy, with those cheekbones and blue eyes and wavy hair that was mussed up just so and...whoa! What was she thinking? No! No sexy Spike. She felt herself blush.

Oh, yes, it had been well worth the wait. She screamed and Spike smelled a smidgeon of fear and heard her heartbeat speed up as her blood pumped furiously through her body. Then she flushed and Spike smelled the scent he was dying to experience again...Willow's arousal.

"Don't *do* that!" she yelled at him as she stepped closer and punched his arm with her little fist and Spike smiled. "You big...stupid...vampire!" she was mad at him, but madder at herself for her reaction to him. Why did she have to want someone who would never want her back?

He was...he was Spike! Sexy. And funny, when he wanted to be. And kind...again, when he wanted to be. And so-o sexy, all the damn, *darn*, time. Stupid vampire. She should think of his bad points. Okay, he was arrogant, but wouldn't you be if you were that sexy? Stop that, bad points! Okay, arrogant and obnoxious and mean, sometimes and...and, oh, yeah! He was *dead*! Which should be a big turnoff, but made Willow suddenly wonder if his hands would feel cool on her heated flesh...

"Willow, did you find that dratted book?" Giles asked as he came out of the kitchen with a cup of tea in his hand, thankfully interrupting Willow's train of thought.

She blushed a deeper red and tried to hide her face by bending over the table again. "No, I couldn't find it. We have too many books out here," she felt herself starting to babble and she couldn't stop, "we should really reshelve some of them. I'll just put them in alphabetical order by title and you can look them over and see which ones need to be kept out," her hands began to gather the books while she tried to make her mind focus on the titles rather than the sexy...*darn*...vampire standing behind her.

"Good idea," Giles agreed as he lifted the cup to his lips and took a sip. "Spike," he said as he lowered the cup and noticed the vampire, "good, lord, it's not sundown already, is it?" His eyes darted toward the front of the shop where the sun filtered through the blinds.

"Nah, couple hours yet," Spike told him, partly thankful for the Watcher's sudden appearance which had made his erection rapidly deflate, and slightly disappointed.

"Then, uh, what are you doing here?" Giles asked, confused. Spike rarely came around unless they asked him to, and even then he complained.

"Bored," Spike shrugged his shoulders. "Figured you and Red would be here researching. Where's demon girl?"

"*Anya*," Giles emphasized, "had to leave early."

He thought she'd be here! Willow tried to keep her mind focused on her task, but the sound of Spike's voice disturbed her concentration. Oh, please, get a grip. He didn't say he came to see *you*. Yeah, but he thought I'd be here; he wouldn't come if he thought Buffy or Anya would be here, would he? *Would* he? Of course not, they'd probably keep him away, she giggled to herself.

"Something funny, Red?" Spike asked from right behind her. Willow straightened up and turned around to find herself eyeball to, well, to chest, with Spike. Hard, muscular Spike chest covered in black cotton. When had he removed his duster? She'd been so caught up in her own thoughts that she hadn't heard him move. Where was Giles?

"Wh-where's Giles?" she asked.

"Said something about looking for that book in the training room. He might've been reading on the couch," Spike breathed in deeply, savoring the scent of her hair, her skin.

"Oh!"

"You finished alphabetizing these things yet?" he nodded his head toward the books on the table.

"Hmm? Oh, no, not yet," Willow struggled to comprehend his words as her mind was once again filled with naughty thoughts of Spike.

"I'll help," he brushed past her, his arm grazing her breast.

He heard the sudden intake of her breath and her quickening heart beat, felt her nipple pebble against his arm as he brushed against her and smelled the heady scent of her arousal. He grew hard and realized that he'd made a grave error in judgment. Cor, he should never have come here; being with her an' not touching her was gonna kill him.

The two of them were busy sorting the books when Giles emerged from the back room, both trying to keep their minds on the business at hand. "Nothing!" he groused. "How are you two coming?"

"Almost done," Willow assured him as she stood back from the table. Bending at the waist she looked under it. "Oh! There's some more books under here," she started to get on her knees to crawl under the table and get them.

Spike grabbed her arm to stop her. "I'll get 'em," he told her as he dropped to one knee and reached under the table. His jeans tightened painfully across his erection, but it was better than watching Willow on her hands and knees with her pert little bum up in the air and him not able to do anything about it.

When the books were all alphabetized on the table, Spike and Willow stood back to allow Giles to read the titles. "We should keep this one out...and this one...this one's definitely got to stay out...,"

"Um, Giles," Willow finally interrupted him as the 'keep' pile began to seriously outnumber the 'reshelve' pile, "we're trying to clean the table off. The books will be right here, on the shelves," she modulated her tone as if she were talking to a two year old and pointed toward the shelves, "you'll be able to get them *any time* you want them."

"Are you patronizing me?" Giles huffed.

"Just teasing," Willow smiled at him.

"Oh, alright, reshelve them all...hey! Here's the book I was looking for!" he reached out to pull it off of the table.

Spike looked over his shoulder, "Found that one on the floor."

"Wonderful!" Giles disappeared into the training room with the book.

Willow grabbed a couple of books from the table and walked over to the book shelves to reshelve them. When she turned around Spike was standing there with a pile of books in his arms.

"I'll hold, you shelve," he told her.

"Oh! Alright," Willow's voice was breathless and her hands shook as she reached out to take a book off of the pile.

Spike wanted to groan as he watched her fingers curve around the books, her hair brush her neck, the delicious flush that now looked like part of her skin and made him wonder how far down it went...

They were almost done reshelving the books when Giles exploded out of the back room. "I think I found something. I need 'The Demon Realm' by Huntington," he looked at Willow expectantly.

"I think we just reshelved that one, let me get it," she turned around and ran into Spike, who was still standing there with books in his arms.

"Sorry," Willow whispered and blushed as she stepped around him to pull the book Giles had requested. She handed it to Giles and watched him flip the pages, stopping to read when he found what he wanted.

"Yes! This is it!" he rushed back into the training room.

Willow laughed and shook her head, then reshelved the rest of the books, doing her best not to stare at Spike's arms.

When they were finished Spike sat in a chair at the table and Willow, afraid to be too close to him, leaned against the counter.

"Willow," Giles called from the back room, "can you look something up for me?"

"Sure," she called back and moved to the table to set up her laptop.

"What's he researching anyway? Some big evil coming to Sunnyhell I should know about?"

"No, Angel...,"

"Bloody poof!" Spike muttered.

"Be nice," Willow slapped the back of his head with one hand as she reached in front of him with the other to grab her laptop.

Spike grabbed her forearm and pinned it to the table and she gripped his shoulder for support so she didn't fall into his lap. "I can be nice," he whispered in her ear. "I can be *very* nice," he brushed his fingers lightly along her arm.

Just then the door opened and the bell jingled as Buffy and Riley entered the shop. Spike let go of her arm and Willow swallowed as she pulled her laptop across the table. She realized her hand was still on his shoulder and pulled it back as if she had been burnt. She blushed as she wondered what she would have done if Buffy hadn't come in just then.

***

Buffy and Riley were more of a hindrance to research than a help because Buffy insisted on baiting Spike, who couldn't let any little slight go, and the sounds of their arguing filled the shop. However, her presence was actually a help to Willow, who could research knowing that Spike's attention was diverted. It made her too nervous to think when she could feel him staring at her.

Eventually, Willow and Giles had found the information Angel was looking for and Giles picked up the telephone to call him. "Going out for a smoke," Spike rose to his feet and headed for the alley in the back of the shop, not wanting to be there when the Watcher was talking to the poof, and wanting to get away from the Slayer.

"Why don't you two go patrol?" Giles suggested to Buffy and Riley, sick of her and Spike's tiresome bickering.

"Are you sure you don't need us for something?" Buffy asked, not wanting to leave before Giles called Angel.

"I'm sure."

"Alright, tell Spike we'll take the east end tonight," Buffy reluctantly stood and put her jacket on.

Relieved, Giles dialed the phone.

"Want me to go?" Willow asked hopefully. She hadn't been patrolling with Buffy in ages and, even though Riley would be there, she missed being with her friend. Also, she didn't want to be there when Spike got back. He made her skin feel all tingly.

"No, Willow, it's too dangerous. You stay safe," Buffy told her.

"Dangerous?" Willow asked in surprise. "When hasn't it been dangerous? I used to patrol with you all the time!" she left the 'before Riley came along' unspoken.

"I know, Will, but it's too distracting to have you there," Buffy smiled apologetically.

"Distracting?" Willow found herself repeating Buffy again. "I can take care of myself, Buffy!"

"I'm sorry, Will," Buffy said, not knowing why Willow was so upset. She'd rather not have to patrol. "Maybe next time."

"Yeah, maybe," Willow agreed doubtfully, hiding her face behind the computer screen.

Soddin' Slayer, Spike swore to himself as he eavesdropped on their conversation. He had stayed when he heard Giles order the Slayer off to patrol; after all, *she* was the main reason he'd needed a fag in the first place and if she was leaving...

He heard Willow ask to accompany them and her tell Willow that it would be too dangerous. She was so damned blind! Red was practically begging for attention an' even after Saturday night she was too bloody wrapped up in soldier boy to notice. If anyone was gonna be a distraction while she was on patrol it was the pup.

He waited until he heard the front door close, then swaggered back into the shop. If the Slayer didn't want to pay attention to Red, he would.

"Where'd slutty an' her pup go?" Spike asked snottily as he sat across from Willow.

Willow didn't rise to the bait, just sighed and said, "On patrol. She said to tell you that they're taking the east end tonight."

"What're you doing now?" he asked her.

"Just checking my e-mail. I was hoping to hear from Cordy," Willow tried to hide the misery in her voice.

"So, you're not busy?"

"Ha!" she huffed softly. "No, I'm not busy," she shook her head.

"Good, then you can patrol with me," Spike stood and grabbed his duster off of the counter. He turned around to see Willow still sitting at the table, staring at him in surprise, her eyes wide, her lips slightly parted.

"C'mon!" he urged her. "We don't have all night. Well, actually, *I* do, but I'm sure good little girls like you need to get to bed early," he slipped his arms into the jacket, then tugged it smooth across his shoulders.

Willow still hadn't moved. "I'll just get in the way," she said sadly.

"Piffle! I need someone to watch my back. The Slayer has her soldier boy, but they expect me to go out by myself all the time. S'not fair, I tell you. Where's your jacket?" he looked around the shop.

In a daze, she pointed toward the training room.

"Well, go get it," Spike took her by the arm and lifted her out of the chair, directing her toward the back room. "Make sure you've got a couple of stakes," he reminded her as he followed her. "An' grab a couple for me. I'm gonna grab an axe."

When they were armed, Willow with a stake in her hand and an extra in her jacket pocket, Spike sporting a large axe and two stakes in his duster pockets, they walked back into the shop to let Giles know they were leaving for patrol.

"We're off, Watcher," Spike announced.

"Patrolling?" Giles asked.

"Yep," Spike sailed by without stopping and pulled the front door open.

"You're going too, Willow?" Giles asked.

"Y-yes," Willow stuttered, suddenly afraid he would tell her she shouldn't go.

"Oh, well, um, fine. It'll do you some good to get out from behind that, that infernal machine!" Giles pointed at the laptop and Willow smiled brightly.

"Really?"

"Of course. Some fresh air, some exercise, maybe getting to dust a vampire," he was rubbing his hands together in what might pass for glee in the reserved Brit. "Well, yes, off with you, now," he waved a hand toward the door and, with another smile, Willow walked toward Spike, twirling the stake between her fingers.

Cor, she was beautiful when she smiled. Willow slipped past him and Spike looked back at the Watcher, who was staring at him. He raised the axe in salute and Giles dipped his head in acknowledgment.

"Are you sure I won't be in the way? A...a distraction?" Willow asked after Spike had pulled the shop door closed.

"Don't be ridiculous!" Spike waved his free hand in the air as if to push that thought away, then took her hand and led her down the street. Liar, he thought to himself as her warm hand filled his cool one, she'll be a distraction, alright.

***

In the first cemetery Spike dusted a fledgling. He sensed the newly made vampire and led Willow to the grave where it was just digging it's way out. "While I'm fighting," he leaned down and whispered to Willow, "keep an eye out, okay?"

"Okay," Willow agreed breathlessly and Spike didn't know if it was because of the coming fight or his breath tickling her neck. He sort of hoped it was a little of both.

Spike took his time with the fledgling, toying with it. He had a lot of suppressed emotion to vent and this was the unlucky fledge. When he was done he walked back to Willow who was staring at him with her hands on her hips.

"What?"

"You were just playing with him!" she accused.

"I had a lot of, uh, aggression to work out," he told her.

"Buffy?" Willow asked sympathetically.

"Uh, yeah. The bloody Slayer really pissed me off," Spike lied as he grabbed her hand and started out of the cemetery. The Slayer had nothing to do with his pent up frustration this time, it was the raging hard-on caused by the little redhead at his side.

"Where are we going next?" Willow asked. When Spike gave her the name of the cemetery she said, "We have to pass the Espresso Pump to get there, right?"

"Yeah," Spike drawled, suspicious.

"Can we stop for a mochachino? To go?" she begged.

"I thought you didn't drink coffee?" Spike said.

"I, um, I do, sometimes," she hedged, knowing that if he knew about her reaction to caffeine he'd never let her near it. But she was so nervous, and he was holding her hand, and she needed some caffeine, dammit! Darn it, she meant.

"Alright," he agreed. "Just don't let it interfere with your fighting," he dropped her hand and threw some fake punches toward her face and upper body. She just stood there and raised her eyebrows.

"Please! I'm not here to fight. I'm just here to watch your, um, your...," her mind went blank. Drat, she had been watching his hands and his legs while he fought, but what was she supposed to be watching?

"Back?" Spike suggested with a smirk.

"Yes! Back," Willow turned away and walked off toward the coffee shop. She really needed that caffeine.

By the time they reached the third cemetery the caffeine had kicked in. Willow was bouncing off of the walls, well, tombstones, and chattering a mile a minute.

Finally Spike couldn't take it anymore. He wrapped his fingers softly around her throat and backed her up against a tree. "Why is it," he snarled, "that you don't drink coffee that often?"

"Oh," Willow giggled nervously. She was in trouble now! "I, um, I have this, ah, mild reaction to, uh, to caffeine," she tried to smile reassuringly at him.

Spike growled and his face morphed; Willow felt her juices seep from her core at the demon visage and closed her eyes. Oh, goddess, she thought as her stake dropped from suddenly nerveless fingers. She opened her green eyes to stare deeply into Spike's amber gaze, until her attention was rudely diverted. "Uh oh, vampire," she croaked.

Damn vampire, he was gonna kill it for interrupting them. Well, he was gonna kill it anyway, but he really hated to be interrupted, especially right then. He had smelled her arousal all night and it was killing him to keep his hands off of her, but her scent had suddenly become stronger when he morphed, and he had been ready to shag her right there against the tree.

He turned to face the vampire with a growl, then said to Willow out of the corner of his mouth as he saw four vampires standing in front of him, "I thought you said 'vampire'?"

"Oops!" she bent down to pick up the stake she had dropped when Spike morphed.

"Stay behind me," he stalked forward. "Hey, boys, come to play?" he called to the four vampires.

"Get him," the leader ordered and the other three rushed him. Spike swung the axe he'd held close to his side and decapitated the first vampire who exploded into a cloud of dust, blinding it's mates. On the back swing he took the arm off of the next vamp and heard Willow's "Ew, yuck" from somewhere behind him. He kicked the squealing vamp to the ground and headed toward the third who took one look at the axe and his dis-armed friend and turned to run.

Spike swung the axe around and let it fly. It struck the vamp's back and knocked him to the ground. Spike pulled a stake out of his pocket and staked the now-one-armed vamp, then walked over to stake the vamp he'd just knocked down. Hearing a struggle behind him he turned to see Willow fighting the leader. Bugger! He'd forgotten about the fourth one for a minute there.

When Spike went to stake the 'Runaway Vamp' as Willow had dubbed it in her caffeine fogged mind, the last vamp had moved toward her. Willow knew that she couldn't take the vamp, she just needed to keep it distracted until Spike could get there. It reached out to grab her and she struck out with her hidden stake, scratching it's arm.

"Ow, that hurt, you little bitch!" it yelled before lunging at her.

Willow backed up and side-stepped, trying to keep the vamp off balance. It seemed to be working, until she tripped over a headstone. The vamp stood above her and laughed. "You're going to taste good," it bent down to grab her and exploded into a cloud of dust.

"You're an idiot," Spike told the dissipating vamp and then looked down at Willow.

Before the dust had settled he was kneeling next to her and she had raised herself up on her elbows to watch him. Goddess, he was sexy. He'd looked like an avenging angel as he'd come toward her through the cloud of dust. My hero, she thought to herself.

"You alright?" he asked worriedly as he ran his hands over her bare legs, her skirt having ridden up when she fell, checking for broken bones or sprains.

"Yes," Willow answered breathlessly. "I should have brought my water gun. Put that away," she ran her fingers over his forehead ridges.

"Oh, sorry," Spike brought his human face forth.

"Don't be sorry! It's just easier to scare 'em if they don't see it coming," Willow smiled at him, then giggled when he reached her knees and tried to shove his hands away. "Sorry," she said breathlessly, "ticklish!"

"Really?" Spike waggled his eyebrows at her.

"Don't you dare!" Willow rolled over onto her knees and tried to climb to her feet, but her skirt tangled around her legs and she was momentarily trapped.

Spike moaned as Willow's bum wiggled in the air as she tried to unwrap the skirt from her legs. Finally unable to stand it anymore he stood up and grabbed her around the waist. Lifting her up he deposited her on her feet and watched in disappointment as her skirt fell down around her legs.

"Thanks," her voice was still breathless. "So," she backed a step away from him so she could think, "did I help?"

"You were a big help," Spike almost groaned as she brushed her hair away from her neck where he could see her pulse jumping.

"Do I get an assist?" she asked excitedly, bouncing on her feet.

"An assist?"

"Yeah, you know, like in basketball, the guy who makes the basket gets the, uh, the basket, and the guy who passed him the ball gets an assist. And in soccer, and, um, hockey, and, oh, baseball, on defense. An assist, because they, um, assisted. So, do I get one?" she was still bouncing.

"Did the Slayer give you assists?" he queried thoughtfully.

"Uh, no. She was usually too busy talking about Angel."

"Ah."

"So-o?"

"Alright, you get an assist," Spike agreed.

"Cool," Willow did that cute little thing with her eyes and shoulders that Spike loved. Yep, bleedin' nancy-boy, just like his bloody sire.

They didn't run into anymore vamps that night. Spike figured that Willow's caffeine-induced chatter scared them off, but he loved it. The sound of her voice was like music to his ears. Or poetry. Not that he'd ever let any of the Scooby gang know he liked poetry.

By the time they got back to the Magic Box, Willow's caffeine high had lessened and she was almost back to her old self, but Buffy, who had beaten them back from patrol, noticed right away.

"You let her have caffeine!" she pointed an accusing finger at Spike after Willow had bounced through the door yelling for Giles to tell him about her assist.

"Sod off, Slayer," Spike growled. "Number one, I didn't know how the caffeine would affect her and number two," he raised an eyebrow, "I enjoyed it!"

"You did?" Willow giggled again and Spike couldn't help but smile at her.

"Come on, Will, let me walk you back to the dorm," Buffy said disgustedly as she reached out to take Willow's arm.

Willow pulled her arm away and said, "No, thank you, Buffy, Spike already said *he'd* walk me back." She turned away from Buffy and pulled her book bag across the table to put her laptop inside. Oh, goddess, why did she say that? He was going to kill her. What if he told Buffy she was lying? She'd look so foolish. And then she heard his voice.

"Speed it up, there, Red, I need to be in bed before sunrise," he supported her lie and Willow smiled to herself as she zipped her bag.

"'Night Giles, Buffy, Riley," she said as she breezed past a sputtering Buffy and up the steps to the front door, "see you tomorrow!"

***

"Thank you, Spike," Willow told the vampire after they had walked for several minutes in silence.

"For what?" he asked.

"Well, for walking me back, and for not telling Buffy that I lied," she grimaced.

"You watch my back, I'll watch yours," he told her.

"Really? Thanks," she smiled as she shyly reached for his hand. He closed his fingers around her tiny hand and squeezed. Cor, he loved it when she smiled at him.

When they got to the campus, Willow's footsteps slowed. She didn't want this night to end. She'd had so much...fun...with Spike, and he seemed to have fun, too, and she was afraid that tomorrow everything would go back to normal, and he would only tolerate her.

Spike noticed her distress. "What's the matter?" he looked around them for danger, noticing that they had reached Willow's dorm.

"I...I don't want this night to end," she admitted softly.

"Why?" he asked.

She couldn't stop herself, she was going to say it. "Because tomorrow you won't like me again," she felt tears burn her eyes and tried to blink them away before he noticed.

Spike swung her around to face him and lifted her head with his thumb under her chin so he could look into her eyes. "Red, I could *never* not like you." She was looking up at him as if he were her savior, or as if he could be.

"In fact, I like you a lot," his voice was husky as he pulled her closer to him and pressed her body against his.

"But I don't know if I can be your hero, baby," he leaned down and brushed his lips over hers.

Willow was in heaven. Spike's hands were gentle, his body was hard, oh, goddess, some parts harder than others! And then he kissed her and she felt as if she were floating. And *then* his words penetrated her lust-fogged brain. "Oh," she whispered in embarrassment, "I said that out loud?"

"Mmm hmm," he answered as his tongue ran across her lip. He pulled her bottom lip into his mouth and sucked on it.

"Oh, goddess," Willow moaned, although with only one lip it sounded more like 'oh, gothez', and dropped her book bag. Raising both arms she gripped the back of Spike's head and pressed him to her, instinctively sweeping her tongue inside his mouth, needing to taste him.

Spike kissed her, running his hands over her back, cupping her bum, pressing her against his erection. He pulled back, his chest rising and falling with unnecessary breath. "Willow," he kissed her again, quickly. "You'd better get inside before some big bad gets you."

"You'll protect me," Willow whispered breathlessly against his lips, *really* not wanting the night to end now.

"Baby, I'm the big bad at the head of the line," he kissed her again before stepping away from her. "Get some sleep," he kissed her forehead, then picked up her book bag and handed it to her before disappearing into the darkness.

"I'm not going to be able to sleep *now*!" Willow moaned and Spike smiled to himself as her words reached his ears. He had to get away from her before he picked her up and carried her into the bushes to finish what they'd started.

Part Four: Tuesday

Willow got to the Magic Box early the next afternoon. She knew it was probably too early to see Spike there, but it was the only place she'd be able to run into him without going to his crypt and making a complete fool out of herself. What if he didn't mean what he said last night? Oh, goddess, what if he *did*?

She hadn't gotten much sleep as thoughts of Spike filled her head. He'd said that he liked her, *a lot*, and he'd *kissed* her! She had daydreamed her way through classes. Thank the goddess none of her professors had called on her. That's when she had decided to study at the Magic Box instead of the library, in hopes of running into Spike.

She'd agonized over what to wear. She didn't want to look obvious, so, no short, short skirts for her. And she wanted to be prepared in case he asked her to patrol with him again, so, no long skirt and sandals. Goddess, she was pathetic.

She finally settled on casual - a pair of gray sweats, a green tank top, with no bra, okay, maybe not *too* subtle, comfortable sneakers and a brown, orange and green plaid flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up, to cover her up in case she decided later that the 'no bra' thing was a bad idea.

Then she agonized over what to tell Giles about why she'd shown up so early on a Tuesday afternoon. There wasn't any research, but she could tell him that she wanted the company while she studied, and she could be there to help if anything came up. She shoved her European History text into her book bag along with her lap top. Oh, or she could ask him to teach her another magic spell! She threw in a book she had 'borrowed' from Giles last week along with some herbs and candles.

Here goes nothin', she thought as she locked her dorm room door behind her, then squared her shoulders as if heading off to battle, and began the trek to the magic shop.

The bell jingled as Willow pushed the door open and entered the Magic Box. "Good afternoon, welcome to... oh, it's just you. You're not going to buy anything," Anya said as she turned back to the register.

"And good afternoon to you, too, Anya!" Willow called back cheerfully. "Where's Giles?" she asked as she put her book bag down on the table.

"Running errands," Anya answered absently, "bank, post office, something like that."

"Oh. So, how's it going?"

"With the store?" Anya asked, still not sure about human figure of speech.

"With the store, with your life...," Willow trailed off.

"Oh, well, the store is doing well. We've had many customers today and several actually bought something. It was very exciting. I love the feel and smell of money," she ran a bill through her fingers and then held it to her nose.

"Oh, well, that's great!"

"And orgasms with Xander couldn't be better!" Anya added.

"Oh, well, that's, um, great, too." Not only didn't she want to know about Anya's orgasms, especially with Xander, but the thought of orgasms made her think about...

"Spike!" she saw him duck into the shop through the basement door and felt her whole body tingle as if she had been hit with an electric current.

"Red," Spike greeted her casually. "Demon girl."

"You mean that in a friendly way, right?" Anya asked as she looked at him over the money.

"Uh, yeah, right."

"What, um, what are you doing here so early?" Willow's voice was breathless. Please let him say me, please let him say me...

"I had an idea last night," he moved around the counter and indicated for Willow to join him at the table. They both sat.

"What, um, what was your idea?" Willow traced patterns on the table top, afraid to look at Spike.

"Remember last night..."

How could she not, she wanted to moan. She'd *never* been kissed like that before.

Spike heard Willow's moan and fought to keep control. Bloody hell, just looking at her, even in a pair of sweats an' a flannel shirt, had him hard.

"...when that vamp knocked you down?" he forced himself to continue.

"Well, he didn't actually knock me down," Willow admitted. "I tripped...over a headstone." Oh, goddess, he was going to tell her that she shouldn't go on patrol, she bent her head down further, her hair covering her face, so he couldn't see how disappointed she was.

"Well, I thought maybe you should..."

Here it comes, here it comes, here it comes...

"...learn some self-defense." Willow's head shot up. He didn't say she shouldn't patrol!

"And once you've mastered that, maybe some offensive moves."

Willow tried to smile, but now she felt like crying because, not only had he *not* told her she couldn't patrol, he wanted to teach her to fight. "Really?"

"Yeah. One of these days I might need you to save my cute little bum, instead of just watching my back," Spike told her with his trademark smirk.

"Really?" she asked again, almost afraid to believe it.

"Stop that," he wiped a tear off of her cheek with his thumb.

"I thought you were going to tell me that I was too clumsy to patrol," she admitted with a self-deprecating laugh.

"Piffle! Even the Slayer, with all her super powers, needs to train, doesn't she?"

"Yeah," Willow said after she had thought about it for a minute.

"You need to practice fighting just like you practice magic," he told her. She smiled at him and it was brighter than the sunshine, and lit up Spike's dead heart. "Got some time this afternoon?" he asked and Willow happily nodded.

He took her hand and pulled her out of the chair and toward the back room, "Gonna be in the training room," he told Anya.

"Okay," the ex-demon said without lifting her head.

In the training room Spike took his duster off and threw it over the couch. "We'll start with some basic self-defense moves. You might wanna take that," he indicated the flannel shirt, "off, you're probably gonna get warm."

"Okay," Willow started to pull it off, then pulled it back shut over her chest. "Oh, no."

"What's wrong?"

"Oh! I, um, I...I didn't wear a bra," her voice was so low he wouldn't have been able to make it out if he wasn't a vampire and she looked like she wanted to cry again.

"Bloody hell!" Spike groaned and Willow thought he was mad at her. He grabbed her by the shoulders and marched her backward until her back hit the wall, then he leaned down and kissed her. Willow's hands grabbed at Spike's waist as his lips assaulted hers.

He buried one hand in her hair and tilted her head back so he could deepen the kiss. His other hand moved down her back to cup her bum and press her against his erection. Willow's hands roamed over his body, exploring his back, his chest, his butt.

"Spike," Willow moaned as he moved his lips to her neck, licking, sucking, nibbling. "Oh, goddess, Spike, please, touch me!"

He didn't need to be asked twice. Both hands moved beneath the flannel shirt to cup her breasts through the thin cotton of the tank top as his lips continued their assault on her neck. He kneaded the mounds and pinched her nipples and Willow moaned, her own hands tearing at his shirt. Once it was free of his jeans, she slipped her hands beneath and ran her fingers over his cool flesh.

Spike moaned at her touch and moved one hand to cup the heat between her thighs. Willow jumped in surprise, then mewled as his fingers pressed into her slit and rubbed over her clit.

"Spike," she hissed as her juices seeped from her core. Grabbing her bum, Spike lifted her until he was pressing against her center. Cor, she smelled so bloody *good*!

Willow wrapped her legs around his waist and grabbed his shoulders for support. Spike leaned in and kissed her and Willow moved one hand to the back of his head, the other going around his shoulders to pull herself closer to him as she kissed him back. With his hands gripping her bum and his body pressing hers against the wall, Spike rubbed against her. Within moments he felt her body tensing as she prepared for her release. His face morphed and he knew he wouldn't be far behind.

Willow felt his face change as he neared his climax and forced him to look at her. She leaned up to kiss the ridges at his forehead, then lowered her lips to kiss him. She shoved her tongue into his mouth and ran it over his teeth, cutting it on his fangs. She heard Spike growl into her mouth as he tasted her blood, then the world shattered as her orgasm overtook her.

What in bloody hell was she doing? She looked at his demon, kissed his forehead ridges, then shoved her tongue into his mouth and cut herself on his fangs...he tasted her blood and growled. He felt her muscles stiffen as she came, her mouth open in a silent scream, and he came with her as he sucked her blood from the cuts on her tongue. He was in heaven.

Spike took a few more sucks on her tongue, then let it go and leaned his now-smooth forehead against hers. "Red?"

"Mmm?" she answered with her eyes closed.

"Can you walk?"

"No!" she wrapped both arms around his shoulders and buried her face in his neck.

Spike smiled as she snuggled closer to him. "I'm just gonna walk over to the couch," he told her.

"Mm'kay," she breathed in Spike's scent.

"Red," Spike said when he reached the couch, reaching behind him to unhook her legs.

"No," Willow tightened her legs and then moaned as her still-sensitive flesh pressed against him.

"Baby, I just want to sit down. I'm not gonna let you go," he reassured her.

Willow loosened her legs as she tightened her arms around his neck, assuring that he wouldn't let her go. Spike sat down on the couch, Willow's legs straddling his and she leaned against him, her tongue darting out to taste his skin.

"Uhh," he moaned as her hot tongue pressed against his cool skin. "You'd better not do that, baby, unless you want to start this all over again," he warned as he tilted his head to give her better access to his neck and Willow felt him harden against her.

"*Are* we going to do this again, Spike?" she whispered huskily, one hand slipping between them to rub his chest as she sucked on his neck. She couldn't believe how...forward she was acting. She was a big 'ho. But she couldn't help it. When he touched her she got all hot and felt like she was melting.

"Hello, Giles!" they heard Anya say loudly from the other side of the training room door.

"Drat!" Willow leaned back and pouted. "We can't do it again."

"Don't worry, baby," Spike grabbed her hips and leaned forward to kiss her bare chest above the tank top, "we'll do it again."

"Promise?" Willow raised her eyebrows and smiled sexily.

"Bloody hell, yes," he stood and dropped her on the couch. "You stay here, I'm going outside for a smoke," he searched his duster pockets for his cigarettes.

"Won't it be obvious, then?" Willow giggled. "What with you needing a cigarette, and all?"

"Very funny, Red," Spike adjusted himself in jeans that suddenly seemed too tight as he walked toward the alley door.

"Spike, wait!" Willow fell off of the couch in her haste to stop him.

He turned around to see her kneeling on the floor and grinned, "Not now, Red."

"Now who's funny?" she frowned at him. "You can't go out there, it's still daylight."

"Oh, bugger, forgot about that. There's got to be some shade out there somewhere," he started to open the door.

"Is getting away from me so important that you'd burn for it?" she asked angrily as she rose to her feet and stood with her hand on her hips.

"I'm not trying to get away from you! Well, actually, I am, but that's 'cause I want to shag you to death and the Watcher's back!" he protested.
"At least let me check it out first," she pushed him out of the way, opened the door and poked her head out. "If you're real careful and stay close to the building you can make it to that shed thingy over there," she told him as she pulled her head back in.

"Thanks, luv," he leaned down and pecked her lips before slipping out the door. Willow leaned against the wall, her fingers on her lips, a dreamy expression in her eyes. Spike lips! She didn't know what Buffy was talking about, Spike lips were...wonderful.

***

Several minutes later Giles came in and found Willow still leaning against the wall. "Hello, Willow. Where's Spike? Anya told me he was here."

"Oh, hi, Giles," Willow smiled happily. "He just went out for a smoke. I had to check and make sure it was clear," she explained her presence by the door.

"Did you come early because you needed something?" Giles asked.

"No. Spike's gonna teach me some self-defense!" Willow told him excitedly.

"Did something happen last night?" Giles asked worriedly.

"Just the usual, I kept a vamp busy until someone else could dust it," she frowned at her inability. "Is everything okay in the research department?" she changed the subject.

"Yes, nothing new. Knock on wood."

"Where's Spike when you need him?" Willow asked with a giggle.

"I heard that, Red," Spike said as he pushed the door open and slipped back inside, making Willow giggle harder. "You ready?"

"Yep!"

"Want to help, Watcher?" Spike offered.

"Um, no, I'm sure you can handle it. Besides, I need to go over the inventory. Anya spends all day looking at the money and not checking the inventory," Giles huffed as he shook his head and left the room.

"Okay, Red, let's get to it," Spike said as he stuck his cigarettes back in his duster pocket. He turned around to see that Willow had shed her flannel shirt. "Bloody hell!" he moaned as he saw her pebbled nipples poking at the material of her tank top.

"*Are* you going to be able to handle it, Spike?" she teased, her voice raspy, then blushed at her forwardness.

"Oh, I'm gonna handle it, alright, Red," he took a menacing step toward her and Willow, giggling in a combination of fear and desire, took a step back.

"Spike, you're supposed to be teaching me...,"

"Oh, I'm a good teacher, little girl," he took a quick step forward and grabbed her around the waist.

"Spi-ike!" she laughed as she tried to push him away.

"Just a tiny little taste," he begged, blue eyes staring into green as he lifted his thumb to graze her nipple.

"Well," Willow moaned, "maybe one teeny, tiny...oh!" Spike's lips were on her breast before she finished, sucking as much into his mouth as he could, then sucking on just the nipple, biting it. "Oh, goddess!"

Spike pulled away from her, then backed away so that he wasn't touching her, holding his hands out to the side. His eyes were wild and his unnecessary breathing erratic. "Self-defense," he reminded them both.

"That's right," Willow agreed breathlessly as she ran her eyes over his body, pausing at his erection, "you need to teach me how to defend myself against the big bad."

"Stop that!"

"Stop what?" she asked innocently.

***

An hour later, when Anya interrupted them, they'd actually gotten some practice in. The door opened and Anya poked her head into the training room, "Buffy's...what are you doing?"

Spike had Willow's back pressed against him, one arm wrapped around her neck, with both of her hands grasping his forearm as she got into position to throw him. "He's teaching me self-defense!" Willow cried excitedly.

"New method?" Anya asked and they both remembered at the same time that Spike's other hand was cupping Willow's breast.

Willow grabbed Spike's hand and hid it behind her back as she blushed, "We're improvising."

"Mmm hmm, I just wanted to let you know that Buffy was here," Anya remembered the reason she'd come back in the first place.

"Really?" Willow asked, disappointed. "She's early!" she pouted, just stopping herself from stomping her foot. Her training session with Spike would probably be ending, especially since they were only training half the time. She certainly didn't want Buffy to walk in on *that*! Talk about a mood breaker.

"Really," Anya confirmed. "Giles has her busy right now, but I think she's been looking for you."

"Oh, darn!" she'd have to go face the music for leaving the Magic Box with Spike last night. "Wait!" Willow cried out as Anya started to pull her head back out the door. "Watch me!" she was like a kid who had learned something new and Spike smiled behind her.

She pulled Spike's hand back around and placed it on her stomach and replaced her hand on his forearm. "Ready?" she asked him.

He tightened his grip around her neck and on her stomach, then nodded," Ready."

Willow relaxed so that Spike was supporting all of her weight and bent forward, pulling him, or she would if he wasn't a vampire who knew what she was doing, off balance. She planted her feet then rolled forward, pulling on Spike's arm and flipping him over her head. He landed on his back and she ended up next to him on her knees. She pretended to stake him, then draped her body across his chest, pinning him to the floor, and looked up at Anya with a big smile on her face, "Neat, huh?"

"Yeah!" Anya agreed. "But are you sure it's self-defense? It looks more like foreplay."

"Uh, yeah," Willow blushed and climbed to her feet giving Spike a hand up.

"Well, I've got to go finish counting the money."

"Okay, thanks for the heads up," Willow called to Anya's disappearing head.
"Here," Spike handed Willow her flannel shirt as he picked up his duster.

"Why do we need these?" Willow asked. "I'm hot."

"It's 'cause you got hot *before* that you need it now," Spike told her with a smirk.

"What do you mean?"

"You've got a wet spot on your sweats, not to mention, these," Spike dragged his thumb across a puckered nipple, "have their very own wet spots."

"Mmm," Willow moaned, thrusting her breast into Spike's hand as she remembered how he had sucked on her breasts after he'd flipped her to her back that first time...and the second time.

"Anya was right." At Spike's questioning look she explained, "It is like foreplay."

"Witch," Spike growled as he brought his other hand up to pinch and pull at both nipples.

"Spike," Willow moaned as his touch sent tingles straight from her breasts to her center, and dropped her head back.

"Tell me, Red, what were *you* doing here early?" he kneaded both mounds and leaned down to bite a nipple as her scent perfumed the air.

"I was hoping you'd show up," she grabbed his head and pulled his lips to hers.

Spike cupped her face with his hands and kissed her back, then broke it off, stepped away, and slapped her bum.

"Get your shirt on, Red," he told her as he continued to back toward the door, "the Slayer'll be back here looking for you any minute now an' you don't have enough lessons under your belt to protect me from *her*, yet!"

Willow laughed as she pulled her shirt on and buttoned it. "Don't worry, Spike," she patted his arm as she passed him, "I can be your hero, too, baby."

***

"Willow!" Buffy looked up as the redhead came out of the training room. "Where have you been? I've been looking for you all day!"

"I was in class and then I was here," Willow told her friend as she joined Buffy and Giles at the research table.

"*Spike*," Buffy snarled as the blond vampire followed Willow out of the training room. "What are you doing here?"

"Didn't know you owned the place, Slayer," Spike bit back.

"He's teaching me self-defense," Willow decided to jump right in with the truth. Buffy'd find out sooner or later, anyway.

"He's what?"

"Teaching me self-defense," Willow repeated slowly.

"Why?"

"Because I want him to."

"Did you ask him to teach you?" Buffy demanded.

"What difference does it make if I asked him or if he offered?" Willow asked.

Buffy stood up and got in Spike's face, "You're going to teach her just enough so she thinks she can handle the big bad out there and she's going to get herself killed!"

"I'm trying to keep her alive, Slayer!" Spike spat back.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Buffy," Willow stood and stepped between Buffy and Spike. "You don't get to make this decision. What time is it?" she turned her attention to Anya, pointedly ignoring the irate blond.

"Seven-thirty," Anya replied.

"Are you going home or is Xander coming here right after he gets out of work?" Willow asked.

"He's coming here," Anya continued to count the money in the register.

"Well, I'm hungry. You guys want to order pizza or something?"

"I'm sick of pizza, Xander always gets pizza. Can we get something else?"

"Sure," Willow said. "You want to go Italian and just get something on the menu or do you want to go Chinese, or something?"

"Mmm, let's stick with Italian, I haven't had Fettuccini Alfredo in a while," Anya decided as she counted.

"Okay," Willow turned to the other two humans in the room, "Buffy, Giles, what do you want?"

Buffy wasn't ready to let the issue of Willow learning self-defense from Spike drop, but she realized that now was not the time to discuss it, "Chef salad, no onions, house dressing."

"Should we get something for Riley?"

"No, he won't be here until later."

"Giles?"

"Hmm?" he looked up from the book he was reading. "Oh, um, antipasto with Italian dressing, thank you."

"Anya what would Xander like?"

"Pizza with everything!" Xander walked into the magic shop with jingle.

"Xander!" Anya called his name and ran out from behind the counter to jump in his arms. Xander caught her and she grabbed his face for a long kiss, "I've missed you."

"Hey, Xan. What size?" Willow asked when they came up for air. "It's just you, we're each getting something different."

"Medium," Xander managed to say before Anya kissed him again. "Missed you too, baby."

"Spike," Willow turned to the blond vampire, "would you like anything?"

"What're you having, luv?"

"Manicotti."

"I'll just have some of yours."

"No you won't!" Willow laughed. "I've seen you put it away, and you don't share nice."

"I'd share nice with you," he whispered for her ears only.

Willow placed the take-out order, with two orders of Manicotti, then held out her hand, "Cough up the dough, Spike and I'll go pick up supper." As her friends were digging money out of their wallets she leaned closer to Giles and asked, "Do you have any blood in the frig?"

"Uh, no, I don't think so, but let me go check," he rose from the table and disappeared into the kitchen, coming out moments later and shaking his head 'no'.

Willow nodded and turned to Xander, "Xan, can I borrow your car?"

"Sure," Xander pulled out the keys, "just don't let Junior drive."

"Hey!" Spike protested. "I'll have you know I have a perfect driving record!"

"Yeah, that's what the 'Welcome to Sunnydale' sign says," Xander retorted.

"That's different," Spike muttered, "did that on purpose."

Willow grabbed her driver's license and some cash out of her book bag. "Here," she handed the money she had collected to Spike, "put this in your pocket and lets go," she slipped her license into the pocket of her flannel shirt.

When they pulled away from the curb Spike turned to her, "I thought the Italian place was that way."

"It is, we need to go to Willy's first to pick up some blood," she told him mater-of-factly.

"You don't have to do that, Red, I still have some blood in my crypt."

"Nonsense, you need to eat, too. And if you're going to be teaching me self-defense you'll be around the shop more and should have a supply of blood there."

"It could be dangerous...," Spike began, then stopped at Willow's look.

"Tell me you didn't just say that to me."
"Oh, bloody hell!" Spike leaned his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes in defeat. "Sorry," he mumbled, "and thanks." Yep, bleedin' nancy-boy.

Willow smiled as she drove toward Willy's Place.

***

When they got back with the food, everyone cleared the table off and emptied the bags while Willow placed all of Spike's blood in the refrigerator except for the one she threw in the microwave. She returned to the research-cum-dining table to see everyone digging in. She put the mug down in front of Spike and took the chair beside him.

"Thanks, luv," he smiled and took a sip of the blood.

It was the best meal Willow remembered having in a long time. All of her friends were here and no one fought, although Buffy acted as if she was walking on eggshells around her. The reprieve lasted through research; Giles had them adding as much information as they could to the demon database provided by Angel. It ended when it came time to leave for patrol.

Buffy saw Willow putting her jacket on and couldn't hold her silence any longer, "Where do you think you're going?"

"Patrolling. With Spike."

"No!"

"Yes," Willow replied, resolve face in place.

"Then we're all going together," Buffy insisted and the four of them walked out the door to patrol.

Patrol was boring. Willow and Riley stood back and watched Spike and Buffy in their unspoken competition to see who could kill the most vamps. She and Spike didn't have any time alone together to talk, much less to touch each other, except for the time Willow was watching Spike's swagger and she tripped over an exposed tree root.

Spike had come back and stood over her with a smile on his face. "Not watching where you're going, Red?"

Willow had shaken her head 'no'. "I was watching you," she admitted as Spike gave her a hand up, pulling her into his body and holding her, until Buffy had realized they were missing and called back to them to hurry up.

They had returned to the magic shop to report to Giles on patrol and Buffy had insisted on walking Willow home, ensuring that she didn't spend any more time alone with Spike.

Before they reached the dorm Willow whispered, "I have class until four-thirty tomorrow, I can't get to the magic shop until five."

"I'll see you when you get there," Spike smiled at her.

When they reached the dorm Willow waggled her fingers at him in 'goodbye' and smiled at him.

"See ya, Red," Spike winked and walked away, his duster swirling about his legs. Willow watched him go until she couldn't see him any longer, then turned to her friends.

"Goodnight, Buffy, Riley," she said and then skipped up the steps to her dorm with a big smile on her face, already thinking about seeing Spike the next day.

Spike stood in the shadows and watched her enter the building, then walked around to where her window was and waited until the light went on. He lit a cigarette and smoked it while he watched her shadow move around the room. When she turned the light off he headed for his crypt.

Part Five: Wednesday

Willow was out of breath when she finally walked into the magic shop ten minutes after five. The professor had held her last class late so she could finish making her point; then Willow had to race back to her dorm room to get ready.

She had washed her face, brushed her teeth and hair and changed into a pair of green sweats, white sleeveless t-shirt, *with* a bra, and her comfortable sneakers. She dabbed a bit of perfume between her breasts knowing that a little went a long way with Spike's sense of smell, then repacked her book bag. Grabbing her jacket and locking the door she was off.

She ran most of the way, slowing down to catch her breath only when she was a block away from the magic shop. When she reached the Magic Box Willow combed her fingers through her hair before pushing the door open.

"Hi, Anya," she said to the blonde rearranging the window display.
"Hello, Willow. What do you think?" she stepped back and indicated the display she was working on. "Giles said I could be in charge of the window display," she told the redhead proudly.

"I think it's...actually...very good," Willow told the other girl. "What's this?" she picked up a strand of dried...something.

"Um, chicken intestines," Anya said when she looked up.

"Ew!" Willow dropped it and looked at her fingers as if she might see some residue, then wiped them on her sweats.

"They're very good," Anya told her as she continued to work on the display.

"You mean you *eat* them?" Willow asked in disgust.

"Oh, no. I meant good quality."

"Oh," Willow shuddered. "Where's Giles?" she asked as she turned away from the girl and headed toward the research table in the back of the shop.

"Office, I think," Anya answered distractedly, but Willow was no longer listening. She'd seen Spike lounging in the kitchen doorway, sipping from his mug of blood as he watched her talking with Anya.

"Spike," she said shyly, and he heard her heartbeat speed up.

"Red," he drawled and crooked his finger at her.

Willow dropped her book bag on the table and moved toward Spike as if in a dream. He held his arm out and she slid her hand up his arm as she moved into him. He leaned down and kissed her, then backed her up against the door jam and deepened the kiss until he had to pull away so she could breathe.

"You ready?" he whispered in her ear.

"Mmm, for what?" she asked breathlessly.

"Training," he licked her neck.

"Oh!" Willow laughed as his tongue tickled her neck. "I was, but now I'm all ready for something else," she ran her hand over his chest, then down to cup him through his jeans.
"Hey," Anya's voice broke the spell that had been woven around them, "I like sex as much as the next person, well, maybe even more than the next person, but this is a place of business."

"Oh, goddess! We've been scolded by *Anya*!" Willow laughed and Spike groaned.

"Can I kill her? She's an ex-demon, it might not hurt too much."

***

They trained for an hour. First Spike showed her a new throw and then they reviewed the throw she had learned the day before. Next he taught her some blocks and had her hit the punching bag. When he finally called an end to the training session, Willow dropped to the mat where she stood and groaned. "I'm *never* going to be able to move my arms again!"

"Come on, baby, give Spike a big hug an' a kiss," Spike teased.

Willow lifted her hands off of the mat in an aborted attempt to lift her arms, then dropped them back to the mat. "That's just...mean!" she told the smirking vampire standing over her.

"C'mere," he grabbed her foot and dragged her over to the couch. Willow giggled and let her arms trail behind her. Spike sat down on the floor and leaned his back against the couch, then swung Willow around and pulled her into a sitting position between his legs.

"Whacha doin'?" Willow asked lazily.

Without answering Spike began to massage the muscles in her upper arms and shoulders. "Ah...oh...yes...that feels *wonderful*," Willow moaned.

Suddenly there was a knock on the training room door. "Are you guys decent in there?" Anya called.

"Go away!" Spike yelled at the same time Willow said, "Come in," and Anya poked her head in the door, hopeful of what she might find. Spike might be dead, but he was a hottie.

"You're both fully clothed. Why was Willow making all that noise?" she asked.

"He's massaging my very, ooh, sore muscles," Willow told her.
"I just wanted to remind you that Xander and I are going to the movies tonight, so we won't be here for research."

"Bloody hell, you're leaving us alone with the Slayer and soldier boy?"

"Um, yes!" Anya said. "Xander will be here any minute, he called and said so. Shall I send him back when he gets here or are you going to be, uh, busy?"

"We'll be out in a minute!" Willow laughed. She seemed to be laughing at everything lately. "What's Giles doing? Ooh!" she bent her head forward to give Spike better access to her neck.

"Pulling books off of the shelf so you can continue updating that demon data thingy," Anya said.

"Bloody hell, didn't we just put those books away?" Spike asked Willow.

***

After Xander and Anya left for the movies, Willow, Spike and Giles spent a comfortable hour updating the demon database. Buffy and Riley arrived around eight o'clock and research ground to a halt as Buffy picked quarrel after quarrel with Spike.

"Enough!" Giles slammed his fist down on the table. "Buffy, go patrol."

"I'm not going if they're not going," Buffy huffed like a two year old.

"We're almost done with this one," Willow said as she squinted at the screen. "I just want to finish it and then we'll patrol Spike's area."

"No! I'm not...,"

"Buffy!" Giles stood. "Spike and Willow are going to help me complete the section on this particular demon and then they will patrol Spike's assigned part of town. You do not need to babysit Willow. You will go patrol your designated area. *Now*!" he pointed toward the door.

"But, Giles...,"

"Go!" he pointed again.

After they had left, with Riley tugging at Buffy's arm, Giles slumped down into his chair and, elbows on the table, rested his head in his hands. "Bloody hell," he moaned, massaging his temples.

"Headache?" Willow asked. "Will an aspirin help?"

"No," Giles paused, "though scotch might."

"How about a massage?" Willow asked. "Spike gives really good massages," she grinned at the screen as Spike growled, "Red," and Giles shuddered at the thought and said, "No, thank you."

Patrol was quiet which bummed Willow out, because she'd come prepared with her holy water gun this time. Then she realized it was probably *too* quiet.

"Do you think Buffy's been here?" she asked Spike.

"I know the twit's been here," he snarled. "I can smell that cheap toilet water she wears."

"What should we do?"

"We'll cover the area we're supposed to, make sure she didn't miss anything."

"That means we'll be done quickly, right?"

"Most likely," Spike agreed.

"Will we have time for smoochies later?" Willow asked with a suggestive lift of her eyebrows.

"We'll make time for smoochies," Spike pulled her to him and kissed her.

After a useless patrol, Spike and Willow returned to the Magic Box and reported to Giles. Buffy and Riley hadn't returned yet, since they were doing self-imposed double duty that night, so Spike and Willow left for the walk back to her dorm.

They held hands and made plans for the next day. Willow had an evening class from six to nine, so they agreed to meet at the magic shop around nine-thirty for patrol.

When they reached the dorm Spike pulled Willow into the shadows and kissed her senseless as he ran his hands over her. When he pulled away her whole body was thrumming.

"Get some sleep, Red," he whispered as he shoved her toward the door.
"Spi-ike!" she pouted, stomping her foot. "Don't *want* you to go yet!"

He looked at her with burning eyes. "Tomorrow," he said, "plan on spending the night."

"O...okay," she whimpered.

***

Willow got ready for bed in a daze. She was going to sleep with Spike. Not that they'd actually be doing much sleeping. Aaahh, she moaned as she fell back on the bed and hugged a pillow to her chest. What was she thinking? He was a vampire! But, so-o sexy. But, what if she was no good? What if he was disappointed? What if Buffy found out and killed them both?

"Oh, goddess," Willow moaned softly, "I'm such a 'ho!"

Part Six: Thursday

The next day, Willow got the good news that the professor was ill so her evening class was cancelled. Not good that the professor was ill, good that the class was cancelled. She didn't think she'd remember anything from the class anyway. All she could think about was Spike. Naked Spike. Sleeping with naked Spike. Not getting any sleep at *all* with naked Spike.

She met Buffy for lunch and, when Willow told her that her evening class had been cancelled, Buffy suggested Bronzing it before patrol. Willow agreed enthusiastically, "I have time before my next class to go to Spike's crypt and let him know."

At Buffy's look of surprise Willow said, "What?"

"You're bringing *Spike*?" Buffy asked, incredulous.

"Are Riley and Anya invited?"

"That's different."

"How?"

"I'm dating Riley, and Xander's dating Anya."

"So, I can't bring a friend?"
"Spike's not our *friend*!"

"He's *my* friend," sort of, she thought to herself, "and if I can't invite him, I'm not going either. All I do is 'table sit', anyway."

"*Fine*. You can invite him," Buffy relented ungraciously.

"Thank you, Buffy!"

When Willow arrived at Spike's crypt it was empty and she wondered where he could be; not many places a vampire could go when it was still daylight out. Since he wasn't there and didn't have a phone, Willow wrote a note telling Spike about the change in plans and asking him to meet her at The Bronze at eight o'clock. She left the note on top of his blood cooler, then headed back to campus and her afternoon class.

***

Willow took extra care in dressing for the evening. She wanted to look good *and* be prepared for patrol. She wondered how Buffy did it. She pulled out a pair of black jeans and paired them with a green halter top and black low heeled boots.

After dressing Willow applied mascara and lipstick, then pulled her hair up in a clip, baring her neck, because, for some reason, Spike seemed to like her neck. She giggled to herself as she pulled a few strands free to brush her face and neck. She examined the finished product in the mirror. Oh, yeah, she looked good. She just hoped Spike agreed.

At the knock on her door Willow tucked her license, some cash, and her room key into her pocket, grabbed her jacket, and opened the door to Buffy and Riley. The three of them walked to the curb in front of Willow's dorm, where Xander and Anya were waiting for them, and climbed into the 'Xander-mobile' for the drive to The Bronze.

They arrived a couple of minutes before eight o'clock and claimed their ususal table. Riley bought the first round of drinks and Xander walked up to the bar with him to help carry them back to the table. A fast song came on and the three girls headed for the dance floor.

After dancing to a couple of fast songs the girls returned to the table for their drinks. They all talked for a while until a slow song came on, and Buffy, Riley, Xander and Anya headed for the dance floor. Willow checked her watch, eight-thirty.

***
It was after nine-thirty when Spike rushed through the door to The Bronze to see Willow sitting alone at a table. "Red," he pulled out a chair next to her, ready to apologize for being late.

"Oh, good, you're here," Willow's voice cracked with anger and hurt, "now *you* can watch the table," she stood up, grabbed her jacket from the back of the chair and stalked out of The Bronze.

"Red! Willow!" Spike called after her but she didn't acknowledge him.

Willow wiped tears off of her cheeks as she ran down the street. She wondered if the mascara was waterproof. Stupid vampire! No, stupid Willow. It was probably just a game to him. Buffy'd probably been right. Oh, goddess, she would never live this one down. It was worse even than the 'my will' spell. She had been so...so wanton! *Definitely* a big 'ho.

"Willow!" Spike's voice finally penetrated her thoughts as he grabbed her around the waist and swung her around in his arms.

"Let go of me!" she slapped at him and tried to squirm out of his grasp.

"Willow, listen to me," he pinned her arms to her sides. "I'm sorry I was late. I came as soon as I got your note." Willow continued to struggle.

"I was out of town. On business. I didn't get your note until I got back." Willow's struggles lessened as Spike's words got through the hurt that clouded her mind.

"I'm sorry, baby," he loosened his grip. "I came as soon as I could."

Willow pulled free and slapped his face. "I thought you weren't *coming*!" she cried as fresh tears filled her eyes.

At the sting of Willow's slap, Spike's eyes filled with lust and his nostrils flared. He took a step toward Willow, who felt herself get wet, and then disappeared as he was tackled by a fledgling. Willow looked around and realized that she'd run into a cemetery. Good move, Rosenburg!

Spike threw the fledgling off of him and rose to his feet. The fledgling was too hungry to realize what it was doing. It charged Spike, who made the mistake of looking at Willow to make sure she was alright, and shoved him up against a tombstone.

Willow pulled the water gun out of her jacket pocket and let the jacket drop to the ground as she ran over to the struggling vampires.

"Let...go...of...him!" Willow smacked the fledgling in the head with the handle of the water gun. Her hair fell out of the clip and swung wildly around her face.

With a roar the fledgling turned toward Willow and she reflexively shot a stream of holy water in it's face. It's scream of pain was cut off as Spike stuck a stake in it's heart.

As the dust settled, Willow noticed that Spike looked like he was in pain. "Spike!" she moved toward him. "Are you hurt?"

"Oh, it hurts," he purred as he stalked toward her and Willow instinctively took a step back, dropping the water gun, "but you'll make it all better, won't ya, baby?"

"Oh...goddess," Willow moaned as juices seeped from her core. "Spike."

Spike placed his hand on Willow's belly and backed her up to a mausoleum. He stood at her side, unbuttoned her jeans and slipped his hand beneath them.

"Spike," Willow gasped. "What are you...oh, goddess," she moaned as his fingers tangled in her already damp curls, then dipped between her folds. He was licking and sucking and nipping at her neck as his other hand kneaded her breast and pinched her nipple. "Spi-ike," she whimpered as she grabbed his shoulder for support.

"Touch me, Willow," he moaned in her ear, "please...touch me."

Willow's hand pressed against the front of his jeans. Her fingers wrapping around his erection, she squeezed gently.

"Harder!" he urged her, biting her neck with blunt teeth as he shoved a second finger in her slit, the heel of his hand rubbing against her clit.

"Spi-ike, Spike...," Willow moaned as he filled her. She pressed her hand more firmly against his jeans, the heel and palm rubbing over his head.

"That's it, baby, that's it," he whispered, unnecessary breath tickling her ear as his fingers brought her to the edge. "Cum for me, Willow."

Her body stiffening, her muscles clenching around his fingers, Willow came over his hand, keening his name.

The feel of her muscles clamping around his fingers, the warmth of her juices running over his hand, the sound of his name on her lips and the feel of her hand rubbing his erection were more than Spike could take. He placed his hand over her smaller one and thrust into it until his own muscles clenched. He came in his jeans as his fingers continued to pump into Willow, prolonging her orgasm.

It took several minutes for Willow to recover. When the haze of desire lifted she realized that they were still leaning against the mausoleum, Spike's hand down her jeans and his fingers buried inside her, her hand pressing against the front of his now damp jeans.

"Spike," she finally spoke, her voice raspy.

"Mmm?" he acknowledged as he kissed her neck.

"Wh-wha-what are you doing?" Willow shivered as his tongue pressed against her pulse point.

"You didn't think we were done, did ya?" his husky voice in her ear made Willow's knees weak. Then he began to move his fingers again, slowly pumping in and out, pressing against her wall as his thumb rubbed over her clit.

"Oh, goddess! Spike!" Willow's legs trembled.

"Unzip your jeans for me, Willow," he released the hand he was holding to the front of his jeans and moved his own to her hip, then slid it under her shirt and up to cup her breast.

"N-no, we can't," she moaned even as her hands moved to the zipper. She couldn't think straight. His fingers and his tongue were driving her to a frenzy.

"Yes," he sucked the skin over her pulse point into his mouth and bit on it gently, "we can. I'm gonna lick you clean, then make you cum again," he flicked his tongue into her ear, his thumb grazing her nipple through her bra.

With one motion Willow unzipped her pants and slid them down over her hips. Without withdrawing his fingers Spike knelt before her and helped her slide them down her legs. He unzipped her boot and she kicked it off, then Spike pulled her jeans off of that leg.

His fingers still pumping in and out of her, Spike licked her juices off of the inside of her thigh, moving closer and closer to her center until Willow grabbed the back of his head with both hands and tried to direct him there. Spike laughed at her urgency, unnecessary breath tickling her, and flicked his tongue over her clit.

"Spike...please," she begged as she buried her fingers in his hair.

As his fingers drove into her, he used the thumb of his other hand to lift her hood and sucked her clit into his mouth, rubbing his tongue and teeth over it.

"Oh, goddess, Spike!" Willow screamed as he stimulated her already sensitive flesh and she came again. Spike buried his face between her thighs, lapping up her juices as they spilled over his hand and face.

Before she had completely recovered Spike laid her down on the ground and knelt between her legs. Unbuttoning and unzipping his own jeans he shoved them down his legs and then rubbed the tip of his erection along her slit and over her clit.

Willow's eyes rolled back in her head and she moaned at the contact. Spike positioned his head against her and pushed it between her folds, leaning over her with his elbows on the ground.

"Oh, goddess, I don't think you're going to *fit*!" Willow cried as he continued to slide into her.

"Don't worry, baby, it'll be a perfect fit." When he was completely sheathed within her heat he held still, allowing her to adjust to him. "You okay?" he bent his head and nipped her bottom lip.

"Mmm," Willow answered as her hands roamed over his back and her lips tried to capture his.

"Ready for more?" Spike asked as he pulled out and slid back in slowly.

"Oh, goddess, yes!" Willow cried as his pelvic bone rubbed her clit, and Spike began to pump into her, slowly, then faster and faster. Willow bent her knees, placed her feet flat on the ground and pressed against him, instinctively trying to increase the friction against her clit.

Willow felt the now familiar tensing of her body and cried out, "Spike, I think I'm...again...oh, Spi-i-ike!" Willow came and Spike, face morphing, followed almost immediately as her grasping muscles milked his release.

"Willow!" Spike buried his demon visage in her neck and cried out her name.

Willow felt his ridges rubbing against her neck and his fangs grazing her flesh as he spurt his dead seed inside her; she arched her back and came again.

Spike fell on her and moaned, "Bloody hell, Willow, what was that?"

When Willow was finally able to move she raised her fingers to brush them over his now smooth brow, "I don't know...I felt your...ridges...and your fangs...Did you bite me?" she tilted her neck.

"No," Spike examined her neck. "Broke the skin though, when you nearly squeezed my dick off," he leaned down and licked the drops of blood off of her neck and Willow giggled. The taste of her blood was intoxicating and Spike sucked on the cuts, trying to get all of the blood he could. Willow moaned, pressing his face into her neck.

Spike lifted his mouth from her neck and rolled off of her, "We should get dressed and go home."

"Oh, yeah, right, of course," she babbled as she tried to crawl away from him, suddenly mortified. She had been content to lie there in his arms and was embarrassed that he was calling an end to their...their...evening.

Spike smelled her sudden embarrassment and unshed tears. He grabbed her leg and pulled her back beneath him. "I meant, go home *together*," he whispered as his hands ran over her body, "'cause it's too dangerous to stay here...and we're still not done." He crushed his lips to hers, sweeping his tongue inside her mouth.

"Oh!" Willow said when she was finally able to speak. "We, um, we're not done?"

Spike shook his head and kissed her again.

"Oh!" she squeaked. "Where, um, where home?"

"You pick," he kissed her. "I'm gonna shag you 'til ya can't walk," kiss. "You want it to be on a tomb, or in a nice, soft bed?" kiss.

"Oh, goddess," Willow's voice was breathy, "well, when you put it like that, I'd have to say, my place. Besides, I have a shower."

"Mmm, you want to do it in the shower?" Spike waggled his eyebrows at her.

"No! I meant we could take a...You can do it in the shower?"

***

They got dressed, retrieved Willow's discarded jacket, and walked to her parents' house, where they'd have more privacy than at the dorm. Willow let them in with the spare key and locked the door behind them. Spike picked her up and threw her over his shoulder and, to the sound of Willow's giggles, carried her upstairs where she directed him to her bedroom.

He loved her again, slow and gentle. He carefully removed her clothes and lay her on the bed, then stripped and joined her. He licked and sucked every spot on her body until Willow was ready to scream. With his lips on her belly he finally slipped his fingers between her swollen folds. Willow began to thrash as her release neared and the scent of her made Spike's demon come forth.

Willow felt his ridges on her stomach and pressed her hand against the back of his head, "Please, Spike, please," she whimpered.

He looked up at her with amber eyes, "What do you want, baby?"

"Bite me, Spike," she begged, "please...bite me."

"Willow...," he was shaking his head.

"Oh, goddess, please!" she screamed as his fingers brought her to the edge. Then the sensation of his fangs entering her flesh and his lips sucking her blood out, pushed her over.

When Willow recovered from her orgasm-induced blackout, Spike was licking the puncture wounds. She gripped his hair with her fingers and lifted his face so she could look at the demon.

"Be inside me," she whispered and Spike crawled between her legs. He entered her slowly and Willow wrapped her legs around his waist.

She pulled his face down to hers, kissing his lips, his cheeks, his jaw, the ridges on his forehead, as he drove into her. Willow felt Spike's body tensing in preparation for his release and placed his mouth at her breast.

"Again," she pleaded and Spike's fangs sunk into the fleshy mound. "Spi-ike!" she cried as she came with Spike right behind her.

When Willow woke up, she was in Spike's arms and he was gently rubbing her back. "What happened?" she asked.
"You're gonna scare me, you keep losing consciousness like that," Spike told her.

"Your fault," Willow mumbled, exhausted from her crying and their exertions. "Oh!" she looked at the moonlight shining through the balcony doors. "Are you, um, staying?" she asked shyly.

"Why?" he asked.

"Window...blanket," she tried to lift her arm to point.

"I'll get it," he told her as he climbed out of bed. "Uh, where is it?"

"Hall closet...bottom shelf." Spike walked naked to the door and Willow watched in appreciation as his muscles bunched.

"I feel that!" he told her and she giggled sleepily.

When he walked back into the room with the blanket Willow pointed toward the desk, "Tacks..top drawer."

Again she watched in appreciation as Spike stretched to tack the blanket over the glass doors. He was so damned, darned, sexy. She just wished she had enough energy to do something about it.

When he got back to the bed, Spike lifted Willow and pulled the covers down. He lay her down, crawled in beside her and pulled the blankets over them. Willow curled up in his arms and fell asleep.

 

Part Seven: Friday

Willow woke the next morning to dim sunlight peeking around the blanket Spike had hung. She arched her back and stretched, then gasped as her muscles protested the abuse they'd taken the night before. With a big smile, she leaned against the cool body at her back, then frowned as she realized that it must be after eight o'clock.

"Shoot!" she rolled over and looked at the clock to see that it was already after nine o'clock and she was missing her first class. Throwing the blankets back she jumped out of bed and raced, alright, sort of hobbled, for the shower. She turned the shower on and, while the water was warming, relieved herself and brushed her teeth. She paused to examine the bite mark on her breast in the mirror and smiled. He'd marked her! Twice.

She climbed in the shower and wet her hair, then lathered it up with her favorite shampoo. She had just finished rinsing the conditioner out when she felt cool hands on her hips. She opened her eyes and yelped, "Spike!"

"Mornin'...Red," he glanced at the curls between her thighs and she playfully slapped him, blushing.

"You're supposed to still be sleeping!" she accused.

"How could I sleep, knowing you're in here all wet and naked," he bent over and sucked her breast into his mouth.

"Oh, goddess, Spike!" Willow got wet, and it wasn't from the shower. He lifted his lips and licked the bite she'd been admiring earlier and Willow felt liquid heat pool at her center.

Spike looked up at her with amber eyes and Willow moaned, "You're doing that on purpose!"

He pressed her back against the wall, placed his hands under her bum and lifted her, lowering her onto his erection.

"Oh, goddess," Willow moaned as she wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his shoulders.

"Red...oh, Willow, baby...so hot...so bloody *tight*," Spike groaned against her neck as he pumped into her.

***

Willow woke up in her bed for the second time that day and stretched again, this time smiling as her muscles protested. She traced the bite on her breast as she remembered. Spike had bitten her there again in the shower. She'd screamed and cum so hard it was a good thing Spike was holding her or she'd have fallen. *And* a good thing they weren't in the dorm, her screams of ecstasy would have brought the police!

Spike had cum with her name on his lips. The tenderness of the bite under her fingers and the memory of Spike crying her name made Willow wet again. Spike stirred behind her.

"I'm not gonna get any sleep, you keep doin' that," he purred.

"Doing what?" Willow asked breathlessly as he pressed his body against her back and lifted her top leg over his.

Instead of answering her, he asked another question, "What were you thinking about?"

"Yo-ou!" she moaned as Spike slid his length inside her and began to move. Willow put her foot on the bed and pushed back against him.

Spike's hand was cupping her breast, his fingers tweaking her nipple; the fingers of his other hand stroked her clit while he licked and sucked her neck. When he felt Willow nearing her release, Spike increased the tempo of his fingers on her clit and rubbed his ridges against her neck, not understanding it, but realizing that the sight and feel of his demon turned her on.

"Spi-ike!" Willow cried and he slid his fangs into her back by her shoulder blade, low enough that she could still cover it with a shirt. Her muscles stiffened as she climaxed. The feel of her muscles clenching around him and the taste of her blood brought Spike's release, his body tensed and he shot his seed inside her.

Spike continued to lick the puncture wounds until they fell asleep. He was still buried inside Willow, his arms around her, one hand on her breast, the other resting on her belly.

***

The shrill ringing of the telephone woke Willow for the third time that day. She reached out for it blindly before realizing that she was on the wrong side of the bed. Pulling out of Spike's arms, and off of him, Willow blushed, she climbed over his prone body to pick up the portable phone.

"Hello?" her voice was still full of sleep.

"Willow?"

"Buffy?!"

"Are you alright?"

"Of course, I'm alright. Why?"

"You missed your classes today. I wanted to make sure you were alright, what with Spike not showing up last night," Buffy sounded worried in an 'it's-for-the-best' kind of way.

"Oh! Well, actually, Spike did show up last night. He was just...late," Willow glanced over at Spike, who had rolled onto his back, to see...little spike...tenting the sheet. She shot a quick look at his face to make sure his eyes were closed, then reached out and closed her hand around his shaft. Spike's eyes shot open.

"Then why did you miss class?"

"Oh, yeah, well, Spike apologized, *profusely*, for being late," she stroked him, and Spike fisted his hands into the sheets, "and then we, um, talked, most of the night," she looked up at Spike who was staring at her through slitted eyes as she pumped her hand up and down him.

"Let me get this straight, you stayed up all night talking with Spike and missed your classes?"

"Mmm hmm," Willow agreed as she stuck the phone under her chin and pulled the sheet down.

"I *knew* he was a bad influence on you!" Buffy's verdict was triumphant.

"Right, *very* bad influence," Willow lowered her head and licked the pre-cum off of the tip of Spike's...little spike, she smiled at the nickname, and it twiched at her touch.

"I've got to go, Buffy," Willow told her friend. "I'll see you at the Magic Box after sundown."

"Okay. Wait, why after sundown?"

"Hmm? Oh, I told Spike I'd meet him and we'd walk over together. See ya later," she pushed the 'off' button and disconnected.

"Afternoon, Spike," Willow purred as she dropped the phone on the floor and lowered her mouth over him.

"Bloody hell!" Spike groaned as her hot, wet mouth covered him. Her head moved up and down as she sucked him, her tongue swirling into his hole. One hand continued to pump him as the other hand stroked and squeezed his balls, then massaged the sensitive area behind them.

"Red! Willow, I'm cuming," he warned her so she could stop, but she kept sucking, in fact, sucked harder, and with several spurts, he shot his cum into her mouth. Willow did her best to swallow it, but there was so much and it came so fast, that some spilled out of her lips and down her chin.

Willow sucked and licked him clean, then lifted her head. Spike pulled her up and licked his seed off of her chin, then kissed her. He pulled her into his arms and held her, burying his face in her hair.

"I've never done that before," Willow whispered against his chest. "Did I do alright?"

"Never?" Spike asked and Willow shook her head. "Baby, it was *way* better'n alright."

"Really?" Willow wrapped her arms around him and snuggled closer, and Spike could have sworn he felt his heart beat.

***

Spike and Willow were running late, but neither one of them cared. They'd cuddled until Willow decided to wash Spike's clothes, and then cuddled some more. When it was almost sundown, Willow finally pulled out of Spike's arms and they showered again, this time separately. Willow was wearing a pair of old, faded blue jeans and a green t-shirt she'd left in her drawers at home, and Spike was wearing his now-clean black jeans and t-shirt.

They were almost at the Magic Box when Spike stopped walking and cocked his head, almost as if he were listening for something.

"What's wrong?" Willow asked looking around, her grip on his hand tightening.

"Bloody poof's here," Spike said with a grimace.

"Angel's here?" Willow asked surprised. "Ha! Buffy probably called him to come take care of his 'misbehavin' childe' 'cause he's a *bad* influence on Willow," she leaned over and kissed his cheek. "But if anybody's going to punish you, baby, it's gonna be me," Willow promised in a sultry tone as she rubbed her body against his.

"Really?" Spike asked, aroused by the prospect of Willow punishing him. "You're not just saying that?"

"Maybe I should make that clear to everyone by marking *you*," Willow mused with a thoughtful expression on her face.

"How?" Spike asked, intrigued with his redheaded witch.

"I could bite you," she said thoughtfully as she took a step closer to him, "but then Buffy might figure out that you've bitten me and, well, I don't want Spike-in-an-urn, so maybe I'll just do it the human way."

"What's that?" Spike asked.

"Hickey," Willow whispered against his neck just before she sucked his skin between her lips.

***

"Hi, guys," Willow said as she walked through the front door of the Magic Box and down the stairs to the back of the shop. There was a series of muted 'hi's' back.

"And Angel," Willow said before she even looked into the corner where the dark vampire was sitting.

"Hello, Willow," he responded warily, knowing Spike must have sensed his presence and warned her. He had sensed Spike before Willow came in the magic shop, so he knew he was near, but now he could swear he smelled his errant childe.

"Cordy, hi!" Willow gave a little wave when she saw the brunette. "You look great; it's good to see you again."

Angel sniffed the air and realized that it wasn't Spike himself he smelled. It was Spike's scent, all over Willow.

"You, too!" Cordy looked Willow up and down, "Spike must agree with you."

Buffy had called him that afternoon, frantic. She'd been practically incoherent and all Angel had gotten out of the conversation was, 'Get up here, Spike's done something to Willow.' And it seemed that Buffy was right, Spike *had* done something to Willow, and by the smell of it, more than once.

"He does," Willow admitted with a big smile. "I just wanted to let you know that we're here; Spike's just outside finishing his cigarette, so we'll be in in a minute," she looked around the table at her friends who were having a hard time looking her in the eye.

"Why don't you stay in here and I'll go outside and talk with Spike," Angel wondered what Spike was up to now as he started to stand.

"Yeah," Willow furrowed her brow as if she were considering it, then shook her head, "I don't think so." She turned away from the dark vampire and looked at the ex-demon. "Anya," she tilted her head toward the door indicating that Anya should come with her.

"Oh, thank the gods!" Anya cried as she stood up and practically ran around the table. "If I had to sit there and watch Buffy bat her eyelashes at Angel any longer I was going to puke!"

"Anya!" almost everyone at the table yelled simultaneously and Willow laughed. She glanced at Angel who looked completely uncomfortable and wondered if vampires could blush.

Cordy reached her hand out under the table and patted Angel's leg in compassionate sympathy. He grabbed her hand and held onto it as if it were a lifeline.

Anya followed Willow out of the Magic Box and they joined Spike as he leaned against the brick wall smoking. Willow leaned her back against Spike's chest and asked Anya, "So, what's going on in there?" Spike wrapped his free arm around Willow's middle and held her close.

"Buffy went running to Angel all 'Willow's acting weird, Spike must have brainwashed her'. How can someone who's supposed to save the world be so dense?" Anya asked. "When women like her asked me for vengeance against a man, I almost felt bad doing it," she shook her head at the memories of her life as a vengeance demon.

Spike finished his cigarette, pinched it out and tossed it in the gutter.

"Ready to go face the music, baby?" Willow asked him.

"No," Spike pouted.

"Oh, come on, it'll be fun!"

"Yeah, right."

"Really, just follow my lead. Besides, they can't see your hickey if we don't go in," Willow reminded him.

"Oh, yeah," he grinned.

"What hickey?" Anya asked.

"This one," Willow tilted Spike's head so Anya could see the hickey she'd just given him. "Listen, if no one mentions the hickey, you will, won't you?" Willow asked Anya.

"Oh, yeah! I can just see the look on Buffy's face now. 'I knew he brainwashed her, Willow would never do that, she's too pure and good'," Anya mimicked the other girl.

The three of them walked into the magic shop, laughing at Anya's imitation of Buffy.

"Gang...poof...cheerleader," Spike greeted the assembled group.

"Spike," Angel replied.

"Spike," Cordy said softly as she hid behind Angel. She didn't like Spike because he had hurt Angel, but she knew from Willow's e-mails that he made her happy.

"Junior," Xander muttered.

"Hello, Spike," Giles greeted him.

Buffy remained silent and Riley followed her lead.

Spike took off his duster and tossed it over the counter before jumping up and sitting next to it. Willow leaned on the counter between Spike's legs, with Spike's hands on her shoulders, and Anya leaned on the counter beside them. It was kind of like the OK Corral, Willow thought to herself, and the lines had been drawn. Buffy, Xander and Riley on one side, Willow, Spike and Anya on the other, with Angel, Cordy and Giles caught in the crossfire.

The silence dragged on until Willow said, "Well, Angel, why don't you tell us what brought you to Sunnydale. It must be really important to make you leave L.A. before sundown."

"No," she held up her hand, "better yet, let me guess. Buffy called you all in a tizzy, 'Oh, Angel'," Willow mocked, waving her hands about, "'Willow's hanging around Spike and acting strange. It's almost as if she's, oh, I don't know, *happy*! You have to make Spike stay away from her!' Am I close?" she asked as she looped her arms under Spike's calves and rubbed his legs.

"Uh, yeah, pretty much," Angel admitted, wondering what he had gotten himself into.
"Well, don't bother. I'm fine."

"Spike's got a hickey!" Xander yelped and Willow smiled to herself. *Finally*, someone noticed.

"What?" she turned around to examine Spike's neck. "*Who* gave you that?"

"You did," Spike reminded her.

"Oh, yeah, I did, didn't I?" she smiled and raised her eyebrows at him. Willow turned back to Angel, ignoring the rest of the group, "He makes me *very* happy, Angel."

"As long as he doesn't *give* you a happy," Xander muttered and Willow ignored him.

"I make you happy, too, right, baby?" she tipped her head back and asked Spike. "*Right*?"

"I'm thinkin'," he said and Willow elbowed him in the leg.

"Watch it, there, Red," Spike tickled her ribs.

"Stop *it*," Willow was laughing and slapping at his hands. She had to slip to the floor to escape his grasp and as she did her t-shirt rode up, exposing the bite mark on her belly.

"What in hell is that?" Buffy yelled as she stood up and pointed at Willow.

"What's what?" Willow asked after she stood back up and caught her breath.

"He bit you!" Buffy accused.

"Spike," Willow said in a scolding tone of voice as she turned to the blond vampire with her hands on her hips, "did you bite me?"

Spike had never seen this side of Willow, but he liked it. She was confident, playful, and bloody sexy all at the same time. He was getting turned on, but he wasn't sure if it was because she was smiling and touching him, because she wanted her friends know about them, or because her telling everyone would annoy them, especially the Slayer and the bloody poof, which always made his day. So he was more than willing to play along with her, at least, until later, when he could just play *with* her.

"Yeah," Spike admitted in a fake whimper, "but, you *begged* me to, baby."

"Oh, yeah," Willow grinned again, "I did, didn't I?"

Spike smirked and grabbed her by the upper arms, lifted her off the floor and kissed her. Willow braced her hands on Spike's thighs and kissed him back. When Spike pulled away and set her back on her feet, Willow was breathless and dizzy.

"Wow!" Anya said from next to them. "You guys should feel the heat they just generated. I think I'm starting to sweat!"

"Anya!" Xander was mortified.

"What? You watch porno, and this is *way* better than porno!" Anya insisted as she fanned herself with her hands. Willow didn't even blush as she stared into Spike's blue eyes.

Angel closed his eyes in embarrassment. Not at Anya's comment, but because he could smell Willow's desire for Spike.

"Stop *doing* that!" Buffy yelled.

"Stop doing what?" Willow asked, her mind still on Spike kissage.

"Kissing Spike!"

"I just can't get enough," Willow admitted breathlessly. At Buffy's disgusted snort she turned to her friend and said, "Oh, come on Buffy, you know what it's like to kiss Spike, who *could* get enough?"

"You've kissed Spike?" Riley and Angel asked as the same time.

"Oops," Willow covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes wide.

"Oh, yeah," Anya answered them, "it was disgusting to watch."

"Anya!" Xander yelped again.

"Oh, shut up, Xander!" Anya told him.

"Are you having *sex* with him?" Buffy asked.

"Not that it's any of your business, Buffy, but, *yes*, Spike and I are having sex," Willow said in an exasperated tone.

"Oh, god," Xander moaned, "he *is* giving you a happy!"

"Is it good?" Anya asked and this time Xander didn't even bother to say anything, just hid his face.

"*Is* it good, baby?" Willow asked as she turned back to the vampire and rubbed her hands up his thighs.

"No," he grabbed her hands to stop them from roaming any higher, "it's bloody fantastic."

"Willow, what's *happened* to you?" a horrified Buffy asked.

"What do you mean?" Willow asked over her shoulder.

"*This* isn't you."

"Oh, Buffy, you are *so* wrong," Willow turned again to face her friend. "It's not the me you knew in high school, it's not the me you knew after Oz left, but it's still me. It's happy me. You wouldn't think it was strange if it were anybody else but Spike making me happy. But he does, Buffy, he *really* does. He wants to spend time with me and he makes me feel special...,"

"Is this our fault for ignoring you?" Buffy asked sadly.

"No! I mean, yes, your ignoring me gave us a chance to get to know each other, but how we feel about each other has nothing to do with you, with *any* of you," she included the rest of the group.

"How *do* you feel about each other?" Buffy had to know.

Willow froze, like a deer caught in the headlight, and both Angel and Spike could smell her fear and embarrassment.

"I love him," she finally told Buffy, her voice a mixture of confidence and uncertainty, tears of mortification filling her eyes. "And this really isn't the way I wanted to tell him, little miss nosy pants!" Willow tried to laugh through her tears.

Spike, moved beyond belief, picked her up by her upper arms and pulled her into his lap, holding her close and rubbing her back. "Willow, baby...," he spoke softly, for her ears only.

"Don't say anything, Spike," Willow whispered in his ear as she put her fingers over his lips. "I didn't mean to say it like this, and I didn't say it so you'd say it back. I just..."

"Willow," he groaned as he kissed her desperately. "I do love you, baby," he whispered back as he rested his forehead against hers. "Just can't believe you'd fall for a demon like me."

"Why? I mean, why can't you believe...," her voice trailed off.

"'Cause you're the good witch of Sunnydale," he told her.

"No, I'm just me," she cupped his face in her hand. "So, really?" she asked with a little smile, a trace of uncertainty in her voice.

"Really," a blood red tear ran down his check as he gently kissed her lips.

"Aww," Anya's face scrunched up like she might cry and she threw her arms around Spike and Willow, which made Willow look down in surprise and giggle at the girl wrapped around their waists. "That was just...beautiful."

"Anya," Willow put an arm around the ex-demon's shoulders.

"Me, too!" Cordy got up from the table, gave Angel's hand one last squeeze and joined the group hug, wrapping her arms around Willow and Anya.

"So, you birds interested in a foursome?" Spike drawled a couple of minutes later, as he placed tiny kisses along Willow's jaw.

"Ew!" Cordy wrinkled her nose as if she smelled something bad and pulled away.

"If she doesn't want to join us, maybe we can ask Xander," Anya said, and Willow laughed at Spike's expression of horror.

Angel ducked his head and smiled.

Willow looked over at her friend who was still standing at the table. Kissing Spike she slid off of his lap to the floor and walked over to Buffy. "I love you, Buffy, and I don't want to lose your friendship. Can we just agree to disagree on this one?"

Tears filled Buffy's eyes as she let Willow pull her into a hug. "I'll try," she whispered to the redhead. "It's going to be really hard, though, 'cause it's, you know, *Spike*, so now you owe *me*. Can I, um, get my kids back?"

Willow laughed at Buffy's attempt to smooth things over, "They're yours."

***

That night, they divided patrol among the four couples. Angel and Cordy went with Spike and Willow, while Xander and Anya went with Buffy and Riley.

They walked in silence through the first cemetery. Spike held Willow's hand tightly in his, still angry that his sire was in town, despite the fun he and Willow had had at the others' expense back at the magic shop. Willow had glanced back at Cordy and Angel once to see that they were also holding hands and she smiled to herself.

Spike tilted his head as he sensed a fledgling about to rise and led the group to the new grave. The fledgling was just getting to it's feet when they arrived and Spike, letting go of Willow's hand, walked up to it and landed several punches and one good kick before it even knew what had hit it. Spike imagined that the fledgling was Angel as he pummeled it.

"Spike, honey, we don't have all night," Willow purred and, when Spike looked at her over his shoulder, she winked. Spike staked the vampire, slid the stake back in his pocket and stalked over to Willow.

"Spike!" she cried as he threw her over his shoulder and walked on through the cemetery. "Put me down!" she flailed her little fists on his back.

Cordy smiled and looked at Angel. His expression was blank and she couldn't figure out what he was thinking.

"Spi-ike," Willow called in a warning voice. When he didn't respond she slipped her hands under his duster and started to slide them down the back of his jeans.

"Bloody hell!" he tilted her back up and dropped her on her feet where she wobbled as Spike held her shoulders. "That wasn't nice," he whispered huskily as he kissed her, then grabbed her hand and kept walking.

In the next cemetery they came across a group of three vampires. Spike and Angel, pushing the two girls behind them, took them on. Willow and Cordy made themselves comfortable, or as comfortable as they could, on a tomb and watched their men, er, vamps.

"So," Willow leaned over, "you and Angel?"
Cordy blushed and nodded.

"You didn't *tell* me!" Willow cried, jabbing the other girl in the ribs with her elbow. "I told *you*!"

Angel and Spike had each dusted a vamp and were now double-teaming the third.

"Has he bitten you, yet?" Willow whispered.

Angel punched the vampire and it flew back onto Spike's waiting stake.

"Oh, yeah!" Cordy drawled and both girls giggled.

Spike and Angel looked at each other and rolled their eyes.

The rest of their patrol was quiet, until they got to the park where a group of six vampires had surrounded a couple of teenagers they'd caught necking.

"Hey boys," Spike walked up to the group, "is this a private party or can anyone join?"

The ugliest vamp Willow'd ever seen turned to Spike and said, "Get lost, these're ours," just before he exploded in a cloud of dust.

"Ya don't say?" Spike mocked, then looked at the rest of the group, now that he had their attention. "That was rude. Wasn't that rude, Angelus?" Spike asked over his shoulder.

"Very rude," Angel agreed.

"It's only polite to share," Spike morphed and kicked out at the vampire nearest him. As it went down the remaining four vamps charged Spike and Angel.

Willow ran over to the two teenagers and pulled them away from the fight. "Get out of here!"

She returned to Cordy's side. "Arm yourself," she told the brunette as she pulled out a stake and her water gun. "I'll distract them with the holy water, you get behind and stake 'em, okay?"

"Sounds like a plan," Cordy agreed. "Let me just get rid of that one," she lifted the crossbow she was carrying, aimed, and fired. The bolt slammed into the heart of the vamp Spike had kicked and it exploded into a pile of dust. "God, I love these things!" Cordy kissed the wood of the crossbow before laying it on the ground and pulling out her own stake and water gun.

"Wow! Spike has *got* to teach me to use one of those!" Willow said as she and Cordy entered the fray. Spike was fighting one vampire while the other three had ganged up on Angel. Willow and Cordy went to Angel's aid.

Willow kicked one vamp in the back to get it's attention and stepped back so she was out of reach. The vampire turned and looked at her, realized she could be dinner and started toward her. Instead of running, as the vampire thought she would, Willow raised her arm and fired a burning stream of holy water in it's face. The vamp raised it's hands to it's face and screamed, then burst into dust as Cordy staked it.

The two girls looked back at the fighting just in time to see Spike stake his vamp. He watched Angel fighting the other two vamps and pulled out his cigarettes, palmed one, placed it between his lips, and lit it. He took a long drag as the two girls stared at him in disbelief, then asked Angel, "Need any help, poof?"

Spike's voice sounded funny around his fangs and Willow almost laughed. She could tell he was having fun needling Angel.

"Yeah, take this one," Angel shoved one of the vamps toward Spike. Spike stepped to the side and tripped the vamp from behind, then threw his stake into it. He watched it explode into dust, then retrieved the stake, turning around to see Angel shaking dust off of his jacket.

***

They walked back to the Magic Box where Angel had left his car. "Are you sure you won't stay the night?" Willow asked as Spike growled.

"No," Angel assured her, "I want to get back to L.A. before sunrise in case we're needed for anything tomorrow."

"Alright," Willow said as she hugged the dark vampire goodbye. "Angel," she whispered, "I'm glad you've started living again. Cordy'll be good for you. Don't let Buffy keep dragging you back," she hugged him tighter as she babbled. "I don't mean, back here, because we all love to see you. Well, maybe not Spike...or Xander...or Giles, never mind, that wasn't my point. What was my point? Oh, yeah. Don't let Buffy drag you back to a time when you couldn't be happy," she hugged him until Spike growled again.

Willow stepped away from Angel and over to Cordy. The two girls hugged and Willow whispered, "Write me, and I want *details*!"

Angel walked over to Spike. "Don't hurt her," he said low enough for Spike to hear.

"Do I get details?" Cordy asked.

"I'm not gonna hurt her, ya bloody poof!" Spike replied as he watched his woman.

"I think I gave everyone in the Magic Box quite enough details for one day!" Willow replied, and the two girls laughed.

Willow stepped back and Spike wrapped his arms around her as they watched the other two climb into the car and drive away.

"Spike," Willow whispered.

"Yes, luv?"

"Will you spend the night with me again?"

He leaned down and nuzzled her neck, "I'd spend every night with you, Willow."

Part Eight: Wednesday, One Week, Five Days Later

Spike spent the weekend with Willow, and on Sunday night she remembered to set the alarm so, despite his attempts to derail her, she smiled to herself at her little pun, she had made it to class on time. Okay, she did let him hold her up a *little* bit and she had to drive her parent's car to the campus to get there before class started, but, still, all things considered, that was pretty good.

After her last class that day Willow drove over to Willy's and bought some blood to restock the refrigerator at home, then raced back to her house where she knew Spike would be waiting for her. He was waiting, and he'd been *very* happy to see her.

Since then, Spike and Willow had spent every night together in her parent's house, and Willow had gotten in the habit of setting her alarm an hour early and driving to the campus. They managed to create a routine that included classes, studying, training with Giles in magic, training with Spike in self-defense, patrolling and loving...lots and lots of loving. Spike would get up in the morning when Willow did, see her off, watch his soap on the 'telly' as Willow had started calling it and then go back to bed until Willow got home.

Today was one of Willow's late afternoons, her last class getting out at four-thirty, and her professor had kept the class late for the second time in three weeks. Goddess, that woman loved to hear herself talk! It was almost time for Spike to get up and Willow liked to be there when he did.

He looked so...dead...when he slept, no heartbeat, no breathing, no movement at all. But when he started to wake, he always took a breath. Especially that time she'd been sitting on him, Willow remembered, squeezing his erection with her vaginal muscles. She felt heat between her thighs at the memory. Then he'd begin to stir, until finally he would open his eyes and smile at her. She always loved that part. His blue eyes looking at her and his beautiful smile, just for her.

Willow walked into the house and closed the door quietly, then turned around and jumped as she saw Spike standing in the living room in just his jeans.

"Red," he growled as he walked toward her, "what you been thinking about, baby?"

"You," Willow shivered in anticipation as she dropped her book bag on the floor.

Spike pushed her back against the door and kissed her, then lifted her, grinding his erection into her already swollen sex.

"Spike!" she lifted herself up and reached between them to unzip his pants, wrapping her fingers around him.

He lifted her skirt and ripped her panties off, then slid into her hot, tight hole. "Missed you, Spike," Willow moaned as he pounded into her.

***

After they had cleaned up, and Willow had changed into her 'sparring' clothes, she made sandwiches for her and Spike and they drove over to the Magic Box, a blanket over Spike. They spent an hour training, then did research, and ate their sandwiches, while Buffy trained with Giles.

Xander and Anya came in while Buffy was still training and the four of them talked over their open books. Anya was the only one who was completely comfortable around Willow and Spike, but Willow had noticed that Xander was nicer to Spike now and Spike kept his sarcastic comments to a minimum, at least, when Buffy wasn't around.

When Buffy was done training, she and Giles joined them at the table and the friendly conversation ended as they all concentrated on their books. Riley showed up at nine o'clock and they all went on patrol, Buffy having given up her arguments against Willow going on patrol with Spike when she had been overruled by Giles and completely ignored by Willow.

Giles had insisted that at least one or two nights a week, he, Xander and Anya join the other four on patrol so that they stayed sharp in case they had to take patrol one day. This was one of those nights, and so Giles went with Buffy and Riley, Xander and Anya with Willow and Spike.

After seeing Cordelia in action, Willow had begged Spike to teach her how to shoot the crossbow. He told her he would when she could take a vamp, even if it was just a fledgling, in hand-to-hand. She wouldn't always have the weapon available, or be far enough away to use it, and he wanted her to be able to protect herself. So every night when they patrolled, Willow took on a fledgling. So far she'd held her own, but been unable to finish it off. Tonight she was determined to stake her vamp.

"He's mine," Willow claimed as soon as Spike announced that he sensed a fledgling rising. They reached the grave just as it was pulling itself out of the ground, and Willow waited for it to stand. She wasn't going to cheat, this was important to her.

The fledgling stood up straight and stared at Willow, it's nostrils flaring as it scented her blood. "Welcome back," Willow said as she kicked it in the stomach, sending it back a few steps. Darn, not as effective as she'd hoped. She remembered Daryl Epps from high school and was glad that this one hadn't been a football player.

The fledgling charged Willow. She grabbed it's arm and, using it's own momentum against it, threw it to the ground. The hungry fledgling was back on it's feet before Willow could even draw her stake. It swung at her and Willow blocked the punch, then ducked as it swung with it's other arm.

Losing her balance Willow tumbled to the ground and the fledgling dove at her. She rolled out of the way and used the momentum to get back on her feet. The fledgling was there, too. It grabbed her around the throat and began to squeeze. Willow kicked out with the new boots Spike had insisted she buy for patrol, heard Xander's sympathetic "Ow," behind her, and the fledgling dropped to it's knees, rocking as it's hands protectively covered it's smashed 'bits' as Spike called them.

Willow slipped around behind it and stuck her stake in it's heart, stepping back to escape the cloud of dust. She bent over with her hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath. Anya cheered and slapped her on the back, almost knocking her over.

Willow looked up at Spike. "Crossbow?" she asked breathlessly.

"Crossbow," he agreed, and Willow could see the lust in his eyes. He always got horny when he fought, he got even hornier when he watched her fight. It was only fair, she thought as she gave him a big smile, she got horny watching him fight, too. He smirked at her as if he could read her thoughts. Darn vampire probably could!

Part Nine: Saturday, Three Days Later

It was five o'clock in the afternoon, Willow checked her watch after ringing up the last customer in the shop, one hour until she could close up and go home and see Spike. Willow had agreed to watch the magic shop for Giles so he could drive down to L.A. and pick Olivia up at the airport. Anya had the day off because she and Xander had gone to the amusement park with several of Xander's buddies from work and their s.o.'s.

Willow pulled nervously at her collar. She was wearing a black leather skirt and a white cotton top that had off-the-shoulder sleeves, leaving her neck and upper chest bare. She turned the page in her Sociology textbook and leaned her elbows on the counter to finish reading the chapter. Suddenly she felt cool fingers trail a path up the back of her thigh.

"Spike!" she jumped and tried to turn around, but his hand in the small of her back stopped her. She gasped as Spike's fingers slipped between her thighs from the back and rubbed her through her panties. His finger slipped beneath her panties and delved between her folds.

"Spike," Willow protested breathlessly even as she spread her thighs to give him better access, "the shop's still open!"

"Good," he whispered in her ear as he shoved a second finger inside her, "'cause I'm planning on getting me something." Spike nibbled on her neck and Willow gripped the counter to keep from falling.

Willow moaned as Spike pulled out of her and groaned in anticipation when he ripped her panties off of her. Stuffing them in his pocket, Spike removed his duster and tossed it on the floor. He sat on the floor between Willow's legs, his back leaning against the counter, his head under her skirt.

"Spike, what are you...oh, goddess!" she cried as his mouth closed over her swollen nub. Willow bent her knees and ground herself against his face as Spike kneaded her ass. With her head thrown back Willow screamed her release as Spike drank her juices.

Spike slid out from beneath her, still licking his lips, and stood. He unzipped his jeans and lowered them, then lifted her skirt, baring her ass.

"Spike! Somebody might come...aaahh!" he slid into her wet heat from behind.

"I bloody well *hope* so," he groaned against her neck as he pumped into her, his fingers rubbing her clit. Willow pushed back against him, taking him deep, her head thrown back against his chest. Spike felt himself going and twisted Willow's clit to take her with him. He sucked the skin of her neck into his mouth and they both crashed over the edge.

When Willow had recovered from her orgasm she felt Spike licking her neck. "You didn't bite me," she said.

"Didn't have to," he whispered back as he kissed her neck.

***

Willow closed the shop up at six o'clock, and she and Spike drove back to her parent's house. They made it just inside the front door before Spike tossed his duster on the floor and tore Willow's shirt over her head. He had her pressed back against the living room door jam, kissing her and kneading her breasts when they heard voices and keys in the front door.

"Holy goddess," Willow cried, "my parents!" She looked around frantically for her shirt. Spike found it and handed it to her, then grabbed his duster. No need for the 'rents, as Willow called them, to know how much he wanted to shag their daughter. He turned back to Willow and saw the tag peeking out of the front of her top.

"Tag!" he motioned and Willow looked down in disbelieving horror.

"Shit! I mean, shoot!" she said as she pulled her arms out of the top and turned it around, slipping her arms back through the sleeves just as the door opened.

"Mom! Dad!" she greeted them. "Welcome home. Will you be staying long?" she started to babble. Luckily for her, her parents usually ignored her babbling, and today was no exception.

"Willow! What a surprise to see you here. How are you?" her mother asked and then continued without waiting for an answer. "We'll only be here for the night, we just needed to stop by and pick up some of your father's books and notes. They've asked him to speak at a conference in Nepal!"

"That's wonderful. Congratulations! Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but we're, um, going to a movie and we've got to, uh, get going," Willow picked her purse up off of the couch where she'd tossed it as Spike was pulling her shirt off, grabbed Spike's hand, and started toward the door.

"Is this your date?" her mother asked. "He's not in a band, is he?"

"Um, no! I mean, we're going to the movies together, but we're just friends. And no, he's not in a band. Mom, Dad, this is, uh, William, and I met him, at, uh, school!" Willow dragged Spike out of the house and down the sidewalk.

"*Not* yer date?" he asked angrily.

"Hey! You want to be the one to explain to my parents that my boyfriend isn't Jewish and why they never see him when the sun's up?"

"Uh, no, right then, just friends," he slipped his hand around her back and squeezed her bum. "So, you let all your friends rip your clothes off?"

"No," she smiled as she slipped her arm around his waist, "only the really good ones."

***

Because they had no other plans, Willow and Spike went to an Italian restaurant for dinner and ended up at the movies. There were two new releases and a French film with subtitles playing. Spike bought tickets to the French film and led Willow into a nearly empty theater.

"Why did you want to see this movie?" Willow asked. "I didn't think you'd like it."

"Oh," Spike squeezed her hand, "you'd be surprised how exciting a movie like this can be."

He led her to seats in the back corner of the theater and removed his duster. They made small talk and Spike rubbed his thumb over the back of Willow's hand until the lights went down. Spike immediately threw his duster into Willow's lap with a, "Hold this for me, will ya, luv?" as he dropped to his knees in front of her. Grabbing her legs he pulled her forward in the seat, pushed her skirt back and dipped his head.

"Oh, goddess!" Willow covered her lap with his duster and moaned as he sucked on her clit.

Spike lifted her legs over the armrests, spreading them wide, and buried his face in her warmth, sucking her until she shoved his jacket into her mouth and bit down to muffle her scream as she came. Spike lapped at her spilt juices then placed her feet on the seats behind him and reached down to unzip his jeans.

"Spike, what...,"

In one smooth motion he rose up and entered her and she convulsively gripped his arms as he brought her second release riding hard on the heels of the first. Kissing her, he shot his own release deep into her womb.

After Willow had recovered, Spike wrapped her in his duster and carried her back to his crypt. The next night they returned to Willow's parent's house.

Part Ten: Tuesday, Three Days Later

As was becoming their routine, Willow and Spike had arrived at the Magic Box at six o'clock for an hour of training to be followed by research and patrol. Everyone was gathered about the research table when there was a bright flash of light and Willow was suddenly standing in the middle of the room surrounded by swirling energy.

"Red!" Spike yelled.

"Willow!"

"Wills!"

Willow didn't respond, didn't even react to their presence. It was as if she didn't even know they were there.

Spike tried to reach through the energy to grab her, but was thrown back. Buffy looked at him on the floor, and then tried to stick her hand into the swirling energy. She was thrown back, also.

"What in bloody hell is going on!" Spike yelled as he rose to his feet.

"She doesn't seem to be in any pain," Anya commented reassuringly.

***

Willow had suddenly found herself in a world of white. She felt as if she were floating on a cloud. "Welcome," a voice said, and Willow turned her head to see a being that looked completely human, except for the blue skin and bright yellow hair.

"Where am I?"

"In limbo," the being answered.

"That's really a *place*?" Willow asked, surprised.

The being laughed, "No. I pulled you part way out of your world so we could speak. Limbo."

"Oh. Why?"

"To grant you a wish."

"Again, with the 'why'."

"I am Amore, a love demon. I grant wishes wished in the spirit of true love," the demon explained.

"A wish demon, like Anyanka?"

"Ah, Anyanka! Now there was a demon who truly loved her work."

"Yeah, so we've heard," Willow responded dryly. "So, why me?"

"Someone thought you were worthy."

"Who?"

"That doesn't matter. You may have a wish for the one you love. What would you like?"

"I get to make a wish for Spike?" Willow thought about the chip that Spike wanted so desperately removed.

"Ah, yes, the chip," the demon nodded.

"You can read my thoughts?"
"Only when I need to," the demon replied.

"Which is when, exactly?" Willow muttered.

The demon didn't answer her, but instead said, "What if I told you that Spike's greatest wish is no longer to have the chip removed?"

"How do you know?" Willow asked. The demon just tilted it's head and Willow said, "Oh, yeah."

"So, now you must decide. Your wish for Spike, or his."

What to do, what to do! As she thought back, Willow realized that it had been awhile, since before she and Spike started...dating, that she heard him complain about the chip. Well, except for that one time a couple of frat boys were hitting on her at The Bronze. But, if Spike still *did* want the chip removed, his wish and Willow's would be the same, so that was her safest bet.

"Spike's wish," she finally said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Granted!" the demon raised it's arms and Willow was surrounded by swirling lights. A voice sounded inside her head just before the lights were replaced by the familiar sight of the Magic Box and all her friends, "Because I like you, I'll grant your wish, too. The knowledge is there, now you must unlock it."

***

"Willow?" Spike yelled and grabbed her into an embrace as soon as the energy field dissipated. "Are you alright?" he held her out at arms length and studied her.

"I'm fine," she assured them, as Spike sat her in a chair and pulled his up next to her, holding tightly to her hand.

"Can you tell us what happened?" Giles asked.

"Well, I was pulled into limbo, which I guess was this place between dimensions, or something, by a love demon who grants wishes 'wished in the spirit of true love'. She said I could make a wish for Spike," she looked at the vampire holding her hand.

"For Spike?" Buffy and Xander yelped simultaneously.

"Yes."

"May we ask what you wished for?" Giles asked.

"I don't know what the wish was." At their confused expressions she continued, "I figured his greatest wish was to have the chip removed...,"

"Oh, god, tell me you didn't!" Buffy said dreadfully.

"I didn't," Willow said. "I was going to, but the wish demon said Spike had a new greatest wish, so I wished for that. But she wouldn't tell me what it was, so Spike's the only one who knows what it is and if it came true," she looked at him.

Spike furrowed his brow in concentration. His greatest wish was to be with Willow forever, but he wasn't gonna tell the bloody Scooby's that, plus he wouldn't know if it came true for a very long time. "I don't know if it's come true, yet," he said.

"What is it?" Buffy asked.

"None o' yer beeswax, Slayer!" Spike told her. "I'm taking Willow home," he stood and picked her up, "you gits can patrol tonight."

As Spike carried Willow out the front door of the shop Anya whispered, "Thank you, Amore."

"You're welcome, Anyanka," the love demon replied.

***

Spike carried Willow to the car and drove her home. Despite her protests, he insisted on carrying her to the house and straight up the stairs to her bedroom. He dropped her on the bed and began pulling off her clothes.

"Spike!" Willow objected, trying to slap his hands away.

"Don't argue," Spike grabbed her shoulders and shook her. Willow, who had intended to continue her protest, snapped her mouth shut. Spike continued to undress her in silence, then dressed her in her pajamas. He walked away from her and stood facing the door, one hand on his hip, the other pulling at his hair.

"Ya scared me," he turned to face her. "I couldn't get to you."

"I'm sorry, baby," Willow said as she climbed off of the bed and walked over to him. Taking his arm, she pulled him closer to the bed, slipped his duster off of his shoulders, and tossed it on the desk chair.

She finished undressing him and pulled the blankets back. Climbing into the bed, Willow pulled Spike in after her. She pulled the blankets over them and snuggled into his arms. Spike wrapped his arms around Willow and held her tightly while Willow soothingly rubbed his chest with her hand.

After several minutes of silence Spike spoke. "You'd really have done that for me?"

"What?"

"Wished the chip gone."

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because I love you, and I want you to be happy. And I want you to be able to defend yourself, even against humans, if need be," Willow told him as she continued to rub his chest.

"Yer not afraid of me being able ta kill again?"

"No," Willow answered immediately. "I mean, I don't think the chip is like a soul. I know you only stopped killing because you had no choice. But I think it gave you an opportunity to get to know some of us humans as more than dinner. I believe that, even without the chip, you wouldn't go all evil on us."

"But, if I did?" Spike pushed.

"Then I'd miss you," Willow said softly.

"Whadda ya mean?"

"I love you, Spike, but I love the you that likes me, that loves me. That even kind of likes Giles, and Anya, and maybe Xander, even if you don't like Buffy or Riley all that much. If you started killing again, that wouldn't be the you I fell in love with. We couldn't be together. And I'd miss you. Terribly," tears fell from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

Spike buried a hand in Willow's hair and tilted her head back. "We'll always be together," he said just before he claimed her lips, and hoped with all that he was that it was true.

Part Eleven: Friday, One Week and Three Days Later

This was Willow's early day of classes and she couldn't wait to get home to wake Spike up. She had a busy afternoon of magic practice and training with Spike before research and patrol, but waking Spike was her very favorite part of every day.

She walked into the dark house, quietly shut the door and carried her book bag up the stairs to her bedroom. Spike was sleeping on his stomach, his hands under the pillow, the sheet down around his waist. She set her book bag on the desk and sat in the desk chair to watch her lover sleep. She thought about how happy he made her and tears came to her eyes.

"What's wrong, Red?" Spike asked without moving.

Willow looked up, startled. The big faker wasn't sleeping!

"Nothing," she wiped her eyes. "I was just thinking about how happy I am."

"An' that made ya cry?" he turned his head and looked at her through slitted eyes.

"Tears of undeserved happiness," she looked down at her feet shyly.

"C'mere, Red," he stretched his arm out toward her and Willow stood up and took his hand. He rolled over and pulled her down on the bed with him. "None of us deserve it, baby, but some of us are blessed with it anyway," he kissed her softly.

She smiled at him and traced his cheekbones with her finger. "I love you, Spike."

"I love you, too, Red," he pulled her under him and began to show her just how much he did love her.

***

Willow was tired after magic practice and training, and thought about begging off of patrol, but this was the first night Spike was letting her carry the crossbow and she was dying to try it out. Because there was no big evil to research, and Xander and Anya were enjoying a night off, Giles joined Willow and Spike for patrol.

They got through the first five cemeteries only having to face a couple of fledglings. The sixth cemetery was different. They ran into Buffy and Riley at the entrance.

"What're you doing here?" Spike asked as he hefted his axe.

"We're done with our area," Riley said, "so we figured we'd meet up with you guys."

"Quiet?" Giles asked.

"Dead. No pun intended," Buffy told him.

"Ours, too. Maybe too quiet," Giles commented. "I wonder what's going on?"

The five of them entered the cemetery and Spike stopped, cocking his head, "Vampires," he told them.

"Yeah, lots of them," Buffy added.

"Oh, boy," Willow saw a group of about fifteen vampires step out of the shadows. She loaded the crossbow, waited until the vampires moved within her range, and fired. Her first bolt hit the vamp, but missed the heart. She quickly reloaded and fired again. This time the vamp burst into a cloud of dust. One down, fourteen to go!

Willow loaded the last bolt into the crossbow and examined the vampires closely, looking for the one who seemed to be in charge. If she could get rid of the leader it might slow them down, or cause them to become disorganized or careless.

"What're ya doing?" Spike asked as he stood beside her with his axe at the ready.

"Looking for the soddin' leader!" she swore in Spike-ese.

"There," Spike pointed. "The one in blue."

"Disco vamp?" Willow asked referring to the time period of his clothing.

"Yep," Spike agreed, and Willow raised the crossbow and fired, and then the rest of the vampires were upon them.

Spike stepped away from her so he had room to swing his axe, and Willow dropped the crossbow and pulled out her stake and her water gun, hoping there'd be time to stun them with the holy water. They were vastly outnumbered, three vamps for each one of them. And only two had super strength, the other three were puny humans.

The battle raged around Willow as she fought. She saw Riley stake a vamp, saw Spike decapitate a vampire that was sneaking up behind Buffy, saw Giles slash at a vampire. Suddenly the sounds of battle lessened and Willow looked around to see fewer vampires than Scooby's. Thank the goddess, it was almost over.

Time stood still as she turned around and saw the vampire in blue heading toward her with a crossbow bolt in it's hand. Shit, shoot, she'd missed it's heart!

"Spike!" she yelled, knowing she wouldn't be able to handle this one by herself. Spike turned around in time to see the vampire raise the bolt and throw it at Willow.

Willow felt the bolt enter her flesh, looked down to see black-red blood running down her chest and knew that it hadn't missed. She dropped to her knees, as a trickle of blood ran out of her mouth.

"Willow!" Spike dropped the vampire he'd been fighting and ran toward her, catching her before her body fell over onto the ground.

"Willow! Willow, baby," he dropped the axe and brushed her hair out of her face, wiping the blood off of her chin.

She looked up into his pain-filled eyes with eyes that were already dead, "Love you, Spike," she got out before her heart stopped.

"Willow! Willow!" Spike screamed her name as he shook her. "*Willow*!"

He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up into Buffy's tear-filled eyes. She dropped to her knees next to him and reached out to shut Willow's eyes.

"She's not *dead*!" he insisted. "She *can't* be dead. I *need* her!" blood red tears ran down his cheeks.

Buffy pulled a sobbing Spike into her arms and rocked as she cried with him. Giles fell to his knees at Willow's head and ran his hand over her hair. Riley touched Buffy's shoulder in sympathy to let her know he was there, then turned to stand guard over the mourners.

Spike pulled away from Buffy and laid Willow's body on the ground after placing one last kiss on her lips. Pressing his hand against her chest he grabbed the shaft of the bolt.

"What are you doing?" Buffy asked softly, placing her hand over his on the bolt.

"I need this," he told her. "I'm gonna kill that bastard with it. I won't hurt her," he promised.

"Let me go with you?" Buffy asked, and at his nod withdrew her hand.

Spike pulled the bolt out of Willow's heart and stared at her blood on the tip of it. Yeah, he was gonna dust that soddin' vampire, right after he soaked it in holy water and cut off all of it's limbs. Then he was going to go after that bleeding love demon who had made him think for one second that his wish might have come true.

Spike felt Willow's heart beat under his hand and shook his head. She was going to be like the limb they amputated and you felt for the rest of your life. Cor, he missed her already.

Her heart beat again, then she gasped and her chest rose as air filled her lungs.

"Willow?" he asked uncertainly.

She opened her eyes and took another breath. "Spike?"

"Willow?" his voice was filled with wonder as tears again filled his eyes.

"Goddess, that hurt," she whispered. She looked at the tear-stained faces of her friends above her. "What's wrong?"

"You were...you were dead," Giles finally managed to say.

Spike looked at the blood on her shirt, there was so soddin' much of it. He dropped the bolt and grabbed her shirt with both hands, tearing it open. He ran his hand over her chest. There was no hole, just drying blood.

"Spike?" Buffy asked.

"There's no wound," he answered her unasked question. "My wish...," he faltered.

"Spike?" Willow asked, worried.

He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her into his arms and held her as if he'd never let go. And now he wouldn't have to. "My wish...was to be with you forever," he whispered.

Spike stood, lifting Willow into his arms, "Let's get out of here." After a few steps he turned back around to see the discarded bolt lying on the ground. "Will you get that?" he asked Buffy. He was still going to find that thrice damned vampire.

***

The five of them returned to Willow's parent's house. Spike helped Willow shower to wash the blood off, and she dressed in a pair of old sweats and a tank to sleep in. When they got back downstairs, not only were Buffy, Riley and Giles still there, but they'd been joined by Xander and Anya, who both enveloped her in a big hug.

Willow didn't think they were going to let go and just as she felt the need to breathe becoming all important, Spike growled behind her and they quickly let her go.

"Don't you *ever* do that again!" Xander shook his finger at her playfully.

"I'll try not to, Xan," Willow grabbed his finger.

"Thank you, Amore," Willow heard Anya whisper behind her, and she turned around.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing."

"You said 'Amore'."

"Oh, that, yes. The love demon. Buffy told us all about Spike's wish."

"I never mentioned it's name."

"Oh, well, I knew it's name. I'm familiar with the love demon, you see."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"You didn't mention that before," Willow pushed. Anya just shrugged her shoulders.

"Anya, did you call the love demon?" Willow took the ex-demon's hands in hers.

"Does it matter?" she asked.

"Yes. Not because of the wish, although, pretty happy about the wish, actually. But because you thought we deserved it," tears filled Willow's eyes as she hugged the other girl. "Thank you for being such a good friend."

"Yes, well," Anya sniffed, "we're just lucky Spike had such a good wish!"

When Willow finally let Anya go, Spike asked her, "You're the reason I got Red back?"

"Well, I just...eep!"

Spike grabbed her up in a big hug and planted a kiss on her lips. "Thank you," he said as he let her go.

"No *problem*," Anya said breathlessly as she staggered, then caught herself. "Xander..,"

"No way! You are washing with soap and water before we do anything!"

Part Twelve: Sunday, Two Days Later

Willow, who tried to tell her friends that she was fine, had been kept in bed all day Saturday by them. They were all afraid to leave her side, afraid that when they turned around, she'd really be gone. Her bedroom was like Grand Central Station and Spike, who sat on the bed and held her while her friends wandered in and out, didn't complain once. Well, until it looked like they were all going to spend the night again Saturday like they had on Friday!

They'd brought her breakfast and lunch in bed, but she insisted on eating dinner downstairs. They'd played strip poker and Xander had lost, automatically removing Anya from the game. Then they played monopoly, 'cause it's more fun with a bunch of people, and Spike won, to everyone's chagrin.

"What? I'm a very good strategist."

"Uh, St. Vigeous?" Willow reminded him.

"I just don't usually have the patience to stick to the plan," he told them haughtily.

After everyone finally left on Saturday night, after being kicked out by Spike, he sat on the couch with Willow in his lap and held her until almost sunrise. He stroked his hand over her hair, kissed her jaw, traced the freckles on her arm, needing to reassure himself that she was really there.

Willow woke up full of energy the next day. Since Spike was still sleeping she baked cookies and cleaned the kitchen. Then she vacuumed and dusted the downstairs. She went upstairs and took a shower, then woke Spike up. She lay on the bed tracing patterns on his back. "Spi-ike," she called. "Spi-ike."

"Mmm," he growled.

"Can we go to the Magic Box and train?"

"You think you're up to it?" he stared at her through slitted eyes.

"We don't have to do anything too strenuous if you don't think I should, but maybe some practice with the crossbow would be in order," she smiled at him.

"I'll be up in a minute," he promised.

"Liar," she pulled the sheet off of him and slapped his butt. "Hop to it, vampire!"

"You know this is completely unnatural," he grumbled as he got out of bed, "getting up while the sun is still shining."

***

Willow spent an hour practicing with the crossbow until she could hit the center circle with her eyes closed. Every time she aimed, she pictured the vampire in blue as her target. She finally lowered her arms, crossbow at her side, and turned to look at Spike.

Her chest was heaving and her arm muscles were flexed, there was a sheen of sweat on her face and arms and her hair made her look like a fire goddess. Cor, she was beautiful. It had been over 48 hours since he'd touched her, tasted her, and he felt his body respond to her.

Willow saw Spike's eyes darken with desire as he stared at her. She walked past him and hung the crossbow up, then kicked her sneakers off and stalked toward him. She kicked her leg out at him and he blocked it. She swung an arm and he caught it, pulling her toward him. She dropped her weight and fell backward, pulling Spike down with her, and using their shared momentum, tossed him over her head. He landed on his back and she kept rolling, in a backward somersault, to straddle his chest.

Willow slid down Spike's body and tore his t-shirt out of his pants, pushing it up. She bent down and licked and sucked his nipples, then traced a path with her tongue down to his belly button. She moved back up to straddle his erection and pulled his upper body off the mat so she could remove his t-shirt. She threw the t-shirt aside and kissed him, drawing his tongue into her mouth.

Spike slid his hands under her t-shirt and cupped her breasts. Willow moaned and lifted her arms for Spike to pull the t-shirt over her head. He removed her bra and bent his head to suckle her breasts. Willow raised up on her knees so he could reach her better and he slipped a hand between her legs.

"Oh, goddess, Spike!" Willow rubbed herself urgently against his hand.

Spike shoved her on her back and pulled her sweats off, then buried his head between her legs. Willow grabbed him by the hair and held him as she ground herself against his face, moaning his name. Willow came and Spike drank her juices, licking and sucking until she came again, screaming her release.

Spike climbed between her legs and unzipped his jeans, shoving them down his legs. He positioned his head at her slit and with one thrust, drove into her, slamming his pelvic bone against her clit. Willow cried out and Spike claimed her lips as he thrust into her.

Through the haze of lust driving him Spike heard the door open and sensed the Slayer, the door closed and they were alone again. Spike licked and sucked Willow's neck, then morphed and rubbed his forehead against her neck in a move he knew would bring her release.

She screamed his name and he sank his fangs into her neck, the first time he'd ever bitten her where it would show. He bit deep enough to mark her as his forever and sucked her sweet blood out of the twin puncture holes, as Willow continued to thrash beneath him. He withdrew his fangs and licked the wounds.

Willow leaned up and licked his neck, sucking his skin into her mouth and biting down sharply with her blunt teeth, drawing blood which she licked up. At the feel of Willow's teeth breaking his skin Spike lost control and came, screaming her name.

They lay on the mat, breathing heavily. Spike kissed her neck, her collarbone, ran his fingers down her arm.

Willow wrapped her arms around his shoulders and held him close. "I love you, Spike," she whispered in his ear. "I'll love you forever."

He buried his face in her neck and held her tightly. He'd never have to let her go.

***

After they had cleaned up at the sink in the corner and dressed, Spike told Willow that the Slayer was there. "She, uh, came in while we were shaggin'; she's waiting in the shop. You go talk to her, I'll just go have a smoke."

"Okay," Willow agreed, "let me just make sure there's shade out there," Willow walked over and opened the back door. "Oh, sun's down!" she told Spike with a smile as she raised up on her tiptoes to kiss him.

He slipped out the door after patting her butt and she squared her shoulders in anticipation of her confrontation with Buffy. She opened the door and walked out into the training room and saw Buffy sitting at the research table, a roll of paper towels in front of her.

"Buffy?" Willow called and Buffy turned her tear-stained face toward her best friend.

"Buffy! What's the matter?" Willow ran to her side and hugged her.

"I'm so sorry," Buffy said, her voice cracking. "I realized two things when you died. I don't know what I'd do without you. And I have Spike to thank for you still being here. That's hard to admit!" she tried to laugh through her tears.

"Oh, Buffy, I *love* you!"

"I love you, too, Will." She spoke again, "I also realized something else. Well, I didn't so much *realize* it, as finally admit it to myself. I was jealous of what you and Spike have. I've never seen you so happy and I tried to remember if I'd ever been that happy. And I don't think I have. Not even with Angel."

Willow sat down in the chair next to Buffy and watched her shred the paper towel in her hand. "I also didn't want to believe that Spike could love you without a soul, because it made me wonder why Angel couldn't love me without a soul." She shook her head, "I've been so selfish."

"He's with Cordy, now, isn't he?" Buffy finally asked the question that had been on her mind since their visit weeks ago.

"Yes," Willow reached out and took her friend's hand.
"Now he doesn't even love me with the soul. God, how pathetic am I?" she snorted and blew her nose.

"I know that you loved Angel beyond anything, Buffy. I know he loved you, too. But maybe it didn't work because you're the Slayer and he's a vampire, and as much as you love him, your whole being is urging you to kill him. To be with him you had to fight who you are, and it made you miserable."

"I know. But it still hurts."

"I know."

***

Spike leaned on the wall outside the back door and, with his vampiric hearing, listened to everything Buffy and Willow said. When Buffy finally stopped crying and went into the bathroom to wash her face, Spike walked back into the training room and closed the back door. He turned around and Willow was standing in the shop doorway watching him.

They just stood there looking at each other, then Willow smiled and ran to him, jumping into his arms. Spike squeezed her and then put her down. They walked back out into the shop to wait for Buffy. Willow reclaimed the chair she had been sitting in and Spike jumped up on the counter.

"Slayer," Spike said when Buffy came out of the bathroom.

"Spike," Buffy said.

"Soldier boy meeting ya for patrol?"

"Yeah, but not until ten," she looked at the clock above Spike's head. It was only eight.

"Maybe we'll go with you guys tonight. Wanna get something to eat with me an' Red before patrol?" he asked.

"Where ya going?"

"Haven't decided. I wanted Italian, Red was bucking for Chinese. You can be the tie breaker," Spike lied through his teeth, he and Willow not having made any dinner plans.

"I've been dying to try that Greek place that just opened up," Buffy said.

"I don't think you understand the concept of 'tie breaker'," Spike said and Willow laughed.

"I'll switch from Chinese to Greek," she said.

"Fine!" Spike groused. "Greek it is. Let's get our jackets, Red," Spike hopped off of the counter. "We're coming back here for the weapons, right?" he asked Buffy.

"Yes, except for these," she pulled a stake out of her waistband. "Never leave home without it."

"I'll get our jackets," Willow disappeared into the training room.

"Why are you being nice to me, Spike?" Buffy asked.

"'Cause you love Willow, and she loves you, and I'd do anything for her, even be nice to you, Slayer," Spike told her with a friendly grimace.

Willow came back with the jackets and they walked out of the Magic Box. Spike put his arms around the shoulders of the two women as they walked down the sidewalk. "Listen, Slayer, maybe you can do me a favor. Red here needs some more help in hand-to-hand, you know, practice against different types of fighting, for the experience. Could you spend some time with her tomorrow?"

"Sure," Buffy said and smiled across him at Willow.

"An' while you're at it, teach her how to duck. Ow!"

Part Thirteen: Wednesday, Three Days Later

On Monday Buffy met Willow and Spike at the Magic Box at six o'clock. She sparred with Willow while Spike watched and critiqued Willow's moves. Then they switched and while Willow sparred with Spike, Buffy called out suggestions to improve her technique.

Later that evening, while Buffy trained with Giles and Anya counted the day's receipts, Willow and Spike ate the supper Willow had packed for them over unopened demonology texts. Xander showed up at seven and the four, then six of them, sat around the research table in an easy camaraderie that was absent just three days ago.

When Riley showed up after nine o'clock for patrol, the seven of them all went out together, still feeling the effects of Willow's death and subsequent resurrection, not wanting to let each other out of their sight.

Tuesday night was almost an exact repeat of Monday night, except they were able to get some information about the vampire in blue out of a couple of minions before staking them. They checked out the information to make sure it was accurate and then Spike and Buffy decided to take the vamp and it's nest out the next night.

On Wednesday, Willow didn't train with Giles or Spike and she couldn't concentrate on homework or research. Finally the sun set and Spike, Buffy, and Riley gathered weapons to take out 'disco vamp' as Willow had been calling it in her mind. Willow followed them into the training room and grabbed a crossbow off of the wall.

"What do you think you're doing?" Spike asked.

"Going with you," Willow told him as she grabbed extra bolts.

"No," he said, her brush with death still too close for comfort.

"Yes," Willow turned around and gave him her resolve face.

"Don't give me that look," he pointed at her face. "You're not going, and that's final!"

Willow narrowed her eyes and straightened her shoulders.

"Great job, fangless," Buffy muttered. "Now we'll never get her to stay behind."

"I'm going, too," Xander stepped into the room and walked over to the locker, looking over his choice of weapons.

"Me, too," Anya said, taking the baseball bat Xander handed her.

"I'm going as well," Giles took a second crossbow off of the wall.

Xander stood up with a short sword, a pike and several stakes. He handed the short sword to Giles who belted it over his chest and passed out the stakes to Giles, Anya and Willow. Willow turned to walk out of the room and looked over her shoulder at Spike, Buffy, and Riley.

"Coming?" she asked.

"Argh," Spike growled as he clenched his fingers around the axe handle and followed her. With twitching lips, Buffy looked at Riley, shrugged, and followed the rest of the gang.

Spike caught up to Willow outside the Magic Box. "You stay with me," he ordered.

"Of course," she said meekly. "Whatever you say," she reached out and slipped her fingers around his.

Spike growled again as he tightened his fingers around Willow's tiny hand.

***

"So, what's the plan?" Willow asked Buffy as they neared the vampire nest.

"Plan?" Buffy said. "We go in and kill them."

"Gotta love the simplicity of it," Xander said.

"Bloody right," Spike said.

"Works for me," Willow nodded her head.

Giles and Riley exchanged looks and shook their heads.

"I hope this doesn't take too long," Anya said, "Xander's promised me many orgasms when this is all over."

When they reached the lair, Spike and Buffy took the lead, since they could sense any minions standing guard outside. They easily overpowered and dusted the five vamps stationed around the lair, then entered through the front door.

"Hey, mate," Spike stepped into the main room where the head vampire, still in his blue suit, seemed to be holding court, "remember us?"

The vampire looked up in surprise. "Slayer," it hissed.

"What am I, chopped liver?" Spike asked.

"And the little redhead," the vamp smirked. "Thought I killed you."

"You did," Willow smiled. "I came back. And now I'm gonna return the favor," she lifted the crossbow, aimed and fired. The bolt hit the vamp in the thigh.

"Missed. Again," it taunted her.

"I know," Willow said as she reloaded the crossbow. "Does it hurt?" she asked as she fired again, hitting the vamp in the stomach.

"Get them!" the vamp yelled as it pulled the bolts out of it's body. Willow heard sounds of fighting around her as the minions attacked, but she didn't hurry. She reloaded and aimed, this time shooting the vamp in the neck.

"Ow, you bitch!" the vamp tugged the bolt out of it's neck and blood spurted out.

"Ooh, bet that one hurt!" Willow said as she reloaded once again. She lifted the crossbow slowly and took careful aim as the vampire lunged across the room toward her. She fired, and this time the bolt flew true, burying itself in the vamps unbeating heart. It only had a moment to look at her in surprise before it exploded into dust.

Willow just stood there, in the middle of the ongoing battle, breathing hard.

"Will, you alright?" Buffy hit her arm before turning back to the vamp she was fending off. Willow shook her head to clear it and looked around the room, seeing the fighting that was going on around her for the first time.

"I'm fine, Buffy," she said as she reloaded the crossbow and aimed at a vamp across the room that was fighting with Anya.

"Anya, down!" Willow called out. Anya looked up in surprise, then ducked and Willow shot the vamp through the heart. Cordy was right, she smiled, these things *were* great.

***

Once their leader was dead many of the minions gave up the fight and ran. The few that remained were easily dusted. After the battle was over, the gang returned to the Magic Box to clean and store the weapons. Willow and Spike were the first ones to leave. He grabbed Willow's hand as soon as she had hung up the crossbow and he had wiped down the axe.

"Uh, bye!" Willow called to her friends as Spike dragged her out of the training room. "Spike!" she tugged at his hand, trying to slow him down. Spike didn't answer, just pulled her along after him as he left the Magic Box and headed down the sidewalk.

Two blocks down Spike turned into an alley and shoved Willow up against the brick wall. He raised his fist and hit the wall next to her head, cracking the brick and breaking his knuckles open.

"You *ever* bloody do that again...," he began.

"You'll what?" Willow asked as her breathing sped up and moisture seeped from her core. She reached out and cupped him through his jeans.

"Fighting make you horny, Spike?" she smirked as she rubbed him. She pulled his fist away from the wall with her other hand and brought his bleeding knuckles to her mouth. With her eyes on his she licked the blood off of them.

"Made me horny," she admitted as she licked smeared blood off of her lips.

"Witch," Spike hissed.

"Spike," Willow continued to rub him. "I need you..."

He pressed his body against hers and captured her lips in a kiss that was angry, needy, desperate, hungry. His hands roamed over her body, kneading her breasts, rolling and pinching her nipples, cupping her ass.

Willow kissed him back, her tongue battling his, her hands slipping beneath his t-shirt to run over his stomach, chest, back, then slipping inside his jeans to grip his butt, squeezing. He moved his lips down her neck and Willow sucked air into her burning lungs.

"Spike!" she pleaded. "Spike, please." And then his hand was unbuttoning her jeans, pulling the zipper down and slipping inside. His fingers moved through her damp curls to the swollen flesh beneath and slid between her slick folds.

"Ye-es," she hissed as she closed her eyes and tilted her head back against the brick wall. Spike pumped his fingers in and out of her as he stroked her clit. He felt her nearing her release and pulled his fingers out of her.

"Spi-ike," she moaned in protest. Spike grabbed her opened jeans and ripped, tearing them down the middle.

"Spike!" she cried in surprise. He undid his own jeans and pushed them down his hips, then pushed the tattered pieces of her own out of the way, lifted her and slid into her hot, tight passage.

"Oh, goddess, Spike," she moaned as he filled her. "Spike," she leaned forward and sucked the soft skin of his neck into her mouth as he pounded her against the wall. Willow bit down, breaking the skin. She licked the blood off of his neck, then sucked on the wound. Spike groaned against her neck as his body tensed.

"Spike," Willow begged as she felt his body readying itself for release. Spike licked the healing bite mark on her neck, then morphed and sank his fangs into her. He drank her lust-charged blood and Willow cried out as she found her release, her muscles clamping around Spike and leading him to his.

Spike pulled out of her and she sagged against the wall. He fastened his jeans, then took his duster off and wrapped it around Willow, picked her up, and carried her home.

Part Fourteen: Friday, Two Days Later

It was 'finally Friday' as the song said and they were Bronzing it before patrol. It was a celebration of life, love, and friendship, old and new.

Spike and Willow had trained for an hour that afternoon as usual, and were now getting ready for The Bronze. Spike had changed into a new pair of blue jeans and a navy blue pullover with long sleeves that hugged his chest just right. Stop it, Willow yelled at herself, you'll never finish getting ready.

She was wearing a new green cotton tank dress that fit her body snugly. She had tried it on with bra and panties, and without, and was going without. She felt sexy, and a little nervous. She had put on mascara and lipstick and pulled her hair up in a clip. She tilted her head and rubbed her fingers over the bite that marked her as Spike's.

"What ya doing, Red?" Spike asked as he lounged in the doorway. Willow looked up at him and smiled. Just looking at him made her nipples pebble and her juices flow.

"Bloody hell, Red, they'll be here any minute!" Spike walked over to her and cupped her breasts.

"I know," she moaned as she pressed herself into his hands.

"You aren't wearing a bra," Spike accused.

"No, you can see the lines," Willow said, walking away from him when she heard the doorbell ring, announcing Buffy and Riley who'd come to pick them up. As she walked she ran her hands down her hips and over her butt, emphasizing the fact that there were no lines there, either.
"Bloody hell," Spike groaned as he realized she wasn't wearing any knickers.

***

When they got to The Bronze, Xander and Anya were already at their table with drinks in front of them. Buffy and Willow walked over to the table to join them, while Spike and Riley went to the bar to order drinks. They sat around the table talking for almost an hour before a slow song came on and Buffy pulled Riley onto the dance floor with Anya and Xander following close behind.

"You wanna dance, Red?" Spike asked.

"Not right now," she said as she slipped off of her chair and onto his lap. "I thought they were never going to leave!" she leaned down and kissed him.

"Get a room!" Anya announced the groups return, and Willow turned to smile at them as she snuggled into Spike's arms until she had to go to the bathroom. Anya and Buffy went with her and on the way back they stopped by the DJ table so Willow could request a song.

When they returned to the table Riley was sitting alone, while Spike and Xander were racking up the balls on the pool table. "Hey," Willow slapped Riley on the back, "how's it feel to be table sitting?"

"Lonely," Riley admitted.

"Tell me about it," Willow nodded in understanding.

"Sorry," Riley said and Willow squeezed his shoulder.

"No big. I'm gonna go see if I can help Xander win by distracting my vamp," Willow told the others and headed toward the pool table.

They guys had just finished their pool game, Xander winning by a breath, Willow's breath against Spike's neck, that is, and returned to the table when the slow song Willow had requested started to play.

Willow took Spike's hand and pulled him out of the chair and onto the dance floor as the first words of the song played. 'Let me be your hero' the singer whispered and Willow slipped into Spike's arms.

"I love you, Spike," she cupped his face with her hand as she looked up into deep blue eyes. "You *are* my hero, baby," she rose to her toes and pressed her lips against his.

Would you dance if I asked you to dance?
Or would you run and never look back?

Spike wrapped his arms around Willow and held her tight as they moved slowly to the music, his hands gently rubbing over her back. Willow rested her head on Spike's chest, her hands tucked into his back pockets.

Would you cry if you saw me cryin'?
And would you save my soul tonight?

He remembered what Buffy had said about him being able to love Willow without a soul, but what she didn't know was that Willow *was* his soul.

Would you tremble if I touched your lips?
Or would you laugh? Oh, please tell me this,

Spike brushed his thumb over her lips. She parted them and flicked her tongue over his thumb as her fingers tightened over his ass. He could smell her desire for him.

Now would you die for the one you love?
Oh hold me in your arms tonight.

"Don't you ever do that to me again," he whispered into her hair, "I couldn't take it." Willow tilted her head back and looked at him with eyes that shone with love.

Well, I can be your hero, baby.
I can kiss away the pain.
I will stand by you forever.
You can take my breath away.

She had taken away his pain, his fear of loneliness, and now she *would* be with him forever. She was kind and beautiful and full of fire and the thought that she loved him took his nonexistent breath away. He gently kissed her lips.

Would you swear that you'll always be mine?
Or would you lie? Would you run and hide?
Oh, am I in too deep? Have I lost my mind?
I don't care...you're here tonight.

Memories swirled through Spike's mind. He remembered her caffeine high the first time they patrolled together; her face the first time he'd kissed her, the first time he'd made her cum; her passion the night she stood up to Buffy and Angelus, and told him, and everyone else, that she loved him; the night she'd died and come back to him; and right now, when she was looking at him as if he really *was* her hero.

I can be your hero, baby.
I can kiss away the pain.
I will stand by you forever.
You can take my breath away.

"Spike," Willow whispered.

"Mmm?" he responded absently as he breathed in her scent.

Oh, I just want to hold you.
I just want to hold you, oh yeah.
Am I in too deep? Have I lost my mind?
Well, I don't care...you're here tonight.

"I, um, I remembered something," she said. "Something the love demon told me."

"What's that, luv?" he asked.

I can be your hero, baby.
I can kiss away the pain, oh yeah.
I will stand by you forever.
You can take my breath away.

"She, um, she said she gave me the knowledge to get your chip removed. I just have to unlock it somehow. I don't know how," she continued to babble, "but I wanted you to know that I'm going to try. It's just, I don't know how long it'll take."

And I can be your hero.
I can kiss away the pain.
And I will stand by you forever.

"Doesn't matter, luv," Spike said, running his fingers into her hair and tilting her head back. "As long as you're here, nothing else matters," he kissed her.

You can take my breath away.
You can take my breath away.

"I still don't know if I can be your hero, baby," he whispered against her lips, "but you make me feel as if I can, and you sure as bloody hell 're mine," he kissed her again.

I can be your hero.

~Fin~