Inell's Fanfiction Archive

Willow watched the plane lift off, blinking back tears. She had done very well, not crying at all as they had hugged and he had gotten onto the plane. Now, though, knowing that he was gone, well, she let herself cry. Over the past few months, he had not only been her boyfriend but her best friend. Xander was caught up in his relationship with Cordelia, so she barely saw him. Giles was searching for Buffy constantly, paying little attention to any of them despite their continuing Buffy's patrols. It had been Oz that had helped her after she had gotten out of the hospital. Oz that had held her after she had received the note from Buffy, telling her that the spell had indeed worked and that her best friend had been forced to send Angel to hell. Oz that assured her it wasn't her fault, though she knew deep down it was. Now, he's gone. Flown to Florida to visit his aunt before starting college in Miami. She was alone, again.

She hailed a taxi, thinking on the ride back into Sunnydale that she really needed a car. This walking everywhere thing was growing old. She had had a license for over a year yet had never driven anywhere. She knew she had to be a better driver than Cordelia. Maybe she would hit her parents up for a car. Amazingly, when they had heard about her accident at the school library, they had flown back home within a week. Now, it had been three weeks and it didn't appear that they were leaving again until September. Already they had beaten their record as to the longest stay at home since she was twelve by a week. She didn't really like either of her parents, not knowing them very well. But, now, she was kind of glad they were around even if they didn't really talk to her. It was nice knowing that she technically wasn't alone. Of course, now that she would be home more, she knew she'd probably be praying for September soon enough.

She wondered where Buffy was and if she was safe. She knew that Oz had told her the truth. It wasn't really her fault that Angel had been sent to hell with his soul. But, it was in a way. If she had been faster with the spell, if she had succeeded the first time, even if she had not succeeded at all would have been better. Then Buffy would have just sent Angelus to hell, which in her opinion wouldn't have been a bad thing. She knew she could fill several pages with if onlys, going back to the night that Buffy first met Angel. It didn't help things. It couldn't change the past. She sighed, getting money for the taxi from her purse when it pulled in front of her house. She paid the driver, walking up the walkway to her front door. She went inside, calling a greeting to her parents.

"Hi Mom. Dad," she said, trying to smile.

"Hello honey. Did you see your little friend off?" her mother asked, continuing to sort her notes.

"Yes, he's gone. If you don't mind, I think I'd like to go up to my room," Willow said.

"Of course," her father said, never looking up from his book.

"Nice to have you both here," she muttered, walking up the stairs to her sanctuary. She walked inside, shutting the door as she turned on her light. She glanced at the clock, seeing that it was close to ten already. Xander and Cordelia were doing the patrol tonight, a scary thought indeed. But, she didn't feel up to fighting vampires so she would hope they would be safe enough. Things had actually been pretty quiet, considering that there was no slayer on the Hellmouth. The first few days they had had several vampires to deal with, remains of Angelus' family. But, with Spike and Drusilla having vanished and Angelus being sent to hell, the vampires had slowly disappeared. She definitely wasn't complaining.

Willow stripped her clothes off, walking towards the bathroom in her bra and undies. She took a quick shower, having spent Oz's last day roaming around town and going to all his favorite places and getting rather sweaty. She dressed in her boxers and a t-shirt and headed back into her room. Flipping on a CD of 80s music, she tried to cheer herself up. Oz had promised to write, but they had agreed before he left that a long distance thing just wouldn't work. Besides, they had been more like friends through most of their relationship. She went to her window, opening the balcony doors and stepping onto the veranda. She saw a vase of red roses and frowned. She smiled, deciding that Oz must have somehow snuck them up there knowing she would be unhappy about his departure. She picked up the vase and smelled their sweet scent. She carried them into her room, setting them on her desk. A card fell from them and landed on the floor. She picked it up, smiling softly at his thoughtfulness. She opened the card and read, the smile leaving her face.

The handwriting was not Oz's. She didn't recognizing the pretty flowing scrawl. That made her uneasy to begin with. After reading the words, she tossed the card on the desk, backing away from it as confusion and fear entered her mind. Her green eyes ran along the simple words,

'Willow, Surrender to me......'

********************

Willow watched Cordelia and Xander dance, almost smiling at how perfect they seemed together. She never would have imagined Xander finding his happiness with Cordelia Chase of all people. But, she had realized over the past few months, she had never really known Cordelia. There was much more to the girl than she ever would have thought. She stood, deciding now was as good a time as any to go to the bathroom. She made her way through the many people at the Bronze that night, wishing that Oz was still in town. It had been a week since he had left. He had arrived safely, sending her an email to let her know he was settling in. He had already met a girl that he seemed to like, but he said it was much too soon to know if anything would work between them or not. For his sake, she hoped things worked out. He deserved to be happy.

Giles had just left after receiving a tip that Buffy may have been seen in Chicago. This was his third trip in as many weeks. Willow knew it was all her fault. Buffy had run away because she had sent Angel to hell. Now Giles was slowly going crazy trying to find her. If Willow had just done the spell right, it would have avoided all of this. Willow made her way into the bathroom, splashing water on her face. This was her first night out since Oz had left...since she had been finding the flowers and messages on her balcony and in her backyard. It was starting to scare her, the constant stream of gifts and always the card that simply said Willow, Surrender to Me. They were always unsigned and always the same handwriting. She knew it had to be a joke of some sort. Someone was trying to make her believe that someone was watching her. She couldn't understand why, but it was the only solution she could think of.

She left the bathroom, running into Harmony on her way out of the crowded hallway.

"Watch it geek," Harmony said, smoothing out her shirt. "Stupid bitch. You shouldn't be allowed out in public."

"Sorry," Willow muttered, not wanting to argue with the blonde snob. She started to head back towards the table, seeing Xander and Cordelia finally sitting there.

"What? Running along to your little boyfriend? Oh, wait. Silly me. He left your ass," Harmony said sweetly, watching the redhead straighten, knowing she had hit her target. She turned and finished making her way towards the door, not seeing the person following her out of the Bronze. She made her way to the car, still not believing that Cordelia had actually started dating that moron Xander Harris. Well, all the better for her. She was now going to rule the school. Let Cordy deal with being second best for awhile. She started to put her key in the lock, stopping when she heard a noise behind her. She turned and glanced, relaxing as she realized there was no big scary thing. She smiled slightly before turning back to unlock her car door. She suddenly felt an arm around her neck, squeezing tightly. She gasped, dropping her keys on the pavement and listening to the clang they made as they landed. Her fingers dug at the cloth covered arm around her throat as she tried to gulp in much needed air. She struggled against her attacker, hearing a soft laugh as her struggles started to slow. She felt her eyes growing heavy as she felt a sharp pain in her neck. She felt darkness overtake her as her attacker let her body fall to the pavement by her car. There was a slight laugh as the shape leaned over the dead girl. A finger dipped into the blood at the girl's neck, gracefully writing the phrase, Surrender, on the fallen girl's forehead. A satisfied nod and then the attacker moved back into the shadows as Harmony lay dead beside her car, waiting to be discovered.

********************

Willow looked up as Cordelia sat down, a shocked expression on the cheerleader's pretty face. "Are you OK?"

"You haven't heard?" Cordelia asked, looking at Xander and Willow.

"Heard what?" Xander asked, not liking the serious look in his girlfriend's eyes.

"Harmony," Cordelia said softly.

"What about her?" Willow asked, somewhat snidely. She was still stinging from the episode at the Bronze last night. Harmony's words had hurt her, quite a lot.

"She's dead," Cordelia said.

"What?" Willow sat up.

"They found her last night sometime after we left the Bronze. She was laying beside her car, fang marks in her neck," Cordelia said, shuddering.

"Damn," Xander cursed. "Some slayer's we are. A vampire killed her right outside while we were dancing."

"I couldn't stand her, but no one deserves to die," Willow said quietly, feeling a bit guilty for the mean thoughts she had had of Harmony.

"Want to know what's even creepier?" Cordelia asked, sitting down on Xander's sofa.

"What?" Xander asked, taking her hand. He hadn't liked Harmony either, but he knew she had at one time been Cordelia's best friend.

"On her forehead? In her own blood, the word Surrender was written. Completely wigs me out," Cordelia said, making a face.

"Surrender?" Willow said softly, her eyes widening. Fear shot through her as she stood, shaking. "I have to go. Have to research....Bye guys."

"What was that about?" Cordelia asked Xander who simply shrugged.

"Who knows with Wills anymore? She's been sort of weird since Buffy left," he said, moving to sit beside her. "Want to watch some TV?"

"I guess," Cordelia said, laying her head against his chest.

********************

Willow easily hacked into the city morgue computer system. She read Harmony's autopsy report seeing that the cause of death had been strangulation, not blood loss. But, there had indeed been two puncture wounds in her neck and the word Surrender written in blood on her forehead. The decree was a random gang attack, she read in disgust. She turned her computer off, backing away from it as her mind ran wild. Harmony was dead. Killed by the same person that was leaving her the notes and gifts. She needed some air. She went onto her balcony, breathing in deep gasp of the warm night air. This was yet something else that was her fault. If Harmony hadn't hurt her the night before, the blonde would still be alive. Willow knew that without a doubt.

She fell to her knees, deep sobs coming from her chest. Why her? Why was this happening to her? Who could be doing this? If he hadn't been sent to hell, she would have believed that Angel was getting revenge against her. But, it didn't fit a revenge scenario. She cursed herself, deciding that only she would pick apart the idea of someone stalking her and murdering a girl that had made her angry. Oh God, what if Xander or Cordelia made her angry and this person killed them? She couldn't stand that idea. She heard her mother calling her down to dinner and hurried down the stairs after wiping her face.

She and her parents ate dinner. She was already tired of them, wishing they would simply leave and go to Berlin early. She heard her mother talking about Xander and how he would never amount to anything and felt herself snap. "Just leave him alone. You don't even know him!"

"I know enough," her mother said, "with those parents of his, he'll be lucky to not end up in a gutter somewhere."

"Well, then, where will I end up? With parents like you?" she asked, hating how her mother was so quick to judge her friends.

"Willow! Apologize to your mother for that tone of voice," her father said.

"No," Willow said, standing. "Why don't you both just go back to where ever you were?"

"Willow Anne Rosenberg, you sit down this instant," her mother said.

"You know, I thought having you both here would be better than being alone, but it isn't. At least when I'm alone I don't have to hear you talk bad about my friends. I don't need either of you, so just go. I know the only reason you are even here is for appearances sake. I'm better. You've met the requirements of what a parent is expected to do," Willow said.

"Fine. With that attitude, it is no surprise that you're alone. I wouldn't want to be around you either," her mother said.

"Sheila," Ira said, sighing. "Willow, we will leave tomorrow. We just thought you might need the support of your parents. I see we were wrong."

"I love you both, but I'm fine. I know you don't want to be here," Willow said.

"You're right. We don't," her mother said. "I hate this town. I apologize for my remarks. I'm sure you know what is best for you. Heaven knows I don't know you anymore."

"I need some air," Willow said, walking into her backyard. Thank God. Her parents were going. She couldn't risk them getting hurt by this person watching her. She went to the swing that was hanging from the tree near the fence. She sat down, lost in her thoughts. Wondering again who it could be and why they had chosen her. What did they want from her? Was she supposed to be flattered that she was being stalked and an enemy had been killed? Maybe if she was truly fucked up it would be a nice compliment, but she couldn't even begin to think that this was a good thing. In the very beginning, she had thought maybe it was a romantic gesture of some sort...that someone was really interested in her. Now, though, she couldn't imagine anyone being in love with enough to kill. Even worse were the fang marks found on Harmony. If her stalker was a vampire, who was it? She became lost in her thoughts, a frown marring her pretty face as she slowly moved the swing in circles.

Unseeing eyes watched her from beside another large tree. A delicate hand suddenly reached down and picked up the doll. Dark eyes looked into blue eyes as a voice asked softly, "Why does my lovey look so sad? I killed that nasty girl that hurt her. Why won't she smile for me? You're a good dolly for watching over her for me. I want to make her smile again. What will make her smile?" Drusilla asked Miss Edith quietly. She suddenly smiled, hearing the whispered words from her dolly and the stars. Her dark eyes found the figure of the girl who had taken her Daddy away...the girl she had come back to Sunnydale to kill...the girl she now wanted to possess for always. She had started wooing her the way her Daddy had wooed her all those years ago. It hadn't worked. If anything, her lovey was now frightened of her. That was not good. One did not surrender ones self to someone they were scared of. At least, that was not the way Drusilla wanted to possess her lovey. No, fear would not enter into their relationship. Willow had taken away her Daddy, leaving a huge spot in her life. Willow was going to fill that hole. Not because she was forced, but because she wanted to be a part of Dru's life. Dru sighed, deciding it would not be good to follow through with her plans to kill Willow's parents as Angelus had killed hers. She would think of something. Maybe the stars would sing to her. Sing a way to get Willow to surrender......Drusilla smiled, sitting on the ground underneath the tree and watching Willow as Miss Edith told her what the girl had done that day.

********************

Willow walked into her house, glad to find it empty. Her parents had left earlier that day for who knew where. She didn't even care. Not really. They were out of the way. That was what was important. She had spent the afternoon at the library, wishing that things had never changed. Wishing that Giles would walk in from his office and scold Buffy for not paying attention. Even that Harmony would walk in to put her down. Thinking of Harmony, she flinched. She felt so guilty, even if she had no definite proof that she was the cause. For all she knew, Harmony had become the victim of a vampire and the person that was watching her had just used it as a macabre way of telling her hello. She couldn't believe that though. She knew, inside, that her whatever he was had killed Harmony. She hated this. Not really knowing who was watching her...who was leaving her those little notes. Maybe she was better off not knowing who it was that was after her. Sometimes not knowing was good.

She walked into the kitchen, turning the light on as she went to make something to eat. She couldn't remember eating anything the day before, and wondered if she had. She wasn't even very hungry, her mind so caught up in everything that had been happening. She had to eat though. She definitely needed her strength, considering that it was up to her, Xander and Cordelia to take care of Sunnydale until Giles returned from this particular pointless journey. She knew Buffy well enough to know that if the slayer didn't want to be found, she wouldn't be found. She was pretty secure in believing that Buffy was fine and could take care of herself. She made herself a peanut butter sandwich and left the kitchen, turning the light off as she headed back into the living room.

She made her way upstairs, turning on her bedroom light as she entered her room. She had stayed at the library until almost dusk, just lost in her thoughts. She felt so alone lately. She had lost everything it seemed. One of her best friends had run away because of her being too late in saving her lover. Another was now searching the country for his lost slayer. And another was slowly pulling away from her, though she couldn't blame him. He had found love, and, despite it being with Cordelia, Willow could not fault him. She just hoped that one day she would be able to find something like he had found. Her attention caught on the roses that were still in the vase on her desk.

Just her luck to finally have someone that seemed interested in her and they turned out be a psycho. Well, so far as she knew. It did seem like this was not a normal case of a love struck secret admirer. She knew in her heart that this person, whoever it was, was not human. She would also wager her savings account that it was a vampire of some sort. From her readings, quite a bit of this entire fiasco seemed much like Angelus. But, even if he had not been sent to hell, she knew it wasn't him. He would have already made it known that he was playing with her. Her parents had been left alive. No, this was not Angelus. Just someone with a similar MO. She sat on her bed, taking a bite of her food as she thought about the reality that was her life. She couldn't force this person to stop what they were doing. She could just sit and wait, knowing that there was nothing she could really do. Hoping that whoever it was would not kill her or her friends. Wishing that whoever it was was not as dangerous as she feared. It was stupid to worry about it, she knew. But, she didn't know what else to do. Until she knew who it was and what they really wanted from her, she would worry and she would be scared. She just didn't understand it really. She knew what she was like. She was not pretty and by no means the type of girl that had a secret admirer. Someone killing the girl that had hurt her, leaving her notes and presents, watching her, following her. Willow knew she was being watched. She had been feeling it for the past few days. Someone in the shadows watching and waiting. Waiting for her inevitable surrender.

********************

Willow sat at the table in the Bronze and listened to Xander and Cordelia bicker. It had been over a week since her parents had left. Each morning, she would wake to find flowers waiting for her on her balcony. Today it had been a bouquet of carnations, one of her favorite flowers. Each one had been white with red tinges around the sides or red with white on the sides. She loved the flowers that had two colors like that, this particular color scheme making her think of fire and ice for some reason. The two blended so wonderfully in the flowers yet would not exist together in reality.

"What do you think, Wills?" Xander asked, looking at his oldest friend and frowning when she did not respond.

"Willow? Earth to Willow," Cordelia said, studying her silent friend. She realized that Willow had been acting rather strange for the past couple of weeks. She had just assumed it was Buffy leaving and everything else that had happened that was occupying the girl's mind. Now, she wasn't so sure. Giles had returned two days before with no slayer in tow. He had left again that morning for Austin, Texas, having received a report that someone in the council had seen someone fitting Buffy's description. In her opinion, it was all rather pointless. There were tons of fake blondes in every city in the world that wore skimpy clothes that could match Buffy's description. She knew it was catty, but she hated what Buffy had done to her friends. Cordelia knew it must have been hell facing someone you loved and killing him, but it was so selfish to run away and leave others to pick up the remains. Buffy had tended to be self involved, in her opinion, and this demonstrated it even more so. Thinking of herself and her own grief and guilt without realizing that it affected everyone. They should have all been helping each other through all of this mess. So, she could admit that she was pissed at Buffy for hurting people that Cordelia had grown to consider friends.

"Hmm?" Willow looked at Cordelia and saw Xander watching her with a frown. "Sorry, I was thinking."

"You were a million miles away," Xander said dryly.

"Well, it was long distance thinking," Willow replied with a smile.

Cordelia laughed, "We were just discussing Giles' trip to Texas. Do you think Buffy is there?"

"No," Willow said honestly. "I think that if Buffy is hiding, she won't be found. I also think that Giles needs to stop wasting his time looking for her. When she wants, she'll come back. Until then, worrying about it is going to do nothing."

"You aren't worrying about her?" Xander asked, seeing the logic in her words.

"Of course I'm worried about her. She's my best friend and she's in pain. She had to kill the love of her life...her soul mate. If she wasn't so strong, I'd be scared to death that she had killed herself. But, I know Buffy. She just needed to get away from all of it, Sunnydale, us, memories, to be able to move past it."

"You think she'll be back before school starts?" Cordelia asked, taking a sip of her soda as she listened to the redhead speak more than she had in weeks.

"I honestly don't know," Willow said with a shrug. "I know there is a chance that she won't ever come back, and in a way I could understand that. But, she's the slayer. I don't think she will ignore her duty, wherever she is now. In the beginning, I worried every day that she would never be back. Now, I know she has to do what is right for her whether it is coming back to Sunnydale, settling in some small town in Kansas or constantly running."

"And you think that is ok? That she left everything here for us to deal with?" Xander asked, curious.

"I didn't say I thought it was OK. I said I could understand it. There isn't a lot we can do about it anyway, so I try to not to dwell on the past," Willow said, sighing. If there was something she could do, she would never have given Angelus his soul back before his death. Or she would have done it correctly the first time. Or she would have made sure that they found out about the clause before Buffy ever made love to Angel. There were too many things she would try to fix in the past if given the opportunity. And, in another way, she wondered if she would change any of them. Things happened for a reason. She had to believe that there was some reason all of this had happened. It was one of the few things that helped her not feel so damn guilty for the part she played in Angel's being sent to hell and Buffy's running away.

"She's right," Cordelia said, looking at her boyfriend. "If Buffy comes back, well, we can deal with it all at that time. If not, the Hellmouth has us to guard it."

"And if that isn't a scary thought," Xander said with a smile.

Willow laughed, "Hey, we're not doing that badly....."

"I'm actually getting into this slaying thing," Cordelia said, with a smile. "I even bought new slaying clothes just for patrol."

"Ah, now we know why Cordy likes it so much. She got to buy new clothes," Xander said, catching her hand as she started to playfully hit him. He pulled her close and kissed her softly. "Love you, Cor."

"Hmmph," Cordelia said, smiling softly. "Love you too, Xan."

"On that sappy note, I think it's time for me to go home," Willow said, standing. She kissed Xander's forehead and said goodbye to them both, assuring them she could make it home safely. She knew her stalker had to be around somewhere. He'd watch out for her and she wouldn't have to disturb her friend's romantic evening. She left the Bronze, walking towards home. She did not notice Drusilla following her home or waiting outside until the light in her room turned on.

********************

Willow looked at the letter and felt tears sliding down her cheeks. She closed her eyes, wishing the words away. But, they were imbedded in her mind. They would not disappear no matter how hard she tried. She dropped the paper, not seeing it float on its way to the floor. She turned, her eyes wet as she opened them and ran towards her back door. She entered the night air, tears streaking across her face. She looked around wildly, needing to see someone. He had to be there. "Please! Are you here? I need to talk....Oh God...please...."

Willow fell to her knees, her tears flowing freely as she began to accept what she had read. "It's my fault....all my fault...."

Drusilla watched her Red cry, not knowing what had happened to hurt the girl. The girl's despair was thick in the air, the scent of her tears reaching Drusilla behind the tree where she sat. She heard the begging and stiffened, wondering how Willow had known she was there. She had to smile, knowing that the girl had no idea for sure, that she was merely hoping. The smile faded as she realized that something horrible must have happened to make Willow react this way. She hesitated, not sure if it was time to reveal herself yet. What if Willow pushed her away in fear? She heard the sobbing and stood, knowing she had to be there for her Willow.

Willow felt cool arms go around her body and closed her eyes. She breathed in the scent of roses and lavender as she felt the comforting embrace. She felt hands rubbing her back as a lilting voice soothed her. She realized who was holding her but did not pull away. If anything, knowing that it was Drusilla, someone sort of familiar in a way, made it easier to accept. She was so upset she didn't even think about why Drusilla wanted her or had been watching her. She simply put her head on the vampire's shoulder and cried.

"Shhh, lovie. Tell me what happened," Drusilla said, her voice soft as if she were speaking to a child.

"She's gone," Willow said, "I killed her. I couldn't help Angel and she had to kill him and now she's dead. It's all my fault."

Dru frowned when she realized what the girl was saying. The slayer had died? She closed her eyes, knowing that in the beginning she, too, had blamed Willow for taking her Daddy away. Now, though, she knew it was not true. "Daddy forced her to kill him. It was not your fault, pretty. You did not force her to run."

"But, she's dead," Willow said, pulling away slightly to look into Drusilla's face for the first time. Goddess, she's beautiful, Willow thought before remembering Buffy. "Giles sent me a letter. He said he couldn't phone...that he was too upset. They found her body yesterday. She's never coming back." "It's not your fault," Drusilla said again, not caring that the slayer was dead. She had never liked the smelly old thing anyway. "She was strong. Had she wanted to survive, she would still be alive."

"She was so upset about losing him," Willow said, crying fresh tears.

"She allowed love to make her weak," Drusilla said, thinking of Spike's deal with the slayer to protect her. He, too, had become weak for love. She frowned, realizing that he had not been weak. He had been smart, stopping their sire from destroying the world. He had just saved her in the process. She could see that now. Her love for Willow had allowed her to see many things differently. "She should have become stronger, but she did not. You had nothing to do with it, my love."

"She's never coming back," Willow said softly, realizing that she should find it odd to be on the ground in her backyard being held by the vampire that had killed Kendra and Harmony. Instead, she felt safe and protected in Dru's arms.

"No, she isn't," Drusilla agreed, running a finger over one cheek, sweeping up the tears that still covered it. "Cry my love. You have not cried at all, have you?"

"No," Willow whispered.

Drusilla smiled, pulling Willow against her tightly as she stroked the girl's red hair. "Then cry."

Willow closed her eyes as the tears fell against Dru's dress. She would deal with the realization that Drusilla was her stalker later. Right now, she had just learned that Buffy was dead and this vampire was offering her comfort and safety when she needed it most. She would deal the repercussions later, when she could think. For now, she was just going to enjoy being held by someone that seemed to care.

********************

Willow woke slowly, feeling to warmth of the cover as she moved her head. She frowned, sitting up and glancing around. She didn't remember coming to bed. The last thing she could remember was being in her backyard, crying about Buffy's death and being held by Drusilla. Her eyes widened slightly as she remembered the beautiful woman's cool arms around her. Drusilla was her admirer. She could honestly say that that was one she never would have expected. Questions entered her mind as she wondered why and how Drusilla had chosen her. They had believed that the dark haired vampire had left with Spike, having heard enough details from Joyce to figure out that blond had helped Buffy. Why had Dru come back?

Willow got her feet, moving to look in her mirror. She sighed, seeing the tear tracks on her face. Her eyes were puffy and red too. She must have cried for hours, stopping to sob out memories of Buffy and the things they had done together. Drusilla had simply held her, cool hands moving over her arms as a sweet lilting voice soothed her worries. Willow didn't know how she had ended up in her own bed, frowning as she vaguely remembered asking Drusilla to hold her while she slept. She must have invited the woman in after that. She felt a slight rush of fear, knowing that now Drusilla could come and go as she pleased. She wondered briefly if she should perform the uninvite spell, but discarded that idea. She had felt no fear from Dru, no threat against her. If Dru wanted her dead, she'd be laying in her backyard right now with her throat split open. No, for some reason Drusilla had let her live. Had, in fact, been watching her for weeks. Again she had to wonder why.

She went to her bathroom, taking a quick shower. Dressing, she caught sight of a picture of her, Buffy and Xander that had been taken shortly after the blond's arrival. Feeling fresh tears, Willow rubbed her eyed, trying to halt them before they could flow. She went downstairs, hearing her stomach growl as she realized she had not eaten since the early the day before. She walked into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of orange juice. She put a piece of bread in the toaster and sat down, waiting for it to brown. She sighed, still not believing that Buffy was dead. The girl was never coming back. From what Giles had said, killed rather painfully in an ambush. Poor Buffy, she thought, her eyes watering. To go through the hell of sending your lover to hell and then to die in such a terrible way. What had Buffy ever done wrong to deserve such a horrible fate? It wasn't fair.

She heard her toast finish and got up and put jelly on it. She sat back down, suddenly not hungry anymore. She nibbled at it, but found no delight in the taste. She found herself wishing she knew where Dru was. It was strange, but last night on the lawn, she had felt a connection with the vampire. She had felt safe in that embrace, cherished, loved. She wanted to feel that again. Needed to feel it again. Yet, she knew it was pointless. Drusilla would find her again when she chose to and not a moment before. She finished her toast, leaving most of it on the napkin. She couldn't eat. Buffy was dead. Giles was devastated. Joyce had already been going crazy with guilt and Willow knew this news might push her best friend's mother over the edge. She sighed softly, knowing that now nothing would ever be the same. There was not a chance of that happening at all. She heard her doorbell and wondered who it could be coming over so early.

She opened the door, crying out as she ran into open arms. "God, Xander!"

"She's really gone," he said so softly she could barely hear him. She felt the tears that she had been stubbornly holding in begin to flow as she cried on his shoulder. They stood there in the doorway, the soft rays of the sun covering them as they both cried for the friend they had lost.

********************

Willow wiped her eyes, looking at her two friends as they also tried to straighten themselves up. "Did Giles mention his plans to you?"

Xander shrugged, "Said something about going to Boston, meeting the new slayer. That was it."

"New slayer?" Willow said, making a face. "No one could take Buffy's place. Goddess, I hope they don't force her to come here."

"I just can't believe she's really gone," Cordelia said, shaking her head slowly. "I mean, I'll be the first to admit that we were never really friends, but I respected her. I don't think she deserved to die like that."

"She gave up," Xander said, running a hand over his face. "This is my fault. If I had just told her that night about the spell, she could have stalled Angelus or something. She'd still be alive."

"Stop it," Willow said, taking his free hand. "If anyone is to blame, it is me. I'm the one that fucked up the spell the first time. BUT, none of this is either of our faults. It isn't Buffy's either. She didn't choose to fall in love with Angel. It just happened." She sighed, looking at their joined hands, "Sometimes things go beyond our control and we're left dealing with them."

"Why didn't you call us last night?" Cordelia asked quietly, looking at the redhead. "Giles phoned me about eleven, and I tried calling but there was no answer. I thought you must be with Xander, but when I got to his place, he was alone."

"I was outside," Willow said. "It was just too much, you know? I still feel so guilty, and wanted to blame myself for everything. I just needed to cry I guess."

"You shouldn't have been alone," Xander said, squeezing her hand. "That's why we're here. You've been trying to push us away for the past few weeks, Wills. We aren't going anywhere. We're your best friends. Well, I am at least. Delia tolerates you."

"Hey! Watch it geek, boy," Cordelia said, watching the redhead smile. "He's right, Willow. You may not want us around, but we aren't going anywhere. And this isn't your fault. I don't really think it is anyone's fault. Right now, we're all we have."

"Thanks," Willow said sincerely. She had been living with her doubts for weeks, but hearing her friends stick up for her, well, it made her feel relieved in a way. Almost as comforting as Drusilla's arms and soft voice had been. "I guess it is just us, at least until Giles returns."

"IF he returns," Xander said quietly. He sighed, "I mean, talking to him last night, well, he didn't sound like our Giles. He sounded unGileslike."

"He's taking this hard," Willow said softly. "He just lost Jenny and now Buffy. She was like a daughter to him, not just his slayer. I wish he was here. I'd feel better if he was here."

"You want us to stay over tonight?" Cordelia asked, not really wanting to be home alone after finding out about Buffy's death.

"Guys," Xander interrupted suddenly, his face pale. He looked between them, having to ask, "How are we going to control Sunnydale if they find out Buffy's dead? I mean, no slayer. It's going to be party time for the demons, won't it?"

"Goddess," Willow sighed, making a face, "I'd not even thought about that. I was too busy trying to deal with losing Buffy. If the new slayer isn't sent here, there's no way we can fight it all alone. We can try, but we'll die."

"Great positive speech, there Will," Cordelia said, "I don't want to die. I'm young and beautiful and rich. I can't die."

"Angelus is gone so that's of the good," Xander said, looking at Cordy. "You won't die, honey. We're scoobies. We can do something, I hope."

"I almost wish Spike was still here. At least he could have kept the demons and vamps under some sort of control," Willow said, suddenly sitting up. "Wait. That's it."

"What? Spike's not here," Xander said, watching his friend smile.

"No, but someone just as evil and sadistic is," Willow said. "I wonder if it would work. Maybe they'd all think Spike was coming back and would be scared enough of him to not make such a big mess."

"Ok, confused here," Cordelia said, "What the fuck are you talking about?"

"Guys, you promise to listen to me, don't you?" Willow asked, looking at them both. "You'll keep an open mind and hear me out before freaking?"

"Damn it Willow. Just tell us," Xander said.

"I wasn't alone last night," Willow said softly, chewing on her bottom lip. "Actually, I don't think I've really been alone in weeks. I've had an admirer of sorts, just watching me and keeping me safe."

"God," Cordelia whispered, wondering why the girl hadn't said anything.

"I was scared until last night. Didn't know who it was but I knew it was a vampire," Willow explained.

"You were being stalked by a vampire and didn't feel the need to share that?" Xander asked, "What the hell were you thinking?"

"I wasn't scared for me, Xander. I was scared for anyone close to me. I knew I was safe," she said, wondering if they could accept this. Didn't really matter, in many ways. They were gonna have to deal with it. "I've never felt so safe or loved."

"That's real great," Xander said, feeling hurt that she hadn't mentioned this to them. "So, you think this guy can scare all the bad little demons and vampires into being good until the new slayer arrives?"

Willow shrugged, "I think I'd be scared if I were them, but I can't swear it. I don't really see much of another option though."

"Like we have a choice," Cordelia muttered before looking at the redhead. "It sounds like a good plan to me, if it works. So, when do we get to meet Mr. Tall, Dark and Undead?"

"Hey, wait a minute. Who said he's tall and dark?" Xander asked, wondering if Cordelia had known when he hadn't. He glanced at Willow, "Is he?"

Willow shook her head, "Guys, there is one other thing you might need to know...."

"What?"

"Well, it's not a he," Willow said, smiling slightly as her friends both looked at her wide eyed. "Actually, it's Drusilla."

********************

Drusilla looked at the two teenagers, listening to their racing hearts and the scent of their fear was making her smile. Her dark eyes moved to find Willow sitting on the edge of a large chair, an uncertain look on her pretty face. She knew this meant a lot to her lovey so she would be nice. Glancing at the other two, she sighed, knowing it would be difficult.

"So, you're Drusilla?" Cordelia said, her tone cautious. She looked over the woman, her eyes narrowing, "I don't think we've met. You see, when you attacked the library and killed Kendra, I was running for help."

Drusilla smiled, "Yes, I am Drusilla. And I will not apologize for killing the slayer. It is in my nature to kill those that threaten me or mine."

"Why does that not make me feel safe and fuzzy?" Xander asked, casting a worried look at Willow.

"She's not going to kill you, Xander," Willow said, smiling a reassuring smile before glancing at Dru, "Are you?"

"No I won't harm your friends," Dru said, her eyes softening as she looked at the girl that had stolen her heart. "That would hurt you, and I would not want that at all."

"Why can't our lives ever be normal?" Cordelia asked no one in particular. In less than a week, they had found out a friend of theirs had been killed, another was moving to Boston and that another was being seduced by a gorgeous female vampire. She should have moved to Miami when she had the chance instead of begging her parents to remain in Sunnydale back when she was ten. Miami had lots of sun, which must mean hardly any vampires. But, now, she knew about demons. Demons didn't need darkness. Damn, guess she was better off staying in Sunnydale.

"They are, for Sunnydale," Xander said, moving his arm around his girlfriend's shoulders and squeezing, his eyes still watching Drusilla to make sure she didn't look at his neck.

"Yeah, I mean, look at you two," Willow said, giggling slightly at the glares they gave her. "What? You're both human and in love. For our gang, that's amazing. Goddess, I miss Buffy."

"Yeah, it doesn't seem that she's really gone," Xander said, his moment of happiness fading slightly as he thought of the slayer, so recently fallen.

"Stop it," Cordelia said. "We promised not to cry. Buffy would not want us to be sad. She wasn't into that whole mourning and ruining our mascara thing."

"You're right, well, except for that mascara thing," Willow said, smiling.

"Hey, at least we've got each other," Xander said, smiling softly.

"You both care about my Willow," Drusilla said softly, studying them both. The three teens jumped at her soft words, having forgotten her presence for the moment. Her lips curved into a slow smile as she cocked her head to the side, listening. "You are going to do wonderful things. Keeping things nice and tidy and fighting the nasties. The three of you shall be a great force."

"Just the three of us?" Willow asked quietly, watching the woman that had been such a comfort over the past week.

"There will be more," Dru said, her eyes clouding slightly. "The stars speak of six that shall keep the Hellmouth safe. United for eternity to fight evil and protect all that is good."

"Does she do this often?" Cordelia whispered, watching the woman stare into space, listening to something that none of them could hear.

"I don't know," Willow said softly, moving beside Drusilla. She took the woman's cool hand and squeezed, waiting until Drusilla's eyes blinked at her, the cloud fading as they cleared.

"Did I frighten you, Willow-mine?" Dru asked.

"No, I was just worried about you," Willow said.

"That was rather spooky," Xander said, watching Willow and Drusilla, realizing that there was indeed something between the two women.

"Yeah, complete outer limits," Cordelia said, shuddering.

"What did they say? I mean, that made no sense," Willow said, looking at Dru.

"It all will in time," Drusilla said quietly, never understanding what the stars meant until it was time for her to understand. "The stars never lie, though they may sound confused at times."

"So, we're going to do good things?" Xander said, smiling slightly at that idea.

"Maybe," Willow said, shrugging. "Let's not worry about all that right now."

"So, Drusilla," Cordelia started, deciding to get down to serious business. "Would you like to go shopping?"

"I'd love to," Dru said, "as long as my Willow-pet goes too."

"I'll go, if Xander does," Willow said, grinning as the boy groaned.

"I hate shopping. And shopping with Cordy is worse than anything," Xander said, "Please don't make me?"

"Xander, get that cute little ass up and at 'em, we're going to the mall!" Cordelia said, kissing her boyfriend's cheek.

********************

"So Giles is back in London?" Cordelia said.

Willow nodded, looking up from the email she had received, "Yes. He said that he can't handle another slayer. Teaching her and waiting for her inevitable death. He sounds happier than he has lately. I guess that's something."

"It's been three months," Xander said thoughtfully. "When did he go back to London?"

"A couple of weeks ago. He said that he met the new slayer and that she's nothing like Buffy. He also said that she seems strong and knows how to fight. A bit wild but she gets the demons slain. The council is keeping her in Boston for the time being but Giles says he's heard she will be going to a new hellmouth in Atlanta soon." Willow set the print out on the table, looking at her friends. "Guess it's just going to be us from now on."

"Good. We don't need another slayer," Cordelia said.

"Yeah, no one could take Buffy's place," Xander said quietly.

"Did you finish your homework?" Drusilla asked from her place beside Willow.

"Yes, Mom. Read all the chapters and even did the extra credit," Xander said with a smile at the vampire.

"Same here, Dru," Cordelia said, "Didn't even ask Wills for help."

"And you, Bella?" Drusilla asked her lover of the past three months.

"Didn't have any," Willow said, leaning back against the vampire.

"Yeah, her teacher's are nice and know that Friday means a weekend," Xander said, rolling his eyes. "We get stuck with the teachers that don't care."

"Actually, I just got most of mine done during study hall," Willow said with a smile at her old friend. "We have most of the same teachers this year."

"That's our Willow. Always thinking ahead," Cordelia said, getting to her feet. "I'm hungry. Anyone else want?"

"We can go for dinner," Drusilla said, standing also. "Celebrate the upcoming weekend."

"We can say a toast for Giles. Wish him luck with his future," Xander said, hoping that the watcher found the peace he was searching for.

"That would be nice," Willow said with a small smile. She got to her feet and followed Drusilla into the hallway of the mansion. Their family had taken over the old mansion that Angelus had used. True, they had completely redone everything, making it a lighter, happier place. It was home for all four of them now, had been for several months. She honestly doubted any of their families had even noticed that they had moved out. Cordelia and Xander each had their own room, but she had noticed that they were starting to spend more and more time together. She knew from a whispered conversation with Cordelia that her two friends had taken their relationship to the next level just three weeks before, right after school had started.

She and Drusilla shared a large suite on the second floor near the back. There was a king size bed that Dru had told her had belonged to Angelus. She knew that her lover had shared the bed with Spike and Angelus. She and Dru had spent an entire day just talking right after they had started their relationship. She had learned everything about the vampire's past, the good and the bad. She had heard the devotion and love that Drusilla felt for Spike and Angelus. With Dru's words, she had learned of a different Angelus, one that had not been in Sunnydale. She had also learned of the hatred that Dru felt towards the man that had just been sent to hell. It was strange that one man could bring out such contradictory emotions, but from what she had heard, he had been different after losing his soul. Either way, her lover missed her sire and brother.

"Can we get Italian?" Xander asked as he headed out behind Dru and Willow.

"Marcurio's?" Cordelia said, mentioning a bistro they frequented weekly.

"Yes, that would be fine," Drusilla said, nodding. "After dinner, we can patrol."

"That Larghias demon is gone, isn't it?" Xander asked as he put his arm around Cordelia's shoulders.

"Yeah, he's gone," Willow said, remembering her and Dru's little talk with the demon that had come to Sunnydale intending to take over the former hellmouth. "And I don't think he'll be back anytime soon."

"Another score for our side," Xander said with a laugh.

"Like you're keeping track," Willow said, smiling at him as they walked towards Marcurio's.

"I am," Cordelia said. "Something to remind me how many times we've escaped death. Sort of a tally sheet of sorts."

"That's a good way of looking at it," Willow remarked, knowing that they had been lucky. There had been some close calls, a few times she hadn't known for certain that they would survive. But they had. Even without a slayer, they were gaining a reputation. Demons had heard their names, knew they were dangerous. She had been learning magic from Drusilla as had the others. They had learned the basic spells, several coming to their aid during patrols. They had also been training a lot, learning new fighting techniques and sparring. She still missed Buffy, but life moved on. She was happier than she had ever been. In love with Drusilla, she had two great friends she loved dearly, they were fighting evil and actually making a difference with each win, plus she was a senior. She took Dru's hand, leaning over and brushing a kiss across her lover's lips. "Time to eat."

Across the street, a cigarette was thrown into the gutter. Another was lit, casting a soft glow over a scowling face. Blue eyes watched Drusilla laugh and kiss the redhead, her face smiling and happier than he had ever seen. Eyes narrowed as the two girls kissed, their touch gentle and tender, love evident even to him. He had searched for her for months, all over the damn world only to find her in the place they had left. The one place he had never thought of looking. Sunnydale. And not only had he finally found his Princess, but he had found her involved with some pretty little redhead. A human of all damn things, albeit a cute little spitfire. Spike moved out of the shadows, stepping into the street to follow his Princess and her little pet. He was confused at the moment, not understanding what had happened to his love. But, he would watch and wait and hopefully all of his questions would be answered. He smiled as he watched Drusilla, finally feeling a bit of peace after three miserable months.

********************

Willow looked at Drusilla's face over the table, seeing the faint frown bathed in candlelight. Her lover had been on edge since they had been seated at Marcurio's, remaining quiet and thoughtful with a few glances at the doorway. Something was happening in the vampire's mind and Willow felt left out. Her green eyes looked down at her plate of lasagna as she listened to Xander and Cordelia tell Drusilla about their day in school.

This had become a routine of sorts over the past months. They always had their meals together. It was never mentioned, never pointed out, just sort of understood. It was a time that they were a family, a real family, sharing and talking and just being together. Even at school, she, Cordelia and Xander always met for lunch. During the years before, it had been common for them to eat together but there had been times they had all gone their separate ways. Not any more. It seemed that Buffy's death had provided them with a bond, a realization that life was short and that they weren't invincible. Being together, well, it was a way of savoring their friendship and each other whenever possible. They had even arranged almost identical schedules. Six out of eight classes were shared by the three of them. They always sat together, except in Miss Jossen's class. The elderly teacher still believed in arranging students alphabetically so they were scattered in three different directions in that class. But, she could still look over and see them both. It put her at ease in a way.

No one at school knew about Buffy. None of them cared. They just knew that their group of four had turned into three and that there was a new school librarian, though not many even knew that. Before school had started, Willow and Xander had broken in while Drusilla and Cordelia had stood look out, taking all of Giles' books and mementos from the place that he would never return. She had packed up a box of personal items and sent it to him, sending it to Boston because he had not told her that he had returned to London. It seemed that he had forgotten, only remembering when he had received the package forwarded from the watcher in Boston. She really hoped that he found the happiness that had eluded him in London. He had been almost a father to them for two years, he deserved to be happy.

The touch of a cool hand brought her from her thoughts. She looked up and smiled, seeing Drusilla watching her. It was strange, loving a vampire. The fact that her vampire was another woman really didn't bother her as much as she knew it should have. She still didn't really consider herself gay. Drusilla was the first female that had ever caused these feelings in her, was actually still the only one. She was still attracted to men, she was just now open minded enough to also find women attractive too. No biggie, as Cordy would say. It was her life and she really hated to put a label on it so she didn't bother. Now, the fact that Dru was dead, well, that was a bit tougher to come to terms with. She had, of course, from the moment she realized that it was love. She had always had these preconceived notions about what vampires were like, what they felt like, all that stuff. Dru had blown them all out of the water. Maybe her being female did have something to do with that, but Willow doubted it. It was just Dru. Cool to touch, but not cold. The lack of breathing still caught her by surprise sometimes, usually when she was laying awake before getting up for school. She liked to lay there and watch Drusilla sleep, liked the freedom to study her lover. She was so very beautiful. So gentle, tender, intelligent, patient, yet at the same time, she was cunning, ruthless, dangerous, protective and possessive. For Willow, all these things, the good and the bad, made Drusilla Drusilla. She loved them all, though she still got a bit frightened when watching Drusilla fight. That reminded that she was in love with a vampire always managed to cause her heart to pound just a wee bit harder. But, Dru controlled the demon so well. Not at all the insane, loopy woman she had heard about from Angel. True, there was a bit of childlike wonder in Dru's eyes at times, and true she had that connection to the stars, but Drusilla was one of the most insightful and brilliant people Willow had ever met. You just had to pay attention.

"Are you enjoying your visit?" Dru asked softly, a small smile crossing her lips as she watched her lover lost in thought.

"Of course," Willow smiled back, "I always enjoying visiting my thoughts."

"What are you two whispering about?" Xander asked as he took the last bite of his breadstick.

"If we had wanted you to hear, we would have spoken up," Willow pointed out with a raised brow.

"No secrets," Cordelia reminded, wraggling her finger as she took a bite of her spaghetti.

"I was just telling Willow that I can't wait to get her home so that I can lay her out on the bed and feast on her sweet juices as she cries out for more," Drusilla said in a smug tone as Cordelia started to choke on her bite and Xander's face turned red as he took a long drink of his soda.

"Dru!" Willow cried out, her face flaming almost to the same tone of her hair.

"Sorry I asked," Cordelia muttered, trying her best to compose herself as she glared at the smug vampire.

"So did not need that image in my head," Xander said, cursing his instant erection. He could see Willow laid out with Drusilla's head buried between her legs, her green eyes dazed with passion as she begged her lover for more. Shaking his head, he pushed that particular fantasy from his mind as he took another long, cold drink wishing that he could put it on his lap. Living with three gorgeous women, all of whom he found sexually attractive and that he loved in his own way, was torture pure and simple. It got worse with every passing day, especially now that he and Cordelia had made love. His hormones were always running wild and he could often hear the sounds of Willow and Drusilla having sex, something that didn't help his growing feelings for all of his women. He was a bad, bad boy.

"I can't believe you," Willow said, laughing as she shook her head. She glanced at her friends, seeing that Cordelia was pushing her food around her plate, her dark eyes thoughtful as she stared at the candle. She glanced at Xander, surprised to see her best friend looking at her with something very akin to lust in his chocolate brown eyes. Her eyes widened as his eyes moved over her neck and breasts in a purely masculine way, appreciation in their depths before they moved to look at her lover in the same way. She watched him then look at Cordelia as a satisfied smile crossed his handsome face. What the hell was Xander thinking? She wished she knew. Then again, she was probably better off not knowing.

"I might not have said it, but it was what I was thinking," Drusilla said with a smile as she brought Willow's hand to her mouth. She touched the warm flesh, running her tongue over it as she again felt the prickling on the back of her neck. She stood, bringing Willow to her feet as she said, "Let's go." Someone was watching them, studying them, had been for hours. And she knew who it was. The identity scaring her but also exciting her. She had dreamed of the two loves of her life meeting, exploring each other, enjoying each other, but never thought it might actually happen. Now, she couldn't resist the hope. Her childe had found her. Spike was home.

********************

"Something is bothering you."

Drusilla looked at her lover and smiled, moving her hand over Willow's cheek, "You worry, bella."

Willow smiled sheepishly, "I'm sorry. It's just, you've been so quiet tonight. I thought you might want to talk."

"Do not apologize for caring. My mind is chaotic at the moment," Drusilla said, her fingers tracing over Willow's lips. "So many thoughts. I fear my head may explode."

"Shh, maybe you're just tired," Willow said, smiling as she ran her tongue over Dru's finger. "You've not been sleeping well the past few days."

"The shadows have shadows," Drusilla said softly, her eyes clouding over as she spoke in a quiet voice. "I am ever so confused."

"About what?" Willow asked, chewing on her bottom lip as she studied Dru.

Drusilla looked into Willow's eyes, her own brown ones clearing up as she smiled, "My past and my future are becoming blurred. Things that I have imagined may come true, but I am no longer certain of exactly what I want."

"Dru?" Willow said her name softly.

"Pretty pet, I've made you more confused than I," Drusilla whispered. "And the worst is still to come."

"The worst?" Willow repeated.

"Do not worry, my love. All shall make sense soon," Drusilla said leaning over and brushing her lips against Willow's. She pulled away, her fingers moving into Willow's hair. "Are you happy?"

"Very happy," Willow said honestly. "I love it here, with you and Xander and Cordelia. I miss Buffy and Giles, but nothing will ever bring back that time. And, in a way, I wouldn't want to go back to that. I like where I am now."

"I like where you are now, too," Drusilla said with a smile as her hand moved along Willow's breast.

"Yeah, that's nice," Willow said with a small moan. "What are you thinking about now?"

"You," Drusilla said with a smile as her hand squeezed Willow's breast. "Always you, my love," she said as she caught Willow's lips in a kiss, thoughts forgotten as hands began to move.

********************

"You miserable bastard! Do you see what you made me do?" Cordelia yelled at the vampire, her eyes blazing with anger. She moved forward, thrusting a tree branch into his heart. She smiled in satisfaction as he exploded into a cloud of dust.

"Bravo," Willow said, clapping as the cheerleader turned and gave them a big smile.

"Very well done, though a tad dramatic," Drusilla said with a smile.

"Way to focus that anger, Delia," Xander said, kissing his lover.

"I *am* getting better at this staking thing, aren't I?" she said, pleased with herself. Looking at her hand, she scowled. "I can't believe I broke my nail!"

"Be glad he didn't break your pretty little neck," Willow said, rolling her eyes.

"You think my neck is pretty?" Cordelia asked with a large smile.

"Is anyone hungry?" Xander asked, listening as his stomach rumbled.

"I'm famished," Cordelia said, leaning her head against him. "Fighting vampires takes a lot of energy."

"Why don't we grab some take out then head home?" Willow suggested. "We can watch a movie and just be lazy."

"Being lazy sounds great," Xander said, winking at his best friend.

"You three run along ahead," Drusilla said quietly, looking at Willow with a strange statement on her pretty face.

"Dru, is something wrong?" Willow asked, noting that she had asked that question a lot the past few days.

"Of course not, Bella. I'm hungry and would rather not have an audience," Drusilla said with a smile.

"OK," Willow said, accepting Drusilla's explanation. "We'll probably get burgers. Did you plan to meet us at home?"

"Yes, at home," Drusilla said, leaning forward and brushing her lips against Willow's. Pulling back, she said, "Be careful."

"Always," Willow said with a smile as she joined Xander and Cordelia, three leaving the cemetery lost in conversation.

Drusilla waited until they had disappeared from sight before she turned, saying, "Come out, come out wherever you are."

A lit cigarette landed at her feet as Spike came out from the shadows. He looked at her, smiling as he said, "Hey, Mom. I'm home."

********************

"Spike," Drusilla said softly, her eyes moving over her childe.

"It's been months. Don't I even get a hug?" he asked, his eyes flashing with worry that she wouldn't be glad to see him.

She smiled, seeing the insecurity in his beautiful eyes. He was always so arrogant, so cocky, yet, deep down, he was scared and unsure. His complexity had always made her love him even more. She opened her arms, saying, "Give Momma a hug."

He smiled, moving into her arms and hugging her tight. He closed his eyes, resting his head against her shoulder, "I missed you, Princess."

She pulled back, her dark eyes looking over his face, "Why are you here, Spike?"

"I need a reason?" he asked, running a hand through his short hair. "Since when?"

"You've never needed a reason," she said softly, "I was just curious. Why now? Why not sooner?"

"Took me a while to find you," he admitted. "Never thought you'd come back here, of all places. Heard about the slayer, thought you might have come back here to find him," he spat out the last word.

"I did not return for my Angel," Drusilla said softly.

"Then why the bloody hell did you come back here?" he asked, looking into her eyes.

"For my Willow," she said simply, an affectionate smile crossing her face.

"The redhead," he said, a rush of jealousy consuming him. "Some silly little mortal?"

"She is not silly," Drusilla said, her eyes narrowing. "She is my mate."

Spike snorted, "I'm your mate, pet. Or was I that easily replaced?"

"You have not been replaced, Spike," she said quietly, "but she is also my mate."

"You'd rather have her than me? Is that it?" he asked, a sulk crossing his face. "I can kill her, get rid of the competition easy enough. Maybe shag the tight little bitch first, bust her cherry before ripping her damn head off."

Drusilla struck him, knocking him backwards. His hand moved to his cheek, his blue eyes looking at her in confusion, "She is mine," Drusilla repeated quietly, her eyes flashing yellow. She moved forward, her hand on his shoulder as she pushed him to his knees. "Who do you belong to, Spike?"

"You hit me," he said, looking up into her face. He felt himself harden at the look in her eyes, the possessiveness and anger.

"Who owns you?" she repeated, running her fingernail along his cheek.

"You do," he whispered, moving his face towards her hand.

"Who do you obey?"

"You," his eyes looked into hers.

"Do not cross me, Spike," she warned, her hold tightening. "I will forgive you for aiding the slayer against my sire, against your grandsire, because I know it was to save me. My new family means the world to me. If you harm them or Willow, if you even think about harming Willow, I will kill you so slowly that you will pray for death, that you will curse the day you ever met me. Do you understand?"

"Red's off limits," he said, hating that she knew how turned on he was by her dominance. Drusilla rarely displayed the strength and power that he knew she possessed, but when she did, he would find himself so aroused it almost hurt.

"Good boy," she whispered, seeing the flare in his nostrils, smelling his obvious arousal. She smiled as she moved to a tombstone and sat down, spreading her legs and lifting her skirt. She had grown since she had seen him last, enjoyed the power a bit more. Looking at him, she saw his eyes focused on her face, not looking between her legs. She ran her finger over her slit, feeling the dampness already there. "Spikey...."

"Yes, sire?" he said, her sweet arousal perfume to him.

"Show Momma how much you missed her," Drusilla said, her hand holding onto the tombstone as his head was quickly between her thighs, his tongue tasting her. Her head fell back as she looked at the stars, seeing them smile down on her.

********************

Willow glanced at the clock again, a frown on her pretty face. She looked at Cordelia and Xander and said, "It's been nearly three hours. Where is she?"

"Honey, she said she had to eat," Cordelia reminded the redhead, knowing it was a rather weak statement, but not entirely sure how to respond. "Maybe it took her a little longer to find dinner."

"She's fine," Xander said. "Dru can take care of herself. She's not about to get herself killed."

"She said she wouldn't be very long," Willow said, chewing on her bottom lip. "I hate when she goes hunting. It makes me feel so helpless."

"Come here," Cordelia patted the couch beside her, hugging her friend as the redhead sat down. "Xander is right. Drusilla is smart. She's not going to get herself into any situation that she can't control. After all, she knows that you're here waiting for her."

"What if she stumbled onto something and got herself hurt? Maybe we should go out looking for her?" Willow suggested, resting against Cordelia.

"She'd be waiting for us to return and would probably be really pissed," Xander said. "I don't like making Drusilla angry, Wills. Her glare is worse than Giles ever could imagine."

"Why don't we turn on the TV?" Cordelia said. "Maybe find some silly cartoons that will make you laugh until she gets home?"

"Thanks, but I think I'll go on the porch to wait," Willow said, getting to her feet as her green eyes again looked at the clock. She turned suddenly when she heard the door, a smile crossing her pretty face. "She's home!"

"Like we haven't been telling her that would happen," Xander muttered, glaring at Cordelia as his lover threw a pillow at him.

"Where have you been?" Willow demanded as Drusilla entered the room. Her smile faded slightly as she saw her lover's mussed hair and swollen lips. She started to shake her head, denial on her lips though she could also see the torn dress. This had to be a nightmare. She said softly, "No....."

"Lovey," Drusilla said quietly, frowning as she felt a strange emotion that was unfamiliar to her. She shifted as Willow's green eyes looked at her filled with hurt and denial. "Let me explain."

"Who was it?" Willow asked. "Who?"

"Love what you've done with the place. Bit too colorful for my taste though," Spike said lazily as he moved into the doorway, leaning against the wood. He tossed the redhead a smirk before moving his eyes over his beautiful sire. "Ready for bed, Princess? I'm about worn out."

********************

"Spike," Willow whispered the name, knowing now that this had to be a nightmare. She had often dreamed of the blonde coming to town and taking Drusilla from her. Now, it seemed that it had finally happened.

"Bella," Drusilla entered the room, raising her hands to touch Willow. Her eyes widened when Willow moved away from her. She glanced at Spike in confusion then looked back at Willow. "Willow, what is it?"

"Why?" Willow asked, looking at her lover as she blinked away tears. "Was I not good enough? I knew it wouldn't last. It was all just a dream. Just some silly dream. It's always been him, hasn't it? Did you ever love me?"

"I do love you," Drusilla said, studying her lover. "You are my mate. Why do you say you are not good enough? What wouldn't last, lovey? You make no sense."

"I don't make sense?" Willow laughed a bit hysterically. "You claim you love me yet you've been with him? I don't understand your kind of love, Dru. You fucked him! Then you come here and ask me what's wrong?"

"He is my childe, Willow," Drusilla said softly, slowly. "My love for you does not change my bond with him. I have not seen him for months. He came to be with me, lovey."

"How can it not change it?" Willow demanded, not understanding why Drusilla had had sex with Spike. "I have a bond with Xander. Does that mean you wouldn't care if I went out and fucked him?"

"If it made you happy, I would not mind," Drusilla answered, clearly confused by Willow's behavior.

Willow looked at her in shock, "You're serious, aren't you? You wouldn't care if I fucked someone else?"

"I would care, but I would not object if it was what you wanted," Drusilla said. She looked at Spike and said in a soft voice, "I do not understand."

Spike snorted, "This is what you get for playing with a human, luv. Fuck them then kill them. That's me motto. None of these dramatics. The little chit has her knickers in a twist cause you and I shagged, Princess. In her little box of a world, it's not good for lovers to shag other people."

"Oh," Drusilla looked at Willow, "I did not realize that it would upset you. He's my only childe, Willow. I could never turn him away. I thought you understood that."

"I thought you meant he could stay in a room here if he ever showed up. Not that you'd fuck him God knows where!" Willow cried out, hating that even now she wanted nothing more than to hold Drusilla. She looked at the floor and said quietly, "I wish you had told me first."

"Would it have changed things?" Drusilla asked, studying her lover. She noticed that Xander and Cordelia had left the room, giving them privacy for their argument.

"Not really. And I don't want you to have to ask permission," Willow said, shaking her head as she looked up, "I just can't deal with this. I'm not a vampire, Drusilla. I can't just accept that you had sex with someone that means so much to you."

"You cannot leave me," Drusilla said, knowing that she would do whatever necessary not to lose Willow.

"You mean," Willow faltered slightly, looking from Spike back to Dru, "you're not leaving me?"

"Silly girl, I've told you already. I love you. You are my mate. Spike is also my mate, though. Can you accept him and his position in my life?" Drusilla asked, adding softly, "He has agreed to accept you and to keep you safe."

"I don't know," Willow said truthfully. She knew that Drusilla would not let her go. She had never seen the true ruthless side of her lover, but she knew it existed. Now, Cordelia and Xander were also involved. She would have to get over her dislike of Spike being in Dru's life whether she liked it or not. "I need time. It's too much too soon. I can't deal with this now."

"Willow, you knew who I was when you fell in love with me," Drusilla reminded softly.

"I know," Willow laughed weakly. "I just forgot it seems. Please, give me a chance to understand."

"You shall have your time," Drusilla said with a smile. "Come, pet. Let's go to bed. Spike, you shall stay in the room next door to ours."

"Just bloody great. Silly human gets time and you and all I get is an empty bed?" Spike glared.

"You get to live," Drusilla said simply, reminding him that he had betrayed her sire and that she was still allowing him to take a place in her new life. She hugged Willow, noticing that the girl stiffened slightly and moved away from her just a bit. With a sigh, she said, "You're tired, lovey. Let's get some sleep."

********************

"Has she said anything to you?"

Cordelia looked up from her book, shaking her head, "I'm sorry. She's been pretty quiet the last couple of days. She hardly talks to me or Xander."

Drusilla sighed, "It is my fault. I did something, I just don't understand what."

"Dru, you slept with Spike," Cordelia said, "what don't you understand about that?"

"I don't understand why she won't let me touch her," Drusilla said sharply, her eyes narrowing. "She moves away from my touch, sleeps with a blanket between us, showers when I sleep. She's gone before I wake and rarely speaks to me when we are together."

"You had sex with Spike," Cordelia laughed weakly. "Willow's confused. She loves you, risked losing her friends to be with you. Right now, with Spike coming back into your life, she has no idea where she belongs. She thinks she might lose you, that you prefer him over her, I don't know. She's always had these esteem issues, even when we were kids. She has to be threatened by Spike. Add to that the fact that if Xander fucked around on me, I'd force feed him his dick, and you have a bit of an idea of how we humans feel about our partners having sex with other people."

"She is angry at me for having sex with Spike," Drusilla said, making a gesture, "yet she has known of my feelings for my childe from the beginning. She knows of his place in my life, his importance to me. It does not diminish the love that I feel for her. Why should she feel threatened by something she always knew existed?"

"Don't ask me anymore," Cordelia begged. "I'm trying to finish this chapter for history. I have no idea what makes Willow do what she does. I already told you my thoughts. I think she's hurt and confused and unsure right now. Probably a bit jealous because she *does* know how you feel about Spike. You're the first person she's even been involved with romantically. Willow can be a bit possessive, which isn't a bad thing. It's just, she hated sharing Xander with me when we first started dating and they were just friends. Think about it."

"I apologize for taking you from your studies. She will not talk to me about this," Drusilla said, groaning. "I feel that I should be doing something, but I have no idea what. I cannot lose her, Cordelia, but I will also not give up Spike."

"I don't know what to tell you," Cordelia said softly, "I wish I had the answer, but I don't. This whole vampire dynamic family mating thing is way beyond my understanding. I just know that Willow is trying her best to deal with all of this. If she won't talk to you, make her. No hurting though!"

"I'd never hurt Willow," Drusilla said, sighing as she said, "though it would appear that I have."

"Go find her, do some bonding and major talking. Let her know that Spike isn't going to replace her in your life," Cordelia suggested, "let me finish reading this chapter."

Drusilla smiled slightly, "Of course. Finish your homework. I'll find her and see if she's ready to talk."

"Good luck," Cordelia said before going back to her reading.

********************

"What the fuck is your problem?"

Willow jumped as the voice reached her from the shadows of the trees. She glared when she saw Spike, "Go away."

"Sorry, luv. I've got a few things to say to you," he said, flicking ashes from his cigarette at her feet.

"I don't want to hear anything you have to say," she said crossly, blaming him for ruining her wonderful life.

"Sit down, sweetcakes. You're listening if I have to tie your pretty little ass to the bench," Spike threatened, frowning slightly as he found that image rather pleasurable despite his dislike of the redhead bitch.

"Fine. Talk," she said, deciding that she didn't know Spike well enough to force the issue.

"You're hurting Drusilla, you selfish bitch," he said calmly. "If you persist on tormenting her, I will be forced into action."

"What?" she looked at him in surprise. "Dru's hurt?"

"As if you didn't know," he rolled his eyes. "Cutting her off, not touching her, ignoring her. Stupid, childish games. None of it's gonna change the fact that I am her childe, that she loves me, that she will continue to fuck me. It will only result in pissing me off, making me renege my promise to Mum that I wouldn't torture you, and most likely making me beat and shag you until you beg her to touch you with pleasure in mind instead of pain. Got it?"

"She wouldn't let you," Willow said softly, not at all convinced that Drusilla wouldn't watch Spike torture her. Her lover seemed to enjoy many different games, this possibly being one of them.

"Wouldn't she?" Spike said, pouncing on the doubt he saw in her lovely green eyes. "She loves to watch me shag, pet. Already told me how she'd love to see us together, her pretty little pets going at it like wild animals. Don't tell me she wouldn't let me have you, especially if she could watch."

"You're lying," Willow denied, shaking her head. "Drusilla would never let you touch me without my consent. She loves me!"

"Who said you wouldn't be begging me, luv?" Spike said with a cocky grin.

"The thought of you touching me that way disgusts me," Willow said with a frown. "I love Drusilla. You, I can tolerate if I have to. She accepts Xander and Cordelia, the least I can do is accept you. I know that she wants you, that she's going to be having sex with you, but I'll be the one beside her when she falls asleep. I knew she was a vampire, knew she was a demon, when I fell in love with her. I might have been caught by surprise, you coming back into her life, but I will deal with it. I won't lose her, especially not to you."

"Big words, little girl," he said with amusement. "It's been four days. When's the last time you and she shagged? Words don't mean anything pet. You might very well be losing her and you don't even realize it."

"Fuck off," she cursed, hating him for being right, for having Drusilla's love, for making her share, for a variety of other things she couldn't even comprehend at the moment. She stood, attempting to move past him.

He grabbed her arm, dropping his smoke and smiling in satisfaction as she cried out in pain, "You'll never take her from me, Red. I'll share, cause it makes her happy. If you hurt her again, your ass is mine. Take that any way you want."

"Let me go," she said, trying not to let him see the pain, "please."

"That's all it takes, luv," he said huskily, releasing her arm, "just say please."

She didn't respond, moving away from him as fast as she could. She didn't trust Spike, knew his threats were sincere, was more afraid of him than she should be. She was still so uncertain, knowing that she had pushed Drusilla away the last couple of days. She just couldn't forget that her lover had had sex with Spike behind her back. She hadn't been lying before. Had Drusilla been honest, simply told her she was going to be with Spike, it still would have been difficult but it wouldn't have felt like such a terrible betrayal. She slowed down as she neared the house, rubbing the bruise on her arm as she began to wonder what she should do.

********************

Willow entered the bedroom that she shared with Dru, her hand still moving over the bruise Spike had left on her arm. She saw her lover sitting on the bed, dark eyes moving over her face before resting on her arm. Drusilla moved quickly, standing in front of her before Willow could even say a word.

"What happened?" Drusilla demanded, gently looking at the redhead's arm. She moved her fingers over the growing bruise, her eyes looking into Willow's.

"It's nothing," Willow said, making a face.

"I smell Spike," Drusilla said quietly, her eyes guarded. "Did he hurt you?"

"Does it matter?" Willow asked, moving past her lover.

"It matters," Drusilla assured her as her eyes flashed yellow. "Was he the one that hurt you?"

"No," Willow said, facing Drusilla. "I mean, yes, he bruised my arm, but I think he was trying to help."

"Help by hurting?" Drusilla said, confused. Her demon was straining to punish her childe for harming her mate, knowing that he was fully aware of the consequences of his actions. He had bruised her Willow.

"He was trying to make me listen, I guess," Willow said with a sheepish smile. "I was being a bit stubborn and ignoring him. In the end, he made a lot of sense."

"I am confused, love," Drusilla said, moving to sit beside Willow on the bed. "Did he cause you pain?"

"Not in the way you mean," Willow said, sighing. "I'm sorry about these last few days. I've been acting immature and foolish. I love you, Drusilla. I knew when I got involved with you what you were, how you felt about Spike."

"I betrayed you," Drusilla said quietly, a sad smile on her face. "I did not think, Willow. I forgot that you are so innocent. I never wanted to hurt you. You are my mate, regardless of the feelings I have for Spike. I still do not really understand, but I am trying."

"I knew that he might be back someday," Willow confessed, "knew that when he was back, you'd be with him. I was so scared that you were going to leave me, choose him over me. You weren't honest with me, about him being back. You had sex with him without considering how it would make me feel. I know that you're a demon, but it was hard to know that my lover had been with someone else...that I wasn't enough for you."

"You are enough for me, Willow," Drusilla said, "but Spike is my childe. He is mine, just as you are. I love you both and would never consider making a choice between the two. Can you accept that?"

"Yes," Willow nodded, "I've missed you, Dru. Missed touching you and holding you and just being with you. I might not like sharing you with him, but I'll do it. I can't say that it won't take me awhile to get used to it, but I'm going to try."

"I love you, Willow," Drusilla said as she kissed her lover.

"I'm kind of tired," Willow said shyly, "do you think we could go to bed?"

"I think that can be arranged," Drusilla said as she began stripping the redhead, knowing that she would be punishing Spike for hurting her lover but also knowing that she somehow owed him for whatever he had said to persuade Willow to forgive her.

********************

Willow hung up the wet towel to dry before sliding the silk over her head. The gown was a present from Drusilla, bought six weeks before. She usually wore T-shirts and boxers to bed, if she wore anything at all, so she'd not yet worn the beautiful gown. Tonight, it seemed the right time. It had been nearly a day since she had apologized, since Spike had forced her into seeing what she might lose. She had missed school that day, spending those hours in bed with her lover. They'd made love, slept, and just held each other throughout the day, making up for nearly a week of unpleasantness. Willow had finally woken up and decided to take a shower, knowing that it was time to leave the room and get something to eat.

She had seen the gown in her drawer as she had reached for fresh panties, running her hand over the silk material and smiling. Impulsively, she'd decided to wear it. Now, she almost wished she hadn't. It was too sexy, the cool material molding her curves, the front plunging between her breasts, the back dipping to just above the curve of her butt, the front slit to her upper thighs. She had toweled her hair dry, though it was still damp, falling past her shoulders in a cloud of tousled red. She left the bathroom, noticing that it was later than she had thought. A few hours before, Cordelia and Xander had knocked, coming in briefly to check on her, both happy that she and Dru had made up. They'd mentioning going out to a movie and dinner, so she assumed they were gone still, having not heard them come in. She looked at Drusilla, seeing that her lover was still asleep. She moved quietly, not wanting to disturb her as she picked up the robe that matched her gown, just in case Xander and Cordelia came home early.

She and Dru had done a lot of talking. She was still having problems accepting that her lover would also be having sex with Spike, but she knew she had to deal with it. Nothing was going to change it. She'd also listened as Drusilla had voiced her wish about her and Spike coming together, of her lover wanting to share her with her childe. She was also having problems dealing with that. She couldn't understand wanting to share your lover with someone, the idea of a relationship with three people something that just didn't make sense to her. And, while she had blushingly admitted to a bit of a fascination with Spike, a slight attraction, he scared her. What was worse was that the fear excited her in much the same way that being with Drusilla did. Being around him was like being around a caged lion, never knowing when he was going to attack but knowing in the back of your head that it was his nature.

Either way, she couldn't imagine feeling comfortable enough to give herself to him, even if Drusilla was there. She didn't trust him, didn't like him, and he scared her. Drusilla would have to be content in knowing that she would try to be friendly to him, forgetting her fantasy of the three of them together indefinitely. Willow made her way downstairs, wondering what they had in the kitchen that would satisfy her hunger. Drusilla hadn't let her out of bed to have breakfast or lunch, seemingly wanting to remind her who she belonged to. So, not only was she starving, but her sore body was covered with the scratches and bites and bruises of hours of making love to a possessive vampire.

Willow walked into the kitchen, not bothering to turn on the light. She was just going to grab something to take back upstairs. She opened the refrigerator, examining the contents with a frown. Nothing looked very good. She jumped as the overhead light suddenly blazed, her eyes moving to the switch to find Spike standing there. She looked away from him, back at the food as she tried to calm her fear. He wasn't going to hurt her. She grabbed a can of soda before shutting the door. Turning, she moved towards the cabinet that held the chips and snack food. Thanks to Xander, it was fully stocked. She grabbed a bag of Oreos and a bag of Ruffles before shutting the cabinet.

"You listened," Spike said softly, his narrowed eyes watching her move around as if she weren't fully aware of his presence.

"What?" Willow turned to face him, annoyed that he couldn't remain quiet until she had gone.

"Her scent is all over you, pet," he said with a slight smirk, watching as she began to blush. "You two shagged all day. I could hear it, you know? The cries, the moans. Sweet torture, listening to that all day. Spent all day wanking as you two played. Figured you for a screamer, luv. Always the quiet ones."

"I'm not listening to this," she said finally, having forgotten that he was in the room next door. He had heard it all, listened as she and Drusilla had made love. She grabbed the bags and started to leave the kitchen, confused as to why she wasn't outraged at the invasion of her privacy. Confused as to why she was excited at the idea of Spike laying in bed, listening to them, wanking as he put it.

"Bloody hell," he cursed as he moved quickly, catching her before she could run upstairs and tell Drusilla he'd been teasing her. "I was just having fun, Red. Don't tell Mum I was teasing."

"Let me go," she said, "I won't tell her. Just let me go."

"Do you have any idea how that excites me?" he snarled, his eyes flashing yellow as he heard the tremble in her voice, smelled the arousal in the air. "Your fear, your need. You want me, pet. That's why you're so determined to run. I can smell you now, so innocent and sweet, but not really. Dark, needy, wanting. What is it you want, luv? Tell me what you want."

"Just let me go," she asked again, trying to ignore his words and the feel of his hands on her arms. Why hadn't she stayed upstairs where it was safe? She listened as the bags she was holding fell to the kitchen floor, forgotten as he moved her against the wall.

"Oh, I get it," he slowly smiled as a wicked gleam entered his blue eyes. He looked over her body, his cock hardening as he took in the vision wrapped in silk. Her breasts were barely concealed in the gown, her nipples hard and pressing against the material. Her arousal was overwhelming, mixing with the scent of his sire into an intoxicating perfume. "You want to play a game. You want me to force you so you can feel justification in giving in to your desire for me. So you won't feel so bloody guilty for wanting me. Innocent little hypocrite, aren't you, luv? All angry that Drusilla was shagging me, but secretly wanting me yourself."

"No," she denied, shaking her head as his eyes moved over her, undressing her. "I don't even like you. I can't want you."

"Oh, but you do and that confuses the hell out of you, doesn't it, sweetheart?" he asked, slowly smiling. This could be fun, he supposed as he saw the conflict in her green eyes. "You like it a little rough, don't you?" He moved his hand over her breast, not touching but close enough that she could feel him. He watched her eyes widen as she gulped, her heart racing from the almost contact. He felt his cock throbbing as he leaned forward, his lips brushing against her ear ever so gently as he whispered, "If you want something, take it."

********************

"Don't," she whispered as she felt his lips on her ear. She realized that his hands were no longer holding her in place, nothing keeping her trapped against the wall. He wasn't touching her, hadn't except for the brief moment when his lips touched her skin. She had to leave, to go back to Drusilla. She didn't want Spike, couldn't want Spike. She gathered her strength and pushed past him, unaware of the panic in her green eyes.

"I'm not letting you run away," he said, grabbing her robe and pulling her back. He heard the material rip as he pulled it from her body, his eyes flashing as her body was pulled back into his. His arm went around her waist as he pushed against her from behind, giving her no doubt as to his arousal. "Tell me what you want, Red."

"Let me go," she whispered, her eyes closing as he moved against her again, his erection pressing against her lower back.

"Okay," he said, releasing his hold, knowing that the game he was playing was the most dangerous yet. He'd promised Dru that he wouldn't hurt Willow. He knew that she wanted him, knew she was running away like some scared little child, and he couldn't do anything except taunt her into action. He didn't want to wait anymore. He'd had to wait a week as it was. A week of her ignoring Drusilla, acting as if he wasn't there, waiting for her to realize that she belonged to Dru and would belong to him. He didn't have enough patience to wait now while she tried to deal with the idea of wanting him, as if it were unpleasant to want him. He would have been annoyed at her attitude if he didn't want her so badly. A week of watching her, smelling her, hearing her. He couldn't remember a time in the last century that he had been this needy. And he was unable to act, which was the worst torture of all.

"You're letting me go?" she asked softly, her tone disbelieving as she felt him move away.

"It's what you say you want, luv," he responded, his blue eyes moving over her back as he shifted his cock in his suddenly very tight pants.

"But," she looked at the ground as she whispered, "don't you want me?"

"You felt me, pet. What do you think?" he asked, his voice strained as he fought with his demon not to simply take her there on the floor.

"You're not supposed to let me go," she said softly, "It doesn't happen that way."

"What?" he asked, looking at her in confusion.

"The fantasy," her voice was barely above a whisper, "you don't just let me go."

"Fantasy?" he repeated, a slow smile crossing his face as he said, "So, my little virgin, what do I do if I don't let you go? In your fantasy, that is."

"You take me," she confessed, her body so aroused she was surprised she was standing. What was she doing? Telling Spike that she had fantasies about him taking her, being so vulnerable around him when all she really should be doing was running upstairs to find Drusilla. She didn't even like Spike.

"Mum told me that I couldn't hurt you, Red," Spike reminded, needing her to say it.

"Dru knows about the fantasy," Willow confessed, "I told her about it today."

"Sorry, luv. I can't break me promise to me Mum," he said as he pulled his T-shirt over his head, tossing it on the floor beside her discarded robe as he waited for the words.

"I've never," Willow let out a slow breath as she wavered, wondering if this was a good idea. It felt so wrong, but so right at the same time. She finally managed to ask, "Spike, will you take me? Please?"

********************

She counted to twenty and he still hadn't answered. She felt so stupid. He'd been playing with her. That was it. Just another silly game. She couldn't believe she had admitted to wanting him, asking him to take her. She'd never be able to face him again. She sighed as she started towards the door, wishing she'd just kept her mouth shut. She was nearly to it when she felt a hand on arm, swinging her body around as his mouth claimed hers. She gasped as he pushed her against the wall, the force of the contact making her body sting in pain. His tongue took advantage of her surprise, sweeping into her mouth as he deepened the kiss.

His left hand moved behind her back, forcing her lower body forward and into his. His right hand moved down her neck, roughly grabbing her breast through the thin gown. She felt him twist her nipple, moaning as he pushed against her. He hadn't ignored her words, simply waiting to attack until her defenses were again lowered. This is what she had wanted from him, sick person that she was. She wanted roughness and need and desire. With Drusilla, it was often sweet and gentle and pleasurable. With Spike, she had imagined animalistic mating. He was giving her that, and more.

Spike gave in to his demon, feeling her excitement and smelling her arousal. He growled as he reached under her gown, ripping her panties from her writhing body. He could hear her heartbeat increase at the action, felt her move against him in need. He pulled back and caught her eyes, needing her to know that this wasn't some silly fantasy. Once he had her, she was his. She would have no regrets or doubts. He moved his hand over her face, tracing her lips with his thumb as he smiled. "Do you want the fantasy or do you want something real?"

"I want you," she whispered, watching in fascination as his eyes flashed at her words. His mouth was on hers again, his left hand cupping her ass. She heard his zipper being lowered, a moment of fear making her stop as she realized that this wasn't a dream, that he was actually here about take her virginity in the kitchen. Not what she had imagined at all. Nothing romantic or soft about fucking against the wall in the kitchen. Drusilla had been romantic and soft, though, and that had been the loss of her actual virginity, her first time being sexual with another person. All that Spike was doing was breaking her barrier, giving her something Drusilla couldn't.

Spike ran his hand up her leg, pushing her gown up as his fingers brushed against her wet warmth. She was so wet, the scent thick. He moved his cock to her cunt, knowing that she would be tight. With a groan, he pushed into her tight warmth, listening as she cried out, pulling back from his mouth as her fingernails dug into his back. With his left hand, he lifted her, moving his right hand to the other side of her ass. He entered her again, deeper this time. The soft scent of blood mixed with her arousal as he began to move. After the initial moment of pain had passed, she began to bounce down to meet his thrusts, kissing him back as one hand went to his head, her fingers tangling in his hair.

Soon, the only sounds that filled the quiet kitchen were soft moans and flesh hitting flesh. Sweat mixed with the scent of sex and blood. It wasn't long before Willow was tightening around him, crying out in pleasure as she came. Spike was trying to take his time, wanting, needing her to remember that he had given her this pleasure. He opened his eyes, turning his head slightly as he met his sire's aroused gaze. He asked permission, his eyes flashing yellow as he felt his release nearing. Drusilla nodded as she watched, giving him her permission. With a growl, he changed, his teeth entering Willow's neck as he came, the action causing her to cum again with a low cry of pain mixed with pleasure.

Willow looked at the ceiling as he nuzzled her neck, surprised to hear him purring against her flesh. Her legs were like liquid, not giving her any support as they fell from his waist. She slumped against the wall as his lips kissed the wound on her neck. She lowered her head, not at all surprised to find Drusilla watching the entire scene from the doorway. She had felt her mate earlier, knew that Drusilla would not let her get hurt. She gave her lover a small smile as she covered a yawn.

Drusilla entered the kitchen, an ache between her legs at having watched Spike and Willow fuck. She wouldn't fool herself by saying that they had made love. Lust and need, that's what she had seen. She kissed Willow, letting her lover know that it was all right, that she wasn't unhappy with her. Pulling away, she saw how tired Willow was, knowing the poor girl had been worn out that day. She looked at Spike and said, "Take her upstairs."

He nodded, easing his cock out of her before swinging her into his arms. She was still wearing the gown, but it was hanging loose around her breasts, the material torn slightly from his actions. The mixture of their cum and her virginal blood was visible near the top of the slit, where the material was brushing against her cunt. He'd buy her another gown, he decided, since he had pretty well ruined that one. Or maybe he wouldn't, thinking that he would much prefer to see her nude body than her silk covered one. He continued to debate that as he left the kitchen. Drusilla watched them leave, picking up the discarded cookies and chips before following behind them, her hand taking Willow's as her lover sleepily reached for her.

********************

Willow stood still, her green eyes scanning the distance. Nothing. The cemetery was silent. There was no movement, not even a light wind. She groaned as she kicked the air, a flash of irritation entering her eyes. She knew who was to blame for this. It was Spike. It had to be Spike. The blond vampire had been in Sunnydale for over two months, had been her lover nearly as long, but she still didn't really like him. No, that wasn't right. He was a fantastic lover, never failing to give her pleasure or fulfill any fantasy that she had. And she considered him a friend, having spent many hours just talking to him. She knew what it was that kept her from completely embracing him. It was jealousy, plain and simple. She knew that Drusilla loved her, knew that she wouldn't leave her. That didn't make it any easier to watch her lover and Spike. She knew it didn't make any sense, it didn't even make sense to her.

It wasn't the sexual relationship between Spike and Drusilla. She was part of that, after all. She couldn't be upset when Drusilla slept with Spike when she was also sleeping with the blond. It was the times that she would watch them talking about their past, the shared smiles and memories that she wasn't part of. Those moments, few as they were, made her jealous. She knew it was silly. After all, she and Dru had times like that frequently. Of course, she knew that Spike felt the same things that she felt. He wouldn't get angry, though. He'd just start teasing her, baiting her, annoying her. He didn't like to be ignored so he'd just make his presence known. He would playfully bicker with them all, but he took special pleasure in teasing her. Her face flushed as she became caught in memories of the past few weeks. Luckily, his teasing would often take place in bed, or at least in very private circumstances. Tonight, though, he had gone too far.

It had actually been Xander's idea, she reminded herself, but she knew that Spike had put her best friend up to it. The evening had started off pleasantly enough. They had gone out to eat dinner, Spike and Drusilla drinking as she, Cordelia and Xander had eaten. After dinner, they'd gone to the Bronze, not staying very long after it was acknowledged that they were all bored. It had been after a lazy patrol that Xander had suggested Hide and Seek. They'd all agreed, having all ready checked the cemetery, knowing it was safe to play. Cordelia had been declared *it* first, and Willow had enjoyed hiding from her friend. It had taken the cheerleader nearly half an hour to find them all, finally giving up and declaring defeat. It had been Spike that had called Willow as being it before laughing and running to hide. Now, nearly an hour later, Willow was thinking of various torturous ways to injure the bastard.

She knew, just knew, that he had arranged it all. She'd covered the grounds of Restful Fields twice, at least, and had found no one. They had left her here. They were probably all sitting at home in the living room, laughing about their prank, waiting for her to stumble in so they could laugh some more. Some big joke, she thought with a glare. She'd been wandering around the dark shadows of the graveyard for an hour. She turned around, knowing it was pointless to continue. They weren't there. Well, let them have their fun for now, she decided with a wicked smile as she began to walk towards the front gate. Payback was a bitch.

She was midway through the cemetery when she heard it. There was a loud noise that she couldn't identify then silence. She turned quickly, worried that maybe she had been wrong. Maybe something had gotten them and she just hadn't seen it or them during her treks through the grounds. She moved through the graves, trying to be quiet just in case. She didn't see anything. Maybe she'd imagined the sound. Maybe there hadn't been any noise after all. She stopped, sighing as she decided that her mind must have been playing tricks on her. It was then, as she turned, that she noticed it.

Willow moved towards the crypt, her eyes widening as she neared the shape. It couldn't be. She looked around, her eyes confused and uncertain. How? She looked back down, her eyes sweeping over the dirty skin, noticing the wounds. Without hesitation, she kneeled down, her hand moving slowly to touch him, to see if he was real. She was nearly to his face when she gasped in pain as his hand grabbed her wrist, dark eyes suddenly staring into hers. She saw confusion in his eyes as he looked at her, seemingly trying to place her face. She licked her lips as his hold relaxed before tightening again. She stumbled forward as he pulled her closer, whispering, "Angel, please, you're hurting me."

********************

"She's going to kill us," Xander decided as he flopped onto the sofa beside Cordelia, handing his lover a can of soda.

"Not us, I didn't have anything to do with it," Cordelia protested.

"You went along with it, Duchess," Spike said with a smirk as his eyes moved to Drusilla. She had been silent since they had arrived back at the house. He frowned, "Dru, she can take care of herself. The place was deserted."

"Dru, you okay?" Xander asked, concern in his eyes as he looked at the vampire. He looked at Spike, "Maybe we should go get her. It has been an hour, at least."

"She'll be here," Spike said, not wanting to go all the way back across town to pick up Willow. Not only that, but it wasn't nearly as funny if they had to go get her. "Besides, she's probably on her way back here now."

"Coming home," Drusilla whispered, her eyes on the stars as she leaned her face against the glass. "Yes, coming home."

"See?" Spike said as he got to his feet and moved towards Drusilla. "No need to worry."

"She probably figured out your stupid little joke and went to a movie," Cordelia said dryly. "That's what I would have done."

"Red's not selfish like you," Spike pointed out. "She wouldn't want Dru to worry about her. She's on her way home now, I'd bet. Eyes blazing with anger and tongue ready to give us a lashing."

"Don't sound so excited," Xander said with a roll of his eyes as he heard the excitement in the vampire's voice. In two months, he still hadn't been able to figure out the relationship between Spike, Drusilla and Willow. He knew that Willow and Drusilla were mated, knew about Spike being Dru's childe, even knew that Spike was Willow's lover. There were times that he thought Spike and Willow were in love, and then there were times that he thought they might kill each other. Those two were always arguing and teasing and playing that it was a bit hard to determine when the playing ended and it became serious.

"Dru?" Spike ignored Xander's taunt, not able to deny that he loved seeing Willow's fire, loved fucking her when she was angry at him, loved how rough and wild she would be for him. He frowned as Drusilla continued to stare out the window, ignoring him. He touched her shoulder, saying her name again.

Drusilla turned to look into Spike's eyes, whispering, "Change is coming. Coming home."

"Okay," he said, nodding slowly as he saw the cloudy statement in her eyes. The damn stars, he knew. Telling her secrets that never made sense.

Drusilla looked away from him, a small smile crossing her face as she listened. Her eyes rolled back slightly as she started to fall, Spike's arms catching her as she opened her eyes, blinking as she looked around, asking, "What happened?"

"Stars, luv," he said with a nod outside.

"Oh," she smiled slightly as she stood, smoothing her skirt. "What did they say?"

He shrugged, "Something about change and about Red coming home, I think. I dunno. They never make sense to me."

"I can't remember," she said with a frown, before asking, "Isn't it Willow back yet?"

"No," Xander said, "should we go get her? She might still be looking for us."

"Red's not stupid," Spike said with a glare.

"She'll be back soon, I'm sure," Drusilla said with a smile at Xander, touched by his concern, but confident that her mate had figured out Spike's prank by now and was either on the way home or deliberately taking her time to make him wait. She glanced outside as she tried to remember what the stars had said, deciding finally that it must not have been important.

********************

Willow gasped as Angel's hold on her wrist tightened as she fell against him. He was still staring at her, his dark eyes confused. She tried to pull away from him, wondering where he had come from, what he was doing in the cemetery, where his clothes had gone. Green eyes widened when she heard a low growl as his eyes narrowed at her struggle for freedom. Before she could form a thought, she was on her back on the ground. Fear ran through her as she said, "Angel, you're scaring me. Let me go."

Angel studied the redhead, thinking that she looked familiar. He leaned forward, sniffing her hair as he moved to lay on top of her struggling form. He frowned as he felt a stirring between his legs. He moved, nudging her as he buried his face in the clouds of her hair, the scent of her intoxicating. He didn't notice how still she became or how her heartbeat began to race as he ground against her. He nuzzled her neck, his tongue running along her warm flesh. He tightened his hold as he began to kiss her neck and ear, not wanting to let her go. His earlier fear had left him when he had looked into her eyes, a feeling of calm overtaking him. He didn't want to lose that peace.

Willow was frozen. She didn't know what to do. When she had tried to get away, he had growled and held her even tighter. She knew there would soon be bruises on her wrists and arms. She could also feel Angel biting her neck, not hard enough to draw blood, but enough to cause sharp bits of pain. She could feel his erection moving between her legs, the front of her jeans becoming wet from his arousal. Her breathing was ragged, her thoughts wild as he continued to thrust between her legs, his left hand now holding her wrists as his right hand tangled in her hair. He was still alternating between smelling, licking, biting, and kissing her neck and face. What had happened to him? Angel would never have been doing this to her, especially after her attempt to leave. But, it was Angel. She knew it was him, having seen the soul when she had looked into his eyes. She didn't understand what was happening.

She felt him move again, surprised when his lips caught hers in a bruising kiss. She ignored her body's request for her to return the kiss, ignored the arousal she had been feeling since he had first moved to lay on top of her, ignored the part of her mind that urged her to enjoy this despite the circumstances. After all, she had often had impure thoughts about Angel before and after he had lost his soul. She couldn't do it, though. He didn't seem to know what he was doing, acting purely on instinct. It would almost be like taking advantage of him even if she was the one whose body was being used. She was still fully dressed, his hands having not strayed under her shirt or under her jeans. She felt his movements speed up as he continued to thrust against her jeans, knowing he was close to release. She gathered all the control she could not to return his needy kiss. He was devouring her mouth, whimpering as he held her, riding out his orgasm. She could feel him coming, his seed spilling onto her jeans and bare stomach where her shirt had risen up. She gasped in surprise when she felt his teeth pierce her neck, an orgasm hitting her instantly. She felt him licking the bite, guilt washing over her as she realized that, despite her best intentions, she had failed to remain unaffected by him.

Angel collapsed on the redhead, purring contentedly as he pulled her against him. Her blood had been as intoxicating as her scent and taste. "Mine," he whispered as he ran his tongue over the mark he had made on her neck.

Willow carefully tried to free herself from his strong arms. Drusilla must be worried about her. She needed to get home, needed to figure out why Angel was back, needed to get Angel some clothes. She heard his purring turn to growling as she managed to get away and stand. She looked at him, confusion clear in her green eyes. "Angel, we need to get home. It's going to be sunrise soon. Do you understand?"

Angel didn't really understand, but he took her hand, needing to touch her again. He stood up, looking into her eyes, "Mine."

Willow's eyes widened at his possessive words. Deciding that it wasn't a good time to argue that she didn't belong to him, she just ignored his words, instead saying, "We so need to get you some clothes when we get home."

"Home?" he repeated, not knowing where home was, and not really caring as long as it meant he was with his redhead.

"Yes, home," she said, praying that no one saw them on the walk to the house. She didn't even have a coat to use to wrap around Angel's rather impressive nakedness. She started to walk, smiling at him when he started to follow her. She was so going to kill Spike. This was all his fault!

********************

"I'm going to go look for her," Spike decided, his blue eyes worried as he again looked at the clock.

"I'll come with you," Xander volunteered, "I don't think she'd have deliberately stayed out this long without letting one of us know."

"Yeah, I can't see her being gone this long even if she was trying to get some revenge on us for the prank," Cordelia agreed with her lover.

"Even if she was trying to piss me off, she'd have let one of you know her plan," Spike said, knowing his Red well enough to know she'd not want her friends to worry.

"I'm sure she's fine. Maybe she's just sitting and waiting for us to come find her," Xander said.

"She probably hasn't realized how long it's really been, I mean, with her having to try to find us and all, she might not have looked at her watch," Cordelia suggested.

"That might be it. Either way, I'm worried. I just want to find her and let her bitch at me for playing such a stupid prank and then shag her until tomorrow afternoon," Spike said before he looked towards Drusilla. "Princess, will you be okay here while we go find Red?" Spike asked his sire, concern in his blue eyes as she continued to stare out the window. She'd not spoken two words since her discussion with the stars earlier and he was getting worried that something was happening that he didn't know about.

"Coming home, coming home," Drusilla said softly, her eyes clouded as she tried to understand what the stars had been singing. "There shall be six to fight and all will be right. Can you smell the brimstone, my darling boy? Closer and closer and nothing will be the same. Whisper, whisper, whisper, such lovely stories. Do you hear them singing, Spike? They're so very happy."

"What is she talking about?" Xander asked Spike, having never seen Drusilla quite so under the influence of her visions before. She was still babbling about secrets and whispers and sharing the dance and singing.

"I've got no clue, mate," Spike said with a frown as he studied Drusilla. What was she saying? Willow was on her way home. Something about happy singing stars and brimstone. What did she mean by six to fight and everything being right?

"Drusilla, honey," Cordelia moved towards the vampire, smiling softly, "is Willow coming home? Is that what the stars are singing?"

"Can't you hear them, pretty pet? So loud...singing...." Drusilla closed her eyes and began to hum.

"Yeah, sure I can hear them," Cordelia lied, "singing a real pretty song."

Drusilla opened her eyes, the stars silent as she smiled, not remembering anything that she had said, only knowing that, "My Willow's home," she stood, cocking her head to the side as she sniffed the air, "Do you smell that, Spike? What is it?"

Spike was headed towards the door when he heard Drusilla say that Willow was home. He couldn't remember when he'd been so worried, stopping when he heard Dru's question. He glanced at her, sniffing the air as his eyes narrowed, immediately placing the familiar scent as he answered her quietly, "It's brimstone and...."

Drusilla moved to his side as she watched the door open, her eyes looking past a confused Willow to the man that was following behind her closely, widening as she whispered, "Daddy?"

********************

"Thank God I'm finally home!" Willow said as she entered the house, turning to Angel as she said, "Come inside, Angel," before she looked at Xander and Cordelia, "could one of you toss me a blanket or something?"

"Angel?" Xander looked at the naked man standing behind Willow, confusion in his eyes as he grabbed a blanket from the couch and tossed it to Willow, "Here you go, Wills."

"What's he doing here?" Spike asked slowly, his tone angry.

"Do I look like I know?" Willow asked him with a glare. "I was in the cemetery looking for you guys when I heard this noise and then there he was. He's Angel, but he's not. I mean, he's acting weird."

"Weird how?" Cordelia asked, her eyes on the man that had nearly killed them all several times not too long ago. She watched as he stood as close to Willow as was possible without being on top of the redhead, his eyes never leaving her friend. Okay, she understood the weird part now.

"Just weird," Willow said, taking the blanket and putting it around Angel. "Hold this so it doesn't fall."

"Mine," was his response as he moved towards her. He'd followed her to this house, home as she called it. He'd have followed her anywhere. He sniffed the air, frowning as he tried to understand why there was so many familiar smells, trying to remember how he knew them, how he knew his redhead. He couldn't remember anything. He looked at her profile, feeling relaxed as he held on to the blanket she had put around him.

"What the hell does he mean?" Spike demanded, moving towards Willow. He froze as he smelled another scent in the air, his eyes accusing as he looked at Willow, "I can smell him all over you, Red."

"I don't know what he means," Willow groaned, "I've been telling you that he's acting strange. As for the other, well, he sort of got excited and tried to um well, you know. He didn't last long, thankfully, but he spilled himself on my jeans."

"He tried to force you?" Spike's eyes narrowed as he looked at his grandsire. He growled when the elder vampire put his hand on Willow's shoulder, "Take your hands off her."

"Mine," Angel hissed as he looked at the man that seemed vaguely familiar. He looked at his redhead, feeling tired suddenly as he moved to rest his head against her shoulder, enjoying the comfort of her against him.

"I said to get away from her," Spike said, moving to grab Angel's arm. His eyes flashed yellow as he said, "She's mine, not yours!"

"Mine!" Angel insisted, pushing the man away from him. He wasn't going to lose his redhead, her presence calming and making him feel safe.

"That does it!" Spike hit Angel, growling as the larger vampire hit him back. Soon, they were fighting and growling as Willow screamed at them to stop.

"Dru, make them stop!" Willow said as she failed to halt their actions with her own words.

"I can't make them stop, Bella," Drusilla said softly, "I do not understand why Daddy is back, or what is wrong with him."

"I don't either. Do you think he'll remember who he is soon? I mean, I know he has his soul so it's Angel, but I'm getting tired of the way he's looking at me and wanting to touch me and the whole mine thing. I'm yours, not his," Willow was confused and her head hurt and she really wanted to take a long, warm bath and then get some sleep.

"I have no idea," Drusilla said, her eyes moving to look at the floor where Spike was winning the fight. "Did he try to force you, as Spike believes?"

"Yes, but it wasn't like that," Willow said, looking at the vampires. She was tired of this, moving forward and grabbing Spike's arm, "Spike, stop it. He's too weak to fight you. Just leave him alone."

"He tried to rape you, luv," Spike said as he looked at her with confusion in his blue eyes.

"He didn't have any control of the demon, Spike," Willow said, "besides, I wasn't scared. I could have fought him if he'd tried to really do something."

"What do you call what he did?" Spike demanded as he glared at the large vampire that was laying on the floor with the blanket barely covering him. Trust that bastard to come back just when his life was becoming something great, when he had found himself happier than he'd ever been. And the first thing the bastard had tried to do was take his Red away. He growled as he felt the impulse to hit Angel again and again until the vampire knew that Willow was his. Well, Dru's first then his.

"Instinct," Willow replied, "I was probably familiar to him. I can see traces of the old Angel in his eyes, he just doesn't have control yet."

"He needs to know that you're not his," Spike said, glancing at her as he spoke.

"Spike, he's not going to understand until he's himself again and then he'll know that I'm Drusilla's so you're wasting your time beating it into him right now."

"Don't act like I'm the bad guy, pet. He's the one that attacked you in the cemetery," Spike said sharply, looking away from her to stare at Angel.

"And whose fault is it that I was there in the first place?" Willow snapped. "If you hadn't decided to play another one of your stupid jokes, I wouldn't have been anywhere near there when he came back. Don't yell at me because you don't like having him around. He'd not going anywhere because he was my friend before he lost his soul and he's Drusilla's sire, so you'd better deal with it!"

"I thought he'd tried to hurt you, Red," Spike said quietly, his eyes looking into hers. "Sorry for caring."

"Spike," Willow started, watching as he glared at her, pushing past her and Drusilla as he stormed up the stairs. She heard their bedroom door slamming, sighing as she looked at Dru. "Okay, what just happened?"

"Willow, Xander and I will go pick up some bagged blood for Angel," Cordelia said, speaking up since the fight had started. She felt sorry for Spike, something she had never imagined happening. He'd become a sort of friend over the months he had been staying with them, and she'd watched him fight and argue with Willow nearly every day, always knowing it would end up with them doing things she'd rather not think about. This time, though, she'd seen the hurt in his blue eyes, the confusion on his face, knew that he had no idea why Willow would yell at him while defending Angel. She also knew that Willow had no idea that the blond vampire had fallen in love with her during the last few months, probably considering their fighting tonight the same foreplay that it usually was, not realizing that she'd hurt Spike. She hoped it wasn't long before Willow figured it out and fixed things. She didn't like watching her family fight.

"Yeah, he'll probably need some blood since he seems pretty weak," Xander said, still looking at the dark haired vampire suspiciously. He'd been able to accept Drusilla pretty easily, having never really spent any time fighting against her. Spike had taken a little longer, but he'd finally accepted the blond when he'd realized how much he cared about Willow and Drusilla. Angel, on the other hand, was a different story. He'd never really been fond of the vampire, blamed him for everything that had gone wrong in his world last year, and knew it would take a maturity that he wasn't yet sure he possessed to separate the actions of Angelus from Angel. Willow seemed to trust the man, though, and that was good enough for him right now.

"That's a good idea," Willow smiled at them before looking back at Dru. She didn't understand why Spike had been so upset, why he'd sulked away and slammed the door. Usually, he'd have fought back and they'd have ended up kissing and having explosive sex. She felt guilty for some reason and she didn't like that at all. But, she'd seen the look in his eyes, knew that he was hurt and she didn't understand why. She heard the door close as Xander and Cordelia went to fetch some blood for Angel, her eyes on Dru's as she again asked, "Dru, what just happened?"

********************

Drusilla looked at her mate and smiled softly, knowing that the redhead had no idea how much her childe cared for her. The relationship between Willow and Spike was not normal by any means, starting from jealousy and passion before turning into something far more serious and meaningful. She knew that her lovely boy had feelings for her mate, knew that Willow returned the feelings even if she was unaware of the extent of what she truly felt for Spike. Drusilla was not jealous that her two lovers had found a love together. On the contrary, she was thrilled that such a bond had formed between them. She loved them both dearly and it was so wonderful to see them so happy. Of course, since both of them were too stubborn to ever admit that the passion had grown into love, they were now hurting needlessly. She didn't want them to hurt, didn't want them to continue playing their game of pretending they tolerated each other for her sake, didn't want them to lose the gift they'd discovered because they were too silly and stupid to ever try talking. To be two of the smartest people she'd ever come across in her life, they were both rather foolish about some things. No more, though. It was finally time. They needed a push into being honest? Well, lucky for them, she was in a mood to push.

She smiled at Willow and asked seriously, "Do you not know why he is upset, lovey?"

Willow frowned at her lover, not liking the amused look in those beautiful eyes, "No, I don't. He was acting all growly and mean and he was beating Angel and I just don't understand why he left."

"We'll finish this discussion in a moment, Willow. What are we going to do with Angel, pet?" Drusilla asked suddenly, deciding the topic of Spike's love for Willow could wait until she knew what they were going to do with her sire who had moved to lay beside where Willow was standing, the blanket covering him as he looked up at her mate. She ran a hand over her face, sighing as she realized that they had no idea what he had been through or why he was back or why he seemed to have chosen Willow as his lifeline of sorts.

"I don't know," Willow shrugged, glancing down at the vampire that had nearly killed them all not a year ago and who was now laying at her feet with a relaxed _expression on his face as he looked at her. She looked back at Drusilla and said honestly, "He doesn't seem to remember anything. He keeps referring to me as being his, but I'm not, and I don't understand why he seems to think that I am. In the cemetery, when he was smelling me and doing his thing, I wasn't scared of him but it was sort of creepy. I don't know how to explain it."

"I do not understand why he is here," Drusilla said with a thoughtful look, "but I think the stars told me of his arrival. They did not give me answers, though, only more questions. He has his soul, pet, because I can feel it as well as see it in his eyes, but his demon is also there."

"Do you think that this is some sort of reaction from coming back to our world from Hell or wherever it was that he was sent?" Willow asked, really hoping that they wouldn't have to deal with an animal-like Angel from now on. She even liked the cryptic, brooding version better than this clinging, confused version.

"That's possible," Drusilla nodded, "I can sense my sire underneath everything, beyond the demon and soul, my Daddy is there. Perhaps it will just take some time before he is awake again and back to normal."

"Normal being soul having Angel since non-soul having Angelus wasn't very nice," Willow said hopefully.

"He has his soul," Drusilla smiled slightly, "so there is no need to worry about that horrible version of Daddy that was here last year. I believe that a part of him must recognize you and that's why he was so forceful before and why he refers to you as being his. When he is himself again, he'll remember how things were and realize how things are now."

"I hope so," Willow made a face, "I mean, no offense, he's a gorgeous man and I kinda had a crush on him when we first met, but I so don't need anymore drama at this time. I'm yours and Spike's so he needs to get aware enough to accept that."

"You accept that you also belong to Spike, my darling?" Drusilla looked at the redhead with an affectionate smile, having never heard Willow admit to the knowledge that the blond vampire had also claimed her as a mate.

"Of course I belong to him," Willow looked at her mate with wide eyes, "he's mine so I assume that I am his. Okay, I know what we can do about Angel for now. We shall put him in one of the spare rooms, let him hopefully sleep off his dazed confusion and regain his memories. Now that we have that settled, tell me what happened with Spike! I have no idea why he got so angry and I think I hurt him and I don't know why."

"I love you, precious, but you are so blind at times," Drusilla laughed softly, moving towards her lover and kissing her gently. She heard a growl and pulled away, looking down at Angel, her eyes flashing yellow in warning before she looked back at Willow and said, "I fear that I cannot tell you why he was hurt. That is something that he deserves to tell you himself, something you must hear from his own lips. Why don't you go upstairs and talk to him, Willow-mine? Be honest with him about how you feel and he will be honest with you. I think that you two need some time to talk so I shall take care of my sire for the evening. I believe that he and I need to get a few things understood."

"Sometimes you just make me even more confused," Willow muttered, not really understanding what Drusilla was trying to tell her, but knowing that her mate obviously had figured out that she had fallen in love with Spike sometime over the last few months and that she seemed to think that Willow needed to tell Spike that. Willow grew thoughtful as she wondered if Spike might feel the same away about her, if that could have been why he'd reacted the way that he had. Could Spike love her? She glanced at the stairs as hope flashed in her eyes. She looked at Dru and said, "Are you going to be okay with Angel? Are you sure you don't want to be upstairs when Spike and I talk?"

"I can handle my sire, Willow," Drusilla smiled, "and I think that you and Spike need to talk without me there, need to be together without me. I love you, pet."

"I love you too, Drusilla," Willow kissed her lover before moving towards the stairs. She stopped and gave her mate a wry smile as she said, "Wish me luck!"

"You will not need it, darling," Drusilla smiled, watching as her lover went up the stairs to finally confront her childe about what was happening between the two of them. She saw movement from the corner of her eyes, turning her head to see Angel moving to stand and follow Willow. She moved quickly, blocking him as her hand moved to his neck. She gripped him tightly, pulling him away from the stairs and towards the other room, her eyes flashing yellow as she smiled sweetly, "There shall be none of that, Daddy. Let's go sit in the living room and wait for the kids to bring you some blood while I try to figure out what happened to you, Sire."

********************

End of Part 29