Inell's Fanfiction Archive

"Earth to Willow!" Buffy smiled as Willow glanced at her.

"Sorry. What were you saying?"

"I said, I'm glad you came tonight. You never get out. We've been at school for three weeks. Heck, I'm already dating someone fantastic. True, I met him over the summer and he helped me through a very bad Angel-missing time, but he's still great. And you, you never leave the dorm. What's wrong?"

She smiled softly, "Nothing. Just was a tough summer."

"Oh...thinking about Graham and all. Do you ever wish you'd kept his number?"

"Every waking moment....Then, someone I know dies and I'm glad he never had to go through that." Willow said, frowning.

"I'm sorry" Buffy said, hugging her friend as they walked to Riley's frat. "I know from how you've spoken of him, he had to be something special."

"He was" Willow said, remembering. "I know you would have loved David. He was so sweet and funny. Graham was too but more in a my type way."

"I'm sure he thinks about you" Buffy said.

"I doubt it. He probably forgot all about me. I'm rather forgetable." Willow made a face.

"Are not. My god. You fell in love over five weeks. You still think about him. It meant something to him too."

"I hope so. As David said, you have to make your memories."

"I think I would have liked him." Buffy said, smiling softly. "We're here."

"You're sure Riley said to invite me?"

"Actually, Riley told her he'd be thrilled to have the two most beautiful women on campus as his escorts."

Willow turned and smiled at the grinning boy. "You makes us sound unsavory."

"Never, Wills" Riley kissed his girlfriend, again wondering how he'd been lucky enough to run into her on campus during the summer orientation. "Come on, I've got people to introduce you two too."

"Hey guys. Forrest, this is Buffy, mine. And Willow, free."

Willow turned to him, hitting his arm. Turning back around, she froze. Her face went pale as she stared into cold eyes that were looking at her so seriously.

"Graham?" she whispered.

"Willow" he said, his eyes betraying nothing.

"THE Graham?" Buffy asked, looking him over. Yep, definitely the man in the pictures Willow had.

"I'd say hello, but Willow never spoke of her friends." Graham said, his voice controlled.

Willow felt so many emotions go through her. Happiness, love, disgust at herself, worry, fear. She spoke softly, "It's nice seeing you."

He laughed harshly, "A pizza place. Fitting huh? Our first date was Italian. You could have just told me that you didn't want to see me again."

She shook her head, tears in her eyes, "You wouldn't listen. I had to leave. It was too hard."

"Hey, why don't you two go upstairs and talk privately" Riley said, noticing several partygoers watching.

"We have nothing to say" Graham said crossly.

"Please, Graham."

Graham couldn't believe she'd been in this town all along. He'd been there over a year. A year. So much he had wished she'd been by his side for. Now, he had the iniative. He didn't need anyone. He'd learned the lesson of loving. You always got hurt. "Fine."

Willow followed him up the stairs. She knew that he must be part of the iniative. She and Buffy had found out about that shortly after school had started. She was still suspicious of them, but things seemed fine so far.

She moved into the room, pacing as he sat. "I couldn't let you know where I lived. You might have come after me....."

"I did." He said softly.

"What?" she looked at him, her eyes wide.

He laughed humorously, "We knew it was California around LA. Your aunt only told us that much. I looked everywhere for any Willow. Didn't know your last name. Dave decided we should just go to Sunnydale College since it was the only California school we'd considered. Made it easier to search. What a joke. You didn't want me."

"I did....too much. You've been in Sunnydale a year?"

"Yes." He said curtly.

She knew then that she had no chance with him. He wasn't going to forgive her. She couldn't believe he'd done so much to find her. She looked down at her feet and asked in a small voice, "Where's David?"

Graham felt the familiar pain slice through him. He relived the attack, again thinking he could have done something. The night he had discovered that vampires truly did exist. The night that had changed his life forever. The night that had led him into joining the Iniative.

"He's dead."

"Dead?" Willow said, sitting down. Her knees were weak. She slowly shook her head. "He can't be dead....not David."

"Trust me. I was there." Graham said, his voice cold. He didn't want to remember. He didn't want to break down in front of her. Not in front of Willow.

"How?" she had to ask.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Try me. Don't you wonder why I didn't want you in Sunnydale? I loved you too much to have you come here...this place is evil."

Graham looked at her and saw the serious look in her eyes. She had loved him. He wished, for David's sake, that he had been able to forget her. "Vampires."

"Goddess....not David...."

He nodded, "Yes. Almost got me. Riley saved me. That's how I found out what went bump in the night. Rude awakening, I can tell you. Riley's been a great friend since."

"Riley's a good guy...." she said softly.

"Yes, he is. Not David but a good guy..."

"Is that how you got mixed up with the Iniative?"

He looked at her sharply, "What?"

"Never mind. I can see you don't want to talk to me. Unpleasant memories I guess. I'm sorry.... about a lot of things."

"Fine" he said, wanting nothing more than to stop her and hold her tightly against him, never letting go.

She blinked away tears at everything that had been lost, "Goodbye Graham. Take care of yourself...." she froze as she remembered the last time she had spoken those words.

"And David" he finished, whispering.

"Sorry...I'm leaving now."

"Willow."

She looked at him, "Yes?"

"You did love me, didn't you?" he had to know.

She smiled softly, "Never stopped."

Before he could reply, she was gone.

***

He glanced at the clock. Only five more hours. Then, he be in Sunnydale. Good old Sunnydale. He'd missed it the last year. But, so many people to meet...so many people to kill. He'd put off the touching reunion he knew would be awaiting him. He had to be stronger. Ready to kill. It was time. Time to have some fun. A smile crossed his lips. Maybe he'd even bag him a slayer. He turned the radio up singing along with the song as he envisioned the blood and mayhem that awaited him.

***

Spike smiled as he watched the redhead cross the campus. He left his car as he moved to follow her. Maybe killing the slayer wouldn't be too far off yet. He had only been back in Sunnydale less than a week, but he'd already realized how fucked up the town still was.

He cringed as he remembered his run in with some military types. He frowned slightly. Damn idiots. He'd had to escape and now find himself unable to feed. He knew the slayer had to be involved. Meddlesome bitch. It had taken him a day to find any of her litter of pups. Now, he had found Red.

Willow stopped walking. She felt eyes on her and a wave of fear spread through her. Someone was watching her. She'd felt uneasy for the last day or so. Now, she knew someone had to be there. She began to walk faster. She was only a short way from the dorm. Of course, Buffy was at Riley's, on the other side of the campus.

She hadn't spoken to Graham since that night a week ago. She's seen him a few times, but he'd ignored her. She understood. She was to blame for everything. She should have just called him. Then, he wouldn't have gone to school at UC Sunnydale and David would still be alive. She knew though that that wouldn't have happened. He'd have still come to Sunnydale and probably gotten himself killed.

She did love him. Even when he stared past her, ignoring her, her heart felt such emotion for him. She wouldn't cry. She'd done enough of that the last year to get her through the rest of her life. She would get over him. They'd only been together for a few weeks anyway. Why couldn't she forget it? She heard footsteps behind her on the lonely sidewalk. Glancing around, her eyes widened. Spike!

She turned and began to run. She heard Spike swear and begin to move after her. She collided into someone, and began to babble, "Oh great. He's after me. Help me please."

She heard a laugh...a familiar laugh...as she looked up into dancing eyes. Blonde hair fell in an unruly cut. "He's not the only one, Willow."

She tried to move away, fear practically paralyzing her, "David."

Willow shook her head, "You're dead."

"Am I?" David said, a smile on his handsome face. "Feels great. Loving it."

She began to back away. She didn't like the gleam in his eyes as he looked at her, "I've been watching you Willow....he let you go....doesn't want you. I still want you. Always did....Now, I can have you."

"Watching me?"

His grin deepened, "Since school started. Man, do you know how hard it was not to take you right away? Just savor the blood. But, that isn't part of the game. Making him suffer then taking you, that is."

"Why? He loved you."

David's face lost its smile, "He let me die! Watched and didn't do a thing. I saved him. I was the hero. He was always the quiet one. Well, that's going to change. He's going to get strong of lose the one thing he loves the most....."

"Don't think so, chap." Spike said, stepping in front of Willow.

"Who are you?" David asked, backing away slightly. He could sense controlled power in this vampire. Old power.

"Name's Spike." Seeing David's eyes register recognition, Spike smiled evilly, "You've heard of me."

"You're not a part of this" David said rudely.

"But I am. The girl is mine."

Willow couldn't believe he was saving her. What was he thinking? Why was she still there instead of running? "Since last year" she said softly, remembering when he had kidnapped her and bitten her during senior year.

"No. She belongs to me" David said.

Spike hit him hard, sending him backwards. "Touch her and face me. She's mine, whelp."

David stood glaring at them both. "We'll see. You can't be with her all the time."

Spike watched him run away before turning to Willow. Taking in her frightened face and wide eyes, he sighed loudly. What had he done? Speaking rougly, he said, "So, pet. You owe me. Let's say we head back to my place. We have to talk."

***

Spike watched her sit down, her knees tightly drawn together. She was twisting the bottom of her shirt in her hands. He could smell her fear. Rolling his eyes, he cursed himself silently. Why the hell had he saved her? It would have killed the slayer that her little friend had died. But, no. He'd had to be a bloody hero. What was that old song? The one Dru sang all the time to him to annoy him, Billy Don't Be a Hero....Yeah, that was it. She knew he hated it. Hell, he was living out that damn thing now.

"Want to tell me who I saved you from?" he asked, lighting his Marlboro.

"His name is David...." Willow said softly. She looked up and saw actual curiosity and concern in those beautiful blue eyes. Spike cared?

"And?" Spike asked, irritated. He wanted to know what he was up against. No one went after something that belonged to him. And, he'd realized, the little witch did.

Willow began to tell him about the summer she had met David and Graham. He asked a lot of questions, going through a pack of smokes before her interrogation was through.

"What is it with this town?" Spike asked as she told that Buffy was with Riley.

"Huh?" Willow asked confused.

"The names, luv. Doesn't anyone have a normal here? It's like a bleeding soap opera. That David bloke is the first normal named chap I've met here."

Thinking about it, Willow had to smile, "You're right. I can't think of anyone off hand that had a common name. Xander I guess but he doesn't go by Alexander. Oh, Jonathan. That's normal. And William is normal."

"Sad thing when I'm normal, pet." Spike said smiling slightly.

"True.....are you going to kill me now?"

He laughed, "Nope. I got me uses for you."

"What?"

Spike sighed loudly. He explained about the soldiers and what they had done. What he had seen in that place. She took it all in, asking questions of her own.

"I know who they are....I wonder why they are doing all that...." Willow said softly.

"Up to no good if you ask me."

"I can't tell Buffy?" she asked.

"Slayed is probably involved. Damn silly chit. I need you, Red. You need me. Do we have ourselves a deal?"

Willow thought it over. In exchange for her getting him blood until he reversed what they had done, he would protect her at night from David. He would bite her, reknewing his claim for any vampire around to smell. It was an easy decision, really. She didn't have anyone else to protect her. She smiled slightly, moving her head.

Offering her neck, she asked, "Bite me Spike....please?"

***

Graham stared at the picture, his mind taking him back to that summer. He still loved Willow. The year apart hadn't changed that. If anything, the seperation had strengthened their bond. He had felt it pull at him during the party. It had taken everything in him not to run after her and hold her close.

He didn't blame her for David, contrary to what she thought. They had made the decision to move to Sunnydale. In fact, she had encouraged them to go to the East coast. Now he understood why. He remembered his and David's first months at the school. David had been the one to be approached by the Initiative. They had eagerly recruited the athletic young man. Graham had gone along reluctantly, David begging him to join the team.

His reluctance had disappeared the night that David had died. He had watched a demon drain the life from his friend. After that, he had been determined not to stop until all the vampires had been taken care of. The biggest problem was that as soon as they killed five, ten more popped up. It was almost pointless at times. But, with each one he killed, he had just a bit of revenged for his friend.

He knew that he was going to give in and call Willow. He missed her so much. Missed having her in his life. He just didn't know if she would understand why he had acted like such a jerk at the party. He hoped that she did. He loved her so much. She was the last thing that might bring him happiness. He was tired of the endless pursuit of revenge. He just wanted to lay down and hold her, smell the apple scent in her hair.

Shaking his head, he glanced again at the picture. Soon, he would swallow his pride and see if she could forgive him for his behaviour at the party. Until then, he would remain lost in his memories of happier times. Before Sunnydale.

***

"Will. Where are you going?" Buffy asked, looking at her friend.

Willow glanced up, her eyes darting around. She felt the fabric of the turtle neck rub against the bite on her neck. Her mark. She had been properly claimed by Spike several nights before. Since then, she had spent each night with him, not returning to the dorm until dawn. It was safer that way. For both of them.

"Out."

Buffy sighed, "What's wrong? I haven't seen you except for a few minutes the last few nights. You aren't here when I get back from patrol...you don't get in until it's light outside. If it were anyone else, I'd say it was a man. You don't seem happy though....."

"It's nothing Buffy. I've just been spending time with a friend...."

"Graham?" Buffy asked eagerly.

Willow shook her head slowly, "No. He won't even look at me....just through me. Someone I knew before college. We ran into each other...hit it off. We have things in common right now....."

It was strange, but Willow was speaking the truth. She and Spike did have a lot in common. Similar likes and dislikes. He was still trying to get over Dru. She was trying to get over Graham. He listened as she whined and wept. She listened as he did the same. He still loved Dru. She still loved Graham. They were becoming friends. Only on the hellmouth would a vampire become friends with the slayer's best friend.

Willow had begun helping him investigate the Iniative. Things there weren't as peachy as they seemed. Willow didn't trust them at all. What they were doing was terrible. They should just kill the demons or let them go. Torture, even for evil, was inhumane. She and Spike were going to get to the bottom of it all though. She was also worried for Graham and Riley. They were part of this but neither seemed the type to do what she had heard they were doing. They had to be clueless to the real extent of power the Initiative had. She hoped they got out safely before things collapsed.

"Do I know her?"

"Don't think so. Lunch tomorrow?" Willow asked.

Buffy nodded and smiled, "Sure. Take care of yourself."

Watching Willow leave, Buffy frowned slightly. She knew her friend was hurting from the realization that she had truly lost Graham. She wouldn't talk about it, though. Seems she had found someone else to listen. Buffy was ok with that as long as Willow was happy. Buffy got up to go meet Riley. Stopping, she wondered why Willow was wearing a turtleneck in this heat...

***

"Where are we going?" Willow asked, rushing to keep up with Spike.

"You'll see" he said smiling cryptically.

She rolled her eyes as she felt a trickle of sweat drip down her back. She really needed to let him bite her somewhere else. This turtle neck thing was getting to be a drag. An image of Spike biting her somewhere else entered her mind, making her pause. Heat spread through her that she couldn't even blame on the terrible Sunnydale weather. Shaking her head, she hurried to catch him.

She ran into Spike's back, her hands clutching his leather duster to steady herself. She looked past him and froze. It was Graham. She moved into the trees, pulling Spike with her. She felt his hands on her shoulders as he peered into the darkness. She watched Graham as he met up with several other soldier boys. He looked gorgeous. Another image entered her mind...this time Spike and Graham biting her and ......She let out a breath wondering where those thoughts had come from. She definitely needed therapy.

"That him?" Spike asked, his eyes on the boy that had made her heart start beating faster. He leaned in closer to her, her scent intoxicating him.

"Yes" Willow said, her eyes looking back at him. He glanced at her, his blue eyes unreadable.

She still loved the boy. He could see it in the green depths. Probably always would, poor chit. Same as him and Dru. He saw the men head their way and he reacted. He caught her mouth, pushing her onto the ground. They couldn't be found or he might be recaptured. He heard her gasp and instinctively thrust his tongue into the warmth of her. She stiffened before she relented. He felt her hands on his head, urging him closer.

Graham heard a soft sigh that he recognized. He waved the others on saying he'd catch up to them. Then, he moved to look behind the row of bushes. No! Willow. Willow and some other guy. His heart tore open as he felt pain spread through him. He stumbled backwards, closing his eyes. She didn't want him anymore. She wanted someone else. He groaned as he realized he'd waited too long.

Willow heard a groan penetrate her mind. Startled, he pushed Spike off of her. She looked over and saw Graham looking at them.

"Graham!" she cried out, knowing what he had seen. He shook his head before running off. She felt tears on her face as cold arms went around her, pulling her closer. She moved her head, her tears falling on the fabric of his shirt.

"Shhh, pet. He'll understand....he loves you....I saw it in his eyes..." Spike spoke quietly, trying to get her to stop crying. He hated tears on the faces of those he loved. Damn it. Why did everything in this town have to go so wrong?

***

David looked at the woman and grimaced. "I told you. Spike claimed her."

"I don't care! I want her here. You want her, go get her."

"He'll rip me apart." David said, heaving heard stories of the blonde vampire.

"Are you scared? You pathetic, weak moron."

David felt a rush of anger at her words. His eyes gleamed, "I am not weak!"

"Prove it" she taunted. "I want the redhead."

Curious, he looked at her. "Why?"

She smiled, "Part of my plan, vampire. Part of my plan. She's vital to it, actually."

"I won't let her die." He said.

An evil grin crossed her face, "Oh I don't plan on killing her. Not saying she won't pray for death...."

David shook his head softly, "You can't take her. Spike will kill to keep her safe."

"I'm not scared of some skinny Brit. Bring him on and I'll stake his ass."

"Not that easy." David said, looking at the girl. He wondered again who she was. He had run across her the previous week. Feeling his still human side rebel at the idea of hurting Willow, his demon side relished the thought. He again sensed that uneasy power in the girl sitting in front of him. "He doesn't die. Rather a myth around our circles."

"I want Red. Whatever Faith wants, Faith gets. Now, do you want to help me or not?" Faith smiled, an evil glint in her eyes. She owed Willow. It was time for paybacks.

"You're a slayer" David said, finally placing the power. He felt a wave of fear for Willow. He hated this. Hated what he had become. Not evil but not human either. The damn iniative and their experiments. Thinking of Graham and his own 'death', he knew what he had to do. Smiling, he glanced at the dark haired girl, "I'll help of course. But, only if I get her when you're finished."

"You can have what's left" Faith said, hating having to get a vampire to help her. "I want her tomorrow. Find a way to distract Blondie for me and I'll take the prize."

David nodded. "Fine. Tomorrow she's yours."

Faith smiled, "And then that bitch Buffy can start to pay. Ain't life swell?" she asked before downing her drink.

***

Spike looked into the darkness and cursed. Something was wrong. He had felt it this morning but could do nothing. Now, he was free to find his mate. He just had no idea where to look.

"Hey there." A voice called to him.

Turning, he saw the vampire from that first night. "What?" he said crossly. Willow was in pain.

"Uh...I don't know what to say, but I think Willow is in danger." David said, his demon cursing his human side.

"Like I bloody well don't know that one already. I can feel her, you damn poof. Where is she?"

"That I don't know. I never wanted to hurt her. I love her. I want to help find her if you'd let me....I feel a bit responsible for this."

Spike moved quickly, pinning the youngster to the ground, "I'll ask one more time before I get angry. Where is she?"

With each of the words, he hit the vampire in the face. David coughed up blood and flinched, "Some girl...I met her a few nights ago. She wants revenge on the slayer. Said she wanted Willow. That she owed some paybacks. She's nuts, man. Completely insane. I told her I'd help her, but I couldn't give Willow to her."

"What was her name?" Spike asked, knowing that Dru wasn't in town.

"Faith. She's a slayer too."

Spike sat up, "Bloody fucking hell. I can't face her alone. She'll kill Red before I could do anything...Fuck it." Spike continued to curse, kicking at the stones littering the commons.

"Could this slayer help?" David asked, cringing as Spike faced him.

"I am not asking that slutty little priss for help. I don't care if the slayers kill each other. Saves me the work. I just don't want my Willow in the middle."

David thought about it and cringed, "There is someone else....he'd do anything for her...."

Spike looked at him, his blue eyes thoughtful, "Graham."

David looked surprised, "Yeah, Graham."

Spike made his decision. He needed help. This youthful vampire wouldn't be any good at facing a slayer. He had to think about saving Red. Nodding, he spoke, "Take me to him."

***

Graham glanced at his watch and frowned. Damn, he was late. He stood up, stretching. He had been at the library for hours. Technically, he wasn't on duty tonight. He just had an urge to kill something so he figured he'd better try venting that anger somewhere useful.

He gathered his books and left the library. Heading out across the campus, his mind was on Willow, as usual. She was missing. She had not been back to the dorm, nor had she made it to any of her classes. He was worried. He had a strong feeling that she was in trouble. He could feel it in his heart.

He heard a match strike and glanced over. Startled, he froze. He recognized the bleach blonde hair of the Hostile that had escaped several weeks before. He mentally cursed himself for being out after dark without some sort of weapon.

Spike looked a the boy, studying him with cold blue eyes. The lad wasn't shaking but he was nervous. Good, at least Red wasn't in love with some nancy boy. "I need help."

Graham's eyes widened as the vampire spoke. "From me? You must be joking."

Spike rolled his eyes, "You're wasting time. What is it about humans and their perception of situations?"

"I'm not helping you" Graham said, knowing he was about to die.

Spike dropped the cigarette. He moved quickly, pushing the youth against the side of the building. "Do you love Willow?"

"What?" Graham felt himself draw in a deep breath. "If you have her...."

Spike studied the eyes, searching. Satisfied with what he saw, he relaxed his grip. "She's in trouble. Has been since this morning. Didn't the slutty slayer notice?"

"Slayer? Willow's in trouble? How would you know?" Graham's mind was confused. Too much was happening. He couldn't follow it all.

"Buffy, the vampire layer. Your little soldier boy friend didn't tell you? Guess secrets go many ways, huh?" Spike watched the denial spread over the boy's face. He defended his friend. Loyal. That was good.

"Willow." Graham said through clenched teeth. Thinking about it, things made more sense. The slayer wasn't a myth...she was Buffy.

Spike's eyes flashed with pain as he turned slightly, "Stupid slayer bitch has her. Got her this morning when she was going back to the dorms from my place. I couldn't help her."

Graham was amazed. There was such intensity in the vampire's voice. "You were the one kissing her...." he realized.

Spike nodded, looking at him, his gaze unwavering, "She's mine. I had to mark her to protect her. She didn't want you to know....well, last night was suppose to cover us from your little group."

"Yours?" Graham said, an edge of anger in his voice.

Spike smiled suddenly, "Actually, she's hers. Independant little thing. But, she's in pain. I can't do it alone...."

"Why should I help you?" Graham asked, visions on Willow in pain hurting his heart.

Spike again smiled as he lit another smoke, "Cause you love her."

Graham let out a breath. He looked at the vampire and nodded in understanding, "So do you."

"Me? In love with a mortal chit? That's funny" Spike said, making a slight face, "She loves you, boy. Now, will you help?"

"Yes" Graham said, knowing he had to find Willow. He also knew that despite the vampire's protests, he was in love with Willow. "Who are you? Who has her? And who do we have to kill?"

Spike smiled at the determination in the boy's eyes. Maybe Red was right about this one. "Name's Spike. That insane slayer bitch has her. Who to kill? Her name is Faith, my boy."

"Where is she?" Graham asked, trying to decide what weapons they would need. He'd sneak them from the complex. Suddenly, he realized that he was going to have to kill a human. He'd never killed a living person before. Could he do it? For Willow, he'd try.

"That's where I come in" a very familiar voice said. Graham looked, his mouth falling open.

"You're dead" he said, staring disbelieving at his old friend.

David smiled, "Man, oh man. We've got a lot to catch up on don't we?" He heard Spike growl and looked in fear at the master vampire, "Uh, but after we get Willow and slay ourselves a slayer."

Graham nodded, following after him, his mind reeling. Way too much for him to completely comprehend right now. First things first. Save Willow. Then worry about the rest after that.

***

"So, who's bigger?"

Willow glanced up, blinking away a drop of blood that was dripping in her eye. She looked at Faith's smug face and wished she could wipe that smirk off of it.

"Must say, Red. Didn't think you had it in you to have two men, one a vampire no less. So, who is it? Mortal boy have the biggest? I bet it's the vampire."

"Go to hell" Willow said, her eyes blazing.

Faith just laughed, the sound drifting on the air. She looked over her captive and smiled. Willow was hanging from shackles, her mostly nude body marked from the sting of Faith's whip. Faith had been playing with her all afternoon. Nothing too serious yet. Just enough so that the redhead would feel pain. She stopped before causing any permanent damage.

"Been there, done that. Called a coma, lover. This terrible black nothingness. Only, due to my super dooper slayer skills, I was there. Alone with just my thoughts for months. Alone with the memories. That little bitch tried to kill me."

"Then why am I the one here?" Willow asked, jerking at the chains above her head. "I can give you her dorm number. You two can fight it out. Oh, wait. She'd win again."

Faith just smiled, "You know...you were the only one that came to see me."

Willow looked up, her eyes widening, "What?"

"You visited. I got to know the smell of your shampoo....apples and vanilla. It was one of the only things that kept me from just wasting away. Listening to that endless babbling about everyone and what they were doing.....kept me sane."

"Sane? Must not have worked that well" Willow said dryly.

Faith laughed openly, "Good one. So, Red. Why? Why visit me? You hated me."

"You saved me once" Willow said softly. She still didn't know why she had felt the need to visit the comatose slayer, but she knew it was partly from guilt. They should have been able to keep her on their side...if they had tried. Also, Faith hadn't had anyone to visit her. If it were her, she'd want someone to care.

"I did, didn't I?" Faith said, smiling as she remembered.

"Why are you doing this to me?" Willow asked softly.

"Because.....I don't like caring. I don't like needing you. I need those visits Red. They got me through. Oh, don't worry, Red. I don't plan on killing you. Buffy and the others? Fuck yeah. You, I will let you go."

"I would rather die than let them die." Willow said, her voice strong.

"Don't push me, Red. I can arrange that too. So, tell me about them." Faith sat down, cutting open an apple with a large knife. She took one piece in her mouth and began to chew.

"Them?" Willow said, her eyes on the knife.

Faith smiled, "The vampire and mortal. Who's the best in bed? Come on, Red. I want details. I haven't had any action for months. We can use a sharing moment. If I don't stay entertained... well, who's to say what I might do?" She licked the apple juice from the blade, making sure Willow saw it.

Willow got the threat and decided why not. She had a good imagination. Besides, if she stalled long enough, maybe Buffy would get her ass here finally.

***

Spike entered the warehouse with Graham at his back. It took a lot for him to trust the mortal, but he had to be in front. He was more prepared to fight the slayer than the mortal was. He heard laughter and froze, glancing at Graham.

Graham moved forward a bit, straining to hear. He exchanged a confused look with Spike before they made it to the entrance of the room. Startled, they saw Willow hanging from chains. A brunette was seated in front of her, laughing.

"So, they don't mind that you're fucking them both?" Faith asked, her voice carrying to them.

They knew they should strike but both were curious to know what was going on. David was keeping watch outside, so they had time. The listened, their eyes on the scene in front of them.

"No. They enjoy each other, so why should they care?" Willow said, sighing. Her arms hurt, the light marks from the whip still stung, and Faith wouldn't quit asking for details. She was going to hell for all the lying she had done in the past half hour.

"Wait! They're fucking too?" Faith sat back, respect on her face. "Didn't think you had it in you at all, Red. Those two hotties and just you. A bit selfish though."

"What can I say? I'm insatiable" Willow said dryly. Faith was believing everything she said.

"Must be. So, you keep avoiding the question. Who's the best?"

Willow glanced down, "I couldn't choose."

Spike glanced at Graham and saw the tension in him. He leaned over, "I haven't shagged the chit. Wanted to, but didn't. She's bluffing the slayer for some reason."

Graham looked at him, surprised to see sincerity in the blue eyes regarding him. "Doesn't matter. But, thanks. I'm glad to know."

"Yeah" Spike said, looking back at Willow. He began to think of a plan of action, wanting to get her out as easily as possible. He almost didn't hear her reply to the slayer's last question.

"You got to have a preference Red. Graham is the sweet soft one. Spike the hard rough one. Which one makes you wet?"

"Both of them" Willow replied honestly. "I love them both so they both turn me on."

Graham and Spike froze hearing her words. Was she just bluffing or not?

"Lucky bitch" Faith said, shaking her head. "So, time to play. You ready?"

Willow sighed, steeling herself. She heard the whip as it rushed through the air. She cried out as it made contact with her skin.

Willow felt Faith move behind her. She stiffened when she felt lips on her back. "What are doing?" She squeaked out.

"Insatiable right? Talking about all that made me horny. You're here....I'm here..." Faith let her voice drop off as her hands rougly kneaded Willow's breasts.

"Stop it." Willow said, moving out of the slayer's grasp. "Faith! Quit."

"Would you rather me beat you more?" Faith asked, a twinkle in her dark eyes.

"No" Willow said, "But I'm not like that. Plea..." Her words were cut off by lips. Faith's lips. She whimpered trying to get away.

Spike went into action. He nodded at Graham, who came out of his daze and walked forward.

"Hello luv. I don't remember saying you could play with anyone else." Spike said, strolling out into the room.

"Spike!" Willow called out, happiness in her eyes. She saw Graham move behind her, reaching up to unfasten the chains. They were working together?

Faith pulled back, her eyes looking over his lean frame. "Hot damn. We can just make this an orgy" she said, running her fingers over the material of Willow's panties.

"I don't share" Spike said, staring angrily at her. Stupid bitch. LIke he'd take her when he could have Willow.

"Only with Graham?" Faith taunted, seeing the nerve in his face twitch.

"Something about a warm mouth that is inviting.....can't get enough warm cock." Spike replied, arching an eyebrow.

"Damn, you really won't share?" Faith realized he was serious. "I don't want to fight. But, whatever."

The two began to move around the room, fists and legs flying out. Spike avoided her easily, Faith not able to avoid his punches. He wanted blood. She had hurt Willow. For that, she would die. She suddenly lashed out, Spike catching her fist easily. "Guess that time in the hospital weakened you, slayer. Ready to play?"

"Spike. Don't kill her," Willow said, rubbing her wrists. She leaned against Graham, enjoying the feel of his arms around her.

"What?" Spike roared, a bolt of jealousy spreading through him. He tightened his hold on the slayer's neck causing her to pass out as he saw the boy with his arms around Willow. A blanket was covering her shoulders.

"You can't kill her." Willow said, sighing. "She saved me....we have to think of something else."

Graham felt her move away from him. He watched as she went to Spike. Spike looked at her and smiled softly when she wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you." Willow whispered into his shirt. She pulled away and then looked between him and Graham. Her heart ripped in two, each side heading to one of the men. She closed her eyes, not wanting to deal with it yet. She loved them both.

"Can you chain her up or something. I'm tired and would love nothing more than to just sleep." Willow said, moving to stand in between them both.

Graham saw the indecision on her face and sighed. She was tired. "Spike, help me."

They fastened Faith up, putting something in her mouth to keep her from screaming. Going to Willow, they walked on either side of her. "Come on, luv. We'll get you into bed. Talk can wait."

"Thank you both" Willow said softly, her head leaning against Spike's shoulder as Graham's hand held hers tightly.

"It was nothing" Graham said, casting a glance back at the slayer. She was lucky she wasn't dead. He sighed. Why were things always so complicated? Oh well, he had Willow back. He was happy. And who knew what the future might hold?