Inell's Fanfiction Archive

It was shortly after dusk on a rather chilly Thursday in late March. School had been back in session for four days following a weeklong break. Of course, for the four students that now sat around a table in the empty library, there had been no restful spring break. They'd spent their afternoons at the school, researching and sparring, while their evenings had been spent patrolling and slaying. They'd managed to find time to enjoy some of their break, but, overall, it had been a typical week for them. Luckily, things had been quiet the last few weeks. Or, actually, maybe not luckily. That was the subject of debate that was currently causing conversation to become heated on this particularly chilly evening.

"I tell you, it's too quiet," Buffy Summers was saying as she frowned at her friends. "He has to be planning something."

"Maybe he got bored," Xander Harris said with a hopeful smile.

"Or maybe he's planning a way to kill us all," Cordelia Chase suggested as she finished applying nail polish to her left hand. She blew on the pretty shade of pink, deciding that it went rather well with her complexion. She looked up as silence greeted her statement and said defensively, "What?"

"Maybe he decided that he won after he killed Jenny," Willow said softly, still finding it difficult to believe that her favorite teacher was dead. It was still a tender subject around the group, reminding them all that they could die at any time. Since her death, though, Angelus had gotten quieter. He seemed to be content taking over as master of the town and living with his family, Drusilla and Spike. Buffy hadn't fought him in weeks and there had been no taunts or deliberate ambushes. It was as if he had decided that it was far more fun to be master of Sunnydale than it was to taunt his former lover.

"While I do agree that Angelus seems to consider everything a game," Giles spoke up, "I find it a bit difficult to believe that he would accept it a victory if the slayer was still alive. From the beginning, he has been intent on making Buffy's life miserable, targeting her friends, fighting with her, and so on."

"Yeah, he's been after me from the start," Buffy reminded Willow, wishing that Angelus had simply decided that he'd won and stopped the game. She'd never admit it to her friends, but she honestly didn't know if she'd ever be able to kill him. When she looked at him, she saw the face of the man she'd loved. Of course, when she looked into his eyes, she knew the difference. Who was she kidding? She didn't know if she'd be able to kill him if the time came, not just because he looked like Angel, but because he might kill her first. She'd died at the hands of the master and Angelus scared her more than that ugly bag of bones ever had. While she hated the idea of him thinking he'd won, she'd much rather be alive and dealing with him being master than being responsible for the deaths of everyone she loved as well as dying herself. Some might call it selfish, but she called it survival.

"All we can really do is wait and see," Giles finally said, knowing that Angelus was unpredictable and having no real idea what the vampire might be planning, if anything. He knew that Willow was right, in a way. Jenny's death had signaled a triumph for Angelus. He'd killed the only person that might have been able to curse him again as well as striking a blow against Buffy and her friends with that one death. He honestly didn't know if that would be enough for Angelus, though. True, his presence on the Hellmouth as master was causing Buffy to be stressed and cautious, probably more so than if he simply killed more of her friends, which most likely cause the slayer to be even more determined to kill him. Perhaps Angelus had decided the best way to make Buffy's life miserable was to remain an active player in Sunnydale, to be a constant reminder that she could die as easily as Jenny if he wished it. Giles grew thoughtful as he considered that possibility as he stood and excused himself, going into his office to give the situation more thought.

"Well, since there isn't any pressing danger at the moment, I'm going to wait and see at home in my hot tub," Cordelia said as she put her nail polish in her purse. She looked at her boyfriend, again finding it rather odd to use the word boyfriend to describe Xander Harris, and smiled slightly at the goofy boy that had started to steal her heart, "Do you want to come over for a bit? Maybe have some dinner?"

"Sure," Xander smiled as he stood up and gathered his stuff. Cordelia in a bikini was definitely not something he wanted to miss. He looked at Buffy and Willow and said, "Bye, guys. I'll see you tomorrow."

"You two can come, if you want," Cordelia glanced at the other girls, extending the invitation to her new friends, though she was rather relieved when they declined. She wanted to spend some private time with Xander without worrying about Angelus and possible death and slaying and anything more dramatic than the taste of Xander's lips or the surprisingly well built body he hid under his baggy clothes that was shown off pretty darn well in the baggy shorts he kept at her place for their journeys into the hot tub.

"No thanks, Cordy," Buffy said as she stood and stretched. "Mom and I are going out to eat and to see a movie tonight."

"Wills? You up for some hot tubbing?" Xander asked his best friend as he did a little dance that caused her to smile.

"Not really," Willow declined, still finding it hard to be around the boy that she'd loved for what seemed like forever with the girl she'd hated for just as long. Okay, so Cordelia wasn't nearly as bad as she had been and she did seem to care about Xander, but it didn't mean she wanted to be the third wheel. Nope, not this girl. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."

"Bye," Cordelia said as she and Xander left the library and headed across the parking lot to her car.

"I'd better get going, too," Buffy said as she glanced at the clock. "I told Mom I'd be home by seven. Did you want to go with us, Willow?"

"Buffy, its mother daughter bonding night for you and Joyce," Willow said with a smile, "I don't want to intrude on that. Besides, I've got some stuff to work on."

"Yeah, but your parents are gone still, aren't they?" Buffy asked.

"They'll be back in June unless they get another offer to lecture somewhere other than here," Willow said as she moved a book towards her. "I think I'm going to stay here and do some work on that data base I'm creating. Have fun tonight. You deserve a break."

"So do you," Buffy reminded, "but I won't push it. Maybe we can go to the Bronze tomorrow night before patrol."

"Sure," Willow agreed as she moved towards the computer. She said bye to Buffy when the slayer left the library, leaving her to work on her database. She was still working when Giles came out of his office, ready to leave for the night.

"Willow, you're still here," Giles said, a bit surprised that he hadn't heard the quiet redhead.

"See, that's why you're the watcher," she looked at him and smiled, "you're so observant!"

"Very amusing," he said dryly, though his eyes were amused. "It's after eight. Would you like a ride home?"

"Thanks, but I'm not done here yet," Willow said, "I really want to finish entering this book before I leave. I'll be fine walking."

"Are you sure?" he asked, not pleased at the idea of her walking home alone at such a late hour, especially considering the current state of events in Sunnydale. While Angelus had been quiet lately, he'd not forgotten that Willow was the first person the unsouled vampire had gone after, nor had he forgotten the dead fish that had been left in the girl's room. "I think I'd feel better waiting until you're finished and giving you a lift."

"Giles, it's okay. Really," Willow said with a smile at the man that had become like a father to her over the last year and a half. "I have my trusty water gun filled with holy water as well as a stake. I'm going to be working on this for another hour at least."

"Well, if you're sure," he finally relented, though he added, "if it's much later, you can call me and I'll come back and drive you home. Be careful, Willow. Angelus might be quiet right now, but he's still a threat, a very dangerous threat."

"I know," Willow agreed with him, "and I promise that I'll be very careful."

"Have a good night, Willow," Giles told the pretty redhead before he left her alone in the library, busy with her computer program.

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

It was after ten by the time Willow finished entering the information from one of the larger books they used for research. With a sense of accomplishment, she saved her information one last time before shutting down the computer. She got up and began to put away the books that had been left on the table. Once that was finished, she put her stuff in her bag and left the library. She entered the cool night air and shivered. It was just her luck that the one day she didn't bring a sweater to school with her would be the coolest night they'd had in weeks. She moved her hands over her arms as she started to walk home, gradually becoming used to the cold. She was tempted to give in and call Giles for that ride home, but it was later than she'd planned on being and she didn't want to wake him up if he'd gone to sleep early. Besides, it wasn't that long of a walk to her house. She'd be walking in her front door within a half-hour.

She actually wasn't in much of a hurry to get home. She loved walking at night, even knowing what lurked in the shadows. All that waited for her at home was an empty house that was much too large for one person. Her parents were rarely home, usually only stopping for a few days between lectures or trips. The last time she'd seen them had been before Thanksgiving when they'd dropped in for two days on their way to Sydney from Boston. They were now in Auckland for the next few months. In many ways, she was glad that they were never around. She didn't know how to talk to them, didn't know what to say, usually just spent her time with them smiling and nodding. Of course, when they were in town, she usually only saw them for one meal at best so it wasn't that difficult dealing with them. She often wondered why they'd had a child, knowing it had to have been for her parents' credibility. An expert at family psychiatry had to have a child. It didn't matter if said experts didn't remember their child's birthday or they hadn't been around from the age of six, having a child gave her parents that extra touch they needed for their lectures.

Willow was alert as she walked down the street towards the park. She would often get lost in her thoughts, thinking too much being one of her worst habits, but she was always aware of her surroundings and alert to any possible threats. As it was, the night was very quiet. She hoped that Buffy enjoyed her evening with her mother. Her best friend had been going through hell the last few months and deserved one night without having to worry about Angelus and slaying. Despite what Giles and Buffy said, she personally believed that Angelus was finished playing his game with Buffy. From everything she had read, he wouldn't have been quiet this long if he was still playing. After Jenny's death, things had changed. He hadn't left Sunnydale, didn't give any impression of planning to leave Sunnydale, but he was no longer actively pursuing Buffy. There had been some taunts when they'd run into him on patrol, but he'd seemed more amused than anything else. Of course, an amused Angelus was just as dangerous as a revenge seeking Angelus. In a way, she wished he'd just leave town. He could take Drusilla and Spike with him and then things could settle back down, become more routine.

She reached the entrance of the park and entered, her thoughts still on Angelus and Spike and Drusilla. She honestly didn't know if Buffy could defeat even one of them, much less all three. If they did decide to go after the slayer, she feared that her friend might die. Buffy hadn't been able to kill Spike, the sarcastic blond coming closer to killing her best friend than any other demon they'd faced except the master, who had eventually succeeded. A part of her wished that Jenny had found the soul restoration spell before her death, wondering if things would be different if Angelus got his soul back. And then there was the part of her that hated the idea of cursing Angelus with a soul again. She could never admit those thoughts to anyone, but they were there. She'd spent hours reading about him and Spike, stories of the death and carnage they left as they traveled around Europe, stories that should have scared her but instead excited her. She'd read stories of their relationship, too easily imagining them together, Spike begging for more as Angelus thrust into his tight ass, wondering what it would feel like to have them both want her, to have them fucking her roughly as she begged for more of everything. She was ashamed at the thoughts she had about Angelus and his grandchilde, but she couldn't stop having them. When she slept, they were there, teasing her with words and touch and lips. She knew she was a horrible person, a terrible person. She was lusting after two gorgeous vampires that had killed more people than she'd met in her life. Two vampires that had tried repeatedly to kill her best friend.

And still she wanted them. It was all Angelus' fault. She'd thought that Spike was attractive from the first time she'd really seen him, that Halloween night with the predatory gleam in his blue eyes and that smirk on his beautiful lips. She'd been aroused watching him hunt Buffy, her body tingling in places she didn't know existed as he'd nearly killed them all. That night, when she'd gone back home and been laying in bed, she'd closed her eyes and had her first erotic dream. She'd been horrified, not understanding why she could have found him so attractive when he'd been trying to kill them. The dreams had continued, getting more vivid as the weeks had gone by. But, that's all it had been. Dreams, fantasies, an ache for something she'd never have. She'd accepted that she couldn't control what she dreamed about, deciding to just enjoy the fantasy. Then Angelus had ruined everything.

He'd grabbed her that night at the school, holding her firmly against his hard, muscular body. She'd been scared, but she'd also been aroused. She'd never really found Angel attractive. Okay, so he was cute and had a nice body, but he'd never really caused tingles or lusty thoughts. Angelus, though, goodness, her entire body had been tingling. She'd heard his voice in her ear, husky and amused at her struggle, calling her a turn on as he'd tightened his hold and taunted the others. He'd kissed her neck, perhaps intending to bite her but instead just sucking the flesh into his mouth as his hand had moved over her stomach before he'd pushed her away from him and into the others. He'd caught her eye and smirked at her, his brown eyes flashing with knowledge and awareness and then he was gone. She had hurried home, falling to her bed as her hand had moved between her legs, finding herself dripping wet from need. She'd started to touch herself as she'd recalled the feeling of his body against hers, of the feel of his lips on her neck, of the amusement in his eyes and the smirk on his lips and the smell of him that still surrounded her. She'd had her first orgasm that night, the world exploding as she'd cried out, one hand clutching her comforter as the other continued to thrust into her tight wetness.

It had been the first of many caused from remembering the feeling of him against her that night at the school. That knowledge had given new meaning to the fantasies that she had been having about Spike. Now, Angelus had joined the image, causing them to become even more vivid and naughty and she'd wake in the morning with her body sweaty from need and wetness between her thighs. When she'd found her fish dead, knew that Angelus had been in her room, she'd been just as excited as she'd been scared. That night, her fantasies had gone in a different direction, with Spike and Angelus coming to her room and roughly taking her in her own bed. Because of this fantasy, she'd never performed the uninvite spell on her house. She knew it would never happen, knew that Angelus had targeted her only because he had access to her house and because she was Buffy's best friend, but she hadn't wanted to ruin the fantasy. She really didn't know what was wrong with her, why she kept having such nasty dreams about Spike and Angelus, why she wanted them so badly. Pushing those thoughts from her mind, she decided that that was enough thinking for the moment. She took a minute to look around and figure out where she was.

Willow was midway through the park, the half moon shining high overhead. She noticed the path that branched from the normal path, green eyes moving over the grass and foliage that nearly concealed it. If she remembered correctly, it went to the other side of the park in a more direct route. The regular road was well marked and covered in rock, large enough for several people to walk comfortably. This path was small and went through some trees and by the river. It was a pretty view but took longer despite its more direct route. She looked from that path to the one she was on, a slight smile crossing her lips as she recalled the Robert Frost poem they'd read recently in Lit class. Since she wasn't in a particular hurry to get home and since the rarely used path would probably be less dangerous than the path everyone was aware of, she decided to take the road less traveled. Perhaps Frost would be correct and it would make all the difference.

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

Willow walked along the path, ducking to avoid getting hit in the face by the low branches of the many trees that lined the walkway. She was near the clearing by the river when she heard the noise. She stilled, listening intently. All she heard was silence. She was imagining things, she decided with a smile. For a second, she thought she'd heard singing. It must have been the wind blowing the trees above her head, the rustling of the leaves perhaps sounding like music. Or it could have just been a tune in her head, some forgotten lullaby that her memory had decided to remember. Whatever it had been, it was gone now.

A frown crossed her pretty face as she entered the clearing, the singing was back. It was low and soft, a woman's voice singing about the moon. Willow stopped walking and looked around, her eyes widening as she noticed the shadow sitting at the water's edge. There was someone there. She was about to hurry away before she disturbed the singer when she heard the low moan of pain. That caused her to stop and wage an internal debate. It was obvious that the woman hadn't heard her because she hadn't turned or stopped singing her soft melody. It would be very easy to just continue on her way home and forget about that moan. Willow sighed as she started walking towards the water, knowing there was no chance that she'd just leave if there was someone that might need her help. She'd just ask if the woman was okay. Once she was assured that she wasn't needed, she'd be able to continue on home guilt free.

"Um, excuse me," Willow called out softly, not wanting to startle the woman, "are you okay?"

The woman stopped singing when she spoke, turning to look at her.

Willow wished it was a full moon. As it was, the half moon gave very little light, particularly in the clearing that was surrounded by trees in which she now stood. She couldn't really see anything except the shape of the person, knowing that it was a woman only because she'd heard the voice singing. When the woman didn't respond, Willow sighed and said, "I guess you're fine. I'll go ahead and leave now."

"No, don't leave," a soft voice whispered, causing Willow to remain standing where she had been.

"Are you okay?" Willow asked again, almost wishing she'd stayed on the well traveled path instead of being daring by taking the scenic route.

"He hurt me."

"You're hurt?" Willow was moving forward as she spoke, "Who hurt you? Is he gone now? Where are you hurt?"

"He's gone," there was a childish giggle before the voice spoke again, "he was hiding in the shadows with all the nasty things. He hurt me but I hurt him worse. Who are you?"

"My name is Willow," she said as she reached the woman's side. She was able to see what appeared to be blood covering a cut in the woman's dress. She'd been stabbed by something, Willow decided, trying to figure out what the woman had been saying. "This is a deep cut. You need to get it cleaned up."

"Willow," the woman repeated in a sing song voice that held the faintest trace of an accent. "Such a pretty name, such a pretty little kitten. You'll take care of me, won't you kitten? You'll fix me up and make me all better."

Willow felt a prickling of awareness wash over her, the realization that something was not right. She looked away from the cut to look into the eyes of the woman that was calling her kitten. She froze as she made eye contact, inhaling sharply when she found herself looking at a face that was familiar, when she discovered that the woman that had been singing such a lovely song, the woman that was hurt and needed her help, the woman that was now calling her kitten and smiling at her as if she had all the answers to every question in the world was none other than Drusilla.

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

Willow felt like pinching her arm, hoping that she'd suddenly wake up to find herself snuggled under her blanket instead of standing in a deserted area of the park with one of the most dangerous vampires in town. Not only was Drusilla dangerous, but she was rumored to be completely insane, not a good combination in Willow's opinion. Why had she ventured onto the less traveled path? She knew why. That stupid Robert Frost and his stupid poem. It was so getting removed from the top of her list of favorite poems if she survived her encounter with Drusilla.

Willow wasn't sure what to do. She was seriously at a complete loss on how to handle this situation. She had holy water in her backpack as well as a stake, but, so far, Drusilla had made no threatening movements and didn't give the impression that she wanted to kill her. In fact, Drusilla was still sitting on the rock watching her with a slight smile on her lips. What to do...what to do. The cut was deep and bleeding, looked like one Buffy had received from a demon she'd fought a few months before. They'd put some medicine on it and it had healed up and been gone within a week and a half. Of course, Drusilla was a vampire, which meant medicine wasn't really needed. It would heal on its own. There was a lot of blood on the material of the dress surrounding the cut, though, and Willow didn't know if that would hinder the whole vampire healing process or not. She should just turn and run away as quickly as she could, hope that Drusilla was injured enough that she wouldn't be able to catch her and kill her.

She frowned as she continued thinking, finding it unnerving to have the vampire's complete attention focused on her. She couldn't turn and run away, even if that was the most logical and intelligent choice she had at the moment. Drusilla had said she needed help, that she was hurt. To Willow, it didn't matter if the person in need of help was an insane vampire or an innocent human, if she could help, she would. Well, that was, as long as Drusilla remained cooperative and didn't give any indication that she was about to become a late night snack. If she saw fangs, she was so out of there. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves, letting it out slowly as she decided to respond to Drusilla's need for help and then get her ass out of there as quickly as possible, hopefully without having to try to fight the childe of Angelus.

"The cut is pretty deep, but it should be fine in a few days," Willow said softly, keeping her voice low and making no sudden moves for fear of causing Drusilla to misinterpret her actions and attack.

"The stars told me to wait and you would come," Drusilla confided to the pretty girl with a whisper, "and they were right. You shall take care of me, pretty kitty. That nasty old demon killed Gregory and left me all alone and he hurt me before I stopped him, but the stars told me not to be scared because you would come, and here you are! I am Drusilla, but you may call me Dru, sweet Willow."

"It's nice to meet you, Dru. Who is Gregory?" Willow asked, her mind trying to understand what Drusilla was saying. The stars had talked to her? Okay, she was definitely starting to see where those insanity rumors were coming from.

"He was mean to Princess," Drusilla said as she looked towards the water, "he wouldn't let me dance for the stars and he laughed when I told him that the stars were angry with him for being mean to me. Now, he is dead. That nasty old demon killed him and the stars laughed as he died." She suddenly turned her head to look into Willow's eyes as she said, "He was supposed to take care of me while Daddy and William are away, but he was not a nice man. Daddy would have been unhappy to hear that Gregory was mean to his Princess so it is better that he died so quickly because Daddy would not be pleased at all and that would have been far worse."

"Angelus is away?" Willow asked, understanding that Daddy must be Angelus, hearing that he and William were away. William? She nodded as she remembered reading that Spike was known as William the Bloody prior to earning the nickname of Spike after torturing people with railroad spikes. So, Angelus and Spike were away. Where had they gone? Were they coming back? How long had they been gone? She couldn't ask the many questions that were in her mind because she didn't want to alarm Drusilla, wanting to survive this experience.

Drusilla nodded slowly, a soft smile crossing her face as she said, "Daddy and William went to see the angels. They told me to be a good girl and left Gregory to take care of me until they returned. Daddy will bring me a prezzie when they come back. He always brings me a prezzie when he and my William go away on their journeys."

"A prezzie?" Willow repeated, trying not to grimace at the idea of what Angelus would consider a suitable present for his childe. Wait a second. She had read the watcher diaries and knew that Angelus and Spike had been involved, references to them being lovers covering the older entries of the journals, but she had also read about Drusilla being part of the relationship, Angelus sharing his grandchilde with his childe and so on. Yet, Drusilla was talking about them taking trips together and always bringing her a present back, which would indicate that they did not always include Drusilla in their trips. More questions entered her mind as she tuned in to what Drusilla was rambling on about.

"Daddy chooses the best prezzies," Drusilla said with a fond smile at the pretty redhead, deciding that she didn't mind not going with her sire and childe to the city to see the angels because she had found her very own here in Sunnydale. "One time he brought me a lovely dress that was the color of the sky and another time he brought me a necklace with stones that were dark red."

"Yes, it does sound like he chooses good prezzies," Willow had to agree, relieved to find out that presents were normal things such as a dress and a necklace. She had figured he brought her pretty girls or scared children. Of course, Drusilla had only mentioned two presents out of who knows how many so it was probably a good thing she'd cut that conversation off before hearing what else Angelus considered fitting presents for his beautiful childe. She decided that it was time to try to make her exit. Drusilla was smiling softly and thinking happy thoughts about presents and it was a good chance to get away. She smiled as she said, "I think the cut should be okay in a couple of days. You'll be fine."

"Willow," Drusilla said softly, moving to stand as she looked into the girl's pretty green eyes, "I am ever so tired."

"Maybe you should go home, get some sleep," Willow suggested with a strained smile, trying to keep the tremor of fear from her voice as the vampire moved towards her, having no idea what Drusilla might do.

"The world is spinning, so very tired," Drusilla muttered as she felt herself starting to fall forward. The world went black as she passed out, Willow's arms catching her before she hit the ground.

Willow looked at the vampire she was now holding, wondering what had just happened. It would seem that Drusilla had fainted. She should just let her go and leave. Damn, damn, damn. Why did things like this always seem to happen to her? She should have just called Giles from the school and she'd have been home by now, laying in bed, having dirty thoughts about Angelus and Spike. But, no, she didn't want to bother Giles. She wanted to walk home by herself and take some overgrown path on a whim and end up talking to a vampire that seemed to think she could help her and would take care of her. And now, now that vampire was unconscious and Willow couldn't just leave her to die in this clearing. Not only had Drusilla not made any threatening gestures, she'd told Willow to call her Dru and looked at her with brown eyes that had been silently asking for help because she was scared and hurt and Willow couldn't just walk away from someone that needed her. With a loud sigh and cursing her own sanity, she moved Drusilla into a position that would be easier to half carry and half drag her out of the park, and started to walk towards home.

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

How could someone that looked so fragile be so heavy?

That question had been running through Willow's mind the entire time she'd been dragging Drusilla. She would have liked to have lied to herself and said she was carrying the unconscious vampire, but she had barely been able to hold the woman much less carry her. Nope, she'd been sort of dragging her and carrying her in a weird hold that she honestly didn't think she'd ever be able mimic if she tried. Luckily, it was working and she had been able to put most of Drusilla's weight against her side and walk without literally dragging the woman's feet against the ground. True, she had been forced to stop a few times along the way to catch her breath and try to get feeling back in her arms, but she was rather proud that she'd managed as well as she had.

Drusilla was still out, causing Willow to be a bit worried and concerned. From what she had seen, the scratch had been a bit deep but nothing out of the ordinary. Buffy would often get similar marks on her during slaying and had never passed out like Drusilla had done. She really was hoping that it was just a loss of blood or something simple like that. Of course, that gave her even more reasons to worry. What was she supposed to do with a vampire that had passed out from blood loss? Logically, she knew that she needed to give Drusilla blood. Yeah, that was gonna be real easy. Drop in to the local supermarket and pick up a pint of O positive? That so wasn't happening. Which left her with an unconscious vampire that might be suffering from blood loss and no blood to give her. She was a very giving person, but that stopped short of sharing her own blood. She'd worry about that once she got home and had to worry about it, she decided.

Willow stopped beside a tree, leaning against it as she tried to avoid dropping Dru. She cursed herself again for being so nice. When this entire thing was over, she was going to stop being nice, she decided. She would study Cordelia and learn how to be rude and selfish. Okay, that was needlessly catty, she sighed as she stretched as well as she could when holding a thousand pound vampire. Cordelia was at least trying to be nice to them all, and she really did seem to care about Xander which was all that was really important to Willow. As long as Xander was happy, though how he could find happiness with Cordelia Chase still confused her, Willow could accept Cordelia's efforts to fit in and try to be friends with the popular girl. She looked down at Drusilla, wondering what was happening to the female vampire. She hadn't seen any signs that would indicate poison on the cut, knowing that the flesh would have had an odor or been a weird color or something if poison had been a factor. When Buffy had been sliced by a poison claw a few months before, the wound had been overflowing with pus and there had been a stench. Giles had created some sort of mixture that had smelled even worse than the poisoned wound, but it had worked. Willow had watched the watcher do the spell, finding herself becoming interested in magic since meeting Buffy. Jenny had been showing her some things, teaching her small rituals and such before she died. She knew well enough not to ask Giles to teach her anything, his fatherly concern preventing him from ever letting them do something that might harm. Which, in a way, was just silly, in her opinion. As far as she could see, magic was a help to Buffy's fight against evil, and only dangerous if you got into things you shouldn't. Of course, Giles' fears were based on his past, so she couldn't really argue with him too much over it. Instead, she had started studying a bit on her own as well as paying attention to every detail of the spells he'd perform when needed. And she had performed the uninvite spell for Buffy, which had been successful.

Willow made a face as she adjusted Drusilla against her, feeling her arms protest holding the weight as she started to continue walking. She was going to be sore in the morning, she figured. It wasn't that Drusilla was all that heavy. She really wasn't. It was just a dead weight, in a way, Willow's lips twisted into a slight smile as she realized just how accurate the term dead weight was in describing Drusilla, and that made the vampire seem that much more heavy. In actuality, Drusilla was just a bit taller than her and seemed to weigh about the same. She was slim and very fragile seeming, though Willow knew that the woman could easily kill men twice as large as herself. Yeah, Drusilla could definitely defend herself in most situations, even succeeding in killing the demon that had attacked her and her caretaker that evening. She might be a bit insane, but she wasn't helpless. Well, except when she was passed out and alone.

That's what had done her in, if she were completely honest with herself. Sure, she was too nice and too caring, but that hadn't been the real reason Willow was now struggling to get Drusilla home. No, it had been the fact that Drusilla was alone, that she didn't have anyone to take care of her. Willow knew exactly what it felt like to be alone, spending a majority of her time with only herself for company. Hence the bad habit of thinking so much and talking to herself. Sure she had friends, knowing that Buffy wouldn't hesitate at inviting her to live with her if she had the slightest hint that Willow would actually say yes, but there was a lot of time that she was alone. Mostly at night when the house was quiet and empty, when she'd find herself thinking about a hundred different subjects at once. She didn't mind most of the time, liking having private time that she could spend by herself, but she knew what it was like to be alone. When she'd looked into Dru's eyes, she'd recognized that look, seeing it in her own eyes many a late night when the house seemed to be deathly quiet and it seemed like she was completely alone. Drusilla had been scared, hurt, and alone. There was no way that Willow could have just walked away.

She smiled when she saw her house ahead. Thank the Gods, she was finally nearly there. She didn't really have a plan, having not given it a lot of thought of what she was going to do with Dru once she got her home. She was relieved to know that Angelus and Spike were not in town. She figured she'd clean Dru up and then the vampire could return home if she was awake before dawn. If not, hopefully she'd sleep until dusk and then she could home the following evening. Either way, she'd be alive and home before Angelus and Spike returned to Sunnydale. Okay, so there was the problem of Drusilla telling them where she had been, but maybe she wouldn't tell them. Maybe she'd just mention that stupid vampire that had been to her and Angelus would be angry about that and not even ask who had helped Dru. Yeah, she could really see that one happening, she thought as she rolled her eyes. Oh well, it wasn't like she was hurting Dru. In fact, Angelus should be glad that she'd stumbled upon his crazy daughter before she'd passed out and been ash at sunrise. Vivid images flashed in her mind of ways in which he could thank her for saving his childe, all involving naked flesh and moans and....Stop it, Willow, she scolded herself. Not the time nor the place to start having those thoughts. Angelus was definitely not the type to thank anyone for anything. She didn't know he'd react to hearing that she'd helped Dru, but she sort of hoped that those stars Dru kept rambling about might tell the vampire to keep her mouth shut and then she'd never have to worry about Angelus finding out what had happened tonight. She glanced at the sky, urging the stars to agree with that plan, knowing that it was definitely the easiest solution as well as the one least likely to end with her getting killed or whatever Angelus might come up with if he decided to be angry that she'd taken care of Dru. She'd think he should be grateful, but he was so darn unpredictable that she was better off never finding out how he'd react. She reminded the stars that she was the good guy in all this and that surely deserved some sort of reward, didn't it? They just continued blinking and she groaned as she realized that she'd been talking to the stars while standing in her front yard. Maybe carrying Dru for so long had caused some of the woman's insanity to rub off a bit, causing her to talk to the stars and ask for their help in keeping the night's events a secret.

Or maybe she was just tired and sleepy and uncertain what she was going to do now that she was home. That stress could definitely cause a bit of temporary insanity in even the most intelligent person. She walked up the steps of her porch, resting Drusilla between the wall of her house and her body as she tried to find her keys. She had to catch Dru when the woman started to fall to the side, her tired arms holding the vampire as she finally found her key. She concentrated as she managed to open the door without dropping Dru. With a triumphant smile, she started to take Dru inside. She paused as she frowned, glancing at the unconscious vampire before looking into her house. Well, it wasn't like the master of Sunnydale didn't already have an invitation.

"Come in, Drusilla," she said out loud before she dragged the vampire inside her house, kicking the door shut behind her.

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

Willow entered her living room and decided that it could possibly be the nicest thing she'd seen in her entire life. With a relieved sigh, she carefully laid Drusilla on the sofa. She fell into the chair, glad to have the weight out of her arms. She rubbed her shoulders and stretched, grimacing at the slight pain that ran through her back all the way to her fingertips. Drusilla was still out cold, and, since she was a vampire, Willow couldn't even watch her breathing to see if it appeared normal. This vampire thing was a pain in the ass to monitor, Willow decided. She honestly had no idea if Dru was really dead, as in not waking up undead dead, or if she was still just unconscious from what hopefully was too much blood loss.

And that idea brought Willow to the current problem at hand. Blood. Or really, a lack of blood. Her generosity towards taking care of the injured vampire did not extend to slicing open a vein and tempting said vampire into feeding until she was dead. Nope, she wasn't quite that foolish. But, since she wasn't sharing her own blood and there weren't bottles in the cooler down at 7-11, that meant she had a slight problem. She had thought about everything rather logically on the lengthy walk home and decided that Dru's condition had to be caused by losing too much blood. Her dress was soaked with the red substance and there had been a lot on the ground by the rock where she'd found the vampire. Who knew how long the nutty woman had sat there bleeding because the 'stars' told her to wait and that someone would come along to take care of her. Drusilla was darn lucky that she'd decided to follow that path on a whim or else she'd have been really dead by dawn's early light.

Regardless of the stupid choice she'd made deciding to take the path less traveled, she now had to figure out to get Drusilla awake and well enough to go home, hopefully long before Angelus and Spike returned to town. To do that, she needed blood. A thoughtful expression crossed her face as she tried to remember where Angel had gotten his blood, back during the soul having, broody, all black wearing days. Buffy had mentioned it before, but Willow hadn't really been paying attention. Now, she had to regret her habit of tuning the slayer out whenever she started talking about Angel and how wonderful he was and blah, blah, blah which had usually only reminded Willow of the fact that she was single and hadn't ever dated anyone much less been loved by a gorgeous hunk such as Angel and would end up making her cranky as she'd wonder if she'd ever find someone that would want her and love her and so she'd been mentally healthier just blocking Buffy out during those many Angel's perfectly wonderful moments. Now, though, she wished she'd listened, at least a little bit.

She knew that it was a bar somewhere, named after a guy. Good one, Willow. There are only probably a dozen bars in Sunnydale named after a guy. Actually, though, Sunnydale didn't have an abundance of bars. That might be enough to start searching. Besides, once she heard the name she'd remember the right place, hopefully. She went to the kitchen and grabbed a soda, a bag of potato chips and the phone book before she went back to sit down. She began to eat as she flipped through the yellow pages, wondering if they'd have a listing for demon bar and deciding that it wasn't very likely. So, instead, she looked up bar. There were no listings. She frowned as she flipped back towards the back, munching on her chips as she realized just how hungry she was after missing dinner and lifting the weight that was Drusilla. She found the listings for restaurants and her green eyes scanned the names. It wasn't until she'd reached the last listings that something seemed familiar. Willie's Tavern. Tavern was just a fancy word for a bar and that name rang a bell. It had to be the right place.

Okay, so she had the location in mind. Now what? How did one go about purchasing a couple of bags of O positive? She doubted they delivered and, even if they did, she didn't want some weird guy that would make his living delivering blood to vampires knowing where she lived. That meant she had to go there. To some demon bar. To pick up blood. Why did that idea not give her warm fuzzies? She glanced at Drusilla, wondering if it was really worth it. She sighed as she stood up, the bag of chips empty as she tossed it in the trash. It was worth it. God, how did she get into these messes?

She looked at Drusilla again, wondering if she should really leave the vampire alone. What if she woke up and had no idea where she was and freaked out and broke things and became even more crazy? Okay, so there wasn't much chance of the latter one happening since it appeared that Drusilla was already resting near the top of crazy as a bedbug, but it was still something to worry about. Willow ran up the stairs to her room as she started to debate what to do with Dru while she went to try to get some blood. She took off her T-shirt, remembering just how chilly it had gotten during her walk home. She was about to put on a sweater when she realized that it was pink and tended to make her look about twelve. Not exactly the right attire to go into a demon bar, something that she really had no idea what exactly meant, and purchase blood if she wanted to be taken seriously. No, she needed to look older, not younger. She didn't want to be asked any questions so it wouldn't be the pink sweater tonight. She also didn't want to have to fight anyone that decided that she looked like a nice snack so she needed to look tough and older. Her eyes scanned her closet and she snorted. She didn't own anything that made her look tough so she'd have to settle for older. She finally pulled out a long sleeve shirt that was black and tight. She didn't like wearing it because it was too tight, molding curves that she was more than happy no one realized she had. She wanted a guy that was interested in her because of her, not because he suddenly realized that she had rather nice breasts and a flat tummy underneath the large sweaters she found comfortable. But, demon bar guys that sold blood might be sidetracked by said breasts and that could only be a good thing. She pulled the shirt on, deciding that she didn't look that bad. She pulled her hair free from the ponytail she'd been wearing, shaking it out and making faces at the mirror as she giggled. Okay, so older might be a stretch but she at least looked like she might be out of high school. Good enough to purchase some blood, she hoped.

She went to her dresser and grabbed some money from her last birthday gift from her parents. It had arrived three months late and had actually been cash instead of a check and she'd never bothered to deposit it into her checking account, which turned out to be rather lucky since she didn't think Mr. Willie Demon Bar Blood Selling guy would probably accept a check. She tucked the money into the front pocket of her jeans and went to her desk. She grabbed a marker and a piece of paper and wrote, Drusilla, went to get you food. Be back soon. Sing to the stars until I get home. Willow. Reading back over it, she figured that was good enough in case the vampire woke up before she returned. Hopefully, she'd be back before Drusilla regained consciousness.

She went downstairs and put the note on the table by the sofa, glancing at Dru and seeing that the woman had moved her arm but was still out. Good. At least she was alive...well, undead. Willow adjusted her position on the couch, deciding that it looked more comfortable if she wasn't hanging nearly off as she had been since Willow had finally released the weight from her arms. She tucked a pillow behind the brunette's head and put a blanket over her, deciding that she didn't care if it got blood on it since it was scratchy and not a favorite anyway. She went to the kitchen and put the phone book away before she grabbed the keys for her parents' car. She chewed on her bottom lip as she went outside, locking the door behind her and made her way to the garage. She had had a license for several months now, earning it over summer break, but she really didn't like to drive. Why should she? Most everything in Sunnydale was within walking distance and the exercise was good for her. Now, though, she needed to get there and back as quickly as possible, which meant driving. She was very good at driving, having aced both the written portion as well as the driving portion, she just preferred to walk. There would be no more walking tonight, though. She opened the garage, got in the car, started it, and backed up.

She had the address for Willie's in her head, knowing the street and recognizing it as being near the warehouse district, not the safest area of town even during the afternoon. She could do this. Heck, it wasn't any more dangerous than going on patrol with Buffy, except she didn't have Buffy and was alone and had no idea what she was doing, but, otherwise, it was nearly the same. She decided to spend the time it would take her to drive to Willie's performing a minor calming spell she'd learned, knowing that it would help matters greatly if she was calm and collected and no one could sense her fear and nervousness. She laughed softly as she realized that she wasn't even convinced, deciding that it was a very good thing that her friends couldn't see her now. If they could, they'd probably kill her before the demons and vampires ever had a chance. Okay, death was so not the thing to be thinking about when she needed courage and bravery and confidence. No, she'd think about something else. Oh, she knew, smiling as she thought of something. She'd start thinking about all the times she'd successfully defeated some big bad evil, concentrating on her part in the defeat instead of thinking about the role that they had played. She'd killed some vampires all by herself, Buffy having been very proud of her. If Buffy had been proud of her, she should be proud of herself, too. Soon, the fear faded as she remembered that she could protect herself and had more courage than she tended to remember most of the time. With those thoughts in mind, she began to sing along to the radio as she continued driving towards Willie's Tavern.

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

Willow arrived at Willie's Tavern twelve minutes after leaving her house. It would have been sooner, but she'd had to stop at what seemed like a dozen red lights, though it had only been three. She'd also had to circle the block twice because she'd missed the rather small sign announcing the presence of the bar on her first trip down the street. Now, though, she had found it and was parked. She had been parked for a couple of minutes, a bit hesitant to leave the safety of her car in such a deserted area. Her green eyes had been studying the rather plain door, wondering if this was really the right place. She had finally decided it must be when she had watched a six-foot demon with blue horns on either side of his head go inside. Seeing the demon go inside had not given her the courage she needed to leave her car and go into the bar to purchase the needed blood. It had actually doing fairly well in reminding her that she had no idea what was inside and had taken away some of the confidence she had gathered along the drive over.

Well, sitting outside wasn't going to get her the blood Drusilla needed nor was it going to get her home any faster so she'd better get used to the idea that she was going to have to go inside that bar and act brave. She sighed once more before she opened the car door and entered the cool night air. She crossed the street and walked towards the door underneath the sign announcing Willie's Tavern. As she walked, she repeated the calming spell several times, deciding that it was must be rather faulty since she wasn't getting more calm. In fact, with every step, she was growing a bit more anxious and worried that this might well be the stupidest thing she'd ever done. When her hand touched the door, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Letting it out slowly, her eyes opened, the fear and worry gone, replaced by intelligence and strength. She stepped back as she opened the door, grimacing slightly at the clouds of smoke, stench of alcohol, and loud music and conversation greeted her. With a resolved expression on her face, she stepped inside the crowded bar.

Willie put the glass of whiskey in front of the demon that had ordered it, taking the money to the register. He glanced up when he heard the door open, a habit he'd had since opening this place nearly twenty years ago. He always liked to know who was coming into his bar. It usually gave him a minute or two to figure out who or what they were and what their business was. People came to his bar for two reasons. They either needed something from him or they wanted to relax and enjoy themselves. This time, he was very surprised to see what appeared to be a young human. He studied her for a second, seeing long hair that was dark red framing a very pretty face. Great. This was just what he needed. Some stupid kid stumbling into his place by mistake.

He glanced at the patrons, not at all surprised to see that most of them had picked up on the scent of the human. He honestly couldn't care less about what happened to the people that came to his bar, knowing that they knew what they were getting into from the moment they stepped foot inside. They weren't his problem. But, he really didn't like it too much when some innocent came in by mistake because they usually turned up dead the next day and that made him feel twinges of responsibility. Looking back at the pretty redhead, already imagining opening the newspaper tomorrow and seeing her face listed as yet another victim of some crazed crack addict or whatever excuse the police would have to dismiss her death, he felt something. He slowly started to smile as she got closer, the power and strength coming off her in waves. This wasn't some normal helpless little girl.

No, this was girl was a witch. Judging from the vibe he was getting, a very strong one at that. Well, damn, if that didn't beat all. A girl like that, looking all sweet and harmless, having enough power that he could feel it with every step she took. He didn't know her, knew she'd never been to his place before, wondered what she wanted. Oh, he knew full well that she wanted something. She definitely wasn't there for enjoyment, the look of resolve evident in her green eyes as she came closer. He noticed that the patrons had felt her power too, now looking at her with mixtures of fear and curiosity and lust, or not even looking at her at all for fear of upsetting a powerful witch. He moved towards her, curious as to what had brought her to his bar. She slid onto a stool, her eyes watching him move in her direction. He had his second surprise of the evening when he looked at her and realized that she wasn't nearly as old as he'd first thought. She probably wasn't even out of high school. He couldn't believe that someone so young already possessed such power.

He gave her a slight smile as he studied her. She was definitely a looker, more so than he'd originally thought when she'd entered the bar. Nice curves, long legs, flat stomach, gorgeous skin, long hair, cute face, and eyes that were amazing. He could understand where the lusty looks from the patrons were coming from. Not only was she beautiful, but she was powerful and strong, a fantastic combination that was not at all common. And she needed something from him. He kept himself from leering, not wanting to upset a witch anymore than his patrons, asking, "What can I get for you, honey?"

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

Willow was glad when the creepy guy started to talk. He'd been looking at her since she'd walked inside the bar, his eyes following her from the door until she'd sat down. Of course, she'd felt many sets of eyes on her, relieved when most of them had finally dismissed her and looked away. She didn't really like having people look at her, hating giving presentations in front of her class or being the center of attention. She knew part of it was because she was shy and part of it was because she was insecure, but she was getting better at being more secure and confident since meeting Buffy and she still didn't really like having people stare at her. Of course, part of the reason she could be a bit relieved now was because there were demons and vampires looking at her and she so didn't want to appear like a tempting midnight snack for any of them. The bartender was creepy, but he didn't appear to be threatening, giving her a pretty friendly smile when he asked if she needed something. She gave him what she hoped was a good smile that didn't betray her concerns about being a human in a place full of creatures that she'd once thought only existed in fiction as she answered him, "Actually, I'm looking for Willie. Since you're the only one working back there, I'm assuming that might be you. Am I correct in that deduction?"

Not only was she a gorgeous witch, but she was intelligent, too. Willie found himself liking this girl that came into his bar with her head held high and seemingly unconcerned about the danger she could have found herself in. She was strong but subtle, polite but firm. He nodded as he said, "That would be me, sweetheart. What can I do for you?"

Willow leaned forward, lowering her voice as she said, "I need some blood and heard that you could sell me some bags."

"Blood?" he was again surprised by her request. He'd not expected that at all. He gave her a smile and said, "I've got some stuff in back that might be what you're looking for. Fresh stuff, just arrived a couple of hours ago. How many do you need?"

"I don't really know," she confessed, thankful that she'd found the right place and was going to be able to get what she needed. "I guess three bags should be enough. Maybe four."

"Any preference? Human or animal? A specific blood type?" he asked when he saw the slight look of confusion cross her face at his question. He didn't know why she wanted blood, didn't care what she was planning to do with it, but he knew some of his clients preferred a certain type for whatever reason.

"Oh, um, well," she shrugged, "I guess human, no specific type. Whatever you've got is fine. Four bags, I guess."

"How about I get you six?" he suggested as he tossed his rag down. "I'll go get them and be right back. It's ten dollars a bag, but I'll toss in one for free."

"Sure, okay," Willow said, deciding that the extra bags might not be a bad idea in case Dru was stuck overnight and would be at her house until the following evening. Goodness, had she really just ordered bags of blood, bags of human blood no less, like she was ordering a burger and fries? She smiled slightly as she realized that she was, at least, getting a special. Buy five bags, get one free. She hoped it didn't take him long, ready to get home and see if Dru was awake yet. If not, she'd try to get some blood into the vampire and then get some sleep.

She looked at the bottles of alcohol behind the bar and waited, glad that no one had approached her. When she'd first walked inside, she'd thought someone might. But, once she'd moved further into the bar, most the people had looked away from her. The spell had finally worked, making her calm as she had walked towards the bar. She was still aware of everything around her, but she wasn't overly frightened by it all. In many ways, it was just like a normal bar, or, since she'd never been to a bar before, like what she saw on television. True, there were vampires and demons as well as humans, but it was probably as normal as Sunnydale ever seemed to get.

She was honestly surprised at how nice Willie had been once he'd stopped the creepy leering. Buffy had talked about him before, saying he was rude and uncooperative and would never tell her anything until she had to beat it out of him. Of course, Buffy tended to be rude and focused when she was searching for some evil creature so she wasn't too surprised that he might not respond well to her best friend's questioning techniques. Maybe she'd suggest coming to question him with Buffy if they ever needed him in the future. She could control Buffy's impatience and perhaps get some answers without the violence.

"Here you are, sweetie," Willie said as he placed a plain brown sack on the bar beside the redhead. He took the wrinkled $50 from her when she pulled it out of her pocket, smoothing it out before putting it into the register. "Did you need anything else?"

"No, this is everything for now," she smiled at him, a large smile that showed her gratitude for him not asking her questions or making the entire experience as unpleasant as she'd feared, adding, "Thank you, Willie. Have a good evening."

"You too, honey. And if you ever need anything, you just come by and see old Willie. I'll take care of ya," he said once he got over the shock of being thanked with such a sincere smile by one of his customers. He found himself smiling as he watched her leave, glaring at one vampire that had moved to follow her, lust evident on the minion's face. He put a stake on the bar, giving the vampire a pointed look until he finally moved away from the door and took his seat. Willie put the stake back a few minutes later, deciding that the witch had had enough time to make it safely away. He knew she was strong enough to take care of herself, but it was kind of nice protecting someone. He began to fill orders, talking to some of his patrons as the night continued without any more pleasant surprises.

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

Willow arrived back at her house one hour and five minutes after she left. It had only taken her twenty minutes to get home, but she'd spent longer at Willie's than she'd originally thought. Her time there had seemed to go so quickly that it was hard to believe she'd stood around for fifteen minutes. After shutting the garage door, she went inside. She was relieved to see that Drusilla had moved on the sofa, turning her head to face the cushions, though the vampire was still sleeping. She was at least alive. Well, undead, but not really dead and Willow frowned as she decided to stop having that particular conversation with herself before she got a headache.

Instead, she went to the couch and put the paper bag on the table. She removed one of the bags of blood, making a face as she realized that she was actually going to be preparing real blood to feed a vampire. This definitely hadn't been in the job description for becoming a best friend to the slayer. Of course, it wasn't like she was often required to feed unconscious vampires so she guessed she couldn't really complain too much. But, it was rather gross in actuality and she had to at least express a moral aversion to feeding human blood to a creature of the night. Okay, now that her moral complaints were out of the way, she needed to get serious.

How was she going to give Drusilla the blood she most likely needed to heal when the woman was still passed out? She hadn't considered that problem, a thoughtful look crossing her face as she started to think about a solution. She glanced at the bag of blood, remembering that Buffy had mentioned that Angel always heated his in the microwave before feeding. Deciding that she'd like to do her best to make Drusilla comfortable, plus liking the idea of having some extra time to figure out how to feed her, Willow took a bag into the kitchen. She popped it into the microwave, staring at the numbers as she debated what the perfect time was to heat blood. She decided to try two minutes and then check it.

As the microwave was heating, she grabbed a soda from the refrigerator and turned her thoughts back to how she was going to feed Drusilla. She was thankful that the vampire had slept during the time she'd been gone. She'd been a bit concerned about Dru waking up and freaking out. She checked the blood, feeling that it was kind of warm but having no idea if it was warm enough. She put it back in for another minute, figuring it couldn't hurt. She slowly smiled as she figured out what she'd try to do. She grabbed a mug from the cupboard and a straw from the cabinet. By the time she got those, the minute was up. She got the heated blood bag from the microwave and opened it, against unable to stop from making a face as she thought about how weird this night had become and wondering if it would ever end. She poured the blood into the mug and tossed the empty bag into the trash.

Carrying her soda and the mug, she went back into the living room. She sat on the sofa beside Drusilla, putting her soda on the table before moving the straw into the mug. Glancing at Dru, she realized that wasn't going to work. She put the mug down, careful not to tilt the straw. She then turned towards Drusilla, gently moving the vampire's head until she was again facing the table. When the was done, she picked the mug back up and got down to business. She put her thumb on top of the straw, lifting it out of the mug and noting with a satisfied smile that there was blood in the bottom. She then moved the straw towards Drusilla's mouth, moving slowly so she didn't drip. Her teeth gnawed on her bottom lip as she began to push the straw into the vampire's mouth. Once she felt that it was secure, she released her thumb. She pulled the now empty straw back out and watched to make sure that the blood didn't drip back out. It didn't.

Willow repeated her actions five more times before Drusilla began to stir. Soon, the vampire was licking her lips, eyes opening slightly before closing again. It wasn't long before the mug was empty. She should have heated another bag, she decided, getting to her feet and moving to the kitchen to do so. Drusilla was responding and that was definitely a good sign. She was back in the living room within five minutes with a fresh mug of blood. By now, Drusilla was awake. She took the mug and drank it down quickly, smiling sweetly as she handed it back to Willow.

"Thank you, kitten," she said softly, licking the stray drops of blood from her mouth. "Feeling better now."

"Do you need more?" Willow asked as she watched Drusilla closely. She wasn't sure if feeling better meant that it was now time to kill her or it just meant she was no longer in pain. Either way, she wanted to be prepared to run if need be.

"No, lovey," Drusilla shook her head before her hand went to her forehead, "the world is spinning again. Everything is topsy turvy and upside down. So sleepy."

"You can stay here," Willow decided, knowing there was no way Drusilla would be able to make it home on her own. She might be feeling better after having some blood, but she was obviously tired and weak. God, did she really just tell one of the most feared vampires in the world that she could stay the night? She watched Drusilla smile and sighed, "Do you think you can walk upstairs? You can sleep in the spare room. It's only got one window and the curtains are pretty heavy so it should be perfect. I honestly don't know if I can carry you upstairs."

"I can walk," Drusilla smiled at her pretty angel and tried to sit up. The world spun around and she groaned, the smile fading as she closed her eyes. She had been poisoned. The scratches from the nasty demon she had killed were healing slowly, the scent of toxin in the air. She knew it was poison, knew that it was making her weaker than she should have been, knew that it hurt in a way few things did anymore. It was working its way through her system and she would be fine within a day, but, until then, it would take time for her strength to come back to her. She was thankful for the blood that her kitten had given her, knowing that it would help the process tremendously. She wanted to go to Willow and give her a hug and thank her for taking care of her when she had been so scared and sick, but she did not wish to scare her new friend so she remained silent, studying the girl that her sire had often spoken about. She wanted to tell the human about the poison, to explain why she was so weak, to let her know how wonderful it was to feel safe and secure when she was fighting the poison and blood loss, but she was too tired to put her many, many thoughts into words. The stars had told her that she would be taken care of, that she would survive, that she would meet someone that would make her feel safe, and they had been right. She had met Willow and she felt as safe as she did when she was with Daddy and William. She wished she had taken Miss. Edith hunting with her, wanting her dolly to meet her lovely angel. When she was better, they would all have tea. She smiled as she said, "We shall have tea, my kitten, and cakes, when I am better. Oh, it shall be ever so much fun."

Willow nodded her head as she recognized the slightly dazed look that had entered Drusilla's eyes. For a second there, she had seen clarity and intelligence and sanity in her eyes. Now, though, she was talking about tea and cakes. "Yeah, sure. Tea is good. But right now, do you think you can make it up the stairs with my help? We really need to get that dress off of you and clean the wound and then you can sleep. And I can sleep. Sleep is good. So, you want to try to make it upstairs, Dru?"

Drusilla nodded as she looked into Willow's green eyes, enjoying the kindness and intelligence she saw there. She struggled to stand, grimacing as she started to fall. She felt a hand on her arm, helping her, keeping her balanced. She glanced at Willow, giving her a smile as she softly said, "For you, I shall try."

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

Willow helped Drusilla up the stairs, letting the vampire lean against her for support as they slowly made their way to the second floor. She watched the beautiful woman grimace every few steps and knew that there must still be some pain. The blood had at least given Dru enough strength to walk with help, something for which Willow was extremely grateful. She hadn't been lying downstairs when she'd said she honestly didn't know if she could get the woman upstairs on her own. She was finally starting to feel the events of the last few hours. Her back and arms were sore, but no more than if she'd had a particularly bad patrol with Buffy. Okay, so maybe there was a bit more pain in the muscles since patrol tended to consist of them talking and Buffy quickly disposing of whatever vampires were stupid enough to try to fight her and then perhaps ice cream or meeting the rest of the gang at the Bronze.

Willow would categorize this pain as being equal to spending several hours working out extensively. It would eventually go away and she might even find herself a bit stronger afterwards. Not too bad, all in all. But, at the moment, it was enough to make her drool over the idea of a warm bath. As soon as she got Dru settled, she'd soak for a while before going to bed. She was pretty tired, having covered a couple of yawns during the drive home from Willie's, but she wanted a warm bath first. They finally reached the second floor, stopping as Drusilla took a few unnecessary breaths before she gave Willow a triumphant smile.

"I made it," she said with a giggle, proud of herself for finding enough strength to make it up the many stairs without just giving up and sitting down. She'd been tempted about half-way through, but she'd felt Willow's hand squeeze hers in encouragement and she'd taken the next step, finding it a little easier.

"Yes, you did," Willow said, having to smile as she heard the childish giggle. Okay, so maybe Drusilla talked to stars and wanted to have tea parties, but she wasn't nearly as bad as she'd originally imagined. A little bit crazy, certainly, but rather nice when there wasn't a fear for death or torture.

"I'm tired, kitten," Drusilla said softly, glad that her angel was there to take care of her. Willow was kind and gentle and had the prettiest smile and nicest laugh. Drusilla wanted to hear that laugh more often, enjoying the way the girl's entire face lit up with amusement and joy at the smallest things. She knew that her Daddy had been playing games with her angel and the smelly old slayer, knew that her pretty kitty probably hadn't laughed nearly as much lately. Daddy had grown bored with his games, though. She'd heard him talking to William about ending the game, about winning when he had arrived home with the blood of the gypsy on his lips. Her Willow would be able to laugh and smile as often as she wanted now since Daddy was no longer playing his silly old games. She was ever so happy that Daddy had finished his games with the slayer. The stars had whispered secrets to her, telling her that Daddy's games would get him sent to the bad place if he didn't stop them, they told her she would lose not only her Daddy but also her William. She had listened to them sing and watched them dance when her Daddy had declared the end of his games. The stars had been delighted by his choice, telling her that it was as things should be. They then started to sing her songs of happiness, but they were rude and would not tell her their secrets. Tonight, though, they had felt her fear and told her about her pretty redheaded angel. She smiled as she said, "The stars told me one of their secrets tonight, Willow-mine. They told me about you and they said you would keep me safe and that you would take care of me. And I was no longer scared because I knew that you would come and save me. You have such a pretty smile, kitten. I'm so very tired. The world is spinning round and round."

"We're almost to the room, Dru," Willow said with a smile, getting a little bit better at following Drusilla's rather incoherent ramblings. She was a rambler, herself, often speaking as fast as her thoughts were coming to her. She wasn't sure if Drusilla was just a fast thinker like her or if the vampire just didn't realized that she'd jump from one subject to another, but she was rather proud that she'd been able to follow the last conversation and understand. The stars had talked about her, Drusilla hadn't felt scared because she expected Willow to find her like the stars said, Dru thought she had a pretty smile and the woman was tired and having another dizzy spell.

While she didn't put much faith into the stars actually communicating with the vampire, she figured that it was Sunnydale and anything was possible, case in point the idea that she'd willingly invited the master's daughter to sleepover, so she decided to just accept the idea that Drusilla talked to the stars, or at least believed she did. Heck, she'd accepted Buffy's constant whining about being the slayer and how she hated it all along knowing that the blonde loved having the responsibility and enjoyed her chosen calling even as she spoke words of distaste. Part of being a friend was learning when to nod and smile and accept. Drusilla wasn't really a friend, more like a not as threatening as originally thought enemy, but the same strategy worked perfectly so she'd use it.

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

Willow showed Drusilla the guest room, helping the vampire sit on the bed. She looked at the blood covered dress and said, "We need to get that dirty dress off of you and clean the wound before you go to sleep. I have a couple of old T-shirts you could use, but you're a little bit taller than me so I don't think they'd even reach your knees."

"Why do I need a shirt?" Drusilla asked, not understanding the human's words about T-shirts and lengths.

"To sleep in," Willow said with a puzzled frown. "You know, a sleeping shirt or a nightgown. Whatever you wear when you go to sleep."

"I do not wear clothing when I sleep," Drusilla said with her own puzzled frown.

"Oh, well, um," Willow found herself stuttering, a slight blush crossing her face as she explained to the confused vampire, "you really need to wear something tonight to keep the wound from getting reopened. You know, protect it while you sleep."

"Okay," Drusilla agreed, understanding the reasoning behind that explanation but intrigued by the blush that had crossed her pretty angel's face. "Do you wear clothing when you sleep, Willow?"

"Of course," Willow said, "it's sort of a custom we humans have. I mean, there are some people that like sleeping naked, but I'm not one of those. You never know when there's gonna be a fire or something and you'll have to run and leave the house and I don't want to be standing on the street naked where anyone can see me and yeah, I wear sleeping clothes."

"Fire?" Drusilla repeated, not clearly understanding why sleeping clothes would matter if there was a fire but deciding that her kitten was still young and just had not experienced the pleasure of sleeping with the sheets caressing her bare body. She knew that humans were quirky and odd, having their own strange rules and morals. She assumed clothing themselves as they slept was yet another weird quirk. She stood and pushed the dress off of her body, telling Willow, "I will wear your sleeping clothes, Willow, because you asked me to, though I do not understand why you would cover your body as you sleep."

"I can see that underwear must not be part of the vampire lifestyle either," Willow said, her face now bright red as she found herself confronted by a nude Drusilla. She wondered if that went for Angelus and Spike also, finding her blood heating up at the idea that Angelus had been nude beneath those leather pants as he'd held her that night at the school. Oh boy, that thought then brought out many other thoughts that needed to stop. At least until she was alone and could give them her complete concentration. What had she been talking about? Oh yeah, no underwear. She knew she should just let Dru sleep as she normally did, but she was still a bit prudish about things like that. It was kind of surprising to her considering her vivid fantasies about Angelus and Spike and nakedness and biting and...okay, Willow, stop it. Anyway, she wasn't quite ready to have a naked vampire sleeping in the next room so there would definitely be some sleeping clothes tonight. She smiled suddenly as she remembered, "I know what you can wear tonight. I'll go grab it and get some water and a rag to clean the blood from the wound. I'll be right back."

Drusilla sat on the bed, glancing at the wound on her side. She saw the slight green tint to her skin, recognizing it as a side effect from the poison. She had been lucky that the demon had only cut her once. The poison had been rather strong and had made her pretty weak just from one slice of his claw. The scent of toxin was fading, letting her know that the majority had worked its way into her blood and was in the process of being destroyed by her system. She looked up when Willow came back into the room, sniffing the air as she said, "I smell the slayer."

"Wow, that smelling thing is pretty darn good," Willow observed as she moved to sit on the bed beside Dru, no longer nearly as embarrassed at the sight of the nude woman. She picked up the rag and dipped it in the water, looking at Dru in surprise when the vampire took the cloth from her.

"There was poison," Drusilla explained softly as she moved the rag over the wound. She gave Willow a small smile as she said, "I do not want you to touch the nasty old poison, precious. I can clean it all up. Why do I smell the slayer?"

"Poison?" Willow suddenly understood why Drusilla had been so weak and tired from what hadn't been a very large cut. "Are you okay, Dru? Do you need more blood or anything?"

"I am tired," Drusilla said with a faint smile as she got the blood and left over poison off of her wound. "But I am not hungry."

"I'm going to let you borrow one of Buffy's nightgowns. She spends the night a lot and always manages to forget something," Willow explained to Drusilla, not at all sure now if it was a good idea to bring up Buffy and remind the vampire that she was best friends with the slayer.

"I do not smell her in this room," Drusilla said as she continued to clean her wound. She knew that her angel was friends with the nasty smelling slayer, but she did not mind. The slayer protected her Willow and kept her safe. That was what was most important.

"Oh, she sleeps in my room," Willow said as she held the bowl of water for Drusilla to rinse the blood stained rag.

Drusilla looked up and caught Willow's green eyes, asking, "May I sleep with you tonight?"

"You want to share my bed?" Willow was honestly surprised, not at all expecting that comment from Drusilla following a discussion about the slayer. "It's not very big and I think you'd be more comfortable in here where you can have the entire bed to yourself."

"It is big enough for you and the slayer," Drusilla pointed out, not wanting to upset her angel but also not wanting to sleep in this strange room all alone. She had not asked before, not sure if there would be room for her to sleep with her Willow. Now, though, she knew there would be room. She quietly said, "I do not want to be alone tonight, Willow. Please may I share your bed?"

"Of course," Willow said, amazed at the sanity she saw in the woman's eyes as she quietly explained that she didn't want to sleep alone. She knew that Dru had been scared after getting attacked, knew now that she'd been fighting off poison as well as blood loss. She watched as Drusilla smiled a large smile, deciding that she'd made the right decision. "Do you need help putting on the gown? Buffy's shorter than you are, but it's pretty long on her so I thought it would be the best choice."

"It's pretty," Drusilla said as she moved her hand over the lilac colored cotton. "It has lace. I love lace."

"So does Buffy," Willow said with a relieved smile as she saw that Drusilla was going to wear the gown without complaining that it smelled like Buffy or anything. She knew that it did smell like baby powder and apples because most of Buffy's clothes smelled of those two scents with the occasional scent of cucumber melon. She also knew that her best friend gave off some sort of slayer scent that demons could smell and figured that was the smelly scent that Drusilla had in mind when she had talked about the smelly slayer.

"Will you help me?" Drusilla asked, holding her arms above her head as Willow took the gown and began to slide it over her arms. She lowered her arms and pushed the pretty gown into place. Willow had been right. She was several inches taller than the slayer so the gown fell just below her knees. It was loose, a bit surprising to her since the other times she'd seen the slayer the petite girl had been wearing very tight clothing that had not seemed very practical for slaying but had not stopped the girl from defeating her enemies.

"Good, it fits," Willow smiled, watching as Drusilla moved her hands over the material.

"So soft," Drusilla said, "smells like apples."

"Come on," Willow took the vampire's hand and helped her stand, smoothing out the gown before she continued, "we'll go across the hall to my room and get you into bed. I'm going to take a bath and then I'm going to sleep, too."

"So very tired," Drusilla said as she followed Willow into a room. She glanced around quickly, deciding that she would examine it more closely when she felt stronger. For now, she was tired and wanted to crawl into the large bed and sleep until she felt better.

"You can choose your side," Willow said as she pulled the covers down, "I don't really care which side I sleep on."

"Willow," Drusilla sat on the left side of the bed because it was the closet, looking at Willow and smiling softly.

"Yes?" Willow asked, rather glad that Dru had chosen that side. She honestly didn't really care which side she slept on, but she preferred the right side, liking to sleep on her right side and see the window. Windows! She would need to close the curtains before going to sleep. It wasn't like her room got very sunny anyway, but it wouldn't hurt to be cautious.

"Thank you," Drusilla whispered before she laid down, her arm reaching for the stuffed bear that had been laying on the pillows. She snuggled against the teddy bear, her eyes closing as she drifted to sleep.

Willow smiled at Dru's words, the smile widening as she watched the vampire snuggle against the teddy bear that Xander had bought her for her birthday several years ago. She moved towards the bed, pulling the covers up and tucking them around Drusilla as she whispered, "You're welcome, Drusilla."

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

Drusilla snuggled under the warm covers, moving her cheek over the soft fur of the teddy bear she was holding. She opened her eyes reluctantly, not wanting to leave the peaceful world of her dreams. A smile crossed her face as she saw Willow sleeping beside her. The redhead was snoring softly, obviously enjoying a much needed sleep. Dru had been awake for a while, not opening her eyes for fear that she had dreamed the events of the previous evening. She'd not wanted to wake up and find herself alone in the cold room that had become her home three months ago when her Daddy had come back. So, she'd kept her eyes tightly shut and enjoyed the warmth that surrounded her and the soft material of the teddy bear that she was sleeping with. The teddy was warm and fuzzy and not at all as cold as her dollies. When she'd finally decided that she wasn't dreaming about the warmth of the covers or the warmth coming from someone beside her, as well as listening to the soft sounds of Willow's breathing and occasional snoring, she'd opened her eyes.

She was all better now. She could no longer smell even the faintest hint of toxin in her system. Her strength was back, also, the weakness and pain she had felt the night before fading as she had slept. She was alert and curious, staring at the face of the pretty angel that had saved her life. She did not understand why the girl had helped her, knowing that Daddy had been playing his games with the slayer and her friends. She remembered the kindness and strength she had seen in the girl's green eyes, could remember the beautiful smile that could very well be the closest thing she'd seen to sunshine since she'd died so many years before, could remember the gentle way Willow had taken care of her. The girl was intriguing and nothing at all as she had imagined a human, especially a friend of the slayers. Dru had never spent a lot of time with humans, never finding them interesting or important. They were food and could sometimes be fun to play with, though her William and Daddy were the ones that really enjoyed playing. She'd always dismissed them as being weak but a necessary part of her survival.

Now, though, she was looking at a human that had risked her own life to take care of her. Drusilla was not accustomed to having someone other than William or Daddy care about her. She wished she had Miss. Edith to explain to her why it felt so nice to have the pretty redhead take care of her. The stars had sung about the girl before she'd arrived, a lovely tune of friendship and affection and change. She had not understood some of what the stars said, but they often whispered things that she did not understand. She moved her hand to touch Willow's face, feeling the girl's warm flesh and smiling before moving her hand away. She did not wish to disturb her, knowing she needed her rest. Her curious eyes moved away from her sleeping angel to look at the room the girl called home.

It was a large room with things covering the walls and books stacked everywhere. Drusilla glanced back at Willow and chewed on her lip for a moment before deciding to explore. She would be quiet as a mouse, she thought to herself as she swung her bare legs over the side of the bed. Her feet touched the floor, a smile crossing her face as wiggled her toes on the rug that was beside the bed. She giggled at the sensation of the material tickling her feet before she covered her mouth, eyes again moving to Willow to make sure the girl was still asleep. Her pretty needed rest so she'd be alert and strong when she woke. Drusilla moved towards a desk that was in the corner, her eyes looking over various pictures that covered the wall. She moved her fingers over the smiling faces, a soft smile crossing her face as she traced Willow's happy face. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at the blonde that was in many of the pictures. Slayer. Her eyes glanced at the gown she was wearing, remembering that Willow had mentioned that it belonged to the girl she called best friend. She touched the soft material before her eyes moved back to look at the pictures. There was a boy that looked familiar. He was smiling and seemed very happy. A slight smile crossed her face as she traced his goofy smile, knowing that this boy must be one of Willow's dearest friends. He was in many pictures, from a very young age all the way to very recent pictures. He looked friendly, his eyes having the kind look that Willow's had. She knew him, frowning until she suddenly remembered. Daddy had said it was a spell that made her ache to have the boy, though she was unable to remember what had happened.

She looked away from the photographs, her eyes scanning the titles of the books that were stacked on the desk. She smiled as she saw a couple that William had read to her. She enjoyed laying against her pretty boy and hearing his voice as he read to her or told her stories. After the accident, when she had felt so weak and nearly given up and just died, he had spent many hours holding her and talking to her, reading her book after book until she had realized that giving up would mean leaving him alone and she had not wanted that. She wanted her William to be happy, she wanted to see him happy, so she had decided to ask the stars for help. It was then that they had told her about finding Daddy, about the Hellmouth, about getting stronger and finding her family. They had not told her of this before because she had never asked. When they had come to this town, it had not been as the stars had said. She had been angry with them, not understanding why her Daddy did not want to be with them. Later, when she was strong again, she had known that the stars had not lied. She had to be patient and she had been rewarded. Her Daddy was back and her William was happy and she was stronger. She had become restless, though. While she loved her Daddy and her William, they were busy with their plans and their games and she would often be alone or left with the minions. She did not like the minions. They were mean to her and laughed at her and teased her when they thought she was not listening. She always heard, though, knowing their ugly words and mean thoughts. She had killed ever so many of them, glad that Daddy did not realize their absence for fear that he would be angry with her for keeping her secrets and not sharing with him. The minions left her alone now, never speaking about her or talking to her.

She moved away from the desk and walked towards the window. She could see faint light surrounding the curtains, her hand moving over the material and feeling the warmth of the early morning sun. She missed the light. She could no longer remember what the sun had looked like or the feeling of its rays on her skin, but she had seen a movie once that had the sun shining high in the sky and she'd remembered then how wonderful it had felt to dance and spin underneath the large ball of fire. Now, she danced for the moon and it was just as wonderful. But, sometimes she missed the light. She was tired of the dark, tired of the cold, tired of being alone. She sighed softly as she glanced away from the curtains to look at Willow. Willow was like the light, like the sun. She was alive and warm and kind and reminded Drusilla of the same feelings of what it had been like to have the sun on her as she had danced. A smile against crossed Drusilla's face as she moved from the curtains to the closed closet door. She opened it carefully, her eyes looking at the contents curiously.

She moved her hand over the material, stopping her hand when she felt a fuzzy material. She pulled the material out, seeing that it was a large sweater. She moved her cheek over the material, loving the feel of it. The sweater was a dark orange and very large. She removed it from the hanger and pulled it on over her gown. It fell slightly past her waist and was ever so warm. She wrapped her arms around herself and inhaled the scents that were now Willow in her mind: vanilla and jasmine and apples. She smiled as she continued to look in the closet. Once she had examined the contents, she shut the door and continued on her way. She was at a bookcase that held many books, awards, pictures and hats. Her eyes widened in pleasure when she saw the brightly colored hats. She pulled one down that was a rainbow of colors. There was red and green and blue and yellow. She put it on her head after tucking her hair behind her ears. With a giggle, she spun around the room, watching as the pale purple of the nightgown spun around her. She spun until she was dizzy, a large smile of happiness on her face as she moved back to the bed.

Drusilla crawled up the bed, taking extra care not to bump Willow. Finally, she rested on her knees, her bottom on her ankles, and picked up the teddy bear. She looked into its face, cocking her head to the side as she tried to talk to him. He was sleepy and didn't want to talk so instead she brought him up against her chest and hugged him, resting her chin on his head as her eyes moved back to Willow's face. She relaxed as she looked at the girl that had done so much for her, patiently waiting for Willow to wake up and smile and maybe tell her a story. She so loved stories and had a feeling that the redhead probably knew a lot of good stories. She moved her left hand to touch Willow's hair, so soft, and began to stroke it softly as the girl continued to sleep.

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

Willow's dream about Angelus and Spike faded away as she slowly started to wake up. She didn't want the dream to end, having not gotten to the good parts yet. There had been no naked flesh or begging or anything. She couldn't really remember what had been happening, but she knew that she rarely forgot naked Spike or Angelus so it wasn't anything naughty. As she moved from sleep to consciousness, she became aware of several things. First, she was not alone. Second, there was someone touching her hair. No, not really touching. Petting her? Third, did she mention that she wasn't alone? Her eyes flew open and she gasped when she saw herself looking into Drusilla's smiling face. She reacted instinctively at finding someone kneeling beside her and petting her by jumping back. Real good plan. She ended up falling off the bed, hitting her arm on the bedside table and cursing herself as she fell. With a loud oomph, she landed on the floor. She began to rub her arm as she looked up to find Drusilla laying across her bed and peeking over the edge of the mattress at her. She'd been so caught up in sleeping and her dream that she'd forgotten everything that had happened the night before. Finding Drusilla in her bed had been startling and she had the sore elbow to prove it.

"Pretty pet, are you okay?" Drusilla asked worriedly.

"Fine," Willow managed to say from her position on the floor, her smile rather sheepish as she admitted, "I kind of forgot that you were sleeping with me."

"Did you hurt yourself?" Dru asked, watching as the redhead ran her hand over her arm, having heard it hit the table, knowing it must hurt.

"It's okay," Willow assured the concerned vampire, looking at Drusilla with curiosity as she realized that something was different. She seemed almost normal, completely in control of herself, strong. Willow's eyes widened as she saw the brightly colored hat that was perched on Dru's head. Buffy had bought it for her when they'd gone to the carnival last year, laughing at how silly it looked and declaring that it was perfect for her best friend to always remember that no matter how bad things sometimes seemed, sometimes you just had to laugh. Now, sitting on the floor with a sore elbow and aching backside, Willow felt her lips twitching. Finally, she gave in and laughed.

"What's funny?" Dru asked, a smile crossing her face as Willow laughed, deciding that there must not be too much pain or the redhead wouldn't be so happy.

"The hat," Willow smiled, "I just didn't expect to ever see you wearing that hat. Not that I ever really expected to see you wearing anything of mine but that hat is just so cute and you're wearing my sweater!"

"Do you mind?"

"No, it's fine," Willow said, deciding that this was probably not the best way to start off a Friday morning. Falling on her butt, hurting her arm, laughing at a strong and feared vampire. Yeah, real smart, Rosenberg. "The color looks good on you."

"It's warm and fuzzy," Drusilla explained, smiling as she moved her hand over the sweater.

"Are you cold? I didn't realize that vampires got cold," Willow said as she got to her feet, her hand moving to rub her butt where she'd hit the floor with the loud thunk. Definitely going to bruise.

"Not cold now," Drusilla said, moving to sit up. She shrugged as she said, "I get cold a lot, but others of my kind do not. I like being warm."

"Oh, that's cool," Willow said, taking a second to laugh as she realized just how weird it truly was to be having a conversation at, she glanced at the clock, twenty three minutes after six with one of the most feared vampires in the world about warm and fuzzy sweaters. "I like being warm, too, though I do love the winter and being cold. I'm not a huge fan of summer so maybe it's that I like being warm after being cold more than I really like just being warm. Of course, there is a difference between being warm and being hot. Hot is definitely not a good thing. It usually means sweaty and sticky and tired. How do you feel this morning?"

"All better," Drusilla beamed, enjoying listening to Willow talk. She didn't really understand everything the girl was saying, but she had a lovely voice and was smart and interesting.

"That's good, then," Willow said, able to say that since Drusilla hadn't made any move to have her for breakfast. And, since she had apparently been awake long enough to put on a sweater and a hat as well as pet her hair as she slept, the vampire could easily have killed her any number of times. No, there was no threatening look in Dru's eyes. Instead, she looked happy and amused and comfortable. Willow sat in her desk chair as she covered a yawn. She'd slept pretty good, over four hours which was a lot for her, but she was still pretty tired. Her back and arms were a bit sore from the lifting and carrying she'd done the previous night and now her elbow was throbbing as was her butt. It was only an hour until she was supposed to meet Buffy for the walk to school and she honestly just wasn't too excited about that idea. She also wasn't too sure about leaving Drusilla alone all day by herself, imagining coming home to find a pile of dust in her living room or who knows what. After last night, she'd earned the right to skip school. She never missed school so one day wouldn't be that bad. She glanced at Drusilla and saw that the vampire had picked up her teddy bear and was now whispering to it. Okay, so maybe that hadn't been sanity she'd seen earlier. Or, at least, not complete sanity. Definitely couldn't leave her here alone.

"I think I'm going to miss school today, Dru. Just hang around the house, stay with you until dusk when you can go back home," Willow said after she finalized her decision.

"You're staying with me?" Drusilla looked up from the conversation she was trying to have with Teddy to smile at Willow, pleased at the idea of spending the day with her new friend.

"Yeah," Willow nodded, giving the woman a smile. "I'll call Buffy and let her know I'm missing school today and then I'll get dressed and we can get some breakfast. Are you hungry?"

Drusilla smiled, "Yes, I am hungry. Oh, we'll have such fun today, Willow-mine. We can talk and you can tell me stories and we can dance."

Willow watched as Dru began to dance around in circles, having to smile at how happy the vampire was at the idea of hanging around her house for the day. She decided that she was just better off not trying to understand how Drusilla though and just accept her as being unique and a bit weird like the rest of her friends. She picked up her phone and dialed Buffy's number, wondering what she was going to do to entertain Drusilla all day. She was relieved when Buffy picked up, having not been sure if her friend would be awake yet, "Morning, slayer."

"Too early," was Buffy's mumbled response as she moved her hand over her eyes and covered a yawn. "What do ya want, Will?"

"Just wanted to tell you that I'm missing school today," Willow said, smiling at Buffy's demanding question, not feeling at all guilty for waking the slayer up. It was after six thirty and the lazy girl needed to be awake.

"What?" Buffy was awake when she heard that, "Are you sick? Do you need anything? I can make chicken soup. I mean, I sometimes burn it a little but that's usually when I don't put in enough water but for you I could make it perfect. How do you feel?"

"I'm fine, Buffy," Willow said, glad that she wasn't sick because the idea of eating something Buffy cooked would certainly not help her recover quickly. "I'm just tired. A bit achy and I just feel like staying home and being lazy girl today. No chicken soup needed, but thanks for the offer. I've got to do some thinking today. We'll talk soon. I just wanted to let you know that I was going to miss school today so you wouldn't worry when I wasn't at the corner waiting for you."

"Okay, I got it," Buffy said, adding, "I'm going to take a shower now since someone woke me up so early! It's not even seven yet, crazy girl! You'd better be glad that you're my best friend and I love you to death or I might be annoyed at being woken up!"

"I love you, too, Buffy," Willow laughed, knowing how the slayer hated getting up in the morning. "Now get your lazy butt out of bed and take your shower. I'll talk to you soon."

Buffy's only response was a loud groan before she hung up the phone. Willow smiled as she put the phone down, turning her attention to Drusilla and the problem of what to do with the vampire until dark.

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

"Okay, that's done," Willow said after she hung up the phone. She looked at Drusilla and saw that the vampire was still spinning and giggling, having to smile as she said, "Dru, you're making me dizzy!"

"The world is spinning, my sweet," Drusilla said with a large smile as she stopped turning, her eyes focusing on Willow. She had heard the conversation the redhead had with the slayer, heard the love in her voice as she spoke to her friend. She wanted to hear her angel speak to her that way, with that same love and affection in her voice and the soft smile on her face. She liked making the redhead smile, all too aware that the smiles had not been as common lately as they should be. There had been teasing in her Willow's voice, light and fun and affectionate. It had not been like the teasing she was used to, the mean tone in the minion's voice as they spoke of her. She would not mind the teasing that Willow had done with Buffy, all too aware that the words were said with love and affection.

"It tends to do that if you spin around," Willow said with a laugh as she got up and moved to her closet. "Let me get dressed and then I'll go downstairs and vamp proof the room for you. After that, we can get some breakfast. Does that sound good?"

"May I brush your hair?" Drusilla asked softly, watching as Willow got some clothes out of her closet.

"Um, well, sure," Willow said after glancing at the vampire and watching as a smile of pleasure crossed the woman's face. She picked out a pair of blue jeans and an old Sunnydale High T-shirt from the closet to wear, moving to her dresser to get a pair of socks and a bra. She nodded towards the bathroom, "I'm going to go get dressed and brush my teeth and stuff, but I'll be back in a couple of minutes. Then, you can brush my hair."

"Such pretty hair," Drusilla said, her eyes moving over the nearly waist length auburn strands, knowing that it was ever so soft. She moved to Willow's dresser, finding a brush as well as various clips and things. She picked up a clip and squeezed it, having never used one like that before. William usually fixed her hair for her using pins and ribbons that Willow did not appear to have. Drusilla loved brushing her dolls' hair and knew that she would love brushing Willow's. She would use a ribbon, she decided, liking how pretty Willow looked with her hair around her face.

She did not have a ribbon, though. Only those weird little bits of colored fabric. She picked one up, playing with it. It was like a rubber band, she realized, only it was covered in pretty material. She moved her hands behind her head, wrapping one around her hair. It kept it from falling past her ears in a messy tangle so she smiled. The hat was keeping her hair away from her face, but the length in the back was scratching her neck. William would curl it for her so that it did not constantly brush against her neck, or he would pin it up in styles that made him smile and thus made her happy. But, her William was not there today to fix her hair for her so she would do it herself. The colored band was good enough, she decided. Perhaps later Willow would brush it for her and fix it in a pretty way with her strange clips and things.

"All done," Willow said as she left the bathroom, tossing her sleeping clothes on her chair before moving to make the bed. "I see you found my scrunchies."

"Scrunchies?" Drusilla repeated with a curious look in her eyes.

"The thing you have in your hair," Willow said with a soft smile. She knew that Drusilla was like a hundred and fifty, but there were times it seemed like she must have been living in a cave for the last few decades.

Her smile faded as she found herself wondering how Drusilla had actually been living. She knew that she'd been hurt before coming to Sunnydale, knowing that was the reason Angel was needed for some ritual before the whole soul losing thing. She had to remind herself that Drusilla had lived several lifetimes no matter how innocent she seemed to be about some things. She was a vampire that had killed hundreds for survival or fun, a vampire that appeared to be involved with two men, one whom she called Daddy which was just a bit disturbing in Willow's opinion, a vampire that talked to stars and seemed to have some sort of psychic gift as well as a gift for magic, a vampire that was now looking at her and repeating the word scrunchies while giggling at how it sounded coming from her lips.

"I like that word, scrunchies," Drusilla decided with a smile, glad to have a name to put with the cloth covered rubber bands. She saw Willow's grow thoughtful and moved closer to the bed, liking the way Willow's eyes changed color when she was lost in thought. She spread out the cover and began to help Willow make the bed, knowing that the sooner it was made, the sooner she could brush her angel's hair.

"Sorry about that," Willow smiled sheepishly, realizing that she was better off not dwelling on trying to figure out the contradiction that was Drusilla and just concentrate on the fact that the vampire seemed to be enjoying herself and having a good time despite the strange circumstances. "I do that a lot....get caught up in my thoughts and drift off."

"It's okay," Drusilla smiled, not sure why Willow was apologizing but deciding that it wasn't very important. What was important was that the bed was made and she could now brush her hair. "Can I brush your hair now?"

"Actually, why don't I go on downstairs and make sure the windows facing east aren't getting any direct sunlight and then you can come down. You can brush it after we eat some breakfast," Willow suggested, having heard her stomach growling when she'd been getting changed. "I'm kind of hungry. I didn't eat dinner last night and now my tummy is all growly."

"Growly tummies are not good," Drusilla said with an amused smile, deciding that she could wait to brush her angel's hair. She loved talking to Willow. She loved how the redhead looked at her and listened to what she was saying and spoke to her as if she was a friend. She loved her Daddy and her William, but there were times when they would not listen to her or they would say things and not wait to see if she was listening. Willow did not do that. Willow spoke to her as if she was listening and would look at her expectantly awaiting a response.

"No, they aren't," Willow agreed with a giggle before shaking her head, "I'll run downstairs and check those windows. I'll call you down when it's safe."

"I will bring the brush and a ribbon," Drusilla said as she watched the redhead leave the room. She moved to pick up her dress that was torn and bloody, using her fingernail to snag the light blue ribbon that was sewn along the bottom. She carefully removed the ribbon, planning to use it in Willow's hair. She glanced up when she heard Willow call for her to come downstairs, a large smile crossing her face as she dropped the dress on the floor and moved into the hallway. Her eyes looked over everything on her way down the stairs. She had been so tired the previous evening that she had not paid a lot of attention to anything.

"I'm in the kitchen, Dru," Willow called out, having put some blood in the microwave. She knew that Dru hadn't made any attempts at trying to bite her, but it would be better all around to just feed the vampire before hunger made her neck appear tempting. She looked up with a smile as Drusilla walked into the kitchen. The beautiful vampire was wearing that rainbow hat with a pink scrunchie twisted into the length of her hair, a very large orange sweater, and a pale lilac nightgown that fell slightly past her knees and a large smile on her face. It was definitely something Willow had never expected to see, a happy Drusilla standing in her kitchen wearing various bits from her closet and Buffy's nightgown. "I'm heating up some blood for you."

"It smells good," Drusilla said sweetly, moving to sit down at the table, her eyes watching Willow as the redhead prepared a bowl of something. "What are you eating?"

"Cocoa Puffs," Willow said as she poured milk into her bowl. She looked at Dru and saw the curious look on the vampire's face, asking, "You've never had Cocoa Puffs?"

"No," Drusilla shook her head.

"That's just terrible!" Willow declared as she put the bowl in front of Drusilla. "I mean, I know you're a vampire and that human food is probably not all that good to you, probably tasteless or something, but you've got to try Cocoa Puffs. They're the best! Here, you can have this bowl. I'll make me another."

"They smell like chocolate," Drusilla said as she inhaled the sweet scent. Willow was right. She didn't usually like human food, having only tasted a few things throughout the many years. Chocolate was one of the few things she did like, often receiving it as a treat from her Daddy and her William.

"Here's the blood," Willow put the glass down as she sat down, her own bowl of Cocoa Puffs in front of her. She took a sip of orange juice before picking up her spoon. She smiled at Dru as she said, "You need to try them. They're like chocolate."

"Yummy," Drusilla declared after her first three spoons of the chocolaty tasting treat. She took a sip of blood and then went back to eating the puffs.

"I told you," Willow said as they kept eating. She glanced at the clock, seeing that it was already after seven. She laughed as Drusilla nearly purred while eating the Cocoa Puffs, wondering if the vampire would demand that Angelus buy her the cereal when she returned home. She had to giggle at the image of Angelus in the supermarket picking up a box of Cocoa Puffs.

"May I have more?" Drusilla asked when the bowl was empty. Upon Willow's nod of agreement, she stood, "I shall fetch them, my sweet. You finish your breakfast so you no longer have a growly tummy."

Willow watched as Drusilla poured a bowl full of the Cocoa Puffs, wondering if the vampire could possibly get it back to the table without spilling some over the side. It would appear that Dru could compete with Xander in the fullest bowl of cereal category. Drusilla had just sat down when she heard her front door close. A smile crossed her face as she realized who it was, glad that her best friend had actually understood their earlier conversation.

"Hey, Will! I brought doughnuts. Now, what did you want to talk to me about?" Buffy called out as she shut the door behind her and put her key in her purse. She dropped her bag on the floor and walked into the living room. She had been a bit sleepy when Willow had first called, but she'd understood Willow's comments about talking to her soon well enough to know that the redhead appeared to want to talk to her. She'd told her Mom that she had a migraine and played the cramps card again, glad that her Mom was too busy to actually keep track of how often she excused pain from patrolling and stuff like wanting an excuse to skip school and hang out with her best friend as being female problems, so here she was with a get out of school free card from her Mother and she had a dozen doughnuts and was curious why Willow had been cryptic girl over the phone.

"We're in the kitchen, Buffy," Willow called out, glancing at Drusilla carefully to make sure the vampire didn't suddenly change from the happy and rather fun personality into the bloodlusty vampire upon realizing that the slayer was in the next room. She was relived when Drusilla glanced up with a slight frown before looking at her and smiling and going back to eating her Cocoa Puffs.

"We?" Buffy repeated as she walked into the kitchen, "Who's we?"

"Doughnuts are definitely a good thing," Willow smiled at her best friend, watching as Buffy froze in the doorway, her eyes widening and her mouth dropping open when she focused on Drusilla.

"Drusilla," Buffy said in shock, looking at Willow and pointing out, "Willow, Drusilla is in your kitchen!"

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

"Yes, she is," Willow nodded as she moved to take the box of doughnuts from Buffy before she dropped them.

"Drusilla in your kitchen, Willow," Buffy repeated, her eyes moving back to the female vampire. "That's Drusilla."

"Very good, Buffy," Willow couldn't resist a smile at Buffy's obvious shock and surprise, knowing that she'd have acted the same way if it had been her walking in and finding the vampire sitting at the table with her best friend. Since it wasn't and she'd had many hours to get used to the idea of Drusilla being around, she was able to enjoy Buffy's reaction. "You-Buffy. Her-Drusilla. Me-Willow."

"Drusilla is sitting at the table," Buffy said, shaking her head as her hazel eyes continued to stare at the vampire, wondering if she'd somehow fallen asleep while in the shower and this was just some weird twisted dream. Or maybe she'd never even taken a shower. Maybe she'd gone back to sleep as soon as she'd hung up the phone. Yeah, that had to be it. She reached up and pinched her arm hard, "Ow..."

Drusilla finished her bowl of cereal, oblivious to what the slayer was thinking. She didn't really care that Buffy was there, knowing that the blonde was Willow's best friend and had kept her angel safe and alive. She stood and took her bowl and glass to the sink, rinsing them for Willow so that her pretty pet wouldn't need to waste time cleaning them before she could brush her hair. She turned back around, her eyes moving over the slayer for the first time since the girl had come into the kitchen. She wasn't overly impressed with Buffy, personally. She'd seen slayers that were meaner and bigger. She disliked the slayer on principle, but did not consider the girl an enemy really. She rather believed that slayers were needed to keep things tidy and in order. Without the slayer, who knew what trouble might be started? She did not tell her Daddy or William about those thoughts, though. Her William had killed two since she had sired him and she'd been proud of his skill and ability, though she did not understand the purpose of killing either of the women. When one died, another took her place. It was just a bit silly to her.

This slayer was Willow's best friend which meant she was different than the others. This girl had also brought her Daddy back, something of which Drusilla was ever so grateful. She did not smell as bad as she often had during those silly games she had played with William and Angelus, Drusilla decided. She smelled a lot like her sleeping clothes, baby powder and citrus and apples. Willow smelled of apples, too. They used the same scent, the two humans that were standing in the kitchen with her. Drusilla decided that she wanted that scent, knowing that it would remind her of her angel. It would also remind her that the slayer was around to keep her Willow safe whenever she was not around which was comforting.

"You're not dreaming, Buffy," Willow said when she saw her friend pinch her arm. She rolled her eyes when Buffy continued to ignore her, instead constantly repeating that Drusilla was in her kitchen, as if she didn't know.

"Willow, why is Drusilla in your kitchen?" Buffy asked, frowning as she watched the woman that had been on the opposing side of several battles over the last few months rinse her bowl and glass and then turn to stare at her. She fidgeted in place, not liking being studied by someone that she considered an enemy.

"She got hurt last night and I found her and brought her here so that she could heal and wouldn't die because that would have really pissed Angelus off and we don't need him angry now that he seems to have calmed down a bit and isn't so anti-slayer and trying to kill us constantly and all that," Willow began to explain, only becoming aware that Buffy still wasn't listening when the slayer spoke again.

"That's the Hat of Happy of Thoughts!" Buffy said when she got over the shock, well, when she at least accepted that shock, and moved on to studying the vampire in return. She had bought that hat last year after it had made her and Willow laugh because of the style and the rainbow of colors. Now, Drusilla was standing in the kitchen wearing it. "Willow, why is Drusilla wearing the Hat of Happy Thoughts?"

"If you're going to ask questions, you really should listen," Willow muttered, making a face at her best friend before smiling and saying, "You see, aliens came to Sunnydale last night and took over your mind so what you're seeing isn't real. You're really stuck in a spaceship being taken to some faraway planet where they're going to do research on why people ask questions and don't listen to the answers and keep talking and repeating themselves in situations where it really isn't necessary."

Drusilla felt her lips twitch as she heard Willow's words, giggling softly as she finally looked away from the slayer, glancing at her angel as she said, "Did you see the aliens, my pretty pet?"

"Aliens?" Buffy repeated, finding it even more odd when Drusilla spoke, having only heard her a few times before, usually rambling on that neat accent about stars and a bunch of other meaningless stuff that Buffy just ignored during her battles with Angelus and Spike. Now, though, she was talking about aliens and calling Willow her pretty pet. "Pretty pet? Willow, why is Drusilla in your kitchen?"

"Buffy, I've already told you," Willow said with a smile, moving to put her arm around her best friend's shoulder and saying, "I know this is a bit weird and I'm sorry that I got you involved, but you're my best friend and I thought you should know and I thought you might want to help, especially since it meant missing school."

"A bit weird?" Buffy repeated, having to give Willow a slight smile as she said, "That, my dear, is an understatement."

"Drusilla, I know you've seen her before but it was in circumstances that we don't really want to remember right now, so why don't we start over?" Willow suggested, smiling in relief when Drusilla nodded, her eyes curious but not threatening. She'd figured if anything would set the vampire off, it would be confronting the slayer, but it was a risk she'd had to take. She would never lie to Buffy and knew it would be much easier if the blonde was involved from nearly the beginning rather than finding out later. Besides, it would be nice to have someone else to help figure out how to spend the day. She held out her hand to Drusilla, gesturing the vampire closer. Drusilla took her hand, her eyes on hers as she smiled, "Drusilla, this is my best friend Buffy. Buffy," Willow turned to look at Buffy, seeing the uncertainty in her friend's eyes and giving her a reassuring smile, "Buffy, this is my new friend, Drusilla."

"Hello, Buffy," Drusilla said politely, deciding that she could be nice to the slayer if Willow wanted her to. Besides, the girl had long pretty honey blonde hair that she might let her brush if she was very nice.

"I can't believe this is happening," Buffy muttered before she sighed, knowing that she'd do anything for Willow, even put up with a vampire until she at least understood what was happening. She gave Drusilla a strained smile and said, "Hello, Drusilla. It's nice to meet you."

"Thank you," Willow whispered in Buffy's ear before looking back at Dru, "Did you want to brush my hair now while I explain everything to Buffy?"

"Oh, yes, please," Drusilla smiled, letting go of Willow's hand and moving into the living room where she had left the brush and ribbon. She spun around the room, laughing as she felt the warmth of the room. Willow had left the curtains open where there wasn't a threat of direct sunlight, which had allowed Drusilla her first glimpse of a light in longer than she could remember. She'd moved her attention from Willow's face to looking out the window and back while she had been eating.

"Willow," Buffy glanced at her best friend before looking back at the twirling vampire, a reluctant smile crossing her lips at Drusilla's enthusiasm and apparent happiness at the idea of brushing Willow's hair. Okay, so maybe she hadn't been lying to her Mom about that migraine.

"Yes, Buffy?" Willow said, laughing as Drusilla finally collapsed on the sofa, her hand moving to put the hat back on her head where it had started to fall.

"During your explanation, can you be sure to explain one particular thing to me?" Buffy asked as she looked back at Willow.

"Sure, what?" Willow asked, wondering what specific thing Buffy wanted to understand. It was probably about how Dru had ended up in her house. Oh, darn, Buffy was going to kill her when she heard about her adventure alone to Willie's. Maybe she'd...no, she couldn't 'forget' to mention that since the topic of blood and feeding would certainly come up.

Buffy arched a brow as she said, "I want to know how Drusilla ended up wearing my favorite nightgown with that hat and that sweater! It so doesn't match at all!"

"What?" Willow looked at Buffy in surprise, having to laugh when she saw Buffy's smug smile.

"Gotcha!" Buffy said with a smirk, seeing Willow's reaction and knowing full well that her best friend had not expected such a silly question. She was rather proud that she was able to make a joke at the moment considering that she was still in shock and not sure yet how she felt about Drusilla being at her best friend's house, laughing and giggling and being referred to as a new friend. Buffy had to laugh, giving the redhead a hug before saying, "Let's go sit down so you can tell me everything that happened after I left you at school yesterday."

"Let me get the doughnuts and my juice. Do you want something to drink?" Willow asked, moving back into the kitchen, turning to see Buffy moving cautiously into the living room before taking a seat in a chair opposite the sofa where Drusilla was sitting, both women staring at each other with curiosity.

"Orange juice is good," Buffy said, studying Drusilla and trying to see what was different about the vampire from the other times she had seen her.

Willow popped another bag of blood into the microwave and got Buffy a glass of OJ. When the microwave was finished heating, she emptied the bag into a glass and carried the three glasses and the box of doughnuts into the living room. She put everything down without dropping anything and smiled as she sat down beside Drusilla. She looked at Buffy and smiled, so proud of her best friend at that moment. She handed the glass of orange juice and the box of doughnuts to the slayer and said, "All right, I'm ready to tell you everything, again. Try to listen this time, okay?"

"Smart ass," Buffy muttered as she took out a chocolate covered doughnut and settled back in the chair, giving Willow her complete attention, "Okay, I'm ready. Tell me what happened."

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

Willow rolled her eyes as she watched Buffy make herself comfortable in the large chair, the petite blonde slayer kicking her shoes off and tucking her feet underneath her as she managed to hold her glass of juice without sloshing and to keep possession of the chocolate covered glaze doughnut. Once she was situated, Buffy's hazel eyes looked at her and told her that she was ready to hear what happened. Willow couldn't even muster any annoyance at being called a smart ass by her best friend because said friend had completely surprised her during the last half hour. Not only had Buffy, albeit a bit reluctantly, been nice and polite to Drusilla, the slayer hadn't once threatened to stake the vampire or raised her voice in horror at finding a vampire eating a bowl of Cocoa Puffs at Willow's table. Drusilla had remained calm throughout the events also, seemingly content to accept Buffy in exchange for brushing Willow's hair.

"Willow, sweetie, the internal thinking thing can wait until after I hear what happened last night," Buffy declared as she watched Willow's face, recognizing the signs of deep thought that had taken over her best friend's eyes. The redhead's was gnawing on her bottom lip and her eyes were focused on the table, two definite signs that Willow was lost in thought.

Normally, Buffy wouldn't care at all if Willow wanted to spend hours thinking, though personally she wasn't all that big on the entire thinking thing unless it was connected with keeping her and her friends alive or other slayerly type duties such as skipping school to hang out with her best friend. Today was not normal which meant she wasn't ready to sit for who knew how long it took for Willow to figure out whatever it was she was currently lost in thought about. After she found out what on Earth had happened that would cause Drusilla, evil psychotic insane Drusilla, to be sitting at a table with Willow, bestest friend in the entire world, intelligent, caring Willow, then she'd try to be patient while Willow thought about whatever it was she wanted to think about. Now, though, she wanted some answers.

"Are the doughnuts fresh?" Willow asked, giving Buffy a sheepish smile as she pulled herself from her thoughts. She had eaten a bowl of cereal but was still hungry. She had to admit that the doughnuts smelled good and it might offend her best friend if she didn't eat at least one, or two, or maybe three.

"Delish," Buffy declared with a smile before saying, "And don't think you're going to get out of telling me what happened. I might not be near as smart as you, but I'm not about to forget the purpose of this conversation."

"I can explain and eat at the same time," Willow said as she reached for a doughnut, noticing with amusement that Buffy had gotten a dozen of the chocolate frosted and nothing else. "I mean, not at the same time because then I'd be talking with my mouth full and that's kind of gross and Xander-like so I'll chew with my mouth closed and talk in between bites but the doughnuts really smell good and you got all chocolate frosted which is our favorite and I just can't talk without eating at least one."

"You can have more than one," Buffy said with a smile, "If you don't, I'll just be tempted to keep eating them so they're not wasted. Thank God for slaying, the best exercise program in the world. I'll work off a few doughnuts in no time with just a quick patrol."

"Dru, have you ever had a chocolate frosted doughnut?" Willow asked as she looked at the vampire that was sitting next to her. The woman had been rather quiet since they'd sat down, a smile on her pretty face as she kept looking between Willow and Buffy, listening to their teasing and friendly banter.

"Chocolate?" Drusilla said, her smile widening as she shook her head as she asked, "what's a doughnut?"

"Oh my God!" Buffy suddenly shouted, her eyes wide as she stared at Drusilla in shock. "You've never had a chocolate frosted doughnut? You're like over a hundred years old. There is just no excuse for not having experienced the sheer pleasure of the creation that is chocolate frosted."

"She hadn't had Cocoa Puffs either until this morning, and she likes chocolate," Willow said, shaking her head sadly, a smile on her face as she watched Buffy forget that she was talking to a vampire that had previously tried to kill her due to her shock that there was someone who hadn't enjoyed her favorite treat of chocolate frosted doughnuts.

"Drusilla!" Buffy just shook her head, "That's just awful! Two of the greatest pleasures for a chocoholic and you hadn't ever had them! Here, you must have a chocolate frosted. Willow's story can wait for a few minutes. These are the best thing ever invented. And you're so lucky because, hello, you're dead so you don't even have to worry about calories or anything like we mortals do."

"She's funny," Drusilla whispered to Willow with a giggle as she watched the blonde slayer move from her chair, still mumbling about the tragedy it was that she'd never had the tasty treat before.

"Yeah, she's a little crazy but I love her," Willow said with a smile, relaxing as Buffy put a chocolate covered glaze on a napkin and handed it to a smiling Drusilla. Her worries about Drusilla suddenly attacking the slayer or about Buffy suddenly deciding to stake Dru were fading fast as her best friend shared the experience of breakfast food with the vampire.

"I heard that Willow," Buffy said, giving Willow a large smile as she said, "and all I'm gonna say is that I love you, too. Here is the doughnut, Drusilla. It's going to be one of the best things you've ever had. Trust me. It's kind of sticky and messy with all the glaze and the chocolate, though. Of course, during my many years of experience in eating chocolate covered doughnuts, I've discovered the secret."

"Secret?" Drusilla asked, curious what the blonde slayer was talking about, watching as the girl's hazel eyes lit with amusement as she leaned forward and spoke.

Buffy looked around as if making sure that no one was listening before she leaned towards Drusilla, whispering, "The best thing to do is just lick your fingers when you're finished."

"Lick my fingers," Drusilla repeated with a smile as she took the napkin that Buffy handed her. She was glad that her Daddy and William were not here. She did not think that they would be pleased that she was smiling at the slayer or that she was accepting a treat from the girl that they had both wanted to see dead. She took a small bite from the treat that Buffy had given her, moaning as she tasted the chocolate mixed with the sweet glaze. It was far sweeter than the Cocoa Puffs had been and very tasty. She took a larger bite, loving the taste of the chocolate. She had always liked chocolate but had never known that there were so many different ways in which to eat the candy. Soon, she had eaten the doughnut. She sucked her fingers into her mouth, licking the remains from the flesh before looking back at Willow and Buffy who were both eating their own doughnuts and watching her with expectancy.

"So, what do you think?" Buffy asked, forgetting for the time being that this was Drusilla, the nutty childe of Angelus, and instead focusing on it being Drusilla, Willow's new friend and thus, by extension, her new friend.

"It was very sweet and very tasty," Drusilla said with a charming smile, "May I please have another?"

"Help yourself," Buffy beamed, flinching only slightly when the vampire drank from the cup that she knew contained blood. Okay, so that was a little freaky. She shook her head slightly before turning her attention back to Willow, "How did Drusilla end up in your living room sharing chocolate covered doughnuts with us?"

"Well, you skipped school and brought over a box of a dozen," Willow said sweetly, laughing as Buffy tossed a napkin at her.

"Kitten saved me last night," Drusilla spoke up as she answered Buffy's question, licking her fingers as she finished another doughnut. She would ask Buffy later where the slayer had purchased these treats. She had never really bothered tasting humans' food and now found herself enjoying two lovely chocolate flavored confections. She was also enjoying sitting with Willow and Buffy, listening to the girls tease each other and share smiles that included her and laugh. She felt as if she was surrounded by warm and affectionate arms when she was with her angel. She liked that feeling, liked sharing a smile with the pretty redhead that had called her friend. Drusilla had never had a friend before unless you counted her dollies. And now she had one friend and perhaps another, her eyes moving to look over Buffy's face as she studied the slayer that would have been considered one of her greatest enemies not an hour ago and that was now being considered a potential friend. She smiled a sweet smile at the slayer as she said, "I shall tell you about it while Willow-mine finishes eating her breakfast."

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

Buffy studied the vampire silently for several minutes. Several different emotions were running through the slayer, had been running through her since she had arrived at Willow's house about an hour before to find her best friend hanging out with their enemy. She loved Willow, considered the redhead the most important person in her life after her mother, more than Giles and more than Xander, though Buffy would never admit that fact. She had never really had close friends when she'd lived in LA, even before the whole destined to be a slayer thing had come up. There had been the people that she was supposed to be with, the popular girls with whom she'd shop and party and all that usual high school nonsense, but she'd never really been friends with any of them. Of course, during that time, she'd believed they'd all been great friends and that her crowd was perfectly wonderful. Now, though, she knew that it had all been an act. She'd done what had been expected and not cared enough to bother questioning whether she actually liked her friends or not. Then, the whole slaying thing had happened and she was actually pretty relieved that she hadn't really had any close friends. When she'd moved to Sunnydale, the last thing she'd expected to find was a shy, intelligent redhead that would teach her what true friendship really meant and how special it really was to find a friend that, at times, seemed to be the other half of her soul. She loved Willow and had faith in the redhead's judgment. Hell, she trusted Willow in a way that she didn't trust anyone else, even Giles.

She cared about her watcher, had grown used to his guidance and his support and considered him more of a father than her own whom she'd rarely seen when her parents had been married due to his constant work and social schedule, but she didn't completely trust him. She knew that horrible to admit even in her own mind, but it was true. He was her watcher, her friend, her surrogate father, but a part of her tended to wonder if he really cared or if he cared because it was his job to care. Oh, she knew he cared about her as a watcher should care about his slayer. And she liked to think that it went beyond that, that he saw her and the others as the children he had never had, but there was always that slight bit of doubt in her mind that he would do whatever was necessary to follow his orders from the council. Luckily, she'd never had those very slight doubts proven and, as time passed, the doubts started to lessen and her trust in him strengthened. Willow, though, had her complete trust. She would do anything, anything, for her best friend and she knew that Willow would do anything for her.

She had just never really expected that 'anything' to include being friendly to a vampire that was the daughter of her former love turned Sunnydale master, a vampire who appeared to obviously be a fellow chocoholic, which in itself was weird, and who had stood beside Spike and Angelus during several battles whose outcome was intended to be her death and the deaths of her friends which included said redhead who was now calling the vampire friend. She knew that she would never understand how Willow thought. The girl's mind was the most developed of anyone she'd ever met her age or even close to her age. Willow was always thinking, always planning, and was always the logical one. She knew that Willow had a reason for helping Drusilla the night before even though she wasn't entirely sure what that reason happened to be. Of course, knowing Willow, the redhead might not even entirely be sure why she'd saved the vampire. Buffy hated to admit it, knowing it wasn't very slayer like, but Drusilla wasn't nearly as bad as she'd figured. She'd read about the beautiful girl that Angelus had become obsessed with, filling in the few blanks all too easily to imagine what the poor girl had gone through before he'd finally turned her. She'd never admit it, okay maybe she'd confess it to Willow because they had promised to not have secrets between them, but she sort of felt sorry for Drusilla after what she'd read in the Watcher's Journal. That pity didn't mean that she wouldn't stake the woman without hesitation if she appeared to make any threatening movements, but Buffy was reminded of those stray thoughts she had had all those months ago when first hearing Drusilla's story as she looked at the beautiful woman.

Drusilla was one of the most dangerous and feared vampires in the world. It was well known that she was not the most sane person around, having been driven over the edge by Angelus during his courting of her. There hadn't been a lot of information on the vampire in the journal, mostly sightings of her with Angelus and then with Spike. The watcher at the time did have what he claimed was a fairly accurate account of her turning, the story becoming legend to support Angelus' claim as one of the most cunning and sadistic of his kind during that era. His writing had told of Angelus' obsession with the daughter of a local family. It had told of the family being slaughtered in front of the girl Angelus wanted, of games that the vampire played with the frightened girl that slowly drove her insane, of finding her at a convent and raping her on the alter before turning her. Buffy had faced Angelus for months, had seen what kind of games he was capable of, could imagine what Drusilla had gone through all those decades ago, and she had to admit that she rather admired the woman for surviving. Okay, she would so never admit to admiring a vampire, but it was true. Hell, in her own way, she admired Spike for being a worthy opponent without reducing himself to the mind games that Angelus seemed to love. Spike had nearly defeated her several times based on pure strength and power, without getting inside her head and trying to fuck with her mind.

Angelus was a different story entirely. He knew her weaknesses, having gone after Willow first thing. He knew how much the redhead meant to her, knew that she depended on Willow for support and friendship and would be lost without her best friend. He had continued to taunt her about her lack of ability to protect those she loved, finally killing Jenny to prove his point. Luckily, he seemed to have grown bored with his games. He'd stopped playing with her, seemingly content to be master and to let her do her job without making everything personal. Yeah, she sounded real mature in how she was handling the fact that the man that she had grown to love had become a soul less murdering bastard that was now the master of Sunnydale, but she'd had enough time to sort of become numb where Angel was concerned. She'd looked into Angelus' eyes and seen Angel. She'd fallen in love with a monster that had a soul to make it okay for her to love him, but, deep down, he'd always been Angelus. Now, she wasn't even sure if she'd ever really been in love with him...no, that was wrong. She knew that she had never really been in love with him. You couldn't love someone unless you knew them and she had never really known Angel. She'd been attracted to him, who wouldn't be? She'd wanted him, enjoyed being cared about, liked the risk if she was honest with herself, and she had loved him, but she'd realized over the last couple of months that it had never been the kind of love she'd read about that she had built their relationship up to represent in her mind. After that realization, it had been easier to fight Angelus. He still had the face of her first love, but he was a different person entirely. It hadn't been longer after she'd stopped responding to his taunts that he'd grown bored with his games, killing Jenny and forming an uneasy treat of sorts with her. An unspoken treaty that neither would admit if asked, but she knew that it was there, understood that he didn't care if she did her job as long as she wasn't going after him or his family. The minions meant nothing to him and he couldn't care less if they were stupid enough to get themselves killed. In exchange for her not deliberately seeking him, Drusilla and Spike out, he'd stopped threatening her friends, he'd stopped with his mind games, moved on to just being master and whatever else occupied his time.

Now, she was sitting in the comfy chair in Willow's living room, watching as Drusilla licked the chocolate and glaze from her fingers. The woman was smiling at her tentatively, her eyes happy. Buffy couldn't remember seeing a happy vampire, finding the entire idea that she was talking about chocolate doughnuts with Drusilla and Willow just a wee bit surreal. It was too strange to be a dream so she knew that it was real. She was confused and curious and surprised. Surprised that Drusilla was not the insane crazy vampire she'd assumed. Confused that Drusilla was being restrained and polite to her, a slayer, the natural enemy of all vampires and a personal enemy of Drusilla and her family. Curious as to how this turn of events had happened, as to what had caused Willow to extend her friendship to the vampire and what had caused Drusilla to not only accept the redhead's friendship but to end up sharing chocolate doughnuts with two humans while seeming to be nearly normal. She was also surprised that Drusilla did seem rather normal. Okay, so there was a bit of a crazy aura around her, especially when she was calling Willow her kitten and zoning out, but otherwise it almost seemed like they were all just hanging out. Someone from the outside looking in would think they were just three teenagers having breakfast and having fun with friends. Buffy was also confused about why she actually could look at Drusilla and think the word friend without flinching, without having some slayer revolt at the idea of being friendly to a vampire that did not have a soul.

"Buffy, are you thinking?" Willow looked at the slayer, eyes deliberately widening in shock as she put a hand against her heart and gasped, "Oh my God. Hell must have just frozen over because Buffy was lost in.....thought!"

"Ha, ha," Buffy rolled her eyes as Willow whispered the last word in overly dramatic shocked tones. "You know that I try to avoid the T word as much as possible."

"The t word?" Drusilla repeated as she looked at Willow for explanation. She had been prepared to begin the story of the evening's events when she'd noticed the thoughtful look on the slayer's face, deciding that she did not want to begin her story until the blonde was finished thinking. Instead, she had picked up the brush and moved behind Willow to start brushing her angel's long hair. It hadn't been long before Willow had smiled at her and whispered that she was going to tease Buffy for having been so intent to hear the story only to zone out before it could be started. That was when Willow had spoken up, mocking the slayer and causing the girl to leave her thoughts with a smile and a groan.

"Thinking," Buffy clarified for Drusilla, listening as the vampire giggled as she noticed that Willow was now seated between Dru's legs as the woman brushed her hair. Okay, so maybe her thinking had taken more than a couple of minutes. "Will is the thinker and I'm the girl of action. She comes up with the plans and I carry them out."

"Except I somehow usually get drafted into helping carry them out, too, but she rarely has to bother thinking about them," Willow added with a smile at her best friend.

"Hey now, I help with the plans," Buffy defended, "you're just so darn smart that you hardly ever need my help!"

"You're both silly," Drusilla decided with a smile as both girls turned to look at her.

"Oh great, now I'm being called silly by a vampire," Buffy said, her lips twisting into a smirk as she added, "Drusilla, honey, I don't really think you can call anyone silly when you're wearing that hat!"

"You're teasing me," Drusilla whispered with wide eyes, a smile crossing her lips as she looked at Willow, "she teased me about my hat."

"Yes, she did," Willow laughed softly, "it is a bit difficult to take offense of your words when you're wearing such a creative ensemble, Dru."

"Silly is good," Drusilla giggled, her smile staying firmly in place as she looked back at Buffy, not noticing the grateful smile Willow gave her best friend for including Drusilla or the slight shrug that Buffy gave Willow in return as if to say that she was trying. Instead Drusilla looked in Buffy's hazel eyes and said, "Now may I tell you the story of how I met my angel?"

"I promise, no more thinking," Buffy said as she gave Drusilla her complete attention, wanting to know what had happened with Drusilla and Willow the night before.

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

Drusilla continued to brush Willow's hair as she began to tell Buffy about what had happened the previous evening. She spoke of everything, having no hesitation in telling a slayer details of her existence. Buffy was a slayer but she was also becoming a friend. Drusilla did not quite understand how or why, but she knew it was happening. She trusted the stars, knew that everything happened for a reason. She felt happier during the hours she had been with these human girls, these girls that fought evil and protected the innocent, than she could remember being in years, probably since before her Daddy had been cursed with a soul and left her and William alone. She had enjoyed her time with her William, loving her pretty boy with every bit of emotion that she still possessed, but it had been a difficult time for them both. He had taken care of her, become strong to keep her safe, but he had not been happy. Oh, he smiled and teased her and held her, but the light in his eyes had died a bit when Angelus had left them. In recent months, that light had started to come back.

She knew that her William had affection for her Daddy, even as his lovely lips might deny that truth. Her Daddy felt the same way, his dark eyes watching her pretty boy with hunger from that first night she had shared her blood with him. She had been jealous at one time of what existed between them, knowing that she was not needed for them to be happy yet she needed them both to be happy. After her Daddy had gone, she had watched her boy miss her sire in a way that was similar to her own sense of loss. She had given William the gift of immortality, but it was Angelus that had become his true sire. She shared her boy with her sire, something that she did not mind at all. They would usually include her in their outings, the three of them hunting and feeding and returning home where Drusilla would most often retire to her bedroom alone, leaving her boys to find their own fun. She was still a bit jealous of their private outings, like their trip to see the angels, because she did not like being alone. She did not like being left with the minions, as if she meant nothing more to her boys than a child that must be taken care of. She would die for them, kill for them, and they would smile and pat her on the head and tell her to be a good girl. She was not a child, she could take care of herself if needed.

"Ow," Willow squeaked, glancing up at Drusilla as the vampire became silent, obviously lost in thought. She saw the yellow flash in Dru's eyes and frowned, wondering what had made her new friend angry. Feeling the hands pulling her hair, she said, "Dru, hon, you're pulling too hard. You're hurting me."

"I'm sorry," Dru whispered, releasing Willow's hair instantly when she saw the flash of pain in those pretty green eyes. Her lower lip quivered as she moved back against the couch, fear in her eyes as she said, "Please don't leave me. I did not mean to hurt you, my pretty angel. I'll be a good girl and we can laugh and play games and tease. Please don't leave me alone."

Willow exchanged a glance with Buffy, both girls obviously wondering the same thing. What happened? Dru had been doing well, telling them about leaving the mansion the night before to dance for the stars, talking about the demon that she'd killed, drifting off before she got to the part where Willow found her by the river. Now, she was rocking back and forth on the couch with her arms wrapped around her legs and what appeared to be unshed tears glistening in her eyes as she kept talking about being a good girl and begging Willow not to leave her alone.

"I don't like being alone," Dru whispered, her eyes on Willow's as she spoke, "For Daddy and William, I'm a good girl and I'm brave and I don't tell them that I dislike being left alone when they are away."

"They do this a lot?" Buffy asked softly, not wanting to startle the vampire, but having to admit she was a bit curious. She had always believed that Drusilla was Angelus' favorite childe, but she could see the loneliness and fear in Drusilla's eyes, knew somehow that the woman was often forgotten by Angelus and Spike, that she spent a lot of time alone with her stars and dolls. No wonder the poor thing was nutty as a fruitcake. Buffy would probably be a bit crazy herself if she spent over a hundred years being left behind.

"Daddy and William love me," Drusilla said as she cocked her head to the side to study the slayer, "they do not know that the dark is lonely, that the shadows whisper, that I am tired of the dark. They are ever so good to me. They do not make Princess play their naughty games anymore because they know that I do not enjoy playing those kinds of games. And, if I'm a good girl when they are gone, I shall get a prezzie from my Daddy."

"Naughty games," Willow repeated quietly, not able to keep her mind from all too easily flashing vivid images of Angelus and Spike playing naughty games with her. Oh God, the room was getting too warm. She was a pervert, she decided. She was sitting here thinking about naked vampires and biting and kinky things when Buffy was sitting a few feet away and Drusilla was bordering on hysterical. She needed to get control of her lusty thoughts fast. What had they been talking about? Oh, right, she said, "Drusilla, I'm not going to leave you alone. You were just brushing too hard. You didn't really hurt me."

"It's okay. I mean, I've hurt her worse when we've sparred and we're still best friends," Buffy said as she gave in to her impulse to offer comfort, glad that the council couldn't see her now. She'd be their poster child for Bad Slayers. Fuck them, they didn't have to live her life, didn't have to deal with what she had to deal with. She moved to the couch and put her arm around a surprised Drusilla's shoulders and squeezed, "You don't have to be alone anymore. You've got me and Willow."

"Buffy's right," Willow said after she got over the shock of hearing those words coming from Buffy's lips. She'd been going to say them, planning to just include herself since she wasn't too sure Buffy would want to be included. Trust her best friend to surprise her by saying them first. She felt two pairs of eyes look at her and she smiled, "Man, I don't say that very often. Maybe we should write it down or something to remember this rare occasion."

The three girls looked at each other before Drusilla started to giggle, her fears forgotten as her angel smiled at her, and Buffy grabbed a pillow behind her to swing it at the redhead.

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

"Cute, Rosenberg, real cute," Buffy said as her pillow made contact with Willow's arm.

"What do you think the council would say if they could see you now?" Willow had to ask after she managed to get the pillow away from Buffy, taking in the image of the slayer with one arm around one of the most feared vampires in the world who was giggling as she leaned her head against the blonde's shoulder.

"Probably the same things they've been saying since I got called," Buffy said with a smirk, "That I'm unconventional and foolish and dangerous because I do not follow the rules and expected behavior of a slayer. Same old, same old. Been there, heard that."

"You are very strong," Drusilla said softly, her eyes clouding over as she listened to the silence, "you will live a long life because of your refusal to follow their rules. You will survive with the help of your friends, because you will not do as is expected."

"I'm liking the long life bit," Buffy said quietly, wondering if there was truth in the vampire's words.

"I'm liking that help of your friends bit," Willow said with an affectionate smile at her best friend. She could see the hope in Buffy's hazel eyes, knew that the blonde tried to hide her fears that she would die young without living a full life. Maybe Drusilla's words would offer some comfort to the slayer, give her something to look forward to.

Drusilla shook her head slightly, the voices in her head becoming quiet. She smiled as she realized that Buffy and Willow had both said that they would not leave her alone. She had friends. Daddy would probably not be happy about the identity of her new friends, but she did not care. Her eyes moved over Willow's face, suddenly remembering a change in the girl's breathing when she had mentioned her Daddy and William's naughty games. A contemplative look crossed her pretty face as she wondered if her angel wanted to play those naughty games with her boys. She knew that her Daddy was attracted to Willow, having seen sketches he had made of the pretty girl, hearing it in his voice as he had spoken about the redhead. That was how she had known the girl the night before, seeing the face that covered numerous pages on her sire's dresser. She had seen her William with one of the sketches many days ago, had seen the look in his blue eyes as his finger had traced the lines of the redhead's face. Her boys wanted to play with Willow. If Willow did want to play with them, Drusilla would make sure that the boys played nice and that her angel was safe and protected. That would be later, Dru decided, but it might mean that her Daddy would not be too angry with her for becoming friends with her Willow since he and William wanted the girl. She did not want her Daddy to be angry, but she also did not plan on losing her new friends. She liked these girls, liked being part of the light.

"So, where were we?" Buffy asked, making herself comfortable on the sofa as she grew impatient for Drusilla to quit thinking and continue the story. She wanted to hear the part where Willow became involved, wanting to make sure that her friend hadn't done anything stupid, well, besides bringing a powerful vampire home and feeding her chocolate and causing Buffy to actually see the woman as something other than the enemy, as if she could ever see Drusilla as an enemy now after seeing her wearing that funny hat. Trust it to be Willow's fault that a slayer was becoming friends with a vampire. Buffy had to smile, deciding that she wouldn't have it any other way. She loved Willow, was luckier than anyone in the world to have the girl as a best friend.

"Dru had killed the nasty demon thing," Willow smiled, "and I think that's about where I came in."

"Finally, we get to that part," Buffy said, rolling her eyes as she looked at Drusilla, "What happened after you killed the demon?"

"My angel came and found me just like the stars said," Drusilla said, looking at Willow in surprised when the redhead handed her the hairbrush. "I do not want to hurt you again, kitten."

"I trust you," Willow said with a smile before she moved back between Drusilla's legs.

"So, the stars told you about Willow," Buffy said, wondering how the stars had known about Willow. Then wondering why she wasn't just a bit wigged at the idea that the woman sitting next to her was calmly discussing talking to the stars as if she were talking about ordering an ice cream cone. Hmm....ice cream. That sounded pretty good. Buffy shook her head slightly to pull her thoughts away from the vision of a large sundae with chocolate sauce to concentrate on hearing the rest of the events of the previous night. Maybe later they could get ice cream. If Dru hadn't ever had chocolate glazed doughnuts, there was a good chance she'd never had a chocolate covered ice cream sundae either.

"Yes, they told me to wait and that my angel would come and save me," Drusilla said with a smile as she gently brushed Willow's long hair. She was extra careful, not wanting to hurt the redhead again. She still could not believe that the beautiful girl had looked her directly in the eyes and sincerely spoken of trusting her. "Kitten arrived soon after that and she took care of me."

"Dru passed out. I thought it might be a loss of blood cause it was everywhere, but I found out today that it was also poison," Willow told Buffy. "After she was out, I carried her home and then I went to Willy's bar and got some blood and fed Dru. Then, this morning, I was tired cause, hello, she's not the lightest vampire in the world and it was a pretty long walk from the park and that's when I called you and hinted that you should come over to talk so I could tell you what had happened because it was so not something to talk about over the phone because you needed to be hear to see her and understand that I wasn't stupid or crazy, okay, so maybe it was a bit crazy but I don't regret it at all because I ended up making a new friend. That's about it."

"Time out," Buffy said, her eyes narrowing as she paid particular attention to a few words that Willow had said a bit too quickly, "you went to Willy's bar? Alone? Are you crazy?"

"Well, aren't we all a bit crazy," Willow asked, making a face as she realized she'd been stupid to think Buffy wouldn't notice those particular words.

"Willow Anne Rosenberg, don't pull that vague hypothetical or philosophical or whatever ical thing you're trying to pull," Buffy said, "Willy's bar is dangerous. Hell, I don't even go there alone. You could have been hurt or killed or who knows what!"

"It was fine, Buffy. No one bothered me. Heck, Willy even flirted with me a bit," Willow said with a smile. "Not that I was interested because he was kind of sleazy and looked like a weasel. He gave me a deal on the blood and told me to come back if I ever needed anything else."

"Promise me that you won't go there alone again," Buffy said, not even smiling at Willow's attempt at humor at the idea of Willy flirting with her. She was completely serious in her fear that Willow could have been hurt, knowing that, in many ways, going to Willy's was even more dangerous than inviting Drusilla home. The demons and vampires that hung out at Willy's would not be the type to sit around eating Cocoa Puffs and wearing silly hats.

"Buffy, calm down," Willow said softly, seeing the fear that was now in her friend's eyes. "I know you think that I can't take care of myself, but I can. You've taught me well and I'm getting a little better with the magic. I could have protected myself if something had happened. Trust me when I say that I don't plan on going back to Willy's to hang out or anything stupid like that."

"Will, it's not that I don't think you can't protect yourself. I know you're getting better at fighting and Giles mentioned that you seem to be a natural with that magic stuff, but I don't want you taking stupid risks like that," Buffy said with a frown.

"Okay, I promise not to go back to Willy's alone," Willow said, pleased that Giles had told Buffy she was doing well with the magic. She knew he worried about her learning based on his own past experiences, but she was glad to hear that he thought she was a natural, adding, "unless it's something really important like last night and I can't find anyone to go with me."

"You can call me," Buffy said, giving Willow a smile, "I'll go with you."

"Yeah, cause you have such a great relationship with Willy," Willow snorted, rolling her eyes. "You know, asking politely gets better results than beating the shit out of him."

"Maybe, but I'm not usually patient enough for polite," Buffy said, sticking her tongue out at the redhead.

"Very mature, Buffy," Willow said in a loft tone, sticking her own tongue out and blowing a raspberry at her best friend.

"You know what!" Buffy suddenly smiled, her eyes taking on a thoughtful gleam. "I've got an idea!"

"Oh, God," Willow said with a scared look at Drusilla, "She's got an idea! Run for the hills!"

"Ha, ha, ha," Buffy said before looking at Dru, "You said that Angelus and Spike won't be back until the end of the weekend, right?"

"Daddy said they'd return Sunday morning," Drusilla nodded, curiosity in her eyes.

"Well, then, you don't need to go back to the mansion until tomorrow. You won't have to be there alone with the stupid old minion waiting for them to get back," Buffy decided, having been considering this idea for the last little bit, knowing it was silly but deciding that it might be fun.

"She can stay here tonight," Willow agreed, looking at Dru, "Would you like to stay here tonight with me?"

"Of course, kitten," Drusilla beamed, having planned to ask her angel that very question if the redhead had mentioned her returning to the mansion. She'd much rather stay with her new friends and be happy than to go to her lonely room to wait for Angelus and William to return.

"With us," Buffy corrected, smiling as she said, "I can call Mom and tell her I'm sleeping over. I'm sure Giles will let me have one night of patrol off, especially since Angelus and Spike are out of town. We can watch movies and eat chocolate and have fun. What do you say, Will? Can we? Huh? Can we?"

"Yes, we can. It sounds like a fantastic idea," Willow smiled at Buffy, not able to resist laughing at the enthusiasm evident in the girl's hazel eyes. "It's been months since we've had a night off to just have fun and be silly girly girl teenagers. Besides, I bet Dru has never been to a sleep over before."

"It sounds fun," Drusilla said with a laugh, listening as Buffy began to explain to her what having a slumber party meant.

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

"Thanks, Giles," Buffy was saying as she walked back into the living room. She rolled her eyes as she said, "I know. I will. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Bye."

"So?" Willow looked at her best friend, waiting to find out what Giles had said.

"I told him that I heard last night during patrol that Angelus and Spike were out of town," Buffy said as she sat down, putting the phone on the coffee table, "which isn't exactly a lie, it's more like a glossing over of truth. Anyway, I told him that I put a lot of faith in what I heard and he not only gave me tonight off from patrol, but he said that we could all probably take the weekend off. He said he'd do a quick patrol so that we could have a break. That means, no patrol until Sunday!"

"This was Giles, right?" Willow asked, "British, stuffy, never likes to give us one night off much less two...."

"I'm not asking," Buffy said with a large smile, "I'm just gonna enjoy two nights free of patrol. And it's quiet so there isn't a need for research or anything tomorrow. Can you imagine a free Friday and Saturday night? I can't remember the last time I haven't had to patrol for two nights in a row. It's just a great start to the weekend."

"Willow-mine, what do we do for this slumber party?" Drusilla asked, pleased that the humans were able to get a free evening. She was intrigued by this slumber thing that they had been discussing, curious as to what exactly happened and eager to participate in the festivities with her new friends.

"Oh, we don't really do anything specific," Willow explained. "I mean, we sort of sit around and talk and act goofy and watch movies and eat a lot of snack foods."

"We'll introduce you to the joys of junk food," Buffy promised the vampire, sharing a smile with Willow when Drusilla laughed.

"More chocolate," Drusilla laughed, "I think I like this slumber party thing."

"It will be a lot of fun," Willow said, "we've never really had a slumber party. I mean, we've had overnight research sessions and we've had sleepovers where we watched movies and all, but we usually have to patrol or research so it's never been just a good old fashioned slumber party."

"Did I mention how pleased I was at the no patrol thing?" Buffy asked from her position between Drusilla's legs. The vampire had finished brushing Willow's hair, securing the long auburn strands with a pretty clip. After she had finished with the redhead's hair, she had asked if she could brush Buffy's hair. Since she'd left the house in a hurry that morning while using the excuse of female problems, she'd not taken the time to do much more than run a brush through her hair so she'd accepted Dru's offer. She tried not to think about how weird it was to be letting a woman that had tried to kill her several times over the past few months brush her hair. She would then remember that this was Sunnydale and then it wouldn't seem quite as strange.

"Yes," Willow and Drusilla both answered, laughing as Buffy stuck her tongue out at them.

"Smart asses," Buffy muttered, rolling her eyes as she smiled. "So, Will, do you have tons of junk food stocked up or do we need to go to the supermarket?"

"How much do you exactly plan on eating today, Buffy?" Willow asked, giving her friend a pointed look. "I mean, two nights without patrol and tons of junk food...."

Buffy snorted, "Like I care if I gain a couple of pounds. I'd work that off kicking a few demons' asses. Like I said, nothing beats the slaying thing for staying in shape. Besides, you should talk. Dru, this evil wench can eat all the snacks she wants and still be that thin without even having to do the workouts that I do. It's really not fair and I'd probably hate her for her metabolism if she wasn't my best friend."

"It's not my fault," Willow defended with a laugh. "I wish I could gain some weight. I'd give anything to have real curves."

"You've got curves, kitten," Drusilla said, her eyes moving over the swell of Willow's breasts. "You just do not display them for everyone to see." "Yeah, Will, you've got a great body. You just never let anyone see it," Buffy said. "You always hide behind those baggy clothes, which is just stupid. You looked hot on Halloween. And not only are you gorgeous, you're like the smartest person I know which is pretty darn sexy, too. You've got the complete package, brains and bod, but you just won't see that! It's so annoying!"

"Okay, we are so not going to start talking about this right now," Willow decided, her face turning red at the compliments that Buffy was giving her. She wasn't very good with accepting compliments, hadn't had that much experience during her life. She knew that she had a pretty decent body. Her breasts were ample and she was thin without being stick figure like. She had good legs and her face was kind of cute, though she was by no means gorgeous like Buffy said. Her best friend had been trying to convince her since they'd met that she was a catch, trying to give her confidence that Willow just couldn't really get. She was shy and didn't like people looking at her and she tried, but she just didn't have the confident attitude that Buffy and Cordelia did.

"Willow is a hidden treasure," Drusilla decided with an affectionate smile. She saw that her pretty pet was embarrassed by the attention, not understanding why such a lovely creature would have difficulty accepting how special she was, but she would not further Willow's unease. "What kind of food is junk food, Buffy?"

"Okay, I get it. Changing subjects," Buffy laughed, wishing at times that she could knock some sense into Willow. Her friend still believed herself to be the shy, awkward, gawky nerd that she'd been most of her life. She wouldn't accept that she was a stunning and intelligent woman that had potential to get any guy she wanted if she'd just accept herself as she was and not how she saw herself. Buffy was working on it, had finally started to see the redhead getting a bit more confident over the year they'd been friends, but there were times that she was just sick of trying to be patient. Halloween had been a huge step, though, and since then, Willow had started to wear clothes that fit her once in a while. Now if Buffy could just toss out all the awful fuzzy sweaters and baggy jeans, then Willow would have to acknowledge that she was a hottie. She gave Drusilla a smile as she said, "Junk food is what we call foods that are snacks, full of sugar and just overall bad for you but in a good way."

"You know what?" Willow suddenly spoke up, looking at Buffy as she said, "I just thought of something."

"What?" Buffy asked, giving her friend a curious look.

"Can you pass me the phone?" Willow asked, making a face. "We can't have a slumber party without making one more call."

"We can't?" Buffy glanced at Dru and then back at Willow. "Why not?"

"Because, we can't," Willow said, sighing. "In a way, I wish we could, but it would be rude and I'm trying to be nice."

"Oh," Buffy suddenly understood, grimacing, "Do we have to?"

"We really should," Willow smiled, "it might be fun."

"Yeah, real fun," Buffy rolled her eyes, knowing that Willow was right even if she didn't like it. "You're right, though. You need to make the call. It is getting better."

"The last few months haven't been that bad," Willow agreed.

"What about Dru?" Buffy asked, glancing at the vampire in question before looking back at Willow.

"I don't think that will be a problem," Willow said, having to smile, "Of course, it might be fun to see the expression...." Buffy had to laugh, "I can already picture it."

"And, who knows? Maybe it will be a no," Willow said, sort of hoping it would be but also having to admit she was curious how things might go if it was a yes.

"That wouldn't be too bad," Buffy said, "but it might not be that awful. As you said, it hasn't been so bad lately. We're all trying and this might be the perfect inclusion."

"What are you talking about?" Drusilla finally gave in and asked, not understanding anything the girls had been discussing.

"We'll explain in a minute," Willow said as she dialed the number after checking the clock and seeing that it was after eleven. She waited four rings before it was answered. After she heard the hello, she spoke, "Hey, Cordelia."

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

Cordelia heard the voice and said, "Willow? What do you want? Is Buffy with you? Because, you both aren't in school today and it's rather a coincidence that you're both sick on the same day and it happens to be a Friday. I don't buy it. You're not sick, are you?"

Willow rolled her eyes, making a face at Buffy before she said, "It's nice to talk to you, too, Cordy. I'm fine, thanks for asking."

"Whatever," Cordelia said, wondering why Willow was calling her. It was a known fact that they had never really been friends. True, she'd been dating Xander for the last few months and things had started to become a bit better between her and the redhead that she'd verbally tortured for years, but there was still a bit of tension between her and the other two girls. She was trying, though, for Xander's sake and because she actually did like Willow and Buffy, not that she'd admit that to anyone. "What do you want?"

"Actually, you're right. Buffy and I aren't sick," Willow admitted, knowing that she was making the right choice by at least asking Cordelia to their slumber party, She had to say that the popular girl had been attempting to be part of their group since she had been caught making out with Xander, risking losing her others friends and her popularity by hanging out with them. And, underneath it all, she wasn't all that bad.

"I knew it!" Cordelia said, smiling triumphantly. "I told Xander this morning that you were both just taking the day off. Is that why you're calling? To gloat that you're both not here having to eat this horrible cafeteria food and probably laying around watching soap operas or trashy talk shows? Or did you need to talk to Xander? Because, if so, he's in line getting food and it will be a little while before he's back at the table."

"I didn't call to talk to Xander," Willow said, "I called to ask if you wanted to stay over at my house tonight. We're going to have a slumber party tonight, no patrol and no research, and thought you might want to come over. It's girls only, though, so Xander's on his own."

The smirk faded from Cordelia's face as she said quietly, "You're asking me to a slumber party? With you and Buffy? You want me there?"

"Of course," Willow said, only lying slightly, almost laughing as Buffy made faces at her while she was trying to be sincere. "You're part of our group now. It's nothing special, just friends hanging out and all, but you're welcome to come if you want."

"Friends?" Cordelia repeated, a slow smile crossing her pretty face. "We are friends, aren't we?"

"Yeah, we are," Willow agreed, frowning as she heard the tone of Cordelia's voice. Suddenly, she felt guilty for having been so reluctant to include the popular girl in their plans. Cordelia had lost most of her friends after she'd gone public with dating Xander, staying with him despite the risk of losing everything that seemed to mean so much to her. Willow guessed that maybe they'd been wrong about what really mattered to the cheerleader. Maybe good friends and the guy she had started to care about were what was most important. She decided she'd do her best to be more accepting of the girl and her flaws. Heck, she had befriended a crazy vampire that had killed who knows how many people in the last century and a half, surely she could be friends with a girl who liked to shop that just happened to be sarcastic and bitchy sometimes. "We're just hanging at my place so you can come over whenever you want, if you wanted to attend the slumber party that is."

"You know what?" Cordelia made her decision, knowing that a part of her had always wanted to be accepted by Xander's friends. She wanted them to like her for her and not just because she was dating their best friend, wanted to be their friend and have private jokes and silly secrets and just be a part of something that was real. This invitation was a gesture on their parts, a gesture that she was going to accept and try her best to make the most of. She wanted to do some bonding, damn it, and she wanted Buffy and Willow to like her.

"What?" Willow asked, her green eyes watching as Drusilla began to put Buffy's hair up in a variety of, well, interesting was a safe word ways, rather relieved that the vampire had kept her hair simple with a nice clip. The blonde slayer currently had four scrunchies securing bits of hair and it looked like Dru had more planned. Buffy mouthed the words Help Me as Dru started to braid one of the bits of hair.

"I think I'm starting to feel sick," Cordelia said with a smile as she got to her feet. "Yes, I'm definitely catching something. I probably caught it from you and Buffy. It's all your fault that I'm now going to have to go to the nurse and get a pass to leave school for the rest of the day. I'll tell Xander that he can stay home and watch cartoons tonight and then I'll head over. I should be at your place within a half-hour. We can drive by my place later to pick up my stuff."

"You're coming over now?" Willow looked at Buffy, shrugging as the blonde gave her a questioning look. "You're just going to leave school?"

"Hey, now, don't take that tone with me little Miss. Skipper," Cordelia said, "besides, it's only a few classes. I'd much rather hang out with my friends and do whatever it is you guys are doing than sit in class and listen to Mr. Beasley drone on and on about whatever war it is we're discussing right now."

"No need to get defensive, Cordy," Willow had to smile, "I was just surprised that you'd want to come over so early. We're just sitting around, but you're more than welcome to fake an illness and leave school early to come join us."

"I'm on my way to talk to Xander right now and then I'll leave," Cordelia confirmed, relaxing a bit when she heard Willow laugh, knowing that the redhead actually didn't care if she came over and really did want her to participate in their little slumber party. "Oh, and Willow?"

"Yeah?" Willow replied.

Cordelia neared where Xander was standing in line, answering softly, "Thanks for asking me. I'll see you guys soon. Bye."

Willow hung the phone up and looked at Buffy and Dru, having to smile at Cordelia's enthusiastic response to the slumber party idea as well as her words of thanks for being included, deciding that maybe Cordy wasn't so bad after all. She told them, "Well, Drusilla, it looks like you're going to get to meet someone else. Cordelia will be here soon."

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

"Xander, would you listen to me!"

"Sorry, Cor," Xander looked away from the dessert choices to look at his girlfriend. "I thought you were getting us a table?"

"Why do I bother?" Cordelia muttered, having spent over a minute telling Xander that she was going home before realizing that he was engrossed in visions of chocolate cake and jello and hadn't heard a word she'd said.

Xander smiled sheepishly at her tone, "You know how I am around dessert. I'm trying to decide if I want to chocolate cake or the pumpkin pie or both."

Cordelia had to smile, rolling her eyes as she said, "Yeah, I should have known better than to try to have a conversation with you when you're around food."

"I'll just get both," Xander decided, grabbing both plates and putting them on his already full tray. He continued moving in line, his attention now firmly on Cordelia. "What were you telling me? I'm listening now."

"I said that you can put my salad back because I'm leaving," Cordelia said, her eyes moving to look at the slice of chocolate cake. She had to admit that it looked pretty good.

"Leaving?" Xander frowned, "Why? Are you okay? Do you need to go to the nurse?"

"Willow called me," Cordelia smiled, her pleasure obvious. "She invited me to a girls' night sleep over type thing with her and Buffy tonight. Can you believe it? They actually included me. Willow said they wanted me to hang out with them."

"Of course they did," Xander smiled softly, enjoying the sparkle that had entered his girlfriend's eyes as she spoke about being included in the get together by his best friends. He'd have to remember to thank Buffy and Willow for being thoughtful enough to ask Cordelia. He knew they'd been having some difficulty adjusting to his new relationship but they were both trying and he owed them a lot for that. He also knew that Cordelia wanted to be friends with them all, even if she'd never admit it. Suddenly, he realized, "Wait, they weren't sick today? They really were just skipping?"

"Shhh," Cordelia rolled her eyes, "not so loud! I told you this morning that it was highly unlikely that they were both sick on a Friday. I was right. They just needed a day off, which I personally think they both deserve. Anyway, I'm going to go to Willow's and hang out and whatever else it is that they have planned for tonight. I haven't had a sleep over since junior high. I don't even know if I can remember what we used to do at them. I remember tons of junk food and acting really silly. Oh, and makeovers. Wait, that's a great idea. Maybe I can talk Willow into letting me do a make over. I'd love to get my hands on her closet. She could be so gorgeous with the right clothes and some confidence. Maybe Buffy and I can gang up on her and use the whole peer pressure thing until she breaks down and lets us fix her up."

"First, Willow isn't the type to break down because of peer pressure. She's the strongest person that I know. She'd only relent and let you do your silly make over if she wanted you to do it. Second, I like Willow just the way she is. I don't really see what the problem is with how she dresses, though I do agree that she could use some confidence. Third, you can stop all the girly talk," Xander groaned, "I so need some friends that don't talk about clothes and make-up."

"I like Willow, too, but I think a better presentation would showcase the beauty that is both internal and external. By the way, my make over would not be silly but I'll excuse that comment because you're a guy," Cordelia declared loftily, a smile on her pretty face as Xander laughed and paid for his food. "It is a girls only night, Xan, so you're on your own tonight. I'll call you tomorrow when I get home."

"I'll probably just hang around the house tonight," Xander decided as he walked with Cordelia towards a table near the door. "Watch some TV and maybe catch up on my sleep. You want to go to a movie tomorrow night? A new comedy opened that looked pretty funny."

"A movie sounds good," Cordelia said, "we can go to the Bronze afterwards. Maybe Buffy and Willow can meet us there after patrol. I'll talk to them about it today. I'd better get going. I told Willow I'd be over there soon, though I'm not really sure what we're going to be doing all day and night. Maybe we can go shopping. Shopping is always fun and there's a sale at Clarissa's this weekend. I saw the cutest blouse there the other day. It would look great on Buffy. And there was a silk top that would be fantastic on Willow."

"Cordelia, honey, didn't you mention something about needing to leave?" Xander asked with a helpful smile, wanting to stop the shopping talk before she started in on shoes. He adored Cordelia, could very well love her, but he had sat through several conversations about shopping since they'd started dating and he just wasn't in the mood to go from makeovers and clothes to shopping and shoes. He wanted to enjoy his lunch before he had to get back to class, since he was attending all of his classes that day unlike his friends. He was so teasing Willow and Buffy when he saw them again about their sudden 'illness', knowing he'd be able to get Willow easily when reminding her that she'd skipped class to hang out and be lazy, something she had never done in the decade that they'd been friends.

"Oh, right," Cordelia drifted off, her mind still thinking about the pretty green shirt she'd seen. When she'd first seen it, she'd thought it would look good on Willow. Now, with her plans to make over the cute redhead, she knew they'd so need to go buy it. She gave Xander a kiss before leaving the cafeteria and heading to the nurse's office. Xander was right. Willow would probably not agree to a make over if a big deal was made of it. It would probably be smart to suggest a group make over or something like that. It would be fun and silly and they could all have fun with it, plus they'd be able to persuade Willow easier if they were all having one done.

The cheerleader entered the nurse's office and put her acting skills to test. She complained of a stomach virus, whimpering and groaning where needed. Luckily, the school nurse wasn't very strict, asking a few questions before signing a pass excusing Cordelia from her afternoon classes. Cordelia left the school, a smile on her face as she thought about spending time with her new friends and just having a worry free, fun night with the girls.

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



It took Cordelia less than fifteen minutes to reach Willow's house after she left the school. During the short drive, she found herself having doubts for the first time since the phone conversation not a half before. She began to wonder if this really was a good idea. She wanted to be part of the group, wanted Willow and Buffy to call her friend without making a face, wanted them to accept her for herself and not just because she was dating their best friend. She admired Buffy, though she wouldn't admit it, and she had always liked Willow, even if she'd picked on the girl since they had met. Buffy was strong and beautiful and could get things accomplished without really caring what anyone thought of her. Willow was the smartest person she'd ever met, her age at least, and she was pretty and cared about her friends in a way that always made Cordelia a bit envious. Neither of the girls was perfect, Buffy not being the smartest apple in the barrel, Cordelia borrowed an expression her grandmother often used, and Willow was shy and lacked confidence in her beauty and intelligence, but Cordelia knew that they were both people she would trust with her life.

Her worries centered around what they would think of her. She wasn't strong like Buffy and she wasn't smart like Willow. What was she going to bring to the friendship? She always felt a bit useless when she was with them. They didn't need her. Cordelia liked to surround herself with people that needed her. It made her feel important and she really did like helping people, even in matters as mundane as what lipstick best matched a dress. Xander needed her. That was one reason she had begun to fall in love with him, surprising everyone including herself. At first, it had been an attraction that had confused her but that she couldn't really ignore. She liked kissing Xander Harris. She liked that he listened to her, that he thought about what she said and didn't judge her about anything. He was so accepting and just wanted her happy. She'd never had anyone like that before. Her parents were rarely around, but, when they were, there were expectations of what their daughter should be. Cheerleader, May Queen, homecoming queen, most popular girl. That was her parents' dream more than hers. Okay, so she had always liked being popular, liked knowing that the boys wanted her and that the girls wanted to be friends with her.

She'd changed. There more important things in life than what color was the new black and what shoes matched what skirt. She had never been as stupid or superficial as most of the school saw her as being, but she'd perfected the act of Queen Bitch years ago and never bothered to stop acting. Until Xander. That wasn't exactly right. It had been Buffy's arrival that had made her start questioning her life and purpose. She'd been dragged into several battles by mistake and seen first hand what true friendship really was. She'd seen how a team could work together to defeat things that she'd only thought existed in books. She'd seen how real friends didn't care how you looked or what lipstick you were wearing or how mean you could be to those less important than you. She'd also seen that those people once considered less important risked their own lives to save the world over and over. She had been forced into realizing that she wasn't very happy with the direction her life had taken. She had admitted that she was far happier in the musty old library insulting Buffy and flirting with Xander and teasing Willow than she was with Harm and the girls. She'd started hanging around them more often, trying to be subtle because she hadn't wanted them to figure out that she wanted to be their friend. That subtle plan had been thrown out the window when she'd kissed Xander. They'd tried to keep it a secret, her scared that she'd lose Harm and the girls and end up with nothing and him worried about what his best friends would think.

She wished they hadn't bothered with the secrets. She could still remember the hurt look that had been in Willow's eyes when the redhead had realized what was going on between her and Xander. Cordelia had felt guilty for the first time. She hadn't liked it. Had, in fact, vowed to never feel that way again. She'd lost Harm and the girls, but she had Xander and he was far more important than those twits had been. She also had started to become part of the group, had started to be accepted by Buffy and Willow. Hell, Angelus had even threatened her months ago so she knew she was part of the group. God, she had to laugh as she realized that receiving threats from a vampire had made her finally feel part of the group. Only in Sunnydale. Luckily, Angelus seemed to have moved on from the threats. She was on the side of believing that he'd gotten bored with Buffy and was just content to exist and make the slayer's life a hell by running the town. That was something she and Willow did agree on.

She was nearing Willow's house. She was nervous and it annoyed her. It was just Buffy and Willow. They'd asked her, had included her in their plans for a girls night. They wanted her there. The phone call from Willow ranked right underneath Angelus' threats as a sign that she was actually part of the group now. This wasn't research sessions, it wasn't studying for a test, it wasn't using her car to get supplies for some battle. It was them hanging out and enjoying a friendship that she was now a part of. A smile crossed her pretty face as she felt the anxiety start to fade. She didn't need to be nervous. This was a chance for them to get to know her, the real her that Xander knew and that they had seen glimpses of. She knew that she had hurt Willow throughout the years with her rude comments and admired the redhead so much for giving her a chance, for extending her friendship despite their past. She didn't have any plans of letting the redhead regret her decision, knowing that Willow's friendship was one of the greatest gifts that could be given. She'd never really had friends before, not true friends that stuck by you no matter what and didn't judge you and were always there when you needed them.

Cordelia pulled into Willow's driveway, no longer nervous but excited. She was looking forward to being with Buffy and Willow, to relaxing and having fun without worrying about demons and vampires. She wanted to eat some junk food and watch some movies and laugh and just be silly. If she was able to talk Willow into a makeover, all the better. She got out of her car and started to walk towards Willow's door. She raised her hand to knock but didn't get a chance before the door was opened.

"Cordelia, you're here!" Buffy greeted with a smile, a bit eager to see what Cordelia's reaction to Drusilla would be. She decided she'd place her money on screaming and hiding, though Willow seemed to believe the cheerleader would be cool with it.

"Yes, I am," Cordelia said, her eyes moving over the slayer's hair, biting her tongue from making a sarcastic remark about the many loops of hair that were fastened with various clips and ribbons. Instead, she said, "I think I saw a style like that in Vogue last month. Very cutting edge." "You did?" Buffy asked in shock, having seen what Dru had done to her hair when she'd passed the mirror on the way to answer the door. She had to smile as she realized that Cordelia seemed to think she had deliberately done that to her hair and was just trying to be nice. Goodness, what was the world coming to? A slayer showing a powerful vampire the joys of chocolate doughnuts, Willow befriending said powerful vampire, and now Cordelia Chase being nice. Buffy had to laugh as she said, "Thanks, Cordy. Come on in and join the party."

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



Cordelia walked past the slayer, calling out a greeting to the redhead she noticed sitting on the sofa as she entered the living room, "Hi Willow."

"Hey, Cordelia," Willow called out, glancing at Drusilla who was sitting in the chair watching everything with interest.

Cordelia noticed Willow look away and her eyes followed, widening in surprise when she found herself looking at Drusilla. Drusilla, as in evil vampire, childe of Angelus, wanted them all dead, that Drusilla. Sitting in a comfy chair beside the sofa in Willow's living room. With a slayer. What the fuck was happening? She glanced at Willow and saw the redhead nervously chewing her bottom lip, her green eyes looking from Cordelia to Drusilla. Cordelia noticed the three glasses on the table and a nearly empty box of chocolate covered doughnuts. They'd had breakfast. A slayer, a vampire, and a budding witch. God, what was she supposed to do? She had all these questions but knew it wasn't the time to ask them yet. Not with Drusilla sitting a few feet away. She turned her attention to the evil psycho vampire that she'd only seen a few times and then only briefly. The vampire that didn't really seem all that evil as she smiled and looked at Cordelia with a hopeful expression. Okay, the psycho part could be a good description because that was the only excuse that Cordelia would accept for what she was wearing.

Cordelia relaxed, sliding into her element easily as she moved forward, a large smile crossing her face as she said, "Drusilla, isn't it? My name is Cordelia, but you can call me Cordy. May I just say that that color is stunning on you, but Willow's closet is *so * not the place to use for dress up. I love Willow to death, but she doesn't have the best clothes around. You know, I saw a shirt at the mall, at Elena's, a few days ago that was a bit darker shade of orange that would look marvelous with your hair and skin. It was on sale and they had the most adorable silk skirts to match. They also had a set in the prettiest shade of green that would look darling on Willow. Maybe we can go shopping later."

"You're a pretty pet," Drusilla said with a soft smile, running her hand over the arm of the sweater she had taken from Willow's closet, "I like fuzzy, smells like Willow, apples and vanilla. Silk is pretty and soft on your skin. Kitten, may we go shopping later?"

"Shopping?" Willow repeated, glancing at Buffy and seeing the stunned look on the slayer's face. She had to smile as she looked back at Cordelia, respect in her green eyes as she said, "Shopping might be fun. Wow, I think hell must have frozen over."

"Why?" Buffy asked as she moved to sit on the sofa beside Willow, wondering how Cordelia had managed to bring up shopping within five minutes of meeting Drusilla. She'd been speechless for far longer, yet Cordelia had breezed in with a smile and clothing suggestions. She looked at Cordelia and saw the confused look in the girl's brown eyes, realizing that the cheerleader wasn't nearly as calm as she projected.

"Because, I just agreed to go shopping with Cordelia Chase!" Willow said with a groan, relieved when she saw Cordelia relax and glare at her in a way she was familiar with.

"Very cute, Rosenberg," Cordelia said, sticking her tongue out at the redhead before loftily saying, "see if I let you use me for my expertise on colors and textures and bargain hunting."

"You're all silly," Dru declared with a giggle as she smiled at Willow. She'd been apprehensive about this Cordelia girl, hearing the tone in Buffy's voice and not knowing exactly what it meant. She was happy to find that the girl was nice and friendly. Cordelia was curious, questions burning in her brown eyes as she slowly relaxed and teased Willow. Drusilla enjoyed the teasing, liked hearing the laughter and seeing the smiles on her new friends' faces. She wondered if Cordelia would become her friend, too. The girl was pretty, though not as pretty as her kitten, and she had long brown hair that was shiny and soft.

"You should talk, Dru," Buffy said with a smirk as she looked at the vampire, "you're the one wearing that funny hat!"

"I think we're all a bit silly," Willow declared with a smile, "you have to be to survive in this town. Dru, have you ever been to a mall before?"

Dru shook her head, having to ask, "What exactly is a mall?"

"Oh my God!" Cordelia gasped, looking at the vampire with sincere shock.

"She'd never had chocolate covered doughnuts either," Buffy added, sharing an amused look with Willow regarding Cordelia's love of the mall.

"The mall is a place where there are tons of different stores in one place," Willow explained to Dru. "It's not one of my favorite places, but Delia loves it. She's a great shopper and I guess that's why she always looks so put together."

"I used to spend a couple of days a week there," Cordelia admitted with a sheepish smile. "I love clothes. Willow is right, I am a great shopper. It's a gift. It takes a lot of skill and talent to be a great shopper. It's not nearly as easy as you seem to think."

"Hey, we've all got something we're good at," Buffy said with a laugh. "I'm a slayer, Willow's a smart ass, Dru can see things in a way that no one else can, and you're a shopper. It's good to have a special talent."

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



"Why did you use to?" Dru suddenly asked Cordelia, curiosity in her eyes.

"Use to what?" Cordelia asked, not following the conversation after listening to Buffy and watching as Willow threw a pillow at the blonde for her smart ass remark. She was laughing as she looked at Dru, suddenly remembering that this woman was a vampire.

"You used to spend a couple of days a week there, you said," Drusilla reminded, watching as the brunette smiled softly.

"Well, I have better things to do now. I still love shopping, but I love Xander and helping out with research and being part of the gang a little more so I shop when I have extra time or need to buy something. I used to go to the mall because shopping was about the only thing I had in common with my old friends or because I didn't want to be sitting at home by myself. Things changed when I started hanging around with Willow and Buffy and started dating Xander," Cordelia explained truthfully.

"That's sweet," Willow said with a smile, "I didn't realize that you'd rather research with us than go shoe shopping."

"Now you know," Cordelia gave her a slight smile before looking back at Dru. "You look adorable in your creative ensemble there, but I think we might need to find you something a bit more casual to wear when we go out later. Willow, I don't suppose you have any clothes that aren't oversized or fuzzy, do you?"

"And Buffy calls me a smart ass," Willow muttered with a glare at the cheerleader who was smirking at her.

"It's not my fault you have such horrible taste in clothing, Will," Cordelia said with a smile. "If you'd listen to me once in a while and buy things that flatter instead of conceal, you'd be so much more attractive. I mean, you're cute even in the horrible yellow overalls you wore last week, but good grief. This is Sunnydale, not a farm in the middle of Kansas. Overalls have been over for a few years now. I'm not suggesting you go all turbo slutty like Buffy, but a little leg or hint of cleavage would make you feel so much more desirable and confident."

"I hate to say it, but she's right, Willow," Buffy said, having found a partner in her plans to get Willow into some attractive clothes and help her best friend find some confidence in her own beauty. Suddenly, she said, "wait a minute. What do you mean turbo slutty?"

"Please," Cordelia rolled her eyes, "you could gain an inch on most of your skirts and you honestly don't have enough bust for some of those plunging shirts you wear. You've got great legs and a nice ass, but the skirts that barely cover it are just a bit on the side of slutty more than on the side of sexy."

"I often wondered how she could slay in such short skirts," Drusilla remarked, looking at Cordelia with amusement and interest as she heard the girl talking so seriously.

"Great. Even the vampires are talking about my short skirts," Buffy grumbled, looking at Willow who was now smirking as the attention was turned away from her and her enjoyment of comfort clothes to dwell on the ever shortening skirts of Buffy. "Do I look slutty, Will?"

"Um, well, Buffy, slutty might be a strong word but yeah, it's a little too much Pretty Woman before the shopping spree," Willow admitted with a smile.

"Oh God," Buffy cringed, "why didn't you tell me?"

Willow shrugged, "I thought that was the look you were aiming for. And it's not always. Most the time you look sexy and confident. There are just a few skirts and shirts you wear that look hookerish."

"From now on, tell me!" Buffy said, making a face. She looked at Cordelia and said, "We are *so* going shopping later. I want you to show me what you're talking about with the skirt thing because I never realized they were too short."

"Of course I'll help," Cordelia beamed, looking at Willow as she asked, "Will you take me upstairs to your closet? I'd like to see if I can find something for Drusilla to change into and I though we could have a little chat while I look."

"Sure, follow me," Willow said as she stood up, knowing exactly what that chat would consist of. Explanations as to what Drusilla was doing in her living room and other various questions about Buffy's acceptance of the vampire and who knew what else. She looked at Dru and smiled, "I'll be back in a few minutes. Play nice with Buffy."

"Yes, Mum," Drusilla giggled, sharing a smile with Buffy as Cordelia followed Willow out of the room. She took off the funny hat and asked, "Will you brush my hair, Buffy-pet?"

Buffy smiled, knowing that it would take a little time for Willow and Cordelia since she was pretty sure the cheerleader would have a lot of questions to ask the redhead. She nodded at Dru, moving to sit on the sofa and pick up the brush as she motioned to the area in front of her, "Of course," taking the hat from Dru and putting it on her head over the various loops and designs that Dru had fixed. She began to tell Drusilla stories about various demons she and her friends had faced and defeated as she brushed the vampire's hair.

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



Cordelia waited until they entered Willow's room before facing the redhead and demanding, "What the heck is happening?"

"I thought we were trying to find something for Dru to wear," Willow said with a smile. She knew what Cordelia meant but deliberately misunderstood her as she moved to the closet.

"Willow," Cordelia heard herself whine and cringed slightly. She glared at the redhead as she moved to sit on the girl's bed, "Why is Drusilla downstairs? And what's up with Buffy being nice to her instead of slaying? And what is all this kitten business? And-"

"Okay, breathe," Willow laughed softly as she decided to stop teasing Cordelia and give the cheerleader some real answers. She sat down in her desk chair and shrugged, "I don't really know what's happening, Delia."

"You've never called me that before," Cordelia observed with a small smile, "You said it downstairs, too. I kind of like it."

"I think it suits you better than Cordy. Cordy is a selfish cheerleader that is only concerned about the next big party. Delia is a caring cheerleader that is concerned about so much more than popularity and parties," Willow said softly, a slight smile on her face as she watched Cordelia's smile grow.

"Really? You think I'm more than a brainless bimbo in a cheerleading costume?" Cordelia asked, her question sincere.

"Yeah, I do," Willow admitted. "You've changed the last year, Cordelia, and I personally think it's for the better. I know we've been enemies since forever, but I'd like to think we're friends now."

"We are friends," Cordelia said softly, "you and Buffy are my only real friends. Well, besides Xander, but he's a boyfriend so he doesn't really count. Thanks for telling me you think I've matured and that you consider me a friend. You don't know how nervous I've been since I started dating Xander."

"Actually, that's why I thought I should break down and finally tell you," Willow smiled, "I realized that you were trying and that you had changed and that I really needed to just forget the past and move on. You're part of our group now, Delia. You're good for Xan, and you make him happy. That's what is most important. I'm sorry if Buffy and I have taken a while to warm up to you."

"It's okay," Cordelia said, "I can understand. It's not like I was the nicest person in the world to either of you and you don't know how happy I am that you two have let me in, have let me become part of the group. It means a lot."

"I know," Willow said softly, having no doubts now that she had made the right decision by calling Cordelia and including her in their day. She'd just seen a side of Cordelia that she didn't think a lot of people saw. Vulnerable and nervous and lacking the usual confidence that surrounded the May queen. She liked the Cordelia that she had gotten to know over the last few months, and honestly did consider the brunette a friend now.

"So, what about Drusilla? I mean, I'm still shocked at finding her in your living room. What happened?" Cordelia relaxed and leaned back on Willow's bed, her brown eyes on the redhead as she waited for an explanation.

"I don't know," Willow laughed, running a hand through her hair. "I'm not kidding. It just happened and I still can't understand how. Last night, I was walking home from the library and took a different path. I found Dru by the water and she was injured. Poisoned by some demon that she'd killed, losing a lot of blood, and a bit delirious. She was talking about the stars and how I was supposed to take care of her and that there was no one else to help her and she just seemed so alone that I couldn't leave her."

"What about Angelus and Spike?" Cordelia asked, not at all surprised that Willow would feel sympathy for the hurt vampire. Willow's compassion and large heart were two of her many great qualities.

"They're not here," Willow frowned, "from what I can understand from Dru's ramblings, they go away together to get a break from everything and leave her with the minions. She doesn't like the minions and they don't like her, so she has it kind of rough. She's alone with no one to talk to, and, even when they're around, I get the feeling that they don't really understand her, you know? She's a bit crazy, but she's not at all like I would have expected. Anyway, Spike and Angelus are gone to visit angels, whatever that means, and aren't coming back until the end of the weekend. At least, I think that's what she was saying."

"Angelus and Spike go off together? Without Dru? I thought she was involved with them. So, it's them without her," Cordelia's eyes widened slightly as she sighed, "Wow-that's kind of yummy-.kinky, but they're both hotties and-.wow-"

"Ahem, yeah, well," Willow looked away before Cordelia could see her flushed face for fear that the cheerleader would somehow know she often thought of that yummy image and found it arousing. She pushed the forbidden thoughts to the back of her head mind as she continued, "so, anyway, Dru was alone and hurt so I decided to bring her home to take care of her."

"She looks healthy now," Cordelia said, a slight smile crossing her lips as she looked at Willow and noticed the blush that was covering the redhead's cheeks. Well, well, well-it looked like she wasn't the only one that found the idea of Spike and Angelus together a pretty yummy thought.

"I got her some blood and she slept for hours," Willow looked back at Cordelia when she was sure that her momentary wave of lust had passed, "when I woke up this morning, she was all better. The poison worked itself through her system as she was sleeping and the blood healed her all up. In fact, by the time I woke up, she'd already been in my closet and looking around my room. She's definitely a curious creature."

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



"I can't believe she's never been to a mall," Cordelia shook her head. "I mean, she's over a hundred years old. She was alive, well, undead, when the first mall ever opened."

"There are a lot of modern things that she's totally unfamiliar with," Willow mentioned, "I guess she spent a lot of time in areas that didn't have malls and chocolate snack food. From what I read in the watcher's journals, she spent a lot of time traveling during the early part of the century and a lot of time hiding in the latter part. Her life changed after Angelus received the soul. It was just her and Spike. He protected her and kept her safe for decades. I doubt she spent a lot of time with humans at all unless they were dinner."

"Okay, so she was isolated and never got to experience most the things we take for granted," Cordelia said, watching as Willow smiled at her, "See, I can pay attention!"

"I'm proud of you," Willow laughed, "You and Buffy have both surprised me today. I mean, Buffy has been great. I wasn't so sure this morning but she's taken to Dru in a way I never would have expected. Heck, she let Dru fix her hair and didn't once whine about how silly it looked."

"Buffy not whining is definitely a minor miracle," Cordelia said dryly, before smiling, "You're her best friend, Will. If you asked her to try to walk on water or to run over hot coals, she'd do it without hesitation because you asked. I figure accepting Dru is a lot easier than the hot coals thing."

"I'd do the same for her, for any of you guys," Willow smiled, "whatever her reasons, she kept an open mind and I think she actually likes Dru now. And Dru? Well, she's loving it all. She's been giggling and laughing and just seems really happy. I hate to say it, but I think it's something new for her, to be carefree and happy and acting silly. She really likes having friends and seems so scared that she's going to upset us and we'll leave her or forget her."

"Poor thing," Cordelia sighed, "I guess vampires aren't known for being carefree and silly, huh?"

"Can you see Angelus letting Dru fix his hair?" Willow asked with amusement in her eyes.

"Hell, no," Cordelia laughed, imagining Angelus with his hair put up with colored rubber bands and laughing even more.

"Come on, we need to get something for Dru to wear and get back downstairs before they send out a search party," Willow laughed.

Cordelia stood, wiping tears from her face as she stopped laughing and opened the closet door. Her face became serious as she studied the contents. She glanced at Willow and arched a brow, "You so need new clothes, Willow."

"Just pick out something," Willow rolled her eyes before spinning in her chair, wondering how long it could possibly take for Cordelia to pick out something for Dru to wear that would be a bit more appropriate than a sweater over her nightgown. Ten minutes later, she was staring at Cordelia impatiently, "What is taking so long?"

"Hey, don't rush a master," Cordelia said sharply, frowning as she studied each piece of clothing and imagined it on Drusilla. She glanced at Willow and smiled sheepishly, "Sorry, I just want to find something perfect for her to wear since it will be her first trip to the mall and her first time hanging out with the girls. You know?"

"It's okay," Willow said, "have you found anything promising yet?"

"Yes," Cordelia nodded, "you have a pretty dark blue shirt that still has the tags on it that would look great with her hair and complexion."

"Oh, yeah, I remember that shirt. Buffy made me buy it last year, but I didn't like it. It was too tight," Willow said, making a motion over her chest, "it molded and pushed things that I didn't want molded and pushed."

"That's because it's not two sizes too big for you," Cordelia muttered, before adding, "I was thinking of pairing it with this long skirt you've got. The material is so pretty and the blue matches the background behind the flowers perfectly."

"The skirt is too long on me so I don't wear it that often, but I love the material," Willow said as she saw what Cordelia was talking about. "It hits the floor when I wear it, but on Dru it would be perfect. She's about an inch or so taller than I am."

"That's what I was thinking," Cordelia smiled, "every time we've seen her, she's always wearing these old fashioned empire waist dresses that are very long. I thought the length would be comfortable for her."

"That's very considerate," Willow smiled, having to say, "and I've never really noticed what she was wearing before because she was usually on the opposite side that was trying to kill us."

"What can I say? Even when faced with death, I pay attention to fashion," Cordelia said loftily, having to laugh as Willow rolled her eyes. "So, you think this is a good choice?"

"I don't think she'll mind that the shirt fits tight," Willow said as she remembered the previous evening when Drusilla was ready to sleep naked. "And the skirt is very pretty. I think she'll love it."

"Great," Cordelia beamed, "shall we go back downstairs then and see what the slayer and the vampire have been up to while we were gone?"

"Sounds like a plan," Willow said as she followed Cordelia out of her room and back down the stairs.

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



"You have such pretty hair," Buffy said as she ran the brush through Dru's hair. "It's so thick and soft."

"Really?" Dru turned to look at the slayer and smiled shyly, "Your hair is pretty, too, Buffy."

"Thanks," Buffy smiled as she went back to brushing, "I'm not so sure about the color, though. I wanted something sort of honey blonde but I think it went a bit too light. Maybe I should just quit with the coloring and let it go back to normal. My regular color is just a bit darker than a honey blonde, anyway."

"I like the color," Drusilla said thoughtfully, "my William likes to change his color, too. I remember when I first saw him. He was so pretty, my sweet boy. His hair was the prettiest shade of brown and curled ever so slightly around his lovely face and fell just above his shoulders. As soon as I saw him, I knew that he was special. So pretty and so innocent. I looked into his eyes and I knew that I wanted him with me always."

"Really?" Buffy finally managed to say, having trouble believing that Spike had ever been pretty or innocent. Okay, so he was gorgeous and attractive in a way, but he was also sarcastic and annoying as hell and one of the strongest vampires she'd ever faced.

"Daddy was not at all pleased with my choice, at first," Drusilla sighed softly as she remembered, "My William was different and Daddy did not like that at all. William loved me, he was my sweet boy. Daddy decided that I could not properly teach my boy, though, and he became William's sire. He taught him how to survive, how to hunt, things that I could not."

"Wait a minute," Buffy was listening and trying to understand what Dru was saying, "What do you mean Angelus became Spike's sire? I thought you were a sire if you turned a vampire. You're Spike's sire, aren't you? Spike is William, right?"

"I am William's Mummy, but my Daddy took over his teaching because I was not able to show my boy how to survive," Drusilla looked at Buffy and smiled softly, "You look confused, pretty pet. Spike is the name that my William earned during his training with Daddy. I do not mind the name, but he is still my sweet William. I know that you do not understand our ways, as I do not understand many of your own. I love my William and my Angelus, and they love me. You seem surprised that I speak of love. Do you not think that we can have affection for one another? Just because we are lacking a soul does not mean that we do not love."

"It's just," Buffy frowned, wondering how to explain, "you're vampires. You kill people and torture and do horrible things. I thought you had to have a soul to love."

"A soul means nothing, slayer," Drusilla explained softly, "we have demons and we do kill for survival or for fun, but that does not mean that we can not love. It is rarely spoken of, even amongst my sire and childe, but it is there. It is easier to believe that we are monsters that are not capable of caring about anything except blood and sex, is it not?"

"Yes," Buffy admitted softly, "I've killed hundreds of vampires, Dru. I've looked into their eyes and never seen any type of humanity, never seen this caring that you're talking about."

"Minions and newly risen," Drusilla scoffed, "they do not understand their gift. They are not the ones of whom I speak. You are looking into my eyes now, Buffy. What do you see?"

"Affection," Buffy whispered, "I looked into Angelus' eyes and saw hatred, for me and for what I made him feel. When Angel would talk about you and Spike, I saw the love but figured it was the soul. He hates me, wants me to suffer, wants my friends to suffer because we cared about him, made him care about us."

"He did care," Drusilla acknowledged, "that is why he wanted to destroy you. Now, he is content to be master and rule this town."

"He doesn't want me dead anymore?" Buffy asked.

"Not specifically," Drusilla smiled, "as long as you do not interfere or seek him out, you and your friends are safe."

"That's nice to hear," Buffy sighed, wondering if she could believe Drusilla, knowing that she did. The vampire was so damn confusing. She would sit and talk about stars and just seem slightly crazy and then she could be so alert and intelligent and sane. They'd just had an entire conversation about serious subjects with no mutterings at all.

"I hear Willow laughing," Drusilla suddenly smiled as her eyes looked towards the stairs before looking back at Buffy, "I like the color you have chosen, slayer. It looks like sunshine."

"What?" Buffy was trying to bounce from the topic of Angelus and Spike and whether or not vampires could love even without a soul to Willow laughing and now it was back to hair color. She saw the look in Dru's eyes and realized that moment of serious discussion had passed for now and that she was probably lucky she'd been told so much by the vampire. Drusilla had given her a lot to think about, and Buffy knew that she'd be having a long conversation with Willow when they were alone and could discuss everything that Drusilla had talked about. She'd think about it later. She smiled at Dru and said, "Sunshine, huh? And that's good?"

"I like the light," Drusilla nodded before turning away from Buffy so that the slayer could continue with the brushing that had been forgotten during their discussion.

"Maybe I should bleach it like Spike. Shocking white," Buffy laughed as Drusilla giggled. "What do you think?"

"Buffy, you're silly," Drusilla giggled, imagining Buffy with hair as white blond as her William. She smiled, "William looks very handsome with that color. It brings out the lovely color of his eyes and compliments the angles of his face. It would not be that attractive for you, pretty pet."

"Okay, so no bleaching in my future then," Buffy smiled as she continued brushing, wondering what was keeping Willow and Cordelia. She began telling Drusilla a story about the first time she'd tried to dye her hair, and the mistake she'd made with the coloring.

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



"What are you two giggling about?" Willow asked with a pleased smile as she walked down the last of the stairs and entered the living room. Her green eyes were sparkling with amusement as she discovered Buffy and Dru laughing.

"I was telling Dru about the time I dyed my hair when I was twelve and it turned green," Buffy sighed dramatically, "and she finds it funny instead of realizing just how awful it was."

"Silly slayer," Dru smiled at Willow and confided, "she was laughing when she was telling me the story, kitten."

"I laughed when I heard it, too," Willow told Drusilla.

"So, did you find something nice for Dru to wear?" Buffy asked as Cordelia moved into the room and sat down in the chair that she had occupied earlier.

"Yep," Cordelia said with a smile as she said, "so your hair was green? Do you happen to have any photographic memories of that event? I'd love to see them."

"Mom took a couple of pictures to remind me why I shouldn't try to color my own hair, but I found them when we moved to Sunnydale. Funny thing, they just disappeared sometime when we were unpacking," Buffy smiled innocently.

"Joyce still has one in the photo book she keeps in her room," Willow whispered loudly to Cordelia, a wicked smile crossing her face as Buffy turned and looked at her in horror.

"You're kidding, right? I thought I got them all!" Buffy whined.

"It didn't look that bad," Willow said with an affectionate smile, "it wasn't really green. Just sort of greenish yellow. But, yeah, Joyce still has one. She probably figured you'd try to destroy the others so she put it where you couldn't find it."

"It was horrible," Buffy groaned though she gave the redhead a smile, "but thanks for lying and trying to make me feel better. And, no, Cordy, you can't see it!"

"Oh, yeah, sure Buffy," Cordelia smiled as she made a mental note to be extra sweet to Joyce the next time she visited so that she could get a look at Buffy with bad hair.

"Why did I bring that up?" Buffy asked the ceiling as she saw the smirk on Cordelia's face, knowing all too well that the cheerleader would not give up until she'd seen the evidence of her past humiliation.

"To make me smile," Drusilla said softly as she shared a smile with Willow. She had to admit that she had been nervous when her kitten had left her alone with the slayer to go upstairs. She was not scared of Buffy, and she did not believe that Buffy was scared of her, but it had worried her when they had been left alone. She had had no need to be concerned. Buffy spoke to her as if she was a friend, did not look at her as if she was the enemy, treated her as if she belonged. Drusilla had spent her years with Daddy and William and occasionally Darla, everyone else passing through her life while failing to make a lasting impression. She did not have friends, her dollies filling that void in her life.

She was unaccustomed to being surrounded by such affection and laughter and teasing, such light and happiness. She was loved and protected by her sire and her childe, they took care of her and treated her like a princess, would never let anyone harm her, but she was often lost in the darkness, listening to her dollies and the stars, lonely in the shadows. Since meeting Willow, she was no longer alone. There was light in her life, laughter and smiles and teasing and friends. She had friends. People that cared about her, that did not look at her with fear in their eyes, that did not believe her to be insane, that wanted to make her comfortable and happy. And she was happy. She adored Willow, the redhead becoming the first real friend that Drusilla had ever had. Her pretty angel had not only taken care of her, as the stars had promised, but she had done far more than just give Drusilla enough blood to heal.

Willow had become her friend, had treated her like a person instead of a crazy monster, had brought warmth and happiness into her life. Willow had also introduced her to Buffy, her best friend that just happened to be the slayer. She had never really seen the slayer as a person, seeing her as an enemy that had tried to hurt her family. She had never given it much thought, that a slayer was human and far more than just a killer of demons and things evil. Willow had opened her eyes, had made her look at things differently. Drusilla had to honestly admit that, somewhere between chocolate doughnuts and stories of green hair, Buffy had become the second real friend that she had ever had. And now there was Cordelia, someone she had just met but a friendly girl that she thought she might like. A soft smile crossed the vampire's face as she listened to Buffy change the subject from hair to clothes, succeeding when Cordelia began to talk about the lack of attractive clothing she had found in Willow's closet as the redhead groaned. Willow moved to sit on the sofa beside Buffy, winking at Dru before she continued to argue with both Buffy and Cordelia about the contents of her closet. Drusilla listened to the girls, her smile growing as she moved to rest her head on Willow's leg. For the first time in a very long time, Drusilla felt like she finally belonged.

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



"My clothes are *not* that bad!" Willow defended with a laugh, rolling her eyes as Cordelia and Buffy disagreed with her. Personally, she didn't care what they thought about how she dressed, but it was amusing to see them work together in trying to persuade her that she should try something new. She liked how she dressed. She was comfortable and happy and that was all she really cared about. She didn't let their words bother her because she knew they were acting with her own best interests at heart. Well, their views of what her interests should be, that is. They seemed to think she would feel more confident if she wore tight shirts like Cordelia and short skirts like Buffy, if she showed off her rather nice bosom and flat tummy and long legs. What they didn't seem to understand was that she didn't feel comfortable dressing like they did. Sure, she knew that she could wear clothes like them and get masculine appreciation. Heck, the night before she'd had ogles from several men, well, they were demons and stuff but they had still ogled. All that had taken was jeans that fit and a tight shirt. They were right in that argument.

And the ogles had made her feel kind of nice, if she was honest. It had been pretty neat to know that guys in the bar thought she looked hot. She had felt more confident, but she'd also just been wearing jeans and a shirt. There had been no skirt slit up the side or a shirt that had been so low cut she'd be scared her breasts would fall out. If she'd been wearing something like that, she'd have been so nervous that something would rip or fall out that shouldn't that she would never have managed to get the blood and make the entire experience happen so smoothly. A speculative gleam entered her eyes as she interrupted and said, "What about a compromise?"

"A compromise?" Cordelia glanced at Buffy and arched a brow before looking back at Willow.

"What is this compromise of which you speak?" Buffy asked with a slight smile.

"We blend your tastes with mine," Willow smiled. "No super short skirts, no breast baring shirts, but maybe some clothes that aren't two sizes too big."

"I'd be content if you bought at least *one* outfit in the right size," Cordelia muttered. "I'm not saying you need to go buy an entirely new wardrobe, though I don't think it would be a great loss if you trashed nearly everything in your closet. I'm just saying that you have a great body and it seems such a shame that you constantly hide it behind baggy clothes."

"You're a hottie, Will," Buffy smiled at her best friend, "all you'd really need would be a couple of nice shirts, maybe some pants that don't look like they'd fit Xander, and no jumpers or overalls. Oh, and a couple of skirts to show of those gorgeous legs of yours. I don't think you should dress like I do, because we have different styles and it would appear that even the vampire world thinks my skirts are too short, and I just want you to be comfortable and happy."

"I love you guys," Willow smiled at her friends, glad to see that they were taking her own individual preferences into consideration. She didn't mind buying a couple of things that fit better if she felt as strong and confident and, well, sexy as she had the previous night when just wearing jeans and a shirt. She just didn't want to feel like she was playing dress-up or to get talked into buying things that she'd never wear because they were not her style.

"I'll find you some clothes that you like, Willow," Cordelia promised, knowing that it would easy to find some casual yet sexy clothes that the redhead would enjoy that would also make her look stunning without looking slutty or without making her uncomfortable. Personally, she thought Willow had looked great on Halloween in the mid-drift bearing shirt and tight leather skirt but she could see where that had been a bit more Buffy's style than Willow's. She smiled as she began to think of the stores they could visit, her mind already putting together various ensembles that were sexy and completely Willow-like.

"Uh oh," Buffy smiled, "she's gone into a clothes induced trance, I think."

"I can still hear you, slayer," Cordelia smiled sweetly at Buffy as she stuck her tongue out at the girl. "It was not a trance. I'm just overly excited at the idea of going to the mall and getting some new clothes for Willow and looking for some things for Drusilla and trying to de-sluttify your wardrobe a bit and seeing what's on sale that I might like."

"De-sluttify?" Willow repeated with a giggle. "Great word, Delia."

"I try," Cordelia said with a modest smile, though her brown eyes were sparkling with amusement. She glanced at the clock and saw that it was after one, asking, "Well, are we planning on going to the mall today or what? It should be pretty quiet at this time of the afternoon. No crowds and lots of time to just shop."

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



"We can't leave yet, Cordelia," Buffy said as she glanced at Dru. "Vampires plus sunlight do not mix."

"Direct sunlight," Willow corrected, looking at Dru. "It is just direct sunlight, isn't it? I mean, you were sitting by the window in the sunny area and it didn't hurt you."

"You're right," Dru nodded, her eyes curious. "I can feel the warmth of the day indirectly but I can not feel the sun's rays on my skin or it burns."

"Yeah," Buffy nodded, a smile crossing her face as she looked at Willow, "Angel met me once during the day when we were tracking a Morikeo demon. He just covered his head with his coat and made sure his skin didn't make contact with direct rays of the sun."

"The mall has a skylight but its tinted glass and the sun would not be directly above it by now anyway," Cordelia said, seeing where the other two were heading with their discussion. "We can cover her and make a dash to the car and again into the mall and she'll be fine."

Willow looked at Dru and saw that she looked confused. She smiled at the vampire, "Dru, do you think it would be okay if you went outside if you were covered up by a blanket or something? We don't want to do anything that might hurt you. I mean, we can wait for sunset and just hang out here a few more hours if you think it isn't a good idea."

"You want me to go out now? Into the sun?" Drusilla began to understand. She'd been a bit worried that they were going to leave her at Willow's house alone while they went out shopping. Now, she smiled as she realized that they were trying to find a way to include her in their outing without causing her harm. She had ventured into the daylight a few times, always protected by William or Daddy, usually when they were leaving a town in a hurry. She had been burned once, when she had moved the blanket to try to look at the sun, her hand taking a couple of days to heal. She had not repeated the action again, learning from her painful mistake. She looked into Willow's eyes and smiled, knowing that her pretty angel would keep her safe and protect her. She nodded, "It will be fine, Willow-pet."

"Great," Cordelia stood up, "we just need to get Drusilla dressed and ready and then we can go. I'll run out and put the top of my car up now, so we don't have to wait."

"I'll get this mess cleaned up, Will. Why don't you take Dru upstairs and help her get dressed," Buffy suggested with a smile, wanting to get the trash and stuff thrown away because she didn't think they'd feel like it after spending a few hours at the mall with Cordelia Chase. Somehow, she figured that would be more tiring than a few hours of patrol, on a busy night.

"Sounds like a plan," Willow took Drusilla's hand and said, "Come on, Dru. You can see the clothes that Delia picked out for you to wear for your first trip to the mall. They're very pretty and I think you'll like them."

"I am sure that I shall love them," Drusilla said as she followed Willow up the stairs and into her bedroom. Her eyes looked at the blue shirt and flowery skirt that were laying on Willow's bed and she smiled, moving closer to them and running her hand over the fabric. She looked at Willow and asked softly, "These are my clothes to wear? They're lovely."

"They're yours to keep," Willow smiled as she sat down on the bed. She watched Drusilla's reaction to the clothes, seeing the smile of pleasure that crossed the vampire's pretty face. She began to think about Buffy and how fantastic her friend had been about everything, accepting Drusilla and even become friends with the vampire. And Cordelia had been a surprise, as well, proving to be open-minded and actually wanting to be part of the group, to be their friend. She had to admit that, though she had her doubts the previous evening, she was very happy that she had taken the road less traveled and stumbled upon Drusilla.

"I love you, Willow-mine," Drusilla said with a soft smile at the redhead before she looked at the pretty clothes that were now hers.

"Love you, too, Dru," Willow said with a smile, shaking her head slightly as she realized the truth in her words. Who would have ever imagined it? The best friend of the slayer becoming friends with the slightly crazy daughter of the local master. Heck, to go one even more bizarre, who would have ever imagined the slayer becoming friends with said childe of the master? She had to be honest with herself and admit that she was a bit nervous about what was going to happen after Angelus got back to town. She'd assumed Drusilla would return to wherever it was they were living and that would be that. Now, though, they were friends. She liked Dru, didn't even mind the occasional episode concerning stars and stuff, enjoyed talking to the woman and hanging out with her. She didn't want to think about not being friends with Drusilla.

And now Buffy and Cordelia were befriending the vampire. Maybe that hadn't been such a good idea, involving them in her mess. They were starting to care about Dru and vice versa. What would happen when Angelus returned and realized that his daughter had gone off and nearly gotten herself killed and then had been taken by the slayer's best friend and become friends with three girls that he'd been trying to kill only a few months ago? She made a face, knowing it was useless to think about it. She'd spend all her time dwelling on the fact that Drusilla would be returning home the next day and forget to enjoy the time they all had to just relax and have some fun. Okay, shopping wasn't really fun, but she had a feeling that Dru was going to enjoy it a lot and she knew Cordelia and Buffy would have fun. She'd probably enjoy it, too, because she'd be with her friends.

"All dressed," Drusilla said quietly as she watched Willow leave her thoughts and smile at her.

"You look beautiful," Willow said sincerely, the colors going perfectly with Dru's dark hair and pale complexion. The skirt was ideal on the taller woman, and fell to her feet. Drusilla's shoes matched the style of the dress and completed the look. "Cordelia will be most proud."

"It feels so lovely against my skin," Drusilla smiled as she moved her thoughts away from what might have caused the small frown of worry on her pretty pet's face to how the skirt felt against her legs. She began to spin around the room, giggling and laughing.

"You're silly," Willow laughed as she stood and grabbed Dru's hand, having a feeling that the vampire could very well spend who knew how long just spinning in circles. She spun around with her new friend for a few turns before stopping them and smiling, "Let's go downstairs and show the others. I'm gonna take this quilt to shield you from the sun. Do you think it will be good enough?"

"It will be perfect, Willow-mine," Drusilla smiled as she let Willow's hand go and ran down the stairs, "Buffy-pet, Cordelia-sweets, look at my pretty clothes!"

Willow laughed as Drusilla began to spin around in the living room to show the girls her clothes, smiling as the vampire grabbed Buffy's hand and had her spinning with her. She looked at Cordelia and said, "We're ready if you are."

"The top is up and I have tinted windows so we should be good to go," Cordelia said with a smile, "oh, and I was so right about those clothes. They look great on her."

"I'm dizzy," Buffy laughed as she stopped spinning and joined Cordelia and Willow.

"So, Dru, are you ready to go?" Willow asked Drusilla as the vampire joined them, a smile on her face as she moved to her side and leaned against her.

"Very ready, pretty Willow," Drusilla rested her head against the shorter girl as she smiled.

"All right then," Willow smiled as she said something she had never imagined saying with such enthusiasm, "Let's go to the mall!"

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



Willow looked at Drusilla and couldn't stop the smile from crossing her pretty face. The vampire was sharing the back seat with her, the blanket around her shoulders as she looked out the windows of Cordelia's flashy little car. Dru's eyes were wide and she was smiling as she saw everything passing them by. Willow was glad that Cordelia had tinted windows, though she wasn't sure if the sun that would have come in would have been direct or not, it just made it easier to know it was being reflected. Her thoughts were interrupted when Dru looked at her.

"It is so very warm, Willow," Drusilla smiled at the redhead, "and there are so many people out."

"It's spring," Willow explained, "it's a nice time to be outside. The days are warm and the nights are cool, though the weather in Sunnydale never gets overly cold even during winter. I don't know, spring is just a nice time to take a walk and smell the flowers."

"It is lovely," Drusilla declared as she turned to look back out the window. She was enjoying looking at the humans as they drove. She'd never noticed them before unless she was hungry or she was watching William or Daddy play a game. Now, though, she was seeing them as something other than food. When the car was stopped at a light, she had noticed a happy family walking along the sidewalk. There had been a pretty little girl who was carrying a dolly much like hers, and a nice Daddy that was kissing a smiling Mommy. She had seen a silly man riding a bicycle, a funny hat on his head and dozens of colored balloons tied to the back of his cycle. She had seen a woman carrying flowers, smiling as she crossed the street to join a man that had hugged her. It had not all been pretty and happy, though. She had seen a man that looked to be arguing with a woman who had been crying, causing Drusilla's smile to fade as she watched the woman get into a car and leave. Soon after, the car had stopped at another light and she had seen a window that was full of colored glass and the smile had come back as she had pointed the pretty window out to her new friends.

"We'll be at the mall soon," Cordelia said as she glanced in the mirror. It took her a second to remember that Dru was a vampire and that's why she wasn't seeing anything.

She couldn't believe she'd forgotten that the woman sitting behind her was a vampire, one that had been a part of the effort to kill them all. It was hard to remember that Drusilla was dangerous when she had been spinning around and giggling because of her new clothes or when she had been excitedly showing them pretty colored glass exhibits. Cordelia had to smile as she realized that her views of vampires were being changed because of the childlike beauty that was in the seat behind her. True, most vampires were monsters. She'd seen enough since meeting Buffy to know the truth in those words. But, it would appear that there were exceptions. Very, very few exceptions. Okay, so Drusilla was the only exception she'd ever come across. In a way, she guessed it made sense. After all, there were humans that were as evil as any of the demons they'd fought so she figured it was only natural that there were some vampires that weren't as blood lusty and stupid as the minions Buffy easily dusted. She shook her head slightly as she turned down the road that went towards the mall. She didn't really care enough to spend more time thinking about it. Drusilla was sweet and nice and hadn't tried even once to bite her so it didn't really matter to Cordelia that she was also a vampire.

"This is the mall?" Drusilla asked as she looked at the large building that was in front of them.

"Yeah, this is it," Buffy said with a smile, "Two stories of shopping fun."

"I'm going to drop you and Dru at the front, okay Willow?" Cordelia asked, "I figured it would be easier with the sun and all."

"Great idea, Cordelia," Willow smiled, "it gives us less distance for Dru to have to be covered with the blanket before we find shade."

"I'll get out with them and get the blanket once Drusilla is inside and bring it back to leave in the car," Buffy suggested, "will you wait for me?"

"Smart thinking, Buffy," Cordelia said, smirking as she added, "Damn, I never thought I'd be saying *that*!"

"Ha, ha," Buffy stuck her tongue out at the cheerleader.

"Children, be nice," Willow warned with a smile. "I should be the shocked one because you both had good ideas!"

"Two words, Will," Buffy warned with an evil smile, "Leather hotpants."

Willow laughed, "Okay, okay-.you both have good ideas all the time. You just don't usually bother to share them!"

"Oh so funny," Cordelia said dryly, though she was smiling as she pulled the car to a stop in front of the mall. She looked at Willow and smiled sweetly as she reminded, "Payback's a bitch, funny girl!"

"Can we get out now?" Drusilla asked, enjoying the teasing threats but also eager to go inside. She had not been shopping in ever so long.

"Sure," Willow smiled as she pulled the blanket over Dru's head. "Hold it tight. We've got to walk all the way to those glass doors right there."

Buffy got out and opened Willow's door for her. When Drusilla stepped out of the car, she and Willow helped hold the blanket so that the vampire was concealed the entire time. It didn't take long to make it to the front doors. When they stopped, she took the blanket and smiled, "I'll run this back to the car and we'll see in a second."

"Are you okay?" Willow asked Drusilla, wanting to make sure that she'd remained covered during the brief walk.

"Perfect," Drusilla smiled as she moved behind Willow and wrapped her arms around the redhead's waist, resting her head on the girl's shoulder as she looked towards the parking lot where she saw Buffy and Cordelia. She waved at her new friends as they neared, wishing they would walk faster.

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



"You two walk so slow!" Drusilla said with a smile as Buffy and Cordelia finally reached her and Willow.

"Do not!" Buffy defended, having to smile as she saw the excitement in Drusilla's eyes. She couldn't believe she was about to go shopping at the mall with a vampire. She was the vampire slayer. She was supposed to be slaying vampires, not shopping with them. The council would be horrified if they knew of her afternoon's activities. Good thing she didn't give a darn about what they thought. She'd already shocked them by having a relationship with a vampire, losing any real credibility and respect she might have had. Not that she had had that much respect, despite having defeated the Master and other demons that had tried to make Sunnydale their home. She had friends, gasp, and didn't spend every second of what would most likely be a rather short life studying and training and not living. She didn't mind being the slayer, having learned to deal with her gift and calling somewhat well over the last year or so, but she wasn't going to live her life doing what the books and the council believed to be appropriate. Hell, she'd have already been dead if it hadn't been for her friends. She'd already had a sexual relationship with a vampire and made an unspoken truce with a master, so why not befriend Drusilla?

"Do too," Drusilla replied with a giggle as she straightened up, removing her arms from around Willow's waist but taking the redhead's hand as she moved closer to the doors.

"Welcome to Sunnydale Mall," Cordelia told Drusilla as she opened the glass doors and allowed the vampire to walk inside.

Drusilla walked inside and looked around. She glanced at Willow and smiled, "It's pretty."

"I guess so," Willow shrugged as she looked around. She guessed it might seem impressive to someone that had never been to a mall before, but she wasn't very impressed. Of course, shopping was near the bottom of her list of activities that she enjoyed, right above public speaking. She made a face as she looked at the stores that could be seen from the entrance. Clothes, clothes, and more clothes. Oh, wait, there was a shoe store. She preferred doing her shopping at bookstores and, lately, magic stores.

"So, where do we start?" Buffy asked Cordelia, trying not to laugh at Willow's expression. It looked as if the redhead were being taken to the gallows instead of numerous expensive clothing stores.

"There was a great sale going on at Lola's," Cordelia said thoughtfully, "and another spring sale at Star. Oh, and the lingerie is on sale at Belladonna so we have to go there."

"It smells nice," Drusilla told Willow as the two began to walk towards the main center of the mall, leaving Buffy and Cordelia to discuss where they should spend their money.

"That's Bath, Body and More," Willow smiled, "it's one of my favorite places to shop. That's where I buy my shower gel and lotions and even my shampoo. We'll definitely go there."

"Do they have apples?" Drusilla asked, a pleased smile crossing her face at the idea of getting the scent that she now associated with Willow and Buffy.

"Yes, they have apples. That's where Buffy and I get our lotion," Willow laughed. "They also have Jasmine and Vanilla and Peach and too many lovely scents for me to name. I don't really like heavy fragrance and I'm not overly fond of flowers, so I love all the fruits and lighter scents that they carry. Jasmine is an exception to the flower thing. I really like that scent."

"I shall buy some apples," Drusilla declared before she began to frown. "Willow-pet, I can not buy anything. I do not have any money."

"Hey, now, don't worry," Willow smiled as she moved her arm around Drusilla's shoulders and squeezed, "I've got an empty credit card that is just screaming out your name."

"Credit card?" Drusilla looked at Willow with a puzzled expression.

"It's this plastic card thingy that my parents gave me so that they wouldn't feel guilty about leaving me alone all the time. It is like cash to the stores and my parents get to pay. So, see, if we use it today, it will make my parents less guilty for not being a part of my life and we'll get lots of stuff," Willow explained with a smile. She much preferred using the credit card and being alone than having her parents around, anyway. They were like strangers to her and she to them, the situation usually very awkward during their occasional visits home. And when they were home, they rarely spoke to her, and they never listened to her. They didn't know anything about her and her life. Her mother would ask after Bunny and Alexander during her check in calls, not even knowing that Xander used a nickname after ten years of him being Willow's best friend. No, being alone was much better than dealing with them. That she could now say honestly.

When she had been younger, she had blamed herself for their staying away, figuring she wasn't the daughter that they wanted, trying her best to be a great student and the perfect daughter that never did anything wrong in hopes that they'd suddenly decide to love her. Over the years, she'd grown up and realized that it wasn't her fault. It didn't matter how good she was, how smart she was, they would never be real parents. After meeting Buffy, she had to admit that she was glad they were never home. It made helping her best friend a lot easier. She didn't have to sneak around, didn't have to lie about where she was going, didn't have to answer any questions about why she'd come home so late with cuts or bruises after a bad night of slaying. She knew they loved her, in their own way, and she did love them, but they were all much happier when they weren't in Sunnydale.

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



"You're going to finally use the credit card?" Buffy asked as she and Cordelia joined Willow and Dru. She had heard the redhead trying to explain what a credit card was to Drusilla and had to smile. When she had first heard about Willow's parents and their constant trips away from Sunnydale, leaving Willow alone to raise herself, she'd been angry at them. She'd not been able to believe that two people could have such a fantastic daughter and not seem to care at all that they were missing out on her life. She'd been even more grateful for her own mother, knowing that there were times that Joyce got overly protective, but also knowing that her Mother loved her unconditionally and would be there for her always. Willow had never had that kind of relationship with the two miserable people that had given birth to her. She was no longer angry with them. Willow wasn't angry at them so she didn't really have any right to be. In a way, she just felt sorry for them. They didn't know Willow, and that was their loss. And, honestly, she was glad that they had never been around, even if it was horrible to admit, because Willow had become the wonderful person that she was on her own, without their interference. She could be entirely selfish where Willow was concerned, being a best friend earning her that right.

"Slayer," Cordelia finally said, snapping her fingers in front of Buffy's face.

"Huh?" Buffy shook her head slightly, smiling sheepishly when she saw them looking at her. "Sorry, I started thinking."

"I just said that yes, I am using the parents' credit card," Willow laughed, "I've had it for years and never used it except in emergencies but I'm considering today an emergency."

"I'd definitely consider that state of your closet an emergency," Cordelia said with a smirk.

"Look at the pretty birdy," Willow said with a sweet smile as she flashed Cordelia her middle finger as she used it to push her hair behind her ear.

"Children, be nice," Buffy declared as Cordelia opened her mouth to respond to Willow's not so subtle response to her dissing of her clothes.

"Yes, Mom," both girls said in unison before laughing.

Drusilla smiled as Buffy stuck her tongue out at Willow and Cordelia, listening as they laughed. She did not understand how a plastic card was considered cash, but she did not question it too much. She would see when it was used and then she would understand. She was very excited about shopping, and she was very glad that she would have a way to pay for her purchases. She took Willow's hand and began to walk, "Can we find the apples now?"

"Apples?" Cordelia asked, looking at Willow.

"Bath, Body and More," Willow explained with a smile, "Dru wants to get the apple lotion that Buffy and I use."

"I love that stuff!" Buffy smiled at Drusilla. "Isn't it the best? I need to get some new shower gel, too. I wonder if they have still have that mango that they had last time."

"I guess we know our first stop," Cordelia said with a smile as they reached the main center of the mall finally. She heard Drusilla gasp and glanced at the vampire. She arched a brow and said, "Isn't it great?"

"It's beautiful," Drusilla said as she looked at the huge skylight that was above their heads and then looked at the flowers and trees that seemed to be everywhere. There were so many stores that she couldn't even see them all. She saw a fountain that had water spilling over rocks and there were benches and people and it was not at all what she had expected.

"I like the fountains," Willow said as her hand moved into her pocket to find some spare change. She found a couple of coins and handed one to each of her friends. "I always thought it brought me luck to toss in a coin whenever I came here. I remember getting so mad at Jesse and Xander one time because they were trying to get all the money out to cash it in for ice cream and I wouldn't talk to either of them until they put the money back."

"I bet it didn't take long for them to toss the money back in," Buffy said with a laugh as she took the coin from Willow. She tossed it into the fountain and said, "Here's to great sales and desluttifying my wardrobe."

"That is such a great word," Cordelia said with a smirk as she moved to the side of the fountain. "You know, we should save Bath, Body and More for last, because it's closer to the door we need to go out and their stuff is heavy. Here's to great sales and shopping."

"You're right. There stuff is pretty heavy," Willow agreed before she tossed in her coin. She smiled as she said, "Here's to great sales, compromising when necessary and having a lot of fun."

Drusilla looked at the coin in her hand and then looked at her new friends. With a soft smile she moved forward and followed their example, tossing the coin into the small fountain. She watched as it drifted to the bottom to join all the other coins and said, "Here's to great sales and wonderful new friendships."

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



"That was sweet," Cordelia said after Drusilla tossed her coin into the fountain. She watched as the vampire turned to face them, a smile on her pretty face.

"It was true," Drusilla said as she moved back beside Willow, taking the redhead's hand and asking, "Are we going to shop now?"

"Nah, we just thought we'd come to the mall to toss coins into the fountain," Buffy said with a shrug, her hazel eyes flashing with amusement.

"Great. That means we can leave now, huh?" Willow said with a hopeful smile, not at all eager to begin the clothes process. She hated trying on clothes, having a tendency to buy things just by looking at them, that being one reason some of her clothes were even more baggy the others.

"I don't think do, but nice try," Cordelia said with a smirk. She looked at Dru and asked, "It's your first time at the mall. Where do you want to shop?"

"Cordy, she doesn't have any idea what stores are here," Buffy said as she saw the look of panic cross Drusilla's face. She was rewarded by a grateful smile from the vampire, having to smile in return at the enemy that had become a friend. She looked at Cordelia and said, "Why don't we go upstairs and start at one end and work our way through the entire mall? That's the best plan, don't you think? That way, we don't miss anything."

"The entire mall?" Willow repeated with a shudder, a smile crossing her face when she heard Drusilla giggle at her antics. She leaned closer to the vampire and confided, "I don't really hate malls that much, but they expect me to complain about shopping so I don't want to disappoint them."

"What are you two whispering about?" Buffy asked with a smile.

"Kitten was telling me how much she loathes shopping," Drusilla said with a wink at Willow before she hooked her arm into the redhead's and started to walk towards the stairs. She glanced at Cordelia and Buffy and asked, "Are you two coming with us?"

"Do you have any idea where you're going, Dru?" Cordelia asked as she moved to catch up to the two girls.

"Not at all, but you said upstairs so I thought this was the best place to start," Drusilla admitted with a laugh.

"Come on," Cordelia took Dru's hand and pulled her away from Willow. "We're faster than those two, so they can just catch up with us."

"There are times that I catch myself forgetting that she's a vampire," Willow told Buffy as the two best friends finally had a chance to talk without an audience as Cordelia and Drusilla walked up the stairs ahead of them. "And there are times that she seems completely normal, not at all crazy and I'd never guess that she talks to stars and isn't quite mentally sound, ya know?"

"I know," Buffy nodded in agreement, having thought the same thing herself since meeting Drusilla, "it's weird. I'd have never thought that I could sit and talk to Drusilla and actually like her, consider her a friend, but I do. I know that she's a vampire, that she's Angelus' daughter, that she's killed more people than I've probably ever met and that she's slightly insane. But, I don't think about those things when I'm talking to her. I think about how lonely she seems, how she is so happy that she has friends, that she seems to enjoy being with us. I mean, if she can accept that I'm the slayer, it only seems right that I can accept that she's a vampire."

"I'm really proud of you," Willow said sincerely, holding up a hand, "Don't take that the wrong way. I'm always proud of you cause you're my best friend, but you've managed to surprise me with how well you've handled Drusilla and everything. And I agree with what you said. I find myself forgetting that she's one of the most dangerous vampires in the world."

"I'm proud of me, too," Buffy admitted sheepishly, "I almost reached for a stake when I saw her sitting by you this morning. I mean, she's Drusilla. She's evil and psychotic and dangerous and she's sitting with my best friend eating cereal. I think it was the cereal that did it. I mean, that prevented me from going after her. She didn't seem very dangerous sitting there eating and wearing that silly hat. Plus, I trust you completely and I knew that there must be a reason you'd brought her into your home and weren't scared of her."

"She's not what I expected," Willow said with a smile, thinking how nice it was to see Buffy acting like an adult and thinking about things instead of just reacting impulsively, the way she tended to. "I think she's lonely and she's never really had friends. Don't get me wrong cause I do think that Angelus and Spike love her, and she definitely loves both of them. From what I can tell, it sounds like they take care of her but I'm not sure if they ever really talk to her or listen to her. I don't know-I just know that she's really happy having us around."

"Well, I don't mind having her around, though I do think I'm going to skip the shopping trip with the master's daughter when I have my weekly meeting with Giles. I'm not thinking he would see the whole picture the way us mature people do," Buffy said with a snicker.

"Good idea," Willow agreed, knowing that Giles' reaction to them being friends with Drusilla would probably compare to Angelus' reaction. Neither being something she wanted to witness. She saw Drusilla and Cordelia standing in front of a store waiting for them and said, "I think we'd better get moving. They appear to be getting impatient."

"I'm definitely not in the mood to face Cordelia if she's being kept from shopping," Buffy laughed, "that would probably be more scary than facing a dozen newbies with only one stake."

"Quit glaring," Willow told Drusilla and Cordelia as she and Buffy reached them, "we're here. Let's shop!"

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



"Quit pacing and get back into bed. You're starting to give me a headache."

"We should have brought her with us."

"She's fine," Angelus said, rolling his eyes as he turned his head to look at his grandchilde. Seeing the stubborn look in those beautiful blue eyes, his lips twisted into a slight smile, knowing that Spike was raring for an argument. Angelus moved on the bed, turning over onto his back and placing a second pillow behind his back as he sat up.

"So sayeth Angelus the psychic," Spike said with a harsh laugh. He arched a brow as he suggested, "Perhaps you can get yourself one of those phone lines that they have on the telly since you know everything."

"Must we have this conversation now?" Angelus asked as he looked at the clock and groaned, "It's barely three o'clock."

"I don't care what time it is," Spike snarled, running a hand through his bleached hair as he stopped pacing to lean against the dresser. "We shouldn't be here now when she's been hurt. I should be with her."

"If I thought that there was a serious problem, we'd be back in Sunnydale now," Angelus said. "You know that I would not remain in Los Angeles if I believed her to be in danger."

"I know. It's just, I felt her pain, Angelus," Spike said quietly, his blue eyes looking into the chocolate brown eyes of his grandsire. "She was hurt last night. We shouldn't have left her in that town alone. We should have brought her with us."

"We couldn't bring her with us," Angelus reminded, "This was not a pleasure trip, as you well know. You also know how important it is to finish our business here before returning to Sunnydale. Drusilla was hurt yesterday, but the pain was momentary and she is probably playing with those horrid little dolls or sleeping right now as you pace and worry."

"I'm sure that you are right," Spike acknowledged. He had been surprised the previous evening when he had felt the flash of sharp pain through his connection with his sire, having only experienced such a sensation less than a half dozen times, the last being Prague when she had come so close to dying. He'd seen the look in Angelus' eyes when they'd met over the table, knowing that his grandsire had also felt the pain. He'd been ready to leave LA right then, to get into the car and drive back to Sunnydale in record time so that he could check on his Princess. Angelus had disagreed with the idea, pointing out that Drusilla had probably been injured while hunting and the surprise of the attack had triggered the bond they shared with her. Spike did know that it did not feel at all like Prague so he wasn't concerned that Drusilla was dying or seriously injured. They'd eventually returned to the hotel, had a right nice shag and gotten a bit of a sleep.

Then, when he'd awoken, he felt guilty for not bring Drusilla with them, though he knew it was for her safety due to the demons with whom they were doing business, knowing that she would not have been hurt if she'd not been in Sunnydale with only the useless minions to take care of her. Such thinking had caused him to get out of bed and begin pacing, impatient for their business to conclude so that he could return to his sire. He enjoyed his trips away with Angelus, always had, the elder vampire being a fantastic lover and mate. But he had not been away from Drusilla since Angelus had received the soul, several decades before, and he missed her. He wanted to show her the prezzies he'd bought her and to hear her laugh and watch her smile. Hell, he'd even be glad to sit and hear about the newest adventures of Miss. Edith, and he hated that damn doll. He'd do anything for Drusilla, though, even act like the doll was real.

"What are you thinking about?" Angelus asked, his eyes watching Spike's face.

"I miss Dru," Spike replied honestly, watching as Angelus nodded.

"As do I," Angelus leaned back against the pillows. "Our business will be concluded tonight. Instead of waiting for tomorrow evening, why don't I arrange for a car to take us back to Sunnydale afterwards?"

"Really?" Spike began to smile, "That would be great. I know that she's fine, but I don't really like leaving her for so long with only the minions to protect her when there is a slayer around."

"The slayer isn't a threat," Angelus said with a smirk. "That game is over, and I won. We've come to an understanding, Buffy and I. She leaves me and mine alone, and I allow her and her silly friends to live."

"I wonder if she got the memo," Spike said with a roll of his eyes. "I wish you'd have just killed the little bitch."

"Dear boy, what purpose would that serve?" Angelus asked with an arched brow, his lips twisting into an amused smile as Spike began to forget his guilt and enjoy the new topic of conversation. Spike had taken care of Drusilla for over 80 years, just the two of them roaming around the world, and Angelus had not realized how close they had become during that time. It wasn't very surprising that Spike was protective of Drusilla, that he missed her when they were separated. They'd only had each other for decades, becoming friends as well as sire and childe.

Spike had always been devoted to Dru, from the first moment those beautiful blue eyes had looked at the brunette that had taken his life and given him such a special gift. It had taken years before Spike would look at him with that same look in his blue eyes, before Angelus would know that the blond cared for him in the same way that he, himself, had begun to care about his grandchilde. The worst part of having a soul had been losing Drusilla and Spike from his life. One was his daughter, the other his mate. Now, though, he didn't have to worry. There was no chance of getting a soul again. Jenny's death had ensured that. He'd made his unspoken deal with Buffy, though he doubted the dumb bitch even knew such a deal existed. Either way, she'd not been going after him, and he'd allowed her and her friends to live. Spike was back in his bed, and Drusilla was happy to have her Daddy back. Life was pretty damn good.

"Well, she'd be dead," Spike said with a smile, "and that's good enough for me. Right fun time, if you ask me."

"And then another slayer would have taken her place, and another once we had killed that one, and the cycle would have repeated endlessly," Angelus said with a roll of his eyes, "Boring. It's much easier to allow Buffy to live and patrol the Hellmouth because I know how to defeat her, because she knows that I have the power and control, and because I don't have to waste my time and my people with a silly, continuous war. My time is much better used for other pursuits, such as ruling the town."

"And shagging me?" Spike asked with an innocent smile as his eyes moved over Angelus' body. Drusilla was okay, probably playing with her dolls like Angelus said. They'd bought her several new prezzies and would now be leaving LA earlier than planned, tonight after their business was concluded instead of the following evening. Angelus looked delectable laying on the blanket, his nude flesh just asking to be tasted. Spike began to move towards the bed, his left hand moving down his bare chest, watching as Angelus' eyes followed the path of his hand, a smile crossing his lips as he ran his hand over his length, watching as Angelus licked his lips. There were several more hours before their meeting, and it definitely appeared that they were both awake. Spike stroked himself as his eyes catch Angelus', huskily saying, "Time for some fun, sire."

Angelus ran his tongue over his lips as he watched Spike move to the edge of the bed, watching as the younger vampire began to stroke himself. He heard Spike's words, watching as the blond kneeled on the bed and began a slow crawl towards him. He felt himself harden even more from the look in those blue eyes, a smile crossing his lips when Spike's wet tongue moved over his upper thigh in a teasing manner. He laughed softly as he said, "Childe, I love the way you think."

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



Willow smiled as she watched Cordelia come out of the dressing room, the cheerleader making a show of letting them see the dress she had tried on. There were turns and dramatic pauses and a haughty expression as Cordelia walked back and forth, giving her best impression of a runway model. The smile widened as she turned her attention to Drusilla, watching as the vampire giggled and clapped, giving her approval for the dress that Cordelia was wearing.

They'd been at the mall for over an hour already and they were in the second store. Cordelia had not been exaggerating when she referred to herself as an expert shopper. Willow was bored out of her mind and thought she'd scream if she had to try on any more clothes. Drusilla was having a blast, though, and that was what really mattered.

"You're not having fun, are you?"

Willow turned and glanced at her best friend, a sheepish smile crossing her face as she nodded, "That noticeable?"

"No, but I know you well enough to see the signs of an impatient Willow," Buffy smiled at the redhead.

"I just don't see how it can take so long to buy clothes," Willow said, shaking her head. "I mean, it usually doesn't take me an hour to pick out all my school clothes and here we have only been to two stores."

"It doesn't take you long to buy your clothes because you rarely try on anything. You just buy something a size or two too large and hope it doesn't fall off," Buffy said with a smile.

"Hey, it works," Willow defended, "I've never bought anything that hasn't fit. Besides, I like my baggy clothes, thank you very much!"

"I don't dislike them," Buffy said, giving up, "okay, fine, I'm not crazy about them, but I accept them as part of your unique style. Besides, you're the one wearing them, not me, so I can't really complain about them. I just know that you looked gorgeous in the stuff you tried on earlier. You have to admit that you looked good."

"It wasn't as bad as I thought," Willow agreed with a smile. True to their word, Cordelia and Buffy had both been very good at compromising during their visit to Lola's, the first store they'd gone to. She looked over at her other friends, seeing Drusilla feeling the material of Cordelia's dress before the cheerleader went back into the dressing room to change. She looked back at Buffy and said, "You know me and shopping, Buffy. I'm just a bit bored."

"Well, then, since you're so bored, you can help me look for some new skirts. I love the skirts here," Buffy smiled.

"That's because they're short and kind of slutty," Willow said with a laugh, dodging the hand that was attempting to slap her arm.

"That was just mean," Buffy said, sticking her tongue out at the redhead before having to laugh, "They have to have longer skirts somewhere. I just haven't been able to find them yet."

"Didn't you buy like five at Lola's?" Willow asked, rolling her eyes. "How many skirts do you need?"

"Don't answer that, Buffy," Cordelia warned as she left the dressing room and joined the two girls. She looked at Willow and gave the redhead a look, "One can never have too many clothes, Willow."

"Oh, my bad," Willow said, exchanging an amused look with Drusilla.

"Have you found anything lovely yet, kitten?" Drusilla asked, realizing that she had not yet seen the redhead try anything on in this new store. She was having the most fun. Cordelia had helped her choose several lovely shirts and two new skirts at the first store that she just adored. The material had been soft and pretty and her new friends had assured her that she looked fantastic. She trusted the girls and had purchased the items, loving how they felt against her skin.

In this store, she had been shown several pairs of long pants, something that she was not accustomed to wearing. She'd been hesitant in trying them on, having never really understood why women wanted to dress as men in trousers and such. It had only taken one pair of jeans and she was hooked. She now had a pile of pants in varying shades and materials along with three new pairs of blue jeans at her feet, waiting for them to check out. After her selections had been made and she'd tried them on to show her new friends, she'd made her final choices and then sat in one of the chairs by the dressing rooms. She'd watched Cordelia try on different items as well as Buffy, laughing as they performed like models to entertain her. But, she had not yet seen Willow trying anything on in this store.

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



"I bought stuff at Lola's," Willow told Drusilla, motioning to the bag at her feet. "I don't really need anything else."

"All you bought at Lola's were those four shirts and three skirts," Cordelia said, having paid particular attention to the redhead's purchases. She had to admit she was proud of Willow. There had been no objections to anything they'd given Willow to try on, but the redhead had been stubborn and insisted on only making a few purchases, claiming that she did not need an entirely new wardrobe. Luckily, the things she had bought were flattering and looked great on her. When Willow had been paying for her and Dru's items, Cordelia and Buffy had both taken a couple of the discarded outfits and put them with their purchases, planning to surprise the redhead later with the new clothes.

"But one of the skirts was suede, which is a type of leather, so that counts as several," Willow pointed out.

"I told you I'd get you to buy a leather skirt," Buffy said with a smirk, having been her most persuasive when trying to talk Willow into buying the beautiful brown suede skirt that had fallen past the redhead's knees and had a slit that went up the side, letting everyone see the great legs she tried to hide. Willow had resisted her efforts until Drusilla had joined Buffy, telling her how pretty it was and how the material felt so lovely. When Cordelia had begun to side with them, Willow hadn't stood a chance, finally buying the skirt rather than listen to them whine and beg. Buffy had found a great shirt to match the skirt, knowing it would look great on Willow, but knowing the redhead wouldn't want to buy anything that let the world know she had breasts, and nice ones at that, so she'd bought it as a gift.

One thing she'd learned about Willow over the year and a half that they'd been friends was that Willow treated gifts as if they were very important. She guessed it was because the redhead hadn't received very many as a child and it made the ones she received now even more special. No matter what the reasoning, Buffy wasn't above using that knowledge to her advantage by giving Willow several things that the redhead would feel obliged to wear. Sneaky and cunning, yes, but also very necessary. Besides, Buffy didn't feel at all guilty because she was being very choosy with the items she was selecting as gifts. She was only buying things that Willow would feel comfortable in, though her best friend would never buy them herself.

"That skirt was lovely," Drusilla smiled at Buffy, sharing a triumphant smile. It had taken them a lot of begging, but Willow had finally bought the pretty skirt that had fit her so well and made her look even more beautiful. She looked at Willow and asked, "Why don't you buy some blue jeans? I love mine ever so much!"

"Great idea!" Cordelia beamed at Drusilla before moving past the vampire to a display of jeans. "They have all these on sale, Willow. They fit great and last a long time so I'd recommend starting here. They also have all these great washes."

"They look the same to me," Willow muttered, glaring at Drusilla. The vampire just smiled an innocent smile, but Willow wasn't fooled for an instant. Already Buffy and Cordelia were rubbing off on Dru. The glare faded as she smiled, realizing that she was actually having a good time, though shopping for clothes was still right up there with going to the dentist on her list of favorite activities. She looked at Cordelia, her eyes widening as she saw the numerous pairs of jeans that were already in the brunette's arms. "Delia, honey, I don't think I need to try on all those."

"Yes, you do," Cordelia said sweetly, arching a brow as she looked at Willow, "you need to see how they fit because the styles are different. I also chose several different washes in each style so that you could choose the ones that were most comfortable. I think three pairs is good because it is getting warmer and you won't have that long to wear them. The ones you have now aren't that bad so it will just give you something new to add to your wardrobe."

"If the ones I have now aren't bad, why do I need new ones?" Willow mumbled as she grabbed the jeans from Cordelia and started for the dressing room.

"Oh, and Willow, I haven't forgotten that summer is just around the corner. We'll take care of shorts and appropriate shirts at Rae's or Miana," Cordelia said with a smile, "they're having the best sales on upcoming seasonal wear."

Willow turned to look at her three friends, seeing the smiles on their faces and knowing that they were really just trying to be helpful by assisting her in purchasing some new items for her closet, but it didn't make it any better to have to go to the trouble of trying clothes on and getting some things that, while they did look good on her and made her look nice, some even made her look kind of sexy, she normally would never have chosen on her own. And now Cordelia was talking about shorts. She gave them a faint smile and said, "Yay?"

"Go try on the jeans, Wills," Buffy laughed, "and quit acting like you're getting ready to face a Greipoity demon with only a can of mace and a twig!"

Cordelia looked at Buffy and then looked at Drusilla, noticing the same slight smile on the vampire's face that was on her own. Together, they said, "Slayers!" before laughing as Buffy smacked their arms.

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



Willow glanced at the clock that was hanging over the sales desk at Cairelli's, rolling her eyes when she saw that it was already after five. They'd been at the mall for hours and had yet to venture from a clothes store. Buffy and Cordelia had made two trips to the car with their purchases and Willow honestly wasn't sure another bag could possibly fit in Cordelia's trunk, but her friends seemed oblivious to the fact that they were buying too much, instead urging her and Drusilla to join them in their shopping craze. Willow had been bored by the second store but tried to enjoy it, she'd maintained a bit of enthusiasm and a smile through the third store, but, by the fourth store, she was about to scream. That had been over an hour ago.

"I'm bored."

Willow quit playing with the hanger that had kept her occupied while Buffy and Cordelia were trying on fancy dresses to look at Drusilla, a smile crossing her face as she said, "Me too."

Drusilla smiled as she rested her head on Willow's shoulder, her eyes watching as Cordelia grabbed yet another dress to try on. She had enjoyed their shopping, buying many pretty things that she had never imagined having, but she was growing a bit tired of clothing. She had purchased more items in a few hours than she could remember owning during the entire last century. She knew that Willow was tired, too, but they had remained silent so as not to spoil Cordelia and Buffy's fun. She had finally spoken up when it appeared that the other two girls would be happy to try on clothes until the mall closed. She looked up at Willow and asked, "May we go to another store? There are so many that we have not yet explored."

"Maybe somewhere without clothes," Willow said with a laugh, having to add, "I did warn you that Cordelia and Buffy are maniacs when it comes to shopping for clothes. I can enjoy it for about an hour or so and then I'm ready to move on, but those two could shop all day."

"I've had fun, kitten, but I do not need anything else to wear," Drusilla admitted, honestly having no idea what she had actually bought after so many hours and so many stores. She did know that Cordelia had made sure that her selections covered every area imaginable, from blue jeans to fuzzy sweaters to pretty skirts to a T-shirt that proclaimed her a Princess. Drusilla adored that shirt, loving the statement and knowing that it would look lovely with her new blue jeans. She could not wait to wear her new clothes, but she did not need anything else at the moment.

"Me either," Willow agreed with the vampire. She hadn't bought as much as the other three girls, but she did know that there were several sacks in the car that belonged to her. Overall, she was happy with everything she remembered buying. Her friends had been true to their word and had taken her preferences into consideration with every choice they'd made. True, most of it was a bit more revealing her usual choices, but not in a way that made her self conscious or worried. In fact, she had to admit that she looked pretty sexy in some of the skirts and tops that her friends had suggested. But, she was ready to get away from the clothes and do some browsing. There was a great book store at the mall and she thought she'd check the electronic store to see if they had any new programs in that she didn't have and she also wouldn't mind getting a cookie or something else to snack on. She asked Dru, "Do you want to go with me to the book store and a few other places while they finish with the clothes? I'm sure they won't care since we did buy so much already."

"Just me and you?" Drusilla beamed, "I adore that idea, Willow-mine."

"Great. I'll go tell Buffy and Delia that we're going to do some browsing. They won't complain after I mention the word book," Willow said with a knowing smile, having used that store many times in the past to get away from shopping for clothes with Buffy during trips to the mall. The pretty redhead made her way to the dressing rooms, knocking on Buffy's door, "Hey, Dru and I are going to go check out some more stores while you two finish up here. Is that cool?"

"Where are you going?" Buffy asked as she opened the door to look at her best friend. She was actually shocked that it had taken the redhead this long before making a break for it and knew that she wouldn't complain if Willow wanted to do some non-clothes shopping. "And what do you think?"

"It looks great," Willow said sincerely as she looked at the pretty lavender dress that Buffy was wearing. "That shade always look good on you. You should definitely get it. It would be great for a party or a school dance. Anyway, I thought I'd take Dru to the book store and maybe Curios. She seems to like dolls and pretty things and that is one of the neatest stores in Sunnydale. Other than that, I don't really know. Just, no more clothes!"

"Save Curios for last because I love that place," Buffy said.

"Yes, ma'am," Willow laughed, having figured her best friend would make that request. "How much longer is it going to take you guys with all the clothes?"

"I'm nearly finished," Cordelia spoke up as she joined the two girls. She glanced at her watch and thought about it, "I'd like to run by Star to check out the swimsuits but that should do it, except for Belladonna and Bath, Body & More, but you guys are going there with us."

"I don't remember agreeing to go to Belladonna," Willow said with a raised brow. She loved Belladonna, having a weakness for the pretty lingerie and nightgowns, but she figured that a protest was expected.

Buffy laughed, "Stop the grumbling, Will. You know that you love that store. Oh, remind me that I need to look for a new nightgown. I'm going to let Dru have my old one since she seems to like it so much, so I need to get a new one to keep at your house."

"I'll try to remember," Willow smiled, "so we'll meet you both in about thirty minutes? Where?"

"How about the fountain downstairs by the food court?" Cordelia suggested with a sheepish smile, "I could use some food and had no idea it was getting this late!"

"That's what shopping does to you," Willow said sadly, shaking her head as her green eyes lit with amusement.

Cordelia stuck her tongue out at the redhead as Buffy laughed. The slayer said, "Willow, you know you're having way more fun shopping with us than you would being stuck at school working on that demon database for Giles so be nice. Go have fun at the 'book' store."

"You don't have to say it like it's some disease," Willow rolled her eyes, "we'll see you two in half an hour. Have fun!"

"Dru, keep an eye on Willow and make sure she doesn't buy too many of those smelly old books," Buffy said as she smiled at the vampire before going back into the dressing room to try on her other selections.

"If we pass anywhere that you want to stop, just let me know," Willow told Drusilla as they left the clothing store and started to walk towards the book store. She smiled as Dru began to talk about their day and all the fun she was having as they walked through the mall.

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



"This is my favorite place at the mall," Willow told Drusilla as they walked inside Pages.

"There are so many books," Drusilla whispered to Willow, her eyes wide as she looked around the large store.

"I know. Isn't it great?" Willow smiled as she started walking towards the back of the store where the history books were located beside the rather small magic section. "I've always loved books so this store is just wonderful."

"Such pretty colors," Drusilla said as she moved her hands over a row of novels, her eyes taking in the variety of covers.

"You sound like Buffy," Willow laughed, "She's not really into books or reading so she tends to pay more attention to the covers than what's on the pages in between."

"I do not read a lot," Drusilla confessed with a sheepish smile. She saw Willow's smile and relaxed. She had been worried that her new friend would be upset that she did not share her enthusiasm for the written word. Drusilla loved the stories that the books held, spending many nights snuggled against her childe as William read to her. She found more pleasure in having Angelus or William read to her than she found in reading silently to herself. She was happy to see that Willow did not mind that she was not as fond of reading as the redhead, a smile crossing Drusilla's face as she asked, "Will you read me a story, Willow-mine? I do so love to hear the stories."

"I think that can be arranged," Willow smiled affectionately at Drusilla before turning her attention to the newest arrivals.

"Oh, goodie," Drusilla beamed as she said, "I enjoy listening ever so much. My William is a wonderful storyteller. He is very much like you, pretty pet. So smart. He has always loved words and books. It is what first drew my attention to him, actually, his pretty words and his lovely voice. Such sweet poetry. When I looked into his eyes is when I knew for certain that he belonged with us, that I must keep him with me forever. He is so very beautiful, my sweet William. Do they have poetry here, Kitten? My William adores poetry."

"Poetry?" Willow repeated softly, trying to follow what Drusilla had said. One minute, they were talking about books and reading stories, then Dru is talking about Spike and why she turned him. Forever took on an entirely different meaning when talking to a vampire. She did agree with Drusilla that Spike was smart, that obvious from their interaction with him when he'd first arrived in town and started going after Buffy. Willow also agreed that beautiful was a great word to describe the blond vampire. Sexy, sarcastic, gorgeous, and yummy also came to the redhead's mind. She did have to admit that she found it hard to believe that the brash and arrogant bleached blond vampire that had repeatedly threatened to kill them liked poetry. Her mind suddenly flashed images of her laying in his arms as he quoted Browning and Shakespeare and she realized that maybe it wasn't as unbelievable as she'd first thought. She looked at Dru and saw that the vampire was waiting for answer, having to think back as to what the question had been. Giving her new friend a smile, she said, "They have a lot of different poetry books here, Dru. I'm sure you can find something you like."

"I do not know where to begin looking" Drusilla told Willow as they moved to the section of the store that held the poetry books.

"Well, what kind of poetry do you want? They have nearly everything here," Willow said, knowing from the look on Dru's face that her friend had no idea that there were different types of poetry much less what kind she wanted to buy for Spike. She smiled as she said, "They have these collections over here that might be good. It's not just one poet or one period. It's an anthology of all kinds."

"Romance," Drusilla reached for a book on the shelf that Willow had indicated. She looked at the cover, seeing the flowers and a little bird. With a frown, she put it back. William would not like a book that had flowers and a pretty little bird on the cover, even if the poems inside were the ones he enjoyed most. Her attention was drawn to a book next to the one she had looked at. It also said romance, but the word love was much larger. She withdrew that book from its place and slowly smiled. The cover was the image of two lovers entwined. It was ideal, she decided.

"What did you find?" Willow asked when she noticed that Drusilla had picked out a book. She'd been tempted to glance at a collection of erotic poems, but her imagination was already way too vivid in the fantasies she was having about Spike and Angelus so she'd resisted the impulse and glanced at a book of Poe poems instead. If there was anything to dampen desire and lust induced fantasies, the Raven was pretty much near the top of the list. By the time she'd gotten to the "Nevermore" part, her pulse had slowed down and the images of her nude body resting against Spike's nude body as he read romantic poems to her had nearly faded.

"It is a book of love poems," Drusilla asked, "Do you think he will like it?"

"I think he'd probably love anything you give him, Dru," Willow said with a smile as she saw Drusilla's obvious happiness at buying Spike the book of poems.

"He is particularly fond of poems about love and romance, so I thought it was perfect for him," Drusilla confided with a pleased smile. She took Willow's hand and walked away from the poetry section, telling the redhead, "Now I must find a prezzie for Daddy!"

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



"Daddy?" Willow repeated as she looked at Drusilla.

"Of course," Drusilla smiled, "I can not give William a prezzie and not give Daddy anything."

"Okay, um, well, what does he read?" Willow asked, deciding that this went beyond weird. Going clothes shopping with Drusilla was one thing, but buying presents for the two vampires that had repeatedly tried to kill her and her friends? That pretty much topped the list of strangest things she'd ever done.

"He does not read poetry like my William," Drusilla admitted, "but he enjoys mystery books. He tries to solve the crime before the book detective."

"Mysteries?" Willow repeated slowly, her lips twitching as she resisted the urge to laugh. Angelus, Master of Sunnydale, one of the most evil and sadistic vampires in the world, was an arm chair detective. Who would have thunk it?

"Yes, he loves a good mystery," Drusilla smiled fondly, "There is one that he read to me recently that had a funny little man with a moustache and it was on a train. I enjoyed that one ever so much."

"Murder on the Orient Express?" Willow asked, smiling as she said, "That is one of my favorites! I love Hercule Poirot. Does he have any others? And Then There Were None is fantastic."

"That is the title," Drusilla said. "He is quite fond of that funny little man. I believe he has several other books with that same detective. The one you mentioned is not familiar, though. Do you think he would enjoy it?"

"I love it, but I don't know what Angelus would like," Willow said, "I mean, it isn't a Hercule Poirot story, but it's very involved and has a great plot. It's written by the same author so that's why I mentioned it."

"If you like it, I'm sure Daddy will enjoy it," Drusilla said, "Do they have that title here?"

"I'm sure they do," Willow walked over to the mystery section and easily found the two shelves that held the titles of Agatha Christie. She couldn't believe she was suggesting one of her favorite mysteries as a possible gift for the vampire that had nearly killed her at the school only a few months before. Of course, she couldn't really say all that much because he hadn't harmed her when he easily could have. That had been the night when said vampire had haunted her dreams and invaded her fantasies so maybe it wasn't so surprising that she'd now be helping select a gift for him. She found the book and showed Drusilla, "Here it is. It is a really good mystery, if he'd never read it."

"I shall him read it to me, I think, because you count it as one of your favorites," Drusilla decided as she took the small paperback novel from Willow. She looked from it to the large book of poems that she was buying William and smiled, "I think they will both be surprised by their prezzies. Thank you for helping me buy them, Willow."

"No problem," Willow smiled at her friend, knowing that Angelus and Spike would not only be surprised but would also be rather pleased that Drusilla had chosen such personal items for them. She again found herself wondering what would happen when Angelus and Spike did return to Sunnydale to find out that Drusilla had nearly died and then had spent time with her and Buffy and Cordelia. There was still a chance that they wouldn't find out, true, but it didn't seem quite as likely today as it had last night. Drusilla was their friend, now, and Willow didn't think that the vampire would fail to mention her trip to the mall or any of the other experiences she'd had while Spike and Angelus were away. She was doing her best not to dwell on what might happen and instead focus on the present. She was learning that she didn't really know Spike and Angelus very well at all so there was no way to predict how they would react to everything that had occurred while they were gone.

"Oh, Daddy would love this," Drusilla said as she saw a sketchbook near the check out. She picked it up and added it to her pile, telling Willow, "Angelus is a wonderful artist but he's nearly used up all of his paper since he lost his soul."

"He is talented," Willow admitted, deciding not to mention that the way she knew was because she'd seen the sketches he'd left for Buffy when he'd been in revenge seeking stalker mode. That was probably one reason he was nearly out of paper, she decided somewhat crossly as she remembered how upset Buffy had been at finding those sketches and just how plain awful Angelus had made their lives the last few months. Even if he was sexy as hell and the stuff fantasies were made of, it didn't mean she could forget that he'd killed Jenny and had tried to kill them all and that he'd delighted in making their lives hell.

"Daddy has not been very nice to you, has he?" Drusilla asked quietly, remembering the various things he had mentioned doing during his game with Buffy. Then, she had not cared at all, finding them amusing. She'd not known Buffy as anything other than the slayer and she'd not known Willow or Cordelia at all. Now, though, she counted the girls as her friends, as her only friends. Willow was much more than just a friend, having saved her, not just from the poison but also from the darkness.

"Not really," Willow found herself smiling at Drusilla, wondering how the vampire could seem kind of crazy one minute and then be so insightful and observant the next. She had to laugh as she said, "But, really, it's not that surprising. I mean, Buffy's a slayer. Not only that, but Angel was in love with her. I'm thinking that Angelus probably wasn't too thrilled at that, though he really should be thanking her. Like you said earlier, if it hadn't been for Buffy and the love that Angel felt for her, well, Angelus would still be locked up in a cage inside Angel. But, no, instead of thanking her, he has to make our lives miserable and threaten us and kill Jenny. The last couple of weeks have been the calmest we've had and most of that time we were worried that he was planning some horrible thing that would result in all of our deaths so calm isn't exactly a good word."

"Daddy's game with the slayer is finished," Drusilla said, "he is no longer interested in killing you or your friends. He has let his anger go, the curse and its aftereffects are no more."

"I'm glad to hear that," Willow confessed with a smile, "Anyway, enough about Angelus and his silly behavior the last few months. Why don't we pay for those books and then we can check out another store or something before meeting Buffy and Cordy for a late lunch?"

"That's a great idea," Drusilla went to the cashier and handed the three books to the man. she smiled at him as he rang up the purchases, watching as Willow handed over the credit card. She took the bag from him and said, "Thank you very much, sir."

Willow took her receipt and followed Drusilla out of the store. She laughed when she heard her stomach growl, telling Dru, "I think that's a sign that we should go on and head to the food court. I'm pretty hungry."

Drusilla laughed and said, "Perhaps it has been long enough for Cordelia and Buffy to finish with all the clothes. We can stop at more stores once you have been fed."

"I don't know if there is such as a thing as long enough when it comes to Buffy and Cordelia and shopping for clothes, but maybe they're as hungry as I am so they'll be there," Willow smiled as they started walking towards the food court.

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



"I can't believe we beat them here," Cordelia said as she surveyed the area where they had agreed to meet Willow and Drusilla.

"Willow in a bookstore is as bad as you in a clothing store," Buffy said with a smile as she sat down on the bench beside the fountain to wait for her best friend.

"Hey now, I seem to recall a certain bottle blonde slayer right there with me buying some clothes," Cordelia defended with a smirk. "In fact, I think you probably bought more than I did."

"Okay, okay-.she's as bad buying dusty old books as *we* are buying clothes," Buffy laughed, "and I had to buy more than you because I just found out that my friends think I dress like a slut."

"Not all the time," Cordelia smiled as she sat down beside the slayer. "I do have to say that the new clothes appear to be quite promising, though. I didn't see a single skirt that didn't cover your butt and there were no see through tops at all."

"I so do not wear butt baring skirts and shirts you can see through!" Buffy glared at Cordelia. "I agree that my skirts might be a bit too short and some of my shirts are too tight or low cut, but I'm not into the whole 'look at my bra' thing."

"You say tomato, I say tomato," Cordelia shrugged, smiling as she added, "but I do think the new clothes look amazing with your figure."

"Thanks," Buffy responded, having to admit that Cordelia was right. She had never really given it much thought until her friends had been so kind to finally point out that some of her clothes were a bit more sleazy than sexy. She'd bought a few skirts, but had actually been rather pleased with some of the new pants that had arrived. She knew it was already late spring and would soon be summer, but she'd splurged on several pairs of lightweight pants that would probably be great for patrols. It was much better to be a little warm while patrolling if you were able to have the freedom to move. Added bonus was that they had been on sale and available in some really pretty colors. She'd gotten some shorts for lazy summer days and some new tops to wear with all of her purchases. It had been a lot of fun, and she had to acknowledge that Cordelia really did know clothes.

"Those pants make you look taller plus you don't have to worry about flashing your undies to everyone when you're kicking demon butt," Cordelia said.

"You're always thinking ahead, Cordy," Buffy laughed, wondering if Willow was as hungry as they were and would arrive soon. They'd finished their shopping and taken everything to the car. The trunk of Cordelia's car was nearly full of bags so it was probably a good thing that they didn't have many more places to shop. She smiled as she said, "I like the stuff Willow bought. Now if we can just make sure she wears it instead of leaving it in the closet."

"She'll wear it if I have to steal all the old stuff out of her closet," Cordelia threatened, having to laugh as she said, "but I don't think it will come to such drastic measures. She bought things that she found comfortable and that made her feel confident. There weren't too many daring items, but even those suited her. Overall, I think she looked great. She was sexy but sweet, which is so Willow."

"It is, isn't it? She's so special and she just doesn't see it. I know she's insecure, hell, we all are in some way or another, but I'm glad that she's starting to realize just how wonderful she really is," Buffy smiled.

"Part of the insecurity thing is my fault," Cordelia made a face, "I was so rude to her for so many years, always putting her down and teasing her. I can't believe she forgave me for how I treated her, that she is willing to be my friend."

"That's Willow," Buffy shrugged before adding, "need I remind you that this is the girl that is out shopping right now with Drusilla? Of course, Drusilla wasn't as mean to her as you were so maybe that's not a good example."

"Very funny, slayer," Cordelia rolled her eyes, before curiously asking, "What do you think about the sudden friendship with Drusilla?"

"I thought Willow was crazy when I first found out," Buffy admitted, "but I've changed my mind. I actually like Drusilla. I know she's a vampire and that she's technically the enemy and Angelus' childe and all that, but I like her, I trust her for some reason. She seems to be completely devoted to Willow, which is always a good thing in my book, and she's not at all what I expected. Strange as it may sound, I can call her friend and mean it."

"I like her," Cordelia stated, "and I think that she likes all of us. She's sweet, for an evil and dangerous vampire, and today has been a lot of fun."

"Definitely better than being stuck at school," Buffy laughed, a smile crossing her face as she saw a familiar redhead and vampire walking towards them. She stood up, waving back at Drusilla as she told Cordelia, "I'm starving. Let's eat!"

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



"I'm starving!" Buffy said when she and Cordelia reached Dru and Willow.

"I can't believe you two beat us here!" Willow said with a smile.

"That's what I said!" Cordelia laughed.

"Kitten's tummy is all growly and hungry," Drusilla said as she took Willow's hand, "so we need to get her food so we can shop more."

"I think we could all use some food," Buffy agreed, exchanging a look with Willow as she asked, "What about Dru? Is it, um, you know, time for her to *eat*?"

"Do they have chocolate?" Drusilla asked eagerly, "I so love chocolate."

"There's a place that has the best chocolate milk shakes in the mall," Cordelia told Drusilla. She asked, "Have you ever had a milk shake before?"

"No," Drusilla shook her head before looking at Willow and asking, "What is a milk shake?"

"It's like ice cream but you drink it," Buffy laughed, "okay, that's not the best explanation. You've got to taste it and then it will make sense. We'll get you a large milk shake with extra chocolate. You're going to love it."

"I am sure that I will love it, pretty pet," Drusilla smiled at Buffy. She had enjoyed the chocolate doughnuts that the slayer had given her earlier so she didn't have any doubts that she wouldn't also enjoy this milk shake thing that her new friends were talking about.

"Dru, honey, do you need to feed soon? I mean, I don't know what type of schedule vampires keep when it comes to meals and I don't want you to get weak or anything," Willow said with a soft smile.

"I fed this morning, Willow-mine, so I am not yet hungry," Drusilla replied, pleased that her pretty angel was taking care of her just as the stars had promised. She was enjoying the chocolate and other tasty human food that she was being introduced to by her new friends, understanding finally why her William would often snack on things meant for mortals. She had tried some crackers one time but had not enjoyed them at all. They probably would have been better if they had been covered in chocolate, she decided. She smiled at Willow, "I shall feed when we return home. For now, I would be most interested in trying this milk shake treat that was mentioned."

"I'll take you to get a milk shake, Dru," Cordelia volunteered. She hooked her arm through the vampire's and smiled as they started walking, "Milk shakes are one of my favorite indulgences. If you like it and you want me to, I can show you how to make them at home. They're pretty good and you can make all kinds of flavors. I can make a great strawberry banana with real strawberries and bananas. It's better than most of the ones you buy out places."

"Okay, why does the thought of Drusilla in the kitchen strike me as a bit weird?" Buffy asked Willow as Cordelia and Drusilla walked away.

"Not even that. Why does the thought of *Cordelia* in the kitchen sound so scary?" Willow laughed.

"You're right," Buffy laughed along with Willow, "I never would have thought that Queen C liked to make milk shakes."

"You know, she's pretty cool," Willow declared, smiling as she watched Cordelia point out the items on the menu to Drusilla.

"She definitely knows clothes. I can't believe how good she was at finding sale prices and putting outfits together," Buffy shook her head, "I spent half what I would have had I gone shopping by myself and I ended up with more clothes."

"Well, not only is she a great shopper, but she's actually nice when she drops the whole 'snotty cheerleader popular girl' act," Willow admitted, "she's smart and caring and really likes being our friend. Plus, she loves Xander and makes him happy. What do you want to get eat? I can't make up my mind."

"I think I want pizza," Buffy decided. "A couple slices and a soda."

"Hmm-pizza sounds pretty good. I can't decide between that and a burger. Hearing about the milk shakes made me get a craving," Willow said.

"Well, why don't get the pizza now and we can have Cordy make milk shakes later tonight as a sleepover snack?" Buffy suggested. "I have to admit that the strawberry banana shake she was talking about sounded pretty yummy."

"I'm sure Drusilla wouldn't mind having another shake tonight. She seems to have a fondness for junk food," Willow laughed, "I wonder if we should make her a salad or something to balance all the chocolate and sugary sweets she's had since we've been introducing her to our favorite foods."

"Willow, she's a vampire. I don't think it matters if she balances sweets with healthy food," Buffy said. "She drinks blood to survive and why am I so cool with that? I'm the slayer. I'm supposed to be anti-blood sucking for survival, but I'm not even phased at the idea of Drusilla gulping down a couple of pints of AB negative. God, between becoming friends with her and the unspoken truce with Angelus, well, I'm a terrible slayer, aren't I?"

"Maybe you're growing up," Willow said with an affectionate smile at her best friend as they stood in line at the pizza counter. She shrugged, "You're learning that life isn't black and white. There is tons of gray and you have to learn to adapt and adjust. I mean, Drusilla is a vampire, she's the daughter of the master of Sunnydale, she talks to the stars and might be a little psychic, but she's also very sweet and funny and she makes you feel protective of her. As for the truce with Angelus, that doesn't make you a terrible slayer. It just means that you're smart enough to realize that a deal with him that keeps Sunnydale under control is far better than an all out war that would end up getting a lot of innocent people killed. Personally, I think your ability to see past the whole 'vampires are evil and should be destroyed' preaching of the council is wonderful and just another reason of many that you're my best friend."

"I so would say something witty and sweet in response, but I can't because I think I might cry," Buffy said with a smile as she hugged the redhead. "I love you, Willow!"

"I love you, too, Buffy," Willow said as she hugged her best friend before saying, "but can we stop with the mushy bonding for now and get some food? I'm starving!"

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



"I like the mushy bonding," Buffy said with a laugh as she let Willow go, "but food does sound like a good idea."

"I'll have a slice of cheese and a slice of pepperoni," Willow ordered when they finally made it to the counter. The mall was starting to get more crowded as it got later and most of the people seemed to be ordering food. She was glad that they were nearly finished with the shopping, ready to go home and be lazy for the rest of the night.

"I want two slices of the works," Buffy ordered after Willow. Once they received their food, they easily found Cordelia and Drusilla at a table waiting for them.

"I bought a cheeseburger," Drusilla informed Willow with a smile as the redhead sat down, "and a milk shake and french fries."

"That sounds good," Willow told Dru with a smile. She looked at Cordelia and asked, "If it's not a problem or anything, could you maybe make some milk shakes tonight? Buffy and I are both craving a strawberry banana now."

"I'd love to," Cordelia smiled, "I actually got a bottle of water because I was going to suggest making milk shakes. I promised Dru that I'd teach her how to make them."

"I like the milk shake better than the doughnuts," Drusilla informed Buffy, "you were right. It is wonderful. I can not wait to learn how to make the tasty treats myself. Daddy and William will be ever so surprised when I make them a chocolate milk shake."

"Oh, yeah, I'm thinking surprised would be a great word to describe their reaction to your milk shake making," Willow said with a smile at the brunette. She had decided earlier to stop worrying about what would happen when Angelus and Spike returned to Sunnydale. Instead, she was enjoying time spent with good friends.

"So, what did you buy at the bookstore, Willow?" Cordelia asked, deciding to change the subject. She was hungry and enjoying her meal and didn't want the subject to somehow progress to making blood flavored milk shakes for the vampires because that thought would have ruined her appetite.

"I didn't buy anything, surprise, surprise," Willow said, "but Drusilla bought a few things."

"Kitten helped me find prezzies for Daddy and William," Drusilla beamed.

"You helped pick out presents for Angelus and Spike?" Buffy arched a brow as she looked at the redhead.

Willow shrugged, "Yeah, well, Dru needed some help. They were all her ideas, though. I just showed her where to look."

"I'm sure they'll love their gifts, Dru," Buffy said with a smile at the vampire, though she was still trying to decide if she liked the idea of her best friend buying presents for the two vampires that had tried to kill them all several times.

"This pizza is either really good today or I was getting pretty hungry," Willow said as she ate a slice.

"I think it's a little of both," Buffy smiled at the redhead as she finished her first slice.

"After we're finished eating, we can go to Belladonna and then Curios and finally end up at Bath Body and More, which is closest to the exit where the car is parked," Cordelia decided as she finished her burger and started to eat her fries.

"It sounds like a plan," Buffy agreed, "I think you'll like Curios, Dru. It's this neat little shop that has all kinds of knick-knacks and stuff. I bought my Mom this pretty snow globe there for her birthday."

"I am having such fun today, pets," Drusilla smiled at the three girls, wondering what they would do once their shopping had been completed. She remembered Willow mentioning something earlier about watching movies and eating junk food. Drusilla liked that idea, finding herself very fond of the junk food her new friends ate.

"Me too," Willow agreed with a smile before finishing her slice of pizza.

"Me three," Buffy said before she wiped her mouth with her napkin. The pizza had been filling, and she was ready for some more shopping now.

"Okay, dorky or not, I've got to say it," Cordelia sighed dramatically, her eyes amused as she said, "Me four."

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



Willow had spent too much money at Belladonna. Not only had she bought new panties and bras that she really didn't need, she'd also bought a few pieces of sexy lingerie to wear just for fun or to wear underneath her new clothes. She knew that no one else would ever see the sexy lingerie, but they'd made her feel beautiful and seductive so she'd indulged. She had also bought new sleeping clothes, choosing a pair of silk boxers and a matching tank top that was also silk. Drusilla had picked out the color, a dark green that Cordelia declared looked wonderful with her hair and pale skin.

Buffy had bought a new nightgown to keep at Willow's since she was going to let Drusilla keep her other one. In all honesty, Willow couldn't tell much of a difference between the new one and the old one, except the new one had a ribbon on the front. Cordelia had followed Willow's example and taken advantage of the sale on bras and panties, buying several pairs of each. Drusilla had touched a majority of the items in the store, but she hadn't wanted to purchase anything. It would appear that vampires were not really into the entire wearing undergarments thing.

They had gone to Curios following Belladonna. Drusilla had loved the store, just as they had predicted. The vampire had spent nearly half an hour looking around at everything. In the end, she'd bought herself a pretty jewelry box and a few other small items. They were now at Bed, Bath, and More, the last stop before they'd be leaving the mall. Drusilla was smelling every scent offered, seeming to enjoy the vast array of fruit based items that BB&M were known for. Dru had immediately chosen a bottle of the Apple body spray that Willow and Buffy both used and was now just browsing.

Willow got a bottle of the jasmine shampoo that she loved, knowing that she was nearly out. She needed some new body wash, but she wasn't sure what scent she wanted this time. She smelled the new scents, enjoying a new citrus blend quite a bit. She liked the smell of oranges, which was the stronger scent in the blend. She got a bottle of the body wash before moving to where Drusilla was looking.

"Have you found anything you like?" she asked Drusilla with a smile.

"The apples that smell like you and Buffy," Drusilla informed her. "What are you getting, kitten?"

Willow showed Drusilla her purchases, smiling as the vampire spoke favorably about the scents. She said, "I love this jasmine shampoo. It smells good, but it also is great for your hair. I think we should get you a bottle of it."

"That would be lovely," Drusilla smiled with pleasure. She loved the smells in this store, not able to decide which ones she preferred. She was happy that she had found the apple spray, liking the idea of sharing that scent with her new friends. She watched as Willow walked over to the shampoo and got another bottle before she turned back to the scents. She picked up a bottle of lotion, smelling vanilla mixed with something she couldn't distinguish. She liked it a lot, adding that to her purchases. She was not quite sure what they meant by shower gel, but she had seen Willow getting some so she decided it was something she should buy, herself. She selected a bottle that was a pretty pink, smelling strawberries as she inhaled.

"I love strawberries," Buffy told Drusilla as she joined the vampire. She got a bottle of lotion and smelled it. "I don't need lotion at all, but I have this terrible habit of buying things I don't need when I come here."

"Buffy-pet, what is shower gel?" Drusilla asked the slayer, wanting to make sure it was something she would use. Willow had allowed her to buy anything that she wanted during their shopping adventures, using the credit card that her parents supplied, but Drusilla did not want to spend foolishly.

"It's like soap, only better," Buffy said with a smile. "I never use a bar of soap anymore. I just use shower gel and a sponge. Oh, oh, oh, if you don't have a sponge, we're so buying you one! You'll never want to use a wash rag again. I'll go find you a good one."

"Thank you," Drusilla said as she held on to the shower gel. She liked the smell of this gel much better than the plain white soap she normally used. She went back to the other scent she had really liked. She smiled when she found it, deciding to buy a bottle of the shower gel for Angelus and William.

"Vanilla Spice, huh?" Willow nodded, "it's one of my favorite scents. I use the lotion."

"I am buying this shower gel soap for Daddy and William," Drusilla told Willow. She asked, "The smell is not too girly, is it?"

"Is what too girly?" Cordelia asked as she moved beside Willow.

"Vanilla Spice," Willow said, telling Dru, "I don't think it's girly, Dru. I'm sure it will be fine to give them."

"Xander uses it," Cordelia informed them, "I got him a bottle of shower gel last time I was here. Before that, he was using this horrible soap that smelled like pine. It was awful."

"I shall buy it, then," Drusilla decided.

"Are we ready to check out?" Buffy asked as she joined them. "I need to leave before I buy anything else that I really don't need!"

"It's so hard to come in here and just buy one thing," Willow agreed, "I always end up buying so much. It's just, the smells are always so nice."

"Oh, Dru, here's the sponge thingy I was talking about," Buffy handed over the brush.

"I'm ready to check out," Cordelia declared. "I've spent too much money today. Besides that, I'm tired of shopping and ready to just lay around and be lazy. Oh my God, did I really just say that I was tired of shopping?"

"I hope they have ice skates in hell," Willow said, her green eyes lit with amusement.

"So funny," Cordelia rolled her eyes before they all started laughing on their way to check out.

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



"I need to go by my house to get my stuff," Cordelia told the others once they had put their packages in the trunk. She couldn't believe how much they'd bought, her trunk barely able to close due to all the bags. She smiled as she shut it, thankful that she had a lot of trunk space.

"Shotgun!" Buffy and Willow called out in unison, laughing as they began to argue over the front seat.

"We're both mature people. We can settle this like adults," Willow said with a smile, flexing her fingers as she got ready.

"One, two, three," Buffy called out, "Paper, rock, scissors!"

"Ha! Scissors cut paper," Willow smirked, arching a brow as the slayer grumbled.

"Fine, I'll sit in the back," Buffy relented, smiling at Drusilla who was watching them with curious eyes. "Come on, Dru. It looks like it's you and me in the back seat this time."

"You're weird," Drusilla declared with amusement as she got into the back seat of the car.

"You know, I don't think I've ever been to your house, Cordy," Buffy said after she made herself comfortable.

"I have, once," Willow said thoughtfully, "It was your birthday party in second grade, wasn't it Delia? Xander ate too much cake and threw up, and Jesse pushed you into the pool because you called me a nerd and then you made him leave for ruining your dress. The was the one and only time I was invited to the Chase mansion."

"I remember that. I was so mad because my Dad had to go out of town on business and he wasn't there for my birthday. And I wanted to have the party at the skating rink but my Mom insisted I have it at the house so that she wouldn't have to deal with all the details. She spent the whole day inside drinking and talking on the phone instead of spending time with me," Cordelia smiled sheepishly as she admitted, "I was pretty mean to everyone that day. I'm really sorry."

Willow laughed, "Cordelia, it was ten years ago! Trust me, you've called me far worse than nerd since then and I've forgiven you. Besides, I can understand being made at your parents cause they're not around. I don't even think mine remember what day my birthday is, usually sending me a check a month too early or too late. I don't care anymore, but I used to, when I was younger."

"I'm used to them now," Cordelia smiled, "so I don't care that I hardly see them. In fact, it's usually a bit awkward when we are all together. They don't know how to deal with having a kid and I don't really know how to deal with having parents, so it's just weird and we're all relieved when we go our separate ways. They always remember my birthday, though, and they are around somewhere, either at work or the club, if I ever did need them for anything."

"That's something," Willow nodded, "I don't think mine have been in Sunnydale for longer than four weeks a year since I turned eight and they decided I was mature enough to take care of myself. The business trips and lecture circuit kept growing and now they're never here. It's so much better that way, with me helping Buffy and all. They stop in for a few days here and there, make the motions of being concerned parents but they never listen to me and don't know me at all. Some people really shouldn't be allowed to have children and be parents."

"You have to have a license to own a dog but they let just anyone be parents," Buffy semi-quoted from one of her favorite movies.

"Exactly!" Willow smiled at the slayer, noticing that Drusilla was listening intently. She smiled sheepishly at her new friend and said, "Sorry about that, Dru. I love my parents, but I honestly don't really like either of them that much. Let's move on from serious subjects, shall we? We're supposed to be having fun and acting silly!"

"Silly is good, Kitten," Drusilla smiled at the redhead, sensing that her new friend did not wish to discuss her parents any longer. She pitied the foolish couple that had given birth to such a beautiful and intelligent daughter and did not realize just how special their daughter truly was. She had seen Buffy scowling as Willow had spoken about her parents, realizing that the slayer felt the same way that she did about the absentee parents of their redheaded friend. She also felt compassion for Cordelia. The girl's parents were around, but it did not sound to her as if they knew anything about their beautiful daughter, just as Willow's parents did not know her. She felt very lucky to have her Daddy, knowing that he cared about her and would do anything for her. True, he had left for several decades, but it had not been his choice. That silly soul had taken him away from her and William. Now, though, they were a family again. Her smile widened as she looked at her new friends, focusing finally on Willow. Her family.

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



"Do you guys want to come in?" Cordelia asked as she pulled her car to a stop in front of her house.

"Sure," Buffy said as she got out of the car. She looked around, letting out a whistle, "Cordy, my house could fit in here twice!"

"It's not that big," Cordelia laughed, rolling her eyes as she found her house key. "Maybe one and a half times."

"How many rooms are there?" the slayer asked.

"There are five bedrooms, but Daddy has an office and there's a lounge as well as a living room," Cordelia said as she walked inside, flipping on the light before turning to the others. "Drusilla, come in. Welcome to my home."

"It's very lovely," Drusilla said as she walked inside, noticing how pretty everything was decorated. Her home was only a few blocks away from Cordelia's, and the mansion on Crawford Street that her Daddy had chosen was much larger than the cheerleader's, but it was not as pretty inside.

"Are your parents home?" Willow asked, noticing how quiet the house was and thinking how lonely it must be being in such a large place with no one else around. At least her house was smaller and didn't seem nearly as lonely, with Buffy and Xander always dropping in and hanging out. Cordelia lived on the edge of town, though, in a development that had large houses and grounds that kept the nearest neighbor at a distant.

"They're out of town," Cordelia shrugged, "I honestly don't remember where they are this time, but Daddy's secretary can reach him if I need anything. Do you guys want to stay down here while I run upstairs and get my stuff?"

"We'll explore," Buffy smiled at the brunette before she turned to Drusilla and Willow. "Come on, ladies. Let's look around."

"It won't take me that long," Cordelia said as she darted up the stairs and headed to her room to pack for her overnight stay at Willow's house.

"I can't believe that Cordelia is stuck in this huge house by herself all the time when her parents go out of town," Willow remarked as they entered what appeared to be a formal living room.

"It is so quiet," Drusilla said as she followed the redhead. She wondered if Cordelia had a dolly to talk to when she got lonely. Drusilla did not get lonely very often, having her Daddy and William around when things got too quiet, but, when they were busy or out, she had her dollies to keep her company. She did not see any dollies in this lonely old house, closing her eyes partially as she listened intently, not hearing any dollies speaking to her. She guessed that Cordelia was not as bothered by the silence as she, or perhaps the teen spoke to her friends when the loneliness became overwhelming. That was why the cheerleader did not have any dollies, Drusilla decided. She smiled as she realized that she would no longer need her dollies. She now had Willow and her new friends to speak to now when she got lonely and things were too quiet.

"Dru, you okay?" Buffy asked when she noticed Drusilla standing quietly, seemingly lost in thought.

"Wonderful, pretty pet," Drusilla smiled at the blonde teen, "My dollies are going to be ever so happy when I put them away and let them sleep. I shall be very careful and smooth out their skirts so that they do not wrinkle. My dollies are very tired of talking. I shall give them each their own box and make sure that they are very comfortable before I put them away. Oh, we shall all have tea first, so that my dollies can meet my new friends before they sleep. They will love you all just as I do."

"That sounds like a good idea, Drusilla," Willow smiled at the vampire, not really following what she was saying but deciding it was better to just agree than to question when Drusilla was in one of her slightly insane moods. She had been alert and normal for the majority of the afternoon, but it would appear that she was having one of her spells right now. The redhead moved closer to the vampire, taking her hand and squeezing it softly as she added, "I can't wait to meet your dollies and have tea. I'm sure that it will be a lot of fun."

"Yeah, it will be fun. I mean, I haven't been to a tea party in years," Buffy agreed with Willow, rather proud that she was learning to deal with Dru's momentary flashes of craziness.

"Why don't we go look around a bit more while we wait for Cordelia?" Willow suggested as she started to walk out of the living room and down the hall. Drusilla followed her, a pleased smile on her face as she thought of the tea party that she would hold before putting away her dollies. She eventually moved past those thoughts as she enjoyed snooping, as Buffy called it, with her new friends.

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



"Hello? Where are you guys?" Cordelia called out as she came downstairs. She put down her bag, looking around the living room and not seeing any of her three friends.

"Hide and seek, Cordelia. You're it!" a familiar voice called from down the hall, followed by a laugh as the slayer slammed a door shut.

"This is *so* not amusing!" Cordelia whined, though her lips were curling into a smile as she thought about the layout of her house and tried to figure out where they might be hiding.

"Quit talking and try to find us, Cheerleader!" Willow's voice came from the opposite direction of Buffy's. There was a laugh as the redhead added, "If you can!"

"Oh, listen here Smart Girl, I so can find you!" Cordelia said as she got serious about the game. She walked into the living room, her eyes sweeping over every possible hiding spot and finding nothing. She left the living room and walked down the hall, alert as she listened for any noise that might indicate a hiding spot.

Willow moved from behind the curtain in the parlor where she had been hiding when she saw Cordelia walk down the hall. She smiled as she crept into the living room, knowing that the brunette had already searched that room. She listened as doors were open and Cordelia cursed when her search came up empty. She didn't feel sorry for Cordelia being 'it' at all. After all, they'd only decided to play the game because they'd looked around the entire downstairs and had still been waiting for Cordelia. Buffy had suggested hide and seek since the house was so huge, thinking it might be a fun way to get back at Cordelia for taking so long to pack a bag for an overnight stay. Willow had to agree that it wouldn't have taken her five minutes to pack, yet it had taken Cordelia at least twenty by that time, but she hadn't been sure about playing the game. Drusilla had loved the idea of playing hide and seek, and Willow had relented after she'd been faced by two begging friends. They'd split up and hidden, having only a few minutes to wait before Cordelia had come downstairs.

"Boo," Buffy whispered as she joined Willow in the living room. She motioned for Willow to follow her as they both sat behind the sofa. Still whispering, she said, "Cordelia is in the kitchen now. I was hiding in the study under the desk and she didn't see me. After she left, I snuck out to meet here."

"Cordelia's going to kill us!" Willow covered her laugh with her hand. "Do you know where Dru went to hide?"

"Not a clue, but she seemed familiar with the game so I wouldn't be too worried about her," Buffy said.

"Dru can take care of herself," Willow agreed. She grew thoughtful as she asked, "Do you think Angelus taught her hide and seek when they were out hunting or something?"

"Probably. He does love to play games," Buffy grimaced, remembering his last game of torment the slayer, of which she'd been the unwilling participant.

"I give up, damn it!" they heard Cordelia saying as came back towards the front of the house. "I've checked every room downstairs and I can't find any of you. You know, it's not really fair that I have to find a slayer, a vampire, and a witch. And if you guys went outside to hide, I am so making you walk back to Willow's house!"

"You didn't win, but did you have fun?" Willow asked as she stood up from behind the sofa, watching as Cordelia turned to glare at her.

"I like to win so, no, I did not have fun," Cordelia glared before she reluctantly smiled, "Okay, maybe a little fun, but winning would have made it a lot of fun."

"I had fun," Buffy said as she moved beside Willow. "I was hiding under the desk in the study. I just knew you were going to find me, but you didn't."

"I checked the closet in there but I didn't even think about the desk," Cordelia rolled her eyes before turning to look at Willow, "where were you?"

"Behind the curtain in the parlor," Willow smiled as Cordelia cursed.

"God, it's even worse than just losing. You two were hiding in obvious places and I didn't find you. What about Dru?" Cordelia asked.

"I was in the shower in the downstairs bathroom," Drusilla spoke up as she joined them. She was smiling as she said, "That was ever so much fun, pets! Can we play again?"

"Yeah, but this time, slayer's it!" Cordelia called out as she took Dru and Willow's hands and ran up the stairs, the three girls laughing as they disappeared from sight.

"Find us if you can, slayer!" Drusilla called out with a giggle.

"Count to twenty, Buffy!" Willow called out, "Then you can try to find us. Notice that I said try?"

"Ha, ha, ha. Let's see who's laughing when I find you all!" Buffy said, a smile crossing her face as she listened to the laughter coming from upstairs. Drusilla was right. Silly was a lot of fun. She closed her eyes and started to count, "One, two, three."

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



They had played Hide & Seek for nearly an hour. Buffy had managed to find Cordelia, but had not been able to locate Willow or Drusilla. She had tried her best, figuring that she'd have to be able to sense Dru, being that she was the slayer and Drusilla was a vampire, but she'd only found empty rooms. She'd finally given up, learning that Drusilla had been hiding in a closet that she knew she had checked while Willow had been hiding under a bed that Buffy hadn't thought anyone could fit underneath. The redhead had followed the slayer as *it*, managing to find Cordelia and Buffy but finally giving up before she found Drusilla. They had gone ahead and let Dru be *it*, though they knew it was pointless for a human to hide from a vampire. Drusilla had located them all easily, beaming when Buffy declared her the overall winner, for not being caught and for finding them all.

After they'd finished playing, they'd left Cordelia's and dropped by Buffy's house. Joyce had been home, so Willow had helped Buffy take everything inside while Drusilla and Cordelia discussed what they would do for the remainder of the evening. Buffy had packed a bag quickly after checking with her Mom to see if she could stay over with Willow. After they'd left the Summers' home, they'd gone back to Willow's place. She'd sat on her bed as her friends went through her closet, choosing things to throw away as they also put away her new items. She'd been given gifts by Cordelia and Buffy, a couple of things that she'd not bought because she felt they might be a little too revealing or sexy. Trust her friends to notice and give them to her as presents. They knew she'd wear them if they were gifts, the sneaky little brats.

Once her closet had been rearranged, Cordelia had bagged up the clothes that Willow agreed to get rid of. They'd gone downstairs and crashed, the redhead having never realized just how tiring shopping could be. Drusilla had surprised them all with prezzies, giving Buffy a pretty snow globe that she'd liked from Curios, Cordelia a shawl that she'd admired at Toko, and Willow a necklace that had a little silver kitten charm that had emeralds as the kitten's eyes and the book of erotic poetry that she'd picked up at the bookstore before putting it down to concentrate on non-lusty thoughts. The redhead blushed a bit when she saw the book, relieved that Cordelia and Buffy hadn't noticed it. She'd have loved to explain why Drusilla had thought she'd enjoy *that* particular gift.

Drusilla was delighted that her new friends liked their prezzies. She curled up on the sofa beside Willow, snuggling against the redhead as she asked, "What are we doing next, Kitten?"

"Movies!" three voices rang out before laughing.

"It's definitely movie time," Buffy said with a large smile as she shook the snow globe, watching as the white flecks of 'snow' drifted down over the city. She put the globe on the table, her hazel eyes looking at her friends, "I want to just sit here and not move for a few hours."

"Me too," Willow agreed, "shopping is exhausting!"

"Amateurs," Cordelia scoffed, amusement in her brown eyes as she got to her feet and moved to the cabinet that held Willow's movie collection. "So, girls, what are we going to watch?"

"16 Candles is a must," Willow said before looking at Dru, "what kind of movies do you like, Dru?"

"Happy movies," Drusilla declared with a smile. She could not remember the last movie that she had watched, television and film being things that William found more interesting. During their travels, they were not often staying in locations where luxuries such as a television were available.

"Definitely happy movies. I can't handle sad movies at all," Cordelia smiled.

"Me either," Buffy agreed, "I bawled when I watched Bambi and those mean old hunters killed his mother. It took me days to get over that!"

"And that was only a few months ago," Willow pointed out, shaking her head as she laughed, "I still can't believe you'd never seen Bambi when you were a kid."

"Well, I guess I tried to stay away from those cry inducing movies," Buffy shrugged before saying, "and, oh, Old Yeller? My mom had to turn it off when I was a kid because I was crying so loud!"

"This coming from someone who loves horror movies where body parts are flying around," Willow snickered.

"What can I say? I'm complex," Buffy said loftily.

"We got 16 Candles," Cordelia said as she removed the movie from the shelf. "I want to see Dirty Dancing!"

"Nobody puts Baby in the corner," Buffy quoted before sighing, "I love that movie!"

"Dru, you want to come over here and pick out something?" Cordelia asked, watching as the vampire smiled and listened to them.

"Can I?" Drusilla got to her feet and moved beside Cordelia. She carefully picked up a movie case, studying it as she read the words.

"I want to see-." Buffy grew thoughtful as she ran through the list of Willow's movies that was pretty well memorized in her head, "the Goonies! That movie is just so cute and I think Dru will love it. It's about these kids that go looking for treasure and-"

"Buffy, don't tell her all about it! Let her watch the movie!" Willow laughed as Cordelia picked out The Goonies from her movie collection. "Do you see anything good, Dru?"

"There are so many choices, Willow-mine," Drusilla confessed, "I do not know where to begin."

"What sounds good?" Buffy asked as she pulled her leg underneath her, wondering what movie Drusilla might really enjoy.

"Oh, this one is called Princess Bride," Drusilla said as she picked up the case. She smiled at them, "Is this one good?"

"You've never seen The Princess Bride?" Buffy asked.

"Inconceivable!" three voices rang out together.

Willow laughed as she nodded at Drusilla, "As you can tell, we all like that one a lot. Great choice, Dru."

"Do we want to make some popcorn or something?" Buffy asked, grinning sheepishly, "I'm already hungry again. God, I bet I gain ten pounds today!"

"You'll work that off in no time," Willow said with a smile, "besides, that's part of the fun of sleepovers. Eating a lot and being lazy and just hanging out with friends."

"I'll show Dru how to make milk shakes while you guys make some popcorn and get some other snacks together," Cordelia said as she hooked her arm through Dru's and walked into the kitchen.

"Great. We'll get some food and some milk shakes and then we can sit on our butts and watching some fantastic movies," Buffy followed them into the kitchen.

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



"Do you really think this is going to work?"

"I wouldn't have wasted the last two days if I had doubts, boy," Angelus responded to Spike's question sharply.

"Sorry," Spike smirked as he faced the dark haired vampire. His blue eyes moved over the elder man before meeting chocolate brown eyes that were watching him.

"No, you're not," Angelus said, his lips twisting into a slight smile as he muttered, "Cheeky damn brat."

"I love it when you talk dirty," Spike purred, watching as Angelus' eyes drifted down to the erection that was pressing against the denim of his jeans.

"Not now, childe," Angelus said as he turned his attention back to the reason he was in LA instead of back in Sunnydale. The demon was bleeding from a cut on his lip, his broken hand resting against his leg. With a friendly smile, Angelus said, "So, Paul, where were we?"

"You were at the part about the ascension," Spike volunteered in a bored tone as he moved to sit on the desk.

"That's right," Angelus snapped his fingers, "you were telling me how I could get rid of Wilkins before he became more of an annoyance than he already is. My sources were correct about that sword, weren't they?"

"Yes," the demon nodded, resigned to the fact that he was going to die. Maybe if he was helpful, Angelus would make it swift instead of enjoying a lengthy torture.

"Can we go now?" Spike asked as he kicked the side of the desk. He wanted to leave LA and go back home. They'd already been gone too long, in his opinion, and he missed his Princess. He was glad that Angelus had suggested them returning tonight after their meeting, a part of him still worried about what had happened to Drusilla even as the rest of him knew that she seemed to be happy and fine now. Luckily, it would appear that their meeting would be over soon.

They'd come to LA to locate some sword that Angelus had heard about, finding that it was in the possession of this stupid Greftion demon, Paul, shortly after arriving. The sword was pretty plain, if you asked Spike, but Angelus had decided that he wanted it to use to get rid of that creepy Mayor Wilkins. There were whispers of an ascension occurring in the next year and Angelus just wanted to get rid of Wilkins before any such whispers became truth. An ascension was not something any of them wanted to happen, hence the reason Angelus had been able to find out where the sword was being kept from the master of LA. They'd arranged their meeting with this Paul, planning to make an arrangement to borrow the sword, take it back to Sunnydale, kill Wilkins, and then return it. It hadn't gone quite that way, Spike's lips twisted into a smirk. Oh, Paul had been more than happy to let them use the sword, having received a phone call from the local master that hadn't really given him much choice in the matter. It was just that, as they were discussing the ascension, the miserable little demon had pinched his arse.

The bloody wanker had been checking him out since they'd arrived. Angelus had found it amusing, while Spike had just found it annoying. He wasn't being arrogant when he admitted that he was rather used to being admired. He knew he was a good-looking chap, even if he couldn't look in a mirror, so it didn't really bother him if someone happened to find him attractive. He wasn't interested in any of them so it never went beyond a lusty look or an appreciative smile. This bastard, though, had had the nerve to walk up and pinch his arse. Spike hadn't even had time to voice his disgust and disapproval at the action before Angelus reacted. The hand that Paul had used to make the ill-fated pinch was broken in seconds, a calm smile on Angelus' face not hiding the yellow in his eyes or the anger in his voice. Angelus was possessive as all Hell, just one of the many things that Spike loved about the elder vampire, and there was no way that he was going to let Paul survive after touching someone that belonged to him.

Now, the beaten and bloody demon was sitting in a chair, answering a few last questions before Angelus finished him off. That will teach the tosser to go around pinching arses without being asked, Spike smiled as he impatiently tapped his fingers against the desk. He smiled innocently at Angelus as the dark haired vampire turned to glare at him for interrupting yet again with a question about when they'd be able to leave. Spike deliberately ran his tongue over his lips, his hand moving down to adjust the large bulge that had been pressing against his jeans since Angelus had stopped playing nice. He felt Angelus' eyes follow his hand, sincerely hoping they'd have time for a quick shag before leaving the office.

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



"Is there anything else I should know?" Angelus asked the demon, ignoring Spike's childish behavior as he concentrated on listening.

"You have all of the information that I know," the demon responded, "you have a little more than a year before the planned ascension. Wilkins can be defeated any time prior to the beginning of the levels of ascension."

"Good," Angelus smiled as he nodded. His eyes narrowed as he said, "Time to die," quickly twisting the demon's neck. He turned away from the dead demon to glare at Spike, "what did you think you were doing, boy?"

"Whatever do you mean, sire?" Spike asked as he arched a brow, his eyes raking over Angelus' body.

"Brat," Angelus muttered before his lips claimed Spike's. He pulled the younger vampire closer, his hands moving down to squeeze the blond's ass cheeks. Pulling back, he smirked, "I think you need to be punished, boy. For trying to distract me while I was in my meeting, touching yourself while I was trying to find information out, and for being such a cheeky damn brat."

"Angelus," Spike moaned as a hand caressed his length. Before he could finish the moan, he was pulled across the room and found himself laying across Angelus' lap. He squirmed, feeling his grandsire's erection against his stomach, his blue eyes shining with lust and need as Angelus pulled his jeans down over his butt.

"I can't believe that bastard touched you," Angelus said as his hand moved over the pale twin globes of Spike's rear. He squeezed the flesh, listening to Spike moan as the younger vampire tried to get up. Drawing his hand back, he slapped the left cheek. Leaning towards Spike's ear, he purred, "Tell me you're sorry for being a brat."

"Angelus, stop," Spike said even as he felt himself hardening even more. Damn it all to Hell, this wasn't what he had wanted. He'd wanted a nice shag, a mutual bit of pleasure, not to be put over his sire's knee like some naughty childe.

"Tell me you're sorry," Angelus said with a smile, knowing that Spike was enjoying the spanking as much as he was. True, he usually gave Spike a choice before playing these kind of games, finding them much more fun when he had a willing participant, but Spike was definitely not unwilling to play judging by the wetness that was brushing against his thigh ever time Spike moved to try to get up. He continued slapping Spike's ass, listening as his lover's protests soon became moans. "Tell me you're sorry, Brat."

"I'm sorry," Spike said finally, knowing that Angelus could go on for hours if he was in one of his friskier moods, and, from the feeling of the erection against his stomach, this was one of his friskier moods.

"Such a pretty ass," Angelus marveled as he leaned over, running his tongue over the pale cheeks that were now slightly pink from the spanking. He licked Spike, getting him ready, pushing a finger then two inside the younger vampire. Spike was groaning, pushing back against his fingers. He moved quickly, unzipping his pants and thrusting into Spike. "Mine," he said as he began to move. His right hand moved around to stroke Spike's cock, his left hand pulling Spike's head back, their mouths meeting in a passionate kiss as he began to move faster, deeper. It didn't take either of them long. Angelus let Spike's mouth go and bit into the blond's shoulder as he came, offering his wrist to his lover. Spike bit into his wrist just before he spilled his seed all over Angel's hand.

When he felt his cock soften, Angelus pulled out of Spike. He ran his tongue over his hand, tasting his lover's release. Dark brown eyes found blue as Spike looked at him, a satisfied look in his eyes. Angelus smirked as he asked, "Enjoyed that, did you?"

"What do you think?" Spike snorted as he got to his feet. He grabbed his jeans and slid them on, telling the elder vampire, "I love it when you get frisky, old man."

"Old man?" Angelus' eyes narrowed as he fastened his pants.

"Can we go now?" Spike asked as he smiled innocently at Angelus, knowing that he'd probably pay later for the old man comment and not minding that knowledge at all.

"I'll get the sword and then we can leave," Angelus nodded as he moved to pick up the sword that was laying beside the dead demon.

"Drusilla will be so happy that we're back early," Spike commented with a pleased smile.

"Yeah, she'll be glad to see us," Angelus agreed with an affectionate smile as he walked towards the door. He'd have to give the local master a call, explain why the demon had been killed, but he wasn't worried about it. The master would understand why he'd had to kill the bastard for daring touch Spike. When they got back to Sunnydale, he'd start working out the details on his plan to get rid of Wilkins. He always had replacement picked out, someone he could control easily and who wouldn't get any ideas of grandeur. Angelus didn't plan to get too hands on with all that, but he knew that Wilkins had to go away before the annoying little man became too much of a problem. He'd originally been tempted to let the slayer deal with it all, knowing that the entire ascension mess fell under her area of responsibility, but Buffy was a brainless little twit. She probably wouldn't have even realized that an ascension was planned until it was too late, so he'd created his own plan. He would, of course, be sure to inform the dumb bitch that he'd been the one responsible for saving the world, knowing he'd get particular delight in reminding her how utterly worthless she tended to be.

"I hope she's okay," Spike said as he again thought of the feelings of pain and hurt that he had felt the previous evening.

"She's fine," Angelus said as he walked outside. Turning towards Spike, he smiled, "Let's get on the road. We should be back in Sunnydale before dawn. I'm ready to go home."

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



As the credits for Dirty Dancing started, Cordelia leaned over and hit the stop button on the remote control. She then hit rewind before covering a yawn and looking at her friends. "I love that movie!" she said once she had finished yawning.

"It was ever so sweet," Drusilla said as she snuggled her head closer to Willow. She'd enjoyed both movies that they had watched. The first one had been Willow's choice, about the girl whose birthday was forgotten. She had not understood all of the things that had made her new friends laugh, but she had smiled at their reactions and had them explain the moments that had been really confusing. Cordelia's choice had followed, a little more serious than the previous selection but just as romantic and charming.

"Good choice, Delia," Willow smiled at the cheerleader before glancing at the clock. She couldn't believe it was just past midnight. It seemed much later, though she guessed one reason might be the busy day that she had had with her friends. They had two movies left, deciding to watch Princess Bride to continue with their romantic feel good movie theme. Following that, they'd watch Goonies, a movie that always made her feel like a kid again.

"Okay, guys. I need a break," Buffy declared as she stretched. "I loved the movies, but too much sitting in one place makes for a lazy slayer."

"And here I thought it might be the consumption of all that junk food that made for a lazy slayer," Willow said with an innocent smile, though her eyes were sparkling with mischief.

"Real funny, Wills," Buffy said as she tossed a pillow at her best friend.

"I try," the redhead smiled as she easily caught the pillow and tossed it back at the slayer.

"Actually, I could stand a nice stretch, too," Cordelia said as she stood up and twisted and turned her body.

"Why don't we go in the back yard?" Willow suggested as she reluctantly moved from her comfortable position on the sofa to stand. She helped Drusilla up and started towards the kitchen. "We can get some fresh air and walk around a little before coming back in to watch another movie."

"Good idea," Buffy decided as she went into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water before following the redhead outside. She took a deep breath, enjoying the cool night air. Giles and Xander had done a quick patrol tonight so that she could have a real night off and she was very grateful for a chance to be normal for a few hours. Well, normal except for the fact that her best friend was a budding witch and that she was watching movies with the childe of a master vampire. Other than that, well, she guessed it was normal for her.

"Listen, Kitten," Drusilla smiled as she looked at the sky.

"What is it Dru?" Willow asked her new friend, not hearing anything. She exchanged a look with Cordelia and Buffy and they both shrugged, obviously not hearing anything either.

"The stars," Drusilla laughed as she listened, "they're singing to us! They're ever so happy. Do you hear them? They're singing us such a lovely song. Da, de, da, da, de, de, da."

"I don't hear anything," Willow confessed as she listened to Drusilla sing softly.

Dru swung around to face her friends, a confused look crossing her face as she asked, "You do not hear them?"

"I'm sorry," Willow said softly.

"Perhaps you do not know how to listen," Drusilla finally decided, a pleased smile crossing her face. "I shall teach you, just as you have taught me. Do you hear them, pets?"

"I'm with Willow on this one," Cordelia said.

"Yeah, I'm sorry, Dru, but I don't hear anything either," Buffy shrugged before giving the vampire a smile, "but I'm willing to try."

"Poor pets, not hearing their lovely song," Drusilla mused as she moved forward. "Close your eyes, my lovelies. Concentrate and listen. Do you hear them?"

"No," Willow replied truthfully, wishing for a moment that she *could* hear the stars and their song so that Drusilla would have someone to share that special talent with, but all she heard were the normal sounds of the night.

"I do not understand," Drusilla said quietly, looking up at the stars as she asked, "Why do they not hear you?"

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



"Maybe the stars only sing to a few lucky people," Buffy said, keeping her eyes closed but not hearing anything at all. She didn't want to upset Drusilla but she didn't really know how to explain that Dru heard them because she was gifted in ways that they were not.

"Shhh-.they're answering me," Drusilla said as she spun in a circle, her eyes on the stars as a smile crossed her face. They were ever so happy with her new friends, telling her that things were becoming as they should be. She continued to spin and listen as they gave her a solution to the problem. Stopping suddenly, she nodded, understanding in her eyes.

"Dru, are you still there?" Cordelia asked, growing a bit nervous as she stood outside in the middle of the night with her eyes shut.

"I know how you can hear them," Drusilla said softly, "they want you to hear their song, my pretty pets. They are ever so pleased that we are friends and they want to sing you a song to convey their happiness at our new friendship."

"Okay," Willow said slowly, not really sure if she really believed the stars were singing or not. She believed that Drusilla believed they were, but that didn't necessarily mean that she honestly thought she'd be able to hear the stars herself.

"What do we need to do, Dru?" Buffy asked, willing to try whatever the vampire said in order to give it their best shot at hearing the stars she spoke so fondly of. Besides, it was kind of nice to think that their friendship had caused the stars to sing. Yeah, she might have been spending just a little too much time with Dru, she realized as she thought about how easily she had accepted the idea of the stars having emotions and speaking.

"Do you trust me, Kitten?" Drusilla asked Willow quietly as she stood in front of the redhead.

"Of course," Willow replied, though she had to admit there had been a little hesitation because she didn't know what trusting Drusilla had to do with hearing the stars sing their little song. Maybe they should have just stayed inside and watched another movie. This was getting a bit weird, even for the day she'd been having. She did trust Drusilla, though, and knew that her new friend wouldn't do anything to hurt her or the others.

"I love you, Willow," Drusilla said with a large smile, happiness in her eyes as she heard Willow's sincere response to her question. She raised the redhead's hand, bringing it close to her face. "I will be careful, Kitten, so that I do not hurt you."

"Hurt her?" Buffy asked, opening her eyes and looking towards her best friend and the vampire. She watched as Drusilla brought Willow's hand to her mouth, biting the redhead's finger swiftly.

"It's okay, Buffy. She bit my finger. It doesn't hurt," Willow said, having opened her eyes at Drusilla's cryptic words, seeing the vampire pierce her finger and begin to suck on the droplets of blood that were flowing. How often had she imagined Spike and Angelus biting her and drinking from her? She knew that she was depraved, but she had always found that idea so erotic, able to imagine their tongues on her flesh as they tasted her essence. And boy, had she been right. She was getting a bit tingly from feeling Drusilla sucking her finger, and all she felt for her new friend was the same sisterly affection that she felt for Buffy and was beginning to feel for Cordelia. So she knew that she would have been aroused beyond belief if Angelus or Spike was doing this to her, especially if it was somewhere other just her finger. Being bitten by a vampire, even in this casual and platonic way, was erotic.

"Why does she need to bite Willow?" Cordelia asked Buffy, having also opened her eyes to see what was happening. Her eyes widened slightly as she whispered, "Is she going to bite us, too?"

Drusilla ignored the voices, concentrating on the intoxicating taste of her Willow. Such powerful blood, innocent and sweet, touched with magic and strength. She did not wish to take much, that stars having told her that she need only take a little and to share a little and then her friends would be able to hear their song. She ran her fingernail over her finger and raised her bleeding hand to Willow's face. Her eyes looked into green eyes as she moved her finger to Willow's mouth. The redhead seemed to understand, opening her mouth and running her tongue over Dru's finger. Drusilla moaned softly as she licked at Willow's blood, her new friend sucking her finger in a similar way. Finally, she pulled her finger free and released Willow's finger. She smiled as she moved forward and hugged the still confused redhead, whispering, "Now you shall be able to hear their song."

"I um okay," Willow said weakly, having no idea what the heck had just happened but she didn't feel any different. She could still taste Drusilla's blood in her mouth, her green eyes widening as she realized that she'd just drank blood. That was just yucky and gross and hadn't been nearly as horrible and disgusting as she'd always assumed. True, she hadn't taken much, kind of like sucking your finger after you cut yourself in a lot of ways, but this time it hadn't been her own finger she'd been sucking. It had been Drusilla's, her new friend, a vampire that had been told by the stars to share blood with her. Okay, yeah, this day was definitely weird.

"Pretty pet, do you want to hear the stars?" Drusilla asked Buffy softly, not sure if the slayer would agree to such an exchange of blood. She was not performing a serious ritual or anything, just a small blood bond that would allow her new friends the pleasure of listening to the stars before fading away.

"Um, well," Buffy wasn't so sure she wanted to hear the stars bad enough to let Drusilla bite her finger. Plus, the idea of tasting blood was a bit too much for a slayer to deal with. She'd been really open minded today, giving Drusilla a chance and learning that she could actually be friends with a vampire, but could she actually agree to exchange even that little bit of blood just to hear the stars, which she wasn't sure she'd hear anyway because, really, wasn't it all a bit on the insane side to think the stars actually could sing?

"Oh my God," Willow whispered as she looked at the sky, a smile crossing her face as she heard music. She shook her head, "This isn't possible. It can't be possible."

"Do you hear them now, Kitten?" Drusilla asked with an excited smile as she looked at her pretty angel.

"Yes," Willow nodded, laughing softly, "I can hear them. This is crazy, but I can hear music and the most beautiful song."

"I trust you, Drusilla," Buffy spoke up, sharing a smile with Willow before holding out her hand to the vampire. She wanted to hear the song, too, even if it meant sharing her blood with a vampire.

"I love you, Buffy," Drusilla said with a smile as she bit into the blonde's finger. She found the slayer's blood to be nearly as strong as Willow's, but it did not have the same power or the magic. She felt Buffy's tongue tentatively lick at the blood on her finger, having more difficulty than Willow had with the exchange. When she felt the bond begin to form, she let Buffy's finger go, not wanting to cause her new friend unnecessary discomfort. Buffy gave her a shaky smile before moving to Willow's side and looking at the sky, waiting to see if she could also hear the song. Drusilla turned to Cordelia, smiling with delight when the brunette held out her hand without hesitation.

"Go ahead," Cordelia said, knowing that there was no way she'd be the only one not to listen to those damn stars. If Buffy could let a vampire bite her, well, she could to. Besides, she did trust Drusilla and had seen that the vampire was not feeding on their blood in a hungry let me drink until I'm sated and they're dead kind of way. More of a let me taste just enough for whatever this link thing is so they can hear the stars kind of way, in Cordelia's opinion. She gave the vampire a slayer, resisting the urge to tell her not to take too much.

"I love you, Cordelia," Drusilla said as she bit into the girl's finger. The blood did not have the strength or power of her friends' blood, but it was rich and sweet. Cordelia was not as hesitant at taking her blood as Buffy had been, but she was also not as accepting as Willow had been. It was not long before Drusilla felt the bond begin to form, releasing the cheerleader's hand with a smile. She turned to see Buffy and Willow laughing as they heard the happy song of the stars. With a giggle, she grabbed Cordelia's hand and joined them, dancing with her friends as the stars sang them song after song.

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



"Home sweet home," Spike said as Angelus drove past the Welcome to Sunnydale sign that had been rebuilt since his arrival in town several months before. They had left LA a couple of hours ago, stopping in a small tourist town for a snack on the way home. He glanced at his grandsire, a smile crossing his lips as the elder vampire tapped his fingers along with the music.

"What are you smiling at, Childe?" Angelus finally asked when he was no longer able to ignore Spike's amused smile.

"Glad to be home, Sire," Spike said as he turned to look out the window. "Can't stand LA. Entire city smells and it's so damn crowded. Just happy that we finished our business and left early. Dru's gonna be glad to see us."

"I expect you're right about that," Angelus agreed, "she's not overly fond of staying with the minions."

"Can you blame her? They're stupid creatures that only think about feeding and sleep," Spike said with a shake of his head, "can't have a decent conversation with one out of a hundred. Can't think of much worse than being stuck with only them for company."

"We were only gone for a few days," Angelus said, having to agree with Spike's comments. Luckily, Drusilla had her dolls and rarely left her room when they weren't at home, so he didn't expect that she had gotten too upset being stuck with the minions keeping an eye on her.

"Yeah, but we felt something last night so you know as well as I do that something happened," Spike reminded, still concerned about the pain he had felt the previous evening through the bond he shared with his sire. True, he knew that she was okay because the pain had faded quickly, but he didn't like the idea of Drusilla being in pain at all. He especially didn't like the idea of her being alone if she had been hurt, knowing that she was strong, but also not liking that he might not have been there when she needed him.

"Well, we're nearly at the house so we can check on her soon enough," Angelus said as he turned a corner. "And next time we go away, we'll bring her with us."

"She'd like that," Spike smiled, knowing that they would have taken her to LA with them except for the fact that the local master had a fondness for pretty girls. Angelus had been concerned that Drusilla's presence would attract too much attention of a negative variety, having no doubt the master would have wanted to exchange information for her company. Spike had agreed that it was too dangerous to allow her to go with them, knowing that neither he nor Angelus would have allowed such an exchange to occur, but he did hate that they had had to leave her alone.

"Quit the worrying, my boy," Angelus said, rolling his eyes when he saw the look in Spike's eyes. "She's going to be pleased to see us, especially when she sees all her presents."

"I'm not worrying," Spike denied, feeling guilty wasn't the same thing as worrying so he wasn't exactly lying. He gave Angelus a sheepish smile as he admitted, "I missed her, Angelus, and I'm just glad to be home. Can't wait to see her and give her a big hug."

"I don't think I was ever that pathetic even with a soul," Angelus remarked with a smirk, watching as Spike's eyes narrowed. He added, "You stink of humanity at times, William, all loving and affectionate."

"What of it?" Spike asked with a shrug, not able to deny the elder vampire's words. He might be one of the most ruthless of his kind, but he wasn't afraid to love. He didn't see the emotion as weakening him like Angelus did, instead believing that it made him stronger. Angelus loved him and Drusilla, of that he had no doubt, but the elder vampire did not believe in being as verbal with his affection as Spike did, saying how he felt with a look or a touch or a smile more often than using words. Of course, Spike wasn't big on words, either. He just wasn't as subtle with his actions as Angelus, loving to hug his beautiful sire and snuggle against her as she slept. He also loved to touch Angelus whenever possible, having missed his lover during the decades that they had been separated. He sure as fuck hadn't heard Angelus mouthing off about his 'stinking humanity' then, when he was touching or tasting in even the most casual way. His lips quirked into a smile as he daringly said, "As for being more pathetic, well, I've got three words for you, Sire. Shagging. A. Slayer."

"Spike," Angelus growled, hating how the younger blond loved to remind him of his soul's stupidity for falling for the slayer. True, she had been the one to release him from his cage, but he'd had her taste in his mouth for days after that, her smell on his body. It had been disgusting, nearly driving him crazy with a need for revenge for how she had made the soul feel, for how her little friends had accepted him. Luckily, he'd calmed down and given everything some serious thought, realized that he had nearly fucked everything up. Oh, he still wanted to make her life miserable and uncomfortable, just for the fun of it, but he no longer felt that overwhelming need for revenge.

He knew it would drive her nuts that she had to have a truce with him to keep her friends safe, that being one reason he'd decided to step back and just let things happen. Killing her was so easy. One swift turn of his hand and her neck would be broken. No, it was much more amusing to let her live. As for her friends, well, he could have killed them without a second of hesitation, his mind bringing forth the memory of a delectable redhead squirming against his body and the scent of her arousal growing thick in the air as he licked her neck, most of them, he amended silently. Willow intrigued him, he had to admit, so she wouldn't die any time soon. The others, though, he could have killed them without a second thought, but then he wouldn't have anyone to threaten whenever he felt like playing with the slayer and she wouldn't have any reason to accept a truce, so he left them alive.

"Oh, look, we're here," Spike said before Angelus could finish growling out his response to the shagging a slayer comment. He opened the car door and got out, walking to the door with a smile on his face. He went inside, followed by Angelus who ordered two minions to bring in the stuff from the car. He took the stairs two at a time, not noticing the anxious and scared looks on the minions faces. He got to Dru's door, knocking softly before opening it and calling out, "Princess, we're home."

"Something is wrong," Angelus said slowly as he caught up with Spike. He had noticed the minions' behavior, concern in his dark eyes as he wondered why they were scared.

"She's not here," Spike said as he turned to look at Angelus, blue eyes angry but worried. He started to go downstairs to demand some answers, ready to kill anyone that didn't tell him what he wanted to hear but he was stopped by a hand on his chest. He looked at Angelus, seeing the look in his lover's eyes, knowing that Angelus was as concerned as he was. A slow smile crossed his face as he waited.

Angelus took another look at the empty room before turning around and going to the head of the stairs. He growled when he noticed the minions attempting to leave, feeling Spike join him as the minions halted and looked at them fearfully. His body radiating power and anger, his eyes flashing yellow as he demanded, "Where is my daughter?!"

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

The minions remained silent for several minutes as Angelus and Spike began to grow even more angry and annoyed. Finally, one of the minions spoke up, "We do not know where she is, Master."

Angelus narrowed his chocolate brown eyes as he looked at the minion that had spoken, his full lips curving into a frown as he looked at Spike and nodded slightly. The blond vampire reached for the ugly sculptor that was on the table by the stairs and quickly broke the metal. He took the slim piece of metal, aimed, and expertly threw it, piercing the minion in the heart. Angelus smiled, his eyes cold and demanding as he said, "Wrong answer."

The minions watched as Charlie, the one who had answered Angelus, turned to dust. They exchanged scared looks as they struggled to figure out what the correct answer was before Angelus decided to let Spike play with the remaining pieces of the sculptor. Finally, one of the elder minions, Stephen, moved forward and said, "Master, your daughter went out hunting last night with Greg. Neither of them returned. We did not realize her absence until this evening but we were unable to locate either of them."

"Did I not instruct that she was to remain in the house until my return?" Angelus asked as Spike tossed a piece of metal between his hands, ready to strike again if they were not pleased with the answers given. He was concerned about Drusilla, knowing that there must be a very good reason why his beautiful daughter had not returned, aware that she would not wander off on her own without just cause. If it required killing every minion in the house to find an answer, well, he could easily replace them.

"Master Angelus, Mistress Drusilla insisted that she go hunting," the minion replied, keeping his eyes on the stairs rather than looking into the deadly eyes of his master. He continued the explanation, "She said the stars wanted her to hunt, Master, so Greg accompanied her."

"The damn stars," Angelus muttered, not at all pleased at returning home to find Drusilla gone. Spike was barely keeping control, worry and anger and fear flashing in his eyes. Angelus cursed softly, knowing that there was not a lot that could be done at the moment. Dawn was fast approaching, soon the sun would be up. Had they arrived earlier, they would have had time to go out and look for Drusilla. As it was, they were stuck inside until dusk. He knew that Drusilla was okay, feeling a calmness and happiness via his connection with her. That did not stop him from worrying about her, did not make him feel any less guilty for having left her alone in the first place, did not make him pleased with being stuck inside and helpless while she was out there without them.

"They left last night a few hours after dusk," Stephen continued, wanting to provide as much information as possible in hopes that Angelus would not kill him. "I believe Mistress Drusilla wished to visit the park, and I do recall her wanting to dance with the stars. We have not seen them since they left here, Master."

"What do we do?" Spike asked quietly, his blue eyes remaining on the minions. He did his best to conceal his fear and concern, letting them see the anger instead.

"What can we do? It's nearly dawn. We will be unable to find her until dusk," Angelus spoke softly. He looked back at the minions, speaking loud enough for them to hear, "You will go now and look for any information regarding the whereabouts of my daughter."

"Master, it is nearly dawn," one of the minions pointed out.

"Yes, it is," Angelus glared at the minion that dared question him. Spike killed him quickly, a pleased smile crossing Angelus' handsome face. Spike was deadly with his aim, having used another piece of metal from the ugly sculptor that had been in the house when they had taken it over. Angelus had always intended to get rid of the ugly thing, but it appeared that it was being put to good use. He watched as Spike broke another piece of the sharp metal off, a smirk on his lips as he seemed to dare the minions to cross him so he could kill another one of them.

"We will search for her, Master," Stephen agreed, knowing they could use the tunnels if needed. They were dirty and unpleasant but useful when necessary. "Perhaps we can find someone that has seen her."

"If you return at dusk with no information," an evil smile crossed Angelus' face, "I will kill you all. Do we understand each other?"

"Yes, Master," the minions spoke up collectively, hoping that they were able to find anything concerning where the crazy vampiress had gone. Angelus did not make empty threats, all of them knowing that death would surely await them if they returned with nothing.

"Good. Go now," Angelus said before turning to go towards his room. Spike followed behind him, not speaking until they were in the room.

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

"That's it?" Spike asked as he started to pace. "Send the stupid minions out to find her when they're the ones that lost her in the first place?"

"What else can we do?" Angelus sighed, running a hand over his face as he sat on the bed. "They will look everywhere, speak to everyone, hopefully find some answers so that we can leave at dusk and collect Drusilla."

"I hate the damn sun," Spike cursed as he moved, feeling completely helpless. He wanted nothing more than to go out and find his Princess, not be stuck in the house for half the day while she was who knew where, alone and scared.

"She is okay, Spike," Angelus said. "We know she is alive. I assume she went out hunting and something happened that prevented her from returning home last night. What I do not understand is why she would not return tonight."

"She hates the minions," Spike reminded as he faced the elder vampire, "she might have decided to stay elsewhere until she thought we would be home. We were not supposed to be home until tomorrow evening."

"That is a possibility," Angelus agreed, knowing all too well that his daughter was far more intelligent than they often gave her credit for being. He and Spike were both guilty of treating her like a child, of not remembering that she was able to take care of herself and was not nearly as insane as she often appeared to be. Perhaps she had grown tired of being with the minions and had decided to spend the remainder of the time he and Spike were gone somewhere else. That would explain why there was no pain or fear evident through his connection with her.

Spike wanted to believe that that was had happened. She had done it before, actually. A century ago when they had been in Italy, he and Angelus had gone away for a few days to celebrate at a festival. They'd left Drusilla at the house in the country because she did not wish to attend the party. During their absence, she had grown tired of the minions and gone to the nearest city, staying in a nice cottage by a river, patiently waiting for him and Angelus to find her. They hadn't left her alone again after that, having been worried that she could have gotten herself killed wandering around alone, angry that the minions had allowed her to go. It had only been a couple of decades later that Angelus had received his soul and left them. This was the first time that Drusilla had been left alone since Italy. There was a possibility that she hadn't wanted to remain with the minions so she had wandered off again, as she had before. But, that would not explain the pain that he had felt the previous evening, the feeling that she had been injured. He just wanted dusk to hurry up and arrive so that they could go find her.

Angelus watched Spike pacing, a slight smile crossing his face as he asked, "Do you remember Italy?"

"That's what I was just thinking about, Angelus," Spike said as an amused smile crossed his face. "Do you remember how worried we were? It took us a day to find her and when we arrived at the little cottage, she gave us the largest smile and asked about our trip, having no idea how scared we had been!"

"She knew," Angelus laughed softly, "Drusilla always knows far more than we give her credit, my boy. Perhaps her disappearing act this weekend is a reminder to us that she does not enjoy being left alone."

"I don't know," Spike frowned, "I felt the pain, as did you."

"Yes, I did," Angelus nodded, his eyes flashing suddenly, "if she has been harmed, we will kill whomever is responsible. At dusk, we will go out and find her. Maybe one of those imbeciles will hear something that will aid in our search, though I highly doubt that they have enough sense to get out of the sun much less discover helpful information."

"You scared the piss out of them, that's for sure," Spike smiled as he stopped pacing and moved towards his grandsire, his blues flashing with lust as he purred, "Bloody gorgeous, you were, all angry and powerful."

"We do have several hours before dusk," Angelus remarked with a playful smile as he leaned back on the bed, spreading his legs as Spike kneeled between them.

Spike moved his hand over Angelus' hardening erection, looking into Angelus' eyes as he stopped and asked, "Do you really think Dru is okay? That we'll find her tonight?"

"Yes, I do," Angelus said softly, groaning as Spike began to unfasten his pants. He did believe that Drusilla was not in danger, had no doubt that they'd find her shortly after dusk.

"So do I," Spike smiled as he freed Angelus' cock, deciding that shagging his lover was definitely a pleasurable way to kill the hours until sunset, until they could find Drusilla and be together again. He leaned over, taking the dark-haired vampire's entire length in his mouth, listening as Angelus moaned. Spike's blue eyes sparkled with mischief as he began to tease his lover, not in any hurry, knowing they had at least twelve hours before dusk and that this would distract him from worrying about his sire. Besides that, it wouldn't quite seem like the longest day of his unlife if he spent the majority of it in bed with Angelus.

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

The girls danced to the stars' song for nearly an hour before they decided to go back inside. Laughing, they made their way back into Willow's house. The decision was made to change into their sleeping clothes before settling down to watch the last two movies. Once they had all changed, blankets were gathered and pillows grabbed on their way back downstairs. The coffee table was pushed to the side and the living room floor was turned into a makeshift bed suitable for the four girls. It had been Willow's idea for them to camp out downstairs. While one of the upstairs beds might be more comfortable, it really felt like a slumber party when they were laying around on blankets and watching television.

Buffy had made popcorn while Cordelia and Willow got the living room prepared, teaching Drusilla how to use the microwave and heating up some blood for the hungry vampire. They chatted about the stars and the movies they had seen while the popcorn heated up. Once it was finished, they joined the other two in the living room, Buffy flopping down and declaring that the bed was comfy enough for the night. They had then gotten settled and started the Princess Bride. Drusilla had loved the movie, giggling and smiling throughout the entire film. After it was over, she recited various lines and made her new friends laugh. They then put on the Goonies, putting their snacks and drinks to the side as they laid down.

By the time the Goonies had snuck into the sewer, Cordelia was snoring softly. Buffy was asleep by the time they found the wishing well. Willow made it to the end of the movie, but, by the time the pirate ship floated away, the events of the day had caught up with her. She was yawning and barely able to keep her eyes open. She turned the television off, glancing at the clock and smiling. It was very late, or very early, depending which way you looked at it, and she was exhausted. She shared a sleepy smile with Drusilla who didn't appear at all tired. The brunette vampire had leaned over and brushed a kiss across Willow's cheek and whispered that she loved her before declaring that the redhead needed to get some rest. Willow didn't object, giving Dru a hug before laying down beside Buffy. It wasn't very long before she was asleep, her breathing even as she snuggled against her pillow.

Drusilla sat quietly for several moments, watching her new friends sleep, a pleased smile on her pretty face. She kissed Willow's forehead and whispered for the redhead to have sweet dreams. She then moved to brush her lips across Buffy and Cordelia's cheeks, whispering her love and telling them to sleep well. Drusilla then picked up the glasses and bowls that they had used and took them to the kitchen. She cleaned everything up, making sure she was very quiet so she did not disturb her friends' sleep. Once she had put everything away, she walked back into the living room. They would be ever so surprised when they woke to find everything clean and put away. She moved past them to stand by the window. Her eyes moved to look at the sky, knowing that soon the sun would rise. The stars were still singing, a happy song of love and friendship. She sang softly along with them, resting her face against the window.

Buffy had let her keep the pretty nightgown that she had worn the previous evening, giving it to her as a prezzie. Drusilla loved being surrounded by the scent of her new friends, feeling comfort and happiness with just the subtle scent in the air. She could not believe that she had such lovely friends, loving them all dearly, feeling as if they had always been a part of her life even though they had only just met. When she looked at Willow, she felt like she was home. There was such warmth and happiness, she couldn't even begin to describe it. She no longer felt alone, sharing the stars' song with her new friends, knowing that they now understood. Willow had opened her home, her heart, showing no signs of fear or hesitancy in accepting Drusilla, and *that* meant more to the vampire than the redhead could possibly understand. Not only had Willow saved her, become her friend, but she had introduced her to Cordelia and Buffy and thus allowed Dru to become a part of something so special.

Their friendship was now the fourth most important thing in Drusilla's life, following her love for her Daddy and her William and her Willow. Drusilla was not as foolish as some might believe, knowing that her new relationship with Willow and the others was going to be difficult to explain. She could not even begin to think of what her Daddy and William would say when they found out, but she did not really care. The stars had told her to go hunting the previous evening, they had told her to remain by the river, they had told her that Willow would save her, they had told her that Willow was meant to be part of her life, and they now told of happiness and family and such lovely whispers of the future. They would not explain themselves, but she trusted them so she did not dwell on how Angelus and William would react to her new friends. The stars said everything was going to be okay.

Drusilla smiled slightly as she thought of her Daddy and William. She knew that they would be ever so surprised if they knew how she had spent her day, rather pleased at the idea of surprising them. She loved them both dearly, they had been the main focus of her life for over a century after all, but she was enjoying also focusing her attention on Willow and her new friends. She was often so lost when Angelus and William were busy with matters that did not involve her, having no friends save for her pretty dollies, remaining in her dark, cold room, lonely for someone to talk to her, to listen to her. She cared for her dollies, Miss. Edith being her constant companion for decades, but her dollies were not her family, they were not warm, they did not have Willow's pretty green eyes or her lovely smile, they did not make her giggle like Buffy did with her silly stories of slaying, they did not make her smile like Cordelia did with her advice on fashion and attitude, they did not make her feel safe and loved like Willow did with a smile or a hug.

Drusilla listened as the stars stopped singing, whispering words to her, hinting at things that had not happened yet but were destined to be. Drusilla did not understand much of what they said, often having trouble understanding them when they were not entirely clear with their wishes. She slowly nodded as they continued to speak, many voices inside her head with one common theme that she began to understand was what they really wanted her to hear and to know. Her place was with Willow, she belonged with the redhead. A pleased smile crossed her face as she looked away from the stars, her eyes finding the sleeping redhead. She sighed softly, simply watching her friends sleep as the stars began to sing again. Suddenly, she straightened up, her eyes looking outside as a wide smile crossed her face. Daddy and William were home. Soon, everything would be as it should.

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

Angelus moved his lips against her neck, his hands moving across her bare stomach. Willow whimpered softly as he reached her breasts, squeezing her flesh as his teeth nipped at her neck. The whimper was caught by Spike's lips as the blond's hand moved between her legs, sliding two fingers into her dripping wetness. She began to move against his hand as Angelus teased her breasts, thumbs twisting her nipples roughly, just enough pain to cause her to gasp but not painful enough to lessen the pleasure. Spike released her mouth and Angelus turned her head, kissing her roughly as Spike kneeled in front of her. Soon, the blond's fingers were replaced by his tongue, causing shockwaves of pleasure to run throughout her body. Willow needed more, was aching to feel them both inside her. She put her hand on the back of Spike's head, pulling him closer as she began to move against his face. She heard Angelus chuckle knowingly, the husky sound causing a fresh wave of arousal.

She heard movement behind her, knew he was taking off his clothes. She looked at him as he moved beside Spike, her green eyes moving over their naked forms. She saw their hungry eyes sweep over her body, Spike licking his lips as he winked at her. She took his hand and followed them to the bed, climbing on top of the sexy blond, rubbing her wetness against his cock, leaning down and kissing him, feeling Angelus' hands on her hips as his hand moved down to stroke Spike. She felt Spike slowly entering her, stretching her, Angelus' hands all over her body, his lips on her back and neck as she began to move against Spike. It was long before she felt Angelus' fingers on her ass, stretching her, getting her read. She gasped when she felt his tongue on her, leaning forward to kiss Spike as Angelus prepared her for him. When she felt him start to enter her, she froze, scared that it would hurt, but also trusting them, knowing that they wouldn't hurt her. She had never felt anything like it before when they both started moving inside her. Spike would pull out as Angelus would push in and vice versa. She was soon moving against them, her release so near. They were all over her, mouths and hands and flesh touching flesh, the smell of sex thick in the air. She could feel her orgasm approaching, so close, she found herself kissing both of them, tongues teasing as she felt her body tense up. It was finally time.

Green eyes suddenly flew open as Willow woke up, her face flushed and her breathing ragged from the erotic dream she'd been having. It took her a minute to wake up, her body aching, wetness between her thighs, an intense need running through her. She became aware of snoring first, glancing over and seeing Cordelia and Buffy sleeping. Oh God! She couldn't believe she'd just had a sex dream about Angelus and Spike during her slumber party! Thankfully, it looked like her friends were asleep and had no idea that she'd been about to push her hand between her legs to alleviate the tension that always followed such dreams. With a sigh, Willow carefully stood up, not wanting to wake her friends. She rubbed her thighs together, cursing herself for having *that* kind of dream at such an inopportune time.

After she stood, she realized that Drusilla wasn't laying down. Green eyes looked around the room, finding the brunette vampire looking out the window. The sky was no longer completely dark, the sun slowly rising in the east. She moved beside her new friend, glancing at the clock and seeing that she had slept a little over an hour. She covered a yawn, again scolding herself for her bad habit of having naughty dreams about Angelus and Spike. She was extremely lucky that she had woken up before she *had* done something like touch herself or say their name or anything that might have woken her friends and caused unknown amounts of humiliation. She saw Drusilla look at her, having to smile when she saw the happy smile on the vampire's face, "Hey there."

"You did not sleep enough, pretty pet," Drusilla scolded softly, easily smelling the sweet scent of Willow's arousal. She had heard a whimper from the pretty redhead not long before, moving closer out of concern that Willow was having a nightmare until she had smelled the arousal. She knew then that her friend was not having a bad dream, she was just having a naughty dream, so Drusilla had smiled softly and tucked the cover around her friend and then had gone back to looking out the window, not wishing to disturb the redhead.

"I had a bad dream," Willow said, seeing the slight knowing smile on the vampire's face, blushing as she realized that Dru must be able to smell her desire, deciding that that ability would definitely go in the negative column of being friends with a vampire, just like hanging out in cemeteries on a weekend night for fun went in the negative column of being Buffy's friend.

"Not so bad," Drusilla giggled softly, noticing the embarrassment in Willow's eyes and changing the subject, "the sky is so pretty, is it not, Willow-mine?"

"It's lovely," Willow said, thanking numerous gods that she had read about that Drusilla was not going to tease her about the dream. She knew that such dreams were common and just part of life, especially of a teenage girl that found herself lusting after two gorgeous vampires that oozed sexuality even when threatening to kill, but she was overjoyed at the idea of not discussing it. She relaxed as she said, "I love the colors in the sky. The oranges and reds and, well, it's just a great way to start a new day, watching the sunrise."

"I have not seen a sunrise in ever so long," Drusilla said wistfully, her eyes looking at the sky.

"Come on," Willow took Dru's hand and headed towards the stairs. She had just remembered something that she thought would make Drusilla very happy. She smiled, "I've got a surprise for you."

"A surprise?" Drusilla beamed as she followed the redhead, wondering what the surprise could be.

Willow took Dru into her parents' room, opening the curtains that concealed the balcony. It was a perfect view of the rising sun, showcasing the vivid colors and beautiful scene. She smiled at Dru as the vampire gasped in delight, "It's safe to watch it from here."

"It's glorious," Drusilla whispered as she moved closer to the door. She had not seen the sunrise since she had been alive, a time long ago and mostly forgotten. The colors were still in her mind, in a corner where she kept memories of the time before she was who she was now, but they had faded with time and were no longer a pleasant memory, becoming gray and dark and cold. This, this was beyond any memory that she had ever had. The sky was so many bright colors, she had not seen the sun except in pictures or on the telly occasionally, and it had never looked so bright and so warm. She turned to face Willow, moving quickly and hugging the girl as tight as she could, whispering, "Thank you, my sweet Willow. It's the most lovely surprise ever. I love you ever so much."

"Need to breathe," Willow managed to gasp, laughing as Drusilla pulled away, a soft smile crossing her face as she said, "I'm glad you like it. My parents had this coating applied to the door years ago. It's clear so you can see out but it prevents the sunlight from coming in and heating up the room. They always hated how hot the room would get early in the mornings when the sun came up, since it shines directly through the doors. That's why you can get so close and not feel any kind of pain. I was hoping it would protect you and it appears that it does. I hoped you'd enjoy it."

"I love it," Drusilla whispered as she looked back outside, watching as the sun slowly began to rise. She rested her head on Willow's shoulder, a happy smile on her face as they silently enjoyed the sunrise.

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

Willow woke up to find herself sleeping in her parents' bed with Drusilla snuggled against her. She'd not had any more naughty dreams, thankfully. An affectionate smile crossed the redhead's face as she looked over at the sleeping vampire. They had watched the sunrise together, Drusilla overjoyed at seeing the sun rise, Willow assumed probably for the first time since she had been turned. Willow had felt happy sharing this experience with her new friend, enjoying the look of pleasure in Dru's eyes as she'd watched something as simple as the sunrise. Willow had seen the sun rise numerous times, so often that she'd began to take it for granted, not really paying attention and appreciating the sheer beauty of nature. Through Drusilla's eyes, she'd been reminded how wonderful it was to just sit peacefully and enjoy the brilliant colors that indicated a new day had started.

She laid in the bed as she became fully awake, not wanting to move just yet. She hadn't really had a moment to herself since first stumbling upon Drusilla by the river. Okay, so there had been several hours when Dru was passed out but those didn't really count because she'd been worried and scared and trying to figure out how to save Drusilla so Angelus didn't decide to blame her if anything happened to his daughter and end up killing her out of some misguided retribution. And that had been before Drusilla had woken up and worked her way into Willow's heart. There was no doubt in the redhead's mind that she cared about Dru, knowing that the vampire had become a real friend during the last day, rather surprising since it had been such an extremely short period of time and considering their major stumbling blocks in forming any kind of relationship. Vampire, human, not your typical grounds for friendship.

Willow loved Drusilla in the same way she loved Buffy and Xander and even Cordelia, counting the brunette among her very limited circle of friends in which she would do anything for. She loved Giles, too, but that love was more of a fatherly type of affection, an admiration for the watcher that had become a parent to them all during the last year and a half. Willow knew that she was a very loving person, always wanting someone to love and care for, wanting someone to care for her. She'd never been shown affection by her parents, able to list on one hand the number of times either of her parents had given her a hug, never having heard them say that they loved her, so she'd grown up unloved and constantly searching for approval and love.

When she'd become friends with Xander and Jesse, she had finally found someone to care about, making it her mission to insure their happiness and to always to be there for them whenever they needed a friend because they cared. She'd still had many lonely hours, not able to be with her new friends all the time, but the loneliness wasn't so bad when she knew that someone did care about her, that Xander loved to make her smile and that Jesse loved to make her laugh. They were her first friends, the first people that actually liked being around her, that would talk to her about their problems and would sometimes listen to her. Okay, so Xander had never been a great listener, but Jesse had been the best, often having conversations with her that lasted for hours as they got older.

When she'd met Buffy, she'd lost Jesse. She still missed him, often sitting outside at night and thinking about her old friend, wishing that he'd come up behind her and tell her one of those horrible stories that always made her laugh. She liked to visit his grave, to tell him what was happening in her life and Xander's, knowing that he had died a vampire but wanting to remember him as her friend. The pain of losing one of the two people that cared about her had been lessened gradually because she'd had Buffy. The slayer had taken Jesse's place, not replacing his memory or what he had meant to her, but giving Willow a focus, a way to deal with her grief over losing Jesse by concentrating on helping Buffy with her calling, by becoming the slayer's best friend. Buffy needed her, for advice and friendship and help with homework and just to sit and enjoy a nice talk while waiting for some fledge to rise. With Buffy, Willow had finally felt loved.

Oh, Xander loved her, but guys weren't really that good at talking about their feelings so Buffy was the first person that had ever told her that she loved her. Willow hadn't told her best friend that it was the first time she'd ever heard those words, knowing that Buffy would have been shocked and not wanting to make such a big deal out of something so taken for granted by others. Since then, she'd heard the words a lot more often. Buffy was always telling her, maybe sensing that the redhead wasn't accustomed to verbal declarations of affection and friendship, and Xander had even told her once or twice, usually right before they were going to face some demon or another.

Now, she had Drusilla in her life. She'd heard the words constantly from the brunette vampire, seeing a similar look of loneliness and, she struggled to think of the right word, need perhaps. Buffy had Joyce, a mother that cared about and loved her and was so fantastic about making sure her daughter knew that she wasn't alone and that she was loved. Xander's parents weren't that great, but they did love their only son and did their best to make sure he knew they cared. Cordelia was a bit like her, her parents constantly busy and never around, but the cheerleader didn't seem to have any doubts of their affection for her. Her friends couldn't fully understand what it felt like, but Drusilla did. That loneliness was the main reason that Willow had helped her, seeing a kindred spirit when she looked into the vampire's eyes.

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

True, Drusilla had Angelus and Spike. Willow had no doubts that the male vampires did love her, that much had been evident in the way Spike had acted and even in the way Angel had spoken about her before he lost his soul. Drusilla was just highly lovable. She made you want to protect her, to keep her safe. And that was probably the reason she seemed so lonely. They were so busy protecting her that they'd stopped listening, forgetting that she wasn't a child that needed to be kept safe. Drusilla did have her childish moments, but she was also very intelligent, a great observer, and was definitely able to take care of herself should the situation arrive, that being proven by the demon she had killed to protect herself before Willow had found her. The redhead knew that Drusilla could have easily gone home and drank the blood needed to rid her body of the poison, remaining at the river and growing far weaker because the stars had told her to wait. Okay, so there was a bit of argument that could be made about her mental capabilities because she listened to the stars, but Willow now knew that the stars *did* sing so she could not possibly hold that belief against Drusilla. Drusilla was not insane at all. She was merely able to hear things that a majority of creatures were not. It made her even more special.

So Willow knew that Angelus and Spike both loved and cared about Drusilla, but the vampire still had that look of loneliness, the same look that Willow knew was in her eyes whenever she was not with her friends. She knew from experience that feeling of being unloved and lonely. Even surrounded by her friends, she sometimes felt like she was missing something. She had paternal love from Giles, she had platonic love from Buffy and Cordelia and Xander and now Drusilla, but she didn't have passionate love. She sighed softly, knowing that that kind of love was like an elusive dream.

She couldn't complain, though. She was so very fortunate that she had friends that loved her, that weren't afraid to speak of their affection, that would do anything for her, that wanted her to be happy. Willow loved with all her heart, knowing that there was nothing she wouldn't do for her friends, that she would do anything she could to make sure they were happy and enjoying their lives. Sharing the sunrise with Drusilla had made her happy just because she was able to give something back to the vampire that had made her feel less alone. With Drusilla, she had someone that understood the loneliness, that knew how much even the simple words I love you could mean. Drusilla also gave Willow the opportunity to protect and teach and share the little things that she sometimes took for granted.

What concerned Willow now, as it had when she first found Drusilla, was Angelus and Spike. She'd planned to help Dru and then send the brunette back with hopes that Angelus would either not find out that she had helped Dru or that the vampire would ignore it because he was glad that Dru was okay. That had been before she had found the kindred spirit in Drusilla, before they'd become such close friends, before she had shared her heart with the vampire, before she'd realized just how great it was to have someone to share life with. Drusilla had a family, though, two master vampires that cared about her deeply even if they didn't listen to her and didn't realize just how isolated their need to keep Drusilla safe made the female vampire.

Willow had heard enough from Drusilla to know that Angelus and Spike were just oblivious to the fact that Drusilla was lonely and aching for companionship. She knew that she couldn't even begin to understand the complexities of relationships between vampires, really having no interest in trying at the moment, but she knew that Drusilla was extremely happy being with her and her friends, that she seemed to thrive on being surrounded by people she considered friends, that she truly did feel the love for them that she spoke of. She also knew that Buffy and Cordelia had begun to care about Drusilla, considering her a friend, something she'd never have expected but really made her love her friends even more for their ability to be so open-minded and not judge Drusilla just because she was a vampire and had a reputation for being a bit crazy.

Willow knew that Drusilla would return to Angelus and Spike, that the brunette loved them both dearly, in the same way she loved her friends. Okay, so it was probably even more intense and not in the same platonic sense that she cared about Buffy and Xander, but she was still a bit confused about the exact nature of the relationship between Dru and the two male vampires so she'd compare it to her own feelings for her friends for the sake of this mental argument. Drusilla would return to them, and life would go on. That was pretty much the bottom line. She didn't know what would happen beyond that, didn't know if Drusilla would forget about them and their day together, didn't know if Angelus would be angry and decide to break the truce with Buffy, didn't know if Angelus would even find out where Drusilla had been. It was pointless to worry about the future, a part of her simply wanting to trust Drusilla and believe that everything would be okay, just like the stars said.

In the end, Drusilla would go home, Buffy would go home, Cordelia would go home. She'd be left alone, something that she was, unfortunately, accustomed to. She didn't feel sorry for herself, never having much room in life for pity or even self-focus, instead spending her time enjoying the hours she spent with her friends and being happy that she had such wonderful people in her life, that she had created herself a family of sorts. She was glad that she had saved Drusilla, that she had become friends with the vampire, that she could share her family with the brunette and help take away a little of the loneliness that was in her eyes. With a soft smile on her face, Willow leaned over and brushed her lips across Drusilla's cheek and whispered, "I love you, Drusilla," before she carefully got out of bed, not wanting to disturb the vampire's sleep. Drusilla smiled in her sleep and snuggled closer to the warm pillow as Willow quietly left the room.

She was going to take a shower and get dressed then see about making some breakfast. Maybe some French toast and bacon, she decided as she walked down the hall into her bedroom. That was Buffy's favorite breakfast and the slayer deserved a bit of spoiling for being so great with Drusilla. Hopefully, Cordelia would enjoy it, too, since she also deserved recognition for giving friendship with Drusilla a chance. Willow began to hum as she gathered her clothes for the day and headed into the shower, her green eyes shining with happiness as she decided that today was going to be a great day.

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

Willow walked into the living room, smiling as she saw that Buffy and Cordelia were still sleeping. They'd had a late night so she decided to try to be as quiet as possible, knowing both girls deserved a good rest. She was planning on cleaning up their mess from the previous night and then cooking some breakfast. She was surprised to find that everything had already been moved and put away. She smiled as she realized that Drusilla must have cleaned up after they'd gone to sleep, making a mental note to thank the vampire. The redhead was able to go ahead and start breakfast, looking in the refrigerator and trying to decide what to make. She wanted to cook a nice breakfast, something pleasant to end their sleepover.

She wasn't the greatest cook in the world, having very little experience at cooking for more than just herself, and usually making do with frozen dinners or the occasional small meal. But, breakfasts *were* something she was good at. She'd often cooked breakfast for Xander and Jesse during the summer when they'd spent so much time hanging out at her place, and she'd helped Buffy make it numerous times after sleepovers at the slayer's house. She decided that the French toast she'd thought of earlier was a must, that being one of her favorite breakfast meals. She'd fry up some bacon and maybe make some eggs, she finally decided. She gathered all of the ingredients that she needed, making sure everything was in good order before she started to make the coating for the bread.

Buffy woke up to the smell of frying bacon. Her tummy rumble as she inhaled the appetizing aroma, her hazel eyes opening reluctantly. She'd slept all night without a single nightmare, and she felt great. She sat up, rubbing the back of her hand over her eyes as she stretched and yawned. She felt movement beside her, noticing that Cordelia was waking up, too. She smiled as she stood, rubbing the small of her back as she walked into the kitchen. The smile widened as she saw that Willow was cooking breakfast, "Morning, Will."

"Morning, sleepyhead," Willow gave her best friend a brief smile before turning her attention back to the frying bacon.

"It's not even ten and this is the longest I've slept in years," Buffy defended as she moved closer to the cabinet, quickly stealing a piece of the cooked bacon. She took a bite, crunching as she looked to see what other treats Willow had made. "French toast! My favorite!"

"There will be no food for you if you keep swiping it!" Willow threatened with a laugh as she added more bacon to the growing pile.

"Yes, Ma'am! No more stealing bacon, Ma'am," Buffy mock saluted, her eyes flashing with amusement.

"It's too early for humor," Cordelia grumbled as she joined the girls in the kitchen. She stretched, yawning as she turned her attention to her friends.

"Look, Delia, it's French toast and bacon!" Buffy pointed out excitedly in between finishing off the strip of bacon she'd taken from the pile.

"Smells great," Cordelia smiled as she moved towards the hall, "I'm going to the bathroom. Be right back."

"Where's our fanged friend this morning?" Buffy asked as she moved to sit on the cabinet and watch Willow finish cooking.

"She's asleep in my parent's room," Willow said before giving Buffy a pointed look, "You know, you could be scrambling those eggs instead of just being lazy slayer girl and watching me do all the work."

"But," Buffy started to protest, having to smile sheepishly as she admitted, "it's too early for me to think of a good reason why I should be able to be lazy slayer while you're breakfast cooking girl so I guess I'll make the eggs."

"Wise decision, slayer," Willow giggled as she moved over to allow the blonde to start working on the eggs.

"I feel much better," Cordelia said as she entered the kitchen, her eyes widening in mock horror as she said, "Buffy's cooking! Oh God, we're all doomed!"

"Cute," Buffy stuck her tongue out at the cheerleader and smacked Willow's shoulder when the redhead laughed, "Hey, I can cook pretty darn well, thank you!"

"Buffy is great with desserts," Willow said, "her vanilla caramel swirl cake is just fantastic! And she taught me how to make cookies without having them end up looking like a lumpy mess."

"See?" Buffy beamed as she began to scramble the eggs.

"Do you guys need any help?" Cordelia asked, "My expertise in the kitchen pretty much ends with milk shakes, but I'm not completely awful at the cooking thing."

"Actually, it would be great if you could set the table and get everything ready like that," Willow smiled at her friend, "Buffy likes chocolate sauce on her French toast so be sure to get that from the fridge and put it on the table. I prefer syrup. Oh, and there are napkins and stuff in the cabinet over there. I'm nearly done with the bacon and Buffy should be finished with the eggs soon."

"Okay," Cordelia agreed as she got out three plates, asking, "Should I get a plate for Dru or is she doing the sleeping all day vampire thing?"

"I don't know," Willow said honestly, "she was up early yesterday morning, but we had such a busy and late night that she might be tired. I'm gonna go up and see if she wants to join us for breakfast, though, so go ahead and put out a plate for her. I don't want her to feel left out."

"Sure," Cordelia got the plates and set the table. By the time she had finished, Willow and Buffy were finished with the rest of the meal. She got four glasses down and asked, "What's everyone want to drink?"

"Be sure to give Dru the colored glass because seeing blood this early in the morning would so ruin my appetite," Buffy commented as she put the pan she'd used in the dishwasher. "I just want some orange juice."

"Me too, with the OJ," Willow said as she moved to the stairs. "I'll run upstairs and see if Dru's awake and wants to have breakfast with us. I'll be right back."

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

Drusilla had woken up alone, Willow's scent still covering the pillow that she was snuggled against. She knew that Willow hadn't been gone long, having felt the loss of warmth when Willow had gotten out of bed. Drusilla finally sat up, closing her eyes and concentrating, smiling when she sensed Willow's presence not far away. The vampire had gotten out of bed, tucking the covers back in place before wandering into the hallway. She listened to noises in the kitchen, smelled lovely aromas in the air, knew that Willow was cooking breakfast. Drusilla went into the redhead's room, finding her many bags from their shopping journey. She would get dressed and then she would go downstairs to find her friends and enjoy their food with them.

She carefully selected the clothes that she wanted to wear that day, choosing her favorite pair of soft blue jeans and her Princess shirt. She'd gathered up her smelling lotions and gone in to bathe. She preferred baths, loving when William would draw her a warm bath with so many pretty bubbles, sitting beside her and reading her stories as she bathed and then gently drying her off afterwards. Her William spoiled her, taking such wonderful care of her after Daddy had played his game with the nasty old gypsies. Her lovely boy deserved to be happy, smiling so much more now that Daddy was back. She hoped he enjoyed his prezzies, looking forward to taking a lengthy bath as he read to her from the book of poems she had bought him. She smiled as she decided to have Willow to join her in the bath, knowing that the redhead deserved to be spoiled ever so much with pretty bubbles and warm water, simply being lazy and listening to William read. It would be ever so much fun sharing the lovely time with her bestest friend!

Drusilla had pulled back the curtain once she entered the bathroom, having smiled as she had looked at the brightly colored fish that covered the blue shower curtain. A frown crossed her face as she looked at the different faucets. She had not understood how to make the shower work, pulling the different faucets and twisting and turning them until finally the water had fallen. Proud of herself for figuring it out, she'd undressed and taken a quick shower, using her new gels and sponge. When she had finished bathing, she'd managed to make the water stop and stepped out. After drying herself, she'd used the lotion and inhaled the sweet scents, loving how they mixed together. The apples were the same as Buffy and Willow, Drusilla singing softly as she'd danced her way back into Willow's room to get dressed.

She'd just finished dressing when she'd felt Willow, the singing fading as she'd smiled at the door.

"There you are!" Willow smiled as she entered her room, noticing that Drusilla was dressed and that her hair was wet.

"I made the water fall all by myself!" Drusilla said proudly, "Do you smell the apples? Now I smell like you and Buffy, Kitten."

"You smell great. You look fantastic, too," Willow said as she walked into her bathroom, seeing that Drusilla had already cleaned up after herself, putting the wet towels over the shower rod to dry. She glanced at the faucets just to be safe, relieved to see that they were fine. She'd been a bit worried when Dru had said she'd made the water fall, not sure if the vampire had figured out how to work the shower properly. She quickly used the restroom and washed her hands before going back into her room. She told Drusilla, "I made some breakfast and thought I'd come upstairs to see if you wanted to join us."

"Of course I do, silly," Drusilla giggled as she took Willow's arm, "what food are we eating this morning, Willow-mine?"

"I made some French toast and bacon and Buffy made eggs," Willow explained as they walked out into the hallway.

"I have never eaten any of those things," Drusilla said thoughtfully, "I shall try them all. I enjoyed my shower, but why do you not have a bath?"

"There wasn't a lot of room in my bathroom, so I was pretty lucky to get a shower," Willow said, wondering how they had jumped from food to baths. She added, "My parents have a pretty big bathtub in their bathroom so I use that when I'm in a bath kind of mood."

"I love warm baths with bubbles, listening to my William read to me," Drusilla smiled happily as she confided one of her favorite activities.

"Oh, um, yeah, that does sound wonderful," Willow said as she too vividly imagined Spike in the bathtub with her, reading her poems from the naughty poetry book that Drusilla had given her as a prezzie, Angelus in the tub with them, the redhead frowning as she wondered if there was even a tub big enough for three people, deciding she wasn't going to worry about and instead focus on the fantasy, not really listening to Drusilla's reply, too caught up in thinking about naked Spike and naked Angelus and naked Willow. Before she knew it, they were in the kitchen and she was pushing naked thoughts from her mind.

"It is. William sits beside the bath and reads to me. You shall enjoy it, pretty pet," Drusilla promised, a large smile crossing her face as she saw her other two friends as they made their way into the kitchen. She greeted them, "Good morning! Isn't today the loveliest and happiest day ever?"

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

"Good morning, Dru!" Buffy laughed at the enthusiastic greeting from the vampire as Willow and Drusilla entered the kitchen.

"You look great!" Cordelia said with a smile as she looked at the vampire. "Those jeans are perfect for your figure and that shirt is so cute!"

"Thank you, Cordelia," Drusilla said with a pleased smile as she glanced down, loving her new clothes. She looked back and asked Buffy, "Did you sleep well, pet?"

"Yes," Buffy nodded as she finished putting the last plate of food on the table. "Are you going to eat breakfast with us?"

"There's French toast," Cordelia said as she sat down at the table. She and Buffy had waited to eat until Willow and Drusilla came down, not wanting to start without their friends. Now, though, she was hungry and ready to eat.

"Oh, you have to try it with chocolate syrup," Buffy said with an excited bounce, "you'll love it because you're like me and just adore chocolate. Willow thinks it's gross, but you're going to appreciate how tasty it is."

"It is gross," Willow said with a laugh, "but you're the one eating it so I can't complain."

"I'll try it, Buffy," Drusilla decided, earning her a hug from the slayer.

"You'll love it," Buffy declared as she sat down and started to make a plate.

Willow put a bag of blood in the microwave for Drusilla, draining it into the dark glass that Cordelia had left out. She then walked to the table and sat down, giving Drusilla the glass. She made her plate, pouring the syrup onto her French toast, making a face as she saw Buffy generously topping her French toast with chocolate syrup. She had to smile as Drusilla took the plate from Buffy and took a bite, "So, how is it?"

"It's lovely," Drusilla decided before she took another bite.

"Okay, I'm with Willow on this one," Cordelia spoke up, "That is so gross, Buffy!"

"Hey, two against two...it's a tie," Buffy said with a smirk, "Dru likes it! I like it! And you guys don't have to eat it so just hush!"

"Did Kitten tell you about the sunrise this morning?" Drusilla asked, her eyes flashing with pleasure as she smiled, "It was so beautiful."

"Sunrise?" Buffy asked, giving Willow a confused look, "Um, how exactly did that work? You know, vampire plus sunrise usually equals pile of dust."

"My parents have this coating on their windows so Dru was able to see the sunrise today," Willow explained.

"That's really neat," Buffy said softly as she looked back at Drusilla, seeing how happy Drusilla was over seeing something that she no longer really paid attention to herself.

"It was the most wonderful surprise ever," Drusilla said as she looked adoringly at Willow.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Willow said as she smiled at the vampire before returning to her breakfast as they started talking about the movies they had watched the previous evening.

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

Breakfast was finished and the dishes washed. Willow and Buffy were getting the blankets and pillows together to put away and Drusilla was sitting on the sofa singing them a song. Cordelia had just finished taking a shower and was letting Drusilla brush her hair, humming along to the tune she recognized as the song that the stars had sung the previous evening.

"Yesterday was so much fun," Buffy declared as she fell into the chair, a smile on her face as she thought over everything that had happened since she'd arrived at Willow's the previous morning.

"I know," Cordelia agreed, finding it odd still that she'd had such an enjoyable time hanging out with a vampire that was supposed to be their enemy. "I love hanging out at your house, Willow."

"Thanks," the redhead smiled as she sat beside Drusilla, "my house is your house so please feel free to come back any time you want. It was a lot of fun just relaxing and forgetting about slaying for a few hours."

"We need to do it again sometime," Buffy decided, not wanting to think about the fact that there probably wouldn't be another time. She figured that Drusilla would return home once the sun set and that would be that. She certainly knew that Angelus would not be happy at all when he found out his daughter had spent the night with them, frowning as she wondered if he'd punish Dru, not liking the idea at all of her new friend getting hurt because of their friendship. She looked up, her eyes flashing as she said, "Dru, if Angelus tries anything mean..."

"Do not worry about my Daddy, Buffy," Drusilla spoke softly, pleased that her new friend was ready to defend her against Angelus, but knowing that there would be no need. She confided, "The stars have said everything will be as it should."

"Yeah, okay, but if he hurts you, find me and I'll kick his ass for hurting one of my friends," Buffy said with a slight smile, watching Drusilla smile at her words.

"You are sweet, but he will not hurt me," Drusilla smiled at her new friend.

"Well, guys, I hate to say it, but it's getting pretty late and I've got some stuff to do before I meet Xander later," Cordelia said as she stood up. She looked at Dru and smiled, "It was really great meeting you, Drusilla. I enjoyed spending time with you, and I hope we can do it again sometime."

"We shall," Drusilla said as she got to her feet and hugged Cordelia, whispering, "Thank you for teaching me how to make milk shakes and for helping me buy so many lovely clothes. I love you, Cordelia."

"You look fabulous, and I love you too Dru," Cordelia said with a soft smile as she pulled back from the hug. She got her bag and told Buffy, "I'll see you Monday, Buffy. Have fun bonding with your Mom tonight."

"See ya at school, Cordy," Buffy said as she gave the girl a brief hug.

"Willow, thank you so much for inviting me," Cordelia told the redhead as she gave her a big hug, "it means a lot to me. I had so much fun and I really do appreciate you including me and calling me friend."

"You *are* a friend, Delia," Willow said with an affectionate smile at the cheerleader. "Thanks for the help with the clothes. You're great at that kind of stuff."

"I am, aren't I?" Cordelia laughed as she said again, "Bye guys, I'll see you all soon!"

"Wait, Cordelia. Can you give me a ride home?" Buffy asked after she looked at the clock and saw the time.

"Sure," Cordelia nodded, "I'll go start the car."

"Thanks. I hate to leave, but I'd better get home, too," Buffy said as she reluctantly got to her feet. "It's after noon and I told Mom I'd be home by one."

"I love you, Buffy," Drusilla said as she gave the surprised slayer a tight hug, "it was ever so wonderful meeting you and becoming your friend."

"Yeah, it was," Buffy agreed as she returned the hug, not at all finding it weird anymore that she considered this vampire a friend, "I love you, Drusilla. And like Willow said, we *are* friends, no matter what."

"We shall speak again soon, pretty pet," Drusilla decided as she smiled at the slayer. She added, "I wish for you to teach me how to make that chocolate peanut butter cake that you were describing to me. It sounded ever so delicious!"

"Who'd have ever imagined a vampire addicted to chocolate!" Buffy laughed, "I'll teach you, Dru. Promise."

"I'll help you take all this to the car," Willow offered as she gathered up some of Buffy's bags. "I'll be right back, Dru."

"Take your time, Kitten," Drusilla said as she sat back down and began to sing again.

"Do you think Angelus is going to hurt her?" Buffy asked Willow as soon as they left the house.

"I trust Drusilla and she doesn't think he is going to," Willow said slowly, sighing as she admitted, "I don't know, honestly, how he's going to react. I mean, I thought that I could save her and she'd just go home at dusk but that was before I got to know her. Now, well, we're friends and I'm worried about what Angelus is going to do when he finds out she spent time with us. He's unpredictable and it scares me a little, but what can we do?"

"Trust the stars and Drusilla," Buffy finally replied, giving Willow a soft smile, "There's nothing else we can do except trust that everything will be as it should, as Dru says. No point worrying and being scared. Angelus *is* unpredictable so there isn't any point in trying to anticipate his reaction. He already hates all of us and he's already tried to kill us several times so, you know, not that big a threat. If anything, he'll break the truce he decides to make and we'll be fair game again."

"You're right," Willow smiled as she hugged Buffy, "we've just got to trust the stars and Drusilla. Tell Joyce I said hi and have fun tonight."

"Do you want me to stop by if we get done early?" Buffy asked, "I mean, with Drusilla going back home tonight and all, do you want some company?"

"No, that's okay, but thanks," Willow said, "I'll probably just go to sleep early. If I don't talk to you tomorrow, I'll see you Monday. Have a good weekend!"

"You too, Willow," Buffy said as she gave the redhead another hug before getting into Cordelia's car.

Willow waved as they drove away before she turned and started walking back to her house. Buffy was right. She needed to stop worrying about Angelus and how he was going to react to what had happened. Maybe they'd get lucky and he wouldn't even find out. Or maybe he'd be so glad Drusilla was okay after the attack that he didn't care how she had been saved. Or maybe he'd be so angry that he started trying to kill them again. While she would vote for one of the two earlier responses, they were at least prepared to acknowledge the third choice. Besides, it wasn't like they were even aware that he had decided to have his truce and stop trying to kill them until Drusilla had confirmed their suspicions the previous day, so it wasn't like that choice would change anything. She entered the house, smiling as she heard Drusilla singing. She shut the door and moved to sit beside the happy vampire, relaxing as Dru began to brush her hair. She'd just trust the stars, hope that they were right and that everything would be okay.

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

The afternoon passed rather quickly once Cordelia and Buffy left. Willow and Drusilla spent the majority of it laying on the sofa together and just talking. After two hours, Willow had told the brunette all about her life and her parents and her friends, answering numerous questions from the inquisitive vampire. It was the first time that Willow had really spoken about Jesse's death, finding herself able to tell Drusilla things that she'd never told anyone else. Drusilla had not told her stories about her life or of her travels with Angelus and William, far more interested in hearing about Willow than in telling stories about herself.

Finally, Willow's throat was getting sore and she knew that she had been talking too much. She took a drink from the bottle of water that she'd put on the table before Buffy and Cordelia had left, putting it back down as she settled more comfortably on the sofa. She smiled at Drusilla, who was laying the opposite way on the sofa. She said, "I've been talking so much that my throat is starting to hurt. Your turn to talk now, Dru."

Drusilla smiled softly as she looked at her redhead, having enjoyed their private time together. She had adored Buffy and Cordelia, loving spending time with the talkative girls, but it was rather nice just being with her pretty pet and hearing about her life. The vampire did not often spend hours talking, usually listening whenever she was with Daddy and William or talking to her dollies who didn't answer her in the way that Willow did. She knew that Willow had told her things that no one else knew, pleased that her kitten trusted her and wanted to share her secrets. She cocked her head to the side and asked quietly, "Would you like me to tell you about before?"

"Before what?" Willow asked, curiosity in her green eyes.

"Before I met Angelus...before I met Daddy," Drusilla was speaking softly, nearly whispering as her eyes flashed with memories and pain and then happiness. A wistful smile crossed her pretty face as she said, "I do not remember very much, Kitten, but I remember images, feelings. I spoke to the stars even then, but no one understood. They thought that it was the devil's work, locking me in the dark for hours in hopes that I would be saved. Angelus was the first person that understood, though Daddy does not hear their song."

"Dru, you don't have to tell me about that," Willow said quietly, knowing that it had to upset her new friend to think about that time. She had read the watchers' diaries, knew that Angelus had stalked Drusilla for months, killing and torturing her family, driving her crazy before he finally raped her and turned her. Selfishly, Willow didn't want to hear about that, didn't want to think about Angelus and how frightened Drusilla must have been, didn't want to bring up memories that were so painful.

"I want to share my secrets with you, Willow," Drusilla said softly, "whisper, whisper in your ear, tell you things that no one knows. I remember when I first saw my Daddy, watching me from an alley. The look in his eyes scared me, pet, but it also excited me. I knew it was wrong to feel such things for a stranger, but he fascinated me. When his eyes looked into mine, even across the path, I knew that I belonged with him. I do not remember what happened after, he was there, watching and leaving me prezzies, blood and screams and my pretty little sisters broken and dead...they would not wake up, could not be fixed like my dollies. My fault...the devil had come for me and this was my punishment...looking at the cross, praying, crying as I felt him coming for me, wanting him to kill me, wanting him to stop the voices....he was not scared of me, did not look at me with suspicion and horror as the others did, whisper behind my back, call me crazy...Angelus understood...when he came for me, blood dripping from his hands, his eyes staring into mine, the voices got so loud before they started to sing, and I wanted him to love me, to never let me go..."

Drusilla was lost in memories that had been long buried, her eyes staring unseeingly and the same wistful smile on her pretty face. She closed her eyes as she continued talking softly, "I was so very scared, confused, I did not know what to do...I ran, hearing him laugh as he easily caught me, my struggles causing him amusement. I looked into his eyes and could no longer fight...I did not want to fight...I remember the rocks behind my back, poking and sharp, when he pushed me against the ground. Ripping my pretty white dress, his eyes never leaving mine as he tore at my knickers...and then he was there, in my private place and there was so much pain, the world exploded, the stars singing so loudly as Angelus played his naughty game, never looking away from me, making sure that I was with him and nowhere else...scent of blood, moans and cries as he bruised my flesh...he surrounded me, consumed me...his teeth piercing my neck as I cried out when my body reacted to his touch and his flesh...staring at the sky as the stars sang softly, feeling my life fading away, I was happy...then he was feeding me, making me drink from his wrist, still inside me....bitter taste, I did not want to drink...he forced me, his eyes blazing with anger at my refusal...I could not look away from his eyes...he spoke of forever, husky words drowning out the stars...he did not want to let me go, as if he had read my mind....I drank."

Drusilla opened her eyes as a happy smile crossed her face, remembering how lovely it had been to wake up in her Daddy's arms, to know that he wanted to be with her forever, that he was never going to let her go. She had felt loved for the first time in her life, memories of before fading over time, no longer able to remember the features of her pretty little sisters, accepting the pain and torment that Angelus had made her go through before as a test to make sure that she belonged to him. It was then that she became aware of the scent of tears, looking at Willow and seeing the redhead crying silently. She did not understand why Willow was sad, moving her hand gently along her friend's leg, "Do not cry, Willow."

"I just..." Willow trailed off, not able to explain that she was crying because of what Drusilla had been forced to endure at the hands of Angelus, knowing that her friend wouldn't understand.

"You are crying for me, Kitten," Drusilla said softly, her eyes alert and aware, "but you do not need to. I love Angelus, I do not blame him for what happened. I am happy, so very happy. Pain fades with time, memories of old are replaced with new memories, it was long ago and I do not regret wanting to stay with him forever. I do not want you to cry for me, pretty Willow, because I do not feel sadness for what happened before. I have my Daddy and my sweet William and now I have you. I want you to smile for me, lovey, and then I shall tell you another secret, whisper pst pst pst in your ear."

Willow wiped her face with the back of her hand and gave Drusilla the best smile that she could manage under the circumstances. It seemed to appease the vampire because Drusilla smiled happily as she began to talk about visiting France with her Daddy and Darla, deliberately making the story amusing to distract the redhead from the sad thoughts that she had inadvertently caused by speaking of the time before. The brunette felt less burdened than she had ever felt after telling Willow about her meeting with Angelus and remembering things she'd forgotten over time. She listened to Willow laugh softly as she told of Darla's attempts at seducing a noble in order to gain access of his house, frustrated that her attempts were failing and fussing about until the noble made a lurid proposition to Angelus that had resulted in said noble experiencing a broken neck for expressing his desire for her Daddy and Darla's happiness at learning the reason her attempt had failed. She had always cared for her Grandmum, but she had been relieved when the blonde had left them to travel, knowing that her Daddy was more relaxed and nicer when his Mum wasn't visiting.

"I know it's wrong to be laughing when that poor guy died, but you tell it so well that I can't help but laugh," Willow confessed as she smiled sheepishly. In a way, they were a family, she realized. Okay, so they had blood and naughty games and violence and other vampire type things, but they were also a family. She tried to accept that Drusilla was happy being a vampire and that she believed that the pain she had suffered at the hands of Angelus before her turning was worth the happiness that she now had, but Willow was human and still couldn't get past how horrible it must have been for Dru, being alone and feared by her family and then become the object of Angelus' twisted obsession. No matter how sexy and intelligent and desirous Angelus was, Willow knew that he was also dangerous and unpredictable and kind of scary, and, may the Gods help her, she still found him so attractive that her heart sped up just a little thinking about him and Spike.

"You are precious, Kitten," Drusilla said with a delighted laugh. She began to draw twirly shapes on Willow's leg with her fingers as she made herself more comfortable on the sofa, deciding to tell more about her travels with her Daddy and Grandmum. Then, she would tell her bestest friend about the second most important night of her life. The night she met her pretty William.

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

"He fell in the river?" Willow repeated before she started to laugh, "I bet he wasn't very happy."

"Daddy was livid," Drusilla remembered fondly, "he was not able to rid himself of the water's stench for days. We met up with Grandmum in London, and she would not even lay with him because of the smell."

"So you guys went back to London?" Willow asked as she listened to Drusilla continue with her stories. The vampire had now been talking over an hour, telling her about the first few decades of her unlife, having many memories that caused Willow to smile or laugh. She watched as Drusilla's smile became more affectionate, her eyes loving as she began to speak.

"And that is where I met my William," Drusilla said softly. She looked at Willow and asked, "Would you like to hear about my William, Kitten?"

"Sure," Willow said, trying to keep the eagerness out of her reply. She wanted to hear about Spike and how he had been turned, not knowing very much about the bleached blond except that he was devoted to Drusilla and one of the most formidable enemies that they'd faced. Oh, and that he was as dangerous and sexy and tempting as Angelus, but that was obvious to anyone with hormones and eyes.

"He was so very sweet, such pretty words spilling those beautiful lips. When I saw him in that smoky pub, I knew that he was to be mine. You remind me of him, pet, so innocent and pure and smart, such potential for power. Daddy did not understand, disgusted that I was smitten with such a pathetic human, but I did not listen to him because he was just jealous that another had caught my eye. Grandmum thought it was amusing, not believing that William was strong, or that he was meant to be mine. I listened that night as that nasty creature ridiculed him, saying such mean things about his lovely words, his blue eyes so hurt. He was in pain and I knew that I could make it all better with just a kiss. I followed him, spoke to him, looked into his eyes and knew that I was right, that he was destined to be mine, to be with me forever. I kissed him and then I made him mine," Drusilla said simply, still remembering the first taste of her William's blood and the feeling of contentment that had spread over her when Angelus had joined them. Her family.

"You think I'm like Spike?" Willow asked quietly, watching as Drusilla looked at her and smiled.

"You are very much like my William. Do I confuse you because I do not call him Spike?" Drusilla asked, continuing before Willow could reply, "I do call him Spike, pretty pet, but to me he will always be my sweet William. He is now a mixture of the two, my William and Angelus' Spike. You see, Daddy was pleased when I brought William home, having already given permission for me to take him as my childe even though he was jealous and did not see what I could see. Once my William was one of us, Daddy could finally see it. He could see the strength and power and potential. We spent his first days playing naughty games, tasting and touching and he is so gentle. He was an innocent but he learned quickly, angering Daddy because of his devotion to me. Daddy was still jealous but now it was because we did not share with him. Silly Daddy, growling and grumpy until we allowed him to join us. Daddy is rough and unable to say things that my William says, never speaking of love or affection, though it is there in his eyes so I know how he feels. Daddy began to teach William, showing him the ways of surviving and how to play the games. Time passed and my William had become Spike, ruthless and cunning and dangerous. But he was also still my boy, loving and affectionate and curious and mine."

Drusilla saw Willow listening carefully, confusion in those pretty green eyes at the same time there was understanding. She smiled as she said softly, "You have a question, pet."

"You and Spike and Angelus. I don't understand the dynamic," Willow finally said, not sure how to ask what she wanted to know. Drusilla spoke about having sex with Angelus and Darla and now Spike, but she'd also mentioned the previous day about not being part of the naughty game so Willow was confused. She saw Drusilla's confusion and smiled, "Sorry, I don't know what I'm asking. Um, vampires believe in sharing, right, so I guess there isn't really anything like a steady relationship, is there?"

"I do not understand," Drusilla confessed, "We are family. We belong to each other. I am both Angelus' and William's mate, as they are mine and each other's."

"So you play, um, naughty games with them both?" Willow asked, wondering how she had managed to turn the conversation from Spike's turning into a discussion of the vampires' sexual habits. Goodness, she really needed to get her hormones under control, she decided, blushing slightly as she asked Drusilla the question.

"Oh, naughty games," Drusilla suddenly smiled, now understanding what Willow was asking. She nodded, "They are my mates, Willow-mine. I have played many a game with them, such delicious and wicked games. After Daddy played with the gypsies and went away, William and I did not play the same kind of games. My boy is sweet and gentle, loving to just hold and feel me against him. He does not mind if he visits my private place, because he knows that I do not enjoy the act as much as he and Daddy. I have not played those kind of games with them since Daddy returned, though I could play with them if I chose. I do not know how to explain to you, Kitten, how I feel about laying with them. I love them ever so much and I love being with them, laying with their flesh against mine, feeling love and comfort, but those kinds of games do not really interest me any longer."

"It's okay, Drusilla. I think I understand," Willow said, though she wasn't really sure that she did. Of course, part of the problem could be that she had been having fantasies and dreams about having sex with Angelus and Spike for months and couldn't understand not wanting to be with him in that way. On the other hand, she had read enough magazines to know that everyone had a different sex drive and that there was nothing wrong with Drusilla preferring to cuddle. She'd always thought she was on the low end of that sex desire drive thing, having never really felt any kind of passion or attraction during sixteen years, her crush on Xander more about being loved than anything physical. Then she'd seen Spike and started having the dreams and then Angelus had joined them in her dreams. That had shot her belief that she wasn't very sexual complete out of the water, leaving her to the realization that those magazines didn't know a damn thing, or else they'd never been faced with two of the sexiest men she'd ever seen in her life, living or dead, that were not only gorgeous and smart and cunning but also dangerous and thrilling and capable of causing her to have such wickedly sinful dreams. Let's see how that quiz worked for anyone that had ever met Spike or Angelus. She'd bet no one would score lower than a 'closet nympho with wanton tendencies when it comes to two devastatingly attractive vampires'.

"I shall tell you now about our time after William joined the family, before Daddy played with the nasty old gypsies," Drusilla decided as she snuggled back against the pillows and began to tell Willow about their adventures following William's turning, leaving out the details of killings and slaughtering that had earner her boys the title of Scourges of Europe, knowing her pretty pet would not find those images entertaining. She saw Willow pull herself from her thoughts and smile at her, looking into beautiful green eyes as she continued telling her best friend the story of her life.

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

Knock. Knock. Knock.

There was a slight groan from the bed as the soft knock was ignored.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The knocking was louder, more determined. More movement on the bed as Angelus reluctantly opened his eyes. He glanced at the clock, seeing that it was after five. He groaned, running a hand over his face, having not realized it was quite so late. He nudged the body that was laying against him, waking Spike, before he called out gruffly, "Just a minute!"

Angelus gracefully got out of bed, pulling on his pants before he started to walk to the door. He glanced at the bed, rolling his eyes when he saw that Spike wasn't getting up. He grabbed the fallen blanket from the floor and tossed it over his lover. Blue eyes opened and looked at him, a smile crossing Spike's face as he sat up, glancing down at the blanket and then back at Angelus. With amusement in his voice, he said, "Ah, honey. I didn't know you cared."

"Get your lazy ass up and put on some clothes. We've got a visitor," Angelus replied huskily, his dark eyes moving Spike's slim and athletic body as the blond got out of bed and pulled on his jeans, deliberately taking his time and posing along the way, giving him a smug smile that let him know he'd been caught ogling. He frowned at the blond before moving to open the door, "What?"

The minion standing there flinched at the harsh tone in his master's voice. He looked at the floor, hoping that he would survive this encounter. Stuttering, he spoke, "Mmmaster, you said to inform you if we found something out about Mistress Drusilla."

"Did you find her?" Spike demanded as he joined Angelus in the doorway, his hair curly and tousled from sleep, his right hand moving down his stomach and scratching at the bites that Angelus had left there during their earlier activities.

"Nnnno, Master Spike," Charles, the minion, replied, speaking quickly before they had a chance to stake him, "but I found someone that might know something."

"You disturb us to tell us that you have failed to find her," Angelus arched a brow as he stared at the minion, wondering why they couldn't make smarter minions. He'd have to see about experimenting on that, he decided, hating being surrounded by such weak fools.

"He is downstairs, Master Angelus," Charles replied, "the man that might know something."

"Might?" Spike repeated, glancing at Angelus to see their plan of action. He was itching to kill something, the minion in front of him seeming to be perfect. First, they'd not found his Princess. Second, he'd been woken from a dream of his early days, of when he'd first been turned that never failed to make him feel connected to his beautiful sire. Third, he was a bit sore and tired after spending hours shagging and being shagged by Angelus. Over all, not in the mood to listen to stuttering minions that were scared of their own shadows. Bloody waste of good blood, he thought in disgust as he looked at the frightened creature in front of him.

"He does know something," Charles corrected, "he wishes to speak to you directly, Master. I believe he wishes to exchange his information for protection."

"Where is he?" Angelus asked as he moved back into the room to grab a shirt for himself and one for Spike. He tossed the T-shirt at the blond before pulling his own shirt on and buttoning it quickly. If this source had an idea where they could find Dru, he might be willing to make a deal. It would depend on what the guy told them.

"He is waiting in the study, Master. We were unable to find any other information concerning the whereabouts of Mistress Drusilla. No one saw her hunting yesterday and there is no sign of Greg, either," Charles said as they started to walk down the hallway. He was unable to fully relax, knowing that his life was still in danger until Angelus decided whether or not his source was valid. Only then would he know that he had escaped his master's fury over his missing childe.

Angelus entered the study, Spike directly behind him. He saw an unfamiliar vampire sitting on the leather sofa, nervously looking around, fear radiating from the man. He glanced at the minion, saying, "Bring us some wine and then leave us."

"Yes, Master," Charles bowed before leaving the room to fetch the bloodwine that Angelus had requested.

Spike followed Angelus to his favorite chair, sitting down after his grandsire did. He looked at the vampire that supposedly knew where his sire was, studying him silently, a slight smile crossing his lips as the vampire squirmed under the scrutiny. If the guy didn't tell them anything good, he'd do as someone to kill, Spike decided. He was new, obviously, probably not even a year old. Smelled bad, too, stinking of old blood and garbage. Spike glanced at Angelus, knowing that his lover had to be loving that, the elder vampire being a bit of a priss when it came to taking care of ones self and smelling good.

Charles entered the room less than five minutes after he had left, the tension thick and the silence deafening. He almost felt sorry for the vampire that was waiting to speak to the masters, but he'd much prefer their silent study of the other guy than himself. He poured three glasses of wine, serving his master first, then master Spike, and finally the fledge. Once he had completed his task, he obeyed Angelus' orders and left the room, closing the doors firmly behind him before retreating into the safety of the living room with the other minions that were waiting to find out if the information was enough to save them from Angelus' threat.

Once the door was shut, Angelus took a drink of his wine, his dark eyes on the youth in the front of him. He finally spoke, his eyes pinning the fledge in place as he demanded softly, "What do you know about my missing childe."

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

Spike nearly spilled his wine when the fledge jumped at Angelus' question, doing his best to cover his laugh by taking another drink of the wine. Angelus always had been a bit of a drama queen, loving to set the stage and scare the youngsters. Spike waited for the vampire to speak, knowing that the longer it took for him to get the courage, the more impatient and annoyed his grandsire would become. He, himself, was already past the reasonable level of patience, not having much of any in regular situations much less when it came to matters concerning his sire.

"What is your name?" Angelus asked, wanting to demand answers but knowing that this weak demon might be the only chance they had of finding Drusilla so he was trying to handle things calmly.

"Jack," the vampire finally spoke. He had never met a master before, much less two, their power causing him to be more scared than he had ever been. He'd impulsively spoken to that Charles guy, telling him he might know something about the missing vampire they were looking for, figuring he might could exchange his information for a shower and a warm place to sleep. Now, he wished he'd just kept his mouth shut and gone back to the damp warehouse that had been his home since his turning. These guys were dangerous and strong, and now they were both looking at him as if they didn't care if they listened to him or killed him.

"Jack, what do you know about my daughter?" Angelus asked, his tone demanding and giving no room for silence.

"Well, like I told that other guy, I heard something last night that might be of interest," Jack said, taking a drink of the wine and nearly purring. It was delicious, the blood just perfect and the mixture an intoxicating treat.

"Can't we just torture him?" Spike muttered, knowing that they'd have gotten answers far easier if they'd just strapped this Jack guy to the wall and beat him senseless for a few minutes.

"Spike," Angelus glared at his lover, seeing the amused gleam in those beautiful blue eyes and resisting the urge to give Spike a rough kiss to get him to shut up. Instead he turned back to Jack and said, "If you don't answer my question, I'll allow Spike to try things his way. I doubt you'd survive, but we would have the information we desire so I don't really care."

"This guy came in to the place I stay," Jack spoke quickly, no hesitancy at all in his voice now, "this old warehouse by the docks. Anyway, he was some kind of demon, orange and blue and he had these horns. Um, so, he was telling me that he was at this bar Thursday night, and that something weird happened. There was a witch that came in, strong and powerful according to him, and she got some blood. He was all impressed by her power, said she was the strongest he'd ever come in contact with and that she hadn't even realized her true potential yet, seemed to think that she wasn't even aware of her power, um he did also say something about sensing purity and light. That was about it cause then he started talking about baseball. Me, I don't have much use for that stuff, hocus pocus and things like that so I wasn't really listening. But, I remembered it when your guys were asking around today. You know, her getting the blood and a missing vampire. Thought it might involve your missing childe."

"A witch?" Spike repeated, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Angelus.

"What did this witch look like?" Angelus asked, knowing that there was a chance that Drusilla had met up with a witch, his daughter having skills with magic as well as her gift of seeing. While the idea of her being with a witch wasn't nearly as bad as her being alone or taken by a demon, Angelus didn't really trust magic. It was one of the few things he feared in this world, not understanding it and having no particular skill with it. Besides, it was magic that had cursed him with that horrible soul for decades, so magic definitely was not on his list of favorite things. The gypsies had scared him, but he'd dealt with that fear and gotten over it when he'd kill the pretty little computer teacher. A witch that was that strong, that powerful, well, that did cause him concern and worry. He'd not known there were any witches in Sunnydale strong enough to be considered impressive. And, if this was right, what was she doing with Drusilla?

"He didn't look at her," Jack shrugged, "said she was so powerful that he was scared to look at her. He just knew it was a woman because he heard her voice when she first spoke. Said everyone at the bar recognized her skill and power, most being too scared to even look at her. Do ya think she might be the one with your daughter? I mean, a strong witch getting several bags of blood is a bit weird, dontcha think? I'd think she got them to feed a vampire."

"What do you want in exchange for this information?" Angelus asked, not replying to Jack's questions because he was trying to figure out if the information was helpful or not. It did seem odd that Drusilla disappeared after being hurt on the same night some powerful witch goes to buy some blood. If the little witch was so pure and light, she wouldn't be needing human blood for any spells or magicks, the darkest magicks not even usually requiring human blood. Yes, it was definitely an odd coincidence that he planned to explore more fully. He'd find this witch and see if she had Drusilla. If not, well, it never hurt to know a strong witch, even one surrounded by goodness, because he might have a need for one someday.

"A shower and a bed, just for a night," Jack said slowly.

"What bar did this demon witness all this?" Spike asked, having a good idea where it had to have been but wanting confirmation.

"It was Willie's place," Jack said, waiting to see if he'd get his warm shower or not.

"Figures," Spike muttered. Unlike Angelus, he didn't have much of a fear for witches. Hell, he'd helped Drusilla with some of her spells during their time together, rather in awe of the talents it took to control such powerful magicks. He'd never killed a *real* witch in his entire unlife, a bit superstitious about what might happen if he did, not that he'd ever admit that. Angelus' curse after killing that gypsy brat had just reaffirmed his belief that vampires shouldn't mess with folks that can control powerful magicks, giving him more of a respect and curiosity for witches than his grandsire, who was honestly pretty afraid and suspicious of those with true magick talents. If Drusilla was with some little light witch, well, the blood was obviously for his sire which meant the witch was taking care of his Princess so he couldn't really complain all that much. Besides, according to that demon guy that talked to the kid, she didn't even know she was a strong witch yet. That, in itself, was kind of intriguing to Spike. He'd never met a *real* witch, one with natural talent and power, that wasn't aware of their gift. He wondered how they were different, curious to meet this witch. Now, he and Angelus just needed to track down this witch and hope that Drusilla *was* with her so they could finally bring his Princess home.

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

Angelus stood and moved to the door. He opened it, gesturing to the minion that had brought Jack to them. What was his name? He struggled through his memory, never paying much attention the minion's names, usually calling them "you" because they rarely lasted long. He had only been back a few months so all of these minions had either been created by Spike upon his arrival in Sunnydale or by Angelus since his return, though there were some that had been made by others that had chosen to follow him as master, after choosing between that or death. Charles, he suddenly remembered.

"Yes, Master?" Charles spoke slowly, fearful of what Angelus was say.

"Charles, allow Jack to take a shower and then prepare a bed for him downstairs," Angelus instructed, amusement flashing in his dark eyes that he quickly covered as he saw the minion breathe an unnecessary sigh of relief.

"Of course, Master," Charles said before he looked at the vampire that he assumed was Jack. "Follow me, sir."

"Thank you, Master," Jack told Angelus, bowing in the same way that he had seen Charles do earlier.

"You may stay one night," Angelus said, "though I will be willing to accept your loyalty and allow you to remain as part of the family, if you so choose."

"Really?" Jack nodded eagerly, having been greatly impressed with the power and intelligence of both Angelus and Spike, knowing that he could pledge his loyalty without reservation to both of the vampires. He said, "I pledge loyalty to you and yours, Master Angelus."

"Done," Angelus said before he bit into Jack's neck, drinking only briefly. The stench was overwhelming, causing him to pull back before he brought his finger to his fang and bit down. He offered his finger to Jack who drank willingly, pulling it free when he was assured that the connection was formal. He nodded, "Go take a shower. Charles, you shall introduce Jack to the others and insure that he is made comfortable and learns the rules."

"Yes, Master Angelus," Charles nodded, leading Jack to the shower as he began to explain the rules of living under the master's roof.

"Don't know why you did that," Spike said as Angelus shut the door. "He was a bit of an annoyance, if you ask me."

"I didn't ask you," Angelus said sharply before adding softly, "and he will at least be a step up from some of the others, once he no longer smells so bad. Brainless bunch of halfwits."

"Minions aren't supposed to be smart, *Master*," Spike said sullenly, annoyed that Angelus had been snippy with him.

"Boy, drop the attitude," Angelus warned, not in the mood to deal with a pouting Spike, no matter how attractive he might find the blond when he was sulky and his lower lip was highly kissable. He watched as Spike sighed loudly before giving him a smirk.

"You like me giving you attitude," Spike reminded with a smirk, "but we spent all afternoon shagging and I fear you've exhausted me so there shall be none of that for a few more hours, at least. Do you think Drusilla got mixed up with some witch?"

"In this town, nothing would surprise me," Angelus said honestly, making a face as he added, "It just had to be a witch, didn't it? And a strong one at that."

"Ah, poor baby...scared of the little old witch," Spike said with amusement, laughing when he heard Angelus growl.

"I'm not scared of anything, boy," Angelus denied, knowing it was a futile argument because Spike knew him too well, his lover aware of his nervousness around magicks, especially since his experience with the gypsies.

"Course you're not, Angelus," Spike agreed before he said, "It's nearly sunset. We're going to Willie's to find out who this witch is, aren't we?"

"Yes," Angelus nodded, flashing a sinister smile, "We'll get Willie to tell us everything we need to know then we'll find the spell caster and, hopefully, locate Drusilla."

"If she doesn't have Dru, maybe we can have her do a spell to locate her," Spike suggested, "it would be bloody marvelous to watch a real natural witch cast and play with magicks."

"There will be no playing with the witch," Angelus said crossly, "no spells. If she doesn't have Drusilla, we'll just have to try to use the bond to find her, though it will be a pain in the ass to use that on a blasted Hellmouth. It doesn't matter. I have a feeling that this witch knows where Drusilla is, so we don't have much to worry about."

"Except finding the witch," Spike said, a bit disappointed that he wouldn't get to watch witch cast a spell. Oh well, he'd have his Princess back and that's what really mattered. Besides, he might be able to go back sometime and play with the witch once she realized her gift and that would be even better than some silly location spell.

"That won't be too difficult," Angelus said, "there aren't many powerful casters in this town, not strong enough to impress a demon. Once we talk to Willie, he'll probably have a name or at least a good enough description to narrow the search. Let's go upstairs and take a shower then we can to talk to Willie."

"And do some witch hunting," Spike added with a smile as he followed Angelus into the hall and up the stairs, adding, "and then we can find Drusilla and make sure she's okay. I miss my Princess."

"As do I, boy," Angelus said softly as they entered his room, "as do I."

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

At twenty-six minutes past six, roughly eleven minutes from the moment the sun set in the western sky, the door to Willie's Tavern opened. Willie felt the power before they even entered the room. He was drying some glasses, the bar practically empty this early in the night. He had been expecting them, having heard through the grapevine that Drusilla was missing, figuring that it wouldn't take long before Angelus and Spike came calling to see what he knew. Having two master vampires in his bar made him a tad uneasy, if he were honest, and he really hoped that they'd leave once he told them he didn't know anything about Drusilla.

Willie put the glass down and looked up, keeping his face impassive as he found himself confronting two of the most feared vampires in the entire world. It was moments like these that he often wondered why he couldn't have set up a bar somewhere other than a Hellmouth. His eyes swiftly moved over the two advancing masters, noticing that they had come alone. Not surprising. Angelus didn't think much of minions, preferring to take care of important matters on his own or with his immediate family. Willie analyzed the situation quickly, seeing the slight smirk on Angelus' face as well as the impatience burning in Spike's eyes. Great, just what he needed to start off a Saturday night. He nodded at them when they reached the bar, "Angelus, Spike. What can I do for you?"

"Willie, I'm not in the mood for games at the moment," Angelus said as he moved to sit down, keeping his voice low and threatening. He wanted to get the information he needed, find that witch, and hopefully retrieve Drusilla as quickly as possible.

"Right," Willie moved closer to the end of the bar, lowering his voice, "I haven't heard anything about your missing daughter. I'll ask around tonight and see if I can find any information."

"Well, now, that's mighty kind of you," Angelus said slowly, "but I'm not here about Drusilla."

"You're not?" Willie looked at him with genuine surprise, not liking be caught unaware by this deadly duo.

"Heard you had an intriguing patron night before last," Spike spoke up, his eyes watching Willie closely. He loved the scent of fear coming from the bar owner, knowing the man had been face to face with far scarier demons than himself without showing fear, finding it all the more thrilling to know that he and his grandsire caused the little rat faced human to be frightened.

"Did I?" Willie asked, not sure which of the vampires was the most threatening so having no definite idea of where he should give his attention. Instead, he tried to divide it equally amongst them both.

"A little birdie told us that a powerful witch came visiting, buying up some human blood. Ring any bells?" Angelus asked, watching as Willie tensed the moment he mentioned the witch. Good, he knew what they were talking about. Wouldn't be much longer until they had their answers.

Recognition flashed in Willie's eyes, knowing automatically whom they were asking about. He looked down at the bar, collecting his thoughts and pulling on any bit of courage he still possessed after dealing with demons for so long and looked back up, his eyes blank, his tone flat as he said, "Little birdie must be wrong. I don't know nothing."

Now this was a surprise, Angelus thought, his eyes narrowing as he listened to the rapid beating of the heart, knowing without a doubt that Willie was lying. Why? It was common knowledge that the bar owner was loyal to no one, that he'd trade any information for the right price, that he was not to be trusted. Angelus wanted to know what was different this time, knowing that he wasn't under any kind of spell, able to sense the magic if it had been used. No, Willie was facing them both, knowing that they knew he was lying, and he was doing it of his own volition. Angelus had always like a good puzzle, his lips twisting into a smirk as he said, "While I'd normally agree whole-heartedly with that statement, this time I know you're lying. So be a good boy and just tell me what I want to know so we leave without having to get rough."

"I told ya, I don't know nothing," Willie said again, preparing for the beating of his lifetime. He didn't care what Angelus or Spike did, knowing that, for once in his miserable life, he was going to do the right thing. He couldn't tell them about the pretty redhead that had been polite to him, not wanting any part of leading these dangerous and evil creatures to the innocent little witch that had been nice to him. It had been so long since someone had been civil to him, asking and thanking him, and he wasn't likely to repay her natural kindness by handing her over to these two.

"Willie, I thought you were smarter than that," Spike said quietly, his blue eyes flashing annoyance and curiosity. He leaned forward, "We know there was a witch here. We know she got human blood on the day Drusilla disappeared. We just want to find her and ask her some questions, see if she knows where my sire is. We don't plan to harm her."

"I can't help you," Willie said stubbornly. He was not going to be responsible for any harm coming to that girl.

"Yes, you can," Angelus said, his dark eyes studying the man as Spike spoke to him. He frowned as he was no closer to understanding why Willie was defending the witch. Finally, he just asked, "Why won't you tell us? She didn't bewitch you, I don't feel any magic at all. You're standing there, willing to die to protect this witch. Why?"

"I've done a lot of awful things in my life. This time, I'm doing the right thing. If that means I die, well, so be it," Willie said slowly, preferring the curious look that was in Angelus' eyes to the deadly gleam that he'd expected to find there at refusing to answer his question.

"Bloody hell," Spike cursed, glaring at the man, "why'd you have to grow you a pair right now? This witch is the only lead we've got in finding my sire, damn it, and now you're standing there deciding to be brave and gallant. You're no hero, Willie. We'll find her even if you don't talk. If anything, your refusal to tell us anything is just pissing me off and making me wonder how potent witches' blood really is. When I find her, I might just have to shag her, torture her a bit, and, who knows, maybe kill her, making sure she knows *who* to blame for changing my plans of just asking her some questions."

Angelus glanced at the bar to hide his smile, knowing all too well how empty Spike's threats were. The blond would never kill a witch, too respectful of their skills and too scared he might end up cursed like Angelus had, but Willie obviously didn't know of Spike's reverence for spell casters. The human was weakening, his determination wavering in the face of Spike's deadly threats. Angelus was proud of his boy, loving the sinister gleam in those beautiful blue eyes as he spoke slowly to Willie, knowing just the right amount of menace to inflict in his voice to make his words seem sincere and dangerous. He looked back up at Willie, the amused smile covered by a wicked smirk as he said, "You heard my boy, Willie. You tell us about her and we promise to play nice, or we kill you, find her anyway, and play some games with her that have her begging for death. Your choice. Her life is in your hands. What's it to be?"

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

Willie felt the fight drain out of him, knowing that he had only one choice. He couldn't live with the knowledge that he was the reason that innocent girl was raped and tortured by Spike, knowing he had to insure that she would remain unharmed. He looked at Angelus, his eyes defeated as he whispered, "You promise that you won't harm her?"

"I said we'd play nice," Angelus said, smelling the sweet scent of victory.

"Not good enough. I want you to promise that you will keep her protect her from harm. I won't tell anything about that sweet little girl until I am assured by Angelus, master of Sunnydale, member of the Aurelius clan, that she will have his protection and the protection of his family," Willie said simply.

"That's a mighty big promise," Angelus said thoughtfully, not liking the idea of offering his family's protection to a witch of all things. True, he had planned to be friendly to her, knowing it never hurt to have a witch on your side should the occasion arise where she was needed, but there was a major difference between being somewhat friendly to the spell caster and giving his promise that his family will protect her.

"She's got natural power, more than I've ever felt in a witch before, especially one her age. I'd like to know she's going to be kept safe from any threats or danger that might come along in the future," Willie said quietly, letting Angelus know that he would be getting himself a powerful and strong witch in the bargain. He had other reasons for making this part of the deal, besides keeping the nice girl safe from future dangers, he wanted to make sure that Angelus and Spike were not able to break their promise and simply kill her or torture her once they realized that she was pure and good.

Angelus looked at Spike, saw the blond smiling. Stupid boy was probably overjoyed at the idea of having his own pet witch to play with and watch practice spells. Drusilla was fond of magic, but she didn't have a natural gift like this witch appeared to, her spells usually working but sometimes not. Of course, Angelus didn't like magic that much and tried to do things without involving it whenever possible. He didn't trust it, thought it was too vague, too much of a risk. His eyes narrowed as he thought of his upcoming plans involving the removal of the threat of the mayor, knowing that magic might come in handy during that fight. Finally, he nodded once, agreeing, "Done."

"Say it," Willie said, knowing he was pressing his luck but not caring.

"I promise that my family will protect your little witch from outside harm," Angelus said sharply, not liking making deals with this pathetic human in the first place, and especially not when they forced him to protect a witch. His eyes blazed with anger as he said, "Now, tell me what we want to know."

Spike was thrilled at the idea of adopting the witch into the family, wondering if she'd let him watch her practice. Maybe she and his Princess could play together, a smile crossing his face as he realized how happy that would make Dru, having someone to do spells with and such. He knew that Angelus wasn't happy about it, but, oh well. They'd find her and see if she was as powerful as Willie said. After that, they could get Drusilla and go home and give her all the prezzies they'd bought her and she'd smile and probably dance a little and it would be great, just being with his family and being happy. God, he sounded absolutely like a pathetic human with those thoughts, deciding he didn't care at the moment. He wanted to find his Princess and give her a big hug.

"She came in Thursday night, late, after midnight I guess," Willie said, thinking about that night, "Real pretty little thing. About five foot six, I guess, long legs for her height, flat stomach, perky breasts, graceful neck."

"Can we get to the part where you tell us her name and where to find her?" Angelus asked in a caustic tone.

"I don't know," Willie said honestly, "no names were exchanged. She came in, I felt her power, she politely asked for some blood, I sold it to her, she paid cash, she said thank you, and she left."

"You can go back to the other," Spike said, "So, she was a looker, huh? Perky breasts and long legs. Sounds delicious."

"Spike," Angelus rolled his eyes as the blue-eyed blond winked at him.

"Sire, I was merely trying to obtain an adequate description so that we could locate our witch," Spike said innocently, even more eager to meet the spell caster now that he knew she was not only powerful but also gorgeous. Playing nice might not be that difficult at all.

"Willie, I made a promise to protect her yet all you give me is vague details. How can I find her?" Angelus demanded.

"She's a kid," Willie said quietly, "sixteen, maybe seventeen. Didn't flinch at all when confronted by a bar full of demons. Brave and smart and nice and innocent. Pretty green eyes that seem to see inside your soul. Red hair that fell past her shoulders. And, well, there is one other thing."

Angelus was paying close attention, his eyes narrowing as his mind brought forth an image of a pretty redhead with big green eyes that was intelligent and always nice. No, it couldn't be. He asked, "What? What's the other thing?"

Willie sighed, knowing that this was the clincher, the reason he'd made Angelus promise to protect her, saying simply, "She smelled of the slayer."

"The slayer?" that got Spike's attention, all thoughts of playing with the witch leaving his mind as he heard that one dreaded word. If the slayer had somehow managed to get hold of Drusilla, God only knows what his Princess was experiencing. He looked at Angelus, seeing the look of recognition in the elder vampire's dark eyes, feeling a little less alarmed when a wicked smile crossed his lover's handsome face.

"Thank you, Willie. I think we can take it from here," Angelus said as he stood and walked towards the door, Spike right behind him. Well, well, well. This was definitely an interesting turn of events. The little witch that Willie had been so keen on protecting was none other than sweet little Willow. He didn't know what the redhead was up to, having never sensed any magic about her when they'd been together, but he had to admit that he certainly was intrigued. Once there were outside, he looked at Spike and smiled, "It's Willow, the slayer's little friend."

"And this has you smiling why?" Spike asked, recognizing the name, trying to place the face. Pretty girl, kind of quiet, shy, slayer's little shadow. He remembered seeing her a few times, never paying her much attention. He'd dismissed her as harmless, never seeing the magic talents that Willie spoke of, a bit annoyed that he'd not paid her more attention now.

"Because, dear boy," Angelus caught Spike's eyes as a wicked smile crossed his face, "I know where she lives *and* I have an invitation to her home."

Spike slowly smiled, "Well, then, what are we waiting for? Let's go find our witch and see what she knows about Drusilla."

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

"So, you see, Cordelia used to be my worst enemy," Willow told Drusilla, "but now she's become a really good friend. I hated Xander when he first started dating her, though, because he lied to me and kept it a secret. Eventually, I saw that she made him happy and I realized that she wasn't a horrid bitch once you really got to know her. She gave her friends to be with Xander and that means a lot to me. He's my oldest friend and I just want him to be happy."

Drusilla smiled, "He was not your destiny, kitten."

"I guess not," Willow agreed, looking back now and finding her crush on Xander amusing in some ways. She thought she had loved him for years, but it had mostly been because he cared about her and was there for her. She had shared more private things with Jesse, sort of voiding him out of the potential crush category, leaving only Xander to adore in a more girlfriendly kinda way. They wouldn't have worked out as anything other than friends, and she was grateful that they had never tried because she would have hated losing his friendship.

Drusilla giggled, "Your tummy is growly again."

"I think it's telling me that it's time for some dinner," Willow laughed after her stomach grumbled again. She glanced at the clock, seeing that it was half past six. The sun had gone down not long ago, when she'd been telling Dru about her and Cordelia's not so great past and how time had changed them both and how they were now friends. Drusilla hadn't mentioned anything yet about returning home so Willow decided not to say anything either. She was enjoying talking to her new friend, reluctant for their time together to end, knowing that it wouldn't be much longer before the brunette vampire had to return to wherever her home was before Angelus and Spike came back to town.

"What are we having?" Drusilla asked as she stood and moved into the kitchen. She saw a look of sadness in her Willow's pretty green eyes, frowning as she studied her best friend. "Why are you sad, pet?"

"It's nothing," Willow gave her a smile, the sadness leaving as quickly as it appeared. "What would you like to eat? You can choose."

"It was not nothing if it caused you to be sad," Drusilla said softly, concern in her eyes.

"I was just thinking that it was dusk and the sun has gone down and soon you'll be going home," Willow sighed, being completely honest with her friend.

"Do not be sad, Willow-mine," Drusilla smiled affectionately, "I am not leaving you. Shall I make us milk shakes? I'm ever so excited to try. Delia showed me every step."

"Milk shakes sound good," Willow nodded as she returned Drusilla's smile, knowing that her friend was right. She didn't need to be sad since Dru wasn't leaving yet. She moved to the refrigerator and surveyed the contents. There wasn't much there, the redhead making a mental note to go grocery shopping the next day. She looked in the freezer, helping Drusilla get out the chocolate ice cream so the vampire could begin making the milk shakes. There was some frozen dinners but none looked that appetizing. Finally, she looked at Drusilla and smiled sheepishly, "Okay, it doesn't look like there is much of a choice for dinner. I can make us some grilled cheese sandwiches, there's some soup in the cabinet, I've got some noodles and rice, and there are a couple of frozen dinners."

"What would go with milk shakes?" Drusilla asked thoughtfully.

"Grilled cheese and chips would be pretty good," Willow decided, watching Drusilla smile.

"Then that is what we shall have," Drusilla declared with a laugh. "I'm having ever so much fun, Kitten."

"Me too," Willow agreed as she got some butter and cheese from the fridge and moved to the cabinet to get some bread.

"I love you," Drusilla said as she gave Willow a hug, squeezing her friend tightly, knowing that the redhead did not hear those words nearly enough.

"Love you, too," Willow replied as she hugged Drusilla back.

"Do you think that I should have milk shakes instead of tea at my party?" Drusilla asked with a speculative look in her eyes. "My dollies always have tea. I believe that they would enjoy the tasty treats more before I put them away."

"A milk shake party instead of a tea party?" Willow asked, a smile crossing her pretty face as Drusilla gave the matter serious thought. "I know I'd much rather have milk shakes than tea, but it is your choice. How many dollies do you have?"

"Ever so many," Drusilla said, "Miss. Edith is my favorite. She will adore you, pretty pet. She will understand that it is time for to take a long nap, not at all minding when I put her away. She is very tired, and she'll be ever so proud that I do not need her anymore. Will you help me put them all away? Careful not to hurt them, pretty paper and their own separate box for each with their name written in pretty letters."

"Sure, I'll help you pack them away," Willow promised, knowing that it was an empty promise since she wouldn't be able to help Drusilla put away her dollies, but not wanting to upset Drusilla by reminding her that she'd be returning to Angelus and Spike and that they would not allow them to continue being friends.

"They'll love you, Willow, just as I do," Drusilla said softly, a pleased smile on her face as she began to plan the menu for her milk shake party. She knew that Cordelia and Buffy would prefer the tasty frozen treats over tea, also, thinking about how happy her dollies would be when they met her new friends.

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

"We are nearly out of chocolate syrup," Drusilla informed Willow as she squeezed the syrup into the blender.

"I'll have to add that to the grocery list," Willow smiled, "Buffy wouldn't know what to do if she ran out of chocolate syrup. Can I ask why you're using syrup if you've already got chocolate ice cream?"

"Because, the syrup adds that special bit of oomph and makes it all the more chocolaty," Drusilla recited, giggling as she proudly remembered Cordelia's instructions.

"Oomph?" Willow repeated with a smile, her green eyes shining with amusement as the brunette vampire carefully measured out the remainder of the ingredients for the milk shakes. If you had told her three days ago that she'd be spending Saturday night in her kitchen making grilled cheese and milk shakes with the childe of the master of Sunnydale, she'd never have believed it. As it was, here she was watching Dru make them extra chocolaty milk shakes and quoting Cordelia's instructions.

"Yeppers," Drusilla said, her eyes amused as she watched Willow laugh.

"You've been listening to Buffy," Willow laughed when heard one of the slayer's favorite expressions.

"Is that bad?" Drusilla asked, loving the sound of Willow's laughter and thinking that the redhead looked very beautiful when she smiled that way.

"Yeppers," Willow said seriously, her green eyes shining with happiness as she listened to Drusilla laugh.

"You are teasing Buffy and she is not even here to defend herself, Kitten," Drusilla scolded playfully, watching the redhead prepare their dinner.

"It's not teasing if it's true," Willow said primly, her lips curved into a smile as she went back to fixing the grilled cheese sandwiches.

"May we watch a movie while we eat?" Drusilla asked eagerly, having enjoyed the movies they had watched the previous evening.

"That sounds like a good idea," Willow declared with a smile at her friend. "Anything particular you want to see?"

"I trust you, Kitten. You can choose," Drusilla said as she began to hum happily. She turned towards the blender, putting the last of the necessary contents into the device. She ran through the list in her mind, making sure she had not forgotten anything. Satisfied that she had followed Cordelia's instructions carefully, she was ready to mix the contents to make the milk shakes.

"Maybe something with music," Willow mused when she heard Drusilla singing, putting the last finished sandwich onto a plate and turning the burner off. She turned to her friend, noticing that she was about to start the blender. Green eyes widened suddenly as she moved forward quickly, "Drusilla, wait..."

Drusilla had already pushed the button on the blender, moving with vampire speed towards the door, her eyes wide with surprise. Willow pushed the off button, finishing her sentence as she looked down at her arms and shirt, "you forgot to put the lid back on."

"I'm so sorry, Willow-mine," Drusilla whispered as she looked at her best friend now covered with globs of the milk shake that had splattered when the blender was turned on. The counter was messy, too, but it looked like the majority had drenched the redhead.

"I never knew those things were so messy without the lids," Willow said as she looked up at Drusilla, laughter in her eyes. The two girls looked at each other for a few seconds before they both started laughing.

"I forgot the lid," Drusilla said, relieved that Willow was not angry with her, the fear and worry leaving her hazel eyes as she heard Willow's sweet laughter.

"Duh," Willow said as she pointedly looked down at her T-shirt that was now covered with globs of ice cream. Her arms were sticky and she thought she could feel the stuff on her face.

"Who sounds like Buffy now?" Drusilla teased.

"Hello! Covered in bits of milky ice cream syrupy stuff," Willow said with a smile, "No teasing the milk shake covered redhead."

"Sorry, pet," Drusilla giggled as she moved closer and picked up a towel to clean up her mess. "You should go upstairs and take a shower. I shall clean this up and try again, with the lid this time."

"I think I will run up and wash all this off," Willow decided as she smiled, "Buffy and Cordelia are going to laugh their butts off when I tell them about this."

"It does taste good," Drusilla defended with a smile as she dipped her finger into the blender and tasted the bit of milk shake that had been mixed.

"Sorry, Dru, this is so gonna be shared with the others!" Willow laughed as she moved towards the door. "I'll run up and take a quick shower. Could you put the plate of sandwiches in the stove? It will keep them pretty warm. I'll be back down in a few minutes."

"I shall have the milk shakes finished by then," Drusilla promised, humming as she began to clean the mess she had made. Suddenly, she stopped humming, a pleased smile crossing her face as she looked out the kitchen window and stared at the stars. Company was coming.

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

"Do ya think this might be a trap?" Spike asked his grandsire as they walked down the dark streets of Sunnydale towards the redhead's house.

"It had crossed my mind," Angelus admitted, "before I remembered that we are talking about Buffy, who is definitely not the sharpest crayon in the box and is more than willing to uphold our unspoken truce."

"Yeah, but you said Red was one of those brainy girls," Spike reminded, thankful that they had a possible lead in finding Drusilla but also concerned that said lead was closely connected with the slayer.

"That she is," Angelus nodded, "but she's not about to do anything that puts her friends at risk. Willow's much too caring and compassionate for that. Silly girl had to be up to something if she went to Willie's, but I seriously doubt she's a threat."

"Strange, that," Spike observed, "her going to Willie's and getting blood. What would the slayer's pet shadow want with human blood? And all this talk about magic and power, yet you were buddies with the slayer's little gang and never felt anything from her, did you? And wouldn't she have uninvited you to her house after you killed the gypsy and all?"

Angelus grew thoughtful as he remembered his first night back at the high school. He felt himself hardening slightly as he remembered the feel of Willow in his arms, the intoxicating scent of her fear mixed with the sweetest scent of arousal as she'd struggled against him, rubbing her tight little body against him, her heart racing as he'd sucked her neck. She'd been scared but she'd also been turned on, something that had surprised him, made him realize that there was more to the shy little bookworm than what he'd thought, causing him to wake from many a dream of sharing her with Spike and sinking into that tight warmth over and over again until she was hoarse from screaming their names and begging for more. He'd seen her since then, felt her eyes watching him, knew she felt that same attraction even as she quickly looked away. A sensual smile crossed his lips as he confidently answered one of Spike's questions, "She hasn't uninvited me."

"Like that, is it?" Spike asked when he clearly saw the evidence of Angelus' growing arousal, curiosity in his blue eyes. He'd seen the redhead in question a couple of times when he'd gone against Buffy and the brats, not remembering anything particularly interesting about her. Sure, she'd been cute enough and her innocence had called to him, but he'd been worrying about trying to kill the slayer and hadn't paid her much attention. It would appear that Angelus had given her much more thought.

"I never felt any power from her," Angelus ignored Spike's statement, having no real answer for the blond. He'd never given Willow much thought when he'd had the soul, too busy concentrating on Buffy, his lips curling in disgust at the stupidity of the soul, ignoring the beautiful and intelligent redhead in favor of the vapid and common slayer. The soul had enjoyed the conversations he'd had with the witty redhead, finding her brilliant and fascinating, but he'd never given her much thought as anything other than the studious best friend of the girl he thought he loved. Angelus, though, had been captivated from the first, preferring the shy girl with the agile mind and innocence just begging to be corrupted. It was no accident that he'd gone after her first, rashly acting without thinking, planning to take her and make her his and use her until she no longer mesmerized him. When he'd felt her in his arms, smelled the scent of her innocence mixed with arousal, tasted her flesh as he'd sucked her neck, he'd realized that he was acting foolishly. He had left without her, deciding to wait so that he could savor her corruption.

Instead, he'd found his family, looked into Spike's brilliant blue eyes and felt as if he were finally where he belonged, though there was still some restlessness. He'd made plans, secured his position as Master of Sunnydale, he'd eventually killed the gypsy, the threat of being recursed with a soul dying with her, and decided that killing Buffy was far too easy. He'd decided on a truce because it caused much more emotional stress on his former lover than merely killing her. It was fun, taunting her and seeing the knowledge in her eyes that he had won. He'd not forgotten Willow, though, seeking her out when he was hunting, enjoying watching her and thinking of the things he had planned for her. He had no plans to do anything about the attraction he felt for the pretty redhead, at least not at the moment, having too much to worry about without starting a seduction of the innocent Willow. Seduction? Where had that word come from? He planned to fuck her, make her beg for him, keep her until he tired of her and either kill her or toss her back at the slayer. Personally thinking the latter idea was rather appealing because it would surely hurt Buffy far more to see her best friend used and broken than to just kill her. Now, though, after his forced promise to Willie, he wasn't going to have much of a choice in the matter. He couldn't harm her, couldn't kill her, but he sure as hell could still play with her when he was ready.

"I hope she knows where Dru is," Spike muttered as he kicked a rock out of his way. He never planned to leave Drusilla alone again, hating not knowing where she was and not having her around. He loved his sire dearly, was completely devoted to the beautiful brunette, and he missed her terribly.

"If she does, we'll find out," Angelus said as he was pulled from thoughts of sharing the pretty redhead with the man beside him, knowing that they were close to her house and he needed to be prepared to be seductive yet threatening to get information from Willow. He still wasn't convinced that she was this powerful spell caster that Willie was so protective of, but he was intrigued. A wicked smile crossed his face as he saw her house in the distance, telling Spike, "Her house is right up there. Come on."

Drusilla had cleaned up the mess and proceeded to make more milk shakes. This time, she put the lid on and they turned out perfect. She was so proud of herself, eager for Willow to finish her shower so the redhead could taste her creation. She had just finished putting away the last of the materials she had used when she felt them. She left the kitchen, moving into the living room towards the door. She glanced down and made sure that she had not messed up her clothes, relieved to see that they were still in excellent condition. She heard the shower still running upstairs, knowing that the redhead had only just started it. She slowly opened the door as Angelus and Spike started up the stairs of the porch, a large smile crossing her face as she looked lovingly at them. They both looked at her with surprise, probably not expecting the door to open before they could even knock. Drusilla smiled as she excitedly said, "Daddy! William! I'm so glad you are finally here! I've missed you both ever so much!"

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

Angelus was surprised when the door swung open as he and Spike reached the front porch. When he saw Drusilla standing in the doorway, smiling at them both and talking about missing them, he was astonished. In over two centuries, both alive and undead, he had rarely been speechless. This was one of those rare occasions and it was unsettling and left him slightly off balance. During their walk to Willow's, he'd run through various scenarios in his mind of what to expect once reaching her house. Having Drusilla open the door and greet them had never even been a random thought.

Spike was elated to see his sire, relieved to see that she appeared completely healthy, and, judging from the smile on her beautiful face and the gleam in her eyes, very happy. He was about to tell her how much he'd missed her, not bothering to over think the situation, knowing full well that Angelus was probably doing enough thinking for both of them, and give her a hug when she spoke.

"I've been expecting you both," Drusilla smiled fondly at her sire and childe as she stepped to the side. "Please, come inside."

"Drusilla, what's going on?" Angelus finally asked, eyes suspicious as he studied his childe for any signs that she was up to something, seeing nothing except affection and pleasure at seeing them. He frowned, running a hand through his hair as he wished he understood what was going on.

"Luv, you know it doesn't work that way," Spike said softly, knowing that Angelus had an invitation to this house and would be able to go inside and hug his Princess while he was stuck standing on the porch. It just wasn't fair, he scowled.

"Pretty William," Drusilla said, her eyes affectionate as she smiled at him and held out her hand, "Trust me, my pretty pet. Come inside. Give your Mummy a hug."

Spike smiled at her words, deciding what the hell, and he took a step, fully expecting to be knocked backwards by the barrier, instead finding himself stepping into the house. His blue eyes showed his confusion but he didn't ask questions yet, instead pulling his sire against him and giving her a big hug, muttering, "Drusilla, luv, I've missed you. We've been worried about you. Don't ever scare us that way again."

Angelus watched them as he stepped into Willow's house, his dark eyes thoughtful as he tried to figure out what was happening. Realizing that he was completely clueless about what was going on, he tried again to get some answers from Drusilla. He cleared his throat, watching Spike pull back from the hug, his eyes finding Dru's as he asked again, a bit louder and a bit more forcefully, "What's going on, Drusilla?"

"Shhh," Drusilla scolded him, "Not so loud, Daddy. Kitten is taking a shower and I do not want you to frighten her."

"Kitten?" Spike arched a brow as he looked at his sire, now noticing things his earlier elation at seeing her had overwhelmed. She was wearing jeans and a T-shirt, surprise in his blue eyes at seeing his sire wearing pants. She also smelled different, the basic essence of Dru still there, but also now smelling like apples and vanilla and some other scents he hadn't been able to place yet. Her hair was loose, framing her face in gentle curls, and she was obviously very happy. He didn't understand what was going on, now understanding why Angelus was confused. He asked softly, "Dru, pet, what are you wearing?"

"They're called blue jeans, silly," Drusilla beamed as she looked at her new clothes and then looked back up. "They are like yours but blue instead of black. I wonder if yours would be called black jeans or if they would also be considered blue jeans despite the color difference. I shall have to ask."

"You look smashing, Princess, but why the change? You never wanted to wear pants before," Spike said, his tone slightly bewildered at the changes in his sire. It wasn't just the clothes, though that, in itself, was surprising. It was in her eyes and her smile, in the way she was comfortable and relaxed and strong.

"They are ever so comfortable!" Drusilla smiled at her childe, thinking how wonderful it was to have him and Angelus with her again, eager for Willow to finish her shower so that her family could meet.

"Drusilla," Angelus' tone was sharp but he kept it low, not even realizing that he was obeying her instructions to not be so loud. "What the hell is going on?"

"Cranky Daddy," Drusilla frowned as she looked away from Spike to focus on Angelus, "being rude to Princess. There shall be no treats for you!"

"Princess, luv, Angelus' has been really worried about you. We both have," Spike said quietly, glaring at Angelus for being a rude bastard and upsetting Drusilla. He turned his attention to his sire and smiled softly, "He doesn't understand what's happening and you know how crotchety the old man gets when he's confused."

"Old man?" Angelus asked sharply, his dark eyes narrowing as he looked at his lover.

"I did not mean for you to worry," Drusilla said sincerely, looking at her sire and smiling, "I am sorry, Angelus. Please, come inside and sit down. We shall have a nice talk while Kitten finishes her shower."

Drusilla took Angelus and Spike's hands and walked them into the living room. She motioned for them to sit, taking a seat on the sofa, leaving room for Willow to sit beside her when the redhead came downstairs and joined them. She was ever so excited to see her Daddy and William, having missed them both during their journey to the city of the angels, and she could not wait to introduce her new friend to them. She knew that they did not understand, the stars having warned her that they would be confused, but she would make sure that they did not frighten her Willow.

"Suppose Kitten is this Willow chit that owns the house," Spike said as he sat in the chair Drusilla indicated, a slight pout on his lips when she didn't allow him to sit beside her. He leaned back, his blue eyes studying Drusilla as he tried to figure out what was going on.

"Willow is taking a shower?" Angelus said slowly, ignoring the vivid images that came to mind as he concentrated on understanding what the hell was going on, completely confused and puzzled. Nothing made sense anymore, all of his theories blown away the moment Drusilla opened the front door and invited them inside. How had she invited Spike inside if Willow was still alive, which she obviously was judging on the heartbeat he could distantly hear and the sound of the shower running upstairs. He shook his head, giving Drusilla an aggravated look as he asked for what had to be the hundredth time in the last five minutes, "Drusilla, what is going on?"

"The stars told me that you two were coming to visit," Drusilla said, ignoring Angelus' question as she continued, "and I did not think you would ever get here! Did you enjoy your visit with the angels in the city? You returned early, I felt you arrive this morning, before the sun rose. Did you not have fun playing with the angels?"

"Our trip was successful, Princess," Spike said, "but we should not have left you alone. We came home early because we missed you."

"I was not alone, pretty William," Drusilla said softly, a smile crossing her face as she thought about Willow and her new friends. "I had ever so much fun!"

"What are you doing here?" Angelus asked, impatience giving his words an edge, "How were you able to invite Spike inside?"

"So many questions," Drusilla whispered as she looked into Angelus' eyes, "bzz, bzz, bzz...questions in your mind, wanting answers. You do not understand, do not trust what you see, poor confused Daddy, you do not hear the stars, do not listen to their words." Drusilla reached out and ran her fingers over Angelus' cheek, "You shall hear the answers and pst, more questions will buzz through your head like bees...bzz...bzz. Pretty Daddy, you will enjoy solving this puzzle. Family and love and everything will be as it should."

Spike frowned as he listened to Drusilla, usually able to follow her ramblings rather well, but finding himself rather lost in this latest discussion with the stars. The only thing that really mattered to him was that she was okay, that she wasn't hurt, that they had found her. Angelus, on the other hand, couldn't allow himself to be content that they had found Drusilla unharmed. Course not, cause that would be easy. Spike wanted to understand, too, but he wasn't going to whine and demand answers when it was obvious that Dru wasn't planning on answering any questions yet. Angelus always had been a stubborn fool, and Spike decided he'd better try to get Drusilla to talk or they'd be there all night with Angelus frowning and asking questions. He asked, "Princess, baby, why don't you just give Angelus some of those answers?"

Drusilla was silent as she moved away from Angelus and resumed sitting, her eyes looking at both her sire and childe as she listened to the noises in the house. She quietly warned, "Do not scare Kitten. My pretty pet saved me, and I will not allow either of you to harm her or frighten her. Perhaps she will provide you with answers if you are polite and ask her nicely." A soft smile crossed Drusilla's face as she looked away from the two startled vampires and focused on the stairs. Willow was coming.

"Hey, Dru," Willow called out as she started down the stairs, drying her hair with a towel as she was greeted with silence, "How about we watch Rock N Roll High School? It's got great music. I just love," Willow entered the living room and looked up then, her green eyes widening in shock as she saw the two dangerous vampires sitting across from a smiling Drusilla, whispering, "Angelus and Spike."

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

"Willow-pet, we've got company," Drusilla smiled at her best friend, watching as the redhead froze in the doorway, her eyes large and confused.

Angelus looked away from Drusilla, his dark eyes finding Willow standing inside the doorway. The silly girl was staring at them with shock, wondering briefly if he'd look that dumbfounded when Drusilla had opened the door, deciding that maybe she'd be able to give him some answers that made sense. He thought about her words as she'd entered the room, his lips twisting into a smirk as he said, "Why, Willow. I didn't know you cared!"

Willow didn't understand what Angelus was talking about, still on the shock of finding them both sitting in her living room. She was scared, having never expected to come downstairs from her shower to find them in her house, but she was also a bit curious why they hadn't tried to kill her yet. What did Angelus mean he didn't know she cared? Her eyes grew thoughtful as she suddenly remembered what she'd been saying when she entered the room. She'd been gonna say she loved the Ramones but had been surprised at finding the two gorgeous vampires that she'd said their names instead. Her green eyes were dismayed when she realized that Angelus had made a joke. She looked at Drusilla, seeing her friend watching with an affectionate smile on her face, seeming to think there was nothing wrong with inviting two dangerous vampires into her home. She sighed, not knowing what they were doing there, finally looking at Spike as she became aware of his eyes lazily moving over her.

Spike looked at the human that had entered the room, his blue eyes sweeping over the pretty little redhead as a slow smile crossed his face. This was the witch. He could feel her power though it wasn't what he'd expected. He realized that she was probably unaware of her natural gift, just learning about her talents, had no idea she was so strong. He took in her bare feet, long legs that were displayed by the shorts that fell a few inches above her knees, past what he assumed was a flat tummy concealed by the T-shirt that had the name of the local high school, remaining on the soft swell of her perky breasts that were covered by the cotton of the shirt for a few seconds longer than proper, up the smooth column of her neck that was unmarred and made his fangs itch to taste her, past delectable lips that were still parted from her whispered words, a cute nose that appeared to have a couple of freckles, finally meeting green eyes that were staring at them with shock and just a hint of fear and curiosity.

It was the eyes that did it, he realized, running his tongue over his lips as he cursed himself for never paying attention to this girl before. She was enchanting, power and innocence, fear and strength, beautiful and sexy. Yeah, he definitely wouldn't mind playing with her. He watched her eyes as a wolfish smile crossed his face, his voice husky as he said, "I don't believe we've been properly introduced, pet. The name's Spike. And you must be Kitten."

Willow felt her heartbeat increase as Spike spoke, her knees weakening slightly when he purred the word Kitten in a way that did things to her body that were probably illegal in several states. Stop it, Willow, she scolded herself, knowing all too well that this was not the time or the place to melt into a puddle of drool and that ogling them was not something that needed to be done at the moment. She didn't understand why he was being friendly, introducing himself, giving her such a thorough and heated appraisal. The redhead now completely understood what was meant by being mentally undressed, her nipples hard and her panties growing just a little wet from his clear and blatant approval of her body and this was so not the time to be aroused and have them smell it on her and figure out what she was a horrible person for finding them, the enemy, so darn attractive. She gathered up her courage, deciding to go along with whatever game they must be playing in hopes that she'd at least escape with her life, giving him a shy smile as she said, "I'm Willow. We've met before, but I think you were preoccupied with killing me."

"Nothing personal, luv," Spike was surprised, loving that she had responded to him with no hints of fear, wondering if he was just imagining the look of lust in those gorgeous green eyes, knowing that he was probably annoying Angelus with his flirting but not caring.

"Course not, cause, hey, I tried to kill you too," Willow found herself smiling at the blond vampire as they discussed unsuccessful attempts on each other's lives. And she'd thought her first conversation with Drusilla had been weird.

"Sit down, pretty pet," Drusilla urged as she patted the sofa beside her. "I'll fetch our food. Your tummy will be all growly and empty if you do not eat, Willow-mine."

"Willow, perhaps you can answer some of my questions," Angelus said slowly, irritation in his eyes that he'd been ignored as the pretty redhead had flirted with Spike right in front of him. Trust Spike to forget about the serious things, like figuring out what the fuck was going on, to flirt with the luscious redhead.

"There shall be no questions until my pet has fed," Drusilla said, a smile on her face as her eyes narrowed in warning.

"God damn it, Drusilla!" Angelus snarled, past the level of patience that he prided himself on, "I want to know what hell is going on here! We leave for Los Angeles and come back to find you staying with the slayer's best friend. What the hell happened? And why were you able to invite Spike inside? And I don't want to hear anything else about the blasted stars! I want answers!"

"Hey, quit yelling at her! Don't get all loud and rude or I'll...I'll...kick you out!" Willow threatened, her eyes blazing with anger as she faced Angelus. She looked at Drusilla, seeing the proud smile on her friend's face and said, "Go ahead and get the food, Dru."

"Kitten's got claws," Spike remarked lazily, his blue eyes flashing with arousal as he looked at the spitfire that had challenged Angelus in order to protect his sire. She was brilliant, with her hair tousled and wet against her face, her eyes sparking with anger, her cheeks flushed from rage. Spike was definitely intrigued by this human, attracted might be another suitable word.

She'd yelled at him. Shy, sweet little Willow, slayer's best friend and shadow, had just yelled at him. In front of his childe and grandchilde, none the less. His brown eyes were smoldering with anger and, though he'd deny it, admiration as well as arousal. She was protecting his childe, something that surprised him and made even more questions come to his mind. This was not going well, he frowned, thinking how ridiculous this entire experience was. It was like some horrible comedy of errors, not at all what he'd expected when they'd left the mansion earlier. Not even what he'd expected when they'd left Willie's Tavern not even an hour ago. He wasn't exactly sure what he had expected, but this was definitely not it. He could sense her power, knew that Willie had not been exaggerating about her magical talents, also realizing that she didn't have a clue about her abilities. He wanted nothing more than to slap her for her insolence, for daring to raise her voice to the master, for threatening him, and it annoyed him even more that he couldn't. He'd promised to protect her and not to harm her, and Angelus was a man of his word. Fuck, he scowled, not wanting to look away and admit defeat.

"Daddy, sit down and stop glaring at Kitten," Drusilla said as she entered the room again, putting a tray on the table as she sat beside Willow. She smiled fondly as she handed the redhead a plate with her food and a glass that had the milk shake that she had prepared successfully the second time. She eagerly asked, "Is it good, pretty pet?"

Willow smiled at Drusilla as she took a sip of the milk shake, nodding as she said, "It's delicious, Dru. Very chocolaty."

"Daddy, here is your treat," Drusilla handed a glaring Angelus a glass with the milk shake she had made and another glass that had warmed blood. She looked at Spike and smiled, "Here, pretty pet. I made it myself! It is chocolate and ever so tasty."

"You made it?" Spike arched a brow as he looked at the glass she handed him. With a shrug, he took a deep drink, slowly smiling as he said, "Princess, this is fantastic."

"Really?" Drusilla leaned back and rested her head against Willow's shoulder as she took a sip of her own milk shake.

"So, what? We sit here while Willow eats and then I can finally get some answers?" Angelus asked, unaware that he was sulking as he glowered at them all. Spike was supposed to be on his side, damn it, yet the blond was drooling all over Willow and flirting with the redhead while undressing her with his eyes and then he was drinking the milk shake and humoring Drusilla.

"Daddy is cranky when he is confused," Drusilla confided to Willow before looking back at Angelus, "you will have answers if you are nice and ask politely. Now, be a good Daddy and hush up. Taste your treat. I made extra after the stars informed me that we were having guests. Willow, do you still call blue jeans blue jeans when they are black?"

"What?" Willow looked up and stared at Dru. She'd been eating, focused on her food, not believing she'd yelled at Angelus and was still alive, also not believing that Spike appeared to be flirting with her and that she'd kind of flirted back. She'd never anticipated sitting in her living room, drinking milk shakes, arguing with Angelus and flirting with Spike. She smiled affectionately at Drusilla as she answered, "I'm thinking that they're still called blue jeans because they're denim and just a different color, but I'm not the fashion expert."

"I shall ask the expert then," Drusilla decided before taking a bite from her sandwich and resting her head back on Willow's shoulder, hoping she would remember to ask Cordelia that question when next they spoke.

Angelus was about to sharply ask who 'the expert' was, but he kept his mouth shut, not wanting to be chastised by his own childe or the human witch again. He looked over at Spike, rolling his eyes when he saw the blond dividing his attention between ogling the unsuspecting redhead and looking at him with a mixture of amusement and attraction. He took a drink of the milk shake Drusilla had given him, human food not having much interest to him unless the human was the food, Spike being the fan of junk food and such. He took a drink, reluctant to admit that the milk shake was quite good, taking another drink as he continued to glare at the other three people in the room, deciding that he'd better get some damn answers when Willow was finished eating or he'd, well, he didn't know what he'd do but he'd think of something suitably threatening if they refused to answer his questions. He was the Master of Sunnydale, Angelus, half the Scourge of Europe, feared by many throughout the world, evil and sadistic and cunning and dangerous and powerful! Would be best that they remember just who they were dealing with, he thought with another glare at them, taking another drink of his milk shake as he waited for some answers.

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

Willow deliberately took three times as long to eat her food. She nibbled on her sandwiches as she thought, trying to figure out what the heck was going on as well as trying to figure out a course of action to get herself out of this mess. She'd hoped to avoid any kind of confrontation with Angelus and Spike concerning the events of the last couple of days, having some foolish idea that Drusilla could simply return home before they did and they'd never know what had happened. Stupid, stupid, stupid. She should have thought of every possible scenario and planned for it, something that she usually did when faced with unusual circumstances like helping Buffy fight some demon or another or when she had to study for a test as well as helping with research and she was sure she could think of a dozen other examples of times when she'd be able to logically think of every problem and come up with a solution. This time, though, she'd been surprised and honestly had no idea what to do.

Everything changed that night in the park. Was it really only two days ago? She found it hard to believe that, in less than forty-eight hours, her entire life was now so different. When she'd first helped Drusilla, she'd done it because she hadn't been able to just walk away and leave the woman to die. She'd not thought about the consequences, focusing on saving Drusilla. After she'd successfully saved the vampire, then she'd started thinking a little bit more about what would happen next. At that time, she'd never once imagined becoming so close to Dru in such a short time, of becoming friends and sharing her new friendship with her other friends. The idea of Buffy shopping with the daughter of the master of Sunnydale was just not something she'd have ever expected to happen. Willow had figured Dru would just go home and that Angelus would either not find out about her helping his daughter or that he'd be grateful and ignore it or, okay, so a naughty part of her mind had thought up vivid ways in which he could repay his gratitude but that hadn't been a realistic thought so it shouldn't count in her mental discussion with herself.

Once she and Drusilla had spoken, once they'd started to become friends, Willow had intentionally tried *not* to think about what would happen when her new friend left. She'd hoped that Angelus would just remain in the dark, a bit scared of his reaction that his daughter was friendly with his greatest enemies, figuring his anger at that turn of events would surely override any gratitude he might feel at realizing she'd helped save Dru. It would have been better in so many ways if Drusilla had just returned home and Angelus had never found out about the last two days. But, another part of Willow had to argue that it would have terrible to lose her friendship with Drusilla, the vampire now knowing more about her and her life than even Buffy. Not that Willow expected their friendship to be able to be continued at all, but it might be better to just get this confrontation with Angelus out of the way and at least know what his course of action was going to be.

She would either die for daring to become friendly with his daughter, not to mention yelling at him and threatening him, which she now had to admit was a pretty stupid thing to do, or he'd leave after breaking the tentative truce he'd seemed to have made with Buffy and it would again be open season on her and her friends. Drusilla had said to trust the stars, that everything would be okay, but a part of Willow was pretty bad at blindly trusting little bits of light that twinkled in the night sky, no matter how lovely their song was. If she did make it through this, what would you call it? Meeting? Whatever, if she survived this talk then she'd at least be able to warn Buffy about Angelus' plans and they wouldn't be surprised when he started playing his stupid games again.

If she didn't finish that damn food, he was going to go over and finish it for her! Angelus was seething with anger as he watched Willow take little bites of her sandwich, knowing that she was deliberately taking her time. It was more annoying than he could even put into words to be the master of Sunnydale stuck waiting patiently to get the answers that he wanted because some little teenager wanted to make him wait! No matter how beautiful she was or how much power she supposedly controlled, he was getting impatient and restless, about ready to forget his promise not to hurt her if she didn't start explaining what the hell was going on soon. He took another drink of the milk shake, letting the straw rest against his lips as he glared at the oblivious redhead.

Angelus was getting impatient, that much obvious to anyone with eyes. Spike was a bit amused by his lover's behavior, if he were honest, rarely seeing the elder vampire not in control of the situation. Angelus loved having control, in every aspect of his life. From minions to hunting to family to fucking. Angelus wanted to say what happened when, enjoyed having people jump to do whatever he told them, liked to make the plans and insure that they were carried out the way he wanted, liked the entire dominant master vampire role. Spike liked the power, too, the rush of having people obey and of being feared and respected. It was pretty damn cool, but it wasn't his entire existence. The minions, hunting, fighting, all those areas of his life, then, sure, he was in complete control and had the strength and power that caused others to obey him, like his grandsire.

He was a master, feared around the world, maybe more so than Angelus because he was known for his lack of patience and his unpredictability while the elder vampire was known as a game player, cruel and cunning but patient and observant. Angelus would go into a party and flirt and seduce and soon have his victims practically begging for him. Spike could also play that game, having learned it from the best, memories of parties with Angelus as they'd play with their victims and have such delicious fun getting them to follow them willingly, but he wasn't usually that controlled. He'd go into a party, raise some hell, listen to everyone scream and beg and then take what he wanted. Chaotic, sure, but also pretty damn fun. With Angelus, he had control, he could enjoy the thrill of the hunt and of playing with their victims. After Angelus left, well, it had never been the same. He'd never had the patience to just spend hours wooing a victim when Drusilla had been waiting for him.

Spike could clearly see that his lover's patience was being tested by this pretty redhead who nibbled on her food like a little mouse, her green eyes thoughtful and obviously trying to figure out what was going on. She could join the club. He'd been doing his own thinking in between watching Angelus and the redhead. He respected the human that had protected his sire, having an idea that she was the reason Drusilla was still with them and not dead. He'd felt the pain through the bond the other night, knew his sire had been hurt, logically deciding that this girl must be the reason Drusilla was no longer hurt. That, in itself, earned his devotion and respect. Spike wasn't used to respecting humans, having little use for them, never really knowing many that hadn't been potential and eventual victims or possible minions of the human variety, intended to help him during the daylight hours he was stuck inside. He'd definitely never sat in a rather comfy chair that was surrounded by the stench of the slayer and waited to have a conversation with one before. It was kind of interesting, he had to admit, something new, different. It didn't hurt that the human in question was gorgeous and innocent and magical and attracted him in a way that he'd not felt save for his sire and grandsire. She was a spitfire, standing up to Angelus with no fear in those pretty green eyes, okay just enough fear to prove that she *was* human but not the waves of cringing fear that usually surrounded humans that were caught face to face with an angry Angelus. Spike had to hope she finished her meditation period soon, though, before Angelus did something rash. Spike wasn't used to Angelus acting rashly so he had no idea what his lover might do if his patience finally dissolved, a bit curious in a way but not wanting to see it if it involved the cute little redhead with whom his sire was so fond. She'd better finish that food soon, he decided as he leaned forward and put his empty glass on the table.

Willow came out of her thoughts when she heard Spike move, looking up as she realized that a lot of time had passed. She drew her bottom lip into her mouth as she knew it was time to quit procrastinating. Angelus was glaring at her, even more angry than he had been before, which was kind of scary at the same time it was sort of turning her on though she did her best to ignore those thoughts. Spike was definitely not used to sitting still for so long, his foot tapping the floor as he kept moving and adjusting his position, his blue eyes looking from her to Angelus. She felt Drusilla beside her, the vampire's hand taking hers and squeezing, giving her a beautiful smile as she took her plate and set it on the table before settling back beside her and putting her head on Willow's shoulder. Willow sighed softly, knowing that she couldn't put it off any longer. It was time.

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

Willow sat back and looked at Angelus, meeting his dark eyes without flinching, softly saying, "What do you want to know, Angelus?"

"All of it," Angelus simply said. He saw the surprise in her eyes and had to wonder if she honestly expected him to ask her specific questions. He'd learn far more listening to her rambling explanation, knowing Willow well enough to know that she said far more when she was babbling than she did when she was answering something specific.

"Tell him how we met, Kitten," Drusilla urged, having remained silent while Willow ate, spending her time watching her Daddy and William. Daddy was angry with her new friend, but not because they were friends, because he did not understand. Daddy hated not understanding, not having the answers, not being the master of every situation. William was intrigued by her Kitten, his blue eyes curious and lusty when they looked at her pretty friend. Drusilla knew that he did not mind not understanding, satisfied that she was safe and concentrating instead on Willow. Poor Kitten had no idea what to do, not completely trusting the stars, her lovely green eyes worried and uncertain. Drusilla knew that Willow trusted her, though, and that gave the redhead more confidence in the situation.

"Yeah, how'd you two hook up?" Spike asked as he leaned back in his chair, settling in for the story.

"Well, it was Thursday night," Willow recalled, not sure who she was supposed to be looking at so she divided her time in between trying not to cringe at the anger and annoyance in Angelus' dark eyes and trying not to ogle the beautiful blue depths of Spike's eyes that were looking at her with curiosity and interest. She thought back, "I was going home from school and decided to take this dirt path because it was a bit more scenic and not quite as dangerous. As I was walking, I heard singing and followed it to the lake. That's when I saw the woman, and she appeared to be hurt. I went forward to help her, to see if she was okay."

"Ye didn't know her, you were in a dark area off the beaten path, and you still went to her?" Spike asked, not sure if he should admire her or if she was just bloody stupid.

"It might not have been the smartest thing, but I couldn't just walk away and leave her there like I didn't see her," Willow defended, knowing that it did sound kind of stupid, especially for the best of the slayer, when it was spoken out loud.

"Greg took me hunting," Drusilla spoke up, "he was mean, wouldn't let Princess dance for the stars. They were all mean to me, saying nasty things, whispering about me in the dark, the stars told me to go hunting. They said that I would be ever so happy if I listened to them, if I went to the lake and danced for them. This nasty smelling demon attacked us. He killed Greg and scratched me, but I killed him. The stars told me to sit down and wait, said that a precious angel would save me and that everything would be as it should. I sat down and sang with the stars, and then Willow found me."

"I didn't realize it was Dru until I checked the wound and looked up. By that time, I knew she was hurt kind of bad, losing a lot of blood. She asked me to help her and I couldn't say now," Willow explained, giving her friend a soft smile, "she fainted and I had to carry her back here. Dru, honey, that reminds me, maybe we should cut down on all the chocolate. You're pretty darn heavy!"

"Silly kitten," Drusilla giggled, her blue eyes shining with amusement.

"What happened next?" Spike asked, not believing that this little slip of a human had carried his sire all the way to her house from the lake.

"Why did you help her once you realized who she was?" Angelus asked quietly, having remained silent during the explanation, curious despite himself why Willow, best friend of the slayer and someone whom he'd tormented for months, would help Drusilla.

"She was alone and needed me," Willow said simply, continuing her story, "anyway, I got her here and realized that she'd lost even more blood than I thought. I noticed some similarities between her wound and one Buffy had a few weeks ago, it was poison and I realized that she might have been poisoned, too. So, I went to Willie's and got some blood for her. Came back here and fed her. She came to and acknowledged the poison, said she was feeling better. Um, I think after that I was pretty exhausted and we just went to sleep, didn't we?"

"Yes, Kitten. And the next day, I woke up and felt ever so peaceful. Willow pet woke up and decided to stay home from school to spend the day with me," Drusilla beamed, "I had Cocoa Puffs and then Buffy pet came over and let me have chocolate doughnuts that were ever so delicious and then Cordelia sweets came over and we went shopping! I went to a mall and there were so many shops and I bought these blue jeans and ever so many other things with Kitten's plastic card that her parents give her so they do not feel guilty for deserting her and I bought you both prezzies! And then we came here and had a slumber party, I think is the term they used. We watched movies and danced for the stars and it was so much fun!" Drusilla said excitedly, missing the stunned expressions on Spike and Angelus' faces.

"Wait a minute!" Angelus said sharply, "You went to a mall? With the slayer and the cheerleader? What were you doing with the slayer?!"

"Her name is Buffy," Drusilla corrected softly, "and she is my friend. She shared her chocolate with me and gave me a nightgown and is ever so sweet. And Cordelia helped buy clothes and taught me how to make milk shakes. They are my friends, Daddy."

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

"Friends?" Spike repeated slowly, seeing the hurt look in Dru's eyes and wishing he could say something to make it go away, but, friends? With the slayer and whomever this Cordelia chit was? He had no problems accepting the redhead, she'd saved Dru after all. Didn't hurt that she was a gorgeous witch with whom he was attracted and intrigued. The slayer, though, was, well, she was the slayer! How could his sire sit there and call that bottled blonde bitch a friend?

"Yes, friends," Drusilla whispered, her eyes troubled as she wondered if the stars might have been wrong. Daddy was angry again and William was annoyed. What had she done to upset them? She had thought they would be happy that she had friends, having expected some problems because Buffy was a slayer but trusting the stars when they said it was going to be okay.

"We should go," Angelus said abruptly, wanting some time to think about this and clear his head, knowing he was close to exploding over the knowledge that his daughter had been 'hanging out' with Willow and Buffy and Cordelia. Did she not understand the term enemy? Slayers were enemies, this one even more so because of the past he shared with her and her little friends. While he was grateful to Willow for finding Drusilla and saving her, he could not accept his daughter referring to the slayer as a friend.

It was just......ridiculous! He would take her home and let her have some time to think about it, give himself some time to calm down so he wouldn't yell or be mean, then he'd talk to her and explain how vampires could not be friends with humans, especially not slayers and their friends who spent their time fighting vampires. He thought it was pretty easy to understand the logic of why they'd be on opposite sides, vampires versus vampire slayers, but trust Drusilla to miss the point and not see how illogical any kind of relationship between the two groups would be.

"I'll help you get your stuff, Princess," Spike volunteered, not protesting his lover's decision to leave. He wouldn't have minded a little more time with the pretty redhead, but that was before Drusilla's bombshell concerning her friendship, a scowl crossing his handsome face as he even thought of that word in connection with the slayer.

"No," Drusilla said quietly, her eyes resolved as she waited for her Daddy to yell. It wasn't long.

"What do you mean no?" Angelus asked, his voice raised as he tried his best to keep control of his temper.

"I shall not leave without Willow," Drusilla said simply, squeezing her best friend's hand tightly.

"Drusilla, sweetie, maybe you should just go," Willow said softly, able to see how close Angelus was to losing it, not wanting to witness or be the object of his anger should he finally give in to his demon.

"Not without you," Drusilla shook her head, "the stars said I should stay with you. I can not lose you, Kitten. I will stay with you."

"Drusilla, I'm going to count to ten," Angelus said sharply, running a hand over his face as he saw the stubborn look in her pretty blue eyes. Fuck, why did she have to do this right now? He was tired and confused and just wanted to go home and fuck Spike and then get some sleep, hoping that everything would be back to normal tomorrow.

"Is her stuff upstairs?" Spike asked Willow when he heard Angelus saying he was going to count to ten, figuring it would be better to already have Dru's stuff together so they could leave. He received a nod from the redhead, moving from the group towards the stairs, listening as the human told him where it was.

"Several bags on the floor by my bed. First door on the right from the stairs," Willow said, feeling Drusilla's nails digging into the palm of her hand.

"I am not leaving Willow, Angelus," Drusilla told her sire, ready to receive the brunt of his anger should he strike, knowing she could protect Willow if need be.

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

"Ten, nine, eight," Angelus began to count, his dark eyes not leaving Drusilla's blue eyes as they faced each other.

"Damn, Princess, did you buy everything at the bloody mall?" Spike asked as he came downstairs with so many bags he was barely able to carry them all. He stopped speaking when he saw that Drusilla had stood up, still holding tightly to Willow's hand, facing Angelus as his lover was nearly seething with rage.

"Seven, six, five," Angelus continued to count, admiration in his eyes as Drusilla faced him. His lovely daughter usually avoided confrontation except when she was defending those she loved. She was protective of those she cared about, her facing him confirming that her feelings of affection for Willow were true. She would never have dared confront him if she did not truly care about the redhead that had saved her. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Why couldn't things work out the way he had planned? He'd figured he'd get Drusilla home, pretend that the last two days never happened, and that everything could just sort of go back to normal.

"I'm not leaving her," Drusilla said softly, seeing the change in her Daddy's eyes as he counted. He was still angry, but he was no longer a danger. She did not understand, but she knew that she should confess the truth to him in case he had decided to simply kill Willow to get her to leave, knowing that he had not bothered to concentrate or he'd have smelled her bond with the redhead. She had claimed all of her friends the previous evening, knowing that even a basic claim from one of her lineage was enough to insure their safety from a majority of threats. She had shared her blood with them as she had tasted theirs, allowing them to hear the stars but also being rather sneaky by muttering the words needed to perform the simple ritual that extended her protection over them. She knew that they would not mind her protection, loving her as she loved them. It was all she could give them, to show them how much they meant to her. Sharing her stars and her blood, letting them listen to the lovely song and keeping them safe. Daddy would be ever so angry when he found out the truth so she decided not to say a word yet, hoping that he would not find out until he was in a better mood.

"Four, three, two," Angelus counted down, arching a brow as she simply stood her ground. He frowned, muttering curses under his breath as he swung his eyes to look at Willow. She was obviously confused and a bit scared, holding on to Drusilla's hand and looking worried for her friend. Friend. Damn it, why hadn't they just taken Dru to LA? It would have prevented all this and he'd have at least not had to try to figure out some way to solve this current problem, much less the other problems stemming from Drusilla's journey to the lake. He told Willow, "Fine, she won't leave you, so I guess that means you're coming with us until we can fix this mess!"

"What?" Willow squeaked, shaking her head suddenly, "No way! I mean, there is no way I'm going with you! If you're gonna kill me, just do it here. I'm not going to wherever it is you live so you can, what? Torture me and then kill me?"

"I'm not going to kill you," Angelus said, rolling his eyes at her decision to finally get hysterical after he figures out a good enough solution for the time being. "She won't go without you and I'm not going without her, so, that means, you're going with us. If I wanted you dead or tortured, I'd have done it months ago. Really, Willow, I thought you were the smart one. This is the only solution to this current dilemma. Now, quit your hysterics and come along like a good girl."

"Oh, you can meet my dollies," Drusilla smiled at Willow, surprised that her sire had decided to invite Willow to stay with them but loving the idea. "Daddy was ever so smart thinking of having you come stay with us! We'll have such fun! You can stay in my room and we can plan my party for the dollies and you can help me prepare the boxes for when I put them away and we can."

"Princess, honey, maybe you should keep some of those ideas a secret and surprise her," Spike suggested with a soft smile at his sire as he saw the completely dumbfounded expression on Willow's face. He had to admit that Drusilla was right. Angelus had had the best idea, the blond smiling at the idea of having the cute little witch staying at their house. He wouldn't mind learning more, everything, about her plus he'd wanted to watch her cast some spells and he wouldn't mind attempting a bit of a seduction when the time was right. Hell, she was protected as the master's personal witch, so what better than to have her staying with the master? It made perfect sense. Plus, it meant his beautiful sire was not going to be on the receiving end of Angelus' anger, though he had a feeling that tonight's shagging was going to be wickedly rough.

"I can't go with you," Willow said again, hating to upset Drusilla but knowing that there were limits that any normal person had, and the idea of blindly going off to stay who knew where with two dangerous and sexy master vampires, well, that was past her limit.

"Really?" Angelus smirked, arching a brow as he finally felt back in control. He moved forward swiftly, tossing her easily over his shoulder, his hand resting on her cute little ass to keep her in place, "Guess we'll have to take you, then."

"Put me down!" Willow squealed as he tossed her over his shoulder like she didn't weigh anything.

Drusilla clapped, "Silly Daddy! Kitten, I'll get some of your stuff and we shall collect the rest later, once you're settled in!"

"Drusilla! Help me!" Willow said, squirming on Angelus' shoulder as he held her in place, trying to ignore the fact that his hand was on her butt.

"You're coming home with us, Willow-pet," Drusilla said as she moved behind Angelus' back and smiled at her best friend. She leaned forward and kissed the redhead's cheek before laughing, "I shall run upstairs and gather your things. I'll be back ever so quickly then we can take you home!"

"If you don't stop squirming, I'll be forced to knock you unconscious," Angelus said conversationally, smirking as the redhead became still at his words. He leaned his shoulder against the doorway as he waited for Drusilla, hoping she wasn't too long. He wanted to get home and try to figure out what the hell was going on and how he was going to fix it.

Drusilla ran back downstairs, a wide smile on her face as she handed William the bag that she had packed for Willow, kissing him briefly as he grumbled about all of her packages and now having another bag to carry. She moved to open the door, allowing Angelus and William to pass her by, shutting it behind her before she moved to Angelus' side, taking Willow's hand. She saw the redhead glaring at her, smiling as she said, "Trust the stars, pretty kitty. You are safe. It will be ever so much fun! Do not be angry with me, please?"

"I'm not angry at *you*," Willow said, turning her glare to Angelus' back, noticing that she had a rather great view of his butt from her position. Shaking her head slightly, she continued, "You're not the one that is carrying me around like a sack of potatoes and threatening to knock me unconscious."

"A sack of potatoes wouldn't be nearly as annoying," Angelus remarked, "that unconscious option is sounding better."

Willow stuck her tongue out at the vampire's back, sighing as she realized that she was stuck. Drusilla wasn't any help, seeming to think that it was great that she was being forced to go home with them, not at all scared that Angelus was luring her there so he could kill her, which was one of the foremost thoughts in Willow's head. Spike seemed amused by the whole thing and would definitely be on Angelus' side if she suddenly started screaming for help as they walked. She'd have her neck broke before she could finish the first scream, most likely. She felt Drusilla's fingers on her cheek, looking at her friend and sighing again, giving her a small smile that was the best she could manage under the circumstances.

"Do not worry, Willow," Drusilla whispered, smiling as she said, "We will be home soon!"

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

"Quit squirming," Angelus told the redhead that was tossed over his shoulder.

"If you don't like it, let me go," Willow replied, deliberately squirming more.

"Let me think about that," there was a pause, "No!"

"Bastard," she muttered under her breath, glaring at his luscious ass and thinking how terrible it was that he had to be so damn good looking. She was musing over how tempting it was to give his butt a nice squeeze when she felt his hand fondling her own rear. Suddenly, he raised his hand and swatted her, "Hey! What was that for?"

"I'll have you know that I had both me parents around my entire life, until I ate them," Angelus said, his lips twisted into an amused smirk that Willow couldn't see.

Spike rolled his eyes over Angelus' antics, winking at an amused Drusilla before he slowed his pace down so that he was no longer walking beside his grandsire. Leaning over, he gave Angelus' rear a nice pinch before resuming his place, giving the dark haired vampire an innocent smile when chocolate brown eyes swung around in surprise. He looked at the beautiful redhead that was staring at him with a mixture of surprise and, hmm that was interesting, envy.

Angelus arched a brow, having little doubt that Spike had been responsible for the delicious twinge of pain he'd just felt, but he decided to play with Willow a bit, rather enjoying the idea of flustering the feisty redhead. His lips curved into a sensual smile as he turned his head to look at her, seeing the wide eyes that she refused to let show her fear at his response to the pinch she had not done. He purred, "Do it again, Willow."

"Um, uh," Willow found herself unable to form coherent words or sentences as she saw the blatant look of desire in Angelus' eyes. Desire. Oh my, she now understood what the fuss was all about. Her body felt as if it were on fire just from that *look*.

"Daddy, quit teasing Kitten," Drusilla scolded playfully as she laughed at the game her pretty pet was playing with William and Daddy. She had seen the lusty looks, knew that her boys wanted to play naughty games with her new friend. She also knew that her lovely Willow had had naughty dreams about her boys, hearing the pretty redhead saying their names as she slept. She was ever so excited, knowing that Willow would be a match for her Angelus and William. The stars had whispered it, it would be so. She was amused at her sire's actions, knowing he liked to play but never seeing that particular gleam in his eyes before, confirming to her that the stars were very knowledgeable.

"But, Princess, I like teasing Kitten," Angelus said as he rolled the word teasing off his tongue in a way that gave little doubt what sort of teasing he'd like to do with the gorgeous redhead on his shoulder.

"This isn't funny," Willow scowled at him when she saw the amusement in his eyes, deciding that she had been imagining the moment between them. Reading too many stupid romance novels, she decided, knowing it was ridiculous to think that Angelus or Spike would ever think of her in that way. She glared at Spike who was openly smiling, amusement in those beautiful blue eyes. It was all his fault! Him and his darn stupid pinches.

"Better stop that. Your face might freeze that way," Spike told her with a smirk, watching as the mature redhead stuck her tongue out at him before glaring again. Bloody hell, she was adorable. Damn it if he wasn't half smitten already. He wasn't sure what Angelus had planned, knowing the dark haired vampire had taken her to get Drusilla back home since his stubborn sire had refused to leave the pretty redhead, something that he now understood completely. She was unlike any mortal he'd ever known, not that he'd really known many since his turning. Gorgeous and smart and sexy and powerful and strong and not afraid. Did he mention sexy? Those beautiful green eyes and that long red hair and those full lips that just begged for a kiss and that graceful neck that made his fangs itch to taste her. Course, he was itching to taste her in a variety of ways, had been since she'd first come downstairs and he'd looked into her eyes. He'd have a chat with his lover, he decided, knowing that Angelus seemed to want her, too. He'd love to just sit and look at her, listen to her, knowing somehow that a conversation with her would never be dull. Fuck, maybe he was past the halfway mark. He wanted to keep her, Spike decided.

"Funny vampires. Just my luck to be kidnapped by aspiring comedian vampires," Willow mumbled as she glared at Spike before glaring at Angelus, seeing the amusement in their eyes. Great, just great. She'd been taken from her home for who knew what purpose by two sexy as sin vampires that had haunted her dreams for months and they found her amusing instead of sexy and desirable and no, Willow! She shouldn't want them to find her sexy. That was okay for erotic dreams but this was real life. Real life meant that they were evil and sadistic vampires that ruled Sunnydale and she shouldn't want them to look at her as a potential lover. Green eyes looked away from them, not wanting to be tempted any more. She saw Drusilla smiling at her, seeming to have no worries in the world. The redhead sighed as the pretty vampire came closer to her.

"You must trust the stars, pretty Willow," Drusilla said softly, her hand reaching out and brushing along Willow's cheek. She looked at the sky and then back at the redhead. "Daddy, my kitten can walk on her own. She won't leave me."

"Dru, Princess, I don't think that's a very good idea," Angelus said, reluctantly to release the redhead, rather enjoying the feeling of her body against his, even if it was just her tossed over his shoulder.

"Please Angelus?" Drusilla asked as she moved beside him.

"Willow, if you try to escape, I'll catch you and make you regret making such a stupid decision. Are we clear?" Angelus asked as he moved the redhead from his shoulder, looking into her eyes and wondering if shagging her for hours counted as a punishment. He honestly didn't mind the surprising turn of events that had occurred this evening. He'd wanted Willow for what felt like forever, had intended to seduce the redhead into his bed and share her with Spike, and now he had his opportunity and hadn't even had to work for it. As it was, he'd also learned that she was far more than just a potential pet. She was beautiful and smart, which he had known, but she was also loyal to his daughter, a feisty spitfire that wasn't as scared of him as she should be, and she smelled delicious.

"Yes," Willow said softly, her body reacting from the look of lust that had flashed briefly in his brown eyes.

"Let's listen to the stars, Willow-mine," Drusilla said as her arms went around the redhead from behind, her chin resting on the young witch's shoulder. She smiled as she saw William's eyes narrow at the embrace, realizing that her lovely boy was jealous of her touching the pretty redhead. A knowing look flashed in her blue eyes as she realized that it had already started, just as the stars had whispered. Oh, this would be ever so much fun!

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

Buffy Summers finished staking the vampire, a pleased smile on her pretty face. She'd enjoyed her evening with her Mom, having dinner and watching a movie before sneaking out to patrol. She wondered what Willow was doing, if Dru had returned home as planned or if the vampire had remained with Willow. The slayer couldn't help but think that Drusilla would be reluctant to leave Willow. She understood completely, the redhead being one of those people that you felt lucky to call friend and just enjoyed being around. She didn't know what she'd have done without her friendship with Willow, and she had a feeling that Drusilla would feel the same way.

She laughed softly as she walked through the cemetery, twisting her hair into a sloppy knot on top of her head and securing it with one of her extra stakes, thinking how odd it was to realize that she actually hoped Drusilla didn't just disappear and go away. She had been shocked when she'd found the vampire at Willow's house the previous morning, but she'd soon gotten to know Dru a little and had started to care about her. A slayer caring about the somewhat crazy daughter of the master of Sunnydale. Yep, she was definitely unpredictable. No wonder the council couldn't stand her. Not that she cared, having discovered that the world was not black and white, that there was no such thing as complete good and complete evil. Everything was gray, leaning towards one or the other, but it was still all fuzzy and gray and that realization had helped her become as good as she was.

Slayers weren't supposed to have friends. They weren't supposed to have lives outside slaying. They definitely weren't supposed to hang out with vampires, or become involved with them. Okay, so the mess with Angel had been horrible, but it wasn't a mistake. She couldn't think back and make herself believe that knowing him, caring about him, sharing her life with him had been wrong. He'd saved her, saved her friends, during their time together. He'd challenged her and made her think, which was something that she rarely did except when Willow forced her or the circumstances warranted it, and he'd helped her become the woman that she now was. She regretted being the reason he'd lost his soul, felt guilty for Jenny's death, felt as if she were to blame, in some way, for everything he'd done since losing the soul, but another part of her knew that he had never been himself with the soul, the man she had fallen in love with not being the real Angelus at all, and that losing the soul had released him from his curse. She felt even more guilty for sometimes thinking that everything that had happened between them had happened for a reason. She was a slayer, believed in destiny, and she wondered sometimes, usually when she was patrolling alone and had time to think, if she hadn't been meant to meet Angel and fall for him and if he wasn't meant to lose his soul.

The blond slayer rolled her eyes, thankful that Angelus had no idea that she kind of believed that he was meant to be around, knowing that he'd definitely call off their tentative truce if he thought she had accepted his presence. As long as he believed her to be scared, which she was, he'd be content to make her life miserable without killing any more of the people she loved. Okay, so she hadn't really cared all that much for Jenny, hating to admit it now that the woman was dead, killed because she was trying to find a way to help, but it was true. Buffy moved to sit on a headstone, her hazel eyes looking towards the sky as her lips twisted into a soft smile. She could still hear the stars, she realized, feeling as if she wasn't alone any longer. She could practically feel Willow and Cordelia and Drusilla around her. Her eyes closed as she got to her feet and started to spin for the stars, relaxing and smiling as she began to hum along with the stars' song.

********

Cordelia Chase parked her car and walked around to the back of her house. She'd just dropped Xander off after an evening spent soaking in her hot tub and eating pizza. She'd told him about Drusilla, laughing at his disbelieving expression and explaining how wonderful the dark haired vampire was. He'd still been skeptical, but he said he trusted them so he'd try not to worry about their sanity. The cheerleader smiled as she began to clean up around the hot tub. The pizza box was empty, Xander able to eat more than anyone she knew which was annoying because he was still slender no matter what he ate. She wondered if Drusilla had made the chocolate shakes, making a mental note to call Willow tomorrow to find out. She also wanted to talk to the redhead to find out how everything went after she and Buffy had left, knowing it must have been difficult for Drusilla to leave.

The brunette sighed as she found herself wondering if Drusilla would just become crazy vampire enemy again or if she'd remember their day together and be friendly. Of course, Cordelia wasn't sure how it would all work, her still being their friend as Angelus continued to be Master and Buffy's primary enemy. She didn't think that Angelus would be thrilled with the knowledge that Dru had hung out with them at all, rather hoping that he never found it if it meant him threatening and terrorizing them again. She wanted things to get back to normal, to just have the routine fears that accompanied living on the Hellmouth and being friends with the slayer. No special circumstances of a revenge crazed evil vampire that wanted to make them pay for whatever silly reasons he could come up with. Angelus was dangerous and she could relax a lot more if he was just the normal bad guy Master vampire without the whole vendetta thing.

Cordelia finished cleaning up the remains of dinner, picking up their discarded towels and putting them over two chairs to dry. Tonight had been nice, just being with Xander and talking. If you would have told her last year that she'd end up falling in love with Xander Harris, she'd have never believed it. He had always been such a gangly, awkward, silly boy, easy target to make fun of because he had no fashion sense and hung out with Willow, who was the smartest thus nerdiest girl in their class, and Jesse, who was just as awkward and silly as Xander. She'd started to look at Xander in a different way the previous year, having seen him step up and risk his life to help others, finding herself growing attracted to him even as she was freaked out at the idea, knowing such a thing would be social suicide. She'd ignored her growing admiration for him, ignored her belief that he could actually clean up into a handsome guy with the right clothes, ignored the fact that he was funny and not as stupid as she'd have guessed and loyal to his friends in a such a way that she envied and sensitive in a way that most boys his age would never admit to being.

Finally, she'd had to accept the fact that she, Cordelia Chase, head cheerleader, May Queen, most wanted girl at Sunnydale High, had a crush on him. She wasn't used to getting crushes, not really knowing how to act or behave. She'd tried being friendlier to his friends, not being as rude to Willow and Buffy, hoping that he'd notice and realize that she was a good person, deep down underneath the image she'd perfected over the years. Stupid moron hadn't noticed, though. She'd been shocked when they'd been trapped together and kissed, the kiss electrifying and sweet and unlike anything she'd ever experienced. From that moment on, she didn't care if she lost her circle of snotty friends, didn't care what anyone else thought, didn't care about anything except how happy Xander made her. Since then, she'd tried so hard to make up her past behavior to Buffy and Willow, not blaming Willow for hating her. She'd been a horrible bitch, saying some really mean things during their years at school together. Now, after last night, she knew that they had finally accepted her. She was part of their group, one of their friends.

Cordelia was happy that Willow and Buffy had included her in their sleepover. She had lost her other friends, not that you could really call them friends, when she'd chosen Xander, and she missed having girlfriends to talk to and shop with. She also respected Willow and Buffy, admired them, thought that they were brave and strong and intelligent, well Willow was the latter at least, and she wanted them to like her. She sat down beside the hot tub, a smile on her face as she realized how great it was to have friends, real friends that cared about her and listened to her and respected her. The brunette sighed happily as she looked at the sky, noticing all the stars that were out that night. She began to hum, her brown eyes closing as she listened to the stars' song. She didn't understand why she could still hear them, but she was glad. Their song was so pleasant, a calm feeling spreading over her as she stood up and began to twirl around, feeling as if she were surrounded by her new friends, glad that she was no longer alone.

********

Angelus and Spike watched Drusilla take Willow's hand and lead the redhead down the street in front of them. Angelus glanced at Spike and said, "Did she say they were going to listen to the stars?"

"Yeah, and Red seemed happy at the idea," Spike nodded, his blue eyes watching his pretty sire and the beautiful redhead. He shrugged as he moved to catch up with them.

"They're happy tonight," Willow said softly as she followed Drusilla into the park.

"They are ever so pleased," Drusilla laughed as she spun in a circle, "singing such a lovely song. Just for us, my pretty pets and I!"

"Da da de da," Willow began to sing softly as she allowed Drusilla to spin her around. She began to laugh as she and Drusilla spun and danced, both of them humming and singing along with the stars. She caught sight of Angelus and Spike watching them with curious expressions and tender smiles, closing her eyes so she could concentrate on the stars and their special song just for them. She held Drusilla's hand as she listened, feeling as if Buffy and Cordelia were with them. She felt happy, safe, protected, alive. It was wonderful, like she was being hugged by her friends as they danced for the stars.

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

"She can hear the stars," Spike observed quietly, surprise and confusion in his blue eyes. He looked at Angelus, resisting the urge to laugh at the dumbfounded expression on his lover's face.

"How?" Angelus wondered as he watched his childe dance with the redhead. He glanced at Spike, rolling his eyes when he saw the smirk on the blond's lips.

"Dunno, but she's out there humming along perfectly with Dru," Spike pointed out, a tender smile crossing his face as he watched his sire happily dance for the stars. He'd never understood her fascination with the stars, having tried shortly after his turning to hear their song but failing completely. Angelus was convinced that the stars only sang to Dru because she imagined the entire thing, having no faith in things he could not understand or that could not be explained well enough to suit him. Spike knew that his sire wasn't completely of sound mind, but he refused to think she was crazy. She was intelligent and strong and special. Hearing the stars, well, that was just one of her many unique gifts. Angelus refused to believe it, chalking it up to insanity, an outlet for the voices inside Drusilla's head, like the silly dolls. Spike didn't much like the dolls, annoying things always seemed to be watching him, but he liked the stars.

"I just don't understand," Angelus muttered with a frown, hating that he was unable to figure out what was going on. The idea that Willow was pretending to make Drusilla happy had crossed his mind, but he honestly didn't see the redhead being that cunning. Besides, the girl was out there dancing around and smiling at the stars just like Drusilla, obviously hearing something neither he nor Spike could hear. He couldn't remember a time in the century plus since he had turned Drusilla that he had believed that the stars were actually singing. Spike, foolish boy, had tried to hear them after he'd been turned. Spending hours outside, staring and then glaring at the twinkling bits of light in the sky. Drusilla had been pleased that her William had tried hearing the song, giggling as she informed them that the stars approved of her pretty childe but did not wish for him to hear their song. Further evidence, in Angelus' opinion, that she was crazy. Now, though, Willow, one of the most level headed and intelligent people he'd ever met, was out there listening to the stars sing. Was it possible that they really had been speaking to Dru all these years?

"Some things can't be explained, sire," Spike said softly, his eyes flashing with affection as he watched the two beauties dance, "would have thought someone your age knew that."

"Boy, don't push me," Angelus warned quietly, his eyes flashing with annoyance and lust as he watched Spike smirk.

The blond winked as he whispered, "I like to push you, Angelus. Course, I like when you push into me even more."

"Later," Angelus said simply, dark eyes flashing with promise as he turned his attention back to Drusilla and Willow. His lips curved into a slight smile as he watched them dance and laugh. They looked beautiful in the moonlight, he decided, wishing he had his sketchpad. Perhaps tomorrow he would ask them to dance for him so he could sketch. He had no intention of letting Willow go now that he had her. She would make an excellent companion for Drusilla, that much obvious from the friendship and affection that even he could not deny existed between the two women. He planned to keep her, knowing that would make his daughter very happy. It would also allow him the opportunity to seduce her, to woo her into his bed. She saw him as the enemy, a monster who killed her favorite teacher and threatened her friends, but he was so much more than that. True, after the curse had been lifted, he had been obsessed with only one goal: make Buffy pay. Now, though, the threat of being recursed was gone, and, with it, his obsession with the slayer. He still planned to make her life as miserable as possible, but it was nothing personal. Well, not too personal. After he got rid of Mayor Wilkins, Sunnydale would be under his control and life would be pretty damn good.

"Can we keep her?" Spike asked casually as he watched the redhead spin, loving the sound of her laughter. It was almost like music, sweet and pleasant.

"Aye, boy, we can keep her," Angelus agreed with a wink before he walked towards the women. He caught Drusilla's eye, holding out his hand as he smoothly asked, "Do ye want to dance, my beauty?"

"Silly Daddy! You can't hear the song," Drusilla giggled as she stopped dancing and rested against Willow.

"Why don't you sing it for us, Princess?" Spike asked as he joined the group, "Then we can all dance."

"You really want to hear the song?" Drusilla asked softly, her blue eyes flashing with happiness as she looked from Angelus to William. They had never wanted to dance with her before. She had tried when she was younger, urging her Grandmum and Daddy to dance with her after a hunt, but Grandmum was rude and Daddy never wanted to hear their song. Her sweet William had wanted to hear the song, but the stars did not want to share their words with him. The stars were lovely but they were very choosy on who heard them sing. Drusilla was pleased that her boys wanted to dance, even if they could not hear the sweet song.

"It's a very pretty song tonight," Willow said quietly, not sure what was going on but realizing that Drusilla was very excited that the two vampires wanted to dance under the stars. She assumed they never joined her friend for this light-hearted activity. Probably too busy torturing or killing someone, a voice inside her head spoke, wanting to remind her that they might be attractive and sexy and smart, but they were master vampires. As if she could forget that! She didn't need voices in her head arguing about whether to be scared of Angelus and Spike or to just enjoy the lusty feelings that made her ache and caused such deliciously wicked dreams. She felt three pairs of eyes on her, her face paling as she wondered if she should have just kept her mouth shut. She was relieved when Drusilla smiled at her and kissed her cheek, sighing as she realized that everything was okay.

"I will dance with you Daddy," Drusilla declared, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she looked from Angelus to William, "and Willow will dance with you, sweet William."

Spike didn't mind that at all, moving forward and pulling the startled redhead against him as Drusilla began to sing. He caught Angelus' eyes and smirked, deliberately moving his hand down Willow's back as they began to dance. He felt her slowly start to relax as Drusilla sang sweetly, her own voice joining his sire's as they sung the song the stars were supposedly singing. His eyes darted from the face of his sire to the face of his lover to the face of the bewitching redhead, finally settling there. He was glad that they were alone in the park, knowing how odd it would appear to anyone that might stumble across them. Two master vampires dancing around the park with two beautiful women who were singing some strange song. Definitely an unusual occurrence, but one that he found himself enjoying immensely. He smiled happily as he swung Willow out, hearing her laugh of surprise at his action. Absolutely stunning, she was, and she was theirs. They were going to keep her.

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

They danced in the park for what seemed like forever but had actually only been about half an hour. Spike had been her partner for the first few dances before Angelus had snagged her arm and pulled her close, allowing Spike the chance to dance with his sire. Dancing with Spike had been fun and carefree, he'd twirled her and laughed and spun her in circles, taking every opportunity to touch her and flash her flirty smiles. Dancing with Angelus had been an entirely different experience, the eldest vampire holding her close and guiding her movements precisely, his attention focused completely on her throughout their dances, his hands moving along her body in entirely appropriate ways but lingering and caressing in a most definite inappropriate way. She hadn't minded, though, rather enjoying the feel of his hands on her back and arms. She thought he might be trying to seduce her but quickly tossed that thought away as farfetched and just wishful thinking on her part.

The dancing had ended when Angelus declared that it was nearly dawn and that they needed to get home. Drusilla had taken her hand and led her ahead of the boys, telling her all about their lovely home and describing her room excitedly. Willow wasn't very surprised that Angelus had moved them from the drafty old warehouse after losing his soul, striking her as the type that enjoyed the finer pleasures in life. Spike would be happy anywhere as long as Drusilla was with him, but Angelus required more lavish surroundings better suited to a master vampire.

As they neared their residence, she began to get more nervous. She trusted Drusilla completely, but, even if she did want them to do naughty things with her, she did not yet trust Angelus or Spike. And she especially didn't trust the minions that she assumed would be hanging around the house. What if one of them was hungry and decided that she'd make a good snack? Okay, so she didn't think any of them were stupid enough to cross Angelus if he told them to leave her alone, but that worry was nagging at her mind as they entered an exclusive area of town.

It was a mansion, Willow decided as she saw the huge house they were approaching. It was the largest home on this street and was surrounded by land, the nearest neighbor separated by a plot of land. It was actually quite beautiful, she mused, noticing a garden on the side of the house. Her steps slowed down as they got nearer, Drusilla turning to look at her with concern.

"Are you okay, kitten?" Drusilla asked, smelling the soft scent of fear as they neared her home.

"Um, yeah, I know you won't let any of them hurt me," Willow smiled as she squeezed the dark haired vampire's hand.

"I will protect you, Willow-mine, forever and always," Drusilla leaned her head on the redhead's shoulder. She confessed, "You are of me, pretty pet, and that will keep you safe."

"You'll have our protection, Red," Spike spoke up as they got closer to the front door. Suddenly, he frowned and looked at his sire, "Princess, what do you mean she's of you?"

"Can you not smell it, William?" Drusilla asked curiously, "I can, ever so sweet. She is part of me as I am part of her."

"Bloody hell," Angelus cursed, feeling foolish for not having noticed the combined scents that indicated a bond. "They're bonded."

"Bonded?" Willow repeated slowly, "Oh, yeah, to hear the stars. But, it was supposed to be only for a little while. Drusilla, why did I hear them tonight? Shouldn't it have gone away?"

"I was a bad girl," Drusilla whispered, her eyes looking into Willow's green eyes, "I wanted to protect my friends so I performed the ritual. It provides my protection and marks you as being of me and mine."

"It's okay, Dru," Willow said softly, "I love you and I appreciate you wanting to keep me safe."

"You are not mad at me?" Drusilla beamed happily, knowing that, even if her Daddy punished her for not asking permission to create a bond to her new friends, she did not mind because Willow loved her.

"It makes me a little scared," Willow confessed, wondering if that meant Drusilla had also bonded to Cordelia and Buffy. Oh wow, a slayer bonded to a very powerful vampire clan was definitely something you didn't hear about, well, ever. She didn't think Angelus would be very pleased when he found that bit of information so she didn't say a word about it.

"Daddy, it is not a very strong bond, just enough to offer my friends protection," Drusilla said as she looked at her sire, "the stars told me that it was needed," she leaned closer, whispering in his ear, "the claim from you and William will much more strong and permanent."

"Princess, we shall discuss this later," Angelus said simply, doing his best to keep his irritation under control. He knew that she had done what the stars told her, but that did not change the fact that she had bonded with Willow without seeking his permission. He arched a brow as he realized she had mentioned Willow being claimed by him and Spike. That was his intention, of course, but he had not said anything to anyone regarding the matter. The damn stars, he decided, were far too nosy and talkative for his liking.

"Personally, I think you did well, luv," Spike told his sire as he gave her a brief hug before walking up the stairs to the front door. Turning back, he grinned at the captivating redhead and said, "Welcome home, pet."

Home. It was funny that such a small word, only four letters, could mean so much, could be so important. Willow heard Spike's welcome as he opened the door to the mansion, dwelling on that silly word, wanting to believe that this could possibly be her home, a place to belong, a place where she felt safe and protected and loved. She had done her best to make her parents' house a home, but it had honestly rarely felt like a true home. It was usually empty and most the rooms remained dark and unused. It was lonely there, even when she was comfortable and happy it had never felt like a real home except for the times like this weekend, when Buffy and Xander visited and there was laughter and noise and sometimes even tears. Then it felt more like a home, but they always went back to their homes, leaving her with an empty house and a few rooms that she had tried to make inviting and pleasant but sometimes were just too quiet.


She wasn't entirely sure what vampires would consider home. During the short time she had been aware of their true existence, she had never given much thought to their living quarters. The few she had come into contact with had been newly risen or living in abandoned buildings that were dusty and cold. This house was definitely not dusty and cold, but she had to wonder what awaited her inside. She wasn't scared, okay maybe just a little.


She trusted Drusilla, though, especially now that she found out the brunette vampire had risked punishment, which Willow was going to do her best to try to avoid her friend receiving, by bonding with her and Buffy and Cordelia. Drusilla would not allow any harm to come to her, of that she was sure. Besides, if Angelus wanted her dead, she would be. He wouldn't have taken her from her home and then teased and flirted and danced if he planned to simply kill her. True, his actions seemed very out of character and confused her quite a bit, but she hadn't felt any threatening vibes from him, just the normal dangerous mastery vampire type vibes that surrounded all three of the old and powerful vampires that were standing with her.


"Come along, kitten," Drusilla interrupted Willow's mental discussion with herself. She didn't mind her pretty pet thinking, but she would prefer that the redhead do so inside since dawn was quietly approaching. Besides, she didn't want to risk angering Daddy anymore than he already was upon hearing about her bond with her new friends. She knew he would punish her for not asking permission, even if he was pleased with her relationship with Willow and the stars whispered of a future as a family for them, and she understood and accepted her punishment. She had chosen to share her blood with her friends, to offer them protection, knowing that she would be punished, and she would gladly make the same choice again.


He was never overly cruel with her, even when he was really irritated, and the pain was somewhat pleasurable, the wounds always healing, her sire always in perfect control, knowing exactly how much she could take before the pain would be overwhelming. He did not wish to injure her, the punishment merely a reminder that he was Master and that she should be careful. It had been ever so long since she had done anything that warranted punishment, the last time being years before he gained that pesky soul.


They'd been in Spain and she'd wandered off alone, not telling him or William where she was hunting. She had gotten lost and the stars would not whisper the way home and she'd been so scared. He had found her and, after insuring that she was okay, he had punished her for being so foolish, for nearly getting herself killed. She knew he had been worried and that he loved her, even if he never spoke the words like her pretty William. Even then, he had not allowed his rage and annoyance at feeling emotion to control him. The punishment had been swift and, afterwards, he had come back to the room after calming down and he had bathed her, not saying a word as he had gently washed away the blood and then held her as she had fallen asleep. It was a happy memory for her, though she did not plan on sharing it with her kitten. Not yet, at least.


Willow would not understand, having no real knowledge of their ways. In time, though, the redhead would observe and learn their ways, she would understand the complexity of being family, of being Master, of being sire and childe. And, when it was time, when she was older and ready, Drusilla knew that she would become like them, true family, of their blood, a pretty Mummy who would willingly join their family forever. She did not need the stars to tell her this, seeing the gleam in her Daddy's eyes when he looked at Willow, watching her William flirt and smile at her lovely friend. Until that day, when the redhead gave up her life to be theirs for eternity, they would become a family and love one another. A smile crossed her face as she moved behind Willow, hugging the redhead from behind, whispering, "A real family, my pet. We shall be ever so happy."


"Come along, luvs," Spike said a bit impatiently, ready to settle down before dawn. He was eager to talk to Angelus, to discuss the plans for their cute little witch, to see what the brunet vampire was thinking regarding Drusilla's surprising friendship with the auburn haired beauty with the brilliant green eyes as well as the bloody slayer, and whomever that other chit was that was mentioned.


He was also hoping to distract Angelus from punishing his sire, Spike hating to see his Princess suffer even the slightest bit, even if she did require discipline for her actions. Bonding with a slayer, of all people, and her friends, even one as beautiful as Willow, without permission from the head of the family and Master, well, it was not something that could be completely ignored. Angelus had given his word to that wanker at the bar that he would extend protection to the witch so maybe that would lessen Drusilla's punishment, though bonding with the damn slayer was not something he figured Angelus could accept easily. Spike was hoping that Angelus would not be as rough with his sire if a bit of time passed before the punishment, having no real idea what the unpredictable Master would chose as punishment, though he assumed it would be a beating or torture of some sort.


"Spike, make the preparations," Angelus instructed as he joined them at the door. He had given the situation some thought and decided it would be best to take care of the formal matters before concentrating on finding out everything that had happened over the last two days. He wasn't at all happy about Drusilla bonding and being friendly with the slayer and cheerleader, but he was also curious as to how it had happened, what had caused Buffy to accept his daughter and not simply stake her. Drusilla's friendship with Willow did not bother him at all, though he was jealous that his daughter had shared a bond with the redhead before him. His original plans for Willow had never moved beyond taking her and fucking her until she was hoarse from screaming his name and too exhausted to run from him.


He had never gotten farther than that in his plans, though he had had a random thought now and then about various futures for the girl. Drusilla's attachment to her as well as his promise to Willie and his own feelings, confusing as they were, had given him much to consider, his plans becoming far more long-term, which he honestly didn't mind at all. He would give the matter his complete attention and do some serious thinking about the situation once he had some answers.


"Got it," Spike nodded before he went inside to gather everyone for Angelus' announcement, leaving Angelus with Drusilla and Willow.


"Princess, go with Spike." Angelus told Drusilla, giving her a brief smile as he said, "Help him get things ready for us."


"Yes, Daddy," Drusilla said as she moved to follow Spike. She turned and kissed Willow's cheek, a smile on her face as she said, "I shall see you soon, Kitten."


"Do not leave my side until I give you permission," Angelus told Willow as he moved beside the redhead and took her arm. Looking into her green eyes, he noticed, with satisfaction, fear, concern, resolve, and a slight hint of arousal. He leaned closer, inhaling her scent, his lips curving into a slight smile as he said, "I will not guarantee your safety if you do anything stupid. Luckily, you're a smart girl. You will remain silent and there will be none of that magic nonsense. If anyone threatens you, *I* will take care of them. We shall have a nice discussion later to discuss everything that has happened because I still have numerous questions, my dear. At that time, I will enlighten you regarding the rules and appropriate etiquette for your new situation and you will have the opportunity to ask questions and speak freely. Until then, you will do nothing unless I tell you to. Understood?"


"What's going on?" Willow asked, knowing it wasn't the most eloquent question to ask, but she was pretty darn confused after Angelus' little speech as well as his instructions to Dru and Spike. Preparations for what? Not to mention that the feel of his hand on her arm, with his finger moving in small circles against her flesh, was sending little tremors of awareness throughout her body.


Angelus moved his hand down her arm, pleased at her reaction to his touch, tempted to forget the announcement and simply take her to his room, seduce her, then fuck her until neither of them could move. He had no intention of taking her by force, but it was evident from the way she looked at him as well as Spike, from the sweet aroma of arousal that was rather intoxicating, from the way her breathing increased from her arousal, he would not need to worry about force when it came to having the redhead in his bed. That was only slightly unexpected, since he had noticed he arousal that night at the school despite the threat on her life, but he had never believed she would want them without a great deal of seduction and planning. Again, she had surprised him. And, in all honestly, he rather admired that, her ability to surprise him. Not only was she intelligent and pretty, she was sexy and magically gifted and attractively complex.


Soon, very soon, she would be in his bed and a significant part of their lives. His lips curved into a wicked smile at the thoughts of seducing her, mind, body and soul, knowing somehow that she belonged with them, a mate and lover for himself and Spike, a friend and mother for Drusilla. He wasn't normally a believer in such nonsense, but having her here with them felt right and he couldn't ignore that. He looked into her eyes, noting the curiosity and thirst for knowledge, and answered her question, "It is a small ceremony to proclaim our protection of you, to accept you as our witch, done very rarely for humans to secure their position in a clan. Willow, it is relatively painless, much like the bond Drusilla exchanged with you already, but stronger and more secure. No more questions. I shall answer any others you have later. Remember to stay by my side and do not do anything unless I instruct it. Now, come along. It's time to meet your new family."

Spike gathered the family into the living room, noting that everyone was accounted for, including the new guy. He instructed Stephen to make sure that they remained in the room until Angelus declared that they could leave before he turned to his sire. An affectionate smile crossed his handsome face as he moved towards Drusilla, pulling her down the hallway so that they would not be overheard or observed by the minions, but in a position where he could see the front door so he'd know when Angelus and Red entered the house.


"I missed you, Princess," he muttered to Drusilla before his arms moved around her in a tight hug. His lips brushed against her neck in a soft kiss, her arms hugging him back. He confessed, "You had me so bloody worried, Dru."


"My sweet William," Drusilla hugged him before moving her right hand to brush through his short bleached blond locks. She mused, "So soft. I remember when it was long and such a lovely color, like pale chocolate. I am ever so fond of chocolate. I did not mean for you to worry, dear boy. Did you enjoy your visit to the angels?"


"Angels?" Spike usually had little difficulty understanding Drusilla, normally able to translate what she said easily and able to determine what was important and what was just ramblings. Now, though, she had mentioned his hair and how it had been in the past then she'd brought up chocolate of all things and now she was talking about angels. He thought quickly, finally coming to a conclusion. He smiled at his beautiful sire, "Yes, luv. Angelus and I had a productive trip to Los Angeles. We accomplished our goal earlier than expected and hurried home to see you."


"I am ever so glad I did not go with you," Drusilla confessed sincerely, a large smile crossing her face, "I found my very own angel here. My Willow is lovely, is she not?"


"She's smashing, pet," Spike agreed, still a bit confused as to how that relationship had occurred but agreeing that the redhead was not only beautiful but seemed intelligent and cared about his sire. That alone was enough to win his affection even if he wasn't wanting to shag her senseless and keep her.


"My kitten chases away the shadows, makes me feel so warm and loved," Drusilla said quietly, her blue eyes softening as she continued, "I was ever so cold and lonely, my dear boy, the shadows were dark and whispered, pst pst pst. They no longer taunt me, whispering their dreadful words. There is light and warmth where before was only darkness and cold. My Willow is special. The stars have told me that she belongs with us, that she needs us just as we need her. We will be ever so happy, William. A real family once again. Things are going to change," her eyes became clouded as she cocked her head slightly, "but the changes are good. We are going to be very happy, my William."


"I'm glad to hear that," Spike smiled softly, his fingers brushing against Drusilla's cheek. He trusted her and those silly stars, even if they didn't always make sense. Hell, the slayer's little friend making nice with Dru didn't make any sense but he was a witness to that relationship and knew the redhead cared about his sire just as the brunette cared for her. Plus, he was still curious to hear what exactly had happened with the slayer and the other chit that was mentioned, finding it difficult to believe that the slayer bitch had been mature enough to be around a vampire, especially one of Drusilla's strength and power and relation to Angelus, without attempting some kind of slaying.


Patience was not one of his virtues, but he really couldn't give a fuck less about the slayer, confident that they could easily destroy her if they chose and knowing that lessened the threat, which made her inconsequential. Besides, he'd much rather think about Angelus and Drusilla and now the pretty little redhead than that vapid little slut. If she wasn't a risk to him or his, she wasn't worth his time or mental contemplation. Right now, he was glad to have Drusilla back, safe and unharmed. He was also pleased that they were going to keep the redhead, interested in getting to know that pretty little witch much, much better, preferably with her naked and in his bed until he'd satisfied his every curiosity about her.


Once he knew every sound she made when he was shagging her, every expression on her face when he touched her, how she tasted everywhere, how she looked when Angelus was shagging her, how long she could take the teasing torture of his tongue licking every inch of her body, well, after all those questions were answered, then he'd think about watching her work her magic, something that aroused him nearly as much as the idea of her naked and begging for them. While Angelus was a bit anxious around magic and tended to avoid it, Spike found it exciting and stimulating to watch a real witch, especially one as beautiful as Red, the magic fascinating him and the power arousing him. His main contact with magic was through his sire, Drusilla being adept at a few spells and using it when necessary. Throughout the years, he had met a few witches, though most of those hadn't even been as strong as Drusilla.


He'd never observed a witch with the extent of natural power that he felt from Willow, the very idea of watching her practice even the most minor spell enough to cause his cock to harden against his jeans. What made it even more thrilling was the fact that the girl had no idea the extent of power she possessed, it was still untapped, and he was going to be there as she discovered her skills, learned them, mastered them. Angelus was not likely to observe Red's training with magic, which meant Spike would have her all to himself during those lessons. That was definitely something he could be happy about it. He didn't mind sharing with Angelus, the elder vampire being his lover and mate, but he was selfish enough to like the idea of being the one to watch over Willow as she practiced her magics and mastered her talent. He pulled himself from his thoughts, giving Drusilla a sheepish smile when he saw his sire looking at him, a knowing look in her pretty eyes. He said, "I was just thinking about your girl, Princess. She's a powerful little witch, but she has no idea, does she?"


"No she does not, but I shall help her. I shall teach her what I know and help her learn," Drusilla smiled slightly as she looked into Spike's brilliant blue eyes. She knew he was not only thinking about Willow's magical abilities, feeling his naughty bits through his jeans and knowing they were aching from thoughts of her kitten. She was ever so pleased that he found Willow arousing, knowing that he and Daddy were what her pretty pet dreamed about, what had her waking from dreams with the scent of arousal surrounding her. Drusilla personally was not fond of the naughty games Daddy and William played, enjoying them at times but preferring that they play with each other instead. Willow was not like her, though, and would enjoy their naughty games. They would not hurt her kitten as Angelus had hurt her that first time, nor was Daddy as fond of the painful games as he had been when she was younger. He was not as gentle as her William could be, but he would not harm her Willow.


"That's nice of you, luv," Spike told her, his eyes glancing at the door and narrowing as he wondered what was taking them so long. It was nearly dawn and he'd like to get this ceremony finished so they could go upstairs and get a few answers so everything that had happened while they were in LA would finally make some sense. He had recognized the witch from the many sketches around Angelus' room, knew his lover had been fascinated with the girl prior to this evening, having his own moments of looking at the beautiful sketches of the slayer's friend and finding himself curious and interested in her, and he wouldn't doubt that Angelus was out there right now flirting with her and possibly already beginning his game of seduction. Spike hoped the seduction had started because, as he'd said earlier, he was not a patient man and really wanted Willow sharing their bed and lives sooner rather than later.


"They are coming," Drusilla smiled as she turned to look at the door, taking William's hand as they walked to meet Daddy and Willow. She saw the redhead enter the house, noticing the bit of fear flash in those familiar green eyes before being replaced with resolve and strength. Drusilla looked at Angelus, knowing that he was not Daddy at the moment. He was their Master, her sire, the power rolling off him and causing her skin to tingle. He was smirking slightly, his eyes dark and cold, prepared to demonstrate his position and prove his control should any dare oppose the induction of Willow into the family as their witch. Drusilla knew that none would dare speak against Angelus, fully aware that he would sooner kill them than waste time arguing. Besides, every strong family had a witch and Willow was one of the strongest she'd ever met, even if the teen had no idea of her true talents yet. Willow already possessed her claim, her acceptance evident to them all, and there would be no opposition.


The ceremony was minor, though formal and serious, not as lengthy or traditional as a claiming ceremony, that ceremony rarely performed because most vampires simply turned their intended mate rather than leave them human for an unspecified amount of time. Willow would experience the formal induction into their family this evening, earning their protection and securing her position as their witch. In time, her kitten would perform the claiming ceremony. The stars had whispered this to her wanting her to be prepared to perform this rare claiming ceremony when the time came for Willow to join the family as Angelus and William's mate. It would be many years later that the redhead would become one of them, the stars had assured her, willingly giving her life to join them for eternity. Angelus caught her eyes and nodded once. The smile faded from her face as she became serious, lowering her head slightly before entering the room where the others were waiting silently, curiously, not knowing what was happening. She wondered for a brief moment if she should have changed into something more formal, her Princess T-shirt and jeans seeming slightly casual for such a serious ceremony, especially one involving her Willow, but there was no time for such trivialities now. For the claiming ceremony, she would wear something beautiful and formal, she decided before concentrating on the current ceremony.


She calmly looked at the minions, noting with satisfaction that many looked scared. Spike came up behind her, his fingers brushing against her back, letting her know silently that Angelus was ready. He moved past her, taking a seat to the side, giving him a position to keep an eye on everyone, allowing her to perform her expected duties as the childe of the Master. She spoke clearly, aware of the importance of these various ceremonies of their kind and appreciating the history and significance of every single one. Her words were distinct, her accent giving them a melodious tone as she began the process by speaking ancient words long forgotten by many. She could feel a change in the air as she spoke, knew the words were working their magic. When she was finished, she turned her head and faced the doorway, her eyes catching Angelus' dark gaze. A proud smile flashed on his lips before he turned serious, his hand moving to Willow's shoulder. She nodded once, saying simply, "It is time."

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

End of Part 86