Inell's Fanfiction Archive

Willow heard Spike and Angel arguing in the living room. She smiled softly, thinking how much like children they seemed sometimes. There was silence, then loud beeps and explosions. They were playing video games with Tyler and Xander. She looked at Buffy and Cordelia, who wore similar looks of disbelief.

"Men..." Cordelia said, rolling her eyes.

"No, boys." Buffy corrected.

Willow had to laugh. Things were going well for them all. Cordelia and Xander had slowly begun to rebuild their relationship. They were taking things slowly, each wanting to make sure it was the right thing to do. Buffy and Tyler were great. Tyler had been accepted by the group easily after their evening of playing games two weeks previously. Since then, the whole group got together several times throughout the week.

"Guys....I've got something to tell you both."

Cordelia and Willow looked at their friend. Buffy had a small smile on her face. Her eyes shown with love. "Tyler asked me to marry him....and I said yes."

"OH!!" Both girls shrieked and pulled the slayer into their embrace.

"Buffy! I'm so happy for you. This is great. Do you think it is too sudden?"

"Who cares Wills? I want to see the ring!" Cordelia reached for Buffy's hand.

Buffy looked at Willow. "I know he and I have only been together for less than four months, but it feels right. He makes me so happy, Willow. I feel like I've found what you have with Spike. I mean, we can almost read each other's minds. It is such a great feeling. I don't want to ever lose it. And besides, I may die tomorrow, so I should do my best to be happy today. Right?"

Willow smiled. "Yes. You're right. I AM happy for you. I just wanted to make sure it was the real thing. I'm glad it is. It is so remarkable to see two people so in love joined together. So, when's the wedding?"

"We haven't decided. There is so much to still talk about. I need to call Mom and tell her. Ever since she moved away from Sunnydale last month, she called daily. Now that I actually have news for her, she ignores me." Buffy smiled.

"Willow, you will be my maid of honor. Cordelia, would you be my bridesmaid?"

"Well, it depends. I mean, what color are we talking about here? I am so not wearing lavender or yellow...."

The girls laughed as they discussed Buffy's news.

* * * * *

The guys listened to the shrieks and laughter coming from the kitchen.

"What's that about mates?"

Tyler smiled. "I'm thinking Buffy just told them that she and I are engaged."

The men looked at him.

"Oh...." They all said.

"That's cool. Buffster in white...flowers...good food.."Xander trailed off.

"Penguin suits..." Spike said, grimacing. Xander and Angel had a look of horror on their faces. "Hearing those girls talk about this nonstop until the actual event... Damn, thanks a lot boy."

Tyler smiled. "Sorry guys. Hey, who's turn is it?"

Angel and Xander began to loudly argue. Spike sat back and listened to the girls' voices drifting in from the kitchen.

* * * * *

Angel had gone on patrol with Tyler and Buffy. Things had been quiet around Sunnydale until the previous week. It seemed that several new vamps had come to town, ready to take over. Buffy needed the extra help. Spike looked at Willow, loving the way the light from the fire played on her hair.

(She's so beautiful...and she's mine. Well, I do share her with the poof, but she belongs to me, not him.)

"What?" Willow asked suddenly.

"Huh?" Spike snapped out of his daze.

"You've been staring at me for five minutes. Why?'

"Just thinking how beautiful you are. Wondering what you're doing with a sorry chap like me."

Willow smiled. "Thank you. Well, I thought it was obvious why I was with you?"

"No...why don't you tell me."

"You're kind of cute, for a demon."

"Willow...." Spike's voice took on threatening tone.

"Geez, can't a girl tease? FIne. I love you madly, completely, deeply. You are my true soul mate. You bring me happiness, joy, anger, love. Oh, and you're great in bed." She leaned over and kissed him fully.

Spike looked into her eyes. "Do you envy Buffy?"

"What?"

"Her and that welp are getting married. They will most likely live out a long, happy life with little brats running around. Do you envy that?"

"Spike....I love you. I knew going into this that I would be giving up alot of things, marriage, kids...but look at all I gain? I have a lover who would kill for me, literally. I have another lover who feels the same. I am going to have you and Angel for eternity. Trust me, marriage is not that important. It is really a silly ceremony, in my opinion. Definitely an ancient practice. Nope, I wouldn't want to go through all of that even if I weren't involved with the living dead...."

"So, you don't want to marry me?" Spike whispered.

"It is completely a waste of t...what did you say?"

Spike turned away from her. "I was just thinking that you might want to go through that silly ceremony...it seems like every little girl in America dreams of it. I just wanted you to be able to have that dream..."

"Spike..." Willow took his face in her hands, turning him to look at her. "You're babbling."

"Yeah..."

"What exactly are you saying?"

"Well, luv, I want everyone to know that you belong to me. I thought you might want to claim me too...."

"I all ready have, Blondie."

"You are not making this easy pet."

"Sorry...I'm listening...."

"Willow....would you do me the extreme honor of becoming my bride?"

"Yes." Willow's mouth claimed his. "Are you sure Spike? I mean, you don't have to do this. It seems sort of silly. I mean, a vampire marrying a human."

"A man marrying his woman. Besides, then you'll have to wear my ring. It will let all those damn mortals know you are taken."

Willow laughed. "I knew there was a reason for this. You just want to brand me."

Spike smiled. He saw the happiness in Willow's eyes. He knew he had done the right thing.

"Wait....what about Angel?"

"What about him?"

"Well, do you think he might be upset?"

"Luv, he plans to be my best man. He also plans to repeat the vows along with me."

"You mean....it will be like I'm marrying him too? Spike! This is America. We don't marry more than one person over here."

"Red, I am your primary mate. It will be my ring on your finger. Angel wants to do this, for himself. He wants to prove his commitment to us. Let him be, luv. Oh..sorry, pet, but no church. OK?"

Willow smiled. She felt tears form in her eyes. "Oh Goddess...This is just too much. I love you Spike." She hugged him to her.

"I love you, Red....forever."

* * * * *

Willow and Spike were married the following week. The small ceremony was performed outdoors, at midnight. Buffy and Cordelia cried. Giles still couldn't believe that Willow had apparntly tamed one of the most vicious vampires of all time. The council had requested updates on the situation periodically. They too were amazed. Angel had stood beside Spike, repeating the vows, his eyes never leaving Willow's happy face. Their connection was now legal, according to the state of California.

Drusilla had been overjoyed at the news that she would now have a little sister. She had wanted to come to the ceremony, but Nic had talked her into staying in Paris. Willow, Spike, and Angel had decided to make their intended trip over there during the summer their honeymoon. Dru was ecstatic. She had decided that she would have to throw them a lavish party to celebrate. The vampiress never seemed to stop surprising Willow.

Buffy and Tyler had decided to wait until the fall for their wedding. They were thinking that August may be a good month. They, too, planned an outdoor ceremony, at night so Angel and Spike could attend. Surprisingly, Tyler had asked Spike to be his best man. The blond vampire had been quite stunned, but he had accepted. The welp wasn't that bad, even if he was dumb enough to tie himself to the slayer.

It had been a week since their wedding. Willow still thought that Angel seemed a bit unhappy with his placement as secondary in their relationship. He still seemed happier than he had before, so Willow had decided not to dwell on it. She had spent the week that was traditionally her honeymoon getting ready for finals. She couldn't believe that she and Spike had only realized their feelings less than six months ago. She didn't think she could possible be anymore happy than she was now. Spike and Angel had gone out to feed. She knew she shouldn't worry. They hadn't killed any of their victims, just taking enough to be satisfied. She still had fifty pages to read about the American Revolution, and she was procrastinating as much as possible. The ringing of the phone snapped her out of her reverie.

"Hello...Oh, hi Dru....What's wrong?"

Willow listened to her friend. The smile slowly left her face, replaced by a puzzled look.

"What does that mean? Dru....what does it mean?"

The door opened. Spike and Angel came in. They both sensed Willow's distress and went to her. Spike went behind her, his arms going around her waist and pulling him toward him.

"Dru! You are scaring me...What does it mean? OK...you're right. Thanks....I will." She hung up the phone.

"What is it Willow?" Angel asked softly.

Willow looked at them, tears of frustration building in her eyes. She whispered, " I don't know."

"Baby....talk to us. What did Dru say?"

"It doesn't make sense. She had a vision. She said she saw shadows covering Buffy....Death was there and Buffy was willingly walking towards it. Dru said that only the fire that burns between dark and light could save the slayer. She didn't say how she knew or even what it meant. She didn't know. Miss Edith told her that she should tell me right away. She said she personally wouldn't care if the icky old slayer did die, but she knew it would hurt me. What do you think it all means? Does it mean anything? I'm probably over analyzing again right?" She looked at the two vampires hopefully.

"Luv, Dru's visions may seem strange and cloudy but they are usually dead on."

"It's you." Angel said quietly.

"What?"

"You are the one that can save Buffy. The fire is you. Spike and I are the darkness and light. You will have to save Buffy from whatever this threat is."

"Fuck no. My Willow is not putting herself in danger to save a bloody slayer. If this one dies, another will be called."

Willow pulled out of Spike's arms and looked at him in horror. "Another one? This is BUFFY we are discussing. She is my best friend. When whatever happens, happens, I WILL be there. I WILL save her, if it is in my power to do so. I thought you liked her! How can you be so cruel?"

Spike looked at her, his eyes cold. "I'm a demon luv. Remember? I tolerate the slayer for you. I tolerate them all for you. They are enjoyable enough for company, but they are not my friends. And I will not let you risk your life, if that is what it comes down to, to save the slayer."

"Spike..." Angel warned.

"You won't allow me? I have you know Mr. William the fucking Bloody that I am my own person. You do not own me. Just because I am your mate does not mean you can make decisions for me! I am not DRU!"

"No you bloody well aren't! I never had these problems with Dru. Willow, you wear my ring...it is my bite on your neck...you are mine. I will not allow it."

"GET OUT!" Willow yelled at her husband. "Please, just go. I need to be alone. I need to think. I have to figure this out. You aren't helping, so just leave."

Spike turned and headed toward the door. "Fine. Whatever. Do it your way. You always do. But this time Spike will not go along with it. Find me when you change your mind." He left, slamming the door.

"Angel?" Willow whispered.

Angel turned and took her into his arms, holding her tightly, offering her comfort. "It will be all right Willow.You'll see. We'll figure this out. We'll save Buffy and you WILL NOT die. Give him time to think. He'll be back. He loves you."

Willow just cried, allowing Angel to soothe away her fears.

* * * * *

Willow sat the window, staring into the night. It had been three days since Spike had left. Despite Angel's promise, he had not returned. He hadn't called. She hadn't even felt him watching her like he had after their other argument. She felt as though part of her had been torn out. Only one positive thing had come from the whole fiasco. She and Angel had finally been able to spend some together alone. It had been nice. If it hadn't been for Angel, she didn't know how she could have dealt with Spike's departure. She was very lucky to have him. They had thought over what Drusilla had told her. They had finally decided to just wait and see what happened. Neither of them could figure out what exactly would come after Buffy. Willow knew that she would have to do this, even if it meant losing Spike. Tears filled her eyes. She didn't think she could live without him. She knew that everything he had said was true. She had known, in her heart, that truth since the beginning. She really shouldn't have been surprised. He was, after all, a demon. He could never rid himself of that. She didn't want him to. It made him the Spike that she loved...and loved to hate. Her mind brought his face to her closed eyes. (Goddess.....I miss him so much)

Angel watched Willow. He had enjoyed their days together. Their nights had been good too. He knew she missed Spike. He waited for the jealousy to hit, but all he felt was acceptance. He accepted that Spike came first to her. She loved him too, very deeply. Unfortunately, he had run away to LA and left her for Spike to claim. (He claims her, even marries the poor girl, then runs away. Typical Spike. And here he always said I was the runner. His feelings scare the hell out of him. I understand. I don't want to even consider a future without Spike and Willow at my side. If anything were to happen to her.....but I know why she feels that she has to save Buffy. I won't let her die. I honestly don't think she will have to. Dru's ramblings never mentioned that the fire would go out. I do know that we need Spike. Things aren't the same without his cocky attitude and possessive nature. Willow isn't the same. Also, Buffy will need the fire that burns between dark and light. If Spike is gone, there is no light. I guess he's going to force me to go and bring him home.) At this thought, a wicked smile crossed the vampire's mouth. (Look out Spikey...Daddy's coming.)

* * * * *

"What the bloody hell are you doing here?" A pissed off Spike demanded of Angel.

"It's time to come home." Angel said simply.

"I don't think so. I'm perfectly content to sit here and drink myself to oblivion."

"From the smell, I'd say you'd all ready been doing that Spike."

"Sod off, mate. Go back to the little woman. Bet you've been loving this. You get to play sensitive brood boy while I look like the damn enemy. Go away." Spike said taking a drink from his bottle.

"You can either come willingly or I can make you. It is your choice, pet." Angel said. "I am personally hoping on the latter. I'd give anything to kick your ass right now for what you've put us all through."

"Go to hell, Peaches."

The bottle was pulled away from him. He felt himself falling as it came in contact with his head. His game face slid on as he stood and faced Angelus.

"I can smell her on you. She didn't mourn me for too long before jumping into your bed, did she?"

"She realized what a real man is. Begging me to fuck her....crying for me to allow her release...completely insatiable." His face flew back as Spike hit him. (This is more like it.)

The men fought each other, hitting and kicking. Soon, blood flowed from them both. Spike couldn't get the image of Willow and Angel out of his mind. Angel took advantage of his weakness and got behind him, pinning him easily to the ground.

"Thought you didn't want her Spike. What's wrong if I have a taste? She is delicious."

"You bastard. You probably planned the whole thing. You wanted to play the god damn shining knight. Had to get me out of the way." He split blood on to the ground.

"Spike...." Angel's voice softened. "We missed you. Willow is slowly wasting away. She won't eat...she cries your name in her sleep...we need you. So, quit being so damn stubborn and come with me."

"She cries for me?" Spike couldn't conceal the happiness that this brought him. "Ok. Get off of me. I'll come, but I won't let her die."

"Neither will I."

"You can get off now." Spike said, eager to go back to his Willow.

"I don't think so William....You didn't go home when I ordered you to. You also hit me. I think you need to be punished for that." Angel said silkily.

Spike found himself growing hard. It had been three days without any contact. He felt Angelus's teeth bite into his neck roughly. A hand cupped his erection. He felt his head being forced down, as his jeans were pulled off. Angel pushed into him deeply. After a few deep thrusts, Angel came with a groan. Spike felt his own release at the same time.

Angel kissed the side of Spike's face. "Don't disobey me again. Now, get dressed. Willow will be worried."

* * * * *

"Hey Honey....I'm home."

Willow looked up at the voice. "SPIKE!" she cried and ran into his arms, holding him tight.

Spike held her, her scent soothing him. She pulled back and took in his appearance. He looked like shit.

"What happened?" she asked.

"Oh....just a little lesson."

"What kind of lesson?"

"Daddy always knows best." Spike said, looking back at Angel.

"Angel! Did you go beat some sense into Spike?" Willow asked, smiling.

Angel met her eyes. "Don't worry, I'm sure it won't last long. By tomorrow, he'll be cursing me again."

Willow hugged the dark haired vampire. "Thank you." she whispered in his ear. She knew it hadn't been easy for him to bring Spike back. He had done it for her.

"No problem. I'd better go. I'm meeting Buffy for patrol. Be good. I'll be back by dawn" He kissed her thoroughly and left.

Spike watched the scene frowning. It seemed his absence had brought the two closer together. (Should make things interesting)

"Pet, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have ever left. I was just so mad."

"No, you shouldn't have. You knew better, but, then again, so did I. Let's not worry about it. I missed you. Angel and I have decided to just wait and see what happens. He doesn't think my life is in jeopardy. I tend to trust him. Nothing has happened yet, and it has been several days. I hope that Drusilla just had a mixed up vision. Anyway, time will tell. Now, let's get you cleaned up."

Spike grinned and followed Willow up the stairs. He liked watching her climb up ahead of him. He felt his cock harden. He felt the need to reclaim her. He had to show the Poof that he was back and that Willow was still his.

* * * * *

Willow heard the doorbell ringing. She got out of bed, careful not to disturb Spike and Angel. She crept downstairs and opened the door.

"Buffy? What's wrong?"

Buffy's eyes were dead, void of their usual humor. Willow had never seen her friend so lifeless.

"Tyler..." was all Buffy said before she broke down in tears. Willow pulled her into a hug. She led her into the living room and made her sit down.

"Now, what happened? Did you and Tyler have a fight?"

Buffy wrapped her arms around herself and looked into the fire. She shook her head no.

Willow heard a noise and looked up to see Spike moving behind her. She put her finger to her lips, motioning for him to be quiet. Angel came in and joined Spike.

"Buffy...please tell me what happened. I can't help you if I don't know."

Buffy took a deep breath. "Last night, Tyler and I celebrated our four month anniversary. It was so sweet. We talked about the wedding...made plans. After dinner, he came back to my place. We ...well..you know. Afterward, he had to go home. He had finals to study for. He didn't want to leave, but I told him he needed to go. He needed to study. I kissed him. He told me he loved me....that he'd love me forever." Buffy started to cry again.

Willow waited, knowing her friend would continue when she could.

"I got a call this morning. It was Tyler's mother. She was at the hospital...Tyler....Tyler died early this morning."

"NO!" Willow cried. She reached over and held on to Buffy, tears forming in her own eyes. "How..." she whispered. "Vampires?"

Buffy laughed sharply. "No. A drunk driver. Ran his car off the road into a tree. He....didn't die until he got to the hospital....his mom said he made her promise to call me...to tell me that he would always love me....Oh Willow..."she held on to her friend as they both cried over the loss of Tyler.

Angel and Spike looked at each other sadly and left the room, giving the girls time to be alone and grieve.

"Buffy...will you stay here tonight?" Willow asked her friend.

"I'd like that....I don't think I can be alone right now. Oh Willow....what am I going to do? It hurts so much."

Willow looked at her friend. "I don't know. I suppose you will hurt for a long time. One day, you'll be able to remember him without the hurt. He loved you. It was a terrible accident, and I am so sorry. He was a good guy."

Buffy smiled through her tears. "Yes, he was. I miss him so much all ready. Am I jinxed? Is that part of the curse of the slayer? Am I always going to fall in love with someone only to have torn away from me? Everyone I love seems to leave me."

Willow didn't know how to answer her friend. She couldn't believe Tyler was gone. Only yesterday, he had been in the living room, laughing and talking to her. She knew that Buffy was hurting. She wished that she could do something for her friend, but she knew that Buffy would have to work through this in her mind first. (I can be here for her....when she needs me)

Buffy cried herself to sleep in Willow's arms. Willow heard footsteps behind her. She looked up at Angel.

"How is she?" he whispered.

"Bad. She is hurting."

"She really loved him." Angel stated calmly.

"Yes she did. She'll be ok. It will take some time. She will never forget, but I think she will move on eventually. Until then, she has us all to help her. Do you think this what Dru's vision was about?"

"Yes, Red. You will have to help Buffy through her grief. She could get herself killed if she tries to face vampires in this state. I'm sure that is what Dru meant. Would you like me to carry her upstairs to the spare bedroom?"

"Please. She is staying here tonight."

Angel picked up his girlfriend and carried her upstairs. He laid her on the spare bed. He looked up at Willow, who was standing in the doorway. "Poor kid. She always has such rotten luck." He went to Willow and kissed her softly, "How are you holding up?"

"I'm fine. I just feel so bad for her. I don't know what I would do if I ever lost you or Spike." She smiled ruefully, "I also hate to admit that I understand Spike's reaction when he thought I might die. Don't let him know I understand, ok?"

"Our secret. Now, let's get you to bed. I'm sure that Spike is waiting."

Willow took one last look at her friend. "Sleep well, Buffy."