Inell's Fanfiction Archive

March 1999

"This is it." Willow said motioning to her building.

"This is not your door. A gentleman always walks the lady to her front door." Spike said smirking.

Willow just rolled her eyes. He was impossible. She led him inside to the door of her apartment.

"OK. I'm here. Do you have somewhere that I can contact you if i find anything out?" she asked, opening her door.

"Invite me in" he said softly.

"Uh...I don't think so..."

"Willow." his voice was threatening.

"Come in Spike."

"Don't mind if I do." he said smiling. Walking in, he looked around. "This is nice. Cozy, but comfortable." He sat on the couch and picked up the remote. He began flipping through channels.

"Spike?" Willow said.

"Yes, luv?"

"What do you think you're doing?"

He looked at her. "Watching the tele." he spoke as though she were five years old.

"Why are you on my couch!"

"Well, pet, you see. I don't know anyone over here. Besides, since I will be living here I thought it would be ok."

Willow slowly sat down. "What?"

He clicked the television off and looked into her shocked eyes. "Red, if I am here, I can protect you. You almost died tonight. AND, I think my presence might inspire you to look for Dru even faster."

"I promise I'll look for her. You can't stay here."

"You have a spare bedroom." he reminded her.

"Yes, but....but....It's my house. I say NO!"

Spike looked around before looking into her eyes again. "Willow. I'm lonely." he whispered.

She felt something inside her heart pull at her. His eyes were sincere. She should know. She had seen that same expression in her own every night.

She took a deep breath and said, "You can stay. But NO fangs!"

Spike smiled. "Cross my heart."

"And NO loud music past midnight. I have neighbors. Oh, and only until I find Dru. I promise I will do my best to find her quickly."

"I know you will luv. So, which one is mine?" he asked eagerly.

She pointed to the door on the left. He looked at her. He went to her and kissed the top of her head.

"Thanks." he said before going to see his new quarters.

Spike hadn't been lieing. He had been very lonely the last few months. He hated being by himself. He had to have contact. He hadn't been away from Dru in over a hundred years. He had been holding his breath, so to say, while he had waited for Willow to make up her mind. He was still a little surprised she had said yes. When she had looked at him, he had seen her own loneliness. Poor chit. Thousands of miles away from her family and friends. She needed him. He decided then that he would be the perfect guest. He didn't want her to regret her decision to trust him. Deep down, he really hoped that it would take her awhile to find Dru. There was something about Willow that made him want to get to know her better.