Inell's Fanfiction Archive

Willow heard the door open and glanced up. Smiling, she stood and wrapped her arms around Spike.

"Missed you" she said softly into his shirt.

"I was only gone a few hours" Spike said, enjoying the feel of her warm body.

He hated the cold night air that went along with being in England again.

"Too long" Willow said, pulling back and kissing him softly.

"Oh no. Not again. Can't you kids go to your room to do that stuff?" Angelus asked, amusement in his voice.

"Go to hell" Spike said, barely breaking the kiss.

"Nah, I hate the heat. Don't think I'd like it there too much." Angelus moved around the twosome and sat on the sofa, sighing contentedly as the fire began to warm his cold flesh.

"Hell is not a nice place" Dru said, agreeing with her sire as she smiled fondly at Willow and Spike.

"Come here woman" Angelus called, pulling her onto his lap. She kissed him slowly.

Dru had never been happier. She loved the small town that they had settled in. The house was lovely and they saw the water every night. There was plenty to eat and she didn't miss the death. Since Willow had joined their family, none of the vampires fed to the death anymore. They knew Willow would be disappointed and they didn't want to face her wrath. The human had them completely wrapped around her slim finger.

Besides Willow's disapproval, Spike couldn't kill. The part of his soul that was left wouldn't allow it. He could feed on humans now, just not kill them. Angelus constantly teased him about it, but the older vampire had easily slipped into the same procedure. Drink until they were full then the let the person go. No deaths in the small town to be blamed for. No one ever saw their faces. It was almost more fun than simply draining them completely.

Willow pulled away and moved to the chair she had been curled up in. They had been in Chestershire for six months. The residents thought very highly of the red-haired American, her husband, her sister in law and brother in law. That had been their cover story. Spike and Drusilla were siblings. Angelus and Willow their respected spouses. People were more than fond of them, inviting them to several dinner parties and such. Willow had never felt happier. She rarely missed Sunnydale, having settled in nicely in her new home.

She still heard from Giles weekly. He didn't know where they were, thinking it better to be ignorant of that knowledge. She also spoke to Xander and Cordelia often. They were in their senior year of high school and were enjoying the festivities. Willow knew that Buffy had remained with her father in LA. Her mother had left Sunnydale and joined them, reconciling with her husband. A new slayer had been sent to Sunnydale. A rough brunette that went by Faith. Xander and Cordelia said she was good at slaying, but very different than Buffy. To Willow, she sounded like an improvement.

Spike's hand rubbed her neck as they told her about their activities. She always sat and listened to them describe what they had done. She hated hearing details, but thought it better to hear from them than someone else if anything went wrong. She was so proud of them....their sacrifices that they had made.

"We have an engagement tomorrow evening at Mrs. Harsham's. It is her birthday bash." Willow reminded them.

"Stuck up society bitch" Spike said under his breath.

"Don't worry, Willow-mine. We shall be charming and polite" Drusilla said.

"Charming? The woman propositioned me last time" Angelus said, outrage in his voice. "Like I was some randy youth. Do we have to go?"

"Quit whining. It would be rude to refuse. Besides, we have to maintain our image." Willow pointed out.

"Everyone in town thinks we have wild orgies as it is" Spike reminded her. "How could it hurt our reputations if we don't go to some crotchety horn bags party?"

"Spike, it helps make us look human if we're seen with others outside our family once in awhile."

"Aye...she's right there. Fine. We go. BUT, if that woman pinches my arse again..." Angelus let the sentence dangle, a gleam of mischief entering his dark brown eyes.

Willow sighed, "Fine. If she pinches you again, we can cut ourselves off from these damn dinners. Trust me, there are millions of things I'd rather be doing..."

"Why don't we go upstairs and start on that list?" Spike said huskily.

"Kids" Angelus muttered, a smile on his face as he watched them walk upstairs.

* * * * *

Dru walked in and looked at Willow. She smiled as she watched the girl move in her sleep. She glanced at Spike and saw him watching her through half closed eyes.

"She's beautiful" Spike said.

"Yes" Dru agreed. She sat on the edge of the bed and looked at Spike. "Have you forgiven me?"

"For what?" Spike asked, confusion in his eyes.

"The spell. Making her immortal."

"Did you think I hadn't?"

"You never said."

"Dru, love, I wouldn't be hear with you and Angelus if I hadn't. I love Willow. I'm thrilled to be able to be with her for eternity. I admit it took a while to understand it all, but I know you meant well."

Dru smiled, "Thank you. I didn't know..."

"Did you have your tea with the neighbors?" he asked, running his hand through Willow's hair. She mumbled in her sleep and moved closer to him.

"Yes. Delightful women. I seldomly had the urge to bite one." She said proudly.

"You've already bitten them all at one time or another" Spike pointed out.

"You know what I meant. I haven't killed anyone in the eight months since we left Sunnydale. Does it make me strange to not miss it?"

"No. Not to me. Now, to others, maybe. I just don't think our main purpose is to kill and feed. I've already shown we can love. You and Angelus show that we can love. We just get a bad reputation."

She smiled softly, "Yes, we do. And that whole garlic thing is nonsense. I love garlic."

They heard the phone ringing and Dru reached for it. "Hello?"

"Yeah, is this Willow?" an agitated female voice asked.

"No. She's sleeping. May I help you?"

"Wake her up. Please? It's Giles... he's been hurt... tell her that it's Faith."

**********

"Who is it?" Spike asked as Dru looked at him.

"The slayer. Something happened to the watcher. She wants Willow."

"Buffy?" Spike hissed.

"No" Dru shook her head. "The other one, Faith."

Spike nodded. He gently shook Willow. She opened her eyes and yawned. "Spike? What is it?"

"Phone call, pet. The slayer. She wants to talk to you...Faith."

"Oh. I hope nothing is wrong" Willow sat up and smiled at Dru as she took the phone. "Hello Faith."

"Willow. Hate to call but I don't know what else to do."

Willow heard the worry in the girl's voice. Something was wrong. Damn it. "What is it Faith?"

"Giles. He was hurt. Almost died. I don't know who to trust anymore. We think it may be the council."

"Is he ok?" Willow asked, her eyes wide with panic. Spike took her hand and squeezed.

"He's doing better. He won't go to a hospital. Will, I know I don't know you, but I couldn't think of anyone else to call. Xander said you might have an idea of what we should do."

"You think it's the council?"

Faith sighed, "Yeah, those bastards. Someone is after us all. Cordy, Xan, me and Giles. They just got Giles first. We're in hiding out here and we don't trust anyone except you."

"I'll be there as soon as I can. Is Xander there?"

"Thank you....Yeah, he's here. Just a sec. XAN...She wants you."

"Hello Wills." Xander said softly. She could hear the fear in his voice.

"God, Xander. What's happening?"

"I wish I knew. Things have been going well around here. G-man thinks the tweed wearers are after us for some reason. I'd be inclined to agree. Things have been happening....they're scared of how well we all work together, Wills. They want us dead."

"I won't let that happen. Trust me, Xander. I'll think of something. We'll save you. Give me a number where I can reach you. Is Giles ok?"

"He's hurt but stubborn. He'll be fine. Here's the number and thanks."

Willow wrote it down. Saying goodbye, she told them to be careful. Looking at Spike, she noticed that Angelus was leaning in the doorway.

"I have to go back. They need me."

"We have to go back" Spike corrected.

"Four for the price of one. What more could a slayer ask for?" Angelus said, smirking. He saw the tense way Willow was sitting and knew that something big was happening. Oh well, he was getting tired of England anyway.

"Back to Sunnydale?" Dru asked, leaning against Willow.

"Back to Sunnydale" Willow said, smiling at them gratefully.

********** "Willow!" Xander came forward, holding the girl tightly. She hugged him back, glad to be home in a way.

"How is he?" she asked, pulling back.

Xander smiled slightly, "Good. He's a stubborn one. He should be all right. He's sleeping now."

"Hi Willow" Cordelia said, hugging her old friend. "Europe agrees with you."

"Thanks" Willow said, her eyes settling on a brunette. "Faith?"

"Red." Faith came forward, shaking the girl's hand. "That was fast."

"I hurried back as soon as I could. Um...I need you to invite them in...." Willow trailed off.

"William's here?" Xander asked.

"Yes. So are Angelus and Dru. They want to help...."

Faith sighed, running a hand through her hair, "We can use it. Come in."

Faith watched as the vampires entered the room. She was curious about this group. She still couldn't believe that three of the most feared vampires in Europe had taken in the human girl. Watching them, she couldn't deny the love and friendship that surrounded the group.

Willow made introductions before sitting down. "What's happening?"

Together, the three teens explained everything that had gone on the last few months. Willow felt Spike's arm around her, his hand comforting.

"You don't know if it is the council or what?" she clarified.

Xander got quiet. "Will...uh, something happened since we called...."

"What?" she asked, fear going through her.

"Buffy. She was killed. Her and her entire family. Their going after slayers." Cordelia said softly.

"Buffy's dead?" Willow said. She knew she should feel remorse but any feelings she had had for her friend had died when she had left Sunnydale. "Anyone else?"

"We don't know. Giles won't let us contact us anyway. He said not to trust the council. He thinks it's them. It could be them and someone else. Who knows?" Faith said, making a face. "Some one wants us dead. They already got Buffy. They tried to get Giles. We're next."

"Let me make some calls" Angelus said, sensing the sadness in Willow. "I'll see what my sources know."

Faith saw the way the vampire looked at Willow and smiled. Damn. All three of them were in love with the redhead. Here she'd heard that Willow was the shy quiet one. She and Red needed to have a chat. She wanted details. But, first, worry about the threat on her life. Nah, details would make the countdown to her death more entertaining.

**********

"Giles!" Willow moved forward, hugging the older man tightly.

"I'm glad you could come" Giles said softly into her hair. "Willow. Too tight. Hurt."

"Oh goddess. I'm so sorry" Willow said, pulling back. She looked into his amused eyes and mock glared at him.

"You look well" he said, taking in her beauty. It was still so strange to see her looking the exact same as she did all those months ago. "You didn't have to come."

"I know. But, hey. I can't die so I might have an advantage on these people. You think it's the council?"

Giles grimaced, "I'm pretty sure it is. There have been so many internal changes these last few months. They killed Buffy."

"I know" Willow said softly. "And they almost got you and Faith."

"Are you alone?" he asked suddenly.

She smiled, "Of course not. They won't let me go the bathroom alone much less fly halfway across the world."

"I heard that pet" a teasing voice said from the doorway. Spike came in, putting his arm around her shoulders, "Watcher. You look better."

"William." Giles nodded. "Spike, I mean."

Spike shrugged, "Eh, either one." He turned to Willow, "Angelus found out some stuff. You up for seeing him?"

"Angelus is here?" Giles said, shock in his voice.

She nodded, "He and Dru wanted to help. As I said, where I go, they go. Let him in, Spike."

Angelus came in, glancing at the watcher in disgust. He couldn't believe he was helping a slayer and her watcher. Only for Red. "It is the council. Well, a part of the council. They are trying to start a war of sorts is the word on the streets. Certain people want more control. Usual human bullshit."

"Ahem" Willow said, glancing at him.

"Well, most human" he corrected at her look. He looked at the watcher, "From what I've heard, several of the better watchers and the hopeful slayers have been killed. You and the brunette bitch got lucky."

Giles nodded, "Yes, we did. They are going after Xander and Cordelia also though. Because of their connection to us. Willow, would you hand me the phone?"

"Who are you calling?" she asked curiously.

Giles smiled slightly, "The only person I feel that we can trust. Also, the only one that may be able to help us."

She laid back against Spike as he dialed. She watched as Angelus left the room, ready to roam around. He was like a caged lion anytime he was forced to remain inside. If it was his choice, he was content for days. Typical man. She listened in shock as Giles spoke.

"It's Ripper. I need you Ethan. Now."

**********

"Ethan." Giles nodded at the man.

Ethan smiled, "Rupert. Nice of you to call."

"You got here quickly." Giles paused, "Thank you."

Ethan had to laugh, "Ripper old man. Why did you call me here? And what is with the secrecy?"

"This is your big answer?" Faith asked, coming into the room.

She let her eyes roam over the older man. He was attractive, she'd give him that. She also sensed something between him and her watcher. Intrigued, she let her dark eyes look between them both.

"Who is the little bitch?" Ethan asked, his eyes raking over her body.

"Faith, meet Ethan. Ethan, this is my slayer."

"She's the slayer? What happened to the little blonde?" Ethan looked at Giles in surprise.

"She's dead" Giles said quietly. "They got her."

Faith sat down next to her watcher, her hand moving to get him some of his medicine. She watched him closely to make sure he took it all. She let her eyes go back to Ethan. Not bad at all.

"You think he can help?"

Giles nodded, "I honestly believe he may be the only one we can trust."

Ethan sat down, his eyes looking at the serious expression on Rupert's face, "Who is they?"

"The council. They're after us." Faith said, testing him.

"Bloody marvelous. Ripper is going against the council." Ethan laughed, "No wonder you thought of me."

"Will you help?" Giles asked, his eyes looking steadily at Ethan.

Ethan became serious, "You shouldn't have to ask that, Ripper."

"Thank you" Giles said quietly. He glanced at Faith, noticing how close she was sitting. "I will let you fill him in, Faith. I am feeling rather tired."

Faith watched him go, concern in her eyes. Looking back at Ethan, she saw a similar expression on his face. Sitting back, she smiled, "So, how long have you been in love with Giles?"

Ethan looked at her quickly and then started laughing. Yes, he liked this one.

**********

"You were right, Ripper" Ethan said, setting a file on the table.

Willow looked over at the man, studying him. There was something shifty about him, but she had a feeling that he could be trusted. He seemed to really care about Giles. She had also noticed him getting closer to Faith. There was definitely something kinky going on among those three.

"About?" Giles asked, sighing.

He couldn't believe it. A week of Ethan back in his life and he was already cavorting with not only his old friend but his own slayer. Faith had pushed the issue three days before, bringing up old memories. Things had gotten out of hand...now he had two lovers. He shook his head slightly. Only Ethan could corrupt him so easily.

"The council. Half of the uptight prissies are no longer fighting for the good of evil."

"They're fighting for the good of themselves" Angelus said.

He and the human sorcerer had spent several hours researching and calling contacts. From what they had both heard, they had managed to piece together a rather disturbing image of the council.

"Great. Just what we need. Greedy tweed wearers" Xander muttered. "Do we have any idea who is good and who isn't?" Giles asked.

Ethan shook his head, "From Angelus and my contacts, we were able to figure out some definites, but there are so many watchers."

"It is suppose to go very very high up" Angelus said, letting his gaze find Dru, Spike and Willow.

Only for him would he be trying to save a damn slayer and her kinky watcher. Why should those three humans get all the fun? He wanted Willow very much as did Dru. Why couldn't his family have their own wild kinky sex orgy? Just his luck. Helping the good guys without the perks.

"Bloody great" Spike said, rubbing Willow's arm.

He had caught his sire watching her more lately. He knew it was inevitable that they were going to share with Angelus. It was part of the vampire family. He had tried to be selfish and keep her to himself. He knew though that nothing would happen until she was ready. He knew Angelus would respect that. Of course, he had also caught his redhead's eyes on Angelus lately, especially when his sire was walking around half nude all the bloody time. Friggin show off. All in time, he knew. All in time.

"So, we're still on our own. I can't contact the council and tell them I didn't die because we don't know who to trust. Marvelous." Giles said, rubbing his head.

"We could go in and slaughter the whole lot. Start over with new watchers." Angelus said, violence in his eyes.

"Uh...no" Willow said, smiling at her lover's sire.

She let her eyes trail over his broad chest before settling on Giles. "We can draw them out. Let them know you are alive and in hiding. They don't have to know we're here. We wait and see who comes to collect you. Then, we slaughter."

Xander laughed, "Damn Wills. Hanging around the undead has sure made you violent."

"I actually agree with Willow's plan. If they are dead, they can't kill us" Cordelia pointed out.

"It does have merits, lover" Faith said, smiling at Giles.

Ethan just laughed, "I love mass mayhem. Slaughter it is."

Giles just shook his head. He had to admit, the idea did sound rather delicious. They had killed Buffy after all. Tried to kill him and the others. They should die. He gave a sigh of relief. At least they had a tentative plan, no matter how unusual it may be.

**********

"What are you thinking?" Spike asked softly, his hand rubbing Willow's arm.

"How lucky I am" she said honestly. She looked up at him, her green eyes gazing into his eyes, "I love you, you know."

Spike grinned, "I know. Me too pet."

She hit his arm, "Me too? Is that all I get? After hours of making love, all I get is a me too?"

He chuckled, kissing her deeply. He pulled away, staring at her flushed face, "I love you, Red. Can't imagine life without you. Am the luckiest undead bastard around for having you by my side. You are my sun, my moon, my stars."

Willow giggled, "Enough already. You just had to say the three magic words."

He looked at her, his hand brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, "I feel it, even if I don't say it. We aren't very known for expressing our emotions, luv. Well, except for the violence and anger."

"I know Spike. I see it in your eyes as you watch me....in your hands as you touch me....in your kiss as you taste me....in the tolerant way you put up with the others instead of breaking their necks like pencils."

He kissed her again, "You're babbling pet. Time to get some sleep. Long day tomorrow. The watcher starts setting the trap."

"Ok. Sleep. Sleep is good." Willow snuggled closer to him, her hand on his nude chest. She closed her eyes and drifted off. Spike held her close as he watched her even breathing until sleep claimed him.

**********

"Did he call?" Willow asked, walking into the room.

Cordelia looked up, "Yeah. He thinks it may work."

"It will work" Angelus said, his tone arrogant.

Willow looked at Drusilla and rolled her eyes. "Cocky bastard, isn't he?"

Angelus smirked, "You don't even know the half of it, Red."

Willow groaned, "Enough. I just ate...."

"Where's the bleached wonder?" Faith asked, grinning at the redhead.

"Still in bed. He was tired" Willow said, starting to blush when she realized how that sounded. "I mean...he didn't sleep...Oh, damn it. You know what I meant."

Xander had to laugh, "Please. No more details. So, what do you think, Wills. This gonna work?"

"Maybe." Willow said, making a face. "It can't hurt anything."

"I told you. It's going to work. The damn council has probably already sent someone." Angelus said, getting a bit irritated that they weren't listening to him.

"Ok, Daddy. It will work." Willow said, offering him a smile to appease him. She could sense his temper.

"So, we sit and wait now." Faith said, frowning. "I hate waiting."

"Me too" Xander said, "Especially when it is for someone to come kill us. This sure as fuck had better work."

"It will work!" Angelus roared, his eyes turning yellow.

"Angelus, hush. Go to your room and cool off" Drusilla said, giving him a look that left no room for argument.

Angelus frowned but headed upstairs. "Fine...but I'm waking Spike up."

"Like a child" Drusilla said, exchanging a grin with Willow.

"Bet I know how up Spike will be" Willow said dryly.

"You mean....Spike and Angelus?" Cordelia said. "Ewww.."

"I don't know...might be worth a look" Faith said, winking. "Two mighty handsome men....yum. Can I watch?"

"No watching. By anyone" Willow said, glaring with amusement at the slayer. "We better check in with Giles. See what he and Ethan think is going to happen."

"I'm up with that, Red. Let's go" Faith said, throwing her arm around Willow's shoulders.

"If this plan doesn't work, can I stake Angelus?" Xander asked.

"If it doesn't work, I'll stake him for you, kitten" Drusilla said, smiling at the human. She stood and followed the way that Willow had gone.

**********

They were prepared for whatever the council sent to them. Angelus, Drusilla and Spike were waiting for the signal. If they were needed, they would attack. Everyone else except for Giles was waiting in the kitchen. Giles was in the living room area of the warehouse alone. He was the bait, something he wasn't entirely thrilled about.

He couldn't believe after fourteen years of his life being devoted to the council, they were the ones trying to kill him. Of course, it should have surprised him. He had faced demons, vampires, warlocks and other creatures walking away unscathed. Now, the very organization he worked for was what he had to fear. It really pissed him off royally. To have his survival...his life being held in the hands of three vampires, the very vampires he was suppose to keep the world safe from, and a rag tag group of children was somehow overwhelming to him. He trusted the vampires with his life. It shocked him that he had grown so much wiser at such an old age.

He had had to learn that sometimes people were not what you believed, a truth he had learned many years before but forgotten as his life had become comfortable and secure. He now had to wonder how many creatures he may have slain that were as harmless as the vampires that now resided in the next room. He corrected himself. Not harmless. If it were not for Willow, he and the other humans would have been food long ago. The fact that shocked him was that these immoral creatures could care...could love...even without a soul. It made him wonder if they ever truly lost their souls at all. He didn't see how they could show such emotion without one somewhere deep inside them.

He wouldn't think of that now. Now, he had to concentrate on what the council would send after him. He had learned that more than four-dozen slayers and watchers had been massacred. The though angered him. The people who should be saving human lives were the ones taking them now. The vampires the ones defending the humans. It was ironic in many ways, he knew. He froze when he heard a knock on his door. It was time. The council had made its move.

**********

Giles opened the door and saw three men standing there. "May I help you?"

"Rupert Giles? The council sent us" the tallest one said.

"Oh, of course. Come inside" Giles motioned them to follow him. He saw one reach for something in his pocket and moved quickly. He brought his leg up, kicking the man in his balls. The man fell with a grunt.

"Now now...Mr. Giles. Can we please be civil about this? There are after all, three of us and only one of you." The tall one said, smirking.

"Must not need to know how to count to be a watcher" Faith said, stepping from her place in the shadows. She blew a bubble, her crossbow in her hands. "Morning boys."

"What the" one said, starting to move for the door. He cried out as Drusilla's hand went around his neck.

"Naughty boy...trying to leave...the party has just started." She said, smiling as the others surrounded the three men.

"God, don't kill us" one said, begging and crying. "We'll tell you whatever you want to know."

Angelus groaned in disappointment. "That's not fair!" He whined. "I wanted to play...."

Willow chuckled, patting his arm, "There there, love. You can have one of them."

"NO!" the men shrieked, cowering from the gleeful vampire.

Giles pulled the tall one to his feet, "Who the bloody hell sent you?"

"Fuck you" the man answered.

Giles smiled a sinister smile. Willow could suddenly envision exactly what Ripper must have looked like in his youth. She waited, Spike's arm around her waist as his chin balanced on her shoulder. "oh, Angelus...here's one you and Drusilla can play with."

The man's face drained of color. "Ang..ang..angelus?"

"Wh...wh...what?" Angelus repeated, smirking as he ran a hand over the man's throat, gripping it tightly.

"The new head watcher sent us....Jilliam."

Giles smiled, "And why is he killing the council and the slayers?"

"I don't know...we just do what we're told. He gave us a list and said that they had to die. He didn't give reasons."

"And where is he at?" Giles asked, motioning for Angelus' to grip tighter. The man screamed as he felt his windpipe being crushed.

"He's at the main office in Boston. He just got here from Europe." the man said in a strangled voice.

"The location?" Angelus asked, his eyes burning yellow.

"5410 Maritime Avenue."

Giles smiled, "Good. Angelus, you may have them all. Just....make sure they don't scream too loudly."

Angelus beamed, carrying the terror stricken man to the back of the warehouse. Drusilla and Spike took the other two, Spike soon returning to Willow's side.

"Think it's wise to let him have the taste for that again?" Xander asked, motioning towards the door where Angelus and Drusilla had disappeared.

"He can control it. Besides, we wanted them dead. Did you want to do it?" Willow asked.

Xander shook his head. "Nope. I say, yay for psychotic vampires on our side."

Spike snickered, "So...looks like we're going to Boston, eh watcher?"

Giles nodded, a gleam in his eyes. "I'd say it's time to take the fight to Jilliam. See how he likes being slowly stalked. You guys in?"

"Fuck yeah!" Faith said, kissing her lover soundly. "Come on, Ripper. Let's go work off some of this stress....."

Spike and Willow laughed watching them go. "Hey, luv. The slayer has a good idea. Want to work off some stress?"

"Are you up for it?" she teased back at him.

In reply, he grabbed her into his arms and walked into the bedroom. Xander looked at Cordelia. "Does it not strike anyone else as strange that they are all shagging like crazy as three men...three humans...are getting tortured and killed across the warehouse?"

Cordelia shrugged, "For one, you've been talking to Spike way too much lately. Shagging? As if...whatever Brit wannabe. Second, those men came here to kill Giles....Third, they are watchers. That's like past the human thing. Fourth...why are we still sitting here and not shagging?"

Xander smiled at her, "Good points." The two of them stood and went to their room.

**********

"So, this is Boston" Xander said. "Pretty cool."

"Nah, it isn't" Faith responded. "I grew up here. Hated it. But, it does have some nice features."

"So, do we know the plan?" Ethan asked, wanting to make sure everyone was paying attention.

"Jilliam is going to be stalked until we find out who or what he is. After that, we get to play" Angelus replied with a smirk.

"Uh, yeah. That pretty much covers it" Ethan responded with a smile.

"Any ideas if the council actually backs this guy or if they're just scared of him?" Willow asked. Things would be much easier if he just had them all scared to fight against him.

"From what the men said, he has most of them in the dark. They have no idea it is him killing the slayers." Dru said.

"So, if we get proof and expose him, he'd be fired" Cordelia said.

"Delia, honey...he's had more than fifty people killed, including Buffy. He also tried to have us killed. You want to just get him fired?" Xander demanded.

"Well, personally, I'd love to see him slowly tortured over a bed of hot coals until his is begging for death" Cordelia responded back, her eyes lit with anger.

"That can be arranged" Angelus said, liking the girl's spirit.

"BUT, I'm human enough to not speak those thoughts out loud before we even know who the fuck he is." Cordelia finished as if Angelus had never interrupted.

"Poor kitten...so confused" Dru said, running her hand through Xander's hair. She pulled his head against her breast as she whispered soothing words to him.

"Uh...Dru...I'm not confused...I want the guy to die too" Xander said, rather enjoying the feel of Dru pampering him. He noticed Angelus watching Cordelia with an interested smirk and Cordelia giving him one in return. Man oh man...what were they all turning into?

Willow smiled, looking at Spike. "Well, we did say we wanted to share everything didn't we?"

"Didn't know that included the damn friends too" he said, laughing as Angelus moved into to kiss the cheerleader. He leaned back and saw Xander being kissed by Dru. "It's a bleeding orgy."

"At least they aren't fighting" Willow said, exchanging a smile with Faith who was watching the events in the back two seats of the van with interest.

Ethan glanced back and snickered. He saw Giles look back, the man paling slightly. "What is it Rupert?"

"Well, fuck. They're all having fun and I'm stuck driving in this traffic" he complained, feeling rather lighthearted. For some odd reason, their group worked rather well for them all. He personally had never been as happy. He knew Faith and Ethan were happy. Now, it appeared that the others were starting to let their fences down, so to speak. He wondered if, after this was all over, they would all still want to be together the way they were now. He could see that the nine of them had become a family of sorts. A very strange one, but hell, most now a days were rather dysfunctional. He heard Willow laugh as she and Spike continued to whisper in the back of the van, oblivious to everyone but each other. His kids.

**********

Jilliam Kent heard a noise and jumped. He peered into the darkness and knew that they were there. Watching him. They had been watching him for days. No one else could see them. But he knew that they were there. He wondered if he was going crazy. It was a possibility, he knew. Things had been so hectic lately. So many slayers to kill. He had almost finished killing the amount of innocents that he needed to secure his place. He would be made a demon, forever immortal, if he killed one hundred innocents that fought for the good of mankind. When he had heard of this pact, he had done everything possible to secure himself the position as head watcher, with access to all the records. Only thirty more to go.

He heard the sound of a woman giggling and turned again. Suddenly, all around him he heard laughter. No one was there. He peered into the dark, looking for anyone. There was, as always, no one. He began to move faster, wanting to get to the safety of his home. He heard footsteps behind him. Startled, he began to run. He heard laughter follow him as he ran.

"Are we bad?" Willow asked, moving from the shadows and watching the older watcher run in fear.

"Nah, pet" Spike said, reassuring her. "The man wants to be a demon. Let him know how it is to feel hunted. Being a demon isn't all fun and games, luv."

"Don't spoil the illusion" Angelus said, stepping beside them. He winked at Willow, "It's mostly fun and games, sweets."

Willow laughed, "Sure thing. Well, we've been stalking him for a week. He thinks he's going crazy. Is it time to make our move?"

"Just about." Giles said, moving towards the group. "From the information we've gathered, we have enough to prove what he has been doing. Seventy-one slayers and watchers dead. All for immortality."

"And here I get it by shagging Spike" Willow said lightly, her tone teasing.

"Well, that might be as bad as killing seventy-one people" Xander said dryly. "Hey...down boy. I was just joking! Mommy!"

Dru shook her head, "I can't help you, kitten. Spike, just don't hurt him too badly. He is taking Cordy out tonight."

Spike grinned, his teeth white in the darkness, "Yes Dru."

Willow laughed as he took off after Xander, the two running through the streets and laughing. She looked at Giles and smiled, "We're all pretty fucked up aren't we?"

Giles shrugged, "At least we have each other. We can be fucked up together."

She laughed as the group wandered after Xander and Spike, everyone thinking of the best way to confront Jilliam. It had been decided that it was time to quit the games and get to business. Tomorrow night, Jilliam would follow those slayers and watchers in death.

**********

Giles looked at the man tied to the chair in disgust. "Nice to see awake Mr. Kent."

Jilliam looked at the man in front of him, "Where am I? Who are you?"

"My name is Giles. I believe you've tried to have me killed several times. May I say, very unsuccessfully."

"Let me go" Jilliam demanded, knowing the name of the watcher that had been assigned to the hellmouth in Sunnydale.

"Hmmm....let me think about that" Giles looked at the others thoughtfully before turning to Jilliam, "No."

"I said let me go. Now!"

"Can we cut his tongue out? At least gurgling noises wouldn't be as bad as words" Angelus asked, his narrow eyes peering at Jilliam in disgust.

Jilliam shut up, seeing the threat in the vampire's eyes. He glanced around, seeing the group watching him with disgust. He suddenly knew he was going to die. He closed his eyes, waiting.

"I must say, Angelus. That is a splendid idea. Mr. Kent, I'd like to introduce you to Angelus. He is going to kill you now." Giles said, moving from the room. The others shook their heads at the man that had done such damage to so many lives. All for nothing. Just power and immortality.

Willow shut the door behind her, looking at the others as they moved to sit down. "Well, that's that."

"Yeah, that's that" Xander said quietly, his arm around Cordelia.

"Was a bit of a letdown" Faith said, thinking the man would have struggled more. "What now?"

Spike pulled Willow onto his lap. "I dunno. Don't really feel like going back to England....."

"Let's not worry about that yet" Willow said, her voice soft. She didn't want to think about leaving her friends. Over the last month they had grown so close. She didn't want to think of the future without them all.

"I don't want to lose this" Cordelia said softly. She looked at the group, minus Drusilla and Angelus. "I don't want to lose you all now that we've found each other."

"Me either" Faith admitted, frowning. This was the closest she'd ever had to a family.

Ethan smiled slightly, "I plan on staying with you two."

Giles looked at him and smiled, "No wandering around looking for more?"

He shook his head, "Saw what that can drive a man to do." He motioned to the room where Jilliam was dying.

Angelus walked outside, blood on his arm. Drusilla joined him. They saw the melancholy looks on the human's faces and looked at each other.

"Willow mine...why so sad? We won" Drusilla said.

"We have to leave now..." Willow said softly.

"Why? We can stay in Sunnydale or wherever the fuck you want to stay" Angelus said, sitting down beside Dru.

"We can?" Willow asked, smiling.

He shrugged, "I've always hated England anyway. America is growing on me. Where ever you and Spike are is where we are. You decide."

Willow smiled, leaning against Spike. "I want to stay with them. In Sunnydale or wherever...at least for awhile."

"Sounds like a plan" Spike said, smiling in gratitude at his sire. He knew how much Angelus hated being around humans. He had done so well, even shagging the moron and the brunette. "We stay."

***********

Six Months Later

"Delia, come on" Xander whined, waiting for his girlfriend.

Willow looked up from her place on the couch, laying across Spike's lap. She smiled as the two lovers came in and sat down. "Hey guys."

"You sure you two don't want to party hearty with us?" Xander asked.

"Nah...you seven have fun. Spike and I plan to spend a nice quiet evening at home." Willow said.

"Are you insinuating that we aren't quiet?" Faith asked, winking at the redhead.

"Nope. Flat out telling you" Spike said, laughing.

"Watch it boy" Angelus warned playfully.

"Children. Cut it out" Giles voice rang over the room.

"Yes Giles" both vampires said, not wanting to disobey the Head Watcher. He might get the entire council on them if they kept on.

'You two have fun" Drusilla said, kissing Willow and Spike before taking Angelus' arm. If anyone had told her that one day she'd be living with six humans and loving every minute of it, she'd have thought they were crazy. But, this was her family. She smiled as she looked at Angelus, "Can we hunt?"

"Yes, love. We'll meet up the rest of you later" Angelus said, walking out with Drusilla. The others said their goodbyes to Willow and Spike and followed the vampires.

"Blimey...I didn't think that they'd ever leave" Spike said. Since the nine of them had moved into the large mansion in the garden district of New Orleans, he and Willow never had a moment alone together.

"You do realize that you and I are rather prudish don't you?" Willow asked, a teasing look in her eyes as she pulled her shirt over her head.

'How so, pet?" he asked, pushing his jeans down around his ankles. He pulled his own shirt over his head and looked at her.

"Everyone in this house is shagging each other at one time or another except for us." She pointed out with a small smile as she shimmied out of her pants.

Spike snorted, "Told you before, pet. If you want to play you can. I don't really want more than you, though."

She straddled his lap, sinking down onto his hardness. "Nope. I much prefer our private orgies of two."

"My thoughts exactly, luv" he said, kissing her deeply as he thrust into her. "Do regret that we can't shag anywhere we want though. Damn twits would get off on watching though...."

"Let them...they won't be joining us, so who cares?" Willow asked as she moved against him.

"You're right, as always" Spike said, grinning at the idea of openly shagging her wherever he wanted. "One reason I love you."

"Are you happy?" Willow asked, sinking down on him again.

"Very" he said truthfully. "You?"

"Oh yeah" she said. "I have friends, a family, a job with the council and you. Of course, I'd be happy if I only had you."

"Aw...you say the sweetest things, Red" he said, kissing her.

"Love you too" she said, kissing him back.

They moved together as the shadows grew outside. The moon suddenly shone brightly, making the shadows fade as the new family laughed and played together. She smiled against his mouth as she realized that things were finally perfect. Since Cordelia had showed some interest in Angelus, he had left Willow alone. She and Spike were able to just be together with no constant worries that Angelus would want Willow. He had several others to choose from now. Of course, Willow wasn't stupid. The longer they all lived together, the more chances there would be that she and Spike would eventually play with the others too. But, until then, they had each other. That was what was important. Her life was finally at a happy place again, completely. She deepened the kiss, wondering what she had done to be lucky enough to find Spike. She was never letting him go. She cried out as she came, his cool seed entering her. She smiled at him, seeing the love in his eyes. Her other half.


THE END