Disclaimer: Everything BtVS and AtS is owned by Joss, ME, and all them over there. Everything Anita Blake is owned by Laurell K. Hamilton

Chapter 6

That night, Willow couldn't sleep. She had tried everything. Finally giving up, she jumped out of bed and pulled on her jeans and a t-shirt. Sliding a vial of holy water into her pocket and grabbing a stake, she made her way out into the night. She made her way down the street and to Spike's crypt. Standing outside the door, she took a deep breath and pushed it open. "Spike?" she whispered. "Are you in here?" <Great! It's some weird hour in the morning and I'm in a crypt in a graveyard looking for Spike. What's wrong with this picture?> Willow let her eyes adjust to the dark and saw a ladder in front of her descending to a lower floor. <I really hope there's nothing down there that wants to eat me.>

Spike woke up when he heard someone above him on the upper level. For a moment, he thought he heard Willow. <Forget about it, mate. You're imagining things. I wonder who the hell is up there.>

Willow made her way down the ladder and relaxed when her feet hit the floor. "Spike, are you down here?" Letting her eyes adjust once again, she turned around and screamed.

Hearing the witch scream, Spike took a step back. He watched as she quit screaming but her heart was still beating quickly. Her chest rose and fell as she tried to catch her breath.

"Scare me why don't you."

"I am a vampire, luv."

"I really hate you," she mumbled. "Don't you have any light in here?"

Spike responded by lighting a couple of candles. "Since you HATE me so much, as you seem to keep telling me, why are you here?"

"I...uh...I...well, it's like this. I was thinking about what Giles said and I couldn't sleep and I couldn't see Xander cause he would be...well I don't want to think about that and I couldn't see Buffy because she's with some new guy and well I couldn't see Giles because it's like three a.m. in the morning and I figured you wouldn't be sleeping and..."

"Red, breathe! How can you just keep talking like that in one breath?"

At that moment it seemed that Willow realized where she was. "Right, well now that I've had this nice little rant, I'll just be going now." Willow turned around and started walking back towards the ladder.

Spike placed a hand on her arm. "Don't think so, luv."

"What?"

"Slayer would have me for dust if I let you walk alone. In Sunnydale. In the middle of the night."

"Then walk me home."

"Don't feel like it. You can stay here."

"What? I don't think so."

"Why the hell not?" he asked sounding offended.

"Because it's a crypt and I'm not dead."

"Stay here just for tonight," he said in a pleading voice. "You can leave in the morning. The sun will be out and the creatures of the night will be hiding."

Willow looked at Spike and then at the ladder and then at him again. "What is this about? Have you gotten the chip out? Are you going to kill me?"

"I won't try anything, pet. Lay with me?"

"Yeah fine," she mumbled. As she climbed into the bed, she noticed Spike had already gotten in and was waiting for her. As her body hit the mattress, she felt an arm go around her. Quickly, she turned her head and saw him watching her.

�Just wanted to hold you, luv. No harm, right?�

�I guess not.� As she closed her eyes, she felt his arm tighten around her, bringing her closer to his body. Casually, she slipped her arm around his waist, falling asleep quickly.

Hours later, Willow woke up and realized she still had her arm around his waist. Letting her eyes adjust, she felt his hand brush up and down her arm, in a comforting gesture. �Spike?� she whispered.

�Yeah, pet.�

�What are you doing? You're so quiet.�

�Didn't want to disturb you. I was just thinking.�

�How long have you been awake? About what?�

Spike smirked at all her questions. �About an hour, I'd say. And I was thinking about everything Giles had said yesterday.�

�What about it?�

�Would it be so bad to be bound to me?�

Willow let out a small giggle. �Are you serious?� When she heard the silence, she realized he was serious. She looked up at him. �You mean it, don't you?�

�Would it be so bad?�

Willow climbed out of the bed and just stared at him. �I'm thinking yeah. Do you really want to be bound to a human? A human girl.� Willow took a deep breath and looked around for her shoes. After sliding them on, she looked back at him. �We're enemies, remember. You're a vampire. I'm a human. And I'm leaving.� Willow started towards the ladder but stopped when she heard his voice.

�Was it bad? Last night? Did I hurt you? I didn't try anything. I told you I wouldn't. You came to me, luv.�

She turned to face him. �Like I had another choice!� Spike climbed out of the bed and took a couple steps toward her. �You could have stayed home. You came to me.�

�Something I'm really regretting right now,� she muttered.

�You came to a crypt to find me at some off hour in the morning. Into my bed.�

�It wasn't like that and you know it.�

�Into my arms.�

�It's not like you were gonna let me leave, Spike.�

Spike took a couple more steps toward her. If he had reached out, he would have been touching her. �You wanna know what I think?�

�Do I have a choice?� she responded dryly.

�We're not enemies, Red. You and me, we really don't hate each other. Far from it, in fact. On both out parts.�

�Full of yourself, aren't you.�

�Am, I? Cause I don't think so.�

�You need some sleep and I need to leave.�

�Right then. Well, you know your way out.� Spike turned around and started to walk towards the bed until he stopped suddenly. He turned back around to her. �Willow?�

She hadn't even realized that she had been watching him. She looked into his eyes, hearing her real name on his lips. �Yeah.�

�For last night�I guess��

�What?�

�It meant a lot to me.�

�I'm not following, Spike.�

�You letting me hold you�I felt as if I was protecting you. It made me feel needed again. It's been a long while since I was really needed by anyone.� Before he could say anything else, he pointed at the ladder. �Well luv, I guess you should be going, huh?�

�Yeah,� she said softly. Still lost in the moment and his words, she slowly made her way to the ladder and walked out of the crypt.

Chapter 7

Willow had been sitting on Giles' couch when the sun finally went down. Giles had designed a room especially for their Scooby meetings. She looked around the room. Buffy and Xander had arrived about an hour ago. Now, instead of researching, they were wrapped up in some empty conversation. Willow looked up when she heard the door open, seeing it was Spike. Their eyes locked on each other for a moment and then she casually looked away.

�Well, well, if it isn't the evil dead,� Buffy started.

�Sod off, bitch.�

�It's not my fault you couldn't keep a hold of Drusilla. I guess you really weren't demon enough for her after all.�

Willow was angered concerning Buffy's comment towards him. She could hear Spike growling, trying to push his demon back. �Buffy,� Willow called out.

�Yeah Wills,� she said sweetly.

She could feel Spike's eyes on her. �Shut up, Buffy.�

�What?�

�About Drusilla�just shut up about it.�

�But it's fun taunting him.�

�And if he was to bring up how you sent Angel to Hell?� She could see the far away look in her eyes. �Not so funny now, is it?�

Silently Buffy walked across the room and sat down quietly. Willow stood up and walked into the kitchen, searching for something to drink. She grabbed a can of soda and turned around, letting the can slip from her fingers. �Spike!�

Spike caught the can and handed it back to her. �I believe this is yours.�

�Um�yeah. Thanks.�

�What you just did out there�standing up for me��

�Not a big deal,� she told him as she started to walk away.

He grabbed her arm, preventing her from going anywhere. �If I say it means something, it bloody well means something.�

�O-okay. I should get back in there.�

�Answer me one thing first. Can you honestly tell me that you haven't thought once about any of this?�

�Any of what, Spike?� She knew exactly what he was talking but didn't want to let him know that.

�The crypt. Being bound to me.�

�I need to go,� she said quickly and left before he could say anything else. Willow entered the room and realized that the only person left was Giles. �Where did everyone go?�

�Patrol. How are you this evening, Willow?�

�Fine,� she said softly. �Can I ask you a question, Giles?�

�Of course.�

�What do you know about vampires and witches being bound together? I mean�I don't know what I mean.�

Spike had been listening in the doorway. He tried hard not to smile at her question. <So, she had thought about it.>

�Spike, you might as well come in and sit down,� Giles told him.

Willow's eyes widened and whipped her head around. �How�um�how long have you been standing there?�

�Long enough.�

�So Willow,� Giles started. �Does this mean you'll do it? You'll allow yourself to be bound to Spike?�

�No. It means if you want me to think about it, I need some more information.�

�Of course then. I'll tell you what I know. Actually the only thing I know is that once it is done...Once he claims you...Well...�

�Well what?�

�You'll have to spend about a week together.�

�Why?� they both asked in unison.

�The bond between you two has to become familiar. You need to know each other almost as well as you know yourselves.�

�And�� she prompted.

�And I don't know, Willow. I don't know of a vampire that has ever bonded themselves to a human before.�

�I do,� Spike said. �I know someone but he won't come to us. We'll have to go to him.�

Willow turned to face him. �You want me to go with you to see another vampire. Why do I feel like this is a setup?�

�Do you really think I would just allow someone to hurt you?�

�YES!�

�You still think that, even after last night?�

�Um, last night?� Giles asked.

�Maybe you're just not up to the challenge, pet,� he smirked. He could see the fire dancing in her eyes.

Willow stood up. �I hate you.�

Spike stood up after her and looked her in the eyes. �We've already had THAT conversation, Red.�

Willow could see the hurt in his eyes when she had told him she hated him. And she knew exactly what conversation he was referring to. �Fine,� she seethed. �I'll go see this friend.�

�You two discuss this while I make some more tea,� Giles stated.

Once Giles left the room, Willow turned to Spike. �Spike?� she said softly.

�Yeah.�

�This friend of yours�I mean he won't hurt me or anything, will he?�

�No, but even if he tried�I wouldn't let him.� Spike reached out and let his fingers dance across the back of her hand. �If you decided to do this�if you let me claim you�I'd take care of you, luv.�

Hearing his words, she felt her breath catch in her throat.

Chapter 8

Willow pulled her hand away quickly as if she had just been burned. �I don't NEED you to take care of me.�

�Don't get your knickers in a twist, luv.�

�Leave my�my�my knickers out of this.�

�Too bad that,� he smirked.

Willow started to narrow her eyes at him when Giles walked into the room. �How are things��

�I'm leaving,� she interrupted. She pointed to Spike. �I'm getting as far away as I can from him.�

Giles turned to Spike. �What did you do?�

�Not a thing, mate.�

Giles started to shake his head. �Spike will see you home, Willow.�

�Like hell he will, Giles. If he walks me home, I'm gonna dust him.� She took a step towards Spike. �I don't know what kind of game you're playing but it's over. The touching, the �I'll take care of you' bit; it's over.�

�Red, it's not like that.�

�I really don't care.�

�Willow,� Giles started. �About meeting this other vampire��

�Me and Spike, we'll go at sundown tomorrow. Maybe I'll get lucky and someone will dust him by then.�

�Don't count on it, luv. Are you sure you don't want to share my bed again?�

�I�I��

�Hate me? Yeah, I know,� he said softly. A hint of sadness echoed through his voice.

Willow walked out of the house and took out her stake. Silently daring any vampires to attack her tonight.

Spike waited a couple of moments before he spoke. �Well, I guess I'll be off too.�

�What happened when I left the room, Spike?�

�Nothing really.� Spike looked at the door. �Then again, everything.� Without another word he walked out and headed to the crypt.

Willow tossed and turned in her bed. She looked at the clock for the fifth time that night. �Goddess,� she sighed. She crawled out of bed and got dressed, heading to the one place she knew she shouldn't go. Pushing the door open, she climbed down the ladder and saw Spike staring at the ceiling. �Spike?� she whispered.

He turned his head to hers. �Red?� Climbing out of bed, he took in her appearance. �You ok?�

�Oh�um�yeah.�

�What do you want?� he asked harshly.

�I just wanted�I wanted to tell you�I don't hate you.�

�You came to me in the middle of the night, again, to tell me you don't hate me?�

�It's just what you said earlier�and I couldn't sleep�and I just wanted you to know.�

�Right, then. Well you know your way out.�

�Yeah, night.� Willow turned around to climb the ladder but felt a pair of hands on her shoulders.

�You could stay,� he said softly.

Willow turned around quickly to face him. �We�uh�we did that last night.�

�Right then. Or you could leave.� He saw her take a step towards the ladder and knew if he wanted her to stay, he would have to say something. He went to the end of the bed and sat down. �What do you have to go home to, luv? An empty house? A whole lot of nothing?� He noticed that Willow had now turned around and was watching him. �You could stay, pet. I was just gonna go to bed.�

Willow knew what he said was true. At home she had nothing, only memories. The house was empty and lonely. And for some reason she kept on coming to see Spike.

�What's it gonna be, luv?�

Willow kicked off her shoes and made her way to his bed. As she climbed in, she felt his arm circle around her body, pulling her closer to him. His other hand drifted through her hair. �Can I ask you a question, Spike?�

�Ask away.�

�Why do you hate me?�

�Hate you? You're in my bed, in my arms and you think I hate you.�

�This is just��

�This is just what?�

�I�I don't know what this is.�

�Why do you come here?�

�Spike��

�I need to know, Red. Why do you seek me out in the middle of the night?�

She sat up angry. �I don't know, ok? I don't know. All I know is I don't sleep�here I sleep. I'm protected. I'm not alone. Not that you care about any of this.�

Spike placed a finger to her lips. �You think I hate you because��

�Because of everything you say. All the comments.�

�Are a push.�

�Huh? A push?�

�You have this fire in you, Willow. I like to bring it to the surface. The only way to do that is to push you to your limits.� He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to his body. �Try and get some sleep, luv. Tomorrow night is gonna be interesting.�

When Willow felt his arm relax she turned around to face him.

�What's wrong?� he whispered.

�Nothing. I just wanted to face you.�

�You ok?�

�Do you mind me being here? Cause I could leave and��

�If I minded you being here, I wouldn't of asked you to stay.�

Willow laid her head against his chest and felt him press a kiss to the top of her head. The gesture brought a smile to her face. She draped her arm around his waist when she felt him starting to rub her back. Within moments, they were both asleep, both content within each other's arms.

The next afternoon, Spike woke up and smiled when he noticed Willow was still in the bed with him. He could almost hear her mind thinking. �You awake?�

She lifted her head and laid it back down against the pillow so that their eyes were level. �I've been thinking�about tonight.�

�What about?� <Please don't let her back out now.>

�What if I do something that makes this vampire mad? What if he decides I look like dinner?�

�Red��

�What if I do something wrong or say something wrong?�

�Willow��

�What if��

Spike was trying to get her attention but was being unsuccessful. <Doesn't this chit know that I wouldn't let anything hurt her?> In order to cut off her babbling, he did the only thing he could think of. Spike pressed his lips to hers, swallowing her words. As he pulled away, they both looked into each other's eyes. He trailed his fingers across the side of her face. �I was trying to get your attention,� he whispered.

Willow didn't know what to say or what to do. She couldn't believe Spike had just kissed her. She couldn't believe she didn't protest against it.

Keeping his eyes on her, he bent down again and pressed his lips to hers once again. He started kissing her softly. When he felt her hands drift through his hair, he deepened the kiss.

Willow suddenly pulled away from him. She gently tried to push him away. �I didn't�we can't do that anymore.�

He watched as she climbed out of bed. �Red?�

�I should be going�now. I'll�um�see you later.� He watched her leave, not knowing what to say.

Willow sat on Giles' couch waiting for Spike. �Maybe he's not gonna show.�

�Why wouldn't he show? Did something happen between the two of you?�

�Um�no? Nothing�it was just�shouldn't he be here by now?�

�I am here,� Spike spoke up. �Been standing there about five minutes now. Ready to go?�

�Yeah.�

�Good luck,� Giles called out as he watched them both leave.

�So where are we going? Is it a long walk?�

�Not a walk. I'm driving.� He waited until they were both inside the car and he locked the doors. �We need to talk, luv.�

�We do? About what?�

�The kiss.�

Chapter 9

Willow felt the car start down the road and she glanced at the doors. He had locked them. �We don't really need to talk about that. It was��

�We kissed, Red.�

�You kissed me,� she told him defensively.

�I didn't hear you protesting. You came to me, remember?�

�Not for that!�

�I forgot. You came to me to tell me you didn't hate me.�

�Spike��

�You kissed me back, pet.�

�It was a mistake.�

Spike started to growl. �It WASN'T a mistake. Maybe you thought coming to my crypt was a mistake too.�

Willow started to wince at the tone he was taking with her. She hadn't meant to upset him so much. �Spike?�

�WHAT?� He saw Willow wince and inwardly cursed himself for how he was acting.

�Going to the crypt wasn't a mistake. I don't understand it really. I just know it wasn't a mistake.�

�Then maybe you'll admit the kiss wasn't a mistake?� he asked hopefully.

�Maybe,� she whispered shyly and looked up. Her eyes became wide as she looked at the house. They drove through the wrought iron gates, towards the house. It reminded Willow of something out of a horror movie. It just looked like a place where a vampire would live. The place was old and dark. Definitely not the type of place you would investigate on your own. �This is the place?" she squeaked.

Spike smirked. �This is it. Fancy it?�

�No,� she said quickly.

Spike could smell fear coming from her. �Pet, what's wrong?� he asked as he parked the car and shut off the engine.

�How�uh�how long have you known this vampire?�

�About ninety years. He's older than I am. Not much, but older.�

�He's a master.�

�That he is. Should we go inside?�

�No,� she said while shaking her head. �We should stay here.�

�In the car.�

�Yeah in the car. The car is nice. It's safe. The car doesn't try to eat me.�

Spike tried to hold back his laughter but was unsuccessful.

�This isn't funny.�

�Pet, I won't let him hurt you.� He could hear her heartbeat. The more she looked at the house, the louder it had become. He moved his face closer to hers, letting his lips linger directly in front of hers but not letting them touch. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. �Everything will be fine, pet. Let's go on in.�

Willow nodded her head yes, even though her mind was still on the innocent kiss that was lingering on her cheek. Spike watched her get out of the car and smiled when she made her way to him. �Just in case you were wondering, I can still be innocent when I choose to be.�

Willow started to blush as they made their way up to the door. Spike knocked on the door, knowing it would only take a few moments for it to open. Willow was standing in front of him, nervously awaiting the unknown.

An older and bigger vampire stepped out, causing Willow to take a step back into Spike's waiting arms. He wrapped them around her waist and leaned down to her ear. �Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you.� Turning her head she smiled at him, a gesture that warmed him.

�William,� the other vampire nodded.

�Gabriel. It's been a long time.�

�Please come in. Victoria should be with us shortly.�

As Spike and Willow disappeared into the house, the door shut behind them.

Chapter 10

Spike ushered Willow into the house, letting Gabriel shut the door behind them. He could still feel the tension radiating from her. Spike tightened his arms around her body and leaned down, his mouth close to her ear. �Just relax, pet.�

�Spike,� she started to say, her voice laced with worry.

�No one here is gonna hurt you.� He saw Willow turn around and face him. He knew she wasn't the least bit convinced. He pulled her against him and lowered his voice. �I'd go to the end of the world to protect you.� Spike slid his fingers through her hair. �Trust me?�

Willow looked into his eyes and knew he was telling the truth. But trust him? �For now,� she whispered.

Spike was a bit hurt at the comment but he didn't expect anything different. He had kidnapped her and tried to sire her. It amazed him that she even trusted him at this moment.

Gabriel watched the display between Spike, a vampire he had not seen in close to fifty years, and the human that had accompanied him. She was full of untapped power, it surrounded her. And she was uncomfortable around him. �Shall we sit in the living room until Victoria comes down?�

�Sure, mate.� Keeping a hand on the small of Willow's back, Spike guided Willow as they followed Gabriel through the house.

Moments later, he had seated himself in a leather chair and urged Spike and his guest to sit down. His hand pointed towards the couch and he smiled when they got the hint. �Victoria should be down shortly,� Gabriel started. �So�Spike. It's been almost fifty years. What have you been up to?�

�You wouldn't believe it, even if I told you.� Spike let his thoughts run to the Initiative.

�Well�I guess we'll talk later.� Gabriel knew Spike wanted to talk business but wasn't sure where it was leading to. He looked at Willow. �And your name, darling, is what?�

�This is Willow here,� Spike told him.

�Hello,� she told him shyly.

�You're nervous,� Gabriel told her. �You don't smell of fear though.� He studied her for a moment before continuing. �William did tell you that I don't feed from humans anymore, didn't he?�

�Spike told me.�

�But?� Gabriel urged.

�But you're still a Master. You could say my previous encounters with Masters weren't high on a �that was fun can we do that again' scale.�

Before Gabriel could say anything else, Victoria entered the room. �Sorry I'm late. You must think I'm an awful hostess.�

Gabriel stood up and went to her side. �Nonsense, darling. You remember William. And this is Willow.�

�Hello again, William.� She turned to Willow. �Hello,� she nodded. �It's very nice to meet you.�

The tone of her voice put Willow at ease. �It's nice to meet you too, Victoria.�

�Darling, why don't you sit down? I'll go get everyone some refreshments.� Gabriel said as he turned to Willow. �Would you like to help me? I'm afraid I don't know what you like.�

Willow turned her head to Spike. �It's ok, pet. I'll be right here. It'll only be a few moments.� He watched as Willow followed Gabriel out of the room.



Once they were out of the room, Victoria spoke up. �She's full of power.�

�Untapped power.�

�William the Bloody with a human. Who would've though that would happen?�

�We're not together. Not romantically.�

�You're what? Friends?� she replied dryly.

�Actually. Yeah, we are a bit.�

�You're serious aren't you?�

�Is it that off of an idea, that I'm friends with a human.�

�Well�yeah. William, you've had enemies, lovers, but not friends.�

�Demons change, luv.�

Thinking of Gabriel, she had to admit he was right. �That they do.� Victoria stayed silent for a few moments before she continued. �I heard about Drusilla. My sympathies are extended to you.�

�I miss her, her being my sire and all. I loved her as a childe should but I'm not sure I loved her as a lover should. She wasn't mine. She belonged to Angelus.�

�And if Willow had to choose between you and Angelus, who would she choose?�

�She'd bloody well pick me.�

�Are you sure?�


Spike wanted to say something but he couldn't. He wasn't sure.



Gabriel set a tray on the counter and grabbed a drink for his mate. �Just get anything you want out of the icebox.�

Willow searched around and found a can of soda. She saw a bottle sitting on the tray. �What's in the bottle?�

�Bloodwine.�

�Oh,� she replied quietly.

�I believe there are some crackers in the cabinet. Why don't you check?� He waited until she opened the cupboard door, until he started talking again. �How many Masters have you met in your life?�

�Well�you're the third. The first two wanted to kill me. I'm hoping that isn't the way this conversation is going.�

He stifled a laugh. �Not at all. Tell me about your experiences with them.�

With every moment, Willow was becoming more at ease. �Really?� When she saw him nod his head, she continued. �The first one was Angelus. He was after�� She wasn't sure if she should tell him that she was friends with the Slayer. �Well�he was after a friend of mine and I got in the way. But he pushed me away and tried to kill her instead.�

�And the second?�

�The second is sitting out in your living room.�

�William?�

�The first time was two years ago. He kidnapped me to do a spell for him. It was a big mess.�

�You said the first time. Is there a second?�

�About six months ago, he wanted to turn me.�

�Really?�

�Yeah.�

�And now you're with him voluntarily?�

�Well, we're together, but not together. We're friends. You know about the spell for the demon, right?�

�Vaguely. William said you wanted to see how a human and a vampire interact when bonded. You wanted to see if our bond has any effect on each other. He told me it was in reference to a spell.�

�A spell that bonds a vampire to a witch.�

�Are you that witch?� He saw her shake her head yes. �Willow, I've known William a long time. More than most. If he's choosing to bond himself to you�it isn't about the spell or the demon you need to kill. It's because he wants to. He doesn't do things that he doesn't want to do.�

�We're just friends.�

Gabriel picked up the tray. �Right. Well we should go back in there.�



Seconds later, they were both back in the room. Spike saw her discomfort and gave Gabriel a concerned look. He focused back on Willow. �You ok?�

�Yeah.� Willow sat down next to him but couldn't forget what Gabriel had told her. Could Spike actually want to be bonded to her? No. He was against it. Very much against it.

Spike could see that she was thinking and casually put his arm around her to halt her thoughts.

Suddenly very aware of his touch, she pulled away from Spike and scooted her body away from him a little bit.

Spike frowned at her action. �So�what might you two have talked about in the kitchen?�

�Willow was informing me of her encounters with Master vampires. First Angelus. And then you. Twice. I found it most interesting.�

�Did you?� Spike questioned him. �We might as well get down to business.� He saw Gabriel hand him a glass of bloodwine and was thankful for it. He needed something to take the edge off. �We're here about a spell.�

�A spell?�

�There's a demon in town. The only way it can be killed is by a bonded pair. A witch and a vampire.�

�That's never been done before.�

�I'm aware of that. The man who wants to bind us is the Watcher to the Slayer.�

�The Slayer?�

�I don't trust the bitch but she's right pissed about it so who am I to refuse. The Slayer is Willow's best friend,� he spat out like venom.

�Giles, Buffy's watcher, says there's a spell to undo the bonding after it's done,� Willow added. She never saw the questioning look that passed between Spike and Gabriel.

�Do you trust William?� he asked Willow.

�Trust Spike? Enough I guess.�

�Enough isn't good enough. If you choose to be bonded to him, it'll intertwine your lives. You need to be able to trust your life with him if need be.�

Victoria had kept silent until she could feel the emotions and tension building. Standing up quickly, she held out her hand to Willow. �Willow, perhaps we should leave them to talk. Let me show you the rest of the house. And there's a beautiful garden outside.�

Willow turned to Spike. �Is it alright? I mean would you mind?�


�Not at all. Go on.�

Spike watched her leave the room once again, this time with Victoria.



Gabriel watched them leave the room and then turned to Spike. �Bonding to a human? A witch? Are you crazy? You know there's not a spell to undo a claiming! There's nothing to undo a bond!�

�I told the Watcher git that. Did he listen to me? No. He says he knows of someone that can undo it.�

�You don't want it undone do you, William?�

�What are you talking about?�

�You were going to sire her! You've never even thought about siring anyone�ever.�

�So?�

�Tell me you're not more calm when she's around. More content. Tell me you wouldn't do anything for her. Tell me that you can't practically feel your cold, dead heart beat when she turns to you.� Gabriel waited for a moment but heard silence. �You can't say anything because it's true.�

�We're just friends,� he ground out between clenched teeth.

�Yeah, that's what she told me too.

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