Willow's Pain

Spike was cutting through the park on his way back to his crypt when he saw the familiar figure under the tree in the distance. What the hell's she doing here, thought she had a date tonight anyway he thought as he crossed the picnic area heading toward the girl.

"What's up Red? Date dum…" His voice trailed off as the small red head raised her head from her arms.

Spike stood staring at he bruises and drying blood on the tear stained face looking up at him.

"What happened?" Spike said more gently this time.

"Go away Spike." Was her only reply.

"Not gonna happen." Spike stated still watching the girl closely, "Where's your date? Were you attacked?"

Willow looked at the vampire, she didn't want to talk about this but he obviously wasn't going away.

"My date… Attacked me." Willow said bitterly.

"What? Bloody hell, are you okay? Lets go, I'll find the slayer." Spike said.

"No!" Willow said. "Buffy can't know. She'd kill him, Spike."

"What's the problem there?"

"What happened to me tonight is my word against his. If Buffy kills him, she'll go to jail." Willow said tears forming in her eyes again, "I can't let that happen."

"Well then, what do you plan on doing? You can't go home like this. You can't stay here. I could smell the blood and fear as soon as I came into the park. You are very lucky I'm the only vampire that's crossed your path tonight." Spike said.

Part of Willow knew Spike was right. She could feel the blood on her face and she knew there had to be bruises on her too. She had no money with her though, and she couldn't go to the dorm. Staying here until Buffy left for class in the morning was her only option.

"I'll take my chances." She said firmly.

Spike stood in front of her for a minute not really believing what he heard her say. She knows what lives in this town, and she was saying she would take her chances. Finally he reached down and grabbed her arm pulling her to her feet. Willow let out a small scream when he pulled her up.

"I'm not going to hurt you, let's go." Spike said angrily.

"Where?"

"Somewhere safe. If I leave you out here alone and anything else happens to you the slayer will stake me." Spike said pulling her out of the park.

A few minutes later they walked into the lobby of an expensive looking apartment building. Spike pulled her across the lobby to the elevator. Once inside the elevator Willow decided it was time to speak again.

"Where are we?" She asked.

"My apartment Red." Spike answered simply.

"You live in a crypt." Willow said confused.

"No I live here. The crypt is just a place to hang out for me. 'Sides I figured you all would be disappointed to find me living here." Spike said smiling at her as the elevator stopped.

They stepped off the elevator and Spike led her down the hall until he located the right door. He opened the door and stepped back motioning her inside. Willow walked in and looked around, surprised by the apparent expense and taste that went into this apartment.

"Spike this is… Wow." Willow said. "How do you afford this?"

"I'm one hundred and twenty seven years old, you collect a lot of things in that much time." Spike said. "Over all living as a vampire is cheap. So you save a lot."

Spike led Willow into the large living room. She looked around at the dark leather furniture set against the white walls and white carpeting. She wandered into the kitchen, which was very sparse, there was a stove, refrigerator, and a microwave. Of course there's not a lot in here. He's a vampire he doesn't eat she realized as she looked around.

"Red why don't you take a shower and I'll run to the store and pick up some food for you, anything else you need while I'm out?" He asked.

"You don't have to do that Spike." She answered.

"It's not a problem. What do you need?"

"Toothbrush, and hairbrush I guess." Willow said.

Spike led Willow down the hall showing her the bathroom and taking her in a bedroom where he retrieved a shirt and handed it to her.

"I don't have anything that will fit you." Spike said, "You can wear this for now, I'll see if I can bring back something for you to wear."

Spike waited until she was in the bathroom with the door closed before he quietly left the apartment. He checked his watch quickly, still kind of early maybe the slayer is still on patrol and he can get some clothes from the dorm, he decided to head there first.

Spike quickly found the window to the room that Willow and Buffy shared. Peering inside he found the room empty. Better move quickly, she's either with Captain Cardboard, which means she'll be gone all night or she may just be patrolling which means she could be back any minute he thought as he quickly moved through the open window. He moved to the dresser and found the items he was looking for and then moved to the closet pulling out a couple outfits and locating a bag on the floor he stuffed the items inside and moved through the window again. As he closed the window behind him he saw the door open and Buffy step through it.

Willow finished her shower and realized Spike wasn't back yet so she moved into the living room, she located his video collection in the corner and scanned through it looking for a movie to watch. Not finding anything she wanted to see tonight she grabbed the remote control and sat on the couch scanning through the channels finally settling on Golden Girls. She curled her legs under her as she watched the show. Her mind kept wandering back over the night's events. Everything had seemed so perfect. He had been so kind and polite. Willow jumped when she heard the door open behind her.

"Just me Red." Spike said when he saw her jump.

"Spike." Willow said turning to face him.

Spike moved into the kitchen first setting a couple bags on the counter. Then returned to the living room handing Willow the bag from her dorm. Willow unzipped the bag and looked at the familiar items inside.

"How did you…" Willow began.

"Do you really want to know?" Spike said smiling.

"Probably not." She answered.

Willow found the pajamas in the bag and got up to go change into something a little less revealing than Spike's t-shirt. Spike watched as she walked away, noticing for the first time the bruises on her arms and thighs. He went into the kitchen and began putting his purchases away. Willow walked back out of the bedroom wearing the blue silk shorts pajamas that Spike had brought with him.

"Didn't know what you liked so I brought a little of everything." Spike said as he put the last of the groceries away.

"Thanks. For everything." Willow said. "I mean showing me your secret home and all."

"We are going to have a problem Red. When you don't return tonight the slayer is going to wonder…" Spike began.

"Took care of it. Called and left her a message that I was staying at my parents tonight. Said my mom wasn't feeling well." Willow explained.

Spike moved around the counter looking at the cut on her forehead. He walked back into the kitchen grabbing a first aid kit and setting it next to her.

"We need to clean that cut." Spike said grabbing the antiseptic spray from the kit. "I'm sorry this is going to hurt."

Spike sprayed a little of the antiseptic on the cut, feeling a twinge of guilt at when he heard her gasp. He quickly cleansed the wound and covered it in antibiotic ointment before covering it with a bandage.

"Do you want to watch television or would you rather go to bed?" Spike asked.

"Bed I guess. I can sleep here on the couch though." Willow said quickly.

"No. You take the bedroom. I've slept on much worse than this couch." Spike said leading her back into the bedroom.

Spike went back into the living room after making sure Willow had everything she needed. She didn't want him to tell her friends. Fine then he wouldn't but the bastard that did this was going to pay. He hadn't worked out how exactly yet but he would make him pay for hurting her. Spike settled himself on the couch and drifted off to sleep.



Part 2

Part of Willow's mind knew she was dreaming, knew it wasn't really happening again. But the other part of her mind couldn't wake up, couldn't get away. That was the part of her mind that was in control right now. She kept feeling him kissing her, forcing her into the grass, pushing her legs apart, holding her down. She kept feeling him thrusting into her, hurting her. She was screaming, she couldn't stop, the part that knew this was a dream couldn't wake her up.

Spike jumped off the couch at the sound of screaming in the next room. He ran to the bedroom opening the door he saw the small figure on the bed. She was thrashing around so much she had the sheets wrapped around her arms and legs, pinning her to the bed. She was screaming, she sounded so terrified. He moved quickly to the bed trying to shake the red head awake.

"Willow!" He said gently.

He moved his hands away from her. Realizing that touching her only seemed to make her thrashing worse.

"Willow!" He said again more forcefully this time.

Willow could hear the familiar voice calling out to her. She knew she had to go to the voice. Spike's voice. Going toward Spike's voice would mean safety. She started to pull her self away from her attacker, out of her dream. She was finally waking up.

"Spike?" She said hesitantly as she opened her eyes.

"Yeah, Red, I'm here." Spike said.

Spike sat next to her watching as her shaking form disentangled itself from her covers. He could see the tears forming in her eyes again. He reached one hand toward her pulling her against his chest. Rubbing her back softly as she cried. They stayed that way until the shaking had stopped and she had stopped crying.

"Are you okay?" He asked hesitantly when she moved away from him.

"I'm afraid Spike. When I go to sleep it all happens again." Willow said quietly, "Can you stay in here?"

"Red I don't…"

"Please Spike. I feel safe when you're near me." Willow said.

"All right." Spike said.

Spike moved to lay down on the bed pulling Willow with him. He pulled her back against his chest and kept his arms wrapped tightly around her. He felt her breathing becoming more even as they lay there, as she fell asleep. She has lived through so much in her very young life. She's fought more, stronger, demons than most slayers, and survived. But this one man, in one night has made her afraid of her own damn shadow was the thought Spike couldn't get rid of as he drifted back into sleep, that and he would find a way to make the bastard pay.



Part 3

Willow woke with a start when she felt arms around her and the body pressed against her. It took a moment for her to remember where she was. She relaxed immediately, feeling safe with Spike. Her stomach started to make soft growling noises. Okay, time to get something to eat She thought glancing at the clock. It was two o'clock, she had slept the whole morning away. She gently slipped out of Spike's arms, needing to eat and leave a new message for Buffy. Making her way to the kitchen she rummaged through the refrigerator, checking to see what Spike thought she would eat for breakfast. She finally found some yogurt, grabbing it she quickly searched for a spoon. She sat on the barstool at the counter and began eating, her mind wandering to what she could tell her friends. She was going to have to avoid them until all the bruises healed. She looked up from her breakfast when she heard a sound in the hallway. A moment later Spike appeared in the kitchen, dressed in only his jeans.

"Mornin'" He said as he opened the refrigerator pulling out a bag of blood.

"Not really morning anymore." Willow answered.

"Is if you're a vampire." Spike responded.

Spike grabbed a mug out of the cupboard and poured the blood into it before setting it in the microwave. While it was warming he turned to look at the red head. He was going to have to get the information he needed about her date last night, he just wasn't sure how to go about getting it without upsetting her.

"Spike, I was thinking. I can't go back to the dorms until these bruises heal, I mean Buffy lives with me, can't exactly hide them from her." Willow said.

"You can stay here. I told you last night slayer doesn't know this place exists. No one does, you'll be safe." Spike said.

"Thank you, problem is I have to tell them something." Willow said.

"I could tell them I fell madly in love with you and I'm holding you hostage as my love slave." Spike suggested smiling at the witch.

"Yeah, that would work." Willow replied smiling, "If I wanted to see how fast Buffy would stake you."

"Okay, tell her you're going out of town." Spike suggested.

"That would really work. I have an aunt in San Francisco. I can tell Buffy I went with my mom to visit her." Willow said her mood brightening. "Oh, clothes, I don't have enough to stay here for very long."

"We can drive to L.A. tonight and buy anything you need." Spike suggested.

"No money." Willow said dejectedly.

"Told you I have plenty don't worry about anything 'kay?" Spike answered placing his empty mug in the sink.

"Spike I can't ask you to… I mean letting me stay here is enough."

"Not asking. I'm offering." Spike said. "Going to shower now. Make yourself at home."

Spike quickly ran water into his empty mug then retreated back down the hall to the bathroom. Willow waited until she heard the water running then picked up the phone and dialed. Buffy answered on the third ring.

"Hi Buffy." Willow said.

"Hey Will how's your mom?" Buffy asked.

"She's okay, she was more upset than sick. My aunt is sick, mom wants me to go with her to San Francisco to visit her, so I might be gone a while Okay." Willow said quickly.

"Sure Will. Call and let us know how things are going though 'kay?" Buffy said.

"Yeah, I'll call in a couple days." Willow said. "Bye."

Willow hung up the phone and moved into the living room grabbing the bag Spike and brought from the dorm. She took it into the bedroom and dumped it on the bed. He had brought her toothbrush, hairbrush, some scrunchies for her hair and he had even remembered to grab some fresh panties and bras as well as a couple outfits from her closet. Overall not a bad job of finding what she would need, for a man. She heard the water stop in the next room as she was sorting through the items in the bag. She turned around as Spike walked into the bedroom with a towel around his waist.

"Oh, uh Spike…" Willow stuttered staring at the nearly naked vampire.

"Sorry, didn't know you were in here." Spike said motioning to the closet.

"Right, I'll be going now." Willow said and quickly ran out of the room.

Spike quickly dressed and returned to the living room. Willow blushed as soon as he entered the room then quickly retreated to the bathroom. Gonna have to get used to her being here, and not walk around in a towel Spike thought as he washed the mug and spoon from their breakfast. He sat on the couch watching television waiting for Willow to return after her shower.

"Red, we need to talk." Spike said when she walked into the room.

"I'm sorry about earlier. I'll be more careful." Willow began.

"Not that Pet. Last night." Spike said gently.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"You don't have to tell me much. I just want to know who he is?" Spike said.

"Who, Why?" Willow asked.

"Because I want to know. Why not tell me, can't hurt anyone with this damn chip anyway." Spike asked.

"Ryan Jameson." Willow said quietly, "He's in my drama class, he lives in the hall next to mine."

"Lives in the next building huh?" Spike asked, finding him would be easier than expected.

"Yeah. God Spike he plays football, he's into the drama thing, his grades are almost as high as mine. I never would have thought he could ever…" Willow said tears forming in her eyes again.

"Funny isn't it?" Spike said, "You've all been so worried about what evil thing I could do, none of you ever even looked at the evil humans do to each other everyday."

Spike reached for her pulling her down on the couch next to him. Hugging her, not wanting to see her in anymore pain.

"Don't cry Red, I promise you he will never hurt you again." Spike said softly into her hair.



Part 4

As soon as the sun had set Spike and Willow left the apartment to head for Los Angeles. Willow watched as Spike sped down the streets of the city, he obviously knew exactly where he wanted to go. Finally he pulled to a stop in front of a very large, very expensive looking boutique. As they walked in Willow looked around her before turning to Spike.

"This is too much, too expensive, I can't…" Willow stammered.

"I told you don't worry about money." Spike said.

They were quickly approached a woman offering help. Spike squeezed Willow's hand gently.

"Will you be all right if I leave for a while?" Spike asked.

"I guess." Willow said.

"I want her to have everything she wants, from outfits to shoes, to underwear. I don't care about the expense." Spike said to the sales woman handing her a credit card.

"I will be back within a couple hours, have fun pick anything you want okay." Spike said, turning back to Willow he kissed her cheek gently then left the store.

"What can I show you first Miss." The woman said as soon as the door closed behind Spike.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Spike moved through the streets of L.A. he knew what he was looking for. His sources had told him weeks ago that Darla and Dru were here. A plan had began to form in his mind shortly after suggesting coming here to get new clothes. He would take care of Ryan himself but he needed bait. Bait that wouldn't be in any real danger from the bastard, which of course left out most humans. He stopped at a couple demon bars along the way, questioning demons on the whereabouts of the two vampires. Didn't take long to locate them, they had made quite a name for themselves, well he at least found Darla, Dru seemed to have disappeared again.

"Spike, it's been a long time." Darla said when Spike sat at the table with her.

"Yeah. Love to do the family reunion thing with you but I need a favor."

"A favor, I thought you worked with the slayer now." Darla said suspiciously.

"Yeah. Look a friend of mine, a human friend, was raped. I want the bastard to pay for it. I need someone to lure him out." Spike said.

"What makes you think I will help you avenge a human wronged?" Darla asked.

"Easy, I'm giving you the chance to play mind games on someone, and you can even help torture him if you like." Spike answered.

"What do you want me to do?" Darla asked.

Darla was bored with Los Angeles anyway, Angel didn't want to play anymore so she needed something to occupy her time. Listening to Spike lay out his plan, she decided this could definitely be something to keep boredom at bay.

"Thought you had a chip or something and you couldn't hurt people?" Darla asked when Spike had finished talking.

"Hurts like hell, but I can do it I want to." Spike answered.

"I'll be in Sunnydale tomorrow then." Darla said.

"Right, call me when you get a date with him." Spike said standing to leave, " Oh, and Darla, keep a low profile, don't want the slayer to kill you before you finish our deal."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When Spike returned to the boutique he found a very happy Willow waiting with several very large bags at her side.

"Get everything you need Red?" Spike asked looking at the bags.

"If it's too much we can return it I mean the lady kept telling me I should get things and I don't need all of it…" Willow began quickly.

"It's fine." Spike said reaching for the bags. "Ready to head home?"

Spike walked out the door followed by Willow. They stopped at a Denny's on the way back to grab something to eat before returning to Sunnydale.

When they walked back into the apartment Spike carried the bags into the bedroom. He began moving his clothes closer together making room for all of Willow's purchases. He was in a much better mood now that he knew he could get to the man that hurt Willow. Willow walked into the bedroom and watched as the vampire moved his clothes then began placing her new items on hangers.

"Spike you don't have to do that." Willow said from the doorway.

"I don't want to see all of this damaged by being kept in these bags. 'Sides worse that could happen is my jeans or t-shirts get wrinkled not exactly earth shattering." Spike replied.

Spike continued hanging clothes as Willow handed them to him. It was almost dawn when the last of the items had been placed in the closet. Willow went to the bathroom to change into her pajamas again. When she returned Spike had removed his shirt and shoes and was sprawled across the bed sleeping. Willow sighed looking at the peaceful vampire. She walked over to the bed pulling the covers over him before slipping under them herself. As soon as Spike felt the warmth of her body near his her rolled on his side hugging her to him, pulling her against his chest. She nestled herself closer to him as his arms tightened and quickly fell asleep.



Part 5

Spike woke before Willow, lying next to her looking at the bruises on her face and arms his grip on her tightened, he wanted to protect her from being hurt again. How could anyone hurt her like that. Someone that sweet, gentle, and kind should be protected. Okay so he had kidnapped her once, and Dru and her minions had hurt her that time with Angelus, but he never really meant to hurt he red head. Spike eased his arms from around her, grabbing clean clothes headed for the shower.

Willow felt Spike move away from her. Not wanting to get up yet she remained still. When she heard the bathroom door close she decided she might as well get up and have breakfast. She left the bedroom and headed for the kitchen. She found frozen waffles in the freezer and popped a couple in the toaster Spike had purchased for her. She heard the water in the bathroom stop while she was waiting for her food, and decided to warm Spike's blood for him. Grabbing a mug she emptied a plastic bag in it and popped it in the microwave.

Spike emerged from the bathroom and walked into the kitchen just as Willow was pouring syrup over her waffles, when the microwave sounded he looked at the girl in the kitchen and smiled.

"Big appetite today Pet?" He asked.

Willow opened the microwave door and pulled out he warm mug, handing it over to the vampire.

"No, thought you might be hungry though." She replied and retrieved her plate of waffles.

"Thanks." Spike said.

They sat at the counter eating in silence. Spike had done a lot of thinking last night and he knew he needed to talk to Willow about some things that had occurred to him but he was afraid of upsetting her again. As he finished his blood he decided that she had to deal with the things he was going to say, either now or later, so it might as well be now.

"Red, We need to talk about some things." Spike said as he placed the mug in the sink, filling it with water.

"Talk about what?" Willow said finishing the last bite of waffle.

"What happened to you that night." Spike said simply.

"I told you I don't want to talk about it anymore." Willow said nervously.

"I know that, but Willow I think you need to see a doctor." Spike said gently.

"A-a doctor." Willow said.

"Yeah, Pet. What happened, I mean, there could be consequences." Spike said unsure exactly how he wanted to approach this subject.

"You mean like I could be pregnant?" Willow asked, the idea occurring to her for the first time.

"Yeah, but also you need to be tested for… Your probably not the first girl that thought he was a nice guy." Spike said.

"Oh god. Spike I never thought about that. What if…" Her voice trailed off as she started crying again.

Spike moved around the counter quickly to hug her to him. He hated bringing up this subject with her, he knew she hadn't thought about any of this, but it really needed to be dealt with now. His hands moved over her back soothing her until her breathing began to even out again and the soft sobs had stopped.

"What am I going to do?" Willow said raising her head from his shoulder.

"You're going to go to a doctor, then we'll take it from there." Spike said calmly.

"I can't go to my doctor Spike. My parents could find out, I mean they pay the bills and…"

"Relax. We'll find another doctor, not in Sunnydale. And don't worry about the bills." Spike assured her.

"Spike I can't take any more from you." Willow said.

"I said not to worry about it Pet." Spike answered. "Now why don't you go shower and I'll see about finding a doctor."

Willow gave him a quick hug and kiss on the cheek before heading to the shower.



Part 6

Darla was sitting on a bench just outside the building where the University's drama club was meeting. Finding this guy had been easier than she expected. Spike had known his name and the dorm building he lived in, from there a few questions to various students had told her where to find him. She opened the book she had brought with her and pretended to read while keeping an eye out for her target.

She didn't have to wait long before students started exiting the building, spotting the guy she was looking for she rose and started walking toward him. She let her body collide with his, letting her books fall to the ground.

"Oh. I'm so sorry. I'm just so clumsy today." Darla said bending to pick up the books.

"No, no I'm sure it was my fault." He said bending to retrieve the books for her. "Let me help you with those."

"Thank you." Darla said shyly when he stood holding her books.

"Can I walk you home?" He asked.

Works fast doesn't he Darla thought as she nodded her approval.

"I live off campus." She said.

"Lead the way." He Answered gesturing her ahead of him. "My name is Ryan by the way."

"Darla." She said softly.

They walked quietly to the small apartment building Darla had found earlier that evening. When the approached the door she turned back to him.

"Well goodnight it was nice meeting you." She said shyly.

"Yeah, it was nice. Would you like to go out sometime?" Ryan asked leaning closer to her.

"This weekend." Darla suggested that would give Spike at least three days to prepare.

"Friday then?" Ryan asked.

"Sure."

"I'll pick you up at eight then." He said before walking away.

Darla stood at the door watching him walk away. He's arrogant, teaching him a lesson is going to be fun She thought as he moved out of sight. She walked into the apartment, and picked up the phone dialing it quickly.

"Hi." She said when she heard the familiar voice on the other end.

"Yeah. All set. Friday night picking me up at eight." She told him.

She quickly gave him her address then hung up. She waited a while then went back out in the night. She was hungry and Spike was right, at least for the next few days no feeding in Sunnydale.



Part 7



Spike had found a clinic in Los Angeles that was open late. According to the receptionist on the phone they kind of specialized in this kind of situation. She had told him that they had a female doctor who was also a rape counselor, she would examine Willow and talk to her, try to convince her to go the police but wouldn't force the issue. Spike made an appointment for Willow for the same night. Just as they were about to leave the apartment Darla called. He quickly wrote the information down and hung up, sticking the address in his pocket.

They walked into the clinic and looked around. There were a few girls sitting in the waiting area but overall the place was quiet. Willow and Spike walked over to the reception desk and signed in, the receptionist handed them some forms for Willow to fill out. They took the forms and found seats in the corner. Willow quickly filled out the forms, hesitating only when she reached the billing questions. Spike pulled a credit card out of his wallet and handed it to her. She smiled softly and copied the required information. She finished filling out the forms and returned them to the receptionist. Willow took her seat beside Spike who reached for her hand squeezing it gently.

"It'll be all right Red."

"What if its not?" Willow said softly.

"It will be." Spike said letting go of her hand and wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

"Willow." The receptionist said.

Willow stood up and followed the woman into the back of the building. The woman motioned Willow into an exam room.

"The doctor will be in soon." She said before quietly exiting the room.

How can this be happening? I'm in a clinic worried about diseases, this doesn't happen to me Willow thought while waiting for the doctor. The door opened quietly and a woman walked through the door.

"Willow. I'm doctor Whynan." She said extending her hand to Willow.

"Hi." Willow said taking the offered hand.

"Would you like to talk first or do the exam first?" The doctor asked.

"Talk I guess." Willow said.

"Do you want to tell me what happened?"

Willow quickly explained what happened that night. Spike finding her, not wanting to tell her friends or the police, and the reasons she was here.

"Your friend was right. There probably isn't anything wrong, but it's best to make sure." The doctor said comfortingly, "I do think you should reconsider telling your friends and the police though."

"I can't tell my friends, I can't really explain why but I can't. And I don't want to go through the trial and everything of going to the police."

"Okay, as I said it's your decision. I think we should to the exam now then I'll come back and talk to you after getting the results." The doctor said handing Willow the hospital gown then leaving the room for her to change.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After finishing the exam the doctor told her she could get dressed again and she would be back as soon as she had the results.

"Can you ask my friend to come in here please?" Willow said hesitantly.

"It won't take long for the results." The doctor told her.

"I know, but I want him in here. I don't care if he hears what you tell me anyway."

"I'll get him for you." The doctor said and closed the door.

Willow dressed quickly and was just pulling her shirt over her head when she heard the soft knock on the door.

"Come in Spike." Willow said.

"The doctor told me you wanted me back here."

"Yeah. If it's okay I don't want to be alone for this." Willow confessed.

"Sure." Spike said and sat in the chair across from the red head.

The doctor walked into the room a few minutes later and smiled at Willow.

"Well I have good news. All tests were negative. Including pregnancy. I do however want to put you on antibiotics in case there is anything that hasn't shown up yet."

"Are you sure? I'm okay?" Willow said almost afraid to believe it.

"Yes. You'll be fine. The prescription is at the reception desk as well as a card for a rape counselor. I know you said you didn't want to see one but keep the card in case you change your mind."

The doctor left the room and Willow stood up and walked over to Spike. Hugging him she smiled and kissed his cheek. He wrapped his arms around her small frame, happy that she was going to be okay.

"I'm okay Spike." She said.

"Yeah." Spike said, "Lets get out of here." Everything will be all right very soon he thought as they walked to the reception area.



Part 8

Spike's mind was drifting places he knew it shouldn't be. He was vaguely aware of that as he felt himself drifting into a dream. He couldn't help it though, with the warm body pressed against him for the last three nights. In his mind she wasn't afraid, she wasn't fragile, she was here because she wanted him. His mind saw him lowering his head to kiss the small red head, tasting her with his tongue moving in her mouth. His mind saw her arms wrapping around his neck returning the kiss, pressing her body against his. He could almost feel her breasts against his chest. He could feel himself hardening as his mind drifted further into the dream.

Willow felt Spike's arms tighten around her; she rolled over so she was facing the sleeping vampire. He was smiling in his sleep. Must be having a nice dream She thought as she studied his face. His hands began moving on her back, caressing her, drawing her closer to him. As her hips met his she could feel him pressing against her. She panicked, started struggling against the arms that held her.

Spike was being pulled out of his dreams damn, I don't want to wake up yet Spike thought. Then he was jarred completely awake when he heard Willow's frightened scream. He sat up in the bed letting go of her immediately.

"Spike…I…" Willow stammered, starting to calm down.

"What happened?" Spike asked confused.

"You were sleeping, then you started to… And I got frightened." Willow said burying her face in her hands.

"No. It's my fault Red." Damn, guess my dream got a little to real Spike thought, "I guess I didn't… I mean…"

Spike looked at the small girl on the bed, who right now looked even smaller. I am such a bloody ass crossed his mind as he watched her.

"I didn't mean to frighten you Pet." Spike said softly.

"I know that, I know you wouldn't hurt me, I just…" Willow trailed off. "What was happening anyway, one minute I thought you must be having a pleasant dream the next you were… Oh."

"Yeah. Okay guess you figured it out. Willow I'm not that guy though, you know that right. No point in denying I like you. A lot. But I would never force you into anything you don't want." Spike said quietly.

"I know. Spike I like you too. Part of me always has." Willow confessed.

"Really, I had no idea." Spike said looking at the witch, "Why didn't you ever let on?"

"Me? The one who had a crush on nice, sweet, safe Xander since like third grade and never told him. Tell the Big Bad that I liked him." Willow said blushing deeply at Spike's gaze.

"Okay. So what now?" Spike said.

"I don't know. I want to… But I don't know if I can." Willow said.

"I don't want to push you or scare you." Spike said. "You know I'm willing to go forward with this Willow, but we have to do move at your pace. Nothing happens from now on unless you make the first move."

"Me?"

"Yeah. You." Spike answered, "I get the shower first."

Spike got off the bed quickly grabbing clothes from his closet and retreating into the bathroom.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~



The next few days past quickly and all pretty much the same. Spike and Willow spent most of their time in the apartment. Talking, watching movies, and getting to know each other in a different light.

Spike spent a lot of time thinking about the Ryan, as time grew closer, he felt more and more confident that his plan would work. Spike knew the bastard couldn't be allowed to get away with what he had done. He was careful not to tell Willow anything about his plans, he didn't want her upset and he knew she wouldn't be happy about this, it's the reason she didn't want to go to Buffy after all.

Willow spent much of the time thinking and healing. She was growing closer to her vampire protector. She trusted him, in a way she never thought she could. She thought about what had happened on that morning, he liked her, he wanted her. She did feel the same, had for a long time, but that fear was in the way. She had to find a way past the fear. He was willing to be patient but for how long. She knew something was going on with him, he was acting odd, like he was keeping something from her, she didn't know what, but didn't want to think about it either. All she was sure of was the physical damage was starting to heal, she could see the bruises yellowing and fading every day and Spike was helping to heal the emotional damage of that night.