Chapter 48

The table was piled high with books. Giles sipped at luke warm tea while Buffy tapped irritably at the computer; she just wasn't as good with them as Willow was no matter how much she tried. Faith glanced up from the book she was reading as Buffy huffed for what felt like the hundredth time in the last two minutes. She half wished B would just leave the computer alone and stick to the books, on the other hand it gave her a small sense of smug satisfaction to have found something perfect Buffy couldn't do.

Flipping the page Faith gave the next one a quick scan and made a face. Sitting around in a library was not her idea of a fun time. When she was at school Faith had never set foot in the library and now she felt as if she was there all the time and she didn't even go to this school. Who could have guessed she'd be back in a school? When Faith had walked out of her school gates for the last time she had sworn she'd never go back; and now here she was in a school library.

Unfortunately, she was rather stuck, not so much because she felt she had to be there to research, but because she had gotten herself mixed up with Willow and Spike and now she needed to make sure the others didn't find out about it. So long as she stayed in the loop where Amy and research were concerned Faith figured she'd be okay.

Her thoughts were put on hold when Xander arrived a newspaper tucked under his arm and carrying a box of doughnuts. "I come baring sugary treats and I have all kinds of news."

"Oooh yum," Buffy left the computer and reached eagerly for the box. "What kind of news?"

Xander took a seat at the table. "Well, firstly the deputy mayor is dead."

Selecting a glazed doughnut Buffy looked up surprised. "I didn't even know there was a deputy Mayor."

Faith, who had sat up a little straighter in her chair relaxed; relieved there were no signs of recognition in Buffy.

"What happened? Was it demon related?" Giles asked.

Xander shrugged. "It doesn't look like it. The papers said he was stabbed, but he was found at the cemetery. I guess it could be demon related."

"I doesn't have to be, just because he was found at the cemetery doesn't mean he was killed there," Faith pointed out.

"That's true," Giles agreed. "May I see the paper, Xander? I'll read the article and see if anything seems suspicious."

"Nothing jumped out at me," Xander said handing the paper to Giles. "But I'm not a Watcher or down with the research like the G-Man, so I might have missed something."

Giles made a face a the nickname and unfolded the paper. The other three remained silent, watching him as he read the article. Finally he looked up. "It doesn't look as though his death is connected to demons in any way. I'm afraid tragic accidents do happen. It is best to let the police do their job in this instance."

Buffy scowled and made a frustrated noise in the back of her throat. "Isn't there anything we can do to help?"

"Like what?" Faith asked. "You know the rules, B, Slayers don't fight humans."

Buffy pouted, sometimes she felt it was a stupid rule; protecting the world and the people in it and that was her job after all. She let out a sigh. "So, Xan, what other news do you have? I hope its better news this time?"

Xander clapped his hands together and grinned. "I spoke to Amy this morning, she got an early train. She's going to catch some z's and then come over this evening to help."

Buffy perked up. "That is good news. Hopefully Willow will be back to normal soon."

Faith's smiled was strained. This was not good news for her, Willow or for Amy. She had no idea what Willow and Spike had planned to deal with Amy's arrival but Faith knew they'd come up with something. Amy's interference would not be tolerated by either of them. Catching her bottom lip between her teeth Faith's eyebrows drew together for a moment; she was going to have to warn Willow that Amy was already in town.

"Yep," Xander's grin deepened at such a lovely thought. "I also spoke to Oz late last night. He said that they're cutting their gig short, Devon's father has been taken into hospital. He's okay, but Devon needs to be in Sunnydale so they'll be back tomorrow and won't be playing LA for New Year's Eve like they planned."

For the first time in what felt like years, Buffy was hopeful. "Maybe having Oz around will help Willow."

"I don't see how," Faith said. "She did dump his ass for Spike.

"Its worth a shot," Buffy insisted. "You know, to have Oz and Willow spend time together."

Faith rolled her eyes and snorted. "Good luck in prying Willow away from Spike. If I were you B, I wouldn't interfere, Willow won't be happy about it and who knows what she'll do if you piss her off again."

Buffy scowled, her annoyance cranking up a few notches. She wished Faith would stop staying that, it made her feel like a bad friend and that she and willow were just growing further and further apart with no way to stop it.

"I think Faith has a point," Xander said quickly, not overly happy with the idea of Willow spending quality alone time with Oz. His face coloured when Faith gave him a knowing look. Maybe he was being a little bit selfish, but Willow had wanted him before either Oz or Spike had come on the scene but he had been too stupid to see it; to see her for what she really was. Didn't Willow deserve a chance at happiness with the guy she had always wanted? It was just lucky that guy happened to be him.

"All right then," Giles said, gathering their attention. "We'll concentrate on the Ascension this morning until Amy arrives and then we can discuss the matter of Willow with her and see what she has to say. Buffy, I'm afraid I must also agree with Faith, please try not to do anything to aggravate the situation where Willow is concerned."

Buffy's teeth clenched. She reluctantly agreed and returned to the computer to settle down and research. She found it hard to concentrate however, and kept glancing up at Faith, annoyed that Faith seems to know more about her best friend than she did. She had a weird feeling, not so much her spidey senses, it was something Buffy couldn't quite put her finger on; but for some reason she just didn't trust Faith. There was something equally strong as her spidey senses telling her that Faith knew more than she was letting on.

Even thought Buffy knew it was completely irrational; she still trusted that gut instinct.

"Faith did you know about the spell Willow put on me?"

Faith looked surprised by the question. "No."

For reasons she couldn't explain Buffy wasn't satisfied. "Did Willow put a spell on you?"

"Not that she know of, but I don't go around threatening Spike."

"I think I'm justified in threatening Spike," Buffy replied testily. "He is a vampire, I'm the Slayer and I want to protect Willow. She's my best friend."

Faith merely shrugged. "Seems to me Willow's managing to protect herself just fine without your help, B."

Buffy didn't respond, she was too bust noticing that Faith didn't seem concerned that Willow might case a similar spell on her; again Buffy had that feeling there was something going on that she was not aware of.

Silence reigned for a while until Faith stood up, her chair scraping nosily against the wooden floor and announced she was going to get some chips and left the library.

Buffy watched her leave through narrowed eyes. She suddenly jumped to her feet and scurried from the library, ignoring Xander calling after her. Buffy crept down the corridor towards the canteen her ears straining for the sound of Faith's voice, Buffy simply didn't trust her not to warn Willow about Amy's arrival. Just why Faith would give Willow the heads up Buffy couldn't quite say; it was just a nagging feeling she had. That and the nervous sensation that worked its way up and down her spine as she wondered what Willow's reaction would be.

Buffy wasn't the only one with Slayer senses, Faith was aware that Buffy was behind her and she silently cursed the other girl. Now she couldn't call Willow as she had planned. Instead she headed to the vending machine and stared crossly at the neat rows of chips while she dug about in her pocket for some change. She could always try again in a little while.

Buffy watched Faith go to the vending machines and began to feel a little ashamed of herself and the ridiculous way she was behaving. Just because she felt betrayed by Angel and Willow didn't mean there was some sort of conspiracy going on around her. Feeling like a snoop Buffy quickly ducked into a nearby classroom to avoid being seen by Faith when she started back to the library.

Standing in the empty classroom listening for Faith's feet passing in the corridor outside Buffy felt terribly alone. She missed Willow and Angel. Wrapping her arms around herself Buffy squeezed her eyes tightly shut; she just wanted things back the way they were.

XxX

It was hours later when the phone rang at Willow's house. Her parents had gone out during the morning to deal with the transfer of their respective clients to another practice and Willow had eaten breakfast and then returned to bed where Spike still slept.

He was lying with his cheek on her hip and his arm curled around her waist. How he could possibly be comfortably Willow didn't know, but she liked having him close to her. He made her feel all safe and warm. Which was weird because he wasn't warm at all, he picked up her body heat given enough time but he never warmed to the same temperature as a human.

Spike groaned, his cheek rubbing against her hip.

Willow smiled and put down the magic book she was reading. Smoothing Spike's hair with one hand she plucked the phone out of the cradle with the other. "Hello?"

"Red, it's me, Faith."

"Oh hi. How's it going?"

"Not five by five," Faith said heaving a long suffering sigh. "Amy's back in town, she's coming to the library this evening and Oz will be back tomorrow."

It was Willow's turn to sigh. "Oz? Why is he coming home? He's supposed to have a gig in LA on New Year's Eve." She listened as Faith explained about Devon's father. "Oh, that is bad news. Poor Devon." Faith then let her know what Giles had said about Allan Finch's death and Willow felt her shoulders relax. It was good to know that Buffy's memory remained in its altered state; with Buffy having her own sort of supernatural powers Willow hadn't been entirely sure her spell would take root.

"I've gotta get back to the library, I don't want B following me again. Besides, I've gotta hit the streets pretty soon. Patrol."

"Alright, we'll talk later. Stay safe, Faith."

"You know me, super safe Slayer. Later, Red."

"She was full of news," Spike said, trailing cool fingertips along her inner thigh. Amy's arrival didn't worry him, she would hardly be the first person he'd killed, but he was less than impressed to hear the wolf was coming back. Spike hadn't really given Oz much thought since he had left town and he was in no hurry to have him back again.

"It's good of her to keep us in the loop, huh?"

Spike smiled and chuckled. "It's not entirely selfless, love. She's got her own reasons for helpin' us. She killed a man remember?"

"That was an accident, Spike."

"Not sayin' it wasn't. But she killed him an' had you erase the Slayer's memory of it. That won't go down well with the little do-gooders now will it?"

"No," Willow admitted.

Spike yawned and scrubbed at his eyes. He watched Willow as she put the magic book on the bedside table marking her page; she was wearing his red shirt, it was too big for her and the cuffs hung adorably over her fingers. Pushing the shirt up over her hip Spike pressed his lips to her warm skin. "Fancy a shag pet?"

She laughed. "That would be nice, Spike. But we've got things to do tonight. We've got to deal with Amy and you have to speak to Angel."

Spike was aghast. "Angel? Why?" The poof was the last person he wanted to see.

Willow's lips pursed. "I think you should clear the air with him."

"Oh," Spike made a dismissive noise. "What's the point? Once we've dealt with the witch and your parents 'ave left we'll be outta 'ere anyway. I can avoid him until then."

"That's not very nice, Spike..."

He responded instantly. "Demon."

Willow sighed. "I know what its like to love someone who doesn't love you back, Spike. I feel sorry for Angel." She frowned and looked at him closely; his face was closed and tight and his jaw clenched. "Spike? Are you alright?"

"Fine." Spike sat up and ruffled his hair. "I don't think talkin' with him is gonna help, love. Best to let sleepin' dogs lie. He'll get over it. He'd lived without me long enough."

"It's up to you, Spike," she agreed. "Whatever you think is best." Sitting up she slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him gently.

Spike smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I'll tell you what, I'll hop in the shower an' 'en pop out an' sort your surprise out, hum?"

"Surprise?"Willow's eyes lit up. "What sort of surprise?"

Laughing he got out of bed. "If I told you it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?" He figured he'd deal with the little witch while he was out too, but he didn't want to tell Willow that and have her fret about it.

Willow watched him cross the room, completely unaffected by his nakedness; unlike her who was getting all hot and bothered at the mere sight of him. She refrained from calling him back to bed at that very moment; they did have things to do tonight and besides, the night was still young, there was plenty of time to be with Spike.

While he was in the shower she changed out of his shirt and into a robe, taking some time to go through her closet and chose an outfit he hadn't seen yet.

Spike returned a few minutes later and got dressed. "I won't be long, baby." He drew Willow into his arms and kissed her. Willow's eyes drifted shut, her lips parting invitingly. Spike's tongue touched hers and her arms slipped around his neck, her fingers curling into the soft hair at his nape. He nibbled lightly on her lower lip. "Could kiss you for hours."

Her lips curled against his. "I wouldn't say no to that."

Hands cupping her face he stroked the corner of her mouth with his thumb. "Later, hum? Just you an' me an' the stars?"

Her tongue came out to swipe at the pad of his thumb. "Is that the surprise?"

His lips did that half smile, half smirk thing that turned her knees to water. "Maybe." He kissed her nose. "You'll find out."

Her arms tightened around his neck and she moved closer to him. "Not soon enough." Pressing her lips to his she kissed him hard and hungry.

Spike groaned quietly. "Gonna fuck you later, baby." His hands dropped to her behind, pulling her closer so he could rub his growing erection between her legs. "Wanna be inside you. Wanna feel your warm, wet cunt wrapped around my cock."

She made that same sound she had the first time he had spoken to her this way, a mixture of shock and desire and Spike's entire body surged in response. He kissed her again, devouring her mouth with an intensity that left her breathless.

Finally he let her go, if he didn't Spike knew they'd never get out of the house. There was time for this later just as he had planned. "I'll see you soon, baby."

"Yes," she murmured dreamily. "Don't be too long, Spike."

"You'll hardly know I'm gone."

"Oh I'll know you're gone alright."

He smiled and opened the windows. "Love you, baby."

"Love you more." Her eyes shimmered in the light and Spike's chest tightened. Even Dru had never said she loved him more.

Once Spike left Willow horridly dressed and re-checked the spell book one last time, she wanted to ensure she got the spell perfect. Who knew what kind of mess she'd make if she didn't. Leaving the house Willow walked swiftly down the street hoping that Spike would go to Angel's or to do whatever he had to do with regards to her surprise before he went to Amy's.

Amy had been weighing on her mind all day. They had to stop her from bringing her magic into the equation and as she was Amy's friend Willow felt it should fall on her to do it rather than Spike.

The light was on at Amy's house when Willow arrived and there was no sign of Spike. Perhaps she should have waited for Spike or asked him to come along with her, it would feel better right around now if she had Spike with her.

"Don't get scared, Wills." Jessie popped up at her shoulder and accompanied her to Amy's front door. "You can do this."

"Hey Jessie," Willow relaxed a little. It was funny, but his sudden arrival didn't make her jump the way it had in the past. "I'm glad you're here. I need a friend right now."

"Oh you don't need me, not really," Jessie said. "You'll do whatever you need to do, you know, for Spike's sake."

"Oh yes," Willow said knocking firmly on the front door. "For Spike I can do anything."

Amy opened the door a moment or two later, her eyes going wide and a cold chill sweeping down her back when she came face to face with Willow; a Willow with eyes as black as the night and freaky little black veins spearing from them like spider legs.

"W...Willow!"

"You should have stayed out of it, Amy. This doesn't concern you." Willow could feel her magic moving through her veins, the words of the spell swirling around her head; she didn't need to speak them out loud even for a spell she had never cast before.

Amy could feel Willow's magic, a strong, powerful force surrounding her, something she hadn't been expecting and had no chance to counter act; if she could even fight against magic so powerful. It struck her with such violence Amy was pushed backwards into the wall, the breath knocked out of her.

Something wasn't right and Amy knew it; her body felt all out of whack. Something was happening to her, something she was powerless to resist. The world came rushing in on her, a nauseating feeling washing over her. Amy remembered nothing more.

Willow looked down at the small brown rat at her feet. It squeaked and scuttled away into the house.

Letting out a sigh Willow shut the door and stepped back. "There. All sorted."

"That's one way of doing it," Jessie agreed. "But I thought Spike was going to get rid of her?"

She shrugged. "It doesn't matter, does it? So long as it's done."

"I guess so." Jessie eyed her, a sly smile curling his lips. "How do you feel?"

"Strong. Powerful." She looked at Jessie her eyes flashing. "Like I can do anything."

"Not yet, but nearly. You're pretty powerful, Wills but you're not as powerful as you could be. Witches can have great power, but its always limited. If you had an unlimited source of magic no witch could touch you. Sound good?"

"Sounds good," she agreed her voice as well as her body deeply infused with magic.

"Come with me, Wills." Jessie smiled again. "It's time for you to be what you were born to be."