PART SEVEN
Breathing heavily, Willow sprinted as fast as she possibly could. It wasn't until she felt the sharp tug on her arm that she looked down and saw the black gloved fingers of her own hand intertwined with Angel's. Oh my…I don't remember doing that. Blushing furiously and beyond grateful for her black hood, she quickly pulled her hand out of his.
Startled, Angel looked at her, "No, I didn't mean…" his voice trailed off. "I was just trying to tell you that we could stop running. I think we've lost Whistler." He darted a glance behind himself as if to verify.
Biting her lip, Willow considered her options. Now what?
"Are you okay?" he asked gently.
Nodding, Willow smiled behind her mask.
He cocked his head at her and leaned in closer, trying to get a good look at the sparkling green eyes behind the thin black veil, "You sure? I saw you take a couple of hard hits back there…"
As her gaze locked with Angel's, Willow felt for a brief instant almost as if she were falling. Shaking it off, she quickly ducked her head to break eye contact.
Stepping away as if afraid that he had offended her, Angel raked a hand through his dark hair, "Look, I just wanted to…..uhm…thank you. What you did back there…and what you're doing now…there aren't that many people who would. Especially after….well..after what's happened in the past."
Shyly, she looked back up at him and was surprised at the naked gratitude and admiration that shone in his eyes. What happened to cryptic guy?
Pacing uncomfortably, he tried vainly to express his feelings, something he was never good at to begin with. "I can't say that I know why you're here doing what you're doing but I just want you to know that I'm indebted to you for it. I mean that. By my word."
Swiftly he crossed over to her and took her hand again in his as if sealing an oath. She wondered at the sudden warmth that flowed through the leather separating them.
Shaking her head graciously, she backed away, trying to signal that he didn't owe her anything.
Unfortunately, he took it as a sign of discomfort and quickly dropped her hand.
Note to self. Miming doesn't work. Willow suppressed a forlorn sigh as she glanced at her empty hand. What I wouldn't give for a keyboard....
Note to self. No touching. It makes her nervous. Angel stored the information in his head for further examination at a later date. "Anyway," he continued after a brief pause, "I also want to apologize for the email I sent you. I mean, you must already know a lot about me...."
Carefully, she nodded her head in understanding.
"What I wrote was obviously...abrupt." He sighed, "Trust isn't something I give too freely. I've lived too long for that. It isn't an excuse but more of an explanation. I…apologize."
There was an odd quality to his voice when he spoke the words that almost made Willow's heart ache for him.
"I want you to know, though," He continued obliviously, "That I do trust you. Not just because of what you're supposed to do but of what I've seen you do. I only wish there was some way I could repay…" he stopped suddenly, his well-honed powers of observation finally catching up with his emotionally muddled mind, "You haven't said anything since we got here, have you?" he asked slowly.
Panicking slightly, Willow shook her head. Uh oh.
"So you want to keep your identity a secret, then?" Carefully, Angel struggled to keep the disappointment out of his voice. Deep down, he couldn't help but feel a small sense of personal rejection over her decision. For some reason, it matter that she trusted him as well.
Do I? She had never really thought about it before, but then, she never really thought she'd find herself talking to Angel so soon. What if revealing who I am messes up everything Whistler tried to put together? At the thought of the demon, Willow couldn't help but feel a minor degree of guilt over her actions…not to mention a fair amount of trepidation over how he would respond once she got home.
Patiently, Angel waited for a response.
**
"So then, like, I said, 'no way' and he was like, 'way' and I was like 'NO WAY', but he swore it was true!" grabbing another carrot stick, Cordelia inspected her toes while absent mindedly twirling the phone cord around her finger time for another peticure…
Silently, a shadow moved from the far end of her apartment.
Pausing, the brunette shook her head at the receiver, "No, I totally couldn't say that to his face but yeah he could do SO much better. Maybe you should tell him. Like, tonight, after the show, we should go to-," her voice choked off into a soft shriek as the shadow emerged into her field of vision.
Crossing his arms over his chest, Whistler stared at her coldly.
"Uh..no, I'm fine, Abby." Cordelia returned her attention shakily to the phone, "I-it was just this way weird thing on TV. I think I have someone on call waiting. I'll go get rid of them and call you back in a sec, okay?"
Placing the receiver into its cradle, she eyed the demon angrily. "What the HELL is it with you people not using doors? How many times have I told you that it scares the shit out of me when you do that? I'll have you know that I carry pepper spray and if you keep sneaking up on me, I'm not responsible for any accidents that may-,"
"Where are they, Cordelia?" he spoke the phrase through gritted teeth.
Pausing for a second, she gazed back at him in sincere confusion, "What?"
"Willow. Angel. Where. Are. They?" He repeated slowly.
"They're missing?" realization dawned on her, "Oh…"
Rolling his eyes, he tried hard not to start yelling, "No, Cordelia, they're not missing. I just came over here to talk to YOU because Willow is really safe back at home and I just secretly love your company." He deadpanned.
Raising an unimpressed eyebrow, she sniffed indignantly, "You know, Whistler, sarcasm SO doesn't look good on you."
Turning, she went into the kitchen, "Honestly, I don't know where the hell they are. I can't say I'm as devastated as you are that they've gone off together, but I really don't have a clue."
"You? Clueless? No…." the demon followed her.
"You know, if you want to use me as a scapegoat for your anger over the fact that they both screwed over your rules and dissed your 'God complex', then that's fine. Make it fast, though, because it's nearly 10:30 and I am going out." Sticking her head into the fridge, she pulled out a diet coke, "Want a soda?"
Exasperated, he shook his head, "Listen, I-,"
They were interrupted by the sound of a doorbell.
"See?" Cordelia smiled triumphantly, "There's someone at the door. Someone who obviously respects other people's homes and doesn't come in through the wall like OTHER people I know." Haughtily, she stalked over to see who it was.
Unlocking the multitude of locks, she finally managed to pull it open.
"Oh, hello Cordelia! I-I'm sorry to bother you so late at night…"
It took every fiber of her being not to go with her instincts and slam the door shut again out of sheer panic. She felt like she was going to be sick.
"Giles…hi." She smiled at him weakly. "Long time no…see."
"Y-yes, quite." Nervously, the librarian stared past her into the apartment, "Cordelia, I do hate to be an imposition, but you see, I'm here on official business and it appears that, through some odd stroke of bad luck, the Watcher's Council is unable to…tap in to any of it's…monetary assets."
Trying very hard not to start laughing, Cordelia managed her best sympathetic nod. So..someone's credit cards got deactivated, huh? Score one for Whistler!
"S-So," Giles continued obliviously, "I-I was wondering, Cordelia, if it w-wouldn't be too much of an imposition for us to stay here with you until tomorrow when we can straighten this whole mess out…" His cheeks burning, he looked at her hopefully.
'Us'? Cocking her head to one side, she stood up slightly on her toes to see past the Watcher, Oh….*that* us…. Behind him, about 20 other men stood out down out in the hallway, looking in various directions, leaning against the wall and trying to look casual.
"If it's too much of a bother…," Giles began again.
Spotting a particularly good looking young Watcher in the back, Cordelia quickly cut him off quickly, "No bother."
"Oh…" his face brightening slightly, he managed a small smile, "Well, that's very generous of you, Cordelia. We'll be happy to pay for food and lodging and such.."
"No." She shook her head, "No need to pay, Giles, I'm more than happy to do my part helping the f-fight the forces of evil." Remembering Whistler in the kitchen, she started slightly, "Uh…YES, YES *GILES * YOU CAN COME IN WITH…YOUR 20 FRIENDS DRESSED IN TWEED." She came close to yelling *Please * make him be gone…
Staring at her oddly, the librarian slid past her into the apartment, "Uhm…thank you, Cordelia."
"Yeah, just throw your stuff in the living room. It's the second door on the left."
Smiling like the gracious hostess her mother had taught her to be, Cordelia greeted all of the Watchers warmly.
"Oh, wow, this place is just awesome."
Slowly directing her gaze downwards, she stared into the eyes of a skinny 13 year old girl.
"Yeah, bitchin digs," A second girl joined the first.
"Laura, what have I told you about using that type of language?" The harried young Watcher stared at her reproachfully while stumbling through the door carrying what had to be about 20 bags from Disney World.
"Bastard…" she muttered under her breath.
"Oh hey, who are you?" Cordelia asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I'm Laura, this is Robin, Hilary, Tracy, Jessica, Teri, Eliz, Carrie, JR, Emma and Heather." She pointed at her companion and the other 9 girls who had appeared out of seemingly nowhere.
"We're Vampire Slayers." Eliz explained helpfully.
"In training…like, not for real yet." Jessica supplied.
"Nice shoes!!" Heather piped up cheerfully.
"Got anything to eat?" Hilary asked.
Her mouth slightly agape, Cordelia nodded and pointed at the kitchen.
"Cool! I'm starved." Carrie scampered off, "You guys coming?"
"Yeah." A chorus of 9 voices responded.
"Oh baby, someone really owes me for this." The brunette muttered under her breath while still staring vacantly ahead.
"Fuck food, you got any good shit on TV?" Laura smiled up at her.
**
The awkward silence grew as Willow tried to make a decision. On one hand, she wanted to just tear the mask off of her head that very second. Unfortunately, she was also deathly afraid of what would happen next. Would he be able to deal with the idea of being protected by the mousey teenager that he himself had had to save numerous times in the past? Would he be disappointed after she showed her true face? Would he feel cheated? Was she really even good enough to reveal who she was? Before she could begin to address all of the questions swimming in her head, Angel spoke.
"Don't worry. I understand." He said simply, pushing his own feelings aside. She's fighting to save my life. I have no right to question her decisions.
It was as if a burden had been lifted off of her chest and Willow sighed in relief.
"I-I can take you home, if you want." He continued helpfully before realizing his mistake, "Or, if you don't want me to know where you live, I can just walk you to the end of the park."
Pausing to ponder his offer for a moment, Willow nodded her head vigorously in acceptance.
"Well then, let's go." Forgetting himself, he offered her his hand.
Pausing shyly, she quickly grabbed it when he started to withdraw. The confused frown on his face gave her pause and, unable to resist, she reached forward, gently brushing her fingertips along his lips until she reached the corners. Applying light pressure, she forced them upwards until his mouth quirked into smile on its own.
"Thanks." He said softly. Taking her hand more firmly, they walked out of the darkness together.
There's something nice about mystery. Willow thought happily, trying hard to suppress the urge to start skipping alongside the vampire.
Although she wanted nothing more than to be able to talk to Angel without having to hide who she was behind a hood, there was still a part of her that was holding back. A part of her that still felt she wasn't worthy enough to stand without it.
Not yet at least.
PART EIGHT
Pacing as calmly as possible, Whistler had just made his 32nd turn around the living room when he heard the door softly click open.
Looking up, he stopped at the sight of the black-clad figure that quickly slipped in.
Turning to face him, Willow gingerly pulled off her hood, revealing her flushed face and tired expression. Willow raised her gaze to his and looked him straight in the eyes, her face serious.
"So, how much trouble am I in?"
**
"Excuse me, the lipstick is Chanel. Hands off. And you, the skank in my skirt? Give it back. Now." Death stare firmly in place, Cordelia set about yanking teenage girls out of her closet, away from her mirror, and off of her bed.
"But don't you think it looks good on me?" Hilary wailed plaintively.
Cocking her head to one side, Eliz shrugged, "I think Cordelia's right, you sorta look like a ho, Hil. It's way too short. Even for you."
"Try the other one on. The silver shiny one. I like that one." Emma tried to be helpful.
"No." Cordelia cut in harshly, "There won't be anymore pawing at my things tonight. Out! Everyone get OUT of my room! Now!"
It was at that precise moment when they heard someone sneeze.
The room fell dead silent as the girls all looked at each other carefully.
"I think I saw someone outside," Carrie bounced over to the window.
"That sounded like a guy." JR said softly.
Laura's eyes narrowed, "And it smelled like a vampire."
**
"So, basically, every vampire in about a ten mile radius knows that Angel has a Protector?"
"If we're lucky. It could be every vampire in the state."
"Oh boy." The redhead sunk into her seat. "How did everyone find out?"
"I'm guessing it's the freakin Watcher's moronic Council. You've killed every vampire you've come up against, so there's no chance it spread that way." Whistler growled.
"Do you think the Council did it on purpose?"
The demon paused for a moment, contemplating the question,"No, I don't think they did. I think they did it because they're incredibly stupid and indiscreet. You should have seen them lined up outside of Cordelia's house."
"What?"
"Yeah, they're all sleeping over there."
"S-so they're camped out in her living room?" The redhead stared at him, incredulous.
"About 20 of them. I thought that cutting off their funds would send them back to Sunnydale and buy us some time. Unfortunately, it didn't."
"You cut off their funds?!" Willow looked mortified, "Oh, poor Giles!!" She could just picture the shocked look on the librarian's face when they sliced his credit card. He'd never trust technology again. "Oh, does Cordelia have tea? Giles must need some tea after today. Is there any way we can send over some tea?"
Whistler gave her a strange look, "I…what…?"
"I can't help it. I just feel bad!" She exclaimed, standing up.
Grinning, Whistler tried to calm her down, "Don't worry about it he'll be fine. He's at Cordelia's with food and a roof over his head and….all his fun Watcher friends."
Willow shook her head, "I just wish I could let him know I was okay…"
"Speaking of which, how's Angel?" Whistler's voice took on a dull and deadly tone.
"He's…uhm..he's w-well…" She stammered.
"Where'd he go?"
"Back to Cordelia's place, I think. Look, Whistler, I'm sorry, I really am. It just kinda happened and I swear I didn't say anything to him or take off my ho-," She stopped in mid-sentence when she saw the demon shaking silently. "What is it?"
Unable to stand it anymore, he broke into full out laughter, "Angel's going to Cordelia's place?"
"Well, yeah. I don't think he'll go in, though, once he figures out the Watchers are in there."
"N-no, I don't think he's going to even get near that place." He gasped.
"Wh-why?"
"Concentrated tweed." Whistler smirked, "He's allergic to it."
**
Xander Harris had just climbed into bed when the phone started ringing.
Quickly, he pushed back the covers, bounded across the dark room and picked it up, "Xander's house of love, the Love Man speaking. How may I help you tonight, Miss Summers?"
"How'd you know it was me?"
"Wild guess. Cordelia's in LA and Willow isn't back yet. That kinda narrowed the list down."
"Actually, Xander, that's why I'm calling." Buffy replied, her voice tense and strange
"What's up?"
"It's Willow. I'm at her house right now. I forgot my trig homework that she was helping me with so I used my spare key to get in and get it."
"So?"
"Xander, all her clothing and stuff are gone."
"So?"
Buffy paused, "Uhm…Xander, doesn't that sound weird to you?"
"She's with Giles. What do you expect? They're on some Watcher retreat thingie. Who knows how long THAT'S gonna take?"
"Xander, her bedsheets are missing."
"I wouldn't want to sleep on Watcher sheets either…tweed itches."
Exasperated, Buffy sighed, "Xander, you know Mr. Gordo?"
There was a moment of silence as he considered her question, "The stuffed pig I gave her? The one she always leaves at home because he gets carsick?"
Nodding silently, Buffy glanced around the empty room again, "It's gone too."
Not missing a beat he started to pull on his sneakers.
"I'll be right there."
** Angel stood in the shadows next to one of the local ice cream places. The sickly sweet scent of pistachio mixed with coffee was making his stomach turn, but he stood his ground. Back at the apartment, Cordelia had stuck her head out the window and whispered that she'd meet him there. Besides, I've waited in worse areas
He was, however, entirely unprepared to see the brunette come strolling down the walk, herding a huge group of young girls in front of her.
"Heather, you KEEP your ass in line, do you hear me? The ice cream place is right up ahead and if you go into another alley, I swear, I'm going to leave you there." She snarled impatiently, "Teri, stop looking at the guy, he's at least ten years older than you and looks like a pimp," pausing, she sniffed the air, "Tracy, are you wearing my perfume?!"
"That him?" Carrie pointed directly at the vampire in the shadows and Angel's mouth dropped open.
"Angel?" Cordelia called in an exasperated voice.
Cautiously, he held back.
"He's just standing there." JR murmured.
"Angel, you can come out, they're fine." The brunette prodded impatiently.
Slowly, he emerged into the light, trying to ignore the collective gasp from the group in front of him.
Although he didn't yet know it, they all knew who he was. Most of them had read direct accounts of his history, some of the others just knew him from reputation. Either way, one thing was clear. This was Angelus. He was legendary.
He was one of the most notoriously evil and brutal vampires.
He struck fear into the hearts of mortals and demons alike.
He was standing in front of a Dairy Queen.
**
Gazing out the window, Willow couldn't help but think about how she fought with Angel. She'd never felt so powerful in her entire life. Even when she'd been captured by the Mayor, staked the vampire about to 'taste' her, stole pages out of the Books Of Ascension and stood up to Faith all in the same night, she hadn't felt like this.
For once, she wasn't just 'Willow the friendly hacking helper'. It wasn't necessarily that she was something better or different; she was something more now. Grinning in spite of herself, she released the blinds and stalked back over to the couch where Whistler was sprawled on his new cell phone, making yet another phone call.
Eavesdropping unintentionally, she realized that he wasn't speaking in English.
She wondered mildly what he was saying but after a mental shrug, pushed it out of her mind.
Angel looked good. The initially innocent thought soon brought a blush to her face. It was true. The vampire looked healthy. Well, more than healthy, really.
It was strange. She felt like she was seeing an entirely different side of him. It was somewhat like the night he had come to her room a few years ago and asked her to look up information on one of Buffy's former boyfriends. The thought that HE'D be coming to HER for help had been an intimidating one. She had been entirely unnerved by his sudden arrival but had somehow managed to blunder through it.
I hope I didn't sound like TOO big a moron.
Shaking her head at the thought, she absent-mindedly picked up her black leather gloves.
He needed her now. More than he ever had before and for some reason, it felt right. Instead of being paralyzed by fear like she would have when she was younger, she felt oddly at ease with the situation.
I wonder if Whistler's people…changed me somehow. She couldn't be sure of their motivations or capabilities. In fact, she hadn't really seen Whistler do anything strange or utilize magic even though she was fairly certain he could.
Putting down the phone, the demon silently left the room and Willow sighed.
More than anything, she wanted to be able to talk to Angel again. Besides Cordelia, he was one of the few people connected with her old life and it was important for her to cling to that. Besides, Angel always knows what to do. He comes through all the time. She snickered. Old Reliable.
Buffy had called her that once. It had annoyed her at the time, but now she saw the compliment for what it was. It made her feel closer to Angel.
In her own way, she had always felt a silent kinship with the vampire. They had both lived their lives as outsiders of sorts and were both somewhat withdrawn. They were also both highly intelligent. Ooh, and now we both sorta have secret identities! She bounced at the thought.
Of course, though, there were a few differences.
He's strong and never afraid of anything and really good looking. The last comment was less of a conscious thought than a scientific observation. Although Willow wasn't necessarily suffering from low self esteem the way she had in high school, she didn't harbor any delusions about her own appearance.
But sometimes being really pretty can make you mean. Briefly, Cordelia, or 'old school Cordelia' as Willow now thought of the brunette, came to mind.
Angel isn't mean, though. she amended. Underneath the broody and guilt-ridden exterior, she knew how good he was. Even though he was technically in love with Buffy, he had saved all of their lives enough times for Willow to realize that he harbored a certain amount of love for each of them.
Even Xander. She smiled at the thought.
For all of his growling and emotional isolation, she was well aware of the vampire's warm personality. And his hands were warm too… She frowned slightly as she recollected their encounter. I thought vampires were supposed to be cold. Even when she had brushed her fingers against his lips, she'd felt the warmth penetrate through to her fingertips.
"Ahh…Willow?"
Startled, the hacker looked up to find Whistler standing over her. Looking down, she realized she had been subconsciously brushing the black gloves back and forth lightly over her own lips. Mildly horrified, she threw them on the couch and stood up.
"Oh hi!"
Studying the guilt-stricken look on the young girl's face, Whistler paused. "Hi. Guess what?"
Tucking an errant strand of red hair behind her ear and trying to calm her unexpectedly rapid heartbeat, Willow shot him a nervous smile "What?"
"We have a new game plan."
** It was nearly midnight when the phone started ringing.
One or two of the Watcher huddled over their ancient texts paused to glance up at it, but most simply ignored it and continued with their research.
After a few more rings, the answering machine dutifully clicked on: "Hi, you've reached Cordelia's apartment. I'm not in now, so leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Megan, if this is you, I need my red velvet clogs back for the dinner thing next Friday so just beep me, k?"
Giles tried to hide a smile as a few of the older Watchers rolled their eyes at the recording.
"…..Hello? Cordelia? Are you home? If you're there, can you pick up?"
The effect of the unmistakable voice on the other end of the phone was instantly sobering. Several men started choking on the tea they had been in the process of swallowing. A few of the others broke the pencils they'd had clutched between their teeth while reading.
"Giles….? Are YOU there? It's Buffy. Please pick up the phone…."
Slowly, Giles put down his book and took in the stares directed at him from all sides of the room.
"Cordelia, it's Buffy. I'm calling because I'm looking for Giles and I called Council headquarters and Wesley said he might be here. It's VERY important that I get ahold of him, so can you have him call me?"
"What are you waiting for, man?" Patrick finally broke the silence with his gruff voice, "She already knows something is going on, so you may as well pick up the phone, Giles. Your Slayer needs you."
Having received approval, the Watcher's barely restrained energy kicked in. He quickly shot to his feet and grabbed the receiver, "Buffy?" He asked, slightly breathless.
"Giles." She sounded relieved, "Giles, can I talk to, Willow?"
"Oh…she's….," He glanced up helplessly at the other men, "She isn't here right now."
"Giles, where is she?" her voice took on a firmer quality.
"She's…it's…well, it's a long story, Buffy, perha-,"
"Giles?" The Slayer interrupted.
"Yes?"
"Start talking."
**
"They're proxy Slayers? Cordelia are you nuts?" Angel looked ready to bolt.
"Hey!" Insulted, the brunette pulled herself to her full height, "It was the only way I could get out of the frickin house this late at night without about 5 Watchers following me."
Shooting a look at the awe-struck girls still gathered in front of him, he grabbed Cordelia's arm and yanked her aside, "What's the Council doing in your house anyway?"
"Like I have any idea. They're on some Watcher's questy type thing."
"And they brought almost every Slayer-in-training with them?"
"Do I CARE what they're doing?" She burst out. "They're sleeping over for one night. Giles needed a place. They'll be going tomorrow."
"What if one of them reports the fact that they've seen me here with you? Giles will want to know what's going on." The vampire furrowed his brow.
Cordelia burst out laughing, "You think one of THEM is going to tell a WATCHER that they saw you?"
"Why not?" He stared at her.
"Do you know who the head of the Council is?"
"Patrick Mann?"
"Yeah, that Patrick guy."
"What about him?"
"See that one?" Cordelia turned to point at one of the teenagers, a particularly striking raven-haired one who was in the process of scowling at the pair engaged in private conversation. "Homegirl over there pantsed him about two hours ago."
"P-pantsed him?"
"Pantsed…it means to pull someone's pants down. She was bored so she just ran past and pantsed him. Believe me, be glad you weren't there. I never want to see a Watcher's tighty whities again."
"You're kidding."
Cordelia shook her head, "Her name is Laura. She is fear worthy. They all are. AND none of them have remotely any respect for the Council."
"Except for maybe Giles." Emma offered from the side.
"Yeah, I think Buffy cooled him out." Hilary nodded.
"We kinda dig him." Tracy reaffirmed.
"So what did you need to talk to me about?" Cordelia asked, returning her attention to Angel.
"Oh…that." Still slightly uncomfortable, he paused, "I just wanted to tell you to warn….my friend…that somehow word's hit the underground about her."
"Excuse you?" The brunette shook her head, "Repeat that for those of us who don't speak cryptic fluently."
"The computer, Cordelia. I wanted to use your computer. To send an email."
"The vampires in this area know about his Protector." JR translated quietly.
"Yes, exact-What?" Angel looked over at the tiny girl with long chestnut hair who was standing unobstrusively at the edge of the group. "H-How did you know about my Protector?"
"Word travels fast." Cordelia shrugged and started to try and herd the girls away before anything else was accidentally revealed. "I'll tell her as soon as I can. Come on girls. We're outtie."
Unfortunately, the phrase didn't work as well on people who WEREN'T Harmony and her group of sheep.
Firmly, the slayers stood their ground, ignoring Cordelia.
"We know about your Protector cuz she's our Immortal Watcher too, moron." Laura responded loudly, rolling her eyes.
"Damn." Cordelia muttered.
Angel opened his mouth briefly before snapping it shut again. Over 200 years of training couldn't prevent the shock and horror that flooded his features.
Stopping at this strange show of emotion, Laura smiled sheepishly, "Aww, crap, did I say something wrong?" she looked confused. "Fuck…sorry."
**
Standing several yards away, Spike's icy blue eyes sparkled.
"Protector AND Immortal Watcher, eh?"
Smiling, he melted back into the shadows.
"This is going to be so much more fun than I thought."