A/N:  Thanks to Rose and everyone else who reviewed, I appreciate all the advice and encouragement. You guys are the best.

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Chapter 24: Obstacles

Buffy's vision wavered and little black dots floated in front of her face.  Willow?  Shot?  Oh God, Willow!  Her knees suddenly turned to rubber, and Buffy collapsed next to Jake. 

Spike kneeled beside her.  "Buffy, luv, look at me."  She didn't respond, so Spike gently rubbed her face.  "Pet, you need to open your eyes and look at me." 

Buffy's eyes fluttered open and Spike smiled.  "There you are.  Come on, Buffy, we need to find out more about Willow."  He gently tugged her hand, but she gave no response.

WillowWillow's gone…oh God, Willow.  I'm so sorry.  So incredibly sorry.  Buffy vaguely heard Spike talking, but she was too caught up in silent apologies to her best friend.

Spike looked at Buffy, eyes glazed and unfocused.  Nothing he did brought her out of her stupor, so finally he left her on the stoop.  Circling the parking lot, Spike looked around for someone who might have information about Willow.  His eyes lit on Detective

McClain leaning against a car and smoking.  Spike slowly made his way to the detective's side.

"Got a fag I can borrow?" Spike asked, sidling next to the cop. 

The detective raised an eyebrow but obligingly offered Spike a cigarette.  Spike lit up and inhaled the nicotine into his system.  "You see what happened to the redheaded dancer?"

McClain jerked his shoulder toward the retreating ambulance.  "Took a bullet to the abdomen.  Last I heard, the EMT said she was looking good, whatever that means.  Being taken to Sacred Hearts Hospital."

Spike nodded his gratitude to the detective and started back toward Buffy.  "Tell your girlfriend that someone left a note in her locker," McClain called out.

Spike froze and turned to face the detective.  McClain met his eyes and acknowledged the question with a nod of his head.  "A rose too.  If you want, we can take it into evidence now; make sure she doesn't know that it even existed."

Spike was about to answer in the affirmative when Buffy's voice stopped him.  "I want to see it," she said quietly.  Her face was ashen, her eyes darkened to jade and stormed with anger, her hands were bunched into tight fists and her knuckles were white. 

She looked cruel and unmerciful, but also like a warrior angel, ready to battle for the innocent.  She headed for the club and Spike followed.

Buffy slowly walked to her locker.  Inside, like a snake waiting to strike, was another dark red rose, thorns removed, note lying under it.  Buffy immediately handed the rose to McClain.  She took a deep breath and Spike put a hand on hr shoulder.  She cast him a thankful look and opened the note.

OBSTACLES WILL BE REMOVED.

YOU ARE MINE.

FOREVER.

An obstacle, Willow had been reduced to nothing more than a fucking obstacle.  Fury shot through her veins and Buffy felt herself perilously close to punching something.  Or someone. 

Thrusting the note to McClain, Buffy stalked outside.  Spike remained behind.  "Do you have any bleedin' clue about who is doing this?" he asked the detective.

McClain jerked a shoulder.  "We've been pursuing leads, people related to the club or who frequent it often.  It's a slow and tedious process, I'll give you that.  Honestly, I'm worried about Miss Summers.  She may need to be put in protective custody, her family too."

Spike shook his head.  "She won't go for it, already asked her about it.  Something's happened, though, something that might shed a little light on your investigation."  Spike quickly told McClain about Angel, Dru and everything that transpired at the law office. 

McClain's face never changed, but Spike saw his eyes sharpen and focus.  "Okay, thank you Mr. Giles.  I can assure you that we will look into this."  McClain shook Spike's hand and walked toward his car.  Spike watched him go, and then searched though the crowd for Buffy.  He spotted her on the stoop again, comforting Jake.  Spike was walking toward her when Riley stepped out onto the stoop.

"Riley, where the hell have you been?" Jake demanded from his position on the stoop. 

Riley assessed Jake with cold eyes.  "Talking to the cops about what I saw, actually, what I didn't see."

Spike didn't know why, but Riley made the fine hairs on his neck raise.  The look in his eyes right now was nothing short of frigid, but when his gaze drifted toward Buffy, it became heated and lustful.  Oh no, Mr. Superhero, you will keep your paws to yourself.  Spike quickly made his way to Buffy.  Lifting her to her feet, he brushed a kiss across her cheek and whispered in her ear.  Buffy nodded and the blond twosome walked back toward Spike's car in the parking lot.  When Spike looked back, he saw Riley staring at him.  Pure, unadulterated hatred burned in his eyes.  Spike smirked and raised his hand in mock salute.  Riley's eyes widened, and then narrowed. He took a step forward, but Spike just laughed and led Buffy to his car.  When he got in, Spike checked his rear-view mirror, but Riley was no where to be seen.  Like smoke in the wind, Riley had vanished. 

Interesting, Spike thought.

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Oz paced the hospital corridor restlessly.  The doctors had yet to come and announce Willow's condition, and the wait was driving him nuts.  Every so often a nurse would try and soothe him, but to no avail.  Oz would not be placated with food or coffee or anything they had to offer.  Not until he held Willow in his arms again would the raging beast inside him calm. 

It was amazing how much she had come to mean to him in a few short weeks.  The attraction had always been there, but something deeper as well.  A mutual understand that they were basically complete opposites, but also surprisingly perfect for one another.  She talked, he didn't.  She was frank and open and he was the man of mystery.  She babbled and he soothed.  Willow was his sun, his earth and his moon, and now she was fighting for her life.  It's not fair, Oz thought.  He finally found the bright light that he searched for, and now she could be taken away from him.  Oz felt anger, liquid hot and bubbling, surge through his blood at whoever committed this atrocity.  He clutched his fists at his sides and envisioned a thousand different tortures for the man responsible.  Slow and long and deliciously painful, they helped take the edge off of his impotent rage.  For the moment, anyway. 

Spike and Buffy raced through the hospital until they came to the small waiting room.  As Buffy approached the receptionist, Oz greeted Spike with a slight eyebrow raise.  Spike nodded and both men sat on the hard plastic chairs.  It wasn't long before Buffy joined them, and together the three of them waited.  Soon, Oz and Spike were pacing, the pent-up energy coursing through their bodies too much to handle sitting down.  Oz had taken to mumbling words under his breath and every so often Spike could catch a phrase or two.  Most of them involved some sort of painful body mutilation.  Spike raised an eyebrow at his usually stoic friend, but Oz just shrugged.  They continued to pace.  Buffy left for a moment and called her mother.  She was going to call Willow's parents as well, but Oz informed her that he had already tried, they were currently out of the country.  Again.  Buffy rolled her eyes but said nothing. 

The minutes turned into hours and the three friends began to intermittently doze.  Finally, at around three in the morning, a weary doctor staggered into the waiting room.  Instantly, all three were on their feet waiting for his words.  He rubbed his hands on his blood-spattered scrubs and then gave them a small smile.  Spike let out a whoop and grabbed Buffy into a tight hug.  Oz felt the burning pressure lift from his chest and he smiled a large smile, for him anyway.

"Your friend is one exceedingly lucky girl.  She is also stubborn and tough to boot.  She lost a great amount of blood and suffered from extreme tissue damage.  It was touch and go, but she pulled through beautifully.  She's unconscious right now, but we can let the family slip back for just a minute."  The doctor looked past the three friends and frowned when he saw no one else.  His gaze traveled back to the rumpled trio, and Spike stepped forward. 

"Doctor, Jennings, is it?"  Spike asked.  Jennings nodded and Spike continued.  "Surely you can let Oz back to see her; he's closer to her than her own family is."

Jennings frowned again.  He glanced at the receptionist, but she was engrossed in paperwork.  Mouthing for them to be silent, Jennings led them back to Willow's room.  They stepped inside and Jennings cautioned them to be quick. 

Oz stumbled forward and threw himself next to Willow's bed.  Avoiding the many tubes and wires, Oz stroked Willow's cheek and ran his hands through her hair.  He whispered to her for several minutes, then kissed her and stepped back to let Buffy and Spike through.  Buffy carefully brushed a kiss onto Willow's cheek and whispered apologies to her unconscious friend.  When Buffy was done, Spike drew her into his arms and softly kissed her forehead.

 He stepped forward and brushed Willow's flaming hair from her face.  "Hurry up and get better Red, we all miss you," he whispered gruffly. 

Jennings motioned for them to leave, but Oz shook his head. No argument could convince him to leave Willow's side, so Jennings finally surrendered.  Oz pulled a chair next to Willow's bed and sat in it, resting his head next to Willow's hand.  Buffy and Spike whispered their goodbyes and left.

Once outside, Buffy surrendered to the tears that had threatened since Jennings appeared.  Spike simply pulled her to his side and rubbed her back while she cried.  All of her guilt and anguish over Willow poured out, soaking Spike's shirt.  Spike continued to hold her until she cried herself out.  When she was done, Spike hoisted her into his car and drove to his house. 

When he pulled into the driveway, Buffy raised her eyebrows at him.  Spike just shrugged.  "Didn't really want to stay by myself tonight."

Buffy nodded, neither did she.  They walked into the house, and Buffy called her mom to report on Willow's condition and the fact that she was with Spike.  Her mother let out a soft sigh when Buffy told her about Willow, and then a chuckle at her current whereabouts. 

"Call me before you come home tomorrow," her mom instructed.  Buffy agreed and they hung up.  Turning, Buffy saw Spike standing in his living room.  His eyes were following her every movement and she unconsciously swallowed in anticipation at the message his body was conveying.  Slowly, Buffy crossed the expanse of the kitchen, rolling her hips and looking directly at Spike.  She stepped into the living room, her eyes riveted on Spike.  Moonlight glinted off his hair and darkened his eyes from sky blue to cobalt.  He was beautiful, with a hint of danger rippling through his lithe body.  Clothed in a rumpled white dress shirt and black slacks, he made Buffy's mouth water. 

Still naïve to many of the carnal gratifications of man, Buffy was unaware of the effect her slow, predatory walk was having on Spike's libido.  It was all he could do to stop himself from throwing her against a wall and sending them both screaming into mindless ecstasy.  Afraid of his own body's reaction to her, Spike closed his eyes and took a deep breath.  He opened his eyes and his breath caught in his throat at the sight before him.

 Buffy was dropping her last article of clothing.  Nude, she stood before Spike, chin thrust up, eyes dark and hot.  Her gold skin gleamed in the pale light and Spike was reminded of a proud Amazon warrior.  No pushover, was this girl, she was a strong woman, one who handled the horrors that entered her life with ferocity, determination and an iron will that few could match.  A goddess conjured up images of too-perfect deities, bored and beautiful.  An Amazon, however, made Spike think of earthy elements; soil and musk and sex on the forest floor.  

His control dangling on the precipice, Spike forced himself to take even breaths.  In, out, in, out, in out…come on you git, you snap and you'll scar her for life.  Buffy touched his face and his eyes flew open.  Cobalt blue clashed with emerald green as Buffy slowly stroked his cheek, his neck and finally down to his chest.  She tugged at his shirt and made a delighted sound when he allowed her to slip it off over his head.  Her hands roamed over his chiseled torso, reacquainting themselves with the hard planes and unyielding muscles of his body.  Still tracing her fingers up and down his chest, Buffy undid Spike's belt and fly, dragging his slacks down and away from him.  Now, Spike was down to nothing.  Buffy was shivering in anticipation.

Spike was shivering as well, but for another reason altogether.  His control was snapping quickly, his inner demon was roaring toward the surface.  Any minute he was liable to snap and damn the repercussions.  That minute occurred when Buffy dropped to her knees before him and engulfed him in her mouth.  Cor, how in the hell does she know how to do that?  It was his last coherent thought. 

Letting out something akin to an animal growl, Spike hauled Buffy to her feet and ravaged her.  Kissing her fiercely, he thrust his tongue into her mouth, forcing her tongue into battle.  His hands streaked over her body and then claimed her breasts.  He roughly kneaded them, tweaking her nipples until they hardened and then tugging on them.  Buffy let out a whimper and responded by reaching down and stroking Spike with her hand.  Spike just about howled and suddenly Buffy found herself on the ground with Spike laying claim to her body.  His mouth was everywhere, nipping, licking and sucking.  As he worked his way down her body, Buffy moaned and thrashed her head from side to side.  At the first touch of his tongue, Buffy went into orbit, screaming his name.  The sound of her keening wails spurned Spike on.  He positioned himself and entered her in one smooth thrust.  Buffy moaned in pleasure and Spike set a brutal pace.  In no time, Buffy wailing again and Spike quickly followed her.  His orgasm slammed him so hard that his body convulsed and tears sprung into his eyes. 

After several shaky breaths, Spike was able to move off of Buffy.  Good God in Heaven, what just happened?  Spike looked over and winced at the sight.  Buffy was covered with bite marks, scratches and hickeys.  Bruises were forming on her breasts and hips.  Shame washed though him. Bleedin' idiot, just look at her.  Not an ounce of control or finesse, just a brutal wham-bam.  If she knows what's good for her she get up and kick your arse until you match her.  You soddin' git. 

While Spike berated himself, Buffy lay in shock.  She never expected this outcome when she started the game.  Not that she was complaining, by any means.  It had been hot, wild and almost brutal, and it helped to expunge some of the horrors of the past few days from her mind.  Plus, seeing Spike loose control like that had done wonders for her ego.  Not that I should be thinking about my ego right now, she chided herself.   But after seeing Willow lying on the hospital bed, Buffy needed to reaffirm her life and erase the night from her mind, if only for a few moments. 

Groaning slightly, Buffy raised her head and assessed her body.  She looked like a war survivor, but for some reason the marks pleased her.  She'd made the usually calm and composed Spike lose control.  With that thought in her mind, Buffy rolled to Spike's side.  She traced her hand down his back, but Spike rolled away from her.  Frowning, Buffy moved toward him again, but he jumped up and stalked out of the room.  Irritation flashed though Buffy, followed closely by hurt.  What's wrong with him?

Buffy stood and walked to Spike's room.  Naked, she stepped inside and surveyed the room for any sign of Spike.  She saw nothing, but heard the shower going.  Buffy walked to the bathroom and watched Spike step into the shower.  Still slightly hurt by his behavior earlier, Buffy stepped in behind him.  She touched his shoulder and felt his muscles tense under her hand.

"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice still hoarse from screaming.

Spike shrugged a shoulder.  "Nothing, luv, what makes you say that?"

Buffy rolled her eyes.  "Umm, maybe because you just left me without saying a word.  What's up, William?"

Spike whirled around quickly, his eyes blazing blue flames.  "Don't call me that.  Ever.  Maybe I just felt like taking a shower, by myself, I might add."  He turned back around and grabbed the shampoo. 

Quick as lightening, Buffy snatched his shampoo and threw it over the side.  Spike's eyes flashed in anger.  "Bloody hell, woman, back off."  He grabbed the soap and twirled it in his hand.

Buffy raised an eyebrow, and then grabbed the soap and it went over the side as well.  Spike clenched his jaw and shut his eyes.  When he opened them again, Buffy was still in the shower, giving him a shockingly similar version of his own smirk. 

Spike was not amused.  He shut the shower off and reached for his towel, which suddenly was not where he left it.  Buffy remained in the same spot, still smirking.  Anger building, Spike slid the shower door open.  He immediately jumped back when Buffy slammed it shut.

"Bloody hell, pet, what the fuck are you doing?" he shouted.  Buffy smiled.  Spike's anger flared and caught.  He shot his hand out and grabbed her by the neck.  Pulling Buffy closer, Spike growled his question again. 

Buffy negligently shrugged her shoulder.  Reaching around, she turned the shower on and a blast of cold water stuck Spike's back.  He howled and jumped out of the way.  Buffy slid past him, turning the water to warm again.  She let the warm water cascade down her back, washing away the scent and sweat of sex. 

By now, Spike was absolutely livid.  Stupid bleedin' woman, just what in the hell is she doing.  Doesn't she know that she should be repulsed by me?  Why won't she just leave me alone? 

He jumped when he felt Buffy lay a hand on his back.  Spinning around to meet her eyes, Spike let loose.  "Jesus Christ, woman, can't you leave me alone for one bloody minute?  Just because I fucked you doesn't mean you get to do whatever the hell you want.  Now, leave me the hell alone, please?"

Pain lanced though Spike when Buffy slapped him.  He felt a small trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth.  He looked at her in amazement.  Buffy's ire matched his.  "What's the matter, Spike, can't handle what you dish out?  You hurt me; I hurt you, isn't that the way it works?  I don't know what bug bit your ass, but screaming at me and trying to make me feel bad will result in nothing but anger every time.  So either you tell me what the fuck is wrong with you, or I swear to God, I will kick your ass." 

Spike's temper shot up.  It burned out when he looked at Buffy's eyes, clouded with pain and tears.  "I'm sorry, luv.  I just wanted time to think, time to let you leave if you wanted to."

"Why would I leave?" Buffy asked softly.

Spike looked her up and down, and Buffy realized the true reason behind his anger.  "Spike, I'm not made of glass, I won't break just because it got a little rough." 

Spike let out a short laugh.  "A little rough? Kinda an understatement, don't you think, luv?  I nearly mauled you to death."

Buffy laughed.  "Spike, relax.  I liked it.  It was exciting, and different.  I'm not so dumb that I don't realize sex isn't whispered words and candles every time."

Spike's eyebrow drew together and he looked at her pensively.  "Luv, just look at yourself, you look like an accident victim."

Buffy smiled.  "Seen a mirror lately, Spike?  You look pretty beat up yourself." 

Spike looked at his body.  He was covered with nail tracks and small bite marks.  A few small hickeys decorated his stomach, and when water hit his back Spike felt the scratch marks Buffy left behind.  He grinned.  "Guess we're just a couple of animals, aren't we, pet?"

Buffy nodded.  "Guess so.  Of course, you realize that my mother might not like that explanation so much."

Spike smiled.  "Probably not, but then again, you can tell her that you got into a bar fight."

Buffy laughed and splashed him with water.  They played in the shower until the water ran cold.  After they dressed, Spike pulled Buffy downstairs to watch another movie.  They fell asleep on Spike's couch, Buffy cradled against Spike's chest and Spike against the arm.  Both wore smiles. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A/N: See, I can do nice and sweet.  Kinda.  Anyway, stay tuned to find out who the mystery stalker is, and what happens when Buffy discovers Spike's connection to her mother's job.  Oh fun!  Until next time, my pretties.