A/N: ***WARNING Character death (Sorta) ***

Part 12

Rupert looked down at Willow to make sure she was all right. He had used his body as a shield when the explosion knocked them down. "A-are you all right?"

Willow winced as she felt the bump on the back of her head. "Just a few bumps and scrapes." She raised her fingers and tentatively brushed the scrape she saw on Rupert's cheek. "You?"

Rupert just nodded his head and looked down into her green eyes. God, he had almost lost her. If he hadn't realized what Ethan/Robert had planned they all would have been lost in the explosion.

Willow moved her head into Rupert's touch. She didn't think he even realized that his thumb was softly caressing her cheek. She shuddered to think how close they all came to dying or being seriously hurt anyway.

Just like Tara being taken away from her in a blink of an eye the friends that she had made here could have been just as easily taken away. More importantly Rupert could have been taken away. Willow's green eyes met Rupert's hazel ones and as naturally as breathing they each leaned into the other.

Willow sighed as she felt Rupert's soft kiss. The gentle pressure caused the butterflies in her stomach to start dancing harder.

Faith held Tara as they watched Rupert lean into Willow. "Crap. I think I lost the pool." She said loud enough for Rupert and Willow to hear.

Tara looked over at Faith, "I think we all did. I don't remember anyone betting that they'd both make the move, though I think Xander had today."

Rupert leaned his forehead on Willow's, "We okay?"

Willow nodded and smiled, "More than."

Rupert turned his head to look over at his Slayer, "Glad we could provide some entertainment for everyone."

"Well you know, G . . .if you could have waited one more day I would have won the bet."

Rupert stood and reached his hand down to help Willow stand. He smiled at the delicate blush on her cheeks. "Is everyone all right and accounted for?"

Faith pointed over to where Angel, Wesley and Darla stood. "I haven't seen Dru, William, Xander or Jesse though."

Rupert felt Willow tense next to him. He put his hand on her shoulder and gently squeezed, "I'm sure they're fine. They may have gone out the back."

"I'll go 'round back to see what I can find out." Faith offered.

Willow smiled over at Faith, "Thanks!"

Willow looked over to where Angel and Darla were standing. She was sure that if anything had happened to Dru or William they would have felt it. Willow leaned into Rupert as they watched the firefighters finish putting the blaze out.

"You okay?" Willow whispered to Rupert. "I mean your store and apartment . . ."

"Just things. I'm just thankful we're all okay."

"GILES!"

Faith's scream brought everyone running toward her.

"It's Xander. Oh God. He's bad."

Willow's legs buckled and Rupert caught her. Ohgodohgodohgodohgod. She couldn't lose Xander. He might not be HER Xander but he was HER Xander. Oh GOD!

Rupert gripped Willow's hand as they ran back around the building. In the eerie glow of the fire lay Xander with Jesse holding his head in his lap. Dru and William kneeling next to him.

Dru looked up when she heard the running feet and saw Willow's tear streaked face.

She quickly made her way over to them, "Sorry, luv."

Willow quickly went to Xander's side. She raised tortured eyes to Jesse, "Oh god I'm so sorry. If I hadn't come here you guys wouldn't have been in Sunnydale and Xander wouldn't be injured."

Jesse reached over Xander to Willow, "You don't know that Willow."

Before she could reply William kneeled next to Jesse, "You have to make your decision soon."

"Decision?"

"Turn him or not?"

Willow closed her eyes on the pain.

She felt strong arms wrap around her. "I can permanently give him his soul, luv."

Rupert looked at Jesse. "We had talked some before he left but I don't know if his wishes had changed."

Jesse nodded, "No, he said that as long as he could still fight he'd want to be turned BUT only if one of the four did it. He didn't want to be turned in LA."

"Right then." William's face changed and he reached over for Xander.

William cradled him in his arms and gently moved his head to the side before sinking his teeth into his neck. He drank just a few sips before he reached up to cut along just below his collarbone. He brought Xander's lips to his neck.

William lightly slapped Xander, "Come on, drink."

Xander's eyes fluttered open and Willow grabbed his hand tighter, "Please drink, Xan."

Xander turned his eyes up into William's blue ones before closing them again. With a sigh he began to drink. He was able to drink just a little bit before dropping off into unconsciousness.

"Was it enough?" Willow asked shakily.

William nodded before gently picked him up, "I need to take him back to the mansion."

Dru leaned down and kissed Willow on the top of her head, "It'll be all right, lovey."

Willow nodded, "Thanks, Dru."

Rupert tightened his arms around Willow, "Why don't you go with them? I'm sure I'll have paperwork that I need to fill out and then I'll probably stay and clean up."

Willow turned in Rupert's embrace, "I'd rather help you clean up if that's all right. I need to keep busy."

Darla gave Rupert and Willow a hug, "When you're done here come to the mansion. I doubt your apartment will be livable for a while."

Rupert smiled and nodded, "Thanks, Darla. We'll see you later on." He kept his arm around Willow as they turned.

"Need help?" Angel and Wesley approached Rupert.

"Thanks."

Wesley fell into step next to Rupert. "Do you think a representative of the Wizarding Council has been called?"

"Oh I'm sure the police took care of that."

Willow turned surprised eyes at Rupert, "Police? They know about magick and wizards and stuff?"

Rupert sadly smiled down at her, "Oh yes, there's even a wizard or witch assigned to each precinct."

Willow just shook her head. She still couldn't get used to a world where magick was such an integral part of life.