Previously on Buffy: Willow's spell goes awry. Both William the Bloody and William Francis return, to Spike's dismay.

Ch. 2

"No, not under my roof," Spike announced as he tripped up the stairs towards Buffy's room. He was trailing behind Buffy and William as they headed towards the room which they intended to sleep in. "Not a good idea. I don't agree with it one bit. Do you realize what people will say, Buffy? With a strange man in your room?"

"Nothing worse than what they'd say if you were in my room, I suppose," she answered.

"They'll say you are a hussy. A tramp. A sleeze. A common harlet. That's what they'll say. And imagine what your mother would say about this. God rest her soul," Spike continued.

"Leave her out of this. And since when are you so religious?" She inquired.

"Can't I give the woman a little respect? All I'm saying is that it isn't proper."

"Spike, you are the last one who should be talking about what is or isn't considered proper," she claimed.

"Are you sure about this, Ms. Summers? I really don't want to put anyone out, or make you the topic of gossip," William asked.

"It's no problem. Besides, stranger things have been said about me. I mean, look at who I hang out with," she said referring to a very displeased Spike.

"Yes, she hangs out with people who try to protect her from complete strangers, that's who."

"You have never been so protective before. I don't see why you should start now. You know yourself better than anyone. Do you honestly believe you would have hurt someone?" Buffy asked as they reached the top of the staircase and turned the banister towards the bedroom.

"Yes, I would have," Spike said with confidence. Buffy gave him a stern look before opening her door. "Well, maybe not hurt per say, but he's in a strange enviroment."

"You should be worrying about the other William. You know, Vampire William. Big Bad William. Go look for him. You know where you would have went," she ordered.

"Now, look here. I am not one of those little minions you have downstairs. I do not take orders from the Slayer."

I can't believe I'm out here, in the middle of the night, looking for someone I can't feed off, Spike thought. He'd checked out the grave yard, his favorite haunt to no avail. He really had no idea where William could be. Okay, where you you be? he asked himself. At home, in bed, with my blood pack, he answered. This is bloody crazy. I'm not the Slayer. I'm not supposed to be hunting my own kind. I'm going back; they can look for themselves. He turned around.

"Not so fast. You haven't found him yet," Buffy said standing right in front of him. Standing behind her was William. Bloody Hell, is he going to follow her everywhere? Spike thought.

"I know, and I don't intend to," he replied. "What are you doing out here? Isn't it a bit past your bedtime?"

"I thought you said he was dangerous? He decided to come along. We've talked quite a bit and I really am beginning to like him more than you," Buffy answered.

"More than me? You've only known the bloke for a day," Spike reasoned.

"It seems Buffy and I have a lot in common. For example, we both in enjoy astronomy, and I must say this a beautiful place to stargaze so," William said.

"Since when do you like astronomy?" He asked Buffy.

"I have for years. In fact, I check my horoscope everyday, thank you," She said with a curt nod. William had a quizzical look on his face, but asked no questions.

"So what else do you two have in common?" Spike asked.

"We both enjoy reading," Buffy answered. "He just does it a little more. And he writes too."

"Yeah, I was there. I got the memo, like, a few centuries ago," Spike said with sarcasism.

"You know, you should treat this young lady with more respect," William informed him.

"Aw, you are so sweet. Why can't you be nicer, like Will?" Buffy asked.

"Will? I hate Will. Always have," Spike said.

"Oh, come on. I'm quite attached to the name." Behind them stood William the Bloody, mouth dripping with blood.