Title: Demons from the past

Rating:PG-13

Disclaimer:Not smart enough, or enough money so it ain't mine. DAMN YOU WHEDON!

Summary: My first real sequel, all others have been fakes, kind of an AU of S7 so a bit more original than most.

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Willow had been standing outside that door for what seemed like an hour. Her heart was pounding and the knot in her insides had not released. This certainly was a unique situation. How long had she wished this, to be able to talk to the vampire, to face the demon that had been haunting her for months.

When is a murderer, who has truly repented, ever able to face their victim. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

So why was she still on the outside?

Probably because their forgiveness is a whole more terrifying than their hate.

*Why should I ask forgiveness from a vampire, a vampire who's killed hundreds of thousands of people.*

*Because he saved your life, he saved the lives of your friends, for no reason at all, the only reason he stayed was because of a promise to the woman he loved, and that promise didn't even extend to you.*

The voice in her head that had stayed silent during her internal rant suddenly whispered,

*because if a soulless demon who has been in hell, for god knows how long, because of you, can forgive you, then it's possible your friends have too.*

The realization slammed into her gut like a fist. The reason she came here in the first place, the reason she didn't feel comfortable in her own skin. She never really believed they had forgiven her. Looked past it yes, but she could always feel their eyes on her, watching and waiting for her blow. But what were the chances that Spike would forgive her.

The voice whispered again.

*When has he ever done what you expected?*

The words rung true, he never did what they expected, hell he still didn't react the way she thought he would. When the summoning was complete he had just stood there, not doing anything, and very slowly he turned to look at each of them. His clothes hid the state of his body, and a hood obscured his face. When she felt his eyes land on her he froze again. She knew in that instant he recognized her, but could feel no fear coming off him. And without a sound he turned, walked into the corner and sat with his back against it.

Gwen and the others took the hint that eluded Willow, cleaned up like he wasn't there, and left, leaving a candle to keep the room mildly lit. Willow desperate for answers got none. And finally after what seemed like hours she opened the door and stepped into the dark.

The light flickering from the half done candle in the middle of the room didn't reach the corner where he had sat down. And from Willows senses she could tell he hadn't moved at all. In fact he just sat there, completely still. He was sitting in the corner but she could sense him all around her. She got the distinct feeling that he could sense everyone in the house.

She didn't know why but she was being as quiet as possible. After closing the door she slowly stepped towards him, wringing her hands. She didn't see him react, but she could feel that he sensed the nervous energy around her. She couldn't shake off the feeling that even if she was intent on killing him, she wouldn't be able to even blink before he made a fatal blow.

Deciding to be brave she picked up the candle and brought it over to illuminate his body. He didn't even twitch. From what she could tell he was a lump of rags, the only thing discernible was the hood that covered his head and his tightly wrapped forearms that ended at the hands leaving his fingers exposed. The only skin showing was stark white, his fingers looked arthritic from much use, and his fingernails were long and jagged. They hung limply as a part of his casual posture.

She put the candle down and sat two feet away from him. Leaning her shoulder against the wall. It was then she noticed it was warm, which was odd because it was pure concrete from what she could tell. They sat there facing each other for a few minutes in silence. What could they say? He was the one who spoke first.

"You've changed."

*His voice, oh god...*

The accent had faded and only a hint of it was detectable. His voice wasn't deep, but dark, it can only be described as a dozen other voices whispering the words he spoke, coming together as one to make his voice. It had a casual tone to it, though it held a seriousness to it. His voice stunned Willow into stillness. Shaking off the spine shiver each time he spoke she replied in a trembling.

"Well, yeah, what with, the lack of black and evil magic, and all."

She tried to sound casual but couldn't pull it off. His laugh was as disturbing as his voice. As his laugh faded she could almost feel the wheels turning in his head.

"It worked then."

It was a statement, and she could hear the sad happiness in the many dark voices in his own. Usually this would have launched her into a longwinded babble to reassure him, but his silence stopped her. He knew, he needed no more, and there was nothing she could say about it. But there was one thing she knew he needed to know.

"She believes now."

For the first time since she entered he moved, she could feel the eyes that seemed ageless fall on her.

"Your love, that it's real."

His whisper startled her

"Was"

She was confused,

"Was what?"

"Real"

The word though soft, seemed to vibrate the room. It clicked in her mind.

"You mean, you don't..."

"What was real five months ago here, was real an eternity ago for me."

The sadness in the voices was almost enough to bring her to tears.

"But, what about..."

"Enough"

This time the anger in the voices shook the room, though the word had been spoken casually. It silenced her instantly. Her thoughts that had been running a mile a minute suddenly crashed when they hit a bump.

"You've read my mind haven't you?"

There was a slight nod. It was the only way he could have known how long he had been gone. Then it struck her, he knew everything, why he had been summoned, the evil that was coming, he had read all their minds, he knew everything.

"When you first summoned I didn't remember anything, where I was, who I had been here. I was confused, I began to look into you all, when I reached into you I found everything. I haven't done it since. And don't worry, certain memories were blocked to me."

Her eyes widened when she realized what memories he was referring to.

"So you know why you're here."

He nodded.

"I know why you're here."

Her face flushed red with shame. One thing she noticed is that his voice was even, casual, uncaring, but the underlying voices in his conveyed the emotion. The voices then became kind.

"You know I forgave you, I do not blame you for what you've done, I do not blame you for the pain I've felt. To forgive is the willingness to give trust again. I have seen into you. There is much to trust. You won't lose control again. And they know that also."

The tears that had been welling up as he spoke fell at the finally words. Tentatively she reached out with her hand. Her fingers were almost to the hem of the hood when he moved again. Faster than the eye could see his hand appeared holding her hand gently at the edge.

"They must never know, none of them."

The words matched the voices behind them in pain and sadness. Slowly he pushed her hand away farther and farther. Trying not to let the rejection hurt, she wiped the tears away she decided to get down to business. He returned to his casual stance.

"Are you going to help?"

She could almost see the smirk appear.

"Made a promise didn't I.?"

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A/N:HEEEE'S BAAAAACK! Well he's finally here, and I know some of you were hoping to figure out what he looks like, but tough luck. I'm saving that little writing gem for later.

Well since there has been a major lack of reviews I've removed my "do not accept unsigned reviews" thingy, anyone can review and it is incouraged.

I'd like to thank Charlie for sending me an e-mail telling me what he/she (couldn't tell form the name) thought of my work and that my shameless promotion of my favorite stories does work.

I do implore you all that read this to read from my favorite authors and favorite stories. They are good stuff. Don't miss out.

Thanks to those who did review and for all those who didn't, REVIEW MY STORY! FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY! REVIEW MY STORY!