Chapter 5 – Sad Steps

Willow sat in the chair holding an ice pack to her elbow. Buffy paced back and forth and next to her Spike was growling.

"Willow, you shouldn't have left the house!" Rolling her eyes, Willow jumped up.

"Buffy, I'm a vampire now. I didn't think Druscilla was behind this and would have had some lackeys after me. If so, I wouldn't have left. This is ridiculous! I'm icing an elbow that is already healed and Spike is growling and its sounds like an injured lap dog because he's human now! Stop worrying about me. Besides, Hayden said—

"Who's Hayden?" Spike questioned. Willow sighed and proceeded to tell them about her encounter with the vampire that saved her. She decided to leave out the part where he told her about Druscilla doing the spell on the girl he truly loves. 'That wouldn't go over very well.'

"I wonder what his deal is…he said he couldn't tell you why he was following Druscilla's orders? Sounds to me like he would just as soon stake the crazy vamp than help her?" Buffy's speculative comment made Willow shrug her shoulders.

"Well, we know Druscilla is at the Old Factory with about ten vamps. We can easily take them down. And probably get the book with the spell she used to do this to Willow. Then we can reverse it." Spike sat up and sadly sighed.

"But…that would mean that Spike has to be a vampire again. I don't think—

Spike hushed her and stood up. "Don't worry pet, I'll be okay." With that, he walked into the other room. Xander pulled Anya up and helped her with her jacket.

"Well, I'm assuming we'll do this think during the day tomorrow so the vamps don't escape. We'll be back bright and early." Buffy nodded and Xander left with Anya behind him.

Buffy turned to Willow and sat down. Dawn walked in and sat down as well.

"What's up with Spike? He's all moody in there." Willow wiped a tear from her eye.

"If we reverse the spell, Spike goes back to being a vampire." Buffy said feeling sad for the ex-vampire and for Willow. Dawn nodded and patted Willow's back.

"Wills, do you like Spike? More than friends?" Willow nodded staring down at the table. Buffy hugged her.

"We'll figure it out. I promise."

Willow was walking towards Giles's for some more blood when she heard footsteps. "Hey Red" Hayden stepped out into the light. He reminded her Spike in ways. The way he said her nickname always reminded her of Spike. But he was still so different from her blonde crush. Hayden had dirty blonde hair down to his shoulders that he kept in a ponytail. He wore brown pants and a white shirt. His brown leather jacket was old and it matched brown leather boots. He was very cute. But not her Spike.

"Hey Hayden. Kill anyone lately?" He laughed and stepped forward. She stepped back.

"Actually, that's why I'm here, Red. I had this delicious young girl in my hands and you're voice kept ringing in my ears. I let her go. Why would I do that? Huh? Can you tell me that? Now I'm having trouble killing. Did Druscilla give me a soul too? Huh?" He was obviously angry and he kept on approaching her.

"Um…sorry?" He shook his head and lit up a cigarette.

"I mean I'm a vampire! I'm ruthless. I kill little girls in their sleep. I don't feel bad about it either. So why are you affecting me so?" Willow shook her head nervously.

"Maybe it's the hellmouth? It can do things to you, ya know! Maybe you should consider leaving." She stood back once more, breathing heavily.

"I can't. I can't leave. She won't let me." Willow's brow furrowed.

"Druscilla won't let you leave? Why?" He shrugged his shoulders, brushing the question off.

"She's got more guys after you. I just came to warn you. I'll escort you home Red. Come on." Willow nodded and followed him.

From the shadows, Spike stared dangerously at the vampire walking with his Willow. All of the sudden, he felt a sharp pain on his head and all went black.

A/N: I'm back. Long time I know. Please review and tell me if this story is still good enough to be continued! Thanks!