Series: For better and for Worse
Title: Painting Europe Red Part B: Amsterdam
Author: Mosquito
Date:06-04-05
Disclaimer: Casey and Ronan, Kiara, Coble, Malcolm, and Deaver are mine! The rest belongs to Joss Weadon
Category: romance, drama,
Rating: PG-13
Summery: Part 2 of 3. Spike and Willow go to Europe for the Christmas vacation. This is the 6th chapter in the series following: 1. Paralysed
2. Coming back
3. Red's Birthday
4. Trust and Understanding
5. Loving the Grandsire
Interlude: Guy Talk
6. Painting Europe Red: A. London
Note: "Beautiful" By Christina Aguillera, "Bella" (She's all I ever had) by Ricky Martin,
Dedication: Dedicated to Danielle… who loves Europe almost as much as I do.
They'd ordered breakfast, then Spike had handed Willow a guide, map and money. She'd kissed him and then gone out leaving him to sleep the day away. This was probably the only day she'd be able to go out during the day, so she should make the most of it.
She went down to the reception and asked about the most important things to see: The Anne Frank House, The Palace, The Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, shopping and more. She then decided to dedicate her day to the things that wouldn't be open when the sun went down. Therefore, after a trip to the Anne Frank House, Willow went to the Rijksmuseum. After two hours she sat down to have a cup of tea and look out the window. It was getting dark already, and it was only one-thirty. Taking a bite out of her sandwich she contemplating returning to the hotel, but decided against it.
Having enough of the museums she went back to Leidseplein and walked passed the shops. She hadn't seen anything worth buying though. All of a sudden though she watched two ladies walk out of a hairdresser's salon. In the window of the shop she saw her reflection: plain. She'd been waning to change herself and figured what better than to do it in Europe. Amsterdam of all places.
She bravely walked in and was greeted with hellos and smiles, which made her a little less nervous.
"Hoi." A lady smiled. "Wat kan ik voor je doen?"
"Um, hi." Willow said not understanding.
The woman smiled understanding and said. "My name is Karen."
"Willow" she replied in relief.
Karen smiled and led Willow to a chair. "What would you like me to do, Willow?" Her accented English was soft and polite.
"Anything." Willow said receiving a chuckle. "I want a new look that'll knock my boyfriend out." She looked down at her fitting blue jeans and thick red sweater, "I'm gonna go buy a little more stylish clothes too, but I want to do hair fist."
The hairdresser nodded and then playing with Willow's hair put it into different positions. Eventually she said: "I Want to dye your hair a brighter red, with a little gold. That will give you a fuller look. Then I just want to style cut it. Are you looking for a chique or sexy look?"
"Definitely sexy," Willow smiled.
"All right. Also, how about making it more wavy? Your hair is really straight and a little wave would bring out your face more."
Concerned she asked, "like ringlets?"
"Ringlets?"
"Yeah, small curled, like locks?"
"Oh, no. That's too much. Just a little wave."
"Okay, if you think that's good, sure."
Karin nodded and left. Willow followed her with her eyes, watching as she put together the necessary items to transform Willow's hair. As her hair was being dyed, Willow hoped that Spike would like it. She opened her mind to find out what he was up to. He was fast asleep still, dreaming of the two of them at home watching TV with their arms round each other. It was not terribly exciting, but the fact that he dreamed about the two of them in that position- relaxed, comfortable, and loving- made her feel all gewy. It was so sweet, and she smiled.
Keeping the contact open, but keeping her mind more on the events surrounding her hair Willow admired the fine work that was being done. She'd really needed a revamping. No pun intended.
Halfway through the process, Willow heard Spike wake up. 'Hey Sleepyhead."
'Hmm, luv. Where are you?' his voice was still sleepy.
'I'm pampering myself. I'm at the hairdressers. I'm dying my hair, cutting it a little and then I'm going to start working on a new wardrobe.'
'What's wrong with the one you have now?'
'Have you seen all the fuzzy sweaters?'
Spike chuckled. 'I like the fuzzy sweaters… sometimes.' He amended.
Willow laughed out loud getting a funny look from Karin. She just shook her head and went back to talking to Spike. 'You picking me up?'
'Sure, luv, where are you?'
Willow found out and told him.
'I'll be there in a whiles.'
''Kay.' She said and then started to pay more attention to her hair. They left their connection open, and Willow listened as Spike hummed an unknown tune. 'Sing something.' She requested. She felt as if she could hear him smile as he began to sing to her, changing the words slightly.
Don't look at me
Mm, mm,
Yeah, eah, oh, ooh,
Everyday is so wonderful, then suddenly, it's hard to breathe
Now and then you get insecure, from all the pain
You're so ashamed
You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
You are beautiful in every single way
Yes words can't bring you down, Oh no
So don't let them bring you down today
To all your friends you're delirious
So consumed in all your doom
Trying hard to fill the emptiness, the pieces gone,
Left the puzzle undone, ain't that the way it is?
You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring you down, no, no
Cause you are beautiful in every single way
Yes words can't bring you down. Oh, no
So don't you bring me down today
No matter what you do,
No matter what you say,
You're the song inside the tune, full of beautiful mistakes
And everywhere you go,
The sun will always shine
And tomorrow you might awake on the other side
'Cause you're are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes words won't bring us down, no
We are beautiful in every single way
Yes words can't bring us down, oh , no
So don't you bring me down today
Mm, yeah, don't you bring me down today
Yeah, yeah, ooh,
Don't you bring me down, ooh, today
Tears fell down Willow's cheeks as she listened to him sing to her. His haunting voice had always caused her emotions and moods to change. He could calm her down, rile her up, arouse, comfort and make her feel safe. All, with a song, or a special choice of words.
"What's wrong?" Came Karin's confused and shocked voice.
"Nothing," Willow smiled genuinely. "I just can't wait for Spike to see me with my style change."
"Spike, your boyfriend?"
"My other half. He is everything to me."
Karin smiled and continued working silently, cutting Willow's hair.
'Kay, luv, I'm done. Direct me to you.' Spike said, Willow recounted her steps as he walked the path he'd used. She could feel him, when he opened the door and walked in. All the women in the shop turned in order to appraise him and Willow smiled.
"Kan ik u helpen?" Karin stuttering asked.
"No thanks, ducks. I'm just here to pick up Willow."
Willow saw Karin look at her wide-eyed. "This is Spike?"
"Yup." Then looking at Spike, Willow said, "I'm almost done, Spike."
"No rush, luv. I saw a butcher around the corner. I'm gonna get some food, and then I'll be back."
"Okay," she watched him leave the shop.
"He's very handsome." Karin said.
"Yes, he's gorgeous." Willow watched as the hairdresser blow-dried her hair and put some products in it. She thought she was almost unrecognisable with it. Willow loved it though. Just as she was paying Spike walked in.
"All done?" He asked.
She turned and received a receding whistle from him. She walked up to Spike and kissed him. "Like it?"
"Love it, pet. You're even more a fire goddess than you were before." His arm slipped around her waist as he pulled her to his side.
Looking at Karin, Willow said, "Thank you."
"You are very welcome. Now, you remember where the stores are that I told you about?"
"Yup. But, I'm gonna take Spike shopping first. Thanks again, Karin."
"Shopping pet?" Spike asked confused as soon as they were back on the street.
"Yes. We're going to go shopping for you first. I wont make you change colours, though I think that a light blue or a white would look amazing on you, but at least a style change is in order."
"I wont be dressed like a poof."
"I'm not asking you to be. I was thinking more casual but chique."
"We'll see," came the reply. "Where are we going then?"
"The Armani store. It's on the P.C. Hoofdstraat. Then, if there's nothing there, I thought to go to the street Karin told me about; the Calverstraat. She said that there's a really nice leather shop where they might have some great leather pants. What do you think?" Willow smiled up at Spike sweetly.
"I think what the lady wants, the lady gets." Spike said after a sigh. Linking their hands, Spike let Willow drag him around.
Spike rolled off of Willow and pulled her into his arms. He listened to her still racing heart feeling pride at bringing her to her ecstasy driven state. "You okay, luv?"
"Mmm." She replied.
"So, what do you want to do tonight?" He waited as she thought, wondering what she'd choose.
"Are there any good nightclubs in Amsterdam?"
"Bloody brilliant ones, but I doubt you'd want to go there."
"Why not?" She pouted.
"They're mostly strip and or erotica joints."
Willow scrunched her nose. "Not thanks. Is there anything else?"
"Well, lets see. The people around your age go to places like the 'Melkweg' and 'Paradiso'. There's also a very elite club here in Amsterdam. I've never been there, though."
"Is there something like the Bronze?"
"The Melkweg's probably the closest you're gonna get. Wanna go there?"
"Okay," Willow smiled. They both got out of bed and changed. Willow put on the new leather pants she'd bought and a green sparkly top. Letting Spike help her with her coat, she allowed him to lead her off into the night.
The club was great Willow thought. That night happened to be 'Que Pasa?'. Therefore they only played Latin music. Spike turned out to be a great salsa dancer, showing her basic steps. Eventually Willow had needed to rest, though, and after getting a drink they'd headed up to the balcony. They stood there watching the people below, laughing at the fools and admiring the talent. Eventually a nice slow song came up and they headed back down. This time, though, they merely held each other tightly as they danced forgetting about special moves; just wanting to be close to each other.
Ella dio
Un paso atras
Un
adios
Y no queda mas
Me dejo la soledad
A pleno sol
En
pleno mar
Bella, bella el amanecer (Solo para mi)
Bella, belleza de mujer
Ella todo me lo dio
Desde
alma hasta la piel,
Fue mi verso a mi papel
Fue mi amiga y
fue mi amor
Conocia mi interior
Como bola de cristal
Me alejo de todo mal,
Me dio lo mejor
Mirame Por
favor
Aqui estoy
Con mi dolor
Si la ves
Alguna
vez
Dile que yo
La sigo amando
Bella, bella el
amanecer
(Aqui estoy tan mal, tan solo)
Bella, belleza de
mujer
Ella todo me lo dio
Desde alma hasta la piel,
Fue mi verso a mi papel
Fue mi amiga y fue mi amor
Conocia
mi interior
Como bola de cristal
Me alejo de todo mal,
Me
dio lo mejor
"Spike." Willow's voice was barely more than a whisper in his ear.
"Luv."
"Take me back to the hotel." She said letting him get their coats and lead her back.
Late afternoon the couple woke up refreshed. They quietly lay entangles between the sheets. The comfortable silence formed by the thoughts going on through each of their heads. They were too absorbed with their own to pay attention to the other's, but had they, thy would have realised that their thoughts were the same. As much as they wanted to see everyone again, they didn't really want to be leafing the next day.
Spike was therefore determined to make the most of the last night they had left. He'd bought Willow a new dress and taken her out to eat in the Amstel Hotel, which held a very exclusive restaurant that also catered to the more unusual clients, much to Willow's delight. So, while Spike had a rare steak, a glass of O-pos and Blood worst soup; Willow enjoyed a fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon, beef rotund, and a side Caesar salad.
The conversation, which began with plans for the night, drifted to Christmas presents and ideas for decorating the house in London. They then turned to literature as Spike told of some of the finer works of the last centuries. Willow listened with full rapture to his voice; it had a way of hypnotising her, that when he stopped taking she was sorry for the loss.
"What?" Spike wondered at her gaze.
"Nothing," Willow smiled shyly shaking her head.
Spike smiled. "Must be something, luv, you're blushing and as much as I love to see you blush, you don't do it around me unless it's something."
Softly and quickly Willow said, "I-love-to-hear-you-talk."
"Come again?"
"I love to hear your voice." Willow's blush brightened.
He chuckeled, "Good thing too, considering how much I like to talk." When their laughter died down, Spike spoke up. "So, luv, this time next year we'll be living in the mother country. Excited yet?"
Her smile lit her face. "I can't wait. It'll be great, Spike. Are you going to open another club?"
"Think so. What should I call it, Red?"
Willow thought for a moment. "Well, I already have a club named after me. How about naming it after Dru?"
Spike was surprised. He never expected Willow to mention Dru. Ronan maybe, Xander perhaps, but Dru? She constantly surprised him. She knew how important his Dark Princess had been to him, still was, but she was never jealous or angry. Rather, she supported him, encouraging him to keep his memories of her. "Dru?"
"Yeah," Willow continued casually. "Like Dark Dru, or Evil Dru, or Dru's iss Edith, or something." Then Willow added, "Of coarse none of them have the same ring to them as Firey Red, but you'll think of something- Oh, how about Dru's Beat You told me how she loved snacking on constables in London, and it would double as a music beat. I thin it would work. You might wanna ask Ronan or Angel, though, they're more artistic than I am and-" Willow was in full rant.
'She might love to listen to me, but she's just as cute when she's going on like this.' Spike told himself.
"I'm rambling." Willow blushed bringing a hand to her mouth. 'Will I ever outgrow it?' She said in her head.
"I bloody well hope not." Spike said in answer. At the look on her face he continued: "It's part of you, Willow. A part I love."
"But it's so child-like."
"I'm no poster-boy for maturity, luv." Spike reached over and took one of her hands in his.
"But still, it's-"
"It's part of you. You don't have to sound mature, Willow. I know how mature you can be." They sat there in silence letting playing fingers tell their wishes. "Now, how do you think my wayward childe is doing?"
"He's probably getting smothered by his relatives who are wondering about Casey and his changed diet."
"As well as his youthfulness." Spike smirked.
"Youthfulness?" Willow asked. "Ronan can pass for 34. Just the fact that he'd travelling with a 16 year old girl might pose some questions."
"Well, luv, I look almost 30 and I'm travelling with an 18 year old."
"An 18 year old who because of a recent change in looks and attire can pass for early 20s. We look passable, Spike. They don't although they fit together so well. You're sure he hasn't made a move?"
Spike picked up a piece of cheese in his hand and shook it. "No. He's told Xander that she's still too young."
"Buffy and Angel looked good together. He looked too old for her as well, but they didn't care."
"True, but Red, this is Ronan we're talking about. Bookish, story reading, bovine drinking, prudish vampire.
"I'm bookish, and I like it when you sing to me, or when Ronan reads to me."
"Yes luv, bit you also weren't the instigator."
"Neither were you." She pointed out. "Well, if we're going to be that picky, then we'll have to thank peaches for it." Spike gave a look of disgust.
"Angelus did put us in that position." He conceded and then turning the conversation said, "well, I give Ronan another two years and then he'll do something."
"That is if Casey doesn't attack him first." Willow smiled. Spike watched as she ate another spoon of crème Brule. His eyes were drawn to her pink tong that licked the spoon clean before it returned to the desert.
His own cracker with cheese paused in front of his mouth. 'Luv.' He said through the mental connection, 'if you keep doing that I'm going to have to take a room here for the night.'
Willow looked at him oddly. "A room? I like the hotel we're staying at. The rooms are beautiful."
'Red, if you arouse me anymore than you already have we won't make it to the hotel.' His closed eyes opened when he was back in control. He smirked and put the cracker into his mouth. They finished quietly and Spike asked for the check.
Walking to the coat check Spike guided Willow with his hand on her lower back. Then, after helping her with her coat he placed her hand in the crook of his arm and led her to a cab.
While they stood outside waiting he noticed her shiver and wrapped her in his arms. She looked up and spiked, which allowed him to bend known and kiss her.
"Hmm, so now we're going to a party?" Willow asked.
"Yes, an old friend is celebrating his 200th turning and he's invited us."
"He's a vampire?"
Spike sensed her twinge of fear and pulled her closer. "Don't worry. There are sanctuary rules and even if there weren't, this would protect you." Spike nuzzled the puncture wound on her neck from his claim. "Just stay near me and nothing will happen to you." They got into the taxi and sat closely to each other quietly admiring the streets they passed through.
The building the taxi came to a stop in front of was of a unique structure, and the room the party was being held in was enormous. It was already in full swing as Spike took her hand and led her in.
Everyone was in black-tie apparel like them. To the sides stood demons and people talking, while in the centre they were dancing. The music was classical, inmost being of a baroque style, which allowed for the casual waltz, but every now and then the style changed and Willow watched as they fell into a fox trot or quickstep. They'd been standing to the side, Spike telling her of the beings he pointed out: some gruesome and others funny looking.
Eventually when a simple waltz came up, Spike whisked her odd onto the dancing floor. At first Willow didn't seem to be getting the rhythm, but once she finally let Spike lead her completely, her feet seemed to fall into place. However, the waltz ended early and Willow sadly let Spike escort her back towards their standing places.
"Enjoying yourself, luv?" He asked.
"It's amazing, Spike." And then added, "after you get over the initial shock of being in a hall full of demons and knowing their not gonna try anything more than a pass it's a little overwhelming."
Spike chuckled at her answer.
"Spike!" A voice called from behind and they turned to see a tall slender woman with brown hair and red highlights. Her dress was long, black, and clung to her body. Around her neck she had a large necklace of intricate beadwork. Even her heels had black beads on them. It had been fifty years since Spike had last seen Kiara, and she hadn't changed. She was still fashionable, beautiful, and the embodiment of pure woman.
"Kiara, how have you been?"
"Miserable, William. You don't call, you don't write- what's a vamp to think?"
"Kiara," he warned her. Spike knew she was kidding, but Willow didn't. He turned to Willow. "Luv, this is Kiara. Kiara, meet Willow."
"Willow, glad to meet you. You keeping my daddy in line? He has a habit of being somewhat, how shall I phrase it? Fleeting."
"She's your childe?" Willow asked.
Spike nodded. "My first of two. There's just Kiara and Ronan. So, luv, that makes you her mum."
"Mummy!" Kiara squeeled. "Spike, you should have told me!" Then turning back to Willow, Spike watched how Kiara began monopolising Willow from him. He followed as his childe began pulling Willow and introducing her to various people and creatures as her mother. Eventually they came to a large Vampire with striking features and dark hair. Kiara ran to hug him and slipped under his arm. "Mummy," she said, "This is my mate Coble. Coble, look, I found Daddy."
"Spike."
"Coble."
"It's been a while. Ever since the mating."
"About fifty years now."
"Fifty-four to be precise." Coble answered and then the conversation died out with neither knowing what to say.
Coble was a traditional vampire who followed the old laws and had a more pomous disposition. Hence the fact that Spike hadn't been to optimistic about the mating between Coble and his childe Kiara. But much to his amazement (or dissapointment depending on the day) they seemed to work well together. Sod, they'd been together foe fifty-four years"
"Darling," Kiara said, "This is Willow. She's my new mummy."
Spike looked at Coble, studing his reaction. He watched as the older vampire took Willow's hand, lifted it to his lips and kissed it. "Enchante," Coble said. Spike lifted her hand and into his, pulling Willow closer to him.
"N-n-nice t-to meet you." Willow said.
Spike assumed she was being taked under the same spell that Coble had cast on Kiara. However, in reality she was scared. Not scared that her life was in danger, but Coble creeped her out. Spike smelled the twinge of fear and pulled Willow closer to him. Then looking at Kiara said: You shouldn't be such a stranger, childe. Leave the loaf at home and come and visit your old man once in a while."
"I will, Spike. It was good to see you again. Take care of mummy."
"I will, luv." Spike gave Kiara a kiss on the cheek, nodded his goodbye to Coble and directed Willow away from them.
"What does she see in him?" Willow asked when they were a good distance off.
"Your guess is as good as mine, luv." Spike remembered asking the same question before Kiara's mating, and having gotten the reply of: 'I just know he's the one.'
"Come on, luv. Let's see there are any other friendly faces. Shall we?" Spike said taking her hand and leading her to a familiar face he saw. "Malcolm, how are you, mate?"
Malcolm turned around and Spike smiled. The two of them were very close friends. Malcolm was perhaps a decade older but the two of them had become fast friends. They'd toured much of North America together causing as much mayhem as possible.
"Spike!" Malcolm gave a brotherly hug. "How's the Hellmouth."
"Going well. When are you visiting us there? You haven't seen the club yet."
"I know. I've been busy as you can see."
Spike saw Malcolm look at Willow and introduced her.
"Spike's Red!" He exclaimed, then taking Willow's hand he kissed it. "You, young lady are all I've been hearing about in the last few months."
Spike chuckled when he saw Willow blush and pulled her beside him.
"I heard you staked Angelus?"
"Yeah." Willow answered softly. There were a bunch of gasps around from those that were listening in.
"Good for you, luv. Never liked the ponce, myself." Malcolm said. "Spike also said that you're finishing up high school."
"You picked a real baby." Spike turned to see Deaver join the group.
"Deaver. How are you?" Spike shook his hand and introduced Willow.
"You know, babe, if you want someone a little younger I'll take good care of you."
Willow smiled cheekily and answered. "If I wanted someone younger I would have found someone my own age."
Spike laughed along with Willow and his friends.
"I like her Spike, she's got spunk." Deaver said.
"That she does." Spike said giving her a peck on the lips and turned back to Malcolm.
Willow was having a great time. Spike, Malcolm, and Deaver were hilarious together. She'd quietly listened and laughed along. Then when a simple waltz ad begun, Malcolm had asked her to dance and swept her off to the dance floor.
Once they'd gotten a nice rhythm going they began talking.
"So, what are your plans for after school?"
"I've been accepted to Oxford." Willow said proudly.
"Have you now? So, Spike'll be coming back to this side of the pond, will he?"
"And hopefully a year later Ronan and my cousin Casey will join us."
"Ronan?" Malcolm asked.
"Spike's childe."
"Spike made another childe?" He said surprised. I wasn't aware."
"He's a childe by ritual. Ronan's sire had been dusted by the Judge earlier last year."
Malcolm nodded. "And where did William find such a devilishly beautiful woman like you? It's a shame he decided to take you to the Hellmouth. You could have gone anywhere. I would have taken you to see the world."
"Actually, I've lived in Sunnydale my entire life." Willow saw Malcolms shocked face and continued. "Angelus kidnapped me and dumped me with Spike. That's how it all started." The dance ended and Malcolm escorted Willow back to Spike who was in deep conversation with Deaver. The two were arguing on the importance of Punk in England, compared to Punk in the USA. Sex Pistols versus the Ramones.
Willow slipped her hand into Spike's and leaned against him. 'Tired, Red?' She heard in her head, though he didn't break conversation.
'Yeah, a little.'
'Okay, give me a moment and we'll go back to the hotel, okay?'
'It's okay, Spike, take your time. I can go home by myself. I know you haven't seen your friends in a long time.'
Just then Malcolm spoke up saying. "Willow looks tired. I'm about to head out myself. I could escort you back to your hotel."
Willow felt very uncomfortable. Dancing with Malcolm was once thing, Spike could be there in seconds, but if she was left with him, she'd be unprotected by Spike.
"If you would, mate." Spike said before she could voice her opinion. "Go on Willow. Malcolm will take good care of you. I'll be back before dawn. Alright, luv?"
Willow nodded unsurely and received a peck on the lips from Spike. Then, before she knew it Malcolm had whisked her away.
In the car on the way to the hotel, Willow kept quiet, fearful of her companion. She looked out the window trying hopelessly to enjoy her last few looks of Amsterdam. The following night she and Spike would be returning to London. However, Malcolm's presence prevented her from her wishes as she felt the need to be on guard.
"I can smell your fear, Willow. You have no need to fear me. Spike's claim alone protects you from other vampires and demons." Malcolm's voice was different and it put Willow even more on edge. His eyes seemed to have a sinister look in them. Then she felt his hand lay on her knee and she froze.
'Willow,' She heard Spike as her concered, but she was too scared to reply.
"Willow," Malcolm continued. "I may not be able to touch you know, but I'm hoping that you'll come to me. Leave Spike now, or let him leave you later, it makes no difference to me."
"Spike wont-" Willow began.
"Wont leave you? You're just a fuck to him. He's had human pets before and he hasn't kept them around."
Willow looked puzzled. Others? Spike hadn't said anything. "But he loves me." She countered.
"Loves you?" He chuckled, "that's what he told Pauline and where is she? Six feet under."
The car stopped and Willow scrambled to get out. However, before she could close the door Malcolm said: "Ask him about Pauline. He'll tell you. I'm on the Herengracht number one hundred and twenty-eight if you change your mind."
Willow closed the door and raced to their room. She changed and crawled under the covers letting her insecurities lull her to sleep.
The fear he'd felt Willow radiate through the bond had been strong enough for Spike to worry and leave the party in a rush in search of her. Whatever Malcolm had done he would pay dearly. But when he entered the room and fond her asleep he sighed in relief.
He'd been so worried he hadn't checked the connection to see if she was alright. As he undressed getting ready for bed he tried to see what had frightened her so, and when he found it the images and words bombarded him. He saw the car ride and Malcolm telling her Spike would leave her. He saw Malcolm welcoming him to her and telling her she would be like Pauline.
Pauline. That name had been forgotten. The only other mortal he had claimed. He had left her and had regretted it for decades, until he'd seen her again thirty years later. She was old; she'd married and had children and grandchildren. They'd talked and sorted things out, parting on good terms.
Tomorrow on the boat back to London, they'd talk. What Malcolm had done would not be forgotten, not would it be left as it was.
Spike slid into bed, spooning against his witch. He kissed her temple and then closed his eyes and slept.
END of Part B