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Bored Series - False Grief -- by Ruby
Rating: PG-13
Description: Things are not always what they seem, sequel We Are But Dust And A Shadow.
Note: Dedication -- To Charity!!!! Her threats are lethal!:-)
Disclaimer: Joss owns all. I own nothing. Story of my life.
"Willow," Spike leaned over and brushed the bloodied hair from her face.
"Baby, open your eyes. Come on, luv."
He caressed her arm, and Willow moaned softly. As her eyes fluttered open, Spike released the unneeded breath he'd been holding.
"Spike," her voice was barely more than a whisper.
"I'm here, baby," he replied.
She tried to sit up and gasped at the pain behind her eyes. Spike coaxed her back onto the soft cushions of the sofa.
"Be still, pet," he said.
"Where are we?" she asked.
"At the warehouse. It was the only place I could think of. Besides, I think the slayer and soulboy have had enough for one night."
Memories began to rush back to the weakened girl, "They were there, at the house."
He nodded, "I had to get you out of there."
"Xander? It was Xander who did this, wasn't it?"
"He was coming after me, luv. You should have stayed out of the way," he told her.
"I couldn't," she said. "He was going to--"
"I know," he took her hand and squeezed it. "A mortal, risking her life for a vampire. That's one for the watchers' tomes."
"You're not just any vampire," she smiled.
"And you're not just any mortal. You're mine," he answered.
Silence drifted through the books on the shelves and wrapped itself around the young people who were sitting around the library table.
"It isn't your fault, Xander," Buffy finally spoke. "You couldn't have known what Willow would do."
Xander's eyes were red-rimmed and had the distant look of shock.
"Willow has been my best friend since--forever," he said. "Murdered by her best friend."
"Stop it, Xander," Giles' clear voice snapped. "No one here blames you for what happened. Self-pity will accomplish nothing."
Xander shoved the chair back with enough force to send it toppling over, "Self-pity! Is that what you think this is? You unfeeling bastard! She's dead--because of me!"
The words stung, but the watcher was relieved to see color return to the young man's face.
"Take it easy," Angel said. "The last thing we need is for us to start fighting with each other."
"Where's Oz?" Giles asked. "Is he all right?"
"He went home," Buffy answered. "He didn't say much, but he's really hurting."
"He must hate me," Xander whispered.
"It was an accident. No one hates you," Buffy was beginning to feel exasperated.
Xander looked at her sadly, "I'm sorry. This is just all so--I don't know how to deal with this."
"I know," the slayer's voice softened, and she reached out to embrace him. "We'll find a way to get through this. Just hang on."
Willow cried out as Spike dabbed at the wound above her ear.
"Sorry, pet," he said softly.
"It's okay," she smiled.
"Almost finished," he promised.
"They always seem to know where you are, don't they?" Willow asked, referring to the minions who had arrived a few minutes ago with the medical supplies Spike would need to tend to her wound.
He grinned, "They'd better, if they know what's good for them." Willow flinched as he gently pressed a square of gauze against her head and taped it into place. He set the rest of the dressing aside and moved back onto the sofa, pulling Willow against him. He wrapped his arm around her and kissed her.
"You need to get some sleep, baby," he told her. "Let me take you to bed."
"It's still here?" she asked in surprise.
Spike chuckled, "We're like the Boy Scouts. Always prepared."
"Boy Scouts with fangs. Interesting concept," she replied.
Spike lifted her and carried her into the bedroom. He undressed her and helped her into bed. Then he shed his own clothes and moved in beside her, settling her carefully against his naked chest.
"Is this ever going to get easy?" she wondered.
"I wouldn't count on it," he answered.
"What do we do now?" she asked.
"Now, we get some sleep," he told her. "And give you a few days to regain your strength."
"And then?"
"And then we go talk to the slayer," he said.
"What!" she exclaimed as she lifted herself up on his chest.
"Sleep, Willow," he ordered, pulling her back down.
Sighing, she surrendered to his insistent arms as they held her firmly against him.
"You're crazy. Completely insane," she whispered as sleep began to claim her senses.
"Yeah, but you love it," he stated.
"Yup. I do," she agreed.
The End
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