Willow woke suddenly to a loud crash. "BLOODY HELL, PEACHES! Tell your chit to get away from me with the cross!"

Willow got out of bed and put on her clothes, inching to the door. She glanced out into the living room. Spike was standing in the middle of the room, hands up in a defenseless position. Cordelia and Wesley were in front of him, the former cheerleader holding a cross. Angelus was off to the side, his eyes narrowed.

"Cordelia, put the cross down," Angelus said.

"Angel," she said sternly, "I'm not going to let the Bleached Wonder come in here and hurt you *again*. Don't you remember what happened last time he was here?"

"I have the bloody chip, you chit," Spike growled.

"But you could still hurt demons," Wesley said. "The group in Sunnydale has told us all about your condition."

"If I could kill you. . ." Spike growled angrily.

Willow rushed out. "Spike!" she cried. "What are you doing here?"

Spike turned to Willow, a smile crossing his face. He glanced behind Willow at Angelus, his eyes asking a question. Angelus nodded slightly. "Pet!" Spike cried, grabbing Willow in a hug. "You are here! I've been looking *everywhere* for you!" He pulled away, looking down at Willow. "Just because Slutty is a bitch doesn't mean you have to leave. I thought the two of you had finally decided to get along? Of course, with her going right back to being stuck to Farm Boy, I can see why you left. . .but you should have told me."

Willow smiled, having no clue what Spike was talking about, but knew to play along. "I. . .uh, came here, Spike," she said quietly. "Actually, I came to LA, not here specifically. And um. . .I went to The Bloody Kiss. . .and a couple of vampires attacked me, and one of them bit me. Somehow I managed to call Angel. . ." Willow glanced back at Angelus, who nodded slightly. She smiled at him, causing him to unconsciously smile back. She turned back to Spike. "Angel saved me. I've been here."

"I *worried* about you," Spike emphasized.

"You. . .did?"

"Of course, pet," he said, stroking her cheek. She closed her eyes and sighed softly, leaning into his touch. Unlike Angelus and his smooth hands, Spike's hands were rough and calloused, causing delicious sensations to run through her body. "I love you."

Willow's eyes flew open when his lips touched hers. < Oh, goddess, Angelus is going to *kill* us! > Spike's tongue brushed against her lips, urging them to part for him. She resisted him as much as she could, until finally, she melted into his embrace. He plundered her mouth, kissing her with reckless abandon.

It was a different kind of kiss than Angelus'. The older vampire's kisses were seductive and smooth, gentle and caressing. Spike's kiss was passionate and violent, his tongue staking claim on every inch of her mouth he touched.

He pulled away, grinning maniacally. She stood stock-still, eyes closed, lips puckered. Her face was tilted up to his. "Pet," he murmured, brushing the strand of hair out of her face.

She opened her eyes and blinked at him. "Spike? Oh, goddess, Spike. . ."

Angelus walked up to Willow, putting a hand on her back. "Little One," he said smoothly.

She froze in fear, knowing that she had to treat him like Angel. "Angel," she said weakly, turning around.

He smiled down at her. "I'm so happy for you and Spike. He told me the two of you were together, but I wasn't sure. . .you know how Spike can be." He turned to Cordelia and Wesley. "See, guys? He was just concerned about his love. You remember, Cordelia, how concerned he was about Dru. . ." Angelus faltered. "Oh, yea, of course you'd remember." He frowned. "I'm sorry. . .Cor. . ."

Willow looked away, the memories of kissing Xander and Cordelia getting impaled replaying in her head. She sniffed softly as tears filled her eyes. She never did want Cordelia to get hurt.

"Yea, well," Cordelia said smoothly, "that's in the past. Wills, we should go shopping later, after the Blond One is assured that you are ok."

Willow automatically looked up at Angelus for permission, without thinking about it. Cordelia frowned, wondering why Willow looked like she was going to ask Angel for permission. Angelus smiled down at the witch. "Yes, Little One, I will give you money," he said. "I will give some to Cordelia too."

Willow batted her eyelashes at him. "Thank you, daddy," she purred.

His demon roared, at the way she flirted with him. However, he remained calm, except for the cocking of his eyebrow. "Daddy?"

"If I'm dating Blondie, then I feel I deserve the right to call you 'daddy' ." She grinned.

He smiled down at her. Only Willow saw the desire and passion in his eyes. She looked up at him, biting her bottom lip. He resisted the urge to take her in his arms and claim her right there. "Go to the mall," he said softly, his voice huskier than usual. "Spike and I need to. . . talk." Angel glanced over Willow to Spike. Spike grinned at Angelus.

"Ok, we'll be gone for a while," Willow said quietly, taking the money that Angelus gave her. "Thanks." She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.

After slipping on her shoes, the two women walked out of the apartment, accompanied by the former Watcher.

"Well, that went well," Spike said, his hands behind his back. "Everyone thinks Red and I are dating now."

"Thus giving you the perfect reason to stay," Angelus grinned.

A slow smile spread on Spike's face. "I'm liking this idea more and more."

"Come here, boy," Angelus growled.

Spike sauntered to his Sire. "Yes, luv?" he grinned.

Angelus grabbed Spike and pulled the younger vampire to his body. He kissed his childe, claiming him in the most intimate of ways.