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Spike stared at the ceiling. "Sire," he said softly, his voice a whisper.
Angel turned over, opening a chocolate eye. "William."
The three vampires had decided to sleep together, Angel in between Xand and Spike. Spike had woken up right after Willow broke free from the dream, and had been staring at the ceiling. He had his hands behind his head. "Sire, I did a bad thing, I think."
Angel sat up, running his fingers through his hair. "What, William? What did you do?"
Spike looked at him, real tears filling his eyes. "I hurt her."
Angel laughed bitterly. "Like we haven't been doing that all night, Spike."
"No, Angelus," he said quietly. "I didn't hurt her on the surface. I hurt her here." He reached out, trailing his fingers across the silent part of Angel's chest - the place where no heart beat.
Angel captured Spike's hand, curling his fingers around his favorite childe's long digits. "What did you do?" he asked, pulling Spike's hand up to his lips, kissing each knuckle softly, trying to sooth his childe.
"I played on her loneliness. I. . .I reminded her that everyone was happy but her. I bloody accused her of never letting me in." He chewed his bottom lip. "And it felt good, Angelus. As much as I hate that I did it, it felt so good to see that shocked hurt look in her eyes."
Angel leaned down, pulling his childe to him. He held him tightly, wishing he could take some of the younger vampire's pain away.
*~*~*~*
~Willow looked around the bathroom. "Well. So here I am. In the bathroom." She glanced around. "I'm pretty sure this is a dream. . .so I wonder where everyone is." She pulled open the door, sticking her head out. She glanced around, surprised that no one was there. She went to the bed, seeing Xander sleeping. She had to giggle to herself. He was on his back, his mouth wide open, a soft snoring filling the room. Xander always snored when he slept hard.
She went to the phone and picked it up, calling Angel's apartment. After three rings, Angel picked up the phone. "Hello?" he answered groggily.
"Did I wake you up?" she asked.
"Yea, but it's ok," he answered. "Are you ok?"
"Am I in a dream?" she questioned, looking around. She had thought it was a dream, but it didn't really seem like one. . .she felt different than she did in the last dreams.
"No, Wills, I don't think so. Xand and Spike are asleep beside me. . ." Angel yawned. "Demon's settled. . .so. . .I don't know."
"Woah," Willow whispered. "I'm not in a dream." She giggled. "Good. I'm going to go, k?"
"Bye, Willow," he said. She hung up.
She sat down on the bed, leaning forward. She ran her hand over Xander's face. He slowly opened his eyes. She smiled. "Morning," she whispered.
"Hey," he grinned. "How are you this morning?"
"I'm better," she said softly. "I had another bad dream, but I'm awake now. Nightmares can't hurt me while I'm awake."
He sat up. "So, Wills, what are you going to do?" he asked softly.
"I don't know," she whispered. "I can't keep having them. . .they hurt too much. I wish I could just stay awake for the rest of my life."
"You can't do that," he sighed. He reached out, taking her hand. "I'm sure there are. . .other things you can do. Nothing I want you to do though. . ."
She frowned, turning to him. "Like what?" she asked.
He shook his head. "No, it was a bad idea. I mean, it would mean. . ." He looked down. "You wouldn't be here anymore." Tears filled his eyes.
"What?" she asked with a frown. She had no idea what he was talking about.
"Nothing," he answered. "I wasn't going to suggest suicide. . ." His eyes widened and he clamped his hand over his mouth.
"Suicide?" she whispered, her mind swirling. The idea almost sounded good. She'd finally get away from the nightmares. . .and perhaps it would release Spike, Angel, and Xand from the spell. She chewed on her bottom lip. "Maybe I should. . ."
"No!" Xander cried, grabbing her forearms. "I won't let you! You are my best friend! I can't imagine you not being here! What would Spike do?"
She shrugged, looking down. "Probably find Dru," she sniffed, tears falling down her cheeks. "He would be happier with her." She sighed.
"But, Wills. . .you *can't*!" he cried, grabbing her hands.
She pulled her hands away. "I've got to. It's the only way, Xander." She leaned forward, brushing her lips against his. "I love you. Please don't ever forget that." She got up and went into the bathroom, shutting and locking the door behind her. She ignored Xander's loud knocking and yelling as she took out a razor and started to calmly slit her wrists. < Funny, > she thought absentmindedly, watching the blood well up in the cut. < I always thought that suicide would hurt more. . . >
She watched herself bleed, wishing Spike was there. < He would enjoy all the blood, > she thought, chuckling to herself. She ran her fingers through the blood dripping down her arms, giggling insanely at the patterns she made. Smiling gently, she laid back, closing her eyes for the last time.~
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