Chapter Seven
Willow walked into the bar, the smell of smoke, food and bodies hitting her. It was altogether not an unpleasant smell, and she found herself smiling at the differences in people there. People in cowboy hats and boots sat with people in business suits. A few punk looking types were laughing with some good ole boys at the dart boards. Waitresses wove through the tables with smiles and words for everyone. Willow suddenly knew why Buffy had chosen this place to live. These people were NICE. And not in that scary Stepford kind of way. Shuffling through the restaurant part of the bar, she followed the sound of loud music and worked her way through the throngs of people to the stage area. The band was just setting up, and the jukebox was apparently getting everybody ready for the high decibels to come.
Seeing Mark kneeling on the stage, tuning his guitar, she threaded her way through the crowd to him. Once she reached him, she tapped him on the shoulder, offering him a shy smile when he turned around. The grin that split his face made her breath catch in her throat, and fluttering start in her stomach.
“You made it.” He called over the din. She nodded, nervously twisting her fingers in front of her, her bright hair bouncing around her shoulders. Taking the guitar off, he set it aside and jumped off the stage. “Where’s your friend from earlier?” He asked, taking her by her elbow and leading her to a table.
“He sacked out.” She told him, hoping her blush wasn’t noticeable in the dark club. The feel of his hand on her elbow caused her heart to speed up in a pleasant way.
“Too bad.” Mark said in such a way that let Willow know that he didn’t really think so. “Want something to drink?”
“Uhm, yeah. Just a coke though, I drove here.” She told him.
“Beautiful and conscientious, I knew I liked you.” Willow blushed again, and he flashed her a wicked grin before moving to the bar. When he came back, he set the drink down in front of her, then waved to his bandmates on the stage. “We’re getting ready to start. Will you stick around til the end of the show?” She nodded, smiling again. He brushed a hand over her hair and moved away, jumping gracefully back onto the stage. She watched as he picked his guitar back up and plugged it in, before turning towards the crowd. His eyes sought her out, and he smiled hugely. She caught her bottom lip between her teeth, nervously tucking her hair behind her ear when some of the people near the stage turned and looked at her. Their attention went back to the stage when Mark started to speak.
“How’s everybody doin’ tonight?” He waited for the loud roar of whoops and whistles to stop before he spoke again. “I figured I’d start off a little different tonight. We have a special guest from out of town, and I would like to play this for her.” All eyes turned to Willow again, and she was grateful for the darkness once again when she felt her face blaze. When the first few haunting chords of Hotel California filled the air, Willow forgot all about the people and just lost herself in sound of his voice.
~*~*~
Anne and Spike walked in just as Mark started the second verse. Spike felt himself relax a bit when he recognized the Eagles. *Least I won’t have to pretend to like that twangy shit* he thought to himself as Anne pulled him into the room. It was packed, and there was no chance of getting close to the stage. Spike saw the bouncer from two nights before, and his look of recognition was now understandable. He was Buffy’s friend, and knew that Matt was Spike’s.
“They’re good.” He said, with no little amazement. What they were doing here was a mystery.
“Yeah. They play here most Thursdays, since Mark works on the weekends. I rarely get to see him play anymore.” Anne told him, allowing him to draw her into his embrace, and leaned back against his chest. His arms banded around her waist, and he rested his chin on her head, gently swaying to the music. When the song was over, they launched immediately into Tears of Jupiter, and Spike found himself thanking the God that had forsaken him that Anne had apparently been teasing him.
Between songs, the crowd hooted and howled, stomping and clapping while Mark and the rest of the band drank it in. He was an amazing player, Spike soon realized, when he burst into a guitar solo that rivaled any the blonde had heard before. Women crowded the front of the stage, their faces dreamy with the hopes that he might notice them, but Anne knew none of them would get lucky. She watched as his gaze was continually drawn to the side of the stage, whoever was there was hidden by the crowd. She smiled, happy that he had met somebody that held his attention so raptly.
“You guys have been great.” Mark crooned into the microphone an hour and a half later. Wiping his arm across his forehead, he grinned again. “We’re going to go out on a soft note tonight, so, all you couples grab your honeys and get to swaying.” This elicited a chuckle from the crowd, as several people began to do just that. When the first few notes of Arms Wide Open sounded form the speakers, Spike turned Anne in his arms and pulled her against him. She searched his eyes, a slight frown marring her brow.
“Dance with me.” He said, placing one of her hands on his shoulder, and tucking the other into his and holding her against his chest. With a sigh, she turned herself over to him, and got lost in the blue fire of his eyes, and the feel of his hand pressed against her back. Time stood still as the world seem to come down to just the two of them. Mark’s deep, soulful voice washed over them as he sang about a man finding out he was about to be a father.
Mark watched them from his position on the stage, a bittersweet feeling running through him. They seemed so in tune with each other, so right. They danced like they were the only two people in the room, and the guitar player felt himself smiling. His brown eyes drifted away from the dancing couple, over to Willow. He may have been wrong about there not being another woman like Annie in the world, and he may have just been lucky enough to find her.
Spike slid his hands down her arms as the song came to a close, linking his fingers through hers. He lowered his head, just as she raised hers to brush their lips softly together. Gently they caressed each other’s mouths, tasting and teasing, not rushed or brutal. Everything they felt, but were still too afraid to say, was spoken in that kiss. When they pulled away, and stared deeply into each other’s eyes, it was as if the answers to the universe could be found there.
Anne was the first to recover, and she smiled, releasing one of his hands to tug him behind her .
“Come on, I want you to meet Mark.” He followed her through the crowd, his eyes drinking in the smooth line of her back, the silken curves of her legs. She seemed to wear shorts all the time, and he, for one, was glad. Neither noticed the appreciative glances of the men, or the enthralled faces of the woman as they passed. Mark was standing in the corner of the room, speaking to somebody Anne couldn’t see, and acknowledging the people he knew. She walked up to him, and tapped him on the back.
“Hey, I thought you had to work.” He said, turning to face them. She stepped into his hug, smiling against his chest.
“Tell you about it later. Mark, I would like you to meet Spike.” She waved her hands between the two, looking expectantly at them. Mark took a deep breath and pulled himself to his full height, finally sticking a hand out.
“We met the other night.” He said, reminding the blonde.
“Yeah, I know.” Spike said, taking his hand. They both briefly considered the very childish idea of squeezing just a bit too hard, but one look at the glittering hazel eyes of the woman next to them dispelled it.
“Oh, hey, I’ve got somebody I want you to meet, too.” He turned to the person still behind him, pulling her to his side. “Anne, this is. . .”
“Willow.” Anne’s shocked voice cut Mark off. He looked down at the redhead beside him, then back up at his friend. She had gone pale and was clutching at Spike’s hand as if it were a lifeline. Spike was frowning at Willow, and she looked shell-shocked.
“Buffy?” Mark realized with a sudden clarity that this girl wasn’t just from California, she was from Sunnydale.
“Never mind. You two seem to already know each other.” He bit out, his mind finally conjuring up the memory of the picture beside Anne’s bed. This girl was older, her hair shorter and a little lighter, but it was definitely her.
The two women stared at each other for what seemed like forever. Spike was getting ready to say something, just to break the tension, when, as if a spell had broken, they were suddenly in a fierce hug, tears pouring down both of their faces.
“Oh God, Buffy. I missed you.”
“I missed you, too Will. I’m so sorry.” Anne gasped, clutching Willow like she might disappear. Mark and Spike stood by awkwardly, both uncomfortable with the emotion flowing between the two woman. When they pulled apart, they each raised a hand to the other’s hair.
“Your hair’s brown.”
“And your’s is shorter.” They both giggled at the inane observations. Then, Anne seemed to remember the men. “Oh, Mark, this is my best friend from Sunnydale. You’ve heard me talk about her. I can’t believe this is the girl you met today.” Willow looked up at Mark, her smile fading at the angry gleam in his eye. Her eyes widened when she realized what he must be thinking.
“Oh, Mark. No, I swear, I didn’t know who you were.” She gasped. His brow quirked and he reached for his cigarettes. Spike decided that seemed like a damn good idea, and reached for his own. He felt bad for the bloke, not honestly thinking that Willow was lying, but understanding how it might look to Mark. He felt the need to show some solidarity with the other man, and decided that creating a batch of secondhand smoke for them to breathe would do just fine. Anne looked between the two, her own mind putting the pieces together.
“Mark, if she says she didn’t know. She didn’t know.” Anne told him firmly.
“Fine. I’ll just go get my stuff, let you guys catch up.” Willow watched helplessly as he stormed away. Anne looked at Spike, her eyes asking him to stay with Willow. He nodded and let her hand go so she could go after the tall brunette.
“So, where’s the whelp?” He asked, casually smoking his cigarette. Willow pulled her eyes from Mark’s retreating back, and looked at the vampire.
“Back at the hotel,” she mumbled. Spike’s eyes sharpened at that.
“He’s here?” He growled. She flinched at his tone.
“Yes.”
“I thought you didn’t know where she was.” His tone was accusatory.
“We didn’t. . .look, it’s a long story. Could it wait until Buffy gets back? I only want to tell it once.”
“Fine.” He snapped, dropping his cigarette to the floor and grinding it out. “Want a drink?” Willow waited a beat.
“Hell yes.”
“Right then. Come on.”
~*~*~
“Mark.” Anne walked up behind him, watching him as he pulled the cord from his amp with jerky movements.
“What?” The word was clipped, his usual good humor stripped.
“She’s not deceitful.” She began, only to shrink back from the angry blaze in his eyes.
“That’s good. Why don’t you go talk? Sure she has some interesting things to say.” He said, shoving the cord into his bag.
“Mark. Don’t be an ass. If she came here tonight, it was because she liked you. Not because of some covert reason.” She snapped, glaring at him. When he dropped his hands to his sides, his head hanging so his hair was covering his face, she sighed. “Come on back. Get to know her, you’ll see.” She tugged on his hand, willing him to look at her. When he finally did, she saw that the anger was gone. In it’s place was a touch of wariness. “Come on.” With a sigh, he flashed her a smile.
“Alright. You go, take them to the restaurant side. I’ll meet you over there.”
“Promise?” Her voice held a note of mock threat, her eyebrow quirked up as she waited for him to answer. He snorted, and shook his head.
“Promise. Now go. I’ve got to clean up.”
“Okay.” She smiled brightly, then turned to find her vampire and her best friend. She found them a few minutes later, leaning against the bar commiserating over booze. Actually, it was a beer for Spike, and one of those fruity drinks that Mark always turned his nose up at for Willow. “Ooh, I want one of those. Then let’s go over to the other side, it’s quieter. Mark said he’ll meet us there.” Anne said the last part directly to Willow, pleased when the smile returned to her friend’s face. She didn’t know what had happened to Oz, but it was obvious he was out of the picture. Once Anne had her drink, she took Spike’s hand, much to Willow’s surprise, and led them to the restaurant. When they were seated, she flagged a waitress down and ordered, then indicated that Willow and Spike should as well. Granted, she didn’t actually think Spike would order anything, with the whole need for blood situation.
“You got those blooming onion things?” He asked the pretty blonde, sending her a disarming smile. She nodded mutely, her speaking ability seemingly stilted. She stared at him openly, causing Anne to clear her throat angrily.
“What? Oh, yeah. I’ll just go put this in.” She then beat a hasty retreat, not caring for the hostility from the woman at the table.
“Ow,” Spike whined, when Anne punched his arm. “What the bloody hell was that for?”
“Eyeballing the waitress.” She growled, in a fairly decent imitation of his own fierce rumble. The scarred eyebrow shot up, and he leaned in to brush his mouth over hers.
“Never, kitten.” Her eyes drifted shut for a second, and she savored the cool feel of his lips against hers. Willow watched in amazement at the two across from her. Spike seemed almost lighthearted, a stark contrast to the vampire that had thrown Xander around the month before. And Anne seemed, happy. Being away from Sunnydale had done her a world of good. The witch felt a surge of guilt threaten to choke her.
“So, Will. How did you find me?” Anne asked, as Mark came over to the table. He slid into the booth next to Willow, smiling at her. She smiled back, thankful he wasn’t angry anymore. After he had ordered, Willow took a deep breath and started her tale of how she came to be in San Rios.
~*~*~
“So, you beat up Xander?” Anne asked, nibbling on a piece of deep fried onion.
“Yeah.” Spike said with a smirk. They were all taking bites of the flowering onion, and listening to Willow.
“Good.” She replied, turning back to the redhead. Willow felt a stab of disloyalty when she snickered, but dammit, he had pissed her off.
“Was that the guy that came up to you today?” Mark asked, finding her blushing face stunning.
“Yeah.” She looked down at her hands, twisting the ring on her finger.
“He’s here?” Anne asked, incredulous. Her eyes darted around the room, as if searching him out. Spike watched her reaction with interest, making a mental note to find out just what the boy had done.
“Yeah, here, as in San Rios. I kinda make him go to sleep so I could come tonight.” Spike snorted, and Anne giggled through her ire. Mark looked her gape mouthed.
“You put him to sleep?” Willow felt a touch of pride swell in her breast.
“She’s a witch.” Anne supplied, picking up her drink. Interest filled Mark’s face at that.
“Really?” The redhead nodded, wondering if there was a record for the most blushes in an hour. “You’ll have to tell me about that.” she smiled, and nodded. Anne rested her head on Spike’s shoulder, thinking *Awwww*. Her two best friends seemed to be hitting it off. Spike looked down at her, and smiled. He liked the easy comfort she had with him, and he wondered why he had ever left her.
“I’m sorry, Buffy. I didn’t mean to come here and intrude on your life. It’s just, Xander can be very convincing when he wants to be.” Anne reached across the table and took Willow’s hand.
“I’m glad you came, Will. I didn’t realize how much I missed you until I saw you.” Their fingers linked, and the men suddenly felt out of sorts again, each reaching for their cigarettes.
“You know, your mom really wants to see you. And Matt.” Three sets of eyes snapped to the redhead, making her feel like a bug under a microscope.
“How did you know?” Anne gasped. Willow’s green eyes met hers, sadness filling them.
“I went over to your mother’s one day to return one of Giles’ books. He wasn’t there yet, and the door was open, so, I went in. I found her sitting on the couch, crying. She had a picture, I guess you sent it to her. It was of you and Matt. She said he was your son. One look, and I knew who his father was.” Her eyes dropped to the table, as an uncomfortable silence descended over them.
“Do you have a problem with it?” Anne asked, her voice tight. Spike tensed next to her, waiting for the witch’s answer.
“Oh, Goddess no, Buffy! Why should I if you don’t?” Willow was quick to say. “He’s beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Anne replied. Spike blew out a plume of smoke, a surge of pride spreading through him. Matt was beautiful, as was his mother. And they were both his.
“Think it’s about time to go, kitten.” He said, when she yawned wide. Anne nodded.
“Yeah. How long are you going to be in town? I want to talk, find out about stuff.” Her eyes drifted to Mark, in silent indication of what she meant.
“I don’t know. A while, I guess.” Her own eyes drifted to Mark, then quickly back to Anne. “He’s going to want to see you,” Willow said. Anne sighed, rubbing her tired eyes.
“I don’t know, Will. I don’t know if I can deal with him. Look, just tell him to give me a couple of days. Really important things are going on right now, and he’s just going to have to wait his turn.” Willow nodded, taking the napkin that Anne held out to her with her number. “Call me tomorrow?”
“Alright.” They all filed out of the booth, each reaching for their wallets to pay the check.
“I got it.” Spike said, throwing the money on the table. The girls hugged, and the men shared nonchalant looks.
“Bye, guys.” Anne said with a wave, pulling Spike out with her.
“Bye, Buffy, Spike.”
“Later, Red. Tonto.” Mark’s eyes widened and he moved to go after him. Willow hazarded a hand on his arm.
“Don’t, he just seems to need a nickname for everybody. He calls Xander whelp and puff boy.” Mark didn’t look very convinced, and even less happy, but, he didn’t continue after the couple.
“Can I walk you to your car, m’lady?” he said with a rakish grin, and a grand sweep of his arm. She giggled, and preceded him out into the night.
The walk to Xander’s old, beat up truck was done in a comfortable silence. When they reached it, he placed a hand on the door, and smiled down at her.
“So, you put him to sleep and stole his truck?” She nodded, a guilty look on her face. Her heart tripped in her chest when he rubbed his thumb across her cheek. “Remind me to never piss you off.” She laughed, the sound more nervous, than mirthful. His dark eyes seemed to burn into hers, and the air swirled with electricity. “I’m going to kiss you now.” He warned, his soft voice flowing over her.
“Okay.” She whispered, her eyes drifting shut at the first, gentle brush of his mouth across hers.
There’s something about the first time you kiss somebody. The taste, the texture, the newness of the sensation. The way it makes your stomach flutter, and your heart skip beats. Willow lost herself in the feeling of his lips exploring hers. His mouth was soft, and warm, the taste of the beer he’d had still lingering. When his tongue darted out to tease her slightly parted lips, she responded, sighing when he slipped inside. He throughly explored the sweet cavern of her mouth, before engaging her tongue in a sensual battle. He tasted like cigarettes and beer, and something earthy and wild. She tasted like strawberries, and rum, with the undertone of something purely feminine. He felt like he could drown in her, and die happy.
When he pulled away, he smiled at her desire filled, emerald eyes.
“I want to see you again.” He whispered, his voice husky.
“Me too.”
“I’ll pick you up for lunch tomorrow?” She nodded mutely, looking into his near black eyes. He leaned in to kiss her again, this time with a little more urgency. She met him with her own, her fingers curling around his wrist. Reluctantly, he pulled away, and opened the door for her. After she climbed in, he shut it, and leaned a arm on the open window. “Where are you staying?”
“The Days Inn. Room 16.” Alarm broke through her hazy senses. “Oh, shit, I forgot to tell them that we’re in the same hotel Spike is.” She slapped a hand against her forehead, cursing her stupidity.
“Uh, oh.” Mark said, wondering if he needed go home and get his gun.
“It should be okay tonight. He’ll sleep until tomorrow. I just have to remember to call her in the morning so she can warn Spike. Not like he can’t take care of himself, but Xander can be irrational sometimes.” *Stupid, stupid, stupid* she chanted to herself.
“Well, I’ll call her, too, just in case.” He told her, giving her a reassuring smile.
“Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She said, not really wanting to leave, but feeling like she should get back to make sure he did, indeed, stay asleep.
“Definitely.” He stepped back so she could pull out, watching until the truck was out of sight. Whistling softly to himself, he turned to go back into the bar to get his stuff.
~*~*~
Spike put the car into park, and drew Anne into his arms. She went willingly, inhaling deep his scent.
“It’s nice, seeing them together.” She said, her voice tired.
“Yeah, I suppose.” Spike replied. Anne snorted against his chest, leaning up to look at him.
“You suppose? You’re such a romantic Spike.” she teased. He hauled her against his chest, teasing her jawline with his mouth. Anne trembled with the sensation, relishing the heat his touch induced.
“I’ll show you how much of a romantic I am.” He whispered in her ear. His hands ran restlessly over her back, sliding under the t-shirt she was wearing. The promise in his voice made the ache intensify between her thighs, and she felt herself dampen considerably.
“I told you, no sex. Not yet.” She gasped when his wandering fingers found the swell of her breast, and she suddenly forgot what she was protesting.
“Not going to have sex,” he purred, his other hand deftly sliding inside her shorts. He silently thanked the gods for whoever invented elastic.
“Oh, God.” She moaned when his cool fingers parted her folds and slipped inside. Two fingers delved into her tight heat, as his thumb circled the tiny bundle of nerves at the top. Her hips gyrated against his hand, her head lolling to the side to give his mouth more access to her throat.
“That’s it, Buffy.” He whispered, quickening his hand’s movements to match hers. Her fingers clutched tightly at his shoulders, and her breath came in husky gasps. His lips latched over his mark on her neck, sucking hard. With a shriek of his name, she jetted over the edge, her juices flowing over his hand, her inner muscles clamping tight over his thrusting fingers. His other arm snaked around her waist as she rode out the orgasm, tremors shaking her to her core. Spike felt like he was going to bust, but he didn’t move to try to take things further.
She collapsed in a heap against him, and Spike pulled his hand out of her pants. She turned to look at him, watching in erotic fascination as he licked his fingers clean.
“Delicious.” he purred, leaning in to kiss her. The taste of herself on his tongue had her seriously reconsidering this whole waiting idea. “Think you’d better go on home now, kitten. I’ll see you tomorrow.” With a grimace, Anne moved to climb off of him. They got out of the car together, and he walked with her around to the driver’s side.
“Know of any good butcher shops that’ll sell a man a spot of blood?” He asked her, holding her door open for her. Her eyes widened when she realized the implications behind his words. Yeah, he had told her that he had stopped being the Big Bad, but she hadn’t thought he had stopped feeding on humans. The thought that he had made her heart swell.
“There’s one off of Maple,” she told him, pulling him down to her for another scorching kiss. When they pulled apart, it was all he could do not to throw her over his shoulder and drag her back into the hotel room for some proper reacquainting. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Nothing could keep me away from what’s mine.” She smiled hugely at him, before reluctantly pulling her door closed.
“Goodnight, Spike.”
“Goodnight, kitten.” Then, she pulled out of the parking spot, and drove off into the night. Smiling to himself, and savoring the taste of her in his mouth, and the smell of her on his skin, he turned and went inside.