Not-So-Pleasant Buffy

 

By PassionFish

 

 

Time Line:  Set at the very end of the S5 episode where Glory beats Spike up!  Mild spoilers for previous episodes.

 

Rating: A [NC-17]

 

Nominations:  Go here…yep, this fic actually got some!

 

Disclaimer:  See page

 

Feedback:  Please do…..but be gentle, this was one of my first fics!  morbiddesiresbypassionfish@hotmail.com

 

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Part Two

 

Spike woke just before the sun set.  Most of his injuries were gone thanks to the wonder of vampire healing powers.  He inhaled unnecessarily as he awoke, becoming aware of various points of interest.  Firstly, the scent of the Slayer hit his senses straight away and he immediately hardened.  Secondly, his arms were wrapped around a warm, female body.  He could feel her heartbeat through his chest, and she was breathing deeply as she slept.  He took points one and two and decided that the girl he was hugging so possessively to his chest had to be the Slayer, his Slayer.  Spike smiled kissing the top of her head, his smile turning to a frown as he wondered what she was doing in his bed and if she was going to stake him when she awoke. 

Thirdly, he continued his observations, both of them were clothed but under a sheet.  Well, he was clothed.  The Slayer was wearing a short skirt and he could feel the warmth of her bare legs through his jeans.  His arms were wrapped around her bare waist and under her top, his hands half against her lace covered breasts. *Oh shit. * He thought, wondering whether it would be wiser to remove his hands and not get caught or keep his hands in their oh-so-comfortable position on her breasts and get staked the second she woke up.  Deciding that he’d rather stay alive, or undead, at least long enough to find out why she was in his bed he began slowly retracting his hands, his undead heart protesting.

Buffy groaned as the cool hands around her began to move and clutched them tighter to her body not wanting the cool embrace to leave.  She loved the feeling of his cold body cooling her heated one – something she’d hated about Riley; he was too hot, making her sweaty and uncomfortable as he held her.

“Quit movin’” She murmured, wrapping her arms tighter around Spike’s, allowing herself to fall back asleep, if only for a few minutes.

Spike fell still as she moved and his mouth dropped open as she spoke, “Shit, pet, you’re going to kill me.”  He realised, his words barely above a whisper.

“I will if you don’t stay still.”  Buffy replied, her quietly spoken words shocking Spike – he didn’t know she was awake to hear him.  She turned in his embrace, resting her head against his chest, enjoying his quiet stupor at her being here.  *I guess he must have concussion from Glory. *  Buffy wriggled slightly as she attempted to get back to sleep before accepting that she was awake, “You feel better?”  She asked, taking his hand and entwining their fingers.  She hoped he wouldn’t question her actions – she couldn’t even explain them herself but they felt right.

“Yeah.”  Spike whispered, unsure what the hell was going on.  He couldn’t remember how she’d come to be in his bed – hell, he couldn’t remember how he’d got down here.  Last thing he remembered was the whelp and the Watcher taking him back to his crypt after having the shit beaten out of him and being poked into him.

Buffy took his silent pause too reign her courage and she replied just as quietly, “Good.”  She pushed herself up to his lips, pressing them gently to his.

All thoughts of retracting his memories left Spike’s brain and he raised an arm from around her body to tangle in her hair as he deepened the kiss.  Buffy moaned into his mouth, carefully moving to lie on top of him.  She felt his erection through his jeans and rubbed against him in heightening desire.  Spike growled deep in his chest and he carefully rolled her on to her back.  Buffy smiled, moving to untuck his black t-shirt.  She slid her warm hands under it, marvelling at the way his six-pack jumped under her fingertips.  Spike allowed his own hands to run loose, moving up her arm to slip the thin strap of her top down her arm.  His hand moved tentatively to her breast, pausing over it.  Buffy growled into the kiss, thrusting her chest into his palm.  Spike smiled, gently massaging her as he rubbed his thumb over the tightening nipple.  Buffy moaned throatily, sliding her hands to the waistband of his jeans.  She undid the buckle and pulled the belt from its constraints, throwing it to the ground.  He broke from her lips to remove her top and bra, kissing down her neck.  He gazed down at her, his blue eyes darkening in lust; “You are so beautiful.”  He whispered.  As his mouth found her sensitive nipples she cried out, her hands fumbling fast with the catches on his leather pants.  Spike growled deep in his chest as her warm hand encircled his erection.  Throwing away his jeans he crawled down her body, removing her skirt and underwear as he did.  Nudging her legs apart, his hands caressed her thighs as he kissed up one leg.  Buffy cried out in pleasure and threw her head back as his tongue circled her clit, moving to her opening.  Under his talented tongue and teeth within minutes she bucked her hips up, scream his name the sound bouncing round the crypt – music to his ears.  “Spike!”  He kissed up her body, swirling his tongue around both erect nipples as she attempted to calm from the most powerful orgasm she’d had since her seventeenth birthday.

Spike moulded his mouth to her slightly open panting one, sweeping his tongue inside – titillating her desires once more.  Buffy slid her hands down his body, scraping her nails across his buttocks as he rubbed his cock against her wet heat.  She bucked up her hips as Spike sunk into her.  Both groaned into the other’s mouth as she clamped around him.  His arms wrapped around her, Spike began to move.  As he felt her begin to orgasm he held her head with both hands watching as pure bliss surfused her features.  Seeing her come, hearing her acknowledging him as her lover pushed him over the edge.  Buffy shuddered as she felt him shoot his cold seed inside of her.  He morphed as he came and Buffy moved a hand over his features without disgust or loathing.  She tilted her head and brought his face to her jugular.  Spike kissed her neck before carefully sinking his fangs into the soft, golden skin.  Both moaned as he began drinking, and their orgasm struck again as they slammed their hips into each other.  After a few moments he removed his fangs, licking the wound clean.  As he soothed the mark with his tongue he began purring loudly.  As he softly kissed her neck he stopped purring long enough to speak quietly into her ear before returning to its soft teasing tones, “I love you, Buffy.”

Buffy smiled, pressing a kiss to his shoulder, “I know.”  She whispered.  Spike purring continued in its teasing tones as the vampire continued to nuzzle the slayer’s neck; licking over his claim.

 

“Spike…” Buffy murmured contentedly in her sleep, rubbing her body back into his.  Spike swallowed a groan as he hardened inside of her, smiling as she spoke his name in her sleep.  They'd made love twice more before she'd fallen into an exhausted sleep.  He hadn’t slept.  Simply lain awake, content to be holding her - to be close to her.  In all honesty he’d been too scared to wake up and find her gone; to discover that his perfect day with the woman he loved had only been a dream.  Or worse: that to her he’d been a joke.  His cool hands absently ran over the Slayer’s warm, soft skin as he attempted to shake the hurtful ideas from his mind as well as memorise her body.

Buffy awoke to the delightful sensation of having cool hands travel all across her body.  She sighed, comfortably arching her back as far in to Spike’s chest as she could.  She moved one of her hands behind his head, bringing his lips down to hers as she turned her head.  Buffy smiled as she heard him rumble in his chest like a giant cat.  She broke from his lips, “Hmmm, hi.”

“Did you sleep well?”  He asked, wrapping his arms around her as he gently kissed her neck.

“Yeah – for a crypt it’s not nearly as cold as you’d expect!” she replied half-sarcastically.

“Sorry pet.”  He said sincerely but Buffy simply giggled, rolling her hips back into him, “I’m kidding!”

Spike groaned and pulled out of slightly before slamming back into her, and thus it began again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part Three

 

 

As the sun rose the following morning, Buffy slipped from Spike’s bed to return home, the vampire stealing a few kisses before the Slayer had had to forcibly remove her lips from his in order to return to Dawn.  She stopped off at Willow and Tara’s and collected her sister.  All three noted that the Slayer looked decidedly happy that morning, Dawn brought it up on the way home.

“So are you going to start singing, ‘That’s Amouré…’ anytime soon?”  Dawn asked as they turned into Revello Drive.

“Huh?”  Buffy asked, her head glancing toward her sister in confusion.

“You’re all happy – what did you do last night?”  She asked suspiciously.

Buffy tried to shrug casually but couldn’t contain the small smile that played across her lips at the thought of the night before.  “I had a ‘Buffy night’.”  She responded.

“So you went out, beat up Spike then killed monsters?”  Dawn asked.

“No.”  Buffy replied, scowling as she opened their front door.  “I stayed in and vegged out.”

“No fair – how come you only do fun stuff on your own?”

“Life’s mystery.”  Buffy answered quickly, “Go get your homework, we’re going to the magic shop.”

“Wow, change of scenery.”  Dawn said sarcastically as she reluctantly moved up the stairs to comply.  Buffy sighed and followed her up to change her clothes.

 

“Hey Wills!”  Buffy greeted cheerfully as she and Dawn entered the Magic Box.  Dawn smiled at Willow and crossed the shop floor to sit next to Tara who was reading through a spell book.  The Wiccan looked up and smiled at the key and the two began talking in hushed voices about the book of witchcraft Willow had given Dawn the other day.

“Hi Buffy – you look happy…still.”  The hacker said smiling, waiting for the Slayer to explain.  Buffy took a deep breath and moved them over to the corner of the shop as two customers walked in, the bell tinkling bringing Giles from the storeroom.

“So…” Buffy began, looking for the right words.  Deciding they were all pretty crappy she went for a different approach.  “I just wanted to know, remember when robot-me told you she’d slept with Spike – what was your response?” She asked, attempting to buy time…and reaction.

Willow frowned, “Well, I thought she was you so I was well…supportive I guess.  Why?”

“I…uh…may have, sort of slept with Spike.”  Buffy responded, her happy eyes dancing mischievously as her face turned red.  “A lot.”

“Whah-uh-oh.”  Willow stuttered, turning beet herself at the Slayer’s last words.  “Um…I…yeah.”

“Yeah.”  Buffy sighed, smiling a little.

“That is to say…”

Willow’s words were cut off by Dawn’s terrified scream.  The two turned, regarding in horror as Glory knocked out both Tara and Giles in an instant before grabbing the girl by the neck.  “You took my sibling, I take yours.”  She said, before she snapped her neck.

“No!”  Buffy and Willow shouted, the former already running forward as Dawn’s lifeless body fell to the floor.  Tears in her eyes the Slayer turned to Glory and was about to tear her limb from limb when a portal opened in the floor, bright white light heralding its arrival.  The god screamed in anguish as black arms with talons for hands brought her down into the ground.  Buffy watched in satisfaction, as Glory’s body was ripped apart as she was removed from this dimension.  As the portal closed Buffy collapsed to the floor, clutching her sister to her as she cried.  Willow crossed over to her friend, tears streaming down her own face and wrapped her arms around Buffy’s back.  She threaded her hands through her hair, carefully rocking the Slayer’s body as she continued to sob; the painful sound echoing around the shop walls.

 

Hours later Xander and Anya arrived to find them all in the same position.  Xander sat in front of Buffy, wrapping his arms around the two women; creating a protective circle around the broken Slayer.  Anya moved not to the Watcher who watched the trio with sobering wet eyes, but to the waking witch who sported a large bruise on the side of her face.

 

By nightfall Giles had sedated the hysterical Slayer, laying her down in her bed at home.  Tara and Anya had left their partner to watch over the Slayer – understanding that maybe now was a time simply for the three original Scooby’s.  Giles began to make all the funeral arrangements, the body having been taken to the morgue.  The Watcher’s council had pulled strings, enforcing that no enquiry was to be made into the death.

Willow and Xander currently sat in the Summer’s living room, both blankly staring at the black television screen, simply waiting for the Slayer to awake and the inevitable screams of disbelief to arrive.

 

Spike was walking to the Slayer’s house.  He’d been through most of the graveyards, the magic box – even checked the witch’s apartment, but to no avail.  He was worried, worried that the perfect day had simply been for that day.  The Slayer hadn’t made any reference either way during their time together and Spike hadn’t wanted to risk her leaving to have said anything.  But still, being a sucker for punishment he sought her out.  He looked up at her window.  Her bedroom light wasn’t on, so since it was only 9pm he figured that she wouldn’t be asleep.  There was a light on downstairs so he knocked on the front door, still wary of being yelled at.

 

Willow exchanged a silent glance with Xander and got up to answer the door.  Her teary eyes’ widening when she saw whom it was.

“Spike.”  She breathed.  Spike frowned, “Red?”  He sounded almost concerned, “You don’t know…” she whispered in realisation.

“Who is it Willow?”  Xander asked.  His eyes hardened when he saw the vampire, “Get lost Spike, I know you have no feelings but can’t you leave her alone?” He asked sharply.  Spike raised his eyes briefly to the zeppo before going back to the witch.

“No Xander,” she swallowed, looking up at her friend.  “Come in, Spike.” 

He walked over the threshold, staring down at the hacker in concern and question.  “Is Buffy…” His question trailed off, his brain not willing to allow his mouth to form the words.

“No, no.  She’s fine...  ”  Willow quickly said.  As the door closed behind them, Willow explained what had happened. 

“Where is she?” The vampire asked at last, his own eyes tingling with tears at not only the loss of niblet but at the pain it must have brought Buffy.

“She’s upstairs, maybe you could go check on her?”  Willow asked, glaring at Xander, as he was about to protest.  Spike nodded blindly and walked up the stairs.  Willow watched the vampire go before leading a confounded Xander back into the sitting room, preparing to explain it all to him.

 

 

Spike carefully opened the Slayer’s bedroom door, his eyes shooting the figure that lay on the right side of the bed though facing away from the window silently weeping on the bed.  Swearing under his breath he closed the door and quietly edged towards the bed.  He sat down in the chair next to the bed, his eyes never leaving the crying girl.  Buffy barely acknowledged his arrival, one of her hands moving to take his before drawing it back into her chest.  Spike moved forward with the movement and Buffy tugged him further.  He lay next to her and she curled up against him.  He wrapped his arms around her, making a cooing noise at the back of his throat as she began to sob louder as she allowed her emotions to pour out in the safe embrace.

 

Downstairs the two friends gaze shot up to the ceiling before they shot up the stairs at the sounds of their friend crying.  They stood in the doorway watching as the Slayer cried in the arms of her mortal enemy.  Both frowned at the soothing purring/shushing nose that the vampire was producing; though it seemed to calm her.  After a few minutes, when the Slayer quietened again and appeared to fall back asleep as the drugs took over, the two teenagers left the vampire and Slayer both determined that he wouldn’t hurt her, shutting the door behind them.

 

Spike didn’t bother to look up as his sire entered the room as the door shut.  He’d known he’d been there but hadn’t cared.  Angel sat on the window ledge, watching with tears in his eyes as his love finally calmed and fell asleep in the arms of another vampire.

“Is she okay?” He eventually asked.

“What do you think?”  Spike answered sharply, his voice quietened as Buffy shifted in her sleep murmuring his name softly.  “Shh, baby go back to sleep.”  He murmured. 

“How long?”  Angel asked as he watched the soulless vampire’s actions.

“Always.”  Spike responded knowing that his sire was asking about his feelings for Buffy.

They sat in silence for a few minutes; the only sound the deep breathing of the sleeping Slayer.

“Wondered why you never killed her.”  Angel finally spoke and Spike raised his eyes to the other vampires,

“I never could.” Spike spoke quietly.

“Never wanted to.”  The older vampire corrected.  Angel stood, “Tell her if she needs me I’ll stay.”

Spike didn’t respond but Angel knew his childe would tell the Slayer and he left, his heart heavy.  Heavy for his love had another, heavy for his love’s pain.

Spike sighed as he watched Angel close the curtains and shut the window as he left through it.  He pressed a kiss to Buffy’s hair before closing his eyes, allowing the tension to slip from his body as he attempted not to think of the pain the woman that he loved must be in.

 

Buffy awoke the next morning and looked up at the face which the arms holding her belonged to.  She smiled.  He looked almost innocent asleep.  Innocent.  Dawn.  With a sob it all came crashing back to her.  Her eyes squeezed shut and she shook her head over and over in an attempt to shake the memories from her brain.  But still they came.

In her mind’s eye she heard Dawn’s frightened yell, watched as her eyes went wide with fear as the beast grabbed her.  A scream erupted from the Slayer’s throat as she viewed on her own private wide screen television as Glory broke her sister’s neck.

Spike awoke with a jump at her terrified scream.  He tightened his arms around her and he automatically brought back the soothing noise he’d made the night before.  Buffy rocked in his arms as she wept, her hands grasping at his shirt, tearing it slightly.  As the material ripped the fight went out of her body. She simply lay there sobbing as he continued to rock her whilst he crooned in her ear, one hand moving in a steady relaxing motion through her hair.  Every now and again her sobs would get louder and the vampire responded by increasing the volume of his cooing; his actions calming her back to gentle sobs – her body unable to force itself into stopping crying; her hearts despair so great.

 

Willow and Xander sat near the open door, tears staining their cheeks at their friend’s pain.  Both hated themselves for being unable to do more – to do anything – for her.  Anya and Tara sat at the Magic Box, attempting to keep together the mundane order of life while Giles made all the arrangements – no-one expecting or willing to let Buffy do them for a second time so soon.

 

At 10 am Giles entered the summers’ house.  He carefully placed down two shopping bags full of various foodstuffs, knowing that Buffy had very little after having checked the night before.  He’d called Angel the day before but hadn’t heard back to whether or not the vampire had received the message or had arrived.  After finding neither Xander nor Willow downstairs he assumed that they must be with Buffy and ventured towards the Slayer’s bedroom.  He found them on the floor watching with hollow eyes through the door, both crying for their friend and their loss.  The Watcher frowned as he heard a strange noise as he neared the bedroom.  He looked in the room then back at Willow with wide eyes.  It was Xander, who spoke, the witch having not noted his arrival.

“She wants him here.”  He whispered.

Willow looked up as she heard Xander speak and into the caring, sombre eyes of her mentor.  “Giles.”

The Watcher crouched down next to the pair as Willow questioned, “What’s that sound he’s making?”

Giles shook his head to indicate that he didn’t know, “It calms her?”

“Yeah.”  Willow whispered her eyes turning back to the Slayer who suddenly sobbed louder and the vampire cooed louder in response.

Giles watched with wide eyes as the Slayer calmed slightly, her cries quieting.  “Did she get any sleep?”

“After Spike first came we left her up here asleep.  We gave her something to help her sleep – she awoke about an hour ago.”  Willow looked up at him with teary eyes.  “She hasn’t stopped crying since.”

The Watcher nodded and the three watched as the Slayer eventually stopped sobbing, falling asleep in pure exhaustion.  Giles whispered to Willow and Xander for them to prepare her something to eat and the two moved downstairs to comply.  Giles moved over to the bed, watching the Slayer and vampire carefully.  He viewed as Buffy nuzzled her head into Spike’s chest, the vampire’s arms tightening around her as he continued to crone in her ear.

 

Buffy awoke at 8pm.  She raised her red eyes to Spike who smiled gently down at her.  Sighing she tucked her head under his chin.  As she felt tears pricking her eyes she forced them back down, knowing that she’d cried enough.  She sat up, looking around her room, her eyes blank.  Behind her Spike sat up and spoke gently, “Buffy?”  She didn’t move her lost gaze from the cupboard door as she responded.

“Thanks for staying.” She murmured her voice barely perceptible. 

“Its okay.”  He responded quietly.  Spike carefully moved behind her and she lay back against him closing her tired eyes as his arms encircled her protectively.

A few moments later the door opened carefully and Giles walked in the bedroom.  He looked gently at the Slayer who had opened her eyes at his arrival.  “W-would you like something to eat?”  He asked, smiling slightly.

Buffy was about to reply when her stomach rumbled loudly.  Her mouth moved up into a tiny smile.  “Yeah.”  Giles nodded before leaving the room.  Buffy sighed again and rubbed a weary hand over her features.  Spike carefully picked up the Slayer and moved her to lean back against the pillows.  In her mind she thanked him but her mouth didn’t operate as her brain asked.  She snuggled back into him, appreciating the strong arms holding her – for once not having to be strong.  For the first time in five years she didn’t have to be the tough one.  For the first time since she’d been called she’d found someone who simply wanted to protect her, who wanted to love her, who wanted to stay with her for the long haul, who wanted her.  Buffy - her, Slayer - her.  Her.  “I love you.” She mouthed just as the door opened again and Willow walked in with a sandwich and juice.  Xander and Giles followed her, staying in the doorway.  She crossed over to the Slayer, sitting down carefully on the bed, tray in hand.  Buffy picked up one of the sandwiches and took a bite into it.  Chewing slowly she worked out what she wanted to say after she’d swallowed.

“Thank you.”  She eventually spoke her voice quiet.  She wanted to ask about the funeral arrangements – if she’d have to do it again – but the thought made fresh tears spring to her eyes.  Forcing them down she looked over to her friends who all looked like they hadn’t slept in days.

“You guys should go home – you look tired.”  She said, looking at the three.  They all looked ready to protest but she spoke firmly, “Really.”      Giles frowned but said gently, “If you’re sure.”

“Yeah.”  The Slayer responded her voice toneless.  Willow hugged the Slayer briefly and got off the bed, moving to the door as Giles and Xander left.  At the door she stopped, “If you need anything just call.”  She said kindly.  Buffy nodded and the witch left.

 

Buffy ate the rest of her food in silence.  As she finished off her drink Spike spoke quietly, “Do you want me to go too, pet?”

Buffy’s grasp tightened painfully around the hand of his that she was holding and he could feel his bones creak though he said nothing.  “No, don’t.”

She picked up the tray and moved it to the ground.  Getting off the bed she left for the bathroom.  Spike heard the shower running and he sighed before picking up the tray and taking it downstairs.  He washed the glass and plate, putting them in the sink rack to dry.  His eyes fell on the juice bottle still out on the tabletop and he moved it over to the fridge.  Opening the door he was assaulted with a cool blast of air.  He replaced the bottle, his eyes falling on the three packets of blood on the top shelf.  He gratefully removed two, draining them quickly.  His thirst slated he threw the empty packets away, absently licking off a drop of blood on his forefinger. 

 

Buffy moved out of the shower the warm water having massaged her aching body and towel–dried her self off.  Crossing to her bedroom she noticed that the tray and Spike were gone and she figured that he’d taken it downstairs.  She opened her cupboard, dressing in a basic thin cotton strappy top with matching white baggy pants.  Twisting her hair up on top of her head she secured it with a clip and moved back to her bed and lay down over the cover.  Spike had remade the bed before he’d left and opened the window.  A cool breeze drifted in to the room, cooling down her face that had been heated from crying.

 

Part Four

 

The funeral took place three nights later.  The only thing Buffy had asked for was that it took place at night so that Spike could be present.  Giles had immediately agreed, organising everything as she wished.  Hank had briefly dropped in, paying his respects before leaving with his secretary/girlfriend for Spain once again.  Spike had told Buffy of his sire’s offer but Buffy had refused, to the blonde vampire’s delight, to have him stay.

Since arriving at the Slayer’s house four nights earlier Spike hadn’t left Buffy.  They hadn’t made love, but every night he’d held her as she slept: calming her when her grief enveloped her.  During the day they watched boring television shows, read the magazines that Willow had dropped by or he simply held her.  However, no matter what they did they always stayed in close proximity to each other.  Buffy drinking in his support and care like a drug, Spike more than willing to oblige her so long as he could be close to her.

Buffy stood in front of the grave as the casket was slowly lowered into the freshly dug earth.  To the left of her Willow, Tara, Xander, Anya and Giles stood with Hank and Jeanine.  Behind them were a few of Dawn’s school friends and general family well-wishers.  Buffy blindly reached back to grab Spike’s hand as the Priest began to say the last rites, the procedure sparking the memories of her mother’s funeral.

Spike took her hand and she squeezed it tightly, leaning back against his body.  As his strong arms wrapped around her she took a deep breath, reigning in her control as she felt her eyes water. 

As the priest finished the ceremony she moved forward, tenderly placing a rose on the casket.  Buffy reached inside her pocket and put down the cross she had given Dawn the year they’d moved to Sunnydale.  A tear slipped down her face as they began shovelling dirt on top, covering her with blessed material. 

A few moments later Spike gently led the Slayer away from the open grave and out of the graveyard where a car was waiting for them.  Spike opened the door and the Slayer got in.  Closing it he hurried to the other end and got it himself.  As his door shut the driver pulled away, travelling back to the other end of town and Revello Drive.  Buffy stared blankly at the scenery as the car drove away, her body motionless.  Her mind concentrated simply on the flashing pictures, her heart thankful for the nothingness.

Spike watched her carefully, his eyes sad for her.  As the car pulled up at her house it stopped and Spike got out.  He waited for a couple of minutes and when the Slayer didn’t get out he moved to her side and opened the door.

“Buffy?”  He said quietly.  She didn’t respond.  Spike crouched down next to the open car door.  He tentatively took her hand in his and she moved her haunted gaze to his.  His shoulders slumped as he saw tears in her pained eyes.  When she made no effort to get out of the car he sighed, "Come on, pet.”

He carefully slid one arm behind her knees and back and lifted her gently out of the car.  He pushed the door shut with his hip and made his way, Slayer in arms, to the front door.  Buffy sighed silently and leant her head in the crook of his shoulder.  Leaning her upper half further on his torso and using the arm that was behind her back, Spike angled himself so that he could open the unlocked door and carried the Slayer into the house.  Kicking the door shut behind him he carried Buffy up the stairs to her bedroom.  Laying her carefully on one side of the bed, he removed her shoes and socks and took off her coat.  He covered her with a blanket then went to lock up the house.  As he left Buffy sighed, hating the heat she felt without him.  She needed him cooling her skin, cooling her mind.  His surprisingly calming influence had helped pacify her in the past couple of days.  She knew it was probably worrying – the dependency she’d created for him, on him.  But she also knew of the loyalty he gave to the woman he loved and whilst this dependency she felt might have been suicidal with another, it felt right with Spike.  Buffy squirmed a little, uncomfortable in her stuffy clothes. 

She kicked off her pants and had a little difficulty removing her top.  When she finally got it off her head she threw it to the floor.  Her still over-heated body kicked off the blanket until she lay in her panties on top of the cool covers.  Her tired body stretched and her cramped muscles breathed a sigh of relief as she reached her arms over her head, her legs twisting over the cooler sheets sinuously. 

 

Spike slipped on a pair of boxer shorts after he’d dried his body from the quick shower he’d taken.  He picked up his folded clothes and moved across to Buffy’s bedroom. Spike dropped the pile of clothes and swallowed convulsively as he saw his blonde beauty stretching her almost naked form like a sleek panther.  He hardened and a soft groan escaped his lips.

 

Buffy looked up into his desire filled eyes and beckoned him to her.  He lay next to her and she moved into his arms, pressing her body against his as his lips moved to hers.  She pressed her mouth to him desperately as new floods of tears threatened to break the banks.   Spike held her body tightly to his and as he felt her hot tears on his cheeks he moved back to stare in her eyes.

“I’m sorry.”  She whispered, tears filling her eyes once again. 

Spike moved his hands to cup her face, “No, baby…” he whispered, his thumbs wiping at her cheeks as they spilled over.  “I love you.”

Buffy closed her eyes, pushing her sadness back down.  She opened them, luminous hazel eyes staring intently into sea blue ones.

*I love you, too. *  She thought, allowing him a small smile then pressing her lips back to his.  She moaned, though it came out more as a sigh, as his tongue tenderly danced with her own.  His hands moved to her body and she inhaled sharply as a terrifying thought entered her brain. 

She broke the kiss,  “Don’t leave me.”  She whispered staring alarmed into his eyes.  Her tired voice pleading with him.  “Don’t ever leave me…promise me, Spike, please.”

“Buffy, love, shh.”  He murmured, kissing her softly, he spoke staring intently into her eyes.  “I love you.  I’d never leave you,” He chuckled softly, “I’ve never left you – I tried, remember, I always came back.”

She smiled weakly and Spike made his promise, “I promise you Slayer, I’ll never leave you.”

He watched as relief spread over her features and she closed her eyes, moulding her body to his.  As his cool embrace comforted her she relaxed against him, her hot mouth blazing a trail across his slightly damp chest.  She worked her way up his body, nipping at his skin.  She suddenly bit down on his jugular, her blunt teeth breaking the skin.  She sucked violently, allowing the supernatural blood to enter her mouth.  Spike eyes rolled back in pleasure and his hard grew as his blood entered her.  As her lips and tongue caressed over her bite she could hear him purring and she moved back to his lips, kissing him gently.  “You’re mine now.”  She whispered as his happy eyes met hers.  She knew what the words would mean to a vampire and she knew he’d marked her as his – only right that she return the pledge.  He growled softly at her and rolled her onto her back.  His lips slipped from hers, down her neck, his tongue tracing his bite mark, which had almost vanished.  His teeth and tongue teased her breasts, causing her to moan loudly as she thrust her chest up into his mouth.  As his lips glided across her stomach his hands moved to her thighs, caressing them before slipping his thumbs underneath the strings of her panties and removing them.  Her legs spread apart for him and her breath caught in her throat as his tongue darted out to taste her heat.  He gently explored each fold, sweeping his tongue inside her before flicking over her clit then latching on to it.  As he rolled the swollen bud between his lips his tongue stroked over the tip, teasing her unmercifully until she climaxed calling out his name.  He crawled up her body and she grabbed his head, cleaning the fluid still hanging to his lips before kissing him deeply.  He settled between her legs, his cool body blanketing hers.  She lifted her hips in offering and he moved into her as she threw her hips up.  They continued to kiss as Spike thrust into her and she pushed her hips up harder as her orgasm neared.  As he felt her climax begin, he tugged gently on her nipple until she fell over into the abyss.  Her lips broke away from Spike’s to scream his name and she came hard.  Spike growled loudly against her neck, his face morphing.  “Mine!” He growled, the erotic sound causing her to shiver.  Buffy moaned softly in anticipation, her hips bucking up as Spike’s fangs pierced her neck and she felt him shoot his cold, dead seed deep within her womb.  Colours shot past his closed lids as he rode the effects of his powerful orgasm.  Neither had ever felt such pleasure before; none of their previous partners had made them come so violently – made such passionate love to them.

As Spike retracted his fangs Buffy could hear him purring loudly as he gently kissed her neck, tasting the salty sweetness that clung to her skin, mixed in with vanilla and her own scent. 

“I love you, Spike.”  She murmured and he purred louder in response.  He moved out of her and lay at her side, pulling her naked body to his.  He wrapped his arms around her, nuzzling his bite as he continued to purr.  He’d never heard her say those words with his name, it made it all the more special: using his name – acknowledging him as her love.  Enforcing that it was he she was thinking of.  Pleasantly replete the two lovers fell asleep Spike curled protectively around the Slayer, purring in her ear.  Her pain momentarily dulled Buffy smiled as sleep took her to the sound of her lover’s contentment.

 

Scenes flashed through Buffy’s mind as she slept.  Playing with her mother as a child.  Joyce and Hank bringing home baby Dawn from the hospital.  The three women in the kitchen, giggling over a hunk in one of Dawn’s magazines.  Then suddenly she found herself in a flower garden.  Daffodils, gardenias, lilies and freesias covered the surroundings, the setting sun casting a calming glow over them.  She was facing an archway, which was adorned with creeping white roses.  Buffy walked through it and her face broke out into a smile at what she was presented with.  Dressed in floral dresses sat her mother and daughter, long daisy chain across their laps as they added to either end.  As she walked closer Joyce looked up, “Sweetie…”

“Mom?  Dawn?”  The Slayer whispered, joy filling her voice.  She rushed over and enveloped them both in a hug, tears streaming down her face from under tightly sealed lids.  She moved back and Joyce reached out wiping the tears from her cheeks.  Buffy’s eyes darted between both as she spoke, “God, I miss you both so much.”  Fresh tears filled her eyes, “Why?  Why did you leave me?”

Joyce reached out as Buffy laid her head on her lap and began to stroke her hair.  Dawn lay in front of the Slayer, smiling at her.  Buffy reached out and touched the crucifix that she’d laid on Dawn’s casket, which now rested on her sister’s neck.  “Everybody has a time honey, and it was ours.  We’re okay…and you’ll be fine.”

“Yeah Buff, its cool here – I’m making daisy chains all day!”  Dawn said and Buffy burst out laughing through her tears.  The sun set lower in the sky and Joyce spoke up, “So…you and Spike huh?”

“Yeah…” Buffy said blushing.

“He’s a good boy.”  Joyce said approvingly.

“Humping the undead though – that’s not in the handbook.” Dawn mocked and her mother waggled a finger at her language to which she smiled sheepishly.

“What, DAWN got a handbook and I didn’t?”  Buffy asked, mock outrage in her voice.  They all giggled and the sun finally set in the sky.  Buffy sat up; she could feel them leaving. 

“I love you both, don’t go.”

“We have to, it’s time to return, and it’s time for you to go home.  I love you Buffy.”  Her mother hugged her and Dawn moved forward and hugged her, “I told you he loved you!”

Buffy laughed slightly.  She was about to speak when Joyce spoke again; “He’s waiting for you.”

They disappeared into the night, Dawn waving frantically as Joyce smiled encouragingly at her daughter as she faded from their sight.  Buffy kissed her fingers and pressed them to their vanishing aura.

 

She felt rather than heard his entry and leant back against his wiry frame, his cool arms enveloping her in his safe embrace.

“Let’s go home, love.”  He spoke quietly, waiting for her answer.

She entwined her fingers with his, a sense of purpose settling over her.  Now was her time.  Her time to live.  Her time to fight.  Her time to protect.  Her time to love.

“Let’s go home.”  She repeated and turned in his arms, pressing her lips to his.  As she felt him kiss her back she smiled and opened her eyes.

 

Part Five

 

 

Buffy awoke gently, the first rays of morning peeking through the cracks in the curtains.  She watched with interest as the sun crept further and further into the room.  As the vampire stirred slightly behind her she realised that she’d just been watching the entrance of something fatal for her love and removed herself from his embrace and moved to the window.  She carefully shut the curtains, twisting her arm so that she could pull the blinds shut.  She stared at the shut curtains, running a weary hand over her face.  Her head hurt but she didn’t feel the need to cry.  Her dream returned to her and she smiled as she recalled her concluded purpose.  She sighed again, however this time she didn’t feel the pain as much.  Her heart less heavy she turned to find her lover still sleeping.  The sheet that had covered them both and slipped to the floor when she’d left the bed and she crossed the room picking it up.  She covered him with it, smiling at the contented look upon his face, which looked younger when asleep.  Leaning down she pressed a tender kiss to his forehead and left the room.

 

She showered quickly allowing the hot spray to massage her emotionally fatigued body.  Grabbing her bottle of vanilla body wash she lathered her body with it, smiling as the familiar scent of her favourite flower hit her senses.  She towelled herself dry and pulled her wet hair up into a tight French knot so that it would dry wavy.  She wiped the steam from mirror and gazed at her own reflection.  Her hazel orbs looked tired and her face hadn’t been moisturised in a week but in her eyes she saw an ounce of hope and strength: strength to continue with life.  She smiled at herself then reached for the toothbrush. 

She entered the bedroom naked and moved to her dresser and retrieved a pair of silk purple panties.  She slipped them on, the fabric rubbing comfortably against the globes of her ass.  She crossed to her cupboard and opening both doors wide she stared into it.  Fingering various articles of clothing she finally chose a thin cotton mini skirt that was so dark a blue that it was practically black.  And a thick strapped sleeveless white top.  Low healed black sandals completed the ensemble. 

 

Buffy quietly moved downstairs, ensuring all the windows were covered on the way for Spike.  She entered the kitchen and got out some cereal and milk for her breakfast.  As she ate she mused that Spike only had one packet of blood left.  Placing her dishes in the sink she grabbed her purse and Spike’s shirt that had been drying on a radiator in the kitchen and left for Willy’s out the back door, closing it gently behind her.

 

The sun was gently warm upon her skin as she walked through the park – the short cut to the bar from her house.  The first time she’d left the house had been yesterday and her skin had become rather dull in colour for her loss of sun.  Taking a deep breath she pushed open the door and walked inside.  Her senses were hit with the unpleasant odour of newly bleached floors and spilt beer and blood.

“Slayer.”  Willy greeted her kindly, his look became one of genuine commiseration, “I was sorry to hear about your sister, she was a good kid.”

“Thanks.”  Buffy replied, smiling lightly.

“So what can I do you for?”  The bartender asked as he wrung out a glass with a blue and white striped towel.

“I want some blood, packaged.”

Willy moved towards the storeroom asking, “Human, pig, cow’s?”

“Human.”  Buffy specified.

A few moments later he returned with six packets of human blood in his arms.  He reached below the counter and took out a carrier bag, placing the blood in the bag. 

“Angel back, huh?”

“No.”  Buffy answered simply, Willy decided not to follow the line of questioning; determining it must be Spike.

He handed it to the Slayer who hooked it on one arm the other reaching for her purse asking, “How much do I owe you?”

Surprisingly, Willy waved the suggestion away, “No worries, Slayer, this one’s on me.”

Buffy smiled, “Thanks.” And walked out of the bar into the open fresh air and warm sun.

 

Buffy dropped her purse on the counter with the magazine she’d purchased and placed five of the packets in the fridge.  She moved over to the upper cupboard and removed a cup.  She smiled when she saw the writing on the mug and took it and the sixth packet of blood and went up to the stairs, grabbing the magazine on the way.

 

The Slayer entered the room as Spike awoke.  She smiled at him and slipping off her sandals joined him on the bed.  Leaning down she kissed him briefly before pulling back, and spoke softly,

“I got you some blood.”

He smiled at her, “Thanks, love.”  He morphed as he sat up, leaning against the headboard and was about to bite into it when she stopped him, “Uh-uh-uh!  Cup!”  She exclaimed, shaking her finger at him and thrusting a mug into his hand.  He took one look at the cup and scowled at her causing her to laugh for the first time in a week.  “Funny, pet.”  He said sarcastically as he poured the blood into the <<Kiss the Librarian>> mug, though he noted the beautiful sound’s presence. 

He took a sip then frowned,  “It’s human?”

“Yeah, I went to Willy’s earlier – you were asleep and you only had one packet left.”  She explained as he morphed back to his normal features.

“Did the wanker give you any trouble?”  He asked, anxiously.

She smiled at his concern, “No, he was actually okay – didn’t even make me pay!”

Buffy picked up the magazine she’d bought on her way home and moved to lean back against Spike.  He opened one of his arms, the other holding the mug that he continued to drink from, and placed it on her stomach as she leant on his chest, her head in the crook of his shoulder.  Buffy glazed her eyes over the front cover, picking the story on Keanu Reeve’s film <<The Matrix>> She was reading the smaller articles on the other cast members and how intensive the karate training had been for him.  Spike snorted, “Wuss!”  He muttered and the Slayer elbowed him in the stomach causing the blood in the cup to slosh towards the sides threateningly.  He growled at her.

“Shhh…” She murmured, lifting one hand to play with the hem of his boxer shorts.  As the hand on her stomach edged under her top, his palm circling in soothing gentle circles, Buffy sighed turning her body so that she was lying on her side facing him.  She flipped through, glancing briefly at various outfits of interest before throwing the magazine to the floor, curling her arm around his bare waist.

Spike placed the empty mug on the bedside table, noting the time as he did.  “Love, do you want to go watch the telly?  <<Passions>> is on!”

Buffy laughed lightly, sighing in fake exasperation, “If we must!”

She got off the bed and went downstairs into the sitting room; Spike smiled and retrieved his cup and the empty packet before following, grabbing his jeans on the way.  He added his cup to the bowl and spoon in the sink and shot the packet in the bin like a basketball pro.  He heard the television switch on just before he turned on the hot water.  He splurted a little washing-up liquid in the half-full plastic washing up bowl and switched off the water.  He’d just placed the final item, his mug, on the rack to dry when Buffy’s voice rang out.

“Spike!  It’s on!” She called as she watched the opening credits for the soap opera. 

 

Wiping his hands on a cloth, Spike entered the living room.  He threw the cloth on the table as he flopped down next to her.  The vampire lifted up one arm, laying it against the back of the sofa and the Slayer promptly snuggled up to him, placing the remote on his leg.  His arm curled around her, resting on her waist.  As she rubbed her warm cheek into his bare chest Spike couldn’t stop the quiet purr that rumbled in his chest.  Buffy felt it through her body and she smiled, pressing a kiss to his side.

 

As the soap played its end credits Spike wined out in disbelief, “I don’t believe it was her baby!”

“Come on, Spike!  Who’s else could it have been?”  Buffy asked exasperated at his moronic stupidity when it came to this program.

Spike considered this for a moment then said, “Okay, but its still shocking!” 

“Spike!”  Buffy exclaimed, sitting up.  “You’re a vampire, you’re in love with a Slayer and you live on a Hellmouth.  How can anything be shocking to you?”

Having nothing to say he growled at her and she giggled slightly, moving forward to kiss him.  A knock on the front door stopped her and she sighed.  She didn’t really want to see anyone else right now.  Pressing her lips briefly to his, she moved off the couch to answer the door, grabbing the towel on the way.  She threw it into the kitchen, hanging on its hook, which were meters away, with Slayer-ease. 

“Hi Giles, come in.”  She greeted her Watcher after she opened the door.  She stepped back to allow his entry before closing it behind him. 

Giles smiled at her, following her into the living room where he could see the vampire watching television.  He though she looked better.  Her eyes looked alive as a pose to the dead orbs he’d been witness to the past few days.  She was dressed in clothes that suggested she’d been out that morning and also a shirt that looked suspiciously like Spike’s.  His thoughts were confirmed when Buffy removed the shirt and handed it to a half-naked Spike, who then slipped it on.

 

Buffy led her Watcher to the other room, upon viewing Spike’s state of half undress she blushed at the obvious implications her Watcher would draw from them.  Slipping it off her shoulders she gave it to her vampire who smirked at her discomfort but put it on anyway.  She sat down next to him and faced her Watcher who sat in the chair next to the couch.  Spike’s arm curled around her, resting on her stomach in a possessive gesture that was not lost on the Watcher.  As the two began to talk, Spike continued flipping through the cable channels, keeping his mind mainly on the conversation next to him; ready to help the Slayer if she needed it.

“I came to see how you were.”  Giles began, smiling kindly at his ward.

Buffy nodded, sniffing slightly, “I’m coping.” She paused, “It’ll just take a while…again.”  She took a deep breath as Spike’s hand slipped under her shirt, stroking the bare skin of her abdomen.

“Willow wanted to see you, she said she’d be around later today, in an hour.  T-that is if it is alright with you?”  Giles stammered eager not to offend.

Buffy swallowed, knowing she’d have to face everyone sooner or later.  *Later. * Her mind whispered as she nodded.

“The group is ready to pick up patrols if you’d prefer…”

“No.”  Buffy cut him off, “Beating up Spike’s cousins should do me some good.”  She said smiling slightly at the vampire.

“You’re too kind.”  He replied, smiling back. 

“That’s what I think.  I don’t know why I put up with you.”

“You put up with me?  Oh, no, I think not slayer.  I’m the on who should be wondering why I seem to be stuck with you.”

“Stuck with me?”  Buffy raised her eyebrows. 

“I can’t seem to get rid of you!”  Spike chuckled.

“Poor baby!”  Spike leaned forward and brushed her lips with his.

Giles watched in consternation at the playful altercation between the Slayer and vampire.  He was shocked at the vampire’s actions.  His mind returned to the week after a Thanksgiving the year before when the two had believed they were in love and had planned to get married.

As they continued to simply stare into each other’s eyes Giles coughed politely, getting up.  “Well, I should get back to the shop.”

He turned to Buffy who had looked up at the sound of the chair moving.  “If there’s anything…” He left the sentence dangling.

Buffy nodded, moving to the door to let him out, “Tell Willow I’ll see her later.”

“I shall.”  Giles said as he left. 

 

Buffy closed the door and moved back to Spike.  She sat in his lap, tears stinging the back of her eyes as he rocked her gently.

 

 

Part Six

 

 

Willow arrived nearly two hours later, entering the house to find the Slayer and vampire kissing on the couch.  Spike had simply held her while she wept silently after the Watcher had departed.  When she had composed herself they watched television, flicking through the channels before resting on an old <<Sunset Beach>> episode.  Buffy was coming back from the kitchen, can of coke in hand, when the vampire had pulled her on to his lap, loving the feel of her small weight on his body.  She’d smiled at him, pressing her lips to his.

Willow coughed politely and the two had broken apart.

“Hi, sorry I knocked but there was no answer, and the door wasn’t locked so I just…” The witch babbled nervously.

“It’s okay Wills.”  Buffy interrupted, smiling reassuringly at her friend.

When she made no move to sit down or begin conversation, Spike slid the Slayer off his lap saying, “I’m going to be upstairs, okay?”

“Thanks.”  Buffy murmured.  He kissed her briefly before leaving for their bedroom.

Willow smiled and sat down next to the Slayer as she moved over.

“How you been?”  Buffy asked, not wanting to speak about herself.

“Good.  Tara’s better and helping Giles with restocking.”  Willow smiled.

“Good.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes.  Buffy looked up to the ceiling as she heard the shower begin to run. 

Willow frowned at the action, “What?” She asked gently.  The Slayer wasn’t crying but the witch couldn’t hear anything that would be worth looking up at the ceiling for.  *Maybe she wants Spike. *  “Do you want me to go get him?”

Buffy smiled gently, “No, he’s uh, having a shower.”

“Oh.” There was a pause.  “Is he living here?”

“In the undead sense of the word.”  Buffy said, giggling slightly.

Willow giggled back, sighing in relief that her friend was laughing.

“Xander’s been doing some remodelling at the Bronze, it looks pretty cool.  They’re opening it on Friday if you wanted to come.”  Willow asked hopefully.

Buffy took a deep breath, knowing that she had to get back out there, knowing that she had to live.  “Yeah, sounds fun.  We’ll be there.”

“We?”  Willow asked frowning in cute misunderstanding.  Buffy raised her eyebrows to the ceiling and Willow nodded, “Oh, sorry, you and Spike.”

“Yeah.”

They sat in silence for a further couple of minutes when Buffy spoke.

“I was uh, thinking of going patrolling tonight.”  Buffy began.

“Well, that’s good, you know get back out there.”  Willow responded, encouragingly nodding at her friend.

“That’s what I was thinking.”  Buffy smiled.

 

 

The Bronze was pretty full, but empty enough so as not to overwhelm the company.  The nightclub looked pretty much the same except there had been more curves and angles put in around the place.  Also they had repainted it all, making it look as though it had only just opened. 

Xander and Anya were dancing on the floor to a fast song with a throbbing beat.  Willow was getting drinks and Tara had saved a comfortable table that was surrounded with two comfy chairs and a three-seater sofa. 

Buffy and Spike entered the Bronze as a more calming song came through the speakers.  The vampire paid the cover charge before the Slayer led him to the edge of the club where she’d spotted Tara sitting.  Spike sat down on one of the chairs and Buffy placed herself in his lap as she was greeted by the witch, “Hey Buffy, S-spike.”  She stuttered, slightly uncomfortable of the vampire’s presence.

“Hi Tara, you all fixed?”  Buffy asked kindly, indicating to the almost healed cut and bruises on Tara’s cheek. 

Tara’s hand shot unconsciously to her face, gingerly pressing her fingers to the source of her pain.  “Yeah.”

“Hi Buffy!”  Willow’s cheery voice interrupted the almost uncomfortable silence that had permeated the area.  She sat on the couch, close to Tara who was sitting on the other chair. 

“I’m glad you guys came.”  She said, smiling what she hoped was encouragingly at the couple.

Xander and Anya joined them moments later and the group made pleasant conversation about all things other than the Hellmouth. 

As a slow, sensual song came on Spike smiled, lowering his mouth to the Slayer’s ear, “Do you want to dance?”

Buffy returned the smile, “Sure.”  She smiled at her friends as Spike led her to the dance floor.  He pulled her body to his, wrapping his arms around her as she curled her own around his shoulders.  Both of their eyes closed, the unlikely couple swayed lovingly to the soft beat.

“Buffy?”

A voice neither had expected to hear entered their peaceful circle, destroying their utopia with its presence.  Spike loosened his hold on the Slayer.  Buffy turned around, eyes wide portraying her shock as she acknowledged the voices’ presence.

“Riley.”

 

In the corner of the Bronze the entire Scooby Gang watched in complete shock as the Slayer took the vampire’s hand, leading both him and the commando from the dance floor to a table in a dark, secluded corner of the nightclub.

 

“When did you get back?”  Buffy asked, her voice falsely kind.  She and Spike sat on a couch facing Riley who sat on a wooden chair behind the table in the middle.  The commando sat at the edge of his chair, his hands on his knees.  Spike sat in a deceptively casual position.  Buffy was laid back slightly against the arm that was resting around her hip possessively.

“In Sunnydale?  Today…well, this evening.”  The commando answered, his face softened.  “I uh, heard about Dawn.  I’m sorry.”

Buffy nodded mutely, her mind not wanting to recall her painful loss.  Wanting instead to concentrate on why her ex-boyfriend was back after betraying then leaving her.  She swallowed and was about to speak when Riley spoke again.

“Can we talk in private?”  He asked, looking pointedly at Spike.  The vampire raised a scarred eyebrow.  Buffy felt his tightened hand relax around her once more, as she answered, “No.”

He was about to protest when Buffy cut him off sharply. “Why are you here?”

“I came to see you.”  His voice portraying the hurt he felt at her tone of voice.

“I didn’t think there was anything else to say.”

“You don’t?”

“No.”  Buffy stated confidently.

There was a pause.

“Why now, is it like ‘leave’ or something?”

“Yeah, I have the weekend.”

“Oh.”  She paused then stood up, indicating the others at the table who were watching them curiously.  “The gang’s over there if you want to say hi.”  She looked over at Spike who’d stood a little after she had, “I’m kinda beat.  Can we go now?”

“Sure, love.”

“I can take you home if you like.”  Riley blurted out, unsure of the situation.  He watched as Buffy entwined her fingers with Spike’s.  “Buffy, what’s going…”

Buffy cut him off again, “No.” She said firmly before leading Spike out of the clearing.  They grabbed Buffy’s coat on the way out leaving the group in stupefied silence.

Riley watched the blonde couple leave, his mouth wide open.  His eyes travelled to the Scooby Gang, crossing the nightclub in order to get some much-required answers.

 

 

Part Seven

 

 

“Morning.”  Buffy murmured as she stretched, reaching up to kiss Spike who was watching her as she awoke.  He rolled half over her, his hand tangling in her hair as he deepened the kiss.  The doorbell rang and Buffy broke away with a groan of annoyance.

She got off the bed, throwing on a pair of pants and t-shirt.  She travelled quickly down the stairs, opening the door quicker still at the insistent ringing.  Riley burst in without waiting for an invitation.  Buffy shocked by the sudden entrance soon came out of her stunned stupefaction at the angry look on his face.  She slammed the door shut, glaring at him with her hands on her hips.

“RILEY WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?”  She shouted.  Spike hearing both her words and the door got out of bed throwing on his pants and walking down to where both Buffy and Riley stood arguing.

“Willow told me Spike is living with you?”  He asked, his voice harsh.

“And?  How is any of my life your business?”  She asked, livid that he dare question her on her life. 

Riley was about to retort when his eyes focused on something behind Buffy.  Riley’s eyes widened in shock at the picture of a half-naked Spike walking down behind Buffy.  Buffy turned around, her eyes softening as she saw whom it was.  She moved aside to let him pass and that was when Riley struck, delivering a sharp punch to the vampire’s chin.  Spike’s head simply turned with the blow.  When his eyes met the commando’s they were yellow.

“Come on!  Xander can hit harder than that!”  He turned to Buffy, saying conversationally, “This will be more than worth it.”

Too quick for the eye to follow his left arm shot out, sending the commando flying to the other end of the room with the force of the blow.  Spike braced himself for the pain…but it didn’t come. 

Buffy looked at Spike wide eyed, “Not that I want you to be in major pain or anything but shouldn’t you be going ‘ow’ right about now?”

Spike frowned, bringing his hand away from his head.  He walked over to the just standing army-man and hit him again, sending him back on his butt.  The vampire smiled and walked over to the Slayer, wrapping his arms around her.  He was about to kiss her when he saw her confused, hurt and slightly fearful eyes.  His face relaxed back into its human form, “What’s wrong.” He asked, rubbing the pad of his thumb across her pink lips.

“Why didn’t you tell me you’d got the chip out?”

He frowned, “I didn’t.”

“What?”  She asked, returning the frown.

“That’s why I came back.”  Riley’s voice broke in and Buffy turned around.  “The computer system collapsed; all the chips stopped working.  This didn’t really matter for the others – most were already dead; killed in the fight – the rest we killed after.”  His eyes narrowed, “Except Hostile Seventeen – I didn’t want him to earn your trust on the basis of the chip and then you find out it doesn’t work.”  His eyes shot to the arms around the Slayer’s waist, “I guess he earned more then your trust.”

Spike growled and Buffy said, “Riley I think you should leave.”

“Buffy I don’t think you understand – his chip…”

“Don’t patronise me…just go.”  Buffy cut in, her eyes’ stern.

“Buffy…”

“Go!”  She shouted, needing time to talk to Spike alone.

Riley got up, shaking his head as he slowly left.  He would leave all right; then he’d go to Giles, Willow, and Xander…Angel if he had to, to ensure that Spike would leave.  Buffy obviously had no idea what was going on.

Buffy sighed as the door shut and she moved to the couch.  Would this change everything?  Would he leave her like the rest, now he had no chip to tie him to her.  She sat down and Spike followed.  When she didn’t meet his eyes he spoke, “Slayer?”

Buffy winced at the title – another reminder of what the chip had made her forget.  Spike moved to take her hand but she retracted it.  “Buffy?” He whispered unsure of what was happening. 

“Are you going…to leave?  Now you’ve got what you wanted.”  She asked, her sentence ending a harsh whisper as she looked away.

“Buffy,” He began gently, tracing his bite mark on her neck with a pale finger.  “I already have what I want.”

“But now…”

“The chip didn’t change who I am.  Hell pet, I didn’t even know it’d gone!  You think I’m going to turn into Spike-elus?” He asked with a smile.

Buffy giggled and the tears that had filled her eyes slipping down her face as her head shook.  Spike tenderly wiped them from her cheeks, trailing a finger along her jaw to her chin; lifting her head. 

“I love you, Buffy.  Chip or no chip.”  He brushed his lips against hers, moving back to look in her eyes, uncertainty clouding his.

“Does it make a difference to you?”

Buffy smiled at his insecurity, reminding her of what made this vampire, this man different from the others.

“I love you, Spike.  Chip or no chip.”  She repeated his words with a smile, moving forward to kiss him.  As their tongues danced Spike wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her onto his lap and flush against his body.  After a few minutes she pulled back, breathing heavily, “No killing though.”

“No killing.”  Spike agreed, bringing her lips back to his.

 

 

Armed to the teeth with crosses, holy water and stakes the Watcher, the witch, the other witch, the zeppo and the ex-demon made their way to the Slayer’s house.  It was well past midday by the time Riley had found the Watcher.  Concerned that his ward wouldn’t be able to handle having to protect herself from another she loved, Giles had called the rest of the Scooby gang for their support.

The Watcher opened the front door and the gang moved in.

“Buffy?”  Willow called, more uncertain now of the vampire’s innocence than she had been back at the Magic Shop.  They couldn’t see anyone.  Xander and Anya went upstairs while Giles, Willow and Tara began exploring.  They heard a noise coming from the basement and the three moved quickly to the door, flinging it open.  They watched as Buffy hit a game-faced Spike in the face three times in quick succession the vampire once again turning his head with the blows.  Spike backhanded her then swept her feet out from under her, pinning her body with his own.  The other’s watched, unable to move, as Spike ducked his head for what they assumed was the killing blow.

 

Buffy looked up at her lover’s yellow eyes, which gleamed in the darkness, with her own desire filled orbs.  She struggled underneath him but he’d trapped her successfully, his weight entirely on top of her.  Her movement only caused her to rub against his arousal, forcing a growl from his throat.  A small moan escaped her lips as he ducked his head, nibbling at the sensitive skin of her neck, and her hips bucked up.  Spike growled rolling his hips back into hers as his tongue and teeth continued to tease her neck.  He could hear the blood rushing through her veins, hurrying to the surface.  Her scent was intoxicating; vanilla, sweat, power and arousal.  So strong he could taste it on his tongue.

 

“Buffy!”  Xander’s yell wasn’t even heard by the Slayer as lust and want filled her mind; commandeering her senses.  The zeppo pushed past the others who stood immobilised with shock, flying down the stairs.

He grabbed his crucifix, slamming it on to the vampire’s bare back.

 

Spike roared in pain, rolling off the Slayer, knocking the boy away as he did.  Buffy sat up at the loss of his lips on her neck a few moments later, her eyes dazed.  Her gaze moved between the people at the top of the stairs.  “Guys?  What are you…?”

 

“Buffy!  Behind you!”  Willow called as Spike sat up, wincing as his burn stretched.

Buffy turned quickly, frowning as she caught his wince.  She placed a hand on his cheek, “What’s wrong?”  She turned to the others, “What are you all doing here…and why is Xander unconscious?”

“Spike hit him.”  Anya put in, rushing worriedly to her boyfriend’s side as he began to wake up.

“You hit him?”  Buffy asked, facing her lover once more.

“He pressed a bloody crucifix to my back, I was in pain!”

Buffy’s eyes widened and she turned him around.  She gasped at the nasty burn in the shape of a large cross on his mid-back.  “God… We have to wrap it up or something.”

She stood, and helped Spike to his feet, wincing as the vampire winced.  They moved up the stairs, the Scooby Gang parting as they passed them.  They stared at each other before following them into the kitchen.

Buffy dabbed a wet cloth to the mark, drying it carefully.  Retrieving the medical box she opened a dressing pad and held it over the burn, taping it securely. 

“You know, pet, falling in love with you should come with danger pay.”

Spike said as he turned to face her.  Buffy smiled sadly, “Sorry.”

“I’m joking.”  Spike smiled, pulling her close and kissing her tenderly.

 

“Buffy, didn’t Riley tell you about the chip?”  Willow asked uncertainly.

Buffy broke away and faced the group, “Yeah?”  She asked.  “I’m guessing he told you.”  She said, indicating the weapons, “Nice artillery!”

“We were just worried.”  Willow said quickly.

“Yeah, didn’t want another Angelus.”  Anya put in tactlessly.

“No.”  Giles agreed and he coughed politely, moving hurriedly away from the painful subject.  “Well, we’d better be going.  Oh, how was patrol…fr-fruitful I hope.”

“Fruitless.  In both senses…guess we’re looking at bigger badder bad around the corner, it’s been quiet for weeks.”  Buffy said nonchalantly.

“Yeay!  Research!”  Xander said sarcastically, he looked over at Buffy, “So, you’re okay?”

“Yeah.”  Buffy said, smiling softly.  “I’ll come by before patrol, later okay?”

“Sure, Buffy, see you later.”  Willow said, taking the hint as Tara said goodbye.

“Bye Buffy, Spike.”

“Bye Buffster, junior.” Spike growled at the whelp and Anya furrowed him away saying, “He could eat you now, stop being annoying.”

The vampire laughed and the Watcher smiled at the Slayer before leaving as well.

 

“Want to take a shower?”  Buffy asked, smiling up at the vampire after they’d heard the door shut.

“Excellent idea, pet.”  Spike replied as he lifted the Slayer carrying her up the stairs and to the bathroom to the sound of her melodic laughter. 

 

 

 

 

 

Part Eight

 

 

“You’d think they’d stop hunting here.”  Buffy said as she dusted vampire ash off her jacket.

“They’re stupid, love.”  Spike explained as he tucked away a stake in his duster pocket.  He took her hand and led her from an alley behind the Bronze.  “Idiotic, no-brains, half-witted wankers, dumb-arses, daft…”

“I get the idea, Spike!”  Buffy interrupted laughing lightly.  Spike smiled and using his other hand to cup her face leant down to kiss her.

 

Angry, childlike yellow eyes watched from the shadows as Slayer and vampire headed towards another graveyard.  She was about to follow when the sky opened up, sending sheets of rain down upon the strange town.  She regarded how the couple ran towards the town in search of shelter.  Suddenly a smile broke out on her face and her enchanting brown eyes sparkled.  She whispered excitedly to the doll in her arms before turning and disappearing, her manic laughter ringing out into the alleyway. 

 

 

Spike and Buffy burst through the Magic Box’s doors, the Slayer laughing slightly.  The bell tinkled incessantly at their hurried entry, making the researching Scooby Gang jump at the sudden noise.

“Good Heavens Buffy!  You scared me!”  Giles exclaimed, placing his hand to his heart. 

Buffy smirked at him, “Sorry Giles.”  She walked further into the room, ”So what’cha doin’?”  

They all held up all texts, speaking as one, “Research.”

Buffy smiled, nodding her head, “Riiight!  Um, we’re kinda wet so I’ll go change.”

“Sure, just don’t have sex.”  Anya said, not looking up from her book.  Xander thumped his head on the book, Giles scrunched up his nose and the two witches blushed.  Spike wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at the Slayer.  Buffy punched him on the shoulder before grabbing his arm and pulling him towards to the shower at the back of her training room.

“What?”  Anya asked her boyfriend as the couple left; Xander shook his head and continued reading in an attempt to block out the images Anya’s condition had given him.

 

 

“Spike…we really shouldn’t do this here.”  Buffy half moaned as the vampire grabbed the tops of her thighs and pulled her up to his eye level.  Her legs wrapped themselves around his waist as he leaned her against the shower wall.  Her fingers threaded through his short hair, keeping his mouth against her chest as he teased her breasts, the hot water pelting down on his back.  Buffy rubbed herself against his hardened cock and he growled against her chest.  His mouth slipped across her wet skin to her mouth cover it and dulling the sounds of her cries as he thrust into her.  He moved slowly, drawing out the sensations until both were mindless with the need for release.  His mouth kissed and licked down her neck, his face changing against her hair.  Spike rocked against her clit as he felt her orgasm begin.  He kissed her neck gently before sinking his fangs into her golden skin.  Buffy bucked against him as she came, biting into his neck in her attempt not to scream out.  At the feel of her teeth and the taste of her powerful blood Spike came, shooting his dead seed deep inside her.

They stood like that for some time, Spike purring against her neck as he lapped at the blood dripping from his bite.  As the last of the hot water ran out, Buffy shivered and Spike moved out of her.  He gently lowered her to the floor and switched off the water.  Quickly drying each other and Buffy dressed in her spare set of clothing that she kept at the shop in case of emergencies.  Thankfully, Spike’s long leather duster had pretty much kept his clothing dry and the vampire redressed.  They left the training area hand in hand…happy.

 

_-_-_-_

 

Buffy took a deep breath and, flowers in hand, stepped towards the gravestones she’d been avoiding the past two weeks every night of patrol.  She stopped, calling herself every kind of wimp, jumping as a cold hand took hers.

“You can do it, pet.”  Spike whispered and with a nod Buffy closed the space between her and the graves of her mother and sister.  She stood between them, staring blankly at the earth, which to her trained eye looked far too fresh. 

Her legs collapsed underneath her and she crumbled to the ground in between the two graves as silent tears fell from her eyes.

Spike crouched down behind her, his heart going out to her.

Eventually, he heard the slayer sniff then place a single white rose on each grave.  She stood, Spike moving just moments before her.  She turned to face him and he smiled gently at her, reaching out to brush away her tears.  Buffy offered him a small smile, sweeping back her hair behind her ears.  With a sigh she took his hand and the two left the cemetery.

 

_-_-_-_

 

Part Nine

 

“Giles?”  Buffy and Spike entered the quiet apartment, closing the door behind them.  They’d been left an ominous but vague message on the answering service and came as soon as they got it.

Buffy gasped when a harried looking Giles walked out into the sitting room, “Buffy.”

“What’s wrong?”  Buffy asked immediately.

“Xander and Anya have been attacked.”  He informed her without any preamble. 

“What?”  Buffy breathed.

“They’re in the hospital.  Willow and Tara are there right now.”  Giles answered.

“How bad is it?”  Buffy asked, following the watcher to his car.

“Xander’s okay but Anya’s in intensive care.”  Giles responded softly, getting in.  Buffy and Spike got in the back and Giles pulled away from the road.

 

“Will?”  Buffy addressed quietly when the two witches came into sight.

Willow turned around and immediately hugged her best friend.  “Oh god, Buffy, they look awful.”

“Where is he?”

“Here.”  Buffy turned around to the sound of the newly woken Xander.  The two girls enveloped their friend in a strong hug immediately.  A tear slipped down his features and he closed his eyes to the pain.

In the background Spike and Tara stood uncomfortably, both sad for their partners pain.  Giles rounded the corner and sighed painfully at the sight before him.  “They say we may see her now.”  He said softly.

The three broke away, two of them back to their partner, the third leading the rest to his loves’ hospital room.

 

Buffy, Spike, Willow, Tara and Giles watched from the doorway as Xander slowly moved to the bedside, pulling up the chair as close to the bed as he could.  He sat down, taking Anya’s un-IV-ed hand in his.  He brought it to his mouth, kissing it gently.  “Come on, baby.”  He whispered; his voice choked up with his sorrow.

 

Giles rubbed a weary hand over his features looking over at the two couples in the waiting room with him.  Xander having chosen to stay with Anya: the others giving him room.  One chair away from him to his left sat the two witches, holding hands; giving comfort through that simply action.  His slayer was curled up in her chair, leaning heavily into the blonde vampire’s embrace.  Her eyes were unfocused on the wall behind them and his hand stroked her hair in a soothing manner.  Giles silently sighed, wishing he had someone to comfort or to be comforted by.  There hadn’t been anyone since Jenny, Olivia now counting as a brief fling after going nowhere.  Giles pushed away the painful memory of the computer teacher that he loved, focusing instead on the doctor who had just rounded the corner.

“She’s awake.”  The nurse smiled conciliatory at the group and walked away. 

Willow got up and looked over at Buffy who sat up then stood.  Silently the two girls entered the room first, their hearts softening at the idea of the two in front of them when they saw how the zeppo smiled at the former demon.  Giles was a step behind them, the girl’s partners behind the watcher.

“Hi.”  The slayer greeted softly. 

Xander didn’t acknowledge their presence, surprisingly Anya moved her gaze from her boyfriends to the slayer.  “Hi.”

“How you feeling?”  Willow asked, smiling gently at the ex demon she never thought she could accept.

“Better.”

“What happened?”  Giles asked, stepping forward into the room, allowing the two behind him to seek out their lover.  “Xander didn’t say.”

Anya frowned, shocked that Xander hadn’t told them.  “Big vampire attack – four or five.”

“What?”  Buffy breathed, shock and guilt filling her body as she realised she was probably the cause for this.  “Where?”

“Close to the Magic Shop.”  Xander answered, he turned his head to meet Buffy’s eyes squarely.  “Drusilla was there.”

“Fuck.”  Spike growled softly.

“What did she say?”  Buffy asked.  “Anything?”

“I think she said something about us being the appetiser for some banquet.  Through the concussion I can’t be sure though.”  Xander responded wryly.  He turned back to face Anya, cringing at the bandage which he knew covered twin puncture holes.

“I’m so sorry Xander.”  Buffy said quietly.  “I’ll make them pay.”

 

Part Ten

 

“What do you want me to do?”

“About what, pet?”  Spike asked, rolling from his position on his back on to his side so that he was facing Buffy as she spoke.

“About Drusilla.”  Buffy spoke softly, averting her eyes to the covers.

“I…I don’t know.  I don’t want her to die.”  Spike admitted quietly.   Buffy was shocked as she felt her heart brake. What was wrong with her?  She’d known he loved Drusilla – why wouldn’t he want her to be safe.

“Spike…I can’t…” Buffy sighed helplessly trying to convey that she couldn’t let the vampiress live after the attack on her friends.  Especially since worse was sure to follow.

“I know, love.”  Spike sighed.  “I can try to talk to her…”

“What?  No!  Stay away from her!”  Buffy interrupted, her jealousy roused.

Spike was shocked; he’d never seen her exhibit jealousy.  He liked it.  With a grin he slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her body possessively to his as he kissed her roughly.  Buffy moaned and slid her hands into his hair, gripping it slightly as she held his demanding mouth against hers.  As his lips slipped down her neck, Buffy arched back as she gasped,  “Don’t go to her.”

“I won’t.”  Spike assured her, pulling her lips back to his.  Buffy moaned into his mouth, sliding her lips across his cheek, down his neck, her teeth scraping his jugular.

“Tell me that you love me.”  She whispered near his ear.

With a growl, Spike flipped her on to her back, landing in between her legs, his erection pressing up intimately against her.  His face changed into its demonic form; “I love you, Buffy.”

Buffy smiled at him, pulling his face down as she spoke, “I love you, too.”  She murmured, hissing as he bit into her neck.  Her hands shot to his pants freeing him as he reached under her skirt, ripping away her panties.  Gently sucking at her neck Spike slammed into her, growling at her shriek of pleasure.  Her legs slowly rose around his waist and she raised her hips to meet his blows.

Their release came un-expectantly, both falling into the abyss simultaneously; Spike with a loud roar and the slayer with a shriek of her vampire’s name.

 

_-_-_

 

Outside, below the tree that towered close to the slayer’s bedroom, a young woman in nineteenth century dress growled ferally as extremes of pleasure flew out of the open window to the street behind her. 

She closed her yellow eyes, giggling quietly to herself at the pretty pictures she saw behind them.  Winding streets of times passed flew before her eyes, her blood splattered lover kissing her roughly, the strong powerful aphrodisiac of slayer’s blood filling her mouth, mind and senses from his lips.  Then the time changed and instead of a Chinese girl, her lover held an American.  Drusilla smiled as she saw his fangs descend toward the broken girl’s neck.  She snapped out of her daze, satisfied with what she saw.

“Soon, my William, soon.”

 

_-_-_

 

Part Eleven

 

Three weeks later...

 

“Spike....”

 

The vampire sighed and looked down at the girl sleeping in his arms.  So quietly.  So loving.  So trusting.

 

He could feel her.  Hear her in his head.  She was in his blood.  His black goddess.  His Drusilla.  

 

He needed to go to her.  Her siren song was weaving in and out of his thoughts

 

He had to answer the call.

 

---

 

“Spike?”

 

Her voice was a panicked, high-pitched whimper as she entered the kitchen, taking in the sight before her.

 

There were shards of glass on the floor.  Blood splattered on the far wall and on the counter. 

 

An axe was imbedded in the wall.

 

A blood stained axe.

 

There were no ashes.

 

But there was a note.

 

The cemetery, midnight.

 

---

 

“You know, he was acting weird all of yesterday, I knew I should I have stayed with him today.”  Buffy babbled as she paced the room.

 

“Buffy, you couldn’t have known something like this was going to happen.”  Willow said sympathetically.

 

“It’s not like you can watch him 24/7.”  Anya answered.  Since her recovery from the attack, nearly a month ago, she had considerably mellowed, becoming more of one of the group then just ‘Xander’s girlfriend’.

 

“Why can’t the world just leave my boyfriend alone?”  Buffy ranted, as she moved from one end of the Magic Shoppe to the other, grabbing heavier and heavier artillery as she went.

 

“Why can’t the bad guys come up with a more original line?  Nothing earns respect like originality.  And ‘the cemetery’, I mean there are like twenty-“

 

“Xander!  You’re not helping!”  Buffy glared at him, grabbing another dagger of the wall.

 

“Sorry, Buff.”  Xander looked immediately remorseful, looking behind her anger to the anguish in her eyes.

 

As the rest of the group milled about, preparing for a potentially major battle, Buffy sank down in to her seat, willing the time to go faster – it was only 10pm.

 

Xander squatted down next to her, “Don’t worry, Buff, we’ll find him.”  He murmured quietly to her.

 

“But before they hurt him?”  Buffy looked up at him with teary, blood-shot eyes.

 

Xander winced.  What could he say to that?

 

---

 

The Scoobies walked through yet another cemetery, searching for any clue to where this week’s crazed monster had taken Spike, when from out behind a crypt up ahead a dark shadow emerged.  The group readied their weapons until the shadow stepped in to the light.

 

The slayer ran as she spoke, her eyes filling with tears of relief, her weapon’s bag dropping to the soft grass below her feet.

 

“Spike, oh my God, where have you been?  I’ve been worried-“

 

A shock ran through Buffy’s body and she dropped to the ground but two meters from where the peroxide blonde was standing.

 

The group started forward, Giles surprisingly reaching her first.

 

“Buffy!”  The shout was a mixture of three people’s voices.  Willow. Xander.  And Giles.

 

The watcher dropped down to the grass to where Buffy lay.  The slayer groaned as she slowly got to her feet, blinking rapidly to restore the balance to her sight.

 

Willow screamed, as from behind them eight vampires materialised as if out of thin air, restraining the four younger Scoobies and dragging them back.

 

Buffy’s instinctive motion towards her friends was halted as she looked up in front of her as her lover spoke.

 

“Oh, don’t worry, pet.  They don’t make a move until I say so.  And I think we’ll play with you for a bit first.”  His voice was cold, crisp.  So unlike the man she’d known for the last year.

 

Beside him, wrapped in his arms, Drusilla bounced and crowed in excitement. 

 

_-_-_

 

Part Twelve

 

 

The four looked at each other.  Vampires held Xander, Anya, Willow and Tara back in the background.  Allowing them to watch.  And be powerless to intervene.

 

Dru laughed evilly, staring at Buffy. “Don’t worry deary, I see what you want...you want it all to end, don’t you love?  Mummy’s gonna make it all better.”

 

Buffy shot her a Faith-esque smile, “Bring it on.”

 

As one the two women flew at each other, landing vicious blows on their opponent.  Neither staggering, neither flagging.

 

“Now, watcher, we’re gonna play a little game.”  Spike murmured maliciously as he advanced on the smaller man, appearing to tower over him.

 

“R-really, Spike.  And what might that be?”  Giles asked coldly, trying to hold back his fear.

 

In a flash the blonde vampire was behind them man, knocking his weapons from his grasp.  “Make believe.”  He whispered just before he sank his fangs into the watcher’s throat.

 

Second later he dropped the body behind a tombstone.  Spike looked down at the watcher, “Play dead.  Good dog.”

 

“GILES!!!”  Buffy threw off Drusilla as she heard the body land.  As she ran past Spike he kicked out at her, sending her flying towards the Scooby gang who were still held captive.

 

The slayer landed with an “oomph!”, slowly getting to her feet, her eyes nearly black with the pain.  Both physical and emotional.

 

She watched as Spike walked over to the fallen vampiress, gently lifting her off the ground, tenderly stroking her hair from her face.  Buffy made a low sound of anguish.

 

“I trusted you.”

 

“I know.”

 

“Ooh!  Is the slayer going to cry, Spike?  Miss. Edith said the slayer would cry.”  Drusilla exclaimed excitedly.

 

“Looks like it’s just you and us, pet.”  Spike said, grinning cruelly at the slayer.  He looked at her stricken look he added in a conciliatory tone, “Don’t fret, ducks, we’ll be out of here in a few minutes.”

 

“B-b-but...you said you’d never l-l-leave me...” Buffy sputtered, valiantly fighting back tears as she saw her lover wrap his arms around another woman.

 

“I thought you loved me.”  She whispered.

 

She watched as Drusilla reached up behind her to wrap her arm around his neck, pulling his head down.  One long finger extended, slicing his cheek open.  Her tongue snaked out, running from one end of the wound to the other as she lapped up the blood.

 

Buffy turned her face as her lover closed his eyes in ecstasy.

 

“He always comes back to his mummy, don’t you my darling.”  Dru cooed at the blonde vampire.  “He belongs to his princess, not the nasty slayer, isn’t that right my Spike?”

 

Spike looked down at Dru then over at the slayer.  Slowly he shook his head, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to the vampiress’ forehead.

“Sorry ducks.”

 

Without another word, Spike extracted a piece of wood from his coat pocket and pushed it through Drusilla’s heart.

 

“Spike?”  Her wide child-like eyes stared up at him in astonishment before she exploded into to a million dust particles.

 

“Spike?”  Buffy whispered a few seconds later, a tear escaping her eyes.

 

With a sigh, Spike reached into his pocket removing a small vile of pink liquid before crushing it in his hand.

 

Buffy turned round with a jump and her four friends let out little screams as the vampires holding them disappeared.  She spun back around to see Spike move behind the tombstone he’d dropped Giles behind and reach out a hand.  Buffy crumpled to the ground in shock as a hand accepted the vampire and Giles was pulled to his feet.

Before she could say or do anything the slayer was enveloped in a three-way hug as Xander and Willow bounded towards her.  As Giles came up to them the group broke as Giles received his own embrace.

 

“Oh, Giles...” Buffy murmured tightly as she squeezed him with strong but tired arms.

 

The slayer looked up to where Spike was still standing next to the pile of ashes.  She let go of her watcher, walking slowly to where her lover stood.

 

“Spike...”

 

Spike looked up at her, pain etched clearly in face.  “I’m so sorry.” He whispered hoarsely.  “I didn’t want to...trick you...but...I...”

 

With a small cry Buffy jumped at him, wrapping her arms around him, bursting into tears.

 

“I love you.”

 

_-_-_

 

Epilogue

 

 

Buffy picked up Spike’s hand, leading him into the graveyard, her other hand carrying a small box.

 

She took him through the numerous gravestones until the reached the lone pink blossom tree that stood defiantly at the back of the graveyard.

 

They stopped in front of it, staring down at the metal plaque embedded in the ground, next to a small hole.

 

Buffy knelt down, gently tugging Spike with her.  She carefully placed the box she was carrying in the hole.  As Spike just watched, she pushed the surrounding dirt into the hole, covering it up.

 

Reaching inside her pocket she retrieved a small packet.  Sprinkling its contents over the grave she took a deep breath, muttering several long Latin strains under her breath.

 

Spike watched, as flowers grew over the grave, pretty pinks, blues and whites spread over the earth covering Drusilla’s remains with life.  Life that she never got to experience.

 

Buffy reached over and took Spike’s hand, squeezing it slightly before releasing it.  She silently got up, and walked back a little, giving Spike some space.

 

Ten minutes later the vampire and slayer left the graveyard hand in hand.

 

“Thank you, love.”  Spike murmured, pulling Buffy into a half embrace as they continued to walk away together.

 

Forever.

 

 

The End.

 

 

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