Twice in a lifetime by Parisian

Disclaimer: I ain’t Joss Whedon, and this fiction is meant to entertain not to infringe.

The car was parked in a very popular spot in Sunnydale, the make-out point. It had been there for nearly a half hour, with its tinted windows fogged up and its exterior frequently bouncing on its wheels.

“Mmmm…mmm. Ahhh…ah, oh, oh,” she moaned and gasped as she moved her hands about her; gripping the leather seat beneath her, her hair, his hair. “Oh God, oh God, oh God!” she panted arching her back completely from the seat. “Ahhhhhh!” She shrieked. Suddenly he lifted his head and peered out the window. “No! Don’t stop, why are you stopping?” She looked down at his with a pout and a frown.

“Yeah,” She said with a ‘DUH’ expression on her face. “That was me.” She declared as she tried to push him back down in between her thighs.

“No luv, that was someone else, out there.” He motioned his head towards the window. “We better go check it out.” He lifted up and adjusting his clothes.

“Are you sure you heard right, I mean could you hear anything down there and with me…”

“Squealing like a banshee?” He finished with a smirk. She just rolled her eyes at him. “Yeah I’m sure, vampire hearing, remember?”

“That’s it from now on no more vampiness while we’re making love. Except for the vamp strength and endurance, those can stay on, but that’s it.” Buffy huffed as she began fixing her own clothes, now very hot and bothered.

“Fine, whatever. Now shouldn’t we get out there and save whomever that is screaming? And did you just say making love?” Spike asked arching his brow at her. The color drained from Buffy’s face and her eyes got wider.

“No!” She yelped with a dry voice, as she hurried pulled on her garments and hopped from the car, with Spike close on her heels.

“Yes you did. You referred to our nightly romps as ‘making love’. You know that thing that people in love do. Slowly, gently.” Spike said as he stroked the side of Buffy’s face with the back of his hand, which Buffy quickly brushed off.

“We have someone to save remember, lets move out.” Buffy said. “So in what direction did the scream come from?”

“Ahhh!!” The scream came again before Spike could answer, it was louder and closer, both Buffy and Spike jumped and then race towards it. They came upon two robed vampires clutching a young girl. One of the vampires chanted some words Buffy couldn’t understand and then a blue light emerged beside it. The tear became larger, and another world could be seen on the other side. The young girl struggled as the vamps moved her to the opening. Buffy and Spike quickly moved in to action, each taking on one of the vamps. The two demon slayers clearly had the upper hand until the vamp Spike was now toying with tackled him, knocking them both through the opening. Buffy dispatched her vamp to a pile of dust and had turned to see how Spike was fairing, and then watched helplessly as the blue opening closed, taking Spike with it.

“One of them chanted some thing and then an opening appeared, Spike went through it, and then it closed.” Buffy said as she paced about her living room floor. The entire Scooby gang watched Buffy, listening, all except Anya, who still wasn’t ready to face anyone, especially Xander, after the wedding fiasco.

“Well did you understand the language, I mean was it Latin, maybe?” Tara asked.

“OK,” Xander interjected raising his hand. “Am I the only one not seeing this as a bad thing?” He then fell silent as the four ladies glared at him in disbelief. “I’m just saying.” He said a little lower.

“What?” Dawn asked in a panicked voice. “Are you saying we should just leave him there?”

“No Dawnie, of course not.” Tara said as she stood and moved to comfort the young girl.

“I’m just saying, maybe it’s better this way. It saves us the trouble of staking him later.” Xander spoke again.

“No Will, someone has to say it. So what Spike has helped us out, but it’s only been for his own selfish reason; first it was to get paid and then it to get laid by Buffy.” At those words Buffy shot him a deadly glare. “But come on the only reason he’s stopped trying to kill us is because of that chip, and the season it’s out or malfunctions or something…hello Big Bad.”

“It doesn’t work on me.” Buffy mumbled as she now stared down at her feet. She spoke so softly that no one made out what she had said.

He stood with his grip still tight on the vamp he held, “Where in the hell are we?” Spike growled.

“Where our kind belong, this is a demon world.” The vamp answered. And Parisian will wan to meet you.”

“Who’s Parisian?’ Spike asked as he let go of the vamp and scanned his surroundings.

“She’s our queen. Come I shall take you to her.” The vamp said as he moved away.

“Then let’s go.” Spike said following the vamp. Spike was amazed at the look of the world, it was dark, mostly all the buildings were in ruins and Demolished car and barrel holding bonfires littered the streets. “Where are all the people?”

“I told you, this is a demon world we’re the majority here. Most the humans, the one still alive, are hiding, but we track them and kill them.”

“Each other.” The vamp said as he looked over his shoulder at Spike, and Spike gave him a baffled look. “This is not your world my friend, things are very different here. We don’t need Human’s blood all demons here from Humdrek to Gethal demons live together peacefully. Oh and the sun never rises so no worries about combusting. This is demon paradise, you’ll like it here.”

“I don’t plan on staying long.” Spike mumbled as he cautiously watched two Chaos demons walk by peacefully, nodding to greet him as they passed.

“You really can’t be serious about going back, why would you want to with the sunlight, people tracking you, and the Slayer’s there.”

“There are stories of a vamp who killed two slayers back in the day, but…wait a minute was that you? You’re that vamp are you?” The vamp asked stopping and turning to look at Spike.

“Oh man, that’s awesome.” The vamp exclaimed excitedly. “Parisian’s definitely gonna want to meet you, come on.” The vamp lead Spike to what looked to be some sort of temple.

“Anything?” Buffy asked as she looked up from the book she was reading to address the others as they all sat around her kitchen table.

“Make that a double no.” Xander said, shutting his book in frustration. “So exactly how long has Spike been able to hurt you, and why didn’t you say anything about it before now?

“Xander, not now please let’s just keep looking, there has to be something here, something we’re missing.” Buffy said as she started searching her book again.

“Buff, we’ve been through all of these book twice, there nothing here. We should start fresh tomorrow…”

“NO!” We have to help Spike now he might not have tomorrow. I can’t…I won’t just leave him there.” Buffy said with a shaky voice that everyone took note of, but only one understood. “He stayed after I died, he stayed and he protected Dawn. He didn’t have to but he did. Even now he help me to keep her safe, and with patrolling.” Buffy said lowering her face to hide the tears that threatened to spill out. “I don’t know I guess I’d feel better if I could see he was ok...alive.”

“We..well there maybe a way you can.” Tara said and all eyes shot on her. “There’s a spell, but I’ll have to be in the exact spot that Spike was in when he disappeared. Will, if you can make a circle of candles somewhere on the floor here, with a large bowl of water in the center, I may be able to open a portal?” Buffy’s eyes perked up at her words. “Not the kind that would allow Spike to pass back through, whoever open the portal would have to do that, but we can see Spike and where he is.”

“Great,” Buffy said as she stood. “I’ll take you to where we were. Will you make the candle thingy, and Xander you and Dawn keep up with the research.” Buffy turn so quickly that she didn’t catch her sister’s joy at being allowed to finally do research, though Dawn suspected that when they got Spike back, that would end fast.

Buffy found her way back to the spot she had been with Spike, less then a couple of hours before hand. She walked in silence never really looking up. It was Tara who finally spoke, breaking the deafening silence. “Are you ok?” Buffy just shook her head no. “I’m sorry sweetie.”

“He was just here, right here with me, we were…” Buffy looked up bashfully catching a sweet smile from Tara, and then she looked back down at the ground. “Then he was gone, and I may never get him back. I’ll never get to tell him I…”

“Yeah I kind of guessed, why else would you be parked here with him.” Tara said with a smile. It then dawned of Buffy exactly where they were.

“Oh, Buffy I’m not judging you. It’s ok, I mean I totally understand when people judge you because of who you’re with, who you love.”

“Yeah I guess you do, huh?” Buffy asked and Tara nodded remembering how hard it was for her and Willow when they first started dating.

“But I learned that if you spend all your time wondering what others think, what they’ll say, you miss out on being in love and how wonderful it is. No one can live your life but you, and you obviously have feelings for Spike, strong ones, you shouldn’t be ashamed of them. You shouldn’t have to hide them either. And if the others don’t understand…well that’s their problem.” Tara said with a warm smile, which Buffy returned.

Spike found himself in a grand hall with ivory columns reaching to the high ceiling, in between the columns were life-size statues. The vamp lead Spike further down the hallway until they came to a huge mahogany door. Two guards stood at the doors, opening them to the approaching vamps. The scene before him instantly overwhelmed spike; the room was filled with Vampires and Demons. Some were dancing about wildly to the music booming throughout the room, but most were on the floor in groups; bodies fused in lust. At the far end of the large room sat a throne-like chair with a woman lounging leisurely across it, one of her legs thrown over one of the arms of the chair. Two vamps; one male the other female sat at the woman’s feet, stroking her hands and legs. “Eric” the woman greeted the vamp with Spike. “Welcome home, where’s my virgin?”

“My queen, there was a slight problem.” The vamp spoke bowing his head a little.

“Oh?” The woman said as she waved off her groupies and stood. Spike’s mouth grew dry, he was in complete awe at this magnificent creature before him.

“We were attacked by the slayer, Jonah didn’t make it, but I have brought you a gift.”

“A gift, really,” She walked towards them, stopping right in front of Spike. She smiled at Spike who smiled back despite himself and his surrounding. “I love gifts.”

“This is the vamp of legends, the one who has killed two slayers.” The woman’s eyes lit up in glee.

“Really?” She said as she slowly circled Spike, looking him over. Spike followed her with his head. “The killer of Slayers.” Her smile broadened. “And what is your name, killer of slayers?” She asked stopping in front of Spike once again.

“Now that an interesting name, I’d love to hear the story of how you got that name, Spike?” She traced her fingers across Spike duster.

“Well, maybe I’ll tell you sometime.” Spike said pouring on his infamous charm.

“Well what if I told you there was no way back?” The woman gave Spike a very sultry smile.

“Did it work?” Buffy and Tara asked as they rushed into the living room where Willow had set everything up.

“Well I think so yeah, but it’s kind of loopy.” Willow answered as she, Xander, and Dawn watched as different scenes zipped by.

“Rallentamento!” (‘Slow Down’ in Italian) Tara said and the scene displayed in the bowl of water slowed to normal speed. The grand room hosting the vamp and demon orgy appeared.

“Whoa!” Dawn exclaimed and Willow, who was closest to her covered her eyes with her hand.

“Are you sure this will locate Spike?” Buffy asked as she made a face at the scene.

“Since I use some thing of Spike’s in the spell, yeah it should locate Spike.”

“Oh…ah a ring of Spike’s. The skull ring he gave me when he asked me to marry him, you now when were under that spell.” Buffy answered avoiding the eyes she knew were gawking at her by focusing on the portal in the water.

“NO!” Willow, Tara, and Buffy yelped. Then their eyes fell to Xander who had been quiet, gazing into the portal.

“What, I wasn’t looking at anything. I mean I was looking for Spike and not at those two female vamps making out with each other.” Xander defended as his gaze shifted back to the portal.

“Guys come on, I’m not a child.” Dawn whined and Willow smirked to Buffy, who rolled her eyes and then nodded. Willow removed her hands from Dawn’s eyes and Dawn instantly wrinkled up her nose at the sight before her. “Ewww. Hey there’s Spike.” She said pointing him out and everyone gather closer.

“Whoa, who’s the babe and why is she hanging all over Spike?” Xander questioned as Buffy’s face dropped.

“Tell me Spike, why would you want to go back? To a place where you’re not wanted, and hunted, is it to kill the Slayer, cause I’d be more than happy to send my army back with you…” Parisian began as Spike quickly cut her off.

“No! I don’t want to kill Buffy, I just want to go home.” Spike said matter-of-factly. Parisian narrowed her eyes at the vamp sitting beside her and quickly removed the hand she had resting on Spike’s thigh.

“Yeah something like that.” Spike said shifting uncomfortably under the female vamp’s gaze. Parisian’s eyes seem to bore into him and before he could react, he realized in amazement exactly what she was doing.

“You’re in love with her.” Parisian stated amused greatly. Spike again was in awe.

“Well the dark gift is different for us all, some of us can read minds, some are unusually strong, fast, some can even walk in daylight.” Parisian stated as she sat back more comfortably in her chair.

“What, walk in daylight, of course but I’m special, I’m a God.” Parisian said while smiling devilishly. “I can walk between dimension.”

“Because you’re a God?” Spike said and then winked and clicked his teeth. “Okay, well then God could you please open the doorway back to my world so I can go home?”

“What’s your hurry Spike, why don’t you stay awhile enjoy yourself. You know that pesky chip in your head,” Parisian said in a whisper as she moved closer, her soft supple lips brushing Spike’s ear as she spoke. “It doesn’t work here.” She leaned back smiling in to the now wide eyes staring back at her.

“Ok now that’s not good. She’s deactivated Spike’s chip and now if he comes back he can kill again. Oh God I’ll be the first he comes after I bet. You think he’s still pissed about our run in the cemetery?” Xander asked, nervously running his hand through his hair.

“Stop worrying Xander, we don’t know if it’s just that world that prohibits the chip. Maybe when he returns it’ll turn back on.” Willow said hoping to soothe her friend’s worries.

“Yeah, maybe. Spike doesn’t know where I live right. I mean none of you told her did ya?” Xander asked pointing his finger wildly to each of his friends, Buffy rolled her eyes.

“You did hear me when I said Spike could hurt me, but he hasn’t. At least not in a bad way.” Buffy said smiling slightly while remembering some of their earlier activities.

“Ewww, Buffy TMI.” Dawn said wrinkling her nose. “I really don’t want to hear about Spike boning you. However, I am interested to know what he looks like without his shirt on.” Dawn said with a huge smile.

“I’ll never tell.” Buffy said and suddenly Xander busted out in giggles, causing everyone in the room to stare at him.

“That’s the ditty Anya and I sang when that singing demon guy I summoned was in town. We were telling each other all he things that bothered us about each other. We even sang about our fears of getting married.” Xander said his voice fading at the end and his eyes drifted down to the floor. “God I miss her.” Willow moved to him, rubbing his back.

“She’ll be back, she just needs time.” Willow said with a sad smile, which Xander returned nodding his head slightly.

“Soooo,” Dawn cut in not wanting to discuss Anya and Xander any further, the topic saddened her. “Any ideas about how were getting Spike back?”

“Well, I think she’s the only one that can get Spike back, but I’ll keep looking for a spell.” Tara said point to the woman in the screen.

Spike and Parisian walked arm in arm about her palace like abode. Spike was quite impressed with the artwork Parisian had through out the place. The snob in him made him speak his knowledge on nearly every piece they passed. Spike was sure that Parisian was well aware of each pieces value, but she humored him and allowed his tails. They came upon a grand door, one much like the others they had passed, except this one had been plated with pure gold. Again the guards stood on either side of the doors, opening them as Parisian and Spike approached, and closing them after they entered the room. The room was huge with a high ceiling and an abnormally gigantic bed right in the middle. As if reading his thoughts again, Parisian spoke to relief the mounting look of fear in Spike’ eyes.

“Don’t worry Spike I didn’t bring you here to have sex, although I wouldn’t mind in the least if you wanted to.” She said with a sly smile and a wink. “I just thought you might be hungry.” She clapped her hands and two young figures quickly moved out of the shadows to stand before them, one a girl the other a boy. “Which would you like, they’re both sweet? Virgins always are.” Parisian circled the children, who looked to be no more than twelve years old, as if trying to decide which she wanted more, while tapping her fingertip to her lips. She finally stopped behind the girl, pulling the girls long blonde hair back over her shoulder, exposing her throat. “Oh but her flesh is softer, easier to tear.” Parisian said as her fangs became more visible as they sank in to the girl’s shoulder. The girl winced but didn’t move an inch, not that she could with Parisian’s vice-like grip on her. Spike watched in bewilderment, as did the unseen eyes that were watching them from another realm.

“Well I was gonna say bumpy but that works too.” Buffy said as she stared at the screen, transfixed.

“Have you ever known a vamp that could do that?” Willow asked also transfixed to the screen.

“No thanks,” Spike said though his eyes locked onto the girl’s neck where her blood still trickled down. “Not hungry.”

“Don’t lie to me Spike, it really is a waste of your time, since I can see right through you. I told you that chip doesn’t work her, you can bite her and feel no pain.”

“I don’t want to bite her.” Spike stated and suddenly became stunned by the truth of it he didn’t want to bite the girl, nor the boy for that matter.

“Don’t tell me that the slayer has got you house broken.” Parisian hissed. Spike shot her a dangerous glare, God or no God he would rip her throat out if she kept on with the taunts on his beloved slayer. “Turned you against your very nature.”

“I am my own man with my own mind and choices, and I choose not to feed on children. I never have and I never will.”

“Yes, but even if I brought you a voluptuous woman you still wouldn’t feed on her would you?”

“Already told you, I don’t want to. Besides, I thought you fed on each other here, that you didn’t need human’s to survive.”

“Ahhh, is that it then?” Parisian smiled as if sudden pleased by his words she clapped her hands and the two children left the room the way they had entered. She pushed the silk robe she garnered from her smooth, soft shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. Spike swallowed at the huge lump forming in his throat at the sight of the woman before him, now only wearing her long flowing silk skirt. “You wish to feed from me.” Parisian said more as a statement then a question, she already knew the answer to. Spike’s mouth watered at the thought of his fangs penetrating her, he squeezed his eyes shut. “What’s the matter Spike you don’t feed from other vampires either? I promise you, you’ll enjoy it and once you’ve had a taste you’ll never want anything else.” Parisian said as she moved closer to him, standing on her tiptoes to rub her cheek to his. Spike inhaled deeply absent-mindedly rubbing his face in her hair. Without even realizing it he had vamped out, and Parisian smiled up at him as she traced her fingers across his bumpy forehead. “You know I’ve thought this look was sexy, until now. Come on Spike you know you want to.” Not really needing more coaxing, Spike grabbed roughly at her pulling her to him tightly. He grabbed a fistful of her hair, yanking it away from her long, slender neck. Parisian laced her fingers through Spike’s hair, pulling his head closer to her neck. Slowly Spike bit down and suddenly images flashed before his eyes and every one of his senses turned up full blast.

**Drusilla’s first bite, killing his first slayer, trying to kill Angel, meeting Buffy, trying to kill Buffy, trying to kill Angel, Joyce, the smell of hot cocoa, the initiative, the pain in his head, Dawn, Buffy jumping from the tower to her death, longing for death, Dawn, Buffy being brought back, being consumed with happiness, Dawn, the smell of Buffy’s hair and skin, Buffy taste in his mouth, Buffy on him surrounding him, consuming him, Dawn**

Spike jerked his head back, clutching his chest and then his head, which was now ringing. “What’s wrong Spike, my blood didn’t agree with you?” Parisian asked with a smile, which instantly changed to a sinister sneer as she glared at he vamp crumbling to her feet. “Yeah I’m afraid it has that effect, so when I said you’ll never want anything else after you’ve tasted my blood…well that’s because it’s going to kill you.” She knelt down to him. “You deserve to die and she was right for leaving you, you do reek of the slayer.” Spike glared up at her angry that she had invaded that most sacred place in his mind where he kept memories of Dru. He reached out for her and her laughing face was the last thing he saw before the darkness came to claim him. “Guards!” At her commands the door flung open and the two guards entered. “Dump this corpse out in the street, near the frulenshok district, they love feeding on rotting meat.” She moved to retrieve her robe, pulling the soft material back over her body, and watched with uncaring eyes as the guards lifted Spike’s lifeless body from the floor and carried him out.

Oh my God, Oh my God!” Dawn shrieked. “He can’t be dead, no.” She wailed as her tears flowed free down her face. Everyone watched stunned, each visibly shaken.

“Stop that!” The teenaged girl said to the older man holding the stick. “Don’t poke it, he looks dead maybe we should bury him.”

“No, we should take anything of value and then leave him.” The man said as he took his stick ad poke the lifeless body lying in the alley. The girl kneeled down, moving in to take a better look.

“Are you sure he’s dead?” She asked and then got her answer as a pale hand grasped her wrist, holding her firmly. “Ahhh!!”

“Ok what’s happening, the screens going all loopy again.” Xander said stating the obvious.

“I’m not sure,” Tara answered. “It could be a distorting due to Spike’s location changing, maybe due to time going by, or…”

“No, Dawnie, I’m sure that’s not it. There was no dust right, and that definitely has to occur before a vamp dies.” Willow said hoping to make the girl feel better.

“You heard that lady, things are different in that world for demos, she’s a god and her blood can kill other vamps.” Dawn said.

“I’m not going to hurt you, I promise,” The man spoke as he now sat up using a dumpster to brace him.

“You’re a vampire.” The man with the stick said, as he stood with the stick raised, ready for attack.

“Yeah, but I’m not from here, Parisian brought me here, ad then she tried to kill me, the bitch.”

“You called me little bit, why?” The girl asked from her safety zone behind the man with the stick.

“Yeah,” Spike answered as he rubbed the back of his neck. “And so is he, although I really don’t like my Xander very much.”

“Hey how did you know my name?” Xander asked as he lowered the stick a little.

“I’ve told you already, I’m from another world, and in my world you’re both there, along with Tara, Willow, and Buffy.”

“Buffy?” Dawn repeated with sadness in her voice. “She’s alive in your world?”

“Can you get it back?” Willow asked Tara as he nervously eyed Buffy, who sat curled up on the couch, staring out into space. Dawn sat be side her stroking her hair, but Buffy didn’t seem to notice or just didn’t care.

“I don’t know, I still think it’s something on that side causing it, Spike must have moved, that or time has passed there.”

“Buffy, you want something to drink or eat?” Dawn asked her sister softly, still stroking her hair.

“Why does this keep happening to me?” Buffy asked her tears still streaming down her face. “What’s wrong with me?”

“Nothing, nothings wrong with you.” Dawn responded not clear on what her sister was asking.

“Yeah, well she’s still around and all.” Xander babbled causing Spike to stare at him confused. “She is dead, well the undead, like you.”

“She’s a vampire?” Spike asked stunned and very angry that something had defiled his slayer by turning her.

“Yes, thanks to Parisian. Buffy is, was the leader of the freedom fighters. We took on Parisian and her crew, and we were kicking major ass, really making a difference, trying to get our world back. Well, Parisian started opening other realms and bringing in creatures to fight us. One night during a heated battle, Buffy was captured, and we assumed she was dead, but we should have known better. I mean Parisian wouldn’t let a warrior like Buffy go, so she turned her, and Now Buffy fights on the other team. As for the freedom fighters, well those that are still alive scattered, but are still hunted down and killed. As far as I know, Dawn and I are all that’s left, that are willing to keep the fight and hope alive.” Xander said.

“But you not with them right? I mean you’re a good guy, you’ll help us right?” Dawn asked hopeful. “If you don’t soon they track us down and they’ll kill us, and I…I don’t want to die.” She said as her tears began to fall. Spike stood, slowly and stumbled to her, she backed up a little, and he reached out and wiped away her tears. He never could stand to see her cry.

“You’re not gonna die. I made a promise to your big sis, that I would protect you and I always will.”

“It doesn’t matter, I’d walk through hell for you, no matter what world you’re from.” Spike stated causing Dawn’s smile to return. “So where do you guys set up shop, where your base of operations? Might as well get started, find others that are willing to help us fight.”

“Until I can find my way back home, I might as well work off my frustrations by crushing some skulls.” Spike smirked as Xander and Dawn both smiled broadly at him.

“No!! Don’t touch that!” Buffy screamed at Willow who was about to pick up and dump out the bowl of water still on the floor, surrounded by candles.

“Buffy, it’s been four days, and nothings happened. The screen just keeps looping in and out.”

“Don’t, just don’t.” Buffy said from the spot she had taken up residency in since the night Spike disappeared. Willow raised her hands I defeat as Tara and Dawn looked on sadly at the pale woman sitting on the couch.

“Ok, Do you want some thing to eat, Buffy you have eating much since…” Buffy just shook her head no. “Ok then well if you need us we’ll be in the kitchen.

“Dawn!” A voice yelled out causing the four ladies to jump, startled. “Dawn where are you?”

“Spike! It’s Spike!” Dawn said excitedly as she moved to the bowl of water. Buffy quickly jumped fro the couch, tossing aside the blanket she was wrapped in, as each of them took a spot around the bowl as they watch the screen start to clear up.

“Dawn! I’m gonna kill her.” Spike hissed as he ducked back before the bullet could strike his face. He quickly swung back around getting off two shots of his own, each striking a target, sending dust everywhere.

“I’m sure,” Xander spoke as he peered around a corner. “She’s fine. She’s a big girl, she can take care of her self. She’s a damn good fight, thanks to all your teaching. Don’t worry.”

“Yeah she’s a big girl,” Spike twirled again shooting and dusting several more vamp by firing sliver bullets into their hearts. “A big, stubborn, head strong, cocky girl, who acts before she thinks.”

“And does that sound like anyone you know?” Xander asked arching his brow to his best friend, Spike rolled his eyes at him. Suddenly a fierce explosion erupted in front of the position Spike, Xander and several other freedom fighters held their positions.

“What the fu…” Spike started to say but stopped when he noticed someone was running towards them at full speed.

“Run!!” Dawn said as she ran past them. Not needing further instructions Xander and Spike followed her.

“Fall back!” Spike commanded and one by one the fighters retreated from the abandoned warehouse that Parisian use to house her weapons and also doubled as a barracks for many of her best soldiers. Seconds after Spike, Dawn, Xander, and the rest ran from the building they were all thrown to the ground by another, more powerful explosion. After the dust settled each stood to assess the damage and to ensure that everyone had gotten out. Spike quickly moved to Dawn who was slowly getting up and dusting herself off.

“You ok, little bit?” Spike asked as her turned her about, checking her over.

“Yeah, I’m fine, I’m fine.” She said trying to shrug him off. “Get off me, geez.” Spike stepped back satisfied that she was ok.

“Taking out the building and the baddies inside, duh.” Dawn replied. “That was the objectives, right.”

“Yeah it was after we had gotten information about Parisian’s headquarters and taken as many gun as we could carry!” Spike roar in anger, causing Dawn to move back a bit in fear. “Damn it Dawn, you can’t go off all cock diesel like that every time we have a mission. I think next time you should stay home.” Spike said and then slaked off.

“What?” Dawn said as she followed him. “You can’t keep me home like some child, Spike.”

“If that’s how you choose to behave that’s how you’ll be treated, you could have gotten hurt little bit, or worse.”

“Newsflash Spike, I’m not a child anymore, I’m twenty years-old. I’m a woman now, thanks to you, you’ve raised me well. You’ve protected me like you promised you would, but now it’s time to cut the umbilical and let me stand on my own two feet. I can take care of myself, and you know I can. You taught me everything I know, and since you’re the best fighter I know, I think I’m pretty darn lucky to have you as a teacher. Just let me show you what I can do, Please.” Spike just sighed clenching his jaws.

“Oh and Spike could you stop calling me that in front of the guys, it’s a little disconcerting.” Dawn pleaded as she flashed one of her ‘pretty please’ smiles. Spike chuckled despite his anger and simply nodded. Dawn quickly pecked him on the cheek as they walked arm in arm back to their headquarters.

“It seems time there is different, I think it’s been four years there.” Tara said.

“Fours years?” Buffy repeated. “We have to find away to get him back, now.”

“We will, I look through the books again. Maybe there’s something.” Tara said.

“Ok, it that what I’m gonna look like when I’m twenty?” Dawn asked with a huge smile of delight on her face. “Cause if it is, let me say now, wow!”

“So Spike has hooked up with me and Dawn in that world, and were like kick ass Slayers, freeing that world of baddies?” Xander asked, quite please at this knowledge. Buffy nodded her head to him.

“Yeah and you and Spike are like best friends.” Dawn added which brought a slight frown to Xander’s face.

“Also it seems that time there is different, faster. For every day that passes here, it calculates as a year there.” Tara stated.

“From his perspective, yeah.” Buffy answered. “Which is what it’s imperative that we find away to get him back.”

“He’s been there for fours years, helping you and protecting Dawn, much like he did here, and he hasn’t once feed on a human, although he could he hasn’t, not once.” Buffy defended. “That says something.”

“Look Buff, I know you’ve been, much to my dismay, sleeping with Spike…”

“No, it’s been more than that Xander, much more I was just too afraid to admit it to you guys or myself. Truth is I,” Buffy paused as the reality of what she was about to say struck her. “I love him, I love Spike. I’m in love with him and you can think I’m crazy for falling for another vamp, but keep it to yourself cause it won’t change the way I feel. And this time I’m not going to lose, I’m not going to let him walk out of my life, I’m not going to push him away, and I’m not going to allow you or anyone else ruin it for me, not this time. This time I’m going to fight, I’m going to get him back and then I’m never going to let him go again.” Dawn, Tara, and Willow all smiled at Buffy’s declaration of love for Spike.

“Hey whatcha doing up here all alone?” Dawn asked as she moved out onto the ledge beside Spike, who sat looking out over the scarcely lit city, which was now buzzing with some life, much more than when Spike had first arrived there. Spike knew it was due in part to their efforts.

“Oh,” Dawn said as she began to stand up. “Ok then I’ll leave you alone.” Spike reached out and grasped her hand gently.

“Come now Lit…Dawn, you know I never mind your company, luv.” He said with a smile, which she returned.

“Yeah but you were the inspiration, if you hadn’t come in our world when you did, we’d all be dead now, I know it and so do you.”

“Oh no not you, you’re a Summer’s girl, and there’s one thing I do know, the Summer’s girl are survivors.”

“Oh, tell me about them.” Dawn said as she snuggled closer to her friend and the only father she had ever known. “You never speak of them, I’d like to know what they were like, what you were like.”

“That was another life Dawn, it seems like a lifetime ago.” Spike said with a sad sigh.

“So tell me, when did you first meet Buffy, when you first knew you were in love with her?” Spike smiled at the memories now flooding his head.

“More then anything, and I tried my damnedest to make it happen, but I never could quite follow through with it.”

“I think it was cause deep down inside, I fell in love with her the moment I saw her and I never really wanted to hurt her, and Dru knew it even before I was aware.”

“Yeah but not my first. My love for Buffy is different then my love for Dru, though both are very valid and each equally deep, and strong, they’re different. It’s hard to explain, but I would have died for them both if they’d ask me too.”

“So what was it about Buffy that drew you to her, I mean falling for the Vampire Slayer could be very bad for your health.” Dawn said with a chuckle.

“The way she moves, oh I knew I had found my match.” Spike said with a chuckle.

“So you got off on her beating the shit out of you?” Dawn asked with a giggle, which turned into a full ledged laugh when Spike simply nodded his head. “Freak.”

“Lets see, hardheaded, stubborn, sneaky, often made me mad enough to strangle her. She was funny, sweet, honest, and besides her mum, she was the only one in the lot that treated me like a person instead of a thing. She was never afraid of me, and I think I liked that most about her. She was a lot like you were her age.”

“It’s been six years now, you ever think about what they’re doing?” Dawn asked as she laid her head on his shoulder.

“Nope, I’ve made up my own world for them where they’re both happy. Buffy’s found love and has a family, little bit’s off in college about to head out into the real world. And in knowing that they’re happy, I’m happy.”

“No, you keep me going.” Spike said causing Dawn to smile broadly as they continued to sit looking out over the city, in silence.

“That was Giles on the phone,” Buffy announced as she walked back into the living room. “He says he’s been researching nonstop since I first told him about what happen to Spike. He’s pretty sure that Spike being in the other world won’t effect either, at least not in an exploding or imploding sort of way.” She said as she folded her hands across her chest. She had put most of her energies in to finding a way to get Spike back. She’d go to work, patrol, take care of Dawn, but most of her waking thoughts were on Spike and getting him back. None of the others seemed to mind, since it was the first time since she had come back that she had shown any kind of passion for anything, although Xander was a little miffed that Spike was the reason for this change, he made no remarks.

“So did he find anything on how to get Spike back?” Tara asked as she sat beside Willow on the couch.

“Yeah,” Buffy said excitedly. “He said he may have found a way, but he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to get the needed ingredient, which is right here in Sunnydale.”

“So, he’s coming back? He’s not staying is he?” Anya inquired, causing Xander to smile. He had missed her greatly while she was away but now she was back, and although she wasn’t speaking to him, or acknowledging he was alive in anyway, he was still happy just knowing she was all right. Xander had vowed that he would find a way to get her to forgive him.

“Did he mention what this ingredient was?” Willow asked and Buffy just arched a brow and shook her head no.

“Anyway, he’ll be on the next flight, so he’ll be here some time tomorrow. So, what did I miss on our favorite channel?”

“Well, neither could Dawn, she’s gone to Janice’s for awhile, she said she may spend the night, but she’ll call you to let you know for sure.” Tara said.

“I wish I could tell him to hold on cause were bringing him home soon.” Buffy said as she sadly looked over to the bowl on the floor.

“Well,” Anya spoke as she stood. “I have to get back to the shop, make sure everything is up to par for Giles.”

“Ah, you need help?” Xander asked as he quickly moved to her side. Anya just glared at him.

“No thanks, but hey I do need a husband…oh wait you don’t want that job do you.” Anya said with a shrug and she pushed past him and walked out.

“Don’t worry Xander,” Willow spoke as she moved beside him and began rubbing his back. “She’ll forgive you someday, she just needs time.”

“I know, and I’m going to give it to her as much as she needs, as long as I can have her back. I’ll do anything to get her back.” Buffy looked sadly down at the floor as her heart sank, for she knew exactly how Xander felt. “Well, I’m gonna go too, but call me if you need me.”

“We will.” Buffy said with a smile as she walked him to the door, and then headed over to the bowl still on the floor.

“Just look at them William, they’re so happy.” The old woman said as she sat on the bench with her arm linked with a man that one would have thought was her grandson. “We created this, this safe haven where the children can come and have fun. Now if we could get the sun to shine again it would be perfect.”

“I’m working on it.” Spike said as he smiled at the frolicking children who ran wildly about the playground, which was watched over by the freedom fighters, who had evolved to policing the city from Parisian’s army, which was now smaller in numbers but still a threat.

“I know you are,” She said softly as she patted his hand. “And if anyone’s gonna do it, I know it will be you.” She smiled sweetly at him. “And maybe you’ll find a way to get home.”

“You know what I mean…*cough, cough*” She barks, leaning forward a bit as her body convulsed, Spike gripped her as so she wouldn’t fall over.

“I just want to live long enough to see the sun again, to feel it on my face. Just once before I die.”

“And it’s nice to see you too Willow.” Giles spoke through a delightful chuckle, as he was pulled into the house where he was then attacked by Dawn and Buffy, and then received a firm handshake from Xander.

“You can’t have the shop back.” Anya shot from her spot on the couch beside Tara.

“That’s not why I’m here, besides the shop’s revenue has doubled since I turned it over to you. So I think letting you continue to run it would be in my best interest.” Giles said causing Anya to grin.

“Welcome home Giles.” Anya chirped as she stood and gave him a big hug, with Tara following suit.

“Gosh it’s so good to see you all, I have missed you a great deal.’ Giles said as he removed his glasses and wiped at his eye, and then placed them back on his face. “So, show me Spike so I can assess the situation and see if my idea is even plausible.”

“He’s in here.” Buffy lead the way. Giles moved to the bowl and watched the scene before him in awe.

“Good Lord.” Giles sat back a bit, removing his glasses again to clean them before placing them back on. “And he’s been in there for two months?”

“Two months, seven days, and eight hours.” Buffy said, absentmindedly never looking up from the screen. “But for Spike it’s been sixty seven years, roughly.”

“Dawn, she’s the key.” Giles stared as everyone looked to him confused. “You’re still the key, and I’m sure you still have mystical powers, your blood can still open realms.”

“That’s the plan, use Dawn to open the world where Spike is?” Xander asked.

“Yes that’s the plan, the only one I have been able to come up with anyway.”

“Of course it’s only a suggest, and we wouldn’t attempt anything until we know for sure that it’s safe. But personally I think that it’s the only way that we’ll be able to do it from this side.”

“I do, he would do it for me, he has. He’s been my protector in both worlds and if I can help bring him back, bring him home, I’ll do it.” Buffy smiled at her baby sister with pride as she stroked her hair.

“So,” Buffy then turned to Giles. “What do we have to do and how soon can we do it?”

“William, man you know I’d follow you into hell, but something about this just doesn’t feel right.” The younger man clutching the shotgun to his chest said as he peered around the corner, facing the warehouse they had been watching for three hours.

“Good, you’ve got keen intuition, cause they do know were coming.” Spike said as he moved out, running towards the warehouse and then stalking behind another corner.

“Oh, man.” The younger man groaned as he followed suit. “So what’s the plan exactly?”

“We go in there take out this crystal orb they have running in there to keep us all in the dark. My sources tell me that Parisian has brought some guys from another realm that did the mojo that puts out some kind of deflector shield or force field, blocking the sun’s ray.”

“Yeah I know it sounds Mulderish, but trust me ok.” Spike said this staring the man in the eyes, letting him know that he was serious.

“With my life man, you know that.” The younger man said. “What the hell does Mulderish mean?”

“You know it’s from the x-fi…bloody hell.” Spike cursed remembering they didn’t have T.V. shows in this world, and must parts didn’t even have electricity. Spike hoped to change all that soon. “Never mind. So, you ready to do this?” The man nodded. “Is everyone where they’re suppose to be, cause we only have one shot at this. They know were coming, so we don’t have the element of surprise here, but we have the numbers, so let’s do this.”

“I made a promise to a lady. Let’s move out!” Spike signaled as he and several dozen other armed fighters ran towards the warehouse. They entered with no resistance, spreading out as so they wouldn’t all get ambushed in one spot.

“Welcome, we were expecting you.” Parisian spoke from her position two decks above them as she glared down at Spike. “And there’s someone here that really wants to say hello.” Spike sensed the presence but not in time to block the fist, which smashed into his face sending him flying against a far wall.

“Hello, Spike.” A female’s voice spoke gently to him. Spike recovered fast getting to his feet, but nearly fell over again at what he saw.

“Buffy?” He was stunned, it was Buffy but with jet-black hair that fell to her waist. She was dressed all in black even the makeup she wore was dark in nature.

“You know?” She spoke as she quickly moved forward, kicking him in his midriff, sending him flying to the ground again. “I really hate that name. I prefer Anne, if you don’t mind.” She then reached down and yanked him up and threw him across the ground. This went on for several minutes, Buffy pummeling Spike, who wouldn’t fight back.

“William!” Nina, a female fighter called out to Spike from her position behind an old abandoned car. “Joe, help William.” At her command another fighter moved in to assist Spike, striking Buffy from behind sending her dazed and to the ground. Spike slowly stood in time to see Joe pull out his gun, and aiming it at Buffy’s chest, readying to fire.

“No!” Spike yelled as he dove knocking Joe away from Buffy who still sat on the ground.

“What the hell is wrong with you? She was kicking your ass and you wouldn’t even fight back.” Joe yelled in anger. “I was just trying to help you out.”

“She’s not your Buffy, look at her. I mean would your Buffy be kicking your ass like that?” Spike smiled a bit at that. “William, if you can’t take her out I…”

“No! You go find the crystal orb that’s keeping it dark, destroy it, I’ll finish this”

“Yeah,” Spike said as he turned to Buffy, who was now standing fully recovered, ready to fight.

“Are you sure Spikey?” Buffy asked with a sinister grin. “Cause rest assured when this is done, only one of us will be left standing…right next to a big pile of dust.” She declared as she unzipped her jacket and then tossed it aside.

“We don’t have to do this we can take down Parisian together and walk out of here. You still have a little sister, she’s old now and doesn’t have much time left, but we could go see her. She really wants to see you again before she goes on.”

“She was a pain in my ass.” Buffy said rolling her eyes. “Always wanting something always needing protection. I had no life because of her, until Parisian came along and saved me, she gave me eternal youth and power.”

“Look are we gonna fight or not, cause I’ve been hearing a lot of smack about William the mighty warrior. I mean you’ve single handedly taken out most of our forces. So, come on show me how big and bad you really are.” She then did a round house, landed right on his nose, sending him stumbling back clutching his nose. She didn’t give him a real chance to recover before she moved on him, swinging giving blow after unrelenting blow. Spike succeeded in blocking most of them, but the more damaging ones landed home. Buffy back handed him throwing him to the ground. Spike spit out a mouth full of blood as he glared up at her. He slowly moved his hand to his back seeking out a weapon. “Why won’t you fight? Oh I see Parisian told me that I may remind you of your beloved slayer, newsflash I aint her.” She said as she charged him once again, but was stopped dead in her tracks. She looked to him wide eyed, opening her mouth to scream before she crumbled to dust.

“I know she was a better fighter.” Spike said dropping his stake in the dust at his feet. He flopped to his knees beside the pile of dust, staring down at it with pain in his eyes.

“William!” Spike hadn’t heard his comrades calling to him, pulling him to his feet. “William we did it. We destroyed the orb, we did it, man.” Joe said with excitement.

“Where’s Parisian?” Spike asked never taking his eyes off the dust that was beginning to be scattered by the breeze.

“Is that normal?” Giles asked sipping his tea and watching the bowl of water, which Dawn was refreshing by pouring more water into the bowl.

“What the loopiness?” Dawn asked as they watched the screen faze in and out, never giving a clear, focused picture. “Yeah, Tara thinks it happens whenever time has passed there.”

“Ninety-four years for Spike, I think it’s time we bring him home.” Buffy said as she stepped into the room. “So what’s the plan?”

“So why are we here and not there?” Buffy asked anxiously ready to go. “And are you sure about this shaman guy, Cleo?”

“We’re here because this is where Cleo, which is a world renowned shaman and we were lucky to get him to help us, will be teleporting Spike, he can only open the portal on the exact spot that Spike left at, but…” Giles paused removing his glasses to pinch his nose.

“Spike’s been gone for a very long time. It’s only been a few months for you, but for him it’s been years, nearly a century if my calculations are right. We don’t know where he’s been, how it’s changed him.”

“Yes, but the scene has been fazed out nearly the entire time I’ve been here, which would be seven years for Spike, and a lot can happen in seven years, a lot. I just think we should be prepared, which is why I wanted Cleo to transport Spike here in a contained area.”

“I had Tara do a spell in the basement, once Spike is there he won’t be able to leave the basement, at least not until we can determine that its safe, and he’s ok.”

“So that how were gonna welcome Spike home?” Dawn asked displeased with the idea. “After he’s been gone for so long, we’re going to bring him back like a caged animal, that’s the plan?”

“Well, ah, yes actually it is.” Giles said replacing his glasses back on his face.

“I agree it really does suck.” Buffy said stunning Giles, who thought she of all people would be in agreement.

“I know Giles, safety should come first but it still sucks. I don’t know if I can handle that, locking him up. When I see him I’m…I just don’t know if I can handle that.” Buffy said with a far off look on her face.

“Ah Dawn could you excuse us for a moment, there’s some things I need to discuss with Buffy.” Dawn rolled her eyes at him.

“Right, grown-up talk so the little girl will just go in the other room.” Dawn mumbled as she stalked off.

“Giles, I know what you’re gonna say. I’ve imagined this day for a while now, so I’m just going to be the adult here and come clean. My concern for Spike and getting him home…it’s not because of guilt or because I feel I owe him some thing, well not complete. Truth is I miss him and I need him. I want him back so badly that I…” Buffy paused as she began wringing her hands. “I love him.” She muttered in a low voice, and then she looked up to face Giles, who was now gaping at her in shock. “I’m in love with him, with Spike. We’ve been seeing each other for months, and I denied how I felt. I was ashamed of what the others would think, what they’d say, but then he was gone and…and I thought I would never see him again then I didn’t care. I just wanted him back, wanted him home so I can tell him that I’m sorry and that I love him. So you can save the ‘Dear lords’ cause I’ve made up my mind. I’m sick of everyone thinking they know what’s best for me, and always expecting so much of me. I did my duty and I died for it, but even then I couldn’t get my peace, my heaven. Well, when I’m with Spike I feel, I feel like I did when I was in heaven. I feel so loved and I never have to worry or pretend, I can just be, and I won’t give that up again, I can’t.” Buffy finished staring at him defiantly.

“Ah…right then.” Giles said, as she looked to his feet unsure of what to say. “So this spell Cleo is doing to open the portal, he’ll need Dawn’s blood, but it has to be fresh so she should be there. So, I was gonna ask you if you’ll be ok here alone?”

“Oh,” Buffy said as her face began to turn beet red. “Yeah I’ll be fine.”

“Good, Oh Dawn!” Giles called out to her as he hastily left Buffy standing alone and embarrassed. Suddenly Giles popped his head back into the room. “You…Spike…for months?”

“Dear Lord.” Giles said rolling his eyes as he disappeared around the corner again leaving Buffy giggling after him.

“It’s alright William.” The frail old woman spoke softly as she stroked his arm, which was wrapped around her. They sat a top the tallest building in town looking out over the city this over the years had become their spot. “Buffy hasn’t been my sister for many years, It’s all over now, it’s finally over.”

“William, we both know I don’t have very much time left.” She spoke as he closed his eyes tightly to the thought of her not being there. “Now that Xander’s gone on and I’m soon to join his, you’ll be all alone in a world that’s not yours.”

“Lil Bit, you’re not going anywhere and neither am I. This is my home now I can’t even remember that other place. Those other faces, they mean nothing to me now. And when you pass, which will be a long, long time from now, I’m going to still be here doing what we started together, slaying all the demons of this world.”

“The slayer,” Dawn giggled. “You told me once that your world had one, and that when you left it was my sister, whom you’ve tried to kill like the two others you had killed. Now, my dear William, you have become a slayer. Now, is that Irony or poetic justice?”

“Oh no, you were something special before I meet you. You never once tried to hurt me, you only cared for me and loved me like any great father would, and I will always love you for that. You gave me something I never thought I’d have again, hope.”

“And soon you’ll have sunlight again, cause it will be sunrise soon.” He said looking out over the horizon.

“Yes it will be sunrise soon, so we need to hurry up and do this.” Giles announced to Cleo who was still sitting on the spot Spike had disappeared through months before, chatting in Latin. Suddenly he became in gulfed in a blue energy that rose high into fading night’s sky.

“Bring the child forth!” Cleo yelled and reluctantly Giles and Dawn moved up. Cleo reached out his hands and slowly Dawn took it. With swiftness Cleo had pulled a knife hidden in his robe, and sliced it across the palm of Dawn’s hand.

“Aghhh.” Dawn squealed as she tried to pull away but Cleo had a firm grip. As her blood hit the ground within the blue energy, the energy instantly turned blood red. Giles, Dawn, Willow, Tara, and Xander, who all had been standing around, stood back watching I amazement.

“Oh William look the sky is a pretty pink.” Dawn said as her wrinkled eyes began filling with tears.

“I see it luv. And soon the sky will be a beautiful blue, like your eyes. And there will be clouds of different shapes and sizes. And then the sun, oh the sun will be shining bright and it will make your skin so warm.”

“No worries luv, I’ve got plenty of time. You’re getting your wish luv, you’re going to see the sun before you die. Just like I promised you I would. Look Lil bit can you see it just the tip of it peeking out above the horizon.” Spike spoke as he pointed out to the sky. His own eyes now filled with tears. “Ok, let’s get you back inside now, you can watch the rest from your bed. You don’t want to over do it.” Spike said as he shifted to move, but then realized that Dawn wasn’t moving at all, her dead weigh still pressed against his chest. “Dawn,” He called to her as he leaned her back and peered down into her open eyes, which were still wet with tears. “Lil Bit.” He said shaking her gently. “Dawn, Dawnie, no, no, NOOOOO!” Spike screamed as he clutched her now lifeless form to his body, rocking her as he buried his face in her hair and cried. After a few seconds he sniffed back his tears as he continued to cling to her, looking determinedly out at the sky. He clinched his jaws as he felt his flesh begin to sear and pop, but he continued to stare unfazed undeterred. “I’m coming Lil Bit, I’m coming.”

As suddenly as it had begun, the red flames engulfing Cleo dispersed, leaving him in a breathless heap on the ground. Everyone rushed to him. “Are you ok?” Willow was the first to ask. Cleo just nodded and wave his hand.

“Well, did it work?” Dawn asked as she continued hugging her now bandaged hand to her chest. Again Cleo nodded taking deep cleansing breaths. “Then let’s hurry and get back to the house.” Dawn said anxiously.

“Let’s wait until Cleo has his bearings, a spell like that can take a lot from you.” Giles said as he helped Cleo to his feet. “Besides if it did work and Spike’s back he can’t leave until Tara lifts the confinement spell.”

As soon as the burning of his skin had become almost unbearable and the darkness had just been about to consume him, it had stopped. He opened his eyes, which had been tightly shut and peered around his dark surrounding. Even with his vamp eyes it took him a moment to adjust. He noticed stairs and a door at the top, he swiftly moved towards them only to be slammed backward onto the floor. “What the Fuck.” He said in a near growl and then he tried once more, before finally giving up out of frustration. “Ahggg!” He roared.

She nearly jumped out of her skin at the war cry she heard. She was so startled she dropped her freshly made cup of tea on the kitchen floor. She stood quietly for a second wondering where the sound had come from, when it dawned on her the cry and noises she was now hearing all emanated from the basement. She moved to the door and with very shaky and sweaty hands she reached out and turned the knob.

He instantly tensed up and crouched low when he heard the door beginning to open. He pulled on him game face something he hadn’t done in many years, but deemed it necessary now that he was in a strange, though familiar place. He wasn’t going to run and hide, that wasn’t his style, no he would face whatever came down those stairs head on, and make it wish it had never crossed his path.

She peeked down into the basement, reaching out to the wall that housed the light switch, she flicked it on.

He closed his eyes to the sudden offensive bright lights, slipping back in to his human façade as he turned from the light, shielding his eyes.

“Oh my God, Spike?” Buffy spoke in squeaky voice as she placed her hand over her mouth. Spike just glared at the woman before him, still crouched in a defensive manner.

“Buffy!” Dawn called out as she rushed into the house with the others close behind her. “Buffy, did it work?” She continued yelling as she made her way to the kitchen. “Is Spike…” She halted just behind her sister at the top of the basement stairs. “Spike!” Dawn yelled with a goofy smile on her face. For the first time since he found himself in his ‘new’ surroundings, Spike felt a calm.”

“Dawn?” He said softly and then took note of Buffy once again and began growling before he pounced.

“He’s still out,” Buffy said as she sat on the arm of the couch. “The spell you did, it won’t”

“It just put him to sleep,” Tara spoke up quickly. “He’ll be fine, it was the only thing I could think of. When I saw him coming at you like that, he was so wild, so…”

“Like the old Spike,” Xander finished. “Would now be a good time to say I told you so?”

“Yes, if you want to get beat down.” Buffy said with a warning arch of her brow and Xander imitated zipping his mouth close as he sat back comfortably on the couch.

“Happy now that Spike’s home, and scared now that Spike’s home and so different.” Buffy replied hugging herself.

“We have to keep in mind that’s it’s been a very long time for Spike. He may very well have forgotten this world and everyone here.”

“Well, he seems to remember Dawn, that’s a good thing right?” Willow said with a smile.

“He’d never hurt Dawn, never tried not even when he was the big bad. He always protected her.”

“Yeah why is that?” Xander interjected. “I mean you’d think he would have used Dawnie to get to Buffy.”

“Well, the monks may not have wanted that, maybe they wanted someone just as strong as Buffy to look after Dawn, incase Buffy couldn’t.” Tara suggested and all eyes fell to her making her nervous. “Or maybe not.”

“No actually that makes perfect sense.” Buffy said. “But why Spike, scourge of Europe and not Angel, the vampire with a soul?”

“I guess we’ll have to do some research on that later, but right now we need to figure out what we are to do about Spike. I really don’t think we should let him out in his current state. We don’t even know if his chip still works.” Giles said removing his glasses and rubbing his eyes.

Dawn sat on the top of the basement stairs watching Spike as he slowly began to come around.

“Mmm.” Spike groaned as he slowly began to sit up, rubbing the back of his neck. He instantly felt that he wasn’t a lone, and he shot his eyes up to meet Dawn’s.

“Oh, uhm.” Dawn began slightly shocked but very pleased that Spike was speaking, behaving more like a man then the animal that nearly attacked Buffy earlier. “Tara did a spell and it kind of put you to sleep.”

“You know Willow’s girlfriend, well ex-girlfriend but they’re working it out, and are on speaking terms now, and I can see you so don’t care.”

“Yeah you know ‘Red’?” Dawn said using the name that Spike had given Willow, and recognition glimmered in Spike eyes. “You remember don’t you?”

“Yeah, but she doesn’t use magic anymore, four months magic free.” Dawn said smiling proudly. “You don’t remember us anymore do you?”

“I remember you, Lil Bit.” Spike assured causing Dawn’s smile to broaden. “And Xander, he was a good friend.”

“Yeah I know.” At that Spike looked to her confused. “Tara did a spell that allowed us to watch you sometimes, so we knew some of the thing you did.” Spike nodded his understandings. “So, do you remember Giles and Anya and Buffy?” He shot his eyes back on her at hearing the last name, but then quickly looked back down.

“Are you hungry? We have some pig’s blood in the fridge, I can get you some if you’re hungry.”

“I’m going to go let the others know that you’re awake, but I’ll be right back.” She then stood and headed out. Dawn entered the living room causing everyone to leap to their feet.

“He’s not I already asked, and I don’t think you should see him. Maybe he should get some rest first, he’s been through a lot.” Dawn stated and Buffy eyed her wryly.

“No, no that’s not it Buffy…uh well yeah that’s kind of it, he says he vaguely remembers you guys, all except Me and Xander.”

“Cause in the other world you and Xander befriended him. He spent a lifetime with you two.” Giles offered an explanation.

“Well, that’s a good thing, cause I’m sure when you open your big mouth you’ll make him forget all the good times he had with ‘his’ Xander.” Dawn said a bit pissed. “God Xander you really should get over it already. Buffy didn’t like you, she preferred vamps life goes on, so go along with it. Geez.” Dawn said as she walked out rolling her eyes. Willow and Tara smiled at Xander who stood stunned, but silent, for everyone knew that Dawn was right on with what she had said.

Buffy and Dawn headed back to the basement, where Spike was pacing about the floor. He stopped and looked up to them as they stood at the top of the stairs. Spike immediately tensed his eyes drifting from Buffy to Dawn and then back. Dawn took note of his fear and took another step down towards him, Buffy reached for her.

“It’s ok, he’s not going to hurt me, he’d never hurt me, but he thinks that you will hurt me.” Buffy burrowed her brow to the implication. “Spike, its ok Buffy’s my sister.”

“I know that.” Spike said as he took slow steps to the stairs as Dawn continued to take steps down. “But she doesn’t think so.”

“Maybe once, but not anymore, she’s a vampire Dawn. I thought I killed her but she fooled me somehow.”

“No, Spike she’s not your Buffy, she’s not from that other world, look at her.” Dawn said as she made it to the bottom step. Spike swiftly gripped her yanking her down and behind him. Buffy moved to stop him, just as Spike pulled his gun from his waistband and aimed at her. “No! Spike please don’t, she’s not your Buffy, look at her, look at her, she’s not your Buffy.” Spike narrowed his eyes, studying the small woman before him and then memories flooded his mind.

**Buffy I love you…You don’t love me, you just love getting beat down…You’re an evil, disgusting thing…That’s my girl…I am not your, you don’t have a soul, there is nothing good or clean in you, you are dead inside, you can’t feeling anything real, I could never be your girl.**

Spike lowered his gun slowly and released Dawn from his grasp. “You’re right she’s not my Buffy.” He said as he looked down to the ground. “Can I leave now?” Spike looked back up to Buffy.

“Let the spell be broken.” She spoke. Spike just stood looking around as everyone watched to see what he would do.

“You mean the other world?” Giles asked and Spike nodded his head. “We closed that realm forever when we brought you back, it can never be opened again. We did that to assure whoever opened it to begin with couldn’t do it again.”

“So, I can never go back?” Spike said more as a statement to myself then a question.

“No, I’m afraid not, but you still have a home here, your apartment, your job working for the realtor, he says you’re the best collector he has ever had. We told him you were away for awhile, but he assured that your job would be here when you returned and you’ve only been gone a little over two months so...”

“Yes,” Tara began to explain. “For you it was longer, but here it’s only been a couple of months.” Spike moved to the stairs and everyone at the top suddenly moved back. Spike ascended making his way to the top with Dawn close behind him. He stopped as he came upon Buffy, who didn’t back off but stood facing him, wanting to reach out to him.

“Hey you.” Was all the she could think of to say, Spike simply eyed her wryly.

“Hey,” He replied and then moved past and out into the kitchen, leaving Buffy to feel a bit jilted. Spike walked past the others standing about the room, nodding in a friendly manner to Xander who stood gaping at him, Spike then moved to the back door.

“Hey, wait.” Dawn called to him. “Where are you going, you can’t leave yet, we just got you back.”

“I’m not leaving you Dawn, its just…I need time…alone. You know to get reacquainted. I’m just going to go to my place, as I recall you have more then enough roommates here, without me putting you out.”

“Oh no, you can sleep on the couch,” Dawn suggested having Giles eye her. “Oh that is if Giles wasn’t already using it.”

“Don’t worry lil bit, I‘ll see you later.” Spike said giving her a bright smile.

Buffy had just finished her shift at DMP, and she decided to do a sweep of the cemetery. Part of her mind was on her task, but mostly she thought of Spike. She was wondering what he was up to, if he was ok. Just as she was about to be totally lost in her thoughts of Spike she heard his voice, cursing. As she rounded the corner of a mausoleum, she found Spike taking on three vampires, but before she could move to help him, he had emptied his gun into them.

“Whoa, I gotta get me one of those things, whatcha packing in it anyway?” Buffy asked.

“Silver bullets.” Spike answered as he dropped the empty clip from his gun and replaced it with a fresh one.

“You know nothing about my style, slayer.” Spike stated as he hoisted his gun back to his belt. Buffy, a bit hurt, looked down to her hands nervously. Spike took noted of the hurt in her eyes, and quickly tried changing the subject. “So what are you doing out and about?”

“I’m the slayer, the chosen one with the sacred duty.” Buffy said sarcastically. Spike just stared at her. “And you, what are you doing out and about?”

“Oh, thanks for saving me the trouble later.” Buffy said as she fidgeted. “You should come by the house soon.” She blurted out and Spike cocked his head to the side, looking at her. “Dawn, she misses you, really wants to see you. I’m just not convincing her that you’re ok, you know her she needs to see for herself.”

“A lot. It’s coming in bit and pieces, I see something, go to a place and the memories come back.”

“I feel,” Spike began taking a deep sigh as he looked up to the sky. “I feel as though I don’t belong here, like this is a dream that I can’t wake up from.”

“Oh,” Buffy said dropping her head, feeling disappointed. “Ok, well I better get home, Dawn worries if I’m out too late.” Spike nodded.

“Night.” Spike replied and Buffy walked off in the opposite direction to Spike.

“Stupid…didn’t think guns were your style…stupid, stupid.” Buffy said as she slapped her forehead. She was so distracted with cursing herself that she hadn’t noticed the open grave she was about to fall into. Before her next breath she felt strong arms wrapping around her waist, as she was turned and then pulled against a hard chest. Startled, she stared up into sea blue eyes.

“You should be more careful slayer.” Spike spoke softly with his face and mouth mere inches away from hers. He could feel her breathe and smell traces of burger and cola on it. “You might fall.”

“I already have.” She said in a near whisper as she raised her hand, wrapping it around his neck, and pulled him closer, gently pressed her lips to his.

Spike froze as Buffy ravaged his mouth with hers. After a few seconds Buffy realized Spike wasn’t moving and opened her eyes to stare at him. She quickly moved from his grasp, seeing his disinterest. “God I’m sorry,” Buffy said embarrassed as she looked nervously about, everywhere but in Spike’s eyes.

“It’s ok, I better get going now, don’t forget to tell lil bit I’ll see her tomorrow.” Spike said before turning and walking off. Buffy looked after him for a moment before she could find her voice.

“Are you sure?” Willow asked for the umpteenth time as she dug her spoon into the tub Buffy was hugging to her chest.

“Yes I’m sure Will, I can tell when a man isn’t interested and Spike was so not interested. God I was so embarrassed.” Buffy grumbled as she put a huge spoonful of rocky road into her mouth.

“Whoa, I’d never thought I’d see the day when Spike would turn down some Buffy goodies.”

“He didn’t actually turn them down…he just was busy…uh…oh who am I kidding he did want my goodies.” Buffy whined with a pout. “Which I shouldn’t be surprised by at all.”

“What? You have to know he’s the crazy one, it’s so not your fault.” Willow defended even.

“Oh yes it is, he’s been professing his love for me for years and what did I do, laugh, taunted, and beat him up for it, and now when I finally realize I love him, that I want him, he’s not interested any longer. It’s fate, fate hates me.”

“No, It’s just time, for him it’s been a very long time. He’s been fighting a war for nearly a century that’s bound to change anyone, make them hard and cold. You just have to remind him what it was that he loved about you, romance him a little.” Buffy looked to her friend skeptically. “Either that or you move on and give up the Spike goodies.” Buffy shook her head to that idea.

“He’ll be over tomorrow to see Dawn, I’ll get dressed up, fix a nice dinner.” Buffy said smiling now, as Willow frowned.

“Maybe you should let me cook the dinner, you are trying to get him interested again, and not…you know…uhm make him sick.”

A knock came to the door and Dawn jumped excitedly as she skipped to the door. “Spike, Spike, Spike, Spike,” She opened the door as her smiled brightened. “Spike!” She squealed as she leaped into his arms, nearly causing him to drop the pizza he held.

“Hello Dawn.” Spike said with a smile as he embraced her, burying his nose in her hair and breathing deeply. At that moment Buffy appeared in the doorway. Spike’s eyes bulged a bit at the sight of her, she wore a black satin dress that hit just above her knees, and her hair was swept up from her neck, she was a vision and she caught herself smiling a little as she noticed that Spike was gaping at her. ‘Thank you Willow.’ Buffy thought to herself.

“Hello, Slayer.” Spike replied as he crossed the threshold with Dawn still in his arms. “You look…nice.” Spike said awkwardly.

“Thank you, you too.” Buffy said as she noticed that Spike was wearing tan cargo pants and a black button down shirt. ‘WOW’ Buffy thought as she closed the door and followed Spike and Dawn into the dining room.

Spike took in the spread before him the table was filled with a grand feast. “What’s all this?” He asked arching his brow as he cut his eye to Dawn.

“It’s a welcome home Spike, we’re happy to have you back, we missed you so much dinner.” Dawn announced with a giggle. Spike smiled warmly at her as he reached out and stroked her hair.

“Oh don’t thank me, it was Buffy’s idea.” Spike then turned to Buffy who was leaning on the doorframe feeling like an outsider. “I’ll go get the drinks, and put this in the fridge for later.” Dawn announced as she took the pizza from Spike and made her way to the kitchen. Spike turned his attention to Buffy who still stood, nervously in the doorway.

“I do that because I love her.” Spike interjected quickly, which pleased and stunned Buffy a little. Although she suspected that was his reason, Spike had never spoke of it before.

“I know you do, and we’ve never…I’ve never said thank you, so thank you Spike.”

“You’re welcome…Buffy.” Spike said coyly again stunning Buffy. He hadn’t called her that since he had arrived back. He took a step towards her. “You look beautiful.” He said softly, and Buffy looked at him in surprise.

“Thank you.” She said and then looked down shyly. “Nice of you to notice.”

“I’ve always noticed. You’ve always looked beautiful.” Buffy smiled as she gazed up into Spike’s eyes, longingly. Spike took another step and found himself inches away from where Buffy stood. He leaned in so close their noses almost touched. Buffy’s breathing increased in anticipation and her lips parted, her tongue darting out lick at her now dry lip. Spike reached out his hand and stroked her cheek. “About last night…”

Both Spike and Buffy turned towards the noise. “Dawn!” Buffy called out but got no answer. Spike pulled his gun and moved cautiously to the kitchen door, with Buffy close behind him. The entered the kitchen and found Dawn sprawled out on the floor. Buffy rushed to her side. “Dawnie, Dawnie!”