by aisling

Challenge: 69

Buffy jumps off the tower and instead of dying is transported into an alternate reality. Buffy, complete with memories wakes up in her own body. The catch... she is herself, however she has been in a coma since Xander revived her with CPR after dying at the hands of the Master. Timeline is up to you. She has to have been in a coma for a minimum of a week, maximum your choice. How does Buffy, with full memories of possible upcoming events react with Spike, and her family and friends?
Must haves:

1. Spike eventually claiming Buffy
2. Angel getting pissed off and acting like a jerk (you know like himself)
3. Joyce alive (doesn't have to be in the story but don't kill her off)
4. A reality that is similar to the original reality

Can haves:

1. Dawn

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Rating: FRAO - Fan Rated Suitable for Adults Only (AKA: NC-17)
Disclaimer: Not mine, as we all know and wish it was...

XXX

Words: 1,092
Chapter 1
Returning the Gift
“Listen to me. Please, there's not a lot of time, listen.”

Holding Dawn by the upper arms, Buffy continued to talk to her heedless of her protests. Lightening split the sky as tears of sadness rolled down her sister’s face. Stroking the side of Dawn's face she wiped away the tears and kissed her on the cheek.

“I love you. I will always love you. But this is the work that I have to do.”

Buffy turned in slow motion and ran from the platform. Sobs racked Dawns body as her sister dived off the tower and into the swirling portal.

“Tell Giles ... tell Giles I figured it out. And, and I'm okay.”

Her face distorts with pain as the portal sucks her life from her.

“And give my love to my friends. You have to take care of them now. You have to take care of each other. You have to be strong.”



Giles looking sad walks forward. Xander walked over next, carrying a hurt Anya. Willow and Tara, hand in hand, stood next to them. Spike, dragged himself off the pile of bricks and came forward to the rest of the group. Dropping to the ground as the sun hit him, and as the tears flowed freely. Face buried in his hands he cried useless buckets of salt over his broken promise.

“Dawn, the hardest thing in this world ... is to live in it. Be brave. Live.”

Dawn flew down the stairs, hands pressed to her bleeding sides. Spotting the broken lifeless body she began to cry again. Looking over at all of Buffy’s friends she remembered every single word, every expression on her sister’s face before she saved the world again. As well as all the events leading up to this day.

‘And I was so close to getting her and Spike together.’ She thought, immediately feeling terrible for him.

“For me.”

XXX

“It's too late. He's gone up.”

Breaking into a run, the young boy and the vampire with a soul entered the underground cavern. Angel spotted Buffy lying face down in a really large puddle of water and ran to her, scooping her into his arms, he tried to get her to breathe. Swallowing hard Xander ran in after Angel, looking at the elder male he raised his eyebrows in question.

Angel looked over at the brave young acquaintance of the slayer and frowned.

“She’s dead.”

“No. she’s not dead.”

“She’s not breathing.”

“But if she drowned, uh, there's a shot! CPR!”

“You have to do it. I have no breath.”

He peeled his jacket off and balled it up, pushing it under her head. Trying to calm his breathing, he bent over her and nervously opened her mouth. Breathing into her mouth a few times before pulling away and pumping her chest. He repeated the action a few more times before Angel lost hope. Looking away with tears in his eyes, he was secretly proud of Xander for refusing to give up on Buffy.

Giving it one last shot, Xander pressed down on her chest harder than he had previously and was rewarded when her head turned to the side and she coughed up water. Eyes still closed her head lolled back to its previous position once her lungs were emptied.

Breathing joint sighs of relief Angel picked Buffy up and carried her to Giles car. Shoving Xander into the driver’s side while he placed Buffy across the back seat of the car. He punched the metal hiding the engine, and lifted it up once the lock was broken. Fiddling with the wires inside for a few moments before shouting to Xander.

Pressing his foot down on the accelerator peddle Xander grinned to Angel as the car roared to life with out a key.

“Take her to the nearest hospital. Get her help. I’ll get the Master, we’ll meet you there.”

As the car drove out of site, Angel ran back inside the building intent on revenging the death of his love.

XXX

“Help, help me please. She drowned, please help us!” A frantic Xander began screaming and shouting for all he was worth as soon as he entered the hospital. Doctors and nurses all around him ran over, then scattered in various directions. A nurse returned with two male orderlies and a stretcher. Placing the unconscious girl down on it Xander grabbed her hand and held it tightly.

“Please be alright.” He begged her prone form. One of the senior doctors had to pry his hand off of hers in order to move her out of the hallway and into ICU.

“Hey, kid, is there anyone you could call for your…” Leaving the sentence hanging Dr Redman looked the boy up and down. Not noticing anything homicidal or strange about him, he let the questions slide.

“She’s my best friend. I love her; please make sure she’s ok.” Dr Redman just nodded; it was against protocol to make promises to patient’s families. “I’ll go call her mom. Her boyfriend and our other close friends will come later.”

“How will they know?” She couldn’t help ask the young man

“Her boyfriend found her. I was with him.”

“Where is he?”

“Shouldn’t you be helping Buffy?” Xander looked away in apology when he realized how harsh his tone had been. He couldn’t help it, his best friend was lying there in ICU and her doctor was acquisitioning him about Angel. “Sorry. Please go help her.”

Turning from the doctor Xander did the only thing he could think of, he walked over to the vending machine and inserted some money. Staring at the chocolate options he eventually decided and pressed the button. Pulling out the treat that had fallen he pulled off the wrapper and ate it. Sitting down in the waiting area he prayed Willow would come soon, anyone, even Angel, just so he wouldn’t be here alone.

He remembered he had to call Joyce, and stood again. Walking to the payphone he cursed when he realized he didn’t have enough money for a proper call. Taking a chance he dialed the number and dropped in the change. When Joyce picked up he spoke as fast as he could.

“Buffy. Sunnydale Memorial Hospital. ICU. Quick as you can, Xander.”

He finished the sentence just as the time ran out and the line went dead. The recorded message played over and over until Xander replaced the handset. Walking back over to the chairs he sat back down and placed his head in his hands and waited.

XXX



Words: 1,531
Chapter 2
Please Be OK
Back in Sunnydale High, the Hellmouth was opening beneath the group of friends gathered inside the library. A monster with three heads and snake like tentacles emerged from the crevice closest to Willow. One tentacle slithered forward and wrapped itself around the red heads ankle. Pulling her back towards it and the hole. Screaming for someone to help her, her arms flailed as she tried to grab onto something to stop her being eaten alive.

Jenny Calendar looked over at the screaming, hacking at the tentacles that had trapped Willow’s limb she grabbed for the girls hand and yanked her as far from the demon as she could get her. She then began to scream as well, as more tentacles reached forward to grab Willow once more, and this time herself as well.



Cordelia pressed herself against the library doors along with the table from the centre of the room. An arm broke through the glass windows and grabbed for the brunettes face. Biting down on the undead flesh as hard as she could until the arm pulled back with a pain filled cry.

“How do you like it?” She shouted after the limb, before focusing her attention on keeping the demons out.

Giles was rather busy trying to keep them from entering through the stacks. Blockading that entrance for the moment with bookcases, he ran back to his office to overturn the filing cabinets. He lifted them onto his desk with difficulty and positioned them in front of the windows there. Finally having taken care of that, he returned into the main section of the library to see how he could help. Noticing his love interest and what could be considered his friend fighting for their lives with snake like limbs, he grabbed the axe Jenny had dropped and began to hack them free.

XXX

Angel ran, back into the building and onto the roof, following his nose praying he was strong enough to win.

“Come into my world!” The Master screeched, arms raised as he watched the squid-resembling demon with three heads crawl from the gap over the Hellmouth.

“Not your world just yet.” Angel growled at him. He would win; he’d do it for Buffy. She’d be kinda pissed though, not being able to take care of it herself. Beggars couldn’t be choosers he guessed as he raised the stake Buffy had dropped back down in the cavern.

“Couldn’t the slayer make it herself?” Seeing Angel tense up he laughed. “So she is dead then?” Laughing harder, he didn’t notice the brunette dive for him until he hit the roof. “Come to extract vengeance Angelus?” The Master mocked as he kicked his opponent off of him. Standing back up he brushed himself off arrogantly and began to circle Angel.

Angel growled and too got up, circling the Master cautiously, he growled and mock lunged forward again. He grinned as the Master dived back out of reach, only to be kicked from behind as Angel used all his speed to get their first. They fought for what seemed like hours, but were in fact a few moments, all it took for Giles to free Jenny and Willow actually.

Eventually Angel managed to gain the upper hand, trying not to lose control to his demon and lose altogether he grabbed the Master and lifted him into the air. Leaning over the skylight, he was pleased to note the broken table just below them. He threw the Master down hard, sending shards of glass flying through the night and onto the linoleum floor of the library. The Master landed on the table, a sharp piece of wood piercing his heart, as his dust flew from his bones, the demons and vampires seemed to dissolve into nothing also, leaving Cordelia holding a door against no one and Giles hacking at air.

Racing down the stairs, Angel flew into the library to check on everyone else. He was please when they said no one had been seriously hurt. Leaning over the bones of his recently deceased foe Angel stuck his tongue out.

“That was for Buffy.”

Giles frowned and looked around the room. “Where is she pray tell?”

“And Xander?” Willow asked fearfully.

“Sunnydale Memorial Hospital. Buffy was… um, well she died actually.” Everyone gasped, hands flying to their mouths in shock and fear. All praying that he was lying to them.

“Shouldn’t she be in a morgue then?” Cordelia asked tactlessly.

“She’s fine now. She’s just unconscious. Xander drove her there. Um, he sort of borrowed your car Giles.” Angel looked away shamefully. “Sorry, it was an emergency.”

“No, no it’s ok, as long as Buffy is alright.”

“Can we go see her?”

Everyone looked over to Angel who nodded, all leaving together now except Cordelia.

“Are you coming?” Jenny asked looking at her funny.

“Well, the Spring Fling…” She trailed off at everyone’s angry glares.

Angel began to growl at her. “No go ahead. She only died to save the world!”

“Fine, I’ll go!” Exasperated, Cordy threw her arms in the air, and trailed after the others.

XXX

Sitting alone in her house, Joyce began wondering if the dance had gotten going yet. Whether they were dancing yet? If anyone had asked Buffy to dance yet? Complimented her dress maybe? Maybe Buffy would get some pictures taken, one of her friends was sure to have a camera if not one of the faculty chaperoning. However, one thing she did not expect was a distressing phone call from one Xander Harris telling her to go to Sunnydale Memorial Hospital because something happened to Buffy only to hang up before she could ask what.

So here she was, behind the wheel of her car, desperately trying to calm her nerves and not have herself run off the road. Pulling up outside the hospital, Joyce jumped from the car, pressing the button that would lock it she ran inside.

Her eyes glanced over the waiting area, spotting Xander and a female doctor she ran over.

“Is Buffy alright? What happened? Why did you hang up?”

“Ms Summers I presume. Have you seen Buffy’s boyfriend? Is he with you?”

Joyce shot the doctor a perplexed look. “I have no idea what you are talking about. Tell me if my baby is ok!”

‘Please be ok.’ She thought frantically, she couldn’t lose her baby girl.

“I’m Dr Redman. As I was about to tell your daughters friend…”

‘Please be ok.’ Xander prayed to whatever higher powers listened to mere mortals.

“…The less likely that will be.”

“Excuse me?” Both Joyce and Xander asked at once, neither having listened to the conversation.

XXX

All five piled into Jenny’s car and drove to the hospital. Running inside moments after Joyce they all silently prayed that Buffy would be ok.

Giles ran over to a doctor and coughed. “Hello, yes, I’m looking for Buffy, Buffy Summers.”

“Are you family?” The man asked suspiciously.

“Yes. We are.”

“Over there.” He pointed to Dr Redman. “She’ll help you.”

“Jolly good of you.”

All five of them calmly, as could be expected, ran to the doctor. Arriving only to hear the last few words.

“Excuse me?”

“Hello. Joyce! Xander!” Giles exclaimed as Willow rushed to hug her childhood friend.

“What’s happening with Buffy?”

“Are you family?” Dr Redman repeated the other doctor’s question, only to be answered with a forceful ‘yes’. “As I was saying, Miss Summers has lost a lot of blood. She also has a severe case of lung trauma.”

“She drowned.” Angel spoke slowly, “Xander did CPR.”

“Yes, ok, well Miss Summers has lapsed into a coma. She has a good chance of waking up, she is young and healthy but the long she is asleep, the less likely that will be. I’m sorry. You may go see her now.”

The news was slowly being digested by the surrounding family, nodding to the doctor they walked I the direction she had gone to Buffy’s room. Tears streaked many of their faces, while Angel preferred to be strong and brood. Xander ran straight over to her once the door opened, unable to comprehend the fact that she may never wake up, he sat on the end of her bed mindful of the wires, and picked her hand up. Pressing a small kiss to the back of her hand he started talking to her, asking questions like he expected an answer. When Willow came over and placed a hand on his shoulder comfortingly he turned to her and pulled her into a tight hug.

“I can’t lose another best friend Wills.”

Sniffling softly Cordelia left the room, only to return moments later with a chocolate bar. She approached Xander and handed the bar to him.

“I’m sorry I didn’t want to come earlier.” Taking the offered treat from her Xander just nodded, not wanting to let go of Buffy’s hand he handed it to Willow to open.

“She will wake up right? Giles?” Looking at the man who seemed to know everything, the kids in the group felt all the hopelessness possible in this situation when all Giles did was shrug his shoulders and wipe away the tears in his eyes.

XXX



Read & Review please

Coming soon...
Words: 1,209
Chapter 3
Welcome to Sunnyhell

Where we skip 3 1/2 months. Spike makes an appearance and we find out what really happened to Buffy after the Master, and Glory.

Words: 1,209
Chapter 3
Welcome to Sunnyhell
The black sportsman Desoto sped through the ‘welcome to Sunnydale’ sign and into town. Pulling up outside the abandoned factory, a bleached blond man got out of the drivers side. Hair slicked back, black t-shirt tight across his well muscled chest, jeans clinging to his legs leaving nothing to the imagination. Everything else hidden by the long black leather duster he wore over the red button down shirt, left hanging open.

Walking around to the passenger side, he flung open the door, reached inside and pulled out a beautiful young woman. Her raven hair and pale skin combined with the old red Victorian style dress made her look like the porcelain doll she carried under one arm.

“Home sweet home, Dru.” He told her lovingly.



XXX

Entering the factory Spike surveyed the group of vampires assembled in the main room. He spotted a child sitting on a throne at the back of the room and figured this was what all the hubbub was about.

‘Shouldn’t be hard to take over.’ He figured. Leaving Dru to rest in one of the rooms he had come in here hoping to get into good fortunes with Sunnydale’s big bad. Who happened to be an ankle biter.

They were spouting nonsense about St. Vigeous and the slayer. Completely disregarding the other minions Spike sauntered up to the front of the throne and eyed the kid contemplatively.

“You know what works good with slayers?” Colin looked at the man, he obviously didn’t know. “Killing them.”

“Can you?” Colin looked at him hopefully; someone needed to get to her.

“A lot faster than nancy boy there.” He pointed over his shoulder at the vampire who was still sprawled across the floor.

The fallen vampire got to his feet and growled at Spike, then began laughing. “You any good with magic?”

“What’s magic got to do with anything? I’m the slayer of slayers not a bleeding Merlin.”

“Well, then, I suggest you give up and go home.” Spike tilted his head to the side and regarded the minion closely; he didn’t seem to be lying. Taking a glance at Colin, he noticed he wore the same crestfallen look as every other vamp in that room. “The slayer’s in a coma.” Spike opened his mouth only to be cut off before he could start speaking. “Her friends, they placed a barrier around her room. Only people she trusts can get in. Her subconscious chooses those who enter. Good luck.”

He let out a sharp laugh and turned to point at the door. Spike thought about leaving but before he could make up his mind he remembered he was here for more reasons than to bag a third, he had to cure his Drusilla.

Speaking of, the moment her name entered his head, she appeared in the doorway, Miss Edith in hand. Practically floating over to him, for it seemed her feet never touched the ground; she began to coo in his ear.

“The sunshine won’t burn my Spike. Go, luv, bring back my dear darkness.”

He listened calmly as she babbled at him; finally tiring of trying to decipherer her meaning he lifted her into his arms and turned from the room.

“The slayers mine, even if I have to shake a bleeding gourd and do the hokey pokey.” He muttered to Colin before walking through the threshold and heading back to their room.

“Interesting vampire.” Colin told the others, eyes locked on the one Spike had knocked to the floor. “Very interesting.”

XXX

Fighting Glory. Chasing Glory. Being chased by Glory. Hitting Ben. Leaving Ben. Running to Dawn. Watching Spike fall. Throwing Doc after him. Cutting Dawn free. Dragging her down the platform. Dawn trying to jump. Stopping her. Jumping in her place.

*Flash*

*Flash*

*Flash*

The Pain, so bright and colorful. It hurt my eyes so I closed them. I tried to scream but there was no sound. No more pain. I remember falling, falling from the sky as the color faded away. Blurring into the blue and gold of the approaching dawn.

*Flash*

*Flash*

*Flash*

I think I hit something then, it wasn’t hard, just a soft ‘thump’. I remember voices, crying, sad voices. Spike… he was there! I remember him. I tried to open my eyes but I couldn’t see. I tried to tell him I was ok, and that he shouldn’t cry for me but I couldn’t speak. I tried to touch him but I had no hands. I just… wasn’t. But I was happy.

*Flash*

*Flash*

*Flash*

Hitting Giles. Talking to Jenny. Walking with the anointed. A cavern. The Master. Firing a crossbow. He caught it. He… he… I drown. There was water. Lots of water. I made a joke. I drown, he liked my dress. My dress… my mum bought that. Spring Fling. I went to that with Angel… No I didn’t, I drowned. I drowned. I drowned. I drowned. Voices… Xander? Angel? I think I woke up now, in time for the dance. No! I drowned. I died. I… I… I…

*Beep*

*Beep*

*Beep*

“Miss Summers, can you hear me?” He looked over her for a response, any response. She’d been the same since she was brought in a little less than four months ago. Never moved, or twitched, she was barely breathing, her chest moving in the slightest. Skin pale and stretched across her bones as she continued to lose weight.

He looked over to the man in the door way, “I’m sorry, still no reaction.” Angel merely nodded and went to tell the others. Dr Crowell sighed, it wasn’t right. She was a child still, she had no place here. Running a hand lightly over her hair he prayed for help, that someone would come and wake this girl up, she seemed to be waiting for something but no one knew what. He prayed someone knew, for her sake, and that of her family and friends.

Leaving the room, Dr Crowell took one last glance back inside and sent up one more prayer to Heaven. He shut the door as loudly as possible, hoping he could make her jump, but nothing. Nodding his sympathies in the direction of the group of friends he turned down the opposite corridor to continue his rounds.

“Giles, would you check the barrier.” Giles nodded and walked up to the door, standing just outside the room he began chanting. Lowering his voice towards the end until he trailed off, he turned to the group and nodded.

“She’s safe.” Now that she was safe to leave for the night, everyone turned to go home.

“I’ll come back later, you all should rest.” No one provided an argument to Angel’s comment, all too tired to think of anything to say in response.

XXX

Spike paced his room at the factory; Dru was asleep but her words still rung in his ears.

The sunshine wont burn my Spike.

What was that supposed to mean? He had an idea but not one he’d place a bet on. Shrugging his shoulders he left the room and the factory, he was going to try his idea, if it didn’t work, better luck next time.

If it did… then he’d get half of what he came here for.

XXX

Words: 1,952
Chapter 5
Not Who You Think
“Spike.” She muttered wearily. “How did we get here?”

The vampire looked down at the girl before him and frowned. “You know me? Must have a good watcher, pet.”

“What’s this got to do with Giles?” She asked a frown marring her beautiful face. Not know where he was coming from she frowned up at him once more before holding her hand out. “Help me out of this bed please. I feel weak.”

A sneer crossed his lips, unknowing of what to do he looked from her and shoved her hand away.

“Spike? What’s the matter?” When he didn’t answer, Buffy began to panic. “Oh, God, is it Dawn? Did Glory come back? Spike, answer me damn it!”

“Shut. Up.” He growled at her in obvious irritation. “I don’t know what the bloody hell you’re blabbing about. Or how you know me, but who ever you think I am, I’m not him.”

“Spike?” She asked again cautiously, not wanting him to attack her. She hoped he would remember her, something was wrong and she felt as though she would need his help soon. She couldn’t help but feel a spell had something to do with his behaviour. “Talk to me… William?”



At his human name Spike glared over at her, and in a second had his hands gripped painfully around her upper arms. A small cry escaped her lips as Spike shook her.

“How do you know me?” He shook her harder as she began to cry. “Tell me!” His voice was cruel and cold as he shouted at her, not caring about the tears that fell from her eyes pitifully.

“Please... Spike… what happened to you?” Her vice got quieter as she spoke to the vampire who claimed to love her and was now treating her as some sort of rag doll. The thought of a doll gave Buffy an idea, although in his current mental state she should probably have kept quiet. “Did Drusilla come back again?”

“What? How the fuck did you know about Dru?” His anger turned to malice at what he assumed to be a threat against his lover. He lifted her from the bed and pulled her against him. Kneeling on the thin mattress, blankets wrapped around her calves, as a pissed off William the Bloody breathed against her neck threateningly, she realised it probably want the best time to piss him off further.

“Recently, only that she left you for a chaos demon more than once, that she loves Angelus more…” Not that she ever did what was best. With the name of her ex, Spike lifted Buffy clean off the hospital bed and threw her into the door. The banging echoed down the hall yet no one came to help her, scrambling up into a sitting position and away from Spike, she willed her legs to work.

Months of laying still ate away at muscles, sapping her strength and she didn’t know why. She had no idea why she was unable to stand for any amount of time right now.

“Dru did no such thing you lying bitch. What are you playing at?” His fangs elongated as his ridges form, hissing down at her he stalked forward as she gasped.

“You’re not my Spike. Who are you?” She asked as the fog seemed to lift, the spell was worse than she thought.

Stopping where he was he tilted his head to the side and studied her for a few moments, she looked so confused he couldn’t help but feel something akin to sympathy for her. Demon or not the look on her face was pitiful. He figured she really didn’t know him, or Dru, and reacting like this wouldn’t be good especially if she was the wrong person. Wouldn’t want granddad on his back for no reason.

“Told you pet. I’m not who you think I am.”

XXX

After stopping off at his apartment to feed Angel did a quick patrol of the closest cemeteries then headed back to the hospital to see Buffy. Upon arriving he was dragged off by Dr Crowell to be spoken to privately. Overcome with worry, Angel was cold to the other demon.

“What did you do?” He growled loudly. “If she’s hurt I’ll kill you.”

“Relax, he won’t hurt her.” At the mention of a man, Angel paled slightly. He had sent everyone home, who else would come to see Buffy and get into the room? “He hasn’t left yet, I thought I’d warn you first. Didn’t want a fight to break out on my shift, you see.”

He nodded to let Angel know that was all; he didn’t even get a name from the mysterious visitor. Opening the door Angel strode out and headed in the direction of Buffy’s room, knocking two nurses out of the way as he went.

XXX

“Where am I?” She asked as tears welled in her eyes and her voice cracked.

Spike frowned as he looked at her, feeling bad he moved closer to her again but not as menacingly as before. He held his hand out for her and unconsciously held his breath as he waited for her to grasp it. Once she had the unneeded air rushed from his lungs as he pulled the trembling girl to her feet.

“You’re at Sunnydale Memorial Hospital, pet. Far as I know, you’ve in a coma for a little over 3 and ½ months.”

At the expression on her face Spike’s grip tightened, she looked ready to pass out. He shook her softly, trying to help her snap out of her post-unconscious daze.

“Months?” She asked hesitantly.

“Yeah, way the vamps are speaking, seems the Master almost had himself a good day.”

His words stirred something inside of her, as she repeated the name of her killer in her mind images sprang forward and assaulted her. Weakening her further than she was already.

**“Welcome.” The Master greeted her, his voice echoing off the walls of the underground cavern, making Buffy feel as if he was all around her, closing in on her. And she knew she wouldn’t escape.

“Thanks for having me.” She stopped speaking for a moment to take a look around. Focusing on her surroundings she hardly noticed the Master step closer to her and into a small patch of light. “Y'know, you really oughtta talk to your contractor. Looks like you got some water damage.”

“Oh, good. The feeble banter portion of the fight. Why don't we just cut to the...”

She fired a cross bow bolt then, hoping to take him by surprise. She held her breath instinctively as the arrow soared across the room towards his heart, she dared not breathe incase the disturbance her inhaling and exhaling caused would throw the weapon off course. He shattered her hopes and illusions as he reached out swiftly and grabbed the wooden arrow mere centimeters from his undead heart.

“Nice shot.” He told her as he looked at the weapon in his hand appreciatively before throwing it down and disappearing into the shadows.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

He was behind her in a second, one hand wrapped around her throat as the other moved her jacket away from her jugular, pushing it down her shoulders and onto the floor, all the while whispering mockingly into her ear.

“You tried. It was noble of you. You heard the prophecy that I was about to break free and you came to stop me. But prophecies are tricky creatures. They don't tell you everything.” His voice lowered another octave. “You're the one that sets me free! If you hadn't come, I couldn't go. Think about that!”

Frozen with fear Buffy didn’t even try to fight him off, she had lost. It was too late. A lone tear trails down her cheek as she felt the Master sink his fangs into her previously unmarred neck. After a few sips he lets her go.

‘That’s all he’s taking? I’m dying for a few sips?’ She thought in hazy outrage before the darkness took her under.

“Oh, God! The power!” He shouted in joy as Buffy fell to her knees “And by the way...” He stops walking and looks down at her as she falls forward again to lay face first in the large puddle of water she had previously mocked. “I like your dress.”

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~**

Buffy coughs, water spewing from her mouth as her head turned to the side.

“Buffy?” A cautious Xander asks her.

“Xander?” She looked at him then to his opposite side. “Angel?” Trying to get up, she realized she couldn’t. “What the..?” She noticed she was no longer on the floor in the cavern, but in a hospital bed with Spike leaning over her once more.

“Luv, glad you’re awake, but we got to stop meeting like this.” A small smirk played against the seriousness of his face as he took in her confused features. “You wondering why we keep meeting like this?” When Buffy nodded he sighed. “Figures.”

He walked around to the other side of the bed, and sat down on the edge by Buffy’s head. Lifting her head and placing it in his lap as he moved closer to the headboard he stroked her hair softly. “Where to start?”

“The beginning?” She asked jokingly. It was after all the obvious solution.

“This is my dream, and your vision. If you will, call it what you want I guess. You’re life after all. Except you’re dead, luv. Harsh but true I know, don’t look at me like that.” At his words the look of anger and ‘slayer’ melted from her face to be replaced by resignation. “You died and saved the world. I said this part before you woke up.”

She just nodded her head, not wanting to interrupt him. “I don’t really remember what happens when I wake up, not consciously anyway. But you will. You’re in Heaven, pet. In a way, I guess you could call it that. And I’m your link to the real world. I’ll let you know how everyone is, even me at my worst.” He let out a humorless chuckle and sighed. “I really miss you pet.”

“Too bad you won’t remember, huh?” Spike smiled sadly and nodded.

“Anyway, this is your Heaven, your reward, you get what you want. A second chance, to love and I was selfish… I wanted to be here because in this world you’ll love me, if you let yourself.”

“I won’t love you. I’ll lov- like someone who looks like you. I don’t think I could ever love anyone but you Spike.”

“Don’t say things you don’t mean, kitten.”

“But I do! I never got to tell you but I do.”

XXX

“I do.” She muttered wearily to herself as Spike placed her down on the bed again.

“Do what, luv?” He asked indulgently, he’d had enough practice with Dru to be an expert at this sort of thing.

“Love you Spike.” His eyes flew to hers, and she frowned. Looking back up at the ceiling she cried out, “don’t leave me here… take me home.”

Lifting the blankets over her tired form, Spike wrapped them around her and sighed. There was something weird going on with this chit, best to kill her and be done. Then why the hell was he still coddling her? He moved away from her with a sigh, looking over her again she didn’t seem to notice he was leaving. As he got to the door he heard her say something else and frowned, spinning back to face her, tears and all, he noticed she sat staring straight at him. And then she smiled!

“I miss you, too William.”

XXX



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Words: So far: 194
Chapter 6
Confrontations


Pour Your Heart Out
“William?” Spike asked her slowly. “Is he your boyfriend?” Buffy just shook her head. “An ex?” Another shake of her head answered him. “Who is he then, luv?”

“You, in a way. But you’re not my William, or my Spike. But you are Spike none the less. Please leave, I don’t want to have to kill you.”

“You think you can kill me? All weak and defenseless as you are?” He asked her, smirk replacing the curious frown that had previously marred his face.

“No, but I can. And I’m not weak and defenseless.” Came the voice from behind him, spinning around Spike was face to face with Angel. Just a doorway that separated the two vampires, a doorway Angel seemed unable to cross.

“What, can’t get in?” Spike mocked, casting a quick glance at the confused girl in the bed. Spike sneered at Angel once more before walking to Buffy’s bedside. His hand reached out to stroke her hair softly, more for Angel’s benefit but calming none the less. “So, luv, I’m listening. Tell me about your William and Spike.”

“He loves me, and I love him and I want to go home.” She sniffled softly and leaned into Spike’s touch. “He tried, I know he did, he tried so hard to be good enough. He never had to change; I loved him… maybe I should have told him? Before I died.”

“Buffy…?” Angel’s confused voice sounded from the doorway, Buffy’s head snapped round to face him. “You were with someone other than me?” He sounded hurt, and slightly angry.

“You left me…” She trailed off, before turning to look up at Spike once more. “He won’t remember, you know. I will, but he won’t. He’ll have to keep unliving believing he let me die, that he failed. He was my hero… I miss him!” She began to sob. Without thinking Spike turned her and drew her close against him. Comforting her as she bawled into his shirt front.

“It’s ‘k, pet. The poof there will help you find your William.”

“He wants me to stay here. He thinks I could learn to love you instead. That you could make me happy.” Angel growled and leaped towards the barrier again desperately wanting Spike away from his girlfriend. Spike just smiled indulgently even with the look of awe flooding his eyes he couldn’t help but think the girl was crackers.

“Who told you this rot then pet?”

“It’s not ‘rot’, whatever that means. He’s my link… to my old life, before I died. The Powers That Be are letting him be my link. He’s sort of like an angel I guess, except he’s a vampire, and I get these visions they’re dreams and he speaks to me, but he never remembers and he won’t remember I love him but I do.” She began to cry anew as she finished speaking.

The last two words triggered the conversation he had had with Buffy moments before Angel arrived. She really loved another Spike, maybe the girl was sane… as sane as a slayer could be.

“Pet, I’m going out on a limb here… but are you from another dimension?” He asked her warily, as Angel growled louder both terrified of her answer for different reasons. Angel wanted his girlfriend back and Spike wanted to kill the right slayer.

“I don’t know. What year is this?”

“1998. I only got into town a week or so ago.”

“I’m not from here, I know that much. It was 2001 when I died. I saved the world… I died.” Her hand flew to her mouth as she fought back more tears. “I left Spike without telling him I love him.”

The Spike sitting behind her, still in shock from her declaration tried hard not to curse or hit someone or cry. It was typical, he loved someone and they never loved him back. But this time they did and never got the chance to tell him. And now she was here and didn’t love him!

“Bloody peachy.” He grumbled, unsure why he cared whether the slayer loved him.

“Are you Angelus?” She gazed at Angel again, and frowned guiltily as he flinched.

“Buffy… how do you know…?”

“Oh, yeah, that hasn’t happened.” Before either male could reply she continued, “Are you?”

“I have my soul Buffy.” She smiled at him softly a weight seemingly lifting from her shoulders as the barrier he was pressed against dissolved under his touch. He fell forward, the great Angelus, landing face first on the hospital room floor of the slayer.

“Are you ok?” She asked from the bed.

Getting up he nodded. “How come you trust him now, kitten?” Spike asked amused by the other vampire’s finesse.

“Because… he’d not my Angel either and I have to remember that this Angel didn’t hurt me like the other did.” Nodding slowly Spike tried not to growl in jealousy.

He didn’t like that fact that she termed the poof ‘her Angel’, even if she used the same endearment on him.

“Angel, could you call a doctor? I’d like to be discharged now.” Hesitantly, Angel left the room in search of Dr Crowell.

Once he was gone, Spike coughed softly until Buffy focused completely on him.

“Could you learn to love me?” He whispered, cautious of her rejection for a yet to be known reason.

“Maybe. You’re not him Spike, and sometimes I might think you are, because you sound like him, you look like him, you feel and smell and” Her tongue flicked out to trace his lips. “Taste like him.” He stared down at her, fear blossoming. “But you’re not him, and it hurts that you’re here and he’s not. But he chose you… and I have to trust that. But it doesn’t matter whether I can love you or not, because you’re not my Spike, you are Drusilla’s.”

She blinked back yet more tears and wiggled out of his embrace. Flinging back the sheets she stood unsteadily and tried to make her way towards the small wardrobe on the other side of the room. Almost falling once or twice, she made it there faster than she thought she would.

“Go, go slayer healing.” She mused out loud. She pulled the clothes from the bottom of the wardrobe and sniffed them. They smelled fresh; her friends must have banked on her waking up sometime. Or her mom…

“Mommy?” She sniffled again, before turning to look at Spike, still sitting stiffly on the bed. “My mom’s alive, Spike… she’s not dead!” Grinning from ear to ear she ran over to the bed, stumbling a few times and threw herself into Spike’s arms. “She’s alive!”

“Uh, pet… that’s… um, great.” She mumbled unsure of what to say.

“Will you come and meet her? She always liked you.” Spike frowned at her and Buffy ssssh’ed him before he could protest. “She knows you’re a vampire and that you haven’t got a soul, but she likes you more than Angel anyway.”

“She does?” He asked in wonder. She nodded and he grinned as well. “In that case, she sounds like a right decent lady, I’m in, sweetness.”

“Great! We can go straight there then I can go find my friends and explain things and then you can go…” She looked away quickly. “…to Dru. Sorry told you I was likely to forget.”

“It’s ‘k. Why exactly are you not, you know, shoving me away in disgust?” He wrapped his arms around her waist as proof to his statement, but mostly reveling in the feel of her against him.

“Because my Spike chose you, so I’m giving you a chance. You’re still with Dru, so we’ll just have to be friends.” She finished on a sad note, wanting nothing more than for him to hold and whisper sweet nothings in her ear, but instead she pulled out of his embrace and changed out of the hospital nightgown.

Feeling bereft as the coldness seeped in where she had just been Spike warped his arms around himself and rocked back on his heels. He admired her naked form as she changed; Buffy of course knowing he was watching her did nothing to stop him. The youth of her body was obvious but still alluring, the way her back dipped and curved into her ass, the way she still had touches of puppy fat on her arms and legs yet he could see the powerful muscles as she moved the limbs. She was perfection, which even his dark princess paled to in comparison.

“We can’t be friends Buffy… I don’t love you, you know… but I could. So very easily, if you let me.”

Before she could say anything in return Angel returned with the demon doctor in tow.

“Miss Summers, glad to see you out of that bed. Terrible thing to happen to a young girl, comas.” He shook his head sadly and handed some papers at her the majority of which had already been filled in. “Just sign here, here and here and you can go.” He pointed at dotted lines on a few of the different sheets and she did what he said. Handing them back to the doctor she smiled and thanked him for taking care of her while she was asleep.

“Angel could you drop me and Spike home please? My home, not his.”

“Spike and I, kitten.” He corrected snottily, and she stuck her tongue out at him.

“Angel, don’t. I just want to see my mom, and then I’ll go to the library and see the others, tell them to meet there ok?”

“Why is Spike going?”

Buffy walked out of the door, her words filtering back to the brooding vampire as the blond ran after the girl. “I think she’d want to thank the reason I’m awake.”

XXX

They arrived at the house on Revello a little over 20 minutes later, knocking softly on the door as Angel drove away from them slowly, Buffy and Spike stood. Her hand clasped in his as he nervously swung his arm back and forth, rocking on the balls of his feet. The door flung open and a shocked Joyce Summers stood behind it, tears sprang to her eyes as she slowly reached out a hand to trace Buffy’s face.

“You’re real? I’m not seeing things, am I?”

“I’m real… ohh mommy!” Buffy cried as she threw herself into her mother’s arms, still managing to keep hold of Spikes hand though. Spike watched them display with a strangely envious look on his face, he was also feeling slightly jealous as Buffy’s attention was directed towards someone other than him. Pulling back from her mother Buffy grinned, and looked back at Spike. “Mom, this is Spike. He’s the reason I woke up.”

Joyce glanced at her daughter then at the bleached blond (older) man beside her and bit her lower lip for a moment. Finally reaching a decision Joyce smiled warmly at the man and moved aside. “Come on in Mr. Spike.”

“Just Spike, Ms. Summers.” He corrected politely whilst entering the slayers home. Taking a look around him as he walked into the living room Spike smiled, the place was what you could describe as ‘homey’, full of warmth and light and love, and no place for a monster like him.

Buffy felt the sudden change in him and looked over frowning. “Spike?” He just shook his head and sat down in the over stuffed armchair.

“How about I make us all a nice mug of coca and then you can explain how you became my hero?” Joyce suggested smiling at Spike again, then sending a loving look towards her daughter.

“With little marshmallows?” Spike asked his tone hopeful as his eyes lit up.

“What ever my hero desires.” She answered him playfully, as Buffy swatted him softly on the arms, causing him to stick his tongue out at her.

As soon as Joyce was out of the room, Spike got up and moved to the couch where Buffy was sitting in and placed himself next to her. Reaching out one arm to encircle her waist he dragged her closer to him, reveling in her warmth, and leaned towards her ear.

“Will you let me Buffy?” He asked huskily.

“Will you let yourself?” She countered, not trusting herself to look at him right then she stared at his hand resting on her hip.

“I wouldn’t ask otherwise.”

“And Dru--” His hand cupped her chin, lifting her face so he could see it. He pressed his lips to hers cutting her off.

“Is my Sire and I love her for it. But I think I’m meant to be with you.” He told her softly, eyes full of hope and trepidation, his heart couldn’t take any more breaks.

“I’ll let you.” She whispered back, eyes meeting his full of love. “But I want to take it slow.” As he was about to protest she placed her fingers to his lips and smiled. “My spike wanted me to be with you, and I’m not going to ruin that by rushing into things.”

He grinned at her, happier than he could ever remember being and placed a quick kiss to her soft lips. “Thank you.”

Walking back into the room Joyce heard Spikes last mumbled words and saw a quick kiss between the pair. Somehow managing not to drop al three mugs in her shock Joyce continued into the living room and placed the mugs down on the coffee table.

“Thank you for what?” She asked suspiciously.

Jumping apart at her presence was made known, Spike sat on one end of the couch and Buffy on the other, while Joyce seated herself in the armchair Spike had previously occupied.

“I’ll start from the beginning.”

XXX

A/N: Sorry for the wait... I couldn't figure out how to add chapters LOL Bloodshedbaby had always done it for me in the past! :S So im stupid... sue me! I'm also STILL having slight comp troubles, it keeps freezing all my internet browsers STILL... so... *fingers crossed this works* And i pray that was the right chapter LOL

Coming Soon... 7: Explain Yourself

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Words: 2,144
Chapter 7
Explain Yourself
The three sat in an awkward silence once Buffy had finished explaining the events, most of which were new to Spike as well, until Joyce opened her mouth.

“You know if Mr. Giles hadn’t explained your slayer status to me before I would have you both committed?” She told her daughter.

‘Again.’ Buffy thought annoyed.

“Mom, we’re not crazy. I’m not crazy! I can’t go home, I have to stay here, and I hope you don’t mind. I’m still Buffy-- just a little older. Mom… I…” Buffy looked up at her mother with tears in her eyes, not having been told about her ‘death’ Joyce Summers was taken by complete surprise when she had 100lbs of slayer wrapped around her sobbing her eyes out.

“Buffy, sweetheart, of course you’re staying. I would never kick you out!” Buffy let out a harsh laugh at that, but comforted herself with the knowledge that it wouldn’t turn out that way again. “Spike, where are you staying?”

Spike looked up at Joyce in shock, never expecting her to ask something like that. “Um…” He trailed off not sure whether to tell either of them that he was living in a factory. It dawned on him that Buffy probably knew. “At the old burnt out factory.”

“I know the one.” She cringed in distaste. “Well you’re welcome to stay here.”

“It’s appreciated Joyce but I have someone there I need to take care of.” Joyce frowned at him, and opened her mouth to protest further but Buffy placed a hand on her arm to silence her.

“Well, you’re welcome over anytime.” Spike gave her a grateful smile and nodded his head softly. He stood up and walked towards the door, looking back at Buffy to see if she were ready to go. “Buffy, are you leaving?”

“Yeah, I’m going to go see my friends and Giles. Spike said he’d come with me.”

“And Angel, are you seeing him?” Joyce blurted.

“How do you know…?” Buffy asked suspiciously.

“He was paying for your room. He’s your boyfriend right?”

“Used to be.” Buffy smiled at Spike, unsure how he would take the mentioning of Angel. She had debated on how to answer her mother but was glad she had said that because as she did he seemed to stand up straighter and brighten at the prospect of being termed her boyfriend in the near future. “Anyway… Angel already knows I’m awake, he drove us back here.”

Joyce just nodded, and walked back into the living room. Buffy and Spike left the house, closing the front door softly behind them.

On the walk to Sunnydale High both the slayer and the vampire held hands, a simple gesture that meant more than words to the pair. Buffy smiled up at him as he squeezed her hand tighter the closer they got to the school. Spike, with his hyperactive nature, was soon bored of the silence and thought a little contestation would help calm Buffy’s nerves.

“So pet, you plan to tell them the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?”

“Hey, how’d you know that?”

“Ate a bailiff once.” Buffy blanched at him and Spike would have kicked himself if he could have. “Pet, I’m sorry…”

“It’s ok. I forget sometimes, told you I would.”

“What was your Spike like?”

“An asshole!” She told him with a small laugh. “He was a bastard at first, all with the ‘I’m going to kill you’ posturing,” She rolled her eyes and made a ‘grr’ face. “But he helped me save the world later this year your time. We sent Angelus to Hell and he took Drusilla out of town.” Her eyes glazed over as she talked about her love. “He came back half a year later, Angel came back from Hell, and Spike kidnapped Willow to do a love spell because Dru left him. He never got round to the spell, figured it’d be easier to torture her till she learned to love him again.

“Of course she didn’t, and a year later he was back with Harmony. A dipshit airhead that goes to my high school.” She muttered the last sentence jealously. “He found the Gem of Amara and tired to kill me in daylight.” She smiled fondly at the memory of seeing him in the sun. “I sent the Gem to L.A. when I got it off him. I feel kind of bad about it now. He went to get it and when he came back the military captured him and put this chip in his head.”

“Chip?” Spike asked her, suddenly feeling ill at the thought of another him somewhere being experimented on.

“It was a piece of metal that stopped him hurting humans, gave him electric shocks, strong ones, if he tried. We thought it was demons as well for a while. When he realized it wasn’t he helped me save the world again. Um, half a year later he realized he was in love with me, but didn’t tell me for an extra 6 months. He didn’t go about it in the best of ways either.

“He chained me up opposite Dru who came back to make him ‘bad’ again. He told me he’d stake her for me if I said he had a chance with me. I was cruel to him and he ranted about how she was his salvation and it was this big honor. Then he said that he’d let her eat me if I didn’t say anything. She got free and Harmony showed up angry at being left out. Big fight and then Harmony and Dru left and Spike chased me home trying to apologize and I had him locked out. His face… god I hurt him so much.”

“Did he get his invite back?” Spike asked hopefully.

“Yeah, right before he saved the world again. He told me he’d wait outside for me and when I told him to come in he seemed to glow. He looked so happy. He was meant to protect Dawn, my fake-real sister, and he tried but… we were both too late so I jumped. I saw him while I was asleep he was in so much pain and he wont remember seeing me. For all he knows I’m in Hell right now and he blames himself.” Tears sprung to her eyes again and she tried to fight them back.

“Sssh! Somehow he’ll know you’re safe, I wont let anyone hurt you. I’ll keep you safe.” He whispered to her as he pulled her into his arms.

Buffy looked up and smiled sadly, “We’re here, Spike.” She walked forward and then stopped, turning to look at him she laughed softly. “You know it’s really confusing with you both being called Spike.”

Spike just grinned at her and carried on walking. “I might call him William, sometimes.” She murmured as she ran to catch up with Spike.

XXX

The library was dark; the only light was from the office. Giles sat in there a glass of whiskey in his hand as he stared hard at Angel.

“You’re telling me she’s awake, and you let her leave with your murderous childe?” What started off as a calm sentence soon turned to one of anger. Jumping from his chair Giles threw the glass across the room, it shattered against the wall barely missing Angel’s head.

“Calm down.”

“Calm down! Calm down? How can I calm down? My slayer is finally awake… just so she can die? You incompetent idiot!” Giles gave Angel a look that could kill before leaving the office. Picking up the phone he dialed Willow’s number.

“Willow?” He asked when the ringing stopped. “Come over please, I need you to do a location spell for Buffy.” Hanging up on her before he could receive an answer he was about to lay into Angel some more when the door flung open.

XXX

As they entered the school building Buffy was startled to hear what sounded like shattering glass echo through the hallway. Knowing without a doubt, that it came from the library Buffy took off at full speed leaving a confused vampire behind her.

She flung open the doors and ran inside, stopping dead when Angel and Giles turned to stare at her, neither one hurt or fighting for their lives.

“Uh... hi guys.” She waved softly and bit her lip embarrassed.

“Buffy? Is it really you? Are you alright? Your mother?” Giles rambled, spouting off one question after another.

“Chill Giles. I’m fine. Why wouldn’t my mom be fine?”

“Well, Spike was--”

“Spike wouldn’t hurt my mother or me Giles I promise.” She answered calmly, her voice conveying the amount of trust she placed in the vampire. As his name was mentioned Spike walked through the door smugly. Having heard what she said about him he walked with a slight bounce in his step, eyes sparkling in happiness.

“What’d I miss, pet?” He asked cockily grinning at Angel.

“Spike, what are you doing here?” Angel growled at him.

“Promised the slayer I’d see her friends with her.” He resisted the urge to stick his tongue out at the older vampire as he spoke again. “We’re gonna give it a try, we’ve sort of cleared it with the slayer’s mum.” Buffy slapped him softly on the arm as Angel growled and Giles reached for the bottle of whiskey again.

“You and my slayer are…?” Giles asked slowly, not sure how drunk he was at that point. He figured he must be pretty out of it, because Buffy had only just woken up, she couldn’t be meaning what the vampire had said.

“It’s a long story Giles, sit down. Are the others coming?” Giles nodded. Then got up and rang Xander, telling him to come over as well. “I’ll let you in on the details when the others get here, ok?”

At that time, the best Giles could do was nod his head slowly, unable to come to grips with what Buffy was telling him. Spike sat down in on of the chairs at the large wooden desk, grabbing his girl around the waist he dragged her onto his lap and wrapped his arms tight around her stomach. Angel growled low in his throat and Buffy shot him an evil look, causing Giles to drink more and Spike to smirk.

After what seemed to be an hour passed by but was actually minutes, Willow and Xander dashed into the library.

“Come on Giles, we need to find Buffy!” Willow shouted, painfully high.

“Buffy’s MISSING?” Xander screamed, no one having filled him in on the location spell factor.

While fighting the giggles that desperately wanted to erupt from her throat, Buffy stood from Spikes lap with some effort, him not wanting to let go just help her tighter, and went to Xander. She threw her arms around him and laughed then.

“I’m here, Xander, I’m fine.” Upon seeing her, Xander blinked, trying to clear the vision from his fear addled brain. When the said vision wrapped herself around him he grinned and held her back tight. She was real, and awake, and so not missing.

When Xander’s arms closed around her, Spike sprung from the chair with a warning growl and practically dragged Buffy out of the boy’s arms. Spike snarled at Xander once more and sat himself back down in the chair, Buffy on his lap. She looked at him with an irritated look on her face and smiled apologetically at Willow.

“It’s ok Buffy, I’ll hug you later.” Willow tried not to sound disappointed. Buffy smiled at her redhead best friend and nodded. Noting the differences made by time in the young girl. Before she could further dwell on the changes in her friends, Willow spoke up again. “I want to know why you called me here saying Buffy was missing.”

“I was, at the time. I went to see my mom and Giles thought I was in trouble.” Spike started to nuzzle her neck, stiffening at the marks left by his great, great-grand sire. Buffy reassuringly squeezed his arm, much to Angel’s annoyance.

“Who’s the Billy-wanna-be?” Xander asked with a sneer, already not liking the guy. Could he wait any longer to shoe in on Buffy?

“Teh reazone I fee-ar-d Buffy mai be in… strowble.” Giles commented casually, his words slurred by the increasing alcohol he was ingesting.

At the older Brits words, Xander stiffened and readied himself for a fight. No one was hurting Buffy again. Willow’s face paled as she took a step away from the blond man and her best friend.

“Why would she be in trouble with him Giles?” Willow asked shakily, always ask first, and shoot later.

Angel looked at Giles and nodded. “Go ahead.” He muttered.

“Ca- cauzeee, hees a vamp-pyrez.” Buffy frowned at Giles, and Xander, grabbing a cross and a stake, leapt for the bleached man.

XXX

Words: 2,216
Chapter 8
Once More in Detail
Xander leaped forwards, stopping directly in front of Spike. With a stake aimed towards his heart, Xander grabbed Buffy with his free hand and dragged her away from the ‘threat’. Then he pulled out a cross and waved it dangerously close to the vampires face.

“Back evil vampire. Get back! The power of Christ compels you!” Xander shouted, while waving the holy artifact. Standing behind him, Buffy’s mouth dropped as she watched her best friend make a fool out of himself, in front of what could still be considered, a dangerous monster.

“Xander, we’re not exorcising him!” Angel snapped irritated to have his Childe still sat there, stake free.

As the words left the older vampires mouth, everything seemed to dawn on the blond, who promptly burst into fits of hysterics soon followed by Buffy. Once again placing her on his lap.

“Were they like this in your world pet?” He asked her with a smirk. She nodded frantically, her hand flying to cover her mouth and stifle the giggles.

“Your world?” Willow repeated confused.

“Xander, sit down. Leave Spike alone all of you, and I’ll explain.” Buffy directed her friends, who all did as they were told with only a minimal amount of resistance. Angel directed Giles’ drunken ass into one of the chairs around the library desk, while Willow and Xander took the other two spare ones. Angel remained standing, stake clutched tightly in his hand just in case.

“My name is Buffy Summers, and I am 20 years old.” She started her voice and face completely serious. She noticed the looks on everyone’s face but Angel and Spike who had heard a bit already and frowned. “I was born to Hank and Joyce Summers in 1981. I became the Vampire Slayer in 1997, before that I was a Valley Brat. In 2000 I died protecting my sister, Dawn Summers, and the world from a Hell God. Questions? Complaints? Please don’t think I’m crazy!”

“Yeah, Buff you’re funny, really. Now seriously, what’s with the blond menace?” Xander laughed at her, his eyes narrowing slightly when she didn’t smile or laugh or do anything else to give away the joke.

“I’m not joking Xander. I died and now here I am… 3 ½ months after I killed the Master, not which ever one of you did it in this reality.” Giles cleared his throat, the conversation being enough to sober him slightly.

“So, you’re telling us that… what? That you’re not Buffy?”

“And I repeat Giles, ‘My name is Buffy Summers…’ of course I’m Buffy, just from somewhere else.”

“My guess is Alternate Dimension, luv. If it was the past, plain and simple, it would have turned out the same way.”

Buffy swiveled on his lap to face him; one hand traced his cheekbone while the other gripped his bicep. She leaned forward to press her lips against his in a sweet, chaste kiss. “I think that’s the idea. He didn’t want it to turn out the same.” She whispered before pressing her lips against his again, in their third ever kiss. His arms wrapped around her waist and drew her tight against him. Giles’ coughing drew them both out of the haze their kissing had created, firmly back in reality Buffy turned back to face her friends.

“Why wouldn’t ‘he’ want it to be the same?” Giles asked, hesitantly walking to his office to retrieve a note book.

“I died.” She stated simply, causing Spikes grip on her to tighten further.

Ignoring the conversation between slayer and her watcher, Xander sat eyes riveted on the blond pair, his mouth hanging open in shock. “Good God! Tell me you two aren’t…!” He exclaimed, throwing desperate looks around the room.

“Are you… together? In the other dimension I mean?” Willow asked, from behind her hair shyly.

“No, we would have been if I hadn’t died.” She told her red haired friend sadly.

“Why?” Angel asked suspiciously.

“Because I’m dead.” She blinked at him, trying to push back the tears.

“No, I mean… why not before?”

“Long story and it has nothing to do with you.” She snapped, leaning back into Spikes comforting embrace.

Giles returned with a pen and notebook, and took his seat at the table again. “From the beginning please?”

“Basically, Xander did CPR and I woke up, killed the Master went to the Spring Fling, stayed with my dad in LA for the summer, came back as Miss Bitch Extraordinaire and ground Master ‘bones to make my bread’ had a nice long cry on Angel and then was over my dying.

“Spike showed up before parent teacher night, tried to kill me before St Vigeous, which should be in a week or so, and inadvertently save me from ‘grounding by mom’. Spent half a year trying to kill me, until I dropped a church organ on him for kidnapping A…” She froze. Sure she didn’t love him anymore, but did she want Spike to kill him? “Somebody to cure Dru, Angelus came back and took Dru from Spike, spent the rest of the year trying to kill me and annoying Spike to the point of torture, and tried to bring Acathla forth to swallow the world.

“Dru killed the slayer and Spike rescued me from the police and helped me send Angelus to Hell, in return for him and Dru being allowed to leave town. Angel went to Hell, Spike went to Brazil. Spike came back half a year later and kidnapped Willow because Dru left him and he wanted a spell. Angel was back from Hell Spike left again, and then came back a year later. Angel was in LA for good by then, Spike got the Gem of Amarra and I got it off him and sent it to LA, Spike went after it. And came back and got captured by the Initiative, joined us unwillingly then by choice. Fell in love with me and I hated him. We almost got married once; it was a spell, and… never mind.

“He told me he loved me, in a way which was not the best way. I uninvited him from my house after like 3 years and then invited him back in a few months after my mother… after Dawn was taken by Glory. We got Dawn safely back and I jumped. He was supposed to protect her and he fell, Doc threw him off the tower before I could get there, and I died and he blames himself. I never told him I loved him.”

She sniffled as the tears she had been fighting once again spilled down her cheeks. Spike rested his head against her neck, tucked into her shoulder and nuzzled at the soft flesh, purring lightly to calm her. The entire time she was talking, Giles had been jotting notes. Now she was done he looked at her carefully, tearstained face and puffy eyes. The way she looked against William the Bloody, although a mass murdering vampire, they look good together. There was no denying that.

“If I may, could I ask some questions?” Buffy nodded. “Are you certain you should have told us about the future?”

“It’s not your future. It’s my past. Spike said I would be here, because I have no body to go back to so I doubt it would happen the same or they’d have taken my memories.”

“Spike? That Spike? As in the vampire at your neck?” Xander snorted in distaste.

Giles gave a start as he noticed how close his slayer was to be bitten. “Not this Spike, my Spike. He’s my messenger. The link to my old life so I’d know how my friends are. I’d worry otherwise.”

“Earlier you mentioned ‘he’? Who would that be?”

“My Spike, again. As my link he gets to be a part of my Heaven, or this world as he called it. In my dreams and in his he’s always here, he talks to me…” She smiled thinking back on when she told him she loved him in one of those dreams. “He wanted to choose factors in my Heaven with me, because he wanted me to be with this Spike. That’s why I’m giving a Spike I don’t know a chance. Because the Spike I do know believes he can love me, and that I can love him in return. I don’t doubt it!” She grinned widely at the awe filled look Spike sent her before he returned to nuzzling her neck.

“Ok. Who is The Initiative?”

“A military organization that specialize in HST’s. Hostile Sub-Terrestrials. They capture and experiment on demons; they tried to make an army out of Frankenstein like creatures. They used lots of demon parts and human and computer parts. He was called Adam; he killed the Initiative leader and took control. Spike was working for him for a while. They put this chip in Spikes head; it gave him electrical shocks strong enough to concuss him if he tried to harm a human. Adam promised to take it out, if he got me to the lair. I got there and killed Adam. The Initiative closed down, but they hung around just in case. My ex was one of them; he left half a year later to hunt in South America somewhere. No big loss.”

“One last question, please?” Again Buffy just nodded. “You have a sister? Why chose Spike to protect this ‘sister’ of yours?”

“She’s not my sister Giles. More like my daughter. The monk made her out of me, my blood, and my protection. They had to make her human so I’d look after her, protect her from Glory.”

“Sorry, another question. Glory is?” Willow asked her eyes wide in interest.

“A Hell God, she ruled with two others, until she became too powerful and they had her expelled. She was sharing a body with a mortal man and he was the only way to kill her. I think he’s dead now; I beat her pretty bad so I’m sure it looks worse on him. The hammer of a God to defeat a God.”

“Back to this sister again, why Spike?”

“Because he was the only one I could trust with her. I told you Giles, and my mom figured it out for herself, long story. We told Willow, Xander, and two more people and no one thought to tell Spike. So when Dawn figured something was up, she snuck out and went to find out. Spike found her and went with her so she didn’t get her or attacked and he found Giles’ diary and read some. They both found out what Dawn really was, and I blamed him.

“It wasn’t his fault because he didn’t know. He still treated her like Dawn, when we all stopped talking when she walked into a room, he talked more.” She smiled softly. “He almost died to keep her safe, and to keep me from losing her. He risked everything for us both; he was the only one I counted on. The only one strong enough.” She finished with a wistful smile and the Spike whose lap she sat on felt pangs of jealousy from hearing how highly she talked of this other Spike of hers.

He clenched his fists against her hips and pulled her back against him tighter, growling softly in jealousy. She turned to face him and smiled regretfully. “Sorry.” He just nodded at her.

Giles closed his notebook, with a grimace. “If that is all?” Buffy nodded once more. “I suggest you go home. For someone who has both woken from a coma and died recently, you aren’t getting enough rest.”

“Both times, I’ve been flat on my back asleep, I don’t need that anymore. I might patrol.” Giles opened his mouth to protest, but she cut him off. “Who’s been doing it while I was away?”

“I have.” Angel looked at her, and then glared at Spike. “I’ll go with you if you want.”

“She doesn’t want, I’m going.”

“What about Dru Spike?” Angel snarled, looking at Buffy to gauge her reaction to her rival.

“What bout her? I have minions to take care of her when I’m away.” He glared back before pressing a wet kiss to Buffy’s jaw causing her to giggle.

He lifted Buffy from his lap to stand on the floor, getting up after her he let go of her long enough for her to fling her arms around a still seated Willow and tell her she missed her. Spike grabbed her hand and began to drag the slayer out of the library. As they got to the door, Buffy stopped and looked at Giles.

“Am I still in school?” She asked slowly, terrified of the answer. She really didn’t want to go to school again, but she needed to if she was going to get a job here, later.

“Yes, Buffy, dear. I’ll see you on Monday.” She smiled in thanks ad went to leave again.

“Wait! What day is this?” She exclaimed.

“Friday. You have a whole weekend to catch up.”

“Yay for me!” She waved her hands in the air unenthusiastically. Following Spike out of the library she missed the stake that was hurled against the door once it was closed, followed by a muttered curse.

XXX

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Words: 1,178
Chapter 9
What a Night
The two blonds walked through one of the least busy cemeteries hand in hand. Spike smiled at his girl leaning over to give her a chaste kiss.

“This is weird.” She told him. He raised his eyebrow at her and frowned. “I mean, before we didn’t do anything like this. We fought, you insulted me I insulted you and ran off after punching you in the nose.”

“This is nice though.”

“Very nice.” She agreed.

After staking a few stray fledglings and one praxis demon Spike walked Buffy back to her house. He wanted more than anything to go inside with her and watch her sleep in his arms, but he still had loyalties to Dru and she needed him right now.

“Go to her, I understand.” He smiled gratefully and kissed her again. This time he let the simmering passion between them rise to the surface and engulf them in wave after wave of emotion. His tongue swept against hers as the appendages dueled for dominance. His arm wrapped around her waist and drew her close to him, his erection pressed against her cloth covered mound. She moaned into his mouth and he let her go to breathe.

“Bye Buffy.” He kissed her softly again.

“See you tomorrow?” She asked hesitantly. He nodded at her and disappeared into the night. She walked into her house taking shaky breaths trying to calm her erratic heartbeat. “Damn he can kiss.” She whistled in appreciation instantly blushing as her mother appeared before her.

“Buffy?” Her mother asked in worry.

“I’m fine. He had to make sure Dru’s ok.” As if that explained everything Buffy turned and headed upstairs to bed. Her mother stopped her calling her back down the stairs.

“Buffy, I want to know.”

“I should have just taped it and hit rewind.” She grumbled before throwing herself onto the couch with a sigh. Joyce frowned at Buffy, until she started telling the story again. Everything she had told Giles and the others she now told her mother. Except this time she didn’t cry.

“Buffy… Dawn is…? Will she be here?” Joyce asked looking around the room as if she was already there but no one could see her.

“I don’t know mom. I doubt it; I mean I’m in ‘Heaven’ why should I save the world here? So unless she lives with dad, then I don’t have a sister.” She answered sadly, sure she was a brat, but Buffy loved her anyway. “Also you won’t get si-” Buffy threw a hand over her mouth in shock, as her mother gasped. “What I meant was that…”

“I’m sick?” Joyce asked uncertain she wanted to know. Buffy shook her head frantically, and at her mothers instance told her everything about the shadow, cancer and the aneurism. By the time Buffy had finished, Joyce sat stiffly in her seat tears running down her cheeks as she stared directly at Buffy. As her daughter began to cry as well Joyce snapped out of her daze and drew Buffy into a hug, crushing her against her chest Joyce whispered into Buffy’s blond hair.

“It’ll be alright, I’ll see a doctor. I won’t leave you. I swear.” She ran her hand softly through the mane of golden locks as she tried to fight her fears and hush her daughters simultaneously.

“Mommy…” Buffy sniffled and looked at her mom, eyes puffy and red. Joyce just shook her head and told her to get some sleep. Following her mother’s advice, Buffy stood, and after kissing her mother goodnight headed upstairs for the first sleep in her bed in over 3 months.

XXX

After leaving the slayers house Spike practically floated back to the factory. As he entered the building the bounce in his step gave him away to the minions, they, drawing their own conclusions, began to spread word around the factory that Spike had somehow killed the slayer. It was only after his shower that Drusilla cornered Spike in their room that he heard about these rumors.

“Oh, my William. Killed the bad slayer for mummy, he did.” She told Miss Edith lovingly, the doll dangling by her side, held up by the scrap of her dress clutched in Dru’s hand.

“Never said that, pet. Who’s telling you lies?” He frowned at her when she tilted her head to the side. Feeling the familiar tingles of her trying to pick his brain apart, he closed himself off to her. “Tell me, luv. Who lied to you? I’ll kill the bad man.”

Dru growled at him, at first she sounded like she was mewling then gradually she became angrier. He reeked of slayer, even after his shower Drusilla could see the slayer floating all around him. In his head ad his heart, he was blinded by her. Drowning.

Suddenly she leaped at him, arms outstretched to grip his throat painfully tight. His hands came up to claw at her arms, trying to pull them off of him. He disregarded any thought of hurting his Sire as he felt her nails begin to draw blood; large gashes made into the tender flesh of his neck that poured blood, the crimson liquid ran down onto his color bone and his shirt. With a snarled Spike vamped out and flung his Sire backwards into the door. The door rattled from the force and as Dru slumped against it, slowly creaked open. A minion poked his head inside.

“GET OUT!” Spike roared, breathing erratically as he tried to calm his demons need to grovel.

Dru looked up at him, the sudden anger missing from her eyes, whimpering in pain she tried to stand only to fall back to the floor seconds later.

“Oh baby, I’m a bad rude man, forgive me?” His eyes blue once more as they looked at her filled with guilt and begging her to accept his offered hand. As she placed her frail hand into his he stepped closer and swung her up into his arms. Cradling her close to him he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead and moved closer to their shared bed.

As he laid her beneath the covers and drew them up over her, his mind drifted to Buffy. He had really wanted to spend more time with her, but he had to take care of Dru, now he’d be lucky if he got to leave the room tomorrow night, let alone the factory.

Drusilla felt her Childe drift, his mind suddenly filled with the golden angel she could never be. Whimpering louder she clung to his arm and pulled him down to lie behind her. Spike gathered her into his arms with a frustrated sigh, wishing he knew what made her angry in the first place.

As he drifted off, Buffy’s face swam behind his closed eyelids. Suddenly she was replaced by Drusilla.

Turning in his arms to face him, she kissed his full lips softly and whispered ever so quietly. “I see the slayer, floating all around you. Why don’t you push her away?” His eyes shot open.

‘Bollocks.’

XXX

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