CHAPTER ONE

---------------------

"So...what’s next? Wh-what do we do now?" The red headed Wicca looked frightened at the sight of it.

"Well, I guess we go in." Buffy replied.

The two girls trudged towards the thing that had tortured them for years. The one thing that had caused them both nightmares. The thing they both feared. This thing, it was worse than anything. Any demon, vampire, monster. It was... It.

"Ah! Hello! Are you two students here?" A man asked.

"Wha-? Me? Us? No! No! We're here 'cause of my sister. Speaking of,” Buffy turned towards the car. "Come on Dawn! Hurry up! You're gonna be late for your first day!"

The teen slowly got out of the car, throwing her backpack over her shoulder. She walked towards Buffy, slightly annoyed.

"Okay, okay. I'm here. I'm not late. And I have to go now. Good-bye." Dawn walked off towards the school.

"I'll be around! If you need anything, or... anything." Buffy yelled towards her sister. "Yes. That's my sister. And... who are you?" she asked the man.

"I'm the new principal here. Fred Johnson. Nice to meet you. It's Buffy Summers right? I've heard of you. You graduated in '99 right?"

Buffy stared suspiciously at the man. "Yes, I did. I think. Uhh, well I have to go now! Nice to meet you! Bye!" Buffy and Willow went back towards the car.

"Well that was fun. Hey, wanna come over tonight? We could watch movies! We can have Xander go buy them. Or rent. Whatever. It costs money either way." Buffy suggested.

"That'd be great! It'd be awesome! We haven't gotten to hang out a lot lately. I like spending time with my bestest pals."

"Yeah me too. Umm... Will?"

"Yeah Buffy?"

"Would it be okay if Spike came. I mean, I know you don't like him or any-"

"I so do like him! Well, he's not my best friend, but he's cool. And I'm still with the gay too, so no liking that way either."

"Heh. So you don't mind? 'Cause it's just with him being around so much, he's kinda a part of Scooby gang now. Since he's with all the, fighty-helpyness. You know, if you're just saying it's okay cause you don't want to make me feel bad, he doesn't have to come."

"Oh, Buffy. It's okay! Really! Well with me anyways... but with Xand-the-Man, I dunno... You know how he is with the Spike Hateyness."

"Yeah, well... we can just not tell Xander. Well, we're jumping to conclusions. We don't even know if Spike can come, let alone wants to."

"Oh he might. You should go ask him. I can go pick up Dawn after school and see what movie she wants."

"Thanks Willow!"

**************************************************

Buffy got out of the car and started walking towards the ever-so-grand Sunnydale cemetery. Buffy felt like she lived her life here pretty much. Every night she'd go out. Fight. Kill things. Then come home. She saw the entrance to the cemetery in front of her. Not too far away. Why'd she want Spike to come again? She definitely was having mixed feelings. More like super blended then chopped feelings. Sometimes she'd want him dead. Then sometimes she'd just think he was there. Not even notice him. Except for the unnoticeable hair. Then even more other times, well actually, most of the time, she'd just wish he'd hold her and make everything all right. She could see Spike's crypt from here. She took a big breath. A really big breath. Buffy hesitated before knocking.

Buffy knocked on the door. She waited. And waited. And waited. No one came to the door. She was turning just about to go home when she heard a big crash come from inside. She faced back towards the door, and turned the handle. Buffy slowly stepped inside. "Spike? Uhh.. I heard a crash. And then I could've sworn I heard someone yell 'bloody hell.'"

"Yeah, luv. I'm over here."

Spike appeared behind his bed. "I Uhh.. kinda fell off. I was sleeping I didn't hear you knock. But when you did, the door kinda.... shined through a little soddin' light. And, well, I have a burnt spot now. I guess it's quite attractive." Spike said pointing to a smoking spot on his chest. He didn't have a shirt on. Just muscle. And a spot.

"Ahh... geeze Spike. Sorry. I didn't mean to."

"Yeah I know. No big deal, pet. It's not permanent." he smiled and cocked his head a little.

Buffy walked towards him. She sat on his "bed". It wasn't comfortable at all, maybe 'cause it was made out of concrete. She looked up at him again. He was staring at her. His blue eyes were hypnotizing her. "Why ya here, Buffy?"

"Huh? Oh. Me and Willow and Dawn wanted you to come over tonight. To watch girly movies with us."

Spike raised an eyebrow. "I prefer the horror flicks myself, but I guess I could always get in touch with my feminine side every now and then."

Buffy smiled. "Cool. Or... Bloody great. However you English people talk." She laughed a little. Spike smiled.

"What time you chicks want me to come over?"

"Ummm... 6:00 would be good. I think. Is that bad? Time wise I mean. "

"Nah. It's not like I got anything to do. All I do is sit and watch soaps all day. And then drink. And then eat. Then workout. then watch TV again. I am one bad ass vampire."

"Yeah. definitely bad ass. At least it's nice- I mean. I didn't mean that. Well I did. But I didn't mean to say--"

"Luv, I get it. Well, wait. Did you just say I had a nice ass?"

"No! I meant it in.. ugh. Never mind. Bye."

"See ya later, pet."

*******************************************************

Spike paced around his crypt. "Dammit!" He looked at his mirror. But saw... nothing. "I wish I could bloody see my self! I don't know if I'm the bloody ugliest man on earth! What if Buffy thinks I'm ugly. What if my shirt doesn't match? Should I wear a shirt? Yes! Wait... yes! What about my hair! Is it growing? I can't have any brown roots poppin' through. Does Buffy know I'm a brunette? Does she like brown hair better than blonde? Yes! She does! Angel, Riley, Parker even! All those dumbass poofters had brown hair! Maybe I should let my hair grow out. Maybe not. It would look weird. Well I can't even bloody see myself."

"Spike?"

Spike jumped and turned around. He sighed in relief at the sight of who was standing there. "Nibblet, what are you doing here? Wait- Aren't you supposed to be at school? It's noon! Dawn! Get back at school! Now!"

"Spike! Calm down. We had a half day. Buffy and Willow didn't know. I just thought I’d drop by on my way home and have a soda, but I can see you're very much into the 'talking-to-self-like-a-psycho' thing. So, I'll just leave now..."

"I was talking to myself?"

*******************************************************

Buffy heard a knock on the door. She looked at the clock. Exactly...6:00. Spike was on time. He never let her down. Except when- no. She doesn't want to remember that day. She walked over to the door. When she opened it she was surprised. "Spike wow. You look..."

"Like I need a shower?"

"No! Ugh.." She laughed a little. "You look. Nice." She smiled at him. He had on a light blue shirt and his duster, except something was different. She couldn't tell. The only thing she noticed was the eye color matching the shirt. She loved it.

"Hey come on. The gangs coming in an hour."

"An hour? Well you could've just said for me to come at 7:00."

"You're not a part of the Scooby gang."

Spike looked down. He knew he was a monster, but did she really have to rub it-

"You're a part of my gang." she interrupted him in his thoughts. She always knew what he was thinking. She could read his eyes. They told so much. Spike smiled. A half cocky grin. It was really cute. He tilted his head too. That way he does.

"Well. It's nice to know the bad ass is wanted somewhere." he remembered earlier. the "ass" incident. He laughed to himself. She looked at him. knowing again what he was thinking.

"Spike. You're a pig."

"Yeah I am, pet. Least I have a nice ass."

"Oh please. Drop it!" She laughed to herself walking into the kitchen. Buffy took the dishes that needed to be washed, and set them on the counter next to the sink. She turned on the faucet and started washing them. Spike went into the kitchen also. He studied her for a minute.

"Luv...?"

"Yeah?"

"Something bothering you?"

"Uhh... No. Why do you ask?"

"Because there is. I can see it."

"Spike..."

"What is it?"

Buffy turned off the faucet and lowered her head. She sighed. "Everyone's scared of me. They are all being protective and they act weird around me. They're always telling me that they love me. But if they really did, I wonder if they would've pulled me out... like how they did."

"Buffy. I know for a fact that your friends love you. You should never doubt that. I'm not saying that they should've done that, and I'm also not saying that I'm not he happiest man- I mean-thing alive, that you're back."

Spike looked down at the floor. He almost called himself a man in front of her. How stupid.

"Spike-"

"Don't"

"But I just wanted to tell you... you may be a monster, but you treat me better than any human or man alive."

Spike looked down and smiled to himself.

"Buffy... I love you."

"I know...."

"But you could never love me." Spike turned away from her. He didn't want to see her face.

Buffy looked at him. He was really hurt. She reached out to touch him. She put her hand on his shoulder. He flinched at first, then relaxed. She took her hand off him. She walked in front of him. Buffy looked into his eyes. His blue eyes were now covered in tears ready to fall. This made her feel worse. She bit her lip at the sight of him like this. All he ever did was love her more than anything in the universe. And all she did was yell at him, tell him to get out of her face, and have talks about weird stuff. She realized how much he loved her. How he almost died for her and Dawn. She couldn't just, sit there and watch him anymore.

"Spike."

He turned his head away from her, not wanting her to see him cry.

"William.." She urged. Buffy looked at his eyes. He was crying now. Tears falling down his cheeks. When he heard her use that name, he looked at her. He wore an expression that looked like disbelief, but it was actually fear. The only time she ever called him William was when she was really mad him, about to kill mad, or when she was truly sincere about being nice.

"Stop crying...please..." She felt her eyes start to water up. She had such strong feelings for him now. She finally let her tears fall. They were both crying now. Spike looked at her, about to do something daring. He put his hand up to her cheek to brush away the tears when-

Buffy jumped at the sound of the door knocking. She looked at Spike and smiled. She was about to turn and go answer the door, when she just ignored it and faced Spike again. She took her thumb and wiped away his tears. "Buffy. I don't know what I’d do without you. Again. I almost died when you left. I couldn't live with myself. What I did."

"You didn't do anything." There was that knocking again.

"Yes, Buffy. I did. If hadn't let Dawn down, and just killed Doc and.." He couldn't finish. He sobbed. "You wouldn't have had to jump. You wouldn't have left me. You know, I almost took a noonday stroll. Just to get myself out of the pain I was in. But your friends. That happy bunch. Wouldn't let me do it. Especially Dawn. And I also remembered the promise I had made to you. to take care of her. I never broke it. Only once. And.. and I-" He started to sob into his hands. “I...I" The knock on the door continued with a "Buffy!? Are you here?"

The voice was familiar. A voice Spike hated. He looked at Buffy who was crying her eyes out. She then realized who the person at the door was. "Oh God."

********************************************************

CHAPTER TWO

----------------------

"Oh.... my god...." She repeated. Spike looked down, and stepped away from her.

"Buffy? Are you home? It's me. Riley. I need to talk to you." Spike felt his heart drop. He couldn't believe what was happening. His life was ending. Everything great came crashing down. He felt like nothing. Spike looked at Buffy. She had stopped crying. She didn't face the door. She just stood there. And didn't say a word. She looked like she was choking almost. Her mouth hung open, like catching flies as she would say. Spike blinked away some forming tears and turned and walked towards the kitchen.

"Buffy?.............. Well I guess you're not home."

Riley left. Buffy saw Spike in the kitchen. He sat at the counter. Looking at his thumbs. He twiddled them a little. Buffy walked into the kitchen. She looked at Spike; his blue eyes were filled with anger and hate, also sadness and fear. She was amazed at how this soulless monster, ugh no. This MAN. could have so many feelings at the same time. How much he could feel. She moved towards him. Buffy reached out her arm to touch his. He pulled it away before she could touch.

"Go on then. Run after Capt'n America. Go be happy, pet."

"Spike I-"

"No. Buffy. Just save your pity of me for another time. I don't want to be pitied. Poor old me. Can't get a girl to love him all 'is life. All I can do is love them hoping that one day they'll love me. Nope. Never happened. Not with Dru. She never loved me. She always has cared for Angelus herself. Then that Cecily. She never loved me. And I was human then! I am love's bitch! So no Buffy, I don't want you pity. Go be happy with Mr. America. I could never make you happy the way a man can." He said looking down.

Buffy's eyes started watering. "Spike...I don't want to be with Riley. I want-"

She was interrupted by a ring of the phone. She looked at him, and then walked over to the phone. Instead of picking it up, she ripped it out of the wall.

"Damn that thing's annoying. It always interrupts something serious." She said.

"Spike.." She said brushing her pants off. "I never got to finish."

"....Yeah. Well, uh... you want to finish?"

"Well I was going to say. Something about happiness. Oh yeah. Spike?"

"Yeah?"

"Riley doesn't make me happy. I... actually. You... me. I, I we..."

"Spit it out, pet"

"You...you make me happy....not Riley." Buffy said, looking him in the eye. Making it clear. Spike looked down. Then looked up. He had a huge smile on his face.

"Oh Buffy... that means more to me than...."

Buffy got closer to him. She hugged him. His head resting against hers. She wrapped her arms around his waist.

Spike closed his eyes... he could live like this forever.

********************************************************

"Hey uh, Spike?"

"Yeah love?" He said, his eyes still closed.

"None of the others are actually coming. I told all of them not to come. And Dawn is sleeping over Janice's house. I decided just to have a me and Spike movie night."

Spike pulled away for a second. "Fine with me." He said smiling. He then rested his head back on hers.

Buffy closed her eyes. She didn't love Spike, but she really did care for him. A lot. She thought about the love fact for a moment. Buffy decided that even though she didn’t love Spike, it was possible.

Buffy opened her eyes again. She inhaled the deep scent of him. It was spicy. And minty too. She giggled a little.

Spike pulled away.

"Whatchya laughin' at, pet?"

"Oh nothing.... we should start the movie I think. Unless you just want to stand here with me listening to me laugh at how you smell."

"What? I smell bad? Oh geeze."

"No! No!" Buffy laughed a little. "You don't smell bad. Just funny. All minty kind of. It's... nice." She said looking up at him.

"Well. Umm... I'd have to say I'd rather listen to you laugh and be happy than watch a movie, but I see that you were making the standing here together thing the bad choice."

"Oh, well you could do that while we watch the movie ya know. It's called multi-tasking."

"Okay, luv. What movie is it?"

Buffy smiled. She looked up at him. "Couch."

"Huh? Couch? Never heard of it."

"No.. ugh. That's not the name of the movie. There is no movie. Just a couch. We can sit on the couch and pretend there’s a movie while we laugh and talk and stuff. Okay never mind. I'm sounding wicked lame."

"Uhh... okay. Just as long as there's happy."

"Of course!"

Buffy took Spike's hand and led him into the living room. She plopped her self onto the couch. Spike sat down next to her. Buffy's hand was still holding Spike's. She turned towards him and held their hands in her lap. She looked at his, and then started to massage it with her thumb. Spike squeezed her hand a little and put his other hand on top of theirs. This caused Buffy to look up at him. She smiled. Buffy scooted over closer to him. She leaned her head on his shoulder. Spike put a piece of her hair behind her ear. She smiled still looking at their hands. Spike wondered why they were so fascinating to her.

"What's so fascinating, luv?" He asked.

"They tell so much. They show the feeling behind the people. They show that the people care about each other."

Buffy looked at him. He was smiling. Something came over her. Some, invisible rush of want. Not sex want. But want of him. To be his. To kiss him. Buffy followed her instincts as usual. She leaned in. Her eyes focused on one thing. Him.

Buffy brushed her lips against his. His lips were cold. She finally let her lips meet his. She caressed his bottom lip so lightly it felt as if a butterfly landed on his lips. Spike closed his eyes. He'd been waiting for this kiss ever since he fell in love her. They kissed. Not a violent deep kiss, but a soft, loving kiss. Spike pulled away. Not of not wanting it. But because it was just supposed be that kind of a kiss. He knew what it meant. It was Buffy's way of showing him that she really did care for him. Not love, but care.

"Spike. Don't leave me, please?" She said. Tears were welling up.

"Buffy. I would never do that. Ever."

"Good. B-because, everyone that loves me, leaves me. Like Angel, R-riley, and even... even Mom..." A tear rolled down her face.

"Buffy. I will never ever leave you. I love you too bloody much to do anything like that. If I could, I'd never leave your sight. Understand Buffy, I will never. Never. Leave you. Unless, you wanted me to. Because I'd do anything you want."

She smiled. She leaned in into his chest. His arms wrapped around her. They both soon fell asleep...

Spike woke up. He looked at the clock. it was 3:00 am. He decided that he should probably go home, but Buffy might take it the wrong way, as she had just given him the whole, "don't leave" speech. He snuggled back into her arms, and closed his eyes.

"Spike...Spike... don't please...don't leave." Buffy mumbled. She was dreaming.

Spike looked at Buffy. He saw her face. She had a pained expression on her face. She was dreaming about him.

"Luv, it's ok. I'm right here."

Buffy smiled in her sleep at the touch of his cold hands on her face. "Thank you..."

"Any time, luv."

Buffy stirred awake. "Spike?" She asked.

"Yeah luv, it's me."

"I thought you would've left."

"Not after you gave me the no leaving speech I wouldn't dare."

"Heh. I'm glad... that you stayed."

"No problem, pet." Spike said with a smile.

Buffy snuggled into his embrace.

"Tell me a story." Buffy said sleepily.

"A bedtime story? I think it's past your bedtime, luv."

"I don't care. Tell me a story... one that'll make me fall asleep. One that when I wake up tomorrow morning I’ll never want to get off this couch because you made me feel so safe in your arms I would never want to leave..."

"Well. I don't know if I know a story that can be that good to make that happen."

"Make one up." Buffy said cuddling with him.

"Okay. Once upon a time..."

"No. No once upon a time crap. I'm 23. Not 5."

"Sorry."

"It's ok. Continue."

Buffy closed her eyes waiting for Spike to tell the story. She snuggled deep into his arms, feeling warm and comforted.

"Well. I knew this girl. She had blonde hair, and green eyes. She was very beautiful. She could make people feel like they were the only people in the world. She could just look at you, and you'd want to do anything for her. She had a lot of friends. Some of which didn't like me very much. Her friends were always there for her, even when she didn't need them. She always had a big smile on her face. She made the sun shine. And the stars glisten." Spike started to twirl Buffy's hair around his finger.

"Did she have a name?" Buffy asked half asleep.

"Uhh.. yep. It was Bunny."

"Bunny? Well Anya surely would hate her."

"Yeah, luv. Anyways. She was everything anything or anyone could dream of. Then one day... she went away. She went away for a while... but then she came back. And I was very happy. And I hope that she's happy too. I am in love with this girl. And always will be. I would do anything for her. Just to see a smile on her face. Or even to see her make any face. She is beautiful in any face she puts on. I love her... always."

Buffy was asleep again. She had a smile on her face. Spike smiled. He loved her so much. He'd die for her a million times.

CHAPTER 3

-----------------------------

The next morning Buffy awoke to a strange emptiness. She looked beside her. Spike wasn't there. Was it a dream? No.. it couldn't have been...

"Spike?" She yelled.

Buffy heard a crash come from the kitchen. She got up and walked over to the kitchen. She looked in and saw Spike attempting to make something. He looked at her and smiled.

"You scared me! I thought you left. You weren't there when I woke up..."

"Sorry, pet. I just thought you might like some breakfast when you woke up."

"Thanks." Buffy said with a huge smile. "What are ya makin' for me?"

"I'm not sure yet... these bloody ovens and stoves are too close to the window! It's like I I’m in a circus! I'm tryin' to put this soddin' pancake batter on the pan and I can't without gettin crispy."

Buffy giggled.

"Here. Lemme help."

Buffy poured the batter on the pan and then walked back over to Spike. She smiled at him. Buffy took his hands.

"Don't look crispy to me."

"Yeah well I'm lucky that all I got was smoke and a nice feelin' of burning for a couple of minutes."

"Me too."

"What?"

"Me too. I'm lucky too that you didn't get hurt."

"Yeah, luv."

"So... wanna patrol for me tonight?"

********************************************************

"Bloody woman has me makin' her breakfast, tellin' her stories, and now doing her sacred duties." Spike said to himself as he walked around Sunnydale cemetery. Out of nowhere, a big ugly looking demon attacked Spike. Spike threw the demon off of him and kicked him into a tombstone. The demon got up and jumped at Spike. Spike was too slow to block the move, and he flew into a crypt. Spike rolled over on his side clutching his ribs.

"Bloody hell... I'm gonna kick your soddin' ugly ass you-"

The demon kicked Spike again. And again. And again.

***********************************************

"Buffy. Are you sure Spike can handle himself out there? I mean... what if there's a whole swarm of demons attacking him right now? Buffy!"

"Dawn, I think Spike can handle himself. I mean, I couldn't kill him when I first met him remember?"

"Yeah, but still. He could be lying on the ground somewhere all beat up. Or he could be de-"

"Dawn! Don't say the D word. I'll go check on him. Stay here and do the dishes."

"Fine..."

Buffy ran out the door having a gut feeling Dawn was right about Spike being hurt. She ran faster and faster. She saw the cemetery ahead of her.

"Spike? Spike?" She yelled hoping for an answer.

Buffy kept running through the cemetery. She saw a demon laughing about something. She got closer to it and it was laughing at the thing it had been kicking for 10 minutes.

"Oh my god! Spike!" Buffy ran full speed at the demon knocking it to the ground. She punched it so hard so many times, her fists ran through the demon's skin and into it. Buffy then stood above it and did Spike's famous move. She picked up its head, and twisted it one way really fast, breaking its neck and killing it instantly.

"Never touch him again!"

Buffy ran over to Spike who was hurt badly. "Spike? Spike?" She clutched his hand tightly. She looked over his body for any major wounds. She saw a few scrapes on his legs, but on his chest..."Oh god...Spike..." Buffy ran her fingers over his chest. She felt at least 4 broken ribs and there was blood. A lot of blood.

"Buffy? Buffy is that you?" he said wearily.

"Yeah it's me. Sshh... don't talk. We're bringing you home."

Buffy picked him up in her arms and carried him back to her house. She made sure not to hurt him.

"Dawn! Dawn!"

"What do you-- oh my god. Buffy! What happened!"

"He got hurt, Dawn, help me get him upstairs."

"Is-is he gonna be okay?"

"Yeah."

Buffy and Dawn brought him upstairs and laid him on Buffy's bed. Buffy got the first aid kit and started to clean up his cuts.

"Buffy? What happened... I thought I was dead..."

"No, but you might've been if I didn't find you."

Buffy put a wet cloth on his forehead.

"How are you feeling?" She asked.

"Like someone dropped a house on me."

"That bad huh? Well I’ll fix you up... Ya know...I was afraid, when I found you...."

"That I was dead?"

"Yeah..."

"Buffy... remember? I'm not leaving. I made a promise."

"I remember." She said with a smile. "Your ribs are pretty bad. They're all... broke. Well not all of them. But most of them anyways."

"I noticed that on account of I can't move with out feeling like someone’s stabbing me."

Buffy took his hand. "Well that sucks. Now I have nowhere to sleep. The couch is comfy though."

"Luv, I don't take up the whole bed. You can fit."

"Okay. I was hoping you'd say that anyways." Buffy said with a smile.

"Good. heh... Buffy?"

"Yeah?"

"Could I ask you something?"

"Yeah sure."

"I know you don't love me... but I was wondering, if ya know... you could? Ever."

Buffy looked at him. "There is a possibility. Yes. Someday. Yes. I could."

"I love you."

"I know." Buffy got in the bed beside him. She took his hand and played with his hair. "You should sleep."

"Yeah I guess. But stay here with me?"

"Of course."

Spike fell asleep. Buffy kept on playing with his hand, and tousling his hair. Buffy soon fell asleep too in his arms.

************************************************

"Spike. Spike. Spike!" Dawn yelled.

"Huh what?"

"Geeze. It takes you forever to wake up."

Spike tried to sit up but was pierced with a sharp pain in his chest.

"Well don't move! Buffy said to make sure you don't move. She wanted to know if you wanted anything. Like blood or something. "

"Umm... yea sure..."

"Kay. Buffy will bring it up for you. I'm going to school now. See ya later!" Dawn said leaving the room.

Spike shifted himself on the bed. He sat up. "Oh... god." Spike said as he tried to sit.

"I told you not to move!" Buffy yelled entering the room with a mug of blood.

"Sorry pet, just I can't lie there all day."

"I suppose. Well here's your blood. I think it's 98.6. Can't tell. Is 98.6 when I put it in the microwave for 1 minute? Or should I have left it in longer?"

Spike laughed. "It'll be fine, luv."

Spike sipped the blood. He coughed on it. "Bloody hell! What is this?"

"Blood... you don't like it? I can't even make blood. I'm a bad cook."

"Well, it's just... it's not bad."

"Liar! You just said, 'bloody hell' which usually indicates ewwness."

"I did not."

"Liar."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"Stop! It's fine. Just... different."

Buffy sat on the bed. She sighed and fell backwards onto the bed.

"Your hurting my feet, pet." Spike said.

"Sorry." She said sitting up. "So. Are you feeling any better today?"

"Kind of. You left. You said you'd stay."

"I did stay!" She exclaimed.

"You weren't there when I woke up."

"Neither were you yesterday."

"Well... so?"

"So? So! It's okay for you not to be there when I wake up but not okay when I'm not there when you wake up?!"

"No. Sorry, pet. I missed you is all." He said.

"I missed you too. Except you wouldn't get up. That's why I had Dawn wake you up."

"I see. She at school?"

"Yeah." Buffy said crawling up to him. She sat next to him Indian style. "Your hair. It's brown?"

"How'd you know?"

"Dawn told me. She said she saw you talking to yourself the other day at your crypt. She said you were obsessing over your roots and the color of my boyfriend's hair color..."

"Maybe."

"I don't mind the brown. Blonde is nice too. I like both." Buffy said playing with his soft curls.

He closed his eyes and fell asleep again.

"Damn. How much do vampires sleep?"

CHAPTER 4

--------------------------------

"Oo yay!" Buffy said helping Spike sit up. She had her arm around his waist.

"Yeah. I can move now. That bed's comfortable. Nice mattress."

"Thanks. Here, wanna go downstairs? Or is that gonna be not good?"

"Girl, can you speak English? 'Gonna be not good?' Heh. Maybe you should've finished college."

"Hey!" she said slapping his arm.

"Oww.. damn Slayer, I'm still healing."

"Sorry. Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Just peachy."

"That's my word."

Spike sat up. He took Buffy's hand to balance himself. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Sure. Just... let’s go downstairs."

Buffy and Spike slowly, VERY slowly made their way down the stairs. Each step took about two minutes. Buffy was about ready to just pick him up and carry him down the stairs. But she decided Spike should do it on his own. But... Buffy's hand was taking a toll. Spike squeezed it as hard as he could every time he'd make an attempt on a stair.

"Oww!" Buffy screamed. "You're gonna freaking break my hand!"

"Sorry pet. It just hurts a lot."

"It's okay. Just less hurting of me."

Spike finally got downstairs but he still held onto Buffy's hand. As they entered the kitchen, all eyes flew on them.

"What's going on?!?" Xander screeched at the sight of Buffy and Spike holding hands.

"Huh?...Oh." Buffy slowly released her grip on Spike. He slowly curled up his fingers. He looked down.

"Buffy! You guys were holding hands!" Xander exclaimed. Spike turned around and walked away clutching his ribs.

"We, we were..." She started.

"Buffy, it's okay. Xander's just a little... " Willow stated.

"Mad! Shocked!" Xander finished.

"Are you two.. together?" Willow asked calmly.

"I-I don't know." Buffy said afraid of why Xander would say next.

"Because it's okay if you are. He's nice. And not evil." Willow said.

"Okay?!?! It's not okay!" Xander screamed.

"Xander..." Willow said.

"No! I can't. I can't hear this!"

"Xander. Come on." Willow said.

Buffy was standing there uneasy. She was shifting her weight from side to side. She felt her palms sweat up. Buffy felt her eyes water up. "Xander... I... I am with Spike."

"Oh my God. I need to go. Now."

“I’ll go after him” Willow said.

Xander stormed out of Buffy's house. Buffy left the room and went into the living room where Spike was standing there shocked. He looked at her, and smiled the sweetest smile she'd ever seen.

"We? You said. You said that we.. we were." He said.

"Yes. I did. And I meant it. I mean. Unless, unless you don't-"

"Yes! I mean. Yeah. Sorry. I'm just."

"Happy?"

"Yes."

"Me too..." She smiled.

Spike walked closer to her. So close that they were just inches apart. He leaned in. Buffy kissed him. They stood there. Kissing like that for a minute, then Dawn walked in.

"Woah. I thought you guys hated each other. Well, not really since you've been sleeping together." Dawn said.

Spike pulled away quick and looked at Dawn. He raised an eyebrow.

"We have not been sleeping together!" Spike said.

"Eww! I knew that. I meant. Sleeping. Not having sex! Ya know? You guys have been falling asleep together... duh. And plus Buffy, if you guys were having sex, I'd never come back here again! I mean... eww! That'd be gross!"

Buffy smiled. She yawned.

"Tired, pet?"

"Yeah... couch... good."

Buffy and Spike lay down on the couch. Spike held his ribs as he lay down. "Spike, are you sure you're going to be okay?"

"Yeah. Don't worry."

Buffy closed her eyes and went to sleep with Spike right next to her.

"Geeze. let's get out of here. Let’s go get Xander. Come on Willow." The two girls left the house.

********************************************************

/where is she?/ Riley thought. He opened the door to the Summer's home. He looked around. Riley walked into the living room. He almost choked at what he saw. His mind raced a mile a minute. He did the first thing that came to mind.

He walked over to the couch and pulled up Spike by his shirt and threw him across the room making him crash into the wall.

"Bloody hell... oh god!" Spike screamed in pain as he felt the pain of his ribs puncturing his lungs.

"Spike! What the hell! Riley..."

"Buffy! What the hell is going on! He was sleeping next to you!"

"Yes! He was! And what the hell are you doing here? You had absolutely NO right to do that."

Buffy ran over to Spike who was clutching himself in pain. "Riley! You asshole! He already has 3 broken ribs! Get out of my house! Now!"

"Buffy. I came to tell you that I missed you. I still love you."

"Riley. I don't love you anymore. Leave. Now."

Riley didn't move.

"Spike. Oh my god." She clutched his hand.

"Buffy... it hurts so much..."

"Buffy. What is this?" Riley said.

"Riley! Look at what you did!"

"What is this?" He repeated.

"Me and Spike. We're together. okay?"

"Okay? No! Not okay." Riley said.

"Why is everyone trying to control my life?!"

"Buffy. Spike is a thing."

"No he's not. He's a man."

"No! He is not! He's a soulless thing! He's a vampire!... Oh wait... so was Angel. I guess the only men you can love have to have some monster in them... You’re disgusting. How could I ever have loved you? You are pathetic."

Buffy looked up at him. She felt her eyes water up. Buffy slowly backed away into the corner of the room.

Spike looked at Buffy. Then he looked at Riley. Through all the pain he was in, he got up. He walked over to Riley. "Never speak to a lady that way." Spike punched Riley so hard that he flew into the window breaking it, and landing outside in the bushes. Riley got up and left.

Spike screamed in pain from the chip, plus the blinding pain of his ribs piercing his organs.

Buffy ran over to Spike who had fallen onto the couch. "Spike? Are you okay?"

"Yea, pet. It'll just take a little while to heal."

"Spike..."

"Yeah?" He said taking an unneeded breath.

"You didn't have to do that." Buffy was a little mad at the way Spike had acted towards Riley. She was a big girl. She could take care of herself. She had enough people doing that already for her.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think you'd get mad." He said shyly. He closed his eyes taking in all the pain that was coming from his chest.

"I'm not mad. I'm just surprised at how you acted towards Riley. I have enough people taking care of me already."

"Sorry... next time when a guy makes the girl I love fall to ground in tears, I’ll just ignore her feelings and go make the guy a cup of hot chocolate."

Buffy glared at him. She didn’t have time for people being sarcastic with her. She got up and walked towards the stairs. Spike mentally slapped himself. 'Shouldn't have said that. Shouldn't have said that. Ugh.' Spike sat up in pain, and called after her. "Buffy..."

"Spike. I don't have time for sarcasm. I just... want to be alone for a while." Buffy looked at him. He was broken. His eyes went from a blue to a dark color. Hurt flickered in his eyes. He looked down.

"Okay. See you later...I love you." He said hopefully that would bring her back.

"See you later." She said as she walked up the stairs.

Spike sat on the couch alone. He held himself, arms wrapped around his sides, and shook from the cold breeze coming from the broken window. He'd have to pay for that... He closed his eyes.

******************************************************

Buffy couldn't sleep. She kept tossing and turning. She got up and fluffed her pillows a little. She grabbed Mr. Gordo off of the floor and held him close to her. She closed her eyes to try and fall asleep. She felt like something wasn't right. She missed him. She kept trying not to think about him. But she couldn't. Buffy finally got up, Mr. Gordo still in hand, and slowly walked out of her room and down the stairs. She was in her blue P.J’s. Buffy rubbed her eyes as she stood in front of Spike. The window was letting in a freezing cold breeze. She looked at Spike. He was pale. Paler than usual. She looked at his face. His lips were practically white.

"Spike? Spike wake up."

"Buffy..." he said shivering.

"You're gonna freeze sitting here." She touched his arm. It felt like she was touching ice. "Or maybe you already did freeze... Come on. Come upstairs."

"Buffy... are you sure?"

"Yeah... I missed you." She said with a smile.

"I like your pig."

"What?"

"The pig. In your hand."

"Oh. His name is Mr. Gordo. My mom gave him to me. I had him since I was a baby. I sleep with him every night."

"You gonna start callin' me Mr. Gordo now, luv?"

"Pig."

"That name fits me well."

"Oh shut up. Come upstairs before I change my mind." She took his hand helping him stand up. He was so cold. "You're colder than usual. Can vampires get sick?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe. I haven't. But still. I've never been this bloody cold to find out."

"Come on. Lets get you upstairs. This might take a while." She said with a smile.

"Yeah. Might." He said clutching his ribs.

They got up the stairs in what seemed like forever. She walked him into her room.

"Your room?" he asked not knowing why she'd want him in her room.

"Yeah silly. Where else were you gonna sleep?"

"I- I dunno. I thought you were gonna put me in your sister's room or something. Speaking of, why does she have school practically every other day?"

"It's a first week of school thing. And I'm not gonna put you in my sister's room...I missed you."

"Oh... heh."

She led him to her bed. He layed down in it. Buffy layed next to him. She looked at Mr. Gordo. "You're so cute."

"Really?" Spike asked hopefully.

"Not you. Well... sometimes. When you do that thing with your head. You cock to one side. Like a puppy." She said smiling.

"What? I'm a puppy? I thought I was that cute little pig."

"You're a puppy now. Anyways, puppies don't smell like pigs. And they bite things too." She said happily.

"Okay. I'm a puppy. And you know, that head thing, I don't do it on purpose. It's involuntary."

"It's cute." She snuggled up against him.

"Been called a lot of things in my day. Cute was never one of them." he said.

"You're still cold. You're like a popsicle." She said pulling away from him. He was so cold to even touch.

"Okay. Now I'm a bloody popsicle." He said

"Yup. MY popsicle."

"I'm yours?"

Buffy hesitated before answering. "Always."

Spike looked at her. She looked at him. He leaned in to kiss her. She could feel the cold coming off of his body. She felt his cold lips touch hers. They kissed. Buffy shivered at his closeness. He pulled away feeling her shiver. "Cold, luv?"

"Just a little. You're cold."

"You're warming me up. Like that bloody Campbell's commercial. With the snowman... never mind."

She cuddled up against him. Buffy closed her eyes. Now she could sleep. Spike wrapped him arms around her. 'Damn. She is a true blonde. Why. Of all things did she have to forget the fact that my bloody ribs hurt like hell!' He ignored the pain and closed his eyes. He was with his girl. His slayer. But she didn't love him...

********************************************************

CHAPTER 5

---------------------------------

The next morning, Spike awoke to a sleeping Slayer kicking him while she was sleeping. "Dumb football." She said in her sleep. Spike smiled. He was happy that she was happy. She then woke up to the sound of laughter. "What?" She said scratching her head.

"Have a nice dream Buffy?" Spike asked.

"I guess. It was kinda weird. There was this football..." Spike smiled. He kissed her forehead and put a strand of loose hair behind her ear. Buffy cuddled up against him.

"Oww." He said holding his side.

"What? Oh! I'm sorry! I forgot! Are you okay? Was I laying on you while I was sleeping? Cause if I was-"

"I'm fine, luv."

"Okay good. I should call Xander to see if he can come by and fix the window."

"Yeah. Sorry about that." He said.

"It's okay..." She stretched out. "I don't wanna get up."

"Then don't." He said wrapping his arms around her. He kissed her cheek.

"Okay." She said pulling the blanket over them.

"Buffy?"

"Mm?"

"Did you mean what you said. The other day. About... you could love me?"

"Yes. I did mean it...."

"But..." He knew there was 'but' coming on.

"But I don't. But it doesn't mean I can't or won't." Spike looked down. He was disappointed. But there was still hope for him. "And also doesn't mean that I'm on my way to being in love with you..." She kissed him. Spike was surprised. How fast things can change! Speaking of...

"Eww! Buffy! Can you at least do that at Spike's place? I mean really! Don't leave the door open like that!" Dawn screamed.

Buffy and Spike pulled away. She held his hand underneath the blanket.

"Oh yeah. And Angel's downstairs. He wanted to talk to Buffy."

Buffy felt her stomach sink. Her mouth hung open.

"Buffy, he's waiting for you ya know. I told him you were getting dressed."

What? What was happening? Oh great…

"Thanks Dawn. Go tell him I'll be down in 10 minutes. Tell him to raid the fridge or something."

"Okay. hurry up." Dawn said as she left the room. Spike let go of Buffy's hand. He was angry. How he hated that dumb poof. He was as dull as a table lamp. And his bloody hair sticks straight up.

"I should go downstairs." Buffy said crawling out of bed.

"I thought you didn't want to get up..." He said a little sad.

"I don't. But I kinda have to."

"Oh. Want me to come downstairs too?" Spike asked.

"Sure. If you want."

Buffy got dressed. She checked out Spikes ribs before heading downstairs. “They look better. Hurt as much?"

"I'm gettin' better, pet."

"Kay."

Buffy hurried down the stairs. Ignoring Spike as he tried to get down. "Damn... how fast things can change."

***************************************

Buffy walked into the kitchen. She saw Angel sitting at the counter. She smiled at him.

"Hey." Angel looked at her.

"Hey." He got up and walked towards her. They were inches apart. "You look nice."

"Thanks you too."

Spike listened from the stairs. He held onto the railing.

Angel leaned in for a kiss. Buffy hesitated at first, then gave in. She missed him so much.

Spike finally made it down the stairs. "Bloody ribs. What are they for anywa--" He stopped. He felt himself die, over and over again. He felt himself crumble. Spike saw Buffy. His Buffy. His girl. Kissing Angel. He almost fell over. Spike shut his eyes tight. He turned his head away. He felt sick. Like something had just run a knife through him. Again. And again. And again.

Buffy pulled away. "I missed this." She said with a smile. She saw Angel looking at something behind her. "What is it?" She asked. Buffy turned around to see Spike sitting on the floor looking at her. Tears filled his eyes. He was staring straight at her.

"Spike...I..."

"You lied to me." He said with a sob. "You told me...I was yours. Last night. Then this morning. You said you were on your way to falling in love with me. Was it a joke? If it was, I... I didn't mean to cry. I'm supposed to be laughing I think. Don't be mad at me." He said tears falling out of his eyes.

"Spike I'm not mad at you." She said rushing to his side. "I..I... I don't know what came over me. I'm sorry. I just... I haven't seen Angel in a long time."

"So you decide to kiss him? I..I was your popsicle.." He laughed a little. "And then your cute little puppy. You, you told me." He sobbed. "I should go."

"No. Spike. Stay here." She turned to Angel. "Can we talk another time. I... have to work something out here."

"Sure. But fill me in on the whole I’m yours thing'. Because... that's just wrong."

"Angel. Please leave." He left. He didn't need to be told twice.

She held Spike's hand. His eyes were shut. "Spike?" His eyes opened. They were bloodshot and red, and his lip trembled. "I'm sorry." She hugged him. Spike pushed her away.

"You don't love me. You love Angel. I want you to be with someone you love. Please. Just leave me here."

"Spike. I don't love Angel anymore. It's just a thing that happened. He of all people doesn't make me happy. He makes me miserable. Spike. You make me feel... alive."

Spike looked at her. He smiled.

"You mean that?"

"Yes. I do." Buffy kissed him. "You're mine. I meant that you know."

"Good. Because You're mine too." He smiled. Life... was 'bloody great...only sometimes.'

Spike and Buffy sat on the floor for hours in the hallway whispering things into each other’s ears. They made each other feel better. Spike's head was rested against her shoulder as she played with his hair. He was happy. Well... mostly anyways. Buffy was confused. She couldn't figure out if she loved Spike. Now with Angel here. Boy! Major confusion! Then Riley. He might still be in town plotting revenge on Spike. She just pushed away all those thoughts and concentrated on one person. Spike.

"How ya doin'?" She asked.

"Better. You?"

"Okay.” She paused. “Spike...?" She realized. She did. She knew.

"Mm..?"

"I....." She took his hand. "I..." Buffy faced him. "I love you."

Spike's head shot up. He was in disbelief. "Wh-what?"

She smiled. "I love you." Spike smiled. He was the happiest man alive.

"I love you too." They kissed. He made this purring sound in his throat. His chest vibrated a little as he did it. Buffy liked the feeling. She got closer. She liked the sounds he made. It made her giggle a little.

"Laughing at me, pet?"

"Yes." She said as she dived back into his lips. They were interrupted.

"Get off him!" A familiar voice screamed. Buffy turned around to see Riley, stake in hand, looking very angry. He shoved Buffy to the side, and grabbed Spike by his duster. He pulled him up. "You worthless thing." Riley pulled the stake back to kill him when Buffy flew in front of him. The stake pierced Buffy's skin. Riley pulled back the stake that was now covered in blood. Buffy put her hand over the wound, and with the other, she punched Riley.

"Buffy. I didn't mean to."

"Get out. Never come back!"

"Buffy!"

"Leave!" She screamed before she fainted. Spike, still in shock of what had just happened, caught her before she hit the ground. He held her in his arms. "Buffy..." Spike whispered. Riley left. He wasn't going to come back.

"Buffy..? Buffy?" He checked for a pulse. There was one. He laid her down on the couch. "Buffy... wake up. Please wake up." She shook. Her eyes opened slowly.

"Spike?"

"Yeah, pet. It's me. Stay with me now. Okay?"

"I'd never leave you." She said with a smile. Buffy coughed.

"We need to get you to a hospital. Come on." Spike picked her up in his arms. Broken ribs and all, he ran down the street. Thank god the sun had just set. Spike ran as fast as he could to Sunnydale Hospital. He flew open the doors screaming.

"Help! Someone help! She's been stabbed!" A rush of nurses and doctors came to her. They put her on a stretcher and headed to the operating room. All Spike could do was sit and wait. He called Dawn, Giles, Xander, and Willow to come. They all showed up in about 10 minutes. They all waited in worry. Especially Spike. He couldn't sit down. 'What if she dies?'

********************************************************

A doctor came out of the room. Spike ran towards him.

"Is she okay? Is she okay?"

"Yes. She's fine. That was a pretty major stab wound. I have to say, we almost lost her."

"But she'll be alright?"

"Yes."

"Can I go see her?" He asked eagerly. He go see her anyways.

"Yes. Only you though because there are too many people here."

Spike walked into the room. He saw her. Her eyes were closed. Spike walked up beside her. He took her hand. "Buffy?"

Her eyes fluttered open. "Spike?"

"I love you, Buffy."

"I love you too.... I almost... I almost died. I felt it. Then I knew I couldn't."

"Why's that, pet?"

"You. You'd be in so much pain. And plus... I love you too much to do that."

"Buffy..."

"Spike. You won't leave me? Right?"

"Never."...

CHAPTER 6

-------------------------------------

That night Angel came to visit Buffy at the hospital. Spike hadn't left her side since he was allowed into the room.

Buffy was sleeping as Spike heard someone opening the door.

"Spike?" Angel asked entering the room.

"What do you want Poofter?"

Angel sighed. "I wanted to have a little alone time with her."

Spike stood up. "No!" He said.

"Why the hell not?"

"Because... I need to be here with her...all the time."

"Spike. Five minutes won’t kill you."

"Maybe not. But it will hurt. Like hell. So my answer is no."

"Get over yourself Spike! Buffy will never love you."

Buffy loved pretending she was asleep...she laughed to herself inside her head as she heard the two vampires bickering. As she heard what Angel had just said, she stopped her internal giggling and listened.

"Angel. Just go away." Spike said sadly. Buffy didn't know why he didn't tell Angel! And why he said it so sadly. She did love him! She told him…oh who knows how many times last night. Buffy had never heard Spike call Angel by his name before either. Didn't Spike believe her? Buffy sat up, startling both of them.

"Spike? Why didn't you-"

"Buffy. Are you alright?" Angel cut her off.

"Yeah and Spike, why didn't you tell Angel-"

"Are you sure?" He cut her off again.

"Yes Angel I am sure I'm alright." She was getting annoyed. "But Spike, didn't you believe me? I love you... I do." She said sincerely. Spike smiled. He glanced a look over at tall dark and forehead, and saw him staring in disbelief.

"What!?!" Angel screamed. He almost fell over. "Buffy! This is Spike we're talking about here. He doesn't have a soul! He's a murderer!"

"You were a murderer. And anyways Spike isn't a murderer anymore. And I still want to know why you didn't tell him Spike."

"I didn't...I didn't tell him because.... I didn't believe you..." This broke Buffy's heart. Why didn't he believe her?

"You do believe me now don't you?" He looked at her. Thought for a moment, then saw the tears welling up in her eyes. He knew it in his brain she loved him, but he didn't... he didn't feel it.

"Don't you??" She said, holding back a sob.

"Buffy..." He looked her in the eyes. "Of course Buffy. I just want to tell you how much I love you back." He said smiling. She sat up, holding her wound. Spike walked towards her. He sat next to her on the bed. He took her hand into his and said, “Buffy, I love you. So much I'd die for you a million times. I'd do anything for you. Ya see, I feel....I feel like the only reason I exist is because of you. You... you... make me feel alive." Angel couldn't listen to this anymore. He turned and walked out of the room. "Buffy I love you so much... but it feels like..."

"Like I don't love you. Even though I say it. Right?" She said sadly.

"Yeah..."

"Oh... I guess I should just stop loving people all together then... it happens with every man I love...they say I don't love them... then they-they-" Buffy started sobbing into her hands. She looked up at Spike. "Wh-what if I say I don't love you. Then will you stay. I don't want you to leave me. Please don't leave. Please Spike. Never leave me. I love you! I do! I.. I just don't know what to do to prove it to you! Tell me what to do! Please... so you won't leave me...like the others." She said tears streaming down her face. Spike grabbed her and hugged her stroking her hair.

"Buffy... This proves it enough. It's more proof than I could ever need. I just needed you to show me you needed me. I love you Buffy."

"I love you too Spike."

********************************************************

Buffy was released from the hospital the next day due to her super fast healing. Spike wouldn't let her patrol though, so he decided to. Spike was walking through one of the many cemeteries. He heard a weird noise come from one of the bushes. He crept towards it, trying not to make any sound. As he reached the rustling sound, it stopped. He peered in closer, when..

"Bloody hell!" Spike got walked across the head with a giant hammer like thing and flew backwards. He got up, rather slowly, and stumbled back to the ground when he got a similar blow to his leg. Spike looked up to see what was hitting him and he saw a demon. A really big one. The demon went to whack him again but Spike grabbed his weapon before it could smash his head and yanked it out of the demon's grasp pulling him to the ground. Spike stood up looking over the giant demon, and raised the weapon ready to strike. He swung the hammer at the monster's head. It grabbed the hammer before it could hit him, and he pushed Spike to the ground. It got up and observed the vampire struggling to get up. Spike sat up. He couldn't defeat this thing. It was too strong. He got up and bolted towards the exit of the cemetery hoping it wasn't going to follow him.

The demon called after him. "Wait." Spike stopped and turned around. The demon walked towards him lowering his weapon. "You are the Slayer's vampire?"

"Yeah. I am. What's it to ya?" He asked wiping the blood from his mouth.

"You know her? Correct?"

"Yeah I do."

The demon walked closer to Spike. "My name is Giargi."

"Nice to meet you." He said sarcastically. "I'm Sp-"

"I know who you are." He said interrupting him.

"That's nice, and I bloody well don't know who you are. Sorry. I don't think we've met. Good-bye." He said and turned around to leave.

"Are you going to her now?"

Spike turned around squinting at him. "What?"

"The Slayer. Are you going to her now? "

"Yes I am. Why?"

"She's dying."

Spike raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean she's dying. How?" He suddenly had concern in his voice.

"I gave it to her." He said calmly.

"Gave her what!" Spike shouted getting very angry.

"The disease of Asiris."

"What in the bleeding hell is that!"

"A fatal disease. It cannot be stopped. Well... it can...but it is a very serious price to pay to relieve her of it."

"What. What is the price."

"The world."

Spike stopped pacing. He looked at the rather large demon. "The world?"

"Yes. Everyone that is not a demon... in the world will die if you save her."

"What? How do I know that you're not a fake? Th-that you're making this up." He said stuttering.

"Because. You know. I can show you." There was a flash of light. Spike found himself and the demon looking at Buffy. Her body was pale, her eyes bloodshot, her skin had splotches on it. She was lying on her bed, breathing heavily. She cried out something but Spike couldn't hear anything. Neither the demon.

"Is this... what will happen to her?"

"Yes. You are seeing the last few moments she will have... I'm sorry." Spike looked at the demon. A rush of anger over swept him.

"You bloody wanker! You soddin' did this to her?" He growled in anger.

"I did."

Spike lunged at the demon, going to kill this fucking poof that was going to kill his girl. He flew right through the demon.

"Sorry. We're in another dimension." He waved his arm and they were back in the cemetery again. "I'm sorry. There is nothing you can do...unless you would agree to wipe out the world population. Which is doubtful. She will have one month to live. The process takes time. The slayer's organs will totally liquefy on this day, next month. She will be dead. However, it is possible for her to die before the full month period. The only way for that to happen is if the pain is just too much for her."

“Pain!?” Spike shouted.

Spike shook his head trying to take it all in. "Th-there must be another way." He stated calmly staring at the grass.

"I'm sorry. There isn't." He turned around. "You will have no memory of this after I leave. Good bye." The demon said and vanished.

"Wait!" Spike yelled but he was gone, and then a quick flash of light appeared and Spike had no memory of what had just happened. He looked around.

"Hmm... no vamps tonight. Better get back to Buffy." He said and headed for the exit.

********************************************************

Spike ran all the way down Revello Drive.

"Spike?" Buffy called from the top of the stairs.

He looked up the stairs to see the half asleep slayer in ducky p.j's rubbing her eyes like a child. He smiled at the sight of her. "Yeah, pet. It's me."

"What happened?" She looked him over. "Spike, you're hurt."

"Not that bad, just a bloody lip and a few scratches here and there. Nothin' to worry about." He said walking up the stairs. She stood holding the rail at the top with one hand and the other clutching her stuffed pig.

"Are you gonna go home? Or will you tuck me in... and stay after too." She asked.

Spike reached the top of the stairs and wrapped an arm around her waist. "I'll tuck ya in, pet." He said lifting her up into his arms. He carried her like a baby back into her room. He laid her down into her bed and pulled the sheet over her. Her eyes drooped a little and she sighed a happy little sigh. Spike took off his shoes and climbed in bed next to the sleepy slayer. She cuddled up beside him.

"I love you." She whispered into his ear, kissing the side of his neck.

"Love you too, pet. More than anything in the world." He said. Buffy grabbed onto his arms lightly and started playing with his fingers. She smiled and closed her eyes snuggling up as close as she could get to him. Spike kissed her cheek and closed his eyes soon falling asleep.

Buffy woke up to see a sleeping Spike lying next to her. His chest didn’t move up or down, but she didn’t mind. Buffy stayed awake the rest of the night watching him sleep. Around 11, Spike started to stir, and his eyes fluttered open. He looked at Buffy, her eyes never leaving his.

“Hey…” He said in a sleepy voice.

“Hey.” She said.

“Whatchya doin’?” He asked stretching out.

“Watchin’ you sleep… well not anymore.” She said with a bit of a laugh.

He smiled at her. Spike turned onto his back and rubbed his face with his hands. He rustled his hair a little before sitting up.

“Why were ya watchin’ me, pet? And for how long too… cause I think I may have started snoring this morning.”

“Oh… since about 3:30.” She said smiling. Spike looked at her.

“3:30? If you couldn’t sleep, you could’ve woken me up.”

“I was tired… I just didn’t feel like sleeping. I liked how peaceful you looked when you were sleeping, and I was imagining what you were dreaming about.” Buffy said.

“Well I was dreaming bout you, luv.”

Buffy cuddled up against him. “Oww.”

‘What’s the matter?”

“Major stab wound. Nothing critical.” She said sarcastically.

‘You okay?” He asked a little worried.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just hurts a little when I lay on stuff.” She said looking at him. “Or people.”

“Need anything?”

“Nah. I’m good…. Well… there is one thing.” She said leaning in to kiss him. A sudden rush of feeling sick came over her and she ran to the bathroom faster than Spike could open his eyes to see she wasn’t there.

Buffy was in the bathroom puking her guts out. Spike came outside the door. “Buffy? Are you okay?”

“Yeah… just… a little sick.” Spike pushed open the door to see her curled up on the floor.

“Doesn’t look like ‘a little’ to me.” Spike went over to her and helped her sit up. He put some strands of hair out of her face. She felt another rush of nausea and she hovered herself over the porcelain palace.

It stopped and she fell into his arms. Her head was leaning against his shoulder and her arms just hung to the side.

“Sorry you had to watch this.”

“I’ve witnessed worse, luv.”

“I don’t even want to know what I look like right now.”

“You look beautiful.” He said kissing her forehead. “You’ve got a fever, pet. Back to bed with you…. If you’re done here I mean…” He said putting a cold washcloth on her face.

She sighed. “I think so… carry me…” She whined. Spike didn’t mind. She wasn’t heavy at all. It was like carrying a child. She closed her eyes and leaned into his arms. He lay her down onto her bed and pulled the sheets over her.

“Want me to say here?” He asked.

“Of course.”

***************************************************

Buffy slept most of the day. When she woke up she felt a lot better. She rolled over in the bed and stretched out. She got up and went to the bathroom to wash off her face. She bumped into someone.

“Oh hey. Sorry Spike. Are…” She stopped mid-sentence to find Angel looking at her. “Oh. Angel. What are doing here?”

“I came to tell you what I needed to tell you 2 days ago.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“Cordy had a vision. Of you.”

“A huh. What about?”

“You… you were dying… and by the description she gave us, you were sick. Really sick.”

“Oh…” Was all Buffy could say. She didn’t want to die again.

“You had the disease of Asiris. It’s when your organs liqui-“

“No! Stop telling me this.” Buffy said looking around for Spike.

“Buffy…you can’t just shut this out!”

“Why not!” She screamed.

“Because! Do you want to die?!”

“How can you ask me that! No! I do not want to die.”

“Well we have to find another way to cure it.”

“What do you mean another way, you didn’t even tell me the first way.”

Angel sighed. “The only way for you to live… is if we give up the world. Everyone in the world will die if we save you.”

Buffy fainted. “Buffy?”

Angel picked her up. Spike walked out of the bathroom all showered-clean.

“Hey, pet.” He looked at Angel. “What the hell? Angel! Did you kill her!” Spike punched Angel in the face and took Buffy in his arms. She was still very much alive.

“Oh. Sorry, Poofy. Can’t trust you.” Buffy came back to consciousness.

“Spike? Is that you? Or am I dead already.”

“No, luv. You aren’t dead. And what do you mean by already?”

“She’s dying Spike.”

Spike almost dropped her. “Wh-what?”

“She has an ancient disease called Asiris.”

“What? How?” He asked letting her stand up.

“A demon. A really big one. With a big hammer.”

“Well how do we stop her from dying?” He asked taking Buffy’s trembling hand.

“We can’t.”

“Yes we bloody well can! Tell me how!”

“We-we can’t.”

Spike lowered his head and Buffy clung onto his arm. She hugged him and told him she loved him.

“I’m sorry…” She said.

“For what? You didn’t do anything.”

“I’m sorry… that I have to leave you.”

Spike looked at her. “You aren’t going to die Buffy. We’re gonna find a way to stop it.” She snuggled into him closer.

“I hope so.”

*******************

CHAPTER 7

------------------------

Angel left to go tell Dawn, Giles, Xander, Anya, Willow, and Tara what was happening. Spike and Buffy just stayed at home on the couch watching infomercials.

Buffy was curled up on the couch next to Spike who had his arm around her.

“I don’t wanna die.” She said.

“I don’t want you to die either. I’m gonna find another way, pet. Don’t you worry.” He said kissing her neck.

“Spike?”

“MmmHmm?”

“If I do… will you take care of Dawn. And will you be nice to my friends? And will you make sure the house stays clean and that Dawn goes to college and gets a job, and has a family, and-“

“Buffy. You aren’t going to die… but if-if that does happen… I’ll take care of Dawn.”

“Promise?”

“Cross my heart hope to die…again anyways.” He said trying to lighten things up.

She turned to look at him. “I don’t want you to die either…So besides taking care of Dawn, can you promise not to die?”

“Sure, luv.”

“I love you.” She said diving in for a kiss. They were kissing on the couch when the door opened, and Angel, Dawn, Anya, Xander, Giles, Tara, and Willow came in. Angel just stared at what he saw. Dawn was too worried to notice. Anya was about to say something about orgasms but Xander covered her mouth. Xander was pissed. Giles cleaned his glasses. Tara and Willow thought it was cute. And Buffy and Spike were lost in their happiness to even notice them all staring at them.

“Ahem.” Giles said.

Spike and Buffy pulled away and saw the 7 people staring at them.

“Buffy is this really the time to be kissing?” Giles asked.

“I…” Buffy started.

“Whatever. Can we just find a way to stop her from dying?” Xander said annoyed.

“Yes. Let’s.” Anya said.

“Well what do we know about it?” Willow piped in.

“We know we need the slayer’s blood to close this portal thing, the thing that is making her sick.”

Spike sat up. “What about Faith?”

“What?” They said.

“Faith. She’s a slayer too. Why don’t we go get her to close the portal?” Spike said.

Everyone looked at each other.

“That might work.” Giles said. “Angel. You go find Faith. Willow, Tara, look up anything you can about this. Xander Anya, you come with me back to my house. And Dawn, you can go with Angel.”

Buffy sat up. “What! She is not going to help Angel break Faith out of jail.”

“She can be a good distraction, Buffy. She can help.”

Buffy understood. “Okay. That’s a good idea.”

They all started to file out of the house. “Dawn!”

“What?”

“Did you finish your homework?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. Be safe.”

“Yeah, yeah. See you later.”

They all left. “Told ya I’d find a way.” Spike said smirking.

“Yup. And….Well… now it’s just you, and me.” She said running her finger across his face.

“That it is, pet.”

********************************************************

Buffy fell asleep during the infomercials in Spike’s arms. Spike was still watching the “Super Chopper 8000” when he heard a little snore. He didn’t’ even notice she’d fallen asleep. He picked her up and carried her up stairs. Spike lay her down in her bed and searched through her closet for Mr. Gordo. He found the pig in a box…along with a diary. Spike felt like being naughty. He gave Buffy the pig and sat by the window. He opened the diary. *Pretty neat handwriting*. He read the first few pages… blah blah… Dawn’s a pain…blah blah… then he saw is name. He read it carefully:

‘…Then there’s Spike. He’s super nice and super funny. We’ve been hanging out a lot lately. He’s really…I don’t know. He makes me feel different. Plus… he’s super hot for a 120 something year old vampire. He’s got this way cool British accent, and his hair is super platinum blonde. Billy Idol got his look from him. He’s also got this cool coat. Make’s him look all bad-ass. Speaking of… it’s a nice ass… ok never mind…’

Spike laughed to himself. He flipped through a couple more pages… vampire called me ugly...blah blah… Giles is too old to date…blah blah… *is that all?* he flipped a couple more pages and found his name again.

‘…I think I like Spike…a lot. I’ve been… all butterflyish around him lately. Maybe I should invite him over tomorrow…No! He’s evil! Evil!....no he’s not…who am I kidding? I think I’m obsessed.’

Spike smiled and looked through a couple more pages. He found one from yesterday. *Woah!* His name was allover the place.

‘…I love him! I do! Spike is so nice, and funny, and he loves me… and I’m in love! Really really really in love! I haven’t felt this way in a long time… ever since Angel.’

Spike growled…

’…But this is way better than Angel. Spike is the ultimate boyfriend…. I love him so much. He doesn’t treat me…all weird. He doesn’t mind me being the Slayer, and he doesn’t mind me being Buffy. He loves me any way I am. I like how he always calls me luv, or pet. It’s cute. He’s a good kisser too. I…I think I love him more than I loved anyone else in the world… except for mom. Mom liked Spike. She made him hot chocolate with little marshmallows. Maybe I should make him hot chocolate someday…OMG! I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHEN HIS BIRTHDAY IS! I need to ask him. What if it’s tomorrow? He’d feel really bad if I didn’t give him anything, because he always gets me something…. What would he want though? I think he likes the Ramones…. I could get him a CD. And… a shirt. A blue one. He looks good in blue. Like that day he came over and then he made me pancakes…hee hee. Oh! I think he’s home from patrolling! Bye!’

This made Spike really happy. She really did love him. He smiled to him self. He looked at Buffy. She was staring straight at him with a smile on her face.

“Find anything interesting?” She asked.

“What? No.. no..” he said jumping off the bed throwing the book back into the closet.

“You were smiling…”

“Yeah. Don’t be mad… I…I was curious. “

“I’m not mad. It’s okay. I don’t think I could get mad at you.”

Spike smiled and got in the bed with her. “You like it when I call you pet?”

“Yup.”

“And my accent?”

“Muchly.”

“And my hair, coat, and ass?”

“Yes, yes, and double yes.” She said pulling the blanket over herself.

“And you like my kissing skills?”

“Very much so.” She said kissing him.

Spike pulled her against him. “August 20^th.”

“Huh?”

“That’s my birthday.”

“Oh.” She said with a laugh.

“And yes I do like the Ramones.”

“Okay that’s good to know.…I love you…a lot.”

“I could tell.” He said playing with her hair. “I love you too.”

“I can tell.” She said snuggling up against him. He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes. He hoped that the Scooby gang would come through, and he could spend every night like this.

********************************************************

“Where are we?” Dawn asked impatiently.

“We are almost there.” Angel said trying to concentrate on the road.

“Ugh. You drive like your 250 years old.” Realizing what she just said she said, “Oh… that’s because you are 250 years old…”

Angel sighed and kept driving.

********************************************************

“What are we looking for? I can’t find any thing on this disease thingy. The only thing I can find is : The blood of a slayer is the only thing that can stop it, and the victim will only have 1 month to live. This is useless.” Willow said rummaging through a pile of books.

“Well sweetie, at least it’s something. Least we have some information on this thing.” Tara said looking through a book.

“You’re right. I just hope we can stop this.”

********************************************************

Xander, Anya, and Giles were looking through one Giles’s bookcases for a book that could help.

“This is pointless. And Xander, you promised we would have fun tonight. This is defiantly not fun. I thought you meant we were gonna have sex, but we’re here looking at books.”

“Ahn, we have to find information on this disease or else Buffy’s going to die.” He said.

“Well I bet Buffy and Spike get to have fun. They’ aren’t doing any research.” She said straightening her skirt.

“Anya…I don’t want to talk about Buffy and Spike. It’s disgusting.”

“I think it’s cute. He really loves her a lot. And Buffy told me the other day she really loved him too. It’s kinda like us Xander! We both love each other. It’s sweet.” She said walking towards the kitchen.

“Well Spike is pretty helpful, however if he gets that chip out, we could all be in great danger.” Giles piped in.

“Whatever. I hate Spike. And never will like Spike. He is a demon.”

“I was a demon, Xander. Does that mean you hate me?” Anya asked from the kitchen.

“No Anya I don’t hate you. I didn’t mean-“

“Oh I think you did.” She said heading for the door.

“Anya..” But she was already gone.

“Women.” Xander stated shaking his head.

********************************************************

Buffy couldn’t sleep. She was too worried. She rolled over and got up. She went downstairs and into the kitchen. Buffy sat at the counter with a glass of hot chocolate. She thought about what would happen if it killed her. She thought about all the pain Spike, Dawn, and her friends would be in. Her mind traveled back to Spike. *He wouldn’t be able to stand it…He’d be in so much pain.* She knew she couldn’t die… and if she did, she wanted to make this worth while.

Buffy turned around to see Spike entering the kitchen.

“Hey… noticed I wasn’t there?”

“Yeah… what are you doing?”

“Drinking hot chocolate. Want some?” She asked.

“Sure. But only if there’s little marshmallows.” He said sitting down next to her.

“Is there any other kind?”

Buffy got up and poured him some. She handed the mug to him. “What’s going to happen to me?” She asked.

“Well Angel already said..”

“No not that… I mean, before that. Am I gonna get all sick?”

“I dunno, pet.” He said. Spike gulped down the last drop of chocolate and set it on the counter. Buffy finished hers and started washing the two.

“It’s gonna be alright. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He said wrapping his arms around her. His head was sitting on her shoulder.

“I hope so.” Buffy turned off the faucet and swung around to face him. She went from a smile to a worried expression. “I’m scared.”

Spike pulled her in close to a hug. “Don’t be, luv. I’ll protect you.”

Buffy yawned and gripped him tighter in case she fell asleep.

“Tired?” He asked.

“A huh.”

“Let’s go upstairs.” He said walking with her up the stairs. Buffy collapsed half way up the stairs. She was unconscious.

“Buffy? Buffy wake up.” There was no answer. “What the hell just happened?” He asked himself as he carried her up the stairs. He lay her down in her bed and shook her a little bit to try to get her to wake up.

“Buffy. Buffy…” She didn’t move. He had an idea. “Well it worked in Sleeping Beauty.” He said as he leaned in to kiss her. He kissed her lips softly and her eyes fluttered open. She realized what was happening and closed her eyes again giving into the kiss. Spike was relieved that she was awake. Buffy pulled away.

“Mmm… can you wake me up from unconsciousness more often?”

“Sure, but I’d rather you not collapse on the stairs. What happened?”

“I dunno. I just felt really tired all of a sudden, and I felt like I was going to die.”

“Oh…” Spike said. She was getting closer every second to dying.

“Sorry… I shouldn’t have said the ‘D’ word.” She said noticing his sad expression.

“S’alright, luv. Just don’t wanna lose you is all.” He said crawling back into the bed. She snuggled up against him and fell asleep.

*****************************

“How are we gonna do it?” Dawn asked as they sat in the car.

“Umm… I’m thinking.” Angel said.

“It took us 3 hours to get here, and you didn’t say more than 10 words on the way. I thought you were thinking of a plan!”

“I was thinking… just not about this.”

“Whatever. How about I go in and ask to see Faith. I’m her… niece. Then you can go beat up the guards and get the keys and break her out.” Dawn suggested.

Angel stared in astonishment. “Sure.”

The two got out of the car and Dawn went in first. She went up to the police officer at the font desk. “Excuse me?”

“What can I do for you Miss?” The officer asked.

“I wanted to visit my aunt. Faith?”

“She’s your aunt!? Well… alright. She’s pretty popular round here. This way.”

The guard led Dawn to Faith’s cell and she motioned for Angel to come in and beat up the people. Dawn heard painful screams behind her and so did the officer.

“Wait here.” The guard said and took off towards Angel. Dawn made a run for Faith.

“Dawn? Does B know you’re here, cause I dunno if she wants-“

“Faith. I didn’t come here to talk. We have to go. Now.” Dawn looked down the hall. Angel knocked the last guy unconscious and grabbed his keys. “Hurry up!” Dawn yelled. Angel came running and opened up the door.

“What are we doing? Where are we going?” Faith asked.

“Shut up. Let’s go.”

********************************************************

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