Never Leave Me

“Buffy? What the..” Spike moaned as he tried to sit up to face the look alike.

“What? What do you mean he’s not real?” Buffy said letting go of Spike’s hand. All his confidence rolled out of him. Spike looked up at Buffy.

“He’s crazy. I’m real.” The Spike in the bed said. Buffy looked at him. “Buffy you believe me right?” He asked. His eyes were pleading.

“I…I don’t know, Spike… I really don’t.” Buffy said twiddling her fingers.

“Well Buffy, I’m the real one.” The Spike in the door way said. He stated to enter the room.

“Wait. You’re not the real Spike! There is no real Spike. I’m the only Spike!” The Spike in the bed screamed.

“Spike. Err. Spikes, calm down. Please. Umm… I don’t know… How can I tell which Spike is real?”

“Well you can tell by knowing it’s me.” The Spike in the door said in a rather harsh tone.

“No no no no no….” The Spike in the bed whimpered. “Buffy make them stop.” He said quietly. She turned towards him.

“Don’t touch him! He’s not real! He’s a pathetic loser and poseur! Don’t trust him. He doesn’t have a soul. I just went and got mine for you.” The Spike in the door way screamed. That sounded familiar… Riley.

“Don’t even call yourself by that name Riley! You think I’m dumb? I know it’s you! So. How’d you do it? Have the initiative put something in you?”

“No! Make them stop! D-don’t say that.” Spike held his head and closed his eyes. “Don’t come near me with those things!” Spike was hallucinating. Buffy knew what of. She shouldn’t have mentioned the Initiative. Buffy took Spike’s hand.

“Ssh… Spike it’s alright. They’re not going to hurt you again okay?” Buffy soothed.

“Yes actually. We’re much more powerful now than you think.” He said stepping in a little closer.

“Don’t come near me, or Spike.” Buffy said as she brought Spike into her arms. Riley ran his finger’s through his new bleach blonde hair.

“Don’t see how he can stand this. It’s horrible.” Riley said. “Anyways… I’ve come here to kill Spike. So if you don’t mind, could you move so I can get on with it?” He paused. “Hey, and this accent’s pretty cool.” Riley started walking over towards Buffy and Spike. He took out a stake.

Spike backed away into the corner of the bed. He wrapped his arms around himself, and held onto his duster, still in his hands. Spike started sobbing.

Buffy quickly punched Riley in the face, sending him flying across the room. The stake flew out of hands, and onto the bed. Buffy grabbed it and got up ready to fight Riley… to the death.

“Wow.” Riley said as he got up. “I have vampire strength now. Awesome.” Riley slipped into game face. He started imitating Spike. “Buffy, I love you so much. Come make me stop crying. I’m such a baby. Hold me.” He whined. This made Buffy furious. She threw herself at the wanker, and kicked him multiple times. Riley punched her in the face and sent her flying back onto the bed. Buffy quickly got up and easily returned the attack.

Buffy hissed. “Watch me.” And she plunged the stake into his heart. Riley turned to dust.

Buffy got up and dusted her hands off. She turned to Spike who was watching fearfully from the bed. Buffy felt a sudden rush of sympathy for the vampire. He had just watched the woman he loved kill someone who looked exactly like him. Buffy was afraid he might be afraid of her now. She slowly moved towards him.

Spike didn’t move. Buffy sat on the bed. She waited for Spike to jump into her arms, but he didn’t. Buffy moved slowly towards him. He still didn’t move. She held out her hand. “Spike?” She whispered. Spike looked at her. He had tears streaming down his face.

All of a sudden, he jumped into her arms and cried his eyes out. “Don’t let them take me. Don’t. Please.” He whimpered.

“I’d never let them take you, Spike. Never.” She said. Buffy rubbed soothing circles on his back to try and calm him down. Spike finally calmed down. “How are you?” She asked.

“Nervous.” He said, still thinking the initiative was coming back to take him.

“I dunno. Still hurts. But it feels better when you hold me.” He said. Buffy lay him down in her arms.

“Buffy. Buffy. Buffy. Buffy. Buffy. Buffy. Buffy. BUFFY!” The teen screamed. Spike jumped up and looked around, frightened. “Woah, Spike. Calm down. It’s just me.” Dawn said. A small groan came from under the blankets. “Buffy come on. Get up. It’s 4:00!”

“What?!” And Buffy jumped out of the bed and started to panic. Spike was still scared of the loud noise Dawn had made. Buffy turned to Spike. “You okay?” She asked noticing his terrified expression.

“Yeah. Just reminded of something is all.” He said softly. Spike got out of the bed and put a silky black button down on.

“Well I just wanted to make sure you weren’t dead, ‘cause I called from Janice’s house and no one picked up. And then I come home and you’re sleeping, while everyone was worried.”

“The gang. You had a meeting today and 3:00. I told them you were sick.” Dawn explained.

“Oh. Thanks.” Buffy slumped back down onto the bed. She rubbed her eyes and yawned. “I’m so tired.” She drawled. Buffy crawled back under the covers. “I don’t wanna get up. Spike…” She whined. “Come back to bed.”

There was no answer. Buffy sat up, and Dawn looked around. He wasn’t there. “Spike?”

Spike was running through the streets with a blanket over his head. He wished the sun would set soon. Spike finally saw the entrance to the cemetery. He ran even faster, which was kinda hard considering the major wound on his stomach, but he ran as fast as he could. The grass was pretty soggy since it had rained last night, and the air was pretty cold. Not that vampires cared, but he sensed a change in the temperature. There, in front of him was his crypt. ‘Finally.’

Spike burst through the doors. He threw the smoking blanket on the hard cement floor of his crypt and looked around. It was the same. And there was something different… It smelled… of her. Surely a demon or vampire would’ve taken this place by now! It’s a nice place… unless… she might’ve come here. A lot actually, considering the number of inhuman occupants dwelling in the city. She must’ve stayed here.

Spike saw the entrance to the lower lever. His duster fell off his shoulders and dropped to the floor. I’ll never take it of. He remembered when she’d said that. And then when she put it on him when he’d first come back from Hell. Spike moved the block of cement that guarded that part of the crypt and disappeared below the shadows.

Buffy flew out of the house, still in her pajamas. She looked around for any sign of… dust. But didn’t see any. Her mind flew to the cemetery and then she knew that’s probably where he’d be. She ran as fast as she could down the street. She hoped that he made it to wherever he was going.

Buffy then saw the entrance to the cemetery. She ran faster. There it was. His crypt. She pushed open the doors and saw a burnt blanket on the ground, along with his duster. She noticed the entrance to the lower level was pushed aside. She slowly crept up to it. Then she jumped down into the hole.

She looked around. She saw Spike going through his drawers looking at all his stuff.

Buffy started walking towards him. “So… Whatchya doin’?” She asked curiously.

“Getting some more shirts. Well… since I practically live at your house.” He said.

Buffy and Spike picked out some shirts and jeans. It was sunset when they left the house. Buffy had put on his duster.

“Pretty good. I don’t have much of it these days. Gotta get Clem filled in me being’ back so we can go play kitten poker.” He said shrugging.

“Oh.” He said laughing. She hadn’t seen him do that for a while. She smiled at him. “It’s umm…” He took a breath. “Sore. Pretty much the same as yesterday. And the day before that. And also the day before that.” He said looking at the shirts in his hands.

“Well I’m gonna look at it when we get home. Right when we walk in the door. Right when we reach the front porch. Right when…”

“And don’t run off like that again! I thought you were out to kill yourself or something!” She exclaimed.

“Alright, pet. I promise.” He said pulling her small body into his for a kiss.

“What!!??!!” Spike shouted running downstairs after hearing the girl’s frightened scream. He ran into to the kitchen to see Buffy staring at something and looking very scared. “What is it, pet? What’s wrong?” He asked putting her behind him preventing her form getting hurt. He was confused when he didn’t see anything there.

Buffy let out a little whimper, holding onto his forearms, and peeking over his shoulder.

“What is it, pet? Where’d it go?” Spike asked. He was only wearing a pair of black jeans. He’d just got out of the shower, and his hair was damp.

“Over there.” She said meekly pointing at the…spider? The slayer was afraid of a spider?

“A spider?” He asked turning around to face her. All his concern suddenly left him.

Buffy nodded her head. She was wearing a white tank top and PJ bottoms. Her hair wasn’t brushed, but she looked beautiful to him. Spike picked her up in his arms. “It’s gonna be alright, pet.” He said cradling her in his arms.

Spike almost dropped her. “K-kill?” Spike set her down and leaned over on the counter. “I can’t kill anyone else. No, you can’t make me. I’m n-not gonna.” Spike sat down on the floor.

Shit. What did she do? Buffy quickly knelt down beside him. “Spike, you don’t have to kill any one else. It’s a spider. Not a person. See?” She said pointing to the thing crawling on the floor. Spike quickly took Buffy’s hand.

Spike nodded his head. Buffy sat him down at the table, careful to avoid and sunlight coming through the windows. Buffy looked in the fridge. “You want human food? Or blood?”

Buffy heated up a mug of blood, and made a couple of pancakes. She set them on a plate and handed them to Spike. “I hope they taste alright.”

“So… how’s the stomach?” She asked noticing him wince a couple times when he sat down. Also, it was still pretty deep.

Buffy was getting annoyed. He wasn’t talking. “Spike. Get up.” She ordered.

Spike did as he was told. He covered up his wound with his arm so Buffy wouldn’t see.

“Follow me.” She said. They went upstairs into her room. “Sit.” He did. “Now…” She was about to yell at him… but then she decided to put herself in his shoes. What if you killed hundreds… maybe thousands… of people. How would you feel? You’d need comfort… not anger…

She took a breath. “Now…” She thought for a moment. “I’m going to ravage you.”

He was surprised. He thought he was going to get yelled at. “Okay.” He said with a little smile.

“I am officer Buffy. You will follow my rules. If you break a rule, you get punished. And YOU,” She said pointing at Spike, “Have been very naughty. You shall be punished.” She said climbing on top of him.

Dru was sitting in the middle of the floor. “Ms. Edith, tell me. Where is our Daddy?” The raven haired girl was staring intently at the doll. Dru fell over backwards and started to moan. “Noooooooo. Daddy’s been bad.”

She had a vision. Spike was getting his soul. “Noooo… Why did he do this to me?” Dru got up. “Come, Ms. Edith. We have to give Daddy his birthday present. He shall be surprised when he blows out the candles. We’ll have a big party for him.” She spun around to face the other lighter haired vampire. “Darla. Are you going to come with us?”

She got up. “No. I’ll stay here and keep a close eye on our Angelus. Go on. Have your fun. I’ll be here.”

Drusilla leaped with delight. “Oo! Come Ms. Edith. We have a party to attend to.”

“Spike. Stay still.” Dawn said trying to paint his nails the usual black. “You’re making me mess up.

The blonde vampire sighed and set his hands down onto the table. “Sorry. I just don’t see why I couldn’t bleeding paint them in the first place.”

“Because. We never hang out anymore and I thought this would be fun. Anyways since Buffy’s out patrolling, who else were ya gonna hang out with?” Dawn asked painting a black streak on his index finger.

“Well we didn’t have to give each other manicures like prissy little girls.” He said motioning to the fine job he’d done on Dawn’s nails.

“Hey! I am a prissy little girl… well not little. But I am prissy. And a girl.” She said dipping the brush back in the polish.

“Sorry. It’s just… I’M NOT. I’m a vampire ya know? I don’t usually go around painting girls fingernails and talking about boys.”

“Well sorry. Didn’t mean to crush your ego down to a Summers-girl-loving nail-painting-blonde-guy.”

Spike grumbled. “You Summers women have me under some kind of thrall. I mean seriously. Look at me!”

“Well I think you’re cool and Buffy’s in love with you. We just like ya that’s all.”

Buffy grumbled as she walked through the cemetery. She hated leaving Spike alone. She knew he needed help, he still was in a bad state, and he needed comfort. But still… Dawn was always nice company for Spike. He always enjoyed having ‘his Nibblet’ around.

She twirled Mr. Pointy around like a baton and threw the stake in the air. She caught it with one hand and continued walking. “Geeze. Where are all the vamps at?” Ironically a new fledging attacked her to the ground.

“So Spike, what are ya thinking about?” Dawn asked noticing his awkward gaze towards the blank wall.

Spike snapped out of it and looked over at Dawn. “Just thinking about…” He was thinking about Buffy and if she was alright, but he didn’t want to worry Dawn. “Just thinking about my mum.” He said smiling at Dawn.

Dawn smiled and looked away. She sighed. Spike mentally kicked himself. ‘No, no, no, no, no. Shouldn’t have said that. Her mom died. Dammit!’ Spike tried to change the subject.

Dawn shook her head. “Nah. I’ve seen way too much of that show in a lifetime.” She twisted the cap on the nail polish bottle and stood up. “But I would like some of that popcorn!”

Buffy flung the new vampire off her and stood up. She observed her clothing. Buffy’s shocked expression quickly turned to a frown. “You’re gonna pay for getting a grass stain on my new pants you asshole.” A series of wild punches and kicks were thrown at the vamp, and he collapsed to the ground.

“Slayer, my sire says you die.” And then Buffy slammed her stake into his chest, and he disintegrated into a cloud of dust. She wiped off her hands and brushed the hair out of her face.

“Sire?” She started to walk towards the entrance of the cemetery. “There’s a new master in town eh?” She smiled to herself. “This should be fun.”

Dru watched from the bushes. “Yes my dear. I’m back, and I’ve brought lots of gifts.” Drusilla stood up and turned around behind her. “See? The slayer will be easy to take down. She’ll tear just like pink paper, and then we can have our Daddy back.”

The group of minions smiled wicked grins. The all nodded and looked at each other. A small little one spoke up. “Do we get to kill the slayer?” He asked greedily, his fangs glistening in the moonlight.

“No!” Drusilla threw her arms up. “No, no, no. Only I get to touch the slayer. You get her pesky little friends…then…we can have a feast with the prince and princess and dance on the sparkling ballroom floor where everyone is smiling and cheering…” She started to twirl around. “Since my Angelus hasn’t a thought to come home with me… maybe my baby will.”

“Dawn? Spike?” Buffy closed the door to her home behind her and set her bag stake on the coffee table in the living room. She looked around, but didn’t see either of them.

“Spike?” She called again. Then Buffy heard a big crash from upstairs. She bolted up the stairs and looked to her left and right. “Spike? Dawn?” She called again running into Dawn’s room.

“Geeze Spike! Lift it higher!” Dawn grumbled reaching for something under dresser.

“I can’t you bloody chit! This thing weighs 800 pounds!” Spike said struggling to lift the piece of furniture. “How’d Buffy get this in here anyways?”

“Like this.” Buffy said and helped him lift the dresser higher. Spike smiled at her. Buffy gave him a shy recognition and continued to lift the dresser.

Dawn quickly pulled out from under the dresser. “Yep!” She squealed and held her necklace in her hand. Buffy and Spike set the dresser down. Spike stood straight up and took a deep breath. Buffy looked at him, his muscles tightened.

Buffy didn’t buy it. “Dawn, me and Spike are gonna go for a walk. You gonna be okay here for a while?”

Buffy took Spike’s hand and led him out of the room. The couple made their way down the stairs and out the front door. Buffy and Spike stood on the porch together looking out at the night sky. It was about midnight, and there were lots of stars out. Buffy smiled at the sight and leaned her head on Spike’s shoulder.

“I dunno. Away from here.” She said sighing, remembering why she came out here with him. “Come on.”

Dru watched the two leave from behind a tree. The same tree where Spike used to watch over Buffy. The same tree Angel used to climb to get into her room. The same tree where Dru was planning to kill Buffy.

As she saw them leave far enough for them not to see her, she sighed. “Why, Daddy? Why the Slayer? Why must you love that girl? We planned to kill her, but instead you fell in love with her… Bad daddy. Needs a caning.” Dru twirled her antique white dress around and giggled like a girl in a candy store. She bent down and picked up Ms. Edith off the ground. She took off the scarf covering the doll’s eyes.

“Now. I think you’ve done your punishment for telling me Daddy won’t come back. You must promise not to say that again, Ms. Edith. Let us dance.”

Buffy clung to Spike’s arm thinking about what to say to him. She knew he was hurting… and not just mentally. He would lie to her and say he was fine…But she’d see him. She’d see him in the bathroom tending to that humongous gash not looking any better on his abdomen. She’d watch him wince and flinch every time he touched it. She’d see him sometimes with his arm wrapped across himself breathing heavily. She couldn’t stand seeing him like this anymore.

“Spike,” She started. “I need you to stop this.” The words hit him like bullets. He stopped walking and looked down at her.

“Stop w-what?” God he was hoping they weren’t breaking up. He couldn’t live without her. He just couldn’t. Spike’s stomach twisted and lurched. Please don’t break up with me.

“I love you.” She said. ‘What is she doing? I can’t tell if she’s breaking up with me. Is she? Will she tell me she loves me then dump me telling me she’ll always love me but it just can’t work out?’ “You know that right?”

“Yes. Buffy of course I know.” He said feeling like he was about to pass out.

“Well…” ‘No. No. No. Please don’t.’ “I’m worried about you.” Spike blinked. ‘Huh?’

“I’m worried about you… You think I don’t know?” ‘What is she talking abo-…oh…’

Spike’s heart sank. He should’ve told her… ‘Now she probably thinks I’m a lying sod.’ Spike’s questioned expression drooped down to a guilty one. He quickly folded his arms over his abdomen not wanting her to go over there and lift up his shirt.

Spike decided to say something. “I’m sorry.” He said. His voice was barely above a whisper. He sighed and looked down at the pavement on the road. He was such a stupid git. He should’ve known she’d see him, or noticed the constant biting of his lip when he’d sit down.

Buffy moved closer to him. She reached out one of her hands and gingerly touched one of his that covered his stomach. Spike flinched at her touch then he couldn’t contain himself anymore. He dropped down onto his knees are buried his face in his hands.

“Spike, I understand why you wouldn’t tell me about this.” She said kneeling down next to him.

She nodded. “But…It’s not ok. That thing… It’s really bad, Spike. And you can’t keep lying to me about it. I really hope that’s the only thing that you’re hiding from me.”

“It-it is.” Buffy helped him stand up. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheekbone. She took his hand and they started their walk back home.

Dawn heard a knock on the door downstairs. ‘Who’d be knocking at this time of night? It might be Xander or someone.’ Dawn made her way down the stairs, and swung open the door. She stepped a little outside the doorway to let the person in when… Dawn’s legs were pulled out from underneath her. She screamed and hit the ground with a thud. “What?!” She yelped. Then she saw who was pinning her down to the ground. Drusilla.

Dru picked her up by the neck, and set her on the porch. “Invite me in little girl, or I will kill you.” Dru whispered in her ear. Dawn tried to scramble away, but Dru caught her on the arm and spun her back over to her and pinned her up against the wall of the house. Dawn groaned. She winced as she felt one of her arms break. “Oww! Okay! I’ll invite you in!” Dru smiled.

“You will? Oh Ms. Edith will be so happy when I tell her. Now. Say the magic words so we can set up the tea party and drink until we’ve got lumps on our foreheads.”

Dawn screamed as Dru morphed into her game face. “Okay! Okay! I invite you in!”

Dru smiled and un-fanged herself. “Thank you precious little girl.” And she knocked Dawn out.

Spike and Buffy approached the house. “When we get inside, promise me you’ll let me take a look at that.” Buffy said motioning towards his stomach.

Spike nodded and he smiled a little at her. ‘Damn she was-…wait…what was that… blood.’

“Buffy.” Spike started walking towards the house and picked up the pace when he saw a motionless figure lying in a heap on the porch. “Dawn.” Spike picked her up, she was still breathing, and she had a steady heartbeat. That was good. Buffy ran over to Spike. She panicked. This was her sister. Was she okay? Was she going to be okay?

Spike nodded. “Yeah. She is.” Spike picked her up and carried her inside and set her on the couch.

“Is she gonna be okay?” She asked again kneeling next to Dawn checking for injuries.

Buffy saw something…something about him…he knew something she didn’t. Spike stood uneasily in the door way of the house. He kept looking around and taking deep breaths.

“Spike… what do you know.” It was more of a command than a question. Spike blinked then sighed.

“’Cause I can smell her. Her scent…I remember it pretty well.” Spike said. He shoved his hands in his pockets. “She probably had a vision thing. She probably came back to take me away or some of that rubbish. She always liked to kidnap.”

Buffy stared at him. She saw pain. She knew somewhere inside him, she still loved Dru… kind of like how she was with Angel.

“Oh. Well uh… do you know where she is now? Because I’m kinda mad at her, and I wanna beat her up.” Buffy didn’t want to say kill her. She didn’t know what kind of reaction she would’ve gotten. Spike just looked at her and shrugged.

“Okay. We’ll go look for her.” Buffy walked over to the phone. “I’ll just call Giles and Willow to see if they can watch…” Buffy was grabbed from behind and pulled backwards.

“Buffy!” Spike leapt towards Buffy and saw what had grabbed her. “Dru.” He said in a low voice.

“Daddy!” Dru tossed Buffy aside to the floor and ran to Spike. She threw her arms around his neck. Spike didn’t move. He just sighed and rolled his eyes.

“Dru. Go away.” He said moving towards Buffy. He helped her up and straightened out her jacket. “You okay?”

“Spike… we were happy. Come back to me. Darla’s very excited.” Dru said with a huge smile on her face.

“Dru. I am not coming back to you. Or Darla for that matter. And anyways… I thought Darla was dead.”

“No I don’t want to hear a story. Tell me what you’re doing here. Then leave.”

“Fine. Daddy wants to know what I’m doing. I’ll tell him. I came to kill the slayer and take you back. Then dance in her blood just like with that other slayer… the poor girl…spoke Chinese…I wonder where her mommy is.”

Buffy rolled her eyes. How could Spike put up with this meaningless rambling everyday? She glanced over at Spike who was having a hard time keeping his emotions in check. She watched him fighting the urge to cry. But she knew his ego was too big to do that in front of his sire. Buffy walked over to him and entwined her fingers with his.

Spike felt all his nervousness and worry leave him when she put her hand in his. She squeezed it a little to give him reassurance.

The raven haired vampire grinned… Spike had seen that grin before… in 1998. It was right before she killed that Slayer… Kendra. That’s how Faith was called. He would call it…the ‘Smirk of Death’… if it didn’t sound that corny.

“Well, my pet, you still get yours.” She clicked her tongue and a group of about 20 minions appeared. Buffy released her hold on Spike and went into fighting stance. “You want it?”

CHAPTER 4

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

Buffy attacked some of the vampires, but it was no use. There were too many. They tackled her to the ground, and three of them held her down. “Spike!” She screamed, but he was being held to the ground also.

“Now… Do the spell and make my Daddy a very. Happy. Boy.”

“No!” Spike tried to shoo off the group of vampires holding him down, when some of them started to chant something. “Buffy!”

Buffy was busy trying to free herself from the minion’s hold. She struggled to throw them off her, but they were too strong.

Drusilla watched as the two were held down. Her eye’s caught a glimpse of the slayer looking around for Spike. “Spike?” She shouted. Then, she heard a scream. Spike. “Get off me!” She threw the minions aside with all her strength, she didn’t even know she had, and bolted upright. She looked around for Spike, and saw a group of 10 vampires holding him down and chanting something. A blue glowing light was overhead of them.

Drusilla grabbed Buffy from behind, and dug her nails into Buffy’s neck. Buffy screamed in pain as she felt the dark haired vampire’s nails cut open her jugular. Drusilla vamped out and sank her fangs into her neck. She blacked out.

*********

Dawn awoke to screaming and a…blue light? She saw a group of vampires holding down Spike. “Spike!” She screamed and jumped onto the back of the vampire chanting the last few words.

“And take away his so…” The vamp was interrupted by Dawn scratching his neck. “Human!” He screamed, and the blue light sucked something out of Spike. Spike’s eyes turned a glowing blue.

Drusilla stopped drinking from the slayer. “No!” She screamed. She ran over to Dawn and threw her off the minion’s back. She was more mad at the minion than Dawn. “You stupid idiot! You messed up my party! Now my Daddy won’t lose his soul…he’ll lose his wonderful humanity. Now he’ll revert back to only demon ways! He can’t love me now!” And she staked the vampire.

Dru went on a rampage and killed very minion in the house, then she left with a sigh. “Darla will not be happy, Willy.”

Once Dru stepped outside the house, she was staked by a tall man with dark hair. “…Angelus?” And she turned to dust.

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

Dawn came out from her hiding spot and saw Buffy lying on the ground, blood pouring out from her neck. She was so scared. “Spike! Help!” She yelled as she checked for a pulse. There was one. A small one.

Spike came to. He looked around. Where was he? What was this place? He heard a noise. He quickly sat up and looked around. There was a human. One alive, one almost dead. He quickly walked over to them. The one on the ground looked familiar. They both did. He recognized the lighter haired one. It was…his mate. He growled and picked her up. He nuzzled her neck and cooed.

Dawn raised an eyebrow. “Spike?” She backed away as she saw him in game face. Spike whimpered as he heard her heartbeat drop. “Spike! We have to bring her to the hospital!” Dawn screamed. Spike looked at her. Who was she? He felt something for her. Love. Oh yeah. Buffy’s sister. And who was he?

Spike looked over at the tall broad vampire with dark hair. He growled at him. It was his sire’s sire. He bowed his head in recognition and continued growling. Angel was confused at first… then realized… he had lost all humanity. He’s converted back to only demon ways.

“Spike…” He warned.

Spike just growled, then licked the wound on her neck clean. Angel hadn’t done this in a long time. He hadn’t spoken in his demon language for nearly a hundred years. He slowly moved towards Spike, and then vamped out. He growled at Spike.

Dawn was so confused. “Angel? What’s going on?” Angel turned from Spike.

“He’s lost all humanity. My guess is Drusilla did some spell…But we have to get Buffy to the hospital. Just follow me okay?” Angel knocked Spike out so he wouldn’t be a distraction and picked up Buffy. “Help me get them into the car.” Dawn and Angel carefully got Spike and Buffy into his car and they sped down the road towards Sunnydale General.

Once there, Angel carried Buffy in and gave her to the doctors, then he went back to get Spike. He dragged him inside and set him outside of the blood transfusion room where Buffy was. He waited for Spike to wake up.

A doctor came out of the room. “She’ll be okay. She’s just lost a lot of blood, we gave her a transfusion and she should be okay. She is still unconscious however.”

“Can we go see her?” Angel asked.

“In a couple of minutes. Wait until the nurses are done hooking her up.” Then he left. Angel tried to wake Spike. He tried punching him, slapping him, and even sitting on him, but they all didn’t work. Dawn came back from the phone. “They’re on their way. Giles is really worried.” She looked at the still unconscious Spike. “Is he okay?” She asked.

“Yeah. I can’t wake him up.” Angel said frustrated.

“I can.” Dawn said with a smile. “Spike!” She screamed as if she was in trouble. Spike quickly bolted straight up. He looked around. “Told ya.”

Spike whimpered. Where was she? He sniffed the air. She was here. He got up and burst into her room. Thankfully the nurses had left. “Should we go after him?” Dawn asked getting up. “Will he hurt her?”

“No. The last thing he’d ever do is hurt her.”

********

Spike walked over to Buffy’s side. He took off his jacket and gently set it over her. He slowly got into the bed beside her, and whimpered. Angel and Dawn could hear him from outside.

“What’s he doing?” Dawn asked curiously as she watched from the window.

“Comforting her.” Angel said sadly as he watched Spike tend to Buffy.

“Willow’s looking for a spell to change Spike back. She said she was pretty close.” Angel just nodded and watched as Spike started to lick her face. Angel noticed a change.

“Dawn.” Angel walked into the room to see Buffy staring at them all smiling.

“Hey guys!” She said happily.

“Buffy!” Dawn screamed and she ran over to hug her sister. Spike continued purring into her hair.

“Umm… Spike… what are you doing?” She asked giggling.

“We need to tell you something.” Angel said shoving his hands into his pockets.

“Yeah ya do. Because it’s kinda weird having my vampire boyfriend pretend he’s a kitty. And why is he all ‘grr’?” She giggled again when Spike tickled her neck. “Spike!” She screamed when he tickled her sides. She started laughing. She grabbed his hands and put them on her face. She smiled at him, and then kissed him. She’d never kissed Spike when he was all Mr. Fangs. The only other time she’d kissed anyone while in game face, was Angel at the ice rink.

She pulled away and smiled at him. He purred and buried his face into her neck.

“So? What’s going on?” Buffy asked turning her attention back to everyone else.

“Drusilla did a spell. I think it went wrong though. I think that she was doing a spell to remove his soul… but it somehow went wrong and he lost his humanity instead.” Angel explained.

“So that explains the…wait no it doesn’t. Why’s all kitten-like?”

“It does explain it. He’s just doing what any…mate… would do.” Angel said dryly.

“Mate?” Buffy asked raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah.”

“Does he… does he still have the soul?” Buffy asked.

“I think so. Yeah, I think he does.” Angel said looking him over.

“Okay…. Can we have some time alone?” She asked.

“Sure.”

“Sure.” Dawn and Angel replied.

“Thanks.”

Dawn and Angel left the room to leave Spike and Buffy alone. She sat up and leaned into him. “Spike?”

He purred.

“Can you understand anything I’m saying?” She asked laughing.

He nodded his head.

“Good. Because at least one of us knows what the other is saying.” She said smiling. She turned to face him. Buffy

“I love you.” She said smiling at him.

He grabbed her face and kissed her.

“Buffy!” Willow screeched barging into the room. “You’re okay!”

Buffy and Spike pulled away. He growled at Willow.

“Spike… behave.” She warned. She giggled to herself. Wow she might never say that again… or maybe she would…

“Woah Buffy… when Dawn told me about Spike, I didn’t think he was like this.”

“Yeah… but it’s alright. I mean, he’s so cute when he purrs! You should hear him!” She kissed Spike’s cheek. “Come on baby, purr for Willow.” Spike grunted. Buffy swore she could’ve seen him roll his eyes, but she didn’t think demons would do that. Spike pulled Buffy into his lap and nuzzled her neck. He let out a tiny little purr.

“Aww, that is so cute!” Willow said. She sat down in the chair next to her hospital bed. “Okay, I found the spell to change him back to normal. We could do it right here if you want. It’s just a simple chant and lighting a candle.” Willow said happily.

“Sure. I guess.” Buffy said trying to pull Spike away from her neck.

“Okay then! I’ll get the spell set up and all you have to is…well actually you do nothing.” Willow said pulling the things out of her bag. She set a blue candle on the table and unwrinkled a piece of paper. “Okay. Here we go.”

Buffy was too exhausted really to actually be listening. She was still tired from being drained. Her eyed fluttered shut and she rested her head on Spike’s shoulder. The vampire just pulled her into him and continued to kiss her face, totally oblivious to his humanity being restored.

*******

Spike’s eyes turned a glowing blue and there was a quick flash of a white bright light. Buffy looked at him with concern, but then was relieved when it stopped and he looked around the room. Spike’s eyes traveled to Buffy then Willow then to the walls around him. He closed his eyes.

“Spike? You okay?” Buffy asked.

Spike opened his eyes and looked at her. He felt something different inside of him. Something was…missing. He felt like some connection was lost… his sire. Drusilla. He couldn’t feel the sire-childe bond anymore. It is only broken when the sire is killed. Spike felt a pang of pure terror overcome his body. It was like something he’d never felt before. His Drusilla. His black beauty. The creature that created him…

“Spike? Are you back to normal?” Buffy asked again.

Spike snapped out of it. He looked at Buffy. “Yeah.” He gave her a half smile. Spike’s mind traveled back to Drusilla. He felt like he was going to throw up. She was dead. And there was nothing he could do about it. Spike looked back at Buffy. “She’s dead. Isn’t she.” It was more of a statement than a question. He could feel it. Choking him.

Buffy looked at him. What was wrong with him? Who’s dead? What was he talking about? “Who’s dead?” Buffy asked.

Spike blinked. “I gotta go.” He said. He picked up his duster from the bed and stormed out the door.

Buffy sat there staring at the door. What did she do? Willow was just as confused as she was. The red head stood up. “Umm… I’ll go bring the others in. Oh, and by the way, Angel’s here again.”

Buffy nodded and Willow went outside to get the others. Buffy just sat there on the rather uncomfortable hospital bed and stared at the wall. What was wrong with Spike? She’d never seen him like this. Did she do something wrong? Did she say something? All the questions bothered her. She just wanted to know what he was so upset about that he’d just leave her like that. Her eyes started to water up. She lay down and closed her eyes.

*********

Spike flung open the exit doors to the hospital. It was about 4:00 so he still had a couple hours until sunrise. His mind kept tracing back to Drusilla no matter how hard he tried not to think about her. Then his mind went to Buffy. Buffy. Buffy! Oh god! He’d just stormed out of there… shit. Spike re-flung open the doors to the hospital and ran to the elevator. He pressed the button twice. Then again. And again. The metal doors slowly opened. Spike stepped in then pressed floor 7 about five times. The doors closed and he made his way up the seventh floor. The doors opened again and Spike ran out of there and into Buffy’s room at the end of the hall. He saw Willow hugging Buffy. Dammit. She’s probably mad at me. Spike then noticed the other people standing at the edges of the room. There was Rupert… The Whelp… Anya…Dawn… who was that? What!?! What the hell was he doing here?!?! Spike growled. Everyone heard him and looked over at Spike. They all gave him death glares. Spike just ignored them and walked over to where Angel was standing. He supposedly left after he went to get his soul. Ponce. Spike socked Angel in the jaw. When his fist made contact with him he felt… Angel. He’s the one who killed Drusilla.

Angel yelped in pain as he received an unsuspected punch from his grand-childe. “Spike! What the hell!” Angel screamed as he put his hand to his face. Spike just snarled at him and punched him again. He killed her. That dumb selfish sod. Angel growled this time and socked Spike one.

“You killed her! You filthy shriveled up dick!” (Ha ha…sorry…ahem. You may continue.) Spike was too fragile to throw another punch. He just collapsed to the floor and buried his face in his hands. “You killed her. You did.”

Buffy looked over at the crying Spike on the floor. Part of her wanted to go crouch down beside him and kiss him all better… but the other part wanted to throw him out a window. Angel killed who! Why wasn’t anyone telling her!? “Who? Who did you kill Angel? Because now my boyfriend is all worked up over this thing. He left me here alone because of it and I wanna know just what the hell you did so I can freaking understand!”

Angel looked at Buffy. He sighed. “Drusilla. I staked her.” Buffy felt this nauseating feeling overcome her. She felt jealous, sad, and angry at the same time. I thought he hated her!!!! Buffy closed her eyes for a second trying to blow up. She clenched and unclenched her fists. Drusilla. That crazy bitch. What did he see in her anyways?!?

“Buffy…I’m so sorry.” Spike whined. He took a breath then continued looking up at her with sad eyes. “I’m sorry that I care about her more than you.”

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

TBC…

(*Growl.* Angsty huh?) … oh yeah a note: This a reminder is my first fanfic… well actually my second but I’m writing it as a whole big story… so reviews are really really really needed. You can email me at EspeciallySpuffy06@hotmail.com or just IM me at iLoveJameSMrstrs. THX!

CHAPTER 5

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

Buffy bolted upright. Oh thank god it was a dream… but she still felt the pain of his words… so that’s what he was all upset about. Drusilla must’ve died. Buffy looked around her. Spike had left and she was here all alo-

“Buffy!” Xander screamed as he burst into the room. He was holding a big bouquet of flowers.

“Hey Xander.” Buffy said sleepily. She was hoping it was Spike behind those flowers.

“So Buffy how ya feelin’? They treating you good here? Did you see Spike? Man was he whacked up earlier. He was all crazy kind of. Did they feed you jell-o? Was it the blue kind? Cause one time I puked…” Buffy stopped listening to him. He wasn’t the main thing on her mind.

Spike. Did he really actually love Drusilla more than her? Buffy felt her eyes water up. She loved him so much. What if he didn’t love her anymore? She’d be so wrecked. What if he left… what if he’s leaving right now! Buffy flew off the bed.

“…Yeah and my Dad said something about broccoli but my mom just told him-…. Woah Buffster. Whatchya doin’?” He asked as she unexpectedly jumped out of the bed.

“Spike. I need to… I need to go to him.” She frantically looked around for something to wear. Dumb hospital gown. She spotted her clothes on a chair in the corner of the room. She ran over and pulled on her jeans and threw on her tee shirt. She put on her sneakers and dashed out the door.

“… Umm… you’re welcome for the flowers.”

***********

The blonde ran out the front door of the hospital and searched the area for any sign of him. She didn’t see him anywhere. Buffy started running again, she had a pretty good idea of where he might be.

The slayer ran down the road, passing cars and honking horns. She remembered it was around this part of town somewhere. She slowed down to a jog when she saw a familiar landmark… Oh! Yes! It was the entrance to the factory. Finally she’d found it. Buffy saw where the gate lock had been broken. Spike… he was always good at breaking down things.

Buffy slowly stepped inside and scanned the area for the vampire. She saw the entrance inside the old factory and made her way over to it. She opened the door and it creaked just loud enough to wake up a certain sleeping vampire inside.

Buffy peered inside and saw Spike sitting upright on a dusty old bed. She flung open the door and ran into his arms. Spike was still a little tired so it really woke him up when Buffy leaped onto him.

“Spike!” She screamed. Buffy’s little hands roamed around his back as she kissed him passionately.

Buffy and Spike kissed for a couple minutes when someone came bursting in the door. Spike pulled away and looked up at the intruder. He was in total shock. Was that… Isn’t she dead…?

“Bad Daddy. Bad.”

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

TBC… EspeciallySpuffy06@hotmail.com