Chapter Seven

Maggie turned the key to unlock her door. She glanced over her shoulder and nervously said, “Excuse the mess. I’m still unpacking.”

“Humph…this isn’t a social call,pet.” He walked into the living room, taking in the surroundings. He didn’t know what to expect from this woman and he wanted to be alert. She already had the advantage; she knew who he was and he knew next to nothing about her.

Maggie stood just inside the door, her hands twisting together nervously. She carefully watched William ‘prowl’ around the room. She had waited years for this moment and now that it was here she wasn’t sure her nerves would survive.

“I could use something to drink. How about you?” she asked.

“Absently” he answered, “Sure…drinks’ fine. Make mine a double.” He continued walking around the room, checking for any clues about what the hell was going on.

She went into the small kitchen to get the bottle of whiskey. Her hands were shaking so badly she almost dropped the glass she reached for. She hoped the old gypsy had been right about how her love would be able to reunite them. She poured herself a drink and downed it in one gulp.

His face fell on a small old-time photograph. His eyes widen in shock as he took a closer look. He cautiously picked the picture up and looked closer. There was not doubt; it was a photograph of him on his eighteenth birthday. He remembered having to sit and wait for the photographer to arrive while all he wanted to do was go out with his friends. His mother had insisted on the photograph to celebrate his birthday.

Maggie came back in the room. “I hope you like whiskey, it’s the…” She stopped when she saw what he had in his hand. Taking another gulp of whiskey, she said, “I didn’t mean for you to find that, just yet.”

“Where did you get this?”

She walked over to the couch and sat down before her legs gave away. She handed his drink to him and said, “I’ve had it for a long time.”

Spike frowned as he sat in the chair across from her. “How did you get it? It was my mothers.”

Maggie knew she wasn’t able to tell him directly that she was his mother; he was supposed to figure it out for himself. She also knew it wouldn’t be easy. The spell the old gypsy had put on her also placed a ‘glimmer’ spell that changed her appearance to him. She not only didn’t act like his frail Victorian mother but her physical features would appear different to him as well.

Spike waited for her to explain but she remained quiet. “I’m not into games, luv. I want to know how you know me and where did you get this picture.”

“I can’t tell you. It’s something ‘you’ have to figure out. I can tell you that I’ve looked for you a very long time.”

He tilted his head in question, “Why’s that?”

Looking down at her tightly gripped hands she said, “I just needed to find you.”

He studied her for a moment then leaned back in the chair, raised his chin and said, “Oh, I get it. You’re one of those vampire groupies. Heard about me, did you? Had to meet me.”

“No…nothing like that!”

“So you what? Looked into my history and somehow got my mum’s picture ‘cuz you’re, what……just curious?”

Maggie tried hard to think of something she could tell him within the bounds of the spell. “We’re related,” she said brightly.

“Oh, cousins is it?” Not believing her, “Well, ‘couz’, been a long time between reunions,” he said sarcastically.

She had dreamed of this moment for years. What she would say. What he would say. Now that the time was here, her mind was filled with millions of incoherent thoughts. Trying a different approach she leaned forward and slowly took his hand. His eyebrows rose at the contact but he didn’t pull away.

“Look at me William.” He looked directly into her dark brown eyes. “What do you remember about your life before you were turned?”

“I’ve tried to forget,” he said with disgust. He noticed the hurt in her eyes but didn’t know why.

“Try to remember …scooter”

He sat up straight and frowned in confusion. “How did you know about that? No one but my mother knows about that.”

It was a nickname his mother called him when he was a baby learning to crawl. Instead of crawling, he would sit and scoot across the floor.

He leaned forward and looked deeply in her eyes, trying to figure it out. Maggie’s eyes shimmed from brown to crystal blue, so much like his own. He blinked, not believing what he had seen.

She saw the surprise on his face and smiled, “Yes, my William, try harder.”

This wasn’t possible. His mother had been dead for over a hundred years, but those were her eyes. The face and hair was different but so had the eyes been a minute ago. He slowly raised his hand and placed it gently on her face. Maggie smiled. It was her smile. Taking a chance he whispered, “Mother?”

Maggie’s face shimmered like a mist had been lifted and in its place was…Anne.

Spike jerked his hand away in shock. “How did you do that? You’re supposed to be dead!”

Her heart was beating so fast she felt giddy. “That’s rather like the pot calling the kettle black, wouldn’t you say,” she joked. She felt like a weight had been lifted. “Oh, William, I’ve waited so long.” She leaned in to embrace her son. He jerked back to avoid her touch. She nodded sadly in acceptance. It would take time for him to accept her; after all she had over one hundred and twenty years to deal with this. “I understand you’re confused. Now that you know it’s me, I can tell you how.”

Spike stood and started pacing. There was no doubt that something mystical was going on and that his mother was now sitting in front of him. The mother that he had loved above all else. The mother that had turned her back on him. His anger flared and he faced Anne. “If it is you, why have you done this…for a son you no longer wanted!”

She had not expected anger. “Well dear, it was a bit of a shock. You didn’t give me much time to adjust.”

He had realized these same facts years later but his pride and his new lifestyle had prevented him from returning to her. He walked back to the chair and sat down. “Okay…tell me everything.”

Anne took a deep breath, this part she had rehearsed.

***

Outside London; 1882

Anne had sat on the stool in the gypsy’s wagon so long her legs cramped, but she didn’t dare move. The old witch was mixing a foul-smelling potion in the back of the wagon. As she did she told Anne about her own son. He had been bitten and changed into a vampire many years ago. Like Anne, she wanted to find him. She searched for years, getting older and older until she realized that she was getting too old to look for him any longer. So, she sought other methods.

One of them was an ancient gypsy’s curse passed down for generations. It had never been used to her knowledge because of the curse’s consequences. The spell would keep the user ageless and alive until they found their loved one, then and only then would the spell be broken. The person under the spell could not tell their loved one who they were or that they were under a spell. If they did, both of them would die instantly and be cursed forever in hell.

Anne knew that William was essentially already dead and that he probably was doomed as well. She was willing to take the chance for herself and her son in order to find him.

The gypsy’s son had been dusted before she had been able to use the curse. When she met Anne, she decided to help another mother find her son instead.

“I’ll need a lock of his hair, to bind the spell.”

Anne opened her bag and removed the tiny blonde curl that she had removed from William’s baby book. She kissed it then handed it to her.

“This will take effect immediately. You will stop aging until you find him.”

“I can’t wait till we see each other again.” She was so excited.

“It may take years to find him. Remember you can’t tell him it’s you,” the old gypsy warned.

“He’ll know me when he sees me,” Anne said confidently.

“No he won’t.”

“What do you mean? Of course my son will know me,” she replied confused.

“The spell also places a ‘glimmer’ on you that disguise your appearance. To your son you will look very different, but to others, the same.”

Worried, Anne bite gently on her bottom lip and frowned. Making up her mind, she agreed and took the potion from the old witch. Taking one last nervous glance at her she gulped it down and swallowed.

The old gypsy smiled, “Remember, it won’t be easy.”

Chapter Eight

Spike and his mother talked all night. She told him all about the gypsy’s curse and how she had tried to find him through out the years. He told her about some, but not all of his adventures. He knew his life over the last century had been filled with killing, feeding and Drucilla. He couldn’t imagine what his mother had been through.

“I looked for you all over London but by that time you had already left town. It took years for me to track you down again and each time I would just barely miss you.

Spike held his mother’s hand as she talked. He still couldn’t believe that she had sacrificed so much to find him. She had always been such a frail woman, shy and unassuming. This certainly wasn’t an unassuming Victorian matron sitting beside him now.

“It’s absolutely amazing. How did you live? How did you survive all those years?”

There were things about her past she didn’t want to share with her son, so she shrugged and replied, “I just did what I had to do, son.” She paused to remember, “As the years passed and I didn’t get any older, I sold the house and moved to avoid any questions. I spent the next few years traveling around, trying to find you. To be honest, I didn’t expect it to take as long as it did. I would settle down in places while I looked for any information about you. I learned a lot about life.” Her smile faded and she looked sad, eyes tearing.

Spike put his arm around her shoulders and held her to him. Taking comfort from her son she continued. “After the first thirty years I almost gave up. I settled down in Paris for awhile. I made a living writing.”

He smiled, looking down at her, “Hope it wasn’t poetry. That doesn’t exactly run in the family.”

She laughed, “No, short stories. I became rather good. When the war broke out, the second not the first, I went to New York for awhile.”

They both sat in silence each with their own memories of New York. Finally Spike shook his head in wonder and replied, “I still don’t get it. Why would you do something like this? It was so dangerous.”

Anne looked into the clear blue eyes of her son and smiled. “I needed to tell you that I was sorry for what I said. That no matter what you had done or what you had become, I still loved you,” she said as a single tear slid down her face.

He was beyond speech. He pulled his mother close and held her as his own eyes filled with unshed tears.

After a moment she continued, “William, I was frantic. You had been gone for two years and as far as I could tell you had already left London. My health was becoming increasingly worst, what with the worrying and old age, I was desperate.

“You’re not old, luv,” he said as he smiled into her upturned face.

“Well, not now. Forty-five isn’t as old now as it was back then. It was well past middle age then.”

“You look good for one-hundred and sixty-eight,” he smirked. “So, what with the name switch and the tea shop?”

“I couldn’t stay Anne for over a century, that would be suspicious.” She pulled back a little and asked, “Do you remember my full name?”

He smiled, “Of course. I should have known, Margaret Anne.”

“Maggie’s rather modern don’t you think? And as far as the shop goes, I wanted something familiar that might connect us when we met again.”

“That was bloody brilliant. I could never forget your scones.”

They both laughed and talked for hours when Spike noticed the time. “I better push off, it’ll be morning soon. Buffy might notice if I don’t come home.”

“Buffy uh? Something going on with you two?” she asked with a twinkle in her eyes. The look of pain on his face stopped all teasing, “Care to share, honey?”

He shrugged in false indifference. “Nothing to tell. We once had a thing and now we don’t.”

“Why do I get the impression that there’s more to it?”

Spike looked at his mother’s face. At one time he told her everything, all his hopes and dreams. All his awful poetry. It would be good to have someone to confide in once again. “Mother, you know what I am, a monster.” She started to protest but he held his hand up to stop her. “It’s true, whether I want it to be or not. Even as an evil, soul-less monster I fell in love with her. She never loved me back, of course, but that didn’t stop me from loving her. I tried to change, to be what she would want and all I did was hurt her.” He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. “It’s a really long story but let’s just say that even with a soul, I’m still not what she wants.”

Her heart broke over the pain and hurt in her son’s face. She took his hand and patted it, “I heard about the soul, from a friend. I also heard that you had a thing for her, but what I didn’t hear but saw for myself is that she does care for you.”

He looked up at her and frowned, “What’ll you mean?”

“Honey, I saw the looks you two shared and the glares she gave me when she thought I was being too fresh with you.”

A look of doubtful hope crossed his face. “You think Buffy’s jealous?” He remembered the ‘talk’ that they had last night, and all that she had said. This was definitely interesting. “Mother, let’s not tell anyone about all this, just yet. Alright?”

Seeing the mischievous smile on his face she readily agreed. She knew that she could deny him nothing now that she had found him. “It’s getting late or rather early, please stay; you can bunk out on the sofa. I think I’ll call in and tell them I’ll be in later. We have so much to talk about.

***

Buffy walked slowly down the stairs to the basement. She had spent a restless night worrying about Spike and the things that she had said. It wouldn’t be easy but she was going to apologize to him.

She reached the end of the stairs and peered into the dim basement. Her eyes widen in fright when she noticed his cot was still made. Why hadn’t he come home last night? Was he hurt? Did the First have him again? She turned and raced back up the stairs, throwing the basement door open nearly knocking Giles down.

“Good Morning Buffy. Why the rush?” he said as he balanced his coffee cup to keep it from spilling.

“Spike didn’t come home last night!” she said as her brow frowned in worry. “Do you think the First has him again?”

Giles took a sip of his coffee as he contemplated the situation. When he didn’t answer, Buffy literally stomped her foot in irritation, “Giles!”

“Oh…Buffy. I..uh…don’t think the First has anything to do with Spike……uh…sleeping elsewhere. After all there is no turah-kan for it to use, that we know of.

Buffy noticed the worried look on his face. “What is it, Giles?”

Distracted, Giles looked at her, “I was just thinking; Spike was last seen with Maggie lastnight.”

“You think Spike and Maggie……” she didn’t want to even say it.

“It’s not an impossible idea; after all Maggie is a very attractive woman.”

Buffy didn’t say anything; she just remembered what she had said to him last night. How he had stormed out in anger. She had turned him away, again. She had avoided any closeness since he had come back. Her feelings for him were too much, she knew if she ever got close to him again she would never be able to take it back. She had told him repeatly that the main reason she could not love him was because he didn’t have a soul. She couldn’t use that for an excuse any longer.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Giles. “I think I’ll call the shop to see if Maggie is alright.” He went to the phone and dialed the Tea Shop’s number. He talked briefly then hung up. Turning to Buffy, “Maggie called in and said she wouldn’t be in until later; late night it appears.”

Buffy tried not to look affected but it was no use. Her face fell as she thought of Spike and Maggie together. Green with jealousy, but unwilling to admit it she snapped, “Fine, I hope they’ll be very happy together!”

“Now Buffy, we don’t know that they were together……in that way…intimate.” Nervously, he took off his glasses and sighed. Giles thoughts were indeed running along the same direction as Buffy’s.

Neither knew what to say; each loss within their own thoughts. “Perhaps I’ll stop by her apartment on the way into work…just to check if she’s alright,” Giles offered.

“I’ve got to get to work, call me later.” She turned and ran up the stairs, avoiding any further comments from Giles.

Chapter Nine.

Giles knocked lightly on Maggie’s door. He shifted from foot to foot, nervous about what he would find. He had just about convinced himself that both he and Buffy had been ridiculous. Surely there was nothing between those two.

The door was opened by a shirtless, shoeless Spike, hair ruffled and uncombed. Giles’ mouth fell open, eyes wide and speechless. Spike took one look at his shocked expression and immediately knew what he suspected.

He decided to tease the watcher. “Well, well, this is a surprise. Sorry, Maggie can’t come to the door,” he smirked, “in the shower.”

He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest, gloating smile on his face.

Giles slowly recovered from the shock. Embarrassed, he stammered, “Oh…I’m just checking on her…she called in this morning. Is she alright?”

“I’d say she’s more than ‘alright’,”

Spike replied with a smirk.

Giles became angry over the thought of Spike with Maggie. “If you hurt her…” he warned.

“Oh, who’s the puffed-up manly-man, all possessive?” He leaned forward and scowled, “Or you’ll do what?” He was getting irritated that Giles would automatically think that he would want to harm her, after all hadn’t he proved he wasn’t evil anymore. He was getting bloody tired of having to remind everyone.

Giles and Spike both turned when they hear Maggie enter the room. She was wearing a pale green silk floor-length robe. Her hair was loose and down around her shoulders. She saw Giles and smiled as she walked up to stand beside Spike. Without thinking how it might appear she placed her hand on

Spikes shoulder and said, “Good morning Giles, I’m so glad to see you.”

Giles looked at the couple, each with a huge grin on their face. Crestfallen he knew something intimate had happen between the two.

“I’m sorry Maggie, I didn’t mean to disturb you this early. Buffy and I were just wondering if you two were alright, since Spike didn’t come home last night and you two were………together.”

Maggie dropped her hand from Spike’s shoulder and creased her brow. “We’re fine, Giles, really.”

“I see that,” he said sadly. “I really must be going.” Before she could protest he turned on his heels and walked down the hall.

Spike and Maggie looked at each other. Maggie was confused. Spike was intrigued.

“What do you think that was all about?” Maggie said as she turned to go in the kitchen to make coffee.

Spike closed the door and grinned, “Looks like we have a couple of green-eyed monsters on our hands.”

“What, dear?”

“Oh, you didn’t get it?” At her look of confusion he continued, “I didn’t come home last night…Buffy and Giles knew, somehow, we were together and now Buffy sends Giles over to check it out.”

Spike dropped down on the couch and crossed his feet on the coffee table. Hands behind his head he leaned back and smiled. So, Buffy ‘was’ jealous, sent the watcher over to ‘suss’ it out. This was great. First his mother was back and now the slayer was jealous. Bloody fabulous.

Anne came into the living room and sat down beside her son. “Why did Giles act so strangely?”

“Seems you’ve got an admirer, pet.”

Blushing, Maggie unconsciously smoothed her hair and replied, “Oh my…,” she smiled, “My day just keeps getting better.”

He cocked his head and looked at her. “You…… and Giles?”

She remembered the ‘spark’ that had occurred between them. “I find him quite attractive and besides now that I have found you, I might be up for a spot of romance.”

Surprised, Spike eyed his mother, “Well then, are you up for a bit of ruse?”

“Uhh?”

***

That afternoon after work, Buffy stopped by the Magic Shop to talk to Giles. She entered the shop, tossed her jacket on the table and went to find Giles. He was in the back room, stocking supplies when he turned as Buffy entered.

“So, what’s the scoop on Spike and the tea-lady?”

He took his glasses off and sighed, “I’m afraid it’s rather like we suspected.”

Eyes wide Buffy asked, “You mean they’re dating?”

Uncomfortable discussing intimate subjects with Buffy he replied, “I wouldn’t exactly call it dating.”

Buffy’s face fell. Spike and Maggie sleeping together. Well, knowing Spike as she did, sleeping probably won’t be involved.

Unable to talk with Giles about this, she turned, grabbed her jacket and stalked out the door. Giles watched her go as he thought; I know exactly how you feel.

By the time Buffy arrived home, her temper had been replaced by despair. She knew he had turned to someone else because she had pushed him away so many times. Every time she let someone get close she always got hurt, especially with Spike.

Dark cloud firmly in place, she climbed the stairs, thankful everybody was out for the afternoon. She really didn’t feel like being ‘friendly-girl’ right now. She turned the corner and almost collided with Spike as he was leaving the bathroom. He had just taken a shower and stool there with his hair wet and finger-combed off his forehead. A damp towel was slung over his bare shoulder. He wore black jeans with the top button undone and no shoes. Buffy noticed beads of water on his chest and in the v of his neck; that he had missed when he dried off.

Self-conscious, Buffy stepped back. “Oh, didn’t know anyone was home.”

“Yeah. Well, just cleaning up a bit.” He noticed her smile was forced and it didn’t quite reach her eyes which were sad and dejected. A part of him felt bad about the charade he was going to pull, but he had to find out how she really felt about him one way or the other. “Sorry, I can’t patrol with you tonight. Got plans.”

Her eyes that had previously been downcast as if unable to look him in the face, afraid her true feeling would show, flew up to meet his. It seemed like minutes passed before either spoke.

“Got plans with Maggie?” she asked softly.

He faked surprise and said, “Oh, you know ‘bout that, do ya? Well, she’s really something. I mean there’s just a ‘connection’ there.” He ran his fingers through his wet hair as if he was uncomfortable. “I hope it won’t be a problem……for you.”

“No……no problem. You’re…I mean, we’re……not together anymore.” She took a deep breath, “I’m alright really. I don’t have any right to ……have a problem.”

He tilted his head and leaned in slightly, softly saying, “We’ve always had problems, haven’t we, pet?”

She returned his look with her heart beating rapidly. Her thoughts ran rapid;

‘Tell him, Buffy, just tell him---

‘You’ don’t have any right to say anything---

Let him know how you feel---

Back away!’

She shook her head to rid herself of the thoughts. Schizophrenic-Buffy so needed to shut up.

Spike watched the play of emotions on her face. He noticed when she shook her head and took it to mean a mental ‘no’. He pulled back slightly. Bugger this he thought. “Al’right then. We’re square.” He nodded, moved passed her and headed down the stairs.

‘Idiot’, she thought not sure if she meant him or herself. She stormed to her room, slammed the door and broke down into tears.

Chapter Ten

Spike spent the next week, helping Maggie at the shop, patrolling alone and staying nights on Maggie’s couch. They spent the week catching up on lost time and getting to know each other again. He never missed an opportunity to let Buffy know that he was ‘seeing’ Maggie. He was determined to stick to his plan, only it wasn’t working out as he had thought. Instead of getting jealous, Buffy became more and more indifferent to him. Maybe she didn’t feel the same about him after all.

Spike walked aimlessly, his face pulled down in a frown. Where’s a demon when you want one. A spot of violence was what he needed. He wanted to punch something. Finding none; still tense and frustrated he headed toward the Tea Shop.

Maggie looked up as he walked in. Her smile froze when she saw the scowl on his face. When his troubled eyes met hers, he relaxed and briefly smiled.

Maggie led her troubled son to the sitting area at the front of the café. “What happen?” she asked.

“Nothin’, same o’shit,” he sulked. “Just when I think she cares……feels something, she backs off. Getting’ bloody tired of games.”

“And what do you think you are doing, dear?”

He looked sheepishly at her, “I know. I just thought……”

“What, that she would be so jealous that she would run into your arms?”

He looked up at her, “Well yeah, somethin’ like that.”

She placed her hand over his. “William,” she said softly, “just tell her how you feel. Life’s too short for all those foolish games.”

Frustrated, he huffed, “I told her a million times, proved it a million more. So many times it’s driving me bug-shagging crazy.” Suddenly, he sat up straight and said, “You know what we ought to do? Leave. Travel over the world. I could show you some amazing places.”

Not really knowing what to say, after all she was a little out of practice in the mothering department, she placed her arm around his shoulders and offered a little hug. “Now, dear if you had wanted to leave her, you would have left a long time ago. Besides, I just got settled here.”

Taking comfort in the gesture, and knowing that she was right, he leaned toward her and sighed, “You’re right. I’m not going anywhere. It’s just that I want her so much and we had just now got to a point where she didn’t hate or despise me. I didn’t want to ruin that.”

“So instead of taking a chance you’re just willing to stay friends?”

He thought about it for a minute then reached around and gave his mother a big hug. “No. I’m not. I’m settling this once and for all.” He turned and kissed her on the cheek, “Thanks, mum.” He got up and started to leave, “I’ll be back after closing to walk you home.” With that he turned and left the shop.

Buffy stepped in the shadows, as she waited for Spike to disappear around the corner. She had watched the whole scene between Maggie and Spike from across the street. Her heart twisted when she saw Spike and Maggie embrace. Unshed tears threatened to spill down her face until she blinked rapidly to clear them. She wanted him. Loved him. This last week had been torture, pretending not to care. Was she going to stand by and let some middle-aged floozy take him? Making up her mind she wiped her eyes and stormed across the street.

Maggie turned to greet the new customer, when she saw that it was Buffy she gestured for her to join her in the sitting area.

“Nice to see you, dear. Would you like a cup of tea? I just made a fresh pot.”

Buffy looked at her pleasant smile and realized that she couldn’t be rude to the older woman. Maggie had always been so nice to her and her friends. It wasn’t Maggie’s fault that she had lost her chance with Spike.

Suddenly shy and unsure what to say, Buffy just nodded and sat down.

Maggie noticed the gloomy face and said softly, “If you’re looking for Spike, you just missed him.”

“I know, I saw him leave.” Why is it that I can face hundreds of the meanest demons and vampires but when it came to men, I freeze, she wondered.

Maggie sat quietly pouring the tea, letting the young woman gather her thoughts. “Can I ask you a question? A personal question?” she asked.

Buffy shrugged her shoulders and replied, “Sure, not too much in the personal department nowadays anyway.”

Enough of these games, she thought. “Do you love him?”

Surprised, Buffy stammered, “W…Who?” She knew exactly who she was referring to.

“William, of course.”

“You call him, William? I mean I know that was his name but he never goes by it.”

She smiled, “He’ll always be William to me.”

Buffy could tell by the way she said it that Maggie did love Spike. Oh Shit, she thought.

“You didn’t answer my question. “Are you in love with William…or Spike?”

“Does it matter? You two obviously have a ‘thing’”

Maggie laughed, “You’re right, I do have a ‘thing’ for him.” She watched as Buffy’s shoulders fell. “There’s just one problem.” She waited till Buffy looked at her. “I don’t think he feels the same way about me as he does about you.”

Depressed, Buffy frowned, “It sure looked like he…feels for you.”

“Buffy looks can be deceiving, but I have seen the way he looks at you.”

Buffy looked doubtful. “I don’t know how he feels. I mean I think he likes me and,” she blushed, “wants me but, we’ve hurt each other so much.” She sighed, “I don’t know anything any more!”

Maggie said, “After all that William has done for you, because of you………you still don’t know.”

Buffy dropped her head, “Yes I do know he cares for me, but I just can’t get over the whole dead-vampire thing. I tried it once and it ended……badly.” Buffy caught herself admitting Spike’s secret true nature to Maggie, her eyes flew up to check the older woman’s reaction.

Maggie only smiled and replied, “I know about the vampire thing Buffy. We had a little encounter the other night and William revealed himself. Besides I’ve lived a ‘long’ time and seen some pretty unbelievable things.”

Waiting for Buffy to comprehend she continued, “Oh, and about the other, you mean that pouf, Angel.” At Buffy surprised look she continued, “William told me about him. He wasn’t the man for you, Buffy. If he was he would have never left you,” dismissing him with a wave of her hand.

Confused, Buffy asked, “You mean that Spike’s ‘demon’ thing doesn’t bother you?”

Maggie said patiently, “Dear, all men can be monsters at one time or the other, women as well. We all have that capability. William just has a little more……demon than most.”

Before Buffy could interrupt she continued, “Tell me, since he came back has he acted like a demon to you?”

Buffy thought for a minute. “Well, there was the time that the First controlled him, but that really wasn’t his fault. No, I guess he hasn’t. He’s helped me train the girls and helped with patrol, but the only time he vamps out is when he’s fighting.”

She reached over and placed a hand on Buffy’s. “Do you think you can love the man and accept the demon?” When Buffy didn’t answer she continued, “If you can’t decide you may lose him.”

Buffy looked up at her with tearing eyes and with a sad smile said, “I think I already have.”

Satisfied, Maggie said, “Oh, I think you do know ‘some’ things.”

Maggie watched her leave. She hoped she had done the right thing for both of them. Life was indeed too short to waste time. Speaking of wasting time, maybe she should pay a certain British shopkeeper a visit.

Chapter Eleven

Spike headed out to find Buffy. The determination he had felt when he left the Tea Shop slowly faded to doubt as he neared her house. All the way over he had mentally gone over what he would say to her. His thoughts ran in a million different directions.

Maybe he should be strong and forceful. Demand her to take a stand on how she feels. No, he knew he couldn’t push her, she would push right back in the other direction.

Maybe he should beg and plead. No, Too weak. Besides he was getting bloody tired of acting like a big pouf.

Maybe he should tie her up until she admits how she feels. No! No! Tried that once, didn’t work out too well.

Or maybe he should just be honest. He really hadn’t told her how he felt since he got his soul. Thought the whole torture-to-get-a-soul for her would say it all. That’s right; I’ll just walk right up to her and tell her, I love you!

He turned on the sidewalk and opened the front door. He was greeted by a scowling, pissed-off Dawn. What now, he thought. He loved the little nibblet but she had acted like a pain in the ass since he got back, not that he hadn’t deserved some of it.

“Hi, Dawnie. Buffy here?” he asked cautiously, not knowing what set the moody teenager off.

Arms crossed over her chest, she huffed, “As if you care?”

Surprised, “What? Of coarse I care.”

Rolling her eyes with sarcasm, she just snorted and shook her head.

The little bit could say more with her eyes and attitude than most could with their mouths. Not that she didn’t say plenty with that either.

“Are you off your nut? What’s going on?” asked Spike clueless.

Dawn placed her hands on her hips and glared, “You say you love Buffy but then you two-time with the Lipton-Lady. What’s up with that?”

“Lipton-Lady? What ‘are’ you talking about?”

“Duh…Maggie. Get a clue why don’t ya!” She turned and stalked into the living room and dropped on the couch.

Spike closed the front door and walked in to follow her. He could see what had happen. Buffy had told her that he had been seeing Maggie. This was getting out of hand. He walked over to the couch and sat next to Dawn, leaving her enough space so he would be out of striking distance.

“Little bit, listen to me.”

Dawn looked straight ahead, refusing to acknowledge his presence. Frustrated, he ran his hand through his hair and exhaled. “There are…things I can’t explain right now, but…”

Interrupting Dawn turned and glared, “Things like, I thought you would always love Buffy then some new woman, who by the way is way to old for you, comes along and then it’s, like, so sorry, I don’t care about you or your family any more, kinda’ thing?”

“What? I will always care about you and Buffy.” He turned and touches her hand, thankful she didn’t pull away. “You two are the most important things in my life.”

Her rage had covered up her fear that he would leave them. Now that the anger was gone, she looked at him with huge hazel eyes filled with unshed tears and doubt. “You mean it?”

His immobile heart broke. “Of course I mean it La’Blu. You know I do.”

Finally letting her tears fall, she sniffed and asked, “Then why are you seeing Maggie and why aren’t you ever home anymore?”

He couldn’t hurt her anymore. “Dawn? Can you keep a secret?”

She wiped her nose on her shirt sleeve and nodded her head. “I’m a great secret keeper. Remember I once was the ‘key’. I even kept that secret from myself,” she smiled smugly.

Spike laughed in spite of himself, leaning over and whispered, “Alright then, I’ll tell you everything, but you have to swear not to tell.”

Dawn leaned in close, happy once again knowing that Spike loved them and would be a part of their life.

***

Buffy walked toward the cemetery, knowing that’s probably where she would find Spike. Not completely sure what she would say when she found him; she replayed the conversation with Maggie over and over.

She was sure the older woman loved Spike, she could tell it in her voice. Did he feel the same for her? Deep down Buffy thought that he would always be there for her, would always love her. What he had done to become what she wanted was not wasted on her. If the truth were told, it frightened her that he had loved her so much.

Chapter twelve

Lost in her thoughts she startled to find him sitting on a headstone across the cemetery. He hadn’t noticed her presence; as he sat, swinging his legs over the edge, smoking a cigarette.

The moon was full in a cloudless sky, casting a silver-blue glow on his alabaster skin. He looked like an animated porcelain statue with his chiseled cheekbone and slim features. He seemed completely at ease; almost relaxed until she spotted the hairy red demon slumped on the ground nearby, obviously the results of an encounter with Spike.

Drawing a deep breath, she walked toward the blonde vampire. He had already sensed her presence but continued with the casual pose. Without looking up he said, “Out for a stroll…pet?”

She hated it when he did that! ‘Stupid vampire senses’, she thought!

“Yeah……thought I would look for a few ‘baddies’. Looks like you beat me to it,” indicating the dead demon on the ground.

“Ya know you’d think they’d learn. What with a slayer and a bad-ass big-bad around, that Sunnyhell isn’t the place to visit.”

She walked up and sat beside him on the headstone, making him scoot over to allow room.

“We live on the hellmouth. Kinda’ like the Mecca for demons.”

He nodded in agreement. Both fell into an uncomfortable silence not sure what to say. Spike began his absentminded leg swinging again as Buffy looked around, wondering where to begin.

“We need to……” they both started at the same time.

Embarrassed, they stopped and grinned. “You first, luv.”

Buffy swallowed, found her courage and began, “I talked to Maggie tonight. She really cares a lot about you.” She paused to cast a sideways glance trying to gauge his reaction.

His head turned and tilted, listening carefully. “I care a lot about her,” he said softly.

Discouraged but determined she continued, “Spike, we’ve been through……things, both of us and we haven’t always treated each other……good.” He smirked as an understatement but didn’t interrupt. “I’ve learned a lot, especially these last few months.” She paused, choosing her words carefully. Spike sat motionless, afraid to do anything that would stop her. “I learned that I need you in my life. That I want you there, beside me.”

When she hesitated he was afraid she wouldn’t continue. He lifted his hand up and cautiously placed it on her cheek, encouraging her to continue. This time she didn’t pull away but instead leaned into his palm and smiled.

“What else have you learned, luv?” he said gently.

She looked into his clear blue eyes, noticing the tiny flecks of silver that made them shine in the moonlight. Mesmerized she murmured, “I……I love you.”

It was said so softly he wouldn’t have heard it if not for his vampire hearing. His mouth went dry and he tried to swallow. Thankful that he didn’t need to breath because he wasn’t sure he could. He had waited so long to hear her say it. He closed his eyes, silently saying a prayer to whomever or whatever allowed her to finely say the words.

She watched his eyes close, and when he didn’t say anything she wondered if it was too late. Tears formed in her eyes as her insecurities took over. She whispered, “I know it’s too late, but……”

His eyes flew open. “No luv, never too late.” Barely a whisper he said, “I waited forever for you to say it.”

He leaned in and gently placed his lips on hers. She didn’t pull away but met him with her own. Cool met warm, soft and yielding. He deepened the kiss as his hand left her face to caress the back of her neck. He moved his other hand around her waist and pulled her into a tight embrace. Her arms reached up and encircled his neck, pulling him in. Lips parted as their tongues met and danced in sensual memories. Needing to breath, Buffy lifted her head and smiled. “I’ve missed you.”

Spike tilted his head in that sexy way she loved and said, “I’ve never been far away.”

“I know. I just needed to find that out.”

She turned her back to lean against his chest. There was something she had to know before they could move on. Hesitating, she asked, “What about Maggie?” She felt his body tense and dreaded his answer.

“Buffy, we need to talk,” he said gently.

“Uh-o, this can’t be good,” Why did she have to open her big mouth.

He pulled her in for a tighter embrace, his voice next to her ear and softly said, “I have to tell you something about Maggie and need you to hear me out before you go all ‘kick-my-ass’ slayer on me.”

She tried to turn and look at him but his grip prevented her from moving. “Alright Spike, tell me about the two of you.”

Suddenly his plan to deceive her didn’t seem like a very good idea. As a matter of fact it seemed like a really bad idea. He held her tight just in case after he told her, she wanted to take a swing at him.

“Ah..Buffy……Luv, There’s something you don’t know about Maggie. You see we know each other from way back.”

Worried and a little suspicious, she asked, “How far back?”

“Well, you could say I’ve known her all my life.”

“Huh?”

“Buffy……Maggie isn’t someone I just met.”

Interrupting, she asked, “But you didn’t know her when you first met her or at least you ‘said’ you didn’t.”

“I didn’t recognize her at first.”

Definitely more suspicious than worried now she said, “Just spit it out Spike, How do you know Maggie?”

“Buffy……Maggie’s my mother.”

Her mouth fell open and managed to turn and gape at him despite the grip he had on her. “Your mother?”

“It’s a really long story, but the fact is my mum made a curse with a gypsy so she could find me.”

She sat and stared at him not saying a word. Spike was starting to get nervous with her silence. “Say something luv,” he said fearfully.

She did something totally unsuspected. She started laughing and turned completely around to throw her arms around his neck. He leaned back, still unsure what she had in mind. Tears from laughing so hard ran down her face. By the time she finally got to the point where she could talk, Spike was becoming irritated. “What’s so damn funny?”

“You are you nitwit. Don’t you see, it runs in the family.”

Baffled, he asked, “Have you gone totally sack of hammers? What runs in the family?”

“Love. Maggie loved you so much, she made a curse to find you and you loved me so much you get your soul.”

Relaxing a little he smirk, “Ya got that did ya?”

“Yeah, Spike. I got that.”

Smiling she pulled him down for a deep lasting kiss that sealed their love. Happier than either had been for a very long time they both knew that no matter what happened in the future they would be together.

Epilogue- Eight months later

“Stand still, Spike! You’d think you had never worn a tie before, Xander admonished.

“It’s not the tie; you nit. I don’t think I can go through with it.”

“You better or Buffy will have your albino ass.”

“Leave Buffy and my ass out of it!” Spike turned and walked across the room, trying to tie his tie himself. “Ya know I wouldn’t need help with this bloody thing if I could use a mirror.”

“Not my problem. I’m just supposed to get you ready and out there on time.”

Spike turned and looked at Xander. “Sure hope she appreciates this.”

“After all that she’s been through for you, the least you could do is quit with the grumbling.”

“You’re right. I guess I just don’t get why she’s doing this.”

“’Cause of old cupids arrow, my friend,” said Xander as he slapped Spike on the back.

Spike walked over and cracked the door. “Looks like a lot of people out there,” he replied nervously.

“’Bout time, we head out. Got everything?”

Spike patted the pockets on his suit, finding the papers in his breast pocket; he nodded and reluctantly headed out the door.

She was beautiful, dressed in cream-colored lace with tiny seed pearls sown in an intricate pattern along the bodice. The layered hem fell just above her ankles which were framed with strapped heels. Her hair was swept up in curls with tiny sprigs of baby’s breath as the only adornment. Spike was so proud of her that his nervousness about being up in front of the audience disappeared.

He met her at the back of the chapel and extended his arm to lead her down the aisle. They walked in silence as the organ music was played by Andrew.

When they reached the end, Spike leaned over and kissed her softly on the cheek. “I love you.” He then took her hand and gave it to her husband to be and stepped to the side.

Maggie smiled as she took Giles hand. She thought she would never know more happiness that when she and William had found each other again, but she was wrong. Giles had asked her to marry him two months ago after a whirlwind romance including a near apocalypse.

As the vows were being said, Buffy the maid of honor, leaned over and took Spike’s hand in support. She knew he was glad his mother had found happiness with Giles.

“At this time, the bride’s son has a something he would like to read,” the Minister said as he turned to Spike. He cleared his throat and stepped to stand beside Maggie and Giles.

“I would like to read something I wrote for my mum and Giles,” he said as he cleared his throat.

Soul mates, lovers and best friend

Each spirit searches without end

Neither rest nor end it will find

Until its heart and mind combine

Love knows not time or place

Not year or day will stead its pace

Searching till spirits meet

Two halves that are now complete

When soul to soul and heart to heart

Can come together it is the start

Of life worth living for eternity

Without guarantee or certainty

It searches till it finds its mate

It is love mixed with fate

Love isn’t neat and without clutter

Souls not complete without each other

Now at last we are one

Searching for you is finally done

No other can ever take your place

In this time or in this space.

The tears ran down Maggie’s face as she stepped up to her son and kissed his cheek. She then rejoined Giles at the podium.

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Giles took his wife in his arms and kissed her as the group of friends cheered. Buffy took Spike’s hand and turned him for an embrace. She whispered in his ear, “That was beautiful. Hope you have one planned for our wedding.”

He jerked his head back. “You are asking me to marry you?”

Instead of answering, Buffy wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him as their friends and family looked on.

“About time!” quipped Dawn.

The End