Part 20:

“Um, Buffy?” Dawn asked sheepishly, walking into Angel’s office with her hands behind her back. Connor followed behind her, his eyes on the ground

“Dawn, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” Buffy asked, standing.

“I’m fine.” Dawn assured her. Buffy’s eyes shot to Connor. “We’re both fine.” Dawn said quickly, drawing Buffy’s gaze back to her.

Buffy stared at her for a moment. “Where’s Spike?”

“Well, we sort of….lost him.” Dawn said sheepishly.

“Lost him? How can you lose Spike, he’s too loud to lose.” Buffy said, staring at her sister.

“We didn’t exactly lose him, we went to get some ice cream and we were supposed to meet him back here but he never showed up.” She explained.

“I thought I told you to stay with him.”

“It was his idea.” Dawn said quickly. “Anyway, he was supposed to meet us in the parking garage a half hour ago and he never showed. Buffy, Spike doesn’t just flake like that, I think something happened.”

“Did you guys see anything when you were in the sewers?” Angel asked, walking over to the group.

Connor shook his head. “Nothing.”

“That’s why he told us to go do something.” Dawn added. “You don’t think he would of, you know, left, do you?”

Buffy thought about this for a moment before shaking her head. “No. Now come on, I want you to take me to where you saw him last.”

“Maybe we should talk to Fred and Gunn, they might know if there are any new demons in the area.” Angel suggested. “And if they haven’t I’m sure we could find some leads pretty quick.”

“Uh, right. Connor, you know where Spike was last. Go with your dad and if they can’t find anything take him there, alright?” Buffy said. Connor nodded. “Good. Dawn, you’re with me.”

Dawn nodded. “Come on…”

----------

“Are you hungry?” Matty asked casually, licking a bit of blood from her fingers. Her eyes fell to Spike when he didn’t answer. “Aww, now you’re not talking to me? Pity, I was just loving the accent.”

“Bugger off, wench…” He muttered, wincing. His shirt was unbuttoned, his exposed skin covered in deep gashed and burns.

“Tsk, tsk William, that’s not very nice. What did I ever do to you?” She asked sweetly.

“How ‘bout kidnapping me, tying me up, threatening to kill the woman I love, and torturing me?” he asked venomously.

“Hmm, that would be reason enough for some people, I suppose.” She said with a shrug, walking back over to him. “Still, there’s no need to call names.”

“Really? Cause I think there’s plenty reason t’call names.”

“You know, you’re not very pretty when you’re covered in blood.” She said simply, ignoring him. She ran her fingers over one of the gashes in chest. He winced. “Aww, am I hurting you, William?”

“Just a bit.” He ground out. “And would you stop calling me that?”

She giggled. “It’s your name isn’t it?” Sighing, she shook her head. “I guess you’d prefer that horrendous nickname then. Spike, is it? I don’t know, it just doesn’t have that ring to it like William does.” She smiled and reached up, running her fingers over his hands. She halted as she caressed the cool silver of one of his rings. “You like jewelry, Spike?” She pulled her hands away from his and put them behind her neck, unclasping the necklace she was wearing. She lifted the silver chain from her neck and grinned. “I have a present for you.”

He glared at her. “I’m really startin’ t’dislike you.” He growled as she placed the chain around his neck, the cross dangling from it scorching his chest.

----------

“We were down here.” Dawn said, hoping down through the sewer grate. She landed with a splash, the sound echoing down the empty tunnel. Buffy followed behind her. “We came from that way.” Dawn said, pointing to her right. “So he probably headed that way.” She said, turning in the other direction.

Buffy sighed as she started to walk quickly. “Let’s go.”

“What are we supposed to do? I mean, it’s not like we can track him. You should have brought Connor with you, he would have been more helpful than me.”

“Then you would have had to go with Angel and now that you know you can kick his ass I’m not too sure if that would have been a good idea.” Buffy said, keeping up the quick pace.

“I would have waited to stake him until we found Spike.” Dawn said with a smirk.

“That’s really nice, Dawn. Besides, vampires can only track something if there’s blood.”

“Blood…such as that?” Dawn asked, stopping and pointing to the red-tinted water at her feet.

“That can’t be good.” Buffy muttered, her face filling with worry. “Okay, that vampire tracking thing sounds like a good idea right now. Go back to the hotel, tell Angel that we need him here now. Fred and Gunn can keep researching.”

Dawn nodded. “Alright.”

“I’m going to see if I can find anything else around. When you guys get back here just see where this leads, alright?”

“Got it.” Dawn said before turning and running back down the tunnel. “Be careful!” she called over her shoulder.

“I will.” Buffy called back, her eyes falling to the redish liquid at her feet. “All right, Spike, where are you….” She whispered quietly to herself. She rose to her feet and began to walk down the tunnel once more, her eyes scanning the ground for any more signs that he had come through here.

----------

“Angel!” Dawn called, rushing into the lobby. The vampire looked up from the counter, where he had been flipping through a large text book. Fred was on the computer behind him and Connor and Gunn were flipping through books on the couch.

“Dawn, what’s wrong? Did you find him?” Angel asked, closing the book and walking around to the other side of the counter. “Where’s Buffy?”

“No, but there was blood…” She said, breathing heavily from running the distance to the hotel. “Buffy’s still down there looking, but she said to get you because you’d be able to find him a lot easier.”

“Alright. Just tell me where I have to go.” He said coolly.

“What? No, I’ll take you there.” Dawn said.

“Dawn, you’re hurt. If this thing was strong enough to take Spike down then I’m sure you’re not going to be much of a match for it. You can stay here and help the others look for information.”

“I’m going with you.” Connor said, standing.

“Connor, I want you to stay here too. I don’t want you to get hurt.” Angel said, turning to his son.

“But dad…”

“Stay here.” He ordered as he turned and began walking towards the door. “Now where am I going?”

Dawn grabbed him by the arm and spun him around to face her. Her fist connected roughly with his jaw, causing him to stumble backwards and look at her in surprise. “You’re not going anywhere without me.” She growled. “I’m not the same little girl I was when you knew me, Angel. I’m going.” She glanced back over her shoulder as Connor stepped up behind her, staring at Angel defiantly. She released the vampire’s arm and stared at him. “I’m not standing around here when I don’t know where he is. I have to help, Angel.”

Angel’s eyes went back between the two teens briefly. “Fine, but we’re not going anywhere without weapons.”

----------

“Spike?” Buffy called down the empty tunnel. She was sure she had just heard something. Her pace quickened. “Spike?!”

Spike’s head shot up. Bugger. He glanced around the room. Matty was nowhere to be seen.

“Spike?!”

“Shit, Slayer. Why couldn’t you listen to me and just go home….” He muttered, trying once more to get his hands free. His wrists were raw and red from pulling at the restraints, but he had to get free and get her away from here. He clenched his jaw, trying to control the pain shooting through him with every move he made. The girl had made pretty good work of him with her holy water and dagger, not to mention the nice cross shape he had burned into in his chest. The silver charm still rested on his flesh, a painful reminder of what he was every time he moved and it touched a new part of his skin.

Buffy’s eyes locked on an opening above her, where a faint stream of light was falling down onto her. She looked around, and seeing no other alternative to get up there, she jumped. Her fingers clasped on the edge and she pulled herself up slowly. Rolling onto the hard ground, she stood. Her eyes scanned the area around her. She was in a basement of some sort. “Spike?!”

Dammit, she was getting closer. Spike pulled at his confinements once more, his eyes searching the room for Matty. Where the hell had the girl gone to? Taking an unnecessary breath, he pulled at the ropes with all his might. “…Bloody Hell!!” He yelled as he only managed to send more pain ricocheting through his body.

Buffy’s eyes fell to the stairs as she heard him. “Spike…” She stood there a moment before she ran, taking the steps two and three at a time, nearly tripping as she reached the top and slammed open the door. She found herself in a candle lit room, the smell of scorched flesh hanging in the air. “Oh God…” She muttered, her eyes falling to the figure huddled in the corner. Rushing over to the vampire, she slid to her knees by his side. “Spike, God…” She said, staring at him with wide eyes.

“Buffy, get out of here now.” He ordered.

“I’m not leaving you here.” She said simply, her eyes falling to the chain around his neck. She grabbed it and pulled it from his neck, tossing it to the floor with a look of disgust. Reaching up, she began to work on getting the ropes off of his wrists. “Who did this?”

“Buffy, please, get out of here…” he pleaded, his eyes staring past her, watching for Matty.

“Spike, I’m not leaving without you.” She said, getting one of his hands free. Her eyes went wide as she saw the damage he had done to his wrist trying to get free. She looked down at him as he winced, pity washing over her. Leaning down, she pressed her lips gently against his. “I’m going to get you out of here, I promise.”

“Aww, now isn’t that sweet?”

Buffy stood and spun around, her eyes locking on the girl across the room. Her eyes narrowed. “You did this to him…”

“Hmm, pity, isn’t it? He was so pretty before. Now if he had just agreed to help me he wouldn’t be looking so bad right now, isn’t that right William?” She said, cocking her head to the side at the vampire. He just glared at her.

“Help you? Help you do what?” Buffy asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

“Oh, it wasn’t really all that big a deal, I just wanted him to help me…”

“Help you do what?!” She demanded once more.

The dark haired girl grinned.

“Buffy, go…” Spike demanded.

“What did you want with him?” Buffy asked flatly, taking a step towards her.

“I wanted him to help me.” She said once more, closing the distance between them. She grinned widely. “I wanted him to help me kill you.”

TBC…

Part 21:

“You wanted him to help you… kill me?” Buffy asked, a smirk tugging at her lips.

“Aye.” Matty said with a sigh. “But it seems poor William’s lost his edge. Poor sap, doesn’t even want to do what makes him happy anymore.”

“Hmm, that’s funny, because I know what makes him happy and killing me isn’t it.” Buffy said snidely.

“Mm, if I’d caught up with him a few years ago I’m sure he would have helped me.” The dark haired girl said with a shrug.

“Yeah, well you didn’t.” Buffy said flatly. “And now I’m going to have to kick your ass for hurting him.”

“Buffy…” Spike began.

“No, William, the girl wants a fight, I’ll give her a fight.” Matty said with a smirk. “It’s amusing, really, a slayer defending a vampire. That vampire. I mean, he has killed two of your kind.”

“Does it really look like I’m caring?” Buffy asked flatly.

Matty smiled. “No, it doesn’t. That’s amusing too, history’s oldest Slayer is also the dumbest.” Buffy glared at her before swinging a fist at her face. Matty ducked down, easily avoiding the blow. “Tsk, tsk. You know, neither of you two have very good manners. First he calls me names then you show up and try to hit me.”

“You threatened to kill me.” Buffy pointed out.

Matty rolled her eyes. “You know, if you really feel that that’s a reason to resort to violence, fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” With that she swung, connecting his fist with Buffy’s jaw and sending her flying backwards into the wall.

“Buffy!!” Spike yelled, watching as the girl fell to the ground only feet from him. He returned his focus to trying to free his other hand.

“Oh come on now, I thought you’d be more of a challenge.” Matty whined, hauling the blonde up by her hair. “Just my luck, you’re just as pathetic as the rest.” She spun around, nailing the Slayer in the face with her boot. Buffy hit the ground once more.

Buffy pushed herself up from the ground, glaring at the girl in front of her. “You want pathetic? I’ll show you pathetic.” She lunged, shoving her opponent into the wall behind her. Slamming her elbow into her stomach, she reered back and slammed her head against hers. Matty chuckled and pushed her away, kicking at her head in the process. Buffy avoided the blow, but the girl grabbed her by the arm and slammed her back against the wall. Twisting her arm sharply behind her back to keep her there, she grinned.

“You’re right. You really are showing me how pathetic you are.” She said evilly. Buffy threw her head back, smacking it into her attacker’s face. She was rewarded with a satisfying pop as Matty released her, blood flowing from her now broken nose. “Guess you do have a little fight in you, ey Slayer?”

“More than a little.” She spat, jumping and knocking Matty to the ground with her foot. The girl rolled across the ground, landing a few feet in front of Spike. Her eyes lit up as she grabbed the dagger she had left on the ground nearby. She leapt to her feet and grabbed Spike’s arm.

“Let me help you with that.” She said sharply, punching him in the face. His vision faded as his head snapped to the side. Whipping the dagger through the air, she cut him free. His body slumped to the ground, barely conscious. Catching his hair in her hand, she held him up, the dagger point shoved roughly against his neck. She looked back up at Buffy, grinning. “Looks like your little pet here has gotten himself into a mess of trouble, isn’t that so, William?”

Spike choked as he tried to swallow, the dagger pressing against his neck. “Get out of here, Buffy…” He managed.

“Let him go.” Buffy commanded, glaring at the girl with raw hatred.

Her eyes looked up at the ceiling, as if she was thinking this over. She smiled and shook her head. “No, I don’t think I will.”

“Let. Him. Go.” Buffy growled, taking a step towards them.

“Buffy, please…” Spike begged. He was silenced as Matty pressed the dagger further into his neck, drawing blood.

“Now, now Will, can’t you see we’re talking? It’s not polite to interrupt.” She scolded mockingly.

“And it’s not polite to hold daggers to people’s necks.” He replied flatly.

She frowned. “You know, I do believe you’re right.” She pulled it away quickly. “How about this?” Buffy watched in horror as she brought the blade forward, burying it in the vampire’s back. She twisted it, pulled it out, and released him, allowing him to slump forward. “Hmm, I don’t think he liked that much either…”

Buffy lunged at her again, knocking the blade from her grasp. “I’ll kill you.” She growled, kneeing her in the stomach.

Matty laughed. “I told him you’d say that.” She swung her fists back up, sending Buffy stumbling backwards. “Pity I had to knock him out, I wanted him to watch.” She kicked again, forcing Buffy back against the wall. Buffy scowled and pushed away from the wall, ducking down as Matty swung again. She spun around and grabbed her by the arm, pulling her towards her. Slamming her arm across her neck, she sent her to the ground, gasping for air.

“What? Watch me kill you?” Buffy snapped.

“Quite the opposite, actually.” She replied, grabbing Buffy’s leg, sending her falling to the ground. She landed with a loud thump on her back. She went to get up, but Matty flipped over and straddled her, pinning her to the ground. Buffy tried to free herself, but she couldn’t throw the girl from on top of her. Her eyes fell to Spike, who was still lying motionless on the ground. “Aww, poor Slayer. No one here to help you now.” Matty said, grinning.

“That’s where you’re wrong.”

Her head spun around. Angel stood behind her, a crossbow aimed at her head. The tip of the arrow was mere inches from her skull. She chuckled. “Another vampire, how fun.” Her eyes drifted to the door where Connor and Dawn stood, each holding a rather large axe. “And some kiddies, how cute.”

“Get up.” Angel commanded. She obliged, rising to her feet slowly, her grin remaining in place. Buffy slid from under her and rose to her feet, glaring.

“I told you I’d kill you.” The slayer said flatly.

Matty smirked. “I’m not dead yet.” In one quick movement, she reached behind her, grabbing the crossbow from Angel. She brought it down on Buffy, knocking her to the ground. Before Angel had time to react, she swung it around, hitting him in the side of the head. Connor and Dawn rushed towards her, but they halted as she spun to face them, crossbow aimed. Angel helped Buffy up as Matty’s eyes darted between everyone.

“Leave them alone.” Angel growled when he realized she still had the weapon aimed at Connor and Dawn.

“Now why would I do that?” She asked with a laugh. She quickly leapt into the air, bringing the blunt end of the bow across both their faces, sending them backwards. She backed towards the wall, giving herself some more distance from her adversaries. She stepped over an unconscious Spike, still smiling madly.

“Because I’ll kill you if you do touch them again.” Angel said flatly, his eyes flitting to where the teens were lying.

“Why does everyone always say that?” She asked, rolling her eyes.

“‘cause that’s what we plan on doing.” Spike growled, grabbing her leg and pulling, sending her falling backwards to the ground. She kicked him in the face, sending him sprawling across the floor once more. Buffy and Angel jumped forward, each grabbing her by an arm before she could get back on her feet and forcing her up against the wall. Angel used a free arm to pull a punch, pounding it into her face.

She chuckled, her eyes rolling up to face Buffy. “Congratulations, Buffy, you get the honor of killing a myth.”

“No, I get the honor of killing a worthless bitch.” Buffy ground out. She released her arm and grasped the girl’s head, snapping her neck. Angel released her and they both watched as she fell lifelessly to the ground. Angel was the first to look away, rushing over to help Dawn and Connor. Buffy’s eyes fell to the ground. “Spike…” She knelt down beside the vampire, pulling his unconscious form into her lap. She ran her fingers through hid hair, trying to draw his attention. “Spike?”

“Mmm…” He moaned, his jaw tightening as he woke up to the reality that his body was nearly in little pieces.

“Shhh…” The slayer whispered, brushing the back of her hand across his forehead.

“…Buffy?” He choked out, trying to refocus his eyes. It was no use, everything remained blurry.

The slayer smiled and tightened her hold on him, wrapping her arms protectively around him. “God, I’m sorry…” She whispered, burying her head against his shoulder.

“For what?” He managed.

“Not getting here sooner…”

“S’not your fault….”

The slayer remained still for a moment, not letting him go. Reluctantly, she pulled back, but only enough to rest her head against his. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

TBC…

Part 22:

“You wanted him to help you… kill me?” Buffy asked, a smirk tugging at her lips.

“Aye.” Matty said with a sigh. “But it seems poor William’s lost his edge. Poor sap, doesn’t even want to do what makes him happy anymore.”

“Hmm, that’s funny, because I know what makes him happy and killing me isn’t it.” Buffy said snidely.

“Mm, if I’d caught up with him a few years ago I’m sure he would have helped me.” The dark haired girl said with a shrug.

“Yeah, well you didn’t.” Buffy said flatly. “And now I’m going to have to kick your ass for hurting him.”

“Buffy…” Spike began.

“No, William, the girl wants a fight, I’ll give her a fight.” Matty said with a smirk. “It’s amusing, really, a slayer defending a vampire. That vampire. I mean, he has killed two of your kind.”

“Does it really look like I’m caring?” Buffy asked flatly.

Matty smiled. “No, it doesn’t. That’s amusing too, history’s oldest Slayer is also the dumbest.” Buffy glared at her before swinging a fist at her face. Matty ducked down, easily avoiding the blow. “Tsk, tsk. You know, neither of you two have very good manners. First he calls me names then you show up and try to hit me.”

“You threatened to kill me.” Buffy pointed out.

Matty rolled her eyes. “You know, if you really feel that that’s a reason to resort to violence, fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” With that she swung, connecting his fist with Buffy’s jaw and sending her flying backwards into the wall.

“Buffy!!” Spike yelled, watching as the girl fell to the ground only feet from him. He returned his focus to trying to free his other hand.

“Oh come on now, I thought you’d be more of a challenge.” Matty whined, hauling the blonde up by her hair. “Just my luck, you’re just as pathetic as the rest.” She spun around, nailing the Slayer in the face with her boot. Buffy hit the ground once more.

Buffy pushed herself up from the ground, glaring at the girl in front of her. “You want pathetic? I’ll show you pathetic.” She lunged, shoving her opponent into the wall behind her. Slamming her elbow into her stomach, she reered back and slammed her head against hers. Matty chuckled and pushed her away, kicking at her head in the process. Buffy avoided the blow, but the girl grabbed her by the arm and slammed her back against the wall. Twisting her arm sharply behind her back to keep her there, she grinned.

“You’re right. You really are showing me how pathetic you are.” She said evilly. Buffy threw her head back, smacking it into her attacker’s face. She was rewarded with a satisfying pop as Matty released her, blood flowing from her now broken nose. “Guess you do have a little fight in you, ey Slayer?”

“More than a little.” She spat, jumping and knocking Matty to the ground with her foot. The girl rolled across the ground, landing a few feet in front of Spike. Her eyes lit up as she grabbed the dagger she had left on the ground nearby. She leapt to her feet and grabbed Spike’s arm.

“Let me help you with that.” She said sharply, punching him in the face. His vision faded as his head snapped to the side. Whipping the dagger through the air, she cut him free. His body slumped to the ground, barely conscious. Catching his hair in her hand, she held him up, the dagger point shoved roughly against his neck. She looked back up at Buffy, grinning. “Looks like your little pet here has gotten himself into a mess of trouble, isn’t that so, William?”

Spike choked as he tried to swallow, the dagger pressing against his neck. “Get out of here, Buffy…” He managed.

“Let him go.” Buffy commanded, glaring at the girl with raw hatred.

Her eyes looked up at the ceiling, as if she was thinking this over. She smiled and shook her head. “No, I don’t think I will.”

“Let. Him. Go.” Buffy growled, taking a step towards them.

“Buffy, please…” Spike begged. He was silenced as Matty pressed the dagger further into his neck, drawing blood.

“Now, now Will, can’t you see we’re talking? It’s not polite to interrupt.” She scolded mockingly.

“And it’s not polite to hold daggers to people’s necks.” He replied flatly.

She frowned. “You know, I do believe you’re right.” She pulled it away quickly. “How about this?” Buffy watched in horror as she brought the blade forward, burying it in the vampire’s back. She twisted it, pulled it out, and released him, allowing him to slump forward. “Hmm, I don’t think he liked that much either…”

Buffy lunged at her again, knocking the blade from her grasp. “I’ll kill you.” She growled, kneeing her in the stomach.

Matty laughed. “I told him you’d say that.” She swung her fists back up, sending Buffy stumbling backwards. “Pity I had to knock him out, I wanted him to watch.” She kicked again, forcing Buffy back against the wall. Buffy scowled and pushed away from the wall, ducking down as Matty swung again. She spun around and grabbed her by the arm, pulling her towards her. Slamming her arm across her neck, she sent her to the ground, gasping for air.

“What? Watch me kill you?” Buffy snapped.

“Quite the opposite, actually.” She replied, grabbing Buffy’s leg, sending her falling to the ground. She landed with a loud thump on her back. She went to get up, but Matty flipped over and straddled her, pinning her to the ground. Buffy tried to free herself, but she couldn’t throw the girl from on top of her. Her eyes fell to Spike, who was still lying motionless on the ground. “Aww, poor Slayer. No one here to help you now.” Matty said, grinning.

“That’s where you’re wrong.”

Her head spun around. Angel stood behind her, a crossbow aimed at her head. The tip of the arrow was mere inches from her skull. She chuckled. “Another vampire, how fun.” Her eyes drifted to the door where Connor and Dawn stood, each holding a rather large axe. “And some kiddies, how cute.”

“Get up.” Angel commanded. She obliged, rising to her feet slowly, her grin remaining in place. Buffy slid from under her and rose to her feet, glaring.

“I told you I’d kill you.” The slayer said flatly.

Matty smirked. “I’m not dead yet.” In one quick movement, she reached behind her, grabbing the crossbow from Angel. She brought it down on Buffy, knocking her to the ground. Before Angel had time to react, she swung it around, hitting him in the side of the head. Connor and Dawn rushed towards her, but they halted as she spun to face them, crossbow aimed. Angel helped Buffy up as Matty’s eyes darted between everyone.

“Leave them alone.” Angel growled when he realized she still had the weapon aimed at Connor and Dawn.

“Now why would I do that?” She asked with a laugh. She quickly leapt into the air, bringing the blunt end of the bow across both their faces, sending them backwards. She backed towards the wall, giving herself some more distance from her adversaries. She stepped over an unconscious Spike, still smiling madly.

“Because I’ll kill you if you do touch them again.” Angel said flatly, his eyes flitting to where the teens were lying.

“Why does everyone always say that?” She asked, rolling her eyes.

“‘cause that’s what we plan on doing.” Spike growled, grabbing her leg and pulling, sending her falling backwards to the ground. She kicked him in the face, sending him sprawling across the floor once more. Buffy and Angel jumped forward, each grabbing her by an arm before she could get back on her feet and forcing her up against the wall. Angel used a free arm to pull a punch, pounding it into her face.

She chuckled, her eyes rolling up to face Buffy. “Congratulations, Buffy, you get the honor of killing a myth.”

“No, I get the honor of killing a worthless bitch.” Buffy ground out. She released her arm and grasped the girl’s head, snapping her neck. Angel released her and they both watched as she fell lifelessly to the ground. Angel was the first to look away, rushing over to help Dawn and Connor. Buffy’s eyes fell to the ground. “Spike…” She knelt down beside the vampire, pulling his unconscious form into her lap. She ran her fingers through hid hair, trying to draw his attention. “Spike?”

“Mmm…” He moaned, his jaw tightening as he woke up to the reality that his body was nearly in little pieces.

“Shhh…” The slayer whispered, brushing the back of her hand across his forehead.

“…Buffy?” He choked out, trying to refocus his eyes. It was no use, everything remained blurry.

The slayer smiled and tightened her hold on him, wrapping her arms protectively around him. “God, I’m sorry…” She whispered, burying her head against his shoulder.

“For what?” He managed.

“Not getting here sooner…”

“S’not your fault….”

The slayer remained still for a moment, not letting him go. Reluctantly, she pulled back, but only enough to rest her head against his. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

TBC…

Part 23:

“What the hell…” Spike muttered, trying to adjust his eyes to the dim light surrounding him. He was aware of two things. One: He was still in great amounts of pain, and two: He was on the floor.

“Decide to join the land of the living?”

Spike rolled over, bringing into view the face of a grinning slayer. She was sitting back against the leg of Angel’s desk, looking down at him. He shrugged as best he could while lying down. “Nah, just the land of the conscious.”

“Darn, ‘cause I was really hoping by some miracle you’d wake up with a pulse.”

“Sorry luv, just lil ole living dead me.”

“Eh, I guess you’ll do.” She said with a shrug.

“Gee, thanks.” He said, wincing as he sat up. “You mind if I ask why we’re on the floor… in the Poofter’s little office…” He added, looking around.

“You fall down go boom, we too lazy to drag you upstairs.” She answered.

“Then why are you in here? Last I knew you were still mobile, well, slightly… How’s your stomach?”

“Still slicey.” She replied, lifting up the t-shirt she was wearing to reveal a rather bloody bandage adorning her middle. Rolling it back down, she sighed. “And I wasn’t gonna make you sleep downstairs by yourself.”

“You passed out too, din’t you?” He asked with a smirk.

She grinned. “Yup. But even if I hadn’t I still would have slept down here.”

The vampire shook his head. “I’m never gonna get you, Summers, you know that?”

“Well, you got plenty of time to figure me out.” She said knowingly.

Spike remained quiet for a moment. “Guess I do…”

“So you’re coming home?” She asked softly.

He sighed, running a hand over the back of his neck. “I didn’t think it was possible, but I seem t’get my ass kicked here more so than I do back on the Hellmouth. Strange, really.” His face scrunched up in thought.

“It’s about time you got up.”

Buffy and Spike both looked up from their seats on the floor to find Cordelia staring at them from the door, holding two glasses in her hands.

“You’ve only been asleep for like fifteen hours now. Here.” She said, handing Spike one of them.

He looked down into it skeptically. “Blood. Nummy.”

“I didn’t know what you’d want, so you get coffee.” She said with a shrug, handing the other cup to Buffy.

The slayer took the cup, giving the girl a small smile. “Thanks.”

“Hey, what was up with the fireworks last night? Neat little trick you got there.” Spike asked, having already finished of his meal. Buffy gave him a disgusted look.

“No fireworks, just inter-dimensional discharge.” Cordelia explained calmly.

Buffy and Spike both stared at her blankly. “So…. Matty’s dead, right?” Spike finally asked.

“If by dead you mean floating around some Hell dimension in millions of little pieces, then yeah, she’s dead.”

“Right…” Buffy muttered, nodding. An uneasy silence fell over the room, it’s occupants looking about, fidgeting.

“Where’s my coat?” Spike asked, looking over at Buffy, a serious expression on his face.

Buffy stared at him like he was an idiot. “Your…coat?”

He shrugged. “S’not like you lot were talkin’ bout anythin’ important. Where’s my coat?”

“And your coat’s important?”

“Bloody right it is.” He said indignantly, standing. He moved a bit too fast, causing a rush of pain to shoot through him. He clenched his jaw, trying to avoid the fact that he was an idiot. “…ow.”

“Way to go, Superman.” Buffy commented, standing herself. She accomplished the task a bit slower, avoiding most of the pain-factor.

“Wow. Just like old times. You show up and everyone gets their asses kicked.” Cordy observed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Glad I went for the fashionably late entrance.”

Buffy winced, unconsciously placing a hand over her stomach. “How are the others? I mean, injury wise. They all took a pretty good beating.”

“They’re pretty black and blue, but you two seemed to have gotten off the worst.” She answered, nodding.

“Yay for us.” Spike muttered sarcastically.

Buffy grimaced. “Yeah….yay…”

----------

“Dawn, turn it off and put your stuff in the car.” Buffy ordered, shutting the television her and Connor were watching off.

“Hey.” Dawn protested, glaring at her sister. Connor just kind of slunk back into the couch.

“Now.” Buffy commanded. “We’re pushing getting back before sunrise as it is.”

“Why can’t we just take the bus back? I don’t want to drive two hours with Angel…” Dawn complained as she stood, heading over to the stairs to get her bags. “No offense.” She added, looking back over her shoulder at the vampire’s son. He shrugged, evidently not caring.

“Neither does Spike, but the next bus doesn’t leave until noon and Spike’s not really up for a daytime trip.” Buffy explained.

“What about his bike? Is he just leaving it here?” The teen asked as she walked towards the door.

“No.” Spike said sharply, descending the stairs, a slight limp to his step. “I’ll come back an’ get it in a few days. M’not really up for ridin’ the thing right now.”

“Darn, cause I’d really prefer to ride back with you.” Dawn complained, rolling her eyes.

“Make junior ride with us.” Spike suggested, pointing at Connor.

“I don’t know…” Connor said, shaking his head. He may have been in this world for a few months now, but he still got a bit carsick.

“Oh come on, keep the girl company.” Spike said with a grin. “‘sides, don’t you want to see your Uncle Spike off?”

“Come on, it won’t be so bad.” Buffy coaxed. “You can meet the gang when we get back.”

“Hey, Angel wants to know if you guys got everything out there.” Cordelia chimed, walking through the door.

“Yeah, Dawn just took the last of it out.” Buffy said with a nod. “So how’s it feel to be home?”

“Eh, tiring. I’m here for like two minutes and I’m already killing something.” Cordy said.

“Betcha got lots of catchin’ up to do.”

“Not really.” She answered, placing her hands on her hips. “I mean, seeing as Angel was underwater the whole time I was gone it took him like two minutes to explain what he did while I was gone. Then we talked about…. other stuff.” She looked up to find Spike smirking at her. “Anyways, me, Fred, and Gunn are gonna hang out when you guys leave. They actually have things to talk about.”

“See that Shrimp?” Spike asked, turning back to Connor. “Go with us or hang out with these ninnies until tomorrow night.”

----------

“Are we almost there?” Dawn quipped.

“About ten minutes.” Angel replied. “Why?”

“Buffy and Spike are hogging the seat.” The girl whined, trying to push the sleeping Slayer over.

Angel grinned, looking in his rearview mirror. “I’ll try to hurry.”

“Thanks…” Dawn muttered, slouching further into the seat.

“Nibblet, I told you once and I’m not gonna tell you again.” Spike warned, not opening his eyes from where he was ‘sleeping’. “You don’t use your manners when talking to the Poof.” He heard Connor chuckle slightly from the passenger seat.

Dawn smirked. “Sorry, I forgot.”

“Don’t tell her that.” Buffy said, jabbing Spike in the side.

“You’re awake too!?” Dawn whined. “You’ve been sitting there while I tried to get you to scoot over and you’ve been awake? You couldn’t have scooted over?”

“I’m comfortable…” Buffy muttered.

“And I’m not, so scoot over.” Dawn ordered, shoving her sister.

“Hey. Don’t make me pull this car over.” Angel warned.

Buffy rolled her eyes and scooted closer to Spike. “Happy?”

“No, we’re still in the car with Angel.” Dawns said simply.

“Dawn!” Buffy scolded. Spike laughed. “Don’t encourage her.”

“M’not encouraging nothin’.” He said in his defense, catching a glimpse of the ‘Welcome to Sunnydale’ sign as the drove past. He sat up. “Hey! You stupid sod, you missed the sign!” Buffy pulled him back down, smirking.

“This is where you live?” Connor asked, looking around at the many houses and small businesses.

“‘lot smaller than LA, innit?” Spike chirped.

“Yeah.”

“Head over to the Magic Shop, I told everyone we’d meet ‘em there.” Buffy told Angel. He nodded and turned down the appropriate street. A few moments later he parked the car in front of the shop.

“Home sweet home.” Spike muttered, hopping over the side of the car. “Come on luv.”

“Stop with the gentleman act, you’re scaring me.” Buffy warned, accepting his hand as he helped her from the car. He just smirked and led her towards the shop.

“Buffy!” Willow was the first to spring up from the table, enveloping her friend in a hug. “You’re home.”

“Obviously.” Buffy ground out, wincing.

“Oh, sorry.” Willow said, pulling away. “What’s wrong?”

“Boo-boo.” Buffy explained, lifting her shirt to share her battle wound.

“Let me be the first to say –ow.” Xander said, walking over to her.

“I said that last night.” Buffy said with a smirk. Willow, Xander, and Anya looked at Spike with blank expressions.

“What? I din’t do anything. Bloody dirty minded brats…”

“Oh Buffy, come on. What’s with this?” Xander said in an exasperated tone as Dawn walked in, Connor and Angel following on her heels. “It was bad enough that you had to go get Bleach Boy, but did you have to bring Soul Boy back too?”

Buffy rolled her eyes. “He drove us back. He’s heading home after sunset.”

“Who’s the kid?” Anya asked, pointing to Connor. The teen dropped his gaze to the floor sheepishly.

“That would be Connor.” Buffy explained.

Spike slapped the kid on the back, grinning. “He’s Peaches’ kid.”

Part 24:

Everyone remained silent, staring at Connor. The teen’s eyes searched the faces around him, studying their confused expressions. Buffy punched Spike in the arm, scowling. “Way to put it.”

“You have a kid? When did you get a kid? Why didn’t we know you had a kid?” Willow rambled, looking back and forth between Angel and Connor.

“Willow, chill.” Buffy interrupted. “It’s not as complicated as it seems…” The Slayer’s face scrunched up. “…well, actually it’s a lot more complicated than it seems.”

“Let me handle this, Slayer.” Spike said, He looked at Connor before pointing to the trio standing in front of them. “‘right Junior, that’s Whelp, Red, and Anya. They say hi, now let’s go home.”

Buffy punched him again. “Ignore him.” She told Connor. “That’s Willow, Xander, and…Anya.”

Anya shrugged. “He doesn’t have some silly nickname for me.”

“Don’t you feel left out?” Spike asked sarcastically, walking past the gang and taking a seat at the table.

“I’m glad to see that when you lost your soul you didn’t lose your attitude.” Xander shot sarcastically at the blonde. Spike flicked him off without looking up.

“Spike, stoppit.” Buffy commanded.

“I have to admit though, even for Xander that comment was pretty rude.” Anya chimed.

“Why does everyone always take his side?” Xander exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air.

“Because I’m lovable.” Spike said knowingly, grinning. “And you’re not.”

“Xander can be lovable.” Willow said, defending her friend. “Xander, show ‘em the Snoopy Dance, that’s lovable.”

“I’m not doing the Snoopy Dance here!” Xander screeched.

“The Snoopy Dance? You mean that little kicky thing Snoopy does when he’s really happy?” Dawn asked, smirking.

Willow nodded eagerly, grinning. “He does it every Christmas.”

“Come on, Whelp, we could use some entertainment. God knows LA was just a barrel of fun.” Spike said, not wanting to miss another chance to humiliate the boy. He rocked back in his chair, putting his boots up on the table.

“Spike, he’s not going to do the Snoopy Dance.” Buffy said, rolling her eyes.

“Thank you.” Xander uttered.

“Fine then. You do it.” Spike said with a grin, staring at Buffy.

“If you’re so desperate to watch someone do the Snoopy Dance, you do it.” She shot back.

He shrugged. “Never been one to watch cartoons, I don’t know how it goes.”

“Just stand really stiff and kick your legs around a lot.” Dawn explained. “Oh, and make sure you look up and smile really stupid.”

“Pass.” The vampire said, pulling a cigarette from his coat.

“Xander makes that weird cooing noise during sex, that’s kind of cute.” Anya said with a shrug. Everyone grew quiet and stared at her.

“God I missed Sunnydale…” Angel muttered, giving Connor a sympathetic glance.

----------

“You go to school here?” Connor asked, eyeing the large building as they walked past.

“Yeah. It’s not really as big as it looks from out here. The old high school was a lot bigger, but Buffy blew it up.” Dawn said with a shrug, running her fingers along the chain link fence surrounding the schoolyard. “Where do you go to school?”

“I don’t.”

Dawn smirked. “Lucky.” Looking over, she found him staring at the ground as they walked. “I mean, it’s cool that you don’t have to do homework or anything. I guess it kind of sucks that you don’t get to see anyone your own age.”

Connor shrugged. “I never had any friends until I got to this world. Sunny was my friend, but she…”

“Sorry.” Dawn said, giving him a sympathetic look.

“It’s alright. I don’t like big groups of people anyway.”

“Betcha the Scoobies wigged ya out a bit.” Dawn said knowingly.

“They were…odd.” He replied with a small smile. “Especially the guy. What was his name?”

“Xander. And yeah, Xander qualifies as major weird. He’s funny though, but he rips on Spike a lot.”

“Spike doesn’t seem so bad. For a vampire, at least.”

“Spike’s like the coolest vampire ever.” Dawn said simply. “He like used to be this bad ass who killed two Slayers until the government put this chip in his headso he couldn’t hurt humans, only demons. He’s been helping Buffy ever since.”

“And they fell in love.” He added.

Dawn grinned. “Yeah.”

----------

“God I hate you…” Buffy muttered, watching from her seat on the floor as Spike dunked a chocolate chip cookie into his glass of blood. “That’s the most revolting thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Then don’t look.” He said simply, shoving the cookie into his mouth as he slunk further back into the couch. He was sprawled leisurely across it, a plate of cookies resting on his chest.

“Why can’t you just act like a normal vampire?”

“And try to kill you?” He suggested, arcing his eyebrows as he devoured another cookie.

Buffy rolled her eyes. “Fine, you win. Eat your stupid cookies.”

“That was the plan.” He said coyly, returning his eyes to the television. “Where’d Peaches get to?”

“He’s back at the shop with Anya. He says the shop has some pretty useful magick books. He wanted to go through ‘em and see if he could use any before he left.” Buffy explained, resting her head back against the couch.

He shrugged, dipping another cookie into the red liquid. “Poof takes a vacation and spends his time studying. What fun.”

“Would you prefer he hung out here all day?”

“Let ‘im study.” Spike said quickly, reaching over her head and setting his cookies and blood on the coffee table. “So, how’s your belly holding out?”

“Eh…” She answered.

“Eh?” He questioned, sitting up. “What kind of answer is that?” She shrugged. Rolling his eyes, he slid down to sit next to her on the floor. “Lemme see.”

“Why? Unless you can heal things with your eyes it’s not gonna do much good.” She replied.

“Wise ass.” He fired back, grinning. Buffy rolled her eyes and with a defeated sigh raised her shirt. “You sure you don’t need stitches? That’s pretty gross lookin’…” He said, making a face.

“I’m fine.” She said, giving him a small smile. “Promise. Besides, I’m not big on hospital visits. They give me the wiggins.”

“Baby.”

“I have my reasons, the main one being that creepy Freddy Krueger type demon I had to fight when I was sick a few years ago. It was really traumatizing.” She explained.

“Poor Slayer.” He said, pulling her closer.

“Poor me.” She agreed, staring down at his hand as he wrapped it around hers. She pulled it up, examining it. “Where’s your nail polish?” she asked with a smirk.

“Africa was lacking in the beauty department.” He explained with a shrug. “Why do you care, anyways?”

She shrugged. “Just noticed. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without your horribly chipped gothic manicure.”

“Now you’re worried ‘bout my looks?” He asked with a smirk.

“You didn’t do your hair this morning either.” She pointed out, swatting a loose curl away from his brow. “What’s next, no coat?”

He wrapped his duster tightly around him, pouting. “No bloody way.”

“Just a question.” She said innocently, grinning. “Besides, the curls are cute.”

“Ya think?” he asked, looking up as she ran her fingers through his hair.

She nodded. “But you just wouldn’t be you without the coat.” The girl added as she straightened the collar on said coat. They both jumped as the phone rang.

“I’ll get it.” Spike said simply, placing a hand on her shoulder to keep her from standing. She watched as he sauntered down the hall to get the cordless. “‘ello?”

“Nice t’talk to you too, Rupes.” Spike muttered, rolling his eyes as he walked back into the living room. “S’for you.” He said, handing the phone down to the Slayer.

“Can you say ‘duh’? It’s my house, of course it’s for me.” She said with a grin, snatching the phone from him as he sat back down beside her. “Hello?”

“Giles! Hey. How’s things on the English front?”

“Quite good, actually. Willow called and informed me that you killed Matticks when you went to retrieve Spike. Is that true?”

“In a sense. Cordelia did most of the killing.”

“Long story. But yeah, the Slayer of Slayers is dead.”

“Good, good. Anyways, that’s not why I’m calling you.”

“You’re not about to tell me I’m going to die, are you? ‘cause I’m kinda in a good mood and that would ruin it.”

“Heavens no. Quiet the opposite, actually.”

“Opposite? Of me dying?” she asked quizzically. “I’m going to live!! Oh goody!” She said in mock happiness, throwing her arms around Spike’s neck. “Giles says I’m going to live!”

“Bloody great….” He muttered sarcastically, giving her a devilish grin.

Buffy stopped giggling and sighed. She could almost hear Giles cleaning his glasses over the phone. “Sorry Giles. So what’s the news?”

“I just thought I’d tell you that I called in a favor. Well, a few, actually…. Seventeen to be exact.”

“Seventeen? For what? Is the world about to end again?” She heard him chuckle.

“No, no, no. Call me tomorrow, you’ll know by then…. And Lord knows I’m going to regret this with all my being.”

“Giles? Stop with the cryptic! What did you do?”

“I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Buffy.”

“Giles? Giles!” Buffy groaned and hung the phone up.

“What’d he want?” Spike asked, having resumed his cookie munching.

“To tell me that he called in a favor.” She said flatly, staring at the phone.

“For what?”

“Good question. A question I’m going to get answered.” She said with determination as she punched in Giles’ phone number. “Giles? It’s me… Giles? Giles!?” She punched the off button roughly. “He hung up on me!”

“I would have never guessed.” Spike muttered, rolling his eyes.

Buffy scowled and dialed the number once more. Her eyes went wide. “He took the phone off the hook!”

“Bummer.”

Buffy punched the vampire roughly. “I want to know what he did and I don’t want to wait until tomorrow.”

“Patience is a virtue.” Spike said knowingly.

“And it’s one we both lack.”

“‘sactly.” He replied with a grin.

----------

“Where you off to, luv?” Spike asked from his rather comfortable position sprawled across the couch. His eyes fell to Buffy, who was by the stairs shrugging into her jacket.

“Angel’s leaving. I’m going to say bye.” She said. A groan/whine escaped her throat when she noticed the hole adorning the right sleeve of her jacket. She pulled it off and scowled at it. “How is it every jacket I buy manages to get ruined within the first week of it’s life and you can keep the same one in tact for years?” She demanded.

“Family secret.” The blonde vampire replied simply, smirking proudly. His smirk faded as Buffy’s jacket found it’s way across the room and over his face.

“You’re family’s been dead for over a hundred years.” She said matter-of-factly, crossing the room towards him. He plucked the discarded garment from his face and tossed it back to her.

“Not true.” He stated as she stood over him, smirking.

“How so?” She asked, quirking an eyebrow.

He straightened and grinned. “I got all the family I need right here… well, soon as Nibblet gets back, anyway.”

Buffy gave him a sincere smile as she brushed a hand through his hair. Her smile then molded into a smirk. “What about Angel and Connor?”

Spike made a face. “Eh, I disowned Angel. The kid isn’t so bad though.”

“Good, then you can come with me to say bye.” She said, hauling him up from the couch.

He scowled as she pushed him towards the door. “I’m not saying bye to Peaches.”

“Don’t have to.” She replied simply. “You can say bye to Connor.”

He grinned. “I’ll go with you… on one condition.”

She halted and smirked. “Why do I have a feeling I’m going to hate you for this?”

“You already hate me for the cookies.” He reminded her. “Now come on upstairs for a few minutes, I just want to give Peaches a little surprise ‘fore he leaves.” Casting a devilish grin over his shoulder, he grabbed her hand and drug her up the stairs after him.

----------

“Anya?” Buffy called, glancing around the empty shop as Spike led her in by the hand, grinning madly.

“I’m up here!” the demoness called from the loft, not bothering to look down at them.

“Where is everyone?”

“Xander and Willow left already.”

“Where’s Angel?” Spike asked, not wanting to wait another minute to have some fun with his sire.

“In the training room with Connor and Dawn, now will you go away? I’m trying to sort out these magic books we ordered. I think they ripped me off and took my money.”

Buffy rolled her eyes. “Sorry.”

“Come on luv. There’s fun to be had.” Spike said eagerly, hauling her towards the training room.

“He’s so going to kill you, you know that, right?” She asked with a smirk.

“It’ll all be worth it.” He said as he swung the door open. Buffy did her best to hold a straight face at the looks she got when she entered the room. Angel stood slackjawed while Connor and Dawn held back laughs. Putting on a serious face, Buffy cuddled closer to Spike, resting her head on his arm as they stood in the doorway.

“B-Buffy…you look…” Angel finally managed, a strange look crossing his face as he looked the Slayer over. The girl was adorning a pair of tight black pants and a tight, revealing black tanktop. Her bright eyes were surrounded by heavy black liner, making them seem to pop out of her head. Her lips and nails were both black, adding to the dark visage.

Buffy pouted, burying her head further into Spike’s jacket. “You don’t like it?”

Angel’s mouth opened and closed a few times, but no sound came out. Spike just grinned and hugged the Slayer tightly. “Don’t we just make the cutest couple?” Dawn and Connor continued to snicker.

Angel tried to form words again, but failed miserably, only managing a few squeaks and whimpers. Buffy lost it. She cracked up, clutching an arm around her injured stomach as she laughed. Dawn and Connor joined in the laughter and Spike chuckled. “See? I’m still evil.” He said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Angel. He made me do it.” Buffy said between giggles, tears threatening to spill from her eyes from her fit of laughter. “I’ve got to admit though, you’re face was just priceless. I mean, for a second there I thought you were going to vamp out…” she droned on, grinning. Angel just stood there, an unamused expression on his face as he stared at the goth-decked couple.

TBC…

Part 25:

“I look like a zombie.” Buffy whined, leaning closer to the bathroom mirror as she tried unsuccessfully to scrub the dark makeup from her eyes. So far, all she had managed to do was smudge it so, making her look like a raccoon..

“Give it here.” Spike demanded, taking the washcloth from her. She scowled as she turned to face him. “You have any baby oil?” He asked. Sighing, the Slayer opened the medicine cabinet and produced a bottle.

“What for?” she demanded, handing it off to him.

“It’ll take it off.” He said simply, pouring a bit onto the cloth and running some warm water over it. “Close your eyes.” She obliged and he took to wiping the gobs of black makeup from her face. “There, all better.” He proclaimed after a few moments.

She turned and looked in the mirror. “That’s just scary.”

“What is?” He asked, tossing the cloth absently to the floor.

Scowling at his messiness, she bent down to pick it back up. “That you know more makeup tricks than I do.”

“I wore more makeup than you in the seventies.” He said with a grin.

“And you say you’re not poofy.” She said enticingly as she walked out into the hallway.

“Hey, it takes a very masculine man to wear makeup.” He argued in his defense, following her into her room. Buffy smirked as she plopped down onto the foot of her bed and tossed the washcloth atop a heap of dirty clothes that had accumulated in the corner.

“Really?” She questioned, eyes twinkling.

“Really.” He assured her, hopping down onto the bed himself. Laying back and resting his head on a pillow, he crossed his boot-clad feet and closed his eyes.

“‘kay then, girly man.” She said with a grin as she pulled the unlaced, muddy boots from his feet and tossed them to the ground. “Don’t wear these on my bed.”

“Yes, oh self proclaimed God Of Everything.” He said, not opening his eyes.

“You’ve given up your title?” She questioned, lying down beside him.

He thought about this for a moment. “We’ll share it.”

Rolling her head to look at him, she placed a hand on his forehead. “You feel okay?”

“Peachy. Why?” He asked, looking over at the girl, whose head was resting mere inches from his.

“You offered to share.”

“I must be dying.” He said simply.

“Must be.” She agreed, turning back over so she was staring at the ceiling. They laid like that for awhile, heads resting together as they stared at the rather unamusing ceiling. “What do you think he did?”

“Who, Giles?”

“Mm hmm.”

“Well, his idea of a favor would be having a lifetime supply of tea shipped to your house.” Spike commented.

“Tea is good.”

“Pet, I’m from England and I don’t even like tea.”

“You’re a vampire.”

“Still.”

She sighed. “I don’t like surprises.”

“It’s Giles. How much of a surprise could it be?”

“Good point.” She said with a nod. “Probably just tea.” She remained quiet for a few moments before groaning.

“What now?”

“Seventeen favors worth of tea?” She asked skeptically, looking over at him.

“A lifetime supply is quite a lot. Could be seventeen favors worth.” He replied with a shrug. She didn’t respond. Sighing, he turned to look at her, propping his head up on his hand. “Look, do I have to remind you again that this is Giles we’re talking about. The guy comes equipped with three whole facial expressions. His ‘Dear-Lord’ look, his ‘I-saw-that-in-a-book-somewhere’ look, and his ‘Just-shoot-me-my-Slayer-and-her-little-friends-are-driving-me-mad’ look. How bloody surprising can this favor be?”

“Did you know he only cleans his glasses when he doesn’t want to look at us?” She asked knowingly.

“Did you know he has a hefty supply of exotic porno magazines under his mattress?” He asked in the same tone. Buffy’s eyes went wide in disbelief. Was he actually telling her this?! “What? Don’t think I didn’t snoop around when I was stayin’ there. Oh, and you know that little wooden box on the bottom shelf of the bookcase with all the arrows innit? Well, if you lift the tray up…”

She clasped a hand firmly over his mouth. “Please don’t tell me.”

“Why not?” He asked with a grin as he pulled her hand away.

“Some things are better left unknown.”

“Such as what his seventeen favors were for?” He offered, wondering if she’d just give up on it and get some sleep already.

“No.” She pouted, flopping back down. “I want to know.” They sat there not speaking once more, eyes locked on the ceiling.

“So anyway, you lift the tray up…” He began once more before being cut off by a giggling Slayer. She slammed her hand back over his mouth and sat up, sitting down on the vampire’s stomach.

“No more creepy Giles secrets.” She said firmly, both hands now held over his mouth, which would have proved to be a problem had he needed to breath. “Promise?”

He nodded.

She gave him a warning glare before pulling both hands away. He remained quiet, merely grinning at the girl perched on his stomach. “What’s so funny?” She finally asked.

“What’s under the tray.” He said simply. “Funny as all Hell.”

“Hell isn’t funny.”

“How would you know? You haven’t been there. Could be loads of fun… or that could just be my wishful thinkin’, seeing as sooner or later I’m gonna be spendin’ an eternity there.”

Buffy frowned, sliding off of him and sitting with her legs crossed beside him. “Don’t say that.”

“Why not? S’true. You’ll die and go to Heaven and I’ll die and go to Hell. S’all pretty much basic knowledge, Slayer. Slayer good, vampire evil. Slayer goes to Heaven, vampire goes to Hell.”

“Your delusional.” She said flatly, lying back down beside him.

“How so?”

“You only think your evil. It’s all in your head.” She said informatively, poking him on the forehead.

“Am too evil.” He argued. She snorted in reply. “I am, you silly git.”

“Really? Well then, Big Bad, what, beside the whole making Angel into a bumbling idiot, did you do today that was evil?”

He thought about this for a moment. “Oh, you know those little ‘Need a penny, take a penny’ things at the checkouts at gas stations?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, t’day when I went in t’get my smokes, I took all the pennies.”

Buffy remained deathly silent and blinked a few times before breaking out into hysterics, burying her head in his shoulder as she laughed. “Yep, you’re still the Big Bad alright.” She managed between giggles.

“Damn right I am.” He said with a smile, wrapping his arms around the giggling girl. “And fourteen cents richer.”

“Wow, total richness.” She said with a nod. “What do you plan on doing with your fortune?”

“… I can make a one and a half minute long distance call…. to Argentina…jus’ for the Hell of it.”

“You must be proud.” She said playfully, patting him on the chest as she laid her head back down on his shoulder. “But our long distance calling plan is only for in calls made to the continental US. Your gonna need more than fourteen cents.”

“Bugger.”

“We could always go put em into one of those ‘Need a penny, take a penny’ things at a gas station.” She suggested helpfully.

“Nah, some ninny’ll just come along and take em all like a Poof.”

“Some people are just rude.” She agreed.

“Completely. They deserve to be killed.”

“Hand me that stake over there.” She ordered, pointing at the stake lying on her nightstand. He just laughed before they both fell silent.

“One hundred forty-one dollars and twelve cents…” He said suddenly after the lengthy pause.

“Huh?”

“Well, there’s three gas stations in Sunnydale. I figure, we go to em everyday and steal fourteen cents from their little penny trays. That’s forty-two cents a day, two dollars and ninety-four cents a week, eleven dollars and seventy-six cents a month, and one hundred forty-one dollars and twelve cents a year.”

“… You should really start helping Dawn with her math homework.” She muttered.

“I’ll do just that.”

“After we steal pennies?”

“After we steal pennies.”

“‘kay.”

----------

Buffy whimpered, pulling the blankets more tightly around her small frame. Rolling over, she went to cuddle up against Spike, only to find he was in the process of not-being-around-when-he’s-needed, AKA when Buffy’s cold. She slowly peeled her eyes open to find the blonde standing in front of her window, staring at the closed blinds. “Get over here ‘fore you become a crispy critter.” She muttered, acknowledging the sunlight streaming through the sides of the blinds.

He didn’t answer.

“Would you lay back down? It’s too early t’be up.” She whined, slamming her face back into her pillow and pulling a blanket over her head.

“Slayer?”

“If you’re gonna tell me that there’s a big load of tea makin’ it’s way t’the house, I don’t care.” She mumbled.

“Slayer…”

“Shut up, stupid…British guy….”

“Buffy.”

Groaning, she flung the blanket off her head. She looked up in time to see Spike grabbing the cord of her blinds, ready to open them. “Spike!” She shouted in an exasperated tone as she launched herself at him. She had planned on pushing him away from the window, but in her morning gracefulness she got her foot caught in her blanket and tripped. Instead of shoving the blonde away from his impending fiery doom, she grabbed onto his shoulders to keep from falling and only succeeded in sending them both toppling to the floor, right as he pulled the blinds up.

The Slayer let out a small yelp as she threw herself over the idiotic vampire, trying her best to block the sunlight now flooding the room. She laid on top of him for a few moments, her eyes clenched shut and her hands clutching his t-shirt, expecting him to burst into flames at any second.

“Buffy…”

She didn’t move.

“Buffy?” He pleaded, sounding rather scared.

Opening her eyes, she hesitantly brought her head up so she could look down at him.

“Does tea have caffeine?” He squeaked, fear evident in his voice.

“Uh-huh…” She muttered, staring in astonishment at the sunlight draping over his face.

“And caffeine gets rid of stress?” He asked, still confused as to why he wasn’t visiting the big ashtray in the sky…or the ground.

“Uh-huh…” came her absent reply.

“Call Giles…tell ‘im we need tea…lots and lots of tea …”

“Uh-huh….” She muttered once more, not really acknowledging what he had just said as she sat up, perching herself on his stomach once more. She cocked her head to the side, studying his confused expression with wide eyes. Slowly he sat up, Buffy sliding into his lap. He and the Slayer sat there, staring at each other, confused.

“Buffy…I…” He began shakily, but didn’t get a chance to finish. Buffy leapt forward and hugged him fiercely, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.

She pulled away and stared at him, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. “What the Hell did you do?” She asked softly.

He shook his head slowly, nearly crying himself. “Why the bloody Hell couldn’t he just send tea…”

TBC…

Part 26:

Buffy slowly turned her eyes to look at the ex-vampire sitting beside her on the roof. He was squinting slightly as he stared blankly ahead, his eyes not used to the bright sunlight. Sighing, she pulled her legs up to her chest, resting her chin on her knees. They must have been up here for hours now, him lost in his own thoughts and her yearning to know what he was thinking. She let him be though, unsure as to how he was feeling about this, it wasn’t everyday he woke up…well, not a vampire… or whatever he was.

She titled her head to the side so her cheek was resting on her knees and she could watch him. He was looking over the sunlit landscape absently, seeming to have forgotten she was there altogether. He looked like a lost child, unsure what to do with himself. Sighing, she slid her hand over his, giving it a slight squeeze. His head shot quickly to her and she gave him a small smile. When he didn’t move, she slid closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder.

“My head hurts.” He said with a small sniffle as he tilted his head to the side, resting it against hers.

She let out a small chuckle. “It’ll go away…” They sat like that for a few moments, neither speaking.

“Buffy?”

Buffy made a face and looked down to see Willow walking around the house, looking for her. “I’m up here, Will.”

Willow looked up and smiled, books in hand. “Hey Buff, hey Spike, I just came by to…” She paused and looked around. Something was wrong. Her face scrunched up as she looked back up at Buffy…and Spike…on the roof…in the sun…no fire. “Holy bajeezus! Spike?! What are you doing?! I mean, hello, daytime! You’re gonna catch on fire…anytime now…but you’re… not. Why aren’t you on fire?!” She rambled quickly.

“Giles...” The ex-vampire mumbled melodramatically, pouting slightly.

“Giles? Giles did this? How did Giles do this? When? Why? Are you sure? Giles wouldn’t do something like this, would he?” Willow asked quickly.

“Good question.” Buffy muttered.

Spike’s face scrunched up. “Which one?”

“How.” Buffy said simply, her head turning as the phone rang. “Speak of the devil.” She mumbled as she crawled back through her window to answer the phone, leaving a rather disorientated Spike and stunned Willow outside.

“So… nice day, huh?” Willow asked conversationally from below.

Spike looked down and gave her a strange look. “Uh, yeah, guess so.”

“You should probably go shopping. It’s gotta be hot sitting out in the sun with all black on.”

“…right. Clothes.” He looked down at his black jeans and long sleeved black shirt. Come to think of it, he was rather uncomfortable. Red was right, it was bloody well hot. Sighing, the blonde hopped down from his seat, landing in a semi-crouch next to the redhead in the grass.

“So, uh…yeah. Did I mention that it was a nice day?” The girl said quickly, watching him curiously as he stood.

“Do believe so, Red.” He said absently, looking around the sunlit yard with squinty eyes. It looked rather different than it did at night.

“Sunglasses.” Willow said suddenly.

“Whot?” He asked, her statement catching him off guard.

“We could get you some sunglasses. You’re all squinty.” She stated, pointing at his narrowed eyes. He stared at her blankly, quiet. She swung her hands back and forth, running out of conversational topics to hold with the former vampire.

“Let’s go get some coffee.” Spike finally said, turning and walking back inside the house.

“Okay.” Willow agreed hastily, following after him.

----------

“Spike?” Buffy called, looking around the corner as she descended the stairs. After getting off the phone with Giles she had found her roof empty and her yard void of Willow.

“In here.” Came the reply from the living room.

“Didja fall off the roof?” The Slayer asked the blonde lying across her couch.

“Jumped.” Willow exclaimed from her seat on the coffee table, on which, ironically, three cups of coffee sat as well.

Pushing Spike over slightly, the Slayer sat down beside his stomach. “I talked to Giles.”

“And…” He prompted.

“And he made you alive?” Willow offered.

“Not quite.” Buffy said with a smirk. Spike gave her a confused look.

Taking his hand, she placed it over his chest. “Feel that?”

“Feel what?”

She shrugged. “Nothing. Absolutely nothing. You’re only slightly less dead than yesterday.”

“Slightly?” Willow asked, giving her friend an odd look.

“Well, technically, you’re still dead. You’ve just acquired a hefty supply of magic sunscreen. Crosses, holy water, stake to the heart, they’ll all still kill you... or hurt like Hell. But hey, stake to the heart, that’ll kill anyone, only difference is you’d just turn to dust instead of bleedin’ on the carpet.” She explained.

“Saves on the price of crematin’…” He mumbled.

“It’s easier to get out of the carpet too.” Willow commented with a nod.

“Thanks Red.” Spike muttered, giving her a strange look. “Glad to know I’ll be spending eternity in a Dust Buster…”

“Spike?” Buffy asked, interrupting their banter.

“… you forgot to mention something, din’t you?”

“Sorta…”

He sighed. “The big part, right?”

“Mmm hmm…”

“Right then, bad news time, ey? Let’s get it over with then.”

Taking a deep breath, she pulled away from him and looked him in the eye. “You’re going to die.”

Insert the look of a thoroughly confused vampire and a bewildered ex-witch.

“He said, well, he said you’d age, like a human, you know? You’d age, a-and eventually die.” The Slayer finished sheepishly, giving him a wary look. He looked like he was going to be sick.

“Fuck…” He muttered, falling roughly back into the couch cushions. He placed his palms over his face, thinking.

“Hey.” Buffy said, pulling his hands from his face. “What do you say me, you, and Willow go for a walk? Outside, in the sun. You know, to think things out... work on your tan…” He continued to stare at her blankly. Leaning down, she placed a small kiss on his lips and grinned. “We can hit the gas stations on the way…”

He smiled slightly.

----------

**Three weeks later**

“Nibblet! Where’s the bloody mail?!” Spike called from the kitchen, looking under the random magazines and previously opened envelopes scattered on the table.

“In the living room!” Came the reply from upstairs. The blonde rolled his eyes and marched into the living room, his blue eyes scanning the table. Empty. They went to the desk, where a stack of letters and ads were stacked. He snatched them up, flipping through the envelopes.

“Whatcha lookin’ for?” Buffy asked, leaning against the doorframe.

“What d’you think, missy?” He asked with a smirk.

“This?” She offered, holding up a large yellow envelope. He stared at her for a moment, then lunged, letters still in hand, trying to grab it from her. She giggled, ducking away from him and dashing into the kitchen.

“Give it here!” He ordered as he followed, grinning at the girl. She stood on one end of the kitchen, taking care to keep the table between them as he circled around.

“What is it?” Dawn asked as she walked in. Buffy turned to answer and Spike used the distraction to his advantage, leaping over the table and grabbing her by the waist. She stuck her arm out, holding the envelope away from him.

The Slayer giggled as he continued to try and grab the envelope from her. “It’s from Giles.” Buffy explained, trying to answer her sister’s question. “Remember how I told… ow! Did you just bite me?!” She shot an accusing glare at Spike. He grinned and she rolled her eyes, returning her gaze to Dawn as she continued to hold the envelope away from him. “Remember how he said he called in tons of favors?”

“Yeah.” Dawn replied casually, sitting down as she watched the two wrestle for the envelope.

“Well, only six of em were actually t’make Spike…” She didn’t finish her sentence as she was thrown into a fit of giggles. Spike grabbed the envelope with one hand as he continued to tickle her with the other. Buffy pulled away, jabbing him in the side with her elbow as he tore it open. “Only six of ‘em made Spike safe against UV rays, the other eleven were for those.” She said, nodding towards the papers he was pulling out.

“What are they?” Dawn asked curiously, leaning forward. Buffy pulled something away from the blonde and tossed it on the table for her sister to see.

Dawn giggled. “A driver’s license?”

“And other legal crap.” Buffy added. “Spike’s an official person now. And your second legal guardian, to boot.”

“Uh, Spike?” Dawn asked, snickering.

He looked up at the girl, who was smirking at his new license. “You laughin’ at my picture, Bit?” He asked in mock fury.

“Nope. Picture’s okay, but look at your middle name.” She said, handing it back to him.

“Alexander?! Bloody fucking Hell, I’ll kill ‘im!!” He protested, completely disgusted by the fact that he was now officially the Whelp’s namesake.

Dawn and Buffy just shook their heads as he continued to shot obscenities at his papers. Reaching over, Buffy snatched the rest of the mail from his hands and began to sort through it, tossing the bills on the table to be dealt with later.

“What’s that?” Dawn asked, giving her sister a curious look as she ripped open a white envelope.

“It’s from the school…” The Slayer mumbled, her eyes scanning over the paper.

Spike looked up from the papers he was reading to find Dawn shifting nervously in her seat. Looking over at Buffy, he saw that her face had visibly paled. “What is it, luv? Report card?”

“Do we still have that robot?” She asked quietly.

“No, why?” He questioned, raising an eyebrow at the girl.

“Parent-Teacher night…” She mumbled, holding the letter up.

~FIN~