.Part Five

The Scoobies watched, surprised.

"Okay. Wasn't expecting that," Xander said.

"Shouldn't someone follow him?" Dawn asked.

Buffy shook her head, "I...I think we should leave him alone right now."

He missed his classes today. But, strangely, Will found a part of him really didn't care. He was also surprised that another part of him, after the magic shop, immediately demanded a drink. He didn't remember being much of a drinker. But, then, those memories weren't real, were they, he told himself. No, your real memories are of vampires, Slayer, Hellmouths, and Apocalypses.

So, anyway, that part of him that demanded a drink led him to nearest bar. And that was currently where he still was. He sat and the bar in front of five other shot glasses. He lifted the sixth one and downed it. He drunkenly placed it back on the bar, knocking down the others.

The bartender looked at him, an exasperated look on his face.

"Hey, bartender, another," Will said, pointing to the empty glasses in front.

"Don't you think you've had enough?" a voice said next to him.

He shook his head, "Nope." He pointed again and the bartender reluctantly filled another.

"So what's got you so worked up that you need to get so drunk you forget your name?"

Will looked at the woman in the seat next to him. He laughed callously, "I don't even know which name I'm supposed to forget."

"What do you mean?"

He looked at her, "If you're looking for a one night shag, you should just forget it. Apparently, my heart belongs to another."

"I'm not looking for anything. You just look like you could use someone to talk to."

He studied her, making sure she was for real.

"Tell me what's wrong," she said.

He sighed and suddenly found himself revealing all. "All I knew my entire life was England. London. I was supposed to just go through school, get a normal job, marry, have children... Nothing out of the ordinary. But...one day, I wake up and decide I want to go to America. California, specifically. So I pack my bags, hop on a plane and fly here. And here is where I met her. And now my entire life is crashing down all around me and all I can do is stand by and watch.

"It started with dreams. I could deal with those. Tell myself that's all they were. Dreams. Nothing more. But, as luck would have it, turns out they're not. Instead, they're memories. That's what she and her little friends tell me. I'm some man named Spike. But, you see, this Spike has a little surprise. He's not a man, but a vampire."

Will laughed again. "He apparently died saving his love during an Apocalypse. Evidently those aren't all that uncommon either. But, of course, some Higher Power can't leave this poor Spike alone. They decide to bring him back. But with a twist. As a human with none of his memories, but a whole new set all his own."

He looked at the woman, "So, you can see my bloody problem."

He turned away and called for the bartender once more.

"I think you've had enough to drink," she said, motioning for the bartender to continue cleaning his counters.

Will snorted, "Whatever." He dropped a few bills on the bar and left, walking unsteadily.

Later that night, Buffy decided to take a detour from patrolling. She knew she didn't have a reason to, but she headed for Spike's crypt. Something inside her told her to go there. And so she did.

Imagine her surprise when she entered and found William seated on the sarcophagus.

"Will?" she asked quietly as she approached him.

His head jerked toward her. She saw tears in his eyes. Down his cheeks.

"Will? What's wrong?" she asked, sitting next to him.

"I've hurt so many. Killed so many.... There was this one time... It was after the war. Europe still devastated and all... I was with some vamp... don't remember her name... Stark raving mad though.... She took a liking for orphans. Said something about their sadness and fear making their blood taste sweet. I remember going out of my way to please her. Found an orphanage in Germany."

He closed his eyes and shuddered, "I remember their screams as she and I tore through them. One at a time. I...I remember the feeling of the limp bodies as I drank their blood..."

He looked at her, "Buffy, I don't think I can do this anymore."

"Do what?"

"Remember. I can't. I don't understand how you can stand to look at me. I'm a murderer. A killer, plain and simple."

Buffy reached up and placed a hand on his cheek. He avoided looking at her.

"William, look at me. You're not a murderer. And, yes, even though you and Spike are essentially the same person, you're also different. What Spike did, *you* didn't do. And while Spike did do some horrific things, I can't call him 'evil personified.' Towards the end, he did do some good things. Some noble. He...you saved my life. More than once. And....I can't thank you enough."

"I know...but...I'm scared. Buffy, all my life, the only thing I had to worry about was how I was going to ask the cute girl across the street out on a date. Now...it's Apocalypses every other week. It's dealing with the knowledge that I am or was a cold-blooded killer. It's-"

Buffy quickly covered his moving lips with a finger, "Remember what I told you last night? You don't have to go through this alone. I'll help you. I promise. But you have to do your part and try to remember."

"I know. But... Buffy, you have no idea what this is like. To go to sleep one night absolutely sure of everything and wake up the next day, realizing everything is a lie. I'm supposed to be dead, but I'm here....human... Why? Why was I brought back? Why human? Why with no memories of my previous life but new ones? Why?"

"I don't know. But we'll figure it out."

He nodded.

"Now, let's get back to the magic shop. They've been researching all day. Hopefully, they've found something. You up for that?" she asked.

Will nodded, "Yeah." He hopped off the sarcophagus and followed Buffy out of the crypt.

"So, you guys find anything yet?" Buffy asked as she and Will entered the shop.

Xander sighed and shook his head.

"Of course," Will said as he took a seat.

Suddenly, the door swung open and a floppy-eared, flabby-skinned demon came in. Everyone stood up and entered their defensive stance.

The demon went to William and hugged him. Will stood still, too confused to do anything else.

"It's true. I thought those vampires were lying. But they weren't," the demon said, letting go of Will.

"I'm sorry. Do I know you?" Will asked.

The demon looked surprised, "Clem."

Will continued to stare at him blankly.

"Uh, you know. Kitten poker?"

"Kitten poker?"

Buffy looked at Clem, "Sorry. Um, he doesn't remember anything, except a few sketchy details."

"Oh." Clem looked at Will, "And that's not all. You're human."

Will nodded, "Apparently."

"So, whatcha guys doing?" Clem asked innocently.

Dawn spoke, deciding Clem seemed harmless enough, "We're trying to find out why he came back."

"And we're getting nowhere," Anya added with a grumble.

Clem nodded and ten was lost in deep thought. Then he said, "You know, I know a guy who might be able to help."

Will perked up, "Really?"

Clem nodded, "Yep. He helped me out one time when I was in real deep."

"Who is he? Where do I find him?"

"He's a demon with a special insight. He can read a person's soul and tell them their purpose in life. Stuff like that. He's connected, in a way, it seems, to the Powers That Be. He can tell you things you can't find in any book."

"That's great and all, but how do I find him?"

"Umm...last I heard, he left LA and headed for Las Vegas. I think he's working at some karaoke bar called 'the Inferno.'"

Buffy looked at William, "Guess we're going on a road trip."

End Part Five

Part 6

William smiled as Buffy and the others gaped in wonder and the huge expanse of the Four Seasons lobby. Watching their excitement made him happy he sponsored the little trip to Las Vegas. That was another thing. Apparently his 'family's' money was real and tangible through his bank account. He had plenty of it. He was rolling in it. And that made him feel a little more secure.

"How may I help you?" the woman behind the counter asked.

"Uh, reservation for William Crawford," he answered.

"Okay," the woman typed something into the computer terminal in front of her. The computer beeped. "Ah, yes. We have the Presidential Suite reserved to one Sir William Crawford."

Will nodded, "That's me."

"Okay," the woman said, smiling. She went for the key and handed it to him. "Enjoy your stay at the Four Seasons, Sir."

"Thank you," Will said as he took the electronic keycard from her.

"Sir?" Buffy asked with a smile.

Will turned to see the Scoobies all looking at him. He shrugged, "Yeah. So?"

Dawn grinned, "How long were you planning on keeping it a secret?"

"I didn't think it mattered."

"So...This how you're able to afford paying for this whole thing?" Xander asked as the group made their way to the elevator, the bellhop following.

Will shook his head, "No, title has nothing to do with it. That money's been in my family for generations..."

"I don't understand," Anya spoke. "If you have all this money, why live....well, like us?"

He shrugged, "I've seen what a lot of money can do to some people. Didn't want to become that."

"Become what?"

"Shallow. I mean, look at my parents." He laughed, "Course, they're probably not real, huh? Who knows, maybe the money I'm using isn't real, either. If that's the case, we'll be hard pressed when checkout time comes."

"Well, we'll deal with it when the time comes," Buffy said.

William nodded.

At this time, they had made their way to the suite, which was on the 39th floor. The Scoobies excitedly rushed through the door and each made their own noise of excitement as they explored the room. Will busied himself with helping the bellhop remove their luggage from the cart. Once it was unloaded, Will looked at the bellhop.

"Thank for the help, mate," he said, giving him a generous tip.

"Thank *you*, sir," the young man said before leaving.

Will then turned and casually headed for one of the plush chairs in the room. He looked unimpressed with the décor of the room. It was obvious that he spent many times in hotels such as this, perhaps ones even more upscale and gorgeous.

Dawn plopped down on the sofa in front of him. "Isn't this amazing?" she asked excitedly.

He looked around the room. The walls were a light cream color and the carpeting complimented that nicely. He and Dawn sat in the middle of the room. A small coffee table stood, surrounded by two maroon plush chairs and two cream-colored sofas. Small decorative pillows thrown across each sofa complimented the furniture perfectly. Matching end tables laid nestled between the chairs and sofas. Various knick-knacks stood upon each table. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows let the sunlight in. Curtains that perfectly matched the decor adorned those windows. Will peered out the window momentarily to see the mountains and desert in the distance. Returning his attention to the room, he saw, behind the sofas, a small table with four matching chairs. Next to that, a beautiful grand piano.

He shrugged nonchalantly, "It's nice."

"Nice? That's it? Will, this place is beyond nice; it's unbelievable," Dawn said, looking at him as if he had grown another head.

"I'm not saying it's not, but...it's not the Ritz," he smirked, to let her know he was joking with her.

She smiled.

The Scoobies moved from the living area to the bedrooms. Buffy headed for the master bedroom, while the others went to the other two on the other side of the suite.

Buffy entered the room and feel in love with it immediately. The cream-maroon color scheme continued into the room. In the middle of the room, against the wall, stood a full king-sized bed. A cream colored comforter covered the mattress. Matching tables stood on either side of the bed. Each adorned with matching lamps. In front of the bed, on the other side of the room, a tall dresser with full length mirrors embellishing the doors. In each corner, a cream chair with maroon throw pillows.

"You can have it, if you want."

Buffy jumped, startled. She turned around to face Will, "Huh?"

"The room. You seem to like it."

"Oh, yeah. I do, actually."

He nodded, "Then you can have it. I figured Red and Lil' Bit could use one room and the Whelp and Anya could use the another. And you can use this one."

"But, what about you?"

"Don't worry about me. I already requested a rollaway. Should be here soon."

"You should, at least, have this room. And I'll sleep on the rollaway. I mean, you are paying for all this."

"Buffy, really, luv, don't worry about it. I'll be fine. Now, let's check with the others and come up with a game plan."

She nodded and they went back into the living room.

"I can't wait to hit the casinos. I've been dying to win me some money," Anya spoke.

"Well....we can give everyone a chance to settle in tonight and...tomorrow, we can get to work looking for this bar," Buffy said."

"Sounds good to me, pet," Will spoke.

Anya stood up and grabbed Xander, "Come on, honey, let's go. Time to hit the casinos."

"I don't know about you guys, but I think I'm going to hit the pool," Willow said.'

"Ooh, I wanna come. Can I?" Dawn asked.

Willow nodded, "Course, you can, Dawnie. What are you guys going to do?" She looked at Buffy and William.

"Me? I think I'm going to stay here and veg. Trip wore me out," Buffy said, slouching in the sofa.

"That's sounds like a good plan to me, too," Will said. "Think I'll hang here, too."

"Cool," Willow said.

Buffy and Will watched the door close and Dawn and Willow left for the pool. Now they were alone. Anya and Xander left for the casinos a while ago.

William leaned back into the sofa and looked at Buffy seated next to him. She looked back at him.

"So?" they said at the same time, causing them to laugh.

End Part Six

Part Seven

A/N: I'm only 17 and no one close to me gambles...so please forgive any errors I make regarding the casinos...

"So, you're sitting there, all tied up, with arrows all over you, and you're screaming at the top of your lungs, 'Bear! Bear!' At the time, of course, it wasn't funny because, hello, bear in the middle of Giles' living room. But, now, oh, my goodness, it's so funny," Buffy said, giggling.

William couldn't help but laugh, as well. There had been a brief moment of awkward silence after they had been left alone. But, soon, the awkward silence was replaced by comfortable conversation as she told him events in their lives.

He leaned back, relaxing. He looked at her, awed. He knew it was cliché, but he swore that her smile could light up an entire room.

"Cor, you're beautiful," he whispered.

She stopped laughing and looked at him, "What?"

He turned to face her completely, "Buffy, uh, I know I can't remember anything of our...past, but I can't help but feel drawn to you somehow. It's almost as if...I'm in love with you."

As soon as he finished, Buffy launched herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck, kissing him. Will was shocked but quickly recovered, deepening the kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to his lap. She smiled against his lips. His hands moved from her waist up her back and tangled themselves in her hair, pulling her even closer. And that's when the memories came.

He ended the kiss immediately and pushed her off, allowing himself to stand. Buffy watched in confusion as he paced the room.

"Will? What's wrong?"

He stopped pacing and looked at her. She stood up and approached him.

"Did you remember something else?"

The look on his face told her 'yes.'

"Do you want to talk about it?"

He shook his head, "I-I need to go. Think things over."

Pain washed over Buffy, "O-okay." But he was already gone.

William wondered the Strip aimlessly. A million though raced through his mind. Was that really the way she felt? Was the only reason she was excited to have him back because she had her sex toy back? But he also remembered knowing she was using him but not really caring. He remembered being thrilled because she had given him a sodding crumb. But now he wouldn't allow himself to be used again. And this time, he wanted more than a crumb. He wanted the entire loaf.

He felt as if they were back to where they were in the beginning... He'd say he loved her and she'd throw herself at him.

But....what about that night at the Bronze? She told him she never realized how much she loved Spike until it was too late. Could it be? No. She said she loved *Spike.* Not him. He wasn't Spike; he was William. He doubted he could ever be Spike, even if he *was* Spike. He had a family back home in London (assuming they were real). Spike killed hundreds, thousands without feeling remorse, guilt; William felt the weight of both feelings every time he thought about those crimes. He had memories of another life. But they both loved her.

He laughed inwardly when he realized how much he sounded like someone with multiple personality disorder. Hell, maybe he was.

As soon as he allowed his mind to drift away from those thoughts, he found that he had wandered into a casino. Shrugging, he walked through, looking at the various tables. He heard a familiar cheering at the craps table. Xander and Anya. He approached them.

Xander was the first to notice him, "Hey, Will. What are you doing here? Figured you and Buffy would be making with the smoochies."

Will looked at him, reasonably surprised, "What?"

"Well, you know, I just figured. You died. The Powers brought you back. Plus, you and Buff seem awfully close..."

Anya spoke, "What's Xander's trying to say is that it's obvious you love Buffy just as much as she obviously loves you."

William looked down, "She loves Spike, not me."

"What are you talking about?"

Will motioned toward his body, "I may be Spike here." He pointed to his temple, "but not here. And that's the problem. I'm a stranger in a familiar costume."

Anya scoffed.

"What?"

She rolled her eyes. "Men," she mumbled under breath before answering him, "Spike or not, she loves you."

Will looked at her skeptically, "Really?"

"Of course. Have you not been paying attention to the looks she gives you?"

"Looks?"

"Yes! The looks. She's giving you the same looks I gave Xander when I realized I was in love with him."

"That and she's happy again. Something she hasn't been since you died," Xander added.

Buffy sat in the chair next to the grand piano, looking out the window. She heard the door open and jumped up, hoping it was Will.

"Hey," Willow said as she and Dawn entered.

"Hey," Buffy said unenthusiastically as she plopped on the couch.

Dawn looked around the room, "Where's Will?"

Buffy shrugged, "I don't know."

"What?" Willow asked.

"I figured you'd be making with the smooches about now. What? You chase him off?" Dawn asked.

Buffy ignored her last question and blushed, "We started to, but-"

"I told you!" Dawn exclaimed to Willow, holding out a hand.

"What was I thinking?" Willow said as she handed Dawn a bill of an unknown amount.

Buffy looked at them incredulously as Dawn tucked the money away. "You made a bet on us?!"

Willow and Dawn looked down sheepishly.

"I should be very angry, but...I'm too worried about Will...so you get off easy," she said tiredly.

Willow looked at her, concerned, "What happened?"

Buffy shrugged, "I don't know. He wouldn't tell me what was wrong. It's like he remembered something else...but he just left. I don't know where he went."

Willow squeezed her shoulder, comforting her, "I'm sure he'll be back soon."

Buffy nodded, "I know. I know he'll be back. He has to. I mean, where else is he gonna go, right?"

"Right."

William didn't come back until everyone had gone to sleep. He had crept in quietly as to not disturb anyone. He was now asleep on the rollaway. To say he was sleeping soundly and peacefully would be wrong. He tossed and turned in the throes of what looked like a nightmare.

"It was all Gone With the Wind, with the rising music and the rising...music."

William jerked awake. Suddenly it was like...how did Xander put it one time? A fog lifted. Then it hit him; he remembered. He jumped out of the rollaway and quietly approached the master bedroom.

Buffy was on one side of the huge bed, fast asleep. He moved toward the bed, kneeling down in front of her. He brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes.

Her eyelids fluttered open, "Will?"

He studied her face intently, "It's weird. I've seen you everyday for the last...week or so, but it feels like it's been months since I saw you....really saw you. Like I've been trapped and I've been struggling to break out of this shell. I felt so lost. So confused. But...I think I've found my way."

Buffy sat up, looking at him confusedly, "Will? What's wrong?"

"Spike."

"What?"

"Not Will. Spike."

She felt tears well up and she reached out to press her hand against his cheek, "Spike?"

He nodded.

She couldn't keep the sob from escaping as she moved to kiss him. His hands framed her face as they deepened the kiss. Buffy ran her hands across his arms and down his back. He laid her back on the bed, settling against her, never breaking the kiss.

Spike smiled against her lips when he felt her trying to pull his shirt off. He broke the kiss just long to rid himself of the offending garment. As his lips rejoined hers, she brushed her fingers along his sides. He gasped and unconsciously moved away from her trailing hands.

She giggled, "I never knew you were ticklish."

He smiled and brushed his fingers across her sides and she did the same as he.

"Seems you are, too."

She giggled again and he joined her before leaning in for another kiss. Her shirt soon joined his and the two spent the rest of the night exploring each other, retracing the images both had stored in their mind.

End Part Seven

Part Eight

The sun filtered through the window, falling across the sleeping couple. Buffy opened her eyes. She smiled when she remembered last night. Spike was still asleep. His head rest in the crook of her neck, his arm thrown over her waist and legs entwined with hers. Buffy let herself relax and watched him sleep. She had never allowed herself to indulge in this activity before. But it was different then; now, she wasn't busy telling herself that she didn't love him.

He really was beautiful when he slept. All the worry and concern left his face and he seemed to hold a certain innocence about him. She ran a hand through his soft brown locks.

This motion caused him to wake. His eyelids fluttered open and he looked at her, grinning, "Hey."

"Hey yourself," she smiled.

He lifted his head up and kissed her gently. Leaning away, he propped himself up on his elbow, looking at her.

"I love you," he said.

"I love you, too," she whispered.

He grinned, "I like hearing that."

She laughed, "Well, get use to it. You'll be hearing it a lot more."

His smile grew bigger and he leaned down for another kiss. A more passionate one. As their passion grew, Spike moved to lay halfway on top of her.

"Buffy, have you seen Will?" Dawn asked as she opened the door.

Spike and Buffy broke apart and dived for opposite sides of the bed faster than lightning as Dawn covered her eyes and spun around.

"Dawn!" Buffy exclaimed.

"And I guess you have," Dawn said, not turning around.

"Hey, Lil' Bit," Spike said.

"Dawn, could you please leave Spike and me alone so we can get dressed?" Buffy asked.

Immediately, the younger Summers caught the change in name. She spun back around to face the couple, while quickly sending a silent prayer that they were both reasonably covered.

"Spike?"

He nodded. And she squealed, rushing to give him a hug.

Her high-pitched vocal alerted the Scoobies who all quickly came crashing into the room.

Buffy groaned and pulled the covers over her head, trying to disappear.

When Xander realized what Buffy and the former vampire did, he groaned, "Aww, man, when I said I figured you two would be making with the smoochies, I didn't mean it."

Anya smacked him on the shoulder.

"Ow!" he whined, grabbing the shoulder.

"Piss off, Harris," Spike said.

"Spike?"

He smirked, "The one and only. Now, if you don't mind, the Slayer and I'd like to get dressed, alone." He motioned toward the door.

Everyone took the signal and left the two alone.

Spike looked at Buffy's covered head and smiled, "They're gone now, luv. It's just me."

She slowly removed the sheet from her head and groaned, "Oh, God. This is *so* embarrassing! I don't think I'll be able to show myself again."

Spike chuckled, "It'll be fine. I think they were more embarrassed than you." He leaned over, "Now, where were we?"

She sighed, "Spike, as much as I'd like to, we can't. Not right now. They're standing right outside."

He shrugged innocently, "So? They've already gotten the visual; why can't we give them the audio, too?"

She laughed, "You're incorrigible."

"And you love me."

"You bet I do."

He grinned and kissed her.

The Scoobies sat around the living area.

"Man, how long does it take to get dressed?" Xander asked as he paced up and down the room.

He knew that question was stupid. Everyone knew what was taking so long; they heard the noise after they left. And that had been over an hour ago.

"Xander, quit pacing. You're making me dizzy," Anya complained.

The bedroom door opened.

Xander stopped his pacing, "About time."

Laughter filtered through the hotel suite as Spike and Buffy entered the room, fully covered. Their hair was still wet from the very recent shower. The Scoobies watched uncomfortably as Spike drew Buffy in his arms and kissed her long and hard.

When they broke apart, Spike took a seat in the empty chair and Buffy sat on his lap.

"Hey, guys," Buffy said, smiling.

They all just looked at the couple, unsure of how to respond since they still felt extremely awkward after they heard the whole show.

"So, where's Dawn?" Spike asked.

"She got tired of hearing you guys have sex so she went for a walk," Anya spoke frankly.

Spike and Buffy looked embarrassed. Just then the door opened and Dawn entered.

"So, they're finally finished?" Dawn asked, smirking.

"Okay, now we're al here," Willow said.

Buffy looked at Spike, "How did you suddenly remember everything?"

He shrugged, "I don't know. I just had a dream."

"You had a dream?" Xander repeated.

"Yeah."

"So, are we still looking for this Lorne guy today?" Dawn asked.

Spike nodded, "I'm still wondering why I was brought back. And why they brought me back with no memories...and as a human."

Later in the day, when the sun was setting in the west, everyone went in search of the bar Clem told them about. It was amazingly easy to find. Right on the Strip.

They entered the club. It was surprisingly well-decorated. Not quite what they were expecting to see. Demons and humans both occupied the club peacefully.

A red demon with black eyes and ridges across his forehead approached them.

"Good evening and welcome to The Inferno. I'm the owner, Menelaos. How may I serve you?" he greeted them.

Spike nodded in greeting, "We were told that...Lorne works here."

Menelaos nodded, "Ah, yes." He motioned to the stage where a green-skinned demon was currently belting out a rendition of "Mandy."

"Thanks."

"No problem," Menelaos responded and left to tend to other customers.

Everyone took a seat at one of the open tables and waited patiently for Lorne to finish.

After he finished the last note, the club erupted in applause.

"Thank you. You're too kind. Really," Lorne said. "Now, give it up for Stan! He'll be performing 'I Knew I Loved You.'"

The audience applauded as a Fyarl Demon took center stage.

Lorne stepped down and Spike approached him. "You're Lorne, right?"

The green demon nodded. "And you are?" he asked suspiciously.

"Spike. And I've come for your help."

"Forgive me," Lorne said, shaking his hand, "Working with Angel these last couple of years...well, let's just say I've had more than my share of those trying to kill me."

"You worked with Angel?" Spike asked surprised.

"You know him?"

"You have no idea."

Lorne smiled, "Small world. Is there somewhere we can sit and talk?"

Spike nodded.

"Lead the way, Cheekbones," Lorne said.

Spike shot him a strange look but said nothing. He led the demon to the table occupied by the Scoobies. Spike introduced everyone and he and Lorne were seated.

"So, what's your problem, Sugar Cake?"

Spike ignored the nickname while Xander took the opportunity to smirk in amusement.

"The thing is, three months ago I was a vampire. Um, I got staked and was brought back. But I couldn't remember anything. That is until last night," he and Buffy shared a look and Spike took her hand in his. He brought their joined hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

Lorne smiled at the couple but the smile was replaced with a grimace as the Fyarl Demon on the stage attempted to sing the upper-register of the song. "I can tell you one thing." He pointed to Stan, "He is definitely no Darren Hayes, that's for sure. You know, I tried to convince him to sing something from Barry White, but he insisted on Savage Garden. I was just trying to save him from the embarrassment." He shrugged, "I'm sorry. If I may, what were the circumstances around your, uh, demise?"

"He was saving my life," Buffy answered.

Lorne nodded, "A vampire, or former vampire in your case, in love with a Slayer so much he'd die for her. Now, where have I seen that before?"

"You know Angel?" Willow asked.

Lorne smiled, "Know him? I used to help him out in LA. I used to own a bar like this. Perhaps you've heard of it? Caritas?"

"That was your place?" Spike asked.

Lorne nodded.

"Nice place."

"When were you in Los Angeles?" Buffy asked.

"Uh," he looked ashamed, "about two years ago. Remember the Gem of Amara?"

She nodded.

"Well, uh, ItorturedAngeltotrytogetitback," he rushed.

"You what?!"

"Well, if you recall, I was evil back then," he defended himself, "'sides, it's not like he didn't have it coming."

"What?"

"He did steal Dru away from me."

Buffy glared at him, "Do you wish he hadn't?"

"And the lover's spat begins," Xander remarked.

Spike rolled his eyes, "Buffy, you know I don't. Not now."

"Do you still love her?"

"Not anymore. You're the only one for me now."

She kissed him, "Good answer."

"Anyway, as I was saying, the first time I met Angel, I managed to get him to sing 'Mandy.'"

Spike smirked, "Peaches sang?"

"Please, I'm still trying to forget it."

Spike and Xander shared a good laugh.

"He and his associates, they managed to destroy my club three times. After the third time, I gave up trying to fix it. I lived at the Hyperion for a while until I felt I wasn't needed anymore. Menelaos told me this place could use someone of my talents. So, here I am. Now, I would be correct in assuming you came here for a reading, right, Cheekbones?"

Spike nodded, "A friend of mine, Clem, told me you helped him out one time. And, now, I'm hoping you can help me figure out why I was brought back."

"How is Clem?"

"He's good."

Lorne nodded, "Sure. I can help. But you've got to do something for me."

"Name it."

"Sing."

End Part Eight

Part Nine


Disclaimer: Creed own the song. I don't.


Spike shook his head, "Oh, no. Anything but that."

"You want me to read you or not?" Lorne asked.

"Well, yeah, but-"

"So, sing. You have to sing so I can read you."

"But, why?" Spike knew he was whining but he was not about to humiliate himself. "Surely, there's another way."

Lorne shook his head.

"Come on, Spike," Buffy said, "Your singing is not that bad. Besides," she pointed to Stan who just finished the last note of his song, "there's no way you could be worse than him."

"Yeah, Spike. Come on. It'll be fun," Dawn said, grinning.

"For you maybe. You all will no doubt be having a grand ol' time laughing at my expense. Sorry, but I'm not about to go out like my pathetic excuse of a grandsire."

Buffy turned to him, "William Crawford, do you or do you not want to know why you were brought back?"

"Yeah, but-"

She pointed to the stage, "Then get your ass up on that stage and sing."

He grumbled but got up.

Xander smirked, "Spike, I've got two words for you and one of them is 'whipped.'"

"Yeah? Well, I've got two words for you as well and one of them is 'off.'"

"Don't worry," Anya said, "We won't laugh. Now, hurry up and get this over with; I want to hit the casinos and win my money back."

Spike smiled, "I'm sure you'll have no problem doing that."

"I hope so. It was so unnerving to watch it get taken away from me by greedy people."

He shook his head in amusement and he and Lorne went to pick out his song.

After much discussion and debate, they jumped up on stage, or rather Lorne jumped and Spike slowly climbed up as if it was Mt. Everest.

"Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Spike. He'll be performing 'My Sacrifice.'"

The audience applauded with the Scoobies cheering the loudest. Spike nervously approached the microphone. He regarded it as if it were some sort of hideous demon. The intro music began and he took a deep breath, waiting to begin.


"Hello my friend we meet again
It's been a while where should we begin...feels like forever
Within my heart are memories
Of perfect love that you gave to me
I remember"


Buffy watched Lorne who settled back against his chair. A few nods here, a few 'uh-uh's' there.


"When you are with me
I'm free...I'm careless...I believe
Above all the others we'll fly
This brings tears to my eyes
My sacrifice"


The longer he continued to sing, the more comfortable Spike became. The fact that audience wasn't booing him off the stage help calm his nerves, too.


"We've seen our share of ups and downs
Oh, how quickly life can turn around in an instant
It feels so good to reunite
Within yourself and within your mind
Let's find peace there

When you are with me
I'm free...I'm careless...I believe
Above all the others we'll fly
This brings tears to my eyes
My sacrifice

I just want to say hello again."


When he finished, every single person in the club applauded. Spike nodded his thanks and stepped down, returning to the table. He took Buffy's hand in his and squeezed. She returned the gesture.

"Wow, Spike, didn't think you had it in you," Xander said.

Buffy nudged Spike in the shoulder playfully, "See, everyone loved it. Told you you weren't bad."

Spike smiled and kissed her gently. He turned to Lorne, "Okay, give it to me."

Lorne nodded, "First, let me just say 'congratulations' on your outstanding performance." He cleared his throat, preparing himself for a speech, "Well, basically, this is what I got. That night you threw yourself in front of that stake that was meant for Buffy, you threw off the Powers' story." He looked at the Slayer sympathetically, "Sorry, sweetheart, but you were supposed to die again that night. That's how the story was written."

Spike and Buffy tightened their hold on each other's hand.

Lorne looked at Spike, "Your story wasn't supposed to end that night. The Powers had plans for you. But your actions forced them to rewrite your story. And everyone else's around you. You are in the third book, or part, so to speak."

"What do you mean?" Spike asked.

"In the Powers' stories, most people have only one part: their lives. Those that have more than one are usually-"

"Vampires," Buffy interjected.

Lorne nodded, "And you, honey. You're in your third part, too. As well as Angel. You three are the only ones with three parts." He pointed to the couple in front of him, "Yours are interconnected. Angel's is separate."

"Why?" Buffy asked.

Lorne shrugged, "The Powers don't tell me everything."

Spike nodded, "Okay, so I'm in my third...part as you call it. What is it?"

"To help the Slayer. Be there for her. I don't know if you this, but your strength and healing powers from your vampire days are still intact. The Powers knew you wouldn't be satisfied without them." He shrugged, "I know you were probably expecting something bigger like a prophecy." He shook his head, "No. Not this time."

"Why did they bring me back with no memories?"

"To make sure they weren't making a mistake. You know how it goes, love conquers all, even amnesia."

"So that's it? I'm here to stay. Live out the rest of my mortal life with Buffy?"

Lorne nodded.

"Alright. I can live with that." He nodded to Lorne, "Thank you."

"The pleasure's mine."

Spike shook his hand.

"Next time you guys are in town, look me up," Lorne said.

"Sure thing," Spike smiled.

The gang stood and Spike put his arm around Buffy's waist. They proceeded to the exit and Lorne called out.

"William, the Powers have one more test. Vous prenez garde de la princesse noire."

Spike's eyes widened when he mentally translated what Lorne had told him. He nodded slowly, and he and Buffy followed the others who had gone ahead.

"What was he talking about?" Buffy asked.

"He was just telling me to be careful, is all. Nothing to fret about."


The trip back to the hotel was a quiet one, not that it was a terribly long trip. Anya looked longingly at the doors of Harrah's but Xander pulled her away, promising her that they would hit the casinos again before they returned home. She relented, although reluctantly. She was determined that she would win her money back.


Spike opened the door and entered. The rest of the gang bumped into him when he stopped dead in his tracks.

"Spike, what is it?" Buffy asked.

He motioned in front of him with his head. She looked and gasped.

"Hello my sweet sweet William."


End Part Nine

Part Ten

"Drusilla?" Spike asked. "How did you get in here?"

The others moved into the room, watching the crazed vampiress warily as she smiled.

"The nice lady at the front let me in. Didn't go down too well, though."

That's when they noticed the body on the floor next to Dru.

"What do you want?" Buffy seethed.

Dru ignored her and instead approached Spike. She laid her hand over his chest, but withdrew it quickly, as if it burned her, when she felt his heartbeat.

She took a step back, "It's true. The pixies whispered it to me. My poor boy is taken from me. Made a pathetic human again. I'm all alone."

"Why are you here?" Spike asked.

She took a step closer and leaned in, whispering in his ear, "To take you back."

He leaned back to look at her. Buffy stepped closer.

"Sorry to burst your bubble, but you're a little late for that."

Dru looked at her and smiled, "Am I?"

"Damn right you are!" Dawn exclaimed.

"Dawn!" Spike and Buffy admonished.

Drusilla laughed and abandoned Spike's side, moving closer to Dawn, who stubbornly stood her ground.

"What an angel." She leaned in, sniffing, "Mmm. She's pure. Can I have a taste?"

Buffy and Spike launched at her, both ready to defend Dawn. Spike reached her first. He pulled Drusilla away from the teenager gently. Almost lovingly. Buffy found herself jealous.

"Now, pet. You came for me, right?"

She suddenly gained the appearance of an innocent child, making it difficult to believe she killed hundreds. She smiled and giggled, saying, "I did. I've come to bring my precious knight back. I'm all alone without him. Grandmummy's gone away. And Daddy's no fun anymore." She looked at Spike, "Does my William want to come back? Does he want to make the stars sing again?"

Spike felt a pang of sympathy and pity for this mad vampiress before him and a wave of anger and disgust was directed at Angelus for making her this way.

"Make the stars stop weeping," she cried.

"Dru, I'm sorry, but I can't help you," Spike said softly.

She stepped back from him, anger on her face, "Why not?"

"Things are different now."

"But they can be the same again."

"No, they can't."

"They can if you make them," she said.

"No, Dru."

She leaned into him, "But don't you remember what we had together?" She whispered in his ear, "We can have it again. We can be together for eternity."

"Eternity?"

Buffy swore she heard a hint of longing in his voice. Surely he didn't want to return to Dru and leave her.

"Do you want it?" Dru whispered.

"God, yes," he whispered hoarsely.

Buffy felt her heart break into a million jagged pieces with his words. Tears ran down her cheeks.

Drusilla smiled and let her face distort into that of the demon's. Achingly slow, she lowered her fangs toward his jugular. He gasped in pain as she pierced his neck. He didn't remember it hurting this much.

She drank deeply, greedily.

Buffy tried to charge her when suddenly Drusilla pulled away, a surprised look on her face. She looked at the stake protruding from her chest.

"Spike?" she managed to get out before she combusted into a pile of ashes.

"Sorry, pet, but not with you," he said before swaying. Buffy rushed to steady him.

"I'm okay," he said.

"No. We need to get you to a hospital," Buffy said.

Spike shook his head, "Seriously, luv, I'm fine. She didn't get the chance to take a lot, just enough to make me a little dizzy."

"I still think you should go to the hospital."

"I'm fine. Really. 'Sides, we've got more pressing matters," he said, motioning to the poor girl's body.

"I'll call the police," Xander said, heading for the nearest phone.

Buffy, meanwhile, tried to focus her attention on Spike's bite mark, but he told her not to worry about it right now. It could wait till later.

And it did.

By the time the police arrived, they had concocted a story they hoped would sound believable to the authorities. The police were told that they were looking for William's unstable ex (Spike even provided a sketch, knowing perfectly well she would never be caught.) The story went that "Drusilla Calderon" didn't handle William ending their relationship. And that's when her mental instability showed itself. She began to stalk him. When asked if they had informed the police before of this matter, the answer was a huge resounding 'yes.' Also, the police were informed that this was the first time someone was killed. The police also wondered where she was and were told that, regrettably, she took off before William could detain her. The police took all this as truth and wanted to question William about Ms. Calderon further, but William told them that they've been informed of all the details they needed to find her and if they still wanted to question him, they'd have to get in touch with his lawyer, who, unfortunately decided to take a vacation, as well, to Australia. William also could not give a definite date of his return.

In the end, the police acquiesced. The hotel, shocked and saddened by Ms. Jackson's murder, agreed to give the guests staying in the Presidential Suite, which was now labeled as a crime scene, four of its finest rooms for the rest of their stay. It was an unspoken agreement that said Buffy and Spike would get one room, Xander and Anya another, and Willow and Dawn would get their own room, which thrilled Dawn to no end.

And everyone currently was in their rooms.

Spike sat on the edge of the bed, watching Buffy clean his wound.

"Seems like it's already started healing," she said, taping a small piece of gauze over the two little punctures.

She looked at him, "Why did you let her bite you?"

He sighed, "I don't really know. Maybe, subconsciously, I was seeing if I was making the right choice."

"And did you?"

He looked into her eyes, "Yes."

"Do you miss her?"

"We were together for over a century...so...yeah, a small part of me misses her and will for a long time."

She nodded, not surprised by his answer. In fact, she was expecting it.

"Do you mean it?"

"What?" he asked.

"What you told Dru. Right before she went all dusty."

He stared at her intently, "You know I did."

She smiled, "Really?"

"There's no one else for me."

"For eternity?"

"For eternity," he agreed and kissed her.

As their passion grew, the two fell across the bed, showing the love they felt for one another.

Afterwards, Spike laid on his back with Buffy curled up next to him.

"That was nice," Buffy smiled.

He chuckled, "It was, wasn't it?"

She moved to kiss him gently before settling back in his arms.

"So, what do we do now?" she asked.

"Well..." he drawled, "I have an idea."

She giggled and slapped him across the chest playfully, "You know what I mean."

He sighed, "I don't know. Finish our vacation here, go home in a couple of days and live out the rest of our lives together. Happily ever after...or as much as one Slayer and one former vampire can."

She looked up at him, "Is this your messed up way of asking me to marry you?"

He smirked, "Maybe."

She smiled and kissed him deeply. He pulled her close before maneuvering so that she was pinned underneath him.

Breaking the intense kiss, Buffy said, "You know, I'm still expecting a romantic dinner for two, maybe some flowers, you down on one knee, and, oh, yeah, a beautiful ring with a rock so big everyone can go skating on it."

"Oh, you'll get all that. But, right now, I have something else to give you," he said, shifting his weight slightly.

Her laughter was cut off when he swooped down to kiss her.

The End