Part Six:

INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON
(SAME DAY)

Buffy and Spike are sitting on the sofa together, watching "Passions." Dawn is sitting at the coffee table, writing in a notebook.

BUFFY:God, this show SUCKS!

SPIKE:Hey!

Dawn looks up from her notebook and watches for a second, then turns to him.

DAWN: Gotta agree, Spike. This show really bites it.

SPIKE:This happens to be one of the best shows on television! It's phenomenally entertaining.
No response from either sister.

SPIKE:You just have to... I mean you can't take it too seriously... you just have to sort of, go with it. Obviously it's not high drama, but...

He trails off. Buffy fights back a laugh as she watches his hurt statement. She almost feels bad for him. But not that bad.

BUFFY:(mocking) Oh... I'm sorry pookie. I didn't mean to make fun of your stories.

Spike shoots her an angry look, then calms, his frown turning into a grin.

SPIKE: (with eyes on Buffy) Dawn? What's Buffy's favorite TV show?

BUFFY: Dawn, don't--

DAWN: Blind Date.

Spike smirks.

SPIKE: Blind Date.

BUFFY: (playing it off) So?

SPIKE: So... you're really beautiful when you feel stupid.

Buffy half-pouts, a wrinkle appears in her brow but quickly fades.
She can't help but smile. After all, he called her beautiful.

BUFFY: (grinning) You're stupid.

SPIKE?: Yeah, but you smell.

Buffy giggles. Dawn rolls her eyes and tries to ignore them.

BUFFY: Well, you have ugly feet.

SPIKE: Well, you... dammit you're still beautiful. Stop that, so I can think of bad things to say about you.

Buffy beams at Spike and grabs him by the shirt, pulling him into a kiss. Dawn looks up again.

DAWN: Eeew! Get a room!
They pull away from each other, still grinning.

SPIKE: Sorry, Niblet.

BUFFY: Sorry.

Dawn watches them for a moment, rolls her eyes, and sighs.

DAWN: All right. I can take a hint. I guess you two deserve a little more time to yourselves.

Dawn stands and gathers her things.

BUFFY: No, Dawn, you don't have to leave.

DAWN:(dramatic) No, no, I'll go. But, before I do, I'd like to point out that, once again, I am the only person in this family behaving like an adult.

She heads over to the stairs. Buffy and Spike watch her go, smiling.

BUFFY: Thank you, Dawn.

DAWN: You're welcome. Have fun...

She turns to go, pauses, and turns back again.

DAWN: ...but if you have sex on that couch I will be traumatized for life.

She bounds up the stairs. Buffy turns back to Spike.

BUFFY: You think she's mad?

SPIKE: Dawn? Of course not. She's been trying to get us together for months now. Plus, she's got all the comforts of home in her room including a TV. She's just trying to make you feel guilty so you'll give in on something she wants later.

Dawn pops her head down from the top of the stairs.

DAWN: I am not!

SPIKE: (laughing) Go to your room, you cheeky brat!

Dawn giggles and then disappears again. Spike smiles after her.

SPIKE: Yup. Heading down the road to delinquency, that one.

BUFFY : Yeah, well she likes you too.

Spike chuckles.

BUFFY: No, really, I mean& a lot. And even though she seems okay with this, I'm worried she might be a little jealous. I think she still has kind of a crush on you.

SPIKE: I know. But, it's nothing serious, really. Lots of girls get crushes on me.

BUFFY: Oh, is that a fact?

SPIKE: Please, you think I don't know when someone's got the shimmies for me?

BUFFY: The WHAT?

SPIKE: You know...

He grasps her hips and twists her back and forth, slowly and seductively.

SPIKE: The shimmies.

Buffy is immediately aroused. Her eyes glass over, her face flushes, her heartbeat quickens, then she realizes.

BUFFY: Hey! My sister does not have the SHIMMIES for you, you perv.

SPIKE: (laughing) Well, maybe not in the strictest sense, but you know who used to?

BUFFY: Giles?

Spike bursts out laughing.

SPIKE: No. Willow.

BUFFY: Oh, again with this. Listen carefully. Willow and Tara? They like chicks.

SPIKE: Hey, I've never been wrong before. I was right about you, wasn't I?

Buffy just smiles back at him.

SPIKE (uneasy) What?

BUFFY: Sometimes I wish I had your confidence.

SPIKE (looking away) Yeah, well... don't tell anyone I told you, but sometimes... not very often... but sometimes, it's possible, that it might be... just an act.

There is a gaping chasm of silence, then:

SPIKE: (forcing a laugh) I've got to stop telling you all my darkest secrets.

Buffy watches as he plays with the trim on the sofa pillow. His head is down, and there is color in his cheeks that she's never noticed before. A powerful current of feeling washes over her.

BUFFY: I'm glad you trust me enough.

Spike shrugs without looking up. He hates feeling this vulnerable. There is a lump in his throat.

BUFFY You wanna hear one of mine?

Spike stops playing with the pillow and looks up. He doesn't look directly into her eyes, but it's clear he's listening.

SPIKE All right.

Buffy takes a deep breath.

BUFFY When I lost my powers, I was really scared. You knew that. I felt useless and all I wanted was for things to go back to the way they were. But, then I slowly realized that without slaying being the center of my universe I actually had time to think about myself. Just me. Buffy: The Regular Person. Do you want to know what I realized about myself?

Spike doesn't respond or look up. His jaw is tensed. Buffy does not wait for him to respond.

BUFFY That I'm happy. Right now, I think I'm probably happier than I've ever been... ever. And... the thing of it is... I'm pretty sure it's because of you. And the fact that... I seem to be... completely in love with you.

Spike is frozen for what seems like a very long time. Then, finally, he lifts his eyes, very slowly, to meet Buffy's. His chest is heaving with emotion. Against his will... a tear spills down his cheek and she brushes it away for him. He squeezes his eyes closed at her touch and inhales deeply.

BUFFY Spike?

SPIKE Could you... I just want to hear it one more time.

BUFFY Open your eyes.

He obeys.

BUFFY Spike, I love you.

Spike exhales forcefully and grabs her into a tight embrace. She sighs against him and cries softly, tears of relief and total happiness. Spike hears her crying and finds it impossible to stop his own tears from falling. They hold each other for a little while, gently rocking. Eventually, they pull away, both sniffing and wiping their faces.

SPIKE (embarrassed) Is this what I have to look forward to as a human? Spontaneous blubbering at happy occasions? Look at us. Don't we make a handsome pair, all snotty and puffy-eyed.
Buffy laughs and gets herself a tissue.

BUFFY Well, phlegm notwithstanding, we certainly are the most attractive couple I know.

She punctuates this by blowing her nose. Spike smiles at her, surprised but delighted. Buffy discards her tissue.

BUFFY
See... I'm learning. Confidence good.

He leans in, suddenly, and kisses her softly on the lips. She responds by gently prodding his mouth open to deepen the kiss. Gradually, she begins to lie back on the couch and he follows her down, nibbling a little at her neck and the hollow of her throat.

BUFFY (breathless) What about Dawn? What she said about the couch.

SPIKE (gruffly) I'll go real fast. She doesn't even have to know.

Buffy giggles a little.

BUFFY (sarcastic) Mmmm. How you talk.

The phone rings. It is a jarring sound that startles them both into sitting positions.

SPIKE Bloody hell!

It is picked up on the third ring by Dawn. After a moment, she comes to the top of the stairs.

DAWN You guys decent?

BUFFY Dawn! Of course.

She turns and checks Spike to make sure she's not lying. Dawn descends the stairs and hands the phone to Buffy.

DAWN It's Giles.

Buffy freezes. Dawn just said something to indicate that she and Spike may not have been decent at the time of Giles' phone call. And Giles heard it. He had to have. She shouted it as loud as she possibly could. She takes the phone and puts it to her ear as though it might explode.

BUFFY Giles? Yeah... no, nothing... oh, you know her, she's always saying stuff like that... no, Spike's not even here, he's... in the bathroom... yeah, he's been in there for a while...

Spike grimaces at her and she almost laughs out loud. She whacks him to get him to stop making the face.

BUFFY ...no , I think he's taking a shower. What's up?

MAGIC BOX - THAT EVENING
Buffy and Spike are sitting at the table with many open books in front of them. Spike has a sour look on his face.

SPIKE Why do we have to do this? We're not exactly the researching type, you know.

GILES Yes, well, I was never able to lift a car before. Things change.

SPIKE You can lift a car?

BUFFY Spike. Focus.

SPIKE I could never lift a car. (to Buffy) Could you lift a car?

GILES Probably not. Which is one of my concerns. For some reason it appears that our power is increasing as time progresses. There is no way of telling what the long-term consequences may be, not to mention the psychological repercussions. Xander is already experiencing difficulties in controlling himself. He expressed his anxieties to me, so I know it is, indeed, serious. This could be very bad.

BUFFY Not much for the silver lining, eh, Giles?

Spike laughs at this and she smiles at him. Giles has turned away from them and is busying himself by putting books back on shelves.

GILES Yes, well, the trouble with that adage is that it implies that there is an upside to every situation. At first I thought I saw the upside to this one, but it's becoming more evident that it's simply another side. Nothing especially good has come out of this at all.

Spike is now poking at Buffy's hand with the eraser of his pencil. She slaps him away. He pokes again, giggling to himself.

BUFFY Well...

GILES Don't you think that--

Giles turns around and Spike yanks his hand away from Buffy's so forcefully that he knocks several books off the table. Giles looks on with some suspicion as Spike picks the books up and sets them back on the table. He notices Giles watching him.

SPIKE Arm fell asleep. Not used to it, with the new humanity and all.

Giles doesn't break his stare. Buffy comes to the rescue.

BUFFY Giles. I forget what I'm looking for.

Giles drags his eyes away from a very guilty looking Spike.

GILES Yes... em... just anything you can find about previous occurrences, particularly how long they lasted. That book you have in front of you isn't likely to turn up anything useful. Try this one. Look under Mystical Power Shifts.

He hands her a book.

SPIKE What about me? I can't find a bloody thing.

Giles looks back at him again with renewed suspicion.

GILES Yes, well, you do seem a little distracted. Perhaps if you actually read what was on the page, you might obtain a little more information.

A bit of a tense moment here. Then the bell chimes and the other scoobies enter the Magic Box in a frantic state.

XANDER
(freaked) Giles! It's getting worse!

WILLOW I broke my laptop! I just closed it a tiny bit harder than I usually do and it broke like I dropped a bowling ball on it! I don't like this.

TARA I'm a mess wherever I go. I mean, I've always been kinda, you know, clutsy but now... (quietly) ...I think maybe I shouldn't move around so much anymore.

XANDER (outburst) I'm afraid to go to the bathroom!

There is an awkward moment and Xander realizes he's shared too much.

ANYA Worse than that! He won't even TOUCH me! This has got to stop! It's not like there's a purpose anymore. The bad guys have all pretty much caught on that this strong thing happened to everyone... well... almost everyone. But, in case you're all wondering, I'm totally over it not happening to me because it's all hitting the fan now.

Xander notices Spike and Buffy looking at each other during Anya's lament. He can see immediately that there is a new connection between them. He bristles for a moment, for old time's sake, then decides it's not such a big deal.

XANDER Hey, guys.

They instantly look caught, then try to feign casualness.

BUFFY Hey.

SPIKE Harris.

WILLOW (studying them) Is there anything going on with you two?

Xander and Tara both spin to glare at Willow. That was a pointed question, all right. Willow notices their looks and tries to clarify.

WILLOW I mean... do you feel any differently?

More looks. Buffy and Spike are frozen in place.

WILLOW Geuhhh! I MEAN... we're getting stronger and I was just wondering if you guys feel like you might be getting weaker.

BUFFY (so relieved) Oh! Uh... well, not really. Not that I've noticed. Not that I've been doing anything that would require any effort these last couple of days. Spike?

SPIKE No, I'm the same old me. The same old human me. I mean, new old human me. Never mind. I don't feel weaker.

Giles is watching all of this with great interest. Finally, he speaks.

GILES Do you honestly think you're putting something over on me? Do you think I'm blind again, or just intensely stupid?

No one is surprised by this, but Anya, who has no idea what's really going on.

BUFFY (quietly) I didn't think you'd be very happy about it.

GILES Well, I'm not. This is extremely bad judgement on your part, Buffy. Spike may be human now... but you do realize this is a temporary situation.

BUFFY Yes, of course I realize that.

GILES Do you really? Then what did you think would happen when everything changed back to normal?

BUFFY (caught) I don't... know.

Spike is a little surprised by her answer. He looks down and backs away a little.

GILES (to Spike) And what about you? What were you thinking? Did you have a thought in your head about this at all?

WILLOW Giles, God. You're being really mean.

ANYA And I'd appreciate it if you slowed down. I'm lost. What... are Buffy and Spike "doing it" or something?

Everyone looks at Buffy and Spike. Buffy gives a barely noticeable shrug, but everyone gets the message loud and clear. Tara and Willow can not conceal smiles. Xander looks mildly shocked. Giles does not.

ANYA Wow! Buffy! I didn't know you had it in you!

Anya gasps and slaps her hand over her mouth, realizing what she just said. Willow and Tara start to giggle. Xander tries not to, but can't help but chuckle to himself. And finally, after looking hugely flustered and angry for a good three seconds, Giles begins to laugh too. Although, he takes off his glasses and tries to look dignified while he does so.

Spike was poised for a small battle with Giles, so is now very confused by all the laughing. He looks at Buffy.

SPIKE What's the funny?

Buffy gives him the big eyes. After a confused beat, he finally gets it. He looks surprised for a second and then guffaws loudly. Doubling over. This makes everyone laugh harder.

Abruptly, Giles stops laughing to see if the vibrations he's feeling are coming from himself. They are not. He looks up at the others with worry on his face. Xander notices.

XANDER Giles? What is it?

As if in response, a more violent shudder rips through the Magic box. Things start to fall and smash. The gang has trouble keeping their footing as the ground trembles and jerks. Everyone runs to find a safe spot.

Buffy runs to the back of the store and doesn't realize she's standing under the book loft. Spike notices that it looks like it's about to go and runs toward her as fast as he can. He gets to her just as the loft collapses, and pushes her out of the way in time.
Buffy falls hard, but when she lands, she realizes that the earthquake is over. Everyone slowly gets up to assess the damage. They're all a little shaken up (a pun!) but basically okay.

BUFFY Where's Spike?

They look around the shop to find Spike lying on the floor unconscious and half-pinned by the loft ladder.

BUFFY Oh God.

Buffy runs to Spike, already panicking. He does not appear to be moving or breathing. Buffy takes all of this in but doesn't know what to do first.

BUFFY (tear-choked voice) Giles! Help me! He's not breathing. Oh God, please, no. Oh please no.

Giles walks over and kneels to check Spike's pulse. His face is grim when he looks up at Buffy. Buffy can't accept what she sees in Giles eyes.

BUFFY Help me get this ladder off.

GILES Buffy, he's-

BUFFY CPR! We can do CPR! XANDER!!

Xander runs over. He looks a little panicked himself. Buffy is so upset it is difficult for her to speak.

BUFFY Xander please... you know how to do it. I don't think I... please try. Please?

Xander nods nervously at Buffy. He kneels beside Spike, leans over and moves Spike's head so it is upturned toward him.

SPIKE (pained voice) If you're gonna kiss me, Harris, could you at least get this sodding ladder off my bollocks first?

BUFFY Spike! Oh my God!

Everyone is more relieved than they thought they'd be. Buffy and Xander go to move the ladder and clearly Buffy is doing all the actual lifting.

Tara looks at Willow. They silently realize everything has gone back to normal.

Buffy is so happy that Spike is alive, the change doesn't even register with her yet. She runs to Spike and hugs him fiercely. Then showers his face with happy kisses.

BUFFY Oh thank God! Spike! I was so scared. I love you so much.

She throws her arms around him and squeezes him tight. Over her shoulder, Spike can see the shocked faces of all the scoobies upon hearing her admission of love. Buffy is too relieved to even notice.

BUFFY Please don't ever die again.

SPIKE (meeting Giles' eyes) Uh... I think I can probably keep that promise now, love.

Buffy pulls away and cocks her head at Spike, not understanding. She looks around at her friends and then at Giles. Slowly, she comes to the realization that she and Spike have now resumed their roles of vampire and slayer.

She reaches up and places her hand over Spike's heart. It's not beating anymore. They look sadly into each other's eyes.
Giles looks on, hating the fact that he's usually right.

BUFFY (quietly) But... you're okay. So that's all that matters.

Spike takes her hand and looks deeply into her eyes.

SPIKE And I still love you. Very much.

Buffy tenses a bit, now fully aware of being watched. Spike tenses with her. Suddenly, her expression changes completely.

BUFFY Dawn! She's at home! She could be hurt.

She starts to get up.

BUFFY We have to go. Are you okay to stand?

Spike looks at her; it's clear that she's doing the avoidy thing.

SPIKE Yeah, I think I'm okay.

He gets up, slowly and creakily.

WILLOW I'm sure she's okay, Buffy. We can call--

BUFFY The lines might be down. Try it, but I'm heading over there. Spike, are you coming with me?

SPIKE Of course.

He catches Giles eye and quickly looks away, not wanting to see what's there.

Spike and Buffy exit, and the rest of the gang is left to deal with the aftershock.

BUFFY'S HOUSE
Buffy enters and immediately yells for Dawn. Dawn appears at the top of the stairs in her pajamas, eating a tub of ice cream.

DAWN What?

BUFFY Are you okay?

DAWN I'm fine. What's going on?

Dawn comes down stairs to meet them.

BUFFY You didn't feel the earthquake?

DAWN Well... yeah.

BUFFY I was just worried.

DAWN No, I'm good. Some stuff fell, but I cleaned it up. What's the big, Buffy? We live in California. Earthquakes a-plenty. It's not like... oh... did it happen?

No one has to say anything. Dawn looks down at her ice cream and then continues, forcing cheerfulness.

DAWN Well, you guys look okay to me. It doesn't mean anything has to change, right? Except, no more tanning by the pool for Spike&... (uncomfortable silence) ...good thing we don't have a pool.

Buffy doesn't respond, so Spike forces a soft smile and pushes a strand of hair away from Dawn's face.

SPIKE You're right, Niblet, nothing has to change. Everything's all right& you can go on back to your late night rubbish fest with no worries, okay?

Spike's tenderness with Dawn completely melts Buffy's heart.

BUFFY (trembling voice) Goodnight, Dawn.

DAWN Night.

She watches Dawn go back upstairs. When she's gone, Buffy turns and throws her arms around Spike. He is a little surprised at first, but then sighs heavily and holds her tightly to him.

BUFFY (eyes closed) I don't care about anything else... I love you.
Spike pulls away and takes her face in his hands. She opens her eyes to look at him.

SPIKE Are you sure?

Buffy nods a little and Spike kisses her, gently at first, as though it is their first kiss. She responds by deepening the kiss and starts to pull off Spike's jacket.

Things get pretty hot between them, but when Spike starts kissing and nibbling at Buffy's neck, she involuntarily tenses. Spike senses it and pulls away. They look at each other; this was inevitable. Buffy's face is sad and apologetic. Spike looks down, struggling to keep the emotion out of his voice.

SPIKE This isn't going to work is it?

Buffy has no response.

SPIKE I can't go back to the way it was. I... I can't.

BUFFY (barely audible) I know.

SPIKE But if you were going to be with a vampire, you would be with Angel.

BUFFY I never said that.

SPIKE You don't have to.

Spike chokes back the large knot in his throat. His eyes are wet and he is shaking.

SPIKE Goodbye, Buffy.

LATER THAT SAME NIGHT
Dawn comes downstairs with her empty ice cream container and finds Buffy sitting on the floor, sobbing.

DAWN Buffy? What's going on, what happened?

BUFFY He's gone.

A very sad Dawn puts her arms around her sister and the two girls cry together.

End of Part Six

Part Seven:

LOS ANGELES

Spike wanders down the street half-drunk and full of pent-up anger. He stops, trying to focus on a slip of paper that he's holding. He looks up at the building he's stopped in front of, back to the paper, and then to the building again. Snarling, he stumbles up the stairs and practically falls through the door.

Fred is sitting by herself in the office when she hears Spike burst in. She jumps up, and scampers out to meet him.

Fred: He-hello there... and welcome to Angel investigations. Can I...

Spike looks up at Fred, anger in his eyes.

Fred: (quietly) ...uh, is there something I can help you with?

Spike watches her for a moment, focuses, senses she's frightened, and softens.

Spike: You work here?

Fred: Yes. Did you... uh... do you require our services? You look like you might need help. Or maybe... someone you know needs the help?

Spike: Hhha! Help, from Angel. That's a laugh, isn't it?

Fred: You know Angel?

Spike: We're old friends.

Fred: (relieved, smiling) Ohhh! Okay. So that's neat. I never met any of Angel's old friends, 'cept for Cordelia and Wesley, of course. I guess you could call me one of Angel's new friends. Well, I like to think so, anyway. My name's Fred.

She puts out her hand for a hearty shake. Spike can't help but be charmed. He shakes her hand and gives her the famous grin.

Spike: Truly a pleasure to meet you. Fred. I'm Spike.

Fred can't help but swoon. She giggles a little.

Fred: Spike, that's a funny name. Although I guess not much funnier than Fred. But Fred's short for Winnefred. Is Spike short for anything? Prob'ly not. Can't think of any name Spike would be short for, unless it's like one of those exotic names from some far off place or somethin', I noticed you have an English accent are you English?

Spike is dizzy.

Spike: ...yeah. (looks past Fred) So where is the old em bossman?

Fred: Downstairs, training with Cordelia. Do you know Cordelia?

Spike: Yeah, we go way back. Training for what?

Fred: Oh, you know the fighting stuff. Cordelia is really getting good at it. I'm sure I'll never get the hang of it. Not that anyone's really offered to teach me or anything. I mean, personally, I think I could be something more than just brain girl around here if someone would give me half a chance and stop treating me like I might break any minute. Are you a vampire?

Spike is startled at the abruptness.

Spike: (pause) I forget now. Yes. No. Yes. Yes, I am.


Fred: I can tell. You're probably a good vampire like him, right?

Spike laughs bitterly.

Spike: Not quite, love.

Wesley: Fred, come away from there, please.

Fred turns to see Westley holding a crucifix and looking extremely worried. She looks back to Spike who is grinning.

Spike: Look, your boyfriend's heard of me.

Fred: Oh, he's not my--

Westley: Yes, I have. Fred, please just move away, quickly.

Fred obeys and Westley creeps toward Spike, holding the cross out at arms length.

Spike: Just relax, mate. I've got no intention of hurting her. I'm on your side now.

Westley: Right. And I'm Father Christmas, pleased to meet you.
Spike rolls his eyes.

Spike: Look, does Angel still live here or what? Because I'm beginning to think he's become the great tragic myth he's always postured himself to be. Oh, he's not dead is he? Because that would be... you know... pretty bloody hilarious.

Suddenly Spike is thrown into the wall forcefully.

Spike: Hey! That's... OW! (he gets a look at his attacker) Cordelia?

Cordelia: What the hell are you doing back here, Spike? Did you really think you could set foot in this place without getting your limey ass staked?

Spike breaks into a huge smile.

Spike: Well, look at you all kung fu! That's brilliant. You're even pulling off the tough guy talk. Good on ya, Cordy!

Cordelia can't help but be a little proud.

Cordelia: Well, thanks. Angel's been teaching me.

Spike: So I've heard. Pretty resourceful of the old grand sire, I think can't deal with the real Slayer so he fashions one out of what he's got lying around.

After the intial shock, Cordelia punches him very very hard.

Spike: OW!

Angel: Nice hit, Cordy.

They turn around to see Angel standing at the opposite end of the room.

Spike: And there he is. You just can't resist making a bloody
entrance, can you? You great tosser!

Cordelia grunts at him and pushes him hard against the wall again.

Angel: Cordy, let him go, I got this one.

Cordelia: I can handle himÉ he's drunk.

Angel: No, really, let him go. This'll be fun for me.

Spike: (jazzed) That's the spirit, Peaches.

Spike stalks toward Angel and readies himself for the fight.

Angel: When are you gonna grow up, Spike?

Spike: Disappointed, are you? Need to give me a good thrashing?
Well let's have it then! Skip all this bloody catching up.

Angel: If you're here for the Gem of Amarra, you just wasted an awful lot of your own time. I destroyed that thing a long time ago.

Spike: I figured you would, you bleedin' martyr. Heaven forbid you actually have an easy time of it, 'cause then you wouldn't be able to repent for all your crimes against humanity every single day of your pathetic existenceÉ God, I really just hate you.

Angel rushes Spike and throws him into the wall again. He gets in his face.

Angel: Likewise. You're a real piece of work, man. Are you really this stupid or do you just have a death wish now, because-

Angel stops. Inhales. Looks into Spike's eyes. Spike realizesÉ and smirks.

Spike: Awww. You still remember her scent, then? How bleeding tragic.

Angel: (grave) What the hell did you do?

Spike: The question isn't what did I do, the question is what did WE do. And the answer isÉ everything.

Full of fury, Angel punches Spike hard across the face. Spike returns the punch and the fight of the century begins. Most of the Angel Investigations team retreats while Cordy hovers around the two enraged vampires, waiting for the right moment to jump in.

Angel: Cordy, get away, this isn't your fight.

Wesley and Fred are watching from behind a wall.

Fred: What's going on?

Wesley: I'm not sure. I think it's fair to say that Angel is angry with Spike. Or Spike is angry with Angel.

Cordy joins them.

Cordy: Nice grasp of the situation, Wes. I think I know what's going on. Angel smell's Buffy's scent on Spike, and can tell they had sex or something. Let's all take a minute to appreciate how gross that is on every level.

Angel throws Spike into the foyer table and it smashes to the floor underneath him. Before Spike has a chance to get up, Angel grabs him and hauls him up by his jacket.

Angel: If you forced her, I'll-

Spike: Oh PLEASE! Do you even know the girl? Do you really think I could ever get her to do anything she didn't want to do?

Angel: Then what happened?

Spike: You want details? Angel, I never figured you for the type. Should I use all the bad words?

Angel knees him very hard, in the nuts. Spike howls in pain.

Spike: You bloody wanker!

He doubles over, coughing. Angel grins down at him. He's about to get in his own snide comment when Spike pops up again and head butts him, sending him reeling backwards across the room.

Cordy: I don't see what he's so angry about. I thought he was over Buffy. God, how far away does she have to be to not irritate me?
The vampires crash into the office. Cordy, Fred and Wesley quietly file out as quickly as possible. Fred pauses to gather up some fine breakables, then hurries out.

Angel throws a chair at Spike, who ducks at just the right time and dives at Angel's feet, pulling them out from under him. Angel falls back, slamming his head into the desk. Spike leaps on top of Angel, yanking him up further on the desk and punching the crap out of him. Angel growls and hurls himself at Spike, pushing him back out the door and into the lobby. Spike trips over some debris and lands in Fred's lap.

Fred: Oh, for pete's sake!

Spike: Sorry, luv.

Westley: (primly) Perhaps it'd be safer to wait this out on the second floor.

They exit, as the battle rages on.

A short while later, Gunn enters the main lobby and has to immediately jump out of the way in order to avoid Angel and Spike, who are now doing what can only be described as wrestling.

Gunn: What the hell?

Spike slams the back of Angel's head into the floor.

Angel: OW! Stop doing THAT!

Gunn is ready for business. He grabs Spike by the shoulders, yanks him up and punches him in the face. Spike seems insulted.

Spike: Hey! What did I do to you?

Gunn is confused. He looks down at Angel.

Angel: He's an old friend. Just go find the others, they'll fill you in.

Gunn: You sure?

Spike: You heard him. Mind your business, chum.

Gunn: (in Spike's face) Did I look like I was talkin' to you, CHUM?

Angel: Gunn, really. I got this one.

Gunn: All right. Call if you need back up.

Spike scoffs and mumbles "back up."

Gunn walks away slowly, keeping his eyes on Spike.

Spike: Can I help you?

Gunn clicks his tongue and laughs.

Gunn: You better watch your mouth, Q-tip.

Spike: Or what? You'll blind me with your gleaming head? (then, under his breath) Pillock.

Gunn advances on Spike.

Gunn: What the hell did you just call me?

Spike puffs up, ready for him.

Angel: HEY!

They both look at Angel.

Angel: Still kinda want to fight over here!

Spike punches Angel in the face hard enough to knock him down again. He turns back to Gunn.

Spike: I called you a pillock. It means--

Gunn: I know what it means. And I'm gettin' ready to jack your British ass!

Spike: (channeling Big Bad) Well, I'm standing right here.

Gunn is suddenly a bit apprehensive. Angel tackles Spike.

Spike: Oh, get off!

Gunn: (relieved; covering) Yeah, well, Angel, let me know if you need me to jump in and beat his skinny ass down.

Spike gets punched in the face by Angel, but pays no attention, he looks past him, to Gunn.

Spike: Not on your best day, mighty man!

Angel: (irritated at the distraction) Gunn, get out of here!

Gunn: Damn, all right. Make a brother feel unwanted.

He gives Spike another look as he exits.

Angel punches Spike in the face to bring him back to the fight. He hits him again and again, without much pause between blows. Finally, Spike resumes his hatred of Angel and attacks.

Cut to: a half-hour later, the two vampires are lying half way up the main staircase, out of breath, bloodied, disheveled and exhausted. They lay side by side, facing the ceiling. They have beaten the hatred out of each other and are now very calm. When they speak, it is he intimate conversation of two old friends.

Angel waits for Spike to get through a coughing fit, and turns to him.

Angel: Are you gonna tell me what happened or not?

Spike looks at him.

Spike: You really want to know this?

Angel: (after a long pause) No. I really don't.

Spike nods and they both turn their eyes back to the ceiling. A few minutes pass in silence, then:

Angel: Tell me.

SUNNYDALE - BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Several Months Later

The gang is hanging out in the living room watching a Moulin Rouge on DVD. The girls are swooning over Ewan McGregor and Xander is bored to death.

Xander: Where's the mayhem? Where's the bloodshed? Where in the name of all that is holy are the big-budget explosions?!

He is answered with nothing but romantic warbling from the television speakers.

Xander: This sucks! I need a man!

The girls turn to him with questioning looks. Xander is immediately self-conscious.

Xander: I mean a guy to hang out with. Not for... (he gestures toward the screen) ...musical watching man-love. I almost wish I can't believe these words are coming out of my head, but I think I actually miss Spike.

Buffy winces.

Willow: (gesturing toward Buffy) Xander!

Xander: Oh, I'm sorry, Buff. I wasn't thinking.

Buffy: (softly) No, it's okay. I'm totally fine. Completely over the bleached crusader. Miss him all you want, it's a free living room.

There is an uncomfortable pause while Nicole Kidman croons onscreen. The other girls can plainly see that Buffy is anything but fine. Xander is less observant.

Xander: I wonder what he's doing now. You think maybe he went back to England or something? Maybe he's hanging with Giles! I bet their not sitting in watching lame singing movies. They're out on the streets of London, getting into bar brawls and reveling in their manliness.

Dawn: (rolling her eyes) He's not in England, Xander.

Immediately after she finishes the sentence, Dawn tenses and avoids Buffy's eyes.

Buffy: Dawn? You know where Spike is?

Dawn fiddles with her hands.

Dawn: We've... been in touch.

Buffy: He's called here?

Dawn: No, we... chat online.

Buffy: Online? Like... over the internet?

Dawn: Yeah.

Buffy: (stunned) How often?

Dawn: I don't know... every... night.

Buffy: Oh my God!

Willow: I know! I had no idea! Spike's a nerd!

Buffy: (impatient) Really not the issue, Will.

Willow: Right.

Tara: Well, what is the issue, exactly?

Buffy: The issue is (searching for a plausible issue) that... he's supposed to be staying out of my life. It's just what's best for both of us. For ALL of us. This isn't out of my life. This is in my life, in a sneaky, using my little sister type way.

Dawn: (hurt) He's not using me! First of all, we barely even talk about you anymore, so you can get over yourself any time now. Secondly, just because he has to stay out of your life doesn't mean he has to stay out of mine.

Buffy: Yes, actually, it does!

Dawn: Why? He's all the way up in L.A. and it's not like he can hurt me over the computer even if he wanted to, which he doesn't, so I don't see the harm. Besides, he's not your stalker anymore, remember? He's the one who left!

Buffy's face reveals that she remembers very well.

Xander: (trying to break the tension) So, he's in L.A.?

Dawn: (keeping her eyes on Buffy) Yeah. He's working with Angel.

Buffy's eyes nearly bulge out of her skull.

Dawn: That's right. Soul-less, chipless and fancy free but he decides to get a job helping the helpless. Kind of puts a hole in your big theory, doesn't it?

LATER THAT NIGHT

Buggerit: Hey bite size, how's it hangin'? You're on awfully late tonight.

OrNotToKey: What do you think you're doing?

Buggerit: About what, love?

OrNotToKey: It's Buffy. Why are you filling my sister's head with all this nonsense about you fighting the good fight with Angel in L.A.?

Buggerit: Hello, Buffy.

OrNotToKey: Are you going to answer me?

Buggerit: Why is it nonsense? Because I'm with Angel or because I'm fighting the good fight?

OrNotToKey: BOTH! Where are you really?

Buggerit: Unbelievable.

Bugger This: I don't need this from you. Look, give him a call if you don't believe me. I'm sure he'd just love to hear from you. Tell Dawn the Dawson's Creek wildfeed is up on the message boards.

Goodbye, Buffy.

OrNotToKey: WAIT!

OrNotToKey: Spike?

OrNotToKey: Hello?

Buggerit: What?

OrNotToKey: What's a wildfeed?

Buggerit: She'll know.

OrNotToKey: Are you really with Angel?

Buggerit: Yes.

OrNotToKey: How did that happen?

Buggerit: I ask myself that question everyday, love.

OrNotToKey: Does he know?

Buggerit: Know what?

OrNotToKey: Don't be a jerk, Spike. Does he know or not?

Buggerit: You're a lot less menacing on the AOL Instant Messenger system. You realize that, right?

OrNotToKey: TELL ME OR I WILL DRIVE UP THERE TONIGHT AND BEAT YOU TO DEATH!

Buggerit: Okay! Okay! I'll tell you. (Even though I know you can't drive, Miss Idle Threat.) Yes, he knows. I didn't intend to tell him. He just sort of, figured it out. Kind of a long story, there. I came up here to kill him, actually. Or have him kill me. It's funny how things don't turn out the way you plan them.

OrNotToKey: What did he say?

Buggerit: Not much, actually.

OrNotToKey: Oh.

Buggerit: Mostly, he just punched me.

OrNotToKey: Really? He was really mad?

Buggerit: I just made your day, didn't I?

OrNotToKey: Don't pout, it's unbecoming. Did he hurt you bad?

Buggerit: I needed some time to heal before starting my first day on the job, but he needed to take a personal day, himself.

OrNotToKey: This is crazy! You actually work for him?

Buggerit: WITH him. I work WITH him.

OrNotToKey: Uh huh. And you guys are what, pals now? Or is this some sick, show-offy thing where you're both trying to out-
superman each other on a nightly basis?

Buggerit: As if that's a bad thing. Oh, hang on! I almost forgot. Did you know Angel had a kid?

OrNotToKey: Yes, the last time I talked to him he told me. I'm still in shock.

Buggerit: You should see him with the thing. It's quite surreal.
OrNotToKey: You call his baby "the thing?"

Buggerit: It's nicer than what I call Angel.

OrNotToKey: You just made me laugh out loud.

Buggerit: You're supposed to write LOL.

OrNotToKey: Okay, nerd. LOL. Oh, and nice screen name, by the way.

Buggerit: Yeah, well, I had a great lot of very clever ones to do with my name, but they kept coming up already taken. Seems to be a lot of Spike's in this world. Makes a bloke feel downright ordinary. I got fed up and typed in my favorite phrase and, what do you know, it turned out to be available. I couldn't resist.

OrNotToKey: Suits you.

Buggerit: It does, doesn't it?

OrNotToKey: You'll take anything as a compliment, won't you?

Buggerit: Part of my charm.

Buggerit: Where'd you go? Are you trying to tell me I'm not charming?

Buggerit: Buffy?

OrNotToKey: I miss you.

ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS - OFFICE - NIGHT

Sitting at a laptop computer, Spike reads what Buffy wrote and knocks over his mug of blood.

Spike: Bloody hell! GAH!

The viscous liquid rolls into the crevices of the keyboard. Small sparks shoot out from different locations.

Spike: Oh no! Don't do this to me!

BUFFY'S ROOM - NIGHT

Using Dawn's computer, Buffy waits for Spike's response.

OrNotToKey: Spike?

OrNotToKey: Are you still there?

She sighs.

Buffy: (to herself) Okay. Guess I deserve it.

She leans in to type.

OrNotToKey: Bye, Spike. I'm sorry.

She waits a few more minutes. Just in case. Nothing.
Sadly, she turns off the computer.

ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS - OFFICE - NIGHT
The computer screen is black and the machine itself is making an ominous whirring noise. Spike holds it upside-down and shakes it hard, trying to get blood to drain out.

Spike: Oh, this is just BLOODY BRILLIANT! (a beat, then calling out) FRED!?

End of Part Seven

Angel Investigations - Day

A FEW MORE MONTHS HAVE PASSED.

Team Angel is sitting around the hotel lobby and office, looking kind of bored. Gunn and Spike are cleaning weapons, Wesley is reorganizing his files, Fred is working on a brand-spanking-new laptop and Cordelia and Angel are fussing over Connor.

Angel: Stop it, he doesn't like that.

Cordelia: Of course he does. Look, he's smiling.

She leans in very close to Connor, makes a bizarre face and speaks in a high-pitched voice.

Cordelia: Is Cordy making a silly face? Is this a silly face? Yeah, you're smiling aren't you, Connor?

Angel: That's a grimace. You're freaking him out.

Cordelia straightens and frowns up at Angel.

Cordelia: So, basically, you're saying that my face strikes fear into the hearts of children?

Angel: (trying not to smile) Not just children.

Cordelia gasps, then laughs and swats at him playfully.

Cordelia: Jackass.

Angel grins cockily but when Cordelia turns away his face reveals that he is quite the smitten kitten.

The room is quiet for a little while, then...

Spike: Here's the thing. If someone says they miss you...

Groans from everyone in the room. Spike ignores this.

Spike: ...they're not necessarily saying they want you around or that they might still have feelings for you. It could just be something like, "Hey, I miss the way things used to be. Bloody shame everything turned out so crap." You know? I mean if she really wanted to say something, she could
have--

Gunn: Damn, man! You have really got to get over this! Why don't you just call the girl already? Maybe she'll say, "How are you?" and give you a whole new sentence to obsess over.

Spike: (indignant) I'm not giving her the satisfaction! She knows the number here! If she really missed me she would have picked up the phone months ago when I didn't respond on computer.

Fred: Or... she's waiting for you to make the first move. She thinks you ignored her, Spike, of course she's not gonna call. But that doesn't mean she doesn't--

Spike: Don't start, you! I've had enough of your romantic notions. All this nonsense about champions being drawn to each other...

Cordelia and Angel steal a look toward one another. Two sets of deep brown eyes meet and then immediately look away.

Spike: I'm nobody's bloody champion, and the person who knows that best of all is Buffy Summers.

Spike becomes particularly focused on the knife he's polishing, rubbing at the same smudge with a scowl on his face. Gunn and Fred exchange concerned looks as Spike falls silent and glowery again.

Cordelia: (whispering to Angel) God, I really had no idea he was this insecure.

Angel: Spike? Oh yeah. Big time. Not on the battlefield, of course. There, he's the most sure-footed son-of-a-bitch you'll ever hope to have on your side. But Spike in love equals total pansy. Look at him. Poor sap looks like he's about to cry. It's pretty funny, actually.

Cordelia frowns at Angel, then looks back at sad sack Spike and rolls her eyes.

Cordelia: (muttering) Well, I've had just about all I can take of this. (then, louder, to Spike) Hey, you know what'd be a real shocker? If you actually had the guts to go back and talk to Buffy in person.

Spike: (not looking up) She doesn't want me to come back. She doesn't want me in her life.

Cordelia: Okay. Say that's true. Don't give her what she wants, give her what she needs. She's used to guys getting all wigged out and leaving. Imagine her surprise if one of them actually came back.

She glances at a mildly stricken Angel.

Cordelia: (to Angel) No offense.

Angel: (amused) Really?

Cordelia: Well, maybe just a smidge.

They share a look. Then Cordelia turns back to Spike and finds him staring at her intensely.

Cordelia: What? I'm just being honest.

Spike drags his eyes away from Cordy to look at Angel. Angel looks away, showing signs of... guilt? After some internal deliberation, blue fire ignites behind Spike's eyes.

Spike: I'm no better than you, am I?

Spike stands. Angel's eyes are still downcast.

Spike: (epiphany time) Bugger all! I'm no better than Captain sodding Cardboard!

He looks around at the faces of those he has come to trust over the past several months. His other family.

Spike: I just left. I didn't even try! What the hell was I bloody thinking?

Suddenly, he sets his sights on Cordelia, standing across the room, and stalks toward her. For a moment Cordelia shrinks, perhaps anticipating a blow. Instead, Spike grabs her and hugs her. A little shocked, Cordy puts her arms around him slowly. Over Spike's shoulder she apologizes to Angel with a look. Angel gives a small shrug.

Spike pulls away to look at Cordelia.

Spike: (gruff, emotion heavy voice) You might have brought this up sooner, love.

Cordelia: You're supposed to figure it out for yourself!

For emphasis on "yourself", she flicks Spike's forehead with her thumb and forefinger.

Spike: Ow!

Cordelia: Don't you know that all every girl wants is a guy who can read her mind? That's not too much to ask, is it? (off Spike's confusion) Don't worry. I won't tell Buffy you needed a little push.

Spike nods. He's in a bit of a daze. He rubs his stinging forehead, feeling excited for the first time in a very long time. He glances up at Angel finds him staring back at him with an unreadable expression.

Spike: Listen--

Angel: (cutting him off) You don't deserve her.

Spike: I know. (a beat) I have to go back.

Angel: I know.

THE NEXT DAY

Team Angel is gathered to see Spike off. Spike hugs Fred and when they pull away she looks very sad.

Spike: I'm sorry I annihilated your lap top.

Fred: (waving it off) Spike, stop saying you're sorry! I told you not to worry about it. Just gave me an excuse to get the pretty new white one.

Spike smiles at the sweet girl. He's grown very fond of her during his stay there.

Spike: Gonna miss you most, you know that right?

Fred: (shy) I know it.

Gunn twitches at this exchange. He comes over and slips a territorial arm around Fred.

Gunn: Real shame you have to go, man. (he extends a hand to be shook) Bye.

Spike smiles. Gunn's jealousy and competitiveness amuses him so.

Spike: Oh, come on. (re: hand) Put that thing away. I thought we were friends. (a beat) Give us a kiss.

Gunn: (laughing) I'll give you something to kiss. You better get on outta here!

Gunn makes like he's going to literally kick Spike in the ass. Spike laughs and holds up his hands.

Spike: Fine. Fine. You're gonna miss me when I'm gone, though.

Gunn: (serious) I know.

Okay, things are getting too sappy. Spike turns away, clearing his throat.

Westley stands before him, looking bored. Westley is the only one who never really warmed up to Spike.

Spike: Don't suppose you're going to miss me.

Westley: Not really, no. Safe trip.

Westley quickly turns and walks away.

Spike: Right. Thanks.

And there's Cordelia.

Cordelia: You know he's going off to listen to sad music and cry over you.

Spike: I suspect as much.

Cordelia: Well...

Spike: Well...

Cordelia starts to get a little misty and begins adjusting Spike's shirt and coat for him.

Cordelia: Remember to play nice with the other kids, especially Xander. I know it's hard but I also know that deep down you two are destined for buddy-film greatness.

Spike: (smirking) Deep down.

Cordelia: Yes, very deep. Just take it easy on him. You know how fragile he is. And it's okay to be honest most of the time, but try not to say absolutely everything you're thinking. Sometimes people don't like that. It takes a little getting used to, but I think I'm finally getting the hang of it. Call me if you need any pointers. Or... just call for whatever, okay? We'll be here. We have no social lives.

Spike smiles.

Spike: (softly) You grew up real nice, Cordy.

Cordy stops fussing over him and looks into his eyes.

Cordy: So did you.

They hug tightly. Spike has to clear his throat again.

Angel is standing by the door with his hands shoved into his pockets. Spike walks up to him, slowly.

Angel: I'm not hugging you.

Spike: Thank Christ for that.

Angel: It's been... fun having you around again.

Spike: (quietly) Well, much as I hate to admit it, the fun doesn't have to end just 'cause I'm going.

Spike subtly flicks his eyes toward Cordelia. It takes Angel a minute to catch up, but when he does he decides it's time to check the shine on his boots. Spike picks up on Angel's discomfort and quickly changes the subject.

Spike: So, it's funny how being a white hat is almost as much fun as being a black hat, isn't it.

Angel looks up at Spike with a glint in his eye and grins.

Angel: Yeah. Almost.

Spike smiles.

Spike: See you around, Peaches.

He heads toward the door and opens it. Before he can leave...

Angel: Spike?

Spike turns around.

Angel: Take care of her.

Spike's eyes go a little bright.

Spike: (gruff voice) If she lets me.

He turns away quickly and leaves, leaving Team Angel with a Spike sized hole in it.

Sunnydale

Buffy is working behind the counter in the magic shop.
Spike enters. Buffy freezes where she is. She doesn't speak.

Spike: They told me you were here.

Buffy: Who? Who told you?

Spike: Willow and Tara.

Buffy seems angry.

Spike: They said not to be mad and to hear me out. Because I'm a terrific fellow and I speak from the heart.

Buffy raises an eyebrow.

Spike: Okay, I embellished. Look I--

Spike takes a step forward and Buffy quickly backs up behind the cash register as though she's afraid of him. It affects Spike like a slap in the face. He fills his lungs with air and continues, determined to speak his peace.

Spike: I was an idiot.

Buffy: I was gonna say.

Spike: Believe me, no one is more disgusted at my behavior than I am. I should have trusted my instincts but I thought I was doing what you wanted. Turns out I'm as bad as the other two gits who I normally enjoy the pleasure of being superior to.

Buffy is listening.

Spike: The absolute last thing you needed to see was the backside of another stupid sod walking away because he thinks he's got just bloody cause.

Spike shakes his head, angry with himself. After a pause, he calms down and speaks slowly.

Spike: There's not really anything I can say to make it right. But I am so very, very sorry.

Buffy is now trying very hard not to cry.

Spike: (softly) I don't know if you can forgive me. I don't know if you even want me around. But I know you love me. I know it. I always have, I just... Being human spoiled me. I knew I'd eventually have to change back, but I kept kicking the thought aside. I didn't want reality to stomp in and spoil everything. So, I wasn't prepared for when it did. (looks down) I didn't think we could ever be happy again. Maybe I was right. (looks into her eyes) But here's what it is: I love you. And I'm staying.

Buffy is now trying very hard to catch her breath.

Spike: You can say what you like, but I belong here... or wherever else it is that you happen to be. And short of you shoving a stake through my far too vulnerable heart, you are stuck with me. Now, I'll respect any decision you make. I'll be a friend to you, a working partner, I'll even keep fifteen yards between us at all times if that's what strikes your fancy. But, I am not going anywhere.

Buffy opens her mouth to speak but stops abruptly. Her eyes widen. She grips the edge of the counter and proceeds to scream bloody murder.

Spike: (nervous) Or... maybe I'll keep myself on Angel's payroll a while longer and just pop in on you from time to time. See how that sits with you.

Buffy moans softly, becoming increasingly agitated.

Spike: Buffy, calm down! I--

She starts to move toward a phone.

Buffy: (muttering) I have to call Xander.

Spike is just about to ask why when Buffy moves away from the counter. The words die in his throat and the dumbstruck look on his face rivals the one he wore when he first saw her coming down the stairs toward him, back from the grave.

Spike: You're--

Buffy screams again and doubles over. When it passes...

Buffy: (labored breathing) Knocked up. Yeah, thanks for noticing. Could you please get me the phone?

Spike: What? Oh!

He leaps over the counter and hands her the phone, never taking his eyes off of her.

She takes the phone and tries to dial but she's in too much pain. He takes it from her.

Spike: You want to call Xander?

Buffy: Yes... he's... I don't know if he's home... this wasn't supposed to happen for another three weeks. He was gonna take me to the hospital.

Spike: Is he the...

He can't say it. Buffy looks up into his eyes.

Buffy: No, Spike, XANDER is not the father.

It takes a couple of minutes to register. When it does, every bone in Spike's body disintegrates. The phone falls out of his hand and he slouches against the wall, staring at Buffy's protruding stomach.

Buffy: Hey! Spike? Hello! Snap out of it, would you! I know it's a lot to deal with all at once, but I'm kind of in labor here! Oh GOD!

She cries out again and Spike stands up immediately. His only thought: Buffy hurting. Help Buffy.

Spike: (dazed) I... I have my car. I can take you.

Buffy hesitates for the briefest moment.

Buffy: Let's go.

HOSPITAL

Sitting up in bed in the delivery room, Buffy is disheveled, sweaty and in a great deal of pain. Standing next to her and blathering on is the now coherent Spike who is clearly annoying her.

Spike: And if I hadn't come back tonight, just when exactly were you going to tell me you were having my child!

Buffy: Spike--

Spike: No, Buffy, really. No matter what you think of me, it's just wrong to shut a person out like that. You could have picked up a bloody phone--

Buffy's arm shoots up and she grabs Spike by the throat.

Buffy: ARE YOU KIDDING ME WITH THIS? I am in blinding pain here and now that you've finally come out of your coma all you can do is stand there and lecture me?! I will snap your neck like a twig you insufferable pain in the ass!!

The nurse looks at Spike with a plastered on smile.

Nurse: Don't worry, it's just hormones. She doesn't mean it.

Buffy realizes what she's doing and pulls her hand back, embarrassed that the nurse witnessed her outburst. Spike adjusts himself and checks his neck for damage.

Spike:(to the nurse) Don't kid yourself, pet. She means it.

Buffy shoots Spike an angry look but it fades when she sees him smiling back at her.

Spike: Good to know you haven't changed.

She smiles weakly.

Buffy: What can I say. You bring out the best in me.

Another contraction hits and Spike grabs her hand.

Spike: Okay, okay. Em... just try and breathe... do the breathing thing.

Buffy: I never... went to... Lamaze class.

Spike: Why the hell not? Those selfish twits couldn't find the time to take you to one class?

The contraction subsides.

Buffy: Everyone was a little busy saving the world while I was on maternity leave. We could have used a little help from the absentee father!

Spike: (angry) Well if someone would have bothered to keep me in the loop, maybe I would have--

Buffy yells again and Spike is immediately repentant.

Spike: I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm a wanker.

Buffy: (in pain) Yes, you are! You are a WANKER!

Spike: Yes, I am. Okay, calm down. Just go like this. Hoo-hoo-hoo...

Buffy starts to breath the way Spike is showing her.

Buffy: Hoo-hoo- where did you - hoo - learn this?

Spike: On telly. On my soaps, someone's having a baby every other bloody day. This is the way they breathe. Hoo-hoo-hoo...

Buffy laughs, and then squeals in pain again.

Spike: No laughing. Breathe. Hoo-hoo-hoo...

Buffy obeys. After a little while, the doctor enters.

Doctor: So... how's mommy?

Spike: Mommy needs drugs. What've you got?

The doctor laughs as if Spike made a joke. Spike is pretty confused as to why his question was not answered.

Doctor: Let's just have a peek then.

The doctor looks under the sheet for a moment and Buffy screeches louder than she has yet.

Spike: What the hell are you doing down there? Whatever it is, knock it off! Can you see she's in terrible pain? What kind of a doctor are you?

Doctor: I assure you, sir, I'm not doing anything. The pain she's feeling is perfectly normal and to be expected.

Spike: Yeah, well, if this keeps up the pain you feel should be perfectly expected as well.

The doctor looks frightened.

Buffy: Spike. Spike, I'm okay. Don't threaten the doctor.

Spike looks at Buffy and all the anger drains out of his face.

Spike: Sorry. I'm not very good at this am I?

Buffy smiles softly and runs her hand through his hair.

Buffy: Actually, you're doing pretty great. I'm glad you're here.

Spike: Really?

Buffy responds by gripping a huge chunk of his hair and pulling hard as she screams through another contraction.

Spike: Ow. Ow. OW! You're not breathing! Buffy? That's attached, love! Remember breathing? Hoo-hoo-hoo...


TWO HOURS LATER

The Scooby Gang sits in the waiting room. Willow wrings her hands and repeatedly checks the clock while Tara sits calmly beside her. Xander paces back and forth. Dawn alternates between babbling excitedly about being an aunt and looking bored. Anya is literally sitting on the edge of her seat when she sees Spike walking toward them. He looks a little worse for wear and his hair is sticking up violently. Everyone watches him closely, waiting.

Anya: He looks so pale.

She gets looks.

Anya: I mean, more so than usual.

Spike stands before them and speaks hoarsely.

Spike: It's a... baby.

Everyone waits.

Anya: Yes, but what kind?

Spike: A... a girl. A little girl.

LATER THAT NIGHT

The last of the Scooby visitors have filed out of the room, leaving Buffy and Spike alone with their new baby.

Buffy: So, no one seemed surprised to see you here tonight.

Spike: I noticed that. It's the baby. Babies are very distracting.

He says this without taking his eyes off of the little bundle in Buffy's arms. He watches the infant's every movement.

Buffy: I guess I was the only one who thought you were gone for good this time.

Spike looks down, guilty.

Spike: I know. And I am sorry. I just thought--

Buffy: No you didn't.

She sounds more hurt than angry.

Buffy: You didn't think at all. You never do because you are a child and now you have a child. I can't deal with two children at the same time, Spike, so you'd better have grown up a little while you were away!

Spike looks at her curiously.

Spike: Does that mean you want me to stay?

Buffy: Of course I want you to stay you stupid jerk. But it's not just about us now. (she looks at the baby in her arms) If you leave again...

Spike: (looking into her eyes) I'm not leaving again.

Buffy studies his face.

Buffy: I believe you. It's a good thing you suck at lying.

Spike shrugs, shyly. After a moment, a serious expression crosses his face.

Spike: Speaking of sucking, love... I am still a vampire. I don't expect the others to ever fully trust me. But I'd like to know if you think you ever will.

Buffy: Well... I've had a lot of time to think while you were a way. (smiling) A lot of time.

She laughs as Spike shifts uncomfortably at that little dig.

Buffy: And I don't know from souls but what I do know is that you have something inside of you that is very special. There are humans running around right now... lots of 'em... who can't feel as deeply as you do. They don't even have a fraction of your kindness, your passion, your sense of honor. And they don't need to work nearly as hard to have those things as you do.

Spike swallows hard, emotions getting the best of him.

Buffy: You're strong enough to keep that demon inside you from taking those things away. Angel wasn't that strong. And he could never have loved me the way you do. He couldn't even love himself. It's a hard thing to admit even now and maybe that's why it took me so long to see the good in you. I didn't want to believe that Angel...

She trails off.

Spike: (quietly) Buffy, you should know that Angel did love you.

Buffy: Not enough.

Spike is startled by her matter-of-fact tone.

Buffy: If he did he would have come back and found a way to make it work instead of giving up so easily. But it's okay. We're better, happier people when we're apart. I realize that now. I don't know, maybe it's new mom wisdom or something. Everything just seems more clear. Especially when I look at you.

Spike's breath catches.

Buffy: I love you, Spike. I love the way you love me. And I know you'll be good to us.

They're both getting pretty choked up and Spike can't seem to speak at all. He has no idea how to respond to such praise. Buffy understands this and changes the subject.

Buffy: So... I was convinced she was going to be a boy, so I didn't pick any good girl names. Do you have any favorites?

Spike: (very shy and tentative) Um... my mum's name was Olivia.

Buffy: Olivia!

She looks down at the baby.

Buffy: God, that's beautiful. Do you want to be named Olivia? Look, I think she likes it too. Miss Olivia...

She looks expectantly at Spike.

Spike: (confused) My mum didn't have a middle name. Maybe you can--

Buffy: No, she needs a last name. Olivia Summers is nice, but... (nervous) ...she's got a daddy.

Spike looks at her, and then the baby. Awestruck.

Spike: You want her to have my name?

Buffy: Well, I don't want her to be called Olivia the Bloody, but I know you had a decent last name at some point. To tell the truth I'm kinda dying to know what it is.

Spike reaches out slowly and lets Olivia wrap her tiny hand around one of his fingers.

Spike: (whisper) Fairchild.

Buffy has never known Spike to have such an economy with words. She's quite moved by it.

Buffy: Olivia Fairchild. That's perfect. Do you want to hold her?

He does, but he's scared.

Spike: I... I don't--

Buffy: It's easy. Here. Put your arms like this.

He studys her and then copies what she's doing. She gently lays the baby into his arms. He holds Olivia stiffly for a minute, worried about hurting her, but instincts soon take over and he snuggles the baby close to him. Buffy's eyes well up with tears as she takes in the beautiful tableau before her.

Buffy: There, see. You're doing a great job. You'll be a good dad, I think.

Spike looks down at his daughter who is cooing appreciatively up at him. He can no longer hold back the tears.

Spike: I will. I promise.

He looks up at Buffy and sees she is crying too. He leans over slowly and carefully to place a sweet kiss on her mouth. When he pulls away, Buffy kisses the top of Olivia's head and smiles at him. They are now a family.

****

In the maternity ward, Spike watches all the newborn babies from behind a glass window. Buffy has fallen asleep and now he's waiting for the nurse to bring Olivia out to be admired by the rest of the visitors on the floor. Spike's mood suddenly darkens as Xander walks up to him.

Xander: So, you're back.

Spike: Look, I don't want to fight with you.

Xander: Who's fighting?

Spike: I know you don't think I should be here. But I'm not leaving again. Buffy wants me to stay, so you'll just have to get used to having me around.

Xander: Spike--

Spike: Here--

Spike digs into his coat pocket and produces a zip lock baggie with a strangely beaded necklace in it.

Xander takes it, nonplussed.

Spike: It's made of garlic. They sell them at Venice Beach up in L.A. They're not in quite as much denial as the good people of Sunnydale. You can wear it whenever I'm around if it makes you feel better.

Xander: (shocked) You had this in your pocket the whole time?

Spike: Well, it's sealed. See? Yellow and blue make green.

Xander just stares at the necklace. He has so much to say, but he just can't bring himself to do say it. Instead, he nods a thank you and tucks the baggie in his pocket.

Spike nods in return and they both turn to watch the newborn babies again. After a few moments, Spike speaks conversationally.

Spike: Cordelia says hi.

Xander: Yeah? She miss me?

Spike: I wouldn't go that far.

Xander chuckles.

Xander: And how's your grand pappy?

Spike: Irritating as ever. But that's family for you.

Xander: Yeah. (long pause) So, speaking of that... uh... Anya and I are gonna take another stab at this wedding thing.

Spike: Oh right, I heard about the first fiasco. Interesting choice of words, though. Will there be stabbing?

Xander: We're hoping to avoid that by not inviting family this time. Just close friends. Willow is performing the ceremony. She was ordained on line.

Spike nods, impressed.

Xander: Giles is coming back from England to give the bride away.

Spike: Does he know about...

Xander: Yeah.

Spike: (nervous) Good. At least I don't have to worry about the old codger dropping dead of a coronary when he sees William the Bloody's newborn human child nestled in Buffy's maternal arms...

Spike trails off. Saying it out loud in this cavalier way has finally made it real for him. It hits him like a ton of bricks. Xander doesn't notice and when he speaks again, Spike is startled.

Xander: He's not happy, I won't lie. But I think you'll be surprised at how much he doesn't kill you. Especially after he sees her.

They both both watch quietly as Olivia is brought in by a young nurse and placed in a little plastic bed.

Spike: (lost in thought) Yeah. (then, remembering) I'll believe it when I see it.

Xander seems very uncomfortable. He keeps sneaking side glances at Spike, trying to avoid meeting his eyes.

Xander: So... So I need a guy is my point.

Spike is confused. He blinks a few times and tilts his head questioningly at Xander.

Xander: (voice cracking) A guy! For the wedding. Buffy, Tara and Dawn are still bridesmaids and I need a guy to stand next to me and sign the thing and hold the rings - and not steal them. Basically you're my only option, so do you want to do it or not?

Spike: Well. That was... from the heart.

Xander: Look, man, I'm trying to reach out here. With Buffy and the new baby and everything, you're kind of like... I don't know. You're here so you might as well be a part of stuff.

Spike is completely stunned. He squints at Xander, trying to figure out whether or not it's a joke.

Xander: Is that a no?

Spike: No. I mean, yeah. I'll do it. (not a trace of sarcasm) That might be... nice.

Xander: Well here's hopin'. Can't be any worse than last time, anyway. (long pause) Thanks.

Spike doesn't know the appropriate response. He feels like thanking Xander but that might seem weird.

Spike: Uh... yeah. Okay.

REALLY uncomfortable silence. They watch the baby again and for the first time, Xander notices Olivia's name card. He reads it, his mouth drops open and he looks at Spike.

Xander: FAIRCHILD?

Spike: (Oh, crap!) One word. One word and I swear...

Xander: (hands up) Hey, I'm sayin' nothin'! (Xander hides a smile) I should get going anyway. I got the job in the morning, can't stand around all night staring at your kid. (a pause; he has to do it) Fairchild, could you bring the car 'round?

Xander cracks himself up. Spike tries not to smile.

Spike: Funny.

Xander: I'll take my tea in the drawing room, please.

Spike: (not looking at him) You can leave now.

Xander: Yes, of course. Tally Ho, Fairchild. Until next we meet, somewhere betwixt dusk and dawn, I do beseech you--

Spike: It's gonna get old.

Xander: Oh, I don't think so.

Xander turns to leave. Stops. Pauses for a minute, then turns around.

Xander: Welcome Home, Spike.

Spike turns slowly to look at Xander. Okay, Buffy being sprogged up was a shock, becoming a father was still sinking in. But Xander being nice to him? Off Spike's bewilderment, Xander smiles then turns and walks away.

THE END