Moonlight and Mohra

By: Larilyn

Rating: ???

Timeline: Takes place after the Buffy ep "As You Were," and the Angel ep "Loyalty". "Hell's Bells" and "Sleep Tight" haven't happened and won't happen in this little fic-verse.

Disclaimer: Buffy belongs to Mutant Enemy and UPN, blah, blah, blah. Angel belongs to Mutant Enemy and the WB, yada, yada, yada. Its Joss's toy box; I'm just raiding it for fun.

Summary: Spike encounters a Mohra demon and poof, he's human. Who will he run to? Maybe Buffy, maybe not.

Classification: S/B, some W/T

Notes: I want a crossover!! So I figured if Joss wasn't gonna give me one, I'd make one myself. And while I'm at it, I'll make everyone live happily ever after, because that's what fanfic is for.

If you missed Part One you're gonna be confused. Here's a quick rundown. Spike has been infected by a Mohra demon and now he's human. He's run to LA for some help from Angel.

THREE MONTHS LATER

Buffy walked down the corridor that she knew somehow led to Spike. She crept through the door to his room. He was asleep amongst a plethora of white silk pillows and a white silk sheet covered the lower half of his body.

She watched his bare chest rise and fall with every breath he took. His skin was darker than she remembered it, touched by the sun now, as it hadn't been for over a hundred years. His hair was darker too, and a riot of waves were mussed by the pillow.

He opened his eyes. Blinking twice, he sat up and croaked in a voice that was fresh from a deep sleep, "Buffy?"

She went to him. She sat on his bed and caressed his cheek. He leaned into it like a kitten craving affection. She ran her hand down his chest. It was so warm, so different from the Spike she had known.

He placed his hand on the back of her neck and drew her in for a warm, passionate kiss.

They parted; gasping for air, for they both needed it now. He leaned his forehead against hers and begged, "Buffy, say my name."

"Spike," she breathed.

"No..." he shook his head.

She bestowed him with her most brilliant lover's smile, "William."

He gasped and dove again for her mouth. He broke their kiss too soon for Buffy, but he placated her by placing his warm lips on her throat. "I've missed you." he murmured into her skin.

"I've missed you too."

"Have you?" he continued to place warm kisses along her neck.

"Then why did you drive me away, Buffy? Why do you drive your lovers away?" His lips became cold and Buffy pushed him away.

His tan was replaced by the pale white of death, his hair was no longer endearingly mussed, but slicked back.

Suddenly, they were no longer in his room. They were in a Sunnydale cemetery. Spike's cemetery. He was dressed all in black complete with the duster he had stolen from a murdered Slayer.

Drusilla came up from behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Give her what she deserves my pretty Spike."

Spike lunged forward and vamped out. Buffy felt him grab her, but she did not resist. She simply closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation of his fangs biting into her.

*****

Tara was at the stove diligently cooking when Buffy lumbered into the kitchen. It only took a quick glance for Tara to assess, "Sweetie you look awful."

"Nightmare." Buffy plopped herself down on the stool.

"Slayer dream?"

"God I hope not."

Tara paused before she delicately asked, "Was it about Spike?"

"My dreams usually are," scoffed Buffy, "But most of the time they're you know, pleasant. Like when I dream about Mel Gibson."

Tara smiled in understanding, "Gillian Anderson."

Buffy raised her eyebrows at her friend, "Thing for redheads?"

Tara just shrugged. Buffy drifted off into thought. Tara reassured her, "Buffy, I'm sure that if anything has happened, Angel will call."

"I know. I know. Silly to worry. Bad Buffy."

Tara plopped a plate of pancakes in front of Buffy.

"Ooh, funny shapes." Buffy cooed.

"I thought you could use funny shapes."

"Have I mentioned how happy I am that you moved back in?"

"Once or twice."

*****

Cordy wasn't afraid to voice her opinion of her friend's appearance as he came down the stairs into the lobby. "My God, William, you look like hell. Nightmare?"

Spike nodded.

"Was it the one where Buffy stakes you, or the one where Drusilla bites you, or the one where Drusilla stakes you?"

"The one where I bite Buffy." He slumped down into the chair at Cordelia's desk.

"Hmm, an exciting new plot twist." She sat on the edge of her desk and handed Spike a cup of coffee. "Pretty bad huh?"

"Pretty bad."

"How about I make you some breakfast? I can make... well I can make toast." she grinned.

Spike smiled at his friend and then stared down at the desk in front of him. "Cordelia?"

"What is it, sweetie?"

"Do you think she thinks about me?"

"Buffy? Well, I would. But I'm biased. I think you are pretty wonderful. " It was strange in a way, to see the formerly arrogant vampire become a sometimes insecure human.

"Thanks luv."

*****

Buffy staked the vamp with a flourish, "Welcome to Sunnydale," she said as the dust blew away in the breeze.

"Bravo." Buffy turned to see the woman clapping her hands with giddy excitement. "Quite a lovely performance, like Pavarotti but with little bits of death. I see why my boy is so enamored with you."

Buffy kept her stake in hand, "Drusilla..."

"I came on behalf of the bogeymen in the expensive suits to tell you that like all stars in the sky, soon you will be forever. You and my pretty Spike."

"Off the Haldol again, Drusilla?"

"You will be the moon's paramour, little Slayer. As soon as I have my way with that naughty boy of mine. And I'll bring my Angel back as well. "

Buffy was hit by a vampire from behind.

"Don't kill her, she must be a thread in my tapestry."

By the time Buffy had dusted the vamp, Drusilla was gone.

*****

Fred and Spike came through the Hyperion doors arm and arm laughing. Spike abruptly stopped when he saw Buffy standing there.

Buffy took him in. He looked amazing. His hair was no longer bleached nearly white, it was a golden blonde very similar to hers. Instead of slicked back it was slightly mussed and wavy. He was wearing blue jeans and white sneakers. His bright blue silk shirt brought out the blue in his eyes. He topped it off with the familiar leather duster.

"Slayer what are you doing here?"

She pleaded. "I need your help."

Spike was shocked to see her there and they stared at each other in silence.

Fred broke the uncomfortable tension. "I'm going to go to my room. Goodnight William." She gave Spike a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"G'night pet," he murmured to Fred. He gestured for Buffy to have a seat and asked, "So?"

"You look good, Spike."

"Oh." He looked down and took in his wardrobe. "Makeover courtesy of Cordelia."

"She always had good taste."

Spike gingerly sat down next to her. "What brings you to the City of Angels Slayer?"

Buffy nervously began to ramble, "We need you in Sunnydale. You don't have to come... Angel said he would... I mean if you couldn't... but its really you...."

He stopped her, "What are you babbling about?"

Buffy took a deep breath and spit out, "Its Drusilla. She's back."

Spike was up in an instant. "I'll drive"

*****

Buffy took in her surroundings. Spike's DeSoto was cleaned to a polish. The black tint on his windows was washed away, since it was no longer necessary.

"What are we listening to?" She complained.

"The Sex Pistols."

"They're awful." She stuck her tongue out in distaste.

Spike sighed in frustration. "They're legendary."

"Don't you have anything else?"

"Glove box."

Buffy sifted through the tapes. "The Ramones, The Violent Femmes, Ooh, Janis Joplin."

Buffy popped the tape in. They listened in companionable silence for several minutes before Buffy observed, "You seem... better. Happier."

"Happier?"

"Yeah, its good to see you happy, Spike." She gave him a shy smile.

"And you? Are you happy, Buffy?" She caught his gaze and it searched her, until he had to turn his eyes back to the road.

Buffy fished for information, telling herself, but not really believing that it had nothing to do with jealousy. "So you and um, Fred? Are you?"

"No, she's Gunn's lady. She's just helping me expand my taste buds. You wouldn't believe how much that little bit can eat."

"She called you William."

"They all call me William. Cept Lorne. Calls me Billy Bob. Does it to annoy me."

Buffy laughed, "I like him already."

"Don't worry, Slayer, he can't come close to annoying me as much as you do."

"Thank you, that's very kind."

"Think nothing of it." He smiled

They smiled at each other in silence until it became uncomfortable and Buffy felt compelled to speak, "I'm glad LA is treating you well."

"As well as can be expected, Slayer. For a non Hellmouth they certainly have there hands full with the evil. How's the Platelet?"

"She's good. She appreciates all the letters." Again, Buffy fought the surge of jealousy rising up in her. She hadn't heard from Spike in three months, but he had written her baby sister faithfully.

"She's really all right? She's not just trying to keep me from worrying."

"She's fine. We can handle Dawn."

"Didn't say you couldn't, Slayer. She's a handful, is all."

She started to let the jealousy get to her and it came out as a typical Buffy defense mechanism, sarcasm. "We're fine, we're all fine. I certainly don't need parenting advice from an ex dead, ex evil guy."

"Don't say I didn't offer."

Buffy stared out the window the rest of the way to Sunnydale. She thought about saying 'We miss you,' but she didn't.

*****

Spike instinctively knew where Drusilla would be. She wanted him to find her so she would be somewhere obvious. Spike and Buffy headed toward the old factory. At Spike's insistence, Buffy hid in the stairway as Spike went to face his sire.

With no preamble Drusilla emerged from the shadows and said to her childe, "Miss Edith told me you were in a pickle my Spike."

Spike went to Dru and took her in his arms. "She was right, pet."

Dru ran her hands through Spike's hair. "My sweet Spike, Granddaddy wouldn't help you. He wouldn't help Grandmother either."

"But you will, won't you Dru?" he whispered.

"Drusilla will make it all be right again."

Dru kissed Spike on the forehead, the nose and then the mouth. As they pulled apart, Buffy heard Spike murmur, "And we'll tear a path across the continent."

"Yes, my Spike."

"My Black Beauty."

Drusilla vamped and dug her fangs into Spike's neck. He had a look of pure ecstasy on his face and Buffy's heart sank. She was frozen watching the erotic spectacle. She didn't notice the stake in Spike's hand. He plunged it through Drusilla's back into her heart. Buffy was still frozen in place as she watched Dru disintegrate away.

Spike swayed, barely able to stand. He croaked, "Buffy..."

She leapt into action, catching him before he collapsed onto the ground. "We need to get you to a hospital."

"No, a nice rare steak and I'll be fine, Luv."

"Spike..."

"Don't argue, Slayer."

"All right William," she conceded gently, "I'll take you home"

*****

"Willow?" Buffy called out as they entered the house.

Spike was deposited on the couch as Buffy hovered over him, still pressing her hand to his neck, to staunch the bleeding.

Willow, Tara and Dawn came out of the kitchen.

"Spike?" Dawn worriedly rushed to him.

"I'm all right Nibblet. Just a flesh wound." he reassured the girl.

"I'll get the bandages," said Tara

Buffy went in to bossy mode. "Will, Dawnie, get some vegetable juice out of the fridge and cook him up some meat."

"Shouldn't we take him to the hospital?" asked Dawn.

"No, hon, I'm fine." Spike insisted, "Just need some rest."

"Come on Dawnie," Willow herded Dawn into the kitchen.

Tara came down the stairs with the first aid kit as the phone rang.

Willow called from the kitchen, "Buffy? Its Cordelia."

"Tara?"

"I'll take care of him Buffy," Tara volunteered, "I'm sure Cordelia's worried about Spike."

Tara tenderly cared for Spike's wound.

"Ouch." she said sympathetically examining the bite.

"Looks worse then it feels."

"It looks awful."

"Then it looks exactly how it feels," he smirked, "So, you and Red, are you?"

Tara bestowed a smile upon him; "We're working things out. I moved back in."

"Good. She loves you, you know." Spike's blue eyes met Tara's.

"I know," she said quietly.

Spike stretched his limbs out on the couch. "Work things out then, you both deserve some happiness."

"So do you."

"Yeah," he sighed.

"Did you, um think about letting Dru?..."

Tara could see Spike examining the evening's events. "Yeah, for a minute, I did."

"I'm glad you didn't."

"Thanks Wic... Tara."

"Your welcome, William."

The smiled at each other in friendship when they heard Buffy exclaim, "Well, you can tell Angel to kiss my..."

"Buffy!" Willow interrupted in shock.

"What is it, Slayer?" he called from the couch.

Spike attempted to rise when Tara grasped his arm; "You shouldn't get up"

"I'm all right pet."

He went into the kitchen, lightly supported by Tara. "What is it?"

Willow had snatched the phone from Buffy and was explaining, "Sorry Cordy, she's just a little wiggy about Spike. No he's gonna be all right, really. He's a few quarts shy but we'll patch him right up."

"What's going on?" Spike insisted.

"Cordelia had some kind of vision. Some nonsense about demons and a Wolfman."

"Wolfram? Wolfram and Hart?"

Buffy nodded.

"I have to go," Spike went back to the living room and grabbed his duster from the floor where Tara had deposited it.

"You aren't in any condition to go." Buffy called from the kitchen.

"William, please, Buffy's right. You can't drive back right now," a concerned Tara asserted as Spike headed back to the kitchen.

"Give me the phone Red."

Willow handed it over and Spike talked to Cordelia.

"He's not going anywhere." Buffy crossed her arms in defiance.

"I'm leaving," he said as he hung up the phone.

"Fine then, I'm going with you."

"No, you are not."

She raced into the living room and snatched his keys and in front of Spike, dropped them into her blouse.

"Don't think I won't go in after them, Slayer," he growled.

"Excuse me! Minors and lesbians present. We really don't need to see any, you know frolicking, of any kind, ever." insisted Willow. " Hey, I have a crazy idea. Why don't we all go? That way, Spike can go kill the Wolfman and we can make sure he gets there safe and sound. Its not Oz is it? Cuz I can't kill Oz?"

"Wolfram & Hart. Its a law firm." Spike explained patiently.

"Oh, I don't have a problem killing lawyers, count me in."

"I'm sure Angel could use the extra hands," said Tara.

"Cool, I'll drive," said Dawn.

"No, you will stay at Harris's" Spike growled and gestured to Willow. "Give the keys to Red, she can drive."

"Wait," exclaimed Willow. "First, drink your V8."

He growled at her, but she only shoved the drink at him.

"Growly, doesn't work anymore, non vampire guy." Willow teased.

"It just isn't the same without the bumpies," insisted Buffy.

Tara gave him a sympathetic stricken look.

"Can't I please go?" begged Dawn.

"She could stay at the hotel..." volunteered Willow.

"No!" cried out Spike. "She stays with Harris, he and the missus are going to hide her."

"Why do we need to hide her?" asked Buffy

"Because Wolfram & Hart are looking for the Key, " he admitted.

"The Key?" asked Dawn in horror.

"Look at me Nibblet." Spike grabbed both of her arms. "I won't let anything happen to you. Ever. These people have no idea that you are their bloody Key. And I aim to keep it that way. Do you understand me?"

"Yes."

"I'll protect you, no matter what."

He turned to Buffy; "We'll drop her off on the way out of town. I’d love to take those bastards out, once and for all."

*****

Willow and Tara occupied the front seat of the Desoto so Buffy was forced to share the back with Spike. "Why do these people want my sister?"

"They want to harness the Key's energy, use it to bring on the end of days or some nonsense. I don't know exactly how."

Buffy looked at him funny.

"Look, the mystical scroll deciphering nonsense is Wesley's job. I just swing a sword at whoever they tell me the bad guys are. Besides, its not our immediate concern."

"Excuse me? The safety of my baby sister is not our immediate concern?"

"Don't get your knickers in a twist, Slayer. Wolfram & Hart don't even know that the Key is human, let alone that she's your kid sis."

"So, what is our immediate concern then?"

"Demons. Nasty ones to hear Cordy tell it."

"You don't actually fight do you? I mean, you could get hurt, or killed, or both."

"Your concern is touching. I think I may cry."

"Have I mentioned how much I dislike you?"

"Not in a long while. Kind of missed it to tell the truth. And yes. I do fight. So do Wes & Gunn. We ordinary humans can be a resilient lot."

"It just seems a little irresponsible of Angel..."

"No, it shows trust. Angel has every confidence in his team."

"So you're a part of his team?"

"As a matter of fact yes. Not like in Sunny hell where I had no place among your Scoobies."

Indignant she said, "You had a place!"

"What? The slayer's own personal emotional and physical punching bag? Thanks but no thanks, luv."

"I didn't realize that the poor neutered vampire was so unhappy."

"You didn't realize a lot of things."

"Well excuse me, I had my own problems, you know."

"Of course, the Slayer's problems. We all know about the Slayer's problems and how she was too wrapped up in her self to know that others around her were hurting."

"How dare you!"

"Face it. Little Miss I'm Way Better and More Important than Anyone Else, you were too bloody selfish to notice that the Little Bit was hurting. Hell, you didn't even notice that your best friend was falling apart!"

Tara desperately looked to Willow to stop their fighting before one of them said something truly hurtful. Willow glared at them both in the rear view mirror. "Don't make me pull this car over, you two."

Buffy complained, "Willow he's..."

"I mean it young lady, I will pull this car over!"

*****

Cordelia rushed to Spike when he came through the doors of the Hyperion. "William, God we were so worried." She pulled back to examine the bandage on his neck. "I have some pain pills from when Darla chomped me."

"No, no pills, they'll only slow me down."

Buffy kicked herself internally, she never thought to even offer an aspirin.

"Brought reinforcements..." he gestured at the three women that followed him in.

"Hi Willow, Buffy,"

Willow proudly presented her girlfriend, "Cordelia, this is Tara."

"Its nice to meet you, Tara."

"Where is everyone, Cordy?" Spike asked, looking around.

"Heading back here. They took out two demons already. But Wesley got knocked for a loop...."

"Is he ok?" Buffy was surprised to see genuine concern on Spike's face.

"Oh yeah, they're just heading back here to regroup."

"How many demons are there?" asked Buffy.

"I saw three in my vision."

The Hyperion doors opened with a bang. "Woman, I am never letting you drive again," announced Gunn as he strode down the front stairs.

"You said go fast!" insisted Fred.

"I didn't tell you to drive on the sidewalk!"

Fred stopped in her tracks when she saw Buffy and the two strangers. "Oh, hello." said Fred to Buffy, Willow and Tara. "William..." she rushed into Spike's arms for a hug.

"My man." Spike and Gunn shared a complicated handshake. "How's hunting?"

Angel followed them in, with Wesley's arm slung around his shoulder.

"Wesley!" Cordy slid the former Watcher's other arm over her shoulders and helped Angel set him on the cushion in the hotel lounge.

"Its just a scratch, really, I'm fine." said Wes.

"Rest anyway," insisted Angel. He turned to say hello to Spike and saw..."Buffy." He smiled for the Slayer. His grin grew wider and he bubbled, "Willow!"

"Hey, you." She gave Angel a great big bear hug.

Introductions were made all around. Wesley briefed the late arrivals. "Mamu demon, originally from South Australia, carnivorous."

"Carnivorous as in?" asked Buffy.

"Man-eaters," finished Gunn.

"Oh. Goody." Buffy drolly remarked.

"Gunn and I are heading back out. We have to get to the last one before someone becomes a Happy Meal," said Angel.

"I'm with you," Spike stood and donned his duster.

"We'll split up," said Angel. "Gunn and I will head out on foot and head east. William, you and Buffy go west. Fred, Cordy, take Willow and Tara out in the cars, if you see anything, call us on the cell phones. Wesley?"

"I'll hold down the fort."

Cordy climbed behind the wheel of Angel’s convertible. Fred held the keys to Spike's Desoto. "I don't think so luv." He took the keys from her hand. He said to Gunn, "She is not driving my baby."

"Well she isn't driving my truck either."

"Oh my God, you are such guys," complained Buffy.

Spike handed his keys to Willow, reluctantly.

"I'll protect her with my life. Girl Scout's Honor." Willow assured him.

"Will... " Asked Buffy, "You were a Girl Scout?"

"Well, no, but that doesn't diminish my vow in the least." Spike glowered at her. "Not a scratch, I swear."

"All right then, Lando."

"Be careful everybody," Tara called out as she climbed in next to Cordy.

*****

"So." Spike said uncomfortably as he and Buffy patrolled for the Mamu demon.

"So," repeated Buffy.

"Have you told any of the Scoobies about our little 'history'?"

"Tara." Buffy said, thinking that would placate him.

Spike scoffed.

"What was that?" she asked.

"What was what?"

"That humph sound."

"Bloody cowardly is all. Telling the one person guaranteed to be all understanding. Pathetic excuse for a superhero, if you ask me." Spike stopped walking when he noticed that Buffy was no longer beside him. "Oh, don't tell me I've hurt your feelings. You're thicker than that."

"You're right. I am a coward." Buffy let hurt wash over her.

Instantly, Spike felt horrible. "Buffy..."

"And I'm selfish. I used you..." Tears started to well up in her eyes.

"And you ended it. Cor I'm sorry."

Spike stepped forward and took her into his arms.

"You were there when I couldn't stand to be around anyone else and I hurt you and I..."

"Shhh. I'm so sorry, I didn’t mean it. Didn’t mean any of it." He reassuringly ran his fingers through her hair.

"Its true."

"S'not. I was just being hurtful. How many times have you saved the world, Slayer? Three?"

"Four." She pulled away and rubbed the tears off of her cheeks.

"Bloody selfish and cowardly, I'd say," he said sarcastically.

"I'm sorry," she said looking directly in his eyes.

"All is forgiven."

"Okay," she said wiping her eyes and choking back the rest of her tears. "Let's go kill us a Nanu demon."

"Mamu."

"Right ‘Nanu’ is what Mork says."

The phone rang and Spike answered. "Willow and Fred spotted it, they're coming to pick us up."

**

Buffy slept heavily. The battle had exhausted her and she was more than willing to take Angel up on his offer to stay at the hotel for the night. She expected a dreamless sleep tonight because of her exhaustion, but nonetheless she was not surprised when she discovered herself in her own bed in Sunnydale, with Spike.

She let herself get lost in the dream. Lost in his touches and the sound of his voice murmuring her name. She was so lost that it was all the more shocking when she saw herself grow fangs and sink them deeply into Spike's neck.

Buffy woke with a start and disentangled herself from the sweat soaked sheets. She shrugged out of her damp shirt and threw a robe on. She quietly eased her door shut so as not to wake the others and turned down the hallway.

He was standing there only in sweat pants. She could see that his chest was glistening with perspiration as he ran his hand through damp hair. Her eyes alighted on the bite wound on his neck.

"Oh my God, Did I?"

She reached up to touch the wound, her hands trembling. Spike could see tears welling up in her eyes.

"No. No Buffy. It was a dream."

She gasped and collapsed against his chest, sobbing. "Oh my God," she cried.

"It’s alright, luv. It wasn't you. Drusilla bit me, remember? It was just a dream, Buffy."

She straightened quickly. "Right a dream. Silly me. Must be losing it." she mumbled as she headed downstairs.

"Buffy," he called as he followed her. "Tell me about your dream."

Embarrassment stained her cheeks bright red. "I'm thinking, no."

"Buffy," he chastised. He caught her by the arm and gently turned her around. "All right then, I'll tell you about my dream."

"Is this really necessary?" she breathed, old habits forcing her to want to fall into his arms and push him away at the same time.

"We were making love..." he started.

Buffy clamped her hands to her ears.

"In your bedroom." He finished. "And you bit me, like a vampire."

Buffy eased her hands from her ears. "We're having the same dreams? No. You know what? I'm not doing this again. What is it with you guys dragging me into your nightmares? It’s not going to happen again, Spike. You understand me? Stay out of my subconscious."

"I'm not the one doing it, Buffy!"

"Well, I'm not doing it."

"Someone is!" Spike paused. "We should tell Angel."

"I am not telling my ex-boyfriend about my sex dreams with you!"

"Do you want help or not?"

"Oh God. This is not happening. I'm not gonna get killed by a demon, I'm gonna die of embarrassment."

"Right, still ashamed of me. Even with a pulse, I’m not good enough for your precious self."

"So does the inferiority complex come with the soul or is it sold separately?"

"Or is it that you’re afraid to tell Angel about our past? Afraid to admit that a soulless vampire got you all hot and bothered?"

"You’re a pig, Spike."

"I guess some things never change."

"I’m going back to bed." She spun on her heel in indignation. Spike caught her before she got very far. He pressed himself against her back.

"Want some company?" he growled in her ear.

"No!" she spun around to face him. "I don’t want you, Spike."

"All right then." He shocked her by backing off. He walked away from her and headed back to his room.

Buffy was stunned into asking, "What?"

"Nothing." His voice was markedly softened. When his hand was on the knob he said to her, "I hope someday you will drop that pesky martyr complex and realize that you deserve to be happy, Buffy. Even if it isn’t with me."

*****

Spike and Cordy were alone in the hotel so she took it as an opportunity to pry. "So."

"So what?" asked Spike.

"So why are Fred & Gunn driving Buffy back to Sunnydale?"

"They wanted to check it out, meet the Scoobies," he explained nonchalantly.

"It doesn't have anything to do with a certain ex-vampire's embarrassment over certain dreams he's sharing with a certain Slayer."

"What the? Angel told you?" he was appalled.

"Hell no, Angel told Wesley. I eavesdropped."

"I hope they can put an end to the blasted things. Don’t want that damn girl in my head."

"They're workin on it... so..." she was getting ready to pry into his feelings for Buffy further when she stopped and put her hands up.

"Cordy?"

"Hang on."

"Vision?"

"They're in trouble." Cordelia's eyes were wide with fear.

"Angel & Wes?"

"Gunn and the others. Black cars. They're surrounded. Darts. Buffy. She's in a room. No windows, concrete walls. She's unconscious."

*****

Gunn was the first to wake from the tranquilizer. "They hit us with darts man. We were surrounded."

"Don't try to sit up," insisted Cordy.

"I don't get it," Willow asked, "Who would be stupid enough to kidnap Buffy?"

"Someone with a death wish maybe," scoffed Spike.

"I'm going to find out," said Angel as he stalked out of the hotel.

*****

Angel held Lilah by the throat. "Where is she?"

"I don't know. I'm no longer in the loop."

"Then tell me what you do know." He tightened his grip. "It was a trap for Buffy all along, wasn't it?"

"Yes." she gasped, "We've known about the Key longer than you have. Believe me, if we wanted it, we could have had it. Buffy's home has been monitored since the fiasco with Faith."

"You bugged her house?"

"Yes."

"What exactly do you want with her, Lilah?"

"There are those in the firm that..."

He squeezed tighter.

"The firm wants you dark, Angel."

"And you want me dead."

"Our method of achieving those goals were similar."

"What are you planning?"

*****

"His name is Lothos. A master vampire," explained Angel.

"Cor," Spike sighed, "he's killed more Slayers than I have."

"Yes," said Angel. "Except he doesn't exactly kill them."

"What do you mean?" asked Willow.

Spike explained, "He fancies turning Slayers. Makes them his queen or some nonsense."

"We have something working in our favor. Buffy has faced him before. Before she moved to Sunnydale," said Angel.

"Faced him? But didn't kill him?" asked Tara.

"Actually, she did."

"So if he went 'poof'...?" asked Cordy.

"They resurrected him, like they did Darla."

"So he's human?" asked Gunn

"Not anymore."

"Seems like a lot of trouble to go to. I mean there are vampires all over LA that could try to turn Buffy." asked Fred.

Wes interjected "Not many strong enough to defeat her. It'd take a master vampire like Angel or..."

"Me," finished Spike. "Drusilla was sent by them, wasn't she? To turn me back."

Angel answered him, "In the hopes that you would choose to make Buffy your eternal companion."

"Boy did you put a cramp in their plans when you dusted her," said Gunn.

"And all this so Buffy could kill you?" asked Cordy.

"Or, make me crazy, like they tried to do with Darla." explained Angel

"So where is she?" asked Spike.

"Lilah didn't know."

"So, what, we just wait and see? I can't do that." grumbled Spike.

"No, we're going to do something. Willow, can you still...?"

"No, I can't," she whined, "I can't. Not even for Buffy. I'm sorry."

Confused, Angel asked, "What, do you work for the FCC now?"

Spike smiled at Willow, "No magic, luv, I think he needs you to do some hacking."

"Oh, Oh, that I can do. I'm your hacker girl"

"Good, work with Fred, see if you can get into Wolfram & Hart’s mainframe." He continued, "Cordelia, you and Lorne try to tap into the Powers, see if you can find out where Buffy is. Gunn, hit the streets, talk to your snitches."

"You and I should hit the books." Wes said "See if we can find out more about this Lothos."

"And I get to what, watch the baby?" asked Spike.

"Wolfram & Hart were sending those dreams to you and Buffy to link you, make you want to turn her. Let’s use it against them. Tara? Do you think you can try and tap into them, use them as a conduit so William & Buffy can communicate?"

"I can try."

"Lothos is no match for Buffy physically but he can put his victims into a thrall, lets see if we can prevent that from happening."

*****

"This isn't working" Spike complained, prone on his bed with Tara hovering over him.

"Here, try this." Tara handed him a mug of liquid.

"What is this? Some kind of magic potion?"

"Chamomile tea, my mother gave it to me when I couldn't sleep." Tara regarded Spike as he chugged the tea, "Are you ok, William?"

"Yeah, worried about her, s'all."

"I know, me too. Ready to try again?"

"Might as well."

Spike leaned back into his pillows. Tara was chanting in Latin as the smell of incense wafted around his room. Spike drifted off.

*****

He was standing in the cemetery, looking around for her. He could feel her presence all around him.

"Spike!" she called. She rushed into his waiting arms. She planted a kiss on his lips and was clearly hungry for more.

"No time for that luv. I need you to do something for me, Buffy. I need you to hold my hand, and don't let go. No matter what, don't let go."

Spike grabbed her hand and Buffy held it tight.

She promised him, "I won't, no matter what."

*****

Buffy awoke in a dark cement room. Her legs and hands were bound in handcuffs and leg chains. She stood and examined the windowless walls, looking for a weak spot that she could break through. The door suddenly opened, flooding the room with light. A handsome Asian man entered.

"Oh Good, you're up." Gavin said to her. "You have an appointment with an old friend."

*****

Spike's eyes opened and he saw Tara hovering over him.

"Blast it didn't work!"

"Don't give up, yet." she soothed.

Angel knocked on the door. "Willow's found something. A warehouse owned by a company owned by a company owned by Wolfram & Hart. Were heading out."

"I'm with you." Spike sat up and began to lace up his shoes.

"Maybe you should stay here and work ..."

"Its not working, peaches. Tara's a bloody powerful witch but I'm a lousy subject. Be more use with a broad sword."

"I'm going too." Tara insisted.

Angel looked at her in surprise. "I don't think..."

"Don't argue with me or I'll turn you into a toad."

Spike and Tara stalked out.

"What'd I do?" Angel whined.

*****

"Oh, its you. How original." drawled Buffy as she entered the room where Lothos sat on a makeshift throne.

"Unbind her," the blonde, burly vampire boomed.

"Not a good idea," said Gavin.

"Minions, unbind her." He waved his hand impatiently.

Impressed, Buffy asked, "You have minions? Already? Quick work."

"They add to my mystique." Lothos said conversationally.

"Image is everything," she said as his minions released her from her bonds.

"So lets get on with it," Buffy said. "You make a few ominous predictions, I'll hurl some insults and then poof, you're dusty."

"Buffy, when will you see that you are mine?" Lothos looked deep into her eyes and Buffy felt him enter her mind.

*****

"Ow, bloody hell!" Spike grabbed his forehead in pain.

"What is it?" asked Angel from the driver's seat of the convertible.

Tara, sandwiched between Gunn and Spike in the back answered, "I don't know."

Spike was pressing a fist to his forehead. "Bloody headache. Son of a ... Lothos. I can feel him in my head."

"It worked," gasped Tara. "You're connected to Buffy."

"He must be attempting a thrall," said Wes. "Talk to her."

"We're almost there," assured Angel.

*****

"Buffy, get that whanker out of your head."

Buffy heard Spike's thought and so did Lothos. He pulled back from the thrall. "No vacancy, Lothos. I think this mind is occupied."

"Then, I'll have to take you the old fashioned way, grab her and hold her still."

"You've got to be kidding me. These guys, hold me? I think they must have missed some nuts and bolts when the kings horses put you back together again." Teased Buffy.

"Get her."

She rolled away from the first minion and hurled, "Damn horses, they're all thumbs."

Reinforcements arrived as Gunn, Wes, Angel, Spike and Tara burst in the doors. In the commotion they didn't see Gavin slip out.

Tara magically flung away any weapons the minions tried to wield. Without them, the four fledglings were no match for Angel, the Slayer and the three humans.

Lothos was retreating out the side door when he saw the stake go through his chest. He turned to see Buffy wave good bye to him.

"Not again," he moaned as he dusted.

"All we are is dust in the wind, my friend."

"Tell me you just didn't say that." Spike teased.

"You try coming up with a new quip every time you stake a vamp." Buffy turned to see everyone looking at her funny. She realized Spike's comment was only heard inside her head.

"Get him out of my brain!"

*****

ONE WEEK LATER

Buffy hummed to herself as she ambled through the cemetery on patrol.

Fred & Gunn spent a week in Sunnydale. Buffy was happy that Angel's little Fang Gang and the Scoobies had become friends. They could work together more often and she could see...

She shook the picture of Spike out of her head.

Xander and Tara swept the Summers house both magically and with a metal detector and cleared out the bugs that Wolfram & Hart had planted.

Angel assured Buffy that Lilah Morgan knew it would be in the best interest of her health to stay away from Dawnie. Wesley questioned whether the Key could even be used again. And Cordy had reassured Buffy that if they had wanted to use Dawn, they would've already done it. These things made Buffy feel a little less wary that Wolfram & Hart knew the truth about her sister's existence.

Buffy found herself at Spike's old crypt. Without thought she headed inside. She fingered the window ledge where dust had accumulated. She collapsed into his chair.

Buffy began to sob. The dreams had stopped when Tara had severed their telepathic link. Now she couldn't even go to him in her dreams and she felt so empty inside without them. She cried herself to sleep in Spike's old chair.

*****

"Do you think Gunn & Fred had a good time?" asked Tara.

"Gunn was so cool," said Dawn

"That girl, she was a strange girl, dontcha think?" asked Anya behind the cash register at the Magic Box.

Buffy came into the Magic Box and looked blankly at her friends. She took special notice of Anya's hand on Xander's arm and the way Willow and Tara's legs were wound around each other.

"What's wrong with the Buffster?" mouthed Xander to Willow.

She moved to Xander’s side and whispered. "I don’t know, she's been kind of mopey all week and she didn't come home last night."

Buffy continued to survey the Magic Box. Tara moved to stand by Willow.

"Buffy?" she asked, "Are you ok?"

"I deserve to be happy," she said to no one in particular.

Xander assured her, worried about her suddenly strange behavior. "Um, of course you do Buff."

Buffy still looked blank.

"Ok, Buffy, you're kinda of wigging us out with the blank stare and the creepy..." said Willow.

She snapped out of it, "Xander, I need to borrow your car."

"I'd love to help you, Buff, but you can't exactly drive."

"Just give me the keys." She held her hand out to him.

He dug the keys from his pocket and deposited them in Buffy's hand. "Okay, not arguing with Supergirl."

"Buffy, where are you going?" asked Dawn.

"To LA. To tell William that I love him."

Tara beamed.

"Who's William?" asked Xander. It dawned on him as the bell rang with Buffy's exit from the shop. "Spike? She can't mean Spike."

"Shut up, Xander," said Willow.

"But its Spike!"

"Shut up Xander," said Tara.

**

Spike strummed the guitar that Cordy had given him for his birthday, complaining about the number of candles on his cake the whole time. He hummed to himself as he plucked out a tune.

"Ugh, I can't take it," complained Lorne.

"I think he's good," said Fred.

"Not that, Fred-girl. It’s just the vibes he's giving off..."

Cordy sighed, "He's been Buffy-ed."

Buffy burst through the hotel doors. "Spike?" She was sobbing hysterically.

Spike laid the guitar down and rushed to her. "Buffy? What's wrong? Is it Dawn?" He held both of her arms in his grasp.

"No, Dawn’s fine. Everything's fine." She continued to sob, her breath coming in hitches.

"Pet, what is it?"

"I need... I want you to come home, Spike. "

"To Sunnydale?" he asked in confusion.

She whispered. "To me. Come home to me." She took his face and her hands, looked into his eyes and stated simply, "You make me happy."

"Buffy," he whispered as rested his forehead against hers, he held her for a moment before he asked, "I need to hear you say it."

She pulled back and said loud enough for everyone in the hotel to hear. "I love you, William."

Spike smiled in disbelief and joy.

Gunn pleaded, "Would you please kiss that poor girl?"

Spike needed no further encouragement. He kissed her passionately as Fred, Gunn and Lorne clapped and whooped their approval.

Cordy leaned in to Angel, "You okay with this?"

Angel regarded his beautiful seer and smiled, "I'm very happy for her."

Spike pulled away from Buffy to say, "I'll go pack my things."

"No!" insisted Cordelia, "We'll send them to you. Go, hand in hand into the sunset."

"Cordy, its 11 AM," he scoffed.

"Don't you people know anything about dramatic exits?" complained Cordelia.

**

Buffy snuggled up against her lover in her bed. She ran her fingers up and down his bare chest and sleepily asked, "What do you want to do today?"

"Well," Spike stretched underneath her ministrations, "I guess I should shop for some clothes."

"Cordy has truly lost it," giggled Buffy.

Spike started playing with Buffy's shoulder length locks, "And maybe look for an apartment."

"No apartment. You're staying here," she mumbled.

"You sure?" he asked.

"Sure." Buffy rubbed her cheek against Spike's warm chest. "Mmm, so warm."

"You only love me for my pulse," he teased.

Buffy knew that underneath his teasing tone that there was a grain of truth. She raised her head to look into his crystal blue eyes. "I loved you before this heart started beating. I knew what kind of man was beneath the demon and I think you did too. I was just to scared to admit it. And too scared to admit that I deserved to be happy. And you were…"

"Evil?" he grinned.

"It just took losing you to realize how much you meant to me."

"Maybe I should run away more often." he purred.

"You do and I'll chain you up in that hellhole you used to inhabit."

"That a threat or a promise?" he laughed.

"How's this for a promise?" she leaned in for a gentle kiss and whispered against his lips, " Forever."

"Don't have forever, Slayer."

"Then, we'll have to take advantage of every minute."

End

So its fluffy, I plead guilty. What do you think? Feed me at Larilyn1@hotmail.com