Chapter 13


The trap was set; they had gone together to Dutton to get the new and improved Buffybot, made by the now-in- Mexico, Warren Meers. Everything was in place and they were ready to take the threat to Buffy and her family out.

At quarter after 7, Buffy was headed to Giles’ house. She had decided to run over there because he’d been dodging her calls. The air was nice and warm for the late fall night. She still had questions; her feelings about Spike were not getting any meaner. The dreams were getting scarier, except for that one. But she wasn’t going to think about any of it.

As she got closer to the apartment, she noticed Ben walking on the sidewalk ahead of her in civvies. Torn between wanting to call him over and see where he was going and letting him go and watching him, she decided on the latter. Hiding in the bushes out front of the building, she saw him go to Giles’ and be welcomed in. Willow came out from behind the stairs, where she started an incantation, then everything went black.

Like there was a large black bubble around where the apartment complex should be.

She walked over to touch it and it zapped her.

What the hell?


Giles had prepared a small meal and had it sitting on the kitchen counter for appearances. Spike and the Buffybot were standing talking to Ben when the spell hit. Ben stood incapacitated.

Spikes grabbed the troll hammer and drug it over to the bot. She smiled and asked, “Is that a demon?”

Shaking his head yes, Spike answered, “The worst kind, pet.”

She threw the hammer over her shoulder and knocked Ben over. Giles stood over the body with the Dagon Sphere in one hand, and an enchanted branch in the other. The bot started to pound the man with the hammer over and over until blood poured out of every hole and he was sputtering, trying to breathe.

“Why-?” That was all they heard some out of him before Spike leaned down with a dagger, and sliced him open, from throat to genitals. Blood and other things poured out, and with a wave of Giles’ hand it was sent to another dimension, where it would rot. Safe from them.

They started cleaning up, getting ready to be done with it all, and then Willow lowered the shield.


All this time, Buffy had been trying to get through. She had turned to take a flying leap at it, when it gave and she luckily landed on both feet.

She ran to Giles, faster than she ever had and threw the door happen. “Is everybody alright? Giles?”

The room she saw was much like any other night, Willow sitting on the barstool next to the kitchen window. Spike was leaning up against the stove cleaning off a dagger. Giles was putting some things in his chest.

“Hey, Buff!” Willow gave a little wave.

“Do you guys know that someone pulled a Ghostbuster and there was like this force field all over this block?” She walked over to Giles and crossed her arms. “Spill.”

Spike walked out of the kitchen. “Nothing to worry about, Slayer.” He reached her and touched her arm—she pulled away. “Some big nasty got you spooked?”

She looked at him, totally unconvinced, then turned to Willow. “No. Hey Wil? Did you see Ben? You know, that guy at the hospital that helped Mom?”

Willow shook her head casually. “Nope. Can't say as thought I have. Why?"

“Why do I feel like something’s not—” she stopped. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the troll hammer leaning casually on the other side of the couch. Not even Spike could swing it that easily."Never mind."

She looked around the room skeptically, then turned to leave. “I’ll see you guys later, I have some stuff to do --for Mom.”

She left as fast as she came. Something happened, she thought to herself, and no one’s talking.


Going home, she walked in to her Joyce and Dawn sitting on the couch watching T.V. “Buffy! Wanna have a girl’s movie night?” Joyce was grinning from ear to ear.

Slipping off her coat, she smiled at the pair. “Yeah, sure.” She walked over and sat on the other side of her mom.

Jpyce stood up, tossing the blanket covering her on Dawn. “I’ll go get the popcorn, you two find something not so, you know, kissy.” They gave a little laugh and she started to walk away.

Suddenly, she fell to the floor, unconscious.

The two girls shot off the couch, Buffy yelling, “Mom? Mom! MOM!” She turned her on her side, “Dawn, call 911!”

Chapter 14


“Does anyone know why hospital room walls are green? I mean almost all the walls in here are light green-not white, red, pink, or purple—but green.” Dawn quipped loudly in the waiting room chair. All eyes turned to her. She smiled a goofy smile. “Sorry, kinda worried. Never mind.” She muttered.

Buffy rolled her eyes and looked over to Willow, who sat next to Tara, and stood up, “Come with me. I want to see what’s going on with my mom.”

Willow nodded her head and took Buffy’s hand. They walked up to the nurse’s station and Buffy leaned over to talk to the nearest lady sitting there. “Hi, me again. I was wondering if there was any word on my mother’s—” She stopped as her gaze landed on the doctor coming up the hall toward them. “Never mind, here comes the doc.”

They all got up and followed Buffy who was walking to the doctor as she spoke.

The doctor, whose nametag read, Dr. Langley, cleared his throat. “Miss Summers?” Buffy nodded her head. “Hello, I’m Dr. Langley. I guess you can read that on my tag.” He grabbed at it lamely.

“My mother?” Buffy asked only lightly urgently.

“Your mother is doing well. There was a growth that had been missed on her previous CAT scans that we had to remove. It was pushing on her brain. Sorry if it seemed like it was taking too long, but we had to make sure we stopped the bleeding.”

“There was bleeding problems?”

“No, not really, but that part of your brain that was injured by the growth, is very sensitive. We were hoping there would be no complications, so we just took extra precautions.” He looked at her helpfully, waiting for another question.

“So, she’s going to be alright? Right?” She held her breath.

“Yes,” the doctor paused, “although for her sake, we can’t to keep her here for a couple of weeks to bar any complications that may occur.” Then again he paused, “With her full cooperation, of course.”

“Okay, thank you.” Buffy felt very small right then, knowing that this was no demon that she could fight off for her mother. “Can we see her?”

“She won’t be waking up anytime soon, but you could surely wait in the waiting room on the ICU floor for her.” He turned to walk away. “The nurses will be in to talk to her about the possible side effects as soon as she regains consciousness, so she may need you to be there for her.”

“Thanks again.” Buffy took the hand offered by Riley and walked over to the chairs.

Willow was giddy, “See? I told you she’d be fine! No more with the scared-Slayer, let’s go up there to see her.” Buffy looked a little faint.

Dawn stood up excitedly, “I’ll have Giles go with me, and then you can come up with everyone else. I want to go see her now.”

Buffy numbly shook her hear and looked at her boyfriend as they walked away. Turning back to Wil, she smiled, “I think I need to talk to Riley. Why don’t you guys follow them up, and then we’ll be up with after?”

Xander leaned over, kissing Buffy on the cheek. “Good news, Buffster?” They exchanged as small smile, and with Anya, Willow, and Tara in tow, he took them to the elevator to had up to ICU.

“What did you need to talk about, Buffy?” Riley had turned to stare into her eyes as soon as the others were out of sight.

She looked down to the floor and looked at their feet. “Okay, this can’t be good if you won’t even look at me.” He turned her to look at him.

The silence was deafening.

“I don’t love you.”

“I know.”

She looked confused, and tilted her head, a frown appearing on her brows. “What the hell does that mean?”

“I mean, I know you don’t love me, never have.” He smiled kindly, but his jaw was set firmly.

“I tried, you know, I tried to, but I can’t. I don’t even know if I can love someone who isn’t my mom or Dawn. I think that with the Slayer package, there comes a no-love clause.” She frowned deeper, “Or maybe living on the Hellmouth will do that. I don’t know.” She looked at him, most of the emotion stripped away from her, “I have to go, Riley. My mom and sister need me. I’m sorry.”

Placing her hands in her pockets when she stood, she headed over to the elevator to go up, never once looking back.


Joyce was awake when Buffy reached the fourth floor. Dawn and Willow were in the room, so she waited outside in the waiting room, leaning in close to Giles, resting her head on his shoulder.

Out of the blue, she announced quietly, “I love you Giles.”

That startled him, but not by much. He out an arm around her shoulders, “I love you too, Buffy.”

“Just wanted you to know, ya know?” He leaned in closer, his mouth in her hair, and pressed a kiss there.

Xander looked from Anya to Buffy and crossed the waiting room to sit on the other side of her. “Can I join the hug-fest too? I mean, over there, it look like Hugapalooza, and I really don’t want to miss this one.”

Buffy looked at her dear friend and reached over to hug him as well. “I wouldn’t let you miss it for the world, Xan.”

He pulled back and smiled. “Good!”

Willow and Dawn came out of the ICU, holding each other’s hand and smiling tentatively. “Your turn, Buffy.”

Buffy was released from the two men’s grasps and smiled bravely as she headed toward the room her mother was in.

Knocking lightly, she was greeted with a small, “Come in.”

Her mother was tied up to monitors with wires and tubes, which frightened Buffy more than anything ever had. Leaning down to her, she kissed her on the cheek. “Mom, you gave us a little scare, you know.”

Joyce smiled at her oldest and tried to sit up, which immediately she put a stop to. “I’m sorry, honey. I had headaches, but that was all, I swear.”

“It’s okay, Mom! Really, I just think of this as your excuse to not deal with Dawn for a while!” Good, Buffy, she thought to herself, keep it light.

“Really!” Her mother said, apparently not offended.

“Yeah, we have this pool going right now and you know what? I think they have ten to one odds that you’ll be dancing by dawn!” She smiled kindly to her mom, and placed a hand on her shoulder. “But if you do, then make sure you have doctor’s okay beforehand, Mom.”

Joyce placed her other hand on her daughter’s. “Don’t tell anyone, but this was my chance to escape inventory at the gallery,” she said jokingly.

The shared a small laugh. “You have lots of visitors, Mom, so I’ll send them back to see you, but feel free to kick them out if you’re tired, okay?”

“Yeah, I will.” She coughed and smiled to her firstborn, “When did you get all grown-up?”

Buffy looked at her with the tiniest bit of sadness just around the corners of her eyes, “I can’t tell you. Love you.”

“Love you,” came back at her as she walked out.

Chapter 15


A few months went by and the worst thing that had happened to Joyce was a head cold. Oh, and the fact that she was in the hospital for 5 weeks, not just a few.

It was cold outside the day before Buffy’s birthday. The air bit and it stung her lungs. Heading into Sunnydale Cemetery, she swung her axe she had brought with for slaying fun.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw something flash by in the shadows. She smelled leather and cigarettes. Slowly, she turned in a circle around her. Buffy rolled her eyes, “Spike, come out! Why are you hiding in the bushes again?”

A low chuckle rumbled out of the dark, seeming to echo all around her. “Buffy.”

She headed to the voice, which was immediately on her left and stepped into the foliage. “Spike?” She cried out as she was pulled and then pushed up into a tree. “Spike?” More confusion in her voice.

“Sweet Buffy. Did I ever tell you that you smelled good every time I have ever been around you? I mean, demons, monsters, scaly smelly things—and you always smell good. Wonder why?” He looked down at her through the dark, leaning closer.

Her heartbeat picked up, “What are you doing? Why didn’t your chip go off when you grabbed me like that?”

A beat, and then, “Maybe it only goes off if I mean to hurt you, love.”

She felt herself start to pool into the molten fire that came whenever she even thought about him now. She was sure he could smell it, or sense it, or whatever vampire crap they used to find stuff out about now. Tentatively, she reached out and laid her hand on his leather-clad arm. It was the slightest of touches, but he froze. He looked at her hand resting there and put his cool one on it.

“I need to patrol, Spike. I don’t have time for your crap, okay?” Her voice was unsure and she didn’t move her hand.

“Did I tell you what I did to her?” His stare had turned into something, something tenderer, loving maybe? He ran his fingers on the one not busy hand, through the hair just to where her bangs should have been. Inhaling sharply, he broke out into a knowing smile and leaned even closer into her. “Did I tell you what I had with her?”

Confused, but no less aware, she pushed back on him, willing him away by her body language. “Spike, I-“

He turned, hearing a sound. “Listen, love, I don’t have much time, looks as though we’re to be interrupted, and I have some things to tell you.” He increased the pressure on one arm and leaned into her right ear, his unneeded breath blowing softly, just there. A whisper. “I have loved you more than I should have ever been allowed to. I needed you, even bloody longer than that. I just thought you should know’s all.”

And with that he disappeared again, dissolving into the shadows. Buffy, perturbed, walked back into the street lamps, and hurried to Giles’ apartment. Someone needed to help her, and fast.


“What could possibly have him acting this way? I mean I’ve been all bad Slayer, grrrr….arrgh, whenever he was around. Do I need to put up a sign that says, ‘Don’t really want to love the vamps anymore, stay out of my way, hell beast?’” She sat down on the couch exasperated. “That’s it, I quit! You think if I quit, he’ll find some other Slayer to love?” Thinking about that for a second, she shivered. Muttering, “Never mind, bad visual with Faith.”

Giles stood at the counter watching her tirade. As soon as she paused, he walked over with a slight grin on his face and squatted down right in front of her. “Tell him.”

“Who? What?” She scrunched up her nose at him.

“Tell him how you truly feel. I mean, he’s a rather sensible fellow, he should listen.” He started cleaning his glasses. “I know that if you don’t tell him, it will only make things worse.”

“I know that Giles, I just don’t know how to tell him, is all. Help!”

He smiled a small smile at her and stood up, placing his glasses about his nose once again. “Just tell him.” He started heading to the bathroom, a low laugh was heard on the way.

Rolling her eyes, she stood up, brushed herself off and headed out to find the Bleached Wonder.



Spike walked into the apartment not mere minutes from when she left. “Rupert?” He called. Not thinking he was there, he headed to the bathroom to splash some water on his face. Walking into the room, he was greeted by Giles, who was washing his hands. “I think we have a problem.”

Giles looked into the basin, “I know.”

“It’s getting too hard to be around here. Gonna have to leave, go home and whatnot.” The watcher pulled back, and Spike went to wash his face.

“I know.” He looked at the lack of reflection in the mirror, and smiled to himself, actually. “She can’t handle it like before.”

“That’s because, I think, you haven’t shown her what it means to be a soulless vampire. You did all those things you told me about, without one.”

Spike nodded, “Yeah. I know.”

Heading off-topic, Giles went out to the living room, Spike trailing. “Have you seen him?”

“Yeah, he was in the crypt watching the telly. I think he was heading off to patrol with her when I found her. Heard some sneaky thing in the brush around us, so who knows.” Spike pulled off the duster, and threw it on the edge of the couch, where he laid his head.

“Well, as long as he didn’t see you, then I think we’ll be okay.” Giles went to the kitchen, peering into the fridge. “Hungry?”


Buffy headed towards the crypt, stake in hand. She was going to put an end to it once and for all. When she reached the door, she got ready to kick it in, and was grabbed from behind.

“You know, I really think it’s not fair that I need an invite to get into anyone’s house, and you get to bash to door in, whenever you feel like it.” Some smoke curled around her head and she cockily turned back to look at him.

“Spike. I need to talk to you.”

He curled his tongue behind his teeth. “Whatever for, Slayer?”

“You know, the talk we had earlier?” She opened the door and walked into his crypt, sitting down in his comfy chair.

“Haven’t the vaguest love, but I’m sure you’ll tell me.” He slid up on the larger of the two sarcophagi. “Please, let little ole Spike know what’s in your noggin.”

She rolled her eyes and waved the stake in front of her. “I don’t have time for this shit, Spike. And why do you keep playing all multiple personalities on me?”

He reached in his coat and pulled out his smokes. Taking one out, he put it in his mouth and lit it. She watched in kind of a horrible fascination. “You know, if you were a human, you would have had cancer like 50 times over?”

“Hmmm….”

“Why do you do that?”

“What?”

“Just sit there, on that thing, and just do the ‘hmmm…’ thing? I mean unless you have a smart ass remark, you barely even talk at all.”

He smiled and then tilted his head just so. She mimicked him, but not in a nasty way. He took a drag from his cigarette and his friendly smile changed from a smile to a snarky smirk. Suddenly, she felt a sense of déjà vu come on, and visibly shook it off.

“Ghost walk on your grave?” He slid off and headed toward her in predatory walk. “Maybe some other beastie?” He reached out to touch her arm.

She shot out of the chair, nearly tripping as she headed for the door. “No, listen, I was wrong to come here tonight. I’ll s-s-see you later! Bye!” She ran out the door, feet flyin’.

Chapter 16


“So then I was all like, ‘I gotta go,’ and ran out the door like a coward. Help Wil!” She laid back on her best friend’s bed and looked at the ceiling. “It’s so confusing! I mean, the first time I saw him tonight, his fingernails were black like usual, and like, one hour later, he’s all smooth like nothing happened! And the fingernails? They were clean!”

Willow looked over to Tara and grabbed her hand. “Isn’t there some way we can check to see if there’s something wrong with Spike?”

Tara released her girlfriend’s hand and walked over to the short bookcase, skimming over the book titles. “I think that Gaffer’s text had something about twins or doubles. This may even be some sort of glamour. I won’t know though, unless we can get him somewhere to check him out.” She smiled to Buffy, “But I think we can figure it all out, don’t worry!”

Willow grinned at her best friend, “Yeah, Buff! Just give us a few days, and then we should know for sure.”

Just then, the phone rang. Willow grabbed it. “Hello?” a pause “Yeah, we can be there… no, she’s here with us….Okay, bye!” She put the phone on the charger and turned to the others. “Giles, he needs us to do some sort of looking up of the demon variety.” Standing up, she held out both her arms to them both. “How about an escort for my favorite girls?”

Buffy smiled, along with Tara, who added, “Anytime.”


They walked into the apartment a little while later, filing out to find seats. Just as she hit the barstool, Buffy decided she needed to pee, so she slid off and headed for the bathroom. Giles headed her off at the kitchen door way. “Where are you going?”

She looked at him acerbically and smiled, “I have to pee, Giles, and I would appreciate it if whatever you have to talk about waits like two minutes, so I can!”

Giles sighed loudly and walked into the living room.

Buffy walked in there and shut the door behind her. Shaking her head, she unbuttoned her ants and pulled them and her panties down. After sitting down, she started to go. She paused when she thought she heard something coming from behind the shower curtain. “Gotta love these old buildings,” she said when she saw no shadow behind it.

She wiped and stood up, hitching her clothes up. As she buttoned, she thought she heard a small noise, like a gasp. Curious, she walked over to the tub. Throwing the curtain open, she saw Spike laying down in the bathtub, a knowing grin on his face. She did the only thing that came up her throat as she panicked.

She screamed.

“Slayer, no slayer, I mean Buffy! Stop! Please!” He stood up and covered her mouth with a hand. “Please! It’s alright, I promise!” He rolled his eyes when he saw the look of disgust come up into her face. “It’s not what you think, I swear!” He laughed, “Can you please not call anyone in—“

He was cut off by loud knocking on the door.

“Buffy? Is everything all right?” Xander was at the door, and boy, did she not need him right now. She nodded to him and he dropped his hands, keeping them at the ready though, in case she broke her vow.

“I’m fine, Xan. I found a pimple, that’s all!” She looked at the door, knowing it was locked, but hoping he’d not try to break in.

“Okay, just checking.” She heard his footsteps as he walked away.

She turned to the voyeur and punched him in the nose. In a whispered voice, she said, “I want to know what’s going on, Spike, and I want to know now!”

He leaned close to her and whispered back, “I can’t tell you.”

Throwing her hands in the air she moaned.

“I can’t tell you, Buffy! It wouldn’t be right!”

She leaned in, a finger pointed to his chest, “You better tell me, Spike, or there’s going to be a reason for Giles to use the Swiffer vac I got him this Christmas!”

He sighed, “All right, but when you know, you have to promise, you won’t be mad!”

She nodded, “Yeah, yeah, I know. Come on. Spill it!”

He looked at the floor, and then sank to it, looking tired. “Can we not do this here though? I have some things to show you, and it will all make sense.”

“No.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“Bloody hell, Slayer! I can’t exactly show you what it is if you can’t see the evidence!”

“No. Tell me.”

In Spike’s head, what Giles said earlier was echoing, Just tell her. “All right.”

He looked like he was thinking of how to begin, walking back and forth in the small space. Then he turned to her and kissed her hard. She stood there for a second, waited a little over a heartbeat, and then pushed him away. Familiar feelings were rising from her belly, and she was not going to let that mess with what was happening right now.

“Spike! Stop it!”

“I love you.”

“What? What the hell does that have to anything with what we’re talking about?”

He looked up, “I have loved you since I saw you, in the Bronze, dancing with your pals.”

“Okay, that much I didn’t know, go on.”

“All right here goes.” He took a much-unneeded breath and looked her in the eye. “Remember a few years back when the other Spike came here from the future? Thought you sent him back and all that?”

He waited.

She nodded.

“It was me, and I didn’t get sent back. Got sent to Iowa, you know, where Captain Cardboard comes from.”

She let out a little gasp and stepped back. “But all those—and you—I mean, oh god!”

He closed his eyes. “I couldn’t get back, Buffy. I tried, hell we all did. But the point is, is that I didn’t.” Spike opened his eyes again. “I thought you’d be better off if I left, so I couldn’t change anything. But I was wrong, and I figured out what I could do to help you while I was here. I fixed everything, without you knowing.”

She looked at the floor, and looked back at him a few times. “You have got to be kidding me.”

“No, I’m not.”

“But what did you change? I mean, nothing really Hell Mouthy has happened lately. What did you do?”

“Trust me, you don’t want to know. I swear to you, though, I saved everyone from a lot of pain.” He smiled and leaned in to put his arms around her. “I did this because I love you, Buffy, no other self-serving reason.” He let her go and went to the door. Turning back to look at her, he smiled and tilted his head, “I know you’ll never love me, but you treat me like a man, and that’s more than I could ever ask from you. So, don’t feel obligated.”

And then he walked out. Out of the bathroom, the apartment. He just left.

Xander came in, like he’d ran and found Buffy sitting on the end of the tub, her arms around herself.

She looked up at him and smiled through the tears that were coming down her face slowly. “He did it all because he loves me.”

Xander frowned, and sat down next to her. “What did he do, Buffy? I swear by all that I have, and that’s not much, if he hurt you, the Peroxide Wonder’s dust.”

“No, Xan, just the opposite. He made me understand.” She leaned her head on his shoulder.

He held his hands together around her, “I don’t get it.”

“I don’t think you were meant to, I think it was just for me.”

Chapter 17


She sat down on the headstone outside his door, looking back and forth, hoping he’d show. Unfortunately, she wasn’t sure where to find him, and Giles wasn’t very forthcoming. His crypt was empty and the television was cold, so she was sure that the other one was gone. Maybe he’d show.

She heard him walking through the brush, carrying a small black bag. He’d changed his clothes, now wearing a blue long sleeved shirt and dress slacks, with some unidentifiable dress shirt over the other. She couldn’t see his hands, but would look as soon as she could draw him close.

“Hey, Spike.”

“Slayer.” He passed her by and headed inside. He walked in and tried to shut the door behind him. She followed. He put the bag down and turned around. “What can I do for you?” Getting out yet another smoke, she saw his hands were clean. No polish.

Instead of answering, she walked briskly across the floor to him, and pulled him down for a kiss. He fell into it, wrapping his arms around her loosely; nearly stroking her, like he didn’t want to believe it was real. He pulled her up close, pressing himself against her. The heat from her body poured over him in a kind of warmed lotion. Just like that.

Her hand went to the back of his head, pressing his head into hers, like she couldn’t get enough. She pushed her legs into his, and he took that and used it. Pulling her legs up, he shifted as she was brought to his height. As her mouth was freed, she took the opportunity to moan, “I love you, oh god, I love you!”

He wrapped his large hand around a breast and squeezed it roughly. “I love you, Buffy, I have for so long!” He pushed himself into the apex of her thighs and felt it rewards with sudden heat from the blast furnace.

She started to lick his ear, nibbling her and there. Spike’s mouth sucked loosely at the place he had wanted to sink his teeth into for so long. He bathed her neck in slow, luxurious sweeps, not missing an inch. She once again pulled his mouth back to hers for another intoxicating kiss, grinding herself into him, feeling it jump beneath her.

“Now!”

“Where?” He looked around. “Where, Buffy?”

“I don’t care, just get me there!” He reached down with her still attached and pulled the trapdoor open to the lair. Jumping down, he staggered to the bed, both of them losing clothes as they went.

Her, the shirt and bra; him, the coat and both of the shirts. They were skin-to-skin, hot and cold. He got to the bed and laid her down tenderly, and as he pulled back, he unzipped his pants and kicked them down to the side. There was no romance; they weren’t going to make it like they both wanted to.

She shoved her pants off and reached for her panties, when Spike’s hand shot from nowhere and ripped them off. He slid the palm of his hand down her thighs and squeezed her calves. “I want light!”

“Can’t.” He leaned over her smoothing himself all over her. She arched her back, her pelvis reaching for its goal. “Are you sure?”

She stopped and grabbed him by the chin. Pulling him down until they were completely flush, she stared into his eyes, or what she could see of them. He was shaking horribly. All she wanted was to quell those fears. “Yes.”

She reached down and led his cock into her.

He was in ecstasy.

It was so tight, wet like warmest hot fudge, and pulsing; alive. He nearly lost it then, but held still when he could go no further. She started to move. “Don’t pet. Don’t move or you’ll embarrass me.”

Buffy laughed deep in her throat, then from her belly. She was not helping things at all. Then she flipped them.

His eyes were brighter, full of confusion and pleasure from this angle. She pulled up and then slammed down on him, causing him to cry out loud. She sat still, feeling his dick jump, mirroring the owner. Then she did it.

He knew it was something that Faith had promised, but, god, was she right. She rode him; hard. He reached up and put his hands on her shoulders, pushing her down on him until it hurt them both.

The cries got louder and louder with every stroke.

She leaned down and whispered something in his ear, something he never thought he’d hear her say. “Your turn. Fuck me.”

He rolled them over and he grabbed both of her wrists with one hand. Pinning them above her head, he pulled completely out, causing her to wrap not one, but both legs around his waist. He dropped his full body down into her.

Buffy screamed.

She tossed her head back and forth, groaning when he hit it, just there. He felt his balls tighten and pulled out for only a few heartbeats. “Not gonna last long, pet.” She reached up and kissed him, and he was lost. Within seconds of climbing back in there, he felt her pour onto him, like a melted metal. It was too much. He slammed into her repeatedly, until it was too late. In five jerks, he filled her with more come than he’d ever shot off in his life or death.

She wiped the sweat off of him and pulled him to her chest. Knowing he didn’t need to breath, he crawled next to her and draped her body on his. “Never be alone again, I swear.”

That was the last thing either of them remembered.
 

Chapter 18


Hours later, Spike woke to a feeling of complete happiness. Looking down over at the blonde beauty that he had rode to a startling finish, he smiled. He sat up and slid down the bed slowly, tying not to wake her. He didn’t know what had come over her, nor did he care. All he knew was he didn’t want anything to take this away.

His hand wandered to her groin, where it rested for a moment on her curls. He snickered, she wasn’t a real blonde, but he already knew that. She was nicely trimmed, and slightly sticky. One for the team.

Spike reached down and lightly prodded her legs apart, finding the treasure he was looking for. His mouth watered a little and he leaned down, kissing the tiny triangle, before he went for it. He licked down her slit, lapping it up happily. He felt her stir and he smiled to himself, but continued his work.

He felt her put her hand on his head, pushing him back down when he wanted to see her face. He liked that.

He heard a noise coming from the ladder to the crypt and sat up, looking through the darkness, as he threw a sheet over her body. What he saw was something he never in a million years he would have dreamed of.

Himself.

“What in the hell?” He spoke a little louder than he’d intended, but that was to be expected, considering the circumstances.

The other stood there and just gaped.

Buffy sat straight up, looking back and forth at both of them, shock and embarrassment creeping into her face. “Who?”

The other turned, just as quick as he came and headed back upstairs. “No,” she whispered.

Spike looked down at her, something becoming very clear to him, very quickly. “You didn’t want me.”

She grabbed her clothes, tossing them on as she went. “I wish it were that simple, Spike.”

He stood, the sheet falling to the bed behind him. “You go to him, but you’ll just be thinking of me.”

Spike was hurt, and Buffy hated doing that, but she was so confused. “Spike, please.”

He went over to her, looking her in the eye. He took each of her hands, one by one, and kissed the palms. Then he did something she never thought he’d ever stoop to.

Spike, her former nemesis, was on his knees.

“I meant what I said, pet. I do love you.” She went to talk and he caught her to the quick. “I can be a good man. I know what I say and what I do aren’t always what you need, but I….” He trailed off, his throat was choking up and he felt like he’d die—again.

“Spike,” she went down to his level, “I know. Believe me, I know more than you realize, but I have to fix this. Do you understand?”

He closed his eyes and pulled both of her hands to his chest. “No, I don’t!” He was yelling now. “You were with me, not, not with that wanker!”

“That wanker, is you, and I think you know that.” She spoke calmly, her voice firm, so he’d know she wasn’t lying.

He pulled away and sat on the cold floor of the room, his legs pulled to his chest. He reached over to a stand that was close by and grabbed a bottle of whisky, and threw the lid across the room. “Go.” He said flatly.

“I’ll be back.” She turned and walked upstairs, heading up the ladder.

When she got up there, she heard him yell from below. “I meant what I said, Buffy. You’ll never be alone. Never again!”

Her eyes teared up and she quickly wiped them off, and left to find the one she was supposed to find.
 

Chapter 19


Giles was in the living room drinking a cup of tea, when Spike came through in like a black hurricane. The door flew off its hinges and landed near the breakfast nook. A growl erupted from his throat as he reached his bags. Stuffing things in, the Watcher sat there, mouth agape, cup in hand. Giles was ever so sure that now would not be the time to ask Spike about what was wrong.

“Goodbye, Watcher!” Spike turned as quickly as he came, and walked back into the night.

Giles reached for the phone. Dialing a number, he waited, and finally spoke. “Hello. Willow? Yes, it’s me. I think there maybe a problem I’ll need your help with….”


Buffy walked into Willy’s Place with the full intention of being civil to the patrons. She was determined to make this a pleasant visit for everyone involved.

Going to the bar, she leaned over and looked down to where the bartender was handling money for some slimey looking demon with 5 arms. Oh, wait, she thought to herself, that last one isn’t an arm. Blaugh!

Impatience clearly written on her face, she slammed her fist down on the bar, signaling for someone to help her. Willy, the proprietor, walked over cautiously, drying a chalice with a terry cloth towel. “What can I do for you, Slayer?”

“Need information, Willie. Have you seen Spike in here in the last few minutes?”

He dodged her eyes, centering them on said chalice. “Nope, haven’t seen him in a couple of days, Slayer! Be happy to tell him you’re looking for him if I see him though!”

She reached over rather quickly and slammed his forehead to the edge of the counter. “How about now?”

“Ok, ok, ok! I saw him leave out the side door just before you came in, saying something about cows. Is that enough for ya?”

“Yep! Thanks for your help!” She bounced out the door the coward had pointed to.

Entering the alley, she looked down it both ways. It was entirely empty. “Spike?”

She waited a second before calling again, “Spike!”

Deciding to head down the right way, she looked between dumpsters and trashcans, in case he was hiding. “Spike! I know you’re out here!”

From far down the other end of the alley, she heard a reply. “I’m leaving this hell Slayer!”

Turning around, she saw him standing in near darkness, only shining of the duster letting her know where he was. She ran to him and stopped just short of slamming in to him. Then reached her hand out and ran it down the lapel of his coat. “I am so sorry.”

He sighed and closed his eyes, “No, you’re not, but thanks for saying it.”

Buffy’s hand shot out and slapped him. “I am more than confused right now. You have no right to pass judgment on me!” Her chin started to quiver and she slapped him again. “If you would have told me what was going on a hell of a lot sooner, this wouldn’t be happening!”

Despite the pain she was causing him, he smiled. “Pet,” he began, “I have more than enough patience right now, but if you don’t quit hitting me, I don’t know how long that’s gonna last!”

Anger flashed on her face and she stepped back a foot or so. “You did this! Fix it yourself!”

“Buffy, all I want is to be bloody free of this existence! I want to go home and die if that’s what was supposed to happen! Hell, right now, I’d bloody well like being tortured by a siren to the point of madness, than have to live with the fact that I love you, and I know there’s not a bloody thing I can do about it!” He held his hands up in surrender and turned to walk away.

“You do not get to walk away! Turn around Spike. Now.” Her voice went calm and he stopped, but did not turn around.

“Go be with him, Slayer. Just don’t ruin him, okay?” He started walking again, striding down the alley as fast as he could without looking like the frightened man he was becoming.

She stood there, watching him go, while it started to rain. When he was gone, and only then did she start to cry. Arms surrounded her then, pulling her close. She buried her face into the leather that was there and just shook as she sobbed. Then she looked up.

The other Spike. Her Spike.

Buffy closed her eyes again and cried, confused as hell, but more than that, she was sad.

He picked her up and carried her to an enclosure a few doorways down. She had calmed a little, and was trying to wash away what there was left as evidence of her breakdown. He put her down, and pulled her stringy, wet hair away from her face.

“He loves you too?” It was quiet and he had lit a cigarette right after it.

“Yeah. He’s from—“

“The future. Yeah, kinda figured that out for myself, love.” He raised his eyebrow. “Want me to find him and bring him back?”

“I want to know what in the hell is going on! If that means hogtying him and bringing him back here, then yeah.” She looked back down the way he went; half hoping he’d turn back. Spike shrugged, then thought for a minute.

“Listen, Slayer. Go back to my place and make yourself comfortable. I’ll meet you there with some answers, alright?”

Buffy nodded, and walked slowly toward the home of her undead lover.


In a dark corner of that alley, a bright blue light shot out of the dark and headed the way both vampires had headed.

Chapter 20


For the sake of those reading this story, let’s make things simple regarding who is who. Spike is the one from Buffy Season 5, or the season we are currently on. Ensouled Spike means the Spike from Angel Season 5. If that will quell everyone’s anxieties for the next little bit, then it works for me. Happy reading!!


Back at the crypt, Buffy had made herself comfortable on the bed that Spike and her had just shared. Her tears had dried and for the moment, she was calm. Time was passing very slowly, and she was sure that days must have gone by in the hour or so she was alone.

All at once, three things happened: A scream was heard. A light poured into the lair from above. A bundle fell from the ladder hole.

She shot off the bed and ran to the bundle. Pulling it open, she saw that it was Spike, his mouth duct taped, and present or future, she wasn’t sure. He was beaten and tied…. No, hogtied. She looked up and saw Spike smirking down at her. “Got him here for you, love.”

She looked at him with annoyance. “What the hell was the idea behind throwing him down here?”

“He felt the need to kick me in my crotch! The scream you heard—was me, not him!” He looked down at Ensouled Spike with something mirroring glee. “That’ll teach you—or us—or who bloody ever!” He walked over to the various stands and lit up the candles strewn all over.

She shook her head and started to unwrap their captive. He sputtered when she took off the duct tape. “Bloody hell, woman! You have done some crazy, fucked up things in your life, but this takes the godforsaken cake! Get me out of here right bloody now!” He howled the last part.

She pulled and cut when she needed to. Spike sat down on the bed after roving his boots, duster, and shirt. “Would you like my help?”

Cutting the last rope bit free, he shrugged at the look of death she gave him. “Shut up, Spike.”

Ensouled Spike got up off the floor slowly and wiped himself off. “Okay, Buffy, he said condescendingly, “What in hell is so important that you and your psycho boyfriend decided I just had to be kidnapped? Can you tell me why you deemed that absolutely fucking necessary?” He stalked over to her.

He was upset, she could understand that, but what do you say?

“I told you, you didn’t get to walk away. The other Spike, my Spike, well, you know, he gotcha for me!” She finished with a bright smile.

“Well isn’t that a real treat! You need help, Summers! I mean, like a vacation to the funny farm, that’s what you need!” He went to the other side of the room, determination set in his jaw.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” She said softly.

“What?”

“I asked you why you didn’t tell me.”

He shrugged, “Because I’m a right bastard and I decided that you didn’t need to know.” He crossed his arms in front of him. “What? What does it matter now? You’ve got him—well, yeah, he’s technically me, but Jesus!”

She looked over to Spike who was sitting on the bed, his arms behind his head, enjoying the show. “Don’t mind me!” He grinned, curling his tongue behind his teeth.

They both yelled, “Shut up!”

He mumbled something intelligible.

Ensouled Spike tilted his head and looked at her. “You know, I wished it was me that you slept with, when you slept with Angel. Did he tell you that?” He gestured over to the other one.

“No.”

“Did he tell you that the whole time you were fighting Angelus, he wanted to save you—keep you for his own?” Did he tell you that?” He started to shrug off the duster, laying it on the floor next to him.

“No.”

Ensouled Spike pointed to himself, “I would have. But you know, we never had the time. I was always worried about changing the future, hurting your feelings. Now I really don’t give a rats ass if you cry for the next two years! How do you like that one, Slayer?”

She sat down where she stood and wrapped her arms around herself. “Quit being the pig, Spike. You aren’t good at it anymore!”

The present Spike sat up in bed a little higher, looking a little closer at the Ensouled one. “You have a soul, don’t you? That’s the difference, you bloody pillock! You have a goddamned soul! Suppose you went and got it for her didn’t you?” He started to stand up.

“Spike, sit. You have no idea what he’s been through. None. You are the reason he is the way he is, so shut the hell up!” She turned to look at both of them in turn, tears running down her face.

Spike got off the bed anyway and crouched down by her. “Do you want him or me?”

“Well, that’s the million dollar question, no isn’t it?” The Ensouled one smarted back. “She wants you, you already had her. Used goods, she is.”

Buffy slumped her shoulders in defeat. “I quit.” It came out as a sigh.

“You can’t quit, you’re the center of the whole goddamned mess!” Present Spike yelled. “You love me don’t you?” His bright blue eyes searched hers for the answer.

“Yes, I do.” So much for getting this all figured out, huh, she thought to herself.

He smiled to the other, stood up with his hands on his hips. “She doesn’t want you, you can leave.”

Ensouled Spike walked over to her and crouched down, “I want to talk to you, just the two of us. Think the Magnificent Peroxided One can handle things on his own for a while?”

They both looked over to the present version of him, leaning against the footboard of the bed. “Yeah, go.” He waved a hand at them and turned to the bed. He crawled in, like the predator that he is and laid down, all comfy. “Just make sure the two of you come back, okay?”

She stood up, wiping her face. “Okay. Wait, where are we going?”

The future version of her lover smiled. “We’re going to Gilroy. Fancy a ride pet?”

When she looked confused, he just took her hand and helped her out of the crypt.

Chapter 21


They had gone to Giles, Buffy and the Ensouled one. He had let them borrow his car, after much deliberation of whether or not Spike was capable of driving now.

The road on the way to Gilroy was a quiet one, at first. About a third of the way there, Spike decided to do the talking.

“Buffy?”

“Hmm?”

“What if I told you that you could change the world?” He glanced over at her.

“Then I would have to say that it’s a pretty regular occurrence where I come from. Why?” She turned in her seat to face him.

“Well, the thing is, pet, we’re going to do something that won’t make much sense, but I’ve been giving it a lot of thought, and this is what we need to do. And, well, there’s the whole thing that you fucked me, sort of.” He sighed.

“Well, let’s start with the first one, okay?” She smiled.

“No, let’s work on the second. The first won’t make a difference for a while.”

“Ohhkaay.” She blew her bangs up out of her face and looked out the window.

“Did you like it?” He looked over to her and waited for a response.

“Yeah, I mean I thought it was you, but then he was all like, ‘I love you.’ That pretty much cemented my guess.” She paused. “Would it help if I said I was really, really, sorry?”

He thought about that a minute, “Would it help if I told you I’m not really used to you saying you’re sorry?”

“I guess.” She looked down again.

“I have to tell you, though. The thought that you and him got it on now, well, makes me a little proud. You know, after all, we didn’t do anything until a year from now at least.” She smirked, he continued. “I wanted to be with you the minute I got here years ago, but then I wasn’t sure that it would be alright considering the circumstances.”

She smiled. “I’d have to agree that when you got here it wasn’t the best time, but you know now? Why?”

He looked in the rearview mirror and signaled to pull into a deserted rest stop. Spike unbuckled his seat belt and scooted closer to her. He leaned down to her ear and whispered, “Can I taste you, even if it’s for the last time?”

She pulled back and looked into those same eyes that had seemed to look into her soul every time they spoke to each other. She nodded and leaned in to kiss him. It was the barest of touches at first, and when he finally pushed his tongue in, she welcomed him, gladly.

Buffy ran her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer, as if she wanted to eat him, and grabbed him by the t-shirt. It was frenzied after that, going on for a long time. He would pull away to lick her, suckle her, and she would shove him back to where he would stay for a while.

Her hands went south to his belt, undoing it like a pro, he thought, something to ask her about later.

His hand went up her shirt, almost ripping the fabric, almost like he was crazed.

She climbed out the door when she pulled away, running over to the other side. He threw his door open. His duster fell to the ground, and they collapsed on top of it.

Spike had undone his pants somewhere in the mess and she had shoved her thong out of the way. No words were spoken, they both wanted this fast, just like the other one had been for her.

She climbed on top of him and slammed herself down. Hard. They both yelled, and he pushed himself up farther, maybe thinking there was somewhere else for him to go. She clenched his cock, milking him, and she wasn’t even moving yet. Just like he remembered.

“Buffy?”

With a loud moan, she started moving in her answer. Hard, slick, and hot. They met in the middle, grinding them selves against one another, no care for pain. He reached up to flip them over and she pinned him down. Rapidly, the release they both needed so badly built up inside them. It came over so quickly, she was pouring down his dick, shuddering and crying out. It was a good thing he didn’t need to breathe, for when she came, he was squeezed so hard, he would have stopped breathing for sure.

When it was over, she crawled off of him, kinda. Buffy laid her leg over him and curled around him like a big cat. She played with his stomach, which was uncovered, and sometimes let her hand stray down to his groin, where, even though he was messy, she still dipped and curled her hand around him.

They lay like that for a while, and then decided that since it would soon be dawn, they would get a motel room where no burning would occur. So, they went a little farther down the road, and did just that.

Then maybe they could talk for a while. Just maybe.

Chapter 22

Once they got to Gilroy, the sun was coming just over the hills. Pulling into a seedy motel, Spike checked them in and they went to their room. Once they got there, the cool, crisp air from the A.C. slid into the room and Buffy fell on the bed, crawling to the pillows. Her hair lay around her head like a crown, and her clothes, that had been streaked with dirt and mud, were haphazardly tossed on her. She closed her eyes and sighed.

Spike was in the bathroom, washing his face. He came out and looked at her, feeling all those familiar stirrings coming from somewhere he had never even known was missing. Placing his hand on his heart, he just stared, not wanting to lose this one moment, when she was at peace.

Unfortunately the rest of the world had a different idea.

Glass flew inward, onto the bed and the curtain flew to the floor in a loud rip, as three large, green demons came into the room. Buffy was shook out of her short name, and Spike fled to the back of the room, toward the bathroom. The Slayer was on her feet fast, all ready for battle.

“Buffy!” Spike yelled from somewhere behind her, and she felt, rather than saw him go into the bathroom, as the light came in. Reaching down, she grabbed the phone and used it as a tool to knock them out. Her hands flew wildly, and two of them were easily no match for her. As she kicked one in the head, the other flung her over his shoulder into the back wall of the room. She turned slightly right before she hit, and wrapped the phone cord quickly around it’s neck. She collapsed, only for a moment, and heard the other one on the floor stir.

She rose from the floor, blood dripping from a surface wound on her forehead. Telephone in hand, she swung at the one who had thrown her down, and started strangling the monster as he fell down. Dropping it only for a moment, the telephone hit the floor for a moment as she broke its neck. The other one came at her from the door’s nearest corner, wielding a rather large sharps sword.

Swinging at her once, twice, and then the third, she swiped his feet out from under her. Blood poured in her head as she ran for the sword, laying 7 feet away. Grabbing it, she sliced the thing’s head off effortlessly, and went for the bathroom door, where the third demon was hacking at it with a smaller axe.

It wasn’t paying attention. Buffy ran it through and broke its neck as it fell. Satisfied with the deaths well dealt, she pushed the thing over and looked through the door for Spike.

She reached through and let herself in the locked door. He was sitting in the tub, just lighting a smoke. “Guess we gotta go, huh?”

She smiled down at him. “These things never work out well for me.” Shrugging her shoulders, she offered a hand. “Ready? Looks like you’re trunk bound, sorry.”

Spike shook his head and went to the door, following the walls of the room. “You got it, pet.” He looked at them as she went for the car. “Know what the wake-up call was for?”

“Not a clue.” She smiled as she turned back and reached in his jeans pocket for the keys. “They might have tried to demand something, but I wasn’t interested.” She frowned. “I know that’s not really good, but….”

“Never mind, pull the back up to the door, and I think I can get in it.” He flicked his cigarette through the open window.

“Kay!” She walked out, and backed the car to the door.

As soon as he was secure, she headed to do the last thing here, so they could get home. Head to the mission and grab the axe thingy they needed.


Once she pulled into the mission, she headed down the Spanish style walkway where she found a priest walking in the sun. After explaining what Spike had told her, making up a story about her being interested with the room he described. The man offered to take her there, to visit, and she accepted.

Walking in the room , she felt a pull to the back where a large tapestry hung. Pulling it back, she checked behind her to see if anyone else had followed and her and then she looked back behind it,

There, in a large rock, lay the most amazingly beautiful weapon she had ever seen in her life.

The pull from it was enormous. Warily, she pulled it out, inspecting it as it came to her. A long, sharp, wooden end. Red handle and back curve of the blade, chrome shining all over it. She felt like it was hers, like she was the owner. The most familiar feeling she ever remembered feeling, even though she had never laid eyes on it until a moment ago.

She smiled, and looked to the statue in the front of the room

She smiled as a thought occurred to her. I am going to win. Whatever he needs, we are going to win.

Buffy chuckled as she walked out the door, back to the DeSoto.