AUTHOR : SpikesDeb/Debs <spikesgirl_453@hotmail.com>
RATING: R
TITLE : COME BACK TO ME
DISCLAIMER : Nothing is mine, all belongs to Joss......no, really.
A/N : Many, many thanks to my beta - Lou aka NanaLou - she truly does know 
how to make a silk purse out of a piggy's ear.
FEEDBACK : You bet ya!

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COME BACK 14
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Giles and Wesley turned to the door in surprise as a Slayer whirlwind of the 
Kennedy variety barged into the library.  She drew breath to speak and with 
the presence of mind gained by his many years as a Watcher, Giles was at her 
side and placing a finger on her lips.  After translating the text both men 
had agreed that Angel's plan was to get to Buffy, and to do so in the most 
damaging way possible.  They also weren't under any illusions that Angel was 
too honest to have them watched, and it was vital he believed that they'd 
fallen for his whole prophecy ploy.  So for now – the least said, the 
better.

"Hey!  Hands off, man!"

Kennedy was in spoilt rich kid mode, hands on hips and affronted sneer 
firmly in place.

"Now, Kennedy, you were about to start shouting and you know perfectly well 
this is a library.  Can you at least pretend to respect your surroundings?"

"What the..."

"No, Kennedy.   I'm sure you don't want to disturb Wesley and me.  So if you 
can stay calm and remember where you are..."

"Whatever.  Look, Willow sent me to get you guys.  She's all –"

"Ah yes... Willow."  Giles interrupted Kennedy before she went any further.  
"Just the person we need to see about this translation.  A fresh pair of 
eyes might do the trick.  Wesley, would you care to accompany me?"

"Yes, yes – of course.  Shall we leave now?"

"I don't see why not.  The scroll seems very precise, we just need the final 
piece."

Both watchers spoke in even tones that belied their anxious mood.  They eyed 
each other in tacit agreement and gathered up their things, the scroll chief 
amongst them, then gripping Kennedy by the elbows they almost frogmarched 
her from the room.  Her protests at the manhandling were colourful and 
inventive but the watchers ignored her, bundled her – almost spitting with 
fury – into the elevator that would take them to the ground floor and out of 
the belly of the beast.

"Let go of me!  I swear if you so much as..."

"Kennedy, be quiet," Giles hissed.  "We're coming with you.  But don't you 
understand the seriousness of our position here?  Wolfram and Hart isn't 
safe for any of us.  Now shush.  When we get to the lobby try to act 
naturally, we're just strolling out of there, off to see Willow.  Nothing 
underhand about that."

Giles was whispering furiously as he waved his glasses about to press home 
his point.  He was thankful that Kennedy appeared to be cooperating – a 
first for the opinionated brat in his experience.  Above all though, he was 
thankful that Willow had declined Angel's invitation to use one of the guest 
rooms at Wolfram and Hart in favour of a standard motel room about five 
minutes away.  At least there they could talk.

The elevator doors opened and the trio walked across the wide expanse of the 
lobby.  There were anxious moments halfway across when a security guard 
walked towards them but thankfully he simply smiled, mumbled a greeting and 
continued on to the reception desk.

Giles could dissemble with the best of them, but now his heart was pounding 
so much he was surprised it wasn't echoing off the marble walls.  He 
plastered a smile on his face as he suppressed the urge to sprint to the 
doors.  The place was seriously unnerving.  Expecting a hand to grip his 
shoulder any minute, the back of his neck prickling in anticipation, Giles 
passed through the doorway and out of the building.  Only then did he 
release the breath he hadn't known he was holding.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The hospital room was quiet after all the activity and noise that had 
followed Dawn's relapse.  She was once again comatose, her still form even 
more shocking to the two onlookers after their brief respite earlier; only 
the hiss and beep of machines proclaiming that the patient was still alive.

Spike hadn't let go of his hold on Buffy, simply cradling her against him as 
they watched the medics work on Dawn after the light show.  When the doctors 
had left, assuring Buffy that Dawn was no worse than before and that they 
would be monitoring her condition constantly, Spike dragged the chair nearer 
to the bed with a free hand and dropped into the seat, pulling Buffy into 
his lap.  They hadn't spoken of the fact that the arms around her were most 
definitely not of the ghostly variety, reluctant to jinx the moment.  Both 
were anxiously trying to master their thoughts before they voiced any 
opinions.

Buffy's eyes flickered between the prone figure on the bed and the pale 
fingers tracing circles on her arm where it rested across Spike's.  She felt 
almost panicked at the feelings running through her.  The moment Dawn opened 
her eyes she'd felt such a rush of happiness and relief, and to be able to 
share it with Spike...it was almost too much, too intense. Then to have that 
happiness ripped apart in a blur...  But now for the first time there was 
calm, and Buffy found her senses being overwhelmed by the reality of Spike's 
presence.  She was where she'd never dreamt she'd be, perching on her 
vampire's lap, the very real lap, with his very real and solid arms holding 
her close to his very real chest as he murmured against her ear and kissed 
her hair – it was miraculous.  But it hadn't escaped her notice that Spike's 
becoming corporeal had coincided with Dawn's relapse.

She dreaded to think what it could actually mean.  So, she just wasn't going 
to – not yet.  Thinking was on downtime, and that's the way she was keeping 
it.

Spike knew what she'd be thinking; contrary to certain people's opinions of 
him, he wasn't stupid.  The coming and going he'd been doing?  He had no 
clue what that meant or where he went to: in fact, why the hell was he 
resurrected in the first place?  But after the recent fireworks it didn't 
take a genius to figure out that somehow Dawn's coma and his existence were 
now linked.  And he'd bet his slightly tarnished soul that somewhere along 
the line Angel was pulling the strings like they were his puppets.  It was 
all just too neat to be coincidence.  But what could he do about it?  Would 
Buffy believe that Angel was involved?   The others would be open to it; 
Lorne had alerted them to the probability that Angel was slipping back into 
Angelus-mode.  But Buffy?  Another kettle of fish altogether.

Spike became aware that Buffy's breathing had evened out and her body lay 
heavy against him.  She'd fallen asleep, exhausted from the days of scant 
rest and the emotional turmoil of the past few hours.  He stroked her hair 
considering what to do.  She'd be royally pissed if she woke up and wasn't 
at Dawn's side but it'd be worth it if she got a decent bit of shuteye.  
Mind made up, he carefully got to his feet, holding her slight form to his 
chest.  He loved the 'Bit, he truly did – but Buffy came first.  Determined 
to make her recharge her batteries he strode from the room and away to seek 
out a bed.

When he reached the doorway of the room they'd shared for those brief 
moments that seemed a whole lifetime ago, he struggled to open the door, 
having to shift the Slayer against one shoulder whilst he wrestled with the 
lock.  She didn't even stir and his heart swelled with love for her as he 
gazed at the sweep of her eyelashes as they fluttered, the slightly open 
mouth and flushed cheeks.  She gave so much of herself to the people she 
loved – hell she'd given her life twice - that there was little left for 
herself.   He laughed softly – amazing how good it felt to know he was 
included in the group of people Buffy loved.  She loved him, and she was his 
world.  But then again, she had been from the day she'd shimmied into his 
life in the Bronze and started invading his system bit by delicious bit.

Finally entering the haven of the room, he laid her on the bed and gently 
slipped off her boots.  She didn't stir so he decided to undress her, 
knowing she'd be more comfortable.  His hands shook, suddenly nervous to 
touch her knowing that finally she truly loved him as he loved her.  He 
carefully eased her jeans down, then her sweater... until all of her golden 
skin was bared to his gaze.  There was no trace of lust in him; all he felt 
was protective, and filled with love.  She'd turned him upside down, inside 
out.  Here he was with a naked woman in bed, vulnerable and unprotected, and 
all he wanted to do was wrap her up safe and cosy.  Nobody would believe him 
if he told them.

Spike settled the sheet and comforter over her and kissed her forehead.  
Still out for the count.   He reached for the telephone at the side of the 
bed, marvelling still that he had the capacity to do so.  He just wanted to 
check in with Red, ask her to sit with Dawn for a while.  But of course, he 
didn't have her number and didn't want to go through the switchboard... and he 
wasn't about to leave Buffy either – he'd have to trust to the medical staff 
to do their jobs.  Maybe later, when he was sure she was settled, he'd go 
and look for Tex, fill her in on the latest developments.  Right now, he had 
to hold her... while he could.

He shrugged off his duster; eyes glued to the blonde vision snuggled into 
the pillows.  His black t-shirt followed, then the boots quickly off and 
denims shoved down to join his other clothes in a crumpled heap on the 
floor.  Standing naked and proud, he drew in a ragged breath as he realised 
the enormity of the moment.  He was about gain his heart's desire, to lie 
with Buffy on equal terms.  No more scratching an itch, no longer beneath 
her – she loved him.  It made everything right.  He moved to the bed and 
slid next to her warm body, nestling up behind her and snaking an arm round 
her waist to draw her tight against his chest.  Buffy moved in her sleep; 
arching her back and slipping a leg between his, her hand taking his and 
holding it to her breast.  She sighed in contentment and whispered...

"I love you."

And he cried like the soft git he was, his poet's heart unable to contain 
the joy of holding the woman he loved in his arms.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Willow was staring into a bowl of black ink when the two Watchers and 
Kennedy came through the door.  She raised a hand to forestall any 
interruption, her eyes dark and unfocused.  Giles twitched nervously when he 
caught a glimpse of her eyes – it took him back to Evil Veiny Willow, lost 
in her power and destruction.  His stomach knotted as he waited for what 
came next.  Kennedy hadn't told them why Willow wanted to see them; he just 
hoped it wasn't because she wanted to practice her flaying technique on 
Watcher skin.  He shocked himself with his attitude.  Outwardly he'd 
forgiven Willow, accepted that her work with the Coven and her 
Goddess-status in the Hellmouth battle gave her a redemption leg-up.  But 
somehow inside he'd always remember being slammed about the Magic Box; and 
he was still wary of her ability to control her powers.

A few moments later, Willow's red hair billowed as a rush of air shot 
through the room.  Her eyes returned to their normal green and she smiled at 
the visitors.

"Hi guys!  Sorry about the bossy summons but I needed to see you right away, 
But as Angel's being all Bruto at the moment, I didn't want to rattle his 
cage.  Was just communicating with Althanea – she says hi by the way."

Giles smiled weakly, his relief at seeing Willow was still Willow 
translating into wobbly legs and a feeling of shame that he doubted her.  
The foursome took seats around the room, Willow holding court on the bed 
with Kennedy sitting at her feet on the floor, Giles and Wesley leaning on 
the window sill and the dressing table respectively.

"So – I think I know what's going on with Angel.  I was searching the ether 
earlier, trying to see if I could pick up on anything off kilter; I know – 
looking for needle in a haystack, but it was just a whim.  Then kapow – 
something hit me, something powerful and not good.  I believe Angel put Dawn 
in a coma and now he's using Dawn and Spike in a trade-off."

She expected shock, anger, maybe even denial, but definitely not the 
resigned look passing between the Watchers, and Giles' next words.

"Yes, we'd reached the same conclusion."

"Oh.  Well, that's kinda popped my balloon.  How did you find out?"

"The prophecy...well, I'd have to say the 'fake prophecy', I suppose.  It 
unravelled far too easily, too many clues.  Once we identified the root 
language it only took us a couple of hours and that's simply unprecedented.  
  It can't possibly be a genuine prophecy."  Giles looked over to Wesley to 
continue.

"Yes.  I concur.  And coupled with the information we gleaned from Lorne's 
disclosure, the obvious culprit is Angel.  Though I can't imagine what he 
hopes to achieve by it."

"Buffy.  That's what he hopes to achieve."

All eyes turned to Kennedy, various degrees of puzzlement clouding them.

"Oh come on!  It's so obvious – Buffy comes to LA all broken, spills the 
beans about Spike being the love of her life – yadda yadda.   Ok, not 
everyone's picture of Romeo and Juliet - the Slayer pining for the undead - 
but we deal.  Makes sense, after spending the last couple of months with 
them.  And Angel gets really pissed about it, there's Spike gone in a big 
blaze of fiery glory and she's still mooning over him.  And doesn't he do a 
great Mr Sympathy?  But next thing she's making plans to split, take Dawn 
and make a new life somewhere; a life without Angel."

"Do you know, I believe you're right!  And what better way to keep Buffy in 
LA?"  Giles had whipped his glasses off as he came to understand the 
motivation behind Angel's actions.

"But keeping Dawn unconscious...  the slimy wicked bastard!"  Willow bounced 
off the bed.  "What's Dawn ever done to him? I know I've been evil but 
that's just twisted...   But hey...that explains Dawn, but what about Spike?"

"Wesley and I believe that Spike's materialisation was unplanned, a side 
effect of the magical forces Angel would have used to accomplish his plan.  
We're not really sure of anything after that; we still need to continue our 
research.  There's not been time to discuss it much other than on our way 
here. But you said you were communicating with Althanea?  What did she have 
to say?  Does the Coven know anything?"

"Nothing much -- but she did say that there'd been a huge surge of energy 
located in LA and the source was unknown.  According to Althanea, that much 
energy and disturbance in the natural flow of magic is usually only 
associated with a direct intervention from The Powers That Be.  So whatever 
the surge meant, it seems as if we're not the only players in the game.  
Other than that, I'd say we hit the books.  Again.  Kinda like déjà vu, huh 
Giles?"

Willow and Giles shared a smile, remembering times past when things seemed 
so simple.  As she recalled hours they'd spent, books and donuts spread 
before them, the bonds forged by near and not so near misses with death, her 
heart clenched.  Xander should be here, helping, seeing things that nobody 
else did from his vantage point on the periphery of the action.  He always 
thought he was like the sidekick, the Zeppo; but Willow knew better than 
anyone how much he contributed by being able to see the whole rather than 
just his own little piece of mayhem.   But would he want to be involved in 
this?  Since Anya's death he'd been withdrawing from them little by little, 
distancing himself by his actions.  And although Buffy's fervent declaration 
of love for Spike had taken them all by surprise, they'd pretty much 
accepted it.  All of them, that is, except for Xander.  He was still rabidly 
anti-vampire and she doubted that'd be changing anytime soon.

Kennedy startled them again.  "So who's gonna tell Buffy?"

There weren't any eager volunteers.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Buffy felt safe, cherished; she hadn't felt like this since her brief 
sojourn in heaven.  She knew that the place she was in would protect her 
from any harm, would do anything to prevent her being hurt.  Her head was 
muzzy with sleep and she wasn't really sure where she was, but she liked it. 
  Sleepily she blinked and tried to focus, the dreamy smile swallowed up by 
an almighty yawn as she stretched her aching limbs.  There was something she 
should be doing, wasn't there?  Somewhere she should be?

She noticed the pressure at her waist and looked down to see the pale arm 
that held her captive, the splayed fingers and definitely masculine build of 
the knuckles.  She smiled contentedly as she entwined her fingers with his.  
Spike.   Spike's hands; hands of Spike.

Spike.  Here.  Solid.  Holding her.  Dawn!

Behind her, the vampire was aware the second her breathing changed as she 
shrugged off the remnants of sleep.  He'd been waiting for her reaction, not 
sure how she would be once she realised where she was.  At first, she'd been 
confused then happy – now obviously she was in a panic as she remembered 
Dawn.

"Shhh, love.  I know.  We'll get straight back to her, but you needed some 
rest."

Buffy wriggled in his arms to turn and face him.  She knew she ought to be 
sprinting back to her sister's side – but God help her, how could she when 
every inch of her was wanted nothing more than to be held in Spike's 
embrace, skin to skin, his eyes burning into hers...  She warred against 
herself, duty to her sister vying against her desire to map his features, 
inhale his scent.  She had no idea how long this would last, what if this 
was never again... he could vanish into oblivion.  If she left now, would she 
ever be able to show him how much she loved him?  No, that was impossible; 
she had to touch him, taste him, love him while she could.  The battle 
showed in her eyes, now spilling over with salty tears.

Spike was lost in her hazel eyes, dark with emotion and fixed on him.  There 
was no need for words; he knew what she was feeling because he felt it too.  
Ever since the flash and pain of earlier when he'd been left with an actual 
physical presence, he'd been waiting for the other boot to drop.  Any minute 
now he expected to be struck by a spear of lightning and burned to ashes.  
So this time together was too special, their connection so new, and he 
didn't want to waste it.

He was mesmerised by her nearness as she slowly raised her face to his, 
moistening her lips before bestowing upon him the sweetest kiss of his 
entire existence.  She licked and nibbled along his lower lip, the salt of 
her tears seasoning their joining and mingling with her essence to drown his 
senses.  Stifling a growl, Spike pulled her close not wanting an inch of 
space between them; instinctively Buffy wrapped her arms around him to play 
with the curls at the nape of his neck, her legs dragging him closer to her 
heat so that they lay entwined beneath the sheets.  Spike let her take the 
lead, not wanting to pressure her into doing something she didn't want to, 
but Buffy had no intentions of wasting this chance to be with him after so 
long an abstinence, so much pain.  It was as if the uncertainty of his 
presence added extra meaning to the moments they had left and fuelled her 
desire.

Buffy's lips parted, deepening the kiss, languorously sliding her tongue 
across his and beckoning it to twist around hers.  This was perfect.  Lips 
firm yet yielding where they needed to be, the angle of the kiss allowing 
each of them taste the honey of the other's mouth as they refused to part.   
Spike's hands were softly cradling Buffy's face, his thumbs tracing along 
her jaw and up to her cheekbones as he marvelled at the feelings coursing 
through him.  With one kiss, she set his soul on fire, could send the blood 
racing through his useless veins to his heart, sluicing clean the poisoned 
gulf that had lain between them and make him want to sing with happiness.  
William the Bloody Awful Poet would be hard-pressed to mess up a verse about 
her, such was her effect on him.  He was so entranced by the beauty and 
purity of the moment that his erection took him by surprise.

Not Buffy though, she was fully prepared for his more earthy responses.  Her 
warm hand stroked his shaft and gripped him, causing a groan to escape the 
vampire's lips.  Buffy smiled against his mouth as he almost choked.  Yeah, 
she had the power.  And she was going to use it, damn everything else!  
Right now she was going to go with her instincts and seize the day.  And the 
man.  Her vampire.

She started moving her fist, slowly pumping him to almost painful hardness 
whilst simultaneously sucking on his tongue.  Spike moaned against her 
mouth, his philosophical musings melting away in the fire of her passion.  
His hands left her face to grip her shoulders as he pushed her onto her 
back, spreading her legs so that he could rock his groin up against her 
heat.  The poet retreated in the face of Spike's 'want, take, have' vampire 
mentality.  And he wanted Buffy.  He was going to take her; he was going to 
have her.

It had been far too long for both of them; this wouldn't be all hearts and 
flowers.  Emotions were raw and primal; they both needed to act on the 
hunger coursing through them, reaffirm their existence in each other.  Slow 
and tender would have to wait for another time.  A time they may not have.

Buffy gazed up into his golden eyes; she'd never made love to him while he 
wore his demon face, which he was already struggling to throw off.  He 
growled deep in his throat as she brought her hands up to caress his ridged 
brow stopping him from reverting to his human features.  Avidly she traced 
every inch of his face with her fingertips, her eyes locked with his, 
showing him that she loved all of him.  When her fingers reached his mouth, 
she slid one inside searching for his fangs. She flinched as one razor sharp 
edge nicked her finger, but the sting was rapidly taken over by startling 
pleasure as Spike's tongue rasped along the wound to gather up the blood.  
Buffy's eyes widened; how could a lick to her finger do that...and what would 
his bite given in passion be like?

Spike heard the racing of her heart, saw the flush to her face and neck.  
Her scent surrounded him and the taste of her blood was calling him to claim 
it, claim her and make her his mate.  He could feel something new growing 
inside him.  He dipped his mouth closer to her jaw, his breath stirring the 
tendrils of hair clinging to her face.  The pounding of the blood in her 
veins was seeping into him and drawing him ever nearer.  His voice was raw 
with need as he whispered against her ear, saying everything he felt but not 
asking for what he yearned for so much.

"Buffy...do you feel that...can't believe we're...Buffy love..."

"God, Spike...yes...I need you to...please...now... we've been given this time..."

When she tilted her head back and pressed his mouth to her neck, he groaned 
and started to trail his mouth down her throat, awed at the gift she was 
offering.  Easing her legs further apart, he settled his cock at her slick 
outer folds; Buffy raised her hips gasping as the tip slid to her entrance, 
and then moaning as he licked along the line of her jugular up to her ear.

"Got to make you mine, Buffy." he whispered hoarsely, thrusting deep inside 
her and sinking his fangs into her neck to produce a combined sensation that 
had her screaming his name.

'Oh god!  I can really feel him, with me, inside me... he's part of me...'

The pain of his bite was replaced by waves of pleasure as he took shallow 
pulls of her blood, her nipples so hard and sensitive it was almost painful 
as he crushed her to his chest.  Thrusting slowly as one hand caressed her 
thigh, he lifted her knee to open her further to him.  His pace increased as 
he sought to absorb her – she was consuming him, her heartbeat pounding 
through him as she raised her hips to meet his every thrust.  She was lost, 
eyelids fluttering and breath coming in harsh gasps as she felt her orgasm 
build.  Every swallow of her blood drawing him deeper into her until she was 
close to the edge, then tumbling over into oblivion when he snarled, "MINE," 
against her neck.  Instinct took over as she rode out the waves of pleasure, 
clawing at his back and tightening her legs around him.  Then she sank her 
teeth into his neck, sucking his blood and tasting its tang on her tongue.  
Her reward was a strangled cry from her vampire as he lost control and 
climaxed hard, her muscles still milking him, captive inside her.  Wonder, 
pain, pleasure, and need, swirling through and around them. Joining them – 
making them whole.

Her eyes opened to see his shocked blue orbs fixed on her, demon melted away 
as he realised what had just happened.

"MINE" she growled, grinning at the stupefied look on his face.

"Yours" they whispered together before sealing their union with a kiss.

Tbc


See!  I said there'd be Spuffy lurving.  Nooo, it's not the lull before the 
storm...what do you take me for?  *grins*

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

COMEBACK15

Drifting in blissful contentment, Buffy lay in Spike's arms, gently stroking
his skin.  The minutes ticked by and still they lay there.  The wounds on
her neck ached, reminding her that this wasn't the first time she'd been
bitten – more like the fourth – but this bite had been so different.  This
bite completed her where the others had diminished her.  Spike was pressed
up hard against her back, murmuring softly into her hair.  There was only
one thing wrong; they had to get up, leave the haven of this timeless moment
and return to reality.

She turned to face him, a soft smile on her lips.   "Spike, I've got to say
– that was the most wonderful feeling ever.  Why didn't you...you know,
before...?"

"The time was never right, love -- we were never right.  Not even sure it
was time now – but I don't know what's to come and it did feel right to bite
you, couldn't stop myself to be honest.  You do know what happened...?"

"I think so.  I've read some stuff – don't laugh, I do read sometimes! – and
Giles went through it all after Angel..."

Soft growls rumbled from her vampire.

"Jealous much?  I'm sorry – don't be.  Giles had to be sure and Angel didn't
stick around to answer any questions.  I was almost dead.  I made him do it,
made him bite me; but still – I was scared.  And it felt nothing like this."

"Bloody right, pet!  He didn't try to claim you though, Rupes made sure?"

"No.  Was purely medicinal. He had to have Slayer blood to heal."

"So.  I know why I wanted to claim you, been dreaming about it for long
enough. But why did you?  Took me by surprise there."

"Kinda surprised myself too." Buffy blushed.  "Oh, I don't know.  I just
knew ...when you bit me, it felt so good, so natural.  I could feel you... it
was like you were...part of me... not making much sense, am I?  I wanted you to
have that too, I guess.  Can't say drinking blood has ever been high on my
list of things to do though, because yuk!"

"Thanks ever so..."

"But...as long as you promise not to tell anyone...I kinda liked it.  Tasted
tangy, coppery, like sucking on a penny.  And I felt in charge, powerful..."

"Yeah.  That's it, love, powerful.  You got it in one."

"So...I claimed you too?  Didn't know it was possible, isn't it a vamp thing?"

"Usually it is.  There are legends about humans mating with vampires but
it's rare.  And they're submissive, not equals.  Claiming takes a strong
person so that they're not subdued by a more dominant personality.  Don't
suppose you fancy trying out the Claiming link?"

"Erm...I might...if I knew what it was...."

"Thought you said you read up on it?  What was that in -- 'Janet and John
Bite Each Other'?'

"Huh?  Oh, Brit-speak – lovely.  Now I'm even more confused."

"Ok, the basic facts then.  I bite you...drink your blood.  As I'm biting,
suckling, I'm sensing your thoughts, your emotions.  I'm also projecting
mine so there's a mixture of the two being swallowed up in the Claim.  So,
after the bite and the two of us are no longer joined, you're left with a
mix of both our essences.  Strength of it varies, but a mutual Claiming like
we did – that's the strongest.  Two vamps would be able to communicate
telepathically over short distances, definitely be able to sense the other's
feelings.  Not sure how that leaves us, love.  So...want to try it out?"

"Will it hurt?"

"Nah, not at all.  Might feel a little bit strange at first – like I'm in
your head or such.  Bit like Red when she does that skull bellowing.   But
stronger 'cause as well as the thoughts, you get the emotions.  Makes us
even closer, Buffy.  And I can't say that thought makes me unhappy."

"Me neither."  Buffy placed a soft kiss on his lips, the earnest look he
wore on his face melting into one of blind adoration.  "So...what do I do?"

A second later, Buffy gasped.  "Spike!  And here was me thinking we'd done
it all!"

"You got that, huh?  I sent you an image of what I wanted to do to you – did
you actually see it or just sense it?"

"I think I saw it...a flash...try it again."

Spike raised his eyebrow and smirked as he sent a detailed tableau of
exactly how and where he wanted her.  He roared with laughter when not only
did Buffy send the image back but also embellished it with a few flourishes
of her own.

"Cherries and whipped cream, love?"

"Hell, I don't know where that came from – must be a secret dark desire of
mine because I had a sudden urge to create a luscious treat for myself and
take my time licking it all up...and no...no...not happening."  Buffy laughed and
bucked away from the urgent presence pressing into her thigh. "At least not
right now.  Send him a message because if he gets all excited he'll have to
see to himself.  I mean it.  I have to get back to Dawn."

That did the trick.  Reality: as good as a bucket of cold water.

"Yeah, I know."

They were silent for a moment, each just drinking in the other's features. 
"I love you. You do know that, right?  I mean really know it; you believe me
now?"

"I still can't believe it to be honest, but yeah – I do know it."  Spike
stroked Buffy's hair away from her face, his hand coming to rest cupping her
cheek.  "You are everything to me, Buffy.  Can you feel the strength of my
love for you, through the claim?  Try to focus on an emotion – you've
already got the picture thing beat."

She scrunched her face up in concentration and once again Spike marvelled at
how he fell more deeply in love with this girl every single second.  Her
eyes shot open and she struggled to speak through the lump in her throat.

"I know, love...I know.  You don't need to say it...I feel it too.  I'll always
be able to feel it now.  Feel you.  No matter if we're away from each other,
there'll always be a part of you with me, and a part of me with you."

Buffy's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her feelings so raw and tangled
she found it difficult to breathe.  Spike's beauty awed her, not just his
physical beauty -- although that in itself was mesmerising -- his inner
beauty, the strength of his soul, the way that when he loved he did so with
every particle of his being.  She felt all of that.  She felt more loved
than she'd ever thought possible.

Gaining his soul and saving the world may not atone for his past, but more
importantly he'd wanted to be a better man before that, and would always be
trying.  And what else could anyone ask for?  He bore the guilt and yet
still he tried.

"I can't lose you again, Spike."  She hadn't meant to voice it, because that
would make it real.  It was only a whisper but it was there now between
them.  What could he say?  He was no fool, knew that something bad was going
down.  And he'd never ask her to choose between himself and Dawn; hell, he'd
sacrifice himself every single night to save her that pain.

'Every night I save you...'

Reluctantly Spike pulled away from her, pressing a soft kiss to her
forehead.  He didn't look back at her as he dragged on his clothes.  It took
every ounce of resolve to leave her embrace because he couldn't help
wondering if this could be the last time he'd have his heart's desire.  He
heard her sigh as he buckled his belt and turned to see her gathering up her
clothes.  Her back was to him, her hair tumbling in disarray over her bare
shoulders.  Hungry eyes devoured the image to store away in his memory;
slowly Buffy turned her head, her clothes clutched at her chest.  Her eyes
said everything.

When she'd dressed they made their way hand-in-hand back to Dawn's bedside
to face whatever was to come - together.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"So we're agreed.  We'll head back to Doom Central and act normal so as not
to alert Angel.  You and Wesley will carry on as if you're still working on
the scroll and I'll join in to help you with the magical forces."

"That's the plan."

"And Kennedy will slip off and bring Gunn, Fred and Lorne up to speed."

"Yes."

Willow hesitated before asking the next question, as she had the horrible
suspicion that she already knew the answer.

"So...as Ken said – who's gonna tell Buffy?  Not to mention Spike!"

The green motel carpet must have been remarkable because suddenly three sets
of eyes were glued to it.

"Oh come on, guys!  It's Buffy – what's she gonna do?"  No reply.  "Fine. 
I'll tell her – but I want you there for backup, Giles, just in case she
goes Cave-Slayer on me.  And of course Spike'll want to dive in head first,
you know how he doesn't exactly think things through."

"Agreed.  And Angel – we need him to believe we're still on board with the
prophecy until we've worked all this out.  Loath as I am to be in his
company, it's got to be done.  I'll liaise with him as soon as we get back."

The two Watchers collected the scroll and books they'd brought with them and
left, Willow saying she would follow in an hour.  Kennedy headed back with
them, bearing a packet of charmed crystals that would deliver a recorded
message telepathically when triggered by the recipient.  Since nobody was
sure precisely what Angel could see and hear in the building, it seemed the
safest way of alerting the troops.  Willow had deliberately left Xander out
of the loop; he seemed broken and she couldn't risk him in any intrigue. 
She'd take care of him herself when the time was right.  And Andrew was...well
Andrew.  He'd bumble along whatever happened.

With a sigh, she closed her eyes to meditate for a short while and gather
her strength for what she was sure would be a tiring and fraught chat with
Buffy.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In a room tucked away in the medical wing of Wolfram and Hart a brunette lay
in a deep coma.  Suddenly the figure drew in a shuddering breath and
screamed.  Her mind filled with images as she recalled her last waking
moments – blood, pain, blinding white light.  The sense of something
wonderful being ripped from her... but something riddled with corruption
within the sugarcoated shell.  Her baby.  A monster.

Alarms were echoing off the walls but when she tried to bring her hands up
to cover her ears, she found that she couldn't move them from the bed.  She
was strapped in.  Where the hell was she?

Where was Angel?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dawn was still and silent in her bed when Spike and Buffy entered the room. 
  It was as if she'd never woken up, her hair lying straight and combed on
the pillow where the medical staff had seen to her.  Buffy shuffled guiltily
when the nurse came in to check her patient.  She'd abandoned her sister in
this place for god knows how long.  How could she have done that?  She
looked up at Spike's concerned face, his love for Dawn all too clear in his
eyes.  How could she have not?  Her grip tightened on Spike's hand and she
smiled at him, urging him to believe in her.  She loved him.  Entirely. 
Eventually she'd convince him.

Settling back into the chair, Spike pulled Buffy down onto his lap again. 
He was determined not to leave her side if he could help it.  Not until the
elastic-fantastic yanked him back to the Big Nothing.  They didn't speak; no
words could make a difference to the situation they were in, so they just
sat and drew comfort from their closeness.

+++

Angel watched the monitors.  Ah – the vigil was back on.  And if anything
Spike seemed more solid now.  Somebody in Demonology was gonna pay for this
farce.  "Get rid of one, I said," he muttered to himself, "And what do I
see?  A fucking walking talking vampire.  It was going to be sooo easy, Mr
Angel sir...promises, promises.  Well let's see how easy it is when I've
flayed the skin off the stupid bastard."

He snatched the telephone, barking out orders when the terrified voice of
the Head of Demonology answered.  This would end tonight.  It burned that he
was still on the outside of Buffy's life; he'd left Sunnydale for her own
good, she owed him.  Oh sure, she'd tossed him the crumb of 'I do think
about us sometimes' but instead of rushing to his side after the apocalypse,
she'd turned up all red-eyed with grief over the perpetual pain in his ass
that was supposed to be Dru's devoted nursemaid.  And what pissed him off
even more was that there was still a tiny part of him that was happy Spike
hadn't dusted.   Because he was family.  And you didn't abandon your family.

Until now.  He set his mouth in a hard line.  Enough.  He continued to watch
the two figures on the monitor until his pet mystics sidled anxiously into
the room.

+++

Wesley, Kennedy and Giles strolled back into the jaws of the beast with
racing heartbeats and faux smiles.  They chatted about inane things until
they'd made it through the overbearing reception area and were safely behind
the closed elevator doors.  The two men slumped back against the wall while
Kennedy, with the resilience of youth and the brashness of her character,
bounced on her toes to try and rein in her anxiety.

"So Wesley, you'll go straight to the library and see if you can discover
anything else about the situation.  I'll meet with Angel immediately and sow
the seeds of our 'research'.  Kennedy – you know what to do?"

"Uh huh."

"And...?"

"Look, it's not like it's complicated.  I'm to find the others and give them
one of these stones each.  I'm a Slayer, man!  I should be kicking Angel's
ass, not delivering jewellery.  I'm only doing it because Willow asked me,
so back the hell off!"

Wes and Giles shared a look of distaste and relief – at least now they would
never have to endure becoming this little smartarse's Watcher.   The
apocalypse hadn't been all bad...

"Quite.  Well, we're here.  Let's get to it."

The trio split up once outside the elevator, Kennedy heading to see Fred to
get a handle on the others' whereabouts.  And besides – she was cute.

Wesley considered his options as he reached the library.  He had no way of
knowing exactly how closely Angel was monitoring them; he had no doubt the
vampire would eventually find out which volumes he'd summoned, but it was a
risk he would have to take or they were at an impasse.  Angel's megalomania
had reached the stage where he'd be unlikely to see past Giles's scholarly
meanderings.  He could be very convincing when he chose and that should buy
them some time.  Hoping for the best, Wesley took a deep breath and opened a
blank volume to summon his first text.

+++

Kennedy found Fred in the lab.  It took a few tries before the scientist
even realised there was anybody in the room, so engrossed was she in the
experiment she was running.  Even when she turned to Kennedy, acknowledging
her with a smile, it was obvious that her mind was elsewhere.

"Hi there!  Kennedy...isn't it?  Willow's not here..."

"Yeah, it is and yeah, I know. Came to see you actually.  Whatcha doing?"

"What?  Oh, this...well I'm investigating Spike's intermittent corporeality,
but so far the only certainties are that he's male, over a century old and
doesn't like strawberries. And I don't even know if that's right.  Has he
ever eaten strawberries in front of you?  I mean, there must have been lots
of them about in Sunnydale – with the climate and all; or maybe it was too
hot?  I don't really know...or maybe it just means soft fruit in general. 
Could be a glitch...Does he eat fruit?  No...probably not unless...could he have
dipped them in blood?"

Kennedy was mesmerised by the rapid flitting from one idea to another.  This
chick was ditzy!  But Willow said she had a huge brain so who was she to
argue?  She held out her hand, the amethyst crystal keyed for Fred on her
palm.

Fred looked at her quizzically.  "Is that for me, honey?"

Kennedy nodded.   "Willow sent it, a token of her appreciation."

"Oh that's so sweet!  It's real pretty!"

Fred reached for the trinket and the instant her fingers gripped it, she
froze.  It passed in seconds, but Kennedy knew from her expression that the
psychic message had been delivered.  She shook her head imperceptibly as
Fred opened her mouth to speak.  Fred got the point immediately and played
along.

"Say, I'm due a break, let's go show Lorne this pretty bauble.  He just
loves something bright and sparkly.  You wanna come with?"

Hell, Willow may have been right about her.  Ditzy she may be but she was
quick!

"Sure.  Lead the way."

The two girls headed off, chattering about nothing in particular and linking
arms as they made their way to the Hollywood Division of Wolfram & Hart.

+++++

Angel snarled when a knock at the boardroom door interrupted the
preparations for the rite.  The nervous mystic was so rattled by the sudden
noise he dropped his bowl of sand, destroying the intricately traced runes. 
They'd have to start all over again; but first he had to get rid of the
unwelcome visitor.  Thankfully, he'd had the foresight to lock the door so
the assembled sorcerers would have time to slip out of the other door if
necessary.

"Yes?"

"Angel?  It's Giles.  Can I have a word?"

Angel gestured to the mystics to leave, growling to the department head to
be ready to repeat the ritual.  He walked to the door to admit his caller.

"Giles.  What can I do for you?  Is there a problem?"

Angel tried out 'Really Concerned Face #9' as he ushered the former watcher
into the room.

"No, no problem at all.  I just thought you'd be interested to know the
progress we're making with the scroll."

"Oh. Oh yes...good.  Do sit down."  Angel took his place behind his desk,
Giles forced to take the lower seat in front of the oak monstrosity in the
time-honoured fashion of subordinates everywhere.  "So what have you got?"

Giles wanted to smack the insincerity displayed on the vampire's face.  But
that wouldn't help matters in the slightest. There'd be time enough to take
him down.  "Well, I'm delighted to say Wesley and I have made rather good
headway.  We believe we have the correct dialect now and it's only a matter
of time before we crack the code.  Have to say, it's devilishly difficult –
a real challenge."

Angel preened; he'd devised the code himself.

"Wesley is concentrating on the Plutarchan Dynasty for his translation,
although something makes me wonder...it may lie in the realms of Z'artonkl.  I
know it's obscure but still..."

The arrogant bastard!  Look at him!  He actually believes that he's so
bloody clever!  Can't even fake a believable prophecy!  Wanker.

"Do you have any idea when you'll complete the translation?  I need results
on this; Buffy's fragile and I hate to see her suffering."

It was all Giles could do not to stake Angel there and then.  He got to his
feet, reluctant to spend one more second in the vampire's company.

"Well, no.   Not yet. So I'd best get back and help Wesley...two heads better
than one and all that.  "

"Yes.  And Giles...thank you. Buffy's happiness is all that matters to me.  I
won't forget this."

Giles managed a smile before he almost ran from the room.

The ringing of the internal telephone jolted Angel out of his smug reverie.

"Angel.  What is it?"  A pause.  "When?  I'll be right there."

For the first time in what seemed like forever, the concern in his eyes was
real.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Willow drew in a deep breath before opening the door to Dawn's room.  She
kept her eyes downcast as she made her way over to the bed.

"Buffy I...Spike!  You're really here here...with the actual body-having!  Wow! 
When did you...and how?"

"Well, Red...isn't that the billion dollar question?"

TBC
 

++++++++++++++

COMEBACK16

"Well, Red...isn't that the billion dollar question..."

Willow stared at her friend, cuddled up and cosy on the suddenly solid
vampire's lap.

"Want to tell me what happened because – HELLO!! – recently a goddess here
and I need to be big with the knowledge."

"Make what you can of it, Red.  I'm zapped back from nowhere still ghostly,
and then Niblet here comes round for a while – chatting away she was, perky
as anything.  Next thing it's lightshow time and the Bit and yours truly get
fried with blue fireworks – then she's in the coma again and I've got my
body back.  Think you can explain that lot?"

"Actually...yes I can, Spike," she stared at him meaningfully.

"Oh.  Right.  Good then."

"But not until later, ok?  Buffy, we have to talk.  Some serious stuff's
come up that you're not going to like and I need you to listen to me. 
Really listen.

Buffy untwined herself from Spike and stood, "What is it, Will, you're
scaring me."

"Do you trust me?"

"You know I do."

"Come with me then.  Spike – can you stay with Dawn?"

"Yeah, Red.  Be a pleasure.  Go."

Spike nodded to Willow; by the looks of things they'd sussed out enough of
Angel's scheme to justify telling Buffy.  Truth be told, it was better he
wouldn't be there when she found out, that way she wouldn't be torn by
divided loyalties.   She had loved Angel first.  And no matter how
completely she loved him now –he still thrummed with the emotions he sensed
through the claim – that would always be special.

Or maybe not, once she found out how he'd been playing with her and those
she loved.

A soft kiss on Dawn's forehead and a lingering "love you..." on Spike's lips,
then Buffy turned from her whole world inside the hospital room and went
with Willow to face what was so difficult to hear.

Spike settled back in the chair, contemplating the turmoil to come.  It'd be
a cruel blow to Buffy, to have her trust in Angel shattered this way, but it
had to be done.  Watching Dawn sleep, the slow rise and fall of her
breathing, cheeks slightly flushed and the steady beat of the pulse at her
neck, he felt an icy fury spread through him.  What right had anybody to use
this innocent in sick and twisted games?  The cat and mouse torment was pure
Angelus.  If this was all down to him, Angel was going to pay.

Talking of, he wondered what had happened since he'd blipped out in the
conference room leaving Angel mid gloat.  He'd been kinda busy since he
materialised and it would seem the watchers had too.  Red as good as gave
him a thumbs up, didn't she.  No matter, he'd find out soon enough.

And as for the question of his link to Dawn... it kept trying to worm its way
through his 'don't wanna know' wall, only to be resolutely quashed.  If he
asked himself the question aloud, he'd have to answer it.  And he was scared
that he already knew what the answer would be.  For now he preferred to stay
in blissful ignorance, and started humming "I Wanna Be Sedated."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Willow led Buffy along the corridor, chatting away to forestall any
searching questions.  She was taking her to meet up with Giles who had the
scroll and, more importantly, backup to help deliver the bad news.

"So, Dawnie came round?"

"Yeah.  She was a little groggy at first but then... she was just Dawn, you
know?  God, Willow, I was so happy – and when she saw Spike!!  I wish I'd
had a camera...the look on her face!  As for Mr I'm So bad...more like Mr I'm So
Whupped.  He loves her so much, loves me so much..." Buffy's voice trailed
off, her eyes tearing up.

Willow stopped, hand on Buffy's arm.   "Buffy.  I...I'm sorry that you felt
you couldn't tell me about Spike.  You must have been so lonely.  I wish I'd
been a better friend."

Buffy smiled.  "No, Willow.  I blame myself.  It wasn't until I lost him
that I found out I really was in love.  The time I wasted...I should have –
hell, he stayed by me through everything.  He even put Faith on her butt,
didn't he?"

Willow giggled.  "Yeah.  That was another one for the family album!  I
mean...I know she's part of the group now and great!  But there's a lot of
history there with the old Faith, how she played us all when she did the
body switch.  How she played with Tara..."

It was Willow's turn to stop talking, the rush of memories of her gentle
lover still painful to her.  Buffy simply hugged her.  They'd both suffered
the loss of somebody they loved.  But Buffy had been given a second chance
to make things right.

"Willow.  This thing you need to talk to me about...is it Spike?  Because the
only thing I'm not going to like hearing is that that I've got to lose him
again."

"Yes...and no.  Buffy, you said you trusted me.  You saw what we did, what we
all did in the Hellmouth, what we're capable of.  We can fix this.  You
won't lose him.  I promise."  Buffy fixed her with wide hazel eyes.  Willow
just hoped her rash promise wouldn't be back to haunt her.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++==

Angel grunted as he hit the corridor to the hospital wing.  Going right
would take him to Buffy, his true love and the object of his obsession. 
Going left would lead him to the woman he'd grown to have strong feelings
for and whose absence in his life had left a huge void.  Two hospital rooms,
two dark-haired girls.  Two comas.  Both mystical in origin.  One he'd been
helpless to prevent and the other one he'd moved heaven and earth to cause. 
Well... hardly that.  With a smirk, he turned left and started whistling.

Angel paused at the door to her room.  He'd waited for this moment for so
long and now...he felt strangely conflicted.  The last time he'd held her,
she'd already been in a coma.  Jasmine had them all fooled until Fred was
able to free their minds, and Connor...no, he couldn't think about Connor. 
Connor's future was the reason he was here, deep in the bowels of the mighty
Wolfram and Hart and public face of their corporate identity.  But he felt a
pang of shame.  Would Cordy think he'd done well?  Would she be able to look
him in the eye and tell him it was the right thing to do?  Would she love
him?  Only one way to find out...

He pushed open the door to find a composed and radiant Cordelia sitting up,
propped against pillows, and gazing at him.

"Angel..."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Kennedy hung back as Fred handed Lorne the amulet specifically keyed to his
aura.  She was still uncomfortable around demons, around Willow, actually,
when she was in Wicca mode, not that she let it show.  Comprehension soon
flashed across the recipient's features and they moved off to find Gunn.  It
wasn't long before the whole LA Fang Gang was up to speed with what was
happening.

Suddenly nervous as she weighed the final crystal in her hand, Kennedy
wondered how her fellow Slayer would react.  Faith had nearly combusted when
Angel was giving his Oscar-winning performance as the bestest buddy ever, so
bearing the good tidings that he really was messing with them – well, let's
just say she'd rather face the hordes at the Hellmouth again.

Faith hadn't disappointed.  Her rage at the betrayal of them all was
incandescent and pretty much what Kennedy expected.  The room was trashed,
no doubt about it.  Fred just prayed that Angel's surveillance was busy
elsewhere.  As it was it took the combined strength of Kennedy and Gunn to
restrain her and the gentle reassurances of the scientist to calm her.

"Bastard!" Faith spat out.  "Fucking asshole!  Jerking us around to get what
he wants - he's just loving it!  After all we've done..." Her words tailed off
as she sagged down on the floor, back to the wall.

"Sweetheart, I know it's hard to take, but we knew something was going down.
  At least now we have a chance to put it right."

Faith snapped at Lorne, unwilling to listen to reason.  "Yeah?  Well I've
got a solution – me Slayer – Angel vampire.  Just gimme a pointy stick and
I'll put it right, no problem."

Fred's eyes widened, her mouth failing to form the words bubbling inside her
head.  She was shocked that something was up with Angel, but staking him? 
Talk about shoot first and ask questions later!  Gunn also looked concerned
and about to speak but Lorne beat them both to it.

"Listen, cherie, Uncle Lorney here is as dazed and confused as the rest of
you, but dusty Angel?  Don't you think it's a little early in the game to be
playing our trump card?  There must be something else we can do.  The
librarian, the witch and the watcher are knee deep in theories right now and
heading off to the back of the wardrobe to work some major mojo."

"Huh?"

"Don't tell me you've never heard of Narnia?  Aslan the lion?  There's a
noble feline who knows how to gussy up!"

"Lorne.  Might be a good idea to run that one by me again – but in an actual
language this time 'cause I have no clue what you are saying."

Lorne smiled.  Faith had come off the boil, just as he'd planned.  She
didn't really want to stake Angel but left without a distraction she was
volatile and likely to lash out at someone – anyone.  Much better to
befuddle her mind for a little while, maybe a medicinal Seabreeze.

"Well, chickadee – what do you say I give you the low-down on that wardrobe
over a deliciously sticky drink or two?"

The empathic demon gently ushered the unusually bemused Slayer away to his
own office, leaving the others to their thoughts.  It was hard to take in. 
Each one of them was well aware of what Angelus was capable of, but the
reality that it was Angel doing evil was not something they wanted to face
again.  One by one they drifted away, minds too full to speak.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

It was time.  Willow swallowed nervously as they reached the library where
she knew she'd find Giles, and hopefully Wesley.  Buffy was right behind her
and she knew she couldn't put it off any longer.  She pulled down on the
handle and went inside.

The fake prophecy was unrolled on the table but both men were engrossed in
volumes that had nothing to do with the words on the scroll.  They had their
heads together over a huge tome, oblivious to their visitors until Willow
coughed.  Giles looked up, seemingly startled to see her there.  She'd seen
that look before.

"Look, Buffy, Giles has library face.  Hey, Giles...we're here...you know, so we
can talk about that thing."

"Buffy.  Hello.  That thing?"

"The thing Giles.  You know...from before?"

The puzzled look disappeared as realisation dawned.  Oh, that thing.  He
looked apprehensively to Wesley, unconsciously drawing strength from his
compatriot.

"Ah...yes.  Please, won't you sit down, both of you."

Willow slid into a seat to the side of the table leaving Buffy to take the
one opposite Giles.  Nobody spoke, the library silent save for the
relentless tapping of Buffy's fingers on the tabletop.

"Look, Giles, Willow's already given me the gloom alert on the way here.  I
know you've got to tell me what you've found out, and it's bad.  So spill. 
We'll deal - and I can get back to Spike and Dawn."

"Me?  I should tell you?  Willow..."

"Hey, she obviously wants to hear it from you.  I'm here, I'll fill in the
gaps."  Willow hoped Buffy still saw a trace of a father figure in Giles. 
He'd be way better at explaining the facts clearly since she always waffled
when she was nervous; she'd be the supportive friend rather than the
deliverer of bad tidings.

"Oh, very well.  Buffy...I'm sure you must have realised that there's a link
between Dawn's condition and Spike's...well, arrival, for want of a better
word.  You heard what Angel said."

Buffy nodded, the pounding of her heart was making her feel nauseous.  She
knew what was coming; she just didn't want to have to deal with it.  Give
her something real that she could pummel any day.

"The prophecy..." Giles gestured to the vellum lying on the table.

"Yes...what does it say?  Angel thought it would help..."

Wesley, Giles and Willow exchanged a look.  Now or never....

"Angel didn't give us the prophecy to help us, Buffy.  The prophecy isn't
real at all, it's a complete fabrication concocted to force your hand."

"Force my hand?  I don't understand.  Force my hand how?  And who gave it to
Angel?"

Giles removed his glasses; he really would prefer not to see her face when
he carried on.

"Nobody did, Buffy.  The thing is... Angel - it's his doing.  He's found a way
to ensure that you stay here with him – by placing Dawn in a mystical coma."

Buffy gaped at them.  "Angel?  Are you serious?  Why the hell would he do
something like that?  He's got a soul!  He wouldn't hurt an innocent – and
he'd never deliberately hurt me."

"You're very sure of that, Buffy."  Wesley looked grim, "But remember, I've
worked alongside Angel for years now and believe me, I know exactly what
he's capable of, more so than you, actually.  Angel – not Angelus – Angel
himself.  I had to fight for my life when he tried to smother me as I lay in
a hospital bed.  I stress – Angel, not Angelus.  He had his reasons,
although can't seem to remember what they were, but still.  Having a soul
didn't hinder him then."

Buffy flinched at Wesley's harsh and clipped tones, closely followed by
gasps from both Willow and Giles.  This was the first they'd heard of it.

"So you see...he will do what is necessary to achieve his goal."  Wesley was
shaking; the traumas when Angel had become a bloody-minded thug were not
something he cared to dwell on.  Just to make it even more disquieting,
whatever he'd done to set Angel off was a complete blank.  He did remember
Angel Investigations being taken over by himself, Cordelia and Gunn and a
penitent Angel slowly winning back their trust.  Didn't make it any the less
horrifying for him now that it looked like evil Angel was back.

In the face of Wes's obvious sincerity, none of them were in any doubt that
he spoke the truth; Buffy sagged back into her chair.  Could it be true?

"You're all completely sure he's not Angelus?"

One by one they nodded.  "I'm sorry, Buffy, but it is Angel.  I've spoken to
Althenea and I've sensed him myself."  Willow ached for her friend, one blow
after another....

"But...why?  I don't get why he would want to make me unhappy?"

Willow continued.  "He doesn't want you unhappy, he just wants you here. 
Angel's just got his hands on this superpowerful Evil Incorporated; imagine
the resources!  He can have anything he wants. You were talking about
leaving, making a new life for yourself and Dawn away from all this.  Plus
the fact of you being all cut up about Spike – he must have just flipped."

"Spike?  Is he doing something to Spike?"  Buffy jumped to her feet, eyes
wide and pleading.  It was almost a relief to know what was wrong with Dawn,
although the Angel part hadn't 'sunk in yet.  But then there was Spike... "He
can't...not when I've only just found him again."

Giles' hesitant voice filled the tense silence.  "Ah, well there's where we
hit a snag.  We don't know.  As near as we can tell, Spike's presence in
this world was unexpected.  Angel must have thought he was home and free –
in his eyes, Spike is the only obstacle on his path to you – so the last
thing he'd do would be to resurrect him.  However, as he is here – we
believe that Angel is now using it to his advantage."

"And that means?"

"He's forcing you to make a choice, Buffy.  Dawn or Spike – you can't have
both."

Buffy's throat tightened.  Not again.  She couldn't be here again, forced to
choose between people she loved.  Last time it had been a choice between her
sister and the rest of the world, Spike had been just a part of the world
along with her friends.  At the time, she hadn't given him any special
thought, save for feeling at peace when she'd removed the barrier preventing
him from entering her home, a warm feeling of near contentment as he'd
turned his expressive blue eyes on her and muttered 'hey presto'.  That
night he'd sworn to protect Dawn to the end of the world.  And he tried,
would have given his existence to save his Niblet.

And he would again.  Buffy knew that if it came down to it, he'd never let
her make that decision, the impossible situation she would be in.  So he
would choose for her.

That was not going to happen.

It was the Slayer who spoke next.  "Well we'll just have to find a way out
of this.  I am not being manipulated by anyone ever again.  I am not losing
Dawn and I am not losing Spike.  So – research guys – hit the books, hit the
Internet, hell, hit the staff – just get me some answers.  I'm going to kick
some vampire ass."

"No!  Buffy – it's imperative that Angel believes we're convinced by his
playacting.  Not until we know exactly what the plan is.  Doubtless he has
mystics working round the clock to keep up the pressure with regards to
Spike, and we don't know enough to work out our next move.  We have to let
Angel go on thinking that he's in charge, that we buy the fake prophecy."

Giles wiped his brow with his handkerchief, continuing quietly.

"Buffy, I know I've never been Spike's biggest supporter but even with my
questionable eyesight I can see that you both have very strong feelings for
each other.  Nor can I overlook the fact that not only did he fight for his
soul, he willingly sacrificed himself to save a world that to all intents
and purposes cared nothing for him.  I can't forget that.  And I want you to
know that if there's a way to do this and save Spike, we'll find it."

Buffy was across the table and clinging to Giles in a heartbeat, the Slayer
gone and a woman in fear for the lives of her lover and her sister in her
place.  Giles wrapped his arms around her, hugging her close.  He knew
exactly what it felt like to lose a loved one and then have them brought
back.  It felt wonderful.  He wouldn't let Buffy be robbed of that feeling.

"And there's another thing."  Willow hated to break the moment, but Buffy
had to know it all.  "Althanea told me that the coven's detected a huge
power surge centred on LA.  Centred on Wolfram & Hart specifically.  There's
only one explanation for that much energy; it means that The Powers That Be
are messing around with us too."

+++++++++++++++++

Angel rushed to Cordelia's side, enveloping her in a bear hug until she beat
on his back to let go.

"Hey, is that any way to treat the patient?"

Smiling broadly, Angel released his grip while still keeping one hand on her
arm and moving her hair aside to look at her face.  He'd missed her.  Under
different circumstances, Cordy and he may have made a go of it.  As it was,
Buffy's little 'cookie dough' speech followed by the huge challenge of
ousting Spike from her affections had taken a good grip of him and he would
deem it a failure if he didn't make her want him.

Still, just because he had Buffy didn't mean he had to let Cordy go, did it?
  Shouldn't be difficult to keep the two apart, after all he was CEO of
Wolfram & Hart, LA Branch.  His smile turned calculating, eyes glinting
almost black with malice.

He didn't notice Cordy's eyes turn milky white, nor her sad smile as she
prepared to play her part in the plan The Powers That Be had set in motion
to counteract Angel's misbegotten magic.

TBC
 

Sorry it's been so long.  This story drains me to write because it's the 
only one that's not of the funny!  I do love it though!

TITLE : Come Back to Me
CHAPTER : 17/?
AUTHOR : SpikesDeb/Debs <spikesgirl_453@hotmail.com>
RATING : NC17 overall
SPIKE/BUFFY/ENSEMBLE
DISCLAIMER : I wish they were mine but they're not and I can play because 
Joss said but I have to give them back.........and that sucks!  *pouts*
SHOUTOUTS : The darling NanaLou waved her magic wand over my clump of words 
and made it into a story!  Thanks hun.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Angel..."  Cordelia's voice had a strangely remote quality, seeming to 
emanate from elsewhere, her lips barely moving as she drew his attention. He 
recoiled from her, startled by her milky eyes.  He realised he was dealing 
with Cordelia the Power's envoy, and not his friend and potential lover.  
For the slightest instant Angel felt a twinge of shame at his recent 
actions, a slideshow of confrontations and frightened mystics cowering at 
his feet flickering through his mind.  The increasingly unfamiliar sense of 
guilt was quickly eclipsed by a glow of satisfaction.  He'd managed to not 
only combat the metaphorical spanner in the works, better known as Spike, by 
judicious use of the magical resources at his disposal, but thanks to his 
special genius he'd also turned it to his advantage.  Instead of having only 
one lever to use to keep Buffy in line, he now had two.  And okay playing 
them off against each other took time but made the game all the sweeter and 
ultimately could only have the one successful outcome.  Knowing Spike as he 
did, once he accepted that the only way – supposedly – to save Dawn was to 
sacrifice himself, he'd jump on the martyr's altar happy to plunge the stake 
into his own chest.  Of course it meant putting up with more of Buffy's 
weeping and wailing – even more so when Dawn's temporary reprieve ran out – 
but he'd be there to console her.  Only natural that she'd turn to the one 
thing she could be sure of in her life.  Him.

"I see your journey but it has ceased to be your true path.  You have become 
seduced from it and there is imbalance.  It is my task is to see that 
balance restored.  The Powers That Be have sent their warrior to lead you to 
your true destiny."

Angel watched her warily.  A warrior?  Buffy.  She was his destiny, Buffy 
and the shanshu – he knew this already.  Didn't hurt to have it confirmed 
though...

"You think you can influence the passage of time, bend it to your own will.  
But you cannot.  You can only partake in the thread of life granted to you, 
the final pattern is already set and will not be changed by your actions.  
Angel, the course you are set on will destroy you and destroy many of those 
you love.  You have the chance to put it right without further suffering.  
In the end all will be as it should be, and your machinations will be as 
nothing.  Choose now, Angel."

Cordelia's voice was echoing tinnily around the room clearly not coming from 
her physical presence.  Her eyes were featureless, white, inhuman.  She 
truly was the mouthpiece of the Gods.  Angel considered what she'd said and 
his prior dealings with the Powers.  He recalled his audience with the 
Oracles after Buffy and he had fought the Morha demon and he'd become human 
again – they'd spent that perfect day and night together – and how they'd 
granted his request to return to his vampire state.  This time things would 
be different - he steeled his jaw; he would have the Shanshu and he would 
have Buffy.  He could do it without the Powers That Be and no longer needed 
to dance to their tune. He had his own power now, he had powerful friends.  
He had the whole of Wolfram and Hart at his disposal.  Cordelia had said 
that a warrior was to lead him to his true destiny – and that warrior was 
Buffy, he knew it.  And besides, the Powers weren't invulnerable – the 
slaughter of the Oracles was testament to that fact.

He'd do things his own way.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Willow opened her eyes to see the slightly freaked faces of her best friend, 
her ex-librarian and his younger and way hotter sidekick staring up at her 
from the other side of the room.  It took her a while to figure what was 
causing the wiggins; slowly she willed her body to float down so that she 
stood on the actual floor and not on fresh air.

"Sorry, guys, kinda got caught up in the moment.  It's a bit overwhelming 
when the Powers send out a broadcast, a little tingly and strangely tasting 
of vanilla..."

Buffy blinked; no matter how often she saw Willow become black-eyed girl it 
still disturbed her and made her want to either beat her up or run away.  
Willing her pulse to slow she heaved an inward sigh of relief as her 
friend's hair reverted to warm red and her eyes regained their customary 
hue. She just couldn't shake the niggling doubt that one of these times 
Willow wouldn't come back...

Buffy forced a smile.  "That's okay, Will, it was just a bit sudden.  One 
minute you're talking research, next you're floaty spingirl and making the 
weirdest humming noise."

"Oh.  I did that out loud?  Sorry."

Giles cleared his throat noisily, both girls and Wes turning to face him.  
Long seconds passed.  "Oh for heaven's sake – information please, Willow.  
The clock's ticking..."

"Sorry, sorry!  Okay, here's the deal – the Powers are cranking up the 
gears.  Cordy's awake and trying to even the odds but it doesn't look like 
Angel's biting.  Oh...you know what I mean...."

"Cordy?"

"Yes, Buffy.  You did know she's the Power's envoy, didn't you?   They send 
her visions and whatnot; she passes them on to Angel?"  Giles couldn't 
believe she didn't know, exchanging puzzled looks with Wesley....

"Erm...nope; must've missed the memo."   Buffy shook her head in wonder.  
"Cordy has a direct line to the heavens?  She must be combusting with pride 
at the one-upmanship.  But I don't get what she's trying to do – and I'm not 
so sure I want Angel saved or biting or whatever.  He's messed with my 
sister and my boyfriend and I whup the ass of whoever tries that.  It's 
traditional."

"But, Buffy – this is what Althanea sensed.  Cordy must be the Powers' 
secret weapon and to be honest, she's their best shot.  Angel and she had 
been getting closer.  Fred told me she was convinced something was going on 
between them, but then Cordy disappeared - turns out she was embracing her 
goddess side - but Angel was broken.  If anybody can make him see sense, 
Cordelia's the one."  Willow eyed her friend warily, searching for any sign 
of discomfort or loss due to Angel's shifting affections.  All she saw was 
determination and anger.  Good then.

"Alright, I give up.  What's next?  And just to get this clear – there'll be 
no harming of Spike or Dawn. At all."

Giles and Willow recognised the Slayer steel in her voice.  In charge Buffy 
was at home and ready for business.  Both of them couldn't help the 
delighted smiles that spread over their faces; this was more like it, 
something they knew how to do.  And it made Wesley feel oddly nostalgic 
about his time in Sunnydale when the good guys and bad guys were clearly set 
apart.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Spike paced the small hospital room for the hundredth time.  Dawn was 
breathing evenly, her cheeks slightly flushed, her heartbeat playing 
rhythmically through his brain.  Where the hell had Buffy got to?  What was 
going on?  He hated being left out of the loop at the best of times, and 
these times were a very long way from the best.  He had the distinct feeling 
that his entire existence was being plotted out from on high like some 
bizarre board game, gods with ringleted hair and beards sprinkled with gold 
dust, supping on ambrosia and shaking gilded die from cups made from 
hollowed-out skulls.  And of course they had sparkling emeralds in place of 
eyes.....

He chuckled to himself.  Sometimes his old life seeped through and in times 
of stress his mind tended to hark back to the Classics.  Bloody Zeus...

He heard the soft click-clack of feet on the highly polished floor and 
turned towards the noise.  The hard angles of his face softened as he 
encountered the gentle features of the Texan genius.

"Hey, Tex, to what do I owe the honour?"

Fred smiled, her entire face creasing up, doe eyes hidden beneath her 
swinging brunette hair.

"Figured you might be needing some company, Spike.  Lorne's in nervous wreck 
mode and hitting the cocktails, Wes and Giles are buried in musty books and 
Charles is doing his darnedest to beat an innocent punch bag to pieces!"  
With a hundred-watt smile Fred stretched out her hands in front of her, the 
plate she'd held hidden behind her now proffered up to her friend, the 
vampire.

Spike's answering smile easily eclipsed hers.  "Spicy wings?  For me?"  His 
voice was tight with wonder.

"Well, when I'm nervous or upset I eat and Willow kinda told me you do too.  
Angel doesn't do that, you know.  Well, the occasional cup of coffee but not 
actual food." She did the patented nervous Fred shuffle.  "Erm...you do like 
these, don't you?  Willow said you liked spicy wings, but I'm not sure I 
made them right – I can do tacos like a genuine Mexican but this is my wings 
debut.  But I figured you probably haven't eaten a lot since you came back 
and not food food anyhow and so...well...here."

Spike took the plate from her.  "You made them for me yourself?"

"Uh huh – but don't worry if they're not good, you can spit out.  
Mathematical formulae are easy but recipes...not so much."

Spike took a hunk of wing and ripped into it.  It was good, but if it had 
tasted like rancid yak cheese he'd have swallowed it with relish.  Fred had 
taken time to think of him.  It meant a lot.  This lady was special and he'd 
be adding her to the ranks of people he'd die for.  Strike that, she was 
already there.

"Just perfect, pet.  Best I've had.  Thanks."

Fred's smile cranked up a notch, her eyes no longer visible behind the 
crinkled eyelids.  "Really?  I'm so glad you like them."

They both moved towards Dawn's bed, Spike chewing noisily on the precious 
gift.  Fred reached out a hand to brush Dawn's hair away from her eyes, 
unsure what to say now she was here.  Everybody seemed to be occupied with 
stuff to do except her, although she'd been right in the middle of something 
when the Angel bombshell was dropped.  Spike.  Making him corporeal, 
ensuring his presence on this plane of existence was permanent.  It seemed 
like the first part was done for her but she was too much of a scientist to 
just assume everything was hunky-dory.

"Spit it out, love, no need to be shy."

"I'm just...it's swell that you're here – really here, with the solid body and 
all – but..."

"But you don't want me to count my chickens, right?"

"Yeah...pretty much.  I just want to check things out that's all, make sure 
the body thing isn't a here today gone tomorrow deal.  Do you mind?"  Fred 
dug deep into her pockets pulling out an array of gadgets that she laid on 
the bed.  Without waiting for an answer she started measuring and recording, 
brow furrowed as she concentrated on her records.  The prod of a finger to 
his gut made him jump.

"Hey!  No poking!"

"Sorry, sorry – just checking.  Yep – you're solid enough, flesh and 
blood...borrowed as it may be.  Don't know how or why but looks like I did 
good."

Spike raised his eyebrow to let the girl know he didn't for one second 
believe it was her doing.

"Not buying that huh?  Ah well, worth a try.  Now that you are here though I 
need to make sure you stay that way.  So...I'm gonna need some samples; you 
okay with that?"

"Would that be intimate samples you need, pet?"  Spike found he was having 
fun bantering with Fred; it was friendly, cosy – kind of like with Dawn but 
he could be more risquT.  She was definitely one of his girls now.  And just 
look at that cute blushing thing she did when he got a little naughty!  
"Yeah, whatever you need.  Don't wanna be fading away anytime soon.  Do your 
worst."

Fred set about collecting saliva samples, blood samples - for all the good 
they'd be as it wasn't really his blood but she wanted to be thorough.  
Spike backed away when she asked for a bit of his hair.  He wasn't 
completely anal about it like Angel but still...he wanted to look good for his 
lady.

"Don't be such a baby!  I only want one hair with the follicle attached.  
Keep still...there!  Now that didn't hurt, did it?"

"No, but you've probably ruined the do.  Buffy won't be happy..."

Suddenly the light atmosphere was gone.  He needed to make Buffy happy but 
with the sword of Damocles hanging over his head he really couldn't think of 
a way to do it.  Losing Dawn would kill her and she'd already told him that 
losing him would do the same.  Catch bloody 22.

A warm, soothing hand drew his attention as it lay on his arm.

"Don't worry, Spike.  We'll fix it.  Willow's in witchy woman mode and 
checking stuff out with Cordy, and Giles and Wes are really smart.  We help 
the helpless, that's what we do."

Spike smiled at her infectious optimism.  He wished he could believe her.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Angel sniggered quietly.  He was so powerful right now, able to deceive a 
goddess – or at the very least, a god's mouthpiece.  Cordy had fallen for 
the old tears and tantrums trick and wept in his arms with relief that he'd 
been brought back to the righteous path.  It felt good.  It was almost as 
good a kick as snapping that gipsy girl's neck had been.  Momentarily his 
insides squirmed.  Wrong – that was the word that flashed through his brain, 
but it was quickly reburied.  Hell, he'd get the mystics to finish their 
spell, the bleached pain in his ass would be a fading memory and all would 
be good.  Buffy and Cordy would see to his needs and he'd get his dues as 
lord of all.  And if they didn't...well, he was on his way to see the beings 
that could fix anything he wanted fixed.

++++++

Willow watched Angel leaving Cordy's room with a smug smile on his face.   
That didn't bode well...or maybe it did.  Had Cordy got through to him?  Was 
he back to normal?  Only one way to find out; taking a deep breath she 
pushed open the door and approached her former school friend – well maybe 
friend was stretching it a bit - former person she went to school with then. 
  Cordelia was sitting up, looking calm and collected and way too pretty for 
somebody who'd just awoken from a coma.

"Willow.  I'm glad you're here, I was about to send for you.  You have a 
part to play in this situation and the Powers That Be have work for you to 
do."

"Oh...right.  Erm...how are you, Cordelia?"

"There's no time for chatting.  Please, sit down."

Willow sat in the chair at the side of the bed, completely phased by 
Cordelia's serenity.  She was so far removed from the Cordelia she'd known 
that it was like being in the room with a stranger.  She was 'in charge 
Cordy', no hint of the fashionista cheerleader who'd been so full of 
herself.  Scary.

"I just saw Angel leaving; he looked pretty pleased with himself.  Your 
doing?"

Cordy sighed, her eyes troubled.  "It is because of Angel that I am back.  
My time on earth was done but the Powers allowed me this one chance to set 
things right.  I owe Angel a lot, Willow.  He offered me a job and a home 
when I was too proud to ask for help.  I even thought we could become more 
than friends...but then things happened that ...well, let's just say I saw him 
in a different light.  Oh, by the way – Tara says hi."

Willow gasped.  "WHAT? Tara?  You've seen Tara?"

"Yes, Willow.  She's in a happy place.  She misses you terribly but she does 
want you to get on with your life."

"This isn't an 'I'm the First Evil, please kill yourself now' deal is it, 
'cause I've got to say, not loving that the last time round..."

Cordy looked puzzled, clearly having no idea what Willow was on about.   
Willow continued.  "Never mind, a tale for a less dangerous time.  What is 
it you want me to do?"

"I've tried to reach Angel myself, tried to tell him that the path he's set 
on will bring nothing but pain and misery.  But he is too far gone along 
that path.  He's made a deal with the devil but you don't need to know the 
details of that. What you do need to know is how to set things right.  We 
watched him use the resources of evil to further his own ends.  He is the 
former champion of the people and we are saddened to see a great warrior 
turn to the dark.  So we sent another champion."

"Spike."

"Yes, Spike.  His presence here is our doing, but somehow Angel has found a 
way to tie Spike's fate with that of the Slayer's sister, and we need 
assistance to make things right.  Will you help us?"

"God yes, of course – anything you need."

Cordy outlined the Powers' plans to bring Angel back to the fold and to 
reward Spike with a second chance at unlife.  Neither of them noticed the 
man with an eye patch lurking outside the door, nor the determined stride 
that took him away once he had heard enough.

++++++

Buffy strode along the corridor back to Dawn's room.  She'd left Wes and 
Giles deep in research, Willow having raced off to find out exactly what 
Cordelia knew about the situation.  She'd been away from Spike for far too 
long, ached to feel his arms around her.  And Dawn.  She needed to know that 
Dawn was still with them.  She didn't even notice somebody walking towards 
her until she'd collided with him.

"Buffy!  Hey, where're you rushing off to in such a hurry?"

"Angel."  Buffy's voice was cold as steel and she couldn't bring herself to 
look at him.  She was struggling with the urge to rip and rend and if she 
spent one more second in his vicinity she'd lose control and punch him.  "I 
have to go...later..."

With a burst of slayer speed she was off, rounding the corner before Angel 
could react.  He smirked.  Let her run, soon enough she'd be running to him 
to lay her empty head on his shoulder.  He started whistling as he made his 
way to his rooms, manipulating everyone was such a buzz!  It was good to be 
the boss of an evil law firm.  The door was already ajar; he kicked it open, 
vamp features to the fore, ready to eat whoever had trespassed on his inner 
sanctum.  He growled at the man sitting behind his desk, feet on the surface 
in front of him.

"Harris."

"Don't sweat it, dead boy.  I've got something you're gonna want to hear...."

TBC

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