Sorry for the delay in posting this one; uncooperative muse and heavy duty 
RL to blame.  Hope you like it...

FIC : COME BACK TO ME
AUTHOR : DEBS AKA SPIKESDEB <spikesgirl_453@hotmail.com>
RATING : NC17
DISCLAIMER: Wish they did but they don't so no point crying over it...I do 
own this spiffy brain thing though that lets me play with them to my heart's 
content.
SHOUTOUT : Lou, my beta, my friend, my partner in James lurve.  Smooches.
CHAPTER : 18/?
RECAP : It's been a while so....last we saw Cordy telling Willow what the 
PTB's plans were and why Spike had been brought back; Buffy found out about 
Angel and his whole making her choose between Dawn and Spike vibe and was 
NOT happy and Xander was all set to bond with the brooding undead.

_________________________________________________________________

COMEBACK18

"Eat that and it's curtains for you, Brains.  It's got my name on it!"

"I don't think so, Spike, it definitely looks Texan to me."

Fred and Spike were bickering over who should have the last spicy wing when 
Buffy burst through the door and threw herself into Spike's arms.

"Hey, hey!  Now what's this all about, pet?  Buffy...love?"

Reply came there none save for damp snuffling and eventually hiccoughs.  
Spike smoothed down Buffy's hair, running the silky strands through his 
fingers as he shushed her.  When the flow of tears had subsided, she raised 
huge hazel eyes towards him.  "God, I missed you," she whispered, tightening 
her arms where they wrapped around his waist.

"Missed you too, love...so much..." Spike gazed at her, "I thought you were 
never coming back."

Then he chuckled and flashed his best leer, "But it was worth the wait - you 
don't usually greet me quite so moistly...well...you know..." Buffy laughed in 
return; Spike distracting her from her worries with a lewd comment working 
like a charm as always.

Fred watched the interplay between the pair and couldn't help smiling.  It 
was like having "Romantic Movie of the Week" play out just for her, and she 
heaved a completely girly sigh as visions of a certain rogue demon hunter 
holding her in the same way caused her cheeks to flush red hot.  She stared 
as if mesmerised as Spike lowered his head to kiss Buffy softly, the kiss 
soon deepening into something more urgent and making her blush even more.   
Snapping out of her trance, she coughed to remind the lovers of her presence 
before things got too heated.

"I'm...I'll...I need to get on with stuff...I'll be in the lab."  Fred scooted 
towards the doorway, collecting her paraphernalia and samples on the way.  
Spike's soft voice stopped her.

"Tex.  Thanks.  For everything."

Fred nodded her head in acknowledgement, happy to help in any way she could.

Buffy smiled weakly at her.  "Yes, Fred.  Thanks.  I know you're working 
hard to fix this mess for both of us - well, all of us.  Thank you."

"You're welcome, Buffy...Spike.  I'll catch you later."

Buffy leaned into Spike's embrace as they watched the scientist walk off 
down the hall.  "She's really sweet, isn't she?"

"You've no idea, pet.  Look – she's left the spicy wing!  And she's taken 
bits of me off for analyzing.  She's a regular Samaritan."

Warm lips met cool, eyes open as they drank in each other's troubled gazes.  
Buffy felt rising panic clog her throat, thicken her voice as she struggled 
to speak.  But Spike already knew.  He kissed her forehead, her eyelids, her 
cheeks and finally her lips in an effort to give her strength to face the 
horror to come.

Because it would.  He knew it.

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

Angel strolled round the desk, dark eyes fixed the unkempt figure of Xander 
Harris sprawled like he owned the place.  This was intriguing.  He'd noticed 
Xander's gradual withdrawal from the Scoobies and his angry loathing of all 
things Spike-related but really, the little prick had never amounted to 
anything but an annoying pain in the ass.    Unless there was something 
there that could be used.  Of course he'd always been sniffing around 
Buffy's skirts like a disappointed bloodhound...and he'd been the stooge that 
time when Spike first came to Sunnydale, but there were no special powers or 
skills so far as the vampire was aware.  All in all he was a drain rather 
than an asset.  And he was well on his way to becoming a drunk.

Xander stank like he'd been on a bender for days.  The sour reek assaulted 
Angel's nostrils and he curled his lip in disdain before settling his 
features into the guileless mask he preferred to wear amongst the Sunnydale 
crew.

"Make your self at home, why don't you?  You've not been around much lately. 
  Must have been busy, huh?  Researching for the gang?  Partying?"

"Cut the crap, Angel.  I know what you're up to.  They all do.  So you can 
drop the act."

Angel's false smile faded.  No – that wasn't possible.  The boy was just 
messing with him, needed to be taken notice of.  Couldn't be anything more....

The vampire laughed.  "Now what on earth do you mean?  I'm just saying 
you've been missed, that's all.  I hope it was worth the hangover – you're a 
mess, boy. "

Xander knew perfectly well what he was becoming and the idea of stopping 
held no interest whatsoever.  The only comfort he allowed himself was the 
bottle.  He didn't deserve the companionship of friends, the understanding 
of his peers.  Shit, like he'd ever been their peer anyway; never fitted in 
with the overachievers, always lacking in superpowers or cool or brainpower. 
  Fetching donuts, that's what he was good at.

A little nibble at the corner of his brain reminded him of a conversation 
he'd had with Dawn about being on the outside and never giving up.  At the 
time he'd meant it, truly believing that carrying on when everyone around 
you was special and you weren't was the way to go.

But that was when there was something to fight for.

That was when there was Anya.

Oh yeah; and don't forget the part where his best friend from kindergarten 
turned out to be a witch who flayed people alive and his teenage crush was 
fucking the undead.  Again.

Deep down inside his addled brain he knew he'd lost the plot, wasn't making 
any sense, but he was past caring.  For a start he was about to sell out 
those friends to one of the very creatures he was punishing Buffy for 
loving.   Willow had reformed, paid her dues and helped save the world.  
Spike had not only won his soul for love but he'd sacrificed himself to save 
the whole sorry lot of them.

'Didn't save Anya though, did he?'

Bitter with the hurt of loving her and losing her and knowing it was his own 
fault, Xander shook off the last vestiges of doubt and guilt.  Self-loathing 
had robbed him of any hope for the future.  Logic had taken a flying leap 
out of the window.  He needed to shift the blame. Let someone else do the 
suffering for a change, it would surely be an improvement.

He was willing to try anything.  No matter what the cost.

Angel considered.  Wouldn't hurt to hear the boy out, on the off chance 
Buffy and her cronies did know something.  If they did, he'd get the heads 
up and could plan accordingly.  And if they didn't...well, Xander Harris and 
his jumped-up ideas would easily be disposed of without showing his hand.

Angel stepped behind the desk and knocked Xander's feet off.  "Get out of my 
place.  And show your elders some respect."

Xander shrugged and got up.  He couldn't care less how Angel spoke to him, 
just so long as Spike got what was coming to him.  And the 'whelp' -- as the 
soon to be completely deceased vampire liked to call him -- was about to 
hand Angel the means to do so on a plate.

Angel settled himself in his overstuffed chair and steepled his hands in 
front of him.  He didn't like Xander Harris, never had, so it irked him to 
feel as if the boy had one over on him.

"Speak."

"First of all, I need you to promise me that you're not gonna harm Buffy, or 
Dawn for that matter."

"Of course I'm not.  What do you take me for?"

"An evil, sadistic bastard with delusions of having hot Slayer sex on tap?  
What?  Hit the bull's-eye did I?  Let's face it, Angel, the brooding vampire 
on the road to redemption act lost its charm years ago.  They're on to you, 
Dead Boy!  Hell, a moron would have you figured with your swagger and your 
slimy eyes all over Buffy."

"Okay, Harris.  Enlighten me.  I'll give you the toy surprise and we can all 
rest easy in our beds."

Xander pulled out a chair and sat down.  "I saw you visit Cordy earlier.  I 
was on my way to see her – check if she'd lost those cheerleader looks like 
I always said she would.  Anyway, I held back when I saw you coming out... 
because I really don't like you...but you looked mighty pleased with yourself. 
  Big old grin and a flash of fang.  I reckon she told you something you 
liked the sound of."

Angel didn't reply, just fixing Xander with a penetrating glare and leaning 
further back in his chair.

"But what you don't know is she had another visitor after you'd left.  I was 
going to join them but being around Willow now........well, let's just say one 
more 'poor Xander' look from her and I'll forget we're friends.  But I got 
nearer to the door, thought I'd just catch a peek at Cordelia Chase with her 
mouth shut for once.  You forgot to tell us that she'd woken up, didn't 
you?"

"None of your business; she left Sunnydale and her high school chums behind 
years ago.  She's mine now."

"Does Buffy know about this?  -- 'cos I'm thinking it's not your smartest 
move if you want to get her back.  You know - keeping the understudy hanging 
round in the wings."

"And I say again – none of your business.  Now, is there any point to this 
or should we just order tea and scones and take up quilting?"

"Oh there's a point.  Cordy's working for the Powers, you know.  Don't know 
what she told you, but she told Willow a whole lot of stuff to keep you in 
your place.  And they know about Dawn – and Spike."

Shit!  Angel hadn't seen that coming.  They knew?  But how?  He'd been 
careful to cover his tracks and had the best conmen in the business seeing 
to that.  It had to be that fucking witch!  Well, she'd get hers in good 
time.

He brazened it out, shaken as he was.

"It's not important."  Angel leant forwards, hands on the table and turning 
his earnest brown eyes on the young man in front of him. "Harris.  What do 
you want?"

"Revenge.  I want Spike gone, as in permanently...and preferably with as much 
agony as possible.  That vile piece of filth doesn't deserve a second 
chance.  It's not right."

The reply was swift, venomous.  Angel seized it, devoured it, and savoured 
it.

"Then we have something in common, buddy boy."

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

Buffy still shivered every now and then as she sat in Spike's lap, one hand 
gripping his fiercely, the other hanging on to her sister's limp fingers.  
Every second that passed heightened her distress; instead of counting the 
seconds as blessings she felt as though the sand in the hourglass of her 
life was draining away.

"Spike."

"What is it, love?  You okay?"

She shifted in his embrace, never letting go of Dawn's hand but turning to 
face him so that she could see his eyes.  "I'm scared.  I mean, look where 
we are."  Her voice dropped to a whisper; she was still shaken by the 
revelation that Angel had caused Dawn's coma and worse that he was actively 
manipulating her into a trade-off, her sister or her lover.  She switched 
between white-hot fury and utter helplessness but Giles had advised her to 
keep her cool and let him investigate further.

"Yeah, pet.  I know.  But try not to fret, things will work out.  Do you 
think I'm gonna let you go that easily?  Waited lifetimes for this, Buffy.  
Not giving in without a fight."

Buffy's fingers dug into the flesh of his palm, drawing blood that his demon 
noted and salivated over.  But at least he could still feel.  That bastard...

"What did Giles say, Buffy?  Is there anything we should be doing?" Spike's 
voice was husky and low as he whispered in her ear, both of them wary in 
case Angel was listening in.

"Not really.  Looks like this is all down to the thinkers, and us brawny 
doers just have to sit and wait.  Cordelia's the ace in the hole.  She and 
Willow have a big plan but I kinda zoned when that was being discussed - 
thinking of how to stake Angel."

Spike hoped she meant it.  Thing was, it could actually come down to that 
and if Buffy had any feelings left for Angel it would make things harder.  
Not that it would be easy for him either.  Angel was his grand-sire; and 
although he never had a good word to say about him, that connection meant 
something.  They were joined by blood and the tradition of the whole clan of 
Aurelius, a noble lineage that stretched back to the Dark Ages.  And there'd 
been a time when Spike respected Angel and learned from him.

Maybe now it was time for Spike to become the teacher.

"Buffy.  I need to go see what's happening', I'm not good with all this 
sitting around.  'sides, it wouldn't hurt to go bug Angel a little, make him 
think that we're still in the dark.  You'll be alright here with the Bit?  I 
won't be gone long, half an hour tops."

Buffy clung to him; he was right, she knew that – but it didn't make it any 
easier to slide off his lap and uncurl her fingers from his.  She bit on her 
bottom lip when she spotted the half-moon marks where her nails had dug in 
and the dried blood that coated his palm.  Without even trying she caused 
him pain...

Spike watched the emotions play across her face, her distress as she spotted 
the wounds she'd inflicted.  He raised his hand to his mouth and licked at 
the blood, cleaning the small indentations.  Before he'd finished, Buffy 
grabbed his hand and held it to her lips; she snaked out her tongue and 
licked across the palm, swallowing down the traces of blood and willing him 
to feel her love for him.

The claiming link he'd initiated and Buffy had completed, zinged with the 
swallowed blood.  His fangs lengthened as he watched her caress his palm 
with her tongue and take the blood inside her mouth.  He ached to pierce her 
flesh, to reinforce their blood bond, and Buffy knew it, could feel his 
longing as if he'd said it out loud.  She nodded, eyes never leaving his as 
he touched her hair and moved it away from her neck.  Slowly, Spike drew her 
to him; Buffy relinquished Dawn's hand and reached for him, and clasped his 
head to her throat.  The sharp sting of his bite faded almost immediately as 
he suckled gently, and Buffy felt waves of peace as he drank from her, the 
soft lapping soothing her worries as he reassured her of his love and 
devotion.

It was over almost as soon as it began, but they both took comfort from the 
exchange of blood and the reaffirmation of their bond.  Before Spike could 
retract his fangs, Buffy kissed him making sure that she licked each 
lengthened canine and held his gaze.  It was important to her that he 
understood that she loved all of him and that her once firmly-held 
prejudices had vanished along with the Hellmouth.

Spike knew and treasured the acceptance her actions demonstrated.  He 
regained his human face and kissed her nose, taking his leave and promising 
to return soon.

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

Giles, Wesley and Willow nervously walked the corridors of Wolfram and Hart 
towards Fred's lab.  The scientist had run into Wesley's room after leaving 
Spike and Buffy and whispered furiously in his ear before scooting off to 
start her experiments.  Wes rounded up the gang as requested, but it was 
easier said than done to act normally, given the circumstances – and the 
stakes.  They had no idea how near Angel's plan was to completion but they 
couldn't afford to wait any longer.  They'd have to hope that the vampire 
had become a little complacent and didn't have them under close 
surveillance.  As it was, Willow had insisted on casting a shielding spell 
to protect against mind probes, being a little freaked by the evil vibes of 
the surroundings, so consequently now they were hurrying.

"Hey!  Giles!  Hey!  Wait up!"

Willow stifled a moan as the airhead commonly known as Harmony clattered up 
behind them, her doll-like face flawlessly made up and her hair arranged 
perfectly.  How the hell did she manage that without a mirror?

"Yes, Harmony.  What can I do for you...and quickly please, we're rather busy 
at the moment."

"Busy – you don't know the meaning of busy – all day long it's 'fetch my cup 
of blood, Harmony' or 'where's that file, Harmony' or 'get this to Xander 
Harris, Harmony'.  It's a miracle I still have my curves because I don't get 
any of the statutory breaks, you know.  And then he yells when he catches me 
accidentally listening in to his conversations.  I mean, if I didn't do that 
I'd never be able to hold my head up in the canteen.  It's expected you 
know.  I mean hello!  Evil law firm!"

"Quite.  Harmony.  Will you be coming to the point anytime soon?"

"Ooops, sorry!  I need to give this to Xander because he left it in Angel's 
office but he's not in his room, and to be honest I don't really care – as 
long as I give it to you, it's not my problem anymore, right?"

Giles held his hand out and took the proffered object.  It was cold metal, a 
disc, golden in colour and bearing runic characters on both sides.  He 
couldn't decipher the words...yet...but the etched symbol in the centre did look 
familiar.  He exchanged a look with Wesley.

"Ah, yes.  Don't worry, Harmony.  We'll make sure Xander gets it.  No need 
to mention it is there?  I wouldn't want you to get into trouble with 
Angel."

Harmony beamed at him.  "That's exactly what I thought!  Gee, I guess good 
and evil are just different sides of the same coin.  Or something...whatever.  
  Gotta fly!  Otter blood doesn't just spill itself you know!"

In a flurry of pink she disappeared round the corner leaving the threesome 
eyeing each other and the disc and reaching the same conclusion.  Willow 
swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her throat.   Her voice was strangled 
as she whispered, "Xander?"

"No need to jump to conclusions, Willow.  It's probably nothing – a charm to 
aid sleep or some such.  We'll head to see Fred as we planned and we can 
research there; it's just another piece in the puzzle."

But they all knew it wasn't so much leaping to a conclusion as stumbling 
over it.

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

Spike almost tripped over the whelp as he made his way to Angel's office.  
Xander was walking unsteadily, obviously the worse for drink and sorely in 
need of a shower.  Spike recoiled from the venom in the boy's eyes when 
clumsy hands shoved him away.

"Get away from me, you freak!"

"Hey now, just walking here."  Xander stumbled and Spike threw out a hand to 
stop him crashing to the floor.  His assistance was shrugged off and Xander 
turned on him, snarling and spitting.

"I said don't fucking touch me!  Don't touch me, don't speak to me...in fact, 
don't even look at me, scum.  You shouldn't even be here.  Why not her?  You 
sick fuck.  Your ending can't come soon enough for me.  Gonna make it 
soon.....got me some help and you won't know when...Now move."

Spike held up his hands, palms outwards, and backed off.  He had too much on 
his mind to think about Xander's problems.  Best leave him to sleep it off.  
Xander staggered past, muttering to himself and throwing his arms out to 
punctuate his words.

As Harris rounded the corner, Spike spun to look back at him.  What had he 
just said?  Bloody hell.....

He turned round and headed away from Angel's office.  He had to let the 
others know about this unexpected development.  He just hoped he wasn't too 
late to stop things running along all Angel's way.

TBC




So.....did you like it?  Huh?  Or should I go back to the funning....:D

What you say?  More?  Yep........so without further ado.


COME BACK TO ME CHAPTER 19/?

Thanks bunches, Lou.  You made it better - as usual!

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

Angel leant back in his chair.  It had been quite an illuminating 
conversation with Xander; who'd have guessed little Miss Rosenberg thought 
she could go up against him and win?  She might know her way around a few 
spell books but the child had lessons to learn.  Hard lessons.  He'd sent 
Harris off with advice to sober up and get his act together for the next 
stage.  The idiot had left behind the focusing amulet that would be his 
protection when hell was unleashed, so he'd had to summon Harmony to deliver 
it to him.  A spy in the enemy camp was too useful to waste or he'd put the 
sorry loser out of his misery now and have done with it.

So... decisions, decisions.  Time to modify his plans in light of the Powers 
That Be joining the equation.  Oh, he knew they weren't invincible but still 
– an adversary not to be taken lightly.

He picked up the phone, "Get me Demon Domination."

The cloying voice of the receptionist stroked his ego.

"Yes, Mr Angel, Sir.  Connecting you.  Have a nice day..."

"This is Demon Domination.  How may I disembowel you today?"

"Get me Stone."

"And you are..."

"About to rip your tongue out.  This is Angel.  You were saying?"

The squeal of terror from the other end of the line curled Angel's lips into 
a satisfied smirk.  That was more like it!  Some damn respect.  There was a 
whispered conversation then the sound of the receiver being snatched, 
someone clearing their throat.

"Mr Angel, sir!  Lucas Stone here, how may I be of assistance?"

"I'm upping the schedule a notch.  Did you manage to recover the items you 
need to finish it?  Good.  Then I'll head down to the lower levels so we 
won't be disturbed.  This needs to be done now, time's running out.  Be 
there in fifteen minutes – I've got a little unfinished business to attend 
to first."

Angel replaced the receiver and got to his feet.  He was actually feeling 
quite relieved – thank god he could drop the playacting at last; it wasn't 
his forte and quite frankly it bored him.  He had two modes, broody and 
broodier, and they worked just fine.  Anything else was a stretch and his 
energies could be better spent.  So the Scoobies knew that he'd caused 
Dawn's coma and had used Spike's surprise reappearance to his own advantage. 
  So what?  Not a lot they could do about it.  He could imagine their faces... 
God, he loved the game, especially when he held all the aces – the entire 
resources of Wolfram and Hart at his command.

He felt a twinge of regret that Buffy no longer looked on him as her noble, 
tortured hero, but tough – she'd get over it just like last time.  Once 
Spike was out of the picture, he'd show her what she'd been missing.  Soon 
enough she'd be all big eyes and lovesick glances – I want you but I 
shouldn't.  And if she was taking too long about it he could always hex her. 
  She would be his.  Now that he saw things clearly he knew exactly what he 
wanted to do with her.  He wanted to ravage her, mark her and bite her and 
fuck her.  He'd come to realise that his soul was like an albatross slung 
round his neck – useless and somehow diminishing - the sooner it was gone, 
the better.  Buffy could take his virginity, in a manner of speaking, and 
gift him with his unfettered self back to full, glorious, bloodthirsty 
colour.  And this time he'd make sure there were no inquisitive witches to 
mess things up.

Smiling, Angel headed towards the medical wing.

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

Spike broke into a loping run as he neared Fred's lab.  His nerve ends were 
tingling, he'd worked himself up to such a pitch - he was desperate to tell 
the others about Xander and get straight back to Buffy. He didn't feel safe 
with Harris so unstable and wandering around.  He could do anything.  He 
wouldn't put it past the git to mess with his girls just to get back at him. 
  Why the hell did he hate him so much?  They'd never got on but it hadn't 
all been bad.  Bloody hell, he'd gone the extra mile for the boy more than 
once – and that's not to mention the whole dying to save the world in the 
Hellmouth.  What had he said?  Why not her?'  Her who?

Spike answered his own question just as he entered the lab.  Anya.  Her 
death meant Xander could never make amends for the way he'd treated her – 
Spike knew a thing or two about that one – and he 'd realised what a fool 
he'd been.  But then yours truly gets mojoed back from beyond while Anya 
rots in the Hellmouth.  Harris felt cheated – no second chance for him – so 
blame it all on the resurrected.  Only human, after all.

But to turn on his friends like that...there was nothing that could justify 
that.  Spike steeled himself to act if he had to and skidded to a halt 
inside the lab doors.  Giles, Wes and Willow were huddled round Fred, 
flashing a shiny coin and whispering furiously and hadn't noticed him come 
in, but Faith – lounging against the wall, her arms crossed and a scowl on 
her face – nodded to him so he walked over to her.  Gunn rested beside her, 
looking remarkably relaxed given the situation.

"Faith.  How's the ladyboy?"

"You mean Robin, the guy who kicked your lily-white butt?"

He snorted.  "Yeah, as if!  Don't know what dream world he was in, but the 
runt was a hairsbreadth from oblivion.  Ask him to show you the fang marks 
if you don't believe me."

The two were warming up for a full on snit fest when Fred cleared her 
throat.  As she checked her clipboard and got ready to speak, Lorne rocketed 
through the door and closed it behind him, leaning on it heavily and panting 
for breath.

"Sorry, boys and girls!  Been tailed by a bunch of truly stenchworthy 
members of the Angel Fan Club and I had to make with some serious duck and 
dodge to lose them.  Not sure if they're watching my luscious self any more 
than usual, but why risk it.  So...what have I missed?"

Fred became the centre of attention, her blush and giggles oddly incongruous 
with her severe hairstyle, spectacles and stark white lab coat she wore.

"Perfect timing, Lorne, I'm just about to start.  I'll give an outline of 
what I know so feel free to join in when you spot something interesting, 
everybody.   Okay?"

After a chorus of encouragement, the shy Texan started out.

"Well...First off we know that Angel's definitely a little darker than usual.  
It's like this place is his personal empire, the way he's taken to 
leadership and the selective blindness when it comes to the evil that goes 
on...Willow's found out why.  Willow, you wanna?"

"Oh...yeah.  Well...thing is I don't know the exact details but Cordy told me..."

"Cordy!  Well bake me, frost me, and top me with a cherry!  The divine Miss 
C is returned to hearth and home.  Is she okay?"  Lorne grinned at Willow 
who nodded at him, but moved on.  Stories of Cordelia's miraculous revival 
would have to wait.

"So...Cordy told me that some top bigwig at Wolfram and Hart brokered a sweet 
deal with Angel to get him here and they've been working on him ever since.  
You know that otter blood that Harmony fetches him almost on the hour?  
They've been spiking it, made it so that he's losing his grip on the soul.  
The longer it goes on, he's becoming more Angelus and less Angel."

One by one the team nodded and added their opinions.  That made sense, 
explained a lot.  Didn't excuse it, of course.  And what could the evil law 
firm have possibly offered the penitent Champion of the People to make him 
so interested in a corporation he'd been battling for years?

"A stake'll fix him whether he's an 'el' or an 'us'.  Likely you lot can 
work the magic to sort Dawn out, and I trust to Tex here to make sure I'm 
still around to pretty the place up.  If that's what it takes...we dust him 
good and proper.  What d'you think, Gunn?"

Gunn didn't answer, eyes cast down to the floor; his jaw was working though, 
signalling his unease and his rising temper.  It had taken him a long time 
to get past the 'Angel is a vampire – vampires are evil' vibe he had going.  
He was surprised at his own reluctance to put an end to the evil undead; but 
the truth was Angel had opened his eyes to the possibility of redemption and 
he had become his friend.  He couldn't just pretend that hadn't happened.  
He raised his eyes and looked directly into Spike's icy blue ones.

He was puzzled by the uncertainty he found there.  Surely out of all of them 
Spike would be the one to be in no doubt of what his feelings about Angel 
were.  Seemed not.

"So, Gunn -- you with me?"

"Let's just hear Wes's pitch."

Everybody turned their eyes to the ex-Watcher in shock; Wes blinked back 
with the same expression.  Since Giles and Willow had turned up he was used 
to taking a back seat and following their lead.  Giles had been a Watcher 
forever and Willow had awesome power that just sizzled, even when she was 
sitting and being calm.

"Ahem...yes.  I think there may be other avenues to explore before we go all 
'gung ho'.  Giles?"

"Agreed.  We need to consider all possibilities.  Willow? How about your 
conversation with Cordelia – anything more?"

Willow eyed Spike nervously.  How he'd react to the news that he was the one 
to bring Angel back to the fold was anyone's guess.  And even then the 
Powers That Be didn't know if that would be enough to save Dawn.  She hadn't 
let that little titbit out yet, figuring she owed it to Spike to tell him 
first, or at least at the same time as the others.  Giles and Wesley already 
knew about the Champion thing and Giles was giving her the cue to spill what 
Cordy had told her.

"Spike – there are things you need to know.  Cordy has a direct link to the 
Powers, she's kinda their mouthpiece, I suppose.  She told me that there is 
a way to restore the balance and have Angel set on his right path."  She 
swallowed as Spike shifted his weight and raised an eyebrow.  "But I don't 
think you're gonna like it..."

"Try me."  Spike's jaw was set, his eyes cold and lethal.  He didn't do well 
with being manipulated by anyone.

Willow took a deep breath and continued, "Cordy has given me details of the 
ingredients needed to counteract the effects of the tainted blood but 
there's the mystical side to deal with too.  We can mix up the herbs and 
stuff, and Harmony's so dense she'll just give him what we tell her to -- 
but to complete a reversal of the effects it needs...well, you."

Spike snorted.  "Me save Peaches?  You're kidding."

"No.  She shared her vision with me telepathically and I'm afraid it's the 
only way."

Giles butted in.  "Spike, Willow informed Wesley and myself of your role in 
this.  And..." Giles hesitated before delivering this news; "...it would seem 
that you were brought back by the Powers for this very purpose.  It is your 
destiny."

Spike exploded into motion, bouncing towards Willow and the watchers, his 
duster flaring out behind him and his arms flailing.  Fred took a step back 
but the others held their ground.

"No!  You're wrong, Watcher! I came back for Buffy...I know it."  His voice 
tailed off; much as the romantic poet inside him wanted to believe that his 
eternal love had bought him a return ticket to Buffy's side, an intervention 
of the Powers That Be was a far more plausible explanation.  Deflated yet 
accepting of the bitter truth, he'd better hear what the tossers wanted of 
him.  He looked at the others, all of them avoiding eye contact so as not to 
irritate him further.

"Sorry, Red.  Go on."

"There are trials to undertake to prove that you are a Champion and then..."

"Trials?  That's rich, cinderising in the Hellmouth not good enough?"  Spike 
snarled at Willow, transferring his aggression to her in place of its proper 
target.

Willow didn't flinch.  She'd expected worse.  "So...Spike...you pass the trials 
and then we're all set for the ritual."

"Don't tell me, it's all about the blood."

Willow was surprised and her voice showed it.  "Erm...yes, actually it is.  
The ritual's similar to the one you used to heal Drusilla.  Sire's blood?  
But this time it has to be blood of the Champion vampire."

Silence descended as they considered the revelations.  Wesley was first to 
speak.

"Willow, as I understand it, the ritual that you refer to had the side 
effect of killing the donor, and it was only Buffy and Kendra's intervention 
that averted that outcome.  Do the Powers require a sacrifice of that 
nature?"

Spike drew in a breath.  So, it came to this.  Once again he got to play 
Russian roulette with his bollocks on the block – but he had too much to 
lose now.  How could that ever be right?  And how come Angel never got to 
die?

"The ritual isn't clear on that, but Cordy believes there is a way to save 
Angel without losing Spike."

Everybody in the room seemed relieved.  Spike shot anxious looks at them 
all, surprised by at least some of their reactions.  Maybe Fred wasn't his 
only friend here.

Willow outlined the trials and the ritual, Spike gritting his teeth but 
nodding in agreement.

Buffy wasn't going to like this one little bit.

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

Angel hesitated when he reached the hospital wing.  Should he go brazen it 
out with Buffy or deal with Cordy?  He considered his options.  Buffy was 
the Slayer, more than capable of ripping his head off with her bare hands.  
Cordy – well, she may be the vessel of the Powers but she was still human 
and therefore fragile - plus she wasn't exactly what you'd call gifted in 
the brain department.  A little kissing and a few crocodile tears of regret 
and she'd believe he'd reformed.  And then he'd remind her what happened to 
those who tried to oppose him.

He strode off down the corridor, shoving the door to Cordy's room open wide. 
  It bounced back from the wall from the force, Angel sweeping in to make 
the grand entrance.  But his dramatics were wasted.  Cordy wasn't there.  
Cursing, he turned on his heel and headed back to Buffy.

+++

Buffy stood up to stretch and sauntered over to the nightstand to flick 
through the pile of magazines, thankfully finding one she'd read only the 
once.   Glancing at Dawn she noted her pale features, the slightly flushed 
cheeks and even breathing; her sister wasn't on the respirator but she was 
still attached to various beeping and pulsing monitors measuring this and 
that.  It was surprising to Buffy how soon this had become normal to her, 
this waiting and watching. She wasn't usually a sit and wait person, 
preferring by far the jump in and slay approach.  But there was nothing else 
she could do here.  Not yet anyway.

Footsteps and the sound of the door opening had her turning with a happy 
smile, expecting to see Spike.  The smile froze as the looming figure of 
Angel filled the doorway.  Her heart started to race and she instinctively 
moved to put herself between him and Dawn.

"Buffy."  The word held menace, veiled but there nonetheless.

Buffy was beyond the pretence.  "What do you want, Angel?  I won't let you 
hurt her, nor Spike.  You want either of them; you have to come through me.  
Wanna try it?"

Angel stepped forwards under the stark fluorescent lighting.  The harsh 
glare of the white tubes shadowed his face, casting a sinister mask over his 
features, and Buffy wondered why she hadn't seen the cruel turn of his lips 
or the hooded eyes before.  His true nature was written on his face like an 
admission of guilt.  The last of her girlish memories dissolved before the 
reality of Angel.  So be it.

"Buffy, Buffy.  You gotta know I'd never hurt you, or Dawn – I only wanted 
to keep you both with me.  I can fix it, don't worry.  All you have to do is 
promise me you'll always be my girl.  Would that be too much to ask?  Spike 
won't be a problem for much longer and we can have a new beginning.  I'll 
take good care of you, Buffy.  And it won't hurt but a moment..."

Angel lunged at her before she could react, his brow ridging as he pounced.  
The element of surprise and his superior bulk had her shoved up against the 
wall before she realised what was happening and although she struggled, she 
couldn't get the leverage to push him off.  He wrenched her head to the side 
and had his fangs in her neck, Buffy kicking furiously and scratching at his 
face.

Abruptly, he threw her to the floor, spitting out her blood and wiping his 
mouth with the back of his hand.  Malevolent golden eyes turned on her, 
Buffy clutching at her torn neck with her hand to staunch the blood flow.

Angel snarled.  "You let him claim you?  And you claimed him back?  You 
stupid bitch - you're mine – not his!  I see I'll have to teach my get that 
he only has my leavings when I've finished with them.  I'll be back for you 
when he's dust."

So saying, Angel turned on his heel and strode out, knocking over a drip 
stand on his way that clattered and bounced in the silence he left behind.

Buffy hesitated a second to gather herself then raced out after him.


TBC

Sorry it's been so long for this one.  It's hard to force the muse to write 
angst when there's so much smut about!  Anyway, if you're still following 
hope you enjoy.


TITLE : Come Back to Me
CHAPTER : 20/?
AUTHOR : SpikesDeb/Debs <spikesgirl_453@hotmail.com>

RATING : NC17 overall
A/N : Lou the best beta in the whole universe did a fantastic job with this 
chapter.  I'm in awe at how you can polish things, I really am.  Thank you.
DISCLAIMER : Buffy and Angel belong to Joss. My wild imaginings belong to 
me.  I'm just happy the two can sometimes meet.

__________________________________________________________

COME BACK TO ME CHAPTER 20

Cordelia entered the room just as Willow finished telling Spike about the 
Powers' plans for him.  His reaction was what she'd thought it would be, 
disbelief and ranting protest but ultimately taking on the responsibility to 
go save if not the world, certainly his.  She watched his head droop, and 
then he braced his shoulders and nodded his curt acceptance of his role as 
sketched out by the PTB.

"Hello, Spike.  Long time no see.  No hug?"

Spike quirked an eyebrow as he looked her over; there was a serenity about 
her that was light years from the Valley drama queen of Sunnydale.  If he 
was hoping Willow had gone nuts and the cheerleader was insane, one look at 
her face told him otherwise.  No, Cordelia was the real thing all right, 
voice of the gods.  Looks like he'd been handed the shitty end of the stick. 
  Still, no point fretting over it – he had his girls to save.

And Angel.

Talk about rubbing salt in the wounds.  It was typical!  That bastard could 
mess with everybody's life, manipulate all and sundry to his own ends and 
still he gets the get out of jail free card!  Just wasn't fair.  But then 
was life ever?

"Right then." he said cheerily, rubbing his hands together.  "Looks like I 
get to play hero - again.  Getting' kinda boring, you know, no challenge.   
But a vamp's gotta do....."

The tension in the room eased at his light words.  Faith actually laid a 
hand gently on his arm, just for a moment, before moving away to sit at one 
of the lab stations.  It was an unexpected show of support, a boost to his 
bruised soul to know that people were rooting for him.  But hadn't he come 
there to tell them something important?

Oh yeah.  Trouble.  That was it.  He cleared his throat, but nobody paid him 
any attention.

The buzz of conversation had started up again, giggles and whispers 
permeating the air.  Cordelia took a seat on the workbench that bore Fred's 
research notes, scanning the familiar – and not so familiar – faces.  She 
was composed, in charge, and effortlessly commanding the room's attention 
and without any prompting the assembly stopped chatting and turned to face 
her, waiting for instructions.  She opened her mouth to speak...

"Oi!  Hang about!  How come the bint gets all the attention?  Is she gonna 
fight to save Peaches from oblivion?  Nah, didn't think so.  You might wanna 
listen to what I have to say then!"

The group turned as one, Cordy's mouth snapping shut in shock.  Wasn't much 
that could upstage Queen C – but whatever it was the heroic vamp had it in 
spades.  She silently gave him kudos, wishing she'd gotten to know him 
better back in SunnyD.

"Right.  Look, we've got trouble.  Maybe.  Red -- the Whelp, you spent time 
with him lately?  He's in a bad way.  We bumped into each other – literally 
– just before.  He came staggering out of Angel's office, none too steady on 
his pins.  Thing is – the boy said that he couldn't wait to see me gone.  
Now I know, it's his favourite line – but this was different.  He was 
talking like it was planned.  I think he's signed up with Angel."

Spike expected outrage.  Tears.  Possibly the odd gasp of shock.  He was 
disappointed.

"Did you hear me?  Harris has turned to the dark side."

Giles cleared his throat, indulged in a quick lens-wipe.  "Yes, Spike.  We 
already know.  Harmony tipped us off earlier in her usual incompetent 
fashion.  If ever we needed evidence that Angel wasn't himself it's the fact 
that he trusted Harmony to do something important.  Of course, she messed it 
up.  Here, take a look at this.  What do you make of it?"

Spike took the proffered medallion.  He turned it in between his fingers, 
tilting his head to scan it properly.

"Demonic.  Protection amulet, probably.  Nothing high grade, just a marker.  
Where'd you get it?"

"Harmony gave it to us.  Seems Xander left it behind in Angel's office after 
his meeting and he'd 'earned' it.  Harmony couldn't be bothered to go and 
find him herself and was all too pleased to pass it to us – his friends."

Spike snorted.  "Yeah.  Charming friends you've got there, Watcher."  He 
handed the disk back to Giles.

"Quite, Spike.  We thought it was protection too.  And we can only surmise, 
therefore, that Angel is about to finalise his plans, which apparently 
involve danger to the rest of us."

"Erm, can I cut in, guys?  Because, you know, being of the Powers I may just 
have a valid perspective.  Not that I want to stop you from bonding or 
anything."

Cordelia commanded attention and got it, all eyes now focused on her.  
"Well.  I take it that Willow has brought everyone up to speed on the 
situation and Spike's part in it all."

"Yeah, thanks for that.  Be sure to tell the soddin' Powers that I owe them 
one -- preferably of a fiery and painful nature."

"Be grateful for the second chance you've been given, Spike.  After all, if 
the Powers hadn't needed you, you'd still be just one more pile of dust in 
the Hellmouth.  Course, I can always tell them they've made a mistake..."

Spike smirked.  Smooth, very smooth.  "Nah.  Might as well see it through 
while I'm here.  Not sure what's so special about Peaches, mind.  Tosser's a 
bloody liability if you ask me.  He's a nasty piece of work even with the 
soul – which he seems to lose like most blokes lose socks.  Wouldn't it be 
better all round if he just went poof, once and for all?"

"His time here is not done.  His destiny is set along a different path, a 
path that he has strayed from.  He is needed."

"Yeah, and I'm not – I get it.  I'm expendable; well hell, bring it on.  
Let's get this over and done with then my girls can get on with the mourning 
of me and things can get back to normal."

Cordelia smiled.  Spike was all bravado and bluster, but she knew how much 
it cost him to dismiss things so lightly.  She hoped the Powers had heard 
her plea and would reward his nobility with that which he yearned for.  
Sadly, she reflected on the difference between the two ensouled vampires; 
Angel looked tarnished by comparison with this shining creature.  Spike's 
motives were pure; everything was for the love of his girls.  He didn't have 
any hidden agenda, never claimed to be doing it for the greater good.  If 
the greater good benefited him on the way, that was fine, but Buffy and 
Dawn's future would always come first - even if it meant sacrificing 
himself.  Angel could learn a lot from him.

"Patience, Spike.  All is in readiness.  The trials will begin within the 
hour."

"Well, in that case – I've got things to do, people to see.  I'll be back."

With a whoosh of soft leather, he was gone before anybody could say or do 
anything to stop him.  He strode along the corridor, deep in thought.  He 
didn't intend telling Buffy the worst of it, just make the most of what time 
they had left together.  He was under no illusions.  He hadn't suffered 
decades of guilt as Angel had; so the Powers would chew him up and spit him 
out if it meant they'd get their precious champion back.  Life sucked.  
Always had.  He'd probably be best off out of it... but for Buffy.

He was almost at the medical wing when he sensed Buffy's distress and heard 
the clatter of metal on tile.  He broke into a run, skidding to a halt when 
Angel came bursting out of the room in full game face, his mouth smeared 
with blood.  Buffy's blood!  Spike instantly vamped, fangs sharp and poised 
to tear.  A red haze descended, eradicating all reason.  The Powers could 
get fucked. Angel was dust.

Buffy spotted Spike poised to pounce and shouted his name, Angel too 
becoming aware of his presence.  The darkened hall in the lower reaches of 
Wolfram and Hart echoed, its marble walls and floor bouncing the sound of 
footsteps back and forth.  Buffy didn't know if Spike realised that it was 
Angelus and not Angel he faced.  Or at least, it seemed that way to her.  
Surely Angel wouldn't act like this?  She willed Spike to feel her through 
the link he'd forged and know the danger he faced.

"Angelus.  Glad to see you've shed your mask.  Didn't suit you anyway."

"Spike!" spat Angel.  "Just the runt I was looking for.  In what dreamland 
did you think you could claim what's mine!  Buffy's always belonged to me 
and the pathetic little advantage you think you've got isn't going to change 
a thing.  It's gone the second you dust."

Before Buffy could move, the two vampires slammed together, blond hair and 
brown tangling as they tussled and rolled on the floor.  Angel had the 
advantage of bulk and age; Spike was lean and fast, and had the strength of 
his love to fuel the fight for his girls.  Angel might say it – but Spike 
lived it.

Buffy raced back into Dawn's room and smashed a chair, grabbing a leg for a 
stake.  She knew Spike would want to handle this himself, but if it came to 
it she would dust Angel.  Should have done it back in Sunnydale but her 
young heart wasn't ready then.  Now it was.  Now her heart was full of Spike 
and clear to see what she allowed first love to mask for too long.  
Sprinting back to the angry vampires she stood, stake poised, eyes darting 
over them and ready for any sign that Spike was hurt.

They were evenly matched.  Angel's advantage of height and weight enabled 
him to keep Spike held down on the floor despite his best efforts to flip 
Angel off.  But that bulk made him clumsy and Spike's agility and strength 
meant he kept shrugging off his grip.  Angel managed to get his hand around 
the throat of his hated rival and squeeze, intending to wrench through the 
bone and gristle of Spike's neck and rip his head off.  But Spike's knee in 
his groin put paid to that and he howled in agony as he rolled over into a 
ball.  A kick to his kidneys followed and it took every ounce of will to 
lumber to his feet and face his relentless foe again.

Spike had a cut above his eyebrow that was dripping blood down his face.  He 
snaked out his tongue and lapped at the crimson fluid, golden eyes glinting 
with hatred and fixed on Angel's bruised features.  He saw Buffy behind 
Angel take a step forward, stake raised, and shook his head slightly.  This 
was his to do.

"You want more, Peaches?  I've got more to give; I could dance all night 
with you.  Or had you forgotten?"

Angel snarled.  From the moment Dru had sired this wimpish poet wrapped in a 
killer's shell he'd been a thorn in his side.  He'd tried to break him over 
the years but every beating, every buggering, every kindness turned to 
cruelty just made him harder and more troublesome.  He'd allowed him an 
existence just to keep Dru happy.  But no more.

Fangs glinting under the fluorescent lighting, the two demons clashed again 
in a flurry of blows and kicks.  Every slight, every wound, every wrong done 
one to the other was bundled up and thrust into the fight for once and for 
all.  They bounced off the walls of the corridor, crashing through a plate 
glass window and landing amongst the glittering shards that sliced at bloody 
flesh.  Buffy followed, her heart in her mouth as she surveyed the damage.  
She knew deep down that a cut, no matter how deep, wouldn't kill Spike – but 
seeing his body seeping blood put paid to logic.  All that mattered was 
protecting her love.  She had to help him.

+ + + +

Cordy's head snapped back, her eyes glazing to milky opalescence, her body 
stiff as she hovered three inches above the floor.  The buzz of conversation 
stopped as one by one they noticed that something very odd was happening.  
Gunn raced to her, knowing how previous trances had ended with Cordelia 
collapsing in pain.  He was ready to catch her therefore when the vision 
left her.

Cordy gasped out words, no time for explanations.  "Spike...and Angel!  Hurry 
– Dawn's room."

Faith sprinted off down the corridor, Kennedy on her heels and Willow 
bringing up the rear and calling on the Goddess for assistance.  Wes and 
Giles took a detour to Wes' room and collected an assortment of weapons, 
meeting up with Fred and Gunn as they were exiting the lab - leaving Cordy 
to Lorne's tender care - and joined in the rescue... or the execution.

Faith skidded to a halt at the doorway to Dawn's room, but there was no sign 
of Angel or Spike.  There was blood though, and shattered glass by a large 
window.  Faith took to her heels and barrelled down the hall, following the 
unmistakeable sounds of combat.

Spike and Angel were rolling on the floor made slippery with their spilled 
blood.  It seemed that neither had the upper hand; that is until Buffy 
stepped forward and brought the stake down in a descending arc towards 
Angel's waiting back.

It never reached flesh.  Faith seized Buffy's wrist and stilled her 
onslaught, her responding snarl stifled when Faith's hand clamped over her 
mouth.  Snapping her head round, Buffy's eyes were feral and outraged as she 
elbowed Faith in the face causing the brunette to fall, landing on her butt.

"Don't ever...touch me..." Buffy hissed, pouncing on her sister slayer and 
pummelling her with vicious fists.  She was in a frenzy, a warrior fighting 
to protect her own.  Faith grabbed at Buffy's wrists, holding her until the 
red haze disappeared.  Finding herself stymied by her sister slayer's 
strength, Buffy sagged forward, head bowed, and stopped fighting.

"Buffy," Faith hissed.  "There's another way.  Cordy's worked it out.  
Despite how it looks, he's not Angelus.  Please.  He saved me once and I owe 
it to him to give him a chance."

Buffy's eyes glittered hard as she stared at Faith.  She was past caring 
whether he was Angel or Angelus – and the last thing he deserved was another 
chance.  But Faith was right.  If Angel could be redeemed – well, it was her 
duty.  Doing the right thing.  Always had been, always would be.  No matter 
how much it hurt.  She wanted to scream at the injustice.

Buffy wrenched her wrists free from Faith's grip and got to her feet.  Angel 
and Spike were too occupied in their own battle to notice the interplay 
between the Slayers.   None of them were aware of the audience now standing 
ready to intervene.  Willow stepped forward, placing a hand on Buffy's 
heaving shoulders, cringing when Buffy shrugged it off.

"I'm fine, Willow," she snapped.  "If you want to help, do something about 
that" as she nodded to the tussling vampires, "as I clearly can't."

Faith stepped in front of Willow as she made her way to the fight scene.  
"No staking, Will.  I mean it."

Willow nodded, her eyes black in readiness for the spell she'd been 
building.  Lips moving, Willow pointed her fingers then brought her palms 
together with a loud clap.  Angel and Spike were torn apart forcibly, both 
ending up on opposite sides of the room, dazed from the force with which 
they'd struck the wall.  Buffy raced to Spike's side, checking him over for 
broken bones before wrapping him in a bear hug.  Spike winced, his arms 
coming up to hug her weakly.

"'m alright, pet.  Just a bit dazed is all.  What the fuck was that?"

"Willow."

"Bloody hell!  Remind me to redefine 'being on the same side' for her, will 
you?  Where's Peaches?"

"Over there.  Still with us.  I tried..."

"If only!  Buffy, love, it's not for you to do.  God...nothing would give me 
greater pleasure than to see his dust wafting out the window, but the 
Fuckers That Be have other plans.  I'm sorry, pet – I didn't want to tell 
you like this but I've got to go be a hero one more time."


TBC.......




AUTHOR : Debs aka SpikesDeb
RATING : NC17
A/N : Thanks for your continuing comments on this one.  It's nearly at an 
end now and I'm all sad and stuff.  Many thanks once again to Lou for making 
sense of my senseless rambling and Shady - this one's for you!  Hope you're 
feeling better now.
DISCLAIMER : Oh, you know.  Nothing is mine.  All belongs to Joss.  Even me.


COME BACK TO ME CHAPTER 21

Faith rushed to kneel next to Angel's still form.  The power of Willow's 
spell had sent him crashing headfirst against the wall and he was out cold.  
It was better that way, because she really didn't want to have to fight him. 
  At least now he could be restrained, allowing Cordy to get on with 
administering the trials.  Just to be sure, Willow passed her hands over him 
and incanted a sleeping spell and a binding charm.  Then Gunn and Kennedy 
hefted his weight between them and praying that they'd not bump into any W&H 
employees, they all headed back to the lab.

Spike and Buffy were left alone, still sitting on the floor.  Why nobody had 
come to investigate the noise was anybody's guess but Buffy wasn't about to 
look a gift horse in the mouth.  She helped Spike to his feet and took his 
weight against her shoulder.  They gazed into each other's eyes, vividly 
remembering the time that Buffy had defeated the Turok Han and defied the 
First so that she could rescue Spike from the caves.  Tears blurred her 
vision as she led him back to Dawn's room.

She sat him down in the chair and rifled the contents of the medical 
supplies cupboard, chiding him about the state he was in.  "He bit you." was 
his grumbled explanation.  She grabbed saline pouches and wadding and wiped 
away most of the blood, then applied some steristrips to close a large gash 
on his forehead.  It would heal anyway, she knew that, but the task of 
cleaning his face and hands helped calm her.  Its very normality meant she 
was in control of something at least.  Spike let her do what she wanted, 
watching her out of one swollen black eye.

"This is like old times, isn't it?" Buffy murmured as she gently tended his 
wounds.

"That it is," he said quietly.  He was convinced that once he left this room 
he would be heading back into flamey oblivion.  He was resigned to it; he 
wasn't happy about it but he would deal with it.  Buffy thought he was a 
hero and he wasn't about to let her down.

"Buffy...there's something I've got to tell you.  It's so hard...but I have 
to."

Buffy's heartbeat raced; she knew.  Already she knew.  Not in the actual 
knowing of anything way, but just that hollow pit of dread.  She shivered, 
skin suddenly pebbled with goosebumps.  She didn't want to hear it -- didn't 
want to make it real.  She slid into his lap and rested her forehead against 
his.  Spike winced with pain but held Buffy close to stop her from moving 
away.  Pain meant he was still here.  Pain was his friend.

"Thing is love, seems the Powers That Be aren't done with me yet.  Your old 
mate from Sunnyhell, the cheerleader, she's the Powers' mouthpiece now and 
according to her I was brought back to save the world again.  Well -- save 
Peaches actually.  I think he's the one that gets to save the world this 
time, but he has to have an attitude readjustment first."

Buffy started sobbing quietly, her heart aching at the light tone of his 
voice, so matter of fact as he spelled out his doom with his soul in his 
eyes.  She could burst with pride for love of him.  He'd come so far.  And 
now he was supposed to give it all up for saintly Angel - the vicious, 
twisted creature she'd once thought to love.  Well, not if she had anything 
to do with it.

Buffy jumped off his lap and headed towards the door, Spike calling after 
her.

"Buffy?"

"I'll be back in ten minutes, okay?  Look after Dawn for me."

The room was suddenly empty without her, and Spike focused on Dawn's strong, 
steady heartbeat.  She was a survivor, his Bit; she'd make it.  He got up 
and took the few steps to the bedside, limping on a swollen knee, and 
reached out to stroke Dawn's long, brunette tresses.  She was so pretty, 
long lashes brushing slightly pinkened cheeks, the dancing eyes hidden.  He 
felt a lump form in his throat at the thought that he wouldn't be around to 
see the beautiful woman he knew she'd become.  He'd made his peace with that 
back in the Hellmouth, but to be given the chance again only for it to be 
snatched away.  It hurt.  It hurt like hell.  He swiped a tear away roughly, 
cursing himself for the weak fool he was at heart, and bent to place a kiss 
on her forehead.  He whispered his goodbyes, voice rough with emotion.  
"Look out for your sis, Bit.  She's not as strong as she likes us to think.  
She'll always need you to be there for her.  I'm relying on you."

He continued to gaze down at her, holding her hand as he reminisced aloud 
and chuckling as he reminded her of days gone by: perched in his crypt while 
he told her gory tales until Buffy came and dragged her away; how she'd kept 
him going after Buffy's death; her Halloween adventures with a horny vamp; 
the night Buffy came back from the grave.

Dawn gave no sign that she could hear him but he carried on regardless, just 
needing to fill the silence with sounds of life.

+ + + + +

Buffy stormed into the lab, her eyes hard and glittering.  She ignored 
Willow's 'hi Buffy' and marched straight past her to stand, hands on hips, 
in front of where Cordelia sat with Lorne.  The empath almost flinched from 
the angst coming off of her in waves; he didn't even need her to squeak a 
note to know what has about to happen.

"Hail the Warrior Queen!  Looking coolio in the circumstances.  Although you 
do have the tiniest smidgeon of gore just beneath your...never mind, it's 
very urban chic."

Lorne managed not to wilt under the patented Buffy Summers' glare but knew 
when to back off.  He patted Cordelia's hand and left her to it.  A demon 
had his limits.

"What the hell are you doing to him?"

Cordelia raised her head to meet Buffy's eyes.  If ever she'd needed proof 
that Buffy and Spike's love was real, here it was.  And if she hadn't been 
the Powers' envoy and imbued with superpower, she'd have been out of there.  
As it was, she had a job to do and she would just have to make Buffy 
understand.

"Buffy, please sit down before I get a crick in the neck.  Give me a chance 
to explain.  Please?"

Buffy sat reluctantly, her arms crossed as she perched on the edge of the 
table facing Cordy.  "Why, Cordy?  Why do I get the feeling that I'm about 
to be given the 'all Slayers have to make sacrifices' speech again?  Isn't 
there like a statute of limitations on how many sacrifices one Slayer has to 
make or something?  Cause I've gotta tell you, I'm well and truly pissed 
with it.  Didn't I pass the baton?"

"There are sacrifices to be made, Buffy.  But this time they're not yours. 
This is about the two souled vampires.  You are linked to both but 
ultimately the outcome will be decided with or without your help.  Spike is 
very special, more than he realises, but Angel is also beloved of the Powers 
and is destined to make more of a difference than he could ever dream of."

Buffy kept eye contact with her former classmate, desperately trying to tell 
if she was playing her.  All she saw was quiet confidence and acceptance of 
her task.  Buffy dropped her guard, uncrossing her arms and letting her 
shoulders relax.

"Okay, Cordy.  I hear you.  I should let him make his own mind up.  And you 
know he already has, right?  Since when did Spike walk away from a fight?  
Even if it means his end."  Her voice faltered on the last word, eyes 
filling with tears.  "Please, Cordy.  He deserves better...and I can't lose 
him again..." The anguish filtered through making her words husky and low.

Cordelia got to her feet and wrapped her arms around the woman she'd once 
tried to befriend then ridiculed, before being sucked into the Scooby gang 
almost by default so many years ago.  Finally she'd come to see Buffy as the 
heroine she was and understood a little of her pain having had to let Angel 
go just when she was letting herself grow to love him.

"Buffy.  I truly don't know how this will end.  But I do know that nothing 
is certain and that Spike doesn't have to die.  There are trials he must 
endure and he must then carry out the ritual that will bring Angel back to 
his true path.  And that is all I know.  What happens is up to him, and up 
to Angel."  Cordelia wiped Buffy's eyes and ducked her head to lock eyes 
with her.  "Tell me, Buffy.  Do you believe he truly loves you?"

"With all my heart.  He...we...he claimed me.  I feel him, sense when he's 
near.  And he knows I truly love him."

"And do you believe he would ever willingly leave you?"

"No.  Never.  Not while I breathe."

"Then have faith in him.  Let him do what he must and trust him to come back 
to you."

Buffy nodded, her throat too tight with tears to form a reply.  She would do 
what she had to, so that Spike could do what he had been brought back for.  
And no matter what happened, this was it for her - she would love him until 
the day she died.

+ + + + +

Harmony was puzzled by Angel's continued absence.  Yeah, maybe he didn't act 
like a regular boss -- not that she knew much about them - but he never 
missed his mug of otter's blood, and the last two she'd left on his desk 
hadn't been touched.  What a waste!  It was ritzy stuff, otters not having 
much blood, so it was pretty much primo produce.  She sniffed at the mug she 
held, wondering whether to drink it or not.  She dipped her tongue in 
tentatively, savouring the burst of flavour along her taste buds.  Not bad.  
She was about to take a healthy swig when the bitter aftertaste hit her.  
"Bleargh!  That is so disgusting.  No wonder he's left it.  I need something 
to get rid of the taste..."

She wiped the back of her hand across her mouth and left the mug on the desk 
with the two others.  What she needed was something fruity with a zing, a 
girly chat with her bestest bud Andrew, and some new shoes therapy - eight 
pairs should do it.  As she sashayed along the corridors she flipped her 
pink cell phone and pressed speed dial #1.

"Andrew!  Yeah, Harm here.  Whatcha doing?  Well, ditch it, big boy, we are 
so hitting Neiman Marcus -- and I've just palmed Angel's charge card."  
Squeals of delight followed her down the corridor, Andrew's almost as loud 
as hers over the phone.

Lorne spied her coming from the opposite direction, twirling her hair as she 
made arrangements to meet Andrew in the lobby.  The go-getters didn't need 
him, and a little distraction from the gloom and doom was just what he 
needed.   He waited until Harmony had snapped shut her phone and sauntered 
over.

"Hey, my little powder puff of pink delight, did I hear the magic word 
'shopping'?  And for shoes no less?  Well, baby -- count me in.  My trotters 
are crying out for a revamp -- something exotic, lizard maybe -- and what do 
you say we squeeze in a pedicure too?  In this town, flash enough cash and 
they'd get the nail file out to a horn-toed grunztill!"

Harmony considered; yeah -- that could be fun.  And Lorne did know all the 
best demon bars.  Not like he'd complain if she spent Angel's money.

"Okay, that sounds great!  We just need to pick up Andrew and we're away."

Arm in arm, the two demons hit the lobby, blissfully unaware of the mayhem 
about to hit.

+ + + + +

Buffy hugged Cordelia and left, speaking quietly to Willow on her way out 
but incapable of saying much as she struggled to compose herself.  She 
didn't want Spike to see she'd been crying.  Cordy told her that the trials 
would begin within the hour and she wasn't going to waste what might be the 
only time they'd ever have on tears.

She didn't spare Angel a glance as he lay bound on the floor, simply stalked 
past him as if he didn't exist.

Willow's heart broke for her friend.  But she was ever the optimist and 
chose to believe that Spike would find a way to make it through.  He'd never 
been a quitter and it would take more than the latest apocalypse to rip him 
from Buffy's side now he'd finally got her, body and soul.  Still, no harm 
in seeing if she could tip the scales somewhat.  She excused herself and 
headed back to the room she shared with Kennedy, preparing herself to 
communicate with the Coven in England and beg the blessing of the Goddess.

Giles had removed himself to the library in search of further information 
about the ritual Spike had used to restore Drusilla to health back in 
Sunnydale.  Cordelia had confirmed that it would be basically the same, the 
only difference being that if Spike survived the trials he would be given a 
chance to continue his existence.  If he failed -- well, the ritual only 
needed his blood...

By unspoken agreement, the founder members of the Fang Gang drew together 
near to where Angel lay, bound both physically and mystically.  They watched 
him for a while in silence, his face shifting between his vampire and human 
visage every now and then.

Faith hung back, feeling out of place, a spare part, but she didn't dare 
leave.  If he was to get free, she was the only one with a hope of handling 
him.  She just prayed she could do what was necessary if it came down to it. 
  She remembered the night in the alleyway, the rain beating down on her as 
Angel held her and let her cry and scream.  He'd saved her that night, set 
her on the path to redemption.  She dreaded to think what would have 
happened had she carried on the path she'd started.  Wincing, she dared a 
glance at Wesley.  She felt sick when she thought of the pain she'd 
inflicted on him for no better reason than he'd been her Watcher.  And that 
in itself was tangled mess in her head; she'd wanted so much to belong, 
wanted somebody to be proud of her but at the same time didn't feel like she 
deserved anybody's kindness or good regard.  She was her own worst enemy 
back then, a ticking bomb that would take down anybody near her when she 
blew.

She'd hurt every one of the people in this room in one way or another.  And 
still they accepted her, welcomed her even.  Wes had been wary and no 
wonder.  But eventually even he'd treated her decently.

She still didn't feel she deserved it, but Robin was helping her work that 
out.  Robin.  Her breath hitched in her throat.  She daren't let herself 
hope that he would recover, kept expecting the bed to be empty when she went 
to see him.  He was coming round bit by bit and the doctors told her he was 
getting stronger and it was only a matter of time.  But she couldn't allow 
herself to believe it.  Because if she did, she'd have to admit that her 
feelings for him were more than just admiration for a fellow warrior who 
happened to be a great fuck.  But he'd been very persistent, chipping away 
at her defences, making her smile.  Her lips curved just thinking about him.

And all of this was possible because Angel had given her a second chance.

She'd fight to give him one too.

Fred spoke softly, eyes never leaving Angel.  "Does it feel like we've been 
here before?  Watching and waiting, hoping that it's Angel who wakes and not 
Angelus?"

Gunn put his arm around her, ignoring the slight tightening of Wes' lips at 
the familiar gesture.

"Yeah, seem to recall a slight problem of the missing soul variety. But 
Lorne is adamant that this is Angel, the soul's still there.  It's just not 
doing its job, Fred."

"I'll say!  But then again -- Lorne said that it was Angel last time when it 
clearly wasn't."

Cordelia cut in.

"It is Angel.  And before you ask, yes -- I'm sure."

"So, what do we do now?  Are the trials... I mean, the last time - when 
Angel faced them -  he took off.    Do we have to go to the same place?"

"No.  The trials are different for each participant.  It's a test of 
character; the Powers will assess and measure as they need to.  The trials 
could be physical or mental.  Hell, they may even give him a free pass -- I 
just don't know.  But whatever -- we need to go get Spike and get started.  
Volunteers?"

"I'll go."  Fred barely let Cordelia finish speaking before she jumped in.  
She wanted to talk to Spike, let him know she was there for him, and this 
was the ideal opportunity.  Ignoring Wesley's pained look -- whilst secretly 
thrilled by it and wanting to explore exactly why he seemed to be jealous of 
the attention she was giving Spike -- she shrugged off her white coat and 
headed towards the medical wing.

+ + + + +

Buffy slowed as she approached Dawn's room.  She looked around for a mirror; 
she didn't want Spike's last memory of her to be puffy-eyed and bedraggled. 
/Oh, stop that Buffy!  Why are you assuming he's bought the one way ticket?  
Oh yeah -- because your life sucks beyond recognition and it would be some 
weird alternate reality universe if you actually got to be happy./

She watched through the window, quelling the tears that threatened to spill 
over as Spike smoothed Dawn's hair and dropped a kiss to her forehead.  He 
was saying goodbye.  Suddenly, she was transfixed by cornflower blue eyes 
that held her captive with their intensity.  Her vampire always knew when 
she was near, and always made her the centre of his attention.  Why had it 
taken her so long to realise that?  She'd wasted years when she could have 
had more love and happiness than most women had in a lifetime.  And now she 
might lose everything.  She'd been so stupid.  Painting on a smile that 
wouldn't fool Spike for a second, she walked towards him and enveloped him 
in a Slayer-strength hug, her head buried in his chest.

"Sort things out, love?"  his voice thrummed in his chest, its vibration 
comforting.

"Pretty much."

"Good.  Me and the 'Bit have been catching up.  've told her I'm gonna be 
keeping an eye on her so she'd better knuckle down to her studies and make 
us proud.  I know she heard me.  She won't let me down."

Buffy swallowed down the tears again.  He really didn't expect to come 
through this and he was making his peace with those he loved.  But dammit!  
She was NOT going to lose him again.

"Neither will I, Spike.  So stop this and listen to me!  We're together and 
I'm not letting anybody take you away from me.  I'm the Slayer, right?  Well 
-- a Slayer actually but...don't you think I've earned some consideration 
from the Powers?  I don't give my heart easily -- didn't I fight you every 
inch of the way?   I never dreamed I'd love anyone the way I love you.  You 
are my heart and I'm not about to give up on that."  Buffy poked him in he 
chest to reinforce her point.  "And neither are you!"

Once again, Spike melted at her words.  She really, really loved him.  She 
was gorgeous -- all indignant determination.  So what the fuck was he doing 
acting like a pathetic wanker and letting the Powers stitch him up?  He was 
the Big Bad -- he never gave up on his own.  Bring it on -- he'd fight for his 
girls and nobody, not even the Powers, would tell him what he should do.

Back in the lab, Cordy's eyes glazed over, her voice dropping an octave or 
two as she spoke for the Powers.

"It begins."


TBC

TITLE: Come Back to Me
RATING : NC17
AUTHOR: Debs aka SpikesDeb <spikesgirl_453@hotmail.com>
A/N : Lou, what would I do without you?  Can't thank you enough for your 
wonderful tidying of my words and how you always send back far better than I 
send you.  *hugs*
DISCLAIMER: It's Saturday night, I'm sitting on the couch with the laptop - 
if I owned Spike et al would I be online posting fic right now?  *sigh*

__________________________________________________________________________

COME BACK TO ME

CHAPTER 22

"What?  What's begun?  Already – where?  Cordy?"  Fred halted on her way out 
of the door and spun back to face her friend, the Power's envoy.

Cordy's blank white eyes reverted to their usual hue and she straightened 
her skirt and sat down.

"The trials," she said coolly.  "They've started."

Puzzled looks shot round the group as they all waited expectantly for more 
information; it didn't arrive.

"And...?"

"What?  That's all I know; really!  Whatever form the trials are taking, 
they have begun."

"Well how long are they going to last?"

Wes tilted his head, rubbing his stubbled chin as he posed the question.  He 
was completely at sea now, having been unable to unearth the slightest 
inkling of what was happening, past what they already knew.  He'd been 
counting on Cordy to enlighten them but it seemed that she wasn't being very 
forthcoming.

"I've really no idea, guys.  I'm just the messenger, trust me – you know as 
much as I do.  Hell, how long have I been out of the loop for god's sake?  
I'm doing my best here!" she protested.  "But since the trials have actually 
begun, I do have a teeny tiny suggestion."

"And that is?"  Gunn, ever the practical lawyer guy lately, had a pad open 
and pen poised for instructions.

"You're gonna need a church or sacred ground where you can perform the 
ritual.  Oh, and a particular dagger – du Lac or something...also the form of 
words to chant.  Sorry – I guess I should've mentioned that part before."

Wes blinked at her., just a few things, then.  Thankfully, he was in the one 
place in LA where he could actually pick up the phone and come up with the 
goods.

"No problem, Cordelia.  I'll be back in twenty minutes."

+ + + + +

In the bowels of the city, a shape coalesced in the dim light then 
solidified.  Her long dress was scarlet and black, and of antique style.  
Her heart-shaped face was pale next to her jet black hair and golden eyes 
flicked across the dank walls as she smoothed her skirts and accustomed 
herself to her surroundings.

A sewer.

Wasn't the first time she'd found herself in a sewer but she'd never 
actually materialised in one before.  The last thing she could remember was 
reclining on a satin couch, the remains of her meal cooling at her feet as 
she lay back and dreamed of days gone by.  Of Angelus, her sire.  Of Darla, 
her sometime friend and latterly her childe.

And of Spike.

Sweet Willie.  Though the last time she'd seen him, he'd been pitiful – 
couldn't even bite.  She'd tempted him to feed with a freshly-killed girl 
and believed he would be hers once more.  But no – that nasty little Slayer 
had stuck her nose in where it had no business and he'd turned on his 
princess, rejecting her cool embrace for the sickeningly warm arms of that 
stupid creature.  It had stung; if anyone was to do the rejecting it should 
have been her, and he should have been grateful for every kick and bite she 
gave him as punishment.  But he'd gone his own way and she hadn't seen him 
since.

Of course, she knew about the destruction of Sunnydale and the demise of the 
First Evil.  She'd even sensed Spike's second death and had mourned his 
passing with some verses of dreadful poetry to accompany the traditional 
keening and shredding of clothes.

But she'd survived, as she'd survived Darla's death at Angelus' hand and 
before that his abandonment of them for the powers of good - not to mention 
her sire's setting fire to her and Darla.  Daddy was very clever, always 
creative in his torture.  She missed him.

Drusilla tensed.  She could sense Angelus here, felt him near her and 
surrounding her and mixing up her head.  And was that Spike flitting in and 
out of her consciousness?  But he was surely gone forever.  She was so 
confused, alone in the dark without Miss Edith.

Daintily gathering her skirts in her hands, she moved along the tunnels, her 
feet sloshing the filthy water and disturbing rats and bugs.

"Where's my daddy?" she muttered.  "Daddy always makes it right."

+ + + + +

Angel stirred in his physical and magical restraints, his eyes opening and 
struggling to focus.  He struggled to sit up, groggy and disorientated, his 
head throbbing.  And he was ravenous.  He felt like he hadn't eaten for a 
week.

Faith nudged Gunn, the two of them and Cordy the only ones left now that Wes 
had gone to his office and Fred had left to get Spike.

"The boss is waking up."

Gunn chuckled, a sour sound.  "Don't know who the fuck he is, but he's not 
the boss of me.  I don't know him at all."

Angel's voice croaked across the space between him and the wary warriors.  
"I am your worst nightmare, friend.  And once I'm free, I'll remind you how 
to show me proper respect."

Gunn's angry reply was cut off by a more strident voice.

"Yeah, well.  That might be a while, mate.  Kinda like the look you're 
sporting right now; you know, bound and helpless.  Reminds me of days long 
past.  Course, it was usually me in the chains but still – memories."

"Spike."

"Angel."  Spike spoke softly, his voice rising slightly at the end of his 
grandsire's name in a mocking tone.  He stepped into the room to stand 
before the bound vampire, Buffy's hand gripped in his own.  She was hurting 
him, so tightly were her fingers entwined with his, and her heart was 
racing.  He hadn't wanted her to come, had tried to persuade her to stay 
with Dawn, but instead she'd seized Fred by the shoulders and sat her down 
in the chair next to Dawn's bed.  Fred tried to protest but at the glint in 
Buffy's eyes she'd backed down and avoided looking at Spike.  It was 
impossible to argue with a determined Slayer.

So Buffy was clamped to his side and not likely to leave him anytime soon.  
He could live with that.  Since she'd arrived in Dawn's room and sworn that 
she wouldn't let him leave her, he'd allowed himself to believe in a happy 
ending; he'd slay the monster, or rather, in this case, save the bloody 
monster – again – and get the girls.  Buffy's faith in him was enough to 
give him hope and he'd take all he could get of that, thank you very much.

Chains clinked as Angel got to his feet and swayed, his undecided friends 
taking an unconscious step backwards despite Willow's magical barrier.

Angel chuckled, a snide, dead sound.  "You're right to be afraid.  Whatever 
was I thinking letting you tame me like that?  Well, happy to say that's all 
done with now.  What's next?"

"I am."

Spike moved closer, Buffy beside him.  "I'm your worst nightmare, Angel.  
You like this feeling of freedom, don't you?  This not giving a toss for 
anything but number one.  I get that - but would you just listen to 
yourself!  Poor old Bela Lugosi must be turning in his grave.  I've heard 
better lines in crappy B-movies.  What's happened to all the Oh-woe-is-me 
bloody boohooing?  You've been wallowing in it ever since you got your 
miserable soul stuffed back in.  But now that doesn't seem able to hold you 
back and true to form you're reverting to the same sick bastard you always 
were.  You were cursed with the soul for a reason – to make you suffer.  
Well guess what, Peaches, I'm here to make sure it sticks."

Angel growled, Buffy moving to stand protectively in front of her lover.

"No, love.  This is mine to do.  Go on now, let me.  Please."

Buffy turned to him, flinging her arms around him and hugging him to her.  
She whispered against his chest, Spike barely catching her words but 
understanding her anyway.  He raised her face and kissed her deeply, smiling 
into her eyes as he pulled away.

"Mine" she stated, eyes defiant.

"Yours."

The moment was broken by Angel chortling, "Oh pass the sick bag will you - 
there'll be violins next.  William the Bloody, what's become of you? Do you 
really think she's worth a second go?  Can you imagine being tied to that 
airhead for eternity?  Good luck with that one, Willyboy."

Buffy turned to face Angel, but as she looked at him the fury melted away.  
He was truly pathetic. And why the hell the Powers wanted him to be saved 
was beyond her.  Had he always been so manipulative and full of himself?  
Try as she might, she could see nothing of the Angel she'd loved with all 
her young heart so long ago.  She pitied him and despised him in equal 
measure.

She took a step closer, releasing Spike's hand and fixing Angel with cold, 
green eyes.

"Spike's right.  You do deserve to suffer.  I'll back off from this one 
because the Powers need a champion and nobody deserves that title more than 
Spike.  But know this; I'm not going to forget what you've done to Dawn, and 
to me.  And to Spike.  So when this little party's over, you'd better hope 
you end up a long, long way away from me because I promise you if either 
Spike or Dawn are taken from me, I will make you pay, soul or no soul.  
Understand?"

"Oooh, promises, promises.  Here's hoping you make it hurt in all the right 
places, Buffy, 'cause I'm positive you must have learned some tricks since 
you know when!  Gotta tell you, kiddo, that was like amateur night at the 
massage parlour."

"Oh, whatever.  Cordy – let's get on with it.  I'm getting a little trigger 
happy and I'm not sure how much longer I can put up with that."  She thumbed 
over her shoulder at the restrained Angel and stomped away to stand in front 
of Cordelia.

"The trials have already begun, Buffy."

"What's that?  When did that happen, what are they playing at?"  Spike 
strode towards her, puzzled and irritated.  That was typical... just like 
the Fuckers That Be to mess with a body without them even knowing.

Cordy's eyes closed, her lids fluttering as she communed with the Powers.  
She smiled before she spoke.  "It seems that your first trial was to want to 
continue your existence, Spike.  You left this room willing to die; now it 
seems you've chosen to live.  You've passed the first trial."

Spike grinned.  "Well that was a piece of piss!  What's next?  Walking in a 
straight line?"

Suddenly alarms blared throughout the building, the sound uncomfortable to 
everybody but agony to the vamps.  Wolfram and Hart had been breached by an 
unknown vampire.

Wesley burst through the doors, followed swiftly by Giles and Willow who 
shut the door behind her and leaned against it.

"Jeez - what is it?" Faith asked, already searching for a stake.  "What's 
the racket about?"

Wesley's face was grim as he came to a halt in front of Angel, the vampire's 
eyes lighting with recognition as he sensed who'd set off the alarm.  Wes 
spoke the name aloud.

"Drusilla."

Spike swore, the words drowned out by Angel's delighted laughter as he 
crooned in triumph.  "Oh, sweet Drusilla, angel of my lifetime – answers to 
all answers I can find...!"

+ + + + +

Drusilla crouched, vamped and hissing, surrounded by the dead and wounded 
who'd dared try to stop her.  She'd made her way up from the sewers, 
following the tug of familial blood that drew her unerringly, and had 
entered through a basement access.  Once she crossed the threshold, sirens 
rent the air and felled her to her knees, pain piercing her head.  She was 
on the floor then when the first blow came but she blocked the stake as it 
descended and slashed the guard's throat, spinning to face her other 
attacker.  He soon joined his companion in death, his neck snapped as the 
sound of running feet had her preparing for another onslaught.

All in all, she'd taken down ten men and was fending off more when the 
mystics arrived and cast a spell to knock her out.  They were reluctant to 
do anything more until they'd checked with Angel, their second sight 
revealing the mark of his lineage on her.  Beckoning more reluctant security 
personnel forward to bind the unconscious vampire, the mystics scurried off 
to scry and cast magicks before Angel could descend on them demanding 
answers.

+ + + + +

"Drusilla?  That loon?  What's that about?"  Faith did a passable imitation 
of Dawn Summers in petulant teen mode, hands on hips and eyes wild.  "Well, 
we go find her and stake her – problem solved."

Buffy dared a glimpse at Spike's face, steeling herself to see a lingering 
affection for his lover of over one hundred years.  But there was nothing; 
maybe a smidgeon of pity and some sober reflection.  But no love.  That was 
hers alone.  She let her breath out slowly, unaware that she'd been holding 
it.  Spike tilted his head and smiled at her, knowing full well what she was 
thinking.

The days when Drusilla had been his entire world were long gone, and he'd 
never regretted for one minute choosing Buffy over her, despite the kickings 
and fights he'd gone through to get her.  She was worth that, she was worth 
everything.

Wes, Giles and Faith were discussing how to deal with Drusilla, Angel 
offering snide comments and taunts as he listened.  It seemed that she'd 
just entered via the basement and Wesley had been notified as per standing 
orders when any unauthorised demons or mystical beings entered the premises. 
  He'd dispatched the mystics and extra security with instructions to report 
directly to him and then gone in search of Giles before heading back to the 
group.  Willow had caught up with them as they were hurrying back and he'd 
soon brought her up to speed.

Buffy didn't want to be the one to stake Drusilla.  Didn't want to cause 
Spike even a single moment of pain by slaying his sire.  She'd leave that to 
Faith.

"Buffy?  Are you okay?" Willow tapped her shoulder to get her attention as 
she was oblivious to everything but Spike's deep blue eyes fixed on hers 
from across the room.

"Oh, yes – I'm fine.  We'll just get on with the trials and let Faith take 
care of Drusilla.  Although, she's picked the wrong moment for a family 
get-together. -- do you think maybe she's heard that Spike's back and she's 
come for him?"

She tried to sound nonchalant but Willow picked up on her slight 
uncertainty.  "Well, she's in for a big disappointment then, isn't she?  He 
loves you, Buffy."

"Yeah – I know.  It's just – they were together for so long.  And she's 
never gonna get old and wrinkly like I will... and she'll understand what he 
feels when he..."

"Buffy!  Don't doubt him; he'll never leave you for anyone – never mind 
Drusilla."  Willow smiled at her and gave her a brief hug before searching 
out her former schoolmate.  "Now what's next?  Cordy, what's the next 
trial?"

Biting her lip, Cordelia swallowed hard before she answered.  "Drusilla is."

"What the fuck?"  Spike gave up pretending that he wasn't eavesdropping on 
Buffy and her buddies and strode over to the three girls.  "Dru's the next 
trial?  What does that mean?"

All eyes were now turned towards Spike as he stood, shoulders hunched 
angrily.  Cordelia backed off, hands out in supplication.  "Whoa, there.  
I'm just telling you what I'm being told.  The Powers have sent Drusilla to 
engage you in the next trial.  Other than that, I'm in the dark.  The rest 
is up to you."

While everybody was still agog at the new revelations, there was a crackle 
of discharged power and Spike disappeared.  Cordy's unearthly voice echoed 
in the silence.

"The second trial has begun."

Moments later, Wesley's pager went off and he reached for the nearest phone 
to dial his section.  He spoke hurriedly, replacing the receiver and bowing 
his head before turning to answer questions.

"Drusilla's disappeared too."

Buffy stared at the place where Spike had been seconds ago and sank to her 
knees.


tbc