Single quotes = thoughts

“So you’ll get it sorted, right? Windows and all…Yeah… I know it’s a lot, but you owe me big and now I’m callin’ the marker in, Clem,” Spike whispered into his mobile. He was sitting on the edge of the bath in the hotel room; Buffy was curled up asleep in the king-size bed.

He’d slipped into the large bathroom and started organising a place for them to call home. He had some dosh stashed away, but he had decided to call in an old debt. The saggy skinned demon owed him for bankrolling him at the poker table, and the tidy sum of a hundred Tonkanese kittens added up to a lot.

It was early morning and he was trying to delay heading over to face the firing squad; he wanted his Childe to rest a bit more. But he knew that Buffy wanted to see her Mum and the others now that they were back. Spike had picked a hotel with access to the sewers and they had only a short walk to the basement of the Magic Box.

For now, he left her sleeping - she needed her strength.

Spike also wanted some time to sort out their digs before they left so as to give Buffy something to look forward too. He was worried like hell about the Scoobies reactions towards her change and was desperate to protect her from them. But with the chip in his head, all he could do was attack them verbally and hope that it’d work.

Though the chip wasn’t going to stop him from ripping Harris’s head off. The blond vampire wondered how much pain he was going to suffer through when he did that. Not that it mattered; Harris was in for a world of pain for his betrayal of Buffy and he couldn’t wait to be judge, jury and executioner.

A squawk from the phone drew his attention back to the conversation.

“Right, so the place’ll be sorted for tomorrow? Good…you can get me on the mobile until then…I don’t want to hear anything about problems – just sort it and then we’re even, mate.” Spike paused and nodded, “yeah, Clem. I’ll see you tomorrow night. Thanks for this…” With that he snapped the phone shut and left it on the counter.

********

Giles waited until everyone was seated. Tara, Anya and Joyce watched as he paced back and forth. He had been shocked to the core when he had opened up the shop that morning and had found the message on the answer phone. He had called Joyce immediately and organised for her to meet him along with the others as soon as possible.

Joyce had arrived quickly after dropping Dawn off at school and the two girls had arrived soon after. All of them looked as tired as he did, dark circles around their red-rimmed eyes. They took their seats and gratefully accepted the coffees that Joyce had brought with her.

“Right, umm…” Giles turned to face the three women and sighed. “I think you might want to hear this.” With that he turned and pressed play on the shop phone.

“Watcher, thought I’d give you a heads up. Slayer and I’ll be in later. Can you get the troops gathered so we don’t have to go over and over the situation. Also, Watcher, anyone who makes the Slayer cry answers to me.” The message ended with a growl and then it was cut off.

Joyce looked up at Giles, hope filling her eyes. “Buffy’s coming home?”

Giles nodded, “it appears so.”

Tara and Anya glanced at each other.

“Are you going to tell them about…” Tara trailed off and gestured to the empty training room. She couldn’t bring herself to say their names – their absence was already deeply felt even though it had only been twelve hours or so. She had fretted all night about Willow, wondering if she was scared or missing her. The coven had called to say that she had arrived and that they would contact them. Nothing else was said.

“Well, I imagine we’ll have too…I can’t imagine how she’ll react though…” Giles sighed and sat down. He rested his head in his hands. Anya reached over and patted him awkwardly on the shoulder. He looked over and smiled briefly at her, the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Anya folded her arms and wondered whether or not Xander was still alive. She knew that the Powers could be capricious and was worried sick about him. But on the other hand she knew Buffy had a right to vengeance and she had no idea how she felt about that…

Joyce cleared her throat. “So, what do you think will happen? How will Buffy behave now she’s, well, you know…I mean, can I hug her or not?”

Giles stared at the resilient woman for a moment, he was constantly being amazed by her adaptability – especially since she had discovered Buffy’s calling. “I think you can hug her, but maybe wait until she approaches you. I can foresee that she’ll be feeling uncomfortable. And please, all of you remember that she most probably hasn’t been around humans since she was, well…”

“Turned?” Anya supplied when he faltered.

“Yes, quite.” Giles nodded.

“She will probably be very confused by our heartbeats and the sound of blood rushing will be an added distraction,” Anya continued realising that Giles was unable too.

Joyce nodded in thanks. “Thank you, Anya. I guess we need to play it by ear?”

Tara smiled at the older woman and nodded. “It’ll be okay, Mrs Summers. We’re all here for Buffy and Spike.” She added Spike into the mix to gauge the others reactions.

Anya seemed unconcerned; of all of them she had the most demonic exposure and would probably take it in her stride. Mrs Summers appeared to be nervous yet accepting of Spike; Tara suspected that Buffy’s mother had spent more time with the peroxide vampire than she was admitting.

Giles was the wild card in this situation - his Watcher’s training was battling with his fatherly concern for his charge. Tara was worried about his reaction to the new dynamic of Buffy and Spike in the group. She knew that whatever happened was meant to happen, it was fate.

*******

Spike sat on the edge of the bed and stared down at the sleeping vision of perfection that was his Childe. He was still in shock over her announcement that she was staying with him. Thrilled yet stunned. He was looking forward to Riley’s reaction to this, and also everything else. Stupid ponce deserved everything that was coming to him!

He shifted and lay down next to his girl and lay facing her and watched her sleep. A feeling of peace stole over him and his eyes drifted shut.

********

An hour later Buffy woke with a small yawn. She stretched out like a cat in the sun; purring contentedly she rolled over onto her sleeping Sire and began to wriggle around. She wanted to snuggle and Spike wasn’t playing. Kneeling up she straddled his waist and scratched his stomach gently. His cock hardened at her touch but he still slept. Sliding back, Buffy slipped his erection into her and took him into her depths as far as he could go. Pushing down she shuffled from side to side until he was completely enveloped in her depths.

She sat still and waited, her eyes glued to Spike’s sleeping face. But he didn’t move a muscle. Buffy huffed and ran her fingers up her body to her breasts and began to circle her puckered nipples with the tips of her fingers. She dropped her head forward and teased Spike with her hair.

Nothing.

Buffy cocked her head, ‘Is he faking?’

A small growl erupted from her and she decided to up the ante. With a rippling wave of her internal muscles she tightened her hold on Spike’s cock and then reached behind her and gave his balls a hard squeeze for good measure.

Spike’s eye flew open and he whimpered at the sensation of his cock being tormented by his girls’ inner muscles. Her slender fingers danced over his balls and then squeezed again. The sensations chased the blue out his eyes with gold and he vamped out with a purry growl…

His hands flew to her now moving hips and he grinned through a mouthful of fangs. “Well isn’t this a nice wake up call, Slayer?”

“Stoopid vamp, I’ve been sitting on you waiting for ages!!!” Buffy’s eyes turned lavender and her sharp fangs dropped in response to Spike’s loving growl.

“All good things come to those who wait,” Spike winked as his hands trailed around to where they were intimately joined. Using his fingers he spread her lips and watched as his cock appeared and disappeared into her depths. His index finger slid down and began to tease her erect clit, the other fingers lingered at her opening and the sensation of his cock sliding in and out of her made him sigh in contentment.

His other hand was busy at her firm breasts, massaging and cupping one. Buffy laid her hand over his and guided his fingers to her pink nipple leaving it there she dropped her hand onto his stomach to steady herself. The sensation of his muscles flexing under her palm made her pant even harder. The other was busy on her other breast pulling and twisting her nipple, which sent shocks of pleasure down to her core.

Spike watched Buffy coming undone as she danced on his cock. His hands were busy on her body, playing her like a fine violin. Unable to stop himself, he flipped her onto her back and hooked her legs over his shoulders.

Buffy grunted at the new position, the angle he held her at was driving his erection deeper into her than ever before. She raked her nails across his chest and drew blood.

Spike growled at her and leant over and ran his fangs over her quivering breasts- which shook with each hard surge of his hips. The blood that seeped out was licked away by his rough tongue.

Buffy snarled at him and she clawed at his shoulders with her sharp nails. She could feel her orgasm coming and her eyes flashed an even darker purple. Turning her head she sank her fangs into his neck and drank deeply of her lover’s blood.

Spike bellowed in rapture and bit down hard around Buffy’s areola, a feral growl erupting from both of them as they shuddered to completion. They coiled around each other with smiles of pure satisfaction and love.

********

“Luv, we’re going have to go in sometime, my back won’t recover if we don’t. I’m not going to stand here forever!” Spike grumbled up at his Slayer, who was currently ensconced on his back after turning her nose up at the stinky sewers, refusing to walk. Little did he know, Buffy was an old hand at sewer patrol and just wanted to see if he’d give her a piggyback. And to her surprise he had, without any snarky comment.

She had also needed close contact with her Sire; Buffy needed the reassurance of touching him and being held by him. Her nerves were all over the place at the thought of seeing her Mom and the others.

Spike had admitted to her as they dressed that he had called and left a message. She’d known that he’d done it to make sure she didn’t back out of seeing the Scoobies and Giles. Her Mom he instinctively knew she would want to see, but the others…

Spike patted her thigh and tried to suppress a laugh, he had known she was faking about being a Miss Priss – but who was he to deny her? The added bonus of her firm little bod wrapped around him was ruddy perfect. He knew she was worried and craved contact with her Sire for reassurance, but his lower back was starting ache.

Spike pushed open the door, and ducking down, he entered the basement of the Magic Box. He straightened with a very manly whimper and let Buffy slide off his back.

“It hasn’t changed at all!” she exclaimed as she examined the basement and it’s mystical contents.

Spike quirked a brow at her. “Well no, it’s only been a few days, pet.” He reached over and pulled her into his arms. Buffy buried her face into his hard chest and inhaled his comforting scent. A sense of rightness and peace flooded her being and she purred at him. Spike rested his chin on the crown of her head and savoured the moment. Their impromptu and feral lovemaking earlier had created a stronger bond between them. Something to hold onto whilst they faced the music. “Come on, Childe. Your mum’s waiting.”

With that he pulled Buffy towards the stairs and out into the front of the shop.


*******

“Buffy!” Joyce exclaimed at the sight of her eldest daughter. She took a hesitant step forward and then her eyes filled with tears when Buffy shrank back into Spike. Spike wrapped his arm around her stomach and whispered something into her ear.

Giles’s eyes narrowed at the intimacy of their bodies. A rage filled him and he stepped around the counter to go and separate them. Only to be stopped by Tara’s hand on his elbow. She shook her head in warning and then stepped in front of Giles to give him a moment to recover.

“Buffy?” Joyce whispered. She took a tentative step forward and held out her arms. “Baby…please…I missed you.”

Anya looked up from the till and a small frown appeared between her brows. “Stop breathing, Buffy. It’ll help,” she offered as she watched Buffy struggle with her emotions.

“Listen to demon girl, she’s right,” Spike muttered as he watched Joyce starting to weep at what she thought was a rejection from her daughter. His heart broke for his surrogate Mum, but Buffy was his priority for now. He couldn’t go to Joyce and calm her.

Buffy’s senses where filled with the sounds of four racing heartbeats and the scent of their skin, and the gushing of the their blood was overwhelming her control over her demon. Spike’s whispered reassurance had helped and she was battling to control herself. She wasn’t ready to vamp out in from of her friends and family, but her control was slipping. Until Anya’s suggestion- she consciously stopped breathing and it became easier.

“Luv, your Mum. Go to her.” Spike whispered.

With that Buffy flew into Joyce’s arms and the two women sank to the floor, weeping and holding each other tight.

Giles stood and stared at the huddled forms of the two Summers women and then glanced up at Spike. The two Englishman stood and stared at each other, a pair of duellists waiting for the other to make the first move.

Giles felt a guilty fury flood him, he had forgotten Buffy and yet the plonker facing him hadn’t. He knew that his anger was unfair but he couldn’t help himself.

Spike stood with a faint smile lingering on his lips, he knew exactly what the Watcher was thinking and waited for the misplaced self righteous attack.

Anya broke the tableau, she came over and stood in front of Spike, she reached over and shook his hand. “Well done, you managed to save Buffy when we couldn’t. I think this proves without a shadow of a doubt you’re one of us.” She turned to Giles and fixed him with a stare, “isn’t that right, Rupert?”

Giles’s face flushed red with anger and he opened his mouth to dispute her statement only to be stopped again by Tara’s soft touch. He looked down at the Wiccan and she shook her head. Giving him a lopsided smile, she patted his arm and then went to Spike and gave the pole-axed vamp a massive hug.

“Thank you, Spike.” She looked up at the still frozen vampire and gave him a small grin.

Spike’s arms raised and then hesitantly wrapped around Tara and he gave her a small hug. He looked around the shop trying to spot Willow and then looked back down at Tara’s strained face. The observant vampire noticed her red eyes and the pallor to her and Anya’s complexions. “What’s happened, pidge?”

Buffy pulled back from her Mom and looked over at the others- she frowned and then stood helping her Mother up. Joyce stood next to her daughter and took her hand in a firm hold. “You better sit down sweetie, there’s a lot to tell.” She fixed her eyes on Giles, “maybe some tea?”

Giles nodded, relieved to have something to do. He turned and left the room, without a word to Buffy. Buffy’s lower lip trembled at what she thought was a rejection from her Watcher. Tears filled her eyes and fell onto her cheeks. “Spike, he hates me…” she whispered sadly.

Spike came over and cupped her chin in his hand, with his free hand he wiped off her tears. “Hush luv, none of that. Watcher’s in a bit of a muddle, that’s all…”

Buffy sniffed and gave a watery smile to her Sire while stepping into his comforting embrace. Unaware of the reactions from the three women watching them, Spike held her close and purred softly, trying to soothe her. He could sense through their Sire/Childe bond that his girl was a jumble of mixed emotions.

Tara, Anya and Joyce watched the two of them holding each other. They could see that there was a bond and strong feelings between the two blonds wrapped around each other.

“Oh good lord!” Giles exclaimed as he came through and spotted the two vampires wrapped around each other. “This is too much!”

Joyce turned on Giles and took the tray from his hands with a jerk; handing it to Tara. She turned back and poked Giles in the chest with her index finger. “Don’t, Rupert! I won’t tolerate any derogatory comments directed at my daughter and Spike. He and she are a done deal…you may not like it, but there is nothing you can do about it! He was there for her when we weren’t, and if my daughter chooses to be with Spike then we will all support her.”

Buffy had turned in Spike’s arms and he pulled her back against him while they both watched the showdown. “Go Mom,” she whispered. Spike chuckled and squeezed her tight.

“Giles, I believe you have an apology to make to my daughter, and Spike.” Joyce crossed her arms and waited.

Giles whipped off his glasses and ground out a muttered apology.

“Sit down, everyone.” Tara gestured to the research table. Everyone sat down and Giles managed to suppress a comment about Buffy sitting on Spike’s lap. He did grind his teeth at the casual togetherness the two of them projected unwittingly.

“So where’s Willow?” Buffy asked, deciding to get the conversation rolling. She winced at the sight of Tara’s face filling with pain. “What’s happened? Oh god, is she hurt…dead? It’s my fault. I wasn’t here to protect her!” Buffy wailed and to the fascination of the mortals her eyes turned lavender and her fangs erupted.

“Wow, you’re pretty!” Anya reached over and ran her fingers over Buffy’s unlined forehead and then lingered on her small fangs for a brief second.

“That she is, demon girl.” Spike smirked at Anya, and at the same time, his eyes conveyed his thanks at the ease in which she touched Buffy. He knew that it would go a long way towards Buffy being comfortable amongst her friends.

“No…no…Buffy, she’s alive, but there have been some unfortunate events.” Giles hastened to console the distressed girl being held by her vampire. “I believe we have a lot to cover, maybe it would be better if I did the talking?”

Joyce reached over and took Buffy’s hand; her calming touch enabled Buffy to lose her game face.

Giles cleared his throat and for the next hour he filled in Buffy and Spike with the sequence of events that had occurred since her kidnapping. Both blonds sat in stunned silence when he concluded the sorry tale with Willow’s emotional meltdown that lead to her attack on Xander.

“So they’re both gone?” Buffy whispered. Her eyes were huge in her face from the shock of finding out her best friend tried to skin Xander alive.

“Willow should return as soon as she has spent time with the coven, learning to control herself. I truly blame myself for her fall. I should have trained her, or at the very least advised her, but sadly I was remiss in helping her.” Giles sighed. He was exhausted; having to recount the sorry events had been painful.

“What about Xan…Xan…you know,” Buffy couldn’t bring herself to mention his name.

“Whistler and Kendra have taken him to the Powers. Other than that, we have no idea as to his fate.” Giles answered and for the first time since Buffy and Spike had appeared he made eye contact with his Slayer and smiled. “We have to trust that they can help him, as we couldn’t…”

Buffy nodded and then turned to Anya and Tara. “Can we go and talk in the training room?” The two girls nodded and rose. Buffy turned to Spike, “behave okay?” Spike nodded and let her slip off his lap.

********

“Alright mate – now the kiddies have gone, lets hear it.” Spike rocked back on his chair and waited for Giles’s attack.

“What you did was remarkable, Spike.” Giles quiet statement shocked Spike to the core. Joyce’s eyes widened in surprise at the complete about face from Rupert.

“Wot?” Spike stuck his finger in his ear and pretended to clean it out.

“You saved her when we couldn’t, for that I thank you.” Giles replied ignoring Spike’s antics. He nodded at Joyce briefly, “as it was pointed out to me so succinctly by Joyce, you appear to be with Buffy and either I try to accept it or I imagine I will lose her.”

Spike nodded. He was aching for a cigarette but knew Joyce would probably smack him if he lit up in the shop, and probably Giles too. “Right, well…”

“How is she, really?” Giles’s strained whisper caught Spike’s attention, he could sense the desperation and fear emanating from the Watcher. Spike realised that Giles’ cool reception of Buffy wasn’t due to her being turned and having him as a Sire. But because he felt he had let her down and hadn’t rescued her himself. The Watcher was struggling with his sorrow and despair. Combined, his stiff upper lip Britishness and Watcher training lead to him being reserved and cold. Spike knew with a bit of time Giles would come around – well, he hoped the prat would!

“She’s doing okay, them upstairs have helped a bit and she’s adjusting, we’re both adjusting.” He added with some force.

“Indeed, I imagine that this has been as much of a shock for you as it has been for her, and us.” Giles hesitated and glanced at both Joyce and Spike, he was offering an olive branch to the vampire and hoped like hell he’d take it.

Before anything else could be said the door swung open and Dawn skipped into the shop clutching her schoolbooks to her chest.

“Spike!” she shrieked and threw herself into the startled vampire’s arms. “Your back! Where’s Buffy, is she okay?”

Spike stared down at the teen and frowned- she flickered in and out for a moment and then solidified.

“Dawn sweetie, let Spike go and come here.” Joyce pulled the exuberant teen off the very still vampire. She smoothed Dawn’s hair off her face and kissed her on the cheek. “Your sister’s in the back, she’ll be out in a second.”

‘Sister? What the bloody hell is going on here?’ Spike scented Dawn and grew even more confused. She smelled like Joyce and Buffy, but he knew his Childe didn’t have a sister. ‘Is this some more of Drac’s tricks?’ He stood and edged away from the table.

“Spike? What’s the matter?” Giles noticed the blond vampire’s disquiet.

“Nuthin, just going to war…get Buffy.” Spike squinted at Dawn and frowned. ‘It’s not Drac’s mojo, but what the hell?’

“I’ll get her!” Dawn pulled away from Joyce and bounced to the training room, ignoring Spike’s growl. Before she could open the door the front window was smashed in and a massive snake slithered through it.

Spike turned with a snarl and his jaw dropped. “It’s a ruddy big snake, that’s not normal!”

“No honey, but it is something we can kill!” Buffy yelled as she appeared by his side, tossing him an axe and then she launched herself at the hissing intruder.

Joyce thrust Dawn into Anya’s arms and slammed the training room door shut. She put her back to the door ready to defend her baby girl if she had too. Giles ran towards her and joined to strengthen the barricade. They watched as Buffy and Spike fought the snake demon.

The two vampires fought with a panache and glee that surprised their two observers. Giles noted that Buffy’s strength had increased, as had her speed. He watched mesmerised by her flurry of blows and amazing feats of strength and agility.

“She’s incredible! Has she always fought like this?” Joyce gripped Giles’s arm in excitement and pride coloured her features.

“No, she appears to be stronger. I’m guessing that her turning has changed her more than we imagined. I agree she’s incredible.” Giles added.

“What the hell is that snake thing?”

“I have no idea, Joyce. We’ll research it as soon as we can.” A smash distracted him and he winced at the sight of his bookshelves being crushed by Spike as he was flung off the demons back. The blond vampire bounced up with a snarl and launched himself at the snake.

Between the two vampires the snake didn’t stand a chance and within moments it lay dead at their feet.

Spike ran his hands over Buffy checking for injuries, as did she.

He turned to face Giles, “well, what the hell was that?” he jerked his thumb at the rapidly decomposing snake demon as he lead Buffy down the stairs.

“A big snake?” Giles offered with a shrug.

“Welcome home pressie, more like.” Spike chuckled and winked at Buffy.

“Welcome to the Hellmouth, luv!”

Chapter 16:

Single quotes = thoughts

“Buffy! You’re home!” Dawn threw herself into the startled vampire’s arms and crushed her in a hug.

Buffy’s arms hung at her side and she looked at Dawn and blinked. The teen flickered in and out of existence and Buffy froze. She looked over at Spike and frowned, Spike shook his head briefly and then inhaled deeply, signalling for his perplexed Childe to do the same.

Buffy sniffed surreptiously and puzzlement flooded her face for a second before she managed to control herself. Training her face into a neutral expression, Buffy patted the strange girl on the back before pulling away. The excited teen ignored her supposed sister’s stiffness and babbled away enthusiastically, gesturing to the snake. Buffy nodded briefly and then turned to Spike with a question on her lips.

“Not now, luv,” he whispered, so softly that only her vampiric ears picked up his words. She nodded and turned to face the others who were peering at the dead snake.

Unable to approach as it was now bathed in sunlight, Spike squinted out the window and calculated that sunset wasn’t far away.

Anya was sweeping away the shattered glass, muttering about the cost of replacement and wondering if it could be claimed as a work related tax write-off.

Giles and Tara were examing the carcass for any clues as to its origin. Joyce had reclaimed Dawn and wrapped her tight in her arms.

“Why did that thing come in here? It looked as if it was searching for something,” the eldest Summers asked. She had noticed that when the snake had first entered, it had paused and flickered its tongue in the direction of each of them. “Buffy, is this the norm for you?” she asked curiously, unused to the Slayer side of her daughter’s life. She had, as a rule, tried to ignore it, then accepted it grudgingly, though distancing herself from it.

“Well, not the norm, Joyce. It’s usually vampires and the occasional demon. From what I can tell, this appears to be a mutated form of snake that is domestic to the United States. Its purpose is a mystery, though. Fascinating really…” Giles rose from the side of the dead snake and reached down to help Tara up.

Buffy and Spike stood to one side watching Dawn closely and the ease in which the others interacted with her…accepted her. They were puzzled but for now remained silent as they had no idea what sort of geas they were all under.

******

“It failed, oh wonderifirously fragrant one. We tracked it as far as the Main Street where it was killed by two vampire…” A brown robed scabby minion fell to his knees and pressed his forehead to the flagstone floor.

“What do you mean it failed?” A petite blonde woman dressed in a red gown stomped over to her cringing follower and kicked him in the side. “And why would two re-animated corpses kill my pet? It wasn’t bothering them, only trying to find my Key!” she shrieked and hefted a statue and threw it at the wall with an enraged howl.

“My dear, please try not to destroy my home.” Dracula appeared at the doorway, trailed by his three brides. He had heard the commotion and had come to investigate.

“What appears to be the problem, Glorificus?” he bowed his head slightly at the curly haired goddess that was fuming in front of him.

“My seeker was slaughtered. I am not happy, people!” Glory groused as she flung herself on the velvet-upholstered sofa.

“An unfortunate development, my dear, but one that we can work around,” Dracula murmured soothingly to the irate woman who was pouting on the couch.

“Oh, stop with the schmoozing and, ow…ow...no…not now!” Glory began to sweat and shake and grabbed her head in agony.

Dracula spotted her discomfort and gestured for one of his brides. She slipped out of the room and within seconds a struggle was heard in the corridor.

“What are you doing? Please don’t hurt me!” an anguished voice begged. The Bride reappeared pulling a terrified man behind her; she thrust him into the brown robed minion’s arms.

“Mistress, please accept this humble offering from your devoted servant.” The minion threw the man to his knees in front of Glory, who reached down and plunged her fingers into his head, with a sigh of relief. A burst of light came from her fingers as she drained the captive’s mind. Once she had finished, Glory kicked the man away with a sigh.

“Much better!” She sank back onto the couch and kicked the now babbling man in the head. “Eww, get that thing away from me!”

The Bride stepped forward and sank her teeth into the man’s neck and drained him. Straightening she threw the corpse over her shoulder and disappeared out of the room.

“I have to say, Drac, having your girls clearing up my leftovers makes life much easier, no trail of gibbering idiots for anyone to track me with!” Glory rose and stretched languidly.

“I am only fulfilling my end of our bargain, Glorificus.” Dracula bowed and exited the room. Since the mad god’s arrival he was beginning to doubt that allying himself with her had been a sound idea. When he had learned of her plans his first thought was to protect himself and his Childer. He had approached the goddess, offering his services and home and asked in return only that when hell on Earth occurred from her return home, that he and his Brides were guaranteed safety and her protection.

To his surprise, Glory had agreed on the condition that he helped her to work incognito, and to that end, all her victims were drained and dumped. That way ensuring that those who fought evil would think that her victims were only dead at the fangs of a vampire.

Now that she had arrived and Dracula had borne witness to her erratic behaviour, he was beginning to be concerned. It was too late to turn back, though…

**********

“Buffy, may we talk for a moment in private?” Giles asked quietly.

Buffy glanced over at Spike and nodded for him to stay put and watch over the others. “Sure. Training room?”

Giles nodded and gestured for her to precede him.

Buffy paced the length of the room where she had spent so much time with the man who now sat on the leather sofa fiddling with his glasses. She spotted the chains and scented Xander’s fear in the room.

“Is this were you kept him?” Buffy gestured to the chains.

“Yes, we did…” Giles sighed and looked up at her. She looked remarkably similar to how she had been last time he saw her. But now she was drastically changed…

“Spill, Giles, you have ‘I have a hundred questions’ face.” Buffy sat down on the training mat and rested her chin on her knees and waited.

“I’m sorry, my dear, for what happened. I had no idea, none of us did. Not even your Mother…”

“Chill, Giles, it wasn’t your fault,” Buffy interrupted. “It’s not like you fed me to Drac. Oh wait, no that was Xander!” She growled, her eyes flashed lavender for a brief second, much to her Watcher’s fascination.

“Indeed it was, however Buffy, my dear, I feel like I have failed you,” Giles replied sadly.

Buffy stood and knelt at Giles’s feet; she reached out and took Giles’s hand in hers and squeezed it gently. Giles returned the pressure with a small smile. “I need to also apologise for the way I behaved when you came in…I…just…”

“Shhhh, it’s okay. We’re all gonna have to adjust to the new me, and there’ll be ‘loads of man I wish I hadn’t said that’ stuff!” Buffy reached up with her free hand and pressed her index finger to Giles’s lips. “The way I am now, it’s gonna be an adjustment for everyone, it’s not like we can shrug off my sudden allergy to sunlight and slap on the 1000+ sun block and head to the beach, right?” She grinned at her Watcher.

Giles reached over and placed his hand over their joined one and patted them. “No, indeed we can’t, but Buffy, please remember I will be here for you if you need me. Nothing has changed, I still care for you, my dear…”

“I know, Giles. Let’s just take it one day at a time, okay?” Buffy cocked her head and her action made Giles close his eyes; she looked so like Spike when she did that and it unsettled him.

“Buffy, about Spike…” before he could say anything Buffy stood and put her hands on her hips.

“What about Spike?” she drawled.

“Well, does he have to be so…you know…”

“Giles, I’ll say this only once and then I don’t want to hear anything again.” Buffy glared down at her uncomfortable Watcher; their brief détente appeared to be over. But she was not going to compromise. She loved Spike and it was something she wasn’t going to compromise…she had let them all take pot shots at her first vampiric lover and suffered for it. But not this time, she needed Spike and he needed her!

“Spike saved me from Drac, he was the only one who came. He risked everything to save me. If he hadn’t come, I think Drac would have dusted me…I wasn’t the easy conquest he had hoped for. If it wasn’t for his thrally crap I would have been out of there!”

“But why are you allowing him to touch you?”

“Giles, he’s my Sire! Didn’t Whistler tell you anything?” Buffy huffed and crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot.

“Yes he did, but now you’re back…”

“Now I’m back I should what, stake him, dump him? Say what to him, ‘gee, thanks for the save, now go away?’” Buffy stomped away to the door. She paused and looked over her shoulder at the silent man on the couch. “Giles, I love you, but please don’t make me choose between you… I don’t think you’d like my decision.” With that she left the room and slammed the door.

**********

Spike looked up from the text he had been flicking through and cocked his head in question at his sad Childe. He had heard everything that had been said in the other room and had been relieved to hear Buffy’s warning to Giles. “You all right, pet?”

She nodded and came over and sank onto his lap, then wrapped her arm around Spike’s neck.

“So, you guys are like an item now?” Dawn demanded with a hint of jealousy in her voice. She had harboured a secret crush on Spike for a while and was put out by how Buffy was draped over Spike.

“Of course they are, Dawn. Now don’t be silly over it! I think it’s perfect.” Anya patted Dawn on the shoulder, reached for a book and pulled it in front of her. As she began to read, she was unaware of the glare being directed at her. Dawn was furious at how Anya had dismissed her. She pouted at the oblivious ex demon and turned to complain to her Mom, only to be stopped by Tara shaking her head.

Spike and Buffy were oblivious of Dawn’s discomfort; they were absorbed in each other and talking quietly to each other.

Joyce watched the two vampires talking with a bemused smile on her face. She looked over at the door to the training room and nodded at Giles when he reappeared. He looked exhausted and unhappy. Joyce made a mental note to talk to him- anything she could do to help Buffy she was going to do.

“So, how are we going to dispose of the demon snake? It’s going to put off my customers!” Anya asked Giles as she flicked through her text.

“Buffy, would you and Spike be able to move it? I believe the sun has set.” Giles asked offering an olive branch to the two vampires.

“Sure.” Buffy stood and she and Spike began to drag the dead snake out of the shop and into the training room.

Tara checked to see if they had exited into the Alley, turning back to the others, “has anyone told her about Riley’s problem yet?”

Giles shook his head. “I have no idea how to broach the subject. Joyce, do you think that you could maybe talk to her about him?”

Joyce nodded, “I’ll try, maybe over dinner. Does Buffy still eat?”

“Eat what?” Buffy and Spike re-entered the shop.

“Food, honey, or should I make a stop at the butcher for some blood?” Joyce asked.

Buffy smiled at her Mom, amazed at how calmly she was taking everything. “I could go for some home cooked goodness and I know Spike eats.” Spike nodded with a smirk.

“Well then, I think we should get you home.” Joyce stood.

*********

“Uh Mom?” Buffy pressed her hand against the invisible barrier that kept her out of the house.

Joyce turned with a look of confusion on her face and then burst into tears. “Oh Baby, sorry! Please come in both of you!”

“Mommy, don’t cry, please!” Buffy hesitantly stepped forward, unsure as to whether or not to hug her weeping mother.

“I’m sorry. It’s just when you couldn’t come in it hit me that you’re really a vampire!” Joyce sobbed and reached for Buffy and pulled her close. “I’m sorry…”

Spike rocked on his heels; he felt like a third wheel and didn’t know what to do. His two favourite girls were upset and he wanted to help…

Dawn clattered back into the hall wondering what the commotion was and she slid to a halt. “Oh…”

“S’all right, they just need a bit o’ time.” Spike regarded the enigma that was Dawn and tried like hell to understand why she was here and what she was.

Joyce pulled back and cupped Buffy’s cheek in her hand; her fingers dried the tears off her eldest daughter’s face. “Sorry, baby…I thought I was coping and then…” She gestured to the door.

When she saw the flash of worry in Buffy’s eyes she hastily added “NO! I’m all right with it really, it was a surprise, this is your home and to see you stuck outside just reminded me of what had happened. I love you no matter what!”

Joyce pulled Buffy into a hug and then released her with a trembly smile. “Okay I’m going to get some food cooked, you want to come sit and talk with me? Spike, I may find some hot chocolate for you.”

“Sounds like a plan, Mum.” Spike stepped up and placed his hand in the small of Buffy’s back.

“Dawn, go and finish off your homework. I’ll call you when dinner is ready.” Joyce pointed to the stairs.

“Moooom!” Dawn whined.

“Daaaaawn… go on, scoot!” Joyce pushed her youngest up the stairs.

********

The dishes had been cleared away and the four of them sat around the table. Buffy flicked her gaze back and forth between her Mom and Dawn, trying to work out what the hell was going on.

Spike sat with his arm flung around the back of Buffy’s chair. He could sense her discomfort and pressed his knee against hers. Offering his support and comfort.

The entire meal had been strained as the two vampires endured a cross examination from Joyce. They had tried to provide as much detail about what had happened, censoring the more sexual aspects. Joyce had caught on to their conscious editing and had not pressed the issue.

Dawn had provided more detail about Willow and Xander than was necessary. She had interspersed her comments with looks of adoration at Spike, which amused him, but had begun to bug Buffy.

Joyce, “Pumpkin belly, it’s time for you to go to bed, and you’ve got school tomorrow,” broke the silence.

“Mom, do I have too? I want to spend time with Buffy and Sp…”

“No, bedtime now!” Joyce interrupted in her strict Mom voice.

Dawn stood reluctantly and then went over and threw her arms around Buffy’s neck and hugged her. “I’m glad you’re home, Buffy.” She turned to Spike and smiled shyly at him “you too, Spike…” With that she turned and headed up the stairs, her feet clomping all the way.

“Let me go check on her,” Joyce stood.

Buffy turned to Spike. “What the hell is Dawn?”

Spike glanced over his shoulder, “no idea pet, but keep quiet about her until we get back to the hotel, okay?”

“Sure…but I don’t like this…” Buffy rested her head on his shoulder and drew comfort from his scent.

“I know, luv, but the others seem so accepting of her and she so far hasn’t turned into something demonic and tried to kill us.” Spike fidgeted with his glass, he wanted a smoke but figured Joyce would not approve.

“There’s a first- something weird and it hasn’t tried to gut me!” Buffy snorted and then turned her head and nipped Spike’s shoulder.

“True,” Spike laughed while he reached over and squeezed her knee.

“Sorry about that, wanted to make sure young ears were in bed and not eavesdropping.” Joyce returned with a smile and sat back down. “Can I get you anything?”

“Joyce, luv – you had something to tell us.” Spike smiled. He could scent her nervousness.

“Um, well…it’s about Riley…” Joyce glanced at Spike to gauge his reaction to the ex soldier’s name and was relieved to see a neutral expression on her Hot chocolate drinking buddies’ face.

“Mom, I think maybe you should know that Riley and I are sorta over…well, once I get a chance to tell him…” Buffy looked up at Spike with a radiant smile.

Joyce watch Spike return her smile with one of his own and she was stunned at the complete change in Spike- he was no longer guarded or broody. Not that she would ever tell him that he had brooded. She could imagine his ire at that. Joyce smiled, amazed at how easily she accepted her daughter’s involvement with this vampire when she had railed against Angel and Buffy’s relationship.

“Honey, I kinda guessed that…and I am pleased for you.” She added firmly.

“Really?” Buffy couldn’t help but ask. She’d thought that it would have been harder than this. But a ‘Mom’ stamp of approval was of the good!

“Yes, but Spike, you do anything to hurt my baby girl and I will find that axe!” Joyce warned with a glint in her eye.

“Wouldn’t expect anything less of my girl’s Mum, and Joyce, love, I won’t do anything to hurt her…I love her!”

Buffy sighed happily and snuggled into Spike embrace. “Me too, Mom…”

“I know, but, we do have a problem with Riley.” Joyce turned the conversation back to Riley before she embarrassed herself and hugged Spike for being a cutie.

“What’s happened? I was kinda surprised he didn’t turn up at the Magic Box.” Buffy sighed as Spike pulled her closer.

“Well…it’s kinda awkward…”

“Joyce, stop beating round the bush and tell us!” Spike rumbled.

“Well, Giles, Anya and I noticed it first. He has been going to vampires and getting them to bite him…” Joyce avoided Buffy and Spike’s gaze and looked at her hands.

“Ewww, why?” Buffy wrinkled her nose.

“Prolly gets off on it, luv. Humans have been paying vamps for their bites for centuries. Must say, though, never expected it of Cap’n Cardboard…” Spike was trying to keep his tone nonchalant, but inwardly he was laughing his ass off. ‘So much for him being whiter than white!’

“People pay for it?” Buffy was stunned.

“Yeah, but the real risk is that one of the vamps’ll take too much or be there just for the easy kill…” Spike added.

“But what about the risk he was putting everyone else in? Mom and the others…if he had been vamped they would’ve been easy targets!” Buffy yelled. Her anger at Riley’s foolishness increased into a white-hot rage.

“Buffy, we all know what’s happening and are on our guard. Everyone knows not to invite him in and well we were more worried about you.” Joyce reached over and took Buffy’s cool hands in hers and tried to soothe her. She managed not to flinch when Buffy’s eyes changed and her fangs dropped down as she muttered under her breath about stupidhead soldiers who should’ve know better.

“So what are we gonna do about Soldier boy?” Spike interrupted the Mom and daughter bonding fest.

“Well, we confronted him yesterday and he ran out the shop. At least now Riley knows that we are aware of his addiction. Giles is hoping that his secret being uncovered may be enough to help him stop, if not, well…” Joyce trailed off and shrugged. “We had more important things to worry about.”

“I guess we’ll have to have a Scoobie meeting tomorrow? But Mom, I think getting rid of Drac is my priority. I don’t know what I can do or say to help Riley…” Buffy didn’t add that she didn’t really want to face her soon to be ex, but knew deep down that she would have to. Buffy wondered how she was going to break up with the ex-soldier, she had never been the dumpee, usually she was the dumped…

“We will honey we can head over after Dawnie has gone to school.” Joyce rose and began to clear the table. Buffy and Spike started to help and then paused.

“Umm Mom, Spike and I aren’t staying the night, we have a hotel room near the Magic Box.” Buffy ducked her head and waited for her Mom to freak.

“Oh…but I thought you would want to…” Joyce stopped herself and then looked sadly down at Buffy and realised that her eldest daughter was moving out and that there was nothing much she could do about it.

“Mom, I’m sorry, but Spike and I, well we…”

“Oh for Christ sake, will you two stop with the shilly shallying. Joyce luv, Buffy and I are going to be moving into our own place tomorrow. I know you probably don’t like this but you need to realise your girl loves you but things have changed.” Spike braced himself for a combined Summers scowl and was surprised when Joyce nodded and Buffy stared up in awe at him.

“I know, Spike, but you both have to promise to come over any time you want, please, I will miss her…”

“Oh Mom! I swear you’ll be sick of me, I’ll come over all the time. We both will!” Buffy flung her arms around her Mom and held her close, her vampiric sense of smell was overwhelmed with the scent of her Mom and she inhaled deeply, savouring it.

“Now Buffy, you head up and pack some things you’ll need for now and Spike and I will clear up.”

Buffy nodded, glad of the opportunity to sneak a look in Dawn’s room.

*********

“I don’t get it, Spike. Who is she and why do Mom and the others accept her so easily?” Buffy tossed her duffle onto the floor and flopped on the bed with a tired sigh.

“No idea, luv.” Spike kicked off his boots and padded over to the foot of the bed and watched as his girl stretched languidly.

“I checked her room when I was upstairs and it did the weird flickery thing as well…one minute it was teen wonderland and then it was the spare room.” Buffy lifted her foot and wriggled her toes at Spike, hoping for a massage.

Spike sat down and took the small foot offered him and began to absently massage it. He knew that his Childe was filled with tension over the meeting and her disastrous talk with Giles; he wanted to soothe and coddle her as best he could. At least Giles hadn’t made her cry…

Before they could continue there was a knock at the door.

Spike vamped out and stalked over to it and pulled it open. “Oh, it’s you…come in.”

Whistler walked in and waved at Buffy, “figured it was best to knock incase you were busy.”

“So, guess you’re here to fill us in on the newest addition to the Summers clan?” Spike sat down on the bed next to Buffy.

“Yeah, sorry. I would’ve been here sooner but I was getting someone settled in his new home.” Whistler sat down at the small table and looked hopefully over at the fridge. “Anything to drink?”

“Help yourself, mate, and get with the talking too!” Spike wrapped an arm around Buffy and tried to tamp down the violent urges he was having to leap up and rip Whistler’s head off.

“Thanks.” Whistler searched through the honour bar and pulled out a beer. “You guys want anything? No…” He sat back down and took a long drink. “Much better…”

“Come on, make with the explainy. It’s weird. Even though I know Dawn isn’t my sister, I didn’t want to, you know…” Buffy waved her hand in a staking motion.

“Yeah about that, thing is, when Kendra made you safe from magical influence well it covers a broad spectrum. If you focus deep inside yourselves you’ll find the false memories and you can access them…As for what she… is as far as we can tell, she is human but her blood is filled with a power. We’re trying to find out where she came from and what she is here for. But we think she is here for you to protect.” Whistler explained. “The Powers can’t sense any evil in her and neither can I.”

“Well, that’s a whole load of vague with an added twist of huh!” Buffy rolled her eyes.

“Wot happens if we access these memories? Will they become real to us like it has with the rest of them?” Spike demanded.

“Naaa… I had a look and look I’m still normal!” Whistler held out his hands in a dramatic flourish.

“Normal? That’s normal?” Spike jerked his thumb at Whistler and smirked at him.

“Oh Spike, you crack me up…not!” Whistler tipped his bottle in a toast and drained it in one go. “Well I’ve done my Deus ex Machina bit for today, so I’ll toddle off.” He rose only to be stopped by Buffy’s voice.

“Was it Xander you were settling into wherever you sent him?”

Whistler nodded, “yeah hon, it was. But don’t worry, he won’t be coming back until the Bosses have helped him. Okay?”

“Thanks…” Buffy tried to smile but failed, instead she yawned and tried to keep her eyes open. The day’s events had exhausted her and she was running on fumes.

“One more question before you leave, shorty. How do we access the memories?” Spike helped Buffy to lie down and then turned to face Whistler.

The small demon dug into his pocket and pulled out a cream candle and tossed it to Spike, who caught it without looking. “Meditate kids, get in touch with your inner self and all that hooey…” With that Whistler vanished in a flash of light.

 
Dark Gift

Feedback : I would love input. It's a drug that I could become addicted to! Drop me a note at schehrezade_1@hotmail.com

Archived at our own site badrudeman.com

Rating: R for now will vary from chapter to chapter. Will always put in a warning.

Thank you so much to my amazing Beta Megan_Peta who as ever has come up trumps fixing my scribbles!!!

Italics = thoughts
 

She was back...

There had been whispers in the den; he had raised his eyes from the vampiress who was biting his inner thigh and glanced around wondering if any of the vamps knew his connection to her.

The Slayer...

He grimaced as the vampiress at his thigh bit down harder; she had sensed his heartbeat race at the mention of the killer of their kind and had torn into his flesh with a vengeance. Riley ran his fingers through her lank hair and cradled her against his willing flesh. He left out a soft groan and ran his hand down her back and slapped her hard on her backside. She whimpered and pulled her fangs out of the open wound, her amber eyes glinted as she sinuously made her way up to his neck and nipped at the scabbed over bite mark.

Riley fisted his hand in her hair and pulled her head back.  He leant over and with his blunt teeth mimicked a vamp bite on her pale throat. Riley ignored the head of the den as he slid into the cool depths of the vampiress that straddled him. Their coupling was animalistic and the trails of blood that ran down their bodies, a study in scarlet.

So wrapped up in the scene before him the elder vampire didn't sense the silent observer who watched Riley and his bloodwhore from a safe vantage point in the hallway.

*******

He spotted her when he had ventured out after nightfall. Her unmistakable walk and the sassy way her hair flicked from side to side made him ache for her. But he didn't know what she had been told...

He trailed after her as she stalked down Main Street with the blond haired menace walking beside her. Envy and anger filled him - he should be the one at her side, not him!

********

The bell over the door jingled as Spike pulled it open and waited for Buffy to enter. He clenched his jaw at the giggles that erupted from Anya at him being a gent. His pale blue eyes flashed a warning at her and he placed his hand in the small of Buffy's back as they walked down the couple of steps to the research table.

***********

They had followed Whistler's instructions and meditated on the candle and their false memories had been easy to access. Both of them had sat cross-legged facing each other with the flickering candle between them as they fell into a deep trance.

Deep within themselves they found the implanted memories and watched them, intrigued Dawn was interwoven into all their lives at the most inner level. Despite her being a creation of magics, they were drawn to her through their memories. As the hours passed and they watched fascinated as Dawn's life was entwined into theirs, they both reached a realisation.

She was theirs to protect, it didn't matter where she had come from. Their implanted memories and the emotions connected with the coltish teen had no influence on their decision - they would protect her for Joyce and for the world. Neither of them could discern from their accessed memories where she had come from or what her purpose was, but it didn't matter.

Spike was drawn to her; she was the younger sister he had never had. He had sensed that she was an innocent in all this and this added to his determination to protect her.  Also he had a weakness for Summers women, all of them- human, vampiric and mystically created teenagers. With a surprising ease the vampire shifted Dawn from possible enemy to one of his own.

She was an extension of his Childe and for that alone he would lay down his life for the girl. They were his family.

Buffy watched as she and Dawn grew up together. Huddled together in her bed in LA  as they listened to their parents argue nightly.

She watched as Dawn covered for her when she came home late from slaying and helped her dress her injuries.

Yes, there had been fights, but at the same time there had been a sisterly affection that overwhelmed it all.

Buffy watched while Dawn hid at the top of the stairs, watching Spike enter and the hesitant détente that was brokered- the first time- they had fought side by side. She wondered briefly if that was where her journey with her Sire had begun.

Buffy's eyes filled with tears as she watched the three of them interact, Joyce, Dawn and herself, and she came to a realisation.

Dawn was Joyce's only living daughter, the one who may give Mom the grandbabies when she grew older that Buffy now couldn't. And with that Buffy vowed to herself then and there that nothing would ever hurt Dawn. It didn't matter where she had come from or how Dawn had been created, she was precious to Joyce and now her, and nothing would stop her from protecting the teen.

It would be her gift to their Mom.

Her legacy to the world.

Then as one they woke from their trance.

The rest of the day they had spent in bed talking and making love over and over until they were swimming in each other's scents.

Together they discussed Dawn and what they both mutually agreed to do.

To protect her for Joyce.

For their family.

**************

Spike hesitated for a second, his eyes flashed amber and then returned to blue. He felt a prickle along his spine. Someone or something was watching them...

"Spike, you okay?" Buffy noticed he had paused and eyed him curiously.

Spike cracked his neck and then lazily turned to face the door. "Thought I felt summthin' watching us..."

"Really?" Anya walked around the cash desk and stared quizzically out the shop window. "What? Human or demon?"

Spike glanced down at the tired girl, noting the black circles around her eyes. His face softened, "You all right, pet?"

Anya's lips tightened and she shook her head.

"No, I'm worried about..." she trailed off at the angry glint in Spike's eyes. "I'm sorry, Spike, really I am...I had no idea what he would do." She wrung her hands and stared up earnestly at the silent vampire. Her eyes flicked to Buffy who had stepped away to give them some privacy. "If I had I would've done everything I could to stop him..."  She hung her head, unable to look him in the eyes.

Spike wanted to reassure her but couldn't. She was worried about the wanker and he honestly didn't care about him. But her distress was calling to his inner William. Hesitantly he reached out a hand to pat her on the shoulder and then to his surprise his arms were full of a sobbing Anya. He looked over at his Childe for help; his arms hovered in a loose circle around the weeping girl's back.

Buffy frowned and made hugging gestures to him and then turned to talk with Tara.

Spike huffed and then cautiously wrapped his arms around Anya, and patted her awkwardly. "It'll be okay, pet..."
 
*******

Riley shrank back when Spike turned to look; the blond vampire's eyes scanned the alley he was hiding in. He didn't leave, he was aching to get to Buffy, they needed to talk. But he had no idea what the others had said to her and with Spike there, it was not a good idea to go in. He might smell all the fresh bites that littered his body and the ex-soldier knew that Hostile 17 wouldn't hesitate to crow about his bites. He needed to get Buffy on her own - maybe on patrol... Riley frowned, realising that Spike would probably be trailing after her. 'Or maybe not...'

Riley stiffened at the sight of Anya curling into Spike's arms. 'Maybe the two demons have hooked up? When did Spike find out that Harmony was dust? So much for loyalty and eternal love! Wonder when Xander finally dumped her demonic ass...' He had never understood what Xander was doing with Anya, but from what Buffy and the others had said, Xander was attracted to demoness.  It had been the one thing that had disgusted him about Xander, he couldn't figure out why he would fight them all night and then go home to one. It was revolting.

He stood there watching the two of them cuddling, completely ignoring his own 'disgusting' attraction to demons, caught up in his own hypocrisy. Riley wondered why the others were so unconcerned about the two demons making with the snuggles. Tara, Buffy and Giles were friends of Xander's, not those two.  They were outsiders to the group, barely tolerated.

Or so he thought.  Riley had been missing for so long that he had no idea of the change in the group dynamics, or that two of the core Scoobies were gone.

He worked himself into a self-righteous snit as he watched the two of them talking quietly. Riley decided that he would be the one to sort out the wheat from the chaff, after he had made up with Buffy. With that he shrank back into the shadows and disappeared down the Alley, heading towards Willy's Bar.  He needed a drink and a quick fix and knew he'd get them there.

*******

"So do you think that they'll be able to help Willow?" Buffy demanded of Giles as he sat down at the table.

"I'm positive that they will, Buffy.  I spoke with one of the coven members earlier today and they assured me that they could help Willow develop control over her abuse of magicks. It's a matter of training and self-discipline." Giles sighed tiredly. The events of the previous night weighed heavily on his mind.

Added to that, the long conversation he had with Joyce that morning had been exhausting, but he had started to accept that possibly Joyce was right. Spike and Buffy were a couple and he would, to quote Joyce, 'have to extract the bug out of his ass and grow the hell up and make sure that he was good to her girl. Or else!' Giles had gaped in surprise at the strong words that had erupted from the usually polite woman and, stunned, had nodded his agreement.

He was determined to ease Buffy's transition into her new life. He had researched all the Watcher diaries he had to hand, trying to determine if there had ever been another Slayer who had been turned. He wanted guidance on how to help; Giles knew that there was no option of going to the Council. If they learned of Buffy's new status they would act on it and send a team to the Hellmouth to destroy her. The silence from London was telling him his suspicions were confirmed. The Slayer line ran through Faith now, and not Buffy.

He had talked with Anya and tried to glean any information she might have heard during her years as a vengeance demon, but she had never heard of a Slayer being turned. She had promised to discreetly check around, both of them aware that they had to be careful.

A turned Slayer would be too great a prize for some...they had to protect her from all who would harm her. Giles stared at Spike assessingly; he knew that as Buffy's Sire he would protect her until he was dust. The Watcher mentally noted that they should talk, maybe Spike knew something about turned Slayers. He had a fascination for them; it was possible that he had information that would help.

He snorted under his breath. He was going to Spike for help? Times had definitely changed.

"Giles?" Buffy waved her hand in front of his face. She was freaked that he had zoned out. 'Maybe he hates what I've become?' She worried her lower lip with her teeth and tried not to panic. She knew it was going to be a long while before Giles accepted what she now was, and it hurt...

Spike sensed Buffy's distress through their bond and turned to face her. Pulling Anya with him he stalked over to the table and plopped down next to Buffy. He reached over and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, offering silent support.

"What? Sorry, I was miles away. What was it you said?" Giles reached over and hesitantly patted her hand and managed to suppress his surprise at the cool temperature of her skin. He had expected it, but it was still a surprise.

"When can we talk to Wills?" Buffy asked quietly, her gaze on Tara's strained face. She knew that the gentle Wiccan wanted to ask but was too shy to do so.

"In time, for now we must place our trust in the Coven. They have promised daily reports on her progress. When they feel she is ready they will allow us to talk to her. However we can write to her, they have asked that we do so as it will help Willow to realise that we haven't abandoned her." Giles sat back with a sigh.

"I can write to her then?" Tara asked hopefully.

Giles nodded with a smile.  "Absolutely, I'm sure she will be comforted by your letters. I have the address here." With that Giles pulled out a notebook and tore off a page.

"May I have it, too?" Anya asked nervously. "I'd like to write to her, if that's okay?"

"Indeed, however Anya please keep the letter light and try not to refer to..." Giles hesitated looking over at Buffy.

"Man, you can say Xander's name!" Buffy crossed her arms and rolled her eyes at Giles. "We all need to stop skirting around him. We know what he did to me...we know what Willow did to him as well!"

"You know?" Tara interrupted surprise colouring her face.

"Yeah, the Nibblet filled us in last night over supper.  Must say was a bit surprised at Red's torture techniques..." Spike stopped aghast at the expression on Tara's face and the tears that fell down hers and Anya's cheeks. 'Bollocks I made the two of them cry...'

He reached into his pocket for a cigarette and then caught Buffy's frown and yelped when she pinched him hard on the side. "Sorry doves, I didn't mean to make you weep...forgive me...I'm a bad rude vampire..."

Tara sniffed and mopped the tears from her face and nodded at Spike. "S'okay..."

She knew that an apology from the embarrassed vampire was an alien thing and also a precious commodity. So she decided to accept it easily, to make Spike feel better and also to make sure that he knew that he was accepted and whatever he said or did wrong could be forgiven.

"I need to count the money, it makes me feel better..." Anya flew to the cash till and began to shuffle the cash around.

"Bugger..." Spike stood and stalked out of the shop. He stood in plain view and puffed on a cigarette. He hated to see women cry and felt sick to his stomach that he was the cause of their tears. 'Bloody ponce...'

"Should one of us go out there?" Tara gestured to the now pacing Spike, who was muttering to himself and waving his arms around.

Buffy shook her head, "no, let him be.  He'll be right back in."

"Okay,." Tara sank back down. "How was dinner with your mom?"

Buffy hesitated.  She and Spike had decided earlier to not tell the others about Dawn, the less people that knew the safer it was. "It was good, she was kinda sad though..."

"Really? Why?" Tara asked curiously.

"Well, Spike and I are moving in together...and well, I think she was hoping I was gonna stay with her."

Giles managed not to squawk at the flippant way Buffy discussed that she was moving in with Spike. He hoped like hell it wasn't into the crypt...but then again, he doubted Joyce would allow that, and neither would Buffy. One thing he had learned in his years as her Watcher Buffy didn't settle for second best. No, he imagined that Spike would be rushed off his feet catering to her demands and probably loving every second of it!

"No melt down Giles?" Buffy had expected at least a 'dear lord' and some serious glass cleaning, instead there was a bemused smile on her Watcher's face and nothing said.

"No...but please make sure I have a telephone number to contact you on." Giles stood and went over to the shop door. He pulled it open and stuck out his head, "get in here, you nance, and stop hiding from the girls. We've a lot to get through tonight."

Spike froze mid-step and looked over at the Englishman.  "Right then..." he headed over to the door and then froze, a familiar and yet irritating scent filled his nostrils. Spike growled and cocked his head and sniffed the air, it was faint but it was the git.

"Spike? What's wrong?" Giles noticed the feral look on the shorter man's... err... vamp's face and began to reach for the stake in his waistband.

"Whitebread's been here tonight." Spike snarled and raced towards the now empty alleyway, Giles close on his heels.

"Anything?" Giles panted- he needed to go to the gym more often or at least try to start running again...

"Was here a while ago but headed off that way."  Spike jerked his head down the alley. He sniffed the air, "he's been bit recently.  I can smell the blood."

"Balls! I had hoped our confronting him might have shown the git the error of his ways..."

Spike raised a scarred brow at Giles and tried not to laugh outright in his face.  "Yeah, m'sure a few harsh words'll make the arse see the error of his ways!"

"Well, when you put it that way...no. What the ruddy hell are we going to do?" Giles gritted out, frustrated beyond reason.

"One thing at a time, first we need to find the bugger and maybe chain him up in a nice dark basement and kick him in the balls..."Spike trailed off sheepishly. "Wot!"

Giles managed to do a good impression of Buffy and rolled his eyes at the idiot vampire. "Yes dear, that's an excellent plan!"

"Alright, so I'm not good with the planning, I get bored easily..." Spike joked.

"I've noticed," Giles replied dryly. "Come on we need to get planning."

*********

"What are they doing out there?" Anya hissed as she tried to peek over Tara's shoulder. All three of the girls were huddled in the doorway watching Giles and Spike talking and surprisingly, laughing.

"Male bonding, I think?" Buffy cocked her head and smiled at her two British men.

"Quick!  Look busy, they're coming back."  Tara yelped and ran to the back of the store.

Anya and Buffy ran into each other and ended up on the floor giggling.

"What are you doing down there, pet?" Spike reached down and pulled the giggling mess of his Childe up and into his arms. Giles helped Anya to her feet and then pulled the door shut.

"Nuthin!" Buffy pouted up at Spike. "What were you two doing out there?"

"Nuthin." Spike echoed her slang with a smile

"Hmmm...don't tell then!" Buffy reached down and gave Spike's butt a hard squeeze and then smirked as he hardened against her.

"When you two have finished flirting we need to sort out a plan of attack on Dracula." Giles interrupted the vampiric lovefest that was taking place right before his eyes.

"Yes Dad!" Buffy pulled Spike along with her back to the table.

"Right, well we have not been able to locate his new abode. The mansion has disappeared. However I doubt that he has left Sunnydale as there has been a massive rise in sudden deaths from neck ruptures," Giles added wryly.  He marvelled at the idiocy of the police force in Sunnydale, but it often worked in their favour.

"Really, the whole place has gone?" Buffy leant forward and rested her elbows on the table, Spike's hand on the small of her back keeping her calm.

"Yes I checked this morning and the dog pound, it would appear, is back in business."

"So what do we do now?" Spike interjected.

"Well I was wondering if you were up to patrolling, Buffy?" Giles asked hesitantly. He was acutely aware that she was still recovering from her ordeal and was not too sure if she was up to patrolling the cemeteries so soon. But they needed to.

"Sure! I've got some wicked moves I can't wait to try out on the bad guys! Spike and I have been training..."

"She's a marvel, got a whole load of new moves and a nifty trick."  Spike smiled proudly at his Childe. "Go show em! It'll knock the tweed boxers off the Watcher here!"

With a smile Buffy vanished in a puff of black smoke.

"Wow!" Tara blinked and stared at the empty seat.

"OH!" Anya looked around the shop excitedly.

"Good grief!" Giles leapt to his feet and stared in shock at Buffy's empty seat.

"Look behind you, Rupes."  Spike pointed to the metal staircase leading up to the prohibited section.

"Hey guys." Buffy waved from her new seat. "Pretty cool, huh?"

"I'll say, and you are in complete control of this vanishing trick?" Giles exclaimed excitedly.

"Yup, and Whistler said that the only way I can dust Drac is when we are both in mid poof! So at least I can take him out, yeah?" Buffy bounced back to her seat and sat down with a face splitting smile.

"Excellent! That is good news." Giles sat back down.

"Any other Drac tricks?" Anya asked curiously.

"Not that we've discovered yet," Spike answered Anya's question. "But she's a lot stronger than before," he added proudly.

"She can answer for herself, Spike!" Buffy poked him in the side and gave him a sphinx like smile.

"Does it feel weird when you do it?" Tara asked.

Spike bit his tongue and refrained from teasing the innocent girl.

"Not really, I can see all of you but it's like I'm a few seconds out of time, it's hard to explain..."

Giles fingers itched to reach for his journal to document this, but he resisted. He would wait until he was home with a glass of scotch in one hand and a good record playing as loud as he could get away with without waking the neighbours.

"So, what's the plan? We go patrol and see if we can sniff out Drac's new pad?" Spike leant back on his chair and tried to control his anticipation. He wanted a good rough and tumble before he and his Childe moved into their new digs. He couldn't wait to see her face when he took her home. 'Home... that has a nice ring to it!'

"Yes, I think that's a sound idea, shall we join you both?"

"No Giles, you guys look like you need some shut eye.  We'll catch up with you tomorrow and fill you in." Buffy pulled Spike to his feet, she headed over and hugged Tara and Anya. She then stood hesitantly in front of Giles unsure if she should hug him too. Giles stood and took her in his arms, deciding for her.

"I'm glad you're home.  Be careful tonight, please," he whispered into her hair.

Buffy pulled him closer and squeezed him tight. "We will...thank you, Giles."

"Night, ladies...Rupes, have a drinkie for me."

With that the two vampires exited the Magic Box and headed out to hunt.

"I guess we need to research the snake thingie before we go, right?" Tara reached for a book and silence descended on the Magic Box as they searched for a clue on what the demon was and who might have released it.

*******

He followed the two of them from a distance- falling back on his training- and was able to remain off their radar. Riley frowned at the easy way they interacted; he had never seen the two of them on patrol. Their easy banter and quick reflexes illustrated to him how well matched they were.

The tall man felt a pang of anger and jealousy run through him. Buffy and he had never meshed so well when they fought; there had always been an advantage in Buffy's favour. She was faster and stronger; he had thought that he could cope with that. Be proud of her.  But slowly the rot had set in. Riley had felt inadequate - not strong enough and not dark enough...

But now maybe he was. He had realised that Buffy needed a bit of darkness in her man and maybe now he'd measure up. Riley didn't even pause to consider that what he was thinking was wrong and he needed help. Neither did he notice that Buffy was stronger and faster than before, and that she had lavender tinted eyes and fangs. He was too caught up in his fury and envy.

********

"Duck!" Buffy yelled as she leapt over his head, mimicking the move he had pulled on her in the cabin. She landed on the vamp that had tried to blindside her Sire and with a twist of her hands, ripped his head off. Twirling she bounced on her heels and wiped her hands on the seat of her hipster jeans. The thrill of the hunt was filling her with glee.

"Enjoyin' yourself, sweetness?" Spike straightened and with a shake of his shoulders, settled his ever-present duster onto his lean frame.

"Yeah, it's good to be patrolling." Buffy skipped off happily, followed by a grinning Spike. He gazed in appreciation at her jean-clad backside; she was cute when she was slaying. Watching her fight had always turned him on and now that he intimately knew what was under her form fitting clothes, he was harder than ever.

Lost in his randy thoughts he tripped over something and fell face first at Buffy's feet.  Scrambling up he froze when his hand made contact with what he had fallen over.

"So much for the vampiric grace that Giles is always babbling about!" Buffy giggled and then her face froze when she saw what Spike had tripped over. "Oh!" She knelt down and reached over and turned the corpse's head to one side, revealing the bite marks on his neck.

Spike wiped his hands on his duster and stared down at the cooling corpse. "N'other one of Drac's tarts, do you think?" He sniffed the air and recognised the scent as being the Bride that had given him the box as he had left. 'Bugger all, forgot all about that!'  He thrust his hand into his pocket and felt the small squashed parcel.

"Yeah, smells like one of his girls."  Buffy ran her hand over the terror filled open eyes that stared sightlessly up at the stars, closing them. "What should we do?"

"Call Rupes and get him to do the usual anonymous call to the boys in blue." Spike pulled Buffy up and curled his arms around her shoulders and walked her away from the corpse.

"I wish I could've..."

"We'll stop him, never fear, luv."  Spike turned her to face him and cupped her chin in his hand. Raising her face he brushed his lips over her quivering lips. He knew that smelling the vampiress would bring back memories of her imprisonment. Spike brushed her tears of with his fingers, his eyes filled with concern. "You okay, Childe?"

Buffy sniffled and then nodded as determination filled her eyes. "Not gonna let them freak me out, I'm okay. But I need a kiss, Spike..." She looked up through her lashes coyly.

"M'pleasure luv...never need to ask..." Spike leant down and captured her lips in a sweet kiss that lingered.

Riley froze at the sight of Spike kissing his girl; his knuckles whitened as he clenched his fists. 'That scum is touching her!'

He launched himself out from behind the crypt he was hiding behind, with a bellow of anger.

Buffy flew backwards as Spike was ripped from her arms; she cracked her head on a gravestone and her vision blurred. Looking up she saw Spike struggling with a tall form. Pushing herself up she wavered for a moment and then straightened.

Spike growled and vamped out as his attacker wrestled with him. A grunt escaped his mouth when a fist impacted with his stomach. Spike doubled over and then surged upwards. Using the back of his head as a weapon he caught his attacker on the chin. Spike smirked at the resounding crack that echoed across the moonlit cemetery. Spinning, he kicked the tall form away from him with a growl.

Shaking his head to clear it, Spike pounced on the fallen form and began to unleash a flurry of blows on the now groaning attacker.

He raised his arm to belt the bastard once more only to be stopped by Buffy's slim hand and her gasp of astonishment. "Spike! It's Riley...he's a vamp!"

Spike leapt up, disgusted that he had been straddling the ponce and not realising. But his rage had blurred his senses and he had fought instinctively. Not realising it was Captain America.

"Wot! He's a vamp? How...when?" he spluttered. Spike looked down at his blood soaked knuckles in shock.

"He has to be, cos no 'argh' from the chip!" Buffy ran her hand over the back of Spike's head.

"Nope, didn't feel a thing," Spike cocked his head and stared down at Riley's fallen form. Then he froze...

Riley was breathing...

"Luv, he's not a vamp!" Spike whispered in shock. His hand went to his temple and rubbed it. "I think he's still human..."

Buffy's shocked eyes widened and she dropped to her knees and checked Riley for a pulse. "He's alive...but you hit him!"

"I know, luv..."

"Wow! Do you think that they," she pointed upwards, "turned it off?"

"Dunno..." Before Spike could continue Riley leapt up and grabbed Buffy in his arms. "Oi, let her go!"

"Buffy stake him, his chip's not working!" Riley gasped as he coughed up blood. Delight filled him, now she would get rid of the pest.

Buffy pulled away from Riley and stared at him in shock and disgust. "Lemme go!"

Riley shook her hard, "stake him! He can kill again!" He was lost in anger and didn't notice that Buffy was snarling at him in anger. As he yelled at her to stake Spike, spittle ran down his chin.

"Is that all you've got to say? No 'where have you been, honey? Are you all right? What happened to you, Buffy? Sorry I didn't come save you'?" She yelled and vamped out in anger at the enraged man who was gripping her arms.

Riley tore his eyes off Spike's smirking countenance and stared down in shock at her demonic features.

Unable to stop himself he hardened in excitement. 'She's a vampire!' Arousal flooded him.  There was no consideration that his girlfriend had been turned into what she was destined to hunt. Only that now she was even more perfect for him. Visions of them making love and her biting filled his mind and his cock jerked in his slacks. With an excited moan he rubbed his erection against Buffy who stood stunned in his arms. Ignoring Spike's growls of anger and possession. Before Spike could intervene Buffy pulled away from Riley.

"Ewww!" She pulled away from Riley and stepped into Spike's arms.

"Buffy..." Riley stared in shock at her cradled in her enemy's arms. "What are you doing? You're mine!"

"She's no one's chattel, mate."  Spike snarled and glared at Riley through amber eyes.

"Riley, what are you doing?" Buffy gasped in shock. She realised in that moment that he was outta his mind and there was nothing she could do to help. She wondered if contacting the army and getting them to come and retrieve Riley might help.

"Buffy, you're my girl and now..." Riley was lost to reason, his arousal had overwhelmed him completely.

She shook her head sadly, "Riley, don't.   Please not this..."

Riley stopped himself from reaching for Buffy and reason flooded him like a dash of cold water in the face. 'Oh Jesus, what am I doing...' He stared in embarrassment and shock at the two blonds who were in each other's arms and shame filled him for the first time in ages. "I...I...Buffy, oh god, I'm sorry..." Riley turned and ran as fast as he could. Ignoring the pain in his ribs and the shouts of the two vampires following him. He needed to get away and think. Go somewhere and heal, before he could face her and apologise.

He slipped through a break in the fence and disappeared down a side street, losing his trackers.

Sweat ran down his face as he ran from his inner demons and the real ones who had tried to follow him.

He kept running for what seemed like hours, his heart racing in his chest and his breaths exploding from his mouth in deep gasps. Tears ran down his face as he replayed all the visits to the vampire den and he began to sob. Riley sank to his knees and tore at his hair.

What had he done?

What had he become...

When had a bite become more important than Buffy?

He had lost her and it was what he deserved...

"Hush now handsome, don't be so sad!" A purring contralto voice filled his ears. A slim woman appeared out of the shadows. "Come on, I'll help you..."

Before Riley to say anything he felt someone move up behind him. A blow landed on his head, and then there was pain and blessed oblivion....
 
 

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