Chapter Nine

Bloody vampire interrupting my spell. If it wasn’t for that interfering soulful git I would have a whole horde of demons to wreak havoc on this town, Ethan thought as he stalked through town. He was livid because he was unable to use an incantation he had found to open the portal to the demon dimension. With the portal spell he had to be at a certain place and do it at the exact time or it wouldn’t work.

It would’ve been so entertaining to watch an army of demons demolishing this quaint little town. That little slip of a slayer would’ve had her hands full and maybe Giles could have been ripped to pieces playing super hero. Oh well, at least I have my little back up plan.

Ethan’s other plans wouldn’t be as amusing for him, but they would cause chaos all the same. With three powerful vampires, a slayer and a watcher becoming slaves to their deepest hidden desires, things could get very interesting. Smiling to himself, Ethan quickly decided he would cast the first spell the following evening.

The second spell was far more complicated, but just as destructive. Magically inducing vampires to revert to their primal selves would make the town an all you can eat buffet. The night would be filled with screams and blood. Even though both spells would only last for short periods of time, there would still be plenty of the turmoil that he loved.

As he came closer to his motel room, Ethan knew he would have to immediately cast a cloaking spell for himself. That nancy boy vampire would surely run straight to Giles and tell him about what he had stumbled upon at the cemetery-- and then Giles would be out looking for him. There was no way he was allowing himself to get caught before he could work his magic on his old friend.

With a demented grin on his face and a cocky swagger, he walked to his door and unlocked it. This was going to be one of the best parties he had put together in a long time.

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

Buffy couldn’t believe she was out hunting for this Ethan guy with a big, broody looking vampire and an irritating Watcher. They had already covered half of Sunnydale and still there was no sign of the guy. I mean, the guy was a wizard or something. Wouldn’t he be doing something all magicky to hide his whereabouts?

Angel’s mind kept playing over the short amount of time he was able to be with Drusilla the previous evening. The way she had looked up at him and flung herself into his awaiting arms. The way she felt against him. Something so soft in a world that had been nothing but harsh for him. He could still feel her softness and it caused him to waver. Even after a century, all he wanted to do was run back to the factory and pull her to him, never letting her go again.

Giles had a look on his face that suggested his world was slowly crumbling around him and he had no way of stopping it. Buffy couldn’t help the fact that she loved that look on him right now. She was still really angry with him over his asinine comments about Merrick.

Giles was a complete mess on the inside but trying to appear as if it was a just another normal evening. Walking determinedly down the street with his eyes focused in front of him, his thoughts were centered on Ethan. What am I going to do if it is him? We were close friends for so long, doing everything together. When I chose to stop making others miserable, I didn’t even talk to him about it. I just left my dearest friend alone. No wonder he’s been so angry with me all these years. If he would have done that to me, I wouldn’t have forgiven him.

For years, he had kept anything about the man he used to be in the dark, never wanting people to know all of the evil things he had done. He still could not figure out why Ethan had never grown out of it as he had done. How could he still be worshipping chaos after so long? Did he just never grow up? Was there something I could have done to make him see how wrong it was to continue? Nothing good ever came from the things we did. Or maybe the bitterness was overpowering.

Echoing his inner thoughts, Buffy broke the silence asking, “So how do you know this Ethan guy anyway, Giles?”

Giles thought for a moment and then decided to be mostly honest. He could give them that much at least. “When I was a young man, my father pushed me towards the council and being a watcher. Naturally I rebelled, as most young people do. I went straight for the opposite of what he wanted and started delving into black magic and the occult. I have done many horrible things I am not proud of,” he sighed, nervously taking off his glasses and polishing away the nonexistent dust.

Pushing the glasses back onto his nose, he continued. “After some time I finally turned my back on that dark period of my life and became the watcher that I was supposed to be. Ethan was my best friend, but he never grew out of the occult and has continued to worship Chaos. With all these years of honing his craft, I am sure he is very powerful now. I don’t want to have to come up against him, but I will do whatever is necessary.”

Buffy was dumbstruck. It was unbelievable to her that this uptight arrogant man had once been into black magic. He seemed way too tweedy for that kind of thing.

Angel wasn’t all that surprised, suspecting there were some skeletons in old Rupert’s closet. With the way the older man’s heart raced whenever he mentioned Ethan’s name over the last few hours, he was sure there was more to the friendship than Rupert was implying as well.

Giles stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and turned to the others. They had been at it for hours. He was tired and by the look of it, they were ready to give up for the night too.

“We have been over almost every inch of Sunnydale and I don’t think we are going to find Ethan tonight. What say we quit for now and pick it back up tomorrow?” He wanted to crawl into his bed and sleep for a week.

“Sounds like a plan to me. I’ll be over at your place tomorrow night, Giles. Bye.” Buffy walked off before either could say anything to her. There were other things she had to sort out in her head.

Angel and Giles said their goodbyes for the night and headed to their own homes.

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

Spike came into their bedroom just before sunrise hoping Dru would be sound asleep. He had spent the last thirty minutes scrubbing himself raw to make sure no scent of the slayer lingered on his body. He entered their room as quietly as possible. Slowly, he climbed into bed with Drusilla and pulled her close, hoping that maybe the feel and smell of her would drive thoughts of the slayer from his traitorous head.

Dru turned to face him and her eyes fluttered open. “Bad dog, my Spike, climbing into our bed with thoughts of the little golden girl twirling and swirling in your brain. Mummy doesn’t like those things going round and round in your head.” She nipped at his face but then turned her back to him and went back to sleep.

Spike lay there in silence. Dru knows. How am I going to make this better? At least she didn’t rip into me with those claws of hers. Maybe she wasn’t fully awake. Maybe she’ll forget all this by tonight and everything’ll be okay again.

Maybe I’m an idiot to think so, he told himself as he drifted off to sleep, images of a little golden girl dancing around him, a stake clutched in her hand.

Chapter Ten

Ethan sat in his horrid little motel room surrounded by the ingredients he needed for the first spell; the one that would bring out one’s most hidden desire. It was almost six in the evening and a very good time to start the fun, in his opinion. The sun would not be setting until almost seven and the three vampires would have an uncontrollable need to get to whatever their desire was while trapped inside their shelter. This would serve to compound their feelings and drive them harder towards what they wanted once they were able to leave.

From the small amount of research he had done on the two vampires, he had learned of their fierce rivalry when it came to the vampiress, Drusilla. Because of the love that Spike had for Drusilla and Angelus’s possessiveness towards her, Ethan was hoping for a fight to the death. In their frantic desire driven state he knew that anyone or anything getting in their way would be decimated.

Having the Slayer under his little spell would be a treat. Knowing most all of what had been written on the slayer demon he could only imagine what kind of wonderful things could come from the influence of his dark magics. Maybe she will turn into her primal self. Wouldn’t that be magnificent?

Giles’ role in his little play was the topper. Ethan hoped that he would be visited by all the anguish that Ethan had suffered upon his rejection.

The bloodshed and destruction all of these beings would cause would be magnificent to see. Beautiful chaos such a perfect thing to be a part of. He sat down in the circle he had created for the spell and with a deranged grin on his face, he began to chant.

@~@~@~

Across town in the old factory, Spike sat in his favorite leather chair. Jeopardy was on but he wasn’t bothering to pay attention. All he could think about was the Slayer, even as he berated himself for his traitorous thoughts.

The minion he had sent out the night before had been successful in finding out her name. Buffy Anne Summers. A sappy grin crossed Spike’s face as he shook his head while pondering the silly name. Buffy. How could such a name ever strike fear into her enemy’s hearts?

An unexpected gut wrenching surge of desire ripped through him, twisting his insides painfully like the sharp blade of a knife, leaving him with a desperate longing to be with her. Spike was driven to his feet, hands shaking with the force of his craving as he paced and furiously willed the sun to go down. Buffy. Must get to Buffy. Need her so bloody much. So warm and beautiful. Want to wrap my arms around her. Want to feel her soft skin. Want to breath in that divine scent that’s only hers. Will the bloody sun never go down?

Drusilla rushed into the room fretfully wailing her agony as she was consumed with her need for Angelus. The minion who had been assigned to look after her followed close behind. Seeing that his mistress was going towards the door while the sun was still shining outside, the young vampire grabbed her, trying to trap the distraught woman. If he allowed her to dust herself it would be a slow and painful death for him.

Struggling desperately to free herself, Drusilla began to whimper, “Daddy wants me. He still loves his princess. Whispering such beautiful things in my ear, telling me he will bring out all the lovely colors on my skin as he makes me his again. Must find Daddy.” Finally she collapsed against the minion in her tormented state sobbing uncontrollably.

Wrapped up in their own obsession to find their heart’s desire, the two vampire’s who had spent over a century together were utterly oblivious to the others presence and pain as they waited for the sun to begin it’s decent in the sky.

@~@~@~

Angel’s demon burst forward, howling with want and need as it pushed down his soul. He could feel Drusilla’s body calling to him strongly. His most precious childe needed him and his demon raged at the sun that was keeping him inside. Furiously grabbing the first thing his hands could get a hold of he flung the mattress from his bed ripping it with his clawed hands destroying his own apartment in his frenzied plight. He needed the darkness so he could go to his Perfect Princess. Have to claim what is mine. She is mine. No one else will touch her again. If I have to kill Spike, I will. He is not good enough for my dark girl. Doesn’t know what she needs. Can’t make her feel like I can.

Mine, Mine, Mine.

@~@~@~

Buffy was going out of her mind as she raced through the cemeteries of Sunnydale. She had one goal, one desire. To find the one person who could take all her pain and loneliness away. Tears were flowing down her face and her body trembled in fear that she wouldn’t be able to find him. Spike. Where is Spike? I have to find him. I can’t live another day without Spike. Need to feel his strong comforting arms around me. Only he could take away the loneliness and fear. Need to feel his cool body against me drowning out the harsh world.

She suddenly froze. Lifting her head, she sniffed the air, heart pounding in anticipation as she caught a familiar, mouth-watering scent. Spike! With a cry of joy, she ran towards the abandoned factories at the edge of town.

Nothing would get in her way of having him.

@~@~@~

Giles could no longer lie to himself. Everything he had ever felt for Ethan was bubbling up from deep within where he had buried it ages ago. Giles had repressed all of it for so long, telling himself it was just the experimentation of a young man who had gone down the wrong path. Now he realized that he couldn’t be more wrong; that Ethan was the reason he had never been happy in a relationship with a woman.

As his memories of the time they had shared together pushed forward, Giles grew more and more determined to make everything right between them. Ethan had always been an open book to him, never hiding anything of himself from Giles. I have to find him and tell him I love him. Maybe he still loves me. Maybe he will change so that we can be together. Please let me find him. Giles began to beg whatever higher being would listen.

@~@~@~

Finally the sun set and three vampires ran heedlessly into the night, looking for the only thing that could calm the turbulent storm inside each of them.

Angel’s human mask slipped, bringing his true face to the fore as he followed the pull of his childe. Soon they were within site of one another and began howling with delight. The only thought in both their minds was to claim their mate as they threw themselves into each others arms and biting quickly into the others neck. Bliss. It was sheer bliss that took them over as they fell to the ground, wrapped around each other.

@~@~@~

Giles knew that they had searched most of Sunnydale for Ethan the night before, but now he decided he would look room to room at the only two motels the town had to find him if he had to. Maybe then he could find his love and once again feel whole in Ethan’s arms.

After knocking on every door of the Regency Hotel, he realized Ethan wouldn’t stay there. It was in the middle of town and there were too many guests for Ethan to have the privacy and anonymity he would need for working his dark magics. No, Giles was sure that he would be at the Sunnydale Motor Lodge. It was old and dilapidated and located on the outskirts of town. Just the right place for someone bent on doing something without being noticed.

After beating on so many doors, Giles’ knuckles stung fiercely. But there were only two doors left. If he didn’t find Ethan in one of these rooms, he knew of nowhere else to look for him. He raised his hand and knocked. The door was immediately opened by none other than an exhausted looking Ethan Rayne.

Giles’ heartbeat sped up as he flung himself at Ethan and wrapped his arms around him. All the pain of being without the man he loved broke free and he began to sob. “Please forgive me?” Giles wailed, begging through the weeping tremors that shook his body. “I love you.”

@~@~@~

Buffy was leaning face first against a streetlight crying when she got a familiar tingle. Please, please let it be him. Before she could turn around she was engulfed by strong, cool, loving arms. Her head fell back against his chest as her tears dried up and her body began to hum with his closeness. Putting her hands over his she sighed, “I have been looking everywhere for you. I needed you so badly and I didn’t know where to find you.”

“Was pacin’ the factory I’m staying in, willin’ the sun to go down,” Spike whispered next to her ear as he let her warmth and scent engulf him. “It was agony havin’ to wait to find you.” His arms tightened around her as he began to nuzzle her neck. “Need you, luv. So bad.”

Being pressed against his cool hard body sent the rest of the world drifting away, leaving her and the vampire she hoped would become hers to discover one another.

Chapter Eleven

Buffy was melting into his possessive embrace, craving what only he could give her. His arms held her against his hard, cool body while that seductive voice sent puffs of cool breath over her neck, causing her to shiver against him.

Spike needed to see her beautiful face. He turned her in his arms, hoping to find the same all-consuming desire in her eyes that he was feeling in every molecule of his body. There was no mistaking the burning intensity that was shining from her captivating hazel eyes. As he brought her body against his, he crushed his mouth to hers; pouring all the lust and love he had into an all consuming kiss.

His teeth nipped at her bottom lip, followed by his tongue begging entrance to her mouth. She opened to him with an eagerness that caused him to shudder with yearning. The smell of her arousal hung in the air like the sweetest of flowers and the soft moan that escaped her lips was his undoing. There was nothing in this world that could stop him from making her his now.

He pulled away from her mouth, suddenly unwilling to take her out here in the open where anyone else could see her delectable body. It belonged only to him. “Pet, let’s go somewhere more private,” he said, not releasing her from his arms.

“I don’t want to wait, Spike. I need to be with you now. My motel room is so far away and it’s no better than one of the crypts in that cemetery across the street.” She pouted up at him while unknowingly rubbing her legs together for much needed friction.

Spike couldn’t take his eyes from her lusciously protruding bottom lip, desperate to latch onto it with his teeth and suck it into his waiting mouth.

“Would rather it be in a nice bed our first time, luv,” Spike replied. Her whimper of disappointment stopped his protests. “Crypt it is, my sweet girl.”

Pulling her along beside him through the gates and into the graveyard, he pushed open the door to the closest crypt. That was as far as he was able to move before his arms were suddenly full of Buffy. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he walked further into the crypt, kicking the door closed behind them.

Buffy’s warm, wet mouth descended upon his, ravaging his lips with teeth and tongue. She couldn’t get enough of the taste of them, nipping and licking them until he opened under her onslaught.

Spike moaned into her mouth as their tongues dueled against one another. The feel of her heat rubbing into his crotch was almost too much to bear. He had to be inside her soon or he would dust from the fire that was raging within.

Moving his lips from her mouth, he began to run his tongue along her jaw, nipping at it with his blunt teeth. She was panting in his ear and writhing against his body with such abandon he was sure he would make a mess of himself.

“Luv, wait a sec,” he mumbled against her skin as he tried to remove his duster. She finally noticed what he was trying to do and eased her legs down, moving eagerly to help him remove his clothes, wanting to see all of him.

Buffy’s fingers danced across his abdomen, causing his stomach muscles to quiver in response. Bloody hell, she’s going to kill me. Spike thought as he felt her warm little fingers run along the fastenings of his jeans. Needing a distraction, he turned to spread his duster out on top of the nearest sarcophagus, creating a makeshift bed for them. Satisfied with the results, he reached for her.

Ducking his head, he ran his mouth along the soft skin of her neck as he unbuttoned her shirt, dragging his finger along the flesh he exposed. She was mewling in the back of her throat, sending delicious tingles throughout Spike’s body.

His tongue slid wetly over her collarbone and he breathed out through parted lips, “You taste so good, baby.” Pushing her shirt all the way off, he deftly unhooked her bra and peeled it away, leaving her bare to him.

Before he could get his mouth around one of those perfect nipples, Buffy’s hand snaked into his now open jeans to caress him. Spike’s head shot up when he felt her fingers around his rigid cock. His eyes rolled back as he thrust forward with a growl. “Buffy, baby… Ugh … Feels so good.”

Buffy couldn’t help but stare at him, all silky and hard in her hand, while a light blush colored her cheeks at the boldness he brought out in her. She licked her lips at the sight. It seemed somehow appropriate that his should be the first naked male body she had ever seen. He was magnificent.

The look of lust that the slayer had on her face made Spike groan in anticipation. Taking her hand from him, he fell to his knees before her, flicking the tip of his tongue across her diamond hard nipples.

Buffy flung her head back with a harsh cry as Spike sucked her into his cool mouth, grabbing the back of his head as he bit gently on her nipple. She didn’t realize that he had divested her of the rest of her clothing until she felt a cool finger run across the heated lips of her sex and her knees began to buckle.

Spike grabbed her around the waist as she started to fall. Lifting her up onto the sarcophagus, he laid her down gently on his duster. Quickly, he kicked off his shoes and pants and climbed up beside her.

He pulled her flush against him, needing to feel her heated body gliding across his coolness, warming him. He crushed his mouth to hers, running his hands down to tweak both nipples before moving on to lightly caress over her abdomen and into her soft curls. He slid his fingers over her hot quim, finding her dripping with need. Sliding his finger back to the apex of her sex, he found her nub and began circling it slowly.

Buffy panted and moaned as her body twisted with the most intense pleasure she had never known. She opened her eyes to find Spike staring down at her, his own eyes midnight dark. “You’re so beautiful, my love,” he said, his voice filled with awe.

His words gave her the last thing she needed as her body was catapulted into the strongest orgasm she had ever had. Never with her own fumbling hand was she able to make herself feel like this.

Spike moved over her, unable to wait any longer. He felt as if she was his body’s nourishment and without her he would dust. Placing his aching member at her soaked opening was heaven in itself. The feel of the heat pouring out of her body and the anticipation of being home inside her was the most erotic thing that he had ever felt.

Buffy arched against his body as she felt his cock rub against her slick passage. She needed him inside her to fill the aching void that he had created. Slowly, he began pushing forward and it gave her a twinge of pain. She knew that it would hurt the first time and was prepared for what was to come.

Spike hadn’t been ready for how tight she was. He hissed with pleasure as he nudged his way inside. When he came up against the barrier it came crashing in that she was a virgin. Stunned, he looked down at her and saw that there was a little frown of pain on her face.

“Buffy,” he whispered with remorse. “I didn’t know, baby. It’s gonna hurt for just a second, luv. Then I promise to make it feel so good.” Overcome with emotion that she was giving him such a precious gift, a single tear slid down his cheek.

Knowing it would be better for her if he did it as quickly as possible, he stared into her eyes and surged forward. Buffy let out a yelp of pain. Spike’s eyes closed as he fought to keep himself under control. He was home, firmly ensconced in her velvety core.

Buffy was relieved to find that he was right. The sharp pain was now dissipating. Her muscles began to relax and a new feeling of need came to the fore.

Spike pulled slowly out of her as her muscles relaxed and then slid back in. She was so hot and tight that he was having trouble controlling the demon and his face began to change back and forth.

Writhing against him, Buffy began to match Spike thrust for thrust as her legs slid around his waist and her fingers dug into his back. Her eyes fluttered open, needing to see his. When she realized he was trying to keep his demon in, she reached up to gently caress his face. “Let it go, Spike. I want all of you, man and demon.”

Spike lost all control and began pounding into her, moving faster with each stroke and driving them closer to something big. Buffy could feel it growing with each stroke of his turgid member. Glorious vibrations spread to every limb of her body as Spike began a low continuous growl.

“Spike, Spike, Spike,” she chanted mindlessly over and over.

Feeling how close she was, Spike could hold back no longer. He started to nuzzle her neck, licking the salty sweat from her skin. As she began to shudder and her moans became louder, Spike scraped his fangs along her neck. Her silken walls clamped tighter around his girth in response, causing his sac to tighten with his impending orgasm.

Spike slid his fangs slowly into her flesh, letting her blood pool in his mouth. It was the most delectable ambrosia he had ever tasted. Buffy’s body convulsed with the first pull of his mouth at her throat and a cry of pure ecstasy filled the air as her orgasm ripped through her.

Pulling his fangs from her neck with a roar Spike thrust in to the hilt, filling her hot core with his cool seed. “MINE!” he roared.

“For eternity,” Buffy answered with a tired smile.

Spike rolled them both slowly to their sides, keeping himself nestled in her warmth as he lapped at the marks that proved to the world this girl was his. Holding her tightly to him, he began to run his fingers through her hair as she mumbled her contentment and fell into an exhausted sleep.

Truly happy for the first time in his life or unlife, Spike drifted off along side Buffy with a smile.

Chapter Twelve fixing

Spike awoke a few hours later with his body wrapped around Buffy’s. She’s so warm and feels so right in m’ arms. Laying there he stared at her beautiful face as she continued to sleep peacefully. Love. That was the feeling that overtook him as he looked at this earth bound angel. He knew without question that he would protect her and stay at her side for as long as she would allow it.

Buffy slowly began to come back to consciousness. Ooohh, he feels so good pressed up against me all snuggly like. I want to wake up like this everyday. Buffy’s eyelids slowly fluttered open to see his gorgeous blue ones staring at her, full of affection and tenderness.

“Mornin’, luv,” Spike breathed out as his lips came down in a gentle caress upon hers. He was still having a little trouble believing this radiant girl was all his.

Buffy’s hands moved with a mind of their own, stroking the well defined muscles of his back as her mouth opened to run her tongue along his full lips.

Moaning into her mouth his tongue came out to entwine with hers. His fingers brushed over a rosy nipple and she gasped, arching into his sensuous touch.

“Spike, I need to feel you inside me please,” Buffy begged as her juices flowed from her body, coating the thigh he was pressing against her in just the right spot.

Spike felt the warm wetness on his thigh and knew she was ready for him as he shifted her to spread out on top of him. Holding her hips, he began rubbing his hardness between her thighs, hissing in pleasure.

Whimpering with need, Buffy pulled her knees up under her so she was straddling his hips. She was a little shy about being on top, but the look of ever darkening lust in his eyes spurred her on. She raised herself over his rigid cock until he rested at her dripping entrance and slowly slid down.

A sensual growl escaped his throat as her wet warmth encased him. “Buffy… so tight,” was all he could manage to choke out before she was moving above him, the feel of her silky depths stripping him of the ability to form words. He was mesmerized by the sight and sound of her rising and falling above him with her head thrown back and the delicious mewling sounds coming from deep in her throat.

Already so close to orgasm, Buffy’s breathing became erratic with Spike’s continual upward thrusts. She leaned forward onto his chest, needing to feel his body pressed against hers as she writhed upon him. Her inner muscles began to flutter and tighten around his hard shaft as her whimpers turned to moans and growls.

Knowing she was close and wanting to feel his fangs deep inside her again, Buffy bent forward and moved her head to the side, allowing him access to her neck.

Spike licked and sucked the sweat slicked skin he found there, waiting for the perfect moment. “Love you, Buffy” was pulled from Spike’s lips as her velvet walls strangled his cock. His teeth sliced through her skin ever so tenderly and he contented himself with taking small pulls of her delicious blood.

Buffy’s body convulsed as her ear piercing scream echoed off the walls of the crypt. Then her head was at his neck and her teeth ripped through his skin, tasting his essence for the first time. She didn’t know what possessed her to do it, but she knew he had claimed her the night before and wanted him to be hers as much as she was his. She pulled a swallow of his blood into her mouth as she growled around his throat “MINE”.

Spike’s eyes flew open when her teeth tore into his neck. Oh fuck! She’s biting me. His back arched off the sarcophagus as his hips slammed into her pelvis, emptying his copious load. “All yours, forever,” he howled to the world.

Afterwards, they lay in each others arms, each basking in the other’s soft touches.

Buffy’s mind drifted to his admission of love during the mind blowing sex. She worried that he didn’t really mean it. Had he only said it in the heat of the moment? There was only one way to find out.

“Spike, did you mean it when you said you love me?” she mumbled, looking around the crypt at anything but him as she waited for his rejection.

Seeing her fear, he placed his hand under her chin and guided her eyes to his. “Yes luv, I meant it. You’re so strong and beautiful. There’s nothin’ that can keep me from your side.”

Buffy pressed her lips lightly to his as a tear rolled down her cheek. “Good, because I love you, too,” she said as she pulled back to look in his oh-so-expressive eyes.

Throughout the day they held each other, alternating between talking and making love. Hearing about Buffy’s solitary existence and the agony she had suffered, Spike vowed to never let her walk in the world alone again.

Then Buffy’s stomach suddenly started making itself known and her skin tinged pink with embarrassment. She realized she was starting to get very hungry, but it was only four-thirty in the afternoon and still light out. Leaving Spike to find something to eat was not an option in her mind.

Spike’s own needs had been sated from the small amounts of her blood he’d taken throughout the day. She needed nourishment and he wasn’t about to let her wait until sunset to go out for food. He needed to ensure that his girl’s needs were taken care of.

“Pet, I know you’re hungry. Are you sure you’re not part grolak? That cute little stomach of yours sure sounds like one.” Spike started to tickle her with amusement dancing in his eyes.

Trying to shove his hands away from her ticklish sides, Buffy fell backwards almost tumbling off of the sarcophagus, but Spike caught her just in time.

“Why don’t you go get somethin’ to eat and meet me back here when you’re all done?” Spike asked as he held her to him, trying to stop the laughter that wanted to spring free.

“But I don’t want to leave you,” she whined. “I can hold off for another couple of hours.”

He raised his hand to her face, stroking her soft cheek lightly. Spike felt the same way but didn’t want his mate to suffer waiting for night fall. Leaning forward he kissed her irresistible lips.

“I don’t want you to have to wait, luv. It won’t take long, and then you’ll be back in my arms. If you know where you’re goin’ to get somethin’ to eat, and the sun sets before you get back, I can meet you there,” he suggested.

Buffy leaned into Spike, not wanting to be away from his touch for a second. She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck and moved her lips softly against his. Tingles shot through her again just from the touch of his lips and she opened her mouth, forcing her tongue into his.

Spike pulled her against his body, reveling in the feel of her softness pressed against him as they continued to assault each other’s mouths. Hands began to slide along skin, eliciting moans until Buffy’s stomach gave a loud protesting rumble wanting to be fed. She pulled back from him, turning red once again.

“Sorry,” she muttered, looking down at her lap.

Spike laughed and grabbed her face, smacking her lips with his in a playful manner. She was the most adorable thing he’d ever seen. “Kitten, I want you to go get somethin’ to eat. Be a good girl, now. The sooner you go, the quicker you’ll get back.”

“Fine, but I won’t be happy the whole time I’m away from you,” she pouted, brushing her lips against his again. He grabbed the back of her head to keep her in place as he began kissing her with a fierce intensity.

When he finally let her go, she had to ask “What was that about?”

“Needed me a proper kiss ‘til you get back, don’t I?” he breathed huskily.

By the time Buffy actually walked out of the crypt it was already after five. She was going to get her food as fast as she could and get back to him. His mark on her neck was already beginning to protest the loss of his closeness.

There was something nagging at the back of her mind, causing her to frown for a brief moment unable to figure out what was bothering her before thoughts of her vampire pushed it back.

Maybe it was just her silly fear of loosing him.

Maybe.

Chapter Thirteen

Giles awoke wrapped in the arms of his true love, aware of a feeling of contentment he hadn’t felt for many years. Ethan looked so young and peaceful cuddled beside him. How could I have ever thought my life would be complete without him?

They had talked through the night about their feelings for one another and Ethan’s evil tendencies. He admitted it would be hard to give up the life he had clung to for so long, but promised to try and be good as long as Giles was there to help him.

Giles was happier now than he had ever been in his life. As he absorbed these new wonderful feelings, a silly grin spread that he was unable to get rid of and he really didn’t want to.

Realizing it was now late afternoon and his body was craving sustenance, he carefully climbed from bed, not wanting to disturb his sleeping lover. Knowing Ethan would be hungry as well when he woke up, Giles thought it would be a nice surprise to bring him breakfast in bed. It would mean leaving his beloved, but it wouldn’t take too long and it would make Ethan smile.

Dressing as quickly as he could, Giles quietly picked up his wallet and strolled out into the evening twilight.

@~@~@~

Buffy hurried towards the burger place, not paying attention to anything around her, thinking only of getting back to her love. In her haste, she accidentally bumped into a man and knocked him to the ground. She bent quickly to help him up, apologizing the whole time.

Plowing into the poor man made her aware of her surroundings for the first time. She noticed the people coming from the different shops running along the street as the shops were being readied for closing. A few feet away there was an art gallery. Seeing it made her think of her mother and how much she missed her. Unable to resist, she walked over to look in the front window, her thoughts flashing back to when she had a family in LA.

There was a woman standing behind a counter with her back to the window. Noticing her, Buffy thought how wonderful it would be to see her mother again. Maybe Spike would help her look for her mother when this was all over.

She was about to turn away when it happened. The woman turned in her direction and a gasp of surprise broke from Buffy’s lips.

Her dream stared her in the face as she lost all her breath.

Joyce Summers continued to arrange a display of pottery, completely oblivious to the shocked eyes that stared at her so yearningly through the glass of the front window.

It had been over a year since she had watched her mother this same way from outside the gallery in LA. That morning upon waking up, she had decided that it was just too painful to keep watching her parents from a distance when she would never have that life again.

She watched as Joyce prepared to leave for the day, knowing that she would have to follow and make sure she was okay. Maybe she could even find out a little something about Joyce’s new life. She hoped more than anything that her mother was happy.

@~@~@~

Spike felt something new coming through the claim. He had been feeling nothing but love and happiness when suddenly there was a hint of sadness. Trying to get his emotions under control, he paced furiously, needing badly to be with her, holding her. Bloody hell, why did I let her leave without me?

Then the sadness turned to pain mixed with hope. This was something he couldn’t fathom. What would cause her to feel this way? He could tell it wasn’t her feelings for him. Becoming more agitated by the second, he began to growl low in his throat wanting the sun to go down so he could find his Buffy.

@~@~@~

Buffy was still standing outside the big window watching her mother go through the routine of closing up the gallery when suddenly she felt like she was being twisted inside out. Oh god, it was all magic.

She didn’t know how she knew it had all been a spell, but abrupt awareness swiftly filled her mind.

Panic rushed through her. What if Spike didn’t love her anymore? What if, with the magic gone, his love was as well? A sharp pain knifed through her chest. It was fear, plain and simple. Crippling fear that Spike would leave her alone. The agony was so overwhelming that she clutched her chest, sobbing uncontrollably.

She stumbled to the side of the gallery, leaning against the wall as the tears streamed down her face. What was she going to do without him?

@~@~@~

Spike felt when the spell released its hold on him, but even with it gone his love for Buffy was still there. Everything he had told her was the truth and he would never leave her side.

He was struck with an intense sense of panic at that moment and centered all his thoughts on Buffy. Her desperation and pain shook him to his very core. She was terrified that he might leave her. He became more agitated, desperate to get to her and prove that nothing would tear them apart.  

He tried to send her loving reassurance through his thoughts but she was so consumed with fear he didn’t know if anything was getting to her. The sun was just going down and he bolted for the door, determined to find her as quickly as possible.

@~@~@~

Angel’s heart broke when he realized what he had done. He was filled with conflicting emotions as he held Drusilla in his arms. She was still a killer and his soul wouldn’t allow him to stay with her.

In spite of his anguish, a small glimmer of hope took root in his heart. He had reclaimed her as his own and maybe with the claim in place he would be able to get her to feed from bagged blood.

He could only hope that it might be possible for Dru to stop killing if he was there to keep her under his watchful eye.

@~@~@~

As Giles strolled down the street he felt the desire spell release him. It was strange, but he had full knowledge of the spell and how it affected him. For a brief moment he felt slightly violated but quickly realized the spell had done no harm. It only brought forth his true feelings and made him take a real look for the first time in his life at what was important to his heart.

He was positive that Ethan had done the magic, thus revealing his long-buried love for the man. How could he stay angry at him for opening his eyes and tearing down the walls that had kept Giles caged inside his uptight life for so many years without love?

However he would have to have a chat with him and find out who else had been influenced by the spell. Giles had an idea that the spell had been meant for everyone that Ethan had gathered together on the Hellmouth.

With a desire spell it would have only opened up the deepest feelings one buried. Ethan may have been expecting some other effect but in matters of the heart it was always about love and Giles understood this.

With a spring in his step he continued on his search for a place to buy food so he could return to his beloved.

@~@~@~

Ethan woke alone.  A cry of pain ripped from his throat as he allowed the emptiness to consume him. Enraged that Giles had deserted him after the promises he had made, he leapt from the bed and dressed quickly.

Possessed with a deep need for revenge against the wrongs perpetrated upon him, he gathered the ingredients for another spell; one that would bring forth all the vampires that called the Hellmouth home. He prepared everything and started the spell, his heart aching with loss. This was all he knew and without Giles, he would do everything in his power to turn the world upside down. Chaos would reign.

@~@~@~

All across Sunnydale, vampires began to rise; instincts telling them to hunt, feed, and mate. Game faces at the fore, their basic urges were in complete control.

The quiet little town had no idea what beasts lurked amongst them this dark night.

Chapter Fourteen

Buffy was so consumed with her pain she didn’t notice the slight sting in her gut or the tingles that were telling her there were a lot of vampires nearby. Hearing a terrified scream, her head jerked up in time to see her mother surrounded by at least fifteen of the creatures. She hadn’t seen this many together since she’d killed Lothos.

Rushing towards them, Buffy flipped over their heads. A battle cry exploded from deep within her as she took up the defensive between the snarling group and Joyce. Kicking out at the nearest one, she grabbed the ever-present stake from the back of her jeans. Soon she was fighting all out, punching, kicking and dusting several within the first few minutes. It seemed no matter how many she turned to dust there were still more. They rushed at her as she kept her position, blocking her mother from them.

Joyce couldn’t believe what was happening. When she’d come out of the gallery-- only to be surrounded by several men with horribly disfigured faces-- she’d screamed. There had been rumors of strange creatures that only came out at night when she first moved here, but she’d never believed them until now.

When she thought all hope was lost, she heard a ferocious yell and a tiny young woman amazingly came flying over her attacker’s heads. The girl stood before her, shielding her from the snarling creatures. As she got a good look at the young lady, her breath caught in her throat.

It was Buffy. Her Buffy.

How could this be? She couldn’t fathom what her eyes were showing her. Her daughter was in front of her, fighting for their lives with a fierceness she had never seen before. The men she thrust the wooden stick into were turning to dust. Dear Lord, they’re vampires. Vampires are real!

Aching muscles and exhaustion consumed her, but Buffy continued to fight with every last bit of strength at her command. She prayed to whatever higher power existed that she would be able to kill them all before her energy fled.

Pain flared when a fist smashed into her stomach and she stumbled when a forceful blow struck her temple. Struggling to stay upright, Buffy forced her tired limbs to keep striking vampire flesh. There were just too many hits finding their mark that she was unable to block with her faltering body.

She was kicking out at one of the vampires when her mother yelled a warning. Three more had moved into her blind spot. The warning came too late and she was knocked to the ground, face down and stunned long enough for a vamp to slam her forehead into the pavement. Her last thoughts as she lost consciousness were of her mother and Spike.

@~@~@~

Spike was filled with fear. He let his claim guide him to Buffy when Ethan’s newest spell took effect. His game face burst forth and his basic instincts to get to his mate and keep her safe pushed the regressed vampire to run faster. Feeling the scorching ache in Buffy’s body and knowing she couldn’t last much longer in her fight, Spike erupted with constant growls as he forced himself onward. He had to get to her soon.

Bounding down the street, he saw Buffy set upon by the three vampires just as she went down. With a feral roar, Spike dove into the fray, ripping and shredding anything that dared get in his way. Reaching the one who had smashed his mate’s head into the parking lot, Spike tore his arms off first before wrenching his head from his shoulders. It only took moments for him to turn them all to dust.

Faster than the eye could see, Spike had Buffy in his lap whimpering and making small growling sounds, trying to awaken his girl as he rocked back and forth nuzzling his mark. His rumbling chatter became more frantic seeing the blood spilling from the gash in her forehead. Quickly he began licking the wound to clean it and help it knit together faster, all the while cooing softly to his broken mate.

Joyce took a hesitant step towards the blonde vampire that was tenderly taking care of her daughter, noting the shine of tears in his eyes. She was still in a state of shock, but seeing this creature’s actions made her fear lessen. “Is she going to be okay?” she asked anxiously.

Spike’s head lifted upon hearing the small voice, but not understanding what she was saying he growled low in his throat, sniffing the air to determine if she was a threat. Picking up the smell of Buffy coming from her, his senses told him she was family. Realizing she wasn’t a danger to his love, he went back to purring and cooing as he rubbed his rough cheek against Buffy’s, desperate for her to open her eyes.

Buffy’s lashes started to flutter and she groaned. Her head was pounding and she was sure she was going to throw up. She felt cool arms holding her and knew Spike was with her. Why does my head hurt? Oh crap, my mom! The vamps!

She panicked and tried to sit up too quickly. Spike wrapped his arms around her to hold her still. “My mom, where is she? Did they get her? Spike, we have to find her!”

“Buffy, its okay! Honey, I’m right here,” Joyce replied.  She noted that the blonde was no longer growling at her for getting too close, so she bent down to run her fingers over Buffy’s hair.

Trying to wriggle out of Spike’s strong grip so she could get to her mother, Buffy realized that Spike was in vamp face, purring as he licked her neck. “Spike, baby, I need up,” she protested. A series of jabbering noises was his only response.

Confused at what was wrong with Spike, Buffy looked up at Joyce and asked, “Mom, do you know what’s wrong with Spike? Did one of the other vamps hit him in the head?”

“I don’t know, sweetie. Right after your head hit the ground, he came flying in and killed all of the others. Then he picked you up and started making noises while he rocked you. When I tried to talk to him he growled at me and then went back to watching you. He hasn’t said one word,” Joyce replied softly, not wanting to make the vampire mad.

Whenever she tried to move from Spike’s lap, his grip would tighten. Buffy went still and concentrated on Spike’s thoughts and feelings, trying to determine what was wrong. There was a myriad of emotions coming through the claim. Fear, relief, protectiveness and love being the strongest. She was only receiving basic thoughts from him and suddenly understood that the sounds he continued to make was his demon’s way of communicating with her. Finally it dawned on her that for some reason, Spike was functioning on a primal level.

What else could go wrong?

@~@~@~

What in the name of God is wrong with the people in this country? When heading out to get something for him and Ethan to eat, Giles hadn’t counted on the fact that the motel was on the edge of town. The only place close by was an all night convenience store which he knew would not carry the type of foods that he wanted, but seeing the horrid things they had to eat shocked him.

How could they call this rubbish edible? After searching the entire establishment, he finally decided on ham and cheese sandwiches from the cooler and a large bag of Cheetos.

Finding the fountain drink machine set him off on another mental rant. There were only large cups with the words Big Gulp printed on them. Uncouth Americans drinking swill. Dimwitted employees who pay no attention to stocking the shelves. Ethan is going to have a nice laugh when I come in with such a romantic meal.

As he started towards the front of the store to pay, a half-dressed vampire burst through the doors snarling and slobbering through his fangs, lunging for the man behind the counter. Giles immediately reacted. Dropping his Big Gulp, he pulled a stake from his pocket and plunged it into the back of the vampire, piercing his heart.

The grateful man told Giles to take his sandwiches and Cheetos on the house. Without saying a word, Giles walked out. He decided he needed to return to Ethan as quickly as possible. Once he knew that everything was alright, he could get them something to drink from the vending machine.

What the bloody hell was happening? There were no people on the streets and he could hear inhuman roars coming from a few blocks over. Spotting another of the evil demons running ahead, Giles became very nervous and mindful of the things around him.

He made it to the motel room safely and walked in to tell Ethan the things he had seen and heard. Stunned for a moment, he just stood there until Ethan stood up from his position on the floor. He had been performing a spell.

“WHY, ETHAN?” Giles screamed at him.

“What are you doing here, Giles? Come to spank the bad evil warlock? I thought you left,” Ethan stated, confusion and pain clearly showing on his face.

“I went out to get us something to eat so that when you woke up we could just sit here and spend time together. Why are you doing this? You promised to be good! I trusted you!” Giles yelled with tears in his eyes.

“I woke up alone and thought you left me. I was sure you weren’t coming back and it hurt too much. I had to do something to try and make that agony go away. Please Giles, I beg you! Forgive me and I swear I won’t do it again. PLEASE!” he begged, choking as the tears threatened to drown him.

“We have to stop whatever you have done here. People are being badly hurt. We’ll talk about us once you stop this. You have to keep your word if our relationship is going to work.” Giles looked at him sternly before letting his face soften with the knowledge that Ethan needed him so much.

Filled with a surge of joyful relief, Ethan resumed his position within the circle and began the chant to reverse the spell. A small part of him wanted to rebel, but the part that wanted to spend the rest of his life with Giles would do anything for the other man’s approval. When he was finished, he found himself enfolded in Giles’ strong arms. And he knew there was nowhere he would rather be.

Chapter Fifteen

 Mucho thanks to Tam who sat with me while I struggled through dialogue for this chapter. She gave me ideas and kept me sane. Love you sweetie.

Buffy was beginning to worry that she’d be unable to make Spike understand her when his amber eyes started to fade back to their normal gorgeous blue once more and his bumpies and fangs receded. A brilliant smile spread across his handsome features as he leaned down, lightly brushing her lips with his.

“Are you okay now, Spike? What the heck was going on with the cave man thing anyway?” Buffy asked as she cupped his face in her hand, stroking his cheek with her thumb.

“M’ fine luv. I think there was another spell at work. M’ thinkin’ we need to find that warlock and stop him from doin’ anythin’ else. First we need to get you inside somewhere before somethin’ else goes wrong,” Spike insisted.

He was a little stunned at what his nose indicated about the woman crouched down beside them. She had to be the slayer’s mum, but he’d never seen a slayer with family before. Maybe she was the cause of the feelings he’d been receiving from Buffy earlier.

“You can come to my house,” Joyce offered. “I’m not letting you out of my sight for a moment, baby girl.”

Spike stood, helping Buffy up with him as they followed Joyce to her SUV. Joyce spun around quickly. Pointing at Spike she blurted out, “Wait a second. You’re a vampire. Buffy, are you a vampire too? Is that why you disappeared two years ago?”

“No, Mom! I am not a vampire. Yes, Spike is a vampire, but that explanation will have to wait ‘til we get to your house. He won’t hurt you cause…well…um…he’s my boyfriend, I guess you could say,” Buffy stammered. She knew he was much more than just a boyfriend, but wasn’t sure how to make her mother understand any of it.

They all piled into Joyce’s car and drove to her house on Revello Drive. Buffy was trying to come up with a way to tell her mother about the past two years. Spike held her hand tightly, afraid to let go for even a moment. He needed the contact with her. Flashbacks of her head hitting the pavement played over and over and it had scared him more than anything else ever had. What would he do without her?

When they were all standing on Joyce’s porch waiting for her to get the door unlocked, Buffy spoke up. “Mom, I need you to invite Spike in. He can’t come into the house without an invite.”

Joyce looked at her daughter and began to laugh. “You mean to tell me that it’s like in the movies and he can’t get into the house without me asking him to come in? What else do they have right?”

Finally getting the front door open, she invited Spike in and proceeded to walk into the living room. Before Buffy could say anything, Spike had her sitting on the couch and was checking her for any other injuries from the earlier fight.

While Spike was fussing over her, Buffy was able to look around the room. There was a beautiful fireplace that had candles and sculptures gracing its mantel, as well as a picture of Buffy and Joyce that was taken just before she’d run away. The couch she was lying on was overstuffed and comfy. Across from her, Joyce sat in an armchair that looked as if one could snuggle up with a good book for hours. There was all manner of art on every wall as well as most of the flat surfaces. It felt cozy and inviting, just like the smile that adorned her mother’s face.

When Spike was done looking Buffy over, Joyce said, “I want an explanation for everything; from the time you disappeared until now.”

“I’ve been trying to come up with the best way to tell you everything. I’ve decided just to start at the beginning and tell you the whole truth,” Buffy said, clearing her throat nervously.

“You remember the night I disappeared?” When Joyce nodded, Buffy continued. “Well, after school that day, a man named Merrick showed up. He said he’d been waiting for me. I thought he was just a freak at first, but he convinced me to go with him to prove that he was telling the truth. And he was. Mom, I’m a Slayer.”

“Buffy, what is a slayer exactly?” Joyce asked, thinking her daughter had gone off the deep end.

“One girl in all the world chosen to kill vampires and other evil things that go bump in the night. I know, it sounds crazy, right? That’s what I thought, but Merrick showed me different. I have super strength and speed. I heal quickly, but I can still die. Most slayers die by the time they’re eighteen. After one dies, another is called to take her place. Most potential slayers have a watcher from the time they’re young to train them so they’ll be ready if they’re called. I was an anomaly. For some reason the Council of Watchers never knew about me and until I was called and they located me, I had no training or knowledge of my status as the Chosen One.” Buffy was trying to get everything out in the open as quickly as possible. She knew her mother was probably thinking she needed to be locked up in the mental ward and wanted to get the ‘splainy stuff out of the way.

“Merrick took me to a cemetery that night and I staked my first vampire. Well, actually I missed his heart the first time and had to do it again. When I came home I was scared and I didn’t want to be the slayer. You and Dad were fighting again about me being late and I just couldn’t take hearing it on top of what I’d already learned that day. I knew you wouldn’t believe me so I grabbed a few things and ran. I watched you and Dad for a while but thought it was better to stay out of your lives,” Buffy sobbed. Tears flowed freely down both her face and her mother’s. She really had missed her so much and being here recounting the past two years was making the long buried emotions rush forward.

“Since I left I’ve been working as a waitress and living in an abandoned building. My watcher was turned only a few months after I left home. He was my only connection to the world and when I had to stake the monster he’d become, I shut everything out. I was alone and thought it was better for me and everyone else if I stayed that way.” Buffy struggled to compose herself.

Spike wrapped his arms around her tightly as much for her as himself. Her heartache was twisting inside him like a sharp blade and he wanted more than anything to be able to erase all of her past hurts. “You aren’t alone anymore, love. I’ll do everythin’ I can to keep you safe. No early death for my slayer.”

Joyce was still somewhat confused but accepted the things Buffy had told her. After all, she had watched her fight off those vampires earlier and was now sitting in the presence of one.  

She was heartbroken that her daughter had gone through all of this alone, and upset that she’d been so emotionally distanced that Buffy didn’t think she could come to her with this.

“According to my new watcher, I should have been here two years ago. I never knew Sunnydale existed until I overheard a warlock named Ethan Rayne talking to a demon about something big going down here. Apparently he’s an old friend of Giles and just wanted me here to add to the chaos that would be caused by his magic.”

“Wait a bleedin’ minute. Ethan Rayne is the bloke I got the ritual from. He did the spell to find Peaches so I could make Dru better. Must’ve wanted to see us fight. I bet he did the other bloody spells, too,” Spike interrupted. A sudden smile brightened his face.

“What’s with the happy face, Spike? We just found out we’re being used,” Buffy said.

“Well, pet, the way I figure it, without this wanker we wouldn’t have gotten together. I think we need to be thankin’ him,” Spike answered as he kissed her nose playfully.  

“What do you mean? You just met Spike! How can you trust him if you just met him?” Joyce’s voice was getting higher with each word that crossed her lips. “If Spike’s a vampire, why haven’t you killed him? I can see that he cares for you very much and I don’t want to fuss, but I need to know you’re safe.”

“Mom, calm down. It’s okay, really. Let me explain before you explode. I’m sorry if this shocks you or hurts you, but I love Spike. Although we haven’t known each other very long, we have a bond. In his world, we’re mates. I feel everything he feels.”

Spike got a goofy smile hearing her speak of them being mated with such feeling.

“He may be a vampire, but he is caring and kind and he loves me even though he shouldn’t.  We’ll be together until I die. I want to get to know you again, but I won’t be the stupid, self-involved little girl that I was before. I’m almost eighteen and I know how to take care of myself. There is no way I’ll pretend to be someone I’m not. I can’t go back to being the girl you knew. I’m the Slayer and I have a vampire mate. You need to accept this,” Buffy declared forcefully, wanting her mother to understand but not wanting to argue about it.

Suddenly she was pulled into a strong embrace as Spike buried his face in her hair. “I love you so much, Buffy,” he choked out.

The obvious affection Spike showed for her daughter helped to put Joyce a little more at ease.

“Buffy, I’m sorry for jumping in like that. I’m really trying to understand it all and I know your life is different now. It’s just hard for me not to think of you as a little girl. Please stay here with me for a while, honey. I won’t try to tell you where to go or what to do. I know you have your own life now and I’ll try to respect that, but I don’t want you to leave again so soon after getting you back,” Joyce pleaded, near tears again.

“I’ll stick around Sunnydale as long as I can, but if Spike leaves, so do I. Plus, I don’t think I can spend the night away from him, so I probably won’t be staying here,” Buffy said honestly. She wanted to calm her mother’s fears, but she didn’t want to lie to her.

“Promise me you’ll stay in town. Just for a little while longer, at least. I can’t bear to be without you in my life again,” Joyce begged, hoping Spike would be staying here for a long time to come.

“Kitten, we can stay in Sunnydale as long as you want to.” He could sense that she didn’t want to be far away from Joyce now that she’d found her.

“Thank you,” Buffy whispered, knowing he was doing this just for her.

“I’m going to have to check on Dru soon. I haven’t even thought about her since the spell started and she’s weak, so I can’t leave her to fend for herself. I don’t want to go unless you come with me, though.” Spike hoped she wouldn’t get mad at him for needing to make sure his sire was okay. He might not be in love with his dark princess any longer, but he couldn’t just leave her to get herself dusted.

“Of course I’ll come with you,” she said while gazing up at him adoringly. The claim told her his feelings for Drusilla were nothing more than family love and his concern for her made Buffy love him more.

“Mom, over the next couple of days I have stuff that I’ve got to do. I’m not leaving Sunnydale anytime soon, but I have to take care of this warlock and be with Spike when he heals Dru. How about I come over in the morning and we can have breakfast together before I have to find Giles? I don’t much like this new watcher, but since he knows this guy it’d be easier to find him with Giles’ help.”

Joyce was upset that Buffy was already going to leave but she knew that pushing her would only make things bad between them. “I understand, honey. I’d love for you to have breakfast with me. How about I have it ready for us around eight thirty in the morning? I’ll wait until ten to go into work.” She tried to hold onto her smile as she got to her feet.

Buffy stood up with Spike and ran to give her mother the first hug they’d shared in a long time. Joyce was actually listening to what she was saying instead of making demands on her. Maybe everything would be fine. “That would be wonderful, mom. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Keeping her arm around Buffy as she walked her and Spike out onto the front porch, Joyce felt a glimmer of hope at their situation. Saying their goodnights, she squeezed her daughter, never wanting to let her go. Finally she released Buffy and held out her hand to shake Spike’s.

“Don’t worry, Joyce. I’ll take good care of her and make sure she gets to see you as often as she can,” he muttered shyly, suddenly feeling like a teenage boy in front of her.

Joyce smiled at the handsome man in front of her, knowing instinctively that she could trust him. “Thank you, Spike. I look forward to getting to know you better, too.”

As Buffy and Spike walked down the front steps, their hands brushed against each other before their fingers intertwined. A light-hearted exhilaration added bounce to their steps as they strode towards their destination.

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