Spike had never been more shocked.

After almost 4 years of trying to get the slayer to trust him, he finally felt like she believed he could be a good man. 'Not that im a bloody pansy now like Angel, still just as bad ass as before the chip was even planted, yeah right mate...tell urself another one' Spike thought with a slight tone of contempt.

The chip was just a security fence, but with the new soul and his deep love for Buffy, he was just another one of Buffy's whipped vampires, as much as he tried to deny it. A couple of days earlier he had started getting migraines that would make even the coolest vampires scream in agony. What had surprised him the most though, was that the woman he respected most actually seemed to care about helping him. Sure, she had wanted to help him before when the First was controlling him, but this seemed different, like she actually loved him.

This was in Spike's mind too much to hope for, and was desperately trying to think about it. After they had gone down to the old abandoned initiative underground, they came across two Khaular demons, and of course, his bloody chip went off. This time it felt like he was gonna burn from the inside until he combusted into a big pile of dust, which regretfully in his opinion didn't happen. Instead he was dragged off by one of the sodden' demons and was quickly rescued by his Slayer.

Yes, he realized he was a bit possessive of someone who didn't even love him, but that's the way he had always been. A bright light attacked his vision for a second before he blacked out from another ripping migraine.

He had woken up in the Summer's home basement, the giggling of teenaged girls sounded from upstairs in the living room. From the sound of it, they were watching one of the Austin Powers movies. It was easy to distinguish cause every couple minutes there would be "Groovy Baby, Yeah" or a "Shagadelic."

God, he hated those movies! Completely butchered the English language and to top that off, Mike Myers wasn't even British!

"Give me a show like bloody Passions anyday, at least that's some quality viewing." He said to himself in the darkness.

With no response from the disrespectful shadows and lonelyness creeping up on him, Spike swung his legs over the cot and stood up, suddenly the events of last night came rushing through his mind. He had no idea what had happened after Buffy saved him and that made him more than a little curious.

Stealthly running up the basement stairs two at a time, he entered the living room indetected until Xander's right eye swiveled towards the retreating Spike. Like the annoying man he was, Xander reclined his chair, causing the back the recliner to register a blow upon Spikes kidneys.

"OW! Bloody 'ell Whelp!"

"Where you off to fang-breath? Out to kill the innocent?" Several potential slayer heads turned away from the dangerously obese man in the movie to watch the quickly rising tension between whelp and vampire.

"Not, that its any of your business, but I need to find Buffy, you kno' where she is?" Spike moved a little closer to Xander just to intimidate a little.

"You don't have a chance with her, you know that, right? She is all that is right and good, and you are just an impotent lapdog." Xander started to chuckle at his new nickname for chipped vampire, knowing full well that Spike wouldn't take the bait unless he wanted a massive headache.


Spike was in no mood to put up with the village idiot's jabs tonight, he just had to find Buffy and possibly solve some questions in his head that concerned her and himself. However Xander seemed to be having way too much fun at his expense.

"Hey chipped one, remember when I beat the crap out of you when I thought you had killed Anya? (Chuckling) That must have really burned your ego, having a "meal on legs" smack you down! Yep I am one strong fella' hehehe."

Strangly enough, some of the potential brats were looking at the Whelp in admiration. All this time, Spike stood there balling his hands info fists and causing his hand to bleed from his slightly sharp nails, but all he could think of at the moment was relesing his tension with a spot of violence.

"Smack!" Spike held his hand up to his head by reflex, but there was no pain! "What the hell?" Both Spike and Xander said at the same time. Xander nursed his now broken nose with his hand as he held the same look of shock that Spikes gaze emanated now. Only, Spike also had a slight grin spreading across his features. He had wanted to do that for so long, it made him feel like yelling from the mountain tops that he could now beat on the bloody whelp.

"He he bloody whelp" Spike thought out loud as he stared at Xanders bleeding nose. Fear replaced the construction workers features as a sudden realization came over his face.

"It's the First! It's the First!" The potentials jumped to their feet, and Andrew had a terrified look on his face as he started to run away, but Dawn just rolled her eyes, knowing that he obviously wasn't the first. The First didn't hate Xander nearly as much as Spike did.

But then how could this happen? Suddenly the answer came to her brilliant 'KEY' mind as she blurted out "Duh!" Spike gave her his classic smirk as she ran towards him and hugged him around the neck. "You have your chip out!"

"Hey! Now that's a plus innit?" He could feel a wide grin spread across his face, he hadn’t been this happy since Buffy had kissed him in that back alley after they had saved Dawn from the Musical demon.

Xander however seemed way less than pleased. "You're not going anywhere, not until Buffy gets back from patrolling, demon."

"Yeah, like YOU could stop me." Spike took the time to stare Xander down with his most threatening look.

"By the way, thanks for telling me where Buffy went. See ya around." Spike whipped around and opened the front door, nodding to Dawn and disappearing into the night.

He needed a smoke, badly. Made him sick to his stomach how the jealous wanker could get to him. All Xander had to do was open his mouth and Spike would feel his temper rising. But, tonight he got his own back, no longer would he put up with Xanders ego. Spike would be the Big Bad once again! With limitations of what Buffy instructs him to do, of course. Yeah, he was whipped, but he tried to push that nagging thought into the back of his head so he could catch Buffy's scent.

He stepped out onto the sidewalk in front of the Slayer's home and sniffed the air. Smells of Sunnydale filled his senses. The bakeries down the street, a rat being killed by a feline, the humidity before what would soon be a rainstorm, and Buffy. Nothing could distract him from her Vanilla escence mixed with the salty undertones from recent fights. Spike focused on direction once again and sprinted down the street towards the streets of Downtown Sunnydale.

For the last couple of days, ever since he was controlled by the First, Spike had noticed people around town that he was sure he had killed before. Back when he was with Dru. His past victim would stare at him from a distance and then disapear when he looked at them.

As he passed the Winery in one of Sunnydales forests (which was the fastest way towards wherever Buffy happened to be), he got the same tingly feeling, a true sign that evil was near. Spike vamped to see where the peeping tom was while turning all the way around to check his surroundings. That's when he came face to face with…..A priest?

All signs pointed to dangerous in Spikes opinion of preachers, so he thought of just walking away when the human spoke.

"You must be the righteous one, following in the footsteps of your bloodsucking father. How noble of you. I can see why she wants you to help, but the everlasting darkness has bigger plans for you." The preacher now faced away from Spike, as he so obviously loved to do when produced his monologues.

"The bloody hell I am, I am nothing like peaches, I follow my own lead, do what I want…what plans for me? I'm not lifting a damn finger for you evil blokes, already screwed with m'head enough you did. Not lettin' you or that First evil soddin' pull my strings anymore!" Spike knew he should probably leave, but a good rough and tumble ws so tempting right about now he couldn't bring himself to leave, plus he wanted to see if he could harm all humans, so this was the perfect opportunity in his opinion.

"I wonder who lead you off the path vampire, leading you from what you were born to do. As proverb 13 states, the desire of the treacherous is violence, and what can you do but give in to your desires? Eventually you will become weak and give in, when that time comes will you be ready to face what you really are? A Creature of the night? She could never love you, vampire." With his last word, Caleb swung his fist towards Spikes jaw, but it was caught by the vampire’s hand until a small crack was heard.

"I'm ready now." Spike growled as he twisted Caleb's arm, causing him to flip over a bush and onto the ground. The preacher was up as fast as he had fallen, thrusting a roundhouse kick into Spike's side. Spike was caught off guard for a second.

"Jesus Christ, why does everyone go for the kidneys?" Spike pulled his vamp mask forward.

"Best not to take the Lord's name in vain, young man!" The evil minister attempted to trip Spike but he was expecting in and lunged over the kick and onto the priest.

"I don't have to take orders from you, im a lot older than you." Spike claimed in a stating the obvious way. He used his advantage with the priest off his feet and swiftly dove for the neck. Spike let out a vicious winner-take-all growl as he plunged his fangs into the purely evil human's neck. He could taste the slightly sour taste of evil as the man known as Caleb powerfully tried to throw him off, but Spike had learned all of these tricks in his 130 years as a Master Vampire, so was not shaken. Caleb cursed and threw punches at Spike's chest until his black heart slowed down to a complete stop.

Spike knew he had just killed a major player in the final battle, and couldn’t help but feel very proud of himself. He would have to brag about it later to the scoobies and slayerettes. Maybe this would even win points with Buffy! He couldn't help but feel hopeful, even though he doubted she would say 'Spike! You're the only one for me, lets run away together!' yeah, he wasn't gonna get his hopes up, that just wasn't her style. In fact it reminded him of Harmony.

"Uuulch, don't even want to go there, what was I thinking?" Spike shook his head in disgust as he once again followed the path towards Buffy out of the woods.

Behind him, standing at the open doorway of the winery, the First stood in the form of Angel. "God I hate that guy! Oh, well, I can still use him later. Where did he get that awful nickname for me anyway? I mean, do smell like peaches? I knew I shouldn't have used that body spray that Fred gave me." The First/Angel sulked back into the Winery where he would get his kicks by ordering the bringers around.

The scent of her was getting closer, but it also confused Spike. Why would she go patrolling in a classy French restaurant? Remnants of dusted Vampires littered the door marked “Croissant Deux.” As Spike slipped into the waiting area he was hit with the smells of French Cuisine. “ Just like friggin’ Prague” He remembered dining in the finest French restaurants on the richest, most refined humans he had ever tasted. All that was gone now, even if he could chomp on some “Happy meals with legs” he wouldn’t in fear of disappointing Buffy.

The waiter looked him up and down and a look of disgust appeared on his face. “Surely you don't presume that you can just waltz in here wearing that. I must ask you to leave this restaurant at once.” Spike looked down at his black t-shirt, jeans, boots, and leather duster. The vampire then gazed into the waiter’s eyes and used what he hadn't done in many years.

“I would like to find my friend, you will let me pass and treat me with dignity and respect, oh yeah and my name is Spike.” Spike broke his gaze, causing the waiter to stumble a bit, soon regaining his composure.

“Yes, well Mr. Spike, we all very pleased that you have happened to grace us with your presence, and It would be my pleasure that you search around the establishment.” The vamp broke out in a grin as he realized that his thrall still worked!

“That’s a bloody well better attitude mate, glad you came ‘round to your senses!”

“Yes, well, what is your friends name Master Spike? I could find out which table?”

“No thanks mate, I can find her.” He said as he strode away into the romantically darkened restaurant.

Most of the people sitting at the various tables were coupled, many kissing and rubbing their feet together under the red-tablecloth tables. He just hoped she wasn't dying in the kitchen. He couldn't smell her blood, but things like that always seemed to happen to him.

What he saw then was the most enraging thing he had ever witnessed.

Buffy was being fed a piece of fruit by some sodden' black Mr. Clean! He even had an earring and everything! Spike had to fight his demon just to keep himself from snapping the wanker’s neck as he strode over to the table. Buffy seemed to be enjoying herself. ‘She never acted giggly when we were together!’ He felt a wave of emotions rush over him as he stared at a woman he could never have.

Just then Buffy noticed the vampire standing over her shoulder. **Cough**gag** Buffy started to choke on her pear slice at the tearful look in her past-lover’s eyes, which had an equal amount of possessiveness and anger.

“Spike! W-what are you doing here?” Spike glared at the ‘date’ Buffy had decided was good enough for her. He had the sudden urge to rip out his intestines and strangle him with them.

“I need to talk to you, slayer.” His icy glare finally penetrated the principal’s face as the man showed a look of distrust.

“ Buffy, do you know this man? How does he know you’re a Slayer?” All the while not backing down from peroxide blonds death glare. Buffy meanwhile, stood up and started to pull Spike away.

“Long story Robin, I’ll be back in just a sec’. Spike! what is so urgent that you have to pull me away from an important date?” Buffy was slightly pissed now, especially since Spike was looking at Robin Wood like he wouldn't mind turning back to his old ways. She pulled him out the back entrance, but he undoubtedly would have followed any ways.

“What’s up Spike?” Spike was channeling William as he shifted his feet and tried to avert her eyes.

“You have date…that’s nice.” He was trying to sound happy for her, but his jealousy was getting the best of him when anger escaped his voice.

“YES SPIKE, I SOMETIMES HAVE A LIFE! Which doesn't occur very often, especially when a certain mopey vampire followed me around like a friggin’ bloodhound!” Buffy regretted her words seconds after she said them.

“I JUST WANTED…” Spike tried to say it, but it wouldn't help if he yelled it at her. Lighting exploded across the sky as it started to pour.

“Wanted what, Spike?” She was trying to sound less harsh; after all, he wasn't her enemy any more.

“I w-wanted to know why you removed t-the chip.” He felt very vulnerable around her, not good for his Big Bad image, but he couldn't help it. She awoke the self-conscious William in him. Buffy also had the feeling of being under a microscope so she stared at the gravel along the side of the road.

“You were in pain, I-I couldn’t put another one in, in seemed cruel…” Spike flinched at this. Was that the only reason? Because she was good and pure so she couldn’t keep the wild dog on the leash anymore? Had he just imagined that she had feelings for him? It was too much to take; he could feel his undead heart breaking as he turned to walk out of her life forever.

“Sod it slayer, I don’t need your pity!” He said as he walked down the alleyway.

“Wait…” Spike heard her desperate plea and stalled for only a second. “I believe you can be a good man…that I can trust you…don’t leave me” He turned around to gaze into her tear filled eyes and felt his resolve crumbling rapidly.

“Luv, you know I can’t resist you. You couldn’t get rid of me if you wanted to.” Spike’s trademark grin returned to his face as he sprinted towards her and twirled her around him before going in for a chaste kiss. Buffy was shocked but didn’t resist his obvious love towards her. She even felt happy! Something that she had tried to deny herself for so many years, in fear that she would be left again. Angel left her, her dad left her, and Riley left her, but Spike…he would never leave her!

“Sooo, you’re not worried that I’ll go killing humans again?” Spike asked coyly.

“No, but if you do I’ll have to stake you!” She laughed at the mock-shocked look on his face, they both knew that it was an empty threat. Logic suddenly stopped by at the brain of Buffy.

“Hey! How did you know that you're chip was out?” And almost giggled at the proud chest puffed out way he was walking at the question.

“Xander finally got what he deserved.” She stopped in her tracks and stared at the increasingly confused looking vampire.

“What did you do?” Buffy couldn’t believe him! If he killed Xander he would definitely have to be staked. Didn’t he know what that would do to her?

“Nothing pet, I promise! Just clocked his jaw is all.” Waves of relief washed over her, as her mood lightened once more.

“Well…I guess he did kinda’ deserve it, you're forgiven.” She smiled a true smile at him, and he decided that even if he were staked, he would've died a happy man. Buffy’s grin spread even wider as she spied upon Spike’s now curly drenched hair.

“You looked like a drowned vamp, I never knew you had cute little curls! What’s the matter? Ashamed of your Shirley Temple hair?

“Laugh now Slayer, but just wait until you look into a mirror!” Buffy fiddled with her hair, attempting to make it look stylish.

Robin Wood was forgotten as he sat at his table, wondering where Buffy was. Foolishly thinking she would be back, he was determined to not give up. He was going to wait until she got back. Yup, she’d be there any moment now…

Buffy and Spike strolled down the dark back alley, just daring any evil to ruin their happiness. They weren't worried, together they fought and won against everything daring enough to challenge them. And wouldn’t let First Evil worries get to them.

“I’m not even going to think about facing the evil preacher until tomorrow morning!” Buffy sighed as she leaned into Spike side so they walked as one. Spike chuckled, realizing now whom he had killed in the woods.

“What?”

~Finite~