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Chapter 1: An Important Conference Call

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Buffy growled slightly into the phone, a personality trait she had picked up from Spike. Just remembering Spike made her sigh, but Giles was too busy rambling into the phone to notice: “I really don’t think this is a job for slayers. We don’t fight lawyers or law firms. We fight demons and vampires. I know you love Angel and all but I really think this isn’t the place for slayers to be testing out their skills.” Buffy was on a conference call with the other Scoobies as well as Giles discussing the latest adventure that they were asked to help on. Although the Scoobies were all separated and in different parts of the world, the gang got together in the form of a conference call to decide which fights the slayers were asked to participate in to ensure that it was in their best interest. This one, unlike many of the others, involved a serious debate.

Buffy sort of agreed with Giles’s opinion and was about to comment about her love for Angel but heard Willow speak up, “Well there is evil being done there. Angel insisted that this would put the evil forces on hold for a while because they would have to repair the damage before continuing their work. It’s not a bad idea.”

Xander ranted cutting everyone else off: “Why are we helping the evil dead anyway? I thought us helping Spike was enough? Correct me if I’m wrong but Angel signed that contract. How do we know he’s just not trying to get out of his contract? Fred is already sort of dead and that was the law firm’s fault, do we really want to get messed up in the head of the evil department? Isn’t that a tad bit over our capabilities? Is it really something slayers are supposed to do? Wouldn’t it be suicide to….” Buffy spoke up cutting Xander off before he could continue his rant, “Well we are supposed to rid the world of evil, but they are still just girls. Girls with huge power they don’t understand. Most of these girls were never even trained as potentials and….” Dawn cut Buffy clicking her pen happily on the table and Buffy cast her a glare across the room, “Well I personally think Buffy should go and check it out before we make a decision. I think Buffy should see for herself what exactly is going on there.”

Giles sighed and Buffy could just imagine him cleaning his glasses, “I don’t think Buffy going to L.A. and possibly alerting the law firm of the plans is a good idea…I think--” Willow cut him off, “I think…oh hold on Kennedy I’m on a conference call.” There was silence followed by some loud yelling as everyone waited to hear what Willow had to say, “Sorry guys about that…we have been fighting a lot lately but anyway I think Buffy can go visit her ex as a way to get into the law firm without raising suspicion. I think it would be a great idea and probably the only way you guys would feel comfortable sending in the troops.” Faith chirped up for the first time in a while, “I can head there if you want with Robin. We are closer than you Buffy. Although it might be a tad bit awkward….”

Buffy definitely didn’t want to agree to visit Angel even if Willow’s excuse was valid. Buffy just really needed to try to change Willow’s mind about anyone visiting Angel. Although Faith had a point since she was living in Ohio while Buffy was in Scotland, she didn’t feel right about the whole situation. Sending Faith to L.A. just seemed wrong since this was a big fight, “Well Andrew said it’s bad there. He said it’s walking into an office full of demons and vampires. It’s a safe haven for the evil guys. It’s probably better than on the street, eating victims. Faith, no offense but I’d be worried about what excuse we would give for you visiting him at this point of the game.” Faith’s chipper voice echoed, “Well Robin was glaring at me at that suggestion anyway. I guess he doesn’t like the idea of a 3-month pregnant slayer going into an evil law firm. Sorry.”

Giles cleared his throat, “Back to the suggestions at hand about the law firm, I personally would want the law firm destroyed not giving out jobs to local vampires and demons. I read in the watcher diaries that that law firm decides a lot of the evil activities that take place in this world, including the First’s activities. I mean not the Los Angeles office per se, since they have a few offices around the world, but that law firm is responsible hellmouth’s, vampire clans and gangs. They have a lot of power, even over deciding the next apocalypse…but is it our girls’ responsibility to prevent that, and do we want to anger the people responsible for such things. They are liable to open up a hellmouth in L.A. and suck us into Hell if we choose to fight such a battle…. Buffy as much as I hate to agree with Willow, I think you need to go to L.A.”

Dawn piped up, “Can I go?” A chorus of “no’s” echoed through the phone and Buffy watched as Dawn sighed defeated sitting back into her seat, “I never get to have any fun.” Buffy sighed, “Are you sure I have to go there? Can’t I just place a phone call?” She heard Xander mutter something and then speak louder, “I thought you didn’t want Angel to know where you are? A phone call can be traced and it would be easily traced to England. Right now he thinks you are in Rome.”

Buffy smiled a little remembering when Andrew called her up from Rome letting her know that Angel had showed up on his doorstep demanding that Buffy show herself. That couldn’t occur since there was only a decoy in Rome and Angel would recognize the deception if he saw her up close and personal. Buffy glanced towards Dawn and sighed loudly into the phone, “Fine I’ll go but I want to do so alone. I don’t want a team following me and I don’t want bodyguards or anything like that. I just want to take a normal plane to L.A. and have a rental car so I don’t have to depend on Angel. I’ll stay as long as I have to, but I want my own place to stay in -- a hotel or something so that I don’t have to ask Angel for accommodations. I want that made clear when you make the arrangements Willow. I don’t want to stay with Angel and I’d rather not he even know I’m coming because I don’t want trouble.” Willow agreed, “Ok I’ll make the travel arrangements and give a call to a rental place for a car as well as arranging a place to stay. And Buffy? Call me when you get there and I’ll let the gang know?” Buffy agreed as everyone hung up.

Buffy’s eyes darted from the phone to look out the window in her office wishing she felt better. She hadn’t felt the same since she left Sunnydale that fateful day. A part of her left when Spike died. The part that remained felt broken and painful. She would survive because Spike had given her the strength to do so, but she didn’t want to. She wanted to be with Spike wherever he was. Life was so unfair. It had taken her over two years to admit she loved Spike only to have it be too late and for him to die. The fact he died a hero was little consolation to the fact he was still dead. She heard Dawn move to sit in the chair across from her. As she glanced up, she heard Dawn whisper with concern, “You ok with this? I know you made it quite clear you didn’t want to deal with Angel while you were still grieving for Spike.”

Buffy shrugged feeling mostly numb about the whole idea. Part of her was dreading seeing Angel again and going to the United States where undoubtedly she would be spending her time remembering Spike and longing for him. Another part of her was curious to see what Angel had gotten himself into. The one time she had thought about visiting was with Andrew and Angel had insisted that Buffy not go. Buffy figured he just didn’t want her to deal with an evil law firm but part of her was nervous about why he wouldn’t want to see her. She noticed Dawn was staring at her and she remembered Dawn’s question and decided to answer, “I kind of have to be. I can’t send the girls in there without knowing what is going on exactly and I can’t have the gang agree on a no until I have a solid reason why not. If you weren’t in school Dawnie I’d take you but you are in school for another month. I can’t go pulling you out of school when you are doing so well and will be finished in less than a month.” She got up to sit next to Dawn and ran her fingers through Dawn’s long hair, “Besides, I don’t think this visit will be anything worth writing home about. I plan to go, see, come back and report.” Dawn nodded, “I’m sure it will be quick and you will be back even before the weekend.” Buffy nodded in agreement but didn’t feel so confident. A part of her knew something was wrong with this scenario but couldn’t figure out what it was.

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Chapter 2: Wolfram and Hart

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Less than 24 hours later Buffy sat on a plane staring out the window. She hated going to L.A. and hated even more that a deep dark pit had appeared in her stomach making her want to puke. She had taken the night plane to avoid a crowded trip and the noise of people traveling during the day. She knew during the day, businessmen and women would travel as well as families. She wanted to avoid that and just arrive safely and soundly without having a headache. Since she would arrive in L.A. bright and early she was given special permission to check in to the hotel early. She hated traveling as it was and she had been thankful when she had felt numb on the ride over to England, but now on this ride, she felt as though she were heading to impending doom. It was a different type of feeling than when she was walking into a vampire nest. This impending doom was more like walking the long walk from death row for your execution. She figured she was blowing this out of proportion but couldn’t shake the feeling.

She hadn’t seen the United States since 3 days after Spike’s death when Giles had taken her and Dawn to England. Dawn had high hopes of becoming a Watcher as did Andrew so immediately everyone but Faith, who stayed behind with Robin in Cleveland, hopped on a plane to their future. Faith was now 3 months pregnant but continued to slay with Robin when able. She was running a Slayer Headquarters for the people in America. She seemed to enjoy it just fine.

Upon much discussion, it was decided that the Scooby gang split up to help the new slayers. Xander went to Scotland with a few trained Slayers to run a Slayer Headquarters there. It was a training facility mostly and did not take live-in borders other than the girl he was currently dating. Buffy had been happy to hear he had found someone else who was not a demon although he still missed Anya, he had been lonely. A decoy was placed in the Scotland Headquarters so that the real location of Buffy was not known since she had made a serious name for herself in the world of the vampires and demons. Andrew had taken a crew of slayers with him and went to Rome with a decoy. He enjoyed flings and had yet to settle down. He enjoyed the company of many women who came and went. The only constant in his life that he cared about was the Buffy decoy. Although discussions had occurred about the possibility of him settling down with the decoy, no solid plans had been made yet.

Giles had decided to recreate the Council only this time instead of watchers, he called them Assistants. He had opened a successful Council headquarters in England after repairing the old building with funds for which he was now responsible. There were a great many funds and he was now being given money for slayers who worked as security guards. The large companies would pay Giles a fund to provide them with adequate protection along with paying the Slayers a large income. This setup allowed Giles as well as the Assistants a sufficient income. Giles was quite proud of what he had accomplished and seemed happy enough.

Willow had decided after much thinking that she had a purpose in life too. She and Kennedy left shortly the England headquarters was set up to search for and help the new slayers who had come onto their power. Willow and Kennedy spent their time traveling all over the world to assist the new slayers in coming to terms with their new powers and what it meant. She acted as a guide to help the newly called slayers decide how they would spend their life; whether it be protecting their personal town and staying at home, moving to a Slayer Headquarters closest to them for training or just simply understanding where their sudden power came from and how to not abuse it. Willow loved the work although Kennedy did not. Kennedy kept insisting she wanted to settle down somewhere, which caused many fights. Buffy was really surprised it had lasted so long, but that was none of her business really. She didn’t want Willow lonely anymore than she wanted Willow unhappy in a relationship. She would listen as Willow struggled, but mostly kept out of it not knowing which way to persuade her. She was hardly the expert on relationships or love. Buffy was too busy trying to focus on staying afloat in her own existence to be any use to others in their relationship dramas.

She heard the fasten seatbelt sign and shrugged knowing hers was already on. She gripped the seats so hard her knuckles turned white as she felt the plane lunge to land and she silently closed her eyes and replayed the time in her life that always helped her get through any battle she faced, “I love what you are, what you do, how you try. I’ve seen your kindness and your strength. I’ve seen the best and the worst of you and I understand with perfect clarity exactly what you are. You’re a hell of a woman. You’re the one Buffy.” She sighed as she felt the plane land and opened her eyes as people started to shift around her. She let out a deep breath to try to calm her nerves but knew eating would not be an option. She decided then and there to get off the plane, collect her baggage and only make one stop to the hotel she was staying at before heading right to Angel. She had been planning to see him tomorrow but she couldn’t risk eating and knew sleep wouldn’t come until she faced her inner turmoil and saw Angel. She fell in line behind the others after collecting her carry on bag and went to collect her other suitcase.

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An hour later, Buffy was in the car driving to Wolfram and Hart. Dawn had given her the directions thanks to the Internet so she was able to get around L.A. with scarcely a worry in case the car didn’t have a GPS system. She was overwhelmed by what she saw when she arrived. It was a large building with many floors and it had lots of windows. That is one thing she didn’t expect. What kind of evil law firm that hosted a home for vampires and demons, makes with big huge sunny windows? Perhaps they only worked at night. She shrugged not knowing the answer as she pulled into a parking space marked “Visitor”. She didn’t know where she was going and hoped there would be nice people to help guide her. She laughed at herself thinking that she was crazy for expecting that there would be nice people in an evil law firm. She was tempted to whip out her phone and call Angel but knew better than to give him a way to contact her. She was stronger than that. She closed her eyes replaying that special night with Spike and when she finished she reopened her eyes and stepped out of the car.

As she stood in front of the building, she saw no one else was noticing it. They were walking by it as though it weren’t there. Perhaps non-supernatural people didn’t see the building. She shook away her thoughts as she opened the glass doors and entered the building. Once inside she couldn’t help but to let out a soft gasp in shock. She was standing in the lobby and the place was packed with people. They appeared mostly normal but she knew by the way her vampire senses were screaming at her, that they were anything but normal. She took a deep breath and walked inside and up to the front desk. She put on a bright smile as she stated, “I’m here to see Angel.”
The man ignored her and she spoke louder repeating herself, “I’m here to see Angel.” The man looked over at her and asked, “And you are?” She spoke loud and clear hoping that she would intimidate him but she didn’t want to start trouble. “I’m Buffy Summers and if you only let Angel know I’m here to see him, I promise you that he will let me in and welcome me with open arms. So just let him know I’m here if you please.” She stopped her rambling noticing the man wasn’t even looking at her. The man said nothing in reply but instead gestured for her to have a seat. She sat in the plush leather chair looking around. The place was packed and busy. Well-dressed individuals hurried along as high as she could see. The constant mummer of people talking with each other as they walked, the ding of the busy elevator as well as the sound of phones ringing in the distance, filled her mind. The vampire tingles, which were driving her crazy, filled her senses so she was on serious senses overload. How did one function in this place without going crazy? She was about to get up and pace when the man spoke, “Miss Summers? He will see you now. Evans will take you there.”

Buffy turned to see a demon with horns standing in front of her. He was dressed in a tan suit and dress shoes and looked strange but friendly enough. He smiled at her, “Just follow me. No slaying. This place is a violence free zone after all.” Buffy frowned, “Is it safe here?” The demon chuckled, “Probably not Miss Summers but we are controlled by Angel and since you are friends with Angel, you are probably safer than most. Come along, we have a few floors to pass before we get to Angel’s.” Buffy dutifully followed feeling her nerves get more intense. She wanted to puke and was extremely glad she hadn’t eaten that day. She had a horrible habit of missing meals so she wasn’t too worried about the consequences of skipping last night’s dinner and now breakfast. She just wanted to get this first meeting out of the way. She heard the elevator ding and the demon stepped out motioning for Buffy to follow him. She glanced around still seeing people walking to and from but the noise was a lot quieter. She watched as the man went up to the front desk and Buffy glanced around at all the people walking around. There was someone pushing a mail cart filled with envelopes that looked normal enough. There were people walking around carrying briefcases and files of important business. She looked at the closed double doors down the hallway and wondered which one Angel was behind. She guessed he wouldn’t have a window since it was definitely still daylight out.

She sighed as she heard a voice, which gained her attention, “Buffy? Buffy Summers? My god I haven’t seen you since High School when I died! You look great, well a little pale to be honest but I’m always pale and I can’t see myself but I imagine I still look great based on what I see with the camera I use to take my picture to fix my hair every morning. Oh my god!” Buffy saw Harmony standing in front of her and for a minute Buffy was tempted to stake Harmony remembering the issues she had done in Sunnydale. Instead Buffy glanced around putting her hands on her hips and demanded, “What are you doing here?” Harmony gasped out nervously, “I work here. I’m Angel’s personal assistant. This is an evil law firm you know but they have great benefits. What are you doing here? Does Angel know you were coming? He barely just got in.” Memories of how Spike and Harmony dated flooded her mind causing Buffy to take a step towards her stating in a firm voice getting annoyed by her chattering, “Where is Angel? And why shouldn’t I break the rules for all the trouble you caused in Sunnydale years before and stake you right here?”

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Chapter 3: First Impressions

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Buffy saw Harmony point a finger at something behind her and Buffy turned around to see Angel standing there, “Because I’d be out of an assistant and she really isn’t all that bad. She does at least try although I wouldn’t trust her. Buffy….to what do I owe this surprise?” Angel glanced around as though nervous as Buffy replied, “You requested help.” Angel grinned giving Buffy a big hug whispering in her ear softly, “Ahh so you sent me slayer help. Where are they? Do they need a place to stay?” Buffy shook her head as she ended the hug, “No you don’t understand. You asked for help so I came to see what was actually going on here. I wanted to know what was going on so I could make the decision.” Angel sighed with his disappointment obvious, “You have only a few days. I have to talk to the gang tomorrow with a little help from something I have that will make it possible for our latest adventure.” He leaned down talking to her in hush tones as he placed his hand on her back, “Not a word. This place is watched.”


After pretending to have leaned down to kiss her cheek, “Let’s go into my office so we can catch up. It’s been forever since I’ve seen you, how’s Dawn? Is school treating her ok? Does she like Rome and all?” Buffy sighed as she entered his office and looked around. It was dark as expected. The room held two plush leather couches, a few chairs here and there with small round tables. She could see a conference room with many chairs set up in the room next to him. His desk was large and wooden and really stood out against the black wall of weapons which lined the wall. There were curtains pulled across a wall to her left and across what she guessed were the windows. Angel motioned to a red chair in the center of the room in front of his desk and he sat behind her desk, “So really how are things?” Buffy hesitated but then decided a little information couldn’t hurt. She just wouldn’t mention England at all, “Dawn’s doing well in school. She’s looking into colleges and can’t make up her mind. She has been studying languages and is great at it. She had started her training with Spike before he…” Her voice broke as tears came to her eyes. She blinked them away and turned looking at the curtain, “Anyway she’s doing well. Want to hear about the others as well?”


Angel nodded as he leaned back in his chair and she continued, “Willow is doing ok. She’s learned how to control her powers and is spending her life finding the new slayers. She loves it and enjoys meeting new people and helping them. I think it helps her to feel better to assist other slayers after killing someone. She’s with another slayer. You know she’s gay right? Well she’s with another slayer and they are on rocky ground. I think they are staying together so they don’t have to be alone…” She trailed off not liking how Angel was staring at her but shivered and glanced down at his desk as she continued, “Xander is doing great. In fact they gave him a new eye so he could lose the patch. He was excited. Amazing what technology and money can really do for a person. He’s dating someone new, another slayer. They seem happy enough. Did you hear Anya died? I don’t know if you ever knew her so maybe it doesn’t matter if she’s dead. Giles is running a new Watcher’s Council, but he’s calling them Assistants now. They train, and help the slayers to find places for them to use their skills. Some are bodyguards, some are security guards, some handle police jobs, as well as other professions. It keeps people busy at least.”


Angel smiled as Buffy caught his eye. She felt awkward, “So how are you doing?” Angel stood up to sit on the edge of his desk, “Well I run Wolfram and Hart as you know and yea I know it’s evil but we are working from the inside out to make it better. My team and I are doing pretty well here minus a few kinks. We can go out later once night falls if you want. I can take you out to eat or something or we can just go sit and talk. Did you want to stay here with me? I’m sure I could find a place for you to stay…”


Buffy cut him off with a wave of her hand, “I’m ok. I’m staying at a hotel in town and have a car and stuff so I’m all set.” Angel nodded with understanding although his face still shined with disappointment, “Well I have some work to do but if you want and if you tell me where, I’ll swing by with a car later on tonight and we can go out to eat. Is that ok with you? I’ll send you out right now with a limo and he’ll take you wherever you’d like to go. There are some shopping places around that I can give you my credit card for. I’m not sure whom you’d like to go shopping with. I would have offered Fred but…” He trailed off as he cleared his throat, “Well anyway perhaps Julianne can go with you. She’s human and works in the lab where Fred used to work. She seems young like your age. Is that ok with you? Would you like to go shopping?”


Buffy nodded and suddenly the door to the office swung open to reveal a green demon with two little horns on his head that was singing away. He stopped singing and glanced at Angel smiling, “Angel cakes, I got this new gig I need to run by you when oh, I’m sorry. I interrupted. I’m Lorne, are you Buffy Summers the famous slayer?” Buffy smiled and nodded, “I am. Nice to meet you Lorne.” Angel turned towards Lorne, “She was just thinking she might like to go shopping.” Lorne grinned, “Oh can I take her? I’d love to take her shopping. She seems to have such good taste and I bet I could have her hair done wonderfully. We could make it into a spa day. There’s a wonderful spa downstairs and a shopping place just outside if you want me to show it to you.” Lorne shoved the file into Angel’s hand as Buffy smiled. He seemed nice enough and a little gay so she wasn’t too worried he would jump her plus she could easily handle herself and shopping did sound fun. She nodded in agreement and Lorne grinned snatching the credit card Angel had produced, “Oh sweet cheeks, this will be so much fun. Just wait until you see the mud baths they give people. I’ve had a few myself and they are divine. You are a little pale but I’m sure we will get some color in you soon enough. You look hungry? Didn’t you have breakfast? We will hook you up with the big grub around here before we do the spa thing.” He turned towards Angel giving him a slight wave as he turned back to Buffy pushing her through the door, “Oh creampuff, you are so going to love this place. We all do!”

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Buffy laid on a table covered in some kind of seaweed wrap. She felt like a sardine squished into something small and tiny so that she couldn’t move. She had already gotten her hair washed, cut and curled. She had looked and agreed with Lorne when he said she was more beautiful and tasty than she was before she arrived. The care the vampires took with her hair was scary but she knew it was because Angel had insisted that she be treated well. She had then been taken to have a pedicure and manicure. This was something Buffy hadn’t done in years. After Joyce died, money had been tight. She was scraping to support herself, Dawn and her friends so to spend money on such unnecessary luxuries weren’t an option. The last year while she could easily afford it thanks to Giles’ income but by then she had stopped caring. Now she was sporting the color of passion pink on both her toes and fingers. They had buffed out the calluses on her feet to make them all shiny and smooth and they felt so soft. So soft in fact, she didn’t even recognize her own feet, which scared her a little. She glanced at the clock feeling her nose start to itch. She knew with this wrap covering her, there was no way she could itch her nose so instead she figured she could wait out the last 10 minutes by thinking. Her whole day so far had been spent with one thought after another.


She wished she had brought Dawn with her. Dawn would have loved this place. Who wouldn’t? She could totally understand the draw to this place. It’s a law firm yet so much more. She could never work here though. She knew it from the moment they entered the spa area. It was superficial. It was great for a day of pampering but to spend your life with demons and vampires, working along side of them and for them in order to keep the income coming in. All this so you would have a place to stay? Well she couldn’t see herself doing that. She was put on this world to slay vampires and demons not to help house them. But the thought made her angry. Angel sold his soul away for this place. He was so busy admiring the beauty, the excitement and the fact he would have everything, to even notice that he was working for an evil law firm. How did he live with himself? She sighed as she tried to wiggle her toes feeling restless. After this she was to soak in the hot water for 20 minutes then she would be handed some juice and then Lorne would meet up with her again to go shopping. The shopping part she was excited about mostly because she hadn’t shopped in a long time. The clothes she had, she had bought when she had hit England but she shopped practically, not with the soul purpose of spending money. She didn’t have much money at that point, and just bought enough outfits to keep her going through a week. They had been nothing fancy.


The only thing she had spent a little money on was a leather duster like Spike’s. Her friends and even Dawn had frowned at it but she just had to have it. She didn’t wear it too often and instead slept with it. She had left Sunnydale with nothing that reminded her of him, only a slight scar on her hand from that day when their hands had caught fire. She had wanted something of his so badly that she had returned back to Sunnydale only to find a huge crater of nothing. She had been hoping to find something of his, anything, but instead it was all gone. She had cried bitterly that day and Dawn and Giles had to physically remove her. She had packed the duster to bring to L.A. with her. Every night she would climb into bed and pull the duster over her pretending it was really Spike’s. It had helped a little bit but not enough to actually calm her. Every night as she dreamed, she would dream of him. They would be fighting, talking, holding each other, claiming each other or making love. Every night she would go to sleep knowing she would see him again and it had comforted her. At first she was napping and sleeping every minute of the day only waking when someone woke her. And since They were worried about her sleeping that was often but then she gradually was able to function knowing that at the end of the day, she could pull that duster over her and close her eyes dreaming of him. It would make even the hardest of days worth while knowing she could see Spike again. She sighed as she noticed the demon ladies returning. They removed the wrap and she walked over and sank into the hot tub.

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Chapter 4: Shopping with Lorne

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She felt her nerves ease as the hot water worked out her muscles. She had a massage earlier as well and she could still feel her muscles relaxed. She lay back against the hot water pillow and just floated in the water as her mind continued on its thoughts. She thought about the changes in her since she was first called to slaying.

She was just a 15 year old with no cares in the world. Her watcher had taught her faithfully step by step what she was to do and who she was. No matter how much she fought against her calling, it was still always there. Then he had died and she had been moved to Sunnydale after her parents got divorced and she had spent time in the mental institution when she had tried to tell them of her calling.

She sighed as she wiggled her fingers and toes enjoying the way the hot water flowed between them. Then she remembered Sunnydale. She was determined to be normal and to be just a normal girl but callings don’t go away. They continue to hack at you until you accept it. It was like Spiderman. She grinned thinking about that analogy. A spider had bitten him, causing him to have a great and wonderful destiny. She had been told about him by Spike when he had shared some comic books with her.

Peter Parker, an average high school geek, was bitten by a spider and turned into some super hero and had to continuously give up what he wanted in his life for his calling. She knew that feeling oh so well. She had given up so much in her life with her final thing being Spike. He had died to save her. She would never forget that as long as she lived and would make sure no one ever forgot him. She constantly was telling the new recruits the story to create a legend of the great Spike who saved the world and loved her with all his heart as she did him.

She frowned as she felt tears pool in her eyes. She couldn’t think about him without her emotions going crazy. She loved him and wanted to spend her days with him, not to have him die for her. She sighed as her thoughts turned towards Xander and his reaction. He recognized her hurt right away because he was feeling it himself. He had lost Anya who was the love of his life so he had been very sympathetic towards her. He had held her while she cried for a few nights crying himself for Anya. They had shared memories back and forth of both parties and of the time they shared together. She had never felt so close to Xander.

Willow was great as well. She had often shared in the crying fests since she was still mourning Tara. Dawn occasionally would join but she mostly stayed away, mourning in her own way for the ones she lost. Since they all had lost the ones they loved and their soulmates, the Scoobies had to become stronger to survive. She was stronger but still Spike was her weakness. That’s why England made sense. Spike had loved England and was from there so she had the ability to be close to Spike. With Sunnydale gone, it was the only place that had made sense to her.

She glanced up at the clock noticing that only 5 minutes were left. She closed her eyes determined not to think anymore and spent those last few moments in quiet solace not thinking about anything.

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Buffy hadn’t been shopping for fun in a very long time. She used to do that every year with her dad before the divorce. Then once they divorced, her dad would often not make it to the arranged times so Buffy’s shopping trips became fewer and fewer. Over the past few years. Buffy didn’t have the money to really do any shopping trips. She again wished Dawn had come because she would have loved shopping. She would just make a point to pick up a few items for Dawn. She knew her size after all.

Buffy smiled at Lorne as he dragged her into the mall area that was outside the law firm but owned by it. She glanced around the mall and was amazed. Every kind of fancy store was there. These weren’t Walmart but instead designer clothes stores. She stood back for a moment while Lorne studied the fancy glowing map. She noticed things like Calvin Klein, Prada, Abercrombie & Fitch, Ann Taylor, Zara and even Chanel. She was floored.

Lorne looked at her and smiled, “Brighten up cupcake, this is state of the art shopping and you don’t pay a penny. It’s the place where every girl dreams of shopping and you have the whole place at your fingertips.” Buffy glanced around seeing demons, vampires and even humans shopping carrying tons of bags. She whispered, “Are all these people evil?” Lorne shrugged, “The stores are mostly owned by what you would consider evil but I wouldn’t accuse them of being evil. You’d be surprised at the music industry. We represent tons of famous music artists and they are all considered evil even though you would never imagine it. Just enjoy!”

Buffy smiled as Lorne then dragged her into Chanel where he immediately began picking out clothes, most of which Buffy wouldn’t have been caught dead in. Lorne noticed her frown and set the clothes aside and took her to the counter where they would fix her up with makeup. She sat down and looked dubiously at Lorne. He chuckled and said something to the lady demon at the counter who clucked. She then reached down and took out a mirror and a ton of makeup and began to work on Buffy’s face. The lady would say something in another language and Lorne would repeat it in English. Buffy was told to relax her face and trust Georgetta to making her look fabulous.

She trusted Lorne because he seemed to be safe but this Georgetta was black skinned with what appeared to be scales on her arms. That made Buffy nervous but she kept still per Lorne’s request. She closed her eyes as asked and thought about this strange evil world. She was actually being a hypocrite by participating in such things. She wondered for a minute if there was a Gap nearby because she didn’t like the styles of clothes in this place. She heard Lorne say something to Georgetta and she said something back and they seemed to be bickering, and Buffy felt her face being washed clean. She was about to open her eyes when the makeup process started again, only this time without all the fuss. She felt a cool sponge working over her face followed by a brush. She then felt something being applied to her nose and under her eyes and then felt a brush move over her eyelids. Then she felt a pencil trace her eyes and finally she felt some lip stuff being applied. She was asked by Lorne to blot which she did and then he whispered, “Open your eyes sweet thing.”

Buffy opened her eyes and she saw that her face looked gentler and softer. Her eyes were accented and looked even bigger if that was possible. She smiled and whispered, “I like it but it’s a lot of work.” Lorne waved his hand, “Nonsense! She used a bit of foundation because you were so pale and some powder, which every girl needs in order to make sure she isn’t shiny. Then she added a bit of color brushed on your cheeks to accent them followed by eye-shadow and traced your beautiful green eyes with a light color pencil to make your eyes appear even more beautiful if that were even possible. She didn’t use mascara because she said you didn’t need it. So really it’s not that much trouble once you get used to it, but again you wouldn’t need this except for a special occasion where you were dressing to impress. I have an idea about your clothes. I think this will be better than designer places if that’s ok with you.” Buffy nodded as Georgetta started packing a bag full of items. Buffy glanced around at the store and was thankful to be brought somewhere else. Lorne took the package from Georgetta and said something causing her to smile and wave. Buffy waved back and as soon as they left the store Lorne tossed the bag onto his arm and grabbed her arm pulling her towards the back of the mall.

Lorne entered a shop called Bloomingdale’s. Buffy glanced around and grinned. This was definitely her style. This was a place she was familiar with. Instead of fancy dresses with weird hats, this place allowed you to pick and choose from all the designer clothing. She grinned as Lorne released her arm allowing her to choose a dress or two. She looked at the price tags trying to work up how much she was spending and frowned glancing towards Lorne, “How much can I spend?” Lorne grinned, “Don’t worry Popsicle. You aren’t paying so just have fun!” Buffy nodded and Lorne admired the three dresses in her hand, “Those are amazing! Here try on these too!” Lorne handed her a large handful of tank tops and shorts and capris that actually were her style. She grinned as she raced to the dressing rooms trying on the clothing. Every piece they had picked out looked amazing on her.

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Chapter 5: Is It Really a Date?

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Three hours later, she left the store with a short dark red dress, a long black cocktail dress, and a white off the shoulder short dress. She also bought some summery sundresses, which Lorne insisted were her style and looked great on her. She also picked up some tank tops and shorts as well as some capris knowing that was what she was more than likely to wear. Lorne carried a bag of earrings and necklaces that were mostly silver. She refused the fancy gems saying she couldn’t bring herself to wear them but had accepted the shoes to match her outfits. She also, despite her protests of going to a lingerie store with Lorne, had bought tons of stuff from Victoria Secret.





Overall as she walked with both her and Lorne’s hands full, Buffy felt cheerier than she had in a while. She found herself humming happily a tune that was echoing in her head not recognizing it as one that Spike often sang. Her step was lighter and her hair bounced around her face making her look even more amazing along with her new outfit which was a blue tank top that was cut perfectly for her body and a pair of white capris with matching white sandals that gave her a bit of height. She was short so she loved that she felt taller in them. She felt like a million bucks and refused to think about the fact she had probably spent just that. For Dawn she had picked out some summer outfits and two summer sundresses. She knew Dawn would just love them. She couldn’t resist adding in a few pairs of shoes, some simple jewelry and a new watch for Dawn as well.





Buffy paused as they entered the building becoming lost once again in the rush of the demons and vampires going about their day. Lorne watched her for a moment and then stepped into the elevator while she followed. She found herself humming again and Lorne smiled at her. She had no idea what Lorne was thinking and it was probably a good thing because Lorne, having heard her hum, knew Spike had been wrong about the girl. Spike had insisted, as did Angel, that Buffy had moved on and was enjoying her real life adventures being normal. This was not the case and in fact a certain blond vampire was her destiny. Lorne was tempted to tell her but she didn’t ask and he wanted to do some research about it first. He knew it was only a matter of time before they crossed paths anyway but he could only hope that he could convince Spike to find her rather than her spot him.





Lorne grinned as the elevator opened up and he walked up to Angel’s desk waiting patiently for him to get off the phone. As soon as Angel did Lorne jumped into a description of their day. Buffy smiled hesitantly as Angel admitted, “You look great. They treated you ok? If not I’ll fire them.” Buffy waved her hand in front of his face trying to cut him off, “They treated me fine. Bloomingdale’s was amazing. Just what every girl needs and more…” Angel smiled although he felt a little jealous Lorne got to spend the day with her instead of him. He never enjoyed shopping though and Lorne obviously did.





Angel spoke up saying to Lorne, “Have Troy bring up the limo to take Buffy back to her hotel. Buffy, I’ll be back in about an hour when the sun goes down to take you to a restaurant where you can eat.” Buffy wanted to protest because it would be awkward that she would eat and he wouldn’t but instead she nodded. Lorne grinned exclaiming, “If you bring her to the club, we can invite the whole gang.” He wanted Spike to meet Buffy there but Angel hurriedly said, “No, I’d like to spend Buffy’s first night in L.A. with her alone at the restaurant. I have some things I’d like to talk to her about and we need time to catch up.”





Lorne nodded thinking he might be able to talk to Spike anyway while they were busy tonight. Spike often would come drinking at his club so it would be a great time to start the process of reuniting the young lovebirds. He placed his hand on the middle of Buffy’s back guiding her from the room as Angel went back to work. Outside in the hallway Lorne asked Buffy a pointed question, “Just how much do you miss your guy?”





Buffy’s eyes flooded with tears, “Is it that obvious?” Lorne didn’t want to offer his services as a song reader so instead just commented, “You look sad and looked sickly when you first arrived. It was obvious you were heart broken.” Buffy nodded not saying anything as she glanced down at the new white sandals her feet sported. She hated talking about Spike because it hurt her and made her miss him even more. She finally glanced up at Lorne admitting, “He died saving my life and the world. I waited too long to admit I loved him and then it was too late. He died leaving me alone never knowing how much I did care for him.” Lorne opened his mouth to say something just as the elevator door opened and a normal looking guy in a tux stepped out.





He took the bags from her and Lorne balancing them with ease as he offered Buffy a place in the elevator. “After you, ma’am.” She waved to Lorne calling “Thanks” as she followed the limo driver saying, “Call me Buffy. Who are you?” The man looked awkward, “I’m Troy but most don’t call me anything.” Buffy nodded. “So Troy, you’re human. How are you mixed up in a place like this?” Troy smiled, “Benefits are great, the job is amazing especially with the amount of people I meet and get to know. Plus my wife is here. She died a few years back and since she had signed a contract with them, she has to stay at Wolfram and Hart forever. I, naturally, will stay too even after death as part of my contract.”





Buffy blinked, “So if any of these demons or vampires are killed, they are kept as something?” Troy nodded as the elevator sounded, “Yeah, zombies. It’s not so bad really. It’s just part of the contracts they have here.” Buffy whispered softly more to herself than to him, “I wonder what contract Angel signed.” Troy didn’t answer and instead helped her into the limo then returned to his driver spot. Within minutes Buffy was stepping out in front of her hotel and was assisted to her room where Troy deposited everything at the doorway. He nodded as she said, “thanks” and disappeared after stating, “I’ll be back with Angel in an hour so you should get dressed in your best.” Buffy sat down on the bed overwhelmed. She pulled her cell phone from her pocket and called Willow, greeting her with “You will never believe my day so far…”

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@}-'--, --'--, --'--, -{@

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Buffy stood in front of the mirror having refreshed her makeup just a tad after putting on the long black cocktail dress and matching black shoes. She had pulled her hair back so it was partially away from her face being careful not to ruin the curls since she didn’t have a curling iron to repair them. She smiled at her reflection thinking she looked good. She felt very uneasy about this night wondering just what Angel had in mind. Was this a date to Angel? She certainly hoped not but she really did think it sounded like it was. She hadn’t had a date since Robin and that was hardly a date being interrupted by Xander’s fetish with demons. The closest thing that she had to a date with Spike was when he had surprised her a few times by having special food brought into his crypt.





Spike had really fixed the place up for her. She sighed finding her thoughts on Spike yet again. Did he get to go to heaven since he had died saving the world just like she had? She had asked Willow to do a spell seeing if she could make sure but Willow had said she couldn’t trace him. She could only sense him in the ghost realm, which meant they hadn’t decided what to do with him yet. It was probably confusing for the Powers that Be to decide on what to do with a souled vampire. Do they go to Hell for their wrong doings or do they go to Heaven? She was tempted to beg Willow to bring him back to life but Willow had already volunteered that she couldn’t do that. First off because the ingredients required her to do more dark magic and she wouldn’t touch the stuff and secondly because it would be bringing William back from the dead, not Spike, and she didn’t feel right doing such a thing to a guy who had been dead over 120 some odd years. Buffy had realized she was being selfish and had dismissed the idea.





A knock on the door aroused Buffy from her thoughts. She quickly opened it to see Angel dressed in a tux standing there holding a single red rose. It was almost romantic so she took the rose from him, pricking her finger. He tried to bring the pricked finger to his lips but she refused. The last person who had tasted her blood was Spike and that is how it would be. She had put the rose in with the fresh flowers the hotel room had offered and smiled, “So where are we going tonight?” Angel linked his arm with hers and whispered, “A demon restaurant that way you can eat until your heart is content and I can drink my blood so you aren’t eating alone. That ok with you?” Buffy nodded as she walked out to the car to find Troy standing holding the door open for them.

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Chapter 6: New Experiences

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Buffy climbed in and frowned as Angel climbed in next to her. She had hoped he would choose the seat across from her but no such luck. She found herself taking a whiff and smelling Angel’s smell and not Spike’s. He smelt of some kind of cologne where Spike had always smelled of whiskey, blood and cigarettes. She missed that smell and had tried to smoke herself near the duster in hopes of it wearing off but instead she had only managed to find herself puking and feeling grossed out. The smell was all wrong and it resulted in a night of crying realizing he really was gone. She sat up a little straighter trying to not appear lost in her thoughts as she heard Angel talking to her, “So did you buy some items for the others today?”

Buffy smiled, thankful for the change of topic, “Oh yeah. I bought some for Dawn. Dawnie and I never get to shop anymore so I found some summer outfits she will just love plus shoes and jewelry. She wanted to come you know? She is in school for another few weeks. With finals being only 2 weeks away, I couldn’t see bringing her and ruining her grades. She is getting straight A’s and doing great. I think Sp…” She trailed off. She had been about to say Spike’s death but instead changed her words, “I think Sunnydale’s fall really motivated Dawn to do something good with her life. She is growing up so fast. You’d hardly recognize her now. She’s taller and is getting curves. Sometimes when she smiles she doesn’t even look like my mom or dad and I wonder just how she was made because she doesn’t look like me either. Her higher cheekbones and that twinkle in her eye…” She trailed off again because sometimes she could swear when she looked at Dawn she saw parts of Spike in her. The twinkle in her eye and the high cheekbones were traits of Spike along with the way she could cock her head to the side and glance at her with those eyes so powerful it made her want to spill all her secrets. Buffy knew Dawn was part of herself though and perhaps she had just been picking up his traits having spent so much time with him when she was dead.

Angel spoke up breaking her thoughts, “So what really brought you to L.A.?” Buffy turned to face him, “You. You needed help and the gang didn’t feel comfortable sending in the young slayers without knowing what they were up against. They didn’t want to have something bad happen since I guess Wolfram and Hart are powerful people.” Angel nodded, “Very powerful indeed which is why my goal is so important. With this little job, it would put a stop to so many activities because they would have to focus on rebuilding rather than keeping the place evil. It would allow your slayers to have time to do some real good in the world.”

Buffy sighed, “They are already doing good in the world. Slayers even protect the United States government as well as various royal parties across the world. They also are policemen, involved in other law enforcement as well as bodyguards. They have become real members of the society and the way slayers had been viewed now has been changed. They no longer have to be alone to fight but instead can form communities and be normal citizens of various countries. It’s really something great to be a part of and so important.”

Angel watched her as she talked and Buffy felt a little self-conscious as she stopped talking resting her once moving hands, on her lap. Angel smiled, “I’m really glad you found your purpose Buffy. You seemed so lost when I saw you in Sunnydale last time.” Buffy blinked, “I wasn’t lost. I knew exactly what I had to do and what the others around me had to do. Everyone in Sunnydale was part of the close the Hellmouth and save the world mission. Even Spike was…” She paused blinking the tears away, “You just didn’t like that you couldn’t be a part of it but I had a full ship already. I’m sorry but I wasn’t lost.” Angel grew quiet as the limo came to a stop. Troy opened the doors allowing both of them to step out. Buffy glanced at the large building. It appeared completely devoid of any action and almost as though it was a dump. She glanced questioningly at Angel who quickly explained, “It’s a demon establishment. It’s by invitation only. Those who know about it, know the outside is just a decoy for what is really on the inside, a wonderful booming fancy restaurant. To normal folks who pass by, it appears like a dump. It works.” Buffy nodded as she was led inside.

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@}-'--, --'--, --'--, -{@

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She was eating her chicken Parmesan while couples around them danced. She missed dancing in a way. She had tried a few dance clubs in England but it was vastly different than the Bronze and it had made her long for the simple comfort of the Bronze. The ones in England seemed to be filled with loud headache creating music, flashing lights that made her dizzy, and people bumping into her and treating her like she was something to be ogled. She sighed gently as Angel stayed silent drinking his second glass of blood. She longed for something better, something different. She wished for the third time of that day that Dawn was there filling the silence with her happy, bouncing voice, making the world a better place to be in. She was thankful that the monks had sent Dawn into her life. Dawn had given Buffy joy that she could never express. She had been given a sister who loved her no matter what and who she loved no matter what. Dawn was filled with a happy spirit that, although she shed her own amount of tears, it was always there guiding her actions. She could walk into a room filled with tears and make it into a happy occasion where everyone was laughing at her jokes and stories.

Angel chose that moment to ask, “What are you thinking about?” Buffy spoke honestly, “How different my life is. I was thinking of Dawn and how life was before Dawn based on what I could remember and how different it is now with Dawn. I know my memories mostly have Dawn in them, but I can’t imagine my life without her. She’s always so happy and bouncy that it grows on you. She has this uncanny ability to walk into a sorrow-filled room and fill it with something better, joy or at least laughter. I was thinking how lucky I was to have such a sister in my life.”

Angel smiled at her and nodded, “Yeah, she never liked me though.” Buffy laughed pushing her plate away. She couldn’t eat anymore and although she hadn’t eaten much, it was more than she had eaten in a while. “Well I can’t think of any boyfriends of mine she liked except Spike and that fluctuated a lot.” She frowned, looking down at her plate, as she picked up her glass of water and twirled it around in her hand. Angel was silent as the name heavily filled the air. He then changed the subject, “So have you decided what you will do with the slayers?” Buffy glanced up at him, “No I haven’t had a lot of time to think about it actually. I want to learn more about things. I want to learn what you stand to gain and what we stand to gain other than creating trouble for the people who have the ability to ruin my life. Is it really a battle we can win Angel?”

Angel stared at her and stayed quiet as the waiter took away their plates leaving behind the check. As soon as the waiter was out of sight and earshot he admitted, “I don’t think this is a win or lose battle. This is just a battle for the greater good. It will just make it so that the world isn’t so tipped towards evil.” Buffy watched as the waiter again returned taking away Angel’s credit card and then she leaned over the table moving the glass so she wouldn’t knock it over, “Then what’s the point? If you will die for nothing what is the point?” Angel looked away from her towards the couples dancing. He knew it wouldn’t be a battle to affect them at all. It wouldn’t really affect the slayers or even the outside world. It would only affect the evil law firm. It might make there be a few less lawyers to represent the world but again that was even iffy. Why was he doing it? He looked back at Buffy and muttered, “I don’t know but I will know. Ask me again tomorrow after I talk to the gang.” Buffy stood up as the waiter returned handing Angel back his credit card, “Let me know and then I’ll make a decision.” Angel nodded and led her out of the place.

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Chapter 7: Patrolling

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An hour later, Buffy found herself sitting in her hotel room on the phone with Dawn. Dawn was excited about a date she had been asked out on and wanted to ask permission from Buffy even though she was far away and couldn’t really stop her. Buffy knew the boy, James, who had asked Dawn out and had seen Dawn point him out a few times when she had picked Dawn up from school. He seemed nice enough and they were going to a dance club, which had lots of people around so she should be safe. Dawn was taking her slayer friend, Sarah, with her so she would have someone to pair up with if things went bad. It was a double date. Buffy missed the joy of dating but knew her heart still wouldn’t let her look at anyone yet. It was just too soon even though it had been almost a year. Even being out with Angel tonight had made her feel guilty but perhaps that had something to do with the fact Angel had given her a kiss before she could stop him when the evening ended. She had returned upstairs, taken a long hot bath removing all traces of makeup and the day’s adventures from her body before getting dressed for bed and calling Dawn.

Dawn kept chattering away and Buffy smiled as finally a pause in the conversation occurred, “Dawn I thought of you a lot today. I did a spa day with this green demon and it was fun. I’ve never done the spa thing. I wished you were with me to enjoy it but it sounded like it was a good thing you were home. Guess what I got you though?” Dawn practically jumped for joy into the phone and Buffy could just sense her excitement, “What did you get me? You really thought of me even when you were spending the day in L.A.? Did you get to shop? Did you get to eat anywhere fancy? How was the law firm?”

Buffy grinned, “I got you dresses Dawnie! Just wait until you see what all I bought. I bought us jewelry, shoes, and dresses. You can even borrow some of my makeup if you want when I get home since we all know how much I bother with makeup. It’s just that there is no one I want to dress up nicely for anymore but you will just love what I got you.” The two girls rambled back and forth in excitement about the clothes as she tried to describe the outfits in great detail. Then Dawn asked the classic question Buffy had been dreading, “What was it like seeing Angel again?”

Buffy let out a deep sigh as she tried to describe it, “It was weird and awkward. I think Angel still sees me as something of a girlfriend or girlfriend material. That just made things even more awkward. He greeted me with a hug which was ok I guess. I don’t mind getting a hug from Angel. We talked some but mostly about you because it was a common and easy topic. I hope you don’t mind. Don’t worry, he doesn’t have a clue where we live. He offered Rome and I didn’t correct him. I figure it’s better this way. So then I did the whole spa and shopping thing with Lorne and then he took me out to dinner. My vampire tingles have barely settled down today. First the evil law firm, then the spa time with demons and vampires all around and finally the restaurant full of demons and vampires. I’m thinking there’s even a vampire somewhere in this blasted hotel because they are still slightly tingling. I feel like I’ve joined the enemy.”

Buffy let out another sigh as Dawn questioned, “Did he say why he wants this battle?” Buffy shook her head answering out loud, “I don’t exactly know. It sounds like it’s a battle to the death and that it isn’t a winning battle. I don’t get why he would do this when he always had hope for the future with becoming human and all…” Dawn spoke up then, “Say something happened so he wasn’t able to get the prophecy. Say he joined Wolfram and Hart and had to give it up for something better….He wouldn’t have a reason to fight for if the only thing he ever worked for is gone or perhaps he was working for you…You sent him away Buffy, meaning you don’t want him anymore. Ever stop to think that it might have caused Angel to not want to live anymore?”

Buffy grew quiet and the silence on the phone was deafening. Finally she heard Dawn’s quiet voice, “I have you thinking don’t I?” Buffy agreed, “Yes. I’ll talk to Angel about it in the morning. The limo is supposed to come by here to pick me up at 10 am. Dawn, I miss you.” Dawn whispered back, “I miss you too Buffy. Be safe ok? Are you going to see about patrolling tonight?” Buffy nodded, “I am. I actually was debating on going back the law firm to see about where I could fight and have some good battles but I might just go out on my own. I used to live here you know so I remember some places.” Dawn whispered, “Just be careful. I don’t want to imagine the world without you and without Spike to care for me in your absence; I don’t know what I’ll do.”

Buffy agreed to be careful and when she hung up, she climbed off her bed and threw on some sensible black clothing. She pulled out the duster and put her arms in it feeling the leather around her body. It sort of did smell of Spike a little bit. He had always smelt of the same leather smell that filled her nose now. She let the scent linger over her for a moment before she opened her eyes, went to her bag and began pulling out stakes. She slipped some into her back pocket and then some into the inner pockets of the duster and was ready to go. She slipped into her slaying boots and ran a brush through her hair. She didn’t need makeup to go out slaying. It wasn’t like the demon world would care what she looked like once they were dust blowing in the wind. She took a deep breath readying herself for the walk to the cemetery she had passed on her way in. She really needed violence right about now.

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@}-'--, --'--, --'--, -{@

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The cemetery was full of demons and vampires. She was surprised since this was Angel’s town and all but perhaps working in the evil law firm took up his time. The cemetery was crawling with action and she could hardly keep up. After battling about 18 vampires and 9 demons for 3 hours, it was almost 2 am and she was exhausted. She limped out of the cemetery only to be faced with 3 more vampires. She sighed as she flipped the last stake still left on her into her hand ready for battle. The vampires were older and wiser. Buffy had a horrible time battling them. She kicked one into the other causing them to both fall down leaving her with the last one. She tried to kick him but he grabbed her foot forcing her into the air. Unfortunately she landed on the leg she had earlier injured when battling a demon and she called out in pain before she quickly used her other leg to right herself. She sighed knowing this was going to hurt. She punched the demon taking a punch in the face herself.

She turned in the circle of the three vampires who had surrounded her and she longed for Spike to fight with her. He was always great at this sort of thing. They would always divide and conquer trusting the other to finish their current vampire before helping to finish off the last ones. Spike wasn’t here though so she had to do this on her own. She jumped up high into the air ignoring the pain that shot through her body from her leg and swung high swiping a kick to two of the vampires’ heads leaving her with the last again. The other two righted themselves while Buffy punched the third again and again ignoring the blood that was seeping from his mouth. She jumped up again swinging around nailing the other two as she righted the stake in her hand eager to take the plunge as she landed on the ground. Her leg was getting more and more injured so when she landed this time, she managed to plunge the stake into the vampire’s heart only to turn around and find herself on the ground on her back splayed out with two vampires over her. She screamed and tried to kick them off and managed to kick one aside leaving her with one.

The vampire laughed and she flinched noticing his breath smelt horrible as she continued to fight. The vampire’s claws scratched her arms holding her down as she felt his fangs rub against her neck. That gave her the energy she needed. She righted the stake and staked him from behind causing dust to cover her. She was able to recover as the last vampire jumped up on her landing on her stake. She lay there for a moment looking up at the dust swirling in front of the stars. Then she climbed carefully to her feet to start limping home thinking that she ought to kill Angel for letting the vampire population get so out of hand. Even on the Hellmouth she had never had to fight 21 vampires and 9 demons in 3 days much less one 3-hour period. She ignored the pain and managed to walk back to her hotel where the man at the desk eyed her as she took the elevator up to her room. Once inside her room she didn’t even bother undressing as she laid on her bed wrapping the duster tighter around her and fell asleep hoping her leg and her other wounds would heal themselves by morning.

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Chapter 8: Finding Out Some Information

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Buffy awoke to the sound a loud ringing of the phone. She moaned out in pain as she rolled over, picking up the phone. She said a groggy, “Hello?” only to hear Troy’s voice, “I’m due to arrive at your place within the hour. I wanted to make sure you would be ready. I’m sorry to wake you but Angel said 10 was the time he had told you.” Buffy yawned then spoke still sounding tired, “I’ll be ready. I’m getting up now. Thanks for the call Troy.”

Buffy hung up the phone sitting up and frowned at the sight of blood on the sheets. She sighed wondering how hotels felt about bloody sheets but quickly forgot about that as she noticed her leg was seriously hurting her. She frowned as she pulled down her pants to see a long gash on her leg and it was turning black and blue. She pulled her leg up onto the bed and felt it and noticed it didn’t feel broken, just badly bruised and cut. She would need to pick up bandages for that since she hadn’t packed any. She limped to the bath turning on the water to be hot preparing for a soak to ease her aching muscles. She hadn’t had a work out like that since back when Spike and she would train together. He always gave her a good work out but wouldn’t leave her so bruised and battered. She pulled out a pair of black pants to hide the bruises and chose a pair of sensible flat sandals in hopes to make it easier for her to walk without the limp. She chose a three quarter sleeve red shirt to cover most of the scratches on her arms but sighed when she saw the distinct marks on her neck. It was made when the vampire tried to bite down on her before she had knocked him away leaving two long gashes on her throat. She frowned knowing that would be harder to cover up.

She tossed the three quarter sleeve garment away and instead chose a long sleeve turtleneck hoping no one would ask why she was dressed in such a wintry outfit today. She walked back into the bathroom and pulled off her ruined clothes and laid the duster carefully aside sinking into the bath water. She smiled as the scent of vanilla surrounded her, relaxing her muscles and her worries. She closed her eyes and was determined not to feel anything. She did lean over and set her watch for 30 minutes allowing herself 15 minutes to get dressed and ready before Troy would show up for her. With that done, she closed her eyes drifting off to a peaceful nap while the waters refreshed her, reminding her of how good it was to be human.

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@}-'--, --'--, --'--, -{@

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Buffy had just finished with some simple makeup when the doorbell rang. She walked carefully to it determined not to injure the leg anymore than she had already. She had carefully put foundation over the scrapes on her arms and neck thankful she had gotten the makeup. She had changed from a pair of jeans to a long black skirt that didn’t touch the barely closed gash on her leg since just the touch of the jeans caused her pain. This made it so that she was able to walk without much hint she was injured. She looked pretty good for a girl who was beaten to a pulp the night before if she did say so herself.

Troy smiled at her, “I was asked to see if you were hungry and if so, I was told to make sure you were fed before I took you to Angel. Are you hungry my lady?” She nodded realizing her stomach was definitely telling her she was hungry as she tenderly walked next to Troy. He noticed her careful walk and questioned, “Are you hurt? Did something happen to you?” Buffy frowned, “I was hoping no one would notice.” Troy simply offered her his arm as she entered the limo carefully as he whispered close, “I grew up with brothers who loved to fight. That’s the only reason I noticed. You carry yourself well for being injured my lady.” She smiled, “Thank you.”

As he closed the door Buffy lifted her skirt frowning. She was tempted to ask for a stop for some bandages but didn’t want to make it obvious she was hurt. She decided she would just brave it out. She had been hurt much worse in the past and had managed to hide it from her mom and sister. She would usually wrap her wounds but this time would just have to be an exception. She felt the limo stop and carefully exited and looked around. It was again morning and she was standing outside the weird tall building known was Wolfram and Hart. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly as they entered the double doors. Again she was overwhelmed with vampire tingles that were beginning to drive her crazy. She had gotten used to Angel’s tingles and then to Spike’s even going so far as to call them comforting but the ones that covered her entire body instead of just her neck were definitely not comforting and in fact were nerve racking. She squeezed her hands together as the elevator dinged and she was led out into a cafeteria. Troy smiled as he stated, “Push 1 on the elevator when you are finished eating and Angel will see you then. I must take leave because I have another appointment in an hour. Take care my lady.” He bowed and left Buffy alone in the busy cafeteria.

She glanced around the room lost as she walked up to the counter. She quickly managed to grab a black tray and glanced at the food. She didn’t recognize a lot of it figuring it was demon food. She was then tapped on the shoulder to turn around to see Wesley standing in front of her. She gasped, “Wesley Wyndam-Price?” He nodded, “Buffy, good to see you up and about. I’ve heard stuff about you but haven’t seen you in years. You’re looking good for someone who had died two years ago.” Buffy smiled and couldn’t stop her slight giggle, “I sometimes forget I died although usually I just wish it stuck. You work with Angel still?” Wesley nodded, “Yes. I’m part of the whole ancient prophecy department here at Wolfram and Hart.” Buffy smiled, “Well at least you have something to do.” Wesley glanced down at her empty tray, “Um Buffy not to tell you what to eat but you are in the demon section of the cafeteria. You might want to try the human section over there.” He pointed towards a buffet that looked normal enough. She followed him as he collected a black tray and started to pile up his plate with eggs, bacon and toast. He turned to her noticing she was doing the same, “Usually I just have coffee but I want to eat with you if you don’t mind. This place can be overwhelming.”

Buffy nodded thankful for the friendly face and didn’t even protest as he pointed to her tray including her on his bill and watched as his card was swiped. He then turned towards Buffy walking to an empty table, “We don’t actually pay for our food here. We get a swipe card that takes care of all that. So I just managed to save you money because they would have charged you with you being the slayer and all. I can’t imagine them giving you free food. So Buffy, what happened that you are limping?”

Buffy frowned, “I got hurt last night patrolling a cemetery.” Wesley blinked looking surprised, “You patrolled here in L.A. last night?” Buffy nodded as she bit into the eggs finding them surprisingly good, “Yup. I needed some violence and boy did I get some. 21 vampires at least with 9 demons that are now dead thanks to me. I have never seen since action like that in a 3-hour period. I’m sure there was more because I had barely gotten into the cemetery when I found all those.” Wesley frowned, “We are busy in this place and don’t have time to go out and patrol really, therefore, I’m sure the population has gotten rather large.”

Buffy nodded chewing on her toast, “So what do you guys do exactly here?” Wesley grinned, “I’m in charge of the research and I also do the translating of different languages. We work with demon clients and we have to keep them happy pretty much. So my job is to research and learn how to relate to them in order to make the best arrangements for them.” Buffy chewed on her bacon pieces thoughtfully then asked, “What do the others of Angel’s group do?” Wesley smiled finishing up chewing his last piece of toast, “Well let’s see, Gunn is an actual lawyer. He had his mind implanted with tons of law information and represents our clients so he has kept busy with law cases. As I said I’m research. Angel is in charge of the whole place and what goes on. There isn’t much that he isn’t aware of. Lorne is the entertainment department. He runs a club where everyone has to sing for him.” Buffy blinked, “Sing for him?” Wesley nodded as he drank his juice, “Yes. He is an empathetic demon. This means when someone sings in front of him, he can see where they are headed and what their intentions are. If someone is really evil, he can pick them out and we can deal with them accordingly. It’s extremely useful.” Buffy could agree that it would be useful, “What about Cordelia?” Wesley frowned, “Cordelia died about two months ago. She was in a coma for a while and just couldn’t hold on anymore. Angel was crushed. He really loved the girl you know.”

Buffy didn’t know but she didn’t say so. She barely knew anything about Angel’s life other than what Dawn heard occasionally. Wesley finished up his plate and pushed it away inquiring, “So how are Dawn and the others?” Buffy pushed her tray away as well leaving some food on it but feeling full, “Dawn is great. She’s a straight A student looking into colleges and trying to make a decision as to where her life would take her. She is great with languages and wants to be watcher, which is now known as an assistant. I think you and she would get along well. Willow is doing great as well. She has been able to learn more languages as well and has been traveling the world picking up slayers who have freshly come into their powers. She’s a good witch now and powerful. Probably one of the most powerful on this earth which is scary but nice to have that kind of power on our side.” Wesley agreed so Buffy continued, “Xander is in a relationship with a girl. He was with an ex-vengeance demon, Anya, for a while but she died in the last battle and he has finally been able to move on in his life. He’s running the Slayer central in Scotland with her. He’s happy. Giles is running the new council in England where he trains assistants for slayers. He also is in charge of research and helping young slayers to find their way in the world.”

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Chapter 9: A Bit of Bonding

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Wesley grinned, “Well I’m doing well here and thriving although something big is happening and I’m not quite sure what it is. We have a meeting today to figure it out. How are you doing Buffy?” Buffy sighed, “I’m ok. It’s hard…things are different. I’m different. I’ve grown up and I guess growing up is hard.” Wesley nodded with concern in his eyes, “Anyone special in your life?” Buffy shook her head, “No, first Angel was there, then Riley but he left, then Spike…” She trailed off refusing to let the tears fall, “He died and I just…” Wesley finished the statement for her totally understanding after losing Fred, “It’s not the same looking at anyone else.” Buffy glanced up at him surprised by how well he stated that and nodded. Wesley volunteered, “I loved Fred and she died. It hasn’t been the same either for me. Most days I wish I had died with her and other times I spend lost in memories of what we lost. Life is just too short sometimes. It’s not the same without her here.” Buffy nodded, “I understand that totally. Life is emptier, lonelier and sometimes downright depressing. Dawn keeps me going and reminds me everyday that there’s a happier world out there somewhere. She reminds me that there is life and not only death and a reason to keep fighting the good fight.”

Wesley nodded, lost in thought. Buffy had no idea he was debating within his mind on telling her that Spike was still alive. This was not the girl Angel seemed to believe Buffy was. Perhaps Angel didn’t know her as well as he thought or perhaps this was Buffy’s way of moving on. Either way, Wesley decided it was not his place to say a word. His past few relationships hadn’t gone well at all with both ending in death. He would just let them figure things out for themselves. He was sure with Buffy hanging around, she was bound to run into the blond vampire eventually even if Spike was intentionally avoiding her. His mind was brought back to the topic at hand, Dawn. “You are lucky to have her.” Buffy nodded in agreement, “Can I ask a question? Your contracts? How do they work?”

Wesley frowned as he stood up throwing both of the garbage away to walk with her, “Our souls are permanently signed into this law firm. It means when we die, we won’t really die. We will be forever haunting this place.” Buffy frowned as he pushed one in the elevator, “Why would you agree to that?” Wesley shrugged, “There wasn’t much else for me to do. Everyone seemed to think it was a great idea and that we could fight the good fight while within an evil law firm. Plus I have access to every prophecy there ever was and that is a tremendous advantage.” Buffy nodded as the elevator sounded again. Wesley turned to her and said, “If you ever need anything while you are here, press 14. I’m the second door from the elevator. Gunn is the first. Take care Buffy and hopefully I’ll see you again during your stay.” Buffy smiled and waved turning to see Angel watching her.

She walked carefully over to sit down, waiting for Angel to say something about her limping but he said nothing and just continued to stare at her. “Did you eat?” Buffy nodded, “Wesley put it on his card.” Angel said nothing more as he shuffled through some papers. He then glanced up at Buffy, “So what are your plans for while you are here? Got anything special you’d like to do?” Buffy nodded, “Well I’d like to talk to you again today if that’s at all possible.” Given the look on Buffy’s face, it was obvious what she wanted to talk about and she knew Angel understood as he commented, “I have an appointment at noon and then I have something to do with the gang later on, then…I’m not sure. I have to make myself available, but what about tonight? What do you say we go on a drive somewhere, just the two of us.” Buffy agreed and Angel smiled. “So what will you do with your day? I’m really sorry I can’t show you around. It’s just…busy around here.”

Buffy understood and didn’t want to say much more, “Can I have Troy if he’s not busy? I have to go to a Magic Shop for Willow and pick up a few items she ordered to save on shipping but I’m not sure how some of that stuff will pass on the plane ride back and Dawn wanted…” Angel cut her off, “You can use my plane if and when you go back Buffy. Might as well put it to good use. So you won’t be around here today?” At her head shake, Buffy could have sworn he let out a sigh in relief but she figured it was just him trying to calm his nerves for his meeting he had in a few. “I’ll call Troy and he can take you around today. He should be back from his appointment already. You can use him for the day and I’ll have him bring you back to your place so you can change into something a little nicer but not too fancy and we will swing by to pick you up. That sound ok with you?” Buffy nodded in agreement and watched Angel make his phone call. When he was finished he led her to the elevator outside his office and pushed a number to go down, “The elevator in my office only goes from my room to the car lot. It won’t help you much.” Buffy didn’t say anything but, “See you later Angel” as she stepped into the elevator disappearing from his sight.

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@}-'--, --'--, --'--, -{@

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Buffy sat in the limo surrounded by boxes and bags yet again. She had stopped at the Magic Shop Willow had ordered her supplies from and was given 8 large boxes and 2 smaller ones. There was no way she could carry that on the plane on the way home. She was allowed two suitcases and one carry on. She had already one suitcase and one carry on and one of these boxes was almost the size of a suitcase much less 8 large and 2 small ones. She sighed as she held the two books Dawn had requested in her hand. One she had expected, a book written by a demon teaching all sorts of languages he had encountered, but the second was a surprise. The second was an unpublished book that Dawn had specifically ordered. It was on the Genealogy of the Pratt family dated all the way back into the early 1700s. She flipped through the book looking for William Pratt’s name. She knew why Dawn was doing this. She had been searching for any and every piece of information she could find about Spike’s original identity before he had died since Buffy had turned down the resurrection spell. Dawn had been determined to figure out whom William had been and if it would have been Spike or another being brought back if the spell had been performed. She opened the page to where the 1800’s were described. She flipped and flipped looking for the name Anne to pop out with a son named William. She sighed as in 1854 she saw what she was looking for.

She traced the name Anne Pratt(Carasole) married to William Pratt, then followed the lines down to Mary Anne Pratt and William Pratt Jr. Spike’s father had died in a war in the 1860s so Spike didn’t remember much about him. He killed Anne, his mother after he was turned. Mary Anne was already married by the time William was sired and her date of death was listed as 1927. The death of Anne and William was never listed since their bodies were never found. She knew why this was as well. Anne had been dusted by Spike after she had gone crazy after her siring. She was dying from some kind of sickness and Spike had turned her to save her and to give her eternal life. Unfortunately when the demon took her over, she wasn’t herself. Spike had no choice but to dust her. Spike of course was William so his body was lost in the Hellmouth last year. Buffy flipped the page to read over the small description of the Pratt family that included her Spike. They were in a trading and vineyard business. They had a factory in England that sold wine and the name she still recognized. Buffy wondered if Spike knew it still existed but figured he did. So Spike was from a rich background. It figures he would have been seeing how he was all prim and proper. He had shared his poetry with her sometimes when she was mostly asleep. Spike would read them to her choosing the ones that were less violent.

She smiled as she thought of a poetic Spike with brown curls and his vivid blue eyes. He would have been adorable and she wondered for a brief moment if she would have liked him back then. She sighed knowing she would have probably been Cecily all over again because she was such a bitch sometimes. Buffy knew it but couldn’t help herself. She stopped her thoughts as she heard the limo stop and saw Troy open the door to her hotel. She watched as he took out a cart from the back of the limo and helped to set up the boxes on it to take them up to her room. She allowed him to carry those while she still held onto the books in her hand. As they set the boxes inside the door she asked, “Can you take me back to Angel? I’d like to see him before I get dressed for tonight’s excursion. Would you mind?” Troy shrugged knowing he had been told by Angel to take Buffy ANYWHERE she wanted to go and if she wanted to go back to Wolfram and Hart, who was he to stop her.

Troy rode the elevator with Buffy and helped her back into the limo, noticing her limp was getting better. She sat in the backseat, glancing around, thinking she really wanted to talk to Angel again. She sat quietly lost in thought as Troy opened the door helping her out. Buffy walked with Tory inside where she ran into Wesley. She smiled to Troy and followed Wesley who looked nervous. Buffy asked, “Can I talk to you?” Wesley nodded and called to Troy then turned back to Buffy, “Hungry?” Buffy nodded. She was a little bit and figured it would give them an excuse to talk outside the law offices. Troy helped both of them into the back of the limo and followed the directions Wesley had given him. In the back of the limo Buffy primped her skirt and Wesley caught a glance of her bruise. He frowned asking, “Can I see that? That looks bad.” Buffy frowned but obliged. Wesley told the limo driver to make a stop at a CVS so he could fix her up before they went to eat. Buffy felt awkward but hopeful that since he knew a lot about wounds, perhaps it would hurt less if it was taken care of.

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Chapter 10: Hard Decisions

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In the restaurant Wesley had chosen Buffy was happily eating a ham and cheese deli sandwich while Wesley enjoyed a fresh house salad along with his turkey and bacon sandwich. He looked nervous and worried and finally Buffy asked, “What is bothering you? I’d think it had something to do with my news about all those vampires and demons that attacked me last night but it was before then. You look as though you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.” Wesley put down his fork as he admitted, “I do. Angel shared with us a plan today to take out the Black Thorn. They are the head of the law firm and the people who determine apocalypses. Attacking them means death but I don’t really have a reason to live anymore with Fred gone. So I’m game for attacking them and postponing evil from trying to take over. It might give just one person in the world a bit of happiness for a while if the evil people of this world were preoccupied with fighting us rather than making their life miserable.” Buffy watched the facial expressions and knew exactly how he felt as he continued, “I’d do this for Fred so that some other couple could be happy even if it meant my death.”

Buffy nodded feeling her appetite slipping away, “So this fight that is planned, it’s a death sentence. Anyone who joins will die?” Wesley shrugged, “It sure sounded that way. I don’t believe I will die but then again I don’t like to think that way. Reality of this situation is, Angel is probably right in saying we won’t walk away from this kind of a battle. We are up against the most evil of evils. How do 6 people walk away from that kind of fight?” Buffy noticed the 6 people comment but figured Wesley, the God that Fred was now, Angel, Gunn, Lorne and Harmony made 6 so dismissed it from her mind. She let out a sigh, “Wesley, you were a watcher once. In your opinion should I involve the slayers in this kind of fight?” Wesley shook his head, “Yes I was a watcher and I say no. We signed our souls away to this place so when we die we become them. It is our battle not yours or any others. We are making the world a better place for the slayers. So no Buffy, I would stay out of this fight. The ones fighting have nothing to live for. We have done our part and fought the battles and now we are stuck in an evil law firm responsible for the possible destruction of the world. There is nothing in our future but in yours, it should look bright.”

He hesitated thinking of who was also in the battle but instead of saying what he wanted he questioned, “Buffy are you finished? You didn’t eat much so I’ll have it wrapped up for us but I have lost my appetite. I think you need to talk to Angel and perhaps someone else right now instead of me taking away your time. Ready to head back?” Buffy nodded and watched as the waiter brought two boxes and put their food in them. Wesley paid for their meal and before she knew it, she was heading back to the law firm.

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@}-'--, --'--, --'--, -{@

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While Angel sat at his desk, Buffy paced back and forth in front of him, “I don’t think this battle is a good thing and I don’t think L.A. is a great place for me to be Angel. I plan to head back tonight if you can spare me the plane. I want to get out of here. Wesley filled me in and well… I think, suffice to say, that the slayers don’t belong here. You are clearly involved in some evil I can’t possibly fathom. You sold your soul essentially to the devil here and you are stuck. Slayers don’t belong here anymore than I do. I’m sorry Angel but…”

The door to Angel’s place swung open and she turned around and gasped. There in front of her stood Spike looking surprisingly healthy and not dust. Her hand went to her mouth. She pushed back Spike with tears pouring down her face faster than she could stop them and ran into the hallway. She banged on the elevator ignoring the sounds of Spike and Angel both calling her name as she thought quickly and pushed 14. When the doors opened she pushed past the vampires and demons and ran into Wesley’s office in tears. She didn’t even notice that Gunn and Lorne were also in the office with him as she sat down on the gray couch and cried bitterly with her hands covering her eyes. She felt the couch give way as she heard Wesley’s voice whisper, “Buffy what happened?” Buffy wiped her eyes but the tears wouldn’t stop pouring out of her as she sniffed trying to regain her voice but all she would muster was, “Spike.”

She heard an unfamiliar voice, “So this is Buffy, the love of both Spike and Angel’s life. I thought she was in Rome and had moved on with her life to be with the great Immortal?” Wesley hushed the voice as Buffy tried to regain control. She took a deep breath as she glanced up towards the three faces staring at her. She felt embarrassed and upset and wanted to just disappear. She had thought Wesley would be alone and since he had dealt with Fred’s death, she thought he might be sympathetic and offer some sort of comfort but then it hit her. Spike was alive in this building. Spike had gone into Angel’s office without knocking. She stood up backing towards the door as she declared, “You knew. You listened to me cry over him during breakfast and lunch and you knew all along. YOU KNEW!” The tears poured down her face but she didn’t care anymore. She felt betrayed and wanted out of L.A. as fast as she could go.

She turned around to run and ran into a cool body she immediately recognized. She hit him hard in the chest over and over again screaming hysterically, “You’re alive and I was crying over you. You are fine and alive and I’m feeling dead. How could you do that to me? You died. I watched you die…you dusted before I even left you were dusting and you left me and…and you were dead.” She was sobbing now barely making sense as she stood there, her blows to his chest becoming weaker and weaker until she swayed with emotions. Spike’s arms wrapped around her as she stated, “Don’t touch me. You left me. You were just like the others; you were like my dad, Riley and Angel. How dare you…don’t leave me again.” She started sobbing against Spike’s chest as her hands unraveled from their twisted fists. The others, including Angel, disappeared from the room so that by the time Buffy had exhausted her tears, it was just her and Spike left.

She was angry again as soon as she saw those piercing blue eyes . She felt renewed strength flow through her as she backed away, slamming her fist into his chest and then towards his nose. He ducked but still fell backwards as she swept her leg under his feet. He landed with a loud growl and she jumped on top of him screaming, “You left me! Spike why?? You were dead. Why are you alive and with Angel? You hated me so much that you would rather be with Angel than me? YOU HATED ME THAT MUCH?” Buffy’s voice echoed through the hallway but still the battle didn’t stop. She was under him now thanks to Spike rolling them over and she still continued to punch him not knowing how to deal with this. He was dead and yet alive and fine and this information was killing her. She had been angry at the gods for taking him away but was even angrier with him for showing back up and not coming for her. She managed to roll Spike back onto the ground and punched his chest until finally Spike grabbed her wrists. She flinched as he grazed one of the scratches on her arm that had not completely healed.

He frowned as he lifted the arm of her sleeve to reveal the scratches. His face was full of concern as he started to lift up her shirt and she pushed him away to stand up. She stood up too fast and swayed slightly as her leg gave her trouble. “What happened to you?” Buffy rolled her eyes going to sit on the couch as her blood filled the air. Apparently her rough and tumbling with Spike had reopened the gash on her leg. She sighed as she glanced down at her bleeding leg.

Spike knelt in front of her and undid the bandage to reveal a definitely opened wound. Angel rushed into the room with a roar, “My God, you hurt her enough to draw blood? I know you guys supposedly fought hard and long and were brutal but that’s ridiculous.” Buffy frowned, “He didn’t do it. I went patrolling last night and went into one of the cemeteries and didn’t even make it more than 5 steps in before I had battles upon battles on my hands. My leg got hurt by a one of the 9 demons I killed. Then my arms and neck…” She flinched as she felt Spike pulled the neck of the turtleneck aside to reveal the large gashes the vampire had left behind. Spike growled but she was used to this reaction from him and continued, “My neck got hurt when I had to tackle the last 3 vampires of the 21 I had to dust. Your town is overrun by vampires.”

She noticed Angel’s face twitch and she figured it was from the smell of her blood. Angel disappeared as Spike gestured, “May I? It’s driving me nuts too.” Buffy shrugged gesturing with her hands that she didn’t care. She was just too angry to worry about little things that Spike had done dozens of times before. She felt the healing salvia of Spike on her leg and leaned back with a sigh as he repeated it twice before bandaging the wound back up. Spike moved to sit next to her and she frowned, “Why are you alive?” She was just too tired to fight and too tired to cry. She was now numb and ready to listen to his story.

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Chapter 11: A Reunion Overdue

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Spike cleared his throat looking at Buffy and taking in her horrible appearance. She was still beautiful but she looked pale and completely devastated and he knew he had made the wrong decision when he had decided not to go to her. He closed his eyes and then reopened them starting his story, “I was in an amulet. Remember that little trinket your lover boy gave you.” Buffy rolled her eyes, “Ex-lover boy if you insist on calling him that.” Spike shrugged continuing, “Well that bloody trinket locked me inside of it so when it got sent to the big poof, he opened it releasing me. I wanted to come to you. I tried. I wanted to call you or let you know in some way I was alive but Angel said you had moved on and I was a bleeding ghost. I couldn’t touch anything much less come to see you or pick up a phone.” Buffy frowned, “Why didn’t you come see us? I’m sure Willow would have helped you.”

Spike looked genuinely sorry as he stated, “I tried but I was locked to Wolfram and Hart by the amulet. Then I had a chance to be less ghostly but there was a ghost in here stealing people’s souls and sending them to hell in his place so I gave up my chance at being solid to him so he could be sucked into hell. Then an envelope arrived for me and I was made a real boy again. I thought about going to you again but I didn’t want to ruin your image of me. You saw me as a perfect bloody hero, and I wanted you to always see me like that.” Buffy frowned as she brushed her palm over his cheek, “I will always see you like that but I’m still hurt you know. So you were planning to die in this new battle and never see me again?” Spike stood up pacing, “You had moved on. We went to Rome and Andrew said you had moved on. You were with the Immortal and he said that we should move on with….”

Buffy blinked, “You were in Rome with Angel? You saw Andrew? My God does everyone know you are alive and just didn’t tell me? Does no one care how I suffer? I knew there was a reason I HATE EVERONE!” She picked up a random vase and was about to throw it when Spike shook his head setting it back on the table, “That’s Wesley’s prized possession. I wouldn’t throw that unless you want him to be your enemy.” Buffy threw her hands up in the air as she blinked looking at the opened window, “Why aren’t you dusting? That’s….that’s sunlight.” Spike chuckled, “Special glass so we can enjoy the warmth of the sun without going poof.” Buffy smiled a little, “No wonder you didn’t want to come back with me. If I could have everything I wanted in this place well I wouldn’t leave either.” Spike swung her around careful not to touch the healing bruises and scratches, “Buffy, I’d give this all up in a heartbeat if I thought it was what you wanted.”

Buffy’s voice broke as she looked at Spike as tears refilled her eyes for the millionth time today, “I want you happy. If this fight, and this place makes you happy, and if you are happier here than with me then I’ll leave you to it.” Spike shook his head frantically, “No. I was settling here. I’ll never be happy without you. I thought you didn’t want me and were better off without me.” Buffy twisted out of his grip as she grimaced as she bumped her leg against the chair leg before sitting in it, “You sound like Angel now. Spike, I can’t deal with people leaving me all the time for my own good again. I love you but I can’t deal with you returning only to leave me.” Spike’s eyes got big as he asked, “Repeat that?” Buffy shrugged not understanding, “I said that I can’t deal with someone leaving me all the time.” Spike shook his head, “No, not that part. The part where you said you loved me.” Buffy eyed him curiously, “You are acting like you didn’t know that.”

She stood up in front of him ignoring the pain in her leg as she reached out grabbing his hand. It didn’t glow this time but the scars matched as she whispered, “I love you.” Spike’s eyes glistened with tears as he whispered, “I didn’t believe you. I thought you were only saying that because I was about to die.” Buffy glared at him, “I don’t tell people I love them just because they are going to die. I only say it when I mean it. I have loved you for three years now. I just waited too late to admit it.” Spike smiled not dropping her hand, “I love you too Buffy. You have no idea how long I’ve waited for you to say that.”

The door opened and Angel came into the room, “I’m sorry to cut whatever it was you were doing short but I want you two out of here. I want you to take the plane and get out of here. Tomorrow is the battle and I don’t want to have this messed up.” Buffy glanced towards Angel, “Doesn’t he have to stay?” Angel shook his head, “No he never signed a contract and I want you two out of here. You have a reason to live. Both of you do and I want you to promise to take care of each other. William, think of this as my way of saying I’m sorry I treated you so badly over the years and Buffy, this is my way of apologizing for breaking your heart years ago.” He didn’t even wait for them to reply before he picked up the phone, contacting the local pilot to Wolfram and Hart’s jet. When he hung up he turned to Buffy and Spike who were both staring at him in shock saying, “Listen, I mean this. I want you out of here within the hour. The plane has been arranged to have you taken wherever you want just leave L.A. and California if you can. Understood?” Both numbly nodded their heads despite both of them wanting to protest and save Angel.

Spike put his hand on the middle of Buffy’s back as Angel threw him the keys to the beloved Viper he loved so much. Spike went into the hallway pushing the button on the door outside Angel’s office that he knew would lead him down to where his stuff was being stored. He saw Angel standing behind them and turned around saluting him stating, “Thanks for everything mate. I hope to see you soon.” Angel nodded, not saying a word as Buffy ran out of the elevator throwing her arms around Angel whispering, “Try not to die. I do love you.” Angel nodded whispering, “I love you too Buffy and I’ll try to do my best. Now go.” Spike grabbed her around the waist pulling her back into the elevator as she cried. She let Spike offer her comfort as the tears fell for Angel.

When they arrived on his floor, Spike quickly gathered the boxes that he had never really bothered to unpack, giving Buffy some to carry. He had Fred collect his items when he had officially joined the group, removing his stuff from the apartment, but had never worried himself with settling in. He mostly lived out of his suitcase, which he now had slung over his arm. He climbed back into the elevator not even allowing himself to look back as he pushed the number for the car lot juggling the 3 boxes in his hand. He glanced towards Buffy who looked utterly exhausted. He knew they still needed to pack her items as he stepped out of the elevator packing his stuff in the car but still leaving room for Buffy’s. He knew the girl might have lots of stuff and wanted to make sure it all fit. The car ride to the hotel was quiet and once there, Spike raced into the elevator pulling her along. Reaching her room, he said nothing, noticing the blood on the sheets and that she had bought a duster just like his.

They had a lifetime to talk about such things. He helped her load up the Viper so there was scarcely any room to move and he drove her back to the airport where Wolfram and Hart’s personal plane was. He had taken this plane once to see Buffy and had come back empty-handed and now this time he would have Buffy with him always. He watched as the airplane crew carefully loaded the plane and the Viper was loaded into a cargo plane to be carried behind them. Buffy gave the destination of London, England much to Spike’s surprise and she sniffled still in shock over her day so far. She was full of happiness yet sadness over what she would lose and what she had gained. Once the plane was in the air, Buffy fell asleep leaning against Spike exhausted from all the excitement of the day. Spike simply held her close and let her sleep thankful that he was with Buffy again.

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Chapter 12: The Wait

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As they stepped off the plane in England, it was nighttime. Rain filled the air making it even darker. The Viper was unloaded from the cargo plane and Spike and Buffy worked to re-stuff it as Buffy gave Spike the address to the headquarters where Buffy was now living. They traveled without a sound, in comfortable silence while their minds were heavy with thoughts. Spike had planned to die tomorrow and now he was in England with Buffy. Buffy had thought she would never see Spike again and now she was in a car with Spike heading back to the place she had learned to call home. Upon arrival, she pointed to the spot next to her parking space that was usually kept for Willow, knowing Willow was out on assignment again. Then she dialed her phone causing three slayer girls to come out. Each took a handful of luggage. Spike’s luggage had turned into 4 boxes and a suitcase full of clothing. Buffy had bags and bags of clothes, her one suitcase and carry on. Dawn’s and Willow’s items had to be carried into the castle as well.

Once the car was unloaded, Buffy glanced up to see Dawn racing down the hall looking very upset. She ignored Buffy, hitting Spike hard on the chest stating, “You died you jerk. You left us alone to pick up the pieces while you were off playing with Angel. Angel called Willow shortly after you left and told us you were returning with Buffy. How could you?” Spike felt himself being beat upon for the second time today only Dawn’s blows were much weaker. She also had tears pouring down her face as he pulled her in for a tight hug, “Nibblet, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I wanted to return at first but I couldn’t. I was ghost and then I was afraid to return. I was afraid your big sis would not want anything to do with me and you know as well as I do that it would have killed me after everything I had shared with her to not have her want me anymore.” Dawn wiped her eyes, “Are you at least staying this time?” Spike nodded, “As long as your big sis will have me.”

Buffy smiled at the reunion but was still exhausted. Dawn turned towards Buffy giving her a hug whispering, “I’m sorry about everything. Willow and Angel had a long talk and he described the situation and the plan and it sounds…permanent. I’m so sorry.” Both girls cried and Spike even had tears in his eyes. Angel was fighting a battle to the death and as much as he hated Angel sometimes, he never wanted him dead. Dawn gave another hug to Spike explaining, “I’m sorry, it’s getting late and I have a date that is calling my name. Can I have one of those dresses to wear tonight Buffy?” Buffy nodded and walked into her room collecting the bags for Dawn including the two books and handed them to Dawn, “There’s jewelry, shoes, and dresses in them. I put your books in there as well. Night Dawnie. You can tell me all about your date tomorrow after I get up.” Dawn smiled, “Thank you so much for these. Night Spike and Buffy.” Spike ruffled her hair affectionately, “Night little bit” as he turned around to face Buffy.

Spike couldn’t read her mind and her face was tear-stricken making it hard to read that as well. He finally broke the silence, “If you don’t mind, I’m tired and if you could just show me which room is mine to sleep in.” Buffy didn’t say a word but instead gestured towards her opened door. Spike was confused as he eyed her room, “You want me to take your room? I couldn’t make you sleep somewhere other than your room.” Buffy hesitated then finally opened her mouth, “You don’t understand…” Spike blinked still not getting it as Buffy walked into the room as she stated, “Spike come in.” Spike shrugged trying to not show how much the invitation into her room had meant to him as he passed the now-missing barrier. He watched nervously as she closed the door behind them and turned around searching through her bags for something. She picked up a nightshirt and didn’t even hesitate to toss it onto the bed and remove her shirt and pants. She never even looked up at Spike while she also took off her bra and panties. Then she slid the shirt over her head before walking to her side of the bed. She had a King size bed in her room that Dawn had insisted she needed and deserved. It had black silk sheets that reminded her of Spike’s place and for once she didn’t take the duster with her knowing she would have the real thing.

Buffy crawled into bed leaving Spike standing there fully dressed and confused, “You coming to bed or do you plan to stand there all night?” Spike blinked still in shock over the situation but said nothing as he laid his duster over the chair and removed his shirt. Buffy watched and she nodded, “I know you sleep nude…” He took a deep breath as he kicked off his boots and socks then removed his pants leaving them to pool at the ground before he stepped to of them. He walked naked over to the bed and looked at Buffy, “You sure?” Buffy knew she was sure as she watched him climb into the bed. She curled up next to him resting her head on his chest smiling as his arms wrapped around her. Buffy whispered, “I’m not ready for anything more but will you just hold me? I can’t think or focus and my mind is going crazy and I just need it to settle down. The only time I can sleep all through the night is when you’re holding me. Do you mind?” Spike shook his head afraid to say anything to break the moment but couldn’t resist answering Buffy’s, “I love you” with one in reply. He heard her immediately fall asleep and was so exhausted he quickly followed her into sleep himself, neither knowing what the next day might bring.

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@}-'--, --'--, --'--, -{@

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Buffy awoke to a bright shining light. She felt Spike stir beside her and he blinked and tossed the covers over himself, thinking they forgot the windows and that he was about to dust. Buffy lowered the covers whispering, “Look” as Spike opened his eyes. Before them was Whistler standing looking not very happy. He frowned, “I didn’t mean to wake you up. Course it’s almost noon and most people don’t sleep until almost noon.” Buffy sat up in bed glaring at him, “What are you doing in my room?” Whistler put his hands in front of his body, “Whoa there slayer. I’ve been sent to give you two a message about Angel. Did you want to hear it or not?” Buffy glanced towards Spike and they both nodded in agreement so Whistler stated, “I was hoping you’d say that. Well the news is this, Gunn died, becoming a vampire, Wesley died but is now a zombie and still cares for Illyria as expected. Angel is human.”

Both Buffy and Spike gasped but Whistler continued, “It’s not Shanshu. He signed that away shortly after you two left the L.A. area. It’s punishment from Wolfram and Hart for taking them on. He’s busy right now reliving the moment that L.A. was sucked into Hell which is a gift from the Powers that Be. So bottom line, your friend is still alive but you won’t be hearing from him for a while.” Buffy looked deeply concerned, “Is there anything we should be doing?” Whistler chuckled slightly, “Besides counting your blessings for not being stuck in Hell with him? No. He’s stuck in Hell and will be there until he makes the ending work. I imagine it will take quite a few tries but perhaps he can make it work out nicely so the verdict isn’t the same because as of right now, he keeps dying.” Buffy blinked, “It’s been less than a day.” Whistler shrugged simply stating, “Hell isn’t like Earth time. What seems like decades is really only a few hours. You should know that since you were in Heaven Buffy. Anyway that’s all I was sent here to tell you. He’s safe and will live but just might take a while. Keep up the good work champions.” He disappeared in a bright light.

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Chapter 13: A Way to Get Clean

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Spike glanced towards Buffy noticing she had a few tears in her eyes, “You ok?” Buffy nodded wiping her eyes, “I’m glad you came with me. You in Hell, I couldn’t have lived with that. I need to shower, care to join me?” Spike nodded as he accepted her hand then pulled her into his arms with a grin. He pulled the shirt over her head frowning at the almost healed marks still marring her skin. He placed a gentle kiss over them and Buffy closed her eyes as Spike turned on the water. She whispered, “I’m glad you’re alive.” Spike grinned, “Me too. At first I wasn’t. In fact at first I was pissed off. I was stuck as a bloody ghost and couldn’t talk to you. Angel claimed you had moved on and were happy without me and I couldn’t even eat. I was so bleeding pissed off but I’m happy now.”

Buffy grinned as she backed against the shower wall when Spike set her down in the water and climbed in front of her, “I guess you can’t keep a good champion down.” Spike looked curiously at Buffy, “You consider me a champion?” Buffy laughed as she closed her eyes under the water, “You saved me and the world didn’t you? If that doesn’t make you a champion, I don’t know what will.”

Spike grinned as he turned Buffy around picking up her shampoo to rub through his hands and then through her hair. He dared to ask the question that was in his mind, “Buffy, do you want me to stay with you here?” Buffy opened her eyes then grimaced as soap got in them. Spike handed her a cloth, which she used to wipe her eyes. When she finished she whispered, “Remember when I told you that I wasn’t ready for you not to be here?” Spike gave a slight nod of his head and Buffy threw her arms around him letting her hair fall back into the water to wash the soap away, “I meant that and still do. I love you Spike. We will make this work.”

She wrapped her legs around his waist and felt him hold her in place. She could feel his body tremble a little and she kissed him whispering, “It will be better this time. I promise.” She opened her eyes to see him smiling at her and she wiggled up his body to be able to reach the top of his hair. He grinned handing her the shampoo, “We are going to have to get me some of my shampoo, luv, and soap. I don’t plan to spend my days smelling like vanilla.” Buffy pretended to pout as she massaged the soap into his scalp, “But I always smell like vanilla. Don’t you wish to smell like me? You vampires can always smell their lover on them, don’t you wish to have others smell me on you?” Spike chuckled slightly as she lowered herself down to rest back around his waist moaning slightly as his erection brushed against her folds. She heard him whisper against her ear, “Smelling you on me is one thing luv. Smelling like you is another.”

He laid his head back using one hand to run the shampoo out of his hair and when he finished, he opened his eyes to meet Buffy’s lust filled ones. He wanted her so badly but wouldn’t make the first move. He didn’t feel he had a right and so far she hadn’t made that move totally yet. He helped her to her feet and picked up her poof and spread the soap on it. Then he started with her back as she swayed slightly. He washed her back gently massaging it and she realized the spa at Wolfram and Hart had nothing on Spike. She heard him chuckle and realized she must have spoken that out loud when he replied, “Yeah pet? Well I promise to give you massages anytime you need it. You don’t need Wolfram and Hart for that pleasure.” He leaned down to wash her legs and then feet before standing upright, “Turn around luv. Now for the fun part.”

Buffy blushed but did as he asked and felt his cool hands moving over her breasts and arms. She let out a slight moan as she felt her knees buckle but Spike wasted no time in scooping her into his arms as she whispered into his ear, “I want you.” Any self-control Spike had felt was lost as he stepped into the water, rinsing her off, then turned off the water not even bothering to dry them off as he deposited her on the bed. He leaned over her whispering against her ear, “Are you sure?” Buffy bit he lower lip and nodded as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him against her. He groaned and Buffy answered with a moan as he leaned down to start to nibble on her neck. Buffy arched her hips but still he ignored that area placing gentle kisses all over her neck lightly sucking on pressure points driving her crazy. It had never been like this for her.

She felt so alive as she felt his hands massaging her breasts. She wiggled under him and he whispered into her ear, “Relax. I’ll take care of you Buffy luv, I promise.” She calmed down, closing her eyes to enjoy the feeling. She felt him suck on her earlobe before whispering into her ear again, “Open your eyes. I want to see you watching me and knowing it is me making love to you and no one else.” Buffy opened her eyes with a gasp at the powerful emotions in his eyes. She whispered in reply, “I know it’s you Spike. It’s always been you. I can’t make love with anyone else because my true love has always been you.” Spike smiled and Buffy almost imagined for a few minutes she could feel his heart beating but knew it wasn’t really the case. as She ran her nails over his back pausing to try to push his erection into her by pressing on his butt. Spike chuckled, “Soon luv, soon” as he ran his fingers down to her rib cage gently tracing each rib, “You will need lunch soon.” Buffy couldn’t even think of lunch. Her mind was spinning as he rubbed his erection over her clit. He then lowered himself down a little further until his face was even with her clit. She screamed out in pleasure as she felt his cool tongue rubbing over it. She grabbed onto his hair and she heard him grimace before he gently pried off her hands and lowered them to the sheets.

She took the hint and gripped the sheets while he returned to his feast. He lowered his lips around her clit and sucked hard as he tongued it and Buffy’s hips arched high off the bed. He gently used one of his hands to hold her stomach as he continued to suck her clit. She moaned out his name as he then used his thumb on her clit, moving his tongue to her entrance. He used his tongue as though he were lapping out the nectar she was releasing and she arched her hips against his hand wanting release. He hummed against her clit as he lapped at her entrance, “Patience my luv, I promise I’ll take care of you.” She whimpered slightly as he removed his tongue from her entrance and then moaned loudly his name yet again as he used his finger to enter her. He took the opportunity to whisper, “So warm and hot. You’re so ready for me.”

Buffy whimpered as he removed himself fully from her and then pulled him against her. Before she kissed him she whispered, “Be gentle.” He eyed her curiously, “When was the last time you were with someone?” Buffy bit her lower lip as she used her body to brush against his erection hoping to distract him but it didn’t work. She finally gave in and whispered, “It’s only been you for years.” Spike’s eyes got big as he teased her entrance, “There’s been no one else?” Buffy shook her head begging, “And if you don’t hurry, it will stay no one else including you.”

Spike chuckled but took the hint kissing her deeply as he lowered himself into her fully. He gave her a minute to get used to him again stretching her body to accommodate him as though it were the first time they were together. He felt her move slightly and knew it was time. She moaned in reply as he set a slow but steady rhythm that she easily met. He was careful of her leg but she was so consumed by pleasure she wouldn’t have cared. His hands were everywhere as he lowered himself time and time again to enter her fully. He was massaging her arms, then her breasts making sure to tease the nipples into tight peaks. He was rubbing his hand over her back and her neck. Every part he could reach he was touching and massaging and lighting it on fire. She felt as though she was ready to explode at any given minute but shuddered, determined to hold on to this feeling just a tiny bit longer. She felt Spike suck on her earlobe and then place kisses down her neck, “Buffy just relax and enjoy. It’s so perfect.” Buffy let out a deep moan trying to relax and she felt herself soar to even higher heights than she believed possible as he whispered, “I love you Buffy” into her ear. She had never known how much being in love with someone could make the love even sweeter. She whispered, “I love you too Spike” in a quivering voice not even worried about how weak it made her seem.

This was about sharing not about taking. She caught his earlobe in her mouth and sucked on it gently nibbling as he hissed in pleasure. She felt his rhythm falter for a minute but then continue. She knew she was making him experience just as much pleasure as she was. She shuddered again and she felt Spike move his hands to their junction to rub her clit. She arched her hips high as her inner muscles clung tightly to him. He pumped a few more times until it was too much for Buffy and she clung tightly to him and screamed out his name in pleasure. She opened her eyes to see Spike smiling down at her and she squeezed her inner muscles again as he continued to move. She was ready for her release again and she shook instead with pleasure. It was always good with Spike but this time was topping them all. So much passion was filling her as well as the feeling of love and commitment. He was her perfect mate and she knew it. She felt him shudder inside of her and her inner muscles again took over clamping down so hard on him that he couldn’t move, trapping him deep inside of her, driving them both to release. Spike roared out her name loudly as she screamed her release, each clinging to the other. Spike collapsed on her then rolled over so she was on top of him.

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Chapter 14: Meeting the Team

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She smiled, laying her head against his chest, feeling her sweat cover his body. She giggled as she felt some strength return to her muscles, “We are going to need another shower.” Spike laughed, “I like smelling like you Summers. It’s like a breath of fresh air. I never thought I’d smell the smell of your sweat, your juices and vanilla covering me again. A bloke could get used to this.” Buffy grinned as she wrapped her arms around his waist, “Good because I plan to keep it this way.” She stayed this way with him until her breathing was back to normal and she heard her intercom buzzing. She leaned over, holding the button, “Yes?” She heard Dawn’s voice through the intercom, “Whenever you guys are finished doing whatever things you are doing which please don’t tell me what it is you are doing still in bed at 1 pm, Giles would like to see you. And Buffy you have two girls who arrived this morning via Willow. They’d like to meet you, preferably dressed.” Dawn’s giggle filled the air causing Spike to chuckle as Buffy spoke into the intercom, “Yeah, yeah yeah. Very funny. We will be down in a few, fully dressed.” Dawn giggled again and replied, “ok” as the intercom went quiet with a click.

Buffy glanced down at Spike whispering in a pouting voice, “We have to get up.” Spike chuckled and she grinned feeling his chest move under her as he grinned back, tickling her slightly, “I can help with that.” As she jumped up trying to run across the room, she bumped her leg hard into the dresser and fell only to have Spike catch her a minute before she slammed into the ground. He lifted her into his arms whispering, “Perhaps the games should wait until we get you healed up.” He glanced down to the cut that was healing nicely and the bruises that were fading and he nodded, “It looks like it’s healing nicely.” He lowered her to the ground and she padded over to the bags on the floor. She sighed, “Will you help me put this stuff away later? I’ve never had so many clothes.” Spike eyed her, “You getting paid that well?” Buffy shook her head, “These were a treat from Wolfram and Hart on Angel’s card.” Spike laughed out loud as he watched her pull out some Victoria Secret underwear along with a matching bra and then pulled out a pair of pink shorts with a tight white tank top. Then she pulled out matching white sandals and Spike grinned, “I see that credit card did you well. What’s in the dress bag?”

Buffy grinned as she pulled on her underwear but paused before pulling on her clothes and lifted up the dress bag opening it to place in Spike’s open hands. As she pulled her tank top over her head and then pulled her shorts on, she watched as Spike gently fingered the silk material and smiled at the summery dresses. He wagged his eyebrows at her, “Bloody Hell pet. These are going to look amazing on you. I’m so taking you out when you are feeling up to it.” Buffy grinned as she took the bag, hanging it in the closet for safekeeping. She then watched as Spike got dressed pulling on a normal pair of black jeans and a tight red top then pulling on his duster. She ran her fingertips over the duster and he took it off wrapping it around her and picked up the one on the floor that she had bought. He smiled, “You picked out the exact duster I had. How did you remember exactly what it looked like?” Buffy shrugged, “You’d put it on me when we were patrolling sometimes and you let me wear it at certain times when it was cold out and I would spend my time touching it and feeling it so I knew it really well. I had nothing of yours so I bought this duster so I could pretend it was you. Will you wear mine to make it smell like you?”

Spike chuckled as he pulled it on noticing it was even the same size. It didn’t smell like his but then again the one he had now was a replacement thanks to the Immortal blowing his last one up, “That’s not the real one pet.” Buffy frowned, “No?” Spike shook his head as he pulled on his socks and boots watching as Buffy put some makeup on her face. He had never seen her do that unless she was going to the Bronze. He then picked up her brush brushing out her tangles as he explained, “Angel had a lead telling him you were in Rome. We went to Rome to get a head for an exchange needed for one of his clients. When we got to Rome we met up with the enemy who stole the head. When we went to get it back, they bloody blew us up ruining my duster. I was pissed off.” Buffy smiled slightly watching the brush move without seeing his reflection doing so, “Of course you were.”

Spike smirked but continued, “So yeah, he bleeding blew up my duster and the strange demon girl there produced a ton just like it. I picked out one of the bunch and that was mine to wear. But bloody hell, I’m really thankful to hear you aren’t with the Immortal luv. He’s a nasty bugger.” Buffy laughed as she took the brush from his hand and put two barrettes into her hair, “I’m sure he is. I’ve never met him myself.” Spike swung her around in his arms opening up the door stating, “And I don’t plan for you ever do so. So where is the nibblet and watcher?” Buffy took Spike’s hand, pulling the door to her room shut, and guided him down the hall. She wiggled her butt and when Spike squeezed it, she turned around whapping his hand. She was dying to run away from him but knew her leg needed one more day of healing and continuing to injure it was not going to help her case.

Buffy didn’t drop Spike’s hand as she knocked on the door. Dawn threw the door open and grinned as she bounced on her heels, “You guys look well loved and rested. So you finally managed to keep your hands off each other long enough to grace us with your presence?” Willow pushed past Buffy as she gave Spike a hug stating, “You lived! Dawn was right. I didn’t believe her!” Spike chuckled as he nodded, “According to Buffy, you can’t keep a good champion down.” Buffy nodded as she pointed to the large chair in the center of the room. Spike took it as she sat on the arm with her legs folded up on his lap. He gently rubbed circles on her leg despite Giles’s glare. Giles cleared his throat stating, “So explain your trip. Are you staying with us Spike?” Spike only nodded in reply as Buffy took over telling the tale of how she arrived in L.A., meeting up with Angel, patrolling only to be overrun by vampires who are now in Hell so they are probably happy that way, as well as explaining how she met up with Spike. She left out the more personal parts such as their actual reunion and how much it affected her and Spike kept that to himself as well not wanting to embarrass her.

As the tale finished, Spike made one last statement, “So your slayer, me and her are going to try to make this thing work all healthy like.” Willow grinned giving Buffy a knowing look. Buffy had moved to her hand to rest on Spike’s leg. She didn’t want to take any chance he would leave her again. Just as Dawn getting into the story about her date the night before, Dawn paused looking at the doorway to see two teenagers. One was dressed in a biker girl outfit with blue hair but the other looked like a gentle schoolgirl in a simple pink skirt and white blouse outfit. Buffy stood up extending her hand, “You must be the two slayers Willow found this round. What are your names?” The biker girl chirped up in a peppy voice snapping her gum, “Mandy. You’re offering a free place to live right? I sort of packed all I had when I agreed to come with Willow and I don’t want to go back to my parents’ house.”

Buffy glanced down at the girl’s outfit noticing the small amount of skin that could be seen was badly bruised and battered. Looking at Mandy’s eyes, she noticed the makeup she wore was probably to cover up the black eye she was sporting. It appeared this girl was being abused at home so she quickly offered, “Yes. We have free room and board here and we offer transportation to and from the local school so you can finish up your schooling. Once you are finished, then we help you get placed in a job suitable if you want. It’s all free and optional. We would never force anything on you.” Mandy smiled hesitantly and Buffy saw through her appearance and knew that Mandy would take a bit more work to win over than the other girl standing in front of her. Buffy offered the other girl her hand and the girl took it, quietly stating “My name’s A.J. short for Alice Jane but everyone just calls me plain A.J. I was away in boarding school so I wouldn’t mind staying here as well. I never fit in well at the school. My parents were fairly poor and my aunt was paying for me. The other students knew that and made it hard.”

Buffy smiled at both girls stating again, “You both are welcome to stay here. Dawn will show you to a room if she hasn’t already.” Both girls spoke up at once, “She has…” But Mandy trailed off allowing A.J. to continue, “We are in the same room.” Buffy could tell they were not enjoying that room much as she decided to tell them her policy, “We try to pair up girls when they first arrive with a roommate or two in one of the bigger rooms. This gives you an instant friend and companion to get to know. After a while, when rooms open up, we offer you the chance to separate or move in with another girl or live on your own. You’d be surprised about how many girls choose to stay together or move in with someone else. Most don’t prefer rooms to themselves because it’s lonely.” Buffy eyed Sarah as she came up behind the girls and Sarah began her rushed speech, “I tried to get the girls enrolled in school and of course they need paperwork signed off by you to get them into the same class. So here’s their paperwork you can fill out Buffy.” She stepped further into the room and then gasped, “He’s a vampire!”

Buffy ignored the response, glancing over the papers merely stating, “That’s Spike.” The girl’s eyes got big and Buffy glanced up to see her look at him in awe, “The Spike?” Buffy nodded as she gathered two pens separating the two applications as she heard Spike say behind her, “The Spike?” Buffy gave another nod as she glanced up looking at Spike motioning for the two girls to step inside the room, “I told everyone about your sacrifice and how you saved the world. It’s part of my intermediate class.” She didn’t elaborate as she handed the girls their applications with a clipboard and a pen, “Can you girls fill out what you know and then I’ll take care of the rest. Sarah can you have their records sent to the school while we do that?” Sarah smiled proudly, “Already done. Anything else?” Buffy gave a curt nod, “See if you can get someone who isn’t bothered by blood to grab some at the butchers shop. Make sure it’s animal because we don’t need Spike being weaned off human blood again. That was a nightmare.” Spike nodded in agreement as Sarah disappeared followed by Willow and Dawn leaving the two girls to sit across from Spike and started to fill out their paperwork.

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Chapter 15: Their Future

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Buffy sat back down, sharing her chair with Spike since the others were full, leaning towards him to whisper, “I help the new slayers get settled in and I handle all the major paperwork since I’m well known as the girl who saved the world. They completely ignore the fact I had tons of help including you. We try to keep the slayers as close as possible to their original home area but most of the time unless they are a commuter; they come to England to get checked in. If I have the space, I keep them here to start their training and to get them to intermediate. Then at that point they are usually graduated from school and can be sent all over the world to places they are most useful. I do have five live-in seniors that help teach classes.” Spike sighed, “Please don’t tell me one is that bint Kennedy. That girl bloody annoyed me.”

Buffy laughed as she shook her head no, “She travels with Willow most of the time. When she doesn’t, she stays in the United States branch of New York with a few slayers there. If she and Willow ever do break up, I imagine that is where she will settle.” Spike smirked, “I’m glad. So what do you need me to do while I’m here?” Buffy grinned as she leaned closer so their shoulders were touching then laid her head back to rest on the back of the chair near his shoulder, “That’s the best part. I teach an intermediate class as I said where we train and practice. First off it will be great to have someone to spar with and teach them moves with a partner that I don’t have to go easy on. I won’t have to worry about them running off screaming in pain. And number two, it’s a class learning about vampires and who better to teach about vampires than you, a vampire who saved the world. We will have to make sure they understand you are special and unique and not of the norm but other than that, I need you to help me guide the future slayers of the world. Can you do that?” Spike grinned, “Of course I can do that. Do we still get to patrol and do other action packed things.” Buff grinned with a definite nod, “Yeah. I even sometimes go on missions when asked. You get to come with me on those too if you want. It should keep us fairly busy.”

Giles returned into the office holding a file, “Speaking of missions, after these girls are settled in I have a job for you Buffy and I guess now Spike. There are rumors that a vampire nest across town has things that they took from the fallen watcher council. Now before you ask, I have no idea what the things are but rumors have it that they were important. I need that stuff they have before it gets out into the vampire and demon population because it could be vital information about slayers and watchers. If you can just dust the vampires that have it, it would be helpful as well so the information dies with them.” Buffy smiled at Spike and they both nodded. Giles walked away cleaning his glasses as he disappeared from sight and Buffy glanced towards Spike placing one of her hands over his to gather his attention back to her, “Are you ok with this whole change? You were with Angel saving the world every other day and now you’re with me doing little things.”

Spike placed his other hand over hers and gave it a slight squeeze, “The missions like this will keep my need for violence as well as patrolling down to a dull roar and sparring with you and training the little ones will keep my need to help down as well.” Buffy grinned at his words as she whispered, “So what part do I play in your needs?” Spike laughed as he placed a kiss on her nose, “You, my luv, play the part of keeping me satisfied and well loved.”

Mandy stood up handing back the application as Buffy’s stomach growled. Buffy apologized as she got up to look over Mandy’s application. She sat down at Giles’s desk and scribbled a few things and then signed it. When A.J. finished hers, Buffy only had to add in the current address and sign her name to it as well. She then buzzed Sarah who took away the girls and the applications and Buffy turned towards Spike who was pulling on her arm gently, “Come on. Where do we eat around here? You’re hungry and I’m definitely peckish. I don’t want you to waste away to nothing.” Buffy put her free hand on her hip as she wiggled her hips slightly, “Are you saying I’m skinny?” Spike laughed, “Well you are luv. You are skinny with curves.” Buffy frowned trying to decide to be insulted or not but wasn’t given much of a chance as Spike repeated himself, “So where do we get food around here?” Buffy pulled Spike into a large cafeteria like room but she didn’t stay in it and instead walked through it and into the kitchen.

Once in the kitchen she glanced at the fridge marked, “The Summers’. Hands off!” Spike chuckled slightly as Buffy opened the fringe that looked like hers back home. She had done that on purpose. She put the juice, milk and cheese as well as eggs in the same place as well as the bread. Along the bottom of the fridge were jars and bags of blood. Spike smiled, “Guess the nibblet was given the blood to put away.” Buffy nodded as she pulled out a jar handing it to Spike and noticed on the counter was burba weed and some other spices as well as a box of Weetabix. She saw Spike’s face change to one of awe and his eyes filled with tears as he noticed the simple gestures made by Giles, Willow and Dawn to make him feel like home. A cup had been donated by Giles that said, “The Life of a Librarian is quite the adventure.” It wasn’t a ‘kiss the librarian’ mug but it was something still from Giles’s collection. The spices were obviously from Dawn and Willow and the Weetabix was Giles hands down.

Spike made up his blood, heating it in the microwave for a few minutes and taking it out. Buffy then tossed her soup into the microwave and watched Spike vamp out to drink his blood. She leaned over tracing the contours of his face in his vampire stance and she noticed he looked uneasy with her doing so, “Spike you are so beautiful even as a vampire. Your golden eyes still shine as much as when they are blue. Your high cheekbones are still shown and even with your bumpies, you’re perfect.” Spike’s vamp face slipped away as he sat the now finished blood on the counter and he looked slightly embarrassed causing Buffy to feel bad. She tried to smooth it over as she ran her fingers over his face willing it to relax. He caught her hand and kissed each fingertip but stopped as he heard someone clear their throat. Both turned at the exact moment to see Xander standing there. Buffy gasped and threw her arms around him in a big hug. He rarely ever graced her with his presence since he was busy in Scotland.

When Buffy finally released him he glanced towards Spike, “You didn’t see any sign of Anya did you while you were wherever you were?” Spike sadly shook his head, “No. I was in a bloody amulet and I’m sorry mate. She wasn’t in there with me.” Xander nodded and put his hands in his pockets. He knew Anya was dead when Andrew said she was. He even had Willow perform the spell to see where she was in the world and she was somewhere in the afterlife sitting in the clouds which he guessed was heaven. Buffy had seen his face fall knowing he would never have her back because he would never take someone from heaven after what had happened to Buffy. Xander’s face held lots of emotions as he leaned to give Spike a manly hug stating with his voice full of emotions probably from remembering Anya, “Welcome back Spike.” Spike released him with a nod and Xander asked hesitantly, “Want to play pool sometime? I mean I don’t get to England too often but I hang out with girls all day long with only my girlfriend for conversational company and you know as much as me that male bonding is of the good.” Spike chuckled with a slight nod, “Agreed.”

Xander gave a curt nod and turned towards Buffy, “So what are your plans now? Are you opening a new slayer central?” Buffy shook her head since that thought had never even crossed her mind, “No. I think Spike and I are staying here and still welcoming in the new slayers and training them up. With Giles’s little missions plus with patrolling I think we will be ok. London is full of vampires. I would have moved us to L.A. but that’s kind of in Hell right now.” Xander’s mouth dropped open as Buffy grinned repeating herself, “Yup. L.A. is in Hell and Angel is a human as a curse from Wolfram and Hart, getting killed over and over again and will continue to do so, until he gets it right I guess. Then who knows what will happen to him.” Xander chuckled, “Nothing like sending him to Hell. Why does that make me so happy?” Spike chuckled a little, “Cause you are right mean towards vampires and like to think of us as evil and should be damned to hell?” Xander looked at Spike and spoke honestly, “Actually, I was willing to help Buffy get you back if you were cursed to Hell. We were going to resurrect you into William if we couldn’t manage to get you back as Spike just so you wouldn’t be in Hell forever.”

Spike looked amazed and horrified at the same time, “Well I think that was a nice thing you were going to do for Buffy. I appreciate it mate.” Xander nodded, “Instead our locator spell got some weird ghostly plane response and the ingredients were hard to come across so we couldn’t keep doing it.” Spike grinned, agreeing with Xander. Xander glanced at the two of them noticing a bowl of now cold soup on the counter, “Well I’ll let you get back to eating, hopefully not each other. I imagine my girl is running around here looking for me.” Spike watched him leave as he looked back at Buffy with tears in his eyes. She brushed them away whispering, “See it’s different now. You belong.” Spike held Buffy close kissing her hair, “I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t of just seen that display myself.” Buffy smiled softly as she whispered, “Want some soup with me? I have to reheat mine and I can easily heat yours as well.”

“Only if you let me heat it up on the bloody stove.”

“I don’t want it on any bloody object.”

Spike rolled his eyes, “You know what I mean!” Laughter filled the room as Buffy got a pan out from the cabinets, “I do but I wanted to be difficult.” Spike wagged his eyebrow, “You luv are always difficult. Now let’s feed you.” Together they cooked up some soup and ate it together.

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Chapter 16: A Photo Shoot

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Buffy and Spike stood in Buffy’s room putting things away. Spike lifted the television out of the box and sat it on the stand Buffy had pulled out of the extra room that was filled with furniture. Spike arranged it so that it could be seen from the bed and then arranged his Playstation to be used as well. That was one of the few things he had insisted on bringing from L.A. He also had new books he had been collecting. Since he had lost everything in the Sunnydale collapse he had began collecting his favorite books again. They weren’t the ones from the 1880s or the autographed copies he originally owned but they would at least be copies he could read when he was bored. He also had started keeping journals again. Buffy had a mostly empty bookshelf in her living area and Spike went to work on arranging and adding his own items. He knew reading wasn’t Buffy’s thing but he did notice the few things she had bought since Sunnydale were things he had read to her. Luckily they were things he hadn’t gotten around to buying yet so between the two of them, they had a small collection. He frowned, noticing there would be a few items they would need to invest in. A writing desk would need to be bought for the living area because having an apartment without a desk was unacceptable. She also needed a shoe rack and a jewelry box for the new items she had bought in L.A.


Spike wandered back into the bedroom carefully unpacking his clothes and handing the ones that needed to hang to Buffy. His socks he laid in the drawer she had cleaned up for him and he started to fold up her underwear and bras into the drawer that already had some of her items in it. He found her sock drawer and started to unpack the socks from her suitcase as well. He folded up the two clean nightshirts and put them into her nightshirt drawer and glanced at his hard work. He then picked up her carryon bag and went about putting the various items away the best he could. He put her CD player next to the bed where she used to keep it in Sunnydale and put her stuffed pig on her side of the bed where she slept. He lifted the travel pillow above Buffy’s head putting it on the top of the closet so it was out of the way. He put his current journal into his nightstand and added his comb, toothbrush, and hair gel to her collection in the bathroom. He grinned noticing he had some shampoo and soap in one of his boxes and added that to her shower items.

Spike enjoyed the way their items were mixing together creating a home for a couple. He lifted out of his box the one picture he still had of them. It had been in his billfold after he died and as soon as he was made corporal, Fred had gotten it repaired and blown up into a 5 by 7. It was of Buffy, Dawn, and himself taken by Tara when she was still alive. She had wanted to capture the look that Spike and Buffy were given each other and she had done so perfectly. He set it on the nightstand reminding him of where they had started and where they had finished. He let out a gentle sigh looking around the still sort of empty room. Buffy for living here for a year, hadn’t done any decorating.

The room was a basic white that screamed at him emptiness instead of being a home. He watched as Buffy stepped back to stand in front of him and he wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her against him and she let out a gentle sigh, “Why does this room still seem empty? All the stuff we both own has been put in here.” Spike smiled getting an idea, “How about this pet? Before we leave in an hour, we have a photo shoot.” Buffy turned around and blinked trying to make sense of his comment, “A what shoot?” Spike laughed, “Photo shoot. Like we fill the walls with your friends and family. We have everyone that’s important in this place right now. Your friends, family and your job are all here right now. Why don’t we fill up the walls with photos of them? Dawn can work on fixing those up while we go on our little adventure. How’s that sound?” Buffy shrugged unsure but she figured there was no harm in it. She then looked into his eyes and saw how serious he was and nodded.

She left his arms and pulled out her camera from the top drawer of her nightstand and glanced down at the clothes she was wearing. She pulled them off, choosing a red short skirt and a white tank top. She felt Spike’s hands in her hair pulling out the barrettes and fluffing her hair and she turned around glancing at his outfit, “Aren’t you going to change?” Spike chuckled as he stated in simple terms, “Into what?” Buffy reached into the closet pulling out a blue shirt and held it up to him, “This. It brings out the blue in your eyes.” Spike shrugged off his shirt leaving it on a pile as he pulled on the blue one. He then felt Buffy pulling on his hand and she ran her fingers through his hair losing it up. He frowned, “This can’t look good.” Buffy grinned as she admired the curls, “It does. I like your curls.” He let out a loud, “Oi! Just don’t be calling me cute or adorable or any other poofter word and I’ll try to hold off the complaints.”

Buffy grinned as she walked over to the door and took Spike’s hand in hers. For some reason that action felt so right and she glanced back noticing the love shining in his eyes. She hoped the camera would pick up some of that as she walked side by side with Spike to find Dawn’s room. Dawn was home and yelled, “Come on in!” She then smiled at Buffy, “So what brings you to my room sis? And with Spike and Spike you are looking mighty sexy if I do say so myself. Of course that’s in a big brother kind of sexy way…” Buffy laughed, “Put on something nice. I want to take pictures!” Dawn pushed both Buffy and Spike out of her room yelling, “I’ll be in the blue room soon. We can do it there!”

Spike didn’t ask Buffy what the blue room was and she didn’t feel like offering as she took him down the stairs and entered what was known as the green room. The room names were done by Andrew and Dawn when they first had checked out the castle. Dawn had determined it based on the base color of the paints that decorated the ceiling and the floor. Looking at this room, Buffy briefly wondered what Spike’s talent was for painting. Dawn was ok but nothing fancy. She could hold a paintbrush but not really stencil paint. She wanted stars and a night sky on her ceiling. It would make her feel more at home but that idea would have to wait, “Giles, Xander and Wills, come into the blue room and if you wish to look differently for a picture feel free to change. It’s picture taking time!”

Buffy dragged Spike back out of the room and into another further down the hallway. Buffy knew he would need a tour but for now, she was getting into the idea of pictures adorning her wall. She led Spike into the blue room and he whistled, “This is amazing. Did it come like this?” Buffy nodded as she turned around looking at the walls herself for the millionth time. This was the room she ran to when she was crying over Spike. It held memories for her but the walls and ceiling were beautiful. It was the only place she had decorated herself. She had insisted on taking a big rock home from one of her many adventures and placed it in the center of the room as a seat. The back wall was covered in a mural of a waterfall, which she had lightly touched up with a paintbrush since it was partially nicked due to whatever the castle had been before they had bought it. The ceiling was a night sky complete with stars and even a glowing moon. The floor with her specifications was covered with soft green mossy carpet that almost felt like you were walking on moss. The rest of the walls were covered with images of a forest. If you didn’t stare at it too closely, the room almost appeared to come to life. She had added in some various trees as plants for the room to add a 3-D aspect to the room. She had also added in a sound machine that allowed her to listen to the sound of running water making the waterfall come to life.

Buffy watched the emotions play across Spike’s eyes and she could tell he was in love with the room as much as she was. She had often come here to curl up in the duster and sit on her rock remembering him. The rest of the gang piled in shortly looking all neat and tidy and Buffy grinned, “Spike had an idea for how to decorate my room. I know you guys kept offering to paint the rooms and fix them up but I was mostly too depressed to settle in properly but now…now I’m ready.” She put a smile on her face as she held up the camera, “And you guys are going to help me. Thanks to Spike’s suggestion, I want images of us on the walls. I plan to eventually replace them with candid images but for now, this will have to do. Giles, can we add in cameras into our budget? I really think allowing the little slayers to take pictures of themselves so they can see how far they have come, would be a great idea.” Giles shrugged not worrying about money even though some of his money had been coming from the building that was apparently deep in the depths of Hell. Giles still had many other clients that paid the bills.

Buffy grinned and pulled Spike, Giles and Dawn in front of the wall with the waterfall. She had Dawn kneel in front of the rock while she had Spike sit on the rock and Giles stand behind it. She then handed the camera to Willow and went and sat on Spike’s lap sideways leaning her head against his shoulder. Willow grinned, “This is a great picture. You are so going to love this” as she snapped two pictures in case one didn’t turn out. She then watched Buffy move Xander in front of the trees and then pulled Willow over there too, handing Spike the camera as she stood in the middle. Both Willow and Xander wrapped their arms around her shoulders and she wrapped her arms around their waists and smiled. Spike snapped two pictures, each from a different angle.

Buffy was now excited. She grabbed Dawn and had her stand in front of the waterfall again. Dawn put her hand up in the air as though water was falling and Buffy did the same wrapping their arms around each other’s waist and Spike again snapped the picture. Meanwhile she noticed Willow and Xander were making faces at each other and she pointed towards them and Spike took the candid shot which caused everyone to laugh. Then she handed the camera to Dawn and ran up to Spike who twirled her in a circle. Both were laughing as Dawn snapped the picture. Dawn grinned, “Do I get to use these?” Buffy nodded as Dawn flicked through the digital pictures on the camera. Dawn squealed and ran upstairs and Buffy walked into the next room noticing it was dark out.

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Chapter 17: Adventure

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She felt Spike wrap his arm around her waist and she leaned back against him, “We should go raid that nest since it’s nighttime already.” Spike nodded but made no effort to move. Buffy whispered, “Are you happy Spike? Do you think you will be really happy here? You are living with a bunch of girls with only Giles as guy companionship and are not really battling to save the world. Is that going to bother you?” Spike shook his head, “I told you earlier, I’ll be fine. All I need to survive is you and blood. My demon needs violence and you and this pesky soul needs to do good deeds and I think you can provide it all. We will be fine.” He rocked her gently as she let out a sigh finally drawing away, “Let’s go get this council stuff.” Spike followed her upstairs to watch her change into a pair of black pants and a black short sleeve shirt. She pulled her hair back in a ponytail and pulled her duster from the closet, sliding on her boots. She watched as he removed his blue shirt sliding a black one in its place and put on his duster. He helped himself to a few stakes and a crossbow from her weapon chest as she did the same, “Ready luv?” “Ready when you are. Let’s go get those vampires!” Spike chuckled but followed her.

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@}-'--, --'--, --'--, -{@

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Buffy felt excitement as she fought by Spike’s side. Her leg was stronger and she was ready for battle. The bruises were just about gone and she didn’t even notice them as she fought for her life. She dusted one vampire jumping over him to land in front of a second making short work of him, giving him no warning. The other two now in front of her weren’t so easily tricked. She kicked one vampire knocking him into a stone wall which barely phased him while she punched the other, taking a few blows herself. She jumped into the air kicking one vampire then another, but the third grabbed her foot pushing her backwards where she bumped into Spike who growled at her, “Be careful Slayer” but up righted her just the same. She turned around at the now four vampires that were quickly approaching her and she lunged forward dusting one before she had another vampire knock her from behind. She easily fought off two of the vampires while the third kept getting knocked around by the kicks and punches she was giving the other two. Finally dusting one of the two she was knocking around she was left with two.

Staring at her handiwork, Buffy didn’t notice the vampire behind her until she heard Spike’s voice yell out, “Buffy!” and she swung around as the other two jumped on her. She felt dust surround her and she coughed as her head banged against the floor stunning her for a moment. She could barely make out the fight around her but heard Spike growling and the sound of heavy battle going on. She shook her head regaining her senses as she stood up taking on the vampire that had started to attack her. She was amazed by how big this vampire nest really was as she went to full battle form with him. She punched him twice in the face only to be backhanded by him. She jumped over him, kicking him in the back to land on his face and then jumped onto him to land a few punches in the face before dusting him. She then noticed it was really quiet in the room as she turned around looking for Spike who was not in sight. She panicked noticing all the dust piles and screamed out a loud, “SPIKE!!!!!” With still no answer she rushed out of the building with no one in sight. She tried to use her senses but felt so many vampire tingles she didn’t know what to think. She ran towards the direction where they were the heaviest and found another nest of five vampires.

She was angry and upset and so scared she quickly dusted three vampires and then managed to beat the other two to a pulp. As she stood kicking the one and then the other as blood poured out of them until finally one stated, “Just dust me already slayer.” Buffy sighed, pulling out another stake and dusted them both at the same time then fell down to the ground in tears. She couldn’t believe she had gained Spike only to lose him almost immediately. She was so distraught she never noticed the vampire behind her until she felt herself being lifted up and cradled against his cool body. She opened her tear-filled eyes whispering, “Spike.” He kissed her gently on the lips, “It’s me kitten. What happened?” Buffy sniffled, running her hand over her face to try to clear it, “I got the wind knocked out of me and then woke up to deal with more vampires and then all was quiet and I turned around and you were gone. You weren’t there and dust piles surrounded me and I thought perhaps you were one of them. Then I felt so many vampires again I found a second nest but again you weren’t there. After I dusted them I couldn’t take it anymore. I thought you were dead so I…”

Spike finished for her, “Cried. I’m sorry. I chased a vampire into another crypt where I had to deal with 10 vampires. Roughed me up pretty bad. There two more nests if you are up to it. I could sense them when I was over there. I’m not sure if there are any more. It appears that we have wandered into a huge vampire section of town. I should have remembered this place. Dru and I hung out here sometimes when we needed action. They are well known in the demon world for their big parties. Are you ok? Can you take on more vampires?”

Buffy felt Spike wipe her face and then run his hands over her body “I don’t smell your blood.” Buffy smiled through her tears, “I’m ok. I can do more. I just need to go back and collect my stakes. I ran out of there so fast I never bothered to collect them.” Spike nodded understanding as he picked up her one stake there and then they gathered the other stakes from the first place and he noticed a few books. He made a note to come back here after they had dusted the other nests to check it out. He glanced towards Buffy as they stood outside a loud nest and whispered, “Ready pet?” She nodded and together they kicked the doors open to find about 10 more vampires standing around talking with loud music playing.

There was even a pool table in the room that the vampires were using. She saw Spike’s eyes flicker over the pool table longingly and she made a deal with herself. If it wasn’t destroyed, she would have it taken back to the castle. She lunged into action with the first two vampires who noticed their presence. She roundhouse kicked the one into the other and ducked as they used their pool sticks on her trying to take off her head. She yelled, “Hey don’t break those. I want to keep the table once you are dusted.” The vampires looked unimpressed as they used the pool sticks as weapons despite her comment. She dodged one swing after another until one of the vampires tripped her while the other had her dodging. Buffy landed hard on her side jarring her back causing her to give a cry out in pain but she ignored it as she jumped back to her feet. She kicked the one vampire only to turn around and find another. She heard Spike’s growl behind her, letting her know he was still in battle too. She jumped up getting ready to use the trick Spike had taught her and turned around doing a back flip to plunge the stake into the vampire’s back, dusting him. She pulled another stake from her back pocket as she battled the second vampire who was greatly upset at her dusting the female. She felt a few punches of his hit her but she was determined as she punched him right back.

She kicked him into the wall but was thrown backwards and as he lunged into her. She kicked up her feet sending him flying across the room missing the pool table, which was surprisingly still intact, by only a few inches. She sighed in relief but that only lasted a second as a big demon with horns picked her up and threw her across the room near the vampire she had thrown, just missing the table. She moaned in pain as she stood up and dusted the vampire who landed on her stake when he jumped on her. She brushed herself off as she looked around.

The vampires were dead but Spike was in bad shape and being kicked by the big demon. She picked up a hunk of stone that had been broken off the walls in one of the battles and quietly but quickly approached the demon from behind and slammed the stone down as hard as she could on his head, knocking him out. She offered Spike her hand, noticing how badly he was bleeding, as he spit out some blood from his mouth. He wiped it then picked up the demon by the neck and twisted. She threw her arms around Spike, surveying the still standing pool table. She whispered against his ear, “We have ourselves a new pool table.” Spike chuckled as he gestured towards the huge stereo, “And a new stereo” as he swung her around ignoring the way he was seriously wounded. She frowned, “We can come back for the last nest if you want.” Spike shook his head, “This one is much smaller and full of what I would guess would be fledglings. I’m thinking it’s the hatching area.”

Buffy looked skeptical but followed him and had to admit he was right. There were two female vampires who were awake but the rest were dead bodies. She jumped up onto one of the tables holding the soon to awaken vampires and dusted one female as Spike twisted the other vampire’s head clean off. She then glanced towards Spike, “You take the ones on the left and me on the right?” Spike nodded as he pulled out the stakes still in his back pocket. If he broke the stakes he had in half, it would be enough for all the vampires to wake up and be immediately dusted. He went to work plunging the stakes into their hearts and leaving them there so that when they awoke, they would be instantly dusted. Buffy did the same with her side, using some of the stakes Spike had broken to set it up. When they were finished, Buffy dusted off her black clothing and sighed in relief as the only tingles she felt were made by Spike. She glanced towards Spike, “Any more? My senses are clear.” Spike shook his head, “I think this section is clear. Let’s see if we can find the council items. Can you call Xander to bring a bigger vehicle for the pool table and stereo as well as this nice leather couch?” Buffy nodded whipping out her cell phone sighing as she mentioned to Giles, “Send Xander and a few slayers over here. The vampires have donated some furniture to us…Ow!”

She dropped the phone and clutched her stomach where a demon with a sword had snuck up behind her and cut her. She screamed out as the demon struck her again on her arm causing her blood to fill the air. Spike smelled it form the next crypt over and ran into the room, roaring at the demon. The demon sliced into his abdomen before Spike had a chance to react but Spike ignored the pain at having two gashes now in his stomach and kicked the demon into the wall and punched him in the stomach before grabbing his neck. He used his knee to knock the sword from the demon’s hand before he released him just for a second to catch the sword driving it into the demon’s stomach. The demon fell over in pain as Spike twisted his head and he ran back over to Buffy. She had lost consciousness and he felt himself on the verge of doing so.

He picked her up, carrying her to the Viper, not caring that their blood was making a mess of the car as he moved his hands over her body trying to find her phone. He noticed it wasn’t on her and cursed as he ran as fast as he could while losing a lot of blood until he reached the crypt where he could faintly make out Giles’s voice yelling, “Buffy, Buffy are you ok? Buffy answer me. Bloody just answer me.” Spike picked up the phone racing back to the car, “Rupert, we are badly hurt. The nest is clean and there’s two dead demons but we have to get back. We are both losing a lot of blood. Sends some slayers to collect your items and send someone back to pick up the couch, stereo and pool table and probably even the TV if you want. Bloody Hell this hurts. We will be back in about 10 minutes.” He hung up the phone tossing it into the back of the car as he slammed the car into drive, stepping on the gas. He barely took the time to shift the stick as he headed towards the castle at record speed. Reaching the castle, he turned the car off after parking it and carried Buffy into the castle. He laid her down on the green room’s leather sofa before collapsing next to her and promptly passing out.

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Chapter: 18: Healing

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Buffy woke up and looked around her noticing she felt horrible. She glanced down and realized she was in her own bed but her head was killing her as was her stomach. She saw that Spike was beside her either passed out or sleeping. She lifted the covers and her nightshirt to see her stomach area wrapped up tightly with gauze and bandages. She stood up but collapsed within seconds and heard Dawn’s voice yelling at her, “Don’t get up. Buffy you were almost killed. You can’t possibly want to get up when you have Spike passed out beside you. We did that despite Xander and Giles’s protest.” She glanced around to look for Dawn but didn’t see her and so she laid back in bed checking out Spike’s wounds. He had a bandage on his forehead, his right shoulder, and his stomach was wrapped up tightly too. He looked deathly pale and sickly as Dawn entered the room carrying a mug of blood and juice. She handed Buffy the juice and set the mug beside the bed on Spike’s side.

Buffy drank her juice and whispered, “What’s wrong with him?” Dawn blinked unable to believe what she was hearing, “He saved your life after taking two large gashes to the stomach. His arm was dislocated and had a huge cut on it. There was also a hole on his forehead that we could only guess was from a run in with a stake. We were thinking the hole in his shoulder near his heart was one too. He carried you injured like this to the car, then drove like this here only to carry you again into the green room. There he laid you down on the couch and passed out. He hasn’t been awake since but it’s only been 12 hours.”

Buffy frowned as Dawn fussed over both of them carrying the juice from the room, “Want some soup? I’ll bring you some only if you promise not to move out of bed.” Buffy nodded, “I don’t think I could stand if I wanted to…besides I’m afraid for Spike.” Dawn seemed content with the answer because she left Buffy alone with Spike. Buffy kissed Spike on the lips whispering, “I woke up. Now it’s your turn to wake up. Wake up. I can’t make it in this world without you.” There was still no answer from Spike so Buffy got an idea. She held the warm blood under his nose and then spread it across his lips. His tongue darted out but nothing happened. He still wouldn’t drink. She frowned then had another idea. She glanced around noticing no one was in the room and lifted her injured wrist to Spike’s mouth. She picked off the scab knowing it was a little cut since it was healing already but the smell might be enough. She held the mug against his mouth and put the wrist under his nose and he vamped out taking a sip of the mug, after which he opened his eyes knocking the mug aside. He flipped Buffy over so he was under her and licked her neck only to gently bite into it.

She moaned out and felt Spike massaging her breasts as he gently fed from her neck. She realized she wasn’t scared and instead just accepted his feeding until he licked the wound closed roaring out, “Mine.” Buffy’s slayer replied with a simple, “Yours.” Within minutes Spike blinked twice then looked down at Buffy horrified at what he had just done. He whispered backing off her, “God Buffy, I’m so sorry. Bloody Hell I’m dangerous. I never should have…Buffy luv I’m so sorry.” He tried to get out of bed, grimacing at the pain, and she pulled him back down next to her.

She rolled over so her head and leg was over him making it a little harder for him to leave her, “It’s ok. I let it happen. I could have stopped it. You needed blood and I was playing a game. I was trying to trick your body into smelling my blood and drinking pig’s blood which obviously didn’t work so well.” Spike looked horrified as he put his face into his hands shaking his head whispering over and over again, “I hurt you again. I hurt you again.” Buffy sat up, moaning in pain, but determined to fix this. She brought her hands up to his arms and lowered them so she could see his eyes. She used the hand with the scar to join together with his and whispered, “Spike, I’m ok. Look at me. Those vampires and demons did way worse to me. I’m really ok.”

Spike glanced down at her body noticing the damage the demon did to her stomach area and arm but noticed her neck was already starting to heal. He frowned, “I claimed you. I wasn’t even aware I was doing it.” Buffy shrugged, “I was going to ask you to do so anyway someday.” Spike looked at her skeptically, “You were?” Buffy nodded as she pushed him back against the bed laying her head on his chest but still looking up at him. She was frustrated by the fact he didn’t hold her and she wrapped his lax arms around her waist. Spike chuckled slightly but then looked horrified as he stared at the mark on her neck. The side that no one had touched before now had a mark that would never really heal. He couldn’t see the other side of her neck but he knew if they ever completed the claim, those marks would disappear as well.

He let out a deep breath as Buffy finally started talking, “When you died last summer, I dreamt over and over again about you claiming me and me you so that we would be together in the afterlife. I wanted us to be together and hated myself for never letting you do so. I made a vow that if we ever found ourselves together again, I would have you claim me and I would return it therefore binding us together. Obviously your demon agrees even if you don’t.”

Spike frowned, “It’s not that I don’t agree luv. It’s just…Bloody hell, I bit you. I bit you and I didn’t even know I was doing it. I hurt you again pet. Don’t you know what this means?” Buffy looked deeply into his eyes admitting, “Actually, you didn’t hurt me. It felt kind of good and you were touching me while you were doing it distracting me from any pain I might feel.” Spike gave her a look of not believing her as he stated, “That was the demon Buffy. He wanted to kill you.”

Buffy this time laughed, “Um if he wanted to kill me, then why was he busy touching my chest and claiming me? I mean what demon claims someone before he drains her dry and why did he seal the wound on my neck.” Spike lift his fingertips to rub over her neck causing her to shudder with pleasure, “I don’t know luv. I really don’t know.” She snuggled down against him and whispered, “I know why and I think you do too. Because every little bit of you loves me and more importantly recognizes me as their mate. The demon could have drained me. I would have probably fought if I felt threatened but for once, a vampire was at my throat and I didn’t have to hit him over the head in hopes to save myself. I didn’t see some evil thing that I was unable to stop. It was peaceful and felt right, just like the claiming. A part of me somewhere deep inside knew exactly how to respond and wanted to. If I was threatened or scared or worried, the slayer part would not have answered the claim. Think about that Spike.” Spike grew quiet and the door opened to show Dawn walking in holding a tray of two bowls of soup.

Dawn cheered as she carried the soup carefully to place it over Spike’s lap as Buffy sat up in bed. She straightened her nightshirt and held the tray as Spike sat up grimacing at the pain. Dawn grinned, “You guys have matching wounds although Spike definitely had more of them….um Buffy. What happened to your neck?” Spike looked guilty again as Buffy admitted, “I think Spike and I have decided to claim each other. Know what that means?” Dawn nodded her head up and down, “I’m studying vampires and to be an assistant. Of course I know what that means. That means you guys are mates. They are lovers, and protect each other until you, err...you can’t dust. I guess you both die, right?” Spike nodded, “It means Nibblet, when your big sis here dies, I’ll die with her and if I dust, she’ll die with me. Is that ok with you? I won’t be around to watch you die probably.” Dawn shrugged, “I don’t care as long as you both are happy and as long as I never have to watch the mating part. Some things I don’t want to see and that’s one of them.” Spike chuckled then his face contorted into pain. “Sorry, Spike. Didn’t mean to make you be in pain.”

Spike leaned over careful of his injures as he ran his fingers through her hair, “It’s ok Nibblet. Hey whoa! Where did the big television come from?” Dawn laughed, “It took you that long to notice it? Xander brought the furniture back from the raid you both did. You guys got a love seat now too in your living room. Since it was black like the other two leather chairs you had in there, the black loveseat was added. The smaller television was moved into the living room since you are sitting closer to it but we can switch it if you want.” Spike smiled, “And the pool table and stereo?” Dawn grinned, “Well Willow was going to give you the stereo but the girls were already using it for practice in the training room downstairs so you will have to fight them for it when you get better if you want it. The pool table was added to the game room upstairs. Xander said on his next trip he will be expecting you to play a game with him.”

Spike chuckled again as he grimaced and he glanced down at the quickly cooling soup, “Buffy needs to eat up.” Dawn agreed, “You too. Unless you are full from eating my sister. Err. God I so did not mean that.” She raced out of the room holding her eyes and Buffy could see her embarrassment at her statement. Both Buffy and Spike laughed but Buffy carefully scooted over to take a sip of her soup. She took a few more bites enjoying the heat running down her throat. It was her favorite, Chicken and Stars soup. She glanced at Spike who was not eating and she asked, “Did you get enough blood?” Spike nodded, “Slayer blood goes a long way. I’m just thinking.”

Buffy leaned her head against his chest and whispered, “Bout what?” Spike whispered with a slight sigh, “Say I hurt you?” Buffy rolled her eyes annoyed at this track of thought yet again, “I’m fine. You take care of me and protect me and you and your demon know when to stop. It’s not a big deal Spike. I will know better next time and even if I mess up again, you won’t kill your mate or you will kill yourself. You don’t think your demon knew what he was doing when he did that? If you had done it fighting against your nature, I would have been concerned but this means every part of you agrees with me. I kind of like that.” She smiled slightly looking happy as she whispered, “It means we are meant to be together? Don’t you feel it too?” At Spike’s nod Buffy turned her smile into grin, “Good eat up before it gets too cold to enjoy.” Spike started to eat as Buffy did as well.

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Chapter 19: Feeling Better

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Buffy and Spike rested in bed for two days recouping nicely. After two days, Buffy’s wound was merely a flesh wound and Spike’s was pretty much gone thanks to slayer blood. She had refused to claim him back until he was healed enough to make love with her. She wanted the occasion to be perfect. She knew it was time as she noticed even the bruises were gone. Spike had reluctantly agreed to feed on her the last two days with the understanding that once the claim was complete, he wouldn’t be doing it anymore. Buffy knew once the claim was complete, it would need to be renewed so she knew he couldn’t exactly stop totally.

She put the controls on the Playstation they had been playing aside as she looked at Spike. She wanted a bath before she made love to Spike but knew their little tub might not fit the two of them. She wiggled on top of Spike resting her knees on either side of his waist with a grin, “I want a bath!” Spike waved his hand in front of her, “Well you know where it is. I’ll just pause this game for you and play Donkey Kong until you get out. ” Buffy pouted sticking her lower lip out, “You don’t understand. I want a bath but I don’t want to take one alone.” Spike chuckled and sucked on her lower lip causing her to moan out loud. He released her lip, as she pouted even more, “We might not fit together in the tub. It’s not that big.” Spike chuckled as he climbed out of bed continuing to hold onto her as he walked into the bathroom to inspect the possible tub. She looked down and whispered, “See it’s not built for two” but Spike only shook his head, “Doesn’t matter. We can sit in there as one. Trust me, this will work.” Buffy did trust him as she watched him lean down turning on the water and dribbled her vanilla soap into the tub. She smiled as he leaned down further as she adjusted the water temp to suit her needs. He didn’t feel hot or cold much so he usually let her choose the temp even back in Sunnydale.

Buffy wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him down for a passionate kiss that seemed to never end. He finally broke the kiss allowing her to breathe and turned off the water to the now filled tub, “Um Buffy, if you keep that up, I won’t bother with your tub time.” Buffy pretended to pout as he stepped into the tub settling so he was under her and she was sitting on top of him. She turned herself around as she lifted up his washcloth and rubbed his soap over the cloth. She knew it would make no difference because he would still smell of vanilla but she figured it was a nice gesture nonetheless. He allowed her to wash his face and neck and even his chest as he ran his hands over her body making it hard for her to concentrate. She leaned over and sucked his nipples into her mouth nibbling slightly on them, just enough to bring him pleasure but stopping before he could lose control. She wiggled further back to rest on his knees as she leaned forward nibbling on his ear, which stilled his hands allowing her to wash over his abdomen. As she used the cloth to rub up and down on his length, stopping when he groaned. He protested but she whispered into his ear while nibbling on his earlobe, “Soon. I promise.” He looked so eager she was tempted to let him have his way but she wanted to be clean as well so she gently sat on his chest enjoying his hands massaging her back while she washed his legs and feet. When she finished she felt him lift her up and he turned her around to face him. He grinned as he leaned down to suck on her breasts and it took every ounce of willpower she had left to swat him away handing him her poof and soap, “You forgot something.”

Spike grumbled in good spirit as she watched him dribble some soap onto the poof and then start to wash her face. She closed her eyes and she felt him use the poof as a sensual tool in his making love to her. He first used to poof to arouse, then used his free hand to soothe with water then used his mouth to torment. She was on fire and wiggling under him trying to find some kind of release for her torment. He teased her breasts bringing her nipples to tight peaks. As he continued doing that he moved the poof down to wash her abdomen and she arched her hips. He used the poof to wash her clean and ignored her protests this time as he yanked the plug on the water pulling her up in the shower. He carefully washed her hair and allowed her to return the favor but as he was still rinsing his hair, she forced herself under the showerhead with him and gave him a kiss he knew would make him not last long. He quickly lifted her into her arms pausing only so she could turn off the water as he pushed her against the wall. She shook her head and whispered, “No the bed. I want this perfect.”

Spike growled in response and claimed her lips with his but relented, carrying her to the bed and dropping her into a heap. She pulled him down over her and then rolled over so she was on top controlling the movements. She nibbled down his neck whispering, “I want us to remember this forever as the time we made perfect love and then claimed each other.” She continued to kiss down his neck until she reached the pressure point, which she sucked on causing a growl to escape Spike making her giggle. She loved knowing she had such an effect on him and his demon so she continued her kisses until she hit his chest again. She sucked on his nipple then blew her breath over it. She inched her fingers downward until she grasped his erection and pulled on it slightly as Spike groaned and flipped them back over, eager to turn the tables. He kissed down her breasts, sucking on them, massaging them and whispering in her ear, “So soft and it fills my hand perfectly.” He nibbled on it causing her to arch her back giving him better access, “Bloody hell Buffy, do you know how much your moans drive me crazy? Just a few touches from me and you are moaning and writhing under me making it impossible for a bloke to ever say no to you.”

He blew against her nipples again and then ventured down placing kisses on her stomach. She moved her hands from where they had been tracing across his back and chest to weave through his hair. He loved the feel of her hands in his hair and she knew this but got immediately distracted as he kissed her junction whispering, “You taste so good luv. Just like sunshine and sweet honey.” She arched her hips again and he licked her once whispering against her clit, “So sweet and good but today I want you to get off around me. Is that ok luv? Do you mind?” Buffy was shaking her head frantically pulling him up so she could kiss him. He used a finger to spread her juices around and she knew it was to make sure she was ready and apparently he was satisfied she was because she felt his erection brushing her clit over and over again, “Buffy look at me, open your eyes and look at me. Look at the man who loves you and would do anything for you. I, Spike, William Pratt, love you unconditionally. Do you understand and know that?”

Buffy nodded her head focused on his eyes, “I, Buffy Summers, love you unconditionally and I hope by now you have figured that out.” Spike chuckled and then surprised her by plunging into her making her scream out in pleasure. She was very glad she had no neighbors, as she knew if she did, they would have heard her. She was on the furthest corner of the castle with her living room as the only one that was near her. She arched her hips and her inner muscles squeezed him tight as he whispered, “Bugger. Your muscles are unbelievable. You realize the first time we were together, you ruined me for anyone else who came along?” Buffy shook her head as she continued to work her inner muscles matching the rhythm he had set for them, “Seriously. These muscles, never have I felt anything like it and I had been with two bloody vampires before you. Nothing compares to it and I was gone that first moment.” Buffy smiled as she whispered deciding to try to return the favor. He was always talking during sex but she was determined to give it a whirl, “The first time we had sex in that abandoned house…” She paused letting out a moan as he hit her cervix and then he calmed down to let her talk, “You ruined me for anyone else too. That is why there has been no one else but you. You had amazing stamina and knew every inch of me even before I did and that scared me.”

She paused as she shuddered with pleasure and he leaned down and kissed her. She welcomed the feeling of being lost as she wrapped her legs tightly around his waist and her arms around his neck pulling him as deeply as she could into her. He needed no invitation as he started to pound into her hitting every inch he could inside of her making her moan out in pleasure. The air filled with their sounds of pleasure. He continued to kiss her as he picked up the rhythm and she could feel they were both close. They could go all night but with the power each possessed over the other, they made getting off into a battle. They would each tease the other until neither could hold on anymore and they would both explode. If not together the first time, then definitely on Buffy’s second release, it would be together. Buffy loved that about him. He always got her off every time, sometimes two or three times. Never before had it been like that. She wanted to share that with him but knew she had no words as she dragged her nails down his back not enough to draw blood but enough to mix pleasure with pain knowing he loved that. She felt herself shudder more and more and felt Spike tighten his hold on her signaling this would be a together the first time kind of release. She felt his pelvic bone brush against her clit with every movement and screamed out in release as Spike took the opportunity to plunge his fangs into her neck. He took a few sips of blood whispering, “Mine” so quietly that Buffy had to strain to hear it as she whispered just as softly, “yours.” He quickly pulled his fangs out and un-vamped as he sealed the wound as Buffy clamped down her teeth onto his neck and shuddered as she came again proving her wrong about the first-time release theory. She felt him fully fill her as he roared out “yours” to her weak “mine.”

As he collapsed on top of her, neither moved, too content with the emotions that poured over them. Buffy’s love and adoration as well as trust flowed over Spike and Spike’s love and admiration as well as the desire to protect her always, flowed over Buffy. Both were overwhelmed by what they were feeling so much that Buffy burst into tears. This caused Spike to shake his head and then roll off her pulling him to her side whispering, “I love you Buffy, don’t cry. I promise I’ll take care of you.” Buffy nodded and whispered, “I know. I’ve never had someone who loved me so fully or wanted to care for me as much as you do. It’s so powerful and scary. You won’t leave will you?” Spike kissed her forehead whispering, “Never. I’ll always be here.”

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Chapter 20: Slayer Central

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10 years in the future:

Buffy yelled, “Dawn I need you to finish up that room with David. The new girls are due to arrive.” She could hear Dawn and David’s talking as she raced down the stairs only to bump into Spike who was carrying a dresser with Xander up the stairs. She apologized and raced to find Sarah who already had three applications laid out for the three girls Willow had found in the last week. She found herself thanking Sarah who just nodded and continued her work. Sarah mostly helped with the office stuff as she had become less people friendly after a bad break up with Satsu a few years ago. The place was buzzing with excitement because one of the girls was none other than Faith and Robin’s little girl. She was 11 years old and had just come into her powers. Despite Faith’s protest, Tammy Wood was coming to train at England’s Slayer Central for two years before returning home to be with Faith and Robin.

Giles grinned offering Buffy a cup of hot cocoa while holding two others in his hand which she knew was for Spike and Xander when they finished adding in the third set of furniture to the new girls’ room. It was set up to be a double but was definitely big enough to be a triple. Buffy watched as Dawn raced down the stairs with David pounding close behind her only to catch her from behind and twirl her around in a circle while laughter filled the air. She smiled at the sight, happy to see her sister happy with David after her heartbreak with James 8 years ago. She was crushed and had even tried suicide and was just lucky that Spike smelt her blood even down the hall enough to get her to safety. He ended up breaking Buffy’s rules of never tasting anyone’s blood but hers as he had to seal her wounds before wrapping them up and bandaging in order to see to it that she didn’t end up in the hospital. After constant watch by Buffy and Spike she got better though and ended up meeting David. Now they were as happy as could be together and he even was a great assistant knowing a few languages, not as many as Dawn or Spike or even Giles but still enough to be useful during research.

Buffy felt arms go around her waist and she leaned back against Spike whispering, “The room ready?” With a nod from Spike she turned around placing a kiss on his lips. Xander stood with his girlfriend. They had moved from Scotland to England after they bought the castle next door. With Xander and Spike’s hard work, they built an overhead hallway that lead from the neighboring castle to this one making it into a two castle slayer central allowing for even more room for the slayers. Just last month, they had finished the underground tunnel for Spike’s use. When Willow and Kennedy broke up, Kennedy had requested to take on the Scotland station and everyone had agreed since Xander had been missing the gang and wanted to desperately return to them. So with the gang all-together again, they were kept busy. Pictures filled the walls holding images of every slayer who had ever graced the presence of either castle from the time Spike had arrived until today. The rooms were filled with memories of adventures and friendship as well as relationships over the past few years. The slayer castle really felt as though it were a home rather than just a training station.

She heard the sound of the crackling of air and knew that Willow and her new girlfriend Sandy had transported in with the three newest slayers. Willow pushed the three into the room while she and Sandy grinned. Willow spoke up, “Meet Tammy Wood, Cara Yamishu and Lori Rash.” Tammy grinned, “Hey you guys. Mommy said this would be exciting. So these two are my roommates right? God this castle is bigger than the place mom and dad have.” She wandered right inside past everyone and started to peek into the rooms. Buffy shrugged as she held out her hand towards Cara and Lori, “Nice to meet you. You will love it here and will learn so much.” Cara shuddered, “Why is the back of my neck feeling like spiders are crawling over it?” Lori nodded in agreement as Buffy grinned, “Fellow slayers, meet Spike, a vampire. This is why your neck feels weird. Whenever a vampire is nearby, your neck will tingle. You will get used to his signature and either A learn to tune it out or B find it comforting.” Cara frowned, “Why would knowing a vampire is in our presence be comforting? And why are you with a vampire?”

Buffy sighed, “This is normal intermediate lesson material but I’ll tell you this much. Spike is good; he has a soul unlike every other vampire other than Angel in the world. No worries you won’t see Angel as he is busy with his thriving business of…” She heard Spike’s voice in his famous Angel mimic, “Helping the helpless is what I do best.” Buffy gave him a pointed look while Dawn giggled, “So Spike here helps not hurts. He doesn’t drink human blood…” She heard Dawn mutter under her breath, “Unless it’s Buffy’s” but Buffy decided to ignore it continuing her speech, “But please understand, there is no other vampire on this earth that is not going to kill you the first chance they get. Understood?” Both girls dutifully nodded their heads and Buffy hoped they really did understand. She watched as Giles led them into the room to fill out paperwork. She leaned back against Spike whispering, “Will introducing new slayers to our happy home ever get easier?” Spike chuckled, “Not as long as I’m in it luv.” Buffy shrugged, “Well you’re not going anywhere I’m not or it won’t be a happy home anymore so I guess that means, it won’t get easier. Oh well. It’s great practice.”

She watched as Dawn and David disappeared into the office to probably introduce themselves and noticed they were alone in the hallway. Spike grinned nibbling on Buffy’s ear, “Since it’s finally nightfall ready to patrol luv?” “Do we get to make out again in the crypt?” Spike laughed, “Is that all you ever think about, pet?” Buffy pouted, “But it’s a reward. We patrol, we make out, then return home to make love and then wake up to train the little slayers.” Spike chuckled and pulled her out the door grabbing a few stakes from the cabinet near the door where they were always kept after Xander whittled them, “We will see” then Spike raced past her saying, “If you catch me, I’ll make it good!” Buffy ran off laughing into the night thinking her life was downright perfect. She had a huge slayer family, Dawn was still around having graduated from college as a full time assistant and part time translator, all her friends were living with her and her mate never left her side. That made life downright perfect.

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The End

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