Chapter 3: Forgotten
Disclaimer: I don’t own it. But I’m using the characters anyway.
“Spike?”
Time had stopped. Buffy stood frozen in place, staring at the face that she thought she’d never see again. She was too shocked to scream, laugh, cry, faint, or even breathe. He was barely four feet from her, and she was too stunned to move an inch closer to him.
“Spike? Spikester? Spike, wake up!” Lorne asked, shaking the unconscious vampire. He pushed the overturned tables and chairs so he could check for any injuries. Spike had no pulse and his body still felt cold, so he was either still a vampire or he was just a dead body. He had seen a lot of weird things after someone sang, but this was really out of left field. “Groo, come over here and help me!”
“What should we do, Lorne?” Groo asked, running over.
“Nothing seems broken, at least nothing of his.” Lorne said, looking at the smashed tables. “Take him to our apartment in back.”
“As you wish.” Groo said, picking up the blonde vampire up and throwing him over his shoulder. The Pylean champion went through the doors in the back of the club still carrying the vampire.
“Great Aretha’s Ghost, that’s Spike!” Lorne said incredulously, running a hand through his hair. “Well, at least it wasn’t a Drokken this time.”
“Spike?” A small voice from behind Lorne asked. He turned and saw the thunderstruck Slayer staring after the unconscious vampire, tears streaming from her wide eyes.
“Buffy?” Lorne ventured, but she still just stared after Spike. “Buffy!”
“Huh?” Buffy asked, snapping out of her daze. “Oh God Lorne, am I hallucinating or was that really…?”
“You’re not seeing things, Darlin’, I saw him too.” Lorne said, holding her shoulders.
“What? Why? How?” Buffy asked, her mind racing.
“Those are the five thousand dollar questions.” Lorne said, shaking his head.
“Lorne, I set him on your bed.” Groo said walking back out.
“Good, take over out here, Buffy and I are gonna check on him.” Lorne said heading to the back, Buffy not far behind.
“You guys live here?” Buffy asked following Lorne through a hall into a well-decorated room.
“Yeah, it’s not much, but with just Groo, Illyria and me living here, we don’t need much space.” Lorne said, taking off his coat and setting it on a chair. “Besides, with today’s gas prices, it pays to not have a long commute to work.”
“So, what are we gonna do?” Buffy asked as Lorne led her to his bedroom.
“Uh…I haven’t really thought that far ahead, lamb chop.” Lorne said, as he sat on a chair by the bed.
Spike lay on Lorne’s bed still unconscious, in less than a second Buffy was right next to him. She traced her fingers along his face, mapping the well-defined cheeks and caressing the scar she thought she’d never see again.
“Spike can you hear me?” Buffy asked, shaking him lightly.
“Ugh.” Spike groaned, Buffy gasped in relief. Spike rubbed his head and opened his eyes “What the hell’s going on?”
“Spike.” Buffy said, looking at him in disbelief.
“Wha… what did you call me?” Spike asked, squinting at her.
“Spike…” Buffy said, confused. “Your name.”
“What, who are you?” Spike asked. Hurt flashed over Buffy’s face.
“It’s me, Spike. It’s Buffy.” She said, but he just stared at her confused. “Spike don’t you know who I am?”
“No, should I?” Spike responded, wondering who this woman was.
“Oh God. Lorne, he’s lost his memories.” Buffy said, turning to Lorne.
“AHH!” Spike shrieked. “Who are you and why are you green?”
“Hey to you too Spikester.” Lorne said, rubbing his temples. “Oh boy, not this again.”
“Not what again?” Buffy asked, her brow furrowed.
“The memory loss thing.” Lorne sighed. “This was a barrel of monkeys when this happened with Cordelia.”
“What are you guys talking about?” Spike asked.
“Nothin’, Sweet Pea. OK, gotta think, gotta think, gotta think.” Lorne said, tapping his head. “Maybe the portal was from a higher plane. Cordy had amnesia too when she came back from the higher planes.”
“Portal, higher plains, what the hell are you talking about?!” Spike asked, growing frustrated.
“Um,” Buffy was at a loss. “Well, things are kinda complicated.”
“I got time, I think.” Spike said, sitting in a chair. Buffy and Lorne sat in a few other chairs and began trying to explain.
“Well, you’re name’s William…” Buffy began.
“William?! What kind of nancy boy name is that?” Spike shouted.
“Well you were born in England before you became...” Buffy supplied.
“I’m English? Oh no way, I am not one of those tea slurping Mary Poppins…”Spike started, but stopped mid-sentence like he just realized something. “Bloody hell! Sodding, blimey, shagging, knickers, bollocks. Oh God, I’m English.” Spike grumbled. “Wait, before I became what?”
“Um,” Buffy and Lorne exchanged looks. How do you tell someone he’s a bloodsucking fiend with a soul? “Well you see, you aren’t exactly…human.”
“What?” Spike asked, looking at Buffy like she was crazy.
“You’re…well…you see…you…and…well you and…Lorne help me out here!” Buffy pleaded with the green demon.
“Spike, just go in the bathroom and look in the mirror.” Lorne said, pointing to the bathroom door.
“Uh, OK.” Spike said, standing up. As he reached the door he turned to them again. “Hey, I thought you said my name was William, why’d you call me Spike?”
“It’s just a nick name.” Buffy said.
“Oh.” Spike seemed satisfied; he walked into Lorne’s bathroom and turned on the light. He looked in the mirror, but he didn’t see his reflection. “What the hell?!”
“This is gonna be fun.” Lorne sighed.
“Is that a trick mirror or something?” Spike asked walking back out.
“No, it’s not a trick.” Buffy said, avoiding his gaze.
“I’m assuming I’m not invisible, right?” Spike asked, desperately trying to make sense of this. They shook their heads. “OK, what’s going on?”
“Well, um… about a hundred years ago…” Buffy started saying. The three of them sat in Lorne’s room for the next hour as Buffy and Lorne explained the history of Spike to Spike.
“And, that’s about it.” Buffy said, trying to keep this conversation calm. Spike just stared at them, trying to process everything they had just told him.
“Wow.” Spike said. “So…I was born in England a hundred years ago, I got vampified...”
“Sired.” Buffy corrected.
“…Sired by an insane girl vamp named Drusilla, and we spent the next century together.” Spike continued. “I was a real badass vampire until I was captured by the United States Government, who put a chip in my head so I couldn’t hurt people. I started helping you, the Slayer, legendary killer of vampires and demons, and I fell in love with you. Then, I went and got my soul back and died saving the world from the First Evil. And then I got brought back and fought alongside another vampire with a soul against an evil law firm. And I died again when we killed a cabal of demons who were secretly running the world. And now I suddenly I crashed into karaoke bar for demons out of a big portal. Have I got this right?”
“Yep.” Lorne said, smiling reassuringly. Spike was silent for a minute.
“Bye.” Spike said, walking towards the door. Buffy ran in front of the door to stop him.
“Spike, please listen to us.” Buffy said, trying to keep Spike from getting out.
“No, I will not listen to you! You’re crazy! Let me out!” Spike said, trying to pull Buffy away from the door.
“Spike, please.” Buffy asked, holding his hands. “Please trust me.” Spike didn’t know why, but something inside told him that this woman genuinely concerned about him.
“Fine.” Spike said, sitting on the bed. “But I still don’t buy this vampire crap.”
“Well if the mirror wasn’t enough, then try this.” Lorne said, offering him a small cross. “Touch it and see what happens.”
“Oh for God’s sake, what is this gonna OW!” Spike yelped as he touched the cross. “What did you do, put it on a stove?”
“No,” Buffy said, holding the cross in her hand to show that it didn’t hurt her. “It hurts you because you’re a vampire.”
“No way.” Spike said in disbelief, beginning to realize it was true. “So I’m a vampire.”
“Yep.” Buffy said, putting a hand on his shoulder.
“But I’m a good guy?” He asked, the slayer and demon nodded. “Jeez, it sounds like a plot for a comic book or a cult TV show or something. What do I do now?”
“I’ll go get the Furies on the phone, they know a few memory restoration spells that could help.” Lorne said, heading out of the bedroom. “As long as we don’t use the one with the bottle, we should be fine and dandy. Buffy, stay with him and try to keep him calm, but don’t get to comfortable.”
“Sure Lorne.” Buffy said as the demon left.
“It’s really frustrating.” Spike thought out loud.
“Well not remembering who you are would be frustrating for anybody,” Buffy said, not looking directly at Spike. “Least your name’s not Randy this time.”
“What?” Spike asked, not getting that last part.
“Nothing.” Buffy said, staring at her shoes.
“Why won’t you look at me?” Spike asked, noticing that she had been avoiding his gaze since the green guy left.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Buffy said, looking out the window.
“You damn well do.” Spike said crossing his arms.
“It’s nothing.” Buffy lied, still looking away.
“What is it?” Spike asked, reaching over and turning her face towards him.
“It’s a lot to take in, you being back.” Buffy said, pulling out of his grip. “I spent the past year thinking you were dead, then I find out you’re alive and died again, and now you’re right here next to me.”
“You’re not happy to see me?” Spike asked, scooting away from her.
“No!” Buffy wheeled around to face him. “I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time, it’s great that you’re back. But it’s just, it’s a little overwhelming.”
“I imagine it is.” Spike replied, looking around the room. The two of the sat in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes, both were looking around the room avoiding eye contact.
“I meant it when I told you I loved you, I know that probably doesn’t mean much, considering you don’t remember our time together.” Buffy whispered finally breaking the silence, tears welling in her eyes. Spike just stared at her for a minute, not sure how to respond.
“It might mean something when I get my memories back.” Spike said, placing his hand on her shoulder. “Besides, even without the memories, having a gorgeous woman say she loves you is always a good thing to here.” Buffy chuckled at that.
“I wish I said it sooner.” She said, looking away so he wouldn’t see the tears fall. “If I did, we wouldn’t be here trying to get your mind fixed, we’d be at home in bed snuggling after a night of vamp slayage. Maybe followed by some…other stuff.”
“Looking forward to that, myself.” Spike said, waggling his eyebrows. Buffy let out a small sob at seeing a trademarked Spikism, prompting Spike to put an arm around her. “Don’t cry.”
“I missed you so much.” Buffy said, leaning against him. “I know this’ll sound weird, but could you just hold me?”
“Sure.” He said, wrapping his arms around her. She hugged him back, enjoying the feeling of his arms around her. She hadn't felt so good and safe in a year. She just sat there, enveloped in his presence and thanking whatever power sent him back to her. Spike didn't know what to think, he really didn't know anything about this girl. He didn't even know who he was, but this just felt so right.
“Hakuna Matata, Peach Pies!” Lorne said, coming back in. “I got the…oh, am I interrupting something?”
“No,” Buffy said, pulling away from Spike. “I just wanted to um, well…”
“I understand, Lemon drop.” Lorne said, smiling reassuringly. “Long lost love, tragic death, unexpected return, heartfelt reunion. It’s got Lifetime movie of the week written all over it.”
“So, you got a spell or whatever that’ll get back my lost marbles?” Spike asked.
“Yep, just needed to run out and get a little mandrake root and cinnamon.” Lorne said.
“Cinnamon?” The two blondes asked at once.
“You’d be amazed how many spells and rituals use cinnamon. I’ll just…” Lorne trailed off and looked at Spike doubtfully. “Um, before I go would you mind singing for me, Spikey?”
“Why?” Spike asked, really confused.
“Well, the last person I read who came back from another dimension was possessed by an evil goddess who ate people. I just want to make sure you’re really you and you’re not gonna turn evil and establish a shiny happy new world order.”
“O… Kay.” Spike replied, not knowing what in the hell he was talking about.
“Just need a few verses.” Lorne added.
Spike started to sing the first song that came to mind.
“Early one morning,
Just as the sun was rising
I heard a maid sing
In the valley below
Oh don’t deceive me,
Oh never leave me,
How could you use
A poor maiden so?”
“Oh thank God.” Lorne sighed. “It’s really him.”
“You sure?” Buffy asked, hopefully. “He’s not a clone or robot or anything?”
“Nope, just our old Blondie Bear.” Lorne said.
“Great, now that we’ve established that I’m me, can we get back to makin’ me me again?” Spike asked, wanting to get on with this. “Oh, and if you call me Blondie Bear again, I’ll have to hurt you.”
“Oh right, just a sec.” Lorne said, running back out of the room. He came back with a bowl and a bag of ingredients, and began mixing a potion. “In just a few we’ll have a Spike potion up and running.”
“You sure this’ll work?” Buffy asked, eager to get Spike back.
“Positive, the Furies know spells like Martha Stewart knows cooking.” Lorne said, mixing the cinnamon in the bowl. He stirred it once and it glowed green for a moment, indicating it was ready “OK Spike, open up.”
“I have to drink that?” Spike asked disgusted at the contents of the bowl, which looked like something a cat spit on the rug. “Oh you can’t be serious.”
“Sorry.” Lorne said sheepishly, handing him the bowl.
“No way.” Spike said, smelling the pungent odor of the potion.
“Just think of what’ll happen after you drink it.” Buffy said, putting a hand on his shoulder.
“The snuggling and other stuff after vamp slayage.” Spike concentrated and drank it in one gulp. It tasted like dirt and sour milk, and it was all he could do not to barf it back on Lorne. “Yeeuuucck!”
“It should kick in any second.” Lorne said.
“I hope that stuff …” Spike started saying but then stopped as his mind was jumbled with a rush of memories.
Have a woman in my life…What’s another word for “gleaming?” … It only hurts for a moment…You knew. You knew she was mine… It's “Spike” now. You'd do well to remember it, mate… “His benevolence, the Immortal.” … I'm sorry, love, I don't speak Chinese… Don't ever go to a “free virgin blood” party. Turns out it's probably a trap… Ciao… Don’t want the dance to end so soon, do you, Nikki? … Home sweet home… Well this is just… neat! … Debase the beef… canoe… You can't see the stars, love. That's the ceiling. Also, it's day… It's a big rock. I can't wait to tell my friends. They don't have a rock this big… And you've got people, billions of people walking around like Happy Meals with legs… SHE’S ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PLANET, DRU! … I caught her on a park bench, making out with a Chaos demon!… I love syphillis more than you… You think? Cause I’m not the one cained to the ceiling with hot pokers in my side… Don't be ridiculous. I'd bite you in a heartbeat… It's what Caesar did, and he's not going around saying, ‘I came, I conquered, I felt really bad about it.” …Just say yes, and make me the happiest man on Earth… We’re out of Weetabix… No pain! I can hurt a demon!… Funny hearin’ a Fyarl demon say serviceable.”… I don't care if it's playing 'Rockin' the Casbah' on the bloody Jew's harp, just get it out of me! … You think Riley was out knitting booties for your future offspring while Maggie stringing you up? …Can any of your damn little Scooby club at least try to remember that I hate you all? …I get this chip out, you and me are going to have a confrontation…. Actually, all of that sounds pretty convincing. I wonder if Danger Mouse is on… You were a Boy Scout? …Feel it in my bones. It’s, uh… call it the Yoko Factor…. Well, let’s go save ‘em, by gum! … Dracula? Poncy bugger owes me eleven pounds, for one thing… What, Evil For Dummies? … Oh, very nice! I was on your side! …Oh God, no! Please no! …That's just a family legend, am I right? Just a bit of spin to keep the ladies in line… Out. For. A. Walk. Bitch… Every Slayer has a death wish… Ah, that's the stuff! Slayer musk, it's bitter and aggravating! …Well, yeah, can’t exactly work the counter at Burger Barn, can I? …Sometimes I envy you so much it chokes me… Yeah, I could do that, but I’m paralyzed with not caring very much… Money, little nip of blood out of some stray victim… Huh! I guess that’s you, Nibblet… I. Love. You… Bloody hell! You threw me through a window! …They’re for Joyce… The god of what, bad home perms? …Well, I’m not good, and I’m OK… You go ahead and play peek-a-boo with Mr. Sunshine all you like… No. Ben is Glory. Glory’s Ben. They’re one and the same… Till the end of the world. Even if that happens to be tonight… She’ll never be exactly… Hey! Little Bit? Dawn! DAWN! …Every night I save you… Knew I could get a grin… So, who’s gonna advance me a tiny tabby, get me started? …Feel like a bit of the rough and tumble? …So let me rest in peace … Randy Giles?! Why just call me Horny Giles or Desperate-for-a-shag Giles? …Oh, the pain. The pain… is gone… Bollocks, it was a bloody revelation! …Hey, that’s cheating… What’s in the DoubleMeat Nuggets? …Do you trust me? …I had a… muscle cramp. Buffy was, uh, helping… I love you. You know I do… It’s a happy occasion. You meet my friend? …Oh balls! You didn’t say it was a Glarghk Guhl Kashmas'nik! …Got anything that’ll dull the ache? …I’m gonna make you feel it! …Bitch is gonna see a change… Wait, first stage? Bugger… Make we what I was, so Buffy can get what she deserves. I tried to cut it out… Tragedy. Is there blood… I’m a bad man! …Can’t hear you. Can’t hear you… You’re wearing your brother’s jacket… Here. I… I think I bured them… Buffy, you have to kill me… She does. Because she believes in me… She will come for me… Touch them, and lose your privates… Who you gonna call? God, that phrase is never gonna be usable again, is it? …You tried to record the ultimate evil? …Think I still dream of a crypt for two with a white picket fence? …I don’t know your feelings, big guy, but to me a tussle like that is good for the soul… Shut your face about the Zima… I gave him a pass. Let him live, on account of the fact I killed this mother… Angel’s as dull as a table lamp, and we have very different coloring… “It is not for thee. It is for her alone to wield.” …You’re the one, Buffy… It was the best night of my life… No, you don’t. But thanks for saying it… AAAAAHHHHH!!!! …I’m no bloody ghost! …And me, I’m just left to fade into nothingness… You’re right. I do deserve to go to Hell. But not today! …Hey, Angel’s getting’ some! Good on you mate! …Angel went right off on the mail guy… Oh, uh, Eve’s stuck in the elevator… I-it’s Mountain Dew… All of it won’t matter… And on the way, if a stranger offers you candy don’t get in the van! …So were we, once upon a time… She’s evil, you gormless tit! …So, sailor boy finally came back for a yo-ho-ho, did he? …YOU’RE A BLOODY PUPPET! …No. Not this girl. Not this day… Things are gonna get ugly. That’s where I live… What you’ve never heard of Knight Rider? …Third, no touching my clipboard… So what sort of damage are we looking at if Illyria Chernobyls on us? …The Immortal?! …I’m in… Finally got ourselves a decent brawl.
Faces, people, feelings, experiences all flooded his mind. He remembered everything, and he screamed the last thing that ran through his mind before he passed out.
“OH BUGGER!”
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