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.
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.