**********************************************************
The Scoobies favorite club had been closed for the last month. It had apparently been bought by a new owner and was being remodeled. The gang was curious about the changes being made and wondered when their hangout would be reopened. They were a bit surprised when they all received VIP invitations to the opening night. Buffy had to laugh when she read the invitation:


The old Terpsichore club will reopen as:
"The Chosen"
This Friday night you are
invited to attend as VIP guest.
The theme for the night is 80's night
Come dressed in your best 80's costume
Meet the new owner and staff
Enjoy the live bands
who will be impersonating famous 80's singers
and singing their greatest hits.
You must present your invitation at the door.
Doors open at 7:00 PM


She could not get over how odd the name of the club was. It was funnier still because most of the slayers where not born until like '88 or '89, as it was the Scoobies themselves where not born until about '83 or so.

Willow was wearing a black mesh top and skirts, and black leggings. Accented with a few long strings of pearls and black heels. She had done a glamour so her hair had punky looking blond extensions coming from under her read hair.

Dawn was dressed in Black fishnets, a plaid skirt, teased and crimped her hair and added colored hairspray streaks. a ripped up t shirt, tons of bracelets, laced up black boots.

Elizabeth was dressed in White lace gloves, a leotard with an off the shoulder tank over it, a short layered tutu skirt, blue tights and leg warmers with pumps.

Andrew wore a black suit jacket with a black skinny tie and black pants that were a little short and big plastic sunglasses. Xander Elizabeth glamored him spiked mullet puckish hair, black with red and blond streaks in the spikes, oversized black T-shirt, skin tight black jeans, with rips at knees, lace up doc martens, biker jacket, lots of black eye makeup, belt, collar, wristlets with pyramids big silver ankh necklace, dagger and skull earring for

Buffy decided to torture Spike who had been avoiding them for a few weeks now always seeming to be busy. She had her hair teased up with a big white bow and stretch twill skirt with double lace ruffles, spaghetti strap top in sheer white lace with lined cups. Finished it off with spiked heals, pearl necklace, white lace fingerless gloves.

Spike was busy again. Buffy was livid. She did not care that he sent a limo or that he promised to meet them there. She wanted him with her. She road in the limo tapping her foot in irritation.

Upon arrival they made their way past the press with their questions and the flashes of light. Apparently the opening was drawing a lot of interest and the elite guest list was of even more interest. The little group of friends were getting worried. They were beginning to think it was a setup of some kind. They showed their invitation to the bouncers at the door and were escorted inside. They followed the hostess as she led them up some stairs to a platform. It had several comfortable black leather couches and glass tables. It looked more like someone's living room with the lamps and such. From this space they could see the whole club. They were even more nervous as a guard was stationed at the bottom of the steps. Someone tried to go up and they heard to bouncer say it was by private invitation only. The apparently famous or important person tried to give the bouncer money and was told to go back down to the main floor or leave. A waitress was allowed up to take their orders. Anything they wanted or needed she could get them and it was all on the house. "What's going on?" Buffy asked as she pointed to the bouncer. "You're here as guest of the owner. You are in his private VIP area. No one gets in unless he invites him or her or one of you okays it. We are instructed to get anything you need. You must be Buffy. I was instructed to tell you to not worry and be patient. When the first band starts all will become clear. After the band's first set you will be able to explore the club, until then we must ask you to wait here. My name is Amina. If you need anything let me know or tell Trevor" she said as she pointed at the bouncer on the steps, "Welcome to The Chosen" The girl said as she left to get their drink orders.

Normally Buffy would have been kicking poor Trevor out of the way and demanding to know what was going on. Spike still was not here but something made her wait like a good little girl even though the whole group felt like they were being trapped. Xander pointed out that the VIP section was attached to part of the stage and how they should at least get a good view of what ever was coming out to get them. Just then the light dimmed and everyone was asked to find his or her seats. The announcer thanked everyone for coming to the opening. Then extended a welcome to the clubs special guest. Buffy was waiting for the spotlight to be put on them. Luckily it wasn't.

"First up tonight is our house band. As stated in the invitation our singers are impersonating 80's bands this evening. So lets get the party started with the 80's bad boy himself." The announcer said just before the beat started. The light show flashed on stage. Buffy and the group all had similar expressions that resembled bunch of fish out of water when they saw who was on stage.

As the music started everyone recognized the song. The singer sang the first few lines as the lights came up.

Last night a little dancer came dancin' to my door
Last night a little angel Came pumpin cross my floor
She said "Come on baby I got a license for love
And if it expires pray help from above

On stage was a man in skintight blood red leather pants. Assorted chains hung on him. He wore his Doc Marten boots and had a studded punk collar, studded punk gloves, and white blond hair sticking up in spikes. He's bare torso was muscular and the tight pants where low on his hips. His voice continued to belt out the song as he played to the audience in front of him. Several women were being held back from the stage by bouncers.

In the midnight hour she cried- "more, more, more"
With a rebel yell she cried- "more, more, more"
In the midnight hour babe- "more, more, more"
With a rebel yell- "more, more, more"
More, more, more.

While singing the next verse he crossed over to the gang, his eyes on
Buffy the whole time.

She don't like slavery, she won't sit and beg
But when I'm tired and lonely she sees me to bed
What set you free and brought you to be me babe
What set you free I need you hear by me
Because

He reach out his hand to her and she stepped to join him on stage. When she looked into his eyes like this they whole world fell away. He brought her to the middle of the stage and molded himself to her as they began to sway with the music. The whole time he continued to sing. Buffy was not aware of the envious and jealous looks being thrown at her from men and women alike.

In the midnight hour she cried- "more, more, more"
With a rebel yell she cried- "more, more, more"
In the midnight hour babe- "more, more, more"
With a rebel yell- "more, more, more"

The whole Scooby gang agreed this was the hottest thing they had ever seen.

He lives in his own heaven
Collects it to go from the seven eleven
Well he's out all night to collect a fare
Just so long, just so long it don't mess up his hair.

Xander said it was better than watching Faith and Buffy dance at the Bronze that night.

I walked the ward with you, babe
A thousand miles with you
I dried your tears of pain, babe
A million times for you

Andrew simple said Spike was hot.

I'd sell my soul for you babe
For money to burn with you
I'd give you all, and have none, babe
Just, just, justa, justa to have you here by me
Because

Elizabeth had always thought the couple was hot but there they were
just dancing together onstage, just swaying with the music really,
but it was the most erotic thing she had ever seen.

In the midnight hour she cried- "more, more, more"
With a rebel yell she cried- "more, more, more"
In the midnight hour babe- "more, more, more"
With a rebel yell she cried "more, more, more"
More, more, more.

Oh yeah little baby
she want more
More, more, more, more, more.

Oh yeah little baby
she want more
More, more, more, more

The song ended to screaming applause. Spike smiled at Buffy and gave
her one of his kisses that left her forgetting she had ever been
angry with him in the first place.

“Welcome to The Chosen. Are you having fun yet?” Spike said into the microphone giving his attention to the crowd again as he held Buffy close. The crowd again started screaming. “I hope you like what I’ve done with the place. Names Spike. The next band is gonna sing a few for you and I’ll be back later. Enjoy yourselves” Spike said before putting the mic back into the stand and walking with Buffy back to the VIP section. The next band came on stage and started their set. The people started talking to each other and wondering whom this hottie was that owned the club and why he was with the nobodies who were his special guest. Many snide remarks were made by the envious about one or the other of the two blonds who had just left the stage.

Spike and Buffy joined the rest of the gang. Spike was met with slaps on the back and congratulations. He was told how great the place was and how hot the song number had been. Spike apologized to Buffy and the gang about keeping it a secret but he had wanted to surprise them. Trevor got his attention and made a few gestures alerting Spike to a problem.
“Well Luv, seems to be a little trouble at the door with an old friend. Wana have some fun?” Spike asked with an evil smirk. Buffy grinned at him as she stood up and took his hand.
“You guys can stay here for a minute or come watch” Buffy tossed over her shoulder as she and Spike headed to the door. The others knew someone was going to get theirs so they decided to watch the fun and joined the two as the bouncers flanked the group.
Outside was a line of people hoping to get in but having no invitation. At the door the immortal and his entourage were waiting to talk to the owner after the man at the door told them they could not enter. Buffy and Spike heard him fussing as they reached the door.
“DO you know who I am? I should be first on the list. I will own this place in less than a week and I will burn it to the ground. You will be kissing my feet trying to get a job when I’m done here. Your boss will……” The Immortal spit out each word indignant at the audacity that he was not invited to what was becoming the most prestigious event that night and the biggest thing that had happened in the area in months. Spike walked out with Buffy next to him.
“Will what mate?” Spike said leveling his deadly gaze at the man. The Immortal stopped and looked at the two blonds. They could not kill him but he knew enough now to realize that the two could make him wish he was dead and might find a way to kill him if need be. He stood there shocked and making angry fish faces.
“You are not invited. Nor will you ever step foot into MY club. You should think twice before threatening to do things to people you do not know. I see or smell you anywhere near this place you will wish you had never met my mate or me. If I smell you on anyone near my club you will wish for a quick goodbye. You are finished here. Am I making myself clear? My club, My mate, My town. Leave!” Spike snarled at the man. The Immortal looked at Buffy attempting to weave his magic on her. He reached for her with his hand. Spike did not make a move to stop him. Just as his hand touched her arm Buffy reacted slamming the man against the wall and pinning him there by the throat. “I believe MY MATE said for you to leave. I also believe you were told you would be sorry if you tried to use your thrall against me and mine again. People are watching so you’re getting off with a warning. Don’t become an example.” Buffy snarled. Only the immortal saw the flash of yellow in her eyes that scared him more than her word ever could. He reluctantly nodded and gathered his group to leave.

Spike then turned to the crowd. “Tonight is by invitation only. Not invited not getting in. Later this week the club will be having the public opening. I hope to see many of you then. I hope I will not have to be interrupted again this evening, as I do not like leaving my guest to deal with temper tantrums. I will be holding a gathering for the press tomorrow afternoon to discuses further plans for the club and the surrounding block, which also belong to me. Goodnight”

Spike and Buffy returned to the club as Spike led the gang on the grand tour. He stopped occasionally to speak to a person here or there. Buffy was on his arm the whole time. She was proud of what he had done with the place and how he was handling himself. This social side of Spike was new to Buffy, but she liked it.

He showed them the rooms in the back for the bands or for special guest who required privacy. He showed them through a doorway that led into a grand dinning room that would be a restaurant when he was done. He told them how he wanted to turn the block into an entertainment complex with bowling alley and Movie Theater as well as a second club and sports bar.

He wanted it to be a place where the Slayers and Scoobies could hang out. He had Lorne send over some spells for Willow and her connections to work on the place. The no violence spell he had used at his own bar and a few others to keep trouble out. Spike talked about hiring Slayers to work as security on the off time. He told Buffy about the apartments he had built in the upstairs of the club for when they needed to get away from the school or when they where here late.

Buffy and the others watched him with grins on their faces. It was not that often anyone other than Buffy got to see this dreamy whimsical side of Spike. As if realizing he was sounding rather poofish Spike stopped talking and slipped into the Big bad again. “Well you know. It’s just some ideas for the place. My main focus is the money this place will bring in.” He snaked am arm around Buffy. “Shall we dance before my next set?” said before kissing her neck. They all returned to the club and danced. They finally returned to the VIP deck.

It was time for Spike to take the stage again. He did the usual songs and on his last song he sang Mony Mony. Everyone was surprised when a very special guest joined him on stage for the song. Billy himself had arrived at the club through a back entrance. He and Spike sang the song together before retiring to the deck. Buffy and the Scoobies laughed and talked with the star who told them about meeting Spike for the first time and how the Vampire had in fact started him on his career path. Spike had inspired the rockers look and helped him with his first song. Xander had to apologize to Spike for all the comments he had made over the years calling him a Idol wannabe. Billy thought it was funny.

The Club announced it was closing and those who wished would be able to speak with Spike for a few moments before they left. Spike looked like he was holding court as the line of people slowly came and spoke to him. Many asked questions about him and about the group of VIPs. Most were told it was none of their concern. They in turn were gracious enough to let it go. When the last of the guest had left the employees and performers also said their goodnights to the gang. Spike finally had the car brought around for the Scoobies to return to the school telling them he and Buffy would see them later.

Buffy followed Spike up to the apartments upstairs. It looked like something out of a magazine. Actually it looked like the pictures she had pointed out when they discussed their dream home. Buffy looked at him in amazement. “Got several small suites on the floor below us love. This is just our.” Spike said with a smile. “Spike,” Buffy began as he led her to the bedroom, ”How can you afford this, any of this? How did you do all this?” Buffy was still shocked and part of her was waiting to here how he knocked of some old rich guy at some point. She was not ready for what he did say. “Well, Wesley found an account that was some how set up by my father. It was meant for his child but we both died before it could be given to me. It was held by the family in trust and invested wisely. None of the family could touch it due to some loophole. If I had a child before I died it would have gone to them. Wes pulled some strings and got me what was rightfully mine. I used a fraction of it for this place. Wisely investing the rest will have me set on cash for eternality. Just don’t tell anyone. Wes doesn’t know how much it was and I would rather not have anyone else knowing I’m loaded. Giles knows a bit but I told him I would still work at the school. Money I would be making there is going into a trust for Dawn. I also set aside some for each of the Scoobies should they ever have offspring. God help me even Harris. I love you but you tell them and I will have to torture and kill you.” Spike said with a smirk as he pulled her to him. Shivers ran up and down her back as he nuzzled her neck and said “Now, shall we continue the tour and then break the place in right?” A few hours later Buffy lay in his arms and asked, “How loaded is loaded?” Spike just laughed.

By the next day The Chosen’s opening night party was all over the media. I was labeled the hottest place to be as the press made comments like “the Elite of the Elite were all in attendance” Invitations that were sent to the so called “Elite” were even being sold on Ebay along with several forged copies. The Big question everyone was still asking was who was this Spike person and who were the extra special guest he was with all evening. Even after the press conference was held they still did not get all the answers they wanted. The club opening to the public had been huge. The Slayers were in attendance as well as working the security. They choose who was allowed in and if there was a dispute Spike or Buffy were asked to make the call. It was not long at all before the place was known world wide for having selective entry, the best stage shows, and a generous staff.

After a few months the place ran itself and Spike decided to start a new project. His first book was out in stores shortly afterward. He had even found some other Vamps that like him had retained a bit of their humanity. Spike gave them a chance to prove themselves. His instincts were again correct as Marco, Vanessa, and Carlos proved to be worthy of working with the Slayers as trainers. Spike taught the Vampire trio how to fight the girls so they got a real work out and learned to think on their feet. He also taught them how to do this without anyone getting hurt to bad. They lived off bagged blood, submitted themselves to Spike and Buffy and gave their lives into their hands, bound by blood to live or die as they saw fit. Spike took them as his Childer and they him as Sire They knew they would still be watched and could only go where they were allowed. They also knew there was nowhere they could hide if the Slayer and her mate wanted to find them.

"Choosing Destiny hit the stores yesterday and The Book Store is the last place where you can get an autographed copy. This will be Mr. Price's last appearance until his new book The Man Within The Monster hits stores in three months. The Book Store also still has copies of his first book Choosing Sacrifices for sale but supplies are limited. Mr. Price will be signing books from noon until four today and the lines are already forming." The television newsman said before turning to Spike.

"Mr. Price, Your first book is about a girl over coming huge obstacles to find herself, your second is about a boy and his fight to be come a man. You are starting a new series but will there be any more to the Becoming series?" Spike smiles at the camera.

He tightened his hold on Buffy's waist before speaking "I do have ideas for three more in that series but I have to research and talk with the persons I shape my stories about. When I fashion a story after a person I feel morally obligated to let them be part of the creative process and keep out bits that may be too personal. As for my new series I have five planned for it as well. These will be a bit more for the Anne Rice crowd than my first series."

"Well it looks as if the doors are opening. I hope you will have time to answer a few more questions before you leave?" The man asked Spike nodded a yes before taking his seat.

The man turned back to talk to the camera while Buffy took her place behind Spike and silently made eye contact with the six other Slayers in the room. Orders given the Slayers moved in to position. Spike's contract requires him to make five book signings and two Television appearances for each book that comes out. Buffy and six other Slayers always go with him for "security".

Most of the time it is more for a vacation-shopping spree. Different girls earn the privilege each time. One week of Slayage free hotel room service, clubs, movies, and a thousand dollars to shop with. All they have to do is keep the throngs of fans away from Spike and Buffy. Not like the two could not handle it themselves but less people got hurt this way.

It had been almost a year ago that Buffy claimed him as her mate. Almost a year since his heart started beating again. Willow had preformed a hand fasting of sorts for the two of them with the simple silver bands that Spike had picked out, he had them engraved with entwined hearts and crosses, and Willow had placed a protection spell on them as well. Spike had talked to the other Slayers and let them know the plans today had changed. Spike signed the last book and waited for the final interview to take place.

The newsman turned to them again. "Mr. Price, one thing your fans want to know is who are these women you travel with?" Spike grinned at Buffy He looked at the girls who now had made a semicircle around the two keeping between them and the fans.

The news teams and the wall blocked the other side. Spike had planed on waiting but he never was much with the patience. He spun around to face Buffy and dropped to one knee. Buffy would have rolled her eyes if everyone was not staring at her. She knew he was up to something but that it could not be what everyone else thought was going to happen.

"Buffy Anne Summers, over the last several years we have been through a lot together. We both have changed and grown up a lot. We have fought and argued and tried to kill each other, we have died and lived for each other, above all we have loved each other. This last year has been a whirlwind. One year ago you claimed me as your mate in the ways of my kind, now I ask you to let me claim you in the ways of our kind. " Spike asked her looking more serious than she ever remembered seeing him. "Marry me, my love?"

Buffy stared in stunned silence while most of the woman in the store held their breath in awe and jealousy waiting for her answer. Buffy swore she must be dreaming or this was a publicity stunt because Her Spike could not be doing what this man was doing. She had dreamed he would but never imagined he actually would.

Her thought babble was cut off when Spike pinched her butt. Buffy squeaked and a giggle broke out in the crowd. Spike lowered his voice so only she could hear. "No to both questions, pet" He knew her so well he could almost hear her thoughts. When he spoke to her again his voice was starting to shake with emotion but had not raised any.

"Love, you know I have lived a long time. This is the first, last, and only time I will ever ask this question of anyone." He held out a box with a ring that would match the one she already wore. It was silver and held three stones, one green like her eyes, one blue like his and one diamond in the middle. Tears began to spill over Buffy's cheeks as it all sunk in to her brain. She could not speak. One look into her eyes and Spike had her answer.

He took her hand and removed the hand fasting ring. He then slipped the engagement ring and the hand fasting ring back into place on her left hand. He must have been rising to his feet as he did so because as soon as the ring was on her finger she was in his arms as the crowd cheered.

When he let her go so they both could breath, Buffy finally found her voice "Yes" she said before he turned them to the newsman again. "Sorry mate, had not planned to do that here but I’ve never been a patience person to answer your question, this is Buffy Anne Summers. We have known each other for a long time and been seeing each other for about three years now. As you saw she is also now my fiancée. As for the other girls, they are our security team. I have different ones each time. They are also extended family to Buffy and myself. Word of caution we all trust each other with our lives. These girls are a lot stronger and more highly skilled than they appear. They each are instructed in several fighting styles and win competitions. To underestimate them is to get yourself hurt. To hurt them is to bring a wrath down the powers themselves would fear. Now if your will excuse us we have a wedding to plan."

Buffy was back in Slayer mode. She and the girls took Spike back out to the car. They piled in behind him and all left for the Hotel.

The news was all over about Buffy and Spike's engagement, they would not be able to leave the Hotel tonight. The private dinning room in the hotel was set up for the group to have dinner and they were moved to a more secure suite. Though still on alert the girls sitting around the table with Spike and Buffy looked as relaxed and carefree as girls their age should be. The newsman from The Book Store was allowed into a special room to do interviews with the girls. They were warned about what not to say but said it was no problem. Buffy and Spike sat off to the side curled on the couch.

They declined an interview but insisted they be there while the crew spoke with the girls. Most of the girls told similar stories. Born in this town or city, those with watchers called them tutors who started them in specialized training. All told them of how their "application" to the Joyce Summer's school for gifted young women was accepted.

Told them of living in the dorms and studying histories, language, philosophy, mixed with physical training in several forms of martial arts and various fighting styles. Most told some story of hurting someone because they did not realize their own strength and how the training helps them learn to control and respect that strength.

They told of all the extracurricular classes they where learning about. I9th century poetry, equestrian classes, art classes, sciences, computers. How the school is very exclusive but the curriculum is tailored to the individual skills and interest of each girl.

She could not believe her eyes. For Halloween they had all decided to dress like the D&D characters they portray when they play the game. Buffy stood with her hair loose in a cream-colored tunic, green breeches, gray traveling cloak and boots. She had a green belt around her waist, a quiver of arrows and a long bow over a shoulder.

On her hips she wore a short curved sword, a dagger, a whip, and had several stakes attached to her belt. Her torso, upper legs and lower arms were armored in leather. Her character was a half-elven fighter.

Buffy rounded the corner to the sitting room and stood there in stunned silence as she took in the site before her. Black leather boots and various throwing knifes and such stashed in the multitude of pockets and hiding places along the leather armored legs.

Most would go unnoticed by anyone who did not know his body the way she did. He wore a short black tunic and black breeches under the armor. He wore a black hooded cloak and had the hood pulled up over his white blond hair. At this viewpoint she could see a crossbow attached at on hip and a short sword at the other.

In his far hand he held his trusty double bladed axe. Even taking a relaxed stance he still looked like a Black Panther ready to pounce on his prey. Wonder of all wonders his character is a human rouge / bard.

Buffy let out a whistle of appreciation. Spike had been so intent on his own thoughts he had not noticed her there until then. When the intense blue of his eyes met the soft green of hers, he smiled. Buffy’s knees went weak and she placed a hand on the doorframe to steady herself. *He may not have that thrall thing but with looks like that he never needed it* Buffy thought as she crossed the floor to where he stood.

Spike lifted a bit of her hair and let it run through his fingers. She had let is grow out and now even up in her pony tail it still hung to her waist like a layer of golden silk. He looked her over appraising what he saw. “Nice” he said as he circled her.

His tongue flicked out like a snakes and touched her ear. Buffy shivered. “MMmmmm, Very nice. Why is it we are not just staying home this year.” Spike said as he breathed in her scent. Buffy took a minute to find her words. “You promised Xander and Willow we would have to this party. You promised me you would help me hunt for that thing for Giles.”

Spike raised his scared eyebrow “I did, bullocks, to hell with ’em that was before I knew how shaggable this outfit looks on you. Not going any where but back to bed.” He said. He was just about to throw her over his shoulder when Willow and Xander knocked at the door still arguing on weather or not the blond ones would be joining them.

Buffy let them in and for the next several minutes they all oohed and ahhed over the others outfits. Willow was of course a Elvin wizard. She wore a red velvet dress that was very Celtic looking. She held a bag containing a few actual spellbooks and wore a belt pouch containing various components. She also wore a black cloak and had glamored her hair white gold.

Xander was a half Orc barbarian fighter and looked very much the part. Willow had glamored his nose and teeth to look the part. He wore a little bit of makeup to put a greenish gray color to his skin and had added theatrical hair here and there on his face. He had weapons tied to his arms and legs, cared an axe he in no way could lift without magical help. He wore a tattered tunic, a few stripes of hide leather and several bone jewelry pieces.

Everyone froze when Elizabeth entered the room She was dressed from shoulders to feet in hide leather. The soft skins of deep brown, golden tan, and ashy grays fit like a second skin. Her hair was long and white blond. She had antlers twisted into the hair on top of her head and a few small braids weaved from the top. She wore a cloak of wolf fur trimmed with feathers. She had jewelry of animal teeth and her shield and weaponry were made from wood, animal hides, and bone. She carried a bow and quiver of arrows across her back.

Willow was very impressed. Elizabeth seemed to have a great amount of natural magical ability like willow, but she had a reverence and respect regarding magic that reminded them all of Tara. Elizabeth was portraying an Elvin druid.

She smiled shyly as Willow marveled over the glamories Elizabeth had cast on herself. Elizabeth blushed when Willow whispered that later they would see what was under the spell. Andrew had decided to be a Gnome sorcerer. He wore a very klingon looking outfit and carried a jeweled staff.

Collecting up a few more Slayers on the way out to the limo before they all piled in as, carefully as they could, to go to the party at the club. Spike and Buffy had bought the place before Spike’s first book made a hit on the stands. It was now an exclusive club and only the privilege elite could get in.

Most had personal invitation cards or a VIP card from Spike or Buffy. Others where allowed in as guest of a Slayer. Tonight was the big Halloween ball. Exclusive list of guest and all must be in costume as an characters from D&D. Non violence spells that Loren had used in LA where up in place and a heavy guard was placed outside. Some of the LA gang had even flown out to join in the party.

Buffy and company sat at their usual booth while Spike took care of some business. A waitress told Buffy she was needed at the door. She told the girl to get Spike ASAP and headed to the door.

The bouncer explained that there was a man at the door who insisted he see her and it was an emergency. About that time Spike showed up behind her. Hand and hand they headed for the door. A man stood with his back to them.

He had been pacing and looked as if he was trying to decide if he should wait, run, or pace some more. “Oi! What do you want with my wife mate?” Spike asked as he stepped in front of Buffy. Buffy obviously did not know who this was but at one look Spike knew. Buffy wondered what was wrong with Spike.

They had been married a month ago but she had not seen him act like this before. It made the hair on her neck stand up. The man stiffened at the sound of that familiar accent. He needed her help, he thought what he heard had all been rumors about her and Spike. He had not let himself believe the girl he once loved could ever be with a thing like that.

Buffy gasp as the man turned around to look at Spike. “I asked you a question Finn!” Spike barked at the man. Before the man could even breathe people surrounded him. He looked around and saw Xander, and Willow. He recognized their names and faces but little else. “Riley?” Buffy asked her voice little more than a whisper. His eyes held hers for a moment. It was the same with her and with Spike if he cared to admit it. He knew the faces and names but they where all strangers. “Buffy, I need your help” was all he said as he looked down at his feet.

Riley looked up slightly and saw Spike make a few hand signals. With in second the crowd began to move. Riley was ushered down around to the back of the building by the girls as they simple said come. Buffy and Spike walked back inside with the others. Spike issued a few orders and left Xander in charge of getting them if anything else important came up.

Buffy and Spike went into a private room where the Slayers had placed Riley. Two stood at the door and the rest had returned to their positions at the party. “Okay Riley you got two minutes before I give you to my Slayers.” Spike ordered as he entered the room.

Buffy was letting him handle this. She did not trust herself not to kill Riley. Irony is a few years ago it was her keeping Spike from killing him and vise versa. Buffy stood behind her husband. “I want to talk to Buffy” Riley ground out between clinched teeth. “So talk” Buffy said. “Alone” Riley replied. “Like bloody hell who….” Spike started but Buffy stopped him.

She gave him a look and nodded her head. Spike grabbed her a kissed her hard on the mouth. He turned to Riley, “Five minutes” he snarled. Spike reached out and turned Riley’s face to him so he was nose to nose with the man. “and please do something to make me hurt you. I already owe you a few soldier boy” he whispered before walking out of the room with his cape flowing behind him.

“Buffy I need you help but I have to ask again, how can you be with that soulless creature and don’t give me the he’s changed line. He said his Slayers, did he make super vamps or something. I don’t understand what is going on.” Riley looked at the end of his rope. Buffy felt sorry for him but surely he must have heard what has been happening for the last few years.

“Riley, Spike has had his soul back for years and he has changed in several ways. He is human and Slayer now. Slayers are no longer the chosen ONE. We are a pack, a family, a clan, a force the no one will cross. We are bonded closer to one another by a singular purpose than any blood bond ever made. You want my help you accept the help of my family. That includes my husband!” Buffy said patiently.

Riley still had no idea what all he missed but there would be time to talk more later, he hoped. “It’s Sam.” Riley started with a sigh. “She was working undercover and some how I think they did something to her. Remember the time you where…infected…with that demon or I heard that at one time Cordilla was made part demon to deal with her visions. I think something like that happened to Sam. I can’t find her. I am worried about her. I have a tracker on her but if you…and the Slayers could help me find her and get her out then you would never have to hear from me again. I will even set you up with a doctor who can take the chip out of Spikes head before it does permanent damage. We found several subjects whose brains turned to mush. Anything you want just help me find my wife.” Riley looked seriously distraught.

Buffy sat down in the chair across from him. “Riley, I will talk with Giles and we will find out what we can. I will try to help you but you do not owe me anything. I will do it because it is right and I know how I would feel if it was Spike missing. I want you to listen to me while I tell you the short version of what has happened. A lot has happened in the last few years. I figured with your military connections you would know almost as much as me by now but since they seem to have been keeping you under a rock I will enlighten you.”

Spike came back into the room about that time and offered Riley a drink. Riley stared at him for a moment. He looked at the tan on Spike’s skin and at the ring on his left hand. One look into his eyes and Spike ordered him a Bourbon and Coke.

Spike rubbed Buffy’s shoulders, “Juice or Milk for you tonight love.” Spike asked softly. “I’ll take milk and a Willow special.” Buffy smiled at him as she made a face and patted her stomach. “Is there anything else you need love?” Spike asked gentle. Buffy shook her head no. Spike said something to one of the girls out side and in less than a minute he had the drinks and Buffy’s snack on the table.

Buffy began to tell Riley about the battle with The First. Spike actually attempted to be modest about the event surrounding him. Riley half listened in disbelief and half watched the way Buffy leaned in to Spike and how Spike cooed over her like a mother with a cub. He noted the slight differences that proved parts of their story to be true. He even gave Riley an autographed copy of his third book. Told him to read it for more on what happened. Riley was given a ride back to the school with the gang.

He was blind folded by Xander so he would not see their entrance or the codes used. Riley allowed all this to happen and keep telling himself it was all for Sam. He had to rescue Sam. When he was sat into a chair and the blind fold removed Riley felt like he was back at the magic box for a Scooby meeting. Several of the original gang and a few new ones hovered around tables piled with books. Giles stood there cleaning his glasses. He had never cared much for Riley Finn if for no other reason than the work the initiative did in Sunnydale and that was only the work they knew of.

When Giles saw Buffy and Spike he smiled. Buffy walked up and gave him a hug that he returned like a father to a daughter. “I heard good news.” Giles whispered into her hair “We will talk later.” Spike walked up and was given a similar if not briefer greeting. “How long until you’re due in LA again?” Giles asked. “When I decide to go. My agent understands about….” Spike paused, “The situation and has given me all the time I need. Well deserved if I do say so myself. Besides the next two books are almost written and I have some translating to get to here.” Giles seemed very pleased.

“Buffy mind telling the rest of us why soldier boy is here and why we had to leave the party because of said soldier boy.” Xander asked. Buffy gave Xander a look then slipped into her chair. Everyone else settled a bit and waited. “We need to help him find his wife. She was undercover and he thinks while there she, for lack of better term was infected with a demon. Kind of like me that one time and Cordy for her visions and such.” Buffy said.

Giles turned to Riley, “We can try to help you. I need you to give all the information you can to a research team.” Giles looked around, “Mara, Bridget, pick your teams. Clare, set up a secure room for our guest and get him a kit. Riley, Bridget will take down any information you can supply. If you require anything to eat or drink ask Clare. Clare your team will look after our guest during his stay here. Riley sorry that we have to turn this over to the Slayer teams but the Scoobies all have other matters to attend to at the present. When the girls know something they will report and then we will have a meeting and plan the retrieval of your wife. Mara remember to check with Angel over at the law firm to see if he has any info or can get any out of the local branch. I seem to remember him working with the head of the Rome branch recently. Not that I expect much from Wolfram and Heart but it is worth a shot. Scooby meeting in the family room. We do not want to be disturbed unless there is a threatening apocalypse.” With that Giles left and the Scoobies followed after.

Buffy and Spike stayed behind for a moment. “We know what your going through mate.” Spike said softly. “Trust the girls. I do with my life and so does Buffy. They have gotten us through a lot over the past year.” “Sleep well Riley. We will talk more tomorrow” Buffy said with a sigh.

Buffy and Spike made their way to the family room. Everyone was there waiting. Buffy looked at Spike who was grinning from ear to ear. She smiled and shook her head as they entered the room.

Buffy began, “Before all the questions. Yes I am, about two months, and they can tell already because it’s twins, everything is fine, got vitamins, got exercise restrictions, ect….No not taking chances, no not made of glass, yes going to see the doctor regularly, yes Spike’s the Father and yes we will be getting our own place set up soon. Did I miss anything?” Buffy asked.

“Yeah who gets to tell Angel?” Xander asked. “Do you believe Finn and do you think he knows somehow about the babies?” Willow asked. Spike answered this time, “Me, and don’t know yet and don’t bloody think so. If we kept it from you lot for a few days how can captain cardboard know anything?” he smirked at the girls who in turn just giggled.

After a bit more talk about Buffy and Spike and the expected twins, and Riley they all said good night and went to bed.

Riley sat in his room. It was a nice place. He had been in much worst. He knew it was still a cell no matter how nice. He was able to get cleaned up. Put on the clean clothes they had brought him. He really wanted to check in with his superiors.

That they had been keeping things from him he knew, yet he had no idea how much they had keep from him. He wondered how much they actually knew about Buffy and Spike and how much of what he had been told was true. It was obvious that Spike had been through some kind of a change.

He just hoped that he could keep up the act and that they could help him find Sam. She was not part of this mission but he missed his wife and worried about what they had gotten her into. He knew her drive to get the job done no matter what and worried what she might do to complete her mission.

He also had to find a way to retire them both before they became subjects for research like others had. He took out his book from his pack and wrote down what he had learned from the new counsel and leafed trough the book Spike had given him and jotted down notes. Before sleep finally over took him he was beginning to believe more of what the Counsel said than his own organization.

Spike awoke in a sweat. One of the things he still was not quite use to. He had a dream he was back in the Iniative being poked and prodded by the doctors again. Buffy sat up sensing his mood and began rubbing his back. He had been having dreams for months now.

Buffy and Giles though it might be connected to his becoming human again and being Slayer like. The best they can figure it is like the Slayer dreams with a mix of Dru’s prophetic visions. Lately they had gotten more intense and frequent.

Giles has the research teams working on the prophecies to find out what was going on. Everyone was starting to feel that something big was about to happen. After a few minutes Spike settled back down. Holding Buffy fiercely he fell back to sleep.

As soon as he did a second dream started. In this dream he saw his children fighting a great evil and watched himself, and the LA gang all fighting evil hordes in an alley way. He saw most of them where dead or dieing from a previous battle.

It was down to him, Angel, some old evil in Fred’s body and a dying Gunn. A new horde of evil entered the alley as they prepared to fight again. *Was that a dragon?*Spike sat bolt up right in the bed. He looked at Buffy who was staring at him. Due to their connections to each other she actually saw parts of his dreams some times.

Angel opened the bedroom door seconds later. He was in town for the night with Gunn and Lorne. “What was that?” Angel said once the door closed behind him.

Buffy and Spike looked at him in shock. “What was what?” Buffy said. “Dragon?” Angel questioned. Buffy and Spike looked at each other as Angel came and sat on the bed with them. The three of them discussed what they had dreamed and Buffy took down notes to give to Giles.

They all lay back down together and held each other needing the comfort of the bond between them. They sleep a few more hours and then all went to the meeting with Giles.

Giles sat in his office after the first morning meetings. He went over the list in from of him.