Prologue

Some things just have knack of happening. No rhyme no reason just happening. That is what seemed to happened to Lucy. No matter how straight forward things were to begin with they always seemed to go wrong in the end. This was how life was going at the moment strange things were happening. People knocking on the door then running away leaving strange symbols on her door. Late night phone calls from unknown callers then the night occurred when things finally got weird for her beyond all belief. People following her from work. Watching her from the street. She called the police but when they had arrived the stalkers had been gone. What the hell was ging she had no idea, though what she did know was it wasn't going to turn out pretty for anyone. It was just a feeling but she knew it was going to happen.

The wind blew through the street as she made her way towards the busy town centre, the icy coldness feeling cold against her skin after a long day in a stuffy store. It was Saturday her only night off from everything, no baby, no work in the morning. Her life for one night was her own. She walked past her friends flat checking if the light was still on. Seeing it wasn’t she assumed she must be at the club already. She stuffed her hands in her pockets and pulled her shoulders around her drawing what warmth she could from her own body. A group of lads nosily walked past shouting comments at her as she carried. Then it stopped mid sentence. Lucy turned to see what the caused the sudden silence from the boys and her face dropped. Three older men were stood in front of the group of now dead boys , blood running down there faces looking straight at her. She turned and ran as fast as her legs would carry her. The club was just around the corner she could make it if she didn’t stop. Ron and Reg would help her, save her, get rid of them for her. She turned the corner into the club and fell panting at the burly mans feet tears running down her face. Reg picked her up and signalled for his partner to go and get watch them eyes in her head as they stared at her.

Buffy walked up the road her senses heightened. She was on the look out for a girl, she wasn’t a slayer she was something else. Willow couldn’t explain what she was looking for, all she knew was that she had to be found, protected - she needed their help. Her pocket began vibrate with the sound of her phone, the ring tone making her laugh when she realised what Willow had set for her number, the Scooby Do theme!
“Hey Will’s no luck yet, you any idea yet why I’m looking for?” she listened to her friend. “Yeah well that’s really sweet Willow but I am freezing my ass off, its colder than London. …………… Well ok ……..wait a minute I think she’s been through here.” Buffy turned the corner and saw the bodies of the boys. She crouched down examining their necks. There was no blood left. It had all been sucked out leaving the bodies cold and grey, dispite the time frame.

“Willow, they’ve found her, I’ve got to go and find her before she’s next.” She hung up the phone and ran the rest of the way down the road seeing the dark grotty exterior of the rock club her sources said the girl was a regular at. She entered the dark building handing over the money at the desk without even looking at the attendant. The body guards watched as she entered the door. Her eyes scowered the floor looking for any sign of the girl. She had a vague description of the person she was looking for. Blonde, short with a nasty temper when provoked. She liked the sound of the girl already. She couldn’t find out a name for her, which seemed strange but she hope that would be rectified soon.

Looking at the clientele, she thought a blonde would be easy to spot amongst the gothic customers.
Her theory was proven right. She saw a girl sat at the bar surrounded by who she assumed was her friends, a bottle of vodka sat next to her. She began to walk over to her but was stopped when she saw a familiar sight. A tall bleached blonde figure sat by her, talking to her, consoling her, but it couldn’t be him. He has gone out in his blaze of glory again with Angel.
Andrew had let slip about his return, but Buffy had let it slide knowing her Spike come home to her when he was ready, when he had got over his ego macho trip. It couldn’t be him though, he wasn’t setting off her vampire radar. She came closer feeling the heart beat pulsating in her ear, the warmth radiating from his skin, how could this happen? She coulndt believe it. She wanted to run over and hug him kiss him but something was stopping her. She wanted to laugh cry anyting just to let him know she was there, but all she could do was hold back and tears and choke out her words.

She watched the group consouling there friend. The closesness of them all, she missed that with the scoobies. since sunydale they had all gone there seperate ways. Still there to avert any forcoming wars but never there when she needed to talk. Wanted to hang out with a familiar face. She was alone!

Her heart welled as she moved closer. She still loved him, even though he didnt believe her. She ached for him. She just wanted him to hold her again, make her feel safe, just as he had done before the end. she trtched out her arm, placing a light hand on his shoulder relisihing in the warm skin that was under her, the feeling she wanted for so long but never thought it would happen. He was the living dead, but what happened to make him become human. What had made her dreams come true? Her voice trembled hoping it was him, wanting it more and more.

“Spike?”

Chapter 1

The man turned his heart pounding, a sound he couldn’t get used to even after all these months, his own blood running through his veins. He looked at Buffy and his jaw dropped. He couldn’t believe she was here, looking as beautiful as ever.

“Buffy” he choked out, looking at the hurt in her eyes. The one thing he swore he would never do again was hurt her and here was causing that pained look in her eyes. His heart was in his mouth.

“What are you doing here, and I don’t mean in the same club type of scenario!” She couldn’t help but smile at the smirk she had produced by the comment, a smile she had missed for so many months when her life had been full of loss.

“Long story but will explain that later,” he gave her look which she knew well. The look that meant that the present company weren’t in on the situation yet. The group looked at their friend, confusion sweeping their faces. A small cough came from one of the boys stood with him.

“Well if the dweeb ain’t gonna introduce us then I will.” A brunette piped up holding out her hand. “I’m Kelly, this is James, Joe and Lucy.” She pointed out the people standing around them. Buffy’s eyes fell on the blonde she referred to as Lucy, watching her hands shake as she tipped the shot of vodka down her neck and raise a shaking cigarette to her lips.

“I’m Buffy.” She replied still watching Lucy, Spike has his hand resting on her shoulder, a twang of jealousy seeped through Buffy, was he with her now? “Everything ok?”

“Well now you come to mention it,” Spike started “we had a visit if you get my meaning love.” Spikes eyes were full of fear, he knew as well as Buffy that Lucy was special in some way and he knew those vampires were after her for a reason. “Any clues?”

“Actually Willow sent me, she said something was coming, we just don’t know what or why.” She told him.

Lucy raised her head and looked at the pair talking about her as if she wasn’t there, as if she was a private experiment, “Oi! I am here you know. You know what’s going on or what the fucking hell those things were then for god sake tell me and put me and my imagination out of our misery” Tear were forming again in her eyes.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you love.” Spike smiled at her. “But if you insist,” he looked at James and Joe, “Go tell Marvin over there to sort another round out will you, and take your time, Kelly you stay I think you need to hear this too, you may be needed.”

The boys did as they were told. “No offence Spike,” Buffy interjected “But why will we need Kelly? What has she got to do with this?” She gave a weak smile to Kelly, who had now begain to shoot firey glances at Buffy.

“My dads a demonologist,” she said proudly “I found Spike got him to watch out for Lu, I knew something was going to happen, and I yes I know what Spike was before you even ask.”

Lucy just stared at them all her heart pounding, what the hell was going on. What was she involved in? “OK, what the fuck? Why are we all in on this secret about me and I know nothing?”

“I’m a vampire slayer.” Buffy said, watching her face, judging how much should be told now, but she seemed to be taken it well. “Those things that were after you tonight were vampires, we just don’t know why they are after you…….. Yet!” She smiled. “But my friend Willow is working on it, she’s good with the magic’s and stuff.”

“If reds on the case then that’s good, she’ll figure it out pet, I promise.”

Lucy just sat quietly taking in what she had been told. Then a sentence stuck in her head “what Spike was before?” What the hell did that mean? “Ok what are you?” She said staring at Spike, fear in her eyes.
“Good question Spike, I know I for one would like to know!” Buffy stood crossed arms staring at him, the look that he had only seen before battle, he knew she meant business.

“Shanshu!” He said flatly seeing the confused looks on all there faces he knew he had to explain more. “There was a prophecy that a vampire with a soul will become human after averting an apocalypse. I thought Angel would be the one inline for it, but he signed it away to save to world so here I am, a living breathing human, with vampire strength and sense’s.”
They were all quite, staring at him, then Buffy spoke, “What happened to Angel?”

“The big poof is still sunning himself so to speak in LA, I would be too if it wasn’t for Kelly here begging me to come back to the mother country.”

“Hang on a minute you were a vampire?” Lucy was suddenly coming round to the fact her life was no longer simple, not that it ever was. The whole story was too far fetched not to be believed. Spike could only smile watching his friend return to what they classed as normal. “And you Kelly bird, have explaining to do, not that I mind the peroxide staying with me, but I would of like to know that he was going to be my body guard. Ah alcohol, I’m thinking you too are paying for this round.” she smiled at her friends as she watched Spike put his hand in his pocket for his wallet handing the money over to Joe. Then a thought dawned on her, what about her son? What if they knew where she lived? They must have been watching her for weeks, her baby wasn’t safe, she had to go to him.

“LUKE!” she screamed. Spike realising the same thought jumped up from his chair grabbing his coat. Buffy couldn’t help but smile at the fact that he was wearing the same duster as when she as said goodbye to him.

“Where are we going?” she asked following the party.
“We going to make sure my son is ok.” Lucy shouted choking back tears as to what those monsters could do to her baby boy.

Chapter 2

Lucy kept running, ignoring the shouts from the people behind her. Straight past were Spikes car was parked. The dark exterior almost camouflaged against the night. Spike caught up with her grabbing her shoulders and spinning her round to face him.

“What you gonna do love? Run all the way to the other side of town? Get in the car.” He spoke softly yet firmly knowing Lucy wanted to argue some detail with him, but she resisted the urge stepping past him and getting into the car.

The car ride was silent. Buffy watched the houses speed past trying to take in her surroundings. Many thoughts were crossing her mind. The niggling thought that her Spike and Lucy were now together was still pressing on her mind. Why hadn’t see gone to LA when Andrew had let slip about his return? Why hadn’t she gone and told how she felt? Why hadn’t she stopped all of this, let so much time slip by? She looked up from her seat in the back and caught his eye in the mirror. The boyish smile lighted his face and she gave a shy one back their eyes locking for just a moment.

“Put your fucking foot down bleached wonder, or I’m taking over and you know I cant drive yet!” Lucy’s eyes were like ice, he voice cold and harsh. He did as he was told, pushing the peddle to the floor for the last few minutes of the drive.

The car screeched into the drive, it hardly stopped before Kelly and Lucy dove out of the car tearing through the front door. Spike was close behind, Buffy following with the boys, not sure how to react to the situation.

“Sarah! SARAH! Where the hell are you?” Lucy screeched. A small 15 year old poked her head around the banister to the stairs, a puzzled look crossing her face.

“What? Why are you home early? And why are we screaming?” She walked down the stairs, a pile of laundry in her hands. “I was just clearing Luke’s bath stuff away.”

“No ones been here have they?” Spike asked taking the stuff from her arms. “No ones called? Been to the door?”

“Nope been quite here all night, well apart from the usually war between Luke and his bed, but I won.” She smiled.

“Ok then.” Lucy sighed, relief washing over her. “Here’s you money, I’ll call you a taxi.” She handed over the money and left the hall and her friends looking confused.

“Kelly…….” She was cut short by a stare that would kill.

“Go home and tell dad its started.” Kelly told her. Sarah just nodded and collected her stuff. She had been brought up with this her entire life, her dad had never kept it a secret.

Lucy came back into the room Sarah hugged her and smiled before she left and got into the taxi. Lucy glared at Kelly. “She knew too? How many others knew?” Joe and James raised their hands still looking puzzled. Kelly just smiled weakly.

Buffy had kept quiet watching what was going on from a distance. She felt like an intruder here. This wasn’t her life, though she was meant to save it. It was her job though she was feeling at loss of how she was meant to protect this girl from something she didn’t even know.

They all went to the front room. The silence ringing in their ears. No one knew what to say to Lucy, she was hurting and scared and unsure of her future. Buffy looked around the room. Everyone had began their own private conversations, leaving the girl curled up on the couch clutching her cushion, staring silently into the floor. She remembered that feeling from when she was first told she was the slayer. The feeling that no one could really know how she was feeling, the feeling of being alone in the world. Lucy got up and left the room, Spike moved to follow but he was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. Buffy smiled down at him and followed her out to the kitchen.

She entered as she lit her cigarette staring again blankly into the night through the window. Buffy stood by her leaning on the counter the same way. She just watched her for a few moments, contemplating how alike they both were really.

“Wanna talk about it?” Buffy asked watching the woman’s face.

“What are you?” Lucy asked not taking her eyes from the window.

“Me, I’m a vampire slayer. If you wanna hear the chosen one speech then just say, but I will warn you its long and very boring.” Lucy smiled at Buffy. “It basically means I have been chosen to fight the vampires and any other things that go bump in the night.”

“Oh, so kinda superheroish?” Buffy smiled and nodded. “And these things are after me because………?”

“Well your guess is as good as mine, I was just sent here to help save you, but it looks like you have your own champion already.” Buffy smiled weakly at her, jealousy creeping through her.

“What Spike? The guy who goes gaga over my 2 year old? Not really my definition of champion.” she laughed

“Well her did save the world.” Buffy laughed back “He really likes kids?”

“Yeah he does” Lucy began to leave the room, she then stopped and look Buffy straight in the eye. “Me and him aren’t together you know. He still loves you. Always going on about you. I don’t know the history or why you aren’t together, but I know he still wants you, and I think you want him to.” With that she left.

Buffy was dumbstruck. He stilled loved her. He still wanted her, but why hadn’t he come to find her when he returned? Her mind was racing, the thoughts of their life together were running through her head. Fat grandkids may be now on the cards.

Spike shook her from her day dream. Looking into those green eyes of hers made his heart melt. Buffy stared back watching the penetrating blue of his own melt her insides. Without warning Buffy pulled him forward and kissed him. It was passionate and wanting and also full of love. Lucy’s words still ringing in her ears. “He still loves you”.

It took Spike a moment to get his head around what was happening, but he began to kiss her back. Pulling her tiny frame against his, caressing her back as her hands wandered across his chest. Reacquainting themselves with his body.

“Ahem!” A cough came from the doorway. They broke apart looking into each others eyes and smiling before turning to look at Kelly standing there with a huge grin on her face, a mobile in hand. “So you aren’t celibate after all then.” she laughed. “Someone named Willow’s on the phone for you. She says she has information. Sorry I answered it but you were kinda busy.”

Buffy blushed and took the phone from her “Don’t worry about it………, Hey Willow what’s going on?”

Chapter 3 - Revelations

Buffy took the phone and walked back into the living room leaving a group of giggling people in the kitchen. James had tears falling down his face, the look on Spikes face was humour enough after the stress’s of the evening.

“Are we going to explain?” James asked tears still falling down his face, heaving deep breaths trying to regain himself. “Coz from where I’m standing you and the blonde are together.”

Spike watched Buffy pace the living room, an animated conversation going on. What ever it was he knew it couldn’t be any good if Willow was calling this late. “It defiantly looks that way doesn’t it mate.” he answered absent mindedly, “but your guess is as good as mine.”

“She loves you, you idiot. If you cant see it then you are more of an oaf than I thought.” Lucy added looking him directly into his eyes. He just smiled and was about to contradict, but he was cut off. “Hey I may not be any good at my own love life here pal, but I can see what’s clear to any idiot even the peroxide variety, she loves you, you love her. Stop pissing about with you own self loathing and go get your girl back, or so help me I will kick your ass from here to next Tuesday.”

The speech left Spike and the others gob smacked. They had heard Lucy threaten them all with their lives before, but never like this, never with so much conviction to it. Spike slumped against the counter and let out a breath. He looked up as Buffy entered the room with the and here comes the fun part look he knew so well. He looked at the boys and just smiled, “I’m thinking that you two should head home, its late after all.”

Joe looked at his watch “Hang on its only………… oh right.” He grabbed James arm pulling him towards the door. “Call me Lu ok, I hope whatever it is you will sort it ok sweetie.” and with that the door was shut and all eyes were on Buffy.

“So goldilocks, what did red have to say.” He pulled a cigarette from his packet and threw the remainder at Lucy.

Buffy sat at the small table in the corner and looked at them both. “What do you know about you heritage?” she asked looking at Lucy.

“As much as most” she took a drag from the white stick. “Part Irish, Part Scottish, Part English, bit of everything really, what’s the big deal?

“Your blessed.” Kelly cut in. Horror illuminating her face. “But, you cant be. It ain’t possible, they died out more than a hundred years ago.”

Lucy was confused, what did she mean blessed. She looked at Buffy wanting more answers, wanting to know why these evil things were after, wanting her life.

“Its kinda a long story, and I don’t know all the details, Will only gave me a brief run down, but its an old legend, and as with most legends it is all truth. When the world began it was run by demons, then humans began evolving. Some of the old gods felt sorry for us as we were being picked off by the demons, so they blessed a select group sending them off around the globe to spread this blessing, most ending up in Scotland and Ireland. As Kelly said most died out as the population exploded onto the earth, but some of the Scots and the Irish still carry this blessing and if you get two parents carrying part of the blessing together then you get……..well you, and oh my god did I just sound Giles or what?” she laughed along with Spike, both could see the watcher pacing the floor giving the same speech.

“OK, didn’t quite get that last remark, but I am sure you will both explain later, and what the hell does this all mean?” Lucy looked pissed as she glared at the pair.

“Sorry Lu, you will get it when you meet him.” Spike took a deep breath recomposing himself.

“Yeah sorry.” Buffy blushed. “It means that you have power. Strength, Skill, and the ability to turn vampires into day walkers.” She stopped and looked at the horrified looks on the groups faces. “If they perform this freaky ritual and drink your blood then they will loose all their weakness‘. Sunlight, garlic, crosses, none it will be any use. Willow knows more she’ll be here tomorrow along with Giles and Dawn. Xander is still in South American dealing with some icky thing, but he will be here soon enough.”

“OK hang a minute here.” Kelly walked over to Spike, snatching the packet of smokes from his hand ignoring his complaint, “Share” was all she said to him drawing a small smile from him. “Who are all these people that are coming and what the hell are we going to do to protect Lucy and Luke? I know I haven’t read that much on the blessed but all this is gonna get dangerous and Luke is only 2, he cant protect himself.” Her glare could of killed at 20 paces if it was loaded. The fierce protectiveness of her friend and honouree nephew was strong and ringing in the room.

Buffy hadn’t thought of it before, she had totally forgotten about the toddler fast asleep upstairs. She had always had Dawn to worry about, but she was old enough when Buffy was called to listen and pay attention when it was needed to keep her out of trouble, but how was she going to explain this to a 2 year old. Her thoughts were broken by crying and a small boy walking into the kitchen, clutching a blanket and staring at her. He stopped crying and gave her a smile, by passed his mother and jumped straight into Spikes arms, clutching his neck.

“Excuse me mister what are you doing up its late!” Lucy looked at her son and smiled. It didn’t bother her that she was not the one to console her son, as long as the one doing the consoling him was someone she could trust.

The boy looked at her and smiled and pulled a bottle from under his blanket. “Milk” he smiled and handed the bottle to Lucy. Lucy filled it and handed it back to him and took him from Spike and hugged him.

“Come on you say goodnight, we are going back to bed.” the boy waved and Lucy left the room carry the small child back to his bed.

The room fell silent. No one knew what to say to each other. Spike looked around the room till his eyes fell on Buffy. He piercing green eyes were full of thought. He knew what was going through her head. Battle strategies, saving the world again, the child! He knew that more than anything would be plaguing her. How could her blame her the same thoughts were going through his own head. He had only been here for a few months but already he had grown to love the little boy, and he knew the vampire community well, they would use him to get to Lucy if they needed to. He couldn’t let that happen.

“OK..” Kelly broke the silence. “I’m going to bed, I’ll share with Lu tonight so Buffy here can have the pull out in your room Blondie.” She smiled at them both and began to leave the room “Just try to keep the noise down will ya, some of us do need sleep.” They could hear her laughing to her self as she climbed the stairs.

“Interesting friends you have here” Buffy said looking at him, her playful smile spreading across her face.

“Yeah, that’s one way to describe me pet.” he laughed taking in her amusement. “They good people, Lucy’s had some shit to deal with but she’s a fighter she won’t let this beat her.” he sat next to her taking another smoke from the packet. “About before…” he was cut off by a hand across his lips.

“I love you, always have, always will. I just couldn’t let my self believe it to begin with, but when you left me……….”she trailed of, tears beginning to flow from her eyes. “I felt like I was going to die.”

“I love you too, I just didn’t know what to say to you when I came back. I went out with such a bang, I thought you would be pissed if I just showed up again.” he looked at his shoes, realising just how stupid his last comment was. “But I know I was wrong now, I just wanna try and make this work, we actually have a chance now.”

“Yeah we do” she cupped his face and made him look at her. “And I am not going to waste anymore time, I love you and I want you, and we are gonna try and make this work!” her look became firm, making him realise that she meant what she was saying.

“Yeah we are” he said as he stood up, pulling her up with him.

He pulled her close smelling her hair. Their eyes met and they both realised then how much time had been wasted and stupid things. He cupped her face and lowered himself down for a kiss. Both pair of hands roaming bodies, exploring areas that hadn’t been explored in what seemed like forever. Spike’s hands fell down around her thighs and hoisted her up so she was straddling him, and he carried her up the stairs to his room, the kiss never breaking.

He kicked open the door, causing it to bang. They held their breath for a moment hoping they hadn’t woken Luke. When they realised it was all clear he shut the door behind them and laid Buffy down on the double bed. Their hands still caressing each other. He stroked her cheek staring into her eyes. Love radiating between the pair.

“Can I just hold you tonight? I wanna feel close to you like I did that night in the house.” he was still looking at her, embarrassment sweeping him at the sappy words he had just spoken.

“I’d like that” she smiled back at him.

The snuggled under the duvets, Spike’s strong arms wrapping themselves around her pulling her close. They both drifted into a comfortable sleep, the kinda sleep neither had experienced since sunnydale

Chapter 4 - Fevered Reunions

“Tequila it makes me happy, oh tequila it makes me fineeeeeeeee, oh come tequila when the doors are open, oh come tequila when they call it time!” The radio blared out causing Buffy to stir. She rolled over expecting to find Spike there, but the space was empty. She sat up looking at the digital clock on the side table, 9.30am it read. Pulling herself out of bed she grabbed one of Spike’s shirts from the back of the door and headed towards the noise of downstairs.

As she reached the kitchen she realised that the majority of the singing was actually Kelly and Lucy belting out the words along with the radio. They were dancing around the kitchen making breakfast while Spike was sat at the table trying to teach he Luke how to do a Mexican wave, it wasn’t working causing much amusement to the girls.

“Morning Buffy” Lucy said seeing her guest at the door, handing her a glass of juice. “You want cereal or a fry up for breakfast?”

Buffy had been in England long enough to realise what a fry up consisted of to decline and opt for the cereal and toast option. She sat next to Spike at the table taking a bite out of her toast.

She took his hand and couldn’t help but marvel at the feeling of warmth and blood running through his veins. Then she remembered Willows call the night before. “Oh god they will be here this afternoon” she looked at the puzzled faces around the room. “Giles, Willow they are arriving this afternoon, they will be on the train now from London. Where am I going to put them. I didn’t think about accommodation.”

“You didn’t get a good look at my house last night did you?” Lucy said with a grin opening the back door. “I have a guest house out back they can have that.”

“You sure you don’t mind?”

“She’s used to letting in strays hey Spike.” Kelly grinned at him. “Often debated putting a sign on her door ’RSPCA - FOR PEOPLE’ she often refers to us as the cats - once you feed us we keep coming back.”

“Hey that wasn’t exactly the way I put it, plus I think I was referring to James when I said that, he does have a tendency of just showing up.”

They were giggling during breakfast. The morning had turned out to be a good one even with the immanent arrival of bad news. The general chitchat carried on during the morning, real family life was agreeing with Spike as it was with Buffy. They were singing along on with the stereo in the garden, playing with Luke, sipping drinks, generally having a good time, till the door bell chimed.

“I’ll get it!” Lucy chimed jumping from her seat handing over the toddler to Kelly.

She skipped along the hall way, her good mood masking the feeling of impending doom she really felt. The bell rang again just as she pulled the door open, staring at the man behind the glass she slammed it to and lent against it. A face from the past was back into her life, a face she hadn’t seen for over 6 years.

“Who is it pet?” Spike asked poking hid head around the kitchen door. Seeing the look on his charges face he walked up and moved her from the door as she ran into the living room, hiding from the visitor at the door. He pulled it open causing a smile to spread across his face. “Giles, Willow,………. “ and another stepped from behind the crowd. “Dawn……..” he trailed off wondering whether their faces read joy or horror, then he realised. They thought he was dead, they didn’t know he had come back. “Look I know shock that I’m here standing walking talking and all but I can explain, but you had better come in. Where did Lucy go?”

Giles walked into the house blanking the fact that Spike was standing in front of them, and the baffled looks the others were giving Spike. Dropping his bag he followed Lucy into the living room.

Spike watched Giles and was about to say something when he saw the shocked looks still plastered on their faces. “Ok so Buffy never mentioned that I was back did she?”

Both girls shook their heads. “Ok so long story but I will give u the cliff notes version - big battle, I got made human. Look pulse and everything.” He held his arm for Dawn to check.

“Human” was all she said before hugging him, nearly knocking the wind from him. “I missed you”

“I missed you too bit.”

“Me too” was all Willow said before joining the Spike sandwich.

A loud cough and a giggle came from the door to the garden. The group to see Kelly holding Luke trying fight back a giggle. “Not to interrupt this little family reunion, but what happened to Lucy?”

Lucy stood in front of the bay window staring into the fields that surrounded her house. The clear liquid that filled her glass she was holding was swirling round hypnotising her in some way. She heard the door creek open behind her.

“What are you doing here?” she spat out not bothering to turn to face him.

Giles removed his glasses and began cleaning them. “You’ve grown up”

“You would have noticed earlier if you hadn’t disappeared” the anger seeped from her voice. “If you hadn’t just run out one day” she put her glass down with a thud on the sill turning to face him. “Where the hell did you go?”

“I didn’t want to go……. It was complicated. Your mother told me she didn’t want me around you. So I went!” he stepped towards her.

“And since when did we listen to her. She was psychotic at the best of times, but when you went she got worse coz I had no one to watch my back.”

“Well my sister was a little wired.” He stopped, seeing the hurt frightened look on Lucy’s face. “Did she really get that bad?”

“Yes.” tears formed in her eyes. “You said you would look after me, you were all I had Uncle Ruppert.”

Giles took hold of Lucy and hugged beginning to fix some of the damage he had done. Lucy’s hot tears soaking his shoulder. “Is Buffy the reason why you were in the States?”

“Yes she was. It’s a long story but later.”

“Did you know it was me when you sent Buffy here to find me?”

“I had no idea, I am kind of shocked you have taken it so well, you never believed the stories I told you when you were little.”

“Well that’s kinda what made me so open to it. I just thought of the monster and demon stories you and grandad told me and it all started to make sense. Mum never believed did she, its that why you two were always fighting?”

“It had something to do with it yes, but it was more of a step sibling thing, you know we were step siblings?”|

“Yeah mum always yelled it at me when I took your side over hers.”

“She has a temper that one. So what’s going on with your life, what have I missed?”

“So much its untrue. I got married over three years ago to a Colonel in the army, we have a two year old, Luke! You’re a great uncle now, god that makes you sound old.” She said laughing breaking away from the hug he was still giving her.

“So where is he?”

Lucy went quiet and turned back to her window. “He’s M.I.A. He went on operation 18 months ago, his regiment got ambushed and no one has seen him since.” the tears welled up in her eyes again.

“Oh Lucy” he took hold of her again. “And your raising Luke all by yourself?” she nodded.

“Well kinda, Kelly’s here most days and Jo has kinda taken us on board since it happened. He was there when he disappeared, nearly got court-martialled trying to look for him, kinda been there for me ever since.”

Giles just smiled he couldn’t believed how much of his nieces life he had missed. He had always looked out for her when she was young and never really needed it, but now that he was really needed, he missed it all. Time to start making amends was now, but how to go about it was leaving him baffled. Then Spike pulled him from his thoughts.

“Did I see Spike answer your door?”

Lucy laughed seeing the look of surprise and disgust on her uncles face. “Yeah they kinda explained it all to me last night - he’s human. Kelly looked him up when weird stuff started happening to me, apparently her dads some sort of mythical expert and ….”

“Wait Spike’s human?” Giles took his glasses off began cleaning them again. “How is Spike human?”

“Something about a big battle or something like that.”

The door opened slowly and Buffy popped her head around carefully not sure of the scene she was about to see. She smiled as she looked at the two of them she had no idea how they knew each other but she could see that what ever the problem was it was over.

“Buffy” Giles saw her walk in. “Why wasn’t Spike’s humanity mentioned to us?”

“Well, erm, well I thought me finding Lucy was the more important, but hey he’s human that cant be bad.”

“And you two are…….?”

“Buffy and Spike sitting in a tree K.I.S.S.I.N.G…….. “Lucy sang laughing, her sides nearly splitting.

“Shush…….. Well we are trying to make it work.” Giles look darkened, “well I love him I know that now and we want to make it work and, and, don’t look at me like that I have been miserable since Sunnydale happened and…….”she put her hands on her hips and stared at him “Its my life anyway.” Buffy then looked at Giles and Lucy holding each others hands. “Erm you two know each other then?”

“Well, yes, she’s my niece.” Giles smiled down at Lucy.

“Step uncle, but yeah he’s family, and stuff better just be left there I think.”
“Ok this is just proving just how much I don’t know about you in all these years.” Buffy smiled.

They all walked back into the kitchen, Kelly eyeing the older man that had entered the room, trying to figure out if she knew him or not. The face looked familiar.

“OK any more surprises? Can we all share now because I don’t know that my heart will take it. I’m already close to a coronary.” Lucy asked taking her cigarettes from the kitchen draw. She took one and threw the packet at Kelly.

“I dot think so. That’s kinda why we are here. We don’t know much about the blessed and we don’t know much about your dad either so I don’t know how this happened. You mother was a lapsed catholic after all.” Giles said wiping his glasses. “And since when did you smoke?”

“And since when did you stop?” Lucy answered taking a drag of smoke.

“My dad can help on the why” Kelly answered. “He’s been researching this for years. Kinda why the bleached one is here. I knew someone had to look after her and Luke.”

“Kelly?” Giles asked. She nodded looking puzzled. “Your dad is still researching stuff then. I knew him before I left.” The wheels turned in Kelly’s head remembering when she was younger. The penny dropped and the whole room knew about it and laughed. “And you” Giles’s attentions turned to Spike. “Me and you will be having a discussion later.

“Had a feeling that we would be doing mate. “ Spike smiled as he tightened his grip on Buffy who was sat on his knee.

“Play nicely the pair of you.”

*cough* Willow shuffled in the corned watching the proceedings. “Erm high just thought I would let you know I was so here.”

“Sorry Willow, everyone this is Willow. She kinda does the magic stuff”
“I’m not that good.” She blushed.

“OK right rooms, follow me everyone.” Lucy walked to the door leaving Buffy and Spike alone in the kitchen.

The smiled at each other before he pulled her down for a kiss. “Just like the old days. “ Buffy said kissing his neck.

“Yeah, erm Dawn was kinda quiet. I think I have to fixing to do there.”

“You do but she’ll come round.” Buffy said wrapping her self around him.

“I hope so.”

Chapter 5 - Uniting souls

The day rolled on with basic introductions. The gang all got to know each other and by the end of the day they were like old friends. Laughing and joking and swapping stories of high school and various adventures.

“Are you serious? Is this Giles?” Willow said laughing at a photo of a younger looking man in scruffy jeans and a white t-shirt, cigarette tucked behind one ear and his hair a mess of streaks and split ends, holding onto a child version of Lucy.

“Yup that’s uncle Giles. He kinda grew up when he started working with grandad. Scary huh!” Lucy giggled lovingly running a finger over the photo. “This would be when my life recognised something of the normal. Hey wait till you see this one” She pulled out another photo from the box she was holding.

The group begin rolling round in fits of laughter. Spike could hardly breath he was doubled up so much, the others were nearly joining. The picture was of Giles painted up like a daisy, a happy birthday balloon tied to his jeans and Lucy stood next to him holding the offending face painting kit.

“And he let you do this to him?” Spike asked taking the photo from her to get a better look. “You do realise the watcher ain’t going to live this one down don’t you.”
“What am I not living down?” Giles asked walking into the room carrying a pile of dusty old books. He took the photo from Spike’s hand and rolled his eyes. “Oh very droll, I think we have more pressing matters at hand. Like trying to keep my niece and great nephew from getting eaten by the creatures of the undead.” he put the books on the coffee table and sat down, waiting for them to join him.

“Ok, ok I think this means research party.” Dawn said joining him on the couch.

“Oh yeah we haven’t done this is ages, we got a pizza number?” They all looked at Willow. “What? I just thought we could relive the past a bit that’s all, and I am a little hungry.”

“Red, you are a little scary sometimes you know that?” Spike said pulling Buffy to her feet.

“We all do realise though that some of us do have real jobs to go to in the morning don’t we?” Lucy said dragging her self up.

The night ticked by with nothing happening. They trawled through endless volumes and text with nothing found that could help. Lucy had fell asleep on the couch book in hand. Giles looked over at his niece wondering how he could of abandoned her all them years ago. He pulled the blanket from the back of the couch and draped it over her, brushing her hair behind her ear.

“She’s a toughen that one” Spike said standing over him. “She’ll be ok and I think she’s getting why you left.” he smiled at watcher and turned to go back to his mate, but stopped as Giles put his hand on her shoulder.

“Thank -you” Giles smiled, this was all was needed the sentiment was felt. “But don’t think this excludes you from the conversation we need.”

“Didn’t think it did” he laughed and went back to Buffy.

The light shone dimly from behind the cloud cover that was separating outside. They had all drifted off at some point in the early morning. Buffy and Spike were curled up together on a chair, Giles, Willow and Dawn on a couch. Spike was the first to wake to the sound of Luke running down the stairs looking for more inhabitants. He shushed him as he ran into the room about to shout for his mum. Dawn stirred in the corner looking around the room getting her bearings.

“Morning bit” he smiled at Dawn.

“Morning… oh hi Luke.” she whispered careful not to wake anyone else.

Spike manoeuvred Buffy to one side so he could get up, taking Luke’s hand and leading him to the kitchen. He grabbed the breakfast things, this was the usual situation when Lucy needed to sleep. He saw Dawn nervously enter the kitchen looking sheepishly at the floor.

“Hey, erm, I’m sorry” was all she said before tears began to show in her eyes. “I should of said it a long time ago.”

“Don’t be silly bit, I screwed up big time back then, I should be apologising for not coming back to you all when I came back.”

Dawn walked up to him, looking him in the eye, hot tears rolling down her own face. She hugged him, sobbing into his shoulder. He held her tight, knowing full well he had his niblet back. Luke tugged on Spike’s trouser leg, wanting to know what was going on. He picked him up smiling. “You going to say morning to Dawn?” Luke smiled and hug Dawn to.

Sitting at the table the two caught up as Luke ate his breakfast. Laughing and joking, swapping stories of their time apart. Spike looked at the clock on the wall and grabbed the phone from the counter. “I had better call Lucy in sick. I think she needs a rest.”

He dialled the number and wander to the back door lighting his cigarette as he pulled it open. Dawn looked at Luke and smiled. ‘How does he always manage to walk into this stuff’ she wondered. Luke handed her a piece of toast with a broad grin as she took it she laughed back with him. Pulling faces at each other. Spike wandered back in as he stirring in the other room.

“I think the troops are up.” he said as he turned the coffee pot back on. A scream was heard from the other room as Lucy realised what time it was. “Well if they weren’t up they are now.” he laughed.

“I think so.” Dawn grinned.

“Mummy” Luke shrieked as he ran to great his mother.

Lucy ran with Luke bundled on her hip. “Why did no one wake me? Huh? I am going to be so late.”

“Calm down pet I called you in sick they are paying you for it to, apparently you have loads of sick days left. I’ll take Luke to nursery and you can catch up with the watcher in there.” he gestured towards the door where Giles was standing smiling at his niece.

“Ok, I guess I can live with that.” she smiled back at him.

The crowd was joined by Buffy and Willow who had wandered in wondering what all the noise was about. “I guess we are all up then” Willow yawned.

Buffy and Spike walked hand in hand through the park after they dropped Luke off. It was getting cold the end of October was upon them, the air was bitter and the leaves were crunching under their feet.

“You know the Halloween ball is next week. You wanna go?” He asked nervously, if she agreed then this would their first ever date.

“What’s that? Does it involve dressing up coz I have I thing about not on Halloween.” she smiled she new full well that Spike was asking her on a date it was just fun letting him squirm for a while.

“Lucy organises it every year at the club. You don’t have to dress up but it should be fun.” he looked nervously at his feet.


Buffy grabbed his face and looked into his eyes. “I would be honoured if you would take me.” she smiled before pulling him down for a kiss.

It held passion and love, and all the wanting that their time apart had caused. Their tongues fought for dominance over the other, hands roaming each other. Buffy’s hand wandered downwards to his crotch, feeling his cock grow harder with every stroke. He pulled away for a moment and looked around, seeing the old hut he knew would be closed for the winter he dragged her over to it, pushing the door open.

It had only just closed so it was still neat and tidy and relatively comfortable, a couch in the corner and tea things by the window. Spike pulled Buffy back to him sealing it with a kiss as he fell back onto the couch taking her with him. Their hands were roaming pulling clothing off. He fumbled with her trouser lifting her to remove the offending article. His button was undone and he wriggled out of his. Buffy removed her top and all Spike could do was stare, he perfect breast sat in sports bra waiting for his touch, her perfect skin just glistening with sweat and lust, she was a goddess and she was all his.

She pulled the bra over her head giving him full access to them, as he sucked on her nipple, playing with the other. Buffy moaned leaning into him as he applied more pressure to them, wanting him to bring her to ecstasy. Her hands roamed his chest tracing a line to his cock that was bobbing, waiting for attention. She stroked bringing a cry from her lover. He lifted his head capturing her mouth in a heat filled kiss. He needed to be inside her, feel he warmth surrounding him.

He flipped her over, positioning himself at her entrance. He slowed himself, he didn’t want their first time back together to a random fuck in a shed, he wanted it to mean something. Looking into her eyes he kissed her again. “Are you ready, you sure you want to do this here?” he asked her.

She kissed him positioning herself so his entrance would he easier. “I Love you” was all she said before she put her foot on his ass and pushed him gently in.

He slid slowly in savouring all that he had missed. Kissing her neck as he stop so she readjust her self. She was tight after over a year of being alone. He began to move slowly letting Buffy find the rhythm with him. Stroking her body, in sighting little moans from her with every move.

Buffy couldn’t believe how she had missed this. The feeling of his strong frame covering her, wanting her more than anything in the world. She moved with him, the pressure building in her stomach. He pace quickened as her need for release increased.

Spike felt her urgency, his own drawing on him. He reached between the two of them and found the sensitive nubbin and began to encircle it. Pinching it as he felt her near her climax. “come for me baby, please” he begged, needing her release to satisfy his own.

“Oh my god, SPIKE” she yelled, falling over the edge of ecstasy taking Spike with her.

The both slowed, holding on to each other as if the other would disappear if they let go. “I love you Buffy, with all my heart. I am never going to leave you again.”

“I love you too, I don’t want this to ever end.” she said pulling him closer. “But I think we had better get back, the others will be wondering where the hell we are”

“I think you might be right love.”

As they pushed the back door open they heard Giles and Lucy fighting. They looked at each other wondering what could of caused the outburst. They saw Dawn and Willow sat at the table they just smiled as the two entered.

“Don’t ask.” Willow said taking a sip of the coffee she was holding.

“Giles is doing his what’s more important speech for Lucy, and she ain’t taking it too well.” Dawn grinned. “And I don’t blame her really.”

“Dare I ask what brought it on?” Buffy asked taking off her coat and leaning against Spike.

“She got some stuff out, said it was plans for a ball next week or something, and he went off on why she shouldn’t go and keeping her and Luke safe.” Dawn reeled off as quick as she could,

“Ok understand why that didn’t go down to well.” Spike said taking a cigarette from his pocket. “She apparently does this thing every year, its her baby, and it keeps her occupied, she ain’t giving it up without a fight.”

Lucy stormed into the kitchen Giles closely behind her wafting a book at her. She was rummaging around the draw. Not finding what she was looking for she slammed it shut, and began on her bag. Spike knew instinctively what she was looking for and threw his packet her. Giles glared at him as he carried on smoking his.

“And I would appreciate you not encouraging my niece to keep up that nasty habit” he seethed out. Spike just shrugged.

“Don’t start on him, its not his fault you are being totally unreasonable. Hello 22 years old here. I do this every year. Its mine and I am not, not going just because you think you have found the reason why the fanged family want to eat me.” she kicked the counter before lighting her fag.

“Feel better after that out burst?” Giles asked with a fatherly tone.

“I would feel better if you would stop living my life for me, I can do it all by myself thank you.” Lucy sulked, her uncle always knew how to bring her down from her tempers.

“Ok, hold on a minute.” Buffy chimed in. “Spikes taking me to the ball, so we can watch out for her.”

“Why don’t you all come?” Lucy asked “Even you uncle Rupert. See what I can pull off.”

“Will, can do a protection spell or something to make sure Luke and his sitter are safe and we can let our hair down before the impending doom.” Buffy looked at Willow then at Giles.

“Shouldn’t be a problem Giles, they will be safe.” Willow added.
Pleaseeeee Giles, come on I haven’t been out since I turned 18 it will be fun.” Dawn pleaded with him.

“Well I guess I’m out numbered then.” Giles sighed cleaning his glasses. “But we go prepared. Steaks, holy water the lot. I just got my niece back plus a great nephew I don’t want to loose them again.” he smiled at his niece who had a triumphant look on her face.

“Can I just say something?” Lucy grinned at her uncle. “I Win! As always.”

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A/N OK so we made it some spuffy. i hope you all enjoy and i will try and update again soon. xx

A/N Please leave notes i do love them!

Chapter 6 - It all begins somewhere

Buffy walked down the stairs, avoiding the piles of books that were piled by the front door. The days had ticked by without so much as a sniff as to what they were to expect. The house was a hive of activity, with the coming and goings of her hoist and the ongoing research that was going on, the ball this evening was going to be a welcome release for all of them, the not knowing clearly ripping holes in each of them.

She entered the front room expecting to find Lucy sat at the coffee table helping her uncle, but she was no where to be seen. Spike was there with Giles, idly flicking through the pages of the text he was holding. “Where’s Lucy? I thought she had the day off today?” she pulled up a cushion and sat next to Spike taking his hand.

“Lucy apparently has more important things to be doing apparently.” Giles sniffed.

“In other words pet, she’s down at he club setting up for later” he looked at his watch. “Actually she should be back soon, its nearly six and she needs to get Luke and get her self ready. She find you something to where tonight?”

Buffy nodded, she wasn’t sure about the dress she had picked from Lucy’s closest. Their tastes were alike and the gothic punk look wasn’t her thing, but she had found something that had resembled a cocktail dress, and decided that it would be fine. She had quizzed Lucy on why she had one odd dress that didn’t resemble any of her others, the only answer she got was ’Mike’. she knew to leave that subject alone.

“Yeah I got something. Not sure if it will suit me though.” she smiled nervously at them both.

“Yes my niece does have very erratic tastes.” Giles smiles at his student.

“I’m guessing you found the cocktail dress.” Spike grinned “I kinda rescued that, she was ready to throw it out, but got her to keep it. You will look beautiful in it.” he kissed the back of her hand and smiled, filling Buffy with confidence for the evening.

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“Lucy get a move on the cabs here” Dawn yelled up the stairs. She had decided to go as little red riding hood, borrowing her sisters old costume. It had amazed her what her sister packed for these missions. “That goes for you to Buffy. Come on!” she whined.

“We’re coming” Lucy screamed back.

Giles and Spike walked out of the kitchen, both dressed in dinner suits as Buffy and Lucy came down the stairs. Lucy in a black, backless evening dress which hugged her hips, and showed off her figure. Spike could do nothing but stare as she reached him at the foot of the stairs. He kissed her on the nose and smiled, he couldn’t believe she was his, this goddess in front of him.

Lucy followed, her elegant velvet gothic style dress flattering her complexion, the black body corset holding up, Giles admired his niece, she had survived his disappearance and come back 10 times stronger. He held out his arm for her as they headed for the door.

Willow came running back in, deciding to join in the fun of the evening and dressing as the stereotypical witch. “Erm we better get going the drivers getting kinda pissy .”

“Right we got everything?” Lucy asked as she kissed Luke good night. Sarah had hold of him, but he didn’t seem bothered his mother was leaving him. “Lets go, I still got a few bits to finish off when I get there.”

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The club was decorated in Halloween paraphernalia, cob webs, skeletons and such. The group sat at a table in the corner Lucy had reserved for them earlier. Lucy’s rants at the staff and people she had hired for the night had finished the party got started.

“Matt better behave himself” Spike said to Jo who had just arrived.

“She been ranting at him again? “ he said taking his seat.

“Something like.” he smiled. The others coughed as Spike look around the table realising introductions hadn’t been done. “Oh right, Jo this is Buffy, who I think you already met, Willow, Giles, Lucy’s uncle, and Dawn.”

Jo smiled at each one in turn, till his eyes fell on Dawn. He was kinda taken back by her. “Hi” he said as the song changed. “Wanna dance?”

“Yeah sure” Dawn said seeing the same fascination in him and getting up.

“Don’t break her” Spike warned him, the over protective bog brother coming out again.

Jo just smiled taking Dawn’s hand and leading her to the dance floor. Spike feeling slightly better that Matt had just changed the record and put on something not so heavy. His little bit will come back in one piece.

“I think she’s smitten” Buffy said smiling at her sister dancing.

“I think he is too.” Spike said pulling Buffy closer to him.

As the party carried on each enjoying the freedom of not having the research their impending doom. The night was drawing to a close. The alcohol had run free, with Lucy being the organiser it had literally, even Giles appeared to enjoying himself. The last record of the evening started and Spike pulled Buffy up to the floor.

It's been a while
Since I could
Hold my head up high
And It's been a while
Since I First saw you
And It's been a while
Since I could stand
on my own two feet again
And it's been a while
Since I could call you

He spun her round, watching her hair flow around her neck. He couldn’t believe still she was his. All those years of wanting and never having, and now she was dancing in his arms.

“I love you Buffy Summers. He said stealing a kiss.

“I love you too”

And everything I can't remember
As fucked up as it all may seem
The consequences that I’ve rendered
I stretched myself beyond my means

They watched Jo and Dawn slow dance round the floor. The image made Spike laugh. He was so used to seeing him jumping round the floor to now see him dancing with such precision was comical.

And It's been a while
Since I can say
That I wasn't addicted and
It's been a while
Since I can say
Kelly tapped him on the shoulder as she dance behind them both, she grinned.

“Where you been?” he asked as she had been elusive all evening.

“Here there and everywhere.” she grinned again and moved on.

I love myself as well and
It's been a while
Since I've gone and fucked things up
Just like I always do
and it's been a while
But all that shit seems to disappear when I'm with you

Lucy sat twirling the hem of her dress. She didn’t dance much, no reason to now a days. Giles saw the melancholy look on her face and took her hand leading her to the floor, recapturing some of the moments he had lost.
Willow sat by her self for a moment till a girl wandered over and offered her a dance. Having a moment of courage she accepted and joined her friends on the floor. This was prom kind of all over again, it wasn’t so much the people, it was the contented feeling that everyone she cared about was in the same room at the same time having a good time.

And everything I can't remember
As fucked up as it all may seem
The consequences that I've rendered
I'm gone and fucked things up again

Why must I feel this way?
Just make this go away
Just one more peaceful day

And it's been awhile
Since I could
Look at myself straight
And it's been a while
Since I said I'm sorry
Spike kissed her again. The music and the lyrics moving him. He was sorry. Sorry he hadn’t done this sooner. Sorry he hadn’t told her he was back, sorry he hadn’t gone to her.

And it's been a while
Since I've seen the way
the candles light your face
And it's been a while
But I can still remember just the way you taste

And everything I can't remember
as fucked up as it all may seem
To be,
I know it's me
I cannot blame this on my father
He did the best he could for me

And it's been a while
Since I could
Hold my head up high
And it's been awhile
Since I said I'm sorry

“Ok boys and girls that’s this years Halloween ball over. I would like to say thank you to Lucy for once again organising everything, and as far as I can tell no one died this year.” Matt boomed over the microphone.

“Ha fucking ha” Lucy said glaring at him, a look that could melt ice.

“Nah seriously though she puts in a lot of hard work and we wouldn’t be without you.” he said saluting her. The entire room erupted with applause for her. She blushed at the attention.

Spike hugged her knowing that what Matt said was true she had put a lot of hard work in.

The applause died away, but the usual chatter didn’t start. Spike looked around the room. Moving away from Lucy he nudged Buffy, aiming her gaze at the DJ box. Two vamps were stood there, Matt had been thrown to the floor.

“I like your attention please” one said eyeing the crowd up. “Can you all be quiet while we pick you off one by one.”

The whole crowd screamed. Running in all directions, but Spike wasn’t paying attention to the rest of the crowd. Lucy screamed and they both looked in her direction she was being held by what seemed to Buffy and him as a fledgling vampire.

The one that was talking before jumped off the stage and headed towards them. Buffy looked around the room. Dawn Willow and Giles were dusting vamps left and right, Dawn had even thrown Jo a stake and he was picking it up quick.

The leader was eyeing up Lucy. His long nails scraping down her face, his foul breath repulsing her. Spike pushed forward. “Oi let her go.” he yelled as he moved towards him.

They ignored him, spikes temper flared, his blood boiling. “Daniel I said let her go!”





For anyone who is interested the song is "It's been awhile" by Staind - fab band!

Chapter 7 - Old Faces New Problems

The vampire turned a wide grin spreading across his face. Spike growled holding Buffy back as she edged forward. “I said let her go Daniel!” his fists flexing.

“Spike?” Daniel smiled “Brother what are you doing in this hell hole?” he sniffed the air around Spike. “You’ve changed, I smell blood flowing.”

“I ain’t your brother and the rest ain’t none of your business.” He stepped forward squaring up to him.

He looked around eyeing up Spike’s company. Buffy hung behind him, the others closing in. “Ah slayer! Dru told me you were hanging out with the good guys”

“Lets not bring Dru into Daniel! Just let her go, “

“Now why would I want to do a thing like that? I mean I need her, I’m going to be the master vampire now!” he snarled “I’m going to eat when the time is right, and I’m going to walk in the sun and the humans will be mine!” An insane twinkle in his eye.

“She did a number on you didn’t she.”

“He’s one of Dru’s?” Buffy whispered stepping up.

“Yes Dru was my sire, but I think Angelus had more to do with my success”

“Angel?” she muttered.

Daniel stirred, he could tell they were stalling him. He turned on Lucy, closing in on the frightened blonde. He snarled at his henchmen to let go. Lucy could feel the hot tears beginning to well in her eyes. Thoughts of Luke running through her head, she couldn’t leave him, not now. Angry running through her veins she fought back the tears and turned her look on Daniel. She glared as he came closer his fangs bared, she could see Spike and Buffy shifting in the corner, her uncle dieing to break free from the vampires that were surrounding them. Daniel grabbed her shoulders and whispered in her ear. “I’m not going to eat you yet, I’m going to take you with me, make sure you are safe for when its time, make sure your little friends can’t do anything to you” he smirked, licking his lips.

Lucy just looked at him, her blood boiling, and with one swift kick her knee landing in his groin, knocking him backwards and to the floor. Spike and Buffy took this as there cue to begin their own fight back. Vampire dust was flying as Giles and Dawn fought there way to Lucy as she fell to the floor.

The fight parted the survivors escaped, they scoured the room for Daniel, but he had managed to escape in the rush. Giles put his hand on Lucy’s shoulder trying to help her up, she shrugged him away. “Just take me home” she stammered not looking at anyone. She got herself to her feet and walk to the door.

“Friend of yours was he?” Buffy asked trying not to sound surprised by the night.
“Kinda yeah, can I explain when we get home?” she nodded.

The drive home was quiet each wondering what Lucy was thinking. The cab driver tried to get a conversation, but all he managed was a grunt from Giles.

As they entered the house, Lucy by passed the stairs and went into the garage via the kitchen. They all watched as she went. “She’s not right!” Dawn observed “You think its hit her harder than we thought?”

Giles went to follow but Kelly pulled him back. “Just leave her for now Rupert, she needs it”

He cleaned his glasses and went to turn the kettle on, “Tea anyone?” they all nodded. Spikes temper flared and he stormed out of the kitchen slamming the door behind him. Buffy followed leaving the rest in the kitchen.

She found him at the end of the garden, the tree was bearing the brunt of his frustration. She stepped up behind him and placed her hand on his shoulder calming his anger. Buffy turned him looking dead in his eyes. “Right its explainy time.”

“Daniel was Dru’s plaything, at one point she thought we needed a child, so she made Daniel. The only problem was Dru got bored of him and Angelus took over and hence we have Daniel. A blood thirsty, torturing git, hell bent on ruining the world, its got Angelus’s scent all over it.” he hit the tree again. “If I had just staked when I had the chance Luke and Lucy would be safe now and we could just get on with being us.”

Buffy smiled and stroked his cheek. “That was a long time ago and its not your fault. You are a different person now, literally, we are gonna fix this and Daniel is gonna be dust.” she smiled and pulled him down for a kiss.

He smiled and pulled her closer, feeling his frustration seep away, his hands began wandering, exploring her back…….BANG! They broke away and looked towards the garage. Their faces both said the same, Lucy!

They ran to the house and found Giles trying to break down the garage door. Music was blasting through the walls, things breaking and shattering. Spike pushed him aside and kicked it open. Lucy was hitting the wall, he anger pouring into the concrete. Holes had formed and her hands were bleeding, but yet she kept pounding at it. Spike grabbed her spinning her round, stopping her from doing anymore damage to her self. Her assault continued on his chest each punch causing pain to them both. The others stood at the door watching as Lucy let her anger loose on Spike. Lucy fell to her knees tears covering her face, Spike went with her holding her till her sobs came under control.

“Why me? Why know?” she sobbed.

“Shush it’ll be fine. We’ll fix this.” he stroked her hair.

Giles observed from the door. He couldn’t believe how close the two were, how much like brother and sister really were. He gingerly walked over to them putting his arm around his niece. Spike got up leaving the two, and the garage. Buffy followed, she could see the pain written across his face. He leant against the sink staring out into the night.

“We need to call Angel.”

“OK, dare I ask why?” she knew he wouldn’t suggest his ex sires help unless he thought it was necessary.

“He started all this. He needs to help fix it. Maybe he can get rid of Daniel for us.” he sighed turning to look at his girl.

“I’ll call him in the morning, I think we might get somewhere if its me who talks to him.” she put her head against his chest Spike winced. “She hurt you?”

“Just a little, that girl has got some punch.” he rubbed his ribs.

“Might have something to do with the prophecy. You know super strength and all.”

“Yeah maybe” he bent down and kissed her softly at first, then the intensity of the night took over them.
He twirled his fingers into her hair, pulling her closer. Both their hands explore each other, tongues fighting each other. Emoticon was taking over, they had to have each other and soon.

The passion was interrupted by a cough by the door. The pair separated to see Dawn and Willow stood in the doorway smiling.

“Sorry to interrupt. We just wondered what the plan was.” Dawn said with a smile.

“Yeah we will let you two carry on with the smooches in just a moment we promise. “ Willow grinned.

“I’m gonna call Angel.”

“Yeah the big poof started this mess he bloody well help fix it.” Spike said anger flaring in his eyes.

“Sounds like an idea but does he have to come here.” Dawn asked, her loathing for Angel almost matched Spike’s.

“He does sweetie, we need fire power by the looks of it and he has it.” Buffy answered taking Spike’s hand.

“She’s right bit, we do actually need him this time.”

“Ok then, I’m gonna make a sleeping draft for Lucy, she’s terrified Buffy, she cant imagine leaving that little boy behind.” Willow said pain in her eyes.

“I know she is Will.”

“She’s not as strong as she looks, she just hides stuff…” he was cut short by Giles followed by Lucy looking at the floor.

“I’m sorry everyone.” she smiled weakly “ I didn’t hurt you did I?” she looked at him holding his ribs.

“Its nothing love honest, go get on the couch and just relax, we are hopefully gonna have reinforcements on the way.” Spike said standing straight through the pain.

She smiled at him and went to the front room with Giles, Buffy peered through the arch, Lucy had curled up next to Giles. Buffy thought just how much like father and daughter they really looked.

“We need to help her, I cant let Giles loose her again. We’ve all she’s got.” she whispered as Spike came up behind her.

“We will baby girl we will.” he kissed the top of her head and wrapped his arms tightly around her.

Chapter 8 - Lets begin

Buffy rolled over and looked at the clock. 5am. She rolled the other and could see spikes chest heaving with sleep. Sleep how could he sleep, after everything that had happened. She pulled herself from the bed and went downstairs. There was no point just laying there sleep wasn’t visiting her that night.

She wandered downstairs, the living room was empty but the kitchen light was still on and the door open. She looked out the opening and saw Lucy sat under the tree a bottle in her hand staring out into the night. Buffy grabbed the phone and strolled out to join her.

“What ya doin?” she asked sitting next to Lucy, pulling her top and little closer keeping the night air out.

“Contemplating my future, you?” she took a swig from the bottle.

“Couldn’t sleep. Was gonna call Angel. He should be up.”

“And what exactly does he have to do with it?”

“Long story, but ok Angel is a vampire” the look on Lucy’s face said it all. “But he’s one of the good guys. He has a sole. He sired Drusilla who sired Spike, when he was human the first time and Drusilla sired this Daniel who wants you to complete this prophecy. “ Buffy took a breath and was surprised to see Lucy understood it all.

“OK so we have Angel to blame for all of this, and we know him how. Coz I have a feeling that Spike didn’t introduce you both.”

“We erm kinda dated for a while. His sole kinda has a happiness clause and he kinda lost his sole one night.” Buffy blushed.

“You two got it on and he want back to being a typical vampire. I somewhere close there?”

“Yeah spot on there. He and Spike don’t exactly like each other.”

“I guessed that.”

That sat in silence for a while. Buffy picked at the grass as Lucy lit her cigarette, examining the scabs that had formed on her knuckles. They were healing quickly, it had always seemed weird to her how fast she healed, could this have anything to do with her being blessed. Buffy watched Lucy having some idea how she was feeling. She remembered how scared she was when she met her first vamp.

“Can you train me” Lucy asked looking at the ground. “I already figured I’m stronger than most and I wont hold u back from fighting this thing, but I’m scared and I don’t want to sit back and let this thing just take me.” she picked at the scabs embarrassed that she had admitted how scared she really was.

“Of course I will, why don’t you come on patrol with me and Spike, see what its really like out there, I think you can handle it.” Buffy said taking the bottle of vodka out of her reach. “I think she uber strength thing is part of the blessed thing though, but you may as well fight this thing with us.” she smiled catching Lucy’s eye, she smiled back.

“Want me to hold your hand while you call this Angel bloke?” she asked “You back up so he cant have his wicked way with you.”

Buffy laughed, “me and Angel are so over, though Spike needs reminding of that sometimes, cant actually believe he suggested calling him. Hope you are ready for fireworks.”

“I can handle him, teddy bear really, just understand you hurt him and I will kill you. He’s been like my big brother these few months and I don’t want to see him hurt again.”

“I wont hurt him, and yeah can you stick around while I call Angel, really don’t want to have the ’Spike is wrong for me’ conversation right now with him.”

Lucy smiled as Buffy dialled the number. She drummed her nails on the phone as the tone rang in her ear. “He cant be out he… oh hi Angel its me….. No, no, no, I’m ok but we might need your help though. Seriously it ain’t me, its Daniel.” the phone went quiet, Lucy gave Buffy a puzzled look. “You still there? Well just get here we need your help right now…. Ok I will see you tonight, bye.” Buffy hung up looking relieved. “Well that went better than expected.”

“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” Lucy asked

“I don’t know, I really don’t know.”

The sun peeped over the clouds, the cold autumn air was blowing softly against the windows of the garage. Buffy and Lucy were training, using Spike’s punch and things that he had supposedly hidden in the dusty room. Buffy was impressed at how well she was picking up the techniques and moves of combat, all she needed now was experience in the field, actually fighting vampires that wanted to eat her, not just ones that were drawn on bits of cloth.

Spike wandered sleepily into the doorway, and watched as the two girls trained together, as impressed as Buffy was at how quick Lucy had picked things up. He coughed lightly, letting them know he was watching. The girls looked up Lucy embarrassed of the fact he had seen her training like this.

“Morning slayer, Lucy, what are you two doing down here?” he asked kissing the top of his girls head.
“Lucy wanted to train, so were training.” she said holding him tight.

“Yeah new day, new me!” she said with a smile. “No more feeling sorry for myself, decided I had to do something about this.”

“OK” he said letting go of Buffy, “show me what you got” he stood, his old fighting stance coming back to him.

“Your serious? You actually want me to attack you?” she said, nervous of the what he wanted of her.

“Yeah I do, I know you got a damn good right hook missy, now lets see what the slayer has taught you!”

He zeroed in on her, the pair circling each other. Lucy was petrified, she had never had to spar with anybody, any fights she had been in over her young life had been alcohol infused with no thought to planning. Buffy stood back smiling, knowing Spike wouldn’t hold, and Lucy wasn’t about to let him get the better of her anytime soon.

Spike leapt forward nearly catching Lucy unawares, but she got to him first, planting her fist on his jaw, knocking him to the floor. He sat looking at her with a smirk as he rubbed his jaw, Buffy was trying to stifle her giggles. He got to his feet again, leapt at her, Lucy flew into the air, her leg flying round, knocking off the floor and six feet backwards. Spike just lay there, dazed. Lucy ran over to him, shocked at what she had done. Her and Buffy bent over him, Lucy wiping the blood from his nose, coxing him to get up.

Spike without warning flicked her back, landing her on her back and pinned her, grinning down at her as she recovered her breath. “That was cheap blonde one!” she said trying to regain her breath.

“Cheap but necessary sweetie,” he got off her pulling her to her feet. “Don’t let your guard down till you see the dust fly. Other whys you will be the one in a grave.” she punched his arm, laughing at him.

“I get it, I get it jees, remind me not to be nice to you again for a while ok.” she rubbed her head.

“Did I hurt you?” he asked slightly concerned.

“Now he’s concerned” she laughed “Its nothing I wont recover from.” she looked at Buffy in the corner her face still red from laughter, he eyes and wanting as she watched her mate. “Now go take your bird up stairs and spend some time with her, and leave me in peace for five minutes, or I will beat your ass again, you know I can.” she smirked at him.

Spike turned to see Buffy watching him, walking forward, snaking her arms around his waist. “You heard the girl” she said kissing his shoulder blades.

She lead him towards the door, but Lucy held him back and kissed him on the cheek. “thank you.” was all she said before shooing him out of her space.

The couple ran upstairs slamming the door behind them. They could hear muffled yells from Kelly, something about a hangover, but they ignored her, they hadn’t spent much time together recently, all the crap that went on others seemed to need them more.

Spike pinned Buffy up against the door. Kissing her passionately, his hands roaming over the sweats and t-shirt she was wearing. Buffy held on to the nape of his neck, their tongues fighting for space within each others mouths. They couldn’t get their clothes off quick enough, the raw passion was there and it need to fulfilled. Once the offending articles were off, Spike lifted her on to his length, no foreplay today, it wasn’t needed, days of going without was all that was needed. Her back against the door she let out a cry of relief, she had missed his cock being in her, the feeling of completion. They began moving together, the friction building. Spike snaked his hand between them and flicked her sensitive nub, causing more moans, Buffy’s mouth exploring his neck. They looked at each other as they came, everything poured out, all the emotion of the last few days expelled. Spike fell back onto the bed, tracing lazy circles on her back.

“I love you Buffy, you know that right?” he asked his eyes slowly closing.

“I love you too baby.” she held him tight, not wanting to loose his body from her.

“Good” he went quiet for a second thoughts running round his head. “I’m gonna marry you when this is all over, we are gonna be a proper family you, me, Dawn and what ever sprogs we decided to have.” he was quiet again, waiting for her response,

“You mean it?” she said looking up, examining his eyes for any ounce of a lie “You wanna spend the rest of you life with me?”

“Yes, if you’ll have me.” he said smiling at her.

“Yes, yes, yes!” she cried kissing his face. “I want you forever now, always and forever.”

They kissed, snuggling up to one another. Holding each other tight they went to sleep happy, content and happy, thoughts of the fight ahead dispelled.

Mid afternoon Spike was downstairs playing with Luke, he had left Buffy sleeping up stairs. A knock came to the door. Lucy came bouncing out of the garage, she had been training all day, wanting to be ready for what ever will thrown at her. “I’ll get it shall I?” she said with a half smile at the boys playing on the floor.

She pulled the door open and her smile dropped as a tall dark man with a blanket on his head stood there, giving the sun the evil eye. “hey is Buffy here?”

He didn’t have time to answer before Spike pulled the door further open and grinned at Angel. “Peaches.” he smirked. “I see she called you then.”

“Why do you think I’m here Spike.” he spat out. “But I don’t get why you are though, where’s Buffy?”

“I’m here” she said sleepily as she wandered down the stairs. “Can you invite him please Lucy.”

“Come in” Lucy said, she wasn’t liking this bloke one bit so far.

Buffy wound her hands round Spike’s waist as he planted a kiss on his head. Angels jaw dropped, he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

“You and him, no Buffy come its Spike, have you lost your mind, he’s going to break your heart!”

Chapter 9 - Tension in the ranks

I’m gonna break her heart, what the hell do you think you did you great poof!” Spike said squaring up to him.

“I love Buffy, its just not gonna work right now that’s all.” Angel said spitting out the words.

“What about wolf girl in LA, she blown you off or is she just a stepping stone till you get something better?” he smirked knowing he was touching a raw nerve with his sire.

“You know nothing about it Spike, at least I know what love is, unlike you who will shag anything going.”

“Hey I was the one who had a hundred year relationship, I didn’t see you and Darla lasting that long mate.”

“At least I’m honest with Buffy, unlike you! You mentioned your little thing with Harmony when you became whole again?” Angel smirked seeing the look on Buffy’s face.

Lucy had enough, listening to the two act worse than her son. She looked at Buffy, she was hurt, she had no idea who this Harmony bird was, but she knew Angel had no idea blurting it out.

“ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Lucy screamed stopping the pair in their tracks. Spike and Angel both looked at her, anger seeping from her. Luke ran over and grabbed her leg, scared by the raised voices. “ENOUGH! Ok enough, for crying out loud are you both 12?”
“You slept with harmony?” Buffy asked quietly looking at Spike, tears in her eyes.

“Baby girl it wasn’t like that, and I never actually slept with her, she got possessed and tried to kill me!” he moved forward trying to take her hand but she pulled it away.

“She only wants me Spike anyway, I’m in her future she told me so.” angle smirked glad the couple were fighting.

“And you” Lucy spat “Can shut the hell up.” Angel tried to speak again but Lucy’s glare stopped him dead.

Spike stopped and looked at Buffy. Running the information over in his head. ‘She wants him’. He was hurt, Buffy couldn’t speak she didn’t know what to do, still be mad at him over Harmony, or try and explain that night to him. Luke jumped into his mothers arms, try to get Spike’s attention. Spike shrugged him off, Lucy shushed him knowing it wasn’t the time to explain to a two year about grown up relationships.

“It was night wasn’t it, when you killed Kaylum. I could smell him all over you, you lied to me, told me it was nothing.” the hurt could be heard in his voice.

“No, no, it wasn’t like that. I was scared, confused, for god sake Spike I thought I was gonna die.” she wept trying to get his eye contact back, try and reassure him that she was telling the truth now.

“Well I did die love, burning up, hell bound the lot, and I did it for you.” she went to hold him but he stepped away.” Don’t touch me, just leave me alone.!”

He stormed off, knocking Giles as he came in to find out what all the noise was. Watching him go and seeing Angel had arrived he added everything up, things were never going to be simple between these no matter how much time was between them. He walked over and took his nephew from Lucy. “Angel making your presence known as usual I see.” he saw Buffy crying on the stairs and looked at Lucy for help before he looked back. “Buffy what’s wrong?” she just shook her head and ran up the stairs.

“Why couldn’t you just keep your mouth shut Angel, I love him, you hear me love him, and he is who I am gonna grow old with, not you him! At least I was till you came here. I shouldn’t have called you, I should have told Spike we didn’t need you!” and with that she slammed the bedroom door.

“Buffy..” Angel called after her but gave up. It was too late the damage was done.

Dawn came into the house followed by Willow, shopping bags between them. “We’ve got the groceries Lucy where do you…… oh hi Angel” Dawn said her eyes frosting over. “where’s Buffy and Spike?” she said looking at the hurt faces of her friends.

“What happened?” Willow asked knowing something was wrong.

“Err will explain later right now we’ve damage control to do, why don’t you take Luke to the park or something he doesn’t need to hear this.” she asked smiling at Dawn.

“But if Buffy’s hurt shouldn’t I..” Dawn asked feeling pushed out.

“I think right now Buffy just need to cry it out Dawn. It was more a Spike thing I was thinking about.” Lucy smiled at Dawn.

“I think she’s right Dawnie just give her some space.” Willow added before Dawn could protest. She picked up the little boy and took him to the kitchen to get him ready to go.

Dawn turned on Angel. “Why do you always hurt her” she asked before joining Willow.

Lucy left to find Spike leaving Giles and Angel alone. Giles glare was worse than Lucy’s. He was disgusted with Angel, he had always thought of him as an allie, but now he was wondering.

“You had no right Angel, absolutely no right”

“Hang on a minute you are in the Spike fan club now?” he asked shocked.

“That fiery young thing is my niece Angel. Spike has taken care of her for the last few months. That’s who Daniel wants, and for that I am part of the Spike fan club as you put it. He’s turned into a good man Angel, we can all see it, even if you are too blinded by your own self pity and hatred to notice. She’s happy with him, just leave them be.” Giles cleaned his glasses leaving Angel gob smacked by the door.

How could he be so stupid, the one person he truly loved and he broke her heart again.

Lucy found Spike in the garage, whacking seven shades out of the punch bag. He was hurt, angry, and totally in love with that girl. She also knew him too well, talking sense into this bloke was not going to easy.

“I hope that’s Angel we are beating seven shades of shit out of!” she smiled as she stood behind the bag holding it for him.

“Yeah well, wasn’t going to pummel him in front of the nipper now was I.” Spike whacked it again nearly sending Lucy off with it but she stood her ground. “Who the hell does the pounce think he is anyway.”

“Some one who thinks she belongs to him.” she knew she was scarping raw nerves here but it was necessary to get him to see sense.

“Well that bloody well ain’t true. She wants me I know she does she said she would marry me for gods sake.”

“Ok news flash here, but I will quiz you on that later” Spike smiled at her “she loves you, I don’t think there is anyone else not even him. You didn’t see how hurt she was on that first night here when she thought me and you were an item. Laughable idea I know as you would totally drive me insane if we were a couple, but she was jealous and hurt.”

“But why the hell did she say it to him then? Then came and slept in my bed.”

“You hit the nail on the head Barbie! I don’t know what went on over there and to be honest for my own sanity I don’t want to, but she came to you, not him you! She sent him away and came to you to comfort her. That should be all you need to know. She was scared and more than likely covering bases, if you think your gonna die you try and tidy up loose ends.” she smiled at him.

“Still hurts like hell.” he said though some bandages at Lucy. “Come on gear up I need a sparing partner.”

“Oh great I get beaten coz your pissed at hair gel boy.” she laughed wrapping her hands. “and its supposed to hurt, that’s what love does to you. It makes you crazy, pulls your heart out..” she threw a punch at his chest, dodging one he had sent her way, “But you wouldn’t be without it. Trust what she’s telling you boy!”

“Your right,” he said the battle still commencing both keeping blows low and connecting. “You know why I took you on?” he asked.

“Funny way of putting it, but no. I just assumed Kelly had threatened your life, she’s scary when she wants to be.” she laughed giving as good as she got.

“No, it was when she showed me your picture. You look like my sister.” he went quiet concentrating on the moves he was administering. “You look just like her. She could always talk sense into me no matter what. I was a whelp when I was alive the first time, but she always kept me going, never let me give in.”

“Do you regret being turned?” she asked.

“In a way yes, coz the stuff I’ve done would make your hair curl, but if I hadn’t then I wouldn’t have met Buffy, I wouldn’t be complete.”

Lucy stopped and took a step back. Sweat dripping down her face, she just smiled at him. It was the smile she always gave him to tell him I told you so.

“Go sort it out.” she said. They hugged before he left her alone with her self satisfied gloat.

Spike walked back into the house, noticing that the living room seemed too quiet. ‘Where the hell has the great poof gone.’ He wandered up to his room. Running over in his head how he was going to apologise to Buffy. He hated seeing her cry, why couldn’t he just listen. He got to his door and pushed it open slowly and stopped. Angel was sat on the bed with Buffy, his arm around her shoulders as she cried. His blood boiled, how could she do that to him. Why take solace in his arms if there was nothing there, why not go to Giles, or Kelly even, he was sure she was still lurking around after the night before. He pulled the door to again and walked back down the stairs, his heart in his throat and out of the house. He needed to get out for a while, just drive somewhere and clear his head.

The night draw in and Lucy was looking around her house for Spike. She hadn’t heard him go out. It was a big house but she had been there long enough to know all the hiding spots, so where the hell could he be. She had put Angel in the attack, thinking it was the best place for him with the lack of windows, though at the moment the thought of him frying was very appealing to her. She had spoken to Buffy who hadn’t seen him since the fight, had he just bottled out of making up with her or was there something else?

She put Luke to bed, and was now sat in her room getting herself ready. Tonight was the first night she was meant to be going to patrol with Buffy, and Spike if he ever showed up again. She pulled her hair into a pony tail, looking at the photo of her husband on her dresser. She picked it up running her fingers over the image, smiling.

“My turn to fight the bad guys baby.” she said before kissing him.

Giles knocked on her door. Beckoning him, he sat on the bed and smiled at her. It still seemed like only yesterday she was finding him in the middle of the night to scare away the monster from under her bed.

“You don’t have to do this you know. Buffy, Spike and Angel can handle the patrols, you can just stay here with us.”

“What Angel’s coming too? Ok never mind and yes I do have to do it, I’m not gonna just sit here and let this Daniel bloke just walk all over me, I’m gonna fight back.” she looked at her feet, feeling slightly shy at how she had stood up to her uncle. “You never did.” she smiled.
Giles got up and hugged her knowing where she was coming from. He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a box and handed it to her.

“It was your nana’s, my dad bought it for her when he first met her, protect her.”

She opened the box and pulled out an antique silver cross, slightly tarnished from the years but still beautiful. “Uncle Rupert thank you” she hugged him before he fastened the clasp for her.

“Just promise me that you will wear it forever.” she nodded before smiling at him and pulling him downstairs.

“You set?” Buffy asked standing at the bottom of the stairs, still upset from earlier.

“Yeah sure just let me grab my coat.” she grabbed it watching Angel with disgust as he skulked to the door.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Yeah, but where’s Spike, he said he would come with me.” she looked hurt, he had never let her down before, so where the hell was he.

Just then Spike tore through the door, nearly knocking Angel over. Panting for breath, he grabbed Lucy and hugged her.

“Ok nice greeting there but where the hell have you been?” Lucy asked pushing him off her.

“Yeah well I had some thinking to do.” he said glaring at Angel. “You ready to go?”

“Yes, yes for crying out load yes! If one more person asks me that then I will kill the lot of you.” she said leading the way out of the door.


Later the group were wandering through a graveyard. The night had been relatively uneventful, a couple of newbie’s coming up, which Buffy gave to Lucy. She was good, scarily good actually, there was more to her then they had imagined. No body had really spoken, little bits of politeness here and there but no real conversation. Buffy at one point had tried to take Spike’s hand, but he had pulled it away, switching sides so he was with Lucy.

As they were heading home, the air seem to shift. A group of vamps came out of the shadows, not noticing the hunting party that was in front of them. Buffy coughed and waved at them. They turned and ran.

“Stay with Angel, these guys aren’t for beginners.” she said running after them, Spike fast on her heal.

Lucy had no idea what to say to Angel, she could tell he was desperate to join the party. Lucy opened her mouth to begin talking when they heard Spike call for Buffy to get down, then a load bang. Angel ran off leaving Lucy alone in the night.

“Right, I’m alone in the middle of a grave yard, with loads of nasties crawling about, and nobody to help.” she said looking around her, before deciding to follow.

She caught up with them, seeing dust fly, and the group work, she stood on the sidelines. She knew he limits, and fledglings yes she could handle but fully loaded vamps she thought not. Then something grabbed her. She threw her elbow back meeting his nose, knocking the vamp backwards. She fought back screaming for Spike or Buffy to help her. He was too strong for her, she would loose unless she could get away soon.

Buffy turned to see Lucy, she was loosing Buffy tried to fight her way over, something was telling her this wasn’t a coincidence. Lucy resulted to her last means of defence. She gouged her hands out, ripping at his eyes. The vamp pushed her back, hitting her head on one of the near by stones, she was out cold. Buffy ran over, as Spike and Angel dusted the last of the vamps.

Spike saw Buffy sitting by Lucy’s still body, his heart fell, and his glare turned on Angel.

“You fucking left her alone you bastard. If shes hurt, your gonna get a suntan.” he ran off before Angel could answer.

He crouched next to Lucy, pulling her up onto his lap.

“I think she’s ok” Buffy said quietly putting her hand over his. “Just think shes out cold.”

Spikes heart melted slightly. He looked at her and smiled, then noticed her arm. “Your bleeding.”

She looked at the cut and shrugged it off. “Its just a scratch, I’ve had worse.”

“We get her home. “ he said lifting Lucy into his arms. “Get in the car peaches.”

“Spike I never..” Angel began.

“Save it, I don’t have the steam right now.”

Chapter 10 - A Problem Shared

Spike ran in the house, Lucy draped in his arms. Laying her on the couch and letting a confused Giles through, he turned on Angel.

“What the fuck do you think you were doing you great poof. We told you to stay with her, if she doesn’t come round, god help you.” His blood was pumping heart racing. “What is it with you taking everything that I love eh? First Aimee, then Buffy, now Lucy, what is the bog problem with me actually being happy?” Angel was gob smacked, words escaped him.

“I’m sorry,” Spike went back over to Lucy, Giles was looking right at him, hurt in his eyes, “Giles I’m sorry I never meant to for this to happen.” Angel could see he wasn’t getting anywhere. He left, the door lightly banging behind him.

“You think she needs to go to the hospital?” Spike asked stroking the hair behind her ear.

“Probably would be a good idea, I’ll get my keys.” Giles stood but was stopped by Lucy’s hand on his arm.

“You bloody dare, I ain’t going to no fucking hospital, I’ll live.” she sat up groggily, rubbing the back of her head.

“You sure your ok?” Spike asked helping her up.

“I’ll live I told you that, I’m tougher than I look.” she smiled. “We get the bad guys?”

“Yeah we got em.” Buffy said coming closer, Spike’s words were still ringing in her ears. “You had us worried there.” she avoided Spike’s looks.

“Where did captain hair gel go? I need to thank him for getting me knocked out.”

“He left there was a few words said.” Buffy said lowering her head.

“Yes well, we can fill you in tomorrow right now I think you should go to bed.” Lucy tried to argue with her uncle. “Don’t argue with me young lady, it didn’t work when you were little and it certainly isn’t going to work now.” he helped his niece up as she saluted him. Waving goodnight he walked her upstairs.

Spike looked at Buffy with sadness in his eyes, before following Lucy up the stairs leaving Buffy alone. Her sister and Willow must have been in bed, looking at her watch she realised just how late it was. She was afraid to go up stairs and join her lover, she didn’t want to hurt him again. Why did he think Angel had taken her from him? She took a deep breath and followed, figuring it would be better to sort this out now rather than later.

She pushed the door open and saw Spike sat on the bed a tin box on his lap, tears seeping down his face. She sat next to him wondering how to start this conversation.

“Whose Aimee?” she asked looking at the floor.

“My sister, Angel killed her before I was turned. That’s why I was out the night I met Dru. I wanted revenge.” he said handing her the picture he was looking at.
“This her?” he nodded. “God she is the double of Lucy. This way she means so much to you?”

“Yeah, figure I could at least save Lucy, even if I couldn’t help Aimee.” he wiped the tears with the back of his hand. “I saw you with Angel before.”

“When?”

“Earlier, just after our fight. I went to blow off steam, Lucy found me knocked some sense into me so I came to find you. You were sat in here hugging.” the last words were hard to choke out.

“He was apologising. Wanted to tell me he was gonna leave the two of us alone.”

“You sure, he was pretty sure that you wanted him not me.” he still couldn’t look at her.

“I don’t want him, I want you, I love you Spike, with everything I have. He hasn’t taken me from you, didn’t even come close.” she grabbed his hand squeezing it tight.

“I love you too, he just seems to mess everything I have up, and I thought he had done it again.” he looked her dead in the eye this time, the tears still making the dazzling blue shine. “I meant what I said before Buffy, I want to marry you, grow old with you.”

“I want that too, just promise one thing?”

“What’s that?”

“No more secrets.” she smiled at him.

“I can do that.” he said pulling her close, kissing her. Their emotions pouring into one another.

He fell back taking her with him. Holding her tight as their mouths explored each other. He rolled over pinning her to the bed. His hands stroking every inch of her. Lifting her top off, he fondled her breasts, caressing each one, listening with a smile at each moan he managed to create from her. His hands crept down to her jeans, his fingers expertly popping the button open, slipping inside and flicking her clit.

Buffy began to move with each flick, her want growing with every movement. She decided that he was wearing to many clothes, and began fighting his t shirt off his back. Their hands explored each other, pulling pants off, laying naked with each other.

Spike positioned his self at her entrance, breaking the kiss he stared into her emerald eyes. “I love you Buffy Summers, we are gonna spend the rest of our lives together.” she pulled him down for a kiss, Spike sliding him self in, Buffy meeting him, riding the pleasure he was causing.

They moved together, their eyes locked. Spike’s hand snaked between finding her sensitive nub, rubbing it with every move. The pace quickened, both needing release, then almost with out warning it hit her. She screamed, pumping him bringing him with her. The ecstasy was bliss.

They held onto each other, snuggling up under the duvet. Spike stroked her hair as she started to drift off.

“I love you.” he said kissing the top of her head.

“I love you too” she held him tighter. “No more fighting ok, I don’t like not talking to you.”

“Yeah no more fighting love.”

“Leave Angel ok, I don’t think we need more aggravation, Lucy’s ok and we really need to concentrate on fighting Daniel, he seems to have been forgotten over the last few days.”

“I cant promise you that pet, but I will try, and Daniel will get what he deserves. That I can promise you.”

“We’ll win ok, he won’t take Lucy from you.”

“I know love I know. Now get some sleep, we got work to do tomorrow.”

He kissed her one more time before the exhaustion took them, and sleep hit.

Chapter 11 - Shopping trips

The November arrived and went, the research was becoming manic but still not getting anywhere. What ever book Giles found he threw away again in a matter of hours. Willow and Dawn had gone back to London to run the slayer school, as news of bedlam was seeping down to Giles, who was in two minds where he should be. Everything else had run like normal, work, school, life in general.

One freezing sunny afternoon Spike pulled his car out side the car park of Lucy’s work. He knew she was on half day today and was hoping he could borrow a female point of view for a few hours. Stepping out of the car he leaned against the cold paint work, watching the other half day employees wander out of the security gate.

He didn’t see Lucy sneak up behind him and tap him on the shoulder. “Watcha doing?” she asked her best baby voice. He friend was stood with her, her eyes taking him in, Lucy saw her obvious attraction and broke the spell, by kicking her in the shin.

“And who is this lovely person Lucy?” she asked still eyeing him up.

Spike was about to answer when Lucy cut him off. “This is my brother May.” she smiled at him, “His names William also known as Spike, and he’s very, very taken so back off.”

“That’s right love sorry.”

May looked a bit upset, but hugged her friend good bye and Lucy turned back to Spike. “So I’m your brother am I?”

“Well what would you like me to tell people? That you’re an ex vampire, demon fighting superhero, whose here with my uncle among others to save me from some Daniel creep?” she asked, hands on her hips. Spike was a little gob smacked. “Thought not, now what do you want?”

“I need your help.”

“What with? Has uncle Giles found something?” a bit of fear was creeping into her voice.

“No nothing like that, its err Buffy. I want to get her a ring.” he looked a little shy. “Christmas is coming up, and she already kinda said yes, I just wanted to make it official. I am useless at stuff like this so I thought you might have some idea.”

“Your gonna propose?” Lucy gushed. “About bloody time to. So come on batman get in the car, I have shopping to do, and its so much more fun when I’m spending someone else’s money.” she grinned getting into the car.

“Thank you.” he said starting the engine.

They had walked around every jewellery store going, the town centre was crowded with shoppers and it was beginning to become a battle just to get where they wanted to go. Lucy could find nothing that was right, Spike pointed a few out, but she just dismissed them, mumbling something about he was a bloke and knew nothing.

Lucy dragged him down some back alley, it was a total sass pit but she insisted that there was something there that they might want. She pulled him into a dingy little antiques shop. It stank of damp and moth balls, but Lucy was fascinated with a display of jewellery.

“That one there!” she said with girly excitement.

“Which one?”

“That one there. Its gorgeous, simple, diamonds, its got to have diamonds.”

“Its late 18th centaury.” a dusty old voice said from his chair.
“Its beautiful Spike, she’ll love it, I promise.”

“You sure pet, I want it right.”

“Would your baby sister lie to you?” she asked her best puppy dog impression being given.

“Ok then we’ll take it.”

Ten minutes later they were back in the car. The box safely in Spike’s pocket. “you sure she’ll like it?”

“She’ll love it, trust me ok. So how are you gonna give it to her?”

“I thought Christmas morning.”

“No, no, no! You want something original. Every bloke in the world comes up with that idea, for crying out loud Mike did it. Why not rent out a restaurant or something and have a party, really surprise her.”

“Yeah and how would that work?”

“You get all the guests to hide, pop the question by candle light and music and then we all jump out and congratulate you when she says yes.” she grinned.

“You thought a lot about this haven’t you.”

“I have time on my hands yes. So is that a yes?”

“Yeah its sounds like a good one, better than anything I could come up with. I am crap at romance.”

“You not that bad, just need a push in the right direction, turn right here.”

Spike did as he was told and pulled up out side a little Italian place, he had never really noticed before.
Lucy got out of the car and went in, hugging the owner. Spike was impressed, it was decorated like a little Italian café, low lighting, and to the back a dance floor.

“Romano I want you to meet Spike, we need to ask you a little favour.”

“And that would be?” the fat man asked.

“Can we have you restaurant for a night? Spike here’s getting engaged.”

“And here I was thinking it was like last times favour, which involved a lot of broken plates.” he laughed. “Not a problem though, just give me a time.”

“Thanks mate.” Spike said shaking his hand. “You don’t know how much this means to me.

After half an hour of finalising details they were home. Spike couldn’t help but smile to his self. It would finally be official, she would be his forever. Buffy came bounding up to him wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a kiss.

“Where have you two been?” she asked coming up for breath.

“Just thought I would take my baby sister out for a while?” he smirked over at Lucy.

“So we are related now are we?” Buffy asked

“Well as she pointed out this is simpler than the superhero explanation. Plus I like have a sister to look after.”

“I’m glad” Buffy said pulling him close.

Spike smirked to himself again. A few more days and his ring would be on her finger, and eternal bliss will follow.

Chapter 12 - Diamonds and Streamers

The day of Spike’s big plans rolled in and his stomach was churning as every second drew closer. He had been avoiding Buffy all day, as each time she saw him she asked where they were going that night, and he was doing everything bar shoving his own fist in his mouth to stop himself form telling her.

He stood in Lucy’s room, looking at the alien image in the mirror. He was wearing a suit. Something he hadn’t done in a long time. It wasn’t anything flashy, but it involved a tie, shirt and jacket, and he was fleeing very uncomfortable. Lucy batted his hand away as he rearranged his collar for the millionth time that evening.

“Will you just leave it!” Lucy said straitening his tie yet again.

“You sure I look ok, I mean it’s a suit, and I’m not a suit person.”

“Yes, you look good, handsome. Even if your roots need doing.” she laughed as she handed him the ring.

“Hey, not be on my to do list sorry.” he said taking the little box and putting it in his pocket.

“Right you have everything?”

“Yep got everything.” he said patting his pockets.

“Right then I will see you later.” she kissed him on the cheek, and left him alone.

He looked in the mirror, still feeling uncomfortable with the new him. Why he was so nervous he didn’t know, she had all ready said yes after all, just now it was going to more official, everyone would know and he wouldn’t be able to let her down. His heart sank. What if he let her down again? What if he wasn’t what she wanted. Shaking all delusions from his head, he stood up tall, patted the pocket with the ring and went down stairs to meet his girl.

Buffy was already waiting for him, mouth open as he descended the stairs. She had never seen him in a suit, and she liked it. Her own black evening dress sparkling in the light. She pulled him close and kissed him briefly before smiling up at him. “Very 007, I like it.” she finished it with a kiss.

Lucy pulled her jacket on grabbed her bag and headed towards the door.

“Err where are you going?” Buffy asked, not knowing she was also going out.

“I have a date!” Lucy stated mater of factley. Seeing the shocked look on Buffy’s face she smiled. “Well Jo’s home, he’s taking me out, and paying so for me that constitutes a date. Sarah’s upstairs with Luke already.” she smiled reassuringly at Spike, before leaving, calling behind “You kids have fun”

“Right you ready to go?” Spike asked shifting from one foot to another.

“Yeah, you?”

He didn’t answer just kissed her and pulled her out of the door.

A little while later they were walking through the town towards Romano’s. Spike held the door open as the little fat one took their coats. Buffy was impressed, the little place was empty, the décor was beautiful, and she had her man, what more could she ask for?

Spike smiled at her and figured now was a good a time as any. He held her hand and stared into her green eyes. He loved those eyes, he loved everything about her, and she was going to be with him forever. It brought a smile to his face just thinking about it.

“I wanna ask you something pet.” Buffy looked nervous. He got down on one knee and took out the ring. “Me and you, we’ve been to hell and back, quite literally, and every step of the way I have loved you. With and without the soul. You’re an amazing woman Buffy Ann Summers, I would be honoured if you would spend the rest of your life with me.” he held his breath, tears were glistening in her eyes, a smile across her face.

She pulled him up and kissed him, her happiness melting into him. “Yes, of course its yes, how many times do I have to tell you that?” she giggled as he slipped the ring on her finger.

The doors opened and a cheer echoed around the room. Buffy jumped and Spike smiled, he had surprised his girl. A giant smile was on her face as she saw all her friends, old and new. As hugs were exchanged, Giles close to tears himself, Lucy hung back, not wanting to spoil Spike’s limelight. She wasn’t one for centre of attention, she was the organiser of parties, not the reason for them, and that’s how she liked it. Spike dragged Buffy over to Lucy, a huge grin plastered to his face. He hugged her tight, she had done this for him, and he couldn’t think of a way to thank her.

“Was this you?” Buffy asked, Lucy nodded a satisfied smile on her face. “Thank you” she gushed pulling Lucy in a tight hug.

“No problem, seriously go and enjoy your night.”

A tap came on Buffy’s shoulder, she turned and jumped all over her guest. “My god, how did you get here? Willow said you were in Africa Xander.”

“Like I would miss your big night, even if you are marrying captain peroxide.” Xander said hugging his high school friend. “Plus I hear there’s a big bad to fight, we work better as a team.” he let her go and nodded at Spike, “Spike” was all he said, the contempt not as cleat as usual in his voice.

“Whelp, good to see you.” Spike nodded back.

“And you must be Lucy, Willow and Dawn told me you were out damsel in distress.” he said shaking her hand.

“Not so much of the damsel thanks, but yeah that’s me.” she blushed slightly.

Xander pulled Buffy off for a drink, wanting to catch up. “So that’s Xander then?” Lucy asked Spike as he watched them leave. “I’m thinking you two aren’t best buds.”

“No, I slept with his ex bird, that and I was evil once you know.” he smirked.

“And I think we are gonna leave that conversation there.”
“Good idea love.”

The wine was flowing and everyone was enjoying them selves as the night began to wind to an end. The room was falling quiet, only a few guests remained, Lucy was twirling round the dance floor with Jo, the alcohol had clearly gone to her head.

“You wanna go love?” Spike asked stroking her hair as she lay her head on his shoulder.

“Yeah, would like that.” she said grabbing her bag.

They waved to the remainder of their guests and headed home

They got into bed, wrapping there arms around each other. Spike pulled her face to his, kissing her gently, exploring each other with their hands. Their bodies moving together. Buffy’s snaked down grabbing his cock and stroking it to its full height. He gasped as her hand held him, gently running her nails up its underside. Spike returned the favour by stroking her breasts, Buffy pressing herself closer in to his hand. The passion and the love was intense, it was the first day of the rest of their lives, and they were gonna start it with a bang.

He left her breasts and moved his hand down her body, stroking every inch of her belly on his way. He pinched her clit, her moans filling his ears as she moved against his hand. They whispered I love you’s as the passion intensified. Buffy still stroking his cock, directed him to her opening as she rolled them both, so she was riding him. He entered, slowly at first, the time killing her, she needed him there, completing her in every sense of the word. He filled her to the brim, Buffy rocking back and forth building the pressure in both of them. Spike held her hips, both their moans growing louder, as he guided her quickening the pace. It was becoming too much, both needed release now. Spike rubbed her clit, bringing her and himself over the edge, screaming each others name.

They both lay panting, entangled in each other. He drew circles in her back as her breathing came to normal. “I love you Buffy Summers.” he said kissing the top of her head.

“I love you to William.., hang on, what’s your surname? I need to know it if I going to have it soon.” she said looking into his blue eyes.

“Promise not to laugh?” he asked. She nodded biting her lip. “Caldwell, William Caldwell.”

Buffy turned it over in her head before smiling at him. “Buffy Caldwell, I like it, sounds very upper class.” she grinned at him. “I love you William Caldwell, with everything.”

Chapter 13 - Ghosts of the past

The house was unusually quite, as it various guests were nursing various stages of hangovers, even Spike was suffering slightly. Dawn and Willow, being the only ones who seemed to be ok decided to take Luke out and away from the grumpy occupants. Buffy sat on the couch snuggled up with Spike, the movie that was on was taking their minds off how awful they were really feeling. Xander was sat with a pillow over his head, blocking out what little light was coming in the room, Giles with his tea being very British about it all, and Lucy was itching for something to do.

“Lucy do you have any pain killers?” Xander asked rubbing his temples.

“Nope sorry, but you can help me clear out the spare room if you want?” she smiled at him.

“Huh, I’m dieing here and you want to clean?” he asked shocked.

“Best way to deal with a hangover is to keep busy, you don’t feel as bad.” she said getting up grabbing him on her way.

The two left, Xander under protest, Buffy, Spike and Giles laughing at the argument that followed.

“I think she has a crush.” Buffy giggled.

“WHAT!” both man shouted.
“Oh come on you haven’t noticed the little looks those two have been giving each other since they met?”

“No, not Lucy and the whelp, never.” Spike spluttered.

“Well I suppose it could be worse” Giles added cleaning his glasses.

Buffy just laughed at the pair of them, it was kinda sweet really. After all they had both had there loved ones taken from them.

“Urm,” Buffy asked “Where’s Angel? Haven’s seen him in a while?”

“Probably skulking in the attic as usual, haven’t seen much of him since that night he got Lucy hurt. Just goes out as soon as it’s dark.” Spike said idly.

Up in the back room Lucy and Xander were shifting boxes, the dust flying and making them both sneeze. She was right he was feeling better after all.

“Hey Lucy what’s in this one?” he asked pulling a large wooden trunk out of the corner.

“Not sure, probably something grandad left, it was his house once you know.”

She bent down and pulled the lid back. Age old dust and cobwebs flew up, stinging her eyes. When the air had cleared all that was in there was a book, a large leather bound book, old and rotting in the corners. She pulled it out, opening it carefully, then BANG! A large ball of energy escaped the pages knocking Lucy out and surrounding her, stopping anything from getting in.

“Lucy! Lucy!” Xander screamed at her before running to the door. “Some one help me!”

Lucy opened her eyes expecting to see Xander hovering over her, but she wasn’t in her house anymore. She was lead by an old fashioned fire place, the logs burning silently. She sat up dozily, rubbing her head where she hit it in the fall. She looked around the room, taking in the old décor, and tried to figure our where she was. A door bell rang, and she walked towards the front door. It was dark out, a maid pulled the door open, the rain outside flooding in. A man was stood at the door, holding a bundle of blankets.

“I have come to see Mrs Caldwell.” he said as the maid let him in, taking his coat from him.

Lucy’s jaw dropped, it was grandad, her grandad, but how. This wasn’t possible, this was Victorian England, possible earlier, and he was born in the 30’s, how could he be here, then again how come she was here. She turned and watched him go into a side room, and decided to follow. The bundle started crying, shushing it he unwrapped his parcel, rubbing its back, calming the baby from the cold. What was he doing here? With a baby? She turned as she saw him smile. There was a little boy, sat in the armchair under the window, book in hand, watching intently as the rain splashed on the window pain.

Lucy walked over, the child intriguing him. She walked straight up to him, but he didn’t flinch. She waved her hand in front of his face, still nothing. She was here to watch nothing more. Those eyes though, those boys eye. Startling blue, the hair was darker, and more curly, but there was no mistaking it though. “Spike?” she said as regal looking woman walked in the room nodding at her grandfather.

“Mr Giles, it’s so good to see you again, is this her, is this the baby?” the woman asked holding her hands out to the child.

“Yes this is her Mrs Caldwell, we named her Aimee, I hope you don’t mind?” he handed the baby girl over.

“I like it, very proper for such a young lady,” she said cooing at the new born.

“As I explained, she’s not safe with us, you have to raise her and love you as her own, of they find her, the world will not be safe.” the old man stood, wiping a tear from his cheek.

“Yes Mr Giles, I understand, I will love her as my own, a baby sister for my William to watch over.” she smiled at her eldest child.
“Can I just say a quick good bye?” he asked. Mrs Caldwell handed Aimee to him and he held her tight, tears falling freely now down his face. “I love you Aimee Daniels, I will tell Lucy about you when she’s older and can understand, I promise you that.” he whispered to the baby. He handed her back quickly brushing the tears from his face, nodding to Mrs Caldwell and left as quick as he came.

Lucy was crying also, that was her sister, her twin she thought, there was no other explanation for it. There was a baby that looked exactly as she did when she was a baby. The same white hair, dimples, and hazel eyes. What did grandad do? Why had he ripped her sister from her and left her in the past. She closed her eyes, wiping the salty water from them.

When she opened them she had moved forward in time. Aimee was now about ten years old, which meant Spike was about fifteen or so. Aimee was running round the house, her skirt hitched up, Spike chasing her, the book she was carrying she clearly wanted back.

“Aimee that’s mine give it back to me!” he shouted trying to catch her.

“Not until you promise to read me some of you poems William,” she shouted back, Lucy laughed, it was funny hearing Spike by his true name.

“Alright, alright I’ll read them to you just promise not to laugh.” he snatched the book from his sister and they sat on the chairs by the windows. “The wind blows through the Willow trees.” Aimee giggled and Spike lost his temper again. “You promised not to laugh, I’m not reading to you again, now go away.” a hurt looked washed over Aimee.

“Aimee and William Caldwell, what is all this noise about, this is no way for a lady and gentleman to behave.” there mother reprimanded them.

“Sorry mother” they both chorused. Spike pulling his sister close and kissing her head in apology.

Lucy wanted to scream, tears where in her eyes again. She was angry at the way the woman called her a Caldwell, she wanted to scream that she was a Daniels, but knew it would do no good. She was also jealous of the brother she had found. She may have been ripped from Lucy, but at least she had found a replacement, and she had to admit Spike was a good replacement, where as she was left alone. Alone and afraid, with no father and mother who resented her. She always thought her mother wished she was someone else, often making slip ups and calling her by her sisters name, now she knew why. She was mourning the child she lost.

The room span and time hopped again. She was still in the same house, but Aimee and William were now in their twenties. They had been arguing, Lucy knew that look from when Spike had been mad at her for something. Aimee came down the stairs, her coat buttoned and muff around her hands, purposefully ignoring Spike.

“Aimee don’t go and see this man. Its not proper he hasn’t asked permission.” he was looking at her the blue of his looking watery through tears.

“William I love you, I really do, but when are you going to understand I am a grown woman, and I don’t need my dear brother to look after me any more.” she walked over and ran her hand over his cheek. “I’ll be back later, don’t tell mother, I love you.” she kissed his cheek before leaving the house.

Lucy didn’t know what made her follow, but she did, it was like a play and it was all about Aimee. She followed behind her, avoiding the passers by. She had never realised just how smoggy old London really was. Aimee weaved her way into some back street, loosing Lucy for a second. When she caught up she saw her standing with a man, he had her engrossed. Lucy came closer and stopped, her heart pounding, it was Angel.

“Angelus my love, when are you going to come and introduce your self to my family. My brother is becoming quite worried.”

“Don’t worry dear Aimee, we will meet soon enough, I promise.” he kissed her hand.

As he raised his head, his fangs were drawn, the dark eyes which had once attracted her to him were now yellow. Aimee opened her mouth to scream, but nothing. Angelus bit down on her neck, the life slowly dripping from her, then stopped.
“Dru, she’s got something missing, I can taste it.” Angelus said wiping his mouth, leaving Aimee to fall to the floor.

Lucy ran over, she wanted to comfort her sister, do something, but she couldn’t even touch her. She looked at Angelus and his companion, fire burning in her eyes.

“They are two.” Dru sang.

“What do you mean two, the brother?”

“No not him, another one that looks like her, but she’s not here. This one is not of this time, she is younger than she appears, but we will need her to complete this.” she started dancing around Aimee.

“Right then, we will have to keep her fresh till we find her, lets get her back.”

Lucy followed as Angelus practically dragged Aimee back to the sewers. He dropped her in the corner, his minions thinking he had brought home dinner closed in, but he growled a warning, making them back away. He pulled a book off a makeshift shelf and uttered some words in Latin. A bubble appeared around her suspending her in mid air, time seemed to freeze around her.

“Mummy thinks our plans will have to wait” Dru said draping her arms around him.

“That they will my sweet, you go eat Darla will be home soon.” Angelus gave her a sly smile as Dru left swishing her skirt as she went.

Chapter 14 - Ghost of you

“What the hell happened whelp?” Spike shouted trying to get to Lucy.

“What..? Me? I did nothing. We just got that book out and wham, giant bubble thing!” Xander stammered.

Giles examined the sphere, nothing could get through. Sparks flew making them all take a step back. A cough could be heard above them. All looking up they saw an old man in a tweed suit smiling down at them all.

“Rupert, good to see you again.” he smiled

“Dad? Are you a ghost?” Giles asked frantically trying to find something to clean his glasses with.

“Yes of course I am you stupid boy, what do you think I am the walking dead.”

“Well I have to ask!”

“She isn’t taking it well.” he said looking down at his granddaughter. “You never told her about Aimee did you?”

“Aimee? What’s this got to do with Aimee? She died that’s all, a baby that didn’t make it, why would that have anything to do with any of this?”

“Hang on a minute and you are…?” Xander asked looking between Giles and the old man.

“Brian Giles, Rupert’s father and Lucy’s grandfather. And your Xander, Buffy, and William.” he smiled at each one in turn. “I’ve been watching you all over the years, and into the future, stick together is my advice.”

“Hang on a bleeding minute their mate, you said Aimee, you said Lucy’s sister was called Aimee.” Spike said thoughts dawning on him.

“Yes I have some explaining to do there.” he said looking at his shoes.

“Shall we pull up a chair or is this a short story today father?” Giles asked a cocky smile plastered across his face.

“Always the droll one weren’t we, just shut up boy and listen, there are things you need to know and information to get rid of Daniel, so please.” he looked around the group to make sure he had their full attention. “Right, Aimee is Lucy twin, I knew many years ago, before they were born that this would be coming, so with help from a witch friend of mine I found William here.” Spike looked at him, intrigued as to why he had been chosen. “You had always been prophesised to become a great champion, and I thought you would be the best person to watch over my granddaughter. I always knew you would be turned but my friend also saw the good you would do and that you would never really loose you soul. So I took her to your home, your mother agreed to take and raise her as your sister, what I didn’t count on was Angelus. He ruined the whole plan that night, didn’t read his little books properly, but I will get to that in a moment. Lucy has just been shown all of this, I thought it best for her to see it for her self, Aimee’s attack everything, but Aimee’s alive.”

“Hang on a minute, she cant be mate, its not possible. She would over a hundred, she’s dead.!” tears were appearing in Spike’s eyes.

“She’s very much alive my dear boy, but not for much longer if we don’t act fast and neither is Lucy. Angelus didn’t kill her that night, just took a taste so to say, he left her suspended in time, till he could find her other half. Now Daniel has her and he has his mother with him.”

“Dru’s here?” Buffy asked taking hold of Spike’s hand.

“Sadly so, and she’s been behind all this, wants her family back, she knows Williams human again and she doesn’t like it. Aimee cant be far away, they would have had to bring her here to complete things, and its coming soon. New years eve is the first time in 150 years that a full moon is going to bringing in a new year, that’s the key that’s what Angelus got so wrong so many years ago.”

“Right then we find Aimee, dust Dru and Daniel and we all live happily ever after.” Xander said happily.

“Its not that simply is it dad?” Giles piped up, still digesting what his father had been telling them.

“No its not, Aimee will be sent back to her own time, she’s part of that time now, she cant survive here, as soon as you defeat them and open that bubble you have an hour before she will go back to her time, exactly where she left it.”

“No, no you cant do that to us.” Spike cried out, “You cant take her away from us again.”

“There is no choice. Time is running short, Lucy will be awake in a moment, but I will leave you with this, none of us are who we were, redemption is always ongoing.” the voice grew fainter as the bubble faded and Lucy stirred.

She sat up slowly Spike moving in to help her, tears were streaming down her face, but anger was in her eyes. “Where is he?”

“Where’s who love?” Spike asked helping her to her feet.

“Angel, that murdering pig, he has my sister, all this time he had my sister…” then it dawned on her. “He took our sister!” Spike held her close, trying to calm her tears.

“I’m gonna kill him.” he said looking at Buffy, the fire was there and she knew he meant it. “He’s gonna be dust.”

“I feel the same as you do.” Giles said placing a hand on his shoulder. “But you heard the old man, he’s not Angelus anymore, and he may know something.”

“I may know what.” Angel said appearing at the door, his presence met with icy stares.

“Where’s Aimee?” Lucy spat out breaking free from Spike’s grip.

“Where is she Angel?” Buffy asked hoping he knew nothing, hoping that he hadn’t lied to her again.

“I don’t know.” he said looking at his feet. “I’ve been looking, trying to find them, I do have an idea though after last night.” everyone just looked at him, waiting for his information. “There’s a house, its way out on the edge of town, I think hes holding up there.”

“Well, that’s where we go, oh and for your information peaches, Dru’s with him.”

With that they all left Angel, not wanting to spend anymore time then necessary with him.

Spike put Lucy in her room, Giles stayed with her, trying to fill her in on bits he knew about Aimee. Lucy had so many questions, swirling round her head, she didn’t know where so start, though she did know that Spike would be interrogated next.

Spike ran his hand through his hair as he entered the kitchen. Buffy and Xander were sat at the table staring silently into their coffee.

“She ok?” Xander asked.

“Kinda of yeah.”

Buffy walked over to him wrapping her arms around his chest, kissing him gently. “We’ll get him, and he’d dust, she’s gonna be my sister too soon, and we Summer’s look after our own.” she smiled. “Just I was wondering what you wanted to do about Dru?” she couldn’t look at him this time.

“Dru is dust too, she’s gone too far this time. All those years together and she said nothing to me about her, not a hint that she was still alive. We just have to be careful, she’s totally insane, but she ain’t stupid.” he said planting a kiss on her head.

The front door opened and Dawn and Willow returned with a very hyper Luke in tow. Entering the kitchen all smiles, they stopped dead seeing the solemn faces that met them. “Gee’s who died?” Dawn asked.

Chapter 15 - Break in

No one knew what to say, Willow and Dawn sat in silence as Buffy filled them in on what they had missed. Spike stood by the window contemplating the information he had just heard. Aimee was still alive and Daniel had access to her. He was a sick son of bitch and he knew. He didn’t know much about the time bubble, but he knew that people could enter and leave but the captive couldn’t. God alone knew what he had done to her, and with Dru egging him on, it couldn’t be good. He wished he had staked the pair of them when he had the chance, then he took a step back. If he had staked them then Aimee would be lost forever and no one would find her, even Angel had no idea where they had moved her to, and there was another problem. His grandsire, he just wanted to throw his pasty ass into the day, but he also knew there was no way he could let Aimee go without him. He knew enough about magic to know it was the enchanter that had to break his own spell.

Buffy watched her coffee swirl around as the group took in what was had be said. Xander pushed his chair back abruptly and headed for the door.

“You like her don’t you?” Willow asked.

Xander looked at her sheepishly. “There’s just something about her, haven’t got her out of my head since I met her.” he looked at the floor hoping Spike wasn’t listening.

Dawn smiled at him, she knew it had taken him a lot to get over loosing Anya, they were all glad he was moving on. “Well at least she’s not a demon.” she laughed.

“Or a bug.” Willow added.

“Go” Buffy commanded, “See if she’s ok, I think she likes you too.”

Xander turned to leave to be stopped by Spike. “You hurt her whelp and I will rip you limb from limb, you get me.” he was still looking trough the window but his sentiment was felt.

“I wouldn’t expect anything else.”

“So erm what are we going to do? We don’t have long. New year is just a few weeks away.” Willow asked.

“The books aren’t helping there is nothing in any of them, its like some one just erased it all.” Dawn added.

“I know, I don’t know what to do.” Buffy looked at Spike as his head fell at her words. “Even Angel doesn’t know where they are holding up, its not like Sunnydale here, there doesn’t seem to be many hiding places for demons and stuff.”

They sat in silence again, no one knew what to say to make it all better. They had no leads, Daniel had been quiet since Halloween, it was like he has just vanished. Buffy knew though if had the Angelus schooling then he was just biding his time till he could strike and cause chaos.

The door burst open and a middle aged Chinese man ran through waving a book in the air shouting. “我發現了我發現了的它， 它什麼我們需要殺害他和保存Lucy”

Kelly followed behind screaming at him in Chinese back at him. She stopped and smiled apologetically at her friends.

“Erm, Kelly whats going on?” Spike asked eyeing the man up.

“This is my dad, Lee, he thinks we found what you have been looking for.” Lee gave the book to Spike, who read flicked through the pages. “He tends to go all traditional when he’s excited.” she said glaring at her father.

“Sorry, sorry, but I got it, not much in it but its all that’s left of the prophecy.” Lee sat down catching his breath.

Giles came down into the kitchen, wondering what was going on. Seeing his old friend he smiled. “Lee might of known it was you.” he saw the book Spike was turning over in his hand and took it from him, in awe of what he held. “Is this what I think it is?” Giles asked, Lee just nodded, “I thought it got destroyed when the council was bombed?”

“I have contacts.” he smiled again.

“Erm where’s Lu?” Kelly asked realising the one person who should be there wasn’t.

“She’s upstairs, we had information of our own today, you had better go see her.” Giles said the smile failing this time.

Kelly headed out of the room. “Just make sure the whelp hasn’t got his tongue down her throat.” Spike added with venom in his voice. Kelly just smiled and left.

The sun had set, Angel was out on recon, he had taken upon his self to find Daniel. Guilt was beating his sole and he had to try and fix things, he couldn’t let Aimee down or Lucy, it was his fault after all.

Spike and Buffy lay in bed in silence. She didn’t know what to say to make his world better. She loved him so much and his pain was hurting her as much as it was hurting him. She couldn’t stand to see him all broken up and helpless. She opened her mouth to say something to him but he got there first.

“Its all my fault.” The tears heard in the dark.

“How can it be, you weren’t even turned by then, and you said yourself you thought Aimee had been killed.”

“I shouldn’t of let her go that night, I should of stopped her.” he turned to look at her, the tears shining in the dark. “If I could of only stopped her then none of this would be happening.”

“And you wouldn’t of been turned, you said it yourself, you had only gone out that night to find her.” Buffy looked down, her own tears beginning to fall.

Spike stroked her face pulling her chin up to look into her eyes. “I don’t regret you baby girl, never would I regret you, I just wish I could of kept her safe that’s all.” he kissed her forehead pulling her closer.

“If she’s anything like Lucy, you wouldn’t have been able to stop her. That and you would have never met Lucy either, you’re her only family, her brother she needs you, and we will free Aimee, and she will know how to keep safe when she goes back.” she pulled him close.

“Yeah, at least I can say goodbye properly, and she’ll know I did ok in the end.” he smiled.

“You have about an hour baby, Giles senior said that much, its time if not much for you and Lu to say some of the things you needed to.”

He lifted her head and kissed her, what he had done to deserve such a goddess he didn’t know, but she was his, forever, and he wasn’t letting go. He pulled her closer, his hands exploring her body, her soft moans edging him forward, wanting to her more from her sweet mouth. Her mouth fought him back her hands following his lead and stroking his chest leaning into his touch she wanted more, she wanted him so bad, she needed him, ached for him.

Spike kissed her neck snaking down her body, sucking each nipple into his mouth, enjoying the sounds she was making. Her hands wound tightly in his hair, pushing him closer, wanting him to suck more on her body. She couldn’t believe one could worship her this much, thought this was meant for fairytales, but she had found her princes charming, and she wasn’t letting him go.

He carried on her assault on her body, worshipping her golden skin, working his way down to her sex. The neat mound of curls already wet and wanting. He kissed around her clit, sucking her folds into his mouth, marvelling at the honey they were covered in. Buffy moaned wanting him to suck her tiny bundle of nerves, trying to positioning her self where she needed him. He gave in, rubbing his tongue over and over again across the bag of nerves. Buffy’s hold on his head tightened as she calm screaming his name, but he wasn’t finished. He climbed her body, kissing her intently as positioning himself at her entrance. With one long slow motion he entered her, stopping for a moment to savour the warmth of his girl, her eyes said it all to him, that she was with him, and it was forever.

Buffy started rocking her hips, him just being there turned her on again, she needed him. Spike got the idea and began to move with her, their eyes locked, never leaving each other even when they came declaring their love for each other. He rolled to the side taking his girl with him. He just held her. The days events had drained him and needed to know she was close. No matter what happened over the years she had always been there and this time she wasn’t going to run.

Sleep had taken them. The house was quiet, the darkness filling any void that was hoping to escape. CRASH! Everybody flew from their beds meeting in the hall. Giles did a quick head count, and his face fell.

“Where’s Lucy?” he asked.

“When I left her she was sleeping.” Xander spoke, feeling slightly uneasy with his last comment.

Spike’s glare could of killed if he wasn’t more interested in the where about’s of his sister.

In the dark Lucy was unconscious. Three bouncerish men dragging her down her driveway, handing her over to a cloaked figure.

“There you go, no where’s the money?” one of the men asked.

The figure handed over the money. “You sure they heard you?” she asked, insanity pouring out of her voice.

“Yeah I’m sure they did.” the other man chuckled.

“Stay close I may need you again.” she laughed, holding the doll she was carrying closer. “Come on Miss Edith, lets get our house guest home. I think out boy will want to play too.”

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A/N1 I apologise to anyone of chinese origins thats reading this, I got my friend (who is is chinese) to translate for me and shes slihghtly rusty, so if its wrong then pleae forgive me, i meant no offence

A/N2 I know i havent gone into much detail about the book, but dont worry it will all be explained eventually. I have an order to things here I promise