Buffy raced over to Spike, Connor behind her. She bent down and grabbed Spike's face. Oh God! Everything around her seem to disappear. All she saw was her Spike, beaten and hurt. She cradled him into her arms as she sat down next to him. He was barely conscious, yet she felt his hand rest on her thigh.

"Spike?" she said in his ear.

He didn't respond. His body felt limp, like dead weight. Her heart felt like it was physically breaking in her chest. The Immortal was going to pay. The feeling of revenge was strong and constantly building. Buffy always tried to look beyond these types of things, but when it came to people she loved, all bets were off. Vendetta it is. The Immortal wants to fight, so he'll get a fight. For Spike.

Buffy was lost in Spike's non responsive face when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Her eyes shot up to a worried looking Angel, standing next to a young man. The youngster stared at Buffy as if he knew who she was, yet Buffy had no clue who he was.

"Buffy, The Immortal is in the next room. I think he's coming to. We need to..."

"Let's go. But Spike, we need someone to look after him."

"I'll take care of Spike." A voice came from behind Angel. Xander stepped up, staring down at Buffy.

"Thanks Xander." Buffy looked back up at him, understanding what this meant for him. This was important, but she couldn't dwell upon it now. There was an evil Italian she had to fight in the next room.

Everyone was now released from the spell Sergio had on them. Mostly because he was knocked unconscious and couldn't hold his powers up. Faith had run over to help Xander drag Spike outside, away from the big smack down that was about to occur. She had also advised Wally and the rest to follow her. There was no doubt this was going to big. Buffy had never looked so intent on causing someone harm as she did just now. Faith smiled at her, knowing she was going to finish the job. The Immortal had no chance.

Kinara bent down, her worried face staring hard at Spike. "I am afraid for him. He looks bad," she said. Just then Connor had approached her. He bent down to her level, smiling at her.

"So, magic huh? I knew there was something about you."

Kinara stood and smiled back. Her spine tingled. She shot her wide eyes to Connor. "These men, they're awake. I need to go back in there."

"Wait, why?" Connor asked.

"I know their power. I am the only one who can take them on. I will return." She turned to Xander and Faith. "Please take good care of him. His destiny does not end here."

Xander nodded, looking over at Faith. "Sure," he said.

"Wait!" Willow came running up to Kinara, Allora with her. "I can help."

Kinara smiled at Willow. "You need to get the portal going. Allora will instruct you."

"Right, okay. You need to get the last piece from Buffy." Willow reminded her.

Kinara shot her eyes back at the Inn. "I'll do that. You guys stay here. Willow, as soon as I get the piece I will throw it to you."

The women agreed.

Inside, Sergio already had Angel and Buffy in a magical grip. They were pinned to the wall. A weary Immortal limped to them. "Magnifico! The precious slayer and her old flame. How touching." He neared them, smiling like a mad man. "Now, I will get that gem piece from you and leave this pathetic world. Yes, I know all about your plan with this Gem of Anu. Your trusty lover told me everything after a few ...torturous persuasions. My invitation still stands, Buffy."

Buffy knew he was lying. Spike would die before he gave in to them. She knew that after he let Glory beat him to a near death after not giving up the truth about Dawn. Buffy told him she would never forget that, and she didn't. One thing she knew about Spike was that he was honest. Even without his soul, he acted in ways that surprised Buffy. She was way to wrapped up in the 'your a soulless monster' bit to see it. Of course, he wasn't perfect. He did bad things, as well. But after time, he grew to into such a champion. Now, he lay beaten to a pulp in Xander's arms.

They must have used some sort of mind reading on Spike. She knew Willow could do it sometimes, so she was sure Sergio or Jean could pull that off. Buffy wanted to curse back at The Immortal, but this magic Sergio had on them even prevented that. Buffy gasped when The Immortal was inches from her. He smiled as his hand slipped right through the magic barrier and touched her thigh. She wanted to kick him, punch him, kill him. Buffy cringed at his touch. He was taking it too far. His hand slipped up her thigh to her pelvis. She trembled.

Oh God, what is he going to do to me?

She panicked. Her body was paralyzed. She knew Angel's eyes hadn't left her. She knew he was burning up with rage.

Buffy's eyes closed when he reached his hand into her pocket and pulled the gem out. "There, that's all I wanted, Buffy."

Buffy sighed. It was the same act Spike pulled back at her house when he wanted to get his Zippo. Of course, with Spike it felt good. With Spike, she wanted him to put his hands everywhere on her body. The Immortal could only wish to ever get that reaction from her. Disgust is all she felt for him. Disgust and seething hatred.

The Immortal tossed the gem piece to Jean. Jean was still dazed, but was able to comprehend what to do next. Just as he was about to make his way outside to the crowd to get the other pieces, Kinara entered the scene. "Impuissant!" she shouted. Jean looked at her in shock. She spoke his language, and now he felt all his limbs go limp. His dropped the gem piece as he collapsed on to the floor.

"Que m'avez-vous faite?, what did you do to me?"

Kinara just smiled, not intending to tell him that she rendered him powerless. He was no longer able to use his magic in this world. At least for a while, anyway. Sergio was next. He turned to her, wide eyed. She recited the same spell loudly. Buffy and Angel were released from Sergio's magic when he collapsed to the floor as well. He and Jean were still conscious, however their magic was drained. Attempting to try anything now would be the wrong move. The two warlocks were now at Kinara's mercy.

Buffy was still in a bit of shock when Angel grabbed her arm. "Are you okay?"

"I think so." Buffy's head turned to Kinara's direction. "Kinara, how?"

"Buffy, watch out!"

The Immortal came full swing at her, sending her crashing into the wall. Angel lunged at him, but was sent flying in the other direction. Kinara ran to him, bending down. "This is Buffy's fight, let's go." Angel wearily shook his head. "No, I have to help..."

"Angel, she will beat him, you know that," she assured him.

Angel thought about it, and she was right. He had to let Buffy finish this. He knew she would. He'd seen her in action. Especially against Caleb. Angel let her do what she had to. Some things Buffy did better on her own, especially when the big bad made it personal. Treating Spike the way he did, Angel was sure The Immortal was going to finally show his mortality.

Buffy jumped to her feet and charged. The Immortal laughed, not expecting to feel much from her punch. He was wrong. His body crashed into the dining room table. Buffy didn't stop walking his way. The Immortal just smiled at her. "Oh, please Buffy. give it up. Give it up and just come back with me. I can give you everything you have ever dreamed."

Buffy's face hardened as she bent down and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. He was tall. Very tall, but she managed to lift him off the ground, his feet still brushing the floor. "You know what my ultimate dream would be right now? You being dead." Buffy threw him against the stones of the fireplace. Again, The Immortal just laughed at her. Buffy's fury increased.

The Immortal straightened and walked to Buffy. "My dear, please. You're wasting your precious energy on me. Shouldn't you be pining away over your Spike? Whispering your last 'I love yous' before he perishes?"

That was not something she wanted to hear. Spike wasn't going to die. He was strong. A warrior. And although he wasn't a vampire anymore, he still had preternatural strength. Then her stomach flipped. She thought of their hike and when he had passed out. What if his body wasn't able to come back from The Immortal's beatings? What if he was dying? What if his internal wounds were far greater than she thought? Buffy peered outside, spotting Spike in Xander's arms. He looked so lifeless. Faith was bushing a wet rag on his forehead. No. He was going to be okay. He had to be. She wanted to travel the world with him, see the sights, finally be able to live a normal life with him.

"You can kiss all those plans goodbye, Buffy."

Buffy winced. She remembered now that he could read minds. That's how he found out about the gem. He read Spike's mind. Why would he even think for a second that Buffy wouldn't have figured that out? He was as dumb as she believed him to be. Buffy pulled back for another punch, but was interrupted with his fist crashing into her jaw. She flew back, landing hard on to the wood floor. He laughed as he neared her. Buffy wearily tried to rise. His punches hurt, she knew it. She felt it. But it didn't stop her. Pain was one thing Buffy had a handle on. As she lifted her upper torso he kicked her hard, causing her body to roll. Then he kicked her again, and again, until she rolled out the door.

All eyes went on them. Connor moved to help out Buffy, but Angel held him back. "She's got it, trust me."

Buffy rose, peering at The Immortal with pure hatred. Her eyes quickly turned to Spike. "For you," she whispered. She marched to an amused Morty. Her fist met his jaw, then his nose, then his chest, then his nose again. She pounded him relentlessly until she got him onto the ground. She straddled him, causing him to crack a bloody smile.

"Just how I like it. The woman on top," he choked.

Buffy showed nothing but rage when she pounded his face again, over and over. Punch after punch. She could hear his bones crackling under her fists. His knee came up behind her and pushed her off of him. Buffy quickly bounced back to her feet as did he. His face was a mess, but he continued to fight her. He didn't know the meaning of surrender.

Paul stood with Wally, Gretta, Clem, and the priest. They looked on in amazement. Lorne and Giles joined them, wincing at the punches Buffy and The Immortal gave each other. Clem grinned. "That's our Buffy," he said.

The Immortal kicked her hard in the stomach. Buffy bent down in pain. The Immortal took this opportunity to elbow her back, sending her to the ground. He bent down and flipped her body around to face him. His face met hers and he slowly stuck his tongue out and lapped up the blood on her face.

Buffy was mortified. He was doing what? Her foot met his chest and she sent him flying back. Buffy rose and approached him. "You are the most foul creature..."

"Please, Buffy. Spike is far worse. The things I have seen him do. To men, women, and children. Don't ever put me below him. You have no idea who that awful thing is that you let in your bed."

"You don't even know what you're talking about? Are you trying to get me to see something that's no longer there? Are you that desperate for my affections?"

"I wouldn't touch you after what you have done with Spike. You are tainted. Disgusting. You are truly a dirty, dirty slayer."

Buffy's face reddened. Not from shame, but from anger. Nothing about Spike was disgusting. Everything that she shared with him now was pure and beautiful. The Immortal could never get that. His idea of true love is a woman on her knees, sucking him off on command.

Angel's eyes bulged when he heard The Immortal's words. He spotted the ring on the floor. He went to pick it up, feeling a twinge of jealousy. It was natural to feel it, he knew that. But he felt guilty all the same. He didn't want these feelings to come out. Not now. He looked back down at Spike and realized then that Spike had to live. For Buffy. For their future. He knelt down next to Xander and offered to take over. Xander obliged, since his legs were now numb after having Spike's dead weight on him.

Angel pulled Spike over to his lap. Spike's head fell onto Angel's thighs, which caused him to jump a little. No matter. Faith handed Angel the wet rag, and he brushed it over Spike's forehead. He never felt such tenderness towards his grand child before. Of course, Angel wasn't really his grandsire anymore. Spike was alive. A man. No longer the demon Angel still was.

"Listen, you jerk. You better get better. For Buffy. You can't leave her like this. She needs you. And I will forever hate you for that," Angel whispered in Spike's ear. He wasn't serious about the hating part. It was just Angel's way of covering the fact that he now cared for Spike. "Plus, I was kind of hoping to be the best man. If that's okay with you. I was thinking maybe a cool dark purple tux with a red handkerchief..." Angel noticed Connor staring at him. He smiled at his son. "What?"

Connor just smiled back at him. "You girl."

Buffy searched for a weapon. Anything. Just then Faith yelled out, "Buffy, catch!" Faith threw her a piece of wood, nicely sharpened to resemble a stake. Buffy shrugged. Something was better than nothing. A stake would have to do, even though The Immortal was something that resembled a human, he was a demon for sure. Buffy raced over to him and pulled him up to meet his smug face.

"Dreams do come true," she said driving the stake thought his heart.

At first his eyes look at her in horror. Then his face appeared almost peaceful. Then he turned to dust.

Dust?

Buffy stood, looking confused, as did everyone else. "Did anyone know The Immortal was a vampire?"

Angel shook his head, bringing his shoulders up. "Wow, all it took was a stake through the heart? All these years..."

Buffy dropped the stake and ran over to Spike. She overheard Angel mentioning something about wishing he knew, he would have dusted The Immortal centuries ago. She couldn't focus on the shock of it all. All she saw was Spike. Kinara knelt down next to her and placed a hand on her back.

"I need to do more healing. Can we take him somewhere quiet?"

Buffy nodded. She glanced over at Willow and Xander. The both of them rushed over to Buffy's side, glad to see she was okay. "He's going to be okay, right?" Willow asked Kinara.

Kinara looked up. "I hope so."

Buffy sat next to Spike as he lay in their bed. Luckily, the rest of the Inn withstood The Immortal's invasion. The rest of the gang were downstairs, preparing the gem to get them home. Buffy's heart couldn't stop beating at a rapid pace. She was thrilled that this was all over, and Spike was healing well. He passed in and out of consciousness and flashed her a sweet smile. That same smile that filled Buffy's eyes with tears. Happy tears. Kinara told her that the healing medicine she used would keep him asleep. It was necessary to heal him properly. Buffy was just glad to have him back and out of The Immortal's clutch, who had been a vampire this whole time. Buffy chuckled at that realization. He had been alive for centuries, and only now the discovery of him being a vampire is revealed? He must have been a special sort of vampire. She could swear she saw him outside during the day back in Rome. Maybe he was like Dracula. Just not as cool, and definitely had no thrall. At least, not over her.

She kept her hand interlocked with Spike's. She wanted to feel every twitch and movement he made. Her body jumped when she heard him speak her name. "Buffy?"

Buffy stood and sat next to him in bed, never letting go of his hand. "I'm here, Spike." Buffy's free hand brushed over his forehead. The wound there was healing nicely, but Spike still winced when her fingers touched it. She drew her hand back, quickly. "Oh, Sorry."

"It's okay, luv. What the hell happened? Where are we?" Spike was still dazed, and not able to lift his head fully. His eyes just stayed locked with Buffy's. He saw the relief in her eyes. He wondered what his face looked like. Was he badly scarred? What did that wanker The Immortal do to him anyway? All he really can remember was being in the carriage and Jean torturing him with the mojo. Then he vaguely recalled being in the Inn, on the floor. He was really out of it, half beaten to death and woozy. But now he could feel the energy coming back. His head began to clear. Spike squeezed Buffy's hand to let her know his strength was coming back, slowly. Buffy's face lit up.

"They brought you here. The Immortal's dead and the warlock guys are tied up downstairs. Kinara out magic'd them. Did you know she was a very powerful witch?"

"Had a feeling... and The Immortal?"

"Dust."

"Dust?"

"Oh yeah, seems he was a vampire. Weird huh? You'd think me, of all people would have figured that out."

Spike's eyes rolled back as he let out a hearty laugh. "A vampire? A sodding vampire? I would have dusted that guy years ago!"

Buffy smiled for him. "Yeah, Angel said the same thing."

"Angel, is he okay?" Spike's expression hardened a little, to a more serious one.

"He is. Who's Connor?"

Spike was sure that was a mystery he was not going to reveal to her. Angel had to be the one to tell her. "Let Angel tell you that tale."

Downstairs, the group all stood around the kitchen, the only part of the downstairs that wasn't thrashed. Willow, Allora, and Kinara were busy getting the mojo together to get the gem started up. It was trickier than they thought. The pieces were not fitting right, and there was no way to bind them together. But, the three women were determined. They'd get it done.

"I think he was some sort of different breed of vampire. Maybe like Blade, born from a human and vampire..." Xander said, smiling at his brilliant discovery.

"That would be an interesting theory, Xander. Well Done," Giles told him.

Connor and Faith joined Giles and Xander, looking in Allora's direction. "She's a slayer."

Giles perked up, wondering who this kid was, and how he had such information. Faith interjected. "This is Connor, Angel's son."

"Hello Connor. Angel's what? And did you say...?"

"Yeah. Allora. She is this dimension's version of a slayer. She never had to kill anything until recently. But the stuff she said, how she knew what to do." Connor told him.

Giles looked at Connor sternly. "Interesting. I was theorizing earlier about that possibility. Thank you for the information. You are... Angel's son?"

"Long story. I'm sure he would love to tell you all about it, dad?"

Angel had something else to do. He needed to talk to Buffy, so he stepped away from the group, undetected. Angel ascended the stairwell and spotted Buffy exiting the room she and Spike shared. Their eyes met.

"How is he?"

"Healing. He's awake now, but still pretty weak. Angel, thanks for taking care of him."

Angel stood inches from her and grabbed her hand. "I'm glad he's okay."

"I can't believe The Immortal was on some kind of revenge kick. Spike is nothing like he was back then."

"I know. Buffy, I need to let you know something."

"What's up?"

Buffy felt a little uneasy by the look Angel had on his face. His eyebrows were crinkled, making his face seem way too serious than it should.

"The Immortal was wrong about Spike."

Buffy sighed. She knew that. "I know. He thought Spike was still the bad vampire from the old.."

"He didn't kill The Immortal's niece," Angel interrupted.

Buffy swallowed hard. Why was he even bringing this up? It was over when it was first said to her. "Angel, why..."

"It was me. Spike never touched her. I did."

Buffy's eyes widened. Why was he telling her this? As if any of this mattered anyway. Somewhere, deep inside, it did. Her heart sang a small tune knowing Spike didn't commit such a horrible act. Not that he never did. She didn't know what kind of messed up things he and Angel did back in those days, and she really didn't want to find out.

"Angelus did a lot of things I'd prefer you'd never find out about. But, I just didn't want you think Spike was responsible for that. "

"Thanks. It matters. It does. I'm going to check out the rest of the gang, if you want to check in on Spike..."

"I will." Angel grabbed the knob and turned to Buffy. He watched her leave before turning the knob.

"Hey, Angel. So, The Immortal was a bloody vampire, yeah?" Spike had a small smirk when Angel entered.

Angel smiled as he sat in the chair next to the bed. "Yup. Doesn't that make you want to dust him yourself?"

"Oh God, yes. Good on Buffy though."

"I believe this belongs to you" Angel said, handing the ring to Spike.

Spike looked at Angel for a few seconds, not knowing how he got that ring. "It fell out during the fight." Angel told him.

"I... Kinara gave me that ring as a gift for saving her daughter from the evil nasties, and I just..."

"It's okay Spike. I know what this ring is."

Spike smiled, looking around the room and taking in the soft moonlight that came through the window. He could see the stars in the sky twinkling furiously. He sighed with the knowledge that he was healing and soon they were going to be home. His eyes shot back at Angel.

"So, where are you headed after we get back home?" Spike asked him.

"Not sure, yet. Maybe move closer to Connor. Spend more time with him."

"Solid."

Angel and Spike kept their eyes locked to each others. A silent truce was made. The years of fighting and hating was over. Spike no longer had that kind of darkness inside of him. A friendship was formed during this time together. Angel accepted Spike's role in Buffy's life, and that meant more to him now than ever.

"How about you?"

Spike smirked. "No idea. I'm not sure where to go. I don't even know if Buffy wants me to..."

"I think she'd want you to go wherever she goes. Plus, you got this pretty ring to give her, eventually." Angel reminded him.

They both chuckled. They looked over at the door in unison when it opened. Kinara stood with more herbs and tea. Spike smiled at her, inviting her in.

"Sorry to interrupt, but Spike should really drink some more tea." Kinara walked over to the bed and smiled at Angel. She set the tea onto the bedside table and reached her hand out. "Hi, I'm Kinara."

Angel shook her hand, "Angel. Nice to meet you."

Kinara stared at Angel for a few seconds before turning her attention back onto Spike. "You're up. That's a good sign. How are you feeling?"

"Aside from the head-pounding, I feel much better. I hear you're mostly responsible for that."

"Aw, it's nothing. I had to see my favorite hero get better."

Angel walked to the door and smiled back at Spike and Kinara. "I'm going to head back downstairs. See you guys down there," Angel said.

"Sure," Spike replied. He turned back to Kinara. "I knew you were some sort of witch. I felt it in you that night."

Kinara sat on the chair next to his bed, handing him the tea. "I never wanted you not to know. It's just, I don't go spreading that around, you know?"

"Yeah, hear that."

"So, I see you still have the ring" Kinara gleamed.

"Almost lost it, I guess." Spike confessed.

"Well, you will just have to give it to her then, hu?" Kinara said.

Spike's smile widened. "I love her so much. Always had. Even without the soul..." Spike cut himself off. He forgot she didn't know anything about who he was before. He noticed her expression change to a confused one. Now he wished he put his foot in his mouth. When she smiled, his heart stopped racing.

"This world is nice, Kinara. I'm sorry we brought the baddies with us."

"Hey, at least we got to see it first hand." Kinara stood to leave. She wanted Spike to rest a bit more, but seeing him now, she knew he was getting well at a very fast rate. As Kinara neared the door she turned back at him. "If there's anything you need, don't hesitate..."

Spike could feel himself healing faster now. He turned and slipped out of bed. He rose, slowly. With a still heavy head, he took small steps out of the room and down the steps. All eyes turned on him as he entered the kitchen. Buffy was talking to Clem when she saw Spike.

"Spike, what are you doing?" She asked him.

"I'm fine, pet. Really."

Illyria walked to him and cocked her head. Spike could swear he saw a smile. "I am glad you are well. I felt very useless under the warlock's magic. I am sorry I failed to come to your aid."

Spike grinned at her and rested his hand on her shoulder. Illyria snapped her head and peered at his hand. It looked like she was going to rip it off, but she just met his gaze again.

"No problem, Blue."

Willow entered the room with Allora and Kinara. "I think we got it, for the most part," Willow said.

Kinara stepped up, holding the gem piece, which was now whole. Everyone gathered around them in anticipation. Wally and Gretta joined the group, with Deirdre at their side. He smiled at them all and spoke.

"I am truly grateful at the sacrifices you all have made. You are all true heroes in my book. I will be sure to tell this tale for all to hear." Wally told them. He shook everyone's hand as Gretta hugged them. Clark walked over to Spike and Buffy and gave them a hug, together..

They all looked at each other as Willow and Kinara recited the words to open the portal.

"Return those to where they belong. Let the sky open to give us a way..."

A very loud roar came from above. Wally lifted his arms up and motioned for everyone to go outside. "Come on, we want to keep our roof, now!"

They ran outside and looked up in amazement. It worked. The portal opened up and began it's pull. Everyone stood together in a group, holding on to each other, and up they went. Wally and the rest watched as the strong winds blasted them back. Gretta waved goodbye, and then they were gone.

A loud rumble came from the sky above the hotel. Suddenly, large lightening bolts crashed overhead and the sky opened up. Xander was the first to hit the hard cement. Everyone else came falling down, Issa landing right on top of him. As the dust settled, they were all relieved. They were back in Los Angeles on the roof of the Grand Hotel.

Spike helped Buffy up, bringing her close to him. He wasn't' sure if all was safe yet. He spotted Jean and Sergio, still tied up, trying to sit up. He wanted to just throw them off the building, but kept himself calm. They were going to get what was coming, just not now. Jean looked at Spike, then quickly turned away in shame. Spike smirked.

Faith brushed herself off and walked into the center of the group. "We're home, guys."

Dawn, Robin, Andrew, Riley and Sam had come back to the hotel, in hopes of finding some sort of clue to where everyone had gone to. The top floor was eerily quiet, as they walked the hall. Just then, a loud roar came from above them, followed by a large crash. Robin shot his eyes to Riley and they nodded in unison. They made their way to the roof stairs and quickly reached the top. Riley swung the door open and looked on in shock. There they all were. Dirty, messy, but all wearing a huge smile. All except for two men tied to each other sitting on the ground. Robin immediately spotted Faith and ran over to her, Faith meeting him halfway.

"Robin!"

He met her in a huge hug, lifting her off the ground. After a few seconds of intense kisses, he pulled away from her. "Where the hell were you?"

Dawn ran to her sister and Spike receiving a hug from both.

Riley and Sam neared the group, looking as lost as ever. "Yeah, where did you all go?" Riley asked.

"Be happy to share, except, I really need a shower," Buffy said as she walked with Spike and Dawn past Riley. Spike nodded at him, making Riley crinkle his eyebrows in confusion. The rest followed them to the stairwell, grinning at the befuddled guy and his wife. Riley's eyes widened when he saw Lorne and Clem, who just smiled and waved at him. Giles and Illryia were last, dragging the bound warlocks on the hard cement. Giles smiled at Riley as if all was normal about this, then proceeded to the stairwell, with Jean and Sergio mumbling loudly through their gags.

Riley watched them all in awe. "Sure, okay."

~(*_*)~

A New Beginning: Epilogue

Westbury, England. Six months later:

"Dawn, Antoine is here!" Buffy yelled out. Antoine entered the foyer, bearing Christmas gifts. Buffy smiled at him. "You can put them under the tree. We're opening presents after dinner." Buffy said, taking his coat. Antoine gladly joined Lorne, Connor, and Oz in the living room. They were drinking egg nog, laughing at the ridiculous lyrics to 'Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer.'

"It's funny. To get kids to believe in Santa by telling them that their grandma just got trampled by a bunch of reindeer," Oz joked.

"Tell me about it. And I thought Thorka demons wrote some pretty scary songs..." Lorne said.

Antoine just looked on confused.

Buffy smiled at the scene, then made her way towards the kitchen. Willow, Andrew, Kennedy, and Giles were busy preparing a delicious Christmas feast full of turkey, ham, yams, peas, and a chock full of bread pudding.

"You see, if you stir this just enough, Andrew, it becomes thicker. It's all in the wrist." Giles said to Andrew.

Andrew nodded, keeping his eyes locked on his wrist as he stirred the gravy. Giles nodded at Andrew's success and turned to Buffy.

"Almost ready. Is the table set?"

"Yup, all ready!" Buffy replied. "Do you guys need help?"

"No, go be the host. We're fine," Willow told her.

Buffy grinned and turned. She walked through the large dining room, making sure all the place settings were in it's...place. Dawn came running down the stairs, holding a few boxes. She smiled at her sister. "Hey Buff, smells great down here!"

Buffy smiled back, looking around the room for more candles to set on the table. "I know we had more candles..."

Dawn shrugged then joined her boyfriend near the fireplace. She sneaked a cup of egg nog, sheepishly smiling at Lorne. Buffy followed her, casually taking the cup out of Dawn's hand. "I don't think so, you can have the nonalcoholic one over there," Buffy said, motioning for the other untouched punch bowl. Dawn grunted. Buffy turned and began to rummage through the cabinet drawers for more candles. Nothing. Then she remembered she had some on her room.

Buffy walked up the stairs, coming to her room. The door was closed. Buffy slowly opened it, spotting Spike dressing himself in a nice pair of dark brown slacks and a fitted white button down shirt. He met her gaze and smiled. "Never really had much use for these things. I almost forgot how to put one on!" Spike fumbled with the tie he had around his neck. Buffy smiled, glad to assist him. She fastened it, slowly bringing her hands to his face.

"You look gorgeous," she said, smiling.

Spike leaned in and planted a kiss on her lips. "You're the one who's gorgeous, pet."

She kissed him back, harder. Buffy's fingers playfully pulled his now light brown hair. He let all the platinum grow out, then let Andrew give him a hair cut. He kept it long enough to show off his curls, which Buffy insisted he do. He ran his hands down her back, then brought them back up to her belly.

"You're showing a lot now, you know." Spike told her, looking at her pregnant bump.

"Well, I am almost 7 months now."

"Already? Wow. Times flies." Spike said then kissed her forehead. "Looking for something?"

"Yeah, candles. I know we have some up here."

"Top drawer, luv," he told her, smiling. Then he turned and went downstairs.

Buffy searched the drawer. "Voila!"

Downstairs, Dawn, Oz, and, Lorne were cheerfully singing along to 'Jingle Bell Rock'. Buffy laughed, walking back over the dining room, placing the candles in their holders and lighting them. She glanced back over to the gang in the living room, making with the merry. Dawn and Antoine were holding hands, rocking back and forth as she sang. Spike was sitting on the floor, playing with the chocolate lab puppy he gave Buffy. Riley and Sam were on the floor next to Spike, taunting the puppy with a squeaky toy. The puppy was yapping and pouncing back and forth between them. That was a sight. Spike and Riley getting along. Buffy knew they would if they tried.

Xander and Issa stood arm on arm, smiling at the sight. Illyria just stared amazingly at the blinking lights on the Christmas tree, never even blinking but obviously tipsy from the egg nog..

Connor joined in her the glare, looking back and forth at her and the tree. "Pretty, huh?" he asked her.

Illyria cocked her head then turned to him. "Pretty."

Robin and Faith were making out on the sofa near the fireplace. Seems that's all they ever did. Angel and Gunn were already making their way to the dining table.

"Soups on!" Andrew announced. "Well, more like salad. Saying 'salad's on' just doesn't have that same umf."

They made their way to their seats. Giles sat at the head, motioning for everyone to start serving themselves. Buffy watched everyone quickly make their plates. Dawn hit Andrew's spoon away as they each dove into the salad. After a few minutes of inhaling their greens, Willow and Kennedy came out with the turkey and sides. Andrew ran back into the kitchen and proudly brought out the gravy bowl. Everything looked and smelled delicious, they all couldn't wait to dig in. Lorne sat, rubbing his hands together before piling the turkey onto his plate. Faith and Robin served each other, kissing in between. Angel watched, sipping on his mug of blood. Illyria sat next to him, watching the spectacle with great curiously.

Giles held up a glass of wine. "To us!"

"To us!" they all said back, then taking a sip of his or her drink. Buffy took Spike's hand and looked into his eyes. He lifted her hand, bringing her palm to his lips. He gently kissed it, smiling at her. Buffy grinned, turning her gaze to the group. Everyone was lost in their food, eating like they have been starved for days.

'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' filled the room. Buffy felt the warmth inside. Her heart felt full. It felt complete for the first time in her entire life. There was no more emptiness. No more fear. This, right here, is what they all fought for. This moment, together. It was all so perfect. They were family. This is the way it should be.

Forever.

To be concluded...