Summary: After surviving Los Angeles, Spike has relocated to Cleveland to start over. (Note: story features hefty amount of Spike & Tara friendship throughout.)
Rated: 18
Categories: General Fics Characters: None
Genres: Action, Angst, Romance
Warnings: Adult Language, Character Death, Sexual Situations, Violence
Challenges:
Series: None
Chapters: 36 Completed: Yes
Word count: 56095 Read: 45394
Published: 06/21/2012 Updated: 09/29/2012
1. The Mistake on the Lake by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 7] (1210 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Spike/Buffy
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS.
DISCLAIMER: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. Lyrics in this chapter are from "Human Fly" by The Cramps. The book Spike references in this chapter is The Day of the Locust by Nathanael West.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: This is my first fanfic, though I've been a very grateful reader throughout the years. It will eventually be Spuffy, but the early chapters concentrate mostly on Spike himself as I find him to be an incredibly dynamic character. I hope I do him justice, and that this trip is enjoyable! At this point, I'm not sure how many chapters this story will run. I welcome any comments! Thank you for reading! :)
2. Dead Boy, Dead Boy, Always End the Same by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] 
(809 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Spike/Buffy
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions.
CHAPTER CREDITS: n/a
AUTHOR'S CHAPTER NOTES: The action is starting to brew.
3. What of Me by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (2089 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Spike/Buffy, Willow/Kennedy, Willow/Tara
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions.
4. In a Shrinking World by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1889 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Willow/Tara, Spike/Buffy
AUTHOR'S CHAPTER NOTES: It may be helpful for readers to know that my view of Tara at this point in her unlife is that of an earth mother/goddess-type thing; so, let that color the actions that take place in this chapter. There are some possibly-disturbing images in this chapter, but my intention was for the actions to be done lovingly, so I hope that you may read them that way. Please also note that the usage of a Mayan archaeological site in this chapter has nothing to do with the 2012-end-of-the-world fallacy; I chose it because I had spent my undergraduate degree on Mayan archaeology/epigraphy and saw that it fit well with the action in this chapter. Enjoy!
5. Getting Off in These Dimensions Where Time Itself Stands Still by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (927 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Willow/Tara, Spike/Buffy
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions.
6. All Tomorrow's Parties by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (2296 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Willow/Tara, Spike/Buffy
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions.
7. Devilry by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1356 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Willow/Tara, Spike/Buffy
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions.
8. Juju by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (844 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Willow/Tara, Spike & Other
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions.
9. Giaconda Smile by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1190 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Willow/Tara, Spike/Drusilla, Buffy/Spike
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions.
10. Sick Soft Gooey & Cold by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1272 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Willow/Tara, Spike & Tara
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions.
CHAPTER CREDITS: Lyrics in the bar scene from "Too Drunk to Fuck" by the Dead Kennedys
AUTHOR'S CHAPTER NOTES: Here we go! This chapter is dedicated to my hubby (who is stuck having to hear about how Spike would do for me all the stuff that he complains about doing—Ha!) and my fellow readers/writers ginar369, A Dreamweaver, Darkfaerie18, cavemenftw, & hollowjb.
11. A Static Lullaby by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1414 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Spike/Buffy, Spike & Tara
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions.
AUTHOR'S CHAPTER NOTES: I absolutely love the idea of Spike and Tara being friends and always felt that if she had lived longer on the show, they'd have been confidantes. So, hopefully you share my sentiments. Or, if not, hopefully you can tolerate it enough to continue reading! :)
12. Alone Doesn't Feel So Cold by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (2028 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Spike & Tara
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions.
CHAPTER NOTES: This chapter is a bit light on the action and heavy on the conversation. But, it's something that I wanted to see and that I felt was important to the development of the characters. Also, I veered away from the Buffyverse cannon regarding Spike & Angel during WWII; I am not sticking with the WWII storyline that was presented in the ATS episode "Why We Fight". Hope you enjoy it!
13. Blue Moon Baby by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1719 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Spike & Tara, Tara/Willow
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes.
CHAPTER CREDITS: A bit of a reference to a line said by Teeth in the "Tabula Rasa" episode. Also, another to the film "Pretty in Pink".
14. Voodoo Dolly by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1312 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Spike & Tara, Tara/Willow
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions.
CHAPTER CREDITS: Lyrics from "Voodoo Dolly" by Siouxsie & the Banshees.
AUTHOR'S CHAPTER NOTES: Lots of back-and-forth in this chapter, but I hope it adds to the feeling of craziness that I intended!
15. Wilder Wilder Faster Faster by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (816 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Spike & Tara
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions.
16. In the Nest of the Cuckoo Bird by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1479 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Spike & Tara, Buffy/Spike, Drusilla/Spike
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions.
CHAPTER CREDITS: Lyrics from "Tear It Up" by The Cramps and a recited verse from Song of Songs 6:10.
17. Journey to the Center of a Girl by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (2292 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Spike & Tara, Buffy/Spike, Drusilla/Spike
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions.
CHAPTER CREDITS: A few lines have been borrowed from the BTVS episodes "Flooded" and "Dead Things"; you'll recognize them when you see them. Also, Drusilla says a line from "Stanzas to a Lady, On Leaving England" by Lord Byron.
AUTHOR'S CHAPTER NOTES: This one continues the angst, since that's my favorite! I found this one a bit of a challenge to write, so I apologize if you feel any of the characterization isn't what you expected. It's based on my wishful thinking of what the series could have been like. That said, I'd also like to give a major "thank you" to ginar369, to whom this chapter is dedicated!
18. I Only Think Of You by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (2185 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Buffy/Spike
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes! Ha!
CHAPTER CREDITS: Some lyrics to "In Heaven" from Eraserhead and a reference to that fabulous episode where Buffy reveals where she was before she was resurrected (you'll see how clever I was, just you wait!)
AUTHOR'S CHAPTER NOTES: I struggled with the Giles section, so I apologize ahead of time if you notice that. I have definite feelings of what was going on in Giles' mind regarding Spike during the series, only it was very hard to translate that to words. Lots more angst in this one, plus my take on what happened in that basement scene during "Chosen". Yay! :D
19. How Far Can Too Far Go? by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1275 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: more like un-pairing in this one!
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes! Ha!
AUTHOR'S CHAPTER NOTES: Aaaaaaand...the shit hits the fan! Enjoy the beginning of chaos! :D (Note: this chapter is a bit dark!)
20. Changing the Rain by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1610 words)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Buffy/Spike, Dawn & Spike
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes! Ha!
CHAPTER CREDITS: A line from the Buffy episode "School Hard"
AUTHOR'S CHAPTER NOTES: I realize I took some liberties with the Angel episode "The Girl in Question" in this chapter, but please keep in mind that what Giles is relaying is what HE 'knows' from Andrew...so that explains the discrepancies between what was actually going on and what is being portrayed in my story. And, again, I apologize for any hiccups felt in the Giles section; I continued to have difficulties expressing him the way I wanted.
21. When I Was Dead by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (2012 words)
CHAPTER 21: When I Was Dead
CHAPTER PAIRING: Tara & Spike, Buffy/Spike, Drusilla/Spike, Giles/Joyce
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS.
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes! Ha!
CHAPTER NOTES: For those of you outside of the USA, Spike's reference towards the end of the chapter is to a pizza chain called Papa John's. I've also thrown a little Haitian creole in this chapter for your linguistic enjoyment. Let the drama continue!
22. The Masks, They Slide by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1347 words)
CHAPTER 22: The Masks, They Slide
CHAPTER RATING: T/M (for some sexy time, much of which is not entirely consensual)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Tara & Spike, Giles/Joyce, ?/? (you'll just have to read to see!)
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS "Not Fade Away"
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes! Ha!
CHAPTER CREDITS: References to the BtVS episodes "Band Candy" and "Flooded"
CHAPTER NOTES: I enjoyed writing this chapter. Perhaps a little TOO much. Heh.
23. 'Ere the Flowers Unfold by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1724 words)
CHAPTER 23: 'Ere the Flowers Unfold
CHAPTER RATING: T/M (Sex & Violence! Sex & Violence!)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Willow/Tara, Spike/Buffy, Giles/Drusilla
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS "Not Fade Away"
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes! Ha!
CHAPTER CREDITS: n/a
CHAPTER NOTES: This chapter features my thoughts on the whole 'champion' thing that ran through both BtVS and AtS. I had Dru tell it, so hopefully it isn't too convoluted. Some serious action is brewing, and I wanted to give you a bit of a lead-up before it all blows sky-high. Things are going to get dark again in the coming chapters. I dedicate this chapter to cavemenftw!
24. Never Enough by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1240 words)
CHAPTER 24: Never Enough
CHAPTER RATING: T/M (for violence. Also: Character Death Warning for the next few chapters!)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Angel(us)/Spike, Angel/Buffy, Buffy/Spike
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS "Not Fade Away"
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes! Ha!
CHAPTER CREDITS: n/a
CHAPTER NOTES: This chapter ties up some of Angel's obsessiveness that has run through my story...perhaps in a way you hadn't expected, or in a way that you can't stand in fanficdom (sorry ahead of time if you fall in the category of the latter; I tend to enjoy stories that use this reasoning). I've also used the names Angel, Angelus, Liam, William, and Spike purposefully; you'll obviously need to be familiar with the series to know what that means. As mentioned in the rating above, this chapter also begins my warning for character death. If you cannot deal with characters being killed off, please skip this and the next couple chapters! (I will put a note in the upcoming chapter when the character deaths have ceased.)
25. Something Must Break by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 2] (1969 words)
CHAPTER 25: Something Must Break
CHAPTER RATING: T (Character Death Warning continues for the next couple chapters!)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Angelus/Drusilla, Angel/Buffy
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS "Not Fade Away"
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes! Ha!
CHAPTER CREDITS: n/a
CHAPTER NOTES: Ahh, another cliff-hanger! Enjoy!
26. Last Exit for the Lost by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 4] (1804 words)
CHAPTER 26: Last Exit for the Lost
CHAPTER RATING: T/M for violence (Character Death Warning continues through this chapter)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Angel/Drusilla, Drusilla & Giles, Dawn & ?
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS "Not Fade Away"
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes! Ha!
CHAPTER CREDITS: Dru's song is actually "The Magical Bird in the Magical Woods" by Current 93
CHAPTER NOTES: Lots of drama and angst and violence and finally a bit of a pay-off! I have a happy surprise for you in this chapter for having held on so long. Also, I can't remember if the Hyperion (in AtS) was still intact after the show. My knowledge of AtS is spotty at best, as I watched the first and last seasons, but skimmed over all the others...and it's been so long now that I just can't remember! So, if the Hyperion really is destroyed as of "Not Fade Away," let's just pretend that it's not! The Character Death Warning ends for a little while with this chapter.
27. In the Shadows by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1276 words)
CHAPTER 27: In the Shadows
CHAPTER RATING: T
CHAPTER PAIRING: Drusilla & Giles, Buffy/Spike
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS "Not Fade Away"
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes! Ha!
CHAPTER CREDITS: Dru says lines from "A Sad Sadness Song" by Current 93
CHAPTER NOTES: Sorry for the delay. I was on vacation last week and had to catch up with boring real-life stuff before I could get back to fanfic. :(
28. Further, Nearer by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1239 words)
CHAPTER 28: Further, Nearer
CHAPTER RATING: T/M (for some sexy time. Yay!)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Dawn & Clem, Tara & Spike, Drusilla/Giles
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS “Not Fade Away”
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I’m just fixing their mistakes! Ha!
CHAPTER CREDITS: Lyrics from “It’s a Sunshine Day” by The Brady Bunch
CHAPTER NOTES: Here’s a quickie for you! Thanks again for all of the reviews, messages, alerts, and favorites! I appreciate it so much!
29. Different Stars by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1429 words)
CHAPTER 29: Different Stars
CHAPTER RATING: T
CHAPTER PAIRING: Spike & Tara, Giles & Drusilla
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS "Not Fade Away"
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes!
CHAPTER CREDITS: Drusilla's verses are from "Oh Coal Black Smith" by Current 93.
CHAPTER NOTES: We're getting towards the end now! I have the rest of the story mapped out, and it will take about 6-7 more chapters. I also have a few one-shots planned that take place during this particular story, so those should be out relatively soon as well. Thank you for your continued following of this story! I'm so excited that you've kept with me for so long!
30. Damaged Goods by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1550 words)
CHAPTER 30: Damaged Goods
CHAPTER RATING: M
CHAPTER PAIRING: Buffy/Spike, Dawn & Clem
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS "Not Fade Away"
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes!
CHAPTER CREDITS: Lines from the BtVS episode "Smashed". Lyrics from "Balloon Man" by Robyn Hitchcock.
CHAPTER NOTES: Here's a little bit of angst, since it's been a while! Also, just a reminder that this story goes AU after the last episode of Angel, so whatever happened in the Las Vegas of the Spike comic series STAYED in that Vegas; none of that storyline feeds into my story.
31. A Means to an End by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1290 words)
CHAPTER 31: A Means to an End
CHAPTER RATING: T/M for violence and character death
CHAPTER PAIRING: Tara & Spike, Giles/Drusilla
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS "Not Fade Away"
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes!
CHAPTER CREDITS: n/a
CHAPTER NOTES: Here we get a little dark again. Thanks for hanging on with me! We're almost there!
32. Keep Finding Me by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (2012 words)
CHAPTER 32: Keep Finding Me
CHAPTER RATING: T
CHAPTER PAIRING: Dawn & Spike, Tara & Spike
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS "Not Fade Away"
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes!
CHAPTER CREDITS: n/a
CHAPTER NOTES: I think it's so weird how many stories I'm seeing lately that are set in Cleveland. Kinda makes me wish I picked a more 'original' place to set mine... but I really am a Clevelander, so that's my excuse! I love this dirty, rusty, roughed-up city! :D
33. Heart and Soul by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1345 words)
CHAPTER 33: Heart and Soul
CHAPTER RATING: T
CHAPTER PAIRING: Dawn & Clem, Spike & Tara, Drusilla/Giles
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS "Not Fade Away"
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes!
CHAPTER CREDITS: n/a
CHAPTER NOTES: So sorry for the delay. School is back in session, so time is a luxury to me now. But, we're almost to the end now! Hang on, cuz the next couple chapters will be a bumpy ride!
34. Far Gone and Out by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 1] (1258 words)
CHAPTER 34: Far Gone And Out
CHAPTER RATING: T
CHAPTER PAIRING: Angel & Willow?, Giles/Drusilla
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS "Not Fade Away"
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes!
CHAPTER CREDITS: n/a
CHAPTER NOTES: This chapter gets going with the action again, so you might want to re-read the last one first since it's been a few weeks from my last update. Next chapter is the explosive finale!
35. Atrocity Exhibition by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 0] (3893 words)
CHAPTER 35: Atrocity Exhibition
CHAPTER RATING: T/M (for violence, language, and Character Death Warning!)
CHAPTER PAIRING: Dawn & Clem, Spike/Buffy, Giles/Drusilla
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS "Not Fade Away"
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes!
CHAPTER CREDITS: The fragments of songs Dru sings come from the following Current 93 songs: "At the Blue Gates of Death," "To Blackened Earth," and "Mary Waits in Silence".
CHAPTER NOTES: Ahhhh... here we are now! This chapter is a lot longer than my usual work. It will be switching points-of-view quite a bit as the action moves and becomes more frantic; that was not accidental. Nor was the ending. (I won't torture you, though; there will follow an Epilogue.) There's a British comedy reference, so Google Rik Mayall and Benny Hill if you don't know who they are.
36. Epilogue: Home Again by MaireAilbhe [Reviews - 2] (695 words)
EPILOGUE: Home Again
CHAPTER RATING: T
CHAPTER PAIRING: Giles/Drusilla, Buffy/?
TIMELINE/SPOILERS: AU after AtS "Not Fade Away"
DISCLAIMERS: All BtVS characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Productions. I'm just fixing their mistakes!
CHAPTER CREDITS: n/a
CHAPTER NOTES: I've left some threads still dangling because I will be doing a sequel to this story. Time to up the rating! I want to thank all of you for following this story all these months. I hope it was an enjoyable trip! Special thanks to ginar369, cavemenftw, fatefox, PeaceHeather, pfeifferpack, spuffy luvr, and sweetprincipale, whose comments, messages, and discussions helped inspire me to take some risks with these characters.