Came Back Wrong

AUTHOR: Jypzrose
EMAIL: jypzrose@aol.com
RATING: R
PAIRING: Buffy/Spike
SPOILERS: None really.  Xander and Anya’s wedding is mentioned.  Based on rumors of Riley’s return. (However, he’s not married like has been reported.)
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing except my cats and a ridiculously large video collection.  These guys belong to Joss.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Deals with issues of abuse and rape.
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Sitting alone on a brightly lit living room, a young woman was curled up in a chair.  Her red hair hid her face as she read the heavy book in her lap.  It would seem strange to anyone who didn’t know the woman that the book she held was older than her and her friends combined.  What, they might wonder, would a woman as young as this find interesting in this book?  No, those that didn’t know her would find it odd. However, those that did know Willow Rosenberg, wouldn’t blink an eye.

In actuality, however, the young woman who seemed so engrossed in the antique tome in her lap, hadn’t really read a word. She was mindlessly leafing through the pages.  Waiting.

When the sharp knock sounded at the door, the witch knew her waiting was over.  She rose from her chair, padding silently to the door, her white robe flowing behind her.  When she opened the door, the look on the face of the man she saw made her heart break.

“Oh, God.  Tell me he didn’t. . .”  Willow began, losing her will to Speak.

“Not yet.”  Came the answer, harsh and grave.  Spike stood in her doorway, sagging against the jamb.  It wasn’t his stance that had set her mind skittering to horrible conclusions.  It was his eyes.  Never had she seen that look of desolation.  Sorrow, regret and even shame, yes.  But never had the vampire looked so defeated.

“Come in, Spike.”  Willow said, standing aside.  She really hadn’t had to offer.  He could come and go from her house freely.  But Spike always waited for her to ask.  “Tell me what happened.”  Spike pushed away from the door frame, and walked past her, his duster billowing behind him.  In all the things that had changed about him, his fashion sense was a constant.  A smile tugged a Willow’s mouth as the thought flitted through her mind.  It vanished when the weary vampire ran a long fingered hand through his platinum hair.

“Spike.”  Willow began, shutting the door and stepping towards him.

“I don’t know how much longer I can do this, Red.  It’s killin’ me to see her like that.”  His voice was thick with the unshed tears that brightened his eyes.

“I know, Spike.  But you’re the only one he’ll let near her.”  Willow truly felt his pain.  She waited up every night to share it with him, to give him the strength the go back, one more night.

“Yeah.  I know.”  Spike knew he was in his own personal Hell.  Willow and the rest of the Scoobies heard what he told them, felt the same anger and uselessness he did.  But none of them saw it.  That pleasure was reserved for Spike, and Spike alone.

“What happened?”  Willow asked again.  Spike heaved a sigh, and reached for his cigarettes.  Willow didn’t even arch a brow as he lit his Zippo and touched the flame to the tip.

“I met her in the cemetery tonight.  She called, told me not to come to the house.  I could tell she’d been cryin’.  She’s been cryin’ every bloody night this week.  And she’s losing so much soddin’ weight.”  He wiped away stray tears, taking an absent drag from his cigarette, as he remembered her appearance.  Painfully thin body nearly swallowed up by the sweats she wore.  Circles as dark as bruises under her haunted hazel eyes.  Her once lustrous blonde hair was pulled into a sloppy ponytail to hang limply down her back.  “I saw the bruises this time.”  He all but whispered.  Her ‘boyfriend’ was always so careful.  Leaving the evidence where it wouldn’t show.

But tonight, as she was fighting the demon, it’s claws had caught in the arm of her shirt, ripping it from her shoulder.  There, on her bicep, her entirely to thin bicep, was a large, perfectly imprinted bruise of a hand.  It completely wrapped around her small arm, a dark reminder of the ‘normal life’ she had said she’d wanted.

He had been so stunned by the sight, he’d almost missed the obvious problems she was having with the demon.

It was her cry of pain that finally knocked him out of his stupor and set him into action.  With a fierceness that even surprised himself, Spike leapt into battle, beating the demon until it was a quivering mass of green blood and bone.  Then, with one swift motion, Spike snapped it’s neck.

He stood over the corpse, his chest heaving in unneeded air.  When he heard a soft moan behind him, he whirled and advanced on the small woman.

“Buffy,” he gasped her name, kneeling and gingerly grasping her wrist.  Tears were streaming down her face.  She gripped the lapels of his duster, holding on tight.  “Why, Buffy?  Why do you let him do this to you?”  He asked, his voice filled with anguish, his eyes stormy.  He quickly got over his shock of her pressing her lips against his, kissing her back with the same amount of passion and desperation.

When she pulled away, he released her, knowing her well enough to know that she was getting ready to run.  It was that run reflex of hers that had gotten her into the particular mess she was in now.

She stood and turned away from him, her head low and her arms hanging limply at her sides.

“I’m sorry, Spike.”  Buffy began, her voice thick with emotion.  “I, I shouldn’t do that to you.  I made my bed.  Now I need to lie in it.”

“Sod all that.”  Spike said, springing to his feet.  “Come away with me, Buffy.  Just you and me.  We’ll stop by L. A. and get Dawn, then just get the hell out of here.”  Spike pleaded.

She would never let him know how much she was tempted.  How much she wanted what he offered.  How much she wanted him.  She couldn’t.  Riley had made sure that she understood that.

“I can’t, Spike.  Goodnight.”  She walked away from him, then.  Knowing he would follow, just to make sure she was safe.

He stopped by the tree in her yard.  The same tree he’d stood under when he first realized he was in love with her.  He saw Riley open the door, watched Buffy flinch at his touch, felt Riley’s eyes on him.  Noticed the smirk on the soldier’s face as he shut the door.  Shutting Spike out.

When Riley had first returned, Spike had wondered why he hadn’t staked him.  He realized why quickly enough.  It was more fun for Soldier Boy to see the vampire suffer.  To know that Buffy had chosen him, and have Spike watch as he destroyed her.  Not being able to do anything, thanks to the chip.  Spike had stared at the door, wanting nothing more than to bathe in the wanker’s blood.  But instead, he turned and walked towards Willow’s house.

When Spike was done, Willow went to him, wrapping him in her arms.  As much for her comfort as for his.  Spike returned the embrace, resting his cheek atop her red hair, accepting the comfort.  It was amazing the changes that had occurred in the Scooby gang since Riley’s return.

At first, everybody was glad to see him.  Everybody except Spike of course.  And Dawn.  It was no secret that Dawn had wanted her sister and the vampire to get together.  Xander had invited Riley to his and Anya’s wedding, hoping to head off the obvious Spike and Buffy affair.  But what Xander hadn’t counted on, was how much Riley had changed.  And what he had allowed to be done to him.

Apparently, the army had liked one aspect of Maggie Walsh’s research.  The part that made their little soldier boys super human.  And when Riley had come back, he was twice as strong as the Slayer.

Of course, he hadn’t let that on slip until he had Buffy completely ensnared.

The charm of Riley wore off after it became apparent that he was different.  That happened after Riley had visited Spike in his crypt.

Much as he had before Riley left, Spike met the business end of Riley’s plastic stake.  But Riley hadn’t stopped at the one time.  No.  Captain America had a plan.  He had systematically and patiently tortured Spike’s body, leaving him in a pool of his own blood.  And Spike could do nothing.  NOTHING.  Dawn had found him, poor thing.  He’d been unconscious at the time, and when he had woken up, he saw the blurry image of Willow hovering over him.

Dawn had tried to go get Buffy, but Riley wouldn’t leave the Slayer alone.  So the desperate teenager ran to the witch.

Willow had been shocked by his appearance.  There were three large puncture wounds on his chest, as well as the one over his heart.  Several lacerations marred his marblesque skin, and the blood was running so freely, he looked like one big wound.  Willow couldn’t count the broken bones, and she feared that one of his ribs had punctured his lung.  It was a good thing he didn’t need to breathe.

When she had asked him who had done it, Spike hadn’t wanted to tell her.  He was afraid that she wouldn’t believe.  Willow put on her ‘resolve face’, and Spike found he wasn’t any more immune to it than any of the rest of the Scoobies.

When he had told her, Willow asked the obvious question.  What had Spike done?  Spike had tried to scowl at her, hard to do with a swollen lip, and said “Not a bloody thing.  I was sitting here minding my business, watching a bit of telly.”

To say that Willow was confused would have been like saying a million dollars is a lot of money.  Willow glanced at Dawn, and saw something in the girl’s face.

“What’s wrong?”  Willow swore she saw fear in the teenager’s eyes, before she turned away, shrugging.  Spike had seen it to.

“Li’l Bit?”  When Dawn looked at him, tears started to fall down her cheeks.  Huge, terror filled drops.  Willow had wrapped the girl in her arms, rubbing her back until she calmed.  The story Dawn told shocked the witch and the vampire.

When Riley had returned, he had seemed himself.  All sincere, good ole boy charm.  However, whenever the three of them were away from the Scoobies, Riley’s eyes would follow Buffy with a coldness Dawn had never seen.  When Buffy would look at him, he was all smiles and warmth.  He talked a good game, telling Buffy over and over again that he was sorry for the way he left.  How he was wrong, let’s try again.  And Buffy was so afraid of her feeling for Spike, she fell for it.  Buffy was determined to make it work with Riley this time She was going to be there for him in the way that he felt she hadn’t been before.  She missed all the signs that Riley was all wrong in the head.  It started small, a sharp word here, a glare there.  Buffy was eager to please him, that she would just let it go.

The first time Riley hit her, Spike had just left the house.  The blonde vampire had come by to see Dawn, having steered clear of Buffy since Riley’s return.  It hurt to much to see them, knowing he’d lost her before he ever really had her.  But Dawn.  He missed the Li’l Bit.

Spike had waited until the couple had left, and then he had gone into the house.  He’d only meant to stay and hour, leave well before they returned.  But they had gotten to talking about whatever was important in Dawn’s teenage life, and he had lost track of time.  When he heard the door open, followed by Buffy’s laughter, he froze, his heart breaking again.

When they had walked into the living room, time seemed to stand still.  Spike took in the couple, young and beautiful.  He saw Riley’s hand tighten on Buffy’s arm, saw her flinch.  Spike narrowed his eyes, but said nothing.  As he rose to leave, Buffy stopped him and told him that he could see Dawn whenever he wanted.  He just nodded his head, not trusting his voice to speak.

Riley had waited until he was sure that Spike was gone.  Then he’d turned on Buffy.  He wanted to know why Buffy had said Spike could continue to see Dawn.  She patiently explained that after everything the vampire had done, and the fact that Dawn loved him, she didn’t feel right severing the relationship.

Riley had accused her of being the one who loved Spike, and not wanting to severe that relationship.  Buffy had denied it, of course.  But not fast enough.

Dawn watched in horror as Riley’s fist connected with her sister’s flesh.  Buffy swung back.  Her powerful punch, a punch that had taken down vampire and demon alike, didn’t even turn Riley’s head.  And the smile that touched his lips told both girls that Buffy was trapped.

Willow had immediately sprung into action, whipping out Spike’s cell phone and call Xander and Anya.

Xander had taken one look at Spike’s bruised and bloody form, and felt white hot rage course through him.  He wasn’t exactly sure when their mutual hate of each other had turned into an odd sort of friendship, but it had.  Seeing Spike like this, brought back how he had looked after Glory had gotten a hold of him.  Which led to memories of all Spike had done to help them.  Which made it pretty clear to Xander that NOBODY had a right to do this to Spike.  Especially Riley, who had ditched when Buffy had needed someone the most.  And who had been there?  None other than the soulless vampire, Spike.

Then, when Xander had heard what Riley had done to Buffy, in front of Dawn, the thought of the vampire being in love with the Slayer didn’t seem so bad after all.  What is it they say about hindsight?

After a quick discussion, the three friends decided an intervention was in order.  They left Dawn with Spike, who was able to stand after the healing spell Willow had performed, and the blood Anya had brought.  They decided to meet up with her when she went on patrol.  For some reason, Riley never went with her.

After they left, Spike held onto Dawn tightly as the girl broke down into fresh sobs.  The rage he felt was immeasurable.  Nothing like anything he had felt in his century plus of being a vampire.  If he didn’t have the soddin’ chip, Riley would be dead.  Dead for ever laying a hand on the Slayer.  Dead for causing the Nibblet pain.  But he kept his murderous thoughts inside as he gently rubbed Dawn’s back.

When the trio returned, he knew that they had failed.  Willow walked to the unlikely pair, her eyes full of pain.

They had confronted Buffy, telling her that they knew.  She denied it, telling them that it had just been a misunderstanding.  But when they told her about Spike, what Riley had done to him, she’d crumpled.  She cried, wrapped in Willow’s arms, for so long and so hard, they thought that she would never stop.  When she had finally quieted, she disentangled herself from Willow.  Then she stood, looked at each of them and told then that she could never leave Riley.  She could take him hitting her, but she couldn’t bare the thought of anyone she loved getting hurt.  And as she strode away, she paused.

“Tell Spike. . .  Tell him I’m sorry.  I’m so sorry for what Riley did.  And for running away.”

After that, she started pulling away from them, allowing Riley to control her life.  She’d sent Dawn to live with her father, writing a letter to Angel and asking him to watch out for her.  She didn’t tell Angel any of what had happened.  Just that she couldn’t take care of Dawn like she should, blaming it on her Slayer duties.

After Buffy broke contact with the Scoobies, Spike started following her on patrol.  He’d stay back, not interfering unless she needed help.  Then he would leave as soon as the job was done.  Spike watched her already to thin form emaciate at ridiculous speed.  Her clothes changed, too.

Gone were the tight pants, short skirts, and skimpy tops.  In there place were baggy sweats and oversized t-shirts. His undead heart broke every time he saw how lifeless her eyes had become.  She looked like she had after she’d first come back.  So unfeeling, so lost.  She had come so far and Riley had snatched it all away.

Buffy was starting to look like she wanted to test the ‘third times the charm’ theory.  See if she could die and stay dead.

Then one day, Riley had called Spike.  Wanted him to patrol with Buffy.  The vampire’s borrowed blood boiled at the audacity of the man, but he had agreed.  Riley had snickered, calling him pathetic.  Spike took the verbal abuse, hoping to use this to his advantage.

At first, Buffy had been sullen and quiet, casting looks his way when she thought he wouldn’t notice.  Then, as the weeks went by, he’d see flashes of her old spark return.  But every night, as Spike walked her back home, she would withdraw back into herself, until she was just the shell of Buffy.  It killed him to see it happen.  But every night he went back.  Instinctively knowing that the brief periods of time the spent together were the only thing keeping her sane.  Keeping her on this Earth.

So, he accepted his share of the punishment Riley was doling out.  And really, that’s what it was.  Punishment for Buffy for ever loving a vampire, and punishment for Spike for daring to love the Slayer.  He accepted it just to give her a little peace.

And that’s when he started to go to Willow.  He had needed some way to vent his frustration at his helplessness.  So, after he dropped Buffy off for the night, he’d walk to the witch’s and talk to her.  Spike knew it eased Red’s mind to know he was looking out for Buffy.  Was glad to have at least this tiny connection to her best friend.

So, here they stood, vampire an witch.  Each trying to cope with their inability to help the woman that they both loved.

Spike pulled away, smiled shakily at Willow, and reached for another cigarette.  Willow returned his smile wrapping her arms around herself.  The witch wanted to cast a spell to get rid of Riley.  She wanted to do it so bad, it hurt.  But after Tara had left and that horrible, horrible night with Dawn, Willow had learned her lesson.  She still practiced, but her spells never got more elaborate than the occasional healing spell.  Especially since Buffy had shut them out of the slaying.

Willow was so lost in her thoughts, that she never heard Spike’s phone ring.  She snapped back into reality when she hear Spike bark “What?!” She watched the play of emotions cross his face, hatred first (must be Riley), confusion second.

“Fine.  I’ll be there.”  Spike put his phone away.  “Wanker.”  He muttered, dragging on his cigarette.

“What did he want?”  Willow asked as he started to pace.

“Says he wants to show me something.”

“You’re not going?” Willow gasped.  “You know he wants to kill you.”  Blue eyes locked with green when he turned to face her.

“What do you think he’ll do to Buffy if I don’t?”  The witch’s heart stuttered at his words.  Spike resumed pacing, faster than before.  Willow was starting to get dizzy, a Spike seemed to be fighting an internal war.  “I’m getting her out of there tonight.”  Spike decided, halting in front of her.  Willow’s brow wrinkled in confusion.  “I can’t do this anymore.  I can’t stand by and let him hurt her anymore.  She’ leaving, tonight.”

“What about the chip?”  Willow reminded him.  “You can’t fight him.”

“Fuck the chip.”  Was all Spike said as he breezed out the door.  As soon as it swung closed behind him, Willow picked up the phone.  Spike would not be going in alone.

Spike strode quickly to Buffy’s house.  When he turned up the walk, he slowed his stride to his usual cocky swagger.  His eyes locked with Riley’s as soon as he opened the door.  The vampire felt unease course up his spine, but he forced his face to remain stoic.

“Nice to know you’re prompt.”  Riley sneered, moving to allow the vampire entrance.  “Please, Spike.  Do come in.”  As Spike stepped over the threshold, the scent of Buffy’s blood assailed him.  He searched for the sound of her heartbeat, and turned to the living room.  “Tell me what you think of your Slayer now.”

When Spike entered the living room, he saw her crumpled on the floor. Her naked body was covered in bruises, some faded, some fresh, and some still forming.  He walked to her quickly, kneeling beside her and gently touching her arm.

She raised her eyes to his, shame washing over her.  Spike looked her over, trying to see where she was bleeding from. She saw the shock and horror cross his face when he saw the blood on her thighs, starting at her buttocks and dripping down to her knees.

“Oh, God.”  Spike gasped, “You raped her.”  Buffy’s lip started to quiver, and tears rolled down her face.  Spike reached up and gently brushed them away.

“I don’t know if I would call it rape.”  Riley started conversationally.  “She didn’t say ‘no’.  Then again, she didn’t say much of anything after I finally got it out of her.”

“Got ‘what’ out of her, mate?” the last word came out as a sneer.

“I know you kissed her tonight.  I also know that you fucked her.  So, since she wants to act like a whore.  I treated her like one.  Like the cheap little vampire whore that she is.”   Spike’s eyes flashed yellow as he tried to control his demon.  He came slowly to his feet, rage almost blurring his vision.  Riley smirked at the vampire, not even considering him a threat.

When Spike heard Buffy’s whimper, his battle with his demon was over.  His vampire visage slipped forward and he growled threatingly at the soldier.

When all Riley did was laugh, Spike was way beyond having had enough.  With a burst of his vampiric speed, Spike was across the room, swinging his arm in a wide arc.

As Spike’s clawed fingers sunk into the flesh of Riley’s throat, the vampire pulled the soldier to him.

“Give me one reason not to kill you.”  Spike growled.  The gold of his eyes told Riley that there was no reason.

“The. . . chip?” Riley gasped, struggling against him.

“Fuck. . .the. . .chip.”  Spike repeated his words to Willow.  With one swift move, and a disgusting gurgling sound, Riley Finn was no more.

Spike hit his knees as the chip finally decided to activate, a scream of pain tearing from his throat.  The door burst in with a resounding crash as the cavalry showed up a minute too late.  Willow knelt in front of the writhing vampire, laying gentle hands on his head.  Whispering in Latin, Willow recited the healing spell, pushing the pain in Spike’s head away.  If they had been any later, the chip would have fried his brain.

Spike blinked several times, feeling the pain fade until it was no more than a dull ache.

“Thanks, Red.”  The witch smiled down at him and grabbed his arm to help him up.  He immediately went to Buffy, shrugging out of his duster and wrapping it around her shoulders.  She had pulled herself into a sitting position, arms wrapped around her knees.  The once strong and vibrant Slayer was staring in wide eyed horror at the body on the floor.

Xander was standing over Riley, wishing that he had been there to witness his end.

Anya looked at the body and thought that if she was still a vengeance demon, she couldn’t of done better herself.

Spike gathered Buffy into his arms, turning her away from Riley’s body.  Her small body started to shake as she sobbed against his chest.  Willow knelt next to the couple, grasping her friends hand, lending her support.

“I’m free.” Buffy whispered, her voice hoarse.  She repeated it over and over, as if willing herself to believe it.  Spike held her against him, rocking her gently until she quieted.  Buffy’s hand gripped the soft leather that surrounded her and tipped her head back to meet Spike’s stormy eyes.

“I’m sorry.”  She whispered.

“You have nothin’ to be sorry for, luv.”  He reassured her.  She shook her head, denying his words.

“Yes I do.  If I hadn’t been so afraid of what was happing between us. . .”  Spike raised a finger to her lips, shushing her.

“It doesn’t matter.  You’re safe now.”

“You killed him.”  She said in an emotionless voice.

“Yeah.”  His eyes met Willow’s as he answered.  Instead of seeing disgust reflecting back at him, he saw grim satisfaction.  “Sorry I didn’t do it sooner.”

“Me too.”  Buffy took a deep breath as realization struck.  “Why didn’t the chip go off when you attacked him?”  Spike and Willow exchanged glances again, neither knowing the answer.

“Don’t know, Pet.  Maybe the Powers gave me helpin’ hand, since I was savin’ the Chosen one and all.”  It was as good as any reason he supposed.  “We need to get you to a hospital, luv.”

“Do I have to?”

“Yes.” he said firmly, standing with her in his arms.

“Fine.” she huffed, glaring at him.  Spike’s mouth curved into a smile at the heat in the word.  There’s my Slayer, he thought.

“What are we going to do about that?”  Willow asked, indicating Riley.

“You go.  We’ll take care of it.”  Xander said, running a hand through his dark hair.  Spike nodded once and strode out the door to Willow’s car.



EPILOGUE

Six months after that horrific night, Spike sat cradling a sleeping Buffy in his arms.  The man sitting across from them had taken off his glasses and was in the process of cleaning them, as he had done millions of times before.  Spike chuckled at the action, the rumble in his chest causing Buffy to stir.

“What?”  She asked sleepily.  Spike nodded to the man and Buffy turned her head.  She caught the watcher’s eye and laughed at his bemused expression.  Both were remembering a Halloween not so long ago when Buffy had finally pin pointed why he did that so often.  He did so he didn’t have to see what they were doing.

“Do we make you nervous, Giles?”  Buffy asked, a warm smile on her face.

“A little.”  He admitted, returning his glasses to his nose.  It unnerved him to see how close the former Slayer and vampire had become.  But he could admit, to himself anyway, that they seemed to fit well together.  Like opposite sides of te same coin.  And Buffy was finally happy again.  So, after everything that she had been through, Giles would never begrudge her happiness.  No matter who was the source.

These past months had been especially hard for the girl he secretly called daughter.   She had to find herself all over again. Buffy had fallen back on her training, much as she had when she’d returned from the dead.  Spike was with her every step of the way, providing hid unique brand of support.

They had both moved into Willow’s.  First, because neither would let the other out of their sight.  And second, because Buffy couldn’t bear the thought of returning.  Too many memories.

So, as usual, her friends sprang into action.  Xander repaired any damages, and Willow cleaned it, finally having to use a little magic to remove all traces of Riley’s blood from the floor.

The trio, along with Spike, packed up the entire house, following Buffy’s instructions as to what went to Goodwill, what she would keep, and what she was giving to Dawn.  Then, Anya took over the sale of the house.  She made sure that Buffy got enough to pay off the mortgage, whatever bills needed paying, and have a tidy nest egg leftover.  Not bad for a house located on the Hellmouth.

Things slowly started to return to normal.  Buffy’s nightmares lessened, than finally, stopped all together.   She was free to love the man she wanted to, no longer caring about ‘normal’.  Her friends no longer doubted the vampire, for obvious reasons.

Spike and Buffy had been sparring in the training room. When suddenly, Buffy sank to her knees, her head spinning.  Spike was instantly beside her, concerned eyes roaming over her pale face.  When the bile rose, she scampered to the bathroom, barely making it before she retched.  Spike had been right behind her, rubbing his cool hand over the heated skin of her back. He pressed a cool rag to her face when her stomach stopped rebelling against her.

When she felt slightly better, Spike took her home.  He tucked her into bed, then pressed a kiss to her forehead.

After a week of throwing up, Buffy had a full blown case of denial.  She had wigged out on poor Willow, when the red head handed her a box with the ominous letters EPT stamped on it.  Spike had taken the box from the witch and went to have it out with Buffy.

He’s already had his own suspicions, and now it was time to find out.

She screamed, denied.  Even pulled out a stake and threatened him.  In the end, she’d cried.  She’d taken the test from him and locked herself in the bathroom.  Spike paced the bedroom, waiting ten minutes before knocking on the door.  At first, Buffy didn’t answer.  He knocked again, calling her name.  He listened as she moved to the door, turned the lock, then opened it.

Buffy’s red rimmed and devastated eyes were all he needed to see.  Spike pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head.

They had stayed up the rest of the night, talking.  Buffy’s first reaction had been abortion.  But for some reason, the more she thought about it, the more the idea sickened her.  Spike couldn’t wrap his mind around the idea, either.  He kept thinking about Buffy, swollen and full of life.  The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to see it.  Feel it.  Be a part of it.  He wanted nothing more than to be this child’s biological father.  He knew the chances of him ever fathering a child were slim. He wouldn’t say impossible, considering Angel’s daddy status.  But still, extremely slim.

Spike guessed he must have dozed off at one point, because, when he opened his eyes, Buffy wasn’t next to him.  He turned in the direction of her heartbeat, a smile touching his lips at what she was doing.

Buffy was standing in front of the mirror, holding her shirt up and inspecting her still flat stomach.  She slid a hand over it, her head tilted to the side.

“There’s a life growing inside of me, Spike.”  Buffy’s voice was soft and full of wonder.  “I’d given up hope.”

“I know, Pet.”  Spike slid out of bed, and walked over to her.  He ran his own cool hand over her taught stomach, imagining it heavy and round.  Suddenly, he wanted this child, more than anything.  More than the blood that kept him alive.  When his blue eyes met her hazel ones, she placed her hand over his, linking their fingers.

“Ready to be a daddy?”  She asked, a huge grin lighting up her face.  Spike returned her grin, pulling her close to him.

“With you, luv, I’m ready for anything.”

And that’s how they came to be in England, sitting in Giles’ parlor.  Spike had insisted that she give up Slaying.  They had argued.  Or rather, she had argued.  Spike was determined.  She was pregnant and her calling had taken enough from her.  It wouldn’t take this too.  To Spike, nothing was more important than Buffy and the baby.  And, barring an apocalypse, he wouldn’t allow her to risk it.

Finally, she had given in.  Her arguments had been a little half-hearted anyway.  So, she called Giles and had him set up a meeting with the Watcher’s Council.

Spike had to stay at Giles’ house while Buffy and the watcher went to meet with them.  He’d been plenty pissed about it. He’d conceded because Buffy was afraid that they would stake first and ask questions later.

Buffy had faced off with the pompous Quentin Travers.  Telling him in no uncertain terms that they either had to spring Faith from jail, or call the next Slayer.  She was done.  Nor more slaying for Buffy.  And in the end, just as he had with the information about Glory, Travers agreed.

Buffy Anne Summers would go down in the books as the first Slayer to come back from the dead (twice), retire, have a child, and marry a vampire.

In all actuality, Travers was glad to be rid of her.

“Where will you go?”  Giles asked, sipping his scotch.

“Well, now that Sunnydale has a new keep.  I’m thinking L. A.  I want to be close to Dawn.”  Buffy’s father had decided to take his responsibility to Dawn seriously, and had stopped going out of town so much.  Dawn loved L. A., much as Buffy had before she got called.  So, they had decided to leave her there, and just move close by.

“Yeah.” Spike agreed.  “That, and I’ve yet to meet my new baby brother.”  Spike added, grinning.

“Er, yes.  Wesley told me about the baby.  It’s extraordinary, to say the least.”

“I know, Angel a father.”  Buffy giggled.

“Hope the boy won’t be all broody and hair gelled like his da.  Or worse.  All nasty and vile like his mum.”  Spike shuddered at the thought.

“Be nice.”  Buffy admonished.  Spike just smirked at her.

“What about the others?”

“They’ll prob’ly all end up in L. A. with us.  You know this lot.  Can’t take a bleedin’ breath without askin’ permission first.”  Spike said in mock irritation.  Buffy playfully slapped his hand, then waved her finger in a no-no-no gesture.

Spike grinned and caught the waggling hand, bringing it to his lips to brush a kiss across it.  Suddenly, her eyes grew wide and wondrous.

“What is it, Pet.”  Instead of answering, she brought their joined hands to her stomach, pressing his hand flat against it.  Spike felt a strong rippling movement under his hand.  His eyes caught hers as the life in Buffy’s womb demanded to be noticed.

Emotions swept through Spike, to much for him to put into words.  So he pulled her closer to him and kissed her, hoping to convey in actions what he couldn’t say.  After all the decades he’d spent reeking mayhem and destruction, he had no right to be blessed with the treasures he now held in his arms.  Maybe he wasn’t as forsaken as he thought.

Giles sat across from the unlikely pair, a smile touching his lips.  In all his years as a watcher, he never thought he’d see a sight such as this.  A vampire, a slayer, hands clasped over her very pregnant belly.  Sharing a kiss as tender as anything he’d ever seen.  Giles felt his eyes mist up as he sipped his scotch, chuckling to himself.  This was going to make one hell of a journal entry.

~~FIN~~