All characters belong to Joss Whedon, The WB Network, and 20th Century Fox. I am just a fan.

Spike awoke to the feel of a warm, soft body cushioned against his. He instantly remembered the nibblet had fallen asleep in his arms. With a small smile, his eyelids fluttered open and he could make out the faintest glow of light coming from the tightly drawn shades. It was day. It was the day. Buffy was coming back.

With that thought in mind, he opened his eyes all the way and looked down at the sleeping form sprawled out across his chest. Only then did he realize who he was holding. It was...

"... Buffy." He whispered her name ever so softly.

She stirred against him, but her eyes remained closed.

Spike didn't know whether to grab her and hold and never let her go, or be perfectly still - afraid that if he moved, she would vanish. He closed his eyes tightly, letting her warmth spread throughout his body. When he re-opened them, Dawn lay on top of him, seemingly unaware of the temporary transformation.

"Mornin', sweet bit," he said, as Dawn's eyes finally opened. She yawned, as she rolled off the vampire, and onto the opposite side of the bed. She stretched out her tired limbs and fell back onto the bed dramatically, still exhausted.

"Morning," she finally replied.

Spike, unsure of whether he was looking forward to this day or not, reluctantly got out of bed. He was still not used to the sudden changes in his sleeping schedule. But, to take care of Dawn, he had to wake up when she awoke and go to bed when she fell asleep. It wasn't easy, but she was worth it.

Dawn followed and got up as well. She was estatic that Buffy was returning to her, but in a way, she was scared. It was hard enough having Buffy living inside her, but to have Willow go in as well? Wouldn't it get a little... well, cramped? She quickly dismissed her feelings of fear and doubt and concentrated on what really mattered. Her sister was coming back. A slight smile spread across her face as she headed towards her room to get dressed.

* * * * *

Spike was a little less than enthused. He knew he should be. His love, his light... she was returning to him. In the flesh and blood. Well, not returning to him, more as, returning to Earth. She probably still hated him. He shook his head. That wasn't the point. He, himself, had cheated death and looked how he ended up? A miserable vampire caught between the realms of good and evil. What if this presto-chango thing screwed her up? What if she was... different? It didn't seem right. Her life had been harder than anyone's should have been. She had earned her place in Heaven, and she deserved to stay there. She deserved peace.

He sighed and looked over at the clock. It was already passed eleven. When he was finished getting changed, he made his way to the kitchen and found Dawn already standing at the door with her shoes and jacket on. She was ready, why wasn't he?

"Are you sure you're feelin' up to this? I mean, did you get enough sleep?" Spike asked her. He didn't want to put her health in danger. Especially, if she was weak.

"I'm good to go. You?"

"Gettin' there," he replied.

Dawn could sense the uneasy look in his eyes. She placed a tentative hand on his forearm.

"It's gonna be okay," she told him, sincerely. "I promise."

He nodded his head and smoothed out the strands of her long brown hair.

"I know it is, lil' bit."

She smiled at him and took an anxious step towards the door. The sooner they got this over with the better.

"Ready?" she asked, her eyes lighting up.

Spike took a deep unneeded breath and held open the door for her.

"As ready as I'll ever be," he said softly.

With that, he grabbed his worn blanket, placed it over his head, and made a fast break towards the car.

* * * * *

When they arrived at Willow's, she had everything already set up. There were candles, spell books, different powders and potions. The room was dim and the Wiccas sat in a well-lit cirle in the middle of the room. Everyone was set to go. Dawn stepped in nervously and greeted the two witches.

"Hey, Dawnie. Are you ready?"

Dawn nodded and sat down in a wooden chair across from a circle of candles, that Willow and Tara kneeled in the middle of. Spike stood off in the background and watched from afar, not wanting to get in the way of anything. As the witches began preparing the advanced spell, Dawn's features melted into those of Buffy's.

"It's getting stuffy in here. You guys about ready?"

Willow and Tara exchanged hesitant glances and Spike stared at her in complete awe. Buffy just sat there, a quirky smile plastered on her on her glowing face.

"Sheesh, don't be so tense. It's just me."

Buffy turned to face Spike, who continued to stare at her. He swallowed hard, as he watched the angel before him turn around to look at him. She didn't say anything, and instead gave him the smallest of smiles. Then she vanished and Dawn's form re-appeared.

"A-Are you alright?" Willow asked the shaken girl.

Dawn nodded slowly and took a much needed breath. Buffy had to go. After a moment of silence she finally faced the witches and voiced her reply.

"Let's do it."

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