Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Fireman Series

Part 3: Kiss of Life

Date started: 8th September 2001 Finished: 11th September 2001

Rating: PG-13

Notes/Spoilers: Set in Season 6. Contains one scene that is very likely to be in the real Season 6, Episode 3 of Buffy. I ripped off some of the supposed dialogue, but it plays and ends a bit differently.

 

Spike blew out a puff of smoke, eyeing the texture and magnificence of the thick, black smoke. For a few seconds he was mesmerized by it, lost in thought. Happy thoughts. And scary thoughts.

He was sitting on a chair in the magic shop, being interrogated by Xander and Willow while Tara, Anya and Dawn were at Buffy’s house. It was almost 1pm the same day that Buffy had come back.

“Hey!” Xander called out, waving a hand in front of Spike’s face. Spike blinked and stared at Xander annoyed. “Let me get this straight,” Xander eyed him cautiously, “You followed Buffy to Glory’s Tower, there a Gargoyle killed her but you saved her life.” There was a look of amusement on Xander’s face.

Spike sighed.

“Listen lack brain, I’m not an entity sharing two bodies and I’ve already repeated this to you more than I did trying to explain who Ben was!.” Spike pointed at his head, “Get it through your thick skull, mate. I don’t know what I did, but I brought her back.” His voice grew louder but then he choked remembering the things he felt kissing Buffy. He knew that was the closest he would ever come to heaven.

“Spike,” Willow said, “You must have done something to her. You keep saying you brought her back.” Willow opened up The Book of Myths, “Anya found this ritual, we think you might have done it accidentally somehow.” Spike’s ears perked up.

“Yeah?” Spike was intrigued. “Go on.”

Willow shook her head.

“Tell us what you did to her first.”

Silence. Spike looked down at the floor, grinding out his cigarette in the ashtray subconsciously.

“If it’s some moment of happiness thing, you’re even more than a pig than I thought you were.” Xander smirked at him, disgusted.

They all waited.

“I kissed her.” Spike said simply.

Xander sat down slowly, careful not to stumble backwards.

“The Act of Truth.” Willow broke the silence, understanding.

“How’s that?” Spike asked.

“True love.” Xander said in a whisper, not believing his own words. Spike looked at Xander who had his head bowed down staring at the floor. Spike grinded his teeth considering the words Xander had said.

He smiled inside. He never knew something inside him was so powerful, powerful enough to give life. He never doubted his love, but this just proved to himself even more how much he loved her. He secretly wished it would show everyone else too.

Suddenly the thought of not being next to Buffy was driving him mad. He wanted to touch her again or even just look at her-he could die happy.

“Earth to Spike.” Willow said. Spike quickly regained focus from his little daydream. He was also very tired. Willow saw the tired look on his face and sighed, “I think we’re done here.” She said pointedly.

Spike nodded and got up from his chair, putting his leather duster back on. As he headed to the exit, Willow remembered something.

“By the way, “ He paused and turned around, “what you did closed the Hellmouth. I felt the evil subside.” She looked down sadly, a distant look in her eyes. Spike looked at her confused. She looked back up seeing his confused look, “The ritual closes a place of evil, it also gives life.”

Spike laughed at the irony.

“Funny someone as dead as me could do that.” As an after thought he added, “I’m still a Vampire though.” He put his hand above his heart. He didn’t know whether to be happy about it or sad. He still doubted whether Buffy could ever love him. But that feeling didn’t matter. He was content to love her from afar.

He headed back to the exit.

“Thanks, Spike.” He heard Xander call out from the back. Spike paused one last time and looked back at Xander. He nodded understandingly, and left, the wind floating his duster back like a cape.

He contemplated whether to see Buffy now or go back to his crypt.

The choice was obvious though.

True love waits for no vampire, he thought and smiled.

*****

“Aaaargh!” The First Evil screamed. It was angry as hell. The Hellmouth had just been closed, he had barely had time to assemble an army. Most of the demons broke off from the group but the few loyal ones remained. “Priests!” It growled, still in its true form. The priests continued to chant, loyal to their Master.

Just then he saw a familiar figure ahead approaching them. It grinned.

“Master, you’ve arrived.” The Doc said going down on one knee in respect.

“Impeccable job.” It told him, “Masquerading as an old man then using the Slayer’s sister to kill the Slayer.” It laughed, evilly. “Shows,” it tried to search for the right word gesturing with its large arms, “Creativity.” It continued to laugh.

“Whose form do you want to take on now, Master?” Doc asked, an evil grin on his face.

“I can take on any form I want.” It thought out loud, “but it isn’t enough. I need a body to possess, or else, “he pointed at his Priests, “when they die, I have to leave this dimension.” The Doc nodded understanding. “I’m immortal but, I have no powers except possession.” It looked around disgusted.

“Might I suggest someone you can, in the meantime, take the form of?”

The First Evil nodded, taking out its mirror, which could see anywhere, any dimension he pleased. He called up a picture of the Slayer’s friends.

When the one Doc wanted showed up on the reflection, Doc pointed at the image of a blonde man.

“That’s him.” He hissed, his reptilian tongue almost slithering out of his mouth with glee. “Use him to hurt the Slayer.” Doc looked up at the sky. “I’ll get him for you. We have an old score to settle. He is quite powerful himself and a bonus,” Doc’s face lit up, “he’s a soulless evil vampire.”

“Excellent. While you get him, I’ll pay the Slayer a visit.” It growled.

It then addressed the remaining demons, who stood in line, waiting for his orders. “Demons and Half-Breeds!” It shouted, getting their attention. “Begin the construction!” They all growled in response and got to work on The First Evil’s fortress.

*****

Chariots, lava, fire, demons. That was all Buffy dreamed about when she finally fell asleep. After that, even asleep, she felt pain, fury, anger and frustration.

But then she saw her mom’s face. She remembered every detail of her loving face. When they hugged. But then they had to say goodbye. So quickly, almost as fast as she had lost her.

“My sweet, brave, Buffy…” She heard her mom’s words again and again echoing in her head.

Buffy finally woke up, her eyes shooting open, her breathing fast.

She sat up in bed inspecting her surroundings. She was in her room, in her own little bed. Dawn was snoozing in a chair next to hair. At the sight of her sister she smiled. She put out a hand and brushed her cheek.

“Mmm…” Dawn mumbled as she opened her eyes. She yawned sleepily and smiled at her sister. “Hey!” She got up from her chair and gave her big sister a hug.

“Before I forget,” Buffy said breaking the hug, “I want you to know, “ Dawn waited patiently, “Mom says hi.” Dawn felt a tear come on and she hugged her sister again.

“Did you tell her how much we love her?” Dawn asked.

Buffy nodded.

“She knows.”

Just then the door opened, in walked Anya with a tray of what looked like green jello. At the sight of Buffy awake she spread a sincere smile on her face.

“Good morning! How does breakfast in bed sound?” She set out the tray on Buffy’s thighs.

“Thanks, Anya.” Buffy looked at her smiling. Anya didn’t want to look directly at Buffy, incase of eye contact. She finally did and couldn’t hold herself together anymore and cracked up. “Oh god Buffy I missed you!” She instantly grabbed Buffy and hugged her, maybe a bit too tightly.

“Oof.” Buffy tried to breath.

“I feel safe again. Like, no more demons can hurt us anymore cause you’re here.” She pulled away, a big smile on her face.

“Yeah I missed you too, Anya.” Buffy was amused by Anya’s little outburst.

Dawn shook her head at Anya playfully.

“What?” Anya asked innocently.

“Is this supposed to be jello?” Buffy asked playing with her plate of food.

“I always see it in the movies. When they end up in the hospital they get them these easy to digest products.”

“Thanks, Anya. But I’m not very hungry.”

Just then, the door opened and in walked Xander, Willow and Tara. For another second Buffy kept watching the door, expecting to see Spike following in behind them. She hid her little disappointment inside when he didn’t show.

“There’s my Buffster.” Xander called out, giving her a hug. Buffy plastered on the obligatory happy face greeting her friends.

*****

After they had chit chatted for what seemed like two hours, they all left Buffy alone to change her clothes and they relocated to the living room downstairs. When they were all seated in silence, Anya kicked Xander’s foot attempting to be discreet, but failing miserably.

“Ow!” Xander cried in pain, clutching his foot. Everyone stared at them amused. When Xander didn’t get the hint, Anya elbowed him-hard. That did it. “Ok, ok, I get it.” He said feeling his ribs for any bruises. Anya smiled at the gang as if nothing happened. They both stood up.

“Er, guys.” He cleared his throat. “Since today has been such a joyful day, I want you guys to share our own joyful occasion.” He looked at Anya lovingly. “We’re getting married.”

There were many “ooohs” and “aaahs” as each person hugged and kissed the bridge-and-groom to be.

“Congratulations.” Willow hugged him tightly and quickly wiped away her tears. She didn’t want him to see them. “I wish you utmost happiness.” She stared at him, maybe a bit too long. Who knows? It was him that finally broke the trance as Dawn came up from behind to hug him. Xander tried saying something but Willow quickly left the room and headed to be alone in the kitchen.

“Congrats, Xan-man.” Dawn hugged him tightly. Xander hugged her tightly. “I hope this doesn’t mean we can’t keep playing monopoly together?” She teased.

“Any time, Dawnster.” He replied.

“Congrats, Xander.” Buffy hugged him. “She’s quite a catch.” She winked at him. Xander smiled back at her.

“Anya, I think you’ll look lovely in white.” Buffy said as she hugged her too. Anya hugged her a little too tightly.

“Oh Buffy. We need to start shopping for the wedding!” She cried happily.

Tara finished hugging Xander.

“She’s a lucky girl.” She teased. Xander looked at the floor shyly.

“Uh, thanks.” He replied.

After congratulating Anya too, Tara went to check on Willow.

She entered the kitchen, finding Willow leaning against the table, deep in thought.

“Honey, I think we should leave now.” Tara told her. Willow didn’t respond. “Honey?” Tara touched her gently. Willow shrugged her off. Tara knew what was on her mind. “I shouldn’t have told you.”

Willow looked up at her, her eyes sad.

“I’m happy for Xander, Tara.” Willow said. As an afterthought, “and Anya too.” She added. Then she shook her head, looking up, “But that’s not what’s bothering me. Tara what you told me, about my future--” Tara immediately cut her off.

“I told you, it’s not totally accurate.” She pleaded.

Willow smiled.

“Don’t lie, Tara. You’re a powerful witch. You’re a Wicca. I’m guessing that makes the spell accurate.” Tara didn’t know what to say. “When I brought you back, do you remember what I told you?” Willow asked.

Tara nodded. Of course she remembered.

“Then remember this; I will always find you.” With that she left the kitchen and without saying goodbye to anyone, she left through the front exit. Tara broke down in the kitchen and began to cry angry at herself for ever telling Willow.

Dawn and Anya came in a minute later, concerned.

“What happened?” Dawn asked. Xander came in too.

“I have to tell you guys something about Willow.”

*****

Buffy rubbed her hands together trying to keep warm. She was standing at the back porch, getting some fresh air. She felt suffocated, the constant “maybe you should sit down”, “we missed you!” and the constant mothering from everyone was driving her nuts.

She was fine. Or so she thought.

She felt something just then. Or someone. It was an unexplainable feeling. Like all her senses were being stretched to their limits. She felt her head get lighter and the feeling became pure pleasure. She stifled a moan.

There was a sudden noise of a branch breaking. And she smelled something familiar.

“Hello, Spike.” She said, continuing to stare at the floor.

Spike stepped out of the shade in the tree. Careful not to get into direct sunlight, he walked closer to her, his heart rising in his chest.

They both then heard some loud voices from inside.

“You hear all that noise?” Spike asked, pointing inside.

Buffy nodded.

“Just enough to make me feel crappy.” She then added, “Everyone's all...they all care. They all care so much, it makes it all harder.”

“Not sure I followed 'round that bend, love.”

“I don't know. I just feel like, like I'm spending all my time trying to be okay, so no one'll worry. It's exhausting, and then I get all...” She couldn’t find the right words.

“...and that makes 'em worry even more.” Spike filled in for her.

Buffy nodded, relieved to be understood without words.

“Want me to taken 'em out? Give me a hell of a headache, but I could probably thin the herd a little.” He smiled slyly, joking.

Buffy couldn't suppress a smile of her own, pleasing Spike.

“Knew I could get a grin.”

Buffy sat down and Spike followed suit.

“Why are you always around when I'm miserable?” She asked recounting the last time he had comforted her on her back porch. Was it almost a year ago when her mom had wanted to check into the hospital?

“'Cause that's when you're alone, I reckon. I'm not much for crowds myself these days.”

“Me either.”

“That works out nicely then.”

They sat in silence a little while longer, neither sure what to say to the other.

“Buffy?” She turned to face him. God, those eyes, those lips…

“Spike?” She broke his trance. Caught, he blushed a little. “I want to thank you for looking after Dawn. She can’t stop talking about you.”

“I promised you didn’t I?” Buffy continued to look at him, their eyes making contact. More silence and tension.

“How do you feel?” Spike broke it. “Really…you know, any side-effects?” Buffy grinned. Spike felt more like a fool and looked in the other direction. “I didn’t mean it like that-“

“I know.” She sighed. “You guys did the right thing…bringing me back.” Spike analyzed her expression.

“But you feel bitter about something?”

“I can’t ever escape it, Spike. The pain, the hurt. I mean I died. Isn’t that all supposed to go away?” Buffy’s high-pitched tone scared Spike. She was in more pain than he even thought. He thought a bit, digging up memories he once thought he’d buried forever.

“Pet, look at me.” She did, looking straight into his eyes. “I died. None of that went away. The hurt? The pain? It got worse.”

“Sorry. I never knew—“

He shook his head.

“But that’s what keeps us alive. Keeps us fighting.” He pointed at someone walking across the street. “This man, looks happy enough. But inside he’s probably hurting. Crying, kicking and screaming. But they bottle it up. No one, even the most innocent, can ever be at peace.”

“That’s very cynical.”

“It’s the truth, love.”

“You never think at the end of the road, you could ever finally let go of it all?”

“I don’t think Vampires have an end of the road.”

“What about humans or—“

“Slayers?” Spike filled in for her.

She nodded.

“You’re a creature of the night, like me, love.” With that they both fell silent again. But it was more comfortable this time.

“Spike, what you did for me—“

“Yeah?” His hopes rose at that instant. Their eyes locked, their breathing got faster.

Buffy inched her head closer to his, feeling her heart race. Spike gulped and brushed up closer to her never leaving her eyes. Their bodies touched, their lips quivered for the taste of the other. Spike felt the heat rising from her flushed cheeks. Their lips were a mere millimeter away—

“Spike?” Buffy whispered. Spike felt her warm breath almost condensing on his cold, hard cheeks.

“Shh.” He shushed her so the moment could go on.

“No.” Spike pulled back. She hadn’t wanted it to come out so harsh. “I can’t do this…”

“Yes you can.” Spike pleaded. She shook her head.

“I can’t let my feelings toward you be solely because you saved me. I need to think—“ Spike knew where she was heading with this. He gathered what was left of his dignity and got up.

“Save it, Buffy.” He sounded clearly hurt.

“Spike—“ He didn’t want to be there any more. It was too much. He stormed off on to his bike hidden in the shadows and rode off, staying on the side of the road that was in the shade.

Buffy sat shaking like a leaf. For some reason it got colder when he left. There was a pain in her chest. Just then she felt so stupid and angry with herself.

It just wasn’t right. I need to adjust to my new life, I can’t just say “hey, you saved my life, I love you” I shouldn’t feel obligated.

Should I?

The confusion more than anything drove her deeper down the dumps, and she started to cry.

“I’m so stupid.” She muttered under he breath.

As she contemplated getting back up and checking on her friends, she heard a voice.

“Tears, such a weak sign.”

Buffy looked up surprised and wiped away her tears.

“Spike?” She said hopefully. It was him, towering above her. He looked different, all high and mighty. She blinked.

“Slayer, what a pathetic piece of work you are.” Buffy’s ears perked up. “Crying and weeping at your second or wait, what is it third chance at life?” He made a tisk, tisk sound, wagging her finger at her. “Bad, Slayer.”

“I didn’t mea—“

“I should never have let a slut like you kiss me.” She felt like she had been punched in the stomach. “What a whore. You can’t keep a bloke with you more than year. Maybe you enjoy that? Maybe you enjoy feeling like the biggest whore in Sunnydale? Is that it, Slayer?”

“Shut up.” She clenched her teeth hard, her temper rising. She never heard this kind of language from Spike before. Not directed to her anyway.

Just then, Xander came in from the back door. The instant he saw Spike, he did a double take. The look on his face was different. Evil.

“Buffy what’s going on?” Xander asked looking straight at Spike.

Spike grinned.

“I’ll see you later, bitch.” He snickered at her. “The next time we meet, one of us dies.” He laughed and walked away leaving a shocked Buffy with a hand covering her mouth in shock. The pain and hurt started all over again.

You can count on it.

*****

Spike sat in his crypt smoking a cigarette. He felt like hitting something. Anything. He just wanted someone to share his pain. Buffy knew exactly how to drive a stake in his heart and twist it.

But he didn’t care. He was used to this. He would never hurt her, or yell at her. She’s been alive barely a day. I should give her some time, Spike thought.

Just then the door to his crypt burst open.

“Buffy?” He called out, hopefully. He turned around.

There stood a reptilian creature with its tail flapping wildly in anticipation. “Doc. Good to see you. I don’t believe I made an appointment.” Spike said, snickering at him. He braced himself for a fight. “I’m ready this time.”

The Doc hissed and shot open his mouth. Spike had anticipated his attack. He grabbed his extended tongue and pulled it. The Doc came sprawling toward him. They fell backwards.

Spike quickly got up and readied himself with a stake. The Doc got up and swung 360 degrees. His tail went straight to Spike’s head. He hadn’t anticipated that attack and ended up sprawled against the wall with a massive headache.

“Still an idiot.” The Doc hissed at him. With one swift motion, Spike turned around and plunged the stake right into Doc’s leg. The green blood dripped on the floor but he remained standing.

Doc used the distraction and shot out his tongue pinning Spike to the wall. And in one swift stroke he knocked Spike out with his powerful tail.

Spike slithered down the wall and fell unconscious, not before cursing the Doc and cursing himself for failing.

He would get him next time. This was now personal.

*****

“What did he do?” Xander asked a shaken Buffy. They were inside the house again, in the living room.

Tara was talking to Giles on the phone, while Dawn sat next to her sister trying to comfort her.

“The things he said—“ Buffy whispered. She had stopped crying. She was tired of it. It made her feel weak.

“He threatened to kill you, Buffy.” Xander reminded her.

Dawn heard this.

“What? Spike would never say that, Buffy!” Dawn’s voice grew louder.

“Dawn, go upstairs.” Buffy told her.

“No! Not until you promise me you won’t hurt Spike!” Dawn was upset Buffy even thought Spike could harm her.

“You know Spike, Buffy. He would never say that!” Dawn shrieked.

“Go. Upstairs. Now!” Buffy yelled at her pointing at the stairs.

Dawn started to cry and ran up stairs.

“What are you going to do, Buff?” Xander asked, concerned for her mostly.

She sighed.

“I don’t know Xander. I haven’t thought it through yet.”

Their conversation ended and they concentrated on what Tara was telling Giles.

“Giles, yes, yes it worked.” Tara spoke into the phone, “How? Long story…Giles can you use The Watcher Council’s help? Can you find out everything you can about The First Evil?”

“What did you say?” Buffy said.

“Er-“ Tara tried answering her questioning look, “The First Evil. Yes? Giles, you’ll catch the earliest flight? Ok, ok. Bye. Ok I’ll tell her. Bye”

“Giles says hi.” Tara relayed his well-wishes.

“Buffy, what’s up?” Xander asked. “I thought you took care of that First Evil what was it, 3 years ago almost?”

Buffy shook her head.

“I saw it again when I was dead. He was responsible for sending me to Hell.” She paused a second remembering, “Anyway, how do you know about it, Tara?”

“A few days ago, I was doing some space-time spells. I took a peek at Willow’s future.” Of their disapproving look, “I was, af-afraid for her. She’s been getting so powerful at witchcraft I had to make sure she’d be safe.” She took a deep breath, “Anyway, I saw her getting killed by a creature calling itself The First Evil.” She looked down sadly, “It was awful.”

“Is that where Willow went? To face it whatever it’s called?” Anya asked.

“Where would it be, though?” Tara asked.

“The Hellmouth.” Buffy said dryly, “That’s the only way it could’ve come here. Last time it needed some Priests to summon it. In a place, um, where something ‘cannot grow above and below’. Yeah that’s it.”

“Buff, are you sure you’re up to—“

“I’m fine.”

“We have to go after her.” Tara said determined. They all nodded in agreement.

“I’ll get some weapons then.” Xander said making his way to the weapons chest. Anya quickly rushed to his side. “Be careful.” She smiled at him, “Please.” Xander gave her a soft kiss.

“I will.”

In a few minutes, they were packed and ready for battle. Buffy lead the way out, with Xander, and Tara following her.

Buffy put aside whatever she felt for Spike. She would deal with him later. Right now her best friend needed her whether she would want to admit it or not. Great, Buffy thought. I’ve been alive barely a day and I’m already off to battle.

Isn’t life grand?

*****

The First Evil walked back to the Hellmouth changing its form from Spike back into its hideous, evil self. It smiled at its success. Hurting the Slayer so badly felt so good. Almost better than setting her on fire and shocking her with electricity.

“Nah.” It muttered with a grin.

As it approached its base, it felt something wrong. It was too quiet.

Where were all the minions? Where was his fortress?

“Looking for me?”

Up ahead was a small figure. A little girl. It was getting dark now, so when he got closer, he saw her hovering above the ground, her eyes so black, you could mistake her eyes to be hollow. Around her, he saw all the carcasses of his demons. He was impressed.

“No my dear. Should I be?” He replied back, amused. He quickly searched for his priests. They must’ve hid themselves or else he would be back in his own dimension.

Willow’s face contorted into anger.

“Ignus Incente!” She commanded, and out of her hands a huge ball of flame headed straight at The First Evil. Direct hit. He was knocked over backwards.

But he got straight up and laughed at her.

“My, my. That reminds me of home.” Willow got angry.

“Blitz storm!” She shouted. A huge bolt of lightning shot out from the sky and hit the First Evil.

“Argh.” It growled as it fell again, smoke rising off it.

“You won’t kill me, you spawn of Hell! I’m not dieing tonight!” She cried.

“No my dear.” It got right back up. “I’m not going to kill you. I’m going to do something much, much, better than that.”

*****

Spike woke up to the sound of metal scraping the floor. He quickly looked around and found himself inside a cage. And the person dragging him in it was none other than the Doc. It was thankfully dark now.

“Where are we going?” Spike asked.

The Doc didn’t answer him, he continued to his destination. Which wasn’t very far away at all. They had already arrived.

The Hellmouth.

“I’m getting sick of this place.” Spike muttered.

He heard a loud bang and crackle just then. Grabbing the steel bars, he looked ahead to see where the noise had come from. He saw someone hovering above ground firing lightning at some hideous looking creature. They got a bit closer and he recognized the witch.

Will? What was she doing here? The instant Doc saw her, he dropped the cage and turned to Spike.

“I’ll be back to continue our appointment.” Doc grinned at Spike. As Doc turned around, Spike reached out and nicked his keys from his back pocket. Doc didn’t even feel it, he was in a rush to aid his master.

“Master, I’ve brought you someone to possess!” He shouted as he got closer. Willow saw him and her attention turned to him, her eyes now glowing red in anger.

The First Evil rose, unharmed from all of Willow’s spells.

“I have no need for anyone but this witch, slave. Leave us.” It growled. The Doc nodded hesitantly and ran back to Spike.

“Seems we can continue our appointment now.” He grinned taking out a knife. “Recognize this?” Doc waved the knife left and right admiring the sharp blade. “I enjoyed cutting that little girl. After I finish with you, I’m going to enjoy finishing her off and her sister-”

That was all Spike could take, he kicked open the cage door and hurled at the Doc grabbing his neck and breaking it. In one swift stroke, he stole Doc’s knife and rammed it straight into his chest and plunged it deeper till the blade touched the ground.

Spike got up, eyeing the Doc making sure he was dead.

“Aaah!” Spike heard Willow’s scream. He turned around to see the First Evil with its huge arms inside Willow’s head. Spike squinted his eyes thinking they were playing tricks on him.

“Will!” He shouted, running towards her. He took all but three steps when the Doc tripped him with his tail. He came crashing down cracking his jaw.

“Bloody hell.” He muttered.

“Doctor didn’t give you permission to go.” Spike turned so his back was on the floor. He snarled at him.

“Don’t you ever bloody die?” As the Doc shot out his tongue, Spike instantly sliced it off with the same knife as before. Doc’s face immediately registered pain as he put his hands to his mouth covering the blood. “This one’s for Dawn.” With that, he sliced off its head. And just to be sure, the tail as well.

Spike smiled at his handy work, glad he was finally able to get his payback.

“Aargh!” Spike heard Willow scream again. He turned around and the sight he saw shocked him.

The First Evil was trying to go into Willow. Its whole upper body was now inside her. Willow struggled to stay upright, trying to shrug him out.

“Nooo!” She screamed one last time before finally giving up.

The creature disappeared. Willow stumbled forward and landed hard on her head. Spike immediately ran to her.

When he got to her, he felt the heat coming off her and saw smoke rising off her. He placed a hand on her left shoulder and shook it.

“Red?” His voice trembled, concerned. When she didn’t move, he shook her again and spoke louder, “Willow?”

She didn’t move.

In that instant, Spike heard someone approach from behind. Ready for another attack, he spun round.

It was Buffy. Followed closely by Tara and Xander. He immediately felt relieved she was ok and felt a smile cross his face.

He pocketed the knife he still held.

“Hey, love.” He greeted her. There was an angry look on Buffy’s face which confused him.

The next instant he felt a sharp, hot pain on his left cheek.

Buffy had slapped him.

“Don’t call me that.” Her voice hissed with anger. Spike continued to look at her confused and hurt. The slap wasn’t painful, it was his heart shattering that was causing him the most pain.

Xander came up from behind, a crossbow aimed at his chest.

“Get the hell out of here, Spike.”

“Buffy…” There was a lump in his throat that prevented him from continuing.

“Don’t you dare.” She warned him.

Just then Willow murmured and got up, feeling her head for bruises. Tara went straight to her side.

“Wow, that was intense.” Willow mumbled.

Buffy shoved Spike out of the way and went to check on her friend.

“Will, you ok?” Buffy asked her.

Willow nodded.

“Yeah Buffy. I did it, I killed The First Evil.” Buffy smiled and hugged her.

“I knew you could do it.” Buffy told her.

When Willow saw Spike, she immediately pulled back from the hug.

“You!” Willow hissed, pointing at him. “You tried to kill me.” Spike stared at her as if she was insane.

“What?” He shouted unable to maintain his self-control. “Have you all gone bloody mad?” Buffy immediately turned to him, stake drawn.

“There, that knife.” Willow pointed at Spike’s pocket. “He tried stabbing me Buffy, then he knocked me out and said he was going to turn me!” Willow cried.

“What a load of horse-crap, you know I can’t bite-“

“Unless you took the chip out some how.” Xander interrupted him. Spike looked at him.

“You’re incredible.” He shook his head. “Why the hell would I try to hurt Willow? Buffy, why-“

“I’m giving you 5 seconds to get out of my site, Spike.” Buffy crossed her arms. Spike looked at her, about to burst into tears.

Something wasn’t right here. He would find out what. But not now, unless he wanted to turn into a big pile of dust.

He nodded and walked backwards keeping eye contact with her.

“I don’t know what happened while I was knocked out, but I’ll find out.” He then looked at Willow, who had a sly grin on her face, and then back at Buffy. “Be careful.” With that, he slumped his shoulders and walked away, into the bushes and out of sight.

*****

Buffy was staring at the bush where Spike disappeared in to, her mouth gaped open in longing. She hadn’t wanted to be so harsh. But he had been cruel to her and had threatened her. He deserved it, didn’t he?

The unexplainable feeling she got when Spike was around left her just then. Her senses relaxed. She felt her head get heavier, pushing her stare to the floor.

Her heart was racing and her hands were sweating. More than ever she felt the pain rise in her chest. Was it her heart aching? If it was, she wanted it to stop. Spike had been her ally, well her enemy too. But he had saved her life. He loved her, she knew that.

Maybe when her head was clear she would think through what had happened in the past few hours. What was important now was getting her friend home. She was relived Willow was still alive.

“Can you believe that guy?” Willow stated, shaking her head. Buffy turned to her friend.

“Let’s get you home.” She put an arm around Willow and all of them walked away in a group, Xander and Tara close behind, covering the rear.

But one of them wasn’t really a part of the group.

The Last Slayer