Chapter 4

Buffy stormed into Angel’s office. Everyone was standing around listening to the training that was organised for the day.

"Oh Buffy we were just saying" Angel was promptly stopped by Buffy’s face. Tears streaming down her face.

"Is this supposed to be some sort of sick joke and cos I really don’t find it funny, I mean you know how I feel about Spike and for someone to put this there "

Buffy held up Spikes duster bruising the leather as she was holding it too tightly.

"Buffy I don’t know about this,"

Angel went to touch her but she recoiled at his touch not wanting any comfort. She turned round to everyone else noticing Willow who had a tear falling down her cheek. She knew what it was like to lose someone and the pain she felt after Tara died. How she shut everyone out.

Xander walked over to Buffy and hugged her.

"Xander I need him I really do, I love him so much "Buffy cried into Xander’s shoulder.

Angel didn’t know where to put himself but he started to get angry he knew Spike had something to do with this and he was gonna have word with him.

"Erm I think its time to take the potentials down for the training "Giles piped up motioning the group of fifteen girls out of the door followed by Dawn.

"Xander why don’t you go down I’ll look after Buffy,"

Willow put a hand on Xanders arm and with a nod of his head he walked out of the door and closed it behind him. Willow put a protective arm and sat her down.

"Buffy I know this is hard but it will get better trust I of all people should know "Willow looked at Buffy who was still crying.

"But W-willow why cant I let him go" Buffy leaned in to her friend.

"I’m not sure Buffy how about I get us a couple of drinks " Willow patted her shoulder.

Buffy nodded as Willow got up towards the door and closed it she sighed and held her head towards the ceiling and that’s when she saw it.

Spike tried to think how was he gonna get his coat he didn’t mean to leave it there but she burst in the door well not burst in more like she glided through the door.

She was still so beautiful he wanted to take her in his arms and love her with his whole being but that wouldn’t happen I mean she would have already done that because she knew he was there right as he was walking on the upper floor he walked down and noticed Willow looking up at him.

He stood there and froze he could see Willow bounding up the stairs she stopped suddenly.

"S-spike is that you" Willow couldn’t believe he was standing in front of her.

"Yes Red it’s me ta daaaaa!" Spike singed but was taken aback for what would happen next.

Willow ran into his arms and hugged him. Spike hugged her back he could smell a hint of vanilla, which was unmistakably, Buffy.

"How, we thought you died in the hellmouth Buffy said she saw you".

"Long story luv, but I came back here as a ghost and then I was made corporeal and then got stuck here with Angel of all people back with family or so they say"

He laughed and Willow smiled god she couldn’t believe he was here I mean my god Buffy gonna flip.

"Buffy, I completely forgot about her, " Willow started to walk briskly.

"Spike, why didn’t you call Buffy to let her know you were still alive? "

"Well, Angel didn’t think it was a good idea and to be honest she needed to live normal life you know I owed her that much "

Spike stuffed his hand in his pockets and suddenly found his black boots interesting.

"Oh come on Spike, she was the Slayer she would never have a normal life and you know that more than anyone, "

Spike shrugged he knew she wouldn’t have the life she wanted but he had to give her that choice. Willow grabbed his hand and led him down the stairs and s they were bout to walk through the door Angel stopped them.

"Spike you cannot do this, you have to let her go I won’t let you do this"

"What, don’t you think she will want to know I’m here?"

Willow couldn’t believe this was Angel how can he stop Spike from seeing Buffy he wasn’t jealous or maybe he was.

"Angel, I don’t think you have any right as to what Buffy wants or needs" Willow stepped up to him.

"Buffy loves Spike, probably more than she did you. And I know that hurts now, but you know I’m right and anyway you left her and Spike has been by her side for a long time so its time to let go"

Willow looked over at Spike he smiled at her never really knowing her strength until now.

"Now, I know why your her best friend Willow," Angel looked over at Spike shook his head and walked off.

"Are you ready Spike? "Willow asked.

"I don’t know if I can What if she gets mad at me and lashes out? "Spike asked worriedly he couldn’t cope if she rejected him.

" Well I guess it will be like old times then," Willow laughed with Spike.

He was outside the door and he turned back to Willow who had her thumbs up.

"I’ll be down in the training centre if you need me, you’re doing the right thing Spike she would want to know "

Spike nodded and blew out air that was trapped in his chest. He saw her standing at the window with his duster on it never looked so good on a person before.

"Did you get the drinks Will?" Buffy asked s she turned around with tear streaked cheeks.

Buffy stepped back when she saw him glowing with the light from the door his blond hair looking even whiter than usual.

"S-spike " His name caught in her throat.

"Its me pet"

"Are you really here?" tears flowing freely down her cheeks.

She slowly walked toward him not believing it he was still standing there in his signature colour black that by the way outlined his chest he never looked so good.

Buffy put a hand to his face brushing her finger over his scar on his eyebrow he smiled. Spike wiped the tear that were cascading down her cheeks and that’s the blackness took her.

Chapter 5

Angel couldn’t, take it any longer she wouldn’t want Spike.

"I mean I’m her true love, and Spike… she is probably just thanking him for saving the world,"

Angel thought he decided to walk into the office.

When Angel walked into the office and saw Buffy on the floor with Spike leaning over her.

"What the hell did you do you idiot?" Angel shouted pushing Spike out of the way and leaning over Buffy smoothing her hair away from her face.

"You stupid git "Spike clenched his teeth and braced himself not to punch Angel’s lights out.

"She saw me at the door and then she just crumpled to the floor, must have been too much for her "Spike started to shake his head.

Angel leaned over and stroked her face

"Buffy wake up, "he whispered .he turned round to Spike.

"Get her something to drink," He spat pointing to the door.

Spike looked at Buffy and then looked at Angel and walked out of the door.

Buffy started to stir and her eyes flickered and then opened she focused on who was in front of her.

"Angel oh what am I doing on the floor? S-spike he was here "Buffy sat up touched the back of her head where a little bump was forming rather rapidly.

"Buffy I know you are grateful to Spike for saving the world," Angel spoke with air quotes.

"But come on you honestly don’t love him, I know you and me had a something, "

Angel pulled Buffy up but was still holding her hands in his own. Buffy threw his hands away from her own with disbelief on her face.

"How dare you tell what I can feel and not feel," Buffy spat.

"I don’t love you anymore as much as that might hurt you... you haven’t been in my life for a while and when Glory came the person I ran to was Spike, when I died who looked after my sister Spike, and who was with me when the world needed saving it was Spike,"

Angel stared at her not really seeing this person he loved. Buffy put a hand on Angel’s shoulder and looked at him with pity in her eyes.

"I have loved Spike for a long time its just I never told him to the last minute and now its too late," Buffy whispered.

"Well if that your decision I will have to stick by that but you remember that I’m still here,"

Angel strode out of the door where he walked to Spike carrying a glass of water.

"You had better look after her Spike or else I will find you and kill you" Angel spat.

"Mate don’t tell me what to do if you loved her you would have stayed in the first place" Spike looked at him his blue eye blazing.

Spike walked off leaving Angel to deal with his own in securities. The door of the office came into view he pushed it open and saw Buffy smelling his jacket.

"You know luv, most people usually wear coats not attach them to their face "Spike smiled.

Buffy spun round and saw him.

"Spike you’re here with me in the this room, right now this isn’t a dream is it?" Buffy looked like she was gonna faint again her face had gone a lighter shade.

"Goldilocks it’s me "Spike whispered.

Buffy knew it was him no one ever called her that.

She ran over to him and hugged him tightly he hugged her back smelling the familiar scent of vanilla .She closed her eyes tears were flowing freely down her cheeks.

"I missed you Spike "Buffy cried into his shoulder.

"I missed you too "

Buffy pulled away just enough to touch his mouth with his lips and when the passion took over she had to break away just enough to catch her breath. He kissed her nose.

"Don’t cry luv there’s nothing to be sad about "Spike wiped away her cheeks.

"Spike I want to tell you something" Buffy held Spikes hand and walked him towards the couch that was in the middle of the room.

Buffy lifted her hand to his face smoothing the chiselled cheekbones.

"I know I only said it to you just before you died but when you were gone I felt like I lost my chance to love anyone"

Buffy took a deep breath.

"Spike I love you, I love you so much and I know that the whole stalker, obsession thing happened. But I thought you would always be here I didn’t think you would leave me "

Spike couldn’t believe it she said it, She really did mean it she loves me he blinked.

"Buffy did you just say you loved me for real "

Buffy smiled she really missed Spike and having him here in front of her she realised that she actually got part of herself back when Spike left. Buffy stood up.

"I love that blond haired, pec impressive vampire of mine, I love Spike " Buffy shouted and the laughed when Spike picked her up and swung her around.

"I love you slayer" Spike spoke.

"Well technically I’m not the slayer anymore there are a whole world of them "She stroked his face with the back of her hand.

"Well you are the only slayer I would ever want" he kissed her gently. And then it dawned on her.

"Oh god, the guys don’t know you’re alive lets go and surprise them "She started to pull his hand.

"Xander still got the pirate patch on "Buffy nodded.

"Its gonna be fun when I buy a parrot "Spike laughed as they walked out to the door

They got to the elevator and waited when the doors opened they walked in. Angel was on his mobile.

"Yeah get an assault team together, we are gonna fake a kidnap" Angel closed the phone and smiled to himself.

Chapter 6

"Right well lets have a small break shall we" Giles pursed his lips he was getting too damn old for this job.

The potentials quietly walked out of the room glad that they were enjoying well-deserved break.

"I wonder where Buffy is "asked Dawn.

"Oh I’m sure she is fine she will be down shortly" Giles spoke who then looked at Willow who had the biggest smile on her face.

Buffy and Spike walked down the corridor towards the training centre and then Spike stopped before the door Buffy turned to him.

"Spike what’s wrong "she looked into her eyes.

"What if she gets mad at me again I couldn’t take it" Spike looked nervously to Buffy.

"Dawn will squeal when she sees you she has missed you an awful lot she partly blamed herself for not talking to you before the end"

Buffy kissed him deeply washing away any momentary fears he had.

"Now come on "She jokingly pulled him toward the door.

They walked into the centre where all the girls were chatting and the gang was in whispery mode. Dawn looked up and her eyes were wide not believing in with a high pitched squeal she ran over to Spike and hugged him knocking him down to the floor.

"Hey bit "He hugged her back.

"I can’t believe its you; "Dawn cried over Spikes shoulder and when she saw Buffy who just nodded.

From the squeal the gang turned around to find Dawn knocking someone over when they got up Giles couldn’t believe it.

"Oh dear lord" Giles spoke first taking off his glasses and cleaning them.

Willow walked over to Spike and hugged him. "I see you didn’t lose your courage "Willow whispered to him.

"Yeah red and thanks you in so many ways "Spike commented.

Giles walked over to Spike and shook his hand .In return Giles hugged him Spike was quiet taken aback he wasn’t used to this much affection from the former watcher.

They quickly both coughed and acted very manly turning around at any one else but each other. Xander looked at the vampire thinking this was too much if he came back then why didn’t Anya.

"Hey whelp "Spike spoke first.

"Good and so are you by the looks of it "Spike touched his arms.

"Yep all here"

"I think I will see for that myself later "Buffy retorted smiling at Spike

"Ewww information overload" Dawn muttered.

Buffy started to laugh at making her younger sister cringe. Just then armed guards burst through the door knocking Buffy to the floor. While in pursuit to get to the person they need to they knocked Giles out with a smack with the but of the gun and knocked him out cold. Spike vamped out and growled.

"Come on you pricks, I’ve got bashing's for all" Spike smiled grinning with his vamp teeth.

As they ran towards Spike smacking Willow on the way and shocking Xander with the Taser gun Spike took a look at Buffy thinking she could handle herself and was shocked to find her on the floor.

One of the guards shocked Spike from behind, as he fell down to see Buffy seriously kicking butt to two of the guards.

Dawn started to scream and for that little outburst she received a Punch across the jaw knocking her backwards and very much unconscious.

They shocked him again where he fell. Buffy was smacked at the back of her head with her gun. One of the guards slung Spike over their shoulder and carried him out of the room. Oblivious to Buffy screaming his name.

Angel was walking through the corridor when he received a phone call he smiled.

"Is he secure "

"Yes he is secure, awaiting immediate orders" the voice on the other line spoke abruptly with a history of government training.

Angel flipped the phone shut and sneered walking with a little spring in his step. As he walked past the office Fred peered out of the door and suddenly felt very afraid that he noticed her.

Buffy rubbed the back of her head as the others started to wake up. She looked round and then it came flooding back.

"Oh my god Spike "Buffy ran over to Willow and picked her up.

"Willow; Will wake up "Buffy shook her best friend just a little too vigorously.

"Huh oh my head really hurts "Willow whispered.

Buffy turned around making sure everyone else was okay. They seemed to be rubbing their heads.

Buffy turned back to Willow thankful that her friend was okay.

"Buffy what happened "willow asked opening her eyes wider trying to focus.

"I don’t know, but they wanted Spike I don’t know why who would want to hurt him I mean this is insane" Buffy looked away in thought.

"Any chance, you can do locator spell Will "Buffy asked in which Willow nodded slowly getting up.

Angel walked through the steel doors into the very dim lab and saw Spike strapped to a slab. He had various bruising on his face, cut to his lip and already a black eye forming. But it wouldn’t compare to what he was gonna do to him.

Angel stepped forward to be welcomed by the solider in charge.

"Everything is in order Angel, awaiting your orders?" the solider replied.

"I think we are gonna have bit of fun any reason why you wanted so desperately to head this special task "Angel inquired.

"Well I have special interest in this person you could say, "he replied.

Spike began to stir slowly opening his eyes ignoring the excruating pain in his head. When he opened his eyes he wasn’t surprised to see Angel but the other person he was.

Spike whispered two words and promptly passed out.

Angel turned towards the solider and said.

"Solider Boy "Angel smiled and Riley shrugged his shoulders and laughed.

Chapter 7

"Well that’s weird "Willow said out aloud she looked over at Buffy who was biting her lower lip.

"What’s weird Will" Buffy stared at Willow wondering how long it was that they were gonna find Spike she couldn’t bear to lose him again.

"Well I think the spell has worked, but it says he’s here in this building" Willow looked over at Buffy with her brow furrowed.

Everyone looked at each other. Giles looked confused he took off his glasses and started cleaning them. Just then Fred burst through the door panting very heavily they all looked at her.

"A- A-Angel I – I- heard him on the "Fred gulped.

Buffy got up and walked to Fred she put her hands on her shoulder.

"Okay calmly Angel what? "Buffy persisted.

Fred took a few breaths in and exhaled she put her hand on her chest as if to slow her heart.

"Okay so I was in my office and I heard Angel saying is he secure, which I thought was a bit odd because we aren’t holding anyone cos usually I know about it you know to do test’s and things "Fred looked straight Buffy.

Buffy had to think would Angel really take her love away would he be that jealous. Buffy put her hand to her forehead and tapped it repeatedly.

"Think Buffy think" She said aloud. "Okay I got it, follow me "And walked towards the door.

Spike was punched repeatedly by Angel. Riley had been keeping his hand on the button to control the electric shocks that were now infusing Spikes body. Riley was quite enjoying this making this demon stir in pain.

Angel began to make scarring marks with the knife on his stomach. Spike screamed with the pain that was now apparent.

"Spike you can scream for as long as you want she won’t hear you "Angel laughed scoring his chest twice with the knife.

"She wouldn’t believe you "Angel sneered.

Riley continued to press the button for the electric shocks watching Spike writhe in pain this didn’t compare to the pain he felt when he caught Buffy and Spike together in the crypt looking for the so-called doctor.

"I mean what in the hell does she see in you "Angel continued.

"I see me," Came the reply. Angel turned around quickly to see Buffy, Giles and Willow staring at them with cold hatred in their eyes.

Buffy stared hard at Angel really just seeing him for the first time. Her eyes darted to his right and couldn’t believe what she saw.

"Riley" she whispered.

He still had hold of the button that was attached to the wires that were positioned over Spike chest. Buffy balled her fists at her sides ready to pummel her former boyfriends.

"What can I say Buffy, Spike always said you liked a bit of bad "he sneered.

"WILLOW NOW" Buffy shouted she turned around to see Willow’s hair go black and hold her hands out in front of her electrical charges flew from her hands striking Riley and knocking him out cold.

Willow’s hair to turned back quickly and her breathing became laboured she slumped just in time for Xander to catch her.

Buffy turned round to Angel the look of pure hate in her face.

"You’re mine," she challenged.

Racing towards each other throwing punches to his face, roundhouse kicks that knocked him repeatedly back as she tried to kick him again he jumped and retaliated with a kick to her face.

Giles and Xander quickly released all the bindings that had Spike fastened to the slab.

Giles and Xander pulled Spike up and with each an arm around them and carried Spike away from the big fight Spike dragging his feet along the way.

Punch for punch and kick for kick they matched each other with speed and agility.

"Why are you suddenly so evil Angel "Buffy panted.

"Beginning to think you were a complete wuss "she punched him square in the jaw.

"Well to be honest I was getting a bit bored, shagging a slayer really doesn’t do it for me anymore need to get my rocks off in other ways my love" Angel spat kicking Buffy in the stomach.

Riley started to rouse until Buffy cracked him in the face. "Idiot" she muttered.

They switched sides enough time for Angel to grab the knife out of Riley’s side pockets on his combats.

Angel swiped that missed he tried again this time connected to Buffy’s upper arm where Blood seeped through Buff’s white shirt. Buffy clutched her arm with pure horror on her face. She grinded her teeth and jumped at him punching him repeatedly.

Angel dove forward axtching her offguard by stabbing Buffy in the stomach. Buffy grunted and shouted a name.

Spike, Giles, Xander and Willow were checking on Spike who was awake and trying to get up. Willow heard her name being called and ran.

Chapter 8

Giles and Xander ran into the room, leaving Spike on the floor what they found was something horrific. Xander ran back out and heaved in the corner. Spike sat up confusion on his face he was scared for what was in that room or who.

"Xander "He choked he looked over at Xander who was standing up holding on to his stomach.

"Its –its Buffy, Angel…he stabbed her" Xander choked feeling the bile rise again.

Spike got up with all the pain he could feel he couldn’t lose her again he would rather dust himself again.

He staggered to the door where he could see Buffy on the floor clutching a hand to her abdomen the blood seeping underneath her.

Willow was leaning over her while Giles was on the other side trying to stop the blood flow, Buffy’s lips were moving Willow nodded standing up.

"Buffy "Spike shouted running over looking at his love.

Spike held his hand to her face caressing it softly. She looked up tears welling up in her eyes a tear ran down his cheek.

"Don’t leave me, please don’t me "He whispered his piercing blue eyes imploring her hazel ones. She smiled weakly at him lifting her hand to touch his face.

"I love you William with all my heart, but you have to finish this make sure the deed is done you will know what to do" Her smiled wavered and the light in her hazel eyes died out.

"Buffy, no.. No don’t leave me, please "Spike cried his whole soul out oblivious to Willow shouting an incantation.

Giles was inconsolable he wept for his slayer, his friend and the closest thing he had to a daughter.

Angel got stood up a flicker of tragedy overshadowing his face this wasn’t meant to happen he was meant to kill Spike. Behind Angel a portal was emerging although he didn’t feel it Willow was staring at him with black eyes, her hair was also turning black veins started to form around her face.

"SPIKE, " Willow growled she turned her head to look at Spike.

Spike looked up at Veiny Willow shocked at what he saw he heard about this transformation of hers but didn’t believe it. Spike looked at Angel there behind him was the portal Buffy sent him to before.

Willow was still saying her incantation Xander looked over hoping she would be able to handle the power a sword materialised on the floor Xander spotted it and shouted over to Spike.

Spike heard his name being called and looked over to see a sword heading for him he caught it in his hand .He hated Angel at this moment he walked over to him.

Angel saw Spike walking over to him he was stunned to realise he killed his love. Spike was in front of him blue eyes blazing "I hope you rot in hell" And with that he plunged the sword into Angel’s chest knocking him backward into the portal.

Angel staggered back stunned that his own grand childe stabbed him. The portal started to close on him his last words before it shut were of his lost soulmate.

Spike ran over to where Riley was slumped against the wall Spike grabbed by the collar and pulled him up against the wall.

"You filthy Bastard you helped kill Buffy" He spat into Riley’s face.

"Oh my god I didn’t mean "He sputtered.

Spike disgusted with the reply he heard vamped out and bent down on Riley’s neck and bit him killing him instantly.

Spike wiped the blood off his mouth his features going back to normal he ran over to the others kneeling beside Buffy’s body.

Non of them noticing a spectral light emerging in the corner when the light got brighter they looked around and a person was forming from the light.

They stood up looking at the spectral person. The being looked back with a bright smile on her face.

Willow couldn’t believe it she looked at Xander and then to Giles and looked back at the person.

"Cordelia," She squealed.

Chapter 9

Cordelia looked at the people in the room Willow with her red hair and non matching outfit, Xander looking all Eye patchy, Spike all bruised and battered and Giles his head sunken low and there was Buffy lying dead on the floor.

She walked over to each of them hugging them silently missing her friends with who she shared so much during her teen years.

"Right lets get too it" Cordy clapped her hands together. She turned to look at Buffy looking at peace on the floor a pool of blood surrounding her body.

"Ewww that not gonna come out of that cool shirt" She winced checking at the partially white and red shirt.

"Okay Spike I’m gonna help you get Buffy back but there is one condition " She sighed.

"The powers that be want someone else in her place "She looked at the group who had shocked looks on their faces.

Spike gulped for Buffy they want a sacrifice he couldn’t bear to live without Buffy .Was he being selfish for not agreeing straight away.

"But that’s insane "Willow shouted.

"Will I’m only the messenger I don’t make the rules other wise I would be wearing Versace instead of this gowny thing" She tugged at the side of her dress.

"So we have to sacrifice one of us for Buffy "Xander spoke.

"Xand I know this is hard but they do want someone to go in Buffy’ place" Cordy put her hand on his shoulder to soften the blow.

They all wrestled with their inner thoughts each contemplating who was gonna sacrifice themselves for the slayer.

Each of them what Buffy meant to them and what she did for them?

Spike wanted to be with Buffy not leave her it had taken them so long to get them where they were not an hour ago he felt sheer joy when she had returned his love and when she was killed he had wanted to kill himself just to be with her.

Willow thought she would never have another friend like Buffy she had been there in the beginning with the heartbreak of Oz leaving her and Tara getting killed and ultimately herself turning to the dark side of evil she turned at looked at Xander her other best friend that she had known forever he had also been there when times were bad.

Xander couldn’t believe this was happening this was too much Buffy died gain just how many times were they gonna test her. He loved Buffy not like he did in the beginning but more as a best friend did. He looked at Willow who was biting her lip and in turn she looked up and their eyes locked with each other.

Giles was feeling probably worse than the two friends he was her watcher he was there to protect her he had failed. When she died and then was brought back he felt elation and tried everything in his power to stop her a slayers life was short but she had proven his greatest expectations.

Cordelia looked at each of them and silently kicked herself she couldn’t do this I mean these were Buff’s best friends and they were battling with their inner demons. She hated being the one to load this on them.

Cordy stepped forward hands clasped in front off each other each of them looked up.

Giles opened his mouth to say something but someone else beat him to it.

"I’ll do it "came a voice from the door.

They all turned round and saw a tear stained face.

Spike opened his mouth shock registering on his face he shook his head. There standing in front of Fred was Dawn.

Chapter 10

Dawn blew out a puff of breath when Spike walked over to her .He was badly beaten and tears were flowing down his face.

"Little bit you don’t know what you’re saying "Spike grabbed her by the shoulders ready to shake some sense into her.

She looked over Spikes shoulder to the rest of them standing there.

"Spike let go of me, I know what I’m doing" Dawn bunched her shoulders trying to get rid of Spike’s hold on her.

Dawn walked over to where Buffy laid she looked so peaceful all the times that Buffy had saved her she was going to repay the favour, Willow was crying shaking her head. "You can’t do this Dawn! Willow sobbed.

"Willow I have to do this, don’t you see this is the only way to help her " She turned round to Cordy.

Cordy had tears welling up in her eyes and nodded.

A light ray of light filled the room there was a murmur in the corner. Spike turned around he saw Buff’s eyes flutter.

"Buffy "he ran to her side and lifted her head up.

"W –what happened "She asked. Spike looked up at Giles who just nodded.

"Well Angel stabbed you and I stabbed him and sent him in a portal "Spike moved the hair out of her face.

"I died.... Again" Buffy muttered.

"Uh well yep pet" Spike smiled painfully. Buffy looked up at him.

"Oh my god Spike what did they do to you "She brought her hand up and touched her face.

Spike shrugged. Cordy stepped forward moved around to the front of Buffy.

"Cordelia" Buffy shrieked.

"Buffy it’s me "She smiled.

"I thought you were dead" She put a hand put to touch see if she was real.

"Honey I’m in a higher place with no concept of fashion "She looked down at the gown she was wearing.

Buffy giggled and looked round at everyone Giles had been crying and everyone looked really sad not suprisingly.

"Hey guys I’m fine you know suffered being dead for the 3rd time yay Buffy" She threw out her hands over her head and slowly lowered them not liking the feeling in her bones.

"What’s up guys "She looked at each of them none of them being able to hold their gaze with hers.

Dawn stepped forward she opened her mouth and started sobbing. Buffy put her arms around Dawn comforting her younger sister. Willow couldn’t hold the tears any longer and turned round to cry on Xanders shoulder who gently patted her back.

"B- Buffy I’m so sorry this is for the best they had to take someone" she sobbed.

"W-What’s going on "She looked at Spike hoping he would tell her. He just shook lowered his head in defeat.

Cordy leant forward and decided to speak for the group.

"Buff Angel killed you" Buffy let out a strangled cry as her hand flew to her mouth.

"And the thing is the powers that be decided that instead of taking you they was gonna take someone else, so Dawn volunteered "Cordy blew out her breath.

"WHAT are you crazy Dawn" Buffy started to cry "Why would you do that" she shouted.

Waiting for her sisters reply she looked at cordy green eyes blazing.

"You cannot have her I wont allow it "She spat. Cordy held her hands in defence.

"Buffy she wanted to, Dawn has higher purpose the powers were expecting her to sacrifice herself because she was the key it is in her destiny to fulfil it "

"Dawn its time "Cordy spoke.

Cordy started to back away a little bit waiting for them to say their goodbyes.

Dawn turned back around to see Willow in front of her she hugged her heard tears flowing down both girls’ cheeks. They broke away and Dawn turned to Giles and hugged him round his waist.

"Take care of you Giles "Giles smoothed down her hair and looked down to tear filled eyes.

He made a sound from his throat he couldn’t form any words as he was so filled with emotion. She walked over to Xander catching a glimpse at Buffy who was leant into Spike crying Spikes hand having cradled the back of her head.

"Hey Xand I don’t know what to say im really gonna miss you "She hugged him.

She ran to Spike they stood staring at each other for a moment. She hugged her protector as she clenched her eyes shut, smelling the familiar smell of Smoke and whiskey.

"Spike it makes this easier knowing you are looking after her "She whispered.

"Little bit I’m gonna miss you you’re the only one who believed in me from the start,"

he breathed into her hair.

They broke apart reluctantly. Dawn turned to Buffy her sister who had died for her when she was the key.

"Buffy this is so hard "She lowered her eyes and looked into glistening green ones.

"You know I have to do this right, it’s the only way just remember I love you Buffy,"

She hugged her hard they both cried out loud. The crumpled to the floor sobbing into each other’s shoulders the last time being when Dawn tried to bring their mother back.

They broke away and Dawn stood up she back at Cordy who held out her hand Dawn grabbed a hold of her hand.

"I love you Dawn" Buffy blurted. Buffy held onto Spikes hand and squeezed tightly.

"Hey you guys I love each and every one of you and Buffy remember Live for me,"

Dawn turned back round. The light that was at the end of room shone bright Cordy and Dawn walked towards it. Dawn broke from her hand and ran back to Buffy hugging her almost knocking her to the floor Dawn breathed in the vanilla scent scent.

"Oh and remember don’t call your first born Joan will you," Dawn smiled and walked back to Cordy.

Buffy and Spike laughed out loud over their tears. All five of them watched Dawn walk into the spectral light disappearing out of the lives taking each piece of their hearts with them.

Buffy turned back at Spike and nestled in his neck. "What am I gonna do without her Spike "She whispered.

Spike sighed "Live Buffy were gonna live "he hugged her back staying that way for a long time.

3 months later

~*~*~*~

Buffy and Spike were sitting in the living room of their new house.

"Honey did you get the door "Buffy shouted. After Dawn had left they decided to leave L A and move to Cleveland where the new watcher's headquarters were based helping Giles and Andrew get started.

Spike had proposed the week they left L.A in which he said life was too short. Buffy smiled to herself and looked at her Diamond ring she wasn’t gonna ask how he got the money even though he said Angel owed him it.

It was the night of their small intimate engagement party Buffy decided to invite a few special surprise guests.

The doorbell started to ring Spike looked out from the landing. Dressed in jeans and his shirt opened to reveal his chest Buffy wondered if she should call the party off

"Could you get that pet" Spike started to button the shirt.

"Okay honey "Buffy said jumping off the couch she opened the door to find Xander and Willow both carrying presents.

"Oooh pressies you may enter" She giggled already mentally un-wrapping the gifts. She gave them each a hug and closed the door.

"Where’s Spike Xander asked. Before she had time to ask he came bounding down the stairs.

"Hey Xand how about a beer huh" Spike motioned Xander into the kitchen. Buffy raised her eyebrows still shocked to find they were pally ever since Wolfram & Hart.

"So how you and Xander are getting along "Buffy asked eager to hear the gossip. Willow giggled

"Its weird I didn’t think I would have feelings for a guy again but its great we’ve grown closer since you know and its great "Willow looked sheepish no one would have thought she would go back to dating guys but it seemed to work with Xander and Buffy was happy for them.

The doorbell rang again and Buffy squealed "Yay more guests and more presents "Buffys topped looking at Willow and laughing nervously.

She opened the door Clem walked in and she hugged him thankful that he made it.

"Spike," Buff shouted, "I have a surprise "

Spike came out of the kitchen to find Clem in the hall a big smile crossed his features and went to hug his friend.

After an hour all the guests had arrived including Oz, Faith, Giles Wesley who was accompanied by Fred they couldn’t keep their eyes off each other, which was nice to see.

Xander performed his special snoopy dance for the crowd; Conversations about how Spike had gone off blood seemed to take precedence.

Box of glasses and various electrical gifts later there was a knock at the door Buffy walked to the door laughing at Spike while teaching Giles to walk like Billy Idol. She opened the door to find no one there for some reason she wanted to look down and found a box she brought the box inside Spike looked up and noticed.

"What’s that luv?" Spike asked.

"I’m not sure, "

Buffy started to open the box to find a card inside she passed it on to Spike who opened it and looked at the note. Buffy picked up the charm bracelet she recognised it from somewhere but couldn’t place it anywhere.

Spike held his breath and tears welled up. Buffy turned to look at him with a curious look on her face.

"Spike what is it?" Spike turned to his fiancée and passed the note.

Buffy and Spike,

Congratulations on the engagement, Being in tune with the universe thought I would let you know about something. The bracelet is for a special someone who will come to you pretty soon. I love you both lots give my love to everyone

An Angel

P.S. For god’s sake don’t call her Joan!

Buffy started to cry she knew where the bracelet came from it was Dawns, her hand flew down to her stomach and she looked at Spike. Buffy gasped and grinned.

She came back into the room where everyone was waiting.

"Guys I have some news "She waited till everyone as looking.

"I’m pregnant, " Buffy shouted, and from the street outside a man dark and mysterious was walking past stooped over wearing a long coat.

He heard news of the pregnancy and the screams of joy from the guests inside.

He walked up the garden path and lifted his hand to knock the door. When the door opened the girl with the blond hair who had a big smile on her face suddenly lost all of the joy out of her face.

He smiled and waited. Her lips turned to a snarl and spoke the word with contempt.

Spike was being congratulated by Giles and Xander each picking up Cigars when he sensed something he bones seized up when he heard Buffy.

"Angel,"