Summary: Spike unknowingly interferes with a warlock's spell casting, which angers the sorceror. He places a curse on Spike which causes the vampire to lose all memory of his life after being turned. *Set somewhere in season 5 before Spike admits his feelings for Buffy. And we know what Buffy thinks of Spike.*

A/N: Please Read Me, and even more so Review Me. I like knowing what you actually think!!

Disclaimer: Everyone bloody knows by now that I don't own even a smidgen of the rights to these delicious characters. The creator of BTVS does which is fine by me.

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He drifted through the cemetery, his cemetery, feeling restless for some reason or the other. He wanted to see her just to see her, but wasn't in the mood for the usual banter to occur between them this night. Usually, he lived to spur her on, to watch her boil over with deep-seeded anger and become flustered when she couldn't think of a hurtful come-back for him or a witty remark. Not tonight, he didn't seem to be in the mood for their usual playful fights. Some times he resented poking fun at her and tonight was just one of those times. What a dolt he had become.

The feelings he had been having as of late were eating at him, from the inside out. He felt himself changing, and wasn't sure if he liked it or not. He wanted to do good, help others. 'Eugh,' he shivered, 'did I, the Big Bad, just think that?' Yes, of course, he wanted to help the Slayer fight evil. He knew, though, deep down she would never take him seriously if he ever felt the need to mention this to her. Too much bad blood between them as of the present. Their past "rocky relationship" was always lurking around every nook and cranny. She would think he was up to no good if he let it be known of his white hat intentions. Of course, anything he could possibly do to win her heart, now that was another matter altogether.

He stopped cold in his tracks. "Wait a tick, what's with that?"

A dark cloaked figure stood near a very large, ornate headstone, looming over something and chanting heaven knew what. Spike stealthily inched closer. He was saying words that seemed oddly familiar. Where had he heard that particular language before? It hit him suddenly. The creature was casting. For what or on whom, he had no idea. Was it a demon? It stopped the chanting as if it sensed something and turned it's head to the side. No, he was a him. 'A witch---or, I mean a warlock?' Yes, definitely a warlock by what he held in his hands. Spike continued his prowl towards him and the warlock continued his mumbo jumbo.

Spike was close enough now to see more and noticed the warlock was standing over a human. A young human girl, to be precise. Without thinking, Spike shot out from behind a tombstone and lunged towards the warlock just as a white glow started to emit from his hands. He hit him at fullforce, knocking the warlock to the ground and rolling with him a few times. Spike was in agony. The damn chip. Why couldn't the bloody stupid government give him the power to take out practising witches and warlocks if the occasion ever arose? Of course that question would remain unanswered while Spike lay sprawled out on his back on the ground, moaning and cursing the bleeding chip in his head.

"How dare you interrupt me, you, you imbecile," the warlock howled and kicked Spike hard in the ribs.

Spike grunted and his gameface appeared causing the other man to jump back a bit. He then found himself intrigued that the vampire had done no harm to him.

"You're a demon. A creature of the night. You have no business butting into my business. Find your food source somewhere else. Now begone." He waved his hand in the air, dismissing Spike with an arrogant flair.

Spike returned back to normal face, and chuckled at the man. He pushed himself up off the ground and dusted the grass and dirt off of his leather coat.

"It *is* my business if you're doing something I find rather irritating and wrong. What's with the bird?"

The warlock whirled around, looking dumbfounded. He cocked his head to the side and stared at the vampire.

"What are you? Surely you're not a vampire if you are concerning yourself over a mere mortal. Unless of course you are trying to scare me off so that you can have a free meal. But I thought you types liked the hunt before the feast."

"I am *not* wanting to feast. I'm thinking you are the one who is in the wrong here."

"There's that word again. Wrong. Funny coming out of a vampire's mouth. What are you? Some noble knight of the night out to rescue damsels in distress? Intriguing scenario, I must say. Like I said, it is none of your business."

"I think the Slayer would beg to differ. She would take you out of this world without breaking a sweat. Buffy would do to you what I can't unfortunately do to you."

"Ohhh, I see now." The warlock grinned menacingly.

"What!? Just exactly what do you see, oh wise one?"

"You're trying to get in good with the Slayer so she won't kill you. Either that or your hoplessly in love with her and your trying to put on a good show." He roared with a loud laugh causing Spike to growl. "She may be quick and powerful, but she can't touch me."

"Oh, I beg to differ. Buffy is---well, she's Buffy. More than you'll ever want to know."

The warlock seemed to soften his tone a bit. "So that's it then. A vampire in love with a slayer. Color me crazy, but isn't that a bit--- eccentric? You know, in your vampire customs? Tell me something, does the slayer share these same feelings?"

"The slayer doesn't even give me a second glance let along share my feelings. Even if I was human again she wouldn't notice me. I was a weak, love sick, pitiful sap back then and I hated myself when I was human, such so she would just laugh in my face and why am I telling you this? Oh, Dr. Ruth, your 12 o'clock appointment has left the building." Spike smirked, knowing the whole time the girl was regaining conciousness he tried to keep the warlock busy enough not to notice. He watched as she made her getaway.

The warlock spun quickly to find no trace of the young girl. He slowly turned back to the vampire, eyes glowing, fists clenching and unclenching. Spike glared at him. The warlock mumbled something unintelligable before returning to his normal self.

"What was all the lights and whistles for, mate? Throwing curses in my general direction?"

"Hmmm, I don't know. Possibly. Can never tell with us magic user types. I could have opened the hellmouth again for all you know. Or brought forth armegeddon. Why don't you run along and go tell your precious slayer. Let her do your battle for you."

"Oh you, you---."

"Look, you interfered. You meddled in my business, causing me a major setback in my plans. I wasn't bothering you now, was I, yet you seemed to have bothered me. We'll see just how far you will get with your slayer. We'll see who gets the last laugh. By the way, I'd watch what you say to warlocks and witches. You may find yourself in an uncomprimisable position." The warlock began to chuckle as he started to walk away from Spike. "And who knows, maybe I will go open the hellmouth just to spite you and your slayer."

Spike looked on at the retreating man, feeling very insignificant at the moment. Confused and bewildered, not really knowing if he had been cursed somehow or just mentally put down, he turned and made his way out of the cemetery, heading to Revello Drive to see a slayer about a warlock.

TBC

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Part 2:

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"It's 11 o'clock, aren't you tired yet? Buffy said around a yawn.

"No, not sleepy yet. Come on, Buffy, it's Friday night. Mom is out of town for a whole week. I wanna stay up late and watch tv and eat junk food til I make myself sick. You're the slayer, for pete's sake. You should be used to these late nights. You wimp."

Dawn glanced over to her sister, who was curled up in a sitting position, throw pillow wedged between her head and her knees, dozing.

"Oh my gosh, Buffy, a killer whale!" Dawn screamed pointing at the television, panic evident in her voice. Buffy jumped, ready to spring into action and protect her sister from---those---killer---whales.

"Wha?---brat." Buffy stuck her tongue out at her sister, which was returned back to her along with a pfftt sound. Buffy laid her head back on her cushioned knees and began to doze off once more. An urgent rap sounded on the front door. Buffy jumped again, thinking Dawn was up to something else. No, Dawn was sitting in her designated spot on the couch, looking over at Buffy with eyes as round as saucers. Never can be good when someone comes knocking on your door just before midnight.

Buffy grabbed the blanket off of the back of the couch. She was already dressed for bed in her yummy sushi pajamas and really didn't feel it neccessary to share them with the rest of the neighborhood. She slowly cracked the door to peer out, noticing an agitated bleached blonde vampire rocking back and forth on his feet. He raised his brows when she peeked out. Buffy pulled the door open but stood there barricading the entrance.

"So, not welcome, huh?" He asked with his devilish charm.

"Spike, do you realize what time it is? Normal people are in bed at this time of the night."

"Well, you said it love. Must not be categorizing yourself under the normal column."

"What *you* think. I was asleep, thank you so much." She whined grouchily.

"Oh you were not, Buffy. Maybe dozing but you were up."

Buffy turned her head to glare at her sister. "Thanks, Dawn."

Spike took that opportunity to slither under Buffy's outstretched arm that was still holding the door open.

"Thanks, luv. Hello, bit."

Buffy, clasping the corners of the blanket, threw her arms up, looked at the ceiling and rolled her eyes. Grumbling, she shut the door, turned around and crossed her arms wrapping the blanket around her tighter.

"Spike, your like a pimple that won't go away. No matter how many times I pop you, you still show back up."

He smirked at her again, hooking his thumbs in the front of his jeans. "You having a problem with hygiene matters, pet? You know you like having me around, Slayer. Just admit it for once. Oh, by the way, nice jammies."

He plopped down on the couch next to Dawn making himself comfortable, watching the telly and munching on her big bowl of buttered popcorn. Buffy went back to her seat on the couch, eyeing the menace who didn't seem to care that Buffy was miffed about his presence.

"Okay, I give. Why are you here, Spike?"

"Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. I ran into a character earlier in the cemetery. He was doing some kind of hocus pocus on a bird. I couldn't attack him, of course, being human and all that rot and why didn't the government give this bloody chip the ability to be able to tell evil humans from good ones?"

Buffy shrugged, "Human is as human does, I guess." She laid her head back down on the pillow.

"Anyway, I got him good. I kept him distracted while the girl woke up and ran off. Was he ever pissed. Started waving his hands in the air, pointing at me and throwing curses in my general direction."

Dawn sat forward suddenly, looking at the vampire in surprise.

"Spike, are you saying he put a curse on you?"

"I wouldn't worry so much, bit. I think it was all talk and all show. You know, witches and warlocks really like to throw you off with their fancy ramblings and lightshows. I'm fine. Nothing happened."

"Buffy, did you hear that? Spike may have been cursed by a warlock."

Buffy was actually trying to ignore the whole conversation in general. She lifted her head to look at her little sister. Spike didn't seem too concerned about it, so why should she?

"Dawnie, he said nothing happend. He's fine, in a rude, arrogant, obscene kind of way."

Spike turned to look at Buffy. He touched her cheek gently and smiled. "Cheeky. I didn't know you cared so much about me."

Buffy gave him a scrutinized smile. "Believe me, if I ever did, I would never admit to it, to you or anybody else."

"Aw, I love you, too, Slayer in a wretched, putrified kind of way." He made sure to add on the bit at the end as not to give away his innermost feelings.

She reached over and pinched his arm causing him to grab the area and yell out.

"So, I don't suppose you know what he was doing exactly with his spell casting to this innocent girl?"

"No, I mean I came right out and asked him. You'd think a bloke wouldn't have been so rude and at least given me some straight answers. But no, he called me an imbecile and tried to dismiss me, right arrogant bastard. Hey, I even tried to scare him with the likes of you, luv, but didn't phase him. Nope, not one bit. Even had the nerve to tell me to run along and warn the slayer that he may or may not open the hellmouth."

"Great. What did you do to him, Spike?" Buffy gave him a stern look.

"Me? I didn't do a bloody thing except try to stop the bugger."

"Oh right. I know you and your big mouth with it's cocky attitude. You said something to him, something to get him all riled, didn't you?"

Spike held up his hands in surrender. "No, I didn't say a thing. Well, except I maybe told him that the slayer was gonna have his head on a platter, or something to that effect. Told me I better watch what I say around witches and warlocks from now on. But hey, I saved the girl, in a matter of speaking. Kept him busy so she could get away."

"Well, congratulations. But what do you think the spell he threw at you was all about?"

"Piffle", he waved it off. "He was all puffed up trying to look and sound threatening. Wasn't anything to worry your pretty little head about."

He turned and looked at Dawn. "You either, lil bit.---Hey you got anything more substantial to snack on in that icebox of yours? This is birdfood." He held up the almost empty bowl of popcorn.

Dawn grabbed him by the arm and hauled him off the couch to head towards the kitchen. Buffy sighed. The two pals were laughing and talking in the other room. Sometimes she was envious of their good natured friendship. Spike always had a way to take Dawn's worries and cares away and he treated her with his utmost care. She wished for a friendship like that.

Dawn bounced back into the living room and right onto the couch. Buffy giggled and shook her head at her over-enthusiastic sister. Spike tagged along behind her just as the clock on the mantel struck midnight. Buffy yawned and stretched, telling them in yawnese goodnight. She slowly lifted herself up off the couch when she heard a strange sound coming from Spike. She looked up in his general direction. He looked odd. His face, if it could be, seemed much more pale, much more than usual. His mouth hung open slightly and his eyes were opened wide as if something had surprised him. His hands and legs began to shake. Concern washed over her. She had never seen him like this before.

"Spike, what's wrong with you?"

Dawn jumped up off the couch, her laughter faltering. "Buffy, something's wrong."

"So help me Spike, if you're faking, I'm going to hurt you all over." Buffy scolded him but to herself, she sounded more upset to the fact of the sick vampire.

"Slayer," he croaked. "Buffy, something's wrong. I-I don't feel---so well. I---." His eyes rolled up as he dropped his snack on the floor. Buffy ran towards him as darkness enveloped him. He heard Dawn scream his name before he lost all conciousness. Buffy reached him before he hit the floor, sliding across the remainder of the livingroom floor on her knees and reaching out both arms to soften the fall for him. He lay there very still while she looked over him for any signs why this vampire now lay supine in her arms.

TBC

Part 3:

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Dawn was in hysterics, pacing the floor back and forth, back and forth. Buffy still held an unconscious Spike in her arms.

"Dawn,--- Dawn,---DAWNIE!" Buffy screamed.

"WHAT?" Dawn stopped cold in her tracks when she realized Buffy was trying to get her attention.

"Dawn, I need your help. We have to get Spike up off the floor and onto the couch. I'll get the top part, you grab his feet."

Buffy stood while hooking her arms under Spike's and Dawn lifted his legs up as they shuffled him over and not very gracefully laid him out on the sofa, both almost joining him in the process.

"Buffy, is he---dead?"

"Dawn, he has always been dead.---Or undead. Whatever. He's alive for an undead person. Otherwise, we'd be sweeping him up into the vacuum."

Dawn swatted her on the arm, gave her a nasty, hateful look and huffed.

"Don't be so mean.---So what do you think is wrong with him?"

Buffy leaned over and looked him over again, searching for any markings or injuries that could be visible. She straightened back up, placed her hands on her hips and shook her head.

"I have no idea. No clue what-so-ever."

Dawn snapped her fingers a couple of times and then shook her finger at her sister.

"Wait, wait. He said the warlock may have cursed him. Do you think that just maybe it was a curse that wasn't supposed to happen until later or until he did something to set it off?"

"Well, it was midnight when he passed out. Could be maybe it *was* a timed curse, you know, like in fairy tales? 'At the strike of midnight you will turn into a pumpkin' or something to that effect. I don't know. I think we should just go to bed and leave him here to sleep it off."

"You're not concerned if he happens to wake up in the middle of the night, all monsterish and attacks us in our sleep all grr and, and?"

"Dawnie, he's already a vampire, a monster so to speak. Besides, Spike already told you not to worry about it. He said it was nothing. So go, shoo, go on up to bed. I'll get the curtains closed and make sure he's all comfy. I'll keep my bedroom door open so I can hear him if he happens to come to." Buffy did her best reassurance speech to her little sister.

Dawn slowly ascended the stairs, glancing every once in a while over her shoulder to look at her friend on the couch, trying not to worry so much. Buffy pulled the curtains tight to make sure no morning sunlight could filter through it and placed the blanket over the vampire. She turned out the lights and headed to bed.

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Buffy was the first one up in the morning. As she passed by the sofa, she glanced over to see if it was empty. He still lay there in the exact same position she left him in. Now Buffy was getting concerned, but she couldn't let Dawn know that she was. She walked over to him and placed a hand on his forhead, then moved it to the side of his face. He was still cool to the touch, so nothing to worry about in that area.

While Buffy was in the kitchen preparing breakfast, Dawn bounded down the stairs. Buffy walked back into the living room and saw her sister sitting on the floor next to the couch, holding the vampire's hand.

"Are you ok?" Buffy asked her sister.

She turned around still holding on to his hand, tears evident in her eyes.

"Buffy, what if something is seriously wrong? We need to do some research. Can we do research?" She gave Buffy her best sad puppy eyes.

"Yeah, sure we can. Maybe we can get Willow to look on the internet. I'll call her up and see if she can stop by the Magic Box and pick up some books to look through. Forget asking Xander. I know if he knew who we were helping, we'd have to listen to him rant and carry on." Buffy turned to go back into the kitchen to call her good friend. When she came back in, Dawn still sat by Spike.

"Willow said she would be happy to help. She should be here within the hour."

"Thank you, Buffy. This means a lot to me."

"I know it does. I guess I'm a little worried about him, too. Don't tell anybody, though." Buffy smiled and Dawn returned a sad smile.

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Six hours later, they had hit a deadend. Willow apologized to the two girls. She had to call it a day.

"I'm sorry, Dawnie. But, hey, I'll keep looking. I just have to be somewhere in about an hour. I'll come by tomorrow and help some more." Willow turned her head and stared at the sleeping vampire. "Aww, he almost looks like he's sleeping lying there like that, just waiting for his Prince Charming , uh, I mean Princess, to appear and wake him with a kiss."

Dawn sat up at the mention of Willow's observation.

"Hey, Will, could you drop me off at the library on your way to wherever? Only if it's not out of the way. There's some books I need to look for."

"Sure, Dawn, I'd be happy to."

"I'll be back before 7, Buffy." She skipped out ahead of Willow, leaving Buffy alone in the house with a disturbingly peaceful Spike.

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Buffy ended up going upstairs. She couldn't stand to be in the vicinity of the slumbering vampire without oogey feelings running through her mind. She had cleaned not only her bedroom but the bathroom as well to keep herself preoccupied.

Alone with her thoughts, she had decided she was actually more than a little concerned about Spike's predicament. She was befuddled more than anyone could imagine. Was he going to end up being a permanent fixture in the Summers' house? Would he eventually turn to dust in front of them suddenly or over time slowly crumble away? She thought about how much she would miss having him around, annoying though he was. He was an excellent fighter and most of the time a fairly decent slaying partner. He knew a lot about the underworld and the demons who inhabited it. He knew many different languages and was more intelligent than he let on. So, yeah, he was useful to have around. She had resigned to herself that on her nightly patrol that night, she would be searching for a particular warlock or pumping unsuspecting victims for any information. Hearing the front door slam brought her out of her thoughts.

"Buffy," Dawn yelled for her sister at the foot of the stairs.

"I'm up here, Dawnie, my room," Buffy called back.

Dawn was up the flight of stairs and through her bedroom door in a blink of an eye, out of breath and her eyes wide and bright as if she had discovered a trove of gold and jewels buried somewhere. Buffy stood suddenly.

"What's wrong? Is Spike awake?"

"No, he's still sleeping. Sit down, I need to show you some stuff that I found at the library. Maybe we can have Willow check things out on the internet tomorrow when she comes by, but look."

Dawn took a couple of large books out of her bookbag and sat down next to her sister on the bed. The large text she held in her hands was a book of fairy tales. Dawn had earmarked the page she had found interesting. The story she opened it to was The Brothers Grimm version of Sleeping Beauty.

"First, you mentioned the "at the strike of midnight" then when Willow mentioned how much Spike looked like he was just sleeping, waiting to be awakened, this was the first thing I thought of. A fairy tale. You know, Spike didn't seem too worried about the curse the warlock placed on him, as if he thought the guy was just teasing him with all his big talk. But what if he *was* actually teasing him, and this is what he cursed Spike with, just like the witch did to Sleeping Beauty. You know Spike, he probably annoyed the warlock so much that he wanted to show Spike up and bring him down a notch or two. I don't know, what do you think, Buffy? Buffy? What's wrong?"

"Didn't Sleeping Beauty have to be woke up with a kiss?" Dawn shook her head yes. "Just curious but who----? No, no, no, no, please tell me---no don't tell me. Oh, please no."

"Well, I'm certainly not going to. I'm too young, remember? And besides, he's like a trillion years older than me and way too much like a big brother, eww. And Willow, well with the whole gay thing, I don't think she---and Anya, well you said you didn't want Xander involved and I think if Anya did it, Xander would have to know. So---that leaves---you, Buffy."

Buffy stood facing the wall in her bedroom, leaning forward slightly until her forehead touched it. Lightly she began to bang her head on it. A low moan escaped from her throat.

"Buffy? It's worth a try, don't you think?" Dawn asked her, pleading in her voice. What Buffy didn't know was that Dawn wished deep down that the two once mortal enemies would end up together, her two favorite people. She knew how Spike felt about her sister, even though Buffy was oblivious to anything.

Buffy still stood leaning her head against the wall. She mumbled, "I guess." She snapped around and glared at her little sister.

"But so help me, if I get any flak from this, I'll never speak to you again."

"Never?" Dawn gulped.

"Well, at least a couple of days, but don't push it.---Come on, let's get this over with."

Buffy walked out of her room and down the stairs to stand next to the dozing vampire lounging on the sofa. He really did look peaceful lying there, like they should be paying their last respects. And hmm, she never really took the time to notice how handsome he was, with his ivory pallor and angular features. Almost beautiful in an immoral immortal kind of way. Buffy glanced over at Dawn, who really looked too eager for this upcoming scenario to happen, before lowering herself to Spike's level.

She sat there on her folded legs staring at him, working up the nerve to place the kiss on his perfectly delicious---lips. Hey, did she just think that? 'Oh, get on with it, Buffy.' She inhaled deeply, shut her eyes tightly, leaned forward, but then had to open her eyes slightly to find the target, and placed a soft, gentle kiss on his inviting mouth. After a couple of seconds she pulled back slowly. Nothing happened. Her shoulders sagged and she looked down at her hands sitting in her lap. It was worth a try, she had to agree with her sister. Dawn sighed loudly behind her. Buffy looked up just in time to see Spike's eyes flutter open, trying to focus on his surroundings. She quickly stood up on her knees.

"Spike!" she said, a rather bit too enthusiastic.

He gave her a frightened, puzzled look.

"Begging your pardon?" he gasped out.

"Spike, you're awake," she joyously cried, reaching out to touch his arm. Dawn scurried over to sit next to Buffy, excited as well.

Spike scrambled up to a sitting position, pulling his legs to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. He looked at the two girls with fear in his eyes.

"Do tell, what is this spike your taking on about?"

"Spike?" Dawn was worried. "It's your name."

"Sorry, miss, my name is William. I am sure of it. What I'm not sure of is my whereabouts. Could you be so kind as to tell me where I am exactly?"

Dawn and Buffy turned to look at one another in utter confusion. Dawn exhaled sharply.

"Oh, boy."

TBC

Part 4:

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The three of them sat and stared at one another, neither one knowing what to do or say.

"Spike?" Buffy was sure this was another one of Spike's devious ploys of what he thought was funny.

"I can't imagine why you must keep calling me by that wretched name. My name, Miss, is William. William Winters. Possible you may know my mother or, or my sister per---perhaps?" he stuttered a bit.

Buffy had never known Spike to stutter or even talk like the way he was now. His accent had deepened and sounded more uppercrust, closer to Giles accent to put it precisely. She stood and started laughing.

"You got us. I hate to admit to it, but you got us good. You can cut the act. Pretty funny."

"Buffy," Dawn stood and looked at her sister. "I don't think he is joking."

Buffy stared at Dawn for a second or two, then looked back at Spike still sitting on the couch huddled in a tight ball. He stared up at her wide eyed and shook his head no slowly.

"Miss, I think I may have lost conciousness. Did I hit my head? I seem to have forgotten where I am and how I came to be here."

"Yes, in a way, you did. Can you please stop calling me Miss? The name is Buffy, this is my sister, Dawn. And you're---William?"

"That is correct, Mmmbuffy. Buffy, a highly unusual name." He saw her face change at this remark. "Oh but it'sss---nice. And you're clearly not from around here by your accent."

"Where *exactly* is here?" Dawn asked curiously.

"Why, London, Mi---sorry, Dawn was it?" Dawn shook her head yes. "Did you not know you were in London?" he smiled brightly. "Did you travel here from another country?"

"Weeelllll, we are from California actually. Have you ever been there?"

William chuckled. "The States? No, I'm afraid not. Though I always wanted to travel. I"ve always wondered what the rest of the world looked like."

"Oh, you would love California. It's bright and sunny. Full of different cultures, markets, palm trees, miles of sandy beaches and the ocean." Dawn was excitedly telling him about home like she really *was* in London.

Buffy noticed that Spike, or rather William, had finally relaxed a little and was, not surprisingly, enjoying the company of her sister. She decided this may be a good time to slip out for that lookaround she had been thinking of doing earlier in the afternoon. There was a certain warlock out there she had a need to get her hands on.

"Are you hungry,---William?" Buffy asked. He turned his attention to her and shook his head up and down slowly. She noticed the difference in his demeanor whenever she spoke to him. Almost as if he was frightened of her. She realized she had come across a bit overpowering. Was she like that all the time with Spike? If she was, he must be handling it rather well. He always had a good comeback.

It was like a game between the two of them, trying to outdo the other with verbal attacks. They once were told by a stanger passing by during one of their bantering sessions that they were such a cute couple. She went on to say how they must be so totally in love what with all the flirting they were doing with one another. Spike had growled at the passer-by, Buffy huffed and turned to walk away from the annoying vampire *and* stranger. How dare she even insinuate that she and Spike were a---couple. Never to be. Never.

"Dawn, can you come with me into the kitchen, please?" she looked back at William. "Excuse us just for a minute." He smiled slightly.

Dawn followed her sister into the other room. "What's up?"

"I'm going to go patrol. See if I can find myself a warlock and pound some sense out of him. There is salisbury steaks in the freezer. Pop them into the microwave. Make some instant mashed potatoes and open up a can of green beans or something. And by something, I mean something nutritious. Don't let him wander around the house and don't say anything until I get back, ok? I don't know what is up yet and if he finds out anything, I'm not sure how traumatic it will be for him. Just tell him I had to step out and will be back later. You think you can handle everything?"

"Buffy, I'm not 5. Yes, go patrol. Find out what you can. We'll just watch some---."

"Do *not* turn on the tv. Not the radio, nothing. If he happens to ask what it is, just tell him---tell him---your father's an inventor and that you don't know. Keep him in the living room. Just---talk with him. You seem to be doing that pretty well already."

"Oooh, I just realized something. I can find out all about his human life. Oh this is going to be so neat. I'll start supper now. Hurry and leave so we can talk. I don't think he likes you too much. Um, no offense."

Buffy's mouth dropped open. "I'm---likable---aren't I? I mean, I have friends and they like me and, and---."

Dawn patted her on the arm. "You are very likable, Buffy, just not by him. I think you scare him. You do seem to come across all superior whenever you're around him. Come to think of it, you're like that when you're around Spike, too. But Spike knows how to handle you and I think Spike likes you."

"Whatever. I'm going. Remember what I said."

"Yes, yes. Be careful!" Dawn called as the back door shut.

Back in the living room, William was standing in front of the fireplace looking at the items on the mantel. Pictures of the family and knicknacks were sitting on it. Dawn cleared her throat. He turned to look and smiled at her sweetly.

"Just having a look around. Your photographs seem so lifelike, not anything like I've---."

"Well, you know. Hey, I'm going to fix something to eat. If you want to have a seat and wait, I'll be done in a jiffy."

Dawn returned to the kitchen and quickly whipped up the meal Buffy had suggested. Every once in a while, a noise would come from the other room. She had a sneaking suspicion he was snooping around. Ten minutes later, supper was fixed and on plates ready to be eaten. She carried them into the adjoining room, stoppind dead in her tracks when she saw him. He sat directly in front of the television, gently running his fingers over the screen as pictures flashed across it. His eyes were wide and transfixed, not even noticing Dawn had come into the room. She groaned and set the plates onto the coffee table. She stood there, hands on her hips.

"So," he jumped at the sound of her voice and stood abruptly. "I see you found the button to turn on the tv."

"I do so apologize. Curiousity gets the better of me at times. I almost feel like I'm in another world. What part of London are we in and what is with all these---trinkets and devices and such?"

"Um,---well, you see. Oh, for pete's sake. William, you need to sit down."

**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**

Buffy had traipsed through three cemeteries without any luck. A few vampires got dusted on the way, so the whole trip wasn't a total loss. She decided to head to Willy's even though she would rather not set foot in the place. Willy always wanted something in return for any information he gave her. She didn't have but $20 on her so it would have to do. He should be grateful she didn't torture him into submission. But, hey, you can only have so much fun torturing sleezy humans until it turned into dangerous territory, for the human that is.

The demon bar was filled to capacity for some unknown reason. Buffy's skin tingled, her blood boiled and her senses went on overdrive. A path opened up as she stepped in and made her way over to the bar. Willy saw her and instantly began to sweat.

"Willy, pal, no need to be so nervous. Just looking for someone and thought maybe you may have seen or heard of them. He's a warlock, someone not a Sunnydale resident. Last time he was seen was in the cemetery, Rossling cemetery a few nights ago, working a spell over an unconcious young girl. The girl got spooked and ran off. Not sure what he looks like but have heard he's cocky and stupid enough to threaten my slayer abilities. Sound familiar?"

"Uh, sorry Slayer. He doesn't frequent the place. You may want to try the uptown places where magic tossers go."

"Thanks anyway."

"Hey, don't I get anything in return?"

"You got a thank you and fist free face. What else do you want?"

Buffy turned to make her way back out when a large demon sitting in the dark corner spoke up.

"SSSlayer," he followed this with a couple of deep clicking sounds. She turned and stepped a little closer, ready to fight if need be.

"I believe, click, click, I know, click, click, who you are looking for, click. His name, click, click, is Sherman. He, click, is not from around, click, click, here. He's up to no, click, good, I can tell you, click, that. He goes to that, click, magic shop, click, uptown. You should, click, find him, click, there sometime. Clickkkkk."

"Uh, thanks, I think?" Buffy back away and left the bar. She looked at her watch and decided she would check the area the demon mentioned the next day. It was getting too late and something seemed to be bothering her.

**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**

The back door opened and shut and Buffy walked back into the living room. Dawn was sitting on the edge of the couch, looking tense and bewildered.

"Hey," she squeeked.

"Dawn, where is Spike?"

"You mean William?"

"One in the same. Where are they both?"

"Well, you see, you remember when you said not to let him wander around and not to tell him anything?"

"Dawnie!" Buffy grumbled.

"How was I to know he was a snoop. I couldn't tie him down the whole time. I had to fix supper, you know. He---he learned how to turn the tv on. Then he started to ask questions and well, I couldn't lie to him. So, I told him what year it was, and where he was, but I didn't tell him what he was. I think he took it pretty hard. He---he sort of freaked out and ran out the front door. He was too quick. I looked up and down the block then thought I'd better wait for you to come home. I'm sorry, Buffy."

"Oh, god, Dawn, if we can't find him before sunrise, then we won't have too much to worry about explaining things to him. We need to find him and we have seven hours to do it in. Grab a couple more stakes and let's get going."

TBC

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Part 5:

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"Come on, Dawn," Buffy grumbled. "How long do you think he's been out there wandering around?"

Dawn finally rushed over to the front door to an anxiously awaiting Slayer.

"Probably, maybe 45 minutes. I think. At least close to it."

"Gggrrr," she growled again before jerking the door open and stomping out onto the porch, her sister following her meekly as they headed out in search of a lost vampire with a non-existent vampire memory. Deep down inside she felt scared for him since he didn't know what he really was and that this so called world he was about to discover had changed immensely since the late 1800's. Not only that, but to William, this was even a totally different country that, in his mind, he had never been to.

Buffy was reeling so much so that the familiar feeling had not registered with her until she had reached the end of the walk in the front of their home. She stopped so fast that Dawn slammed into the back end.

"Oof, Buffy, a little warning, please! What's wrong?" Dawn whined.

Buffy slowly glanced around, looking left and right and clearly in front of her before placing her hands on her hips and turning to her sister.

"What is it?" Dawn knew something was up. Buffy was feeling something.

"Well, either there is a vampire nearby, or *our* vampire didn't wander off too far. No, I *know* he didn't."

"How do you know it's him?"

"Um, kinda hard to explain. He gives off a distinctive vibe. I sort of know him by the tinglies now. And right about now---," she leaned and glanced around Dawn. "yep, bingo, one Spike a.k.a. William is sitting on one Summers' porch swing. Here," she grabbed Dawn's arm, "let me go up first. Smile and walk slowly, talk pleasantly."

The two girls headed back towards the house, Buffy keeping her eyes on Spike as she slowly stepped up onto the porch. She stood in front of the swing, looking at him. He would not look up, but instead kept his eyes down, his hands clasped tightly and sitting in his lap. She cleared her throat lightly.

"May I sit down?" He didn't acknowledge her presence. "William? Would you like to instead come back into the house then? You can ask me anything that's bothering you and I'll try my best to answer."

He glanced up at her, complete and utter fear shining behind his magnificently blue eyes. She held out a hand, hoping he would think her harmless, even though Dawn had informed her earlier that she thought he was afraid of Buffy.

She added, "I promise I don't bite. I'm really a nice person, and can be a great friend if you'll let me."

He looked down at her extended hand, leaned forward a bit, then reluctantly slipped his hand into hers. Buffy smiled sweetly and walked with him slowly through the front door and over to the living room sofa. Dawn had followed behind and sat in a chair across from them, keeping her lips zipped the whole time. She felt it best for Buffy to do the talking since she had caused the catastophic mess in the first place. He sat there, slouched over, looking confused and depressed.

"William?" Buffy started. He looked over at the young woman sitting on the opposite end of the couch, eyes wide. She smiled at him again which caused him to smile slightly back at her.

"I'm sure you have a million questions racing through your mind. Anything in particular you would like to ask?"

"How did I get here?" he softly enquired.

"Well, um, you see, I'm not sure." She felt it was sort of an honest answer. She really didn't know how he had come to Sunnydale in the first place so long ago. If there was anyway she could dance around the fact that he was a vampire, she would try her hardest without lying too much.

"Ok, let's try this another way. You were here, in my living room and you passed out. You were unconcious for almost a whole day. Um, when you woke up, you were a totally different person, at least to us. The vam-person that we know was gone. Sort of like you took over his body with a whole different personality."

William sat there for a second, then started shaking his head up and down.

"So what you're saying, is that somehow I was taken out of my world and out of my time and ended up here and now? I recall something in my studies that dealt with certain occurrences of this nature."

Dawn sat up, surprised. "Wha---excuse me? Studies? What have you been studying? And where?" Buffy turned her head and glared at Dawn. "Oh, okay, shutting up now."

Buffy returned her attention back to William. "What have you been studying and where?"

Dawn sighed loudly. William chuckled at the sisters.

"I go to university. I take some studies, well, that are a tad bit occultish in nature. I have always had an interest in the supernatural. My mum doesn't know I am taking the class her being a woman of faith and all. My professor, he's also a part of some council that fights against beings not of this world. He seems to know a vast amount of information, so nothing will surprise me. Just, why me?"

"Um, I'm not sure. I have a source to check out tomorrow. He may have some information for us. A council, huh? Interesting."

"May I come along with you?" He asked earnestly.

"Uh, well, you see, I don't want to scare him off. He might think we're gaining up on him or something. I feel better going and finding him myself."

"No offense, but you're a lady. Wouldn't it be safer if I did accompany you?"

Buffy laughed softly. "Aren't you the gentleman? Believe me, I can handle myself. I'll explain it to you some other time. Right now, I think it's time to hit the sack, oh, sorry, I mean go to bed. We have a spare room if you would like to sleep in a real bed tonight."

"I don't want to impose on you. The both of you have been overly kind to me already. I appreciate just having a pillow to rest my head upon."

"Don't be silly. You're not imposing cause your always welcome in our home. Only if you don't mind the feminine decor, you are more than welcome to stay in our mom's room. Right, Buffy?"

Buffy shook her head yes. "Of course."

"Thank you. It's very kind of you. And tomorrow, might I persuade one of you to show me how your 21st century's gadgets work?"

Both girls laughed. Dawn looked at him with a smile. "Sure, I can show you how things work. If you were impressed with the television, wait til you hear the cd player."

"Well, I'm going to go get mom's room ready for you. I'll call you when it's done."

Buffy headed up the stairs to remove any mirrors that were hanging in Joyce's room. She would have to lock the master bathroom door from the outside and take the key with her. Surprisingly, he had not thought of his lack of bodily functions. Must have not registered with his brain yet that he didn't ever need to use the facilities. He had been eating regular food, but Buffy knew the loss of drinking blood would start to affect him sooner or later. She hoped she could find Sherman, the friendly neighborhood warlock, tomorrow and find out just exactly what he had pulled out of his hat when dealing with Spike. Hopefully, whatever it was, it could be reversed.

**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**

Morning arrived, and Buffy noticed both Dawn's and her mother's bedroom doors were open which meant the two delinquents were up and doing something sinisterly evil, she was sure of it. Their voices drifted through the house once she reached the bottom of the stairs coming from the kitchen. She stood in the doorway and watched as Dawn showed him how to implement the microwave. He was down right fascinated.

"Are we playing or cooking breakfast?" Buffy laughingly asked the two.

Spike straightend from his stooped over observation of the contents in the microwave looking a bit sheepish. It beeped and Dawn opened the door, pulling a mug out and placing it in his hands. His mouth dropped at the realization of just what the appliance could accomplish.

Buffy smiled and walked over to the cabinet to get a box of cereal out. In a way, it was interesting to see his fascination with everything. He was like a child on Christmas morning, everything was brand new to him in a way, or at least to William it was. Dawn was just as bad. She seemed so giddy, being able to show him how everything worked and happy that he was excited about it all. Buffy believed it to be completely harmless.

"Oh, Buffy, wait. I showed William how the stove worked and he wanted to make some eggs and bacon. I'll do the toast."

"We have that stuff? Mmmm, sounds yummy." She smiled brightly.

William shyly smiled back and turned to grab the egg carton and package of bacon off the counter before walking over to the stove. Buffy sat on a stool at the center island and watched him. Dawn was making coffee, pouring juice into glasses and preparing toast for the three of them, humming and off in her own little world. For some reason, Buffy was mesmerized by Spike's domestic abilities. She bet his mother had been a wonderful woman, teaching her children everything they needed to know before they headed out into the real world. So unfortunate that William never got much of a chance to experience that life. Before she even noticed, he had set a plateful of delicious breakfast goodness in front of her.

"Thank you. It smells wonderful." She took her first bite, made a nummy sound and shut her eyes, like she had tasted a slice of heaven. William raised his brows at her enjoyment of the scrambled eggs.

"Is it to your satisfaction, m'lady?" He sincerely asked her. Her eyes popped open at the question, a little embarrassed at herself for making such a fuss over the delicious eggs.

"Absolutely scrumptious. You're a wonderful cook." She could've sworn color flushed his cheeks for a split second at her remark. Maybe it was her imagination.

"Buffy doesn't cook and mom only cooks breakfast for us on that rare occasion when she's not busy with the gallery. Where did you learn, William?" Dawn set the buttered toast on the counter.

"Oh, my mum of course. I hated it at first, but now I rather enjoy cooking, especially for others. She even taught me how to bake."

"Ooh, ooh, want to make chocolate chip cookies this afternoon?" Dawn squealed. William smiled brightly.

"Would love to. But remember, you promised to show me other, um, appliances? I'm rather curious to see how these contraptions work. Absolutely amazing. I could actually live in this world, if it be so that is." He glanced over at Buffy before stuffing a bite into his mouth. "I'd miss my family and everything, of course, and I know you would miss your friend, the one you mentioned, but if circumstances do not come full circle, I wouldn't have any qualms to staying."

Buffy was surprised at his admission. Dawn's mouth dropped open.

"But don't you want to be Spi---?"

Buffy reached out and grabbed her sister's arm. "Shh, William is just excited about all the new and wonderful things he has yet to learn about. Why don't you show him how the stuff works, and I'm going to go into town. I need to do some shopping. Thanks again for the delicious breakfast, William."

"You're very welcome---Buffy." He smiled at her shyly again and she returned it.

As she walked out the door to head to town, she wondered if it was wrong for her to want William to stay behind instead of searching for a way to bring Spike back. She laughed out loud. How ridiculous the notion, though, because he was still a vampire whether he knew nothing about his demon ways or what. She was sure that would be the next stage they would have to deal with in the life of William the Bloody.

TBC

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Part 6:

Part 8: