Good evening, All:)

Here is chapter twenty-two of Time. Again, set in the real world, the confrontation between Spike and his foe begins. But will he be able to fight?

The next chapter will be out on Thursday evening. Please let me know if you like this one! Your feedback means everything to me.

Thanks for reading:)



*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue

"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Buffy, and a widdle Spike, and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002

Title: You Always Hurt (Time - Chapter Twenty-Two)

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG -13

Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (with, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)

Summary: Set immediately following Illusions. Giles, Anya and Cyrus try and come up with a plan to help Spike. Xander finds help for Takina, but will it be in time? Giles explains to Buffy what has happened. Spike decides to take matters into his own hands at the safe house, but is met with a shocking surprise.



You Always Hurt

The three of them sat quietly in the empty second floor snack room. None of them wanted to say it, but they hadn't a clue how to boost Spike's power short of delivering Buffy to him. And Buffy was in no condition to stand, never mind fight. They weren't even sure how to tell the Slayer that her other half had gone.

"Well, maybe we need to be concentrating on a way to recapture Draconius," Giles sighed, gently rolling a paper cup full of tea between his hands.

"The Box of Oraclese was a bust," Anya responded. "And my magics will only work against his host. Not the spirit himself. Which isn't a whole lot of help."

Giles looked at her, studying her face. "And you say we need Emma back to retrieve William?"

Anya nodded. "She will have to open the door to the Queen's chamber. Tara and I could get that far, but only a born emissary can release him."

Cyrus looked at them a moment. "Part of the Powers," he muttered. "How is it that the Evil can be vanquished, Rupert? How is Draconius killed at the First?"

"Simply enough, beheading," Giles answered. "If the host is beheaded, the spirit can be sent back to Hell with the spell performed at the First."

"By you.... well, you back then..." Anya stuttered, smiling nervously.

"Yes," Giles answered, nodding. "By the Father. It will send the Evil back to Hell."

Cyrus nodded. "Then all we must do is go to them," he commented. "We need to be there when Spike and the soldier fight Draconius."

"The problem *is* that Spike cannot defeat him without Buffy," Giles repeated as if his friend and mentor had suddenly become dense.

Anya nodded. "He may have to," she sighed. "Draconius will not leave the Peacemaker alive. Spike will not be able to get her back without fighting him. The best we can do is go and help him. Maybe I can distract him so that someone.. one of you... can chop his ugly head off."

Giles looked at his hands, pondering the subject for a moment. "A caveat. It is lore, myth, that if Draconius is sent back to hell, he will gather his forces and release Armageddon upon the Earth. Do we really want to take the chance that that particular prophesy is incorrect?"

Cyrus studied the Watcher, the same thought passing through his mind. "Rupert, the prophesy was that when the Evil was sent to Hell at the First, he would come to release Hell itself against the Earth when his time had come. He has come back. We have all averted Apocalypse. I think that the prophesy is either incorrect or has come to pass without our connecting it with the event. In any case, what choice do we have? Emma must be saved.

It is my duty as her Watcher as well as my need as her friend. Draconius is too dangerous, even restrained, to inhabit this dimension. We must send him back."

Giles nodded, sighing. "I suppose you are right." Slowly, he stood, lending a hand down to Anya. "I should tell Buffy what has happened and that we have found William. Anya, would you please see what you can find in the way of weapons and spells and meet me downstairs in a few moments? You are by far the fastest..."

"In a flash," Anya whispered, kissing his cheek and poofing into thin air.

"Cyrus, please tell Tara of our plans. See if she has recovered enough to try and put a protection spell on us, and possibly guide Spike. Show him how to kill Draconius. Anything."

Cyrus nodded. "I doubt she'll be up to much, but I am sure she will try."

Giles nodded, heading for the door.

*****

Spike stood in stunned shock as he watched a smile break on her flushed face. Buffy? Couldn't be her. Couldn't be her, he repeated as her thin, golden arms wrapped around his neck and her swollen lips pressed against his again.

She was in the hospital, drugged, operated on, in pain, when he saw her last, part of him argued.

Buffy is the Slayer, she can heal at an amazing rate. And no drug will keep her away from what she needs. She's proven that. And she wasn't in her room when he went to look for her.

Right after Riley left.

Spike's mind reeled, his daughter on one side of the room, bound, captured. His lover on the other, wrapped in another man's embrace. He couldn't think enough to reach out to her. Couldn't focus. His heart exploded in his chest and rage got the better of him.

The window shattered as he flew through the glass into the darkened room.

*****

Tara heard him scream. Even in her exhausted sleep, she heard the familiar voice and was out of her chair in a split second. She ran, nearly dragging herself down the hall towards the noise.

Xander slumped to the ground, clutching her to him, holding her like a child wrapped in a gray hospital blanket. He saw Tara approach and looked at her with stunned, heartbroken eyes. "Help us," he whimpered, as she got closer, seeing Takina's blood-matted hair from the top of the blanket.

"Oh my.." her voice choked short as she slapped her hand over her mouth, spinning on a heel and running down the hall. She nearly clothes lined an intern as she rounded a corner.

"Whoa," the young doctor said, catching Tara as she crashed into him.

"Help... need help," she muttered, grabbing the now frightened man's wrist and dragging him back towards Xander. The doctor followed at a jog, heading down the corridor behind the speechless woman.

Tara stopped, pointing at Xander as they approached. The doctor looked at the crumpled forms in the hall, walking closer slowly. Tentatively. "Sir, are you alright?"

Xander looked up, his eyes glazed and afraid. "Can.. can you help us?" His voice was that of a child. Broken and shaking and afraid. "She.. she's hurt... bad."

The doctor dropped to his knees, pulling the blanked back from her face. He dropped it, shock spreading over his features. "Doctor Noel?" He gasped.

"What.. what happened?"

Xander shook his head, rocking a bit, holding her against him. "Need help."

The doctor pressed his fingers to her neck, feeling the thready pulse. "Stay right here." He jumped, heading towards a phone in a hall, speaking frantically. An announcement came over the speaker overhead, mumbled and coded. The doctor came back.

"Where did you find her?" The young man asked, helping Xander lay her down on the cold tile floor. Xander wrapped the blanket around her tenderly. Didn't want her to be cold.

"She... she was missing. She's ... my... I love her," he mumbled incoherently as the doctor began to take her vitals. "I .. I went to look for her and the last place anyone knew she was was the lockers. So I went in there... she was... she was there."

"OK," the doctor answered quietly. "We'll help you."

"Is.. is she alive?" Tara's voice asked, quiet and afraid.

The young doctor's head turned. "Yes. But she needs help fast. We don't know how bad this head injury is. If there is any internal hemorrhage." He turned back to Xander. "Do you have any idea who did this?"

Xander looked up at Tara. Her eyes dropped. They both had an idea, but like everything else in this life, human justice didn't seem to apply. Xander shook his head. "No."

A cart was rolled down the hall. Several doctors, nurses, interns, all in scrubs and white coats swarmed them, situating Takina on a backboard and hoisting her onto the gurney. Tara walked to Xander, wrapping an arm around him as he watched in stunned horror. They had all lost someone dear to them. All but him. He had never lost anyone that close. Closest was Buffy. And that was different. So different. In the back of his head, in all of their heads, they knew that Buffy went out every night and every time she patrolled, every time she hunted, she might never come back. They had learned to live with it.

But Takina. She was a doctor. A normal... a human... Whatever, he thought. His love. His other half. She couldn't die.

Xander leaned down and kissed her pretty cheek as they rolled her off. "We're taking her to emergency. We'll do everything we can," the young doctor panted as they rolled her past. Xander nodded, turning back to Tara, burying his face in her shoulder. Crumbling. His tenuous world finally falling apart.

*****

"Ladies, May I have a moment alone with Buffy?" Giles asked as he entered her room. Willow and Dawn looked up, eyeing the Watcher. Giles looked exhausted. Afraid.

"Is... Is everything OK?" WIllow asked, studying him. His face was stone. Set. "Guess that was a stupid question."

"Please," Giles repeated.

"Sure," Willow responded, standing. Dawn stood with her, her legs a little wobbly from fear and fatigue. They left without another word.

Giles looked at Buffy lying there, staring at the ceiling, unmoving. Cautiously, he made his way towards her, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Buffy, we need to talk."

Buffy didn't respond, merely stared at the drop ceiling.

"You don't have to say anything," he continued. "I do understand that you must be... frightened. And hurt. And angry. But I need to be honest with you. Will you listen?"

She nodded, almost imperceptibly. The truth could not be anymore painful than what was already in her head.

"Tara and Anya discovered that what has ... happened... to William is indeed mystical. A spell, an ancient one at that," Giles began. Buffy's face turned towards him, interested in what he had to say. He may not be providing her with answers, but at least he wasn't filling her with the 'Everything'll be OK,' garbage.

"He has been trapped in Time. He is... he's following various paths until he finds the correct one. Living his future over and over until he gets it right. When he does, he will be delivered to the chamber of the Queen of the Sky. Part of the Powers. Completely benevolent. He will be safe there. But he will remain trapped until an emissary of her court retrieves him," Giles continued.

Buffy's look questioned him, although she could not bring her mouth to form the words.

"Another part of the Powers," Giles answered, reading the look. "Emma," he clarified.

"She's gone." Buffy's voice was like an ancient dandelion on the wind. Tiny and fragile and barely even there.

Giles nodded. "She is," he repeated. "Draconius has returned, Buffy. We believe he has Emma."

The look in Buffy's eyes changed from sadness and resignation to terrified anger. "What?"

"Riley received a phone call from his wife that the government had tracked Draconius to a residence in Sunnydale. He received the call not long after Emma disappeared and we had begun to look for her. Riley left to surveil the premises while Spike came to talk to you. I take it he didn't?" Giles asked, watching her face become angrier by the moment.

"I was with William," Buffy answered quietly. "He left a note." She paused a moment. "Where is he now?"

"At the address Riley gave to him. Spike cannot defeat Draconius without you, but if they can catch him off guard or without the witch, they can retrieve Emma and live to fight another day."

Buffy thought a moment. "What about Takina? I thought Dawn said that is who she gave Emma to?"

Giles sighed. "We think it may have been the Witch. She's a shape shifter. Dawn would have had no way of knowing."

Something happened, snapping all of the pieces together in Buffy's head. "And Emma disappeared right before Riley told you Draconius had returned to town?"

"Yes," Giles answered, quirking a brow at her.

"Doesn't that seem odd?" Buffy asked, sitting up a bit against the pillows. "That and the fact that all of this happens just as *Riley* returns for some odd reason?"

"He says he was assigned to protect Emma. The Council says that, per their contacts, his story checks out," Giles answered.

Buffy shook her head. "Where is this place?"

"Old mansion house near the intersection of Ninth and Cedar. Anya, Cyrus and I are about to head out there to see if we can help Spike and hopefully contain Draconius."

"Good," Buffy said quietly, her face angry, but her mind reeling with sudden understanding. "Do that." She was quiet, her gaze returning to the ceiling. "Giles, I'd like a few minutes alone."

"Right," Giles said softly, his face betraying his concern for her. Her voice, her actions, her eyes. She was furious and hurt. Never a good combination in a woman who had just had her children stolen. Never a good combination for a girl with superpowers and a questionable temper.

Slowly, he stood, backing through the door, hoping she would hold it together just a bit longer.

*****

"Hello, *Love*," Buffy hissed as Spike crashed to the ground inside the room. Spike's head jerked up and he jumped to his feet, staring at her. "Fancy seeing *you* here."

Spike shook his head as if to erase a bad dream. Was it her? Had he marked her? Would he have to fight her?

Part of the question was answered as she turned, grabbing a sword that had been balanced against the wall. Something was going on. His mind was... muddy. As if there was a spell.. something keeping him from seeing her. From feeling her. Reaching into her head.

Buffy raised the sword and with a primal scream, launched herself at Spike. Riley leaned back against the wall, smiling as she stabbed at him. Spike jumped out of the way at amazing speed, hurtling himself against the wall near Emma.

Emma.

She can't see this. Can't see her mum trying to kill her dad. Been through enough already.

The little girl looked over at him, her eyes frightened. He thought it was because of what she was seeing. Because of what Buffy was doing. But she knew. Knew why. The fear was for him.

Spike pushed himself off the wall, leaping over the advancing woman and rolling through the open doorway into the next room. At least then Emma wouldn't have to see.

Riley followed as Buffy stalked towards him, her face cold and hard. "You," Spike hissed, eyeing this soldier. "You're him?"

"That I am," Riley answered, leaning against the doorframe, his voice now that of the ancients.

"Think they could have picked a smarter host. Better looking at least," Spike snarked as he ducked another jab from the broadsword. "What did you do to her?"

"She's mine now," Riley said bluntly. "But then again, she always has been."

Spike looked at Buffy. She growled, crouching down and dropping the sword. She wanted to play a moment first. Beat on him a while. Make him hurt. More fun that way. Why go for the kill when you can go for the pain? Rough him up and then watch him watch his daughter die. All at the hands of his 'love'. All in the safety of knowing that the real Buffy would never be able to interrupt.

Buffy pushed off, leaping at Spike and tackling him to the ground, her legs on either side of his chest. He looked at her stunned. Not wanting to hit her. Not wanting to ever again fight with any intent. Not her. Not ever. But she swung, a crushing blow landing on one perfect blue eye. He felt his vision fade and stars appear before him.

"Buffy," he muttered.

"Aw, isn't that sweet?" Riley cooed. "He doesn't want to hurt his little Slayer." He stiffened, a smile appearing on his face and his voice becoming rich and angry. "Well, guess what, *Spikey*. She's mine now. She'll kill you just because I tell her to. So at least go out with a bang."

"She never loved you, Mate," Spike snarled, catching Buffy's hands mid swing and toppling her onto her back. "Might've believed it if you'd come back as Peaches. But she never loved you to begin with. So, not buying it now."

With a lightening quick movement, his fist came down on her cheek, her head jerking to the side with the force of the blow. She turned her face back to him, eyes filled with tears.

"Spike?"

Her voice. A whimper. Her face red and already swelling from the blow.

Spike jumped from her in horror, backing away as she stared at him with startled green eyes, whispering his name over and over again.

"Spike?"

"You always hurt the ones you love," Riley snarked, turning towards Spike and landing a crushing blow.

To be contd.

Good evening, everyone:)

Hope you are all having a good week!

Time is winding down (:::groan::: bad pun), but the action is heating up. Will Spike be able to get to Emma? Will he be able to fight off the Buffy look a like? What is Buffy thinking? All of these questions and more will be answered in the next few chapters.

Not to mention the happy, happy ending:)

I do hope you enjoy this book and start thinking about whether or not you would like me to continue this series. Only three chapters to go after this!

Let me know what you think!



*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue

"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Buffy, and a widdle Spike, and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002

Title: Blood and Metal (Time - Chapter Twenty-Three)

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG -13

Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (with, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)

Summary: Set immediately following You Always Hurt. Buffy decides what to do about the Draconius situation in order to save her family. Spike battles Riley and Buffy alone. Anya, Giles and Cyrus head to the safe house in order to help Spike. Willow and Dawn discover that Buffy has taken matters into her own hands.



Blood and Metal



Buffy crept down the hallway in her hospital gown, ducking under the counter where the nurses lay in wait. The pain in her belly was throbbing, but the panic swept it to the back of her mind. Draconius was back. Riley was back. Emma was captured. Spike was there. Spike can't win alone. He will die. Emma will die. William will be trapped.

There are no choices.

As she passed a storage room, she ducked inside, grabbing a pair of hospital scrubs several sizes too big and pulling them on, discarding the backless gown in a mop bucket. There was a roll of duct tape on a shelf. As good a thing as any, she thought, as she unrolled it and wrapped it over the bandages on her stomach. She winced as she bound the wound tight. Couldn't afford to let it open again now.

It didn't take long nor was it particularly difficult to escape the hospital. But getting there was a bit harder. No car. No driving. No way she could run and then do battle. She chuckled, a yellow cab sitting parked by the hospital doors. No money. Well, wouldn't be the first time she'd have to wing it. She'd just have to send something to the cab company when she got home.

"Ninth and Cedar... yesterday," she said as she climbed into the back seat.

*****

"She's not doing very well," Willow said to Giles as they stood against the wall in the waiting room.

"No," Giles responded. "But I don't see how she could be. No matter how many times one is traumatized, it doesn't make it any less... traumatic."

"Well said," Willow commented, trying to smile. "This isn't good. How ... I mean... Draconius is the real deal. And with just Spike and Riley fighting him...."

"Hopefully, they will not have to battle him for too long. If all goes well, Draconius will be without his mate when they move in and release Emma. Hopefully, we can distract him magically while Spike beheads him. But if the opportunity does not arise, then we will bide our time. Hide Emma until we can dispatch Draconius."

"Buffy won't like you moving her away," the redhead commented.

Giles removed his glasses, swiping them once against his untucked shirt. "No, I don't imagine she will. But she will also do whatever she must to protect her children."

Willow was silent for a moment, looking at her feet. "W..what can I do? I mean, my magicks are..."

"You need to stay with Buffy. Try to keep her grounded. Keep her with us. If she lets herself fade away... well, you've seen how that turns out."

"Not of the good," Willow responded, a worried look on her face.

"Not to mention that we've no idea what it will do to Spike's power. If Buffy shuts down, it could effect their connection. We have to keep her interested. Alive. Do you think that there is any way to convince the medical staff to let her stay with William?"

Willow looked at him a moment. "If.. if he's stable, maybe they'll bring the incubator up here. I mean... if physically he doesn't need any treatment at the moment. I... I'll see what I can do."

"Good," Giles responded, laying a hand on Willow's shoulder. "I've got to go. Anya and Cyrus and I are going to the address to see if we can help Spike and Riley. I'm not sure what we can do exactly, but I don't feel as if we can just leave them there alone."

"You'll figure it out," Willow smiled. "You always do."

Giles smiled softly back at her. "It was much easier when you three were all I had to worry about. At least you could hold your own."

Willow returned the smile. "There's power in numbers. The more of us you have to worry about, the more of us there are to fight the battles. Hey, if Buffy and Spike keep it up, there'll be a whole army of good guys."

Giles groaned, rolling his eyes. "Please don't wish that upon us. We've enough on our hands as it is."

*****

Spike flew into the back wall of the room as the full force of Riley's blow took him under the jaw. He vaguely felt his head smack onto the wood, but the anger pushed it aside. Buffy was on her knees now, crawling towards him like a jungle cat, a disconcerting, bloody grin on her face. Riley smiled, staring down at his handy work.

"Not so tough, little Vampire, are you?" He hissed, watching Spike push himself up the wall.

"Not nice to sucker punch a bloke, Mate," Spike retorted, looking down at the woman. Her head swung up, a wild-eyed look catching his gaze. "Buffy," he said to her. "If that is you, Pet, don't do this. I don't want to fight you."

She laughed, an arid, dusty laugh. "But it's so much *fun*."

Spike knew it was wrong. Knew somewhere it could not be her, but he couldn't get into her head either way. And the look she had given him when he hit her was just enough. Just enough to make him second-guess himself. Just enough to make him wonder if he would have to kill his love to save his daughter.

"S'not fun, Pet. Never was." He thought for a moment. "Alright, maybe it was fun back in the day. But never really wanted to kill you. Don't want to now."

"Going to have to," she snarled, kipping upright and standing mere feet in front of him. He barely saw her move it was so quick, but managed to catch her fist, just before it contacted his jaw. Riley surged forward as Spike took her arm and wrapped it behind her, sending a kick to the soldier's chest and knocking him back against the wall. Buffy twisted, sweeping her feet underneath of him and he had to hop, letting go of her, to keep his balance. A barrage of little fists came at his face. Spike blocked the blows, ducking under the last one and rolling across the floor to where the sword had been dropped.

Riley's foot planted on the hilt, leaning down to look at Spike. "Think I'm going to let you have that? Bad Vampire," he tsk'd, wagging a finger at Spike. Spike smiled, looking up at the man and bucking, kicking into the air and catching Riley's neck with the bottom of his boot. The soldier reeled back, stepping off the sword. Spike grabbed the hilt, hopping to his feet in the instant window he'd been given.

"Great," Spike muttered as he turned back towards the girl. She had armed herself while Spike had fought off Riley. Another, larger sword. And she was coming at him, full throttle with a grin on her face.

The sound of metal striking metal was musical in its own right. When done correctly, the whole action of sword fighting was like ballet. But when done correctly, one wasn't being forced to maim or murder a loved one. This was just a sick game.

He felt the blade knick his shoulder and her laughter as the blood began to roll. It was everything he could do to look at that face and defend himself, much less return the attack. It wasn't that she was any better. Just that it was *her*. Her face. Her little hands. Her pretty eyes and coral lips peeled back into a snarl. How could he bury the metal in her heart? Lop off her head? Take off a hand so she'd let go of the sword?

Fact is, he couldn't. Were it not for Emma, he wouldn't even be fighting. She could take him out. Would have to before he'd hurt her again.

"Well, this is no fun," Riley snarked, walking around the pair. "Least you could do is try."

"Not going to hurt her, Mate. Not less I have to," Spike muttered, parrying a flurry of blows.

"Looks like you might," Riley chimed back, grabbing a third sword from a trunk near the stairs.

"What is this, Medieval times?" Spike asked as Riley rushed at him, blade swung out in front of him.

"Want it to be at least a fair fight," Riley answered. "Don't want to give you a weapon you know nothing about."

Spike chuckled. "And this is bloody fair? You've got my girl, got a look alike for Buffy, or you did something to *my* Buffy and now it's two on one?"

"Could have just killed you outright," Buffy snarled. "Be a little grateful."

They circled each other like lions in a territorial dispute. "Let me ask you something, Spike," Riley said, a twisted smile on his wholesome face.

"W'as that?" The Vampire answered, moving round the other two.

"To whom do you think you owe your happy little existence? Buffy? Your rug rats?"

Spike quirked a brow, hands still wrapped around the hilt of his sword.

"Let me tell you," Riley responded. "Me. Do you think that Buffy would have ever given you the time of day if I hadn't left? Little helpless neutered *monster*? Right. You'd be dead... well, more dead... and I would be the one curled up in bed with her, letting her ride me like the night train and letting me give her normal babies. Normal. Like she has always wanted. Not like *you* Spike. You *freak*. She felt sorry for you. Just because she wasn't good enough for me, she ran to you. Poor pathetic, little..."

Spike shifted into game face, hearing him speak. Every insecurity he had ever had lain open to bear. A growl escaped his lips as he lunged forward at Riley, trying to shut him up. The sword caught the soldier's cheek and he laughed as the blood dropped down the side of his face. It was on.

Metal clinked again on metal in a flurry of blows. It was impossible to know which blade was which. Whose blood was who's. Just a tangle of silver and red and darkness and fury.

*****

"You know where we're going?" Cyrus asked, hopping into the back seat of Giles' rental. Anya climbed into the front.

"Yes," Giles answered, staring the car. "Just not quite sure of what we do when we get there."

Anya looked over at him. "It will be a whole lot easier if it's just Draconius. Without the Witch."

The Watcher's hand rested on her knee. "We need to prepare ourselves that it will be the both of them. Have you any suggestions."

"Driving there would be a good start," she snarked, as the car idled in the space. Giles sighed, backing slowly into the aisle.

"And now?" He returned. Cyrus rolled his eyes at them. Relationships. Sometimes he was glad he hadn't been mired in one.

"Well, if it's both of them, we'll have to try and subdue one and distract the other. Then someone grab the baby and hope we can tell either Riley or Spike how to kill Draconius. And you, " she continued, patting Giles' thigh. "Have to recite the incantation to send him to Hell."

"I'm still not sure that this is the best course of action," Giles warned.

"We could be creating more problems than we have."

Cyrus sighed. "Even if it's true, Rupert, what choice do we have? We have no manner in which to contain him and no place safe enough to place him were we to do so. In this situation, with Emma's life in the balance, we have only the one option."

"I suppose you're right," Giles conceded, pulling out onto the road. "I think it best if you locate Emma, Cyrus, and remove her from harm's way. Anya and I will do what we can magically to bind Draconius long enough for him to be beheaded."

"Fair enough," Cyrus responded. "Just be careful. I don't fancy telling these folks that you have both died again. It makes me look bad when you come popping back up."

Anya smiled, looking over at Giles. He shook his head and sped off towards Ninth Street.

*****

"Buffy?" Willow called as she walked into the dark room. "You alright?"

No one answered. Not that Willow had really expected it. She hadn't said a word since they'd taken her down to see William.

Willow flipped on the lights, walking into the room. "Buffy, if you're feeling up to it..."

She came into the main room and stopped dead. "Oh no,"

"Oh no, what?" Dawn asked, coming up behind Willow and nearly crashing into her back.

"She's gone," Willow gasped, stepping into the room and looking around.

Dawn followed her, scanning the empty room with frightened eyes. "Maybe she went down to see William?"

Willow shook her head, fear boiling under her skin. "Giles told her. About Draconius. Spike. Emma. "

"She went there," Dawn gasped. "Oh God. She's... she can't, Willow. I mean, she just had a baby like what? Less that twenty four hours ago?"

Willow nodded, looking around again. "You know her better than that."

"What can we do? What do we do?" Dawn gushed, racing around the room hoping that they had just missed her.

"We need to find Tara. We need to protect them."

To be contd.

Good Afternoon, All:)

Here is chapter twenty-four of Time. And it is, amazingly, on time. I'm really full of bad puns at the moment.

This is the chapter many of you have been waiting for. You wanted Riley to get what was coming to him? Draconius? Well, here goes:) Hope you approve.

There are two chapters left. On Monday, I will release the final chapter, Innocence Found and then the Epilogue on Thursday. If you like these stories, now's a good time to let me know. If I have someone who wants to read them, then I can come up with the stories to write. At least I think I can. The muse hasn't failed me yet.

Well, here we go. All action, all the time. Let me know what you think!



*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue

"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Buffy, and a widdle Spike, and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002



Title: Armour (Time - Chapter Twenty-Four)

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG -13

Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (with, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)

Summary: Set immediately following Blood and Metal. The battle begins and the calvary arrives. But will it be enough? And what will be the consequences of Buffy's actions? Can they save Emma? And will Giles, Anya and Cyrus be able to help?



Armour



The cab pulled to a halt at the corner of Ninth and Cedar. Buffy jumped out before the car had stopped moving.

"Hey!" The cab driver screamed after her. "Where's my money?"

Buffy turned her head as she ran. "You need to go. I'll send it."

"You *can't* send it, lady," he whined, getting out of the car. Just as he began to chase her, a loud crash came from two houses up and the driver saw the glint of a metal as it flew from the window. "Alright," he conceded, jumping back in the car. "Why do I get all the winners," he mumbled to himself as he streaked from the curb.

Buffy followed the sidewalk, turning up the walkway to the house. She took the steps in twos, making it to the front door in seconds. She lifted her leg to kick it open, her belly screaming in agony, but noticed that the heavy wood stood ajar. Instead, she opened it quietly, stepping into the house.

*****

"Tara!" Willow screamed as she found her lover curled in a ball in the ICU waiting room. Xander paced around. He had told the doctors where to find him in case anything happened with Takina. But neither he nor Tara could bear to be alone and Tara had promised to stay near William. Besides, the ICU waiting room was quiet, unlike the frenzy of wounded, sick and unwashed in the emergency room.

Tara looked up, catching Willow's eyes. Before the redhead had made it to where they sat, Tara was on her feet, throwing her arms around the girl. "What's wrong, baby?" Willow asked, stroking her hair.

The good Witch looked up at her. "Everything. Takina. She... someone hurt her. Badly."

Dawn's face blanked. "Is.. is William OK?"

"It happened after that, Dawnie," Xander muttered. "She brought him down and we think that Draconius's little shape shifter thing beat her up and then came and stole Emma."

A pretty hand slapped over Dawn's mouth. "I gave them Emma?"

"Dawnie," Willow comforted. "You would have no way of knowing. A real shape shifter, a good one... not even a family member could tell the difference. They take on everything. Looks, smell, taste. You couldn't have known."

"I gave them Emma," Dawn gasped, plopping into a chair.

Willow turned, Tara still clinging to her. "How is Takina?"

"I don't know," Xander answered, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "They haven't told me..."

Willow wrapped her free arm around him, cradling both Tara and Xander against her. She was silent, gathering strength. "Xander?"

"Yeah," he answered softly.

"I need to borrow Tara back for a little while," Willow began.

"What.. what is it?" Tara asked, catching her lover's gaze.

"Buffy. Giles told her about Draconius. She left and went after Spike and Emma."

"She what?" Xander yelled, backing away from the women.

"She took off. I can't find her and I don't think if we could, we could stop her," Willow continued. "Tara, we need to do something..."

Tara looked at her with exhausted eyes. "Willow, I don't have a whole lot left. Not after following William..."

"I'll do it," Willow said.

Xander looked at her shell-shocked. "Will, your powers. You ... Spike drained them when..."

Willow looked at him softly. "Power is not a limited resource. I've had it for a while. I just... I didn't... I was afraid that..."

"It's OK," Tara whispered, rubbing Willow's back. "I am proud of you for knowing that you weren't ready."

"I'm still not," Willow commented, smiling wearily. "But we need to do something."

Tara turned to look at Xander. "Will you be alright if...?"

Xander nodded. "I have Dawn to keep me company. Right?"

The girl nodded, tears rolling down her face. Guilt crashing around her in waves. "I'll stay."

Willow looked at Tara softly. "Let's go."

*****

Buffy turned the corner from the large entry hall to the great room on her right, following the sounds of metal striking metal and snarls and yelps. The house was mostly barren. Only furniture covered in dust cloths and darkened lamps dressed in spider webs. She glanced around for a weapon. Nothing.

Then she saw it. A suit of Armour in the corner. Complete with sword. Looks authentic, she thought as she loosed the blade from metallic hands with a clink.

A familiar shout brought her back to the urgency of the situation. "Buffy! No!"

Hunh, she thought to herself, padding over to the edge of the doorway and peering into the next room.

And there she was, lying on the floor, blood pouring from a wound in her shoulder. Spike was crouched over her, staring. Buffy tried to reach out to him. To make sure he knew that it was an illusion, but something was wrong. It was as if there was a haze between them. Some sort of enchantment. A spell. She couldn't find him. And it was probably why he was leaned over the other woman shaking. He had no way of knowing it wasn't her.

"Spike, look out!" Buffy shouted as Riley ran at him from behind, swinging a sword dangerously close to Spike's neck. Spike ducked as Buffy ran at Riley, launching herself and sending him sprawling to the ground.

"Buffy?" Spike asked, his eyes flickering between the groaning figure on the floor and the tiny form in slate blue scrubs that had toppled mere feet from him. He grabbed the newer Buffy's wrist, pulling her towards him along the wooden floor. Riley sat stunned a moment, his head jammed against the corner of a table.

"Hi," Buffy whispered, looking at his hurt blue eyes. "I thought you needed some help."

His palm cupped her face. "Please tell me it's you."

Buffy leaned forward, her lips brushing his. "Me," she answered, groaning as she righted herself. "Bet the other one doesn't have this," she continued, placing her hand in his. His thumb roamed over the smooth coolness of the moonstone on her finger. He glanced at the bleeding woman on the floor. Her hands were bare.

Spike watched her closely. "Buffy, " he sighed. "Pet, you can't be here. You're.."

"The Slayer," she interrupted, forcing herself to her feet. "I heal. Now, let's kick some Evil ass."

*****

The rental car shuddered to a halt in front of the seemingly abandoned house. Even from the road, they could hear the clank of swords and the sounds of battle. All three of them spilled out of the car, running up the lawn.

"Wait," Giles called. "To the side. Let's see if we can see what is going on in there before we haphazardly go in."

"What if Spike is being killed?" Anya huffed, panic taking over.

"Well, we won't be of much assistance if we are dead as well," Giles reasoned, approaching the front window. Cyrus crept towards the back. Anya stood, hands on hips waiting impatiently.

"Oh, God," Giles and Cyrus said almost in unison.

They looked at each other for a moment in shock.

"Emma," Cyrus whispered, just loud enough for Rupert to hear. He pointed at the window.

"Buffy," Giles responded, his voice wavering and shocked, looking in a window towards the front of the house.

"Buffy?" Anya asked, peering in. "But she's.."

"Fighting," Giles sighed. He turned to Cyrus. "Can you get the child?"

Cyrus nodded, eyeing a portion of the window where the shattered glass was not jaggedly protruding from the edges of the frame.

"Wait until we get inside and... do .. something," Giles rambled. "Then get her out and to safety, alright?"

Again, Cyrus nodded. Giles turned to Anya. "Are you ready?"

Anya's face changed to that of her demon counterpart. Once, Giles would have frowned or backed away. But now, he laid his hand on her cheek. "Don't get hurt."

"I won't," she chirped, her human voice an odd counterpoint to the demon visage.

*****

"Goddess, please hear us," Willow chanted, hanging onto Tara's hands. They were back in the janitor's closet. At least this time he was gone for the day. And he would have been right to think things might be a little kinky between the two women

"Protect our friends. Guide them. Give them your strength. Your justice. Your mercy," Tara continued, as the white circle rose around them. Tara looked at Willow. She glowed an eerie white, unused power coursing from her in waves. The good Witch shuddered. Had to keep her on track. Have to keep her on the right hand path.

"Goddess, hear us," Willow commanded, her voice becoming stronger. "Serivitas. Protectus."

Wind blew through the small room, whipping the girls' hair around them as they chanted. Power building, spiraling from them into the air. Being blown along the wind. Following their voices to the target.

"Protectus."

*****

They stood back to back, circling. He could feel her brush against them as they moved. This was the way it had been for as long as he could remember. As glad as Spike was to have her by his side, he was starting to be able to sense her again. As if the damage to her doppelganger had broken the spell. Spike could feel Buffy's agony. Feel the swelling in her side. The hazy darkness trying to take over her mind and her will pushing it back. Like swallowing a bitter pill.

The shape shifter had returned to her original host, morphing back to Sam as she stood, the wound in her shoulder closing rapidly. Buffy faced her, wanting to tear that wholesome grin from her mouth. Spike faced the soldier. Riley smiled at him, a trickle of blood winding down his cheek.

"Shall we?" Buffy said, raising her sword. She could feel Spike's arm lift as he did the same.

"Ladies first, Pet," he answered. Buffy lunged forward, jabbing at Sam, feeling her power increase with her proximity to Spike. Sam parried, dueling her blow for blow. The woman slashed hard at Buffy, almost catching her in the gut, but Buffy jumped, landing on a chair and flipping back behind Sam. She could see Spike, his demon mask now on, grinning as he ran at Riley.

Good, Buffy thought. Totally deserves it.

Riley pushed forward with the sword, lunging at Spike. Spike caught the metal, kicking the sword from Riley's hand with one swift backwards kick. The metal clattered to the floor and Spike grinned, quirking an eyebrow at the soldier.

"Buffy?" Spike called over his shoulder.

"Yes," Buffy answered, catching Sam in the same spot on her shoulder with her blade. Sam reeled back and Buffy lunged at her again.

"Soldier Boy informed me that had he never left, you'd've never visited the likes of me. That true, Love?" Spike slashed at Riley's leg, nearly hamstringing him before Riley rolled out of the way. Spike dropped his own sword, kicking them both to the far wall. More fun to beat on him a bit, he thought.

"He did, did he?" Buffy asked, her own sword catching Sam's and sending it clattering to the floor.

"That he did, Pet," Spike responded.

"Dunno," she answered. Spike turned long enough to question her with his eyes. "If he hadn't left, I don't know what would have happened. But what I do know is that he could have never kept me happy. He couldn't... well... let's just say he doesn't have your talents," Buffy grinned, soothing Spike's ego as Spike swung at Riley, catching him in the chin.

"Didn't scratch your itch properly, Pet?" Spike asked, deflecting a blow and grabbing the boy's wrist, flipping him to the floor.

"Didn't scratch it at all," Buffy answered, spinning and elbowing Sam to the ground. "Not to mention he wasn't nearly as considerate."

"As much I thought," Spike quipped, "D'you know what we need to do to kill these monsters?"

Riley looked at him. "You can't kill me, Vampire. I am the.."

"Shut the bloody hell up," Spike interrupted, sending a fist into the boy's mouth and knocking plaster off the wall with the force of Riley's strike.

"No clue," Buffy answered, barely escaping a spin kick combination. She caught Sam's ankle, flipping her to the floor.

"I do," A voice spoke from the far end of the room. Buffy and Spike spun, hearing Giles' voice. "Cut off his head. She is nothing without him."

Riley laughed, taking the distraction as an opportunity to land a blow against Spike's eye and dive for the sword.

"Ah, ah, ah," Buffy tsk'd, getting to the sword first. "You know, I don't like it when ... things... hit my ... Spike..."

"Need some work on the comebacks, Love," Spike quipped, catching the sword as Buffy tossed it to him. She looked at Riley a moment, stretched on the floor. It hit her like a ton of bricks.

"Giles, he doesn't... he doesn't know, does he?"

Giles shook his head. "No," he answered. "Draconius took him over. It's not Riley at all."

Spike looked at Buffy for a moment. He hated the boy, but understood what she was getting at. Wasn't nice to go round killing blokes that had no idea what they'd done. "Sure there isn't another way, Watcher?"

Giles shook his head again. "The only way to banish him from his dimension is to kill the host."

Buffy looked at Spike, closing her eyes. When she opened them again, she looked sad, but resolved. She nodded at him.

"Buffy, look out!" Anya called. Buffy spun just in time to see Sam rushing at her, her face covered in blood, sword raised high in the air. Buffy dodged, trying to locate a weapon. Spike rushed towards her, leaving Riley on the floor. He couldn't get there in time. The sword blade came down towards Buffy in a streak of silver.

The room filled with white and everything seemed to stop. Buffy felt it around her like Armour. She ducked, reaching forward in almost slow motion and kicked, sending Sam flying towards the staircase at half speed. Anya ran at the woman, grabbing her sword and holding it at Sam's neck.

Riley was on his feet, dazed. Spike lunged at him, trying to corner the soldier against the wall, but Riley ducked, grabbing the second sword from the wood floor. A grin broke on the Captain's face as he moved at Spike. Spike returned it, fangs dipping over the corners of his mouth. They circled each other again, caught in this dance to the death. Buffy watched for a moment, looking at Spike. She felt the Armour around them both. She nodded backing a step away.

Riley lunged again, almost catching Spike's side, but Spike ducked under the blade. One of the various advantages to being slightly more compact in battle. Riley spun, but Spike had anticipated it and flipped, air whooshing under his shirt, and landed behind Riley. Before he could move again, Spike swung.

Buffy closed her eyes, hearing Giles's voice chanting, then the thudding sound of what she assumed was the Evil's head hitting the hard wood. The sound of a horrid banshee scream from the woman as the Evil emptied from her, banished to Hell with the rest of Draconius.

"Buffy?" His voice, strong and rich and perfect. "Pet, you alright?"

She was on her knees, almost afraid to look. But she opened her eyes.. "We need to find Emma," she whispered, pushing herself to her feet.

"Cyrus should have her," Anya answered, lowering the sword she had held on the wounded women's body. The woman was still now. Just Sam. But she'd never be the same.

"Where?" Buffy gasped, pressing her hand to the taped wound in her own belly.

"Outside."

Buffy stumbled forward, running through the house. Spike followed her, not wanting to get in her way, but feeling it. Knowing something was wrong.

Underneath the pale moonlight, Cyrus sat on the grass at the edge of the lawn, Emma clutched around his neck. Buffy ran at them, her eyes tearing. Exhausted and worn.

"Baby?" She called.

Emma looked up wide-eyed at her mother, squirming from the Watcher's embrace and running towards her. Buffy dropped to her knees in the grass as Emma threw herself at her mother.

"You're ok," Buffy whispered, clinging to the girl. She felt the darkness closing in again and she was loosing the will to fight it. "You're ok."

Buffy felt him behind her. Spike lowered himself next to Buffy, stroking Emma's back. "You OK, Mite?"

The little girl backed away from her mother just enough to look at her dad. "OK, daddy," she whispered.

He saw it, just as she moved back. Blood on her little white shirt. "Mite?" Spike asked, pulling the little girl towards him and inching her shirt up enough to look at her pretty pale skin. She hadn't a scratch on her.

Fear gripped him as he turned towards Buffy. She had rocked back on her heels, her eyes straight ahead, hand pressed over her belly. "Emma, go back to Cyrus," Spike whispered, turning the girl and starting her away. "Buffy?"

She turned her head towards him, her eyes glazing. Slowly, he reached down, moving her hand gently away. The scrubs were soaked through with blood.

"Oh, God," he whispered catching her against him as she fell back. "Oh, God No."

To be contd.

Good evening, All:)

Well, here it is... the final chapter of Time. Yes, there is still an epilogue to follow, which I will release on Thursday. If you are interested in the more adult version (yes there will be an NC version of the epilogue by popular demand), please send me an email before Thursday evening and I will be sure to send a copy your way.

The story of Time will be wrapped up below. I do hope you have enjoyed the journey. Please do let me know, and also be sure to tell me if you would like to see the story continue.

I will include my thank you's and some comments in the author's note before the Epilogue on Thursday. It's hard to see the story come to an end. I do hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.

Thank you endlessly for reading my story.

*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue

"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Buffy, and a widdle Spike, and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002



Title: Innocence Found (Time - Chapter Twenty-Five)

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG -13

Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (with, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)

Summary: Set immediately following Armour. The battle is over, but will Buffy survive? Emma returns to them, but will she be able to reach William? The last chapter of Time save for the Epilogue.

Innocence Found

Spike looked around, his eyes heavy and exhausted. They were back to where they had started this endless day. Almost 24 hours later. That was all.

Twenty-Four hours. It had felt like a year.

The sterile green walls had not become any more soothing. The world had not become an easier place. Emma was safe. Buffy and the baby were still in danger. It was the same spot he'd been in when he first arrived in this waiting room. When he first sat three chairs up from Xander Harris.

Except this time Harris was in worse shape. Had loved ones of his own to fret over.

"How do you do this, Spike?" Xander finally said, turning his head towards the Vampire. Emma was barely awake, hanging onto her father like a frightened baby animal.

"Do what, Mate?" Spike answered, holding onto Emma as tightly as she held onto him.

"This," Xander answered, eyes spilling over and gesturing at the waiting room. "Wait. Wait to see if one of you survives. Wait to see if your heart doesn't stay broken forever. Wait to see your whole life isn't just.. over."

Spike nodded. "You love the girl then?"

Xander nodded, trails of tears slipping down his full cheeks.

"Good," Spike answered, smelling the soft scent of vanilla from the baby in his lap. It reminded him of her mum. "Then you just do."

"Just what?" Xander asked.

"Wait. Love. Whatever you have to. Granted, I don't imagine that you'll be doing half as much of this as we do. Sort of a life hazard being Chosen Ones," Spike quipped. "But when it happens, you just ... wait."

"I used to envy Buffy. And you," Xander said quietly. "Buffy because she has all this strength and speed and intelligence and ... she's beautiful... funny. You because you're what she wanted. Who she wanted. Takina's still working on me..."

Spike chuckled. "S'alright. Think I'd likely have a coronary were you completely demon friendly."

"The point being is that I'm not so jealous anymore. I mean, I am of what you have... I mean... they don't make love like that in the 21st century, ya know?"

"Seems we sort of dragged it along a bit, Mate," Spike answered. "Didn't exactly meet in a bar downtown and end up happily ever after."

"I know," Xander said. "But I don't envy what the whole Chosen One gig entails. Sure the speed and cool kung fu maneuvers are a nifty bonus, but if I had to wait like this as much as you, I would give it all back."

Spike sighed, watching Emma's eyes drift shut against her pretty golden face. "No, Harris. Waiting or no, I wouldn't change a second. Not any of the prophesies. Not any of the hurt or the wounds or the waiting. If every moment I've existed has led me here, then I consider myself a lucky bloke. No matter what we do, seems tomorrow always comes for us. Sometimes, some days are just a bit longer than others."

"Xander Harris?" A soft, female voice called from the end of the room.

"That's me," Xander said standing up.

The pretty nurse smiled. "If you want to come with me, Takina's awake. We've got her up in a room for observation, but she's going to be ok."

Xander glanced at Spike, a big glowing grin parting the tears like Moses parting the Sea.

"Well, go then," Spike quipped, nodding his head at the boy. "Be off and make yourself a happy ending."

"You... you going to be alright?" Xander asked. Century old Vampire or not, leaving him alone in the waiting room, shadowed by sterile green and soundless walls, just seemed, inhumane.

"Fine," Spike answered. "Go see your girl."

Xander nodded, bounding off after the nurse into the hallway.

*****

"Spike?" He felt a hand on his shoulder, gently shaking him. "Spike?"

"What, what is it?" Spike answered, opening his tired eyes and looking into Tara's. "Everything alright?" He sat up in the chair where he'd fallen asleep, Emma sprawled along his chest.

"Buffy's still in surgery," Tara answered softly. "Nothing yet. But I think we're ready for Emma."

"Emma?" Spike answered. "What do you mean?"

"Takina was awake enough to make up some story to the doctors about how Emma should be able to visit Will. Didn't Giles explain?" Tara whispered, trying not to be overheard.

"Not much time for Watcher length explanations," Spike answered, watching the little girl start to swim back to the world around her.

"I'll explain on the way down, but... we found Will trapped in a spell. He'll be OK there, but only Emma can retrieve him and bring him back," Tara answered, leaning down to pick up the girl. Spike's arms wrapped around her protectively.

"Wait," he said softly. "Will she be in any danger?"

Tara shook her head, smiling softly at the gesture. "Spike," she sighed.

"She might as well be my blood too. I wouldn't do anything dangerous."

Spike nodded, studying the girl. Don't think Glenda has a mean bone in her, he thought. "Mind if I come along? Going a bit insane in this room."

"Course not," Tara answered, lending a hand to him. He took it, pulling himself up, hanging onto Emma with the other.

"It's OK, Daddy," Emma whispered against his cheek. "Queen's my friend."

Spike looked at her, quirking an eyebrow, but let it drop. Stranger things than this had happened. Even stranger to come.

*****

Spike sat in a chair, Emma sitting primly on his legs. She asked for him to stay with her and there was nothing that the little girl wanted he wouldn't give. Not now. She'd been through enough. So he sat with her facing the incubator as the nurse gently unhooked William from every wire and monitor.

Carefully, the nurse pulled the little blanketed bundle from his box. Emma held out her arms. Spike slid his underneath hers, just in case. The nurse settled Will against his sister, and then left silently as Anya and Tara had asked.

"You sure bout this?" Spike asked, his hand cradling the child's head as Emma held his body on her own.

"Yeah," Tara answered. "It's the only way to get him back."

"And Emma?" Spike asked.

Anya put a hand on her shoulder. "She can pass freely through any dimension. Any time. And she can enter and leave the Queen's chamber at will."

"Right then," Spike said, nodding at the women. "Do what you need to."

The two women stood on either side of the chair, their hands clasped in front and behind Spike and Emma. Quietly, they began to chant, opening the door to Time and letting Emma through. Spike felt a rush of warm wind across his face and suddenly he was standing, a teenaged girl next to him, holding his hand.

"You alright, Dad?" The girl asked. Her voice was rich and lyrical and sweet. Startling blue eyes set off her golden skin and the scent of vanilla was stronger than ever.

"Emma?" Spike asked.

She smiled in response. "Time does funny things," she answered, squeezing his hand.

"Was I supposed to come with you, Mite?" Spike asked as she began to walk, leading him forward.

Emma shook her head. "No. But I thought you might want to come along for the ride. See my home."

"Your home?" Spike asked, trailing the girl. She was angelic, bathed in a white glow, her white silk dress trailing the misted floor as she walked gracefully in front of him.

"Before you and mum," she answered.

"Thought you were part of the Powers," Spike asked, following the girl blindly. As he walked, he noticed that the ground beneath them wasn't misty. It was clouds. It looked as if they walked along the summer sky.

"I was. I am," she corrected. "This is where they live. Or at least some of them. There are more than a few."

"H... heaven?" Spike stuttered. Now *that's* a place he never fancied himself seeing.

Emma chuckled. "Not quite. There are Queens of the Earth, the Sky, the Wind. Winter, Summer, Lakes, Rivers. They are all part of the Powers that Be, Dad."

"So, where do you fit in then, Mite?" Spike asked, as she hopped a small crevice in the ground. He wondered as he leapt after her if he would plummet to the Earth were he to misjudge the gap.

"I am Peace. A daughter of the Powers, so to speak. But I reside in the court of the Queen of the Sky. She was my guardian before I was Earthbound. Before they sent me to you and mum," Emma explained.

Spike looked around, overwhelmed at the vastness of it all. "Do you ... miss this?" It was beautiful here. Peaceful. Quiet.

Emma smiled, letting her head fall onto his shoulder. "Sometimes. Not as noisy and bright here," she began. "But it's much more interesting with you."

Spike chuckled. "We're nothing if not interesting, Pet."

A door appeared in front of them as if from thin air. Spike could see it stretch about five stories up before it disappeared into fluffy white clouds and brilliant blue sky the same colour as Emma's eyes. Emma stopped, turning towards her father. "You'll have to wait here," she said softly, letting go of his hands. "They don't even like foreign entities this close, but I thought you were pretty safe since they sent me to you."

"So now you tell me they can strike me down with fire and brimstone," Spike snarked, smiling at her.

"Nah, that's the Queen of Fire," Emma answered. "Queen of the Sky can just make you plummet back down to Earth."

Spike stepped closer to what looked like solid ground. Emma giggled. "Just wait. I'll be back."

She stood in front of the door, falling to one knee and it opened just enough for her to squeeze through, but not enough for Spike to see inside.

"And I thought we had strange things going round at home," Spike mumbled to himself.

It was mere moments before Emma reappeared at the door, three figures behind her. The four of them slipped through to where Spike stood. Emma was holding tight to the hand of a boy of maybe sixteen. Spike knew him immediately. Knew himself immediately. Sandy brown hair and sharp blue eyes. Cheekbones high and prominent. William. Him.

The two behind were dressed in white. The woman was too beautiful for description. Blonde and sunny, a wreathe of flowers in her golden hair. The man was tall and handsome, his arm wrapped around the woman's waist. Spike stared at them in awe.

"Dad," Emma whispered, nudging him. "It's not polite to stare."

Spike shook his head, focusing on Emma. "Right, sorry," he answered, looking at her dancing blue eyes.

"This is the King and Queen of the Sky," Emma announced, moving enough for Spike to look upon them. Their beauty was breathtaking. Unearthly. Unreal. Spike nodded his response, not sure what to say. Emma grabbed his wrist before he offered a hand, shaking her head. Must not be polite to touch them, he thought.

"You will find your boy well taken care of," the man's voice boomed cheerfully.

"He has been our pleasure," the woman chimed, her voice like harp music in Spike's ears.

"Thank you," Spike managed to form, looking at the boy. William smiled a quirky grin. Spike shook his head, finding it nearly impossible to watch him without wondering if he was just looking in a mirror.

"No," the woman said softly, bringing Spike back to her. "Thank you for protecting Pe... Emma," she continued, leaning forward and kissing Spike's cheek softly. It felt as if rose petals brushed his skin.

Spike nodded reverently. "We should get going, Dad," Emma said, taking his hand in hers, William on her opposite side. "Thank you, my Queen," she continued, curtseying quickly in front of the pair.

The Queen smiled at her. "You are us. All of you. We protect our own."

Emma nodded, then turned, starting back down the path her brother and father on either side.

*****

A gasp escaped his lips a he 'awoke' in the chair, Emma leaned against his chest, the baby crying quietly in their arms. The nurse rushed in at the sound, carefully taking the kicking child from Emma and setting him gently in a bassinet. She ran to the phone calling Dr. Lawrence.

Spike looked over at the boy and William quieted, his blue eyes wide and a bit afraid. Emma crawled across her father's lap, leaning over the edge of the chair and gently touching the boy's face. William calmed, giggling.

"Will'em OK, Daddy," Emma laughed as the boy began to suck on her little finger. "See?"

"That I do,Mite," Spike answered, smiling down at the girl. "You did well."

"You weren't supposed to go," Tara said softly, shrugging.

Spike turned to the women. "I think Emma had something to show me," he answered, holding onto Emma's waist.

The nurse came back in the room, followed by a gaggle of white coats. "We need to check him out," she said, smiling softly at the small group.

Spike nodded, standing and pulling Emma up with him. "He's alright now."

The nurse cocked her head, studying his face. "I'm not sure what you did but..." Spike was silent, looking at the boy. "Buffy's in recovery," the nurse said. "You can see her now."

Spike's head spun towards her. "She alright, then?"

"Groggy. Feeling the repercussions of her escape act, but she'll be OK. Just really sore," the nurse said, smiling reassuringly.

Anya held out her arms. "Why don't we get Emma something to eat and you go visit Buffy. We'll bring her up in a few minutes."

Spike nodded, looking down at the girl. "You be alright, Mite?"

She giggled. "Fine," she chirped, seemingly refreshed from her trip home. She leaned towards Anya, letting the woman take her from Spike.

"Right then, " Spike said, straightening himself. "You'll bring her up?"

Tara nodded. "Just go, would you?"

*****

It seemed like the thousandth time that day he stood in front of the door to this particular hospital room. Read her name. Traced it with his fingers. This time, he hoped he wouldn't have to leave her. Just wanted to get them home.

Spike turned the knob and the door opened with a soft whoosh of air. "Buffy?"

Her eyes flickered open as he walked into the room. "Hi," she answered, her voice groggy but strong.

"Hello, Love," he said, smiling down at her and settling on the edge of the bed. "Had a rough day?"

"Ow," she whined, touching the bandages. "I guess the Slayer healing thing is over rated."

"I think you may have misjudged it a bit, Pet," he said smiling and stretching out next to her. His palm cupped her cheek, his eyes sincere. Worried. "You alright?"

Buffy nodded, swallowing. "Yeah, just... ow."

Spike smiled, letting his thumb trace her cheek. "You shouldn't have done that."

"Neither should you," she shot back, caught in his endless gaze.

"Touché," Spike whispered, letting his lips brush hers. "Don't need to remind you that you had a baby yesterday."

"It's tomorrow already?" Buffy asked, smiling softly.

Spike chuckled. "Feels as though it should be next year."

Her face became serious, her hand winding through his. "Are they alright?"

Spike nodded, kissing her nose. "Emma is wonderful. And she managed to find her way to Will. It's a rather long story that I'd be glad to tell you when you've rested a bit. But he seems to be right as rain."

Buffy smiled. The kind of smile that lit the darkened room and made his heart mend at the sight of it. "Good," she said quietly. "Can I see him?"

"I'll see what I can do," Spike answered. Just as he turned to find the phone there was a knock at the door.

"Yeah?" Buffy called, her voice gaining strength by the moment.

A nurse walked in, carrying a bundle. No box. No wires. Just a bundle.

"We checked him out," she said, smiling and looking at Spike. "I don't know what you did, but he's better than before... His lungs, his heart. Like a full term baby."

Buffy's arms shot out and Spike slid a hand behind her to help her reach for the child. The nurse carefully settled the boy in her arms, looking at him, then at Spike. "I'll leave you alone a minute. If you'd like, I'll have a crib brought up so he can stay in the room with her. We can keep an eye on him here."

"Thanks," Spike answered. "That'd be perfect."

Just as the nurse began out the door, a little figure slid in, running past her into the room.

"Spike?" Anya's voice called.

"We got her," Spike called back, catching Emma as she darted towards the bed and tried to climb up on her own. He pulled the little girl up, sitting her on his legs and turning back towards Buffy.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, but they were different this time. Gentle. Soft. She stared at the boy in awe, as if she'd never seen anything like the tiny face and quiet blue eyes. But she had. Buffy turned her head, looking at Spike. Studying him.

"It's OK now?" Buffy asked, cradling the boy against her. Spike watched her pretty face, her eyes glistening with tears.

"It's OK now," Spike confirmed, pulling her closer to him, burying his face in her hair. He could feel her cry softly, exhaustion, relief, happiness.

Whatever it was wasn't hurting her. Spike could feel her peace wash over him as she settled into his shoulder.

"It's never easy, is it?" Buffy asked, her fingers tracing the baby's face delicately.

"No, Love," Spike answered, feeling Emma stretch out between them, resting her head on his stomach. "But I'd like to think it's worth it."

Buffy smiled, looking at him. He was everything. Her world. Her true north. "It's worth it," she said, leaning closer, letting her lips brush his. They felt like rose petals against his skin. "I love you, Spike. Always."

He studied her face, losing himself in the emerald and jade of her eyes. "Everyday, Pet," he answered her, his lips touching hers once again.

The End. Epilogue to follow

Title: Something Sacred (Time - Epilogue) Director's Cut

Author: Nimue

Rating: PG-13

Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.

Feedback: Yes, please

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (with, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)

Summary: Set three months after Innocence Found and the end of Book Five. Spike is forced to leave Buffy temporarily, but why? Draconius meets with an old enemy of the One. And something sacred happens, bringing the group closer than they had ever been.



Something Sacred

"It's hard to believe, isn't it?" Buffy said quietly as she walked into the

room. He stood, barefoot and shirtless, his hands wrapped around the railing of the wooden crib. "Time flies."

"It does, Pet," Spike answered, not taking his eyes off the sleeping little boy. "Where's Emma?"

"Giles and Cyrus took her to get some ice cream. You know she ..." Buffy's words were cut off as she stopped next to Spike. His eyes were soft and teary. " You alright?"

"She doesn't like when we're not together," Spike completed. "Nor do I, Love." He turned to face her.

Buffy raised her hand to cup his cheek. "It's not forever, Spike. Well, it

is, but not apart forever."

He smiled weakly. "You don't have to do this." His words were quiet, frightened.

"I know I don't." Her arms wrapped around his waist. "But I want to."

Spike nodded, kissing her forehead. "Just don't see why I have to leave..."

"Because that's the way," Buffy answered. "And it's a lot easier for you to go then for me to pack up two kids and find a place to stay. Besides, Xander and Takina promised me they'd take care of you."

"Can't believe you're sending me off to Harris," Spike grumbled, turning me back to the boy. He was perfect. At three months old, he was nearly on par for a full term child now. When he was awake, he had eyes that could melt glaciers and a smile that made your heart warm. Buffy told the baby he looked like his dad. Spike couldn't imagine ever being that perfect.

Except around Buffy.

"I know," Buffy agreed. "But you have to go. And I feel better with you going there."

Spike nodded, turning back to her. "Don't want to leave you, Love." His hands rose to her face, her palms pressed to her cheeks. She looked at him with dancing, green eyes.

"This was your idea, you know," she retorted, smiling.

"No," Spike smirked. "My idea didn't include spending time *apart*."

"It does now," Buffy answered smiling. She spun, patting his behind. "Now, go get dressed. You need to go. It's getting late and I think Xander had some plans for the evening."

Spike shivered. "I shudder to think."

"Go," Buffy said, patting him again, and watching him saunter out the door.

*****

His bags were packed and he stood at the open front door, dressed in jeans and a black button down. He kind of looks like his old self, Buffy mused as she went through his things to make sure he'd packed everything. Giles stood on the porch with Cyrus, waiting. "Looks like you got everything," Buffy said, softly. Emma clung to her mother's leg, staring at the suitcase and the hanging bag and her father waiting to leave.

Spike crouched down to Emma's eye level. "You be alright, Mite?"

The little girl looked at him with eyes the colour of the summer sky and nodded. "Right, Mite," she answered.

Spike smiled at her. "You take care of your mum, alright? "

The little girl nodded again, biting her lip and holding her arms out. Spike slid underneath of them, letting her little embrace tighten around his neck. He could feel her tears on his cheek. "S'alright. Only for a little while."

The baby nodded, letting go. He kissed her nose, as she pulled back. She ran, teary, and clutched Dawn's leg. Niblet would be leaving for school in a few weeks. Would be strange without her. "You going to be alright?" Buffy asked, wrapping her arms where Emma's had been.

Spike nodded. "Don't like it, Pet," he whispered. "But if it's what you want."

Buffy pulled her face away, catching his gaze. "It's not what I want. Not the sleeping alone part at least, but this is just ... it has to go this way."

"We don't do anything else the way we're s'posed to..." Spike retorted.

"This *isn't* everything else," she shot back. "This is important."

He nodded, brushing his lips against hers. "Right then. As you wish."

Buffy turned to Giles. "Keep an eye on him?"

Giles nodded, a half smile on his face. "Quite the dramatic one," he quipped. Spike turned around, glaring at the Watcher.

"You get to go home to your warm little demon this evening," the Vampire shot back.

"If it'll make you feel better, I'll stay at Xander's with you," Giles answered.

'"You need to be here first thing in the morning," Buffy responded, her eyes wide.

"And I will," Giles commented, studying her glowing face. "Spike?"

"I love you," Spike whispered, kissing her nose.

"Always?"

"Everyday."

******

Buffy sat on her bed, Emma curled in her lap, staring aimlessly at the open closet. There was a knock at her door. "Buffy?"

"Yeah," Buffy called back. The door opened quietly and Dawn walked in, sitting down next to her sister. "Do you think it's enough?" She asked, nodding at the closet.

"I think it's perfect," Dawn said, wrapping an arm around her sister's shoulder.

Buffy smiled. "It is."

"You going to be OK?" The teenager asked.

Buffy turned towards her, her eyes soft and peaceful. "I just haven't... it

sounds stupid..."

"No, no," Dawn whispered, stroking Buffy's back.

"I just haven't slept without him in years," Buffy finished. She shrugged. "Feels...weird."

"It is weird," Dawn joked. "I mean, not having to deal with the horrors of Spike running around the house in just his jeans and being all... manly and obnoxious and... disgustingly good to you."

"You aren't supposed to notice the running around the house shirtless part," Buffy commented, smiling softly.

"I have *eyes* with which to see," Dawn giggled. "He's pretty well kept for like... a thousand."

"He's only a hundred and something," Buffy responded, giggling.

"Much better," the teen replied. "Tara, Willow and Anya are downstairs. Wanna come down and have some cocoa and watch a movie? Keep your mind off things."

"Yeah," Buffy answered, standing, scooping Emma against her chest. "OK for Emma to come? Not anything..."

"No porn," Dawn nodded, smiling. "Bring the kiddies. I think I heard Will anyway, so I'll bring him down and he can nap in the playpen."

Buffy nodded. "Thanks. I mean... you know."

Dawn sighed. "I know. I will expect the sister of the year trophy in the morning."

Buffy started out the door, Dawn behind her. "Need I remind you of the whole kleptomania, whining stage. Oh, and the staring at Spike and the..."

"Enough," Dawn laughed. "Just... get downstairs."

*****

"Well, you're as much fun as a wet rag," Giles commented, throwing back a slug of his pint. Spike rolled the glass back and forth in his palm, occasionally sipping. Xander sucked on a coke from his spot next to Giles in the booth. Cyrus was at the bar, getting another round.

"Sorry, Mate," Spike answered, cordially taking another draw from the frosty glass.

"This is happy time," Xander said. "Out with the guys. Good stuff coming. All that."

Giles shot him a look, shaking his head.

"Rather be with her," Spike answered. "Not that you blokes aren't barrels of fun."

"Well, can't be," Giles responded. "So, may as well drink up. Enjoy your time of exile."

"Don't like being exiled," Spike pouted.

"You're pathetic," Xander commented. "Come on. As much as I hate to admit this, we've been out a bunch of times together and you seem to be just fine."

"'Coz I get to go home and explain myself to Buffy and get reprimanded and then have to work my way out of the dog house and ... make up," Spike grumbled. "I like the challenge."

"Well, " Xander sighed. "Why don't you do something to have to make up over when you see her again..."

Giles' head spun, shooting a horrified look at the boy.

"Oh, relax, Giles. I don't mean like that. Get all liquored up and dance," Xander answered, pushing his palms towards the ceiling and wiggling in his seat.

"Not a bad idea, Spike," Cyrus commented, returning to the table with three shots of bourbon, three more beers and a cola.

"Rather go home," Spike growled, staring at the amber liquid in his glass.

"OK, that's enough!" Giles snapped, slamming the shot down in front of him. "If an old, stodgy, British conservative, an immortal and an irretrievable *git* can have a good time this evening, so can you. You're beginning to act a bit like Angel."

Spike's eyes shot up, glaring at Giles. He didn't answer, merely picked up the bourbon, tipping it back in one smooth pull. "Right then, Watcher. Let's see what you got."

The Vampire stood, turning on a booted heel and headed indignantly towards the writhing crowd on the dance floor. "After you," Xander snarked, holding his hand out for Giles to follow. "Think you done pissed off fang-boy."

"Anything was better than that incessant brooding," Giles responded, following Spike towards the dance floor. "Besides, I've still some moves for a more seasoned man."

"Sure you do," Xander replied. "Just following the bouncing Vampire." They stopped, eyeing the peroxide head in the middle of the crowd. Xander shook his head. Dammit, he was good at that too. Not to mention surrounded by a gaggle of girls that Xander was sure Spike didn't even notice.

"I hate Vampires," Xander mumbled under his breath.

"This one has his moments," Giles commented, heading off into the fray.

*****

"Well, it seems we have a common enemy," the man said, leaning up against one red wall in the decadent mansion.

"That we do," Luke commented, lighting a cigarette and sitting in an overstuffed, red velvet chair. "As well as a common problem."

Draconius sighed. "Pesky goodness. They just don't seem to understand..."

"What?" Luke answered, slyly smiling. "That they just set the worst of their nightmares into action all on their lonesomes?"

Draconius grinned, his fangs hanging well below his lip. "That they have." He was quiet a moment. "Unfortunately, it will be years before we've gathered enough strength and procured the Key."

"The Key is not necessary," Luke exhaled, blowing smoke rings into the air. "Although it might make life a tad easier. What really bothers me is that they go untormented for all those years."

The Evil chuckled. "I have... followers. As do you."

"But can any of them really bring on the pain?" Luke asked, crossing his legs and grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

"Oh, I think I may have an answer or two for you there," Draconius smiled. "But all in good time, my friend."

Luke stood, patting Draconius on the shoulder. "It's just not polite to hide things from your host."

"Well," Draconius smiled, clapping his hands. Two small red suited men came in, dragging the limp form of a woman and dropping her at Luke's feet. The woman looked up, wide-eyed and terrified, mumbling against her gag.

"Well, done!" Luke cheered. "But how in the world did you get her out of Heaven?"

Draconius grinned again. "Even angelic wheels can be greased."

*****

They stood in a semi circle on the beach. It was a waxing moon, growing in fullness, in beauty, in light. For whatever reason, they knew it was right this way. Both of them were creatures of the night. In their own ways.

Spike stood barefoot on the beach, watching the sea. Waiting. He had on black dress pants and a white silk button down. No tie. He wasn't really the tie type. And this was about who they were. But he looked incredible standing there under the growing moonlight, thinking.

Willow walked to him, laying a hand on his shoulder. "She's here." The Redhead said, smiling softly at him. He returned it, warmly. Calm. Knowing that this was just the last piece the enormous puzzle that had been them.

Spike turned and saw her walking towards the little crescent on the beach. Giles was next to her, beaming in his suit pants and a blue button down. Nothing fancy. Just Giles the person. Giles the one that had taken over for Buffy's parents when they'd left. Not the Watcher.

And her. She was... glorious. Perfect. Breathtaking. The white shell of a dress hung to her curves, the back of it trailing behind her in the sand. The spaghetti straps nearly glowed in contrast to her golden skin. She looked like part of heaven herself, with flowers weaved in golden ringlets of hair, hanging down her back in waves. He loved her hair long. He loved her anyway.

Emma clung to her mother's hand in nearly the exact same dress, just cut a bit shorter. Same ringlets. Same flowers. Same little white straps grazing little tan shoulders. They were perfect. The same and wholly different. But both of them were his. Always.

He glanced over. Takina held William, her arm looped through Xander's. She was practicing, she joked to Spike earlier. Xander had managed to do something right and she was expecting herself. Yet another to add to the fold. There'd always be another. William was snuggled against her happily, napping. Xander grinned like an idiot. Not much new there.

Giles and Buffy stopped in the opening to the half circle and Spike walked toward them, standing on the opposite side of the Watcher. Emma, let go of her mother's hand and took Dawn's. Willow moved so she faced the circle, standing before them in the moonlight, finally looking strong and proud again. Tara had been teaching her to use her power and Willow had found her peace.

Giles spoke. "There are those in our midst who seek the bond of Handfasting."

Willow answered, dressed in the robes of a priestess. Buffy had decided on this. Being that crosses and holy water didn't really mix well with their current scheme of existence. "Let them be named and brought forward."

"William is the Man, and Buffy is the Woman," Giles responded, grabbing both of their hands and pulling them forward. Giles stepped back into the semi circle, leaving the two of them in front of Willow under the moonlight.

Willow smiled, watching them. They looked so serious and adult. It had been a long road to now.

"Are you William?" Willow asked

"I am."

"What is your desire?" Her voice was strong, as if the Powers were with her.

""To be made one with Buffy," Spike answered, his voice sure and rich.

Willow's head turned to Buffy. "Are you Buffy?"

Buffy smiled, looking at her best friend. "I am."

"And what is your desire?"

"To be made one with Spike... uh, William," she said, chuckling. Spike squeezed her hand, shaking his head and smiling at her.

Willow took a wand from the makeshift altar in front of her, laying it across Buffy and Spike's palms, and then closing their fingers over it. She then took a sword, raising it high above them.

"Lord and Lady, here before you stand two of your warriors. Witness now, that which they have to declare." Slowly, she touched both of them with the sword, lowering it back to the altar, then picked up an athame, a dagger, holding the point to Spike's chest. "Repeat after me. I, William, do come here of my own free will, to seek the partnership of Buffy. I come with all love, honour and sincerity, wishing only to become one with her whom I love. Always I will strive for Buffy's happiness and welfare. Her life will I defend before my very own. May the athame be plunged into my heart should I not be sincere in all that I declare. All this I swear in the name of the Powers. May they give me the strength to keep my vows."

Spike repeated her solemnly, his eyes caught in Buffy's. He meant it. He always had. But the fact that she had chosen this had meant more to him than any words they could ever say. Willow smiled as he finished, turning towards Buffy and holding the dagger to her chest, saying the same words. Buffy repeated them, reverently, her eyes never leaving Spike's. She knew what this meant to him. What it had come to mean to her. They had been joined years ago, but sometimes hearing it, having a *day* to go with all of the feelings, made it easier to quantify. Special. Sacred.

Willow lowered the athame when Buffy had finished and took the rings, sprinkling them both with water and incense. Buffy and Spike had both told Giles what they wanted, independently, and Giles had produced them for them. Made by a friend in the Council. On hers, Spike had had written in runes on silver the word "Always". On his, "Everyday."

Willow handed Spike's ring to Buffy and Buffy's to Spike, still holding the wand in their left hands, and spoke. "As the grass of the fields and the trees of the woods bend together under the pressures of the storm, so too must you both bend when the wind blows strong. But know that as quickly as the storm comes, so equally may it leave. Yet will you both stand, strong in each other's strength. As you give love; so will you receive love. As you give strength; so will you receive strength. Together you are one. Apart you are nothing.

Know that no two people can be exactly alike. No more can any two people fit together, perfect in every way. There will be times when it will seem hard to give and to love. But see then your reflections a woodland pool: when the image you see looks sad and angered, then is the time for you to smile and to love, for it is not fire that puts out fire. In return will the image in the pool smile and love you. So change your anger for love and tears for joy. It is no weakness to admit a wrong; more is it strength and a sign of learning.

Ever love, help and respect each other. And then know truly that you are One."

Willow leaned forward, taking the wand from their hands, and replacing it on the altar. Carefully, Buffy lifted Spike's hand, sliding the silver over his pale skin, watching his eyes change. Soften as she moved. She didn't say anything. Not in words. But he could hear her in his head. Calm. At peace. He took her hand, sliding the ring over her finger, stopping at the moonstone he'd given her the night Emma had been born. She smiled, lifting her hand to his cheek. Touching him. Closing her eyes and feeling him.

"Thank you," Spike said softly, his hand pressing to her face, feeling her tears. "For this."

"I wanted to," Buffy answered, her face moving closer to his. "I just was scared."

"Are you now?" He asked her, the moonlight bathing her in an ethereal glow.

"No," she answered, shaking her head. "I'm less scared now than ever."

"I love you, Buffy," he whispered, pulling her face to his, brushing his lips against the softness of hers.

"Always," Buffy repeated. "I love you always."

"Every day."



The end.



*** Handfasting Ritual adapted from Ray Buckland's Seax-Wicca Rite of Handfasting