Chapter 5

Buffy sat up in bed. Her eyes were full of tears. She looked over, saw the empty spot in bed, and realized it wasn’t just a dream. Spike really was gone.

Her tears fell and covered her face. She silently wept for her beloved husband. He had been taken away from her because of a cruel and twisted man. Amber deserved to have her father. She would have if it hadn’t been for Riley.

Angel walked into the room and saw Buffy crying. He walked slowly over to the bed and sat on the edge. He hated these moments. She was still weak.

Buffy looked up at Angel as he touched her arm. She sat up and wrapped her arms around him. She cried on his shoulder. Telling him all about Spike and that he had visited her in a dream.

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

William sat up in his bed. He had just made an appearance in Buffy’s dream. Except he had looked strangely different. He was in an all black outfit and a long leather coat. His hair was bleached blonde.

“Hmm, maybe that’s a look I should go for,” William said to his self before bursting out laughing.

He threw his covers off, and grabbed his sketchbook and headed out to the porch. He sat down at the patio table and started sketching the face he saw in his dream.

“Let’s hope Angel could help me with some blanks,” William whispered to himself and he began to go into detail.

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

“You remember when you said Spike would never leave my side no matter what happened?” Buffy asked as she wiped her face.

“I do,” Angel answered.

“You lied,” Buffy said stiffly. Angel cracked a smile.

“Buffy, he would still be by your side if it wasn’t for that bastard Riley,” Angel agued.

“Damn him,” Buffy said harshly under her breath. “I really hope he is rotting in Hell right now.”

“BUFFY!” Angel said seriously. Buffy shrugged and leaned against the headboard.

“Hey, I can have a little hatred for him,” Buffy said grumpily. Angel looked at her with wide eyes. She was channeling her younger self.

“Buffy, come on,” Angel said getting up from the bed. “William said he was coming by today. I’m sure you want to see him.”

Buffy’s eyes narrowed on him. She threw the small pillow at him.

“You’re evil,” Buffy said.

Angel rolled his eyes. He turned and left the room.

Buffy smiled and got out of bed. She walked into the bathroom. She turned on the faucet. She stared at the water as she remembered how she had felt when she and Spike created the flame of eternal love. She couldn’t forget his face. He looked so surprised and happy. They made a connection. A connection she never felt with anyone.

“I can never replace him,” Buffy said as she gazed to the framed picture of him holding Amber. “He’s just irreplaceable. No one can be as pig headed, annoying, and loveable as Spike could be.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” William said standing in the door way smiling. He was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed.

“Jeez, sneak up much?” Buffy asked holding her chest. William gave a shy grin and shrugged.

“Don’t really know,” William answered.

“Wow, someone is in a cheery mood this morning,” Buffy said impressed. “What did you do? Finally find a way to relieve that sexual tension?” Buffy’s eyes widened and she put her hand over her mouth.

William stood there agape before breaking into a fit of laughter. He shook his head. Finally catching his breath.

“Well, Summers, you truly are a breath of fresh air,” William said standing up straight. Buffy rolled her eyes.

“Why are you here so early, any way?” Buffy asked.

“I was wondering if you and Amber were up for going out for breakfast,” William answered.

“I guess that couldn’t hurt,” Buffy said with a shrug. “I swear if you keep taking us places. Amber will become attached to you.”

“Nah. Mostly likely she will get sick of me,” William suggested.

“Oh, then you need to come around more often.”

“Just hurry up.” William turned and headed back downstairs.

He walked into the living room and sat on the couch. Angel walked in a few seconds later holding his sketched he did earlier.

“This is incredible, William,” Angel said sitting down in front of him. William nodded.

“I have to agree with you on that,” William said rubbing his head. “I had a memory flash back yesterday.”

“Wow. Was it anything specific?” Angel asked leaning forward. William shook his head.

“I’m just glad I had one in the first place. At least, I know a bit of my past. It might not have been much but it was a start.”

“The start is what exactly?”

William stared at him for a second and took a deep breath. He figured he might as well tell him.

“My name is Spike.”

Angel almost fell off his chair. He stared wide-eyed at him. He took a few deep breaths.

“I had my theories. I just didn’t know it was true. Oh Dawn and Buffy will be so happy to have you back.”

“NO!” William said standing up. “I don’t want anyone to know yet. I have a feeling as if I can trust you with this. I want to get my full memory back before the family knows.”

“All right, William. Your secret is safe with me. As long as you promise you will try to spend more time with Amber.”

“Of course. She’s my kid, Angel.” Angel raised an eyebrow at him.

“The memory I had was when Buffy was worried about being pregnant. It doesn’t take a genius to figure it out. Put two and two together and you got Amber.”

Buffy walked down the stared wearing a red sundress. Amber was in her arms wearing a little jean and a dress shirt. Both of them had their hair down.

“They’re such a beautiful sight aren’t they, Peaches?” William whispered to Angel.

Angel looked over at William stunned. He hid his shock. Only Spike called him Peaches. This was going to be fun trying to cover up William’s secret.

“You look unbelievable, Buffy,” William, said speechless.

Buffy blushed. Amber tugged on William’s shirt.

“What about me?” Amber asked. William looked down at her and smiled.

“You look pretty too,” William answered. He put a pink flower in her hair. She smiled and motioned him to pick her up. He picked her up and smiled at her.

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

Buffy and William sat on the park bench as the watched Amber go off and play on the swings. They decided to let Amber run off all of her sugar from her pancakes.

“You seem a little distant,” William said looking at Buffy.

Buffy turned and looked at him.

“Spike visited me in a dream last night,” Buffy said softly. “It made me apprehend that I miss him more then I ever realized. I heard his voice again and my whole life went back to five years ago. I saw him and I thought I was still a newly wed with a six-week-old child. I woke up and I was a widow with a five year old daughter to take care of.”

“There’s something else,” William said staring at her face.

Her blonde locks were shining against the sunlight. Sun gave her a heavenly glow. She was his dream goddess.

“I realized how lonely I felt,” Buffy said sadly. “I haven’t been with a man in five years. I miss the cuddles on the couch. I miss the little smoochys. I miss the feel of…”

Buffy stopped remembering what it was like to have Spike touch her naked body. His muscles were so tight. It made her remember how she fell in love with him. The lust and the passion they had.

“You miss the feel of passion,” William whispered finishing her sentence. Buffy nodded and rubbed hands together.

“I thought you and Angel were…”

“NO!” Buffy answered quickly surprised. “We never could be like that not for years. He’s my shoulder to cry on. He’s a friend. He was my first love and I always had him for support when Spike died. He took care of Amber while I grieved. It was nice to grieve in peace and let my heart heal enough for me to take care of my daughter.”

“I some how don’t think you heart is healed at all,” William said bluntly.

Buffy stared at him surprised then turned her attention back to Amber.

“You’re right,” Buffy said. “My heart hasn’t healed. I don’t think it will ever heal. The prophecy that brought us together said when we got married; we would be bound together forever. When one of us dies, we both were supposed to die. One of us wasn’t supposed to be left behind to feel the lost. We were going to be together all eternity.”

“What if he’s still alive?” William asked. Buffy looked over at him then back at Amber again.

“If he is…” Buffy went quiet.

She tried to think what it would be like to have him back. To have his kisses and have him be totally devoted to her again.

“I would just want to know that he is all right and he was loved by someone who loved him as much as I do,” Buffy said barely over a whisper.

“Hey,” William said soothingly.

He took her into his arms and let her cry on his shoulder.

“Shh. I’m sure if he was alive he would do everything he could to come back to you and Amber.”

“You think so?” Buffy asked without even lifting her head.

“I am doubly sure,” William whispered.

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

Angel sat on the couch in the living room staring at photo of Spike. He stared at it amazed. The guy was actually alive. He had no memory of his past. The only thing he figured out was that Amber was his kid and Buffy was his wife. They were his family.

“Whoa, what’s with the looking at the photos?” Dawn asked walking in with a soda.

She sat down in the chair the sat in front of the couch. Angel looked up from the photo at Dawn.

“Dawn, let’s say hypothetically, I was right, Spike was alive, and he had no memory of his family at all. How would you react?” Angel asked.

Dawn took a sip of her soda and shrugged.

“I don’t know exactly,” Dawn, answered. “I would cry for joy and try to help him out to the best of my abilities. I would tell him the things that had happened five years ago and some of the memories we had made. I mostly think I would cry and hug him.”

“Oh,” Angel said.

Dawn studied him for a second and noticed the uneasiness.

“This is about William isn’t it?” Dawn asked scooching to the edge of the chair. “He finally got some of his memory back didn’t he?”

“Not exactly,” Angel answered. “He had a memory, but I think you best and wait until he gets his full memory back.”

Dawn wasn’t stupid. She knew very well what Angel meant by memory and the hypothetically thing meant it was real.

“William is Spike,” Dawn said trying to get it out of Angel. “He finally remembered some part of who he was.”

“No, Dawn,” Angel lied. “I didn’t say that. He had a memory. It didn’t give him any kind of idea who he was. He just wanted me try to help him.”

Dawn saw a drawing on the couch next to Angel.

“So you’re drawing Spike now?” Dawn asked pointing to the drawing.

Angel looked over and knew he was busted.

“Not really,” Angel whispered.

Dawn grabbed the drawing and saw William’s signature at the bottom.

“Oh My God! William is Spike!” Dawn cried.

Angel jumped up and put a hand over Dawn’s mouth.

“Hush,” Angel said strictly. “Nobody can know. He wants to gain full memory before anything happens.”

“Why?” Dawn asked after Angel took his hand off her mouth.

“He doesn’t want to make a mistake,” Angel answered sitting down again.

Dawn rubbed the back of her neck. She sat down slowly on the chair.

“So, we help him like we said before,” Dawn said with a shrug. “You already told them that William was Spike.”

“No, I said it was possible,” Angel corrected. “There is a difference. Plus, hearing it with my own ears coming from his mouth made me realize it is true.”

Dawn stared at him blankly.

“Angel that sentence made absolutely no sense at all,” Dawn, said annoyed. Angel sighed.

“Never mind, Dawn,” Angel said aggravated. “Let’s just focus on the problem here. William really is Spike without speculation and he remembers nothing. He only knows that Buffy is his love and Amber is his kid. He doesn’t know that he is married to her. He has no idea that he was born in 1856 or that he was turned into a vampire in 1880. He doesn’t know what he has done in the past or that Buffy died seven years ago. He has no idea…”

“ANGEL!” Dawn yelled rubbing her head. “I get the point. He has no memory at all. Jeez, I’m not that stupid.”

“Sorry,” Angel apologized. He got up and started pacing the floor. His arms were behind him and he was muttering to himself.

“I didn’t say turn into crazy man,” Dawn said getting up and stopping him. “Maybe we could do some spells or take him to some of his old hang outs.”

Angel stared at Dawn.

“We can’t do a spell, Dawn,” Angel said strictly. “Some of the places Spike use to hang out at are way too dangerous.”

“I’m not a child,” Dawn roared. “I’m 22 years old. I have lived with a slayer my whole life. Spike took care of me after Buffy died and when she came back, he still took care of me as well as Buffy. Trust me, Angel. I can handle anything.”

Dawn stood there her jaw clenched and her arms folded across her chest.

Angel stared at her mesmerized. For the first time ever, he noticed how beautiful Dawn was. Don’t start having feelings for another Summers Woman, Angel warned himself. Last time you were attract to a Summers you turned into Angelus.

“I’m very aware of that,” Angel said putting his hands on Dawn’s shoulders. “I just don’t think your sister would like to learn you went to demon bars.”

“Clem!” Dawn said wide-eyed. Angel stepped back and stared at her blankly.

“What?” Angel asked confused.

“Clem was Spike’s best friend,” Dawn answered. “He’s staying at a place near Spike’s crypt. Spike had him promise to keep it for him.” Angel nodded and rubbed his chin.

“So, we take William to Clem,” Angel said in a skeptical voice. “William meets Clem. Freaks out and we use all contact with Spike forever.” Dawn punched Angel in the arm.

“According to Buffy after last night’s encounter with a vampire,” Dawn said. “William seemed ok with demons and such. He seemed impressed with Buffy being a vampire slayer.”

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

William stood next to Buffy in his bathroom back at his place. She was wiping her face and applying more make-up. She had to admit. She didn’t look so bad even after she cried for thirty minutes.

“You ok?” William asked soothingly. Buffy looked over at him and gave him a small smile.

“A little better,” Buffy answered. “The dream rattled me more than I thought it did. I’m sorry I ruined our…. What was that?”

“A breakfast date?” William offered. Buffy smiled and nodded.

“That seems like the right word,” Buffy agreed. “I felt kind of foolish. I never really broke down like that before. Not in public anyway. Did I look like a fool? I mean you can tell me if I look like a fool. I really wouldn’t…”

“Buffy,” William said putting his hand on her arm. “Stop and take a breath after every sentence.”

“Sorry,” Buffy apologized. “I have a tendency to ramble when I’m embarrassed or nervous.”

“You don’t have to be either around me,” William said softly.

He walked into the bathroom and shut the door. He wrapped his arms around Buffy and pulled her close.

“What are you…” Buffy began to ask, but was hushed by William putting his finger on her lips. He looked deeply into her eyes and captured her lips with his.

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

“Where do you think they are?” Dawn asked sitting on the couch looking out the window.

Angel sat in the chair reading a book. He really didn’t want to think about Dawn. He never in his right mind thought he would be imagining kissing Dawn. She was Buffy’s little sister. He needed to keep his cool. He was just feeling lonely with all the love that was in the air.

“Angel,” Dawn asked. Angel shook off his thoughts and looked up at her.

“Huh?” Angel asked.

“I was wondering if you want to rent a movie tonight,” Dawn asked. “Buffy and Amber will be probably eat at William’s and that leaves us with the…”

“Dawn, are you asking for a date at home?” Angel asked with a smirk.

Dawn rolled her eyes then looked down.

“Yes,” Dawn answered. “I know you’re my sister’s ex and you’re older then me but….”

“Dawn, I would love to have a movie with you,” Angel answered.

Dawn looked up with a million watt smile, ran over, and hugged him.

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

Buffy pulled away trying to catch her breath. William leaned his forehead against hers. Both were blown away from the kiss. It was one of those take your breath away kisses.

“I know we agreed to become friends,” William said softly. “I just feel like I’ve been come closer to you then anyone I have ever known the past five years. You can leave if you want.”

“William, you have been the first man I kissed in five years,” Buffy whispered. “Promise me we will have more.”

William smiled and kissed her again.

“As many as you want, Buffy,” William promised. “It’s a new beginning for all of us.”

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

Buffy walked through the door with Amber sleeping on her shoulder. She walked into the living room and saw Dawn sitting on the couch watching television. Angel had laid his head on her lap and was fast asleep. She was playing with his hair. It was an image of her and Spike when he was still alive.

“Hey,” Buffy said softly.

Dawn looked up and smiled. She noticed her sister’s swollen lips. Dawn bit back a smile.

“Well, how did it go?” Dawn asked. Buffy smiled and shrugged.

“I’ll tell you all about it once I put her down,” Buffy whispered then turned and put Amber down in her bed.

Buffy kissed Amber on the forehead then headed back down stairs.

Buffy walked into the living room and saw that Angel had slipped off while she was up stairs. Dawn sat stretched out on the couch.

“So, details,” Dawn, demanded.

Buffy sat in the chair eager to share what had happened.

“Well we had a nice talk during breakfast,” Buffy began. “After breakfast we took Amber to the park to play. I told him about my dream I had. Don’t worry I’ll tell you the dream later, anyway. We went back to his place and he let me calm down while he took care of Amber. You know, entertaining her. He came to check on me after ten minutes. Oh My God, Dawn. You will never believe what happened next.”

“You guys had sex?” Dawn asked softly.

Buffy shooed her off.

“DAWN!” Buffy said surprised. “Amber was only a few doors away, I don’t think so. We made out in the bathroom, though. It was then he asked me on a date. I mean a real date. We were going to go out Thursday if you don’t mind watching Amber.”

Dawn’s face lit up with a huge smile.

“Oh My God, Buffy!” Dawn cried.

The two sisters jumped up from their seats and embraced.

“I have to say I’m kind of glad you are moving on,” Dawn said with a huge smile. “I think you have been alone and without a man for way too long.”

“God, Dawn!” Buffy said stepping away from her sister. “Is sex the only thing you think about?” Dawn shrugged.

“You know very well that you have been restless with out a man,” Dawn said with a sly smile.

“Dawn Mary Summers, we have a five year old in the house,” Buffy said disgusted and amused. “There will be none of that kind of language in this house.”

Dawn sighed and winked at her sister.

“I was just teasing you,” Dawn said with a smile.

She sat back down on the couch and went back to her television.

“So you and Angel huh?” Buffy asked sitting back down in her chair.

Dawn looked over at her sister.

“There is no Angel and I,” Dawn said defensively then her voice got soft. “At least not yet.”

Buffy smiled and shook her head.

The Summers sisters had fallen for two vampires. One, married and had a child with one, then lost him. The other, just getting to know the vamp even though the other sister had all ready dated him when she was in high school.

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

“Buffy, come on,” Dawn yelled from out her sisters door. “William, will be here in three minutes.” Dawn stood at the door tapping her foot.

Buffy opened the door. She had her make-up one and her hair was done, but she was still in her bathrobe. Dawn sighed and pushed her way in. All her sister’s dresses were tossed on the bed. She saw a shimmering red one on the corner of the bed and grabbed it. She threw it at her sister.

“Wear that one,” Dawn said simply.

Without another word, Dawn turned and left the room. Buffy threw on the dress got out some nice heels. She rushed when she heard the doorbell ring.

“Hello, William,” Dawn greeted with a sweet smile.

William was dressed up in a nice dark blue dress-shirt and wearing kaki pants with black shoes. He wore a light blue tie. His hair was slicked back slightly. Dawn saw so much of a resemblance of Spike that she almost lost her breath. She had to admit the guy knew how to bring out his eyes and he had some sense of style.

“Hello, Dawn,” William greeted with a nervous smile. “Is Buffy ready yet?”

Dawn shook her head.

“Not, yet,” Dawn answered. “She’s….”

“She’s absolutely gorgeous,” William, said breath taken. Dawn turned and saw her sister walking down the stairs.

Buffy wore a red dress that showed all the right curves. Her half of her hair was put into a ponytail. The dark red lipstick brought out her lips and her liner drew attention to the eyes. William couldn’t help to notice that the dress showed just right amount of cleavage.

“You look so handsome,” Buffy complimented taking William’s arm.

He couldn’t stop looking at her.

“You look so beautiful, Buffy,” William whispered.

Buffy’s face lit up.

“Thank you,” Buffy said gracefully.

She looked over at Dawn.

“I’ll see you sometime, tonight,” Buffy said more motherly like. “No making out in front of Amber. No talks of doing it. The entire list of emergency numbers are on the refrigerator and remember, Amber’s bed time is at 9:00, no letting her staying up late.”

Buffy looked over at William.

“Let’s go.”

William and Buffy headed out to his bar and he opened the door for her. Buffy gave him a graceful nod and got into the car. He may have lost his memory but he sure can be a gentlemen, Buffy thought as William got into the driver’s side of the car.

“Here,” William said handing a red rose to Buffy. She smiled sweetly.

“Aww, William,” Buffy cooed. “Thank you. It’s beautiful.” She took a whiff of it and smiled.

“It’s just as beautiful as you,” William said with a smile. “The rose matches you lips.”

Buffy stared at him. He sure was a charmer when he wanted to be.

William took Buffy to a romantic restaurant near the bay. They softly talked over a candle light dinner and dance to the music. Buffy couldn’t remember when she had so much fun.

“This has been absolutely incredible,” Buffy said gazing at the water.

William took her hand and held on to it.

“I have to say you are absolutely incredible,” William said with a smile.

Buffy looked at him and smiled.

“You know you can quite the charmer when you want to be,” Buffy said. “You made feel like a queen tonight.”

“Well, I just wanted you to have an incredible night,” William said with a shrug. “I know you don’t get to go on these kinds of dates having to take care of Amber. I figured why not seize the moment and show you an incredible time.”

“Everything has been so romantic,” Buffy said softly.

“Well, I guess I’m an old Romeo at heart,” William joked.

Buffy laughed and they headed home.

William walked Buffy up to her door. Both staring deeply into each other’s eyes. Buffy wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. The kissed wasn’t harsh or hungry. It was slow and passionate.

William pulled back and opened the door for Buffy. She looked at him with a smile.

“The night is still young,” Buffy began. “Would you like to come in?” William couldn’t refuse. This night couldn’t get any better, William thought.

Buffy and William walked into the living room. Buffy gasped and William shook his head.

Dawn and Angel were doing heavy make-out on the couch during a movie.

Chapter 6

Buffy stood there, mouth opened and William couldn’t help but smile. He took Buffy by the arm and dragged her away from living room. She was still in utter shock. He couldn’t blame her. She had just seen her sister and ex boyfriend making out on the couch in her house with a five year old sleeping up stairs.

“I can’t believe this,” Buffy said harshly. William sat down at the island. He watched her pace back and forth.

“Buffy, calm down,” William said easily. “You told me that they were thinking about dating. You said you wanted it to happen. Well it’s happened so just be happy about it.”

“How can I be happy about it?” Buffy asked harshly.

William took the sign of frustration. He got up and led her outside of the house. He closed the door and sat on the bench.

“Buffy, take a deep breath,” William suggested. “You’re sister is old enough to make her own decisions, isn’t she?”

“Yeah, I know” Buffy answered with a sigh.

She sat down next to William and looked at him. He seemed so content. He didn’t seem bothered by her pacing or by her frustration about her sister.

“Why are you so calm?” Buffy asked. William raised an eyebrow.

“Why wouldn’t I be calm?” William asked.

“Don’t answer my question with another question,” Buffy demanded. William smirked.

“All right,” William agreed. He just sat there smiling at her, it was infuriating, but soon, Buffy found herself smiling along with him. She slapped him lightly on the arm.

“What?” William asked. She gave him a small smile.

“Stop being so amused,” Buffy demanded playfully. William shrugged and turned his attention to the yard.

“Fine, I’ll just be amused at the boring yard,” William said, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.

Before Buffy could get in another word, Dawn opened the back door. Both of them looked over at her. William eyed her and a smile crept onto his face.

“Darn, the heavy lip session must be over,” William teased. Dawn stared at William, wide-eyed.

“Excuse me?” Dawn asked. Angel walked out onto the porch.

“Well now we have our Romeo and Juliet out here, ready to give us a visual of how to kiss,” William continued to tease. Angel stared at him as Buffy rubbed the bridge of her nose.

She sat forward and hit William in the arm. He looked over at her surprised and rubbed it.

“Hey watch it slayer,” William said, still rubbing his arm franticly. Buffy stared at him. Slayer? Buffy thought. Can it...No. He was just being annoying.

But Dawn wasn’t going to let it go. The way he’d said ‘Slayer’, it was all too evident and yet she watched her sister tell William to stop the teasing and let her talk.

“Buffy, can’t you see it?” Dawn asked pointing to William. William looked at her confused. Angel grabbed her by the hand and dragged her off into the kitchen.

“Don’t even say anything,” Angel whispered. “Buffy will find out in good time. Let some of these things go. Ok?”

“Buffy claims that she loved Spike,” Dawn whispered. “If she did truly then why is she just letting these signs go?”

“Because Dawn…” Angel hesitated. “She doesn’t want to make a mistake. You know that. She’s been having a hard time dealing with Spike’s death. She is barely even hanging on now. Dating William is a big step for her.”

“How do you know these things?” Dawn asked.

Angel looked out the door and on the porch. William and Buffy were laughing. They looked so happy. He turned his attention back to Dawn.

“I know this because your sister use to cry to me in the middle of the night about Spike,” Angel answered. “Now she comes down and asks me if she is doing the right thing with William. Just let her take her time.”

William walked into kitchen with Buffy in tow. He turned to face her, slowly bent forward, and laid a light kiss on her hand.

“I will come back tomorrow,” William whispered, looking Buffy in the eyes. “I will come back for my lovely ladies.” He kissed her on the lips this time and left.

“Can you say charmer much?” Dawn said with her arms crossed. Buffy tried not to glare at her sister.

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

William walked up the steps the following day, holding flowers. He ran up to the door and knocked. Dawn opened the door panting heavily.

“Hey,” Dawn said out of breath. She moved out of the way and motioned him to come in.

“Hey,” William greeted. “Angel and you doing the heavy make-out again?” Dawn rolled her eyes.

“No,” Dawn answered. “We were doing a training session. Buffy’s out buying groceries and Amber is up stairs taking her nap.” Dawn looked at her watch.

“Actually, I should go get her up now.” She started for the stairs, but William stopped her.

“Let me,” William offered. “Put these in a vase for Buffy.” William handed Dawn the dozen red roses and headed up stairs. Dawn stared at the roses and shook her head.

“Always was the romantic,” Dawn whispered then headed off into the kitchen.

William crept towards Amber’s room. Through the door he could hear voices. He opened it a crack. Inside he saw Amber, sitting on the floor with her back towards him. He opened it wider and crept up on her. He ran over and picked her up. Amber screamed at first then starting laughing.

“Willie,” Amber said turned towards him. He stared at the child for a moment. He sat down on her bed and put her on his knee. Amber was in her game face. He ran his finger gently over the bumps. Amber shoved the count doll she was holding under his nose.

“Do you like Dracula, Willie?” Amber asked holding up the count doll.

“Yes, I do,” William said, smiling at the small child. He was still stunned to find Amber in her vampire face.

“He’s all ‘Grr’ and his teeth are sharp,” Amber said excitedly. Her normal visage shifted back and her green eyes shimmered in the light.

“Amber!” Buffy called. Amber smiled and jumped off William’s knee. She went running down the stairs.

“MOMMY!” Amber cried. Buffy smiled and Amber leaped into her arms.

“Did you have a nice nap?” Buffy asked.

“I got up all on my own,” Amber said proudly. Buffy kissed Amber on the head then put her down.

“Hey,” William said walking down the stairs. Buffy turned and looked at him concerned. He looked a little pale.

“Are you feeling all right?” Buffy asked placing her hand on his forehead. Amber tugged on Buffy’s shirt.

“Mommy, William saw me in my ‘grr’ face,” Amber said excitedly. Buffy stared at Amber wide-eyed.

“Were you playing in your count face again?” Buffy asked sternly getting to her daughter’s eye level. Amber nodded.

“I was playing with Dracula,” Amber said softly.

“Didn’t Mommy and Uncle Angel tell you not to play in your count face?” Buffy asked.

“Yes,” Amber said softly. “I wasn’t playing around anybody. You said it was all right if I played by myself.”

“It was my fault, I snuck up on her,” William explained. Buffy stood up straight and sighed. She ran her fingers through her daughter’s long blonde curls.

“Sweetie, go watch some television,” Buffy said softly. Amber turned and ran into the living room. She looked at William.

“I guess you didn’t know my daughter inherited her father’s game face,” Buffy said. William nodded.

William was about to say something but was interrupted by a knock on the door. Buffy ran the rest of the way down the stairs and pulled open the door only to reveal a girl. She looked to be in her early twenties, with long wavy brown hair and deep hazel eyes that showed fear.

“Can I help you?” Buffy asked. The girl took in a breath. She looked incredibly nervous and uncomfortable.

“Is William here?” the girl asked.

“May I ask who you are?” Buffy asked. She glanced down to see the girl rubbing her hands together. She never seen a girl this nervous before.

“I’m Ella Wood,” The girl answered. “I was a friend of his when he was living in Washington. I need to speak to him, if I may.”

“Ella?” William asked walking over to the door. Ella’s eyes lit up and she bolted straight for William. He wrapped his arms around her.

“William, I was afraid I’d never find you,” Ella whispered. “Something horrible has happened.” William pulled back and looked at Ella. Tears were now streaming down her face.

“What happened, Ella?” William asked soothingly.

“Mom and pop were killed three weeks ago,” Ella said sadly. William’s eyes filled with pain.

“How?” William asked. Ella broke into tears. He pulled the girl back into his arms and held her tightly.

“The police said their necks had some weird neck trauma,” Ella muttered. She pulled back and wiped away her tears.

“How so?” Buffy asked.

“It looked like they were poked in the neck with those barbeque forks,” Ella answered. “They said it was like all their blood was sucked out of them.”

“Oh god,” Buffy whispered. She looked at the girl and decided tea would be best.

“Ella, how about I make you some nice tea?” Buffy offered. “It can calm you down.” The girl nodded and followed Buffy into the kitchen.

* * *

Angel walked out of the Basement door and saw Buffy talking to a girl. She seemed to be pretty upset. He walked in and took a seat next to her.

“What’s going on?” Angel asked. Buffy handed him a water bottle.

“This is one of William’s friends,” Buffy said, pointing to the girl. “She came to give William some bad news. I was just about to go talk to him.”

“What about me?” Ella asked insecurely.

“You’ll be fine with him,” Buffy said pointing to Angel. “Need a shoulder to cry on. He’s your man.” She walked around the island and walked into the living room. The room was darker then she remembered. She noticed the storm clouds rolling in. William was standing at the window staring out it.

Oh God, Spike thought staring at Buffy’s limp body. She’s dead. Glory got to her and killed her. It’s all my fault.

William felt his heart wrench. The image of Buffy lying on top of the rubble. It was just too much. She had died and yet she was kissing him last night. It didn’t make any sense.

“Hey,” Buffy said softly. William looked over at her and gave a small smile. She wrapped her arm around his and leaned on it.

“It must be so hard for you right now.” She kissed his arm and looked out the window.

“What is hard, pet?” William asked softly. Buffy looked up at him with big eyes.

“Did you just call me pet?” Buffy asked.

“Yes,” William answered. He saw tears welling up in her eyes.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was offensive, its just something I used to call some of the girls back home. It’s from my mysterious background.”

“It’s not that,” Buffy said cutting in. “My husband use to call me pet. I haven’t heard it in real life since two days before he died.”

“I’m sorry,” William whispered.

Buffy caressed his arm and laid her head against it.

Dawn stood in the doorway towards the kitchen and smiled. She watched as William put his arm over her. They looked so cute and content together.

“Angel,” Dawn whispered over her shoulder.

“What?” Angel asked getting up from his chair at the island and walked over to the doorway. Dawn pointed to the couple in the corner, staring out the window.

“Aren’t they cute?” Dawn asked. Angel caught a hint of sadness in her voice.

“They are cute,” Angel answered. He looked at Dawn and pushed some hair behind her ear.

“I miss Spike,” Dawn whispered. “He was always good with hard situations. He knew how to handle Buffy and he was good with keeping people under control. Angel, Spike missed Amber growing up. He’s missing it as we speak. Think of how he is going to react when he gets his memory back and realizes his baby girl is not a baby anymore.”

Tears were falling slowly down her cheek as she spoke.

Angel couldn’t stand watching any woman cry, especially Dawn. He pulled her into his arms as she softly wept. He placed his chin on her head and whispered that everything was going to be all right.

“Maybe I should go,” Ella said feeling uncomfortable. “Tell William that I’m staying at the Sunnydale Inn.” Ella grabbed her purse and walked out the back door. Angel watched the poor girl leave.

“We have to talk to him tonight,” Dawn said pushing back from Angel. She wiped her face.

“I think he should come to us,” Angel suggested. “I don’t think we should force him to remember everything.”

“I mean we should tell him some of the things that he and Buffy went through,” Dawn explained. Angel shook his head.

“Again, I say he should come to us,” Angel repeated. “We would be forcing him to remember things he can’t right now. We just have to be patient.”

* * *

“I have to say, I always wanted to take you down in a fight,” Spike gushed before kicking Riley, with a hardhigh kick.

Angel backed off. He sensed something was wrong in the house. He looked at Spike, who seemed like he was having the time of his life, beating Riley.

“What are you thinking about?” Buffy asked. William didn’t respond. His thoughts were stuck in his new memory.

Spike opened his eyes and saw Riley get into the white van. He thought Angel had scared him off, until he heard a familiar baby cry. It was Amber crying. By the time everything registered. The van was speeding off down the street.

“William?” Buffy asked concerned placing her hand on his chest. Knocked out of his daze, her looked down at her.

“Yeah?” William said distantly.

“Are you all right?” Buffy asked concerned. “You seem to be so far away.”

“Oh, I’m just thinking,” William reassured her, softly caressing her arm. Buffy looked at her watch.

“I was going to take Amber out for dinner,” Buffy said looking at William. “Do you want to come?”

“No, that’s ok,” William declined. “I think that you and Amber need time to spend together without me.” Buffy nodded and kissed him on the cheek. She picked up Amber from the couch and grabbed her purse. She waved goodbye to William then walked out.

William turned and saw Dawn and Angel standing in the doorway talking about something obviously intense. He walked over to them.

“Can I talk to you guys?” William asked sheepishly.

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

“So you just all of a sudden remembered those things?” Dawn asked skeptically. William had told them about the memory he had had while looking out the window,

“I don’t know what brought them up,” William answered, staring into his cup. Angel looked at William with sympathy.

“Well this means your memory is coming back faster then any of us expected,” Angel said upbeat. “Which is a good thing in my book. The sooner Buffy has Spike back in her life, the better we will all be.”

“I need answers though,” William said looking up from his cup. “It didn’t make sense. Why was Buffy dead? Who was Riley? Why did Amber get taken? All my memories do is spring up more questions than answers.”

“Which is why we’re here,” Dawn piped in. “I’ll answer why Buffy was dead. You see, I’m a mystical key. My blood was used to open a portal to some kind of hell dimension. It opened. Spike tried to stop it before it happened, but a creepy guy threw him off and well, he cut me. My blood opened the portal and it so happened that it was only my blood that could close the portal. The monk made me out of Buffy, so Buffy, being the slayer and all, jumped into the portal and closed it for good. It ended up killing her.”

“Why is she alive then?” William asked.

“Willow, Tara, Xander, and Anya brought her back,” Dawn answered. “They pulled her out of heaven and for a year she was lost. Spike was the only one who reached her. They had a steamy relationship and then she ended it. Well that only lasted about two weeks and then they got back together…well the rest is history.” William was still confused by everything.

“Riley was Buffy’s ex-boyfriend,” Angel answered the next questions. “He used to work…”

“For the initiative,” William whispered. “They put a chip in my head.” Angel nodded and Dawn stared wide-eyed at William.

“Do you remember anything else?” Dawn asked hoping beyond hope that he did remember more.

“Joyce,” William whispered. “We used to use the bloody Buffybot to go patrolling after Buffy died.”

“Why did Riley want Amber and Buffy?” Angel asked.

“How the bloody hell should I know?” William asked frustrated. Dawn’s face lit up.

“What’s your nick name for me?” Dawn asked touching William’s hand.

“I had a few,” William answered. “I usually called you nibblet.” Dawn flew out of her chair and wrapped her arms around him.

“Oh My God! Spike,” Dawn cried. “I’ve missed you so much.” William warmly returned her embrace.

“When did you die?” Angel asked. William looked at Angel and scowled.

“Shut up, Peaches,” William scuffed. “I’m trying to have a nice moment with lil bit here.” Angel sat back and crossed his arms.

“It’s nice to have you back, Spike,” Angel said with a smile. “We’ve missed you.”

“One more question,” Dawn said pulling back. “You and my sister were in love for a long time. What did you two do to show us your love was forever?”

“That’s an easy one,” William scuffed. “Our hands lit on fire. Giles cleaned his glasses and kept saying good lord.” Dawn laughed and threw her arms around him.

There was a knock at the door that made William and Dawn leap apart. They both looked at the door. Dawn started to get up to answer it, but William grabbed her arm.

“Let me get it,” William offered. He went to the door and opened it. The entire Scooby Gang was standing there. William’s face lit up and a huge smile began to form.

“Well if it isn’t the crack team who used to foil my every plan,” William teased. They all stared at him for a moment. William sighed. He thought for a moment and looked at Xander.

“The boy needs to go beyond his demon,” William said pointing to Xander and Anya. Xander and Anya looked at each other.

“Oh bloody hell,” William said throwing up his hands. “Get into the bloody house before we send Peaches into ashes.”

They all walked into the house. Every last one of them looked at William and then entered the living room. He followed them and sat down on the chair.

The whole room was filled with silence. Everyone sharing glances then looking back at William. He felt like a bug trapped underneath a magnifying glass with the sun bearing down on him.

“Spike?” Xander asked breaking the uneasy silence. William looked over at Xander.

“It looks like Harris isn’t as dumb as he seems,” William said with a smirk. Giles took off his glasses and cleaned them. William tried not to laugh at it.

“Some things will never change,” William said pointing to Giles’s glasses. Giles sighed.

“How do we really know it’s you?” Giles asked, looking sternly at William.

“Don’t give me that bloody look,” William scowled. “I was chained up in your bloody tub, drinking pig’s blood out of a novelty mug after I got that bloody chip implanted in my sodding brain from those initiative buggers.” Giles looked over at Angel and Dawn.

“Did you tell him any of this?” Giles asked. Dawn and Angel shook their heads.

“Nope,” Dawn answered. “Everything came back to him when we were talking. It shocked me into tears.”

“I have to say I kind of enjoyed William,” Angel teased. “He was less aggressive.”

“Stuff it, Peaches,” William hissed. “Or I’ll show you how less aggressive I can really get.” Everyone laughed. He looked at the room.

“I’ve got to say I missed you buddy,” Xander said with a smile. William shook his head.

“I hope you improved on your pool game,” William teased. “Cause I got to say if you are still bad after five years it’ll just be sad.” William walked over to Giles and pulled him into a hug. Giles was stunned for a moment then hugged him back.

“It’s good to have you back son,” Giles whispered. They pulled back and William looked at everyone.

“All right,” William said going into commando mode. “No one tells Buffy about this. I want to tell her myself.”

It was at that particular moment, that Buffy walked into the room, holding Amber in her arms.

“Tell me what?” Buffy asked, putting Amber down. William stared at Amber for a moment. His eyes welled with tears. His baby girl wasn’t a baby anymore. She was growing up into a big cutie. Her hair was up in wavy pigtails. Amber ran straight towards him and he swept her up and hugged her close.

“Buffy, can I talk to you for a moment?” William asked putting Amber back down on the floor. He took Amber’s small hand into his big one. He led them through the kitchen and outside.

Buffy sat down on the bench and looked at William. He was acting differently. Something about him was strange, yet somehow familiar. His vibe was harder and stronger. He seemed tougher and solid. He seemed sure of whom he was. He didn’t seem lost or confused.

“What’s wrong, William?” Buffy asked concerned. William sat Amber down next to Buffy and smiled. These were his girls.

“I don’t know how to say this,” William started. “So I guess I will just say it. It’s me, love.” Buffy stared at him blankly.

“Yes, William,” Buffy said nodding slowly. “It’s you. It’s me and it’s Amber. What’s your point?”

“It’s Spike,” William tried. “Spike is me. I am Spike.” Buffy stared at William for a moment and shook her head.

“No,” Buffy said standing up. She looked down at Amber.

“Sweetie, would you go inside for a moment?” Buffy asked sweetly. Amber jumped off the bench and nodded.

“Yes, mommy,” Amber said softly. William stopped the child and kissed her on the head.

“Be very careful kitten,” William whispered. “I think Uncle Angel has some treats in his pocket.” Amber smiled and ran inside.

“How can you do this?” Buffy asked, clearly upset. Her eyes were wide and full of tears.

“I’m not lying, love,” William said soothingly. Buffy put up her hand.

“William, stop,” Buffy said in an emotional voice. “You can’t be Spike. Spike died in the explosion.”

“Pet, if I was dead,” William said evenly. “Then why are you alive? Remember; when one of us dies then both of us die. I wasn’t killed in the explosion. Farm Boy died when I shot him in the head, not me.”

“Is this some kind of sick joke?” Buffy hissed. “You are not my husband. I really don’t want to see you right now.” She turned and walked inside and slammed the door. William stood there staring after her.

*~*~*~*~*~*

“You did what you could, Ella,” Joyce said putting her hand on Ella’s shoulder. Ella looked over at Joyce.

“I’m going to have to have a talk with Buffy,” Ella said. Joyce shook her head.

“My daughter is stubborn,” Joyce said with a smile. “I think her beloved has other plans. Let them work this one out by themselves.” Ella nodded and watched as William walked inside the door.

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

“What are you going to do?” Angel asked later on that evening.

He had come by to check on Spike. He knew he wouldn’t handle Buffy’s rejection well. It wasn’t like Buffy was handling things very well either. She went straight down to the training room and beat on the punching bag. She was still punching when he left.

Spike walked out in his classic outfit, with his hair bleached. He looked the same except a few years older and a little worn out.

“I’m going to show her that William the Bloody is back,” Spike said striding across the room. His duster waving in the air. They got up and went back to Buffy’s house.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Angel asked as he opened the door to the house. Spike nodded and pointed for him to go in.

He walked into the house as Angel called Buffy downstairs. Spike stood at the bottom when Buffy emerged. She stood at the top, staring down at Spike. He looked up at her, with a grim face.

“Spike?” Buffy asked faintly as she moved swiftly down the stairs. She ran straight into his arms and wrapped her arms around him. She pulled back and looked at him before she passed out.

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Chapter 7

Spike carried Buffy over to the couch and lay her down. He pushed a golden lock that had fallen in front of her face. He still saw her as his angel. Her angelic face had yet to grow older. It seemed years just made her look more beautiful. He longed to feel her lips and touch her again.

“Mommy?” a small tired voice said from behind Spike.

He turned and looked at Amber, rubbing her eye and holding her count doll. Her blond locks were all a mess and she was in her pink little nightgown with the big bird on the front. He could of sworn he had never seen a more adorable creature then the child that stood in the door way.

“What’s wrong, Amber?” Angel asked walking over to the child. Amber motioned him to pick her up. Lifting her into his arms, Amber laid her head softly on his shoulder.

“I had a bad dream that big green hairy monsters chased after me, saying they were going to kill me,” Amber said as tears welled in her eyes. Spike tried his hardest not to run over and take Amber from Angel. She was his child and yet she clung to Angel.

She has grown up knowing him as her father figure, Spike reminded himself.

Amber looked over at Spike, with large eyes full of fear. She clung to Angel as he walked closer to Spike.

“Who’s he?” Amber asked in a sheepish voice. Angel looked at Amber then back at Spike.

“It’s William,” Angel answered. Amber shook her head and poked Angel in the cheek.

“That’s wrong, Uncle Angel,” Amber said in a tough little voice. “Willie has brown curly hair and he wears colors.” Angel tried not to laugh as Spike stood up.

“Hey, kitten,” Spike purred.

Amber’s eyes lit up as she realized it was true. She let go of Angel struggling from his arms, trying to get to Spike. Angel put Amber in Spike’s arms and quietly left the room.

“Willie,” Amber said in a small voice. “Why is your hair so white?” Spike smirked and kissed her forehead.

“I thought a change would do me good,” Spike answered walking over to the chair. He sat her on his lap and she cuddled close to him. Spike was amazed how quickly she fell asleep.

* * *

Buffy opened her eyes. The sun was beaming through the big windows. She looked around the room. She was in the living room. She didn’t remember falling asleep. She sat up and was struck by an image. Spike was sound asleep in the chair with his arm wrapped securely around Amber.

“Am I dreaming?” Buffy asked softly to herself.

She stared at them and everything suddenly came back from the night before. William claiming he was Spike and then Spike standing at the bottom of the stairs. Her running to Spike right before everything had gone black.

Buffy’s breath become rigid and she jumped off the couch quickly. She ran towards the kitchen and down the stairs to Angel. He was sleeping on the cot and she grabbed him by the shoulders, shaking him awake.

“Angel!” Buffy cried.

Angel’s eyes shot open and he saw Buffy staring at him. Her face was pale and it looked like she had seen a ghost. He automatically knew she had seen Spike.

“Is something wrong?” Angel asked.

Without, a word Buffy grabbed Angel’s hand and dragged him up stairs and to the living room. She moved him so he had a clear image of Spike and Amber sleeping. He had to say they looked cute together.

“Is it me or….”

Dawn walked into the living and gasped. She grabbed her camera and snapped about a dozen pictures. Buffy didn’t even get to finish her sentence as she watched her sister break into tears after snapping pictures. Angel rushed over to Dawn as she fell to her knees crying.

Spike opened his eyes and saw the mayhem taking place all around him. Dawn was crying her eyes out and Angel was trying to calm down. Buffy just stood there, staring, not able to say what she desperately wanted to say. He felt Amber stir and finally wake up. She looked up at Spike and smiled.

“Morning, Willie,” Amber whispered. Spike smiled back at her.

“Morning, kitten,” Spike whispered. It seemed the room all of a sudden fallen silent. He looked at everyone. Dawn was staring at him just like she did yesterday, except with more emotion.

“Nibblet, you all right?” Spike asked. Dawn got up and ran over to Spike. She clung to him like there was no tomorrow. Amber looked at them with a confused face.

“Aunt Dawnie, why did Willie call you Nibblet?” Amber asked innocently. Dawn pulled back from the embrace, wiping away tears and smiled at Amber.

“Willie is an old friend of mine and it’s his nick name for me,” Dawn answered. Amber smiled and looked at Spike.

“Can you call me Nibblet too?” Amber asked. Spike laughed, his eyes gleaming with joy.

“Of course, princess,” Spike answered. “I can call you whatever you want me too.”

Angel walked up from behind them, overwhelmed by everything.

“Can we save the reunion for later?” Angel asked. “I think William and Buffy need some time alone.” Dawn nodded and picked up Amber.

“Come on, Amber,” Dawn said kindly. “I’ll make you pancakes.”

“PANCAKES!” Amber cried for joy.

Spike smiled and looked over at Buffy. She was just standing there, feet planted to the ground. Her eyes were full of tears and she was trembling slightly. He walked over to her slowly; close enough to see her lip gently quivering.

“Are you all right, luv?” Spike said softly. He walked closed to her and touched her arm. His touch broke the dam and her tears began to flow.

“How…” Buffy barely got out before her emotions took over her. Spike pulled her into an embrace. She clung to him as she cried.

“Please tell me this isn’t a dream,” Buffy wept. Spike smiled to himself and kissed her on the head.

“It’s not a dream, pet,” Spike whispered. “I’m here.” Her sobs were making her body shake. He scooped her up and took her back over to the couch.

“You died so long ago,” Buffy whispered, pulling back.

She wiped her face and stared at him. His shining blue eyes were gleaming with love for her.

“I know,” Spike said shyly. “I will do my best to make up for the time I have missed. I’ll work with Xander again. I’ll help Pop with the Magic Shop and I’ll take Amber to the park.”

“How am I going to tell Amber that her dad is alive?” Buffy asked laying her head on his shoulder.

He took in her vanilla scent and smiled. He missed having her in his arms. He missed the scent of vanilla, but he mostly missed the feel of her against him. He missed her kisses and her hands on his body. He missed all of her.

“We’ll figure something out,” Spike assured her. “Right now, I’m, just her good pal Willie.” Spike shuddered as a memory flashed before him.

“What?” Buffy asked lifting her head. He looked at her and smiled. He ran his fingers through her long golden locks.

“Dru used to call me Willie,” Spike answered. “I guess she was always like a child.”

Buffy eyed him. He looked older then she remembered and yet he seemed the same. He was still as caring and stubborn as ever.

“Kiss me,” Buffy said bluntly. Spike looked at her, surprised.

“Come again, pet?” Spike asked, not even trying to hide his shock. Buffy sat straight up.

“Spike, it has been five years, three months, and four days since you have kissed me,” Buffy rambled. “I want you to kiss me. I need to feel your lips.”

Spike smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist. He pulled her close. He didn’t need to be told again. He leaned down and touched her lips with his.

At first it was slow then all the emotions that had been held in for five long years took over and it soon turned heated and passionate. Their hands started exploring each other’s body.

Dawn smiled widely and looked over at Angel. He was leaning against the island and entertaining Amber, playing around with the spoons. She was laughing up a storm.

“I hate to interrupt this fun session but I do owe my niece a day at the park,” Dawn said smiling. Angel looked up at her confused then realized what she was doing. He stood up straight.

“They aren’t having…”Angel stopped and looked at Amber. “S E X, Are they?” Dawn nodded, as a confused look crossed Amber’s face. She nodded and winked at him.

“Not yet,” Dawn answered. “But they’re close to it. I’d hate to be here when they start the romping.” Amber kept looking back and forth.

Dawn helped Amber down from the chair and took her by the hand, heading for the stairs. She hurried Amber up the stairs and into her room.

“Aunt Dawn, what does S E X spell?” Amber asked curiously. Dawn smirked as she pulled out a tiny pair of jeans for Amber.

“I’ll tell you when you’re older,” Dawn answered as she pulled out a long sleeve pink shirt. “Now play with your dolls while I go change.” Amber nodded and got down on to the floor to start playing with her dolls.

Dawn walked out of the room and saw Angel heading up stairs. He looked drained. She surpassed her laughter.

“It’s getting heated down there,” Angel whispered.

“I warned you,” Dawn teased. “Would you mind getting Amber ready while I change? My brother-in-law and sister need some major alone time.”

“Why do I feel like we’re being the parents while Buffy is acting like a teenager?” Angel asked. Dawn shrugged.

“I think it’s because we’re helping Buffy out,” Dawn answered. “She has been alone far too long. Plus, I think it would be nice for Spike and her to have sometime alone together.”

“They’re already in the basement,” Angel said annoyed. “When I was cleaning dishes, they ran down there and locked the door. It wasn’t long before I heard moaning and the “Oh God’s”. I think they are going for another round as we speak.”

Dawn closed her eyes and cringed. The flash of her walking in on Spike and Buffy during sex was a horrific image. Spike was just getting on top of her. She would never forget it.

“Thanks for bringing back the memory,” Dawn whined. She walked passed him and into her room.

* * *

Buffy lay her head against Spike’s sweaty chest. She could feel Spike’s heart beating under her. It was this that shocked her, never believing she could hear it again.

“You know you’re an animal in the sack,” Spike whispered. Buffy giggled and looked up at him.

“You sure know how to sweet talk a girl,” Buffy teased. “It’s been too long for us.” Spike nodded and closed his eyes.

“Three times in a row,” Spike muttered. “I think we’re getting too old.” Buffy kissed his chest and smiled.

“Nah,” Buffy answered. “I think we are just rusty. We need some oil to get back to normal.”

“We can’t do things like we use to, pet,” Spike smirked. “Especially with Nibblet up stairs.”

“Dawn is 22, Spike,” Buffy said sitting up. “She knows all about sex.”

“I wasn’t talking about her,” Spike corrected. “I was talking about our sweet little Amber.” Buffy’s face went into shock.

“I’m a horrible mother,” Buffy said putting her hands on her face. “I forgot about Amber.”

She grabbed her clothes and pulled them, throwing Spike’s pants at him.

“Now, love,” Spike began, but Buffy cut him off.

“We have a daughter now, Spike. You know that. We can’t go romping around like we used to. We have to wait for these things.”

“You’re the boss, pet. I’m just your willing slave.”

Buffy rolled her eyes as her shirt moved into place. She could Spike’s eyes watching her every move. It made herself more self conscious and more aware that she had changed. He was still cocky as ever and he was still sexy. His body was more built then she remembered.

She shook off the thought as she felt herself get hot for him again. She couldn’t allow it. Not until they had the house to themselves.

“Spike,” Buffy said softly. Spike looked up at her as he fastened his belt.

“Yes, love,” Spike said softly. Buffy walked over to him slowly and wrapped her arms around him.

“Don’t ever leave me,” Buffy said softly.

Spike closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her. He still could remember feeling lonely and like something was missing when he had lost his memory. He felt so isolated. He’d tried to bond with people but it just wouldn’t work.

“I don’t plan of leaving any time soon,” Spike whispered.

Angel sat in the living room with Amber sound asleep in his lap. He dreaded leaving them but he had to. He wasn’t needed around here. Spike was back and Amber had a strong father figure around now. The only thing he had to worry about was Dawn.

“Hey,” Spike said walking into the living room. His hair was a mess and didn’t try to hide what he and Buffy were up to.

“Hey,” Angel said as he smirked at Spike. Spike sat down next Angel. Angel looked back at the television.

“I’m leaving,” Angel said bluntly. Spike looked over at him and sighed.

“Is it because I’m back?” Spike asked. Angel didn’t look at him. He kept his eyes on the television.

“You’re the main reason I stayed here as long as I have,” Angel answered. “I wanted to make sure Buffy was back on her feet before I left but she never really got back on her feet. She always had nightmares that shook her to the core. William came along and I thought finally she would move on and have someone to help her. The things changed. Dawn and I became closer and we found out you were alive and that it was just a matter of time before you got your memory back.”

“This thing with my Nibblet,” Spike said in a warning tone. “You better be good to her. If you break her heart I will have to come after you with a stake.” Angel let out a sigh.

“I’m not going to go any further with Dawn,” Angel whispered. “I’m going to go through the trials.” Spike stared at him stunned.

“You could get yourself killed,” Spike said evenly. “I nearly bloody did.”

“Spike, you can’t be killed,” Angel joked. “Neither can I. We can last through anything.”

“Can I ask why you’re going through the trials?” Spike asked.

Angel finally looked over at him. His face was serious and hard. Spike never had seen him so dark before.

“I want to become human,” Angel answered. “I want to be able to provide for Dawn.”

“Tired of immortality, huh?” Spike teased. Angel rolled his eyes.

“I hope you are going talk to Dawn about this.”

“I thought maybe I shouldn’t,” Angel said with a shrug.

“You will skip over up to Dawn’s room and you will tell her about everything,” Spike said strictly.

“You’re not my boss,” Angel said defensively. Spike took Amber from his arms.

“No, but I know how to use a bloody stake,” Spike said standing up. “I can and will stake you right and proper if you hurt Dawn.”

Buffy walked into the room as Angel left. She looked at Spike as he held Amber in the chair rocking her gently. He was softly caressing her back. She thought she’d never seen a cuter image.

“So, why is Angel so huffy and puffy?” Buffy asked, sitting on the footrest.

“He’s just frustrated,” Spike answered. He looked down at his daughter and kissed her on the head. Buffy tried to hold back tears.

“What is he frustrated about?” Buffy asked, trying her best to stay on topic.

“Many things, pet,” Spike answered. “Mostly because he isn’t getting any.” Buffy smacked Spike on the leg.

“You’re horrible,” Buffy said with a small grin. Spike smiled and shrugged.

“I can’t express how much I’ve missed you,” Buffy said as tears welled up in her eyes.

Spike stopped rocking. He placed his free hand on her face and caressed her cheek. This was his life. This was how it was supposed to be if Riley didn’t interfere with it.

“I thought you expressed it quite well early this morning,” Spike teased. Buffy shooed his hand off of her.

Dawn came running down the stairs, tears streaming down her face with Angel following close behind her. They both looked upset.

“You can’t do it!” Dawn yelled whipping around. Angel put his hands on her shoulders.

“I have to, Dawn,” Angel said impatiently. “It’s the only way we will work out.”

“Who cares if you’re a vampire,” Dawn growled.

“I do!” Angel yelled. “I’m cursed with a soul. We could do things that would bring Angelus back out. I won’t let that happened… Not again.”

“Hey, you guys want to keep it down,” Spike said harshly. “Not all of us sleep like the dead.” Amber opened her tired eyes and yawned.

“Daddy, make them quiet,” Amber whispered, cuddling closer to Spike. She drifted back to sleep.

The room fell quiet. Everyone stared at Amber and Spike. He was staring down at her. His heart clenched in his chest and his breath caught in his throat. Buffy was shaking. Dawn and Angel shared looks.

“She called me Daddy,” Spike whispered. A smile took form on her face and she wrapped her tiny arms around him.

“You’re her father,” Buffy whispered in their embrace. She pulled back and looked at Angel and Dawn.

“If you two are going to continue yelling, then do it outside or upstairs,” Buffy said in her commander voice. “Amber needs to sleep.”

Spike scooped Amber up and headed for the stairs. Her little eyes opened more. She smiled at Spike.

“Willie, can I ask you a question?” Amber asked in a sheepish voice. Spike walked into her bedroom and put her on the bed.

“Of course, kitten,” Spike answered. She sat up and got back on to his lap.

“My daddy is gone and mommy is very sad about it,” Amber began. “You’re a nice man and she seems to like you. So could you be my daddy?” Spike stared stunned at Amber. He hated the William part of him. He’d never felt so touched in his life.

“Of course, kitten,” Spike answered softly. “But it is up to your mommy.”

Without a word, Amber jumped down from Spike’s lap and went running out of the room. Spike got up and ran after her, but Amber was all ready down the stairs by the time he’d reached the top of the staircase.

“Bloody hell, that child is fast,” Spike silently cursed.

He ran down the stairs, the image of him running after Riley all too vivid in his brain. He wished he could go back in time and fix it. But it was the past and there was nothing he could do about it.

“Mommy, can Willie be my daddy,” Amber asked, standing in front of Buffy.

The room fell silent again. Spike stopped at the doorway. Everyone looked at him then looked back at Buffy and Amber.

I guess I better tell her now, Buffy thought. She will find out sooner or later.

Buffy picked Amber up and sat her on her lap. She moved the hair out of her face and stared at her daughter. She had her father’s cheek bones but her mother’s eyes. She had his lips and curly hair, but her mother’s lips and hair color.

“Amber, sweetie, there is something I need to tell you,” Buffy said in a motherly tone. Amber stared at Buffy with her hazel eyes shimmering in the setting sun.

“Willie is your daddy,” Buffy said slowly. Amber’s eyes widened and looked over at Spike. He was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed and he looked scared, yet hopeful.

Amber moved off of Buffy’s lap and walked over to Spike slowly. Her hazel eyes never leaving his blue ones. They were full of tears. She stopped only a few inches from him, staring at him.

“Daddy?” Amber whispered before running and wrapping her arms around his legs.

Spike couldn’t be strong anymore. He bent down and picked Amber up as he began to cry. He fell to his knees holding his daughter, never wanting to let her go. Amber clung to Spike like there was no tomorrow.

“I love you, Daddy,” Amber whispered.

Spike didn’t care if he looked like a nancy boy. He just began to cry harder. His daughter loved him and that was all that mattered. He had his family again.

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Chapter 8

Spike walked into the Magic shop with Amber in his arms, with Buffy at his side holding his hand. Giles and Willow stared at them as the reality hit. Spike was really alive. He had a family that clung to him.

“Grandpa Giles,” Amber yelled cheerfully.

By way she was acting, you would never have known that just a few days ago she was clinging to her father on the floor crying.

“Hello Amber,” Giles greeted. Amber smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek, when Spike leaned forward.

“How are you these days?” Giles asked Amber. Amber’s face lit up and she wrapped her arms around Spike’s neck.

“I got my daddy back,” Amber said excitedly.

Giles looked over at Spike. Spike’s eyes filled with so much emotion by Amber’s comment. It was easy to see that Spike had softened.

Giles just remained quiet. Willow walked over and looked at Spike. He did have a new scar on his left cheek.

“How does it feel to be a family man again?” Willow asked with a smile. Amber laid her head on Spike’s shoulder.

“I have to say it is probably the greatest thing about my life,” Spike answered.

“Jeez, cheesy sitcom much?” Buffy asked trying to cover her swelling love for Spike.

“Oh hush, pet,” Spike smirked. “You know you love every last bit of it.”

Buffy just shrugged and placed a kiss on his cheek. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close.

“You two are like the perfect couple,” Willow cooed. “So, when are you guys going to start trying for another one?” Buffy stared blankly at Willow.

“I’m not going through the pain again,” Buffy said stepping out of Spike’s arms.

“But trying is most of the fun,” Spike teased.

“Spike, child present,” Buffy reminded him. Spike looked down at his curious daughter.

“I want a baby sister,” Amber said, mimicking her mother’s pout.

“Bloody hell, she has your pout, pet,” Spike said as his heart melted looking at Amber.

“Spike, watch your language,” Buffy hissed.

“What does Bloody Hell mean?” Amber asked innocently. Willow broke into a fit of giggles as Buffy scowled at Spike.

“Amber, Bloody hell is a bad word,” Buffy said strictly. “You must never use it again.” Amber nodded and started moping again.

Spike sucked in his curse and kissed Amber’s head.

“Don’t worry, kitten,” Spike said cheerfully. “Daddy will buy his extra special princess something at the toy store.” Amber’s face lit up.

“Spike, don’t be spoiling her,” Buffy wined. “The scooby gang does enough of that.” Willow was hardly breathing now.

“Easy there, Red,” Spike said, smirking at Willow. “You might suffocate on your laugh.” Buffy hit him in the arm.

“Stop it,” Buffy whispered.

Buffy pulled Willow into the training room and sat her down on the couch.

“Ok, Wills,” Buffy said putting her hands on her hips. “What’s the funny joke?”

“It was just hearing Amber say Bloody hell,” Willow said in between laughs. “She sounds like Spike.”

“Yeah,” Buffy said sitting down next to her. “He is going to have to learn about having a five year old around the house.” Willow took a few breaths and settled herself down.

“Aw, Buffy,” Willow said calmly. “I think he is trying to make up for missing out on watching Amber grow up in five years. The spoiling thing is just a dad thing.”

“How do you know that?” Buffy asked.

“Because Xander does it with Brandon all the time,” Willow answered. “Oh, I can’t wait for Xander to bring Brandon around today. Xander and Spike will be talking for hours.”

“Oh goodie,” Buffy said less enthusiastically. Willow patted her on the shoulder.

“How is it having Spike home?” Willow asked softly. Buffy looked at her and smiled.

“It’s nice to be sleeping in his arms again,” Buffy answered. “It’s nice to share some of the punishing of Amber.”

“So, he does lay down the law,” Willow said with a small smile. Buffy nodded.

“Yeah,” Buffy agreed. “He just cuddles and loves Amber so much. I saw the pain in his eyes yesterday as he watched her play with her new count doll. You could tell he was regretting not being there for all those years. I can see his inner turmoil, trying to figure out why the government lied to him. There are so many unanswered questions for both of us to deal with. To top it all off, Spike is training Angel for the trails.”

“Do you think he’s too stretched out?” Willow asked concerned. Buffy shook her head.

“No,” Buffy answered. “He’s worried about Angel and he’s worried about Dawn. Hell, I’m worried about them. She took it so hard when she learned Angel was going to the trails. She sat in her room and cried for hours. Angel had to go in and talked to her.”

“So, Dawn and Angel?” Willow said surprised.

“Yeah,” Buffy answered. “My sister and my ex-boyfriend. Who would have thought?”

“Well we do live on the Hellmouth,” Willow said matter-of-factly. “This is the only place were a vampire and a slayer will fall in love and have a kid together. I mean we all fell for some kind of creature.”

“I have to agree with you on that,” Buffy said with a smile. “It’s the only place where a mystical key is my kid sister and my first love was a vampire cursed with a soul.”

Dawn sat on the couch, staring at the television. She wasn’t paying attention to it. Instead she was thinking about what Angel was doing. He was going to go to the trials and get himself killed.

She didn’t like the idea of it. It was like him going off to the war and she would have to wait for him to come back home. Except it was a demon version and there wasn’t a war.

“Hey,” Angel said softly.

Dawn looked over at Angel distantly. Her pain still evident in her eyes. Angel hated just seeing it, knowing that he caused it.

“Hi,” Dawn said softly.

She was trying to fight back tears. He could tell. He had to be her shoulder. He was falling madly in love with her. He walked over to Dawn and sat down.

“Dawn, I’m doing this for us,” Angel whispered touching her hand. “I don’t like being the source of your pain, but once I return human you will realize I did it for the right reasons.”

“Name one of those wonderful reasons,” Dawn said harshly.

Angel picked up her hand and kissed it.

“I’m falling in love with you, Dawn Mary Summers,” Angel said with a smirk. He reached in his pocket and placed a diamond ring on her finger.

“OH MY GOD!” Dawn cried looking at the ring.

“When I return I want us to be married,” Angel said trying to stay calm. “That’s if you are in love with me.”

“Oh Angel!” Dawn cried. “I love you so much. I have for years. I will marry you.”

Angel gave a huge smile and they wrapped their arms around each other.

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

“Spike, stop that!” Buffy yelled as he kept tickling her on her side.

They were at the park with Xander and Anya. Amber and Brandon were sitting in the sand box playing with each other.

“Will you two knock of the foreplay?” Xander asked as he wrapped his arms around Anya.

“Yeah, you guys seem to be glowing,” Buffy smirked leaning into Spike. Spike wrapped his arm around her.

“You shouldn’t be talking,” Xander smirked. “I haven’t seen you smile this much since you two had Amber.”

“Hey, it was a joyous occasion,” Spike said defensively. “I had a right to smile. I get to fight off all the boys that come within five feet of my princess.”

“Spike, you can’t lock her in a closet,” Buffy said slapping his arm. “She has to move out and have her own little babies.”

“Whoa, guys,” Xander said putting up his hand. “We’re talking about many years from now. Let’s bask while their still youngsters and don’t talk back.”

“So, you two thought about another one?” Anya asked.

“Why does everyone ask us that?” Buffy asked annoyed.

“Because we’re having another one,” Anya said bluntly. Buffy stared wide eyed at Anya and Xander.

“Congratulations,” Buffy cooed. Spike shook his head.

“I didn’t think you still had it in ya, Harris,” Spike smirked. Xander rolled his eyes.

“Well you better start thinking about another one,” Xander said.

“Let me just cuddle my little girl for a long while before another one,” Spike said looking back at Amber.

“Amber, don’t put that sand in Brandon’s hair!” Spike yelled.

Brandon threw sand at Amber. Amber dumped sand down Brandon’s shirt.

“Kids,” Xander sighed.

Spike and Xander let go of their wives and walked over to the kids. Spike scooped up Amber and Xander picked up Brandon. Both men wiped the sand off their children.

“Amber, I think you need to apologize to Brandon,” Spike said, dusting off her sundress.

“He did it first,” Amber said with a pout.

“Amber, that didn’t give you the right to put sand in Brandon’s hair,” Spike said sternly. “Now I want you to go over and apologize.” Amber nodded sadly and turned.

“Brandon has something to say,” Xander said with his hands on his son’s shoulder. Brandon scowled at his father, then looked reluctantly at Amber.

“I’m sorry,” Brandon muttered.

“Say it a little louder,” Xander ordered. Brandon kicked the grass like it was the grass’s fault.

“I’m sorry,” Brandon said a bit louder.

“Thank you, Brandon,” Spike said kindly. “Amber, don’t you have something to say to Brandon.”

“No,” Amber muttered. Spike shook his head.

Stubborn as a mule, just like her mum, Spike thought.

“Amber,” Spike said in a warning tone. Amber caught it and sighed.

“I’m sorry, Harris,” Amber said. Spike tried not to laugh at the word Harris.

“Apology accepted,” Xander said kindly. “Now Brandon, you go grab your stuff. We’re leaving.”

“You scoot off too, princess,” Spike said. “Go grab your doll. It’s time for you to take your nap.”

“But I’m not tired,” Amber whined. Brandon didn’t even move. Xander took a deep breath.

“Brandon, go grab your stuff or you won’t be able to have desert and you certainly won’t be watching any television,” Xander said in a warning tone. Brandon scowled at his dad.

“I’m not ready to go home,” Brandon whined as he stomped off. Amber followed.

“I swear those two are like night and day,” Xander said to Spike. “One minute, they are the best of friends the next, they are fighting like cats and dogs.”

“I have to agree with you on that,” Spike smirked. “I think a nap will do them right and proper.”

“It’s strange,” Xander said they walked back to the bench. “You are a totally different person when you are around Amber, than you are around us.”

“What can is say, I have multiple personalities,” Spike said with a shrug.

“There are many sides of you,” Buffy chimed in. “There’s the lover, the husband, friend, and father. So many sides of you and so few of them get to be seen.”

* * *

Willow sat at her laptop searching the web for anything about a Government cover up. She thought maybe there was a reason they had lied to Spike about who he was.

“I found something,” Willow yelled. Giles came out of the storage room with a book in hand.

“What did you find?” Giles asked walking over to the table.

“I was searching for government experiments on the net and it seems that there has been more then one mess up,” Willow said informatively. “According to one article the explosion was a set up. It seems someone was supposed to set off the bomb in the building and kill everyone.”

“Good lord,” Giles whispered.

He took off his glasses and cleaned them. Willow smiled and looked back at the screen.

“It seems their main target was someone called David James,” Willow continued. “It seemed that David had too much information about the government’s investigation on the demon world. He decided to destroy the operation. So he set off the bomb and the place blew to bits.”

“Almost killing William,” Giles said in disbelief. “Why would he care about the operation if he was human?”

“Well I was wondering that myself so I looked up David James on the government list of people and it seems he had married a very nice vampire. I bet you’ll never guess who it is,” Willow said teasingly.

“Willow, now isn’t the time for guessing games,” Giles said in warning tone.

“Well it turns out that he’s married to a dark goddess by the name of Drusilla,” Willow said.

Giles stared at Willow stunned then took in a deep breath.

“Does it say if Drusilla is still alive?” Giles asked.

“No, it doesn’t, but I do remember Angel telling me about Drusilla paying a visit to our amnesia friend on the way home,” Willow answered. “So I take it that she’s still as alive as a vampire could be.” Giles nodded.

“I think we need to warn Spike and Buffy,” Giles said getting up.

“Not yet,” Willow said softly. “Let them have a few more days, Giles. Buffy has just gotten Spike back and they are dealing with Angel going through the trials. They don’t need anymore stress.”

“This could be serious, Willow,” Giles said sternly. “This isn’t the time to coddle them, especially with Drusilla involved.”

“Giles, calm down,” Willow said. “Give them another day then we will tell them. Plus, we are having that party for Spike tomorrow. You know a party never hurt anyone.”

Giles rolled his eyes and reluctantly agreed. It was set. Tomorrow they would break the bad news, Drusilla was back in town.

*~*~*~*~*~*

“Daddy!” Amber cried.

Spike walked into Amber’s room and saw her all tangled up in her night shirt. He tried to stifle a laugh. He had to admit life wasn’t half bad. He had a daughter that loved him and a wife that couldn’t keep her hands off of him. His sister-in-law was probably more like a daughter more then anything else.

“What are you doing, princess?” Spike asked rushing over to her. He fixed the night shirt and pulled it right.

“I wanted to put on my pajamas all by myself,” Amber said with a sad smile. “I wanted to show you, I could be a big girl.”

Spike sighed and sat down on the bed. He wished he had been around to see her first walk and word.

“You will always be daddy’s big girl, Kitten,” Spike said picking Amber up and sitting her on his lap. “Don’t try to grow up too fast, because Daddy likes his little girl as well.”

“Vanessa’s dad says little girls are meant for play pens and big girls are made for school,” Amber said with a pout. “Where do I fit in?”

Note to self: I must remember to yell at Vanessa’s dad, Spike thought sourly.

“Your perfect the way you are,” Spike said sweetly. “Amber, you fit in the middle. You are a big girl in my eyes. You have to learn to ignore what people have to say about you. All you have to know is that your daddy and mommy love you very much and will beat up any parent who says you aren’t worth anything.”

Her greens eyes twinkled with joy of her father’s acceptance. Her face was lit up by her huge smile. Spike could have sworn that he had never felt more loved then he did when his little girl’s eyes sparkled with love.

“I love you, daddy,” Amber said with a huge smile.

“I love you too, kitten,” Spike said giving her a kiss on the head. “Now let’s get you into your bedy by.”

Amber got off Spike’s lap and waited for him to get up and pull back the covers. She climbed in and got settled. He gave her count doll and kissed her on the forehead.

“Night, kitten,” Spike whispered turning off the lamp.

“Good night, daddy,” Amber whispered before falling asleep.

Spike headed for the door and stopped. He stared at Amber’s sleeping figure. She looked so innocent. All he wanted to do was protect her all her life from the pain of the world.

Spike closed the door and was met by Buffy, standing in front of Dawn’s door. Her face covered in a sweet smile.

“You really know how to handle her,” Buffy said softly.

Spike walked and pulled her into a hug.

“She’s my daughter,” Spike said. “Of course I know how to handle her. Just like I know how to handle her mum.” Buffy squealed softly as Spike started kissing her neck.

“Stop it,” Buffy squealed, pulling away from him. “Angel and Dawn have to talk to us.” Spike sighed.

“Can’t it wait until morning?” Spike asked impatient. “I want my wife right now.”

“Later Spike,” Buffy said weakly.

He pulled away and let her lead the way. He followed her down stairs and into the living room. Dawn and Angel were already sitting on the couch. They both were holding hands and sitting close.

“I suddenly don’t like this closeness between the two of you,” Spike said sitting down in the chair, looking at the two skeptically. Buffy sat on top of his lap and absently started playing with his hair.

“Well, we wanted to tell you this before Angel leaves for the trials,” Dawn said eagerly.

“Well spill,” Buffy said, tired of waiting.

“Angel and I are getting married,” Dawn said happily.

Buffy and Spike stared at them in shock. Just as they were going to say something, Giles and Willow came bursting through the door.

“Buffy, bad news,” Willow said worriedly. “Drusilla is back.”

“What?” Buffy asked surprised. Spike looked over at Angel.

“Is there a reason?” Spike asked feeling uneasy about it.

“She wants to turn Spike back into William the bloody,” Willow answered.