Morning found Sunnydale peaceful and bright. Dawn was already in the kitchen munching on a Pop Tart while Joyce red up before work. Buffy joined them just then. Eyes very much still tired. Hair disheveled and pajamas wrinkled.

"Well look who decided to wake from the dead." Dawn teased. Buffy shot her an irritated look. "Why don't you go slay a dozen or so vampires, a Gak Demon and study for finals all in one night? Then you can be the one that looks less than a Revlon commercial."

Joyce placed a strong cup of coffee and the sugar bowl in front of her eldest daughter. "Rough night sweetie?" Buffy nodded whilst pouring a ton of sugar into her coffee. "You know that's going straight to your hips." Dawn gave Buffy a challenging stare. "Don't you have school to go to? I mean its Friday. There still is school on Fridays right?"

Dawn grabbed her books, shoving them into her knapsack she reminded Buffy about what else happened Fridays. "Yea there's still school. And after school there are dates. You better think about getting a shower before it gets here."

Dawn winked and slung the sack over her shoulder before giving her mother a quick kiss on the cheek. "Bye mom, bye Buffy." Dawn was on her way with a gentle close of the door. Joyce looked curious at her oldest daughter. "You have a date? That's wonderful. Is it with that nice boy from the hospital? What was his name?"

"Ben." Buffy answered. "And no it's not Ben. It's Spike actually. He has tickets to the Nelly concert. Its seems like forever since I've had a night off. You know the whole Glory deal. So I thought--- I would go." Buffy stared at her coffee wondering if she had made the right decision telling Spike yes. Joyce regarded her for a moment and then grabbed her purse. "Well I think that's sweet. He's not at all the obnoxious man he used to be. I bet you'll have a lovely time."

Buffy rolled her eyes. "Maybe. I doubt Spike's had a date in like a gazillion years. So he might be a little off his loop date wise." Mental images of Spike bringing her a corsage or some trinket made her heart and body tremble. Spike was different now, but still the same annoying Spike. Always trying to drag her out of bed way too early in the morning just to watch the sun or goto the park. Still there was at charm that made her insides go weak. His smiles made her want to smile all day long. And those quirky jokes with bad punchlines that made her laugh.

Right now with Glory on her heels though, she had no time for love. Protecting Dawn was the only thing that mattered right now. Besides Joyce being sick so often.

Joyce placed a motherly kiss on Buffy's forehead. "I'm sure he will go out of his way to make it a nice time. Honey I have to get to work. Don't sleep in too much more today. OK?" Buffy nodded as she rose from her seat. "I won't. I think I'm going to head over to The Magic Shop. See what Giles is up to, do some training. You know, typical Slayer stuff." Joyce smiled "Ok, see you later." Soon as Joyce was out the door Buffy relaxed a litte bit. Her back was sore and her muscles ached. Bubble bath time she reasoned heading back up the stairs with her portable radio and a Danielle Steel book she found on the coffee table. "Must be mom's. This was going to be a nice change of pace. All romance and no slayage. Hmm---"

**********************************************************************

The oracles drifted above Spike's head. They stood on large billowy clouds. The woman spoke first. Despite her anger her tone was even and soft.

"You promised brother. The vampire was doing well. He was fighting his evil ways quite admirably. She was accepting him as one of their own. I had chosen this one well."

"Yes sister. That he was. Yet you forget that we may revoke his privileges at any time we deem fit." She stared at her brother angrily. "Yes, but not like this. We said we would take the privileges only if he served the darker forces of nature as a human!"

Shaking his head side to side he reminded her. "The prophecy states that a soulless humanlike vampire shall battle beside the Slayer in the Apocalypse. He must fail so that she may realize her destiny. We just did not realize he was the chosen one on that evening. Human stature was not ours to give. We need him for this battle sister. It can not be undone."

Her eyes filled with sorrow for Spike. "I know it's true brother. He had come such a long way though. His heart will never beat again yet he loves her with all his being.

Spike began to stir. Coughing at the clouds and smoke that has started to disperse. My head hurts. I'm hungry. What's with the bloody clouds! Almost instantly Spike realized that it was not Joyce's pot roast or Luis's pizza that he wanted. He wanted blood. The craving went beyond want or desire. It was a damn need. The lady oracle appeared before him, sadness lingered in her eyes.

"We are so sorry William, we regret having put you through this. You must remain a vampire."

Spike's eyes widened as he leapt from the floor. His asleep state was immediately replaced with confusion and anger. "What? You made me human and I've not taken advantage of it, not one damn time! Why the hell are you saying I have to stay a bloody vampire?"

The man floated to join her. Stern eyes stared at the confused blonde.

"So it is written in the Prophesy. Your fate has been made."

"Like hell it has. You can't just give me this and take it away. I've had enough of fate and her little surprises! Who's to say that your Prophesy happens now eh? Maybe it happens in another hundred years. Change me then!"

Again the woman spoke in her soft voice. "William, had we known then what we know now, you would have been spared all of this. However we did not know. Fate has chosen you. There is no changing this. No matter how noble your deeds have been." Spike stared at them, anger flowing from his every pore. "Hold it. So you're telling me that I have to go back to being all-undead? And this is because what? You two screwed up?" Spike shook his head. "No, no way. I like this. I'm not changing. Find some other poofter to do fix your mistake!"

The man pointed towards the sunlight peering in the dirty window. "See for yourself, its already done." Spike regarded them with suspicion. Neither one of them made a move They just stood silent and fast to their spots. Spike thought of Buffy as he crossed the room to the window. What would she think of him now? he'd be just another vampire. Not worthy of her time now. After all he had done, this was how he was punished for his evil life with Dru. Give him another chance and steal it away. Damn the Powers that Be have a shity sense of humor. All of his worst fears were set afire along with his hand.

No expression of physical pain could be seen on the vampire's face. However the emotional pain was plainly apparent as he drew his hand back. Spike grabbed an old rag to cover up the fire. A dark sadness crept in and surrounded his heart. The woman shot her companion a sour look as she reached Spike.

"William, you are a vital part of the next Apocalypse." Spike stared up at the oracle with a tilt of his head raising a silent question.

"You are the one who has to fail so she can realize her Gift, her own fate if you will. It will take place in a matter of months. That much I can reveal to you."

Spike shook his head violently. "I fail so she can what? Realize her Gift? What kind of crap is that?"

The male oracle's voice boomed over the crypt. Increasing in volume as he became more frustrated.

"A soulless humanlike vampire shall battle beside the Slayer in the Apocalypse. He must fail so that she may realize her destiny There! All the secrets have been revealed to him sister! Are you satisfied? We could have changed him and given no reason. We did not even have to tell him! I was being generous in even entertaining this little trip of yours! Life is ours to play with. Do not let them make you think they have any power at all." He shouted all this to the female which filled her eyes with sadness.

She shook her head. "Brother watch thy temper. Spike, there is one thing about all of this that will make you happy. You are truly a vampire again."

"Well thanks. I'm so in debt to you and yours." Spike gave them an exaggerated bow then pointed to the door. "Get the hell out of here. Leave me alone. You damned--- whatever you are, get the hell out!"

Spike was shouting at a decible loud enough to wake the dead, so to speak. They again vanished from him in a puff of smoke. Leaving Spike to his the only reliable companions he's had all his life. Whiskey and tears, what else was there? *****************************************************************************

Buffy stood in front of the mirror fixing her hair again. Another outfit change demanded yet another hairstyle.

"You're only going to a concert with Spike. What's all the fuss about huh?" Dawn teased as she flopped belly down on her big sister's bed. Buffy rolled her eyes looking back at Dawn in the mirror. "And your point is what little sister?" Dawn shrugged, making Mr.Gordo dance. "Just that I think you have a thing for Spike is all."

A fleeting smile crossed the Slayers lips as she turned to her sister. "And if I do? I mean I'm not saying that I do. I'm just saying what if I would. I mean have a crush on Spike?" Dawn leaped off the bed and pointed an accusing finger at Buffy.

"Aha! You said crush! I heard it! Mom--- Buffy's got a crush on Spike!!" Buffy glared at Dawn. "I do not! Don't go telling mom that." "Well if it's not true than it won't matter. Right?" Dawn stared at her older sister who was now picking through shoes in the closet. "If I liked Spike I would not tell you. Now go play Monopoly or something." Dawn was giggling as she shu the door behind her.

A few minutes later, Dawn popped her head inside Buffy's room. "Hey Buffy?" Buffy looked up from her closet in time to get struck with a black T-shirt. "Dawn! I just fixed my hair!" Buffy whined. Dawn rolled her eyes. "Yea yea, tell me one thing. If you don't have a crush on Spike, why do you still keep his shirt under your pillow at night? Mom said that one was behind the couch pillows." Dawn left her older sister alone then.

Buffy talked to herself as she walked around the room taking in the scent of Spike on the T-shirt. "Behind the couch cushion? Why was it---Oh yea I had it there the other night." Even though her cheeks felt like they were on fire and her stomach was doing flip flops; there were also three very sound reasons why she could not fall in love right now.

Glory was one; protecting mom and Dawn came closely behind the first one. In the back of her mind a little voice cried out, When will it ever be a good time for you to be in love Buffy? When?" Reluctantly she hung the shirt up and stared at it. Nothing special. Just one of his black tees. It still held the strong scent of the Drakkar cologne that he wore. The cologne that she had bought him as another reminder of how thankful she was that he saved her life. Buffy reconsidered its new place in the closet and stuck it under her pillow before heading downstairs.

Spike sat in the Desoto staring up at her house for half an hour now. Standing her up crossed his mind. But he knew that she would find him anyhow. Then he'd feel even worse than he does now. A strong set of hurtful words that would follow a game of kick the Spike all over the crypt might be an easier way out though. Spike noticed Buffy's slim figure pacing before the window probably wondering where he was.

"Bloody hell" Another swig of his flask and he was out the door and on her steps. "Don't bollocks this up mate. Bad enough your the Big Bad again." He quietly reminded himself while knocking on the door. Joyce opened the door and smiled. "Spike, come in. Buffy's just in the kitchen." Spike stepped inside releaved that the whole invite bit was out of the way. Joyce noticed the bunch of wildflowers he held in his hand, meant obviously for Buffy.

"Hello Joyce. Nice to see you again."

She gave him a warm smile. "Thank you Spike. Thanks again for mowing the grass last week. It's been so busy at the Gallery lately I just don't have the time." Spike smiled at her. "Sure thing. Don't have much else to do with my time now do I?" Joyce laughed. "Well except for watching Passions. Did you see the new lady they brought on there last week?" Buffy joined the pair, holding a glass of ice tea.

"Spike you made it. I thought you were going to stand me up." She teased. Spike smiled and shook his head. "Not you pet. I'd never stand you up. Ready?" Buffy nodded. Joyce coughed and jerked her head towards the flowers.

"Oh right, what a poof I am. Here these are for you. I mean I thought they were kind of pretty. That's how dating is done in this century right?" Buffy's Slayer senses kicked in. There was a vampire nearby somewhere. I've got the night off, I've got the night off she reminded herself. Buffy relaxed and took the flowers looking at him through her lashes. "Thanks. They are really pretty. I'll just go put these---"

"No honey I'll take care of that. You two kids go on and have a good time." Joyce and Buffy exchanged hugs before she and Spike departed. "See you later Joyce. I'll make sure she stays out of trouble." Spike started out the door already waving to her. "Thanks mom. See you later."

Spike walked Buffy to his car, opened the door and gestured for her to get inside. Buffy's face was wrinkled in concentration. Thinking she may have an idea about his renewed nature as a vampire, he ignored it.

"Here." From his coat pocket he produced the tickets. "Hold on to those. I lost em three times tonight." Buffy let out a light laugh. "That sounds like you Spike." Spike glanced down at his watch as he drove. "We can make it. Only about 20 minutes yet." Spike noticed her attention was focused outside the car. "What's so interesting out there that isn't in here luv?"

She shrugged. "I feel this strong sense of a vampire. And I don't see any. Its weird." Spike shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Yea, weird." He agreed.

***********************************************************************

Buffy and Spike settled in their seats for the concert. As the night wore on and the music pumped louder Buffy forgot about being the Slayer. She was too busy getting lost in the music. Spike just enjoyed watching Buffy be Buffy. This music was not his thing.

One am they finally made it to the Bronze. Spike had felt a craving all night long to just grab an innocent and drain them. Although he was trying desperately to suppress it he was quickly loosing the battle. Spike's mind was reeling, the lady oracle was there, floating on her cloud. Ready to ruin his life further he was convinced. His inner voice screamed out at her to leave him alone. You've already ruined my life more than I ever bloody did! Get the hell out of my---" "I came to remind you Willi---"

"Names Spike, do you good to remember that you stupid bint." She ignored his insult and continued. "William, you are a vampire again. Just as we promised you in the beginning. Don't deny your nature. You won't do her any good ignoring what you are." She was gone in a flash. Buffy stared at the vacant look in Spike's eyes. As they took a table in the middle of the club Buffy reached over and placed a warm hand on his own cold one. "Spike? Where are you?"

Spike quickly snapped out of his trance to refocus on Buffy's eyes. "Nowhere luv. Now what are you fancying to eat tonight? I'm thinking steaks and potatoes?" Buffy stared past him towards the door. "Yea steak is good." Her voice was distant, distracted. "What is it?" He asked turning in his seat to get a look. Buffy shook her head free of it's thought. "Nothing, steak is good. Lets order."

Laughter erupted from the Slayer as Spike escorted her up to her door. Buffy turned to him and smiled. "I had a great time tonight Spike. Maybe we could do this again?" He hid his enthusiasm and just shrugged.

"I hear Matchbox 20 is coming to town in a few weeks. Maybe I can scrounge up some tickets." He shoved his hands in his pockets and gave her a wide smile. Suddenly the porch light came on. "Dawn, she's so nosy." Buffy whined and Spike smiled.

"Just watching out for ya. I better go." Buffy nodded. This was the uncomfortable part. They weren't together and they weren't exactly apart either.

"Uh Buffy?" She beamed at him. "Yea Spike?" Gracefully he slid one hand behind her back, pulling her close to him. Take the moment before its gone Spike, he told himself. To his surprise Buffy embraced him back, staring deeply in to those blue eyes of his. Spike stared lovingly into her hazel ones.

Tilting his head to one side he leaned down to kiss her. Buffy closed her eyes, returning his kiss more passionately then Spike ever anticipated she would. Was this real? If it was, and she wanted him how could he tell her about what had just befallen him? Struggling with his emotions overruling his sense of what was right and wrong was difficult. Still he found the strength to break free from their embrace.

"Spike what is it?" Her eyes looked deeply into his eyes searching for an emotion she could read. She seemed to know he was hiding something, yet she was patient enough to wait for him to tell her. Spike backed off the porch steps, almost falling over his heavy boots. "Nothing I just remembered I have something I have to go do. Uh night Buffy." He left her there. Standing under the light wondering what was wrong. He loved her and she knew that.

Buffy threw her hands up in frustration. "I'll never understand that man. Never." Buffy opened the door to the house reluctantly; she wanted to go after him. "Dawn I'm back. Not like you didn't know Miss little nosey with the porch light." Buffy rounded the corner to the kitchen hearing at least two voices in the distance. "Dawn? You in here?" Buffy stopped short of the doorway as Dawn waved to her excitedly. "Uh huh, what did you break that was mine this time? It better not be my... Reily?"

"Hello Buffy." Reily gave Buffy a brilliant smile. Dawn groaned when she noticed the way his eyes sparkled when her sister walked in. Reily handed the stunned blonde a sparkly wrapped gift box. "It's not much, just something that reminded me of you." Buffy accepted the gift and smiled. "Thank you. When did you get back?"

Dawn groaned. "Buffy I will be right back. I forgot something over at Sara's house." Dawn bolted out the door as Buffy shouted after her. "Dawn wait, Glory!" Reily snickered. "She seems to be more headstrong than when I left." Buffy sighed. "She is. It's hard for her, mom being sick and all." Looking anxious Reily pointed towards the gift in her hand. "Well, open it."

Buffy faked a smile as though she had forgotten about it. "Sorry I mean it's just so---so good to see you. And unexpected really. Reily you should have called." Reily closed the distance between them till he stood right close to her. "I didn't think you'd mind. Besides, I wanted to surprise you." Oh that's too close. He ran away from you and now he's here and there is Spike to think about and this is just so not happening right now Buffy thought.

When she was done ripping open the sparkly paper there was a tiny little box left. Inside she found a seashell bracelet. Coral in color with a touch of pearl to it making is shine in the light. "Oh it's beautiful. But I can't." She began to hand it back to him, he stopped her. Reily closed his large hands around her strong yet tiny fingers.

"No you keep it. I bought it for you. I mean if I wear it the guys might start to talk." He smiled as she laughed uncomfortably. "Thank you Reily. It's real sweet of you."

"It's the least I could do. Buffy I did see you that night. I was just too stubborn to let myself talk to you. I was so angry inside at myself that I hurt you the way I did." Buffy took a step back towards the fridge, Reily followed. "You heard me and you didn't even glance at me?"

"I know I did. And I'm sorry." He explained. "But I'm here now and we can start over Buffy. The Initiative is done with me for good now. I can stay here we can work things out, start over again. We can have a normal life, just the two of us." Buffy stammered. "I---I don't know. So much has changed since you left. Plus being a Slayer means I'll never have a normal life."

*****************************************************************************

"Spike! Spike where are you? I know you didn't go home yet." Dawn called out to the night air. There was no response so Dawn ran back in the house quietly and dialed his cell phone.

A stone cold voice answered. "What?" Dawn heard the mood in his voice. Buffy needed him though and he would have to get over it. "Spike where are you?"

"At home. Why?"

"Home? You never go home after you see her. You always you know, lurk or something. Till she goes to bed."

"Yea? So what of it if I don't?"

"She needs you tonight. You better get over here."

"She don't need me Little Bit. She'll never need me."

"Reily is back." Dawn stated. There's no easy way to say this one she though. Spike responded quickly.

"I'll be right there." ****************************************************************************

"Reily I just think that things have been so...I mean they have changed so much since you've left."

"They couldn't have changed that much Buffy. I still love you. I never stopped loving you. Tell me you don't still love me. Tell me that and I'll walk away right now and leave you to your life."

"Reily I---"

"Shhh, don't talk." Buffy felt herself being pulled into a deep and loving kiss. At first she revolted, struggling against his strong arms holding her close. The longer the kiss went the nicer it felt. She melted into him, holding on tightly to him. Tighter than she thought she should be. Wrong guy Buffy.Wrong guy Her inner voice yelled at her.

Too full of confusion to listen she clung to what was right in front of her. Reily who cared for her enough to come back and admit he was wrong. Reily who was there for her so many times when she thought she would have fallen apart. Did she love him?

The kitchen door burst open fiercely. Buffy and Reily halted their kiss. Dawn appeared in the doorway then with a wide smile on her face. Everything would be Ok now. Spike would fix all of this Dawn hoped at least.

Spike's eyes flashed a tinge of hurt, then a touch of anger replaced by intent on revenge. His blue eyes went icy as he stared at Buffy and her lips, swollen from the kiss. Her cheeks were flush as well.

"What are you doing with him?" His voice was cold, unfeeling.

"Spike what are you doing here?"

"What are you doing with him?" Spike repeated. Reily stepped in front of Buffy. "You need to leave Spike. You don't belong here."

"Oh really? And just why do you think you belong with her? Your the one whole cheated on her with a vampire whore." Spike stepped up nose to nose with Reily. Buffy stood behind Reily, again her spidy senses were going off.

"Because I'm normal Spike. Your just a sick demented vampire Buffy should have dusted a long time ago."

"No he's not! He's been human for months now. He's as normal as you would be if you were normal." Dawn yelled, her eyes were defiant and proud. Spike glanced back at Dawn, giving her an appreciative smile.

Reily laughed. "Yea right. You really think I'm buying that one? Vampires just don't turn human Dawn. He might act human because he's a freak but he's still just a vampire."

"Buffy there is something I have to tell you."

Reily poked Spike sharply in his shoulder. "I'm sure nothing you say is ever going to change what she thinks of you."

"Reily stop it. You don't need to be like this." Buffy attempted to come from behind her former lover, and was stopped by his strong arm. "No Buffy I can handle this." Spike reeled in laughter. Dawn and Buffy looked at Spike with concern while Reily looked at him as though he were a monster. "You want to bet? Lets take it outside boy. The ladies don't need thier doilies dripping with your blood."

"Spike no---" Buffy began. Reily and Spike were already out the door. Their hands were wrapped around each other's throats in combat. "Buffy stop them!" Dawn shrieked. Together the sister's stood on the steps watching as Spike and Reily flipped and rolled on the ground. Reily seemed to have the upper hand at the moment. He was straddled on top of Spike pummeling him repeatadly in the face.

Spike let out a low growl and slipped into his game face before he threw Reily off of him and into a tree. Spike then made a run for him, head first knocking the wind out of his opponent as his head made contact with Reily's chest. Reily gasped for air, clutchin his sides in pain. Spike stood back licking his lips in mockery. He could best Captain Cardboard and he knew it. They both knew it. He was his old self again. The oracle was right. He was a vampire in every sense of the word. There was no pain when he hit Reily. They had made him a vampire again, not some sodding impotent vampire.

Buffy reached Reily's side just in time to see Spike sliding back into his familiar human facade. Her eyes were wide with confusion as she looked to Spike, then to Reily who nodded through the pain just inflicted on his torso.

Spike made a move towards her. "Buffy I can explain?"

"Explain what? That you're a vampire again and you never told me? When did this---?" She stopped short of finishing her sentence and just stared at him with eyes full of discontent. "I wanted to tell you?" He began. Spike extended his hand to her. She didn't refuse it but simply left it hang there in the cold air. "I'm sorry. I had no choice. I thought if I told you---"

Reily knocked Spike to the ground quickly with a sharp kick to the gut. Spike went down fast and hard, grunting loudly as he hit. Spike's game face surfaced again causing Buffy to recoil. Dawn ran to Spike's side and glared up at Buffy and Reily. "Dawn get away from him!"

"Spike would never hurt me Buffy. Or you or mom. Are you just going to sit there and let Reily mess things up?" Dawn's eyes bore into Buffy's with a certain amount of distaste for her sister's sudden betrayal to Dawn's new best friend. Buffy remained astonished while Spike regained his perspective.

"No worries Little Bit. Soldier boy is here now. Told you she don't need me anymore." Gingerly Spike gathered himself up. Reily stood beside Buffy with a protective arm around her shoulders.

"I'm sorry pet. I should have told you. But hey I'll tell ya what, when you get bored with this one, you know where I'll be." Spike took her one hand in his and kissed the top of it. His eyes locked with hers. Filled with all the sincerity he could muster, all the love he had for her buried in his gut he continued on with courage.

"I love you Buffy. I'll be waiting."

Reily shot Spike a nasty look. "Spike you've overstayed your welcome." Reily raised his right fist in an effort to hit Spike. He was stopped short by Buffy's hand. "No." She told him flatly.

Spike shoved his hands in his pockets as he sauntered away. Dawn stared after him sadly. It was the perfect picture of a man walking away defeated. The thought of it enraged Dawn. "Buffy how could you? After all he's done for you!" Reily tried talking reason to the teenager.

"Dawn he's just a vampire. Buffy did the right thing. She's doing what she has to do to protect your mom and you."

"Buffy didn't do anything! She just stood there and let him get beat. Spike and her are good for each other. He treats her better than you ever did and they arn't even dating! Who asked you to come back here anyhow?" Dawn tore off for the house, slamming the door behind her for extra emphisis.

"Come on Buffy. I'll get you inside and we can talk or watch a movie. Whatever you want." Reliey smiled slighty at his victory. He would prove to Spike just how wrong he was. Buffy and I belong together Reily thought. Not some blood thirsty vampire who's not killing because of a goverment implant. Reily's mind raced with thoughts as he walked the Slayer up the sidewalk. He'll be taken care of soon enough. Then Buffy and I can live together in peace.

Buffy was feeling numb from head to toe as she followed Reily. She took his hand in her own until they reached the house. Buffy glanced over her shoulder quickly. She knew Spike was not there. Still she could not help but look.

He wasn't lurking in the shadows, tossing his ciggerette butts under the bush. Spike had always waited until she was asleep, then he went back to his crypt. It was comforting to her that he did that. Some may say it was creepy. Like Xander, he always thought it was stalker like. Buffy understood why he did it.

In his own way, Spike was protecting her and her family. She liked that. Not overbearing, not commanding, he was just there for them.

Spike was a few feet from his cemetary when he felt a ripple vibrate through his entire body. After affects from the bloody transformation he thought. Soldier boy wins, I've lost her. Damn those oracles and their bloody prophecies Spike mused. With a heavy sigh and an about face in the direction of Willy's Spike realized it was time to get drunk.