Disclaimer: I do not own
Buffy or any of its characters, unless Joss Whedon takes pity on my poor soul
and gives them to me. Anyone who sues shall be paid in pocket lint and dirt.
Actually better make that dirt I’m running out of lint.
style='font-size:14.0pt'>***********************************************************
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Chapter 10
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy stared
at the spot Rebecca had stood ‘Did she just hear what she thought she
heard. Was Rebecca telling her that she
was going to get a second chance to be with Spike?’style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Buffy felt hope fill her heart, something
was happening. Rebecca knew something
that she wasn’t telling the others. Her
brow furrowed as she tried to puzzle out what was happening.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Giles and
Anya took that moment to return. Both
sporting wide smiles and clasping hands, they whispered to each other giggling
softly.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy
smiled up at them “Oh my God. Giles did
you just giggle?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-languEN-UEN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Giles class=GramE>blushed a deep red and started to stammer.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Anya smiled up at him indulgently before
turning back to Buffy “We want you to be the first to know.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Rupert and I are together.” She leaned conspiratorially
forward “As in orgasm friend together.”
She turned back round and gave Giles a deep kiss before pulling back “I
have to go report back. I will see you
all at Restfield cemetery just after sunset.”
She gave a small wave before teleporting out of the room.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Giles sat
down beside Buffy nervously he had no idea how to explain this to her.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> He reached for his glasses and remembered
that Anya had thrown them away. “Buffy,
I know…” he tu to to look at her.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy
smiled in amusement “Its ok Giles. I
think the two of you would make a wonderful couple.”style='mso-spacerun:yes'> She patted him gently on the arm to reassure
him “Xander will just have to deal.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Giles
stared at her “That’s very understanding of you Buffy.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Are you sure your ok with this.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy
nodded “The heart wants what the heart wants.”
She took a deep breathe “In fact there’s something I need to tell you
guys. How about we go look for the
others so I can tell you all together.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Giles was
puzzled bolloollowed anyway, he thought he might know what she was going to
tell them and his heart ached for the pain that his daughter must be in.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>As they
reached the door Buffy turned to yell upstairs “We’re just going out for a bit
Rebecca.” A disjointed ok floated
downstairs to farewell them as they left.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>*********************************************************************
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Upstairs
Rebecca lay on the bed she had shared with Spike last night; she turned
slightly to inhale his scent. He still smelt
of her beloved William but now there were other scents intermingled as
well. She closed her eyes tightly as
tears threatened to spill.<>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The room
around her started to glow as two forms began to take shape and move towards
the bed.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Why do I
have to do this?” Rebecca opened her eyes to stare at the ghostly forms “It
hurts so much.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>As the
ghosts reached her side they enveloped Rebecca “Shhh
it has to be done this way.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Rebecca
closed her eyes once again as she felt the gentle caresses of her companions as
they stroked her lovingly, all the while whispering words of reassurance and
encouragement. She felt their love fill
her completely as she drifted of to sleep.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The two
stayed by her side until she was sleeping deeply.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> One moved forward to brush a ghostly kiss
across her forehead. They moved away to
stand at the end of the bed gazing upon her sleeping form.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Slowly they began to fade and as the last
glow began to wane the word “Soon” softly floated through the air.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>*********************************************************************style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Willowlang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>, lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Taralang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> and Dawn
stood outside The Magic Box, they had searched everywhere for Xander but
couldn’t find him. They were getting
discouraged when they saw Buffy and Giles down the street.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Dawn class=GramE>sprinted forward “Buffy! Wait up!”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy and
Giles turned towards them “Hey Dawnie.
Did you find Xander?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Willowlang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> and lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Taralang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> joined
them “We’ve looked everywhere. Buffy I’m
really worried.” Concern filled style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Willowlang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>’s voice.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Giles
averted his eyes feeling responsible for Xanders pain and the girls worry.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Taralang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> fixed
him with a steady gaze “This is not your fault Giles.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The
others looked at Tarastyle='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>, surprised by the
authority in her voice. lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Taralang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> just smiled
and shrugged “Hey if I can deal with Spike’s insecurities I can deal with
anyone’s.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lEN-UEN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Dawn
suddenly had a thought “His parents, has anyone ced hed his parent’s house?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>No one
had thought of checking the Harris’s, they all knew that Xander hated being
around his parent’s fighting.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Let’s go
check” Buffy wrapped her arm around lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Willowlang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso--fon-font-style:italic'> and the
group headed off once again.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The group
stood out the front of the house listening to the yells coming from
inside. lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Willowlang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> hugged
herself as she remembered the times Xander would find refuge at her house.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> “Come on we’ll go in the back way” The group
quietly slipped round the back and let themselves into the basement.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Xander
sat huddled on the old sofa listening to his parents arguing and feeling sorry
for himself. He was so lost in his pity
party that he didn’t hear the others coming down the stairs.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> He jumped in surprise when lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Willowlang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> touched
his leg. “You ok Xan?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Will?”
Xander looked at her in surprise then slowly looked at the others until his
eyes landed on Giles “What’s he doing here?” he asked bitterly.style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
class=GramE>“Xander that’s enough!” Buffy moved to sit in front of him “I know
things are...well...strange right now.
But we don’t have time for this.”
She looked around as the others found places to sit.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> “I know that you hurt.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> But Xander you were the one that chose to
leave Anya:p><:p>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Xander
started to protest but Buffy cut him off “You left Anya at the altar.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> You could have gone to her at any time and
told her your doubts, but you didn’t.
Anya has every right to be hurt and angry with you.”style='mso-spacerun:yes'> She reached forward for his hands offering
him some small amount omformfort. “Do
you love her Xander?” he mutely nodded “Do you want her to be happy?” Xander
nodded again “Then let her be h.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso--lan-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy
glanced at Giles. “Both Anya and Giles
deserve some happiness and if being together makes them happy then so class=GramE>be it.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy
stood and began to pace nervously “I have something to tell you all and I would
appreciate it if you let me get through it without interruption.”style='mso-spacerun:yes'> She sat down abruptly “I know what it feels
like to watch the person you love be with someone else.”style='mso-spacerun:yes'> She heard a few gasps but no one spoke.style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“I am in
love with Spike.” Buffy glanced at Tara
who was smiling her encouragement. “When
I came back I was so lost. I couldn’t
feel anything. I wanted to tell you guys
about being in heaven but you were all so happy that I was back.” She gave them
a soft sad smile “It felt like Spike was the only one that I could talk
to. Before I died I was starting to see
him…differently, more of a man than a monster.
I trusted him and when I came back I found myself turning to him
more. Do you remember that night when
Sweet was here?” everyone nodded “That’s the first time I kissed him.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> When we touched I felt at peace.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Whole again.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> I kept telling myself that it was wrong to
feel these things for him. Then when I
found out that he could hurt me I thought that I was right. That I had come
back wrong.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Tears
began to run down her face “I was sleeping with him.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Using him for sex, using
him to feel. I kept telling
myself that it didn’t matter what I did to him.
He didn’t have a soul so he couldn’t feel.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Dawn
stood and silently wrapped her arms around her sister pulling her down to sit
on the floor.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“One
night I beat him so badly that he could barely move.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> We were in an alley near the police station,
and I just left him there. class=GramE>To die.” Buffy looked down ashamed lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Taralang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> and lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Willowlang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> had now
joined her on the floor.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Everything
I said to him, everything I did to him was everything that I wanted to do to
myself.” Buffy once
again caught Xanders eyes “I let fear rule my actions and I ended up almost
destroying the one person who loved me unconditionally.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Even when I went to him after that he never
turned from me. It was only after Riley
came back and caught us together that I realized what I was doing.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Giles
awkwardly sat down behind her on the floor wanting to show his support.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Buffy smiled her thanks to him “It was only
when I saw him with Rebecca that I realized what I had been denying myself all
this time.” She lay her head onto
Giles’s shoulder “So I know what you feel Xander.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> I feel it every time I look at them together.
But I decided that I want him to be happy and Rebecca makes him happy.”stylso-sso-spacerun:yes'> She closed her eyes and waited for the words
of shock and condemnation.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>None
came.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy
wearily opened her eyes to look at Xander.
He stared back at her his eyes full of pain, sorrow and
understanding. Silently he moved to sit
in front of the small group and wrapped his arms around Buffy “I’ll help you if
you help me”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy
hugged him tight “deal” the rest of the girls moved to bring him into their
embrace turning to pull Giles closer as well.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Dawn’s
muffled voice made its way through the tangle of limbs “Umm guys I think we
need to get up. I’m getting a cramp.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>They
started to laugh as the untangled themselves and rose to their feet.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Giles was complaining about his aching back
as he slowly tried to unbend himself. A
hand was thrust into his line of vision; Giles looked up to see Xander standing
before him “Need a hand there G-Man?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Giles
felt relief wash through him as he took his hand.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> “Thank you”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Xander
gave him a short nod before turning back to the others “So girls what’d I miss”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
class=GramE>“Oh my God Xander!
Travers is this icky demon that eats his own kids” lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Willowlang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> made a
face as she imparted this piece of news.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Always
knew that man was evil” Buffy added “Oh and there is a demon community still in
existence. It’s called Midian and Anya
is going to take us there tonight.” Buffy studied Xander carefully “Are you
going to be ok with that?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Xander
placed a hand over his heart “You have the Xan Mans
promise to be on his best behavior.” A
loud crash came from upstairs closely followed by the sound of his parent’s
angry voices. “Come on guys lets get out
of here.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The group
headed back towards style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Revello Drivelang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> “So
where’s Rebecca and Captain Peroxide?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Rebecca’s
at home and Spike went to get some things from his crypt.”style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Buffy gave a wry smile “I don’t think there’s
much there though. Riley and I class=SpellE>kinda blew it up.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Taralang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> gasped
and stopped, the others turned to look at heruiriuiringly “I just remembered
something that I have to get. I’ll meet you
guys in a little while. Ok.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Do you
want me to come with you” style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Willowlang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> asked
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
class=GramE>“No its ok. I
won’t be long.” answered Tarastyle='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> before rushing off
towards the Magic Box. When lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Taralang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> reached
her destination she quickly went to the counter to retrieve Spike’s box.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> She carefully lifted the lid to check that
the contents were still intact before heading back to Buffy’s house.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>*********************************************************************
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Spike
burst through the front door stamping out his blanket before throwing it onto
the nearby coat rack. He stood in the
hallway listening for any sound; he heard a faint heartbeat coming from
upstairs. Smiling to himself he made his
way up to the room he was sharing with Rebecca.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>He
quietly placed his small duffle bag on the floor before leaning back against
the door to study his sleeping wife.
Rebecca lay on her side facing the door one hand on the pillow near her
face, the other resting lightly on her stomach.
Spike inhaled deeply filling himself with her scent, she had always
smelt like wildflowers to him and the scent bought back memories of their human
life together.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Spike
moved to sit on the edge of the bed; he brushed a stray curl from her face,
allowing his finger to trace a gentle path across her face as he did.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Rebecca stirred at his touch and blinked up
at him. “Your back?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Can
never stay away from you for long my luv” Spike kicked of his boots and
stretched out beside her, mirroring her position.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> The couple lay there staring into each others
eyes “I love you Becca.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“I love
you William” Rebecca moved forward and pressed her lips against his “I have
something I need to tell you William.”
Rebecca sat up pulling Spike up beside her.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“class=SpellE>S’ok luv, you can tell me anything.”style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Spike sensed her nervousness.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Rebecca
sighed and started to trace patterns on the back of his hand with her
fingertips. “There’s something you
didn’t know about when I died.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Spike’s
grip tightened as he waited for her to continue.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
class=GramE>“When I died.” Rebecca turned away slightly to gather her
self before turning back to him “When I died I was with child.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Spike
drew a sharp breathe before his hand flew to her stomach.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“I had
only known for sure for a few days. I
was so scared about telling you in som something happened to me or the
baby. I had told Uncle Rupert that I
wanted to start a family. That is why we were slowly introducing you to the
people of Salus.
The plan was for us to go there when we wanted a family.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Things just happened more quickly than I
thought.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Spike
gently rubbed her stomach “Its ok Becca.
It’s not your fault.” His voice was thick with emotion.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“I did a
spell when I came back, to check my aura.
I thought maybe that because I was alive again that maybe the baby would
be too.” Rebecca looked down as she
gently caressed her stomach. “The baby
is still there, it shows in my aura. But
there is no life. Our baby is dead
William.” Tears began to flow freely
down her face once again.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bfontfont-style:italic'>
class=GramE>“Shhh luv.style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>style='mso-spacerun:yes'> S’notclass=GramE> your fault.”gathered her close trying to soothe her.
He heard a noise downstairs “The others are back luv, how about you hop
in the shower and I’ll go see what’s happening.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>He gently
guided Rebecca towards the shower before heading downstairs his heart heavy at
the thought of his lost child.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>*********************************************************************
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The
others entered the house busily making plans for sleeping arrangements.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-lage:Ege:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“I want
everyone here” Buffy was in full command mode “If we’re going to be going up
against the council I want everyone in one place.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> We’ll have to speak to Rebecca about one of
those no violence spells she was talking about.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>They
looked up as Spike came down the stairs his eyes moist from tears.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Dawn
moved forward in concern “Are you alright Spike.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Yeah
bit. It’s just been a bit
emotional. Feel like I’ve done nothing
but cry for the last couple of days” Spike attempted to give her a cocky grin
“Turning into a right poof.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“I know
how you feel” Buffy sympathized “Where’s Rebecca?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Just class=SpellE>havin a shower, she’ll be down in a bit.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Taralang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> burst
through the door at that moment her hands clutching Spike’s memory box close to
her body.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“What’s
that sweetie?” Willowlang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> reached
for the box.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bfontfont-style:italic'>“It’s
Spike’s” Tarastyle='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> handed him the box
“I just remembered that we’d left it at the Magic Box.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Spike’s
eyes lit up as he opened the box and began to search through the contents.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> He found what he was searching for as Rebecca
started to come downstairs. He turned to
watch his wife as she walked down to him, the box in his hands slowly starting
to slip from his grasp. Tara moved
forward grabbing the box before it fell.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Rebecca
reached the foot of the stairs “What’s wrong?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
class=GramE>“Just realized something’s missing.”style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“What?”
Rebecca was confused “What’s missing”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Spike
slowly lifted his hand and let his fist uncurl to reveal a shiny gold object.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Rebecca
gasped “My wedding ring”
=EN-=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Spike
took the ring from his palm grabbing her hand as he did.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> His hands trembled as he slowly slid the ring
into place. “There now everything’s
perfect.” He lifted her hand to his
mouth and placed a kiss on her wedding band.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>*********************************************************************
style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
