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After the Final Battle

Chapter One

The sun shone down on them as they headed for an apartment block in a trendy part of town.

Spike stopped and looked up, feeling the sun's warmth on his face. Next to him, Illyria followed suit. Then she brought her face back to normal level and cocked her head inquiringly at him.

"What is it Blue?"

"Will they like me?"

"I don't know Pet, if they don't at first, then I'm sure they will later. I mean, that's what it was like with us, wasn't it?"

"Yes, but for some reason, they won't talk to me anymore. Only you do, why?"

"Because I know what you're feeling. I know what it's like not to have people like or trust you." Illyria nodded, accepting his answer, and then carried on walking to their destination. Spike followed her slowly, thinking back to why they had come to Italy in the first place.

The demons had been defeated; no one had been killed, though some were seriously injured. Gunn and Wesley were right at this moment bleeding to death, and there was nothing they could do to help them, if they didn't agree. The hospitals wouldn't be able to save them, and magick was no use without a witch. So Spike and Illyria had come to get one, leaving Angel and Connor to protect the others from more potential demon attacks.

Spike and his blue companion had been spying on Buffy's apartment block for a few hours now, and were approaching Buffy today, as the whole Scooby Gang would be there.

Spike smiled, looking forward to the surprise. As far as he knew, Andrew was still the only one who knew about him. He had kept the secret longer than Spike had thought possible for him.

They finally reached Buffy's apartment block and pressed the intercom button by the main door.

"Summer residence. This is Buffy, can I help you?" Spike nodded to Illyria. Show time.

As they had planned, Illyria opened her mouth and answered, using Fred's voice rather than her own.

"Umm, hi Buffy. This is Willow's friend Fred. I need to speak to you guys." There was a pause and Spike could here Buffy talking to someone in the background. Probably Giles. Most likely Red as well.

"Okay Fred. Come on up, the apartment number's next to my name." There was a buzzing sound and then a click as the front door unlocked.

Spike and Illyria exchanged glances, gathered their courage and stepped inside; ready to face what awaited them.