Challenge Response fic requested by tempestt. What if it took Willow much longer to find a resurrection spell? After Buffy dies, the proper authorities attempt to contact Hank to take in Dawn, but he's out of the country permanently. When child services take Dawn into foster care, Spike tries to get Giles to adopt her, but the heartbroken Watcher can't stand the sight of the young girl who he blames for the death of his slayer. He returns to England to try and go on with his life. While in foster care, Willow and Xander don't give a second thought to Dawn, leaving only Spike to visit her. Dawn's foster situation isn't bad, but her anger and sorrow causes her to act out, and she starts getting bounced around.
Swallowing his pride, Spike goes to Angel. The vampire refuses to adopt Dawn on the grounds that it's better for her to have a normal life away from all the chaos of the supernatural. Pissed Spike goes to Wolfram and Hart, liquidating some previously ignored assets, and pays to have a solid identity created as William Summers, Hanks younger brother and Dawn's uncle. Child services is more than happy to relinquish Dawn's care to him. Flushed with his new assets, Spike is able to move with Dawn to somewhere other than Sunnydale, which Spike feels is too dangerous for the young girl to live. Never able to come to terms with her friend's death, Willow has been searching nonstop for a way to resurrect Buffy. A year or so later, Willow finds what she's looking for and convinces Xander to help her cast the spell.
They resurrect Buffy. The slayer is a little out of it, and while she's sleeping it off, the scoobs contact Giles and Angel. Everyone shows up, but Buffy's only got one question: "Where's Dawn?" The answer is no one knows. They don't have a clue. The last they saw of her was when she was being taken into custody by child services. Buffy loses her shit when she finds out that both Giles and Angel refused custody of Dawn. Buffy is furious, and Willow ends up having to hack child services' records, only to find out that she's been legally adopted by William Summers and his current address. When they show up on William's doorstep, they are appalled to find out its Spike. Despite living with a vampire, Dawn is healthy and thriving. She's no longer acting out, she's getting regular therapy, she's at the top of her class, and is fast-tracked for college. Although, she's thrilled to have her big sister back, she refuses to leave with Buffy. Buffy can't force Dawn, and she can't file for guardianship of her sister because she's legally dead. Buffy accepts Spike's invitation to live with them, but every time she treats him badly Dawn smacks her down hard. What does Buffy do when she realizes the one person who understood, that even in death, her implicit wish was for Dawn to be cared for, was adhered to by the one person who should have left her sister behind without a second look?
A/N: I've decided to put my own slight twist on how Spike ends up adopting Dawn. The result is the same, but I've always found it weird that Spike, a vampire, would be allowed to take on a human child. Demon and humans don't tend to get along so I find it hard to believe that Spike didn't take crap from the demon community for it. So I've added that little fun twist to this.
Story Warnings: Sexual situations, violence and swearing
Chapter 1
Day 400 After Buffy's Death- Billings, Montana
Spike stood there in his kitchen making pancakes for Dawn. It had been six months since they had started to live together. Spike still couldn't believe that his unlife had turned out this way. Four hundred days ago he was standing at the bottom of the Slayer's stairs in her house making a promise to protect Dawn until the end of the world. Never had he ever expected to be doing it alone. That, that moment would be the last time Spike every spoke to Buffy alone. That the night would bring her death. Now, here they were four hundred days later and his life had changed completely. Changed in ways that Spike had never imagined, all off of a promise he made to the woman he loved, loves even to this day. Spike still couldn't believe the first seven months after Buffy's death. It had been the hardest seven months of his entire existence. It didn't even take three days before Buffy's beloved friends, who claimed to be her family, showed their true colours. Spike would never forget those months.
Flashback
With Buffy's death brought the problem of all of the bills and taking care of Dawn. Willow had sat down to try and figure out a way to pay off all the the debt from Joyce's hospital stay and funeral along with all of the monthly bills. Only she couldn't find a solution. Her and Tara were both in College, they had their own student debt to worry about, plus having to try and attend college. There was just no way they would be able to do anything regarding the bills. Even if they sold the house there was nowhere for Dawn to go. Finally everyone, minus Dawn and Spike, had agreed to report Buffy's death and with it would take care of all the outstanding debt. They would still need to sell the house, but they could take their time in packing everything up and deciding what to do with everything. Buffy had a small life insurance policy from Hank that Willow figured would work to pay the mortgage for now. With Buffy's death reported Willow and Tara moved in to try and be there for Dawn, but the next day a knock on the door came. Child Services had received the report of Buffy's death and took Dawn into their custody. It was an upset to everyone, especially Dawn who was supposed to go to her father Hank. With no legal standing the others had no choice, but to let Dawn go with the Social Worker and taken into their custody. Only Hank didn't want Dawn and as a result she ended up in a foster home. The first of many.
It was two weeks after Buffy's death did Spike finally feel healed enough to make it past the cemetery. Spike hadn't seen Dawn in almost two weeks and he was worried about her. Even if he wanted to spend the morning greeting the sun, Spike had made a promise and he wasn't about it break it now. Spike headed for the house where he received the shock of a lifetime.
"What do you mean she's not here?" Spike asked with anger at the red headed witch.
"We reported Buffy's death. We had to. The debt and the bills were too much for us. With Buffy's death reported the debt was gone and the bills became manageable with Buffy's life insurance policy from her father. We didn't know Child Services would be called." Willow explained.
"What did you think was gonna happen? The Bit's mom and guardian were dead. What did you expect? Why didn't you research it or ask someone about it? The poor Bit is in foster care after watching her Big Sis take a swan dive off a tower to save her life. Not even months after losing her Mum. What are you doin' to get her back?" Spike asked with anger rolling off of him.
"There's nothing we can do. We don't have guardianship over her."
"But you could move to adopt her or become a foster parent to her."
"I can't do that Spike. None of us can. Tara andmeare in a gay relationship for starters they would never allow us to foster or adopt anyone. Besides we don't have the money to do that. We're both still in College."
"It's the twenty-first centurybein'gay is nothin' anymore. And one of you could drop out and get a job so you could support her. Instead of leavin' her in who knows where. She could get abused in those homes." Spike argued back.
"I'm sorry Spike, but we can't do anything for Dawn. Tara andmejust aren't ready for that. All we can do is be there for her and visit her."
"Some mate you are. The Slayer's little sis is in foster care and you don't give a bloody damn. You just let her get ripped right out of her home. The only one she's ever known and put in with strangers that could hurt her."
"We did our best. Buffy is gone. All we can do is live our lives now."
"You'repathetic." Spike said before he turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him,
Spike couldn't believe that Buffy's own friends wouldn't go out on a limb to take care of her sister. He understood that Tara and Willow were young still, but that doesn't matter. Back in his age girls as young as Dawn were having their own children and raising a family. Dawn was fifteen it wasn't like she needed much lookingafterto begin with. She just needed someone there with her to make sure she was alright and the bills were paid. It wasn't much trouble to do at all. Spike headed straight over to Giles' place to demand what the hell he was going to do about all of this. Only to be shocked once again.
"I can't adopt herSpike." Giles said with hurt in his voice.
"Why the bloody Hell not? She's your Slayer's kid sister."
"Only she's not. She's a mystical key that is the reason my Slayer is dead. And you can tell me that is not fair to Dawn all you want, you would not be telling me something I haven't already told myself. Still, I can't bare the thought of seeing her every day. Seeing her face and blaming her. Hating her for existing and still being here while my Slayer isinthe ground."
"Bloody coward. She would want you to look after the Bit. She would be expecting you and her mates to be. Only you all are slapping her in the face. Spitting on her grave. How can you say you love her when you won't even do this for her?" Spike said with anger and disgust dripping from his voice.
"By remembering she was never supposed to be here to begin with. I told Buffy to kill Dawn and she refused. She is gone and right or wrong, I blame Dawn for that as much as I blame Glory. So no Spike I will not adopt Dawn. She only has three years left before the system will release her. She will be fine." Giles said with no fight in him as he sat there on his couch with a bottle of brandy on the table and a glass in his hand.
"You lot should be ashamed of yourselves. And you all say I have no soul."
Spike turned and left feeling even angrier than he had before. He couldn't remember a time when he was this filled with rage and sadness at the same time. He knew it would be pointless to go and speak to Xander and Anya, they clearly didn't care any more than the others did. With no choice left Spike went to track down Dawn. Thankful for his vampire senses he was able to track her scent down to this small house on the other side of town. The house was in decent shape and from what Spike could hear there was five different heartbeats inside. Spike didn't know how many rooms this house had, but he couldn't imagine there were five bedrooms. If he had to guess there was at most three and maybe a basement. It was a large step down from the home that Joyce had wanted for her daughters to be living in. Spike moved closer and stayed to the shadows. He couldn't just go up and knock on the door. These people didn't know him and he didn't look like someone a parent would want to have a fifteen year old girl around. Spike used his vampire hearing as he walked around the outside of the house trying to pick up Dawn's voice or a stronger scent from her. Spike could hear some young kiddies crying a woman trying to get them to calm down. He didn't sense an older male, just two young ones no older than eight in the house. Spike was around the back of the house now when he noticed Dawn's presence even more. He looked up and saw that there was a small window at the top of the house that looked like an attic of some sorts. Right outside the window was a large oak tree that Spike could climb later if he needed it. Spike looked around for a few small rocks and picked them up. He never thought he would ever have to do this, but he threw the rocks, being careful of his strength against the window. After the third rock Dawn's face appeared in the window.
Dawn looked down and saw Spike standing in the backyard. She gave him a small sad smile as she opened the window and stuck her head out.
"Can you come out?" Spike whispered softly, but loud enough that Dawn would be able to hear.
Dawn pointed to the tree and Spike gave a nod. He went over to it as Dawn climbed out the window and over to a tree branch. Spike stood down there watching her, ready to catch her should she lose her footing. Dawn had no problem climbing down and Spike knew this wasn't her first tree climb escape experience. Once her feet touched the ground Dawn wrapped her arms around Spike's waist and buried her head into his chest. The tears were instant and Spike wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight against him.
"It's okay Lil Bit. It's okay."
Spike continued to hold her as she cried into his chest for the next ten minutes. When the tears had finally stopped and Dawn's breathing was no longhitchyDawn pulled back and Spike wiped her cheeks.
"I wanna gohome." Dawn said sadly.
"I know you do Niblet. I wanna take you home, but I can't."
"Why not? You're a vampire. You could just take me away." Dawn asked with anger slowly building up in her.
"And then what? Bit, you'll be reported as missing. Your picture will be plastered all over the news and all across the country. You won't be able to step foot outside. That's no life for a girl to have. If I thought there was a way to make that possible I would do it in a heartbeat. It's no life for you to have. Not one Big Sis would have wanted you to have."
"But this is? I'm living with strangers."
"I know Bit. I'm workin' on tryin' to figure out how to get you out of here and with someone you know."
"What about the others? Willow or Giles?"
"I tried they, they weren't up for it yet. I'm gonna try to figure this out for ya Bit. It might just take some time yet."
"They don't wantmedo they? They hate me. They blame me for Buffy's death."
"No Bit."
"Yes they do. That's why I'm here with strangers living in a small attic compared to in my room back home. And they should blame me and hate me. It's my fault she's dead. I'm not even supposed to exist. I'm just this ball of energy so who cares what happens to me or where I live?" Dawn said with her voice filled with self-hatred.
"Stop it right there. Now you listen to me. Your Big Sis made her choice to save you and this world. It's not your fault some Hell Bitch decided to open a portal to Hell. It's not your fault that a bunch of monks gave you life. Ball of energy or not, you are a teenage girl and you deserve the life that has been given to you. I don't hate you. I don't blame you and I'm not going to let you blame or hate yourself either."
"I'm in foster care Spike. I don't even know these people. Sure they seem nice, but for how long? Six kids live here. I'm the oldest. I have to share the attic, which is the smaller than my room back home, with atwelve year oldgirl. There's no privacy." Dawn complained.
"I know it's hard Bit. It'll take some time for you to adjust. I'm gonna try and figure a way out for you. Till then I'll come by at night to check in on you. Just hold on okay?"
"Ya. Not like I have a choice."
"How's schoolgoin?"
"Stupid, butwhatever." Dawn said with a shrug.
"It's been a hard year I know, but you need to try in school. This place is different, but it might not be so bad for a little while. At least until I figure somethin' out for you. She died so you could live, so live Bit. Don't let it be for nothing."
"I'll try, but this sucks Spike. Itsuchsa lot." Dawn said with pain in her voice.
"I know. I miss her too." Spike said as he pulled Dawn in for another hug.
"How are you? You looked pretty beat up at her funeral."
"Bones all healed. Don't have to worry about old Spike Bit. You better head back inside. Woman's lookin' for you."
"Joanne. She had to ask me my name three times since being here. I'm supposed to do the dishes tonight." Dawn said as she pulled back.
"Better head in then. No reason to upset the woman she's got enough on her plate with all those other kiddies. Try not to make her life hell."
"Ya. When will I see you again?"
"I'll be back tomorrow night.ishould patrol now. Don'tthink anyof your mates have been doin' it. Don't want you gettin' hurt on your way home from school by something nasty."
"Slayer free Hellmouth. It won't be long before they completely take over."
"Maybe the Watcher has an idea. Don't know. Do my part for now until somethin' else happens. Be safe Sweet Bit."
"You too. I'll see ya tomorrow."
"Tomorrow promise."
Spike stayed while Dawn headed back up the tree and into her new room. Spike went and hid in the shadows until he felt everyone fall asleep that night. Afterwards he made his way through the cemeteries to take down whatever vampire or demon was lurking around. That's how the routine went for the next month, but then it changed on them once again. Dawn got removed from that foster home and placed in another one. She had been acting out, swearing, refusing to go to school, refusing to help out in the house. After a month of having a rebellious and moody teenager Joanne just couldn't do it any longer. Spike couldn't hold that against her. She was raising five other children besides Dawn, all between the ages of five to twelve. It wasn't an easy task and Spike couldn't blame the woman for not having more patience with Dawn. The next foster home made Dawn worse and didn't last long. Dawn was there for three weeks, her and four other children all under the age of twelve. An unscheduled visit from Dawn's Social Worker uncovered that both the foster parents were neglectful to the children. Not only did they rarely get fed, but they were all living in a storage room the size of a jail cell. They were forced to cook, clean and do all of the chores. If they failed to do so they were slapped and punched for their disobedience. Spike was furious when he found out. On the rare time he had been able to see Dawn during those three weeks, she hadn't told him she was being hurt. Apparently, she didn't feel like she should burden him with it and that she deserved it for her sister's death.
After that Dawn got worse and worse. Within the first seven months of Buffy's death Dawn had been in eight foster homes, brought home by the cops for underage drinking, drunken disorderly, and stealing, expelled from school and caught smoking. She was now being placed in a group home for delinquent juveniles. From what Spike had heard from Dawn, they were all in a large room sleeping on cots. The girls were kept in one room and the males in another. Within Dawn's room there were fifteen of them all between the ages of twelve and seventeen. Dawn had been placed there three days ago. She was supposed to be in school, but considering she was expelled from the only school in town she was at home. She had a set routine and chore list that she was expected to complete each day. If she did not complete it and did not be in the house by five o'clock each night she would be arrested and taken to a Juvenile Hall, where she would be locked up in a cell for the next three years until she was eighteen and no longer the State's problem. With how dire the situation had become Spike went to speak with the Scoobies, but just like before they weren't going to stick their necks out for Dawn.
During the past sevenmonthsSpike was the only one to go and see Dawn. He made sure he saw her every night if she could get out. Spike was also the only one patrolling at night. The others had checked out and went back to focusing on their own life. Willow and Tara were still living in Buffy's house, using her life insurance to pay the bills. Money that shouldhadgone to Dawn. They were living in that big house, not paying any of the bills and going to college. They could have easily had Dawn living with them and then she wouldn't be in some delinquent group home. The situation is what brought Spike to the one place he swore he would never go back to. With nochoiceSpike went to speak with Angel. Spike was hoping that Angel would be willing to take Dawn and give her a better life. Spike did not want to be here. This was the last place he wanted to be, but he gave his word to Buffy that he would protect and take care of Dawn should she die and this is exactly what he was going to do.
Spike walked inside the hotel and he wasn't surprised to see everyone there in the lobby. None of them looked pleased, especially Angel.
"You looking to dieSpike." Angel said with a deep hatred in his voice.
"Not here for me. I need to talk to you about Dawn. I don't wanna be hereanymorethan you want me here. But it's important, life or death and all that. Five minutes of your time and I'll be gone." Spike said calmly, but with exhaustion in his voice. He was tired. He was tired from worry and stress about Dawn while keeping a Hellmouth under control.
"You got five minutes before I dustyou." Angel said before he turned and headed for his office. He knew Spike would follow, he wasn't in a bargaining position.
Spike followed Angel without complaint or looking at the others. He was here to beg Angel for a hugefavour. Spike knew this would be painful on many different levels. Spike walked into Angel's office and the first thing that happened was a hard right hook across his face. The sudden punch sent Spike into the wall as stars danced in front of his eyes.
"You got some nerve coming here Spike after what you pulled the last time. I should chain you up right now and make you beg for death."
"I'm here for Dawn, she's in trouble. You want to do thatafter, thanfine. It's her I care about." Spike said as he stood back up.
"What about her?" Angel asked not really caring at all.
"She's been put into foster care. Seven months ago she was taken away and put in the first house. She's been in eight of them now, one was abusive. She's gone downhill. Been arrested a few times for drinkin' and stealin'. She's been expelled from the school. Now she's livin' in a delinquent group home with fifteen other girls in the same room. She screws up again and she'll be in kiddie prison for three years." Spike explained.
"And that's terrible for her to go through, but that doesn't explain why you're here Spike."
"The others won't help her. They haven't even seen her since she was taken away. They won't be foster parents for her or adopt her. Not even the Watcher. They all blame her for Buffy's death. She blames herself. Was hopin' you would take her. Give her a chance at a better life."
Angel let out a sigh before he spoke. "I can't do that Spike. She deserves a normal life. Not beingarounda vampire and demons and all of this death and drama that we surround ourselves in. She deserves better than that."
"Better? She's got one footinsidea prison right now. She's got no school to go to. She's got no friends, no family. On top of it all, she blames the Slayer's death on herself. She's destroyin' her life and you could help her with it. Better here than in kiddie jail." Spike said letting his annoyance and anger seep into his voice.
He couldn't understand why all of these people who claimed to love Buffy and be here friends and family were letting Dawn blow in the wind.
"I'm a vampire, I can't raise a human girl Spike. You know that." Angel said with annoyance in his voice.
"Why the bloody hell not? You're already livin' like a human. Livin' with them and running a business, livin' in this place. You help the helpless, well that's her. You're already goin' against everything a vampire is supposed to stand for. Goin' against the nature like this. What's one more human livin' here?"
"The fact that it does go against everything in me. Even with mysoulI can only go against my nature so far Spike, you know that. I can't adopt a human child."
"She's the sister of Buffy. You know the woman you claimed to love more than anythin' in this world. How the Hell can you not take her in?"
"I love Buffy with everything in me, but this goes against everything in me. Everything in you. It's why you're here trying to get me to take her instead of doing it yourself. It's never been done. No vampire can go completely against the demon's nature. Having the others here is hard enough, but they are not children. It's different and you know it."
"What about one of them then?"
"They won't. They didn't know Buffy well enough, not to take on a child. I'd help if I could, but I can't. Neither can 's nothing you can do Spike. Dawn can only save herself. Not everyone makes it."
"Wellthat's a pretty cold way to talk about afifteen year oldgirl. The Slayer's girl."
"There's nothing I can do. You've wasted your time coming here Spike. You've wasted mine. Get the hell out of here before I give you more than just a punch." Angel said clearly done with this conversation.
"You tortured me for twenty years practically nonstop. You deserved a lot more than those couple of hours and you know it." Spike said before he turned and left the office.
Angel didn't say anything to that. He knew that Spike had a point and if it had come down to it, Angel wouldn't have tortured Spike tonight. Spike did owe him one, more than one. Spike headed out of the hotel without saying anything to the others. He got into his car and drove off. Spike drove for a few minutes until he had to pull off to try and get his body under control. Spike put his head down on the steering wheel as he fought to get his body and emotions under control. He wanted to help Dawn. He didn't want her to end up inJuvi. He wanted to give her a good life, the life she deserves.
The problem was it did go against his nature. The demon in him was screaming out at him for even considering having Dawn in his life. It was one thing to help the Slayer and kill other demons. Killing demons happened all the time and killing is killing to a demon. Adopting a human child and playing human was something completely different. It would cause physical pain to the demon in him. He would be not only thrown out of the demon community, but made an exile. He couldn't work for them. He would lose all respect from them. He would lose his Master Vampire status. In their eyes he would be nothing more than a slave, a disgrace. Spike would be opening himself up to other Master Vampires looking to lay claim on him. Master Vampires that would love nothing more than to make him their slave for all eternity. Spike loved Dawn like a little sister. He loved Buffy even in her death, he loved her with everything in him. He still couldn't even look at another woman without feeling like he was cheating on her. To take Dawn, would mean he had to give up everything. To be living in pain for months until his demon accepted its fate and submitted. He would have to become human in the sense of the word. Raise a human child, take on a job, live in a house, pay bills properly. It went against everything in him and his demon was roaring out in outrage.
"You bloody bitch. You had to die. You couldn't have just let that bastard be killed and you could be the one raisin' her.Ohyou had no idea just what that promise would do to me. What you were really askin'."
Spike let out a shaky breath before he sat up and put his car backontothe road. He had to do this. He couldn't break his promise to the woman he loved and he couldn't abandon Dawn to this life. He was love's bitch and he was about to do something even more suicidal than greeting the sun or a pointy wooden object. All Spike could do was hope that it would be enough. To do this though he needed some help so he made his way over to the one place he knew would be able to get him what he needed.
Spike parked and headed inside Wolfram and Hart. It was known as the law firm for the underworld and that was exactly what Spike needed. He had to liquidate some assets from when he was human if he wanted to be able to adopt Dawn and give her a better life. He would need to take her out of Sunnydale. He would need to get out of Sunnydale almost instantly. He needed to be as far away from a Hellmouth as you could get. His only chance would be to stay low and blend in. If there was one thing Spike knew, it was how to survive. Spike took the elevator up to the right floor and got out. He went over to the lady working the receptionist desk and when she looked up he spoke.
"Need to see a lawyer about liquefying some assets."
"Of course. Do you have an appointment?"
"Naw, but kinda need ittonightpet."
"I'm sorry Sir, but we only see clients with appointments."
"That's alright Mandy. We have royalty in our presence." A woman said.
Spike turned around to see a brunette woman coming out of a very fancy office to the left of him.
"I'm sorry Ms. Morgan, I didn't know." Mandy automaticallyapologised.
"That's quite alright Mandy. Mr. Spike, if you would please join me. I'm sure I can help you with what you seek."
Spike gave a nod and headed into the office.
"Mandy, I don't want to bedisturbed." Lilah said before she closed the door and made her way over to her desk.
"Please make yourself comfortable. Is there something I can get for you to drink? We have many different kinds of blood on hand."
"Naw, justbusiness." Spike said afraid thatanymoretime here and he would change his mind and run screaming from here.
"Very well. I'm Lilah Morgan, I run the firm. How can I helpyouMr. Spike?" Lilah asked as she sat down in her chair.
Spike didn't sit. He was too nervous and wound up with his decision.
"Got some assets frombein'human that I need to cash in on. Word in the underground is that you're the people I should see."
"I can easily do that for you. All I need is the information."
Spike relaid the information for a few stocks that he knew had grown insanely over the century, along with some Foundation money, inheritance and old family accounts that were kept open. With it all he and Dawn would have a few million they could sit on. Spike knew he would need to get a job to make it look good with social workers and to play the part right. There was no going half-way on this unfortunately. Lilah had her computer up and running and within thirty minutes she had everything that Spike needed transferred into a new bank account.
"Is there anything else I can do for you? You must have some need for this money all of a sudden. I can help you with anything from purchasing land, a home, anything really. We do it all here."
"So I've heard. Not lookin' to have my personal life gossiped about though." Spike said with a guarded tone.
"You became my client the second you walked through those doors. There's no gossip within this room. Everything you say to me stays with me. Not even an electronic imprint will be made. Nothing you say will be traced back to you. I can personally guarantee you that Mr. Spike. It's why we deal with the best of the best. I can help you with anything. Even getting that chip out of your brain."
"You can do that?" Spike asked veryinterestedin that tidbit. It would help him protect Dawn better if he could defend himself against humans. Not to mention should someone like the Initiative ever showed back up.
"We could have it removed within the hour. We have top level surgeons here. You wouldn't be the first vampire to see usto haveit removed. So you see we can do anything for you. Sit down, tell me what you need and I'll make it happen."
"Why would you do that?" Spike asked still guarded You don't get something without paying for it. Spike knew that.
"Because you are royalty. Within the demonworldyour blood is King."
"Not for long it won'tbe." Spike said with a small shake of his head.
"Why not? You planning on doing something stupid?" Lilah asked with a smirk.
"Life-altering stupid. I'm gonna adopt a human girl. You run in the demon world, you know what that will do to me and my status." Spike said, saying it for the first timeoutloud.
Lilah sat back in her chair clearly shocked. That was not something she ever expected for Spike to say, especially with his ranking within the demon world. He was a prince in a sense. No one dared to go after him, because of how high above he was. He was becoming nothing all for a human. Lilah was shocked, but also very interested.
"Sit down, we have much to discuss."
Spike let out a sigh before he sat down.
"Now, I won't try and talk you out of it. You have to love this girl with everything in you for you to even entertain the idea of adopting her. Your mind is set and I can respect that. Not many human males would do what you are about to do and there has never been a demon or vampire to ever do it. That takes guts and a lot of courage." Lilah said before she got up and went over to a filing cabinet she opened a few drawers and pulled out some documents before she went back over and sat down as Spike spoke.
"Courage or bloody daft. She's fifteen and spent seven months bouncin' around foster homes. She was a good kid, but then she lost her Mum and Big Sis within months apart. Her own father wantsnothin'to do with her. She's gotten herself into trouble and now she's one mistake away from bein' inJuvi. Literally. She's already in a group home for delinquents."
"Poor girl. How did you come to her?"
"She was the Slayer's sister. After I got my chip things happened and I ended up fallin' in love with the Slayer. The night she died, she asked me to protect her sis and I promised I would. It's time to live up to that."
"You never break a promise." Lilah easily stated.
"Never once. Not gonna start now. So not really valuable to you as a client. Your clients will probably be askin' you where I am."
"Now Mr. Spike, we have many different types of clients. Some innocent and some not. You are still very much valuable to me and my firm. Care to make a deal?"
"And what sort of deal would that be Pet?" Spike asked just looking to see what she had to say, It couldn't hurt after all.
"I'll secure the adoption for you by sunrise. You'll be able to show the papers to Social Services and she'll be handed right over to you by lunchtime. I'll help you buy a house, get schools set up for her. I will have that chip removed from yourhead,because if it is anything like the others it will start to malfunction at some point in the future and you'll die from it. You are no use to me dead. Finally, I'll make it so that sunlight is no longer a problem for you. All of which can be done by morning easily. We're very powerful here and we know how to get things done. You will become my personal client and your location will remain hidden, protecting you from the demon community or eighty percent of it at least."
"And this is where you tell me I have to kill a village full of people or some other rot."
"No killing of people. But on the occasion, I will need to call upon you to take out a dangerous client or provide extra protection during an event. You could be sent all over the world, but I will make sure it is not for more than a day or so and not very often. Probably once every month, maybe more should your level of skills be needed. You will be paid for the work you do of course. My work for you tonight is my securing your skills and loyalty for five years. At the end of thefive yeartermyou may choose to walk away and do so freely without any consequences. You may also choose to sign a new contract at that point as well. How does thatsoundMr. Spike?"
"Too good to be true."
"It's all very up front. It will be in a legal binding contract that not even I would be able to break. We both sign in blood to seal it so we both keep our words. Like I said you are very valuable to my firm. I would be a fool to let you get away."
"And all of this can happen by sunrise?"
"Just need to make a few calls. It's that simple here. Realistically, you are going to adopt this girl you might as well have the best chance possible for you both to survive. That's all I'm offering toyouMr. Spike. That chance for you both to survive. Why not take the help?"
Spike let out a sigh as he thought this through. The problem was he couldn't find a flaw in it. It would be easy enough to go to a few places in the next five years and take care of business. As long as he didn't kill a human he should be fine. It was the best offer Spike was ever going to get and it would allow him to raise Dawn properly and give her the life she deserved.
"Write itup." Spike said after a moment.
"You've made a wise decision Mr. Spike. It'll take me a few moments to get the contract up. I'll make some calls to have the lab ready for you. Would you like human blood or animal blood for the surgery?"
"Better make it animal blood."
Lilah picked up her phone and spoke to Mandy to bring up some otter blood for Spike. Spike was surprised that they had otter blood. Normally all you could get waspig.
"Otter? Where the hell did you get that? All they got at thebutchersispig."
"We don't go to the butchers. Any blood can be ordered and imported overnight. I'll give you our contact if you wish. He has everything, otter, deer, veal, bear, lion, tiger, anything really. Our clients seem to really like the otter."
"Bloody hell. It's like another world in here."
"It's a better world compared to what you have been livingin." Lilah said as she put the finishing touches on the contract before picking up the phone and making the calls to get everything ready. With thatdoneMandy walked into the office and handed Spike the warmed up blood.
"TaPet." Spike said as he took the mug.
Spike took a drink and he couldn't believe how good it tasted. He was used to the garbage from the butcher's. This tasted like fine wine to him.
"Ohthat is good."
Lilah gave him a smile as she put the contract down.
"This goes over everything we just discussed. I didn't add any fine print. It's a complete standard contract between us. Read over it, if you have any questions just ask."
Spike took the contract and readoverit. He was thankful for his University education, as that made it easier for him to understand it all. Sure enough, it was straightforward and there were no hidden twists within it. Spike signed it before handing it back and Lilah signed it as well.
"Now, Mandy will take you down to the lab to have your chip removed.Afterwards, you will be escorted to our magic lab to have your sunlight allergy handled. In the meantime, I will be here working on all the documents that you will need for the adoption andlookingfor a home for you. Is there an area you were thinking of?"
"Not off the top of my head. Just some place not high in a demon community."
"I'll work on that and see if I can find something that will work for you. You'll be gone for about an hour for both procedures, more than enough time for me to have everything complete on my end."
"Ta Luv."
Spike got up and followed Mandy out of the room and through the halls. When they were finally in the lab Mandy went back to her desk leaving Spike with the doctors. Spike wasn't too sure about this. He would have his brain open to them and there was no telling what they would do to him once they had him. His guardedness must have shown on his face as the one nurse spoke.
"Not to worry. Ms. Morgan has informed us that you are a very high valued asset. We are only going to remove that chip. You can watch on the monitors the whole time. You'll see that nothing else will happen."
"Right, let's just get this over withthen." Spike said not really happy about having his brain cut into again, but it would be worth it if he could defend himself again.
Spike went into a small operating room. He removed his jacket and laid down on the bed like he was told. The doctor came over to him and informed Spike that he was just going to numb Spike's head so he wouldn't feel anything they were doing. Spike made sure he kept his eyes locked on the monitor so he could see everything that was going on. Forty minutes later the chip was removed and nothing else was placed inside his head. Spike knew he would have one hell of a headache for a couple of days, but some decent blood into him would take care of that. With that procedure done Spike was once again escorted by Mandy to the next step, getting him immune to sunlight. Spike was looking forward to that one. He knew it would involve magic of some sorts, but at least he would be able to be outside once again.
"So how does this work?" Spike asked once he was in the room.
"We will take a piece of your clothing orjewelleryand place an enhanced spell on it. As long as that article is on you when you go outside during the day you will be protected." TheHead Mageanswered.
"And could say a powerful red headed witch cancel out the spell and leave me to dust in the wind?"
"Once the spell is placed, no spell shall remove it. Not even us. Do you have an article that you will have on you for the spell?"
Spike thought about it for a moment. He couldn't really use hiscoat,because he wouldn't be able to wear it much. That leftjewellery. He didn't want anotherringthough, too easy to lose or have someone grab it from him. Helearntthat the hard way. That left the thin gold chain around his neck. Spike removed the necklace and handed it over. The Mage gave a nod and went over to the other two witches in the room and they began to prepare the spell. Spike was looking forward to testing this thing out tomorrow morning. With the chip gone that was one thing off the list, this would make it two.Afterwardsit was logistics and paperwork before he could head back to Sunnydale and get Dawn.
It was twenty minutes later and Spike was back in Lilah's office with his now enhanced necklace on his neck once again. Lilah gave Spike a warm smile as he came in and sat down. She handed him a mug of fresh otter blood knowing that he would need it after the surgery.
"How's the head feeling?"
"Poundin', but it feels good to have that out. Preciate not havin' one of your docs put somethin' else in it."
"That wouldn't inspire trust between usnowwould it.Besidesyou are too powerful to have on a leash. As long as I keep my word then I know you will. And speaking of my word, hereisthe documents that clear you to adopt Dawn. It is already signed off by a family court judge. You just need to show this to the social worker. Here is also your new identification, William Summers. You are Hank's younger half-brother. You have spent the last few years in London and only now have heard of your niece's death. Along with you identification, I've created a work history for you. You were an English University Professor in England. Everything is in here for you to go over for any future questions."
"Preciateit." Spike said as he took the file.
"Now on to where you will be living. You need a place with no demon community or ties to the demon community, but also still has it's own vampires and demons for you to hunt at night when the need comes. It needs to be larger than Sunnydale for you to blend in, but also provide you with enough isolation. Somewhere with good schools for Dawn and it's own University and College for you to get employment."
"Sounds good, but where the Hell would that be?"
"Ever been to Montana Mr. Spike?" Lilah asked with a smirk.
"Can't say I havepet."
"Billings, Montana will be your new home." Lilah turned the computer screen so Spike could see it as she had some information up. "Population is just over a hundred thousand. Lots of places for Dawn to explore, go to school and even post-secondary. There are also six private schools well within your limit before employment. We have a contact with Montana State University, they are looking for a new English Professor and it would be tenure, so you would never have to worry about losing your job. Starting salary is a hundred grand with full health benefits and a five percent raise every year. The job can be yours by tomorrow night easily enough. There are also numerous ranches that are for sale. Some more fancier than others. The ranches are on the outskirts in a sense so it would give you both enough privacy and some land for you to have. One even comes with five horses and a barn. What do you think?"
"Think I could get used to Montana. What's the price rangeonthese houses?"
"Some go for half a million up to a million. This one caught my eye. It's the one with the horses, animals can be very good for a trauma victim. This one has a fully finished basement, two levels, plus an attic that can work as a loft as well. There are four bedrooms, two fullbathroomupstairs and a powder room on the main floor. It comes with appliances,washerand dryer. There's a fireplace in the living room, but also in the master bedroom. Thereisan inground pool and a hot tub along with a fire pit area and a tennis court. It would be a great place for Dawn to finish growing up in and to have friends over. That one is seven-fifty, but we could get it down to seven hundred with a fast sale. How does that sound?"
"Sounds nice. If it was just me I wouldn't do it, but it would be nice for Dawn to have a good home. Some place she wants to be and could be proud of.Freshstart and all that. What the hell do I do withhorsesthough?"
"You can have a ranch hand that comes by once a day or so to look after them. Or you could just learn. They are pretty simple to look after. They just need basic grooming, food and clean up. The house and barn are in perfect condition. We can have it all ready for you both within twenty-four hours. No one lives there currently."
"Well, let's do that then."
"I'll get it all set for you. I'll also use our contacts to have a ward placed on the house and the whole land so no violence can happen. That way you both are safe once you are on your land. It might come in handy should anyone discover who you are."
"Ta Pet."
"I'll just need a few signatures from you and it will be set to send the request in. Do you have a phone?"
"No."
"I'll give you a cell phone so I can get in contact with you when the house comes through and when we have a job for you. If something comes up that you need help withcallme and I will handle it."
Spike gave a nod and watched as Lilah worked away on her computer. Spike was feeling very grateful that he had come here tonight, because otherwise he would never have been able to figure this out at all. Within an hour Spike had everything taken care of and he had a new cell phone. He still had a good seven hours before the sun would be up and Social Services would be open for him. Spike figured he would take this time to add to his kiddie pool. He made his way over to one of the human casinos within L.A and went straight for the poker table. He knew that he had just over two million now with the house purchase and that was more than enough, but Spike figured it was better to be safe than sorry. If something happened and they had to get out Spike wanted to make sure they were covered. He would open a second bank account under a different name so he could have a backup stash should this name get burnt. He would play for five hours before heading back to Sunnydale to get his girl. He had five hours left of his normal life before everything would become painful and hard.
End of Flashback
Spike flipped the pancake and couldn't believe that it had been six months since him and Dawn had left Sunnydale. Since he had given everything up for the fifteen year old girl and became the lowest slave in the demon world. It had all been worth it though. It became worth it the second he saw Dawn's face light up at the mention that she would be living with him. She took it like a champion too when her social worker had introduced Spike as her Uncle William. Dawn hugged him and acted like she hadn't seen him in years and that she had lost his number and couldn't find him to tell him about her mom or Buffy. Spike couldn't have been any prouder of her. She played it perfectly. It only took an hour before Dawn was in his custody and social services was out of their lives. They had driven by the house so Dawn could pick up any of her things that she wanted to keep, thankfully it was empty, before they headed for the highway. Dawn didn't even care that they were leaving Sunnydale for Montana of all places. She was thrilled to be getting away from all of the people who claimed to love her only to abandon her when she needed them the most. Dawn didn't really have any friends that she wanted to stay in touch with so moving far away sounded amazing to her.
They had driven the whole way there. It had taken two days, because Spike stopped for the night so they could get some sleep. Spike had also taken his poker winnings, a cool two million, dumbass humans could never lie, and placed it in a secret account. Spike then had purchased a nice camera for Dawn to use for the new journey she was about to go on. She had it glued in her hands the whole trip and Spike stopped at some major places and sights so Dawn could get some pictures. Dawn had loved every second of the trip. When they finally did arrive at their new ranch home they were both in awe at the beauty of the place. The house was massive and very modern. They were both shocked to see that it was completely furnished so they didn't even have to worry about any of that stuff. Something Spike was very thankful for. They even had a closet each full of new clothes. Spike had ten new high-end suits tailors to fit him perfectly, all of them were black or a smoky grey in colour. Spike knew with being a professor he would need to dress the part for it and he was glad that he would be able to avoid shopping for a little while. Lilah had even made sure to leave brochures for the private schools on the kitchen island counter top for Dawn. Dawn had decided to go to Yellowstone Academy and immediately wanted to start the next day. She was looking forward to being in school again and she seemed to be very interested in being able to make some new friends with some class. Along with the school brochures, Lilah had left some information on top child therapist that dealt with death and trauma. Spike was thrilled when Dawn had agreed to go and speak with one.
Now after six months Dawn was doing amazingly well. She was on a fast track to getting her High School Diploma, now she would graduate at the right age of eighteen instead of nineteen or even twenty. She had made friends with a huge group of friends, all of which were good influences on her. She learnt how to play tennis and had joined the tennis team at her school. She was doing very well, so well that her coach thought she could get a scholarship even to University. Dawn had been seeing her therapist once a week, even still. She felt like it was nice to talk to a stranger about her life without having to worry about being judged or in trouble. She knew she could talk to Spike about anything, but it was nice having an adult female to talk to about girl stuff. Spike was very thankful and grateful to her therapist for still seeing her and understanding that sometimes a teenage girl just needs a female role model in their life.
She was now sixteen, her birthday two months ago, she had gotten her driving license and Spike had given her a car for her birthday. A very nice surprise to Dawn. Spike wanted to make sure she had a car and a new car so she would be safe. Spike had taught her how to drive so he wasn't worried about that. Spike had taught her how to ride a horse and Dawn loved it. She would take a horse out for a ride every day that was good weather for it. Spike wasn't too sure about the horses at first, but Dawn took to them. She was the one who took care of them the most. Spike would help her, but often he would wake up in the morning to find that Dawn had already done most of the work. Five months ago at the request of her therapist they had gotten Dawn a puppy. Her therapist thought it would be good for Dawn to have someone to take care of. Someone that could sleep with her at night and keep her company. Dawn had picked out a golden retrieve that she called Missy. Spike wasn't too sure at first about having a dog, but he would do anything for Dawn and he was very relieved to see that she didn't want some small purse dog.
Spike had been working at the University as an English Professor. He had to change his look so he wouldn't stand out. He kept his hair the same, but got rid of the all black outfits and his duster was hung up in his closet. Spike wasn't too sure about his job at first, but he got into the swing of things within a couple of weeks. The first couple of months were hard on him. His demon was constantly craving the hunt for human blood. It was constantly fighting him on everything. He was in pain constantly for two months before finally the demon gave up and had no choice, but to submit to the new life. Spike made sure he went out every night he could to patrol the cemeteries so he could still get into some fights. He was always able to find some vampires or demon to kill. In the last six months Spike had been able to get along with his colleagues and even would go to poker night with a few of them. It was an adjustment for him to make, but he was always able to make friends. No one had been able to find them and Spike was glad for that. He didn't want to have to take Dawn away from this life. Not when she was finally back on track and happy again. Spike had kept his word to Lilah and once a month he would be sent somewhere for two days to take care of a demon or add some protection to a valuable asset within the Firm. Dawn didn't mind and if she was able to Spike brought her with him. Dawn had been able to see Paris, London, Hawaii and Ireland from it. They had made this life work and Spike was happy as well. Part of him still grieved for the loss of the woman he loved. He still hadn't been able to even look at another woman without feeling like he was cheating. Spike wasn't too concerned about that though, He could get off with his own hand if the need ever came too strong. Eventually with time he would be able to move on. He did love being out in the sun, he had a nice tan now. He would often swim in the pool or play tennis with Dawn. He was always muscular, but now he had some added muscle to him from working out. He was also getting blood delivered to him with different species. He found he liked the otter the best, but he also liked the taste of tiger and wolf blood. This was their life now and Spike was happy with it.
Dawn came down the stairs all dressed in her uniform. She gave Spike a smile and a kiss on his cheek as she spoke.
"Oh pancakes."
"Not just any pancakes, a new recipe. Cinnamon bun pancakes."
"What? Are you kidding me? How did you learn that?"
"Susan at work makes em for her kiddies. I mentioned how you love cinnamon, so she gave me the recipe."
"They smell amazing."
"And they are done." Spike said as he handed Dawn her plate before taking his own over to the island to sit and eat.
Spike had the tests that he was supposed to be grading on the island all spread out to mark later. He had an office, but often when he had to mark tests he found it easier to spread out and mark a few at a time. Dawn took a bite and moaned at the amazing taste.
"This is awesome. Seriously, this is my favourite food."
Spike took a bite and he too was surprised at how good they tasted. "You might have somethin' there Bit. This is better than I thought it would be."
"We should make a bunch then freeze them. That way we can just toast them when we want em." Dawn suggested.
"Sounds like a plan. Tonight?"
"I never miss baking with you. I'm so counting this as baking. You're off all day right?"
"No classes on Thursdays this semester."
"Ok so I'll be home and then we can bake em up. Any idea for dinner?"
"I was thinkin' burgers on the barbeque."
"Oh I could pick up some fires on the way home. We could eat dinner than bake after." Dawn suggested.
"Works for me Bit. Any plans this weekend?"
"I might go out on Saturday with a few friends, I don't know yet. I have that match tomorrow so it'll depend on how that goes."
"You'll be great. What time is it again?"
"Five, do you think you'll make it?"
"I'll be there. Class ends at three."
"Cool. My coach thinks I have a real chance at getting a full scholarship to Montana State if I want."
"Is that where you want to go?"
"Ya it is. I'm not ready to leave this place, even in a couple of years. This is home to me and I'm not ready to be away from it. I just don't know what I want to be yet."
"You must have some ideas."
"Well, I want help people. I just don't know what the best way to do that would be. Dr. Grey thinks I just need some time and when I'm ready I'll just know what to do."
"You will. You got two years yet Bit I wouldn't worry it too much."
"I won't. When it happens, it happens. And now I have a serious sugar high." Dawn said with a smile as she got up and rinsed her plate off before putting it into the dishwasher.
She grabbed a to-go mug and put in her coffee, a habit she picked up when she was in foster care, before going over and grabbing her bag.
"You got everythin'?"
"Yup. I'll see you tonight with fries. You want gravy?"
"Do you even have to ask?"
"I know right? Ok love you and see you tonight." Dawn gave Spike another kiss to his cheek before she headed out.
"Love you too Bit." Spike said after her.
Spike gave a smile as he finished his pancakes before he would get back to work on marking the tests. It was a completely different life than Spike ever expected to have living and unliving, but he wouldn't change it for the world.