Reunion

Author: Kerri

Rating: PG-13(?) (the usual Spike language)

Category: Fluff

Setting: a while after "Crush". Spike's POV

All the usual disclaimers apply. Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy own these characters, I don't.

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I've been waiting for her for days now. Watching, waiting and hoping. It's about 9:30 in the evening, and I sit at a outdoor cafe near the beach, nursing a glass of bourbon. Bloody hell, where is she? Dru is nothing but a creature of habit, and I knew I'd probably find her here. She's always loved the ocean. Says the tide is like music, though I can't hear the music myself. Plus, this was *our* beach. We used to walk along in the moonlight, making such sweet and deadly plans.

Before memories can overtake me, I fish out my lighter and cigarettes from my duster, and start on another one.

Truth is, I miss my old life and I miss my Drusilla, my black goddess, and now that the sodding chip is finally out comission, there's nothing to stop from coming back and claiming what's mine.

After a few minutes, I see her. She's alone, looking very beautiful and very fragile.

I put out the cigarette with my boot and go to her. She's lost her in own thoughts and doesn't even seem to notice as I approach.

Then she turns around, eyes widening slightly. "Spike?"

I take her hand. "I'm here, pet. I'm back."

She studies me for a few seconds, searching my eyes, then leans forward and touches my head, like a queen annoiting a knight. "The chip... It's all dark...You've been feeding"

I nod. "Malfunctioned. Apparently those wanker soldiers couldn't get anything right."

"And the Slayer? She no longer plagues your thoughts"

I can only shrug. "What about her? I don't love her anymore. She's gone, Dru."

She looks at me again, tightens her grip on my hand a little. "The stars kept whispering to me you'd be back. I didn't want to to believe them. I thought you were lost forever..."

"Believe it, love. I'm home"

Well and truly home.

She snuggles against me, and we walk along in the moonlight once again.