The Year 1001
Three monks were sitting on the floor in a circle. They were chanting in usion in an ancient language. A single candle lit the dark room. An old man sat in the middle of the circle, writing on a scroll.
As the chanting grew louder, the candle started to flicker, even though there is no wind.
The monks kept chanting, and the old man kept writing.
A wind whipped around the room, making the candle flicker again, but it didn't go out.
More chanting. More writing.
Then, the old man threw down the used scroll and picked up a new one, yelling his words as he wrote.
"In the year of the new millinium, two Slayers will roam the Earth. One of Good. One of Evil."
"When the End draws near, the two Slayers will unite, and fight side by side in a battle of the Demon deminsion."
"However, in the End, one Slayer will give Life in the form of a sacrifice. The other, will give Life, in the form of a child."
The candle blew out.
The Present
"Bring it on, Big Boy," Buffy leered at the vampire she was fighting. They moved in a circle. The vamp took a swing at her. He missed. Buffy grabbed it's arm and flipped it over on it's back. She went to punch it, but it grabbed her hand and twisted it.
"Aaugh," she cried as she felt her wrist strain, but it didn't break. She could tell it would be healed in about half an hour. She pulled her hand away and kicked the vamp in the face. Then, in the ribs. It cried out in pain. She pulled her stake out f her sleeve and shoved it through the heart.
She stood straight up, brushing off the dust off her hands."There we go."
"Nice work, Slayer," said a low voice behind her. She rolled her eyes and turned around.
"Must you follow me everywhere? I cannot have a single night patroling without you stalking me," she complained.
"I'm not stalking," said Spike coming out of the shadows," just watching."
"And being a major pain in my ass."
"You okay?" he guestered to her wrist.
"Yeah. Just a strain. It will heal."
He walked up beside her, his expression turning serious.
"How's Dawn? I mean after what happened."
Buffy immediatly looked at the ground."She's okay. In a sense that she's talking to me. I don't think she'll ever trust me again."
Spike lifted her chin up with his hand, making her face him.
"It wasn't your fault, Luv. You were poisoned. Hillusinating. The toxin was saying one thing and your mind and body were saying another."
Tears started down Buffy's cheeks. Spike went to brush them away, but Buffy pulled back.
"Stop. I don't need everyone saying it wasn't when I know in my mind that it was."
"But it wasm't-" he started.
"No. It *was* my fault," she started to sob."I had the choice between friends, family, and Slayer, or the mental instituion with my Mom and Dad. I *choose* the mental institution! I almost got my friends and Dawn killed. I thought, maybe, it is all a dream. Maybe it *is* all fake. A hillusination. I *wanted* it to be fake. I didn't want to have to deal with raising a child, helping my friends, saving the world, and keeping away from *you*. I wanted it to end. And in the end, I almost killed my sister!"
She dropped to her knees and cried. Her sobs were shaking her violently. Spike squated down next to her, putting an arm around her. She leaned into his touch, letting him hold her.
He sat down on the ground and pulled her into his lap, stroking her hair and whispering soothing words to calm her down.
Her sobs soon turned to whimpers. She stayed in his arms even after she stopped crying.
"She's never gonna forgive me. I almost killed her and she'll never trust me aga-" Spike cut her off with a kiss. It was soft and tender, but soon turned hungrier. His tongue slipped into her warm, moist mouth and let her's intertwine with his. She grabbed the collar of his duster with one hand and ran the other through his hair.
His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer.
She pulled away, gasping for air and panting heavily.
"Buffy, maybe we shouldn't-" he started.
"Just hold me," she pleaded.
They kissed again. Buffy's hands moved under his shirt, feeling his cold skin against her warm skin.
His kisses traveled from her mouth down to her neck, nipping slightly at her tender flesh. She arced her neck back. He nibbled on her throat, never breaking the skin. He slowly nibbed on her collarbone.
She moaned softly.
She started to fool with the buckle of his belt, but he siezed her wondering hands.
"Not here," he whispered. He lifted her off the ground and carried her to his crypt.
He shut the door behind him, keeping Buffy in his arms. He carried her down to the lower level, and placed her gently on his bed.
They both took off their jackets, but didn't have time to do anything else when they started making out again.
They made love all night. Screaming each other's names and moaning in pleasure. This was different from any other time. It was love. Not just sex. Maybe she hadn't addmitted her feelings for him, but she knew they were there. She knew she was hurting him by not telling her friends. But, part of her notices something else when he get's mad. He's scared. She can see it. He knows that the scoobies are just now starting to get used to him. Accept him. If they found out that they were toggther, all of that trust and acceptance could go down the drain, just like *that*.
She laid next to him. He had his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. He stroked her hair, tucking a loose strand behind her ear.
"She will forgive you, you know," stated Spike. Buffy was pulled out of her fantisie daze and back into reality.
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because I spent a whole summer with her while you were gone. I watched her greive. I watched her blame herself. She thought, that because she was the key, it had been her fault that you died. She knew you loved her so much that you wouldn't let anything happen to her. She knows you didn't mean to hurt anyone."
"But, I can feel it. Everytime she get's near me, she stays clear, like I'm gonna hurt her if she get's too close. And that just adds to my problems."
"What else is going on, Luv?" he asked, propping his head up on his arm.
"She says I'm never around. That I'm....it's almost like I'm dead," she felt tears sting her eyes."And she's right, you know. I'm never around. I slay and I work and I save the world, but I can't make time for my little sister. Or when I do, she already has plans. It's just......sometimes.....I wish I was dead." She felt the tears spill over.
Spike spun her over to face him, gripping her forearms.
"Don't say that," he said firmly but soothing. "You're not dead. Not now. And you're not gonna be dead for along time. Dawn loves you. But she's a teenager. You may not know much about a normal teenage life, but this is it. They complain, the parents deal. Or in this case the sister. And, Buffy, your stronger than most parents. And, by that I mean a strong will. You wouldn't have given up before you died and your not gonna start now. How 'bout you let me have a talk with Dawn. I don't know why, but she listens to me. Just let me talk to her and let her know what your feeling right now."
Buffy's cries had lessened, she just stared at him while he talked.
Then, she kissed him. Sweet and tender. He kissed her back, letting his tongue tangle with hers. She broke the kiss so she could breathe.
"I need to get back home. It's almost three in the morning, and I have to get up in about three hours to make sure Dawn get's to school," she whispered.
"Sure, Luv," he whispered back, kissing her again. She kissed him back, but had to pull away soon enough. She got off the bed to find her clothes. She found her shirt, that was now unwearable because of the absence of buttons.
She sent him a glare. "What am I gonna wear home, now?"
"Here," he said, throwing her his shirt,"where that."
She pulled the shirt over her head.
"Maybe I should come with you. I can tell Red you were patroling with me so Bit don't go hay-wire on you," he suggested.
She thought about it for awhile.Then nodded.
"Maybe. Yeah. Sure. Just.....get dressed."
They pulled on the remainder of their clothing and jackets and left the crypt.
"Hey Buffy! And Spike....."said Willow as the walked through the back door.
"Hey, Will. Is Dawn asleep?" asked Buffy.
"Yeah. She was worried about you. I told her I would send you up as soon as you got home. Um......Why's Spike here?"
Buffy looked at Spike. He shrugged, raising his eyebrows. She looked like she was thinking about something, then she shook her head. He knitted his brow, confused. She smiled, nodding. His eyesbrows went way up. She laughed. Then nodded.
"Okay, can someone please fill me in on the silent conversation you just had?" asked Willow, who was completly lost on what they were trying to say.
Buffy looked at Spike again. Then, turned to Willow."He'll tell you everything." Then she ran to the stairs.
Willow turned back to Spike. "So....."
Buffy took a deep breath and opened Dawn's door.
"Dawnie?" she whispered as she walked in. Dawn was laying on her bed, but she wasn't asleep.
"Buffy?" she said looking up. She ran to her sister and gave her a hug. "Where were you?"
"Oh, um. About that. I need to talk to you."
"Talk away. I'm all ears."
They took a seat on Dawn's bed. Buffy was looking down at her hands.
~Oh, god, how am I going to tell my little sister that I'm sleeping with Spike. I mean, it's not like she wouldn't absolutly love it, I just don't want her to be mad that I've been ditching her for him. I'll just say it fast and get it over with~
"Buffy. You gonna tell me anytime soon?" asked Dawn.
"Okay. Well...I'm sort of sleeping with Spike and that is where I've been going everytime I've been this late and I didn't mean to ditch you it's just I was really hurting from being pulled from Heaven and he made it better.....he made me feel alive," she finished, panting from talking so fast and so much. Dawn managed to get everything.
She thought about it awhile, then smiled. "You're with Spike? Cool. And just so you know, I'm not really *happy* that you ditch me to be with him, but I don't mind every once in awhile. Just, tell me, so I don't worry."
Buffy wrapped Dawn in a huge hug. "You are the best sister ever, you know that?"
"Yeah."
Buffy released Dawn of her grip."You need to get to bed. You have to get up again in three hours."
"Okay. No wait," Dawn grabbed her sleeve.
"What?" asked Buffy, confused.
"Is that his shirt? It is isn't it? I can smell him on it. Why are you wearing his shirt? Oh, wait, I don't want to know. My feeble teenage mind can't handle that coming from my sister about my big-brother figure."
Buffy helped her into bed and kissed her on the forehead and headed back out. Then, Dawn's voice stopped her.
"Um, Buffy?"
"Yeah, Dawn," she said, turning back to her.
"Some advice. When you tell Xander, if you do, either make sure Spike isn't around, or that he doesn't have a stake on him. Oh, and um, I would advize you, unless you want to scarr him for life, find something to cover that mondo hickey on your neck," Dawn laughed.
"I'll keep that in mind. Goodnight, Dawn," said Buffy as she closed the door behind her.
She headed back down the steps and into the kitchen. Willow was sitting in a chair and Spike was leaning against the counter. Buffy perched upon the counter next to Spike, leaning against him slightly.
"So, Will. What's running through that smart brain of yours?" asked Buffy.
"Just one word......Whoa."
"And is this a good thing or a bad thing?"
"It could be either.......But I think in this case......it's good."
Buffy sighed in relief.
"A-are you gonna tell the others?" asked Willow.
"Yeah. I guess. Tomarrow. I'll call a Scooby meeting at the Magic Box."
"Good, that's good. Oh, and one question."
"Shoot."
"Is he gonna, like, stay here? Now that you two are......together?"
"I didn't even think of that."
"You know, I'm in the room," spoke up Spike."I think I should have a say in this since it's me who's staying somewhere. But, something you may want to take into consideration. What about Social Services?"
"He's right," agreed Willow. "I don't think they would like your boyfriend living in the house. You know.....little ears that shouldn't be hearing things that go bump in the night," Willow said, raising her eyebrows. Buffy's eyes widened. Spike smirked.
"Yeah, you know how much you scream when we_," He started but she covered his mouth with her hand before he could finish. She gave Willow an embarrased look.
"Oh, and I would appreciate we keep the PDA to a minimum in the house in case she happens to see. Don't want to scarr her," added Willow.
Buffy was becoming more flustered with every word."Did you guys plan on making me this uncomfortable or do you just like to see me squirm?"
Willow laughed.
"I like to see you squirm," said Spike in a low voice.
"I really didn't need to hear that," said Dawn who had appeared at the doorway.
"What are you doing here?" asked Buffy, embarrased again.
"I do live here. I got thristy. You guys sure do talk loud," she said with a sly grin.
"Oh my god," said Buffy as she buried her head in her hands.
"Don't worry. I've heard worse."
Buffy's head shot up.
"And I shall be going now," said Dawn as she did an about-face and left. Buffy was about to say something, but Spike put his hand over her mouth.
"Let her go. She had something on you, now your even. Forget it."
"Fine."
They turned to Willow. She had an amused look on her face.
"I think I had better be going," said Spike, standing up."The sun will be up soon and I don't want to be stuck here all day and endure Bit's tourtment of following me everywhere and asking questions about anything and everything that has to do with us." He started to walk out the door, but at the last minute, turned back and gave her a kiss. He pulled her off the counter as she wrapped her hands around his neck, pulling him closer. Their bodies rubbed in a rythm against each other. Then, Buffy pulled back, breathing hard. She flashed him a smile and gave him another small kiss before he turned and left.
"See ya later, Sweetness," he called as he left.
Buffy turned back to Willow. She was staring opened mouthed and wide- eyed. She noticed Buffy staring at her, and shook her head.
"I am *never* gonna get used to that," said Willow.
Three monks were sitting on the floor in a circle. They were chanting in usion in an ancient language. A single candle lit the dark room. An old man sat in the middle of the circle, writing on a scroll.
As the chanting grew louder, the candle started to flicker, even though there is no wind.
The monks kept chanting, and the old man kept writing.
A wind whipped around the room, making the candle flicker again, but it didn't go out.
More chanting. More writing.
Then, the old man threw down the used scroll and picked up a new one, yelling his words as he wrote.
"In the year of the new millinium, two Slayers will roam the Earth. One of Good. One of Evil."
"When the End draws near, the two Slayers will unite, and fight side by side in a battle of the Demon deminsion."
"However, in the End, one Slayer will give Life in the form of a sacrifice. The other, will give Life, in the form of a child."
The candle blew out.
The Present
"Bring it on, Big Boy," Buffy leered at the vampire she was fighting. They moved in a circle. The vamp took a swing at her. He missed. Buffy grabbed it's arm and flipped it over on it's back. She went to punch it, but it grabbed her hand and twisted it.
"Aaugh," she cried as she felt her wrist strain, but it didn't break. She could tell it would be healed in about half an hour. She pulled her hand away and kicked the vamp in the face. Then, in the ribs. It cried out in pain. She pulled her stake out f her sleeve and shoved it through the heart.
She stood straight up, brushing off the dust off her hands."There we go."
"Nice work, Slayer," said a low voice behind her. She rolled her eyes and turned around.
"Must you follow me everywhere? I cannot have a single night patroling without you stalking me," she complained.
"I'm not stalking," said Spike coming out of the shadows," just watching."
"And being a major pain in my ass."
"You okay?" he guestered to her wrist.
"Yeah. Just a strain. It will heal."
He walked up beside her, his expression turning serious.
"How's Dawn? I mean after what happened."
Buffy immediatly looked at the ground."She's okay. In a sense that she's talking to me. I don't think she'll ever trust me again."
Spike lifted her chin up with his hand, making her face him.
"It wasn't your fault, Luv. You were poisoned. Hillusinating. The toxin was saying one thing and your mind and body were saying another."
Tears started down Buffy's cheeks. Spike went to brush them away, but Buffy pulled back.
"Stop. I don't need everyone saying it wasn't when I know in my mind that it was."
"But it wasm't-" he started.
"No. It *was* my fault," she started to sob."I had the choice between friends, family, and Slayer, or the mental instituion with my Mom and Dad. I *choose* the mental institution! I almost got my friends and Dawn killed. I thought, maybe, it is all a dream. Maybe it *is* all fake. A hillusination. I *wanted* it to be fake. I didn't want to have to deal with raising a child, helping my friends, saving the world, and keeping away from *you*. I wanted it to end. And in the end, I almost killed my sister!"
She dropped to her knees and cried. Her sobs were shaking her violently. Spike squated down next to her, putting an arm around her. She leaned into his touch, letting him hold her.
He sat down on the ground and pulled her into his lap, stroking her hair and whispering soothing words to calm her down.
Her sobs soon turned to whimpers. She stayed in his arms even after she stopped crying.
"She's never gonna forgive me. I almost killed her and she'll never trust me aga-" Spike cut her off with a kiss. It was soft and tender, but soon turned hungrier. His tongue slipped into her warm, moist mouth and let her's intertwine with his. She grabbed the collar of his duster with one hand and ran the other through his hair.
His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer.
She pulled away, gasping for air and panting heavily.
"Buffy, maybe we shouldn't-" he started.
"Just hold me," she pleaded.
They kissed again. Buffy's hands moved under his shirt, feeling his cold skin against her warm skin.
His kisses traveled from her mouth down to her neck, nipping slightly at her tender flesh. She arced her neck back. He nibbled on her throat, never breaking the skin. He slowly nibbed on her collarbone.
She moaned softly.
She started to fool with the buckle of his belt, but he siezed her wondering hands.
"Not here," he whispered. He lifted her off the ground and carried her to his crypt.
He shut the door behind him, keeping Buffy in his arms. He carried her down to the lower level, and placed her gently on his bed.
They both took off their jackets, but didn't have time to do anything else when they started making out again.
They made love all night. Screaming each other's names and moaning in pleasure. This was different from any other time. It was love. Not just sex. Maybe she hadn't addmitted her feelings for him, but she knew they were there. She knew she was hurting him by not telling her friends. But, part of her notices something else when he get's mad. He's scared. She can see it. He knows that the scoobies are just now starting to get used to him. Accept him. If they found out that they were toggther, all of that trust and acceptance could go down the drain, just like *that*.
She laid next to him. He had his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. He stroked her hair, tucking a loose strand behind her ear.
"She will forgive you, you know," stated Spike. Buffy was pulled out of her fantisie daze and back into reality.
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because I spent a whole summer with her while you were gone. I watched her greive. I watched her blame herself. She thought, that because she was the key, it had been her fault that you died. She knew you loved her so much that you wouldn't let anything happen to her. She knows you didn't mean to hurt anyone."
"But, I can feel it. Everytime she get's near me, she stays clear, like I'm gonna hurt her if she get's too close. And that just adds to my problems."
"What else is going on, Luv?" he asked, propping his head up on his arm.
"She says I'm never around. That I'm....it's almost like I'm dead," she felt tears sting her eyes."And she's right, you know. I'm never around. I slay and I work and I save the world, but I can't make time for my little sister. Or when I do, she already has plans. It's just......sometimes.....I wish I was dead." She felt the tears spill over.
Spike spun her over to face him, gripping her forearms.
"Don't say that," he said firmly but soothing. "You're not dead. Not now. And you're not gonna be dead for along time. Dawn loves you. But she's a teenager. You may not know much about a normal teenage life, but this is it. They complain, the parents deal. Or in this case the sister. And, Buffy, your stronger than most parents. And, by that I mean a strong will. You wouldn't have given up before you died and your not gonna start now. How 'bout you let me have a talk with Dawn. I don't know why, but she listens to me. Just let me talk to her and let her know what your feeling right now."
Buffy's cries had lessened, she just stared at him while he talked.
Then, she kissed him. Sweet and tender. He kissed her back, letting his tongue tangle with hers. She broke the kiss so she could breathe.
"I need to get back home. It's almost three in the morning, and I have to get up in about three hours to make sure Dawn get's to school," she whispered.
"Sure, Luv," he whispered back, kissing her again. She kissed him back, but had to pull away soon enough. She got off the bed to find her clothes. She found her shirt, that was now unwearable because of the absence of buttons.
She sent him a glare. "What am I gonna wear home, now?"
"Here," he said, throwing her his shirt,"where that."
She pulled the shirt over her head.
"Maybe I should come with you. I can tell Red you were patroling with me so Bit don't go hay-wire on you," he suggested.
She thought about it for awhile.Then nodded.
"Maybe. Yeah. Sure. Just.....get dressed."
They pulled on the remainder of their clothing and jackets and left the crypt.
"Hey Buffy! And Spike....."said Willow as the walked through the back door.
"Hey, Will. Is Dawn asleep?" asked Buffy.
"Yeah. She was worried about you. I told her I would send you up as soon as you got home. Um......Why's Spike here?"
Buffy looked at Spike. He shrugged, raising his eyebrows. She looked like she was thinking about something, then she shook her head. He knitted his brow, confused. She smiled, nodding. His eyesbrows went way up. She laughed. Then nodded.
"Okay, can someone please fill me in on the silent conversation you just had?" asked Willow, who was completly lost on what they were trying to say.
Buffy looked at Spike again. Then, turned to Willow."He'll tell you everything." Then she ran to the stairs.
Willow turned back to Spike. "So....."
Buffy took a deep breath and opened Dawn's door.
"Dawnie?" she whispered as she walked in. Dawn was laying on her bed, but she wasn't asleep.
"Buffy?" she said looking up. She ran to her sister and gave her a hug. "Where were you?"
"Oh, um. About that. I need to talk to you."
"Talk away. I'm all ears."
They took a seat on Dawn's bed. Buffy was looking down at her hands.
~Oh, god, how am I going to tell my little sister that I'm sleeping with Spike. I mean, it's not like she wouldn't absolutly love it, I just don't want her to be mad that I've been ditching her for him. I'll just say it fast and get it over with~
"Buffy. You gonna tell me anytime soon?" asked Dawn.
"Okay. Well...I'm sort of sleeping with Spike and that is where I've been going everytime I've been this late and I didn't mean to ditch you it's just I was really hurting from being pulled from Heaven and he made it better.....he made me feel alive," she finished, panting from talking so fast and so much. Dawn managed to get everything.
She thought about it awhile, then smiled. "You're with Spike? Cool. And just so you know, I'm not really *happy* that you ditch me to be with him, but I don't mind every once in awhile. Just, tell me, so I don't worry."
Buffy wrapped Dawn in a huge hug. "You are the best sister ever, you know that?"
"Yeah."
Buffy released Dawn of her grip."You need to get to bed. You have to get up again in three hours."
"Okay. No wait," Dawn grabbed her sleeve.
"What?" asked Buffy, confused.
"Is that his shirt? It is isn't it? I can smell him on it. Why are you wearing his shirt? Oh, wait, I don't want to know. My feeble teenage mind can't handle that coming from my sister about my big-brother figure."
Buffy helped her into bed and kissed her on the forehead and headed back out. Then, Dawn's voice stopped her.
"Um, Buffy?"
"Yeah, Dawn," she said, turning back to her.
"Some advice. When you tell Xander, if you do, either make sure Spike isn't around, or that he doesn't have a stake on him. Oh, and um, I would advize you, unless you want to scarr him for life, find something to cover that mondo hickey on your neck," Dawn laughed.
"I'll keep that in mind. Goodnight, Dawn," said Buffy as she closed the door behind her.
She headed back down the steps and into the kitchen. Willow was sitting in a chair and Spike was leaning against the counter. Buffy perched upon the counter next to Spike, leaning against him slightly.
"So, Will. What's running through that smart brain of yours?" asked Buffy.
"Just one word......Whoa."
"And is this a good thing or a bad thing?"
"It could be either.......But I think in this case......it's good."
Buffy sighed in relief.
"A-are you gonna tell the others?" asked Willow.
"Yeah. I guess. Tomarrow. I'll call a Scooby meeting at the Magic Box."
"Good, that's good. Oh, and one question."
"Shoot."
"Is he gonna, like, stay here? Now that you two are......together?"
"I didn't even think of that."
"You know, I'm in the room," spoke up Spike."I think I should have a say in this since it's me who's staying somewhere. But, something you may want to take into consideration. What about Social Services?"
"He's right," agreed Willow. "I don't think they would like your boyfriend living in the house. You know.....little ears that shouldn't be hearing things that go bump in the night," Willow said, raising her eyebrows. Buffy's eyes widened. Spike smirked.
"Yeah, you know how much you scream when we_," He started but she covered his mouth with her hand before he could finish. She gave Willow an embarrased look.
"Oh, and I would appreciate we keep the PDA to a minimum in the house in case she happens to see. Don't want to scarr her," added Willow.
Buffy was becoming more flustered with every word."Did you guys plan on making me this uncomfortable or do you just like to see me squirm?"
Willow laughed.
"I like to see you squirm," said Spike in a low voice.
"I really didn't need to hear that," said Dawn who had appeared at the doorway.
"What are you doing here?" asked Buffy, embarrased again.
"I do live here. I got thristy. You guys sure do talk loud," she said with a sly grin.
"Oh my god," said Buffy as she buried her head in her hands.
"Don't worry. I've heard worse."
Buffy's head shot up.
"And I shall be going now," said Dawn as she did an about-face and left. Buffy was about to say something, but Spike put his hand over her mouth.
"Let her go. She had something on you, now your even. Forget it."
"Fine."
They turned to Willow. She had an amused look on her face.
"I think I had better be going," said Spike, standing up."The sun will be up soon and I don't want to be stuck here all day and endure Bit's tourtment of following me everywhere and asking questions about anything and everything that has to do with us." He started to walk out the door, but at the last minute, turned back and gave her a kiss. He pulled her off the counter as she wrapped her hands around his neck, pulling him closer. Their bodies rubbed in a rythm against each other. Then, Buffy pulled back, breathing hard. She flashed him a smile and gave him another small kiss before he turned and left.
"See ya later, Sweetness," he called as he left.
Buffy turned back to Willow. She was staring opened mouthed and wide- eyed. She noticed Buffy staring at her, and shook her head.
"I am *never* gonna get used to that," said Willow.