THE HUMAN IN ME

Summary: Sequel to Catch Me When I Fall. Buffy and Spike have been together for a while, but Spike had been gone for a month. When he finally comes back, he has a surprise for Buffy. Which also surprises everyone else. Angel comes in at later parts.

Note: This is in Spike's and Buffy's PsOV. But Peaches- I mean Angel will have his POV in the later chapters. Thoughts are in italics.

Disclaimer: I don't own squat.

Dedication: Thanks to everyone who read my first fic, and to Out-of-Reality for the idea of this story.

Chapter 1

--- Buffy's POV ---

I can't believe it. After a month of being away, Spike is finally coming back. I'm giddy with excitement. I really missed him.

I was really lonely while he was gone. It's just that I've gotten used to having a man around the house. He'd bee here for six months now. He'd drive Dawn to school in the DeSoto, fixing things around the house. It was great having him around. Like we were a family.

Don't get me wrong, we aren't really married or anything. We haven't even talked about that stuff yet. I loved him sure, but I'm not sure he's ready yet.


But I am a little suspicious about the whole thing. He had left home in a hurry, saying he had some things to take care of and that he would be back in a month. That would be this day. I just hope him coming back also means some answers.

I looked at the clock. 9:30 in the morning. Where is he?

But what if he isn't coming back? A nagging voice said in the back of my brain. What if had found someone else while he was away? A bombshell vampire or something. What if he's left me? What if...

I was jammed away from my thoughts when I heard a knock on the door. I jumped up from my chair in delight. Omigod, he's here! "Dawn, could you—."

"Way ahead of you, Buffy." Dawn called out, already by the door. I smiled. She missed him almost as much as I did. Almost.

Dawn opened the door. I took a deep breath, prepared to see my love again. His blue eyes looking intently into mine like he could see the depths of my soul, his strong arms around me, making me feel so safe. But nothing could have prepared me to the sight that greeted me at the other side of our doorstep.

--- Spike's POV ---

At last. I made it. I was standing by Buffy's doorstep.

I will see my Buffy again. Well, I still have to explain why the bloody hell I had left so suddenly, and coming back like this, but it's worth it. And she'll be so happy once I tell her about my surprise.

I felt my back pocket and smiled. Still there. Then tremendous pain shot through my body. God, does it hurt! But I'm here. I've made it.

A while back, I would never have imagined getting together with Buffy. Hell, she was the Slayer, and I was William the Bloody, a vampire. But that changed...

Pain went through my chest and I decided I had better get inside.

I knocked on the door, using the last ounce of strength I had left. I clutched the doorframe tightly. I could barely stand up.

The door opened and Dawn greeted me. "Welcome back—." Then she stopped when she saw me. Her eyes wandered from my face, to my clothes. "Buffy!" she shrieked.

Buffy ran over. Seeing her almost made me feel better. Her hair glinting in the sunlight. I smiled. But the pain was worse than ever.

Then she screamed when she saw me. And I had a good bet it wasn't a scream of joy either.

"Hi, girls," I managed to say.

"Spike, what the—."

Then the pain and exhaustion I experienced the past month finally took its toll. My knees buckled.

Then everything went black.

END OF CHAPTER

A/N: Yay! Sequel! I worked it out pretty fast right? Anyway, what do you think happened to Spike? Where had he been all that time? What was in his pocket? Why do I ask questions whose answers I already know? But you guys just have to read the next chapter don't you? Read and review please!!