(If you haven't read my story Breathe Again, please do not comment on this one yet! If you have, feel free to let me know what you think! I don't own the characters.)
His heart was beating. For the first time in over a century, Spike had a pulse. He knew that the fact that the Shanshu prophecy had been passed to him somehow was a big deal. But the truth was, and he'd never dream of telling Buffy this, he was somewhat saddened by the loss of his immortality. Sure, he was happy, because it meant living with her. Living a real, human life with the woman he loved. But he couldn't help but somewhat miss the life he had grown accustomed to for so long.
Spike spent the next few days going through every test imaginable. Willow and the others tested him for all forms of illness and disease. "Spike's immune system is not adequate enough to fight off today's viruses and infections. We need to immunize him and boost his immune system before he's exposed to the world outside the compound." Willow had explained to Buffy and Spike one evening.
Spike was growing weary of being locked in the compound, so Buffy came up with ideas to keep him occupied. But he knew she longed to go back out on patrol, where all the action was happening.
"Love, you should be out there fighting, not babysitting me." Spike reached out and touched her cheek gently. She sighed, but smiled slightly.
"You heard Willow, Spike. You can't risk being exposed to anything germy. And until you can, I can't risk going out and getting sick or something. If I did, I wouldn't be able to see you until I was sure it was gone. And I don't want to be away from you for that long."
Spike grinned at her. He knew things had changed between them, but he had no idea of the changes still coming. As he laid back against the bed, dark forces were in play elsewhere in the city.