IMPORTANT AUTHOR'S NOTE: (Chapter 4 is a mini chapter that strays away from the main story a bit since I felt I needed to explore a situation that I started in the first chapter. Don't worry Spuffy will be reunited soon!)

Spike was speechless.
What? When...When did you get here?".

"3 hours 42 minutes and 36 seconds ago", the voice recalled.

Spike sighed and combed his fingers through his bleached hair in frustration.

"Bloody hell woman! Did you follow me?!".

The unknown lady continued to walk towards Spike but then walked past him.

"That is correct. I felt the strangest emotion after you left. I felt..something similar to when..to when Wesley died...".

"Illyria..you shouldn't have come. I know why you did and I came here for the exact same reason. To be wanted by a particular person". Illyria flicked her head back around to Spike, her unnaturally blue eyes burning a hole in him.

"Are you suggesting that I have a romantical interest in you half breed?", Illyria said defensively.

"Didn't you think I'd notice the way you followed me around after the apocalypse? You went everywhere with me. Did everything with me".

Illyria looked away awkwardly. Underneath her blue skin, he swear he saw her blush.

"Oh god. She wasn't denying it!", he thought to himself.

"Listen. I'm not angry or embarrassed or anything", he explained as he walked towards her.

"I just can't give you what you're looking for".

He comfortingly put his hand on her shoulder. There was a long pause and Illyria continued to avoid Spike's eyes.

"Alright, maybe I might've thought about it a few months ago. ONCE. When I thought I was never gonna see Buffy again but let's be honest blue. It wouldn't have ended well. I'm glad we didn't go there".

Illyria smiled the TINIEST smile.

"Well there's something I haven't seen before", he chuckled, hinting at her smile.

He brought a finger to the demon's chin and tilted her head up.

"Now, I'm gonna call Gunn, get him to pick ya up. I assume they know ya' here?".

Illyria gave him a sheepish look.

"You're joking me blue? They're probably worried sick".

"I took their beloved Fred from them. The last thing they are doing is worrying about me".

"Hey. That's not true. You've proved yourself to them these last few months. Believe it or not, I'd say they care about you".

Spike reached for his phone but Illyria grabbed his hand.

"No. I am going to stay. Explore this extra terrestrial planet", she mumbled. Spike raised his eyebrow.

"As strange as London is, it's on the same planet love".

He went to grab Illyria's hand but she ran off into the darkness.

"Blue!", he yelled.

"Illyria!"...

He'd tried to go after Illyria but she was gone in seconds. He couldn't leave Dawn alone even if she was capable of looking after herself. It was almost 1am. Buffy wasn't turning up tonight. He turned to leave the alley and go inside but again heard footsteps behind him. This didn't smell like Illyria. The sound was getting closer. He clenched his fists and swung a punch when he felt the presence directly behind him. The figure had a strong grip and grabbed his hand. Before he knew it, he was on the floor and the figure loomed above him and grabbed his collar.

"I'm sure you fought better last time..."