The sun was high in the sky when they started to wake. Their bodies entangled, in sleep, all the logical reasons lost, leaving just the need to be as close as possible.
Buffy woke slowly. Snuggling closer into the comfortable body that held her. As waking awareness increased she only felt contentment and joy, a feeling of rightness suffused her.
Spike hummed in satisfaction, breathing in her scent. He slid his arms gently around her, easing her into a more comfortable position.
Neither of them was sure who initiated their morning kiss. Their lips met in a tender kiss. They revelled in the sensation. They kept their kiss soft, not really exploring any further, just enjoying the closeness.
Their connection took away doubts and morning after worries. They both craved more, the need to consummate their union, it pulsed strongly in them both. The niggling doubts and lingering fears from past relationships held them back.
Their stomachs made the decision to get out of bed and start the day. Buffy showered while Spike grabbed a change of clothes from the trunk of his car. Buffy was searching the freezer to find something that tempted her appetite when Spike came down.
Spike strolled in and grinned, "My noggin' tells me we can eat human food and get our needs but we need more protein than a human. I don't need a liquid diet now. Our Demon heritage is predominantly a carnivore, so it won't go amiss now and then. I don't suppose Joyce has any nice steaks hidden away in there?"
Buried at the back of one of the freezer drawers were some steaks. Buffy pulled four out and put them in the microwave on defrost.
Spike leaned against the worktop and watched her, "I think they will settle on our stomachs easier if we have them blue".
Buffy looked at him and frowned, her head had been elsewhere.
Spike rolled his eyes, "You've heard of rare, medium and well. Blue comes before very rare. Our new bodies will appreciate it heated up but not cooked too much".
Buffy let Spike cook the meat. Part of her believed she should feel squeamish about eating bloody meat.
Spike stopped her before she sat down to eat, "Bring out your other face. Her teeth and taste buds will make this easier on you".
Her doubts were put to rest with the first mouthful. Getting used to her mouthful of teeth and using a fork took some practise but she soon got used to avoiding her larger canines. They were both famished and ate what seemed to be half a cow! As she got to the last few mouthfuls she tried one small piece with her human face. It was moist and tasty but it took her more chewing than with her demon face. She changed back to sharper teeth to finish.
They were tidying the table when they had a flash of inspiration, Buffy agreed to finish the pots as Spike made a phone call. He dialled a number that came to his mind. The Higher Powers had got the Watcher's Council to make prepare everything for them. It was all good news. All their ID and bank details were ready to be picked up. The house that the Powers had been requested would be ready to move in after 3pm. The key was with his ID and other papers.
He asked that they start working on shutting down the Military Operation located under the university. As he spoke to them information came into both their minds about the Initiative and the secret project in room 314 that contained a Frankenstein's monster. The shock factor of a soldier's body having demon parts grafted to it and powered by a Uranium core in his chest got a gasp at the other end of the phone as they gave them the new information. He went on to tell them about the experimentation done to the unaware soldiers; enhancement drugs that would cause heart problems and the behaviour modification chip, a control chip for humans, in some soldier's bodies.
Spike hung up and turned to see Buffy sat in sofa pouting, "What's wrong pet?"
She looked up at him with wide mournful eyes, "Don't you feel it too? You have to go and pick up the paperwork while I wait here for Mom to return. I hate the idea we have to separate even for a short time".
As Buffy spoke Spike felt the necessity behind her words and the reluctance to be parted. Letting Buffy feel his reaction, "I don't like it, but needs must. The sooner I go, the sooner I'll be back".
Buffy flung herself at him. He caught her and kissed her long and hard.
They reluctantly released each other. Parting was difficult for both of them. Buffy stood at the door and watched his car disappear from view.
With a relieved smile she turned to go back in the house, even with him out of sight she could still hear his thoughts and feel his emotions. She still wanted to be physically close to him but having the mental connection made the distance easier to bear.
She finished tidying the kitchen and had sat down to watch some telly to kill time when she heard a car pull up. She knocked telly off and went to the door. Walking out she went to carry her Mom's bags.
Joyce smiled, "It's nice to see you but what do you want?"
Buffy laughed, "So I should visit more often? Okay you got me. I have something I need to tell you".
Joyce looked worried, "Good or bad?"
Buffy gave a wry smile, "I think it's good but I'm afraid Giles and the Scoobies won't be very accepting".
Joyce nodded, "Let's go in and get a drink," she went straight into the kitchen.
As she prepared their drinks Buffy started, "Short story is I'm dating Spike".
Joyce froze for an instant, "I like Spike but he wouldn't be my first choice for a long term boyfriend for you. I must admit I'm surprised, I didn't think you liked him very much".
Buffy gave a tight nod, "I don't want to repeat the entire story as I'm hoping I can tell the full story with Giles and the Scoobies here. I'll ring them in a bit, if that's alright".
Joyce nodded and Buffy continued, "The slightly longer story is yesterday Willow used magic on us. She made Giles blind, Xander a demon magnet and Spike and I believed we were getting married. Her spell is broken now but it triggered another spell. Spike and I were sent to the bosses of the Powers that Be. They removed all the magic and other things that were negatively influencing us. We have both been manipulated for a long time from quite a few sources. We learned many things from them. It turns out Spike is my soul mate. We were given some rewards and an upgraded job description. Spike has been gifted his soul. He and Angel both have their souls anchored. One of Spike's rewards is he can safely go out during the day. Angel, they are not so happy with, his looks now reflect his personality and intentions. Let's just say no one could describe his looks as Angelic any more".
Joyce carried their drinks through and sat down, "Where is Spike now? How is he coping with a soul?"
Just his name bought a smile to Buffy's face. Joyce noticed and filed away the extra information.
Buffy was careful not to give too much information away with her answer, "He went to pick up some paperwork and other things the Higher Powers arranged for us. I don't think he will be long until he is back," their link let her know he was driving back as she spoke, "Since his soul is a reward not a curse, his transition has been easier. They muted many of our responses to give us time to deal with all the changes and information they gave us".
The hammering on the door made them both jump.
Buffy sent her Mom to the back of the room as she grabbed a stake and a sword.
Buffy approached the door warily. Looking through the glass she saw her irate looking friends and her Watcher.
She opened the door only to be yelled and screamed at. Their accusations overlapping making their words into little more than ear splitting noise.
Joyce stormed forward hands on hips, "What is the meaning of this? Calm yourselves or leave now!"
The screeching and yelling started up again.
Joyce put her fingers in her mouth and belted out a whistle.
They stared at her slack jawed.
In a soft but determined voice she told them, "I will not tolerate this kind of behaviour at my front door. If you can moderate your voices and your temper you may come in, otherwise you can return where you came from".
Spike was nearly at the house but Buffy asked him, "Can you hold back for a few minutes? Let's see if Mom can encourage them to settle down at bit. I think the screaming will be replaced with death threats, if you turn up now. I want to at least try to give them a chance to be my friends with this. The back door is open, if you want to come in that way. I want you close but out of sight for their sakes, just for long enough for me to try to talk to them".
Spike didn't have a chance to feel any doubt that she wanted to hide him. He could see it wasn't that she wasn't ashamed of him, the opposite was true. She wanted to let everyone know they were together. She was proud of him. She didn't trust her friends and she didn't want to be put in the position of hurting them. She knew if they turned nasty with him, she would fight against them, to defend him.
Buffy stepped aside. Joyce gave the 'guests' a stern look before also stepping aside and telling them in no uncertain terms to be seated.
They sat down and waited in silence as Joyce went and made them each their preferred drink. They glared at Buffy but never spoke.
A firm knock on the door made them all jump. Joyce stared at them daring them to speak as Buffy went to the door. It was a panting Anya.
"Is he here? They left me behind. I had to run here. Willow deservedly got a taste of her own medicine. She nearly killed us. We had to fight off demons. He forgave her but she never even said sorry to us. She just yelled and screamed about the torture she endured. Why should I care about her self inflicted torture after what she did to us? They are all being unreasonable and blaming Spike. They are blaming you too since you were with him. They won't listen to me," Anya grumbled.
Buffy had struggled accepting Anya when she began dating Xander. Cordelia's vengeance wish and Anya's forthright manner made a bad first impression. Now with all the changes and influx of knowledge Buffy felt far more willing to give Anya the benefit of the doubt. Buffy felt a surge of respect for her for coming over against her boyfriends wishes.
Buffy smiled a genuine smile, "Thank you for coming so quickly Anya. I appreciate you rushing over here for me and your honest take on things".
Anya beamed at Buffy and stood straighter. They walked into the living room together.
Xander grimaced at the sight of his girlfriend, "I told you to stay away. Willow didn't do it on purpose but whoever," he glared at Buffy, "forced the magic back at her, did so intentionally".
Anya put her hands on her hips, "When you are capable of magic, you are responsible for all the magic you do. Claiming you did magic by accident is stupid and dangerous".
"Shut up, Willow didn't mean it. Willow isn't stupid. She is the smartest person I know," Xander defended.
Anya's eyes flared in anger, "She might be book smart but she has proved she is stupid with magic. We were nearly killed because of her callous misuse of magic".
Xander shot to his feet, fists clenched, "No. You are wrong. I told you not to come here. You are not welcome here..."
As Anya and Xander's argument went on Buffy felt her allegiance to Anya grow, magic and it's abuse was still a raw subject. Buffy eyes flashed in anger at Xander's words, she was ready to speak out on Anya's behalf but Joyce beat her to it.
Joyce snapped out, chastising him, "Xander, sit down. That's enough. You three turn up trying to knock my door down then screaming and yelling at us. I let you in but your behaviour and attitude is not that of welcome guests. Of course Anya is welcome here. This is my house so I choose who is welcome or not. As a guest I expect you to behave with better manners".
Anya look vindicated by Joyce's defence. She stood tall but stayed next to Buffy making no move to sit.
Joyce quickly went into the kitchen and got Anya a drink of water, "I'll get you something else when things have settled down a bit if that's alright?"
Anya nodded gratefully as she took a swallow of the proffered water, "Thank you".
Joyce looked at Buffy questionably. Buffy nodded for her to take control.
Joyce looked at the three seated, "I expect a civilised discussion. I don't want to hear raised voices".
She raised her eyebrows and looked at them expectantly, they nodded in agreement to her rules.
Looking at each of them her eyes stopped on Giles, "Mr Giles, why don't you give us your considered reason for your aggressive arrival?"
Her words showed her disapproval, her face and stance left them in no doubt they needed to tread carefully.
Giles cleared his throat then took his glasses off and started cleaning them, "It seems Willow has been tortured under a magical influence that only lifted a short while ago. We, well she, believes Spike is involved. She thinks Spike has put magic on Buffy so she would help him. Spike and Buffy," he gave Buffy a disapproving look, "knew too much about the magic not to be involved. Also Buffy was nasty with her".
Joyce shook her head, "So you think the right way to get to the bottom of this is turn up screaming, yelling and blaming everything on Buffy. As the saying goes, 'With friends like you…." her glare prevented any of them from daring to comment, she went on, "When I have spoken to Spike in the past he comes across as being very against the use of magic, he complains bitterly about it's consequences. I very much doubt his stance has changed".
Buffy shook her head at their lack of trust in her but started explaining, "Yesterday was an eventful day. I was about to ring you all and ask you over tonight so I could update you on events. If you give me chance to tell you what happened, it will explain things. You have heard of the Powers that Be?"
Giles nodded.
Buffy went on, "Well it turns out they have bosses too. The Powers that Be have being using the Champions as their own personal source of entertainment. They made life as difficult as possible for us, while still putting us in position to do our jobs. Their bosses found out and have made some changes. Willow's 'My Will be Done' spell triggered another spell".
Xander was getting impatient, "I don't care about the stupid Powers. Why were you with Spike of all people?"
Buffy sighed, "If you would let me finish explaining what happened yesterday you would get your answer".
Xander folded his arms and scowled.
Buffy continued on a slightly different tack, "The Powers that Be are supposed to maintain the Balance in this Realm. Their bosses didn't like the way they were doing it and how many rules they were allowing to be broken. The old Powers that Be have been made an example of and new Powers that Be have been put in their place but their job description is slightly different. The Higher Powers, the Powers that Be bosses, want people on the ground to fight to keep the realm stable. As champions from each side, Spike and I were chosen to work together. They told us the history of how the current realms and dimensions came to be. I can fill you in later Giles".
Giles was now in research mode and wanted to know everything. Willow and Xander were still outraged.
Xander growled out, "Why him, Why would you have to work with Spike? Why would they ever choose the evil undead? And what did you do to Willow?"
Joyce snapped out, "Xander. Buffy is trying to explain. Why don't you let her finish rather than getting wound up about Spike".
Buffy tried again, "The Powers that Be work to maintain the balance. They aren't good or evil, their aim is to keep the realms stable. The Higher Powers care more about free will and consent as long as it doesn't affect the balance. This isn't about human or non-human, it's about protecting all sentient species. That's what the realms were set up for. There are a quite a few reasons for choosing Spike. He is a powerful warrior and he fights with honour, are just a couple of reasons. The Higher Powers don't care which side we used to fight on, just that we will fight for them now.
As for Willow, it's not so simple. The Hight Powers explained magic to us. Magic is a powerful force. It can be used, like nearly everything, for good or evil. Magic is a vessel within those that use it, much like a demon is a vessel inside a human making a vampire".
Willow screamed out, "I'm nothing like a vampire. I'm good. I was just trying to make Oz come back".
Joyce snapped, "Willow enough. Let Buffy finish explaining".
Willow glared at Joyce but held her anger.
"As I was saying, Magic can be dark or light," Buffy went on, "The type of magic used infects the host, the person using it. Magic can be addictive. Magic always has consequences beyond the scope of the spell. Those using magic need to be aware of the inherent danger in manipulating the elements. It all goes back to free will and consent. Dark magic does harm, it takes away the freedom of an individual to choose, to decide themselves.
The Higher Powers enabled the magic to be reflected back to it's source with the Wicca multiplication. Both Spike and I were made aware of the magic Willow cast on Giles, Xander and us. That is why we knew so much when we went to see her. Willow's torture was her experiencing a taste of what she caused. She knew it was her own magic causing her problems, she was mad when the side effects didn't go away when she ended the spell".
Buffy looked Xander then Giles in the eye, "Willow claimed I was nasty to her but she had just threatened to use more dark magic. It was a very sensitive subject after finding out how much had already been used on me. I might not get this word for word, but I said this to Willow, 'Your aimed your magic at your friends. You turned on those trying to support you. You decided we weren't doing exactly what you wanted, when you wanted, so you curse us. You turn dark magic on us. You forced us. You stole from us. You caused us to be attacked. Do you want to be a bully, a rapist or worse? I'm disgusted with you. Magic has a cost. You have been given only a taste of your own medicine. You attack us then blame us when it returns back to you. I am extremely angry with you at the moment, your actions aren't those of a friend.'
I won't apologise for my words. Willow might think my words were nasty but making demons attack those she calls friends, making someone blind and forcing marriage on people is beyond nasty. Not to mention her reason was attempting the spell was to force Oz to return. He left for the greater good. He left to try to learn control of the werewolf, the unpredictable supernatural vessel within him.
Willow may not have realised that her spell was working but she is responsible for her words and the evil intentions they contain. Her intent was to force another".
Willow started to stand, she was vibrating in anger.
Joyce raised her hand, "Wait until she has finished".
Willow sat back and glared at Buffy, anger and hatred flashing in her eyes.
Buffy nodded to her Mom and continued, "We found out that Angel used magic on both Spike and I from the first meeting. Basically he used gypsy magic to make me interested in him in the first place. His magic ensured I would never get over him unless the spell was removed. There were darker aspects to the magic too but I don't want to go into that.
I know you all have issues with Spike in the past but things have changed now. Spike and I will not only be working together but we are also dating".
Xander and Willow stood and start spewing insults.
Buffy finally spoke over their complaints and insults aimed at both her and Spike, "The Higher Powers put us on this path yet you two seem to think you know better. A true friend would be happy for me or at least let me make my own mistakes. This is my life, my choice, my decisions. It is me that lives with the consequences. I don't dictate who you can and can't date. You have both dated supernatural beings. Xander, you have chosen some interesting ones over the years. This is about me, not you. This is my personal life. Spike may have done things in the past but that is behind us. We have learned many things in a short time. We have both agreed to work for the Higher Powers and abide by their rules. We have both changed. He is in my life now. If you can't deal with it you are welcome to leave".
Xander stood, "Don't come crying to me when it all goes wrong. We all had to deal with the consequences when you dated Angel. I won't stay and watch you with that evil thing. I'm leaving. Anya come on, now Anya".
Anya looked at Xander then back to Buffy, "No Xander. I think I'll stay here. Didn't you hear the Buffy was forced by magic to date Angel. She didn't choose that, she was forced and still had to deal with all the consequences. I won't go against the Higher Powers. As a vengeance demon I was helping to maintain the balance, I enjoyed it, I was good at it. You want to pretend I was never a demon and you want me to forget my previous life. You try to tell me what to do all the time. Enough is enough. You are prejudice against all demons, good and evil".
Xander spat out, "There is no such thing as a good demon. They are all evil monsters and should be killed. Buffy should just kill Spike, it's her job. She should date a normal man, not a monster".
With barely a glance at Anya he spat out, "I'm leaving now".
Xander stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Joyce saw Anya's bottom lip wobbling and wrapped her arms around her as tears started to fall.
Willow looked at each person in the room looking for an ally. She didn't believe she had done anything wrong. She was the one that had suffered. Something evil had cursed her with the blindness and terror. They were wrong and she was right. It was all Spike's fault. He had somehow turned Buffy against her.
She glared at Buffy, "I am not evil. I was just trying to get my boyfriend to come back. This is all Spike's fault. He has done something to you. He has turned you against me. I will stop him and make him pay," without waiting for a response she ran after Xander.
Buffy walked into the kitchen to Spike. He stood at the sink in the evening sun. One hand balled into a fist as he forced himself to wait and not stand by her side, where he belonged. To distract himself he was sipping at the hot chocolate with little marshmallows, he found made ready for him. A smile had come to his face seeing the mug Joyce always gave him, sat waiting when he arrived.
Placing his mug down he opened his arms to her. She stepped into them for a much needed hug, "I know it's difficult when your friends aren't there for you. We have three people in there willing to listen. The whelp has a huge chip on his shoulder when it comes to demons or anyone dating you. He still fancies his chances with you. Red is so sure she knows better than anyone else. She thinks she is right about everything. She isn't willing to hear anything different. Let's go put your Watcher out of his misery and give him a history lesson that won't be in any of his books".
Giles listened with interest at all they had to say. Spike's unrestrained presence made him nervous but he watched and listened. He could see changes from the vampire he had chained in his house. He decided to watch his Slayer and this Vampire closely and withhold judgement until he could learn more.
The evening slipped into night as Spike and Buffy told all they had learned from Tina, the spokesperson for the Higher Powers. They had to explain that much of the information had been hidden as not to overwhelm them and the information would seep into their brains as time went on. They kept quiet about the changes to themselves.
When it became obvious they would all be there for the duration, Joyce ordered Chinese.
Spike had nearly finished his carton of food when he realised Anya wasn't eating. The information came to Spike and Buffy at the same time.
Spike told Anya, "You still have it in you, you know. The amulet wasn't your power centre, that's still within you. The amulet contained a demon. It was the demon that allowed you to focus your powers without any training. D'Hoffryn captures demons and contains them inside a crystal. Breaking the crystal released the demon. He just tells everyone it's the crystal that holds all the power to maintain his control of you. You didn't need an amulet with Olaf".
Anya sat motionless for a few minutes then a small smile crept onto her face. She started eating with gusto.
When everyone had finished eating Giles asked, "So what is next?"
Spike and Buffy looked at each other before telling them all they knew about the Initiative.
"Anything else we need to worry about?" Giles asked.
Buffy nodded, "Willow. The spell she did was dark magic. She is on a very slippery slope. She doesn't want to listen to any warnings. The way she left I fear she will attempt to use magic against Spike first and then the rest of us, if we don't do as she wants. We have been warned, that if left, she will get so deep into the dark magic she will try to end the world. She is tapping into the Hellmouth for power, tell me Giles what will that do to her?"
All the denials Giles had been thinking evaporated on hearing where she drew her power from. He didn't say a word but the horror on his face let them know he understood the seriousness of the problem.
Giles stood up to leave, he turned to look at Spike, "Joyce mentioned you received some rewards from the Higher Powers. The ability to go out in the sun I assume is one of those rewards?"
Spike nodded, "It's not so much that we are withholding information. We don't know ourselves fully what has changed. We want to find out what they have altered before trying to explain to others".
Buffy and Spike looked at each other and had a quick consensus.
Buffy covered some of the information she had already told Giles but this time in context for the changes they had been given, "The power the Shaman harnessed was from the last of her race in this realm. It was part of her essence that made me The Chosen One. She is now intact inside of me. I truly am the Slayer now, not the Chosen One. We have been joined. Our shared consciousness inhabits this body. Our memories and abilities are combined.
The Higher Powers decided to reward Spike and I for our past endeavours. They made us more compatible and given us traits so we can fit in easier. I suppose you could say both Spike and I are a different species, compared to what either of us were yesterday. Spike is my Soul Mate. His soul is attached permanently. His is no longer a vampire, his heart beats. The Slayer dreams, as we knew them, give us both information as we need it, sleeping or waking. We don't know all the changes they made to us. We will tell you, if we think it is relevant.
The Higher Powers have organised many things for us including legal ID for Spike and they have set us up with funds and somewhere to live.
We would appreciate you not telling anyone or writing this information down, if we want anyone else to know, we will tell them".
Giles nodded. He still had countless questions but he knew that would have to wait.
He looked across to Anya, "Would you like a lift?"
Anya nodded, "That would be appreciated. Thank you Giles".
As Anya walked to the door, Joyce delayed her by placing her hand on her shoulder, "If you ever want to talk or just come over for a coffee, you are welcome".
Spike had another hit of inspiration, "Anya, would you could come and see us tomorrow? We could use the help from someone with your knowledge and contacts. Joyce would it be alright if we all meet back here at about 6 tomorrow".
He got a nod from Joyce and Anya but nothing from Giles, "How about it Giles? We really need some experienced help with this new undertaking".
Giles looked shocked yet hopeful, "I'd like that". He had spent too long as a man of leisure, he wanted to have a purpose again. This would give him chance to stay close and monitor what they were really up to.
When Giles and Anya left Buffy turned and gave her Mom a hug, "Thank you for listening and taking control when the others arrived".
Joyce smiled, "Any time".
Spike saw the exhaustion in Joyce's face, "Come on Buffy. Your Mom has had a long day, then had a huge amount of information thrown at her. Let her turn in. We need to go find this house that has been set up for us. You can tell your Mom all about it tomorrow".
Joyce smiled at Spike well aware he was making it easier for both her and Buffy, "I'm having a short day tomorrow. I'll be back after 3. Buffy has a key and you are both welcome here whenever you want".
Buffy hugged her Mom, "Night. Thanks for everything".