It was morning in Los Angeles, and all was quiet at the Hyperion Hotel...

...for a good thirty seconds.

Slam! Spike's door opened wide and hit the wall. He snuggled down into the blankets, ignoring it. Usually, when someone... when Buffy, came slamming into his crypt like this, he'd snap awake and stand up to face her. He didn't want to be caught sleeping and vulnerable. But his sarcophagus seemed so cozy this morning, and she was probably only there to strong-arm him into volunteering for another stupid mission. Possibly, the bite size sister had gotten herself into trouble again. That little girl was always...

...bouncing up and down on his bed with a cheerful smile, telling him to--

Wakie, wakie! It's morning, you're human and it's a beautiful day!

Heavy sleep still tugged at Spike as he lay there on his back, staring blankly at Dawn while his vision and his mind slowly cleared.

Suddenly, he felt a depression on the other side of the bed... and Andrew's face loomed over him like the mother ship. Up and at em, tiger. It's time to face the world.

Okay, that was enough of a reality check.

It all came crashing back, including last night's talk with Buffy, which put him in a foul mood that apparently carried over to morning. Do any of the doors in this bloody hotel lock properly?

Dawn said, excitedly, You can open almost all of them with a credit card! I guess people in old fashioned times didn't steal as much.

Or, possibly, didn't have credit cards. Andrew assisted.

Spike frowned, then tried to turn over and go back to sleep.

Dawn shook him. Come on! Don't you want to go out and frolic in the sun?

He really did. Not so much the frolicking, but he did want to feel the sun on his face. For some reason, he felt self-conscious about admitting it. He didn't want everyone ogling him as if he were some slime-covered baby calf taking it's first wobbly steps into the world. Bollocks to that. I'm tired. Not quite used to waking up with the chirping birdies.

Dawn rolled her eyes. So... what? You have vamp lag?

He squinted up at her. That's terrible! How long were you waiting to use that?

She shrugged, coyly.

Spike shook his head, genuinely aghast. And it's terrible! Just awful. Honestly, Dawn. Don't say that again.

Okay, I'll never be a stand up comedian. Just shut up and get out of bed, already.

Well... I can't just yet.

Come on, stop acting all cool-- Dawn went to yank the covers off of Spike but he grabbed them before they got past his shirtless torso.

Not the best idea, love.

Dawn looked at him, nonplussed.

Andrew said, with some reverence. He's naked.

Dawn stood up suddenly. Andrew did not. He just stared at the bunched up covers and said, Spike sleeps naked.

Which, by the way, is why I'm standing out here. This was from Xander, who had been listening from the hall the whole time at a nice, heterosexual distance.

I did try not to be naked, Spike said, shooting for an apologetic tone, I used to sleep in my jeans all the time in the basement, back at the house. Had to be sure none of the peeping teens got a free show. But last night I just needed to... get rid of them. They were pinching, he added, prissily.

You know, Xander said, stepping into the room a little. There was this great invention a few years back that you might want to check out to avoid future situations such as this. It's called UNDERWEAR!

Hey, I didn't ask you break into my sodding room!

And what the hell are you doing here anyway? Spike wanted to add, but did not. Xander was probably there to watch over the bit. It gave Spike a surge of inappropriate pride that Xander still thought of him as dangerous.

He could see that Xander was about to start yelling back at him, but stopped and seemed to change tactics, You know what? You're right. We overstepped our bounds. Dawn was excited and wanted to make sure you didn't sleep the day away, but you just come down when you're ready. Come on, guys, let's leave him alone.

Well, now Spike felt like a shit. He watched as Dawn and Andrew began their sad-faced exodus, following Xander out.

Well... wait. You don't have to go. I mean... I have to get dressed, so you have to go. But... I don't... want...

They were smiling at him. And Spike was very relieved, because he now freely admitted - to himself... only - that he truly cared about these people. Not just the Summers girls, but the whole band of buggered.

They kept on smiling, and Spike was suddenly very interested in picking at a loose thread on one of his blankets. You know, if you were any kind of decent people you would have brought me breakfast.

Dawn beamed. She skipped over to the bed and kissed Spike on his cheek. We'll do way better than that! We're taking you to IHOP, my friend! But you have to put clothes on first because no pants, no service.

Elitist bastards. Spike smiled, a bit shyly. Well, I supposed I'll have to accommodate them. So is... Don't do it. Don't ruin this by asking after Buffy. Is Red coming?

Actually, no, Xander said, smiling, She's already got breakfast plans.

***

There was a cage in the Hyperion basement that was last used to hold the de-souled Angelus. This morning, Willow was nervously making her way toward it with a tray full of food.

She stopped when she got to the bars and tried to at least pretend she was averting her eyes. It's morning, she said, cheerfully, Full moon madness is over... are you hungry?

Oz stretched lazily for a moment, enjoying the sound of Willow's voice first thing in the morning. Then, suddenly, his eyes snapped open as he realized he was naked. He sat up, quickly but groggily, and pulled the tattered blanket into his lap.

I could eat.

***

Dawn and Andrew had gone downstairs but Xander remained, chatting with a now fully dressed Spike as he smoothed out his hair in front of the mirror.

Yeah, Oz was actually living out in Venice Beach when he saw the Sunnydale sink hole on the news, Xander explained. He figured Angel would know what happened and came over to find out if everyone was okay. He was already here when we showed up.

I've heard a lot about this wolf boy, Spike said, in a mock-surly tone. Only met him once and we didn't exactly have the chance to get to know each other, what with him pointing two crossbows at me.

Can't blame the guy for that.

Course not. It's just that... well, he sounds more interesting than me. I may have to hate him.

Hate Oz? Xander pondered the idea. I don't know if such a thing is possible. But if it is, you'd be the pioneer.

How's Willow taking it?

Xander looked at him. Are we having a civilized conversation?

I was wondering when you'd notice. I didn't want to say anything.

They both laughed a little. Spike smiled at Xander and something passed between them. Something that was much better left unsaid. Xander picked it up where he'd dropped it. Uh... yeah, Willow's okay I guess. I think she's a little confused.

Yeah, that's going around, Spike mumbled. Maybe we should start a support group or something.

Xander was getting too weirded out. Spike was being so... likable. Something had to be done about it. Yeah... so, are you thinking of being done soon? With the primping?

Just give me five more seconds.

Xander let out a big, impatient sigh. I can already tell that this reflection thing is gonna slow you down, he snarked.

Spike continued to fuss. I can't get it right. Do you think... I don't know... maybe I should grow it out. The bleach I mean.

It does kind of scream aging rock star.

Spike glowered at Xander. I look younger than you, you great lump!

Xander laughed. Neat. Looks like I found the panic button! Hey man, if you plan on sticking with this human thing you're gonna have to face it. We're all gonna get old. And, just like that, Xander's mood fell. Well, most of us, anyway. Some of won't be as lucky.

Spike could practically read Xander's mind. He paused for a minute, wondering how to proceed. He decided not to beat about the bush.

She's all right, Harris.



Anya. I don't know if I'm supposed to tell you this. I hope I don't get smited or the like, but... I saw her, before I came back. She's okay. Better than.

Xander was frozen. He had tears in his eyes, then seemed to realize he had tears in his eyes in front of Spike. He cleared his throat, looked down at his shoes and kicked at the carpet.

What do you mean, you saw her? She talked to you?

She did.

Another long pause, then, What did she say?

She... said I'm supposed to take care of you.

This kind of pissed Xander off. What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Spike understood Xander's reaction. Wasn't gonna let that get in the way, of course. Well, I don't know, do I? But if you need someone to change your wet nappies you can count me the hell out!

You're not even strong anymore and... why does she always have to emasculate me! Even in death she-- Xander couldn't hide his tears anymore. He didn't burst into a sob, he just went silent, looked away and then discreetly wiped at his face.

Spike was very uncomfortable seeing this side of Xander. He didn't know what to do but, having been on the crying side of things more than a few times, he just said what he, himself, would have liked to hear.

She loves you very much.

I should have married her, Xander said softly. I'm such an idiot.

Well... yeah, the corner of Spike's mouth drew up in a grin.

Xander saw that he was teasing and let himself relax a bit. He took a couple of deep breaths, put his hands in his pockets and decided this was a little too much for him to deal with before breakfast.

Are you done now, Susan? Can we go?

Spike took one more glance, smoothed one more time, took a breath and decided to quit stalling. Time to face the world, yeah?

Xander nodded, understanding.

***

Willow and Oz sat side by side, quietly eating their breakfast.

Did I miss any excitement? Oz asked, before biting into his toast.

Oh! Yeah! I almost forgot... there was much in the way of excitement last night, Willow said.

Vampire variety?

Well, sort of. Spike came back. From the dead... only he's not dead now, or even undead. He's human.

Human? Weird.

I know. Willow smiled. It has to do with some amulet. I still don't think I understand the whole story. All I know is that he has a pulse and no more sun allergy.

Good or evil?

Oh. Good. Definitely of the good.

Oz thought about this for a second, nodded and said, before taking a sip of O.J.

Willow smiled at him. That was exactly what she was thinking... Nice.


***