Title: Unexpected Welcomes
Author: NevermindDaria
Disclaimer: The following intellectual property has been, in part, previously claimed by its various owners. All other intellectual property is my own.
Rating: PG13
Summary: Flaming Post-Grave fic: Spike returns from Africa to all-around unexpected welcomes. Xander stops acting like a rancid pile of dung. Dawn finally gets to be a real person. Buffy starts to like breathing again. Part 9 - Dance Partner.
Setting/Spoilers: Set four months after "Grave".

***

BUFFY: So, anybody up for dancing?

XANDER: (quietly) I think he is.

Buffy turned around. Then she almost fell out of her chair.

SPIKE: (humbly) Hello, Buffy.

BUFFY: (shocked) Spike... You're back.

SPIKE: (nervously) Yeah. Y'know, dancing sounds great and all, but I think we should talk. Would you like to take a walk with me?

The shock melted from Buffy's face, giving way to equal parts hope and fear, without a bit of disgust.

BUFFY: I would.

As she got up to go, Dawn grabbed her hand in a gesture of support.

DAWN: Buffy, take your time. Willow will make sure I get home safely.

Xander's eyes met Buffy's, and she felt his support as well.

BUFFY: (bravely) Goodnight, guys.

Spike led Buffy out of the Bronze and into the cool night air. They walked for a while in silence, several feet away from each other at first, but edging slowly closer.

SPIKE: (carefully) Buffy, I have something that I need to tell you, and I'd really appreciate it if you'd let me get it all out at once. Is that alright?

She nodded.

SPIKE: (slowly, deliberately, as if he'd been rehearsing this for some time) I am so sorry. I know it doesn't mean much, but it needs to be said. I violated you, emotionally as well as physically, and then I left you. Just like every other man in your life. Just like I swore I never would. You don't deserve to be treated like I've treated you. For that, I am deeply sorry. I want to repay my debt to you in any way I can. I don't expect you to forgive me; in fact, I don't think you should. But if there's anything I can do for you, anything, just say the word. If you want me to leave and never come back, I'll do it. Whatever you want. Now I won't bother you any more, but if you would like to talk to me, I'll be in my crypt. And just so you know, I never stopped loving you. I will never stop loving you.

Spike gingerly took Buffy's hand in both of his, careful to be sure she'd allow it, brought it to his lips, and kissed it gently. Then he turned and strode away. Buffy stood there, unmoving, for quite some time afterwards, crying softly.

***

Look for turning tables in the next installment.