New Beginnings

New Beginnings

Part 7

Under different circumstances, he should have doubted what he had just heard. But with Buffy and himself directly linked, there was no mistaking it. The ever composed, closed and hard Slayer had finally broken down her wall and admitted she had feelings for him. Him!

The room spun just a bit. Butterflies fluttered in his gut. His mind uncontrollably flitted from his first memory of her, to the first time she broke his heart, to what he envisioned in their future.

Buffy furrowed his brow. "Hold on there Dead-Boy. Don't make me regret asking."

"No. No. Of course not. I-I'd love to." Spike tilted his head to the side. "What's your Watcher gonna say? He's not exactly my biggest fan."

"Oh God! We gotta go." Buffy reached under her bed and yanked out the weathered duster. As Spike's body pounded down the stairs, black leather flared behind.

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They half expected Buffy to follow Spike into the store. It wasn't every day two consciousnesses inhabited one body. Well, maybe on some of those sci-fi television shows, but who has time to watch TV?

The group had long ago started the procedure once Willow remembered that Angel was not near when she did his soul restoration. Giles had eventually managed to insert an IV. Eleven empty blood bags lay on the floor at his feet. Various wrappers and caps were scattered about like garbage at a family picnic.

Willow and Tara sat together, an orb of Thesila in front of them. "How are we Giles?" Will called across the room.

"Just a few more units to go." He then shifted his attention to Spike. "Just have a seat on the couch, uh, Spike."

'I love it when he's at a loss.'

'You love to see anyone uncomfortable.'

'True'

'So, you gonna miss me when I leave?'

'Nope'

'What kind of thing is that to say to the woman you love?'

'You may be leaving, but I'm not goin' anywhere, pet.'

Xander took a break from his nervous pacing to glance over at the vampire who housed his friend. Spike's constant change of expression and attitude further impressed upon him the reality of the situation. What they were thinking to each other was a mystery to him. "What are you two doing?"

"The Slayer was just telling me her carnal plans for me once she gets her body back." Spike raised one eyebrow and smiled roguishly. Suddenly, Spike punched himself in the gut and yelled, "Shut up anemic boy, before I…"

Spike smiled apologetically at Xander. "She hasn't been her usual sharp, witty self lately. Here, let me help you out, Slayer." His eyes rolled up toward the ceiling as he thought. "Shut up before I…pour holy water in your blood stash. Shut up before I…remember the beast you are and stake your ass. Shut up before I…take a long walk on the beach at noon. Shut up before I…"

"Spike, do shut up!" Giles shouted without removing his eyes from his task.

"Yeah, Spike, do!" Buffy shot out.

He just smiled then sat coolly on the Watcher's couch.

'I liked that holy water idea."

'Yeah, well, don't get it into your blonde head to actually do it, luv. I make very stubborn dust. You'll be vacuuming for weeks trying to get it out of the upholstery.'

The feminine giggle coming from a 126 year old, formerly Bad Ass vampire attracted everyone's attention and caused a chain reaction of laughter throughout the shop. It was the first laugh they had shared since…well, they couldn't quite remember when. But it felt good to be free once again.

"Let's do this, people." With that one cue from Giles, the ritual began.

Four members of the Scooby Gang came to life with purpose, while the remaining member on the sofa grew reticent.

'I guess this is it then, Slayer.'

'We can only hope this works. How the hell can they bring back a body that's been dead for hours? And what am I supposed to do when it doesn't work?' Raw fear saturated Spike as his hands started wringing themselves. Before the fear could overcome him, Spike grabbed his right hand with his left, stroking it gently.

'Buffy. If it doesn't work, then you know you will never be lonely again.'

Somehow his words touched her soul. He felt her being completely relax into his body for the first time. She let all her cares and worries drift away as she allowed herself to simply exist within him. Spike imagined that he was holding her warm body in his arms, kissing the top of her silky, blonde head.

'Maybe I won't feed you holy water after all.' It wasn't the words that gripped his heart, but the sentiment behind them. Her thought was filled with unadulterated gentleness and love.

To Be Continued...