DMXgirl9900@aol.com (Shannon) - let her know when finished and posted



By Night - Chapter Fifteen

by Angel Eternal aka Angeline

email: spikes_angel01@yahoo.com.au

Website: In Dreams and Shadows
http://www.geocities.com/spikes_angel01/index.html

Rating: R

Pairings: Primarily S/B, but also has W/T and X/A

Summary: Secrets revealed have a disastrous aftermath, amidst all the hurt and confusion, a dark being roams,
finally freed from it's prison

Author's Notes: This is set S6, and is loosely based on spoilers concerning the season. I just want to point out
though that I haven't seen S6 and won't for a while, so if things aren't quite right, that's my excuse.

I'm sorry about the cliff-hangers! Really I am, I don't delight in torturing people.

::snickering from the side::

Hey! I heard that!


Distribution: If you want to archive it go ahead, but just let me know first - I kinda like to know where it's going,
and plus I find out about more S/B shipper sites! ::grins::

Disclaimers: Buffy the Vampire Slayer is owned by Joss Whedon, several companies and God knows who else.
One thing is certain - I don't own any of it! Nothing - zip - nada!






~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tara could see that she was muttering something beneath her breath. Heeding her instincts, Tara cried out.
"No Willow, don't!"

But she was too late as a black ball of energy hurtled through the air towards the unsuspecting couple.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



The dark energy, tinged with the red of Willow's essence hit Anya in the back, sending her crashing against
Xander.

Propelled by the force of the impact Xander and Anya crashed into the bars behind them.

The ice that contained Willow shattered, as she descended, her small feet lightly touching the ground. As
Willow walked towards the unconscious couple, her eyes still black, Tara cried out.

"Willow! Don't!"

Tara's cry went unheeded as Willow raised her hand for what was to be the fatal blow.


* * *

Spike lifted his chin, and looked at Buffy. "I love you Buffy."

It was said so simply and so firmly that it sounded like a goodbye to her ears. Heeding impulse, Buffy struggled
against the chains once more. "Don't you dare leave me Spike!"

He heard the desperation in her voice, and offered her a wan smile.

The demon heard it as well, and laughed, "Well, look at that Spike, too bad you can't take advantage of it."

Spike smirked, turning his full attention to the demon. He knew what he had to do, the only thing he could do.

"Oh I'll get the chance." he took a step forward, his eyes glinting.

The demon regarded him, then his lips stretched into what could be called a smile. "Oh you're not serious are
you? You're telling me that you'll give this up? This, which you wanted ever since you got turned? For what?
For her? You're more of a fool then I thought you were Spike."

Spike shrugged, "Yeah, so I am."

The demon considered him, then his smile widened. "Oh yes Spike, this would do."

Spike smirked, "Like it would be any other way."


* * *

Xander stirred, lifting his head, "Anya? Oh God no, Anya!"

"Willow!"

He heard Tara's frantic call, and looked up into Willow's black eyes. "Willow! God, please don't!"

Xander's voice penetrated through the haze that had descended on Willow, she shook her head, her eyes
clearing. She looked down at Xander cradling Anya's fallen form then at her own hand, still sizzling with
energy. With a cry she dropped her hand and backed away from them.

"What have I done?" tears slipped down her cheek, as Willow fell to the floor, cradling her stomach.

Xander shifted Anya; with shaking hands he checked her pulse, relived to find it strong and steady. "It's
alright - she's alright."

Willow shook her head, eyes unseeing as tears blurred her vision. She rocked on her knees, a high-pitched
keen of pain emitting from her throat as she bent her head and let the tears flow.

"Umm...guys?"

Xander looked up at Tara, who waved at from her cell.

Xander snapped into action, he searched Anya's pockets and found the keys. He unlocked Tara's door, and
Tara immediately went to Willow.

She held Willow tightly, murmuring in her hair.

A silence fell on the group, finally Willow gained control of herself. She wiped the tears from her face.
"Spike - we have to help Spike and Buffy..."

Tara frowned as Willow pushed her away. "Ok, we'll help them."

Willow had to gain control again; she had to do something to stop herself from thinking about what she could've
done. The image of Xander staring up at her with fear in his eyes would haunt her for the rest of her life.

Unceremoniously, Willow waved her hands and transported everyone.


* * *


Buffy struggled even harder to break her chains, but she had been severely weakened. She knew Spike was
up to something, and she just couldn't stay chained.

Spike and the demon faced each other, and Buffy wildly thought of Western showdowns.

It happened in the blink of an eye, but the whole rush of it torturously slowed down for Buffy.

As Spike moved to run, a blinding light filled one corner of the room. The demon opened his arms invitingly,
and as Spike crashed into the demon another blinding light erupted.

Buffy was forced to look away, and in the next moment, she felt warm fingers touching her cheek.


* * *


The moment they arrived, Willow knew she was too late.

She watched as Spike ran towards his demonic self, knowing what he intended to do. There wasn't even
time for her to cry out.

It was over. Just like that it was over, Willow walked towards Buffy who hung limply against the wall.
She touched Buffy's cheek.

Willow looked into Buffy's hazel eyes; she reached upwards and with another wave of her hand opened
the locks of the chains. Buffy fell to the floor bonelessly, her gaze fixed on one thing.

Willow turned and looked at the heap of flesh and leather in the middle of the bare room.

They all waited with bated breath, waiting for something.

Buffy stared hard at Spike's fallen form, willing him to stand up, to look at her with his intense gaze.

Spike groaned, in the silent room that soft sound was clearly audible, and Willow heard the rush of Buffy's
breath. Spike heaved himself up on his arms, dizzy.

The moment stretched out as they all waited. There was only one person in the middle of the room, was
he monster or man?

Spike gave up on standing up and simply rolled over, feeling as if someone had hacked his head open. It
was a sensation that he had felt before, and he ignored the dull throb.

Then it all rushed back to him, the darkness swirling within, the bloodlust rising sharply as the demon
screeched for blood within.

Spike lurched to his feet, nothing in the room came into focus, and everything was the blood, calling out to
him from all directions. The smell hit him the gut reminding him of that primal hunger which had ruled him
for over a century. He thirsted for the thick, sweet elixir, which pulsed beneath skin and bone.

Blindly he reached out.

Willow didn't cry out when Spike grabbed her, pulling her into his embrace. She didn't even flinch.

Buffy's eyes widened, and she struggled to get to her feet, her heart breaking.

Xander broke into a run, leaving Anya in Tara's arms.

But none of it was necessary, as Spike recoiled from Willow, his gaze now clear.

"I can bite you."

It was such a simple statement, but it had the world of meaning.

Spike stumbled away from Willow, shaking his head. "I can bite you."

His turbulent mind halted for a moment as he pondered why none of them were coming at him with stakes,
why was Willow looking at him like that?

"But you won't." Willow said simply.

Spike stared at her, then at Buffy. He shook his head and in a whirl of leather he was gone.

And they were left to stare after him.

Willow spun on her heel and helped Buffy to her feet. "Where's Dawn?"

Buffy's eyes widened, and she felt ill, remembering the screams. "Dawn? You don't know where she is?"

Willow shook her head, not wanting to cause Buffy anymore pain.

Tara finally spoke up, "I think we have to go home first, everyone's hurting right now." she glanced down
at Anya's limp form, "And Anya has to get to a hospital, Buffy too."

Willow flinched at the mention of Anya, "I'll just..."

"No magic!" Tara snapped out, her eyes flashing dangerously.

Willow let her hand drop, conceding immediately. They left, dazed and more then a little numb.


* * *

"God where have you guys been?"

As soon as the door opened, Dawn had flown into Willow's arms. "Dawn?"

Dawn pulled back, her green eyes clouded with worry, "No note, nothing!"

"Dawn!"

Dawn rushed into Buffy's arms, but pulled back when she saw her sister wince. "Buffy what's wrong?"

Buffy pulled her back into her embrace, not caring if her arms hurt like hell. "God, Dawnie..."

"Have you been here all the time?" Willow asked faintly, as Tara walked in, followed closely by Xander.

Dawn nodded, sheepishly, "I kinda got home late though." she noted the harassed expressions on
everyone's faces. "Did you guys go looking for me? Oh God, I'm so sorry! Buffy..."

But Buffy hushed away Dawn's apologies for the moment too relieved to have her baby sister in her
arms, unharmed. She could still hear a girl's voice pleading for mercy, could still hear the screams, still imagined
images burned behind her closed lids.

Dawn peered over her sister's shoulder at Xander, who looked so tired. The teenager pulled away from
Buffy's fierce embrace, "Xander? Is everything all right? Is it Anya?"

Xander forced a smile on his face for Dawn, "Everything's fine Dawnie. Anya's in the hospital but she'll
be fine."

Dawn hugged Xander, and he returned her embrace just as fiercely.

"Tara?" Dawn moved to hug the blonde witch; "God Tara, I've missed you." she pulled back, excitedly
as an idea occurred to her, "Are you and Willow...?"

"No." Tara said it firmly, and then moved in to hug Dawn again as a crushed expression settled on the girl's face.
"Dawnie, I have to go. I'll talk to you later ok?"

Dawn nodded timidly and Tara walked out, closely followed by Willow.

Dawn sighed, and looked at the haggard expressions on Buffy's and Xander's face. Seizing control, she
hustled Buffy up to bed, and deposited Xander on the couch.

Buffy was amazed by Dawn's efficiency, and out of the blue it struck her that Dawn had grown up.
She allowed Dawn to tuck her into bed, and soon exhaustion set in and she fell into a dreamless sleep.

Willow had caught up with Tara on the porch.

Not a word was spoken between them, and finally Tara turned, "Willow..."

Willow swiftly cut in, not allowing Tara to continue, "Tara, you got to see I love you! I can give magic
up, I can..."

Tara shook her head sadly, "I know what I saw tonight Willow. You can't give up magic. You need it too
much." she paused, "I don't think I can be around you."

Willow caught her arm desperately; she couldn't let Tara walk away. "Tara, I love you..."

"I know that Willow." she shook Willow's hand off, "But it's not about that. Don't you see? This is about
you. You and magic. And unless you break off this sick love affair, I can't be in your life."

Tara turned and walked away, leaving Willow numb.


* * *


Days passed. Nights spent unable to sleep.

Xander and Anya had tentative relationship, and as of yet there was no talk of marriage. Xander had
confided in Willow that it felt like their first days together.

Tara didn't come near Willow, ignoring the hundreds of calls and notes. Buffy had convinced her to move
into the house, and Willow had agreed, but as each day passed she sunk deeper and deeper into herself.

Buffy hadn't seen Spike. She had searched all of Sunnydale, and she didn't find him. Another had left
her, this time before they could be.

Needless to say, it wasn't all peaches and cream. They slipped into mechanical normalcy and Buffy despaired.
She threw herself into slaying, her slays becoming efficient and merciless.

Buffy didn't want to think, couldn't allow herself to think because she knew that if she stopped, even if
it was for a fleeting second, she would break down and allow the tears that were constantly threatening
to spill down, free.


* * *


The night was sweltering hot, Buffy stretched out on her bed, allowing feather-light breezes to skim
across her heated flesh.

Languidly, she pushed the few strands that clung to her neck off. She stretched, hating the heat.

She closed her eyes, and imagined cool hands skimming over her. Drifting in and out of sleep, she felt
cool fingers touch the arch of her foot, lightly touching.

The light touches turned into insistent presses and developed into a massage. Buffy moaned as another
hand drifted up her ankle and skimmed over her calf.

"Are you just waiting for someone to come along?"

Buffy's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't open her eyes, she didn't need to. "Why did you stay away?"

Spike snatched his hand back as if it was burned, "Why did you come looking?"

Buffy opened her eyes and propped herself up on her elbows.. She looked at him, absorbing every detail. He
looked exactly the same, except - except he was wearing a dark blue shirt over his black t-shirt, silk if she
wasn't mistaken. She noted the gold glinting at his neck, his hair ruffled the way she liked it.

"How could I not?"

Spike raked his hand through his hair, staring down at Buffy; his mind kept wandering as his eyes roamed
over her luscious form. "What are you trying to tell me Slayer? That things have changed?"

Buffy shook her head, "When are you going to start answering me instead of asking questions?"

He couldn't help it, his lips twitched into a smile, "Right now I guess." He took a deep unneeded breath to
steady himself. "I stayed away because I know what I am."

Buffy sat up fully and stared him in the eyes. "What exactly is that?"

Spike returned her gaze evenly, "A monster."

Buffy remained silent, absorbing in his answer. It seemed an eternity passed before she answered him,
"No Spike, you're not a monster."

Angrily, Spike stood and started to pace, "You say that so bloody casually! I know what I am Slayer. I
saw what I was. I am the embodiment of evil."

Buffy shook her head, "And I know what I saw Spike. A man divided between the fundamental essences
of humanity. Good and evil. The demon is part of you, yes, but it isn't you. I saw that Spike, more clearly
then I ever dreamed possible."

Spike grabbed her by the shoulders, allowing his game face to surge forward. "No Buffy, the demon is
me. It controls me in the most basic way, it demands my every attention and with the chip gone..."

Buffy impatiently shrugged his hands off, and rose to her knees to look him squarely in the eye, trying
to control the flutter of fear as she recalled another set of yellow eyes. "Yeah, the chip is gone and you didn't
eat Willow."

"I could've!"

"But you didn't." she replied calmly. She reached out to take his hand, "Where were you Spike?"

Spike stared hard at their joined hands, lightly running his thumb over the back of her hand, remaining
silent as he let his human face resurface.

Buffy tipped his chin up, "I was looking everywhere for you."

Spike looked down again, and didn't raise his head, "I was right here pet."

"Bullshit Spike - I tore the place down looking for you."

Spike finally met her gaze, "I know, Buffy, I could smell you a mile away - I ran before you could get to me."

Buffy dropped his hand, unable to believe what he had just told her, "You ran from me?"

Spike tried to take her hand again but she shook of his touch, finally rising to her feet, "I don't get you Spike!
You tell me you love me, then you tell me to get away from you and now you run from me?"

He saw the hurt on her face, and moved forward to grasp her shoulders again. She struggled for a
moment, but quickly gave up. "Listen to me pet, I told you to stay away from me for a reason. I'm tired
of being your puppy, and I'm not going to be one anymore."

"Because you've got your bite back?" Buffy struggled against the tears that threatened to spill down her
cheek.

"Because I have some dignity." Spike replied, emphasising each word, he let go of her, turning towards
the window. "I stayed away because I finally understood what you saw - I'm a monster."

Spike moved to slip out of the window and out of her life when her soft voice stopped him.

"But I was blind."

Spike sighed, and leaned against the wall. "Buffy..."

She moved faster then he'd ever seen her move. "Spike, remember that talk we said we'd have?"

Spike couldn't help but grin down at her; mockingly he grabbed her and thrust her against the wall. He
glanced furtively around before leaning in to whisper in her ear. "Shush luv, The Powers That Be will
hear you and send all your friends running in."

Buffy laughed, she struggled to remember the last time she had genuinely laughed.

Spike smiled down at her gently, and she felt her heart skip a beat again.

"Third time's the charm right?"

Spike chuckled, and leaned closer to her, "Right luv."

Buffy shifted, and Spike strangled on a moan, he rested his head against the wall, breathing in the heady
scent of her hair. She reached up to tangle her fingers in his hair.

Words failed her, how could she let him know that he was the one to make her feel?

She bowed her head, "All I hear is what my heart says to me."

With one sentence, she sent him careening back into the recent past, in which everything shone with a
luminance even if it was but for a moment. He stared down at her bent head, and wished to be in that time,
so recently passed, yet so distant.

How could he show her that he finally understood why her friends told him to stay away from her, why
she herself was so reluctant to give in to him. He understood now.

"Buffy luv, I'm no good for you."

She looked up, her eyes flashing with indignation, "Where do you get off telling me what's good for me?
Everybody seems to know what's good for me, but does anybody listen to me? Angel left me to give
me the white picket fence."

Spike flinched when he heard the poof's name uttered, but Buffy continued relentlessly. "What he didn't
see is that I would never get the white picket fence, nor do I really want it." She pushed him off. "I've had
enough of other people telling me what I want."

Spike backed away from her warily and watched her as she stalked him. In a flash she was upon him,
pushing him down onto the bed, and moved to straddle him.

Spike's eyes bulged, as he bit his lip to stop himself from groaning. Buffy grinned impishly at him, she
leaned forward to whisper in his ear, and this time Spike couldn't stop himself from groaning.

"I know what I want Spike."

Spike thrust his hands into her hair, rolling her over to her back, "I give in to...."

She cut him off with a searing kiss, and he was lost.




~The End~


Note: Epilogue is NC-17