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A/N: Hey all! Here comes Chapter 13 and the storm has passed. Enjoy the next chapter and PLEASE REVIEW either here or e-mail me at Babylon614@aol.com. I welcome the e-mails. And if you want to be notified of updates, just let me know that as well.
Okay, that's it from me. Enjoy! Till Next Time, this is the Tranio of Pine :)



Chapter 13: By My Side



Knock Knock


Spike groaned at the offensive sound.


Knock Knock


Spike grumbled softly and opened his eyes. Buffy was safely tucked beside him fast asleep, a small smile on her lips. He looked out the window and say a small stream of light, must still be early. He slowly and begrudgingly moved off the bed, careful not to wake Buffy. As it was, the incessant knocking on his door would do that.

Bloody hell. He stumbled to the door. Someone better be good and dead, he threatened as he opened the door.

On the other side was Giles and Colin, both with concerned looks on their faces. Spike leaned against the door jam and waited for the men to speak. Colin was the first to do so.

Would you be so kind as to put on a shirt, Mr. Spike? he asked, disdain for such a display evident in his voice.

Look you wanker, you woke me up so, either talk or I'm going back to bed, he snarled.

Giles halted the vampire. It's about Buffy.

What about her? Spike didn't like where this was going. He wasn't in the mood for one of Giles's lectures and he wasn't in the mood to be chastised in front the jackass Travers.

She's missing, he said. We've looked all over the house for her. She seems to have slept in her bed last night, but there is no sign of her. Do you have any idea where she could be?

Spike smirked. You've come to the right man. Yes, I know where she is. He opened the door a little more so Giles could see inside. There she was, snuggled in Spike's bed. In. Spike's. Bed.

The Watcher turned his venomous eyes on the vampire.

Hold it right there, Watcher. Whatever happened to you are both adults' and all that rot?

Rot, that's exactly what you are! Colin exclaimed.

Before Spike could comment, he heard Buffy moving. He turned back to her as mumbled his name. You want to keep your voice down? Spike asked Colin, mockingly. Use some common curtesy.

Colin stepped towards the vampire, fire in his eyes. Giles stepped between the men. Spike would have roared with laughter if he wasn't concerned about waking Buffy.

That's enough you two, Giles remonstrated.

Back down, boy, unless you want to fight fists and fangs, Spike warned the young man. And relax, Rupert. Buffy just had a Slayer dream and it freaked her out.

Why am I having trouble believing you?

Most likely it's his half naked form, Colin quipped.

What are you, a prig or something? Spike wanted to know.

Not at all, I just don't parade myself around.

You should, it's fun.

Jesus, guys! Buffy groaned as she stepped next to Spike by the door. Can't a girl get some sleep around here? She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, not noticing the miffed off father figure.

Maybe it would be easier in your own bed, Buffy, Giles suggested.

Buffy blinked her eyes, briefly forgetting where she woke up. Realization hit her and she rolled her eyes at her Watcher. Come on, Giles, I'm twenty six years old. You look like you've caught me with my hand in the cookie jar. She and Spike shared a laugh at Buffy's joke.

Perhaps I did. Giles decided to skip the lecture until they were alone and get down to the business at hand. I suggest you two get dressed and get downtown.

What happened? Buffy wanted to know.

Some shops were destroyed by O'Malley's.

Is he alright? Spike asked, panic over his friend quickly setting in.

The police hadn't found him by the time the Council moved in. They want us to finish the search, Spike. There's enough cloud cover for you to get there relatively safely. We'll go as soon as you're ready. With that Giles and Colin turned to go, leaving Buffy and Spike scrambling for their clothes.



Did a bomb go off? Buffy muttered as she and the two men tripped through the rubble.

Spike called out. No answer. Still no answer. This couldn't happen, not again. He couldn't lose another friend.

Spike bent down and viciously threw pieces of debris in search of the leprechaun.

Consumed by fury, he tore through the novelty shop, making an even greater mess. He didn't care; he needed to find O'Malley. He needed to see with his own eyes.

Buffy and Giles stood back and allowed Spike a few moments to vent. Neither of them had any desire to get in the distraught vampire's way. But, a few moments turned into too many for Buffy. It broke her heart to see him this way. She knew how much he cared for O'Malley. She liked him too, very much. He was such a nice man, genuine. Damn it, Buffy, she scolded herself. Don't keep talking like he's dead. We don't know. Who could have done this though? The place was a mess. The perpetrator only wanted to wreak havoc, not steal. Poor O'Malley, probably didn't even see these sickos coming.

Spike's anger was reaching its breaking point. Nothing! Not a blasted, fucking thing! Where was he?! He had to see. He had to find him, see what those pricks did to him so he could give it back ten fold! God damn it! he screamed after tossing the china hutch against the wall. Nothing there either. Where is he? Spike stood, his hands clasped behind his head tightly, his chest heaving. He clenched his jaw until it ached.

whispered Buffy. She took a small step towards him, but he didn't notice. He ignored her repeated pleas for his attention. It wasn't till she touched his arm that he reacted.

he growled, shaking her off.

Spike, calm down, she begged, fear for the vampire evident in her darkened green eyes.

Calm down? he snapped. How can I bloody calm down, Slayer? You calm the fuck down! His game face came forward. He rammed his boot clad foot into a pile of rubble. He kicked and kicked and grunted as he reduced the pile to powder.

Buffy grabbed him from behind and held on for all she was worth. He tried to fight her off, squirm out of her iron clad grip. But, he gave in, his body slumped in defeat. He was not going to cry. He was not going to cry. He was not going to cry. He didn't let himself. Spike held onto his vampire face, his demon wanting nothing more than to tear into something or preferably someone. But, Buffy's soft words in his ear drew him out of his murderous haze. He let her hold him, bring him back. His closed his golden eyes and concentrated. Giles was behind him. Buffy was right by his side and...he couldn't feel Shamus, couldn't even smell him through the stench of gasoline and other flammable agents.

Spike looked down at the tiny hands that clung to him and gently covered them with his own. He heard Buffy sniffing and the squeak squeak of Giles cleaning his lenses. Spike felt the need to speak, to break the painful silence. I'm sorry, Buffy, he apologized. He felt Buffy nodded against his back and mumbled, It's alright. He squeezed her hand as he said his next statement, his voice calm and assured. I am going to find out who did this. I am going to cut them and bleed them, pour salt into every wound. I am going to delight in hearing them scream themselves hoarse. And I am going to savor the sight of the fear in their eyes exploding as they take their last breath.

Buffy stiffened slightly. She knew those words were said out of grief, but she never doubted the validity of them.

Good Lord, Giles exclaimed.

Spike and Buffy turned to see what was the matter. Giles's gaze was transfixed on an engraving in what used to be the counter top, His fingers hovered over it, shaking. What does this mean?

The two joined the Watcher. The rumble in Spike's chest echoed as the vampire read the words, Hey, Sad Eyes.

It was his fault, all his fault. Somehow she knew. She knew O'Malley was helping him. And now he's gone. He killed his friend and now he knew who his next would be.

What does it mean, Spike? Buffy asked , her hands on his shoulder.

I did this to him, led them straight to him.

You didn't do anything, Spike. You couldn't have known.

I should have known! Soddin' git, I should have realized what I was doing.

Look at me, she demanded. He raised his eyes to her. They were still yellow and full of rage and pain. Buffy placed her hands on either side of his face so, he could not turn away. You didn't do this, Spike. Don't jump to any conclusions. We don't even know if he's really dead. He's a leprechaun after all.

Half leprechaun. He can still die, Spike bit out.

He's smart; don't underestimate him.

Listen to the lass now, William.

The group looked to find the source of the small raspy voice.

A small panel of the wall opened up. Out stepped a bruised and bandaged Shamus O'Malley. He looked quite worse for wear, but he was whole. His sparkling eyes were swollen and red. He walked with a slight limp in his left leg. There were sure to be other cuts underneath his clothes, other aches that he didn't visibly acknowledge, but he just smiled at the Slayer, vampire and Watcher.

Ye didn't do a thing to me. As I recall, you weren't even here.

Spike slipped back into his human face and removed Buffy's hands from him. What happened here, mate? I thought-

Thought I went to meet the good Lord himself? No, not yet, my friend. But, I think it's safe to say you've ruffled a few feathers.

I'll take care of it, O'Malley I swear.

I know you will. In the mean time though, could you offer a fella a place to sleep? Spike smiled, a true, happy smile.

Come on then. Let's get back to the house, suggested Giles. He helped Shamus bypass some debris and went out to the car.

Buffy waited for Spike, but he didn't move. Thinking he wanted to be alone, Buffy turned away. Spike's hand shot out and roughly pulled Buffy to him.

We stick together on this, he said, his eyes piercing through her. On this whole thing, we stick together. No more going off without me. No more me going off without you. I want you by my side, got it?

Buffy nodded. Spike was scared. Leila's boys came after O'Malley and almost killed him. He didn't want them to come after her, especially when his back was turned. He didn't want to lose her. Spike took Buffy by the hand and went after O'Malley and Giles.



So, I managed to crawl away and get into the panel, used some mystics to patch meself up.

Shamus just finished telling the group about his ordeal. They were all gathered in the living room of the townhouse, sipping their comfort beverages of tea, blood, diet soda and Guinness.

Spike was much calmer seeing O'Malley safe and sound in his home.
So, shall I pummel the bint and haul her in now or give it a few hours?

Giles sighed. You know perfectly well you can not do that, Spike. We still need to discover the identity of her employer.

Sod it all. We take care of her and there's no hope of her ever completing this integration.

It's a prophecy, Buffy reminded him glumly. She's supposed be there; she's supposed to try. Spike looked at his Slayer, not enjoying her interpretation. He wanted to beat the shit out Leila, not let her go. It's like the dreams, Spike. It's going to happen; we just need to be prepared for it.

Plus, with her gone, we have no leads on her master. This person is obviously quite knowledgeable. He must have some greater purpose for desiring this integration.

Maybe he's in love. All the men turned to the lone woman in the room. she stammered, as she tried to process her thought, love makes you do the wacky, right? So, maybe he's in love with Leila and wants her to be happy? She stared at the men, none of them responding to her suggestion. Hearing the absurdity of it herself, Buffy said, Maybe he wants to take over the world. The men nodded in agreement.

Why don't we look at the sheets again, Giles, and see if there are any clues we are missing in regards the Night of Ill Fated.

If you are feeling up to it, certainly. Everything is upstairs in the loft. This evening I suggest Buffy and I patrol while Spike continues with Leila.

You can't bloody expect me to that, Rupert. Spike glared at the man before him. Finness is out of the question. If I see that bitch again, I'll kill her.

No, you won't, Giles warned the irate vampire. He stood up and ripped his glasses from his face. I thought you considered Leila to be a victim in this.

She came after my friend. No one touches me and mine without paying the price. Spike was seething again.

Buffy almost wished Giles would back off, but she knew he was right. They need to get at the big boss man or it may never be over.

O'Malley interjected, I admire your loyalties, always have, but, my boy, you mustn't let them cloud your duties.

You almost died, O'Malley. Spike's eyes were almost pleading to the man. What is it going to take, a twelve inch pine box before you listen to me?

O'Malley chuckled whole-heartedly. Oh, my boy, use that head of yours. You are a smart man if not hot headed. To protect yourself and your own, snuff out the true evil. It isn't the lass. It is something much larger than her. She is merely a catalyst for things to come.

Spike let his friend's advice sink in. He growled and slumped into the couch. Staring at the ceiling, he tried to rationalize the situation and not think so much like an animals. His insides screamed to protect the ones he cared about. The rest of him knew the truth. Evil was strong and passionate actions often became reckless ones. If there was to be hope of ending this tedious battle, to fight another fight, he need to remain clear headed, focused. Damn it! He sounded just like the Watcher. Giles warned him this would happen and he was right. How Spike hated to admit it!

Fine, I'll be the Master of Suave, but I don't have to like it, he sulked.

Wouldn't expect anything less, Giles mumbled, his patience waning. Take the night off, Spike. Get your emotions in check. The last thing we need is you shooting into the fray prematurely. Tomorrow you may start again. Giles and O'Malley went upstairs to the loft.

Spike stood slowly, as if his mind weighed him down. He stalked off into the kitchen and pulled the refrigerator door open. He removed a packet of blood, dumped it into his mug and tossed it into the microwave.

As he reached for a bottle of bourbon for his warmed drink, he became aware of two eyes intently watching him. he asked the inquisitive emeralds.

Do you really want to do that? Buffy asked, nodding to the bottle in Spike's hand.

Got a better idea? he snarled.

Yeah, I have a few if you'd care to hear them.

Spike snorted and took the bottle and mug to the table. He pulled out one of the chairs and spun it around before sitting down. You're going to tell me whether I want to hear them or not.

Buffy took a seat infront of the vampire, turning her chair around as well. For one, how about letting go a little? I know you're pissed and you feel responsible, despite what we tell you. Shamus is right; if you go after Leila now, you're just taking an unnecessary risk that could put us all in danger.

I said I'd keep up the charade, didn't I? I'm not going to go after her. Did you not believe me?

I do believe you, Buffy confirmed. She stared at her fidgety hands. She had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach that refused to go away. She felt it last night after her dream and it was back again. God, she was so worried about him. She didn't say so; he would spend too much time trying to reassure her that he wasn't going anywhere. He couldn't go anywhere, not now. She still needed time, needed to work up courage.

I'll do whatever I have to do. Buffy didn't like the sound of that, but there was nothing left to be said on the matter.

Again, Spike reached for the bourbon. Buffy slapped her hand over its mouth. More ideas, Slayer? he asked sarcastically.



Spike huffed and stared at his love. Then at the bottle. Honestly, marshmallows did sound better. Top cabinet over the stove, he answered.

Buffy smiled at his presumptuous attitude. That was the Spike she knew and...missed. Do I look like your marshmallow bitch? she laughed.

You offered the mallows, I've accepted them. Now, it's only polite for you to retrieve them, he replied, logically.

You were closer to the stove, Buffy playfully protested.

And now I'm not.

He smirked at her feigned disgust as she pulled out the bag of mini marshmallows. A mischievous grin crossed her face. Spike watched her, daring her to do whatever she was thinking.

Just then, he was pelted with the white sugar substance. Mallow after mellow hit his face and several went into his mouth and mug.

Bloody hell, woman! That's wasteful, he said around his mouthful of the mini treats.

Buffy stuck out her bottom lip in a sexy pout. Don't do that, he warned her. He loved that part, her mouth and wanted nothing more than to sip from them till he was sated.

She couldn't keep doing his to him, always the little vixen delighted to see him squirm. Spike pulled himself together and stood up. Now, you'll have to pick them all up.

Buffy took several menacing steps towards him, the plastic bag still in her hands. Is it my fault you can't catch to save your unlife? She stopped in front of him, leaving little room for the Holy Ghost. Her gaze never left him as she snatched a mini marshmallow for the bag and held it before his lips. Her eyes sparkled as Spike complied and she placed the mallow on this tongue. She retracted her fingers, brushing them against Spike's smooth bottom lip as they passed.

Spike shut his mouth and regarded the Slayer. She was expecting a response. Her heart rate was elevated, her arousal duly noted by the vampire and her lips were parted.

He pulled her to him, plundering her mouth. His tongue immediately sought and was granted access. She tasted like sugar, curtesy of the marshmallow he just passed onto her.

She pulled back suddenly, shocked by what she felt enter her mouth. It was unexpected, this partially melted mallow, but not unwelcome. She held his gaze as she swallowed it down and came back to his lips. Spike caressed and nipped his way along her mouth, taking her lower lip between his teeth. Buffy returned his attention equally, slipping her tongue inside his cool mouth.

Spike laced his fingers into her long silky hair. God, how he loved that hair! His hands trailed down to her back and he held her close to his chest. Buffy smiled as she felt the vibration of his purring against her. She moaned her own happiness before pulling away to catch her breath.

Oh, God, she whispered.

Spike pressed his forehead to Buffy's, his chest rising and falling with hers. Buffy, I- He pulled away from her and gazed at her hooded eyes. He pressed his lips together and walked passed her.

she called out, sounding almost like a shriek. Where are you going?

was his answer.

But, I- I thought we... I thought we were-

We were, he assured her. I was just- I'm going to go get some sleep. Had a late night. He sheepishly smiled at her and she returned it.

Did I snore? she laughed.

Thankfully no. If you did, even I wouldn't have been able to sleep through it.

Buffy's eyes went wide. Do I actually snore?

Spike shook his head and laughed at the self conscious woman. Only slightly, Buffy, and not that often. Don't worry your pretty lil head; never kept me awake.

Buffy blushed at the comment. At least she didn't make a lot of noise. No one ever said anything. Are you sure?

Spike sauntered back over to her, his cocky swagger making a brief appearance. He stopped in front of her, his hands on his waist. I think I can claim authority on the matter, he whispered before placing a kiss on the tip of her nose.
She met his gaze. God, he was beautiful! She could fall forever in those eyes and never give a damn. Of that, she was certain.

Weren't you going somewhere?

Spike breathed deeply. Yeah, I was. He gave her one last smirk before leaving the kitchen and heading upstairs.



So, Leila's birth was foretold in the Guegen Sanction. This Ill Fated Night is destined to come again? Giles tried to clarify.

O'Malley lit his cigar and shook the the match until it was extinguished. Yes, it is. It is on that day, Leila will complete the ritual and

Buffy climbed the stairs to the loft, catching the tail end of O'Malley's statement. So, why is this integration so horrible again? she wondered. If she becomes whole, won't she be good, normal even?

Integration is a loose translation of the word, Buffy, O'Malley explained. While bringing her two sides together, the demon will be subdued and the Slayer will be unnecessary, leaving her with infinite power and her own personality which is not angelic, to say the least.

Buffy nodded her understanding. And the Council has no clue about this, right?

Not a one, Giles confirmed. We still do not know when this is to take place or where for that matter.

There is more to say, O'Malley confessed. He walked down to the living room, the other two right behind him. Once they were all seated, O'Malley revealed his new found information.

I did not want to say this last evening without the proper evidence. I thought I might have translated incorrectly, but I fear I did not. Further into the prophecy, it details the ingredients needed for the spell to commence. It also makes reference to a clause.

A clause? Buffy scoffed. What is this a legal document?

I simply mean that there is reference... That is to say, Leila's powers, her gifts to be received may be intercepted.

Giles stood up slowly and walked about the room. Another may steal her abilities.

I believe her boss is going to try to do just that. Whether or not he could survive is another question entirely.

What will happen to Leila if it does work? Buffy wanted to know.

She will die. As long as we have the book, this will not come to pass. As long as the book remains safe with the Council, we are one step ahead of him.




It all seemed rather simple from what he remembered. One half breed, blood and essence of soul. Transport into him and a few moments later, he is all powerful and immortal. It was very similar to a recipe, but Julia Childs he was not. Just a man with a vision and a deep desire to come out on top.

It was too bad about Leila though. He was quite fond of her. Fond of her hips, her breasts, those astounding violet eyes that saw right through him, her luscious lips that drove him wild with only a smile. If he had his way, she would be with him always, overseeing the world they created together. His companion, his match in mind and passion. He did not love her, but he adored her. She did not love him, he knew that. She didn't love the vampire either, which warmed his heart. Leila was with him and there she would stay until her untimely demise.

However, the advantages highly outweigh the disadvantages, he rationalized. And, more than technically speaking, she will always be a part of me. A grimace formed on his face at his joke. No, it brought him little pleasure to think of her end. That is why he would ensure her last days, two to be exact, where as wonderful as he could make them.

He stood from his desk and ventured upstairs to their room. She was still sleeping soundly last time he checked on her. It was still the afternoon, but he thought he might rouse her all the same.

Her face rested on a lone pillow, all the others that usually covered the bed were thrown to the floor last night. She looked like his little angel of death. Men would have no fear following this creature into the great beyond. He sat next to her and stroked her pale cheek. Leila nuzzled into his touch, a purr resonating in her chest. She blinked her eyes open and smiled at the sight of him.

Hey, love, she greeted, her voice slightly raspy from sleep.

Hey, yourself. He climbed in next to her and lay on his back. She curled her body around him, her left leg crossed his form, her hand draped on his chest, her head rested in the crook of his neck. He wrapped his arms around Leila, pulling her even closer. She giggled as he fingers tickled her upper arm. She was quite ticklish. Rest well? She nodded in response. I think we should just stay here, just like this, for the rest of the daylight hours. You agree? She just cuddled closer to him, her firm grip ensuring his position in bed for hours to come.