Chapter Seventeen
"So, he's got a soul, you say?" Xander asked as he listened to Buffy tell the story for the third time.
"Yes. For better or for worse, he does."
"Well, kind of gives Angel some competition, doesn't it? I mean, now there can be two broody vampires who help the helpless, and generally make idiots of themselves."
Buffy gave him a hard look. "Spike's not exactly the broody kind, and besides, even with a soul, I can't really see him out helping the helpless. Not really his style."
"Well, you never know. Hey, wouldn't it be neat if he and Angel became friends? Spike could go to LA, join the gang, and we'd never have to see him again."
"Yeah, that would be swell."
"And you're sure you believe him?" a very suspicious Dawn asked, as she sat down at the table next to Xander.
"Yes. I've seen it for myself. Don't ask me to explain it, but it's just one of those things that I know."
"So what does this mean exactly? That you forgive him and everything goes back to the way it was?"
"I don't think so." Buffy looked down at the table, trying to contemplate her answer. "I think things are going to change." She looked up at Dawn. "They have to change. I just don't know how."
"You're going back to him, aren't you?" Dawn asked, a slight edge to her voice.
"I don't know. But I think it's time I figured that out."