Hope, Charity, & Honor By: Maura

Disclaimer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel the Series, et al is sole ownership of Joss [god] and Mutant Enemy [disciples]

A/N: This chapter is going to tell why and when Buffy announced her love, feelings, and wanting of a relationship with Spike. In the past its been pretty vague. I am a new author so reviews tend to help my writing process a little bit; ergo they are welcome.

Wednesday, October 26 10:02 am

"Does anyone else notice this is all suspiciously happening near Halloween?" Xander asked out of the blue. Which resulted in looks, he shrugged and went back to rolling the two 'Rings of Light' across the table in his apartment.

The Scoobies, plus Andrew, who had taken it upon himself to bunk up on first Buffy's and now his couch; were all waiting for Buffy and Spike. Buffy was adjusted to the sewer travel, but they all new they were, he shuddered, distracted. He wasn't one to lecture on sound choices in relationships, God knows I choose them demon girls, but Spike. He tried his hardest to continue his façade of hating the guy, but the more he saw Buffy with him he seemed to trust them. A few months ago, not right after, but soon after her reawakening, as they liked to call it, they began well they speculated dating. However no title was placed on them, they were just going at it like bunnies and holding hands, no one really knew what to do. He had to give them some ironic credit, at least they told us this time. Buffy had a good head on her solid and muscley shoulders therefore he trusted her decision.

He couldn't really give a reason not to, Anya would shoot dirty looks, Dawn would also. Even Giles seems to want me to give up on the Spike is Evil campaign, maybe that was a sign of good faith; the watcher who hates all her boyfriends actually gives consideration. Speaking of which, to his surprise when Angel showed up he found himself wanting to yell at the guy for not accepting Buffy's decision. Humph, Xander was stumped. For now he decided to continue the so-so routine, he was okay with it, but not happy. The bell rung and he looked up, funny how stuff like that happens after you go in and deeply ponder your thoughts. He smiled at Buffy and put the rings in the little velvet pouch Willow got for them. Business time, he thought idly as the group formed a little research/magic circle around his dining room table.

Wednesday, October 26 10:11 am

"-dolce Il dorato e lo scuro incorporerà. I suoni dorati loro faranno vede la vera luce." Willow chanted in Italian, Giles lit the candles around Buffy and Spike slowly. Dawn was in charge of rings, she had to slip them onto both vampires fingers at precisely the right time to make the spell work. She sat there looking at her sister and her new beau and smiled, finally. After years of seeing my sister in boring and tragically romantic relationships, she found one that was just exciting enough to keep passion, but real enough to last. She smiled at the elegance of the phrase that came to mind, love for all eternity. How adorable! Willow said the word carità, she thought it meant ring, but wasn't sure; all she knew was that was her cue, she slipped the rings on both of the lovers fingers and hoped for the best.

As soon as the ring slid on her hand, Buffy felt it magnetize itself to Spike's where his forcefully hit hers, I guess its happening to him too. She held her eyes shut in anticipation she felt jittery, whether it was the spell causing it or not she was no longer sure. Then like a rush of drunkenness she felt happy and light, maybe it worked. Just then she realized she could no longer feel Willow's chanting or the movement, smells, or sounds of her friends and their heartbeats. Either it worked or uh-oh, she thought abruptly worried.

"Fear not child, for we bring light, not darkness," a voice called out to her, instincts told her to be afraid of it and form no trust with unknown enemies, but after hearing it continue she felt safe and guarded with them. "Harrah and I, Karma, are hear to finish your guidance into the light. We will bestow great power and fortune on you, if you adhere to the tests."

"Tests?" Spike asked suddenly reentering Buffy's field of vision. She felt immediately better knowing a person she loved and trusted for longer than a moment to be there.

"Yes, William. We have to read both of you to make sure our visions do not deceive us," the female added warmly. "Do not worry, either of you, we will take but a moment to interpret the signs of fate."

She reached out and touched Spike's forehead, his eyes unawaringly rolled back and a jolt of power surged through him. A few seconds went by and he was thrown back to reality, looking shocked and confused, he gazed at Buffy. Mouth agape she was waiting for it to be her turn, with a last look over at Spike she turned her attention to the woman 'seer' approaching her. Here goes, she took a deep breath and felt the woman touch her. She felt the power rush through her, it felt like when you were pinned down in a fight with a big bad ready to die, and finding that little thing that keeps you alive enough to surge through your body and boost energy like a drug.

She went through numerous fights when she got that feeling, but somehow always settled upon moments with Spike even before they were together. Funny how life ends up so far away from what you imagined in high school, even in college. All too soon her memories were halted and she opened her eyes to see the white robe clad women pulling her hand back from her forehead and joining her, mate? Or partner maybe.

The two mysterious people shared a look, Spike thought they must be telepathic or something, then smiled or smirked was more like it. He knew they saw one thing, they didn't tell him, he didn't know how, but he knew there would be light and happiness. It was strange like from the moment they reached this unknown place, he had this thought that didn't really come from anywhere, but it definitely surfaced and yelled out that things would be good. He glanced over at Buffy whose outfit had changed from maroon to white upon arrival; he assumed his did the same, and smirked as well. Buffy caught his expression, furrowed her eyebrows and then smiled. Probably doesn't know what the hell is going on either, but whatever drugs these to ninnies are on are definitely contagious.

"William, Elizabeth, you have passed. Congratulations!" the male said, although it came across as a celebratory mark, his tone did not change, it stayed quiet and peaceful.

"What do we win?" Buffy asked curiosity peaked. The pair smiled even wider, if possible and approached. The female to Buffy and male to Spike, both placing their hand on the other persons hand. The female laced fingers with Buffy and chanted a few words in a foreign language which Buffy didn't know, and she felt rush again, but it was different this time more happiness and reassurance.

Spike on the other hand, had the male approach him, and had full understanding of the language he spoke. Old English, from the 19th century and a little before; he didn't quite understand what the words meant in a sentence but after the rush filled him he got the idea. "Light will guide you, bind you, compel you towards the light for all of eternity with which your children will protect and nurture the world. The warriors that fight beside you will be gifted as well, for all have given great gifts to the world and will be honored for your dedication and charity."

With a brilliant flash of white lights Buffy and Spike found themselves toppling back onto the carpet. Spike took a second to catch his breath and surveyed the room and faces, Buffy- Buffy where is, he saw her lying directly across from him, whew. His train of thought screeched to a stop and put his hand to his chest, the ring had almost welded itself to his finger, but that wasn't really what his interest held. When the fuck did I start needed to catch my breath?!