Chapter 8- Leading to a Talk

A/N: A couple of people said they liked the summaries, so I think I'll keep that up. If you don't need it, just skip to below the second set of **s.

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Chapter 1: Sunrise: Buffy rescues Spike. It's sunrise, so he'll have to remain there for the day. As she leaves the cave and heads home, Buffy ponders life without Spike.

Chapter 2: Home Sweet Home: Buffy returns to her home only to be attacked by the Potentials. Somehow, the First, in Buffy's form, has convinced them that the real Buffy is the First in corporeal form. Buffy is, naturally, upset that the Potentials and her friends could believe that. The First leaves after a bit of taunting.

Chapter 3: Wheatabix, Blood and a Blanket: Buffy searches for these things (plus a first aid-kit) so she can go help Spike. She talks with Xander, who tells her that Willow was called to LA. As she leaves, she tells him that Spike is a good man, and that he should try and realize this.

Chapter 4: Nightmares and Memories: Buffy returns to the cave, bag o' supplies in hand, to find Spike having a nightmare, and nearly hurting himself in his thrashing about. She wakes him. Despite his protests, she bandages him and gives him blood. Inadvertently, her thoughts lead her to Willow's Let my will be done spell' (Something Blue). She (finally!) realizes that Willow's spell was only that she and Spike should marry, not that they should be in love. Unfortunately, she says some of this out loud and Spike hears her.

Chapter 5: Rain Check: Buffy tells Spike she doesn't know what her feelings are for him exactly, and asks for a rain check on the heavy, serious stuff till after they defeat the First. He agrees. Buffy fills him in on what's been going on while he's been gone. They then fall asleep, side by side (Awww! ;o)

Chapter 6: A Long Talk in a Damp Cave: Basically, a big long talk between Buffy and Spike about forgiveness. She says that she needs his forgiveness for what she did to him last year, which of course surprises him. Buffy admits that he did some good things even when soulless, like taking care of Dawn. By now it's sundown, so they set out for home.

Chapter 7: Coming Home: Buffy and Spike head home. Halfway there, Spike asks Buffy if she really thinks he can be a better man. She replies that he already is a better man. They arrive home, unexpectedly finding Riley sitting in Buffy's living room.

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No, I am not bloody all right! You bleedin' forgot to tell me that soddin' Captain Cardboard was back! Spike yelled with all his strength.

What the hell are you.... she started to say. Turning, she saw one of those many men who'd said they loved her, whom she had loved, and who had left her.

Spike looked at her, surprised. You didn't know, he stated.

No, of course not! You honestly think I wouldn't tell you something like this?

Well, I-

Xander spoke up now. Hey, as much as I just hate to break up this fascinating discussion, Undead Boy looks like he's ready to keel over, and I think Buffy needs to talk to Riley.

To Buffy and Spike's mutual amazement, Xander came over and carefully put his arm around Spike.

Xander continued to amaze them as he added: I'll just help Spike lie down-

Uh, actually mate I think I need a shower more than a nap right now.

Buffy wrinkled her nose. She hadn't really noticed it before, but he did truly reek. Right. Xand, take him to my mother's bathroom, k? Find some clothes for him to wear, please. And... thanks.

Sure thing, boss, Xander said to Buffy with a nod. Come on Spike, up we go.

Riley glared coldly at Spike. He knew he couldn't do anything to the vampire right now, as Spike was clearly under Buffy's protection. He'd make her see reason, though, and then one more vamp would be nothing more than a pile of dust.

Buffy watched till the men had disappeared around the corner before turning to face her ex. Dawn, Anya, and Andrew who'd also been in the room, took the chance to slip out.

We'll just go downstairs and see how the SIT's are doing, Dawn told her sister.

Dawn and Anya began moving away, but Andrew just stayed there. With a sigh, Dawn headed back and grabbed his arm. Come on, Andrew!

Oww! That hurts! Andrew whined. I want to stay and- He was cut off by a slap to the back of the head by Dawn. Oh fine. Ya know, it's just like this Star Trek episode where... his voice trailed off as the three headed downstairs.

Finally! thought Buffy. Now, time to talk.

Riley now rose and stepped towards her. As he came into the light, she gasped. She hadn't been able to see him very well before. His face was... well, grim would be an extreme understatement. He had a large scar down the right side of his face which added to his new dour look. All in all, he looked nothing like the man she'd once known.

Riley rasped. Even his voice was harsher. We need to talk.



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A/N: Short chapter I know, but I'll update soon, I promise!