The Party

Emily strolled into the manor on Spike's arm, the others trailed closely behind them, and Angel was sulking in the back.

Spike looked around at the decorated mansion, it had an elegant air but wasn't stuffy, perfect. They were early so people wouldn't be arriving although Spike wasn't expecting a large turn out.

Abruptly Clem walked out the back room with a bowl on his hand, "Clem!" Emily called walking over to him; he fumbled with the bowl before Emily took it from him and placed it safely on the oak table. "Excellent work with the decorations." She congratulated looking around smiling.

Clem gave a shallow bow and a fangy grin, "Thank you milady, but Spike's my best friend, so only the best."

Spike felt warm at what the demon said and smiled genuinely. The AI team had scattered through out them room, looking at food and anything they could find, Clem turned on some music and Cordelia looked up. "I love this song." She announced dragging Wesley and Gunn onto the dance floor. Angel stood clear as they began to dance.

Joyce and Dawn entered the mansion cautiously not knowing what to expect. It looked like a demon version of the bronze with humans diverse into the mix, a live band was playing, although Dawn didn't know the name she had heard them before and enjoyed the show.

Emily watched the pair enter and made excuses to go and greet them. "Good evening Joyce, Dawn." She smiled at the wary pair. "Do not fear you are perfectly safe."

Dawn looked at the red head and smiled as a rock song came on and she itched to dance. "Where do I put this?" Dawn indicated the large parcel in her arms. Emily pointed to a large pile of presents in the corner of the room and the Summer's women wondered why they hadn't noticed it.

"Over there." She looked at the pair some what motherly. "Thank you for coming."

Dawn quickly placed the gift down gently and went in search of the bleached vampire. She weaved through the crowd until his white-blond locks came into view.

He was talking animatedly with a group of demons when she pulled him to the makeshift dance floor. He looked down at her in shock, but when she began to dance he shrugged and followed her lead.

Joyce watched from the side lines and sighed wistfully; Emily nudged her slightly and nodded to the couple on the dance floor. "You should go out and enjoy yourself." Emily insisted; the woman's laugh was barely audible over the harsh lyrics.

"I'm too old." Joyce reasoned with a grin, looking at the red head who simply smirked.

"You should at least try." Emily prodded; she liked this woman, she reminded her of someone from long ago she only vaguely remembered. Joyce relented after ten minuets of discussing and the deal clincher was that Emily had to dance to; she looked on in distaste but reasoned with her self if it got Joyce dancing it was worth it.

The Scooby's, including a reluctant Buffy, walked in to find a very lively party, and scaly grey demon told them where to put their presents, and they joined the main congregation.

They noticed Angel and Wesley trying to be wall flowers by the snack table and collectively made there way over.

"You made it." Angel greeted with what looked like a grin from his bruised face.

"Yeah, couldn't let Fangless' death day go by without some good natured teasing." Xander commented looking around the room.

The blond Wicca looked around the room, trying not to make eye contact with the various demons in the room. "Where is he?"

"Over there." Wesley hiccupped, "Hasn't left them since they arrived." He slurred indicating the vampire standing with his personal guests.

"Mom!" The Slayer yelled, but it blended with the dull roar of the speakers and the band preformed. She marched over knocking demons and the few humans out of her way as she passed.

Spike noticed the girl's approach. "Slayer." He greeted graciously. She just glared at him and he looked away, Emily noticed and silently made a note to talk to the blonde woman before the night was through.

"Mom, what are you doing here?" She shouted angrily above the music, she noticed Dawn behind her talking to Clem. "And you brought Dawn?!?" She raged.

Joyce looked at the daughter calmly. "We were invited," Joyce answered. "And I'm actually enjoying myself." She smiled endearingly at Spike.

Buffy looked at her in disbelief. "You can't be serious." By now the Scooby gang and AI had gathered around.

"Buffy, leave it." Angel warned softly, he'd seen the way Emily had been looking at the Slayer earlier.

"Slayer, she is perfectly fine-" Spike started but was cut off by her fist connecting with his face, his head snapping back.

A fist connected with the side of her face and she went flying. The music stopped and the guests watched to spectacle. Emily stood over Buffy glaring at her. "We need to talk." Was all she said as she hauled the Slayer to her feet. She struggled against her restraints futilely. Emily threw her out into the court yard and turned to the gathered people. "Please continue." She instructed, leaving the room and the party jolted back to life.

The others followed closely behind the elder into the court yard. The Slayer threw attack after attack at the woman before her, who simply blocked each one disinterestedly. "You never change." Emily sighed, with one blow the Slayer was on the floor and quickly pinned. "You all walk around, holier-than-thou." She clarified. "Thinking you're better than demons, when really you're exactly the same, you live for the kill as they do if you don't slay you feel tense and restless. There is a thin line between good and evil, child and you would do well to keep sight on your side." She suggested getting off the stunned Slayer. "You don't deserve what you have, what you could have." She told the girl before storming back inside.

The others stood silently and looked at the Slayer on the floor. One by one they made there way inside leaving her alone with her thoughts.

Verging on an hour later Spike had opened most of his gifts and was only waiting for Emily's gift, as she walked up to him the sea of demons seemed to separate. "I hope you like it." She announced quietly, she handed him a small simple black box, he lifted the lid and took out the bequest.

He jingled the keys and looked at her questioningly. "The house." She muttered walking outside leaving the party to go on.

Spike stood and slipped after her quietly. She sat in the courtyard looking up at the stars. "Why did you give me the house?"

"It's better than that crypt you live in." She answered in a roundabout way, she continued to stare as he sat beside her, it was unlike her to be indirect.

"Aren't you staying?" He asked quietly, if she left he would be on his own again.

"Why?" She snapped, he was taken back by her attitude. "So you can think about the Slayer!" She stood and glared at him. "I know you love her," She sighed looking down at the boy. "And to have you physically is not enough for me." She knelt down before him. "I love you, and you love her." Emily's voice broke. "So, you stay here and work with the Slayer." She nodded towards the party. "And I'll go and be bothersome in L.A, drive Angel mad." She smiled up at him through watery eyes, he knew she was right but did she have to leave.

She kissed him softly on the cheek and walked back into the party.

Within an hour all the guests had said their goodbye's and left apart from the Scooby's and AI. Emily had asked Angel if she was aloud to come down to L.A with him and she'd been told by Cordelia she was always welcome.

A.I and the Scooby's stood in face of positions, Emily walked forward and took Spike's hand. "Come and visit me." She requested quietly, he nodded silently and she gave him a chased kiss.

She moved down the line giving each a fare well and a hug, even Xander got a hug. Emily reached Buffy and looked at her warmly; she gave the Slayer a bear hug earning an 'umph' out of Buffy. "Look after my baby, or I will hunt you down and skin you alive." She warned as she let go of her, Buffy smiled nervously not sure weather she meant it or not.

The others followed suit. Afterwards Cordelia ushered them all into the car making sure Angel was in the driver's seat.

Emily quietly slipped in back and silently let her tears fall as she watched her boy stare longingly at the Slayer, Angel put the vehicle in motion and she sat back and waited for her new life in L.A to begin.

THE END

A/N: That's it people it's over! Read and Review to tell me what you think!!!