Willow smiled as Buffy opened her eyes. Hey, there! Long time no see!

Buffy smiled back and blinked the fogginess from her eyes. She tried to sit up but it was awkward and so she let herself fall back into her pillow.

Xander stood beside Willow and waved. Buffy smiled at his also and then proceeded to look at her surroundings. She was still a tiny bit foggy and things didn't seem to register in her head about what had happened. All she could remember was some freak who wanted her to come home with him.

The room was all white and smell itself told Buffy it was a hospital room. The curtains had been pulled back from the window and the sun shone brightly through the glass panes. There were a few chairs scattered but they were empty, and a small tray sat on a table next to Buffy's bed. She guessed it was food and had probably been there for a while now.

The room was so bright and cheery, right down to the soft pink blanket on the bed. It made Buffy feel warm and comfortable. It was then she noticed the small pounding in her side. Buffy was too weak to care, however, and she looked to her friends for an explanation.

Willow began with the details she had learned from Spike. Xander finished.

The hospital was worried about the doc so they sent an ambulance to look for her as soon as the hurricane subsided. Angel had mentioned you were in a crypt so they knew where to look. Xander smiled at his friend sadly. He hated it when she was in pain, of any kind.

Buffy asked, Was he here? Where is he?

Just then the door opened and in walked a very bouncy Dawn. Is she awake? she asked Willow who nodded.

Dawn pushed her way between Willow and Xander to peek in at her sister. Are you okay?

Buffy laughed lightly and winced. Yeah I'm okay. Just a slight distraction from slaying for a while, but I'm fine. In fact this is kind of comfy.

Dawn smiled warmly and attempted to hug her sister gently. I'm scared to touch you. June said you'd be sore for a while and very weak.

Buffy reassured her sister, I'm fine. Slayer healing remember? And who's June?

Oh, she's the doctor. She told me her name was June and I said it was a pretty name and then she insisted that I call her that instead of Doctor Warsaw which is her last name. Dawn took a breath and silently apologized for talking so much.

Buffy knew her sister's looks and said it was okay with a look back.

You need to rest, Buffy, so I'll take Dawnie home. You don't need to worry about a thing, Xander and I will take of everything until you're better. Willow signaled for Dawn to come with her. Xander and Anya will call me if you need anything and Spike said he'd patrol for you until you're better. Is there anything you want from home? Toothbrush? Pj's? Something to read?

Thanks, Will, but I think i just want to sleep. I might as well take the opportunity before I have to go back to slaying and don't get to sleep. Buffy attempted a light humor for her friends.

Willow smiled in understanding and, saying their quick goodbyes, Dawnie and her headed out the door just as Anya walked in carrying some magazines and sandwiches.

Oh, are they going home now? Maybe they would like a sandwich. Anya asked Xander, seemingly unaware that Buffy was awake and staring at her with a smile.

Xander laughed lightly at his fiancee and pointed to Buffy. They went home so Buffy could rest. I think we should let her rest as well, then to Buffy he said, We'll be right outside if you need anything. Xander gently prodded Anya out the door, leaving Buffy to sleep once more.

***

It was after sundown when Buffy woke again. The curtains were now closed and the room was dark which made Buffy uncomfortable for a moment before remembering where she was. Again she attempted to sit up but was too stiff and drowsy to get very far. Suddenly the slayer was aware of someone in the room with her. By now her eyes were adjusted to the dark and she could make out a figure sitting next to her.

I'm sorry. Didn't mean to startle you, luv. Spike kept his voice soft and quiet so as not to scare Buffy.

Buffy smiled at him, It's ok. I was only trying to sit up a little. I'm not very good at it at the moment, I feel like my arms are made of those foam noodles Dawn likes when she goes swimming.

Spike chuckled lightly, Shall I turn a light on? Or do you want me to open the curtains and let the moonlight in? It's a full moon tonight, and very beautiful if you would like to look.

I would love to.

Spike quietly stood, walked over to the window, and pulled the curtains open. Moonlight flooded the room and Buffy could now see the vampire clearly.

If there anything else I can do for you? Something to drink? You must be thirsty after not drinking anything all day. Maybe you would like something to snack on perhaps? Spike asked the assemblage of questions without a pause.

Buffy tried not to laugh at the man, who was only trying to help, and shook her head in the semidarkness. I'm okay, thanks. You don't have to do anything else, Spike, you've done enough.

Spike stared at her with slight confusion, and he walked back to his chair and sat down. I did some patrolling before I came here. Nothing much to speak of, a few vampires is all. I checked all the cemeteries though, went through some abandoned buildings on the other side of town, there were some---

Buffy gently cut him off, You don't have to report to me. I really appreciate your help, it means a lot to me. The slayer raised a hand to Spike's face and traced his cheek bone with her thumb.

Spike felt his face grow hot and raised his cold hand to her warm one. It's the least I can do for you. This whole thing would have never happened if it weren't for my stupidity. I never should have left you back there with some crazy freak running around! I was a fool, Buffy. Just because I was all hot headed, I left you to get hurt and I'm very sorry. Spike kept his voice smooth and soft though his heart felt as if it were being crushed and his mind was flooded with all the possible things that could have happened if this hadn't.

Shh. It's not your fault, Buffy whispered. You left because I told you too. If you would have stayed, then I would probably have ended up staking you.

Spike chuckled lightly at the slayer's humor. He knew she was speaking the truth though.

Willow said Angel was here. Buffy had held it off for as long as she could but she knew now was the time to bring it up. At first I didn't remember anything but now I know a little of what happened. Some things are foggy, like entire period we were in the crypt. You two didn't do anything---testosteronish did you?

If you mean fight, then no. Although I did hit him once, but it was out of frustration and he shook it off then left.

Buffy gave Spike one of her famous sarcastic looks. Well I'm glad he didn't find out about us. I don't even want to think what he might have done if he knew.

Spike looked at Buffy with a guilty look. He knows, luv.

Buffy's forehead wrinkled in worry, but that was the only sign she gave of concern. Spike shifted uncomfortably in his seat trying to say what he had tried hard to forget.

Well, um, Angel told me you... Spike cleared his throat, You called for me when... Spike couldn't finish the sentence. As much as it excited him that the slayer would call for him when she was in the direst of need, it also terrified him that she would be in enough pain and hurt to do so.

Buffy slowly turned her head to the window where the moonlight had faded as the moon was covered by a cloud.

I know you probably didn't know what you were saying, and you were in terrible pain and such...it's not fair to say you did it on purpose really. Spike watched for a reaction but the slayer was still. I could see it in his eyes, he knew. Of course it didn't help when I undressed you and such with him watching as if I did it every night. I swear I didn't say anything about us, Buffy. I just didn't know what else to do! You were wet and cold--

I know. Buffy heard the vampire's voice break and, still staring out the window she slowly moved her hand to his, grabbing it gently and holding it.

Spike sighed heavily to regain his composure as he softly stroked the small hand in his. The hand was so soft, smooth, and small, yet so strong.

I know I could never ask you to love me, Spike started quietly, but I will do anything in my power to make sure you and the bit are okay. Unsure of what else to say, the vampire gave up.

Silence overtook the small room and the two watched as the moonlight strengthened, the cloud having left the moon's path. Amongst the silence was a stillness unlike any Spike had ever known. A moment before he had felt uneasy, as if he didn't belong in the room with the wounded slayer--his wounded hero. But the darkness surrounded him, comforted him, and once again he felt whole. This world was the reality he belonged in even if he didn't seem to fit at times.

You have protected me. Buffy's half whisper moved through the silence parting it for an instant, the silence flowing back together as a fog would after being interrupted by a solid object.

Spike tried his hardest to find comfort in the words, but something felt wrong. The entire experience with Buffy had felt wrong, not only because she was hurt, but because he had all these uncontrollable emotions inside him and he had no idea where they came from or what he was supposed to do with them. Suddenly Buffy's hand went limp in the vampire's hands.

Spike whispered softly in the deafening hush. Instinctively the vampire listened for a heartbeat and a sigh of relief rushed through his body as the faint pulsating noise threatened to drive straight through his eardrums into his brain. Spike carefully placed Buffy's hand next to her side on the bed and sat back to wait out the night. Something still felt wrong.

***

Dawnie! You ready to go? Willow searched her small purse frantically. She knew she had put Buffy's gift in there but now she couldn't find it.

I'm coming! Dawnie called with slight impatience as she tromped down the stairs to find her jacket. She was excited! Today was the day they could bring Buffy home. Where's Xander? He said he'd be here at ten. It's ten fifteen!

Willow kept searching her bag, He'll be here. Have you seen--

Xander had walked in the door and handed Willow a small maroon velvet box.

You found it! Willow gladly accepted the box in placed it in her purse once more. It must have fallen out when you dropped us off after dinner last night. Which by the way was lovely, thank you.

Xander smiled and his cheeks turned a light shade of pink. It was nothing. Anya's in the car waiting so we should get going. Where's Dawn?

What are you two waiting for? Let's go already! Dawn appeared and was the first to disappear out the front door.

The other two glanced at each other and followed the slayer's sister.

***

Buffy was sitting on the edge of her neatly made bed when her friends arrived. Her things were packed into a small plastic bag that she had obtained from one of the nurses who had helped her change. Willow had brought her a new set of clothes the day before as Buffy's other clothes had been badly stained with blood.

Hey, Buff. Ready to go? Xander asked with as cheerful a mood as he could muster.

Buffy stood up and reached for her bag. Xander quickly grabbed the small bag instead and offered the slayer his arm. Buffy smiled and thankfully accepted as she felt very weak and unsure of her ability to keep herself up.

Willow and Dawn had entered right behind Xander and now followed the two out of the room. Dawn caught up beside her sister and gently wrapped her arms around Buffy's one free arm.

So how are you feeling? Willow asked quietly. Buffy and Xander kept a slow pace toward the main door that led to Xander's car which he had parked at the entrance.

I'm good, still weak, but good. The doctor gave me some painkillers. Said I should be my normal self in a few days. She was surprised at my unnatural healing rate. Buffy spoke with a bouncy tone. She was glad to finally go home.

I'm going to take good care of you, Dawn beamed. Breakfast in bed every morning and I'll do all the housework.

I must be asleep cuz I think I'm dreaming, Buffy joked.

Well maybe not all the housework, Dawn cringed.

Nope. I'm awake, Buffy nodded.

The door opened automatically as the troop moved toward it. It didn't take long for the group to reach the car where Willow jogged ahead and opened the car door for her friend.

Your chariot awaits, milady. Xander quoted as he helped her into the front passenger seat. Anya had moved to the back.

I don't see why I should move to the servant class when it's my fiancee's car! Anya whined in her normal, self-pitying tone. It's just a bullet wound, I've had much worse and nobody ever offered me the front seat, let alone move to the back for me.

Buffy curled her lips into a small smile and looked at Xander with appreciation. Xander smiled back sympathetically. She's a bit grouchy when she doesn't get her coffee in the morning. Xander shut the door and hurried around the car to his place at the wheel.

Willow and Dawn got in beside Anya who was still carrying on. I mean, I'm not the slayer and I do sympathize with her pain. But what about me? When I'm hurt nobody gives me any special treatment! They just hand me a tylenol and a glass of water and say Here! This will make you all better because I'm too lazy and too cheap to actually care enough to really make you feel special.' Seriously! It really--

Um, Anya, honey? Why don't we let Buffy tell us what she needs right now. I promise I'll make it up to you when we get home ok? Xander patiently tried to calm his girlfriend down.

You mean I can put on the princess lingerie and you can be the nasty pirate who kidnaps me again? But I actually tie you up instead and--

Anya, remember what I told you about our private times together? Well that's one of them. Xander's cheeks had flushed to a new kind of red Buffy was sure she had never seen before and he looked as if he had been caught with more than his hands in the cookie jar.

Right. Xander's afraid of sexual talk around you guys. It makes him feel dirty and unworthy of your company. But I told him he was too cautious and that sex is a very wonderful, natural experience. He's very good at sex. Anya smiled proudly at her man and spoke matter of factly to Willow and Dawn who cringed.

You devil you! Buffy mocked.

I'm not scared to talk about it in public, I just believe it's private. I'm sure you don't want to hear about my intimate moments with the woman I'm going to marry. Xander grinned nervously and gripped the steering wheel, trying hard not to make eye contact with anyone except oncoming drivers.

Speak for yourself! Willow spoke up. I want to hear what she does to you after she ties you up! Willow's eyes sparkled with mischief.

Coffee anyone? Xander pulled into a Dunkin' Donuts. My treat!

***

Spike stared at the blank screen on his tv set. It was the middle of the day but he couldn't sleep. Today was the day the gang took Buffy home, and the end of his nights with her. It probably would have sounded selfish to anyone else, but Spike was almost glad the slayer was in the hospital. It allowed him to spend some real time with her and actually care for her as he had wanted to for a long time now.

The vampire had arrived back to his crypt moments before sunup and had been sitting in the same spot since. Lately, being away from Buffy was like being alive without air. Of course, that was something he had pretty much forgotten about though he still understood the necessity. However, he still could not figure out the emotions packed into his being since the storm and it scared him to be near her for fear he might start crying again. It was as if there had been an emotion surge and he was struck straight in the heart. 'Cept I don't have a heart cuz I'm dead. Spike's words startled him. I'm a bloody pouf! Again his words caused himself to jump. Bugger this! Spike stood up and quickly made his way to the refrigerator where he grabbed and opened a jar of blood.


Drinking the red fluid in one large gulp, the vampire thought over his next move. He desperately wanted to see Buffy tonight, but he knew that would be almost impossible. He didn't think Buffy would turn him away, but her friends would be there every minute watching her closely, seeing if she needed anything. He couldn't blame them really, after all it's exactly what he would do if he were there. Besides, the witch was probably researching the unexpected storm and need as much of Buffy's help as she could get. That would require a lot of endless talking and even more endless boredom. Spike would rather pound information of a source than look it up on some machine.

Suddenly, Spike had an idea! Grinning he licked the last drops of blood from his lips. He would finally know why he was being tortured by pathetic, human emotions!