Spike stared in bewilderment at the very much alive body standing in front of him. What in bloody hell are you doing here!

Buffy made a sound of disbelief before her cheeks reddened, Oh I'm so sorry to disappoint you, Spike, but I happen to live here!But, Buffy, I Spike clamped his jaw shut as Buffy turned and stomped off towards the kitchen. Spike followed. Grabbing her elbow he turned her towards him again. I didn't mean it that way and you know it!

Buffy yanked her arm free, You bit me, Spike! How could you do that to me? How can I ever trust you again?

Spike creased his brow in frustration and stared at her. She was right. It was a bloody dream, he mumbled and turned away.

It was a nightmare. Pain and betrayal were thick inside the slayer's voice.

Spike slowly sighed and turned back towards Buffy. Staring deep into her eyes he said, I don't expect you to ever forgive me, but I truly am sorry.

The sudden presence of another body in the room forced the two to tear their gazed from one another. Buffy moved over to the sink and turned on the water.

Everything okay here? Angel stood in the kitchen doorway wringing his hands slightly.

Spike rolled his eyes turned over a kitchen stool, with a murmur of Oh please, under his breath, and sat down.

Tell me about Angelus, Buffy hesitated and looked up at Angel, Or whatever it is that's going on. Filling a metal bowl with water and shutting the tap off, Buffy set the bowl in front of Spike and retrieved a small hand towel from a drawer that was already open.

Spike looked up at Angel then at Buffy before he began. It's like this. The pouf and I got into it. There was lightning and sparks everywhere. When the light show was finished, I was down for the count and peaches here was helping' me. Spike made a sound of disgust. It was like having mother tuck me in again.

Buffy hid a smile and dipped the cloth in the water. Squeezing out the excess moisture she began to dab it at Spike's head. Spike winced and shrank back for an instant, eyeing the slayer curiously. Buffy smiled softly and tried again, this time trying to be more gentle. So what does Angelus have to do with it? You said something about his evil twin. Looks to me like Angel is perfectly fine, Buffy glanced over at Angel who was sniffing her dish detergent, even if he is a little weird.Right. Well you see, he's Angel. Angelus is out there somewhere. Spike nodded towards the kitchen door pulling his head away from Buffy's hand.

Buffy was suddenly aware of Willow's presence in the entrance from the living room, but she said nothing and continued to wash the blood from the vampire's face. What do you mean Angelus is out there? Another vampire? Is he a friend of Angelus'? Is he trying to be like Angelus? Buffy clearly didn't understand.

Spike growled in frustration. My but his head ached. Angelus his bloody self is out there. I don't know how but they split apart. There are two of them! It's like the good and bad separated and now there's an evil twin of Angel's running loose trying to find you. That's why he came to me. He said I should give you the message that he's coming for you. Spike's voice trailed off into silence as he closed his eyes and sighed. He was so tired.

You would tell us anything to let you go free, Willow finally spoke up. Her voice had not warmed in the time Spike and Angel had been there. In fact, it almost seemed colder. You're trying to lure Buffy out there so you can do her in permanently. You knew the magic would wear off eventually.What magic? I had no idea Buffy waswasn't dead! I told you I came here to warn you is all! If you want me to go! Spike stood up to leave but was stopped by Buffy's firm grip which planted him back in his seat.

Nobody's going anywhere. We are going to figure something out and fix this together. If Spike says there's something out there that I should be aware of, then I believe him.Buffy, how can you Willow began to protest but was cut off by a glare from her friend.

I believe him, Willow. It was a dreama nightmare! He didn't realize what he was doing. And even if he did, it was out of his control. Buffy looked back at Spike, There's something going on and we're going to find out what it is. When we do you are going to help us.

Spike nodded, Fair enough.

Willow growled in frustration and stormed away leaving Angel watching after her with a confused expression. Looking right at Buffy he asked, Are all women so emotional?

Spike looked at Angel for a second before blinking. Ignoring the question Buffy went back to work cleaning off the dry blood but Spike gently placed his hand on hers and stopped it. Buffy sighed softly and dropped her hand. Quietly she washed the blood off the cloth in the bowl.

I know what you're thinking, Spike. Buffy glanced up at him then back at the bowl, almost as if hiding her eyes from him. It's not true. Buffy picked up the bowl and turned to place it in the sink.

Angel stared at the slayer for a moment before excusing himself from the conversation and wandering off to find something to look over in another room of the house. Spike shifted uneasily in his seat as Buffy drained the bowl before rinsing the cloth out with cold water.

Softly, in almost a whisper, Spike offered his words. Do tell a bloke what he is thinking. The headache seems to be louder than the thoughts. Spike looked around the room considering whether he should stay seated or not.

Buffy twisted the rag so the excess moisture would drain from it. I forgave you, Spike.

Spike glanced at her confused for a second, Well I can tell you that is certainly not what I was thinking.

Buffy finally put the towel down and turned to face her fear. You're thinking I will never forgive you. But I did. I tried to tell you that night, but I just couldn't get the words out.
Spike just looked at her.

I remember how terrified I was, realizing that I was dying again. It wasn't fear of death, it was fear of not being able to see you again. Buffy almost couldn't believe her own words.

Spike looked deep into her eyes before tearing his gaze away from her and staring at a large gash on his hand that had resumed bleeding for whatever reason. Then what in bloody hell did you hit me for? His question was somber and sincere.

Because you ran out on me. You left me here alone. I died and you left me here alone. Buffy forced the words out and swallowed back the emotion. This wasn't a tearfest, it was a time for truth. Because you weren't there when I woke up and I felt alone, she finished.

Spike stared at her dumbfounded, There is something going on inside my head, Buffy! There are all these emotions andand feelings! Spike's voice cracked with agony. I can't control it, slayer! You can't trust me!Don't tell me who to trust! Buffy's voice was suddenly hard.

Spike took a deep, shuddering breath and let it out slowly.

Buffy calmed herself. Stay here. I'm going to talk to Willow. I have some theories to talk to her about but I can't have you distracting her. Buffy turned and left Spike alone in the kitchen. Alone with his thoughts. Alone with his emotions. Alone with his guilt.

I think it's the storm. It has something to do with our emotions, mixing them up and throwing them into overdrive. I don't know why or how, I just know that it is. I also think it has something to do with Angel and Angelus splitting into separate beings. There's got to be a way to reverse it. Buffy paced in front of a pouting Willow leaning into the couch they had cleared of garbage for seatage' purposes. I know the last few days have been hard, Willow, but I need your help here.

Willow sighed loudly and sat up. I don't hate him, Buffy.

Buffy stopped pacing to stare at her friend. Spike. I don't hate him. Willow smoothed her skirt and stood up. I just have these overwhelming feelings inside me. It's like a storm of emotion swirling inside me and I can't control them. I-I try to get them under control but then something slips and one of the emotions takes over and I don't know what to do! It takes over me, Buffy, and it's almost as if I'm watching myself from inside but I'm helpless until it blows over!

Buffy smiled softly and sat down across from her friend who followed suit. It's the storm, Will, it's got to be. there's no other explanation. I think that's what happened to Spike. His emotions kind of exploded inside him and were somehow relayed through his dream.But how would it find you? Why didn't it happen to any other person?Maybe because my emotions reached out to him at that momentI don't know! Buffy sighed and put her head in her hands. There's just got to be some way to reverse it.

Willow reached out for her friend but pulled back. She could only imagine how her friend was dealing with her own emotions after all she had been through. We'll find a way, Buffy. I promise.

A sudden shuffle into the room caused both girls to look up at a very shocked looking Angel.

H-He's dead!

Buffy stood up and asked in a worried, yet in charge, voice, Who's dead?That guy! In the room! Upstairs!

Willow suddenly turned pale and looked at the slayer with worry. After all that had happened she had completely forgotten to tell Buffy about Xander.

Show me, Buffy moved toward the stairs.

Uh, Buffymaybe we should talk about this first Willow tried to stop her friend but it was too late. The slayer was already half way upstairs, Angel on her tail. Willow quickly followed.

Buffy didn't have time to find out who was in the room for a loud crash had her scurrying back down to the kitchen.

Spike was crouched over something on the floor and hurriedly stood up when Buffy and her entourage appeared.

Spike, what happened? Are you okay? Buffy eyed the spilled water, tipped over bowl, blood smears on the floor and Spike's hand where the blood appeared to be coming from.

I-I'm sorry. I was trying to clean up. I dropped the dish. I'll clean it up. Spike bent over to retrieve the bowl and wipe up the water but in an instant Buffy was on the floor next to him taking a look at his hand.

Will, I need something to wrap his hand. It's cut pretty bad. Would you? Buffy left the question unfinished but Willow nodded in understanding and disappeared to find the equipment in the upstairs bathroom, pulling the very bewildered Angel with her.

I'm sorry, slayer. I seem to have caused quite a fuss. I really should be going. Spike tried to pull away from Buffy but she had a firm grip on his arm.

And go where exactly? Buffy had picked up the same towel she used earlier and was now gently wiping away the blood. Last I remember, your crypt almost crushed the both of us as it was coming down around our heads.

Spike looked up at Buffy and wrinkled his forehead, You remember that? You were unconscious.

Buffy smiled lightly, You told me.I did? Spike was so caught up in his confusion he yelped when she dragged the towel across his hand again. he apologized.

Stop saying that. Buffy wrapped Spike's hand best she could and helped him stand. After getting him seated she proceeded to clean up the mess on the floor.

Please don't do that, slayer, I said I'd clean it up. Spike whined.

Buffy stood and dumped the empty bowl into the sink and grabbed another towel to mop up the spilled water and blood. Oh stop your bellyaching. Buffy finished and stood up, brushing a strand of hair from her face and hooking it behind her ear.

Spike noticed a dark spot on her shirt and frowned. I guess my hand was a little worse off than I thought. I'm sorry about the blood on your shirt.

Buffy glanced down and shook her head. No that's me. Don't worry about it.

Spike raised an eyebrow before it hit him square in the chest. He had completely forgotten about Buffy's wound. Y-you're bleeding!It's nothing. Let me see your hand again. She reached for him.

Spike pulled away unwillingly, You're the one who needs help, Buffy.

Buffy rolled her eyes. I'm fine, Spike. I've just been moving around a lot more than I should. It's perfectly fine. See? Buffy lifted her shirt to show Spike the scarring wound.

Spike breathed in acquiescence as he stared at the pale, broken skin of his beautiful slayer. The vampire rose from his chair and slowly moved over to Buffy, all the while staring. He couldn't help it. Getting on his knees he ever so gently caressed it with his cold hand and softly kissed the wound.

Buffy was taken back by the action and hurriedly covered herself back up while staring at Spike in stunned silence. Realizing his mistake, Spike jumped to his feet and, lowering his eyes apologetically, rushed back to his seat.

In that instant Willow returned with the necessary medical supplies. The young witch looked at her friend then at Spike and back to Buffy again. The slayer was just staring at the vampire as if he had grown three separate limbs from his head. Spike looked as if he wanted to seep into the floor and vanish.

Uh, I'll just set these here and go check on Dawnie and Tara. Willow placed the items on the counter between the staring foes and disappeared from the kitchen.

Still aware of the slayer's stare, Spike reached out and opened the antiseptic. Taking a bandage from the small pile Willow had left, Spike doused it with antiseptic and cringed as he placed it over his wounded hand. Almost immediately the bandage was soaked with his blood.

Suddenly Buffy was there. Her soft, gentle hands pulled his away and pressed ever so delicately on the wound before pulling the bandage away to reveal the torn flesh. How did this happen? Buffy dropped the wet bandage on the counter and picked up a dry one.

I'm not sure, he said quietly. It must have been during the fight. I don't remember much...it was all a blur.

Buffy studied the large gash before placing the dry bandage over it and reaching for the gauze to wrap it with.

Spike asked in a whisper.

Buffy kept her eyes on her work. Why what?

Spike tightened his jaw slightly, Why did you forgive me?

The slayer finished wrapping Spike's hand and began to clean the wet bandage and blood off the counter. After disposing off the mess, she moved to the sink and began to wash her hands before finally giving him an answer. It was the only thing I could think of doing after you saved my life.

Spike inspected the fine work the slayer had done and felt a pang of appreciation mixed with guilt. She did far too much for him and he didn't deserve it. Thank you. The words were barely audible.

That was too close. Willow was now the one pacing and Tara and Dawn her audience. Only a few more steps and she would have seen Xander. I don't want to even think what the shock would have done to her.We have to tell her, Tara said softly trying not to upset her love.

I know. But how? Hey, Buffy, by the way. Willow sighed in frustration and fell onto the bed next to Tara. How am I going to tell Buffy that one of her best friends is dead? It's totally unfair after all she's been through!

Tara pulled Willow into her arms. I know it's unfair but Buffy's strong. She's going to get through this and anything else that comes along. It's up to us to be there for her and support her as best we can.

Dawn rose from the bed and walked over to the window where she watched the droplets of rain patter against the glass. Everything looked so dark and dreary. The whole situation seemed so unreal and impossible. Someone has to tell her, she said quietly.

Willow sat up and looked over at the slayer's baby sister. Silently she thought back to what had happened a only a few hours ago, though it seemed an entire lifetime had passed since.

Willow cautiously pushed the closet door so it swung out and gave the closet dwellers a view of the damage. Everything that could be was smashed or broken, the bits and pieces covering the floor. There's nothing left, Willow whispered.

Dawn peeked her head around Willow and took in the destruction for herself. Tara still held Dawn's hand and gave the girl a gentle squeeze to remind her she wasn't alone. Dawn squeezed back but let go and stepped out of the closet.

Dawnie, I don't think Willow started but Dawn ignored her and moved amongst the wreckage towards the stairs.

Dawn stopped and a pang of fear and defeat ripped through her as she stared at the stair case. The whole first half was missing and only the basement could be seen. How are we going to get to Buffy and Xander? Her tiny voice squeaked with panic and emotion. We can't just leave them up there all alonethey'll be terrified! Dawn swung around to look into Willow and Tara's eyes, pleading.

Oh, baby, Willow reached out and embraced the scared young girl. She had a loss for words as she tried to comfort the slayer's sister and figure out what exactly she was to do next.

Tara looked around, finally seeing for herself the carnage, and sighed worriedly. I think we have more things to worry about right now. Her eyes rested on the missing glass from the living room window . Water poured in and onto the surviving furniture. Almost as an afterthought Tara cleared a path to the couch with her feet and began to pull the large object away from the broken window and the rain.

Dawn looked up from Willow's shoulder and, after a few seconds of forcing her emotion down into her tummy, let go of her comforter and walked over to help Tara. Willow was close behind and within minutes the girls had the last remaining pieces, of anything left, away from the window and at a drier end of the room.

What are we going to do with the window? Willow asked to nobody in particular.

We'll do what we always do when it gets broken. We'll find something to board it up. Buffy's voice startled the rest in the room.

Is that really you? Dawnie squeaked and ran to her sister, throwing her arms tight around the slayers neck.

Yeah it's really me. Buffy's voice was tired but her arms found their way around her sister with love and appreciation for the small things in life.

Willow just stared, eyes wide and jaw hanging open, as Tara walked over to give Buffy a hug. Dawn smiled over at Willow, all signs of distraught had left her...for now.

B-Buffy I don't understandhow did youwhenwhat? Willow had problems trying to understand what she was actually trying to ask.

Buffy smiled tiredly and let go of Tara. We'll have story time later. Right now we have to get that window boarded up before we all float away. There should be something in the basement. Xander always had spare parts around just in case... Buffy trailed off as Willow's eyes saddened. Everything will be all right. I promise.Of course it will, Tara emphasized. Dawnie, why don't we go see what's in the basement.

Tara and Dawn left for the scavenging while Willow shook herself out of the shock and finally found the strength to move her legs and run to her best friend for a much needed hugfest.

I was so scared, Buff. I didn't know what to doI-I didn't know how I could ever protect Dawnie the way you doI thought I would fail you for sure! Willow let the words flow in an onslaught before forcing herself to be quiet and let go of her friend while Buffy took a few small steps to inspect the room.

You did fine, Will. You kept her safe. Buffy scanned the broken glass on the floor. She was still in somewhat of a daze.

Tara and Dawn finally entered the room a few moments later with a rather large piece of plywood and a hammer and some nails. Working together it took the girls only fifteen minutes to secure the window and finally block the still falling wetness from spilling on the already soaked carpet. Then they began the long, grueling process of picking up glass shards and broken everything from the floor and discarding it. The silence was overwhelming.

W-What are we going to do about the stairs? Dawn asked as the last bits and pieces had finally been thrown away and the furniture patted with towels to dry them off a bit.

Buffy stood next to Dawn and surveyed the collapsed staircase. About four or five stairs were missing but the rest seemed firmly intact. Silently she tries to remember how she had gotten downstairs to begin with. Looking around for something to use she finally spotted the top of the dining room table leaning against a wall where tara and Willow had left it. The legs had been busted off but the table top itself seemed in good, sturdy condition.

Buffy walked over and grabbed the table top. Dawn moved out of the way as Buffy swung the polished wood around and set it down firmly over the gap. A few nudges here and there secured the table top in its place.

Let's just hope it doesn't collapse. Buffy stepped onto the makeshift ramp and tested it. The angle it was at did cause a teensy problem, but holding onto the rickety railing helped somewhat. It'll do for now. We'll try to use it when absolutely necessary. Buffy glanced towards the top of the stairs, her look suggested she had forgotten something. Finding it unimportant she hopped off the ramp.

I'm gonna go look at what's left of my room. Dawn excused herself and, ever so carefully, made her way up stairs.

Willow opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by a knock on the door. Who could that be? She walked over and opened to door a crack to peer out.

It had been Spike.

Willow? Is everything okay? Tara peered at the witch with worry.

Willow snapped out of her thoughts and broke a smile. Yeah everything's okay. I was just thinking about Buffy. Willow stared out the window from where she sat, I have to tell her about Xander soon. I can only imagine what would happen if she just walked in and saw him lying there.