A/N Major Angst Warning! I didn't plan for this ending, but it just happened. I will start the much anticipated sequel to Earshot Revisited entitled Replacement Revisited later this week. I promise happiness there.
Mark's POV
Sept. 25, 2541
I think I broke Spike. Ever since the night he told me the truth about my mom he's been secluded and I've caught him crying a lot, though he'd probably never admit it. When I asked Mystery about claims she explained that they were rare in the vampire world as they linked you completely and totally to another person. She also mentioned that Claimed Vampires often kill themselves minutes, hours, or days after they loose their mate. The fact that Spike can't be with his Buffy must kill him. I also suppose it doesn't help that all the women he's looked after have probably reminded him of her in someway. I've got to do something to help.
Spike's POV
Sept. 25, 2541
The kid's deeper than I thought. He keeps asking me about claims and why if I'm so miserable without Buffy haven't I gone to her. I tried to explain my promise and he got really sad. He just looked at me and said, "So if I wasn't alive, you could be with her." I just hugged him and looked him straight in the face I made a promise to protect you and I will just like I have the rest of my family. He was quiet after that and went to bed early.
Mystery's POV
Sept. 25, 2541
I can't believe I like the kid/ I mean mentally I know that he's just a hormone driven kid, but he's sweet and caring. He doesn't treat me like an evil vampire slut. Believe me I've been called that more times then I care to remember and most of that was from my own family. He's different and damn I think I'm actually falling in love with him.
Spike's POV
Sept. 26, 2541
He's gone! Where is Mark? He never leaves this early. He better not be over at the warehouse with Mystery.
Mystery's POV
Sept. 26, 2541
So Spike shows up all worried about the kid's disappearing act and the strangest thing happened I was worried too. We're going out now to look for him. I hope he's okay.
Mystery's POV
Sept. 26, 2541
Mystery Solved, no pun intended, I can't believe I'm cracking jokes at a time like this. I guess it's the only way I can stop myself from crying. Spike and I tracked Mark's scent, but we were too late. Mark had been dead too long for us to revive him. He never knew that I loved him. The only thing on him was a note to Spike with the words "Go To Her," written on it. He sacrificed his life so that Spike had fulfilled his promise and could finally go to Buffy. I left Spike to his grief. I've lost one man tonight, I really can't think about loosing another. I'm leaving tomorrow night as soon as the sun goes down. I can't bear to be in this town anymore.