Chapter 36

"Buffy? God, Buffy." Spike said in awe as he hugged the young woman to his chest, tears falling down his face. "You're awake." He whispered and he pulled away after a few seconds. He had to be sure that she was really back with him. He caressed her cheek and she looked really confused.

"Where am I?" She wondered in a hoarse voice.

"You were shot, baby. You're in the hospital. You've been asleep for the last two weeks, but you're back now." He told her and she gave him a small smile.

"I heard you calling." She responded in that soft voice again and Spike was grateful that she did hear him. "You were hurting." She said and he nodded as he looked down. She then grasped his hand in hers and he looked back at her face. "It's going to be okay now." Spike hugged her again and placed kisses all over her face. He never wanted to let her go.

"I'm so sorry." He told her and she shook her head.

"It wasn't your fault, Spike. I don't want you to blame yourself, I don't." Spike nodded again and pulled away to look at her. It would be hard for him not to blame himself, but he felt better knowing that she didn't.

Everyone was fussing over Buffy later that night. Spike called to let them know that Buffy was awake and they all immediately rushed over to the hospital. The doctor had to usher them all out of the room after a while, so Buffy could get some rest. Spike was the only one that remained with her. The doctor didn't even bother to ask him to leave. He was lying next to her in the small bed and she had her head rested against his chest. He just finished telling her a story and the soothing tone of his voice put her to sleep easily. Spike looked down at his sleeping angel and placed a kiss on the top of her head. He soon followed her in slumber.
Buffy was released from the hospital two days later and Spike was pushing her in the wheelchair. "I don't even know why I need this. I'm perfectly capable of walking." Spike shook his head as a smile formed on his face. God, he missed her.

"It's hospital orders, love. I'm sure you can walk fine on your own. I tried to talk them into letting me carry you, but they wouldn't have it. You won't need the chair once I get you home. I can carry you around everywhere if you like." Buffy laughed and it was music to his ears.

"Thanks for the offer, but I think I can walk." Spike shrugged even though she couldn't see him.

"Suit yourself, but you're not stopping me from carrying you up the stairs. Don't want to risk you falling." He said and Buffy didn't even argue as they finally reached his car. He helped her in and then folded up the chair, putting it in the back of the car. He then got in on his side and was soon headed for home.

"Welcome back!" Everyone yelled once Buffy and Spike walked into her house. She smiled at the fact that everyone she loved was there. She hugged her mother first and then everyone else. She smiled at Spike after she made all of her greetings and he smiled in return. It was really great to be home.
Spike headed back to the hospital a few days later. He had someone that he needed to see. He went to the desk in the lobby and waited for the woman sitting there to notice him. She finally looked up and gave him a smile. "Can I help you?" She asked him and he gave her a friendly smile also.

"I'm looking for someone. His name is Matthew, not really sure of a last name. He's a cancer patient here; I wanted to know what room he was in." The woman looked at her chart and then looked back up at him. She now had a sad expression on her face.

"You're probably talking about Matthew Hayes, were you a friend of his?" Spike nodded and figured that he was.

"I only met him a few times. He gave me some advice recently and I just wanted to thank him for it." Spike explained and the woman took a breath before she spoke again.

"I'm sorry to say this, but Matthew passed away last night." Spike was now saddened by this news. He knew that Matthew probably didn't have long by the way he was talking, but he didn't realize that it would have been so soon. He only nodded and gave the woman a small smile.

"Thank you," he told her. He was about to walk away, when her voice stopped him.

"Matthew's parents are having a memorial service for him tomorrow afternoon in Restfield Cemetery. I just thought you would like to know." She said and Spike nodded again.

"I'll keep that in mind, thank you again." He said as he walked away and headed out of the hospital. He decided that he would pay his respects, it was the least he could do.

Spike walked to the cemetery the next day, Buffy right by his side. He told her about Matthew and she decided to go with him. They were standing in the back as the people that loved Matthew placed flowers on his casket. Spike noticed an older couple crying, the man holding the woman close to him. Spike had a feeling they were his parents. He looked at Buffy and she nodded as he walked over to the couple. He placed his own flowers on the casket that he picked up earlier and then turned to address Matthew's parents. "Excuse me; are you Mr. and Mrs. Hayes?" He asked and they looked up at him.

"Yes, we are. Did you know our boy?" Mr. Hayes said and Spike nodded.

"I met him at the hospital when I was visiting someone close to me. He helped me realize a few things and I was very grateful for that. He was very brave. I know that he loved you both very much." Mrs. Hayes cried even harder now and her husband rubbed her shoulders.

"Thank you, son." He said and Spike nodded as he watched them both walk away. Buffy joined him and grabbed his hand. They stood there in silence, until Buffy spoke up.

"I wish I could have met him." She said and in a way, she felt that she did know him. Spike gripped her hand tighter.

"He was a great kid. Too young to die, but I know he's in a better place." Buffy wrapped her arms around him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Let's go home, Spike." She said and he nodded as he let her lead him out of the cemetery. He knew that Matthew was in a better place now. No matter what happened, he would never forget him.