A/N: I own nothing of the Whedonverse nor any fairytales and I am not profiting from this work.

Chapter 25

Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer

We have a surprise

Go to her

Tell me if you freckle

"Damn it Harmony! I told you. No vampires." Cordelia watched as Dennis brought a mug of blood to the hostage.

"I'm a vampire and you work for a vampire and, and this is the only way to get back Blondie Bear."

"I don't care!" Cordelia was already on the phone to reach Angel.

"I won't hurt you. The pixies told me how to start and my Spike will want to see how it ends."

"Hey! He's my Blondie Bear not yours."

"He doesn't want to play with us anymore. Don't you see?" Drusilla pulled at her restraints. Cordy suspected she didn't really try. "The party's started and there's only settings for two."

"Ugh, she's giving me a headache. You take care of her. I need a nap." The blonde stomped into Cordelia's bedroom.

"Harm! She's your hostage." The human followed her ex-cronie/friend. "And don't you dare be feeding in my bed again."

Drusilla looked at a point in the center of the room. "Are they always this loud?" She nodded as though the answer was yes. "I thought so."

Back in Sunnydale…

Buffy was sitting at the island when Joyce walked in carrying Giles. "Buffy?"

"Hmm?" She was staring at her hands wrapped around her travel mug.

"Giles has something to talk to you about." She set the Watcher down and stepped into the dining room.

"What is it?" The Slayer set aside her cup.

"A part of the contract was just sent to me. It seems that the terms must be satisfied by the year's closing."

"But New Year's is tomorrow."

"I didn't want to push this on you but, and a part of me balks at the thought still, not that he hasn't…"

"I let him go."

"You did what?"

"I let him go. I'm sorry Giles. I know this is worse for you than it is for me." Buffy looked at the mug. "I guess I really can't save everyone."

"No. Don't worry on it. I...I can make do. We should just carry on as we were. The coven from the clinic left a message early this morning and can bind Mirage by this afternoon. Everything will be fine."

"You're right, we should just keep going. Business as usual." Buffy looked at the basement door. Spike must have stopped by after picking up his car. Some of his records were gone.

"Buffy!" It was mom. Buffy ran upstairs and stood dumbfounded at her sister's room. Specifically at the empty bed and open window.

L.A., Outside Cordelia Chase's Apartment, At the boot of Spike's DeSoto…

"Dawn, what are you doing?" Spike helped the girl out and started walking up to the apartment.

"Why did you go away?" She followed him all the way to the door he could sense Drusilla behind. "Don't you like us anymore?" Her eyes were all big and dew like.

"Ah, nibblet, You know I do, It's just…"

"May I help you?" Cordelia looked out across the threshold at the newest vampire who wanted in her apartment. "Oh, it's you. Please excuse me if I'm being rude but go away. The last time I saw you I left with rebar in my gut."

"Actually, I was told that story and it doesn't seem I'm at fault. I mean I just provided opportunity. They already had means and…"

"Dawn?" Cordelia looked at the young teen with surprise.

"No, motive."

"You kidnapped the Slayer's little sister?!" Cordelia grabbed Dawn and pulled her in before Spike could process. "What is with you and kidnapping, you idiot?"

"Idiot? You're calling me an idiot? She's a stow away. I didn't kidnap her. I'm a Master Vampire. You can't call me an idiot."

"Blondie Bear!"

"God, 's like Beetlejuice." Spike smiled tightly. "Harm."

"I knew you'd come if I got her." The ditzy blonde looked at her high school friend. "Invite him in."

"No, you all get out and take your Jerry Springer: Undead Edition away from my home."

"It'll probably go easier if you invite him in." Cordelia looked at the little brunette she'd just dragged in.

"Has he thralled you?"

"No, he's changed. He won't hurt you. He's more cuddle than kill nowadays."

"Nibblet!" Spike was conveying 'Shut. Up.' with his eyes.

"I'm helping your cause. Not hurting it." Dawn crossed her arms and tried her best to glower.

"I won't hurt anyone." The ethereal voice came from behind the throng of female hormones. "Miss Edith is growing cross and she's ever so little fun when she's cross."

"'S alright Dru. I'll get you out." Cordelia shook her head with a 'sorry buddy, not happening' expression.

"I don't think it counts but you can try." Drusilla was talking to someone or something and Spike went to lean against the barrier and fell through.

"Grr, you...phantom menace." Cordelia stomped to her room.

"Alright, not even gonna question that." Spike picked himself up and walked to Dru. She was standing up and dropping the ropes to the floor. "Dru? Are you alright?"

"You have to go back to go forward and the sunlight calls me to the land of dust and the darkened heart." Dru kissed his cheek and made for the door.

"What's waiting for you in Africa?" Spike was wise enough not to stop her.

"My Spark." As she left, Spike could feel he really wasn't going to see his Sire again. At least, not as she had been.

"Come on nibblet, let's get you home."