It all started because Spike was having nightmares about the woman he loves prompting him to go to her; before a demon could manage killing the woman he loves. Now where will it lead them? What new challenges will they face in a world with multiple Slayers? Nearly all major characters will eventually make an appearance. Essentially this is a very Spuffy centered continuation of the series.
Rated for sexual content. Canon typical violence and themes. I will try to add appropriate warnings as needed although I think these should suffice for the majority of the story.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
A/N: I am in the slow process of making edits with my Beta Geliot99 on this story, since she was not involved in the creation of the first 25 chapters or so.
Chapter 1 has been updated as of 2/21/23
Thanks for reading and please keep in mind that if I have not added an "Updated" note then the chapters are un-Betaed until the much later chapters.
Enjoy!
Chapter 1 To Paris With Love and Demons
"Slayer Central Rome! You got a baddie, we'll get stabby!"
Spike chuckled "Bloody Hell, Willow is that you? I thought you were in Tibet or some such."
"Yeah, we just got back a couple of weeks ago, who is this?"
He was starting to get annoyed, "Oh now come on Red, I don't have time for this bollocks."
"Spike?" Willow squeaked.
"Course it's me, I need to speak with Buffy, she around?"
There was a pause on the other end before Willow sputtered, "Hang on, how?"
"I thought Angel said he filled you in, or at least Andrew would have, the git."
Willow tried to backpedal a little. The call had completely taken her by surprise. "Well sort of… not really. Andrew said you were back but that you didn't want us telling Buffy until you could talk to her yourself."
"Bollocks, yeah I guess I did… look, you heard about the apocalypse we put a pin in?" He huffed.
"Well sure, I make Angel check in on all the big stuff, especially now since I guess he's back on our side. He didn't sound all that great when he called last."
"Well no, I suppose not. The man nearly got cut in half, didn't he now? He's on the mend… it's not over by a long shot."
"So he said…" she sounded doubtful.
"Right, well anyway, that's not why I'm calling."
"Why are you calling? What happened to you? Angel didn't say; in fact, I kinda thought you might have been dusty."
Spike let his shoulders relax a little, "Me? Nah, not this time anyway. I'm alright or will be. Look Red, I really need to talk to Buffy."
"She's not here, not in Rome I mean."
That made him tense again. "Fu— well when will she be back?"
Willow was starting to get a little uneasy, she couldn't remember the last time Spike had sounded so agitated. "Probably not for a while, maybe a few more weeks. What's this all about, Spike?"
Spike sat down roughly into a chair, "It started a few days after this last big one. I— shit I don't know— I keep having dreams. It's one of the lesser demons that came through. The damn thing escaped, along with countless others I'd wager, but this one— I- it's hunting for Buffy. I've tried to do some research here but I'm not the bloke for it and ours is gone. Near as I can tell, I think I must have killed its mate and now it's gunning for Buffy."
"Wait, but Buffy—"
"Is in trouble, think this is some sort of empathic, telepathic or some-pathic demon. How it knows about Buffy, I don't know, unless it read me somehow. I'm trying to get a better bead on this thing if I can." He snapped.
Damn it, this shouldn't be so sodding hard.
Willow's voice grew increasingly more concerned, and he could almost picture the pained expression on her face when she spoke. "But these dreams, they are just dreams, right? I mean you've never had prolific dreams have you?"
"Not exactly normal for me, no. So that's what I thought too. I was pretty banged up myself and I just thought it'd messed with my head, right? But then the dreams kept coming… I need to warn her, help her, I need to do something." He wanted to punch something.
"Spike, I don't know where she is, exactly…"
He growled, "For Pete's sake Willow, you don't stop, I'm going to come to Rome and bite you."
"Cranky, Spike, I get it! Look, Sunnydale was rough on all of us, and you know Buffy. She was actually really holding it together until a few weeks ago, she sort of ended things with the guy she'd been seeing. Kennedy and I had just got back when we heard LA was still standing, so we sort of convinced her to take some time off since it's been pretty quiet here." Willow added defensively.
He sputtered at that, mind spinning, "Time off? You're jokin'; You mean to tell me I'm worried sick here and she's on a bloody— she went on sodden holiday!?"
"Uhh huhh…" He could hear the blush in her voice.
"You got contact information or something for the girl or what?"
"Her last email was a few days ago; she was in Paris," she hedged.
"Pa-Paris? She ah— she's not, you know, with- she's not still with The Immortal is she?" A rock had dropped in the pit of his stomach, he didn't think he could stand hearing it.
"The Immortal? How did you- Andrew— of course—" Willow groaned, "no, that was the guy I mentioned. I didn't really get to know him. She's totally been on a solo trip. Sort of a soul-searchy bohemian kind of thing. I have a cell phone number for her, but she's been keeping it turned off a lot. I usually just leave messages and she calls back when she can or we email. She's really burned-out right now so we've been giving her some space."
Spike pinched the bridge of his nose.
I'm not in the mood for this nonsense…
"Yeah well this thing catches up with her and she's going to be burned to a crisp if she's not prepared for it."
"I'd be more worried about her staking you for not telling her you're back."
He smirked. She might have a point there— "I'll handle Buffy."
"She might be kinda pissed. I mean I only had an idea because when Angel called about the apocalypse he mentioned you were with him on it so then I drilled Andrew while Buffy was out. And none of us really knew if we could trust Angel or not—"
"And so, me? Bugger…" he groaned.
"I didn't say anything— I didn't want to upset her or—" she let out a little whimper "And you know what! I don't remember getting any calls from you mister!"
"Yeah, alright, luv, steady on, you got me. Just being protective. Believe me, I get it. Lot of that goin' round."
Willow faltered slightly, "Well good, as long as we all have her best interest at heart."
"Trust me, that's all I want."
"Fine, you got a pen?" Willow rattled off the number while Spike scribbled it down.
"Right, thanks Willow, I mean it. If you get a hold of her, let her know I'm coming. I'd rather not surprise her like that if I can avoid it. I'll try calling but it doesn't sound like I'll have much luck." He paused, hesitating, "Will— I never wanted to— damn. I was just trying to take some time to figure things out, I didn't want— forget it. That's for Buffy's ears. I'm catching the next flight I can get, with any luck I can beat this nasty to her."
"Hang on a minute," there was a slight rustling and clicking on Willow's end, "wait, here it is. Humm ok, Spike, think she might be staying somewhere close to the Eiffel Tower. I remembered she included a couple of pictures in the email and it was in the background of two of them, but in the distance, I think they might be from her hotel balcony."
"That'll narrow the search a bit. At least I got a slightly smaller haystack…" He eyed the phone number he had written down. A tangible thread connecting him to her.
Willow bit her lip, she hadn't been able to give him much to go on, but hopefully it would be enough, "Good luck!"
Night had already fallen when the plane touched down at the Paris airport. Spike was really missing the private jet. He scrambled out of the luggage compartment where he had stowed away. He was definitely glad the trip was over. At least he had a cell phone with him. He used it to call Willow back to see if she could help out with identifying the demon, she had only come up with a few more tidbits of information. He also tried calling Buffy a few times, as expected it went straight to voicemail.
Spike immediately started towards the Eiffel Tower. What else could he do except start there and work his way out just hoping to catch her scent? It was nearly dawn when he finally did just outside of a little corner cafe. It was a quaint section of the city, perfect for someone looking for the full Paris experience without being right in the thick of it. He should have known she'd be somewhere like this, he thought. He stood on the street inhaling deeply to follow her scent. It led him to a relatively small hotel. The upper floors would have balcony views of the tower for sure.
"Excusez-moi," he called to the receptionist "Vous parlez anglais? Mon français est un peu rouillé."
"Oui, yes, how can I help you?" The receptionist answered, taking in his rather rough appearance.
"I'm looking for a friend of mine, I believe she's staying here. Summers, is the name. Belle, petite, blonde?"
"Ah! Oui, she has been with us for nearly a week. We thought she must be waiting for a lover, but when none joined her…" again the receptionist looked him over skeptically.
"Got held up," Spike said, bristling a little.
"Oui, monsieur."
He cleared his throat, "Eh could you tell me which room she's in?"
The receptionist gave a curt nod, "Oui monsieur, one moment please. Would you like me to call up for you?"
"That won't be necessary, just the number, s'il vous plaît."
Minutes later Spike stood outside Buffy's door wondering if he should've let the receptionist call. His stomach clenched and he bounced on the balls of his feet trying to dispel some of the tension in his body. He flexed his fingers and balled up his fist nervously.
No, it's best to just get it over with.
He reached out to knock, hesitated again, and rapped the door with his knuckles. When she didn't initially respond, he knocked a little harder. An older man poked his head out of the door across the hall but went back in at the sight of him. Spike swore under his breath and knocked again.
From the other side he could hear her familiar voice answer "Just a minute! Eh… Une minute, une minute! I'm coming!"
He chuckled and his throat suddenly constricted. A moment later the door opened a crack. He could see her adjusting her bathrobe before looking up at him properly. As she did, her mouth fell open, "S—Spike?" She rubbed her eyes with one hand.
"Hello Buffy," he said, running a nervous hand over the back of his neck. Almost not daring to look at her.
"Is- is it— really you?" She stammered as she opened the door a little wider.
"Yeah, it's really me, Love, in the flesh. You look..."
"How?"
"I- well, Willow told me where I could track you down. Mind if we have this conversation inside, please?"
That seemed to bring her back a bit, "You talked to Willow?"
"That's how I found you. Mind if I come in? We need to talk."
"Understatement," she answered numbly as she opened the door further for him, revealing the small crossbow she held relaxed towards the floor, "when did you get back?"
"Let's start with something less complicated, shall we?"
Buffy turned into her rather comfortable room, letting him pass before setting the crossbow on a little table by the door, "Such as?"
"Well, I don't know if I should start with how amazing you look, the big bad that's hunting you down, or the fact that you apparently haven't been checking your messages."
"This was supposed to be a vacation." Buffy sat on the edge of the bed, her bathrobe slipping distractingly revealing the edge of a little cotton nightie. Buffy noticed Spike's gaze and composed herself halfheartedly.
Let him look— she thought.
"So what's the big bad?" Her tone was almost business-like, but she sat staring at him.
He looked a little banged-up but it suited him, in a 'worrier-after-battle' sort of way. He had a few cuts and bruises that weren't quite healed and he seemed to be moving a little stiffly; she suspected bruised ribs. There was a particularly bad cut across his cheekbone. Otherwise, he looked good. Really good.
God, I missed him— in more ways than one.
"I'd almost forgotten how beautiful you are," he said softly.
She scrunched her hair that was still pulled back into a low ponytail. It was mussed from sleep and little tendrils had escaped, "You too," she sighed, "What is this, Spike? Are you here because of this big bad or for me? A little warning would have been nice."
He scratched the back of his neck again in frustration, "Slow down, Love. Now if you'd check your bloody messages you'd already have a general idea; not to mention that my appearance here might've been a bit less… ya know-"
"Shocking?" She pinned him with a deadly stare.
He deflated a little, "I was going to go with 'awkward', but 'shocking' does the job." He shifted his stance and gave her a nervous smile, "Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about the rather fetching robe here but you'll probably want to throw on something you can fight in. I got a feeling it's not far behind. Maybe a day or two if we're lucky."
Bugger all, William, you sound like an idiot.
Buffy pulled her robe around her a little tighter and steeled her jaw, "Big bad is a day maybe two out, you haven't seen or talked to me since you went out with a bang, and you're seriously worried about my bathrobe not being 'fighty' enough?" she gave him a look of mock confusion.
Spike dipped his head and clenched his jaw.
She's got me there…
"Sound like a prat when you put it like that," he cleared his throat, "I have tried to call you. Willow too, you know."
Buffy reached inside the nightstand drawer to retrieve her phone, a 'Full Mailbox' warning and several missed calls greeting her. "Ohh… yeah I should probably remember to take that with me," she frowned, "alright, fill me in, what brings you to Paris?"
Spike sighed, as he threw his leather jacket onto a spindled chair. Then walked around to sit in the other one on the opposite side of a small table. He didn't dare get close, not yet.
Well she still hasn't hit me yet, that's promising— still early though. She's so beautiful.
He flexed his hand, he wanted nothing more than to advance, but not yet. The truth was that this was one reason he hadn't called or sought her out before. He had been taking some time to figure out who he was and where he fit in without a woman in his life and he knew if he was with her he'd stay. As an ally or as a lover he'd stay.
The time he spent in LA had given him time to think. Getting a talking to from Andrew, of all people, had given him even more to think about. It wasn't about who he was with but rather what he was doing. Fighting the good fight, feeling a little more sure of his place in the world. That said, he also knew there was still no other place he'd rather do that than by her side if she would have him. She deserved to hear it from him. He owed her at least that much.
Spike sat with his elbows on his thighs, clasped his hands together and looked directly into her eyes "Firstly Love, it's a bit of a long story."
"Oh look, we have nothing but time," she narrowed her eyes at him, "I'm listening."
Spike cleared his throat, "It starts with that shiny bauble you gave me. It got sent back to Angel. He opens the package and poof I'm standing in his office. One minute I'm right where you left me. Lit up like a torch, my insides boiling, flesh burning. Savin' the world so the woman I love can live in it; and the next thing I know, I'm standing in the middle of Angel's desk."
She relaxed a little, "You're joking."
Spike shook his head, "Afraid not. Spent a good chunk of time incorporeal. Made a right mean ghost, I did."
"You're not joking."
"Nope. Then when I finally got all solid again…" he paused and stood up, "look, I was going to come find you. I started out— I just, well I didn't— I didn't know what to say or how you'd react. Then I got to thinking maybe it was for the best." He hesitated and swallowed a lump in his throat, "I sort of wanted to see who I was on my own. Trying to find my own way, figure out if I had a bigger purpose," his voice was horse, his throat suddenly felt raw, "there was a lot going on in LA and I just sort of decided to stay. Do what I could to help. Turns out it was a good thing I did stay, not that the great ungrateful ponce will ever admit it."
"You chickened out."
He resumed his seat across from her, "But don't you see? I'm glad I did. It gave me a chance to work through some things."
"Alright, so working with Angel helped you work through whatever it was you needed to work through. And it had nothing to do with, I don't know, finding someone else or—" she fidgeted with the belt on her robe nervously.
"Is that jealousy? Haven't you heard anything I've been saying? I needed time for myself, Love. You're still the only woman I can think about," Spike ran his hand roughly over his leg, "look alright— I'll admit when I got my body back I- I did something I regret. Yeah. But that made me realize I couldn't just run right back to you. Not just then."
Buffy looked down at her knees. When she looked back up her eyes were shining with tears, "I missed you… I- how could you just–" she stood up and started to pace. "Spike, I'm really, really trying to understand this. Taking time for solo reflection and soul searching is not a new concept for me. Hell that's what this little vacation is supposed to be all about! But I— I thought you were dead! Dusty-dead! Do you have any idea what that did to me? Did you care about that?"
"I'm sorry, Lo—" he started to say but he was cut short when Buffy punched him in the face and followed it with a kick that sent him toppling off his chair and into the wall.
"You're sorry? I tell you 'I love you', just before you die and you can't even call me up to tell me you're not actually dead? You could have told me you needed time, you could have said you wanted to work some things out, but no…" her eyes burned with the tears she was working hard to hold back. "So you've been in LA, with Angel of all people?"
"I— yeah alright, I deserve that," he said, feeling his jaw. He stood up holding up a placating hand, fixing the chair, "You're right to be upset. I should have let you know what was going on."
She sniffed angrily but didn't speak.
"Look, Buffy, I— there's no love loss between him and me. Too much history there, bit like working with family I'd wager. But, it was time well spent."
"I sure hope so. You're lucky I don't stake you… or at least beat you up some more. God I missed you," she sat back down with a huff.
"Missed you too, Love," he grinned.
She took a deep breath, calming herself down, "I'm still trying to get around you and Angel buddy-copping around LA. I'll assume that's what triggered the apocalypse."
"Yeah, you might be closer to the truth than I care to think about right now," he said, sitting down again. "In all seriousness, Buffy, we lost good people. People I actually cared about. After this last one— I was laid up for a bit, and then the dreams started…" he moved to take a seat next to her on the bed as he continued filling her in. When he finished, Spike turned to her, "…So that's why I'm here now." He moved a strand of hair from the side of her face, she didn't flinch or move his hand "I'm sorry, Buffy."
Buffy suddenly stood up, and started to pace, "Okay—" she took a deep breath, "okay, I heard you out. I think I understand this thing. Now I want you to understand something," she turned to him sharply, "I need you to understand that while you were dead, ghostly, undead and worst of all, silent. I was mourning the man I love," she paused, waiting for him to respond.
Spike was dumbstruck, "Did you say—"
"Glad I got your attention. When you died, I had fallen in love with you, with the man you were— are, becoming."
"Buffy?" He stood up and placed his hands gently on her shoulders to stop her pacing. "All I can say is that I'm here now. I'll stay with you for as long as you want me," he kissed her forehead "I'm sorry I didn't call, Love ."
Buffy shuddered a moment, her head buried in his shoulder letting a few tears fall. Then she straightened up looking him squarely in the face "I'm not sure if I'm ready to forgive you yet."
His head was spinning, she said she had fallen in love with him. Love— that was better than forgiveness. "I deserve that."
She shifted slightly, "You said we have some time before this thing comes, right?"
He gripped her shoulders gently, "I think so… probably not much. It has my scent, it's liable to follow me right to you. I'd only hoped to get to you first and figured we'd come up with a plan together."
"Big bad, two heads, breaths fire, it has some freaky telepathy mojo, and you already killed one by cutting off its heads right?"
"That's right," his throat went dry as she ran her hand over his bicep and he suppressed a moan at her touch. She tilted her head towards him slightly, watching his eyes.
"This was supposed to be a vacation. I just have the one little crossbow, a small ax, and a few stakes. What do you have?" She asked as she continued to run her hand up his arm, stopping at the sleeve of his black t-shirt.
Spike swallowed nervously, "Traveling light are you?"
"I brought more shoes than weapons, and saved room for shopping, so yeah."
"I got a few goodies that should help us out, they're there in the duffel."
"So really what you're saying is that we have what we need already and there isn't anything more we can do about this thing until nightfall, am I right?"
He cleared his throat, "Suppose that's right."
She let her hand skim over his chest, God I missed him— "You probably need to get cleaned up after your trip, maybe get some sleep? I normally go down to the café for some breakfast about this time. Do you want me to get you anything? I think there is a butcher's shop nearby, you'll need your strength."
He glanced down at the hand she held to his chest, "Yeah alright, I guess I could eat," her sudden domestic tone coupled with her tender touch was throwing him off and he wasn't sure what else to say. The truth was that he was nearly starving.
"An assortment of pastries, pig's blood for you, and coffee for me? Unless you're interested in doing a little catching up?" she couldn't help herself, she shot him a sultry smile. She really had missed him, all of him.
"All sounds good, Pet, but ah-" he watched her hand traveling up his arm, "Are you sure you really want to jump back in it with me? I just mean—" he broke off, taking a step back. "It's been a while. Don't get me wrong, I've dreamed about picking up where we left off but… thing is- Buffy, I know you just ended a relationship, and I haven't exactly been forthright. You clocked me pretty good there but I figure I deserve worse than that."
"You're right. I know, a lot has happened and I don't care, you're here and I still love you. Shut up," she said as he started to open his mouth, "I've had lots of time to process. You're right, I did just end a relationship. It was a stupid rebound thing, and the truth is that it actually helped me sort out a few things myself."
"Now hang on-"
"No, I'm talking. Do you know why I'm not freaking out more than I am? Because I'm just so damn happy to see you. It's like none of that other stuff matters just as long as you're really here," she paused briefly for a breath, "in case you've forgotten, you're not the first boyfriend I've had to come back to the land of the living."
She pulled herself away and walked over to the open window, the morning light was coming nearer now.
"Did you just say boyfriend?"
"Can we stay on topic, please?" Buffy asked as she closed the window and pulled the blinds shut against the sun.
He stepped back over to her pulling her close, "Thought I was. Go on then."
She didn't speak right away, instead, she just stood reveling in the feeling of him holding her. "After Sunnydale, do you know what I regretted most?"
"What's that?"
"The thing I regretted most was not having more time getting to know who you were becoming. I was falling for you, even then with everything going on. I know that now."
"Buffy—"
She shook her head sadly, "I missed having you in my life. Maybe it is good you did take some time before coming to see me."
"Yeah?"
"Now you're back, I don't intend on letting you go, William."
He locked eyes with her "'William', am I? You're serious then? About me; Us?"
In reply she pulled him into a deep tender kiss then said, "I am. You are, aren't you?"
"I'd go to hell and back for you, Buffy, you know that."
"Didn't exactly answer the question."
"I'm with you, Slayer, I love you."
"Good. Now, how about breakfast?" She asked with a grin.
"Sod breakfast."
"Oh so you're over your reservations about—"
"Chivalrous prattle," he said and leaned in to kiss her. Buffy responded in kind, guiding him back towards the bed.
She let her fingers glide up under the fabric of his t-shirt, caressing his cool skin. Oh God, I missed him. She thought as she pushed off his shirt. She paused for a moment drinking him in. He still bore some bruises, cuts and scrapes that had probably been much worse than they appeared to be now. She ran her fingers over a nearly healed wound on his side.
"You really took some good hits didn't you?"
"A few. Nearly healed up now."
"Good."
Buffy's robe slipped off revealing a little cotton nightgown with little cartoon cats printed on it. "I'd been wondering what you had on under there."
Buffy rolled her eyes and laughed, "Oh yeah, my super sexy 'sleepy kitty' nightie," she said as she undid his jeans.
"Damn straight it's sexy!" Spike growled as he lifted the little nighty to pull off her panties, "it's on you, that's enough. Hell you could make a CowChicken hat look fetching."
"No, I really didn't."
He nipped the shell of her ear, "Don't really matter what you're wearing, I'd still love it on you."
Buffy shuddered in anticipation as he reached a hand between her legs and touched her lightly, "You did miss me, didn't you, Love?"
She let out a sigh of pleasure. She had missed his touch desperately. "Spike… I need you."
"Right here, Love," he murmured as he laid her down on the bed kissing her. She wrapped her legs around him as he slowly took her. She pulled him closer, a little desperately but after so much time apart he wanted to take his time, "I love you, Buffy."
"And I love you, William."
"Do you really?"
Buffy's eyes softened. How could he still not believe her? She ran her fingers over the nape of his neck, pulling him into a tender kiss. "Don't be stupid."
Spike dug his fingers into Buffy's hair as he kissed her again. It was purely electrical. Both of them craving more of each other as they pushed further. Hands roaming freely as though trying to commit each other to memory.
Buffy rolled them so that she was on top. She took her cue from him, driving slowly. He pulled her towards him to pull her nightgown up and off. The sight of her nearly drove him over the edge right then and there, but he mastered himself. Buffy paused for a moment as she pressed herself to him, allowing herself to bask in the feeling of their bare skin touching.
She slowly pushed herself back up as she ran her fingers from his tousled hair over his well muscled body and down to his hips. Using his hips for leverage as she slowly and deliberately began to rock again. Spike grinned up at her as she turned herself around carefully. He knew what was coming, because she knew what he liked. Spike pulled himself into a sitting position pressing his chest to her back as she lowered herself onto him slowly rocking her hips. It had been so long since she had felt this connection to anyone. She craved the way he filled her perfectly as she continued to ride him backwards. Spike moved his hands around her hips and waist urging her on. He let his hands roam freely over her body, reacquainting himself with the curves he had been dreaming about for so long. Moving her hair from her neck, Spike started trailing kisses along her neck, shoulder and back. He worked his way back up to her ear, "Turn around, Love ," he whispered.
"I thought you liked it like this," she teased as she continued on a little faster.
Spike grunted his approval, "You know I do. It's been a while, Love. I just want to see you."
"Well, when you put it like that…" she moved around to face him. Spike pulled her forward towards him helping her settle back down on top of him as she started to glide once more.
"God, you're so beautiful. I was crazy for not coming back."
"Shhh," she twisted herself to the side lying down on the bed. Spike followed her, thrusting deeply into her as she wrapped her upper leg around behind his back. Buffy turned, twisting to give Spike access to her breast. She gasped as he took one breast in his mouth and the other in his free hand. He felt her as her muscles clenched down tightly, making his thrust nearly impossible. It was his turn to gasp as he felt her shutter around him just before he let go, making her arch her back in ecstasy as he pumped into her letting them both ride out their shared orgasm.
Buffy pulled herself into him, gripping his shoulders as she panted for breath. "I'd almost forgotten what that felt like."
"Oh we're not done, beautiful. Far from it."
"Oh you know it." She murmured as she pulled him back in for a need-filled kiss.