Chapter 4- What’s Right is Wrong

Synopsis/ Spike goes to Buffy in search as to what is going on. As a result, he gets a black eye and even more confused. /

February 16, 2002

Spike stood before a door. He braced himself and knocked. He noticed that his hand shook as he brought his cigarette up.

The door opened to reveal a young girl. She looked to be about fifteen, with long brown hair. She smiled at Spike.

He exhaled tobacco smoke. “I must have the wrong house. Looked in the phone book, but. . . “ He turned away slightly.

“Spike, what are you talking about?” demanded the girl.

He spun around. “I know you?”

A worried expression appeared on her face. “Are you all right? You are acting strange.”

He snorted and shook his head. “Not really. I can’t figure out what is bloody well going on.”

The teen opened the door wider. “Come on in and I’ll get Buffy,” she told him.

That startled him. She invited him in like it was a regular occurrence. She seemed to be acquainted with him, and he didn’t recall ever seeing her. She also acted like she lived there, which was obviously the slayer’s residence. Things were definitely not right.

Hesitating, Spike entered the house. He needed answers and there was no one else to give them.

The girl snatched his cigarette away. He gave her an annoyed look. “Hey!”

She pitched the butt outside before slamming the door. “No smoking, Buffy’s orders. Remember when you lit up at the party?”

Spike had lost it. “No, I don’t remember! I don’t remember you either for that matter!”

The girl froze in horror. “You don’t remember me? At all?” she squeaked.

Just then Buffy emerged from upstairs. Her path of vision passed right by him to the girl. “Dawn, what is going on here?”

Dawn stepped toward her sister. “Buffy, Spike has amnesia or something.”

Then Buffy gazed at him. He was taken aback at the pain he saw in her eyes. He’d seen hatred, determination, and strength in them . . . but never this. They unnerved him so much that he couldn’t meet them.

“What?” Buffy softly said. She sounded worn out.

“Yeh, I have something like that. Can’t recall a bleeding thing since I knocked that cup out,” he replied.

“You knocked a police officer out?” Dawn turned toward Buffy. “That had to be before the chip, right?”

Buffy grabbed the railing of the stairs. “That would have to be over two years ago.”

“That’s right, pet. May 9, 1998,” Spike informed.

“Oh my God, that was the day Acathla awakened.”

He became intrigued. “Angelus actually managed to do it.”

A nod was sent from Buffy. “But I stopped it from sucking the world in.” After a pause, she added,” You helped some.”

He rose an eyebrow. “Plan worked then? Me and Dru skipped town?”

“Yeah, not a lot of good it did you, though.”

“What do you mean?” he demanded.

Buffy sighed. She moved her hand, indicating their surroundings. “Do you see the hoe around anywhere?”

His head sprang up to settle in her direction. He shot forward, snatching her wrist. She gasped in surprise.

“Don’t talk about Drusilla that way!” he said with malice.

He longed for Buffy to hit him. That way he could let out his anger at his whole world turning upside down in an instant, by swinging back. Instead, Buffy said, “I’m sorry. . . I.”

Spike let go of her with puzzlement. What was wrong with her? This wasn’t the slayer he knew.

Well if she wouldn’t make the first move, he would. He struck her in the face. Her eyes widened.

He stepped back, gesturing her to come at him. “Give me all you got, slayer.”

She shook her head.

He punched her again.

A transformation took place. Buffy’s expression hardened, and she stood straighter. She back-handed his cheek, sending his head whipping to the side.

Spike grinned at her. “That’s my girl.” She didn’t disagree with it, and he didn’t process the words he spoke.

“Let’s go outside,” she suggested.

Dawn followed them into the night. She stayed back, watching them fight. She had never witnessed them in combat before.

Buffy head-butted him. Then she twisted avoiding his swing.

He grabbed her, shoving her to the grass. She bounced back up to her feet.

Spike sent a kick. She evaded it by jumping over his leg. Then she twirled around with a kick of her own. Her foot made contact with his side.

He blocked a punch from her. He smirked. “Gotten better, luv.”

She smiled back. “You’ve gotten worse.” With that, she swept her leg, toppling him to the ground. She straddled him, pinning his arms down.

All of a sudden Buffy started to hit him across the face over and over.

“How dare you do this right when I admitted I loved you!”

Punch.

“I thought I could trust you to always be there!”

Punch.

“I came back wrong and you’re the only thing that makes me right!”

Another punch.

“I can’t feel without you, God damnit!”

Tears fell as she hit him one more time. Then she comprehended the bruise created by her fist. It was right where the other one had been, below his eye.

Buffy recoiled. She scrambled off him, staring with dread. “I promised myself never to hurt you again,” she murmured.

Spike lifted himself slightly, wincing.

“I hurt you too much. I didn’t want to do it again.” Her voice cracked. She gave him a sad look and headed back to the house.

Dawn came over. “Spike?”

He squinted up at her.

She helped him stand. “Why did you start that?” she inquired.

He snickered. “Guess I wanted to right the world. All it did was screw it up some more.”

With Dawn’s aid, he made it back inside.

_____________________________

Chapter 5- Sacrifice

Synopsis/ The battle in Becoming part II, but a little different with Spike being from the future and all./

May 9, 1998

Spike despised going back in the sodding wheelchair. Memories of when he was actually an invalid flooded his brain. Angelus had mocked him, making him feel weak and lower. And Dru. . . His hands clenched into fists. He no longer wanted her for a mate, but he still recalled the jealousy from back then (or rather now). His bloody grandsire had stolen his pride and love, leaving him with nothing. He snickered, thinking about how he had turned to Buffy in desperation of getting them back. Instead she ruined him, or maybe saved him, it was hard to tell now.

Cursing, he pushed himself toward where he knew Angelus would be. The things he did for the slayer. He hoped that when he got back to his Buffy she would ‘repay’ him for pretending to be crippled.

He arrived just in time to see Angelus stand up. “All right, someone get the chainsaw.”

“Now, now, let’s not lose our temper,” Spike told him.

“Keep out of it, sit n’ spin!” Angelus snapped.

It took a lot to muster enough strength not to jump up and charge him. He hated even more than he did before.

“Cut him up, you’ll never get your bleeding answers,” Spike said.

Angelus studied him with interest. “Since when did you become so level headed?”

“Right about when you became so pig-headed. If you chop him up you’ll never get the chance of destroying the world.” Spike eyed Giles. The watcher was beaten and appeared to be barely conscious. He felt pity for the man, wasn’t all that bad, Rupert. He really didn’t want to do this to him, but he couldn’t take the chance of not doing it. He had to make sure Angelus wouldn’t cut him into little pieces. “There are other ways.”

“Enlighten me.”

Spike cocked his head slightly to the side. “Drusilla? Want to play a game?” he called.

When she came up and put her hand on his shoulder, he flinched. He forced himself to relax under her cold touch.

Drusilla moved sleekly over to Giles. She knelt and began to do her hypnotizing trick. “Be in me,” she sang.

The chipped vampire watched as she played with the watcher. Gile’s face lit up with hope at seeing his dead girlfriend. “Jenny?” he said in disbelief.

Not being able to take it anymore, Spike turned his head away. This had to be the most cruel thing someone could possibly do. When Buffy died it was torture looking upon the bot, and it would have killed him to be certain the real her was back when she really wasn’t.

“Blood. Of course. The blood on my hands must be my own. I am the key that will open up the door. My blood. My life,” Angelus’ voice filled Spike’s ears. “Okay, kill him.”

Spike was jarred back into reality. “Uh, but what if he’s lying?”

“Yeah, good point. All right, don’t kill him.” Angelus leaned down closer to Spike. “You know, I kinda like having you watch my back. It’s kinda like old times.” A chuckle escaped him.

Spike gritted his teeth.

Moans of pleasure erupted from Drusilla. The vampiress was kissing Giles like there was no tomorrow.

“Stop it, Drusilla!” shouted Spike with irritation.

“Honey. . .” Angelus added.

“It’d done, you can quit now,” Spike informed.

Drusilla broke away from Giles. She looked over at the male vampires, sheepishly. “Sorry, I was in the moment.” She smiled evilly.

Giles opened his eyes in confusion. He took in the people around him and realization set in. His lips parted.

Drusilla floated over to Angelus. She wrapped her arm around him and they left the room.

Spike stayed put. Giles raised his head to meet his gaze.

“I didn’t want to do that to ya, but I couldn’t think of another way,” Spike commented.

Surprise came over Giles at the sincerity in Spike’s voice.

“Angelus woulda chopped you up, that wouldn’t do.”

Giles stared in bewilderment. “Why do you care what happens to me?”

Spike smirked. He fished into his duster for the cigarettes he nicked. “Let’s just say that I care about Buffy. And since she cares about you. . . Oh, and you treated me right nice when I was Randy.”

“What?” Giles asked, not understanding any of it.

The vampire puffed away at his cigarette. “Right, that hasn’t happened yet. But anyways, you do. And when I get the chip placed in my brain you let me stay at your nice apartment, even if it is in the bathtub. Hey, when that happens, be kind enough to let a bloke watch the telly. It took me forever to catch up on Passions.”

Giles gave Spike a look that clearly said that he must be off his rocker.

“Ok, you probably think I’m crazy, but forget all that. Buffy and the whelp are on their merry way to rescue you. Hold together and you’ll be out of here in no time.”

Spike began to wheel away. “Got to head out, action’s about to begin.”

*+*+*+*

Angelus, Drusilla, Spike, and the minions were gathered in the main room. The ritual was taking place. Spike was getting impatient as it went on. Buffy had decided not to come early.

“Now, Acathla. . .” Angelus shouted into the air.

Drusilla handed him a dagger. He took it and sliced his palm. Wincing, he dropped the blade. Blood flowed from the wound. “You will be free.”

“And so will we all.”

Out of the shadows, Buffy emerged. She came up behind one of the minions and decapitated him with a clean blow. She grinned over at Angelus. “Hello, lover.”

Irritation etched the master vampire’s features. “I don’t have time for you.”

“You don’t have a lot of time left.”

“Coming on kind of strong, don’t you think? You’re playing some deep odds here. Do you really think you can take us all on?”

“No, I don’t”

That was the cue for Spike to stand up. He grabbed an andiron from the fireplace and went at it with Angelus. He whipped the utensil hard on his back. Angelus cried out in pain.

Spike hit Angelus again. “Know what? I hate you even more than the poof.”

At that second, Drusilla jumped him. The andiron fell from Spike’s grip. He threw the psycho female off. They faced each other.

“Funny, thing, I don’t mind hurting you this time around,” he commented. He let out a small laugh, then punched her.

Her eyes widened. She grabbed him by the throat and shoved him into the wall. Spike slapped her arm aside and punched her again.

Rage ran through her. She let out a cry and swiped at him with fingernails. She created four parallel scratches across his cheek. Her fist hit him, knocking him to the floor.

The sound of rumbling filled the air.

Dru looked up and smiled. “Oh, here he comes.”

In a quick motion, Spike got to his feet. His fingers curled around her neck, squeezing. She struggled, but he was stronger. “Sorry, baby, I didn’t have to,” he stated.

Drusilla’s eyes closed. She began to fall. Spike caught her in his arms. He looked down at his devotion for 120 years. He stroked her dark hair. Strangely he still worried about her, but that was where it ended. He no longer felt the need to touch and take care of her. Was he wrong when he told Angel and Buffy love lasted forever? Or had he never really loved Dru in the first place?

Gently, Spike laid Drusilla down. Then he snapped his attention to the battle going on around him. His eyes widened as he saw Buffy. The slayer was backing into a wall. She was defenseless against the advancing Angelus.

Spike rushed to help.

Angelus pointed a sword at Buffy. A frightened expression was on her face.

“Now, that’s everything, huh? No weapons. . . no friends. . . no hope,” Angelus said.

Buffy closed her eyes, awaiting her fate.

“Take that away. . . and what’s left?” he went on.

“Me,” a voice from behind declared.

Before Angelus could react, the sword was kicked away. He blinked,

surprised, as someone threw a swing at him. He staggered, off balance.

Buffy opened her eyes to see Spike coming to her rescue. She watched in astonishment.

Angelus regained his composure. He turned to Spike. “You foolish boy, what do you think you’re doing?”

Spike punched him in the nose. He snickered. “I’m saving my girl and the world, you git!”

They fought for awhile, neither of them noticing that Acathla was waking up.

Suddenly Angelus’ legs gave out. He fell to his knees, letting out a holler. Spike stared in horror.

Buffy ran over to the men, holding her recovered sword.

Angelus’ eyes glowed a golden color and then faded. His head snapped up, vision focusing on Buffy. “Buffy?” A sob racked his body. “What’s going on?”

Spike stepped away into a corner. His heart tightened as he watched the couple’s reunion. God, she loved him so much. If only she could do the same for him. But of course he was just a monster to her.

Buffy stepped closer to Angel. He embraced her in desperation.

“Oh Buffy. . . God,” the newly souled vampire murmured. “I. . .I feel like I haven’t seen you in months.”

The slayer shut her eyes. She sighed deeply when Angel held her closer.

All of a sudden a swirling vortex erupted from the statue Acathla. It surrounded the lovers.

“What’s happening?” asked Angel.

Buffy shushed him with her fingers. “Shhh, don’t worry about it.” She fought tears. They shared a tender kiss. “I love you.”

“I love you,” he whispered back.

“Close your eyes,” she ordered.

He obeyed, not asking why.

With a quick thrust, Buffy stabbed him in the chest.

Angel’s eyes widened, aghast. “Buffy?!” His hand stretched out to her as he was sucked into the vortex.

A moment later, the room was peaceful again. The blond vampire stepped toward Buffy. She was still staring blankly where Angel had once stood.

Spike hadn’t known what took place this day. He never realized how much pain Buffy had undergone.

“Buffy?”

She didn’t respond.

“Luv, we have to go. Your mates prolly are worried.”

He came to a stop before her. She looked up at him. He was torn apart at the agony he saw. He wanted to reach out and comfort her, but restrained himself.

He got his wish, however, for she collapsed in his arms. She broke down then and sobbed.

Spike stroked her hair and whispered nonsense. He was sure she wasn’t even aware of anything, but he kept at it anyway.

___________________________________

Chapter 6- Do I Know You?

Synopsis/ Spike and Buffy talk a little and Dru wakes up. Then in 2002, Buffy and Spike quarrel. /

May 9, 1998

Buffy cried herself to sleep in Spike’s embrace. She was exhausted physically, but mostly mentally, from the ordeal. She stayed that way for hours. The vampire didn’t dare move, in fear he would wake her up.

She resembled more like an angel than ever before. He’d only had the chance to truly study her during the night of the abandoned house. After that, she left without falling asleep.

Buffy’s eyes suddenly shot open. She bolted away from him in a flash. She surveyed her surroundings, searching for a weapon.

“Jumpy much, pet?” he inquired.

Disgust shifted on her face. She pointed at him. “How long was I like that?” she demanded.

He smirked. “Quite awhile, luv.”

She raised an eyebrow. “And you let me?”

“Well, yeh, you were traumatized and all.”

The life went out of her, and she deflated. “Oh my God,” she whispered. Fresh tears formed.

“Now, don’t get like that,” Spike told her. “I bet Angel, his soul, and wot not is in heaven. You only sent Angelus to hell.”

Her head lifted, fury apparent. “What do you know!?”

He shook his head. “Nuthin. Not a bloody thing about where the peaches ended up. But I know somethin about pain.”

“What, have you ever killed the one you love!?” she threw back.

He met her gaze. “No, but I had someone I love die. I . . . I couldn’t protect

. . . ‘her’.”

Buffy was taken back by his intense stare. She had no trouble finding the truth in his words.

The slayer abruptly turned away from him. “I have to go,” she declared.

Spike walked over to her and seized her arms. “I know what you’re planning on doing. You can’t run from your problems, they just follow you along.”

Her shoulders slumped. “I can’t be here. I . . . I can’t be the slayer anymore,” she whispered.

Spike let go of her. He nodded. “Okay, luv, you go have yourself a lil’ vacation. I’ll stay here and fight the good fight.”

Her eyes widened. “I can’t trust you with my friends!”

“Then don’t go. Things will go to hell without you. The scoobies can’t handle another big bad like Angelus by themselves.”

She gaped at him for a moment. “You act like you care.”

Taking out a cigarette, he noticed it was his last one. He threw the empty container to the ground. Then he lit the smoke and popped it in his mouth. “Maybe I do,” he muttered.

“My poor William,” came a voice.

Both the slayer and Spike looked over. Drusilla was standing there, beautiful as ever. Her attention was fully focused on Spike.

A sad melancholy filled her eyes. “You’re all wrong!”

Buffy gave Spike a questioning glance.

The vampire reached out to him. “I can see it. The nasty little metal inside your brain. Can’t hurt, can’t kill.” She ventured over to his side. “And you don’t want to.”

Drusilla’s expression hardened. “It’s because of her.” She twiddled her fingers around her head. “She’s fluttering all over you.”

Spike sighed. “Look, Dru, I’ll get you a nice ticket to South America. You’ll meet a chaos demon and be right happy.”

The comment was ignored. “My Spike is lost to me. There’s no getting him back,” she went on with sorrow.

“Sorry, pet,” Spike told her.

Water trickled in Drusilla’s gaze. “Our family is ruined.”

“You can go make yourself a new one, Dru.”

Drusilla nodded. Then she left. Spike watched her go. Must mean it’s dark outside, he thought. How long had they been there?

Buffy looked at him, confused. “What was that about?”

He took a drag on his cigarette. “Told you, slayer, I am from the future.”

February 16, 2002

Dawn led Spike to the living room. They both sat down on the couch. The vampire fell into an uncomfortable silence. He was really sick of this whole thing, and was extremely frustrated with having to stay at the slayer’s house.

“Well, I say you go along with your regular routine. We’ll help you out, and your memory will come back in no time,” Dawn said, optimistically.

He wasn’t sure if he wanted to remember. It seemed to him like he turned into a pathetic loser. No wonder Dru left him.

Dawn got up. She went over to the television. “I recorded Passions,” she declared.

“Huh?” Spike said.

She put her hands on her hips, and said, “Don’t tell me you don’t recall Passions.”

Popping in the video, she then settled to watch it. Spike chuckled. “A soap?”

She glared at him. “Excuse me, you’re the one who got me hooked.”

He sighed, giving in, and kept his eyes on the show. He had to admit it was rather entertaining.

Spike pointed to the screen. “What’s up with the kid?”

“Oh, that’s Timmy, he’s your fave. He used to be Tabitha’s doll until he got changed into a real boy,” Dawn explained.

Spike caught himself smiling. Was he actually having fun with a human? A teenage girl for that matter. And the uncanny thing was, he had no inclination to bite her whatsoever.

*+*+*+*

Buffy came down, finally collected. She was ready to take charge, and get this all straightened out. No more breaking down, that solved nothing.

She halted at the sight of Spike and Dawn. They were next to each other, watching TV, and eating a bowl of microwave popcorn.

A laugh escaped Spike. “That’s tellin her, Timmy!”

It was as if everything was normal. Like she would enter the room and have the vampire send her love-sick-puppy-dog looks. She would turn her head away, and ignore them. That is, until they snuck away to the kitchen.

Buffy braced herself and crept closer. She settled in the chair. “We’ll head over to the magic box first thing tomorrow,” she declared.

“How am I supposed to manage that?” Spike questioned.

“Blanket,” she informed.

“Wot!? Now, slayer, I don‘t intend to smoke just to go see your Scooby pals.”

Munching on a mouthful of popcorn, Dawn said, “Why not? You do it all the time.”

He looked horrified. “Why would I risk turning into a crispy critter just to see you lot?”

“Duh, cuz you love Buffy,” Dawn replied.

Spike gestured to Buffy and then Dawn. “First I get big sis tellin me she loves me, and now lil’ sis tells me ’I’ love her back. Did I turn to dust and end up in hell?”

Dawn grinned over at Buffy. “I knew you guys had something going on!”

A cold stare was sent in Spike’s direction. “I hate you!” Buffy stood up.

Spike got to his feet as well. They faced off. “The feelings mutual, sweetheart. You’ve ruined my unlife.”

“And you, I’m all wrong because of you.”

“Guys, I haven’t seen you fight like this in ages. Kinda missed it.” The couple turned to see Willow come in. She smiled at them.

Spike studied the witch. “Hey, you’re Buffy’s mate, right? What’s your name?”

The redhead gave him a peculiar look. “Huh? I’m Willow.”

“Willow, that’s right. Love the hair.”

Willow touched her hair. “It’s been like this for a while now, Spike. Are you feeling okay?”

“He has amnesia,” Dawn spoke up. She still had her eyes glued to Passions, and chomped on more popcorn.

Willow faced Buffy. “He can’t remember us?”

The slayer shook her head. “Well, not since 1998. That’s the cut-off date.”

Willow considered. “Think it’s a spell?”

“Could be, maybe Warren, Jonathan, and whoever the last one is did it,” Buffy suggested.

“You think? But they seem mostly interested in you, not any of the rest of us.”

Spike snapped,” There is no US! I’m not part of your little gang.”

Great, thought Buffy, he tries for a whole year to be accepted. Finally we do, and he doesn’t like it. The irony.

“Shut up, or I’ll hit you again,” Buffy warned.

“Go right ahead,” he taunted.

“Don’t provoke me.”

“Come on, baby, hit me. Hit me real hard.”

“What is it with you and violence?” Buffy asked.

Willow yawned. “Ok, you two, I say we hurry to sleep. Big day tomorrow, research and all.”

Relaxing, Buffy nodded.

“Dawn, you too,” Buffy said.

“But it’s Saturday,” Dawn whined.

“Bed, now. Besides, Spike is using the couch.”

“Am not!” he protested.

“I need you at quick grab in the morning.”

He smirked at her comment. She blushed.

When Dawn and Willow were completely gone, Buffy stated,” That’s not what I meant.”

“Maybe not, luv, but it’s what you want.”

Buffy went to the closet. She tossed him a pillow and blanket. Hard.

“Maybe,” she retorted. “But it won’t happen. Not with you anyway. You aren’t my Spike.” Her tone was sad.

She began to walk away. “Goodnight, Spike.”

She crawled into bed, and fell into a deep sleep. She dreamed about the Spike that loved her.

_____________________________________

Chapter 7- Opposites Attract

Synopsis/ The reason for the switcheroo is revealed./

February 17, 2002

Spike awoke to the aroma of waffles. He groggily sat up, and noticed that he was hungry, but not for waffles of course. He went for the liquid diet these days.

He walked into a cheerful kitchen. Willow was cooking, while Buffy got down plates and collected forks. Dawn began to pour orange juice.

“Ladies, is there anyone you don’t like?” Spike inquired. He met Buffy’s gaze. “Besides me.”

A sigh came from the slayer. “What are you getting at, Spike?”

“Just wonderin if there’s anyone you could do without. A vamps got to eat, ya know.”

She made a disgusted face. Then she went over to the refrigerator. Opening it up, she brought out a pack of blood.

Willow whispered something to Dawn. The girl nodded and then they both left the room.

Spike lifted a brow. “You’ve got it bad, woman, keeping hemoglobin for me and all.”

In silence, Buffy poured the red fluid into a mug. She popped it into the microwave. After that, she spun around.

Buffy pointed at him. “Listen here, bleached Billy Idol freak, you have no idea what I’ve been through. And you’ve been a nuisance for over a year now, following me like a lost stray. But then I came back from the dead and you were the only one who understood. The only one that made me feel alive.” Her gaze lifted. “But you, the one here now, I hate you.”

He stepped closer. He could feel her warm breath. “I may not be your soft pathetic puppy, but I know you want me. You’d like to shag me good. I can smell your arousal. Don’t deny it. I won’t lie, I’ve got a thing for you as well.” His hands came up and stroked her sides. She made no resistance. “Now, let’s find out how much you want me.” He roamed downward to her hips. She moaned in pleasure, closing her eyes. A smile played on his lips at the sight. His fingers slid between her legs.

The moment snapped. Buffy gasped. She slammed him off of her and into the island.

Buffy took out the mug from the microwave. She slammed it down on the counter. “Gulp down your fucking breakfast and then be ready to go!”

She stormed away in a rage.

*+*+*+*

Spike and Buffy burst into the magic shop, followed by Willow and Dawn. The vampire stomped out the flaming blanket that had been covering him. “Bloody hell! Slayer, we are no longer traveling during the day.”

Buffy glared. “Hopefully, ‘you’ will no longer be here for another day.”

“That’s my wish 24/7,” Xander said, coming up to them.

“Guys, move it, you’re blocking the entrance to my store. How will people buy things if they can’t get in?” Anya commanded.

The group went over to the round table. Buffy and Spike sat as far away as possible.

Xander leaned forward. “So, Buff, what’s the meeting all about? And why’s it so important that evil dead had to attend?”

“I called everyone here because of him.” She faced Spike. “Spike, tell them the whole story.”

“The ‘whole’ story?”

Clearing her throat, she said,” Maybe I should tell it.”

He smiled his famous bad-boy smile. “No worry, luv, I was only playing. I can manage.”

Nervousness came over her as he started to talk. If he said anything about. . .

“Yesterday was May 9, 1998 for me. Angelus was hopin to end the world. But, you see, I rather like this chaotic mess we live in. And I wanted Dru. So, I seeked out the slayer for some help. We’d defeat the bastard, save the planet, and I’d skip off with Dru. Things didn’t go as planned. I kicked this cop’s arse, turned around, and then things changed.” He met Buffy’s gaze. She pleaded with him to keep quiet about what happened next.

“Uh, then I was in the cemetery. I later found out it was four years ahead of time. Now, I don’t know what went on. Some hocus pocus, maybe. All I know is I can’t recall a bloody thing since 1998,” he went on.

Buffy let out a sigh of relief.

Xander pointed at Spike. “So, that is the chipless Spike?”

“What is this chip everyone speaks of?” Spike asked.

“It’s a metal instrument embedded in your brain. The thing prevents you from killing,” Willow explained.

“Right, so that’s why Dru leaves me. Well, I don’t have this little contraption in my noggin now, maybe I should go hook up with her again.”

That caught Buffy’s attention. “You fed off someone last night, didn’t you?”

“Well, yeh, that’s what vamps do.”

Xanders eyes flared with hatred. “You do know we should stake you,” he expressed.

Spike smirked. “You can try, mate.”

“Sounds like a time fold to me,” Anya informed. She had been listening from the register.

Spike shifted his gaze to the ex-demon. “An you are. . .?”

“Oh, Anya!” She showed her ring. “Xander’s proud fiancé.”

Spike laughed. “You’re marring him? You could do better, but whatever floats your boat.”

Annoyance filled Buffy. “Please go on, Anya. What is a time fold?”

“Okay, it’s like this,” Anya told them. “Two time dimensions overlap for some reason or another. Now, if two opposite experiences occur, it can create a disturbance. When this happens, time can do a flip-flop. Which means, Spike didn’t lose his memory at all, he switched places.”

“So, our Spike is in 1998?” questioned Buffy.

“Yep,” replied Anya. She looked over at Spike. “What is the very last thing that happened before being transported? What were you thinking?”

“Uh, I was . . . Looking into Buffy’s eyes,” Spike said.

“What!?” squeaked Buffy.

“Yeah, I looked into them and saw pure hatred.”

“Buffy, were you with Spike when he changed?” Willow asked.

The slayer hesitantly, confessed, “Um. . . sorta . . . Yeah.”

“So that’s it!” exclaimed Willow. “Spike must have been gazing at you in this time while the former one was doing the same.”

“But the opposite had to happen. When Spike looked at Buffy here he must have seen. . .” Dawn trailed off.

All eyes fixed on Buffy. She gulped and slumped in her chair.

“The opposite of hate is love. You love Spike!?” yelled Xander in astonishment.

Buffy clutched the arms of the chair. She wanted to die.

_______________________________________