By Heather Martin

Summary- Things get a little twisted when the chip-Spike switches places with the chip-less. Can our do-gooder Spike keep Buffy and the gang from killing him? And can Buffy keep the old Spike from dancing herself back to heaven?

Rating- NC17

Disclaimer- None of the characters belong to me. They’re Joss Whedon’s property.

Spoilers- A TON for Becoming part II! Will have some from the second season to the present sixth.

This happens after Older and Far Away. It also occurs during and after Becoming part II.

Buffy and Spike spent the day house shopping. She was truly happy (like everyday with her husband, that she could remember). Still, something nagged at her, but she couldn’t seem to put her finger on it. She tried to push it aside, focusing on the task of finding a suitable home.

Finally they found it. A white, 2 story. The porch had a swinging bench that she absolutely fell in love with it. The living room had a fireplace. She imagined many cold nights snuggled against Spike, staring at the flames while drinking cocoa. There were three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The kitchen was furnished with a dishwasher, lazy Susan, and island.

Buffy turned to Spike. Her face glowed. “We need to get it,” she declared.

His arm went around her. “My thoughts exactly, luv.” He kissed her temple.

“Everything is perfect,” she told him. Too perfect, her mind added silently.

* + * + * +*

Spike lay down in bed next to Buffy. She shifted so she was right up against him. Her head rested on his chest.

His fingers combed through her hair. “I want this moment to last forever. Just like this.”

A smile crept on her face. “Mmm hmm,” she breathed.

“I love you, Buffy,” he whispered.

“I . . .” She lifted her head to look at him. His crystal blue eyes shimmered back. “You know what, Spike? I do too.” It seemed weird to say it, like she hadn’t known until then. But that couldn’t be, he was her husband. Right?

Spike pressed his lips to hers. She allowed his tongue passage. The act was sweet and soft. It sent warm fuzzies down her body.

Suddenly a thought entered her brain. “Who’s patrolling?” she asked.

“What, luv?”

“Patrolling. Dusting vampires. In the cemetery. With a stake.”

He frowned. “There are no vampires, Buffy.” He sounded as if he was trying to convince himself.

“Yes, there are. And it’s my job to do away with them. I’m the slayer.” She sat up. Her eyes were huge with realization. “I’m the slayer,” she repeated.

He shook his head. “There’s no such thing.”

“Spike, that’s what there is. Not. . .” Her hand gestured around them. “This.”

He shook his head again, this time violently. “No! We’re married, and we’re having a baby.”

With sympathy, she said,” That isn’t real.”

He ignored her. “Joyce is alive, and Dawn isn’t the key. I’m human.”

“I’m sorry,” Buffy choked.

“There is not hellmouth or vampires,” he rambled on.

Tears stung her eyes. She wanted that to be true so bad.

Desperate, he muttered, “You love me. We have a family. I’m wanted and needed.”

Buffy closed her eyes. “Oh God, I’m sorry.”

There was a lingering silence. She opened her eyes to see nothing. Blackness surrounded her.

Beside her, there was a movement. “Why couldn’t you leave me be?”

Buffy spun to face him. She could barely make out his form. “You are dying, Spike. Come back with me. To the real world.”

He sighed. “I would have died happy.”

“Spike . . .”

“You want to know what my real life is like. What I have to go back to?”

She caught herself nodding. “Show me.”

Things changed then. She stood outside the Bronze. Before her were herself and Spike. She watched in interest.

“Get out of my sight! Now!” Buffy demanded.

“Oh, did I scare ya? You’re the slayer, do somethin’ about it. Hit me. Come on, one good swing. You know you want to,” Spike provoked.

Buffy stepped forward. “I mean it.”

“So do I . Give it to me good, Buffy. Do it!”

Tension rose up between them.

“Spike. . . “ Buffy squeaked out.

Spike leaned toward her. She recoiled in horror. “What the hell are you doing?” she shrieked.

He grabbed her arms. “Come on, I can feel it, slayer. You know you want to dance.”

“Say it’s true. Say I do want to.” She shoved him to the pavement. “It would never be you, Spike. It would never be you.” She threw a wad of money at him. “You’re beneath me.”

Buffy walked off. Spike was left in the dark alley. He fought back sobs as he collected the bills.

The 1998 Buffy was startled when her Spike came up. “You cried?” She had never seen him in a weakened state like that.

“Yeh, I did. Not ashamed of it anymore either,” he told her.

“You were about to kiss me?”

“Well, yeh.”

“I’m sorry, Spike,” she whispered.

“Don’t get like that. I wasn’t particularly pleasing that night. I had just got done tellin’ how I killed my two slayers. Then I got you all worked up. It was my fault.”

“Well, I can understand me getting angry if you told my about your conquests. But saying I was beneath you . . .”

He held up his right hand. “Please don’t,” he begged.

“Okay. Any more to show me?”

“Plenty.”

They were walking down Revello Drive. Spike was by her side.

“You can’t just walk away from this!” Spike exclaimed.

“What part of punching you in the face do you not understand?” Buffy questioned.

He sighed. “So we had a fight. It’s not our first, luv. It doesn’t change anything.”

Turning with anger, she sputtered,” It changes everything, Spike! I want you out. I want you out of this town, I want you off this planet! You don’t come near me, my friends, or my family again. Ever! Understand?”

Spike followed her to the Summers’ steps. “No, it’s not that easy. We have something, Buffy. It’s not pretty, but it’s real, and there’s nothing either one of us can do about it.”

The door was opened by Buffy. She entered, and faced Spike.

“Like it or not, I’m in your life, you can’t just shut me out,” he went on.

He was stopped from venturing forward. He gave her a confused look. Buffy’s expression was grim. Then the door slammed in his face.

The two watchers stood on the porch after the scene ended.

“There had to have been a reason for that. You aren’t showing me everything,” Buffy complained.

A smirk came on his face. “True, pet, but that would be against me.”

“So, this is propaganda? Just show me what will get me on your side. Tell me, Spike, what happened before? Why did I revoke your entrance?’ She put her hands on her hips, demanding an answer.

He seemed slightly embarrassed. “You see . . . I was a little desperate . . .”

“Just spit it out.”

“I chained you up.”

“What!?” she shrieked.

“You wouldn’t listen otherwise.”

“This isn’t gaining you any brownie points. Prove to me you have changed. Isn’t that what you want?”

He shook his head. “No, that’s not what I want. Well, yes, but . . . Oh bugger it.”

The location changed to a well furnished room. On a bed lay Spike. A woman crawled ontop of him. She peered down. “Maybe there’s something on the inside.” Her finger trust inside his middle. It twisted making Spike writhe in pain.

“What can I dig out of you, precious?” the female commented.

Buffy’s eyes widened. Things faded, being replaced with a gloomy mausoleum. Spike sat on a stone sarcophagus. Nasty wounds covered his body. An interested her stared intently at him.

“Cause Buffy. . . the other not so pleasant Buffy. . . if anything’s happen to Dawn, it’d destroy her. I couldn’t live, her bein’ in that much pain. Let Glory kill me first. Nearly bloody did.”

It all vanished. She was back in the dark with Spike.

“You were going to let that woman. . . or whatever she was torture you to death?” Her voice cracked.

“Buffy, I’d do anything for you.” He gave a faint smile. It warmed her, sending sparks down her spine.

Spike cleared his throat, glancing away. “I have one more thing to show you.”

Buffy emerged at her house. She was going up the stairs. Spike stood at the bottom as she did.

“I know you’ll never love me,” he said.

She paused, turning back to him.

“I know I’m a monster. But you treat me like a man, and that’ s . . .”

Buffy was in the dark again. Her mouth parted at what he had said. She felt him at her side.

“You see, none of it matters, all the good I’ve done,” he whispered. “So, let me stay in my little universe, slayer, it’s better than what I really have to go through. One less big bad to worry about anyway.”

Eyes flaring, she spun. “How can you say that!?”

Sadness illuminated in his gaze. “I’ll always be a monster. That’s all I’ll ever be, I can’t change it.” He let out a deep sigh.

A hand reached up to his indented cheek. “That’s not true,” the slayer murmured. “I’ve seen monsters. Hell, I saw Spike the monster a couple days ago. You, are ‘not’ one. I see a man who would give his life for me.” With that, she pressed her lips to his. It was a soft kiss of thanks, like after he faced Glory. Not full of passion, but there was still something there.

Breaking away, she met him straight on. “Now, come back with me,” she commanded.

Spike took the hand she offered him. A grin spread over his mouth. A’right, pet.”

There was a flash of light, and they were pulled out of their obscurity.

___________________________________________

Sorry, I really did mean to get this out sooner. Uh. . . I really don’t have an excuse. But, I am in the mood to write after typing this out, so hey, I’ll get some more down on paper prolly tonight. ;)

By Heather Martin

Summary- Things get a little twisted when the chip-Spike switches places with the chip-less. Can our do-gooder Spike keep Buffy and the gang from killing him? And can Buffy keep the old Spike from dancing herself back to heaven?

Rating- NC17

Disclaimer- None of the characters belong to me. They’re Joss Whedon’s property.

Spoilers- A TON for Becoming part II! Will have some from the second season to the present sixth.

This happens after Older and Far Away. It also occurs during and after Becoming part II.

By Heather Martin

Summary- Things get a little twisted when the chip-Spike switches places with the chip-less. Can our do-gooder Spike keep Buffy and the gang from killing him? And can Buffy keep the old Spike from dancing herself back to heaven?

Rating- NC17

Disclaimer- None of the characters belong to me. They’re Joss Whedon’s property.

Spoilers- A TON for Becoming part II! Will have some from the second season to the present sixth.

This happens after Older and Far Away. It also occurs during and after Becoming part II.

The scoobies all kept a wary eye on him. He pulled away from Buffy, knowing what they thought. He got to his feet, straightening himself.

“Tell us, why did we just save your ass?” Xander inquired, coldly.

“Bloody hell. Makes me wish the pixie, Nibblet, and even demon girl were here. They’d back me up.”

Buffy stood up next to him. She was ready to defend him if necessary. Especially against Xander, who appeared as if he would leash out at any second. Willow seemed suspicious and unsure.

“Uh, Spike . . .” Giles took a moment to clean his glasses. “Buffy tells us you have some sort of chip.”

“Yeh.” Spike tapped his temple. “A gift from the Initiative. Can’t hurt a single human. So, you all don’t have to worry about the big bad taking a bit.”

“Yes, but I think we’d feel a little safer if we saw this uh . . . chip work,” the watcher commented.

A smirk came to Spike’s lips. “I’m willing to give a demonstration. I think you’re more curious than worried of an attack. Am I right, Rupert ol’ buddy?” Not waiting for an answer, he added, “Okay, who volunteers for me to send a nice punch? How about you, bricklayer?”

Seeing that Spike was obsessing him, Xander became confused. “Are you calling me a bricklayer?”

Spike chuckled. “Guess that name doesn’t fit here. Welp’ll have to do. So, what do ya say, let me deck you? I’ll give you a chance to hit me back.”

Buffy interrupted the two men before a full brawl began. “Look, why don’t you try me? I can take it without nose bleed.”

“Ruin my fun, luv,” the vampire replied, playfully.

Buffy faced him. “Come on, do it.”

Hesitation took over. He had forgotten about how he could hurt her. But that was because she came back wr . . . different. This Buffy had never been to heaven. He tried to tell himself this while he prepared to hit her. When he did, it wasn’t very hard, for his sake and hers.

The impact had practically no effect on Buffy. Spike, however, held his head in pain. A growl escaped him. “Bloody hell, I forgot how painful it is!” Spike exclaimed.

Xander glanced at all of them. “How do we know he’s not faking it?”

Anger flared within Spike. “You git! I think I can take another zap if it’s from smashing your face in.”

Willow grabbed Xander’s arm. She shook her head. “Don’t start anything, Xand. If Buffy believes him . . .”

“But he tried to kill us,” he protested.

“Didn’t though, mate. You make me regret it often when it concerns you, however, “ Spike snarled.

Buffy yawned. “It must be really late. I think we should go home to bed. We’ll research this situation tomorrow.”

The scoobies didn’t move. Buffy didn’t wait for a response and headed for the exit. Spike sighed, then followed. He caught up to her, walking along side.

“Slayer, I’ll head back to my crypt. It all right if I came over after sunset? Ya know, to see if you lot figured out anythin.”

“Sure, Spike, go ahead.”

He nodded. His hands went into the pockets of his coat. “Well, see ya then.”

As he left her, she said softly,” Bye, Spike.”

Buffy entered the library. She went over to a chair and slumped in it. Her friends looked over at her. “I feel like I didn’t get any sleep at all.”

“Yeah, I’m tired too,” Willow agreed. “Most of last night was spent doing slayery stuff.”

Buffy sat up straighter. “Well prepare for more. We need to find out what’s going on with Spike.”

A frown appeared on Xander’s face. “I don’t get it. If he is so nice now, like you claim, why send him back? The one that belongs here will go after us again. You know that, right?”

The slayer dropped her eyes. Her chest ached. He was right. This Spike was much easier to live with. So, why send him back? And she hated to admit it, but she would miss him even. She had grown to like him.

She sighed. “He’s not happy here. He wants to go back. How would you like to be suddenly pulled into the past? Forced to live it all again. Especially when you’ve come so far to become what you are. I think we owe it to him to send him to his time.”

Xander studied her. “Could you kill him? When the other Spike returns, could you kill him, if need be?”

Gripping the edge of the table, she shot out, “I killed Angel, didn’t I!? And I loved him. I don’t love Spike.”

“Right,” he said.

Silence fell over the room. They all felt uncomfortable at that moment.

Willow abruptly stood up. “I’ll get books,” she too cheerfully chimed.

Buffy came home after patrol. She was greeted with muffled voices. She followed them to the kitchen. Peeking in, she saw Spike on the counter. He was drinking a steaming drink in a mug. Her mother stood near him, looking like she was enjoying herself.

Spike set the mug down. “Thanks, Joyce, I believe that was the best cocoa I’ve ever tasted.”

Mrs. Summers smiled. “Why thank-you, Spike.”

“Dawn makes it for me sometimes, but it is not nearly as good as your.”

Curiosity spread over Joyce’s features. “Who is this Dawn?”

The vampire hopped off the counter. “Oh, you’re gonna love the bit. She’s such a bright girl. And strong. I’m right proud of her.” He turned to Joyce. “You will be too.”

His words puzzled Joyce. She didn’t know what he was talking about, but still . . . they seemed true. It gave her a funny feeling. “I’m sure I will,” she answered.

“Wonder what’s keeping the slayer. She usually doesn’t take this long.” He grinned. “Unless she runs into me.”

“I know you care about my daughter, Spike.”

He swallowed hard. “Uh . . . yeh.”

“Well, I think you’re a better pick than that Angel.”

Spike sadly nodded. “That’s right kind of , Joyce, but there’s no need to give me your blessing. She’ll never love me back.”

Joyce touched his arm. “Oh, why not? You seem like descent young man to me.”

“I’m beneath her,” he expressed.

From her spying spot, Buffy became angry. Hadn’t that discussion in his mind taught him anything? Still thought he was a monster.

She barged into the kitchen. “I’m back,” she declared.

“Oh, Buffy dear, didn’t hear you come in,” her mother said.

“Find anything today, luv?” Spike asked.

She went up to him and grabbed his arm. “Not yet. Let’s go talk.” She pulled him into the next room.

Spike stared at her. “Somethin wrong?”

In a flash, her lips crashed on his. His body stiffened in surprise. Then he relaxed, kissing her back. Spike took a chance and slid in his tongue. She met it with her own.

Eventually, Buffy had to pull away to breath. She gave him a smile, which was returned by his stunned expression. “So about our research. We didn’t really find anything, but . . .”