TITLE: Curses
AUTHOR: Ragna (writinggoddess@aol.com)
RATING: FRT
SPOILERS: None
DISTRIBUTION: Sure, just tell me!
DISCLAIMER: Everything except what comes out of my pretty little head belongs to Joss and Mutant Enemy.
FEEDBACK: Wanted. Needed. SEND IT!

***

"I'll never get used to seeing them together," Buffy said as she looked at Alexandra and Spike. They were sitting in the back of the library, quietly talking, holding hands, oblivious of everyone else in the room.

"Me neither. But she's my sister, so I have to deal," Gabriella said, looking over towards them. "Wonder what they're talking about?"

Without looking up from the old book she was reading, Alex said, "Destiny and the new demon that's shown up."

"Forgot you can read thoughts." She started to think something particularly dirty about her sister and Spike, and Alex's head shot up. "Stop that, Gaby," Alex said as a crimson blush crept up her cheeks.

Spike looked up with amusement. He kissed Alex on the cheek. "You look beautiful when you blush, you know."

"Gag me!" Gabriella said. She turned around and slammed into her own boyfriend. "Hey Xander!" she said brightly, kissing him squarely on the lips. "Sorry about the collision."

"If I get that everytime it happens, feel free," Xander said, laughing.

Buffy rolled her eyes. "Aren't we going to get any research done here?"

"Yes Miss Drill Sergeant!" Xander said, mock saluting Buffy. She had to laugh at that.

"Actually, we may have found something," Spike said, standing up and letting go of Alex's hand. Though still not comfortable around Alex's friends, he knew they'd listen. "Only problem is, it requires a vampire with a soul. And I don't think we bloody have one."

"There's always--" Buffy stopped that train of thought, realizing putting Angel and Spike in the same room would cause some problems.

"Angel?" Spike finished. "I don't think that'd be a brilliant idea."

"So who do you think should do it, Spike?" Buffy asked pointedly.

He looked at Alex and sighed. "Do you think you can still do that spell you hold over my head?"

She looked up. "You mean the permanent soul-restoring one?"

He nodded.

"Yeah, but why? I mean, why you?"

"Well, what other vampires in Sunnydale do you know of that would help?"

"Good point," Gabriella said. She looked at her sister. "Go for it. I mean, if he really wants to."

Alex looked at her lover. "Do you?"

He nodded again. "Yes. I'm actually tired of being soulless, interestingly enough."

"But you'll regret everything you've done. I can always do the other curse, you know; the Romany curse."

Spike shrugged. "It's up to you, love. Whichever one you feel you can handle."

She reached over and grabbed his hand. "Okay, I'll do it."

"When?" Buffy asked.

Alexandra sighed. "As soon as possible." She stood up and walked over to her uncle's office. Knocking on the door first, she asked, "Uncle Rupert?"

"Yes dear," came the tired reply.

"We have something that may help," she said, sticking her head into the office. "But I want you out here to listen to it."

"Fine, dear," Giles said, standing up and walking out. He looked at the assorted people and the lone vampire. "Where's Willow and Oz?" he asked.

"At his dorm room, working on a chemistry project," Buffy said.

"What is it that you've found, Alexandra?" Giles asked. She looked up, then over to Spike. "To defeat the demon Ecothula, a ritual is to be performed. But the key ingredients are the blood of a virgin, a vampire with a soul and a hair from a werewolf, as well as some things that I have at home."

"How much blood?" Giles asked.

"Not much. A few drops should do," Alexandra replied.

"Well, what of those three key ingredients do we have?" Giles asked.

"Gaby's supplying the blood, Willow can probably get hair from Oz, and Spike..." She trailed off.

"I'm getting my soul back," he finished.

Giles gasped. "Are you...serious?" he asked.

"Yes. As long as Alex does the curse ritual. I can help, if need be."

Giles nodded. "That sounds fine. Alexandra, dear, are you up to it?"

"Yeah, I guess." She stood up and walked over to the window. The moon looks beautiful, she thought absently. I wonder if I'll get to see it again.

Spike excused himself from the group and walked toward Alex. She seemed to be so deep in thought that she didn't hear him coming. He slipped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her head. "Penny for your thoughts, love."

She sighed. "The curse...the curse may kill me. Either of them."

He turned her around to look at him. "Why?"

"I'm sick. With the flu. But if I open myself to the spirit realm and they take things the wrong way..." She shuddered. "We need it done soon, and if you want me to do it--"

He pulled her into an embrace. "If it may kill you, it's not worth it. I'll just have Willow do it. You can just direct her in what she needs to do."

She pulled back. "Are you sure?"

He laughed. "That question is being asked quite a bit this evening, isn't it?"

Smiling, she said, "Yes, it is." She looked up and tenderly kissed him. Not too long ago, they couldn't stand each other. And to think it was Dru that pushed them together. Dru and fate. She could hear the thoughts Gaby was having, and she started to blush again. Spike pulled back, smiling. "What is it that your sister's thinking about to make you blush so much?"

She looked at him. "I can show you later. Remember, it's Saturday. I don't have to work." The wicked smile on her face told him quite a bit about what to expect.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," he said, leaning back in for another kiss. They continued for a while, behind the stacks, until Buffy peeked her head there. She didn't get their attention until after knocking over enough books to startle them.

"Earth to Alex? Come back here to the land of the living." She looked at Spike. "No offense, Spike."

The three walked back to the main room. It was about eleven o'clock, and Buffy looked at her watch. "Time to do the rounds. Coming, Gaby?"

"Yeah." She and Xander grabbed their coats and followed Buffy out the door, leaving Alex, Spike and Giles alone in the library.

"How soon can you do the spell, Alexandra?" Giles asked his niece.

"She's not going to do it," Spike said. "She's sick, and I don't want her getting hurt."

"I'm going to ask Will if she can do it. We're still trying to figure out which curse we want to do, but it'll probably be the permanent one."

Giles nodded. "That's about all that can be done for now. Do be back here at sundown, Alexandra."

"Yes, Uncle Rupert." She gave her uncle a hug and grabbed her coat, which was formerly Spike's. The two walked out of the library and headed towards his car. The two drove back to her apartment, and closed all the blinds. They sat on her couch quietly.

"What if Willow can't do it, Spike? It's not an easy ritual."

"Shhh, Alex. We'll worry about that if it happens. You know, if you're sick, you should get some rest."

"Rest can wait." She kissed Spike, and they slowly made their way upstairs. After a few hours on the couch.

***

Alex woke up with a start. Spike stirred next to her. "What's wrong, love?" he said, sitting up. She was shaking, and she felt hot, even to Spike's touch. "My God!" he said. "You're burning up!"

"I'll be fine," she said, but Spike made her lay back down.

"I'll get you some water, love. Just stay in bed, okay?" He got up and walked to her kitchen. He filled a cup with some cold water and brought it back to her. She was still shaking. He handed her the water, and she began to drink some. Slowly, the shaking subsided, finally stopping. Alex appeared to have cooled off as well.

"Spike?" she asked, reaching over to him. He responded by holding her in his arms until she fell asleep again.

***

"Alex, are you okay?"

Willow looked up as Spike and Alex walked into the library. Spike had spent most of the day watching Alex, keeping her temperature down and making her rest. But she insisted on going to the library, and as soon as the sun set, she walked out to the car and waited.

"No, I'm not." Alex was literally leaning on Spike, and she looked as though she was going to faint. He led her to a chair and she slumped down.

"Is Giles here?" Spike asked, concern all over his face.

"I'm right--Alexandra!" he said, rushing to his niece. She was starting to burn up again. Giles looked at Spike. "Do you know what's wrong?"

"I have no idea," he said. "She has been like this on and off all day. I've been giving her cold water and making her rest."

"We have to get her to a hospital." Giles stood up and went towards the phone.

"Curse..." Alex muttered. Just then, Buffy, Gabriella and Xander walked in.

"Oh my God!" Gaby stated, and she ran towards her sister.

"What?" Willow asked, glaring at the others. "What'd you say, Alex?"

"Curse...on my computer. Under spike.txt"

"Your laptop or the one in your den, love?" Spike asked.

"Laptop," she replied, then passed out.

Giles came back. "An ambulance is on the way."

"What's wrong with her?" Xander asked.

"I think she has pneumonia, and it's making her very sick."

"Wow," Buffy said. She looked at Spike. "You spend more time at her apartment than anyone else. Where's the laptop?"

"In her bedroom, third drawer, under her shirts," Spike said, keeping his eyes on Alex and gently holding her hand. His worst fear was coming true: he felt helpless. She gripped onto his hand. That was a tad reassuring, he thought.

I know. That's why I'm holding it. He knew her voice was in his head, so he didn't say anything.

Are you going to be okay? he thought. He could hear the sirens from the ambulance.

I do have pneumonia, so if the ambulance gets here soon, I'll be fine.

Alex, I love you. Please remember that.

I will, Spike. The sirens got closer and closer. I love you too.

Finally, some EMT's came into the library and placed Alex on the stretcher. But it was too late; she'd stopped breathing. The EMT's performed CPR on her.

Come on, Alex. Breathe. That same thought came from everyone in the room, and suddenly, she started to breathe.

"Who's going with her?" one EMT asked.

Giles looked up. "I am." He looked over at Buffy. "Do whatever it is you need to do. Just be careful." With that, he walked out of the library.

Everyone just stood there, until Willow cleared her throat. "We need that curse. Spike, can you go get it?"

He was in a daze. "What?"

Willow sighed. "Spike. Go. Get. Her. Laptop. Bring. It. Here."

He stood up and walked towards the door, saying "Fine" on the way out.

"I hope he doesn't get into an accident or something," Xander said.

"Man, and I thought I was loved," Gaby said. "He really does love Alex, doesn't he?"

***

Spike drove back to the apartment. It was just as they'd left it: clothes strewn on the bedroom floor and the sheets on the bed rumpled. He walked over to her dresser and opened the third drawer. Sure enough, there was her laptop. She had been extremely smart. Taped on the screen was a note. "Login name is Watcher; password is love." He walked downstairs and, as he was passing the fireplace, something caught his eye.

It was a picture of them both. He had never realized she had one. Vampires don't have reflections, but they do show up on film. He smiled. It was only a few weeks old. They had been at the library, and Gaby had snapped a few pictures to finish off a roll of film. The picture showed them sitting next to each other, holding hands. He picked it up and brought it with him. He needed something to cheer him up. He got in the car and headed back to the library. This was going to be a long and painful night.

***

The machines in the hospital room were buzzing. At that point, they were breathing for Alex and keeping her alive.

"Rupert Giles?" Giles looked up at the doctor standing next to him.

"I'm Patricia Jones, your niece's doctor." She pushed her glasses up, which were falling off her nose. "She's not breathing well on her own, so she has a tube in her throat. You were right, though; she does have pneumonia. She'll be okay." She held out her hand. "When her lungs heal a bit more, she can be taken off the respirator."

He stood up and shook her hand. "Thank you. Can I go see her?"

She smiled. "Yes. But don't make it too long; visiting hours are over." She walked back down the hall, her blond hair falling out of its loose bun. Giles walked into Alex's room. She was sleeping, and her aura was glowing; though it was tinged green. He was probably one of the few who could see it.

"Hello, Alexandra." Giles said, holding her hand. "I know you're sleeping, but the doctors said you'd be fine. I just wanted you to know that."

She stirred a little but continued to sleep. Giles kissed her forehead and walked out of the room, tears falling from his eyes as he left.

***

Back at the library, chaos ensued.

"What do you mean we don't have any more holy water?" Willow asked.

"We don't. We used it all up on the last demon," Gabriella said.

"Actually, we have one bottle," Spike said, pulling a bottle out of his pocket. "Got it from the apartment before I left."

"Well, we still need an Orb of Thesula," Willow said.

Buffy jogged into the library. "We have the smudge sticks and the mortar and pestle. Wasn't sure if we had this, so I brought it anyway," she said, handing Willow an Orb of Thesula.

"Who's is this?" Xander asked.

"My mom's. She uses it as a paperweight," Buffy said.

"Your mum uses an very important ritualistic item as a paperweight? I'll never understand you humans," Spike said.

"And we'll never understand you, so we're even," she replied. Looking over at Oz, she asked, "What'd you find in the office?"

"Not much. I got the herbs you needed and the runes." He handed those over to Willow.

"Now all we need is incense, according to this curse."

"I wonder why we need that?" Gaby asked. Willow started to laugh. "Here's why," she said, looking up from the laptop. " 'After the ritual, the room's going to stink. Burn as much incense as you possibly can without it being a fire hazard.' "

The library door opened, and Giles walked in. It was rather evident he had been crying.

"How is she?" Spike asked.

"Fine. She'll be fine, but she's on a respirator now."

"Poor girl," Oz said.

"Do you have everything for the curse?" Giles asked. Willow nodded. "Good. Where do you have to do this at?"

"Anywhere, I guess," Buffy replied.

"Good. Do it here so that no one else may interrupt." Just then, the phone rang. "Hello?" Giles answered, picking it up.

"Mr. Giles, this is Patricia Jones, Alex's doctor. Did you know you're niece was glowing? I've only seen it in other witches and such, but never as strong as hers."

Giles shocked. "Wha--?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

He calmed down. "No, no, that's all right. Did you say other witches?"

"Yes. I'm a high priestess."

"Well, so is she."

"That young? Wow, I'm impressed. I just wanted to let you know, though."

"Yes, thank you."

As he hung up, the gang looked at him. "Well?" Gaby prompted.

"Her doctor is a witch. She just called to let me know she could see Alex's aura, that's all."

The gang breathed a sigh of relief, all except Spike. He sat off to the corner, and was looking rather miserable. Getting an idea, he looked at Willow. "Willow, could you cast another spell along with this curse?"

"What type of spell?"

"One that will let me spend the day in the sun and not die."

She nodded. "For how long?"

"About a week."

She thought about it. "I can. I need a bit more tools though. A lock of your hair and some of your blood, as well as lavender incense and some holy water. Wait, we have that."

"Anyone have a knife?" Spike asked. Willow rummaged through her sack and pulled out a black handled dagger. He cut off a lock of hair and proceeded to nick his finger. Blood came out slowly. He dribbled it into a paper cup. "Is that enough?"

Willow paled a little. "Yeah." She set about getting her circle ready. "Spike, you'll have to be in here with me. The rest of you, stand back."

She cast a large circle, around the table. She sat on one end while Spike sat on the other, and she began to chant. It was in English, but she still stumbled over a bit of it. She threw the runes and waved the lit smudge sticks in the air. Suddenly, the Orb glowed red, then lavender. Spike gasped in pain, and clutched his heart. Within a few moments, he stopped wincing. Then Willow started the other spell. She mixed the blood and water, then put the lock on top of it. It burned, and the smoke mixed in with the lavender incense. Spike once again started to feel an immense pain. After a while, it stopped.

"You okay?" Willow asked. Spike nodded. He stood up and collapsed. Xander and Buffy waited until Willow closed her circle and then went to help him up. He appeared to be crying. "I remember..."

Giles nodded. "I'd say your soul is back in you, Spike."

He stood up again and walked a bit. Having both spells on him had made him weak. "I...I want to go see Alex. As soon as possible."

Giles nodded again. "I'll call her doctor and see what can be arranged." He headed to the phone and dialed the number for Sunnydale General Hospital. After a few minutes and a few laughs, Giles came back. "I really enjoy that woman. She is delightful. Oh, Spike you can see her now. Patricia has made the arrangements. I'll take you; I'm headed that way."

Spike nodded. They left the library together, heading towards Giles' car.

"I'm...I'm glad you did that, Spike."

"Did what?"

"Got your soul. I worry about Alexandra, you know."

"Yes, I know."

The two got in and headed towards the hospital. Patricia met them out front. "You must be Spike. A nickname?"

"Of sorts." He shook her hand, knowing this woman was keeping the second person he had ever loved alive. "Where is she?"

"Third floor, room 3284. There's a cot there, if you want to use it." Spike left and headed towards the elevator. "Interesting man," Patricia remarked.

"What's your feelings on vampires, Patricia?" Giles asked.

"That they exist but are killed by the Chosen One. Why?"

"You just met one."

She gasped. "You mean...Spike is..."

"A vampire, yes. I am a Watcher, as is Alexandra. Her sister is a Chosen One, a Slayer, as well as another teenager."

"Wow." She sat down on the bench outside. "My grandmother was a...a Watcher, so I knew about them. When I was younger, I learned about them but I thought it was make believe. I didn't know they were here. Should I call security?"

"No. Spike and Alexandra will be fine. In fact, he loves her, so he'll protect her better than anyone else." He saw she still looked surprised. "Have you eaten anything yet?"

"No."

"Then, would you like to go to dinner? I mean, when you get off work?"

"Yes, Rupert, I would. In fact, I just got off when you called."

Giles smiled. It might not be such a bad night, after all. And somehow, he knew Alexandra would be proud of him. He was finally living.

***

"Alex, please wake up," Spike said, holding her hand and stroking her hair away from her face. A tear rolled down his face, as he looked at Alex, pale and limp, lying on the bed with a tube in her throat. Her eyes fluttered open. I thought you remembered I can read thoughts, dear.

He looked at her. "I forgot. I'm sorry."

Don't talk out loud. People will think you're crazy.

Sorry.

Stop saying that!

Well, I am.

Something is different.

I have a soul, love.

Are you in pain?

No, not anymore. What's more, Willow cast a second spell.

To do what?

To let me stay in the sunlight, sweet. It will last for a week. I do expect you to be out of bed and able to see a sunset with me, you know.

Alex laughed in his thoughts. I will. Are you staying all night?

Yeah. I want to be here when you wake up and they remove this infernal tube.

Where's my uncle?

I think he's going out on a date with your doctor.

What? Him?

Yeah.

That's good, actually. He hasn't done that much. I hope he doesn't screw it up.

It was Spike's turn to laugh. I wish you weren't sick.

I wonder why. The tone of her thought sounded slightly sarcastic.

You sure you want to know?

Yes, Spike. Just let me remind you I will hold you to it.

The rest of the night passed silently, except for the constant stream of thoughts between the two lovers.

***

The next morning, Alex woke up before Spike and had the urge for the tube to come out of her throat. She nudged him, then realized the sun was shining right on him, and he wasn't a pile of cinders.

"Are you feeling better, Alex?" She looked up and saw a rather pretty blonde woman looking down at her. Alex slowy nodded her head.

"I'm your doctor, Patricia Jones. Your uncle has told me a lot about you. Well, I think the tube can come out." She looked at Spike. "I'm surprised he's not dust."

Alex looked shocked and motioned for a pen and some paper. Patricia handed them to her. She scrawled, "What do you mean?"

"Well," Patricia said, lowering her voice, "he is a vampire. Don't worry; your uncle told me about it."

Alex looked at her skeptically. She wasn't sure about this woman, so she decided to keep an eye on Spike to keep him safe. He woke up, though. "Hello," he said to her doctor. He kissed Alex on the forehead. "Good morning, love." She held his hand tightly. She knows you're a vampire, Spike.

He stood there, showing no expression. I'll be careful, I promise. I heard about the tube coming out. Alex let go of his hand as the doctor cleared her throat.

"We have to get you prepped for surgery," she said, and a gurney was wheeled into her room. Alex looked over at Spike as she was wheeled out of the room.

I'll see you in a bit, okay? No eating, by the way!

***

Alex woke up for the second time that day, breathing on her own. Now, all her friends were in the room, as well as her uncle, sister and Spike.

"Glad you woke up," Oz said, giving her a hug. She hugged back. "Thanks," she said hoarsely.

Everyone else hugged her, and she sat up, taking deep breaths. "Wow. It's nice to be well again," she said. She looked at the gifts and flowers on her nightstand. "You guys must have spent a small fortune!"

Xander laughed. "No, just our life savings and college tuition."

She laughed. Looking at her uncle, she asked, "When will I get released?"

"Tomorrow, dear."

"Damn. I really hate hospitals. At least I don't have that tube crammed down my throat anymore," she said. The more she talked, the better her voice sounded. Her smile suddenly melted into a serious face. "So, what needs to be done about that demon?"

"We've located it," Giles said. "I heard from a few vampires last night who were leaving town. They tried to kill me and Patricia. It seems they were all leaving in the direction of the Master's old lair."

"Which means you can't go after them, Alex," Buffy said. Gaby smiled. "I'll be the representative from the Giles family!" Everyone started to laugh.

Willow looked at Alex. "Both spells worked last night. We have a vampire with a soul at our disposal."

"Not quite," Spike said. "I'll be busy for the next few days."

"But you will help, right?" Alex asked.

"Of course. But I just want to make sure you're okay."

"If you're not careful, dear, you're going to smother me."

"Good point. If you want to do the ritual tomorrow, I'll be there."

"That's good," said Giles. "Tomorrow's a full moon, and the powers will be at their peak."

Alex cleared her throat. "I think I want to get some more sleep. I mean, I will be there tomorrow for the ritual, you know."

Giles nodded. "I think now would be a good time to collect supplies." The Scooby Gang said their good-byes, and left Spike and Alex alone.

"You aren't really planning on going to sleep, are you?" Spike asked.

"Not really. There's at least one thing other than talking, breathing and smiling I've missed in the last 12 hours," Alex said, smiling.

"I'll take that as a hint," Spike said, bending down to kiss her. And they made up for 12 hours of deprivation rather well. Much to the sighs of the nurses outside.

***

"Well, Alex. It looks as though you can be released any time you want," Patricia said. "You're breathing on your own, and you're no longer dehydrated. If you want to check out, I'll bring the papers up." Alex looked at her doctor. "Just out of curiosity, what kind of healing spell did you cast on me?"

Patricia laughed. "How'd you know I'm a Wiccan?"

"It's easy when you know what you're looking for. An aura is a big clue."

"In that case, it was a simple one, the one that persuades the body to heal itself."

"I'm familiar with those," she said. "Thanks."

"One of the things your uncle told me about was how much you hate hospitals. Mind if I ask why?"

"My parents were killed in a car accident when I was 16. I had to stay in a hospital for knee surgery, and I was under heavy sedation. No one informed me that my parents had died. Not even when I asked to see them. I never got to say good-bye, and it was the hospital's fault."

"Why?" Spike asked. This was something he hadn't heard about.

"When I got in, I had a little head trauma and major damage to my knees. My parents were both in critical condition, and I sat there for three hours waiting for a doctor. My parents died right as I went into surgery. If they'd let me see them, I could have said good-bye." Fresh tears fell down her face, and she wiped them off with the back of her hand. "But that's past. Can you get the papers?"

"Sure," Patricia said. She walked out of the room. Alex got out of bed and went to the closet in her room. She grabbed her clothes and went into the bathroom to change. Her throat still hurt, but she was much better. She walked out and looked at Spike. For some reason, she felt self-conscious. It's not like he's never seen me. Hell, he's seen me with nothing on before! So why do I feel like this?

Probably because I have a soul. Spike was smiling. "I heard that, you know. When you worry, your thoughts get louder. And you tend to project them a bit."

"My bad." She walked over and hugged him. They held each other for a while, until Patricia came back with the papers. Alex signed them and thanked her. Smiling again, she left the hospital and walked out in the sun with Spike.

"I don't remember it being this bloody bright," he lamented as they walked out to her car, which Oz had driven over that morning. Alex laughed. "It's evolution, baby," stealing a line from a Pearl Jam song. "The more pollution in the air, the brighter it gets."

Spike looked over to here. "I could get used to it, though."

"Are you totally changing?"

"Not really, just evolving."

"Didn't think evolution applied to vampires." They arrived at the car, where Alex proceeded to take the top off. Through unspoken agreement, Alex knew where to go. The two, instead of heading to the apartment or the mansion or even the library, instead headed to another favorite area: the beach. Getting out, Alex turned on her car alarm. "I love that car and I'm not in the mood to buy another one," she said.

They walked hand in hand up and down the beach. This was the first time they'd ever gotten to do that in the sun, and they weren't about to forget it. As the sun began to set, Alex leaned back into Spike, who was sitting on the hood of the car. "When's the last time you saw a sunset?" she asked.

Spike thought about it for a bit. "Almost 100 years ago. I was, God, about 22, 23. I had just spent the night with my friends, throwing a bloody party, when this beautiful woman showed up. She mesmerized me, but disappeared before I could find out who she was or where she was from."

"That was Dru, right?"

Spike nodded. "We stayed up all night, and I saw the sun rise. I slept all day, and woke up at sunset. I watched it from my room, then proceeded to the nearest tavern to get drunk. And that's when Dru came to me again. I never saw daylight again."

The two sat watching the sun change from light blue to different shades of red, orange and yellow, and finally into the dark purples and blues that signaled night. The stars came out, looking like someone had poked holes in a piece of black paper as the sky changed for the last time. Alex started to shiver, and Spike removed his jacket. "Deja vu?"

Alex laughed. "Yeah. Except that time it was your car and at the mansion." She looked at her watch. "Should we pay a visit to the gang?"

Spike actually sighed. "Yeah."

Alex turned around. "What?"

"Can we spend a bit more time together? I mean, you've been consumed with both of your jobs and watching, and me, I guess. But tomorrow, it goes back to the same daily grind."

Alex smiled at him again. "Actually, it doesn't. My uncle threatened Snyder with physical violence if he didn't give me my week's paid vacation. It started today."

He leaned over and kissed her, tenderly, and she kissed back. They didn't get to the library for another three hours.

***

The night was cold as they all burst to the library.

"I...I hate cold. Especially in California," said Willow. She shrugged off her jacket.

"If I wanted cold, I would have stayed in South Carolina," Gaby said. She kept her coat on and was still shivering. Xander put his arms around his girlfriend. "Thanks, I needed that."

"No problem."

"You know, there's one thing I envy about vampires. No matter how cold or hot it gets, it doesn't bother them," Oz said.

"Unless the heat is from sunlight, that is," Buffy said.

Giles walked out from behind the stacks. "Hello. Have any of you seen Alex?"

Five heads were shaken. "Not since this morning at the hospital," Buffy said.

"Well, she checked herself out. With Patricia's permission, at least." He placed the books he had been holding on the table. "I found some more information on the demon today."

"What type of information?" Gaby asked.

"More information on the spell to cast it out. It must be done by a coven, and at a full moon."

"But there's only two of us who are witches."

"Four, actually. Patricia is a witch, and I can do that spell. It's not hard."

Gaby smiled at her uncle. "Sounds like someone has a crush on a doctor!"

Giles coughed uneasily. "That will do, Gabriella. There are enough other witches here to complete a coven. We only need nine more, and Patricia said she can find them."

"Are you sure we can trust her, Giles? I mean, you've only known her a few days at most."

"Actually, we can. I was on that infernal machine," he said, pointing to the computer, "using e-mail and search engines. I never realized how much information is available. Did you know the Watcher's Council has a website? It's in Latin, but it's useful if you know the language. Alex is the webmisstress. Yes, I think that's the term."

"Giles, you're rambling," Buffy said.

"Sorry. Anyways, the Council has heard of Patricia. In fact, she has performed services for them here in the States."

"Such as?" Willow asked.

"Magical rituals, organizing Wiccans for Council needs. Those types of things." The door opened again, and Spike and Alex walked in. "You look much better, dear."

"Thanks. Actually, thank my doctor. She cast a healing spell."

Giles nodded. "Well, we will need your talents tomorrow. We need a full coven to do the ritual. We have four so far."

Alex nodded. "Let me guess: you, me, Willow and Dr. ..."

"Jones. Patricia Jones."

"I see I was right." She sat down in one of the chairs and thumbed through one of the books on the table. "The Mrin Prophecies? The Alluria Codex? Why do you need those?"

"You know what those are without reading them?" Xander asked.

"I've already read them. In fact, these are the reprinted ones I gave my uncle for Christmas a few years ago. See? They're new."

"We need them for an obscure part of the ritual. How to transfer the demon into the nether realm for eternity."

"They aren't in there. I know. Do you have the Suemins Chronicles?"

"No, I don't think so."

"I have a copy at home. I'll bring it. The ritual you need for that is in it. I'll be back soon. " She stood up. Spike had been really quiet. As soon as they were outside, Alex stopped him. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Don't tell me that. I know it's not true."

"Fine. I got my soul back for nothing."

Alex laughed. "No you didn't. The demon needs a vessel until it can be sent to the nether realm. If it's a vampire with a soul, the older demon will kind of control it until it can be sent, and we know the vampire won't be possessed." She headed to the car and unlocked the door. Spike wrapped his arms around her.

"Did I ever tell you that I love your laugh?"

"I love yours, too, but you almost never use it." When he laughed at that, she replied, "Now I know how to get it. Don't worry; everything should be fine."

"Should? You're having doubts?"

"Not doubts, exactly. Just...worries."

He let go and walked over to the other side of the car. "Let's hope those worries go away soon."

***

" 'And the ritual is finished by cutting the hand of the High Priest or Priestess and the hand of the vampire and pressing the wounds together.' That's it." Alex said, reading from her well-worn copy of the prophecy.

"We'll have everything there we need, then," Willow said. "Mind if I look at that?"

"Nope," Alex said, handing her the book. "Now, who's the high priestess?"

"You. I think that would be best, only because you have knowledge of the banishing ritual. And you are the closest to Spike."

She nodded. "I'll do it. No problem." She yawned. "I need to get some sleep."

Buffy smirked at Alex. "Didn't you get any sleep earlier?"

She blushed. "No. I wasn't tired after all. I'll see all of you tomorrow evening. Uncle Rupert, call me and tell me where we're supposed to meet, okay?"

"Yes dear. May we keep the Chronicles for the night?"

"Yeah, just don't lose it and the book with the ritual. I'll need them tomorrow. And photocopy 12 copies of both rituals, okay?"

"Sure," Gaby said. She hugged her sister goodnight. Alex and Spike left the library again. Instead of going towards the apartment, Alex drove to the store. "I need to pick up my prescription." She went inside and got her penicillin. "Ugh," she said to herself. Buying a donught and a bottle of water on the way out, she ate something, swallowed the pills and drank the water. I better not get drowsy.

Finally, they reached the apartment. Spike got to the door first and opened it for Alex. "Wow, you really have changed." She smiled at him.

"I hope you enjoy it," he said, kissing her. "It hurt."

"Well, love is pain. But it can be lessened." Smiling, she walked upstairs.

***

Alex knew she was asleep. She could feel Spikes arms around her as she slept. But she was seeing something so vivid it looked real.

"Hello. I said I'd be back," The voice was familiar, and she knew it was Dru.

"Hello," Alex replied. "Why am I here?"

"To learn. I can help to stop a disaster, but only by letting you see my vision." She recognized herself in the middle of the circle, casting it. As she watched, the spell began correctly, but halfway through the ceremony, one of the hooded figures stepped up to her and stabbed Alex, just as the demon was to be released to the other realm. She could clearly see the person who would stab her, and she was standing next to Patricia. It wasn't anyone she knew. But something was familiar...

"She's possessed," Dru said simply. "She will need to be killed."

"What's she possessed by?"

"The evil we need to fight." Alex knew who "we" was: herself, Dru and Spike. She nodded. "Thank you."

Dru also nodded. Looking at Alex curiously, she asked, "Is Spike happy?"

Alex smiled. "I think so. You do know he has his soul back, right?"

"Yes. I comforted him."

"Did he know it was you?"

"No, but I did it just the same. I can't appear at the ritual, but I have done my job." She stepped back into the shadows and disappeared.

***

Alex woke up. Realizing it had been a dream, she was tempted to wake Spike up and tell him immediately. But looking at him, his usually harsh features softened in the pale moonlight, his blond hair jarringly apparent on the pillow, she realized just how much she loved him. And just how much he would hurt if she died tomorrow.

I'll tell him in his dreams, so I won't have to wake him up.

She closed her eyes and settled next to him. In a few minutes, she was asleep again.

***

Spike's dreamscape was beautiful. There was a lake with crystal clear water, and it was filled with trees.

Spike looked up. "Alex?"

She nodded. "It's a dreamscape. Don't worry. Dru just visited me."

"What did she have to say?"

"Tomorrow, at the ritual, someone will stab me. And I will die. But it can be prevented."

"Who? The doctor?"

"No. The young woman next to her. I didn't want to wake you up and tell you because you looked so peaceful."

He smiled. "I am."

"Dru asked if you were happy."

"And?"

"I told her I thought you were. So...are you?"

Spike walked over to her, and held both of her hands in his. "Yes, I am very happy. A part of me will be sad forever, or at least until I die again, love. But, yes, I am happy."

Alex looked at him. "Thank you. I think my worries are gone."

"Why?" Spike asked quizzically.

"Because I know you'll protect me."

***

The next morning, the sun was brightly shining in Alex's bedroom. Being so used to waking up in the dark, it startled her a bit. She got up, put some clothes on, and walked downstairs to her kitchen for some breakfast. Mornings were an interesting time at her apartment. Since Alex hated to cook breakfast foods, she rarely did. Spike usually slept until about noon and by then she was gone, either to the school or to the offices of her corporation, wherever she was needed for the day. It was one of the few times she got complete solitude.

It was also the only time she listened to her favorite music. Swing dance, courtesy of Cherry Poppin Daddies, came out of the speakers in her stereo. "Who's that whispering in the trees, It's two sailors and they're on leave," she sang along. It had been a long time since she sang at all. After eating her cereal and listening to swing music for an hour, she got up and changed CD's to her Fiona Apple one. She forwarded to song number 7, and just sat on the couch, singing it with all her heart.

It feels good to sing sad songs. I should do it more often.

The thing that brought her out of it was the clapping. Spike was standing at the foot of the stairs just listening to her. "Been a long time since I heard you sing, love," he said.

"Yeah. I just haven't wanted to in a while."

"Nice song. Sad, but nice. What was it?"

" 'Never Is A Promise' by Fiona Apple."

"I like hearing you sing it better." He moved over to the couch and sat next to her. She leaned onto his shoulder.

"You know, I've been thinking."

"And?"

"Our relationship is far from normal in one respect, and rather normal in another. I mean, you're a vampire and I'm human. And a Watcher at that. Right there is a barrier. A major one. Then, we have almost totally different interests. We have different hobbies, different interests."

He nodded. "Go on. This is actually interesting."

She hit him lightly. "Well, then I look at some of my friends. Even those with good relationships have a lot of little problems. Our major problems kind of overshadow the smaller ones."

"Like?"

"Saving the world, fulfilling destiny, staying sane around my friends."

He laughed. "Yes, love, that last one is hard."

"But then, you know, I don't have a lot of problems or worries other girls in relationships have. I don't have to worry about you cheating, I know you love me, and I know you're good at compromising. And you can expect me to be the same way."

"True."

"And then our relationship is normal because we truly love each other and we want to be together. And I mean, well, that's normal. We have a great time together."

"Except when you're upset."

"Granted, that's about the only time I act like a bitch. But how often am I angry at you?"

He had to think back a bit for that one. "When I ruined your microwave. Then you got me back with the pictures."

"Oh my God! I completely forgot I still had those!" She scrambled up and went to her computer. Pulling up the files, she said, "I still think you look cute. That was the day I went into the coma-like sleep for the spell, and the first time you kissed me."

"Yeah, but you remember what happened later?"

She frowned a little, trying to think back a year ago. "I think I do. You decided you couldn't decide between me and Dru, so you played us."

"At least you bowed out," he said.

"Yeah. But not without trying to kill you first."

"True. I think that's the last time you've been extremely mad at me."

"Yeah, then I went to Los Angeles for a while to hide, in a way."

"So that's where you were!"

"You didn't know?"

"That was when I was still fighting your friends, you know."

"I forgot." She stretched and was about to say something when the phone rang. She went to the cordless. "Hello?"

She listened, then started shaking her head. "No, use Java instead of HTML. If you use gif's as well, the banner should be able to animate. And, by the way, call Mike in LA if you have any more questions. I'm on sick leave for a week, remember?" She hung up the phone. "Business. Ugh."

"Why don't you get your mind off it? Where would you want to go in Sunnydale?"

She thought about it for a minute. "The zoo."

Spike looked surprised. "You? She who proclaims to hate all animals? This is a bloody surprise."

"I just hate owning animals. I didn't say I hate animals."

"Well, then, let's go. But first..." He went to the kitchen and into the utility closet. Alex went upstairs to change. At least he'll be full. I'll take my cell phone in case my uncle calls.

***

The phone call from Giles never came. It was totally unlike him. But then, so was the phone call he received.

"Rupert Giles?" the woman on the other side of the call asked.

"Yes?"

"Are you planning on performing a ritual tonight?"

"Yes."

"Be careful. Someone wants the High Priestess dead."

"Who?" But the question was answered by the click of a phone.

"Who was that?" Gabriella asked. She was in her Teacher's Assistant period.

"Someone warning me about tonight. Someone will try to kill Alex."

"I wonder if she knows."

Gaby dialed her sister's number. The signal was busy, which meant that she was on-line. She hung up, then dialed her sister's cell phone number. It was picked up on the first ring. "Hello?"

"Hey, Alex. Are you on-line?"

"Damn! I left the computer on!"

"Where are you?"

"The zoo."

Gaby laughed. "You? At the zoo!"

"Shut up or I'll hang up on you."

Gaby's laughing subsided. "Uncle Rupert just got a weird call, Someone's gonna try to kill you tonight."

"I know."

"What're you going to do about it?"

Alex sighed. "I'll be there in a bit, okay? Bye." She hung up.

"Vacation has ended for the day," she said to Spike.

"Why?"

"Someone called my uncle and told him about tonight."

***

The library was eerily quiet as Alex and Spike crept in through the back door. If Snyder saw her on campus, he'd try to cut her sick leave short, and if he saw Spike, he'd probably try to fire her. Try being the operative word here.

"Hello?" Alex asked. No one answered. She walked out from behind the stacks and towards her uncle's office. The door suddenly opened and Alex jumped back, right into Spike.

"Ow! You stepped on my foot!" he said, muttering a few choice words.

"Don't ever do that to me again, Gaby!" she said, hitting her little sister on the shoulder. "You know I hate surprises!"

Gaby rubbed her shoulder. "Damn. Do you have to hit me so hard?" She looked as though she was about to cry. Alex went over to her sister and hugged her.

"I'm sorry. I forgot." Spike looked over at the sisters quizzically. "Do you mind if I tell him?"

Gaby shrugged. "I'll go get everyone else. They're at the quad, getting food out of the vending machines." She turned around and walked out the double doors. Alex sighed. "Gaby was physically abused by her mom's boyfriend and her own boyfriend. Not Xander, I mean. The one before him. She may seem okay, but... She'll be okay, I hope." She walked over to a chair and sat down. "Xander's good for her. He makes her feel needed and important. Besides, he's nice to me, and I kinda had final say over who she dated. My uncle's...not all that great in that department."

Just then, everyone came back in. Gaby looked at them questioningly, and Alex nodded. "It's cool."

Spike went over and did something that surprised even Alex. He just hugged Gaby. "I understand. I'm just sorry it happened to you," he said, and when he pulled back, Gaby was crying.

"Thanks." She looked at her sister. "Treat him right, okay? He's not so bad with a soul."

Alex nodded. "Okay, back to business. What's the deal with the phone call?"

Giles cleared his throat. "Towards the end of the day, a person called and asked if we were going to do a ritual tonight. When I replied yes, I was told that someone wanted the High Priestess dead."

Alex frowned, then nodded. "That's about what Dru showed me last night. Whoever is to Patricia's left will be the one to do it."

Giles looked a bit shocked, but was used to his niece keeping a few secrets. "Well, can you recognize her? Or him?"

Alex nodded. "Brown hair, slightly overweight, bad case of acne. She's possessed, so her head needs to be chopped off. We'll need another witch to finish the coven." Alex looked to Gaby. "You've dabbled, and you're a Slayer. You have an excuse to be in the sacred circle, for protection from Spike, we'll say. Can you do it?"

Gaby smiled, dried tears on her cheeks. "Yeah."

"And you'll have a sword. We'll just say it's for the ritual. You know, like it's blessed."

Giles nodded. "Sounds fair enough. So Spike, Alex and Gaby will be in the center. Willow, Patricia and I shall be in the actual circle. The rest of you will lurk."

"Lurking. Sounds fun," said Xander.

"I guess we should tell Patricia as well. Is she at the hospital, Giles?" Buffy asked.

"Most likely. I'll call." And with that, he went to the phone. He hung up only a few minutes later. "She's on her way here now."

"Let's get everything set to tell her, then," Willow said.

***

Almost three hours later, Patricia nodded. "That sounds good. The witch that we're talking about, Kristi, is really a bitch. Pardon my French. She was insisting she be a part of this ritual. It was strange."

"Well, it's almost sunset," Spike said. "Do you all need to get anything?"

"I need my robes and I want my supplies from my surrogate mommy and daddy," Alex said, smiling as she thought about Sam and Regina. That reminds me. I need to e-mail them tomorrow.

Giles looked at her. "But your parents never gave you Wiccan supplies."

Alex laughed. "Not them. Sam and Regina, in London. Remember those huge boxes I brought with me when I came to Sunnydale a year ago?"

"Ah. That's what was in those. About how long should it take?"

"Driving, 20-30 minutes."

Patricia looked at Alex. "Do you trust me?"

Alex nodded. "You got me a week's sick leave and then healed me. Of course!"

"How much stuff will you be bringing?"

"A lot. I know what you're thinking; I'm a telepath. Send Spike with me."

Patricia nodded and started chanting. Almost immediately after, Alex and Spike disappeared. Moments later, Alex was wearing a navy blue silk robe with silver embroidery on it. And everyone in the library gaped.

"Thanks for transporting us. We have everything." She pulled out another robe, scarlet with gold embroidery. "Well, Gaby, if you're going to start witchcraft, you might as well do it in style. Catch!" she said, tossing the robe to Gaby.

Gaby slipped in on over her clothes. "Wow," she sighed.

"Do either of you need one?" Alex asked Giles and Willow. Giles shook his head. "I already have one." Willow nodded, and Alex pulled out a third robe of hunter green with white and silver embroidery. "Keep it. I never wear that one."

Willow put hers on as well, and she and Gaby went to gather the rest of the supplies. Buffy, Xander and Oz went to the weapons cabinet to get some weapons in case vamps attacked or Gaby couldn't succeed. Patricia and Giles went towards his office. Spike looked at Alex.

"You look stunning, love." Alex's normally loose hair was in a loose bun, with bits falling out around her face. She had on a silver armband, which was visible, as her robe was short-sleeved and short. She also had a diadem on her head, silver as well. Her silk, satin and silver threaded cord belt was tied loosely around her waist. Her silver and diamond pentacle gleamed as the last bit of sunlight hit it. She held him. "Thank you. Can you just..."

He nodded. "Worried?"

"More like scared out of my mind. It's one thing to lead a ceremony. It's another to know someone's going to try and kill me during it."

He stroked her hair a bit, and said, "Shh. Gaby will be there, and I will too. Nothing will happen."

"I hope you're right. I need to be calm when I go in."

He just held her until they all had to leave.

***

The field was empty, save for a set of rocks that looked like an altar. Nine other hooded people stood around, waiting and talking to each other save one. She sat behind them all, and was twiddling something in her hands. It looked like a dagger. In fact, it was. Patricia pointed her out. She and Giles had both changed into black robes, and were leading the way, quietly talking. Buffy, Xander and Oz crept back into the shadows. Alex would make an allowment for those three to enter the cast circle.

The six remaining walked up the small hill to the clearing. Five were robed; Spike was not. He would have easier access to Alex's dagger, which she had given him to use, if he wasn't wearing a robe. He was, though, wearing all black. The others participating silenced as Alex and her friends and family walked up. "Merry Meet. I am Alexandra Giles, also known as StarFlight. I am the High Priestess for tonight. For this to be easier, the ritual has been photocopied. Each copy has been blessed. We also have protection from my younger sister," she said, gesturing towards Gaby, "if this ritual gets out of hand. May I introduce Willow and Rupert, as well as Spike? He is the vampire who will be assisting us tonight."

The gasps came from the crowd, not because Spike was a vampire, but because Spike and Alex were visibly holding hands. Few realized their commitment to each other but were shocked nonetheless.

"May we begin?"

They stood in a circle, excluding Spike and Gaby, who were in the center, and Alex said, "My name is StarFlight, I cast this circle hand to hand." Each person clasped hands, starting in a clockwise position. Alex called the corners, then walked in the center of the circle, joining her lover and her sister. She sent up an offering to the Goddess, the Maiden the Mother and the Crone, invoking each one as she did.. She then signaled for the participants to start the calling of the demon to the circle.

It was then that Kristi struck. Her death was quick, as Spike turned and stabbed her in the thigh. Gaby quickly raised the sword and cut off her head. The dead body quickly disintegrated, and Gaby quickly moved to where she had stood, handing the sword to Spike. The others, though shocked, started chanting. Suddenly, a glowing green orb appeared in the air, hovering over Spike. Alex said a few words in Latin, and the orb disappeared as Spike began to glow slightly. He stood still, but his face portrayed a different story.

Alex said some more words, joined by the rest of the group. As the English words, "And so I banish thee to the Nether Realm, so that all human kind may carpe diem and carpe noctum, where thou shalt forevermore burn in eternal Hell!" came out of her mouth, a small hole in the air appeared. It grew, and grew, until it was the size of a door. Suddenly, flames burst out, burning Alex's hands. She winced but continued, grasping the sword. Alex and Spike both cut their palms, and pressed them together. Alex recited the final words: "As I called thee, so I banish thee. Bane of humanity, begone!"

A flash of light went into the portal, and an agonizing scream was heard. Then slowly, the hole began to close. Alex, weak but still standing, said, "I thank thee, Goddess, Maiden, Mother and Crone, for thy help in our quest. Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again. Blessed be." She walked around the circle counter-clockwise, starting with the man next to Gaby, and repeated that phrase. As she got to Gaby, Alex looked at her burned hand. "Does anyone have some ointment?"

***

"Are you sure you don't want me to get that, love?"

"I'm fine, Spike," Alex said, as the box she was carrying slipped out from under her arm. Her right hand had fifteen stitches and a small burn. It was wrapped up in bandage and gauze. Her other hand was burned even worse, but doctors said she'd be fine, and it wouldn't leave many scars.

"No you're not." He bent down and picked up the spilled contents and placed them back in the box. "If you open the door, that's all I need."

She laughed. "Fine, I will, my knight in shining armor. Do you always rescue damsels in distress?"

"Only when I sleep with them."

"Hey! So, if this had happened three months ago, you would have left me here to deal with it on my own?"

"Well...."

Alex walked into the house and shut the door on him.

"Are you angry?" Spike asked, juggling the boxes.

There was no response for a few minutes. Then the door opened. "I was being stupid, wasn't I?"

"Just a bit."

"Sorry."

He shrugged the best he could. "I don't mind. You're always so nice; I miss seeing you upset. Sometimes."

"And why's that?" she said archly, shutting the door behind him.

"You just amaze me. You can be so normal one minute and so...vicious the next."

"Blame my uncle. My parents were never like that."

Spike set the boxes on the floor. A little blood was on one of them, but not much. His wound was almost healed. "I guess I should." He smiled at her. "Well, what are we going to do about those bloody bandages?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you very well can't caress me with them on."

"I'm bleeding still, dear."

"Oh. That puts a damper on that idea."

"And that idea was...?"

"Well, I'll show you when you have those stitches out."

Alex sighed. "You're no fun." She turned around and rummaged through one of the boxes.

"Ahh, but I am," he muttered under his breath, and snuck up on Alex. She shrieked. He turned her around and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed back.

"I take that last comment back," she said, and let herself be led upstairs.

***

Later, both of them were in bed, awake. The moonlight shone on them, and they lay there, listening to Alex breathe. It was uncanny, but it showed just how different they were.

"Spike?"

"Yes?"

"Remind me to tell you I love you more often."

"What brought this on?"

"Just thought you should know, that's all." She leaned over, kissed him, and then turned over and started to fall asleep. Spike lay awake for quite a few more hours, holding Alex in his arms and wondering how he got so lucky. When he finally went to sleep, he saw a familiar figure in white.

"Hello, Dru," he said quietly.

"Hello, sweet. Are you happy?" she asked.

Spike nodded. "Yes. I'm very happy. But I miss you."

Dru smiled. "I know. I miss you too. But if you're happy, so am I." With that last comment, Drusilla disappeared.

Spike woke up again, and felt Alex's red hair and sleek body next to him. He kissed her head lightly and went back to sleep. He didn't see Dru again, but he felt her presence. But he knew that, the next morning, Alex would be next to him, and with him for the rest of her life. And he wouldn't have it any other way.