Something’s Got To Give

Author: cjsplace

Summary: Unable to handle the loss of heaven and the people who anchored her to Earth, Buffy seeks out the only other person who can help her deal with the pain of this hell she is now living - Angel. What she sees shatters the little bit of hope she has left.

Disclaimer: BtVS and AtS belong to Joss Whedon, The Bodies is the property of Drowning Pool and Let Me Go is the property of 3 Doors Down.

Ratings: PG13 to R

Author's Notes: Buffy and Spike are only friends, he is the only one that knows that she is back. Social services forced Mr. Summers to take responsibility for Dawn. Giles moved back to England. The Angel timeline is compressed to line up with this story. This is a Buffy story all the way and will focus on her with a few others thrown in on the side. The only thing that won't happen is that Cordelia/Connor sleepage, cuz uh yuk.

This story is what I call a single shot. There are no chapters and it is a

Buffy watched Angel and some woman dressed like a comic book hero burst out of an elevator. Bright red lipstick smeared across his lips telling her all she needed to know about what they had been doing in the closed compartment. No one noticed her standing there huddled in a large leather jacket looking like a lost waif.

She watched them fight side-by-side. It brought back memories of nightly patrols and kisses out her bedroom window. Buffy ignored the by-play between the woman and the other man. Her eyes took in the changes in Angel. He was heavier than she remembered, and there was sadness, a look of longing in his eyes that spoke of desperation.

What is he doing with that woman? She isn't really his type. Is he a thief now or does he just want someone he considers a freak like him? Who could be more of a freak than I could? Why didn't he come to me? How did he not know that I was back? I felt him when he came back from hell, how could he not hear my heart screaming for him to come and help me?

She saw his head shoot up, and then turn in her direction as if he heard her thoughts. Buffy faded back into the shadows, pulling on some shred of inner strength she wasn't even aware she still possessed. Her body fell into the meditation techniques Giles taught her. Before she died, before her mom got sick, before Dawn, well it seems before everything, they worked on her only allowing others to sense her when she wanted. Buffy learned to let the Slayer out in a surge of power, or a slim ribbon, or cut it off completely.

The beat of her heart slowed to the barest thump in order to blend with the natural noises of the building. Buffy drowned out not only her Slayer presence, but also her own as well. Her eyes watched Angel and the beautiful brunette, alone, now that all the men were either unconscious or long gone.

He swore he felt a familiar pull, one that reminded him of Buffy. Angel pushed her memory back to its place in the darkest regions of his heart and soul. His only focus at this moment was to find Cordelia.

Gwen walked back over to Angel with the Eye of Pythea swinging from her hand. "Do you really love this girl? I mean going to all this trouble just to steal this so you can find out where she is to try and get her back. You sure I can't interest you in a different flavor?"

Buffy's heart fluttered, she pushed hard to keep it steady. Angel was stealing something to try and find me. A slow smile broke out on her face, one of the few since her return. Buffy took a step forward ready to tell the love of her life she was back when his words reached her. They shattered what was left of her world completely.

"Yes, I do. She's the most important thing in my life and I never got to tell her how I felt. Cordy is not only important to me but she is what keeps our group together. She makes us a family."

Her heart broke at that moment; she wasn't sure it even beat anymore. Her feet moved of their own volition, taking her away from the pain. Everything I believed, fought for, lived for, died for, was a lie. No friends, no family, nothing - what do I have? Angelus asked me that and I guess that I was right - me. All I have is I. Buffy made it outside quickly moving away from the building. She felt her connection to Angel stretch the further she walked away from him. It stretched until it finally snapped. All the pain, fear, and anger burst from her small body in a roar that caused windows to crack and car alarms to sound.

Angel and Gwen ran outside to see what was happening. They searched the streets, but all they saw was a shadow as it turned the corner. Angel couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. He took the Eye of Pythea, told Gwen goodbye, and then rushed back to the Hyperion.

Several hours later, Buffy found herself in Las Vegas. She called Spike to tell him what happened. He wired her money, and then told her to do whatever she needed to do. The Hellmouth was quiet, but he promised to stay and watch it. He also promised not to tell anyone that she was alive.

Spike didn't have a problem with her request, since he could barely be in the same room with the Scoobies. It angered him that after everything they'd been through, they still didn't trust him. He knew that Willow didn't tell him because he would have stopped her, but they didn't explain the others reasoning. Turn about was fair play, they didn't deserve to know that Buffy was back. Stupid wankers thinking the Slayer would ever be sent to Hell for saving the world.

"Slayer, just let me know how you're doing, and don't do anything stupid, like dying on me.” His voice was rough with emotion, although he tried to play it cool.

"If I die, I promise you'll be the first person I'll haunt. Thanks Spike, for everything. You're a good friend.” She hung up the phone before he could say more.

After finding a reasonable hotel off the strip, she went looking for a job. Buffy liked the hustle and bustle of Vegas. The city had a vibe all its own that called out to her. She found herself at the Tropicana Casino and Hotel. She accepted a bartenders job in the side lounge. There was a possibility to move to the main lounge if she did well with the customers.

It didn't take Buffy long to fall into a routine. Because she was new, she had the mid-day shift which wasn't the busiest, although the tips were still decent. Her natural quickness and habit of quipping with the customers made her a favorite. The quips weren't the same quirky ones she was famous for; they had an edge that could quickly put customers in their place. As a joke, the other bartenders made her a nametag with "Ice Princess" on it and the name stuck. Everyone called her "Ice" for short.

If anyone from Sunnydale saw her on the street, they would have to look twice to recognize her. Buffy no longer sported her California blonde look. She decided a change was needed and went for the complete opposite of her former self. She dyed her hair a pure white with black tips, tiny braids were interlaced throughout her hair and framed her face. Her clothes were dramatic; form fitting; and all of them were either leather or silk, depending on her mood. The biggest change of all was her eyes. The once vibrant hazel eyes no longer sparkled with love and life. They were fathomless, and although they still sparkled, it was with a hardedge that told the world not to step over the line.

The people in the casino thought she was nice and a good worker, but an enigma. The women wanted to hate her but found they couldn't. Buffy didn't purposefully set out to draw attention to herself, she just couldn't help it. She didn't realize that the shields she put up only made her more appealing.

Las Vegas drew all sorts of people, with the exception of vampires and most demons. Buffy found herself with energy to burn and no outlet. She tried to go dancing, which helped, but ended up spending half the night getting rid of over-zealous men. She went to the gym early in the morning or late at night to avoid drawing attention. A break came after working at the Tropicana for a month. A sign posted for a singer for the house band caught her eye. Shrugging a shoulder then walking over to take a place in line. The other people in line were all shapes and sizes. Each of them practicing their songs as they waited for their turn. Several looked at the small wild-child beside them who simply leaned against the wall and closed her eyes.

A song that fit the way she felt perfectly ran through her mind. The only problem she could see was if the band didn't know it. Another shrug pushed the thought away as she approached this challenge the same way she did slaying - feet first. Her turn came faster than she thought it would. Buffy made her way to the center of the stage after talking to the band.

She closed her eyes to allow all the anger she kept tightly under control to break free. Her eyes opened and a pure, husky voice filled the lounge. The entertainment manager sat up in his seat. His eyes widened as he watched the small girl on the stage belt out a hard rock song. Her body caught the beat of the music. Hips swayed, back arched while she moved from one side of the stage to the other like a professional. Buffy lost herself in the music. Silence met the end of the performance then everyone started clapping and shouting.

"You're hired when can you start?"

That was how she found herself in her current predicament. She loved singing with the band and bartending. It happened the third night the band played. They opened for the main act, some guy named Lorne. Buffy had only seen pictures and thought it was all makeup, but that changed when the band ran long.

Lorne's handlers were careful to keep him away from the other acts; but, this night he was on a collision course with a Slayer, literally. They slammed into each other backstage. Their eyes grew wide when they recognized what the other person was, but Lorne was rushed onstage. Buffy wondered how she hadn't felt him before now and decided to stay for the act. What she saw she didn't like. Her spidey sense went haywire. The ones Lorne singled out to sing were each given a special cup of coins to play on specific machines in the casino.

They took their cups over to the machines and sat down. Each player slid coins in then pulled the lever repeatedly like a robot until the last coin was played. They stood up and walked away in a daze as if they didn't know who they were or where they were going.

Buffy watched this and her anger continued to increase to a dangerous level. She left the casino in an effort to cool off. People on the street gave her a wide berth, not sure, what it was about the small woman but instinctively knowing she was dangerous.

The AI team reeled from their loss of Cordelia, but worked hard at becoming a team again. Angel thanked Wesley for his help in finding him and the lead to Cordelia's whereabouts. They called a tentative truce with the understanding that this was the first step towards mending their relationship. Connor showed up one week later. He snuck into the hotel to listen to everyone talk, not wanting to admit that he actually missed them. Angel caught him and Connor surprised them both by asking if he could have his old room back.

Now, the entire team was on their way to Vegas to try and see Lorne. He was the last member of the AI team, and Angel was determined to try to convince the Host to come back where he was really needed.

Now here she was, not only about to go back on stage, but she had to contend with Angel and his team being here as well. She finally managed to sneak backstage to talk to Lorne, who told her all about Lee-stealing people's futures to sell on the black market. Buffy slipped back into her dressing room when she heard Angel demanding to see Lorne.

"Damnit, I don't need this not tonight," she grumbled under her breath. Buffy went about the process of getting dressed for her performance. There wasn't anything to be done about Angel and with any luck; she could keep out of his way - yeah right.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she saw a woman who didn't take anything from anyone, a woman who chartered her own course then sailed it. Her legs were encased in low-rise black leather that laced up the front showing off a toned stomach that sported a gold belly ring. A matching vest that barely covered her charms finished off the outfit. Large hazel eyes looked smoky and mysterious outlined with black liner. Deep red lipstick drew the eye to full plump lips.

Buffy moved to her place on the stage with her back to the audience waiting for the curtain to rise. "Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome our very own, Ice.” Men and women both felt drawn to the creature on the stage. Muscles played under her skin as her body started to undulate to the music. A booted foot spun the tiny body with the precision of a ballerina. Some audience members caught their breaths when they heard the first husky note. Her name may be Ice but when she sang she was fire personified. (Bodies by Drowning Pool)

Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor Beaten why for
One - nothing wrong with me
Two - nothing wrong with me
Three - nothing wrong with me
Four - noting wrong with me
One - something's got to give
Two - something's got to give
Three - something's got to give
Now
Let the bodies hit the floor
Push me again
This is the end
Skin against skin blood and bone
You're all by yourself but you're not alone
Driven by hate consumed by fear
Let the bodies hit the floor

Angel watched the woman on the stage in shock. She looked so much like Buffy, but that was impossible because Buffy was dead. Plus, she would never move or sing like that, or dress like that, not to mention her hair. Although Angel admitted, he found that it fit this woman, whoever she was. No, if it was truly Buffy he would know it, he would feel it.

"Man that girl is one hot chick and damn can she sing." Fred slapped her boyfriend who seemed unable to take his eyes off the stage.

Angel couldn't stop his eyes from wandering over the toned yet lush body that moved across the stage in front of him. When the band finished and the singer left he wasn't alone as his eyes followed her exit.

The AI team waited excitedly for Lorne to appear. They hoped to get a chance to talk to their friend, or at least let him see them. Lee saw the group who tried to get backstage to his talent. Something told him the tall dark haired guy was the one to take out. He grabbed a waitress. After whispering something in her ear, she headed out to the lounge.

Buffy moved backstage, at ease in the shadows, to climb up to the catwalk above the stage. Lorne handed out four special coins to the unknowing audience members. Her eyes followed only one man as he moved among the players. The way he walked as if he owned the place and everyone put Buffy's teeth on edge. An opportunity fell into her lap and she just wasn't the type of girl to let one pass her by, not anymore. Anyone looking up would have seen a flash of white, and then it simply disappeared.

Angel sat glued to the slot machine. "Come on, come on lucky seven. Daddy needs a new pair of shoes."

Cordelia looked on in shock and anger. If she could stomp her foot in the land of white, she would have at that moment. "I can't believe you. You see one glimpse of me looking happy, and we are done. I bet if it were your precious Buffy, you wouldn't have written her off so quickly. Would you stop playing that stupid machine! That's just great. I mean, what's the point of being an all-seeing powerful whachamawhoosit, if I'm not allowed to intervene? My friends are gonna die. I mean, what I am supposed to-Angel. God, look what they've done to you. If I could just get you into that room, maybe- Think, bubblehead. How do I…"

Fred, Gunn, and Wesley couldn't persuade Angel to leave the slots so that they could go and see Lorne. Angel ignored them, acting more like a zombie than a vampire, and then he suddenly snapped out of his daze. "What are we doing gambling? We came here to talk to Lorne, and that is what we are going to do.” He got up to stride towards the Lorne's dressing room.

Screams could be heard from the backroom; people came rushing out. Angel ran through the doors, with the others close behind. Sounds of fighting and bodies slamming into walls came from a room at the end of the hall. They burst in just in time to watch the sleazy manager fly across the room into a large container. It shattered, letting wisps of colored smoke free.

"No, you've ruined it all," Lee cried as he tried to gather the stolen destinies before they flew away.

Buffy looked at Lorne. "Go finish this. You started it, now you finish it."

He nodded then turned back. "Thanks, gumdrop. Will I ever see you again?” His red eyes took her in as if he was trying to memorize everything about her.

"If you need to get in touch with me, just call Willy's Bar in Sunnydale ask for Spike. Tell him that I kept my promise and haven't died again.” She faded into the shadows, then jumped back up to the hole in the ceiling she dropped down through. Buffy stayed long enough to hear Lorne break the seedy manager's neck.

Things were good in Vegas; the band was part of the lineup now. Their popularity continued to grow with their repertoires. Buffy learned to live in her skin, although every once it while it would still feel too tight. She hired a lawyer, but still wasn't having any luck finding her father or Dawn. It turned out that Spain was a lot larger than it looked on the map. She missed Dawn and only hoped that she was doing alright. Spike seemed to fill her thoughts more and more lately. As if thinking of him made the phone ring, Buffy picked it up. "Hello."

"Slayer, mate by the name of Lorne called. Said big trouble in LA and really needs your help. You want the number or want me to call him back and tell him to wank off?” He smiled when he heard her chuckle over the phone.

"It's okay, Spike. Lorne's cool, even if he does hang out with Angel. Give me the number, and I'll give him a call. How have you been…I've missed you…talking to you? If things are bad in LA can you get away to lend me a hand? I'd like to have someone there that I trust other than Lorne."

"Course I'll be there Slayer; don't even have to ask just tell me when and where and I'll bloody well be there with bells on."

"Now that would almost be worth an apocalypse to see. Let me call Lorne and I'll call you back with the 411. Spike, thanks."

He looked at the phone for a few minutes before pulling out a cigarette. "Slayer, what's in that pretty head of yours? If you and I show up in LA together, there will be a second apocalypse caused by Angelus.” He shrugged not caring what his grand-sire thought. Spike's phone rang before he even finished his cigarette.

"Can you meet me in LA tonight behind Caritas? There is a back alley behind the club. Do you know where it is? Spike, we have to hurry. Those idiots want to release Angelus to find out about the latest boogey man. If I don't get rid of the Beast before they do, then we are all screwed."

Wesley argued with Angel that Angelus was their only hope of battling the Beast. He couldn't believe that his friends wanted him to do this. They didn't understand what they were asking him to do. How could they even think about setting Angelus free?

Lorne slipped in just as Wesley left. His red eyes took in his friend's deep concern and fear. "Angelcakes, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Not now Lorne. I'm not sure that I can handle one more person telling me that we need Angelus to find out about the Beast.” He sighed, raking his hands through his hair.

"I just wanted to let you know that I called a friend that I thought could help. They agreed to come, so if you could just give them tonight before letting out your bad self maybe everything will be okay."

Angel's head shot up to look at the Host. "Who is this person and how come you've waited this long to call them for help? In case it's escaped your notice, we are trying to stop a demon that we can't defeat.” His voice rose with his anger.

"Don't yell at me, Angel. We have faced these types of odds before and won. For your information, I only met Ice when I was in Vegas where she saved my life and your Shanshu by the way. She told me to call her if I needed help, but I didn't want to if I didn't have to. So excuse me if I tried to protect a friend from the weird that is our life.” The sarcasm that dripped from Lorne's voice shocked not only Angel, but the rest of the AI team who came to see what Angel was yelling about.

"What is going on?” Fred asked, as she looked from Angel to Lorne in confusion.

Lorne walked away then called over his shoulder. "Ask Angelcakes, he knows what everyone should and shouldn't do. I'm out of here, kiddoes. Some of my friends are having an end of the world party with lots of alcohol."

Angel's shoulders slumped. He shouldn't have taken his frustrations out on Lorne but unless a miracle walked through the door then he had no other choice than to see if Angelus could help.

Spike hugged Buffy, then stepped back to look her over making sure she was okay. His eyes took in all the changes. She put back on the weight she lost before she died. Her body was toned, yet looked curved and lush. The hair and clothes suited her. They made her look like the Slayer he knew she kept carefully hidden from the world. The Buffy Summers that stood in front of him was a woman comfortable in her own skin. She finally did it. Buffy shed all the layers of doubt, dependencies, hurt, and anger. She pulled herself out of her grave a shell of a person. Now, she's standing here a woman of purpose who knows her own mind. I just hope she'll let me be a part of this new life.

"I think that is the quietest you have ever been around me, Spike. What's the matter, don't you like my new looks?” Buffy gave him a sexy pout.

He swallowed before he answered. "Ducks, I like you any and everyway that you are and if you don't know that then you aren't as smart as I know you are. Just takin' in the changes and admiring how you've come into your own."

Buffy moved forward until her lips were next to his ears. She gave his lobe a soft lick then a tender nip with her teeth. "I've thought about you. Thought about how you never left me, my mom, or Dawn. You were always there when I needed to talk to someone, and that no matter what, you always told me the truth. I've also thought how blue your eyes are, and if you kiss as good when you aren't under a spell. So, if you are open to it, I'm wondering if you want to see where else we might take this.” Her hands swept over rock hard abs, firm pecs, then onto a back that rippled with muscles. She circled him like a predatory cat.

Spike's eyes closed while his mind and body fell into a wild fantasy. He saw them in a tangle of bare limbs fighting for dominance. He growled before pulling her around to face him. "Make sure you know what you're doing, luv. Once you take that step, I won't let go. I stayed with Dru for over a hundred years. I'll dog you til you return to your grave."

"Sounds fair to me," she purred. Buffy licked his bottom lip then kissed him with a passion that was wild and free.

They reluctantly pulled apart when they heard heavy footsteps behind them. Looking up, Spike and Buffy saw a red-skinned demon that looked as if he was made out of rock. Buffy started laughing. Her hands grabbed her stomach to stop her sides from aching. "That has got to be the dumbest looking demon I've ever seem. I mean look at him. What is he trying to do look like the devil with the horns and everything?"

"He is a big wanker though, luv. I think that your laughing is making him mad."

"Since when is that something new? Hey, Lavaboy, do you want to dance; or am I supposed to just laugh myself to death here?"

"Who are you that you show no fear of me?” The Beast's gravelly voice asked not understanding this creature in front of him.

"Oh, sorry I guess that we are supposed to do the whole intro thing. I'm Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and you are? I know the Beast isn't your real name, so what is it? Let me guess; Maurice? No, well what about Herman? You do kinda have that Munster kinda thing going for you. I gave you my name now you tell me yours. In case no one told you, that are how we do things here, so give. I always like to know who I'm killing.” She gave him a huge smile but it didn't reach her eyes.

"You are a Slayer? I was not aware that you were still aligned with Angelus. We can make an alliance as well. You are Angelus' mate, are you not?"

"Uh, that would be a great big no. Angel has a new honey and I scratched him out of my little black book. Well it looks like it is time for me do the big throw down.” Buffy launched herself at the Beast, drawing a short sword from her back. Surprisingly, her sword made a shallow slice in the thick skin. "Bet that hurt didn't it. You know they have the most amazing things on E-Bay these days. You can even bid on sacred swords. This little baby was blessed daily for over a thousand years to help stop the darkness. Let's see what else my baby can do.” She flipped over the top of the Beast head. On the way down, she cut the Beast from its neck to the base of its spine.

The Beast screamed causing the ground to shake. Spike saw his opening and took it. He raced across the short distance in a blur of sped. His feet hit the red-skinned demon directly on the knee. A large pop range out in the alley then the Beast crumbled to the ground. Buffy was on it like a pouncing tiger. Her blade seemed to be everywhere at once until it struck true taking the Beast's head.

She stood up breathing heavily. Buffy looked over at Spike then gave him a saucy grin. "What do you say we deliver our Christmas presents early this year? When we are through, we can get back to that thing we were discussing earlier."

The doors of the Hyperion crashed open. The AI team immediately grabbed weapons ready for an attack as they made their way to the hotel lobby. Shock was the strongest feeling but others were there as well, jealousy, confusion, hurt, wonder.

Standing in the entrance was Buffy Summers in all her newfound glory. The true shock factor was what happened next. "Catch.” A large object was lobbed across the lobby to land at their feet. It was the head of the Beast. "Is Lorne here?"

"I'm right here, gumdrop. I was just about to head out to a party are you interested? It was supposed to be an apocalypse party, but now it will just be a great big drunkest.” Lorne grinned taking in his friend's demeanor. He moved forward to pull her into a hug. Lorne felt her tense up, then finally give in and hug him back.

"Buffy," Angel finally had to admit to himself that the singer in Las Vegas was, in fact, Buffy. "How, when, why didn't you tell me?” Hurt shown clearly from his dark brown eyes.

"Spell, couple of months, and it isn't your business. Now before we get into the whole this is your life, I don't care what you people do, but Lorne is my friend, so I'd appreciate it if you didn't get him killed. Not to mention whoever thought that they could get Angelus to cooperate was a fool; but again, not my problem. I have one more toy surprise for you, then I'm out of here. Spike, bring her in."

Spike walked in dragging a kicking Lilah Morgan. "Oh, stop your squirming you, stupid bint. Vampire, remember, not as if you can get away from me. Now, talk like a good girl, before the Slayer sees what her blessed sword will do to someone who plays for the Partners."

Lilah looked at Buffy with fear in her eyes. She searched the faces in the room before landing on Wesley. "Wesley, help me, she is crazy. She threatened to kill me.” She tried in vain to get away from Spike's iron grasp.

"Buffy, what is the meaning of this? I know that Lilah is not the most upstanding person, but that does not give you the right to threaten her life. I demand that you release her instant.” He advanced forward, intent on getting Lilah away from Spike.

"If I were you, I would stay where you are, shut up, and listen for a while. Your little lovebird is going to sing you a pretty little song. Oh, Wes, by the way, doesn’t ever talk to me like that again. You were never my Watcher and I don't respected you. From what I've learned about you tonight from our girl Lil, that opinion hasn't changed. Time's a wasting, Lilah.” Buffy's voice left no room for argument from anyone in the room.

"We brought the Beast here so that you would take away Angel's soul to fight him."

"But he killed everyone at W&H, and you barely escaped with your life," Fred exclaimed as she pushed her glasses up.

"If you go look, you'll see that we are already up and running.” She heard Buffy growl behind her and the rest of the story spilled out. "Once you were Angelus, your soul would mysteriously be lost. If by some fluke, you found a way to get it back, the contingency plan was to leave clues on how to kill the Beast, then offer the LA offices to you when you did. We would of course set up certain situations that would have made the offer more than you could walk away from, like say, a normal life for Connor when he goes over the edge thanks to Angelus."

Angel vamped out, then rushed across the lobby only to be stopped by Buffy. "No, you haven't heard all of it, so just hold off on your self-righteous anger."

"Buffy, why are you protecting her? What has happened to you?” Angel looked down at his lost love, but all he saw was hard hazel eyes. He saw none of the love and devotion that always lit her eyes when she looked at him.

"Get over yourself, Angel. Tell them the rest of it, Lilah.” Buffy demanded of the evil lawyer.

Cordelia moved forward to put her hand on Angel's shoulder to calm him down. She wanted Buffy to know that she and Angel were together now. They were still having a rocky time since Connor thought he was in love with Cordelia, and Angel didn't want to hurt his son. They still had the curse to contend with, but they were trying to work through all of that. "Angel, just listen to what they have to say.” Her voice was soft and soothing. He just nodded his head like a robot.

Buffy looked at Spike with a sparkle in her eyes and the two smirked sharing the same thought. The great Angelus was no more than a trained puppy to Sunnydale's Queen C. Buffy moved to stand closer to Spike, but slightly in front in him. She put her hand behind her then let it slowly wander, in soft delicate caresses, over whatever part of his body she could reach.

Spike lit a cigarette to hide the need to take a deep breathe. He wanted nothing more than to grab Buffy and run from this place, but she wanted to finish this with Angel, so he would help her do just that.

Lilah wondered how she got herself into this mess in the first place. She went to the Slayer after she killed the Beast and offered her Angel's deal, ownership of W&H with all the perks. She even offered to bring her mother back to life. That was her biggest mistake. The one that almost got her killed. If it weren't for Spike, the Slayer would have torn her apart. Who knew that although the Slayer walked away from the Hellmouth she wouldn't, couldn't, be bought? It still irked Lilah that Buffy was able to figure out most of their plans and forced the rest out of her. Now here she was spilling them to Angel. She wondered what part of Hell the Sr. Partners would send her to.

"We put a spell on Connor that made him attracted to Cordelia. When the Beast finished killing the Ra-tet, it would have been all it needed to complete a ceremony to blot out the sun, and you would have had no choice but to bring out your big gun - Angelus. Are you getting what I'm saying here, people? We played you all like chess pieces. We wanted Connor and Cordelia to sleep together. It would have ensured that the boy went over the edge, 'cause Miss Thing over there would have rushed back to the souled Avenger. He wouldn't have taken her back, and all wouldn't have been well in the world of Angel, which makes it wonderful in my world.” She turned to Buffy. "Can I go now?"

Buffy nodded, then moved out of the way to let the evil lawyer pass. When Lilah was even with her, Buffy pulled her down so she could whisper in her ear. "Lilah, I will only warn W&H this one and only time; don't ever threaten or mess with me or mine again. Angel can fight his own battles, but I'm not part of that deal. If I ever find out that you are even looking in their direction, I will pull down that building, then dig straight to Hell, and take out your Sr. Partners. Are we clear here?"

Lilah's eyes grew wide, her face paled, then she scurried out the door. Buffy moved back to stand in front of Spike. This time she pulled his arms around her waist, letting everyone know that they were together.

Angel watched this by-play with mixed feelings. He had buried his feelings for Buffy so deep when she died; but seeing her alive and standing there with Spike, they came rushing to the fore. "What is going on here, Buffy? Why are you with Spike, and why do, you look like that? Let me help you."

She leaned her head back on Spike's hard chest and laughed. "I don't need your help Angel. Once, I did, but not anymore. I'm here because my friends thought they needed me, so they pulled me out of heaven. I had to dig my way out of my own grave. Spike found me and took care of me. Dawn and Giles were gone, so stupid me, I came looking for you to help me. I seem to remember promises of forever and love and always at my mom's funeral. I got to LA in time to see you with Electro Girl. Tell me, Angel, when you kiss her, does it make your lips tingle?” Cordelia glared at him, and Angel looked everywhere but at the two women. "I heard the words you spoke to her Angel. Stupid me, I thought they were about me and I was about to step out of the shadows but then you said Cordy's name. Congrats, Cord, I guess when it comes to men you are the Slayer. I left and went to Vegas. That's where I met Lorne. He called me and told me that you were going to get in touch with you inner self, and I thought, oh hell, no; so I came, killed the Beast, and now I'm leaving, ta."

Buffy grabbed Spike's hand to leave the Hyperion for good, when Lorne called her name. "Ice, wait a minute would ya, sweetie pie?"

She turned and her faced softened, giving the anagogic demon a real smile. "What you need, big guy?"

"Would you do me one eensie weensie favor before you go? Would you sing for me? I only got to catch bits and pieces of your act when I was in Vegas because Lee kept me away from everyone.” Lorne gave her puppy dog eyes.

Buffy looked at him then shrugged. She knew what he was doing, but wasn't bothered by it. No matter what anyone told her, she was making her own destiny. She closed her eyes, allowing the world to fall away and the music to take over. Her husky voice seemed to fill the room.

One more kiss could be the best thing
But one more lie could be the worst
And all these thoughts are never resting
And you're not something I deserve
In my head there's only you now
This world falls on me
In this world there's real and make believe
And this seems real to me
You love me but you don't know who I am
I'm torn between this life I lead and where I stand
And you love me but you don't know who I am
So let me go
Let me go
(3 Doors Down Let Me Go)

Lorne saw all her past, the pain then he saw her future which looked bright and promising. He smiled to know that his friend would be happy. He looked over at Angel and didn't like what he saw there at all. The souled vampire didn't need to sing because his aura was screaming that the girl in front of him was his possession.

"Can I talk to you for a minute, gumdrop? We can just step outside for a little privacy.” Buffy walked with him out to the garden. She didn't say a word just waited to hear what he had to tell her. "Pixie Stix, you have had a hard time of it, but the Powers are proud of you."

"Just tell me what you saw, Lorne. I don't need a pep talk. It's sweet of you to try, but it's not necessary."

"You don't understand, sugar plum. You earned a free pass. Whatever you do from here on out is up to you. Your destiny is your own. The Powers have released you from their service. Ice, Buffy, you are free to make a life for yourself. They will activate another Slayer to watch over the Hellmouth.” He watched the emotions play over her face. It was the first time that he saw her show, even a glimpse of the girl she used to be, but as soon as it was there, it was gone.

"Good, it is about time that they did something other than sit on their butts while the world fell apart. Lorne, if you ever need me again, I will always help you; but I'd rather you not involve Angel or Wesley in the mix if you don't mind. If you get a chance; come back to Vegas and see me. We are part of the regular line up now, and there is even talk of a record deal. Who would of ever thought that I would be singing instead of slaying?” She kissed his cheek, then slipped back into the hotel.

Lorne looked after her. "Oh, sweety, you have such a bright future, but you will never be able to just walk away from slaying. It is a part of you. At least you have learned to accept both sides of yourself and let them live in harmony; too bad Angelcakes hasn't learned to do the same.” He shook his head as he thought about the rocky road ahead for his friend.

Inside the Hyperion, Angel tried to interrogate Spike. His hand was wrapped around the smaller vampire's neck as he pulled him up to his face. "What have you done to Buffy? She would never have anything to do with you. What is it a spell? Did you play on her emotions after she came back from the dead when she was confused and in pain? Tell me, boy.” He roared at his grand-childe.

The AI team had never seen this side of Angel before, and it frightened them. He vamped out when they fought, but there was something different about his actions now.

Spike broke Angel's hold, then at the same time smashed him in the face with a hard right hook to the face. Cordelia screamed and Connor moved to rush to his father's defense, forgetting about his jealousy.

He felt a hand on his arm holding him back. Looking down he saw the woman with the white and black hair. "Let me go right now. I don't want to hurt you."

"Sorry, Angel Jr., but you aren't going to get in the middle of this. It has been a long time coming, and the two of them need to get it out of their systems.” Buffy said in a bored voice.

Connor tried to break her grip, but found that he couldn't. "What are you? Why is everyone so upset with you and how do you know my father?"

"Slayer, was dead, not anymore and used to date him. Now watch the big boys fight; you might learn something. Oh, yeah, you might want to think about this. Cordelia used to feed and diaper you when you were a baby. Don't you think it's kinda gross to be lusting after a woman who once powdered your butt?"

Connor looked like he was going to be sick. It was as if Buffy's words broke through whatever feeling he had for the seer. He looked at Cordelia in a new light. His world seemed to tilt, then righted itself. Although he didn't feel love for her anymore, he still cared for as a friend. Connor looked at Buffy. "Thanks, I'm not sure why no one ever talked to me like that, but I'm glad that you did.” They looked back when they heard a loud crash.

Spike landed on the round sofa in the middle of the Hyperion lobby, splintering it. He got up with a smirk on his face licking the blood from his split lip. "Mmm, now we're getting somewhere. You have gone soft Angelus. You sit here in your big hotel, waiting for the cheerleader to tell you who needs saving. I go out every night and slay all kind of beasties to save all the innocents they would kill, not just the ones in some stupid vision. Now let's do this for real."

With those last words, he launched himself at Angel. The larger vampire wasn't ready for the speed at which the bleached-blonde vampire moved. Spike hit him feet first, sending the much larger man to the ground. His body flipped forward to land on top of his prey as his fists started to pound on the face of his grande-sire.

"You don't control me, Angelus. I'm not your boy, I'm not your anything. You left us long ago, and you can't pull that sire string anytime that you don't like the way things are going. I'm not anyone's puppet. The Slayer isn't your business anymore, so leave us both alone.” His hand swung back to level another blow, when a small hand stopped it.

"Let it go, Spike. It's not worth it. He's not worth it, not anymore. Look at me, Spike.” He turned to see Buffy standing there. "I'm right here and he isn't standing between us. Hell, he isn't even in the picture. Look at my neck and tell me what you see."

His azure blue eyes peered at her neck where Angel's mark marred her golden skin. The skin was still scarred, but it didn't look any different than the ones left by the Master or Dracula. The mark didn't stand up like it used to, as if it was proclaiming to the world that she was Angel's. It lay smooth against her skin.

"Touch it, Spike ,and tell me what you feel.” Her hazel eyes never left his, never strayed to the dark-haired vampire who watched on in anger and frustration.

Spike's pale hand tenderly caressed her slender neck feeling the smooth skin. Understanding lit his eyes before a smile crossed his face. "Luv, why didn't you just tell me?"

"Planned on it, but thought I'd wait until we were in nicer surroundings.” She smiled at him, then leaned forward to give him a soft kiss. "Now if you are through with your big throw down, how about we get out of here. I have a really nice apartment in Vegas, and it isn't too long of a drive. You game?"

Spike got off Angel totally forgetting about the other man. He put his arm around Buffy then they simply walked out of the Hyperion into the night.

Angel watched them go while his anger grew to an uncontrollable level. He jumped up, ready to go after Buffy. She had no business being with Spike. She was supposed to be in Sunnydale having the life that he left so that she could have.

"Hold your horses, Angel Lips," Lorne called out. "Ice is none of your business, and the Powers would not be happy if you interfered in her life."

"Angel, just what do you think that you are doing? Don't tell me that you are planning on running after Buffy? So what if she is with Spike? That girl has never had the best of taste when it came to men.” Cordelia yelled at the exact same time.

Angel looked from Lorne to Cordelia. "Lorne, what do you mean that the Powers won't be happy?” He asked, ignoring Cordelia knowing he would pay for it later.

The Host knew that the souled vampire had a hard road ahead of him but he needed to get back on track. Angel needed to learn that he was not in control of other people's destinies only his. "Buffy, has been released from her destiny as a Slayer. The Powers have rewarded her for her services. She can make her own destiny. You, on the other hand, are about to move further and further away from yours. You are so wrapped up in everyone else's lives, that you have ignored your own. You are supposed to be seeking atonement for your past. What makes you think that you know what is best for everyone else? In other words, get off you high horse and quit meddling in other people's lives, starting with Buffy. She isn't your business anymore. You gave up that right a long time ago when you walked away. She has a chance for a great future, but you aren't part of it, so let her go."

Angel growled at the thought of Buffy having a future with Spike. The words flew out of his mouth before he could pull them back. "I marked her, and Spike has no right to even think of touching her."

Cordelia saw red at those words. She stormed over to stand in front of Angel. "What about me, Angel? What about you telling me that you loved me? Was all that just a lie because you thought that your precious Buffy was dead?"

"Cordy, no, I do love you. But, you have to understand I have to protect Buffy. It doesn't take anything away from the way that I feel for you.” His eyes softened as he looked at her, trying to make her understand. Angel loved Cordelia; she was perfect for his life, but Buffy was the reason that he did any of this.

Lorne shook his head as he watched Angel create the first tear in the life he created for himself. He only hoped the souled vampire would realize what he was doing before it was too late.

Cordelia turned and walked away slowly going up the stairs to her room. She prayed that Angel would call her back or follow her up, but he did neither of those things. Tears fell down her cheeks as she felt her heart begin to break. She loved Angel and believed that he loved her. Tonight showed her a different side of him, one that hadn't let goes of his obsession with Buffy Summers.

Angel watched her go up the stairs. He wanted to go after her, but found himself frozen in place. He was torn between his emotion between Cordelia and Buffy. His demon screamed that he could not allow his grande-childe to take what was theirs. Angel knew he couldn't have a life with Buffy, that he wanted one with Cordelia, but didn't know what to do.

Buffy and Spike crashed into her bedroom after racing back to Vegas. Neither one of them wanted to stay in LA any longer than necessary. They wanted to start their relationship in the place where Buffy started her new life.

Spike picked her up, his hands cupped her heart shaped rear. Buffy's leg wrapped around his waist while she continued to kiss him. Her hands pulled his shirt out of his pants allowing her access to the skin beneath. She left his lips to kiss her way down his neck, interchanging soft kisses with tiny nips of her teeth. Spike almost dropped her when her teeth bit his nipple.

He finally made it to the bed. They dropped as a single body onto the soft mattress. Buffy loved the feel of Spike's hard body on top of hers, his weight felt perfect to her. Her hands roamed over the hard muscles of his back then down to a sculpted rear.

"I think we have too many clothes on, don't you?” She nipped his lip giving his a heavy lidded look then pulled his shirt over his head. Buffy left her hands above her head, offering herself to him.

He looked at her lying there with her skin flushed, and knew that he would never walk away from this woman. Spike unsnapped the front of her pants then pulled her forward causing her to laugh. He bent forward to lick the shallow indentation of her belly button changing the laugh to a moan. Fingers dipped inside just above her womanhood then darted away. They moved up to pull off the miniscule top to allow her high firm breast to spill free.

Buffy cupped her breasts in her hands offering them to him. Spike wasn't about to pass up such a lovely feast. He bent forward to lick his way up from her belly button to the sensitive underside then around the aureole. He ignored the diamond hard peaks that awaited his attention. Buffy mewled in the back of her throat. He was driving her crazy, but she didn't want him to stop. Suddenly, she felt his teeth latch onto her nipple.

"Bite me Spike, taste me.” Buffy's voice came to him in a husky whisper full of desire.

He looked up with amber eyes although his face remained unchanged. "Slayer, once I taste you I won't be happy with just one taste.” His voice pleaded with her to tell him to stop or continue.

She didn't say a word just pulled his head back down to her swollen breast. "You know what they say about nobody can taste just one. No limits Spike, I want you all of you. Make love to me with all that you are, and I'll do the same."

Spike looked at her seeing that her eyes held the predator telling him she was talking about the Slayer as well. His fangs slowly slid into her golden skin. When the first drops of her powerful blood filled his mouth, Spike thought he would come right then. It took everything he had to control his body's reaction to tasting Buffy.

They quickly undressed after that, both wanting to feel each other's skin. Buffy's breath caught as she looked at Spike. He was beautiful like one of those marble statues in a museum. She always thought his skin was white, but it wasn't it was an alabaster like a soft candlelight. It made you want to touch it to see if it was real.

Their bodies fit together like puzzle pieces as they murmured words of caring and trust to one another. Spike knew not to mention love, knowing that Buffy wasn't ready for that, but he had hope for the future.

Buffy watched him sleep beside her. He looked so innocent with his hair tousled into soft curls. She smiled feeling alive and free for the first time in a very long time. She realized that coming back from heaven was horrible, but it also gave her a chance at a new life. She had felt hopeless, dead, lost. She knew that something had to give or she wouldn't make it. Finally, the Powers smiled on her allowing her to have a future that she made, not because she was the Slayer their plaything, but because of who she was inside. Yes, something had to give, and for once, it wasn't her.

The End.