"Like Glory?"  Dawn puzzled.  "Yeah, I guess so, cause of all the tearing down of dimensional walls and stuff.  It was kinda déjà vu, him wanting to use me as the key and everything."

"I'm so sorry, Dawnie," Willow said.  She looked amazingly chipper this morning, almost back to her old self.  *Tara must have said something special to her before Willow sent her back,* Dawn thought.  Willow continued, "I didn't even think about you being the key.  I so put you in danger.  I'm just glad you're OK."  The redhead gave Dawn an impulsive one-handed hug, flipping a pancake with the other hand.

"Me too," Dawn said thankfully, hugging back.  "Hey, what was up with Buffy's hands?   They had red designs all over them."

Anya smiled at Dawn.  "They were hennaed," she informed her.  "It's an eastern custom to beautify a woman by drawing intricate patterns in henna on her hands and feet."

"They were pretty," Willow mused.  "How long does it last?"

"Maybe two weeks," Anya answered.  "We could do ours, it would be fun."

"Yeah," Willow nodded.  "A really girly thing to do."

"Hey," Xander objected.  "What about me?"

"Do you want to henna some of your body parts as well, sweetheart?" Anya purred.  "We could probably, .....,"

"Now, Ahn," Xander interrupted nervously.  "I just meant, you guys forgot my question.  Wasn't that creepy guy last night like Glory?"

"No, not quite like Glorificus," they heard a deep voice from the open back door.

"JB!" Anya said happily.  "Come in.  We're making pancakes."

"Well, that's great," JB said, handing a large grease stained paper sack to Dawn.  She peeked inside.  "Fresh donuts!" she exclaimed.

"You must be Dawn," JB said.  She nodded.  "I am John Black.  JB to my friends.  I am very pleased to really meet you.  Although we met briefly last night."  He made their meeting in Willow's bedroom sound like a social event, nothing more.  He took her hand and kissed it.  She blushed and smiled.  "The donuts were just made this morning.  My father and brother are coming soon - they're just waiting for bagels."

"Satan and his son waiting for fresh bagels," Xander said.  "Things are so interesting around the Hellmouths Dunkin' Donuts."

JB chuckled.  "Fresh bagels and cream cheese are like a little taste of heaven."  Everyone laughed in a shocked kind of way.

"Hi," Willow said shyly to JB.  "I'm Willow.  We met last night, too."

"Yes we did, lovely witch.  I am honored to meet you."  JB took her hand, and she felt a blush cover her cheeks when he kissed it.

"Mmmm, I smell pancakes," Buffy said, entering the kitchen with her hand firmly entwined with Spike's.  "That's heaven to me."  The kitchen chorused with 'good mornings'.

"Good morning," JB said to Spike and Buffy.  "Did you sleep well?"

Buffy and Spike looked at each other, while the others covered their faces and giggled.  "Uh, yes, sleeping.  Much sleeping was done," Buffy said, glaring at Xander, who was laughing outright.

"Good," JB said, smiling.  "I just wanted to, well, to apologize for my behavior last night."

"Apologize?" Anya said.

"Yes," JB said, somewhat embarrassed.  "I was, well, there's really no excuse, but, well, my brother and I, we, just, it's just that, well, every time we get together lately, we, uh,.....,"

"Argue like little children?" Anya supplied helpfully.

JB sighed.  "Yes.  We do.  And, Spike, thank you for intervening last night.  We finally talked to each other without jealousy and bitterness, and, what's even better, we talked with Father."  He turned to Buffy and Spike.  "Last night, I learned some things that I wasn't aware of before.  I may have, uh, slightly misrepresented my father to you two.  My whole existence I have believed that he was insane and evil, but I never spoke to him about my feelings.  He was actually amused.  I mean, he does have an evil reputation."

Xander nodded vigorously.  "Yeah, Satan pretty much equals evil in most people's books."  At a look from Anya, he said, "Not in mine, of course.  I've always felt that he was misunderstood."
 

"JB!" Giles exclaimed, apparently finished with his telephoning for now.  "Good to see you."  The two shook hands.  "It was an, um, interesting night last night."

"Yes, wasn't it?"  JB said.

"Coffee?" Willow asked the room in general, and everyone's head swiveled in her direction.  Slightly embarrassed at having drawn attention to herself, she squared her shoulders and held her chin high.  "Or tea?" she added.

There was a general clamoring for beverages,  and when everyone was supplied with something hot to drink, the conversation continued.

"What about the dragons?"  Dawn wanted to know.  "How come they came and helped us?"

"Well, Nibblet," Spike said from his perch on the stool by the counter, Buffy nestled comfortably between his legs, "One of the dragons was a kind of, um, friend of mine."

"Cool," she said happily.  "But how did they know to come here?"

"Dragons are very telepathic," said JB, "and they can also teleport from place to place.  That's why you rarely see them flying about."

"Rarely?"  Xander said  "This would be a first for me."

JB smiled.  "Yes, most people aren't lucky enough to see a dragon in their lifetime.  They're a dying breed, you know.  Luckily for us, there are a few left."

"There seemed to be quite a few," Anya pointed out.

"Yes, again, lucky for us," JB replied.  "Although there were less dragons than it appeared."

Everyone looked around in puzzlement, but Giles smiled and nodded.  "Ah, yes, the Gerfolian principle," he said.

"Yes!" said JB excitedly.  "You've heard of that?"

"Only slightly," Giles responded.  "What's your take on the second theory developing from that?"

"A-HEM!"  Buffy cleared her throat loudly.  JB and Giles turned to look at her.  "SO over our heads here, guys," she said.

"Sorry," Giles and JB chorused.  "Giles," JB said, "we must discuss this further at some other time."

"Delighted to," Giles smiled.  "Ah, Buffy," he continued, "could I see you for a moment?  I need to discuss something with you."

Buffy reluctantly moved out from between Spike's legs.  "I'll be right back," she said, kissing him sweetly.  He pulled her into his embrace and proceeded to kiss her thoroughly.

"Ewwww," Xander said, hiding his eyes, although his disgust sounded more like teasing than actual distaste.

Buffy smiled and pulled away from Spike completely.  "Sorry, Xander," she said complacently.  "You'll just have to get used to it."

Giles looked at Xander sympathetically as he led Buffy from the room.  "It will take some getting used to," he said, "for all of us."

Spike smiled.  "Hey, Rupe old man," he said, "Don't keep my girl long."

"I will be brief with 'your girl', Spike," Giles said, with a touch of irony, ushering Buffy into the other room.  "I just need to speak to her in private for a moment."  He led her into the den and shut the door.

"Hmmmm," said Xander, "What's afoot?"

"I'm sure you'll find out in time, honey," Anya said reassuringly.  The doorbell rang, and Anya moved to answer it.  "I'll get it!" she called cheerfully.

"So, JB," Xander said, "you said that Flagg isn't like Glory.  How so?  And how did you know about her?"

JB chose to answer the second question first.  "I pretty much keep an eye on things like that all over the world.  Be assured that the Hellmouth in Sunnydale isn't the only place of activity.  I'm kind of a self appointed guardian of the world."  He smiled.  "I like it the way it is, so for my own sake I try and help keep it safe."

"A chip off the old block, are you?"  Luke said in his deep voice, entering the kitchen after Anya, with Celex behind him.  "Helping dear old dad with his job?"  He placed a fragrant paper bag of bagels on the kitchen counter.  "Breakfast, anyone?"  he smiled.  "And, son, please introduce me to these lovely ladies."  He made a slight bow, indicating Dawn and Willow.

JB smiled charmingly.  "Willow and Dawn," he said, nodding at each in turn, "please meet my father.  You can call him Luke.  And my brother, Celex."

Willow smile the two, "Pleased to meet you both," she said.  Dawn stared in fascination.

"Are you Satan?  The Devil?  The Prince of Darkness?" she asked.

"Dawnie!"  Willow admonished.  "That's not polite."

Luke chuckled.  "Those are some of my names, among many others.  But believe me when I say that many of the stories about me are somewhat, shall we say, exaggerated.  I'm here to discuss some of that, as a matter of fact.  Where is the Slayer?"

"Hey, Luke," Buffy said, entering the room from her brief conference with Giles.  Her eyes were shining and she was smiling.  "Brought us breakfast?"  She walked over to Spike and took his hand.  He could feel the excitement emanating from her.

"Yes," he said, smiling at the couple, and then everyone else, "and maybe something more.  Shall we talk while we eat?"

When everyone was ensconced comfortably at the dining room table, Luke began.  "My son has something to say," he said.

Everyone looked expectantly at JB, but, surprisingly it was Celex who spoke.  "I am sorry," he said, bowing his head slightly.  "I must beg pardon from you all.  I have forgotten the face of my father, and allowed myself to be misled.  The three of us," he nodded to JB and Luke, "have conferred long, and have come to a new understanding of one another, and the state of this world and all others.  I cry your pardon, sai," he said, nodding first to Giles, "and yours," he looked at Buffy, and then at each person individually.

Giles recognized the gravity and formality of the apology.  He stood and gravely bowed to Celex.  "We hear your words, and grant our pardon," he said, motioning at the Scoobies, who dipped their heads in acknowledgment.  Celex nodded and then smiled hugely.

"Whew!" he sighed explosively.  "Glad that's over.  Let's eat!"  Giles sat and began to pass around the food.

"What are we pardoning him for?" Dawn asked.

Buffy smiled.  "Trying to end the world."

"Oh," Dawn said calmly, lathering cream cheese onto her still warm bagel.  "Thought it was something like that.  Ooh!  Smoked salmon!"

Xander started laughing, and soon everyone had joined in.  "What?"  Dawn said, through her mouthful of bagel.  "I love salmon."

That just caused everyone to laugh harder, and Buffy actually had to hold her sides.  "Ending the world is now a forgivable offense, and we can be placated by salmon," she managed to gasp out.  "Are our lives strange or what?"

"Well, love," Spike said, as the laughter wound down, "how many others can say they've eaten a breakfast provided by Satan, thank you very much," he said, tilting his head at Luke.

"Not too many," Luke said, "although you may be surprised.  Vampire," he addressed Spike, "I would speak with you.  Do you wish privacy?"

Spike contemplated for a moment, and then said, "Naw, say what you have to say here.  I have no secrets from my lady," he took Buffy's hand and squeezed it, "and these are her friends."  He indicated the Scoobies with a wave of his hand.  "What's on your mind?"

Instead of answering, Luke said, "Do you know why vampires can't go outside in sunlight?  Why they can't see themselves in a mirror?  Why, although they are impervious to wounds, a wooden stake to the heart can kill them?  Why they have a strange allergy to religious relics like crosses and holy water?"

Spike shook his head.  "No idea, mate," he replied, "although it would make for an interesting conversation."

"Imagine for one moment," Luke continued, "that there were vampires with none of the 'problems' that I mentioned before.  What do you think would happen?"

Willow put her hand up like a child in school.  "Willow?"  Luke prompted.

"Easy," Willow answered.  "The world would be over-run by vampires.  They couldn't be stopped."

"Exactly!" Luke said, beaming at her.  She blushed and looked away with a proud smile on her face.  "Many people would even seek out vampires and ask to be turned.  Imagine - eternal life, no conscience or consequences, terrific strength, can't be killed or even harmed.  It would be a great temptation to many.  The world would be a very different place.  The balance would be askew.  That is why, when the first vampire was accidentally created from a melding of a human and a demon, The Mother saw fit to hinder the new creature with a few small, foibles if you will."

"If you call incinerating into dust at the touch of the sun a foible," Spike said wryly.

"Exactly," Luke said enigmatically.

"So, mate, precisely how did The Mother hinder the vampires?" Spike asked with interest.

Instead of answering THAT, Luke said, "I'm very grateful to you for intervening in our family conflicts last night, Spike.  Sometimes it takes an outside party to put things in perspective."

"I really didn't do anything," Spike disagreed.  "Just gave the kiddies a bit of a chat, that's all.  And do you ever answer questions?"

"Yes," said Luke, "Quite a few of them.  But not all.  And your bit of a chat, however brief, got us talking again.  For the first time in centuries.  I am very grateful, and would like to show my gratitude in some tangible way."

"Yeah?  How's that?"  Spike said.  "Don't have much use for money, mate."

"Not money, Spike," Luke said.  "Something else.  The Mother hindered the vampires by placing a curse on the whole race.  I could remove the curse from you.  If you so wished."

It was as if time stopped.  The entire table was stilled.  Xander was caught taking a huge bite from a jelly doughnut.  Giles's coffee cup halted part way to his mouth.  Everyone forgot to chew or even to breathe, except for JB and Celex.  They continued to eat and grinned at each other.  Apparently they were in on Luke's offer.  Buffy squeezed Spike's hand so hard he felt the bones grind together.  Spike took a deep, unnecessary breath and spoke.  "What's in it for you, mate?  Got no soul to trade to you."

Luke, JB and Celex all began to laugh heartily.  Their deep, contagious  guffaws shook everyone out of their paralysis, and the whole table began laughing, Xander sputtering somewhat on the doughnut in his mouth.

"You guys always did have the best laugh," Anya said, wiping her eyes.

"What's the joke?" Dawn asked, and Willow nodded.

Instead of answering, Luke said, "Have you ever heard of the legend of Saint Nicholas?"

"Santa Claus?" said Xander, instantly sobering.  "In my family, he was mostly used to torment me.  Our Christmases weren't too abundant.  I thought for years it was because I was more naughty than nice.  Now I know it was the high price of alcohol."

Anya hugged him tightly, muttering curses under her  breath against Xander's parents.  She whispered in his ear, "I love you honey.  Santa will come to our house this year, I'm sure of it."

Xander smiled happily.  "Sorry for the 'poor me' moment.  You were saying, uh, Luke?"

Luke nodded gravely at Xander.  "Well, I was just illustrating that the legend of 'Santa Claus' as you call him is nowhere near to the real thing."

"There's a real Santa Claus?" Dawn asked.

"Of course," Anya nodded.

"Yes," Luke said, "he's real, but nothing like the legend of himself.  In a similar way, I'm real, but the stories about me are, for the most part, incorrect.  My purpose here is to protect this world, and every other.  I do not collect souls; I am more of a shepherd to them.  I very seldom interfere with the affairs of men.  My duties are to safeguard free will, and assist each soul towards the next plane of existence, if necessary.  I am not evil," he said simply, turning his beautiful face towards each person in turn,  "although evil does exist.  I am co-creator of this world, why would I wish to destroy it?"

Giles nodded thoughtfully.  "I've always thought that the Faustian version of hell was a little too cliché'd," he said.

"Exactly," Luke said.  He turned to Spike.  "Although I don't collect souls, Spike, you do need to know that you do have one."

Again, the table reacted with shock, this time babbling all at once, "But he's a vampire!"  "How could he have a soul?"  "Spike, soulboy?  No way!"

"Please," said Luke quietly, and the blathering was instantly silenced.

Spike turned his eyes towards Luke, and said, "Yeah, JB said somethin' about that.  What's the story?"

"Spike?"  Buffy questioned.

"Sorry sweetheart, didn't get a chance to even think about it, much less tell you.  He said somethin' about my soul wanting in?"  Spike turned to JB for confirmation.

JB nodded.  Luke said, "Not only does it want back in, but the process has started.  I don't know if you could halt it now."

"The process?"  Spike choked slightly on his words.  "I have my soul now?"

Luke shook his head.  "Not all of it.  But haven't you noticed that you've felt differently?"

Spike thought.  Since he'd met Buffy, things had changed for him.  He looked fondly at Dawn.  The former Scourge of Europe had babysat for a teenage girl.  He turned his eyes to Buffy.  William the Bloody had fallen in love with a slayer.  Turned against his own kind, and against his very nature.  All for her.  It was always about her.  And he realized that the bloodlust and the appetite for the kill had changed in him.  Sure, he wanted to kick demon ass, but he felt somewhat, well, protective of the humans.

"Bloody hell," he said, realizing that things had indeed changed for him.  "Thought it was the bleedin' chip!"

Luke smiled.  "The chip was pre-ordained.  In a way I cannot explain, your own soul ensured that you'd receive the chip.  It was necessary temporarily to change the path of your existence, in order for you to have the ability to choose the road that you are currently on.  Your soul wished it.  Ask yourself this.  Do you feel differently now that the chip is out?"

Spike considered.   "Not really," he said thoughtfully.  "The removal of the chip didn't change things for me.  I mean, I've felt different for some time now."

Luke nodded.  "Yes.  That's the influence of your soul."

"Excuse me," Xander said politely, "may I ask a question?"

"Of course," Luke smiled at him.

"If Spike has his soul, why isn't he all broody like Deadboy?"

"Angel," Dawn added helpfully, around a mouthful of bagel.

"It is his soul's choice to return slowly, avoiding the shock of it's presence all at once," JB answered Xander.  "He will feel guilt, of course, but not an overwhelming amount."

"Spike," Luke said, "although I do not require your soul as payment, I would ask a boon from you."

"Now we come to it," Spike said.  "What do you want in exchange for removing this 'curse'."

"No, you misunderstand me," Luke said.  "Removing the curse can be done whether or not you agree to help me."

"Help you?"  Spike said curiously.

"Yes," Luke replied.  He looked around the table.  "As a matter of fact, I would ask for help from all of you."

"All of us?"  Dawn asked.  "Me too?"

"Of course, you too, beautiful child," Luke said.  Dawn blushed but returned his smile.

"What is it you wish of us, uh, Luke," Giles asked.

"Nothing more than to continue what you've all begun," said Luke.  "To continue to assist my efforts to protect the world.  Just maybe on a larger scale than you've done up to now."

"Go on," Buffy said.

"Well, you 'Scoobies' have been instrumental in averting many apocalypses here at the Hellmouth.   However, there are other places around the world that require protection.  If you would all come to work for me, you would be like a SWAT team that is sent out to deal with problems as they arise.  You would all have roles to play, and all my resources at your disposal."

"Dawn has to finish school," Buffy frowned, "but after that,.......,"

"Oh, yes," Luke said, "No problems.  You will be needed at this particular Hellmouth for at least three years."  He shook his head when Giles looked at him in curiosity.  "That is all that I can say for now.  So, before we get into that," he turned to Spike, "what is your decision.  Shall I remove the curse from you?"

Spike abruptly stood and took Buffy by the hand.  "Half a mo'," he said, "just need to have a word with the lady."  He dragged her into the relative privacy of the living room.

"Spike, what's wrong?" she said, putting her arms around him and looking up into his face.  "Isn't this everything you could've wished for?"

"Slayer," he said, his voice catching, "I'm scared."

"Scared?" she wondered.  "What of?"

He turned away from her and went to stand by the curtained window, through which a small sliver of sunlight peeped.  He held his hand towards the light, watching as his flesh began to smoke.  Buffy covered his hand with hers, and gently turned him towards her.  "Scared of what?" she repeated.

Spike hung his head.  "I don't deserve this," he said.  "I've done things, awful things, that I couldn't even tell you about.  I wouldn't want to see the look in your eyes if you knew what I've, ......," he trailed off.

Buffy cupped his chin in her hands and forced him to meet her eyes.  "Spike," she said quietly, "do you love me?"

Spike lifted his head in surprise.  "Of course.  You know I do, Buffy."

"Could you forgive me if I'd done things in my past.  Things even worse than what you've done?"

Spike nodded slowly.  "I see what you're getting at, love.  I could forgive you anything."

"Well then," she continued, "do you think my love is any less than yours?"

Spike smiled, the frightened look in his eyes fading away.  "I've felt your love, my darling," he said, "and it is awesome."  He reached for her, their bodies melting into one.  She felt him square his shoulders, and then nod his head.  "OK," he said, "I'm ready."

They returned to the kitchen, hand in hand.  Spike opened his mouth to speak, but Xander interrupted him.

"Spike," he said, "can I have a word with you?"

Spike rolled his eyes.  "Go ahead, monkey boy," he said.

"In private?" Xander insisted.  Spike sighed and motioned Xander towards the living room.

"I think you should go for it," Xander said, surprisingly.

"Hello?"  Spike said.  "I heard you wrong.  I thought you said that I should 'go for it'."

"Spike," Xander said seriously.  "I can see that she loves you.  It would be better for her if Luke could really lift the curse from you.  You'd be able to take her into the light, instead of tempting her into the darkness."

Spike nodded.  "Very profound, Xander," he said.  "Thank you."  He held out his hand, and Xander shook it.

"I still don't like you," Xander smiled, clapping Spike on the back as they walked back towards the kitchen, "but thanks for calling me Xander for once."

Spike smiled.  "Don't get used to it, bucko."

Everyone at the table looked up expectantly as Spike and Xander entered the room.

"Luke," Spike said, "I would appreciate it if you would remove this curse from me.  The other part, working for you, that is, we'll talk about later."

"Fine."  Luke nodded.  "Is everyone finished breakfast?"

After a round of nods, he stood, and beckoned for everyone to follow him into the living room.  Gesturing Spike to position himself beside him, he asked everyone to stand in a circle around them, holding hands.  Willow ended up between Celex and JB, who looked down on her fondly.

"Ready?"  Luke asked Spike.  Spike swallowed and glanced at Buffy.  She smiled and nodded.  Spike squared his shoulders and said, ""Do your worst, mate."

Luke gently took Spike's head between his two hands, and said, "Let the curse be lifted."  He let go and smiled at Spike.  "OK, you're done."

"What?"  Spike was shocked.  "That's it?  No smoke and mirrors and flashy mumbo-jumbo?"

Luke laughed.  "That's for amateurs.  Buffy," he asked, "can you hand Spike your cross?"

Buffy reached up to unclasp her necklace, and stepped towards Spike with it dangling in her outstretched hand.  Spike reached out gingerly, and accepted the cross, holding it by the chain.  "Go ahead," Luke urged.

Spike, wincing in anticipation, dropped the cross onto his outstretched palm.  His face looked comically shocked when nothing happened.  He gripped the cross tightly.  "Hey," he exclaimed, "no pain."

"Of course," Luke laughed.  "The curse is really lifted.  You can touch religious relics, you can no longer be killed by a stake to the heart, you
can even," Luke steered him to the big mirror in the hall, "see yourself in the mirror."

Spike stood, shocked, gazing at a reflection that he hadn't seen for over two centuries.  Buffy came to stand behind him, enjoying the fact that he was spellbound by his image.  She ran her fingers lightly across his cheekbone.  "Quite a hottie," she said, trying to lighten the mood.

Spike turned and held her in a tight, shaking hug.  "Buffy, love, I, ......," he gulped, unable to speak.

Buffy laughed.  "He's at a loss for words.  Luke, I've never seen that happen, ever.  One point for you."

Luke smiled and said, "One more benefit."  He gestured towards the front door and the morning sunlight outside.  Buffy let go of Spike and walked towards the door.  His eyes followed her as she opened the door and gestured for him to step through.  He swallowed, squared his shoulders, and strode through the door, only to come to a complete halt at the edge of the porch shade, stopping as completely as if there had been a physical barrier there.

The rest of the household trooped onto the porch.  Spike stood, willing himself to go forward, but not moving.  Buffy stepped from behind him, into the warm sunshine, and held out her hand towards him.  "Have faith," she said.  He nodded, and tentatively took a step into the morning light.

Spike felt the warmth on his skin and looked up, squinting, into the face of the sun.  Tears welled up in his eyes, and everyone tried to tactfully look away, except for Xander, who wanted to store up this memory for future reference.  On the other hand, he thought, this was a pretty powerful, private moment, and he almost felt privileged to witness it.  He averted his eyes, just to be polite, and not at all because he felt any empathy for Spike.

"God, Buffy," Spike managed to choke out, before falling to his knees and hiding his face in his hands.  Buffy moved to his side and gently took his hands from his face.  He blinked up at her, eyes still sensitive in the unfamiliar light.  Her beloved face appeared to be haloed by a corona of light.  He threw his arms around her waist, burying his face in her stomach, and sobbed.  She hugged him tightly, stroking his hair gently.  "Luke," she said, in a voice thick with emotion, "I don't have the words to thank you."  Tears fell from her lashes, and she kneeled down as well, pressing her forehead to Spike's.

"Thanks are not required," Luke said gently.  "Things are as they were meant to be."  He looked around the gathering, at Dawn and Willow openly crying, at Anya sniffling behind a monogrammed handkerchief, at Xander studiously looking away and swallowing suspiciously, at Giles turning away to polish his glasses, and in the process, hiding his own face from view.  Luke spread his arms, gesturing towards the house.  "Shall we?" he asked.

"Oh, why, yes, of course," Giles said, ushering everyone towards the door.  "A little privacy, perhaps," he said, as Xander showed no signs of moving.  Xander shook his head, dabbing at his eyes.  "Sorry, Giles, uh, got something in my eye," he said, following behind the group, as Dawn snickered through her tears.

JB and Celex had remained on the porch, and they politely escorted the ladies into the house.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Some time later, Buffy and Spike returned to the house, both of their eyes still somewhat reddened.  They entered the living room where everyone was waiting.  Spike settled his jacket on his shoulders, walked up to Xander, and said, "Harris, if you ever mention this,...... ,"

"No problem, Spike," Xander said.  "It doesn't leave this room."

Spike nodded and unexpectedly held his hand out.  Xander tentatively took it, and they shook hands briefly.  "Thanks, mate," Spike said.  "I probably wouldn't do the same for you."

Xander laughed,  "I know," he said.

"So, Spike," Luke asked, "I know that everything is very sudden, but will you consider my offer of employment?"

"Luke, I don't, ......" Spike began, but Buffy interrupted.

"Spike, just a second, OK?" she asked him.  "Before you say anything, there's something else you need to know."  She looked at Giles for confirmation, and he nodded.  "Giles has something to tell you."

"Bloody hell, Slayer," Spike groaned.  "Can we save some of the surprises for tomorrow?  I don't know if my heart can take another one."

"This is the last one for today, Spike, I promise," Buffy soothed.  "Giles?" she prompted.

"Ahem, yes," Giles cleared his throat, "Uh, Spike, I, uh, have been in contact with the Council this morning.  It appears that I am needed to, well, I was asked to, uh,.....,"

Buffy interrupted.  "Travers has had a heart attack, and Giles has been asked to temporarily head up the Watchers Council," she said excitedly.

"Yes, exactly," Giles added.

"That's wonderful!" Willow exclaimed.  "What an honor!"

"Yes, it is, isn't it," Giles said slowly.  "Unfortunately, if I were to accept, that would leave Buffy without a watcher for an unknown period of time."

Spike shook his head.  "Bloody hell, mate, you know you can't do that.  She needs you.  Tough luck, that."

Giles spoke thoughtfully.  "Well, yes, I do agree that Buffy does need a watcher.  The Council today was very explicit on that.  But they've suggested a replacement for me, temporarily of course."

"Is Wesley coming back?" Willow asked.

"Not exactly," Giles said.

Buffy couldn't contain herself any longer.  "Spike, they want YOU to be my watcher."

Spike stared at her in shock.  "Me, a watcher?" he laughed.  "I'm a bloody vampire, love.  This must be a mistake."

"NO," Giles shook his head.  "This isn't exactly, well, unprecedented," he added.

"What?" Xander exclaimed.  "There's been a vampire watcher before?"

"Not a vampire, exactly, but there's been several part demons, and even one full-blooded Rangelli demon.  Although she was never a watcher as such - just an informal sort of Watcher's helper.  Can't stand to be around humans, Rangelli's," Giles explained.  "Terribly allergic, you know."

"So, Spike the Watcher.  Kinda cool," Dawn commented.

Anya was watching Luke and saw him smiling.  "Luke, you don't look surprised," she said suspiciously.

"Well," Luke smiled, "I may have suggested Spike as a suitable candidate for Giles's replacement.  It is how things are meant to be," he said again.  "Spike?"

"Yeah, mate?"

"Does this feel right to you?" Luke asked.

Spike took Buffy's hand in his and absentmindedly toyed with her rings.  "Actually, yeah.  It feels right, in a strange sort of way."

Giles harrumphed.  "You know, it IS only temporary."

"Yeah, Rupes, I know," Spike grinned.

"Well?" Buffy demanded impatiently.  "Will you be my Watcher?"

"Of course, love," Spike bowed slightly.  "Happy to serve."

Buffy hugged him tightly in excitement.

"Now, you still must answer to me," Giles said restrainingly.  "Spike is only your Watcher-in-Situ, so to speak."

"I know," Buffy said, letting go of Spike and impulsively hugging Giles.  "Thank you for understanding," she whispered in his ear.

"Quite," said Giles, looking somewhat embarrassed, although he returned her hug unabashedly.

"Well," Luke clapped his almost-too-large hands together.  "This has been quite a morning.  My sons and I would like to thank you for your hospitality, but I'm afraid that we must leave now.  Things to attend to, and so on."

"Before we go, Father," JB said, "I would like to speak to Willow alone."

"Me?"  Willow squeaked.

"Buffy," Spike said threateningly, "you said no more surprises today."

"I didn't know," she said, surprised herself.

"No," Willow said, "not alone.  If Spike can share with all of us," she gestured around the room, "I can too.  What do you want to say to me?" she shyly asked JB.

JB walked up to her and took her small hands in his large ones.  In his deep melodious voice, he said to her, " Willow, beautiful one, you have great power.  Even now, when it is dormant, I can feel it."

She nodded.  "I feel it too," she whispered, "and I can't stop it."

"Of course not," JB agreed, "nor should you.  The power is as much a part of you as your red hair and lovely eyes.  It is you, and you are it.  However, that being so, with that much power comes great responsibility.  You must learn to use it wisely, and for the correct reasons."

"I know," Willow whispered.  "It's just, it's so strong, and I don't always know how to control it.  And, that time, with Warren, it just got away from me.  I didn't mean,.......," she faltered.

JB tilted her head up so that their eyes met.  "I know, Willow.  That is why I am offering you a trade.  Your services for my teachings.  You would come to work for me, and in return I would train you in the use of your powers.  You have so much more potential than even you know," he added.  "What would you say to that?"

"What would I have to do?" she asked.

"Why, nothing more than you do here," JB smiled at her.  "I am based in Cairo, but travel the world.  I find myself in need of an assistant, one with special talents.  You, my dear, would fit the bill quite nicely.  What do you say?  Would you like time to think about it?"

"No," Willow shook her head.  "I don't need to think.  I'll go."

"Willow," Buffy started to protest, but Willow held up a hand to stop her.

"No, Buffy," Willow said, "I have to go.  I need to know how to control this power."

"Willow," Xander said, stepping towards her.  She turned to embrace him, and whispered in his ear, "Tara told me last night that something like this would happen.  I'm happy to go, but I'll miss you."  He nodded, and hugged her tightly before kissing her cheek.

Anya said brightly, "It's OK that my husband is hugging Willow, because she's a lesbian, and I am unthreatened."  Dawn laughed, and moved to hug Willow as well.

"Is that bloody all?" Spike asked, as Buffy tearfully hugged Willow.

"I'm sure it is," said Celex, opening the door and stepping outside.  "Thank you very much for your hospitality," he said politely.

"You're quite welcome, I'm sure," Giles responded, moving to shake his hand.

"Yes, thank you," JB said, joining his brother at the door.  "I'll send a car for you tomorrow morning, Willow, if that is acceptable."

"Perfectly," she said with a smile.

"Until we meet again," Luke said with a smile, stopping to shake hands with Spike and Xander, and to kiss Buffy, Dawn and Willow's hands.  He enveloped Anya in a hug, saying "Best of luck with your marriage, little one.  He is a special man."

"No," Anya disagreed, "My Xander is more normal than normal."

"You may be surprised one day," Luke said enigmatically, turning lastly to Giles, and offering him his hand.

"It has indeed been a pleasure," said Giles, shaking Luke's hand enthusiastically.

"For me as well," Luke said.  "Congratulations on your new appointment.  You'll find that I'll be in contact on a fairly regular basis with your office."

"Really," Giles said, surprised.  "I've never heard that you've had any involvement with the Council of Watchers."

"Who do you think started it?" Luke smiled, and stepped out the door to join his sons.  Giles waved goodbye to the three and closed the door.

"Well," he said to no-one in particular, "it's been quite a morning.  I believe I'll just step into the den and jot down a few notes."  He wandered off, muttering to himself about Satan and myths in general.

"Yes," said Anya, "it has been an interesting morning.  But, since Xander and I are on our honeymoon, I think we'll go home and have sex."

Xander, for once, seemed unembarrassed by Anya's forthrightness.  "Home it is," he said.  "I'll be back this afternoon to take a look at that hole in the ceiling, and to see you, Willow, before you leave."

Willow nodded.  "I'm going to start packing," she said.

"Can I help?" Dawn asked.

"Sure, Dawnie," Willow said, smiling at her.  "I could use some help."

Xander and Anya left through the door, waving good-bye, and Willow and Dawn went upstairs to start packing.

Buffy sank down onto the sofa and started laughing.

"What's the joke, love," Spike said, joining her on the cushions.

"Xander had a dream," she said, between chuckles, "and you were a watcher-in-training."  Spike cocked an eyebrow at that, and she added in a choked voice, "wearing tweed."

"Gah!" Spike yelled. "Never happen, love."

"I know," she said, still shaking slightly with laughter.  "Denim and leather for you."

"And silk for you," he said seductively, "tonight for sure."

Buffy smiled and laid her head on his chest.  "Spike," she said, "I can't believe everything that's been happening."

"I know, love," he said.  "It's been fairly earth shattering for me, the sunlight and all."

Buffy looked up at him.  "Yes," she said.  "That was fairly convenient, wasn't it?"

"As if it were meant to be," Spike said, becoming somewhat suspicious.

"Do you think that higher powers are trying to plan our lives?" she said, mistrustfully.

"Yes," Spike said at once, "but we have the ultimate choice, you know.  I chose you, from the moment I saw you.  I didn't let myself think of it then, but I fell in love with you on that dance floor at the Bronze."

She nodded.  "I believe that we have choices, too.  I wasn't coerced into loving you.  It just, well, it happened."

"And together," Spike said seriously, cupping her chin in his hand and tilting her face to his, "we will be unstoppable."

"And you will show me the world," she whispered, as his lips descended on hers, "and it will be ours."
 

The End   (for now)

A/N  Thanks everyone for their patience with this last (and slowest) installment of this series.  I guess I loved the characters and the plot, and didn't want it to ever end.

I am in deep mourning at the demise of my favorite show, and will only be consoled if there is a Spike spin-off.  I'll have to concentrate on my real life, instead of the Buffy-verse, which is so much more fun!!!
 

Queen Akasha   >)