Title: Afterglow 2/54

Written as a Long Stand Alone (Was written so it can be read with out reading the first story).

Sequel to Dream Once More (Archived at the Sand lot)

Author: T. Claybourne  (t.claybourne@yahoo.com)

AU And Crossover

Rating: NC-17 for sexual content but only in a few chapters mostly it is R for language

Pairings: Spike/Buffy Spike/female? Original Character/Male?

None of the characters, but the obvious one, are mine. I wrote and post this story for pure entertainment. Any reference to other authors or characters with in the story is out of the utmost respect! I love their work too. Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and Fox have full rights to all the Buffy and Angel characters. Although sorry guys you can't stop me, I will continue to obsess over Spike no matter what you do to me.

Summary: Following his time as a ghost, Spike met and fell in love with a newly empowered Slayer. Although Buffy returned to Los Angeles to find Spike alive, Spike remained with his new love. Together with Buffy and others, they all had to fight against a plot involving Angel, and a group trying to raise the Master with in him. During the fight Spikes love was turned into a vampire by Drusilla but Angel's team was able to put a soul in her. Now changed and not her former self the Slayer left Spike. Buffy consoled him after his lose and they came together. But will their relationship survive when his past love comes into their lives again?

I'd like to thank my Beta Reader Hawera And muses Michelle Brach, Robbie Williams and Evanescence

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After Glow Chapter 2 Sympathy for the Devil

It's no good believing in somebody else If you can't believe in yourself You give them the reason to take all the power and wealth It's no good you trying to sit on the fence, And hope that the trouble will pass 'cause sitting on fences can make you a pain in the ass, If there's something you find to believe in Then the message must get through So don't just sit in silence When you know what to do Alan Parsons Project

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( The below was first written in a font to resenble handwriting. I am unable to post here like that so please just pretend.)

I stood on the bough looking out at the lights in the distance, beacons to a new life. The English port made me feel the stirrings of excitement and nervousness, much like the first day of school always had. Getting here had been a long way coming, and I don't mean the miles across the ocean.

As I waited I started to think about things.

I'm one of those smart kids who start college at 15, and at eighteen I had been near to gaining my bachelor's degree. If I hadn't died this spring I would have.

Actually I died twice; the first time was only for moments but the second it was for keeps. How can I stand here? Well, I became a monster. They exist, I am proof of that.

Over a year ago I discovered that I was strong. Not just strong as in mentally, but strong like 10 or so men. Always the student, I started researching how this came about and through the internet discovered I was a Vampire Slayer. It used to be that to every generation one girl in all the world was chosen to do battle with the forces of evil, but the Slayer at the time decided to let all of us that had even the smallest potential inherit the full strength and become Slayers with her. Her name is Buffy. Willow is the magically inclined Wicca that accomplished it. Willow is also computerly inclined and started a web page to help all the potentially (now positively) empowered Slayers.

It was a bit over six months later that I met one of the heroes that had saved the world from complete destruction orchestrated by a thing so black and evil that it had the nickname of the First Evil. Yeah, not original but accurate. The hero actually destroyed the entire army of vampire ancestors, the equivalent to our cavemen but vampires. You may be familiar with our cave dwelling ancestors, they were stronger, shorter, thicker-boned and more violent; well, pretty much the same for these vampires.

I was shocked to meet this guy because supposedly he had burned up while incinerating the bad guys and closing the Hellmouth. The magic amulet he had used had brought him back as a ghost, then magic again made him a real boy: his words, not mine. And real he was, real gorgeous.

I had actually seen him at the bar of a club first, and because he was so good looking when I heard he was out of money, I handed him a twenty and said I'd collect later. I thought it was a great excuse to see him once again and in the light of day. I found out later that wouldn't be happening. I finally realized who he was after I watched him kill a vampire attacking one of my dorm mates.

It was lust at first, second and third sight for me. He was so cool, free spirited, loved life and well, seemed happy to hang with me, so we became friends. I got him to train me seeing that he had evil fighting experience and it gave me an excuse to see him regularly. I didn't wait long and I seduced him into bed. I sound like a slut, but at 18 when you've been the good, high-achieving girl for your whole life, giving in to a vice or two guarantees your survival.

Within months we were officially in love and living together. I forgot to mention that he was a vamp, but one with a soul. Worked out that was all good for me, well, except for the going on a daytime picnic thing but I am so not the picnic type. Good until Buffy, his reason to get his soul and save the world, showed up. For five days that seemed like an eternity we were separated but, then Spike told me that I made him happy and that he wanted me.

I had a part time paid internship with the huge law firm that Spike worked for. My boss was a former Watcher for the Council that oversaw the Slayer when there was only one of them. The original Council had been destroyed by the First Evil but Buffy and her former Watcher Giles, Willow some others were rebuilding a new one. I was to go to join them after I got my degree.

My boss Wesley worked for the CEO of the firm, who just happened to be a good friend of his and what else, another vampire with a soul. That guy, Angel didn't even really like Spike but they fought evil together. Angel became the victim of a conspiracy to bring a very powerful Master vampire back to life. Buffy, Wes, and Spike, the other friends that worked with Angel, Fred, Gunn and me saved Angel. It was during that battle that I met my maker, so to speak.

To make a long story short Drusilla Angel's childe, and Spike's sire (as well as his love for over 120 years) was involved, and she drained me. I don't remember anything after that until just moments before dawn when I woke up feeling stronger, hungry for blood and more alive than I ever had. All my life I had felt like a freak, but at that moment there was only the feeling of total acceptance and perfection. But that lasted only for an instance or two and then there was excruciating pain and fear. Instead of just dusting me like we always did vampires they had a magic filled demon put a soul in me. So now there were three of us with souls. Whoopee do.

I may have a soul, but the demon in me is real, and very evil. Everyday is a battle to stay true to myself and my soul. Turned out that the "me" after turning into a vampire, was no longer really Emma Taylor, the 18 year old college student a few credits from her degree. It was this discovery that led me here, well first to New Orleans then here.

I left Spike, even though part of me still loved him deeply, and went to figure out whom this "me" was. In New Orleans I researched, killed vampires and learned to accept myself for what I am, not what I was. It was then that I changed my name to Mia. I got the name from a version of the ancient Greek word TO BE and I liked it, so I became Mia. Then I wrote Willow and Giles and asked to join them. If anything could destroy my own demon it would be helping to fight others.

I am a monster, so what else could be better to fight other monsters. I am stronger and faster than even the oldest vampires. I was a Slayer turned vamp and I am over the top when it comes to preternatural strength. I am an Uber Vampire.

Rupert Giles said, "You'll also have the esteemed position of training the Watchers and their Slayers, but of course to me you will always be our secret weapon."

I was going to be the Council's James Bond, a perfect cover to get in with the evilest of the evil. I would be able to find information the Council had never even dreamed of discovering. Getting to act like a bad guy would come easy, my demon would fill in then, but it would also help me balance the demon and the soul.

My pondering made the passage into port pass more quickly, and it wasn't long after that I left the ship. It was about three in the morning: the other passengers would get off when the sun was up, me I don't have that luxury.

Dressing carefully before disembarking, I wore a pair of deep purple almost black leather pants and a see through lace blouse of the same purple with a nude colored camisole beneath it. One great thing about being a vampire is that we don't sweat in leather. I wore the long chained silver dollar sized inlaid onyx locket my landlady in New Orleans had given me. It was so long it hung nearly to my waist. I don't know what's inside but she had told me it was a family heirloom and had a blessing inside, so not to open it. Figuring I need all the blessings my half demon self could get I wasn't even tempted. The silver chain and locket stood out against the purple. I wore my long black leather coat over the top. Spike had given it to me; it had been his for almost thirty years. While in New Orleans I had it altered to fit me better. I had the bodice area taken in. It fit more feminine. I wore my three inch heels, making me about five foot ten, and the coat floating above the ground. I was glad I had dressed carefully because the party that met me consisted of Willow, Mr. Giles and two others guys. Willow had a surprised look on her face.

"You look so different with your hair blonde, good but different."

I had highlighted my hair on a whim. My once chestnut hair was now blonde. It was nowhere near as light as Spike's which was actually white, not even blonde, or even Buffy's, but it was blonde.

"I'll say," offered Mr. Giles, pulling me over and into a long hug. It surprised me a bit. It had been ages since I had let any one touch me, and I felt him actually warming my skin. "You feel thinner too?"

Smiling at him, I said the first stupid thing that came to my mind. "You look younger."

"See," said the dark haired guy. "I told you, but you guys keep denying it. Willow, you didn't cast some sort of spell on him, did you?"

For the twentieth time, no! The closest it comes to magic is that the coven gave me some herbal tea, and it so happens that my work is agreeing with me."

Turning toward the guy I smiled my best smile, He wasn't any different than I had pictured just no eye patch.

"You're Xander, aren't you?"

The dark blonde next to him spoke before Xander. "I'm Andrew, glad to meet you, Spike was my best friend."

I held back a laugh; Andrew had been spoken of, but not as Spike's best friend. Spike had found his antics refreshing, but more often irritating. He had liked how Andrew idolized him, but Spike was vain like that.

"I've heard lots about you, Andrew."

He seemed to stand taller then.

"How did you know I was me?" asked Xander. "Willow didn't put my picture on the site, I asked her not to."

I shrugged.

I didn't want to admit I had seen him in a dream on the way here. I wanted a chance to talk to Mr. Giles about this new thing. I had experienced some dreams of people I didn't know. I also got this sense, more like a flash of pictures in my mind, from strangers when they were near me.

Xander for some reason blushed and that made me respond with a smile again. There is something about a very manly-looking guy who still has a few little boy traits that just makes me feel it. You know that inexplicable attraction.

Mr. Giles made the suggestion that we get going since me and the sun are not very good for one another. Not in those exact words: his were much more dignified. Xander and Andrew grabbed my bags. My large rolling duffle had books I had found and collected in New Orleans, lots of mystical and demon stuff. The smaller one had my clothes. Willow had suggested I should travel light and let the Council pick up the tab for a clothing shopping trip when I got to England. It worked out great for me because when I left Los Angeles I didn't take much. Xander had gone for the large duffle. He tried to hoist it up, and then let it drop back to the ground.

"Geez, you women pack heavy. What you got in here, New Orleans bricks?"

I don't quite know why but it made me a little rebellious. I just went and lifted it to carry it on my shoulder showing that it was no effort to me.

"Nope books."

Andrew stared at me in a funny way then handed Xander the bag he had.

"How heavy is it?" Andrew asked me.

"I couldn't tell you. It doesn't strain me."

Xander turned to Willow. "It's pretty heavy. I've been benching over 220."

I watched as she looped her arm through his and said, "You don't feel bad do you? I mean Buffy lifts heavier stuff than you all the time."

"Yeah, I mean no, it's all good."

Once we were in the car we all just chatted. I can't remember much. I was trying to watch the scenery and calm down from my excitement of finally being in England. I did ask Xander about his missing eye patch. He told me he had gotten a glass eye a few weeks ago. I don't know what possessed me, but I blurted out, "I thought the patch made you look very rugged and handsome."

For some reason no one realized I had never actually seen him with it.

"Told you," added Willow. "That fake thing gives me the creeps."

"Only because you knew me when I could turn both my eyes at the same time."

Feeling the dawn coming was causing me to get a little anxious. I must have been fidgeting because Giles reminded me I was behind tinted windows and that we were nearly there. I can't say I relaxed much. I think it's just instinct for us vampires to take cover before the dawn's early light but I tried to calm myself.

Giles glanced at me. "This is the exact thing we need to document, that ingrained sense of time. I assume your nervousness has to do with the fact dawn is nearing."

"I think it is and yes, I'll work on trying to write up the examples of how I've changed since waking as a vampire, but would waiting a bit be alright?"

"Oh by all means. I am sorry if I seemed callous to your feelings on the subject."

"Don't worry; it's just that I want to get acclimated to this whole British thing before I start with the homework. A trip to the local pub tonight might be a nice start, don't you think?" I grinned and faced in his direction for the effect. He caught it as he glanced over at me and chuckled.

Giles had been there when I first became a monster. He knew the transition had not been easy for me. In fact he had been the one who told me once I felt more steady to consider still coming to join the Watcher's Council. He had made me feel that they would accept me, no matter what. He had in those few words made me feel as if I would always have some place.

"Sounds like a great plan." Willow added

Xander agreed, "Yep, best start to your invasion of Britain that I can think of"

The house we pulled up to looked like a version of a New York brownstone, tall rather than wide, but a bit smaller. After Giles pushed a button we pulled down into a deep and narrow garage. There was barely room to squeeze out of the car doors, but we managed. Willow walked towards the door leading into the house and signaled me to follow her, while Giles and the other men dealt with my luggage. It would have been easier on them if I had carried it, but I didn't insist.

We walked up a narrow set of 6 steps and through a door to a large eat- in kitchen. There were eight rectangular windows, but close to the ceiling. It was a very inviting atmosphere. She led me past the small refrigerator next to the washer and dryer under the counter on the far wall. Opening the door she ushered me into a small room. I imagined it had once been a large butler's pantry or utility room with no windows. It held a double sized bed, a night stand, a small chest of drawers and a wardrobe. It was all white, even the bed linen.

"We have another room on the third floor, but the windows are on the east side. I thought this would be better. You can come and go as you please through the back kitchen door, and no worries about getting crispy in your own room.

The room was just a little larger than my cabin on the ship had been, but that didn't bother me: I liked it immediately.

"I know its plain now, but I figured it was a shopping trip in the making."

"It's perfect" I assured her.

"I got a flash of the room empty, grey, dirty and full of dust in my head. "It probably looks better than when you moved in here.

"It was just dusty and grey walls then but the paint job and furniture did cheer it up and make it homier."

Just then the men delivered the luggage and the room was filled.

"You show her the bathroom we put in for her?" asked Xander.

"Just going to."

Across from the kitchen, the bathroom was tiny but efficient. The toilet was so close to the sink that if some one were to bend over quickly they might knock themselves out on it. But as vampires hardly use the toilet it didn't matter anyway. It had a roomy shower, tiled in cobalt and aqua blue, and a white sink with a small water heater mounted above the light switch.

"You do this work?" I asked Xander.

"I helped paint," volunteered Andrew. I smiled, observing the light aqua blue of the walls

Xander just nodded. No bragging from him.

"It's great."

"Sorry it's so tight, but there was no room," he apologized.

I cocked my head and smiled, "Shower's big and I won't really be using the commode much, you know"

"That's what I told him," added Willow.

We went upstairs and through a large sitting room with a full sized cognac- colored suede sofa and a matching chair. They looked comfy and I saw my- self curled in a corner, watching a movie some night. It was a good sign: I was feeling at home already. The front door was in a small hall way that led straight to the stairs, we went up them. Two bedrooms were on the next floor. Both were smaller than what you would find in America but they looked comfy. I didn't enter either on purpose. I turned and looked at Willow: the question must have shown on my face.

"Yes, I put the spell you asked me to on them. No worries if you should go crazy and forget we are friends."

"Just being careful because I couldn't let anything... "

Giles interrupted me. "We know how you feel about keeping us safe, and we would have gotten you your own apartment, but I wanted you to have people around you to talk to. Honestly, I think the three months you exiled yourself was enough."

"You're right; I honestly think I will enjoy living here with Willow and Xander."

Xander spoke up then. "There's also my work out area in the attic, but you don't really need that, do you?"

"No, one of the little benefits of being dead, body stays in relatively the same shape."

Any one could see that Xander used the work out room on a regular basis. I told myself I might have to wander up one day when he was up there to see what kind of equipment the room had.

"Andrew and I are off, I have a 10 am meeting at headquarters and he has classes. See you tomorrow evening for that little visit to the pub you requested." announced Giles.

"I'm turning in for a little bit too," added Willow. "I have to arrange travel for the Turkish and Chinese Slayers the coven located today. But I'll be back and meeting you at the pub. Let's plan dinner there, ok."

Xander glanced in my direction as if waiting to hear my answer.

"I'll let you enjoy that. I still haven't mastered the art of eating solid food."

"There is plenty of fresh, as of this afternoon, pig's blood in the small fridge downstairs. In fact, that is officially your fridge," volunteered Xander.

"Cool. I might heat a mug up before I turn in"

Willow gave us a wave as she closed her bedroom door and we all headed down the stairs.

Andrew and Giles went to the garage and Xander got a mug from the cupboard for me: then he pulled a package out of a drawer and handed me a large section of Burba weed.

"How did you know I used that?" I asked a little surprised. Spike had always made Xander sound like he hated all vampires.

"Spike used to use it. He lived with me for a while after he got his soul and well, it's just something I remembered."

"Thanks." I filled the large latte mug with the blood and dropped the seasoning in. After 2 minutes I took it out and sat at the table.

Xander grabbed a pop from the larger fridge and sat across from me.

"You don't have to sit with me; I know my method of nutrition isn't fun to watch."

"It won't bother me, like I said..."

"Spike lived with you. That must have been before he found out he was killing again."

"During."

That surprised me a little. We sat in silence for a moment.

"Does it bother you to talk about him?"

"You lost your girlfriend, didn't you? Can you talk about her?"

"Well, sometimes it is easier than others."

"Same here, but only because it makes me remember a time I was... was"

"Alive" he asked, with a serious and caring look.

"Yes, that's it exactly. I left him, but not because I didn't love ...him, but because I was no longer the person that... had, if that makes any sense."

I finished off my snack and rinsed the cup out. "Where do I find the towels?" I asked, but he looked like he was far away.

"Xander?"

"Towels are under the sink in the bathroom."

"Well, goodnight, or rather good morning and see you later."

He stood and walked me to my room. "It's a little stark now ,but as Willow says, you two will change that. If I can help, building a bigger wardrobe or shelves or even painting, let me know."

"Ok." I pushed a suitcase out of the way and stepped over by the bed, but Xander stayed by the door, almost as if my room had a spell on it to keep him out.

He looked far away for a moment. I was worried that mentioning his girlfriend had upset him.

"Did I upset you mentioning your girlfriend, I'm sorry sometimes I..."

He looked deep in my eyes then. "No, that's not it. Willow said she'd tell you, but I don't think it's fair to wait and let you get all settled and feel all at home without knowing."

I got a small panicked feeling. Maybe they had not wanted met to live there. Giles might have made them take me in.

Before I could dwell on it, he finished, "Buffy will be here in two weeks, and Spike is coming with her."

I heard a buzzing like mad cicadas in my ears, and then a weight hit me in the chest. I felt like that coyote in the cartoons, getting hit by an anvil. I sat down on the bed and with my best poker face and bravest voice said, "That will be a bit awkward."