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: Rated R most chapters for violence and Language, some are NC-17 for sexual content

A/N I'd like to thank my Beta Reader Hawera And muses Michelle Branch, Robbie Williams and Evanescence

Afterglow Chapter 27 Rituals

Some are born to lose their heads And some are born to use them And some will never know their ends And some are born to choose them Don't let your fantasies be blinded by the light You don't have to save your wildest dreams for the night Don't hold back, , reach out,Touch the sky with your mind's eye; don't be afraid to reach out Some you win and some you lose And some will bring you sorrow Some are born to lead the rest And some are born to follow Don't rely on miracles to open any door And don't let a shadow be your guide anymore Alan Parsons Project

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Xander rushed in and sat carefully on the bed. "Oh god, Mia... baby, I was so worried."

"Xander," she touched his hand.

He leaned down and kissed her lightly. "I thought, I was afraid I, you scared the hell out of me."

Mia smiled weakly, "Vampire, supposed to scare you."

"Hey, I'm supposed to be the one that maes...you... smile."

"You must be off your game, damn, you look like shit."

Xander chuckled, "Yeah, well we will wait to pull out your digital camera, at least for a few more days."

"You need sleep, food and fresh air, Xander."

"I needed you to wake up."

"I'm awake now. And now I need something for the pain. Spike said there was something for the pain."

"There is. Spike is going to do it, it's a shot and I'm kind of yeesh about needles."

"Xander, I'll probably fall asleep. I do not want to find you in that chair when I wake up, do you understand? Go get some more sleep or fresh air, but no chair time. Alright? I'm suffering enough. I don't need to argue with you about this."

"Man, you're bossy when you're hurting, but fine," he said, kissing her again.

Spike came in and gave her a shot, and she fell asleep almost immediately.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Mia saw her prey just ahead of her. She could smell its fear. She jumped the fifteen feet that separated them, pushing it to the ground. Pulling back she sank her teeth in and drank. Its sweet tangy taste filled her senses, making her almost dizzy. She pulled back and the head fell towards her. Xander's lifeless face stared back at her.

"No!" she shouted and sat up, pain ripping through her body.

Mia smelled him and turned.

"Spike, I guess I should have been more specific about just who couldn't sit in the chair."

"Semantics, pet. Nightmare?"

"The second one like it." She lay back down, shifting so she could look at him without any pain. "I keep dreaming that I am hunting human prey and when I feed it turns out to be Xander. What if it's a prophetic Slayer dream?"

"That's not likely. Besides, you know his scent: it couldn't take you by surprise."

Mia sighed, "True."

"Besides Em, you could never hurt that boy."

"I don't know what I'm capable of if the demon and my blood lust take over. I've never dreamed of feeding from any human before, let alone one I care about."

"It's the pain and drugs, pet, that's all."

"I hope you're right. Can I have another shot?"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Buffy walked along next to Spike.

"Smell anything?"

"Garbage, canal stuff, gas and oil and such, you, and I think a dead rodent back the way we came; as for nasties, nothing. I think Mia announced that a Slayer was in town, and the whole sodding lot of them went screaming for other parts."

"Whatever hurt her didn't."

"No, you've got me there. But from her description, I don't know if we want to run into them."

"They scared her then."

"You saw that bleeding huge concrete ball. They sodding threw it at her. That's what smashed her foot."

"I'm just wondering if they put her off the fight. Is she that scared?"

"No, not of the fight, but she begged me not to take you out looking."

"Xander says she is doing better, needing less pain medicine."

"She hides some of the pain from him. I think most of the major bones are fully knit together, but her hand and foot are still a bugger of a mess."

"And the thing with Dru, are you still going through with it?"

"If she doesn't show more improvement, that's the plan."

"Did you tell Xander yet?"

"Not yet. There's no need to worry the boy about any of it yet."

Buffy couldn't help smiling, even with the subject matter. Over the last few days she and Spike had been having real conversations. They started out about Mia, but then moved on to other things while they patrolled. At first she had been concerned by how involved Spike was with Mia's recovery. Buffy reasoned that if it had been Angel she might be the same way. What had really amazed her was his concern for Xander. He had surprised them all with that. Buffy was pretty sure it wasn't an act, but the chances were that as soon as the crisis was over the two of them would go back to sniping at one another. Buffy was holding onto the hope that when this was over she and Spike could work their way back at least to being friends, and then, who knew.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On the sixth day after the attack Mia felt that most of her major pain had subsided. She had been sending Xander out daily, telling him it was because she had to sleep, or he needed the air or sun, and one time she asked for some flowers to brighten her room. The truth was that it was easier without him near. He was so worried, and then there were her dreams.

However, Spike was always there, bossing her around. It drove her crazy, because he forced her to stay in bed and made her feel dependent on him, the bastard. She was lying in bed, listening to the others, when she heard something interesting.

"So," said Xander, "you guys have all been working on this ritual thing since almost the first day. You have everything you need, the Dulac cross thingy, the special recipe book, the church and the knife; now you just need Drusilla so you can drain her essence into Mia."

"Yes," answered Willow. "The coven seer has found her. Spike just has to go there and get her."

"Go where?" asked Mia, leaning against the doorjamb.

Xander went to her. "You shouldn't be out of bed."

She shot him a look that said 'stay back'.

"Where is Spike going?"

"Philadelphia," answered Spike.

"I don't think so," returned Mia.

"But Mia..." started Willow.

"No! No Spike leaving. I don't want him to leave. And that would be because there will be no rituals. I may take longer to get strong, but no ritual. I have very specific plans for Drusilla's death and they do not involve gently draining her essence." She looked at Spike cocking her head a bit. "Why would you want to go? You of all people know that."

Spike looked back at her. "Please, pet. It's hard seeing you like this."

"Are you sure, Mia? This would greatly speed your recovery and ease your pain." asked Giles.

"I am very sure. Besides, look," she held up her hand and showed them that the bones were covered and the skin and a very thin nail had grown back on her thumb.

"Good," supplied Buffy. "I have bad memories of that thing, and even if it was turned around for our good it would give me the wiggins."

Mia limped over to the sofa and sat down. "I've decided that I'm sick of that bed. I need a TV and my Xbox."

"Well, I would say that shows great progress," commented Giles.

Spike saw how weak she was but doubted if the others could because she was acting so well. He began to make suggestions that the others should leave. He waited until Mia was talking with Willow and then he told Xander that if he could get the others out Mia would probably fall asleep on the couch. Xander agreed, looking longingly at her. Giles was told and made an excuse to do work upstairs; the others went to go to some tourist attraction.

"You're a good actress, pet."

"What?"

"You are so weak, I can see it. Hell, I can smell it."

"That's from lying in bed all the time."

"It's from all your blood draining onto the floor downstairs."

"I want to do something other than sleep and eat."

Spike went and got her a pillow and put it at the end of the couch. "Just lay here for a few minutes, then we'll have a game of Halo."

She didn't argue and curled up on her good side.

Two hours later Giles came down. His knock woke her up. She sat up and Spike sat next to her.

"I have news. I've been in contact with a doctor who specializes in demon species and has experience working with vampires. He has agreed to treat Mia's foot. Mia, you have an appointment the day after tomorrow."

"Where is he?" asked Mia. "Certainly not here."

"Bath, of all places, which works out well as I still have a flat there and you can use it during your recovery."

"Day after tomorrow, Rupert? She's too sodding weak to travel."

"I'll help her get there, and I can hire help until she is stronger. This is his only opening; it seems he is in high demand."

"I'll be ready." Mia covered the back of Spike's hand with her palm and squeezed it. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Buffy leaned over a canal bridge and looked at the water. "They say that Amsterdam is the Venice of northern Europe. What do you think, Spike?"

"It smells better than Venice. Too much garlic there for my taste. You were down in that direction, didn't you go there?"

"We were in Rome, but then Dawn went on to England for school and I went to Greece. I think this city is beautiful, except for all this stuff with Mia. What about Venice? Should I think about visiting it?"

"After you get past the garlic, it has its points."

Buffy stood up and looked at him. "Giles wants us to stay here and keep looking after he and Willow take Mia to Bath. Are you alright with that?"

"Of course, I want to get the bloody thing that did it to her." "Xander is so not happy; he has stay here as well to set up the work crew to finish off the building. Giles told him it had to get done like now, so they could get some Slayers in place ASAP. Xander hasn't told Mia yet though."

Spike turned and started off again.

"Hey, wait, what did I say?" Buffy followed him.

"I sodding well don't want to talk about those two."

"Because you want her back?"

"Bloody hell, no. Living in that apartment day in and day out I'm immersed in the Mia and Xander show. I need some time off."

"Oh, sorry, guess I'm still a little jealous of her."

Spike stopped and looked at her, cocking his head to the side. He put his hand to her cheek briefly and sighed. "We've covered most of the city, let's head back."

Buffy headed up the stairs as Spike went to go into the first apartment.

"Buffy."

She turned.

"Have a good night."

Buffy's heart hadn't stop pounding since they'd left the bridge. She was positive he'd heard it. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Spike threw his coat on a chair and crept to peek in on Mia. He hadn't even gotten as far as the door when she said:

"You are so not being stealthy; I heard the door and then your coat."

"I guess your hearing's up to par," he said, leaning in the doorway.

Mia smiled. She sat up in bed looking better than she had even this morning. She was reading a Watcher's Journal.

"Hey, did you dust something tonight?" she asked, tilting her head, a curious look on her face.

"No, I think in the time before the attack you scared them all away."

"Then what's with the smile? Wait..." He watched a huge grin take over her face. "This has to do with Buffy."

"I'd sodding hoped you lost that being able to read me thing of yours when you lost all that blood."

"Did you kiss her?"

Spike rolled his eyes and came to sit in the chair. "Why the bloody hell would I share that with you?"

"No then, but you wanted to."

She watched his jaw tightened.

"Spike, that's so sweet."

"Just stop, woman. No figuring me out, no predicting me and no telling me what I haven't guessed myself yet."

"OK."

"Did you just agree?"

Mia eyebrows went up.

"Maybe there actually was some brain damage when you lost all that blood." He smiled at her, then looked serious. "Why are you up, Em? Tomorrow is the big day and you need to be rested."

"Yes, mother. I had another nightmare and there is other stuff going on in my head."

Spike stood, "I'll get us some blood before I turn in."

Mia looked at Spike over top of her mug. "Spike, you have taken really good care of me; been a pain in my ass, made me all dependent on you, but taken good care of me. I want you to know how much I appreciate it, especially when you didn't want me in your life. "

He put his mug on the nightstand and leaned forward, his arms on his thighs. "I should never have said that."

"No you had the right to. The coat must have seemed as if I was rubbing salt in a wound, but I didn't mean it to be like that."

"OK, let's just leave it at that." He pulled her blankets up. "You get under the covers and try to sleep, pet."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Mia sat on the bed, her things packed. Her stomach was in knots. She wished she could take some pain medicine for the ache in her heart. Xander sat in the chair next to the bed, explaining why he wouldn't be able to go with her.

She took an unnecessary breath and started, "Xander, it's probably for the best. I had a lot of time to think lying in that bed and I don't think I can do this thing with us."

Mia's chest hurt, seeing the look on his face. "I know I'm hurting you and I don't want to, but you said you would go into this knowing the possibilities. I can't do this. Please I..."

He was shocked. "We did say that, and... Did I do something?

"No." She touched the back of his hand. "This is all me. I can't do it, something is wrong with me."

"Maybe after you feel better?"

"No, not after. It's not because I got injured. I'm just not ready. I'll move out when I get back so it'll be easier."

"Mia?" He was looking into her eyes.

She was holding back tears. They welled up at the back of her eyes, but she kept them from coming.

"I'm sorry, Xander."

Xander stood and walked from her room. Mia tried not to move, for fear of the tears. She sat that way for nearly an hour, just concentrating on not crying. It was better this way; he was safer. Xander would be safe now.

Giles came and got her things and brought her some crutches. She pulled herself up on them and went toward the front door. Xander was there and looked at her sadly.

"Goodbye, Mia."

"Goodbye, Xander."

Giles and Willow walked with her down the first flight of stairs to where they saw Spike smoking a cigarette on the landing.

"You're getting bleeding good at this you know, this running away. At least you told Harris instead of leaving a note."

Giles stepped forward. "Spike, now is not..."

"You guys go on. I'll make the rest of the way on my own and meet you at the front." Mia motioned the others on.

Giles looked back once as they went down the stairs.

"Once again, instead of facing up to it all, you're running away."

"It's funny, you lecturing me. I know why I'm doing this. What's the real reason you aren't with Buffy right now? Because you are afraid you'll lose... her... eventually. You're afraid of taking another chance. She just gave you a great excuse to get out of it, and you took it. Maybe before you start pointing out my shortcomings you should look at your own."

Mia had to struggle down the stairs but she didn't care. When she was half way down he said:

"Don't sodding do this to yourself. You wouldn't hurt him, Mia. You love him."

She didn't look back, but said, "Wouldn't hurt him because I love him. We both know that's not true about me. Now no-one has to worry about anyone getting hurt. Spike why are you of all people....never mind. Goodbye Spike."

Mia hobbled out and Giles held her umbrella over her as she got in the car.

Spike put out his cigarette and went upstairs. Xander sat on the couch. Spike sat on the other side.

Xander looked at the wall and said. "After she almost died and I almost lost her, I just thought I had her back and now she leaves."

"Yeah, I hear ya, Harris, I have that exact same t-shirt."

Xander looked at Spike. "I think it was worse for you because you had her, really had her. She wouldn't say the words or let me say it to her and we never, um..... nothing."

Spike cocked his head in confusion. "Never?"

"You are the last one I wanted to know that."

"Well then, Harris buddy, it's a toss up as to who actually is the lucky one."

"Huh?"

"You, for not having to miss it, or me, for having it in the first place and missing it like hell. The shagging..." Spike gave an exaggerated sigh. "That is one of those things our Mia is really brilliant at."

"Spike, you are not helping."

"Like I would."

Xander actually smiled.

"One thing you should know. You let her go too easily... I mean really, 'Goodbye, Mia', what was that?"

"Shut up, Spike."

"Just saying, roomie."

Xander groaned. "You just said roomie, didn't you?"

"Yep, remember all the good times we had before. It'll be like old home week around here."

"Oh great, there'll be wet towels everywhere. On the bright side, you're not crazy or killing and siring anyone."

Spike turned and looked him squarely in the eye, "Yet."

Xander shook his head. "I don't think my day can get any worse, I really don't."

"Want me to give it a try?" offered Spike with a smile.

"No! Just tell me where you put that bottle of scotch and I won't pull out my stake and dust your ass right now!" Xander snarled as he stood up.

Spike's eyebrow went up. "I'm not sure what to bleeding make of that, Harris. I'm thinking that either you're in so much pain you have no idea what or who you're saying it to or all that time with Mia and her demon has had some sort of enlarging and hardening effect on your balls. Whichever it is, I'm trying sodding hard not to laugh right now. Go on then the bottle is in the cupboard above the sink." With a snort that became a chuckle Spike said, "Please...please help yourself."