Rerun

Chapter 6

Plans and Execution

The few hours left of day passed quickly. After the first few questions, Spike's tensions eased. He finally had an ally, besides Buffy, except this one wasn't still debating whether to stake him or not. He didn't have to worry as much. Plus, finally having someone to talk to about everything was a huge load off his shoulders. Tara and Spike agreed that they needed to get Joyce that night. They took their time walking from Spike's crypt to Buffy's house. The conversation remained away from Joyce, and stayed on Tara's curiosity and Spike venting all his worries. Every so often, their conversation would go on a random tangent. Years around this woman, and it seemed like they had finally became friends. Then again, sharing years worth of memories that redeemed you in someone's eyes could have that effect. Noticing his thoughts were drifting, Spike returned his full attention to Tara.

"I hope," Spike said. "The ball and chain won't get jealous…for all she knows you've been holding hands and skipping around town all day with a big bad."

"Nah, I don't think." Tara replied holding back a smirk. "Willow trusts me. Besides, you're a little too…stiff for me."

Spike nodded his head, agreeing with the idea that him being dead was a deal breaker for many females. An instant later, the double meaning of the statement hit Spike square in the forehead. Letting out a long laugh, Spike shook his head. "Oh bloody hell, that's class."

"Thanks," Tara managed in between her own chuckles.

"You know…all this time," Spike paused for a moment to meet eyes with Tara. "Well, all that time…around each other…and I never found out that Red's woman was the most fun to be around in the group." Spike noticed Tara give him a slightly questioning look. "Besides Buffy…for her…great conversational skills and such."

Again, Tara laughed. "I'm sure…"

In an instant, all of the worry and panic returned to Spike. Stopping dead in his tracks, Spike waited for Tara to turn around.

"What's wrong?" Tara asked.

"We need a plan." Spike said in a serious tone.

Tara nodded her head before replying. "I know…I think it's best to get there and see if Joyce is there alone…or Buffy is there…"

Spike returned the nod. "I know…I'm just saying…we NEED a plan. For every situation."

"Well," Tara started, holding her head to the side. "It's a bit too late for that. We're almost there."

"We need a bloody plan!" Spike snapped, immediately feeling horrible for his outburst. His face held hints of his impeding apology as he took a step closer and lowered his voice. "I'm sorry pet…it's just…" Spike let out a sigh as he looked at the night sky above. After a brief moment, he continued. "Things are already changing…little, bloody stupid things. Like today…Buffy should't have been at the store. It's only a matter of time…"

Again, Spike broke eye contact as he took a few steps away from Tara. Throwing his head back, Spike let out another grunt as he stared into the sky. Feeling his resolve restored, Spike returned to his position a few feet away from Tara. "It's only a matter of time until something big changes…and it's my fault…for all we know Buffy is cradling her dead mom right now!"

"Spike," Tara said in a sad tone, reaching out for his arm. Still, Spike managed to separate from her a few feet and return to his pacing.

"You don't understand! Buffy was supposed to be busy all day taking care of that stupid robot…not done by lunch!" Spike exclaimed.

Tara took a small step forward. Before she could cut in, Spike continued his tangent.

"A few hours doesn't seem like much, but it is love! Joyce was supposed to die tomorrow…who says she isn't already dead…it's only a few hours."

Tara finally spoke, her voice holding more force than usual. "She's not Spike, she's fi-"

"Bloody hell, who's not to say the First doesn't just show up…all sodding ghost like…next week…it's only a few hours, then a few more, then a f-"

The dull impact across his face caused minimal pain, but was more than enough to cut his ranting short. Spike's jaw dropped open as he slowly turned his head back to look at Tara. "You…slapped me." Spike said in a shocked voice, never expecting violence from Tara.

"Yeah, and I'll do it again if you don't shut up." Spike's eyes grew as he stared at Tara and listened to every word. He had never saw this side of the woman in front of him.

"You slapped me!" Spike replied as he brought his hand up to his face.

Tara continued, "I know you now…I know that you could, but you wouldn't harm a kitten….unless it was demonic or something."

Spike's jaw remained open and his eyes remained bulged as he stared at Tara.

"That whole 'I'm a badass vampire who killed Slayers' thing… totally over it!" Tara said in a stern tone. Partly due to shock, Spike didn't realize how badly she butchered his accent trying to sound like she was British. "Joyce is fine…she's home right now and we are going to go get her. She is fine." Tara stated, the calmness in her voice finally returning. "You are doing an amazing job…with everything…better than anyone of us could do if we were in your position."

Tara quit talking as she stared as Spike and waited for her words to sink in.

"Thank you," Spike uttered in a raspy voice, feeling vulnerable upon hearing the first genuine, supportive thing someone had said to him since his travel back in time.

"No problem," Tara said. Without another word, she began walking towards their destination. Spike caught up after a few paces and walked along side her.

"You know," Spike said, and waited for Tara's eyes to meet his own. "That whole phrase…slap some sense…they usually mean that sarcastically pet."

Sunnydale, 2001

Spike leaned his back against the tree outside of Buffy's house, paying extra attention to be out of sight in case someone looked out a window. Minutes ago, he was waiting impatiently for Tara to return with reconnaissance. His headache began when Tara informed him that the group, save for Giles, was there. Apparently, the first major change in history would be the increase in Scoobie slumber parties. His hopes were quickly dashed, and Spike's headache worsened when he finally heard Tara's elaborate plan.

"Really?" Spike questioned in an unamused voice. After he lit another cigarette, he removed his back from against the tree and turned to face Tara. "Bollocks."

"What?" Tara asked in a confused voice.

After taking a huge hit and exhaling, Spike shook his head. "You're gonna get me all dusty, that's what!"

Tara didn't reply but shook her head as she crossed her arms. Tara knew now, without a doubt, Spike was one of the most amazing people she had ever met. He was one of the most good, most loving, even most tragic person she knew. Still, that didn't make him any easier to be around at times.

"For real," Spike said in an animated tone. "The plan is…" Spike paused for effect. "You cause a distraction…I break in the back and steal Joyce…and then we make our grand getaway? Bloody genius this one..."

Tara's only reply was a sigh.

"I could have thought of that plan…and I'm not a thinker pet. That plan works…right up until Buffy hears screaming…then I'm all dusty."

"Fine," Tara replied. "What's your plan?"

"What? The plan works…I'm just saying, I'm going to have to avoid the stake part." Spike replied.

Again, Tara let out another huge sigh as she rolled her eyes.

Sunnydale, 2001

Spike held his breath as he made his way onto the back porch of Buffy's house. Once he saw that Tara was right he was able to breathe easy, not that it made a difference. Joyce was in the kitchen, alone. Waiting for the sign, Spike hoped that Joyce didn't randomly turn towards him. Finally, after an unbearable amount of time, he saw Tara make her way into the kitchen. Spike watched as Tara said something to Joyce, and she turned her head and smiled. Just as quickly, Joyce turned her attention back towards the countertop. Spike nodded his head once Tara made eye contact with him through the glass. Spike's hand touched the door in unison with Tara leaving the kitchen.

He immediately realized trying to go as slow as possible wasn't an option. The house was old and the door was creaky. Luckily, Spike was fast. Opening the door would alert Joyce. He would much rather do it quickly, and be directly in front of her when she turned around, than still be in the doorframe trying to creep. Instinctively, Spike took one last deep breathe and readied himself.

Joyce turned around and jumped a few inches. Before Spike could react, she let out a surprised yell. Spike shot his hand over Joyce's mouth to prevent any further outburst. "Sorry love, for the best…" Spike quickly muttered. Without thinking, Spike quickly balled his free hand into a fist. As gently as possible, Spike tapped Joyce on her head. Spike's left hand was there to quickly cradle Joyce's body as she went unconscious and prevent her from hitting the floor.

Spike immediately cursed himself under his own breath when he realized what he did. "Yeah bloody brilliant mate…hit the lady in the head…not like it'll cause an aneurism or anything." Spike continued to curse himself out as he bent down and gently placed Joyce over his shoulder. Spike's eyes immediately snapped when he heard the sound of Buffy's voice calling into the kitchen, overlapped with Tara's voice trying to ease her worries.

Trying to hurry, Spike made his way around the island in the middle of the kitchen. Spike's head snapped towards the echoing and high pitched sound of a pan bouncing off the kitchen floor. He knew he didn't hit it, but Joyce's limp body must have bumped it. "Bloody hell!" Spike hissed, making sure not to be loud enough anyone else in the house could hear him. Within an instant, due to all the stress, adrenaline, and anger at his sudden misstep, Spike's face twisted into that of a demon's without him even realizing it.

Spike reached the door quickly and flung it open.

"Spike…"

Spike turned around quickly to look at Buffy. Still, his brain was able to make out the plethora of emotions in Buffy's voice before he made eye contact. The most prevalent ones were hurt, betrayal, and anger.

Buffy's eyes grew wide as she saw Spike's deformed face. "Spike!" Buffy repeated.

Instincts kicked in, and without a word Spike flung the door open. Spike sprinted across the back porch, slowing down slightly as he jumped down the steps and landed softly. Just as quickly, Spike accelerated to full speed as the weight of Joyce, barring the awkwardness of having her one one shoulder, barely slowed him down.

Buffy chased closed behind, realizing for a split second that Spike had gotten way faster, or maybe she was slacking off on some of her training. The Scoobies followed suit, more following than chasing Spike, as they filed out of the kitchen door as quickly as possible. Tara intentionally was the last through the door. Instead of heading towards the steps, she made her way directly straight and stopped when the railing of the back porch cut her off

Before Buffy was even out of the back yard, Tara quickly uttered a few foreign syllables and threw her arm up. Just as quickly, Tara put her hand over her mouth. Her spell wasn't as accurate as she hoped, as it covered most of the backyard in vivid colors and loud-pitched screams and pops.

Buffy fell to the ground, and quickly got up as she tried to take in her surroundings. As if someone had hit her with a concussion grenade, everything was dull and out of focus. Buffy did her best to disregard ringing in her ears. Her eyes would fix on one picture, she would look away, and then a few seconds later her lagging eyes would finally catch up and readjust. Considering how quickly Buffy was trying to scan the area, the revolving environment almost made her sick to her stomach.

Tara barely breathed, remaining on the back porch, as she watched her disoriented group of friends. Xander was the closest to the stairs, and as he tried to reach out to the nearest handrail he went tumbling down the handful of stairs in front of him. Tara held her breath and waited. Finally, after about 10 seconds, the group finally got their bearings.

Scanning the area again, Buffy realized the obvious. Spike was long gone. "Tara?" Buffy exclaimed in a frustrated tone.

"I-I was aiming for Spike," Tara lied.

Buffy rolled her eyes and let out a sigh as she rubbed her hand over her forehead. She still didn't feel quite right. "What was that?" The slayer questioned.

"It was," Willow started, making a few steps towards Buffy as she tried to defend her girlfriend. "It's like a distraction…confusing spell thingy…I taught her."

Taking extra care to brush his pants free of dirt, and quickly reassuring Anya he was fine with a head nod, Xander took a step towards Willow. "Because that couldn't possible go wrong."

"Yeah," Anya added as she pointed her finger towards Willow, clearly upset her man took a tumble down the stairs. "You should not teach people magic…you should teach yourself better, functioning magic!"

Spinning around, Willow's mouth fell open at Xander's subtle insult and Anya's blatant insult. "Hey, I know my spells don't always work…but you guys still always ask for them…"

Xander held a hand up. "Not always…"

"Guys," Buffy said in a short voice, only mildly concerned with whether her friends had an argument or not. However, she was greatly concerned with every second they wasted not hunting down Spike and her mother.

"She was just trying to help Xander!" Willow exclaimed, feeling backed into a corner. "Right?"

The entire group turned towards where Tara had been standing on the porch. Scanning her surroundings, Willow took a step towards the house. "Tara?" she questioned again.

Xander and Buffy let their eyes scan the area as well, even though they both knew she probably wasn't outside. Xander made eye contact with Buffy and shrugged his shoulders, doing his best to display pity and understanding on his face. Something didn't feel right to Buffy. Shaking her head, Buffy followed behind Willow as they quickly made their way back onto the porch.

Xander followed suit, following close behind the two females. "Maybe she just feels really bad?" Xander said, offering his solution to why Tara had apparently fled inside.

"I don't care," Buffy quickly replied in an upset tone. "I'm not even mad…at her. We just need to find my mom."

Willow stopped and turned around. "We probably need to call Giles."

Xander nodded his head, but before he could reply he noticed the body language of Buffy. Taking a step forward, Xander placed himself at the side of the two girls who were facing each other. "Or…we can call Giles…and meet up later. I know you want-"

"I got to check his crypt." Buffy said as she cut off Xander. Shaking her head, she continued, "Spike won't be there…but I still need to-" Buffy's train of thought stopped, but her speaking did not. "I was just starting to think…" Buffy's eyes grew wide as the fact he no longer had a chip. "Spike…" Buffy growled in a hurt voice, only loud enough she could hear it.

"Bloody hell," Spike whispered to himself, and an unconscious Joyce, as he remained hidden and watch Buffy's house from across the street. He had saw the little distraction Tara made, it was a pretty nifty spell in his opinion. It gave him more than enough time to sprint around the block and find a good hiding spot. Laying Joyce down on the ground softly, he was able to relax when he noticed she wasn't bleeding from her head and was breathing normally. "I'm second guessing this whole kidnapping bit, love. Little you is stubborn Joyce…she probably wouldn't listen to a bloke…but this is bloody ridiculous." Just as quickly, Spike softly slung Joyce back over his shoulder. He needed to be ready to move when he saw Tara, and he hoped she had a plan. Running wasn't an option. Tara was a fairly powerful witch but she wouldn't be able to keep up with him, and that meant she couldn't outrun Buffy. Before he had a chance to worry further, he saw Tara come running out of the front door. As quickly as possible, Spike made his way across the street.

Sunnydale, 2001

The sound of a car starting gained the attention of everyone in the backyard. The car made a very distinct "old beater" sound that was hard to describe, but everyone knew it was Joyce's car.

"Is that mom's?" Xander questioned looking at Buffy. Buffy stared back fiercely, almost as if she wanted to kill Xander. The aloof male wasn't scared though, he know her overwhelmed and emotional state was just showing through.

Nodding for a brief second, Anya added, "I think it is. That is Joyce's car Buffy."

Xander placed his right hand over his forehead as he let out a sign. Tactfulness was never Anya's strong suit.

Sunnydale, 2001

Spike reached the back door of Joyce's car a split second after Tara started the engine. Swinging the door open, he saw Tara jump and let out a high pitched scream, but his attention was focused solely on placing Joyce in the backseat.

"God, Spike!" Tara screamed.

"Sorry love," Spike mumbled in a panicked voice as he finished laying Joyce down. Making sure no part of Joyce's body was hanging out, Spike carefully closed the back door. He opened the passenger side door much quicker and hopped in. Before he even had the door closed, Tara squealed and quickly hit the gas pedal.

"Bloody hell woman," Spike growled, staring at Tara as he slammed the door with his right hand. "Why the hell did-"

Spike jumped and his words caught in his throat as he heard the loud thud on the front window, and saw it was Buffy.

"Ohhh," Spike said in acknowledgement.

"Yeah," Tara spat towards Spike, as she quickly made eye contact before turning her eyes back towards the front of the car.

"Spike! Tara!" Buffy screamed, her voice somewhat muffled as her face and body slid around on the front of the car.

Thinking quickly, Spike decided to act. It was for the best, he obviously couldn't have Buffy stay on the car, and they were already speeding up. In a few seconds the old car would be going about 60, not 30, and falling off a car traveling at highway speed would probably result in some nasty scrapes, Slayer healing or not.

Quickly rolling down the window, Spike stuck most of his upper body out of the car. Buffy made eye contact with Spike as she looked back. "Sorry love," he muttered in a sad voice. Without another word, Spike grabbed her nearest leg, sliding her across the car and sending her onto the road.

Once he rolled the window back up, Spike let out a big sigh. About a minute passed by before anything was said. "You know," Tara started, not taking her eyes off the road. "I know Buffy probably wouldn't have believed you…but that was crazy…maybe we should have just told-"

"I know," Spike replied, "I was thinking the same thing…while I was hiding in bushes across the street like a bloody nancy."

Tara nodded, understanding fully, as she did her best to fight against a smirk that wanted to appear on her face suddenly. Next, she had to fight back against laughter, and a few sounds escaped her lip.

"Please don't," Spike said in a serious tone.

"You ran so fast," Tara said, clearly not listening, as her voice began to squeak. Spike's jaw dropped open as he turned his face to look at the female. God, she really did have no respect left for him. On second thought, she knew she had respect, but the fear was gone. "Like seriously Spike," Tara continued, "And it wasn't just like…'i'm a vampire and I have superhuman speed'…it was like…"

Spike waited impatiently for Tara to finish her statement. After a second, she finally did. Turning her face to make eye contact with the vampire, Tara squeaked out, "It was like…HOLY SHIT BUFFY IS GOING TO CATCH ME!"

Not amused, Spike rolled his tongue over his teeth as clenched.

"Did you ever see A Christmas Story?" Tara asked, still finding it difficult to talk without giggling. The look Spike gave her, while he tried to maintain a serious expression, told Tara he had not. "Wow," Tara continued, "That's like the most classic holiday movie, ever! You are so old…how did you not see it?"

Still clenching his jaw, Spike stared out the passenger side window. "Love," Spike said in a displeased voice. "I can guess playing your own round of 'kick the spike' is taking your mind of what just happened…"

"Anyways," Tara continued, disregarding Spike's attempt for pity. "There is this bully…and eventually the little kid beats him up…but before that he always…" Tara had to pause for a second to regain her bearing. "Before the little kid beats the bully up…they always run for their life from the bully,"

Spike's eye grew wide as he turned to look at Tara. She couldn't honestly STILL be trying to bust his chops.

"That's what you looked like!"

Sunnydale, 2001

"Buffy, please, have Tara do this spell for me…" Buffy said to herself as she made her way down the street back towards her house. Her jeans and shirt were torn and ruined, and probably had to be thrown away. Her right forearm was scraped and bleeding, and her left ankle was sprained at the very least. Luckily, she knew her unnatural healing would have her ready to chase down Spike, literally, within the hour. "I promise it's nothing nasty…it might just turn her into my personal slave."

Buffy continued ranting, but lowered her tone as she approached her house and the Scoobies. The group ran up in concern, and immediately jumped as Buffy screamed out, "Spike!"

After the group recomposed themselves, they followed behind a limping Buffy as she made her way to the front porch of her house.

"Buffy," Willow asked, "What do you want me to do?"

"Call Giles," Buffy said in a dull tone as she swung the front door open.

"What should I tell say?" Willow asked. It was relatively obvious but she was as overwhelmed as the rest of the group.

Standing on the threshold of the entrance to the house, Buffy turned around to look at Willow. Fighting back at a thousand emotions, Buffy gave the best answer she could.

"Tell him…Spike and your girlfriend stole my mother…and her car…"

Willow nodded, but didn't reply as she waited to make sure that Buffy was done speaking.

"We are going to finish what Riley and the Initiative didn't."

London, Early 2008

As before, Faith leaned against the wall as she watched the witches prepare the spell. The fact they were rushing was made apparent as one witch stirred the cauldron so fiercely contents landed on the floor. At the same time, another witch setting up candles knocked over a few that were already lit. Quickly, she picked them up and placed them back where they belonged.

A witch approached Faith. "It will be ready in a minute Slayer."

Faith nodded, "Hurry, please…" The witch nodded and quickly hurried away to help finish the preparations.

Everyone except Faith let out a gasp or scream as the small room shook. Walking over to the second story window, Faith pulled back the curtain. She fought back against nerves, and let out a sigh as she watched the city street below. It was a war zone, not that most of the world wasn't nowadays.

Looking across the street at a few building engulfed in flames, Faith shook her head. "Spike," she said in a sad voice, "You love well, if not wisely…and you try hard, regardless of the results."

Snapping Faith out of thoughts, the eldest witch yelled, "Away from the window!"

Faith stared blankly at her, and didn't move immediately. Almost on cue, an explosion from the street blew out the window, and knocked Faith back a few feet as she landed on the ground. Snapping her head to look at the eldest witch, she repeated, "Hurry up!"