Spike X Buffy - Tumblr Posts

Chapter 29 Aftermath

With the memorial service for Deloris at the forefront, and Sheena still in the hospital, the last week for the Level 4 girls was shaping up to be a subdued affair. Buffy and Faith hada originally planned to give them something of a going away party after their last shopping trip. Now they didn’t know if they were taking them and a party just seemed to be in poor taste.

Deloris had been part of Zari’s group and she had been taking her loss particularly hard. So was Faith.

After it was apparent she hadn’t been turned, they arranged to have Deloris’s body sent home to her family. What made it even more difficult for some of the girls was the fact that Ruby was still being held in the utility room.

Buffy still hadn’t decided exactly what to do with her. She had spent many hours in conversation with Giles, Spike, and Willow, trying to figure out her next step. A day or so after Deloris’s death Ruby started to seem almost listless. Spike said it was the effects of the Slayer blood leaving her system. It was like a drug for vampires. She seemed somewhat calmer now and had stopped coming onto everyone who walked into the utility room. Ruby didn’t seem to have a preference. It had gotten so bad that Jetta had even gagged her.

Although she didn’t show any remorse for Deloris, she had at least started to ask about her sister’s wellbeing. None of them took that at face value. Although Buffy couldn’t help but think she didn’t want to kill her either. Maybe it was because the situation had reminded her of Spike tied up in Giles’s bathtub. Or maybe it was because Spike had shared his thoughts with her about Harmony being able to be rehabilitated. The idea made her stomach clench every time the Andersons mourning their daughter crossed her mind. Especially with Sheena still in the hospital. Even if it was possible to rehabilitate her, they still couldn’t just let her wander around the castle.

Buffy sat on the couch in the living room gazing at her phone when Spike came out of the utility room carrying an empty container of blood. He strolled over to her, setting the empty container on the coffee table and plunking himself down on the couch next to her. The shift of the couch cushion pulled her out of her thoughts.

“All right, you have had serious-thinking-face all week, which is it now?” he asked.

“I just talked to Will and something is definitely up. I just can’t figure out what. She tells me that she and Kennedy are on the rocks and the ship is sinking fast and yet she seems like totally happy about it. She even sounded excited… I am really confused right now.”

“She’s your best friend, Pet, if you can’t figure it out, you really think I’ll be able to?”

“You’re good at reading people. You were right about her when Oz left.”

“Yeah, I could actually see her and it was obvious to anyone with eyes. Didn’t know I’d end up proposing to you and doing some heavy snogging in Giles’s living room, did I?.”

“Ohhh like you didn’t enjoy it?”

”I– course, but I wasn’t about to admit it then. Not when we were still doing the mortal enemy bit.”

“Humm yeah. Same. Plus I was totally wrapped up in Riley then.”

Spike rolled his eyes, “Oh yeah, let's talk about Major Shaggless and his immense idiocy.”

“Wow! I know you never liked the guy but, it’s been how long? Yikes. You really have to work on this whole letting go thing.”

“Don’t like what he did to you. Wanker.”

Buffy watched his face as he spoke. His eyes were focused on the blank TV, “Is this the whole ‘men hurting me’ thing again? Because I told you, I’m not…”

“Men who hurt you should be punished plain and simple.”

“The way you punished yourself?”

“For starters. Yeah…” he choked out as the last word caught in his throat.

“William… look, I can’t believe I’m actually going to say this… I have more reason than most to hold on to stuff, but…” she took a deep breath, “Maybe we both should work on the whole forgive and forget thing. It’s going to eat you up if you let it.”

“I’m alright, Pet. What about Ruby-Tuesday there?”, he said, indicating the door leading to the utility room, “Forgive and forget?”

“Kinda changing the subject.”

“Guess you’re not the only one with a lot rolling around in the attic.”

“You got me there, I don’t know what we’re going to do with her. This week has been a serious disaster.”

“That it has. Any word from the hospital or from Sheena’s parents?”

“Not since yesterday. Sheena‘s condition seems to be improving slightly but she is still out. She really took one hell of a hit to the head. If she wasn’t a Slayer she’d probably be dead. Look how long Faith was out— Sheena might be a while.”

“Don’t really know anything about that besides what you told me, Love. Didn’t meet her until after the fact, remember? I just thought you’d been hit with an anti-inhibition spell or something the first time I met her.”

“Yeah, seriously awkward. I still can’t believe you and Riley couldn’t tell it wasn’t me.”

“Oi! Don’t lump me in with Captain Lunkhead, he’s the one who slept with her! I knew something was up, just didn’t know what. Did give me lots of mileage for some interesting dreams though.”

“And so began the madness—” she laughed.

“Pretty sure that was already in play after the engagement thing. Fuel for the fire at that point, I just didn’t realize it yet,” he wrapped an arm around her waist, “Pretty hard to get the thought of your sweet little body pressed up to mine, out of my head. Enough to drive any bloke round the bend—- speaking of, fancy a trip upstairs?”

“Very funny. How’s our captive anyway?”

“Bit banged up. Thinking one of the girls tried taking out some aggression on her. Otherwise she’s fine since she got the last of the Slayer blood out of her. That was wearing thin, almost staked her myself.”

“Still not sure we shouldn’t.”

“Makes two of us but what happened to forgive and forget?”

She puffed out her cheeks with a long breath, “Yeah… baby-steps?” she grinned, “I mean just staking her would definitely simplify things.”

“So aside from the rehabilitation angle, what’s stopping us now?”

”The Andersons... What if you’re right, what if there is hope for her? What if she can be… different?”

Spike leaned back in his seat on the couch, “Come here, Love,” he said, putting an arm around her. “Ruby is young, that had to of been one of her first kills. Angel was able to get the W&H vamps in line by doing human-blood tests and killing anyone who failed. Kept the lot of ‘em inline. Course that works better when there’s a bunch of them. Could always ask Red if she’s up to popping a soul in her.”

“We sort of already talked about it. She said she’d have to track down one of thoses orb thingys. But it’s a good idea. Have I told you today how much I love you, William Pratt?” she said, reaching for a kiss.

He cupped her face in one hand, melting into the kiss. Buffy backed away slowly and settled herself down in his lap to watch TV.

“Told you to keep that quiet, Pet.”

She looked around the empty room with mock concern, “Do you think the walls have ears? The door is closed so it’s not like Ruby can hear us. Vampire hearing is good but it’s not that good.”

“Very funny.”

“It’s just your name, you dope. I’m sure there are lots of Pratts running around out there in the world. Might even be some distant relatives, fourteenth cousins or something. You really need to get over the schoolboy trauma. See, this is exactly what I’m talking about with the forgiving and forgetting thing. Big bad vampire with a soul is afraid of people knowing his last name just because of some long dead idiots? You’re ridiculous.”

He sighed, “I know you’re right,” he put a finger to his head, “in here I know it. I’m just— let it be on my own terms, alright?”

“As long as you know you’re being a long-dead-idiot, I’m good,” she said as she snuggled into him more.

“You know what I think you need? What we need?” he asked, changing the subject.

“What’s that?”

“Get out of the castle a bit, go to town, something. Maybe just go out on patrol tonight. Anything. Just switch things up a bit.”

“Yeah, I could do with some away time, Mr Pratt.”

He grumbled quietly to himself and sighed again, “How about some telly for now?”

“As long as it’s nothing too thinkie, I can’t do thinkie right now.”

He chuckled, “One order of mindless entertainment coming up.”

*************

They were still snuggled up on the couch when the doorbell rang. Spike raised an eyebrow, “Wonder who that could be,” he said, shifting in his seat as Buffy got up.

“I’ll get it.”

“If it’s a singing telegram send it back!” he joked.

“Watch it, Babe, your age is showing,” she grinned as she made her way to the entryway.

From the living room Spike could hear Buffy open the door and give a loud shriek of delight. Followed by two more very familiar, excited voices. He grinned slyly as he got up and headed towards the front door.

“Oh my God! What are you guys doing here!!” Buffy squealed and jumped up and down in excitement as the newcomers hugged her.

“We figured you could use some serious best-friendage,” Xander said, not relinquishing his hold on Buffy.

“That and after the attack, I thought maybe the castle’s defences could use some sprucing up. And—“ she paused, pulling a wooden box out of her bag, “I thought maybe we could try this out on your newly-vamped-vamp,” she opened the box to reveal a glass ball.

“Is that what I think it is?”

“Only if you think it’s an Orb of Thesulah… oh and get this! I’ve been tinkering with the spell. I think I can do it without the whole ‘no happy’ thing now. The thing is that it’s still a curse so I just have to substitute ‘true happiness’ for some other majorly big thing.”

“Seriously?”

“Absolutely! I really think I can use something slightly more specific, like— ‘the true joy of daylight’, which a vampire can’t experience without getting all flamey anyway so it makes for one heck of a good loophole.”

“And here I went and got mine the hard way,” Spike drawled from where he leaned against the archway between the entryway and the living room.

Buffy extricated herself from her best friends and went over to him beaming, “Your way was seriously way, way better, all the happy. Big fan of the happy,” she wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed him on the lips. She pulled back with a broad smile still on her face. “Did you know they were coming?”

He adjusted his arm around her waist, dropping his hand to her hip and returned a little smile, “Thought they might make an appearance after what happened. Might have also mentioned the idea of adding wards to the castle grounds to Red here.”

“Just so happens I have a plan for that too,” Willow grinned.

Xander stood looking transfixed at Buffy and Spike. Buffy had talked to him and she knew he had been told they were together, but apparently seeing it with his own eyes was something else. His mouth worked silently as though he wasn’t sure what sounds he should attempt to form, “So humm… this, this isn’t some kind of spell or robot shenanigans again is it? I mean that’s really Spike, like in the undead flesh? And you two are together by choice? On purpose?”

“Yes, Xander,” Buffy said flatly.

“Yes, you finally snapped from grief and made a robot of your favorite sex-pire? Or— Yes, he’s really real and you are really in a serious out-of-the-shadows, so-to-speak, relationship like Willow and Dawn said.”

“I can totally turn him into a ventriloquist dummy for you, if you want,” Willow said, crossing her arms and glaring at Xander.

“Nah, I’ve had enough of puppets for a while— Harris, of all the stupid bloody—“

Buffy stopped Spike with a hand on his chest, “Humm eh, Babe, Xander isn’t totally out of line here,” she cleared her throat, “There may or may not have been a drunken night with Xander before we even came to the castle when, I— I might have insisted on trying to find somebody that could make me a— well, a you—“

“You’re putting me on.”

“In my defense I was really drunk and upset and I never actually did it. Unlike the other hot blonde in this relationship.”

“I plead soulless and out-of-my-gord-obsessed.”

Buffy tilted her head for another kiss, “Plead of soulless-insanity accepted.”

“So ‘no’ to the ventriloquist dummy?” Willow said with a teasing pout.

“Who could tell the difference?” Spike grinned.

“Hardy-harr-harr very funny. All right, all right. I can accept this is all real, not a figment of my imagination. You’re not a robot and you two are really… wow OK just gotta wrap my head around this one.”

“Seem to be hearing the same tune from everyone, don't we?”

“With our history, what do you expect, Honey?”

“Oh I don’t know, folks seem to be all right with Captain Forehead.”

Xander held up a finger, “I still don’t like him, so not my favorite person. You helped out in a big way in Sunnydale. In my mind you finally earned that free pass, man. We lost you and Anya that day. Even with one eye I saw what that did to Buffy. I figure that if I can’t have Anya back, at least I can be happy for Buffy getting you back.”

Spike raises eyebrows, “Wow, ehh… right then. I can live with that,” he stepped forward a little still holding his other arm around Buffy and held a hand out to Xander.

Xander looked at it for a moment, pausing, then accepted the handshake, “You still make me a little uneasy, Dude, but I’m willing to give you a shot after everything. Just treat her right. That’s all I ask.”

“Oh he does,” Buffy smiled up at him.

“For the record, Harris, I was sorry to hear about Anya. I figured if anybody was going to make it, it would be her. Sorry to hear it wasn’t. Always liked her.”

“I just gave you a free pass, don’t go reminding me how much you liked her.”

Spike rolled his eyes and scoffed, “You know what I meant, lady knew how to treat a bloke.”

“I am going to choose to accept that in a platonic, non-sexy kind of way.”

“Moving on, Eyepatch.”

“Are we going to stand around here and gab in the entryway or do we get to see this place now that Faith has done her home renovation thing?” Willow asked.

Buffy grinned, “Big yes, let’s give you the grand tour and get you settled in,” she thought for a moment, “Xander you can probably crash on Giles‘s couch and Will, I think you’re going to have to stay with the Level 1 girls. It’s the only place we have spare beds,” Buffy frowned, “but you can use our bathroom, we only share with Faith.”

“Don’t worry about it, Buff. I’ll make do. How are the girls holding up?” she asked as they moved out of the entryway.

“As well as can be expected I guess. Not super great. Sheena is still in a coma and Deloris’s murderer is locked in the utility room. So yeah, this week really has not been big fun,” Buffy frowned again, “Spike and I were just talking about going out for patrol tonight, just to get away from things for a little bit.”

“Count us in!”

“Sure, we can all go and then do a movie night or ensoul a vampire or something. Just like old times.”

“Eeek, friend plans!” Willow squealed happily, hugging Buffy and nearly clobbering Spike in the process. “Sorry, Spike! You get in here too. Xander where are you?” She said pulling Spike in suddenly. Before Spike realized what was happening, Xander was on the other side joining in the group hug. Spike stood frozen with his arm still around Buffy but unwilling to hug anyone else back. It was all just too weird for him.

At that moment Faith and Callum came down the stairs into the entryway. “I wondered what all the racket was about down here,” she said gruffly, but smiled slyly all the same. “Hey Will— Xan, looking good, still rocking the pirate thing, I see.”

“Hey Faith!” Willow greeted.

Xander released himself from the group-hug and faced them, “Ah yeah, actually looking into the whole glass eye thing. Getting a little bored with the pirate look, you’d think it would go with everything but it really doesn’t. Hey! Where’d Superman come from?”

Callum pressed his lips together, and took a step down to stand beside Faith, “Name’s Callum,” he said a little gruffly, crossing his arms over his expansive chest, “I’m with Faith.”

“Yeah, he’s been staying with me the last couple of nights. And drop the Superman thing, Xan, so not earning points with that one.”

“Huhh, steady guy, didn’t see that one coming especially after Wood split.”

Willow punched Xander in the arm, “Oww! Wills! What was that for?”

“So no one around here with super strength would feel the need to do it instead, dummy.”

*********

The moon glinted off of tombstones as Buffy and Willow walked side-by-side through the cemetery. Spike and Xander followed a few feet behind. Willow had been filling Buffy in on what she had missed in Rome with the Slayers based there.

“…And then of course after Angel’s visit, Dawn just had to go seek out Connor,” Willow was rambling on.

Buffy groaned, “Great… and how is that playing out?”

“Turns out that he was in one of her classes. They probably would have met anyway. They’ve hung out a few times. He came over one night for dinner, but she hasn’t said much about him. I’m pretty sure they are just study-buddies.”

Buffy nodded, “I can’t pick her friends for her… I guess it’s kinda comforting that he can fight. I mean that should be a plus, right?”

“Yeah, sure it is. I mean, I’m sure it is.”

“Stupid maternal-ish protective feelings…” Buffy grumbled, making Willow laugh.

“She’s doing fine, Buffy. Honestly. She’s staying with Vi and Andrew while we’re here. It works out because their place is closer to campus anyway. And added bonus, it gives Kennedy time to slip away quietly and we can avoid all the icky-ness of actually breaking up.”

“Wait… you actually WANT her to move out?”

“Want might be a little strong. Hoping. Hoping might be better. We’ll talk about it later. Right now I want to talk about witchy services to be rendered.”

Buffy was more confused than ever, but if Willow didn’t want to talk right now she wasn’t going to force it out of her… “Humm, sure, did you want to try the re-ensoulment thing tonight?”

“Do we think she’s a good candidate?”

“Oh yeah, like we even know what makes a good candidate. Not like we have a lot of data on the subject. We have Angel, who apparently was kind of a bit unhinged to begin with, before the whole super evil bad guy thing. And then we have Spike who started out as a gentleman, poet, who took care of his sick mom. It's not like there’s a manual or a formula to follow.”

“That’s right, Love, tell everyone what a bleeding Nancy boy I was,” he grumbled.

“I think it’s sweet that you cared about your mom so much. Honest Buffy here- I’d rather have the mama‘s boy over the drunken scoundrel any day,” she dismissed.

“Think you’re missing the biggest difference here.”

“Dark and brooding vs bleached and snarky?” Xander laughed.

Spike turned to him seriously, “Angel didn’t have a choice, he was forced into this. Or rather, had his soul forced into him. I sought it out and fought for it. It’s a difference of choice.”

Xander slowed down and gaped at Spike’s back as he kept pace with Willow and Buffy as though he had never put it together until now. Realizing he had stopped walking entirely, Xander ran to catch up to Spike. “So let’s give her a choice,” Xander said with a huff.

“What? A soul or a stake?”

“Not much of a choice, but yeah.”

“Still a choice. I’d feel a bit better ‘bout it at least.”

Willow looked over at Buffy, “What can you tell me about this vampire, she’s Sheena sister, right?”

“Yeah, her name is Ruby. She’s just a little younger than us. I think she was a student at Edinburgh… Spike, you probably know more about her than I do. Can you fill in some blanks?”

“Oh ‘bout all I know is that she was trying to get Sheena into some classic punk rock. Think she might have been studying literature or some such, not sure about that. Buffy and I met their parents. Seem like nice folks, real religious types from what I gather,” he shrugged his shoulders, “Aside from that, I don't really know much about the girl always got the impression she was more of the quiet sort. In which case I’d say her demon has done a number on her. Oh and apparently slayer blood makes her want to come-onto everything on two legs. She’s calmed down a lot now, seems more level headed.”

“Is that normal for vampires?”

“Slayer blood is powerful stuff. Dunno many who've had a taste, none that are still kicking that is; besides me and Angel, that wanker Dracula. God I hate that guy. Dunno how it affects them exactly but it seems to have the same effect on Ruby as it did on me.”

“What kind of effect?”

“Randy as hell if you must know. I didn’t even feed off of my second Slayer because Dru was out of town, didn’t see the point with no one to shag senseless.”

Willow grimaced, “And now I have that picture in my head! Sorry I asked. Okay, well I’m here and I have everything I need, let’s see if having a third ensouled vampire works out as well as the first two. It’s about time to break-up the boys club.”

“Right, because Angel and I are such chauvinist pigs about it. Bring on the new kid I say. I wouldn’t mind showing her the ropes. Just hope she won’t be a brooding killjoy like sodding Peaches is.”

“We can try it and see how it goes. Who knows how she’ll react,” Willow interjected.

“It sort of depends on how things go with Sheena, don’t it? It might make all the difference in the world.”

“Do you think we should wait to see if she wakes up?” Willow asked.

“No, that could be days or months. I want this done and over with,” Buffy said, glancing back at Spike.

Xander chimed in with a lame gangster impression, “We’ll give her an offer she can’t refuse,” then in his normal voice, “And you know, make with the magic!”

“Take the orb, leave the cannoli?” Willow asked.

Spike shrugged, “Something like that.”

Buffy just rolled her eyes and glanced over at Willow. “So are you going to tell me what’s going on with you and Kennedy?” she asked her best friend.

“Oh that. It isn’t anything specific… it’s just… ever since we got back from our last trip, things have been— strained… even before that if I’m being honest… it just really hasn’t been great. I keep thinking about Tara— and Kennedy— Kennedy's great, but it just—“

“It’s not what you had with Tara.”

“No, it’s not. Not even close. It isn’t even what I had with Oz— She’s a great girl; I really like her, but I just can’t— and I really think if I’m going to be in a relationship with someone,” she sighed, “I want it to be like it was with Tara or Oz. Or at least something like it; I want to feel that again. I– I sort of feel like I rushed into things with her and we’re only together now out of convenience… we just don’t mesh like I thought we would. Oh and don’t get me started on the witch thing. Its like she still thinks it’s a bunch of fairy tail crap, like she hasn’t been with me for over a year! I’m just tired of trying to make something work that never really made sense to begin with. Things just made sense with Oz and Tara. I need that.”

“I definitely get that.”

“I sort of thought you might.”

“You know it won’t be the same, right?” Spike said from behind them.

Buffy glanced back towards him, “Well, no. It won’t be the same, but maybe it could be even better.”

Spike flicked his cigarette butt, “I say good for you, Red. If you’re not absolutely happy, then it’s time to get out. Find yourself a new love. Tara was a one in a million. Great girl, always liked that bird.”

Willow’s voice caught, “Thanks, Spike. To be honest I’m not even sure if I want to be in a relationship at all right now. I’m not like actively looking or anything. I just don’t think I see a future for me and Kennedy. Like at all. Maybe I never really did.”.

“Just how it goes sometimes. Take it from someone who knows. Over a hundred years with the same woman and I still stumbled into something far better than I could’ve ever dreamed of.”

“He’s such a romantic,” Buffy smirked.

“There’s also the fact that I really don’t know what you ever saw in Kennedy to begin with. I think you could do infinitely better than that tart, but that’s not really any of my business now is it?”

Willow gaped at Spike, she opened her mouth to speak when Buffy interrupted, “Spike! That isn’t—“ she started to say but trailed off when she noticed him lifting his chin, eyes scanning the cemetery and landing on a spot to the right.

“You got that 3 o’clock there, Pet?”

Buffy snapped her head to her right, “I do now. Thanks, Honey,” she said as she pulled out a stake and ran down the vampire that had just come their way. It was a short fight and Buffy rejoined the group quickly, shaking a little dust off of her top.

“Feels like old times huh?” Xander grinned. He turned towards Spike who simply raised one scarred eyebrow.

“If it’s nostalgia you’re after, I could always try to kill you.”

“Buffy!”

“Don’t make me come back there you two. I won’t hesitate to put you on a leash, Babe.”

Spike couldn’t help the wicked grin forming on his face, “Promises, promises. Still waiting on the collar you promised me years ago.”

“I never promised you a collar. Pretty sure I told you to look into getting a bell. The collar was your idea.”

Xander made a sputtering sound, “Come on, Buff, you gotta be kidding me with this guy and the bondage jokes.”

“Who says we’re joking, Mate? You don’t know what we get up to,” Spike leered with a grin.

“Buffy!”

“Oh knock it off, both of you. Xan, you know you make yourself an easy target.”

Spike snorted, “This coming from the bloke who wanted to use my shackles for happy-fun-times? Don’t think I don’t know what you did on my cot back in Sunnydale, Mate,” he said, laying one finger along the edge of his nose.

“Good god.”

“Spike, you want to put a pin in your gab session? We’ve got work coming our way.”

“Right you are, Pet,” he said, drawing out a stake and assuming a fighting posture as he took his place by Buffy. The two of them squared off with the two vampires as they attacked from behind a crypt. Willow spotted a third vampire running from the fight and with a murmured word and a swipe of her hand the vampire flew back landing directly in front of her and Xander. Xander levelled a crossbow at the vampire just as it kicked out hard, knocking the crossbow to the side, thus sending the bolt flying in the opposite direction. The bolt landed squarely in Spike’s thigh and he let out a sound between a growl and a scream.

“Bloody Hell! Watch it would you!” He growled as he pulled the bolt out of his leg, swearing. He threw the bolt forcefully. Hitting the vampire now grappling for Willow’s neck, squarely in the back, piercing its heart. Willow straightened herself up as the vampire exploded into a cloud of dust.

She turned sharply towards Spike, “Thanks!” She panted as her eyes landed on the hole in his leg, and she grimaced, “Ouch. That looks painful.”

Xander raised his hand tentatively, “My bad! Sorry, Man!”

“Yeah, I've had much worse. I’ll be fine, Red. Just watch it with the wood, would you, Xan? Don’t wanna have to start wearing chainmail around you all the time, ya pillock.”

“It was an accident!”

“Oh yeah, like that’s better!”

Buffy strode up to the three of them, “What was that guys?”

“The boy here needs a refresher on handling a crossbow,” he said, indicating his leg.

“Well, he sure came to the right place,” she shrugged.

Chapter 30 Third Time’s a Charm

When they returned to the castle that night it was to find Faith and Callum in the living room with a movie playing. Buffy was still getting used to the idea of Callum being around more. If nothing else, he seemed to be adjusting to the castle fairly well and quickly too. That was both comforting and a little jarring at the same time.

Faith had apparently just been checking on the prisoner and had left the door to the utility room open as a courtesy to Ruby so she could hear the movie. They had done that a couple times already just to give her some source of entertainment since she had started to calm down. As it turned out, she wasn’t that bad of a captive as captives go. It was true that she hadn’t been exactly courteous or polite, precisely, but she hadn’t been particularly difficult the past day or so.

Faith turned to look at Buffy when she came into the living room, “Hey B, what’s up?”

“We wanted to have a chat with Ruby. We’re giving her a choice. Either Willow is going to ensoul her or I’m going to stake her. Either way it ends tonight.”

Faith clapped her hands grinning, “Finally! I’m getting tired of vamp-sitting!”

“Yeah I think we all are.”

“So this little ginger lass is just going to pop in a soul and that randy little hell-bitch in there will be just like Angel and Spike?” Callum asked.

“More or less. That’s the general idea at least,” Willow answered as she came around the corner into the living room. She had her arms laden with all of the supplies she would need for the spell, “sorry we interrupted movie night.”

“Don’t be. Pretty sure we’ve both seen this movie like six times. It’s no big, Red,” Faith answered as she turned off the TV.

“Oi!”, Ruby shouted from the utility room, “You lot might have seen this film, but I haven’t! What’s going on out there?”

Buffy turned towards Willow, “So what do you need from us?”

Willow shrugged her shoulders, “Not much of anything really. I can do it on the coffee table right here. I’ll do my set up thing. You do your life or death choice-y thing. Then hopefully I’ll get to do my magic thing and we can cut loose the blood sucking fiendish-y thing.”

“Everyone got their things?” Xander asked, raising a hand with a smirk.

“Bloody hell…” Spike rolled his eyes, “Anyone think about where she’s going to stay after we do this? She can’t just stay in there forever, a day or two, fine, but we’re going to have to move her. I don’t see the girls taking kindly to her kipping in Deloris’s bed.”

“What about your place? In the basement,” Faith asked.

“Not exactly the Four Seasons over there” Buffy said dubiously.

“It’ll be quiet. She’ll need that. Not really gonna need a lot of creature comforts, Pet. Some blood and a bed would be good.”

Buffy nodded, “Xan, you think you can handle that?”

“Humm… Sure, yeah. Sure I can. But one question.”

“Yeah?”

“Where am I going?”

“Callum, can you help him out?”

Callum and Xander glanced at each other and Callum nodded, “Sure, I can. You want her on your side or the other?”

“I’m thinkin’ the other side, for now. We don’t need her wandering off.”

He nodded, “Consider it done. Mr Giles got the utilities turned on for me and Angus to get started in there but I’ll need to turn the water main back on. After that, I think I know where to find a camp bed on short notice. Just need to make a call in the morning. See if Gemma still has her old camping gear,” he directed the last statement to Faith and gave her a quick kiss.

“Think this girl has a mini fridge we can put in there?” Xander asked Callum as the two of them headed out.

Faith cleared her throat as she shot a furtive glance towards them, “B, I think maybe I–”

“Go on, play bodyguard. Do a sweep and make sure the boys are safe. Maybe you’ll finally get to meet the best friend!” Buffy teased.

“You know that’s right!” Faith laughed and followed after the two men.

Buffy watched her go, then turned to Spike, “Satisfied?”

He raised an eyebrow, “Most nights, and a couple days a week normally.”

Buffy gave him an exasperated look, “Ass.”

He grinned and curled his tongue sensually, “I’d love some.”

“Hey! Standing right here,” Willow scolded.

Buffy gave an amused little huff, “Down boy. If we’re doing this tonight we better get moving. Are we sure we even want to do this tonight? Even if Callum’s friend does have a cot she can use, it might take a while for the guys to get it set up down there.”

“Good chance she’ll want to just sleep or have a good cry. Probably both. The utility room will be fine until they get that set up,” he said and started towards the room in question, “Coming, Pet?”

“Right behind you.”

***********

Ruby was lounging in the chair as much as her bindings would allow, “I was beginning to wonder when you two would show up again. To what do I owe the pleasure?” she asked silkily.

Buffy shifted her hands to her hips, “Drop it, Ruby, the ice is already pretty thin. We have a proposition for you.”

Ruby rolled her head back with a grin “Sort of like the sound of that. What's this about?”

“Good news, Rubes. The little Mrs and I finally decided what we’re going to do with you.”

“And that is?”

“You have a choice to make. You can either let our mega-witch restore your soul and you come work with us, or I can stake you. The best part is that it’s totally up to you!” Buffy said brightly.

“What exactly is this ‘mega-witch’ going to do to me?'' she asked, a doubtful tone in her voice.

“Hey, if that’s your choice I can have her come in here and explain it to you. Otherwise, we can just get on with the slayage,” Buffy emphasized the statement by twirling a stake in her hand, “Tick-tock.”

Ruby eyed the stake and licked her lips. It wasn't a sensual action this time.

Think we got her nervous, Pet— Spike thought to Buffy as he continued to watch Ruby closely.

“Is that even a real thing? Putting a soul into a vampire? Just pop! It’s back like a bloody rabbit in a sodding hole? Sounds a bit far fetched,” her voice rose gradually, growing slightly hysterical. Buffy was momentarily reminded that less than two weeks ago, Ruby had been an average university student.

“Not exactly, Luv. Feels a bit more like settin’ your body on fire from the inside, although that part doesn’t last long.”

“Is— is that what’s wrong with you?” she asked looking at Spike aghast, “I knew there was something about you. You just seem off— not like the others.”

“What can I say, I wasn’t like the ‘others’ when I was one of the others.”

Buffy snorted a small laugh, “Got that right,” she murmured.

Spike looked at her, “Oi! Who’s side are you on here?”

Buffy raised her eyebrow, “Go on, this is your dog and pony show anyway. I wanted to just do it and get it over with.”

“Damn right. I am the qualified party here,” he turned back towards Ruby, “I know what I’m talking about, and if that’s your choice, then I will be here to help you where I can.”

Ruby huffed out a laugh, “Right and what exactly would you be helping me with?” she said sarcastically.

“Well Deloris, for starters. Any others you might’ve killed in the last few days.”

“What, like I’m supposed to be all weepy about any of that?” she asked.

Spike grinned wickedly, “Yeah, well you’re young. Actually plays in your favor. So what do you say, soul or stake? Makes no difference to us, does it, Love?” he said, glancing at Buffy.

“Nope not to me, might make a difference to your parents and Sheena if she ever wakes up… something to think about.”

“If I agree to this, are you gonna let me go?”

“You’ll have to stay with us for a while. We’re working on temporary living arrangements for you.”

Ruby licked her lips nervously again trying to look around, “Do I get to talk to this witch of yours first?”

“Sure can, if that’s your final decision I’ll get her and she can walk you through it so you’ll know what’s going to happen and we’re not wasting time here.”

Ruby nodded glumly, “Alright. I’m ready. Send in your witch. Let's get this over with,” she said decisively.

Buffy nodded once and turned towards the door, “Hey a, Wills? I’m gonna need you in here for a minute, you got everything set up?”

“Yeppers! What do you need Buff?” she asked as she came towards Buffy in the utility room.

“Ruby here wants to have a chat with the witch who's going to put her soul back in.”

Willow grinned broadly as she took a step inside addressing Ruby, “Good decision. This isn’t my first soul installment, you’re in good hands.”

“I can see that,” Ruby looked at Buffy and Spike, “This pretty little thing is your mega-witch?”

“You got a problem with that?”

“Sassy one too,” she breathed, “You sure did a number on this guy here didn’t you?”

Willow looked towards Spike with mild confusion, “Eh… No, actually... He did that all by himself.”

Ruby’s eyebrows went up looking at Spike again, “Okay— so again, I say: you’re definitely kind of a weird one.”

“Oh come on. It was supposed to be a grand gesture— an act of love,” Spike complained with a slight whine to his voice.

Buffy patted him on the shoulder, “Yes, much better than flowers. You did it for love and honor and all of those good— very chivalrous things, and definitely a few not so chivalrous reasons too.”

“I— Humm— well, yeah, alright I’ll give you that. That’s fair. Not exactly selfless,” he nodded, “Look Ruby-red-shoes, the only reason I insisted on asking at all is because I believe you should have a choice. These two are all for just shoving your soul right back in without asking. They’ve done it before. I know it’s a personal matter, so that’s why I thought you should have a say.”

“What do I have to do?” Ruby asked, looking at Willow.

Willow cleared her throat nervously, “Humm, nothing. I do it all. You just sit there.”

“Will it hurt? He said something about fire.”

Willow looked questioningly at Buffy and Spike.

Buffy shrugged and shook her head, “I’m not sure, maybe a little. Angel just seemed way confused and his memory was all wonky— of course then I… well you know…” she grimaced at Willow.

“Yeah, way bad example…” Willow turned to Spike, “How about you?”

“Felt like having lava poured into my head and chest. So yeah, it hurt. For about a minute. But I’m not cursed. I got mine a different way so it might not be the same. Either way, you’re a vampire, you’ll be fine. You’ll live, well sorta. It’s the guilt and remorse afterwards; that is what’ll get ya.”

“Cursed? This is a curse? You want to curse me?”

“That’s what you heard??”

Willow stepped in, “Ruby, I promise, it’s not as bad as it sounds. Ok so maybe the original version was because it’s a super big, no-happy deal, but that’s why I changed it. This one I’m doing for you should be loads better.”

Ruby visibly relaxed as she watched Willow, “Alright, you got me, I’m listening.”

Willow brushed her hair back nervously and cleared her throat, “Hum, yeah, ok so. You will be cursed with a soul as long as you never experience the true joy of sunlight.”

“You do know I’m a vampire right?”

Willow grinned, “Yeah, I caught on to that. That’s why it’s such a great loophole! You can still love and be happy and have an unlife, just like Spike, and you don’t lose out on anything that you’re really going to miss because of the whole vampire flambé thing!” Willow said very excitedly in her usual bubbly way.

Ruby’s light gray eyes sparkled as she watched Willow, “Brainy, beautiful and powerful; the perfect combination… Do you always glow like that when you get excited about something?”

Willow cleared her throat again, “Humm– Ok then, I’m just— yeah… I’ll just humm… go get started.”

Ruby watched her with amusement as Willow went back out into the living room. Then she turned back to Spike and Buffy, “She seeing anyone?”

“Aren’t you done with the super-sex-vamp thing yet?” Buffy rolled her eyes.

“That wasn’t what that was. She’s just really… and the smell of her…” she groaned.

Spike growled, “That’s my girl’s best friend you’re talking about there. Got to teach you some etiquette. Just because someone smells like dessert, it don’t mean you have to comment on it. It’s not polite.”

Buffy and Ruby both looked at Spike questionably. “Polite?” Ruby asked.

Buffy didn’t comment but she did give Spike an annoyed glare at his blatant hypocrisy. He was constantly telling her how her scent drove him mad. Of course that was usually when they were alone so maybe he had a point. She sure didn’t mind him defending Willow; that part was actually sort of sweet.

“Yeah I got a question about that, what did you guys do to me anyway? What was that sex thing? I’m not usually so… well like that. Not even now,” she glanced up at Spike, “I don’t even know why I was hitting on you, that was just weird. You’re definitely not my type…”

“You fed off of a Slayer, you killed her, that’s what happened. It was her blood that did it.”

“Weird… knew she was tasty but that was just… incredible… freeing.”

“Yeah well there won’t be anymore of that.”

“Right, this soul thing… Still sounds daft, even after talking with Pretty-Red-Riding-Hood, out there, ” she rolled her eyes, ”Suppose that means I’ll be living off of that sodding pig's blood you’ve been bringing me then?”

“Yup,” Buffy answered absently as she watched Willow start chanting the spell in the living room.

Spike kicked Ruby’s shin lightly, drawing her attention back to him, “You’ll have a new appreciation for it when Red’s finished. You’ll need some time and I’ll be around. Don’t worry ‘bout the blood thing, I’ll show you some ways to make the blood taste better. Wont be Slayer blood but you can’t be an annoyingly horny mess all the time now can you?”

Ruby choked on a laugh, “No, I guess not.”

“Trust me, restraint is your friend. It will keep you alive and keep your head in the game.”

Buffy’s eyebrows furrowed, there had been times in the past when he seemed like restraint wasn’t a word in his vocabulary and yet she knew he must have it in spades. Whether it was something he exercised over the course of his life at key moments or if it was a lesson he learned more fully when he had been chipped, he had proven it was a part of him as much as his love for / killing demons with feral abandon.

Spike turned towards Buffy, “Can you quiet that down there, Pet. Trying to have a serious conversation with my new student here.”

Buffy hadn’t even realized she had been projecting her thoughts that forcefully, “Sorry, babe.”

“S’alright.”

“What is going on with you two?”

“Long story. Right now let’s work on some ground rules. I’m the teacher, you’re the student. Got it?”

“You?”

“Well yeah, part of the deal is we’ll be working together.”

“Are you going to like Obi-Wan me?”

“Sure, if that helps. I can teach you the ways of the Force,” he rolled his eyes and glanced at Buffy, “Why do we always seem to find the geeks?”

“Beats me.”

“So what if I like Star Wars?”

“Films are fine and good, it’s the obsession I don’t get.”

Buffy turned to him, “You, William the Bloody Slayer of Slayers doesn’t understand obsession?”

“That was different. I’m talking about all this geeky stuff. You Know the sort that Xander and Andrew are into. Geek stuff.”

“I have two words for you: Classic Horror,” she smirked, “Don’t even try to deny it. I know you’re a classic horror junky.”

He shrugged, “Yeah, maybe a bit…”

Ruby watched them both critically, “Are you two always like this?”

They both shrugged.

“Pretty much”

“Yeah.”

“Is it too late to choose the stake?”

Buffy pulled her stake back up, “It’s never too late for a good stake.”

Ruby recoiled with wide eyes, “No, no. I’ll stick with my original decision. I’d rather hang out with you nicey nice types than be a pile of dust thank you.”

Just then Willow came back to the door. “What’s up, Will?”

“Sorry for the delay guys, I had to make a few adjustments to account for the changes I made. I need to grab a few things and we’ll be back on track.”

Buffy nudged Willow out of the door, back into the large living room, “Everything ok?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. Just a little over compensating I think. The spell didn’t want to work before but I think it will now I got the block figured out. Do we think she’s related to Angel? I just–”

“Ehh, I don’t know how many in their bloodline are left now but I don’t think Spike is out turning people again if that’s what you’re getting at.”

“No, no, that’s not what I meant. I mean that the original spell was made specifically for Angel. Meaning that they did their research on him and made his bloodline part of the spell. I tried to make it more general so the bloodline thing wouldn’t matter. That’s what I need to adjust, I need to switch it back because it’s not working for her. Either I goofed, or she’s related.”

“Will, if you need more time– maybe we should do this in the morning?”

“No Buffy, I really want to do this tonight. She’s going to need some time to adjust and I want to make sure she’s going to be alright before I go back to Rome. A lot of it she is going to have to do on her own but I think I have a few spells that might help her through the worst of it too.”

“I don’t want you overdoing it, Will. Ruby will still be here in the morning.”

Willow shook her head, “There’s something about her Buffy, she deserves better. I can feel it. I think she’s going to be a good one. I just have to grab a few things.and we’ll be back in business, okay?”

“Okay, and the flirting doesn't have anything to do with it? Because she’s been hitting on everyone.”

“Wha– No, no Buff, it’s not like that– okay, she’s humm intriguing.. She’s– humm.”

“Humm?”

“Don’t go getting me all confused. I’m trying to get out of a deadend relationship not get into one with a–”

“Drop-dead-hottie?”

Willow glared.

Buffy gave her a bemused grin, “Who said anything about a relationship anyway?”

“I am not having this conversation.”

“Huh right…”

“Getting what I need and getting Ruby souled so she can work through this while you still have magical backup– that’s all this is.”

“Yup– Got it,” her tone was a little too knowing.

Willow was really getting annoyed now, “Buffy– I’m not–”

“Relax Will. I’m only joking. Aside from liking Star Wars we really don’t know what we’re dealing with. Who knows how this soul thing is going to work out for her anyway. Angel is a totally different person without his, whereas Spike is more or less the same just with a working moral compass and a renewed love for poetry. I’m just messing with you.”

“Not flustered. Just— ok focusing time.”

“Sure thing Will. I’ll let you have your space, I know you know what you’re doing.”

“You bet I do.”

When she returned to the utility room, Spike and Ruby were deep in an animated conversation. They seemed to be getting along relatively well all things considered. It took her a moment to realise they were talking about Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. She knew it was one of his favourites but to hear him arguing points of the book with Ruby was throwing her for a loop. Not to mention the fact that a couple of vampires were now discussing physical manifestations of sin. Buffy blinked a few times before turning back towards the living room. Willow was back and looked like she was writing something down in a notebook. She nodded once and looked up to find Buffy still watching her.

Willow threw her a thumbs-up and grinned, “Should be good to go now!”

Buffy turned back towards Spike and Ruby, “Heads up, Willow’s ready to get chanty.”

“Yeah alright,” Spike answered her before resuming their conversation.

Buffy rolled her eyes at the two of them. Priorities.

After several minutes the two of them were still arguing over some of the more philosophical points of the book when Ruby let out a huff, “So when will this–” She gasped suddenly.

Her chest heaving against her restraints and her hands gripping at the arms of the chair. Ruby’s eyes suddenly glowed with a bright white-gold light. She threw her head back, her face contorted in pain. She tensed against her restraints, the ropes biting into the skin on her arms. She let out a howl of pain as the light from her eyes intensified. The shackles had cut into her wrist as she pulled at them in her agony.

Buffy shot a glance over to Spike, he looked like he wanted to run screaming. His hands were gripped at his sides, knuckles popping. His jaw was clenched against the roiling emotions coming off of him. Buffy gasped as an odd mix of pain, rage, concern and self loathing hit her coming off of him and he caught her eye. He snapped his head back to Ruby just as she screamed again in excruciating pain.

Then without warning the bright light faded and she collapsed in the chair, head lulling down and her hair obscuring her face.

Spike reached out a shaky hand to gently pull her chin up, “Ruby? You alright there?”

Ruby didn’t seem to hear him. Her eyes were wide like a scared animal, gasping and panting like her lungs didn’t get the message that her body didn’t need oxygen. She was starting to panic, “W- where, where am I?” she gasped, she struggled against her bindings. “Please, please don’t! Hurt me! Don’t kill me!”

“Ruby, you’re safe, don’t you remember–” Buffy started but Ruby just became more agitated.

“Oh God it hurts, it hurts… What are you doing to me?” she wailed and tears started to streak her face, “Where’s– where are Meg and Dylan? Who are you? Where are my friends? Where is—“ she shrieked hysterically, dissolving into tears. She thrashed harder and let out an ear splitting scream.

“Buffy, the keys. Get these shackles off of the girl,” he growled as he started working on the ropes holding her down.

Buffy pulled the keys off a hook on the wall, “Willow!?” Buffy called to the living room.

“What’s wrong?” Willow quickly strode over to her looking worried.

“She’s having a panic attack— is there anything you can do?”

“There’s a calming spell but it’s– I don’t think it will work for this–.”

Buffy tossed the keys to Spike, who caught them one handed, “Bloody hell…” he murmured as he freed her. Ruby slumped down onto the floor and Spike caught her.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have… I’m so sorry…it hurts…burns… God it burns…” Her head slumped, “Oh God, oh God, oh God…” she started muttering over and over again. Ruby shook all over as she kept sobbing, “W– w- where am I? I—- was with—“ Ruby tilted her face up towards Willow. Her face streaked with tears, “La—Lauren?” she asked weakly before gasping in horror. She suddenly surged towards Willow. She grabbed onto Willow’s long skirt, “Oh God Lauren… I’m so sorry…” she wailed, still clutching onto her. Startled, Willow tried pulling away but Ruby’s grip was strong. Spike grabbed Ruby, pulling her back and forcing her down to the floor. Ruby made one more feeble reach for Willow as he jerked her back towards him and fell on his butt with Ruby more or less in his lap. She clutched at Spike’s shirt again, dissolving into fresh sobbs, “Ohh– oh no. no. no. no. no. oh— Ohh no, no— what have I done?… what– oh God– it hurts— oh God– what– what have I—”

“What do we do now?” Buffy asked, concern etched on her face, “Spike?”

“What?” He seemed rattled, “J-just give her a bit.”

“Well what do you think, should we get her anything or just leave her here? Is it safe?”

Spike had turned his attention back to Ruby who had her face hidden in his shirt. Still sobbing and ranting incoherently.

“Spike, honey, snap out of it.”

“Right, eh what was the question?”

“Do you think it's safe to leave her in here alone? And should we get her anything? How long do you think she’ll be like this?”

Her questions didn’t seem to be registering in his brain, “Things are pretty rough for the first— well, a while.”

“Humm, okay…”

“Course, might not take so long for her since she’s so young.”

“Spike has a good point. Her body and soul haven’t been separated long… She’ll need some rest for sure.”

Spike looked up at Buffy, still cradling Ruby to his chest. She was quietly sobbing into his shirt but she was much calmer. He shook his head, coming back to the situation at hand, “Right. Rest. Buffy, you mind fetching a sleeping bag, a couple of blankets and pillows. She can kip in here today. Probably best if we leave her, but keep someone close in the living room to keep an eye on her when she’s ready to come out. Make sure you don’t leave that stake of yours behind.”

“Got it. You want to take the first shift?”

“Be daylight soon.”

Buffy checked her watch, he was right of course. She knew it was late but with everything going on she hadn’t even thought about sleep. Now she was suddenly feeling very tired, “Maybe one of the girls—“

“Dunno if that’s wise. Few of ‘em have been taking things pretty personal.”

“You mean Zari.”

“Especially Zari, my money is on her for knocking Rubes here about.”

“Well, we could—“

“I’ll do it.”

Buffy turned to Willow, “Oh no, that’s alright. We can totally—“

“No it’s ok, really. I slept most of the way here. All I’d have to do is just hang out on the couch right?”

“Yeah basically but really, Wil, Spike and I can handle it. We’ve slept down here before.”

Willow eyed Ruby, still quietly crying, “No. I’ll stay. I know it was her choice but I still did this to her… I sort of feel— responsible for her I guess.”

“You win, Red.”

“I’ll get the bedding,” Buffy said quietly as she headed out of the cramped room.

“Do you think she needs anything? Tea, blood, anything like that?”

“Doubt it, I didn’t eat for a couple of days after the fact. Couldn’t. Then when I did… Even then… well— small animals, goats and rats and such were pretty much it- well until the First got its hooks into me— course I didn’t know it… far as I knew that was all I’d had before Buffy found me.”

Willow nodded, “Yeah, I have a pretty good memory of that, well the part I was around for anyway.”

Spike looked down at Ruby. Her hand had relaxed and her face was hidden behind her hair, but she had nearly stopped shaking now, “Think she’s nearly out.”

“I’m sure the snuggles help.”

He huffed out a little laugh, “Hardly, what I’d call a snuggle. I pulled her back and she just sort of latched on.”

“Who do you think Lauren is?” Willow asked softly.

“No idea, I’d say a ginger if I had to guess.”

“Yeah… probably… do you really think she would try to hurt herself?”

“Why not? I did… didn’t go so far as to stake myself; obviously— would have been nice to have someone take the sharp objects away from me before I tried to slice my chest open a few times though.”

“Oh my God, Spike, I—“

“Water under the bridge now.”

“Does Buffy know?”

“Course. Few things she doesn’t. Think we’ve both put the whole death-wish thing behind us finally. Well it’s always there a bit for a Slayer of course but she’s a hell of a lot better these days.”

“What did you say?”

“Well not that it’s all blood and peaches but we’re both doing better. Mostly. This thing’s got my head spinning a bit o’course,” he explained, gesturing towards the vampire still curled against his chest.

“You said death-wish. Why say it like that? Specifically.”

“You’re hung up on the phrasing?”

“Yes, why say ‘Death-wish’ and not suicidal or depressed?”

“Cause that’s not what it is. They just have this— it’s like they’re just programmed to accept death when it comes for them. It’s just something about Slayers; they've all got it.”

Willow gaped at him.

“You want to tell me what the goldfish act is for?”

“I humm… just an idea— Brain is a little slushy too so it might not be anything.”

“Right, like I’m going to believe that one.”

“What’s taking Buffy so long anyway?”

“All the extra stuff is in the closet on the fifth floor.”

“Oh… Right.”

Spike shifted Ruby in his arms. She had started muttering again, “Hurts— it hurts—“

“Shhh… I know it does. It’ll pass.”

“Why does it hurt so much?”

“It’s just part of the deal… you’re in the worst of it now, it’ll get better, little at a time.”

Ruby cried harder as Willow continued to watch the two vampires huddled on the floor. The last time she had restored Angel’s soul he had been a little shaky but otherwise fine, probably because he had been used to having a soul by then. Ruby hadn’t been dead long but she had clearly done things that were causing her pain now. The whole thing was hard to watch and even worse to hear as Spike tried to keep her calm.

Buffy returned about a minute later with a sleeping bag, some pillows and two extra blankets. They got Ruby situated on the floor against the wall as comfortably as possible. Aside from a few whimpers and a renewed round of quiet sobs, she barely stirred as Spike laid her down like a child. He stood up stiffly as Willow laid the blankets over her. The three of them backed out of the small room to leave her alone in the quiet space.

Buffy turned towards Spike, his face was unreadable, she pushed her awareness towards him and his head snapped towards her, “Buffy—“

She narrowed her eyes at him, he was blocking her out. Spike took a deep breath, “I’m alright. Girl will be alright. It’s fine. Would you bloody well stop looking at me like that?” he groused.

“Why are you blocking me?”

“I’m sorry, Love. I think I just need a minute— sort things out a bit— it’s crowded enough in here without you poking round too,” he tapped his temple, “Just need a bit of quiet— I’m gonna grab a smoke.”

“Sun will be up soon.”

“Go on, Pet. I’ll be up; right now I just need a breather—“

“Spike—“ she pleaded as he walked away towards the kitchen and the back door.

Buffy turned back to her friend looking worried.

“What’s up with him?”

Buffy shook her head, “I’m not sure, but I think seeing her like that is just reminding him of what he went through.”

Willow shook her head and scoffed, “No not that, of course it does! He hasn’t opened up that much in front of me since the whole chip thing.”

“Humm okay…”

“I meant the part about you poking around in his head.”

“Just a figure speech—“

“This is me, Buffy. It’s Willow.”

Buffy shrugged one shoulder, “You’re right. It wasn’t a figure of speech. He means literally. Well sort of— it’s mostly just surface thoughts and emotions. He can do it to me too… We haven’t tried going deeper than that, because you know— kind of rude right?”

“You wouldn’t actually push further right, Buffy? Because that’s just— I learned my lesson with that kind of stuff and goddess Buffy just trust me. You don’t want to push or take advantage of that.”

“It’s not like that. I was just trying to get a read on his surface emotions. We do it all the time. I just don’t like seeing him like that, that's all.”

Willow looked at her friend critically, “So you gonna tell me what’s going on? Does this have to do with Paris?”

“It seems like everything goes back to Paris.”

“Well I’m not totally surprised. Again, I kind of had my suspicions.”

It was Buffy’s turn to raise an eyebrow, “And you didn’t think it was worth mentioning?”

Willow shrugged, “I didn’t have any proof to back it up and I figured that you guys would say something! I mean I am your trusty dial-a-witch, right? I’m like your personal physician— you’re supposed to tell me things! Something mystical is going on: I’m supposed to know. Does Giles know about this?”

Buffy shook her head, “Oh god no! No, no, no, no. I really, really don’t think he could handle being in the same room with us knowing that we share a psychosexual-mental-linky thing.”

Willow‘s eyes widened, “Oh wow. It’s like that, huhh?”

Buffy nodded “Well sort of how it started—“ Buffy moved over to the couch and they both sat down. Buffy cleared her throat, “We’ve been working on it. I’ve been using some of those meditation techniques you taught me and we’ve been sort of— honing it into a more reliable psychic connection. We can kind of do that walkie-talkie mind thing you do but just with each other and only if we’re pretty close, like touching or at least in the same room.”

Willow nodded her understanding. She could see how that could happen, “Well, now your dial-a-witch is on the case. Maybe I can help you with that.”

Buffy nodded and then glanced towards the direction Spike had left, “I appreciate that, Wills; but this has him really rattled. He might need a little time.”

Willow shrugged, “Xander and I are going to be here for as long as you need us… ok no, we’re not, I told the library that I’d be gone for a week. So yeah, you have me for a week,” she laughed. Buffy chuckled too. “All right, if nothing else, I can show you a few more techniques and maybe a spell or two, you guys can try on your own. Simple stuff you guys can handle when you’re ready, seriously no rush, okay? I can’t leave my bestie high and dry!”

Buffy smiled at that, “Thanks. You know, it’s funny, even with this connection— Sometimes he can still be… really guarded.”

“Oh and I bet you’re just an open book all the time.”

“He can usually read me like one. Even before this,” she smiled, “But no, I guess you have a point. We’re both sort of like that, aren’t we? Just in different ways,” she sighed a little, “Hell, anyway, it’s been a seriously long night. I think sleep is in order.”

Willow nodded in agreement. Pulling the blue and green tartan blanket off of the edge of the couch she settled down facing towards the utility room, “I’ll be fine down here, no big, Buff. Spike will be fine; you’ll be fine. You’ll see August will be a fresh start.”

Buffy slapped her face, “Oh God— the shopping trip.”

Willow looked at her curiously, “Shopping trip? I thought you said you guys were going to cancel that.”

“Not officially. We were going to ask the girls and see if anybody was interested. We thought maybe a few of them might still wanna get out for a bit— get away from things. I completely forgot to even ask them about it. We’ll have to do that like— yeah, I don’t know… Brain hurts, I don’t even want to go there right now. We’ll just have to get it sorted out tomorrow…”

Willow smirked, “Sort it out, huh? I think you’ve been hanging out with your British boyfriend a little too much.”

She grinned at that, “Shut up, Wills. Yeah I probably have. I have him, Giles and Faith and that’s about it. So yeah I guess I am starting to pick up on a few things. Haha. What has he done to me?”

“What, indeed?” Willow giggled, “Alright you get some sleep; maybe we can do a late afternoon trip or something. I could totally do some shopping. I think you could too… retail therapy could be a good.”

Buffy gave her friend a sad smile, “Yeah maybe. We’ll see. Spike can stay here with Ruby. He seems really protective of her.”

“Yeah I noticed.”

Buffy shrugged, “He’s close to Sheena, I think he’s feeling guilty. I know I am. I don’t know… that’s part of what he’s blocking from me so really I don’t know.”

“Definitely sounds like you two need to have a talk.”

“Yeah, I know. We have a lot of those,” Buffy laughed darkly.

“Yeah well I imagine with the amount of ground you two have to cover you could probably have those heart-to-heart chats for the next hundred years.”

“Ha ha, now there’s a thought!” Buffy stifled a yawn and Willow mimicked her.

“Gahh! Stop that!”

“Yeah I should probably head upstairs, Spike will probably be up soon he’s cutting it close. I'm just gonna wait for him and get some sleep. Then I guess we’re gonna see if the girls wanna go shopping. Not really the first thing I wanted to do but…”

“If it’s late enough I’ll go with you, sounds like fun.”

Buffy shrugged a shoulder, “The only reason I’m even thinking about going is because I need to get Spike a birthday present. I have no idea what to get him.”

“Yeah good luck with that.”

“All right… night or morning or… yeah I think I’m on vampire time. Okay, I’m gonna go to sleep. See you later!”

“Later!”

“Oh, Will?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t let Ruby into the kitchen for now, ok?”

“Sure, Buff.”

Chapter 31 Open Up

Buffy was sitting up on their bed when Spike returned to their room. She had already gotten changed and was just waiting for him. Sitting there in a little tank top and a pair of tiny cotton shorts that looked a little bit like men’s boxers.

Spike dropped his jacket on the back of the chair he usually kept it on and started over to her. Buffy immediately went up onto her knees on the bed and beckoned him forward.

“I thought you’d be asleep.”

“Are you alright?”

Spike sat down on the bed next to her, “Sorry about earlier, Love.”

“You were really starting to worry me.”

“Oh, I had myself a beer in the kitchen. Still a bit of blood on the floor in there… going to have to get something to get the stain out…” he hesitated, “Checked on Red and Ruby. They’re both out cold.”

Buffy nodded. She was really tired but she had been worried when the sun started to shine through the window and he still wasn’t back, “So are you ready to talk to me?” she asked.

“Would be if I wasn’t so knackered.”

“I kind of feel you on that one… Spike, are we good?”

He looked at her a little surprised, “Course we’re good. Why wouldn’t we be?”

She rocked back to sit on the bed again but didn’t let go, “I don’t know. I don’t really know why you’re keeping me out. I wasn’t trying to pry, I was just—.”

Spike shook his head and put a tender hand on the side of her neck, “It’s nothing to do with us, Love. This is all me. All my baggage. Just seeing Ruby like that tonight— sort of dredged up a bit of that mess for me again. Wasn’t exactly a picnic you know? I wasn’t expecting her to go off like that.”

She nodded her head, “I kind of thought it was something like that. I’m just, I don’t know, I guess I got used to feeling you; being connected and being able to just sort of reach out and know what you’re feeling and sometimes what you’re thinking— and tonight when you blocked me out— that was gone and it kind of freaked me out.”

Spike pulled her into him, “Not my intent, Love. I was just— it’s really noisy up in here. I just didn’t want the extra foot traffic.”

“Okay, but seriously that makes it sound like you have like a dozen people living in your head. You know that right?”

Spike chuckled, “Not exactly. It’s true I got— well there's me and then there’s the demon-me, and then this— other voice— my conscience I guess— my soul— but yeah it’s in there too. But it’s not— It’s like those old cartoons, you know where you got the guy with the demon and the angel; one on each shoulder? It’s like that, Pet. It’s nothing new. Nothing too absurd and it’s certainly nothing to worry about. It’s not like the demon part of me is telling me to ‘hunt, kill, eat,’— okay, well yeah it does, but I get my dose of violence and it keeps quiet. I’m alright. Really, I am.”

“Three is better than a dozen.”

He laughed, “It’s all just me.”

Buffy watched his eyes, “I know, I’m just teasing.”

“You look tired, Lamb.”

“I am tired, you dolt. I stayed up waiting for you. Are you going to snuggle in with me?”

“Give me a few minutes and I will,” he leaned in to kiss her.

Buffy reached a hand to the back of his neck to deepen the kiss. Spike allowed himself to melt into her and felt his mental walls crumbling a little.

Buffy broke the kiss, breathing hard and gave him a hard look, “That’s a little better… getting there.”

“Oh, trust me, Love, it’s probably for the best if I keep things under wraps a bit longer. I’m just trying to protect you.”

Buffy shook her head, “Spike, you don’t need to protect me, not from you, not like this. We’re supposed to take this stuff on together. It’s not one sided.”

“I hear you say it, Pet, I just… I don’t know if you understand what all that means.”

She dropped her hand from his neck, down to the bed, “That’s all the more reason you need to share this kind of stuff with me. How can I help you if I don’t understand? How can I understand if you won’t open up?”

“I’m just—“

“Just what?”

“I’m afraid, alright? I’m still terrified I’m going to muck this all up and lose you.”

“Babe, it’s me. I’m not going anywhere. What are you afraid of?”

“I’m afraid you won’t feel the same about me.”

“Well, yeah you’re probably right. I probably won’t but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. Maybe it would mean that we get even closer.”

“And what if it means you want nothing to do with me?”

“Spike, we’ve sort of talked about this already; I’ve read your files. You’ve told me a ton about your past. I pretty much know what you’ve done over the past 130 years.”

“That’s all well and good. Knowing what I did and feeling what I did— how it felt when I did them and how I feel about it now—- those are very different things and it’s messy. I just don’t want to put all that on you. You carry enough of your own baggage, you don’t need mine too.”

“Whether you share it or not, I’m still carrying it, you know that right? We’re in this together. It’s you and me. It’s us. Got it? And yeah maybe… maybe all of it— all at once would be a way big-bad-idea, but that’s no reason to completely block me out. Maybe just give me little bits here and there, let me help you through whatever is bothering you in the moment and we’ll get through it together. How’s that sound?”

He nodded, “I don’t deserve you.”

“This better not be the part where you tell me I deserve better and you break-up with me.”

“Are you daft? I don’t deserve you but it certainly doesn’t mean I’m stupid enough to throw away the best thing in my unlife. You want to get rid of me, you'll likely have to stake me first, Slayer. I’m yours, you’re stuck with me now.”

She gave a tired laugh, “Okay, but no more solid wall blocking. If you feel like you have to put up a wall, just make sure it has a door or a window or something for me, okay?”

“Sure, Pet, I’ll work on that; one Buffy door coming up.”

She laid down, snuggling under the covers yawning, “Okay, good. As long as we’re good.”

The corner of Spike’s mouth curved into a slight smile, “Course we are.”

**********************

Willow awoke with a start to find Ruby standing over her. She had one of the blankets wrapped tightly around her giving her the look of a small child looking for reassurance after a bad dream. Her eyes were red rimmed and she looked exceptionally pale. She shuffled her feet timidly, reinforcing the childlike appearance.

“Ruby?” Willow asked groggily as she sat up a little straighter and adjusted her tank top for modesty sake, “Are you alright?”

Ruby stared at her blankly, but nodded, “I humm, I think so…” her voice was so quiet, Willow could barely make it out. “You’re not Lauren—“

“No I’m not. Do you remember me?”

She nodded, “The witch. Humm… Willow right?”

Willow gave her a small smile, “Good because introductions would have been super awkward.”

Ruby blinked as the attempted joke rolled off of her like water on a duck's back.

Willow shifted, “Ruby? Did you need something?”

Ruby collapsed into one of the barrel chairs glumly. She looked as though all the energy had been drained from her. She shook her head a little and looked back up at Willow, “I was trying to make sense of everything… I feel like I’ve been sleeping for a week.”

Willow looked at her watch, “Hate to break it to you but it’s only been about four hours.”

“Really?”

“Yeah… how are you doing? I wasn’t really expecting you to be up and around so soon.”

“I don’t think I’d say I’m up and about… I’m pretty fuzzy— I’m not really sure what’s going on… but at the same time, I— I think—-“ She hesitated, “I think— I did some pretty horrible things,” her voice was quiet. Ruby tapped the side of her head, “The things in here— hurting Sheena, killing that girl…” she hesitated again and let out a sob, “Lauren,” she choked on the name.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Ruby shook her head and let a few more tears fall. She was quiet and distant, very different from the Ruby they had seen so far.

“Can I get you anything? A cup of tea? Do you need blood? Do you need—“

Ruby‘s eyes shot up to Willow at the mention of blood and she looked like she might be sick. Willow made a small move as though she wanted to go to Ruby but she thought better of it, “I don’t mean— I meant pigs blood out of the refrigerator— You’ll need it for strength. Would you like me to get you some?”

Ruby shook her head, “No. I don't think I could eat. Maybe some tea,” she said quietly.

“I’ll just make a full pot. Remote is there if you want to watch some TV. I’ll just be a few minutes, alright? Don’t wander off, I’ll be right back. We can have a little tea party and chat… if you want.”

Ruby nodded, “Ta,” and pulled the blanket tighter around herself.

Willow shot her what she hoped was a reassuring smile, “I promise I won’t be long.”

Willow was just pouring the water into the tea pot when Ruby wandered in, still wrapped in the blanket.

Willow turned around sternly with the pot of tea in her hands, “I told you to wait in the living room.”

Ruby‘s gray eyes widened as they landed on the corner she had deposited Sheena and Deloris in after their fight. “Fight”, wasn’t really the right word. She had manipulated her baby sister into letting her into the castle and threw her across the room once she had crossed the threshold. Then she had taken Deloris by surprise when she had turned to check on her friend instinctively. It was a cheap shot and Ruby had gone in for the kill without even thinking about it. Having Deloris there and taking her blood; feasting on her. The scream Deloris made. The taste of her warm slayer blood filling her mouth like ambrosia.

Her mouth watered on instinct and yet her newly restored soul recoiled violently against the memory. Ruby turned, running back out into the entryway and threw up a puddle of blood and bile on the stone floor. She collapsed in a heap next to the vomit and started convulsing with sobs. She was wailing so hard Willow was afraid she would wake everyone in the castle.

Willow came running out behind her rubbing her back through the blanket. She tried pulling her up but Ruby wasn’t being cooperative. Willow tried wrapping her arms around Ruby, almost like she was trying to give her a hug and pulled her up into a standing position. Ruby’s legs shook as she stood.

Willow readjusted her as best she could with her arm around her waist. Ruby slipped into her arms easily despite still rambling off lamentations between sobs. It suddenly hit Willow that she was built a lot like Tara. Her soft form pressed into her felt like the missing piece of a puzzle. A sobbing nearly insane puzzle.

What the hell is wrong with me!? Willow thought. She cleared her throat “Come on, let's get you comfy cozy. I’ll clean up the yuck.”

“I think I just—“

“Why don’t we get you back down in the utility room? You can have some quiet in there, maybe even sleep.”

“Shee-shee— oh God I hurt Shee-shee—“ Ruby cried. Willow helped her back onto the sleeping bag and watched as she huddled into a ball of blankets rocking back-and-forth, her instincts told her she should go to her. Wrap her in her arms and let her cry it out. But that thought was ridiculous. She definitely should not be having thoughts like this about the broken vampire in front of her. The vampire she had broken. Willow was fighting back tears of her own now. Ruby pulled her out of her thoughts when she realized she was talking again.

“That— that girl— that Slayer— she was her friend. Oh God, Shee-shee— I’m so sorry—“ Ruby slumped down onto her side still muttering but she no longer seemed to realize Willow was there with her.

Unsure of what to do, Willow left her alone. Ruby didn’t give any indication she noticed her go. Willow made her way back out to the entryway to clean up the mess Ruby had left behind and then went back into the kitchen to pour herself a cup of tea. Even though she didn’t really know her, seeing Ruby like that was hard. It was hard to watch anyone so miserable. But then to have those inappropriate thoughts invading her mind like that. Her soft yet firm body pressed into her. Her beautiful pale skin and light gray eyes in direct contrast to her dark, nearly black hair.

She shook her head and sighed as she finished a second cup of tea. She was sure the other occupants of the castle would start stirring soon. Maybe she could still squeeze in a little more sleep; or at least stand guard over Ruby. With that in mind, Willow made her way back to the living room couch, unsure if sleep would come before the girls woke her up.

*************

It was well into the afternoon by the time Buffy gathered the girls in the training room on the second floor. She thought it would be best for the girls to hear about Ruby’s ensoulment from her. There was a general wash of confusion among the girls. Buffy didn’t miss the anger and disappointment that passed over Zari’s face. It was natural to want revenge on the creature that had killed Deloris but at the same time she was still Sheena’s sister and if there was any hope for her at all, this was it. Buffy just hoped Sheena would regain consciousness.

“As you all know, the Level 4’s are going to be leaving in a few days. I don’t know if any of you are up to it or maybe just need to get out of the castle but Willow, and I are planning on heading into town for a little retail therapy. The van will be leaving in about an hour if you want to go.”

“What about the vampire?” Zari asked.

“I’m assuming you mean Ruby. She’s Sheena’s sister and she’s being handled. Faith is back and she’ll be sticking around with Spike while Callum and Xander take care of a few things. I don’t want any of you near her right now, we have this handled.”

“She killed one of our own and Sheena is in the hospital and you go and reward her with a soul?”

“Trust me, this is no reward. It’s a curse and it’s far from happy. It’s more like mental torture. She’s in a lot of pain right now, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Even knowing that she still chose to go through with it and work with us so cut her some slack. She’s going to be hanging around for a while and eventually training with us too.”

The girls were silent, Buffy knew they still weren’t happy about it but at least they were starting to come around a little.

*****************

An hour and a half later Buffy found herself walking along the streets of town with Willow. She was surprised by the number of girls that had ultimately decided to go.

They had just got themselves some coffee. Despite the lack of sleep the night before they were enjoying the time together to just catch up. A pang of guilt hit Buffy as she realized that they really hadn’t done anything like this in months and even then their interactions had been strained. Buffy hadn’t really thought about it but Spike’s death had really affected every aspect of her life, including her friendships.

Willow shot Buffy a look. “What?” Buffy asked.

“This trip with Spike has been really good for you. I don’t remember the last time I saw you like this… maybe in the beginning with Riley but then there was the whole keeping secrets thing and that was just all stress-y.”

“Yeah. I mean this trip hasn’t exactly gone according to plan, but seriously I’m happier than I’ve ever been. It’s so weird.”

“Nah, you love someone who loves you back, heart and soul. That’s… goddess Buffy, that's what I lost, that’s what I’m looking for again.”

“Wills, I know you’ll find it. Ruby seems to like you,” Buffy joked.

Willow had been trying very hard to put her inappropriate thoughts about Ruby to the back of her mind. “Yeah, that's a big world of ‘NO’. I’m definitely not ready for anything, like at all. And she’s in an obviously really bad place right now anyway Buffy, you saw her last night but you didn’t see her this morning…”

“No but I’ve seen what it did to Spike… it was horrible…”

Willow scrunched her face a little, “I saw him at the school and that night you brought him back to your house— after seeing Ruby last night and this morning. I actually thought she was doing better and then wham! She's a ball of soggy blankets and I’m cleaning up bloody-vomit. Goddess Buffy… I never really saw what it did to Angel. You did a little but—“

“No not really— Angel definitely wasn’t like that when I saw him… by all accounts he was definitely worse the first time. The worst I saw him was when he came back from hell, but that was different. I saw way more of what Spike went through than Angel. Even at that I don’t really know what it was like for him in the very beginning. Spike has talked about it a little but not much. I know he still gets nightmares from it. He talks in his sleep sometimes.”

“Not surprising. You saw how hard it hit Ruby and she was only out on the evil for a few days then chained up the rest of the time. Suddenly the crazy guy in the school basement makes a whole lot more sense.”

“Did it ever not make sense?”

“I just mean that it’s the kind of thing you have to really see to understand and I think I’m starting to understand him, and you, a little more.”

“Maybe this will help then. When I first found Spike in the basement, while you were still in England… I followed him into a church, Will—“ she hadn’t told her friend about this. Until now this detail had been kept private, “That’s when he told me or well I figured out— that he got his soul back… he- he was a mess. It was like every part of him was at war with another and he didn’t know what he was doing or saying. He was—“ she choked on her words and took a sip of coffee, “At one point he was laying across a cross pleading with me… he was asking if we could rest… just rest… it was the most awful thing I’ve ever seen… he was sizzling like bacon and he didn’t even notice… he was really out of it, I don’t even know if he remembers that part of it really… I had to get him out of there.”

Willow was stunned, “Buffy—“

“I know— but at the time it just— it seemed like a private thing between us. I really think maybe that’s when I started to let myself fall for him… a little anyway… it was kind of confusing but it opened the door to being able to love him.”

“Humm yeah I can totally see that… Goddess Buffy that’s…”

“Yup.”

“Wow…”

“Yup.”

“Ruby is an emotional mess and a big blankety-ball of guilt, but I don’t think she’s ready to fry herself on a cross.”

“He’s got a little more carnage under his belt plus The First was also messing with his head in a big way. It was pretty brutal. But who knows, give her time. Once she has time to sift through the rubble of her brain she too might think frying on a cross is the deal of the century.”

“I’m definitely not suggesting it.”

“Yeah, no… but I am worried about what she’ll do if Sheena doesn’t pull through. She might just run outside on a sunny day.”

Willow grimaced, “Let’s hope not. It would make this a totally wasted trip,” she attempted at a joke but her heart wasn’t in it and it fell flat, “I’ll have to think about that one.”

“You said something about reinforcing the castle's defenses.”

“Oh yeah. That’s going to have to take another day or so depending on how fast I can get things set up. It should put a pretty impenetrable shield around the whole property that will keep out any of the real nasty ones planning to do any kind of harm to the castle or anyone inside of it or on the property at all, won’t be able to get over the barrier when I’m done.”

“Seriously?”

“It’s not really the kind of spell that you can do just anywhere but because of the castles location and its age and the existing stonewall fencing around the property I can sort of draw on the energy of those stones themselves to create that barrier it’s really super technical stuff and I have to get a bunch of stones and carve runs into them and place them strategically along the entire property and then I’m going to have to connect them all with the spell it’s kind of a much more subtle magic it won’t be flashy but it will be very powerful and it should hold for- well as long as the stone fencing holds and that’s been up for a couple of hundred years now already so I imagine it’s gonna be pretty permanent.”

“Wow. I didn’t think something like that was possible.”

“Oh it’s possible. Just not on like every property— kind of a unique situation really.”

They both took sips of their coffee and were quiet for a few minutes as they walked along they hadn’t really been going into a whole lot of the shops but they’ve been into a few Buffy was more or less humoring Willow her heart really wasn’t into shopping but figured since Willow was there it was a good idea to put in the effort for her friend.

“How’s he doing since last night?” Willow asked suddenly. Buffy didn’t need to ask who she was talking about. She had obviously been worried about Spike the night before when she had gone upstairs to go to bed, and Willow knew it.

“Better. Kinda wish I was still curled up with him. He’s surprisingly cozy.”

“He’s all wire and cable.”

“Yeah he is,” Buffy grinned. Physically speaking, that had been the main difference between Spike and any of her other lovers in the past. It also meant that they somehow fit perfectly together, almost like they were molded for each other. That alone was incredibly sexy. Just snuggling with him alissited a deep visceral connection between the two of them that she would never be willing to live without.

“Yeah… I heard all about it when I was trying to clear that stuff out of the Buffy-bot. She/it was a really big fan. Even I can admit he’s pretty hot; and you know, totally gay here!”

Buffy laughed and then looked at her friend, “I’ve noticed you’ve been talking about Oz lately. You’re not, I dunno, thinking about looking him up are you? How’s that work with the gay woman thing?”

“No, not really. I’m just— I really had something good with Oz—- I don’t really know to be honest. I think I’m just using him as a comparison to what I have with Kennedy now—- which doesn’t come close. I still love him in a way, but I think we’re just going in different directions. I’m definitely more into women now. I think Tara kinda ruined me for men in general. Although, I don’t know. If Oz or maybe not Oz— someone Oz-like, came around— I don’t know how I’d react honestly. I might be tempted; maybe. Maybe I’m really Bi, but I’m definitely not ready to commit to that. I’m pretty into boobs,” she laughed but she was suddenly thinking about a pair of very off-limits breasts she definitely shouldn’t be thinking about.

“Well whatever you’re into you know I just want you to be happy right?”

“I know Buff. Thanks.”

“So about Kennedy— are you seriously using this trip as a low key breakup?”

Willow sighed, “Pretty pathetic right?”

Buffy shrugged and smoothed a hand over her long skirt, “It’s not really my style— might open things up for Ruby though,” She teased again.

Willow’s cheerful smile slid off her face; crashing into the cobblestones under their feet, “I really don’t even want to joke about that right now. She’s in really rough shape.”

“Yeah, Spike told me you had some trouble with her this morning.”

“How did he know?”

“Talked to Ruby. She feels really bad about it. I told you not to let her into the kitchen.”

“It’s not like I dragged her in with me. Have you heard anything about her sister?”

Buffy shook her head and took a long drink of her ridiculously sweet coffee, “Nothing yet. I’m probably going to go in to check on her soon. Or maybe visit her parents. I was sort of holding off on that. I kinda want to see if she starts to bounce back.”

“I don't know about that. A hug from her mom might help.”

“It might also break them both. Spike’s adamant about letting her come to terms with it on her own. Says it’s ‘part of the process’.”

“Well yeah I guess… but it might help her to talk to someone.”

“Well duh, that’s why Spike and Faith are sticking around. Ok that’s why Spike is sticking around. Faith is basically just babysitting and making sure Giles doesn’t fall down the stairs on his crutches. Besides that, I kinda think the Anderson’s have been through enough lately. I don’t even know how to tell them about Ruby— the soul thing, I mean— they don’t even know about Spike. He got an invite as one of Sheena’s teachers, they have no idea he’s a vamp,” Buffy looked up realizing where they were, “Oh hey, I want to take you in here but we need a serious subject change. This is Callum’s mom’s shop and the woman hears EVERYTHING.”

“Oh speaking of Callum, he and Xander should have everything set up at the house by tomorrow I think. We can get Ruby moved then.”

“Oh thank goodness,” Buffy sighed in relief as she pushed open the door.

“Afternoon ladies!”

“Hey Mrs Ross!” Buffy greeted her. She wasn’t about to pretend she didn’t know she was Callum’s mom but the greeting did seem to throw the older woman off a little. “I’m Buffy Summers, I know your son, Callum. I was in here a few weeks ago with his new girlfriend.”

“Oh— oh of course! Not that he’s brought her ‘round mind.”

“Yeah— Faith has been pretty busy at the school and—“

“You don’t need to make excuses for the girl. That used to be my job when it was my sister in her place. She’s your cousin right?”

Buffy knew that Callum hadn’t filled his mother in on everything but it was still a little weird. It was like having the same conversation she’d had a hundred times but from the wrong end— or maybe it was the side. Whatever it was, it was throwing Buffy off a bit and she hesitated before answering, “That’s actually sort of her job,” Buffy said pointing to Willow, “For both me and Faith.”

“Both?”

“Let’s just say that the Slayer-call-line doesn’t know anything about reviving someone with CPR.”

“I— oh—“

“So umm yeah, cousins. Sure, right!”

“Hi I’m Willow, I’m just visiting. I did get to meet Callum though, he seems really nice,” Willow said quickly.

Mrs Ross gave them both a skeptical look but didn’t push. Then grinning a little, “Do I take it that you are part of the ‘we’ that is good at your job of protecting people? That bit threw me off when you were here last but I think I’m beginning to understand. Things really have changed since my sister was called.”

“Hum, yeah. We sort of work as a group.”

“But you’re not a Slayer of course, right?” She asked Willow.

“No, I’m just d—“

“Will is sort of magical tech-support.”

“Oh, I see. Well I’m sure that comes in handy. I carry plenty of supplies. That part of the shop was sort of a homage to my sister. She had this friend, an older gent that taught her quite a lot. He ran this shop originally and I worked here when I was young. After she passed he tried to teach me a little. Just enough to stay safe but mostly about the business. That’s how I came to own this place. I’ve changed quite a bit of course but I always kept the more commonly used arcane things in stock.”

“This is really amazing Mrs Ross.”

“Thank you. So what brings you ladies in today? Not trouble I hope? Callum mentioned he was staying with Faith because of a fire you had over there. You have a student in the hospital, a local girl I understand.”

“Oh ah yeah, the fire was in the orchard actually. Just a dumb accident, we’re hoping she’ll pull through. He’s just helping with the cleanup.”

“Oh I see. Well I do hope everything is alright with the girl. I thought maybe you were planning on some sort of a spell or something.”

Buffy really didn’t want to get into details with her, “No, nothing like that. Maybe we’ll restock a little. Hum, the last time I was here, I saw a mens necklace I thought my boyfriend would like, and I wondered if you still had it.”

“Do you remember what it looked like? You’re welcome to look,” She said gesturing towards the jewelry display.

“It was a short silver roundish chain with a bezel set black stone on it.”

“Oh I think I know the one,” she said, going over to a spinning rack on the counter, the type with locks on each side. She spun it around once and unlocked the case pulling the necklace in its box off the little shelf. “Is this it?”

“That’s it! What do you think, Will? Do you think he will like it?”

“The stone looks like a tourmaline, it’s a good protection stone. I think it’s perfect coming from you, and it suits him.”

“You know your stones.”

“I sure do.”

Mrs. Ross gave a little nod, “All right. Will this do it for you then?”

“I definitely want to get that but I think we’re going to look around. I’ve been telling her all about your shop and she’s only going to be here for a few more days. I love all the stuff I got here last time.”

“Well by all means! I’ll just keep this behind the counter for you while you look around. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks!”

Some time later after visiting many more shops, including the bookstore Faith had avoided on their last trip, the two friends were on their way back to the castle with the girls piled back into the van. Buffy kept running the conversation with Mrs Ross over in her head, wondering if she should have told her. She just didn’t see any reason not to at the time but now she could think of a dozen.

Chapter 32 Coming Clean?

When Buffy and Willow returned to the castle they promptly deposited their shopping bags upstairs. Then they made their way back down to the living room to check on Ruby. Spike, per usual, was lounging on the couch watching TV.

“Hey, there’s my favorite dead guy,” Buffy, went over to him. Spike sat up a little to make room for her and she snuggled in next to him.

Spike looked up at her, “Hey you, how was your day?” he asked.

Buffy huffed, “Oh you know. Probably said way too much to Callum‘s mom.” Spike raised an eyebrow at her, urging Buffy to continue, “Yeah I kind of told her that I was a Slayer too—“

“And now you’re regretting it?”

Buffy shrugged.

“Not like you told her anything about the school or the girls right?”

“Nah, I just gave her some quip about the life saving properties of CPR.”

“Right. Still think Angel was a bloody git. Xander told me about that whole thing. He had to do CPR on you because Angel has ‘no breath’? Oh yeah and those squeezy breathing bag things EMTs carry around don’t work either. Right. I bet the idiot just doesn’t know CPR. Git.”

Buffy looked at him blinking, “What?”

“Don’t NEED to breathe, Pet, doesn’t mean we can’t inflate our lungs. Cigarettes wouldn’t have much of an appeal if that were the case.”

“Huhh. I— huh. Ok, sure, so do you know CPR?”

“Course I do. Dawn had to learn it in Health class while you were a less-solid heavenly-body and after that gem of a story I had Xander and Dawn teach me.” He shrugged. “Anya suggested using me as a practice dummy but that was a hard pass for me.”

“Good to know. So how’s it been here?”

Spike sat up a little straighter, turning to see Willow a little better, “Yeah, could’ve used you, Red, a little bit ago. She had another one of those blasted panic attacks. She seems a bit calmer when you’re around. I finally got her calmed down but that took some doing. She keeps going on about ‘Lauren’, but won’t say anything else.”

Willow sat down in a chair looking troubled, “Yeah she brought her up a couple of times already. I’m really wondering if we should be looking for a body.”

Spike rubbed the back of his neck, “Probably a good bet. What do you birds have going tonight?”

Willow perked up, “I was going to ask Buffy if she would help me collect the stones I need for the protection spell around the property while it’s still light out and then I thought we could get Xan to help us engrave them with runes tomorrow night. Maybe we could watch a movie!”

“I’m a fan of this idea. Big old fashioned Scooby-gang fun. Stones instead of stakes.”

“That’s what I thought! I have two dremel tools for you guys to use. I figure I’ll draw out the runes, you two carve them and then pass them back to me to charm them.”

“Bloody hell, don’t hold back on the excitement,” Spike groused. “That covers tomorrow, what about tonight?”

“Girls are on patrol, I’m taking a night off with my favorite people.”

“Sounds exciting.”

“Oh and you have big plans?”

“I’m still one of your favorite people aint I? I got some plans for tomorrow after we get Rubes settled in at the house and figured I’d go run some errands and get the bike after. Reckon it’s been sitting at Steve’s since we came back from Edinburgh, ‘bout time I got it back.”

“Oh yeah like that’s super exciting.”

“Smart ass,” he pulled her closer as he tickled her mercilessly, “Bit more adventurous than carving rocks!” He growled out playfully. Buffy laughed and squirmed as he continued to tickle her. He didn’t stop until she was laying on top of him panting for breath. He gazed into her sparkling eyes and dug one hand into her hair. He swallowed her final laugh when he cut her off with a long lingering kiss.

Willow cleared her throat, “You two do have a room last I checked.”

Spike hummed in mild protest as Buffy broke the kiss, then sighed, “Red’s right, Pet. I’d originally thought about going on patrol or playing cards or something tonight but I could do with a night in. Especially if you lot are doing the arts and crafts part of witchcraft tomorrow.”

“I have all four Level 4 girls out on patrol tonight, it would be a serious waste of your time.”

“Home it is then,” he grinned up at her wickedly, “might not be such a dull night after all.”

“You’re bad,” Buffy giggled.

“Don’t you forget it, Love.” He pulled her in for another kiss.

“Seriously, you guys literally have a room here. Upstairs, in fact.”

“That we do, you don’t have to collect your rocks right this minute do you?” He asked as he trailed a finger from behind Buffy’s ear and down to her cleavage letting his searing blue gaze linger.

Buffy stood up pulling Spike with her, “Humm, Willow—“

“I’ll keep tabs on Ruby. Just don’t be too long, I really do need to get those stones gathered, the carving might take a while.”

“You heard the little witch, time is of the essence,” Spike backed away out of the room grinning at Buffy as he did.

Buffy couldn’t help the smile on her face, “He’s— eh— I’m just going to—“

“Go on, get out of here.”

Spike was waiting for her by the elevator when she caught up to him. He gave her a hard, dangerous look and grabbed her roughly by the shoulders to kiss her. Buffy’s mind snapped to attention and she shoved him into the elevator, pinning him against the wall. Spike let out a low growl at the impact and moved a splayed hand across the small of her back, holding her to him.

“You gonna give it to me rough then?” He grinned, “Might not get you back to your mates in a timely manner if we take that route.”

“We can do quick and rough.”

“Deal,” he murmured as he nipped hard at her neck with blunt teeth and shoved her against the wall of the elevator fumbling for the controls.

Spike managed to get the elevator moving and a moment later they had reached their floor. They paused long enough to exit the small space and then they were once again locked together kissing, groping, and shoving each other roughly against the walls in the hallway like a sexually fuelled pinball game.

Buffy pinned Spike against their bedroom door until she found the doorknob. The door gave way suddenly and the two of them fell to the floor in a tangle of limbs. They rolled together and Buffy positioned herself to shut the door with a kick. Spike gripped her skirt while Buffy yanked at his belt buckle.

“Oh God Buffy, I love you,” Spike groaned into the junction of her neck.

“You’re mine, all mine,” Buffy murmured possessively in his ear. Spike was usually the one to play that card. For some reason, she suddenly felt the need to say it. To claim him roughly. “Mine,” she bit his neck with her blunt teeth, eliciting a gasp from him.

“Always,” he growled, pulling her into a rough kiss. Her words and the bite had kindled a fire in him; he ran a hand roughly up her skirt. Buffy fumbled with his pants a little before she was able to release his smooth hard length from them. She stroked him from base to tip running her thumb over the tip feeling the delicious moisture there.

He moaned into her mouth as she stroked him greedily, “Slow down, Pet. Said quick, not instant. Want to get to the main event.” He twitched his fingers gripping her inner thigh. He pulled at the little panties, ripping them off of her and rubbed a thumb over her wet heat. Buffy gasped as he stroked her.

She was already wet and she let out a little growl of her own at the unnecessary foreplay, “Now. I want you now.” She repositioned herself forcefully, gliding down over him. She clamped around him as he rolled his hips driving himself into her. She gasped again as he pushed in fully and she met his thrusts with equally rough enthusiasm. Spike gasped.

Buffy grinned, gripping her fingers into his now semi-freed curls and pulled roughly. She brought him to her for a deep bruising kiss. Tongues pushing for dominance. Spike bit her lip making her shudder and she yanked his head back forcefully.

Spike grinned at the pain, “Getting close are you?”

Buffy increased her pace and he pushed into her harder with a grunt. Her inner walls crushed against him as the pressure built up. With the hand still tangled in his hair she cradled him to her shoulder, “Bite me,” she gasped. The fingers of her other hand reached under his shirt clawing at his back leaving deep scratches in his pale flesh.

Spike didn’t hesitate. Pulling at her shirt roughly, he bit with blunt teeth into the space between her shoulder and neck.

“Spike! Harder!’

He vamped, sinking his fangs in slightly. He wasn't feeding and it wasn’t a deep bite. Buffy gasped and felt herself nearing release. She wrapped her leg around him pulling him into her with almost bone crushing force. He increased the pressure of the bite very slightly and retracted his fangs. Then ran his tongue along the bite shuddering pleasurably at the taste of her. The effect of her blood was instant. He felt his body respond as he continued drilling into her hard, making her scream, “Gahhh! William!”

Buffy’s head swam as she lost herself in the myriad of sensations coursing through her.

He pushed into her pounding hard and fast, the pressure building. He held on until he felt her start to quiver. She gave his hair a yank as they came together hard in a quivering mass of tangled limbs. Pleasure and pain. Fast and rough and worth every second. Buffy kissed him as she continued to grind her hips against him.

After a moment, Spike placed a firm hand on her lower back holding her in place against him, as she caught her breath.

“Think we made good time?”, he teased.

Buffy laughed into the crook of his neck, “No idea. It was definitely fun though.”

“Been a little while since we got a bit rough.”

“Still fun.”

“Girl’s got a vamp kink.”

“Matches your Slayer kink.”

“Bloody well right, could go for a bit more of that if you’re willing,” he said, pulling her into another hard kiss.

“Not now. You’re being punished.”

“What for? Not the bite, surely. I barely had a taste and you literally asked for it.”

“Did you really have to rip my undies? I liked those ones.”

Spike rolled his eyes and flopped over onto his back, “Bloody hell, I’ll get you a sodding new pair, Slayer.”

Buffy grinned widely, she really loved to mess with him.

***********

By the time Buffy and Spike went back downstairs, Willow had already found a couple of buckets they could use to carry stones in. She held them up to her gleefully as Buffy and Spike came back into the living room “Ready? I found one for each of us, we can pretend it’s an Easter Egg Hunt!”

Buffy couldn’t help but laugh, “Oh Will, I missed you. Yes, rock my world with your witchy egg hunt.”

Spike turned to her quizzically, “Buffy, sweetheart, I think your pun mixer is broken.”

“Nah, that was solid.”

“You’re better than this.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I’m sure I can dig up some rockin' puns before we finish this project.”

“Oh god, here we go.”

“You love my puns.”

“Just so long as you're not putting marzipan in my pie plate we’re good.”

“To that I say a big ‘Huhh?’”

Willow rolled her eyes, “Don’t worry about it, Buff, it was a Buffy-Bot thing that you totally missed with the whole being dead.”

“Oh come on, the rock thing wasn’t bad, in fact, I think I rock the rock puns.”

“I’ll let you rock me with any rock pun you want to throw at me.”

“Didn’t we just do that, my hot lava?”

Spike grinned, “Oh yeah, got our rocks off, real good.”

“You know I’m going to win a pun-off right?”

He chuckled, “We keep it up and we’re going to end up back upstairs.”

Buffy placed her hands on his hips, pulling him closer, “Are you still taking requests?”

“I’ll be your short-order cook, hot and ready or cool and slow, whatever tickles your fancy, Pet.”

Buffy felt herself melting into him for a kiss before she could stop herself.

“Okay! As fun as this is, I think maybe Buffy and I should get a move on. These stones won’t collect themselves.” Willow said as she wiggled the buckets at them.

Spike rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah right, I’m gonna yeah— check in on Ruby. She’s still in rough shape. Sort of glad they don’t have things ready for her over there, kinda want to keep an eye on her.”

“That won’t take long though, what are you going to do until tonight?”

“Might poke around the library a bit.”

“I’m surprised you haven't read every poetry book in there yet.”

“Yeah well, it’s been nice having a proper in-house library. I never realized how much I missed it until we got here.”

“You know, you can start collecting books and build your own library in our new place. The attic already has a ton of shelves, it’s probably what they used it for anyway or maybe you could have it in your Spike-space.”

“Could work, we’ll talk later. Mustn't dottle, Pet,” he kissed her once more before heading towards the utility room.

************************

The two friends had been collecting smaller stones from along the border of the property and the low stone wall surrounding it for over thirty minutes. They had been chatting idoly when Willow suddenly cleared her throat uncomfortably.

“Buffy I have a confession to make.”

Buffy felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle, she had expected something was still off between them. She turned towards her friend, “I’m listening.”

Willow straightened up after picking up another stone, “I’ve been going through those files Wes sent.”

“Yeah the stuff on Angel right?”

“Well, yeah. There’s a bunch of that but that’s not what I’ve been working on.”

“It’s not?”

“Wes also sent me what looks like pretty much everything W&H had on Slayers… there’s a lot and it’s not all translated so it’s been really slow. I’ve had Andrew and Dawn working on pieces but neither of them have a full picture of any of it.”

“Does Giles know?”

“He knows Wes sent some stuff but I didn’t tell him exactly how much. A lot of it is stuff Giles already has, but there’s some new stuff too. I found a couple things that are a little— disturbing,” Willow said as she picked up a few more stones along the way.

“Disturbing? Like how disturbing? What do you know, Will?”

“Well that is sort of the problem. I haven’t been able to get through all of it and then Xander just brought back a bunch of books and scrolls and a stone tablet he found in Africa so now there’s that much more to go through. He was supposed to be showing those to Giles today. A few of them are referenced in the files from W&H. It might still take a while to figure out. I’m hoping I can start playing connect the dots soon.”

“Okay— I’m hearing a lot of words but I’m not hearing why all the squirrely. What dots are you connecting?”

“Remember a while back when we were talking about the fact that there hasn’t been a record of any Slayer making it past the age of 25; like there’s some crazy expiration date?”

Yeah, Niki Wood is the oldest I ever heard about and she didn’t reach her 26th birthday.”

“Yeah well I started translating some of the new stuff, I brought it with me to have Giles take a look at it too— If I found what I think I found— This one part I was reading has been seriously bugging me. It mentions the Slayer receiving her gift by the end of her 25th year. I took another look at it after talking to Spike and it looks like another part translates to ‘Death Wish’.”

“You told Spike?”

“Oh goddess no! It was just something he said; it sparked an idea in my head and I went to check on it this morning. That's when I put together the Death-wish thing.”

“Death is my gift right? But I already sort of returned that gift… or well—“

“I returned it for you— yeah…” Willow sighed and leaned against the stone wall. “That’s the thing I’m so worried about... I haven’t finished the translation but, I think I might have accidentally— made you sort of immortal—ish— maybe.”

“Huhh?”

“The stone tablet Xan brought back, it’s one that W&H didn’t have, anyway it seems to contain part of the original working from creating the first slayer. It’s written more like a story so it’s difficult to figure out but... I don’t know. I don’t have anything solid on it yet but I just— I had to come clean and let you know. I don’t know if what I did made things better or worse for you and I won’t know until I finish going through all this stuff. It’s been kind of an obsession.”

“Is this why things are strained between you and Kennedy?”

“The obsession part maybe. I haven’t told her any of the rest of it. I’ve been too afraid too say anything, and… we really haven’t been talking much for a while now. It’s part of the reason why I’m hoping Kennedy is gone before I get back.” Willow hesitated and Buffy was sure there was something else she wasn’t saying.

“I just need to be able to focus on this because this could really be big and I just I can’t right now, Buffy! I can’t deal with Kennedy. I can’t deal with thinking about you dying again or maybe not being able to die at all because I brought you back from the dead and maybe that whole thing doesn’t apply to you anymore and maybe it doesn’t apply to any Slayer anymore because I used you as the basis of the sharing spell instead of Faith. I have no idea, I just don’t know—“ she sniffed.

Buffy’s mind was reeling. She blinked several times as she stared at her, anger suddenly flared, “Willow! I just sent a girl home to her mother in a box! She definitely wasn’t immortal!”

“She was also 15, not 25, or more specifically 26. I have to do more research and make sure the math is right but I’m pretty sure that if you make it to 26 you probably aren’t going to age anymore— maybe none of you will IF they can stay alive that long. You might still be able to die but it would have to be something seriously extreme.”

“Like a beheading? So what, I’m like the freaking Highlander now? Buffy McLeod?”

“Probably, or something similar, I think— I don’t know yet I really have to do more research.”

Buffy looked at her friend aghast, blinking several times, “Why are you telling me now, if you’re not sure?”

“Because it’s ripping me up inside. The not telling. I feel like I’m lying to my best friend about something I did. A big something that could affect your entire- possibly very, very long life,” she was almost in tears. Willow took a deep breath.

“But we don’t know for sure,” Buffy paused for a moment, “and I can think of one plus.”

Willow looked at her knowingly, “Yeah I guess it would be sort of perfect for you and Spike.”

It was a lot to take in, “But why 25?”

“As far as I can tell, I think it has something to do with ‘the end of maidenhood’,” Willow scoffed as she rolled her eyes dramatically.

“Sick bastards. Like it’s not enough to take a girl and turn her into the Slayer but then they have to shorten her already short life with a death wish AND an expiration date?”

“I’m not really sure yet but that’s exactly what it looks like. It seems like it was worked right into the original spell. Probably for that reason.”

Buffy nodded, “Sure, young and pretty girls are better bait for the trap,” she snorted derisively, “Well, we still have some time before I get there and if you’re right I could still die before that. Yay me!”

“That’s just it— the other girls can, that's for sure— but I think you might be different.”

“Because you brought me back.”

She nodded, “That wound you got in the Hellmouth should have been fatal, but you got back up and not only continued to fight, but you also made a pretty daring escape, Buff.”

“But recently I had some broken ribs and I swear it took a couple of days longer to heal than usual.”

Willow chewed on her lip, “I’ve suspected since the Hellmouth that your pain tolerance has also elevated. It was always pretty high but now— I don’t know if you are really feeling the extent of your injuries. You might have had more damage than you thought, maybe even a punctured lung and you might not have noticed. Without X-rays I doubt we’ll ever know to be sure.”

Buffy thought about that as they kept walking along. It made a kind of sense really. “You know, I kinda think Spike probably would have been able to tell me if my lung was punctured… he’s no doctor but he knows anatomy pretty well and he has pretty good hearing. Might have just been broken worse than we thought. The bruising was pretty ugly, I don’t normally bruise like that. That vamp pretty much crushed my rib cage on one side.” She paused thinking about the head injury she got at the hospital and suddenly wondered just how hard she had hit her head.

“Good point.”

They had nearly finished their circuit around the property before Willow spoke up again, “So when were you going to tell me about you and Spike’s new place and when are you guys planning on moving?”

“I, oh yeah— it won’t be for a while, it needs some work and we wanted to talk to Dawn about it first. I can show you after we’re done here, it’s on the other side of the castle where we’re going to be keeping Ruby.”

“Yeah, we’re almost done here anyway. If you’re going to bring it up to Dawn, you should probably do it now. I don’t know if she’s gonna be able to transfer to Edinburgh for the fall semester.”

“Oh it’s not going to be ready that fast. Maybe by the spring semester if we’re lucky but that sort of brings me to my next point. I hoped you might want to take the other half of the duplex.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah. This was all stuff that I wanted to talk to you guys in person about…”

“I— yeah that’s sort of why I put off telling you about this stuff too.”

“Seems like we’re both guilty of that then.”

“Ehh yeah, seems like. Are you going to tell Spike about this?”

Buffy had to think about that, “Of course. Eventually. I don’t want to get his hopes up too much… Just in case.”

Willow chewed on her lip, “I’ll keep at the books and go over the spells, do some calculations and see what I turn up.”

“Thanks Wil.”

“What’s your personal Witch on retainer for anyway?”

***********

The next night after the sun had gone down Willow helped Buffy and Spike gather up the blankets and pillows Ruby had been using and helped them get Ruby settled into the basement of the duplex. Buffy was a little surprised by how different the basement room looked now. She had just expected Xander and Callum to set up a cot and a mini fridge in a corner and call it done.

The guys, and Buffy suspected Faith too, had gone above and beyond. In addition to the cot and a mini fridge, they had also found some secondhand furniture for the space. A little bedside table, two comfortable but shabby reclining chairs and a small dresser, as well as a couple of mismatched end tables, an old television set and a couple of mismatched lamps. On the nightstand was a hot pink lava lamp and a large stack of old magazines. A small crate of dog eared paperbacks sat next to the bed. The overall effect was one of dank comfort.

“Not bad,” Spike smiled, “nice homey spot down here.”

“I sort of asked Xan to make it as cozy as possible but I didn’t think they would do all this.”

Willow deposited Ruby onto the cot. Ruby looked around the space with wide eyes. Then watched as Willow went over to the little bathroom, “Looks like someone cleaned this up too. There’s even a few towels and shampoo and stuff in here. A nice shower might be a good idea. Maybe you’ll feel a little better.”

Ruby scoffed, “Right, because a shower is going to wash away my sins. Soapy bubbles gonna clean up what I did?”

“Ain’t nothing going to do that. You can apologize to your family, there might still be hope there. Donning a white hat can soften the edges a bit but you’re gonna carry that weight a long time, Rubes. In the meantime, some scrubbing bubbles’ll do you wonders. Looks like you even got laundry capabilities set up.”

Willow quietly moved over to the washer and dryer in the laundry room to investigate the set-up.

“But you’re not alone, you have us now,” Buffy interjected as she wrapped an arm around Spike, “and you have a place to stay. You can fix it up however you want.” She left Spike’s side and opened the dresser drawers, there was a couple of old t-shirts and a few pairs of sleep pants but that was it. She pulled out a set, they were clean and would be comfortable to sleep in but not much else. “You’ll need some clothes—“

Willow stuck her head out of the laundry room, “Looks like the handy-guys were busy in here too. The washer has an out of order sign taped to it but there’s a sink and some laundry soap in here. There is a note on the dryer, looks like it’s from Xander— use at your own risk— Humm ok, so at least there’s a sink and some laundry detergent,” she crumpled up the note from Xander.

“We can always go over to your dorm or your parents house and get some stuff for you or I can go,” Buffy added.

Ruby swallowed and nodded once, “What would you tell them?”

“What do you want me to tell them? I can tell them anything you want as long as it’s at least close to the truth but I really think they would rather see you.”

“You do?”

Spike narrowed his eyes at Ruby, “Course they would. Although I don’t recommend going here right off, it might do you some good to see them. We will go with you, explain the soul thing and all,” Spike added.

“We don’t have to do it tonight do we?”

Willow spoke up, “Not tonight. We’ll call your parents first. You have time, we’ll do it when you’re ready.”

“How are they?”

Buffy answered, “They’ve been better. They have one daughter in a coma because their other, undead-daughter put her there, so yeah, they’ve been better,” Buffy watched her. To the best of her knowledge, this was the first time Ruby had asked about her parents at all since she had been with them. “We can even go see Sheena if you want.”

She nodded, “I think I’d like that.”

“Maybe tomorrow night then. I’ll see what I can do about clothes. You get settled in.”

“Ta,” she cleared her throat, “Ahh, thanks for everything. I think a shower sounds pretty amazing right now.”

“There should be blood in the fridge there,” Spike went over to double check, opening the little fridge door and glancing up at Ruby, “Looks like they got you a nice little variety and a little microwave. That’s right nice of them. Looks like you’ve got just about everything you need here.”

Buffy nodded in agreement, “Why don’t you do your thing, take a shower put on some comfy clothes, settle in with some reading material or watch some TV or something just try to wrap your head around stuff.”

Ruby nodded again, still looking a bit blank but maybe a little bit more hopeful then she had a few minutes ago, “No you’re right, moping isn’t really doing me much good now is it?”

“We’ll check in on you later.”

And with that the three of them went back upstairs into the kitchen. “I’m feeling oddly good about this,” Buffy smiled.

“She’s not out of the woods yet but it’s a start,” Spike said a little distractedly as he watched Willow. She was wandering around the kitchen checking the cabinets and the countertops. “Alright there, Red?”

“I was just thinking about how I want to refinish the kitchen. I have a decent amount saved up, I was thinking about getting a house eventually, but I think this would be even better.”

Buffy squealed and pulled Willow into a hug, “Do you really mean it? You said you’d think about it but—“

“Rome is nice but I really like the idea of living close to the action. I sort of already have a job here. I won’t have to do the long distance teaching thing anymore and I’ll also be closer to the Devon Coven which is definitely a plus.”

“Yay-ness!”

Willow grinned, “Xander needs a place too, I bet he’d take the second room.”

“We’ll ask him tonight,” Buffy smiled brightly. For over a year the Scoobies had been spread across multiple countries and now it seemed like things were finally starting to come together. A little hole in Buffy’s chest that she hadn’t really noticed before suddenly closed up a little.

Her smile lit up the room. Spike couldn’t help but smile back. He loved seeing her smile. He cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck and fiddling with his overgrown hair, “Good to know your neighbors I guess. Anyway, I’d better be off, Pet.”

“Us too.”

They made their way out into the entryway, Spike gave Buffy a chased kiss, opened the door to the other side of the duplex and stopped. “Humm, Buffy? Sweetheart?”

She turned back to him, “Yeah?”

He pressed his hand against the invisible barrier now blocking him, “Looks like our little experiment finally paid off. Think I’m going to need an invite into our place, Pet.”

Buffy bound over to the door going inside, “Welcome home! Come on in!” She grinned.

Spike hesitated, “You know what this means right? You’re ready for this?”

“Get your ass in here, William!”

He crossed into the threshold and let Buffy pull him into a long kiss, “Hoped you’d say that,” he grinned.

Chapter 33 Skid

The trip into the Edinburgh underground had been uneventful. Spike had taken a stake and a crossbow with him in the hopes of getting in a little slaying but so far he hadn’t had much luck. He encountered the usual crowd of demons and half-demon folks he normally did when he came into town. It was night so the streets were much busier than they had been when he and Buffy had been there during the day. Spike was intent on making the trip as quickly as possible but he still had things to do. A trip to the barbershop was first.

He strode boldly into the barbershop where one demon sat in a barber chair with a towel wrapped around his face while having his horns ground down. Another demon on his left was getting a haircut. A third barber with dark chocolate coloured skin wearing an old fashioned orange and white striped button down shirt, like a member of a barbershop quartet greeted him. Spike noticed that the three barbers were identical, triplets if he had to guess, but he wouldn’t have been surprised if there was a fourth hanging around.

The perfectly quaffed barber smoothed his black handlebar mustache, came over to him. “How can I help you?”

“Due for a trim and a touch up on the roots I imagine. Got a look to maintain. Gone a bit long as it is.”

Yellow, cat-like eyes assessed Spike, “Ah yes, too many vampires just let themselves go. I’ll have to wash out that gel you know.”

“No kidding,” he fussed with the back of his hair breaking apart a few of the slicked back curls that had been annoying him, “Yeah, figured you’d say that.”

“Have a seat,” the demon barber gestured towards the chair furthest from the door in front of a sink. Spike sat and allowed the barber to wrap a cape around him before getting started with a quick rinse to get the gel out without actually washing it, “Haven’t seen you around, just visiting?”

“Just sort of moved back with my lady. Not really much for the small talk.”

“Typical vampire.”

“You wouldn’t say that if you met my old tumble. Talk your ear off, that one would.”

The barber gave an unproportionately hardy laugh, “Ohwell, opposites attract and all that.” He said, indicating he was finished with a tap on Spike’s shoulder and attacking his head with a clean towel as he forced him into a sitting position with practiced swiftness. Then guided him into an empty chair to start on his haircut.

“So where’d you move from?”

“Been in LA for a bit.”

“Heard there was a bit of trouble over there not long ago. Might be an unpopular opinion but I for one was glad the whole world didn’t go to hell. We rather like a nice balance around here; don’t we fellas?”

There is a general grumble of noncommittal agreement.

“You’re welcome. Always nice to meet fans.”

“What’s that?”

“Forget it,” he grumbled.

“You travel a lot then?”

“Been doing a bit lately.”

“I always wanted to travel. But not us, we’ve been here nearly our entire lives, haven’t we boys?”

The other two brothers murmured their agreement in unison.

“Been just about everywhere I ever wanted to go and then some.”

The barber set his tools down. Picked up a brush to clean the fallen hair off of Spike’s shoulders, “Ready for the bleach or do you want to see it first?” He paused awkwardly, “I mean I’ll get the camera.”

Spike ran a hand over his hair feeling the length. As annoying as this guy was, he had to hand it to him. He was very quick which sort of made up for it, “Feels good. Get on with it then.”

This was the part that Spike knew he would get annoyed with. Bleach tended to take longer than a haircut; he sat through the barbers endless prattling as he worked. Applying the bleach took no time at all. It never did. The part that took time was letting it set. Spike ignored most of what the barber had to say and directed his attention to the conversations going on between the other Demons and the two other much less chatty barbers. He always preferred listening to talking. He tended to find out more that way. Although these guys didn’t really seem to have a lot to say that didn’t reinforce what Spike had already gathered from the other demons in the area. For the most part they were a fairly peaceful lot, as far as demons went.

When the barber was finally finished he went over and pulled a Polaroid camera down off of a shelf, “Ready to take a look?”

“Yeah alright.”

The barber snapped a picture and removed the photo from the camera, waving it before handing it to him. Spike gave the photo a critical look before pocketing it. Maybe he should get Buffy a new camera. At least they’d have pictures of themselves and he could stop wondering what he looked like half the time, especially after a fight.

“You’re taking the photo?” The barber asked, indicating a wall of pictures, mostly vampires, behind him.

“Nah, I’ll take this. Didn’t crawl out of my grave this century, mate. Besides, I bet my lady would get a good laugh out of it, don’t really have any pictures. Thanks for the do,” he said, pulling out his wallet and slapping some money down.

*****************

It wasn’t long before he made his way into Steve’s bar. He’d already spent enough time at the barbershop so when he got there he simply flagged Steve down.

“Spike, what’ll it be?”

“Just come to get my bike, still where I left it?”

“Threw a tarp over it because some wanker came in nosing about it and the scabbard on the side.”

“Glad the Mrs took the blade home then. Bike is alright though right?”

Steve raised his eyebrows, deep lines forming across his forehead somehow emphasized the large rams horns curling out of his curly hair and around the sides of his head, “The Mrs? I didn’t see a ring.”

“Don’t get hung up on it man, I’m working on it. Got one in mind, just gotta get down to London for it. You got my bike?”

“Sure, seemed fine when I checked on it last. I didn’t think your kind usually did the marriage thing,” Steve seemed genuinely curious.

“A few here and there, got a friend in Paris married to a chef, both vampires. Run a cabaret. If Buffy wants to make it official, I’ll make it official. I’m not going anywhere either way so it makes no difference to me. Oh go on then, pour me a shot of whiskey would you?”

“Just when I think I’ve got you figured out.”

“Yeah, I’m full of surprises.”

“I don’t like vampires, but you, I’m starting to come around to you.”

“I don’t like most vampires either so it works out.”

“Look, I don’t know how you came about that bike but those fellas who were poking about seemed awfully interested. Watch yourself, you got it?”

Spike knocked back the shot Steve poured for him, “Ta, Steve-o.”

Spike found the bike just as Steve said he would, under a tarp behind the pub in pristine condition. “Hello beautiful,” he purred to the vintage Triumph before pulling the key out of his pocket. It was in great condition but given the way he had acquired the bike he was wondering if maybe he should have it repainted. The glossy dark-blue was striking but he’d always been partial to red and black. He got on the bike and started heading out of town.

He was nearly halfway home when something caught his eye. A rope pulled tight across the tunnel. He wouldn’t have seen it at all if there hadn’t been a light behind it further down the tunnel. As it was, he barely had time to lay the bike down into a skid. The rope scraped against the leather of his duster as he slid under it and he growled in pain as his body slid across the floor of the tunnel and away from his bike. The momentum sent him rolling uncontrollably until he smacked hard into the brick wall of the tunnel with a loud crack that reverberated off of the walls. He had hit on the same side that had grated along the floor of the tunnel.

Spike pulled himself up panting in pain. He turned his head looking for his bike now laying several paces away. His leg didn’t just hurt; it felt like it had been through a meat grinder. What was left of his pant leg was in tatters, the skin probably was too.

In the darkness two figures came towards him. Spike put on his game face to see better. Demons. One was moving oddly, probably retrieving the rope Spike thought to himself. As they came a little closer he could tell that they were big burly bruisers, the same kind as the one he and Buffy had killed in Edinburgh.

“What’s a matter , boys?” He gasped, “Did I take your friend’s toy? He wasn’t going to be using it with his head lopped off you know.”

“We don’t care about the ride. We want the blade.”

“Sorry, I haven't got it.”

“You’ll take us to it then.”

“No, I really don’t think so,” he laughed. Then he drew out the little crossbow, and fired. It hit the smaller of the two demons in the chest but it did little more than piss him off. “Ah well it was worth a shot.”

Spike adjusted his stance, he was hurt but that had never stopped him before. He cracked his neck and adjusted his stance favoring his mutilated leg. His hip and shoulder were protesting as well and he was sure he had a few broken bones but he was determined to ignore it all. “I’ve been itching for a good tussle, don’t disappoint me fellas,” he growled.

The first demon came up fast carrying a cricket bat and swung hard. Spike dodged the first hit, a stabbing pain shot through his leg, up into his hip, and he stumbled as the second blow hit him in the ribs. Spike grabbed the bruiser by the shoulders slamming him head first into the wall. He screamed in equal parts pain and anger as he kicked him in the stomach and delivered a punch to his jaw, knocking the demon to the ground.

The second bruiser suddenly took the rope they had used to knock him off the bike and lassoed Spike from behind. The demon pulled it tightly around Spike’s legs, yanking him off balance. He fell to the ground, landing on his already injured side. The stake Spike had been carrying fell out of his coat pocket and rolled just out of reach as he struggled for leverage. The first demon scrambled to his feet and stalked towards Spike.

The demon picked up the stake grinning a hideous grin, “A vampire that carries the means to his own end, eh? Now I’ve seen everything.”

Spike twisted, gathering a small pile of dust and debris from the tunnel floor and threw it into the demon’s eyes. He tried to use the distraction to free himself but the second demon still holding the rope, gave a hard yank pulling him several feet.

Suddenly, without any sound or warning, the two demons were slammed flat against the tunnel wall. “Dishonorable fiends!” an angry voice called with a screeching hiss from behind Spike. He twisted to see who it was and tried to push himself up. The voice was female but it certainly wasn’t Willow.

“W- what the hell!” The first demon sputtered.

“Silence, filth!” The voice bellowed. The demon suddenly slid from the wall to the ceiling and the second one followed. Spike could see them better now. The skin on their faces had been pushed back as though they were in a jet. The demon’s arms flipped up on their own accord with a sickening snap and Spike knew the bones had broken.

The slight figure of a very petite woman, even smaller than Buffy, stopped beside Spike. In a much softer tone she spoke to him, “Bond-mate of the Slayer, can you stand?”

“I- ehh… bond-mate? Hang on a tic. Lilias?”

“It is. I am sorry if I have offended you, but I could not stand by and witness their treachery any longer. Can you stand, vampire?”

Spike managed to get himself untangled from the rope and struggled to pull himself back into a standing position before answering with a huff, “I’m peachy.”

“You are injured.”

“Yeah sure I am, I—“

He was cut off when the two demons' necks suddenly snapped and they fell to the floor with a dull thud.

Spike’s eyes grew wide, “Bloody hell. I thought Buffy said you had some sort of water magic,” he said as he turned to look at her properly and realized suddenly that she had her son strapped to her chest. He was fast asleep in the carrier they had given them.

“I do. I was controlling the water in their bodies.”

He quickly composed himself, deciding it was best to be conversational. She had just saved him after all. “Impressive. How’s ah— how’s the little tyke been?”

“My son? Ah yes, Aftyn is quite well, thank you. Again, I am sorry if I have offended you—“

“Good to know his real name, we’d been calling him by the wrong one. And eh what’s with the apologizing bit, anyway? You just saved me, why the bloody hell would I be offended?”

“I have heard it said that males on the surface are often intimidated and offended by strong females.”

“Only the massively insecure ones. Piss on that rubbish. Thanks for the assist.”

“You are most welcome. I am glad I have not offended you.”

“Pfft, I’m in a relationship with the strongest woman I’ve ever met, I’d say I’m pretty damn secure.”

Lilias nodded, “As you should be. You are her strength. Your love is very important.”

“Humm yeah, thanks. Top side we usually just say ‘you make a cute couple.’”

Lilias actually smiled at that, “Yes, while I’m sure you do make a very handsome looking couple; that is not what I mean. I mean that your love is important. Not only to each other but to the world.”

“Ehhh— thanks.”

“It is my pleasure to assist you. Are you well enough to get back to your Slayer on your own?”

Spike looked down at his leg and glanced at the bike, he cringed at the thought of the damage the slide might have caused. He would heal, but the bike was a different story, “I’ll tell ya in a minute.” He limped over to the bike, his leg seared with pain but he was mobile. Upon righting the bike, he assessed the damage. It was scratched pretty badly, as he expected and would definitely need some work. He hoped that the engine hadn’t been damaged. The thought almost made him want to cry.

It took a few tries and a lot more effort than usual to get himself onto the seat of the bike. He clenched his jaw once he sat down and looked up at Lilias and the sleeping blue baby on her chest, “Well there’s half the battle won. Now, I know that kid can sleep through just about anything, but you ah, might want to cover his ears for this.”

Lilias nodded once and placed a hand protectively over her son’s ear, the other little ear pressed firmly to her chest, “You may proceed, vampire.”

Spike gave her a little two fingered salute and a wry smile before turning the key in the ignition. The bike gave a little cough but started. Spike gave a silent thanks to whoever was listening, “You can just call me Spike. Hey, I know you can handle yourself and all but do you need a ride or anything?”

Lilias raised one heavily pierced brow, “I thank you, Spike, for the concern, but no. I had been simply taking Aftyn for a walk to put him to sleep when I came upon your predicament with those cowards. We will be quite fine.”

“I believe you. Well, I’d better be off, the fumes can’t be good for the little tyke. You have a good one Lilias. I’ll give Buffy your best, shall I?”

“Oh yes, please do! Goodnight!”

*****************

Buffy blew dust off of the rock she had been carving. When she had agreed to do this she hadn’t taken into consideration the amount of dust they would be generating. Fortunately Willow at least had thought about it and had supplied them all with safety glasses and laid plastic over the furniture before starting. It didn’t do much for their clothes though. Buffy and Xander both had a fine layer of stone dust covering them from carving the stones with the dremel tools. Willow also had a fair amount of dust covering her due to the close proximity they were in but it wasn’t as bad as the other two.

The night had been very much like old times. Sitting in Buffy‘s living room whittling stakes or trying to fix furniture. It finally felt like she was getting some semblance of ‘normal’ back into her life. Her normal. Inwardly she was very thankful that Xander and Willow had decided to make this trip. She knew Willow had to leave in a few days but Buffy was wondering if she should ask Xander to stay longer. Even if it was only to help Callum out with the duplex. It occurred to her then that she hadn’t even talked to him about it yet.

“Explain to me why I agreed to this?” Xander complained, his voice disrupting Buffy’s thoughts.

“Because you love us and you wanted to help shoulder our burden,” Willow grinned.

“Oh right, that old thing. Are we almost done? There must be a hundred rocks here.”

“113; I think there are about three left.”

Buffy finished the one she had been working on and handed it over to Willow. “Oh good. Okay, hit me with your best rock.”

Xander snorted and picked another two rocks out of the bucket Willow had put them in, “This one looks like a winner, Buff.”

They continued to carve the stones as their third movie of the night finished.

“Perfect timing. I’m almost done with this one. Give me that last one and we’ll call it quits. I am so ready for a shower and bed.”

Xander nodded, “Yeah I was hoping you’d say that. As fun as this was with the whole catching up thing, I’m right there with you. I’m not used to these late nights anymore.”

“I am and I’m still ready for bed,” Buffy laughed, “I’m on vampire time more often than not anyway,” she said, passing the stone over to Willow and grabbing the last one.

Xander handed his stone over to Willow as well and sat back stretching his arms over his head. Just then the door opened “Buffy!” Spike called.

“In here!” She called over her shoulder.

Spike shambled in, collapsing against the archway leading into the living room, “Hey, gang,” he gasped weakly as his leg gave out from under him and he crumbled to the floor.

Buffy whipped her head around and shoved the last rock over to Xander. In a heartbeat she had vaulted over the back of the couch to go to him, “God, Spike, what happened? Are you okay?”

Willow and Xander both turned to see him better, “Holy crap Spike, can’t you even run errands without getting the crap beat out of you?”

“Cut it out Xan, finish your rock,” Willow reprimanded him, “Hair looks good though.”

Spike rolled his eyes as he glanced at her feebly and let out a low manic laugh, “I’d nearly forgot.Thanks for noticing Will.”

“Can we focus? What happened to you?” Buffy asked, frowning.

“Had a run-in with some baddies lookin’ for your new sword, Pet. Set a trap for me and I wrecked the bike,” he pulled himself up to sit, “Leg’s pretty banged up. Hip doesn’t feel so hot either, think I might have broken something; couple of somethings. They got my stake, might have been in real trouble if Lilias hadn’t showed up.”

“Lilias? You’re kidding?”

“Even had Aftyn with her. Some friend you got there. She’s crazy scary when she’s pissed. I sure am glad she likes you. Takes some real power to do what she did.” He gritted his teeth as he ripped his pant leg to get a better look at the damage and let out a hiss of pain, “Bloody hell.”

“Really?”

“Oh yeah, bird made real short work of those two bruisers with that water magic of hers. Manipulated the water in their bodies. We do not want to piss her off. Did I mention she did that with a baby strapped to her chest?”

“Aftyn?”

“Yeah, that’s Little-boy-blue’s real name, looks like the girls weren’t too far off calling him Alun after all,” he gasped in pain gripping his side where the cricket bat had hit.

Buffy gazed at the horrible road rash on his leg and marveled at how they could call it that, it didn’t look like a rash at all, the skin was completely gone in a couple of spots, “We need to get this cleaned up, and see what else you did.”

“I’ll need blood. Lots of it.”

“Xan?”

Willow nodded at him, “I’ll finish this up, go help them.”

Xander set the partly carved stone down in front of Willow, and proceeded to dust himself off in a cloud of filth.

“Gahh! Xan! Do that outside!” Willow squeaked.

Xander grimaced apologetically, “Sorry!” He mumbled before he made his way over to SpIke and Buffy. “Holy ground meat, Batman. Spike, are you sure blood is going to cut it?”

“I’ve been through worse,” Spike grunted as he let Buffy help him up.

“Try that stuff I made for Buffy, it should help,” Willow interjected.

“Yeah, used it on my arm a few weeks ago, cut the healing time down a bit.”

“You guys heal fast as it is, but I figured it was a good idea anyway. Helps prevent scarring too.”

“I for one definitely appreciate that,” Buffy interjected.

“Been a long night, Pet. Blood, rest and lots of alcohol.”

“Blood, and medical attention before you get in bed, mister alcohol if you’re a good boy.”

“And what do I get if I’m bad?” He let out a coughing laugh.

“Hum, definitely not the fun night we originally had planned. God Spike, you’re a mess… let’s get you taken care of.”

“For better or worse huhh?” He mumbled a little drunkenly as she helped him into the elevator.

“We’ve definitely been through worse,” she sighed. She turned to look at him. The look on his face was an odd combination of pain, love, and pure determination that made the breath catch in her throat.

“I love you, Buffy Anne Summers. With every battered and bruised fiber of my being, I love you.”

She felt herself melt a little and kissed him gently in the elevator, “I love you too, you idiot,” she chuckled numbly, “I love you too.”

****************

“You sit, get comfortable. I’m going to go get the first aid kit.”

Spike shrugged off his duster, wincing a little as he did. Then he held it up to examine it. There was some gouging in the leather on one side and a small tear at the shoulder but otherwise it wasn’t in horrible shape, well it was, but he had been trying to break in this new duster for a while now and after this it was starting to feel a little more like his old one. He flopped it down and lowered himself down gingerly on the loveseat. Then glanced up at Buffy. The look in her eyes and the concern rolling off of her was almost as good as a mirror. She was worried about him.

“Might want to get cleaned up a bit yourself there, Love, looking like a ghost in a stage play you are.”

Buffy looked down at her dust covered clothes and hands. Before Spike had stumbled into the living room she had been longing for a shower. Now he was hurt, she hadn’t given it a single thought. This was the worst she had seen him hurt since the Hellmouth. She knew this was nothing for him. It certainly wasn’t as bad as it had been when Glory or The First had tortured him, but something in her broke seeing him like that all the same. She leaned in to kiss him.

Spike grabbed her hand gently as the kiss ended, “I’ll be fine. You’ve done me worse than this in some of our old fights and I survived. Flaming church organ comes to mind.”

“And that put you in a wheelchair.”

“See? This is nothing. Go on. Get cleaned up. I’ll get a drink or twelve, strip out of these rags and get a better idea of what I’m dealing with here. Then you can put all the disinfectant, ointment, and bandages on me you like. Alright?”

“Alright but I’m bringing the bottle to you, Xander should be in any minute. Where the hell is he anyway?”

“Go on, Pet. Get all squeaky clean. I’ll be here.”

Buffy set the bottle and a glass down on the coffee table, “I’ll make it quick,” she grabbed her robe, and headed for the shower.

Spike had been alone for less than two minutes when Xander came in with a big bag of blood.

“Hey man, where is the Buffster? I’m surprised she’s not in here playing nurse.”

Spike glared at him and took a drink of whiskey, “Shower. Probably would be in here except that she’s covered in all that dust. You could use a good wash too. Hand that over would you?” He gestured towards the bag of blood.

Xander shrugged, handing it over along with a straw, “Don’t I know it,” he looked around the room vaguely, avoiding Spike as he jammed the straw into the plastic bag and started to drink. Xander continued, “So ehh, nice digs.”

“It’s alright. Not exactly my taste but it’s comfortable enough. Not going to be going with this color theme when we do up our new place, I’ll tell you that.”

“Yeah about that. That’s going to be a lot of work.”

“You’ll get paid for it,” Spike huffed as he propped his leg up on the coffee table and removed his boot.

“Excuse me?”

“We’re paying you for our side. Don’t expect you to do it for free. You and Red are going to have to hash out what you’re doing on your side of course.”

“Huhh?”

“Didn’t the girls run any of this by you? They were supposed to have done, during your little arts and crafts night.”

“I guess we were distracted with the catching up of it all.”

“Right, so I guess it’s down to me now I’ve stuck my foot in it. Buffy already talked to Willow and she accepted the proposal so I just figured you’d follow suit. There’s enough space. We thought you might want to move in with Red. Have you taken a look upstairs yet?” He continued drinking deeply through the straw.

“No, Faith’s boy-toy just sort of showed me around the basement and the ground floor there. He said something about getting started on the renovations but we didn’t really have a chance to go upstairs.”

“Yeah well it’s a nice spacious sort of layout there. You and Willow would have your own private suite each. It’ll be quite posh once it’s done.”

“I am pretty homeless at the moment. Might be nice to have a place to keep my comic collection.”

“I’m sure Buffy will be thrilled to have her best mates for neighbors.”

“Can I ask you something?”

Spike made a “go on” gesture as he took several more long gulps of blood through the straw.

“What’s in it for you? I mean sure you got Buffy and a job here which is just weird and what is going to be a really great place to live and sure— but what do you get out of it?”

Spike blinked, “Piss on any of that other stuff, what makes you think Buffy isn’t enough? Have you met me?”

Xander shrugged, “I don’t know man. I just—“

“Are you seriously trying to give me the ‘brother’ speech? Is that what’s happening here?” Spike snorted out a laugh and went back to sipping his blood.

“Yeah alright. I guess I sort of was,” he let out a huff and sat down in a chair across from Spike.

“Dawn was much scarier. You’re an idiot Xan, but you’re a good friend— I guess.”

“Best friend you’ve ever had,” Xander huffed, “Maybe Clem— Buffy—“

Spike lowered the straw from his mouth and looked at Xander blankly, “And here I thought Angelus was full of himself.”

“Oh, like you’re rolling in the friend department.”

“Well no, Buffy killed most of the ones I’d have a pint with in Sunnydale— sort of ostracized myself from the rest whenever I got the chip and joined your lot.”

“Yeah and I’m seriously lacking in testosterone-rich friends. You’re pretty much it. Maybe we can rope that Callum guy into our sad little man-circle. Start a poker night or something.”

“He’s a decent enough bloke… bloody hell—“ he sighed defeatedly.

“Yup, this is what you’re signing up for.”

“Bully for me.” Spike drained the bag of blood and grabbed the bottle of whiskey to pour himself a drink, “You want one?”

“I’m not really into the hard stuff.”

“Right…” Spike snorted.

“Fine, what are guy friends for? Bring on the peer pressure.”

“Glasses are over there, you’ll excuse me if I don’t fetch it myself.”

Xander snickered as he retrieved a glass and resumed his seat. They were sipping whiskey in silence when Buffy came back into the room in her robe and a towel on her head, clutching a first aid kit, “Hey babe I got the— Xan? What are you doing?“

“Just knocking back a few with my good buddy here,” Xander answered, he was already a little tipsy.

Spike rolled his eyes and turned his face towards her, “That’s his third there in his hand, oh and he’s decided I’m his best mate.”

“Best male-friend.”

“You see.”

Buffy sighed, “Wow. Ok well as much as I love the whole male bonding— whatever this is… Spike needs medical attention and I need to get dressed, that means you, out, Xan.”

“Yup,” Xander downed his drink and got up, wavering slightly before steadying himself, “Did I mention I’m more of a light drinker?”

“Good night, Xan. Don’t wake Giles up when you go up there!”

“Got it, good Buffy!”

Once he was out of the room Buffy turned back to Spike, “Seriously?”

She went over to her drawers and pulled on a t-shirt and some sleep-shorts then plopped down next to him on the loveseat to look at his leg.

“Yeah not really my idea, but damn if the boy doesn’t have a point there. You got to admit, there is a depressing lack of non-demonic males around to share a pint over a football match.”

“Strip. You mean soccer right?”

“Hells bells. Not on this side of the pond it’s not,” he grinned smugly, as he gingerly pulled his shirt off. Most of his side was covered in angry bruises, his jacket had protected his upper body from the worst of the scrapes, “and I’m afraid you just proved my point, Love.”

He stood up shucking out of his jeans. The bruising continued down his side, Buffy knew that would be gone in a few days. The scrapes and road rash would take a little longer. Spike sat back down, skipped the glass and grabbed the bottle of whiskey. He took a long swig, grinding his teeth and continued talking, focusing on the conversation rather than the pain in his leg as she cleaned the wounds.

“As great as you are, I don’t really see you sitting through a Manchester United match with me hollering at the telly like a bloody idiot. At least Xander knows what he’s in for, he actually sat through a match or two when I crashed with him in Sunnydale.”

“You need a little social testosterone therapy. I get it. You two should hang out together, invite Callum. He seems social enough and you guys get along,” Buffy said as she pulled several small stones out of his knee and calf.

Spike hissed with each of the larger ones, “Yeah, he’s alright for a bloody Scott– Ahh… many more of those?”

“A couple, hold still.”

He took another long swing from the bottle, “Maybe we should check out that brewery of his brother’s.”

“Maybe…” her focus on his leg rather than the ambeling conversation.

He swished the amber liquid in the bottle, “Could check out this Abby where Faith picks this stuff up at.”

“She doesn’t drive clear over there every time, does she?”

“Nah, just when she feels like taking a drive, she normally gets it from the local liquor store.”

“You two really go through it.”

“You’ve been known to have a nip or two, Pet.”

“Not like you two.”

“Vampire constitution sucks.”

“Good point,” she sighed, pulling out another small stone.

Spike peered down at his leg, “That the last of the rubble?”

“Got your rocks off after all. Can you hand me that?” She gestured towards the jar of ointment Willow made and Spike retrieved it for her.

“This is definitely not what I had in mind for tonight.”

“Tell me about it. I’m just glad you made it back in one piece.”

“Yeah. I feel bad for the bike.”

“Is it bad?”

He let out a long sigh, “It still runs and the frame isn’t too bad considering. It’s pretty scraped up. It’ll need more than a coat of paint, that's for sure.” He took a long pull on the bottle.

“What did they want with the sword?”

“Dunno. Didn’t really get that far in the conversation. Have to get into research mode on it I guess.”

“You know how much I love research mode,” Buffy grumbled.

“Bout as much as I do, Pet.”

Several minutes later his leg was bandaged from ankle to mid thigh and the bottle of whiskey was empty. “How’s that feel?”

“Better,” he got to his feet unsteadily, “I should be mostly healed up in a few days, maybe a week or so on the fractures”

Buffy nodded, “You need rest.”

“I bet I’d sleep better with a Slayer curled up on my good side.”

“I’ll see if I can find a spare one,” she quipped, leaning in for a kiss.

Spike chuckled weakly, “Afraid there’s only one that’ll do, Pet.”

Chapter 34 The Talking Dead

(This title has absolutely nothing to do with TWD, no copy-write infringement intended.)

Willow went back out with Xander to place the stones her friends had helped her carve the night before. It had taken them the better part of the morning and into the early afternoon since Xander had to cement them each in place along the wall. Willow would murmur an incantation over each one as he did. By the time they were finished with the sheer number of them, Willow was exhausted.

“Ahh, Will? I hate to break it to you but I think we forgot one. Kinda a big one too,” Xander held up a large rock bigger than his fist.

“No, that’s the ‘catalyst stone’. It gets buried under the entrance to the property. At the edge of the driveway in the middle. I’ll use it tonight to finish the spell. Right now, I think I need a break.” Willow muttered sleepily as she drifted towards the Duplex.

“Wills? Seriously lacking in domestic comforts there. You know, like windows and furniture. What are you doing?”

She sighed wistfully, “You go. I just want to check in on Ruby before I head in for a nap.”

“Don’t be long. Buffy wants to get this little shindig out of the way before the girls leave.”

“I’ll make an appearance. It's just the two girls leaving today. The other two head out tomorrow I think.”

“Yeah well Faith is freaking everybody out with this thing so chop-chop.”

With that the two friends parted ways and Willow made her way down to the basement on her side of the duplex. She knocked on the basement wall, “Ruby? Are you awake?” she asked timidly.

There was a shuffling sound. As Willow continued to descend the stairs Ruby suddenly came into view wearing a Led Zeppelin t-shirt and a pair of sleep pants that hugged her curves a little too well despite how baggy they were on her, “Oh, ehh hey there,” the words came out breathy.

“Oh hey,” she answered.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’ve been better.”

“I bet.”

Ruby eyed the witch critically, “You look beat. No offense. I mean, you’re– humm… Here, have a seat,” she gestured to one of the mismatched chairs nervously. “Is everything alright?”

Willow sat down heavily, “Just witch stuff, you probably don’t want to know.”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

Willow settled back into the chair, “I just did a whole lot of setting-incantations; getting ready for a big spell tonight and it sort of took it out of me. I’m headed for a nap but I wanted to check on you first. How’s it going?”

Ruby’s eyes widened momentarily before she let out a little puff of air, allowing herself to relax a little into the other chair, “I’m alright. You were kinda right about the shower and sleep. I actually feel almost normal.”

“Really?”

“Okay, so no. That’s a gross overstatement. Not normal. I’m just– Is there anything I can do?”

“Oh, Ruby that’s–” the look in Ruby’s eyes cut her off and she had to start again. “You just need to focus on getting better alright?”

“I sort of feel like I might start going mad if I don’t do something soon. A project or— Just get out for a bit. Something. I’m not asking to leave, I oddly kinda like it here. Although I’m not really sure where here is. I was still a little out of it when you guys brought me in. I think I just want to get some fresh air.”

“It’s a little sunny out for you right now.”

Ruby grinned, “I didn’t mean now. So what is this place?”

“It’s– it’s my house– or it will be. It needs some work before Xan and I can move in.”

“You and Xan? The smaller big guy? I’m sorry, I just thought–”

“Ohh! Humm I am, I mean– No, it’s not like that. He’s my best friend. He’s taking the second suite upstairs. There’s two.”

“Oh– so eh–”

“Humm yeah–”

“It’s— do you want anything? Ok that’s stupid– all I have is blood. I’m sorry. I just– Trying to be polite and it’s all coming out wrong. Nervous I guess,” Ruby stamared awkwardly.

“I sort of still have a, well not really a girlfriend… I hope not… I mean… I should just stop talking.” Willow blurted out suddenly. Her cheeks flushed and she looked stricken.

Ruby bobbed her head calmly a moment and grinned slowly, “Willow, please. Don’t get me wrong. I think you’re— look I know I’m not in a great state and you know, living dead and all. And now I got a soul too. I'm not really sure what the hell that means… I’m trying to get on with it, yeah, but I don’t think I’m ready to ‘move’ on if you get my meaning.”

“Lauren?”

Ruby swallowed hard, “Yeah—“ she hung her head.

“She was your girlfriend?”

Ruby brought her head up slowly, piercing Willow with her pale gray eyes that nearly seemed to glow, “Never really got that far actually.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

She paused a moment as she curled her feet under her in the chair, “I’d always been the quiet one. Studying, reading. Most outlandish thing about me is my taste in music. I hadn't really given relationships much serious thought; until I met Lauren.”

“Really? Like at all?”

Ruby shrugged, “Guess you’d have to know our parents. They always talked about marriage and having kids like it was our purpose in life. Guess you could say I was seriously repressed.”

Willow frowned, “So what happened?”

“Met Lauren. It was just like we had always known each other; instant friends. I wanted more than that though— I invited her out to hang out with some friends. Hoped it would be kinda like a date, you know?”

“The night you went missing.”

“The night I died. Yeah. She had something she had to do but she was supposed to meet us at the club. She seemed really excited about it too—“ Ruby stood up suddenly, pacing with agitated grace.

“Ruby—“

She held up a hand, “No— I think I need to get this out. Please—“

“Okay—“

It was a moment before she spoke again, “My friends and I were taking a bit of a shortcut through an alley when we were jumped.”

“Vampires.”

“Thought they were muggers— one grabbed me from behind and I woke up alone in a crypt.”

“Giles said he had a call from a ME about a missing body matching your description and a dead medical assistant. We just thought that was you.”

“No. Not me. I definitely woke up in a crypt inside one of the vaults. I had to push the lid off to climb out. Didn’t know what the hell had happened.”

“And no one was around. Not your sire or anyone?”

“No, no one”

“Do you remember anything about the vamp that sired you?”

“I– no actually– they bit me from behind and made me drink from their arm pressed in front of my face… I never saw them. Her… It might have been–” she felt the side of her throat absentmindedly. “Yeah, I think it was a woman. Just a feeling.”

“Huhh, well that’s something I guess. Kinda weird.”

“What’s weird?”

“Not that. That’s actually pretty standard I guess. I’m just trying to figure out if there is any kind of a pattern. Most of the time when vamps are trying to build up ranks or have some kind of a purpose they tend to take an interest in their fledglings. Not that they are super nurturing or anything, just look at Spike and his ex— big yikes. I don’t think most vampires know who sired them to be honest. I’m just pointing out that your sire took enough interest to actually put you into a vault inside of a crypt but then didn’t stick around. It’s probably fairly common really, definitely not unheard of, but it might be significant.”

“I don’t know,” she shrugged dismissively, “All I know is that the others I met were not the brightest bulbs and seemed pretty new too. Not one of them were anything like Spike. He’s got this– power or something that just comes off of him, you can tell he’s older. The others didn’t have that..”

“Fledges…” Willow supplied, “Spike is what we call a Master Vampire. Meaning he’s over a century old and really knows his stuff. Powerful too, obviously.”

“Yeah… I mean when I woke up, all I really knew was that I was way stronger than normal, really confused and I knew that I had never met up with Lauren. I just really needed to let her know that I hadn’t stood her up. I needed to see her.”

“So you went to find her.”

She resumed her seat, “Yeah… I did.”

They were both quiet. Willow wasn’t sure if she wanted to hear the rest of the story but she wasn’t going to stop Ruby. If it would help her to get it out, she would listen.

Ruby turned those eerily bright eyes on her again before she continued, “It didn’t even register to me that it was the middle of the night. She looked so damn cute when she answered her door half asleep. I must have looked like a mess because she invited me right in. I started to explain what happened. Tried to tell her I hadn’t meant to stand her up but then… she kissed me— and I— it was— didn’t know what happened but next thing I knew. God I was so hungry. I’ve never been so hungry before and then— then I wasn’t. And Lauren was dead. I never— I didn’t mean to—“ she choked. Ruby suddenly got up and went to the bathroom sink to splash water on her face.

Willow swallowed a hard lump in her throat. She had already guessed the story didn’t have a happy ending. She puffed out a breath and followed her into the bathroom.

“Ruby—“

“That wasn’t even the worst of it. If you can believe that.” She stood with her hands on either side of the sink. Her shoulders shook as she continued, “The worst part is that I didn’t leave. See I had a moment of clarity and I realized what had happened. That I’d become what my baby sister had been born to kill. But I was relishing it. I didn’t see it as a ‘bad’ thing at the time. I felt so… alive.” She laughed bitterly.

The sound made the hair on the back of Willow’s neck stand up.

“How ironic is that? I actually felt alive for the first time. I drained the girl I wanted to be with of life and somehow I felt alive. Sick—- I actually hung out at Lauren’s, for a bit. Killed her roommate when she came home and caught me going through their stuff… Never gave it a thought… I even took a shower. Took some of her roommate’s clothes and then– then I left.”

“Goddess that’s—“

“Ran into a group of vamps in an old building I went in for the day. One of ‘em started telling me off for killing right off. Saying I should be turning them. Give the Slayers something to fight. I showed them where to find the castle. I showed them where to hit. It just grew from there— It’s all my fault— all of it.”

“How many know?”

She shook her head, “Just the ones that got away. I don’t know how many that was. They were all pretty focused on the kill. I told them to hold off until I got into the castle. That I’d force someone to let them in… that’s sort of where the plan fell apart. Wasn’t a great plan in retrospect.”

Willow stood behind her and gripped Ruby’s shoulders comfortingly, “Ruby, please, don’t do this. You need rest.”

“Been sleeping most of the day as it is.”

“You’re nocturnal and you’ve been through a lot in the last few days. You should be sleeping most of the day.”

“Why do you care so much? Why do all of this anyway? The soul thing I mean. From what I hear there was only ever two and what, now baby makes three?”

“It wasn’t just that.”

“Sheena?”

“Yeah. That and I was able to find an Orb of Thesulah pretty easily this time. It just seemed like the right thing to do.”

“The right thing to do… yeah…”

“Ruby, please. I’m dead on my feet here. You need sleep.”

“Says the girl with a pulse,” she scoffed.

“Come on, let's get you in bed.”

“What would your girlfriend think of that, I wonder?”

“Come on,” she answered as she steered her towards the cot and the pile of rumpled blankets on it. Ignoring the comment.

“Well the good news is that the spell I’m doing tonight should not only keep any unwanted vampires off the property but it should also keep them from finding it again too.”

Ruby sat down on the cot looking at her with interest, “You can do that?”

“Yup. I might not be super strong but I pack a punch.”

“Big things in small packages and all that, yeah?”

Willow smiled warmly.

“Now that’s just not fair. I’m trying to be all remorseful and repentant and then you go and do a thing like that—“ Ruby laughed weakly.

“I humm…”

“No, I know. Still kind of have a girlfriend and I’m a mental case— absolute scum, piece of shit– a monster.”

“You’re not a piece of shit or scum–”

“Tell that to Lauren and her roommate, how about the little Slayer I killed, or how about my baby sister? Pretty sure they’d all tell you I’m scum right about now… and I’m definitely a monster.”

“Technically I guess ‘monster’ is true but you’re not a monster-y monster. You don’t have to be.”

“Right, supposed to dawn a white hat now.”

“Give it time. Apparently killing demons is good for the soul. According to Spike that is.”

“Guess it factors into the repentance angle of things.”

“It definitely does. Spike was evil almost a century and a half before he got his soul and he’s a good guy now. He’ll help you through stuff, he’s actually a surprisingly good teacher. Buffy too.”

“And you?”

“I’m actually going to Rome soon.”

Ruby shifted uncomfortably, “Wow, I know the timing is bad and I came on a bit strong and all but I didn’t think I’d scare you off to a different country,” she sat back onto the cot a little further hugging her knees, “Wait a tic, don’t you live here? I mean the castle, not the under-construction vampire housing.”

“I’m going to be moving in when it’s done. I still live in Rome. I’m just here visiting because of the attack on the castle.”

“Making it hard for me to feel sorry for the castle bit now. Thanks for letting me stay here.”

“It’s nothing. Do you— do you want to come upstairs? I can show you what I have in mind for the place.”

“I’d like that, but aren’t we cutting into your nap time? I’d hate for your spell to go all wonky because I’ve kept you up. You aren’t leaving today are you?”

“End of the week, although I might call work and stay a little longer if they need me. Seems to be a backlog of witchy-work for me here.”

“You can show me round another time then. I’m thinking you’re probably right about getting some rest. You’re welcome to join me.”

“The cot isn’t very big.”

“Might have to look into getting a proper bed in here if I’m staying on.”

“What about your parents?”

“I’d like to see them but— the vampire thing— Even with the soul; I’m not— I feel horrible about the killing; I really do… but I don’t feel bad about being me. I’m—“ she grasped Willow’s hand lightly, “I don’t want to pretend I’m their ‘normal’, introverted daughter anymore because, I’m not—- I just don’t want to— I don’t want to go back to being repressed and hiding who I am. I can’t go back to university and I can’t go back to that house and just live there like I just have a sun allergy and a taste for blood.”

“I barely know you and I’m already really proud of you… and you know you’re welcome to live here— eh, in the basement. I’m totally fine with you staying here while I’m in Rome.”

“Ta. So hum, how about after you move in?”

“Let’s just see how things go. I’m not even sure how long it is going to take to fix the place up.”

“But you’ll definitely be back, yeah?”

“Might be a few months but yeah. I’m definitely coming back. I have a job here and everything.” She found herself leaving off the part about having done the same job remotely for the past year and that she would likely be starting the school year off the same way, but then hastily added, “I work at a library in Rome.”

“Bet you rock the sexy librarian bit,” Ruby bit her lip shyly.

Willow cleared her throat, “I like books. I haven’t seen the attic yet but Buffy says it already has bookshelves, I’m really looking forward to— I’m being-book girl. Sorry.”

“Don’t be. I like books too. I think it’s adorable.”

“I- I better get going. You get some rest,” but Willow still made no move to leave. How many times had she started to leave now?

“You too. Maybe I’ll see you tonight?”

“Humm, yeah I think so, probably. I think we were planning on getting you some of your stuff.”

“Most of it’s at Uni.”

Willow nodded, “That’s probably better anyway. Baby-steps. I’ll talk to Buffy, we can probably hit the campus tonight after the hospital,” she yawned.

“That’s enough of that. You’ve got that protection spell in the works, and you want to check out my little sis? I don’t know much about magic yet, but I imagine it takes focus and for that you need rest.”

“Yet huhh?”

“It’s been an eye opening fortnight. There’s been a lot to wrap my head around and the way I see it, I’m not done. Magic isn’t only very real but it’s sort of fascinating. Now, I get the feeling you and I could talk all day and night; but you need sleep darling. Don’t want you doing subpar poking around in my sister’s head now do we? Now, you can either head back to whatever cozy spot you got in the castle there, or you can snuggle in here with me. Your choice.”

“Ahhh… I’d better.”

“Yeah, I think you’d better,” she grinned lazily as she watched Willow finally retreat off the little bed and towards the stairs. She pursed her lips, “Thanks for the chat.”

“Sure, you’re welc—“ she stopped herself, “No, thank you for trusting me enough to talk to me.”

There was a moment of stunned silence between them before Willow finally turned and left up the stairs.

**************************

Outside, she glanced up into the orchard at the back of the castle as she made her way to the front. Buffy, Xander, Faith, and Callum were setting up for an impromptu going away party for the older girls. Zari and Wendy were leaving today. Faith had this crazy idea of setting up a sort of obstacle course in what was left of the orchard. She had made targets for the girls to throw weapons at, like a weird party game. Willow was certain that the attempt at such frivolity was a mistake but she wasn’t about to argue.

Right now she was too tired. Her stomach grumbled. And apparently hungry too… She sighed as she headed into the kitchen where Spike was sitting at the large dinner table with his injured leg propped on a chair and a large container of blood in front of him.

“How’s Ruby?”

“How— Xan.”

“That and a bit of deductive reasoning.”

“Yeah we had a nice long chat.”

“Get to the bottom of this Lauren business?”

“Yeah… got an update on her body-count too— she’s in rough shape.”

“She opened up to someone. That’s a good start.” He nodded, “What kind of body-count are we talking about here?”

“Three including Deloris.”

“The benefits of youth.”

“Pretty sure it’s just three too many for her.”

He nodded, “Still, it’s a nice low number she can come to terms with over time.”

“She’s lucky to have you.”

Spike rolled a shoulder, unwilling to say more. He wasn’t really sure what he could offer her except experience and he wasn’t sure if that would be enough. He took another drink of blood, “Bloody hell, I’m knackered.”

“I’m surprised you’re even up.”

He let out a long suffering sigh, “Wouldn’t be but for the girls. Figured blood was the next best thing to proper rest.”

“You look a little better.”

“Bones are settling in place nicely. Blood helps, human would be better but this gets the job done.”

“That’s just weird.”

“What is?”

“The way vampires heal, it’s really weird. Like your bones just set themselves?”

“Only partly, depends on the break. Sometimes they require a little ‘nudge’ in the right direction. These breaks didn’t need a whole lot of convincing.”

“Ouch.”

He shrugged and drank deeply from the mug, “What d’you make of all this?” He asked waving a hand around the kitchen at the trays of snacks and drinks Faith had roped Buffy into helping her with.

“Yeah—“

“Bit in poor taste ain’t it?”

“Maybe a little… I’m surprised Buffy is going along with it. Or Callum for that matter.”

“We think this might be some weird coping thing Faith is trying— I don’t get it myself. No denying the girl seems off. Think this is all hitting her harder than she’s letting on. You notice Callum has barely left her side?”

“I just met the guy. I guess I just thought that was kinda normal for them.”

He shook his head, “Sure he’s been here a fair amount, just not like this. He’s nearly moved in… like he’s afraid she’s going to fall apart. What’s more is I think he’s right.”

Willow watched the three of them outside the window and shook her head. “I guess people grieve in different ways…”

“Going off the deep-end and trying to destroy the world after losing the love of your life, that I get— throwing a going away party for the graduating class after losing a student and having one in a coma— I don’t know, maybe it’s just me.”

Willow sat down across from him, “What did you say?”

“I— shit— I didn’t mean to open old wounds, Red. Mouth is ahead of my brain again and ya caught me in a bad moment. I’m just trying to sort out all this nonsense here. Didn’t really know Deloris that well if I’m being honest, but she was a sweet girl. I’m nearly as close to Sheena as I once was with Dawn. I know she’s hanging on but it all feels wrong… doing all this without her here…”

“I get it. Just don’t let Dawn hear you talk like that. Pretty sure you’re back on her ‘favorite peoples list’ in a big way since you came back.”

“Wouldn’t know. Haven’t seen the bit or even talked to her much since Buffy and I’ve been back in it. Thought crossed my mind, more than once, that maybe she didn’t really want to see me. But then why would she be seemingly fine with me regularly shagging her sister?”

“Wow, Spike, you really have a way with words.”

“First time round she was my violent golden goddess and I was the corpse shoved in her closet. We both knew it but it didn’t mean the same thing to the other. Neither of us were exactly gentle. Violent. Toxic. Course everything is different now. No more closet. We talk. Actually talk. And I love it, love her. I like being out in the open with her.”

Willow blinked, stunned, “I—“ she hesitated, then pressed her lips together. “She’s been referring to you as her brother-in-law, Dawn has, I mean, did you know that?”

He had a feeling that wasn’t what she wanted to say but he didn’t press, “Buffy might’ve mentioned it.”

“Believe me, she likes you.”

He nodded, looking at the blood in the container in front of him.

“Thank you,” Willow said suddenly.

He gave her a questioning look, “For what?”

“Understanding. About Tara. Buffy and Xan— they said they understood but I don’t think they really did— not until this past year. Okay Buffy, did but— I mean— more I guess— ok that sounds awful— I just— “

“I know what you mean. Girl has known too much loss already. Look, I really liked Tara, she was always kind. Good to me when everyone else treated me like dirt. She helped Buffy through a hard time when I was too blind to see what she really needed. Means a lot in retrospect. Can’t hardly blame you for goin’ dark really.”

“It still doesn’t justify what I did.”

He shrugged, “Dunno if I’d go that far. I might’ve helped you had I been round.”

“No. You wouldn’t have. You would have helped Buffy and you would have been right.”

“Not sure how I’d react if I lost her the way you lost Tara. If you hadn’t– If I’d come back and found her gone— soul or no soul. Crazy or not… I don’t think it would have been pretty…”

They were both quiet for a moment as they watched the proceedings outside the kitchen window. Spike took another long swallow of blood then spoke again, “You know, by the time I was the age Buffy is now I’d only lost one person I’d loved, not her though.”

“That was random. Who was it?”

“Humm?” He hummed through a sip of blood.

“Who did you lose?”

“My father. When I was ‘bout fifteen.”

“I’m sorry.”

Spike snapped out of his melancholy, “Doesn’t matter now, does it? You look knackered. Did you need something other than a cozy spot to crash?”

“Food.”

He raised his eyebrows, “Well this is the kitchen. Go on, don’t let me stop you. Don’t think they’ll notice if you hit the cheese plate and I think there’s some fruit salad in the fridge. You look a bit peaky.”

“Thanks.”

“Any time, Red.”

“No, really. Thanks, Spike. Humm… William. It really means a lot to hear it.”

He gave her a serious nod, “Just telling you the truth is all. You’re stealing Buffy’s tricks by the way. She almost only ever calls me ‘William’ when she’s dead serious about something.”

She squirmed a little, “Yeah, I know. That’s why I said it too.”

“Message received.” He tipped the blood in a salute and downed it.

Moments later, after Willow had managed to get some food, the girls came down in a storm to eat and celebrate the Level 4 girls completion of the training program. Willow had taken up a seat on Spike’s right and had refilled his blood for him. The two sat in alternating bouts of friendly conversation and companionable silence as the girls swarmed around them in a frenzy before slowly flitting outside.

Willow yawned.

“Bloody hell, go on Red, get some kip, you got that spell going later. I’ll cover for you.”

“Tell Buffy I want to take Ruby with us to the hospital later and then to Ruby’s place near campus to get her clothes and things.”

“I’ll tell her. You go on before anyone else keeps you up any longer would you?”

“I’m goin’, I’m goin’, yeesh.”

Spike chuckled, “I’ll believe that when you’re sawing logs.”

********************

Spike was on the couch watching an old black and white horror movie when Buffy and Faith returned from taking Wendy and Zari to the airport with Giles. Nothing had gone according to plan since the attack on the castle but at least the first two girls were off to their new placements. Wendy to Miami and Zari to Cleveland. Tomorrow would be Ursula and Addison’s turn, they would both be going to Pittsburgh.

Faith made a quick excuse and ran upstairs.

Giles sat himself down gingerly on the other couch, carefully propping his leg up.

Buffy positioned herself on the edge of the couch where Spike was laying on his good side and leaned into him for a kiss.

“How was it?” he asked.

“Fine. They have their contacts lined up and they are supposed to call when they get in.”

“About time something went right.”

“No kidding!” She huffed as she slumped against him.

He let out a brief hiss of pain but waved off the look of concern she shot him. Instead he wrapped an arm around her loosely, pulling her in a little bit more, “Wasn’t braced for that is all. You know I can take whatever you throw at me, Slayer.”

She settled into him a little more, “Has Willow been down yet?”

“Not that I’ve seen but I’ve been dozing since things quieted down, just woke up a bit ago.”

“I’m glad you got some rest. Maybe we should get you back upstairs.”

He raised an eyebrow, “You know, I’ve been thinking.”

“About the demons that did this to you?”

“Well, been thinking about that too but I was talking about the other day actually. Sure did give me some ideas to keep me entertained while I convoless.” He purred seductively.

Buffy thought through their link, How can you even think about sex right now? You can barely move.

He turned his head towards the TV as though he were interested in the movie but answered her with his thoughts. That’s exactly what’s got me thinking, well that and Ruby’s shackles layin’ in the utility room there. Perfect opportunity to let you have your wicked way with me.

“Ah—Ohhh…”

Unless you’re opposed to opening that particular door again. You know I’m not. Don’t get me wrong, Love. I know things are different, lot less fear and loathing between us now, but maybe we should have a little talk. Yeah? Later? Not in front of the Watcher that is. He shot Giles a flickering glance behind her shoulder, “Please?” His voice came out hushed.

Buffy couldn’t help wondering if he was asking because the guilt was eating at him again. Not that it ever left completely, but it came in waves. Sometimes he was almost despondent under the weight of his past and other times it was almost like none of it ever happened. Spike seemed to handle it much better than Angel ever did but still. Since the attack on the castle he had been a little more quiet. They both had, really. Then it had redoubled since Ruby got her soul. Now he was injured and asking Buffy to chain him up? For fun?

“I’m afraid I haven’t had much time to look for that sword in my research. I confess I’ve been a bit busy since Willow and Xander arrived,” Giles interrupted their nearly silent conversation.

Spike cleared his throat, “Think it might be time to reevaluate your priorities.”

“I assure you, Spike, what I’ve been working on is of the utmost importance to everyone in this castle and I am sure even you would agree with that.”

Spike eyed Buffy critically, “This is the thing that’s had your stomach in knots since your chat with Willow?” She nodded stiffly, more surprised by the fact that he hadn’t already asked what was bothering her and comforted by the thought of him waiting for her to come to him with it. “And you don’t have enough solid information yet to worry me about it, that it?”

“Pretty much.”

“You’ll tell me when you’re ready?”

“You know I will.”

“Right then, let’s crack on! Giles, do you have any theories about the sword and why these bastards wanted it so bad?”

“I think it’s likely a sword of power.”

“Neither of us got anything off of it, right Love?”

“No, nothing.”

“I’m not sure that either of you would. Willow may be able to sense something about it though.”

“Red is clocking some serious witching hours on this trip ain’t she? Are we sure that’s wise?”

“She has been through extensive training and is doing exceptionally well since the destruction of Sunnydale. I’m sure she will be quiet up to the task.”

“She’s finishing the boundary spell tonight before we take Ruby out,” Buffy checked her watch, “Speaking of, I should go find her. We have a lot of ground to cover tonight.”

“Should take Faith, make it a proper girls night.”

“Oh right, visiting a coma patient and clearing out Ruby’s place. Totally fun,” she rolled her eyes, “I’ll ask if she wants to see Sheena but I kinda doubt it. She sort of hates hospitals.”

“Yeah well starting to look like one around here,” he scoffed as he gestured to himself and Giles and their matching leg injuries, “The English don’t seem to be fairing very well.”

“Aww is it movie night in the infirmary?”

“Dunno, are you sticking around Rupert?”

“Only because I rather enjoy this film. I haven’t seen it in years.”

“See, classic horror is a crowd pleaser.”

“Just don’t bite Giles when your tummy gets all growly.”

“No chance, it’s Boris Karloff in ‘The Mummy’, not particularly appetizing.”

“So much ewww.”

Chapter 35

Redemption

Buffy watched as Willow ran her hands above Sheena’s thin form laying on the bed. The girl was pale and her dark hair laying across the crisp white pillow made her look a little like Snow White. A softly glowing light flowed through Willow's hands and swirled around Sheena. The light moved over her and up to her head in a halo, then formed odd shapes in the air that Willow seemed to be reading.

This was certainly different from the last spell she had watched her friend perform within the last hour. She and Xander had gone with Willow out to the break in the stone fence where the driveway cut through the property line.

Willow had simply buried the stone in the ground and started a very short chant. Her face had taken on a blank seriousness and she glowed with a white light for an instant. There was a little electrical crackling that buzzed through the earth and the wall surrounding the property. Buffy could physically feel the pulse of energy running through the perimeter. There was an odd gust of wind that seemed to come from the ground itself. It swooped around and then upward into the sky. Buffy couldn’t tell how high it went but even the tallest trees seemed to be affected. The scent of ozone hit Buffy’s nostrils before dissipating. And then it was over. The trio walked back to the castle to check on the resident vampire who was still dozing in front of the TV like nothing had happened. After that she and Willow had gone to gather the spell supplies that were now sitting on Sheena’s bedside table.

Willow studied the lights and symbols forming over Sheena a moment longer before waving her hand and dispelling the light. Ruby turned to Willow from her seat next to her sister, anxiety etched on her face, “Is there anything you can do for her?”

Willow fidgeted with her lip.

“Will?” Buffy asked.

“Sheena seems to be nearly healed up. I think this might be more trauma induced. There’s something blocking her from waking up.”

“Like I was when Glory took Dawn?”

“Pretty much.”

“Anyone want to fill in the new vamp on the scene?” Ruby asked, clutching her sister’s hand.

“Sorry Ruby, you're right. What Willow is getting at is that Sheena is still in a coma because of a— what do you even call that?”

“Think of it almost like a catatonic state within the coma.”

“That sounds horrible!”

“Well it’s definitely not of the good but I think we might be able to help her. Better yet you can help her.”

“What, me? How can I help? I'm the one that did this to her!” Guilt and remorse cracked her voice.

“Yes you did and that’s why I think you would be the best one to do it. For both of you.”

Ruby turned to look at her sister's paleface and sighed, “If you say so. How’s it work?”

Willow had already moved over to the table where her supplies were sitting. She took a large deep purple amethyst and placed it on Sheena‘s forehead, then she took a large pink rose quartz and placed that on her sternum.

“I’m just going to light these herbs here and we are going to take a little trip inside your sister’s subconscious. Buffy, can you make sure we’re not interrupted?”

Buffy took up a post at the end of the bed, “Bodyguard-Buffy that’s me.”

“You make it sound so easy, what exactly do we have to do?“

Willow lit the herbs and sat down in a chair next to Sheena, opposite Ruby. She took one of Sheena‘s hands in hers and reached across her stomach to Ruby. Giving her a small nod, “All you have to do is hold your sister's hand and mine. I’ll get us in there and then it’s your turn. A lot of it is gonna be up to you. I’ve only met your sister over a computer screen twice so I’m basically just moral support once we’re in.”

Ruby nodded and took Willow’s hand, completing the circle, “Onward.”

Willow’s eyes closed as she silently began to chant. A moment later Buffy watched as their heads lulled and they both slumped slightly over Sheena, still clasping hands.

Buffy looked around the room and flopped her hands down at her sides, “Bodyguard-Buffy is going to be Bored-Buffy.” She looked around until she caught sight of a crochet magazine Sheena’s mother must have left there. Without anything better to keep her entertained she moved the chair she had been sitting in around to the end of the bed so she could sit with a view of the door. Willow hadn’t exactly been clear on how long this would take. Although Buffy was pretty sure that they only had another hour or so before the hospital staff would be kicking them out. Hopefully they would be finished before then.

Willow blinked in the bright sunlight she found herself in and immediately looked around. The first thing she saw was a small dark haired girl, probably around seven, in a black dress sitting alone on a swing in an abandoned playground. She instinctively turned to find Ruby standing next to her staring at the young girl. The girl didn’t seem to notice them at all. She simply sat there on the swing focusing intensely— on nothing.

“Sheena—“ Ruby whispered. She placed one hand against her lips to stifle a gasp as she looked around the playground and back at little Sheena, “Wait— I know this. This was just after our gran’s funeral. Sheena– she was so upset she eh she ran off, it took me an hour to figure out where she’d gone. This is where I found her.”

“Looks like she’s waiting for her big sister.”

Ruby slowly moved towards little Sheena and kneeled down in front of her. She didn’t move. “Sheena?”

Nothing.

“Shee-shee?”

The girl blinked.

“Shee-shee? It’s me, Ruby.”

“Ruby is gone,” the child’s voice came out in a heartbreaking whisper.

“I’m right here Shee. It’s me. I’m here.”

“You’re dead…”

There was a sudden swirl of wind and colour and they were abruptly in the kitchen at the castle. Sheena and Deloris were standing by the window watching the battle rage outside, forbidden to do anything about it. Ruby watched as she saw herself walk right up to the back door, unnoticed by any of the combatants behind her.

She heard her own voice, her pleading tone asking her sister to let her in. Asking for safety and solace. Convincing her she wasn’t the evil thing she had turned into. Sheena cried and uttered something that only vaguely sounded like an invitation. The moment Ruby had crossed the threshold her face changed into the horrifying creature she knew she was. Ruby hadn’t seen her face like that of course.

She staggered back into the large work table as she watched the memory unfold in front of them, “Oh God no!” She cried and tried to hide her face in her hands.

Willow rushed to her side clutching her arm, “I think she needs you to see this.”

“Wi-Willow? Oh God! Is that really what I look like? Am I really that horrible?” She started to feel her face. No fangs. No bumpies.

Willow pulled her hands away from her perfectly pretty human face, “Watch.”

Then she gestured towards the memory-Ruby as she grappled with Sheena for a moment before throwing her across the room into the corner where she hit the wall with a sickening smack and crumpled to the floor by the large dining table.

“It’s just your demon, Ruby. That— that is what ‘normal’ looks like for a vampire. No you don’t look like that all the time.”

Ruby looked on in horror, barely even aware of Willow’s hand still on her arm or her reassuring voice in her ear as the scene continued to unfold. The memory Ruby grabbed a distracted Deloris, sinking her fangs into the soft flesh of her throat, drinking deeply. She threw her head back and howled with glee, a manic smile on her wicked looking face.

Unable to turn away, Ruby felt sickened by the gore of the scene unfolding before her. It hadn't felt so disgusting at the time. It had felt glorious, intimate even. But now— The depravity of it made her want to throw up. Having her own memory of what she did and actually seeing it from an outside perspective was too much to handle. Deloris‘s body flew through the air to join Sheena’s limp form.

There was a small sound behind them and Ruby and Willow realized that little Sheena was sitting on the work table. She was still in her black mourning dress, still looking just as forlorn as she did on the swing.

“Sheena?” Ruby swallowed the bile in her throat and turned to the tiny Sheena.

“Shee-shee, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry! I’m so, so, so— sorry!” she nearly wailed, tears rolling down her cheeks, “Sheena, sweetheart, you have to believe me!”

“Ruby is a dead thing…”

“I know. I know I am— I— oh God Sheena, I’m sorry I hurt you! Please!”

“Can a soulless monster feel sorry?”

Willow gripped Ruby’s arm encouragingly, “I don’t really know maybe– maybe not entirely— but that’s not me Sheena. I’ve changed. Again. But this time it’s a good change. They gave me my soul back, Sheena. I’m me.” She looked over at her memory-self standing stock still. Blood stained game face. Ruby swallowed and turned back towards Sheena, “But I guess that’s me too. I’m both. I’m so sorry… I’m both now.”

Sheena blinked.

“Please Shee-Shee, give me a chance. I am the sister you remember, but I’m also—“ she let out a hard rasping breath, “I’m also that. I don’t want to be that, I want to be better. I want to be the sister that you know and love. I want to be who you need me to be. Sheena, please listen. I’m here, I'm listening, I'm here,” she cried.

The dark haired little girl remained impassive for another moment as Ruby cried herself out into the girl's lap. Her tears disappeared into the black of the skirt of the little dress she wore.

Willow stood still holding onto Ruby feeling like an intruder, not sure what her part should be in all of this. Casual observer? Should she intervene? Willow was still pondering this when the little girl finally spoke, “How do I know you’re telling the truth? How do I know you’re really my Ruby?”

Ruby whimpered and looked up at her with shining eyes, “I’ll do whatever it takes to earn your trust back. I know I’ve messed up. I know I’ve done horrible things to you, to Deloris, to—“ she couldn’t say the name. Not that Sheena knew who Lauren was anyway but she couldn’t say it. “Sheena, I am your sister. I will do anything in my power to make this up to you somehow, if you just let me sweetie. But for me to do that, you have to wake up. You have to. I need you. Things have changed. I’ve changed and I need you. I can’t do this on my own. Spike and Buffy and all the white hats in the castle have been great but I need you. I need my baby sister.”

Recognition flashed in Sheena‘s eyes and she suddenly morphed into her 15-year-old self. Still sitting on the kitchen table but now dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a black T-shirt, nails painted black to match and tiny silver hoops adorning her ears, “You know Spike?” she asked in a small voice.

Ruby gave a watery chuckle and almost smiled, “Yeah I know Spike, he’s going to be helping me with this soul thing. I guess I’m sort of like him now. Thanks to Willow here,” she gestured towards Willow.

Sheena seemed to notice her for the first time, “Miss Rosenberg?” She questioned, “What are you doing here?”

“Hi, Sheena! I heard you and your sister could use some help. I put your sister's soul back for her.”

“So Ruby really is like Spike?”

“Well she has a soul. It’s more like Angel really but… I can explain it better when you wake up, okay?”

“She’s not going to be super grumpy like him is she?”

Willow chuckled, “No, I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure I managed to fix that part with the new spell I used on Ruby.”

Sheena turned hopeful eyes towards her sister, “So it’s really true? This isn’t some kind of trick?”

Ruby shook her head, “No Shee-shee, it’s not a trick. I really do have my soul back. It’s only been a couple of days and it’s been— well it’s no picnic; but it’s real. I’m here. I’m your sister, again, well sort of.”

There was another unexpected swirl of wind and light and Ruby and Willow were abruptly coming out of the spell. Their hands were still clasped together and they were slumped slightly over Sheena’s slim body. They sat up looking around. A machine beeped obnoxiously and Sheena’s eyelids fluttered a little.

It took a few moments before Sheena squeezed her sister’s hand weakly, “Rube?” She gasped.

Ruby cried, it had worked. She squeezed her sister’s hand in return just before she let out a little sigh and fell asleep again. She wasn’t out of the woods yet, but it was a good sign.

Another machine beeped. Making Buffy turn towards footsteps in the hallway, “Willow quick, gather that stuff up, nurses will be in here to check on that beepy thing and to kick us out.”

“We should probably call for a nurse anyway, let them know she’s come out of it,” Ruby smiled in relief as she stood up and patted her sister’s knee through the blankets covering her.

“You got everything, Will?”

“Yeah, we're good. Bodyguard-Buffy can stand down. Ruby, you want to call the nurse?”

Ruby had barely opened the door to flag down a nurse when two of them came flying into the room to check Sheena’s vitals and started asking questions. Ruby explained that she had opened her eyes, recognized her by name, squeezed her hand and promptly fell back to sleep.

A third nurse paused in front of Ruby, “Not to worry. It’s perfectly normal for coma patients to require a little time to fully wake up. We really should see to her now and visiting hours ended fifteen minutes ago. She will likely sleep for several hours before waking up fully. I recommend you all go home and get some sleep. We will call if there is any change.”

Ruby nodded, her sister wasn’t exactly any other coma patient and cast her a longing glance as one nurse checked Sheena’s vitals and the other one updated her chart and took readings off of the machines she was hooked up to.

“Yeah, of course. You should call our parents though. They humm… they don’t exactly know I’m in town,” the lie stung at her even as it passed her lips easily and she figured it was the demon part of her that could lie so smoothly because as a human she had never been good at it. She could keep a secret sure, especially her own, but to outright lie? Even a little white lie like that wasn’t something that came naturally to her. Except now it did, apparently.

The three of them excused themselves to allow the medical personnel room to work and care for the girl. It was time to head to the University to get Ruby’s things. The hospital would be calling Sheena’s parents with the latest development which surely meant that a visit with them in the next few days would be imminent.

The three of them were just finishing up outside of Ruby’s apartment near campus, putting the last of her things in the backseat of Faith’s car. They had already filled up the trunk in the front of the little Volkswagen Beetle with the bulk of Ruby’s clothes and books of which she had many. Willow was particularly impressed with Ruby’s library, she fingered the spines of a few of the books in the box she had just set down.

Ruby looked up at the building they’d exited wistfully, “I was so excited to move in here. School was going great. I almost had a girlfriend— and now that’s all gone. I’m all gone.”

Buffy came up behind her and rubbed her shoulder, “You’re not all gone. There’s a lot of good in you. You had a choice and you made the right one and we will do everything we can to get you on your feet. Right Willow?” Buffy grinned over at her best friend who was still arranging boxes in the backseat, making sure to leave room for Ruby.

“Yeah absolutely! You already have a place to stay and now you have your stuff so you can make it your own. There are already some shelves down there you can put your little library on. You weren’t kidding about liking books.”

“Yeah, well some people like shoes, I prefer books.”

“Ditto, I think you have almost as many as I do.”

“These? No, darling, these are just what I took with me to university, and a few I bought more recently. The rest are still at my folks. I’ve got quite a lot more there.”

Willow’s mouth suddenly went dry and she wondered if it was normal to get turned on from hearing about the size of someone’s book collection. Goddess, no. These were dangerous waters she was swimming in. What was happening here? There were still things she had to deal with. She cleared her throat, feeling self conscious about the action, “We can get those another time. At least things aren’t as bad as they could have been.”

Ruby smiled as she turned towards her, “It’s just not exactly what I had planned for my life. I guess I got an unlife to think about now. What do vampires usually do anyway?”

Buffy shrugged, “Kill, eat, steal, cheat, repeat…”

Ruby actually laughed a little, “Seems my time as a vampire has been fairly tame in retrospect.” The small joke tasted like ash in her mouth and Ruby nearly choked on it.

Willow heard the hitch in her voice and stood up, closing the back door. “Ruby, how far are we from the alley you were jumped in?”

“It’s not far. Walking distance, why?”

Willow glanced over at Buffy, catching her eye, “What do you think Buffy?”

She pulled a stake out of the bag across her shoulder, “I could go for a little slayage if anyone wants to play.” Buffy handed Willow a stake, hesitated a moment and handed one over to Ruby, but didn’t let go of it at first, “The pointy end goes into the bad guys and I get it back at the end of the night. Got it?”

Ruby nodded, “Sheena needs me Buffy. I’m not going to do anything stupid now.”

“Good, and watch out for the humans. Matter of fact, just don’t stab anyone without bumpies unless I tell you to okay?”

“Got it.”

Buffy finally let go of the stake, “We’ll follow you, you can show us where you were and we’ll make a sweep of the area.”

Almost an hour and only one vamp later, Buffy was just about ready to call it a night when something down an alley caught her eye and she motioned for Willow and Ruby to follow her.

A few steps closer and Buffy’s senses kicked in. Vampire.

She had long dark hair, wearing flowing light gray pants that almost looked like a skirt, and a black tank top. The vampire had her back to them but Buffy could hear her clearly.

“Spike?” She asked almost breathlessly as she turned looking at Ruby and Buffy curiously with Willow standing behind them, “But that’s— You are most certainly a vampire, yes. One of my new littles, isn’t it? Oh how sweet, did you come to find your mummy?” She crooned to Ruby, then hesitating she turned her attention to Buffy sniffing the air. “Why do you smell like my Sire? Like my Spike. He’s all over you, in you, I can smell him all around you.”

Buffy swallowed and took a step towards her, “First of all, gross. Second, even if he is your Sire he’s my boyfriend. Thank you very much.”

“Is he now? That must make you the Slayer. I knew he had a thing for them but this is just ridiculous. Imagine my surprise when I found out he was shagging one. I do wonder what dear Drusilla thinks about you. Granny never did much care for competition. She could throw him to the wolves but then got angry if he played along. Oh dear… Granny, she isn’t here, is she?” the vampire woman suddenly looked frightened.

Buffy furrowed her brow a little, “Haven’t seen her in years. So are we going to chat or fight?”

“Aren’t you even a little curious about me?”

“Considering he’s never brought you up. No, not really.”

“I’m sure he probably thinks I'm dead— dust. Probably forgotten all about his little Odette.”

“Right. Odette is it? I don’t think Spike is interested.”

“Oh no of course not. The minute Drusilla is back in the picture it’s all about his Dark Princess isn’t it?”

“Not so much.”

“Oh that is surprising. You must really be something special then. I’m curious. How does that work?”

“Think you’re going to have to keep wondering,” Buffy quipped as she delivered a kick to her stomach.

“Are you just going to stand there and let the Slayer attack the one who Sired you my pretty little one?” Odette huffed towards Ruby.

“No, I’m going to help her.” Ruby vamped, attacking Odette with fury, “You killed me! Took my life from me!” She screamed as she delivered blow after blow. Odette blocked and struck at Ruby but Ruby was somehow faster against the older vampire. Or maybe she was just more determined. Buffy stepped to the other side blocking any means of escape but getting out of the way. Ruby needed this.

Ruby pinned her to the wall, “I might have killed her but you are the reason Lauren is dead!!!” She growled with fury.

“I made you!” Odette growled.

“Made me? You took everything from me! You killed me and left me alone in a crypt! I don’t owe you anything! Hell! You don’t even know my name do you?!”

Odette struggled to break free and Buffy kicked her back against the wall, “Take her out Rubes. I’ve heard enough.”

“You won’t kill me!” Odette spat.

“Want’a bet!” Ruby pulled up the stake clutched in her hand and sank it deep into the other vampire’s chest. Odette crumbled into dust and Ruby fell to her knees. Buffy took a step back to give her some space.

Ruby looked like she didn’t know if she should scream or cry. Her eyes were full of rageful tears. Willow walked up to her, tentatively placing a hand on her shoulder, “Are you okay Ruby?” she asked gently. It seemed like she was asking her that a lot tonight.

She tilted her head back, willing the tears away. She shook her head violently then opened her eyes again and cleared her throat, “I’ll be fine. I know I did it, I know it was my fault but she was the reason Lauren, her roommate and Deloris are all dead and now she is too; that’s something.”

“It’s a big something. It sounded like she might have been the turn-happy-vamp we’ve been looking for— or one of them anyway.”

“Will’s right Ruby, you did good tonight. Come on. Let’s get you home, I got a couple of bottles of wine we can share. And a boyfriend to confront.”

“Yeah… so, about that…” Ruby suddenly felt nervous, “If she was my Sire, does that mean—“

“Spike is your Grandsire— Apparently. Yeah. Willow already thought you might be related to Angel but I never thought it would be that direct.”

“And this Angel guy is Spike’s Grandsire right?”

“Yeah. He Sired Drusilla and she Sired Spike. Looks like the soul getting thing sort of skips a generation,” Willow pitched in.

“I just thought of something. There’s no telling how many she could have changed before or even after me.”

“Yup. Crazy inducing thoughts,” Willow said.

“That’s it, I’m texting Faith. I’m calling for a girls night. You two in?”

“Do you have enough wine?”

“We’re going to find out! Better yet, I’ll ask her to get some more.”

“She called Drusilla ‘Granny’, I’m not supposed to, you know, call Spike ‘Granddad’ or anything now am I?” Ruby scrunched her face in distaste and was overwhelmed with relief when Buffy started laughing. Her laughter was infectious and soon Willow was nearly doubled over, “Spike’s a grandpa!” She laughed.

Buffy struggled to get her laughter under control, “God no. Definitely not! But I’d pay to see the look on his face if you did!”

Faith was lounging in the living room with Addison and Ursula when they got back to the castle. Faith had gone all out. As Addison and Ursula’s last night in the castle, Faith figured it was only right to invite them for the girls' night in. They had gone together to get a few more bottles of wine and whiskey. She and Ursula had opted for whiskey over wine. Addison didn’t normally drink at all but she was already on her second glass of wine and Ursula was eyeing her girlfriend like Christmas had come early.

Buffy flopped down on the couch next to Faith taking in the eight bottles of wine and three bottles of whiskey sitting on the coffee table along with the glasses.

“Faith?”

“B?”

“Are we planning on getting all the girls drunk tonight?”

“Nope, just us. But I figured with a vampire in the mix I’d better be prepared. Didn’t know what she would go for.”

Ruby’s eyebrows went up, “Wine is fine with me but I’m not really—“

“You haven’t done much drinking since you’ve been turned , have you?” Faith asked.

“Not exact—“

“It’ll probably take you at least a bottle and a half before you even start to get a nice buzz,” Faith smirked as she pulled the cork out of a bottle and handed it over to Ruby. “So is this a crappy night kind of drinking night or a freaking awesome night kind of drinking night?”

Buffy slipped down onto the floor and poured herself a hefty glass, “Over all, I’d say it was definitely a good night,” Buffy sipped her wine as she told the girls about Sheena. She picked up the bottle to refill her glass, refilled Willow’s instead and then proceeded to drink out of the bottle as she and Ruby retold the story of Ruby killing her Sire in the alley. She wasn’t sure she wanted to go into Ruby’s vampiric family tree right now and was thankful Ruby didn’t bring it up.

Faith didn’t bother hiding a look of surprise, “Damn Rubes. I’d call that a great night,” she said toasting her and shooting back her drink.

Ruby shifted uncomfortably, the truth was that it had been emotionally draining but before she could say anything Willow spoke up. “It was a good night, also very full of the mixed up emotions,” she slipped down onto the floor mirroring Buffy and refilled both of their glasses.

It was sometime later when Ruby reached for her second bottle of wine, grazing her shoulder with her hand, and Willow realized she had settled herself down directly in between Ruby’s chair and the coffee table. She turned abruptly to look at Ruby, “Oh I’m sorry, am I in your way?”

“Not at all,” Ruby’s tone was casual and relaxed as she sat back in the barrel chair languidly resting a leg over the side, “you’re fine where you are.”

Ursula glanced at Addison who was watching them and grinned, “Addy, mein Schätzchen, would you like a little more wine before we turn in?”

Addison leaned into her for a chased kiss that Ursula soon deepened slightly before letting her go.

Addison looked around the room timidly, and cleared her throat, “We still have a little packing to do before leaving tomorrow, we should—“

“Go enjoy your last private night in the castle before you move into your new apartment?” Faith smirked.

“That would be it, Ja?” Ursula said, watching the blush in Addison’s cheeks.

“Behave yourself, Urs,” she chided lightly.

Ursula downed the last mouthful of whiskey in her glass and stood up bringing Addison with her, “Danke for the ladies night and the drinks. Ruby, I’m glad things seem to be working out for you and we got the chance to hang out post soul. We should keep in touch. Buffy can give you our contact information once we get settled.”

“Thanks, I really appreciate that.”

The two Slayers left for the stairs hand in hand, leaving Buffy, Faith, Ruby and Willow in the living room with their drinks. Willow was telling them a very funny story about something that had happened with Dawn in their kitchen in Rome, when Spike limped into the room.

“There he is! My new favorite Granddad!” Ruby grinned.

Buffy lost it in a fit of giggles as Spike eyed the four women as though they were crazy. “What’s all this? Buffy? I thought we had plans tonight. And what’s with the Granddad crack?” He asked bewildered.

Buffy sobered slightly, “I called an emergency girl’s night. With drinks!”

He walked around taking the seat on the couch behind Buffy’s place on the floor and stretched his banged up leg out in front of him. “I can see that. Question is, why and how come you didn’t just tell me you had a change of plans? I’ve just been reading, waiting for you to get home. What happened tonight? Is everything alright with Sheena?”

Ruby shook her head, “Sheena’s doin’ much better. Great even, hopefully she’ll be out of there soon. Thanks for asking grandpa.”

Buffy, Willow and Ruby all dissolved into a fit of giggles at the perplexed looks on Spike and Faith’s faces.

“Right then. What’s all this?”

Buffy hummed a little, “Ruby found her Sire tonight. Odette.” She let the name hang in the air as she turned drunkenly towards Spike to see his reaction.

It wasn’t quite the reaction she had expected. He almost looked like someone who had just been shot, “Odette?”

“Your ‘little Odette’, she called herself. Pretty freaked at the thought that Dru might be around. Should have been more worried about Ruby here,” Buffy grinned.

“Odette?” Spike repeated. “That can’t be right. Odette—“

“Oh she’s dusty now. Even said you thought she already was. How come you never mentioned her?” She asked cooly.

Spike looked at each of the women in turn, he didn’t like where this was going. Odette. If she wasn’t already gone with the wind he’d rip her throat out just for reminding him what he had once been. He didn’t fail to notice the way Buffy was watching him and he was thankful that alcohol seemed to dampen her ability to read his surface thoughts.

“She was pretty damn chatty as a matter of fact,” Buffy continued, taking another sip of wine from the bottle.

Spike swallowed a lump in his throat, “Not now, Buffy.”

“Why not? Looks like Ruby here is a direct descendent, Spikey.”

Spike gave Ruby a slight nod, “Welcome to the family kid,” he groused and got to his feet.

“That’s it? You’re not going to tell us about this chick?” Faith asked.

“She’s gone ain’t she?” He shot the question at Buffy.

Despite being drunk, she had caught the steel in his voice, “Yeah, Ruby took care of it.”

“Good. Good job kid…” his tone was harsh.

“Eh thanks—“

“And you can drop the grandpa jokes. Fine, I’ll admit to it. If that really was Odette then yeah, we’re kin of a sort. Look, I already promised I’d show you the ropes, but it sure as hell don’t mean I’m shagging you. You can figure out that bit with Red here once you two get yourselves sorted… everyone knows that’s the direction you’re headed. I’m— I’m going out—” he grabbed the two unopened bottles of whiskey off the table and swept out the door as quickly as his leg and hip would let him.

Ruby’s eyes grew wide, “I didn’t—“ she looked at Buffy and Willow, “What the hell was that?”

“That’s what I’d like to know. What the hell, Buff?” Faith asked.

“I humm… it’s— shit… I’d better go talk to him.”

Chapters: 4/? Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Spike/Buffy Summers Characters: Buffy Summers, Spike (BtVS), BtVS Ensemble Additional Tags: 12 Days of Christmas, Fix-It of Sorts, Snow, Jack Frost - Freeform, Frost Elves, Romance, Muppet References, Labyrinth (1986) References, Fluff and Smut, Dramedy Summary:

A Holiday miracle, set between “Wrecked” and “Gone”. Dawn invites Spike over for cocoa, sparking something new and different between her sister and Spike.

Chapters: 13/13 Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Spike/Buffy Summers Characters: Buffy Summers, Spike (BtVS), BtVS Ensemble Additional Tags: 12 Days of Christmas, Fix-It of Sorts, Snow, Jack Frost - Freeform, Frost Elves, Romance, Muppet References, Labyrinth (1986) References, Fluff and Smut, Dramedy, References to David Bowie Summary:

A Holiday miracle, set between “Wrecked” and “Gone”. Dawn invites Spike over for cocoa, sparking something new and different between her sister and Spike.

Chapter 36

Sins of Omission

A/N: Mature content warning is in full effect for this chapter.

*******

Buffy went out through the kitchen door into the training grounds and found Spike sitting at the new extra large picnic table Callum and Xander had built. She pulled her arms tight around her stomach against the cool breeze that was coming through the orchard and the wine now writhing in her stomach.

“Spike?”

“What do you want, Slayer? If you’ve come to give me a hard time about my sordid past you can just bugger off and leave me the hell alone for one sodding minute.”

It had been a long time since he had talked to her like that and it gave her pause. “I am not going to just ‘bugger off’, Spike! And I’m not gonna give you a hard time. I mean Okay, yeah we thought the coincidence was kind of funny and—“

She cut off when Spike scoffed loudly, “Funny– right. You know I was never one much for turning others after my mum. Could probably count the number of vamps I’ve actually turned on one hand— not counting the bit with The First that is. As far as I know, Odette was the last one I had out there and I didn’t even know she was still about until just now, did I?”

“Spike, honey, can we talk about it?”

He snorted, “Not particularly, but do I really have a choice?” he questioned.

“You always have a choice.”

A bitter laugh rolled through him, “Choices. Right, you like to think so don’t you?”

“So what’s going on here?”

“Other than the fact that you’re acting like I’ve been keeping secrets? Like you’re one to talk, You want to, sure, but you’re not and I haven’t pushed. Not even through our link, even though I could. But I don’t because I trust that you will let me in when you’re good and ready! Truth is that you still have trust issues and the funny thing is that they aren’t even with me!”

She threw her hands up in surrender, “Okay, you’re right. You’re right about all of it. So… Do you want to tell me about Odette?”

He nodded once and blew out a puff of smoke. “Yeah all right, might as well make yourself comfortable, bit of a long one I suppose.

Buffy hesitated before she sat down next to him, “Okay, is this long like maybe we should go inside before sun up or long like you just really don’t wanna talk about it?”

“The latter. Not too much to it really.” He took a drag from his cigarette and let it out before starting again, “It was just before Prague… Dursilla had been having visions of Angelus. She was convinced that her precious ‘Daddy’ was coming back to us. You can imagine how thrilled I was to hear ‘bout that… Anyway, the timing was off. Often is with her visions— but she started thinking she would just go and find him on her own. Don’t think she wanted me bolluxing things up with him. So she started taking these little trips. Didn’t really bother me at first, especially since she’d always come back empty handed. One day she came to me, all excited; said she had brought me a new toy.”

“Odette?”

“That’s right. Yeah. That's how she told me she was going away again, planning on a long trip this time and I wasn’t to go with her. But she didn’t want me getting lonely, you see. Like I was her goddamn house cat. I begged her to let me come with her. We fought. I pleaded with her, even offered to chain her up the way she liked, but she was having none of it. She was set on going. Thought she could get him to come back to us that way, you see?”

He turned to look her in the eye, “Odette was a gift to keep me entertained, like you’d give a brat a gameboy to keep ‘em quiet on a sodding road trip,” Spike spat. The memory still angered him. “I was furious that she would even think about throwing such a cheap substitute at me like that. All I’d ever wanted was her and there she was just willing to toss me a sodding toy and go off to find ’Daddy’? I was beyond pissed. She knew I was livid. Said some pretty things to me. We shagged the day away and she assured me she’d miss me while she was gone and all. Made me promise to keep the home fires burning as it were. Then she left… and Odette was there… I just— I guess Dru figured I’d play with her a bit, eat and throw out the empties.”

“But you didn’t.”

“Bloody hell. No I did not. I was so angry, Buffy. I was angry at Dru, at myself for not convincing her to take me with her. Figured I’d show her. Get my revenge. I decided I’d make sweet Odette my little pet. And she was. Odette had been mine, all mine for months while Drusilla was gone. Obedient little thing she was too. She’d do anything for me and she had been glorious. I indulged every little fantasy that popped into my head with my new toy, but that’s all she ever was. A toy to play with while Drusilla was gone,” he said bitterly, taking a drink.

Buffy watched him, “That’s what Odette ment. She said something about Dru throwing you to the wolves and then getting angry when you played.”

“Other way round really, but yeah. Dru was pissed. I hadn’t ever seen her so angry. It was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen till I met you.”

“Nope not going to sweet talk your way out of the story.”

“Yeah, well that was the whole reason I did it anyway. I wanted her to be as angry with me as I was with her. I made sure there wasn’t a single square foot of our crypt that didn’t smell like me shagging Odette. My plan worked, Drusilla didn’t disappoint. I reveled in her jealousy, and took my punishment with glee because it meant she cared. I finally felt like she truly wanted me the way I had always wanted her,” he paused to take another drink of whiskey and another drag of his cigarette.

“Spike—“

“I hadn’t even thought about what Dru had done with Odette. Never even crossed my mind really. I was elated to see her so angry. I wanted her jealous beyond reason and she was. My Dark Princess was back and she was punishing me so very nicely,” he gave an involuntary shudder that had nothing to do with the cool night air. “I couldn’t spare a thought for Odette. I just assumed that Dru had staked her or threw her out into the sun. Dru had kept me chained up for about a month after that, havin’ her way with me.”

“What? But—“

“I’d been a bad boy, I didn’t play with my new toy the way she had intended. More like the kid who plays surgeon with their new teddy, I was. She kept me there until I was the one nearly driven mad and begging her for more. I thought that meant she loved me—“ he cut himself off with a hit from the bottle, finishing it and opening the second one.

Buffy was quiet. It was a lot to process and she was almost sorry she had pressed him to tell the story at all. The wine was still raging through her system as she listened and she was having a hard time trying to read his emotions but his voice betrayed him. He was angry, hurt and a little scared too.

“This is the kind of stuff you are trying to protect me from isn’t it?”

“Some. Most of it’s worse. This was just a disagreement really. Everything seemed perfect after that. Better than ever in some ways. Sure she was still having her visions of Angelus and insisting that we track him down but it had changed to ‘WE’, that’s all I really wanted…” he snorted. “Anyway, a few weeks later she said something about the stars singing to her. Saying we’d find Angelus if we took a path through Prague. Sort of did in a roundabout way after all. She was nearly killed. I cared for her, nursed her as best I could but she had been so weak and she just wasn’t healing properly. So I took her to the Hellmouth to get her strong,” he took a long hard pull on the fresh bottle of whiskey, “Then I met this amazingly resourceful, witty, gorgeous, Slayer that completely ruined me for any other woman and the rest is history.”

“Nice attempt at a save.”

“Attempt implies that I failed.”

“Humm, humm…” she said, rubbing her bare arms.

“I’d give you my coat but you know, “ he gestured to his t-shirt and obvious lack of outerwear, “You want to go inside, Pet? Continue this conversation in our room.”

Buffy frowned, “Only because I’m a little cold and starting to get tired or maybe that’s just the wine.”

“Right. And should I expect some of that patented-Buffy-righteousness I’ve missed so much?” he said sarcastically.

“I’ll try to rein it in. I could have handled things better tonight… I just…”

“Thought I’d been lying to you somewhere along the way, yeah?”

“Well, you sort of did.”

“Did I? Did I, really? What about this thing the witch and the Watcher got you keeping from me, ehh? You want to come clean about that?”

“I— okay fine. Fine. We’ll talk more upstairs.”

Spike chugged down a hefty amount of whiskey as he watched Buffy pull on a pair of sweatpants and a comfortable long sleeved shirt. The opposite of a sexy outfit but she wore it well. She could be wearing burlap and he’d still think she was sexy as hell. He took another drink, stripped out of his clothes and pulled on his own sweatpants.

Dredging up thoughts of Drusilla and Odette had taken a lot out of him. At least he wouldn’t have to deal with Odette directly, Ruby had taken care of that. Ruby. He’d probably have to apologize later.

Faith, Ruby and Willow were still in the living room when he and Buffy had come in from outside but he had avoided them in favor of the elevator. He was healing well, the majority of the surface damage was nearly gone. He still had a massive chunk of skin missing from his leg but it had at least started to fill in and Willow’s magic salve was helping with that. Too bad it didn’t do anything for broken bones. His leg still hurt, he knew he had aggravated one of the breaks which was doing nothing to improve his mood. The bed was looking better and better by the second. He took a final pull of whiskey, emptying the second bottle.

Buffy was brushing her hair, he watched, mesmerized as she put it in a low ponytail to sleep in. He swayed slightly on the spot, his leg threatening to give out from under him and he decided he had better lay down before he fell down. He had no more than got into bed when Buffy turned to him.

“I’m sorry.”

Spike sat up straight, “Huhh?”

“I’m sorry.”

“No really— I’m not following.”

Buffy’s mind had been running wild as Spike told his story. Anger and disgust were chief amongst her emotions. What surprised her was that not all of it was directed at Spike. Not even most of it was, hell hardly any at all really. Maybe it was the wine talking but it occurred to her that she was really angry at Drusilla and even herself for being so insensitive earlier. She had a moment of doubt, in him and in their relationship, and it was stupid! Spike was right, and in the irony of a drunken revelation she realized that her distrust was misplaced.

He had told her before that he’d done things he wished she couldn’t imagine. Even as close as they were now, there were still dark parts of him he didn’t want her to see. Things he wanted to protect her from. Part of that she knew was because of the way she had always reacted to him. He told her he didn’t want to tell her things because he didn’t want to lose her, why hadn’t she realized this was one of those things? What she needed to do was prove to him that he could trust her and that she would still love him no matter what. She needed to make a change if they were going to be open with each other, she had to be less judgemental and more understanding, more open, and more honest with him too.

She rolled her eyes, mostly at herself, “I’m sorry about the way I handled things tonight. I should have known there was more to it. And you’re right about that thing with Willow too. I finally found out what she’s been keeping from me and– well she’s not done figuring it out yet so there’s still a bunch of question marks flying around, and I really really want to tell you but I’m afraid of saying the wrong thing and either freaking you out or getting your hopes up and then nothing comes out of it… or… I’m really understanding why Will didn’t want to say anything to me now. And I keep thinking Will has another bombshell brewing but I don’t know what that is and I’m just freaking out.”

He watched her fidget as she spoke, “Any idea when some of these question marks might be coming in for a landing?”

“Will said she had some kind of a ‘Eureka moment' when she was talking to you before… that seems to be moving things along a little. I guess you helped out with it and didn’t even know it.”

He thought for a long moment, his brain was getting a little sluggish from the whiskey but he still had his wits about him. They had talked about Tara but that wouldn’t be it— then the thought hit him— “Does this have anything to do with the Slayer death-wish thing? Red was awfully hung up on that the night Ruby was ensouled.”

Buffy collapsed onto the bed, suddenly exhausted, “Yeah, she seems to think it has something to do with this nifty expiration date Slayers apparently have.”

“Expiration date?”

“Apparently we don’t make it to 26 by design. Except that Willow thinks that she might have broken the mold either by bringing me back or with the power sharing spell– she just doesn’t know which or what it all means yet, especially for the girls.”

His eyebrows shot up, “ Buffy, that’s–”

“I know– I’ve only known since we went rock collecting though. I’m still wrapping my head around it and– that’s not even the part that I’m afraid to tell you about.”

“We might only have another year or two to spend together and that’s not the part you’re afraid to tell me? Oh and you’re being all judgey over something I did years ago– gods we have work to do.”

“Well, if Wills is right, we just might have a couple hundred years to work on that.”

“What now?”

“The breaking of the mold thing. She thinks she might have accidentally made me sort of immortal-ish. Maybe— there might still be something about having to get to my 26th birthday first but we don’t really know for sure yet. There’s a pretty good chance that I might be the exception. That's why all the secret research and the squirrelly and the weird and that’s why I didn’t want to say anything yet… except that I need to tell you, especially after—“ she made a wide sweeping gesture towards him.

“So not a short term thing?”

“There’s some pretty freaking strong evidence that I’m already— I don’t know what to call it— immortal just sounds insane.”

“What aren’t you still telling me?”

“Remember when I got hurt just before you closed the Hellmouth?”

“Vaguely, I know you got hit, you were down for a bit but then you pulled yourself up so I didn’t think it was as bad as it looked and then— well that’s just about the time the light show started.”

“I took a sword through the gut, Spike. Through and through, and then it wasn’t exactly easy getting out of there either. Willow is pretty convinced that the wound and my escape are evidence that I’ll just stop aging and might not be able to die unless someone goes all ‘Highlander’ on me.”

“And that’s the part you didn’t want to get me all excited about. The idea that we could live together damn well forever?”

“Yeah… I don’t want to tell you that we’re even more evenly matched than we thought, only to have it ripped away. I don’t want to leave you alone...”

“Buffy— there’s something else I haven’t told you but then maybe you already know, I don’t know what Red has told you about that file Wes sent her but there’s something there that could potentially have something to do with me, although, probably not…“

“Probably not?”

He was despondent, “It’s probably all about the Great-Forehead anyway. Another one of those wait and see things. A really vague prophecy.”

“You sort of mentioned it when Angel was here. If it’s so vague can we just save it for another time and if I get mad at you for not telling me you can remind me of this conversation?”

Spike laughed, “Sure, we seem to be unpacking a fair amount tonight as it is.”

“No joke. Seriously. This thing with Will has me all twisted up, I’ve just been trying not to be all thinky about it… and not because I’m afraid you’re going to pick up on it. I just don’t know if I’m ready to process it.” She took a deep steadying breath, “I’m really sorry about the way I handled things tonight, I really am.”

“You’re sorry? What the bloody hell is happening right now?”

“I’m hoping that we’re clearing the air and fixing some issues we still have— I can’t keep getting pissed at you every time something like this Odette thing pops up from your past. I told you I wanted you to share your burdens with me as they come up and I can’t expect you to do that when I keep getting mad at you about every little thing from over a hundred years of evil, especially stuff that you thought was over and done with. And we might literally have a shot at being together forever. So even if it’s something that seems totally significant to me, I know that it wasn’t like that for you. You were all about Drusilla, and Odette was just–”

“Cannon fodder.”

“Well yeah… and as sick as that is, I can’t really blame you for it. Not the you that you are now. And seriously, I think I’m more pissed about how freaking Drusilla treated you than anything. I mean I know she’s insane and everything but that’s just–” words failed her as she adjusted herself closer to him on the bed.

“Buffy, Love, you’re drunk.”

“Well duhh, but I’m still mad. She gave you a ‘Toy’, really hate that term by the way, then she punished you after you basically just did exactly what she probably should have expected you to do if she wasn’t totally bat-shit insane.”

“I must be more drunk than I thought because I swear it sounds like you’re defending me.”

“I– no— I mean… Kind of I guess. Okay, I don’t like what you did with Odette like at all– seriously gross–”

“Evil.”

“Yeah, exactly! You were evil and it’s stupid to pretend that I don’t know you acted like an evil vampire when you were an evil vampire! And Drusilla… don’t even get me started on that wack-a-doo.”

He couldn’t help the fond smile that formed on his face, she was drunk and indignant on his behalf, and she was adorable. “Are you too angry to give your formerly evil boyfriend a kiss?”

“I’m still fuming. Okay, and the way you talk about how Drusilla chained you up afterwards. Like you enjoyed it. I mean I know we got a little kinky before you got your soul, but you still– you seemed to like that part of it…”

He layed back onto his elbows enjoying the subtle shift in topic, “Yeah well it wasn’t all horrible. She could make it down right enjoyable, just like I know you can. Even more so.”

“I’m not going to punish you, Spike.”

“Not asking you too. Believe me. I might not have got how twisted it all was before, but I do now.”

“So why did you ask me to chain you up?”

“For fun of course. I don’t want to be tortured and call it love. I had my fill of that. But just because I have a soul now doesn’t mean that I don’t still like the idea of a little bondage. I certainly don’t mind submitting myself to your very capable hands. Might be nice to take turns if you really want to convince me you trust me,” he teased, “the shackles could definitely be fun for that.”

“Ohh huh, right– well good, because I don’t want you using me to punish you for your past. Working beside me and saving the world is all the good repentance-y stuff you need to do as far as I’m concerned. I’m not going to punish you.”

“You already said that,” he grinned wolfishly.

“You’re already thinking about sex aren’t you?”

”When am I not? I didn’t hear any objections by the way, maybe you’d even let me restrain you again sometime. What do you think, relinquish a little of that control you’re so submerged in all the time? You seemed to like it the one time you let me, but then…”

Buffy let out a little gasp as she remembered the night she had allowed Spike to use his handcuffs on her. Dawn had been at a friend’s house and Willow was out at some campus thing for the night, or so she thought . She finished a quick solo patrol and decided to go home early to enjoy a night with the house to herself. She’d been avoiding him and he had showed up uninvited with the cuffs in his pocket. She had barely taken off her jacket and shoes taking in the feel of the empty house before he was knocking at her door.

She opened the door with an annoyed glare that didn’t soften when she saw the sexy smirk on his face. “What do you want Spike?”

“Got a whole list, Slayer,” he raked her over with those piercing blue eyes and the breath caught in her throat making him grin, “Think our wish lists might have at least one thing in common.” And that was when he had pulled out the cuffs, “I promise I’ll be quiet as the grave, kitten.”

“It’s the first time I’ve had the house to myself in over a month, Spike,” she said, taking a few steps back into the house, leaving the door open in silent invitation. Her pulse quickened as the implication registered on his face. In a matter of seconds he was pinning her to the door frame of her bedroom and she was shoving his leather jacket down over his shoulders before pushing him down onto the bed, frantically pulling off his shirt.

“Knew you’d want it, Slayer,” he brought his hand up to pull her down to him and she caught sight of his raw and bruised wrist that still hadn’t healed from the last time the cuffs had been used. The sight set her on fire and made her wonder what he could do to her in turn, suddenly not caring if she really trusted him or not.

“Shut up, and grab the cuffs.”

She had surrendered that night. She didn’t just surrender her body to Spike but she had surrendered herself to life in general. He had touched her and teased her in ways she couldn’t have imagined possible as the cuffs dug into her wrists and she strained against their hold on the headboard. Each time she had fought for control he had given her some tantalizing reason to give in to the sensations he was executing on her flesh. It had been freeing to not have to be in control or have anyone looking to her for anything other than reassurance that she’d just been given one of the best orgasms of her life. A tally that was constantly changing with Spike in the picture since he always seemed to find ways to make sex better. It was also a rock-bottom kind of moment, one of many.

As good as that night had been, it was something she really didn’t like to think about much. However she couldn’t deny that now things were so radically different in their lives that it might not just be exhilarating but also incredibly intimate and fun to try it again.

“I’m not going back downstairs tonight just to get the shackles, especially if the girls are still down there drinking.”

Spike grinned wider and pulled her towards him, “Who says we need shackles when the tie from your bathrobe could work just as nicely? I’ll happily go first.”

The breath hitched in her throat, she wasn’t sure exactly how they had gotten to this point but the idea wasn’t appalling, in fact it seemed downright appealing if she was being honest. Despite her moment of doubt tonight she really did trust him. More than she had ever trusted anyone in her entire life. What was more, she knew from experience he would make it worthwhile, she just wasn’t sure if she wanted that tonight. Tonight seemed like it should be for him and she found herself nodding her head.

“How’s your leg?”

“Hurts. Probably shouldn’t have been moving about as much as I did today,” he smirked.

“You should have just stayed up here but no, you came down for the party anyway.”

“And again in search of my lady tonight.”

“How are you supposed to heal if you won’t stay still?”

“That how it’s going to be then?”

“It was your idea.”

If his heart could beat it would have been hammering inside of his chest. He grabbed her, pulling her into a hard kiss, “Grab the belt, Pet. Show me how I should stay still for you.”

“Pretty sure we’d need more than the belt off of my little robe to keep a vampire like you still.”

“It’s a start, and I promise not to break it.”

His tone sent a shiver up her spine, “I like this robe, and the belt.”

“I’ll behave.”

“If you could behave and just take care of yourself, I wouldn’t be tying you up now would I?”

“Oh, so you are punishing me?” He curled his tongue behind his teeth seductively.

“I— Oh my God, you’re tricky.”

He grinned again.

“Yeah okay maybe just a little for not taking care of yourself; not for anything else. Let’s just make that clear.”

“Whatever you say, Slayer, I’m at your mercy,’ he purred as he held his hands out to her, wrists pressed together.

Buffy eyed him with a smirk and reached for her bathrobe. She pulled the belt from the loops and dropped the robe onto the floor and held the belt out to him. “How do you want to do this?”

“Not how this works, you’re in charge, Love. I’m not supposed to be moving, remember?”

She considered that for a moment, “Sit up.”

“Yes, mistress.”

“Do not call me that, it’s weird and creepy.”

He chuckled as he complied, “Sure, Slayer.”

“Much better. Hands behind your back.”

“Am I under arrest?”

“Do you want to be?” she asked as he bound his hands behind his back, “Lay back.”

Spike squirmed a little as he found a semi-comfortable position laying with his arms under his body. He tested his restraint with a tentative tug.

“How’s that feel? Is it hurting your shoulder?”

“Nah, just adds to it. The knots are solid but it's still just a piece of fabric so there’s definitely some give to it. We’ll make do.”

She watched him for a moment laying there with his arms pinned back, his pale torso completely exposed. She had half a mind to just leave him tied up there and get some sleep. But then where was the fun in that?

Buffy wasn’t sure exactly where she wanted to start so she decided to go in for a kiss. Subtle electricity shot through her as their tongues strained against each other. She could tell by the way he moved beneath her that he wanted nothing more than to hold her while they kissed. She held his head still in her hands as she ravished his mouth. He tasted like whiskey and it mingled with the flavor of the wine still in her mouth. She wanted to drink him in. She missed the feeling of his strong hands on her body, crushing her to him as he so often did and nearly called the whole bondage thing off and begged to feel those skilled hands on her body.

She mastered the urge and slowly moved down his body, nipping and sucking as she went. Spike bucked uncontrollably when she ran her tongue around his navel and over to the crest of his hip, biting him there.

“Oh, gods Buffy,” he hissed and it came out like a prayer.

She couldn’t help the grin forming on her lips even as she pressed them to his ivory skin. She ran her hand down the length of him feeling his hard member through his sweatpants. Then she had an idea. She gripped the thick material of his sweatpants and pulled them down only slightly, just a few inches, then she maneuvered his erection up to lay flush against his stomach letting the waistband hold him in place. Spike moned at her teasing touch. She had been painfully careful not to make direct contact with his member, almost like an awkward teen afraid to touch her first cock, which she certainly was not. She was doing this on purpose to drive him crazy. She layed a teasing kiss to his tip before taking him into the searing heat of her mouth. Stopping when she reached his waistband, she swirled her tongue around, tasting him. The action made him squirm and buck against his restraint.

She withdrew from him watching his body nearly convulse from the loss of her hot wet mouth. “Slayer…” he pleaded. He rocked his head back as Buffy started again. This time ignoring his throbbing cock. She bit him on his other hip and ran her tongue along the teeth marks she left. She was going to show him what happened when he didn’t take care of himself properly. She licked a line over his lower abdomen then up his well defined muscles stopping when she got to his sternum where she bit lightly at his chest. She continued up to his collarbone nipping, kissing, and scratching her nails into his pale skin. Spike growled deeply as she teased one of his nipples with her tongue and bit lightly. He bucked, “Slayer, I’m begging you.”

“What do you need?” She purred in his ear, the words dripping with promises.

“I need you, to feel you, touch you, anything.”

She thought back to that night he had cuffed her to her bed in Sunnydale, he hadn’t given into her pleas. He had been ruthless in pleasuring her. Giving her exactly what she never imagined she needed. She had let the world fall away that night in a cloud of bliss.

She grinned, shaking her head bringing herself back to the present situation, “You’ve been a bad boy, hobbling around on a broken leg. The only reason I haven’t put you In a splint is because I know you’ll heal up in no time if you just stay still.”

“Couldn’t miss seeing the girls off, Slayer.”

“Well there’s only one girl you need to see off tonight.”

“God yes, please. Let me taste you.”

She leaned in for a kiss, “Not just yet.” She continued on moving up and down the length of his body. Leaving kisses and bites in her wake. She loved to watch the effect she was having on him. The way his muscles twisted and clenched under his nearly translucent skin. She rested a splayed hand on his stomach to brace herself as she worked her way over to his ribs on the right handside where she knew he was ticklish and nuzzled him with her nose and lips. The action made him jerk almost violently and she had to press down onto his hip to keep him still.

The force of it made him moan and she bit him, turning the moan into a gasp, “Buffy.”

“Shhh, patience, William. Let me work,” she whispered into the skin at his neck as she continued to work her will over him. She loved seeing him like this. Submissive to her, tensing, twitching and twisting under her administrations, she loved the way other things twitched too.

“Bloody hell woman.”

“Did I strike a nerve?” She grinned, licking his other nipple.

He let out a shuddering chuckle, “Do your worst, Slayer.”

“Too bad we’re out of candles.”

He raised an eyebrow, “Thought you said you didn’t like that when we tried it before.”

She shrugged, “Things are different now, it might be fun to try it again.” She didn’t give him a chance to reply before she got up and went over to her dresser.

“Buffy? S- Slayer?”

She reached into the small ceramic dish she kept her jewelry in and held up a silver cross, “What do you think?”

His eyes grew wide as he realized what she had planned. It was just a little cross but she wore it enough that he was familiar with the sweet little burns and stings it could provide. He shivered with anticipation at the thought of some of the places she could press it to him.

“You gonna hurt me nice, Slayer?”

“Is that what you want?

“Come on baby, make it hurt so good.”

“You stole that from a song.”

“Yes. And your point.”

“Isn’t the next line ‘Sometimes love doesn’t feel like it should’?”

“Something like that.”

“I don’t like it, it’s too much like—”

“Wasn’t thinking like that, I— Sorry, Slayer, little distracted here. I know you’ll do me right. I want you to. Please, Slayer?”

Buffy considered the chain for a moment and draped it around her hand letting the cross fall down like a pendulum. “Okay. As long as you’re not getting confused over there.”

“Not a chance, Slayer.”

She resumed her spot on the bed next to Spike and took the necklace, dragging it in swirling patterns along his chest, collarbones, shoulders and then back down across his abdomen. She was barely skimming his skin.

Spike let out an odd sound that started out as a hiss before turning into an obscene moan. Buffy felt a flutter in her core and knew that her panties were going to be drenched if they weren’t already. All of the little sounds he would make etched themselves into her mind just as she etched into his skin with the cross. She drew idol patterns on his chest and stomach. Then down to the point where his cock still peeked out from the waistline of his pants. She took the cross, gliding it along the sensitive tip. Spike let out a strangled scream and Buffy immediately took his hard cock into the soothing depths of her mouth caressing the tiny burn with her tongue. He gasped in pleasure as she swirled her tongue around again and removed herself from him.

“Did I go too far with that?”

Spike shuddered, “God no. I want more. More of you, more of your sweet balance; pain and pleasure. Please, I’m begging you.”

She leaned up to his face kissing him deeply and pressed the little cross into his neck. Spike’s mouth opened into a yell that Buffy muffled with her mouth and deepened the kiss. She removed the cross and felt his tense body relax a little before breaking the kiss.

She continued her path, wandering down his body with the cross and her mouth. All of his grunts, whispered curses, growls and the like, everything turned her on and it wouldn’t be long before she would have to give into her own desires bubbling under the surface.

More as a distraction for herself, she turned her attention towards his lower half, “Now, about this leg.” She smirked as she took in the sight of him bound, still in his sweatpants with his cock trapped in the waistband and considered her options. The pants had to go. Moving down to the foot of the bed Buffy gripped his pants at the ankles and pulled them down freeing him.

Instead of dropping the pants onto the floor like Spike thought she would, she kept them on the bed while she examined his leg. At least he had changed the bandage at some point and she could smell Willow’s salve. “Good boy, you did something right.”

Spike didn’t respond, he just tilted his head back in anticipation of what she would do next and hoped it involved the cross paired with something soft and sweet.

She picked up the pants again, slipped one leg behind his knees and pulled the pant legs around his legs; tieing them in a large clumsy looking knot. It would do nothing to actually hold him, “Just a reminder to stay still,” she said patting the knotted pants

He smirked lazily, “Yes, Slayer.”

She took him in her mouth again, and he arched his head back further with a sigh, as she began swirling her tongue around the tip. Buffy licked the head of his cock tasting him. Then pressed the small cross into the sensitive skin at his hip as she continued to work her mouth up and down his length. Taking him in fully she opened her throat to accommodate him and moved the cross down to a spot on his inner thigh. His cock spasmed in her mouth, pressing against her tongue and nearly made her gag. She didn’t want him getting off yet, not like this.

Rocking back to kneel next to him she started trailing the cross over him again, soothing his skin with sweet kisses as she went. With the bottom tip of the little cross, she traced her name on his chest just below his collarbone, marking her territory with a searing burn, “There, in case you forget you’re mine,” she grinned, knowing full well it would heal in a day or two and disappear.

“Like I could forget…” he rasped.

She kissed him and started inching her way slowly back down his body.

“You’re a bloody tease. You know that, right?” he said in a harsh tone.

She smiled, and continued to work further down his tight body and down his good leg. Pressing the cross to him every few inches as she traveled back up his inner thigh. Letting the cross brush lightly over his scrotum and his sensitive member. Soothing it with her tongue. He let out the occasional hiss or whispered curse but he never asked her to stop.

“Oh god Buffy,” he grounded out through gritted teeth when she took him into her mouth again and pressed the cross to his lower abdomen once more. His cock twitched in her mouth and dripped precum onto her tongue and she couldn’t hold back anymore.

She got up abruptly shedding her sweats and shirt and moved herself towards his head smiling down at him, “Think you can get the job done hands-free?”

“Are you trying to insult me?”

Buffy smirked, “It was a rhetorical question.”

She maneuvered herself up to straddle above his mouth. Spike reached his tongue up trying to lick her clit but she held herself just out of reach. He let out a little growl, lifting his head up until he caught a taste, “Slayer,” he whispered against her thigh.

Buffy lowered herself and Spike groaned at the taste of her. He lapped at her folds slowly, taking in every drop of her essence. With a few flicks of his tongue he had her screaming and whining just as much as he had been moments before. Straining against the belt holding him. He longed to hold her and press his fingertips into her hips and thighs, gripping her tightly and let out a little growl.

It took a moment for Buffy to realize that she still had the cross wrapped around the back of her fingers where her hand was gripping his white-blonde curls, forcing his mouth into her. She took the cross, laid it gently on the side of his neck feeling him moan into her, vibrating against her clit and she let out a little moan of her own.

Buffy tried not to let the cross linger in one place too long and kept it moving to various spots along his chest and neck. Anywhere she could reach while he continued to work her over with his tongue and lips. When she was close she reached behind her a little and pressed the cross to the center of his chest, eliciting another low vibrating moan that sent her quaking into his mouth as she came hard. He continued sucking and licking at her, taking her all in until there was nothing left.

She gasped and moved back, straddling his chest, still catching her breath. She moved herself down a little further until she could kiss him, tasting herself on his tongue and lips. She moaned into his mouth and inched herself back until she felt his rock hard cock against her. Spike let out a low growl as she started to work herself onto him.

He pushed inside of her with a hard thrust and Buffy swatted his chest, “For a dead guy you really have a problem with staying still.”

“Can’t help it.”

She grinned as she rode him with blissful abandon, rocking her hips as she lowered herself down, letting him fill her completely before pulling up again. She rolled her hips as she glided up and down his hard length and bent to kiss him again when she felt herself getting close for a second time. The moment he felt her muscles clench around him he finally let go with a gruff low sound. They came together riding out their release just as the sun was coming up fully over the horizon.

Buffy collapsed over his now still form, running kisses over his neck and ear. Without separating, Buffy adjusted herself to roll them onto their sides looking into his eyes, “Was that alright?”

He chuckled, “Another rhetorical question?”

She grinned, “I’ll take that as a ‘yes’.”

“Cross was a nice touch.”

37 Living Dead Girl

“Buffy? Spike? Buffy?”, there was yet another knock at the door and Buffy realized she couldn’t ignore it and started fumbling blindly for her bathrobe; which wasn’t where she normally kept it… Shit.

She lifted her head. It felt like the roadrunner had smashed an anvil into it. Buffy let out a groan and the arm she hadn’t realized was snaked around her constricted. Spike.

The pounding on the door resumed, “Buffy?”

She groaned again, “What do you want, Xan? We’re half dead in here.”

“It’s too early for your puns, Love. Make the boy go away,” Spike grumbled into a pillow as he shifted onto his stomach like a sullen kid.

Buffy huffed without looking over at Spike, “Go away, Xan!”

“Come on guys! I’m supposed to get you up! The coma girl’s parents are here. She woke up and they want to talk to you so get some clothes on!”

Spike groaned and pulled himself up out of bed, “Bugger all,” he grumbled, pulling on his jeans gingerly over his injured leg and limped over to the door pulling it open fully. Xander’s eyes grew wide in shock when he saw Spike’s bare chest.

“Dude, what the hell is going on here? Have you looked at yourself in a mirror?”

“Not as of late, no, you ninny,” he murmured as he looked down at himself. He knew she had written her name under his left collarbone, but he hadn’t realized she had also drawn swirling doodles and a few hearts into his skin. The doodles interspersed with the numerous cross burns dotted all over his chest certainly told their own story. The burns were nothing more than little pinkish-red marks now but they stood out in sharp contrast against his pale skin, “Bollocks. How bad are the bits I can’t see?”

“Got a turtleneck?” Xander scratched his own neck indicating corresponding marks on Spike, “Those are pretty obvious, man. What the heck did you do to him, Buff?” he asked as he tried to poke his head into the room to talk to her.

Spike blocked him, “She’s not exactly decent, mate, getting dressed and a bit hungover too. Who’s with the Andersons now?”

“Faith answered the door and sent me to get you. Will and Giles are in serious book mode. I think they’re in the library but I’m avoiding. Faith wants me and Callum to put the girls to work on the duplex, while she takes the grads to the airport.”

“Right, we’ll be down,” he closed the door as Xander turned away. “You hear him, Pet?”

Buffy had pulled on a purple sleeveless top over a long black skirt with purple embroidery. Her hair was still a mess from sleep and it made him smile as she tamed it.

Buffy nodded as she finished and pulled out a pair of cute but practical sandals, “Yeah, we better get down there.” She looked up at him, “Maybe you should just stay up here. Keep off of that leg.”

“It’s about Sheena and Ruby. I need to be in this.”

She paused taking in the extent of the marks on his chest, “Fine, but maybe go with one of your dress shirts and that new black infinity scarf I just got. I really did a number on you last night,” she grimaced apologetically.

“Nonsense, I love your handiwork. As for that scarf, I might be a bloody poet, Pet, but I sure as hell aint about to dress like one of those trendy wankers running around nowadays.”

“Do you want to make Mrs. Anderson faint again? Because I’m pretty sure advertising evidence of kinky vampire sex might just do it, call it a hunch. Xan’s right, I must have left it on too long in a few spots, a couple of those don’t look good. Look at it this way, at least it’s a plain scarf, no frills.”

He frowned, “Yeah alright. I hear you. As nice as they were, I get the feeling they aren’t going to be all smiles in regard to Ruby’s new living arrangements and lifestyle as is.”

“Which part? The dead but soulful part, the undead-living-here part, or the liking women part?”

“Hard to say.”

“Let’s see what they want first, they might just want to tell us about Sheena.”

“Phones work.”

“True… let me track down Willow. Sheena might have said something to them about our visit.”

“Right, I nearly forgot ‘bout that. Got a bit distracted last night. All went well I take it?”

Buffy shrugged, “I was just the guard dog, but the mind walk Will did with Ruby did the trick. I didn’t really do much except help get Ruby’s stuff out of her room and lend a minimal hand with Odette. Ruby ‘did pretty much all the work. Odette didn’t seem like much of a fighter to be honest.”

“Probably just the regular demon stuff. I certainly didn’t teach her anything. I’m still dumbfounded that Dru just let her go.”

“It’s crazy to expect crazy people to make sense”

Spike shook his head, “Dru is insane but she always made some sort of sense. Even if I didn’t see it right away. In the end she almost always did.”

“I don’t know how you put up with her for so long.”

“Can’t really explain it to be honest,” Spike said awkwardly and rolled a shoulder.

“We better go, I want to see if Will is in the library.”

*****

When they reached the library they were surprised to find Ruby lounging with her leg up over the arm of the chair in the corner with a book in hand. She was situated a short distance away from the large table where Willow and Giles were pouring over books and a stone tablet.

“Hey guys!” Buffy interrupted them, “Ruby’s parents are downstairs.”

Ruby’s head shot up from her book in alarm, “Do they know about me?”

“We don’t really know what they know. Just because we didn’t say anything to them doesn’t mean that Sheena didn’t.”

“How do you want to play this Buff?” Willow asked.

“I think Spike and I need to get down there. Give us a minute or two and then come down with Ruby, but maybe just hang out in the stairwell by the living room so you can hear what’s going on. Oh and by the way, once I get him downstairs, Spike is forbidden from getting off the couch.”

Willow and Ruby smirked at each other and Spike rolled his eyes. Soberingly, he looked squarely at Ruby, “You and I need to have a talk young one. I was out of line but there are things you need to know.”

Ruby nodded, “Whatever you say, g-“

“And don’t you bloody well dare call me grandpa!”

“I was going to say, go see what my parents want. And maybe don’t mention Willow is a witch, I just don’t think they’d respond well.”

“Oh, well right then.”

Buffy put her hand on Spike’s chest, pushing him back slightly from where he was leaning against the doorframe, “Talk later.”

In a matter of minutes the two of them were downstairs greeting the Andersons. Faith took a step towards the staircase, “Sorry to cut and run Buff but I got to make sure Addison and Ursula make their flight.”

“No, it’s fine. I know you got a busy day, thanks for doing this.”

“No problem, B. Hey,” she grabbed Buffy’s arm and gave Spike a barely perceptible glance, “Everything 5x5?”

“Yeah, all good.”

“You gonna fill me in later?”

Spike gave Faith a nod, “Mind yourself, Doe-eyes, doin’ much better now, thanks. You get the beer later and maybe Buffy and I will spill the relevant bits.”

“You’re on, pal,” Faith replied as she headed up the stairs.

Buffy turned back to the Andersons and directed them into the living room.

“What can we do for you?'' Buffy asked cordially as she and Spike sat down together on one couch, the Andersons took the other.

“We’ve just come from the hospital. But I think you already know Sheena is awake.”

“Oh, well I was just there visiting and—“

“Ruby was with you wasn’t she? You found our girl and you didn’t tell us?” Mrs Anderson was trying to keep the accusation out of her voice but it was still there.

“It’s more complicated than that—“

Mr. Anderson bristled, “Our daughter is alive and you didn’t think we should know? When did you find her? How long has—“

“Mr Anderson, please calm down. We were planning on calling you when Ruby decided she was ready. She’s been through—“

“She is our daughter!” he roared, standing up, “What gives you the right to keep her from us!?”

Spike stood up with a deep growl, “You need to have a seat, mate. The lady is trying to explain the situation.”

The Andersons looked a little shocked, they hadn’t missed the growl but they didn’t understand it either. Mr Anderson didn’t sit down, “Young man, perhaps we should be talking to Mr. Giles. I don’t—“

“Don’t you ‘young man’ me, I was—“

Buffy reached for Spike’s wrist, “Sit down, you need to rest that leg.”

“Leg’s not so bad, Pet. I’m fine. But if he thinks I’m just—“

“William, please.”

“Buffy, you know as well as I do that we’re the only ones willing and able to help them and they—“

“Don’t know the whole story.”

Spike deflated as he sat down, his leg really wasn’t fine and he stretched it out in front of him on the coffee table.

Buffy hit Mr Anderson with a hard gaze until he relented a little and sat down too. “Thank you. Now maybe we can talk like adults. As I was saying. Ruby has been through a lot. We have been helping her.”

“Helping her?” Mrs. Anderson asked, “What has happened to our girl? First you tell us she might have been turned and now we find out she’s been hiding out here and you didn’t say a word. Where is my daughter? I want to see her!”

“You will. But I think you need to hear what happened after Ruby attacked Sheena.”

“After— but—“

“We haven’t been keeping you in the dark so please stop acting like we have been. You know she was turned, you know she attacked Sheena. Denial isn’t going to help anyone here. What you don’t know is that we were able to capture her afterwards and hold her here.”

“You held our daughter hostage?”

“We held a demon inhabiting your daughter’s body as a prisoner,” Spike corrected, “You’re welcome.”

Mr. Anderson wrapped an arm around his wife tightly. “But she was with you at the hospital wasn’t she?”

Buffy inclined her head a little, “Yes. We were able to have someone retrieve Ruby’s soul and put it back in.”

“So what does that mean? She has her soul, she’s cured? I thought you told us that it couldn’t be done.”

Spike huffed, “It’s not a cure. That’s utter nonsense. She’s still a vampire, she’s still dead. Crosses still burn and she still needs blood to survive. Animal blood, that is. She hasn’t had human since she’s been with us.” He paused looking at Mrs. Anderson. She had blanched at the mention of blood but didn’t look faint so he continued, “She’s also more her true self now. She has all her humanity back. She can discuss literature sensibly again, and thank god for that because trying to talk with her about Oscar Wilde without a soul was just— bloody painful…” he stopped catching a bewildered look from Buffy, “Point is, she can make opinions and decisions based on morality and has a working conscience again. It doesn’t mean she’s any less of a vampire. It also means that she essentially has multiple— How do I put this?”

“Just tell them what you told me,” Buffy reassured him.

He bobbed his head once and continued, “There’s more to her now. A lot of it she doesn’t even understand yet. First off she’s what we call a fledgling. Her demon didn’t have a lot of time to get real used to things before she got the soul shoved in. She’s getting off easy but she’s still got, sort of, multiple voices in her head.”

“Like multiple personalities?”

“No, no, think of it like the angel and devil on your shoulder kind of thing except a bit more literal. She has a lot she needs to work through before she can figure it out. Takes some getting used to. The guilt alone is enough to drive anyone mad.” Spike looked down, only just noticing Buffy’s hand clenched tightly in his own.

Mrs. Anderson’s eyes flickered from their hands and back up to his face, “You’re speaking from experience, Mr. Spike.”

He turned earnest eyes to her, “Yeah I am, and I know first hand how difficult it is. I was fortunate to have someone to fight for and who fought for me in return when it got to be too much. The least we can do is try to do the same for Ruby.”

Her eyes flicked to Buffy, “But you’re a Slayer like Sheena aren’t you?”

“The original, yeah.”

“Ruby is in good hands.”

“That’s what you said about Sheena and she still—“

Buffy bristled, “That was out of our control. It’s thanks to Spike and one of the other girls stabilizing her before the paramedics got to her that she is even alive. And further thanks to my friend Willow and Ruby for her waking up. I shouldn't need to tell you that Spike has cared for your daughters like his own family. Our family. We only want to help and part of that is helping Ruby make amends, getting her back on her feet and letting her make her own choices.”

“That’s why she was with you at the hospital.”

“Yeah, she wanted to see Sheena, help her if she could, and she did.”

Spike nodded, “She’s been doing really well, all things considered.”

The Andersons shared a look, Mr. Anderson turned back to Buffy and Spike, “I think we understand. May we see our daughter now?”

Spike turned towards the door concealing the staircase, “You get all that, Rubes? What do you say, feel like having a chat with your folks?”

The door opened and Ruby walked into the living room followed by Willow.

Ruby had pulled on what Buffy recognized as Giles' cardigan. She was holding it closed around her middle tightly, giving her the look of an awkward child, “Hey, Mum; Hi, Daddy.” Her parents descended upon her immediately enveloping her in a hug.

“Ruby! Oh my sweet girl! We thought we’d lost you!” her mother was crying.

“Well, you did, Mum, you did but I’m me again. For the most part. Not completely, but it’s mostly still me, like Spike was saying,” she nodded heavily as she pushed her parents back a little at arms length so she could look at them better, “He’s right it’s— it’s not easy and I was afraid to call, yet. I didn’t want them to contact you so please don’t blame them. Don’t be angry with Buffy and Spike, they’ve done nothing but help me.”

“We’re just glad you’re safe. When will you be coming home, sweetheart?”

Ruby shook her head, “I’m not coming home. I just can’t.”

Her parents looked at each other “But why not? I don’t understand,” her mother pleaded.

“What about uni?” Her father interjected.

Spike stepped in, “It’s Ruby's choice of course, but I have to say I agree with her. For one thing, living in a regular house like that can be kind of dangerous for a vampire, especially a young one. We are experienced here. Buffy has been dealing with the likes of me for years now and the castle is vampire safe. Ruby has already started to make herself comfortable and has a private space to call her own. Buffy and Willow here even went to help her clean out her room at University so you don’t have to worry about that. We’ll see to getting a phone line set up for her at some point here.”

“What happened to your mobile?” Her father asked.

Ruby shook her head, “Lost it the night I died.”

The phrasing seemed to strike her parents hard and Ruby‘s mom looked at her a little bewildered. With some effort she seemed to collect herself, “Well that’s simple enough, you’re still on our family plan, we will simply call our carrier, let them know that you lost your phone and see about getting you a new one. At least let us do that for you, sweetheart,” she nodded and looked pleadingly.

He nodded, “Seems silly not to. We’ll be happy to get it replaced, that way you can keep in touch.”

The unease in their voices didn’t go amiss to anyone, least of all Ruby, “Mum, Dad, I really do think it’s best for everyone that I stay here. I can train with Spike and Buffy and help them out where I can. I really think it’s what’s best. My afternoon class would kill me proper. I’d be a pile of dust on the sidewalk before I even got there. But yeah, a new phone would be brilliant.” She smiled at them both.

“But what about your future?”

“I’m dead Mum. The only future I have at the moment is right here, doing work with them. Fighting the good fight.”

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson exchanged another troubled look.

“It’s part of the deal I made when they offered me my soul. I chose this. I’m sure. Besides, it’s not like I’ll be that far, I can still visit.”

Willow stepped forward next to Ruby, “Absolutely! I can even bring her over tonight or tomorrow. Ruby was talking about wanting to get the rest of her things moved in.”

“That’s true, it would be nice to have the rest of my books and a proper bed,” she looked apologetically at Buffy and Spike, “I appreciate the cot but I’d love to have my own bed down there.”

Buffy rolled a shoulder, “Yeah of course, whatever you need; it’s your space. As long as your parents don’t mind you taking it, you can move whatever you want in there. It’s totally Ruby-ville.”

“Thanks. So what do you say? Can I come get my stuff?”

Her mother seemed a little overwhelmed, “I- we— If— yes of course. Can we see where you’re living?”

Ruby frowned a little, “I don’t really have it finished yet. Willow was going to let me paint.”

“This is Willow?”

Willow stuck out her hand, “Sorry! Yes, Willow Rosenberg. I teach math and science. I’ve invited Ruby to take the basement bedroom on my half of the duplex we started renovating.”

“You’re the one who helped Sheena?”

“I sure am. I’m also the one that ensouled Ruby too. I’ve sort of been keeping an eye on her, she’s been doing a lot better the last day or so.”

The Andersons seemed stunned, “But didn’t you say you teach maths and science?”

“I’m a woman of many talents.”

“And thank the Lord for that, and for everything you’ve done for our girls already. So Ruby will be living with you, not at the castle?”

“It’s on the grounds, you’re welcome to come and see it if you don’t mind a construction site,” Willow turned to Buffy, “do you know if they are working on your side or ours today?”

“No idea, Xan just gave Spike a quick rundown, and Faith didn’t say anything at all.”

“Or you’re welcome to come back another time after Ruby has had a chance to fix it up the way she wants.”

They glanced at each other, “I think we just want to see where she’ll be, that's all.”

“Willow—“

“It’s fine Ruby, Buffy and I can show them around, you just hang out with Spike. You two have a lot to talk about anyway.”

Ruby nodded to Willow, “Yeah alright, what do you say, Spike? Mind if I join you while you heal up and get that talk out of the way?”

Spike had already rested himself back onto the couch with his bad leg up, the other foot still on the floor in case he needed to intervene, “We can bond over a pint— or tea if you prefer, I’m not particular.” He was about to say “a pint of blood” and caught himself just in time, he wasn’t sure if Mrs. Anderson would have stayed vertical or not.

“Ruby?” Willow looked worried, remembering the tea incident from only a few days ago, “Are you sure you’re all right to go back in the kitchen?”

Ruby shrugged, “Feeling a little more stable. Giles said it was better in there now and at least I know Sheena is gonna be okay. I can’t stay out of the kitchen forever, I like to cook too much.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t have said anything, we might put you to work, Slayers like to eat,” Buffy joked.

Ruby laughed at that and hugged her parents again, “I have a good feeling about this, don’t worry about me alright?”

They nodded reluctantly and pulled away

Buffy frowned at her skirt, “I hope they aren’t going all dust happy over there,” she looked up at the two vampires in the room, “You know what I mean, alright, let’s see what’s going on over there.” She said firmly as she leaned into Spike, squeezing his shoulder and applying a little pressure with her thumb where her name was burned into him. “Remember to stay off that leg.”

“Yes, Slayer,” he had managed to keep his tone even, but it still hit Buffy the same way as if he had purred into her ear with his hand down her pants.

Oh my god Spike.

It’s not my mind that’s in the gutter for once, Slayer, he said silently with a smug grin on his face.

You just behave yourself, Mr. Pratt, don’t make me tie you up again.

His grin widened, Yeah like that’s a real deterrent.

She rubbed a hand over her eyes, I really hope I didn’t create a monster last night.

Oh sweetheart, I’ve always been a monster. You just unchained me…

Unless I decide I want you in chains again, however you wanna look at it. It was Buffy’s turn to smirk.

Willow caught the interaction between the two of them and raised her eyebrows, “Buffy, are we going to get going here or do you two need a moment?”

Buffy tried her best not to blush as she turned to her best friend, “Right, okay, Mr and Mrs Anderson, come along with us. We’ll show you out there, It’s the big stone building you guys sort of past on the way in and it needs a lot of work so it’s going to be a while before anyone else is going to be moving into it but the basement on Willow’s side is in exceptionally good shape so since Ruby doesn’t really need a whole lot it’s fairly well set up for her already.”

“What do you mean by that; she doesn’t need a lot?” Mr. Anderson asked as they headed outside.

“Well she’s dead, she doesn’t really need a lot of creature comforts, it’s just a fact. You should have seen Spike’s place when we first started,” she cleared her throat, “seeing each other,” she ended diplomatically.

Willow shot her a glance but didn’t say anything.

“You both went by ‘Summers’ at the hospital but you’re not married are you? I just assume because you all call him ‘Spike’.”

She cleared her throat again, she had really wanted to talk to Willow about Spike, but not like this. It really was like Spike said; that in many ways they already were married, so what was the answer; Not yet, but we’ve been talking about it OR Yes, we accidentally eloped in Paris and we’re technically on our honeymoon but we’re probably going to have a wedding anyway?

Before Buffy could make up her mind about how to answer the question Willow chimed in, “Oh no, they got married a few months ago. William took her name but we have all known him so long we still just call him ‘Spike’ out of habit.”

Buffy gaped at her best friend, had Spike talked to her about their plans? Mrs Anderson smiled “Well I’m glad to hear it. It certainly makes me feel better knowing that she will be around people who are setting an example for a normal life.”

Buffy‘s eyebrows shot up “Normal?”

“Well, yes. It gives me hope that despite all this, that perhaps someday she can still settle down. She has never shown much interest in finding someone but now she won’t be at university. Maybe she’ll be able to get her nose out of her books long enough to focus on finding a good man and make a life for herself.”

Buffy caught Willow’s eye and she shook her head warningly. “Ahh huh, yup,” she tried to sound convincing. Any more comments like that and she wasn’t sure if she would be able to stop herself from breaking her nose. If Willow didn’t beat her to it first.

Ruby stood in front of the microwave waiting for the timer to go off. Her eyes kept darting towards the corner she had thrown the girls into. The memory of it mixed with the vision from the mind-walk were colliding violently in her brain and it was all she could do to stand still where she was. At least her stomach wasn’t trying to expel itself, although actually drinking the blood in her mug might not be so easy.

She was having very mixed feelings about blood. On one hand, her body and her demon demanded it, but at the same time the idea was repulsive to her. She figured that would just be one of those things she would have to come to terms with. She tried to distract herself by looking out the window towards the partially burned orchard and another pang of guilt shot through her.

Despite several of the girls receiving various injuries, only one Slayer had been lost in the attack and that was on her. She didn’t think they knew of the extent of her involvement in the attack and in some ways that was worse. Looking back at it now, she couldn’t blame the dark haired girl who had snuck in to beat the crap out of her while she’d been tied up in the utility room. She didn’t know the Slayer’s name but she did know that she had left the castle already. Which really just meant that she never had a chance to apologize. She couldn’t blame any of them for hating her and she knew she didn’t deserve their forgiveness, apologies be damned.

She took a deep breath to settle herself just as the microwave finished. She gathered their mugs and whisked them out to the living room where Spike waited for her. “Here ya go,” she murmured, setting it down in front of him.

“Ta, luv,” he eyed her carefully.

“So, what did you want to talk about?”

“Thought I’d start with an apology for last night. You did good. Buffy told me you took Odette out pretty easily.”

“Did she also tell you I was blind with rage?”

“Didn’t need to,” he sipped the blood.

“So is that what you wanted to talk about, me killing Odette?”

“Partly. Did Buffy tell you anything about our line?”

“Sort of, you were sired by your ex and she was sired by some bloke named Angel. Then from what I gathered from your outburst last night, I’m guessing that there was quite a bit o’ funny business going on between the three of you.”

He ignored the comment, “You’ll probably meet Angel before long and I rather hope you never meet Drusilla. Don’t much fancy seeing her again myself.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because Buffy will likely have to be the one to put her down when it really should be me or Angel who does it.”

“Oh…”

“There’s a lot there. I could start anywhere and just keep goin’ into next week. So let’s start with some questions. Anything you want, ask.”

Ruby puffed out her cheeks, “Why were you so upset last night when Buffy mentioned Odette?”

“Hadn’t given her a thought in years and thought she was dust long ago for starters. For all the carnage I’ve been responsible for over the years, I never really turned too many vampires. Turned Odette just to get back at Dru. I imagine it’s why she left you in the crypt the way she did, it’s what I’d done to her except that I was waiting there expecting a shag when she woke up.”

“You like to keep it in the family, huh?”

Spike laughed, “You’ve read Dracula, you got the gist of things. Stupid ponce and his bloody brides,” he grumbled and took a sip of blood.

“What?”

“Nevermind, I don’t think he’ll be gunning for Buffy again anytime soon so you won’t have to worry about that wanker. Go on, drink up. It’s best when it’s warm.”

She looked at her own cup, “He’s real?”

“Git still owes me money.”

Ruby gave him a look that said she would be expecting more of that story later, “Sure… so what’s the plan for me?” She took a tentative drink from her mug. It wasn’t Slayer blood but Spike had been right about the herbs. The sip turned into a gulp.

He watched her with interest as she gulped it down hungrily. She clearly hadn’t been feeding properly which he had expected. “Good question. I thought I’d start you out joining in with the Slayeretts’s training. You can fight, that comes standard with your demon. But there’s always more to learn. Don’t get complacent. The best way to take advantage of the whole immortality thing is to roll with changes.”

“Says the punk rock poster child?”

“Pot. Kettle. Changes can be slow and I quite like my hair this way so I’m not likely to change that anytime soon. That and it’s sort of what keeps me alive with the Slayeretts when we go on field trips.”

“Are you saying I should start dyeing my hair a distinctive color?” She smirked.

“Don’t get smart.”

“Can’t help that, just am.”

“Yeah alright smarty pants, there’s still a lot I want to cover with you.”

“The girls hate me,” she blurted out suddenly.

“True. Deloris was a sweetheart. The girls aren’t real happy with you being here. Won’t do anything with me and Buffy around though.”

“Yeah, sort of already got that message.”

“Yeah, well that is just something you’ve got to deal with. Fact of the matter is that we don’t really belong much of anywhere so we got to make our own place in the world. I sure as hell didn’t just wake up one day and say ‘Oh I’m just going to be good now’, not that I didn’t try. I was a sodding mess, one big bloody morally-gray mess for a couple of years. Trying to suss out what I should do and how I should act to make Buffy happy, make her tolerate me, even if she couldn’t love me. Then something happened… I— I lost control— I nearly hurt Buffy beyond forgiveness. If she hadn’t…” he flinched inwardly, he couldn’t bring himself to talk about that night. “If she hadn’t knocked some sense into me... Left in search of my soul just after that.” He added weakly.

“So that’s what you meant before. The thing about it being a grand gesture of love. You did it for her.”

Spike hung his head down, he had almost forgotten he had said anything to her about that, “I was out of my mind in love with her but the demon can’t really process love the same way as a human soul. It’s close. Damn close. But there’s this— line in between and I nearly crossed it. Knew I couldn’t look her in the eye. Not after she’d seen me for the monster I was. Not when all she deserves is a good man to support her in everything she does. I couldn’t blame her for hating me, so I went to find the thing that would turn me into the man she deserves. I got it; and everything fell apart after that. Lost my mind. Buffy helped me shove my marbles back in place.”

“But clearly things worked out between you, I mean you’re together now, and you seem sane enough.”

“Sure as hell wasn’t overnight. Whole thing is far too complicated to get into now. You’re coming along quickly but then I sort of figured you would, pipsqueak. You and I aren’t exactly brooders like Angel. Can crack a smile for starters.”

“You don’t like him much do you?”

“We’re getting on alright now. Lots of unpleasant history there. Some of its guilt. Angel is big on guilt. Blames himself for everything he did plus everything me and Dru ever did. Well I don’t know about Dru really. I don’t think he can look at her without feeling at least a little pride. She was his greatest masterpiece after all. And then when she turned me, he thought he’d take on a new pet project. Taught me everything I know. Tried to twist me to be just as nasty as him but it just never did quite work. No one was more twisted and sadistic than Angelus. I didn’t bother trying to be like him after a while, became my own monster as it were. Started hunting Slayers.”

“Until you fell in love with one.”

“Yup.”

“Almost sounds like you were searching for your soulmate even then.”

“Bollocks, didn’t have a soul,” he said a little too quickly. The truth was that it wasn’t a new thought. The idea had often kept him awake, especially just after he had first realized his feelings for her. The thought had crept back into the forefront of his mind after Buffy had told him about meeting his soul in the heaven dimension she was in.

“No, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there was some prophecy or something out there that says you were destined to fall in love with a Slayer.”

There was a ring of truth there that he wasn’t sure what to do with, so he just kept his response clipped. “What do you know about prophecies?”

“Nothing really. Willow has just been filling me in on some of the basic things she does with your group and mentioned something about them.”

“Good storyteller is she?”

“Could probably listen to her read the dictionary if I’m being honest.”

“Got it bad for the witch don’t you?”

She shrugged, “Not really a secret. She’s kind, sweet— generous.”

“You’re going to make your own choices no matter what I say but can I give you some advice?”

“It’s what you’re here for isn’t it?”

“Red is working on getting out of a crappy rebound relationship after losing the love of her life. A real nice girl I liked a lot too. Now Red clearly likes you, but the last thing that girl needs right now is some hot little thing twisting her head round.”

“But—“

“I’m not saying stay away from the girl. Just take it easy. Pump the breaks. Do you both a favor and take the time to get yourself right in the head first. By the time you do that, maybe the time will be right for you both.”

She nodded glumly, she suddenly wasn’t feeling as secure about her situation as she had less than a half hour ago when her parents were in the room. Now she was feeling almost claustrophobic, the weight of unknown possibilities pressing in on her. She looked at the thin layer of blood coating the bottom of the cup and grimaced.

“Ruby?”

“Hum?”

“You alright there?”

“Yeah, just thinking.”

“Willow?”

“Yeah but also— This soul thing, and the fighting evil thing and–”

“The blood?”

“Yeah…”

“You need your strength. You’ll get used to it, and so will the girls. Willow too. Just wait and see.”

Chapters: 2/? Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Spike/Buffy Summers Characters: BtVS Ensemble, Spike (BtVS), Buffy Summers, Joyce Summers, Dawn Summers, Drusilla (BtVS) Additional Tags: Fluff and Smut, Crush re-write Summary:

Crush re-write: What if when Dawn tells Buffy that Spike loves her, it gets her thinking in a different way?

Instead of getting mad or upset, Buffy starts to think about her feelings toward Spike and begins to realize they are of the warm and fuzzy variety.

Chapters: 2/? Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Spike/Buffy Summers Characters: BtVS Ensemble, Buffy Summers, Spike (BtVS), Willow Rosenberg, Tara Maclay Additional Tags: Fluff and Smut, Spuffy, Family, Pregnancy, Unplanned Pregnancy, daddy spike Summary:

Written for an EF writing prompt:

Before Buffy jumped to her death in “The Gift”, she slept with Spike. When Willow resurrects her, she essentially re-animates Buffy’s dead cells – including Spike’s sperm, traces of which are still in her body.

In other words, not only does the spell resurrect her, but it also gets her pregnant.

When Willow finds out, she gets an ego boost from the knowledge that she created life from a vampire.

Bonus points for Buffy yelling at Riley when he comes back.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 5 A New Leaf

A few hours later Buffy woke up to a knock at the door. Rubbing her eyes, Buffy opened the door to find Faith holding a cup of coffee and a bagel, “Hey, girls are going to be coming down soon. I brought these up for you. I want to introduce you to the girls at training this morning. Spikie boy too if he wants. Don’t want any of the girls thinking he’s target practice.”

“Humm, thanks, you didn’t have to do that.” She took a tentative sip of the coffee Faith handed her. It was disappointingly void of cream or sugar. But it’s coffee…

“One time only deal, B. Are you going to get pretty-boy up?” Faith asked, poking her head around the edge of the doorframe.

Buffy glanced over at Spike sprawled out on the bed with a pillow over his face. “He’ll join us later.”

“Right, whole creature of the night thing.” Faith smirked.

Buffy leaned against the door frame and took another sip of coffee, letting the unadulterated flavor wash over her taste buds. “Give me a couple minutes to get dressed. Which training room are we in?”

“The one by the library, it’s bigger. I want to get this done before Giles leaves with the older girls. They’re going to be gone for a few days.”

Buffy straightened up, a frown clouding her features. “I didn’t realize they were going to be gone that long. What’s he doing with them?”

Faith rolled her shoulders, stretching like a cat. “Taking them on one of those spirit journey things, it’s supposed to be the beginning of the end for them as they wrap up their training with us before they go on to their placements. He’s had this on the schedule for months. Gonna be gone most of the week.”

“I should have known. Giles did tell me he had some girls that would be ready to leave soon. I guess I just lost track of time,” she said with a sigh as she turned her face back towards Spike.

He had rolled over onto his side petulantly with the pillow clamped over his head. He grunted, “You birds keep it down, you’re waking the dead.”

Buffy couldn’t suppress a grin, “Oh good, you’re up. Faith wants us to address the masses.”

“Bugger all,” Spike huffed as he pulled himself up, the sheet slipping down precariously. “Can’t it wait? Not like we’ve got a big bad on deck.”

“Things have been a bit quiet,” Faith agreed, “can’t be good.”

“Always something brewing,” Spike added as he grabbed his clothes and started pulling them on.

Buffy shifted her body, blocking Faith’s view of Spike. “I saw a ghost last night.”

Faith redirected her attention back to Buffy with a confused look on her face. “Seriously? In here?”

“Yup, right over there,” Buffy pointed to the corner behind her where she had seen the apparition.

“Explains a few things,” Faith huffed, folding her arms over her stomach and leaning against the cool stone wall in the hallway.

“Like what?”

“Never saw anything, just heard a few knocks and bangs, couple of things moved when I was in here alone. That kind of stuff barely registers on my weird-o-meter anymore.”

“Tell me about it… “ Buffy said around a bite of bagel.

Spike snorted, making a poor attempt to cover it up with a cough as he walked towards them pulling on a clean dark gray t-shirt. “Humm, dusty in here…”

Faith tilted her head, “Right… anyway… I’ll let you two get ready and just meet you down there.” With that Faith turned and left.

Buffy crossed her arms and turned towards Spike, “Really?”

“Oh come on, Love. You have to admit. It’s more than a little funny that you, one of the most badass supernatural forces for good on the planet, got spooked by a wee little ghost.”

“I’m really trying to be mad at you right now.”

“How’s that workin’ for ya, Pet?” He replied with a knowing smirk.

“Don’t push your luck,” she grinned as she pulled workout clothes from her bag, “Ok, so first chance I get, I’m unpacking.”

“Add it to the list.”

******* ****** ******

“Good morning ladies!” Faith walked up and down as she addressed the girls in front of her. Giles, Buffy, and Spike stood behind her like members of a stage cast. “As you can see we have some special guests who will be staying with us for a while. Some of you might remember Buffy-“ Whispers rippled through the girls, a few of the older girls hushed them, “That’s right, the original slayer, is in the house. Buffy and I will be splitting training duties. With her is one of our closest friends and allies, Spike aka William the Bloody Slayer of Slayers. Vampire with a soul. Good guy. Teacher NOT target practice—“

“Wait— That’s William the Bloody? I thought you said he was dead. That he died in the Battle of Sunnydale,” one of the girls blurted out.

“Got better; still dead,” he answered.

Faith snorted, “Yeah well, he’s here now to help with your training. Buff, you want to say a few words?” She added as she turned to Buffy.

Buffy switched spots with her, “I know a few of you already and the rest I know through your progress reports. But those can only go so far. Spike and I are here because we agree it’s time we take a more personal role in your training. I don’t really have a lot to say, does anyone have any questions for me or Spike?” She gestured towards him as he placed a hand on the small of her back.

“Yeah, I got one. If he’s the Slayer of Slayers, how are we supposed to trust this guy?”

Buffy rolled her eyes, I should have expected this, “You can trust him because I do. I trust him with my life, and yours. But I get it. Trust is earned and even if you don’t trust him you should be grateful for the insights he can supply. Better to be prepared. I’ve learned a lot about what it is to be a Slayer from him, you can too.”

Spike adjusted his hand on her back as he stepped a little closer to her, “That and you lot got the advantage of safety in numbers.”

A girl standing in the front of the group cocked an eyebrow as she eyed the two of them, “Just how close of a friend is this guy?”

Spike tried not to grin at the blush coloring Buffy’s cheeks as she shifted a little before answering, “Spike is my… partner.”

That earned a few low snickers.

She rolled her eyes at how stupid that sounded, “Alright fine yeah, I guess it’s pretty obvious Spike and I have a lot more than just a working relationship.”

“Not like they weren’t going to notice we’re sharing a room,” Spike smirked.

She shrugged, and turned back towards Faith and Giles, “They’re all yours.”

Giles turned to the group of girls, “Level 4 girls with me,” he said heading towards the stairs.

Faith’s voice cut through as she stepped forward, “That means levels 1, 2, and 3 fighting stances. We’re going to jump right in.”

“Giles, can I have a word?” Buffy asked, pulling him aside.

“Quickly, we really must be off,” he gestured towards the older girls to go on without him, “I’ll catch up.”

Buffy moved Giles to the corner of the room, “I saw a ghost last night. Know anything?”

“I don’t, but generally they are innocuous. I can look into it when I return if you like.”

“I’d appreciate it,”

“Right then, upon my return. See you soon!”

“See you!” She called after him.

Buffy turned around and started walking around the room correcting stances and provided assistance.

“What’s with the level thing?” Spike asked as he sidled up to her.

“What? Oh that’s just the system they came up with. Helps to break them up into smaller groups by age and level of training. Sort of our version of martial arts degrees meets high school.”

“Got it.”

With that, the two of them got to work with Faith training and sparring with the girls.

***

After the first training session Spike went back to their room whilst Buffy and Faith took the girls for a run. Sleep seemed relatively pointless so he decided to give himself a tour.

The first thing he did was head upstairs, to the other two floors they hadn’t seen yet. The one right above them consisted of three large bedrooms and one very big communal bathroom that had been recently renovated. The top floor was nothing more than one large bedroom and an access he imagined went to the roof. He meandered around the castle until he found himself in the large training room and he made his way back up to Giles’ private suite.

“Now that’s more like it, Rupert,” Spike said out loud as he looked around. It was a large room with a sitting area on one side that reminded him of Giles’ living room back in Sunnydale.

“If I were a Watcher with a stick up my ass, in charge of fifteen underage girls and Faith, where would I keep the good stuff? Ah right then…” Spike opened the doors to the wardrobe and found a bottle of scotch and a set of glasses on the top shelf, “Predictable.”

He helped himself to a drink, put Billy Squire’s ‘Don’t Say No’ album on the record player then sat back listening. As much as he agreed with Buffy about the importance of the work they were starting at the castle, it was nice to hide away with a drink in hand. A trip to the liquor store was definitely in his near future.

Spike made his way back downstairs into the training room where he heard voices. The girls were back. The rain had started.

Spike peeked his head out from behind the screen blocking the staircase from view. Buffy was there with a smaller group of girls guiding them through some tai chi exercises as a cool down after their run. He stepped out from behind the screen watching them. Buffy didn’t break form, but she did give him a quick smile when she saw him. A moment later she finished the sequence, “That was great guys, thank you! That’s all for now, I’ll see you later.”

Buffy watched as the girls filed out through the library and down the stairs before turning to Spike, “What were you doing?”

“Havin’ a nip with Squire.”

Buffy raised an eyebrow, “Ah huh, what happened to punk rock?” She asked as she picked up a towel, dabbing sweat off her face and neck.

“You really got me pigeonholed don’t you, Slayer? Remind me to tell you all about Woodstock sometime.” He drawled as he came closer.

“I— Spike-”, she stammered a little before she realized he was teasing her, “Jerk.” Buffy swatted at him with the towel.

“Not like Giles has The Ramones or The Buzzcocks up there anyway. Got a point though don’t I?” He chuckled.

She sighed as she picked up the zip-up hoodie she had worn on her run and started towards the library stares, Spike followed. “Faith told me she put a bottle in the roll top desk in our room. And there’s a portable stereo in the kitchen. What were you doing up there anyway?”

“Just nosin’ about. That bit about the booze would have been useful information, but then I wouldn’t have discovered Rupert’s record collection. That’s one thing about a mostly nomadic lifestyle, I’ve lost more records than Giles has seen in his life.”

“Could always get you an MP3 player.”

“Two sides to that; Mobile, but vinyl is better.”

Buffy laughed, “Not really the point here.”

He nudged her shoulder as they went, “Oh come on, Love, just getting the lay of the land. Not like I trashed the place.”

“I just don’t like the idea of you being in there when Giles isn’t here. He’d be pissed.” She huffed.

“I wanted to sleep. I’m only up because you requested my presence.” He answered, as he opened the door to their bedroom.

Buffy stripped out of her workout tank and turned towards him. Standing in front of him in a pair of jogging capris and a sports bra she grinned at him, “I’ve got some time to kill, I can think of something that might help you sleep. Can’t have you cranky for the field training tonight.”

“Damn, I like it when you tuck me in,” he murmured in a gruff tone as he pulled her closer and kissed her passionately.

****** ****** *******

Buffy grinned as she watched Spike laying next to her on the floor. They’d made it to the bed this time but had fallen off of it at some point. When she made a move to get up, Spike grabbed for her wrist, “Leaving so soon?” He asked without opening his eyes.

“Yeah, Slayer training stuff I told Faith I’d come find her to train after a while. Met you in the entry hall at 9:00 alright?” She kissed him.

“Better get going then, don’t want to start something and be late. Nothing like shagging in the middle of your first day at your new job.”

“It’s not like it’s really my first day. I do the same thing in Rome, just on a much smaller scale, and not in a castle.”

“I love seeing you shine,”

“Now who’s trying to start something we don’t have time for? Get some sleep.”

Buffy made her way down to the second training room where Faith was working out alone using one of the punching bags. They often gave the girls the afternoon off now it was summer and they were dotted round the castle and the grounds. Faith looked up from the target she had been hitting, “Hey B, what’s up?“

“Nothing really, thought I’d practice my staff work. Figured you’d be in here since a couple of the girls were already in the other training room when I came down,” Buffy picked up a quarterstaff and squared up against the dummy closest to Faith.

Faith steadied the heavy bag, “Yeah, kind of a rare opportunity to have the place to ourselves. That rain didn’t last long, a lot of the girls are out in the orchard, sort of nice.”

“Yeah,” Buffy grunted as she hit the training dummy.

“So what’s Spikie-boy up to?”

“Getting some much-needed rest,”

Faith’s eyes twinkled and she gave a barely there a grin, “Ah huhh, I hear that. Damn that man is fine.”

“Yeah, well hands off,” she said as she struck at the dummy again.

“Already tested the waters there, he didn’t bite, not even a nibble.”

Buffy paused, dropping her fists and turned towards Faith who was still hitting the bag. “Wait, what?” Buffy asked.

“Flirted with him a bit in your basement back in Sunny-D. No big thing. Even if you hadn’t come in, I doubt he would have gone for it, that guy has a one track-mind and you’re it—“ she grunted the last word as she delivered a kick.

Buffy watched her a second longer before resuming her staff work, “I guess that sort of answers my question.”

“What’s that?”

“I was going to ask you why you are the only one I haven’t had to explain everything to,” Buffy said as she continued practicing.

“Because I totally get it. I mean the soul thing is a given, plus he’s super hot,” she punched the bag in front of her a few times and continued, “must be nice having someone who can keep up with you and gets the whole Slayer thing,” she paused, hitting the bag again, “vamp’s sex on legs and he only has eyes for you B.”

“Yeah…” she agreed as she struck the floor with a particularly hard strike.

Faith stopped to look at her, “Do we need to talk?”

“No,” she waved a hand dismissively, “It’s good. I got my guy, I’m happy. What about you?” She continued twirling her staff, plunging it into the dummy’s chest, “Opps…”

“Ehh, yeah, let’s try pulling our punches on the equipment huh?”

“Sure.”

Faith hesitated, “Anyway— You already know I tried to make a go at a real relationship with Robin for a while.”

“Mind if I ask what happened?”

“Might tell you if I knew. Just packed up one day and said he wanted to go back to New York,” she shrugged, “Hurt ya know… but, sort of made me realize maybe I’d been missing out too. Something I didn’t know I actually needed before. Probably sounds stupid…”

Buffy shrugged her head before delivering another strike, “No it doesn’t. So what now?”

“Oh I’m good… There’s a hottie in town I got my eye on, just— Slayer stuff and work and— damn, when the hell did I become responsible?” Faith paused, rubbing the back of her neck.

“I think it’s a Spider-Man thing.”

Faith resumed her stance, squaring up her shoulders, “And for the cool kids?” She asked.

“Xander… it’s this whole ‘With great power comes great responsibility’ thing… sort of comes with the territory,” Buffy shrugged.

“Kinda like it, is that weird?”

Buffy chuckled darkly, “Ohh yeah… super weird…”

They both laughed at that.

“Seriously though, I need to get laid, bad,” Faith sighed.

“Could always hook up with the Scottish hottie. What’s he like anyway?”

Faith walked over to the edge of the mat to pick up a towel and let out a little groan as she whipped sweat off her neck. She grabbed her water bottle, taking a drink.

Then sighed, “He’s really nice. Freaking gorgeous. Tall, broad shoulders, great head of thick black hair, the most gorgeous baby blues, and a smile that could melt a chastity-belt.”

Buffy’s eyebrows raised with interest at that. “Hottie got a name?”

Faith didn’t look up, “Callum, his name is Callum.”

She eyed her, “He doesn’t know you like him does he?”

Faith set down her bottle and the towel, still not making eye contact. “I’m- we talk. Every time I see him he’s working.”

The corner of Buffy’s mouth pulled into a half smile, “Bartender?”

“No… he isn’t.” Faith said a little heatedly and deflated quickly, taking a deep breath. “Alright fine, he works at the hardware store, and recently started a construction business with his cousin.”

Buffy’s eyes widened and she relaxed her staff at her side, “Oh my God, that’s what all the freaky remodeling stuff has been about! The training rooms and the girls' rooms upstairs and the girls bathroom. Faith!”

“I don’t want to make things… you know— I actually think I like this guy… he’s—” she stammered uncomfortably. She was showing more vulnerability than Buffy had seen in years.

“Wow, and here I was thinking you just jumped any guy you saw.”

“God I want to… trying to turn over a new leaf…”

“Wow.” Buffy said, letting her shoulders drop.

Faith sighed in agitation. “Don’t sound too surprised. This is hard… trying to be a nice girl for a nice guy.”

Buffy shook her head and held up a hand for her to stop, “You can’t do that, you have to be yourself.”

Faith sat down heavily on the mat with her legs folded in front of her. “That came out wrong. I just mean I’m trying to do better. I’m trying to be better and if I’m going to have a guy at all, then I want one that will help me do that. Sort of thought Robin could have been that guy…”

Buffy frowned, “And now you think this is the guy?”

“I didn’t say that. I just said he was a nice, really hot guy I like.”

“The fact that we are even having this conversation is kind of a big deal. Maybe just try getting to know the guy. Let him see the real you, the good you— before you jump him.” Buffy said as she slipped her staff back into the rack by the wall.

“Like dinner and a movie? I don’t know if I could handle that, B.”

She walked over to sit across from Faith. “Who says it has to be? Let him like you for you, whatever that is.”

Faith chuckled mirthlessly, “God that’s lame, you sound like a freaking shrink or a fortune cookie or something.” Then she shot Buffy a serious look, “Guess I sort of needed to hear that, thanks.”

Faith stood back up stretching, “It’s times like this that I really miss Angel.”

“You guys really got close huhh?” Buffy asked.

“He’s a good friend. Gave me a second chance and didn’t give up on me.”

Buffy twirled her staff slowly in front of her and cleared her throat. Never thought I’d see the day when Faith getting close to him wouldn’t bother me but here it is— wow… “Anyway, what's the game plan tonight?” She asked as she stood back up and went to grab her own water bottle.

“Taking the new girls out for their first field trip.”

Buffy eyed her over the bottle as she took a long drink. “Are you sure that’s a great idea? Leaving the rest of the girls alone?”

“I’m putting Ava in charge while we’re gone, they’ll be fine for a couple of hours.” Faith said, stretching out her shoulders.

Buffy shrugged. Faith knew the girls better than she did. “Humm, yeah, I can see that… as long as they don’t start a mutiny while we’re gone. We’ll come back to find Ava tied to a chair.”

“Oh come on, have a little faith,” Faith smirked.

“Oh now that’s lame.”

Chapter 6 The New Girls

Buffy, Faith, and Spike took the new girls on patrol in the old teal painted van Giles had found for such trips. They didn’t have far to go to the nearest cemetery. It would have been an easy walk but Giles had made Faith promise to take the van in case something happened because the nearest hospital was relatively far away.

The girls stood huddled around the cemetery entrance looking nervous. “Who here has been in a cemetery at night?” Buffy asked.

All four girls shook their heads.

Buffy looked from Spike to Faith and back to the girls, “Well… you’ll get used to it real fast. Feels like I’ve spent most of my life in them. We are here at this particular cemetery because the local paper reported some suspicious deaths and several missing persons reports in the area. These are the things we need to check out. The paper was vague but experience tells me that it’s probably a vamp.”

“It most likely is, but there are loads of other nasties that like to rip out throats so be on the lookout,” Spike added.

Faith stepped towards them with a leather messenger bag in hand. She pulled out four stakes and four small bottles of holy water for the girls, “Tonight will be your first test. Deloris and Thea you two will be with me. Sheena and Aretta with Buffy and Spike. We will be watching from a distance. If something comes at you, it is up to you to defend yourself and your partner. We will be close but don’t count on one of us saving the day. Any questions?”

“What do we do if it is not a vampire?” Aretta asked in a strong Nigerian accent.

As strong as Aretta’s accent was, it was nothing compared to Sheena’s Scottish brogue. Buffy had more trouble understanding Sheena than she did any of the other girls and the vast majority of the people she’d met in Scotland. It was bound to be an interesting night.

“The best you can, you might surprise yourselves. We’ll intervene if you’re in over your heads,” Spike switched to his vampire form. Deloris let out a little squeal. Spike ignored her and continued speaking, “For the record, you get in over your heads one of us will be there. I’ll be coming in hot. Remember, every vampire has two faces. This is mine, don’t get stake-happy with me, alright? Bad guys yes, Spike no. Got it?”

The girls nodded, and Spike let his face melt back into his human form.

Faith clapped her hands, “All right ladies, let’s head out. Thea and Deloris, You start out on the left. Aretta and Sheena go right. Cemetery loops around so we’ll meet up. We’ll give you a headstart. Good luck.”

Buffy sidled up to Spike taking his hand, “Nice job working in the self preservation angle.”

“Yeah, well I plan on getting lucky tonight and I can’t do that if I’m a pile of dust now can I?”

“Probably for the best, it’s always hard to predict how newbies are going to react. Speaking of which, you picking up on anything yet?”

Spike took a moment to concentrate and sniffed the air, “Nah, nothing yet. Nights still young. Tell me again why all three of us are out here?”

Buffy rolled her eyes and pulled him along with her, “Come on, last thing I want is for these girls to come up against something they’re not ready for.”

“They’re alright, we can still see ‘em.”

“Maybe you can,” she grumbled.

“You’re sexy when you pout. But seriously, is this the same woman I was with when we closed a bunch of girls into a crypt with a vamp?”

“That was different and you know it. They had to get it fast and they didn’t have Slayer strength. These girls… they have power but they’re still green. Same problem just reversed.”

Spike threw an arm around her shoulders, “You’re worrying too much, Love.”

“I like to think of it as making up for not being here the last few months. I know we said we were just coming to visit but I’m seriously thinking maybe this is where I need to be… I just hope Dawn understands.”

“You mean ‘where WE need to be’, don’t you?”

“That’s what I said wasn’t it?” She grinned innocently.

“No, but I’m not going to fuss,” They went on a little further in silence before Spike spoke again, “You know the older girls will be leaving soon. Heading off to wherever you’re sending them. I say let’s stay until they’re all trained up and out of here. Then we can resume our Euro-trip, head back to Rome, pick up the Niblett, and come back here, permanently.”

“Did you just ask to move in together? I mean we’re… and- and we’re staying in the same room… traveling… and I love that— we’re always together… wait— wait, wait…. are we somehow living together already and I didn’t realize it?” She turned to him with her eyes wide, “We just started… it— it's a new-- ok not NEW but it’s a new chapter of an old— oh my God, are we actually living together?”

Spike snorted out a laugh, “Hell if I know, Pet. Relax. Is it so bad if we are?”

“Spike, I—”

He was suddenly afraid of what she was going to say. Stuck your foot in it now didn’t you? Never even considered she might not be ready for that—

“Look. We don’t have to talk about this now. I know we haven’t actually been together long… not to mention you’ve never lived with any of your other— I just—-You have time. You live with a bunch of girls, if you want me to get a place of my own, I will. I’m sure Dawn and Willow will both have a weigh-in on that. We can—“

Buffy cut him off by placing a hand on his chest, he looked down at her hand, “Humm, Buffy?”

“Shhh, just-“ her attention was directed towards the girls in the distance. They were still walking along the cemetery path when a man in a suit stepped towards them. “Later. It's showtime, let's see what they do.”

One of the girls let out a nervous battle cry and charged. The vampire dodged the attack easily and flung her hard into a tombstone. Spike took a step forward, “Crap… rookie mistake. Come on,” he snarled.

Buffy put out a hand again, “Just a minute, let’s see how Aretta does. Can you see Sheena?”

“She landed over there behind those markers. We need to get closer,”

“This way,” they wound their way through the headstones until they had a better vantage point.

“Aretta is holding her own, do you see Sheena yet?”

“There-“ Spike pointed as Sheena used a headstone to pull herself up. The girl shook her head before quickly stooping down to pick up her stake and rejoined the fight just as Aretta landed on the ground with a thud.

A moment later both girls had the vampire cornered against the back wall of a crypt. Sheena kicked the vampire, pinning him to the wall with her foot, while Aretta staked him. The girls backed away looking at each other. Sheena held her hand up for a high-five, “I can’t believe we just did that!” She exclaimed before they slapped hands and burst out into a fit of nervous laughter.

Buffy and Spike came into view clapping slowly, “Not bad for your first time girls.”

“It was teamwork,” Aretta said, smiling at Sheena.

“You got a win and that’s great. You’re not done yet. We’re going to head over towards Faith and the other girls now. Maybe you’ll run into something else, maybe you won’t. Stay alert, got it?”

“Yes, ma’am,” they said in unison.

“We’ll go over stuff when we get back to the castle.”

The four of them made their way back onto the path that looped around the cemetery, the girls continued in front with Buffy and Spike following at a distance. “About earlier…” Spike started.

Buffy gave him a fleeting look, “Maybe we should talk about this later.”

“I- humm, yeah, sure. It’ll keep,” he nodded as he thrust his hands deep into his pockets.

They walked along in silence for several minutes. Spike started humming a song Buffy had heard but couldn’t place, “What song is that?”

“The Ramones, I’ve had it stuck in my head since I met Sheena.”

“Do I want to know why?”

“Kinda hard not to, songs called ‘Sheena is a Punk Rocker’, catchy tune too…” Spike continued to hum quietly as they walked.

It wasn't long before they heard the unmistakable sounds of a fight. “Aretta, Sheena,” Buffy called to the girls, “hang back behind us, at least until I can see what’s going on.”

The girls did as they were told following close behind. They redirected their steps, winding their way through the tall headstones as the fighting grew louder. It was sometime until they could see Faith and the girls standing back-to-back surrounded by at least ten vampires.

Buffy stepped towards them from behind a particularly tall headstone, “Is this a private party or can anyone join?” she asked loudly.

“Oh, hey B! Nice of you to join us. As you can see, our dance cards are pretty full, feel free to join in.”

“Sounds like fun, count us in,” Buffy said as she stepped forward to the closest vampire, “Any time, Honey! Bring the kids!” She yelled over her shoulder as she quickly staked the first one.

“Already on it, Pet,” Spike grunted as he blocked a kick from a tall, thin, female vampire. Spike caught her leg and sent her flying into a headstone. In one swift motion he pulled a small crossbow from a special sling he’d added to the inside of his jacket. He shot the vampire squarely in the chest turning her to dust.

Spike then reloaded his weapon and turned it on one of the three vamps Faith was facing, allowing her to stake the remaining two in quick succession.

“Thanks man,” Faith said, turning towards him, “hey where did Buffy go?”

“Saw one bolt, she’s probably gone after him.”

“Pretty sure we lost more than one. You go, I got the girls,” Faith said as she folded her arms in front of her. She watched as each of the girls squared off against their own vampire. “Keep your feet and follow through, Deloris!” She barked.

Spike caught up to Buffy just as she sent a dark haired vampire stumbling with a kick to the stomach. An extremely large and muscular vampire well over seven feet tall, came up from behind her. The vampire picked her up like a rag doll and started squeezing her like a soda can. Moving quickly, Spike ran forward throwing a rock at the massive vampire, “Oi, Andre the Giant! Put her down!” He yelled as the rock made contact with the back of his head and bounced off.

Spike maneuvered himself behind the oaf. He leapt up, wrapped his arm around his neck and began punching the gigantic vampire in the side of the head. The vampire stumbled forward into a tombstone pinning Buffy there. She let out a strangled scream of pain. Spike pulled up a stake driving the entire length of it into the back of the huge vampire. Spike leapt off as the vampire crumbled.

Buffy landed unceremoniously on the ground with a thud. She gasped for breath as she looked up to see the dark haired vamp coming back towards her. Buffy twinged in pain as she grabbed her stake and held it up at the last second as the vampire charged at her with his teeth bared.

“Think that’s all of them,” Spike said as he reached out a hand to help Buffy up. She gasped in pain. “Are you alright there, Love?”

“Think he might have cracked a rib, maybe two,” she said breathlessly.

“Shit. Come here, let’s get you back to the castle. Here, I got you,” he said, wrapping an arm around her.

They hadn’t made it far before Faith and the girls appeared from among the graves. “There you two are. The girls did great. They— You alright B?”

Buffy shook her head, “I’ll be fine, couple of cracked ribs.”

Faith made a face, “Yeah, those are never fun. Good thing we heal fast.”

“Yeah,” Buffy wheezed a little.

Faith turned to Spike, “Van is over that way. Let’s get your girl home. Make sure she didn’t do anything worse than crack ribs.”

Spike gave a quick nod and they all made their way back to the van. The girls talked excitedly all the while. “Looks like the night was mostly successful,” Buffy said.

Spike eased his grip on her a little, “How’s it going there, Love?”

“I’m starting to wonder if one of these is more than just a little cracked,” Buffy quietly gasped in pain as Spike helped her up into the front seat.

“Lift your shirt, Pet. Where’s it at?”

“Can’t we do this back at the castle?” She asked.

“I’m not stripping you down. Just want to get an idea of what we’re dealing with here.”

Buffy shifted and lifted her shirt a little, “Yeah alright.”

“Girl takes a couple dozen beatings, survives a few mortal wounds and she thinks she’s a hard-ass,” Spike teased.

Buffy chuckled then gasped in pain, “Oh, it hurts to laugh,”

“But you can, that’s a good sign,” he smiled at her. Buffy nodded in agreement.

Faith climbed into the driver’s seat, “All set, just waiting on you Spikey-boy.”

“Sod off, Faith, stop calling me that would you?” Spike grumbled as he climbed into the back seat with the girls.

“How about ‘Willy’?”

“Not if you value your life.”

“William,” Buffy murmured.

“Right here, Love,” Spike said as he pulled himself up so he could see her from around the back of the seat.

“Just proving a point,” she chuckled weakly.

“Very funny, you are,” he huffed as he sat back in his seat.

***** ***** ******

As Faith parked the van in front of the castle she addressed the girls as they filed out.

“Anyone else extra hungry?” Thea asked.

“How can you even think about food when Buffy’s hurt? Aren’t you concerned at all?” Deloris snapped.

“S’alright to be both, Dee,” Sheena replied.

“Sheena‘s right. It’s typical to be hungry after slaying. Go on girls, get your snacks and get to bed. I mean it, I’ll be around to check on you. Go on, we got this. We’ve all had worse, she’ll be fine.”

The girls protested but complied in the end. While Faith was dealing with them Spike got out of the van and offered to help Buffy down, “Thanks, but I got it.”

Spike stepped back to give her space. It was clear she was in pain but true to her word she was managing as they made their way in.

“Let’s get you in bed, let you heal properly.”

She nodded, “Maybe a little something to dull the pain,”

“I hear there’s something in the roll top,” Spike smirked.

“Count me in,” Faith chimed in as they walked up the stairs to the first floor. Buffy gritted her teeth and gripped the railing as they reached the first landing.

“Is there a reason we don’t use that?” Spike asked, gesturing to the closed off shaft for the elaborate birdcage style elevator.

“Yeah, cables are old as hell and frayed, the thing is a death trap.”

“So get your boyfriend to fix it,” Buffy gasped.

Faith colored slightly, “He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Here, Love. Let me. Still got a way to go here,” he wrapped an arm around her gently as she allowed him to help her up the stairs.

“For the record, I’ll fix the thing myself if it comes down to it. Even if we only use it for injuries,” Spike growled.

“Didn’t know you were handy,” Faith said as she followed them into their room.

“I’m no expert but it’s hard not to pick up a few things along the way. Anyone can become a Jack-of-trades if they live long enough. I figure an elevator as old as that, well it’s not exactly complicated is it?”

“Yeah, sorry, not really overwhelming me with confidence right now. I think I’m going to ask around.”

“Ask Callum,” Buffy insisted as she sat down on the loveseat in the seating area of their bedroom. She shrugged off her lightweight jacket and leaned back against the seat. Buffy took a few breaths and grimaced.

“Let’s take a look, Love,” he said, motioning for her to lift her shirt. Her right side was already bruising badly. Spike gingerly pressed his fingers to the area, Buffy let out a hiss of pain.

“Sorry, Pet,” he frowned as he moved to check the other side. The bruising wasn’t nearly as bad there.

“How’s our patient?” Faith asked.

“Definitely a couple a broken ribs on the right side there. I count two for sure, the third one is questionable, it's at least cracked.”

“I’m going to make sure the girls cleaned up the kitchen and I’ll bring up a couple of ice packs for you alright, B?”

“Thanks,” Buffy closed her eyes for a moment, “Spike, would you get my sweats and a clean tank, please?”

“No problem. Need help?”

“I’ll let you know.”

Spike shrugged one shoulder as he got the requested items from her drawers. “Are you cold?”

“Yeah, a little. Not everyone is impervious to temperature change.”

“I wouldn’t say that. Extreme heat or cold can be a bother.”

“Well sure, burning up or freezing solid would bother anyone,” she laughed weakly clutching her side.

“See what you get for poking fun?” He said teasingly as he handed her the clothes. “Are you sure you don’t want me to help?”

“Thanks but I think I got it, it's not my first broken rib.”

It did take her a little longer than usual but Buffy managed to get changed on her own. After which she went into the bathroom. While she was gone Spike decided to turn on the gas fireplace in their room. For the end of June it was unseasonably cool inside the castle that night.

He fished out two glasses and the whiskey from the desk, taking them over to the little table by the fire, and poured a small measure into each glass. Spike downed his glass and poured another.

There was a knock at the door before Faith pushed it open without waiting for an answer, “I got the big ice pack and a— Where’s Buffy?”

“In the loo.”

Faith eyed the glasses on the table, “One of those for me?”

“You bought the bottle. Ta by the way.”

“Figured we could use it at some point,” she said, taking a glass and sitting down on one of the chairs.

Spike sat across from her on the loveseat, “Yeah, doesn’t matter how many times I see her get hurt, it still gets me.”

“Guess that’s what love is huh?” Faith took a drink and settled back into her seat.

“Guess so,” he swallowed his drink and poured himself another, “Whiskey’s good, all that matters.”

Buffy came back in, walking stiffly, “Drinking without me?”

“I poured you one, Love,” he said, handing it over to her.

“Thanks, honey” Buffy moved to sit next to him and tilted her head up for a kiss, “Hum, whiskey.”

“You could almost get a bloke’s heart beating again.”

“Are we drinking or should I leave you two alone?” Faith interrupted.

“Drinks, then some serious sleep and healing,” Buffy said, curling up on the loveseat as best as she could.

He laid his hand on her knee, “You’re taking some time off. I’ll take over your training classes.”

“He’s right Buff, you definitely don’t want to re-break those suckers. I should know,” she paused to take a drink, “He shouldn’t have any trouble, they’re mostly in the training rooms anyway, we’ll work it out.”

“I can't just sit around,” Buffy said, taking a swallow of whiskey. She looked at the glass perplexed, “Wow. I normally don’t like whiskey.”

Spike grinned as he remembered the first time he shared a drink with Buffy in his crypt.

“Ok that’s it!” Faith groused, “tomorrow afternoon I’m going over to the hardware store and I’m asking Callum out for a drink.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Buffy said, emptying her glass, “You can ask him about the elevator too.”

“See, all this stuff here,” Faith twirled her finger in a large circle, “This is why I’m kinda hoping Callum is just a regular vanilla kind of guy… an open mind would be good though. Maybe vanilla with a little wild cherry.”

“Nice guys don’t often have bull-whips,” Spike smirked.

“Nice memory but its the quiet ones that surprise ya,”

Buffy narrowed her eyes and looked between the two of them, “Bull-whip?”

“Just an old story Faith told me a while back.”

“I probably don’t want to know.”

“Probably not,” Faith grinned as she took another sip of whiskey.

Buffy adjusted herself in her seat, wincing. Spike reached for Buffy’s drink, “Here, Love, finish this. We’ll get you to bed.”

“Humm, you just love getting me in bed.”

“True,” he stood up, holding his hand out to her. Buffy took his hand, allowing him to pull her up, “Tonight I’ll settle for you getting some rest and letting those ribs heal.”

“I should get going too, I need a shower.”

“Night!” Buffy called as Spike led her over to the bed.

Spike directed his attention back to Buffy, as Faith closed the door behind herself.

He pulled the blankets aside for her, “In you get, Slayer.”

Buffy slipped into bed carefully, “Spike?”

“Yeah?” He answered absently as he pulled the blanket over her.

She stilled his hand with hers, “I’m really sorry I freaked out like I did earlier.”

“Oh that-“, Spike started to say.

“Everything is so new. I just—”

“Hadn't thought that far ahead?” He asked, raising an eyebrow, as he stood up straighter.

Buffy didn’t release his hand, “Well no. I mean yes, you’re right, I haven’t… and when I did, it just really—“

“You just get some rest, Goldilocks,” he said, squeezing her hand and moving around to his side of the bed.

Buffy furrowed her brow finding it extremely difficult to get comfortable, “Are you sure we’re ok?”

“Course we are.” He gestured for her to sit up and slipped an extra pillow behind her.

She rested back onto the pillows, relaxing while Spike stripped down for bed. “You just seem off,” she stated.

Spike crawled into bed with her. Propping himself on one elbow to see her better. “You’re the one who’s hurt, Love. Let’s just focus on that alright?”

Spike laid awake half the night thinking and watching Buffy sleep.

God, I love her more than I’ve ever loved anyone. Course she loves me too. I know that— otherwise we’d both be barmy or dead. Don’t go questioning her now you nit.

But when we decided to make this official, I just assumed we would be together in all senses of the word. Including living together. But if Buffy isn’t sure… where does that leave me?

At arms length or worse. Bollocks, William. It’s you she comes to when she is in trouble and needs help. Must count for something. Or does it? Is simply loving someone enough?

He watched her as she took a deep breath and started to cough a little. She didn’t wake up but by the look on her face it was clear she was in pain.

He rested a hand high on her chest by her collarbone and she relaxed instantly. Her breathing eased and the look of anguish on her face melted away. It was a little thing but in that moment it was what they both needed. A comforting hand for her and reassurance that she didn’t just want him but also needed him. Spike fell asleep with that thought, his hand still resting on her chest. He didn’t notice the slim ghostly figure of a teenage girl watching them.

Chapter 7 Movie Night

Over the next few days the three of them kept busy with the girls and landed on a good routine. Buffy’s ribs were healing well as long as she was taking it easy. On the third day after the injury, she dodged a wild kick from one of the younger girls while she was walking around the room supervising the class. She missed being hit but fell right into one of the metal sparring dummies. It wasn’t really enough to re-injure her but it did manage to remind her that her ribs were really only starting to mend and It would still be some time before she’d be back to full health.

When Giles returned the next evening with the older girls he was surprised to find the dynamic they had stumbled into in his absence. After he and the girls had gotten settled in, Giles came back downstairs to the living room to catch up with Buffy and Faith.

“There were no other mishaps while I was gone I trust?” He asked them.

Buffy shook her head, “Nope, turns out we actually make a pretty good team when we’re not making power plays.”

“And Spike?”

“I think he was in the kitchen last I knew,” Faith shrugged.

“No, I meant—“

“We know what you meant. If it wasn’t for him there is no way we could have managed after Buffy got hurt. He picked up the slack and then some,” Faith said defensively.

“Very good, glad to hear it. Any more ghost sightings?”

“I thought I heard something last night and I’ve found a few of my things in weird places but neither of us saw anything,” Buffy shrugged.

“And she’s only moving your things?”

“Seems that way. But it’s not like Spike is exactly big on material possessions at the moment.”

“No I suppose not. Once I get settled in I’ll go through the castle’s archives and do what I can. Might be rather fun actually.”

“That’s why you’re book-man!” Faith teased, “Seriously though, I’m having someone come by to check out the giant birdcage and get it running again.”

“As long as you get someone who respects antiques. I’d hate to see such a fine example of an antique lift be destroyed by some pillock.”

“I’m having the Ross’s take a look, if they don’t think they can do it they’ll recommend someone.”

Giles adjusted his glasses, “Is our cover with the locals still holding?”

Faith averted eye contact, “Yeah they still think you’re my uncle.”

“Alright so that brings me to my next question,” Buffy asked, “are we still going with our original cover story here?”

“The best lies have a kernel of truth. We run a school for girls. Faith is my niece. I had to stop wagging tongues, you know.”

“Which makes me what? Your American daughter?”

“I suppose so, yes. Everyone around here knows that I’ve spent an extended amount of time in the states so it wouldn’t be a surprise.”

“Not like Dawn and I have heard from our own father in… well a really long time... Besides, you did have a little thing with my mom,” Buffy teased.

“Yes well…” he stammered, and started cleaning his glasses, “Your mother was a very special woman,” he added almost inaudibly.

“Ok, seriously more information than I needed,” Faith said as she got up to leave, “Callum will be here soon, I want to check on the girls and let them know what’s up.”

“I’ll come with you, I wanna hit the kitchen first, grab a snack.”

“And if Spike’s not in the kitchen?”

“Very funny.”

Giles rolled his eyes, “Yes well I plan to unpack and spend a quiet evening in, if I’m not needed.”

****** ****** ******

Music was playing in the kitchen; Spike was singing along to The Ramones ‘Do You Wanna Dance?’, as he was finishing up the dishes.

Buffy put a hand out to stop Faith and pressed a finger to her own lips to keep her from interrupting him as they entered the kitchen. The two women stood there watching him for a moment. The song ended and the next song ‘I Wanna Be Well’, came on. “Damn that’s hot,” Faith whispered, “You know Buff, if you ever get tired of this one, you can send him my way.”

“Not a chance,” Spike said, turning around as he dried his hands on a dish-towel. His lean muscles moving interestingly under his blue t-shirt. He gave Buffy a slow grin, “Haven’t seen much of you since this morning. Giles and the girls getting settled back in alright?”

Buffy went over to give him a kiss, “I see you found the stereo alright. Yeah, we’re all squared away. Just you and me for our first Friday night in Scotland. Faith has a friend coming over.”

Faith rolled her eyes, “Not like that!”

“Don’t do anything we wouldn’t,” Spike smirked.

“Don’t think that’s going to be a problem,” she frowned, “I kinda punked asking him out.”

Buffy rummaged through the fruit bowl, “If you don’t ask him out, I’m going to do it for you,” she said as she tried to decide between an apple and an orange.

“I thought about taking you out proper. Maybe find a place with a band, if you’re up to it,” Spike said.

“I’m not sure if I’m ready for that just yet. I’m kinda in a night-in sort of mood.”

“Thank God for thick walls,” Faith grumbled.

“Not talkin ‘bout that!” He turned towards Buffy, “Were you? Because I sure wouldn’t say ‘no’ if you were, Goldilocks,” he grinned wolfishly.

“Dishes are almost as good as foreplay,” Buffy grinned.

“And there it is, grossed out and jealous all in one. I’m going to check on the girls before Callum gets here, you coming, B?”

Buffy took a bite of her apple and gave Spike a wink before turning to leave with Faith, “Yup, I’m in. I’ll see you later,” she said, throwing a smile over her shoulder at Spike.

“God I’m a lucky bastard.”

***** ****** ******

Minutes later Spike had finished up in the kitchen and was heading through the entrance hall when the doorbell chimed. Spike pulled the door wide revealing a tall good looking man who could have been Superman’s stunt-double, “Oi, you must be the handyman Faith’s been going on about; come to fix the lift?”

“I make no promises, told her I’d take a look. See if it’s something we can handle,” he said in a Scottish accent.

“Right then, in you come. I’m Spike,” he thrust out his hand.

Callum shook his hand, “Callum Ross, I don’t remember seeing you around when I was here before.”

“Nah, I've only been back in Europe for a couple of weeks. Come on, it’s just over here.”

Spike gestured to the lift, “I took a look the other day, cable is shot, I can lend a hand replacing it if you need it. There’s a maintenance ladder of sorts in the shaft but it’s not in the greatest shape. I can get it up there no problem.”

“That’s the hard part, mate. You got climbing experience or something?”

“A bit. Anyway, I was just heading upstairs, I’ve hardly seen my girl today. I’ll send Faith down.”

“Thanks, I’ll try not to keep her long,” Callum said as he stepped into the elevator and started examining it.

Spike headed upstairs, it took a minute to find Faith since she was settling a dispute on the fourth floor amongst the Level 2 girls.

Faith was seething, “I don’t care who started it, it ends now. You need to burn off steam? There are training rooms for that! I—“

“Faith? Don’t mean to break this up, your handyman is down stairs looking at the lift.”

Faith gave the girls a stern look before she ran a hand over her hair, “Sure, ok. I’m on it,” she said briskly as she bustled past him.

“Oi, Faith, where’d Buffy go?”

Faith turned to look at him, “She went back downstairs, maybe the bathroom. I don’t know.”

Faith ran down the stairs stopping short of the entryway, she smoothed her shirt and walked forward towards the elevator. Callum was examining the inside of a small maintenance hatch.

“Hey, sorry I wasn’t downstairs when you got here—“

Callum jumped a little, “Oi Faith! You gave me a start girl. No worries, I do need to take a look at the pulley at the top. You want to see me up?”

Faith had laughed when she had startled him but now her mouth suddenly went dry, “Ah yeah, yeah I can show you up, fifth floor.”

“Led the way,”

“I had to settle a dispute with the girls-“

Callum spoke a little stiffly, “Oh it’s fine, your boyfriend let me in. I think we might be—“

She cut him off, “Boyfriend?”

“The Londoner. Said he was here with his lady, I just…”

“Spike? Me and Spike? Oh, no, no, no. I mean yes he is staying here. No, he is definitely not MY boyfriend. Not even close. Spike is Buffy’s, eh my cousin’s boyfriend. He used to work with a good friend of ours that’s a PI in LA.”

A relieved expression passed over Callum’s handsome face and his entire demeanor became almost buoyant as they continued their conversation.

Faith paused looking down at him, “You seem really interested in my relationship status,” she smirked.

“Noticed that huh?”

“How’d you like to go out for a drink sometime?”

“Took the words right out of my mouth. I’d love to.”

Faith smiled in relief, “Good, how’s tomorrow night?”

“8:00?”

“You tell me where you want to meet and it’s a date,”

“You’re on…”

****** ****** *******

Meanwhile Spike went back downstairs in search of Buffy. Before he had a chance to check the bathroom, he noticed that the light was on in their bedroom and went in. Buffy was sitting on the loveseat with her laptop open.

“There you are, Slayer, I was looking for you, what are you doing?”

“Hey! Just emailing Willow, she was checking up on us. Xander is talking about coming back to Europe soon.”

“Getting the band back together then?”

“Same continent at least. I don’t really like being so spread apart like this, I miss my friends. I miss having an actual home. Spike, I’ve really been thinking a lot about what you said about living here permanently.”

“I’ve been putting some thought into that as well, Love.”

“And?”

“Hopefully we’re thinking the same thing.”

She smiled, “But after we continue our trip right?”

“Duhh”

“By the way, earlier when Faith and I came up, where’d you go? I thought you were right behind us.”

“Would’ve been but Faith’s boy showed up,”

“You mean he’s here? I'm a little bit curious.”

“Think Superman.”

“Are we talking Christopher Reeves or Tom Welling on Smallville?”

“Ehhh… I was thinking the comics, but Reeves I guess. I don’t know the other guy, haven’t really watched a lot of TV as of late.”

“Dawn is obsessed with Smallville. I kinda want to meet this guy. Are they still downstairs?”

“Dunno, we could just go to bed,” he grinned.

“It’s still early, we don’t have to lock ourselves in our bedroom just yet do we?” she let out a little laugh. She took both of his hands, “Why don’t we do a movie night downstairs? I’ll make popcorn…” she grinned coyly.

“As long as there’s a beer in it for me.”

As they headed down stairs they realized Callum and Faith were above them on the stairs on their way back down from checking the elevator mechanism at the top. Buffy paused, waiting for them to catch up. They were so deep in conversation as Faith came around the edge of the landing that she actually bumped into Buffy who had paused to straighten a picture frame. Buffy caught herself on the railing, her ribs suddenly reminding her to take it easy after being relatively quiet most of the day.

“You alright there, Pet?” Spike asked her from only a few steps down from her.

“Yeah, I’ll be alright.”

“I’m sorry B I didn’t—“

“I’m fine, I’m the one who stopped.”

“What’s the matter with her?” Asked Callum in a concerned tone.

“Training accident, banged up her ribs. This sort of thing happens all the time. We’re pretty used to it,” Faith answered.

“She’s tougher than she looks,” Spike looked at Buffy fondly. Buffy continued down the stairs and stood on tiptoe to kiss him.

Faith turned to Callum, “See what I mean about these two?”

Callum grinned easily at Faith, “Take it you’ve never been in love before, have you?”

Faith began to blush, and rounded on Buffy, “What are you two doing anyway? Snooping?”

“Now I’m hurt. We are having a movie night,” Buffy responded.

Faith eyed her suspiciously, “If the girls don’t have the same idea, Cuz.”

As they came into the entrance hall, they could hear the TV and Buffy went over to check it out. Faith led Callum into the kitchen while Spike lingered, waiting for Buffy.

“Yeah, he’s definitely more of a Welling,” Buffy murmured in Spike’s ear as they headed into the kitchen.

“I’ll just have to take your word on that, Love. Think we should try to force these two into a double date?” Spike asked.

“It’s like you can read my mind.”

Buffy got to work on the popcorn while Spike grabbed beers for each of them, “Sorry, Pet, looks like we’re all out of wine.” He took the beers over to the large table they used for meals and sat down.

“So what’s the word, Cal, can you fix our lift?” Spike asked.

“Callum, please. And yeah, I think so. As long as I can get the right parts I don’t see why not, especially if I’ve got someone who can climb,” he tipped his beer towards Spike, “I saw what you meant about that maintenance ladder,” he took a pull at his beer, “Not bad. I should bring you some of my brother’s stuff though. Him and his wife opened a brewery a few years back.”

“You never told me that,” Faith said, “that sounds amazing.”

“Didn’t realize you were into beer.”

“Faith in a nutshell,” Buffy started ticking off her fingers, “Likes: fighting, weaponry, and leather. Dislikes: anything too ‘girly’, mushy or frilly. Loves: Alcohol, dancing, rock, action movies, sex, and fighting.”

Faith choked on a sip of beer, “Buffy!”

“What? Did I forget something?”

“There was the bit about—-“

Faith slammed a fist on the table, “Spike, I swear if you finish that sentence I will—“

Callum leaned back in his chair with his arms folded across his broad chest watching them quietly.

“You don’t even know what I was going—“

“Doesn’t matter!”

“When did you become such a delicate flower anyway? What happened to the Faith I met back in Sunnydale? Brash, forthright, badass. Knew each other less than a day before you sat there bold as brass and told me all about the guy with the—“

“Spike I’m warning you—“

Callum interrupted her with a grin, “Ya know Faith, there’s a pub not far from here, has bands every weekend, and my brother often has bands play at the brewery in summer; if you’re interested. Or we could go to an MMA event sometime, I know a guy,” He wasn’t fazed by their outburst in the least, in fact he seemed rather comfortable with it.

Faith stared at him in shock for a split second before stammering, “I- I, yeah that would be awesome…”

“Alright then, I’ll get started on making proper plans. Can’t have a girl like you working all the time without blowing off some steam now can we?” he said, looking her up and down as he took a swig of his beer.

Buffy stood up, “I think the living room should be clear now. Spike, why don’t you go pick a movie. I got the popcorn. I expect to see the two of you in there for movie night.”

“After you, Slayer.”

Buffy and Spike headed out, leaving Faith and Callum behind. They both stood up looking at each other, “I imagine they meant well.”

Faith scoffed and shook her head, “You really have no idea…”

“I’m just guessing here but I’m going to venture to say; you’ve got yourself a sorted past you’re trying to make right. Turn over a new leaf and such. Except romance wasn’t exactly factored into that equation was it?”

“No, not exactly… I mean you’re spot-on. How—“

“You’re not the only person with an interesting past. Spent a good chunk of my youth in one sort of trouble or another. Even found myself locked up for a short bit. After that I decided it was time to turn things around, start helping people instead of hurting them. Always been handy so I started doing odd jobs for people. That got me the job at the hardware store.

“I- that’s… are you messing with me?”

“Honest truth. Didn’t scare you away did I?”

“No, not at all- takes way more than that to scare me. I—I guess I just never imagined we had that much in common… you seem so clean cut.”

Callum smiled at her, “So about what your cousin said…”

“I’m looking for something long term this time around… I don’t want to rush into anything…” she blurted out.

He grinned again, “Perfect.”

“Also, I’ve got some major baggage and a couple of Jurassic sized bombshells… I just… I’m trying to lay it out but there’s a lot I just can’t talk about. So here’s my middle ground, take it or leave it,” she said very quickly.

“Are we talking about kids or skeletons in the closet?”

“Closet’s pretty full. You seriously think kids are my thing?”

“Alright, just so long as I don’t end up with some jealous bloke standing over me with an ax.”

“Voice of experience?”

Callum gave a half grin, “Didn’t know she was married.”

“I think we’ve all been there. Glad we had this talk.”

“Me too.”

“You know you don’t have to stay for this,” she waved her hand irritatedly, “If you don’t want to… I swear…”

“I was just planning on a quiet night at home anyway and I’m off tomorrow so I’m not fussed. I think it’s good to change it up, don’t you?”

“You don’t know what you’re in for around here.”

“Oh I think I’ll manage. Come on, they seem like the search and rescue type.”

“They are.”

Spike was still looking through movies when they got to the living room, “I’ve counted twenty vampire films here, they do realize these aren’t actually instructional videos right? Especially… sodding ‘Interview with a Vampire’? Are you bloody kidding me? That’s twenty-one. Oh here’s twenty-two… what the hell is ‘Blood and Donuts’? Bloody hell…” he put it back in the bin and kept digging. “I’m not watching some sodden— oh look, another vampire movie… ‘Love at First Bite’, hells bells…” he flipped it over to read the back, “Oh Slayer, if you were aiming for a laugh, I think we got a winner here, Goldilocks.”

Spike handed the movie over to her, “I said you could pick… I don’t know…Dracula? Really? You hate Dracula…”

“Just read the blurb.”

Buffy flipped the movie over in her hand, “Oh God. It’s either going to be horrible or funny as hell, I’m going with both. Care to find out?”

“Go on, Slayer, put it on,” Buffy turned towards Faith and Callum, “We’re either in for a bad movie-night or a laugh fest, it’s anyone's guess,” she said as she sat down gingerly on the couch she had been favoring since her injury. Buffy made a ‘have a seat’ gesture towards the second couch.

Callum complied as he stretched out his tall frame at one end of the other couch and reached an arm across the back, “I’m easy to get on with,” he turned to look at Faith who was still standing behind the couch, “Don’t know about you but I’ve had a long day. It’s good to relax.”

Faith sat down next to him and slipped off her gym shoes so she could curl up on the couch.

“Better?” He asked.

Faith chuckled faintly, “Yeah. This week wasn’t so bad thanks to these two, but it had been a little rough for a couple of weeks before that. It’s going to suck when they leave.”

“Aww Faith, that was almost sweet,” Buffy said as Spike came over, positioning himself behind her so she could rest back on him. Buffy handed Faith an extra bowl, “Here you can divide up the popcorn. Let’s get movie night started.”

“I got it,” Spike picked up the remote to press play. Then readjusted so Buffy could sit back more comfortably again, “Here, Love, better?”

She hummed in agreement as the movie started.

*****

After the movie, Faith saw Callum out. Buffy and Spike lingered in the living room cleaning up bits of popcorn Spike had started throwing at the TV during the movie. They passed them on their way to take the beer bottles and bowls to the kitchen.

“Night Callum, nice to meet you!” Buffy called over her shoulder. Spike threw him a nod as he followed Buffy.

“Good to meet you both!” Callum called from the doorstep. He turned to Faith, “What’s his problem with Dracula anyway?”

“Long story,” Faith said as she quietly offered to walk him out to his car.

A few minutes later Faith came back inside to find Buffy and Spike waiting for her, “What?”

“Sort of got that pesky first date out of the way, didn’t we?”

“For your information, I did ask him out. We’re going for drinks tomorrow night.”

“I guess it’s sort of like you arranged your second date before your first,”

“More like we got hijacked.”

Spike cleared his throat, “Hey now, ‘hijacked’ seems harsh… but fair.”

“But it all worked out right?”

“Not the point.”

Buffy grinned, “Maybe you’ll get lucky and find out Mr. Clean-cut has a naughty side, you never know.”

“Yeah, we had a little talk about that. Turns out maybe we do have a little more in common than I thought,” Faith said as she started up the stairs.

“You got things worked out better than you had before so I still call this a win.”

“Why are you being so weird?”

“I’m not being weird, am I?”

“Just,” Faith made a face, “Peppy…”

“Normal people call that a good mood,” Buffy retorted as they continued to climb the stairs nearing their bedrooms.

“Whatever, B, can I get your help tomorrow?”

“With what?”

“I’m not really sure what a normal date looks like.”

“You think I do? Our first and last real date was strolling through Paris until we stumbled across a cabaret Spike’s friend owns.”

“Don’t forget the alley,” Spike grinned and Buffy swatted at him.

“Our idea of going out usually involves patrolling. That’s what passes for ‘normal’ in my life and I’m good with that.”

“I don’t even think I can do normal.”

“You know what would really help you out, Faith? Start by binning that nonsense about ‘normal’, because you’re not. No Slayer is, Buffy knows that. The sooner you get it, the better.” Spike huffed.

“This is a bad idea… this is exactly why my longest relationship before Robin was maybe the occasional long weekend. What am I doing? I can’t do this,” Faith moaned moodily.

“Didn’t say that. If you think there’s something there then you should go for it. Love is worth walking through fire and a lot more.”

“He would know,” Buffy said seriously.

Chapter 8 Ghosts and Stalkers

“What the hell?” Buffy gasped, when she turned on the light in their bedroom. Everything from Buffy’s dresser drawers had been tossed around the room like confetti.

“Bloody hell,” Spike swore as he picked up one of Buffy’s bras off the floor.

Buffy straightened herself and looked sternly around the room, “Alright Casper! That’s it! What the hell did I ever do to you?”

They waited a minute looking around the room, and— nothing. Aside from the mess, nothing seemed unusual. Spike started picking up Buffy’s things, putting them in neat little piles on their bed, “I don’t know how you wanna arrange this stuff, Love,” he paused looking around, “You know, something like this… I think something must’ve pissed our ghost off. Trouble is, what?”

Buffy joined him and started putting things away, “Clearly she has something against me. Have you noticed none of this is yours?”

He straightened up with a shrug, “Seems our ghost has a fixation.”

“Joy…”

It wasn’t until they had nearly everything put away that Buffy noticed Spike’s poetry journal sitting out amongst the last of her items on the loveseat. The book was laying open haphazardly to a page on which Spike had drawn a picture of Buffy. The picture had been torn in half, “Well whatever is going on, she is starting to piss me off. I liked that picture,” Buffy grumbled.

“I can always draw another one, Love,” Spike looked around the room again and sighed dramatically, “I think that’s the last of it.”

“I’m getting ready for bed. Hopefully our ghost is too pooped to spook after all this,” she muttered, frowning at the room.

“One could hope… I’ve still got plans for you.”

She took a few steps towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck, “What kind of plans?”

“Three guesses…”

Buffy ran a hand down the front of his jeans, “Pretty sure I only need one,” she purred.

“You feeling up to it?”

“If we take it nice and easy,” she added as she reached for the light switch.

The two of them started kissing tenderly. Buffy opened her mouth to deepen the kiss. Spike let out a moan of approval as she ran her hands under his shirt, practically ripping it off of him. He went to grab her at the waist but stopped himself.

“What’s wrong?” she panted.

“I was going to throw you down on the bed but I don’t want to hurt you.”

She paused, then smirked, “I have an idea, but you’re going to have to lose those,” she said, gesturing to his pants.

Spike scrambled to comply, “Thought you’d never ask.”

Buffy pushed him up against the side of the large fireplace, trailing rough kisses along his neck, chest, and stomach. She continued down until she found the prize she’d been looking for and took his cock into her mouth. She worked her mouth over the length of his shaft taking him deeply. The tip of his cock nearly gagging her as he hit the back of her throat. Buffy focused on breathing through it, taking him further down her throat. She cupped his sack in her hand, applying pressure. Spike gasped as she did so. Without stopping, Buffy started removing her own clothes as best she could. She took a moment to catch her breath when she took off her shirt, she gave him a few more licks along his shaft, sucking the tip each time before withdrawing from him.

“Bed, now,” she gasped. Buffy stood up facing him. They kissed passionately as they made their way over to the bed.

As soon as she felt the back of her legs touch the bed Buffy laid back onto it, “Now, Spike!” She begged. But Spike just smirked. Instead of entering her soaked folds, he knelt down between her legs to pay back the favor. He licked a path up her slit, taking the bead of her clit into his mouth and sucking on it, making Buffy arc her head back, crying out in ecstasy. She dug her fingers into his hair as she felt herself getting close to the edge and pulled him up towards her. Spike complied feverishly kissing a trail up her body to her neck, pausing only to suck on one of her breasts before sliding his cock into her. He worked his way in slowly, careful not to put too much of his weight on her ribs. Buffy wrapped her leg around him, digging her heel into his ass and pulling him deeper into her with a growl of pleasure.

Spike increased his pace slightly and Buffy let out a moan, “Oh God, Spike! I need you!”

He thrust into her deeply, colliding with a bundle of nerves deep inside her and pairing it with a rough kiss she accepted in kind. It was impossible to tell where he ended and she began.

“I love you,” he murmured.

Buffy let out a little gasp, “William, I need you, kiss me…” she moaned as their lips met again. As they held the kiss, Spike twisted himself holding Buffy to him as they rolled to Buffy’s left side, “Hold me,” she whispered.

“I’m never letting you go, you’re mine,” he growled, kissing her again.

Buffy screamed in delight as she felt the first wave wash over her, “Spike!!!”

He rolled Buffy back onto her back. Buffy ran her leg over the back of his thigh. He sucked and nipped at her neck, driving hard into her and making her body quiver with the sensation.

Spike pumped into her with long fluid strokes, speeding up as she ran her fingernails down his back. Spike growled into a kiss. Buffy screamed again as Spike reached his own climax spilling into her with a pulsating force, sending her over the edge once again.

He paused letting Buffy catch her breath then started gliding inside of her once again quickly picking up speed. “Oh god Spike, what— ahh!”

Buffy gripped his arms digging her nails into his skin as he drove into her harder and faster, determined to make her cum again. Spike kept up the pace as he reached for one of her nipples, squeezing until he pushed her over the edge for the final time.

Spike kissed her one last time before collapsing down on the bed next to her. “God I missed that,”

“Come here,” Buffy moaned playfully.

“Again?”

“No, I just wanna feel you next to me.”

“You won’t get any complaints here, you want to get under the covers?”

“Do I have to move?” She joked.

“I got this, Pet,” he said grinning as he got up, pulled the covers back as far as possible. Buffy giggled as he picked her up. He laid her back down on the bed and pressed himself to her ensuring as much contact as possible. He pulled the covers over the two of them. Buffy adjusted so she was laying on her left side with her back pressing into Spike. She loved feeling his cool skin pressed against her.

Spike started running his fingers lightly along her arm and down her side tracing her curves with his fingers. “How do you feel?” He murmured into her ear.

“Like the man I love just gave me three intense orgasms.”

He brought his hand back up to gently caress her arm, he brushed her breast as his hand went to her ribs. “How do they feel?”

“Alright.” Buffy said, relaxing into the feel of his hand on her.

“Is that right?” His hand ran down between her legs and she relaxed allowing him access as he massaged her already sensitive area. She let out a little gasp as he continued rubbing her gently. As he sped up she moaned in delight.

“God, I love that sound,”

Buffy moaned again, on purpose this time, spurring him on. She could feel him hardening as she pressed into him, “William—“

“ENOUGH!” Came a shrieking voice. “William should have been mine! You’ve ruined him!!! Ruined!!!” The voice of a hysterical girl screamed.

Spike threw back the covers and they both sat up looking around. The wispy figure of the girl was once again standing by the desk, this time looking more like Ophelia in the fourth act.

“Spike…”

“I see her too— don’t—“

“Lies!” The ghost streaked again “You could have been mine! You should have been mine! Sweet sensitive William…” with the last words she faded away to nothing.

“You want to explain?” Buffy asked reproachfully.

Spike sputtered, “I- I… I don’t know her. I don’t think I know her…” he looked at her horror struck.

Buffy softened her tone, “She’s calling you ‘William’, do you think you could have known her when you were alive?”

“I- oh come on now… it’s not like I was some kind of a lady’s man. I didn’t really- hang on a tick…” Spike got up and hastily pulled on his boxers and t-shirt, then he strode over to the light switch, “Shield your eyes, Love.”

Buffy did so as he flipped on the light and went to the roll top desk. “You said you saw her here the last time too, yeah?”

“Yeah, I did.” Now Buffy got out of bed, she grabbed her underwear and a nightgown, throwing it on as she walked over to Spike and the desk “What are you thinking?”

“I’m not sure… I sort of have trouble remembering a lot of things from my life. Not like it’s all a blank or anything, just bits are a little jumbled. Remember when we got here and I said the place seemed familiar?”

“Yeah.”

“What if the reason I was having such a hard time placing it was because I was here when I was alive? Before the more extensive renovations were done.”

“Meaning everything is completely different…” she nodded, looking around the room, “Ok let’s run with that. What’s this part about her thinking you should have been her’s?”

“No idea…”

“Super freaky ghost lady has the hots for my man and some serious jealousy problems with me, I want to know what to do about it.”

Spike opened the desk and started rummaging through it. Aside from a stationary set and a few extra pens it was relatively empty. “There’s got to be something here,” Spike growled. He slammed a fist down on top of the desk and a little door on the side fell open, “Bloody hell… knew there had to be something!” He grinned.

Buffy watched as Spike fished inside the desk and pulled out a small stack of old envelopes and a very small thin book that could easily fit inside a pocket. Spike took up the little book.

The light in the room flickered, “Getting warm, am I?” He flicked it open. “What the…” inside he found his own neat writing, “Bloody hell…” he whispered.

“What is it?”

Without speaking, Spike handed the tiny book over to her. She also recognized his handwriting instantly, the poems inside were short and simple. Rudimentary really, but there was a sweetness in them as well. “How did-“

“I’m not sure. I had a bunch of those tiny things, used ‘em like notepads… must have dropped it or-“ he trailed off as he picked up the first of the letters and started to read:

Dearest William,

I am simply overwrought. I have not received responses to my first two letters. I know you have been in contact with my brother. Walter thinks I'm being silly, writing to you at all after uncle's ball. Perhaps I am being too forward. I can't imagine what you must think of me. I'm certain you must know I felt something stir within me the night we danced. You must have felt it too. I've kept the poetry you dropped for me on the dance floor. Though we only just met, I know they must have been for me…

Spike stopped reading, "Bloody hell…"

The second and third letters were very similar. With the exception that they got gradually more intense. The fourth one however was completely different.

My Sweet William,

As I'm sure you know I have been visiting with my uncle for my health. I do enjoy the views here. The doctors say I'm addled but I know I'm simply in love. Staying here in the very place we shared our first dance has brought you closer to me.

My dear William, you will never believe what that horrible Walter is saying! He keeps insisting you have gone missing, presumed dead! They say your poor sweet mother is gone too. My heart simply can not bare the shock. I'm certain he must be lying. He would say anything to keep me from you.

As your friend I can't imagine why. I do know Walter must be the reason I haven't received any reply from you. My dear sweet William, I really must hear from you the very moment this reaches you in London. If I do not hear from you. If you truly are gone, I am certain I must do myself an injury. I must see you. I simply can't bear living in a world without you, my dearest William.

Forever yours, in love,

Eliza

"Bloody hell…"

"You keep saying that," Buffy said irritatedly.

Keeping the envelopes in his hand, he thrust the letters at her, "I huhh… I never knew it had gotten so bad. Her brother was tampering with her mail alright. I asked him to…" the lights flickered again. "I only asked you to dance the first time because he asked me to! The second time was just to be nice. Never thought you'd go off your nut!" The lights flickered again and the painting above the fireplace slammed against the wall."Oh sod off you nutter! I'm not even the same guy you met at that stupid ball anyway and it's not because of Buffy so lay off! In case it's escaped your notice, I'm a sodding vampire!" The lights flickered again. "Bloody brilliant."

"I think it's story time Spike, what do you know?"

"Yeah, Love, I remember the girl. Barely, but I do."

A wailing sound ripped through the castle.

"Spike, Honey…" Buffy said softly.

"Yeah alright. The uncle of an old schoolmate owned this place back in the day. Guy threw a big party, a ball. Mother and I hadn't really been out in public much since my father died, so Walter insisted his uncle invite us. We came. Had a tedious evening and were back in London before we knew it."

"So what happened at the ball?"

"Nothing really. Walter comes up to me. Says his little sis's dance card is empty, could I ask her to dance. So I did, as a favor to him. Later on I see the girl doin the wallflower bit so I figure, why not ask for a second dance?" He looked around the room and growled, "Didn't realize you'd think we were bloody betrothed! Yah loon!" He yelled to the room. He tore the envelopes still in his hand in half then, half again. He kept on tearing; the lights flickering with each rip of paper, "Oh go moan somewhere else, Myrtle…" he mumbled tossing the bits of paper into the unlit fireplace. "Anyway, apparently that was my mistake… that and I must have dropped my sodding notebook!" He yelled again.

Buffy covered his hand with hers, "Go on…"

Spike took a deep breath, "Mum and I were back in London, maybe a week or two, before I got a letter from the girl. She's going on about the evening and what all… What you got to understand here, Love, is that I was a by-the-book society type back then. Trying desperately to fit in. A young girl like that, writing to a man like me, was taboo. I did what any decent guy would. I told her brother." Spike shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "I ah, I got one more letter a couple weeks after that. Could tell she wasn't right, but I didn't know how bad it was. Didn't want a scandal. Mother hadn't been well since we left Scotland. She'd become housebound by then. So naturally I told Walter she'd written to me again. Asked him to put an end to it, and keep an eye on the girl. She didn't seem well. Apparently she just kept writing and good old Walter just intercepted them and took her back to Scotland when she didn't stop. Look at the date on that last one, that's over three months after I met Dru. We weren't even in London anymore. She probably stayed in Faith's room, and her brother stowed her letters in the desk there."

"Which explains why she didn't bother anyone else, and why she hates me so much."

"Just imagine how she'd have felt if you hadn't got hurt. We'd probably been shagging most of the time. God I miss Paris."Buffy punched him in the arm.

"Ouch…" he rubbed his arm but grinned, "Alright, so how do we get rid of Eliza the crazy ghost?" The windows rattled and the dresser drawers shook.

"Try explaining you're dead?" Buffy shrugged.

"How's that one for ya Eliza? You do realize what I meant when I said I'm a vampire right?" he changed his face for her, "Been a vampire for a long time now. Before you even wrote that last letter."

"I can see you, you have a soul" Eliza’s disembodied voice hissed.

"You're right, he does" Buffy spoke up, "Why don't you tell her why you're unique among vampires, Honey."

"I went and got my soul back. I fought for it, for her, for love. What I want to know is how you can see my soul. I've been a ghost, that wasn't one of the perks. So what were ya, huhh? Maybe a Seer?"

There was a loud shriek, as some of Buffy's things started to fly out of the dresser and the wardrobe doors slammed, "Hey! We just cleaned up your last mess!" She yelled at the ghost as she rushed over to her dresser.

"I never asked for a bloody stalker!" Spike grumbled as he helped Buffy.

"Well on the up side, I guess you know what it's like now," Buffy huffed as she fought to tuck her things back into the drawer, "You did get pretty stalkery…" she said to Spike, "that whole shrine thing… and Buffy-Bot, I mean seriously... Why I'm I with you again?" She teased as she continued to fight with the dresser.

"Oh very funny, Slayer," Spike huffed.

The bottom drawer shot out, suddenly knocking Buffy hard in the shins, "Ouch! That's it!"

Spike helped Buffy to her feet, "You alright?"

"Fine, this bitch has got to go. Giles?" She suggested.

"Sure, seeing as I got nothing. Bird's not gonna listen to reason that's for sure. I never even responded to any of her letters and she was still obsessed…"

With that, things started flying out of both Buffy and Spike's dresser drawers. Spike caught a pair of jeans in the face. "Thanks! Could use these!" He yelled. He held them up triumphantly just as a pillow hit him in the back of the head.

Buffy scanned the room and had managed to grab the yoga capris she had been wearing earlier when the rest of the throw pillows started to fly around the room. Ducking with their arms over their heads, they ran for the door. They yanked it open together, slamming it behind them in the hall. Faith came out holding a small ax, "What the hell is going on?"

"Spike's old stalker…" Buffy gasped, pulling her yoga pants on under the little nightgown.

Faith dropped her arm carrying the ax and set it down, "You want to repeat that?"

The door started to rattle as though someone was trying to get through, "Giles, now. Talk later." Spike said just as he realized he had a pair of Buffy's jeans instead of his. He swore as he threw them down on the floor.

Faith looked at the jeans and back up at him, smirking at his boxers. These ones were printed with beer bottles and shot glasses. "Fine, I'm in… damn, and here I thought you two were just making up for lost time."

"Started out that way," Spike said ruefully as they made their way down one floor.

As they ran through the library Buffy gaped at Faith, "You seriously thought ALL of that was us?"

"Well how was I to know our shy little ghost was Spike's crazy ex?" Faith retorted as they crossed through the training room.

"She bloody well was not my ex- bugger all!" He growled and headed up the second staircase to Giles's room.

Spike reached the door first and knocked loudly, Buffy stepped in front of him just as Giles opened the door, "What's this all about?" Giles asked groggily. He was dressed for bed and his hair was tussled.

"Our ghost is wrecking our room,"

"Bitch is insane… stuff flying all over the sodding place," Spike huffed as he pushed past Giles. He sat down in a chair holding his head in his hands still only wearing a t-shirt and boxers.

Giles hitched a thumb over his shoulder at him and gave Buffy a quizzical look as she and Faith followed Spike into the spacious room. "We'll explain everything," Buffy responded.

"I just don’t understand how this could have happened—“ Spike groused.

"Don't you dare start that," Buffy said, perching on the arm of Spike's chair.

"I just mean, I know I did everything I was supposed to do. And yet the girl still killed herself because I didn't respond to her letters. Instead I asked her brother to stop her from sending more…"

"It’s, not your fault!" Buffy argued.

"What's this about?" Giles asked.

Buffy launched into the story of Eliza and her obsession with Spike.

Giles frowned, cleaning his glasses, "Have you anything to add, Spike?"

"No, that about covers it… not much to it. I didn't even know she had kept writing after that second one. I just figured Walter talked her round, made her realize I'd only meant to be nice." Spike sighed as he scratched the back of his neck.

Giles replaced his glasses, "Anything you could be forgetting from the ball? It was a long time ago, could you have possibly said something that she may have misinterpreted as an advance or interest?"

Spike shook his head in frustration, "I highly doubt it. I was a proper little ponce, always trying to do the right thing. I was there with my mum for Pete's sake. I imagine I thanked her for the dance, probably said some overly polite toft and that was it."

"What about the notebook?" Buffy remembered excitedly, "You dropped your notebook!"

"Oh right, it was in with the letters. The daft little bird wrote about it in one of them, saying I'd left it for her. I bloody well didn't, must've dropped the damn thing and she picked it up."

"Anything significant in there?" Giles asked.

Buffy shrugged, she shot a quick look at Spike and turned back to Giles, "Not really, it was mostly incomplete ideas. The few full poems I saw were pretty unremarkable, nothing like what he's been writing lately," she said, giving Spike's shoulder a squeeze.

"In that case I agree with Buffy, you did everything a man in your position could have done per social norms of the time." Giles said with a nod.

"Sodding rules…" Spike grumbled.

Giles shifted his body into a more comfortable position, "Yes, quite. So what seems to be the trouble?"

"Like we said when we came in; she’s wrecking the place, stuff flying everywhere."

Buffy leaned forward, “It’s not just mine now either, she's just as pissed at Spike now too."

"I wonder what set her off,” Faith mused.

"Oh we think we know," Buffy shifted guilty, Spike smirked.

"Ahh yes, no need to go into that then,” Giles said quickly.

"The question is how do we stop it?" Buffy asked.

Giles thought for a moment, "We could try a general removal spell, however without a witch… if she has grown stronger, we might need to weaken her first somehow."

Spike stood up and snapped his fingers, "That's it, Rupert. When I was a ghost the only thing I had was my will. That's how ghosts manipulate things. Emotion, passion, anger… The only way I beat the Reaper was because I had enough willpower to do it."

Giles waved a dismissive hand, "Now isn't the time for poetry."

"That wasn't poetry. I was being literal; he called himself the Reaper. Git was sending souls to hell in his place, tried to send yours truly. It's a long story. What I'm saying is poetry is exactly what we need right now, don't you get it? That's how we break her will."

"By reading her some of your newer poetry… He might be right, it's worth a shot. Spike can read to her, try to wear her down and then you, Faith, and I perform the spell. Easy as pie."

"Only one problem," Spike interjected.

"That is?" Giles inquired.

"Those poems are personal, I never intended anyone to read them except maybe Buffy. You're practically her father… it's—" Spike cut off looking sheepish.

Buffy cleared her throat, "So read one of the less, you know…intimate, ones. What about the 'Spark' one?"

Spike shifted uncomfortably, "It's… it's not very… it's short for starters… it's personal…"

"It's a good place to start. If it works, it works. Remember, this was your idea."

"Worth a shot," Faith yawned unapologetically, "Let's do this so we can all get some sleep."

"Faith, the book we need should be on the shelf behind you just there, the green. Ahh yes," he said as she handed it to him. He opened the book to the page, running a finger down the text, "Right, we should have everything here. I'll gather the supplies."

The room was a wreck when they returned but at least nothing was moving. Eliza seemed to have tired herself out. One good thing was that since they had been traveling, neither Buffy or Spike really had much to throw around and most of the weapons they had with them were in the training room.

Faith had gone upstairs to check on the girls who were thankfully in bed. By the time she got back into the room Giles and Buffy almost had everything set up. Spike bounced on his heels nervously with his poetry journal in his hand. To Giles' great relief, Spike had taken a moment to put on a pair of pants. Spike pulled out the small notebook he had dropped so many years ago. He looked it over again. If he thought his most recent work was maudlin at best then these were pure garbage. He scoffed as he looked them over. Then he had another idea.

"Rupert?"

Giles looked up from the book he was looking over, "Humm?"

"Think it's possible she might have attached herself to this stuff?" Spike asked as he picked up the letters and the little notebook.

"If they were significant enough, then yes."

He held up the final letter, "This one is pretty much a suicide note, and this is the notebook I dropped, she got so attached to. Burning them should do the trick, yeah?"

"If she is in fact using one of these as an anchor then yes, it would certainly help break her hold on this plain."

He walked over to turn on the gas fireplace and the flames rose. Spike watched the flames as they caught the envelopes he'd thrown in earlier and threw the letters in on top, "Right then. Buffy? You see my lighter about?"

Buffy looked around, but Faith was faster, "Over there B, behind you," Buffy nodded her thanks and went to get it then tossed it over to Spike.

"Cheers, Love," he shoved both the notebook and the lighter in his back pocket.

"Alright now, everyone knows what they're doing? Yes?"

Buffy and Faith nodded from opposite sides of the room. Faith was nearest the door while Buffy stood between the two dressers. Giles took up a spot between the now empty wardrobe and the bed directly across from the fireplace. Spike stood in the center of the room between the bed and the sitting area.

He huffed "My cue then," he said softly, then in a louder voice he addressed the ghost, "Eliza, you around? You got an idea of what my mates and I are up to?"

The painting above the mantle gave a feeble knock against the wall.Spike nodded, "There's a lot here I still don't quite understand. Like how you could have taken two dances and a dropped notebook so far out of context to believe there was actually something between us. Those poems you found were never for you. They weren't for anyone..."

"Why are you lying?" Eliza whailed.

"I'm really not. You remember those little ditty's you picked up?"

Eliza materialized in between him and the sitting area. She wasn't just a see through wisp of a ghost now. Now that she was more solid and closer to him he could see her more clearly. Her blue eyes bulged slightly making them look almost too large for her thin face. Her very long blonde hair laid in a lank braid over her shoulder partially concealing her neck. As she turned he could see the shadow of ligature marks around her throat as though she must have hanged herself.

"I have each precious word memorized," she answered wistfully.

"Those weren't even finished poems, they were ideas and scribbling. I can prove it to you," he held up his red poetry journal, "May I?"

"Oh please William, I'd love to hear more." Eliza nodded.

"I'm not so sure you will, Eliza. You see, everything in this book here that's even remotely meaningful is about or for that woman over there," he pointed over to Buffy with the journal, "I'm here in this castle for her, not you. I didn't even know you were here. I'm making a life with her. These poems in my hand are for her, they are about her!"

Eliza glared towards Buffy and turned her attention back to Spike, “William?” Her voice sounded oddly distant.

Giles gave Buffy and Faith a nod to light their candles and the herbs he'd given them, before doing the same himself. He gave Buffy another nod gesturing towards Spike to start reading. While Giles started chanting.

Spike started to pace until he caught Buffy's eye, "You know what Eliza, I'm just going to read one. This is for you Buffy…" he opened his journal to the poem Buffy had suggested.

"It's not a flame, rather a spark,

I carry for my love in this dark.

Endless days and desolate nights;

Devoid of my love to make it right.

A spark of life, a flame that burns,

For her soul next to mine I yearn.

The spark that burns in the light,

Only for her, does my soul burn bright." Spike finished with a sigh.

"That was beautiful, William…" she said weakly.

"I don't know about 'beautiful' but it's definitely for her. I never wrote so much as a syllable for you, Eliza," he held up the tiny notebook and lit it on fire then threw it through Eliza and into the fireplace. There was a gasping wail that went through the room, but otherwise nothing was disturbed.

"I'd say that did something," Faith said.

Eliza's eyes widened. She opened her mouth to speak but no sound came out. Giles started reciting the incantation louder. The candle flames shot up a few inches and somehow withstood the sudden gust of wind that blew around the room like a small tornado. Eliza screamed as the wind settled around and turned into a bright light.

Spike watched as she screamed soundlessly. Her mouth formed the syllables of his name. She screamed as the light grew brighter around her. It seemed to transform her somehow. Suddenly she stopped screaming, her arms fell to her sides. The light grew brighter still and just as Giles finished the incantation, everything stopped. The brilliant light surrounding Eliza evaporated into nothing, taking her along with it.

Spike turned towards Buffy, he held his arms out. She looked around the room, "I told you that poem was a good place to start. Good thinking on the notebook," she said, going to him.

"I need a bloody drink…" Spike groaned.

"Here, here!" Giles agreed, "Well done, Spike."

"Gee, eh, cheers, Rupert," Spike said skeptically, but pleased with the compliment.

Faith pulled out a fresh bottle of whiskey and four glasses, pouring each of them a shot, "To expelling crazy ass ghost,"

"Cheers," Spike intoned.

"Cheers," the others echoed.

Buffy set her glass down and looked around the room, "Why do these things always have to make such a mess of everything?"

Spike snorted, "Keeps life interesting don't it…" he poured himself another drink and downed it, "Chin-up, Love, we'll get it sorted."

"Again…"

***

An hour later Buffy collapsed onto the bed gingerly. They had got nearly everything cleaned up but there was still work to do. Spike looked up at her, “We don’t have to finish this tonight, Love. It’s been a long one. Hell even I’m knackered.” He pulled aside the curtain a few inches, “No wonder too. Sun will be up in another hour or so.”

“That’s only because it comes up super early here.”

Spike set down the last of his things in a small pile on one of the chairs. He walked over to his side of the bed pulling off his shirt as he went, “Come on, Slayer, I know you’ve got plans with Faith today. A little rest is better than none,” he pulled the covers down and climbed into bed, patting the space next to him.

Buffy eyed the spot on the bed then looked around the room, “You’ve convinced me,” she said as she crawled in next to him. He wrapped an arm around her as she pressed close to him feeling safe. “Spike?”

“Hum?”

“I love you…” she murmured sleepily.

“Love you too.”

Chapter 9 Awkward Moments

Buffy yawned as she entered Faith’s room later that morning with a cup of tea and some toast she had snagged from the kitchen. As she looked around, Buffy marveled at how simple the room was. A full sized bed, dresser, vanity, a wardrobe, night stand and a large comfortable blue saucer-chair made up the furniture. It was also cleaner than she had expected.

Although Buffy had seen Faith’s room from the door a number of times, this was really the first time she had actually been inside. The room was painted a light blue with white trim. The rest of the room was done in light blue and gray tones with lots of black and white accents. Faith had decided to use weaponry to decorate the walls. A pair of swords and a large crossbow were mounted above the headboard.

Afraid she wouldn’t be able to get out of the big round chair without hurting herself, Buffy opted for a seat on the edge of the bed, “So what’s up?”

“I need date night help.”

“Show me what we have to work with.”

Faith opened her wardrobe revealing a variety of tops and only one very plain black dress, suitable for a funeral. “What you see is pretty much it. The dresser just has jeans and workout gear. Practical stuff.”

“Okay… so it’s a lot less ‘Joan Jett’ than I was expecting but I’m sure there’s something here,” Buffy started shifting hangers, “Faith, I don’t really see the problem. You have at least five tops here that would be perfect for first date drinks. He’s taking you to a local pub not a five-star restaurant,” Buffy pulled out a fitted black top with lace sleeves and lace running across the shoulders, “This one is perfect, just add the right necklace and you’ll be all set.”

“I don't really have any.”

“Then I guess we’re going shopping.”

Faith sighed, “These girls are great and all, but I was really looking forward to having a day off. Not like they all go on these little outings anyway but it’s still a break.”

“So we don’t stick with the group. Giles will understand. It’ll be the first time we’ve been shopping since…”

“Before everything got so screwed up…”

“Come full circle haven’t we?”

“Does that mean we’re friends?”

“I don’t know about friends, Faith, but we’re definitely vital to each other and you definitely belong here. We’re in this together and in my book I guess that sort of makes us family. Pretend cousin thing notwithstanding,” Buffy shrugged.

“Really?”

“Unless you don’t feel the same.”

“I… is that freaky or what? I mean the cousin thing felt sort of… weirdly natural.”

“Yeah… it’s weird, but somehow it fits, right? They say you don’t get to choose your family, but that’s never really been the case for me. I say family is what you make it.”

“I never had that, made up or otherwise. I think I kinda like it. Thanks, B,” she cleared her throat, “Well I guess that means we better get a move on. Giles is gonna wanna leave soon, he promised the girls lunch in town.”

“Yeah, you know I’m totally avoiding that,” Buffy said frankly.

“We’ll hitch a ride with them there, hit a few shops, and walk home.”

“Perfect, I’m starting to feel a little cooped-up, it’s been so nice the last few days,” Buffy said with a sigh, looking out the window.

Faith followed her gaze, looking out over the grounds, it really was shaping up to be a great day.

*****

Buffy and Faith made their way through the people on the sidewalk. This section of town was full of small shops Buffy was excited to check out. She hadn’t been shopping since she got Spike his new hooded motorcycle jacket in Paris.

They had already been to a few but hadn’t had much luck yet. This shop was different from the others. It reminded Buffy of The Magic Box only with clothing and jewelry instead of the extensive collection of occult books Giles had kept. Otherwise it was very similar.

A middle aged woman with black hair streaked with gray and bright blue eyes greeted them, “Good day, ladies. Is there anything I can help you find?”

“I think jewelry mainly. She has a big date tonight and nothing to go with the outfit,” Buffy explained.

“We’ll probably just take a look around,” Faith dismissed.

“We have plenty of unique jewelry. Most of it is here on the display. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks,” Buffy said as she started to browse.

Faith turned to the jewelry display and picked up a silver necklace with a delicate stylized dagger hanging from it. She took it over to show Buffy. “That’s surprisingly pretty, it would go great with that top.”

“I think I’m going to get it…” she paused looking at the necklace, “Do you think I’m wasting my time?” she asked Buffy.

Buffy looked up from the dress he was looking at, “Shopping?”

“Well that, but…”

“Callum?”

“Yeah… I don’t know…”

Buffy followed Faith over to another clothing rack, “Look Faith. Here’s what I think, honest opinion: You got burned on Robin and I think Spike was right.”

“Figured you’d side with him,” she said as she held up an interesting semi-sheer black tunic top with silver threads woven into the fabric.

“Well yeah, if you like the guy then it’s worth taking the risk. You won’t know until you try. And if you don’t get that top I will, that’s super cute,” she said as she continued looking through the clothing rack. Buffy pulled out a dark purple top with black laces up the front and down the short sleeves, “What do you think about this one?”

“Here, let’s trade.”

“In case there’s a second date?”

“I can’t help but feel like I’m not cut out for this, Buffy. What happens when I tell him about, you know, everything?”

“Everything? Slayer stuff and all? You really like this guy huh?”

Faith glanced up at the shopkeeper who had suddenly paused as she rearranged the display case. The woman picked something up off the floor and quickly resumed working. Faith dropped her voice, “Yeah… What if it all sends him screaming? What if it doesn’t and it gets him hurt or worse? I can’t…. Buffy I can’t let Callum get hurt because of me. I just can’t…” Faith turned around looking at a display of herbs.

“We would never let that happen, Faith. You know that right? You, me, Spike, the rest of the gang, it’s our job to protect people and we’re damn good at it. Besides, look at Xander, he’s been in at least as many scrapes with me as Spike, maybe more, and he’s still in one piece, mostly… ok maybe not the best example.”

“Eyepatch says a lot, but I guess you sort of have a point. I really like this guy, Buff.” Faith pulled out a silky green halter top with a raven printed on it and handed it to her, “Here’s a sexy little thing.”

“Oh I like that, give me,” she smiled. “Maybe I’ll try out that massive bathtub tonight.”

“Just remember that I use that tub too.”

“What do you think I’m going to do in there?”

Faith gave her a knowing look, “I’m not worried about what you’d do solo. It’s more like what would happen if your boy-toy is involved” she smirked.

“Dirty… like you’d never try it out if Callum was a willing participant.”

“Sure I would… I’d also remember the cleaner is under the sink.”

Buffy laughed, “Thanks for the tip.”

“What do you think of this?” Faith asked, holding up a simple little black sleeveless dress.

“You need it. You need a little hot in your wardrobe.”

“Fine, I’ll keep an eye out.”

They left the shop almost a half hour later. Buffy found a short skirt with thistles screen printed on the thigh for herself and talked Faith into a skirt and a second dress. They each picked out a few new tops and restocked the herbs they had used along with some Berber-weed for Spike. This had been Buffy’s favorite shop so far. After that they grabbed a quick bite to eat and hit a few more shops. Buffy grinned broadly as they exited a lingerie shop.

“Let’s check out the music store and head back, I think I’m about done,” Faith said, pointing across the street.

“Sure, why not.”

The bell over the door tinkled as they walked in. The store was deserted and there was a slight scuffling sound and a woman’s Scottish accent saying, “Sorry, customers. Won’t be a moment…” in a hushed tone before a very pretty middle aged woman with Asian features came out from behind a heavy beaded curtain. Her sleek black hair had a dyed streak of bright blue and was tied back in a messy bun. She also wore a tiny diamond stud in her nose. “Hello there, anything I can help you find?”

“Oh hello,” Buffy managed to say as she was trying to take in the scope of the store. She redirected her attention to the woman behind the counter, taking in her funky handmade name tag, “I don’t even know where to begin, Zara.”

“Nostalgia, man…” Faith breathed as she looked around the shop. It was full of records, tables of cassettes, CDs, and players of all kinds.

“No kidding, Spike and Giles would both get totally lost in here,” Buffy said as she picked up an album with Jim Morrison’s picture on the cover. She flipped it over and set it back down.

“Rupert Giles?” Zara interjected.

Buffy was taken aback, “Ah yeah, you know him?”

“For most of my life it seems. You seem a touch old to go to his school.”

“Actually we teach there,” Buffy gestured to herself and Faith.

“Oh my God, you must be Buffy and Faith. So nice to meet you!” She said enthusiastically as she offered to shake Buffy’s hand. “So what brings you in today?”

“Her really,” Buffy pointed to Faith.

“I’m just looking. Maybe get something for Gi- ah, Uncle Rupert’s record collection.”

“I happen to know his wishlist,” she winked.

Buffy had the sudden sinking feeling that it was Giles behind the beaded curtain. Faith must have had the same thought because she caught Buffy’s eye and turned back to the shop owner quickly, saying, “Yeah, sure. I’ll take something off his list, surprise him. What about you Buffy? Getting anything?”

Buffy hesitated, “Now you mention it, do you carry MP3 players?”

“Sure do, right over there in the case.”

Buffy went over to take a look, while Zara walked over to the record albums. She pulled one out and handed it to Faith, “Here’s one Rupe wants.”

“Works for me, thanks!”

As Buffy checked out, she heard Giles’s unmistakable voice coming from behind the curtain.

“Zara, darling, I—“ he said distractedly as he removed headphones from his ears. He looked up, startled, “Buffy, why hello, I hum… you’ve met my friend Zara then? Ah, Zara, this is Buffy and—“

“Ah yeah we met, she was super helpful…” Buffy said, and then wished she hadn’t sounded so dumb.

Zara covered the awkward moment that followed with a laugh, “I was nosie I’m afraid. They had said something about your music collection and I interjected. We sort of handled introductions on our own.”

Giles stammered slightly, “We were just having tea. The shop is normally rather quiet this time of day…”

“We sort of picked up on that,” Buffy smirked knowingly.

“Yes well, how is the shopping going?” He asked, trying to change the subject while he looked around until he finally spotted Faith.

“Cool it, Rupe,” Zara soothed as she gave him a smile.

“This is our last stop then we’re heading back,” Buffy answered, holding up her shopping bags realizing a moment too late that her lingerie bag, clearly marked with the shop’s rather evocative name, was front and center.

Giles cleared his throat trying to pretend he hadn’t noticed, “The girls only have another hour and a half before I’m set to meet them; are you sure you don’t want to get a ride back with us?”

“Nah, as soon as Faith is done we’re heading back.”

****** ****** ******

When they got back, Faith started to make her way upstairs before she noticed Buffy going in the opposite direction, “Aren’t you taking your stuff up?”

Buffy turned back towards her, “TV’s on, thought I’d see if Spike is in there.”

Faith shrugged, “Eh, what the hell…” she said, turning to follow Buffy.

Spike wasn’t in the great room. In fact only Addison and Ursula were there. Kissing and grinding on each other with such enthusiasm that they didn’t even notice when Faith and Buffy walked in.

Buffy cleared her throat loudly, “Ladies!”

The two young women looked up, startled. Fear flashed in Addison’s eyes as she looked around for her shirt. Ursula couldn’t have cared less about being caught. She coolly pulled Addison’s shirt off the back of the couch, handing it to her girlfriend.

Buffy continued, “Why don’t you two take that upstairs to your room? The other girls will be back in about an hour.”

With that, the two Level 4 girls rushed past them to the stairs giggling.

Buffy rolled her eyes, “I suppose they’re going to want to be assigned to the same city,” she asked as she turned towards the stairs.

Faith followed, “Yeah, Ursula already brought it up to me the other day, they want to live together.”

“I’ll talk to them about it, later.”

“Yeah, I don’t think you want to walk in on all that again,” Faith shook her head as they reached their floor.

Buffy placed a hand on her doorknob, “Nope, not even a little. I do however want to put these bags down and find my guy.”

She opened the door to find Spike sitting upside down on the loveseat with his legs hanging over the back. His eyes were closed and he had on Buffy’s earphones connected to her laptop listening to music. He was reminding her of Dawn when she was about seven. Buffy set her bags down on the bed and went over to sit down next to him. Spike jumped as he opened his eyes and took off one of the earphones with a start, “What the— bloody— oh, hey Babe. How was the whole bonding experience?”

“It was… actually a pretty good day. I don’t think we’re ever going to be best friends but we’re being civil and we’re getting along for the most part.”

“That’s something,” he answered and closed his eyes again, tapping the beat on his stomach.

“How was your day?”

“Uneventful unless you count walking in on the lovebirds going at it hard in the living room.”

“Ah yeah, I thought you were in there watching TV, boy was I wrong.”

“Intended to. Went down to grab a beer and walked in on them. Turned right around and came back up here. Hope you don’t mind; I downloaded some tunes onto your computer.”

“Nah, it’ll go perfectly with your gift.”

“A gift for me?” Spike removed the headphones and swung his legs around to sit-up in his seat, “What’s the occasion? It’s not my birthday, yet.”

Buffy frowned, “When is your birthday? Do vampires even celebrate birthdays?”

Spike gave her a puzzled look, “Personal preference I suppose. Dru always made a big thing about it.”

“So when is it?”

“August 20th, met Dru ‘round the same time. Original member of the 27 Club,” he shrugged.

Buffy sighed as she relaxed back in her seat, and stretched her legs over Spike’s lap, “Makes you a Leo. I can work with that.”

“What’s this about?” He asked her as she kicked off her shoes and they clunked to the floor.

“Nothing, just gathering all the pieces of the Spike-puzzle I’m going to need for this long-term-commitment thing we’re going for.”

Spike raised his eyebrows, “And birthdays are part of the whole ‘normal-heathy-relationship package’, that right?”

“Basically, yeah.”

“Well I do like presents,” he grinned a little as he spotted the bags sitting on the bed, “Am I allowed to see what you got?”

“You get one gimme”

“That fancy looking one there, the gimme?” He smirked as he ran his fingers down her hair, gliding along her shoulder and down her arm.

“Might be,” she grinned, catching his hand in hers.

“Does my girl have plans for me tonight?”

Buffy leaned in close teasing him with a kiss that didn’t quite connect, “I may have got some fancy bubble bath.”

“You don’t say? Anything else I should be looking forward to?”

“There might be one or two other little surprises.”

Spike let out a low little growl pulling her to him. Buffy responded with a happy sound of her own as she consented to the kiss. She slid easily into his lap as they continued kissing. They stayed like that for several minutes before breaking apart. Spike tapped her on the leg, “I need to eat before I start getting hostile.”

“You go, I’m pretty beat from last night, I think I’m going to take a nap.”

There was a knock at their bedroom door.

“Who goes there?” Spike asked gruffly.

Faith’s voice came through the door, “Are you two decent? Kinda filled my quota of interrupting people in the act today,”

“You’re good,” Buffy laughed.

Faith opened the door, “Right, at least you two are fully clothed.”

“Giles might have actually been having tea, we don’t know.”

“What’s this now? Mr. Stiff-upper-lip, got a special friend?”

“Unclear…”

“Don’t want to know, it’s just too weird,” Faith grumbled.

“So what’s up, for a girl with a hot date you’re awfully bad moody.”

“Nah, 5x5, B. Maybe a few butterflies but it’s cool. Giles and the girls just got back. Callum called.”

Buffy eyed her, “He didn’t cancel did he?”

“Huhh… no… kinda the opposite. He finished his day a little earlier than he thought he would and wanted to know if he could pick me up earlier, get something to eat.”

“But that’s a good thing right?”

“He’s going to be here in about an hour.”

“You better get ready then.”

“I was kinda hoping you might help me with my hair,”

Buffy shrugged, “Sure, how do you want it?” she asked skeptically. Faith never seemed to have any trouble doing her own hair, but Buffy was in a benevolent mood.

“Kinda what I need the help with.”

“I’ll be in.”

As Faith left the room, Buffy turned to Spike, “She is really in knots over this guy.”

“All been there. Not a guy, I just meant—”

Buffy laughed, “You know I’ve always kinda wondered about you and Angel.”

“Oh now you're going to get it,” he said as he pulled her tightly against him grinning. He wove his fingers firmly into her hair and kissed her roughly until he felt her knees start to give way.

“You were saying?”

“Wow…”

“Run along now, Slayer. You go, make friends.”

Buffy took a moment to shake the hormone induced fog from her mind, “Not just yet, I got you something you might want to play with.”

He raised an eyebrow, “Present time?”

“One.” Buffy walked over to the bed and pulled out the MP3 player she bought him. “Here, I got this for you.”

Spike opened the box and held it in his hands, “Buffy… first the jacket, now this. You know I—”

“Call it a belated birthday gift for last year.”

“Thanks for this, Pet,” he held the player up in his hand. “I’ll need to get some music loaded up.”

“You’re welcome. I better go help Faith,” she said, giving him a kiss, “I love you,” she murmured.

“Love you too, Slayer.”

They shared one last lingering kiss before Buffy made her way across the hall to Faith’s room. When she got there Faith had already changed into the black lace top Buffy had picked out and the new dagger necklace. Buffy pursed her lips at the jeans she still had on, “Are you sure about the jeans?”

Faith shrugged as she finished her eye makeup, “You think I should wear slacks?”

“No, I think you should wear that totally hot little skirt you found today.”

Faith rummaged through the bags she’d thrown into her big round chair and pulled out a blue skirt with a 3 inch wide panel of black leather on one side that was bordered with little silver studs running along the edge. “Don’t think it’s too much?”

“Any other guy and you wouldn’t even be asking that. No, you’ll leave him speechless.”

While Buffy plugged in the curling iron, Faith shrugged off the jeans and pulled on the skirt. The skirt hugged her curves well and made her feel a little like a rockstar.

“I think I have an idea for your hair; have a seat.”

Faith sat, allowing Buffy to start on her hair. Buffy had just started a small French braid on one side of Faith’s head starting at her temple when they heard a faint knock. They both looked up to see Ursula standing in the doorway, “Ehh Hallo, Faith, Buffy, I’m glad I caught you both,” she said with a slight German accent.

“Sure, what’s up Urs?” Faith asked.

“I just wanted to say thank you both for being so cool earlier. I know we probably shouldn’t have gotten carried away downstairs like that.”

“Don’t worry about it, it’s fine. But you’re right, privacy is probably the best policy. I know you have to share a room with two other girls but still, do your best alright? Spike spent the day locked in our room so he wouldn’t disturb you.”

“Spike saw us too?”

“Ohh yeah,” Buffy nodded, “He’s way too cool to say anything though.”

“Please don’t tell Addy, she is already very shy about our relationship.”

“Course not,” Buffy said as she finished the little braid then reached for the curling iron.

“What’s this? Why the smoking outfit?”

“I got a date. You like?”

“If I were single… what shoes will you wear?” Ursula asked.

Faith pointed over to her regular boots. Ursula made a face, “No, not with that hot number. Size 8 right?”

“How’d you-“

“I have boots that will be much better, chunky wedge too, so they aren’t too bad in a fight either. I’ll get them,” Ursula ran upstairs and was back down before Buffy had finished the first curl with the curling iron.

Buffy paused, letting Faith pull them on, “Wow, these are surprisingly comfortable.”

“Not to mention totally hot? Who’s the lucky one getting the hot-girl special? It’s not that handyman guy is it?”

At the stunned look on Faith’s face Ursula laughed, “It is, isn’t it?”

“Can we just keep this quiet?”

“Sure, I owe you one anyway,” with that Ursula left to go back upstairs.

Buffy turned back to Faith and continued curling her hair, “Where’s he taking you tonight?”

“Some pub in town, ‘The White Rabbit’ I think he said.”

“Didn’t we pass it on our way back?”

“Yeah, I told him I could walk but he insisted on picking me up.”

“How chivalrous,” Buffy smirked.

“Is that what it is? Damn…”

Buffy laughed, “As strong as we are, sometimes it’s nice to be treated like a lady.”

Faith pressed her lips for a second, “Yeah don’t know, I mean there’s nice and then there’s… freaking annoying. I mean where’s the line?”

“That’s something you really need to work out between you two.”

“How’d you and Spike do it?”

“Oh no, do not go looking at us as a relationship model because, damn.”

“Yeah I get that… I just, how do you find the balance? I mean you’re both a couple of bad asses and then I don’t know… you got this seriously sickening lovey-dovey thing going on. I don’t know how to do that. I keep thinking maybe that’s what went wrong with Robin. I’m just too— hard.”

“I’ve been there, I get it. Honestly, I don’t know. I think once I was able to respect him, love came really easy for me. He’s also not afraid to tell me what I need to hear and I don’t know... That lovey-dovey stuff just sort of randomly comes out.”

Faith sighed as she looked in the mirror, “Damn, B, like the hair.”

“Well, go knock’em dead… figuratively.”

“Got it…”

Spike/Buffy

Rated M- Adult content.

Summary: It all started with Spike having nightmares about the woman he loves prompting him to go to her; before a demon got there first. Now where will it lead them? What new challenges will they face in a world with multiple Slayers? Nearly all major characters will eventually make an appearance. Essentially this is a very Spuffy centered continuation of the series.

Rated for sexual content. Canon typical violence and themes. I will try to add appropriate warnings as needed although I think these should suffice for the majority of the story. Stunningly gorgeous banner created by cd85

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

A/N: I am in the process of updating this story. Links will be added as updates are made.

Master List: Table of Contents

Chapter 1 To Paris with Love and Demons

Chapter 2 Demon

Chapter 3 Date Night

Chapter 4 Take the Last Train to Scotland

Chapter 5 A New Leaf

Chapter 6 The New Girls

Chapter 7 Movie Night

Chapter 8 Ghosts and Stockers

Chapter 9 Awkward Moments

Chapter 10 Electric

Chapter 11 Vampire Dust Will Get Ya

Chapter 12 Hospitals Man

Chapter 13 Home Again

Chapter 14 Out For A Walk

Chapter 15 Love a Handyman

Chapter 16 Have a Little Faith

Chapter 17 Underground

Chapter 18 Ohhh Baby

Chapter 19 Baby Blue

Chapter 20 House Guest

Chapter 21 Our Expert

Chapter 22 It’s Complicated

Chapter 23 Bye Bye Baby

Chapter 24 Dance Magic

Chapter 25 Oh What a Night: Part 1

Chapter 26 Oh What a Night: Part 2

Chapter 27 Punk Love

Chapter 28 Changes

Chapter 29 Twisted Sister

Chapter 30 Aftermath

Chapter 31 Third Times a Charm

Chapter 32 Open Up

Chapter 33 Coming Clean?

Chapter 34 Skid

Chapter 35 The Talking Dead

Chapter 36 Redemption

Chapter 37 Sins of Omission

Chapter 38 Living Dead Girl

Chapter 39 When the Levee Breaks

Chapter 40 Couples Retreat

Chapter 41 Time

Chapter 42 Breathe

Chapter 43 Cabin Fever

Chapter 44 Recovery

Chapter 45 Birthday

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51