Chapters: 1/1Fandom: Buffy The Vampire Slayer (TV)Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Spike/Buffy Summers Characters: BtVS Ensemble Additional Tags: Episode: s06e15 As You Were, Love Confessions, Apologies, Self-Acceptance Summary:

She said she liked him sometimes, what were those times? Following the departure of the Finns at the end of ‘As You Were’ Buffy decides to hear Spike’s side of things, and makes a decision that will change everything between them forever.

people who discover a fic and leave a comment on every chapter as they read it are the unsung heroes of our era. 

Chapter 23 Bye Bye Baby

The seven of them returned to the altar room again that night. They had left early, before the sun had set fully. Angel was still grumpy about using a blanket to get to the door. Spike called him a Nancy.

Buffy, Wendy and the three girls under her, Myra, Cho, and Thea, all followed Angel and Spike through the tunnels emerging once again in the altar room. Where they found the thirteen elders once again. This time accompanied by the Minch couple Buffy and Spike had seen in the tunnels just days before.

Now that she could see them better, Buffy could see the baby’s strong resemblance to the stocky demon standing next to the mother. He stood with his arm wrapped around the demoness. Her long dark dreadlocks had been pulled back from her face and Buffy could see a number of facial piercings similar to the elders. Her’s seemed to add rather than detract from her appearance. Including at least seven piercings running along each eyebrow. One small ring through her nose and three studs spaced evenly along her bottom lip. Buffy imagined that she was probably considered a great beauty among her clan. The child’s father had similar piercings although not as extensive. As though in contrast to his mate, his piercings made him look formidable. Suddenly she understood some of the old tales she had read about Minch demons and their relation to merpeople. Years ago they had been known to pull entire ships under. Now they generally seemed to keep to themselves. Buffy eyed the Minch demons again. The truth was that she was finding them fascinating. Especially the interesting piercings (plural?) they displayed and wondered if they were some sort of social status indicator.

The mother’s face had been set in stone as they had filed into the room carrying their gifts. At least until Wendy came in with the baby. The demoness clasped a hand to her mouth, showing off the short webbing between each finger. She turned slightly towards her mate. He murmured something in her ear and she turned her eyes back towards their child. Although she kept silent, Buffy had the distinct feeling she was doing everything in her power to keep herself from charging towards Wendy and the baby. After several moments her gaze landed on Buffy. She was studying Buffy just as intently as Buffy had studied her moments before. It was only fair. Her eyes flickered between Buffy and Spike. Her face passed through a series of subtle emotions from surprise to understanding as her gaze settled back onto Buffy. It was an odd moment.

Buffy turned her attention back towards the podium where Angel stood talking with Elric again. She turned her head to glance at Spike and had to choke down a laugh. He was having to peek through the long vertical leaves of the large potted snake plant in his arms almost like Kilroy. He shifted the plant in annoyance and caught her eye as he did so. It was clear he couldn’t wait to get out of there as fast as possible. She couldn’t blame him, she was feeling the same. Unease was rolling off him despite his cool demeanor. Suddenly Spike’s head snapped to attention turning towards Angel.

“We’re up, Love,” he murmured.

Buffy caught Angel’s eye, he gestured his hand towards her and reached down for the gift he had been charged with. Buffy nodded once, adjusted the basket she carried then fell in line behind him, Spike and the Slayerettes behind her. Wendy brought up the rear with the baby.

They stepped forward slowly, passed the elders who were standing in a row on their left. When Angel reached the parents of the Minch child he bent down low holding the gift out in front of him. He stayed low until the mother nodded and the father took the gift from him. Angel stood up, nodded his head once and continued around the back of the room.

When Spike presented the plant, her eyes lit up in wonder and both parents started talking excitedly, discussing their apparent appreciation of it. Spike bowed once more and went to follow Angel.

It went on just like that until Wendy’s turn with the baby. When she stepped forward, Elric blocked her path. Angel stepped up next to her and spoke with Elric then turned to Wendy. From where they stood Buffy couldn’t hear what they were saying. Not that she would have understood it anyway.

Elric led Angel and Wendy over to the child’s parents. Wendy positioned the baby so he was visible and held him out towards his parents. Elric addressed the room at large in the demon language saying something that sounded very official. Wendy waited with her arms outstretched as far as she dared while holding the small blue child. After what seemed like an ice age, Elric finished and the mother reached out for her son, taking him from Wendy. She hugged him to her chest. Wendy and Angel bowed again and rejoined their group.

The demons let out what sounded a lot like a loud streaking war cry. Buffy shifted her stance ready to fight if necessary. She glanced around to Angel and Spike noticed they had both bowed again. Bowing along with them, she allowed herself to relax. The other girls had a similar reaction and she could see four sets of eyes turning towards her for guidance.

The demons applauded as they stood from the bow. When they did, the demon’s started clapping. Several of the elders gathered up the gifts and started heading out of the altar room. The baby’s parents were so engrossed with the safe return of their son that Elric had to signal them when it was time to go. He gave Angel a little wave of his hand and started to leave.

Before they had a chance to exit the room, the mother of the child rushed over to Buffy. In perfect English with a slight Scottish brogue, “I am grateful to learn my son was taken care of by such a skilled warrior,” she said gesturing towards Buffy’s earrings, “And for the beautiful plant.”

Buffy was taken aback, “Ahh sure, it was no problem, he was great. I- I thought none of you spoke English.”

“Not many of our clan do.”

Buffy dug in her pocket for her business card, “I’m Buffy, you can reach me here. Just call. If you ever need a babysitter, got a whole bunch of girls willing to take the little guy for a night or two.”

“I might have to take you up on that one of these days. I'm glad our peoples can be friends now. I wasn't too sure when we saw him,” she said, waving a hand towards Spike.

“Spike? He’s with me, he won’t give you any trouble as long as you’re not causing it.”

“It is expected that you would defend your bond-mate. But also good to hear. My grandmother had humm… dealings with him many years ago. I’m glad to see that he didn’t handle this negotiation.”

“Yeah he said he messed up the last time and he didn’t wanna make that same mistake.”

“You are lucky to have a bond-mate who can learn from his mistakes; it's an honorable quality.”

That was the second time she had mentioned their bond, “How did—“

“I have a gift for water magic. I can sense the bond-mark the Asmodeus demon left upon you both. It is a strong bond that continues to grow. I can see it is far from complete,” she paused, glancing at the baby. Then she extended one delicate, slightly webbed hand, “I believe this is your custom, yes? My name is Lilias.”

Buffy took her cool hand, shaking it before Lilias continued. “If you or yours ever need anything, you know where to find us. You can also go to the water and call my name three times. I will help in whatever way I can.”

“Thank you Lilias. Please don’t hesitate to call. Even if it’s just for babysitting.”

Lilias shot her a white smile showing off delicately pointing canine teeth, then turned away. Her mate wrapped an arm around her and the baby before guiding them through the tunnel the way the elders had left. Buffy turned towards the tunnel where Spike stood waiting for her.

“Bird speaks English?” he gaped at her.

“Yeah, Angel must have said some pretty nice things about me too. I think we might be friends now. Oh and apparently you had a run in with her grandma.”

“Bloody hell, thought she looked a bit familiar. Now you two are all chummy, bet I’m never going to live that one down.”

“She didn’t give details.”

“No?” He arched an eyebrow at her as they walked along the tunnel.

“Something I need to know?” She teased.

“Just one of my more brainless schemes. Thought I’d try selling Grindylows from Landcaster to the Minch in the highlands. Didn’t work out so well.”

“Grindylows? I thought those were just a Harry Potter thing.”

“No, Love, they’re real alright. Rare but real.”

“Weird.”

“Something else eating at you, Pet?” he asked as they walked.

“I was just thinking about something else she said. She called that demon we took out in Paris something weird.”

“Weirder than ‘Love Demon’?”

“It was something different than Willow called it too. Lilias said it was an Asmodeus.”

“Makes sense.”

“It does?”

“Sure. The original seven deadly sins. Asmodeus was all about lust. Makes sense that our love demon was named after him, or maybe one of his progeny. My guess is that she was using it as a general term. Like Big Cats. That could mean a lion, tiger, panther, what have you.”

“She said that our bond wasn’t done growing.”

“Sort of already figured that, didn't we?”

She took his hand, “Yeah, it’s just weird how she could pick up on it like that. Kinda gave me the wiggins.”

“Seemed friendly enough.”

“She was… it was just a little weird.”

The two of them continued on. The girls were pretty far ahead of them with Angel hanging back, half waiting, half keeping tabs on the girls. Buffy and Spike caught up to him in no time at all.

“Where were you?” Angel grumbled.

“Making friends. Talking with my lady,” Spike said tilting his head slightly, “That ok with you, Peaches?”

“I just want to get back.”

“What’s got your knickers in a twist?” Spike asked.

“It’s nothing. I’m fine, just tired.”

Buffy glanced at Spike, What do you think? She thought towards him.

Dunno. Pretty normal for Captain Broody-pants. You’d think he’d be all proud of a job well done, but not him. Got to act like someone pissed out the candles on his birthday cake.

“Now there’s an image!” Buffy laughed out loud.

Angel turned towards her, “What are you laughing about?”

“Just thought of something funny,” Spike said, failing to suppress a grin.

Angel narrowed his eyes at the two of them holding hands, “I don’t need this. I do not want to know what’s going on between you two.”

“Never thought a great poof like you would become such a prude. Sort of thing never bothered you before.”

“I’m not a— You little shit,” Angel growled as his temper flared.

“Now, now, Liam. No use losing your temper now mate,” Spike said cooly, the slightest hint of a growl in his voice.

Angel turned around and continued through the now familiar tunnels ahead of them, “Shut your mouth before I shut it for you, William.”

Did you really have to do that?, Buffy thought as Angel pulled a little further ahead of them.

Didn’t have to, but it was pretty fun. Wanker deserves it from where I’m standing anyway. Spike thought back to her calmly, but Buffy could tell he was anything but calm.

Why do I feel like I’ve missed something?

Not important, Love. Just giving him a hard time.

What happened to civil?

Spike snorted, “Oi, Angel!”

Angel turned around glaring at him. Spike continued, “What are your plans now that little mess is cleaned up?”

Rome, Connor. Dawn. Remember? Also, rude! Buffy chided him silently.

Spike squeezed her hand and shot a thought back, Ain’t rude if the ponce has already started making plans to leave. Bet you a shag he’s already looked into it.

You’re on. But only because you’re already getting laid tonight anyway, especially if you are still taking me out.

Got to make it a little interesting. A little oral stimulation to the winner then?

I’ll take that action.

Yeah you will.

Spike grinned, then said out loud to Angel, “Don’t mind taking you to the airport, mate. Probably get you to Rome in record time.”

Angel sighed unnecessarily, “Subtle.”

Rude.

Wait for it, Slayer.

Buffy rolled her eyes, “Angel, you can stay as long as you need to. We’d have to check flights first anyway.”

Angel cleared his throat, “I already did. The Earliest one I can get is the night after next. I’ll probably just take the train leaving tomorrow,” Angel said flatly.

“Second thought, mate, take all the time you need. No need to rush off. Is there, Pet?” He said turning to Buffy with a smug cat-ate-the-canary look on his face.

Angel raised an eyebrow at Spike, “Humm, thanks. I think I’m just going to call Connor before I decide anything.”

“That’s right, do the father/son bit proper.”

“Humm yeah… I thought I’d give it a try.”

“What do you think, Love, ready to hit the club or go straight to bed?” Spike said as he pushed a little of his desire towards her through their psychic link.

Buffy cleared her throat. Suddenly feeling too hot in the underground tunnels and resisting the sudden urge to rip his clothes off and shove him against the tunnel wall, “Club yes. Bed, not yet. Maybe we should patrol.”

“Don’t you have Slayers out there already?” Angel asked.

“Maybe we should just go out. I’m just restless,” Buffy replied as she picked up the pace.

Spike turned his head towards her a little curiously. He caught a whiff of her increased scent, her desire, in the air. Did I get you all hot and bothered with that one or something? He asked without opening his snarky mouth.

Buffy squeezed his hand, We seriously need to get a better handle on this thing. She thought.

I’m quite enjoying it myself. I’m sure I can help you work out that restlessness. Maybe a nice massage.

Warmth pooled low in her belly, That sounds seriously amazing. Definitely later.

I know I got you interested. What’s with the stall?

I think I just want to go out.

I’d love to take you out, feels like it’s been ages since I had you dance for me.

You better be doing more than watching mister.

When have I ever disappointed you?

Definitely going to need to lose the jacket and the sweater.

Putting on something sexy for me?

When have I ever disappointed you? Her inner voice responded with a little purr of desire.

God, you get me so damn hot.

Spike let out a low growl and his eyes flashed yellow as he suddenly stopped. He pulled her to him forcefully as he pressed himself to her. They kissed passionately right there in the tunnel. Buffy arched into the kiss encouraging him with a little sigh of pleasure. They broke the kiss, gazing at each other. He hadn’t vamped but his eyes glinted gold in the low light.

“Are you alright?”

“A little hungry, little randy. That can wait though.”

Buffy arched an eyebrow. Before she could respond though, Angel called back from up ahead, “Can you two knock it off back there?”

Spike grinned, “Bet your sweet scent is driving him mad. Know it’s doing a nice number on me,” he added as he pressed the front of his jeans to her.

Buffy let out a little gasp, making him grin, “Nearly there now, Pet. Take care of things good and proper before we head out for some nightlife.”

“I really doubt we have time to take care of everything,” she winked.

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

Buffy kicked off her boots and dropped her sweater onto the back of one of the chairs in their room. Spike had gone into the kitchen to get something to eat while she was changing for the club. She pulled out the little green silky halter top she had bought at Callum’s mother’s shop, the one with the raven printed on the side of it. She paired it with a black skirt that hit a little above the knee. In the bathroom she twisted her hair up into a simple knot at the back of her head and darkened up her eye makeup just a touch. She stood back looking at herself in the mirror. Yeah that would get his engine going, she thought. Not that he needed encouragement, she grinned to herself.

A moment later she strode back into their bedroom where Spike was feeding his belt into the loops on the leather pants he had just changed into. He had taken off the dress shirt and was standing there shirtless in all his pale glory.

“Now that’s a good look.”

Spike looked up with a half grin, “I’ll say. Like the top. That new?”

“Yeah.”

He picked up the dress shirt and went to shrug it on again. Buffy looked at him a little curiously, “You’re not gonna change?”

“Don’t really have many wardrobe options. Sort of this or a t-shirt. Thinking I might be a bit under dressed with such a vision on my arm,” he shrugged.

“Maybe we should work on that.”

“Could. You gonna take me to play dress up, Slayer?”

“And now it sounds totally dirty.”

His grin spread wider as he stocked towards her, “Wouldn’t mind getting you alone in a dressing room now you mention it.”

“You would do it anywhere.”

“Good point,” he leaned in for a kiss. “You ready Slayer?”

“Humm hum,” she shook her head a little, “Angel and Faith coming?”

“Faith is, says her boy is meeting us there. Dunno about Captain Forehead. My money’s on, Not. Unless Faith can talk him round to being the fifth wheel.”

“He doesn’t do fun so well.”

“Didn’t used to be that way. Course that was a very different kind of fun.”

“Yeah, I’m not encouraging that.”

“His problem is that he got so used to only ever having fun being evil that the bastard never embraced any other kind of fun. Something I could never lose sight of with Dru. She might’ve been barmy but at least she kept things interesting.”

“We have fun don’t we?” she asked.

He pulled her closer, “Course we do, Pet. Loads. When we’re not stopping this or that evil thing… No, that ain’t true, cause most of the time that’s pretty damn fun too. You know me, I love a good tumble. Love watching you work even more, Slayer. And now it’s even better because when you come home after a good slay—“

“You get the lay?”

“Leave the poetry to the poets, Love.”

“But puns are my thing. I’m very punny.”

---

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 24 Dance Magic

When they got to the club Callum was chatting with the bouncer at the door, “Oi, Marcus, there’s my Lass and her lot now, want you to meet ‘em,” Callum looked a little surprised when he noticed the tall dark haired vampire with them, “Oi, Angel, didn’t expect you here. Thought Faith said you were more of a quiet night in sort.”

“Just being social. Owed Faith a favor.”

Callum quickly introduced them all to Marcus, a powerfully built man with a dark complexion, nearly as tall as Callum. “Faith love, this is the friend I mentioned. The one who helped Angus hold me back. He’s a good friend.”

“I got one of those too,” she said, hooking a thumb towards Angel who was making a feeble attempt at looking friendly.

Callum pulled her in for a quick kiss, “What do ya say Marcus?”

“Oh go on then, just because you got a lady with a crew,” he winked and waved them through with an easy grin, “Have a good time Ross. Oh, ‘fore I forget; We still on for that thing at your brothers place next weekend?”

“Sure thing,” Callum answered as he pulled Faith in close to him and through into the club. He bent low to her ear, “That sweet little number for me?” he asked as he took in the strappy backless black dress she had worn with Ursula’s boots.

“What do you think?”

“I think I’m going to need you to come back to my flat tonight.”

“Already planning on it. No bra.”

“I like it,” Callum smiled as they made their way to the bar, “Oi, Eddie!” He called to the bartender.

Eddie, as it turned out, was a bombshell with cotton-candy-pink hair that had been pulled back in a curly half ponytail. She wore a shimmering pink contouring dress that matched her hair. A rose vine tattoo ran the length of her right arm and more roses graced her collarbone. Her face split into a sunny smile when she saw him, “Ross! Oh my God Ross! It’s been too long! Blimey, I haven’t seen you in ages!”

“Been busy, Doll-face. Brought someone here I want you to meet. Eddie, this beautiful woman here is Faith. Faith, this is Eddie. Gemma‘s other best friend,” he said with a grin aimed at Eddie.

Eddie put a hand out to Faith, “Hey there, must be pretty special if he’s bringing you in here. Have you met Gemma yet?”

“No, I haven't had a chance to meet her yet. I know her mom. She’s sort of dating my eh- Cousin’s stepdad.”

“Bet that makes for some interesting double dates.”

“Don’t think that’s gonna be a problem,” Callum interjected, “we’re actually out with her people tonight. Brought her cousin and her bloke and Faith’s best-mate,” Callum looked around to see where they had gotten to and saw them only a few feet away. Angel sulking with his hands in his pockets watching as Spike pulled Buffy close. She had her back pressed against him as they rocked half-heartedly to the music thumping through the club.

“There they are, Lass. Can you pull ‘em over; they can meet Eddie. In my experience it’s always good to be friendly with the bartender.”

Eddie winked, “Been a sweet talker since we were in nappies.”

“Oh go on, Eddie. Five beers,” he said as he glanced up at Faith on her way over to the others.

Faith was back in seconds with Buffy pulling Spike along with her with a look of farrell amusement on his face. Angel followed looking like he would rather be anywhere but in a crowd of people.

Faith got close to Buffy so she could talk in her ear, “I’m surprised Tall-dark-and-gloomy even came. What the hell is he doing?”

“Hell if I know. I thought you were going to work on him. Maybe Spike laid into him again or something. I don’t know, it would be the second time in less than two days. I kind of can’t wait until he leaves.”

“Damn, B, where was that attitude before you shoved a knife in my gut?”

Buffy rolled her eyes, “Surprises me too.”

“Callum has a friend he wants you to meet.”

“Bubblegum Barbie?”

“I play nice with your friends.”

“I’m nice. And since when did you have friends you haven’t tried to kill?”

“Ok so maybe I’m socially challenged. Doesn’t mean I can’t try.”

As they reached the bar Faith sidled up next to Callum letting him wrap a hand around her hip. Spike took a seat on a barstool and pulled Buffy onto his lap. Buffy wrapped her arm around his neck making it a mutually possessive gesture.

Angel accepted a beer from Callum looking and feeling like the very definition of a fifth wheel. It took him a moment to realize Callum had been introducing them all to the perky pink haired woman behind the bar.

“I’m sorry, what did you say your name was?” He pointed to his ear as if he couldn’t hear over the noise instead of not paying attention.

It worked because she smiled brightly as she extended her hand to Angel, “I’m Edwina, everyone just calls me ‘Eddie’.”

“Angel.”

“That’s an unusual name.”

“I get that a lot.”

She took her hand back a little reluctantly, “Something wrong with the beer?”

Angel looked at it, “Oh I’m sure it’s fine. Beer’s not really my thing.”

“Pass it here, Peaches,” Spike said loudly over the din, he turned towards Eddie, “Two bourbons on the rocks for me and my mate, love. Cal? Faith? Something stronger?”

“I’ll stick to beer thanks,” Callum replied.

“I’ll take one,” Faith answered, “B? You drinking more than beer?”

“I’m alright. I really just want to dance.”

“Better make mine neat then, Eddie,” Spike said.

Eddie poured the drinks. Spike slapped some money on the counter, “Keep the change, love.” Spike accepted his drink and downed it in one long pull and patted Buffy on the hip indicating she should get off his lap, “The lady wishes to dance, then dance the lady shall.”

Angel watched a moment as Spike led Buffy to the floor and disappeared into the crowd.

“Bloody poet,” Callum snorted good-naturedly, “Makes the rest of us look like Neanderthals.”

“Never cared for poetry myself,” Eddie said, winking at Angel before she left to tend to other customers.

Angel laughed a little bitterly, “I haven't read any of his stuff in years. Didn’t think he advertised that about him.”

“He doesn’t. I guess he started writing again in LA,” Faith paused, taking a sip of her drink, “So what really made you come out tonight?” Faith asked.

“Giles sort of kicked me out for the night. I guess he thought things were going to take longer with the Minch thing and he invited his lady-friend over. I ahh didn’t really know what else to do. It was just weird, he had on Pink Floyd and everyone is always telling me to lighten up… So… I thought I’d give it a try,” he huffed.

Faith raised an eyebrow, “Go, Giles.”

Callum finished his drink and squeezed Faith’s side, “Care to dance, Lass?”

“What do you say Angel? I can take two on one,” she winked.

That actually got a laugh out of Angel, “Yeah, I can give it a try. I’m definitely not much of a dancer.”

“Dude, I figured,” she turned to Callum, “You mind, Babe?”

“Threesomes on the dance floor are fine, I draw the line at the bedroom,” he said as he moved one broad hand to her stomach, pulling her back into him. Then he relaxed his hand back down to her hip.

“Yeah you really don’t have to worry about that.”

“Spike said you had a thing for blondes,” Callum smirked.

“I’m gonna—“ Angel grumbled.

Faith gripped Callum’s hand where it rested on her hip then extended a hand towards Angel pulling them both to the dance floor. She kept herself pressed against Callum grinding against him while simultaneously trying to get Angel to show a little interest in dancing.

“Oh come on Angel, loosen up. Not like we’re asking you to get your happy on, just have some fun,” she said as she pulled him up closer and moved her hips against Callum.

Angel smiled a little at his friend. Seeing her this happy and relaxed gave him a sense of pride for not giving up on her. She had really come a long way since prison. With that thought Angel attempted a little more than just simply swaying to the music. Faith concealed a laugh by turning towards Callum a moment before turning back to face Angel. She caught sight of Buffy and Spike just a few feet away behind Angel. They were pressed together tightly, clearly enjoying each other. Faith knew better than to stare so she grabbed Angel’s hands, placing them on her waist as she turned to face Callum with a sultry look in her eyes. The message was clear; yes she was letting, or making, Angel touch her but she was saving it all just for him. Callum bent down to kiss Faith. His lips and tongue demanded more of her and she could feel him growing hard under his pants. Angel started to draw away, but Faith clutched at his hand holding it in place while she ran her other hand to the nape of Callum’s neck. She was enjoying this.

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

The music shifted and Spike scoffed, “Damn wankers can’t come up with anything original. Have to rehash the oldies.”

“What are you talking about?” Buffy felt like she had to practically yell over the music.

Spike tapped his temple with two fingers and Buffy nodded. I knew this would come in handy. Spike grinned.

What were you talking about?

Oh, that. It’s just this song. This mix. It’s layered on top of another song. Used to be real popular at balls and what not.

Like when you were alive?

Exactly.

Wasn’t that all like piano and harpsichord and stuff?

Spike gave her an exasperated look, It’s under all the techno drivel. It’s there. Just listen. Think I can remember the dance that went along with it too. He thought as he pushed her away slightly and repositioned his hands. He took one of her hands in his and placed his other on her back. Just follow my lead.

Spike started moving Buffy along, guiding her in a waltz. They didn’t even notice when people on the dance floor started to part for them. Suddenly Buffy felt herself pulled into their mind-scape. They were in a brightly lit ballroom. Buffy glanced down at herself and noticed she was dressed in an impossibly beautiful green silk gown. It was exactly the same shade as the halter top she had on. She was dancing with Spike. Or rather William. His hair was darker and longer and he was dressed very differently in formal wear. His blue eyes were the same, except they peered out at her from behind a pair of glasses. Despite the changes, she recognised him easily. She knew without having to think about it that this was the man he had been before meeting Drusilla. Buffy felt herself smiling at the man she had fallen in love with.

What are you doing? She asked.

Sharing a memory of sorts, I think. I just sort of cobbled this together. Does it bother you?

Heck no! I sort of love seeing you like this. Is this what you really looked like, before?

A desperate, poncy little dandy, mama’s boy? Yes, Love, it is. In all my pathetic glory.

Don’t do that. That’s so not what I see when I see you like this.

And what exactly do you see?

Sexy, in a bookish kinda way.

Bookish yes, dunno about sexy.

I do. This is definitely hot.

The two of them spun around the dance floor enjoying the subtle erotic push and pull laced through the movements of the dance. After what seemed like a long time, the song within the song ended and the two of them came out of the shared vision and back to the dance floor. They pressed back together, easily moving to the music.

Buffy looked up into Spike’s eyes, still the same cool blue. He was watching her as she twisted this way and that, rubbing against him every chance she got. Spike dipped his head while she pressed her back to him firmly, kissing her neck.

I’m loving this, I should have taken you dancing sooner, he thought.

Didn’t we dance at The Bronze?

Not sure about dancing, definitely snogged a few times. Fought a lot. There was that time on the balcony, I kinda liked that.

Hummm… not so much, that was demeaning.

I know that now. I am sorry about that bit. But it was also pretty sodding exhilarating wasn’t it? If memory serves, you barely objected. Could have objected. Quite strongly in fact. Pretty sure I only had to do a little something like this… In the club Spike’s hands never left her waist. However, in her mind, Buffy could suddenly feel the delicious sensation of his hands working up her thighs under her skirt and over to her hot center. She shuddered involuntarily, making him grin. He shifted his gaze to the floor above them and tapped her on the shoulder. Could give it another go, more expeditionary and less demeaning this time?

Buffy shook her head, Not without the duster. Let’s save that for later. Like home later. I’m having fun.

Spike just shrugged and leaned down to kiss her. Whatever the lady likes. Noticed you didn’t say anything about our little mind game.

Buffy gasped a little as his phantom hands caressed her and slipped inside of her. Pleasuring her. On the dance floor Spike pressed his knee between her thighs, allowing her to grind on him if she wished. She did. Buffy continued to dance, moving her hips and pressing into him. She could feel his erection waiting for her. Then suddenly out of nowhere, any inhibitions they had still been holding on to simply melted away. Like dirt slipping away under a hot shower. Suddenly Buffy couldn’t remember why having sex right there on the dance floor was such a bad idea.

Oh God, William, I think…

I feel you, Pet. You’re so beautiful when you’re all hot for me. I could never get enough of you. Not ever. I need you.

Their lips met, hungry for each other. Their hands suddenly groping feverishly. Just then someone bumped into Buffy pushing her into Spike. They staggered a little and the spell was broken. They both crashed back to reality as they were brought back to their senses and they were on high alert.

Spike ran a hand across the back of his neck in agitation, You feel that, Love?

You mean whatever just made me want to say ‘screw it’ and do the horizontal tango right here in a crowd of people not caring that you don’t even have your long coat on to hide it?

That’d be it. I could have done it too. That was intense. Thought it was just us. This connection thing getting the better of us, you know, but look around. It’s definitely not just us.

He was right, everywhere they looked people had started groping and feeling, grinding and rubbing. Way more than usual in a place like this. Buffy looked to see who had bumped into them but only saw another couple that looked totally engrossed in each other.

Give it a little longer and it’ll all turn into one big orgy.

Oh God, Angel!

Angelus…

They looked around for their friends, they were only a few feet away and Faith looked like she was having the time of her life pressed between Callum and Angel. She was facing Callum and had one leg wrapped firmly around him. Angel pressed in close behind Faith holding her in place with one hand on her stomach, grinding against her backside, she had no idea where his other hand was. Buffy suddenly realized that Callum’s hands mirrored Angel’s and she couldn’t see his other hand either. However, Faith for her part, was desperately trying to free him from the confines of his pants.

Humm yeah, Babe, I definitely don’t want to watch that.

No pet names just now alright?

Ehhh… Why? Are you seriously complaining?

No, trying to keep it in my pants.

I’m more worried about Callum and Angel right now.

Right, you are. Alright, I got this. Spike smirked as he took two long strides towards the trio and punched Angel in the side of the jaw. Angel staggered back from Faith shaking his head with a hand to his jaw.

“What the hell was that, Spike?”

Spike raised his eyebrows and looked around the club exasperated, “You’re welcome, you bloody wanker. She’s your friend, you great lumbering pillock!”

Angel’s eyes flickered and his gaze fell on Faith where she was still fairly engrossed in Callum. The punch had interrupted them enough that she had stopped trying to open his pants. But they were still kissing with both sets of hands now thankfully visible. Angel shot an arm out pulling Faith back towards him forcefully. He vamped and held her in front of him until she snapped out of it and punched him in the face.

Angel let his face melt back into place and felt his jaw on the other side. “What did you do that for, you ass!” She yelled at him over the music.

“There’s some kind of a spell or something going on here.”

“Oh hell,” she grumbled and looked over at Callum who was still staring at Angel. “First vamp face,” she explained.

“Seriously? What about Spike?”

“Don’t think they took that step in their relationship,” Faith scoffed. “Cal! Snap out of it!”

“What just— what was that?“

“Told you he was a vampire, that’s what they look like when they’re not all human-y.”

“Humm… yeah… ok…”

“Looks like we got another mystery, gang,” Buffy said in a falsely upbeat tone.

“My money is on the bloody DJ.”

Angel turned to Spike, “What makes you say that?”

“That last song or bit of the mix or whatever the bloody hell this rot is. It was built on top of an old ditty.”

“How old?”

“A bit older than my corpse.”

“We danced to it,” Buffy interjected, “There was an old dance that went along with it. Spike and I danced to it.”

Angel narrowed his eyes looking at Spike, “How do you remember this stuff?”

Spike shrugged, “I don’t know. You got that whole photographic memory thing; I got this recall thing for music and such. I don’t tend to question it much.”

“Drusilla always loved to dance.”

“That she did,” Spike agreed.

“You were always the better dancer.”

“What happened to you? You used to be able to at least move your feet. I know Darla took you out enough times.”

“Ballroom is different than this— whatever this is…”

Buffy rolled her eyes between the two of them “Okay, come on guys can we get back on track? You two can reminisce about the good all days some other time. Look at these people. We don’t get something figured out pretty soon, it’s going to get super awkward in here. And after Paris I am so not interested in seeing a whole club full of that.”

“What the hell happened in Paris?” Angel asked, confused.

“Interrupted that demon while he was getting his rocks off. It sort of left a mark.”

“Glad I missed that one.”

“I’d take that over the biggest orgy in history,” Faith said, raising an eyebrow.

“Not the biggest, might be in the top ten,” Angel said absently looking around.

“You know Angel, this sort of reminds me of that time in—“ Spike stopped abruptly at the looks Angel and Buffy gave him, “What? We were evil; not like that sort of thing didn’t— Oh fine, how do we stop it?”

“Spike, you take out the DJ. Shut down the music. Faith, and I are going rabbit hunting. Angel, you go with Callum, see if Eddie or the bouncer guy know anything that could help. Get people cleared out as best as you can.”

Spike didn’t wait. He let out a growl and hurled himself up towards the DJ, ripping out cords with a flourish. The lights on the podium died first. Spike pulled out a few more cords and the music stopped.

The DJ, a thin man with a pinched face and shoulder length greasy black hair, snapped his head up to look at Spike, “What’s your problem, you nutter!” he yelled.

Spike grabbed the DJ by the front of his shirt and looked out over the dance floor. He could see Buffy and Faith moving on the outer edge of the bewildered crowd. Buffy caught his eye and he shook his head. He hadn’t seen anyone trying to bolt.

Spike held onto the DJ, “It was the song wasn’t it?”

“I— I—“ he sputtered.

“The one with the Victorian Era ditty worked in. Am I right?”

“I— humm, I— yeah! Yeah it was. Don’t hurt me man!”

Spike snarled as he threw him down into a chair just as Buffy and Faith joined them. Now it was Buffy’s turn, “Alright Mr. DJ, sing. What did you do to these people?”

“I— nothing. Nothing, they didn’t really want to do. I just wanted to get the party really pumping and guarantee I’d get a steady gig at the club.”

“You did this for a gig?” Faith asked.

“I’m more interested in the how. That song packed a punch,” Buffy pointed out towards the crowd of still bewildered people, some had started to leave while others went up to the bar. Several couples didn’t seem to realize the music had stopped. More likely they just didn’t care. “Look at these people! This wasn’t just some gig.”

“I’m thinking, some sort of a lust spell. You don’t strike me as the mojo sort. Where’d you get it? And what does that song have to do with it?”

“I got it from some chick. I was at the bar and—“

“If you say you made a wish, so help me—“

“How did you know?”

Buffy groaned and turned to Spike, “The only two I knew are gone now. I guess we got a new player.”

“Vengeance demons are a dime-a-dozen and they’re not the only ones that deal in wishes, Love.”

Buffy turned back to the DJ, “What was the wish?”

“I wished I had something to work into the beat that would really let people lose themselves in the music and have a good time. I wanted something to help me book gigs.”

“And what you got was something that made everyone forget about their sexual inhibitions… you magically roofied everyone in the club!” Spike snarled, his eyes turning yellow with anger.

Buffy laid a hand gently on Spike’s chest, “I got this, Honey”, she felt a low rumble tear through his chest, “Spike, Babe, I got this.”

Spike took a deep breath, making a show of calming down, “Right, Love, you’re right.”

“Doesn’t sound super vengeance-y does it?” Buffy asked Spike.

“Depends.”

She turned back to the DJ, “Were you angry at someone? Maybe an old employer?”

“I’d just lost my last steady gig. They told me my set lacked passion.”

“And there it is!” Buffy said.

“I’d like to see someone say my art lacks passion now,” he grinned.

“Oh I can! Easy. That little tune you got buried in there isn’t anything new. A bit cheeky, by Victorian standards, which don’t say much. It was the spell worked into it that did all this,” he gestured around the room.

“I don’t see what the big deal is, they’re all adults they knew what they were doing.”

Faith scoffed, “Oh damn Buff, if you don’t punch him I will.”

Buffy shrugged a shoulder in response and Faith punched him in the mouth, “Pig! That thing made my best friend stick his hand up my dress, you ass!”

“Oww! Look, this lady just gave me the song. I laid it in. I told you everything I know.”

Buffy’s eyebrows raised but she didn’t say anything to Faith. Instead she addressed the sniveling man in front of her, “Where’d you meet this lady?”

“Eh… about two weeks ago when I was down in London. I just came up here to look for work and found this gig.”

“So this is the first time you’ve used it?”

“Yeah, honest.”

Buffy nodded, “Faith go see what Callum and Angel turned up. If no one got hurt, and no lasting damage, I think we can let this creep go. There’s not much we can do about the demon now if she was in London that long ago,” Buffy huffed.

Faith nodded and headed towards the bar. Buffy turned to Spike, “Can you get this guy to give up the song and make sure it won’t be used again, Babe?”

Spike gave her a slow grin, “Be my pleasure, Pet. What are you going to do?”

“Take a look around, kick people out. The usual.”

“Have fun. Let me know when I can cut this idiot loose.”

The DJ leered at Buffy as she walked away and then looked up at Spike, “You always take orders from the little woman?”

Spike slid into his game face and growled, “I do when she’s right.”

Spike slammed a hand onto the guy’s chair. The DJ looked up nervously at Spike, “I ahh, I— it’s on there,” he pointed to the jump drive sticking out of a laptop with a shaking hand.

“This the only copy?”

He nodded, “H-how’d you pick that out any- anyway?”

“Exceptionally good hearing mate, been around a while and I’m a music lover,” he said, taking the jump drive and crushing it under his boot. The DJ squealed in dismay and sat back crestfallen.

Spike let his demon face melt back into his human form and considered the sniveling wimp in front of him, “Word of advice? Find a muse and create your own sodding stuff. Skip all this tweaking crap. And don’t make wishes around people you just met!”

“Ehh, sure… I’ll just, I’ll do that…” he frowned.

Spike waited until Buffy came back from making rounds, “What’s the damage, Pet?”

“Doesn’t look like anything too serious. Fortunately it looks like our Mix-master here was right about one thing. It was a little more than giving everyone a drink or two but less than drugging them. Even the couple I had to separate upstairs turned out to be newlyweds… that was seriously awkward.”

“You monster you,” Spike chuckled.

“I couldn’t even blame them for being pissed at me.”

“What about Bubblegum-Barbie?”

“Ahhh yeah, Callum found her behind the bar with Marcus… he said it was probably better if we just left them,” Buffy’s cheeks went pink.

“And that would be why exactly?”

“Turns out those two have been trying to get pregnant for a while now… I guess she just started fertility treatments.”

“What?”

“According to Callum they’ve been having trouble conceiving… he ah he thought it might be better to just let them go…”

“They’re married?”

“Ehh, I guess,” she shrugged.

“Would not have called that one… course I can barely make you out in all this mess.”

“Freaking vampires,” she grumbled, rolling her eyes.

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

A/N: I had an idea to do a “choose your adventure” kind of thing. Please vote for your choice(s) in the comments. I can post one or all of them but I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Four choices: Two options are smut heavy fun, one smut-lite and one is just a fun little smut-free option.

1. Giles and Zara

2. Angel— A Night Out

3. Spike and Buffy

4. Faith and Callum

---

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.”

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