Into The Play

Rema Wolf

Rating: PG13…at the moment…

Spoilers: BTVS season 4 and Steven Sondhiem play Into the Woods.

Summary: I was told to write a fic involving the gang and the Steven Sondhiem play Into the Woods. So her you go.

Author’s note: It’s all lies, I own everything…the rest of the world just doesn’t know it yet…okay well I don’t, but I can dream. I dedicate this to some of my beloved girls, Vampkiss, Bloodshedbaby, Elizabeth, and my darling beta Spikeskat who rides me hard and knows just how to use that engraved riding crop ;-)

Feedback sends me to the happy place
.
Into the Play

Chapter 1
“Bloody Hell!” Spike grumbled as he realized who he’d run into.

“Spike,” Buffy scowled, “What are you doing here?”

“Walking, whats’it look like? Free country, inn’t?”

Buffy sighed and reached down for the book she’d dropped when Spike had run into her.

“Whatever, Spike.” Buffy brushed the book off. Giles would kill her if she ruined the book. Or worse he’d make her read it…again!

“That all I get? No threats on my life?” Spike scoffed.

“What life?” Buffy shot back. “Besides, you’re just not worth it.”

“Great, Slayer, that just makes me feel all warm and squishy.”

Spike’s gazed traveled down from Buffy’s face. He drank her in with his eyes like he wished he could do with his mouth. After Willow’s botched spell he couldn’t stop thinking of Buffy. Truth be told, he couldn’t stop thinking about her before, but it hadn’t been this bad. He didn’t have the memory of her lips on his, the taste of her, the feel of her body moving against his…

“Spike!” Buffy yelled, snapping him out of his thoughts.

“Wha?”

“What is wrong with you,” Buffy asked, her face scrunching up in disgust.

“Bugger off, Slayer,” Spike growled. He turned on his heal and stormed off.

Buffy watched as he cut a path through the night; his duster billowing behind him. She shook her head in confusion and continued on to Giles’ apartment. Buffy’s thoughts went to Spike. To her great annoyance, her mind had been drifting to him more and more lately. Ever since Willow did that spell. Buffy shivered and she managed to convince herself that it was from the wind that had picked up, and not from the thoughts of Spike’s hands on her. After all, he was evil. Sure he couldn’t hurt humans…and he did recently help Giles when Ethan had turned him into a demon…but Spike wanted money for that. So there! Evil! Capital “E” evil. Yup, evil with a capital E that rhymes with B which stands for “Big Bad.” Just looking at him and you would know it. The leather duster, tight black jeans and shirt…so tight they look painted on…wonder if it’s that paint you can lick off?

“Guh!” Buffy groaned and banged her head against Giles’ door.

The door opened and Buffy stumbled a bit but caught herself quickly.

“Buffy?” Giles looked at her confused, “Something wrong?”

“Nope, not a thing,” Buffy plastered on her “I’m fine, nothing wrong here” smile.

Giles stared at her then moved aside to let her in. The whole gang was already there and waiting. Xander and Anya were sitting on the couch. Xander was talking to Riley who was standing in front of him. Willow was sitting at the desk with her nose in a dusty old book. The table was covered with them. Buffy groaned. Just what she was hoping for… a research party, perfect.

“Buffy!” Willow looked up from her book and smiled brightly.

“Hey, Buffy,” Riley smiled.

Sweet Riley. Normal, average, everyday Riley. Well, not so normal - what with the whole secret military thing. But human, so hey, go team! But still…there was a voice in the back of her head that said she was only with him to try and get some normalcy into her life. Granted, it was a very small voice that she yelled at a lot, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t there.

Buffy smiled and greeted everyone before walking over to stand next to Riley.

“Buffy, I’m glad you’re here. Ah… and you remembered the book,” Giles said as he walked over to her.

He held out his hand for the book and Buffy handed it over.

“Yup, you can count on me for all those hard missions. Slaying vampires, beating up demons and the fearsome book fetching.”

“Indeed,” Giles absently commented.

He opened the book and began to thumb through it. Riley wrapped one of his arms around Buffy’s shoulder.

“So, Buff,” Xander said, turning his attention to her, “any problems on this… your most daring mission?”

“Nope, not a one. Well I ran into-“ Buffy caught herself before saying Spike’s name in front on Riley, “one vamp, but he was no problem.”

“Course he wasn’t. No vamp can stop the Buffster!” Xander cheered.

“You know it,” Buffy agreed. “So what’s up for tonight?”

“Book-o-rama,” Xander tried to fake enthusiasm, and failed.

“Yes, well there seems to be a rash of disappearances at the theater,” Giles explained. “There have been sightings of a creature near the alleyway, but the accounts have been poor at best.”

“The movie theater? Riley and I were there last night, I didn’t see anything.”

“Not the movie theater… the theater. Stage, Buffy,” Giles corrected.

“Oh…we have a theater?”

Giles sighed and returned to looking at the book Buffy had brought.

~*~

Spike made his way down the sidewalk. He didn’t pay attention to the people he was bumping into, just kept his head down with his hands in the pockets of his duster as he plowed ahead. His mind was swarming with thoughts. Very unwanted thoughts. Buffy thoughts. Spike growled and fished a cigarette out of his pocket. He couldn’t get the little chit out of his head. It was like he was drowning in her. That only made him walk faster, his steps fierce on the sidewalk. He continued this way till he slammed into someone a bit too hard and caused the chip in his head to fire. Spike growled and put his hand to his temple.

“Buggering chip. Bleeding Slayer! All her fault. Blast.”

Spike flicked the cigarette to the ground and crushed it under his Doc Martins. He looked up and saw that he’d made his way to the nicer area of downtown Sunnyhell. The lights of the theater’s marquee caught his attention.

The sign proclaimed “Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods”. There was a poster out in front displaying a beanstalk and a wolf.

Spike smirked at seeing the big bad wolf displayed like that.

“Just what the Big Bad deserves; to be in lights.”

Spike once more resumed his walk down the sidewalk when he happened to notice a shadowy figure in the alleyway next to the theater. It went quickly into the side entrance soon after Spike spied it.

Spike shrugged and continued on his way.
~*~
Buffy sat quietly reading one of the many books Giles had pulled out for everyone to look through. They were trying to find mention of any demon that could be found in or near a theater. A theater demon. Even to Buffy that sounded stupid. She didn’t understand why Giles just didn’t let her go out and find the thing.

“We need to know more about this before we go up against it, Buffy,” Giles had said.

“Well, what better way than to go out and find it?” Buffy asked.

But that had been a no go. So here she sat, looking for a demon that they didn’t have a good description on or the faintest idea what it was doing. All they knew was that people were disappearing. Buffy sighed and turned the page of the book she was holding. There was a picture of a strange, funny looking demon. It looked a lot like one of those furry bears from Star Wars. Buffy turned her attention to the short description of the demon.

“Brionglóid Demon. Dream Demon. The ability to read your dreams and project them into real life.”

“Well that doesn’t sound too bad,” Buffy thought. But then she remembered the dream she’d had just last night.

It was during Willow’s spell. Buffy had been sitting on Spike’s lap; she was telling him all about her plans for the wedding. Giles, not being able to take anymore, had gone up to his room to lie down. It had been somewhat funny to watch him try to make his way up the stairs, and Spike had snickered a bit. Buffy swatted him on the chest once Giles was out of sight.

“Be nice,” she scolded.

“Ooo slayer, you know I like it rough. Do it again,” Spike crooned. He pulled her closer and began to nibble at her neck.

Buffy moaned and angled her neck to give him better access.

“Bloody hell, Slayer. I want you so bad.”

Spike pulled her so that she was now straddling him. He ground her hips down so she could better feel his desire. The chair they were sitting in creaked as Buffy let him guide her hips.

“Buffy?” Riley’s voice snapped her back to reality.

“Huh?” Buffy looked up dazed.

“You okay? You were making these little noises.”

“Was I?” Buffy laughed, but it seemed strained. “I’m fine. Tops even.”

‘Nope,’ Buffy thought to herself as looked back down at the fuzzy demon, ‘I’m just fine. Wasn’t thinking about grinding against Spike in Giles’ living room. Straddling him in a chair… the same chair I’m sitting in!’ Buffy bolted off the chair and everyone looked up at her.

“Nothing in this book,” she said quickly, “Nope, not a thing.” Everyone continued to stare at her. “I’m gonna patrol,” Buffy announced. She set the book down and made her way quickly to the door.

“You want me to come with you?” Riley asked.

“That’s okay. Just gonna make a quick pass then head home. I’ll see you guys later.”

Buffy headed off quickly. She just needed to get her mind on some serious things. Slaying. Slaying is important. Killing demons. Demons bad. Dusting vamps. Vamps evil. Especially blonde ones that have magic fingers…

Buffy stopped and gripped her stake tighter. The wood gave a small groan under the force. She continued down the sidewalk and after a little while she realized she had already arrived at one of the Sunnydale’s many cemeteries. Many, as in more than a few. That’s a lot of dead people. Buffy pondered on why her mother had moved them to Sunnydale. Why had she thought this would be a good place? Didn’t one usually look up the mortality rate of the local populace before you decided on where to move?

Buffy was lost in thought and didn’t notice the figure standing in front of her. In fact, she didn’t notice till she ran into it. She stumbled backward, which cause her to trip and fall over a low tombstone.

“Oh bloody hell,” Spike groaned as he turned to see the fallen slayer. “What? Are you following me?”

“Yeah Spike, I’m following you. Cause I’ve got nothing better to do with my time than to follow the newly neutered,” Buffy grumbled from her place on the ground. Spike growled in response and Buffy merely waved a hand at him.

“So gonna get up anytime soon?” Spike drawled. “That was a right nice trip you took there. Slayer grace failing tonight?”

“No... No, I meant to do that.”

“Right, sure you did,” Spike scoffed.

“I did…I um…I wanted to look at the stars,” Buffy finished lamely.

“The stars?”

Buffy pointed overhead, “The stars. Look, Venus.”

Spike looked up at the night sky and laughed.

“That’s a plane, luv.”

“Oh…I knew that.”

Spike walked over and sat on the tombstone that Buffy had tripped over.

“What’s going on then Slayer? What’s got you so focused you don’t even see The Big Bad standing right in front of you?” Spike didn’t want to think of why he was taking the time to find out, so he just chalked it up to being bored.

“Nothing.”

“Right, it’s just a new tactic. Run into the baddies and then stake them when they fall over laughing, is it?”

“Shut up, Spike.”

They were quiet for a moment. Neither speaking, but now and then they would rake their eyes over the other. Cursing themselves each time.

“So what happened to that book you had?” Spike asked.

“Took it to Giles. They’re in research mode.”

“Why aren’t you with them then?”

“I… um,” Buffy stuttered. She wasn’t going to tell him she ran away from a memory. Especial not when that memory was about him. “I had to patrol.”

“Doing a bang up job at that,” Spike smirked. Buffy merely scowled at him. “So what is it that had you all distracted--“

“I wasn’t distracted,” Buffy interrupted.

“The research? New baddie?” Spike finished.

“No…”

Spike waited for her to finish but when she didn’t he prodded her.

“Well what was it then?”

“Nothing…I just,” Buffy looked at Spike and sighed. She let her gaze return to the stars. “I was just thinking of why my mother decided to move here. Why not some place else.”

“Wondering what your life would have been like somewhere else?”

“Yeah…”

“Not the best thing to do. You can’t change who you are. Don’t know why you’d want to.”

“Why I’d want to?” Buffy laughed, though there was no joy in the sound. “Maybe I’d have had a normal life. Maybe there wouldn’t have been an early expiration date stamped on my forehead.”

“Living someplace else wouldn’t stop you from being the Slayer. It’s in your blood; it’s who you are. You couldn’t stop being the Slayer any more than you could stop breathing.”

“The Slayer’s not who I am. I’m Buffy.”

“Right, Buffy. Buffy, the Vampire slayer. It’s one in the same. One package, luv.” Spike removed a cigarette from the pack tucked in his duster pocket and flicked open his lighter.

Buffy looked up at the sound and saw his face briefly illuminated by the small flame.

“’Sides,” he continued, unfazed by her scrutiny, “instead of thinking what you could have done if you hadn’t lived here, you have to think of what you would have missed if you hadn’t. All your mates, your watcher, me,” he smirked.

“Trust me; you would not have been missed.”

Spike took a long drag of his cigarette and shrugged.

“The point is, Slayer. There are things in this life you can change, even stop. But then there are things that are just gonna happen no matter how hard you fight. So you either learn to live with it or you can bang your fists against the wall. ‘S your choice.”

Buffy stared at him for a moment before she spoke.

“That doesn’t sound like you,” she commented.

“Yeah… well,” Spike chuckled, “never said I followed my own advice, did I?”

Buffy laughed then and laid her head back down on the grass.

“Yeah… well… maybe you’re right. But I don’t think I can just sit back and accept anything without a fight first. And why am I telling you this?”

Spike shrugged, “Dunno, maybe ‘cause I’m listening.”

“Why are you listening?”

Spike squirmed a bit then flicked the end of his cigarette, knocking off the ash.

“Got nothing better to do. Haven’t seen a baddie all night ‘cept for the thing down by the theater.”

Buffy shot up at that.

“The what?”

“’S nothing. Just saw something by the theater. Couldn’t see what, probably just someone in costume out for a smoke.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this before?” Buffy demanded.

“First off,” Spike’s anger was rising, “it was after I saw you the first time. Secondly, what do I care if some nasty goes into a theater? And third, why should I tell you at all?”

“Because that’s what we’ve been looking up! Something’s happening at the theater!”

“And what? I’m supposed to read your mind to know this?”

Buffy stood up and dusted herself off.

“Come on,” she motioned to Spike and started to walk off.

“What?”

“Come on! We have to tell Giles.”

“Bloody hell woman, I am not some dog that you can call on demand!” Spike called after her retreating form. “Bugger,” Spike cursed under his breath. He dropped his cigarette and crushed it before running to catch up with the slayer.

~*~

When Spike and Buffy got back to Giles’ apartment Buffy experienced a small moment of fear when she remembered that she had left Riley there. He couldn’t know about Spike! The Initiative was still looking for him. Buffy stopped before they reached the front door.

“Wait here,” she told Spike.

“What? Why?”

“Because Riley may still be in there.”

“Why Slayer, didn’t know you cared.”

“I don’t. I just don’t want to have to sweep up your dust.”

Buffy walked over to Giles’ door and knocked. After a moment, Giles opened the door and gave her a confused look.

“Buffy?”

“Is Riley still here?” Buffy asked.

“No. No he left not long after you, why?”

Buffy didn’t bother to answer; she just motioned for Spike and walked into the apartment. Giles scowled at Spike who merely smirked in response.
“Buffy, do be so kind as to tell me what is going on here.” Giles shut the door after Spike entered.

“Yeah… what’s up with bringing the Fangless wonder here?” Xander quipped.

“Watch it, boy,” Spike growled.

Xander held his hands up with feigned fear.

“Spike saw something by the theater,” Buffy explained.

“Oh? What did this figure look like?” Giles asked, fully interested now.

“Like a figure,” Spike grumbled lighting up a cigarette.

“Do you mind?” Giles complained.

“Not at all,” Spike smiled around the cigarette and took a long pull.

Buffy rolled her eyes.

“He didn’t get a good look at it,” Buffy explained.

“Yeah,” Spike exhaled, “Like I told Buffy, for all I know it was just some poof in his costume getting a smoke.”

“What play are they doing?” Willow asked.

“Into the Woods.”

“Ooo! I love that play,” Willow smiled. This only got her strange looks from the others.

“What? I do. The witch is very cool. She starts off--“

“While I’m sure that is very interesting,” Giles interrupted, “May we please continue our discussion on the problem at hand?”

Willow shrank back a bit in her chair and pouted. Spike scowled at the watcher then turned to Willow.

“The witch is a right fine character. Saw Bernadette Peters on Broadway. Now she could sing, not hard on the eyes either. ‘Course the Big Bad Wolf has my vote as best character,” Spike pointed his cigarette at Willow.

“Oh! I love that song he does! What’s it called?” Willow smiled.

“‘Hello Little Girl’.”

“Yeah that one! That’s so cool the you saw--“

“Can we please--“ Giles interrupted again.

“You know… you’re a right wanker, Watcher,” Spike growled.

“We have more pressing issues at the moment than to hear you go on about--“

“I was just having a chat with Red here. You don’t have--“

“STOP!” Buffy’s voice silenced the two bickering men. “Can we not do this?”

“Oh… but I was having fun,” Anya pouted from her spot on the couch, “It was much like watching a tennis match.”

“Ahn sweetie, not now,” Xander shook his head.

“I didn’t see anything. Couldn’t tell you if it was a demon or not,” Spike took one last pull of his cigarette before crushing it under his foot.

“Do you mind?” Giles growled.

Spike grinned evilly, “I told you, not at all.”

Giles took a menacing step forward but Buffy cut him off.

“I think we should go check out the theater. You guys haven’t found out anything and without a better idea of what we should even be looking for, we’re just wasting time.”

“Well, you all have a jolly good time with that. I’ll just be on my way.” Spike stood up but Buffy put a hand on his arm.

“You’re going to.”

“I am?”

“He’s what?!” Xander jerked around in his seat. “Why are we taking the bleached wonder?”

“More to the point, what makes you think I’ll go? I don’t give a damn what happens to you all. Go get yourselves eaten up for all I care. Cheers to the beast that does it, I say.”

“You got something better to do?” Buffy asked.

Spike frowned, “Well no, but that doesn’t matter I wanna help the lot of you.”

“But you’ll sit and listen…”Buffy let the rest of her thought trail off.

Spike’s frown deepened. Stepped right into that one, he did. He knew he should have just kept on his way when she fell in the cemetery. Should have just gotten as far away as possible.

“Bloody hell.”

“Great,” Buffy turned back to the rest of the room, “Well, let’s go!”

“Isn’t there a show still going on now?” Willow asked. Spike nodded.

“Oh…well what about tomorrow afternoon?”

“Depends if they have a matinee,” Spike commented. “Even if they don’t, I can’t make that little show. What with the sun and all.”

“Oh you’ll be there, even if I have to drag you.”

“Again with the wondering of why he’s even coming,” Xander stood up and walked over to Buffy.

“He may be helpful.”

“He may be a pain in the--“

“Hey!” Spike frowned.

“I say he goes. We don’t know what we’re dealing with and we need all the help we can get,” Buffy crossed her arms over her chest and gave Xander a look that just begged him to disagree with her.

“Well then I suggest we all meet back here tomorrow afternoon then,” Giles said. Giles sighed and removed his glasses.

He couldn’t understand why Buffy was insisting on bringing Spike along to the theater. They really didn’t need him. Granted he had proved to be useful in a fight, but he had no problem stating how much he disliked them all.

“Great, well I’m gonna go finish patrolling.”

“Think I’ll come with you. I feel the need to hurt something,” Spike glared at Xander for a moment before turning and storming out the door.

Buffy followed the angry vampire out the door. She was trying to figure out what she’d just done. Why had she insisted Spike come along?

“Because we may need him,” she told herself.

‘Since when do we need him?’ the voice in her head chided.

“Watch it, Slayer,” Spike growled. Buffy was close to running into him once again for the third time that night.

“Sorry.”

Spike frowned but said nothing. He knew she was deep in thought once more.

‘She keeps that up she’s gonna hurt herself,’ Spike thought.

“So where we off to? Cemetery? Already bounced around there once tonight. Like I said, didn’t see anything,” Spike said allowed.

“You patrolled?” Buffy’s eyebrows almost disappeared into her hairline.

“No! Just needed a bit of rough and tumble ‘s all,” Spike said defensively.

“You wha?”

“A fight! I needed to kill something.”

“Oh. Well, let’s go over to the bronze then. Always some vamp trying to get lucky.”

Spike looked at her for a moment before he threw his head back and laughed. Buffy glared at him, and then it occurred to her that she’d never really heard Spike laugh. It was a nice sound.

“I meant get a meal, you pig.”

“Sure, pet.” Spike grinned. “Whatever you say. Well, lead on then.”

“I hate you.”

“Feeling’s more than mutual, luv.”

With that they headed off towards the Bronze. Both of them were wondering just what in the hell they were doing.

~*~
Chapter 2
Buffy had been right about the vamps at the Bronze, but there had only been three and she and Spike had made short work of them. Leaving three new dust piles in the alleyway, they made their way inside the club.

“Don’t think we’ll be seeing anymore in here, Slayer,” Spike said.

“Yeah,” Buffy sighed, “Never a vamp around when you want one.”

“Hey!”

“Sorry.”

Spike gave her an annoyed glare and started to make his way to the bar.

“Where are you going?” Buffy asked.

“The bar. You’ve driven me to drink.”

“It doesn’t take much to get you to drink.”

“Indeed it doesn’t. You want anything?” Spike asked.

Buffy arched an eyebrow at him. Why was he suddenly being nice? Well, comparatively speaking, he was being nice.

“Water,” she answered simply.

“Better watch it with those stiff drinks, Slayer,” Spike laughed and headed off to the bar.

~*~
“I’m telling you, you’re seeing things,” Cordelia said as she climbed out of the car.

“I’m not seeing things. I saw Buffy and Spike go into the Bronze!” Angel was practically oozing hatred.

Cordelia sighed and rolled her eyes. Angel locked the car and headed off towards the Bronze.

“Even if you did see the two bottle blondes going in together, isn’t that even more of a reason we should get to Giles’ place?” Cordelia reasoned. It was a lost cause though, and she knew it. Reason never came into Angel’s head when it came to Buffy.

Angel didn’t bother to answer, he just continued on towards the Bronze, thinking of all the ways he was going to make Spike scream before he killed him.

~*~
After looking for Buffy in the cemeteries and having no luck, Riley had tried her dorm. Willow had answered the door and told him that Buffy had come back to Giles’ apartment with some new information but had gone back out to finish patrolling. He smiled and thanked her before heading back out.

He was about to call it a night and head back over to Lowell Hall when his communicator beeped. Graham told him that Hostile 17 had been spotted at the Bronze. Being that it was a public place, their orders were to infiltrate as civvies. He was to meet his team in front of the Bronze ASAP.

Riley made it to the Bronze in record time and found that Graham, Forrest, and the rest of his team were already waiting.

“What’s the plan?” Forrest asked.

“Go in. Find the Hostile. Get him outside and back to the Initiative. Try not to draw attention to yourselves,” Riley stated.

Riley and his team of five made their way into the crowded club. Riley motioned to the catwalk.

“Forrest and I will go up, we’ll tell you if we spot him.” Riley and Forrest made their way towards the stairs, while the rest of his team fanned out.

~*~
“Angel, it’s packed in here! I can’t see a thing. How do you expect to find them?” Cordelia crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Angel.

“Up there,” Angel pointed to the catwalk spanning the Bronze. “Come on.”

Cordelia rolled her eyes but followed the vampire nonetheless. She was beginning to regret not staying with Wesley. Even if all he was doing was research, it was better than following Angel around when he got like this.

They made their way to the top and walked past a couple of guys who were looking down into the crowd below rather intently.

“I don’t see them,” Cordelia sighed.

“Keep looking,” Angel growled.

“This is stupid, you know that right?”

~*~

Buffy had made her way over to a table at the side of the dance floor. She was trying to figure out why she was waiting for Spike. Why hadn’t she just left him there? Or better yet, why had she let him tag along in the first place? This self examination was playing through her mind when Spike suddenly reappeared with her bottle of water.

“Sure you don’t want some scotch with that?” He asked.

“What? No,” Buffy wrinkled her nose in disgust.

Spike shrugged and took a seat across from her.

“Can’t blame you,” he said taking a sip of his beer, “I like my scotch straight too.”

“That’s not what I meant, idiot.”

“You wound me, Slayer,” Spike held a hand to his heart, “Kiss it and make it better?” Spike curled his tongue behind his teeth and gave her a smoldering look.

“In your dreams, Fang Face.”

Spike chuckled a bit and thought if she only knew what was in his dreams. That stopped him. He scowled and took a long pull from his beer bottle.

He didn’t want to be having these thoughts about the Slayer; he’d been trying all night to forget them! Yet here he was sitting across from her, having a drink. His frown deepened.

“What?” Buffy asked noticing his change in mood. Why did she care?

“’S nothing,” Spike turned in his chair and looked out onto the dance floor looking for…well anything but the girl behind him.

He felt like a complete git. Sitting here looking for his own kind to dust. It hadn’t been that long ago that it would have been him out on the hunt in this place, looking for some tasty bit to have for his dinner. Spike sighed in frustration and turned back to the Slayer.

“There’s nothing here,” he growled.

“Yeah, let’s go.” Buffy stood up and waited for Spike. He gave her a strange look and she rolled her eyes. “What?”

“Nothing,” he mumbled and stood up.

But it wasn’t “nothing.” She was leaving and she expected him to go with her. Part of him wanted to tear her head off for expecting him to, and part of him wanted to…Spike shook his head. No, best to stay away from those thoughts or it’d be another night spent wishing cold water still affected him.

He motioned for her to lead on and he followed her out, mentally smacking himself when he realized he had been staring at how her hips swayed just the right amount.

~*~

“See anything?” Forrest asked.

“Nothing. Who spotted the Hostile?” Riley asked, never taking his eyes off the lower floor.

“Hey isn’t that Buffy?” Forrest pointed to the retreating form of a blonde girl.

“Yeah. What’s she doing here? She’s supposed to be patrolling.”

“Patrolling or not, look who’s following her.”

The two men looked down to see Hostile 17 trailing behind Buffy. She hadn’t even noticed.

“Come on… let’s go.” Riley ran for the stairs.

~*~

“I’m giving you two more seconds, and then I’m staking you and going to Giles’ with out you,” Cordelia warned.

“There!” Angel pointed to the retreating forms of Spike and Buffy. “Come on.”

“Angel watch,” Cordelia called out just as Angel crashed into one of the guys she had noticed earlier, “out.”

Cordelia ran over and looked down at the man who Angel had run into.

“Are you alright?” she asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine, thanks,” he said as his friend helped him up.

Angel was glaring at the man and Cordelia frowned.

“You’ll have to excuse him, um.”

“Riley,” he filled in for her.

“Riley. You’ll have to excuse him, Riley. He left his brain at home today.”

“Not a problem. Excuse us,” Riley said as he and Forrest made their way down the stairs.

“What is wrong with you?” Cordelia scowled.

“Buffy’s dating him,” Angel said coolly.

“Who? The linebacker you just knocked down?”

“Yeah. Come on.” Angel stormed down the stairs.

~*~

“Spike, what are you still doing here?” Buffy asked.

“I’ll have you know that this is on my way to…places. I’m not walking you back to your bloody--“

“Spike!”

“Wha?”

“What are you still doing in Sunnydale?” Buffy clarified.

“Oh, well lots of reasons.”

They walked in silence for a while before Buffy looked up at Spike.

“What?” Spike asked annoyed.

“What reasons?” Buffy tried to swallow her smile.

“Well…there’s…and…”

“Yes?”

“Well, I got myself a right nice place here and…well I can only hurt demons, right? Got all the nasties I could ever want right here. What better place to find a good fight than the hellmouth?”

“Oh.”

“Why’d ya ask?” Spike pulled out a cigarette as the rounded the corner.

Buffy had decided to go through the mall plaza on the way back to the dorm. Perhaps they’d luck out and find something worth killing there. It was packed for a Monday night. Spike was practically drooling at the sound of all the blood pumping. He took a frustrated pull of his cigarette and exhaled.

“No reason. I mean there’s nothing really keeping you here.”

“Well I like it here, all right? What are you gonna do about it then?” Spike’s anger was flaring.

“What do you mean, ‘What am I going to do about it?’ If I wanted you gone, you’d be gone!” Buffy stopped to stare at the angry vampire.

“Oh yeah? I’d like to see you try it!” Spike took a step closer to Buffy and glared down at her. “You had your chance, plenty of them, but you haven’t done it yet!” he growled.

“Don’t tempt me, Spike!”

“Why? What are you gonna do to me?” Spike bent his head down so that his face was mere inches from her own.

Buffy’s hand flexed around her stake. She was close to pounding Spike into next Tuesday when something caught her eye. Riley. He and some other guy, two who she thought she recognized, had just turned the corner a little bit away from them. Luckily, it didn’t look like they’d been spotted. Buffy grabbed Spike by the lapel of his jacket and pulled him off in the opposite direction.

“Watch it, Slayer,” Spike complained, brushing her hand off, “You’ll bruise the leather.”

“Initiative,” Buffy warned.

“What? Where?” Spike turned around and saw the ten soldiers reach the main area of the plaza. “Bugger.”

Spike and Buffy hurried around the corner of a department store and onto the main street. Buffy cut down an alley and Spike ran after her. They made it out to a darkened street, Spike called out for her.

“Slayer!” his voice was deep and commanding. He reached out and put a hand on her shoulder. “I think we lost--“ Spike was cut off as a dark figure jumped on him, knocking him to the ground.

“SPIKE!” Buffy yelled.

Spike and whatever had jumped him were rolling around on the ground trading punches. Spike was pinned to the ground and Buffy saw a stake being raised. Without thinking, she ran forward and pulled Spike’s attacker off him. The attacker went flying through the air a few feet before he hit the side of the building. Buffy had her own stake out and stood ready should the attacker get up.

“You alright?” she asked Spike without looking at him.

“Bloody fabulous,” Spike mocked. He stood in one fluid movement and wiped a trail of blood away from his mouth. He had slipped into game face during the fight, but Buffy hadn’t noticed.

The dark figure groaned and started to get up.

“Buffy,” it said.

Spike and Buffy looked at each other then back at his attacker. The figure stepped out of the shadows and the pale light from the only lit streetlight cast a soft glow on him.

“Angel?” Buffy whispered.

“Oh, bloody hell.”

The sound of footsteps coming quickly down the alley drew everyone’s attention. Buffy unconsciously took a step in front of Spike, a gesture not lost on either vampire.

“Damn it, Angel,” Cordelia huffed as she exited the alley, “What part of ‘wait for me’ did you not understand?!”

Buffy cast a confused glance between the two people in front of her.

“What the hell is going on?” Buffy demanded.

Angel ignored the question and continued to glare at Spike. Spike stepped out from behind Buffy and returned Angel’s stare with a wicked smirk of his own.
“Angel saw you two going into the Bronze together. He….well, hell if I know what he thought, but we followed you and saw you leave with Spike behind you. We would have caught up with you sooner if Einstein,” Cordelia gestured at Angel, “over there hadn’t been in such a hurry that he ran into some guy.”

“You were following me?” Buffy turned back to Angel.

“I though you were in danger.”

“From Spike?” Buffy laughed.

“Hey!” Spike bristled, “You could have been.”

At that, Buffy nearly fell over in laughter.

Spike growled and took a step towards Buffy. Angel was there in an instant and grabbed Spike by his jacket.

“Stay away from her, Spike,” Angel growled.

“ Sod off.” Spike pushed Angel off and ran his hands down the front of his duster, smoothing out the abused leather. “You think if I was going to hurt her, you could stop me?”

“Don’t worry, Angel,” Buffy said through her remaining giggles, “Spike’s as harmless as a puppy. Actually, I’d be in more danger from a puppy than him.”

“HEY!” Spike cried in annoyance.

“What?” Cordelia asked, stepping next to Angel.

“Military put a chip in his head. Now every time he tries to hurt humans he gets a shock,” Buffy explained.

“So the bad dog has a shock collar, huh?” Angel smiled viciously at Spike.

“Just because I can’t hurt people doesn’t mean I can’t get others to do it for me,” Spike’s voice was cold and full of anger, “Never did ask, Angel . How long did it take for those hot poker wounds to heal?”

Angel growled and took a menacing step towards his Grand-Childe, which Spike answered in kind. Buffy stood between them putting a hand on both of their chests.

“Stop it, both of you. Angel he’s just trying to piss you off. And Spike, just shut up. I don’t have time for this, and even if I did, I don’t want to deal with it.”

“Why are you protecting him?” Angel demanded.

“I’m not! You want to kill him, fine! But not now!”

“Gee… thanks, luv. You’re getting me all tingly again,” Spike’s voice nearly dripped with sarcasm.

Buffy glared at Spike then turned back to Angel.

“What are you doing here? And why the hell is Cordy with you?”

“I work with him now…well for him. It’s just till my acting career takes off.”

“We were chasing a demon,” Angel explained, ignoring Cordelia, “and we lost it. Then we got word it had come here.”

“And you were planning on telling me this when?” Buffy put her hands on her hips and glared at Angel.

“We were on our way to Giles’ when I saw you going into the Bronze,” Angel carefully refrained from saying Spike’s name. “What are you doing with him anyway?”

“We were patrolling.”

“At the Bronze?” Angel asked skeptically.

“Yes.”

“What were you patrolling for? Drunk frat boys?” Cordelia laughed.

“No… for that I’d need you,” Buffy shot back.

“Yeah, like you’ve got such great taste in men. No offence,” Cordelia nodded to Angel, “Saw your newest guy. Did he leave his neck at home?”

Spike laughed at that and Buffy hit him in the stomach, which only made him laugh more.

“Riley? You saw Riley? Where?”

“That’s who Angel ran into at the Bronze. The two of them were both trying to get down the stairs and POW,” Cordelia clapped her hands together for emphasis.

Buffy and Spike exchanged a glance.

“Solider boy must have seen the same as Peaches. You leaving--“

“And you following,” Buffy finished. “They must have followed us out here.”

“I saw them walking past the alley here, right before I ran after Angel.”

“If they’re out looking for you, and Riley thinks you’ve done something to me you’re not safe Spike.”

“This guy doesn’t know you’re the Slayer?” Cordelia asked.

“Yeah, he does.”

“So what, he doesn’t think you can handle one vampire?”

“He’s not the sharpest tack in the box, pet,” Spike smirked.

Angel laughed before he could catch himself. He and Spike shared a knowing look. Neither liked Buffy’s newest boy toy.

“Shut up, Spike. Well we’ve got to stash you again. Come on, we’ll head back to Giles’.”

“Bloody hell; I’m not staying there again.”

“Would you rather stay with Xander?”

Spike frowned, “Fine. To the librarian’s it is.”

“Come on,” Buffy turned to Angel, “you can fill us in on this week’s monster.”

With that the foursome made their way down the street, neither aware of the man who had stepped out of the darkened alley.
Riley Finn pressed the call button on his communicator.

“Abort Mission. Return to base.”

~*~

Chapter 3
“So he’s stayed here before?” Angel asked.

They’d reached Giles’ apartment and after a brief explanation Giles had let them in.

“Yeah, he stayed here for a while,” Buffy answered. She and Angel were sitting on the two stools Giles had next his kitchen. “But when he wasn’t here he was at Xander’s.”

“Xander’s.” It was a statement. “Buffy, why did you help him at all?”

“He asked. It was really pathetic actually.”

“Hey!” Spike cried from his place on the couch.

“Well you were! It was daylight and he was cowering under this ratty blanket. He was wicked pale since he hadn’t eaten in so long. We weren’t going to help him at first but then Willow said that he was telling the truth about not being able to bite people.”

“But why keep him here?” Cordelia asked. She had been sitting at the table in front of them, listening with half interest.

“Because he wasn’t safe. The Initiative was still looking for him.”

“Why? I mean if they let him go--“ Cordelia started to say.

“Let me go? HA! Bloody well escaped, I did. Not like I was gonna sit around and let them keep up their little game of poke and prod.” Spike lay down on the couch, his feet hanging off one of the arms.

“So they’ve been after him ever since,” Buffy added.

“I still don’t understand why you’re helping him. It’s Spike! How many times did he try and kill us?” Cordelia gestured towards the couch.

“What would you have suggested we do? Stake him?”

“Yes.” Angel and Cordelia replied.

Spike’s hand shot up, flipping them off.

Buffy couldn’t help but laugh. It had taken Giles explaining to her that Spike was in fact flipping people off and not, as she had thought, doing a “peace” sign incorrectly.

“He’s been helping us,” Buffy said simply.

“Spike’s never helpful,” Angel growled.

“Generally, yes,” Giles said as he made his way down the stairs, “On most days I would have to agree with you. Though Spike has, on recent occasion, proven useful.”

“See? I’m right handy.”

“Though he usually requires some form of reimbursement,” Giles removed his glasses and began to wipe at the lenses.

“Point is,” Spike said sitting up, “I’m indispensable.”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Giles drawled.

“Fine,” Spike stood up from the couch and walked towards the kitchen, “next time you get turned into a demon, see if I help you.”

Spike opened the fridge and peered inside.

“Didn’t I…there it is,” Spike straightened up and closed the door. He pulled a mug from the cupboard and emptied the contents of the blood pouch he’d removed from the fridge, into it.

Buffy frowned and shook her head.

“As great as it is talking about why I haven’t killed Spike yet,” Buffy noticed Spike frowning at her but ignored him, “but can we get to the point of--“

A loud knocking at the front door cut Buffy short.

Everyone exchanged a puzzled look. Giles walked over and opened the door slightly.

“Riley. What can I do for you?” Giles spoke loudly enough for everyone in the room to hear.

Spike, having nowhere else to hide, dropped to the floor of the kitchen. Buffy peered over the counter and down at the crouching vampire. Spike merely shrugged and pressed himself tightly against the wall.

“Is something wrong?” Giles asked, “It’s quite late.”

“I need to see Buffy,” Riley’s voice was calm, yet cold, almost empty.

Buffy stood and walked over to stand next to Giles. Giles opened the door wider.

“Hey,” Buffy smiled.

Riley’s face remained impassive.

“Where is he?”

“Who?” Buffy frowned. Buffy couldn’t believe this was happening now.

“Hostile 17. I saw you with him.”

“Hostile what?” Buffy tried to sound confused.

“I know he’s here, I followed you.” Riley pushed past Buffy and walked into the apartment.

Angel jumped off his stool and glared at Riley and took a step towards him. Cordelia reached out and put her hand on Angel’s arm, stopping him.

“Riley, I don’t know what you think you saw,” Buffy began.

“I saw you at the Bronze. Hostile 17 was following you. Then I saw you save the Hostile from him,” Riley glared at Angel. “Who are you? You were at the Bronze.”
“Angel,” the vampire growled.

Riley looked taken back, he turned to Buffy stunned.

“You didn’t tell me your ex was in town,” he frowned.

“I didn’t know he was,” she replied quietly.

This wasn’t going well and Buffy knew it. She had to get Riley out of there before something bad happened.

“Why should she tell you anything?” Angel mocked, “What happens between the two of us is none of your concern.”

Buffy shot Angel a shocked look. He was antagonizing Riley! This soooo wasn’t going to end well.

“I’m her boyfriend,” Riley replied coldly, “It concerns me.”

“Riley, calm down,” Buffy was beginning to get angry.

“Calm down?! You tell me you’re going off to patrol but then I find you with not one, but two vampires, and you’re not even TRYING to stake them! You even save one from the other! Stop lying and tell me what’s going on!” Riley’s voice was thick with anger.

That was just about all Spike could take. He didn’t know why he did it. In hindsight, it wasn’t one of his better ideas, but for reasons he didn’t look too hard on, he jumped up from his hiding place in the kitchen.

“Guess they didn’t teach you manners when they were brainwashing you back at bootlick camp,” Spike sneered from behind the counter.

Instinct taking over, Riley lunged for the counter. Two things happened at once: Buffy dropped to a crouch and kicked out with her leg, tripping Riley; and Angel reached out to grab Riley, but since he was falling from Buffy’s kick, Angel’s aim missed and he ended up hitting Riley hard in the side of the face. Riley fell hard to the side and managed to hit his head on one of the stools, knocking him out.

“Well…that was just…neat,” Spike smirked.

~*~

They managed to move Riley to the couch without much difficulty. Cordelia and Angel had left to get rooms at the Sunnydale inn. Giles had already excused himself and gone to bed, leaving Buffy to deal with Spike before she left. Angel had been reluctant to leave, but Buffy had convinced him that she needed to talk to Riley and that would be hard enough with Spike there. He’d reluctantly agreed and Buffy had given him a tight hug.

Spike felt a pang of jealousy at the sight, but managed to shove the feeling away as best he could. After Angel had left, Spike made his way to the front door. Buffy put a hand on his chest to stop him. Spike looked down at her hand then up to her face. He tilted his head a bit; he looked as though he were trying to read her mind. Buffy slowly lowered her hand.

“That was a stupid thing you did,” she said quietly.

“What’s that then?”

“Jumping up like that.”

“Yeah well…”Spike shrugged and continued out the door.

“Where are you going?”

Spike turned around and grinned.

“To have a smoke. Try not to miss me too much while I’m gone.”

Buffy rolled her eyes, “Don’t go far.”

“Just to the end of my leash.”

Buffy shook her head and walked back to where Riley lay on the couch. She sat down on the coffee table and looked at her boyfriend. She’d never seen this side of Riley before. She hadn’t expected it, and she wasn’t sure what to make of it. She thought over everything that had happened and found herself wondering if he didn’t trust her. Riley’s groan stirred Buffy from her thoughts.

“How’s you’re head?” Buffy asked when his eyes opened.

“Hurts. What happened?”

“You showed up acting like an ass and didn’t give me a chance to explain anything.”

Riley scowled and tried to sit up. His head swam from the sudden motion and he lay back down.

“Then explain. Why are you helping it? Angel I can almost understand. But Hostile 17…you’re supposed to kill him.”

“First off, his name’s Spike. Secondly, yes, I kill vampires. That’s what you’re supposed to do. Not experiment on them. What was done to him was wrong.”
“How can you say that? It’s a demon. Evil. We stopped it from killing,” Riley argued.

“You stop them from killing by killing them, not playing with their brains.”

“Then why haven’t you killed him?”

“Trust me, Spike and I have been trying to kill each other for years. But he’s harmless now.” Buffy could almost hear Spike’s vehement outcry of “hey!” in her head. “It just doesn’t seem right.”

“How can it not seem right? Demons are evil. They’re monsters who should be put down, all of them!”

Thoughts of Oz were brought up by his words. He was a werewolf, a monster. But she’d never thought to kill him. He was her friend and he had loved Willow. He’d fought by her side, risked his life. And Angel, she loved him, always would. He was a vampire but he had a soul. Then Buffy remembered Spike on his knees in front of her, asking her to marry him. It had been a spell, but there was something that had been bothering her ever since. He doted on her, loved her, showed humanity. Buffy had realized long ago that he was different because of his love for Drusilla. Spike had told her during their “engagement” that the Judge had said he and Dru had reeked with humanity. Buffy tried to convince herself that didn’t matter, he didn’t have a soul. But each time it was getting harder and harder to believe that.

Buffy looked at Riley and shook her head sadly.

“When you’ve been at this as long as I have, seen what I’ve seen, you realize that not everything is so clear. You wish it were. You start to hate that grey area, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to disappear.”

“Buffy--“

“Listen, Angel is here because he has information I need. He’s here to help fight the baddies…the latest bad to spring up anyways. Actually, he was chasing it in LA and it ran here. We’re going after it tomorrow.”

“I’m coming to,” Riley stated and Buffy knew there was no room for argument.

“Okay,” Buffy nodded, “Everyone is meeting back here tomorrow afternoon. How’s your head?” She leaned forward and placed her hand gently on his forehead.

“It’s better.”

“Can you get home okay?”

“Yeah. What about you?”

“I’ll be fine,” Buffy sighed. She hated how he thought he had to protect her. At first she thought it was sweet, but now it was just really annoying.

Riley nodded, not noticing her irritancy. He leaned forward and kissed her gently. They stood and Buffy walked him to the door. They kissed once more and then Riley left.

“How goes the romance?” Spike’s voice drifted out from under the stairs. He was hidden in the shadows, but the orange glow from his cigarette showed his face whenever he inhaled.

“Shut up, Spike,” Buffy sighed.

Buffy heard the scuffing sound of his boot crushing out his cigarette moments before he stepped out from the shadows. He stood there staring at her, head cocked slightly to the side. He had an odd expression on his face. Confusion mixed with…something, Buffy couldn’t tell.

“What?” Buffy frowned.

Spike shook his head and walked past her into the apartment. He made his way over to the couch and sat down, kicking his feet up onto the coffee table.

Buffy followed him and her frown deepened. She stood looking down at Spike, though he didn’t seem to notice. Or perhaps he didn’t care. One arm was resting on the arm of the couch while the other was draped over the back. He was leaning back with his eyes closed, and looked for all the world like he was asleep. His chest was rising slowly. Buffy wondered why he did that. He didn’t have to breathe, but she’d noticed that he did. Perhaps it was just a habit formed from the smoking. But looking at him sitting there quietly, he looked like a human…normal…alive.

“You just gonna keep undressing me with your eyes, Slayer, or are you gonna talk?” Spike’s voice seemed to have dropped an octave and Buffy fought the shiver that threatened to run through her.

“What were you thinking out there just now?”

“’S nothing,” Spike mumbled.

“Spike.”

Spike sighed and opened his eyes. He looked over at Buffy and her breath caught. How could it not? Buffy tried to stomp down the little voice in her head that spoke of how sexy he looked, how his eyes looked like two deep pools; the voice that tried to remind her just how soft his lips had been.

“I heard what you said to Captain Cardboard. Did ya mean it?” Spike’s voice seemed to roll over and through her. He was speaking so softly, so quietly.

“Mean what?” Buffy’s voice had dropped to meet his tone.

“’M I in your grey area?”

Buffy just looked at him a moment. Was he? Had he some how made his way from enemy to not-so-sure? To possible ally? She looked into those blue eyes and just wasn’t sure she could kill him anymore.

Buffy shrugged, “Yeah.”

Spike smirked and closed his eyes, leaning his head back.

“Knew you had a thing for me.”

Buffy rolled her eyes even though he couldn’t see the gesture. She grabbed a pillow from the couch and threw it, smacking him square in the chest.
“Hey!” Spike laughed.

Buffy fell onto the couch next to him.

“Baby,” she mocked, leaning her head back and closing her eyes.

~*~
Spike woke up and having a quick look at the clock saw that it was just after 8 in the morning. Frowning he tried to think of what could have woken him that early in the morning. That’s when he noticed Buffy. Sometime during the night she’d fallen over from where she sat, so that her head was now resting in his lap. He’d remembered watching her fall asleep, finding the slow rhythm of her breaths almost hypnotic. No matter what he did, he couldn’t tear himself away, couldn’t stop watching her. He didn’t know when sleep had finally taken him.

Sometime in the night his arm had also found its way down from the back of the couch to drape along her side, his hand hanging next to her stomach. He couldn’t keep the smile that crept across his face from forming at the picture this made. Buffy lying with her legs curled up close to her body, her head resting comfortable on his lap, her hand…her hand holding his? Spike moved his hand a little only to feel Buffy’s hand tighten around his. Spike stilled his hand and looked down at the girl curled in his lap. He could hear the soft, steady rhythm of her heart. He felt at peace, the most he had been in years. He reached out slowly with his other hand and played with the golden tresses that spilled around her.

~*~

Buffy woke to the feeling of a hand gently playing with her hair. She tried to work through the fog of half sleep. She was lying down. Hadn’t she been sitting up? Her head was resting on something. Was that denim? She was holding someone’s hand. It was larger than hers and slightly callused…and cold. Spike. She’d been sitting next to him… had she fallen asleep? Her eyes were closed.

Buffy felt fingers push through her hair to her scalp. The fingers ran the length of her scalp before they withdrew. Spike was playing with her hair? A thousand things ran through her mind. Should she get up? Should she stake him? Should she pretend to be asleep? It did feel nice, what he was doing with her hair.
Before she could decide what to do, his hand stilled in her hair and then it was gone. He squeezed her hand gently and pulled her a bit so that she was pressed more tightly against him, and then he stilled. Buffy wondered if he realized she was awake, but then she heard it, voices outside.

There was a knock at the door and then the sound of Giles’ footsteps on the stairs, the door opening, and finally the voices of her friends.
“Hey there Giles!” Xander’s cheery voice filled the house. We come bearing round sweet goodness.”

“Morning Giles,” came Willow’s sweet voice.

“Good morning,” Giles replied.

“Buffy here yet?” Xander asked.

“No, no she hasn’t arrived,” Giles answered.

They didn’t know she was still there. Buffy tried to think of what to do. She could sit up but she was sure that wouldn’t look good. Spike’s thumb started to move against her hand. It was just barely moving, an unconscious caress perhaps?

“What’s Undead Jr. doing here?” Xander quipped.

Spike’s thumb stilled in Buffy’s hand.

“Seems he was spotted last night by The Initiative. Buffy and Angel--“

“ANGEL?! Angel’s back?” Xander yelled.

“Why? Did you miss me?” Angel’s voice floated in through the room.

“Angel? Um….hi,” Willow squeaked. “What are you doing here?”

“Helping,” Cordelia answered.

“Or so they say,” Riley’s voice held nothing but cold venom.

“Cordy?” Xander’s voice cracked.

Cordelia didn’t bother to answer. Footsteps were coming closer to the couch.

“I see bleach boy stayed like he….oh…” Cordelia’s voice trailed off. By the sound of her voice, Buffy knew Cordelia was standing at the back of the couch - yet still Buffy didn’t move.

Why hadn’t Spike done something? She knew he was awake. Maybe he knew she was too. Was he waiting for her to make the first move?

“What is it? Oh dear…” It sounded as though Giles had come to stand by Cordelia.

“What? What’s-GOOD GOD NO! WILLOW,” Xander yelled, “What did you do?!”

“Me? I didn’t do anything!” Willow said defensively.

Buffy heard a low growl and realized Angel must have come over to see.

Spike’s hand tightened ever so slightly around hers. Their clasped hands were hidden, trapped between Buffy’s stomach and curled legs. Not really knowing why, perhaps it was reflex, Buffy squeezed back. She opened her eyes then. Angel and Riley were standing side by side with twin glares of fury in front of her. Xander and Willow stood with stunned looks near her feet. She already knew that Giles and Cordy were behind her.

“Morning,” Buffy said weakly.

~*~

Chapter 4
‘Morning. Morning?’ Spike thought, ‘She wakes up to her mates finding her curled up like a cat in her owner’s lap and all she say’s is morning?’

Spike couldn’t stop the swell of admiration he suddenly felt; moreover, he didn’t want to.

“Guess I fell asleep,” Buffy said.

“Buffy what--“ Xander began.

Spike felt the couch move and knew that she was uncurling her legs. Buffy started to sit up but she had forgotten to let go of Spike’s hand and ended up pulling him over so that he collapsed against her.

“Bloody hell,” Spike grumbled, finally opening his eyes.

He looked at the stunned faces staring down at him and then craned his neck to look up at Buffy. She had the very same look Spike was sure rabbits had right before the dogs got them.

“What’s going on then?” Spike asked calmly as he untangled himself from Buffy.

Angel launched himself at Spike; the force propelling the two vampires up and over the back of the couch. They rolled for a few feet before Angel got to his feet, pulling Spike with him. Angel grabbed Spike by the throat and slammed the younger vampire into the wall.

“What did you do?!” Angel’s voice was full of cold fury.

“Nothing,” Spike’s voice was strained. He grabbed at Angel’s wrist and twisted. Angel didn’t let go, merely tightened his grip. This didn’t matter to Spike though; he’d only done it to distract Angel. Spike swung up with his arm and hit Angel hard in the ribs. Angel dropped Spike and was about to take him again when Spike held his hands up.

“Nothing happened. We were talking is all…Slayer fell asleep.”

“On your lap?” Cold rage was nearly pouring from Angel.

Buffy was about to answer that but Spike beat her to it.

“Course not. You think the Slayer would ever do that? Thought you held her higher than that,” Spike mocked.

Buffy didn’t understand what Spike was doing. He wasn’t trying to shift blame or cause trouble.

“’Sides, why would you think I’d want her laying all over me? Was bad enough when we were engaged,” Spike sneered.

‘There’s the Spike we know and hate,’ Buffy thought. Though she noticed he avoided her eyes when he said it. Normally, he’d be looking right at her, making sure she knew the depths of his hatred. Why not now?

“And shouldn’t there be someone else in this room a bit more upset about this than you?” Spike looked over to Riley.

He hadn’t moved this entire time. He just stood there in the same place as if nothing had happened, staring at Buffy.

“Riley trusts Buffy. He knows she’d never even dream about touching Spike,” Xander spoke up quickly.

Spike noticed a slight flush begin to creep up Buffy’s neck to her face at Xander’s words.

‘Interesting,’ Spike thought.

“Don’t we have a demon to kill or something?” Buffy tried desperately to change the subject.

“Buffy--“ Giles sighed.

“It’s like Spike said. We were sitting here last night talking and I must have fallen asleep.”

“And we’re just supposed to believe that you didn’t try anything?” Angel took a step closer to Spike, invading his space.

“Yeah, Peaches, you are. Unlike some people in this room who will remain you,” he sneered, “I can keep my bloody hands to myself. ‘Sides it’s not worth a stake to the heart.” Spike inched forward and glared up at the older vampire. “Don’t fancy ending up in a dusty way just for pawin’ at the Slayer when she’s not even awake to enjoy it.”

Spike just couldn’t keep his mouth shut. He just had to go that extra step. Angel growled in fury and grabbed Spike. They both scrambled to gain the advantage, neither one noticing what, or who, they might end up hurting in the process. Spike managed to knock Angel’s feet out from under him and the older vampire went down like a felled log. That didn’t stop Angel though. Before he had even fully hit the floor, Angel had Spike’s foot in his hand and he gave a sharp tug and Spike tumbled to the floor. The two rolled much as they had moments before. Angel slammed Spike into the leg of Giles’ coffee table, shattering it, and that noise was all it took to knock Spike out of his furious haze. Buffy yelling for Angel to stop; unfortunately Angel didn’t hear this. Spike was caught off guard by Buffy’s call and didn’t notice Angel pick up the broken table leg.

Right before Angel struck the final and ultimately dusty blow, he was thrown off Spike by a very pissed off Slayer.

“We do NOT have time for this!?” Buffy yelled.

Angel had landed with a hard thud against the opposite wall. Both he and Spike had let their demon slip during their last fight, and Angel looked up at Buffy with golden eyes.

“You wanna see which one of you has the bigger pair? Do it on your own time, not now! And the next one to so much as THINK about throwing a punch that’s not directed at something nasty and evil is gonna meet the happy end of my stake, got it?!” Buffy glared at the two vampires in turn.

After they both nodded, Buffy held her hand out to Spike. He stared at it like she was insane. Buffy rolled her eyes and put her hand down.

“You all right?” she asked.

“Fine,” Spike nodded. He stood up on his own and let his demonic features slip away.

“Good. Now,” she said turning to the rest of the group, “I think there’s a demon that needs killing.”

~*~

“So… how did you get involved in this?” Cordelia asked.

She’d noticed Riley’s reaction, or rather, lack thereof, to Spike and Angel’s fight. Cordelia knew that he was Buffy’s boyfriend, and she also knew what it was like to reluctantly become a Scooby - only to then end up dating one.

“What do you mean?” Riley asked.

“How did you get roped into the goody-two-shoe brigade? You seem like a normal guy, accept for--“

“I am a normal guy.”

“I don’t thing running around with the undercover GI Joes, hunting down what goes bump in the night is on anyone’s list of normal things. Point is,” Cordelia continued, forestalling any argument he was about to give, “why are you here?”

“Direct aren’t you?”

“Saves time,” Cordelia sat down next to him on the step.

After everything had cooled down, well as much as it could, Angel had begun filling everyone in about what they were after. Cordelia saw Riley - who had stayed to the back of the group - head outside, and she’d followed him. She had found him sitting on the stairs, contemplating his shoes.

“I met Buffy at school. Thought she was this sweet, normal girl. We started dating and I felt bad about keeping secrets from her. Then one night we ran into each other fighting the same thing. We confessed everything and here we are. Only now I find she’s still hiding things.”

“Yeah… well that’s Buffy. Hell if I know why she didn’t stake him. Hell it wasn’t that long ago he was torturing Angel, the man she’s supposed to have eternal love for. Oh…sorry,” Cordelia added after she saw Riley’s pained look.

“Why did he have to come back?”

“Listen, you and Angel are never going to be brothers or probably even friends, but give him a chance. He’s a good guy and he really just wants her to be happy.
“You know he left so that he could give her a chance at a normal life.”

“Yeah… she told me.”

“That normal life is you. Sure you may be all secret agent guy, but that’s as normal as she’s gonna find.”

“Angel’s always gonna chase after her, one way or the other. Always gonna ride to the rescue. Doesn’t matter though, she chose you,” Cordelia added.
“Thanks,” Riley smiled sadly at her.

“I know what it’s like to see the person you love making dove eyes at someone else,” she shrugged. “Well… all this sunshine with no sun block is going to wreak havoc on my skin; I’m heading back inside.” Cordelia stood and smiled down at him before making her way to Giles’ door.

“Cordelia,” Riley called after her. He jumped up from the steps and hurried over to her.

“I’ll always ride to the rescue too.”

“I’m sure you will,” she smiled.

Riley reached out and opened the door for her.

“Just like a prince,” she said with a wink as she walked into the apartment.

“Fine… then we’ll wait,” Riley hear Buffy say as he walked in.

“Wait for what?” he asked.

“Night. Which you would have known if you’d been in here,” Angel snarled.

“Angel!” Buffy barked.

Angel glared at her for a moment before turning and throwing himself into a chair.

“Great, now he’s brooding. What’s going on in here?” Cordelia demanded.

“Lots and lots of soap opera drama. You’ve missed high amounts of free entertainment,” Xander grinned.

“Xander, not helping,” Buffy’s face was dark with anger.

“Angel was explaining to us how this demon works,” Giles sighed, “It seems that it can only be found at night. We shall have to wait till nightfall before we can do anything. Luckily, tonight is a dark night for the theater and there won’t be a show. So we shouldn’t have any problems getting in.”

“Fine, but what’s with the angst in here?” Cordelia asked.

“Well… see… brood boy over there,” Xander gestured towards Angel, “was having issues with the bleached wonder tagging along tonight, which you know, makes sense. But Buffy says he’ll be useful. So mainly there’s been lots of yelling, brooding, pouting and me without popcorn.”

“I’m not pouting!” Spike yelled.

Cordelia turned around and saw noticed Spike for the first time since she’d come back inside. He was sitting on the stairs behind her, arms resting on his knees. His duster was draped over the banister next to him.

Without his coat to hide his physique, Cordelia had her first real look at the vampire. His black shirt was tight and hugged every curve of his body. His biceps were flexed slightly due to his current position. And though he wasn’t some muscle bound football player, his arms looked as though they were about to tear the seams of his shirt.

Spike noticed her inspection of him but assumed she was looking to see if he was pouting.

“What?” he growled.

Cordelia gave him her best “disinterested” look and shrugged.

“There is no discussion on this. He’s going,” Buffy’s voice left no room for debate, but that didn’t mean some wouldn’t try.

“He won’t be helpful,” Angel walked over to where Buffy stood, “He’ll betray you.”

“He’s evil, Buffy,” Riley added, “You can’t trust him.”

“There’s nothing Spike likes better than violence, and right now the only way he can get that is by fighting with us. I may not trust him with my life, but I trust that.”

uffy was doing her best to control her anger and not hit someone. She was so focused that she didn’t notice Spike’s intense concentration of her.

She was defending him again, and it was making it harder for him to ignore certain feelings that were rearing their ugly heads. Emotions like anger, pain, and childish frustration over the fact that she didn’t trust him. But then why should she? Had he ever really given her reason to? Why did he feel the need for her to trust him, to believe him? Why was it that when he looked at this fiery blonde warrior he was brought nearly to tears because he knew she didn’t believe he’d be there for her. He knew why this bothered him. And sitting there looking at her as she practically glowed with fiery wrath, he wasn’t sure which was worse: being bothered by this or knowing why he was bothered.

“Bugger,” Spike cursed.

That single word drew everyone’s attention. Spike stood and grabbed his jacket from the banister. He was almost to the door when Buffy’s voice stopped him.
“Where are you going?”

“Don’t much like being talked about like I’m not here,” he said simply.

“Spike,” she took a step towards him, “It’s still light outside. Have you forgotten your sun allergy?”

“Let him go Buff. Always wondered what an extra crispy Spike would look like,” Xander smiled.

“I’ll take the sewers. Can’t much handle more of this fuzzy love towards me.” Spike looked at Buffy till he was sure he held her gaze, “I’ll be there.”

Before she could answer, he was out the door. Buffy started at him till Riley’s touched her arm. She looked up and smiled softly at him.

“Well,” Giles began, “I suggest we use this time to research what we are up against. Angel’s description should prove useful in narrowing down our search.”

Willow, who had remained silent through the whole situation, voiced her agreement with Giles and pulled one of the books on the coffee table closer to her.
Xander frowned from his place on the couch next to her. He never could understand how Willow could enjoy researching so much.

“Well, I need to call Ahn. Tell her I won’t make it tonight.” Xander stood and made his way to the counter where Giles' phone was sitting.

“Ahn?” Cordelia wrinkled her nose at the name.

“Anya,” Xander clarified, “My girlfriend.”

“Anya?” Cordelia didn’t bother to hide her surprise, “You’re dating her?!”

“Cordelia, not now,” Giles sighed.

~*~

Not being able to take any more of Riley and Angel’s posturing, or Xander and Cordelia’s fighting, Buffy whispered to Willow that she would be back later and snuck out of Giles’ apartment.

She hadn’t been able to think clearly since Spike had left. Truth be told, she hadn’t been able to think clearly while he was there. Maybe it was because she hadn’t been sleeping much. She’d been dreaming a lot about him and no one could ever call those dreams restful.

She could understand why he’d left, but that didn’t stop the small pang of disappointment she felt when he did go. It bothered her that she cared. She wasn’t stupid; she knew everyone was right. He was evil and didn’t care about anyone but himself. But whenever she thought that, the voice in her head would remind her of certain things. Remind her that he could care, she’d seen it before.

He didn’t have to be so loving to her when there were “engaged”. Just because they were getting married didn’t mean he had to be nice. He sure as hell didn’t have to care about Giles when he went blind.

Buffy’s mind drifted toward that morning. She didn’t know why she didn’t jump up as soon as she realized where she was. She didn’t want to think too hard on it either. She’d convinced herself that any feelings were left over from Willow’s spell.

‘Yeah, sing another song, Buffy,’ she thought.

Buffy walked down the promenade she and Spike had walked through the previous night. She leaned against the corner of the store and watched the people go by. They all seemed so happy. The sun would set soon, and none of these people had any idea of the things she protected them from at night.

“Ignorance is bliss,” a deep voice near her ear whispered.

She knew who it was, but she looked over her shoulder all the same. The building next to them was casting a shadow down the narrow alley he stood in.
“Maybe,” she said, turning back to the people.

“Do you wish you were?” Spike asked softly.

“Were what?”

“Ignorant to it all.”

“Sometimes. But I can’t change it. It’s who I am. Besides, wishing never gets you what you want. You may think it’s what you want, but it’s not. And why am I talking to you like this again?”

“Because,” his voice was little more than a soft breath against her ear, “I’m listening again.”

Buffy looked over her shoulder again. He was leaning with his back against the wall, his legs kicked out just enough so that his head was level with hers. He was so close to her that if he turned to face her again all she would have to do was lean back and kiss him.

She turned back quickly before he could see the flush that raced up to her face.

“Buffy?” Spike had notice how fast she’d turned, and he was concerned he’d upset her.

He’d been trying to forget, trying to ignore so many things, but he’d realized while he was gone from her that day that it wasn’t going to happen. He’d gone to the cemetery, to the crypt he’d been staying at the last few nights, and tried to sleep. He dreamt of her, just as he did most nights since their “engagement”. He dreamt of her defending him to the others, of when they were “engaged”. He dreamt of fighting by her side then taking her roughly against a nearby tombstone. He’d grown used to those dreams, as much as he could. But today’s dream was different. She found him in his crypt, she was yelling at him for leaving and that she ought to stake him for it. He said that he was tired of her empty threats and that she’d better start backing them up. She pulled a stake out of her back pocket and glared at him. He stalked towards her and pulled at his shirt, buttons flying around the crypt from the force.

“Go on then,” he challenged, “what are you waiting for?!”

The stake fell from Buffy’s hand and she reached out to touch his pale chest. He shivered from the contact and pulled her roughly against him, ravishing her mouth with his. She pushed away and touched her mouth, her hair. Spike waited for her hit him. Stake him. Anything. But she didn’t, she just touched his cheek and then pulled him down for another kiss. Their tongues battled each other till Buffy pulled away to gasp for breath. Spike turned his attention to the long, pale column of her throat.

“I love you,” he whispered.

Spike had woken up gasping, pleading for it not to be true. It was still a few hours till sunset, but he had needed to get out of the crypt, needed to clear his head. He’d wandered around in shadows not really seeing anything till he noticed her standing by the store.

He stared at her, waiting for her to answer. The sun had lowered a bit more since he’d first walked up behind her. Her shoulder closest to him was now draped in shadow.

He remembered what it had been like to wake up that morning with her in his lap. The soft touch of her hair, her gentle and steady breathing soothing him.
He looked at her shoulder and the urge to touch her became overwhelming. She was so close; it wouldn’t take much movement on his part to touch her.

“Buffy?”

When she didn’t answer again he gave up the fight and leaned his head against her shoulder. Neither moved for a long time. They stood there, one in darkness, one in light. One drawing strength from the dark, the other leaning against the light.

“Spike,” Buffy’s voice sounded tired.

Spike sighed and straightened up.

“Getting late,” he said, “they’ll be looking for you.”

Buffy turned to look at him. She thought she saw something in his eyes, but it was gone before she could recognize it.

“Can’t keep you mates waiting. That lot can’t do anything by themselves.”

He turned and walked further into the darkness.

“Spike!” Buffy called. She saw him stop, his body outlined in the darkness. “You’ll be there, right?”

Spike turned slowly, she could almost hear the smirk in his voice.

“Course I will. Could never pass up a good fight. Plus, I never was good at staying out of other people’s way.”

And with that, he was gone. Buffy shook her head and started back to Giles’ apartment.

“She couldn’t figure Spike out. He seemed to always be there lately. What was more confusing was how she didn’t seem to mind anymore. She didn’t have to pretend around him.

Seeing Angel again had made Buffy think about a lot of things…like Riley. Nice, sweet, normal Riley. She couldn’t really be herself around him. She almost always felt bad when they sparred or patrolled together. She always had to hold back for fear of showing him up. Just as much as she wanted him to be her normal guy, she wanted to be normal for him.

And Angel…was she ever herself with him? How could she be? She wasn’t even sure who she was back then. Not to mention that to him she was on some golden pedestal.

Was Spike really the only person she could be with and just be herself? Even when they were trying to kill each other, she was never trying to be something she wasn’t.

Was she even really herself with her friends? Buffy was brought from her thoughts by the sound of someone calling her name. She looked around and saw the whole gang coming towards her.

“Hey guys. I was just on my way back.”

She wasn’t far from Giles’ apartment. She hadn’t even noticed that the sun had set and night had overtaken her.

“Well, now you don’t have to,” Willow smiled.

Buffy smiled back and looked around at the group. Her smile fell when she saw Riley and Angel. Both were bruised and cut up.

“What happened?” Buffy glared between the two of them.

“Nuh uh,” Cordelia shook her head, “You leave, you miss the fireworks.”

“Indeed, I’m afraid my flat will never be the same,” Giles sighed.

“He started it,” Angel’s voice sounded almost childish.

“I did not!” Riley denied.

“Children, let’s not play that game again,” Cordelia chided.

Buffy sighed and shook her head. What was she going to do?

“Come on,” she said, “we better get going.”

The walk to the theater was made in silence. Giles told her that they hadn’t learned anything new about the demon, only what Angel had already told them, that it tended to lurk in theaters and feed off a person’s essence.

Xander made a few comments about Spike not being there; Buffy didn’t say anything. But by the time they reached the theater, both Angel and Riley had joined Xander in his Spike-bashing.

“Where’s the fangless wonder?” Xander asked as they walked down the alley.

“I told you he wouldn’t be here,” Riley added.

“He can’t be trusted,” Angel said.

Just as Buffy was about to reply, the side door flew open. Everyone jumped back and prepared themselves for the oncoming attack. But instead of hordes of demons, they saw only the smiling face of Spike.

“Here we are now,” Spike bowed, “Let’s entertain us.”

~*~

“You said it wrong,” Xander pointed out.

“It’s called creative license you nit,” Spike leaned on the railing, looking down on them.

“Didn’t think you’d show,” Riley said. He took a step in front of Buffy and glared up at the vampire.

“Sorry to disappoint.”

“How did you get in?” Buffy asked, stepping out from behind Riley.

“He’s evil, Buffy, he broke in,” Xander’s spat.

“The stage manager owes me a favor. She let me in when I told her we were here to chase away the nasties. She said something’s been happening the last week or so.”

“What did she say had been happening?” Giles asked.

“Why does she owe you, Spike?” Angel said his name as if it were something dirty.

“That’s between me and Spike,” a woman said as she walked out of the stage door to stand next to Spike.

She was a tall, curvy woman with long, dark hair. Her jeans hugged her hips and her tight, low cut shirt showed off her ample cleavage.

Spike straightened and smiled at the newcomer.

“Evenin’, luv.”

Buffy noticed the men around her practically salivate at the sight the woman presented. She and Cordelia shared an exasperated look.

Giles removed his glasses and cast his gaze down at them.

“Yes… well… perhaps you could tell us what’s been happening, Miss...” Giles suggested.

“Elizabeth,” she supplied,” About a week back, I noticed that some of the actors were behaving strangely. Improvising lines, getting faint on stage. But it wasn’t the same actor every time, and they never knew what was happening. To them, everything went off without a hitch. Then patrons started to disappear.”

“I see, yes. Is there anything else you can tell us?” Giles put his glasses back on.

“That’s all I know,” she said. She turned to Spike and put her hand on his arm. “I’m going, I’ll see you later.”

Spike smiled and tilted his head slightly.

“Night, luv. Thanks again.”

Elizabeth walked down the steps and made her way through the group.

“Come on then Slayer, round up the troops.” Spike turned and walked back into the theater.

Buffy scowled and gestured for everyone to follow Spike. She started to do the same when Elizabeth stopped her.

“You’re Buffy? Elizabeth asked once everyone else had gone inside.

“Yeah.”

“He saved me.”

“What?”

“Spike. He saved my life.”

“Spike? The blonde menace?” Buffy asked skeptically.

“I don’t know about menace, but yeah, Spike. It was after a late-night show, I didn’t get out of here ‘till about two in the morning. I was almost to my car when these five guys jumped me. I thought I was going to die until Spike showed up. He fought them, stabbed them, and then: poof; they were dust.

“Do you know--“ Buffy began to ask.

“I’m not stupid. I know there are things out there… dangerous things.”

“So you’re saying that Spike just saved you? What did he want?”

“Nothing. Believe me,” Elizabeth laughed, “I offered him a lot. But he just told me to be more careful and to wear this,” she pointed to the small silver cross around her neck.

“Then he smiled and said there was one thing I could do. He likes the theater, you see. I let him in and he watched the shows from the wings.

“We talk about a lot too; about different things.”

“Why are you telling me all this?”

“Because we talk about you. Goodnight, Buffy.” Elizabeth turned and headed down the alleyway leaving behind a very confused Slayer.

“They talk about me?” Buffy whispered.

“Slayer, you just gonna stand there and let me be the hero?” Spike called from the stage door.

Buffy turned around and gazed up at Spike. Spike tilted his head slightly; his gaze piercing, as if he were trying to read her mind.

“Buffy?” His voice was soft, almost a whisper.

“Yeah,” Buffy shook herself out of her reverie. “Yeah, I’m coming.”

Buffy climbed the steps to the stage door and stopped when she stood next to Spike.

Spike continued his scrutiny and was about to ask her what was wrong when Buffy turned and walked into the theater. Spike shook his head and followed her inside.

~*~

Buffy walked through the thick black curtains that hid the wings from the audience. The stage was set up for the next night’s show. Buffy walked over to a fake fireplace that had been “flown down” closest to her.

The scene in front of her seemed to be that of a posh home.

“This is Cinderella’s place,” Spike explained. He stood next to her, his hands hidden in the pockets of his duster.

“Next bit over,” he nodded to the scene next to them, “is Jack’s place.”

“Jack?” Buffy asked.

“Giant killer,” he elaborated. “Then you’ve got the baker and his wife’s place all the way over, stage left.”

“Who?”

“Baker has to do with Rapunzel.”

“If you’re done with the theatrical lesson, Spike,” Angel growled from behind them, “we’ve got more important things to do.”

Spike’s eyes flashed yellow and the growl that tore from him sent shivers down Buffy’s spine.

“Bad dog. Down,” Angel mocked.

Spike took a menacing step towards Angel but before anyone could react the stage was flooded with lights.

“I thought Elizabeth left,” Buffy said, shading her eyes.

“She did,” Spike confirmed.

“I’ll go check out the light booth,” Riley announced. He jumped down into the house and slipped into the darkness swallowing the audience’s seats.

“I’ll check the board back here,” Spike walked off through the wings.

Angel narrowed his eyes and followed Spike into the darkness.

Buffy looked across the stage to where Xander and Cordelia stood arguing next to a wooden table set up for the baker’s area.

Before she could call out to them, a wall appeared separating the pair from her, effectively cutting them off from her view.

A young boy with a white cow began to materialize next to her in the scene of Jack, The Giant Killer. Before her, a full, solid wall appeared, separating Buffy once again.

She looked around and found herself in a partially-enclosed room. Expensive furniture was placed throughout the room. Buffy could still see the audience, though the seats were quickly becoming shrouded in darkness.

She reached behind her for the stake she had in her back pocket, only to find she had no back pockets. She looked down and noticed that she was basically dressed in rags.

“What the…”

Buffy looked out in front of her and watched as Giles stepped forward, faced the house, and begin to speak to the non-existent audience.

“In the beginning,” he began. The orchestra followed close behind.
~*~

TBC

 Chapter 5

Rating: PG13…at the moment…

Spoilers: BTVS season 4 and Steven Sondhiem play Into the Woods.

Summary: I was told to write a fic involving the gang and the Steven Sondhiem play Into the Woods. So here you go.

Dedicated: This Chapter is dedicated to Bloodshedbaby…for so many, many reasons

Author’s Note: Thank you to everyone who was so kind to leave comments. It was pointed out to me that I messed up the beginning line to the play. I appreciate that being pointed out to me. I’d written that part of the fic really late at night and I didn’t have the script at the time. To make life a little saner on my side just want you all to know that if it’s in bold italics, the character are singing. I’ve got a lot of really great ideas for this fic. For those of you who know the play this chapter should look familiar, but don’t worry I’m not gonna just copy the whole play word for word.

Also this chapter is a…well a practice run to see if it all makes sense. As many of you have guessed, yes, the gang is now in the play.

Cinderella-Buffy

Baker-Xander

Baker’s Wife-Cordy

Witch-Willow

Narrator-Giles

~*~

"Once upon a time," he began. The orchestra followed close behind.

"I wish," Cinderella sang as she kneeled down to scrubbed the floor.

"…in a far off kingdom," the narrator continued.

"…more than anything," Cinderella’s long, blonde hair fell in front of her face.

"…lived a young maiden,"

"...more than life," she pushed her hair back out of her face.

"A sad young lad," the narrator gestured towards Jack.

"…more than jewels," Cinderella sat up and tied her hair back so that it would stay out of her way.

"I wish," Jack looked out ahead of him.

"…and a childless baker," the narrator gestured towards the baker.

"More than life," Jack picked up a wooden brush from the floor and began brushing the white cow that stood in front of him.

"I wish," Cinderella and the baker sang.

"…with his wife."

"More than anything," Jack brushed the old cow with such care.

"More than the moon," the three of them sang.

"I wish," the baker’s beautiful wife sang. Her long dark hair was held back from her face with a kerchief.

"I wish to go to the festival…" Cinderella smiled.

"More than riches," the baker and his wife sang.

"…and the ball." Cinderella clasped her hands together.

"I wish we had a child," the handsome baker sang as he reached a hand out for his wife.

"Please, pal…" Jack sang to his cow.

"I want a child," the baker’s wife took her husband’s hand and stepped close to him.

"Squeeze, pal."

Everyone looked out ahead of them as their voices began to over lap each other.

"I wish..." the four voices trailed off.

Cinderella’s stepmother and her two stepsisters walked over to stand beside her.

"You wish to go the festival?" the three women sneered.

"The poor girl’s mother had died," the narrator pointed out.

"You, Cinderella, the Festival? You wish to go to the Festival?" The stepmother scoffed. She wasn’t an attractive woman. She tried to make up for this with expensive dresses, large jewels, and heavy makeup.

"What, you, Cinderella, the Festival? The Festival?!" Florinda mocked.

"What, you wish to go to the Festival?!" Lucinda’s voice over lapped her sister’s.

" The Festival?! The King's Festival!!!??" The three women’s voices reached an almost high-pitched screech as they laughed together.

"…and her father had taken a new wife," the narrator continued.

"The festival?" the stepmother asked again.

"A woman with two daughters of her own." The narrator took off his glasses and began to polish them with a soft cloth he’d taken from his pocket.

Florinda sneered down at her stepsister, "Look at your nails."

"Look at your dress," Lucinda chimed in.

"People will laugh at you," her stepmother pointed out.

"She still wants to go to the festival and dance before the prince!" the three women mocked.

"All three women were beautiful, but vile and black of heart." The narrator pushed his glasses back into place. "On the other hand, Jack had no father, and his mother…"

A short overweight woman walked up behind Jack. Her hair was wiry and stands stuck out from under her kerchief.

"I wish," she sang, her voice slightly cracking.

"…well she was not quite beautiful."

"A warm environment might just be what milky-white needs to produce his milk," Jack explained.

"It's a she! How many times must a tell you? Only ‘she's’ can give milk."

There was a knock on the baker’s door and his beautiful wife went to answer the door.

"Why come in, little girl," she said.

A little girl with blonde curls who had yet to lose her baby fat walked in, her red hooded cape swinging slightly behind her.

"I wish…it’s not for me it’s for my granny in the woods…a loaf of bread, please. To bring my poor old hungry granny in the woods, a loaf of bread please," the little girl sang.

"Cinderella’s stepmother had a surprise for her," the narrator pointed out.

"I have emptied a pot of lentils into the ashes for you. If you have picked them out again in two hours' time, you shall go to the Ball with us."

"And perhaps a sticky bun…or four," the little girl reached out and began munching on a cookie.

"Birds in the sky, birds in the eaves, in the leaves, in the fields, and the castle and ponds." Cinderella sang.

"And a few of those pies," the little girl grabbed another cookie.

"No squeeze pal." Jack tried without luck to milk Milky White.

Birds flew down to Cinderella as she held up a small bowl.

"Quick little birds, flick through the ashes. Pick and peck, but swiftly, sift through the ashes. Into the pot!" She smiled and held the bowl out to the birds.

"Listen son," Jack’s mother said, "Milky White must be taken to the market."

"But mother, no! He’s the best cow-"

"Was. Was! She's been dry for a week. We've no food nor money and no choice but to sell her while she can still command a price."

"But Milky-White is my best friend in the whole world!" Jack whined.

"Look at her! There are bugs on her dungs. There are flies in her eyes. There’s a lump on her rump big enough to be hump…"

"But…"

"Son, we’ve no time to sit and dither, while her withers wither with her. And no one keeps a cow for a friend! Sometimes I fear you’re touched."

~*~

Little Red Riding Hood watched as the Baker and his wife gathered things together for her.

"Into the woods, it’s time to go, I hate to leave, I have to, though. Into the woods-it’s time and so I must begin my journey. Into the woods and through the trees to where I am expected, ma’am. Into the woods to Grandmother’s house." The little girl took a huge bite from a sweet cake, "Into the woods to Grandmother’s house."

"Are you certain of your way?" the Baker’s wife asked, concerned.

"The way is clear, the light is good," she smiled, snatching up cookies with each phrase, "I have no fear, nor no one should. The woods are just trees, the trees are just woods. I sort of hate to ask it, but do you have a basket?"

"Don’t stray and be late," the handsome Baker cautioned.

"And try and save some of those sweets for granny!"

"Into the woods and down the dell, the path is straight I know it well. Into the woods and who can tell what’s waiting on the journey? Into the woods to bring some bread to granny who is sick in bed. Never can tell what lies ahead. For all that I know she’s already dead…but into the woods!" the little girl shrugged, "Into the woods, into the woods, to grandmother’s house and home before dark!" The little girl grabbed one last sweet and ran out of the door.

The birds were done with their task and flew away, leaving Cinderella alone.

"Fly, birds. Back to the sky, back to the eaves and the leaves and the fields and the…"

"Hurry up and do my hair, Cinderella," Florinda sang as she walked into the room, followed closely by Lucinda.

"Are you really wearing that?" Lucinda asked her sister.

"Here, I found a little tear, Cinderella," Lucinda gestured towards her skirt, adding mockingly, "Can’t you hide it with a hat?"

"You look beautiful," Cinderella smiled, as she moved a stool behind Florinda.

"I know," Florinda said smugly.

"She means me." Lucinda replied.

Cinderella took a deep breath and stepped up on the stool. She rubbed her hand across her forehead, smudging soot across her face. She took Florinda’s hair in her hands and began to put it up.

"Mother said be good. Father said be nice. That was always their advice. So be nice, Cinderella, good Cinderella, nice, good, good, nice…" She jerked Florinda’s hair with each word.

"Tighter," Florinda growled.

"What’s the good of being good if everyone is blind, always leaving you behind? Never mind, Cinderella, kind Cinderella, nice, good, nice, kind, good, nice…" She jerked the hair she held in her hands harder, forcing Florinda’s head to jerk with it.

Florinda screamed in pain, and turned around and slapped Cinderella.

"Not that tight."

"Sorry," Cinderella whispered.

~*~

"Because the Baker had lost his mother and father in a baking accident – well at least that is what he believed – he was eager to have a family of his own, and concerned that all efforts until now had failed," the narrator spoke up once more.

There was a knock at the Baker’s door and the couple looked at each other confused.

"Who might that be?" the Baker wondered and walked to the door to see.

"We have sold our last loaf of bread," his wife said tiredly. She removed her kerchief and let her long, black hair fall about her shoulders.

"It’s the witch from next door!"

The Baker ran to his wife and the watched as the witch came into their home. The old crone (played by Willow) walked slowly into the room, her back hunched over due to her age. Her red hair was streaked with gray, falling in curls around her face and shoulders. She gripped her crooked walking stick with her long, knobby fingers. Her torn and tattered black dress and robe trailed behind her making a sound like a snake slithering across gravel.

"We have no bread," the baker’s wife stated.

"Of course you have no bread!" the witch spat.

"What-what do you wish?" the Baker stuttered.

"It’s not what I wish. It’s what you wish." The couple looked at each other, confused by the witch’s cryptic words, causing the witch to scowl. "Nothing cooking in there, is there?" the crone asked, pointing to the wife’s belly with her walking stick. She sighed exasperated and sat in a nearby chair.

"The old enchantress went on to tell the couple that she placed a spell on their house," the narrator explained.

"What spell?" the Baker asked.

"In the past, when you were no more than a babe, your father brought his young wife and you to this cottage. They were a handsome couple, but not handsome neighbors. You see, your mother was with child and had developed an unusual appetite. She took one look at my beautiful garden and told your father what she wanted more than anything in the world was - Greens, greens, and nothing but greens: Parsley, peppers, cabbages, and celery, Asparagus and watercress and Fiddle ferns and lettuce-! He said, ‘All right,’ But it wasn't, quite, 'cause I caught him in the autumn in my garden one night! He was robbing me, raping me, rooting through my rutabaga, raiding my arugula and my champion! My favorite! - I should have laid a spell on him right there! Could have turned him into a stone or a dog or a chair or a sn…" the old woman slipped into what looked like a epileptic fit but quickly recovered as if nothing had happened. "But I let him have the rampion - I'd lots to spare. In return, however, I said, ‘fair is fair: you can let me have the baby that your wife will bear. And we'll call it square.’"

"I had a brother?" the baker asked.

"Noooo! But you had a sister."

"But the witch refused to tell him any more of his sister. Not even that her name was Rapunzel," the narrator spoke softly, as if the others could hear his secret.

"I thought I had been more than reasonable," the witch continued, "and that we all might live happily ever after. But how was I to know what your father had also hid in his pocket?! You see, when I had inherited that garden, my mother had warned me I would be punished if I were ever to lose any of the beans."

"Beans?" the Baker and his wife asked.

"The special beans!" she cried. "I let him go I didn't know he'd stolen my beans!
I was watching him crawl Back over the wall- And the bang! Crash! And the lightning flash! And, well that's another story, never mind… Anyway, at last the big day came and I made my claim. ‘Oh don't take away the baby,’ they shrieked and screeched. But I did, and I hid her where she'll never be reached. And your father cried, and you mother died. When for extra measure - I admit it was a pleasure- I said, ‘Sorry, I'm still not mollified.’ And I laid a little spell on them… You too, son… That your family tree would always be a barren one!" the witch cackled. The baker’s wife cried out, sinking to her knees. The old witch laughed and the chair she sat on began to levitate.

"So there's no more fuss and there's no more scenes and my garden thrives…You should see my nectarines! But I'm telling you the same I tell Kings and Queens: don't ever never ever mess around with my greens! Especially the beans!" Her chair slowly lowered back to the floor.

~*~

"Now listen to me, Jack. Lead Milky-White to market and fetch the best price you can. Take no less than five pounds. Are you listening to me?" Jack’s mother slapped the back of his head.

"Yes."

"How much are you to ask?"

"No more than five…" The sharp pain of his mother pinching his ear cut his answer short.

"Less! Less than five!" She let go of his ear and sighed, "Jack, Jack, Jack, Jack, head in a sack. The house is getting colder. This is not a time for dreaming. Chimney-stack starting to crack… the mice are getting bolder… the floor’s gone slack. Your mother’s getting older, your father’s not back, and you can’t just sit here dreaming pretty dreams. To wish and wait from day to day will never keep the wolves away. So into the woods, the time is now. We have to live, I don’t care how. Into the woods to sell the cow, you must begin the journey. Straight through the woods and don’t delay-we have to face the market place. Into the woods to journey’s end…"

"Someday you’ll have a real pet, Jack."

"A piggy?"

~*~

"Meanwhile," the narrator laughed, "the witch, for purposes of her own, explained how the baker might lift the spell."

"You wish to have the curse reversed? I'll need a certain potion first. Go to the wood and bring me back: One: the cow as white as milk; Two: The cape as red as blood; Three: The hair as yellow as corn; Four: The slipper as pure as gold. Bring me these before the chime of midnight in three days' time, and you shall have, I guarantee, a child as perfect as child can be. Go to the wood!"

The Baker held his wife close, running his hand over her soft hair as the old witch left.

~*~

Cinderella’s stepmother walked into the room and smiled at her daughters.

"Ladies! The carriage awaits."

"Now may I go to the festival?" Cinderella asked, as she held out the full bowl of lentils to her stepmother.

"The festival?" she scoffed, "Darling, those nails! Darling, those clothes! Lentils are one thing but darling with those, you’d make us the fools of the festival and mortify the Prince!"

An older man walked into the room: Cinderella’s father. "The carriage is waiting."

"We must be gone," her stepmother said as she turned to leave.

"Goodnight, father," Cinderella said softly. Her father didn’t reply, merely grunted and left the room. "I wish…" Cinderella began to cry and sank to the floor, her heart breaking.

As the rest went over their plans of why they had to go into the wood: the Baker and his wife to find the ingredients for the witch’s spell; Jack to sell his beloved cow; and Little Red Riding Hood to visit her Grandmother, Cinderella pulled her knees close to her chest and cried. She felt lost and alone and she wished her mother were with her. She looked up suddenly as she realized what she could do.

"I know! I’ll visit mother’s grave, the grave at the hazel tree, and tell her I just want to go to the festival."

Her plan in place, she stood and wiped her tears from her face. She smiled, picking her shawl up from where she’d laid it on the floor earlier that day. With one last look around the room, Cinderella smiled and went to get her wish.

"Into the woods," her soft voice filling the room.

~*~

Chapter 6

INTO THE PLAY

Rating: PG13…at the moment…

Spoilers: BTVS season 4 and Steven Sondhiem play Into the Woods 

Summary: I was told to write a fic involving the gang and the Steven Sondhiem play Into the Woods. So her you go.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my Spikebot.

Author’s note: So I’ve been asked to make a cast list. At the end of Chapter 4 we had Xander and Cordy over in the baker’s area with Buffy in Cinderella’s "house". So As it stand so far the cast is such:

Cinderella-Buffy

Baker-Xander

Baker’s Wife-Cordy

Witch-Willow

Narrator-Giles

If you have any questions just drop me a line. Remember this is my first fic, so go easy on me. Also to those of you who know the play, I warn you that this is where I veer off course into my own little world.

Feedback sends me to the happy place

~*~

~*~

Cinderella made her way slowly through the darkening woods. In the distance, she saw a tall oak tree and smiled. She picked up her pace and when she reached the old tree she stopped and knelt before it.

"Cinderella had planted a branch at the grave of her mother and she visited often, and wept so much, that her tears watered it until it had become a handsome tree." The narrator gestured to the kneeling Cinderella then walked off into the forest.

"I’ve been good and I’ve been kind, mother, doing what I learned from you. Why then am I left behind, mother, is there something more that I should? What is wrong with me, mother? Something must be wrong. I wish…" A soft glow began to form high in the tree, stopping Cinderella short.

Slowly the figure of a kind and gentle woman appeared high above her. The form was far from solid, more mist than being.

"Mother?" Cinderella whispered.

"What, child? Specify. Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor and good fortune, though bad, can befall when least expected," Cinderella’s mother asked softly.

"I wish…"

"Do you know what you wish? Are you certain what you wish is what you want? If you know what you want, then make a wish. Ask the tree. And you shall have your wish." With these last words, the wispy figure of her mother vanished.

Cinderella wrapped her arms tightly around herself and gazed up to where the vision of her mother had been. She took a deep breath and slowly began to stand.

"Shiver and quiver little tree. Silver and gold rain down on me." A beautiful gown of gold and silver silk floated down from the leafy canopy. Cinderella held the dress against her and smiled as she sang, "I’m off to get my wish!" Gathering the dress protectively against her body, she turned and headed back off into the woods.

~*~

The tweed-covered narrator stepped out from behind a tree and smiled.

"Meanwhile, in another part of the wood," he spoke as he gestured towards Little Red Riding hood as she skipping happily along the trail.

Suddenly, a figure dressed in black jumped out in front of the little girl. His leather coat hung open, framing his pale, chiseled chest. His faded black jeans with holes worn in the knees, hugged his lean legs. His white, spiked hair provided a sharp contrast against his clothes drawing attention to his face. The ridges on his brow, the golden eyes, and sharp fangs seemed more sinister due to the smug smile that graced his face.

"Good day, young lady," he said, bowing deeply.

"Good day, Mr. Wolf," she smiled. She stepped around him and continued along her way.

The Wolf straightened and saw that the girl had moved. Quickly, he jumped in front of her path once more.

"Whither away so hurriedly?" he asked.

"To grandmother’s house," she answered and once again tried to resume her course, but the wolf stopped her yet again.

"And what might be in your basket?" He leaned down and sniffed at the basket then slowly stood and sniffed her neck.

"B-bread and wine," she stuttered, "so Grandmother will have something good to make her strong."

There was a sharp snap of a twig breaking somewhere in the dark. The Wolf looked up and scanned the darkness, but after seeing nothing he turned his attention back to the little girl.

"And where might your Grandmother live?" he asked, his husky voice dripping with sin. He ran his finger slowly under her chin, applying just enough pressure to get her to look at him.

"A good quarter of a league further in the woods; her house stands under three large oak trees." Her voice was light and breathy and her eyes were slightly glazed over.

The Wolf trailed his hand lightly down Little Red’s neck and down her arm. He tilted his head slowly to the side and the girl’s eyes fixed on the tip of his soft, pink tongue. She shook her head as if to clear it before continuing down the path away from The Wolf.

"Mmmmm." The Wolf ran his hands slowly down his thighs and licked his lips.

"Look at that flesh, pink and plump. Hello little girl…" His voice was deep and held such promise…promise of things hot and passionate. Things only found in the dark.

"Tender and fresh, not one lump. Hello little girl. This one’s especially lush, delicious…" He stretched the last word out, pulling it till it sounded like something from a private, dark language full of wicked words. He ran his hand slowly down his bare chest and shivered when he reached the waist of his jeans. He took two quick leaps and stood once more in front of Little Red.

"Hello, little girl, what’s your rush? You’re missing all the flowers." He put his arm around her shoulder and drew her close. "The sun won’t set for hours, take your time," he sang as he lowered his face to her neck.

Little Red’s breath caught in her throat and she quickly stepped away from The Wolf.

"Mother said, ‘Straight ahead, not to delay or be misled.’"

"But slow little girl, hark and hush," he stepped up behind her and this time drew her fully against his chest. "The birds are singing sweetly. You’ll miss the birds completely." He spun her around and brought her flush against his body. He lowered his face till his mouth was a mere breath from hers. His next words were nothing but a whisper, "You’re traveling so fleetly."

She closed her eye and leaned against him, and then as if she realized what she was about to do she quickly stepped out of his arms and smiled. She took a few steps away and tried to compose herself.

  "Grandmother first, then Miss plump…what a delectable couple. Utter perfection, one brittle, one supple," His voice reached a near orgasmic pitch. He looked over at the young girl and saw her walking away. "One moment, my dear!"

The little girl stopped and turned to look at him. Her breath was coming fast now and her face was flushed.

"Mother said, ‘come what may, follow the path and never stray.’" Her voice was beginning to waver, losing some of its surety.

The Wolf smiled and slowly began to stalk towards her.

"Just so, little girl…any path. So many worth exploring." He stood behind her and trailed his hands slowly down her arms till he held her hands in his. Then, he brought their arms up so they wrapped around her waist, placing a soft kiss on her neck causing her eyes to flutter shut. He smiled against her neck and his voice took on a soft, dreamy quality. "So many worth exploring. Just one would be so boring. And look what you’re ignoring…"

He turned them so that they were facing a small area covered with wildflowers. She opened her eyes and smiled. The Wolf let her go and she walked over and knelt beside them.

"Think of those crisp, aging bones, then something fresh on the palate. Think of that scrumptious carnality twice in one day!" He ran his hand down his bare chest again, and then further down his thighs. He dragged his fingers slowly back up his legs, his voice was becoming more urgent. "There’s no possible way…to describe how you feel, when you’re talking to your meal!"

"Mother said not to stray. Still, I suppose a small delay. Granny might like a fresh bouquet…" She stood and began to walk farther into the field. She stopped and looked back at The Wolf. "Goodbye, Mr. Wolf."

"Goodbye, little girl." He bowed and smiled when she was out of view. "And hello." He smiled just before throwing his head back and howling; his black duster gaped apart reveling more of his bare chest.

~*~

Cinderella was rushing back towards her house after visiting her mother’s grave. She was in such a hurry that she forgot to pay attention to where she was going. Somehow, she’d managed to veer off her usual path and now nothing seemed familiar. It was steadily getting darker and she was beginning to worry. She stopped and looked around hoping to see something that would lead her back when suddenly she heard voices. She moved towards them and saw a clearing in the distance. In the center of the clearing, a wolf appeared to be speaking to a young girl wearing a red cape.

The little girl walked off and when The Wolf turned away from the young girl, Cinderella inhaled sharply. He was beautiful. He had an aura around him, a sinister attraction. He exuded sexuality; a pure, animalistic sensuality. Yet there was something about him, something in the way he looked, the way he smiled.

She walked closer to the open field to get a better look and accidentally stepped on a fallen branch. She cringed at the sound and glanced up to see if she’d been heard. The Wolf was looking right at her, yet he didn’t seem to notice her. She held her breath and waited; soon The Wolf turned his attention back to the young girl.

She watched in fascination as he led the girl around, bending her to his will. She couldn’t help the pang of jealousy as she watched him pull the girl close to his chest. As she watched him run his hands down the young girl’s body, she felt her skin begin to flush and her heart began to beat out a staccato rhythm.

When he threw his head back and howled her breath caught. She shook her head and tried to forget all the images that had been swimming in her mind since the moment she saw him. Composing herself as best she could, she stepped out of the forest and into the clearing, heading to the path that cut across it.

Rating: PG13…at the moment…

Spoilers: BTVS season 4 and Steven Sondhiem play Into the Woods.

Summary: I was told to write a fic involving the gang and the Steven Sondhiem play Into the Woods. So her you go.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my Spikebot.

Author’s note: Sorry this one took me so long, it’s been in sane here in the real life. Thanks to who ever nominated my fic over at http://www.vkawards.vampires-kiss.net/ http://destined.to/lsawards and http://www.loveslastglimpse.com/awards/index.html 

So I’ve been asked to make a cast list. At the end of Chapter 4 we had Xander and Cordy over in the baker’s area with Buffy in Cinderella’s “house”. So As it stand so far the cast is such:

If you have any questions just drop me a line. Remember this is my first fic, so go easy on me. Also to those of you who know the play, I warn you that this is where I veer off course into my own little world. Thank you to everyone who sent me kind feedback, it meant a lot.

Feedback sends me to the happy place

The Wolf watched as the little girl skipped through the flowers, stopping every now and then to pick one. He thought of the wonderful supper he was going to have that night when a crash brought him out of his thoughts.

He turned around and saw a young woman sitting on the ground near the edge of the woods. She was brushing leaves and dirt off her dress, though The Wolf couldn’t see why she bothered. She was already dressed in filthy rags, so what was the point of brushing off the dirt?

She looked up and nodded at him. The Wolf’s heart nearly stopped. Her golden locks fell loosely about her face and her piercing green eyes held such fire.

“Hello, Mr. Wolf.”

“Hello. Looks as if you’ve had a bit of a fall.”

“You could say that, yes,” she frowned. She pushed herself to her feet and looked down at her golden dress lying on the ground. She reached down to pick it up and brushed it off gently.

“That’s a very lovely dress you have there,” The Wolf commented. He walked slowly towards the young woman.

“Thank you. I’m going to a ball tonight,” she said brightly.

“A ball, you say? Would this be at the King’s festival?” he inquired.

“Yes, it would.”

“And why, pray tell, would you be going?”

The young woman scowled at him and gathered her fallen things together. The Wolf could tell that he’d angered her and it worried him. He didn’t want this fiery beauty to be displeased with him.

“I only ask for you don’t seem the sort to go.”

This only seemed to anger her more. She glared defiantly up at him, and he had to force himself not to take a step back.

“I’ll have you know I’m just the sort of person that goes to these things. I deserve to go. I work and slave away, and I have just as much right to go as anyone else. I’ve earned my dues,” she spat.

The Wolf smiled at this, pleased to see that the fire in her eyes came from her soul.

“Forgive me, me lady,” he said bowing deeply. “I did not mean to offend. I simply meant that the people who go to such things are somewhat…flighty.”

“Flighty?” she asked. Some of her anger seemed to slip away with his apology.

“Yes…flighty. They put on airs and are not what they seem. They don’t care for anyone but themselves. They are not like you.”

“You don’t know anything about me,” she frowned.

“No…no perhaps not. But I think that we are more alike, you and I, than you are with them.” His smile was genuine, and he could see its effect on the young woman.

“May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?” he asked.

“Everyone calls me, Cinderella.”

“Tell me, Cinderella,” he spoke softly as he stepped closer to her. “If you’re going to this gala tonight, why are you in the woods?”

“I was…um,” Cinderella’s heart began to race as he drew closer, “I was visiting my mother’s grave.”

Cinderella felt a tear slide down her cheek. The Wolf wiped it softly away causing her to look up and smile.

“Well I should be heading home; I still have to get ready.”

They stood there looking into each other’s eyes for a moment more before she took a step away, breaking the spell.

“It would be my pleasure to walk you back. There are dangerous things in the woods you know.”

“I know,” she smiled and looked pointedly at him. “But I’d hate to take you away from your dinner plans.” Her eyes flicked to where the young girl in red had been.

“Dinner plans?” The Wolf asked confused. He followed her gaze and smiled. “Ah yes…well, it can wait.” He turned back to Cinderella and offered her his arm, which she paused for only a minute before taking.

With that they headed back off down the path together.

~*~

The Wolf walked Cinderella to her house and waited till she had entered before he started back into the woods. He had tried without success to convince her to stay with him, rather than attend the ball. He knew it was wrong, but for some reason he could only think of her, being with her, watching out for her. She had such power, such strength, but she was being forced to keep it in check.

He shook off all thoughts concerning her as he slipped into the darkening woods. He inhaled deeply and tried to pick up the scent of the little girl in the red cape. He snarled in frustration when he couldn’t find it. He thought perhaps he should make his way back to where he’d found her. There he would be able to find her scent and see if she had begun her way to her grandmother’s.

Near the edge of the clearing he picked up a scent, the scent of aged meat. He made his movements more precise, more fluid. His footsteps made no noise; he gave nothing away.

Kneeling in the darkness at the edge of the clearing he saw a man and woman arguing. He slowed his breathing and listened to the angry words filling the air.

The couple was arguing about a spell laid upon their house and also about the ingredients to another spell that would lift it. A young man with a dilapidated white cow came down the path and walked past the arguing couple. The couple stopped arguing when they saw the young man.

He watched as they tricked the young man into selling his cow for a few “magic” beans.

“Magic beans,” The Wolf scoffed, “some fools will believe anything.”

After the sad young man left, the couple began to talk again of what else they needed now that they had the cow. When The Wolf heard them mention a cape as red as blood he remembered why he’d gone back to the clearing. Making his way towards the young girl’s grandmother’s house, he left the young couple to their own devices.

~*~

Later that night, the baker’s wife made her way slowly through the woods with the milky white cow. As she made her way past a fallen log, a young woman in a beautiful silver and gold dress came crashing through the woods. She seemed to lose her footing and fell abruptly to the ground.

“Are you alright?” she asked the fallen woman.

“Yes,” Cinderella said taking a deep breath, “I’m fine. I just need to catch my breath.”

“That’s a beautiful gown, were you at the King’s Festival?”

“What?” Cinderella asked as she stood up, “Oh yes. Yes, I was.”

“My, aren’t you the lucky one,” the baker’s wife commented as she admired the dress. “Why ever are you in the woods at this hour?”

Cinderella was about to answer when the sound of voices not far off stopped her short. She looked startled and ran to hide behind a tree.

“Please,” she begged, “don’t say anything.”

“What?” But before the baker’s wife could get her answer, the trumpeting sound of fanfare filled the glen.

A Prince and his steward came into view. The baker’s wife dropped quickly to her knees and bowed. The Prince came to stand before her, his gaze taking in the whole glen. The Prince was the epitome of tall, dark and handsome. His short black hair and broad shoulders made him a powerful vision. Finally, his dark gaze fell on the Baker’s Wife.

“Have you seen a beautiful young woman in a ball gown pass through?” He asked. His voice was deep and powerful.

The baker’s wife stole a glance up at the prince, but quickly averted her gaze.

“I don’t think so, sir.”

“I think I see her over there,” the steward said as he pointed to the far side of the glen.

The prince motioned for the steward to go and look. The prince cast one more glance at the kneeling baker’s wife. His eye’s roamed over her, taking her all in. It was an animalistic look: dark, passionate, powerful. But since it was only a glance, in his mind, he quickly turned and made his way over to his steward. As he walked away the baker’s wife allowed her own gaze to take in the retreating form of the prince, and the way his dress uniform clung tightly to his body.

When the Prince and his steward were out of view, Cinderella made her way over to the still kneeling woman.

“I’ve never lied to royalty before,” the baker’s wife said. Her voice held a hint of humor as well as satisfaction.

“Thank you.”

“If a prince were chasing me,” she said as she stood up, “I certainly wouldn’t hide.”

“Well…what brings you here--and with a cow?” Cinderella asked pointing to the old, white cow that was munching slowly on a patch of grass.

“Oh, my husband's somewhere in the woods. He is undoing a spell,” she said with unabashed pride.

“Oh?” Cinderella was quite impressed.

“Oh yes,” she smiled, “Now the Prince, what was he like?”

“And?”

“And—It’s a very nice ball.”

“And?”

“And—When I entered they trumpeted.” Cinderella walked over and sat on a fallen log.

“And?” she asked as she sat next to Cinderella. “The Prince?”

“Oh the Prince…”

“Yes the Prince,” she looked over and smiled in the direction the prince had gone.

“Well… he’s tall,” she said after a moment of thinking.

“Is that all? Did you dance? Is he charming? They say that he’s charming,” The baker’s wife could hardly contain her excitement.

“Yes? And?”

“And it made a nice change,” she smiled.

“No, the Prince.”

“Oh, the Prince,” Cinderella sighed.

“Yes, the Prince.”

“Guess?”

“Are you to return to the festival tomorrow?” The baker’s wife inquired.

“Perhaps.”

“Perhaps?” she laughed, “Oh, to be perused by a prince. All that peruses me is tomorrow’s bread.” The chime of a far off church bell rang the first tone of midnight. “What I wouldn’t give to be in your shoes.”

The second chime rang and Cinderella looked off into the distance.

“Will you look over there? An enormous vine is growing from behind that cottage.”

The baker’s wife’s gaze was caught not by the bean stalk, but by the glimmer of gold from Cinderella’s slippers.

“I mean…slippers,” she said in awe.

“It looks like a giant bean stalk growing into the sky,” Cinderella said, unaware of the woman kneeling at her feet.

“As pure as gold?”

“I must return home,” Cinderella said. She turned quickly and made her way quickly down the path.

“WAIT!” The baker’s wife called, “I need your shoes!” she pleaded. She was about to run after her when Milky White mooed and began to go down the opposite way on the path.

“No!” she cried and turned quickly to run after the escaping cow.

~*~

The Wolf was making his way quickly towards Riding Hood’s grandmother’s when an intoxicating scent crossed his path. He stopped short and took a deep breath.

“Cinderella,” he sighed.

His body shivered with near pleasure. He turned quickly and followed her scent. He found her moving quickly down the path. Picking up his pace, he came out of the woods to stand in front of her on the path.

She was so focused on making it home as soon as she could, that she didn’t see The Wolf when he stepped in front of her. She collided hard into him, and if his arms hadn’t wrapped quickly around her, she would have fallen. She braced herself against him, her hands gripping his shoulders.

“Hello, milady,” The Wolf said softly.

Cinderella fought to steady her breathing, for she knew only half of her breathlessness was from the shock of running into someone.

“Hello, Mr. Wolf,” she felt proud that her voice came out only slightly out of breath.

“And where are you off to so quickly?” He leaned down every so slightly.

“Home.”

“But the night is so young.”

“I’m very tired. I have been dancing all night.”

The Wolf inhaled deeply and picked up something he didn’t like; the scent of a man. A low growl rumbled from his chest.

“With who?”

“The Prince.”

The growl deepened till his body vibrated. Cinderella closed her eyes against the sensation.

“I left him, though,” she added quickly. She wasn’t sure why she felt she should explain herself to him. But The Wolf smiled when he heard that she left the prince. It was such a pure and happy smile; she wondered what she wouldn’t do to see him smile like that more.

He brushed a stray lock of her blonde hair behind her ear. She closed her eyes and leaned slightly into his touch. She gave herself a little shake and took a step away from The Wolf. His smile faltered a bit, and she almost stepped back into his arms so she could fix his smile.

“I...I really must get home.”

He bowed deeply and stepped out of her way. He offered her his arm and smiled, but it wasn’t the same one from a moment ago.

“Then allow me to escort you home. There are still dangerous things about.”

She took his arm and smiled.

“Don’t worry,” she patted his arm, “I’ll protect you.”

The Wolf threw his head back and laughed. Cinderella laughed along with him as they made their way down the path.

~*~

Rating: PG13…at the moment…

Spoilers: BTVS season 4 and Steven Sondhiem play Into the Woods.

Summary: I was told to write a fic involving the gang and the Steven Sondhiem play Into the Woods. So here you go.

Disclaimer: I own nothing…sad really…

Author’s note: This is dedicated to my beloved Bloodshedbaby and my precious beta, Spikeskat.. Thanks to who ever nominated my fic over at http://www.vkawards.vampires-kiss.net/ http://destined.to/lsawards and http://www.loveslastglimpse.com/awards/index.html please, please, please go vote. I won Judge’s Choice at the VK awards!!! Hehehehe…sorry…gave me a happy.

So I’ve been asked to make a cast list. So as it stands so far, the cast is such:

If you have any questions just drop me a line. Remember this is my first fic, so go easy on me. Also to those of you who know the play, I warn you that this is where I veer off course into my own little world. Thank you to everyone who sent me kind feedback, it meant a lot.

Feedback sends me to the happy place

The Wolf paced back and forth at the edge of the woods in front of Cinderella’s home. He knew the festival would continue tonight, and with it another ball. He also knew that Cinderella would attend and that bothered him more than he liked. There was a perfectly good young girl out there with her aged granny just waiting to be his next meal. But this girl, this Cinderella, had distracted him. So why was he there now? Why was he pacing in front of this girl’s house? Simple. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. She was in his thoughts, his dreams; he was very nearly drowning in her.

“You’re wearing a ditch into the ground.”

The Wolf stopped and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes as her scent enveloped him.

“You smell wonderful,” he said quietly. He turned around slowly, opening his eyes. “And you look even more wonderful, if that could be possible.” Her hair was swept up on top of her head, but she had let a few loose curls fall gently around her face. The moonlight shown brightly off her gown.

“You flatter me.”

“You deserve that and so much more,” he said as he reached for her hand. He bent slowly over her hand and brushed his lips very softly against her skin. He felt the small involuntary shiver that ran through her, and he couldn’t help but smile.

He stood up slowly and nearly forgot to breathe at the sight that greeted him. Her lips were slightly parted, and her eyes seemed to have darkened with the reflection of The Wolf’s own feelings.

Cinderella felt The Wolf began to draw her closer and part of her wanted nothing more than to lean into him, but she knew she couldn’t.

“You are too kind, Mr. Wolf,” she said withdrawing her hand from his. “You did not tell me what you were doing here.”

“I was…”

“Yes?”

“I was waiting for you, of course.”

“Me? Why?”

“To see if you would join me tonight.”

“Join you? Where?” She asked skeptically.

“My world,” he whispered. Slowly, he covered the few feet separating them. He leaned down so that his breath tickled along the side of her neck. “Come try my world on. Though this gown is lovely, my world would suit you much better. This world is not where you belong, you don’t fit here, come with me.”

Cinderella stepped away from The Wolf and frowned.

“We’ve discussed this before, you and I. You tried to convince me I didn’t belong. I told you that I did. I deserve to be in this world.”

“No, you don’t,” he sighed. The moment the world left his mouth, he knew he’d misspoken.

“I don’t?” she asked shocked.

“I said that wrong. I meant-“

“I know what you meant. Goodnight, Mr. Wolf.” She turned and began to walk into the woods towards the castle.

The Wolf flexed his claws by his side, his jaw clenched, and he gritted his teeth in an attempt to get his rage under control as she left him standing there.

~*~

“Don’t look at me!” the old witch cried, “Get the cape!”

The frightened baker looked between the old crone and the young girl with the red cape. It was the second night and so far all he and his wife had found was the milky white cow. He’d only just stepped into the glen when he saw the young girl. He was trying to decide what to do when the old witch appeared beside him.

“How have you survived this long?” she asked, her voice dripping with disgust. “Get the CAPE!” She gave him one hard shove towards the young girl.

“Old crone,” he mumbled.

“I heard that!”

“Hello! Little girl! What are you doing here in the wood?” he asked as he neared her.

“Oh…hello,” she smiled, “I’m on my way to Granny’s.”

“I thought you were making your way there yesterday.”

“Well I was…I was distracted. You see there was this wolf-“

“Wolf?” the baker asked, shocked. “You should be careful.”

“Oh I know...I know that now,” she sighed. Her eyes began to glaze over, and a peaceful smile graced her face.

“Um…right. Well, maybe I should walk with you to your Granny’s. Make sure you get there this time.”

“Hmm?” She turned to him as if coming out of a trance. “Oh, no, I should be fine, thank you.”

“I insist.” He took her arm and led her down the path.

“Idiot,” the Witch sighed.

~*~

In another part of the woods, Cinderella’s dark prince continued his search. He couldn’t believe she’d run from him. No woman had ever shunned his dark allure before. So focused on his mission was he, that he didn’t notice his brother walking down the path towards him.

“Ah, there you are, good brother. Father and I had wondered where you had gone.”

He was slightly younger than his brother, but the family resemblance was unmistakable. Tall, broad shoulders, strong facial features… but whereas his brother had black hair, his was light brown. And while his brother’s eyes were filled with a dark passion, his seemed…dull. He had the air of someone who was sweet, kind, and gentle. But other than that, he seemed so bland.

”I have been looking all night for her.”

“Her?”

“The beautiful one I danced the evening with.”

“Where did she go?” the younger prince asked.

“Disappeared, like the fine morning mist.”

“She was lovely.”

“The loveliest.”

“I am not certain of that! I must confess,” the younger prince smiled, “I, too, have found a lovely maiden. She lives here in the woods.”

“The woods?”

“Yes. In the top of a tall tower that has no door or stairs.”

“Where?” Cinderella’s prince asked.

“Two leagues from here, due east just beyond the mossy knoll,” his brother replied.

“And how do you manage a visit?” he asked, his dark eyes sparkling with mirth.

“I stand beneath her tower and say ‘Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair to me.’ And she lowers the longest, most beautiful head of hair - yellow as corn - which I use to climb to her.”

“Rapunzel, Rapunzel!” Cinderella’s Prince laughed, “What kind of name is that? You jest! I have never heard of such a thing.”

“I speak the truth,” he said defensively. “She is as true as your maiden. A maiden running from a prince? None would run from us.”

“Yet one has.” His dark eyes focused on some point in the distance. “Did I abuse her or show her disdain? Why does she run from me? If I should lose her, how shall I regain the heart she has won from me? Agony! Beyond power of speech. When the one thing you want, is the only thing out of your reach.”

“High in her tower she sits by the hour maintaining her hair,” the younger prince smiled, “Blithe and becoming, and frequently humming a light hearted air, ‘ah-ah0ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah’. Agony! Far more painful than yours,” he turned to his brother, “when you know she would go with you, if there only were doors.”

Cinderella’s prince walked over and put his arm around his brother’s shoulders.

“Agony, they sang together, “Oh, the torture they teach!”

“What’s as intriguing,” Rapunzel’s prince pondered.

“Or half so fatiguing,” he sighed.

“As what’s out of reach,” they both sang, their arms reaching out into the distance.

“Am I not sensitive, clever, well mannered, considerate, passionate, charming as kind as I’m handsome, and heir to a throne?” the older prince questioned.

“You know nothing of madness,” the younger prince scoffed, “’til you’re climbing her hair and you see her up there and you’re nearing her, all the while hearing her, ‘ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah’.”

“Agony!” they cried.

“Though it’s different for each,” they bowed to each other.

“And she’s just out of reach,” they reached once more into the distance. “Agony! That can cut like a knife,” they sighed, “I must have her to wife.”

“Well, godspeed, my brother,” the younger prince held out his arm which his brother grasped.

“And you.”

They separated and headed down different parts of the path.

The baker’s wife, who had remained hidden and unnoticed by the two princes, came out from her hiding place. She heard the younger prince mention a girl with hair as yellow as corn and knew she had to find it for the spell.

“Two princes! Each more handsome than the other.” She started down the path after the darker of the two. She stopped after only a few steps and sighed. “No…get the hair.”

~*~

After retrieving the hair, the baker’s wife continued her search for the other ingredients. She felt terrible for losing the cow the night before. It had run off after she had met the young maiden. The same maiden, in fact, who just took a spill in front of her.

“You do take plenty of spills, don’t you?” the baker’s wife asked, looking down at the young maiden. One of her golden slippers had fallen off and was now lying within reach. She bent down to pick up the fallen slipper.

“Hello. It's these slippers. They're not suited for these surroundings. Actually they're not much suited for dancing either.”

“I'd say those slippers were as pure as gold,” she held the slipper out so that the moonlight shone off it.

“Yes,” she said as she stood up, “they’re all you could wish for in beauty.” She reached out and took the slipper back.

“What I wouldn’t give for just one,” she stared longingly at the slipper.

“One isn’t likely to do you much good.” She put the slipper back on and walked over to a larger boulder and sat down. Noticing a leaf caught in her long blonde hair she began checking for any other stray forest foliage.

“Was the ball as wonderful as last evening’s?” the baker’s wife asked, gesturing to Cinderella’s gown.

“Yes? And?”

“And…They have far too much food.”

“No, the Prince.”

“Oh, the Prince.”

“Yes, the Prince.”

“Oh? Who?” she asked excited.

“Oh? How?” she seemed even more excited.

“Yes? And?”

“He must really have taken a liking to you.”

“I have no experience with princes, castles, and gowns,” she sighed.

“Nonsense, every girl dreams-”

“SIR! LOOK!” a man’s voice called out from behind them.

Cinderella and the baker’s wife turned to look and saw the Prince’s steward followed quickly by the Prince himself. Cinderella gasped in fear. She stood quickly and looked around her for a place to run.

“Yes! There she is! Move! Move! MOVE!” the Prince commanded.

“I have to run,” Cinderella said to no one in particular.

The baker’s wife lunged out for Cinderella’s foot and grabbed her slipper.

“I must have your shoe!” she cried.

“Stop that!”

“I need to have a baby!”

“I need to get out of here!”

There was a loud crash as someone burst through the trees next to them. Cinderella took her eyes off the woman writhing on the ground, struggling to remove her shoe, to see The Wolf standing near her. Before she could ask for his help, he reached down and slapped the woman’s hand away from her feet. He looked over to where the sounds of the Prince and his men steadily grew louder. Glancing back at Cinderella, he searched her eyes for something. Anything that might tell him what she wanted him to do, what he hoped she wanted him to do.

She looked frightened, distressed, lost. That was all he needed. Faster than her eyes could follow, he picked her up, grabbing a fist full of her dress so that it wouldn’t drag or trip him as he ran. And run he did, his long leather coat sweeping behind him like a dark cloud. He ran fast, carrying her away from the oncoming men.

ating: R? well it will be eventually.

Spoilers: BTVS season 4 and Steven Sondhiem play Into the Woods.

Summary: I was told to write a fic involving the gang and the Steven Sondhiem play Into the Woods. So here you go.

Author’s note: It’s all lies, I own everything…the rest of the world just doesn’t know it yet…okay well I don’t, but I can dream.

I know, I know…it’s been ages since I update. I beg your forgiveness. Feel free to spank me. No, no, please do ;-) I want to thank everyone for the lovely feedback. Thanks for taking the time. And to everyone who sent an e-mail asking after me, well you hold a special place in my heart now.

I had thought of giving up writing this because of some reviews I’d gotten. I just had too much going on in my life to deal with that kind of drama. But then I remembered this is my damn fic and I’ll do what ever I please with it *insert evil grin here*. This Bloodshedbaby wanted me to keep writing this for her, so that’s what I’m doing. I dedicate this update to all my sisters over at House of Bloodshed.

As I’ve done with every update, here is the cast of characters. Oh and to clear up some misunderstandings 1. Anya is not in the play. As stated earlier in the fic she did not go with them to the theater. 2. Tara is not in the fic at all. It’s not that I don’t love her to bits; I just didn’t write her in.

The Wolf: Spike

Cinderella: Buffy

Cinderella’s Prince: Angel

Baker: Xander

Baker’s Wife: Cordy

Witch: Willow

Narrator: Giles

Rupunzel’s Prince: Reily

Feedback sends me to the happy place

Chapter 8

Cinderella clung to The Wolf as he ran through the dark woods, dodging around trees and jumping over fallen logs. He ran too close to an outstretched limb and as they passed the limb grazed Cinderella’s arm. He stopped running when he heard her sharp yelp of pain.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“My arm,” she said looking down at the small wound. “A branch cut me, I think.”

“Let me see,” he said as he set her down on her feet.

The cut, perhaps two inches long, ran along her arm. The dress she wore was indeed beautiful, but having no sleeves her arms had been left unprotected. The Wolf made a low rumble of anger at both the impracticality of the dress and also at himself for allowing her to be hurt.

He raised her arm up to his face and inhaled the rich scent of her blood. Images in his mind flashed too quickly for him to really perceive or understand them. He shook his head to dispel them and lowered his mouth to the wound. Cinderella jerked her arm away and stared at The Wolf.

“What are you doing?” she demanded.

“I need to clean the wound or it will get infected. Do you want that to happen?” he growled.

“No, but-“

“Then quit arguing for one bloody minute and come here. Not everything is as it seems, you know.”

“I know, it’s just-“

The Wolf growled in frustration and threw his arms up in the air.

“I’m just trying to help you!”

“Well maybe I don’t need your kind of help,” she said defensively.

The Wolf turned sharply to look at her. She took a step back from him at the look she saw on his face. It was a mixture of anger, confusion, but most of all, hurt.

“My kind of help?” he asked quietly. “My kind of help? That’s not what you were saying a few minutes ago, princess.” He spat out the last word as if it were something vile on his tongue.

“Yes I know, but-“

“Maybe I should have just left you there. Why were you running away at all? It’s what you always wanted isn’t it?” The Wolf snarled. “You wanted the light and the ball. Couldn’t stand to be in the dark with me, had to have your prince-“

“It’s not what I wanted!” she yelled.

The Wolf looked at her stunned at her sudden out burst.

“What?” he asked.

“Wanting a ball is not wanting a prince,” she said.

“But you said-“

“I know what I said.”

“What happened back there?” he asked taking a few steps closer to her.

“He’s a very nice Prince. He’s a prince who prepares. Knowing this time I’d run from him, he spread pitch on the stairs.”

“Pitch?” The Wolf laughed.

“I was caught unawares,” she explained. “And I thought, ‘Well he cares. This is more than just malice. Better stop and take stock while you’re standing here stuck on the steps of the palace.’”

Cinderella slapped The Wolf lightly on the arm when he began to laugh.

“You think, ‘What do you want?’ You think, ‘Make a decision.’ Why not stay and be caught? You think, ‘Well, it’s a thought.’ What would be his response? But then what if he knew who you were when you know that you’re not what he thinks he wants?”

The Wolf tried to follow her train of thought because she looked so upset now. He couldn’t imagine anyone not being able to see who she truly was. All one had to do was look into her eyes to her soul.

“And then what if you are what a prince would envision?” she continued. "Although how can you know who you are till you know what you want, which you don’t.” Tears began to falls softly from her eyes.

The Wolf reached out to her but she turned away before he could reach her. She motioned to the woods around her.

“So then which do you pick: When you’re safe, out of sight, but where everything’s wrong? Or: Where everything’s right,” she gestured towards the direction of the castle, “but you know that you’ll never belong.” The last words came out as little more than a whisper. “And whichever you pick, do it quick, ‘cause you’re starting to stick to the steps of the palace.” She tried to joke, but failed when she was force to swallow a sob.

The Wolf wanted nothing more than to go to her, but he knew this was something she needed to get out on her own. She continued on, her back still to him.

“It’s your first big decision, the choice isn’t easy to make. To arrive at a ball is exciting and all, once you’re there though it’s scary. And it’s fun to deceive when you know you can leave, but you better be wary. There’s a lot that’s at stake, but you’ve stalled long enough ‘cause you’re still standing stuck in the stuff on the steps...” It was obvious that it was becoming harder for her to speak through her tears. The Wolf made his way slowly to where Cinderella stood. “Better run along home and avoid the collision. Even though they don’t care-“

Cinderella finally broke under the weight of her tears and would have fallen to the ground had it not been for The Wolf. He wrapped his strong arms around her and guided them both carefully to the ground. He held her against him, rocking her slowly as she cried. He lulled her with soft, nonsense words and the gentle rhythm of his hand stroking her back. Cinderella’s tears began to slow and then finally stopped.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“For what, pet?”

“For yelling at you, not trusting you.”

“Hush now, it’s alright. Big Bad remember? Wouldn’t think as highly of you if you went off trusting every evil thing that comes along.”

“You’re not evil.”

He turned her around so that he could see her face.

“Take that back. I’m right evil, I am.”

She smiled and leaned forward to kiss his cheek.

“Of course you are,” she mocked. The Wolf scowled as she smiled. “Help me up?”

“Should leave you sitting on the ground,” he grumbled as he helped her stand.

She began to brush the dirt and leaves off of her dress but the movement aggravated her wound and she winced.

“See that? Gone and hurt yourself more. Give us your arm then,” he said, taking hold of her.

She didn’t fight him this time, merely allowed him to raise the wound to his mouth.

“Gone and clotted already,” he scowled, “I’ll need to open it back up so it can be cleaned.”

Before she could ask what he meant The Wolf ran his tongue along the wound. The feeling sent a shiver through her body The Wolf couldn’t help but notice.

“Not gonna bite you, love,” he said without looking up.

He latched his mouth around the wound and began to suck at the wound. The fresh clot broke free and he began to lick the wound in slow, long swaths. Cinderella gasped at the sensation of The Wolf’s mouth against her skin, the soft feel of his tongue.

The moment the rich blood touched his tongue, The Wolf was once again assailed with images he couldn’t understand. Images of people he didn’t know; images of the baker and his wife only they were different. The old witch that roamed the woods…young and beautiful though strangely shy. He saw himself fighting with the princes, though they too were different. The prince that had been following Cinderella seemed to be a wolf like himself. Cinderella…he saw her. Full of fire and grace. He saw himself fighting alongside her, as well as against her. He watched as she drove stakes into the hearts of other wolves.

“You could,” she whispered.

The Wolf drew away from her arm and looked into her eyes. The vision of her kept changing from the girl standing in front of him to the one he saw fighting in his mind.

“What?” he asked.

“Bite me,” she whispered. She reached her free hand out and her fingers lightly along his sharp cheek bones and they raised ridges of his forehead.

Before he could realize what he was doing he had her body pressed flush against his. He’d fisted his hand in her hand and pulled her head to the side so that her neck was fully exposed. He licked a long wet line up her delicate throat and she shivered against him, pressing her body closer to his. The heady mixture of her arousal mixed with the scent of her blood was an intoxicating mixture. He trailed his sharp canines along her pale throat.

“Buffy,” he whispered.

“Stop!!” a voice cried out from the distance.

Cinderella turned sharply to see who had called and in the process grazed her neck against The Wolf’s fangs.

The Wolf licked the blood and then all the images in his mind finally clicked into place.

“Buffy?” Spike whispered.

Rating: R? well it will be eventually.
Spoilers: BTVS season 4 and Steven Sondhiem play Into the Woods.
Summary: I was told to write a fic involving the gang and the Steven
Sondhiem play Into the Woods. So here you go.
Author's note: It's all lies, I own everything…the rest of the world
just doesn't know it yet…okay well I don't, but I can dream.
I know, I know…it's I'm so bad about updating. Blame it all on RL,
it's a bitch. I want to thank everyone for the lovely feedback. Thanks
for taking the time. And to everyone who sent an e-mail asking after
me, well you hold a special place in my heart now.
This chapter is dedicated to my lovely Bloodshedbaby. She is my joy
and my heart. I'll be wrapping this fic up soon and it's really thanks
to her. Credit also goes to the beautiful Spikeskat, without her I
would surely be lost.
As I've done with every update, here is the cast of characters.
The Wolf: Spike
Cinderella: Buffy
Cinderella's Prince: Angel
Baker: Xander
Baker's Wife: Cordy
Witch: Willow
Narrator: Giles
Rupunzel's Prince: Riley
Feedback sends me to the happy place



"Buffy, what's going on?" Spike looked around at his surroundings.

"Woods. We're in the woods. Why are we in the woods?"

"What?" Cinderella turned back to The Wolf. "I came for the ball, remember?"

"Ball? What Ball? Buffy, what are you talking about?" Spike looked
down at the slayer he held in his arms. "And what the bloody hell are
you wearing?"

"It's the Prince and his men! Quick you have to run!"

"Run? Why? Buffy what's going on?"

"They must have seen us," she reached her hand up to her neck. "They
thought you were hurting me."

"You're bleeding." Spike forgot about everything else and focused on
the small wound at Buffy's neck. It was barely more than a scratch,
but it still worried him.

"Yes, I know. I grazed myself on your fangs."

"My what!" Spike finally noticed the taste in his mouth, blood. More
to the point, Slayer blood. Buffy's blood.

"Please you must hurry! Run!" Cinderella pleaded with him. She pressed
her hands against his chest and tried to push him away.

Spike looked down at her hands against his bare chest and suddenly his
thoughts were of things having nothing to do with finding out what the
hell was going on. But still a question perplexed him.

"Buffy, where's my shirt?"

"Halt!" a voice called from the woods.

Spike looked up to see who was running towards them.

"Angel?"

"Oh no! They've found us! Please you must run!" Cinderella begged.

"Buffy, I don't know what the hell is going on, but I'll be damned if
I'll run off anywhere without you!"

Leaving nothing more to be said, Spike picked her up and ran as fast
as he could through the trees.

~*~

"Don't hear them anymore," Spike said. "Must have lost them."
Cinderella laughed as The Wolf set her down.

"What?" he asked.

"It's nothing. It's just that that's the second time you've done that tonight."

"Done what?"

"Carried me off." Cinderella couldn't help but blush as she looked at The Wolf.

"What are you on about?" Spike stared at her in utter confusion.

"You really were amazing. The prince and his men must be leagues
behind us," Cinderella smiled, seemingly unaware of her savior's
confusion.

"The Prince? Who Peaches? Since when is the great poof a prince? Ponce
yes, prince no."

"What has gotten into you, Mr. Wolf?"

"Wolf? Buffy what are..." Spike's voice trailed off as things started
to become clear.

She had called him "Mr. Wolf". She though Angel was a prince. He let
his eyes roam over her body, taking in everything. She blushed under
his scrutiny, but he didn't acknowledge it. Finally, the ball gown she
was wearing made sense. She said she'd gone to the ball.

"Cinderella?" he asked.

"Yes, Mr. Wolf?"

"Balls," he cursed.

Spike took in a deep breath as he took in his surroundings. He
remembered going to the theater with the Slayer and her little band of
misfits. They were standing on the stage when a spotlight had flicked
on. Captain Cardboard had run off to see who had turned it on while
he, Spike, had gone backstage. That was all he could remember.

A strange scent assailed his senses and he took another deep breath.
There, hidden under the smell of pine trees, moss, and soil was a
familiar smell; the smell of a theater. Hard to describe to anyone who
wasn't familiar with the stage. It was a mixture of polished wood,
greasepaint, mothballs and something else; something that couldn't be
put into words.

"Now, that's interesting," Spike mumbled.

"What is?" Cinderella asked.

Spike shook his head. How was he going to explain this to her? Somehow
they'd become trapped in the play, and he seemed to be the only one
who knew it. He was trapped in the woods with a Slayer in a ball gown.

He wasn't sure how things could get any worse.

Too wrapped up in his own thoughts of how to explain things, like the
smell of the theater, Spike didn't notice as Buffy came to stand next
to him. Placing a hand on his arm for balance, she leaned up and
placed a soft kiss on his cheek. Startled, Spike looked down at her
smiling face.

"I never thanked you for what you did," she said.

"What I did?"

"Yes," she nodded, "Carrying me away like that; rescuing me without
asking me to explain." She reached up and placed her hand on the side
of his face, her thumb caressing his broad cheekbones.

"For holding me while I cried. You understood why I had to go to the
ball, though I know you didn't like it."

Spike was lost in her words and actions and couldn't think of anything
else. He realized when she touched him that he was still in game face,
but he couldn't have cared less.

"You said I belonged out here with you, but you let me go. You didn't
pressure me or demand anything of me. Not like everyone else." She
took a step back from him and let her hand fall to her side. "Everyone
thought they were so sure of my place, and they did everything they
could to keep me there.

"I've spent so many years taking care of others," she turned and
looked in the direction they'd just come from, "I wanted something
more."

Spike was amazed by what she was saying. It was no wonder that she'd
become Cinderella under this spell. But it begged the question, why
had he become the Wolf? And knowing the play as he did, he wondered
what had happened to bring the two of them together since the two
characters never met. Something must have drawn them together, and as
he listened, watched her move, this woman he cared so deeply for, he
knew what it was.

They'd changed the story to match their own. It would seem that no
matter what world they were in, deep down, they would be the same
people.

"You told me I wasn't one of them, never would be," she said.

"You're better than them," he said as he stepped toward her.

"I don't know about that," she smiled weakly.

"But I do." Spike put his hand gently on her shoulder. When she faced
him he cupped her chin with his free hand. "Sla-Cinderella. You
protect the people you care for as well as those you don't. That makes
you better than them. There's nothing wrong with wishing." He smiled
as he remembered their conversation in the alleyway. He'd asked her
then if she wished for a different life.

"You have to be careful what you wish for is all."

"I wished for a ball, not a prince."

"I know," Spike smiled.

"I told you that I wasn't sure what I really wanted."

Spike nodded even though he couldn't really remember that
conversation. A cloud was beginning to lift from his mind, and he was
starting to remember what had happened while he'd been under the
spell.

"The point isn't always knowing what you want, kitten. Make the best
of what you've got. You have people that love you and would do
anything for you."

"Who?" she asked quietly.

"Me," he whispered, only realizing the full meaning of his confession
when he looked into her eyes.

"Mr. Wolf. I-" she began.

He forgot for a moment that he wasn't talking to his Slayer, and the
realization of his feelings had made Spike slip. He kissed her hard
and fast pulling her to him. He couldn't bear to hear her call him
something other than his name. Slowly, he softened the kiss as he
realized that this might be the only time he would be allowed to kiss
her. After Willow's spell he never thought he'd be able to touch the
Slayer's soft lips again. He found Heaven in the feel of her body
against his, the taste of her lips and the heady scent that was
unmistakably his slayer.

A soft growl of disappointment escaped his lips as he felt her pull
away from him. The soft smile and somewhat glossy look to her eyes
made him want her even more. But she wasn't his Slayer, and he wanted
her back.

"Come on. We need to find a way out of here. I can smell the theater,
so we must still be here," Spike said.

"You're bleeding," she whispered.

"What?"

She reached out and took his hand. There was a small cut along the
back of his hand. It looked as though it had clotted once, and Spike
figured it had reopened it when he'd pulled her against him.

"It's nothing. Scratch is all."

"We should clean it," she said softly.

"Buffy-" Spike was cut short when she raised his hand to her mouth and
ran her soft, pink tongue along the cut.

Spike's mind stopped functioning properly, while other parts started
to work overtime and reacted with extreme eagerness. He tried to take
his hand out of hers, but she closed her eyes and pressed her lips
tightly around the small wound. She flattened her tongue against the
cut now and pressed down hard causing Spike's blood to flow faster
from the wound.

Spike growled with lust and pulled her body sharply against him once
more. Suddenly, she lifted her face releasing his mouth. She looked
into Spike's eyes with a look Spike recognized fully, for it hadn't
been that long ago that he'd had it. It was an expression of awareness
and confusion.

"Buffy?" Spike whispered.

She opened her mouth to say something but Spike screamed in agony as
something pierced his right shoulder. He fell to his knees, letting go
of Buffy.

"Got him, sir!" a voice called from behind them.

Spike heard the whistle of air being cut by another arrow and he tried
to move out of its path. That was when he heard her cry out, the voice
of his Slayer.

"Spike! No!"

Hampered only slightly by the ball gown, Buffy managed to leap forward
and grab the oncoming arrow before it could strike the kneeling
vampire. Without thinking, Buffy spun and sent the arrow flying back
at the archer. She then watched in horror as the arrow embedded itself
in Angel's thigh.

There was a surge of energy, and wind blasted through the trees. Buffy
shielded her eyes against the gale and fell to her knees beside Spike.
There was a sharp deafening whistle, then nothing. No wind or sound;
nothing but their own labored breathing.

Buffy opened her eyes and looked out into the empty theater house. She
looked down to find the ball gown gone and her original clothes in
place.


~*~

TBC

The Final Act…

Buffy pulled her jacket tightly around her as she walked through the cemetery. There were many reasons why she’d snuck out of Giles’ apartment. He and Willow were busy going over the books trying to figure out what had happened. After the spell was broken, they’d searched the theater but found no demon. They did, however find all the missing patrons. Apparently, they’d all been caught in the same spell and forced to act out the play.

Xander and Cordelia were arguing as usual, but this time about being married under the spell. Both were complaining about how they felt they’d been “cast” wrong.
 

“How come Riley and Dead Boy got to be princes?” Xander had whined.
 

Riley was being oddly quiet throughout the whole thing, though Buffy was sure she’d seen him smile a few times as he watched Cordy yell at Xander. But the main reason she’d snuck out was Angel. He’d barely said a word since they’d left the theater. She’d run to him afterwards and helped him pull the arrow out. She rambled on about how sorry she was. He’d smiled and forgiven her. Said it wasn’t her fault, it was the spell. She didn’t bother to tell him that she hadn’t been under the spell when she threw the arrow. Now he sat on Giles’ couch with a bandage around his leg, casting glances in her direction. She had to leave.
Spike hadn’t been at the apartment. In fact, he hadn’t been in the theater after Buffy finished helping Angel. She didn’t know where he disappeared to and it bothered her that she cared. What bothered her more, though, was what she remembered from the spell. She remembered everything she’d said, and she remembered what he’d said.
 

He loved her. True he hadn’t actually said, “Buffy, I love you,” but he said people loved her and would do anything for her. He said he was one. But he couldn’t love her, he didn’t have a soul…he was evil. But he’d said it, and he said it when she was Cinderella so she couldn’t say he’d done it to score points. Furious with it all, Buffy kicked over a nearby headstone.
 

“Tisk, tisk,” a voice said. “You should learn to control that anger; channel it.”
 

Buffy looked slightly to her right and saw Spike sitting on a small tomb.
 

“Thanks, Yoda,” she grumbled.
 

“Beware you, must be, of the dark side.”
 

Buffy walked over to where he sat and hopped up on the tomb next to him.
 

“How’s the shoulder?” she asked.
 

“Better than the jacket. Look at this.” He held his precious duster out for her to see.
 

There was a small hole, about the size of a dime in the right shoulder where the arrow had entered.
 

“That?” Buffy laughed. “That’s barely anything. You should see some of my shirts after patrolling. Besides, you can get it fixed.”
 

“That’s not the point. This coat has great sentimental value.”
 

“Yeah, okay.”
 

They sat in silence for a long time. Buffy let her feet swing back and forth slightly, her heels hitting the tomb. After a while, she started clicking her stake on the cold stone. Spike smiled at the picture she made.
 

“Something on your mind, Slayer?”
 

“What?”
 

“You’re fidgeting.”
 

Buffy scowled and stopped moving. Spike sighed and shook his head.
 

“Well as fun as this isn’t,” Spike said as he hoped off the tomb, “I’ve got things need tending to.”
 

He turned and started away when se called out after him.
 

“Spike!”
 

“Yeah?”
 

“Why did you go?”
 

“What?” he asked turning around.
 

“You left the theater after the spell. Why did you go?”
 

“Had my fill of the place, is all.”
 

“You had an arrow in your shoulder,” she said lamely.
 

“I’ve had worse. ‘Sides you were busy with a bigger, more brooding, block of wood to help with my little splinter.”
 

“Spike,” she scowled.
 

“I left, alright? Couldn’t stand seeing you get all candy striper over Peaches.”
 

Buffy hung her head and placed her hands in her lap.
 

A sudden thought came over Spike and he made his way back to where Buffy sat.
 

“Speaking of the great poof, how is it that you’re here and he’s not?” Spike asked.
 

“He’s still back at Giles’ apartment, I guess. They’re trying to figure out what happened.”
 

“Snuck out, did ya?”
 

Buffy shrugged. “Wanting a ball isn’t wanting a prince,” she said softly.
 

“Yeah, I’m surprised you-wait…what?” Spike looked down at her confused.
 

When she didn’t answer Spike gently took her chin and lifter her face. A few tears had fallen and left trails down her cheeks.
 

“How much do you remember?” he asked softly.
 

“Everything,” she whispered.
 

“Buffy, I-“
 

“Not now,” she said, cutting him off. “Please, just not now.”
 

“Alright,” he nodded and wiped away one of her tears. “What should we talk about then? Weather? Sports? How the music of today has gone terribly wrong and you should just let me eat certain music execs?”
 

Buffy laughed and shook her head. Then she remembered something her mother asked once.
 

“What’s your last name?”
 

“What?” Spike arched his eyebrow in confusion.
 

“Mom asked once. It was after you’d come back for that love spell. I’d said something about you and called you ‘William the Bloody’. She liked the name William and wondered what your last name was.”
 

“What did you tell her?” Spike asked. He was trying not to smile over the fact that Buffy and her mother had this conversation.
 

“Nothing, I was still getting over the fact that she seemed to like you more than she ever did Angel.”
 

Spike couldn’t help but laugh at that.
 

“It’s not funny,” Buffy scowled.
 

“The bloody hell it isn’t!” he laughed. “Your mum has amazing taste is all.”
 

“Spike-“
 

“Pryce,” he said cutting her off.
 

“What?”
 

“My family name,” he smiled. “It was Pryce.”
 

“Oh, okay. I’ll tell her when…wait. What?!”

~*~

A woman shrouded in a dark cloak stood on the roof of a nearby building. A large beast of a dog sat at her feet. She stood watching the blonde pair in the graveyard.
 

“I swear,” the woman said irritated. “Those two are going to drive me to drink.”
 

The large animal next to her let out a loud woof of air.
 

“Well, drink more, at least. Come on, Gabriel,” she said in a deep, rich voice as she scratched the dog’s head, “Let’s get out of here and get phase two started.”
 

She cast one more annoyed glare down at the pair, shook her head and walked away from the ledge.
 

“She’s stupid, Gabriel. The girl is just plain stupid. I swear I don’t know why I bother.”
 

The woman continued grumbling as she and the great hound slowly faded into the darkness.

the end…maybe…
Author’s note:

Thanks again to everyone who read this and gave such lovely reviews. You’ve all won special places in my heart. So when I conquer the world, you’ll all hold high places…I mean uh…hey look, something shiny….

I need to thank Bloodshedbaby, Spikeskat, and of course my beautiful Vampkiss. Without them this never would have been finished. I love you girls.

I’ve thoughts of continuing this story. Guess we’ll see if the afore mentioned girls grab their whips and come after me. Until then, thanks again. It’s been a great pleasure.

 

Return to Bloodshedverse Home
 Use scroll bars to see reviews

 
~Rema