Blood Warms the Heart
 Chapters 8-10


Written by: TaniTKD
 Author's Website





Summary: What if Buffy reacted differently when Spike flashed his game face during the Bronze scene of Fool For Love? This Buffy responds to his demon. Warning-bloodplay. Spoilers up to FFL then AU.
Disclaimer: The show Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel (The Series) and all of it's characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, & Fox Prod.
Feedback: tanitkd@yahoo.com





Chapter 8



Spike and Buffy spent the rest of the day lazing around in front of the TV with Dawn. Spike decided it was probably one of the most enjoyable days of his unlife, and realized what a pathetic git he was turning into. As he turned and looked down at the woman that was cuddled in this arms, his mind embraced whatever he feeling. So he was a pathetic git, who cared? He was a pathetic git in love, and that made all the difference.



GALLERY

Buffy's mom was at work at the Gallery, and not as entirely clueless to the previous night's events as everyone thought. She knew Dawn had been covering up for Buffy, but she didn't confront her on it because she had been trying to give her oldest daughter her space. And she didn't like putting Dawn in the middle of these things either. But that didn't stop her from worrying her head off about Buffy, and when Dawn's cell phone had rung at three o'clock in the morning, Joyce had gone to listen by her door. She had hoped to reassure herself that Buffy was all right and not lying dead somewhere. It didn't entirely surprise her to learn her oldest was with Spike either. Joyce always thought Buffy protested too much where he was concerned. For some reason, she liked Spike. Always had, even after Buffy had him pinned down in her kitchen with a stake to his heart. Joyce had never thought she had been in any danger from him, and in fact, she never had been.

Joyce was jerked from her reverie by the sound of the Gallery door opening and was a little surprised at who had entered the building. But then when she thought about it, she really shouldn't have been.

"Riley!" she greeted with a smile. Joyce did like him, she just didn't think he had enough spark for her daughter. "What a nice surprise!! Coming here to look around?"

Riley gave Buffy's mom a distracted smile, as his assessing gaze cast it's way around the gallery. It was empty, good.

"No, I just came by to talk to you about something." Riley answered.

"Please, sit down." Joyce instructed, gesturing to a cluster of chairs by the front desk. She sat herself in one, and Riley lowered himself to occupy another across from her. "So what can I do for you Riley?"

Riley pinned a concerned look on his face, and announced, "I'm worried about Buffy."

"Buffy? Is something wrong?" Joyce asked, adding just a touch of worry to her voice. Boy, I'm glad I eavesdropped last night, she thought. I wouldn't want to walk into this unprepared.

He gave her an endearing look, and said "Don't worry she's not hurt, it's nothing like that. It's just... I don't know how to say it. She's just acting different."

"Did you two have a fight?" Joyce asked.

"No. Yes, sort of. She broke up with me last night." riley admitted.

"I'm sorry Riley. But I really don't want to get myself in the middle of this, if you had a fight. I think you should talk to her and try to work it out." Joyce replied, a little annoyed.

"I tried to. She's not thinking rationally. That's not all. It concerns Spike," he revealed, gazing at her intently to gauge her reaction.

"Spike? What about him?" Ah yes, here we go, thought Joyce. Let's get to the heart of this.

"I don't know how to say this.." He hedged, gesturing helplessly.

"Just say it." Joyce was trying not to snap.

"Buffy was with him last night. All night." he answered meaningfully.

"So you're upset that Buffy broke up with you for another man?" Joyce asked.

With that, Riley let his agitation slip. he stood up and paced. "He isn't a man, he's a demon. You do know he's a vampire, right?"

Joyce nodded. "Riley, I'd like to help you. But I try to not pry in the daughter's affairs. I'm sorry if she hurt you, but if she says it's over, maybe you should respect her wishes."

Riley's face had a look of disgust on it. "Respect? She broke up with me to sleep with a vampire and I should respect her?"

Anger flashed through Joyce. How dare this boy. He had no idea who Buffy really was. "I think you should leave now. If you want to know the truth, I like Spike. Always have, even before you gave him his chip. And if he and Buffy are together, than more power to them. My daughter comes with an expiration date, Riley. Do you have any idea how that feels for me? At least I know Spike can watch her back far better than you ever could, and won't stab it in the process. If you were hoping to cause trouble for them by coming here, I'm sorry to disappoint you. I suggest you get over it." With those heated words, she spun and stalked to the back room, leaving Riley standing there in shock.

Before he left, he went to the closed door that Joyce had gone through and called out, "What would you think of Spike if you knew he bit your daughter and drank her blood?" With that said, he stormed out of the gallery.

Joyce heard his parting words and a flash of fear went through her. It couldn't' be true, could it? She had to go home and make sure everything was ok. She prayed that her daughter would be home, safe and sound, when she arrived there.

Spike, Buffy and Dawn were situated on the couch engrossed in their TV viewing when Joyce arrived home. Spike was in the middle and both girls were cuddled against him on either side.

"Hi mom!" Dawn called out.

"Hello," Joyce greeted, coming into the room. Her sense of relief at finding her daughter all right was immediate, and she slumped into a chair.

"you look tired, Joyce, hard day?" Spike asked, concern showing in his voice.

"You have no idea. Buffy, can I talk to you in private for a moment?" she asked.

"Oops," Buffy said, exchanging glances with Spike. "Busted."

"Well, the Spike Sandwich might have been a dead giveaway." Dawn injected, as Buffy got up to follow her mother to the kitchen.

"What's up?" Buffy asked her mom perkily.

"I had a visitor today at the gallery"

"Who?"

"Riley," came the answer. At Buffy's grimace, she continued. "He came by to tell me that he was worried about you and that you broke up with him."

"Yeah, I did." Buffy confirmed.

"And he said you... stayed with Spike last night." She announced. Before Buffy could reply, she said "I already knew about that. That's not what worries me. He said that Spike bit you and drank your blood. Buffy, is that true? I mean, I know he is a vampire, but I have to tell you, this concerns me greatly."

Buffy gave a deep sigh. She had to tell her mom the truth, no matter how ackward it was. "Yes, it's true." She flipped her back off her shoulder so her mom could see her neck. Joyce's eyes bulged at the sight of the half healed multiple vampire bites adorning her neck. "BUT it's not what you think." Buffy hastily announced, before her mom could go on her Rant Fest #201

Buffy was delusional if she thought anything could stop Rant Fest #201. Nothing short of a nuclear blast could stop it once it was in the works. "Not what I think? Buffy, you have bite marks all over your neck, you spent the night with a vampire, I come home and both of my daughters are all cozied up to him on my couch, so please, tell me what AM I supposed to think? This very much concerns me."

"I am trying to tell you-....." that was as far as Buffy got before being blessed with Rant Fest #202.

"I mean my god Buffy. You're the slayer, you should know that this is cause for concern. I like Spike, you know I do, but this is wrong."

"MOM!!!" Buffy yelled to get her attention. Joyce looked at her in shock, she wasn't expecting her tirade to be interrupted.

"Can I explain sometime this century??" Buffy asked. Joyce finally nodded.

Before Buffy could say anything, Spike came into the kitchen. Damn vampires and their damn enhanced hearing.

"I think I should probably be the one to explain this, luv." Spike said, coming up to stand beside her and slipping his cool hand through hers. Buffy leaned into his side unconsciously, tilting her head so that it lay against his arm.

"Explain away, then," Buffy replied.

Joyce noted the easy affection being displayed by the two in front of her, and some of her anxiety eased away. Beyond all else, Buffy WAS the slayer, not some innocent to be taken for a fool.

"Right then, I will, luv. This is going to sound corny Joyce, but I love your daughter," Spike began, "and she loves me. There have been some other factors that we've been dealing with here, that I'd rather not go into because it's a bit confusing. But it has to do with my demon self and Buffy's slayer self. Anyway, when we finally admitted we had feelings for each other, and er, consummated those feelings, my demon claimed Buffy"

Joyce just stared at the two in front of her. In her own state of denial of Buffy's chosen status, she had not embraced vampiric knowledge like she now knew she should have. "What exactly does that mean?"

"It involves biting Mom. He bit me, I bit him, and now we belong to each other. It's a vampire thingie." Buffy told her, hope shining brightly in her eyes, waiting for her mother's response.

"Oh. Ok." Was all Joyce could say as relief flooded through her. She hadn't realized just how scared she had been that something truly sinister had been going on.

"So, does that mean I'm going to have start stocking blood in my fridge?" Joyce joked, trying to let her daughter know that things were all right.

With a muffled yell, Buffy threw herself into her mother's embrace. "You are the COOLEST mom in the world!" Joyce found tears in her eyes at her daughter's response. She looked and saw Spike watching them, and held out one arm. "Come here, you. Vampire's aren't exempt from hugs in this house."

They were in a tight embrace when they heard a "EWWW! this is even worse than i walked in on earlier today!!!"

Joyce broke away and looked at her youngest daughter. The look of mock disgust on her face was priceless. She went over to her, arms outstretched, taunting "Come on, someone wants a hug" It had the desired effect as Dawn squealed and ran out of the kitchen, Joyce following her, still trying to give her that hug.

"So, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Spike turned to Buffy and said.

"Not with my mom, thank god. But I'm going to KILL Riley," Buffy ranted. "He is soo so on my shit list, it's not even funny." Her eyes were blazing.

"Calm down, pet. His ego was bruised. You broke up with him for a lesser being," Spike explained.

"You are not a lesser being, Spike."

"Well, I know that, and you know that," Spike teased. "But Captain Cardboard makes his living being lord and master over demons like me. It's gotta sting a bit that you'd rather shack up with me than him."

Buffy pondered that a moment. "So you're saying, cut him some slack?"

"That's what I'm saying. Until he really crosses the line, than have at it luv."

"You know, you're a pretty smart guy." Buffy said cheekily.

"Been telling ya that for years, luv. I'm a bloody genius." he retorted.

They sauntered into the living room, where her mom and Dawn had taken up residence on the couch. It was just after sundown, and the two blondes announced they were going to patrol.

Even with Dawn's knowing parting comments about the time they had chosen to patrol, they still found themselves stalking the cemeteries. It was too early for the nasties to be in full force, but it felt good to just be with the other.

They strolled hand in hand, just talking. Buffy commented on how much sharper her night vision appeared to be and was stunned by Spike's revelation that it was a side affect of the claiming. She teased him that he would probably experience her PMS and he growled at her.

They made their way to the Magic Box to see if Giles had made any progress, and weren't surprised to discover none had been made. Giles informed them that this appeared to be completely unprecedented. In order to research it fully, he would need to contact the counsel, and that made him nervous. He apprised them of this, and they agreed to wait a few more days before enlightening them.

Buffy told Giles about Spike's chip not working, and he had already been updated on that news. The Scooby grapevine had been hard at work that day, obviously

They bid Giles a good night, and left to patrol again. When they did come across some vampires, they were both stunned to note that their senses were even more sharply attuned to the other.

After the last vampire was dust, Buffy turned to Spike and said, "Well that was weird."

"So you felt it too? Almost like we were one person fighting?"

"yeah, gave me the major wiggins. I think I'm faster too," Buffy announced.

"Noticed that one when that one vamp took off running. Never had a chance, poor buggar." Spike retorted.

"Yeah well. Have you noticed anything else weird?"

"I think I'm a little stronger." Spike admitted.

"Me too. This is way weird."

"I think Infoofoo and Spike Jr. are having a party inside both of us." Spike revealed.

"You named your demon? I thought that's what you called your penis." Buffy teased.

"Hell no. That's Spike the Great. Sometimes to be called Spike the Magnificent." Spike answered. "Besides, if you get to name your inner slayer, I get to name my demon."

"Fine, whatever. But if I start craving blood, well besides yours, Spike jr. is so getting his ass kicked." Buffy threatened.

"Yeah yeah. You're big with the threats, ya know that? All talk and no bite." Spike taunted.

"Oh, I'll give you bite," she growled, throwing her arms around his neck and crushing her lips against his. He put his hands on her butt and lifted her up as she wrapped her legs around his waist. He backed her up against the side of a crypt and pinned her there with his body. He assaulted her the inside of her mouth with his cool hard tongue, probing, tasting, prodding. She slid down his length so her feet touched the ground, and he ran his hands along her side and back up, gaining access under her shirt.

She moaned with the onslaught of pleasure, and groaned his name.

"Right here, luv," he whispered into her ear, sending waves of chills down through her toes. "I want you. But I don't want to take you in the middle of the cemetery."

Her answer to that was to bare her neck to him, she couldn't wait another second to be connected to him this way.

Spike groaned, as his ridges advanced and teeth elongated. He sank his teeth into her warm welcoming skin and time seemed to stand still when he felt her blood sliding down his throat.

With every pull he took, Buffy felt it tug at the most intimate part of her, until she felt herself burst into a thousand spasms, her breath suspended until she came down from what felt like heaven. She turned into his neck, biting down and took her share, feeling the power that passed between them at this intimate phenomenon.

Minutes later, they still stood there, weak from the tremendous onset of emotion and power that had played between them.

"Fuck, Buffy, that was incredible," Spike uttered, feeling her blood coursing through him. Her blood, and something else.

Buffy giggled. "I think Infoofoo and Spike Jr. are at it again."

Spike laughed, "I think you're right, luv. I think we'll be finding out what those two are up to soon enough."

He pushed off the crypt and helped Buffy arrange her clothing. "Come on, let's go back to my crypt, we're not quite finished here." He purred seductively. He threw his arm around her, and the contented duo made their way out of the cemetery towards Spike crypt.

They hadn't realized their feral display had been observed. Putting down his field glasses, Riley Finn's jaw was clenched and his eyes were cold. he pondered his next move.





Chapter 9



THE INITIATIVE


Feelings of disgust and betrayal engulfed Riley Finn, consuming his every waking thought. He turned to his superior, Maggie Walsh, and apprised her of the most recent developments with Hostile 17. Highly embellished, of course, and not flattering to Spike. Much to his shock, Maggie told him that they didn't take care of personal problems in the military. As far as she and the Initiative were concerned, Hostile 17 killing tendencies were under containment and all reports she had received on him pointed to his help in killing fellow vampires and demons. There was no reason she wanted him disposed of, he was too valuable. It surprised Riley to learn that Spike had even come to her with invaluable information that had saved a lot of lives in the course of the year that he had been chipped and working with the slayer. He had promised her to secrecy, not wanting any recognition of these acts.

She concluded the meeting by saying she was sorry to hear he was having difficulties with his love life, but his request to terminate Hostile 17 or recapture him was denied. Spike was under Maggie's and the Initiative's protection. She looked a bit sheepish at admitting this to him. Her previous outlook on demons had had to seriously be reassessed after dealing with Spike, and that had not been an easy thing for Maggie Walsh to do. But hostile 17 interested her, he wasn't like the rest. She was hoping to get his cooperation for a full psychological profile, but had not yet been successful.

Riley just shook his head, and took his leave. Another person completely bamboozled by the blonde vamp. He had tried talking to Graham and Forrest about it, but they had wanted to stay out of it. Told him if a girl would rather sleep with a monster than him, she wasn't worth it.

Deep down, Riley knew that. But he just couldn't let it go. He stopped by Xander's construction site to feel him out about it. Riley knew if there was one person who hated Spike, it was Xander.

"Hey man, " Riley greeted him.

"Hey." came the reply. "You here about Spike and Buffy?"

Riley gave a bitter laugh. "Gee, what gave you that idea? How do you feel about it?"

This time it was Xander's turn to chuckle. "Well, let's just say I've been warned by my ex-demon girlfriend to keep my mouth shut. But man to man, I have a few problems with it."

"Yeah, me too."

"I just want to see her with someone better than Spike. I mean, he's ok, now that he can't hurt anyone, but he's still a soulless demon. At least Angel had a soul."

"So? What do you think we should do about it?" Riley asked.

"Do? Are you crazy? I'm not going to do anything." Xander replied.

"You're not even a little tempted to slip a little piece of wood in his heart?"

"Riley have you EVER seen Buffy when she really pissed off? Because let me tell you, if she opens a can of whup ass on you, you'll be in some MAJOR deep shit, and I'm not kidding. My advice, leave it alone. That's what I'm doing. Maybe she just has to work some stuff out of her system." Xander explained.

"It's not that simple. I love her."

"Yes, but she doesn't love you, as much I hate to say that to you. Come man, you know that. You even told me that you knew she'd never love you. Whatever thoughts you're entertaining here, I suggest you don't go there." Xander advised. "Buffy is VERY possessive of those she cares about, and she would never forgive you if you did something to Spike. Hell, they'd probably be finding your body parts all over Sunnydale for days."

Riley got a thoughtful look on his face. "You're right man. Thanks for the advice." He turned and marched back to his car. He found himself deep in thought. Good thing he had stopped to talk to Xander, an idea was brewing in his mind. Xander had been right, Buffy would never forgive him if he got rid of Spike. But.... if he found someone else to do it... just maybe Riley could play the supportive friend, comforting his ex girlfriend in her time of sorrow....



RILEY'S DORM ROOM


He sped towards to his dorm room where he had kept a phone number hidden there. Sitting down on his bed, he placed his phone call.

"Angel Investigations," a female voice answered.

"I want to talk to Angel." he said. He was put on a hold, and a few minutes later, Angel came on the line.

"This is Riley Finn."

There was a pause. "Well, Riley Finn. To what do I owe this great pleasure?" Angel said sarcastically.

"I want to talk to you about Buffy."

Worry immediately crept into the vampire's voice, "Is she ok?" Ever since Riley had learned about Angel and his relationship with Buffy, he thought he would never resent another person more than this demon. That was until Spike came into the picture.

He adopted a concerned tone. "She's ok. For now. She's being stalked though, and she is pushing me away, wants to handle it on her own. It is worrying me."

In a steely tone, Angel asked "Who is it?"

And this is where Riley knew he was taking the biggest gamble of his life. "It's Spike. He's been terrorizing her." He told the vampire. Riley prayed that word had not made it's way down to LA about Spike's chip and his helping Buffy. He needed Angel to ask no questions and ride to the rescue, and stake Spike. He was pretty sure Buffy would stake Angel, or could only hope. It was a risk, but if it worked out, would be a perfect solution. He could get both vampires out of the picture.

Angel's voice was like flint. "I'll take of this. Spike is MY problem." And he slammed the phone down. Riley let a grin envelop his wholesome looking face. ~Damn that was almost too easy~

Down in LA, Angel felt anger surrounding him like a dark cloud, threatening to burn a hole right through him. He turned away from the desk and punched the wall as hard as he could.

Embracing the intense pain that accompanied his actions, he allowed himself to focus on the problem at hand. "God damn SPIKE" he growled. This time he had gone too far, Angel was going to kill him. He should have hunted him down after he tortured him for the Ring of Amara, but he'd let himself slip into the mind set of 'out of sight, out of mind.' Pure animalistic rage poured through him again at the thought of his grandechilde terrorizing Buffy. He spared no thoughts to the reason why it was Riley Finn who called, and not Buffy. Riley, who last they had seen each other, had wanted to kill him out of pure jealousy.

Angel threw some weapons in a bag, and waited for sundown, which took an eternity to arrive. When it was safe for Angel to leave, he left skid marks in his haste to get to Sunnydale.

SUNNYDALE

Meanwhile, in Sunnydale, Buffy was sitting at her desk in her room, trying to get do a term paper. It was useless, her concentration was nonexistent. All thoughts led to a certain blonde vampire, and what a certain blonde vampire could do with his cool hands caressing her, with his tongue and.... ~Oh god, what was that smell? Is that me?~ Buffy lifted up both arms to smell underneath her arms. ~Nope, don't have a body order thing going. It smells like.... sex????~ Suddenly she knew what it was, and oh boy was she PISSED!

She stormed out of her house, fuming the entire way to the cemetery where Spike's crypt resided in. She burst through his door, which was a good indication of her mood because she hadn't been that disrespectful in a long time. Spike was sprawled on his couch, going through some paperwork. He had been so intent on his perusal of the papers, he hadn't sensed her arrival. He quickly gathered them in a pile and shoved them underneath a cushion, he wasn't ready for Buffy to see them yet.

She came to a stop in front of him, hands on her hips, glaring at him with total disgust in her eyes. She started tapping her foot on the floor in her agitation.

"So. To what do I owe this honor?" Spike drawled, wondering what was pissing her off.

"Spike, I am so god damn PISSED right now! I am so totally grossed out here, it's not even funny." She fumed.

"Luv, not a mind reader. Why don't you come here and tell Spike all about it, ok pet?" he coaxed, taking her hand and bringing her down to sit on his lap. "Now go ahead luv, get it all out. Why don't you tell me what I did to get you all bent out of shape?"

"Well, it wasn't YOU exactly. Fucking Spike Jr and more of his demonic bullshit." Buffy admitted, calming down slightly and leaning against Spike's chest.

"Ohhh, such language, luv. Tell Spike what happened."

"Ok. I was trying to do my term paper for history, and I couldn't concentrate. I just kept thinking about you," she admitted. Spike smiled. "About being with you and how good you feel, stuff like that. God, this is so embarrassing."

"Nothing to be embarrassed about, luv. So, you started thinking of being with me and what? You started gettin turned on, luv? With thoughts of your Big Bad?"

Buffy nodded, her face red. Then anger took embarrassment's place. "But that wasn't the bad part, the bad part was that I could SMELL me! Your god damned demon passed that disgusting little vampire trait my way." When Spike started laughing, she wailed "It's not funny Spike! God dammit, you better stop laughing!"

"Sorry, it was just the look on your face was priceless, pet. So is it just the smell of arousal you can smell, or is it an all around enhanced sense of smell?"

"Uh, I think it's all around. I thought it was just hormones, or something. It's disgusting!! I don't like being able to smell things, like I'm an animal or something." Buffy huffed.

"Well pet, it's part of the claim. As Anya said, we're passing part of ourselves to the other."

"Did you claim Drusilla?" Buffy asked.

"Yes, but it was broken when she slept with Angelus" Spike said bitterly.

"Oh. Did you feel with Drusilla what passes through us when we bite each other? The surge of power?" Buffy asked.

"No, that's different. I felt the bond, like I feel with you. I could experience some of her feelings, like I can yours. But what we have is, well, there are no words to describe it." Spike tried to explain, feeling at a loss for words.

Buffy smiled, "Thank you, that is what I wanted to know." She leaned her head contentedly against his chest. "I guess I can get used to this yucky smelling thing."

Spike posed a question to her that had been pressing on his conscience. "Buffy, does it bother you that I drink your blood? I haven't had to feed since we, you know. I just want to make sure you're ok with it. If you're not, I won't do it anymore."

Buffy grabbed his face in between her hands and stared hard into his intense blue eyes. "Spike, I love you. I love you and I trust you. No it doesn't bother me that you drink my blood. Don't you think I would have let you know? I do appreciate your concern over my feelings, but this vamp's ho LIKES it when you do it. Some slayer i am, huh?"

"You're incredible. I love you so much" Spike told her, smashing his lips to hers. They could both smell the minute Buffy's arousal permeated the air and Buffy drew back and laughed.

"God, this is so going to take getting used to! Come on Big Bad, let 's go patrol, then we can come back here and you can have your wicked way with me ALL night long."

Spike grabbed his black duster and shrugged it on, following his girl out the crypt door into the night air.

Angel arrived in Sunnydale and went straight to Buffy's house, banging on the door. He could smell that Spike had been around here, his scent was all over.

Dawn answered the door. When she saw who was standing on the porch, she gave an unimpressed hello.

"Where's Buffy?" He demanded, impatience making his tone short.

"Patrolling, probably." Dawn replied. She wasn't about to tell him where she really was.

"Has Spike been around lately?" he asked.

Dawn gave him a confused look and said "well duh,---" she didn't get to say anything further because Angel turned his back and strode down the walk way. At the sidewalk, he put his nose to the air and inhaled deeply. He got a faint scent of Buffy and followed the trail.

It took him to a cemetery on the outskirts of town. Not one of the more popular cemeteries, either. He hid behind a tree, and kept his eye out for Buffy. He didn't want her to see him if he could help it. That always ended badly.

Suddenly he heard a shriek, and saw a flash of blonde streaking through the gates of the cemetery, running at full speed to throw herself behind a large headstone and crouch there. It was definately Buffy. She was obviously hiding from something.. All of his senses went on alert, and it took all his will power to not run to her. He had to see what had terrorized her so intensely, that she had to come flying into the cemetery to hide.

His patience was rewarded as he heard a familiar British voice calling out "Here, kitty kitty kitty. You can't hide from the Big Bad, you know. Here, kitty, my naughty little kitty. Come out come out wherever you are."

In full game face, Spike swaggered through the gates, hand moving up and down on his chest, black duster billowing out behind him. He looked like the epitome of evil. His eyes moved back and forth across the cemetery, searching for his prey.

"Slayer, it won't do any good to hide. You know I'll just find you, and then it will be ten time worse when I do. Here kitty kitty my naughty slayer kitty. When I find you, I'm going to drink your blood." He taunted. "And you're going to like it."

Angel fingered the stake he had grasped in his hand. He knew he had to wait for the right moment, he had to wait for Spike to move in for the kill and save Buffy, otherwise she'd kick his ass for interfering. He'd learned that one the hard way.

Spike was almost to Buffy's hiding spot, as he continued calling out taunts to her. Angel sniffed the air, certain that he would be smelling her fear. She had been running from Spike like a bat out of hell. For Buffy, a slayer, to do that, she had to be terrified.

He caught her scent and - What the hell? it penetrated his brain that it wasn't fear he was smelling, but arousal, just as Spike got to Buffy's hiding spot. She surprised both of them by jumping out and leaping towards Spike. But Angel was already in motion to lend a hand, stopping a few feet from Buffy's hiding spot. His eyes bulged as he witnessed Buffy jumping on Spike and wrapping her legs around waist, pressing his head towards her neck.

The playful anticipation of their little game was more than Spike could handle, and without a moment's hesitation, he sank his teeth into her sweet jugular. Buffy threw her head back and moaned in pleasure, grinding her hips into his. Spike cupped his hands under her ass and rocked her against his bulging erection.

It was at that moment that Buffy's newfound sense of smell kicked in. They weren't alone. Angel, she smelled Angel. She looked up and saw him standing only a few feet away, his hand clutching a wooden stake. Oh my god, how could she have not known he was there? How could Spike not have? But she knew, she knew they were too wrapped into their little game to be aware of anything.

She met Angel's thunderstruck eyes, and mortification rushed through her. "Spike," she whispered in his ear. He noticed her rigid muscles, and withdrew his fangs from her neck. It was then that he sensed his grandesire's presence also.

He allowed Buffy to slide down his body until she touched the ground, then she turned to face Angel, grabbing for Spike's hand.

"Angel," was all she could utter, she was speechless.

"Buffy? What are you doing?" Angel also had lost his capacity for rational speech.

"None of your business, Peaches." Spike answered for Buffy. Angel slipped into game face and charged the younger vampire. Buffy stopped him before he reached Spike and shoved him to the ground. "NO!" she yelled. "Dammit Angel, this is EXACTLY what you did the last time you showed up here."

"I think this is a little different, Buffy. Last I knew, Riley wasn't trying to kill you." Angel told her, clamoring to his feet.

"Spike wasn't trying to kill me, Angel. What the HELL are you doing here?" Buffy demanded.

"I came here to save you. From him" he announced, pointing at Spike. Something was beginning to smell rotten in Denmark though. This wasn't quite making sense.

"Save me? By what, staking my boyfriend?"

Angel looked at her confused. "Boyfriend? Spike's your boyfriend? I thought Riley was your boyfriend."

"He was. He's not anymore. I'm with Spike now," she told him, slipping an arm around his waist. Spike pulled her to him possessively. He wanted to rub his claim of Buffy in Angels' face, but knew Buffy would get pissed. Angel threw Spike a dirty look.

"So again? What the hell are you doing here?" Buffy demanded.

"Being played for a fool, that's what. " Angel muttered.

"What was that Peaches? Didn quite catch that," Spike asked.

"Riley called me and said that Spike was stalking you and you wouldn't let him help. That he'd been terrorizing you and Riley was scared for your life." Angel explained.

"OOOHHH that is so it, Riley is a dead man" Buffy fumed. She could feel the anger burning through her, rage like she'd never felt before.

"Whoa Buffy, your eyes just flashed gold. Guess Spike Jr. is brought his freak on again," Spike informed her. This didn't surprise her, this anger was beyond anything she'd ever experienced. She took several deep breathes to get it under control.

"What's going on? Buffy?" Angel asked, confused. He had seen the change come over Buffy, her eyes flashing gold before returning to their hazel green. Something was off here, in a big way.

"It's the claim," Buffy announced distractedly, her mind working out revenge tactics for Riley.

"The WHAT?? You CLAIMED her?" he yelled at Spike, who looked back at him proudly. This night had gone from bad to worse. He had ran up here thinking he was going to save the girl he loved, then come to find out he'd been played for a fool by Buffy's military ex boyfriend. Not only that, but said stalker was not only Buffy's current boyfriend, but he had claimed her! And now he could sense Buffy's claim on Spike. This night really sucked. And worse, Spike was still in danger from Riley.

'Spike, as much as this kills me to say this, you're still in danger here. Riley's intent was for me to rush in here and stake you. i think we need to do something about this.' Angel announced.

"We??" Spike arched in eyebrow in Angel's direction.

Angel gave a long suffering sigh. "I'll help you. Riley is threatening Buffy's mate. I'm not going to allow that. Don't ask me for any more explanations, because you won't get it. We need to figure out a way to keep Riley from turning you into a pile of dust.'

"I don't want to talk about this here," Buffy announced. "Let's go to my house and discuss it." She grabbed Spike's hand and they headed through the gates that they had playfully entered earlier.

"Yes, we have a few things we need to talk about Buffy. For one, why you are mated to a evil killer."Angel said, as they walked along.

"I'm not evil, you ponce." Spike growled.

"Oh, what, you just woke up one day and said Hey, let's not be evil. It doesn't work that way, Spike." Angel lectured.

"You really don't have a brain in that huge melon of yours, do you, peaches?"

Buffy interrupted the two vampires. "Angel, do you REALLY think I'd be with Spike if he was still killing people? Get a clue!" That got the intended reaction out of Angel, and there was silence for the rest of the way.





Chapter 10


When the two vampires and one slayer reached Buffy's house, they found it empty. Dawn and Joyce had gone out for the evening, hoping to enjoy a pizza and a movie. Something that had not been done in a while, and Buffy was glad to have the house to herself. A sense of relief filled her knowing that Angel wouldn't have to be subjected to the other Summers women. To say he was barely tolerated was putting it gently.

They trekked into the living room, and Spike threw himself on the couch, pulling Buffy down with him so she was situated in his lap. Angel stood there awkwardly, hands shoved in the pocket of the trench coat he wore, shoulders hunched. He was clearly uncomfortable.

"Angel, sit." Buffy commanded, feeling twinges of guilt at his discomfiture. She pointed to one of the easy chairs, and Angel settled his bulk down.

"So Peaches, how did this come about, you flyin up here to save our damsel in distress?" Spike questioned, playing with the ends of Buffy's blonde hair.

"Riley called me this afternoon. I already told you what he said." Angel grunted.

"Gee, he must have thought you were pretty stupid to fall for that little trick." Spike replied. "Oh wait, you did."

"Spike!" Buffy admonished. "Seriously though, that was a pretty big gamble. He would have no way of knowing if you knew about Spike's chip."

"Chip?" Angel asked, confusion shadowing his face.

"Oh Spike's been a chip-wich sandwich for a while now."Buffy said.

At Angel's blank look, she continued, " The military put a chip in his head so he can't bite or hurt humans anymore. He would get a huge headache if he tried."

This news stunned Angel. How could he have not heard about this? He glared at Spike. "Just because you can't hurt people doesn't mean you're not still evil, Spike."

"My god, this argument is SO last year! Have you been channeling Xander, or what?" Buffy complained. "Angel, I know this is a lot for you to take in, but you can't just come in here and start throwing accusations around. Spike is on our side now, he's good. He's been helping me for months now."

"Yeah, you ponce. I can hurt demons, I'm fighting the good fight now. If I really wanted to, don't you think I could have worked around this chip? I am a Master Vampire, you know. I could have had hundreds of minions at my feet, eager to carry out my every evil wish." Spike announced.

"So why didn't you?" Angel asked.

"Because I realized I liked being on the side of good, that's why, you git. Is that so surprising to you? It wasn't me who was tried to destroy the world, now was it? If memories serves me, I believe I helped Buffy stop YOU from destroying the world." He needled his grandsire. "And I also have came to find out that what's even better than killing a slayer, is loving a slayer."

Buffy looked at him with adoration shining brilliantly in her eyes. "Oh! That was so sweet!" She cooed, leaning in to give him a quick kiss.

"So, how long has THIS been going on?" Angel asked, disgust rolling through him at the tender display in front of him.

"Well, I claimed her a few days ago, but I've loved her for a lot longer. It just took her awhile to stop being a bitch and admit her true feelings." Spike revealed.

"Hey!!" Buffy squealed with indignation.

"Well, it's true, luv." Spike pointed out.

"Ok, enough. Can't listen to any more of this. I'm feeling nauseous." Angel announced, sitting back in the chair and rubbing his stomach. "Let's get to what we came here for. What are we going to do about Riley Finn?"

"Oh, I'll take care of him, don't worry." Buffy fumed. "No, you're not, luv. Let's try not to resort to violence to deal with him. That will only end badly." Spike said.

Angel just stared at his grandchilde. Could he really have changed this much? The Spike of old would like nothing better than to tear into Riley with fist and fang, until there was nothing left. Now, he sat there using his brain, instead of his brawn. Oh wait, that's right, the chip. Riley was human.

"You couldn't resort to violence anyway, Spike. Last I checked, Riley was human. Don't you have that chip in your head?" he asked him.

Buffy answered before Spike could say a word. "It's not working anymore. I think when we claimed each other, it somehow disabled the chip."

That bit of news shocked the hell out of the brunette vampire. "So you can feed again?"

"Listen you ponce, what part of NOT BEING EVIL ANYMORE did not penetrate that Neanderthal cranium of yours? I am not going back to killing people, it's not who I am anymore." Spike tried to explain.

"It's in your nature, your demon will demand it." Angel cautioned.

"Yours would, not mine, ANGELUS. I am not ruled by my demon, like you were before you got all soulful. I was never like you." Angel was quiet for a moment, as he pondered the blonde vampire's words. "You're right Spike. You were always a bit different." He admitted.

"Damn right. And now I've got Buffy's bush bitch trying to soothe the demon inside me, so I'm just going to keep gettin to be more of a wanker." Spike said.

"Hey, it's better than what your demon is doing to me!" Buffy yelled.

"What are you talking about?" Angel asked, his face once again a mask of confusion.

"Don't worry about it, Peaches. Let's just say the claim is making itself known to both of us." Spike replied.

"HELLO, can we get back to the Riley thing anytime this century?" Buffy asked.

For the next hour, they discussed their options and plans. They all wanted to impress upon Riley that they were not to be messed with. They decided to let Riley think that he'd been successful in his plot to have Angel do his dirty work for him, and go from there. "You can't stay at the crypt, Riley will search it. He's going to have to think you are dead, and that I staked Angel in a fit of rage," Buffy said to the two vampires.

"Don't worry, I have someplace we can stay where he won't be able to find us." Spike advised her.

"Not the mansion, he knows about that." Buffy replied. "Don't worry luv, I've got it taken care of. You ready to play the grieving widow?" he asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be. I just hope Riley hasn't been watching the house. I haven't smelled him, have you? " Buffy asked Spike.

"What do you mean? you can smell him?" Angel asked.

"Oh our girl here is a regular bloodhound these days, aren't you luv?" Spike teased.

"Shut up Spike. It's your god damn fault. I'm still pissed off about it, so I suggest you keep your mouth shut," Buffy threatened.

"Yes ma'm." came Spike's lighthearted reply.

"Whatever. I left my car here when I came by looking for Buffy earlier, I say the sooner we get away from this house, the better chance we have of taking him by surprise. I think we should go." Angel advised.

"Riley's going to pay for making me spend time away from you," Buffy growled, as they got up and moved towards the door. Spike grabbed her and captured her lips with his, drawing her hard against him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and returned his kiss, lips parting to allow his tongue entrance into her mouth. It plundered against hers, tasting, teasing, prodding. She thrust her tongue into the cool recesses of his mouth, tasting the coppery aftertaste of her blood. It signaled a primal urge deep inside her.

She drew away from his mouth and plunged her teeth into his neck, welcoming the blood that flowed into her mouth. She withdrew, flicking her tongue over the bite, and whispered "I didn't get a chance to do this earlier. You're mine, baby."

An irritated voice interrupted the tender voice. "Do you really have to do that in front of me?" Angel asked.

Spike looked over at him, his eyes flashing yellow. "It's bloody important, you ponce. You're a vampire, you should know. If you don't like it, go wait in the fuckin car."

Buffy drew back from Spike, wiping the blood from her mouth. "Sorry Angel, I needed to do that. I'm sorry if it bothered you to see it, I didn't think." She told him.

"Yeah yeah. Come on Spike, let's go." Angel announced, walking out the front door.

"Be careful, luv. Remember, you have enhanced senses now. Use 'em. I love you. If you need me, call either my cell or Peaches." Spike directed. With those parting words, both vampires were out the door. Spike wouldn't tell Buffy where they were going, said it was better if she didn't know. It made absolutely no sense to Buffy, but he wouldn't budge.

She allowed herself an hour, than went to go place a tearful call to Riley. This was going to tap into every ounce of acting skill she possessed. And that was NOT saying a lot.



Silence permeated the interior of the car until Angel needed directions to their new "safehouse." He was directed into an older neighborhood of Sunnydale, where large well kept homes populated the streets. Spike directed Angel to a corner house, a huge three story charming Victorian home that had been obviously been painstakingly restored to it's former glory. It was situated on a huge lot, with an abundance of flowers and foliage adding to the charm of the house.

Spike got out and drew a set of keys out of his pocket.

Strolling up to the front door, he unlocked it and pushed the door open. "You coming, Peaches? You can come in" With that, he disappeared inside the house.

Angel just sat in the front seat of his car and stared. What the hell was going on? This night just kept worse and worse. He finally climbed out and grabbed his overnight bag from the back seat, and followed Spike's entry into the house.

He found the blonde vampire turning the lights on in the kitchen. "What the hell is this, Spike?"

"A house, you nit." came the reply.

"Who's house?" Angel bit out, the knowledge of previous house possession after killing the owners flashing in his head.

"It's mine, you wanker."

"I thought you didn't kill anymore." Angel growled, angry that Buffy's faith in him was turning out to be misplaced.

Spike just gave Angel a dirty look, took some papers out of his duster and threw them at Angel. "It's mine, as I said. Take a look. I bought it."

Angel looked through the papers, and noted that they did appear to be legal real estate documents. "Why?"

"For Buffy. I live in a crypt, Angel. Buffy doesn't deserve that. The day after we claimed each other, I found this house and paid cash, pushing the sale through quickly. She doesn't know about it yet, I wanted to surprise her. Do you think she'll like it?" he asked anxiously.

Angel just shook his head. God, this night sucked. He had left for LA so Buffy could have a normal life. Instead, she was making a life with Spike, a soulless vampire. A vampire so soulless, that he buys a house for the woman he loves, so she won't have to spend time in a dank crypt. And Spike was giving her a far better life than Angel could ever have hoped to, both physically and emotionally. It just wasn't fair.

"Yes Spike, I think Buffy is going to love the house." he admitted, knowing it to be true. "Where'd the hell did you get the money for it?"

Spike grinned an evil grin. "I'm loaded, mate. Little thing I like to call the stock market." he smirked.

Again, another surprise. But this actually didn't shock Angel too much, Spike was always much smarter than he let anybody in on. Angel knew he was well educated and well read.

Spike opened the fridge and took out a couple of beers and tossed one to Angel. "I had my priorities, y'no, getting this place set up. Beer was one of 'em"

Angel followed Spike into the one of the few furnished rooms, and he took a seat on an antique sofa. They popped the tops off their beers, and Spike asked, "So, what have you been up to?"

To both of their amazement, they filled the next several hours just talking. No arguing, no snipping, real honest to goodness conversation. This was the first time they had ever done something like this, and Angel saw a new side to Spike. One that he kept hidden, it wasn't something that went with his Big Bad image. But Angel realized that a good portion of William had never left him after he was turned. Having the chip meant that he could embrace his William side again. Angel found himself realizing what it was that Buffy saw in Spike, underneath the tough guy exterior he was a big softy. Caring, loyal, and strong, but still a marshmallow. It made him sad to think that Spike was a better man WITHOUT his soul, than Angel was with it. He shrugged those negative thoughts off, like a pesky fly you keep hoping isn't going to come back to bother you.

Spike told Angel about the feelings that they both had experienced before they had admitted to themselves that they needed to be together. The hunting for the other, the 'demonic soul mate' theory.

"How can a demon have a soul mate? There's no soul there," Angel asked perplexed.

"I don't think that's entirely true. I think I have too much humanity left in me for there NOT to be at least a crumb of William's soul left there. And if there is, that means the demon is subjected to the soul, as well." Spike tried to explain. "And are demons reincarnated? If so, who knows what my demon was subjected to in it's last form. Of course, we could just be pissin in the wind here, and this is all a bunch of rot. I do know that I'm too tired to think about it anymore tonight though, it makes my head hurt."

Angel nodded. "Yes, I can see that. Interesting theory. Have you run it by Buffy's watcher?"

Spike nodded. "Rupert's got his ass buried in books, not that it's helping. He's holding off contacting the counsel. Don't suppose they'll be too thrilled their slayer is mated with William the Bloody."

Angel tensed. "The counsel is not something to take lightly. They have got some serious power. If I were you, I'd be watching my back once they are involved."

"Plan on it. Now, I'm going to bed. Got me a big day tomorrow." Spike said, heading off into one of the furnished bedrooms. He did not offer Angel blankets or a place to sleep, nor did Angel expect him to. He stretched himself out on the sofa, thoughts of Buffy swirling around his head, and fell asleep.



Early the next morning, Maggie Walsh sat in her office before her 10:00 class.Her head jerked up when she saw a blonde head sneak into her office. How he always knew her schedule, and when he would find her alone, Maggie didn't know. And what he could teach about stealth tactics would be a lesson for the whole Initiative to learn.

"You know , it amazes me how you get around the daylight." Maggie greeted him with.

Spike sauntered into her office, shutting the door behind him. He went and threw himself into one of her chairs she had set up across the desk from her.

"Well, just goes to show what a person can accomplish if they want it bad enough," he smirked.

"So, what can I do for you?" she asked.

"Its about one of your soldier boys. Riley Finn. He wants me dead, he seems to be a bit ticked that I took his girl from him." Spike told her.

"Well, it is a bit unusual you know, a slayer and a vampire. He came to me with a request for your termination or recapture, I denied his request." Maggie informed him

"And I do appreciate that. Fact of it is though, he's trying to get other people to do his dirty work for him. And that just simply won't do. I'm here to offer you a trade," he announced.

"Really? Sounds intriguing. Please continue." Maggie said.

"I'll let you do your little mind tests on me, on the condition that I have your word you won't use that time to experiment on me. And in turn, you arrange for Riley Finn to be transferred far, far away from good ole Sunnyhell and as soon as possible." Spike replied.

Maggie pretended to consider the offer, didn't want to appear to eager. "Ok, William, you have yourself a deal."

He scowled at her at the use of his given name, and she smiled sweetly at him. Spike told her the details of the plan he and Angel had worked out, and they shook on the deal. Spike surprisingly knew Maggie would keep her end of the bargain, and so would Spike. They had meet on multiple occasions, much like this, with Spike slipping into her office to offer information about something about to go down. Of course, his motives were to lesson the work for Buffy, but it had been mutually beneficial for both Maggie and Spike. Spike was not to be hunted by the soldiers, and Maggie had an informant. She discovered that his information was reliable, and her trust in him grew. He wouldn't call them friends, but they were no longer enemies.

As he slipped out of her office, he contemplated the next part of the plan. He had to speak to Buffy and see if she had the stage set. If everything worked out, Riley Finn would think twice about ever trying to double cross two vampires and a slayer.
 




CONTINUED...


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