The Ritual of Healing Hearts

Author:UncagedMuse

Rating NC17

Summary: Buffy leaves home the night she finds out that she is the Vampire Slayer. Later she meets up with Spike when she goes to Sunnydale to stop a ritual a warlock has told her about. Fluffy and very Spuffy. This is my first attempt at writing so be kind.

Disclaimer: The characters belong to Joss Whedon and ME. I just like playing with them.

This was written because of my 2 favourite girls. Thank you Tam and Rosie and yes I know I just used your name so what. I am not going to use your pen when it is this important. Love you both so much.

Thanks also to Megan and Tam who both looked over and beta’d to make sure it was ok.

Chapter One

She felt the cold as it seeped into her bones, standing there staring in the mirror as the tears streamed down her face. She was just a girl, only fifteen. How could anyone expect her to take on the hell she had just found out walked this earth? She could hear her parents arguing about her coming in late again. That is all she heard now when they were talking to each other. Her father said her name as if it was a curse and she knew that he would leave them soon.

Buffy.

That was who she was this morning-- but who was she now? What was she supposed to do? She was now aware that there truly was evil in the world and that she alone was to fight it.

The hushed arguing from the other room became yelling and the only thing she could think was to run. Get away from the pain and the anger she was feeling at this moment. She grabbed a duffle bag and shoved her basic necessities into it. As she rushed around her room she grabbed the money she had been saving for a new wardrobe. Suddenly noticing Mr. Gordo-- her beloved stuffed pig-- on the bed, she walked over and grabbed him up. It was the only thing she had that reminded her of happier times with her father.

Mr. Gordo in hand, she climbed quickly out of her window, not once thinking of where she would go. She just ran for a while and found herself in the one place she did not want to be; a cemetery. She had been in one earlier as the crazy man who said he was her watcher showed her that vampires were real.

It all came rushing back. The vampire running at her and the attempts she had made at staking it in the heart as he silently watched her. Merrick Jamison-Smythe. Fulfilling his job as he forced her to do hers. Tears flowed as loud sobs escaped her burning throat. This was more than her mind could take at the moment. She wanted to go back to knowing nothing of this other world. She wanted to return to being just a girl.

Then it happened. She felt the tingling at her neck, the slight pain in her gut and reacted without thinking. She stood quickly, sidestepping as something came at her from behind. She realized in that second that it would be better to be alive than dead, even if she would have to fight to stay that way. Her eyes darted up to see what had tried to attack her. It was covered in dirt and stank profusely. VAMPIRE, her body screamed and she lunged with a branch from a tree she had picked up without realizing it. She hit her mark dead on in the heart and the dust floated to the ground.

~@~@~@~

Buffy never returned to her home or her parents. But she watched from afar for a little while. She had been afraid to go back, thinking her parents would be better off without her. No daughter with an insane calling to get in their way. They still had divorced from what she could tell. She had quit watching then, only wanting to forget completely the life she once had.

Merrick had wanted her to live with him when she first told him she had left home, but she had refused, telling him she needed to take care of herself. Together they had trained daily and he had taught her how to patrol effectively every night.

The workouts Merrick put her through were tough, but Buffy thrived on them. Merrick could not believe how quickly she learned. She wasn’t the best when it came to meditation, but her skill for all manner of weaponry was great. She was stronger than even he had expected.

Buffy worked hard to be the best at everything her Watcher put before her. She knew she needed more concentration when doing the things she thought boring, but Merrick never treated her like a bad student. He praised her for every accomplishment-- no matter how great or small.

He knew what she needed in living on her own and had given her advice without being overbearing or condescending. Merrick had shown her the old building that was empty and helped her get the water back on-- illegally of course. Living in an abandoned building wasn’t easy, but she did the best she could. They had scavenged some old furniture for her new place and he had given her a mattress as a gift, saying it was for all her hard work.

As the months went on they had become very close. Buffy had come to love being around Merrick. He treated her so much better than her actual father ever had. She enjoyed every moment they spent together; saw him as the father she wished she would have had.

One day while Buffy was at the store getting a few things she needed, she heard familiar voices. It was some of the girls she had been friends with at Hemery High. She stayed out of their line of sight, not wanting them to see her in case her parents were still looking for her. She could not keep herself from listening in on their conversation, wishing for a moment to be the girl she once was. Hearing them talk now she realized how shallow and idiotic they were. No wonder Slayers did not have friends.

Life was hard for her. She worked in seedy dives to make money under the table. Not having rent to pay, she could eat well and have decent clothes so that she could keep those waitressing jobs.

Merrick had gotten Buffy her first job at a random bar that was not worried about age. They just wanted someone the customers would enjoy ogling. Keeping them happy was the only thing the owner of the dark and smelly bar thought about. He had even had a fake ID made for her so that on the rare occasion the bar was checked, she looked legal.

It was hard in the beginning. To keep a smile on her face while she served drinks as men pawed at her. Buffy learned quickly, though, that the shorter the skirt the better the tips. She did not complain because the money was really good and sometimes she was even allowed to throw a patron out when they were making too much of a stir for the owner.

Buffy now knew that monsters were not just the demons she had to keep the public safe from. She had met enough horrible men since being on her own to see that being human did not mean that you automatically were good.

Her worst experience with the human population had been just a regular night at the bar. A couple of stupid guys kept grabbing her and making lewd comments, and all the while she had had to keep that fake smile plastered on her face. Finally they had left just before closing and she sighed in relief.

Upon leaving to make her way back home, she was grabbed from behind and a hand was slapped down tight over her mouth. It only took her a moment to realize it was the two men from the bar. “Hey, sweet thang. We were looking for a little fun and you have just what we need to have a little party,” leered the man holding her. The stench coming off him was fetid and made her feel sick.

Her elbow found his ribs, not bothering to pull her strength any. She believed that if she broke his ribs, he more than deserved it. At the same time she kicked out to catch the other one in the side of the head, taking him out immediately as he rolled unconscious to the ground. The guy behind her let go abruptly, grabbing his side and screaming in pain and anger.

“You picked the wrong girl to mess with buster,” she said and knocked him unconscious with a brutal uppercut to the chin.

Through all of her experiences after turning away from her biological family, she had Merrick at her side. He was the only person she truly talked to. Yes, she interacted with others at work, but she never made friends. Her Watcher was the only friend or family she had left.

Then one day he was not there when she came in to work out with him. It was not like Merrick to have missed their regular time together. He was always so punctual. So responsible. And so devoted to teaching her what she needed to know to stay alive. She went on patrol that evening by herself, hoping he would show up yet worrying that something terrible had happened.

Buffy’s nerves were on end walking through the cemetery she and Merrick had planned to patrol that night. She knew something was not right and every small noise she heard had her jumping out of her skin.

Lothos watched her from afar. He did not want to reveal his presence to her just yet. He found her nervous fear delicious to his enhanced senses. She was a beautiful creature and he wanted her for his playmate. To ensure such an outcome, he’d taken her Watcher for leverage.

Thinking of how wonderful it would be to make her his, he finally stepped from the shadows and into her path. “My Beauty, how are you on such a fine evening?” he asked.

“I’m not your anything!” Buffy huffed. “Who are you?”

“I am the man who will fulfil all of your deepest desires. I will take you to places you have only imagined and heights you have never reached.” Lothos breathed the presumptuous words and stepped closer.

“Full of yourself much?” Buffy asked, immediately getting tired of his act. “Is there something you want before I turn you to dust?”

“You won’t hurt me at this moment, my lovely girl. I have your Watcher, and if you want him back you will have to meet me tomorrow night. I always get what I want, and I want you,” Lothos replied, self-confidence pouring from him in comfort of the fact that he was a Master of some great influence and strength. “I know you will find me, so I will see you tomorrow at sunset.” Turning, he walked away; confidence rolling off of him in waves, knowing that she wouldn’t decide he was a liar and stake him in the back. He had every faith that his plan would work like a charm.

Buffy spent most of the night shaking down leads that eventually led her to finding out where Lothos’ lair was. She was going to go in and kill him as soon as she found where he resided. Her plan was to fight and dust until she could get Merrick back. There was no way she was waiting for the next day.

She kicked her way into Lothos’ home, killing every vamp that got in her way in a fury, propelled by her fear of losing her one remaining support. Then she saw Merrick, sitting in the corner of the large room she had just entered. For a brief moment she was relieved, until his demon visage turned to look at her with a smile, fangs descended and sharpened in his newfound hate for her kind.

Her stomach dropped as her heart clenched and tears rolled down her face. Merrick-- or the demon that now wore his body-- stood and walked slowly toward Buffy, taunting her with words her beloved Watcher had used to praise her with.

Forcing herself to see nothing but the evil creature he had become, Buffy flew at him, closing her emotional self off and letting Slayer instinct take over. His being a newly risen vampire gave her quite an advantage and she dusted him quickly. Even knowing the man she loved as family was no longer a part of the walking-dead creature that had stalked up to her, it still ripped her apart having to destroy the monster with Merrick’s face.

For taking away her surrogate father, Buffy made Lothos’ death slow and painful.

Buffy’s heart still ached daily for the loss of her Watcher and only friend. She merely survived now; killed only when she came across demons or vamps. She no longer sought evil out, no longer patrolled as Merrick taught her.

Buffy was alone. No one to love or love her back and she decided it was better that way-- especially if she was destined to die young.

Destined to fight. Destined to die.

And destined to be alone.

Chapter Two

Two Years Later

He lingered in the shadows outside the club, looking over the women that were waiting to go inside. Finally, one particularly sweet little tidbit caught his attention. His choice made, he took the cigarette from his full, red lips and tossed it to the side as he approached her, his battle scarred leather duster swirling around his legs as he walked. The moonlight played over him, accentuating his shock of white blonde hair and drawing attention to his striking bone structure and pale, milky skin. Dressed in black leather pants that clung like a second skin and a blood red silk button down shirt, he seemed to exude an air of danger that had the eyes of every woman there turning his way. But only one held his attention.

She was a pretty little chit. Petite, with sun kissed skin that looked soft to the touch, a well toned figure with lush curves, large doe-like eyes, and thick, flowing hair. Just the way he liked them.

Stepping up to her, he pointedly ignored the others as he unleashed his lethal smile on her.

“Hello, Pet. Would you like to go somewhere quiet and have a drink with me?” the gorgeous man asked as he skated a finger lightly down her exposed arm.

“Sure,” she practically moaned, caught up in his beautiful, sea blue eyes and the lilt of his accented voice. Slipping his arm around her waist, he led her down the street away from prying eyes as her hand caressed his back. Oh yes this was just what he wanted, if the scent coming off of her was any indication. He loved to make these nameless women crave him and then take their lives.

It was his need to prove he was more now than when he was human. As a human, beautiful woman only scorned him and now he held the power.

Once out of sight, he turned her into a dark alley. There was no argument from her. Forcefully he pushed her into a brick wall and attacked her neck with lips and tongue. When she started to moan her pleasure he struck like a viper, ripping into her neck with his fangs and greedily gulping her life force as her body writhed against him. Proving he was utterly in control of the situation.

This was always so easy for him-- finding a willing female that would follow him into a dark and secluded area so he could sink his sharp teeth deep in her pliant flesh and drain the life from her. Sometimes it was almost too easy. But feeding from beautiful women always made him hard, so it was definitely nothing to complain about.

After taking the last drop from her rapidly cooling body, he dropped the girl unceremoniously to the ground. Walking away with a swagger in his hips and a smug smile on his face, he drew a cigarette from the pocket of his leather duster and lit it. With a look of indifference he glanced one last time over his shoulder at the body of the moronic girl who had no clue who he really was.

He was Spike, formerly known as William the Bloody who lived truly for the fight. As a young vampire he had tortured those who had made his human life hell, but quickly outgrew that. He relished a good rough and tumble and what better way to prove his strength than fighting and killing those chosen to destroy his kind.

Spike was still reeling from the hunt when he made it back to the lair. He loved the way it always left him feeling invigorated. The begging, the smell of fear, the intense arousal as they died by his vicious fangs. It never failed. Male or female, once the initial pain of the bite was over, the person would not be able to control the desire that arose in them as their blood was drained and their life ebbed away.

Stepping into the lavish home that he and Dru had taken over for their stay in LA, he was greeted by his dark princess and her incessant moaning. He was getting tired of the visions that seemed to be coming more frequently. The bloody doll and the pixies always talked to her now and he was exhausted from her insane ramblings.

“Dru, my perfect princess, what ‘s it?” He struggled but kept his tone tender and calming when what he really wanted was to shake the sense back into her head sometimes.

“Miss Edith is a bad dolly, my Spike. She has been telling me lies,” she whined. “The stars told me we must leave for the mouth that wants to eat up the world, but Miss Edith says my boy will leave me in that sunny place and chase the golden girl.”

Spike sighed. “Dru, you know I’d never leave you. You’re my ripe wicked plum. Only you. Always you, luv.” He then bent and kissed her forehead. “Princess, I know it upsets you to go to the Hellmouth but we need to be there to ensure everything goes as planned. You know how much mystical energy a Hellmouth creates and Sunnydale is the closest one.”

Trying to calm Drusilla’s fears Spike gently stroked her hair in spite of his aggravation with her tantrums.

“I met the warlock tonight and got the book we needed t’ make you better. We can leave tomorrow after the sun sets,” Spike told her as she drifted off into an uneasy sleep. He, on the other hand, could not sleep yet. His adrenaline was still pumping from his meal and he wanted to look through the book he had just procured. He also had to figure out what the visions that Dru was having of the golden girl might mean. She was accurate more often than not.

Spike walked into the den where he had left the book and sat down, getting comfortable for his night of reading. The book was in Latin, of course, something he was glad had been an educational staple before he was turned. As he read, he realized that he would need her sire to complete the ritual. Angelus had disappeared on them almost a century earlier for reasons of his own. Shit. I’m going to ‘ave to do a locating spell and find the git so that I can help Dru.

Spike realized he would have to put off leaving LA for a day or so. He needed the warlock to do the location spell. Once he knew where Angelus was, he could get him to help. If Angelus was willing, there would be no need to hurt him to cure Dru. If he tried to refuse…there was always torture.

Deep down inside, Spike was afraid he would loose his love to her precious daddy again. He thought back on the many times Drusilla had chosen her Sire over him. Spike was always second choice for her; he knew that without a doubt she would be at the wanker’s side if he wanted Dru there.

The more Spike thought about it, the angrier he became. He loved his vicious girl with all that he was, but she never professed to feel love for him in any fashion. He kept the pain of her rejection locked deep inside, not wanting others to know how weak his love could make him. He might be a master vampire, but he still had a poet’s heart.

As he sat there with these thoughts and fears spinning in his head, all the resentment he held towards Drusilla began to surface. Normally he kept a good hold on this part of himself, but just thinking of her twisted devotion to the Grand Arse brought it to a boil.

Spike saw it all in his head once again. Running from the party with tears streaming from his eyes, the ripping of his heart the only sound he could hear. She found him there in that dark alley sitting on a bail of hay, shredding the sheets of his bloody awful poetry.

Looking into Drusilla’s eyes that night so long ago had shown him what he so desperately wanted to see. Promises of love and glory had fallen from her lips. All lies he now knew, and had known for so many years. There was no real love in her for anyone but Angelus. His dark princess only wanted Spike for his complete devotion to her every need.

Why did she do this to him? He was going through eternity in the same manner he had lived-- no one to love him with the same boundless love he gave.

After all this time, these things should mean nothing. He was stronger now for all the torture his sentimental self had endured. It had given his demon a savage brutality that made him a feared master in a very short time.

Spike was surprised but accepting when he became aware of the tears that flowed freely from his eyes. Wiping them away quickly he stood, growling in rage for allowing himself to get caught up in the past. Putting it all from his mind, he once again locked that weak William part in the depths of his dead heart and strode off to bed.

Chapter Three

Sitting at the small dining table in his two-bedroom apartment, Rupert Giles stared down at the large ancient text before him without really seeing it. His mind was once again occupied with thoughts of his situation here in this small town of Sunnydale. Working for the high school’s library was dull and the horrid teenagers he had to put up with only made it worse. Giles had no friends per se, only the interaction with other teachers while at work.

As a Watcher for the mighty Council, Giles had studied for half his life to do his duty and train the Chosen One. This tedious existence was beneath him.

He was a man of great standing in England. Having come from a wealthy family, his status only grew as he took his place in the Council of Watchers. However, with no Slayer to be found it was impossible to do his job.

Where was his Slayer? Upon hearing of Merrick’s demise he had waited for one Buffy Summers to make an appearance. He had informed the Council after a month went by that she had not come. They were just as dumbfounded as he was. No one could tell him where she was or why she had just disappeared. All the Council could do was reassure him over and over that she would be there at some point.

Giles had held fast for two years but to no avail, all the while doing her job in her absence. Well, he was entirely fed up with filling her role.

He had come up against many vile monsters in his time on the Hellmouth. There was never a lack of the detestable creatures. Demons were drawn here by the evil that emitted from the area. The only thing in this town for him was death.

One anomaly had piqued his interest soon after his arrival. Giles had met a stranger who gave him information. Within a week the man calling himself Angel revealed his true nature to the Watcher. He was a vampire who had been cursed with a soul by gypsies.

Knowing nothing of this, Giles had been apprehensive at first to say the least. Finding that Angel was the former Angelus, Scourge of Europe who loved toying with his victims, made Giles all the more concerned.

Angel, however, proved himself trust worthy night after night by working beside Giles to stop whatever the forces of darkness threw their way.

Giles was a man alone and yearned for Miss Summers to show up or be killed so that his wait would be over. Either way, he believed his life would be better.

~@~@~@

Helping the bartender place chairs upside down on the tables, Buffy was avoiding going out into the night. She rarely came up against any demons these days to remind her of what and who she was, but all evening she could not shake the feeling that something was coming. Finally, Tom rudely shoved her out the door so he could lock up and go home.

Feeling a chill slide down her spine, Buffy walked towards her building hoping to make it home without any trouble. Every time she came up against anything she had to slay it only reminded her of Merrick and all she had lost.

Hearing voices coming from the dark alley she was about to pass, Buffy knew that her night was about to take a twist in the wrong direction. She stopped to listen for a moment when she noticed her spidey sense--as she liked to call it-- going off.

Looking down the alley as she kept hidden, she saw a man speaking to a thin, green creature. Eww, that is so gross, she thought as she watched a blob of slime drip from the demon onto the ground. A human talking to a demon and showing no fear was an unusual thing for her to see. Thinking this could really be a bad thing, she decided to listen in on their conversation.

“So you see my friend, soon there will be utter chaos in Sunnydale,” the man related in a voice that had a strong British accent.

“And what am I supposed to do with this information,” questioned the demon. He was harder to understand with his nasal sounding voice.

“Well” the man grinned maniacally, “in all the confusion that is to ensue, the Hellmouth will not be guarded and it will be a demons paradise.”

Buffy had heard enough. She stepped into the alley, coming up behind the nasty demon. Quickly grabbing him around the neck she twisted until she heard the satisfying snap as his neck broke. She then turned, advancing on the stunned looking man as he backed up against the wall. Upon reaching him her hands shot out to capture his collar and hold him in place. “What’s a Hellmouth and why are you talking to demons?” she questioned.

Ethan Rayne looked at this slip of a girl and knew right away this would just add to the disorder that he loved. Taking on a look of sheer panic, he stammered out, “Please don’t hurt me. I will tell you anything you want to know.”

“I want to know everything, so spill before I decide you aren’t worthy of breathing,” Buffy snarled menacingly.

“There is a vampire seeking a cure for his sire and he cannot do it unless he is in Sunnydale. He will also need her sire for the cure. I am sure that with such powerful master vampires there will be a lot of bloodshed and possibly the Hellmouth will be opened,” Ethan said with as much fake fear as he could project into his voice. Inside he leapt with joy for he knew if his manipulation worked she would add to the fun.

“How do you know this?” Buffy asked while still holding the frightened man up against the wall.

“I am a warlock and the blonde vampire known as Spike came to me seeking a book he needed for the cure. There is one more thing I should tell you. The other master Spike has to locate for the ritual has a soul. That is everything. I swear to you.” Ethan kept playing up the scared act gaining a great amount of enjoyment from the fact that he would soon be able to sit on the sidelines in Sunnydale and watch the fun he had created.

Ethan was a man who lived for creating turmoil wherever he could. It excited him more than almost anything else in his life ever had.

“I’m going to let you go and I want you to remember one thing. I can break you in half like a twig, so don’t let me see your face again,” Buffy said giving him her best ‘I would really love to hurt you’ look.

She let go of the man abruptly and he stumbled before he immediately took off running.

Well I guess I am going to have to go to Sunnydale and see what I can do about the problem there, Buffy groused angrily to herself. I can’t let anything called a Hellmouth be opened and I can’t let a town be destroyed by some nutty vampire trying to cure another nutty vampire.

After noticing the slime covering her arms, Buffy looked down at her clothes. “Oh man, there goes one of my favorite outfits,” she said to herself as she started walking home once again.

~@~@~@~

Spike was out hunting for the warlock, wanting to get on with it so his girl could be restored to health. He had already checked the hotel he had followed the warlock back to the night before with no luck.

Trying to track the slight sent that still lingered in the air, Spike was abruptly knocked backwards as Ethan ran straight into him.

“Just the man I was lookin’ for,” Spike said with a grin while setting Ethan roughly back up on his feet. “You ‘ave to do a locating spell and tell me where Angelus is right now.”

Ethan smiled inside. He already knew where Angelus was but he could not risk revealing his underhandedness or the vampire would have him for dinner. He adopted the stutter and panicked look again. “Yes, Mr. Spike. I can do that immediately if you have something once owned or touched by this Angelus.”

Spike had known that he would need something from the great poof and had brought along an old shirt of his that Dru still kept with her. He pulled it from his duster pocket and handed it to Ethan. “Now, I guess we need to go where you have your ingredients. I want to get this spell finished and leave for Sunnydale soon,” Spike drawled as he pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it, sucking the smoke into his dead lungs.

“Of course, Mr. Spike. That is not a problem. This spell will only take a few minutes and then you and your companion can be on your way.” Ethan replied in the most sincere voice he could manage. This was going to be so much fun, putting all of these unknowns in one spot-- and Giles will be the icing on the cake. The evilly inclined human grinned maliciously at the damage that would be brought down on his old friend.

There was nothing he liked better than to settle old scores.

~@~@~@~

Well this ‘s going to be easier than I thought. Peaches ‘s already on the Hellmouth and all I ‘ave to do ‘s get him where I need him for the ritual, Spike thought as he grabbed a young man dumb enough to be alone on the streets late at night for Drusilla’s dinner.

The ritual itself would be simple if Angelus agreed to do it. All he had to do was open his wrist and mix some herbs in with his blood. Then Drusilla would need to drink from him as he chanted the words.

That was it! After 10 years of searching it was so simple that it angered him and filled him with hope at the same time.

He hauled the struggling young man into Drusilla’s room and chained him up, and then he went over to the bed and woke his sleeping princess. “Luv, I brought you a nice young dinner. I know where Angelus ‘s and we can leave as soon as you’ve eaten. I packed all of our things before I went out.”

Dru climbed from the bed, swaying her hips as she walked to the lovely young man. She leaned in close and looked deep into his eyes. He was going to scream, and she loved it when they screamed. Suddenly, her faced changed to its true visage and she struck, tearing into his neck savagely. His scream had her smiling around his throat as she pulled the blood from his body.

When she released the now lifeless boy his body hung limply like a marionette. Dru turned, looking at Spike innocently. “On to see my Daddy now Spike?” She knew that she would get him back-- she had always known.

Undeserving young pups could have no cake. That was only for Daddy and soon the celebration would begin. Spike’s pout over never getting his bite had already been forgotten.

She couldn’t wait for all the guests to arrive.

Chapter Four

Angel felt a change in the air. After so many years he could still feel his family. They were close and that scared him more than anything else could. In spite of the fear, he longed for the comforting embrace only they could give him. Being alone so long had only intensified his yearning for them.

Angel had drifted the earth suffering the torment of his restored soul alone. He struggled daily with his forced solitude. He only associated with a Watcher in hopes that the good deeds he performed would ease his pain. The horrific images he endured from his previous existence kept him locked up and an outsider to both worlds.

Spike, Angelus loved him as much as he loathed him. Always brash and unpredictable that boy was. Never one to do what he was told and this had angered Angelus as much as it had made him proud. What would he do if and when he came face to face with Spike? He really didn’t want to hurt his family.

Drusilla was near and with her came a burning need. She was his. How would he be able to stay away from his princess? His love for her to this day pulled at him. What if the soul demanded her death? Would the demon that called for her allow him to do the right thing if she were to kill innocents?

~@~@~

Driving through the darkness, Spike’s anger continued to grow as they came ever closer to Sunnydale. Drusilla looked out the window, humming to herself as they sped along the highway. Spike knew what was spinning around in her head. Talking to the bloody stars about the great poof I bet. All she wants ‘s that stupid wanker.

Seeing a sign that cheerfully welcomed them to Sunnydale glaring at him from the shine of his headlights, Spike smashed his foot down on the gas pedal and drove through it, feeling hugely satisfied at causing its destruction.

A few minutes later he stopped the car outside an old factory. Spike was gripping the steering wheel with white-knuckled hands. He tried to calm himself, but the look of rage that distorted his handsome features was there to stay.

Drusilla ignored him and began bouncing in her seat. “We’re here!” she squealed, clapping her hands and waiting for Spike to get out and open her door.

Spike kept the scowl on his face as they walked into their new home. When he had known they would be coming to Sunnydale, Spike had called in a few favors. A rokurokubi demon named Wilburt-- an old friend from their days of knocking about Europe--had found this factory quickly and fixed it up to Spike and Drusilla’s liking. He had sent Spike a layout of all the rooms and met the few minions Spike sent ahead of them. He was happy to see that the main room housed a nice leather couch and chair with a large entertainment center for keeping him occupied during the day. He generally woke up long before the sun set and boredom was a problem.

Wilburt had left behind two of his own vampire bodyguards to make sure everything went smoothly when his friend arrived. Noticing his own loyal minions and two new faces, Spike decided he should explain how things would work while they were here. “Okay you moronic gits, let’s get straight to it, shall we? First off-- Drusilla is to be protected at all times. Never, and I mean never, leave her alone. Got it?”

Heads nodded as the minions agreed. All but one of the new ones that Spike didn’t recognize. He was blatantly staring at Drusilla. Spike growled a warning at the imbecilic show of strength from the young one. He was either very brave or very stupid. Given his age, Spike was betting on stupid.

Instead of heeding the Master Vampire’s warning, the minion foolishly decided to directly challenge his new master for the dark beauty that twirled and sang so entrancingly. He stepped forward, growling threateningly to issue his challenge. His only thoughts as he flew towards Spike were of becoming a strong master vampire and ruling the small clan with Drusilla by his side.

His overconfidence was his downfall.

Spike waited, not moving a muscle as the minion reached him. Spike sidestepped the charge at the last second and grabbed his head with both hands. Letting the minion’s own momentum carry him forward, Spike stayed motionless, effectively ripping the git’s head off and turning him to nothing more than a pile of dust. He slapped his hands together with a feral grin.

“Any more of you want to show ‘ow stupid you can be?” Spike asked calmly. The spot of violence had at least eased some of his inner fury.

The others had the sense to only shake their heads no. They could see Spike was eager to show them who was boss once again if they so much as squeaked.

“Lesson the first. Deal fairly with me and I won’t rip your stinking heads off. Got it?”

Drusilla wanted to go to bed so the stars could whisper to her of Angelus. In her dreams her Daddy always painted everything crimson. Soon he would come for her. She stroked her hand down Spike’s cheek, “My dark knight, the pixies say Mummy will fade away soon.”

“What ever you need, Dru.” Spike muttered. The hurt he was feeling made his tone clipped and rougher than normal. He knew she was not thinking of him as he led her to their bedroom.

After putting Drusilla to bed, Spike went out for a quick meal before the sun could come up. He had noticed a change in Drusilla from the moment they entered this town. His fears of loosing her to the great ponce were making him more agitated than he wanted to admit. As much as he hated the thought, tomorrow night he would have to go out looking for him.

~@~@~

Angel decided that he had to tell Giles about his childer being in town, even as his demon warred with the soul, wanting to protect what was his. Even with all that had happened since he was last in the bosom of family, the demon knew they would accept him no matter what. The soul was a moron.

He was so deep in thoughts of his family that he didn’t realize that he had walked all the way to Giles’ flat until he was standing at the door. He raised his hand and knocked. The door swung inward a moment later and Giles was standing there waiting for Angel to say something.

“Yes Angel, what do you want?” Giles eyed him warily.

“I think we may have a small problem, Giles. I got a strange feeling about an hour ago. My blood pumping through their veins so close to me. It pulses through me calling out family. Their here in Sunnydale.” he replied, walking past Giles into the living room as if he was there everyday. He was still so lost in himself that he didn’t notice the look of shock on the Watcher’s face.

Giles shut the front door and headed for his bottle of scotch, needing a stiff drink to prepare himself for what was to come. “And just what does this mean, Angel? Is there some reason I should worry that you would join her instead of doing the right thing?”

“No, Giles. I will do whatever I have to do, but I know she won’t be alone. My grand- childe Spike will be with her, and he is vicious when it comes to protecting her.” Angel couldn’t hide the sadness in his eyes when he spoke of them.

Giles knew of Drusilla. He had also read up on her companion, William the Bloody. Together with Angelus, they had cut a destructive path through Europe. With this knowledge also came a nervous fear to the Watcher.

What if Angel’s soul wasn’t strong enough to resist his demons pull towards family? He would loose his only ally in this small town and gain a terrifying enemy, one that had an invite to his home. With that also came the knowledge that Angel would be aligned with two other very strong vampires and death would definitely come for him. Giles could only hope that Angel’s soul would keep any of this from becoming a reality.

Chapter Five

As the bus made its way towards Sunnydale, Buffy’s mind frantically tried working through everything that had transpired in the last twenty four hours. She had not actively sought out demons of any kind since Merrick ’s death. Why now? What had shifted inside her for her to get involved? Well, for one, I don’t want a town to be destroyed knowing that I can stop it. That would make me feel not so good about myself. Oh, and let’s not forget this thing called a Hellmouth. That just sounds too scary. Nope, can’t let that be opened.

At least she’d had enough brains to save most of the money she had made over the last two years. It would pay for her room and board while she was there and still have plenty left over. Now I just have to figure out how to find that vampire with the stupid name. Who calls themselves Spike? I mean, really, couldn’t he pick something better than that?

When the bus arrived at its destination, she asked one of the employees if they could point her in the direction of a cheap motel. On the edge of town was the Sunnydale Motor Lodge. It looked like it was about to fall apart at any minute, but all she needed was a roof over her head and a hot shower.

After she deposited her stuff in her room, Buffy went out to see what she could find. She stopped and had a burger before hitting the cemeteries. Who knows, this could be fun. It’s been years since I’ve had a chance to really intimidate anyone, except for that British guy in the alley. Doing that got me all excited. Maybe my inner slayer coming out to play is just what I need. Using the tactics Merrick had taught her caused a gut wrenching stab of pain which she quickly stomped down. Being strong emotionally was something she had learned to do. Being strong physically had been thrust upon her.

In the first cemetery she caught sight of a vampire, which meant possible information as well as a good fight. Moving quietly, Buffy made her way closer to the unknowing vamp. She stopped, turning her back to him as she pretended to be mourning at the grave in front of her. Within minutes the demon took notice and started to slink towards her, positive he was going to have himself an easy meal. Just as he closed in, she rounded on him and slammed her fist into his face. She then grabbed him before he could get over being stunned and pinned him to the side of a nearby crypt, bringing her stake up to his heart. Damn! That wasn’t much of a fight. I was hoping for a little more action.

“Hi! I’m Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I’m kinda new in town, so you probably haven’t heard much about me. Anyway, I wanted to know if there have been any new vamps in town? Maybe one that goes by the name of Spike?” she said with such a casual tone that the vampire just stared for a second.

When he didn’t answer her right away, she pressed her stake into his chest just enough to break the skin. Getting the message quickly, he began to talk, “Yeah, I heard that a Master Vampire rolled into town last night with a really crazy chic at his side. Are you going to let me go now?”

“Do you know where I can find him?” Buffy questioned calmly.

“Nope. I guess I’ll be on my way now,” the vamp smiled tensely, trying to wiggle out of her grasp.

“Well, hell. You aren’t much help,” Buffy groused as she plunged the stake into his heart, coughing lightly as she dusted herself off.

@~@~@~

Giles was out on his nightly patrol through some of Sunnydale’s finer cemeteries when he saw a small young woman. She appeared to be alone and grieving over someone she had lost. When she seemed oblivious to the demon attempting to creep up behind her, Giles surmised that she must be new in town. While most of the town’s residents pretended nothing was amiss, they knew not to come to places like this after dark. Oh, dear Lord, there is a vampire sneaking up on her. I must warn her quickly. He was about to call out to her when she turned on the vampire and threw him into the side of a crypt.

This was interesting. He knew of no one strong enough to do that to a vampire except other vampires. He moved closer in an effort to find out what was going on. Giles abruptly stopped when he heard the most amazing thing come from the girl’s mouth. Did she really just say that she was Buffy the Vampire Slayer?? His wait was finally over!

When the vampire turned to dust, Giles came out of his stupor and began walking towards her again. He was determined to find out where this young upstart of a Slayer had been and what had taken her so long to get here.

Hearing someone approach, Buffy turned to face whoever it was and adopted a fighting stance. When she saw, she almost started laughing. It was an older man dressed in the dorkiest looking tweed suit she had ever seen, and he was walking directly towards her in a determined manner.

“Who are you and what do you want?” Buffy asked trying to suppress a giggle.

“My name is Rupert Giles and I have been waiting two years for you to show up,” he retorted, taking off his glasses and polishing them, a faint look of disdain marring his features.

“What in the fuzzy heck are you talking about? Explain to me why I should have been here two years ago and just who in this insane universe you might be?” she said while looking at him like he was a complete screwball.

“If you are Buffy Summers then that makes me your Watcher and I have been waiting because you were supposed to be here after your last Watcher died,” Giles scoffed.

That did it. Bringing up Merrick while using such a callous tone made Buffy angry. She didn’t care about any of the other things he had said, just the bit about her Watcher being dead, making it sound as if it were nothing. She walked up to him with violence shining in her eyes and punched him directly in the gut before turning on her heel and walking away.

Giles was trying to catch his breath on more than a wheeze and follow her at the same time. Who was she to think she could do this to him? Did she not realize he was important and that he had given up his life in England to be here waiting for her?

Spluttering, he yelled after her. “You have a sacred duty to keep the evil in this world under control. You should have been here doing that duty.”

“Well, no one informed me where I was supposed to be, but I guess your precious council had no idea what my life has been like. Go away and leave me alone! You can go back to wherever you came from because I don’t need you. As for my duty, I am here because I heard something bad might happen and I wanted to stop it,” Buffy huffed as she continued to stomp her way across the cemetery to the gates.

“It is my job to train you and I do not shirk my duty as you seem so determined to do. I can’t believe how neglectful your last watcher was in teaching you these things,” Giles replied in a scathing tone.

Buffy turned with malice in her eyes. “If you ever speak of Merrick in that way again, I will kill you. I don’t care if you are human.”

Giles sputtered indignantly, taking an involuntary step back from the undisguised hatred in her cold hazel eyes.

She advanced menacingly, forcing him back even further as she continued. “If you weren’t so high and mighty you could have gotten off that tweed-covered ass of yours and found me. I have lived in the same abandoned building for the past two years, working in the same dump. I thought you and your council were all powerful. You should have known where to find me.”

He cowered nervously. “Can’t we discuss this rationally?”

“You want rational after you were trying to tear apart my Watcher? You have no right to speak Merrick’s name. You are nothing!” she spat, giving him one last contemptuous glare before viciously stalking away with her head held high.

Chapter Six

As soon as the sun set Spike was on the hunt for something young and delicious to sate his hunger. Knowing he had to find Angelus this night he wanted to be at top form for whatever was to come. He found himself a yummy treat outside of a teen club called the Bronze and quickly drained the pretty little happy meal on legs.

As he walked through the streets, Spike’s inner William began to plague him with thoughts of inadequacy. Angelus had always mucked things up between him and Dru before, why would it be any different this time? He did not even notice he was lighting a cigarette every few minutes trying to quiet the fear as it twisted his insides making his hands tremble.

Drawing a lung full of smoke from the next cigarette, Spike became aware of the shakiness. It troubled and disgusted him that Angelus could still get the better of him; even when he wasn’t around. Spike threw his fag to the ground, snuffing it out with his boot.

He walked towards the more upscale area of Sunnydale. Angelus always enjoyed the finer things so he searched for him among the nicer homes, hoping he would be able to feel the pull of the Aurelius line and catch his scent the closer he came. Not finding a trace of him there, he finally opened the familial bond to guide him. Almost instantly he felt a tug at his senses and strode off with an air of complete confidence and purpose surrounding him.

Before too much time passed, he was standing in a cemetery watching his grandsire as he flipped another vamp over his back, forcefully slamming him into the ground. Swiftly, Angelus was on top of the fledgling pummeling his chest and face savagely before raising a stake in the air and turning the battered vampire to dust. What the bloody hell’s wrong with him? Thinking it must be a territory dispute; he blew it off and stepped from the shadows.

Angel felt Spike long before he saw him. He had sensed the younger vampire was looking for him and he was trying to quell the craving to be with his family. Needing something to kill in order to quiet his inner demon’s rage was his reason for going on the hunt. No matter how many fledglings he dusted there was no relief from his inner strife.

Spike, trying to tamp down his nervousness, jumped right in and went with the first thing that came to mind. “Grandpa. Long time no see. Where ya been hiding yourself?”

“Spike. Why are the two of you here?” Angel asked unable to hide the anxiety in his voice.

Hearing the slight quiver in Angelus’ voice, Spike realized there was something different about him. Something…off. Studying him intently, he tried to get closer without Angelus sensing what he was doing. Maybe if I can look him directly in the eyes, I can figure out what’s going on with him.

“Well, it’s like this. Me and Dru were in Prague when she got a little careless.” He wasn’t about to mention that it was Angelus’ fault that she became so careless. Time enough for that later. “Wasn’t long before the locals caught on and we were attacked by a mob. She hasn’t been well since. I found a cure but we need to be on a Hellmouth and she needs the blood of her sire for the ritual.”

Spike lit another cigarette and took a drag, trying to appear untroubled. He really despised having to ask anything from Angelus. It only made him feel like the weak fledgling at his grandsire’s mercy he once was but this was for his dark princess. For her he would suffer almost anything. “She needs your help, Sire. Will you come see her?”

Angel’s warring emotions pulled him under. How could he say no to his most beloved childe when she needed him so much? I can’t leave her the way she is. Maybe if I explained things to Spike and set down some rules he would agree. There is no way I can allow them to kill. I will just have to make that clear to him.

He finally allowed his eyes to meet Spike’s. With despair shining in his tormented gaze, the words tumbled out of him. “Spike, did Darla ever tell you why I left the family?”

Spike shook his head, trying to decipher what was staring back at him. He suddenly realized that this was not Angelus.

“She never told you or Dru what happened to me?” It was more of a statement than a question. “The night I left, Darla and I happened upon a band of gypsies. For killing one of their cherished daughters, I was cursed. They returned my soul so that I could feel all the pain and anguish I had caused my victims. Darla refused to allow me back into the family afterwards. I have not taken a life since and animal’s blood is the only thing I am able to eat.”

Spike was completely shocked. Darla never told us anything about gypsies, curses or a soul. Stupid bitch told us only what she wanted us to hear. He didn’t really leave us of his own freewill and to suffer the way he has by himself is unimaginable. Spike’s demon was howling at the injustice of the curse and of the shame Darla had put on the family by leaving one to agonize alone.

Thrusting his own distress aside he looked into Angelus’ eyes to convey his need to understand and hear the rest of the story.

“I wandered aimlessly for many years until I met a demon. He told me that I was needed to fight on the side of good. I was called to protect this Hellmouth because the Slayer who was supposed to be here never showed up. I need your promise that you will not kill while you are here. You have to understand why I cannot allow it. Please, you must promise me you won’t kill, and that you’ll leave town once the ritual has restored Drusilla.”

Spike looked at him dejectedly. That was asking a lot of them especially when Angelus had been the one to teach them how to hunt and kill. His grandsire was a traitor that killed his own kind but he was still part of them. “How could you leave us? You were m’ mentor.”

He felt betrayed and angered by Darla’s actions as well as Angelus letting her push him away. Not realizing his demon had come to the fore until Angel took up a defensive stance. “I don’t want to hurt you or Drusilla. You’re my family and I still feel strongly for the both of you. If you can promise me these things, I’ll come with you now. You also have my word that I will do whatever is needed to cure her.”

What could Spike do? He needed his dark princess whole again, and needed Angelus to do that. Then he saw the silver lining and grinned to himself. With the soul there was no way Angelus—no… ANGEL-- would be taking Dru away. All of his fears of her leaving him for her sire diminished. “You’ve got a deal. We can’t do the ritual for five days. It has to be done on the night of the full moon,” he said turning to walk away, knowing Angel would follow.

Spike entered the factory with a renewed swagger in his step, heading straight for the room he shared with Drusilla. Stepping into the room, he waited for Angel to enter and closed the door behind them. Spike walked to the bed, bending down so that he could run his hand through her silky dark hair. “Luv, I’ve brought someone t’ see you.”

“Did you bring mummy a present, my Spike?” Dru questioned as she sat up to see who her guest was. Seeing Angel, she squealed with delight. She leapt from the bed as if there was no weakness in her body at all and ran to him. Throwing her arms around him she said with a laugh, “Daddy you came back for your perfect princess! I have been such a good girl waiting for you.”

Angel was overwhelmed with the wondrous feeling of having Dru in his arms again. He held her tightly to his body, wanting desperately to be able to stay like this for eternity. Harsh reality seeped back into his mind and he extracted her from his arms. Sorrow filled his brown eyes and a single tear slid down his cheek. “Dru, my beautifully perfect girl, I came to help you get well and make sure you’re being cared for. I can’t stay, my heart. I live in between worlds now.”

At his words, Dru flung herself on the bed wailing. Spike tried to wrap his arms around her but she swung her arms out like a wildcat, using her claws to rip into his face. Angel started to leave the room full of guilt for hurting the one creature he loved most. Leaving Dru to sob into her pillows, a heavyhearted Spike followed Angel out of the room to make sure he was coming back for the ritual. “You’ll be back in five night’s right? I’ll try to make her understand before then why you can’t stay.”

“Yes, Spike. I’ll be back.” And with that he walked out of the factory.

Chapter Seven

The following evening Spike stormed out of the factory with anger rolling off of him in waves. I bloody well stand by that stupid bint through everything and all she can do is whine and cry about the hair-gel wonder.

He had tried to console Dru for hours the previous night, explaining patiently why Angel could not stay with them. All he got for his trouble was a screaming and distraught girl insisting that the pixies had said her daddy would stay with her. Stupid pixies, what did they know about anything? I was the one at her side for the last century listenin’ to her ramble on about that bloody doll. Took care of her every need and only wanted her love in return. Doin’ the best I can since she became ill to make her well again. I’m such a fucking ponce. Even went without a good shag for the last two years to keep from makin’ her any weaker and still she only wants her precious daddy.

Spike wanted to kill something badly, but he had promised Peaches he wouldn’t and he always kept his word. So here he was, wondering the town with all this rage and no way to get rid of it. He decided to go hunting for something really big and ugly to beat to a bloody pulp and alleviate some of his fury.

Then he saw her. The short green sundress clung to her form as moonlight danced on her glistening skin, giving it a golden hue. He had never seen such a glorious sight as the petite blonde walking gracefully through the cemetery. She had an ethereal presence about her that Spike realized made her glow from within. He was enthralled by her, and for once not even Drusilla crossed his mind. What the fuck. Stop thinking with the wrong head she’s just a snack. Made that damned promise to the poof, so I can’t kill her, but he never said I couldn’t nibble. I bet she tastes divine.

Walking out of the shadows like a panther on the prowl, he made his presence known. “Hello cutie. What’s a pretty little girl like yourself doin’ here all alone at night?” The closer he came to her the more amazed he became. Even with some distance still between them he could see a burning intensity in her eyes. She was gorgeous.

Buffy turned as she felt the familiar tingle. Great! I just might find where this stupid Vampire is tonight. She was definitely not prepared for what she saw stepping out of the shadows. He was the most stunning creature she had ever seen. That face was a thing of complete beauty, all angles and sharp cheekbones with full lips and a shock of platinum blonde hair to top it off. Oh God, look at the way he moves, all sleek with that leather duster billowing around his legs. Ugh! Those eyes, so fierce and consuming.

As he drew nearer, she could see the animalistic gleam in his eyes that was creating intense sensations inside her that she had never felt before. Shit, where is my mind going? Focus! This is a vampire, and… Did he just call me cutie?

Shaking off the unwanted thoughts and emotions, Buffy dropped immediately into a fighting stance as she realized he was more powerful than most vamps she had ever come across. Lothos was the last master vampire she had come up against, but the way this blonde was setting her spidey senses screaming there was no mistaking his immense power.

Spike smirked at her. “Well, well! What do we ‘ave here?” He could feel the strength radiating off of her now that he was so close. Slayer. Looks like I’m going to get a good fight after all. Might bag my third Slayer and maybe get a taste of that sweet power runnin’ through her veins as well.

He circled her, sizing her up. Tall, dark, and forehead must have been wrong, because this girl is definitely a slayer. “One question, Slayer. How long ‘ave you been in town? My source said there wasn’t a slayer in these parts,” Spike asked with a maniacal grin on his face.

What was with the question asking? Why had he not attacked her yet? She was standing there, ready for him. Maybe she would have to lash out first with this one. “Are you going to yak all night, or are we going to get on with this?” Buffy said her patience strained. She didn’t like the vibes she was getting from him.

Buffy lunged at him, trying to catch him off guard. Spike easily sidestepped her and swung his arm back at the same time to catch her in the back of the head as she went past him. She hit the ground hard but was back on her feet in less than a second.

Spike was bouncing on his toes, enjoying himself immensely. At that moment, Buffy spun low, trying to take his feet out from under him. He jumped over backwards, causing her to miss.

They continued fighting; each of them landing a few solid hits until Spike decided it was time and charged, knocking her to the ground. Quickly he pinned Buffy with his body. As he lowered his head to her neck, he sighed at the feel of her underneath him.

He was hard from the fight, but having her pinned beneath him was sending new sensations throughout him like bolts of electricity. It had been so long for him and the warmth and smell of her was like an aphrodisiac. His brain went on hiatus as his body reveled in her softness.

Buffy lay there under the unyielding body of the vampire, stunned. When he had pinned her, she had known this was the end. This was her last moment on earth, but she didn’t struggle. She felt him lean forward going in for the kill and still made no move to stop him. Years of being alone had finally taken their toll and a strange feeling of relief that it would all be over soon swept through her.

The hoarse groan that escaped from his parted lips startled her from her thoughts of death. Her mind cleared and Buffy began to notice the way his lean muscular body pressed against hers, causing an ache she had never known before. Her mind screamed, He’s a vampire about to kill you. Get a grip on those hormones, you fool! But God help her, it felt so good.

His lips brushed her neck and parted to lick the skin he found there. “So soft” he mumbled not even realizing that he was rubbing his pelvis against hers until he felt her arch into him. His hands started to move of their on volition from where they had hers trapped at her sides. Running slowly up her arms in a light caress, he breathed in her scent as she wrapped her arms around him, holding the back of his head with her hands.

Buffy was panting and mewling as his hands came to the rest on either side of her face. How could he be making her feel this way? No man had ever done this to her before.

Spike was lost in the noises coming from her. He slowly ran his lips and tongue up across her jaw to meet with her mouth. He could smell her arousal perfuming the air, driving him on. Gently he pressed his lips to hers, parting them to run his tongue along her bottom lip, begging for entrance. She opened to him taking his tongue in to caress it with hers. The kiss grew more fierce and passionate with each passing moment until Buffy finally had to break free for air.

Spike’s mind chose that moment to kick in. He leapt suddenly to his feet staring blankly for just a moment at the siren spread out before him. He took in her kiss swollen lips and the flushed body that was still shaking with lust. Slowly his eyes traveled down over her heaving chest to her dress pushed up around the tops of her spread thighs. He had to get away before he gave in to this sudden need to plow himself deep into her warmth. Turning swiftly in a swirl of leather, he ran as fast as he could. What have I done? I‘ve never touched another in passion before. ‘Ow could I betray my ripe wicked plum? And with the Slayer no less!

Buffy lay there trembling, shocked to the core at what had just happened. Oh my God, I was totally making out with a vampire! A cold, soulless, evil, dead sexy master vampire. No, not sexy! EVIL. Right. An evil, dead, not sexy with kissable lips. Kissable lips? Argggg! I have to stop thinking like this, but gah! I didn’t want him to stop. What the hell is wrong with me?

She needed to get out of the cemetery and get herself together before she was attacked. All of the feelings that were swirling around inside of her could only turn out badly. Deliberately pushing the turmoil in her mind down, she climbed to her feet and began walking briskly towards the gates.

I just wanted everyone to know that Tam helped a whole lot on this chap. I was completely stuck and became rather mad with it lol. Megan gave me many ideas as well. So thanks to both of them for all of their input.

Chapter Eight

Buffy walked, trying to sort out her muddled thoughts of what had occurred in the past hour. How could I let a vampire touch me like that? How could I act so slutty? I should have a sign saying ‘vamp ho’ plastered on my forehead. But his body felt so incredibly good pressed to mine. Those moans and groans and those hands all over me. God, he’s such a good kisser and…Ugh, not again! Bad, bad Buffy! Stop thinking of the evil undead like that.

Someone called her name. She turned and saw that horrible tweed covered watcher coming towards her with a tall dark man that her senses told her was a vampire. What the hell is he doing bringing a vampire to me?

“What do you want, O Great and Powerful Watcher?” Buffy asked in her most scathing tone.

“Miss Summers, I know we got off on the wrong foot last night, but I am still your Watcher and I have some things I need to discuss with you,” Giles replied stiffly. It might gall him, but he was determined to be civil to the little upstart.

“Why are you hanging out with vampires if you’re part of the almighty Council?” she questioned. She made no attempt to hide the look of hatred in her eyes.

Being so close to another vampire after making out with one only caused Buffy to become even more frazzled. She really needed to not be standing here talking to these two right now, but seeing the determined look on the Watcher’s face, she knew the sooner she let him talk, the sooner she could be on her way. She wanted some time to herself, time alone so that she could figure out why she reacted the way she had to that nameless vamp.

Coming back to the two men standing in front of her, Buffy took a closer look at the hulking, dark haired vampire. While sizing him up, the first thing she noticed was that he was taller and bulkier than the vampire she’d met earlier. She could tell he was old, but he didn’t exude any real power. Really, that expression on his face makes him look like a kicked puppy. And look at that hair! He uses more hair-gel then anyone I’ve ever seen. This guy must really be obsessed with his looks.

Buffy was unable to stop the small laugh that escaped her at the thought of a vampire consumed with vanity. At least she was distracted from her fixation with the other bloodsucker while she was inwardly sniggering at the one in front of her.

Angel had been discussing his family and Spike’s request with Giles when they had spotted the Slayer. The closer they got to her, the more he could sense his grand-childe’s signature on her. Needing to make sure his mind wasn’t playing tricks on him, Angel discreetly sniffed the air.

The vampire was stunned. His jaw dropped and he openly gawked at Buffy. Standing this close to the little Slayer, it was impossible not to be aware of two things; the lingering scent of the Slayer’s arousal and a residual amount of Spike’s as well. What the hell is going on? For her to have Spike’s scent on her like that they would have had to be all over each other.

“I see you have met my grand-childe, Miss Summers,” Angel declared with a slight frown. This could not be good if the slayer of slayers had already met up with the slayer. It might prove to be a big obstacle in curing Drusilla. What if Spike decides the no kill promise doesn’t apply to a Slayer. He can really be an arrogant little bastard and that could cause all kinds of problems. I have to find out what the hell that boy is up to.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Buffy snapped.

“William. I recognize his scent all over you. You reek of him, in fact.” Angel gave her a condescending smile.

Buffy glared at him. “I fought a vamp earlier. He got the drop on me but I managed to get away,” she lied. “Are you sniffing me? You do know how gross that is, right?” She knew she was being a bitch, but he was a vamp and saying weird things out of the blue as he blatantly stared didn’t help with her first impression of him.

“Can we go somewhere not so public to discuss these matters?” Giles asked in a clipped tone, starting to move down the street towards his apartment.

“Whatever,” Buffy sighed. She was really starting to get freaked out by the way Giles seemed to not worry about the big vampire walking beside him. It seemed to be something they were accustomed to.

The small group made their way to Giles’ apartment in silence. Each contemplating what was going to happen once they reached the Watcher’s home as they cast questioning looks from the corner of their eyes at one another.

Giles opened his front door and allowed Buffy to go in first since it was the polite thing to do. Angel stepped over the threshold just after him causing Buffy to start wondering if Giles really was who he claimed to be.

Maybe this was all some sort of scheme to get the Slayer off guard and then kill me. Buffy’s mind began screaming at her. She stayed near the door watching closely to see what would happen next.

Not noticing her discomfort Giles offered them something to drink, but only because he had good manners. Then he sat to discuss why Angel had come running to him this evening while he was out looking for his slayer. “First off, I think I should introduce Angel to you, Miss Summers. He works for the side of good.”

Buffy snorted at that. “I’ve heard of him. Vampire with a soul right?” she questioned, looking directly at said vampire. Realizing this was the same vampire the warlock in LA had mentioned, she relaxed enough to sit in a chair that was still close by the door.

Angel just nodded even though he could tell she thought it was something akin to a joke. Feeling her uneasiness did bring a slight smile to his lips.

“Now Angel, what was it you wanted to discuss with me?” Giles said before taking a drink of his scotch, still oblivious to the tension surrounding him.

“I told you the other night I could tell that some of my family had showed up. Well, Spike came to me last night wanting help.”

Buffy interrupted him. “Spike. That’s the vampire I came here looking for. See I got this tip in LA that he was going to do some ritual on the Hellmouth and that it would be not so good for this town.”

“The ritual will not cause any problems!” Angel bellowed, jumping defensively to his feet before he realized that the two humans were staring at him intently. Trying to calm himself, he continued, “Look, all he wants is to make Drusilla well again. They were attacked a while back and Dru has been very sick since then. He just wants to help his sire and he needs me to do it. He promised me he wouldn’t kill while they’re here and that they would leave as soon as she was healed.”

“How can you trust an evil murdering fiend to keep his word? You know better than anyone that vampires cannot be trusted!” Giles spluttered out, getting so angry with each word that fell from Angel’s mouth his glass of scotch shattered under his intense grip.

Buffy intently watched the argument play out before her. She could not believe some of the things Angel was saying. He wanted to do this ritual that she was supposed to stop and defending fanged killers.

When the glass had broken in Giles’ hand she was amazed at the strength this unassuming man had. Maybe there was more to this Watcher than she had first presumed.

Red faced and glaring at Angel, Giles quickly stood and walked into his small kitchen rinsing the cut that now adorned the palm of his hand.

“Spike is a vampire yes, but one thing he has always been is honest. When he makes a promise he never goes back on it,” Angel stressed, angrily defending his family while pacing the small apartment with undisguised agitation. That had been one of the things he was always able to count on with Spike. If he said he was going to do something, he did it.

After the wound was clean and bandaged Giles retrieved a towel and broom to clean up the mess he made with his drink. Maybe if they sat and discussed matters more patiently he would be able to find out if the ritual would truly hurt anyone.

“Angel, please do sit down and let us talk about the concerns I have about the ritual so I can at least have some idea of what is going on.” Giles sighed. He was already exhausted by the proceedings of the night.

Finally it dawned on Buffy while listening attentively to everything being said that the Spike Angel was talking about was one and the same as the vampire that made her body ache so deliciously earlier. Her heart beat started to speed up at the revelation of knowing his name. Spike. She had made fun of it when she first heard the name days before but now it made her skin tingle and moisture pool at the apex of her thighs. Her mind began to wander into the bad place again where Spike had kept up his ministrations; making her scream his name as he showed her how phenomenal his touch could be for her.

Reality seeped in and brought her musings to an abrupt stand still when she remembered that Spike was here to heal another woman. Who was she to him? Buffy felt a twinge of pain that he may already have someone he cared for even as her logical side kept screaming about her duty to destroy demons such as him.

Hearing a part of the conversation between Giles and Angel that caught her attention she finally looked up and asked, “What did you just say about a warlock?”

“I came across this man in the cemetery tonight right before I went to find Giles. He had a bunch of magic stuff set up so I know he was going to perform some sort of spell. He was definitely human and wasn’t too happy about being interrupted, either,” Angel said

“What cemetery did you find him in and can you give me a description of what he looked like?” Giles practically demanded, growing more uneasy by the moment.

“It was in Restfield and he was average height with brown hair and British,” Angel replied, wondering where this new Giles had come from. He had never seen the man act with such strength.

“Bloody hell, that sounds like Ethan Rayne. We must find out if it is really him and if so, what he is doing here. He loves to make a mess wherever he can,” Giles said slumping down in his seat. This was worse than he had feared. If it was Ethan then what he was up to could prove to be something very damaging.

“That sounds like the same guy I grabbed in the alley in LA that told me about the ritual. Why would he tell me if he wanted everything to go willy-nilly? This can’t be very good,” Buffy stated, intrigued by the situation.

“My only assumption is that he was trying to bring as many together as possible to start some kind of disorder. You see, Ethan worships Chaos. We will have to start looking for him and find what he is truly up to,” Giles spoke in a calm tone, attempting to mask his nervousness. He knew what Ethan was capable of. In his youth they had done many of the same types of things together. At one time, they were best friends and had relied on each other.

They decided the best course of action would be to come up with a plan before going to find the warlock. Giles made some snacks for his guests before they sat at his dining table and began talking it out.

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

Spike was still moving slowly through the many cemeteries of Sunnydale as the images of what had happened with the Slayer played in his mind on a continual loop. What’ve I done? It’s all Dru’s fault for being sick. If it hadn’t been so long since I was able to be with her my body never would’ve reacted that way.

Incensed by his reaction to the Slayer and angry with her for being so beautiful Spike began kicking over and stomping any headstone into dust that dared to be in his way.

Bollocks. I’m jus’ lyin’ to myself. That slayer was so warm and soft and all I wanted was to shag the hell out of her right there on the soddin’ ground. I had my chance. Could’ve bagged my third slayer and instead I start snoggin’ her like there’s no tomorrow.

He could see her golden hair shining like a halo as she crouched, ready to fight him. Her movements had been so graceful and yet had a ferocity to them that he had not seen on any other Slayer before. It made him want to teach her new moves just so he could watch how she would change them to fit her unique style.

Playing the feel of her well toned form pinned below him over in his head once again Spike wished he wouldn’t have let his brain interfere. He couldn’t stop thinking of her scent, her oh-so-soft skin, and taste of her lush lips.

I wasn’t the only one interested though, considering the way she was rubbing up against me and makin’ those hot little noises. Bloody hell, now I’m hard again. He stopped and rubbed the ache held too tight in his jeans.

Gotta stop thinking of her. Dru’s going to kill me if she smells that slayer’s arousal on me. Gotta go straight for the shower so she won’t know. Can’t let her know. She needs me.

Finally Spike decided he had to get back to the factory and clean himself up. He wondered as he walked through the darkness why the Slayer had finally shown up in Sunnydale or if Angel had been lying to him.

As he made it to the door of his lair Spike made a decision to have one of his minions find out the Slayer’s name. He knew it wasn’t a good idea but he had an overwhelming urge to know. He made short work of sending one out and then headed for the shower.

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