The Luck Of The Vampire
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my Eeyore socks. (They're green.)
Summary: Spike makes a new friend who will drastically change his unlife. Set early season 5 between 'Fool For Love' and 'Shadow'.
Reviews: Yes, please. I need reviews almost as much as I need to write Spike stories. Readers Rock but Reviewers RULE!
A/N: This is the result of a very late night plot bunny discussion with WayWard Childe. (Instant messaging will deprive you of sleep!) We were talking about some of the things we wanted to change in the Buffy-verse and this was one of his suggestions. So he gets either part of the credit or part of the blame, depending on whether or not y'all like the story. The idea wouldn't leave me alone so for the first time I have more than one WIP. Although this one should be very short, no more than four or five chapters. I have not abandoned 'The Painting'. It is actually winding down and will be finished within just a few more chapters. A new chapter will be up very shortly. In the mean time, enjoy and don't forget to review.
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Spike was still reeling from the revelation of Joyce's illness. He liked Buffy's mother. She always treated him decently. She'd listened when he'd returned heartbroken over Drusilla's betrayal and they'd become somewhat friendly over the past year or two. He had taken to dropping by to chat a couple of times a month. The slayer was unaware of it though. He knew that she'd stake him if she had an inkling that he had the nerve to even speak to her mother much less stop by for a cuppa on occasion.
He ditched the shotgun in a dumpster, the thought of killing Buffy had evaporated at the sight of her tears. The urge to go to Willie's and pick up a bottle became overwhelming so he altered his course to go by the demon bar. He kicked a stray can in the alley and winced slightly when the noise echoed down through the narrow passage.
A growl caught his attention. Allowing his demon visage to come forward, his enhanced eyesight let him spot the small body being held up against the wall of the building to his left. A large demon had a clawed hand around the child's throat and growled again. A feral smile crossed Spike's handsome face. A jolt of adrenaline flooded his body as he almost flew across the alley to tap the demon on its massive shoulder.
"Excuse me. Don't you think you should pick on someone more your size?" Spike stepped back fractionally to brace himself for the attack he knew was coming. To his surprise, the demon ignored him. Picking up a loose board, Spike broke it across the demon's back. This time it turned around and released its hold on the small body. The boy slumped to the ground unconscious. Spike tuned his ears for a moment and was surprisingly relieved to hear his heartbeat, strong and steady in the tiny chest. The demon swiped a sharp claw at the blond vampire. Spike ducked the attempt easily and laughed derisively. A spot of violence was just what he needed to help alleviate the helpless anger at the unfairness of Joyce's illness. He instinctively knew it was bad and the knowledge was eating away at him.
"Come on then. Let's see what you've got." Spike taunted the demon. He wasn't even sure the big ugly could understand him but the amused tone the vampire used enraged the demon and it attacked again. Spike ducked again and popped up behind it. He jumped up, grasped the demon around the neck and gave it a quick twist, snapping the thick appendage with a bit of difficulty. He landed gracefully as the demon collapsed and began to melt away.
"At least it's a self-cleaning ugly." Spike muttered, letting his gameface slide away as he crouched down to check on the boy that was beginning to stir and regain consciousness.
"Let's see, Little One. Are you all right? What in Bloody Hell are you doing out at night by yourself?" The gentle tone the blond used would have surprised anyone who did not know him well. He hid that side of him from nearly everyone. The child had landed face down on the filthy pavement so Spike eased him over onto his back. He pulled away in shock.
The small figure groaned. He opened startling green eyes and sat up. Spike extended his hand and helped him to his feet. He raised a small hand and straightened his clothing. The little guy was no larger than a nine year old boy, but Spike had no doubt that he was far older than his own hundred and twenty-some years.
"Well, well. And what are you doing so far away from home?" The British vampire enquired.
"What? We're not allowed to travel? See the world? Shows what you know, English." Spike smiled at the sound of an accent he hadn't heard much of in over a century.
"And what would you be smiling at, you vampire?" The small man demanded.
"I'd watch my tone if I were you. Sure, I'm a vampire, but I'm the vampire that saved your life. What did that demon want with you anyway?" Spike was amused at the outrage the little guy was exhibiting.
"What do you think he wanted?" The petulant expression merely widened Spike's smile.
"Stupid git. Didn't he know you can't get it that way?" Spike tilted his head curiously. "Come to think of it…"
A tiny foot stamped in irritation. "I know, you saved my life now I owe you. What do you want?"
The possibilities boggled Spike's mind. The answer to so many of his problems was standing right in front of him. He would have to be very careful though. So many times these things turned out so very wrong just because the little devils loved to be difficult.
"What's your name?" Spike asked.
"I am Sean Patrick O'Brien. At your service." The diminutive man bowed. He walked over a couple of feet and retrieved his hat and a minuscule cane.
"It's a pleasure. My name is Spike." The vampire bowed his head in return, his humor increasing at the formality of it. Suddenly his problems didn't seem so dire.
"What kind of name is Spike? Sounds like a dog. I'll be asking you again, Spike. What is it you want so I can be on me way." The irritation was becoming more apparent by the minute.
"I'll have to think about that for a bit. For now, I was on my way to Willie's. Care to join me?" Spike stood up and looked down at his new companion.
"And what would a 'Willie's' be?"
"It's a demon bar." An expression of fear crossed the miniature features. "Don't worry, no one will bother you while you're with me." Spike motioned for his new friend to precede him out of the alley.
"Well, why didn't you say so? I could use a spot of Irish whiskey. Lead on, Vampire." The little man waited and fell into step with Spike as they made their way to the bar.