A.N.: Hello again. More oneshots from Beckydaspaz. This one can probably be classified as a drabble. Set between Listening to Fear and Crush. Hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: I own nothing...I cry daily at such knowledge :P
Spike woke with a jolt and a high pitched scream as he bolted up from his laying position. "What in the bloody hell?" he yelled. The woman who had entered his crypt looked abashed as she said. "I didn't mean to intrude..." Spike rubbed his eyes and lithely lifted himself to a standing position. "No, not intruding. Just caught a fella unawares is all." she laughed softly. "Yes I can see that." "What can I do you for?" he gestured for her to sit. "I just had a question really," "Well then, go on and ask it."
she hesitated slightly as Spike took in her features.
For the first time since he had known her, she looked...old. Worn around the edges. Her eyes held more wisdom and a heaviness that came only from having tasted the blackness of the world. Her hair was pulled back and hidden under a red silk scarf, her mouth was a thin line, drawn tight in concentration. She blushed slightly under his vigorous stare, twisting her hands in a show of anxiety. "Joyce," he started softly. "What is it?" She met his face with an awkward chuckle. "Seems kind of silly now." she breathed. "Well you felt it was important enough to venture into an evil vampires crypt in the middle of the day," "Good point." she blew out a shaky breath and inquired. "Did you know?"
He tilted his head at her. "Know what?' "Oh boy. I feel like I shouldn't even ask this but...did you know you were going to die young?" He gaped at her. "I don't know how to answer that." "The truth please, I just need to know." He shook his head slightly. "No. I didn't. Thought I would live to have children and grandchildren." "But you didn't." "No I didn't. Got over that a long time ago." She looked relieved and crushed at the same time. Spike didn't know what to say. As he searched for the right words she stifled a soft sob into the palm of her hand. "Oh god. I'm sorry." she gasped. "No need to apologize. What's with the waterworks?" she shrugged one shoulder. "It's going to sound completely insane. Not to mention completely self pitying." "I'm listening." he said, leaning in her direction. "I have a feeling...a feeling I can't shake that I'm going to die young."
He straightened immediately at her comment. "Did the doc say something? Something that would make you think that?" she dismissed his question with a wave. "No. Nothing like that. Just a feeling." "Could be something you ate." he declared as she laughed. "Yes I suppose it could be." There was silence in the crypt as Joyce stood, gathering her purse. "Well thank you for your time Spike." he nodded. "Yeah. S'not a problem." She patted his shoulder affectionately. "Take care of yourself." Spike held her eyes as he said. "You too Joyce. You too." She paused at the door. "Please take care of my girls Spike." She whispered it, but Spike had no problem hearing her. He smiled sadly at her. "Till the end of the world." he promised. She smiled and walked out into the sunlight.