Greetings readers and welcome to my story! I got the idea to do this a little while ago. I honestly didn't like how Spike was being treated by Buffy so I figured I would write something where I kicked her out of the picture. Sorry for any Buffy and Spike fans I was just not one of them. This story takes place right after Buffy dies for the second time and it is before she is brought back. I hope you guys enjoy! Just a warning for the first chapter there is talk of suicide for anyone that gets triggered by that. It's nothing heavy, just talk.

Chapter 1

Darkness fell over Sunnydale, all the good little boys and girls were being tucked into bed and adults were returning to loving families. A figure strolled through the shadowed alleyways, which was only something that demons and people with a death wish dared to do. The man was average height and had a slender build with slightly tanned skin. His long red hair was pulled back into a ponytail and his blue green eyes scanning the shadows. He wore a plain loose fitting white tee that hung from one of his shoulders as well as tight fitting skinny jeans. Around his neck hung a pendent with a Celtic knot in the form of a tree carved into it, the light catching it every now and again to send out small sparkles. His name, Damon Mirkwood.

The more he walked down the dark passage the more he became aware that he was not alone. Something clung to the shadows and remained just out of his sight. Seconds later he sensed something pounce, an attack he could easily dodge, but instead didn't. He was pinned to the wall in one swift motion and he could hear a growl come from his attacker. He looked to the attacker and didn't even react when he noticed the yellow eyes and strange features.

The vampire paused for a moment, probably thrown off by his lack of reaction. But he seemed to recover as he went for the throat, but again Damon didn't even flinch. The vampire stopped again, stepping back to look at him in confusion, which was quite an amusing expression to see on his vamped out face.

"You know this is usually the part were you beg for mercy or scream in terror" the stranger said with a light British accent.

"That only works if I was actually terrified" Damon replied calmly.

The vampire stepped back more, his face shifted to its human form and Damon was finally able to take in his features. The man had short bleach blonde hair that was slicked back with tons of hair gel no doubt. His facial features were very sharp and well defined. His skin was only slightly pale and he dressed in a long black leather trench coat with a deep red shirt and dark blue jeans.

There was something else about him though that Damon found strange. Most vampires had this strong and powerful aura to them that often came off of them in waves when they were hunting. Yet this one before him had none of that. His shoulders sagged and his features were completely downturned in a mopey way. Overall he gave a sad feeling and it was so powerful Damon was a little taken back.

"Can't even scare bloody humans anymore" he sighed.

"Normal ones probably would have screamed, but you aren't the first vampire I've seen. Plus you don't seem into it."

"Well I'm not the only one. If you know of vampires and you're wondering dark allies in the middle of the night you have to be a hunter of some kind. Which means you should have been able to stop me."

"Maybe I didn't want to."

That seemed to really surprise him, "you…want to be killed?"

"Sure why not? Go ahead, I won't stop you" Damon said, moving his hair to the side to expose his neck.

For a moment it seemed like the vampire would take it, but he hesitated, "can't help you unfortunately."

"Why?"

"Got an annoying little chip in my head, won't let me feast" he said, tapping his head with his hand.

"It didn't seem to be working before."

"That's cause I wasn't trying to hurt you. I need money to get blood, all I have to do is spook a couple folks and get them to fork it over."

"Well I don't have much cash on me, but here" Damon said, pulling out his wallet and giving the other male the couple bills he had.

The man took the money and started to shuffle nervously, unsure of what to say. Damon just gave him a small nod and started to head off.

"Wait where are you going?"

"Since you can't help me I have to find a vamp that can."

Several hours of searching later and Damon was finally attacked by another vampire. For a place that had a Hellmouth he hadn't expected the demons to be so scarce. This vampire seemed more than happy to grant his request, greedily sinking his teeth into Damon's neck. But no sooner had the vampire started when he was suddenly thrown off.

The blonde vampire from earlier stood over the other one, quickly staking him in the heart before he could do anything else. Satisfied with his work the blonde turned only to be met with an annoyed frown from Damon.

"You're welcome" he said.

"I didn't ask for your help" Damon growled.

"Well someone had to do something. I mean getting sucked dry in a dirty alley by a greasy vamp, is that really how you want to go out?"

"I don't see how it's any of your business, you don't even know me."

"I would if you hadn't run off so fast before I could get your name."

What was with this vampire? He was strange and not anything like other vamps. Damon rolled his eyes, but decided to answer, "it's Damon."

"Seems fitting, I'm-"

"Spike, I know."

Spike's eyes widened in surprise, "you've heard of me?"

"You have quite the reputation."

Spike seemed stunned at this. While it was true that he had a reputation it was practically unknown for most humans. Only slayers and watchers really knew. It made him wonder who this stranger really was. But he didn't have time to ask as the man was already walking off.

"Now if you don't mind I would like to be finished off in peace."