Here's chapter 2.
Enjoy
Chapter 2
Spike opened the double doors and sauntered over to the bar, ignoring the glares of the numerous demons that often made up the patrons in Willy's Place. Sliding onto one of the stools, he lifted two fingers to Willy who nodded to him and walked over, using a cloth to clean a glass in his hand.
"Spike, good to see ya." He greeted. Very professional of him, considering he was usually being beaten up for information by everybody, hence his nickname: "the Snitch."
"Likewise mate how's business?" Spike answered, looking around at the bar.
"Good, always has been, always will be." Was the reply. "What can I do ya for?" Willy enquired. Spike thought for a moment and looked at him.
"Bourbon whisky, strongest you got." He said. Willy grinned at him and reached under the counter to pull the shot glasses Spike always drank from and then walked over to the cabinet. Pulling out the bottle, he slid it down the counter to Spike, who nodded to him and proceeded to pour himself a shot.
Drinking the first shot down, he poured himself a second, whilst looking around the bar. Vampires and demons usually crowded in at night, which was nothing unusual in Sunnydale and tonight was no exception. Some of the demons knew him from experience and all of the patrons hated him, firstly because he was a vampire and secondly he was allied to the Slayer.
Spike chuckled to himself. Ever since he'd thrown his lot in with Buffy, his life had been made all the more difficult. He remembered the time he'd had the holy high hell beaten out of him before being thrown out of the last bar he used to drink in. Chugging down his second and third shot, he turned his gaze to a group of demons who had been glaring at him ever since he entered. He raised his scarred eyebrow at them.
"What? Can't a bloke have a drink without being stared at?" they all turned away from him and he sneered before returning to his drink. Without intending to, he listened into some of the conversations around him. Most of them were casual conversations and he found himself laughing quietly at some of the jokes being told around him and took another shot of whisky.
"I'm telling you, man. The kid wasn't human." That got his attention. Spike turned his head slightly to listen in to the six vampires sitting in one of the corners of the bar. All of them were in vamp face and were staring intently at the one in the centre of the booth.
"Right ok, Marvin." One of the others replied. "Then just what in the hell was this kid?" Spike continued to listen in intently. "What was he? Another vampire? A demon?" Marvin shook his head.
"He wasn't a vampire or a demon, but he sure as hell wasn't human either!" The other vampires all groaned at this.
"Then just what the hell was he?!" a brawny bald male demanded. Spike frowned at this. A being that's not human, demon or vampire? That's interesting.
"Look I told you what happened, you gotta believe me!" Marvin blustered. The vamps around him sighed and a female vamp spoke up.
"Then just tell us again!" Marvin groaned but began to talk again all the same.
"Me, Jake and the others were following this girl. When we got her to ourselves if you know what I mean…" The males all began chuckling as Spike continued to eavesdrop on them. "Then this cold wind blew around us and this kid just came out of the shadows towards us."
"Ok, what'd this kid look like?" Marvin thought for a long moment trying to remember as much detail about the newcomer as possible,
"He was about 5'11, 18 years old. He had silver hair, no seriously silver hair." He began, as the female vamp shook her head. "Eyes as grey as steel man and fur-trimmed bomber jacket. He just stalked towards us and didn't say a goddamned thing, even when Jake began threatening him." Marvin's companions all looked at each other and then back at Marvin.
"Wait a sec! You're telling me, Jake was threatening this guy and he didn't budge an inch?" Marvin nodded and they made noises of surprise.
"Kid's got balls to do that." One of them remarked.
"I bet Jake ripped his throat out right?" a second said. Marvin shook his head to their shock.
"Never got the chance. This kid just went to work on us and we only managed to hit him once! He dusted Chase and Tyler like it was nothing, hell he set Chase on fire with a wave of his hand." Spike had put down his glass by this point, memorising every detail that was coming out of Marvin's mouth. "He almost ripped Tyler's head off before Jake got back into it."
"Then Jake took him to school." Again Marvin shook his head.
"No, he jumped at the kid, but the kid didn't even move and Jake was just floating in mid-air." Spike raised an eyebrow at the mention of this. Telekinesis? He pondered quietly as Marvin continued. "Then he moved his hand out to the side like this…" Marvin swept his arm out to the side in a dramatic fashion "and Jake just flew into fence and dusted." The other vamps all stared at him suspiciously. "What?"
"Where were you during all this?" they demanded, he looked down humiliated.
"The kid floored me before I got the chance to grab him. By the time I got back up, the other three were dust and then he just walked away…" Spike had heard enough by this point. Taking a final shot of whiskey, he slammed the glass down on the counter and made his way out of Willy's Place, ignoring the yell of outrage from the owner as he did so.
He stepped outside and began to head back to his crypt, avoiding the direct routes in favour of the back alleys, looking for some entertainment along the way. He was gonna tell Buffy about this, whoever or whatever this newcomer was, he had taken on four vampires with, by sounds of it, no effort and dusted three of them. Marvin he'd left alive to be the messenger to tell the vampire community of his work. But what interested him was that this newcomer was not human, vampire or demon. So the Questions were: who and what was he and just who's side was this guy on?
Spike thought this all the way back to his crypt and continued to do so by the time he reached his humble abode and settled down to watch Passions. He rubbed his chin with hand and for once, did not really watch the show and simply sat pondering the answers to the questions in his mind.
Buffy sighed in boredom. She was sitting on the couch with Tara sitting next to her, watching or at the least pretending to watch TV. Willow and Dawn had gone out to the mall, leaving them at home on their own. Both of them seemed relieved at Willow's absence though Buffy found herself missing Dawn a little, despite the fact she would only be gone about two hours. She leaned on her arms as Tara folded her legs underneath her.
"You know…" Buffy looked over at her curiously. "I'm actually surprised we were able to convince Dawn to go out with Willow, she seemed really stubborn about it." Buffy laughed a little.
"Well, I'm personally more surprised we convinced Willow to leave if I'm honest." They both shared a laugh at this and then they went quiet for a moment. Buffy glanced over at Tara, who seemed very caught up in her own thoughts. She'd noticed the tension between the Wicca's the other day but hadn't mentioned it. "Tara?"
"Hmmm?" the Wicca looked up at her.
"Are you and Will…" Tara frowned "you know, cool?" Tara looked away for a second.
"I-I dunno Buffy," she answered, looking back her. "It's…it's been different since…"
"Since she brought me back?" Buffy enquired. Tara hesitated for a long moment and then nodded.
"Y-yeah…" she stammered, not sure how to continue. "Ever since she began using higher level magic, she's…she's changed." Buffy frowned. "She hasn't changed how she acts towards me, you, Dawnie Xander and Anya but her aura's changed…it's heartbreaking." Buffy's eyes widened at this and she turned fully to look at Tara.
"What?" she breathed. Tara's cheeks were wet with tears and she sniffed as she tried to regain her breath.
"Her aura…it's d-different now. She d-doesn't even r-realise it yet but it's there…" Buffy could only look perplexed as Tara hiccupped through her tears.
"What is?" she continued.
"Lust…lust for magic, the d-desire to use it and abuse it." Tara tried to take a steadying breath. "She's…addicted to it and I can't…I'm not sure if…I can deal with it now." Buffy opened her mouth to say something but the words stuck as Tara wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "I love her, Goddess I love her with everything that's mine but her addiction to magic is getting out of control and we've argued about it but she just won't listen to me!" Tara actually cried out the last words and broke down again. Buffy scooted across to her and wrapped her arm over her shoulders.
"She'll come round, have you told her how you feel about this magic thing?" Buffy asked. Tara shook her head, leaning into Buffy's shoulder. "Then that's what you need to do." Tara looked up at her.
"You think she'd listen to that?" Buffy nodded, though she didn't quite believe her own words.
"I know Will well enough to know you're the most important person in her life. Remember the whole brain sucky thingy with Glory?" Tara nodded Buffy shuddered slightly. "Ewww I can't believe I just brought that up" Tara snorted slightly at that. "Anyway, Willow did everything, everything to bring you back and she didn't stop until she had you back. She'll understand if you explain to her how you feel." Tara nodded and straightened. "I'm sorry." Tara frowned and tilted her head at Buffy's sudden apology.
"For what?"
I just feel kinda responsible, you know because her addiction started when she t…" Buffy just managed to catch herself before she finished that sentence and reworded it "when she decided to bring me back from the dead." Tara frowned; she hadn't missed Buffy's sudden change in attitude during that sentence.
"You don't have to apologise Buffy." She answered softly. "But…aren't you happy she brought you back?" Buffy tensed and paused for a second too long.
"It's not that…it's just…" Buffy paused, unsure of how to say this without exposing her secret. "It's just I'd wish, she hadn't gone through with it without at least giving me some kind of alarm call." Tara frowned and then sniggered slightly. "You know, "Hey Buffy, we're gonna bring you out of eternal slumber, be prepared" kinda thing. I'm still adjusting to…life again but that's all there is to it. I'm not ungrateful but at the same time…"
"You find it hard to be grateful." She nodded and Tara understood. Buffy sighed inwardly; Tara was far from stupid and would probably figure it out soon or later. Later rather than sooner would be good. She thought as Tara wiped her eyes again.
"I'm sorry about this whole, breaking-down-in-tears episode, it's been bottled up for awhile now and just needed to come out." Buffy smiled understandingly and scooted away from Tara who sat up straighter again. "With that said, how about some lunch?" Tara asked. Buffy grinned and both of them headed for the kitchen. Buffy and Tara fussed over whether to have an omelette or a pizza as they looked at the contents of the fridge but eventually decided on omelette and Tara set about making the lunch as Buffy looked on.
Buffy always admired Tara, not for her prowess as a witch but for her kindness and gentle nature. She was so thoughtful and knew when to ask something and when not to. She was good at reading people and often knew things others didn't. Buffy smiled, grateful that she had a friend like Tara especially during a time like this.
When Willow and Dawn came back, Buffy did her best to play the role of best friend to Willow. Despite feeling angry and disappointed she still considered her such and was determined to keep her friendship. That evening Buffy sat with them while they were in the lounge and watched TV. She smiled at Willow and Tara; Tara was obviously keeping quiet for the time being and wore her ever-gentle smile around Willow. Buffy quietly slipped outside after half an hour of television to get some air.
She stood on her back-porch, listening to the evening noises as the sun set very quickly in her opinion as the evening turned into night. She didn't mind though as she closed her eyes enjoying the breeze as the sounds from inside the house were muffled by the wind in her ears. She lost track of how long she stood there, just enjoying the quiet.
She suddenly tensed when she heard rustling from the bushes and her body slipped into combat mode as she eyed the shadows for a long tense. Surprisingly, to her relief, Spike emerged from the bushes, smoking a cigarette as he did so. She breathed a sigh of relief, glad at not having to fight something outside her own home and smiled as he approached. He was really the only person other than Dawn she could smile to, at least properly.
"Evening Slayer." He greeted dropping the cigarette and stumping it out with his foot.
"Hi Spike." She replied as he climbed the two stairs to stand by her. She looked into his cobalt eyes and became entranced by them for a moment before she next spoke. "What brings you here? Not stalking me again are you?" she asked playfully. He chuckled.
"Only if you ask real nice, pet." She laughed and they looked at each other for a moment. "I'm sorry to say I'm here strictly on business." She frowned and folded her arms at this.
"Business?" she repeated. He nodded leaning against the railing.
"I've got some information that might interest you." She nodded and waited for him to continue. "I think it's something all the Scoobies are going to want to hear, love." She raised an eyebrow.
"Hold on, what kind of information?" she persisted, wanting to know more of the specifics. He sighed.
"There's newcomer in town." She inclined her head and he continued. "I don't know the particulars but I heard a group of vamps talking about him at Willy's last night." She thought for a moment as he gazed at her. "I think it's something everyone should know, pet." He repeated. She nodded.
"All right sure, I'll call Anya and tell her to bring Xander and Giles over." He nodded as she went to go inside. She turned towards him with a frown and motioned for him to follow. "You can come in you know," she said. He chuckled, feeling unusually nervous and followed her into the kitchen.
When they entered, Dawn came through from the living room and grinned ecstatically at the sight of her favourite vampire. "Spike!" she threw herself at him and he caught her with a laugh, hugging her tightly.
"Hey Niblet." He answered. Buffy couldn't help but beam at the sight of them as Dawn kissed him on the cheek. Dawn adored Spike and had told her how much Spike had looked after her when she was gone. I haven't thanked Spike for that. He really hasn't broken any of his promises to me Buffy realised this now as she glanced at her sister and Spike. "How's my Lil'Bit?" he asked as Buffy watched them from the living room door.
"I'm ok, even with school and that." She answered dancing around him.
"You doing your homework?" He asked sternly, something that was very unlike him. She nodded with a pout.
"Yeah, even Buffy's nagging me about my homework and the fact my grades need improving." She stuck her tongue out at her big sister, who smirked.
"It hurts because it's true Dawnie." She replied. Spike chuckled but held up his hand to calm them both from snapping at each other, a talent he'd picked up in his time with both Summers girls.
"Listen to your big sister Dawnie. If she's worrying then she's right ok?" Dawn pouted and Spike put his hand on her head. "Hey, just promise me you'll do good in school ok Niblet?" Buffy marvelled at his nature around Dawn. It was like he wasn't even a vampire, he act so human.
"Ok for you Spike." Dawn conceded and Buffy and Spike shared a grin at this. "I really missed you!" she stated. Spike raised his scarred eyebrow at Buffy, who shrugged.
"It's only been a week, Dawnie." He answered matter of factly, and she shrugged.
"I know but I don't see you as much anymore." She replied. He sighed at this, sensing the implication behind that and put his hands on her shoulders.
"Well, we'll have to do something about that won't we, pet?" he answered. He looked at Buffy expectantly. "If that's ok with you love?" Buffy blinked at the fact Spike was actually asking her permission.
"Come on Buffy please?" Dawn pleaded. Buffy rolled her eyes in mock annoyance and smiled.
"Oh alrighty then go on, I've gotta call Anya anyway." Dawn squealed and pulled Spike into the living room. Tara smiled as did Willow and they both greeted Spike who nodded at them as he sat down next to Dawn.
As Buffy called Anya, she barely acknowledged what she and Anya were saying; she just watched Willow, Tara and Dawn interact with Spike. She couldn't help but notice how much Willow and Tara had also taken to Spike, despite how pissed Spike was at Willow, he still spoke with her like nothing was wrong and laughed with them. She recognized now that Spike had become part of the family while she was gone, like he was their guardian angel. She chuckled lightly at that thought and had to reassure Anya she wasn't laughing at her Guardian Angel? More like Guardian Big Bad he wouldn't look at me the same if I put him and 'Angel' in the sentence. She said her goodbyes to Anya over the phone and came over to sit next to Spike as he joked with the other three girls and they all shared good conversation until Anya, Xander and Giles arrived after half-an-hour.
Giles and Xander fixed Spike with a glare and Spike simply nodded to them, his face uncharacteristically devoid of his usual cocky smirk that irritated them. Anya simply smiled at him and moved over to sit down in the armchair with Xander perching next to her; Giles leaned on the coffee table, still staring coldly at Spike.
"Ok Buffy." Anya started. "What's so important that you had to drag me away from kinky time with Xander?" Tara covered her eyes whilst blushing and Dawn stifled a giggle. Xander looked down sheepishly as Buffy shook her head.
"Well I've called everyone here because…" she nodded to the bleached blond vampire "Spike has got some information for us…" she didn't get much further before being interrupted.
"He's leaving Sunnydale?" Xander exclaimed hopefully.
"In your bloody dreams, bricklayer." Spike shot back, Dawn giggled again and Buffy had to turn her face so she could hide her grin.
"No." She said. "He said he's got information that all of us need to hear." Xander frowned and looked at Dawn.
"Should Dawnie really be here for this then? I mean if it's all slayer-y stuff…" he trailed off at the anger in Dawn's eyes.
"Hey I'm old enough to hear slayer-y stuff!" Dawn retorted indignantly. Xander held out his hand to pacify her.
"Dawnie, you're fifteen…"
"Your point?" he and Giles both looked at Buffy in shock. "I was fifteen when I became a Slayer, so that argument's pretty much out the window." They gaped at her as Spike raised his eyebrows to her while Dawn also looked surprised. "Besides, Dawn's got a right to be here after Glory." She looked at Dawn who smiled at her and nodded.
"Regardless…" Giles turned his icy stare to Spike once more. "What could possibly be so important that you would want us to here it?" Spike scoffed at this and pointed at him threateningly.
"Well if you'd just shut ya gob Rupert, I'd tell you now wouldn't I?" Giles's face contorted with anger as again Dawn stifled her laughter, along with Tara and Willow.
"Just because you've tried to integrate yourself with us when Buffy was gone, doesn't make you one of us, Spike" he growled. "You've still got a lot to prove before…" Dawn went to speak again but Buffy beat her to it
"You're wrong Giles." He looked at her with wide eyes, as did Xander again. "Spike has more than proved himself to us…" she turned her gaze to the aforementioned vampire "to me…over the summer. He's welcome here now." Giles turned to her fully.
"Buffy would you…"
"Think about I'm doing? I have and Spike's part of the group now." She fixed him with a look that wasn't to be argued with. Spike smiled in elation at this and nodded gratefully to her. Xander went to say something. "Let's just hear what Spike has to say, without anyone butting in?" she said pointedly and Xander sighed in defeat and everyone turned their attention to Spike.
"All right, bear with me for a sec yeah?" he began. "I went to Willy's Place, last night. Remember your old mate Willy the Snitch?" they all nodded and he continued. "I just went there to pass the time yeah? And was minding my own business…"
"Is this going to get important anytime soon?" Giles interrupted, Buffy pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance but said nothing this time. Spike looked at him, mischief in his gaze.
"Didn't your mum ever teach to respect your elders Rupert? Since I got at least century on you, I think I hold that spot" Giles bit the inside of his mouth as Spike inclined his head slightly and he continued. "I was sitting at the bar when I overheard a group of vamps talking. They said something about a 'kid', a newcomer in Sunnydale." They all looked at each other for a second.
"So what?" Xander demanded Anya hit him on the leg. "Ow!"
"Shut up Xander, this is a chance for me to earn more money, so shush!" The rest of the Scoobies save Giles, all sniggered at this whilst Spike waited patiently for them to turn their attention back to him.
"Well this 'kid' apparently isn't ordinary yeah? Seems he's already made an impact in the vampire world by dusting three vamps out of four from what I hear. The survivor, a Marvin, said something about him setting one on fire with 'a wave of his hand.' Tara and Willow looked at each other and then back at Spike.
"Magic?" Willow asked Spike shrugged.
"I don't know Red. Marvin also said, that one of the vamps, Jake, jumped at him but just ended up "floating" in the air, while the kid barely moved. Don't need three guesses to figure that out do we?"
"Telekinesis." All eyes turned Dawn, who felt like hiding now. "What? I read." She defended; Spike and Buffy glanced at each other and shrugged. Giles looked incredulously at Buffy and then Dawn.
"Points to the Niblet." Spike continued as he paced in front of them. "Yeah, he used telekinesis and magic…" he pointed at Willow "and dusted three out four vamps leaving this Marvin alive. But, get this, according to Marvin this newcomer isn't human, demon…or vampire." Everyone exchanged shocked glances as Buffy looked at Spike.
"Then what is he?" Spike shook his head at her, looking just as confused.
"Not a clue, they didn't say anything else. But apparently he fought all four vamps together and only got hit once. That's no small feat against vampires and no offence pet but even you'd have trouble with pulling that off." He pointed out; Buffy nodded in agreement and turned to Tara and Willow.
"What do you guys think? Magic?" Tara looked at her as Willow frowned in confusion.
"I dunno Buffy. If what Spike's saying is true and he was able set a vampire on fire with ' a wave of his hand' then that means he has a high level of skill in magic…" she looked at Willow who nodded.
"Not even me and Tara can manage that," she added on, "we have to chant the incantation before we can really get any results." She frowned. "Come to think of it, I did feel someone using magic last night but I just thought I was going nuts." She admitted sheepishly and Tara put her hand on her knee.
"I felt it too." Tara said. "It was very powerful." Buffy nodded in thought as Giles spoke up.
"Why should we believe any of this Spike?" he insisted. "You could've been drunk." Buffy turned to her Watcher but kept quiet when Spike laughed out loud.
"You haven't been drinking with me Watcher, it would take a bit more than a few whiskey's to even got me remotely tipsy yeah? Vampire constitution and all" he replied with a dry smirk as Giles simply folded his arms. "I know what I heard and it's big, I mean if this guy could take on four vamps…" Buffy nodded in agreement "one of them being Jake, who I heard, is or was a big shot in one of the nests, almost as old as me I hear, then that already means he's no push-over yeah?" He stated. Buffy got up and paced around, trying to think about who or what this newcomer could be.
"But what is he?" she stressed; Spike simply shook his head again. "Giles, any ideas?" she asked. Giles shook his head, rubbing his glasses, as was his habit.
"None, I've never heard of anything quite this powerful before and if I have anything on it, then it would be within the oldest archives of the Watchers Council. I'm no more confused than you are." he sighed as Buffy turned to Anya.
"Anya? You're an ex-demon, what about you?" Anya, after getting over her shock about being asked such a question, shook her head sadly.
"I don't have a clue either Buffy. I'll admit I've come across some pretty powerful beings in my time as a Vengeance Demon, but like Giles I've never encountered anything like this beyond D'Hoffryn, but he wouldn't waste his time by dusting vamps, not his gig." Buffy nodded as Spike thought for a moment, when Dawn spoke up.
"Do you reckon it's someone like Glory again?" Her voice was tiny and filled with fear. Buffy down next to Dawn and put her arm around her.
"No Dawnie, it isn't. It can't be." Dawn nodded as Spike now came over and knelt down in front of her. Buffy sent a warning glare at Xander and Giles, who'd made to move forward and they backed off slightly.
"Niblet, you don't worry about that now. She is not going to bother you again." Dawn nodded and pressed her cheek into Buffy's shoulder as Spike rubbed her arm comfortingly. "That's over with, so let's focus on the here and now." Buffy glanced at him and mouthed "thank you" to him and he nodded, moving to sit next to Dawn.
"So what are we going to do about this newcomer?" Willow asked. "Do we hit research mode?" Buffy nodded. "I can do a locator spell if you…" She stopped at Tara's hard look and faltered. "Never mind. Internet?" Giles groaned.
"Why would the internet have anything on any kind of Demonic entity Willow?" he uttered incredulously. "I've got books that may help."
"Still surfing the web can't hurt right?" Xander asked. Giles muttered something intelligible and Xander looked at Buffy. "Maybe the Magic Shop has something that can help with this." Anya nodded as Spike thought, unaware of the sudden weight on his shoulder.
"I can do some more scooping around in the bars…" He began, looking at Buffy.
"I think you've done enough Spike." Giles retorted, Buffy growled quietly at Giles's attitude towards Spike.
"I wasn't asking you." Spike shot back, turning back to the Slayer. "Pet?" she nodded again to Giles's dismay.
"It may help, keep an ear out for anything unusual." He nodded and she grinned. "Spike." He frowned and she indicated to his shoulder. He looked down to see Dawn was fast asleep. She snuggled into his shoulder and her arm unconsciously hooked into Spike's
Spike's lips shifted into a very tender smile. The rest of the Scoobies watched in amazement, as he gently reached underneath Dawn's legs and scooped her up carefully into his arms. With a soft, parental look on his face, he looked at Buffy and indicated he would put her upstairs. Willow and Tara watched with awed expressions as Spike quietly moved out of the room and up the stairs, out of sight.
"That was so cute." Anya piped up. "I swear I've never seen any vampire act like that. He's so brotherly and fatherly and…and I dunno, that was so cute" Giles straightened up, a thunderous expression on his face and looked at Buffy.
"A word Buffy." He stated, heading into the kitchen. Buffy sighed; she should've known this would happen.
Here it comes. She got up and followed her watcher out of the room. Xander went to follow but Anya stopped him with a firm grip on his wrist.
"Alexander Lavelle Harris, if you go into that kitchen, you will be without me as a bed-mate until our wedding." Xander paled and sat down, much to the amusement of the watching Wicca's.
"What are you thinking Buffy?" Giles hissed the second they entered the kitchen. She folded her arms, defiantly.
"What are you talking about?" she replied coldly. He pointed out towards the living room.
"Giving Spike permission to be in your house, exposing Dawn to him and allowing him to take part in our operations? This is Spike Buffy!" he growled. "What is wrong with you?" her mouth dropped, appalled by this sudden attack on her.
"What's wrong with me?" She repeated, "For God's sake Giles, will you just stop and listen to what you're saying!" he put his hands on his hips and she did the same. "I have not exposed Dawn to Spike, she loves him and Spike obviously cares a great deal about her. If I'm not mistaken, he's the one who spent the most time with her, while I was GONE!" She spat out. "As I said, Spike has proven himself to us and to me, he's one of us now." Giles snorted and paced to the other end of the dining table.
"Have you ever stopped to consider what would happen if he lost the chip?" Giles spat. Buffy froze for a moment. No she hadn't but in truth, she couldn't see Spike just deciding to kill her and the Scoobies just because the chip stopped working.
"Have you ever stopped to consider why he simply doesn't go and get a brain surgeon to remove it?" she retorted just as bitingly. Giles opened his mouth and then closed it again, his retort died on his tongue. "I didn't think so." Giles decided to try the more diplomatic approach.
"Buffy, Spike is dangerous…"
"Oh you're preaching to the choir on that one." She admitted. "I know just how dangerous Spike is. Uh hello, he almost killed me the first time I fought him, but I also know that he hasn't tried to find some other way to try and kill me since he got the chip. In fact he's done far more for me than I ever expected him to, which is more than I can say for you." Giles stepped back from the table.
"What?" Buffy laughed bitterly at his confusion.
"You didn't even stay to try and take care of Dawn Giles. You decided to leave for England when you got the chance. Willow, Tara and Spike were there for her. Anya, I can understand since she runs the Magic Shop, but I honestly expected more from you and Xander." He looked down at this and Buffy continued. "You were supposed to be there for her and you weren't. Spike was and I'm grateful he was." Giles sighed and stepped forward.
"Buffy, can you just listen…"
"No enough!" she cut him off with a venomous tongue. "I've heard enough. Spike's part of the group now and you need to deal with that." Giles closed his eyes, conceding defeat and cleaned his glasses once more.
"Very well Buffy. But don't think for one second that I am comfortable with this." He growled and went to exit the house. She stood and watched him as Xander peaked his head round the corner and smiled hesitantly at her as she heard the door open.
"I'll see you tomorrow Buffy." He said. She nodded and he vanished from view. The door closed indicating Xander, Anya and Giles had gone. Releasing a breath, she sunk down into a chair and rested her head on her arms.
"Thanks, pet." She jerked up to see Spike leaning against the door leading to the living room. She smiled and he looked down sheepishly. "You didn't have to defend me you know? I understand why they can't trust me." Buffy stood up and approached him.
"I don't." He raised his eyes to hers and she smiled again. "You've done so much for them over summer and they still can't look past the fact you're Spike, The Slayer of Slayers."
"Can you?" he murmured. Buffy frowned and paused for a moment. Then she stepped forward so she was closer to him.
"Yes, I can…" she breathed he failed to hide his grin at this and nodded. Both them of them noticed the sudden increase in tension between them; they gazed at each other intensely for a long moment.
"That means a lot, pet. More than I can put into words." She nodded and they stood awkwardly for a moment. Being so close to her was driving Spike crazy; it took all of his willpower to stop himself from devouring her sweet lips. "I'd better go." He went to move to the front door.
"You don't have to…" he turned to her, eyes wide and she blushed under his gaze. "I mean…you don't…you can stay?" his jaw dropped faster than the Wily Coyote and she giggled shyly at this.
"Stay?" he repeated, unsure if he'd heard her right. She nodded
"You can sleep on the couch if you want." She offered. He let out a breathy laugh at this and scratched the back of his head.
"I think the Scoobies would get ideas if I stayed, love." He pointed out. She shrugged.
"Look, they'd only get ideas if we were sharing a bed Spike." He looked away, the faintest glimmer of crimson on his cheeks and she couldn't to hide her reddened cheeks either at that thought. "But…you're gonna be on the couch and besides it would save you the journey back to the crypt." He hesitated but she pressed on. "At least I'll know you'll be downstairs if I want to talk…" That sealed the deal and Spike sighed in defeat so he looked up and nodded.
"Ok." She released a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding as he slid off his duster and hung it on the banister. "As long as you promise not to play "Kick the Spike" in the morning." She laughed breathily and nodded.
"Only if you don't wake me up too early." He smiled and went into the living room, which was now void of Scoobies. "Thanks for putting Dawnie to bed Spike." She said awkwardly, he nodded with a grin and settled down on the couch but not before drawing the curtains.
"Good night Buffy." She yawned and nodded to him, heading upstairs, watching Spike as he lay back on the couch.
Spike had barely gotten comfortable when his vampire hearing caught her reply, though it was only a whisper.
"Good night, Spike…"
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