Seeking the Light - a sequel to 'By Night'
Chapter Two

by Angel Eternal aka Angeline

email: spikes_angel01@yahoo.com.au

Website: In Dreams and Shadows
http://www.geocities.com/spikes_angel01/index.html

Rating: R

Pairings: Spike and Buffy

Summary: Spike and Buffy are now happily together, but are they meant for such happiness?

Author's Notes: This fanfic is a sequel to the 'By Night' series and relies heavily on the events in said fic,
it is advisable that you read 'By Night' first. This fic starts off where the previous series leaves off.

Distribution: If you want to archive it go ahead, but just let me know first - I kinda like to know where it's going,
and plus I find out about more S/B shipper sites! ::grins::

Disclaimers: Buffy the Vampire Slayer is owned by Joss Whedon, several companies and God knows who else.
One thing is certain - I don't own any of it! Nothing - zip - nada!








Everything reeked of decay and pain. All around her hung forgotten possessions, abandoned by the call of
need and desperation. Her own tale was different, yet driven by these same demanding calls.

Willow shivered as an icy wind rushed past her legs, and she clutched her box tightly. She glanced down at them,
these remnants of a dark obsession that had ruled her, still ruled her if she would allow it. Now they would
join the ranks of the forgotten, the stories they could tell silenced.

A large figure emerged from behind a greasy curtain, his beady eyes raking over her slim form. Willow instinctively
shrank from him.

"What do you have for me?" the words came out in a low, unfeeling grunt.

She hesitated, unsure if she could hand over her possessions to this creature of unkempt hair and detestable
hygeine. Willow glanced down; steeling herself for what she knew must be done.

Meekly she held out her box, "I want to know what I can get for this."


* * *


A lazy haze of smoke puffed out of her mouth, lying back on the grass, she watched it dissapate into the air.
Rolling over she regarded her friend, handing her the cigarette.

Attempting to be casual, Dawn took the proffered cigarette, haltingly inhaling.

Clarissa laughed as Dawn started to cough. "Oh Dawnie, you are too cute."

Silently, Dawn handed it back to her, watching her as she rolled onto her back, "So, you coming tonight?"

Dawn flipped her hair over her shoulder, "Of course."

Clarissa arched her eyebrow at her, "Don't tell me you got some stupid curfew."

Dawn flushed, "Of course not, what do you think?"

Clarissa didn't say anything, but quickly leapt to her feet. "Come on, a bunch of us will crash at your house first
before we head out - that cool?"

Dawn nodded, gathering her bag. "It's cool."

Clarissa swept her bag up, "We better get going before we miss homeroom."


* * *


Buffy moaned as Spike's hands travelled down her body. "What happened to sleeping?"

Spike grinned at her before dropping a kiss on her navel. "Done with the sleeping now luv, got more interesting
things in mind."

Buffy hauled him upwards, and he willingly allowed her to pull him in for another kiss, tongues tangling as
their hands roamed all over their bodies.

A door slamming downstairs made Buffy bolt upwards, sending Spike crashing to the floor.

"Bloody hell!"

Buffy ignored him, glancing at the clock. "Oh my God - Spike, Dawn's home!"

Hurriedly, she rushed around her room, pulling clothes back on, and brushing her hair.

Spike sat up, propping his chin on her bed, he loved to watch her rush around like this. It always amazed him
how many things she could do at the one time without falling on her lovely butt.

Buffy shook her hair off her face and glared at the still half-naked Spike.

"Spike!"

Spike laughed, rising fluidly to his feet. "Oh pet, the Bit's seen me in less then this."

He indicated to the black jeans, which adorned his body as he sauntered out the door. "If you insist on being like
that luv, the only thing left to a bloke is to go eat."

Buffy rolled her eyes as she followed him, clutching his shirt in one hand.

A fact that Spike would be eternally grateful for as he walked in on a horde of giggling girls.

Dawn flashed him a grin, "Spike!"

Buffy nearly slammed into him, as she peered over his shoulder, she hastily thrust the shirt into his arms, which
he swiftly pulled over his head.

"Bit."

"Spike, these are my friends - this is Clarissa, Amy and Sharon."

Buffy noticed the red-head's eyes sweep over Spike appreciatively, as one pink tongue darted out to moisten her
lips. Buffy was suddenly filled with loathing for the little tramp.

Spike didn't notice Clarissa's particular attention, as he was too preoccupied with glaring at Dawn. But before he
could open his mouth to protest at her friends' presence a knock on the door sent her hurtling to open it.

"Scott!"

Buffy's eyes narrowed, as she watched her baby sister kiss some boy's cheek.

Dawn turned to her sister with a radiant smile, "Buffy this is my friend Scott."

"Yeah, I guessed that." Buffy moved from behind Spike to glare at Dawn.

Spike's eyes narrowed as he watched the boy's eyes roam appreciatively over Buffy's slender figure.

Dawn, seeing Buffy's furious expression, hurriedly excused herself from her friends, pulling Buffy into the kitchen.

"Buffy please don't embarrass me in front of all my friends!"

Buffy crossed her arms, "What is going on Dawn? And who is that little punk?"

Dawn gazed at Scott, a dreamy expression on her face as she appreciated him from a distance. "Isn't he just
gorgeous?"

Buffy couldn't help but smile, but she quickly hid it before Dawn could turn around. "Dawn..."

"Please Buffy, we'll all be out of here soon to go to Clarissa's - please?" Seeing Buffy's stony expression,
she plunged ahead again. "Come on Buff, you said I could go."

Buffy studied her earnest expression. Sighing, she relented, "Alright, just remember ten o'clock...."

Dawn waved that aside, "Yes, yes, Xander or Spike will pick me up, keep my cell on - anything else?"

Buffy glared at her, "Dawn..."

"Dawn!"

Spike's panicked voice galvanised both Summers girls into action, but what they saw made them stop short.
Spike stood in the middle of the room, Dawn's friends circling him, occasionally daring to reach out and touch
his arm as they talked rapidly. Clarissa was by far the most avaricious as she leaned forward to touch his chest
as she flirtatiously looked into his eyes.

Buffy was by Spike's side before Clarissa could blink, latching onto Spike's arm possessively. For a second
green eyes met hazel eyes challengingly, but when Spike's arm reached out to encircle Buffy's waist, the bright
green gaze dropped.

Clarissa backed away; with a flick of her hair she imperiously beckoned to Dawn. "Come on Dawn, time
to jet."

Clarissa sauntered to the door, Amy and Sharon close behind.

"See you later Miss Summers." her voice dripping with sweet sarcasm.

Buffy glared at her retreating back, as Dawn waved goodbye, following closely on Clarissa's heel.

"Don't worry Buffy, I'll watch out for the little sister." Scott winked at her.

Spike and Buffy exchanged glances, as the door slams shut behind the teens.

Buffy fell onto the couch, glaring at the closed door, "I really don't like that Clarissa girl."

Spike laughed, seeing the glint of jealousy in her eyes, "I don't know pet, I kinda liked her, all young and luscious
like that..." he let the sentence trail off as Buffy regarded him furiously.

Then her expression went smoothly blank, before a radiant smile broke through the surface.
"Hmm, you would like them like that wouldn't you? All vapid and useless, but that Scott..."

She didn't have to say anything else before a growl emanated deep from Spike, he broke off abruptly seeing her
mischievous grin, "You little minx."

He dove at her.

Buffy, shrieking with laughter, darted to the side, but Spike caught her ankle, bringing her down fast. Swiftly,
he had her in his arms.

"You don't play the game very well luv."

"Don't I?" she arched her hips upwards as a sardonic smile played around her lips.

Spike groaned, "What time did Red say she was coming home?"

Buffy grabbed the back of his neck, rolling him over onto his back so that she straddled his hips. "Late."


* * *


Clarissa giggled as Scott fondled her; sluggishly she gulped down the cheap alcohol. She glanced at Dawn.
"Dawnie, having fun?"

Dawn fidgeted uncomfortably, her cup of barely drunk beer clutched tightly in her hand. "Yeah, of course."

Scott glanced at her, "Hey Dawn, your sister is free right?"

"What?" Dawn frowned, "No, Spike's her boyfriend."

Clarissa's eyes glinted at the mention of Spike, "They haven't been together long have they?"

Dawn glared at her, "Don't even think of it Clarissa."

Clarissa flipped her hair over her shoulder, "What? I'm just asking. It's a natural enough question. Really Dawnie,
you are so lucky - I mean does he walk around the house half-naked all the time?" Her eyes glinted as she recalled
Spike's to-die-for body.

Scott snorted, "What about Buffy? Man, can you just imagine her all wet and..."

Clarissa elbowed him sharply, finally noticing his thread of thought, "You saying Dawnie's sister is hotter then me?"

Scott smirked, "Yeah."

Clarissa's mouth dropped open, and Dawn knew her well enough to see that a big tantrum was about to be
launched. To shut her up, Scott kissed her fiercely.

Dawn eyed them disgustedly, suddenly wishing that she was anywhere but where she was.


* * *


Tara waved goodbye to her friend, and continued walking. She tugged her jacket tightly, walking fast.

A glint of red caught her attention, but she couldn't believe that Willow would be in this part of town.
Squinting, she studied the slim figure in front of her.

"Willow!"

It was she, slowly, Willow turned around.

Tara stopped abruptly when she saw the ashen complexion of Willow's face and the carefully blank expression.

"Willow, what's wrong?"

Willow moved away from her, "I think you gave up the right to ask me those questions when you walked away."

Tara flinched away from her, "Willow..."

"No Tara, don't." Willow looked anywhere but at Tara. "I needed you, but you weren't there."

Before Tara could protest, Willow had gone.

Tara stared after her; she glanced at the door that Willow had come out of. Making a swift decision, she entered
the small, dilapidated shop.

"Excuse me?" The greasy man that stood behind the counter turned to look at her, "Did a young woman just
come in here? Red-head?"

"Yeah, came in and sold me a box of her junk." he shook his head, "We get people like her all the time, getting
over whatever crazy fad , and needing money for whatever new fad they have now."

He gestured to a shelf, where Willow's possessions where carelessly thrown upon, "Haven't gotten them priced yet."

Tara's throat constricted as her eyes slowly examined what Willow had sold.

Her eyes misted over as she picked up an ornate Celtic cross, images of her and Willow laughingly picking it out
flashing before her eyes. "How much is this?"

The man eyed it before naming his price. Without hesitation Tara paid for it, even though she knew how much
it really cost.

Slipping the silver chain on her neck, she absentmindedly thanked the man before gratefully slipping out.

It seemed that with every day that passed, Willow and the time they had spent together was swiftly fading away.
The decision that Tara had made was the hardest she had ever made, but she also knew that she had made
the right choice. Willow's accusation still rung in her ears, but she pushed it away. There was nothing she could
do for Willow right now - there never has been.


* * *


"Yeah, you sure it's ok Xand?" Buffy listened for a moment, "I would've asked you sooner but..." her glance
slid to Spike, who was sitting on a tombstone. "It slipped from my mind."

She ignored Spike's smirk, as she listened to Xander. She repeated Clarissa's address again. "And don't give in
to her - tell her ten o'clock and that's final - ignore her puppy dog eyes. Be strong Xand."

Buffy tucked her phone in her pocket, replacing it with a wooden stake. "Slow night huh?"

Spike slid his arms around her waist. "I'm not complaining."

Buffy impatiently waved him away, "Stake now, sex later."

Spike rolled his eyes, "It's always like that with you Slayer."

Buffy grinned at him, she threw a stake at him, "Make yourself useful vampire." she pointed to the vampire that
was sneaking up on Spike.

Spike whirled around, intent on lashing out at the thing, and then abruptly stopped. "Lucas?"

The dark-haired vampire stopped, "William."

Spike's hand dropped, "Man - what are you doing here?"

The vampire named Lucas shrugged, "Wanted to see if it was true." he nodded at Buffy, who eyed him suspiciously.
"Does Angelus know?"

"Of course he knows." It was Buffy who answered him, as she moved forward.

Spike distractedly introduced them, "Buffy, this is an old friend of mine Lucas. Luc, this is Buffy..."

"The Vampire Slayer." Lucas' eyes narrowed. He shook his head, "William, I thought Dru was bad..."

"Hey!" Buffy bristled, resenting being compared unfavourably to Drusilla. "At least I'm not some psycho
blood-drinking bitch."

Lucas ignored her, "William...Spike, do you have any idea what people are saying?"

Spike snorted, "When have I ever given a flying fuck what others think Luc?"

Lucas sighed heavily, "What have you become Spike? The protector of the innocent? How can you deny what
you are?"

Spike took a step back, "Don't give me that rot Lucas."

Lucas glanced at Buffy, who was still seething, "Can I talk to you?"

"You are talking to me."

He glanced pointedly at Buffy, who glared back at him. "Don't worry, I'll make it easy." she turned to Spike.
"You know where to find me. I still have a job to do."

The two vampires watched the Slayer walk away, before Lucas launched on his tirade.

"My God Spike, what have you become? The tales I've heard! First I hear you became some lab rat and
they fixed you so you couldn't hurt humans. Then I hear you're helping the Slayer! The Slayer! That's when I
looked for Dru."

At the mention of his sire, and his ex-lover, Spike moved forward, "You've seen her? How is she?"

Lucas snorted, "Yeah, I found her, she's still as crazy as ever. Shacked up with some fledgling. Anyway, she
tells me you're in love with the Slayer, been for a long time she says. I chalk it up to crazy talk, never good
to put too much faith in Dru's word you know. Next thing I hear is that you and the Slayer have shacked up.
Shagging like bunnies I hear."

Spike shook his head, "Don't you guys have better things to talk about beside my sex life? Like maybe the
next Apocalypse?"

Lucas continued as if Spike hadn't said anything, "What's happened to you Spike? Good God man! Where's
your vampiric pride? What are you now? What are you doing? Is this some misguided path to redemption?
Spike, you've always said there was no redemption for us. There never will be."

Spike stopped, Lucas' words sinking in. He fell utterly still, and drawing upwards into his true height, he stared
down the other vampire. "Get out of my town Lucas."

Lucas shrank back from him, but he didn't flee. "Go see Angelus, Spike."

Spike's voice lowered, "Get out now, you kill a mortal, I'll hunt you down. Not the Slayer - me."

Lucas moved away, nodding. "Promise me you'll go see Angelus."

When Spike didn't answer, he prodded, "Promise me!"

Slowly, Spike nodded.

With the promise, Lucas nodded, and disappeared, leaving an utterly silent Spike to his own thoughts.



~To be continued~