20
Was a long bloody time waiting. First, the days, trying not to act like he was moping back, hoping Jade would call for him. The other little saucy Slayer chits were the ones bringing in her blood, not him. No, he'd been relieved of all that, didn't have to concern himself with it. Jade didn't need him around, and he didn't have to show up in her face. Blessing for her.
Not for him. Truth was, he could stand doing nothing for a few bloody days, not having anything to fight, if at least he could have been with her. Feeling like he was doing something, not just sitting on the outside, being a right useless git who made Jade feel guilty just by being in her sight. What the bloody hell was he supposed to do about that? Wait it out? Just cause they were immortal, didn't mean he wanted to spend the next hundred years hoping she could heal on her own. No, sodding hell, that's what he was supposed to be there for.
'Stead, he was with Angel and his ilk, 'cause not many of them wanted much to do with him. Gwen was no exception, but one of the others would distract her, and the two remaining would be civil enough. Best when Angel went to comfort Gwen, and Spike was left with Faith and Illyria. Illyria was a bit of a prig, but she was easy enough to get along with, and she wouldn't shy away from a good sparring. As for Faith, well Spike'd taken to the Dark Slayer more than he would have expected. Most of it had to do with her tolerance for Jade. Actually sounded like she admired his Slaypire, although a friendship was a bit dampered by Gunn's death, at least she didn't sound outright loathing. So although he'd always thought she came off strong before, now he found she was more tolerable, so he did tolerate her, for Jade's sake.
He'd learned that Angel and his little team of white hats had been on some sort of crucial mission, or at least they would be, but they lacked a witch to send them there into the dimension they needed to go to. Spike certainly didn't regret missing out on that. He'd much rather stay where the world made somewhat of a bloody sense. Los Angeles hadn't been outright terrible, although it'd been too much of an operating in shadows time for him to really enjoy himself. Hadn't really been much for fights and battles until the end. And that'd been quite a sodding battle, that was for sure. Still, he wasn't upset that he'd left Angel's team. Only so much of Peaches he could stand. Sure, they knew how the other fought, and they were rather intimidating in battle, but they'd always clash.
Love over the same woman tended to do that. Not that they had that to worry 'bout anymore, but some rivalries would always stand. And the protectiveness, too. Though Angel was convinced he'd be able to do some good with Jade, they'd had to pull Spike off of Angel the first time Captain Forehead had mentioned it. Not bloody happening. He was sore enough about the fact that Jade didn't want to see him there, he sure as hell wasn't going to let Angel go in his place. Too bloody proud for that. Faith'd been the one to step in the middle of them, broke up the fight before it'd even begun.
He'd been a bit ticked at her for that. He would have revelled in a good fight, but she wasn't wrong. And it wans't the time to drive a wedge, least not with Angel's ilk.
So he'd gone and picked a fight with the Slayers instead. They were the ones still hanging around, who hadn't yet been moved off into one of the other Bases, either because Buffy wanted them there, or because they just hadn't managed the transportation yet. That girl, Barbie-Bailey had been there. Bloody wrapped up like a mummy, especially what was left of her arm. Been crumbled when the building went down. Slayer healing could do plenty, but it couldn't regrow a limb. Still, that boy Slayer had been hanging close with her the entire time. He remembered the chit, that she was loud and expressive. Now she looked gaunt, and haunted, her caramel skin pale. She didn't say anything, but the boy—James, that was his name, he was being as gentle as a lamb, taking her recuperation into his hands.
Spike was a bit jealous of that. He'd been doing the same thing, if Jade would bloody let him.
They'd been in this room that served as a cafeteria of sorts, where food was out on the tables, including blood, and a microwave for Spike's to warm his up, so that was why he had been there. And they hadn't noticed him at first. He was used to being silent and fast, and the Slayers were so absorbed in their conversation that none of them paid attention to the little vampire tinglies they should have had. Well, almost no-one. James had looked up, his gaze narrowed somewhat, but he didn't draw any attention to the vampire. Spike had a bit more trouble wrapping it around his head than Jade did—different generations, he supposed—that James was a he and not a girl. It wasn't his looks, persay. He looked enough like a teenage boy. More muscular and broad than most of the femininely shaped Slayers, and he was tall too. It was more just the knowledge that all Slayers were female, and then there was him. Born a girl, wanted to be a man. He definitely had a different attitude about him that most of the other Slayers. . More reserved, calculating, but just as intense. He'd gotten a hit on Jade during the fight, and Spike wanted to dislike him for that, but he supposed he couldn't blame him. Couldn't blame them, really. They were Vampire Slayers. Fighting them was what they were supposed to be. What they were bloody born for.
All vamps were evil. Cept for the first exception. Then two, then three. Three in all the world, in all the ages. They might know that, know that Spike was a white hat now, and he'd helped train some of the Slayerettes, but it wasn't always easy to turn off that indicator of predator and prey. They were meant to kill Vampires, and that's what he and Jade were, soul or not. Even if Jade had been just like them, once.
"Well, we know why," one of them was saying in a haughty, superior voice. "Because you had to try to capture her, not kill her. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to hurt as many as she did." More voices joined hers, unfamiliar to Spike, and talking over each other.
"Stupid order. Vampires equals dead. Not getting immunity."
"And how many died from that, or got hurt? And they made us go, because we were willing to do what's necessary?"
"I don't believe that would have prevented the building's collapse. More inhabitants would logically have equalled more casualties," another matter-of-fact tone counteracted, and hey, Spike recognized this one. Yeah. He looked at her, sitting at one of the tables. There were pillars in this room, taking on some sort of Grecian appearance, which was likely another reason they hadn't seen him yet, from where he stood behind one of the columns. Not that he was bloody hiding. He was, however, listening.
And the one that was talking, the one that Jade said reminded her of a 'Vulcan', whatever that was, was the purple haired chit with glasses that'd talked Jade's ear off after her sparring with the Slayerettes a while back. She'd been one of those to stay behind and attempt to capture Jade alive. Despite that, she was fairly uninjured. And the stick-up-her-arse way of talking hadn't abandoned her either. Spike hid back a smirk remembering when he'd called her a 'Watcher-wannabe' and Jade had admonished him while trying to hide her smile.
"Yeah, logic this all you want, Priscilla. Thing is, we're supposed to just take our base getting destroyed and not do anything about it?"
That was her name; he'd forgotten. She narrowed her eyes behind her rectangular red glasses, raising that prim nose of hers. "I'm sure you can suggest rebuilding it if that's what you desire—"
"Ferme ta bouche, Priss," a different voice this time, another one that Spike didn't recognize, from another one of the Slayers, speaking in a French accented tone. She had short, dark brown hair that was cut bluntly across her forehead, and her cheeks. "We can't share your fascination for the Slaypire, and your desire to defend 'er at every turn."
Priscilla blinked. "Every debate needs an objecting party, or nothing is learned."
"This isn't a debate," another familiar face, the chit, Kelsey, who'd tried to sabotage Jade during the sparring match by digging her stake into herself to draw out blood. Bloody stupid of her, testing his Slaypire like that. Her hairline was far back, made more so by the tight bun she'd pulled her red hair into, and the dark eyeliner under her eyes made her expression seem all the darker. "We're just talking. Because no-one's asking for our opinion, and they should. Just because Buffy has a soft spot for vampires with a soul doesn't mean we should be taking this lying down. Jade is a killer. And she'd dangerous and she should be—"
"Should be what?" There was a collective gasp as Spike stepped into view, the microwave still humming behind him. "Go on," Spike said, as Kelsey's eyes widened. "Askin' for your opinion, aren't I?" His tone wasn't kind, and there was an absolute silence among the Slayers gathered. Some of them had been sitting among the benches, eating, but they'd all stood up in his presence. There was only about a dozen, and they were the younger ones; he didn't see Kennedy there, or any other squad leaders. No, these were the young, perturbed teenagers who didn't like the idea of losing a fight.
"Slayed," Kelsey answered in a flat tone, once she got her wits together. "That's what we do."
"Is it, now?" Spike smirked, and he reached for one of the Slayer's abandoned plates, selecting a peach and bringing to his mouth. He took one bit, a heavy crunch laden with juices. He chewed slowly and deliberately, placing the half-eaten peach back on the table, eyes following him with varying degrees of fascination. On Kelsey's face there was disgust, but Spike was beginning to think that that was a normal for her. They seemed perturbed by him eating human food, being what he was. Although their tinglies hadn't informed them of him before, they knew what he was now. There was no mistaking it. He was a vampire, and their senses screamed enemy. Hell, he'd been the same way, once. Vampires and Slayers weren't meant to mix, but he'd gotten over those impulses a long time ago.
Or maybe not completely, because he found he was itching for a fight. All of these Slayers, looking back at him and thinking theirselves mighty, well sod that. He could do with a good spar, even if his wrist wasn't healed yet.
"Know all about vampires, do you?" Spike continued in a low voice. "Know every last thing, and damn the lot of us, yeah?"
"What, you want us to show them mercy?" The French Slayer asked in an appalled tone.
"Bollocks, no. I wan' you to kill every last vampire you see. That's your job. 'Cept of course, for the three of us. Or two." He shrugged. "I don' really care what you do with Peaches. Sure he could do wit' some more fun."
"And we're supposed to give you a free pass, just because you have a soul?" Kelsey demanded, raising her head defiantly.
Spike chuckled. Little children, the lot of them, bristling in their britches. "Wasn't free, luv. An' by all means, you can try to revoke it. Not that you could." And Spike turned his gaze from her and addressed the rest of the Slayers. "An' that goes to all of you. Bloody think you're high and mighty 'cause you lost something. Looking for someone to blame. Yeh, you think you're brave. Thinking of marching down into Jade's room an' doing what needs to be done, are you?" Whether he was right, or wrong, or even close, he didn't care. Likely at least one of them had thought of it, and his money was definitely on Kelsey.
"Couldn't face her before, some of you. Yeah, I bet the only reason y'chose to leave was just because you didn't think she deserved to be captured." His voice was mocking. "Bloody scared, some of you lot. And you should be. She's stronger an' faster than the lot of you, and if there'd been more, she'd have killed more. You weren't ready. You're used to your groups, your squads. Don't know how to act on your own. Don't know how to fight knowing you might die. So don't blame Jade now that you've suddenly discovered fear." He smirked, then. "Like you could even take her on, you chits. Bet you couldn't even handle a Master Vampire." He still had that title. No-one'd be taking that from him, soul or no.
Kelsey scoffed, although there was a hint of uncertainty on her face. "We're not scared. If we're allowed to do what we're Chosen for, we can handle ourselves. From whatever comes our way."
Spike smirked. "Y'know what would happen if you marched over to Jade's room and tried to take her on now, even while she's wounded?" There was silence, waiting. Not all the Slayers had loathing in their gaze, that sunken hatred. Some of them were just scared, like the kiddies they still were, gathered into this little meeting but weren't speaking in it either way. And they all looked at him. He could hear some of their hearts beating, like a rabbit's, rapidly and numerously. Wanted to pretend they were ready for the big games, were they? They didn't have a sodding clue.
He leaned forward and grinned. "You're not going to find out." Then he gripped the closest table and flipped it. There was a scream, and plates slipped off, crashing to the floor and breaking. He didn't hit anyone with it; he hadn't tried. "Come on, Slayers," he shouted louder, with glee. He'd wanted a fight. And it seemed at least a few of these Slayers had the stones to give it to him. "Show you can take down at least one vampire."
It was a flurry of kicks, punches that he gave and receive. One of them bloodied his nose—of course. But as it was, only about six of them took up his challenge, with Kelsey and the French Slayer at the head. Priscilla shook her head and moved to the side, although it looked like she was reaching for a notebook. Bloody hell, she was going to write some notes down. He hoped it wouldn't all be about his arse getting kicked. He definitely wasn't at his best, so it might have been a bit witless of him, but bloody hell if it wasn't fun. And he was getting his arse kicked just a bit more than he was doling out when he felt someone else join him, a grin on her face as she gleefully joined in.
The Dark Slayer. And Spike wasn't so proud that he would tell her to bugger off, since it looked like she needed to blow off the same steam that he did. She hadn't been a part of Buffy's Slayerettes for quite a while yet, preferring to fight with Angel's group instead. And fight she had, there had been no softening of the Slayer's skills. Faith was just as tenacious as ever, laughing as she gave and got. And Spike had an easier time of it, weaving and ducking and he was able to keep from jarring his bad wrist as much. Another one joined the fight; James, taking on the challenge of the six other Slayers. Spike didn't particularly need the evening of the odds, but it was still fun. Faith was a loose cannon, everywhere at once, laughing when she was hit and shaking it off. James was a calculated fighter, impeccable technique, although he was too reserved. He fought well enough, there was no mistaking that, but he didn't quite share the compassion that Spike and Faith did, that made them smile whether it was their own blood coating their face or not.
The fight didn't last long enough. Thankfully, it had been Kennedy who'd found them first. She was irritated, but with one sharp command, her Slayers backed off, and the fight was over. There might have been a mote of amusement and maybe even envy in the Slayer's dark gaze as she insisted they smarten up, rolling her eyes at Spike's 'it was just sparring' comment. She had other things on her mind, truer than not, and though she'd been a bit more pissy lately, what with Willow still in her eternal sleep, Spike had a feeling she wanted to vent her frustration in much the same way. A good ol' bruising battle.
When Buffy'd found out she hadn't been so forgiving. Faith had rolled her eyes and brushed off the blonde's tirade, leaving Spike to take an earful. Buffy had a sharp comment for James and the others during her diatribe, but most of her anger was taken out on Spike. The message was simple enough. Enough had happened without more Slayers being taken out of the game. Spike didn't much see the need for it. Had just been some sparring after all. Nothing broken, but Buffy was on edge. Not much for letting her girls take matter into their own hands and get themselves bloodied up. Big on discipline, ordering people 'round. Spike knew it was because Buffy had their best interests at heart, but still. Almost took the fun out of it, getting reprimanded by her for near an hour. Almost, but not completely. He'd needed something to get his blood flowing. Something to take his mind off Jade. He hadn't thought to thank Faith for her jumping in and didn't need to. She'd likely done it for the same reason—not the Jade part, but she was bloody bored, same as him.
Spike was almost disappointed when Angel informed him that they were leaving. Not for the Poof's sake, even if his lot—minus Gwen and Illyria were the most sympathetic to Jade's situation. They were also the only ones not part of the Slayerettes, and there was a distinction there. Most of the Slayers were too loyal and obedient to their generals to be any fun whatsoever. And they were young and a bit naïve. Not exactly who he'd choose to spend his time with.
He'd made sure it was just Faith that went in to talk to Jade and say farewell, and not Angel with recruitment in mind. Not a bloody chance. She wasn't his to redeem. Faith'd been the one to suggest Spike stick to keeping away for now, although her reasoning hadn't been the most sound. She'd said that it was obvious Jade was thinking about him, and a few more days might break down her walls, crumble that pride a little. Cept it wasn't just pride, and Spike knew that. Was guilt, was shame. Not just pride. She couldn't stand to see him 'cause it hurt.
But when Buffy told him about the need to use Jade as an anchor thing for Sophie, he wasn't keeping away for that. Not a bloody chance. And she did need him. She was so terrified of herself, she'd forgotten that it'd make her feel worse, not helping. She had the softest bleeding heart, after all. So she'd gone and done it, sat herself next to the little bitty Tara-like girl and sat as still as tone.
It was a bit boring to watch, in all honesty. No-one was allowed to make a sound, although there were a few observers. Priscilla again, as if Spike should have been surprised. And Kennedy of 'course, hovering 'round her sleeping lover. Didn't even have a few words of comfort for Sophie, though Spike knew it was because Kennedy wouldn't know what to say. Wasn't a natural mother, that one.
There was nothing to do but watch. Listen to Billy's mutterings, the shimmering brightness of magic in the air, and he watched Sophie grow very still, like she was sleeping. Jade was a statue, set on her knees. Billy removed his touch from the two of them, but a glint in the air suggested a tether of magical origin. 'Least, he assumed so. Like he knew a bloody thing 'bout it. But Jade was there, so he would be too. Wasn't even allowed to smoke a cigarette though, just watch in silence. And he was, until Jade's tranquil features changed, vamping. She hadn't moved, hadn't broken from stone formation, but ridges grew over her pale forehead, and fangs jutted out from her lips.
He was wary, but he wouldn't react. As far as he could tell, Jade was still in the shared dream state with the lit'l one, and since Billy paled but didn't immediately call a halt to it, he wasn't going to do anything.
Kennedy however, was a different matter. Her eyes narrowed, flitting between Jade and Sophie, and how close they were. Billy was still nearby, but no longer in between the two of them. There was a growl then, deep and guttural, coming from Jade's throat. The Slayer picked instinct over bloody common sense and pulled a stake from her pocket, meaning to bring that to Jade, as a warning or with intent to bloody use it, Spike wasn't going to find out. The Slayer moved, so did he, although he could only step up behind Jade's shoulder while Kennedy approached from behind.
"Step away from her, you bloody git," He growled.
"I'm going to at least be ready!" Kennedy snapped back. "She has vamp face on, Spike, what do you expect me to do?"
"Get that sodding thing away from her." He was dead serious, dead calm, dead everything, and if she tried anything, she'd be the same. Dead. He didn't know what was going on in the bloody dream la la land that they were in, but just because Jade was in her vamp face didn't mean a. Sodding. Thing. Buffy'd stepped out some time ago, so there was no-one to call Kennedy down from her bloody high pedestal. He knew she was ticked. She hadn't been able to bring back Willow, which left lit'l Sophie to do the honors. Spike understood some of it. The Slaypire who'd just slaughtered her Slayers was now inches away from her family, and she wanted to protect them.
Yeah, he understood it. But that didn't mean he'd let her wave a stake in Jade's face to make herself feel better. Not a sodding chance. Not even as a warning. There was no way he'd let that stake pierce Jade's skin. Even if she did turn into a feral beast, or even a soulless one. He knew that, and it jarred him. Not exactly what a good man would decide. But he'd never quite get that title, now would he?
He stood behind Jade, one arm at the ready to knock the stake from Kennedy's hand if she tried to come any closer. Dark eyes met blue ones, and as severe as her gaze was, he was no green Slayer about to quail from it.
"You have to be quiet," Billy hissed. Sweat in beads was rolling off his forehead. He too looked towards Jade, noting her frowning. Jade wasn't quite in the deep of it as the witch and her daughter were. They'd wake her. He could see from Kennedy's expression that she was considering it. She didn't have much stock in magic, wasn't too keen on it. 'Course, she had to be dating the most powerful wiccan of her generation. Think she had to get used to that, somewhat grudgingly. "Or you'll break the ritual." Billy continued, his voice more commanding than Spike would have expected from such a slip of a man.
Kennedy's dark gaze flickered to the warlock's. His eyes were also nearly that dark, more so than usual, likely due to the strain of the magic. She hadn't moved her stake, not closer to or away from Jade, still wanting to hold it nearly in position. But she was never going to get that chance, and he'd bloody let her know it.
"I bloody, swear," He said between gritted teeth. "You use that, and I'll snap your neck. Bag me another Slayer." Kennedy looked back at him, startled, first, by the venom in his tone, then her expression cooled to something equally determined. She looked at the two at her feet.
"She could attack Sophie." Kennedy seethed back. "Kill her. Think I'm just going to sit back and wait?"
"You don't know that that is what's going on," Spike growled back. She wanted to be afraid of a vampire's true face, he'd show her his.
"Shut up," Billy snapped. "Both of you." He looked from Spike to Kennedy, frustrated and becoming exhausted. "If we sever the connection now, we could lose the girl as well," the warlock said pointedly. Finally. Kennedy's expression took on that of irritation, but she nodded, seeing the bloody sense of it at last. Billy's warning about what could happen if a disruption took place was clear, so the sodding hackle raising could come to an end. Kennedy hesitated, then nodded, lowering her stake-holding hand.
It didn't seem like Billy's anger was spent, but as Kennedy stepped back, and Spike did as well, keeping himself beside Jade again and away from the circle, the warlock held tight to his own advice and kept his gob closed as well.
And then it was waiting, and a sodding glaring contest between him and Kennedy. He was feeling that need again, all antsy and riled up, he wanted a good fight, and Kennedy, well she was a relentless sodding fighter. Be a more even match than the one he'd had with the bitty Slayers, that was for sure. But the thought fled with one look at Jade. No, trying to get himself bruised and bloody now would be a mistake. His place was at her side, and he wasn't sodding leaving her. Jade's face had changed again, back to normal. Serene, tranquil, so still she looked like carved marble. How could anyone accuse her of threatening a child? It wasn't sodding possible, the bleeding heart that she was, even knowing what he did. As long as she had her soul: never. Yet they all looked at her like she was just going to revert at any second. Not while that soul was around her neck. Not a sodding chance.
"They're coming out of it," Billy informed them, looking relieved and considerably paler than when he had first started the whole magic mojo show. And he was right. The heartbeats in the middle, which had been serene and slow—too slow—started beating faster, followed by audible inhales. Not so from his Slaypire, but she woke first, her eyes opened, a remarkable, blazing blue in the whiteness of the chamber they were in. She blinked, hard, frowns creasing her forehead.
"Sophie? Willow?" She demanded, looking down at the still limp bodies. But there was no cause for concern, because their eyes were opening too, Sophie waking with a little gasp. Her eyes were for Jade first, turned in her direction, and she gave her a small smile for the Slaypire. Jade nodded in quiet relief, answering back with a smile of her own. It was barely a curve of her lips, but it was there. Sodding good to see.
"Willow?" Sophie asked then, turning into a squeal as she saw the Witch sit up from behind her. Willow was brushing loose pieces of her red hair back from her face, looking as disoriented as the other two. But she shook it off enough to smile and take the little girl into her arms, hugging her close. "Oh, Willow!"
Kennedy stood there, relief on her usually phlegmatic expression. Her shoulders rose and fell with a deep, grateful sigh, and she joined Sophie and Willow on the floor, wrapping her arm around the witch, another resting lightly on the back of Sophie's skull. Family was reunited again, and it was good to see. Something back in the world that was right, after all the sodding hell that'd broken loose lately.
"I'm here, sweetie." Willow said to Sophie, then Kennedy's fingers were on the witch's jaw, turning Willow to Kennedy for a kiss, their lips meeting fleetingly, but passionately.
"You scared the crap out of me," Kennedy admonished her lover sternly, but there was an obvious affection in her tone.
"Sorry, baby," Willow said, looking properly contrite.
Spike snorted. Witch had never figured out that there'd always been consequences to using her magic, didn't she?
He was aware of a conversation in the corner of the room between Billy and one of the Slayers. "Let Buffy know that it was successful, and Willow's back." Spike thought it slightly amusing that the warlock wasn't eager to carry that information to her on his own, get himself a right pat on the shoulder for his good work, but he slumped back at the wall after that, obviously exhausted.
Jade had picked herself off of the floor, looking dazed, but not otherwise drained. There was a soft look in her eyes from looking at the embracing family. And he wished it could stay. She looked tranquil like that, happy, at peace for one sodding minute.
"Willow," A voice called, rife with the same relief as the others, and Buffy strode into the room with purpose, although she didn't throw herself into the hugging fest, waiting for Kennedy to help her family to their feet. "You're back."
"Yeah," Willow answered, looking guilty. "I guess I was gone for a while?"
"Bloody right," Spike muttered under his breath.
"Yeah, that's for sure," Buffy said, trying not to sound too critical, but she couldn't completely hide her displeasure. Lot had happened while Willow had been away, and Buffy didn't really know how to deal with her own guilt without blaming someone else. Buffy looked over at him and Jade. He hadn't realised that Jade had moved over to stand near him, but she had. "You can go back to your room now," The blonde Slayer said.
"Here." Kennedy detached herself from Willow to toss Spike a small metal projectile—the keys. Dark eyes looked grudgingly from Spike over to Jade. "Thanks," Kennedy said gruffly to the Slaypire. Gruffly, but it sounded sincere enough.
Spike thumbed the keys in his hand. Cold metal, but not colder than he. He was partly afraid that if he unlocked her now, she'd just walk herself back to her room, and he wouldn't be wanted to go with her. He was selfless with Jade, mostly, but not that selfless. He couldn't go back to being ignore. "Come on, Super girl," he said to her, bloody hoping he wouldn't throw it in his face in front of everyone.
But she only nodded in quiet acceptance, throwing one more lingering look at Sophie, who was hanging off of her adoptive mum, happy as a clam, and followed Spike without a complaint.