Two days passed by without much event. When Kat had woken up the morning after the Passions marathon with Spike, she had found herself in her own bed and her boots were removed. She'd presumed Buffy had done it and carried her to bed. The blonde might be pint-sized but she was strong and it wouldn't be the first time. But both Dawn and Buffy hadn't been home yet which led her to the conclusion Spike had done it. She hadn't mentioned it, feeling weird and awkward about it. It felt like they'd bonded more and she didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable. But the whole thing was still so new to her. The being friends and not enemies thing. It was strange but nice. He could be surprisingly sweet and kind when you were on his good side.
Once again they were patrolling the cemetery in companionable silence. Kat saw a figure weaving through the gravestones and she found herself stepping a little closer to Spike. It looked like an old woman with some kind of cloak, her hood up. She didn't know why but she could sense something was off about her as she got closer. She flinched when Spike gripped her wrist and stilled her and when she glanced up at him, she noticed him staring at the woman cautiously as she got even closer.
"What is it?" Kat asked warily.
"Dunno. Somethin's just not quite… right," he murmured back, eyes never leaving the woman. The old woman stopped a few feet in front of them, removing her hood and staring at Spike and then Kat. Kat felt a cold chill sweep through her whole body as the woman's milky eyes glued themselves onto her.
"I am what most people fear, I can strike without warning for I cannot be stopped. Everyday I do things to people that rip apart the hearts of their loved ones. What am I?" The woman asked slowly, tilting her head a little. Kat gripped her stake tighter as she leant even more into Spike.
"Wanna speak English, luv?" Spike sassed, quirking a brow.
"Spike-" Kat started carefully, only to be interrupted by the weird woman.
"A princess visits an island inhabited by two tribes. Members of one tribe always tell the truth, and members of the other tribe always lie. The princess comes to a fork in the road. She needs to know which road leads to the castle so as to avoid the fire-breathing dragon and rescue the prince from the wizard holding him captive in the castle. Standing at this fork in the road is a member of each tribe, but the princess can't tell which tribe each belongs to. What question should she ask to find the road to the castle?" She asked with a menacing smile. Kat wasn't sure what the hell was going on but she felt fear root her to the spot as her eyes were locked with the woman's.
"We don't speak riddles, luv. You need help findin' your way back to the loony bin or somethin'?" Spike sighed, sounding bored. Kat's blue eyes watched carefully as the woman took a small glass bottle filled with pale green liquid from the inside of her cloak. She felt Spike stiffen beside her then. It was like it happened in slow motion. The woman launched the bottle at them and Kat shoved Spike out of the way, catching him off guard and sending him crashing to the floor as the bottle hit her. It seemed to explode, like the glass was delicate and fragile and she felt the emerald liquid on her skin as she hit the floor. She vaguely heard some profanities but the next thing she knew, Spike was grabbing the tops of her arms and was in her vision.
"Gross, what was that? What was she?" Kat murmured with a frown, slightly in shock. Her eyes darted around and the woman was seemingly nowhere. She let Spike help her up and didn't miss how his eyes were all over her like he was looking to see if she was about to sprout a tail.
"Some kinda witch I reckon. No idea what she wanted or what that was. You feelin' alright?" he asked carefully. His hands were still gripping the top of her arms as if to keep her steady and she blinked up at him.
"A little dazed, but I'm okay," she said honestly. He nodded, blowing out a sigh before releasing her and standing up straighter. But then a scowl graced his face and it was directed right at her.
"What the soddin' hell was that?" he asked with a glare.
"You just said a witch," she replied confused. His face only contorted more as his eyes narrowed at her.
"Not that, you bint. You pushin' me out the bloody way. I'm a vampire, Kat! You're a bloody human! I can take a hit more than you can, it was reckless!" he seemed genuinely angry and she frowned as she took a step back. She felt her defenses raise as she glared at him defiantly.
"I protected you and this is the thanks I get?" she huffed, sounding much like a child arguing with their parents. He scoffed a mirthless laugh and tilted his head in that condescending way he liked to do.
"Protected me? I don't need protecting!" He protested, maybe his manly ego took a hit like that time Buffy threatened Xander's bully.
"It could have been holy water in that bottle for all we knew. I didn't know what was in it!" She argued back, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Exactly! You had no idea what was in it but decided to take a shower in it anyway, yeah? The bloody hell did you push me out the way for when it's less likely to affect me than you?!" He ranted, seemingly getting angrier.
"I didn't want you to get hurt!" she yelled back. Her eyes widened and she slapped a hand over her mouth. That wasn't what she wanted to say at all. Okay, so maybe deep down in that split moment her brain hadn't thought rationally. Hadn't thought about the fact that he was a vampire and not much could hurt him like it could hurt her. Maybe for a second, she was scared something bad was going to happen to him and she was on edge after seeing him die over and over almost every night in her fucking dreams. But she had no desire to tell him any of that. She was going to give him a sassy comeback like she normally did and yet her truthful thoughts still slipped out of her mouth anyway.
He stilled, watching her carefully and looking stunned and shocked into silence for a moment as she watched him.
"You didn't want me to get hurt? Didn't know you cared, pet," he said dryly, a hint of hesitation in his voice. They'd been getting on well recently but there was always that lingering tension looming over them from their history.
"Of course I care. You're my friend," she blurted. Once again not what she wanted to say. Her eyes widened more as she felt panic well in her chest. He watched her for a moment, taking in her frank words and panic-stricken appearance before realization dawned on his face. He took a step closer and licked his lower lip, watching her intently with his electric blue eyes.
"What kinda panties you got on today, Kitten?" he asked, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. She scowled deeply at him, about to tell him to go fuck himself but her mouth had other ideas.
"Black lacy ones. They're a little uncomfortable but they make my ass look good," she wanted to crawl into a hole and never get out. Spike looked more than pleased with himself for a moment as her face turned crimson and she hid it with her hands with a groan.
"Thought so. Witch threw some kinda truth serum. Makes sense she was babbling on about truth and lies. No idea why though but we need to get you to Giles. See if he can help," he said carefully. She moved her hands from her face and gave him a dirty look.
"I'm sure you could have asked something else to check," she huffed, following him as he started walking.
"Coulda done. But I know you'd never normally tell me the answer to that one. I'll be sure to remember it though for future reference," he grinned leeringly at her as they walked. She couldn't even be mad at him. The more time she spent with him the harder she found it to be mad with him. Even after his dirty remarks.
The way to the Magic box was silent and Kat was pleasantly surprised that Spike hadn't decided to ask her more embarrassing questions. A few weeks ago he would have, just so he could use it against her at a later date. But now things had changed so much with them and he was quiet as they made their way there. It was nice. She seemed to enjoy his company the more time she spent with him and it was odd considering how much she used to hate him. Just as they reached the shop, they stopped and he turned to her.
"You okay? Seemed deep in thought on the way back," he asked softly as his blue hues scanned her face.
"I'm fine. I was just thinking about us," she murmured, cringing at her honesty once again.
"Is that right?" He asked slowly, looking mildly shocked as his eyes narrowed a little.
"Yeah. I'm glad we're friends now, it's nice," she wanted to hit herself to get her mouth to stop before things got too weird and she made it uncomfortable for them both. He seemed to blink at her for a long moment before he nodded slowly like he wasn't sure what to say. He opened his mouth to reply but she felt too weird so she hurriedly opened the door to the shop and scurried in with Spike towing behind her. Everyone was there as they looked through books. It seemed to be all they did these days to try and resolve the Glory situation.
"Hey guys, funny story," Kat started, everyone turning to look at her curiously.
"Show of hands, who's just been dosed with truth serum," she smiled self-deprecatingly, raising her own hand. It was so quiet, you could have heard a pin drop.
"Wait… what?" Buffy asked incredulously.
"We were out patrollin' when some old bitch comes over. Starts talkin' in riddles about truth and lies and then threw a bottle of some kinda truth potion at us," Spike explained, looking annoyed about the whole thing.
"So you both have to tell the truth?" Willow asked softly as her eyes flit from Spike to Kat.
"Nope, just me. I pushed Spike out of the way so he wouldn't get hit. I didn't want him to get hurt," Kat blurted, gritting her teeth the second the words left her lips.
"Did the potion also make you a little crazy?" Xander asked with a wry smile and Kat glowered at him.
"Look, if you could just find the antidote and fix her up right quick, that'd be great," Spike drawled with a shake of her head.
"Got it," Willow grinned at her as she and Giles both got up and grabbed some books.
"This is kinda fun. Got any deep dark secrets you're keeping from us, Kat?" Xander asked playfully as he rubbed his hands together. Kat felt the wave of dread sweep through her as Spike stiffened next to her.
"Only that Noah is dead because of me," her voice held no inflection of the panic that gripped her tightly and everyone seemed to stop what they were doing.
"What do you mean he died because of you? He was killed by vampires," Buffy asked slowly, eyes narrowing a little as she stood and started to walk over.
"I think it's a little unfair to be askin' her stuff when she hasn't a bloody choice in what she says," Spike frowned, stepping towards Kat almost protectively. It was too late though and Kat felt the deep urge to flee as her mouth opened once more without her consent.
"He's the one who almost assaulted me. I told Spike I wished he was dead and he paid some vampires from the bar to kill him," she answered. Her eyes widened as she wished a hole would open up in the floor and swallow her whole. Everyone was staring at her warily as Buffy blinked at her.
"You… you asked Spike to kill someone?!" Her shrill voice made Kat shrink a little.
"I didn't ask him. I just said it and he made it happen," Kat explained. Buffy's eyes whipped to Spike then.
"I thought you were supposed to be on the good side now?" She snapped harshly. Spike stood up taller as he shot her a glare.
"I am. Saved Kat from bein' assaulted and then made sure he couldn't come back for round two," he bit out.
"But he was a-a human. It was murder," Giles said appalled. Kat felt hurt but a flash of anger ran through her.
"A human that tried to rape me," she said flatly. Buffy tilted her head as she looked at her before scoffing lightly.
"You don't sound like you feel bad about it," she muttered.
"I don't. I doubt I was the first girl he did it to and I wouldn't have been the last. And not everyone would have someone there to swoop in and save them," Kat said emphatically.
"I get it was awful what he tried to do. I can't even imagine what you went through. I get beating him up or scaring him, but killing him?" Buffy asked desperately.
"Monsters can be human too, Buffy. I sleep better knowing there's one less piece of shit in the world," Kat admitted.
"Why didn't you just come to me?" Buffy asked, her wide eyes imploring as she shook her head. Kat knew she was struggling to fathom what she was telling her. It was why she never planned on telling her. She knew she wouldn't get it.
"I don't want you always having to save me, Buff. I don't wanna be weak and that's exactly what I was. I froze. I didn't fight back, I couldn't even say anything. If it wasn't for Spike, that night would have gone differently," she muttered.
"You could have gone to the police, got him locked away in jail for what he'd tried to do. You didn't have to resort to murder," Buffy scolded.
"That's a joke, right? You know how that shit goes. The victim always gets blamed for it. Oh, maybe you shouldn't have wore such a revealing outfit, then it wouldn't have happened. They drag the victim's reputation through the mud at court and in the end, he'd have got a smack on the wrist and he'd be allowed to continue doing it. I didn't wanna go through a whole damn court case and get ripped apart for nothing. The justice system is broken but he got what he deserved. I'm not gonna sit here and feel bad about it," Kat glowered.
"I don't even know who you are right now," Buffy scoffed, her face scrunching up in disgust. It hurt Kat way more than she was comfortable with.
"Now hang on a bloody minute! This isn't even on Kat, I was the one who made it happen. And need I remind you that none of you lot even knew she was strugglin'. The people who are supposed to care about her, her own damn family, and you didn't even see she was bloody drowning. You're makin' her out to be a monster, and for what? Bein' relieved her attacker can't strike again? Can't hurt her no more or hurt anyone else?" Spike fumed as he took a step closer to Buffy. She glared at him hard as she clenched her fists by her side.
"I didn't ask your opinion on this. You're evil, I wouldn't expect you to get why murder is wrong," she hissed.
"Guys?" Willow asked sheepishly, getting ignored by the bickering pair.
"Yeah, our moral compasses don't exactly point the same way, but I did what I thought I needed to. Poor girl wasn't sleepin', jumped at the slightest of noises. She was sufferin' while you had no idea 'cause you live on planet Buffy. What, you'd rather he'd be out there walkin' free hurtin' girls whenever he wanted? Come back for Kat when I'm not there to keep her safe?" He asked seethingly.
"That's not what I said," she bit out.
"Guys?" Willow asked again, her voice a little louder.
"Maybe not what you said but it's what's unsaid, ain't it? Kat didn't do a bloody thing wrong other than feel better she wasn't gonna get attacked again. I won't stand here and let you tear her down when she's already been through enough," Spike snarled, making Buffy sneer at him.
"Right, you care so much about her all of a sudden. You've tried to kill her plenty of times but now you wanna be the hero. You're nothing but a bad influence," Buffy scoffed.
"Guys!" Willow shouted louder.
"What?!" Buffy and Spike yelled at the same time as they turned to the red-headed witch, making her eyes widen and she sank back in her chair a little.
"Kat's gone," she murmured sheepishly. They both turned to where Kat had been standing to see the spot empty.
"That's just great," Buffy huffed as she ran a hand through her hair. She made a move to the door but Spike stepped in her way.
"I'll find her," he snapped. Buffy opened her mouth to protest but Spike cut her off.
"I don't think she'd be happy to see you right about now. Not since you made her feel like shit. I'll find her and take her home. Maybe you could get your head out of your arse and help find a cure for her," he said bitterly. Her mouth clamped shut as remorse washed over her face.
"I hate to say it, but I think Spike's right," Xander spoke carefully. "About Kat not wanting to see you, not the head up your ass thing," he clarified when Buffy gave him a look.
"Fine. You better bring her home," she warned. He bit his tongue from saying another remark as he left swiftly, letting the door slam behind him.
He didn't know where she would be. It wasn't like she was a social butterfly. She was either home or working and she obviously wasn't at the shop. He made his way to her house but there was no sign of her and he couldn't catch her scent either. He was at a loss. He didn't want her running around in the dark when she was upset and vulnerable. Bloody Buffy. She was a thorn in his side and that hadn't changed one bit. He couldn't believe how she'd reacted. Sure, he knew she wouldn't be happy about the whole thing if she ever found out, but the way she treated Kat didn't sit right with him one bit. She didn't deserve that. Not from someone she cared about so much. It wasn't fair on her, she'd already been through the wringer.
He remembered when he'd walked in on that wanker grabbing Kat. There'd been plenty of times he'd wish he wasn't chipped, ruined his unlife the thing had. But never in his time of having it lodged in his brain had he wished more for it to not work. He loathed it. Feeling so helpless. He'd wanted to kill the little shit with his bare hands and instead, all he could do was diffuse the situation with words. He'd felt anger plenty in his time walking the earth, mostly in his time with Angelus. He'd never quite felt as enraged as that night though and he still wasn't sure why. Although he'd have loved to have taken the pleasure of snuffing out the little weasel's life himself, he'd settled on getting others to do it. And Kat was grateful so it was worth it. She could finally rest easy, feeling safe.
Feeling a stab of hunger, he decided to quickly pop home to his crypt to grab a mug of blood before he went out looking again. Wouldn't be much use with hunger gnawing at him. But as he meandered through the graves, he caught the sweet scent of lavender and chamomile. Kat. Even when they'd been at odds with each other there was something oddly calming about her scent to him. He was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. As it was, he followed it right back to his home. He was surprised she'd come here of all places but he felt his undead heart squeeze at the notion. He heard her crying before he even opened the door and he hated it. He didn't want her feeling upset about all this. She liked to put on a brave face and act like she was just peachy, but he always saw through her act. She was having a hard time and this wasn't helping. Buffy was supposed to care about her, she was family. And yet here she was, at his house, not theirs. It pissed him off.
He opened the door, seeing her sitting on his worn-out sofa, legs tucked to her chest with her arms around them. Her tearful face looked up at him then. She was a mess. Her mascara running down her pale cheeks and her blue eyes shining from her tears. He blew out a small sigh as he made his way over and sat next to her. She didn't say anything as she cried softly and he felt for her. Before he realized what he was doing, he put an arm around her. Instead of recoiling, she wrapped an arm around his middle before sobbing quietly into his chest. He hated seeing her this way.
"It's alright, pet," he murmured softly, his other hand coming to cradle her head, his fingers rubbing her scalp soothingly.
"She hates me," she lamented, her voice muffled by his shirt.
"Doesn't hate you, Kitten. Think she was just shocked, is all. Just give her some time to wrap her head around it and cool off," he soothed. She moved to sit up and Spike felt the loss immediately, missing her heat against his cold body. She sniffled and turned her bright blue eyes to him as he watched her.
"I knew if she ever found out that she'd be mad, I just thought…" she trailed off as her face scrunched up a little.
"Thought what?" He prodded gently, forgetting for a moment she was hopped up on truth juice and if he asked her something she had no choice but to answer.
"I just thought… she'd be more understanding. He would have raped me. I thought she'd at least understand it a little. The world isn't black and white and I know 'cause that's how I used to think. Demons; bad, humans; good. But that's not the way the world works. He was evil and he didn't deserve to breathe after what a monster he was. And why does Angel get a free pass after all the shit he did, but suddenly I'm the bad guy? I wasn't even the one that killed him!" She ranted, unable to help it. Spike agreed with her, especially about the whole Angel crap. He got a free pass for anything it seemed and Buffy would always find a way to forgive him.
"I know it's unfair, but she didn't mean it. I'm sure she'll come around," he murmured. He wasn't sure if it was true, mind you, but he wanted her to stop crying. It wasn't like he was uncomfortable around a woman that was upset or that he didn't know how to comfort them. He'd had to comfort Dru plenty of times. He just hated seeing Kat this torn up about everything. She didn't deserve to be this hurt or sad.
She nodded as she wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her jacket, taking a large breath as she lay her head on his shoulder. They sat like that for what seemed like an eternity. He wanted to comfort her more but didn't know what to say. Wasn't sure how to fix the situation. And she seemed content to just use him for comfort and he didn't want to disturb her. She opened her mouth to finally say something when his door flew open. Both of their heads whipped around to see Willow out of breath. She looked relieved though as she saw Kat and gave her a hesitant smile.
"I've been looking everywhere for you, I got the antidote," she grinned, holding up a small vial of pink liquid.
"Coulda knocked, you know," Spike huffed, making her shrug sheepishly. Kat stood, as did Spike, as she walked towards the witch. Willow passed her the vial and Kat couldn't even look at her, giving her a grateful nod as her hands toyed with the small bottle.
"Thanks," she murmured, feeling awkward. She really hadn't expected to have to deal with all this today and she was exhausted. She dreaded going home now Buffy was upset with her.
"It's okay," Willow smiled before surprising Kat with a hug. She hugged her back as she felt a lump in her throat. It was bad enough crying in front of Spike, she really didn't feel like having a go in front of everyone. When Willow moved away, she gave her a small smile.
"We still love you, Kat. What you went through… it's awful. And let me tell you, he's lucky I didn't get my hands on him first," Willow frowned. Kat couldn't help the smile at her friend's words and she felt some relief wash over her that she at least had one person in her corner.
She was unable to speak, too scared another sob would break free, so instead, she gave her a smile and a nod.
"I'll get out of your hair. But you should get home soon. Buffy is going out of her mind with worry," with those parting words, Willow left the crypt. Kat quickly downed the pink liquid. It tasted gross and she tried to not think about what might have gone into making it. She shuddered with a grimace before pocketing the empty vial.
"It work?" Spike asked curiously, looking down at her.
"No idea," she shrugged. She hoped so. She'd had enough drama for the day, she couldn't deal with any more. The only saving grace had been Spike being there for her and sticking up for her to Buffy.
"What color bra you wearing? He asked cheekily. She felt her lips tug into a smile as she rolled her eyes.
"Fuck you," she snorted.
"I'd say it worked a treat," he grinned wryly at her.
They made the dreaded walk back to her place. She really didn't want to deal with Buffy but she didn't really have much choice. She could only hope that the blonde had cooled off a little. She felt fragile and she wasn't sure if she could take another verbal assault from her cousin. The pair were silent as they made their way there. Kat felt gratitude welling up inside of her. She'd never have thought Spike would be so vehemently on her side but it made her chest feel warm thinking about it. And while she hated feeling vulnerable and crying in front of anyone, she hadn't minded so much with him.
When they got home, he stopped at the porch steps and she turned to look at him. Unable to help herself, she quickly wrapped her arms around him in a hug. She was never a hug person so she had no idea where the urge came from. He tensed and she realized she'd made a huge mistake, chiding herself for embarrassing herself even more in front of him. But then his arms wrapped around her and she practically melted into him. It wasn't a long hug but it was nice. It made her feel safe and calm. Her cheeks were flushed when she pulled away and wondered what had come over her.
"Thank you," she murmured sincerely. He shifted on his feet a little, looking around before his striking blue eyes settled on her again.
"Didn't do anything," he shrugged.
"You did. You defended me, made me feel better. I appreciate it," she said softly.
"Glad I could help," he replied quietly, giving her a small smile. The one that made him look so human that it always took her aback. She made her way up the porch steps to the door, him still at the bottom of them. Her hand stilled on the door handle before she looked back at him.
"You're a good friend, Spike and a good man. You've really come a long way… I'm proud of you," it wasn't the truth serum this time that had honest words flying out of her mouth. It was simple gratitude and she wanted him to know it. Feeling like she was making him uncomfortable and like she'd already pushed enough boundaries for the night, she flashed him a little smile before slipping inside, leaving Spike once again staring dumbly at the door.