DAY 3.
Clem: SPIKE! IT'S YOU!!
Clem's voice echoed in Spike's ears as he land loudly on an old and almost pizza box.
Clem: Sorry for the pizza.
Spike quickly stood up.
Spike: I know.
Clem: Sorry for the mess too. You know, a lot of...
Spike: Clem?
Clem: Yes?
Spike: Let me guess. A lot of demons came to take the crypt, but you kept an eye on it, right?
Clem: Yeah! And I...
Spike: And while I was away, Tara got killed by one of those stupid geeks, Willow turned Evil Witch Willow and tried to provoke an apocalypse all on her own, but was stopped by Harris?
Clem: Yeah! Exactly! How do you know that? Have you been back for longer than a day?
Spike (sighing): No... Clem, could you stay silent for a few minutes?
Clem: Of course! I'm so glad you're back, and... Sorry.
Spike sat on his bed and tried to concentrate despite the heaviness of the soul. It had been so hard to think straight since he had had this thing back... Always spoiling his thoughts... Anyway, it seemed he was whether stuck in his nightmare or living the same day over and over.
Clem: Hmm, Spike? You don't seem to be different. Did you get the chip off?
Spike sighed and quickly got up.
Clem: Where are you going?
Spike: I have a couple of things to do. In the meantime, will you keep an eye on the crypt for me? You did great already. That was good job Clem.
Clem watched the vampire walking out of the crypt and smiled.
Clem: Thanks!
* * * * * * * * * *
On Revello Drive, Spike was hiding in the shadows, a few hundred yards from Buffy's house, waiting. It should be soon now. Yeah, he thought as he saw Xander walking out of the house and waving goodbye. The Scooby walked to his car parked on the street, and left.
Spike smiled and walked to the porch. He hadn't a clue what was going on and why that was happening, but it seemed to help. On the doorstep, he hesitated a second, took a deep breath, and knocked. After a few seconds, the door opened and Buffy appeared in the doorframe.
Buffy: Hey, what did you forget this time?
As she finally saw Spike, Buffy suddenly couldn't say a single word any more, but she opened her mouth and closed it repeatedly as if she was trying to.
Spike: Let me explain.
Dawn (from the living room): Hey Xander? Still here?
Buffy turned her head to answer Dawn, but the girl was already coming and she saw the vampire before Buffy did anything. Dawn stayed motionless.
Spike: I just want to talk. Look, I don't have much time, the sun is rising and...
Buffy: And what? You thought we would have a cuppa and a nice talk?
Dawn (softly): Spike?
Spike: I know I hurt you. Both of you. I hurt you badly.
Buffy: What is that? You're making a list?
Spike: I want to apologize.
Buffy: Great. It's done. Bye.
Buffy started to close the door, and Spike immediately put his hand to stop it. Suddenly he realized that he had one foot in the house.
Spike: You didn't ... I can still enter?
Buffy didn't answer. Instead, she stared at the floor, thinking of Tara and Willow. Meanwhile, Dawn made a step toward the door.
Dawn: Tara is...
Spike: I know. About Willow too. I'm sorry for both of them. Tara was someone really nice. (he paused, and turned his head to see the sun beginning to rise) Can I come in?
Buffy backed off, Dawn stayed in the way so that Spike can still no enter.
Spike: It's urgent. I already burnt to ashes twice, it's getting rather boring...
Buffy: You can't come in. Take that and go.
As soon as Buffy was back at the door, she threw a blanket at Spike. He looked with surprise at the sisters as they closed the door.
Spike (sighing): Getting better and better!
Spike put the blanket on him and started to run in the street.
* * * * * * * * * *
Meanwhile, in the house...
Dawn: He seems to be different. His face was livid...
Buffy: He's a vampire Dawn. He died more than a hundred years ago.
Dawn: You know what I mean. He looks like he hasn't eaten anything for the last two months.
Buffy: You're right. But it didn't change anything. He should have stayed away. Dawn, we can't trust him, he's not like Angel, he didn't got a soul... I know you never liked Angel, and you did like Spike... But whatever he does or says, he'll always be an evil soulless thing, and a threat for you and for everyone.
Buffy and Dawn went silently to their rooms, but didn't slept all night, or what was left of it. They couldn't help wondering why Spike had suddenly decided to show up, after being reported missing for months.
Dawn was in her bed, but couldn't manage to have any sleep because of daylight. Finally, she got up, checked that Buffy was asleep and sneaked out.
* * * * * * * * * *
A few minutes later in Spike's crypt... Dawn came in and saw Clem cleaning the place.
Clem: Hey!
Dawn (hesitating): Hey. (she mechanically began to help him)
Clem: You're looking for Spike?
Dawn: Not really. (beat) You saw him?
Clem: Yeah. That's why I'm cleaning.
Dawn: Isn't he different?
Clem: Clearly.
Dawn: Did he get his chip off?
Clem: I don't know.
Dawn: So what's going on? He seems so...
Clem: Dead?
Dawn: Yeah.
Clem: When he left he said he had things to do.
Dawn: He came to talk with me and Buffy.
Clem: Hmm... Want a soda?
* * * * * * * * * *
At Buffy's house...
When Buffy heard the noise of the door, she immediately get up and took a stake in case Spike had come back. But when she walked downstairs she saw Xander. She discreetly hid the stake behind a vase.
Buffy: Xander? Are you ok?
Xander: No... Right after I left the house...
Buffy immediately thought that Xander had seen Spike coming at the house. She followed him in the living room, and they sat down on the couch. Buffy was in front of him, but Xander was staring at the floor.
Buffy: It's nothing Xander.
Xander: Nothing? No. It's my fault.
Buffy (embarrassed): Xander, you didn't...
Xander (interrupting her): I did. I let her go.
Buffy (understanding): Oh. Anya.
Xander: I should have told her that I loved her... But she left and every time I walk alone I think about her... (he stood up and began to walk nervously in circles) You know the worst? Even if I managed to see her, she would never believe me. I know she can't forgive me for what I have done... But I wish I could talk to her once more...
Buffy: Xander...
Xander (he sat down next Buffy): I know, I know... I'm acting as if I was fine... We spent a good time laughing tonight but when I went out, I felt suddenly alone...
They both embarrassedly stared at the floor.
* * * * * * * * * *
Later, inside a demon bar...
Spike was having a drink in a corner. Humans and demons who were there seemed to avoid him.
Spike (muttering): Is that it? Having a soul? Being kind with people? Huh! She didn't even listen a word of what I had to say! I know she wouldn't forgive me for what I did... But at least she could have listened... (he sipped his drink)
A demon approached Spike.
Demon: What are you doing? Socializing with your glass? (the demon turned around and laughed with the other clients) You don't have your place here Spike. Go away.
Spike: Where? Remember that vampires plus sun makes dust?
Demon (evil smile): Yeah.
Spike: Ok. That's great! Everyone wants to see me dead... You know what? I already died twice today. (he stood up). I'm stuck in this beautiful shinny day... Maybe I should try decapitation. Hey! Do you want to stake me? (the demon backed off as Spike walked towards him) Hmm...
Not in the mood of getting in a bar fight – he thought bitterly that he might be the next today – Spike took the blanket and put it on his head. The demon sighed as Spike get out the bar.
* * * * * * * * * *
In the street, a few hours later... Buffy and Dawn were walking side by side.
Buffy: You shouldn't have been to the crypt, it could have been...
Dawn (interrupted her): Dangerous, I know. But you noticed it yourself! Spike is different now! Something has changed and you'd better find what as soon as possible!
Buffy: Yeah...
Dawn: Are you listening to me?
Buffy: Oh... Sorry, I was thinking about what Xander had told me...
Dawn: He's still sad about Anya.
Buffy: He can't forget her so quickly. It's hard...
Dawn: I know.
The sisters walked silently for a moment. Buffy stopped, looking as if she had taken a decision.
Buffy: You're right Dawn. We have to know what's going on with Spike. I'll figure this out. Go back home and keep on eye on Xander. Don't tell him anything, he's sad enough like that.
Dawn: Buffy. Be careful...
Buffy: Don't worry.
* * * * * * * * * *
In the demon bar where Spike had previously been, at night...
Buffy stepped in and nobody noticed her. She walked through the clients and noticed three demons talking.
Demon: I swear! He became as mad as his ex! He said he had been killed twice today!
Demon 2: I heard he came back without the chip and that he wanted to kill everyone in town!
Demon 3: C'mon! He looked as soft as a kitten! Did he hurt you? Did he say anything hurting?
Demon (looking somewhat disappointed): No.
Demon 3: *I* heard he got a soul...
Demon 2: Spike? A soul? Ahaha! No! Just picture that: the big comeback of the bloody poet! Please, no!
Demon 3: Poet?
Demon 2: Yeah. I met him once when he was still a human, he was so pathetic... The worst human I ever saw, I still wonder why they turned him! He can't have his soul back!
Demon 3: Why not?
Demon: Why would he want it back?
Demon 3: Everyone knows he slept with the Slayer! He may want to deserve her...
Demon 2: You're too romantic! Forget this trip! (beat) Have you seen the game yesterday?
Demon: Yeah! How can the referee let the -...
Buffy slowly got out the bar. She didn't know exactly how much she could rely on demon gossip, but she was disappointed. And she had only one last thing to do if she didn't want this case to ruin her reputation.
* * * * * * * * * *
In Spike's crypt, near the end of the night.
Buffy entered the crypt. She had thought it would be easy, but this place reminded her some past memories so much. She went downstairs and saw Spike leaning against a wall. He didn't make a move when he saw her, while his face was completely motionless. She carefully approached him.
Buffy: So? What's going on?
As Spike didn't answer, she got closer.
Buffy: I said, 'What's going on?'... You lost your tongue?
Spike: I only lost my freedom.
Buffy: Oh! Because you were free with the chip? Hey. Wait a minute... You managed to get the chip off? (she took a stake out).
Spike: No. And if you stake me, everything will start again...
Buffy: What will start again?
Spike: This day...
Buffy: So the drunks were right... You think you've been killed twice today, don't you?
Spike(sighed): Yes. In fact, I died the first and the second time. But as it was the same day, I died twice today. And I -... Hey, wait, no. I don't *think* I died twice today, I *did* die twice!
Buffy: Have you tried to open your brain to get the chip off? That could explain this.
Spike (looking at her): I don't even know if this damned chip is still in my head! And I don't care at all...
Buffy: You're in progress. Does that mean you're not going to kill humans?
Spike (stood up suddenly and turned his back to Buffy): Will you please stop that! It's hard enough! Don't talk to me as if I was...
Buffy: What? A bloodthirsty killer?
Spike: When I said I apologized this morning, it was the truth. (he turned to face her) Can't you hear that my words are coming from my heart? Maybe it hasn't beaten for a hundred years, but it is about to explode... Just to be here... (he gestured toward his chest) I'm trying to tell you something but you won't listen. You only hear what you want to.
Buffy: And what should I be listening to? Your complaint? Poor little Spike... Maybe I'd be understanding? That's your plan?
Spike: I didn't have any plan. I don't want you to forgive me. I know you wouldn't. I just want to talk to you.
Buffy suddenly remembered Xander's words about Anya.
Spike: I wanted you to understand that I'm really sorry about what I've done to you, to Dawn... Even to Harris! And I know you won't forgive me, I know you won't be sympathizing or anything with me...
Buffy stared at his eyes, he felt hopeful when she made a step toward him. She didn't stop looking in his eyes.
Buffy: You've changed.
Spike: I told you. A man can change...
Buffy: But it doesn't change what you've done.
Spike: I know. But that's only the first step... That's the first time I wanted to apologize since I got turned... (he sighed) I just didn't know how to do...
Slowly, Buffy lifted her hand up to his face. Spike wanted to say something but he didn't managed to. As her hand was about to touch his cheek, Buffy muttered:
Buffy: You have a soul?
Spike: Yeah. And I sought one for you, love.
Buffy's hand touched is cheek and...
The hands of a watch began to turn backwards...
* * * * * * * * * *
DAY 4.
Clem: SPIKE! IT'S YOU!!
Either Buffy's hand had the texture of pizza, or his cheek was really resting in the same old pizza box again, Spike thought.
Clem: I'm sorry for the...
Spike (standing up slowly): BLOODY HELL! WHAT'S WRONG WITH TODAY????
Clem : I'm really sorry for the pizza box...
Spike (looked at Clem with sadness): I was about to have it...
Clem: What?
Spike: My redemption...
Clem: You had a dream?
Spike: She was about to understand what I felt... All the pain...
Clem: Oh. A nightmare then.
Spike: Ok... Let's take it another way.
Clem: Er, Spike?
Spike: What?
Clem: Where are you going? The sun will rise in an hour or so.
Spike: I have made a new choice...
Spike grabbed his coat and stormed out.
* * * * * * * * * *
In Xander's building, in the morning...
Spike was walking in the corridor and stopped in front of Xander's door, and knocked. Xander opened the door; he was already brooding, but when he saw Spike his features hardened. Xander sighed but stayed on the doorstep, as he knew Spike couldn't come in.
Xander (coldly): I thought you were gone.
Spike: I was.
Xander: And what do you want?
Spike: Talk.
Xander: Well... We just did!
Spike: Hey, no! Wait! I... I heard what you did with Willow and what happened to Tara and... Look, I'm sorry.
Xander (disappointed): Let me ask it again. *What* do you want?
Spike: I'm trying to live through today.
Xander backed off in his flat, without inviting Spike in.
Spike: Hey!
Xander: You wanted to speak, no? You did. End of story.
Spike: I had imagined that someone would actually listen.
Xander (going back to the doorstep): And you thought 'hey! Xander is the perfect one to talk with!' Have I a psychoanalyst face? I don't like you. You don't like me. Go bug someone who's likely to listen to you. (he paused as a thought crossed his mind) Hey, wait. Did you get the chip off?
Spike: That's none of your bloody business.
Xander's eyes narrowed, as he was trying to make it out himself.
Xander: So you did. You know, I always knew keeping ready-for-use stakes near the front door could be handy some day.
Saying that, he grabbed one of the said stakes.
Spike (laughing bitterly): Oh, yeah, great idea. Stake me. In fact, you would do me a favor. Coming here was a bad idea. I should as well start today all over again.
Spike stood in front of him cockily, opening his arms wide as an invitation to stake him and closing his eyes.
Spike: Come on, Harris. Hit.
Xander raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the vampire's weird attitude, before slightly smiling sadistically. Without notice, he took a step forward and punched his visitor square in the jaw, obviously enjoying it. Enraged, Spike opened his eyes and lunged at Xander as the Scooby stepped back, but growled in frustration when he was stopped at the doorstep by an invisible force field.
Spike (furiously): Take a step outside, if you're a man!
Xander: Didn't you want me to hit you? Besides, I don't need to prove anything.
Spike: Oh, really? Punching someone that can't hit you back? Leaving your bride at the altar with no other explanation that "I'm sorry, but I can't"? Like hell you –
Xander punched Spike again, before catching him by the collar and pinning him roughly to the opposite wall, the stake pointing menacingly at the vampire's unbeating heart.
Xander (angrily): You'd better take that back before I stake you.
Spike looked down, and smiled when he saw where Xander was standing. Outside.
Spike (playfully): Ooooh, looks like the birdie is finally out of its cage...
Xander slammed him once more against the wall.
Xander: TAKE. IT. BACK!
Spike: Take back what? It's nothing but the truth, you know that. You left her. Bad move, period.
Xander slowly released him and quietly walked back in, slightly surprised that Spike stayed still and didn't take the opportunity to attack him.
Xander: Go away.
Spike (sighing): When exactly did you become so sensitive?
* * * * * * * * * *
An hour or so later ...
Xander and Spike were sitting on the floor, respectively in and out of the flat at the doorstep.
Xander: So, now she's gone and I couldn't tell her a single word of what I'm feeling...
Spike: I know perfectly that!
Xander stood up and went to the kitchen while Spike was talking.
Spike: What am I supposed to do? Knock at the door and say 'hello love! I got a soul for you!'
Xander (from the kitchen): Did you try to apologize?
Spike: That's what I kept doing. Didn't work much. Almost did once, but... Well... (shrugged)
Xander (coming back from the kitchen): Want a piece of pizza?
Spike : Er... (thinking about the would-be-pillow pizza box) No... Thanks. Not really in the mood for pizzas lately.
Xander (taking a slice of pizza for himself): You know, since Anya went back to her old flat, I haven't talked to her once.
Spike: Not once? Jeez... You should at least try.
Xander: I know she wouldn't listen to me.
Spike: I have the same problem. Women are so stubborn. But you know, you should try honesty, it should work, especially with Anya. Straightforwardness. Tell her what you have on the heart. She'll understand.
Xander: You should do that too. Explain her everything you did for her. Quietly. Taking all the time you need.
Spike: Yeah...
Spike nodded. He was right. Time. That was all he needed to do what was required to make things right with Buffy. And in fact... he had all the time he wanted... To try different strategies, different speeches, find the very best way to explain what he was feeling for her...
He smiled. He could make this day a perfect day. The best day in his whole life and unlife...
* * * * * * * * * *
DAY 5.
After his usual wake-up-the-head-in-a-pizza-box / listen-to-Clem-explain-things-he-already-knew morning, Spike had immediately headed for Buffy's house. And, once more, he had headed for the door, planning to knock.
When the door suddenly opened in front of him, he just had the time to mumble to himself a vague "bloody hell" before Xander punched him square in the jaw.
Xander: What are you doing here? Forgot to rape the little sister?
Buffy: Xander!!!
After the two Summers sisters walked back in, Spike looked at Xander as he was rushing toward him angrily.
Xander: She should have killed you when she had the chance.
Spike: I had forgotten you would be here this morning...
Xander: What?
Spike (sighing): Am I really the only one to notice that we've already been through this before? Don't you remember the talk we had yesterday? About me, Buffy, you and Anya?
Xander punched him again, before catching him and pinning him roughly to a tree.
Spike: Obviously you don't... Look, here is what we're going to do. The sun will rise soon, so you're going to release me, and then I'll go away. I won't bother you any more.
Except that I will come back the next today, Spike thought.
Xander (tightening his grip on Spike): Or maybe it would be funnier to keep you here and watch you die under the sunrays...
Spike (gesturing towards the house): With Dawn watching? I don't think so.
Xander turned his head and saw both Buffy and Dawn on the doorstep. He eyed Spike resentfully once more before releasing him as the vampire had suggested.
Xander: If I ever see you again around here, I won't hesitate to kill you.
**********
I'm sure you're all impatients to see Spike's different techniques at wooing Buffy...
Oh, and stay tuned, cause Spike's old big bad self might make a cameo in chapter 4 (so the one after the next...)
Chapter 3 is under editing process, and should be up within a week ;-)
Clem: SPIKE! IT'S YOU!!
Clem's voice echoed in Spike's ears as he land loudly on an old and almost pizza box.
Clem: Sorry for the pizza.
Spike quickly stood up.
Spike: I know.
Clem: Sorry for the mess too. You know, a lot of...
Spike: Clem?
Clem: Yes?
Spike: Let me guess. A lot of demons came to take the crypt, but you kept an eye on it, right?
Clem: Yeah! And I...
Spike: And while I was away, Tara got killed by one of those stupid geeks, Willow turned Evil Witch Willow and tried to provoke an apocalypse all on her own, but was stopped by Harris?
Clem: Yeah! Exactly! How do you know that? Have you been back for longer than a day?
Spike (sighing): No... Clem, could you stay silent for a few minutes?
Clem: Of course! I'm so glad you're back, and... Sorry.
Spike sat on his bed and tried to concentrate despite the heaviness of the soul. It had been so hard to think straight since he had had this thing back... Always spoiling his thoughts... Anyway, it seemed he was whether stuck in his nightmare or living the same day over and over.
Clem: Hmm, Spike? You don't seem to be different. Did you get the chip off?
Spike sighed and quickly got up.
Clem: Where are you going?
Spike: I have a couple of things to do. In the meantime, will you keep an eye on the crypt for me? You did great already. That was good job Clem.
Clem watched the vampire walking out of the crypt and smiled.
Clem: Thanks!
On Revello Drive, Spike was hiding in the shadows, a few hundred yards from Buffy's house, waiting. It should be soon now. Yeah, he thought as he saw Xander walking out of the house and waving goodbye. The Scooby walked to his car parked on the street, and left.
Spike smiled and walked to the porch. He hadn't a clue what was going on and why that was happening, but it seemed to help. On the doorstep, he hesitated a second, took a deep breath, and knocked. After a few seconds, the door opened and Buffy appeared in the doorframe.
Buffy: Hey, what did you forget this time?
As she finally saw Spike, Buffy suddenly couldn't say a single word any more, but she opened her mouth and closed it repeatedly as if she was trying to.
Spike: Let me explain.
Dawn (from the living room): Hey Xander? Still here?
Buffy turned her head to answer Dawn, but the girl was already coming and she saw the vampire before Buffy did anything. Dawn stayed motionless.
Spike: I just want to talk. Look, I don't have much time, the sun is rising and...
Buffy: And what? You thought we would have a cuppa and a nice talk?
Dawn (softly): Spike?
Spike: I know I hurt you. Both of you. I hurt you badly.
Buffy: What is that? You're making a list?
Spike: I want to apologize.
Buffy: Great. It's done. Bye.
Buffy started to close the door, and Spike immediately put his hand to stop it. Suddenly he realized that he had one foot in the house.
Spike: You didn't ... I can still enter?
Buffy didn't answer. Instead, she stared at the floor, thinking of Tara and Willow. Meanwhile, Dawn made a step toward the door.
Dawn: Tara is...
Spike: I know. About Willow too. I'm sorry for both of them. Tara was someone really nice. (he paused, and turned his head to see the sun beginning to rise) Can I come in?
Buffy backed off, Dawn stayed in the way so that Spike can still no enter.
Spike: It's urgent. I already burnt to ashes twice, it's getting rather boring...
Buffy: You can't come in. Take that and go.
As soon as Buffy was back at the door, she threw a blanket at Spike. He looked with surprise at the sisters as they closed the door.
Spike (sighing): Getting better and better!
Spike put the blanket on him and started to run in the street.
Meanwhile, in the house...
Dawn: He seems to be different. His face was livid...
Buffy: He's a vampire Dawn. He died more than a hundred years ago.
Dawn: You know what I mean. He looks like he hasn't eaten anything for the last two months.
Buffy: You're right. But it didn't change anything. He should have stayed away. Dawn, we can't trust him, he's not like Angel, he didn't got a soul... I know you never liked Angel, and you did like Spike... But whatever he does or says, he'll always be an evil soulless thing, and a threat for you and for everyone.
Buffy and Dawn went silently to their rooms, but didn't slept all night, or what was left of it. They couldn't help wondering why Spike had suddenly decided to show up, after being reported missing for months.
Dawn was in her bed, but couldn't manage to have any sleep because of daylight. Finally, she got up, checked that Buffy was asleep and sneaked out.
A few minutes later in Spike's crypt... Dawn came in and saw Clem cleaning the place.
Clem: Hey!
Dawn (hesitating): Hey. (she mechanically began to help him)
Clem: You're looking for Spike?
Dawn: Not really. (beat) You saw him?
Clem: Yeah. That's why I'm cleaning.
Dawn: Isn't he different?
Clem: Clearly.
Dawn: Did he get his chip off?
Clem: I don't know.
Dawn: So what's going on? He seems so...
Clem: Dead?
Dawn: Yeah.
Clem: When he left he said he had things to do.
Dawn: He came to talk with me and Buffy.
Clem: Hmm... Want a soda?
At Buffy's house...
When Buffy heard the noise of the door, she immediately get up and took a stake in case Spike had come back. But when she walked downstairs she saw Xander. She discreetly hid the stake behind a vase.
Buffy: Xander? Are you ok?
Xander: No... Right after I left the house...
Buffy immediately thought that Xander had seen Spike coming at the house. She followed him in the living room, and they sat down on the couch. Buffy was in front of him, but Xander was staring at the floor.
Buffy: It's nothing Xander.
Xander: Nothing? No. It's my fault.
Buffy (embarrassed): Xander, you didn't...
Xander (interrupting her): I did. I let her go.
Buffy (understanding): Oh. Anya.
Xander: I should have told her that I loved her... But she left and every time I walk alone I think about her... (he stood up and began to walk nervously in circles) You know the worst? Even if I managed to see her, she would never believe me. I know she can't forgive me for what I have done... But I wish I could talk to her once more...
Buffy: Xander...
Xander (he sat down next Buffy): I know, I know... I'm acting as if I was fine... We spent a good time laughing tonight but when I went out, I felt suddenly alone...
They both embarrassedly stared at the floor.
Later, inside a demon bar...
Spike was having a drink in a corner. Humans and demons who were there seemed to avoid him.
Spike (muttering): Is that it? Having a soul? Being kind with people? Huh! She didn't even listen a word of what I had to say! I know she wouldn't forgive me for what I did... But at least she could have listened... (he sipped his drink)
A demon approached Spike.
Demon: What are you doing? Socializing with your glass? (the demon turned around and laughed with the other clients) You don't have your place here Spike. Go away.
Spike: Where? Remember that vampires plus sun makes dust?
Demon (evil smile): Yeah.
Spike: Ok. That's great! Everyone wants to see me dead... You know what? I already died twice today. (he stood up). I'm stuck in this beautiful shinny day... Maybe I should try decapitation. Hey! Do you want to stake me? (the demon backed off as Spike walked towards him) Hmm...
Not in the mood of getting in a bar fight – he thought bitterly that he might be the next today – Spike took the blanket and put it on his head. The demon sighed as Spike get out the bar.
In the street, a few hours later... Buffy and Dawn were walking side by side.
Buffy: You shouldn't have been to the crypt, it could have been...
Dawn (interrupted her): Dangerous, I know. But you noticed it yourself! Spike is different now! Something has changed and you'd better find what as soon as possible!
Buffy: Yeah...
Dawn: Are you listening to me?
Buffy: Oh... Sorry, I was thinking about what Xander had told me...
Dawn: He's still sad about Anya.
Buffy: He can't forget her so quickly. It's hard...
Dawn: I know.
The sisters walked silently for a moment. Buffy stopped, looking as if she had taken a decision.
Buffy: You're right Dawn. We have to know what's going on with Spike. I'll figure this out. Go back home and keep on eye on Xander. Don't tell him anything, he's sad enough like that.
Dawn: Buffy. Be careful...
Buffy: Don't worry.
In the demon bar where Spike had previously been, at night...
Buffy stepped in and nobody noticed her. She walked through the clients and noticed three demons talking.
Demon: I swear! He became as mad as his ex! He said he had been killed twice today!
Demon 2: I heard he came back without the chip and that he wanted to kill everyone in town!
Demon 3: C'mon! He looked as soft as a kitten! Did he hurt you? Did he say anything hurting?
Demon (looking somewhat disappointed): No.
Demon 3: *I* heard he got a soul...
Demon 2: Spike? A soul? Ahaha! No! Just picture that: the big comeback of the bloody poet! Please, no!
Demon 3: Poet?
Demon 2: Yeah. I met him once when he was still a human, he was so pathetic... The worst human I ever saw, I still wonder why they turned him! He can't have his soul back!
Demon 3: Why not?
Demon: Why would he want it back?
Demon 3: Everyone knows he slept with the Slayer! He may want to deserve her...
Demon 2: You're too romantic! Forget this trip! (beat) Have you seen the game yesterday?
Demon: Yeah! How can the referee let the -...
Buffy slowly got out the bar. She didn't know exactly how much she could rely on demon gossip, but she was disappointed. And she had only one last thing to do if she didn't want this case to ruin her reputation.
In Spike's crypt, near the end of the night.
Buffy entered the crypt. She had thought it would be easy, but this place reminded her some past memories so much. She went downstairs and saw Spike leaning against a wall. He didn't make a move when he saw her, while his face was completely motionless. She carefully approached him.
Buffy: So? What's going on?
As Spike didn't answer, she got closer.
Buffy: I said, 'What's going on?'... You lost your tongue?
Spike: I only lost my freedom.
Buffy: Oh! Because you were free with the chip? Hey. Wait a minute... You managed to get the chip off? (she took a stake out).
Spike: No. And if you stake me, everything will start again...
Buffy: What will start again?
Spike: This day...
Buffy: So the drunks were right... You think you've been killed twice today, don't you?
Spike(sighed): Yes. In fact, I died the first and the second time. But as it was the same day, I died twice today. And I -... Hey, wait, no. I don't *think* I died twice today, I *did* die twice!
Buffy: Have you tried to open your brain to get the chip off? That could explain this.
Spike (looking at her): I don't even know if this damned chip is still in my head! And I don't care at all...
Buffy: You're in progress. Does that mean you're not going to kill humans?
Spike (stood up suddenly and turned his back to Buffy): Will you please stop that! It's hard enough! Don't talk to me as if I was...
Buffy: What? A bloodthirsty killer?
Spike: When I said I apologized this morning, it was the truth. (he turned to face her) Can't you hear that my words are coming from my heart? Maybe it hasn't beaten for a hundred years, but it is about to explode... Just to be here... (he gestured toward his chest) I'm trying to tell you something but you won't listen. You only hear what you want to.
Buffy: And what should I be listening to? Your complaint? Poor little Spike... Maybe I'd be understanding? That's your plan?
Spike: I didn't have any plan. I don't want you to forgive me. I know you wouldn't. I just want to talk to you.
Buffy suddenly remembered Xander's words about Anya.
Spike: I wanted you to understand that I'm really sorry about what I've done to you, to Dawn... Even to Harris! And I know you won't forgive me, I know you won't be sympathizing or anything with me...
Buffy stared at his eyes, he felt hopeful when she made a step toward him. She didn't stop looking in his eyes.
Buffy: You've changed.
Spike: I told you. A man can change...
Buffy: But it doesn't change what you've done.
Spike: I know. But that's only the first step... That's the first time I wanted to apologize since I got turned... (he sighed) I just didn't know how to do...
Slowly, Buffy lifted her hand up to his face. Spike wanted to say something but he didn't managed to. As her hand was about to touch his cheek, Buffy muttered:
Buffy: You have a soul?
Spike: Yeah. And I sought one for you, love.
Buffy's hand touched is cheek and...
The hands of a watch began to turn backwards...
DAY 4.
Clem: SPIKE! IT'S YOU!!
Either Buffy's hand had the texture of pizza, or his cheek was really resting in the same old pizza box again, Spike thought.
Clem: I'm sorry for the...
Spike (standing up slowly): BLOODY HELL! WHAT'S WRONG WITH TODAY????
Clem : I'm really sorry for the pizza box...
Spike (looked at Clem with sadness): I was about to have it...
Clem: What?
Spike: My redemption...
Clem: You had a dream?
Spike: She was about to understand what I felt... All the pain...
Clem: Oh. A nightmare then.
Spike: Ok... Let's take it another way.
Clem: Er, Spike?
Spike: What?
Clem: Where are you going? The sun will rise in an hour or so.
Spike: I have made a new choice...
Spike grabbed his coat and stormed out.
In Xander's building, in the morning...
Spike was walking in the corridor and stopped in front of Xander's door, and knocked. Xander opened the door; he was already brooding, but when he saw Spike his features hardened. Xander sighed but stayed on the doorstep, as he knew Spike couldn't come in.
Xander (coldly): I thought you were gone.
Spike: I was.
Xander: And what do you want?
Spike: Talk.
Xander: Well... We just did!
Spike: Hey, no! Wait! I... I heard what you did with Willow and what happened to Tara and... Look, I'm sorry.
Xander (disappointed): Let me ask it again. *What* do you want?
Spike: I'm trying to live through today.
Xander backed off in his flat, without inviting Spike in.
Spike: Hey!
Xander: You wanted to speak, no? You did. End of story.
Spike: I had imagined that someone would actually listen.
Xander (going back to the doorstep): And you thought 'hey! Xander is the perfect one to talk with!' Have I a psychoanalyst face? I don't like you. You don't like me. Go bug someone who's likely to listen to you. (he paused as a thought crossed his mind) Hey, wait. Did you get the chip off?
Spike: That's none of your bloody business.
Xander's eyes narrowed, as he was trying to make it out himself.
Xander: So you did. You know, I always knew keeping ready-for-use stakes near the front door could be handy some day.
Saying that, he grabbed one of the said stakes.
Spike (laughing bitterly): Oh, yeah, great idea. Stake me. In fact, you would do me a favor. Coming here was a bad idea. I should as well start today all over again.
Spike stood in front of him cockily, opening his arms wide as an invitation to stake him and closing his eyes.
Spike: Come on, Harris. Hit.
Xander raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the vampire's weird attitude, before slightly smiling sadistically. Without notice, he took a step forward and punched his visitor square in the jaw, obviously enjoying it. Enraged, Spike opened his eyes and lunged at Xander as the Scooby stepped back, but growled in frustration when he was stopped at the doorstep by an invisible force field.
Spike (furiously): Take a step outside, if you're a man!
Xander: Didn't you want me to hit you? Besides, I don't need to prove anything.
Spike: Oh, really? Punching someone that can't hit you back? Leaving your bride at the altar with no other explanation that "I'm sorry, but I can't"? Like hell you –
Xander punched Spike again, before catching him by the collar and pinning him roughly to the opposite wall, the stake pointing menacingly at the vampire's unbeating heart.
Xander (angrily): You'd better take that back before I stake you.
Spike looked down, and smiled when he saw where Xander was standing. Outside.
Spike (playfully): Ooooh, looks like the birdie is finally out of its cage...
Xander slammed him once more against the wall.
Xander: TAKE. IT. BACK!
Spike: Take back what? It's nothing but the truth, you know that. You left her. Bad move, period.
Xander slowly released him and quietly walked back in, slightly surprised that Spike stayed still and didn't take the opportunity to attack him.
Xander: Go away.
Spike (sighing): When exactly did you become so sensitive?
An hour or so later ...
Xander and Spike were sitting on the floor, respectively in and out of the flat at the doorstep.
Xander: So, now she's gone and I couldn't tell her a single word of what I'm feeling...
Spike: I know perfectly that!
Xander stood up and went to the kitchen while Spike was talking.
Spike: What am I supposed to do? Knock at the door and say 'hello love! I got a soul for you!'
Xander (from the kitchen): Did you try to apologize?
Spike: That's what I kept doing. Didn't work much. Almost did once, but... Well... (shrugged)
Xander (coming back from the kitchen): Want a piece of pizza?
Spike : Er... (thinking about the would-be-pillow pizza box) No... Thanks. Not really in the mood for pizzas lately.
Xander (taking a slice of pizza for himself): You know, since Anya went back to her old flat, I haven't talked to her once.
Spike: Not once? Jeez... You should at least try.
Xander: I know she wouldn't listen to me.
Spike: I have the same problem. Women are so stubborn. But you know, you should try honesty, it should work, especially with Anya. Straightforwardness. Tell her what you have on the heart. She'll understand.
Xander: You should do that too. Explain her everything you did for her. Quietly. Taking all the time you need.
Spike: Yeah...
Spike nodded. He was right. Time. That was all he needed to do what was required to make things right with Buffy. And in fact... he had all the time he wanted... To try different strategies, different speeches, find the very best way to explain what he was feeling for her...
He smiled. He could make this day a perfect day. The best day in his whole life and unlife...
DAY 5.
After his usual wake-up-the-head-in-a-pizza-box / listen-to-Clem-explain-things-he-already-knew morning, Spike had immediately headed for Buffy's house. And, once more, he had headed for the door, planning to knock.
When the door suddenly opened in front of him, he just had the time to mumble to himself a vague "bloody hell" before Xander punched him square in the jaw.
Xander: What are you doing here? Forgot to rape the little sister?
Buffy: Xander!!!
After the two Summers sisters walked back in, Spike looked at Xander as he was rushing toward him angrily.
Xander: She should have killed you when she had the chance.
Spike: I had forgotten you would be here this morning...
Xander: What?
Spike (sighing): Am I really the only one to notice that we've already been through this before? Don't you remember the talk we had yesterday? About me, Buffy, you and Anya?
Xander punched him again, before catching him and pinning him roughly to a tree.
Spike: Obviously you don't... Look, here is what we're going to do. The sun will rise soon, so you're going to release me, and then I'll go away. I won't bother you any more.
Except that I will come back the next today, Spike thought.
Xander (tightening his grip on Spike): Or maybe it would be funnier to keep you here and watch you die under the sunrays...
Spike (gesturing towards the house): With Dawn watching? I don't think so.
Xander turned his head and saw both Buffy and Dawn on the doorstep. He eyed Spike resentfully once more before releasing him as the vampire had suggested.
Xander: If I ever see you again around here, I won't hesitate to kill you.
**********
I'm sure you're all impatients to see Spike's different techniques at wooing Buffy...
Oh, and stay tuned, cause Spike's old big bad self might make a cameo in chapter 4 (so the one after the next...)
Chapter 3 is under editing process, and should be up within a week ;-)