DISCLAIMER: I don't own the charaters if I did things would be happening differently on the show
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Sorry it took me such a long time again. But a story comes like a giant piece of rock. Rough on the edges at first then as it gets older, it smooths out and turns into something of beauty. Now.. Read On McDuff!
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The sewer was dark and dank, and Spike was thankful. He knew the day sun burned in the sky brightly while he swiftly slid through the twists and turns of the LA sewer system. He stopped before a ladder that was built into the wall. This was the address that was given to him. Sighing, he climbed the ladder and opened the hatch. He poked his head into the room before pulling himself up. It was a basement full of clatter and a spot near some stairs that was cleared for a punching bag and a knife throwing area. Uninterested in searching through boxes, Spike moved his way to the stairs. Upon climbing them he heard voices. One English male, and one distinctly female voice. Edging the door open he listened to the raised voices.
" Could you, for one second, stop rifling through books and get a life?" Cordelia, no one else could sound like that.
" Could you then, stop reading magazines and daydreaming, and get to work? I do believe that I'm the only one working here." The crisp British accent was brought higher with agitation. Wesley.
" Hey, I'm doing research for my acting career."
" Acting career? oh, Stain-be-gone is so great, I can't believe it is so good'," he said in a monotonous voice.
" That was low. Okay, since we're hitting below the belt here, At least I'm not sleeping with someone to get famous." Her voice seethed.
" Oh, please, I love Virginia, and who would even want to talk with someone who doesn't do anything?"
" Not do anything? Excuse me, Vision girl here!" Spike had eased through the door and stood just behind the corner. He was just beginning to enjoy the little exchanges when a large hand came around and grabbed his chest.
All conversation stopped when Gunn pulled the blonde stranger from the basement door. Spike shrugged the tall black man from his coat. Wesley looked confused, Gunn looked mad, and Cordelia looked shocked and scared.
" Spike!" Cordelia jumped.
" Spike?"
" Who's Spike?"
" Ahh, it's good everyone knows my name." He chuckled at his own joke, referring to the show Cheers.
" So, ah, what brings you to LA?" Cordy said, backing up towards the desk.
" No need for a stake love, I've been deactivated, neutered if you must." He sauntered to a couch that was in the center of the room. He wanted to bask in their fear, even if it wasn't the bowel trembling fear he really wanted. It had been a long time since he even felt useful, let alone feared. He really wanted to keep them thinking he was a full' vampire, but he knew that he would live longer if he told them outright.
" Who's Spike?" Gunn chimed in again.
" William the Bloody, Vampire." Wesley said staring at Spike. Spike took out a cigarette and patted his pockets for the lighter before adding a nod in recognition.
" What do you mean neutered? As in –"
" NO, not like that I just can't bite people anymore." He hated telling people, already feeling the power he had over them slipping. "Thanks to Captain Cardboard and his little army poofs I can't have anymore fun" he found his lighter and lit the cigarette.
"Hold on there a sec, you're telling me William the Bloody a.k.a. the Big Bad, can't go all Grrrr anymore!??!! Oh this is hilarious!" Cordelia exclaimed, and much to Spike dismay, began to screech with laughter.
"Oh ha ha, just get your kicks in now Miss Can't Even Act in Her Sleep." Wesley couldn't help but to snicker.
" Whoa, whoa, whoa, could somebody please explain to me who this guy is and why you guys are laughing? I know I can be a lil' slow sometimes but,.." Gunn said before Cordy began.
" This is Spike, he used to think he was the Big Bad' in Sunnydale before Buffy kicked his ass out of town, causing his girlfriend to break up with him and that made him come back to town. I seem to remember a certain kidnapping that ended my one good relationship, you owe me Spike." Cordy now walked over to him.
" ey none of that now," He shot up from the couch, he did not come here for pain, and good old memories of when he was bad. Cordelia still slugged him in the face.
"Bastard!" She yelled and jumped a couple a feet back fully expecting a return attack.
"Your punches are gonna need a little more than that pet," Spike said feeling the tender spot on his jaw. Her punch was a kitten's paw compared to the Slayers.
"Oh, okay," She reeled back with her left foot and full-force kicked him in the nether region.
"BLOODY HELL!" Now he launched at her out of pure male rage. Immediately he was thrown to the floor now by the pain in his head. "I am soooo sick of that!!!" he yelled clutching his head and groin.
Wesley and Gunn stared in disbelief. Cordelia looked at them standing there with their mouths hanging open and said, "Well I had to find out if he was lying right?"
They still stole sympathetic glances to Spike who was busy doubled over on the floor. Instead of helping him Wesley walked around Spike and sat in his unoccupied seat, making sure to cross his legs.
" So you really can't bite people? Interesting, so what exactly did these army people do to you?" Spike glared at him. –This is not why I'm here, damn it, I don't want to tell them of my bloody inconsistencies'. -
" Sod off," he slowly stood, pain ebbing both in his head and his groin.
" Who cares? Anyway why are you here?" – Good old Cordy, getting to the point that serves her the most. - Spike smiled.
" I'm looking for the Poofta, oops I mean Angel."
" Why so you can lock him up and torture him to death?" – oh, pretty Cordelia you hit the mother load. I'd like to string up that bloody prat. Maybe I could get some hilarity out of it if I did; after all beating him with a crowbar seemed one hell of a way for entertainment. Buffy, you have to remember Buffy, that's what you're here for. -.
" No, I need to warn him and ask him some things."
" And why should we believe you?" If Spike could breathe he would have let out an exasperated sigh at the young woman.
" Because you should, you silly bint," He was ready to take off, just to leave because he was beginning to believe Angel deserved whatever was coming his way. The only thing that kept him where he was, was the thought of Buffy leaving and never coming back, figuratively and literally.
" No worries Cordelia, Angel isn't here," Wesley finally spoke up. Spike looked expectantly towards him.
" Well? Where is he?" No one seemed to be willing to answer him. Spike turned to Cordelia. " If you don't tell me you'll have to answer to Buffy."
" Pfft. Yeah, like Buffy would have anything to do with your sorry ass. Even if she doesn't have the best taste, in well, anything."
" Oh, really? I have been helping the Scoobies, which you are not, nor ever have been, part of, for the last year. The Watcher even has a soft spot for me," He said tapping where his dead heart was.
" I don't believe you," Cordy squinted suspiciously.
" Well, it's true."
" Is not."
" Is too."
" Children!" Wesley stood to stop the childhood bickering contest before it even really began. Now, he thought, I know how she and I sound. " What is it you needed to tell Angel?"
" It's for his ears only. No exceptions." Spike shrugged.
" You're not backing down from this are you?" Wesley said, cocking an eyebrow. Spike got a very bored look on his face but shook his head no.
" He's in San Francisco." Cordy lied finally gave in.
" Right, good, he's away. If Buffy comes here looking for him, don't tell her where he is, it's a matter of her safety."
" Why do you care?" –Because I love her- but that thought wouldn't do if he said it. His mind formed a quick lie that would get him out of an uncomfortable situation.
" I don't, I was sent by her Watcher. He knew she would do something like this."
" Like what?" Said a voice from behind all of them. Buffy stood in a little pane of sunlight. She held a bag in one of her hands and held the door in the other. She looked surprised and vaguely irritated when she saw Spike in the midst of the abandoned hotel. She came in completely; the door making a loud noise in the silence that had fallen over everyone.
" Spike, what are you doing here?" He kept his mouth shut, because he knew if he said anything, it would come out as babble with a stutter. But he had to say something.
" Talkin' with friends, what does it look like Slayer?"
" You don't have any friends Spike." Spike strode up to her, just close enough to touch her if he reached out but far enough away that she didn't feel invaded.
" That hurts Slayer, that really hurts," he said in a mock pain. – But it really does. Stop thinking like that, you'll become softer than you already are. –
" I don't have time for you Spike," She tried to push past him and jealousy sprang up at Spike.
" Oh, right but you have time for shagging soul-boy?" Once it came out of his mouth he was instantly sorry. He crossed a line he was never supposed to cross. He knew long before her fist made contact with his face that he deserved it. He lost his balance and fell back, but this time he didn't spring up as usual.
Buffy looked down at him. He wouldn't look at her, his body language was saying he was ashamed of what he said. For reasons she didn't know she bent down and offered her arm. His surprised brilliant blue eyes met hers before he took her arm. As soon as he was on his feet she went to release him but his grip tightened lightly. He brought his face so close to hers he could feel her warmth.
" I'm sorry," he whispered so quietly she could barely hear him, but she heard it. Her anger was swallowed by shock. She could only look at him.
" So, Buffy, what brings you to L.A?" Cordy said conversationally, the first one to step away from the line her, Gunn, and Wesley made while watching the exchange.
" Um, I'm looking for Angel." She replied after tearing her eyes from Spike's. She stepped away from him and towards Cordy. He let go of her arm and suppressed a sigh. The smell of her could overpower him in seconds, her certain scent made him weak. Though, he had only held on to her for a few moments he felt the power of her warmth. Clenching his jaw he ordered himself back into control. He turned and faced the foursome with an uncaring expression.
Cordelia looked between Buffy and Spike, dubious of the coincidence of their arrivals. She had to keep telling herself not to deal with Buffy's outfit and get down to business.
" Angel's not here," Wesley told Buffy.
" Well, where is he?" she replied.
" Told you," Spike said pointing to Cordy. She impulsively stuck her tongue out at him. In a way she was "answering to Buffy". She would have kept her mouth shut and not told anyone if Buffy didn't look so grave.
" He's out hunting a Krellos demon," she said looking at her feet. " We don't know when he'll be back."
" During the day?"
" Sewers, that's where it lives," Wesley answered.
"I guess I'll just wait. Hey? Where's Spike?" They looked around, Spike was gone. A loud bang came from the basement. Buffy sighed.
" Where's the sewer access?" She asked even though she knew the answer.
" The basement." Wesley pointed to a hallway. Buffy started off in that direction when Cordelia stopped her.
" It's no use, Spike'll never find him." She said with confidence.
" What makes you so sure?"
" Because it usually takes the whole night to find these things, and I know exactly where it is." Cordelia smiled. Buffy was confused.
" Cordelia has visions," Wesley supplemented. Still confused Buffy sat on the nearby couch. Wesley sat down next to her and began explaining who the PTB were and how Cordy was connected.
" Oh, wow, does that mean you actually do something?" Buffy said to Cordelia. Pay back for Cordy giving her disapproving looks every time she caught her looking at Buffy's clothes. Shocked, Cordelia opened and closed her mouth not prepared for the insult. Wesley chuckled, unable to contain himself. It was very close to the conversation they had earlier.
Meanwhile
Once Spike was a few blocks away in the sewers he could finally think again.
- Okay, Krellos demon, where do they live? - Spike thought. – You know this, come on! Oh! Got it! - He took off from where he was standing in search of a lower level access to the sewers. Following the twists and turns he spotted an access tunnel. Grinning he lowered himself a few levels more into the earth. Satisfied he was deep enough he quickly chose a direction and started off. Three hours later he was unsuccessful. The most he had found were some old newspapers and a lot of junk. Angry, he turned back and made his way to the surface. The sun had set an hour ago so Spike climbed out the sewers into an alleyway. The air was sweet and warm, a good change from the stale and stinky scent in the sewers. Sighing, Spike patted his jacket looking for his cigarettes. He groaned when he couldn't find them, and then remembered he set them on the counter at the hotel. He dove his hands into his pockets hoping he had cash. Thanking whomever, he went out onto the street.
One step out of the dirty party store, the thick mentholated smoke that entered Spike's dead lungs was gladly received. After a few puffs he decided to go back to the hotel, angry he was unable to find Angel, but happy he didn't at the same time. He walked slow, giving himself time to think about things.
In a way he was happy he wasn't dreaming about Buffy anymore. It was wrong, he knew it, but it wasn't as if he could control it. Even through the thought of his beloved Drusilla, the bloody slayer plagued his mind. Maybe he could get through this ludicrous obsession if he surrounded himself with Dru, or anything that would get his mind off of her. Her, all he could think about was her.
He had hated her. Hated her with such a force it startled him at times. It just got to him how she could be so sure, so confident in her battles. Spike wanted to make her squirm, make her scream, make her bleed. Maybe he got that from Angelus, that bloody prat. Angelus didn't do what he did for revenge; he did it out of his passion for her. He wanted her just like I do, Spike thought. He wanted to maim, slaughter, and destroy her. Yet, he also wanted to kiss her, love her, give his life for her.
Drusilla knew it before Spike did. His Dark Princess knew that he was surrounded by Sunshine, before he even thought about his obsession with killing the Slayer. He had no idea what she meant when she told him so down South America, but she was right.
"When I look at you all I see is the Slayer." She had said. Even then she surrounded him. Is that why I came back? He asked himself. Is that why I chose to come back to Sunnyhell? Because deep down I knew Dru was right? Probably.
There were so many times in the past year that he just wanted to scream why?" over and over into the night sky. Maybe this was his curse, that he was to love without question, without reason, those who were to either leave or hate him for it. Only he knew the nights and days the Spike had spent crying, screaming over his love. Both Drusilla and Buffy.
Spike was deep in thought when a trashcan flew out of an alleyway nearly hitting him. Shock made him stop dead in his tracks. The sounds of struggle were loud, coming form the back of the alley. Cautiously Spike peered around the sharp corner.
A dark clad figure that could only be Angel swiftly kicked a large ugly demon with scale like ridges all over its body. Spike assumed this was the missing Krellos demon. It returned a kick to Angel's torso with force sending him into the wall. It turned to run out the dead end alley, but before Spike could move into it's path Angel grabbed the back of his shirt.
" Now, now, didn't your mother teach you to finish what you started?" He said as he planted a firm square punch to the demons "face". It fell and couldn't right itself. With one last punch Angel placed his foot into the demon's skull, killing it. Angel stood there a moment, his foot inside the Demon's skull, anger seething from him. Spike moved back around the corner a split second before Angel looked in his direction. Deciding that right now wasn't the best moment to drop in on Angel; Spike quickly looked for a place to hide. Just a few yards away there was a doorway that would maybe keep him hidden. Sprinting, he made it just a few seconds before Angel came out of the alley.
Spike could feel the silent thrill that was sent through his body when he quietly slid out from his hiding place, following Angel. It as if he was hunting again, stalking his victim. With new energy and grace he dodged into hiding places when Angel threw a look over his shoulder. Spike remembered how he could follow someone for hours without the victim ever knowing it. The morbid satisfaction the surprise brought when he attacked made his blood boil for more. He stepped with more confidence, turning a sharp corner Angel had disappeared into.
" Spike?" Angel grabbed Spikes throat, throwing him against the wall. Maybe he stepped with a little too much confidence. " What do you want?"
" To talk," Spike had to bite his tongue to keep from sputtering out the insults that would take him no where.
" Talk?" Angel added more pressure to Spikes chest and throat. " Like the last time you came to talk? I mostly remember railroad spikes through my torso. Doesn't sound like talking to me."
" Look, I'm bloody sorry!"
" You're never sorry Spike."
" Will you people stop telling me what I have and don't have and what I do and don't do! How the hell would you know what I do? "
" What people?"
" People that I should just kill and have done with it. People like the Slayer," A wicked grin played on Spike's lips. Looking into Angel's eyes, Spike could see the instant panic that flicked on at the mention of Buffy. Not for the first time, he could relate to the feeling.
" I don't think you're in the best position to say anything about Buffy." Angel removed his hand from Spike's throat and moved it to his pocket. He withdrew a stake and held it heavily against Spike's dead heart. " I don't think you'd like to threaten Buffy now would you?"
" I wasn't threatening. I came here because of the silly bint." He gasped as Angel added weight to the stake.
" Don't play games with me Spike."
" I'm not playing games!" He said, exasperated. "Sod off," he shrugged Angel's hands from his throat and chest. To his surprise Spike felt like he wanted to cry. This only helped to make him angrier.
" If no one wants to listen to me, fine. It's not my arse that's going to get killed." He looked pointedly at Angel. He turned to leave Angel's presence but Angel stopped him.
" Are you sure about that?" Angel gripped the stake that was still in his hand.
" Please," Spike said. " I have heard that enough from the Slayer. Believe me it gets old."
" What? Gets old?"
" Yeah, every time I help the bitch she threatens to kill me."
" Help?" Angel sounded incredulous. For a moment Spike forgot that Angel had no idea about his chip or anything that was happening in Sunnydale.
" Oh, that's right you haven't been there," Spike drew out the last few words, emphasizing his point. He could see the guilt form in Angel's eyes and his fight to not show it on his face. Spike decided to prod a bit more." Well, this year has been very eventful to say the least. And you've gone and missed it all. Well except for that pop in on Thanksgiving."
" Which I remember seeing you tied to a chair in the living room." Angel threw back at him, but Spike just shrugged. " How did you get out of those bonds?"
" She let me go," he said not wanting to tell the whole truth yet.
" Why? Buffy would never-"
" She said there's no reason killing something so useless, bitch."
" What?" Angel was totally lost.
" Fine, Last year I got kidnapped by some government poofs, they gave me a nice little chip in my head so I can't hurt any human. Buffy, well, Giles really, took me in, nursed me back to health, and sent me on my merry way." Angel looked as if he needed to sit down.
" You can't hurt people?" For a moment Angel stared then he started laughing.
" Not you too," Spike got real close to whining at that moment. " I am leaving. I need to get back to the Slayer before she goes and does something stupid like looking for me, and then you."
" Why would she look for you?"
" Because she needs me." Angel looked dubious.
" Buffy? Need you? Ha!" At that moment Spike decided to seal his mouth shut with a swift punch to the face. Angel fell back, not expecting the blow. For a moment he looked confused.
" I can't hurt people, pet, but I sure as hell can hurt you" Spike said before kicking Angel's side. Angel rolled away and stood up.
" What is this William?" Angel taunted.
" Just call it unfinished business," Spike sneered. He launched himself at Angel, but Angel caught him and threw him over his shoulder into the wall. Spike recovered with lightning quickness and waited for Angel to attack. Angel's massive fist collided with Spikes face. Spike dodged the next blow that was intended for his face and hit Angel squarely his wide chest, moving him back for a moment. Spike landed a good punch on Angel's jaw, feeling the bone crack a millisecond after impact. Both had lost their human visages by this point.
Meanwhile
The conversation had stopped about an hour ago. Every once in a while Wesley or Cordy would throw her a sympathetic glance. They knew everything that was going on in Sunnydale, and everything that was going on in Buffy's life. In return, Buffy knew about everything that was happening here in LA. She was worried about Angel, and worried about Spike for some odd reason. This was making her restless, all this waiting. She never just waited; other than every other night when vamps decided to rise late, but that was beside the point. She needed to find Angel before things went down that weren't supposed to. Finally she stood and made her way to the front doors.
" Where are you going?" Cordy asked.
" I don't know about you but I can't take this waiting." With that she left the building. It was very near dark outside and by instinct and withdrew a stake from her purse. After walking a few blocks, she needed to use it. A thin vamp launched itself at her and right on the stake in her hand.
- Well, that was easy, - she thought. - Whatever happened to stalk then attack? Sheesh, no vamps have standards anymore. -
She moved on, making her way through the city she used to live. She walked another hour with no luck. She walked by an old cemetery, and got a flashback of an old memory.
(((((((0000000)))))))
Buffy sat down on the cold ground, and began picking at her nails. A stake and a crucifix in her lap.
" Do you have any gum?" She said to Merrick. He looked annoyed.
" No," he replied. Suddenly there was a cracking sound and a hand appeared from the freshly lain dirt. Buffy screamed and stood up. A man appeared from the earth with a bumpy face and fangs glittering in the moonlight. Merrick tried to stake the beast but it took him over its shoulder ready to throw him away. Buffy didn't know what to do. Then, hands appeared at her ankles, grabbing them, pulling her to the vampire that stood out of its grave. She screamed and struggled hard to free herself. She kicked the vampire in its head making it fly back and hit its own grave stone. Merrick was rolling around with the other vampire trying desperately to stake it. When the vamp tried to bite Merrick a stake came through its back and heart, killing it.
" Behind you," Merrick warned, throwing another stake at Buffy. She turned and staked the remaining vampire. She could only stare at Merrick in disbelief of what she just did.
((((((((0000000)))))))
She pushed the memory away, not wishing to mourn her first watcher. She went around the cemetery, making sure she didn't enter it. Old memories had a way of wounding her instead of helping her. Suddenly she had this feeling, this sense of something. The last time she felt this way was Thanksgiving.
" Angel" she whispered as it dawned on her. As she moved on the feeling got stronger. Sounds of struggling could be heard and Buffy rushed towards them. Just as she turned the corner she saw Angel fly back into the wall. He muttered something and stood. He kicked his attacker and then punched his down turned face. She caught a flash of black leather then saw the tale-tell platinum head turn and give Angel a roundhouse kick. Buffy watched them for a few moments, debating on whether to intervene or not.
Angel was clearly winning the fight, throwing Spike around and knocking him into walls, she decided. But she had to give Spike points for inventiveness. He grabbed a box and crashed it over Angel's head. Angel lunged at Spike, tackling him. They rolled around a bit, each gaining and losing ground by turns. They seemed evenly matched in strength and fighting ability. But no killing blows were made. They were still on the ground when Buffy decided to intervene.
" Hello?" Buffy shouted over the struggling. Neither looked like they heard her. " Am I the only one afraid of getting testosterone poisoning?" It was then that Angel looked over at her, giving Spike a great opportunity to punch him. Spike took it and Angels head hit the pavement. Angel returned by putting his foot onto Spike's stomach and kicking him off, sending him flying into the alley wall. Angel stood and began to advance on Spike, who was trying to recover.
" Angel," Buffy said expectantly. Angel stopped in his tracks, but didn't look at Buffy. He didn't want to risk another chance for Spike to get a free hit. His eyes were glittering with exhilaration, as were Spikes. It had been a long time since either of them had such a good fight. Spike grinned and Angel returned it without thinking.
" Angel? Spike?" Buffy said again irritated. Both men looked at her at the same time. " Could you explain to what exactly you're doing?"
" Fighting, pet, what else does it look like?" Spike answered instantly. Buffy glared at him and he grinned back.
" Thank you Mr. Obvious, but may I ask why?" Spike shrugged. In truth he had forgotten. He looked to Angel for help.
" Unfinished business." Angel supplied, making Spike chuckle. Angel landed a swift punch to Spikes stomach making his laugh more of a wheeze. Buffy put her hands on her hips but accepted the answer.
" I don't suppose you told him did you?" she addressed Spike.
" Tell him what?"
" You know Spike."
" Oh, yeah, almost forgot," Spike shrugged and turned to Angel. " No, wait, I did forget it. Hmm, it seemed vaguely important too. Sorry Slayer, it seems to have slipped my mind."
" You're a pig Spike," Spike put his hands over his heart in a mocking forlorn gesture. " How could you forget something so important?"
" Oh, that's right, it was about Peaches here. Now I remember." He looked between Angel and Buffy. He looked as if he was debating on something. " No, I don't want to tell you."
He turned and tried to walk off but Angel grabbed him and Buffy moved into his path. Both Angel and Buffy held a stake in their hand. The threat was apparent to Spike. Here was no way to talk his way out of this one. But he could try couldn't he?
" Hey, w-why don't we go to the hotel or something?" He stuttered. " C'mon, you know I was joking, right? Oh, bloody hell, would you just stop advancing on me already? I get it. I'll tell him!" Spike was angry but relieved when they backed off.
" Okay," Angel said. " Just what is this about?"
" Let's just go back to the hotel, okay?" Buffy nearly purred. It got under Spike's skin how she was to Angel. Bloody prat.
They walked in a heavy silence, glancing at Spike every few moments to make sure he didn't bolt. They made their way back to the hotel.
I know this has taken forever, but hey you're reading it aren't you? I'll try to get more chapters but I'm not a quick writer, especially when I have four work-in-progresses. Thanks for reading and please please do review!!