Giving A Little Hurt Back
Chapter Seven
by
Julia Duvall

Author's Note: Thanks to Heather for beta reading

Darla was pacing around Spike's crypt in her new white Bellini heels. She seemed rather tense.

Spike smirked at her. He liked seeing Darla sweat. She was a fun bitch, but other times, could be even more twisted than Angelus. "What's a matter, Darla? You look upset. What's wrong, something keeping you from using the slayer as a weapon against Angel." He teased Darla.

Darla then smacked Spike. "Don't you dare talk to me like that William. I think you're in love with the Slayer and that's the reason you haven't killed her." Darla had been talking with Drusilla he figured.

Spike's eyes widened, "As I remember it, Angel killed you over that girl. This slayer is unlike others. Buffy is very smart and resourceful. Darla, don't push Buffy too far or you'll..."

Spike got cut off by Drusilla's laughter as she began to dance. "My poor Spike. You are the fly and have ended up in her parlor of delights. I know a way to get the golden hair that grandma needs." Dru then approached Spike and lifted his head up. "Don't worry, my luv. I know a
certain kitten who will bring them." Drusilla kissed Spike passionately.

Harmony looked perplexed. She gave a confused look towards her Spikey bear. Drusilla was driving her up the wall. "What do you mean by little Kitten."

Spike then coughed. "She's bloody talking about Xander, Harms. He can enter the Slayer's house with ease."

Drusilla then took Miss Edith in her arms and whispered to the doll. "Very soon, I'll have another friend and maybe a new sister to play with. The stars are aligning Miss Edith. What wonderful news." She smiled wickedly.

***

Riley was stunned. Angel, no Angelus, to him it was the same vampire to him. He had turned some innocent girl into a psychotic vampire over a hundred years ago. This was another reason that Buffy should stay away from him. "You made this mess and we have to clean it up." He glared into Angel's eyes, not backing down.

Angel really wanted to punch this asshole's lights out. "Listen to me, boy, you have some damn nerve. These two women are extremely dangerous. I have a better understanding than you do of how they think. We have to go to stop them."

Riley wasn't going to let the "boy" slide. "Listen to me, Angel. Who said "we" needed your help?" He grabbed Buffy and Dawn's hands tightly.

Dawn ran into her mother's hospital room. Buffy rolled her eyes up. This was ridiculous. The two of them acting like this was a contest. "Please, will the two of you, shut up. We have to work as a team. Now first things first, we need to know where Darla and Drusilla are living."

Angel then commented, "Knowing Darla, she want something very big and lush with a view. She always did love a view."

Riley then said, "How about I go find them and stake their asses." He then walked out of the hospital.

"Riley..." Buffy said, but she decided to let him blow off some steam.

"Angel, what's really going on?" She asked him.

"I feel like my world is being turned upside down. Darla wants to destroy me by destroying you. You mean too much to me." He saw eyes of surprise on her face.

***
Flashback 1860's England

Angelus came back to the house that him and Darla were sharing together. She seemed to be busy reading a newspaper, when she asked him; "Angelus, you're home and have been socializing with humans. How come you haven't destroyed the girl yet?" Darla reminded him of the purpose of this game.

He just grabbed Darla by the waist. "I'm having fun, love." Slowly twirling Darla around with one arm. "This is all part of the game. She's remarkably strong, Darla. I have to find a weakness." He told her dipping his finger in the glass of blood and slowly tracing the contours of her lips.

Darla jumped on her darling boy's lap and gently ran her hair through his silky hair. "My Darling Boy, you like the girl. I think you should find her weakness." She grinned wickedly at her darling Angelus.

He laughed at her. "Drusilla has an innocence that is refreshing. I want to see what happens when it's corrupted." He told his sire.

She then said "Be careful, that you don't get corrupted by her innocence, Angelus. How about a little demonstration?" Darla got up and unrobed herself.

"You are amazing, Darla." Angelus kissed her before making love to her.

***

"Angel, what's wrong?" Buffy could always interpret his body language.

"I don't think you could handle it." Angel told her. He didn't want to see Buffy look at him in shame.

"Let me be the judge of that Angel. I know there are things you are ashamed of, but we all live with our sins." She slowly hugged him.

"Sometimes our deeds are so reprehensible that we can't reverse them." He slowly felt Buffy's eyes look at him. They made him feel better.

What about the things you can't control, Angel? I can't help the fact that my mother is sick and there is nothing that I can do to help her." She slowly rested her head on his shoulders.

"I guess that our actions and reactions to the forces around us are a part of our life. Yet, when I'm around you, I don't feel lost." Angel whispered in her ear.

Buffy then whispered into her ear, "I never feel lost when I have you next to me, Angel."

To be continued...