Souled To Be, Or Not To Be Me/Part 15/?
by Phoenixstitch / Vickey Brickle-Macky 3/08/2001/ and 4/17/2001
This was all brought on by all the discussions of Spike not being redeemable, or able to really love because he doesn't have a soul. What if he said the hell with it, and went all the way, and asked Willow to do a soul restoration spell on him (though it has always amazed me that no one on the show ever thought of doing one on him anyway if they were so worried about him being dangerous with, or without the chip.) I was also listening to VNV Nation tracks while writing this so this will get sort of weird. This is set after "Crush", "The Body", and "Forever", after Joyce's funeral, and after Spike gets bit . This sort of ignores the some of the story line in "Intervention", for the purposes of this story. Also I used parts of Willow's original spell in "Becoming II" with some modifications, and changes here, and there. Usual disclaimers all apply to not stepping on anyone's copyrights with Josh Wheldon, Mutant Enemy, etc.. I don't any of these characters, just borrowing them, especially Spike, and trying out different directions than the show has gone. Rating about PG-17. If you can watch the show you can read this.
As you can see I started this in March--I really will get this done eventually and the others like "Hate and Love". This is my favorite to write on. Hope it hasn't bee n to bad so far. The other parts of this are on my In The heart Darkness site at http://fangslover.fanspace.com or on fanfiction.net. As far as I know this isn't archieved anywhere else. If you are interested just give me a holler.
Part 15
"Stop who" Buffy asked worriedly looking back and forth between the two men sitting on her front steps. "What's going on guys?"
"It's about your dad's lawyers, luv. They are real bad news. Seems Peaches here, knows some of them personally," Spike explained getting up. "They're not ordinary, run of the mill paper pushers. They're working for the other not so pleasant side. They brought Darla back to life, and then found Dru to revamp her," he added, trying to keep his tone level, and not get her as upset as he was feeling right at this moment.
Buffy looked at him shocked. "Darla's back? As in alive then vamped again? Why didn't you tell me that?" she snarled at him, and he flinched back.
Spike glared back at her. "When have I had a chance to let you know? It wasn't anything that would come up in normal conversation, and after Dru's visit you weren't really that talkable to," he told her truthfully, and she sighed, admitting he was right. She really hadn't wanted to listen to anything he had to say after she had found herself zapped by a cattle prod, and then chained up.
"Yeah, you're right. Sorry, to snap like that. So we have bigger problems than just plain old lawyers?" Buffy asked seriously, making herself calm down.
"That's the size of it. Peaches is going to do some checking for us when he gets home," he assured her.
"Sounds like we need to tell the gang this too," Buffy commented, trying to think. "Angel, you need to tell Giles what you know about this law firm. If they are into the dark stuff maybe even the Council has info on them, or can suggest some one on our side to fight them. There's got to be something we can do," Buffy said hopefully.
"Maybe, I hope so," Angel told her but he wasn't holding out any hope. So far he hadn't heard of any law firm working for the side of good, but that didn't mean that there may not be one out there somewhere. He had to check with his sources, and see what they knew.
"Guys, aren't we supposed to meet everyone? Eat, etc.?" Dawn reminded them, tapping her foot in impatience as she looked at the supposed adults. They could talk later. She just wanted to go, and get something to eat. Do something besides talk about problems.
"Right," Spike said having almost forgotten why they were all dressed up. Shifting his mind back from business for a moment he took in the new dresses both Dawn and Buffy were wearing. Especially the dress Buffy was wearing, and how beautiful and feminine she was in it. She had swept her long hair up, and curled it slightly so little ringlets dangled down. 'Cor she was breathtaking,' he thought to himself as he found his breath catching in his throat and his stomach fluttering, trying to keep his body's reactions to her down, grateful for his the concealing folds of duster. "Are you ready to go, pet?" he asked keeping his voice level and ignoring the looks Angel was giving him as he extending his hand to help her down the stairs.
"Any time," she smiled taking his hand, and letting him help her for once. Then looking over to Dawn, who was shaking her head in amusement at the two blondes, Buffy asked," did you lock, and shut the door?"
"Yes, I locked, and shut the stupid bloody door," Dawn shot back using one of Spike's favorite swear words for emphasis as she tromped noisily down the stairs past them which got her looks from the other three as they walked to the car. "I'm not twelve you know," she added with a grumble crossing her arms in disgust as she leaned against Angel's car waiting to get in.
"Did you get the you knows?" Spike asked Angel as they got to the car, and he helped Buffy, and Dawn into the back seat. He got next to Angel in the front. He would have liked to have sat next to Buffy, but things were tense enough between the three of them without adding more fuel to the fire.
"While you and Buffy were talking I slipped out, and took care of the problem," he replied, quietly knowing that Spike would hear him, and not wanting the girls to know.
Spike nodded. He and Angel were old hands at body disposal. It was not the most pleasant of tasks, but it needed to be done. There was no way that anyone would be able to resurrect Glory now if Angel had done the job right.
"Where's that car of yours, Spike?' Angel asked changing the conversation to hopefully a more neutral one.
"Parked, in a garage off Elm. Didn't want it too visible. Too many demons around here know it's mine. I was going to go get it tonight though. That way no one has to go out of their way to take me around places," he added.
"You could use my Mom's car. It's just sitting there," Dawn spoke up from the back.
"Thanks Little Bit, but no- I wouldn't feel right about it. Besides, your big sis needs to learn how to drive that. Don't you, luv?" he asked her turning around in his seat to talk to her.
"Me? Drive?" she look back frightened at even the idea of driving, and shook her head worriedly. "Those are two things, that aren't good things together—me, and driving. I tried one time, and really messed up Mom's other car. Haven't wanted to try to again."
"Oh, you mean the night that Mom, and Giles got smashed on that candy, and were acting like kids again?" Dawn asked, looking at her and giggling.
Buffy ducked her head embarrassed. She so much did not want the two guys to know the details of that night, but she could see that if she didn't explain, Dawn would. "Yeah, that night. They were worse than me, and my friends. And neither one of them had any shame." Buffy added biting her bottom lip not really wanting to explain more.
Spike looked at her incredulously, trying to understand what she was saying without coming right out, and bluntly asking. "The Watcher and your Mum?"
"It was this band candy that had a spell on it, and it turned all the adults that ate it into acting like kids with no inhibitions about anything. Giles became Ripper, and Mom, well…Mom went back to her flower child days I guess, and they couldn't keep their hands off one another. Heard they did it on top of a police car. In public no less. Afterwards Mom joked about it. When she did Giles would just turn this bright red shade, and disappear," Buffy admitted, and Spike laughed.
"I always thought the Watcher, and your Mum had something going. Shame they never really did. They would have been good for one another," Spike said sincerely, and she knew he meant it..
"I thought so too, but they never did, and finally Mom got brave enough to try dating again since Giles wouldn't get the hint. Never did met the guy she was starting to see. His name was Brian something. Met him at her gallery she said. He never showed for her funeral either. Always wondered about that. He sent her flowers the day…I found her. But none when she died," she said sadly, looking down and trying not to cry.
Spike looked back at her worriedly. He hadn't planned on setting her off by his questions. "I'm sorry, luv, didn't know I was going to be bringing up bad memories. I want this to be a happy night. A good night as much as it can be," he said, reaching over, and touching her hand.
"Me too. I'll be better. I promise," she said, making herself smile back at him in reassurance that she was okay—really.
Angel had noticed the exchange between the two, it still hurt a little, but he was getting used to the idea of them together. Since talking with Spike, and Buffy about Wolfram and Hart, the game plan for the night had slightly changed. Before he was just going to drop them all off and go, now he was going to stay at least long enough to talk to Giles, and tell him what was going on, and their suspicions. Angel pulled into the small parking lot and parked the car. The two men helped the girls out, and they went into the club together. Everyone was there, but Giles, they noticed. Willow waved them over to the table they had commandeered over in the gang's usual corner.
"They've redecorated," Angel commented over the loud music at the new look of the place as they made their way to the table.
Spike leaned over, and told him, "it was a bit of an active troll due to Red, and demon gal. He did a bit of smashing, and mashing before he got sent back. They reopened the place around the time Joyce died. Least they've put the bleeding blooming onion back on the menu after I complained."
Angel just shook his head. He wasn't sure whether he wanted to hear about the active troll, or not. Buffy and Dawn sat down while Spike went off to get them drinks. As busy as the club was he knew that it would be a while until a waitress showed up. The former vampire came back quicker than they expected, both angry, and empty handed. "Bloody stupid sods. As much business as they've gotten off of me, and they NOW ask me for an ID, which I don't bloody got before I can get a sodden beer. Are those blighters blind as well as dumb," he grumbled sitting down shooting glares at the bar.
"You've been getting beers in here for ages. They ought to know you by now," Willow said, puzzled.
"The soddin' barkeep didn't recognize me. Didn't believe it was me since I can't vamp out anymore, and then some new jerk comes up, and begins asking me for a soddin' ID. Said he couldn't serve me useless I had one. Bastard," Spike complained, his arms folded in disgust.
Buffy, and the others tried to hold back their giggles, but it was hard. Anya looked over to him and told him in sympathy. "I had the same problem when I first turned human. And I am 'way' older than you are."
Spike nodded and smiled slightly, glad to know he wasn't alone.
"I'll go get the drinks," Angel volunteered cheerfully, trying to hold his grin down as he got up to go get the drinks.
"Good, you do that mate. And you get me my ID ASP. Grab some menus while you're at it, Pops," and Angel nodded, trying not to growl at the 'Pops' remark, while Spike continued with his rant. "That was bloody embarrassing. Do I look that friggin' young now?" he asked them all as Angel left to go get the drinks.
"Yeah, you kind of do, old man." Xander said with a smile, getting over his giggle fit as he looked the former vampire over, and taking in the new look with some approval. "You do look our age which is not quite twenty-one yet."
"Oh great," Spike sighed. "Really needed to hear that. I'll have you know I was twenty-six when I got turned. I really look that young?" he asked them all again. They all nodded, and he sat back in his chair dejected.
Angel came back with three cokes and a glass of what looked like wine, but wasn't. Spike raised his eyebrow in question. "Where's my bloody drink?"
"Wouldn't give me one for you, until you get an ID. Something about liquor laws," Angel apologized as he sat back down next to Tara who moved a little closer to Willow, not fully comfortable with the souled vampire that she didn't know that well.
"Right," Spike grimaced knowing it was useless to take this any further, and took the coke after all. "Here, hand over the menus. If I can't drink, I'll eat," he said taking them from Angel then handing one each to both Buffy, and Dawn while he started looking over his.
"So where's Giles?" Angel asked Willow, and the others who shrugged, since none of them were certain where the watcher was..
"Back at the shop, I guess. He was still there when I left to go home," Anya volunteered finally.
"Is he coming?" Angel asked frustrated a little. "We need to talk to him before I head back. It's about Buffy's dad," he explained.
The dark haired boy shrugged indifferently. "He wasn't sure. He was lost in some book when I left. Try calling him if it's important," Xander suggested flatly, trying to be sort of helpful as well as seeing a way to get Angel to leave as soon as possible. He still didn't like the dark haired vampire, and he could see that Buffy was not really comfortable having him around.
"Right," Angel grimaced at Xander cool tones, and got his cell phone out, and dialed Giles' number. After a couple of rings Giles finally picked up. "Giles, are you coming over to the Bronze?" Angel asked, and evidently his reply was in the negative. "I see…okay. Might if I come over there. There's something you need to know about the law firm that Buffy's Dad is using. We have big problems…okay…I'll be there in ten…see you then," he said then hung up and repocketed his phone. Turning to the group he told them, "Giles, is researching something. I'm going over there and talk with him."
Buffy nodded. "Want us to come along?" she asked looking at him.
Angel shook his head. "No, there's no need. You guys stay here. Relax, enjoy yourselves while you can. After I get through then I'm just going to head back to LA. If we find out anything about what is going on I'll call you or Giles," he told her.
"Kay," she replied, not sure what else to say to her former lover. She looked at him a little sadly, knowing it was over between them finally. They both had truly moved on with their lives, and had different paths to follow. They would always be connected, but never in the way they had hoped so many years ago. Her path now lay with Spike. That was what felt right, and she smiled at her new love in reassurance as the former vampire looked back, and forth worriedly between the former lovers. He relaxed finally as Angel turned to leave.
Spike called out, stopping him. "Just let us know what's coming down, and finish up that bloody paperwork. Sounds like I'm going to need all my stuff all legal, and above board as soon as possible. I'm not going to let anyone just come in, and take these two away like they don't have a bloody say in the matter. They've had too much upset in their lives as it is," Spike told him, and Xander, and Willow nodded in agreement backing up his words.
"Will do," Angel told him then he quickly disappeared through the crowd wanting to get this night over with as soon as possible.
Buffy watched him go with a touch of sadness in her eyes/ Quickly turning to her sister she asked, "I need to go the ladies, wanna go with?" she asked.
Dawn shrugged, "Sure."
As they stood up Buffy told the remaining group who looked at them worriedly, "We'll be back in a few." She got nods all the way around. Then she and Dawn vanished into the crowd, and headed for the ladies. She went into one of the stalls, and sat down heavily on the seat. She didn't need to go, she just wanted some place private to think for a few minutes. She heard Dawn next to her and decided it was okay after all.
Back to her thoughts, she had just needed a few minutes alone, away from Spike to compose herself, so he didn't get all twitchy, and defensive. So far things were cool between the three of them, and she wanted them to stay that way. Right now the whole Spike being human, and there being a real possibility of a relationship with him was just too new, and she was going to tread the situation carefully. Angel had stirred up old feelings, but his leaving, and going his own way was not as painful as it had been in the past. She might actually get through this, and really be over Angel. She had to be for Spike's sake because the jealousy between the two was very real.
A lot of it she didn't understand, and wasn't even sure she wanted all the glory details, but being in his mind as he had been in hers had left very few secrets between them now. No, he had been anything, but an saint since he had been turned, but most of the very icky stuff had been done because he had been pushed into proving himself as a vampire. Left alone, without an audience, he had been quick, and careful, sometimes leaving his victims alive, and just taking enough to maintain on. It was only when the others had been around, or involved he had been excessive, and showed off to prove he was worthy of their company when inside he had always felt that he wasn't. Some of things he had done had appalled even himself. Even as a vampire pre chip he had felt guilt, and disgust at what he had to do, but the alternative of being dead-dead had made him continue his existence, and he had learned to keep his feelings on the matter of killing people, so that he could survive to himself.
Buffy was finding her attitudes changing towards him since she had been in his head. There were layers and layers to this very complex man, and a lot of his bad boy behavior was just a big front to the world, when inside he was far from really being the 'Big Bad'. Somehow the core essence of what had been 'William' had managed to survive and this was the man she was falling in love with some of the 'Spike' overtones thrown in. She wasn't 'in love with him' yet but she was getting there—slowly. It all depended on her and whether she could get past some of the nasty stuff that had gone on between them over the last couple of years. Compared to what Angel had done as Angelus, Spike had been 'good' for him by vampire standards and even human standards. Her fear of his having the chip out and what he would do had been part real, and part defensive because of her attraction to him, and her not wanting to let herself fall in love with him because he was a vampire.
Now all of that was a moot point since he was human now, and basically the male equivalent to her on top of everything. Who'd have thought? Least she wouldn't have to worry about him like she did with Xander, or had with Riley after his operation. Still she was scared. Scared of letting herself open up to him completely, letting herself love again—if she could love. For some reason she just didn't want to hurt him, and knew she could hurt him badly emotionally, and had. With Spike, she wanted to be up front and honest with him and she could be in ways she never could be with either Angel or Riley, or even with her friends on too many occasions.
Then there was this mess with her father—she really didn't need this right now. Fighting demons, and gods was one thing but lawyers—this was way over her head. She was beginning to think maybe Spike had had the right idea when he had suggested last night—was it only last night?--that they'd get married, and with the kind of money he supposedly had they would be virtually untouchable and the lawyers and her father would back off. But marrying Spike just for money or security for her, and Dawn was something she couldn't do—no matter how desperate she might be. It would only really screw up any chance they might have for a real relationship. At least she thought so, though with him he'd probably take her anyway he could get her. She still had to do a lot of thinking on this. Though he had never directly proposed to her, the idea had been thrown out and was hard to dismiss out of hand. Her thoughts were interrupted as Dawn banged on the door.
"You okay in there?" Dawn asked through the closed door, wondering what her sister was doing, and wanting to get back to table to order food.
"I'm fine. Be out in a minute," Buffy replied, and went out to face her sister and ask her opinions on some things.
End Part 15
by Phoenixstitch / Vickey Brickle-Macky 3/08/2001/ and 4/17/2001
This was all brought on by all the discussions of Spike not being redeemable, or able to really love because he doesn't have a soul. What if he said the hell with it, and went all the way, and asked Willow to do a soul restoration spell on him (though it has always amazed me that no one on the show ever thought of doing one on him anyway if they were so worried about him being dangerous with, or without the chip.) I was also listening to VNV Nation tracks while writing this so this will get sort of weird. This is set after "Crush", "The Body", and "Forever", after Joyce's funeral, and after Spike gets bit . This sort of ignores the some of the story line in "Intervention", for the purposes of this story. Also I used parts of Willow's original spell in "Becoming II" with some modifications, and changes here, and there. Usual disclaimers all apply to not stepping on anyone's copyrights with Josh Wheldon, Mutant Enemy, etc.. I don't any of these characters, just borrowing them, especially Spike, and trying out different directions than the show has gone. Rating about PG-17. If you can watch the show you can read this.
As you can see I started this in March--I really will get this done eventually and the others like "Hate and Love". This is my favorite to write on. Hope it hasn't bee n to bad so far. The other parts of this are on my In The heart Darkness site at http://fangslover.fanspace.com or on fanfiction.net. As far as I know this isn't archieved anywhere else. If you are interested just give me a holler.
Part 15
"Stop who" Buffy asked worriedly looking back and forth between the two men sitting on her front steps. "What's going on guys?"
"It's about your dad's lawyers, luv. They are real bad news. Seems Peaches here, knows some of them personally," Spike explained getting up. "They're not ordinary, run of the mill paper pushers. They're working for the other not so pleasant side. They brought Darla back to life, and then found Dru to revamp her," he added, trying to keep his tone level, and not get her as upset as he was feeling right at this moment.
Buffy looked at him shocked. "Darla's back? As in alive then vamped again? Why didn't you tell me that?" she snarled at him, and he flinched back.
Spike glared back at her. "When have I had a chance to let you know? It wasn't anything that would come up in normal conversation, and after Dru's visit you weren't really that talkable to," he told her truthfully, and she sighed, admitting he was right. She really hadn't wanted to listen to anything he had to say after she had found herself zapped by a cattle prod, and then chained up.
"Yeah, you're right. Sorry, to snap like that. So we have bigger problems than just plain old lawyers?" Buffy asked seriously, making herself calm down.
"That's the size of it. Peaches is going to do some checking for us when he gets home," he assured her.
"Sounds like we need to tell the gang this too," Buffy commented, trying to think. "Angel, you need to tell Giles what you know about this law firm. If they are into the dark stuff maybe even the Council has info on them, or can suggest some one on our side to fight them. There's got to be something we can do," Buffy said hopefully.
"Maybe, I hope so," Angel told her but he wasn't holding out any hope. So far he hadn't heard of any law firm working for the side of good, but that didn't mean that there may not be one out there somewhere. He had to check with his sources, and see what they knew.
"Guys, aren't we supposed to meet everyone? Eat, etc.?" Dawn reminded them, tapping her foot in impatience as she looked at the supposed adults. They could talk later. She just wanted to go, and get something to eat. Do something besides talk about problems.
"Right," Spike said having almost forgotten why they were all dressed up. Shifting his mind back from business for a moment he took in the new dresses both Dawn and Buffy were wearing. Especially the dress Buffy was wearing, and how beautiful and feminine she was in it. She had swept her long hair up, and curled it slightly so little ringlets dangled down. 'Cor she was breathtaking,' he thought to himself as he found his breath catching in his throat and his stomach fluttering, trying to keep his body's reactions to her down, grateful for his the concealing folds of duster. "Are you ready to go, pet?" he asked keeping his voice level and ignoring the looks Angel was giving him as he extending his hand to help her down the stairs.
"Any time," she smiled taking his hand, and letting him help her for once. Then looking over to Dawn, who was shaking her head in amusement at the two blondes, Buffy asked," did you lock, and shut the door?"
"Yes, I locked, and shut the stupid bloody door," Dawn shot back using one of Spike's favorite swear words for emphasis as she tromped noisily down the stairs past them which got her looks from the other three as they walked to the car. "I'm not twelve you know," she added with a grumble crossing her arms in disgust as she leaned against Angel's car waiting to get in.
"Did you get the you knows?" Spike asked Angel as they got to the car, and he helped Buffy, and Dawn into the back seat. He got next to Angel in the front. He would have liked to have sat next to Buffy, but things were tense enough between the three of them without adding more fuel to the fire.
"While you and Buffy were talking I slipped out, and took care of the problem," he replied, quietly knowing that Spike would hear him, and not wanting the girls to know.
Spike nodded. He and Angel were old hands at body disposal. It was not the most pleasant of tasks, but it needed to be done. There was no way that anyone would be able to resurrect Glory now if Angel had done the job right.
"Where's that car of yours, Spike?' Angel asked changing the conversation to hopefully a more neutral one.
"Parked, in a garage off Elm. Didn't want it too visible. Too many demons around here know it's mine. I was going to go get it tonight though. That way no one has to go out of their way to take me around places," he added.
"You could use my Mom's car. It's just sitting there," Dawn spoke up from the back.
"Thanks Little Bit, but no- I wouldn't feel right about it. Besides, your big sis needs to learn how to drive that. Don't you, luv?" he asked her turning around in his seat to talk to her.
"Me? Drive?" she look back frightened at even the idea of driving, and shook her head worriedly. "Those are two things, that aren't good things together—me, and driving. I tried one time, and really messed up Mom's other car. Haven't wanted to try to again."
"Oh, you mean the night that Mom, and Giles got smashed on that candy, and were acting like kids again?" Dawn asked, looking at her and giggling.
Buffy ducked her head embarrassed. She so much did not want the two guys to know the details of that night, but she could see that if she didn't explain, Dawn would. "Yeah, that night. They were worse than me, and my friends. And neither one of them had any shame." Buffy added biting her bottom lip not really wanting to explain more.
Spike looked at her incredulously, trying to understand what she was saying without coming right out, and bluntly asking. "The Watcher and your Mum?"
"It was this band candy that had a spell on it, and it turned all the adults that ate it into acting like kids with no inhibitions about anything. Giles became Ripper, and Mom, well…Mom went back to her flower child days I guess, and they couldn't keep their hands off one another. Heard they did it on top of a police car. In public no less. Afterwards Mom joked about it. When she did Giles would just turn this bright red shade, and disappear," Buffy admitted, and Spike laughed.
"I always thought the Watcher, and your Mum had something going. Shame they never really did. They would have been good for one another," Spike said sincerely, and she knew he meant it..
"I thought so too, but they never did, and finally Mom got brave enough to try dating again since Giles wouldn't get the hint. Never did met the guy she was starting to see. His name was Brian something. Met him at her gallery she said. He never showed for her funeral either. Always wondered about that. He sent her flowers the day…I found her. But none when she died," she said sadly, looking down and trying not to cry.
Spike looked back at her worriedly. He hadn't planned on setting her off by his questions. "I'm sorry, luv, didn't know I was going to be bringing up bad memories. I want this to be a happy night. A good night as much as it can be," he said, reaching over, and touching her hand.
"Me too. I'll be better. I promise," she said, making herself smile back at him in reassurance that she was okay—really.
Angel had noticed the exchange between the two, it still hurt a little, but he was getting used to the idea of them together. Since talking with Spike, and Buffy about Wolfram and Hart, the game plan for the night had slightly changed. Before he was just going to drop them all off and go, now he was going to stay at least long enough to talk to Giles, and tell him what was going on, and their suspicions. Angel pulled into the small parking lot and parked the car. The two men helped the girls out, and they went into the club together. Everyone was there, but Giles, they noticed. Willow waved them over to the table they had commandeered over in the gang's usual corner.
"They've redecorated," Angel commented over the loud music at the new look of the place as they made their way to the table.
Spike leaned over, and told him, "it was a bit of an active troll due to Red, and demon gal. He did a bit of smashing, and mashing before he got sent back. They reopened the place around the time Joyce died. Least they've put the bleeding blooming onion back on the menu after I complained."
Angel just shook his head. He wasn't sure whether he wanted to hear about the active troll, or not. Buffy and Dawn sat down while Spike went off to get them drinks. As busy as the club was he knew that it would be a while until a waitress showed up. The former vampire came back quicker than they expected, both angry, and empty handed. "Bloody stupid sods. As much business as they've gotten off of me, and they NOW ask me for an ID, which I don't bloody got before I can get a sodden beer. Are those blighters blind as well as dumb," he grumbled sitting down shooting glares at the bar.
"You've been getting beers in here for ages. They ought to know you by now," Willow said, puzzled.
"The soddin' barkeep didn't recognize me. Didn't believe it was me since I can't vamp out anymore, and then some new jerk comes up, and begins asking me for a soddin' ID. Said he couldn't serve me useless I had one. Bastard," Spike complained, his arms folded in disgust.
Buffy, and the others tried to hold back their giggles, but it was hard. Anya looked over to him and told him in sympathy. "I had the same problem when I first turned human. And I am 'way' older than you are."
Spike nodded and smiled slightly, glad to know he wasn't alone.
"I'll go get the drinks," Angel volunteered cheerfully, trying to hold his grin down as he got up to go get the drinks.
"Good, you do that mate. And you get me my ID ASP. Grab some menus while you're at it, Pops," and Angel nodded, trying not to growl at the 'Pops' remark, while Spike continued with his rant. "That was bloody embarrassing. Do I look that friggin' young now?" he asked them all as Angel left to go get the drinks.
"Yeah, you kind of do, old man." Xander said with a smile, getting over his giggle fit as he looked the former vampire over, and taking in the new look with some approval. "You do look our age which is not quite twenty-one yet."
"Oh great," Spike sighed. "Really needed to hear that. I'll have you know I was twenty-six when I got turned. I really look that young?" he asked them all again. They all nodded, and he sat back in his chair dejected.
Angel came back with three cokes and a glass of what looked like wine, but wasn't. Spike raised his eyebrow in question. "Where's my bloody drink?"
"Wouldn't give me one for you, until you get an ID. Something about liquor laws," Angel apologized as he sat back down next to Tara who moved a little closer to Willow, not fully comfortable with the souled vampire that she didn't know that well.
"Right," Spike grimaced knowing it was useless to take this any further, and took the coke after all. "Here, hand over the menus. If I can't drink, I'll eat," he said taking them from Angel then handing one each to both Buffy, and Dawn while he started looking over his.
"So where's Giles?" Angel asked Willow, and the others who shrugged, since none of them were certain where the watcher was..
"Back at the shop, I guess. He was still there when I left to go home," Anya volunteered finally.
"Is he coming?" Angel asked frustrated a little. "We need to talk to him before I head back. It's about Buffy's dad," he explained.
The dark haired boy shrugged indifferently. "He wasn't sure. He was lost in some book when I left. Try calling him if it's important," Xander suggested flatly, trying to be sort of helpful as well as seeing a way to get Angel to leave as soon as possible. He still didn't like the dark haired vampire, and he could see that Buffy was not really comfortable having him around.
"Right," Angel grimaced at Xander cool tones, and got his cell phone out, and dialed Giles' number. After a couple of rings Giles finally picked up. "Giles, are you coming over to the Bronze?" Angel asked, and evidently his reply was in the negative. "I see…okay. Might if I come over there. There's something you need to know about the law firm that Buffy's Dad is using. We have big problems…okay…I'll be there in ten…see you then," he said then hung up and repocketed his phone. Turning to the group he told them, "Giles, is researching something. I'm going over there and talk with him."
Buffy nodded. "Want us to come along?" she asked looking at him.
Angel shook his head. "No, there's no need. You guys stay here. Relax, enjoy yourselves while you can. After I get through then I'm just going to head back to LA. If we find out anything about what is going on I'll call you or Giles," he told her.
"Kay," she replied, not sure what else to say to her former lover. She looked at him a little sadly, knowing it was over between them finally. They both had truly moved on with their lives, and had different paths to follow. They would always be connected, but never in the way they had hoped so many years ago. Her path now lay with Spike. That was what felt right, and she smiled at her new love in reassurance as the former vampire looked back, and forth worriedly between the former lovers. He relaxed finally as Angel turned to leave.
Spike called out, stopping him. "Just let us know what's coming down, and finish up that bloody paperwork. Sounds like I'm going to need all my stuff all legal, and above board as soon as possible. I'm not going to let anyone just come in, and take these two away like they don't have a bloody say in the matter. They've had too much upset in their lives as it is," Spike told him, and Xander, and Willow nodded in agreement backing up his words.
"Will do," Angel told him then he quickly disappeared through the crowd wanting to get this night over with as soon as possible.
Buffy watched him go with a touch of sadness in her eyes/ Quickly turning to her sister she asked, "I need to go the ladies, wanna go with?" she asked.
Dawn shrugged, "Sure."
As they stood up Buffy told the remaining group who looked at them worriedly, "We'll be back in a few." She got nods all the way around. Then she and Dawn vanished into the crowd, and headed for the ladies. She went into one of the stalls, and sat down heavily on the seat. She didn't need to go, she just wanted some place private to think for a few minutes. She heard Dawn next to her and decided it was okay after all.
Back to her thoughts, she had just needed a few minutes alone, away from Spike to compose herself, so he didn't get all twitchy, and defensive. So far things were cool between the three of them, and she wanted them to stay that way. Right now the whole Spike being human, and there being a real possibility of a relationship with him was just too new, and she was going to tread the situation carefully. Angel had stirred up old feelings, but his leaving, and going his own way was not as painful as it had been in the past. She might actually get through this, and really be over Angel. She had to be for Spike's sake because the jealousy between the two was very real.
A lot of it she didn't understand, and wasn't even sure she wanted all the glory details, but being in his mind as he had been in hers had left very few secrets between them now. No, he had been anything, but an saint since he had been turned, but most of the very icky stuff had been done because he had been pushed into proving himself as a vampire. Left alone, without an audience, he had been quick, and careful, sometimes leaving his victims alive, and just taking enough to maintain on. It was only when the others had been around, or involved he had been excessive, and showed off to prove he was worthy of their company when inside he had always felt that he wasn't. Some of things he had done had appalled even himself. Even as a vampire pre chip he had felt guilt, and disgust at what he had to do, but the alternative of being dead-dead had made him continue his existence, and he had learned to keep his feelings on the matter of killing people, so that he could survive to himself.
Buffy was finding her attitudes changing towards him since she had been in his head. There were layers and layers to this very complex man, and a lot of his bad boy behavior was just a big front to the world, when inside he was far from really being the 'Big Bad'. Somehow the core essence of what had been 'William' had managed to survive and this was the man she was falling in love with some of the 'Spike' overtones thrown in. She wasn't 'in love with him' yet but she was getting there—slowly. It all depended on her and whether she could get past some of the nasty stuff that had gone on between them over the last couple of years. Compared to what Angel had done as Angelus, Spike had been 'good' for him by vampire standards and even human standards. Her fear of his having the chip out and what he would do had been part real, and part defensive because of her attraction to him, and her not wanting to let herself fall in love with him because he was a vampire.
Now all of that was a moot point since he was human now, and basically the male equivalent to her on top of everything. Who'd have thought? Least she wouldn't have to worry about him like she did with Xander, or had with Riley after his operation. Still she was scared. Scared of letting herself open up to him completely, letting herself love again—if she could love. For some reason she just didn't want to hurt him, and knew she could hurt him badly emotionally, and had. With Spike, she wanted to be up front and honest with him and she could be in ways she never could be with either Angel or Riley, or even with her friends on too many occasions.
Then there was this mess with her father—she really didn't need this right now. Fighting demons, and gods was one thing but lawyers—this was way over her head. She was beginning to think maybe Spike had had the right idea when he had suggested last night—was it only last night?--that they'd get married, and with the kind of money he supposedly had they would be virtually untouchable and the lawyers and her father would back off. But marrying Spike just for money or security for her, and Dawn was something she couldn't do—no matter how desperate she might be. It would only really screw up any chance they might have for a real relationship. At least she thought so, though with him he'd probably take her anyway he could get her. She still had to do a lot of thinking on this. Though he had never directly proposed to her, the idea had been thrown out and was hard to dismiss out of hand. Her thoughts were interrupted as Dawn banged on the door.
"You okay in there?" Dawn asked through the closed door, wondering what her sister was doing, and wanting to get back to table to order food.
"I'm fine. Be out in a minute," Buffy replied, and went out to face her sister and ask her opinions on some things.
End Part 15