By Night - Chapter Five

by Angel Eternal aka Angeline

email: spikes_angel01@yahoo.com.au

Website: In Dreams and Shadows
http://www.geocities.com/spikes_angel01/index.html

Rating: R

Pairings: Primarily S/B, but also has W/T and X/A

Summary: Secrets revealed have a disastrous aftermath.

Author's Notes: This is set S6, and is loosely based on spoilers concerning the season. I just want to point out
though that I haven't seen S6 and won't for a while, so if things aren't quite right, you'd know why. My exams
start tomorrow so my writing time is going to get seriously cut - please bear with me.

Distribution: "In Dreams and Shadows", "Shadow Borne", "Shelby's and Erin's Place" and at FF.net but it you want to
archive it go ahead, but just let me know first - I kinda like to know where it's going, and plus I find out about more
S/B shipper sites! ::grins::

Disclaimers: Buffy the Vampire Slayer is owned by Joss Whedon, several companies and God knows who else.
One thing is certain - I don't own any of it! Nothing - zip - nada!





Buffy took a deep breath, for a moment she debated whether she should just barge in like she usually did or...

Her hand rose slowly, and she knocked softly.

She stood frozen, waiting.

She frowned, and tentatively called his name.

Buffy considered knocking again in case Spike didn't hear her, her hand lifted to knock once more when the door
swung open.

"Umm...hi Spike."

"Buffy."

His eyes flicked over to her still upraised hand; swiftly she let it drop to her side.

Slayer and Vampire stood, awkwardly regarding each other.

Spike cleared his throat, and exercised lessons he had been taught a century ago, "Umm, would you like to come
in?"

Shifting from one foot to another, Buffy nodded. Spike stepped back, widening the entrance to let her pass.

He could hear her heart hammering beneath her skin and wondered what had gotten her so worked up.

"What can I do for you pet?"

Buffy glanced at him, wishing for a brief moment for the rude, abrasive Spike she once knew. Him, she could
deal with. This, solicitous, gentle Spike, she had trouble with.

But Buffy had to remember that the rude Spike she was accustomed to dealing with had long since disappeared. She
could still traces of him in Spike's cocky smile and sarcastic wit, but he did no more then merely peep out.

Buffy had so much trouble with this Spike because the moment he actually stood still, she was stunned by the force
of his personality, not to mention his looks.

She never noticed that before, though looks wise he hadn't changed that much. She had never noticed his face - the
nobility, almost aristocratic features most noticeable in his prominent cheekbones. She had never noticed his sensuous lips, curving in that irresistible grin of his. She had never noticed his eyes, as blue as a flawless sapphire.

She had never noticed any of it, until he stood still long enough for her to notice.

Buffy would be lying if she said that she never noticed him, that was far from the case. He had always affected her
with his blatant sexuality. What she didn't notice was the beauty in him.

"Buffy?"

She shook her head slightly, "Sorry I was just..."

Spike merely nodded at her in understanding. He stepped back, "So...what can I do for you luv?"

Buffy squared her shoulders, and Spike thought amused, that she looked like she was preparing for battle.

"Spike, we need to talk."

His eyebrow shot up, now this he didn't expect. "Talk luv? About what?"

Spike plopped down on his chair, "Tell me luv, do you want to talk about the meaning of life and death once more?
Maybe about the purpose of a life? How about..."

"Spike..."

He heard the desperate note in her voice, and obligingly fell silent.

Buffy took in a deep breath, "I didn't come here to talk philosophy with you."

Spike's eyes narrowed as he leaned forward, "Now why would that be luv? I've enjoyed our discussions."

"Spike!" Buffy glared at him, "Would you let me get in a word? Sheesh! Why do you that anyway?"

Spike's eyes softened, "Do what?"

"Annoy the hell out of me?"

"So I can get a reaction."

Buffy's mouth, which was ready to fire off an instant reply, snapped shut. With a sigh, she proceeded to pace
the length of the crypt.

Spike watched her pace, not saying a word as her wandering steps brought her to the darkened corner where his
bed was. She plopped down on the edge, and finally met his gaze.

"We need to talk about what happened."


* * *


All she had to do was talk to her, she'd understand. Right. Just talk.

Willow muttered to herself as her feet traced the worn paths in the cemetery, her mind fully occupied with finding
out where Tara was and talking to her.

Abruptly she stopped as she realised where her feet had taken her. With a mumbled curse, she chastened her
feet for taking her into the heart of the cemetery.

"That should teach you to just go on autopilot." Willow turned, fully intent on getting out of the cemetery. She'd had
enough of these places, considering she spent at least two nights a week in one now that was Buffy was back.

Before she could register what was happening, something a strong arm clamped around her throat.

Acting on instinct, Willow attacked the thing magically, sending a sizzling bolt through the arm that cut of her
breath.

Her attacker recoiled, and crouched low on the ground.

Willow spun around, and spotted him, yellow eyes gleaming in the darkness.

Her hand slipped into her pocket, with a curse, she came up empty. There was something about this one, she
was pretty sure it was a vampire, but she had never seen one so animalistic before. Intense waves of darkness
radiated from it, and Willow was genuinely frightened.

Her mind frantically scanned the surrounding area, and latched onto one very familiar mind.

The thing growled, and launched himself at her, once more acting on instinct, the witch ran.


* * *


Spike leaned forward; he had to know where he stood with Buffy. He now knew how she felt; it was a different
matter finding out what she intended to do about it.

"Spike I..."

A burst of red interrupted her, as someone rushed into the crypt. With a yelp, the red blur ran to the furthest wall of
the crypt.

Spike growled low in his throat, glaring at the blur, which was now a panting Willow.

"Willow!"

Willow spun around, "Buffy! There's a..."

The witch had finally gotten her bearings and realised exactly where she was. "Buffy...this is Spike's crypt..."

Wearily, Buffy pointed to Spike, who sat glaring at Willow's back. Tentatively, she peeked over her shoulder,
and wiggled her fingers at the vampire who merely sighed, and sunk even further into his chair.

"Willow?"

"Yeah?" Willow's attention snapped back to Buffy.

"What are you doing here?"

Reminded, Willow shook her head, "Oh! Thing after me - I'm about 98% sure it's a vampire."

Spike cocked his head to side, puzzled by the witch's behaviour, "Will - you can fight vamps. What the hell is
wrong with you?!" He was annoyed by the interruption, and had no patience to deal with it.

Buffy sighed, and walked out the crypt leaving Willow and Spike staring at each other.

Watching her retreating back, Willow paused to wonder how often Buffy had been coming to seeing Spike.


* * *


Buffy stalked through the cemetery, not sure whether to be annoyed by Willow's interruption or to be grateful.

It at least saved her from stammering through one god-awful sentence.

She scanned the area with her eyes, searching for vamps. Coming up with nothing, she closed her eyes and focused.

A tingle raced up her spine, and she spun around, eyes searching her surroundings. The tingling remained now
that she was aware of it. It kept her edgy, there was something...off with it. She couldn't place it.

The tingling intensified, and the Slayer spun around, stake poised and found nothing.

Buffy shook her head, confused. It felt as if whatever it was had sneaked up right behind her.

After another quick scan, she turned and headed back to Spike's crypt.


* * *


The awkward silence grew, until it was almost unbearable.

Willow shifted from one foot to another. Spike seemed completely unconcerned as he slunk in his chair. If his
expression darkened anymore, Willow would say that he was brooding.

She giggled at the thought of Spike with a book of poetry in his hand ala Angel, contemplating the mysteries of
life.

Spike stared at her as if she was insane, and her giggling abruptly stopped.

"Ok, I'm back."

"Nah duh Slayer."

Buffy glared at him, and he appropriately shut up.

"Did you get it?" Willow asked anxiously.

Buffy shook her head.

"I still don't get it Red - what had you so spooked?" Willow glanced at him and saw the genuine curiosity and
concern etched on his face.

"I don't know...it just felt...off. You should've felt the negative energy just rolling off the guy. It was...pure evil."

"You don't suppose the poof is back in town?"

Buffy glared at him again, and he sunk even lower in the chair, Willow observed that if he sunk any further he'd
practically be splayed on the ground.

Buffy turned her attention back to Willow, "I know what you mean. My Spidey sense kinda went all..haywire.
I've never felt it that intensely before." Buffy started to pace, "And here's the weird thing, I could've sworn that it
was behind me, practically right on top of me, I turn around and nothing. There was just nothing. Even my
Spidey sense couldn't pick up a thing."

Willow frowned, "That's strange."

"How sure are you gals that it was a vamp?" Spike finally spoke up.

"Pretty sure." Buffy answered, and Willow nodded confirmation.

Spike rolled his eyes, "Maybe it's just a really strong vamp, maybe Drac's back in town."

Swiftly, Buffy shot down that idea, "It's not Dracula, and I'd know if it was."

Willow knew to leave that topic alone, knowing the statement to be the utter truth.

But Spike didn't know any better, he frowned up Buffy, "And how certain would you be Slayer?"

Buffy dismissed his question, with an impatient wave of a hand. "It feels like a vamp - but there's something off
with it..."

She couldn't put her finger on exactly what it was that felt wrong.

Spike threw up his hand, "Then it's probably not a vamp! Jeesh woman - you'd blame everything on us poor
vamps won't you?"

That earned a withering glare from the Slayer. "It comes with the job title."

Willow sighed, "I guess it's more hitting the books then."

Buffy nodded, then groaned, "Oh no! I promised Dawnie that we'd go Bronzing for a bit."
She looked pleadingly at Willow. "What'd ya say Wills? Just for an hour or so? Then we hit the books big time."

Willow nodded reluctantly, unsure about heading to the Bronze without Tara, "Yeah, why not."

Willow glanced at her watch, and turned to Spike, "Do you need us to go grab you some food first?"

Spike shook his head, "Nah - not hungry."

Buffy nodded, but Willow frowned, "Not hungry? Spike, when was the last time you ate?"

Spike frowned, "Can't rightly say - why?"

Willow shook her head, "Nothing, I just haven't seen you eat in about two days now."

Spike thought about it, "Yeah, that'd be about right."

Now Buffy began to get concerned, "Spike - don't you think you should eat?"

Spike glanced up and studied the two concerned female visages, seeing that they wouldn't let up until he appeased
their ridiculous concerns, Spike stood and headed for his small fridge.

Though he couldn't help but feel pleased by Buffy's very obvious concern.

He pulled out a bag, O-neg, his favourite, and tore into it.

To the girls' amazement and his own, he immediately spat it, blood splattering all over the wall.

Buffy was at his side a mere instant later. "Spike! Are you ok?"

Wiping his mouth, Spike stared at the wall in amazement, "Yeah...I..."

With a shake of his head, Spike threw back his head and drank again, with the same result.

He stared at the bloody wall, slightly repulsed by the metallic taste of the blood in his mouth. He had a sudden
urge to wash the stuff out of his mouth completely.

Willow handed him a handkerchief, which he gratefully accepted, wiping the blood from his mouth.

Buffy stared at him, her expression a mixture of concern and disbelief. "What the hell was that about?"

Spike shook his head, feeling confused, "I would tell you pet if I had the slightest clue."


* * *


The three had gone to Buffy's house so that the girls could change. Needing to keep her promise to her sister,
Buffy refused to back down.

Reluctantly, Willow agreed, though inwardly, her mind whirled with the implications of Spike's sudden aversion to
the one thing that gave him sustenance.

The blonde vampire muttered the entire way, obviously distressed. Buffy and Willow did their best to ignore his
dark mutterings.

"You ready to go Buffy?"

Buffy turned, and whistled at the sight of Willow.

The Wicca's usual style of long flowing skirts and flowing shirts was abandoned for a tight skirt, with an amazingly
high split, and shimmery blue top with a neckline that plunged enticingly low. Knee high boots completed the
ensemble.

"Whoa - Willow...very nice."

Willow grinned at her; she was determined to have fun if Buffy insisted on going to the Bronze. She refused to
sulk in a corner.

"Not bad yourself Buff."

Buffy wore tight leather pants, and an equally tight pink top, when she turned, Willow saw that the top was
pretty much backless, with only a few satiny pink straps holding it to the Slayer's slim body.

"I stand corrected - you look hot."

Buffy laughed, and slipped on a leather jacket before bounding down the stairs, followed by Willow.

Dawn sat with Spike. She wore a denim skirt and a button up white blouse, with the sleeves rolled up. Buffy
had an incredible urge to yank down her sister's skirt and button the top button, but she refrained.

Spike glanced at Buffy, drinking in the sight of her, then turned to Willow. "Willow! Could that slit get any higher?"

Willow glanced down at her skirt, as she pulled on a jacket. "Actually..."

Spike rolled his eyes, "Forget I asked."


* * *

Xander waved them over to their usual table. Buffy thought for a moment that he looked odd without Anya hanging
off his arm.

"Hey guys."

The girls greeted him, as their jackets slid off.

Spike, who was coming up behind them, halted in his tracks as he saw what the Slayer's top looked like from
behind.

Hastily, he stood behind her, glaring at the all the guys who had stopped to stare in appreciation at all the golden
skin that lay displayed. He growled softly in her ear, "What happened pet? A demon got to your shirt when I wasn't
looking?"

Buffy started, but didn't turn, "What are you talking about?"

She felt his fingers tracing one flimsy pink strap. "I'm talking about the lack of a back to your shirt luv. It looks like
someone ripped it to shreds."

Buffy laughed, recognising the tinge of possessiveness in his husky tones.

The others stared at them curiously, blushing, Buffy moved away from him to sit next to Dawn.

A fast, up beat song came up, and Dawn excitedly pulled her sister and Willow to dance.

Spike settled next to Xander, eyes glued on Buffy gyrating to the music, reluctantly he turned to Xander,
"How'd it go with Anya?"

Xander glared at him, "Do you see her sitting next to me?"

Spike held up his hands, "Sorry mate."

Xander sighed, and waved his apology, "It's alright...I guess."

He nodded at the girls, "At least they seem to be fine."

Three guys had come up to them while Spike wasn't watching. His attention was riveted on Willow. He hadn't
seen her dance like that with a guy since...hell, he'd never seen Willow dance with a guy like that!

Then he noticed Buffy.

She was dancing with some ponce, dark-haired, had the despised Cardboard build. A low growl vibrated from
his throat, causing Xander to chuckle.

"Down boy."

"I should bloody well rip his throat out." Spike snapped.

Xander laughed, "Hey, Jr, really look at her would you? Notice anything?"

"You mean aside from some git salivating all over her?"

Xander shook his head, still chuckling, "Notice she's keeping her distance?"

Spike sat up straighter, he did notice that. She danced closer with the whelp, and she looked decidedly bored.

Xander shook his head, the chuckles dying down. "Come on man - let's play some pool."


* * *

She sat in the darkened corner, unsure what to think of watching her lover…ex-lover, dance...no, what did Xander
call it? Having sex with their clothes on.

Tara didn't know what to think, hastily, she wiped away a tear, before slipping out.



~To be continued~