Title: Of Demons and Souls, Chapter Two: The Answers to Your Questions.
Author: AriellaGiselle
Rating: R, for violence, bloodletting, m/m overtones, adult content, language, and major angst.
Pairings: Darien/Bobby, Darien/Spike, Spike/Willow
Distribution: My site, Fanfiction.net, IMFanfic, Bite me... Please?, QSArchive, and NeonSilence. Anyone else, just ask.
Spoilers: I don't think there are any.
Time-line: Post-In the Woods, Pre-Crush; Post-Den of Theives. They don't line up, but we don't see me caring, do we? ;-)
Summary: Darien and Bobby visit Sunnydale with dire consequences for them both.
Author's Notes: This is an AU storie. It's a crossover between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Invisible Man. In my universe, Spike never had the chip, and Tara isn't Willow's girlfriend. Even if you don't follow Buffy, you should be able to follow this. Spike is a vampire, Willow is a witch, Buffy is the Slayer (duh!). Oh, Aiesha is Dawn's best friend from another fic I wrote. (Long story.)
Disclaimer: I own nothing, except the plot. Buffy the Vampire Slayer belongs to the mighty Joss and Kuzui/Sandollar. The Invisible Man belongs to Scifi and Stu Segall.
{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}
Darien awoke to the sound of a soft female voice singing a song about a girl named Annie. A song he was vaguely familiar with. He dressed quickly and left his room to find Spike.
"Good evening, sunshine," Willow smiled as Darien walked into the kitchen.
"Hey, Willow. Do you know where Spike is?" he asked.
"I always know where Spike is, but before I tell you, I need to talk to you for a moment."
"About what?"
"About you, Darien. About a few other things, as well. But first, are you hungry?" She was playing mother hen. Or at least, mother vampire.
"Yeah, I'm starved. I have a few questions, too, Willow. I really need to find Spike."
"Fine. Eat first, and talk to me. Then, I'll tell you where he is," she said, handing him a mug of warmed blood.
"Thanks, Willow," he said, taking a drink of the red liquid.
"Now, about those questions..."
"Oh, yeah, I'm wondering how much of my soul I kept when I was turned. My brother seems to think that I'm just another vampire, but I'm not so sure."
"You're not just another vampire. And, brother? Have you talked to any of your family?"
"No, my brother was in my dream last night. He answered a few questions I had about the gland. Um, I mean... Aw, crap..." he winced. He scrubbed at his face with his palms, wishing he could take back his last statement. But Willow's curiousity was immediately piqued.
"Gland? What are you talking about?"
Darien sighed and thought for a moment. Did he tell her, or try to avoid the question? He hadn't known Willow for long, but he knew what her Resolve-Face looked like. And right now, she was wearing it in spades. "My brother created this gland that allows me to go invisible. He was killed about a year ago."
"I'm sorry. Even though you're one of the undead now, you still have minute ties to those from your life. I mean, I don't know from expirience or anything, but Spike talks about his brother and mother sometimes. I'm rambling..." she stopped talking and smiled.
"It's ok. I'd dealt and settled into the life of an unwilling government secret agent," he paused, "But Kevin told me that the gland turns to dust with me. And that I don't need what we called Counteragent anymore."
"Why wouldn't you need it?"
"Long story. It was a pain in my ass, and I'm glad to be rid of it."
"Good enough. Why were you looking for Spike?"
"Oh, I just had a few questions for him. I feel kinda like I have this space in me. And that nothing will ever fill it again," he admitted.
"That's where your soul was. I'm guessing. Spike was the same way, so he says. His personality and his will to live were both so strong, they acted as demon tamers. Enabling him to love," she smiled wistfully. "He's still evil, and he doesn't have his soul, but he's just what I need, and that's good enough for him."
"Good. I have another question. Kevin told me that it wasn't Spike who attacked us. But when I woke up, Spike said he was my grandsire. What's the real story, Willow?" Darien's eyes narrowed on the petite girl.
"That is the real story. Spike is your grandsire. He turned Bobby without my knowledge. I probably wouldn't have let him do it, to be honest with you.
"You and Bobby were attacked outside the Bronze three nights ago. When Spike found out, he was furious that someone would be stupid enough to try and kill to federal agents. So, when he found Bobby, he saved him, turned him. We found you in the hospital the next day and brought you here. Bobby knew you were going to die and begged to turn you. The rest is, as they say, history."
"Whoa." Darien stared blankly at the equally blank wall in front of him.
"Yeah, but it's nice to have you around."
"Whoa, I have nothing else to say but whoa."
"Nothing else? From the way Bobby talks about you, you always have something to say."
"Really? Well, I have one more question actually. Who's the Slayer?"
Willow's face paled and her demeanor turned deathly serious. "Buffy is the current slayer. She's a very good friend of mine, who doesn't approve of my relationship with Spike. She would rather me be with Tara."
"Who's Tara?"
"A friend of mine who was in love with me for a time. But she accepted that I could never love her like that while I was with Spike. She's a witch, too."
"Oh, so, why did Kevin warn me not to fuck with the Slayer?"
"Because she'd dust you in a heartbeat. She'd let you live if she knew you were my friend, but if you met her in a dark alley, you wouldn't stand a chance in Hell."
"Really? Well, perhaps I should meet Buffy."
"I need to go see her anyway. We can go tonight if you want. She should still be up."
"Yeah. I can be ready in about twenty minutes. That good for you?"
"It's a date," she answered with a charming smile pasted to her face.
"Okay, I'll just finish this," Darien said with a smile of his own.
*****
"Why am I so nervous, Wills?" Darien asked, his voice filled with not a little bit of trepidation.
"Because you're a vampire, Dare. She's the Slayer. It's only natural," she assured him.
"Oh, okay."
Darien's eyes flew to the door, his senses tingling with an uneasy queasiness. The door to 1630 Revello Drive opened to reveal a smiling brunette.
"Hey, Willow," the girl said.
"Hi, Dawnie. Is Buffy still up?" Willow asked her.
"Yeah, she just got home from patrolling. Giles just left, too. He was here on official Watcher duty or something."
"Oh, well. I'll just see him tomorrow at the Magic Box. Can we come in?"
"Yeah, come on in," Dawn said, stepping back to allow them entrance. "Who's the hunk?" she whispered conspiratorily to the witch.
"He's a vampire," a voice floated down the stairs. "Hi, Wills. Who's your friend?" Buffy nodded at Darien and glared hatefully.
"This is Darien. Darien, that's Buffy. Dawnie here is her sister," Willow introduced. "How's your mom, Buffy?"
"Mom's sleeping. Why did you bring him here, Willow?" Buffy asked, not to happily.
"He's a friend. He didn't ask for this, Buffy." Willow looked at her best friend pleadingly.
"Well," Buffy began, "As long as he doesn't try to make a meal of Dawn or Mom, he can stay."
"He won't, Buffy," the redheaded witch promised. "So, how's the Glory thing coming?"
"She's still here, and we still don't know what she is. I'm beginning to wonder if we'll ever know," the Slayer admitted.
"We'll find out, Buffy. I promise." Willow placed her hand on Buffy's shoulder and squeezed gently. The blonde nodded sorrowfully.
"So, Darien, was it?" Buffy inquired.
"Yeah," he replied.
"What did you do before joining the ranks of the not-so-living?"
"I, um, worked for the government. I don't suppose it matters who knows now. I mean, I am considered dead," Darien commented thoughtfully.
"Cool! Were you like a spy or something?" Dawn asked, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Not quite," Darien smiled, "You could say I was a lab rat."
Dawn's nose scrunched in confusion. "Huh?"
Darien smiled again and bent down to her ear and whispered loud enough to be heard by all, "Wanna see a cool trick?" Dawn nodded furiously and glued her eyes to the tall man standing in front of her.
Darien grinned and sent the thought to the gland. He felt the quicksilver coating his body. Something was different, very different. He quickly shook the quicksilver off and looked at Willow. "I don't remember it ever feeling like that."
"You were a different person then, Darien. Remember that, ok?" Willow smiled understandingly.
"That was the coolest thing I've ever seen, Darien!" Dawn exclaimed. "How do you do that?"
"Long story, kiddo. Maybe I'll tell you another time, ok?"
Dawn nodded and smiled at him. "Can you turn me invisible, too?"
Darien laughed, "Yeah, another time, too." He placed a gentle hand on her head and gave a soft push. She let her head fall back and pop upright once more. When she looked at him again, she had the sweetest grin pasted to her face, one of adoration, respect, and most of all, trust. Darien had always been good with kids, but this one was on his level.
"So, Wills, what did you need to see me about?" Buffy asked.
"Oh, um, do you think we could talk in your room maybe?" Willow lowered her voice.
"Oh, I didn't know you had guests, Buffy," Joyce said from the bottom of the stairs.
"Mom, this is Darien. He's a friend of Willow's," Buffy offered.
"Hello, Darien. I just came down to make some hot chocolate. Would you like some, Darien?" she asked.
"I would love some, ma'am. Come on, Dawn, I can tell you my life story over hot chocolate. How about it?" he said. Dawn stood up and started toward the kitchen. Darien put a hand on her shoulder and held out his arm for her's. She giggled and linked her arm through his. They giggled all the way into the kitchen.
"Willow, what was it you needed?" Buffy asked once they were alone.
"I wanted to ask you not to dust Darien or his partner."
"I get not dusting Darien, but why not his parnter? And what kind of partner are we talking about here? And how can he turn invisible?" Buffy took a breath and looked at her friend expectantly.
"Like he said, long story. I bet Dawn'll fill you in later. Bobby is Darien's partner from his work. Please, just leave them alone. Darien really needs Bobby right now. Darien doesn't get it, but I do. His feelings for his partner run deeper than simple friendship," Willow spoke in an almost loving tone.
"Oh. Fine, Darien and Bobby are off the slay list. I kinda like Darien. He seems to get along well with Dawn," Buffy said, smiling. "He just might be a good thing for her right now. She seems to trust him, like him."
"See, good things can come from vampires," Willow pointed out.
"Yeah, I know."
*****
"Aiesha? Hey, this is Dawn."
"Hey, girl, why are you calling so late?"
"Sorry, were you sleeping?"
"No, I was just catching up on late night T.V. What's up?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to tell you about this guy I met."
"Really? So, dish, girl!"
"Well, he's tall, fine, and so funny! He told me his life story over some of Mom's hot chocolate."
"I need to get that recipe from your mother."
"Ha, you should. Guys'll flock."
"Yup, well, can I call you tomorrow? I think I'm getting ready to crash here."
"Yeah. Night, Aiesha."
"Night, Dawnie."
*****
Author: AriellaGiselle
Rating: R, for violence, bloodletting, m/m overtones, adult content, language, and major angst.
Pairings: Darien/Bobby, Darien/Spike, Spike/Willow
Distribution: My site, Fanfiction.net, IMFanfic, Bite me... Please?, QSArchive, and NeonSilence. Anyone else, just ask.
Spoilers: I don't think there are any.
Time-line: Post-In the Woods, Pre-Crush; Post-Den of Theives. They don't line up, but we don't see me caring, do we? ;-)
Summary: Darien and Bobby visit Sunnydale with dire consequences for them both.
Author's Notes: This is an AU storie. It's a crossover between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Invisible Man. In my universe, Spike never had the chip, and Tara isn't Willow's girlfriend. Even if you don't follow Buffy, you should be able to follow this. Spike is a vampire, Willow is a witch, Buffy is the Slayer (duh!). Oh, Aiesha is Dawn's best friend from another fic I wrote. (Long story.)
Disclaimer: I own nothing, except the plot. Buffy the Vampire Slayer belongs to the mighty Joss and Kuzui/Sandollar. The Invisible Man belongs to Scifi and Stu Segall.
{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}
Darien awoke to the sound of a soft female voice singing a song about a girl named Annie. A song he was vaguely familiar with. He dressed quickly and left his room to find Spike.
"Good evening, sunshine," Willow smiled as Darien walked into the kitchen.
"Hey, Willow. Do you know where Spike is?" he asked.
"I always know where Spike is, but before I tell you, I need to talk to you for a moment."
"About what?"
"About you, Darien. About a few other things, as well. But first, are you hungry?" She was playing mother hen. Or at least, mother vampire.
"Yeah, I'm starved. I have a few questions, too, Willow. I really need to find Spike."
"Fine. Eat first, and talk to me. Then, I'll tell you where he is," she said, handing him a mug of warmed blood.
"Thanks, Willow," he said, taking a drink of the red liquid.
"Now, about those questions..."
"Oh, yeah, I'm wondering how much of my soul I kept when I was turned. My brother seems to think that I'm just another vampire, but I'm not so sure."
"You're not just another vampire. And, brother? Have you talked to any of your family?"
"No, my brother was in my dream last night. He answered a few questions I had about the gland. Um, I mean... Aw, crap..." he winced. He scrubbed at his face with his palms, wishing he could take back his last statement. But Willow's curiousity was immediately piqued.
"Gland? What are you talking about?"
Darien sighed and thought for a moment. Did he tell her, or try to avoid the question? He hadn't known Willow for long, but he knew what her Resolve-Face looked like. And right now, she was wearing it in spades. "My brother created this gland that allows me to go invisible. He was killed about a year ago."
"I'm sorry. Even though you're one of the undead now, you still have minute ties to those from your life. I mean, I don't know from expirience or anything, but Spike talks about his brother and mother sometimes. I'm rambling..." she stopped talking and smiled.
"It's ok. I'd dealt and settled into the life of an unwilling government secret agent," he paused, "But Kevin told me that the gland turns to dust with me. And that I don't need what we called Counteragent anymore."
"Why wouldn't you need it?"
"Long story. It was a pain in my ass, and I'm glad to be rid of it."
"Good enough. Why were you looking for Spike?"
"Oh, I just had a few questions for him. I feel kinda like I have this space in me. And that nothing will ever fill it again," he admitted.
"That's where your soul was. I'm guessing. Spike was the same way, so he says. His personality and his will to live were both so strong, they acted as demon tamers. Enabling him to love," she smiled wistfully. "He's still evil, and he doesn't have his soul, but he's just what I need, and that's good enough for him."
"Good. I have another question. Kevin told me that it wasn't Spike who attacked us. But when I woke up, Spike said he was my grandsire. What's the real story, Willow?" Darien's eyes narrowed on the petite girl.
"That is the real story. Spike is your grandsire. He turned Bobby without my knowledge. I probably wouldn't have let him do it, to be honest with you.
"You and Bobby were attacked outside the Bronze three nights ago. When Spike found out, he was furious that someone would be stupid enough to try and kill to federal agents. So, when he found Bobby, he saved him, turned him. We found you in the hospital the next day and brought you here. Bobby knew you were going to die and begged to turn you. The rest is, as they say, history."
"Whoa." Darien stared blankly at the equally blank wall in front of him.
"Yeah, but it's nice to have you around."
"Whoa, I have nothing else to say but whoa."
"Nothing else? From the way Bobby talks about you, you always have something to say."
"Really? Well, I have one more question actually. Who's the Slayer?"
Willow's face paled and her demeanor turned deathly serious. "Buffy is the current slayer. She's a very good friend of mine, who doesn't approve of my relationship with Spike. She would rather me be with Tara."
"Who's Tara?"
"A friend of mine who was in love with me for a time. But she accepted that I could never love her like that while I was with Spike. She's a witch, too."
"Oh, so, why did Kevin warn me not to fuck with the Slayer?"
"Because she'd dust you in a heartbeat. She'd let you live if she knew you were my friend, but if you met her in a dark alley, you wouldn't stand a chance in Hell."
"Really? Well, perhaps I should meet Buffy."
"I need to go see her anyway. We can go tonight if you want. She should still be up."
"Yeah. I can be ready in about twenty minutes. That good for you?"
"It's a date," she answered with a charming smile pasted to her face.
"Okay, I'll just finish this," Darien said with a smile of his own.
*****
"Why am I so nervous, Wills?" Darien asked, his voice filled with not a little bit of trepidation.
"Because you're a vampire, Dare. She's the Slayer. It's only natural," she assured him.
"Oh, okay."
Darien's eyes flew to the door, his senses tingling with an uneasy queasiness. The door to 1630 Revello Drive opened to reveal a smiling brunette.
"Hey, Willow," the girl said.
"Hi, Dawnie. Is Buffy still up?" Willow asked her.
"Yeah, she just got home from patrolling. Giles just left, too. He was here on official Watcher duty or something."
"Oh, well. I'll just see him tomorrow at the Magic Box. Can we come in?"
"Yeah, come on in," Dawn said, stepping back to allow them entrance. "Who's the hunk?" she whispered conspiratorily to the witch.
"He's a vampire," a voice floated down the stairs. "Hi, Wills. Who's your friend?" Buffy nodded at Darien and glared hatefully.
"This is Darien. Darien, that's Buffy. Dawnie here is her sister," Willow introduced. "How's your mom, Buffy?"
"Mom's sleeping. Why did you bring him here, Willow?" Buffy asked, not to happily.
"He's a friend. He didn't ask for this, Buffy." Willow looked at her best friend pleadingly.
"Well," Buffy began, "As long as he doesn't try to make a meal of Dawn or Mom, he can stay."
"He won't, Buffy," the redheaded witch promised. "So, how's the Glory thing coming?"
"She's still here, and we still don't know what she is. I'm beginning to wonder if we'll ever know," the Slayer admitted.
"We'll find out, Buffy. I promise." Willow placed her hand on Buffy's shoulder and squeezed gently. The blonde nodded sorrowfully.
"So, Darien, was it?" Buffy inquired.
"Yeah," he replied.
"What did you do before joining the ranks of the not-so-living?"
"I, um, worked for the government. I don't suppose it matters who knows now. I mean, I am considered dead," Darien commented thoughtfully.
"Cool! Were you like a spy or something?" Dawn asked, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Not quite," Darien smiled, "You could say I was a lab rat."
Dawn's nose scrunched in confusion. "Huh?"
Darien smiled again and bent down to her ear and whispered loud enough to be heard by all, "Wanna see a cool trick?" Dawn nodded furiously and glued her eyes to the tall man standing in front of her.
Darien grinned and sent the thought to the gland. He felt the quicksilver coating his body. Something was different, very different. He quickly shook the quicksilver off and looked at Willow. "I don't remember it ever feeling like that."
"You were a different person then, Darien. Remember that, ok?" Willow smiled understandingly.
"That was the coolest thing I've ever seen, Darien!" Dawn exclaimed. "How do you do that?"
"Long story, kiddo. Maybe I'll tell you another time, ok?"
Dawn nodded and smiled at him. "Can you turn me invisible, too?"
Darien laughed, "Yeah, another time, too." He placed a gentle hand on her head and gave a soft push. She let her head fall back and pop upright once more. When she looked at him again, she had the sweetest grin pasted to her face, one of adoration, respect, and most of all, trust. Darien had always been good with kids, but this one was on his level.
"So, Wills, what did you need to see me about?" Buffy asked.
"Oh, um, do you think we could talk in your room maybe?" Willow lowered her voice.
"Oh, I didn't know you had guests, Buffy," Joyce said from the bottom of the stairs.
"Mom, this is Darien. He's a friend of Willow's," Buffy offered.
"Hello, Darien. I just came down to make some hot chocolate. Would you like some, Darien?" she asked.
"I would love some, ma'am. Come on, Dawn, I can tell you my life story over hot chocolate. How about it?" he said. Dawn stood up and started toward the kitchen. Darien put a hand on her shoulder and held out his arm for her's. She giggled and linked her arm through his. They giggled all the way into the kitchen.
"Willow, what was it you needed?" Buffy asked once they were alone.
"I wanted to ask you not to dust Darien or his partner."
"I get not dusting Darien, but why not his parnter? And what kind of partner are we talking about here? And how can he turn invisible?" Buffy took a breath and looked at her friend expectantly.
"Like he said, long story. I bet Dawn'll fill you in later. Bobby is Darien's partner from his work. Please, just leave them alone. Darien really needs Bobby right now. Darien doesn't get it, but I do. His feelings for his partner run deeper than simple friendship," Willow spoke in an almost loving tone.
"Oh. Fine, Darien and Bobby are off the slay list. I kinda like Darien. He seems to get along well with Dawn," Buffy said, smiling. "He just might be a good thing for her right now. She seems to trust him, like him."
"See, good things can come from vampires," Willow pointed out.
"Yeah, I know."
*****
"Aiesha? Hey, this is Dawn."
"Hey, girl, why are you calling so late?"
"Sorry, were you sleeping?"
"No, I was just catching up on late night T.V. What's up?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to tell you about this guy I met."
"Really? So, dish, girl!"
"Well, he's tall, fine, and so funny! He told me his life story over some of Mom's hot chocolate."
"I need to get that recipe from your mother."
"Ha, you should. Guys'll flock."
"Yup, well, can I call you tomorrow? I think I'm getting ready to crash here."
"Yeah. Night, Aiesha."
"Night, Dawnie."
*****
