Author: Kelley (beanyb1999@hotmail.com)
Rating: Still PG-13
Feedback: Please review! I like it when people review! It makes me happy.
Distribution: Take it. I don't care. Just let me know. Like you'd really want it anyway.
Summary: Spike and Tara have figured out what is wrong with Buffy. Spike is working to fix that problem at this very moment. Possibly spoilers, but I doubt it.
Disclaimer: They all belong to Joss, but Spike will be mine.
Dedication: For Christy, my helper. For Shelley, my crackhead co-author. For all my reviewers, thanks for the positive feedback. You guys are awesome!
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Spike stared wide-eyed, opening and closing his mouth, not sure what to say.
"What's wrong? Didn't expect to see me?" William asked.
Spike shook his head. What do you say to the person who is . . .well . . .you?
William's light brown hair was messy as usual, the curls having a mind of their own.
"Don't tell me that in the 120 plus years of being a vampire that you never found a word to rhyme with effulgent?"
"Well, er, no."
Spike tilted his head. William did the same.
Spike ran his fingers through his hair. William did the same.
Spike glared and then rubbed his nose. William did the same.
"Stop that you pillock!" Spike growled.
William grinned.
"When did you get a sense of humor, mate?" Spike asked.
"About 120 years ago. What did you do to my hair?"
Spike narrowed his eyes. "It's better than the mop on your head."
"My word. You're quite rude," William scoffed.
"What can I say? I'm bad. I'm evil."
William chuckled. "And that chip in your head just does so much for your image."
"Hey!" Spike stomped toward William. "Watch it!"
"Or you'll what? Bite me?" William asked, rolling his eyes.
Spike seethed. For lack of a better comeback, Spike replied, "Yes."
"Oh, please. You're not able to harm me."
Spike growled. "Don't test me Wi . . .William." Spike found it strange that he was essentially arguing with himself.
"You don't frighten me."
"Oh yeah? Well, at least I'm not pathetic like you!"
"Is that so?" William challenged? "You're in love with the Slayer! She slays your type. Remember?"
"What of it?" Spike asked impatiently.
"At least Cecily wasn't a Slayer. And I used to be human . . .er, alive."
"Don't tell me you still have it for that stupid bint!"
"N-No! I gave up on her after she told me I was beneath her!"
"Well, at least your brains are good. Which is more than what I can say for your wardrobe."
"You're one to talk. You lack color."
"I'm a big bad. Pretty colors don't suit us."
William snorted. "What is WITH the hair though?"
"I like it. It makes me feel more . . .manly."
William nodded slowly. "Right."
"Hey. At least I don't write the bloody awful poetry anymore!"
It was William's turn to glare. "You're still no better with the women either."
"Shut up! I've had more women than you!"
"Drusilla, yes. Crazy. She kept talking to me while you all took your time trying to figure out what's wrong with Miss Summers."
"Don't forget Harm . . .well, you can forget Harmony. Don't forget. I got Buffy."
"Quite right. Do you enjoy the torture from her? Is that why you keep going back for more?" William taunted.
"She keeps coming to me."
"So? Tell her you're not going to take the torture anymore," William said tersely.
"Yeah, right. Not bloody likely."
William shrugged. "Ok. At least you're persistent."
"Damn right, mate," Spike replied.
William got serious. "So, we should get started. You got to get a soul back."
"You're my guide?" Spike asked in surprise.
"Well, yes. Funny, isn't it?"
"Yes. Ironic. My human soul leading me to Buffy's."
They began moving forward. Spike followed William.
"Where are we going?" Spike asked.
"You have to pass the test, Sp-Spike. What a silly name. Anyway, I'm leading you to it."
"I have to pass a bloody test?" Spike asked, alarm in his voice.
"Yeah. You have to prove you're worthy enough to retrieve the soul of the Slayer."
"And the fact that I love her so much isn't enough?"
"Apparently not. You'll do fine though."
"Not if I have anything to say about it."
William and Spike both stopped and turned around. They stood facing the brunette male who basically just challenged Spike. William just stared while Spike glared.
"Bloody hell. What are you doing up here, whelp? Red?"
Xander and Willow stared at Spike, both with pissed off looks on their faces.