Title: DEAD BEINGS
Synopsis: Buffy visits a recuperating Spike. A post-"Dead Things" episode fanfic.
Rating: G
Date Written: Saturday, 09 February, 2002
Author: The Resident Vampyr © 2001.
Note: Dead Beings is the 12th of a series of post-episode fanfictions based on Buffy, the Vampire Slayer season 6 episodes. I will try to write a short, mostly Spike/Buffy story every week for the entire season. Again, these are pure speculations. I don't read spoilers no early bird review. Let me know what you think.
Credits: Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the property of Joss Whedon and the powers that be.
Lyrics: I Love You by Sarah McLachlan
Characters: Buffy Spike


"He's everything I hate. He's everything that I'm supposed to be against." - Buffy about Spike


Buffy walked across the cemetery path leading to Spike's crypt. It was a damp February afternoon. The northeast winds blew chills around her body that made her quiver. It was the same day that she openly wept in front of Tara, baring her relationship with Spike, admitting what she was feeling, and begging Tara not to forgive her for what Buffy deemed, her wrongful actions as of late.

Buffy paused at the sight of Spike's crypt, justifying her presence amidst this solitary confinement. She was in the same situation a day before--standing outside the vampire's door, telling herself not to go inside; wanting to be with a vampire but at the same time walking away from him.

Buffy remembered the good times they had together in his crypt. Spike not only made her realize the power of the dark side, but he made sure she tasted it. He might be her willing slave, but she cannot deny that she, too, was a slave to love. It was something that Buffy tried to fight, but always, willingly failed.


(I) See you walking down the road
And I realized, I stare for a while
World around us disappears
It's just you and me, on my island of hope
A breathe between us could be miles


With eyes half-closed, Spike managed to sit up from his bed when he heard footsteps leading to his underground lair. The crypt was dimly lighted, only a few candles were lit, for he could barely walked himself back to his haven. He could feel that it was the Slayer, although mere sight from his weak eye could tell otherwise. His right eye was completely shut, clotted blood in his temple was visible. His face had the same condition as last year's when Glory tortured him. It was also for the same reason; he was trying to protect Buffy.

"Spike..." Buffy whispered.

He looked at the direction of her voice. He sensed Buffy's hesitation. "I see that the police didn't made any arrest, yes?"

At first, Buffy hesitated to answer back. "I-uhm," she wasn't sure if her presence there could make up for what she did. Finally, she said "it was Warren."

"Warren?" the confused vampire asked.

"He has something to do with Katrina's death, t-the dead girl," Buffy replied "she was his ex-lover."

"Heh, the foolish toad has blood in his hands after all," Spike smiled wryly. "What's happens next?"

"Well, Willow and Xander will find something to tie him up with her death. And then..." she continued.

Spike listened patiently. He watched Buffy with pride, finally getting through with another one of those life's test. Coming out as a winner. That's my girl, he said to himself, as his smile stretched from ear to ear.

"Thanks," Buffy suddenly blurted out, "for protecting me..."

She knew she should have said it many times before, but she never did. She never saw him as a person who could feel. She knew he will always be evil, and the piece of humanity in him could be something temporary, perhaps a side effect of a chip that could malfunction anytime. However, Buffy realized he was trying to become more human, in his own special way. Spike had proven himself once again this week. How could she deny him of that?

Nervously, Buffy went to where Spike was and seated next to him. She watched him closely in deep concern. It was happening again. Her heart beat faster. She fought hard to resist it, but now it was too late.


Let me surround you, a sea to your shore
Let me be the girl you see
And everytime, I'm close to you
There's too much I can't say
And you just walk away


Spike smile turned serious. He never saw her like this before, his new love full of guilt. He promised himself to make her happy, dedicated his entire existance to protect her. Save her. Spike never asked to get anything in return, especially not a verbal thank you from the Slayer. Her presence was enough for him.

"Your face," Buffy touched Spike's temple. She looked at the vampire and examined the wounds that she inflicted. You always hurt the one you loved... Buffy remembered what Spike said to her at the alley.

"I didn't mean t---"

"Sh..." Spike interrupted her, his palm closed to her lips.

He doesn't want her to say the words. Spike could tell from the way she touched him, that she was sorry for what she had done. It was more than words can say. It wasn't Buffy's fault. He knew what he had gotten himself into. He lived to serve her. It was his duty to save her.

"You don't have to say anything," Spike said as he slipped his hand to cover Buffy's hand in his temple.

"But I shouldn't have," Buffy persisted.

"You have to do what you have to do," Spike reassured her, moving their clasped hands away from his face and placing them down in the space between them.

"Besides, these sexy wounds will heal in no time." He tried to wink, but couldn't. Instead he smiled, trying to cheer Buffy up. He succeded.

A smiled started to build around Buffy's lips. It was she who first coined 'sexy wounds'. Her smile turned into a quiet chuckle.

Spike slowly leaned over for a kiss. Buffy wondered if it was the right thing to do. She wanted a fresh start with Spike. She wanted to sort out her true feelings first before anything else, thus she pulled away.

"I have to go now," Buffy said. She stood from the bed and told Spike she promised Dawn that she will spend more time with her. She added that she will stay at their house everynight and spend more time with her friends.
Spike nodded. His hand still clasped with Buffy's, both never wanting to let go. Buffy began to let go of his hand and walked towards the stairs. His hand outstretched, reaching for her.


And I forgot, to tell you I love you...
And nights too long, I'm cold here without you...
I grieve in my condition...
For I cannot find the words to say I need you so.


"Will I see you again?" he asked, realizing she was not staying.

Buffy stopped before she could reach the stairs and candidly said, "There's uhm, a-a celebration at my house next week."

She was talking about her 21st birthday. Spike knew even if she didn't say it. In fact, he already prepared for a gift. Buffy turned and face him.

"I'd like you to be there."

She reconsidered.

"I...want you, to be there."

It was happening again. Her heart beat faster. Whatever it was, it was too late to fight it.


***



next post-episode#13

Also by The Resident Vampyr™ The Vampyr Pentateuch & Other Stories™. A compilation of Season 5 BtVS post-episode fanfictions. Visit www.vampyrslayer.cjb.net for more. Vampire Seasons™ - a compilation of season 6 BtVS post-episode fanfictions @ http://vampireseasons.cjb.net. Mirrored at http://www.fanfiction.net