Disclaimer: Same as always, want it all, own none of it. But, if we could arrange a borrowing system, I would be open to suggestions.

A/N: I can not tell you how tickled pink I am at your reviews! I don't say it enough so here it is, I love you guys! I love writing this story and I am just so happy that you enjoy it as well. Thanks to all my readers, old and new alike. Your reviews for this fic have made this chick incredibly happy.
So, here is my next chapter, hope you like it. It has some new people for you to meet. Enjoy. Till next Time!



Chapter 10: The Green Eyed Monster


"Spike, are you there?" Giles called as he entered the library.

Spike rolled his eyes, just what he needed. "Up here, mate."

"Oh, yes, good. What time were you planning to take Buffy to see O'Malley? You should do it soon if you have any hopes of seeing Leila this evening."

"Soon, Giles," was Spike's answer.

"And do remember to be charming, Spike. I know you have your methods, but I do think that kid gloves would be better, romance, that sort of thing."

Spike wanted to laugh. Last night, Giles wanted to keep Buffy from knowing about this part of the plan. And, he just let the cat tear itself out of the bag. "I know what I'm doing, Watcher," he ground out.

"So." Buffy poked her head over Spike's shoulder. Giles looked up and saw a cross look on his Slayer's face.

"Oh, Dear Lord," he muttered.

"When were you guys going to tell me about this alternate plan?" She strode down the stairs to Giles, leaving Spike in the loft.

"Well, Buffy, we thought-"

"You thought," Spike corrected.

"Whomever. Buffy, this is the only way to get close enough to Leila, to gain her confidence. She has no idea what she's getting herself into and rather than leave her to the Council, we hope to help her ourselves."

Buffy nodded. "Good plan. Should we head out then, Spike? Daylight is waning."

Spike made no verbal answer. He was still upset with her earlier comments to him and her indifferent attitude at the present was a charade.

Giles sighed at the vampire's lack of response. He obviously interrupted something in the loft, of what, he did not want to know. "I'm going to go back to the books, search the journals. I'm hoping someone in the late 1700's mentioned the burning incident of the Sanction." Giles left the two alone, hoping they wouldn't break anything in his absence.

Buffy glared at the vampire, her arms tightly folded across her chest.

"You lied," she stated flatly.

"I didn't lie, Buffy."

"What would you call it then, Spike? Careful wording?"

"I call it my business, Slayer."

"You were going to go and seduce that psycho and you don't think I should have known about it?"

"And you are proving why. The Watcher knew you wouldn't like it."

"He was right, I don't. But, you decided to do it anyway. I should have realized it was stupid to trust you; you haven't changed," she spat out.

Spike hopped over the banister and landed below right in front of Buffy.

"Get out of my way," she demanded.

"You do realize what you are doing is pointless, don't you?" Buffy just stared at the vampire invading her personal space. "Lashing out at me isn't going to do anything. You're not mad I lied, but what I lied about. And you needn't be. So, I'll talk sweet to the lil thing. So what? All I'm looking for is information, nothing more."

"Yeah, you never look for anything more."

Spike took several steps back towards the door. "You know something, Summers? You are one piece of work. Since you came into this room, you've done nothing but insult me and my intelligence. And what did I do? Nothing!" He sighed as he reigned back in his temper. "I'm going to go to see O'Malley. You can come along if you want to. Right now I really don't care what you do."


Buffy stood in the library by herself. she thought. That Buffy spit fire attitude got the better of her once again. She regretted what she said, everything she said. She didn't mean it, not really. She was just...surprised by this new plan of attack. And surprise turned to upset when she realized where Spike went last night after leaving her. He left her to go find the girl. That made her mad and instead of thinking before speaking, she opened her mouth and let the words fall out. Spike had every right to be angry with her after what she said before and now what she said about Leila. Why should she care? What Giles said made sense; they needed to gain her confidence and Spike had an uncanny talent of coercion. She left the room and ran up the stairs. "Spike! Wait up!"

Spike stepped out into the hallway. "Any more barbs, Slayer? I think I still have some room on my back for them."

"Spike, I'm sorry, okay? I-I don't know what's wrong with me. But, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it, any of it actually." Spike just stared at her, examining her eyes. You believe me, right? she asked, uncertain. I really am sorry. She looked him in the eyes and held out her hand to him. "Truce?"

Spike looked at her dainty hand with its slim fingers reaching out to him. He took them in his cool grasp. "We don't need a truce, Buffy. You said you were sorry. And, yes, I believe you." She smiled at him and he released her hand. "So, are you ready to leave?"

Buffy nodded. The two made their way down the stairs. "So, who is this O'Malley guy?"

"O'Malley is a font of knowledge. He's a little sprite of a thing, well leprechaun actually. His mum was a demon and his dad a lucky charm. He's a good man too."

"Maybe I'll get my pot of gold after all," Buffy mumbled.

"Pardon, love?"

"Oh, nothing, wishful thinking. How do we find this O'Malley?"

"How does one usually find a leprechaun?" Spike smiled.



"Over the Rainbow Novelty and Magic Shop." Buffy read the sign on the small store window. "How hokey can you get?"

We all have to make a living, Spike said as they entered the shop.

It was a quaint shop with the basic tourists items like Mind the Gap key chain and pictures of Big Ben. It also had cabinets full of mystical looking gems and rocks and statuettes. Bookshelves were stocked with numerous titles, guides to London as well as popular fiction set in London and basic spells and harmless potion books.

So, where is this guy? Buffy asked as she continued to look around the shop.

Oi, O'Malley! Spike called out. Got someone here for you to meet.

I can see that, a voice commented with a thick brogue. A wee lass you have there, Spike. Has she eaten today?

Spike chuckled. Come on then, show yourself.

A tiny burst of smoke and stars appeared behind the counter. Out from the cloud hopped a little man of ten inches with bright red hair and eyes as green as the Emerald Isle itself. He was wearing a coal gray wool suit with a maroon tie and a large smile across his rosy face.

Here I am me friend. Well, let me take a look at ye here. O'Malley climbed on top of a stack of books. Buffy took a tentative step towards the man. My, quite the pretty one she is. You wouldn't happen to have annithin' against short men with a money fetish, do ye? he asked with a chuckle.

Buffy laughed as well. Not as a rule, no.

Back off a little there, mate. I haven't introduced you yet, Spike reminded his friend.

By the looks of her, I'd say she's the Slayer.

That she is, Spike answered. A spark of pride flashed across Spike's face as he walked to the Slayer's side. Shamus O'Malley, this is Buffy Summers, the Vampire Slayer.

O'Malley reached out his small hand and Buffy took it with a bit of trepidation. She didn't want to hurt the man.

It's nice to meet you, O'Malley.

A sincere pleasure, Buffy. So, I'm assuming this isn't a social call. Spike isn't in the habit of bringing his lady friends to meet ol O'Malley.

Right about that, mate. We need some information on a girl.

You never had trouble with that! the leprechaun laughed as he sat down on the volumes. Must be some girl to warrant a Slayer.

Her name is Leila, Buffy spoke up. She's a-

Oh, I know who she is. Everyone from hill and dale knows about her. But, I can't help you there, not now atleast, not here.

O'Malley looked around his shop and out the windows. When he was certain no one was in the vicinity, he said, Come with me.

O'Malley led the two into a back room. There was a table and three chairs nothing else, no windows, no other doors, just the set in the middle of the small room.

Sit down please, O'Malley said as he shoved the door closed. He joined them at the table. Now just close your eyes and breathe deeply. You too, vampire. They did as they were told.

Even with her eyes closed, Buffy felt the room get smaller and cooler. but the air became thin. Buffy gasped for breath. Her heart pounded in her chest. She felt both men squeeze her hands, both knowing her trouble.

Breathe darling, O'Malley whispered. Breathe deeply.

She obeyed. As she exhaled, she felt the desperation for air pass.

Open your eyes.

Buffy let her lids drift open. They were sitting at the table, still holding hands, but the room was gone. In its place was a cottage, wooden floors and windows covering the walls. The soft scent of salt water wafted through the curtains. Buffy turned; outside was green as far as she could see. Green grass kissing the blue sky. Then she heard the sound of crashing waves and birds calling to their mates.

Where are we? she wondered.

Spike shrugged his shoulders and made his way to a shady corner. The sun was covered by the seashore fog, but he still wanted the coolness of the shadows.

Where are we? Buffy asked again.

Don't worry, darling, O'Malley smiled. Just a cloak around the old room. We couldn't talk in the shop, too many eyes. But, there's no one here, but us. So. O'Malley took a seat in a comfy cushioned chair. How can I help you with Leila?

Spike explained. We have half of the Sanction, but we can't read it.

Ha, I'm not surprised by that. No one can read that language anymore.

Buffy stood. But, you can, can't you?

O'Malley laughed. 'Course I can, darling. Do you have the pages on you?

Spike snorted. You think Giles would let them out of the house?

No, I suppose not. Well, is there anything else I can do for you?

Nothing as of right now. We need to find out what she wants from the book and go from there.

O'Malley paced the floor. Well, I can certainly stop by this evening and sit with Rupert, see about translating some pages. he finally said.

It would really help us a lot, Buffy said.

That is what I am here for, isn't it? Now, my dear, Buffy, do tell me something about yourself.

They spent the next few minutes in idle chitchat. Buffy really enjoyed Shamus' company. He smiled while he talked about his family and how he met Spike and Giles. He was open and Buffy could see how Spike would like this man. Buffy even found herself sharing stories with him, telling him about Spike as the Big Bad. It wasn't said in any form of anger, she just smiled at the past events and O'Malley laughed at his good friend's adventures. Spike didn't seem to mind. He stayed silent and just watched the woman he loved fill with mirth.

O'Malley literally snapped them back to reality with his fingers. They set a time to meet at the townhouse and said their goodbyes.

So, we'll meet O'Malley tonight and he can shed some light on this Leila situation, Buffy said as the rounded the corner to Spike's street.

Spike shrugged. I hope so, he mumbled.

You're going out tonight, aren't you? Buffy asked, already knowing the answer. Spike just nodded. And...you don't want me to go, right?

I'm hoping to get a bite on where Leila is. If I do, I don't want you to be there. Buffy grimaced slightly. If I run into Leila, the last person I want her to see is you.

What am I supposed to do in the meantime? Knit cunning little sweaters for you? she joked.

He smiled at that. She wasn't angry anymore. Well, I've been told I look quite fetching in green.

Yes, green, but I prefer you in blue...or black.

I've had enough of black, he said flatly. But, blue is fine...if that's what you prefer.

Who knows? Maybe I'll just surprise you.


Buffy put on a good front, but inside her head was swimming with thoughts. She wasn't going to stay home and knit. She was the Slayer and she would find a way to work, whether it was beating people up or do some sleuthing herself. It's not that she minded Spike's help, quite the contrary, she loved working with him again. But, she didn't like him telling her what to do. Especially when he told her to sit on her ass and wait for him to say jump.' Well, he was more generous than that, but she was still going to go out tonight and see what she could find.




Your jobs are simple, the man told his congregation of London's demon low lives. You have been chosen for your strength and your ability to take orders. Both of these will be integral in your staying alive.

The man looked off into the shadows that covered the large space. He couldn't see her, but he knew she was there and he smiled. You ask no questions, you do as you are told and paid accordingly. Also, one other house rule, all food items you bring in you must also dispose of. We do not have a cleaning service and I do not want this place smelling of decaying corpses. Are we agreed?

The demons groaned and grumbled their agreement. The man before them may have looked plain, but they knew he had power and he had her to back him up. None of them wanted to take her on.

Very good. Now, this will be done my way, the orderly way. I will need a team for reconnaissance, one for protection and those of you knowledgeable in the finer dark arts will have a very special task at hand. As you have pledged your loyalty to me, you have also pledged it to my partner. The man gestured to the shadows, holding out his open hand. Out from the cover of black stepped a woman, her eyes closed, but her steps showed great confidence. She took the offered hand and looked up at the group. The demons all stared, transfixed on the creature before them. So, this was Leila, they all thought.

Leila will be your contact on a nightly basis. No one dared make an objection. Everyone, rest up. There are some refreshments at the back of the room, please help yourselves, but do clean up. You'll be receiving assignments at in a few hours. The group went straight for the food which was displayed on several long tables and hung and gagged along the walls. This man had power and money to put out such a delectable spread.

Now, love, the man said turning to Leila. You know what you are doing tonight?

She gave him a half smile and wrapped an arm around his waist and planted a firm kiss on his lips. Of course, she purred, her voice pure pleasure to his ears. You'll be home tonight? she wondered, her vibrant eyes suddenly held a child's insecurity.

Waiting for you, my dear. He kissed her forehead and disentangled himself from her. With a disgusted glance at their new minions, he walked out of the room.

Leila watched the slovenly masses; they'd never seen so much food at once and all for them. Leila thought. Not for them, all for me. Her teethy grin grew as her demon's face came to the surface. An evil shiver coursed through her and she bounded to the back of the room. The minions immediately ceased their hoarding, all conversation stopped as the creature approached.

Leila stood in front of a trembling young female. She grabbed the back of her head, her hand held a deathly grip on her hair. Don't be scared, she said, her evil grin still in place. It will hurt a great deal, just not for long. She bared the girl's neck. So young and pure, a virgin, how sweet and sad, never knew the joys of man's naked body against her own. She briefly thought of passing her off to one of the other vampires before she fed, open up the snack's eyes before she dies. But, the thought was batted away as a sliver of mercy seeped into her brain. She quickly sank her teeth into the girl's neck and sucked her untainted blood from her body.



Spike approached Buffy's bedroom door. He was going out and he felt he needed to tell her. He knocked on the door and it opened slightly. Spike peered in and saw Buffy standing in front of the mirror. He admired her from the doorway; she was wearing cream slacks and a black, bell sleeved shirt with a plunging neck line. She fastened a beaded necklace around her slender neck. He noted matching earrings...and her vanilla scented body lotion...and she curled her hair!

Where are you going dressed like that? he asked, stepping into the room.

Buffy spun around quickly, surprised by the vampire's words. She silently cursed herself for not realizing he was behind her. He was always a warm tingle at the back of her head, but since he was always around, she usually ignored it, thinking he could be anywhere from the backyard to his current position. She would always feel him.

Don't you knock? she asked as she turned back to the mirror. Necklace looked good; time for the hair.

This coming from you? Who never would lift her dainty fist to knock on my door?

Buffy just rolled her eyes at the empty space where Spike's reflection should be. She couldn't see his movements, but she knew his eyes were freely roaming over her body. she smiled to herself. Take in an eye full, Spike cause it's not for you.

What do you want, Spike?

I want you to answer my question. Where are you going dressed like that?

She feigned a sigh. If you must know, Colin asked me to join him for dinner this evening. He felt bad I had to cancel our outing because of his father and wanted to make up for it. Giles doesn't need me, you don't need me, so I said yes.

Colin! You're going out with that soddin' poofter?! Spike exclaimed.

I believe that's what I said, she replied. Besides, I figure he might have some inside info on Daddy he'd be willing to share. Couldn't hurt.

She turned to Spike, concern on her face. You're British, is this outfit okay for a nice night on the town? She spun around, giving him the full look.

I can't believe you agreed. The boy is a uptight and boring as his father. What makes you think he'll tell you anything. He just met you! Spike fumed. His anger threatened to consume him completely. As it was, his face was a chamber of tension, his jaw clenched and muscles twitching.

Yeah, and he already asked me out. I think it's a sign.

You can not be serious, Buffy. The man is a snore and an asshole. I don't want you anywhere near him. Oh, sure, he might have a decent facade, but that's all it is. He's a bastard, a Travers for Christ's sake!

Why, Spike, are you jealous? Buffy asked in a mockingly sickly sweet tone of voice.

Spike threw his head back and let out a hard single, Ha! Not bloody likely, Slayer. Just didn't think you'd stoop to this.

Buffy stepped towards him, ready to pounce. Stoop to what exactly?

He leaned into Buffy, but she remained still, trying to repress the delicious shivers she received from his cool breath dancing on her cheeks. You're trying to make me jealous. The only reason you're going out with Travers is because you know I don't like him.

Deplore him is more like it, she corrected, allowing a sliver of a smile to escape her frigid facade.

Do you deny it then? Spike returned the smile.

I think you are paranoid and egotistical.

So, what did I do now to deserve this? Spike's hardened face melted away into one of confusion. Even with this vulnerable emotion in play, Spike returned his intense gaze to Buffy's eyes, feeling them out, searching for an answer.

You give yourself too much credit, Spike. Not everything is about you. And nothing you do will affect me. The last statement sounded like she was trying to convince herself and Spike of its truthfulness.

You want to build that wall up a little higher, Slayer?

Don't twist this around on me, vampire , she spat out. I'm not a piece of china, Spike; I know your games and tricks.

Never thought you would, love. Your bricks are piled so high and thick and rhino couldn't break through.

Why do you presume to know me so well?

I presume nothing. I do know you, Slayer. And I know Buffy. I never played any of my aforementioned tricks on you.

No, no tricks, she agreed, giving him a steely look. You did everything right to my face.

If I'm such a wretch, why are you still here?

Business, just business, she replied, firmly stepping into Slayer mode.

Very well then. So, as my business associate, you can trust to have a full report of tonight's activities in the morning.

I won't need the color photos though, she quipped.

You prefer black and white. He didn't mean photos and she knew it.

I know you, she whispered. her tone was strong and assertive and almost longing. I know all the facets of Spike, including William. But, I don't think I've seen him since Buenos Aires.

Maybe it's the climate, he suggested.

Buffy turned from and faced the mirror, pretending to care about her appearance. If it's too cold for you, get out of the room.

Don't mind if I do. He slammed the door behind him as he left.

Buffy stood completely still and tried to register everything that was just said in this latest fight. She knew he was right; she should not be around Leila at this time. As soon as she saw her, shed be ready to cut out her eyes for ever looking at Spike.

When did I get to be so jealous? she asked her reflection. Buffy quickly went over her relationships one by one searching for signs of the green eyed monster. Well, I am protective, but not jealous. He's not even mine to be jealous over, she realized glumly.

And I'm all the better for it.

She began the task of fastening her curls in the most becoming fashion. I don't know what I was thinking before. It must have been the poem. Bad Shakespeare! Spike reading those beautiful, erotic words with that beautiful, erotic voice just... Buffy swallowed trying to suppress the heat screaming through her. It bewitched me for a second. What woman wouldn't have lost her senses at the sight...and the sound... Buffy released her hair which was now twisted around her ambling fingers.

She stared at herself, particularly her lips. She kissed him that morning. It felt so natural to do so. She barely hesitated, the desire ws too great. It wasn't that confusing, overpowering need for full contact like so many years before. This desire was just to touch him, to further that tiny tingle inside of her and hopefully give it to him. She was content with this slight contact. She didn't want to devour him or be devoured by him. She wanted to feel with him, exist in the same moment equally with him. And she did. In a matter of a few heartbeats, she felt all of that.

Then it vanished when she became jealous over a child's fantasy. It was in her nature. Buffy doesn't share well with others, she concluded. But he's not mine. He doesn't want me like that anymore. He hasn't once said he loved me since I found him. That's because he doesn't, Buffy, she tried to convince herself.

Deciding once again, she didn't care how she looked, she turned from the offending reflection, the one that told truth. If she didn't see it, see her own eyes betraying her words, then she could deny it just a little bit longer.



Dear Lord, Giles gasped as he read one of O'Malley's translations.

My sentiments, O'Malley agreed. That is a literal translation, but I think this little bit here is the one we've been looking for.

Giles read the words out loud, hoping they would sound more real.

A life split in two shall reunite on the Night of the Ill Fated.
When black is black
And wrong is right
The Heavens shall commence and rain down their might
Black blood and ivory stone together mixed shall become one
With the Father's form of justice.

Rather foreboding, isn't it?

Giles continued to stare at the text. He had a feeling they just discovered the prophecy Leila wanted. But, what does it mean? he spoke out loud.

I think I know. O'Malley started pacing the long dining room table as he processed his thoughts.

Both men turned as Spike flew down the stairs and slammed the door as he left. They stayed silent until the reverberation died away, neither desiring to chase after the vampire who looked ready for blood.

Wonder what that was about? O'Malley asked as he continued his pacing.

I will give you one guess, Giles responded, knowing full well what was happening. Buffy and Spike were fighting, which wasn't unusual. What was out of the ordinary was the way they fought. In the old days, they fought out of pure hatred, neither giving a damn if their words caused distress. Now, too many other factors were in play, hatred not being on of them. The observer noted anger, frustration, confusion, hurt and affection. A great deal of the latter. No wonder they were going at it.

But, that wasn't on the agenda at the moment. Leila was and O'Malley still hadn't said anything, just continued to wear a whole in his table.

Out with it, man, Giles urged.

This prophecy is centered around Leila herself. She is the one intended for the Night of the Ill Fated; that was the night of her conception.

Giles dropped his glasses onto the table, utterly stunned. Leila's conception!

It's the key to this entire ordeal. O'Malley let out a sigh. Leila, she seeks integration. She- she wants to rid herself of the good and evil, effectively be whole.

Can she do that? Giles wanted to know.

She can try, the leprechaun offered. If she does succeed...well, let's just say, we don't want her to succeed.

Right. She'd be unstoppable.