Disclaimer in chapter 1.
A/N: Thanks to Katie,Ilpopi, Spikes-Soul, Haley Teague, Dawn and Lady Emma for your nice reviews. I'm new to Fanfic and it's really nice to receive encouragement. So I decided to continue the story. It's slow, there's no real action...there is no spoiler for any upcoming episodes. Maybe in the next chapter...that is if you still want more after this one. Hugs and Blood...Spikessoul666
Curtain call chapter 2
Buffy froze for a second. Except for Dawn, Willow and Xander, all eyes were turned toward her. Oh boy! She really didn't need this. But she was fairly confident that, with her early demonstration with the Turok Han, the girls would listen and trust her. Trust their lives with a vampire sleeping under the same roof as them. A very beaten and bruised vampire, but a vampire nonetheless. Those girls were so innocent, they had no knowledge of evil but what they had witnessed in the last few days. And what their watchers had told them. That Demons and Vampires were to be eradicated. All of them. No exceptions. She really hoped that she could make them understand that Spike was really a whole other story.
Spike. Just the memory of his wounded body tore at her heart. So little faith in himself, so much in her. But at least she had given him some hope. In friendly love. She didn't know if it would become something else, someday. She strongly doubted it. She felt for him, that she knew. And she had not lied to him with her words, almost promises. She just didn't know if she could truly love anybody, once this whole First Evil menace would be over. Hell! She didn't even know if they would be alive after this.
The sound of a throat clearing brought her back to the task at hand. Right...The SITs...Buffy took he time to look carefully at all the girls. They were all waiting expectantly to see what slayer had to say.
She took a chair and sat to face the SITs.
***Girls, I know you have a lot of questions. But I'm gonna ask you wait until I'm finished with my story. The story of William the Bloody.***
And so she told the girls all that had happened with Spike since the last six years. Well...almost all. There were things that were better left in the past. During her recall of Spikes little adventures in Sunnydale, she'd seen various display of emotions on the girl's faces. Awe was the most common one. And Buffy couldn't helP herself but smiled softly. Yes indeed, Spike was something else.
Molly raised her hand timidly.
***But...even with all that you just told us...Is it still safe to have him here...with us?***
Buffy smiled at the girl.
***Even without a soul, I trusted him with my sister and my mother's life. With his soul...I trust him with my life.***
Xander rolled his eyes and let go of a yelp when Willow elbowed him in his ribcage.
***What was that for?***
***Don't be a schmuck, Xander.***
Xander opened his mouth to say something but closed it when Buffy glared at him. She didn't need Xander's hatred of Spike to mud what she was trying to build here.
Rona took her turn to raise her hand. She looked confused. Buffy smiled kindly at her.
***Yes, Rona?***
***If Spike is different, and he fought to get his soul back, doesn't it mean that maybe some other vampires could...***
***NO!***
They all startled when Spike answered Rona. Buffy had been so engrossed by her task that she hadn't felt the vampire coming into the kitchen.
Chloe who was just in front of Spike, let go of a scared little scream and jumped out of her chair only to trip on some books that were on the floor. She would have fell face first if Spike hadn't caught her. Despite the apparent pain the movement caused him he didn't let go of the girl until he was sure she had regained her footing.
***Got to be careful, pet.***
He let go of the girl and turned to look at Buffy. The blood and rest had done him wonder. And even though the swollen of his eye had not subsided he looked better than he had a couple of hours ago. He smiled softly at Buffy.
***Sorry, luv. But I was feeling a bit peckish. Would be bloody nice if I could just get a cuppa.***
***It's alright, Spike. I didn't realized that it was so late. Dawn could you heat some blood for Spike?***
Dawn scowled. She may have been civil to her former friend earlier, but it didn't mean that they would be buddy soon. Spike saw Dawn's face and he felt his heart crush a little more. Dawn was still angry with him. Well it was to be expected, really. But it still hurt. He just shook his head.
***'S' okay Bit. You don't have to.***
He limped toward the fridge under the scrutiny of the SITs. Buffy glared at Dawn who just lifted her chin. To everyone' s surprise, Willow put her hand on Spike's shoulder, who hissed in pain.
***Sorry, Spike. Just sit down, I'll get you your blood.***
He smiled at the witch.But remained standing.
***Thanks Red, but you don't have to do that.***
***I know. But I want to. Now sit down.***
She gently grabbed him by the arm and installed him in her now vacant chair. Spike sighed as he tried to find a comfortable position to sit. His ribs were mending, but he still could feel some of the bones grinding against one another.
Buffy gave him an encouraging smile.
***Everyone, meet Spike. I took the liberty of telling them your story since you first came to Synnydale.***
Spike raised the eyebrow of his good eye.
***The whole story,luv?***
Buffy blushed under the stare of the bleached vampire. But she regained her composure when saw the girls looking at her with inquiring eyes.
***All that is important for them to know.***
***Just teasing, luv.***
Xander stood up and took a few steps toward the door.
***Well, not that I'm bored, but I need to get some supplies to repaired the upcoming damages to your house, Buff. Anybody need something while I'm at it?***
They shook their head except for Spike who opened his mouth but didn't say anything. Xander sighed. For God' sake! The old Spike would have barked his order without hesitation. But the new Spike, the one with a soul wouldn't even call him whelp any more. And as stupid as it sounded, Xander was missing their usual banter.
***Do you want something, Dead boy?***
The girls opened their eyes wide. Xander had just called the Master Vampire Dead boy! They all waited for Spike's reaction. The bleached vampire just chuckled.
***Could you bring me back a bucket of Chicken wings, extra spicy from the Bronze? I think I have some money left at the crypt. Just check with Clem.***
Xander shrugged.
***I can se that you're feeling better if you're up to pigging on food. It's on me, Dead boy.***
Just when Xander was about to close the door, Spike replied to Xander.
***Thanks...whelp.***
Xander turned to look at Spike and just smiled. A glimpse of the old Spike!There was hope! He closed to door behind him.
Spike returned his attention to the girl who had voiced her concern his soul and other vampires.
***What's your name, pet?***
***Rona.***
***Nice name. Well Rona, don't question yourself. Vampires don't want to change. They don't want redemption. They certainly don't want a bloody soul. They want to maim and kill and they relish in pain. The pain they inflict on others. The pain that is inflicted on them. You second guess yourself and you're dead.***
Willow brought a familiar mug to Spike. It was Rupert's old "Kiss the librarian" mug. Spike noticed that the handle had been glued. Why somebody had botherED to fix it was beyond his understanding. He smiled gratefully at the witch.
***Thanks Red.***
She smiled back and sat on Xander's empty chair. Spike hesitated. He didn't know if he should just take his blood and go back to Buffy's room. He was hungry but he didn't want to disgust the girls. They were so very young...Like Dawn. But Dawn had seen so many things... He searched for Buffy's eyes and silently asked her opinion. She just shrugged.
***I don't think they'll mind. Unfortunately they will see much worse than you drinking blood from a mug.***
Some girls made a Ewww face. Kennedy looked at the vampire with curiosity.
***Is it really blood?***
***Yes.***
***Human?***
Spike closed his eyes. He would never drink human blood again. Not if he had anything to do with it. His soul couldn't take it. And neither could he. He reopened his eyes and looked at Kennedy.
***Pig's.***
***What does it taste?***
Spike took a few seconds to think before answering. He never really thought about the taste of blood. It was like nothing else. It was life for him. It had been death for others...
***It's...coppery. It has a tang. It's rich and when a vampire drinks it, he can have the illusion of warmth...Only the illusion. Warmth doesn't exist for a vampire...It's something that you have to steal...or sometimes you're lucky enough and somebody share it with you...***
He looked like he was drifting away in some secret memories. Buffy watched him with emotion. He never told her that. She always told him that he was cold, with no circulation and all. And he never lead her to believe that her warmth was something he was craving.
***Can I taste?***
Kennedy's request brought Spike back from his thoughts.
***I don't think it's a good idea' pet.***
Kennedy pouted but didn't insist. Chloe smiled tentatively to the vampire.
***Mr Spike...***
***It's Spike, pet. I'm not a man, so you don't have to call me mister.***
Buffy sprung from her chair as if she had been hit. She walked to Spike and gave him an angry look.
***Don't say that! You are a man. I told you. You fought and you won. You are a good man, William.***
***Illusion, slayer. Smoke and mirror. Just like my inexistent reflection.***
Buffy clenched her fist. God he was so stubborn! He really needed to have his butt kicked. Well, that was just a figure of speech. He had had his butt kicked enough for a life time.
***I told you some times ago, Spike. Self pity is really not appealing on you.***
***'S not self pity, luv. You know as well as I do that I tell it like it is.***
Buffy rolled her eyes!
***And we all know that you're never wrong! Just like that time when you told me that it was a Kifka Lik Mocht demon...***
Spike rose from his chair too, forgetting his pain, the blood and the fact that all the SITs were looking at them, speechless. Willow just shook her head while Dawn tolled her eyes. Here they were again!
***Well it was dark and how was I suppose to know that the only difference between a Kifka Lik Mocht demon and a Bridsag one was the ninth tentacle?***
***My point, exactly! You were wrong! So don't start with your "I tell it like I see it" attitude. Cause it doesn't work with me, MISTER.***
Spike just lifted his hands in surrender. And winced in pain.
***Bloody hell! Fine! You want to call me Mister? Call me mister. Call me the bloody Earl of Windsor for what I care!***
He sat back with a sulking look. Buffy crossed her arms triumphantly and walked back to her chair. She suddenly realized that the SITs were wondering what had just happened. Willow took care of that matter for her.
***You better get used to it. They're always like that. That's why they fight so well together. It may look like they hate each other, but they really don't.***
Spike suddenly seemed to find his blood very appealing and he intently looked at the content of his mug. Buffy checked her nails and decided that she would need a manicure soon.
Chloe cleared her throat nervously. She hoped that her question would not cause another...fight or whatever it was they called it.
***Huh...Mis...Huh...Your soul...Does it hurt?***
Spike's eyes glazed for a moment. When he spoke his voice was above a whisper.
***Every second. Worst than a thousand years of torture by the First Evil. Which is good...***
He hung his head and sighed deeply. Willow couldn't help but feel sorry for the vampire. She softly rubbed his back, surprising him. He lifted his head to look at her. She had never been that kind to him before! She smiled and he thanked her silently.
Suddenly he felt like a thousand year old. Time to go back upstairs and rest. He finished his blood and slowly stood up.
***I'm gonna go rest, luv. If it's okay with you. You'll need me fit tomorrow to start training them.***
***Good idea. Let me help you.***
He gave her a grateful smile while she gently put her arm around his waist. They were half way to the living room when Kennedy asked one more question.
***How can we be sure that we can trust you?***
Buffy turned angrily to face the girl. Didn't any of her words had registered into the girl's brains? She opened her mouth to reply but Spike put his hand on her arm and shook his head. He liked that girl. She had guts.
***You don't. Don't trust me. Ever. I'm not expecting you to. I'm not asking you to. But I ask you to believe in Buffy. And Dawn and Willow and Xander. They're your best chance at staying alive. I'll help, but without them...***
He shook his head. If only he was feeling that confident that they would make it...
***Here endeth the first lesson.***
Buffy laughed softly. Spike raised his eyebrow.
***What's so funny love?***
***Sorry Spike. But that's lesson the second. The first one, I gave when I killed the Turok Han.***
***Bloody hell! I should have known that I couldn't bested you, slayer!***
His tone was teasing.
***You know you can't Spike. Never could. Never will. Unlive with it!***
They made their way to Buffy's room under the stare of the SITs. Willow and Dawn just looked at each other with a smile. Things were really brightening...But maybe this was the calm before the storm....
TBC...If you want more...let me know...
A/N: Thanks to Katie,Ilpopi, Spikes-Soul, Haley Teague, Dawn and Lady Emma for your nice reviews. I'm new to Fanfic and it's really nice to receive encouragement. So I decided to continue the story. It's slow, there's no real action...there is no spoiler for any upcoming episodes. Maybe in the next chapter...that is if you still want more after this one. Hugs and Blood...Spikessoul666
Curtain call chapter 2
Buffy froze for a second. Except for Dawn, Willow and Xander, all eyes were turned toward her. Oh boy! She really didn't need this. But she was fairly confident that, with her early demonstration with the Turok Han, the girls would listen and trust her. Trust their lives with a vampire sleeping under the same roof as them. A very beaten and bruised vampire, but a vampire nonetheless. Those girls were so innocent, they had no knowledge of evil but what they had witnessed in the last few days. And what their watchers had told them. That Demons and Vampires were to be eradicated. All of them. No exceptions. She really hoped that she could make them understand that Spike was really a whole other story.
Spike. Just the memory of his wounded body tore at her heart. So little faith in himself, so much in her. But at least she had given him some hope. In friendly love. She didn't know if it would become something else, someday. She strongly doubted it. She felt for him, that she knew. And she had not lied to him with her words, almost promises. She just didn't know if she could truly love anybody, once this whole First Evil menace would be over. Hell! She didn't even know if they would be alive after this.
The sound of a throat clearing brought her back to the task at hand. Right...The SITs...Buffy took he time to look carefully at all the girls. They were all waiting expectantly to see what slayer had to say.
She took a chair and sat to face the SITs.
***Girls, I know you have a lot of questions. But I'm gonna ask you wait until I'm finished with my story. The story of William the Bloody.***
And so she told the girls all that had happened with Spike since the last six years. Well...almost all. There were things that were better left in the past. During her recall of Spikes little adventures in Sunnydale, she'd seen various display of emotions on the girl's faces. Awe was the most common one. And Buffy couldn't helP herself but smiled softly. Yes indeed, Spike was something else.
Molly raised her hand timidly.
***But...even with all that you just told us...Is it still safe to have him here...with us?***
Buffy smiled at the girl.
***Even without a soul, I trusted him with my sister and my mother's life. With his soul...I trust him with my life.***
Xander rolled his eyes and let go of a yelp when Willow elbowed him in his ribcage.
***What was that for?***
***Don't be a schmuck, Xander.***
Xander opened his mouth to say something but closed it when Buffy glared at him. She didn't need Xander's hatred of Spike to mud what she was trying to build here.
Rona took her turn to raise her hand. She looked confused. Buffy smiled kindly at her.
***Yes, Rona?***
***If Spike is different, and he fought to get his soul back, doesn't it mean that maybe some other vampires could...***
***NO!***
They all startled when Spike answered Rona. Buffy had been so engrossed by her task that she hadn't felt the vampire coming into the kitchen.
Chloe who was just in front of Spike, let go of a scared little scream and jumped out of her chair only to trip on some books that were on the floor. She would have fell face first if Spike hadn't caught her. Despite the apparent pain the movement caused him he didn't let go of the girl until he was sure she had regained her footing.
***Got to be careful, pet.***
He let go of the girl and turned to look at Buffy. The blood and rest had done him wonder. And even though the swollen of his eye had not subsided he looked better than he had a couple of hours ago. He smiled softly at Buffy.
***Sorry, luv. But I was feeling a bit peckish. Would be bloody nice if I could just get a cuppa.***
***It's alright, Spike. I didn't realized that it was so late. Dawn could you heat some blood for Spike?***
Dawn scowled. She may have been civil to her former friend earlier, but it didn't mean that they would be buddy soon. Spike saw Dawn's face and he felt his heart crush a little more. Dawn was still angry with him. Well it was to be expected, really. But it still hurt. He just shook his head.
***'S' okay Bit. You don't have to.***
He limped toward the fridge under the scrutiny of the SITs. Buffy glared at Dawn who just lifted her chin. To everyone' s surprise, Willow put her hand on Spike's shoulder, who hissed in pain.
***Sorry, Spike. Just sit down, I'll get you your blood.***
He smiled at the witch.But remained standing.
***Thanks Red, but you don't have to do that.***
***I know. But I want to. Now sit down.***
She gently grabbed him by the arm and installed him in her now vacant chair. Spike sighed as he tried to find a comfortable position to sit. His ribs were mending, but he still could feel some of the bones grinding against one another.
Buffy gave him an encouraging smile.
***Everyone, meet Spike. I took the liberty of telling them your story since you first came to Synnydale.***
Spike raised the eyebrow of his good eye.
***The whole story,luv?***
Buffy blushed under the stare of the bleached vampire. But she regained her composure when saw the girls looking at her with inquiring eyes.
***All that is important for them to know.***
***Just teasing, luv.***
Xander stood up and took a few steps toward the door.
***Well, not that I'm bored, but I need to get some supplies to repaired the upcoming damages to your house, Buff. Anybody need something while I'm at it?***
They shook their head except for Spike who opened his mouth but didn't say anything. Xander sighed. For God' sake! The old Spike would have barked his order without hesitation. But the new Spike, the one with a soul wouldn't even call him whelp any more. And as stupid as it sounded, Xander was missing their usual banter.
***Do you want something, Dead boy?***
The girls opened their eyes wide. Xander had just called the Master Vampire Dead boy! They all waited for Spike's reaction. The bleached vampire just chuckled.
***Could you bring me back a bucket of Chicken wings, extra spicy from the Bronze? I think I have some money left at the crypt. Just check with Clem.***
Xander shrugged.
***I can se that you're feeling better if you're up to pigging on food. It's on me, Dead boy.***
Just when Xander was about to close the door, Spike replied to Xander.
***Thanks...whelp.***
Xander turned to look at Spike and just smiled. A glimpse of the old Spike!There was hope! He closed to door behind him.
Spike returned his attention to the girl who had voiced her concern his soul and other vampires.
***What's your name, pet?***
***Rona.***
***Nice name. Well Rona, don't question yourself. Vampires don't want to change. They don't want redemption. They certainly don't want a bloody soul. They want to maim and kill and they relish in pain. The pain they inflict on others. The pain that is inflicted on them. You second guess yourself and you're dead.***
Willow brought a familiar mug to Spike. It was Rupert's old "Kiss the librarian" mug. Spike noticed that the handle had been glued. Why somebody had botherED to fix it was beyond his understanding. He smiled gratefully at the witch.
***Thanks Red.***
She smiled back and sat on Xander's empty chair. Spike hesitated. He didn't know if he should just take his blood and go back to Buffy's room. He was hungry but he didn't want to disgust the girls. They were so very young...Like Dawn. But Dawn had seen so many things... He searched for Buffy's eyes and silently asked her opinion. She just shrugged.
***I don't think they'll mind. Unfortunately they will see much worse than you drinking blood from a mug.***
Some girls made a Ewww face. Kennedy looked at the vampire with curiosity.
***Is it really blood?***
***Yes.***
***Human?***
Spike closed his eyes. He would never drink human blood again. Not if he had anything to do with it. His soul couldn't take it. And neither could he. He reopened his eyes and looked at Kennedy.
***Pig's.***
***What does it taste?***
Spike took a few seconds to think before answering. He never really thought about the taste of blood. It was like nothing else. It was life for him. It had been death for others...
***It's...coppery. It has a tang. It's rich and when a vampire drinks it, he can have the illusion of warmth...Only the illusion. Warmth doesn't exist for a vampire...It's something that you have to steal...or sometimes you're lucky enough and somebody share it with you...***
He looked like he was drifting away in some secret memories. Buffy watched him with emotion. He never told her that. She always told him that he was cold, with no circulation and all. And he never lead her to believe that her warmth was something he was craving.
***Can I taste?***
Kennedy's request brought Spike back from his thoughts.
***I don't think it's a good idea' pet.***
Kennedy pouted but didn't insist. Chloe smiled tentatively to the vampire.
***Mr Spike...***
***It's Spike, pet. I'm not a man, so you don't have to call me mister.***
Buffy sprung from her chair as if she had been hit. She walked to Spike and gave him an angry look.
***Don't say that! You are a man. I told you. You fought and you won. You are a good man, William.***
***Illusion, slayer. Smoke and mirror. Just like my inexistent reflection.***
Buffy clenched her fist. God he was so stubborn! He really needed to have his butt kicked. Well, that was just a figure of speech. He had had his butt kicked enough for a life time.
***I told you some times ago, Spike. Self pity is really not appealing on you.***
***'S not self pity, luv. You know as well as I do that I tell it like it is.***
Buffy rolled her eyes!
***And we all know that you're never wrong! Just like that time when you told me that it was a Kifka Lik Mocht demon...***
Spike rose from his chair too, forgetting his pain, the blood and the fact that all the SITs were looking at them, speechless. Willow just shook her head while Dawn tolled her eyes. Here they were again!
***Well it was dark and how was I suppose to know that the only difference between a Kifka Lik Mocht demon and a Bridsag one was the ninth tentacle?***
***My point, exactly! You were wrong! So don't start with your "I tell it like I see it" attitude. Cause it doesn't work with me, MISTER.***
Spike just lifted his hands in surrender. And winced in pain.
***Bloody hell! Fine! You want to call me Mister? Call me mister. Call me the bloody Earl of Windsor for what I care!***
He sat back with a sulking look. Buffy crossed her arms triumphantly and walked back to her chair. She suddenly realized that the SITs were wondering what had just happened. Willow took care of that matter for her.
***You better get used to it. They're always like that. That's why they fight so well together. It may look like they hate each other, but they really don't.***
Spike suddenly seemed to find his blood very appealing and he intently looked at the content of his mug. Buffy checked her nails and decided that she would need a manicure soon.
Chloe cleared her throat nervously. She hoped that her question would not cause another...fight or whatever it was they called it.
***Huh...Mis...Huh...Your soul...Does it hurt?***
Spike's eyes glazed for a moment. When he spoke his voice was above a whisper.
***Every second. Worst than a thousand years of torture by the First Evil. Which is good...***
He hung his head and sighed deeply. Willow couldn't help but feel sorry for the vampire. She softly rubbed his back, surprising him. He lifted his head to look at her. She had never been that kind to him before! She smiled and he thanked her silently.
Suddenly he felt like a thousand year old. Time to go back upstairs and rest. He finished his blood and slowly stood up.
***I'm gonna go rest, luv. If it's okay with you. You'll need me fit tomorrow to start training them.***
***Good idea. Let me help you.***
He gave her a grateful smile while she gently put her arm around his waist. They were half way to the living room when Kennedy asked one more question.
***How can we be sure that we can trust you?***
Buffy turned angrily to face the girl. Didn't any of her words had registered into the girl's brains? She opened her mouth to reply but Spike put his hand on her arm and shook his head. He liked that girl. She had guts.
***You don't. Don't trust me. Ever. I'm not expecting you to. I'm not asking you to. But I ask you to believe in Buffy. And Dawn and Willow and Xander. They're your best chance at staying alive. I'll help, but without them...***
He shook his head. If only he was feeling that confident that they would make it...
***Here endeth the first lesson.***
Buffy laughed softly. Spike raised his eyebrow.
***What's so funny love?***
***Sorry Spike. But that's lesson the second. The first one, I gave when I killed the Turok Han.***
***Bloody hell! I should have known that I couldn't bested you, slayer!***
His tone was teasing.
***You know you can't Spike. Never could. Never will. Unlive with it!***
They made their way to Buffy's room under the stare of the SITs. Willow and Dawn just looked at each other with a smile. Things were really brightening...But maybe this was the calm before the storm....
TBC...If you want more...let me know...