~~Disclaimer- Nothing belongs to me, its borrowed and teased with..
~~Feedback is lovely.
~~FYI- This story was started way before Season Seven, and it starts before everything goes wrong in Season Six.
PART TWO
It may come, it may come as some surprise but I miss you
I could see through all of your lies and still I miss you..Sade
"I just wanted to call to let you know that Faith is back in town. .." Buffy felt awkward saying the words to Xander.
For a moment she wasn't sure if he had even heard her, he just didn't react to her words. He had always been snappy-comeback-boy and now he was sometimes mute guy.
"Xander, nod if you hear me and if you don't.well, don't."
He nodded very slowly and finally looked in her general direction. He looked completely lost like someone who was watching a movie in another state.
"So, Faith is back, that's great. I guess we should get weapons and go kill her?" He stated matter of factly.
"Well, let's not do that until we're sure she's a danger to herself and others."
"Oh, sure, let's wait until she hurts one of us and tries to kill us. Yeah, let's do that. Because we all know that only after death is inflicted, that any of us notice the killer in our house. I've got something to do-at work and I'm gonna go. Tell Dawn I'll call her sometime and we'll catch a movie." He said heading for the door.
"Have you heard from Anya?" She asked almost fearfully.
"I don't, I can't talk about that, right now. Alright?" He stopped the doorknob in his hand.
"But maybe if you did-"
"Okay, I will if you will. Tell me about being without Spike, how you miss your blonde sex toy. And then when you're done I'll talk about her. I'll tell you about how I loved her and I lost her. Maybe you can compare that to your loss of Spike. I've lost the only woman I've ever really loved and you lost what?" He cried, his anger violent and bitter.
The tears welled in her eyes and she wanted to hit him. "Not talking is good."
The door slammed behind him and she sat down on the ground near the door. His words stung her making her feel like she couldn't defend herself. He wanted her to say something compare their pain or just tell him that his was worse. And down deep she knew his pain was deeper and more profound. But it didn't help and she couldn't share her feelings with anyone. She wasn't allowed to tell anyone what she felt, Willow and Xander had their pain but she couldn't. Everyday she had to be Buffy the strong, but no one was strong for her. They were all so damaged trying to hold onto pain and lost loves. She hid her pain day after day, she couldn't even mourn him or miss him. Whatever she felt it didn't matter to anyone.
The cool darkness surrounded her; the sounds and smells of the sewers were a comfort. She could explore this world and make it her own. Here in the dark she could just be and if danger crossed her path she could defeat it. She moved down each tunnel occasionally hitting a patch of sunlight and listening to the sounds from the streets. She just felt safe hiding in the darkness, it was it's own world.
She stopped suddenly sensing a presence in the sewer ahead of her. She approached it, there was a light up ahead from some sort of room. She reached the light and entered the room. Her feet almost stumbled on the thick layers of carpet and realized that she was in some crypt or lair. There were coffins strewn around with it's long dead contents still inside and on the walls were chains. But the other contents looked as if they'd been replaced after a fire or explosion. The large bed was still scarred with fire but on top of it she saw the presence sleeping. Empty bottles of liquor surrounded the bed and the presence looked passed out.
She approached the bed slowly, peering down her foot then hit something. She picked it up from the ground and looked at it, it was a small delicate cross-made of gold. It appeared new but completely out of place.
"What the.." The presence awoke and grabbed the necklace out of her hand.
Their eyes locked, his bright blue and full of pain and hers dark and quick. He held her by the wrist, not sure if he knew her or not. She pulled free, showing her amazing strength and then he seemed to understand her.
A deep laugh escaped him and he got up slowly keeping her in his cite.
"I should have known, another bloody slayer, what do you want? Faith isn't it?"
Her mouth was suddenly dry. "Yeah, your Spike, we've met before."
"I don't think so."
She almost blushed and smiled. "I borrowed Buffy's body a while back and we talked."
He stared at her, his look told her he wasn't convinced.
"I told you that I could ride you at a gallop and leave you begging for more, or something like that."
His eyes became wide, "That was you? I thought, well, that I had caught Buffy on a good night."
"Come on, B would never say a thing like that. She's too up tight for any dirty nasty fun."
He laughed. "Oh, you think so? She's got the face of an angel but she's not."
"Come on, Buffy the good, I doubt she's ever crossed the street without looking both ways. Such a square girl, she's always fighting evil and dating some cute co-ed. She couldn't even do a little breaking and entering without feeling all guilty about it."
"Let's just say that she's a little older and wiser now."
She looked around, "So, who did the torch job on this place?"
"Well, Buffy was a little angry and she just, never mind."
"So, Buffy redecorated your place? I've seen her work before, I would have expected a lot of pink and stuffed animals. But this works too."
He couldn't help but smile at her, making him laugh lately was quite a chore.
"Tell me, Faith, what are you doing in my crypt?"
"I was in the sewers, nice way to avoid, well, people and I saw the light. I didn't see a door or I would have knocked."
"Next time see that you do. Can I offer you a drink? I think there's a full bottle somewhere."
"No, I've got to patrol tonight. What's with the drinking?"
"It's my way to mend a broken heart, it's not effective but if you drink enough you can pass out. And if your really lucky, you don't dream about what you've lost."
"Okay, so your kinda sullen like she said."
"Like who said? Buffy? I didn't realize she even knew my name anymore."
"Yeah, and she got all strange."
"Really?" He smiled for a moment and then his face darkened.
"So, are you and Buffy close?"
"Not now, but once, we were close, I guess. And what about you?"
"No, I think B would like it if I just disappeared, wouldn't that be nice?"
"Nice? Being invisible just makes you think you can do anything and not get caught. Silly pranks and seducing innocent people, it's not all fun let me tell you. I still don't know how she found her invisible clothes."
She looked confused but decided to ignore the comment. "What do you do all day?"
He shrugged, "I read, watch my soaps, sometimes friends drop by and of course I drink."
"Sounds like a rocking good time, have you ever considered going out?"
"Where? The Bronze? Xander's hideaway, and we're not exactly chums."
"Yes, the original three-minute man, so you just kick it here all day and night?"
"Well, there's always poker with the guys, like tonight. Your welcome to join us, but we have a strict no killing demons policy."
"Hey, if they've got cash, I don't care what kind of demon they are."
"We play for kittens, actually, cash isn't what it use to be."
"You can count on me, I'll be there."
"We start late, so drop by, the game is upstairs by the way."
"I've gotta go, stuff to kill tonight."
She strolled out just as quickly as she walked in, another slayer in his midst. She was very different from Buffy, a true dark soul. She reminded of him of his lovely Drucilla, her raven hair and stunning looks. But in temperament they were nothing alike, Dru was dreamy while Faith seemed rooted in life. Neither lady held any true interest for him, he dreamed of the one with golden hair. He ached for her like he had once craved blood. He wanted to get lost in that hair once more and feel her body rise next to his. The memory of her almost cursed him and he grabbed at a bottle nearby. It was empty and he laughed. He threw it against the wall.
Buffy waited in the dark for Dawn to arrive home, she tried not to let every nightmare of Dawn aloneness play out in her head. She'd sat for so long after Xander left trying to just stop wanting and waiting for someone she had no right to even think about. After all the things Spike had done it should have been happy-simple to forget him. But there he was around every turn in her mind or near her home. He seemed to get along with her friends, her sister and most demons but they couldn't even be in the same room together. At first she had wanted to be angry at him to claim that all his love talk had been lust talk but she wasn't really sure she had the right. Whatever she felt for him she knew that anger wasn't going to help.
There was a gentle knock on the door, waking her out of her funk. She answered it hoping it wasn't the police with Dawn in tow.
"Hello, Buffy," greeted a smiling Derrick.
"I thought we decided I didn't need any help."
"I didn't come to offer my help, I came to speak to you on another matter."
"Well, I suppose if it's not Faith related I can listen." She said showing him into the living room.
"I didn't say it wasn't related to Faith, it's actually about patrolling. I'm not sure when you prefer to patrol but I'd like to set up some sort of schedule or area of coverage so that you can avoid Faith. Does that sound like something you'd be interested in?"
"I guess, but I'm not sure that I'd want Faith out there, alone."
"She will not be alone, I am her Watcher and until I'm sure that she's on the right path she won't be going anywhere alone on patrol. If you wish I can fill you in on the details of our patrolling if we come across any demons or areas of interest to you." He said trying to gauge her reaction.
"Yeah, well, if your gonna be there, I guess it'll be alright. You can handle her I suppose?"
"Yes, I can, I don't have the slayer strength but I've trained extensively and if worse comes to worse, I can take her out."
"Good because it just might come to that. Listen, I'm going to work tonight and I usually patrol on my way home. Tonight I'll skip it and you can have Sunnydale to yourself. I'm not working on Friday, it's Dawn's birthday and I'm having a party so your free to keep the streets safe. It's been pretty slow lately."
"Your working? You're the slayer, that is your job, what do you do?"
"Well, until I can figure out a way to charge the good people of Sunnydale for each vamp I stake, I sling burgers at the Doublemeat Palace. It's not glamorous but I have to pay the bills."
"I see, well, thank you for allowing us to patrol. And in future, please, if you need anything don't hesitate to call me."
The door opened suddenly and Dawn walked in, "Bye Janice, tell your mom, thanks."
"Dawn, where were you?" Buffy asked trying not to freak out in front of Derrick.
"I told you this morning, Janice and her mom were taking me to the mall for my birthday. It's a couple of days early but Janice is going out of town on Friday when I'm hopefully having a party. So who's this?"
"Hello, Dawn, my name is Derrick, I'm Faith's Watcher." He held out his hand and she shook it.
"You're a Watcher? When did they start making them so cute, where's the tweed and dopey glasses?"
He laughed. "Well, believe it or not some Watchers were born with out the geek gene included. No offense to Giles or Wesley, intended. I've read about you Dawn in the reports Giles sent to the Council and I must say that I am honored to know you. You're a brave girl and with your sister you helped to save the world and I want to say thank you."
Dawn smiled. "Yeah, your welcome. So you really read about me? I'm well known in geek circles?"
"Yes, of course, you're an extraordinary young woman, both of you are."
He smiled at them both, his eyes lingering on Buffy as she hugged her pleased sister.
"Do you want to come to my party on Friday?" Dawn asked hoping to hear more about herself from him.
"Well, yes, I would. I might have to leave early but I'd be very happy to stop by."
"Sure, we'll get started at six."
He headed for the door; "Thank you to you both and I'll see you soon."
Dawn and Buffy said goodbye to him and sat on the couch.
"What's with inviting the Watcher?" Buffy asked.
"Let's see, he's a babe, he thinks I'm great and another present couldn't hurt."
Running down the alley, she chased the vamp into an old abandoned home. When she entered she realized that it was demolished and she couldn't sense the vamp. She searched slowly trying to find him and not to betray herself. Behind her she could sense Derrick watching her every move. She closed her eyes and let her senses take over. In a flash she realized the vamp was behind a wall, she punched thru it cleanly and grabbed his neck. Her instinct was to play with him a bit for making it rough on her but she decided against it. She reached up with her other hand and twisted his neck until he turned to dust.
"I think you used good judgment with that one." Derrick commented making notes into his PDA.
"Let's see I dusted three vamps in four hours, I'd say that's my personal best. Tell me that I'm done for the night, cause I'm hungry and amped up."
"Yes, Faith I think you have earned a meal at a local burger joint."
"Good, I could really go for a Doublemeat Medley Meal. Isn't that place near by?"
"Yes, just a few blocks away, let's go."
They walked in silence until he raised the subject of how it went with her doctor's appointment.
"Oh, it went alright, Virginia's cool, she didn't try to judge me or tell me that I was completely bent or anything. She even explained a couple of my dreams to me. The whole slayer thing gives you this cool dreams and you should really use them. We're gonna get along."
"Yes, that sounds wonderful. How about afterwards?"
"You told me that I could have some time to myself, and I did."
"You can tell me what you did."
"I guess, it's no biggy, I just took a walk in the sewers and I met up with this demon I hadn't seen in a while. We talked and he invited me back tonight to play poker with him and his friends."
"What kind of demon?" He asked opening the door to the Doublemeat Palace.
"He's the kind of demon that falls in love, drinks himself to sleep and makes me laugh."
"I know a vampire like that." Buffy said as they stepped up to the counter.
Faith's face went from smiling to frowning and she cleared her throat.
"Hello, Buffy, Faith and I were in the area and decided to come and have a meal." Derrick said looking at Faith's sad face and Buffy's surprised one.
"You've gotta eat, don't you Faith? What can I get for you?"
They ordered quickly, Buffy assembled it and handed them their food. Derrick and Faith sat down and began to eat while Buffy went to ask to take a break. She sat down with them and watched them.
Faith ate with relish consuming her food in record time. Derrick did not eat and instead drank a cup of coffee.
"We had an eventful evening, Buffy, we worked on a small nest of vampires near here."
Faith frowned. "Nothing big, B, they were pretty lame. I mean the last one I caught in this house that was tore up on the inside and broke his neck."
"A house near here? Really? I'm glad you had a good, I mean, whatever."
Faith finished her burger and turned to Derrick. "If it's alright, I'm gonna go to the game."
"Please, be careful, if you have any problems, call me. Do you have your cell phone?"
"Yeah, I'll call you when I'm on my way back. Have a good night B, I'm gonna go."
"You too, Faith, your going to a basketball game?"
"No, a poker game, actually. But it should be cool, we're not betting with money. I've never played kitten poker."
Faith turned and left, as the color drained from Buffy's face. Derrick watched her closely and reached over and touched her hand. She pulled it away telling him with her expression that touching her was wrong. He nodded.
"Do you know someone who plays kitten poker?" He asked.
"I use to, I should go."
"I didn't bring her here just to consume some very interesting food. I also found out a piece of information that I thought I should share with you." His expression and voice told her that he was way beyond serious.
"What is it, is it something to do with Dawn or Willow?"
"No, I swear, I wasn't completely honest with you when we first discussed Faith being back here. In truth, we're here for a very specific reason. Faith was told in order to leave prison she would have to prove herself in a quest. That quest is very dangerous and she could lose her life."
"So, she's going on a quest, so what?"
"I was given a pretty open ended period of time to train Faith and prepare her but now..I don't have the time I thought, I was informed that she will have to leave within the next few days to complete her task. I don't know in truth if she's ready but I wanted you to know just in case. She's been responding quite well to being home but I can't know for sure and I'm worried."
She could tell by his pained expression that he actually meant it. As long as she'd known Giles any sort of emotion was hard on him to display but Derrick was different. She almost regretted pulling away her hand from him.
"Faith's strong, and if she's meant to make it she will."
"It's just that I've only just met Faith and I want her to succeed. This quest is very hard but the reward should be great."
"Reward? What is this quest really about?"
"She will be searching for the Orb of Thebes, it's an ancient tool to restore the soul. It can actually help those who seek redemption to see the error of their ways and show them their lives if they reform. But to those with no soul or no need for redemption it can enslave them. She will have to face a great deal in order to be worthy of it."
"I can't help her, you can't ask me to."
"No, I wouldn't, I know that she has to do this by herself. I wanted you to know in case this doesn't work and someone less than worthy does obtain the orb. I also think that she deserves your support at least in spirit in doing this."
"She doesn't need my support, she needs a watchdog to make sure she doesn't use that orb to enslave bad people. I know you think she's great but I'm sorry if I've got some doubts. And look she's already out of your watchful eye, she's going to play kitten poker with a demons."
"So can I conclude from that statement that you think she's a danger to the orb or to the demon who falls in love and drinks himself to sleep?" He asked unsure of her true meaning. "That demon is none of anyone's business and the orb is in danger, now I'll go back to my job."
"We all have things in our pasts that we regret, and Faith at least has an opportunity to find a new path and redeem herself. I think she should be applauded for her attempt at least." Buffy got up, "I'd be happy to when I'm sure she's changed and playing poker with a demon she just met ain't gonna do it for me."
She breathed in deeply, the stale air filled her lungs and she almost coughed for the stench. She touched the cool door and knocked. A deep voice within beckoned her to enter. She opened the door and looked for him within. The crypt was well lit with candles making it almost romantic and moody. He stood by a make shift card table that looked more like the cover of a tomb. A cigarette was dangling from his mouth and he was dressed in a black tank top and jeans. She smiled at him and he acknowledged her.
"Have a seat, can I get you a drink?"
"Do you have a soda, I'm not much for the drinking."
"Sure, it's in the cooler under the table." He said laying out several sets of playing cards.
She took out the soda and noticed a large wicker basket next to it. She opened it slowly and was surprised to see the kittens inside it. She picked up the first one whose face popped out. She closed it quickly and began to pet the kitten who was mostly all white with some Siamese.
"Hey, put that back, you can't play with the item you were to play for."
She smiled as the crying kitten licked her face. "I don't know I think this one is cute. Why do you play for kittens?"
"I've been told they're delicious and the other demons like the taste, so that's what we use. Are you going to put that one back or take it home?"
"Spike this one is mine, don't worry all the rest I'll bet if you'll loan me a few to get me started."
"Sure, you can have my chair, but if you lose, I expect cash not a kitten coat."
"Deal, bring on the demons."
She stood in the middle of the cemetery staring at the graves wondering if she was turning into some sort of stalker. The minute she realized that Faith was on her way to see him it threw a wrench into her whole day. She finished her shift at the Doublemeat in a daze thinking of her there with him. It wasn't jealousy, she couldn't be jealous of her. She'd known Spike better than anyone else and still sometimes she could stare into his gentle blue eyes and see something unexpected. Being alive, a sensation she only felt in his arms and those arms were empty and alone.
She walked up slowly to his crypt door and fought every impulse in her body not to tear that door down. But she couldn't think of one good reason to do it. She heard Spike's laughter ring out and it was another dagger to her soul, he was happy and she was must be miserable. A moment later she heard Faith's laughter and it was a happy sound that almost never escaped her.
She breathed in deeply, the cool night air filling her lungs and failing to clear her mind. All she wanted was to not feel anymore and she walked away.
"Spike, what are you doing at the door?" Clem asked looking up from the cards.
He shrugged but didn't move until he was sure she was gone. He'd felt her presence before she'd been within a hundred yards of the place. He'd never drunk her blood but he could feel her like any prey he'd sampled. She was in his head like a bleeding curse.
"Hey, if your just gonna hang out by the door Spike, why don't you light up some more candles?" Faith asked putting down one card to pick up another.
He ignored her comment, he was sensitive to the light and she knew it. He went back to the table and picked up an empty bottle of liquor. When the cards were called, Faith smiled knowing full well that no one could beat her hand. She laughed as each of the demons exclaimed in frustration in their defeat.
"Well, we're out of here, Spike." Clem cried as the other demons rose to leave.
"Come on guys, I can spot you some strays." Faiths offered watching them get up.
"No way, I mean, your better company then the other slayer but your ability to keep on winning is uncanny." Clem said.
"So sue me, one more game will turn your day around."
"I haven't had such a bad day since we were locked in the slayers home. And that Dawn she's got a poker face that surpasses even yours, Faith. Anyway I can only spend so much time with non-demons before I feel my skin getting tight." He explained on his way out.
Spike began to clean up while Faith continued to play with her kitten. Emptying the ashtray, he looked at her and smiled. Her face was lovely almost child like and innocent. The kitten was sweetly licking her face, and her smile was almost happy.
"First pet?" He asked.
"Yeah, or at least the first one that liked me. So, you wanna bag the cagey and tell your tale."
"I'm English, you should be trying to understand me."
"Look, Blondie, you've been quiet and moody, don't get me wrong-you wear it well but what's up?"
"I don't know what your talking about."
"Well, let's start on this place, it's a wreck and why is a guy like you alone in it?"
"I don't like to keep house and I'm not alone, you're here and I do have friends."
"Sure, if you consider guys who you use your place as friends. There's a missing link here and I want to know, where's the girl that makes you miserable?"
He sighed. "I'm a lone wolf, I don't need one girl, and I've got a stable."
"I don't think so, if you want to tell me some time I'll listen."
"And what about you slayer? What's your tale? What are you doing in Sunnydale hell?"
She shook her head, " I don't have any secrets, and I'm getting ready to go on a quest."
"To that spot out in the desert? Buffy, mentioned it once after beating me half to death."
"No, I don't know anything about that. I'm going after this orb thing, it's not out in some desert as far as I know."
"An orb?"
"Some magical ball of stuff that redeems the soul or some crap like that. As far as I'm concerned it could be a big ball of twine and I'd go after it if it meant I could be free."
"It's dangerous I suppose, no point in the quest if your just gonna come home empty handed."
"If I don't get it, there's a pretty good chance I'll be dead."
He studied her and realized that she was afraid of death and it made her look even lovelier. She didn't tremble or give any outward signs of it but he could sense it. She'd lived her life in the darkness, perhaps like Buffy she'd found comfort in it and become lost. But in her eyes she looked tired like someone who'd fought many wars and was ready to stop. He could see how alike she and Buffy were and that being a slayer had changed them. That sweet, strong girl who'd battled him so many times was gone and in it's stead was a stronger, harder woman. Perhaps Angel and his leaving had destroyed that girl. He'd seen the love between Angel and Buffy, sickening and weak he'd thought but maybe it wasn't. She'd been more open to him, able to love. With Riley she'd been weak unavailable and he'd seen it before she did. He couldn't forget that she had proclaimed that she couldn't love him. He wanted her to love him and deep inside he'd hoped what they had would light that spark.
"Come by, whenever you like. I'm usually at home during the day but at night I like to go see Dawn."
She stood up and walked over to him, " I just got an invite? Are we gonna be friends?"
He smiled. "I don't do friendship very well."
Her lips were within reach of his but he didn't move toward her. "Neither do I."
He moved away from her and he heard her sigh. It would have been easy to take her right there and then something quick and pointless but he couldn't. The road of betrayal leads nowhere, even if it was only meant betraying someone who couldn't love you. It didn't stop him from hoping that one day she would come back and he couldn't destroy that for himself just yet.
She watched him enjoying the way he looked lost in thought. Attraction toward danger and evil was something that hadn't stopped inside of her. He wasn't good or clean and he didn't pretend to be. If there was another person on the planet she felt like-it was him. When she looked at him she knew that he felt it too, that unmistakable pull to tear each other's clothes off. But he was sad and there was another woman in his head.
"I'm gonna take my kitty and head home. I'll be back, Spike."
___________________________________________________ ~~Faith is a means to an end, folks, which means of course that this is a Spike and Buffy story.
So whatever Faith may dream of Spike, the truth is he belongs to only one slayer.
~~Feedback is lovely.
~~FYI- This story was started way before Season Seven, and it starts before everything goes wrong in Season Six.
PART TWO
It may come, it may come as some surprise but I miss you
I could see through all of your lies and still I miss you..Sade
"I just wanted to call to let you know that Faith is back in town. .." Buffy felt awkward saying the words to Xander.
For a moment she wasn't sure if he had even heard her, he just didn't react to her words. He had always been snappy-comeback-boy and now he was sometimes mute guy.
"Xander, nod if you hear me and if you don't.well, don't."
He nodded very slowly and finally looked in her general direction. He looked completely lost like someone who was watching a movie in another state.
"So, Faith is back, that's great. I guess we should get weapons and go kill her?" He stated matter of factly.
"Well, let's not do that until we're sure she's a danger to herself and others."
"Oh, sure, let's wait until she hurts one of us and tries to kill us. Yeah, let's do that. Because we all know that only after death is inflicted, that any of us notice the killer in our house. I've got something to do-at work and I'm gonna go. Tell Dawn I'll call her sometime and we'll catch a movie." He said heading for the door.
"Have you heard from Anya?" She asked almost fearfully.
"I don't, I can't talk about that, right now. Alright?" He stopped the doorknob in his hand.
"But maybe if you did-"
"Okay, I will if you will. Tell me about being without Spike, how you miss your blonde sex toy. And then when you're done I'll talk about her. I'll tell you about how I loved her and I lost her. Maybe you can compare that to your loss of Spike. I've lost the only woman I've ever really loved and you lost what?" He cried, his anger violent and bitter.
The tears welled in her eyes and she wanted to hit him. "Not talking is good."
The door slammed behind him and she sat down on the ground near the door. His words stung her making her feel like she couldn't defend herself. He wanted her to say something compare their pain or just tell him that his was worse. And down deep she knew his pain was deeper and more profound. But it didn't help and she couldn't share her feelings with anyone. She wasn't allowed to tell anyone what she felt, Willow and Xander had their pain but she couldn't. Everyday she had to be Buffy the strong, but no one was strong for her. They were all so damaged trying to hold onto pain and lost loves. She hid her pain day after day, she couldn't even mourn him or miss him. Whatever she felt it didn't matter to anyone.
The cool darkness surrounded her; the sounds and smells of the sewers were a comfort. She could explore this world and make it her own. Here in the dark she could just be and if danger crossed her path she could defeat it. She moved down each tunnel occasionally hitting a patch of sunlight and listening to the sounds from the streets. She just felt safe hiding in the darkness, it was it's own world.
She stopped suddenly sensing a presence in the sewer ahead of her. She approached it, there was a light up ahead from some sort of room. She reached the light and entered the room. Her feet almost stumbled on the thick layers of carpet and realized that she was in some crypt or lair. There were coffins strewn around with it's long dead contents still inside and on the walls were chains. But the other contents looked as if they'd been replaced after a fire or explosion. The large bed was still scarred with fire but on top of it she saw the presence sleeping. Empty bottles of liquor surrounded the bed and the presence looked passed out.
She approached the bed slowly, peering down her foot then hit something. She picked it up from the ground and looked at it, it was a small delicate cross-made of gold. It appeared new but completely out of place.
"What the.." The presence awoke and grabbed the necklace out of her hand.
Their eyes locked, his bright blue and full of pain and hers dark and quick. He held her by the wrist, not sure if he knew her or not. She pulled free, showing her amazing strength and then he seemed to understand her.
A deep laugh escaped him and he got up slowly keeping her in his cite.
"I should have known, another bloody slayer, what do you want? Faith isn't it?"
Her mouth was suddenly dry. "Yeah, your Spike, we've met before."
"I don't think so."
She almost blushed and smiled. "I borrowed Buffy's body a while back and we talked."
He stared at her, his look told her he wasn't convinced.
"I told you that I could ride you at a gallop and leave you begging for more, or something like that."
His eyes became wide, "That was you? I thought, well, that I had caught Buffy on a good night."
"Come on, B would never say a thing like that. She's too up tight for any dirty nasty fun."
He laughed. "Oh, you think so? She's got the face of an angel but she's not."
"Come on, Buffy the good, I doubt she's ever crossed the street without looking both ways. Such a square girl, she's always fighting evil and dating some cute co-ed. She couldn't even do a little breaking and entering without feeling all guilty about it."
"Let's just say that she's a little older and wiser now."
She looked around, "So, who did the torch job on this place?"
"Well, Buffy was a little angry and she just, never mind."
"So, Buffy redecorated your place? I've seen her work before, I would have expected a lot of pink and stuffed animals. But this works too."
He couldn't help but smile at her, making him laugh lately was quite a chore.
"Tell me, Faith, what are you doing in my crypt?"
"I was in the sewers, nice way to avoid, well, people and I saw the light. I didn't see a door or I would have knocked."
"Next time see that you do. Can I offer you a drink? I think there's a full bottle somewhere."
"No, I've got to patrol tonight. What's with the drinking?"
"It's my way to mend a broken heart, it's not effective but if you drink enough you can pass out. And if your really lucky, you don't dream about what you've lost."
"Okay, so your kinda sullen like she said."
"Like who said? Buffy? I didn't realize she even knew my name anymore."
"Yeah, and she got all strange."
"Really?" He smiled for a moment and then his face darkened.
"So, are you and Buffy close?"
"Not now, but once, we were close, I guess. And what about you?"
"No, I think B would like it if I just disappeared, wouldn't that be nice?"
"Nice? Being invisible just makes you think you can do anything and not get caught. Silly pranks and seducing innocent people, it's not all fun let me tell you. I still don't know how she found her invisible clothes."
She looked confused but decided to ignore the comment. "What do you do all day?"
He shrugged, "I read, watch my soaps, sometimes friends drop by and of course I drink."
"Sounds like a rocking good time, have you ever considered going out?"
"Where? The Bronze? Xander's hideaway, and we're not exactly chums."
"Yes, the original three-minute man, so you just kick it here all day and night?"
"Well, there's always poker with the guys, like tonight. Your welcome to join us, but we have a strict no killing demons policy."
"Hey, if they've got cash, I don't care what kind of demon they are."
"We play for kittens, actually, cash isn't what it use to be."
"You can count on me, I'll be there."
"We start late, so drop by, the game is upstairs by the way."
"I've gotta go, stuff to kill tonight."
She strolled out just as quickly as she walked in, another slayer in his midst. She was very different from Buffy, a true dark soul. She reminded of him of his lovely Drucilla, her raven hair and stunning looks. But in temperament they were nothing alike, Dru was dreamy while Faith seemed rooted in life. Neither lady held any true interest for him, he dreamed of the one with golden hair. He ached for her like he had once craved blood. He wanted to get lost in that hair once more and feel her body rise next to his. The memory of her almost cursed him and he grabbed at a bottle nearby. It was empty and he laughed. He threw it against the wall.
Buffy waited in the dark for Dawn to arrive home, she tried not to let every nightmare of Dawn aloneness play out in her head. She'd sat for so long after Xander left trying to just stop wanting and waiting for someone she had no right to even think about. After all the things Spike had done it should have been happy-simple to forget him. But there he was around every turn in her mind or near her home. He seemed to get along with her friends, her sister and most demons but they couldn't even be in the same room together. At first she had wanted to be angry at him to claim that all his love talk had been lust talk but she wasn't really sure she had the right. Whatever she felt for him she knew that anger wasn't going to help.
There was a gentle knock on the door, waking her out of her funk. She answered it hoping it wasn't the police with Dawn in tow.
"Hello, Buffy," greeted a smiling Derrick.
"I thought we decided I didn't need any help."
"I didn't come to offer my help, I came to speak to you on another matter."
"Well, I suppose if it's not Faith related I can listen." She said showing him into the living room.
"I didn't say it wasn't related to Faith, it's actually about patrolling. I'm not sure when you prefer to patrol but I'd like to set up some sort of schedule or area of coverage so that you can avoid Faith. Does that sound like something you'd be interested in?"
"I guess, but I'm not sure that I'd want Faith out there, alone."
"She will not be alone, I am her Watcher and until I'm sure that she's on the right path she won't be going anywhere alone on patrol. If you wish I can fill you in on the details of our patrolling if we come across any demons or areas of interest to you." He said trying to gauge her reaction.
"Yeah, well, if your gonna be there, I guess it'll be alright. You can handle her I suppose?"
"Yes, I can, I don't have the slayer strength but I've trained extensively and if worse comes to worse, I can take her out."
"Good because it just might come to that. Listen, I'm going to work tonight and I usually patrol on my way home. Tonight I'll skip it and you can have Sunnydale to yourself. I'm not working on Friday, it's Dawn's birthday and I'm having a party so your free to keep the streets safe. It's been pretty slow lately."
"Your working? You're the slayer, that is your job, what do you do?"
"Well, until I can figure out a way to charge the good people of Sunnydale for each vamp I stake, I sling burgers at the Doublemeat Palace. It's not glamorous but I have to pay the bills."
"I see, well, thank you for allowing us to patrol. And in future, please, if you need anything don't hesitate to call me."
The door opened suddenly and Dawn walked in, "Bye Janice, tell your mom, thanks."
"Dawn, where were you?" Buffy asked trying not to freak out in front of Derrick.
"I told you this morning, Janice and her mom were taking me to the mall for my birthday. It's a couple of days early but Janice is going out of town on Friday when I'm hopefully having a party. So who's this?"
"Hello, Dawn, my name is Derrick, I'm Faith's Watcher." He held out his hand and she shook it.
"You're a Watcher? When did they start making them so cute, where's the tweed and dopey glasses?"
He laughed. "Well, believe it or not some Watchers were born with out the geek gene included. No offense to Giles or Wesley, intended. I've read about you Dawn in the reports Giles sent to the Council and I must say that I am honored to know you. You're a brave girl and with your sister you helped to save the world and I want to say thank you."
Dawn smiled. "Yeah, your welcome. So you really read about me? I'm well known in geek circles?"
"Yes, of course, you're an extraordinary young woman, both of you are."
He smiled at them both, his eyes lingering on Buffy as she hugged her pleased sister.
"Do you want to come to my party on Friday?" Dawn asked hoping to hear more about herself from him.
"Well, yes, I would. I might have to leave early but I'd be very happy to stop by."
"Sure, we'll get started at six."
He headed for the door; "Thank you to you both and I'll see you soon."
Dawn and Buffy said goodbye to him and sat on the couch.
"What's with inviting the Watcher?" Buffy asked.
"Let's see, he's a babe, he thinks I'm great and another present couldn't hurt."
Running down the alley, she chased the vamp into an old abandoned home. When she entered she realized that it was demolished and she couldn't sense the vamp. She searched slowly trying to find him and not to betray herself. Behind her she could sense Derrick watching her every move. She closed her eyes and let her senses take over. In a flash she realized the vamp was behind a wall, she punched thru it cleanly and grabbed his neck. Her instinct was to play with him a bit for making it rough on her but she decided against it. She reached up with her other hand and twisted his neck until he turned to dust.
"I think you used good judgment with that one." Derrick commented making notes into his PDA.
"Let's see I dusted three vamps in four hours, I'd say that's my personal best. Tell me that I'm done for the night, cause I'm hungry and amped up."
"Yes, Faith I think you have earned a meal at a local burger joint."
"Good, I could really go for a Doublemeat Medley Meal. Isn't that place near by?"
"Yes, just a few blocks away, let's go."
They walked in silence until he raised the subject of how it went with her doctor's appointment.
"Oh, it went alright, Virginia's cool, she didn't try to judge me or tell me that I was completely bent or anything. She even explained a couple of my dreams to me. The whole slayer thing gives you this cool dreams and you should really use them. We're gonna get along."
"Yes, that sounds wonderful. How about afterwards?"
"You told me that I could have some time to myself, and I did."
"You can tell me what you did."
"I guess, it's no biggy, I just took a walk in the sewers and I met up with this demon I hadn't seen in a while. We talked and he invited me back tonight to play poker with him and his friends."
"What kind of demon?" He asked opening the door to the Doublemeat Palace.
"He's the kind of demon that falls in love, drinks himself to sleep and makes me laugh."
"I know a vampire like that." Buffy said as they stepped up to the counter.
Faith's face went from smiling to frowning and she cleared her throat.
"Hello, Buffy, Faith and I were in the area and decided to come and have a meal." Derrick said looking at Faith's sad face and Buffy's surprised one.
"You've gotta eat, don't you Faith? What can I get for you?"
They ordered quickly, Buffy assembled it and handed them their food. Derrick and Faith sat down and began to eat while Buffy went to ask to take a break. She sat down with them and watched them.
Faith ate with relish consuming her food in record time. Derrick did not eat and instead drank a cup of coffee.
"We had an eventful evening, Buffy, we worked on a small nest of vampires near here."
Faith frowned. "Nothing big, B, they were pretty lame. I mean the last one I caught in this house that was tore up on the inside and broke his neck."
"A house near here? Really? I'm glad you had a good, I mean, whatever."
Faith finished her burger and turned to Derrick. "If it's alright, I'm gonna go to the game."
"Please, be careful, if you have any problems, call me. Do you have your cell phone?"
"Yeah, I'll call you when I'm on my way back. Have a good night B, I'm gonna go."
"You too, Faith, your going to a basketball game?"
"No, a poker game, actually. But it should be cool, we're not betting with money. I've never played kitten poker."
Faith turned and left, as the color drained from Buffy's face. Derrick watched her closely and reached over and touched her hand. She pulled it away telling him with her expression that touching her was wrong. He nodded.
"Do you know someone who plays kitten poker?" He asked.
"I use to, I should go."
"I didn't bring her here just to consume some very interesting food. I also found out a piece of information that I thought I should share with you." His expression and voice told her that he was way beyond serious.
"What is it, is it something to do with Dawn or Willow?"
"No, I swear, I wasn't completely honest with you when we first discussed Faith being back here. In truth, we're here for a very specific reason. Faith was told in order to leave prison she would have to prove herself in a quest. That quest is very dangerous and she could lose her life."
"So, she's going on a quest, so what?"
"I was given a pretty open ended period of time to train Faith and prepare her but now..I don't have the time I thought, I was informed that she will have to leave within the next few days to complete her task. I don't know in truth if she's ready but I wanted you to know just in case. She's been responding quite well to being home but I can't know for sure and I'm worried."
She could tell by his pained expression that he actually meant it. As long as she'd known Giles any sort of emotion was hard on him to display but Derrick was different. She almost regretted pulling away her hand from him.
"Faith's strong, and if she's meant to make it she will."
"It's just that I've only just met Faith and I want her to succeed. This quest is very hard but the reward should be great."
"Reward? What is this quest really about?"
"She will be searching for the Orb of Thebes, it's an ancient tool to restore the soul. It can actually help those who seek redemption to see the error of their ways and show them their lives if they reform. But to those with no soul or no need for redemption it can enslave them. She will have to face a great deal in order to be worthy of it."
"I can't help her, you can't ask me to."
"No, I wouldn't, I know that she has to do this by herself. I wanted you to know in case this doesn't work and someone less than worthy does obtain the orb. I also think that she deserves your support at least in spirit in doing this."
"She doesn't need my support, she needs a watchdog to make sure she doesn't use that orb to enslave bad people. I know you think she's great but I'm sorry if I've got some doubts. And look she's already out of your watchful eye, she's going to play kitten poker with a demons."
"So can I conclude from that statement that you think she's a danger to the orb or to the demon who falls in love and drinks himself to sleep?" He asked unsure of her true meaning. "That demon is none of anyone's business and the orb is in danger, now I'll go back to my job."
"We all have things in our pasts that we regret, and Faith at least has an opportunity to find a new path and redeem herself. I think she should be applauded for her attempt at least." Buffy got up, "I'd be happy to when I'm sure she's changed and playing poker with a demon she just met ain't gonna do it for me."
She breathed in deeply, the stale air filled her lungs and she almost coughed for the stench. She touched the cool door and knocked. A deep voice within beckoned her to enter. She opened the door and looked for him within. The crypt was well lit with candles making it almost romantic and moody. He stood by a make shift card table that looked more like the cover of a tomb. A cigarette was dangling from his mouth and he was dressed in a black tank top and jeans. She smiled at him and he acknowledged her.
"Have a seat, can I get you a drink?"
"Do you have a soda, I'm not much for the drinking."
"Sure, it's in the cooler under the table." He said laying out several sets of playing cards.
She took out the soda and noticed a large wicker basket next to it. She opened it slowly and was surprised to see the kittens inside it. She picked up the first one whose face popped out. She closed it quickly and began to pet the kitten who was mostly all white with some Siamese.
"Hey, put that back, you can't play with the item you were to play for."
She smiled as the crying kitten licked her face. "I don't know I think this one is cute. Why do you play for kittens?"
"I've been told they're delicious and the other demons like the taste, so that's what we use. Are you going to put that one back or take it home?"
"Spike this one is mine, don't worry all the rest I'll bet if you'll loan me a few to get me started."
"Sure, you can have my chair, but if you lose, I expect cash not a kitten coat."
"Deal, bring on the demons."
She stood in the middle of the cemetery staring at the graves wondering if she was turning into some sort of stalker. The minute she realized that Faith was on her way to see him it threw a wrench into her whole day. She finished her shift at the Doublemeat in a daze thinking of her there with him. It wasn't jealousy, she couldn't be jealous of her. She'd known Spike better than anyone else and still sometimes she could stare into his gentle blue eyes and see something unexpected. Being alive, a sensation she only felt in his arms and those arms were empty and alone.
She walked up slowly to his crypt door and fought every impulse in her body not to tear that door down. But she couldn't think of one good reason to do it. She heard Spike's laughter ring out and it was another dagger to her soul, he was happy and she was must be miserable. A moment later she heard Faith's laughter and it was a happy sound that almost never escaped her.
She breathed in deeply, the cool night air filling her lungs and failing to clear her mind. All she wanted was to not feel anymore and she walked away.
"Spike, what are you doing at the door?" Clem asked looking up from the cards.
He shrugged but didn't move until he was sure she was gone. He'd felt her presence before she'd been within a hundred yards of the place. He'd never drunk her blood but he could feel her like any prey he'd sampled. She was in his head like a bleeding curse.
"Hey, if your just gonna hang out by the door Spike, why don't you light up some more candles?" Faith asked putting down one card to pick up another.
He ignored her comment, he was sensitive to the light and she knew it. He went back to the table and picked up an empty bottle of liquor. When the cards were called, Faith smiled knowing full well that no one could beat her hand. She laughed as each of the demons exclaimed in frustration in their defeat.
"Well, we're out of here, Spike." Clem cried as the other demons rose to leave.
"Come on guys, I can spot you some strays." Faiths offered watching them get up.
"No way, I mean, your better company then the other slayer but your ability to keep on winning is uncanny." Clem said.
"So sue me, one more game will turn your day around."
"I haven't had such a bad day since we were locked in the slayers home. And that Dawn she's got a poker face that surpasses even yours, Faith. Anyway I can only spend so much time with non-demons before I feel my skin getting tight." He explained on his way out.
Spike began to clean up while Faith continued to play with her kitten. Emptying the ashtray, he looked at her and smiled. Her face was lovely almost child like and innocent. The kitten was sweetly licking her face, and her smile was almost happy.
"First pet?" He asked.
"Yeah, or at least the first one that liked me. So, you wanna bag the cagey and tell your tale."
"I'm English, you should be trying to understand me."
"Look, Blondie, you've been quiet and moody, don't get me wrong-you wear it well but what's up?"
"I don't know what your talking about."
"Well, let's start on this place, it's a wreck and why is a guy like you alone in it?"
"I don't like to keep house and I'm not alone, you're here and I do have friends."
"Sure, if you consider guys who you use your place as friends. There's a missing link here and I want to know, where's the girl that makes you miserable?"
He sighed. "I'm a lone wolf, I don't need one girl, and I've got a stable."
"I don't think so, if you want to tell me some time I'll listen."
"And what about you slayer? What's your tale? What are you doing in Sunnydale hell?"
She shook her head, " I don't have any secrets, and I'm getting ready to go on a quest."
"To that spot out in the desert? Buffy, mentioned it once after beating me half to death."
"No, I don't know anything about that. I'm going after this orb thing, it's not out in some desert as far as I know."
"An orb?"
"Some magical ball of stuff that redeems the soul or some crap like that. As far as I'm concerned it could be a big ball of twine and I'd go after it if it meant I could be free."
"It's dangerous I suppose, no point in the quest if your just gonna come home empty handed."
"If I don't get it, there's a pretty good chance I'll be dead."
He studied her and realized that she was afraid of death and it made her look even lovelier. She didn't tremble or give any outward signs of it but he could sense it. She'd lived her life in the darkness, perhaps like Buffy she'd found comfort in it and become lost. But in her eyes she looked tired like someone who'd fought many wars and was ready to stop. He could see how alike she and Buffy were and that being a slayer had changed them. That sweet, strong girl who'd battled him so many times was gone and in it's stead was a stronger, harder woman. Perhaps Angel and his leaving had destroyed that girl. He'd seen the love between Angel and Buffy, sickening and weak he'd thought but maybe it wasn't. She'd been more open to him, able to love. With Riley she'd been weak unavailable and he'd seen it before she did. He couldn't forget that she had proclaimed that she couldn't love him. He wanted her to love him and deep inside he'd hoped what they had would light that spark.
"Come by, whenever you like. I'm usually at home during the day but at night I like to go see Dawn."
She stood up and walked over to him, " I just got an invite? Are we gonna be friends?"
He smiled. "I don't do friendship very well."
Her lips were within reach of his but he didn't move toward her. "Neither do I."
He moved away from her and he heard her sigh. It would have been easy to take her right there and then something quick and pointless but he couldn't. The road of betrayal leads nowhere, even if it was only meant betraying someone who couldn't love you. It didn't stop him from hoping that one day she would come back and he couldn't destroy that for himself just yet.
She watched him enjoying the way he looked lost in thought. Attraction toward danger and evil was something that hadn't stopped inside of her. He wasn't good or clean and he didn't pretend to be. If there was another person on the planet she felt like-it was him. When she looked at him she knew that he felt it too, that unmistakable pull to tear each other's clothes off. But he was sad and there was another woman in his head.
"I'm gonna take my kitty and head home. I'll be back, Spike."
___________________________________________________ ~~Faith is a means to an end, folks, which means of course that this is a Spike and Buffy story.
So whatever Faith may dream of Spike, the truth is he belongs to only one slayer.