Chapter 7
Title: Just Messing Around
Author: Joyce
Email: zinehall@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: Joss is King.
Rating: PG
Pairing: Spike/Buffy, Spike/Dawn friendship.
Spoilers: Season 6 post "As You Were"
Summary: Someone new enters Spike's life.
********************************************************************
"Spike? You home?"Dawn called as she knocked at the door. The early morning sun shone off on the horizon. Dawn had sneaked out early on this Saturday morning. She needed some friendly company after the disappointment of last night.
"Spike? Are you in there?"
She heard a bark. Oh he still has the dog..what's his name? Something to do with lions or honey.. Oh Bear, I remember. Suddenly the door opened inward. Spike was safely outside the sun's rays.
"Bit? What brings you here? Big Sis know you're up and about? Slayer's not usually up at this hour," he said squinting heavily.
"How would you know?"Dawn asked.
Spike stiffened. "Just saying is all. Slayer keeps late hours. Needs her beauty rest so she can fight the good fight and all that rot".
As Dawn walked in, she nearly tripped over an over eager dog. She bent down and took his head between her hands. Bear did the wig wag dog thing jumping up and down happily. Dawn couldn't help feeling a frisson of anxiety. She couldn't stop being amazed that the dog was still alive. Spike looked at her questioningly.
"Uh, Spike? Why do you still have this dog? I thought he would have been dinner by now, you being a vampire and all. What, are you really keeping him as a pet?"
"Shush. Don't tell anyone. Cute 'lil guy. Kinda grows on me. Yeah, I'm keeping him for now. Good company he is."
Spike reached down and stroked Bear. Bear was loving the sandwichy attention. It was too much for him that he let loose a trickle.
"Oh no you don't . You know where to go. Wait here, Bit."
Spike took the rambunctious dog down the ladder to the specified dug out doggy area. After all, he couldn't walk him during the day. This worked for both of them. When Bear had done his business, Spike brought him back to the upper level of the crypt. Dawn was peaking down. She couldn't see much but the sight of velvety fabric intrigued her.
"Spike, what have you done down there? Looks like you had some sort of a demonic decorating frenzy. But it's kinda burnt. What happened? Ooh, can I see?"
"No!" he shouted.
At the hurt look on Dawn's face, he said. "Bad enough that you're here. The Slayer would have a freak out if she found you downstairs. I rather fancy remaining one of the non dusty undead."
Spike brought Bear up and closed the trap door. Dawn sat down on the couch.
"Spike, we haven't really spent any time together for awhile and I miss you."
"Nice to hear that, Bit."
Spike thought it was wonderfully caring of someone to miss him. He just wished Buffy would miss him, even just a little. He looked down.
"What's wrong? You don't want me here?"
"Oh, sorry Bit. Was just thinking of something else."
"Oh you and Buffy are always thinking of something else when I'm talking."
Dawn got up and stomped towards the door.
"Why do I bother? No one wants to listen to me! " The tears were flowing before she got to the door.
Spike cocked his head. The sight of a Summers in distress disturbed him. "Here now , Bit, what's wrong?"
Dawn plopped down. "No one seems to want me around," she sniffed. "I feel as if I'm in the way."
Bear was looking at her quizzically. Spike sat down on the couch. "Wanna talk? I'm here to listen." He looked at Dawn with wide open eyes.
"Buffy's unhappy and I think it's 'cos of me.."
Spike had zeroed in on the Buffy being unhappy part. He leaned in closer.
Dawn caught another breath between sobs. " I thought things were going to be Ok after Buffy's birthday party. She seemed really to care for a little while then she went back to being all avoidy. I haven't done anything wrong. She seems all closed off, you know? I don't know where I stand. " She wiped her eyes. "Willow...don't want to talk to her. I'm still scared. Tara was great. I blame Willow for driving her away. She was the only one of the gang who had time for me."
"There now, Bit. Not your fault. Red's got some problems which she has to work out. Don't you go off feeling it's your fault. I'm sure you can call Glinda anytime."
"I don't know. It was so easy to talk to her when she was living down the hall. I just miss her. " Her eyes were beginning to clear. She calmed down. "I'm so glad that you're here, Spike. You always listened to me. I've felt so closed off because Buffy put a barrier between us in not so many words. I know something's going on with you and Buffy but I don't know what. She seems to tense up when I mention your name. So I felt sort of guilty sneaking out this morning. I know she wouldn't approve. Thanks, Spike." She stood up. "Oh, before I forget, you're going to be invited to the wedding."
Spike was surprised. "Yeah?"
"Yeah. I overhead Xander and Anya arguing about it but Anya's made up her mind to invite you."
Spike smiled. "Bet the whelp was fuming."
"He looked liked he'd blown a gasket." Dawn was definitely feeling better. "Better get going now before I'm missed." She laughed and left quickly leaving the door open in her haste.
Spike groaned. He closed the door and picked up Bear. "Yeah, Bear, scruffy one, it's just you and me. Can't figure out those Summer's women." But he was feeling better. Lots better. And a wedding invite to boot.
Truth be told, he'd also missed the Little Bit. He'd found out just how tenacious she was when it came to learning things. She was full of spunk just like Buffy. Buffy. Spike did not push the thought of Buffy out of his mind this time. The pain had lessened considerably. He lay down on the couch and held Bear, clinging to him for solace. Did Buffy even think about him at all? Did she hate him? Why didn't she stake him? Did she really think he was the "Doctor"? Somehow, he thought that if she really believed that, she would have staked him on the spot. He still had his unlife so there was hope. Hope was everlasting or so he recalled from his days as a poet. Hope was what drove humans to do more and to push for what they wanted. Vampires mostly lived in the moment. Spike was different from most vampires in that he had dreams,desires and hopes of fullfilling those desires. He also worked hard to accomplish his goals. That was what had made him such a formidable opponent to countless demons and three slayers. He had accomplished all his goals except for winning over Buffy. Buffy was an anomaly. He also had failed to kill her, luckily for him. His failure had led to a new beginning. She had opened a whole new world to him. His life as a chipped vampire would have been unbearable save for the bright presence of Buffy. She was sublime, golden,and radiant but with a trace of darkness. Such power. Instinctively, he felt that her power was rooted in darkness. He was irresistably drawn to the unique combination of this particular slayer. They belonged together even is she didn't know it. The fact that he could hurt her if he wanted sealed the deal for him. She wasn't human and he seemed to be the only one who knew. What would her precious Scoobies think if they knew what he did? He simply had to try to get her back. Spike puffed his chest. She was over him? Don't think so. Why, I bet she's dreaming about me even now. He smirked, put Bear on his chest and settled in for the day. ____________________________________________________________
The door slamming awakened Buffy. She then heard heated conversation downstairs followed by frantic running up the stairs and yet another door slamming. That would be Dawn. Buffy pulled the pillow over her ears. She didn't need this. So sleepy. Wanted to sleep. She yawned, curled into a ball, and waited breathlessly for a few moments. When it became apparent that no one needed her at the moment, she nestled comfortably under the covers.
"MMm,Spike,"she murmured.
She opened her eyes and sat up. Had she been loud enough for someone to hear her? She lay back down. She missed Spike terribly. Oh what had she done? She had felt so comfortable and wanted in his arms. She felt they had an unspoken communication and she missed it. Riley had been what she wanted but it wasn't enough. She should have been so happy. Buffy was relieved in a way that Riley was married and happy. Yes, she realized that she was indeed relieved. She no longer had to worry about what might have happened. Riley was taken. Funny wasn't it? Such a difference a few days made. She had spent time feeling envious when that wasn't the case at all. She felt as if a load had been lifted off her shoulders. ...
Why had she been swayed by Riley's swagger?Because he was good and Spike was bad? What was bad? Spike had done many so called good things even though he was technically bad. This was so confusing. It was wrong of her to have gotten caught up in Riley's need to blame everything on Spike. Why? It sure seemed like jealously from this angle. Spike was too adorably inept to be the Doctor but she'd gone along with Riley. At the time, that had seemed the right thing to do. Now, she wasn't so sure. She did know that the only definite thing she needed was to get Spike back. However, her pride was a major obstacle. Apologize to Spike, the evil undead thing? She choked on the moniker which she had ,with great effort, added on this time. It was what grounded her in the human world, as far as she was concerned. There should be a definite line of demarcation. Me good. Spike evil. Hence it's bad for us to be together however much I desire him. And desire him she did. The sheets showed evidence of just how desirable Spike was. He was lean and long. Lots of Spikey goodness there for sure. Yeah, she'd tell him one day. She relaxed,smiled and went back to sleep.
THE END
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Please give feedback and suggestions for how to do a proper ending. I originally had another ending but lost my notes so I ended it ambiguously so as to be a plausible between canon story. I'm also seeking feedback on the characters. Dawn is much more likeable in Season 7 than she was in Season 6. If she comes across as whiny and spoiled, that's how she seemed to me at the time. She is simply wonderful and gracious now. Willow has also changed for the better. I just hope I depicted an accurate time line portrayal of the characters. In Hell's Bells, it seemed that Buffy hadn't spoken to Spike since As You Were but lots had happened offscreen to color her reaction to seeing Spike at the wedding.
Title: Just Messing Around
Author: Joyce
Email: zinehall@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: Joss is King.
Rating: PG
Pairing: Spike/Buffy, Spike/Dawn friendship.
Spoilers: Season 6 post "As You Were"
Summary: Someone new enters Spike's life.
********************************************************************
"Spike? You home?"Dawn called as she knocked at the door. The early morning sun shone off on the horizon. Dawn had sneaked out early on this Saturday morning. She needed some friendly company after the disappointment of last night.
"Spike? Are you in there?"
She heard a bark. Oh he still has the dog..what's his name? Something to do with lions or honey.. Oh Bear, I remember. Suddenly the door opened inward. Spike was safely outside the sun's rays.
"Bit? What brings you here? Big Sis know you're up and about? Slayer's not usually up at this hour," he said squinting heavily.
"How would you know?"Dawn asked.
Spike stiffened. "Just saying is all. Slayer keeps late hours. Needs her beauty rest so she can fight the good fight and all that rot".
As Dawn walked in, she nearly tripped over an over eager dog. She bent down and took his head between her hands. Bear did the wig wag dog thing jumping up and down happily. Dawn couldn't help feeling a frisson of anxiety. She couldn't stop being amazed that the dog was still alive. Spike looked at her questioningly.
"Uh, Spike? Why do you still have this dog? I thought he would have been dinner by now, you being a vampire and all. What, are you really keeping him as a pet?"
"Shush. Don't tell anyone. Cute 'lil guy. Kinda grows on me. Yeah, I'm keeping him for now. Good company he is."
Spike reached down and stroked Bear. Bear was loving the sandwichy attention. It was too much for him that he let loose a trickle.
"Oh no you don't . You know where to go. Wait here, Bit."
Spike took the rambunctious dog down the ladder to the specified dug out doggy area. After all, he couldn't walk him during the day. This worked for both of them. When Bear had done his business, Spike brought him back to the upper level of the crypt. Dawn was peaking down. She couldn't see much but the sight of velvety fabric intrigued her.
"Spike, what have you done down there? Looks like you had some sort of a demonic decorating frenzy. But it's kinda burnt. What happened? Ooh, can I see?"
"No!" he shouted.
At the hurt look on Dawn's face, he said. "Bad enough that you're here. The Slayer would have a freak out if she found you downstairs. I rather fancy remaining one of the non dusty undead."
Spike brought Bear up and closed the trap door. Dawn sat down on the couch.
"Spike, we haven't really spent any time together for awhile and I miss you."
"Nice to hear that, Bit."
Spike thought it was wonderfully caring of someone to miss him. He just wished Buffy would miss him, even just a little. He looked down.
"What's wrong? You don't want me here?"
"Oh, sorry Bit. Was just thinking of something else."
"Oh you and Buffy are always thinking of something else when I'm talking."
Dawn got up and stomped towards the door.
"Why do I bother? No one wants to listen to me! " The tears were flowing before she got to the door.
Spike cocked his head. The sight of a Summers in distress disturbed him. "Here now , Bit, what's wrong?"
Dawn plopped down. "No one seems to want me around," she sniffed. "I feel as if I'm in the way."
Bear was looking at her quizzically. Spike sat down on the couch. "Wanna talk? I'm here to listen." He looked at Dawn with wide open eyes.
"Buffy's unhappy and I think it's 'cos of me.."
Spike had zeroed in on the Buffy being unhappy part. He leaned in closer.
Dawn caught another breath between sobs. " I thought things were going to be Ok after Buffy's birthday party. She seemed really to care for a little while then she went back to being all avoidy. I haven't done anything wrong. She seems all closed off, you know? I don't know where I stand. " She wiped her eyes. "Willow...don't want to talk to her. I'm still scared. Tara was great. I blame Willow for driving her away. She was the only one of the gang who had time for me."
"There now, Bit. Not your fault. Red's got some problems which she has to work out. Don't you go off feeling it's your fault. I'm sure you can call Glinda anytime."
"I don't know. It was so easy to talk to her when she was living down the hall. I just miss her. " Her eyes were beginning to clear. She calmed down. "I'm so glad that you're here, Spike. You always listened to me. I've felt so closed off because Buffy put a barrier between us in not so many words. I know something's going on with you and Buffy but I don't know what. She seems to tense up when I mention your name. So I felt sort of guilty sneaking out this morning. I know she wouldn't approve. Thanks, Spike." She stood up. "Oh, before I forget, you're going to be invited to the wedding."
Spike was surprised. "Yeah?"
"Yeah. I overhead Xander and Anya arguing about it but Anya's made up her mind to invite you."
Spike smiled. "Bet the whelp was fuming."
"He looked liked he'd blown a gasket." Dawn was definitely feeling better. "Better get going now before I'm missed." She laughed and left quickly leaving the door open in her haste.
Spike groaned. He closed the door and picked up Bear. "Yeah, Bear, scruffy one, it's just you and me. Can't figure out those Summer's women." But he was feeling better. Lots better. And a wedding invite to boot.
Truth be told, he'd also missed the Little Bit. He'd found out just how tenacious she was when it came to learning things. She was full of spunk just like Buffy. Buffy. Spike did not push the thought of Buffy out of his mind this time. The pain had lessened considerably. He lay down on the couch and held Bear, clinging to him for solace. Did Buffy even think about him at all? Did she hate him? Why didn't she stake him? Did she really think he was the "Doctor"? Somehow, he thought that if she really believed that, she would have staked him on the spot. He still had his unlife so there was hope. Hope was everlasting or so he recalled from his days as a poet. Hope was what drove humans to do more and to push for what they wanted. Vampires mostly lived in the moment. Spike was different from most vampires in that he had dreams,desires and hopes of fullfilling those desires. He also worked hard to accomplish his goals. That was what had made him such a formidable opponent to countless demons and three slayers. He had accomplished all his goals except for winning over Buffy. Buffy was an anomaly. He also had failed to kill her, luckily for him. His failure had led to a new beginning. She had opened a whole new world to him. His life as a chipped vampire would have been unbearable save for the bright presence of Buffy. She was sublime, golden,and radiant but with a trace of darkness. Such power. Instinctively, he felt that her power was rooted in darkness. He was irresistably drawn to the unique combination of this particular slayer. They belonged together even is she didn't know it. The fact that he could hurt her if he wanted sealed the deal for him. She wasn't human and he seemed to be the only one who knew. What would her precious Scoobies think if they knew what he did? He simply had to try to get her back. Spike puffed his chest. She was over him? Don't think so. Why, I bet she's dreaming about me even now. He smirked, put Bear on his chest and settled in for the day. ____________________________________________________________
The door slamming awakened Buffy. She then heard heated conversation downstairs followed by frantic running up the stairs and yet another door slamming. That would be Dawn. Buffy pulled the pillow over her ears. She didn't need this. So sleepy. Wanted to sleep. She yawned, curled into a ball, and waited breathlessly for a few moments. When it became apparent that no one needed her at the moment, she nestled comfortably under the covers.
"MMm,Spike,"she murmured.
She opened her eyes and sat up. Had she been loud enough for someone to hear her? She lay back down. She missed Spike terribly. Oh what had she done? She had felt so comfortable and wanted in his arms. She felt they had an unspoken communication and she missed it. Riley had been what she wanted but it wasn't enough. She should have been so happy. Buffy was relieved in a way that Riley was married and happy. Yes, she realized that she was indeed relieved. She no longer had to worry about what might have happened. Riley was taken. Funny wasn't it? Such a difference a few days made. She had spent time feeling envious when that wasn't the case at all. She felt as if a load had been lifted off her shoulders. ...
Why had she been swayed by Riley's swagger?Because he was good and Spike was bad? What was bad? Spike had done many so called good things even though he was technically bad. This was so confusing. It was wrong of her to have gotten caught up in Riley's need to blame everything on Spike. Why? It sure seemed like jealously from this angle. Spike was too adorably inept to be the Doctor but she'd gone along with Riley. At the time, that had seemed the right thing to do. Now, she wasn't so sure. She did know that the only definite thing she needed was to get Spike back. However, her pride was a major obstacle. Apologize to Spike, the evil undead thing? She choked on the moniker which she had ,with great effort, added on this time. It was what grounded her in the human world, as far as she was concerned. There should be a definite line of demarcation. Me good. Spike evil. Hence it's bad for us to be together however much I desire him. And desire him she did. The sheets showed evidence of just how desirable Spike was. He was lean and long. Lots of Spikey goodness there for sure. Yeah, she'd tell him one day. She relaxed,smiled and went back to sleep.
THE END
********************************************************************
Please give feedback and suggestions for how to do a proper ending. I originally had another ending but lost my notes so I ended it ambiguously so as to be a plausible between canon story. I'm also seeking feedback on the characters. Dawn is much more likeable in Season 7 than she was in Season 6. If she comes across as whiny and spoiled, that's how she seemed to me at the time. She is simply wonderful and gracious now. Willow has also changed for the better. I just hope I depicted an accurate time line portrayal of the characters. In Hell's Bells, it seemed that Buffy hadn't spoken to Spike since As You Were but lots had happened offscreen to color her reaction to seeing Spike at the wedding.