Good evening, All,
Well, despite the single worst stomach flu I've had in years, I did manage to push this one through on time. There will be one more chapter of this saga this week, as well as a specialty, birthday fic for a friend (as soon as my mind decides to work full time again).
The action is picking up and we are cruising steadily towards the finale. Do keep in mind what you would like to see happen after this book, as I will be asking. With the fate of our show sealed, I am curious to know if you would like to see this saga continue, or if you would like to change paths a bit and concentrate more on Emma and Will. Our own little series. Just a thought.
Anyway, please enjoy this chapter. Feedback helps me survive so give it up! The Muse would be everso grateful.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the chapter.
*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Spike and a widdle Buffy and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: Leaving Home (Chapter Twenty-eight of The One)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing: Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com . Also, please visit the wonderful fan listing that Rachel put together. Sign up today and link to your website (or just sign up to say hi!). The fan listing can be found at .
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (With, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)
Summary: Buffy and Spike prepare for patrol. Giles puts the plan to protect the children into action and Anya comes to the rescue. Draconius and Luke discover that they have a new problem to contend with. Meanwhile, Spike thinks that Buffy is back to normal. Or is she?
Leaving Home
Buffy dressed in silence as he sat on the bed, watching. Black leather pants. Black blouse with a black tank top underneath. Black boots. It was all a startling contrast to her pretty blonde hair and innocent face, but the clothing was nothing in contrast to the black cloud that hung over her like a thunderstorm waiting to exhale.
"You all right, Pet?" Spike asked, sliding another stake into his duster pocket. She strapped on the wrist sheathes that he had made for her and went to the closet to find her jacket.
"Fine," she answered, sullenly. Still Buffy. But he knew both her discomfort and his was from the knowledge that it wouldn't be her much longer.
Slowly, he approached her, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. Buffy sighed, leaning back against him, knowing that she could put up the mother of all brave fronts, but not around him. "You're not, Pet."
"No," Buffy answered. "I'm not. I'm going to be the Scourge of Sunnydale in about an hour. How could I be fine?"
Spike spun her around slowly, forcing her to face him. "You won't, Love. Got the world's second best demon fighter at your side. Won't let you wreak havoc on the innocents." He smiled, hoping that she'd let herself laugh, but she just stared up at him, eyes full of fear. "C'mon, Pet. The Witches and your Watcher will suss it out. Probably while we're gone. In the meantime, I won't let anything happen to you."
"You didn't seem to be able to stop me last night," Buffy huffed, spinning back around.
Spike turned her gently to face him once again. "I didn't want to, Pet. Wanted you to claim me. Wanted to help you."
Buffy's eyes filled, her hand sliding to the now exposed wound on his neck. It was healing, but still raw and jagged. "How can you love me?"
Spike had to chuckle at that. "How can I not? Don't want me to start a list, do ya? Might take me all bloody night."
At that, Buffy smiled, letting her head fall against his chest. "I don't want to lose you. I don't want to lose them."
"Won't happen," Spike whispered, kissing the crown of her head. "Never lose us. Just have to hang on, Love. We'll get it sorted. In the meantime, nothing like a good spot of violence to quell the beast."
Buffy pushed from his chest, looking up at his face. "Thought it was the righteous shag?" A grin broke across her face at the devilish glint in his eyes.
"If you behave, you'll have both, Pet."
~~~~~
The door shutting upstairs made them jump.
Dawn and Tara were on the back porch, watching for signs of the spell working. Willow, Oz, Giles and Xander sat in the basement, listening to the sound of the door slam and footsteps on the front stairs.
"I.I don't know if this is a good idea. I mean. Giles. what if she notices before we've figured out how." Willow stuttered as Giles rose from his chair and walked towards the phone.
"I think it a rather poor option to give Buffy the opportunity to do what she did to Spike last night, albeit unwittingly, to one of her children. What do you think that she would be more likely to forgive, Willow? Removing her children from danger or allowing her to harm one of them?" Giles responded, his face stony as he dialed. "Yes. It's time. Randy's with the sitter? Good. Best he not be around them. Right then. Anya, are you. you know that you're being asked to defend them? I know, dear. But you must. I know you love them. Please, just. if Buffy does find you and she's not herself, do what you can to simply stop her, but not harm her too badly. I know. If it comes down to it. but. Yes, Spike is with her. Right. It's time. Goodbye."
"You didn't just tell Anya it was all right to." Xander asked, wide eyed.
"To what?" Giles asked, his body stiff with tension. Slowly, he stalked the room.
"K.kill her?" Xander continued, his hands nervously fluttering in his lap.
Giles closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "As a matter of fact, Xander, I asked her not to. If you would cease to jump to conclusions.."
Xander nodded solemnly. "I'm sorry. This is... it's all too much."
The Watcher rolled his head, closing his eyes and trying to center himself. "I understand. But you must also give me credit for being the girl's Watcher and her. close to her," Giles continued. "I'd never wish harm upon her. Anya. she's quite. she's become quite protective over children and I wanted her to be wary of how vigorously she defends them. Do only what she has to. But Spike chose her because of."
"Spike?" Willow asked. "Spike asked Anya to take the kids?"
Giles nodded. "Spike asked me to address it with Anya. He knows she'd sooner die than let one of the children perish. She's the only one of us remaining who is powerful enough to defend them against a Slayer infected by Vampirism." He thought for a moment, looking at Willow. "Possibly not the only one," he amended. "But I don't think Spike really wants to put you in a position.."
"I understand," Willow responded, nodding. "Just. this can't be happening."
Oz smiled from his spot on the recliner. "A nickel for every time I've heard that on the Hellmouth."
Xander chuckled. "We'd all be living large."
~~~~~~
Giles had sent Tara to take Dawn to the supermarket. Dawn didn't need to see this. Even if she were old enough to understand why they were taking the kids, she didn't need to swallow that dose of reality quite yet. Oz and Xander walked the perimeter of the house as Giles and Anya stood in the front hall, bundling the two confused children into coats.
William looked at Giles sadly as Giles worked the toggles of William's jacket. The look on the boy's face made him want to cry. "It'll be quite all right, Will. Have you back in no time."
Emma stared at Anya for a moment, a bit of defiance creeping into her sad countenance. "Does daddy know you're taking us away?"
Anya smiled, wrapping an arm around Emma's waist and pulling the little girl against her. "Of course. He asked me to take you for a weekend getaway. You, me, Will and all the popcorn and Disney movies you can handle."
Emma smiled a little at that. "Are you sure? Because daddy doesn't like it when we're away." Again, Anya smiled, the sadness showing through. "No, he doesn't. Neither does your mum. But sometimes you have to be away from the people you love. Just for a little while."
Emma seemed to accept that, even if she was wary. Will just stood quietly and stared at Giles. "You all right, Will?"
"Mum," William whispered, under his breath. "Want mummy."
"She and your father had to go out to help people. It might take a bit longer than normal, that's all. But she'll be back to get you. Promise," Giles comforted, ruffling the boy's hair and handing a bottle of pills to Anya. "His pain medication. For the arm."
Anya nodded. "Don't worry, Will. We'll have fun and then your mum will come and get you."
Tears pooled in the little boys eyes. "But she'll have to kill gramma."
Giles looked at Anya. Anya raised a brow, crouching down in front of the boy. "Your gramma.. Your gramma is in Heaven," she said softly. "I was there when she went away. I was drinking fruit punch. She was nice. But she's safe in Heaven. Your mum won't have to kill anyone."
Will nodded, even if he didn't agree. Sometimes, grown ups could be so blind. He'd talk to Emma later.
"Ready?" Anya asked, holding out a hand on each side, two small palms making contact with hers. "We'll have a great time. Promise."
Emma stopped. "Pony. I want Pony."
Again, a glance exchanged between Anya and Giles. The Watcher looked at his mate pleadingly. Anya shrugged. "Go get the bowls and food, Emma. Giles, put a leash on that monster and load him up." ~~~~~
"Oh, we got problems," Luke cooed, watching the monitor from his seat on the bench of the Jacuzzi.
"What *now*?" Draconius asked, peeling the cucumbers from his eyes and shooting a pained glance over at his counterpart.
"Um. seems the chicks have flown the coop," Luke answered, passing the device over to the Old One and waving to the minion for another Cosmopolitan.
"Dammit!" Draconius screamed, almost dropping the monitor into the water. "I should've known that those obnoxious gits would have caught on."
Luke sighed. "They're pesky, even for humans."
"It's that Vampire on the side of good," Draconius mumbled. "Threw off the whole cosmic balance. "
"Thought we knew he was coming all along?" Luke questioned, sipping at his fresh drink.
Draconius sighed. "We did. But we had the wrong one. Who could have known that it wasn't the one with all the hair gel and the soul?"
"Angel," Luke sighed, dreamily.
Draconius sneered. "Well, Angel wasn't all he was cracked up to be, now was he. This pesky little Billy Idol wannabe slipped right through the cracks, went all martyr on us and then knocked up the Slayer. Bang, starting of the end of the World as we know it."
A frightened look crossed Luke's face. "We can fix it though, right?"
"If we can get the Peacemaker," Draconius answered, pushing himself out of the water.
"Where are you going?" Luke asked, watching the ancient one slip into a red bathrobe.
"We must find the location of the children and send the Pawn. It's time. I'm done playing games with the Slayer and her winsome Lover," Draconius growled. "Fetch me Leonora," he hissed at a minion.
"Oooh, I love it when you get all authoritative," Luke squealed as he got out to join his partner.
~~~~~
She spun, and in one graceful, fluid movement, plunged the stake into the Vampire's heart, watching the dust blow and flutter around her. The move lacked all of the violence of the night before. All of the bloodlust. Spike had to smile as her momentum stopped and she stood there before him, victorious smile spreading across plump coral lips.
"Not bad, Pet," Spike commented, walking towards her and wrapping a hand through hers.
"Thanks," she chirped, squeezing her fingers around his.
"How are you feeling?"
She furrowed her brow a moment, shrugging her shoulders and shaking out her hands. "Me-ish. Still."
He smiled, kissing her head. "Maybe the little Slayer transfusion really worked," he said, kissing the top of her head. "Seem to be in top form."
"Feel good," Buffy answered, her eyes scanning the landscape for something else to fight.
They walked in silence for a while, the only sound their boots clacking against cement in the crisp air. She hadn't changed. At least not when they had thought. It had gone past the thirteen hours and the sun was down. But it was still Buffy who strode beside him; her arm now snaked around his waist as if they were just two lovers strolling through town. It was far too much to hope for, he thought.
"How do you feel?" Buffy finally asked. "I mean, it's pretty obvious when the whole demon takes over Buffy happens. But you've got my little Slayer inside."
"Bloody bitch," Spike snarked. "Pushy little someone. Always has to be black and white. Right and wrong. Wonder you ever got near me with her buzzing in your veins night and day, Pet."
Buffy chuckled. "Guess I didn't notice."
Spike rolled his eyes at her. "Right, Pet. That's why you gave me the easy road to hoe in the beginning."
"No fun without the chase," Buffy commented, looking up at him with glittering, completely green, eyes. "Sorry about that."
"Why'r you sorry? You got the short end of the stick on this exchange, Love. I just got the bossy white hat and an incredible desire to eat peanut butter," Spike responded. Again, she laughed, making his heart sing with relief.
A noise startled them out of their conversation. Both Slayer and Vampire stopped in their tracks, listening. There was a high, keening moan. Female. And then a deeper growl. Something not human. Something. big.
Before they even spoke, both took off towards the sound, finding a young girl pinned on her knees to the side of a mausoleum, hair slick with her own blood and scratches covering her tattered body. A large, green-gray blobish thing with claws was standing over her, swatting at her like a cat swats at a ball of string. The sound was its laughter. The mewling was her screams.
Spike looked down at Buffy. Her eyes blazed with anger, watching the seven foot demon toy with the girl and before he could figure a plan, she launched herself towards the thing, screaming. Spike ran towards the girl, pulling her from the wall and lifting her against him. She was bleeding, but most of the wounds seemed shallow and her heartbeat was strong and steady. He could hear the sounds of Buffy pounding the demon behind her, but he had to get the girl out of the way. Get her to relative safety.
There was a bench ahead underneath an overhead light. Quickly, Spike bolted towards the bench, sliding the girl gently onto the wood and taking a quick scan of her wounds. She was out, but not seriously injured. Spike wanted to stay with her. Make sure he got her to help. But Buffy was nearly howling with pain and, he felt, pleasure, at the battle with the mammoth demon. He couldn't leave Buffy. Not again.
"You'll be right as rain, Pet," Spike whispered, pulling the girl's jacket tight around her and brushing hair from her face. He looked up at where Buffy was fighting. She was holding her own. The girl was moaning in pain. Dammit. Moral dilemma. Hate the bloody light.
Spike went against his primal need to be with his mate and took off for the payphone, dialing 911. "Found a girl attacked in Sunnydale Memorial Cemetery. On the bench near the entrance. Following her attacker," Spike spit into the phone and hung up, tearing back up towards the mausoleum.
He arrived just in time to see Buffy fly backwards against the cement wall, howling in pain as her back slammed into the concrete. Spike ran at the demon, knocking it back and turned back to face Buffy. She was dazed, slumped in the other girl's blood, staring up at Spike in confusion.
"Spike?" She whispered, her voice thready and afraid.
"Buffy?" He asked, moving faster towards her, the demon starting to stir behind him.
Her body shook, her nose beginning to scent the air. Buffy closed her eyes, her face set in a grimace of pain and anger. "Buffy?" Spike repeated, spinning once, to kick the demon back one more time.
When he returned to facing his love, her eyes flickered open.
Yellow eyes.
To be contd.
Well, despite the single worst stomach flu I've had in years, I did manage to push this one through on time. There will be one more chapter of this saga this week, as well as a specialty, birthday fic for a friend (as soon as my mind decides to work full time again).
The action is picking up and we are cruising steadily towards the finale. Do keep in mind what you would like to see happen after this book, as I will be asking. With the fate of our show sealed, I am curious to know if you would like to see this saga continue, or if you would like to change paths a bit and concentrate more on Emma and Will. Our own little series. Just a thought.
Anyway, please enjoy this chapter. Feedback helps me survive so give it up! The Muse would be everso grateful.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the chapter.
*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Spike and a widdle Buffy and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: Leaving Home (Chapter Twenty-eight of The One)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing: Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com . Also, please visit the wonderful fan listing that Rachel put together. Sign up today and link to your website (or just sign up to say hi!). The fan listing can be found at .
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (With, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)
Summary: Buffy and Spike prepare for patrol. Giles puts the plan to protect the children into action and Anya comes to the rescue. Draconius and Luke discover that they have a new problem to contend with. Meanwhile, Spike thinks that Buffy is back to normal. Or is she?
Leaving Home
Buffy dressed in silence as he sat on the bed, watching. Black leather pants. Black blouse with a black tank top underneath. Black boots. It was all a startling contrast to her pretty blonde hair and innocent face, but the clothing was nothing in contrast to the black cloud that hung over her like a thunderstorm waiting to exhale.
"You all right, Pet?" Spike asked, sliding another stake into his duster pocket. She strapped on the wrist sheathes that he had made for her and went to the closet to find her jacket.
"Fine," she answered, sullenly. Still Buffy. But he knew both her discomfort and his was from the knowledge that it wouldn't be her much longer.
Slowly, he approached her, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. Buffy sighed, leaning back against him, knowing that she could put up the mother of all brave fronts, but not around him. "You're not, Pet."
"No," Buffy answered. "I'm not. I'm going to be the Scourge of Sunnydale in about an hour. How could I be fine?"
Spike spun her around slowly, forcing her to face him. "You won't, Love. Got the world's second best demon fighter at your side. Won't let you wreak havoc on the innocents." He smiled, hoping that she'd let herself laugh, but she just stared up at him, eyes full of fear. "C'mon, Pet. The Witches and your Watcher will suss it out. Probably while we're gone. In the meantime, I won't let anything happen to you."
"You didn't seem to be able to stop me last night," Buffy huffed, spinning back around.
Spike turned her gently to face him once again. "I didn't want to, Pet. Wanted you to claim me. Wanted to help you."
Buffy's eyes filled, her hand sliding to the now exposed wound on his neck. It was healing, but still raw and jagged. "How can you love me?"
Spike had to chuckle at that. "How can I not? Don't want me to start a list, do ya? Might take me all bloody night."
At that, Buffy smiled, letting her head fall against his chest. "I don't want to lose you. I don't want to lose them."
"Won't happen," Spike whispered, kissing the crown of her head. "Never lose us. Just have to hang on, Love. We'll get it sorted. In the meantime, nothing like a good spot of violence to quell the beast."
Buffy pushed from his chest, looking up at his face. "Thought it was the righteous shag?" A grin broke across her face at the devilish glint in his eyes.
"If you behave, you'll have both, Pet."
~~~~~
The door shutting upstairs made them jump.
Dawn and Tara were on the back porch, watching for signs of the spell working. Willow, Oz, Giles and Xander sat in the basement, listening to the sound of the door slam and footsteps on the front stairs.
"I.I don't know if this is a good idea. I mean. Giles. what if she notices before we've figured out how." Willow stuttered as Giles rose from his chair and walked towards the phone.
"I think it a rather poor option to give Buffy the opportunity to do what she did to Spike last night, albeit unwittingly, to one of her children. What do you think that she would be more likely to forgive, Willow? Removing her children from danger or allowing her to harm one of them?" Giles responded, his face stony as he dialed. "Yes. It's time. Randy's with the sitter? Good. Best he not be around them. Right then. Anya, are you. you know that you're being asked to defend them? I know, dear. But you must. I know you love them. Please, just. if Buffy does find you and she's not herself, do what you can to simply stop her, but not harm her too badly. I know. If it comes down to it. but. Yes, Spike is with her. Right. It's time. Goodbye."
"You didn't just tell Anya it was all right to." Xander asked, wide eyed.
"To what?" Giles asked, his body stiff with tension. Slowly, he stalked the room.
"K.kill her?" Xander continued, his hands nervously fluttering in his lap.
Giles closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "As a matter of fact, Xander, I asked her not to. If you would cease to jump to conclusions.."
Xander nodded solemnly. "I'm sorry. This is... it's all too much."
The Watcher rolled his head, closing his eyes and trying to center himself. "I understand. But you must also give me credit for being the girl's Watcher and her. close to her," Giles continued. "I'd never wish harm upon her. Anya. she's quite. she's become quite protective over children and I wanted her to be wary of how vigorously she defends them. Do only what she has to. But Spike chose her because of."
"Spike?" Willow asked. "Spike asked Anya to take the kids?"
Giles nodded. "Spike asked me to address it with Anya. He knows she'd sooner die than let one of the children perish. She's the only one of us remaining who is powerful enough to defend them against a Slayer infected by Vampirism." He thought for a moment, looking at Willow. "Possibly not the only one," he amended. "But I don't think Spike really wants to put you in a position.."
"I understand," Willow responded, nodding. "Just. this can't be happening."
Oz smiled from his spot on the recliner. "A nickel for every time I've heard that on the Hellmouth."
Xander chuckled. "We'd all be living large."
~~~~~~
Giles had sent Tara to take Dawn to the supermarket. Dawn didn't need to see this. Even if she were old enough to understand why they were taking the kids, she didn't need to swallow that dose of reality quite yet. Oz and Xander walked the perimeter of the house as Giles and Anya stood in the front hall, bundling the two confused children into coats.
William looked at Giles sadly as Giles worked the toggles of William's jacket. The look on the boy's face made him want to cry. "It'll be quite all right, Will. Have you back in no time."
Emma stared at Anya for a moment, a bit of defiance creeping into her sad countenance. "Does daddy know you're taking us away?"
Anya smiled, wrapping an arm around Emma's waist and pulling the little girl against her. "Of course. He asked me to take you for a weekend getaway. You, me, Will and all the popcorn and Disney movies you can handle."
Emma smiled a little at that. "Are you sure? Because daddy doesn't like it when we're away." Again, Anya smiled, the sadness showing through. "No, he doesn't. Neither does your mum. But sometimes you have to be away from the people you love. Just for a little while."
Emma seemed to accept that, even if she was wary. Will just stood quietly and stared at Giles. "You all right, Will?"
"Mum," William whispered, under his breath. "Want mummy."
"She and your father had to go out to help people. It might take a bit longer than normal, that's all. But she'll be back to get you. Promise," Giles comforted, ruffling the boy's hair and handing a bottle of pills to Anya. "His pain medication. For the arm."
Anya nodded. "Don't worry, Will. We'll have fun and then your mum will come and get you."
Tears pooled in the little boys eyes. "But she'll have to kill gramma."
Giles looked at Anya. Anya raised a brow, crouching down in front of the boy. "Your gramma.. Your gramma is in Heaven," she said softly. "I was there when she went away. I was drinking fruit punch. She was nice. But she's safe in Heaven. Your mum won't have to kill anyone."
Will nodded, even if he didn't agree. Sometimes, grown ups could be so blind. He'd talk to Emma later.
"Ready?" Anya asked, holding out a hand on each side, two small palms making contact with hers. "We'll have a great time. Promise."
Emma stopped. "Pony. I want Pony."
Again, a glance exchanged between Anya and Giles. The Watcher looked at his mate pleadingly. Anya shrugged. "Go get the bowls and food, Emma. Giles, put a leash on that monster and load him up." ~~~~~
"Oh, we got problems," Luke cooed, watching the monitor from his seat on the bench of the Jacuzzi.
"What *now*?" Draconius asked, peeling the cucumbers from his eyes and shooting a pained glance over at his counterpart.
"Um. seems the chicks have flown the coop," Luke answered, passing the device over to the Old One and waving to the minion for another Cosmopolitan.
"Dammit!" Draconius screamed, almost dropping the monitor into the water. "I should've known that those obnoxious gits would have caught on."
Luke sighed. "They're pesky, even for humans."
"It's that Vampire on the side of good," Draconius mumbled. "Threw off the whole cosmic balance. "
"Thought we knew he was coming all along?" Luke questioned, sipping at his fresh drink.
Draconius sighed. "We did. But we had the wrong one. Who could have known that it wasn't the one with all the hair gel and the soul?"
"Angel," Luke sighed, dreamily.
Draconius sneered. "Well, Angel wasn't all he was cracked up to be, now was he. This pesky little Billy Idol wannabe slipped right through the cracks, went all martyr on us and then knocked up the Slayer. Bang, starting of the end of the World as we know it."
A frightened look crossed Luke's face. "We can fix it though, right?"
"If we can get the Peacemaker," Draconius answered, pushing himself out of the water.
"Where are you going?" Luke asked, watching the ancient one slip into a red bathrobe.
"We must find the location of the children and send the Pawn. It's time. I'm done playing games with the Slayer and her winsome Lover," Draconius growled. "Fetch me Leonora," he hissed at a minion.
"Oooh, I love it when you get all authoritative," Luke squealed as he got out to join his partner.
~~~~~
She spun, and in one graceful, fluid movement, plunged the stake into the Vampire's heart, watching the dust blow and flutter around her. The move lacked all of the violence of the night before. All of the bloodlust. Spike had to smile as her momentum stopped and she stood there before him, victorious smile spreading across plump coral lips.
"Not bad, Pet," Spike commented, walking towards her and wrapping a hand through hers.
"Thanks," she chirped, squeezing her fingers around his.
"How are you feeling?"
She furrowed her brow a moment, shrugging her shoulders and shaking out her hands. "Me-ish. Still."
He smiled, kissing her head. "Maybe the little Slayer transfusion really worked," he said, kissing the top of her head. "Seem to be in top form."
"Feel good," Buffy answered, her eyes scanning the landscape for something else to fight.
They walked in silence for a while, the only sound their boots clacking against cement in the crisp air. She hadn't changed. At least not when they had thought. It had gone past the thirteen hours and the sun was down. But it was still Buffy who strode beside him; her arm now snaked around his waist as if they were just two lovers strolling through town. It was far too much to hope for, he thought.
"How do you feel?" Buffy finally asked. "I mean, it's pretty obvious when the whole demon takes over Buffy happens. But you've got my little Slayer inside."
"Bloody bitch," Spike snarked. "Pushy little someone. Always has to be black and white. Right and wrong. Wonder you ever got near me with her buzzing in your veins night and day, Pet."
Buffy chuckled. "Guess I didn't notice."
Spike rolled his eyes at her. "Right, Pet. That's why you gave me the easy road to hoe in the beginning."
"No fun without the chase," Buffy commented, looking up at him with glittering, completely green, eyes. "Sorry about that."
"Why'r you sorry? You got the short end of the stick on this exchange, Love. I just got the bossy white hat and an incredible desire to eat peanut butter," Spike responded. Again, she laughed, making his heart sing with relief.
A noise startled them out of their conversation. Both Slayer and Vampire stopped in their tracks, listening. There was a high, keening moan. Female. And then a deeper growl. Something not human. Something. big.
Before they even spoke, both took off towards the sound, finding a young girl pinned on her knees to the side of a mausoleum, hair slick with her own blood and scratches covering her tattered body. A large, green-gray blobish thing with claws was standing over her, swatting at her like a cat swats at a ball of string. The sound was its laughter. The mewling was her screams.
Spike looked down at Buffy. Her eyes blazed with anger, watching the seven foot demon toy with the girl and before he could figure a plan, she launched herself towards the thing, screaming. Spike ran towards the girl, pulling her from the wall and lifting her against him. She was bleeding, but most of the wounds seemed shallow and her heartbeat was strong and steady. He could hear the sounds of Buffy pounding the demon behind her, but he had to get the girl out of the way. Get her to relative safety.
There was a bench ahead underneath an overhead light. Quickly, Spike bolted towards the bench, sliding the girl gently onto the wood and taking a quick scan of her wounds. She was out, but not seriously injured. Spike wanted to stay with her. Make sure he got her to help. But Buffy was nearly howling with pain and, he felt, pleasure, at the battle with the mammoth demon. He couldn't leave Buffy. Not again.
"You'll be right as rain, Pet," Spike whispered, pulling the girl's jacket tight around her and brushing hair from her face. He looked up at where Buffy was fighting. She was holding her own. The girl was moaning in pain. Dammit. Moral dilemma. Hate the bloody light.
Spike went against his primal need to be with his mate and took off for the payphone, dialing 911. "Found a girl attacked in Sunnydale Memorial Cemetery. On the bench near the entrance. Following her attacker," Spike spit into the phone and hung up, tearing back up towards the mausoleum.
He arrived just in time to see Buffy fly backwards against the cement wall, howling in pain as her back slammed into the concrete. Spike ran at the demon, knocking it back and turned back to face Buffy. She was dazed, slumped in the other girl's blood, staring up at Spike in confusion.
"Spike?" She whispered, her voice thready and afraid.
"Buffy?" He asked, moving faster towards her, the demon starting to stir behind him.
Her body shook, her nose beginning to scent the air. Buffy closed her eyes, her face set in a grimace of pain and anger. "Buffy?" Spike repeated, spinning once, to kick the demon back one more time.
When he returned to facing his love, her eyes flickered open.
Yellow eyes.
To be contd.