A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT
CHAPTER 9: WITH GREAT POWER...
** **
He'd told Buffy he'd be out of town for a next few days, so no patrolling. She looked at him a little funny, but she hadn't pressed him about where he was going. Which was good, since he wasn't going anywhere. At least he'd done a good job with erasing what happened that evening. She remembered nothing.
He needed a little time to figure things out. About himself, about what his 'doubles' back at the house had said to him. About the amulet and why he even had it. And what he was going to do with it now that getting what he thought he wanted had not really worked out all that well.
He'd thought long and hard about the whole thing all and by now he figured he had it pretty much worked out.
Those apparitions back in the house, wearing the guises of their old selves and people they knew...they weren't there to hurt them. It was more like 'testing' them. Or perhaps more like 'screening' them. His own doubles had made a few very valid points about him. Buffy, on the other hand, being the most stubborn woman on the planet had just managed to brush them off without hearing them out.
But she'd been the one to do the ritual, getting the amulet. But maybe she was not the right person. Maybe that's what the powers around the trinket had noticed, and that's why they hadn't been allowed to leave the house once the got it.
Buffy hadn't been greedy or anything, or tried to use the amulet for evil ends, but she had been a little, let's say, 'unpredictable'.
'I mean, a dog collar.....' he thought with a slight grin. And when he had grabbed the amulet, he'd tried to destroy it, rejecting the power instead of using it. Obviously you couldn't really destroy it by smashing it. Maybe it couldn't be destroyed at all. But maybe just TRYING to destroy it, he had been judged a more suitable carrier for the damn thing. More worthy or something. He thought it over again and again. Yeah, it made a kind of sense.
He had to laugh out loud at that one. He more worthy! That certainly was a first! And part of him would love to let them all know. Including Buffy.
But no, especially by now, it would just stir up all kinds of trouble. No way would they believe he hadn't deliberately stolen it to use for his own ends. And in all honesty, he had been using it in less than admirable ways hadn't he?
He was only human. Well he wasn't, but still....It was impossible not to consider the possibilities. Or to try it out to get what he wanted. After all this frustrating time of loving her, wanting to be loved back...he had the power to have his heart's desire. And he'd tried it.....
The sad thing was, not so long ago he'd probably have had sex with her for a day or so before realizing this wasn't what he wanted from her. Just because he'd been so desperate for so long. But just as she was flinging herself at him, the similarities with the Buffybot were just too much.
He'd only had that little toy for a day last year, and even though he'd had his fun, he knew now he would have gotten bored and sick of her within days, if not sooner.
It wasn't Buffy. It wasn't real and he knew it. The more time that passed after the Glory thing, the more ridiculous it seemed to him. Patrolling with Buffy so often, having her near, the bot seemed more and more like a giant action figure. Which she was, of course.
And the bot had vaguely resembled her at best anyway. To now have the real Buffy become like the bot was a travesty. It wasn't right. Wasn't what he wanted. Unworthy of what he felt. Definitely unworthy of her...
Well, at least the earlier mistake with the bot had now made him realize this new one in time. Before he made a far bigger mistake with the real Buffy.
And the little joke with the soldier boy hadn't really set him on fire with joy either. He'd originally planned to visit Angel as well and do something to his hair, but after the Riley thing....
After that his main thought was, why even bother with those wankers? As he'd realized before: THEY were the ones who were gone. Gone from Sunnydale, gone from her life. HE was in now. Not as they had been yet, but still. He was here, closer to her now than either of them. Who cared about them anyway? They weren't even worth it. It felt like admitting they still got to him.
So by now he'd decided that the whole amulet was just a big batch of trouble waiting to happen. It was possible he'd start using it anyway and get a little hooked on it. Maybe using it more often and in the end, messing it all up.
And he'd seen how bad things got in the house. No, magic was tricky.
So he'd went into the caves under his crypt, through some narrow hidden tunnels, walked a few block's worth, climbed down some deep chasms, found a nice soft, earthy spot and had started to dig. Took him almost a full day, but in the end he'd gotten pretty deep, from a point that had started out deep already. He dropped the amulet there and took a day filling the hole up again. There, better this way.
Funny thing was, maybe the powers or the amulet itself or whatever, had actually sensed that this would be what he'd do in the end. Maybe that's why he'd gotten it. As he sat in his chair now, sipping his blood, he smiled again at the notion he'd been chosen because he was actually more 'worthy' than others. Hell must be freezing over by now.
His door suddenly opened and Buffy walked in. "Hey Spike, I'm glad you're back. Had fun....?"
His heart jumped at her appearance and especially at her words. 'Glad he was back'. Music to his ears "Yeah, came back yesterday. Just meeting up with uh, someone I used to know."
He saw the curiosity in her eyes, but once again she didn't press the matter. "Okay, hope you're all rested from your little vacation because I could tell how much I've gotten used to having a Slaying- and training partner. Speaking of which, ready for some patrolling? The night is young and the vamps are fresh and a-plenty!"
He smiled. "Sure pet. Always up for some violence with you before bedtime." He got up out of his chair. "Just let me go down and get my coat."
"Sure..." she said hesitantly but then stopped him, putting her hand on his arm. He looked at her questioningly. "Look," she said, "when you disappeared for a few days I realized I never even..I mean, I just wanted to say...thanks. I mean, that's not the first time I owe you....Back at that house I mean. If you hadn't smashed the amulet I'd probably be dead."
He shook his head. "Don't owe me nothing. No one's keeping score here."
She nodded. "I know, I know. It's just, I really appreciate all you've done for me lately....in case I don't say it enough, I know I still give you a hard time a lot.....more jokingly these days, but still....."
He grinned. "Yeah well, that's what you're supposed to do right? Tricky vamp like me. Maybe I need that little thing of yours."
She frowned. "What thi-.." she asked. Then she saw him nudge his head behind him on the table. The leash with the dog collar. She blushed a little and cleared her throat. "I can't believe you kept it," she muttered.
"Yeah, shoved it in my coat when you weren't looking. Funny, how it was the only thing that didn't disappear when I crushed the trinket. Don't rightly know what that says about you." He smirked. "Hey, you never know when I'll get out of line..."
She gave him a look. "Yeah well, don't tempt me." And then she added with a little arrogant smile: "You wouldn't refuse me if I reaaally wanted you to wear it anyway."
"Probably not......" he said softly.
She avoided his gaze. "Anyway, yeah, really don't tempt me! Sometimes I think you do belong in a little doggy house. But seriously Spike. Thanks. I know you don't have to do all the stuff you do...."
He shrugged, then his eyes lit up as he had an idea. "Hey if you really want to thank me.....yeah, that pit....you were gonna get sucked into that. Pfft, you'd be a goner if it wasn't for me."
Buffy frowned and folded her arms. "Uh oh, I feel something coming..."
"A kiss," he said.
She raised her eyebrows. "Oh, you're dreaming!"
He looked at her earnestly. "Just a little one. And just one. Won't make jokes or lewd remarks. Won't take more than you offer. Whatever you want to make it. A peck on the cheek, fine. Won't object or complain. And no, you don't owe me a thing. But if you really want to thank me..."
Her stern look faded. She looked at him and her eyes softened. She looked to the side for a moment and whispered "..can't believe this..."
Then she took a step towards him, reached up on her toes just a little and gave him a kiss on his lips.
Her lips were warm and soft and lingered just a second before letting go with a light smack. She smelled like flowers, her lipstick had a slight sweet taste and the movement of her head moving back again afterwards seemed to take 10 minutes.
He stood there basking in it for what couldn't have been more than a second or two, even though it felt far longer.
Then she reached up with her hand and gave him a little slap on his check. Not hard at all, but hard enough to snap him out of it. She gave him a teasing smile. "That's just so you won't let it get to your head, now."
But her eyes were teasing in a sweet, flirty way. Then she tilted her head to the side and puckered her lips as she remembered something. "And I'll make you a deal. You don't mention those little....stray thoughts of mine to anyone and I won't mention how strikingly prim and proper a certain William apparently used to be. Deal?"
Spike flustered a bit. He'd forgotten about that. "Heh. Deal."
She kept her smile and nodded. "Of course, next time you're drunk I may grill you a little about that...." Then she turned around and walked up the steps to his door. "You coming or what?"
"Oh. Uh, yeah. O'course." He stuttered. His coat, he was going to get his coat. Right. He went downstairs quickly. He took his duster off he bed and put it on. Then he stopped for a moment before heading back up again.
He could still feel her lips....Man he needed that after his failed magic attempt. Just a little kiss..but it was real. And freely given. Yeah, who needs magic.
Then as he turned, his eyes glanced off the little object on his nightstand.
Well, alright, he'd made maybe ONE more teeny tiny little wish before he buried the trinket. He walked over and picked it up. Such a little thing. Those initiative boys knew their stuff. Hard to believe this had been in his head all those months.
And now it was out. Funny. His 'ghostly double' had had a point. It had been two days since he got it out and buried the trinket. And he'd managed to not kill anyone. He'd gone out, and there was temptation, sure. Especially at the Bronze. All those walking meals...but he'd been able not to. Mostly for Buffy sure. Just the thought of what she'd say if she saw him feeding on people again. No, no way. He'd come so far.
He did venture over to a Suck palace too, that first night. And he did feed a little. Off some goth chick that paid him 30 bucks. What was her name? Tarantula or something. She actually had gotten off on it. And he'd felt like a soddin' prostitute! It'd also reminded him of Captain Cardboard and he knew he'd never go back. No, he had his blood, and his burba weed. And he had his hunts and fights.
And he had her.
At least a little bit. Her eyes just now, there was definitely something there. After all this time. Some response to him. And she was more and more willingly showing him that response...
Who needed magic?
In the back of his head, he knew, if not for her, he probably would be feeding again. Maybe that wouldn't be enough for her in the long run. Maybe if it ever came down to it he would dig up that trinket for one more go.
Maybe he could see how he'd do with a soul after all this time.
Yeah..who knows.
"Spi-ike!" her voice came from above. "Don't mean to bother you, but the vamps I spotted earlier? I think they're having their vampy grand children over for a visit by now. Or childes, or childers, or whatever. Are you coming already or what??"
Spike smiled. "Coming luv," he called up.
Yeah, maybe someday he'd have to magic himself over for her. But right now, things were fine.
"Pffff you did what I asked a lot faster when I punched you in the nose on a regular basis," he heard her mutter. "Maybe I should pick that up again."
He laughed.
Yeah, things were just fine.
** **
THE END
AN: OK for those who were wondering, as I said this was a challenge from my wife. Her specs were:
- Start with Buffy and Spike in some deserted house near the mountains of
California, set after season 5. - Buffy never died, how or why to be my choice. - It had to include partial or full nudity for at least one character, - The words 'Sire' and 'Childe', - and some canned peaches. (And I kinda like how I worked those in! lol)
I was also supposed to stick to only 5 chappies but I just couldn't fit it in that. Sorry, just wanted to write more ;-)
So that was that. Hope it was a half decent read. Thanx to everyone for their kind reviews. The lifeblood of the fanfic nation!
CHAPTER 9: WITH GREAT POWER...
** **
He'd told Buffy he'd be out of town for a next few days, so no patrolling. She looked at him a little funny, but she hadn't pressed him about where he was going. Which was good, since he wasn't going anywhere. At least he'd done a good job with erasing what happened that evening. She remembered nothing.
He needed a little time to figure things out. About himself, about what his 'doubles' back at the house had said to him. About the amulet and why he even had it. And what he was going to do with it now that getting what he thought he wanted had not really worked out all that well.
He'd thought long and hard about the whole thing all and by now he figured he had it pretty much worked out.
Those apparitions back in the house, wearing the guises of their old selves and people they knew...they weren't there to hurt them. It was more like 'testing' them. Or perhaps more like 'screening' them. His own doubles had made a few very valid points about him. Buffy, on the other hand, being the most stubborn woman on the planet had just managed to brush them off without hearing them out.
But she'd been the one to do the ritual, getting the amulet. But maybe she was not the right person. Maybe that's what the powers around the trinket had noticed, and that's why they hadn't been allowed to leave the house once the got it.
Buffy hadn't been greedy or anything, or tried to use the amulet for evil ends, but she had been a little, let's say, 'unpredictable'.
'I mean, a dog collar.....' he thought with a slight grin. And when he had grabbed the amulet, he'd tried to destroy it, rejecting the power instead of using it. Obviously you couldn't really destroy it by smashing it. Maybe it couldn't be destroyed at all. But maybe just TRYING to destroy it, he had been judged a more suitable carrier for the damn thing. More worthy or something. He thought it over again and again. Yeah, it made a kind of sense.
He had to laugh out loud at that one. He more worthy! That certainly was a first! And part of him would love to let them all know. Including Buffy.
But no, especially by now, it would just stir up all kinds of trouble. No way would they believe he hadn't deliberately stolen it to use for his own ends. And in all honesty, he had been using it in less than admirable ways hadn't he?
He was only human. Well he wasn't, but still....It was impossible not to consider the possibilities. Or to try it out to get what he wanted. After all this frustrating time of loving her, wanting to be loved back...he had the power to have his heart's desire. And he'd tried it.....
The sad thing was, not so long ago he'd probably have had sex with her for a day or so before realizing this wasn't what he wanted from her. Just because he'd been so desperate for so long. But just as she was flinging herself at him, the similarities with the Buffybot were just too much.
He'd only had that little toy for a day last year, and even though he'd had his fun, he knew now he would have gotten bored and sick of her within days, if not sooner.
It wasn't Buffy. It wasn't real and he knew it. The more time that passed after the Glory thing, the more ridiculous it seemed to him. Patrolling with Buffy so often, having her near, the bot seemed more and more like a giant action figure. Which she was, of course.
And the bot had vaguely resembled her at best anyway. To now have the real Buffy become like the bot was a travesty. It wasn't right. Wasn't what he wanted. Unworthy of what he felt. Definitely unworthy of her...
Well, at least the earlier mistake with the bot had now made him realize this new one in time. Before he made a far bigger mistake with the real Buffy.
And the little joke with the soldier boy hadn't really set him on fire with joy either. He'd originally planned to visit Angel as well and do something to his hair, but after the Riley thing....
After that his main thought was, why even bother with those wankers? As he'd realized before: THEY were the ones who were gone. Gone from Sunnydale, gone from her life. HE was in now. Not as they had been yet, but still. He was here, closer to her now than either of them. Who cared about them anyway? They weren't even worth it. It felt like admitting they still got to him.
So by now he'd decided that the whole amulet was just a big batch of trouble waiting to happen. It was possible he'd start using it anyway and get a little hooked on it. Maybe using it more often and in the end, messing it all up.
And he'd seen how bad things got in the house. No, magic was tricky.
So he'd went into the caves under his crypt, through some narrow hidden tunnels, walked a few block's worth, climbed down some deep chasms, found a nice soft, earthy spot and had started to dig. Took him almost a full day, but in the end he'd gotten pretty deep, from a point that had started out deep already. He dropped the amulet there and took a day filling the hole up again. There, better this way.
Funny thing was, maybe the powers or the amulet itself or whatever, had actually sensed that this would be what he'd do in the end. Maybe that's why he'd gotten it. As he sat in his chair now, sipping his blood, he smiled again at the notion he'd been chosen because he was actually more 'worthy' than others. Hell must be freezing over by now.
His door suddenly opened and Buffy walked in. "Hey Spike, I'm glad you're back. Had fun....?"
His heart jumped at her appearance and especially at her words. 'Glad he was back'. Music to his ears "Yeah, came back yesterday. Just meeting up with uh, someone I used to know."
He saw the curiosity in her eyes, but once again she didn't press the matter. "Okay, hope you're all rested from your little vacation because I could tell how much I've gotten used to having a Slaying- and training partner. Speaking of which, ready for some patrolling? The night is young and the vamps are fresh and a-plenty!"
He smiled. "Sure pet. Always up for some violence with you before bedtime." He got up out of his chair. "Just let me go down and get my coat."
"Sure..." she said hesitantly but then stopped him, putting her hand on his arm. He looked at her questioningly. "Look," she said, "when you disappeared for a few days I realized I never even..I mean, I just wanted to say...thanks. I mean, that's not the first time I owe you....Back at that house I mean. If you hadn't smashed the amulet I'd probably be dead."
He shook his head. "Don't owe me nothing. No one's keeping score here."
She nodded. "I know, I know. It's just, I really appreciate all you've done for me lately....in case I don't say it enough, I know I still give you a hard time a lot.....more jokingly these days, but still....."
He grinned. "Yeah well, that's what you're supposed to do right? Tricky vamp like me. Maybe I need that little thing of yours."
She frowned. "What thi-.." she asked. Then she saw him nudge his head behind him on the table. The leash with the dog collar. She blushed a little and cleared her throat. "I can't believe you kept it," she muttered.
"Yeah, shoved it in my coat when you weren't looking. Funny, how it was the only thing that didn't disappear when I crushed the trinket. Don't rightly know what that says about you." He smirked. "Hey, you never know when I'll get out of line..."
She gave him a look. "Yeah well, don't tempt me." And then she added with a little arrogant smile: "You wouldn't refuse me if I reaaally wanted you to wear it anyway."
"Probably not......" he said softly.
She avoided his gaze. "Anyway, yeah, really don't tempt me! Sometimes I think you do belong in a little doggy house. But seriously Spike. Thanks. I know you don't have to do all the stuff you do...."
He shrugged, then his eyes lit up as he had an idea. "Hey if you really want to thank me.....yeah, that pit....you were gonna get sucked into that. Pfft, you'd be a goner if it wasn't for me."
Buffy frowned and folded her arms. "Uh oh, I feel something coming..."
"A kiss," he said.
She raised her eyebrows. "Oh, you're dreaming!"
He looked at her earnestly. "Just a little one. And just one. Won't make jokes or lewd remarks. Won't take more than you offer. Whatever you want to make it. A peck on the cheek, fine. Won't object or complain. And no, you don't owe me a thing. But if you really want to thank me..."
Her stern look faded. She looked at him and her eyes softened. She looked to the side for a moment and whispered "..can't believe this..."
Then she took a step towards him, reached up on her toes just a little and gave him a kiss on his lips.
Her lips were warm and soft and lingered just a second before letting go with a light smack. She smelled like flowers, her lipstick had a slight sweet taste and the movement of her head moving back again afterwards seemed to take 10 minutes.
He stood there basking in it for what couldn't have been more than a second or two, even though it felt far longer.
Then she reached up with her hand and gave him a little slap on his check. Not hard at all, but hard enough to snap him out of it. She gave him a teasing smile. "That's just so you won't let it get to your head, now."
But her eyes were teasing in a sweet, flirty way. Then she tilted her head to the side and puckered her lips as she remembered something. "And I'll make you a deal. You don't mention those little....stray thoughts of mine to anyone and I won't mention how strikingly prim and proper a certain William apparently used to be. Deal?"
Spike flustered a bit. He'd forgotten about that. "Heh. Deal."
She kept her smile and nodded. "Of course, next time you're drunk I may grill you a little about that...." Then she turned around and walked up the steps to his door. "You coming or what?"
"Oh. Uh, yeah. O'course." He stuttered. His coat, he was going to get his coat. Right. He went downstairs quickly. He took his duster off he bed and put it on. Then he stopped for a moment before heading back up again.
He could still feel her lips....Man he needed that after his failed magic attempt. Just a little kiss..but it was real. And freely given. Yeah, who needs magic.
Then as he turned, his eyes glanced off the little object on his nightstand.
Well, alright, he'd made maybe ONE more teeny tiny little wish before he buried the trinket. He walked over and picked it up. Such a little thing. Those initiative boys knew their stuff. Hard to believe this had been in his head all those months.
And now it was out. Funny. His 'ghostly double' had had a point. It had been two days since he got it out and buried the trinket. And he'd managed to not kill anyone. He'd gone out, and there was temptation, sure. Especially at the Bronze. All those walking meals...but he'd been able not to. Mostly for Buffy sure. Just the thought of what she'd say if she saw him feeding on people again. No, no way. He'd come so far.
He did venture over to a Suck palace too, that first night. And he did feed a little. Off some goth chick that paid him 30 bucks. What was her name? Tarantula or something. She actually had gotten off on it. And he'd felt like a soddin' prostitute! It'd also reminded him of Captain Cardboard and he knew he'd never go back. No, he had his blood, and his burba weed. And he had his hunts and fights.
And he had her.
At least a little bit. Her eyes just now, there was definitely something there. After all this time. Some response to him. And she was more and more willingly showing him that response...
Who needed magic?
In the back of his head, he knew, if not for her, he probably would be feeding again. Maybe that wouldn't be enough for her in the long run. Maybe if it ever came down to it he would dig up that trinket for one more go.
Maybe he could see how he'd do with a soul after all this time.
Yeah..who knows.
"Spi-ike!" her voice came from above. "Don't mean to bother you, but the vamps I spotted earlier? I think they're having their vampy grand children over for a visit by now. Or childes, or childers, or whatever. Are you coming already or what??"
Spike smiled. "Coming luv," he called up.
Yeah, maybe someday he'd have to magic himself over for her. But right now, things were fine.
"Pffff you did what I asked a lot faster when I punched you in the nose on a regular basis," he heard her mutter. "Maybe I should pick that up again."
He laughed.
Yeah, things were just fine.
** **
THE END
AN: OK for those who were wondering, as I said this was a challenge from my wife. Her specs were:
- Start with Buffy and Spike in some deserted house near the mountains of
California, set after season 5. - Buffy never died, how or why to be my choice. - It had to include partial or full nudity for at least one character, - The words 'Sire' and 'Childe', - and some canned peaches. (And I kinda like how I worked those in! lol)
I was also supposed to stick to only 5 chappies but I just couldn't fit it in that. Sorry, just wanted to write more ;-)
So that was that. Hope it was a half decent read. Thanx to everyone for their kind reviews. The lifeblood of the fanfic nation!