*********************************TRApPeD*******************************
Thirty-Six: Twists and Turns
By Annie.
2003-06-02
*************************************************************************
Day Thirty-Two.
11.35 p.m.
He held her as she slept, wondering if she knew. If she realized what she did to him. What having her relaxed, in his arms, meant to him.
This love - strange in origin, but strong, overwhelmingly so, as it took hold - was circling beneath his breast as he watched her face.
He wanted to be worthy of her and something deep down kept murmuring that he never would be. He was unclean before her, and he knew that no matter what good she brought forth from the forgotten and abandoned corners of his being - it wasn't up to her to cleanse him.
It never had and it never would be part of who she was, and so how could he ever, for even one second, think that he had a right to be?
The whole affair was rather hopeless, wasn't it? He just couldn't even fathom how he was to give her up.
He felt moronic that he after four days already was contemplating ways of leaving behind the best thing that had ever happened to him... No matter what - SHE was a part of HIM. Was he supposed to rip his heart out and still be able to go on?
The irony of that question hit him the next moment and he laughed silently to himself. After all, he hadn't needed his heart in over a century, had he?
No, there was no poetic analogy to create for what she stood for within him. His soul had been absent for as long as his heart had. His conscience was too flat of a likeness, it was too without emotion. She was so much more.
She was... his sun.
She was his sunrise and sunset; granting him what he had been forced to merely yearn for during the past one-hundred-and-twenty-five years. He hadn't even realized how much he had missed it.
Its warmth on his face.
Its light brilliant in his eyes.
The soft caress of heated summer breezes...
It wasn't the same in the shadows. It couldn't be. With her the darkness fled as though faced by a mighty flash of lightening. It scurried.
He was rather surprised at how little he actually wanted it back.
He also understood why his grandsire had fallen head over feet. This young girl must have eased his memories, stroked them away with her touch, made him feel real again. The younger vampire now let his gaze drift over her features and slightly furrowed his brow.
"How in the world could Peaches ever leave you?" he then whispered.
He was taken off guard by her voice as she asked:
"Angel?"
The silence seemed to speak louder than words because after a pause she opened her eyes and was the one who picked up the thread again, saying:
"He couldn't give me what I wanted, and he realized that. The best thing for the both of us was him leaving..."
"But in the basement..." he mumbled. "You seemed upset."
"I was," she replied. "I understood why he had to go when he did, but it still hurt so much... I guess I'm healing," she added quietly and he smiled tentatively at that before asking:
"'He couldn't give you what you wanted'...?"
She nodded.
"We could never have a relationship, you know? I could never have a normal life with him..."
"What?" Spike interrupted. "Kiddies, a doggie and a few acres of just-your- bloody-own?" he then scoffed. "You seriously saying you'd be content with that?"
She grew thoughtful; then shrugged.
"Mhm," she said. "Maybe not... Not now. But later, if I live to see that day, a family would be. not all foul and bad-tasty as you make it sound."
"You - a mom?" he wondered sarcastically and she gave him a push with one hand.
"Shut up," she grumbled and he smirked, though he soon grew serious as he eyed her for a few moments. "Maybe," she then continued, "the noble thing was for Angel to recognize our love for what it was - and let it go. I mean, in the end - cursed and all that he was - it was kinda... hopeless."
Spike blinked at that, his grip on her tightening ever so slightly as he said, voice lowered:
"Right... Hopeless..."
***
Day Thirty-Three.
8.45 a.m.
"Yesterday was a good day."
He looked down at her at those words, her hand sliding into his and he smiled a little. They had just stopped before the door of Giles' apartment and he could tell that she was incredibly nervous.
"I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed it," she added and his smile broadened before he nodded his agreement, bending forward to kiss her on the mouth and then they unlocked their fingers, stepping apart slightly. "Okay," she breathed. "Here goes."
She walked up to the door, then turned around to face him again. He cocked an eyebrow and at the slightly mischievous expression in his eyes she gave him a warning glare.
"Please, no twists. No turns," she then grumbled and he smirked.
"Ladies first," he merely replied, giving a nod toward their point of entry.
She squared her shoulders, reached her hand out and knocked, with her eyes still in his. He kept the smirk on until the handle turned; then he stripped it off and took on a look of nonchalance as he completely discarded his previous statement and took the lead; brushing passed Buffy and then Giles - who had opened the door.
Buffy kept from rolling her eyes at him as she greeted her Watcher with a smile, following the vampire into the living room where Willow and Tara were already seated on the couch. They were talking, but raised their heads as the addition to the gathered joined them; Buffy saying "hey" and Spike barely glancing at them as he began to stroll about the room.
"I would very much appreciate," Giles said, watching as the unearthly being carelessly ran one hand along a row of books on one of the bookshelves, "if you were to refrain from touching my things," the former finished and Spike looked up, meeting Giles' gaze and holding it for a moment before he smiled with a shrug.
"You're the territorial type," he then stated. "'S all right, so am I," he then added, turning his eyes in Buffy's who merely gave him a look to cut it out. "Not in abundance," he finished and she forced back the smile before looking down at Willow instead of at him.
"Well, Spike, though all of us - I'm quite sure - do feel some confusion as to exactly why you have decided to help us in this matter, we are also... to some extent... grateful," Giles said, making Spike turn his gaze in his again. "We all have faith in Buffy," Giles added. "If she says that you by some mystical perchance have turned a new leaf..."
"There are no sodding leaves being turned," the vampire interrupted with a snort. "The Initiative made the bloody thing, right?" he then asked and Giles nodded, looking perplexed as to where the other was going. "Those soldier boys put the bleeding chip in me," the bleached grunted. "Figure I can give them a head ache of their own, destroying their master weapon and whatnot."
Giles observed him for a few seconds before he removed his glasses and began to polish them.
"Quite," he then said and Spike raised his eyebrows meaningfully at that.
The door opened and Xander stepped through it, Anya following close behind.
"Great," Spike muttered, turning from the duo to pretend to focus his attention on the bands of books neatly stocked behind the glass of the cupboard before him.
"What's Captain Peroxide doing here?" Xander demanded, stopping short five feet inside the room.
"You should bloody strip-search him for tuna-cans," Spike shot, turning his head with an impatient scowl directed the human's way. "He's a regular buggering menace to society," he added and Xander smiled humorlessly.
"You know, that's funny - you going around dealing out accusations right and left," he replied. "I mean, considering YOU being the angel of Death and all."
"I had a bump for three days on my bloody forehead from where you hit me!" Spike exclaimed, his voice bearing a tone of insult.
"Oh, listen to the previous Big Bad doing his boo-hoos!" Xander taunted, making Spike take a step forward and a split second later Buffy did as well, looking from one to another as she said:
"Oh, boys, let's not start the day with arguments and sour expressions. Spike - you should let the tuna-incident lie. Xander - try to get passed the... Just cool down, okay? You're behaving like two six year olds!"
"The whelp started it!" Spike huffed.
"I did NOT," Xander burst out, offended.
"What was the whole bloody 'peroxide' deal? I'd class that as harassment," Spike stated and Xander's eyes grew before he shook his head.
"Yeah? Well, what was that 'great' all about, huh? Didn't sound like you were thrilled to see me and Ahn, did it?"
"Should I be 'thrilled' that you come to infest my morning with never ending, pointless jokes and lack-of-brain?" Spike inquired sarcastically, Buffy merely rolling her eyes to the ceiling and backing off.
"Did he just say I make pointless jokes into eternity?" Anya wondered, looking up at Xander.
He ignored her, the rising anger too great.
"I was saying that YOU started this!" he then replied.
"With the 'great' comment? Boy, you're so darn touchy I think I might have to go stand on the other side of the room," Spike muttered.
"No, not with that comment! With you ever setting foot in MY town!" Xander yelled.
"'Your' town?!" Spike barked back, incredulously. "If this is anyone's bloody town, it's HERS," he then added, pointing his index finger at Buffy who had crossed her arms over her chest and now looked at him; then at Xander.
"She's my best friend; I've been with her through everything - including YOU. I shoulder the burden with her! Thus," the human stated, waving his arms in small circles before pointing his own index fingers to the floor as he added, " MY town."
"I try to make jokes," Anya said now. "Good ones. Not nervous ones like you, honey," she added, still getting no reaction from her lover as he glared with irritation at the fiend before him.
"You done?" Buffy broke the intensifying silence.
"Not by a long shot," Spike grumbled.
"Not even close," Xander agreed.
"Then could you take it outside?" she asked. "We need to get this meeting going," she added.
Spike and Xander exchanged another look.
"Another time, another place?" Xander wondered and Spike smirked.
"Any time, any place, mate," he replied and Xander gave a nod before taking Anya's hand.
"There was a man and a dog and a cat..." she started, addressing the assembled people and then she stopped herself, saying: "Or, at least I THINK there was a cat... Well, the dog said to the man... Or was it the two animals talking with each other...?" she then mumbled and Xander looked at her questioningly.
"What are you...?" he began, but she interrupted.
"Be quiet, honey, you'll ruin my attempt at humor," she said.
"Don't strain yourself, pet," Spike cut in. "That part of the insult wasn't meant for you."
"Oh, good," she smiled. "Thank you for clearing that up," she added and Spike smirked.
"No need to thank me, love," he replied, turning his eyes into Buffy's and noticing the rather stiff posture on her.
He frowned slightly and she gave him another look before turning from all of them and walking into the kitchen area.
Leaning against the counter she closed her eyes at the annoying jealousy gnawing away at her. So, he carried himself in this certain way around women. He always had! Christ, what was this? She knew how he was. She just wasn't used to him not being how he was... with her.
These past few days are playing tricks on your mind, she thought to herself.
"Slayer," he said behind her and she knew he was barely moving his lips as the low purr behind every word became apparent when he continued: "You're not out here 'cause of anything I said or... did, are you?"
She shook her head a little, turning to him with an ironic smile as she crossed her arms over her chest again.
"Don't flatter yourself," she muttered and he smiled back.
"Sorry," he replied, holding his hands out to the sides disarmingly as he took a step closer. "I've been told I'm incorrigible; and I wouldn't wanna call the lady who said that a liar."
She smiled with more feeling at that.
"Stop it," she then murmured, taking a step forward and turning her head to look out into the living room.
"Make me," he said, reaching out one hand and tickling her side, making her jerk with a giggle mixed with a yell of surprise.
Nobody had been paying them any attention up until that; now they all turned their heads their way - wondering.
Buffy pushed Spike's arm away with a glare laced with as much threat as she could muster, and then she shook her head dismissively before walking passed the vamp and into the small hallway leading to the bathroom and guestroom. He followed.
"I mean it!" she hissed and he smiled again, leaning into her and pressing her up against the wall.
"You're loving this," he whispered and she couldn't help but smile, suppressing it a little too late and then shaking her head again. "Can't you feel it?" he asked, his hand sliding up one of her legs and then stopping between them, making her take a shaky breath. "The rush..." he mumbled.
"Buffy!" Willow called and the Slayer pushed the Vamp away with a hard shove.
Straightening out her clothes she then answered:
"Coming!"
Giving Spike another warning look before she rejoined the Gang in the living room.
Jealousy becomes you, he thought as he slowly followed. Milady, he added with a smile spreading over his lips.
Leaning against the doorframe he casually listened to the conversation unfolding between the Scoobies. Buffy was sitting on a table which faced Willow and Tara, who in turn were sitting with their backs to the counter of the kitchen which also could serve as a bar - giving direct insight into that very room, in which Giles was now standing. Xander and Anya were to the two Wicca's right, Anya on Xander's lap.
They were discussing Adam... Willow filling the meeting-inexperienced Tara in on all the Scoobie talk. Buffy said something about there being a low kill-count during her last patrols.
Yeah, 'cause you've been patrolling for a lousy five minutes at a time, sweetheart, Spike thought to himself, keeping the smirk down as he watched her speak.
Okay, so he wasn't being fair. She HAD been patrolling. Being the dutiful one that she simply was... He watched how her hair fell softly down one shoulder as she moved her head to look at Xander. Then how she nodded her agreement and said something in return. Giles began to speak.
Snore.
Bloody bore much? Spike muttered in his mind, feeling as though he'd do best in leaving before he crumbled into a bag of bones on the floor.
What was he really doing there anyways?
And then her eyes met his, and a small smile, which he was pretty sure only he could see, formed on her mouth, and he remembered exactly why he was there.
Before he knew it everybody were rising and getting their jackets. He blinked.
"That's it?" he asked and Willow turned her head to him. "That's the whole bloody carnival? Fireworks and all? It took less then fifteen sodding minutes!"
She smiled sympathetically.
"Sorry to disappoint you," she then said and he gave her a look.
"It was just brainstorming, ho-..." Buffy began, almost pausing before she quickly continued the word with: "however, later on there'll be fireworks and ka-blam and... a parade, even. Are we done here?" she asked, turning to Giles who raised his eyebrows slightly, he was now seated on a chair by the very table on which she herself had been sitting.
"Yes, I believe we are," he answered and she smiled brightly.
"That's great. That's just... I have to go. Track... Adam and... study. Exams," she stated and Giles nodded, still looking at her rather oddly and she pulled her jacket on hurriedly.
"I have been rather meaning to ask you about school," he said, getting to his feet and she turned to him. "How is everything? Are you doing well?"
"With a little help from my friends," she answered and he smiled.
The sound of the door opening didn't stop him from continuing as he asked:
"I saw Mrs. Dunn the other day and she said something about trigonometry and I could hardly understand a word that came out of that woman's mouth... It's extraordinary how she ever..."
At the stunned expression on Buffy's face as she watched something behind his shoulder, and after observing that very expression on most faces of the group before him, he turned around toward the door. Soon he bore the same look as he stared at the person in the doorway.
"Hey," Oz said with a very small shrug, hesitantly awaiting their reactions.
**************************************************************************** **************************************************************************** **************************************************************************** ******************
Wow, I can't believe my feedback on the last chapter! It's wonderful! And it's more than wonderful to be able to start off my thank yous with that! ;)
Special thanks to Amanda (oh, why thank you!I'm flattered you think that and I hope the rest of the story was/is satisfactory as well!) :), Erica (thanks for that. Glad you like Spike all, you know, Spike with a rather caring Buffy - you know?) ;), qattaca (oh, dear! I hope that I somehow was able to pull you out of that puddle, my friend! I'd hate to see you go down on account of this story! ;) *lol* though. Hehe. Thanks a LOT!) :), Mel (Hey, you! On Where Did the: yeah, the finale thing. I'm all good now. *smiles* Thank you! On Softly We Tread: *grin* Glad ya liked. And well, the sprinkles are on me. We HAVE to have some of those, don't you agree?) ;), Alyssa (why funnier, girl? I've always loved your reviews! I mean, it's totally up to you and if you don't have the time or feel like you have anything important or even unimportant to say or comment about the chapter then I totally respect you wanting to keep it short. But personally I just LOVE to hear what you liked or disliked - all be it there isn't too much of the disliking which makes me real happy! ;) Well, any which way, okay?) :), Willow (okay, hi! I just have to write a long reply to you and I'm sorry it wasn't here sooner but as said: I've been tied up. *not literally* ;) Okay, so, I have to say that when I read your review I went GIRL! Stop predicting where the story's going! Seriously, I would NOT take your idea without giving you kudos, ok? I really don't want you to think that! Your thoughts fit so perfectly it almost scared me and I was like YIKES! But I mean, you can see for yourself that I HAD planned the Scoobie meeting thing 'cause that's from New Moon Rising! I just hope you're not all violated and such and thinking that I'm stealing from you, 'cause I'm really not! Okay? Now, I'm really glad that you like what I'm doing with this and I really hope that will continue! A.M.L.) :), vuks (Okay, I do realize that this IS Buffyverse, and that there IS misunderstandings etc. BUT this is also a different kind of Buffyverse where Buffy not out loud but still IS with Spike in a more affectionate way. It just changes certain aspects of it. However, we'll see where we're headed. Glad you're still enjoying, though.And yes! I am definitely jumping on board! Hoper's club R'Us!) ;), Cate (I bow my head in true appreciation of that comment, as well as gratefulness! Glad you enjoyed!), Captain (Where's your fearless leader at? ;) Hehe, just curious. Anyways, glad as always to see your name up there. You've been sticking with me for a while now and that is always a treat! :) Great that you approve and oh, SO glad I could ease the UPN blow for you, my friend! God knows I was knocked outta my boots!) ;), Juliya (girl, it's alright that you express an oppinion! I can only say that I don't agree with you one bit simply because I KNOW in my very gut that this IS how mushy and loving Spike would be, had Buffy been willing to see that side to him. He's always been the devoted, love-you-with-no-real-conditions type of guy and.well, I think that he really IS that kinda guy. Maybe that's why Joss took the other road. Keeping Spike big and bad for a few more rounds, you know? And, of course, the whole soul-back-getting and the whole saving- the-world deal needed to apply. *grin*) ;), dusty273 (hey, always great to welcome a new reader into the group! Hope you'll stick and I'm really glad that you liked it enough so far to go through all of it! Hope the following chapters were no disappointment!) :), LizDarcy (Oh, girl, if you EVER find a guy like Spike - sucha delicious blend of everything - check to see if he as a brother or a cousin or even an uncle that's anything like him, k? And then give ME his number! Oh, but please have the resemblance relative to relative be about the looks as well! *grin* Glad you liked the chapter!) ;), Leanne (Yikes! And Yikes! again! Wow, that's so incredible to read! And thanks for also taking the time to leave such a wonderful, amazing review! To all the points that were listed and approved ith honour I can only write - THANK YOU! That was really terrific to read! And on the one thing that you disliked. Girl! Check where in the season I'm at right now! In due time, k? ;P But don't worry, I'm glad to hear oppinions of any kind. Tho I AM relieved that I haven't had that many flashings! ;) I WILL try to update more. It's so darn ironic that this last chapter was so LATE! I was so completely set on getting it out for you to read a LOT sooner! Oh, and Stepfather will definitely be on my to-read list. Don't hate me if it might take a while. I have to concentrate on my present stories before I can go out and read any other material! I will try, though! And thanks!) ;), Pine (thanks, my friend! You know it means a lot!) :), charisma1525 (I can't say anything but how happy it really makes me that you keep liking this! Thank you so much, girl!) :), Rachel (I'm happy, happy, happy. ;P Really, I'm glad that you keep enjoying and keep coming back, that means a great deal to me! And hey, fanfiction.net isn't always the easiest site to access - this I know!) :), Heather (I'll bring a brush and blankets, a banjo and a Barney singing "I love you, you love me, we're a happy family" over and over so we won't feel all lonely. Now you pick a letter to bring four things from! *grin* Glad you like!) and Xio (thanks, I sorta really needed to read that - and I totally agree. And also big grin to the narcotic deal. *smiles like mad* And again, sorry that I was so late this last time in my update! I'll be quicker!!!) :) - To all a very special thank you! You know you rock! Thank you SO much!
I will try to get the next chapter out sooner! I personally think that four days is too long for you guys to wait for an update and I hope you believe me when I say that I have tried my best! I'll try harder! ;)
A.M.L, Annie.
Thirty-Six: Twists and Turns
By Annie.
2003-06-02
*************************************************************************
Day Thirty-Two.
11.35 p.m.
He held her as she slept, wondering if she knew. If she realized what she did to him. What having her relaxed, in his arms, meant to him.
This love - strange in origin, but strong, overwhelmingly so, as it took hold - was circling beneath his breast as he watched her face.
He wanted to be worthy of her and something deep down kept murmuring that he never would be. He was unclean before her, and he knew that no matter what good she brought forth from the forgotten and abandoned corners of his being - it wasn't up to her to cleanse him.
It never had and it never would be part of who she was, and so how could he ever, for even one second, think that he had a right to be?
The whole affair was rather hopeless, wasn't it? He just couldn't even fathom how he was to give her up.
He felt moronic that he after four days already was contemplating ways of leaving behind the best thing that had ever happened to him... No matter what - SHE was a part of HIM. Was he supposed to rip his heart out and still be able to go on?
The irony of that question hit him the next moment and he laughed silently to himself. After all, he hadn't needed his heart in over a century, had he?
No, there was no poetic analogy to create for what she stood for within him. His soul had been absent for as long as his heart had. His conscience was too flat of a likeness, it was too without emotion. She was so much more.
She was... his sun.
She was his sunrise and sunset; granting him what he had been forced to merely yearn for during the past one-hundred-and-twenty-five years. He hadn't even realized how much he had missed it.
Its warmth on his face.
Its light brilliant in his eyes.
The soft caress of heated summer breezes...
It wasn't the same in the shadows. It couldn't be. With her the darkness fled as though faced by a mighty flash of lightening. It scurried.
He was rather surprised at how little he actually wanted it back.
He also understood why his grandsire had fallen head over feet. This young girl must have eased his memories, stroked them away with her touch, made him feel real again. The younger vampire now let his gaze drift over her features and slightly furrowed his brow.
"How in the world could Peaches ever leave you?" he then whispered.
He was taken off guard by her voice as she asked:
"Angel?"
The silence seemed to speak louder than words because after a pause she opened her eyes and was the one who picked up the thread again, saying:
"He couldn't give me what I wanted, and he realized that. The best thing for the both of us was him leaving..."
"But in the basement..." he mumbled. "You seemed upset."
"I was," she replied. "I understood why he had to go when he did, but it still hurt so much... I guess I'm healing," she added quietly and he smiled tentatively at that before asking:
"'He couldn't give you what you wanted'...?"
She nodded.
"We could never have a relationship, you know? I could never have a normal life with him..."
"What?" Spike interrupted. "Kiddies, a doggie and a few acres of just-your- bloody-own?" he then scoffed. "You seriously saying you'd be content with that?"
She grew thoughtful; then shrugged.
"Mhm," she said. "Maybe not... Not now. But later, if I live to see that day, a family would be. not all foul and bad-tasty as you make it sound."
"You - a mom?" he wondered sarcastically and she gave him a push with one hand.
"Shut up," she grumbled and he smirked, though he soon grew serious as he eyed her for a few moments. "Maybe," she then continued, "the noble thing was for Angel to recognize our love for what it was - and let it go. I mean, in the end - cursed and all that he was - it was kinda... hopeless."
Spike blinked at that, his grip on her tightening ever so slightly as he said, voice lowered:
"Right... Hopeless..."
***
Day Thirty-Three.
8.45 a.m.
"Yesterday was a good day."
He looked down at her at those words, her hand sliding into his and he smiled a little. They had just stopped before the door of Giles' apartment and he could tell that she was incredibly nervous.
"I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed it," she added and his smile broadened before he nodded his agreement, bending forward to kiss her on the mouth and then they unlocked their fingers, stepping apart slightly. "Okay," she breathed. "Here goes."
She walked up to the door, then turned around to face him again. He cocked an eyebrow and at the slightly mischievous expression in his eyes she gave him a warning glare.
"Please, no twists. No turns," she then grumbled and he smirked.
"Ladies first," he merely replied, giving a nod toward their point of entry.
She squared her shoulders, reached her hand out and knocked, with her eyes still in his. He kept the smirk on until the handle turned; then he stripped it off and took on a look of nonchalance as he completely discarded his previous statement and took the lead; brushing passed Buffy and then Giles - who had opened the door.
Buffy kept from rolling her eyes at him as she greeted her Watcher with a smile, following the vampire into the living room where Willow and Tara were already seated on the couch. They were talking, but raised their heads as the addition to the gathered joined them; Buffy saying "hey" and Spike barely glancing at them as he began to stroll about the room.
"I would very much appreciate," Giles said, watching as the unearthly being carelessly ran one hand along a row of books on one of the bookshelves, "if you were to refrain from touching my things," the former finished and Spike looked up, meeting Giles' gaze and holding it for a moment before he smiled with a shrug.
"You're the territorial type," he then stated. "'S all right, so am I," he then added, turning his eyes in Buffy's who merely gave him a look to cut it out. "Not in abundance," he finished and she forced back the smile before looking down at Willow instead of at him.
"Well, Spike, though all of us - I'm quite sure - do feel some confusion as to exactly why you have decided to help us in this matter, we are also... to some extent... grateful," Giles said, making Spike turn his gaze in his again. "We all have faith in Buffy," Giles added. "If she says that you by some mystical perchance have turned a new leaf..."
"There are no sodding leaves being turned," the vampire interrupted with a snort. "The Initiative made the bloody thing, right?" he then asked and Giles nodded, looking perplexed as to where the other was going. "Those soldier boys put the bleeding chip in me," the bleached grunted. "Figure I can give them a head ache of their own, destroying their master weapon and whatnot."
Giles observed him for a few seconds before he removed his glasses and began to polish them.
"Quite," he then said and Spike raised his eyebrows meaningfully at that.
The door opened and Xander stepped through it, Anya following close behind.
"Great," Spike muttered, turning from the duo to pretend to focus his attention on the bands of books neatly stocked behind the glass of the cupboard before him.
"What's Captain Peroxide doing here?" Xander demanded, stopping short five feet inside the room.
"You should bloody strip-search him for tuna-cans," Spike shot, turning his head with an impatient scowl directed the human's way. "He's a regular buggering menace to society," he added and Xander smiled humorlessly.
"You know, that's funny - you going around dealing out accusations right and left," he replied. "I mean, considering YOU being the angel of Death and all."
"I had a bump for three days on my bloody forehead from where you hit me!" Spike exclaimed, his voice bearing a tone of insult.
"Oh, listen to the previous Big Bad doing his boo-hoos!" Xander taunted, making Spike take a step forward and a split second later Buffy did as well, looking from one to another as she said:
"Oh, boys, let's not start the day with arguments and sour expressions. Spike - you should let the tuna-incident lie. Xander - try to get passed the... Just cool down, okay? You're behaving like two six year olds!"
"The whelp started it!" Spike huffed.
"I did NOT," Xander burst out, offended.
"What was the whole bloody 'peroxide' deal? I'd class that as harassment," Spike stated and Xander's eyes grew before he shook his head.
"Yeah? Well, what was that 'great' all about, huh? Didn't sound like you were thrilled to see me and Ahn, did it?"
"Should I be 'thrilled' that you come to infest my morning with never ending, pointless jokes and lack-of-brain?" Spike inquired sarcastically, Buffy merely rolling her eyes to the ceiling and backing off.
"Did he just say I make pointless jokes into eternity?" Anya wondered, looking up at Xander.
He ignored her, the rising anger too great.
"I was saying that YOU started this!" he then replied.
"With the 'great' comment? Boy, you're so darn touchy I think I might have to go stand on the other side of the room," Spike muttered.
"No, not with that comment! With you ever setting foot in MY town!" Xander yelled.
"'Your' town?!" Spike barked back, incredulously. "If this is anyone's bloody town, it's HERS," he then added, pointing his index finger at Buffy who had crossed her arms over her chest and now looked at him; then at Xander.
"She's my best friend; I've been with her through everything - including YOU. I shoulder the burden with her! Thus," the human stated, waving his arms in small circles before pointing his own index fingers to the floor as he added, " MY town."
"I try to make jokes," Anya said now. "Good ones. Not nervous ones like you, honey," she added, still getting no reaction from her lover as he glared with irritation at the fiend before him.
"You done?" Buffy broke the intensifying silence.
"Not by a long shot," Spike grumbled.
"Not even close," Xander agreed.
"Then could you take it outside?" she asked. "We need to get this meeting going," she added.
Spike and Xander exchanged another look.
"Another time, another place?" Xander wondered and Spike smirked.
"Any time, any place, mate," he replied and Xander gave a nod before taking Anya's hand.
"There was a man and a dog and a cat..." she started, addressing the assembled people and then she stopped herself, saying: "Or, at least I THINK there was a cat... Well, the dog said to the man... Or was it the two animals talking with each other...?" she then mumbled and Xander looked at her questioningly.
"What are you...?" he began, but she interrupted.
"Be quiet, honey, you'll ruin my attempt at humor," she said.
"Don't strain yourself, pet," Spike cut in. "That part of the insult wasn't meant for you."
"Oh, good," she smiled. "Thank you for clearing that up," she added and Spike smirked.
"No need to thank me, love," he replied, turning his eyes into Buffy's and noticing the rather stiff posture on her.
He frowned slightly and she gave him another look before turning from all of them and walking into the kitchen area.
Leaning against the counter she closed her eyes at the annoying jealousy gnawing away at her. So, he carried himself in this certain way around women. He always had! Christ, what was this? She knew how he was. She just wasn't used to him not being how he was... with her.
These past few days are playing tricks on your mind, she thought to herself.
"Slayer," he said behind her and she knew he was barely moving his lips as the low purr behind every word became apparent when he continued: "You're not out here 'cause of anything I said or... did, are you?"
She shook her head a little, turning to him with an ironic smile as she crossed her arms over her chest again.
"Don't flatter yourself," she muttered and he smiled back.
"Sorry," he replied, holding his hands out to the sides disarmingly as he took a step closer. "I've been told I'm incorrigible; and I wouldn't wanna call the lady who said that a liar."
She smiled with more feeling at that.
"Stop it," she then murmured, taking a step forward and turning her head to look out into the living room.
"Make me," he said, reaching out one hand and tickling her side, making her jerk with a giggle mixed with a yell of surprise.
Nobody had been paying them any attention up until that; now they all turned their heads their way - wondering.
Buffy pushed Spike's arm away with a glare laced with as much threat as she could muster, and then she shook her head dismissively before walking passed the vamp and into the small hallway leading to the bathroom and guestroom. He followed.
"I mean it!" she hissed and he smiled again, leaning into her and pressing her up against the wall.
"You're loving this," he whispered and she couldn't help but smile, suppressing it a little too late and then shaking her head again. "Can't you feel it?" he asked, his hand sliding up one of her legs and then stopping between them, making her take a shaky breath. "The rush..." he mumbled.
"Buffy!" Willow called and the Slayer pushed the Vamp away with a hard shove.
Straightening out her clothes she then answered:
"Coming!"
Giving Spike another warning look before she rejoined the Gang in the living room.
Jealousy becomes you, he thought as he slowly followed. Milady, he added with a smile spreading over his lips.
Leaning against the doorframe he casually listened to the conversation unfolding between the Scoobies. Buffy was sitting on a table which faced Willow and Tara, who in turn were sitting with their backs to the counter of the kitchen which also could serve as a bar - giving direct insight into that very room, in which Giles was now standing. Xander and Anya were to the two Wicca's right, Anya on Xander's lap.
They were discussing Adam... Willow filling the meeting-inexperienced Tara in on all the Scoobie talk. Buffy said something about there being a low kill-count during her last patrols.
Yeah, 'cause you've been patrolling for a lousy five minutes at a time, sweetheart, Spike thought to himself, keeping the smirk down as he watched her speak.
Okay, so he wasn't being fair. She HAD been patrolling. Being the dutiful one that she simply was... He watched how her hair fell softly down one shoulder as she moved her head to look at Xander. Then how she nodded her agreement and said something in return. Giles began to speak.
Snore.
Bloody bore much? Spike muttered in his mind, feeling as though he'd do best in leaving before he crumbled into a bag of bones on the floor.
What was he really doing there anyways?
And then her eyes met his, and a small smile, which he was pretty sure only he could see, formed on her mouth, and he remembered exactly why he was there.
Before he knew it everybody were rising and getting their jackets. He blinked.
"That's it?" he asked and Willow turned her head to him. "That's the whole bloody carnival? Fireworks and all? It took less then fifteen sodding minutes!"
She smiled sympathetically.
"Sorry to disappoint you," she then said and he gave her a look.
"It was just brainstorming, ho-..." Buffy began, almost pausing before she quickly continued the word with: "however, later on there'll be fireworks and ka-blam and... a parade, even. Are we done here?" she asked, turning to Giles who raised his eyebrows slightly, he was now seated on a chair by the very table on which she herself had been sitting.
"Yes, I believe we are," he answered and she smiled brightly.
"That's great. That's just... I have to go. Track... Adam and... study. Exams," she stated and Giles nodded, still looking at her rather oddly and she pulled her jacket on hurriedly.
"I have been rather meaning to ask you about school," he said, getting to his feet and she turned to him. "How is everything? Are you doing well?"
"With a little help from my friends," she answered and he smiled.
The sound of the door opening didn't stop him from continuing as he asked:
"I saw Mrs. Dunn the other day and she said something about trigonometry and I could hardly understand a word that came out of that woman's mouth... It's extraordinary how she ever..."
At the stunned expression on Buffy's face as she watched something behind his shoulder, and after observing that very expression on most faces of the group before him, he turned around toward the door. Soon he bore the same look as he stared at the person in the doorway.
"Hey," Oz said with a very small shrug, hesitantly awaiting their reactions.
**************************************************************************** **************************************************************************** **************************************************************************** ******************
Wow, I can't believe my feedback on the last chapter! It's wonderful! And it's more than wonderful to be able to start off my thank yous with that! ;)
Special thanks to Amanda (oh, why thank you!I'm flattered you think that and I hope the rest of the story was/is satisfactory as well!) :), Erica (thanks for that. Glad you like Spike all, you know, Spike with a rather caring Buffy - you know?) ;), qattaca (oh, dear! I hope that I somehow was able to pull you out of that puddle, my friend! I'd hate to see you go down on account of this story! ;) *lol* though. Hehe. Thanks a LOT!) :), Mel (Hey, you! On Where Did the: yeah, the finale thing. I'm all good now. *smiles* Thank you! On Softly We Tread: *grin* Glad ya liked. And well, the sprinkles are on me. We HAVE to have some of those, don't you agree?) ;), Alyssa (why funnier, girl? I've always loved your reviews! I mean, it's totally up to you and if you don't have the time or feel like you have anything important or even unimportant to say or comment about the chapter then I totally respect you wanting to keep it short. But personally I just LOVE to hear what you liked or disliked - all be it there isn't too much of the disliking which makes me real happy! ;) Well, any which way, okay?) :), Willow (okay, hi! I just have to write a long reply to you and I'm sorry it wasn't here sooner but as said: I've been tied up. *not literally* ;) Okay, so, I have to say that when I read your review I went GIRL! Stop predicting where the story's going! Seriously, I would NOT take your idea without giving you kudos, ok? I really don't want you to think that! Your thoughts fit so perfectly it almost scared me and I was like YIKES! But I mean, you can see for yourself that I HAD planned the Scoobie meeting thing 'cause that's from New Moon Rising! I just hope you're not all violated and such and thinking that I'm stealing from you, 'cause I'm really not! Okay? Now, I'm really glad that you like what I'm doing with this and I really hope that will continue! A.M.L.) :), vuks (Okay, I do realize that this IS Buffyverse, and that there IS misunderstandings etc. BUT this is also a different kind of Buffyverse where Buffy not out loud but still IS with Spike in a more affectionate way. It just changes certain aspects of it. However, we'll see where we're headed. Glad you're still enjoying, though.And yes! I am definitely jumping on board! Hoper's club R'Us!) ;), Cate (I bow my head in true appreciation of that comment, as well as gratefulness! Glad you enjoyed!), Captain (Where's your fearless leader at? ;) Hehe, just curious. Anyways, glad as always to see your name up there. You've been sticking with me for a while now and that is always a treat! :) Great that you approve and oh, SO glad I could ease the UPN blow for you, my friend! God knows I was knocked outta my boots!) ;), Juliya (girl, it's alright that you express an oppinion! I can only say that I don't agree with you one bit simply because I KNOW in my very gut that this IS how mushy and loving Spike would be, had Buffy been willing to see that side to him. He's always been the devoted, love-you-with-no-real-conditions type of guy and.well, I think that he really IS that kinda guy. Maybe that's why Joss took the other road. Keeping Spike big and bad for a few more rounds, you know? And, of course, the whole soul-back-getting and the whole saving- the-world deal needed to apply. *grin*) ;), dusty273 (hey, always great to welcome a new reader into the group! Hope you'll stick and I'm really glad that you liked it enough so far to go through all of it! Hope the following chapters were no disappointment!) :), LizDarcy (Oh, girl, if you EVER find a guy like Spike - sucha delicious blend of everything - check to see if he as a brother or a cousin or even an uncle that's anything like him, k? And then give ME his number! Oh, but please have the resemblance relative to relative be about the looks as well! *grin* Glad you liked the chapter!) ;), Leanne (Yikes! And Yikes! again! Wow, that's so incredible to read! And thanks for also taking the time to leave such a wonderful, amazing review! To all the points that were listed and approved ith honour I can only write - THANK YOU! That was really terrific to read! And on the one thing that you disliked. Girl! Check where in the season I'm at right now! In due time, k? ;P But don't worry, I'm glad to hear oppinions of any kind. Tho I AM relieved that I haven't had that many flashings! ;) I WILL try to update more. It's so darn ironic that this last chapter was so LATE! I was so completely set on getting it out for you to read a LOT sooner! Oh, and Stepfather will definitely be on my to-read list. Don't hate me if it might take a while. I have to concentrate on my present stories before I can go out and read any other material! I will try, though! And thanks!) ;), Pine (thanks, my friend! You know it means a lot!) :), charisma1525 (I can't say anything but how happy it really makes me that you keep liking this! Thank you so much, girl!) :), Rachel (I'm happy, happy, happy. ;P Really, I'm glad that you keep enjoying and keep coming back, that means a great deal to me! And hey, fanfiction.net isn't always the easiest site to access - this I know!) :), Heather (I'll bring a brush and blankets, a banjo and a Barney singing "I love you, you love me, we're a happy family" over and over so we won't feel all lonely. Now you pick a letter to bring four things from! *grin* Glad you like!) and Xio (thanks, I sorta really needed to read that - and I totally agree. And also big grin to the narcotic deal. *smiles like mad* And again, sorry that I was so late this last time in my update! I'll be quicker!!!) :) - To all a very special thank you! You know you rock! Thank you SO much!
I will try to get the next chapter out sooner! I personally think that four days is too long for you guys to wait for an update and I hope you believe me when I say that I have tried my best! I'll try harder! ;)
A.M.L, Annie.