The End and Beginning
Chp. 33
(Okay this is the last chappy except for the epilogue. I would like to thank everyone who has reviewed and actually liked my pathetic attempt at writing, I have another story in the works along with a POV that goes with this story, and then I'm hoping to be able to get a sequel to this one, but I don't have any real ideas for that right now.)
Buffy comes bouncing down the stairs, smiling, with Spike in tow. Actually she is dragging Spike by their clasped hands, behind her down the steps.
The couple is met by huge smiles and staring, by Faith, Kennedy and the other slayers that were in the hall during the Buffy scream fest, as they enter the downstairs of the old hotel.
Eyebrows furled, they look at Faith in askance.
Faith's smile just becomes bigger, she throws her thumb up at them and goes back to reading the magazine that she had picked up when she sit down on the couch.
The couple turns and looks at each other, Spikes scarred eyebrow raises and Buffy shrugs her shoulders. Then smiles break out on their faces and they shake their heads.
"What do you suppose that was all about, Luv?" Spike asks, as they walk over to the front desk.
They get to the desk, before Buffy replies.
"I really have no clue. Faith has always been a little freaky and weird, so yeah you know. I think she may be rubbing off on some of the others." She says in a whisper of conspiracy.
"The way you describe her, Pet. She sounds like my type of woman, maybe I should have went after her, instead of you."
He's looking for a reaction, but not expecting the one he gets. All of a sudden she turns around and is on Faith, beating her with her fists. Spike rushes over and pulls her off of the other slayer.
Faith had been holding her own, and jumps up into a fighting stance as Spike pulls Buffy off of her. She looks from Buffy to Spike. "What the hell was that all about? I'm sitting here minding my own business and all a sudden a Buffy shaped missile is on me beating the shit out of me." Faith shouts as she nurses her bloodied nose, and lip.
Spike looks down and hugs Buffy to him, so that she can't get back to Faith. Looking back up he plants his gaze on Faith and explains "It was my fault I said something I shouldn't have and well Buffy took it wrong. I was just trying to get a rise out of her. She took it as a threat, I think. Shouldn't have tried to make a mate jealous. First rule of the mate rules."
"What the hell did you say that would have made her go off like that?"
Spike smiles and looks back down at Buffy, "Told her the way she described you that you were more my type than her. Really set the mate bond off. Shouldn't have said it, I'm sorry."
Faith sits back down, and says "Man, don't ever do that again. That was way wiggy."
"Won't happen again, promise."
Buffy is finally calmed enough and looks at Spike, "You better not ever do anything like that again. I could have killed her. This bond thingy is like a freakin' demon. It gets set off and I can't control it."
"Yeah, Luv, it takes time for you to be able to control it, but if any human can it'll be you. I just gotta 'member not to stretch it to far, before you learn how." He explains.
Buffy looks over to Faith "Sorry about that, I just went off at the words 'should have went after her instead of you'. It really pissed me off. I guess everyone really knows not to mess with my man, now."
"Tha's right, Luv. Your man and no one else's and I wouldn't want it any other way. Don't want any other woman anyway. Been after you way to long." He says, placing a kiss on the top of her head.
Angel enters the room from behind the desk; he's heard all the commotion. "Spike?"
Buffy and Spike are startled by the low voice of the other vampire. They were to caught up in their conversation; also their backs were turned from him.
Spike growls, and turns to face Angel, "Damn, Angelus I'm getting you a bell. What do you want, oh Great Poof?" He taunts, good-naturedly. Now that he has the whole mess with the Slayers straightened out he's back in his good mood and feels like torturing Angel, and the only way he can do that is to poke fun at him.
"I was wondering if I could speak to you, for a moment?"
"Sure, Peaches." He says, sauntering behind Angel, with Buffy in tow and clasping his hand.
Angel turns to Spike abruptly, well as abruptly as he can, anyway. He heard the tread of their footsteps behind him and says, "Alone, Spike."
"Whatever you have to say, My Slayer can hear it, too."
Angel sighs, dramatically, and looks at him straight in the eyes.
Spike knows he's hit a sore spot with that comment. Not able to resist he points out "Hell Angelus, SHE IS MY MATE. Of course everything that's said in there is gonna be told to her. Why is it so important that she not be in there with us?" He points to the room they were about to enter, when Angel abruptly stopped in front of him.
"Spike, I just wanted to talk privately with you. Afterwards I don't care what happens, anyway I fully expect you to tell Buffy everything that goes on there. Its as much her decision as it is yours, now that she is mated to you, actually has she claimed you as you have claimed her?"
Buffy looks up at Spike puzzled. "What is he talking about?" She asks, clasping his hand tighter.
Spike looks at Angel, then turns to look down at Buffy, "You did, Pet. Last night, during well you know, you bit me drawing blood I might add; and said that I was yours and I accepted. Don't you remember that little detail?"
"I remember everything about last night, Baby. I just thought that you had to make the claim. I was just well telling you that you were the only one I wanted when I did that."
"Either way, you claimed me, and I'm as much yours as you are mine, now. It doesn't matter that you didn't know. What matters is the blood and claiming me as yours."
She smiles brightly and leans up to brush a light kiss on his lips. "Is that why I went all wiggy on Faith a few minutes ago?"
"Yeah, Luv, it is."
Angel breaks in and says "Can I speak with you now, there is something I'd like to discuss with you in private."
Still looking at Buffy Spike asks with his eyes. "Go ahead, I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here when you return, promise." She reassures him.
Smiling at her, he leans down and plants a kiss on her cheek, then turns to Angel, nods his head and follows the broody one into the little den like room.
Angel steps to the side as Spike follows him in the door, closing it behind him.
Spike turns back to him, smirking, and being cocky. He plants his hands in the pockets of the duster. Cocking his head, he pins Angel with a stare. "So oh Great Poof. What did you want to talk about that Buffy couldn't hear from the source?" He asks as he removes his hands from his pockets and leans on the wall behind him, crossing his arms over his chest.
Angel sits in a leather chair, across from the leather clad, pain in his ass, of a resurrected grand-childe. "Spike, sit down."
"No, Peaches I think I'd rather stand."
Angel sighs, deeply and rests his head between his legs, brooding for a few moments. He looks up at Spike. "You never change, do you?" He asks on a sigh of air.
Spike smirks and clucks his tongue, "Sure I do, Peaches. You just weren't around to see for yourself. Everything that happened in Sunnyhell, I was there. From the first time I saw Buffy, I started changing. She saw it, didn't want to accept it, but she saw it, saw me. I changed for her, because of her. I wanted to be good enough for her. Went and earned me a soul, saved the world. Which in turn dusted me I might add, which means I died for her, and I'd do it all over again. Everything that's happened to Buffy the last few years, I was there for and it changed me profoundly. Changed me for the better, I recon. I've changed Angel, a lot since the last time you seen me."
Angel clasps his hands between his knees as he rests his head on them, he shakes it "You're still that cocky little bastard though."
"Can't change everything, Peaches. I don't think Buffy would want it any other way. Now that I've explained. What in bleedin' hell did you want to talk about?"
Angel looks up from the floor, looking at him seriously, which looks a lot like he's brooding. He sighs, "Well, Spike, I wanted to ask you how you would feel about working with my crew and me? Now before you start" He pins him with an evil Angelus glare "Let me explain. I figure you've been fighting with Buffy, for a while. You know the game. You aren't gonna go anywhere; you're fighting the good fight. I know that you can fight and that you enjoy it. I figure that we aren't done with the research on just exactly what you are, and knowing you, you'd go out and kill something anyway just because you got bored, so why not make it worth your while and get some cash for it in process? Also I would like you on the team, because for some strange reason that I can't understand the team seems to like you. I think you'll fit right in, even though you get on my last nerve." He says the last with a smug smirk, to rival one of Spikes.
Spike stands stunned, still leaning up against the wall, his arms fall to his sides, and he slowly slumps.
"Damn, Angelus, wasn't expectin' this, not in the least. You offerin' me a job, the worlds endin' again, right?" He shakes his head and smiles down on his grand-sire. "Thought it'd be a cold day in hell, when you. . . hell I don't know what you're bein', but yeah it would be good to get some dosh, for doin' what I like to do. I'm also pretty sure Buffy won't be against it. But I want to talk to her before any decision are made." Shaking his head again, he states "Yeah, I think it could work."
Getting up and walking over to the door to open it, " Why don't you go talk to your Mate, about it?" Angel growls out, not being able to hide the jealously that he has toward Spike.
Spike hears the growling, and snickers "Can't help who she loves, mate. It took her forever to finally get over you. I guess in some way she'll always love you, which I don't like one bit. It doesn't mean she can't love someone else. You're just jealous because it's me and not a complete human. The thing is that I asked to be what she deserves when I went and got the soul. I guess what I am is what she deserves."
"Yeah, I know I left her so that she could have a normal life and be a normal girl, I should have known that she'd never have that so called normalcy. She's not normal, she never will be. I never in a million years thought that she would want anything to do with you."
"Loves a funny thing, Angelus. You should know that by now."
"I remember a not so very stable or sober you sayin' that once."
"It's the truth, mate. I never thought that she'd see me as anything more than the monster, but she finally did and made me the happiest what ever the bloody hell I am on earth. I couldn't love that amazin' woman more than I already do."
Angel looks at Spike in amazement, not believing what he sees. He really does love her more than anything else in the world.
Spike cocks his head to the side, "She's everything I am now, and she's my EVERYTHING. Has been for a very long time, actually I think that she's been my everything since the first time I laid eyes on her. I'll protect her and hers 'til I can't and then I'll protect them even then. No worries mate."
Angel nods his head; he knows that when Spike makes a promise he doesn't go back on it. He can trust him. He seen how he was with Drusilla and from what he can see he ten times worse with Buffy. Knowing that Buffy and her friends are in good hands, he's happy about it. "I know Spike. Now get out there and talk to her, before she gets impatient and barges in here."
Angel finally opens the door and walking out behind Spike, pats him on the back. Smiling, at how well that conversation turned out. At least they didn't try to kill each other. That's a step in the right direction.
Chp. 33
(Okay this is the last chappy except for the epilogue. I would like to thank everyone who has reviewed and actually liked my pathetic attempt at writing, I have another story in the works along with a POV that goes with this story, and then I'm hoping to be able to get a sequel to this one, but I don't have any real ideas for that right now.)
Buffy comes bouncing down the stairs, smiling, with Spike in tow. Actually she is dragging Spike by their clasped hands, behind her down the steps.
The couple is met by huge smiles and staring, by Faith, Kennedy and the other slayers that were in the hall during the Buffy scream fest, as they enter the downstairs of the old hotel.
Eyebrows furled, they look at Faith in askance.
Faith's smile just becomes bigger, she throws her thumb up at them and goes back to reading the magazine that she had picked up when she sit down on the couch.
The couple turns and looks at each other, Spikes scarred eyebrow raises and Buffy shrugs her shoulders. Then smiles break out on their faces and they shake their heads.
"What do you suppose that was all about, Luv?" Spike asks, as they walk over to the front desk.
They get to the desk, before Buffy replies.
"I really have no clue. Faith has always been a little freaky and weird, so yeah you know. I think she may be rubbing off on some of the others." She says in a whisper of conspiracy.
"The way you describe her, Pet. She sounds like my type of woman, maybe I should have went after her, instead of you."
He's looking for a reaction, but not expecting the one he gets. All of a sudden she turns around and is on Faith, beating her with her fists. Spike rushes over and pulls her off of the other slayer.
Faith had been holding her own, and jumps up into a fighting stance as Spike pulls Buffy off of her. She looks from Buffy to Spike. "What the hell was that all about? I'm sitting here minding my own business and all a sudden a Buffy shaped missile is on me beating the shit out of me." Faith shouts as she nurses her bloodied nose, and lip.
Spike looks down and hugs Buffy to him, so that she can't get back to Faith. Looking back up he plants his gaze on Faith and explains "It was my fault I said something I shouldn't have and well Buffy took it wrong. I was just trying to get a rise out of her. She took it as a threat, I think. Shouldn't have tried to make a mate jealous. First rule of the mate rules."
"What the hell did you say that would have made her go off like that?"
Spike smiles and looks back down at Buffy, "Told her the way she described you that you were more my type than her. Really set the mate bond off. Shouldn't have said it, I'm sorry."
Faith sits back down, and says "Man, don't ever do that again. That was way wiggy."
"Won't happen again, promise."
Buffy is finally calmed enough and looks at Spike, "You better not ever do anything like that again. I could have killed her. This bond thingy is like a freakin' demon. It gets set off and I can't control it."
"Yeah, Luv, it takes time for you to be able to control it, but if any human can it'll be you. I just gotta 'member not to stretch it to far, before you learn how." He explains.
Buffy looks over to Faith "Sorry about that, I just went off at the words 'should have went after her instead of you'. It really pissed me off. I guess everyone really knows not to mess with my man, now."
"Tha's right, Luv. Your man and no one else's and I wouldn't want it any other way. Don't want any other woman anyway. Been after you way to long." He says, placing a kiss on the top of her head.
Angel enters the room from behind the desk; he's heard all the commotion. "Spike?"
Buffy and Spike are startled by the low voice of the other vampire. They were to caught up in their conversation; also their backs were turned from him.
Spike growls, and turns to face Angel, "Damn, Angelus I'm getting you a bell. What do you want, oh Great Poof?" He taunts, good-naturedly. Now that he has the whole mess with the Slayers straightened out he's back in his good mood and feels like torturing Angel, and the only way he can do that is to poke fun at him.
"I was wondering if I could speak to you, for a moment?"
"Sure, Peaches." He says, sauntering behind Angel, with Buffy in tow and clasping his hand.
Angel turns to Spike abruptly, well as abruptly as he can, anyway. He heard the tread of their footsteps behind him and says, "Alone, Spike."
"Whatever you have to say, My Slayer can hear it, too."
Angel sighs, dramatically, and looks at him straight in the eyes.
Spike knows he's hit a sore spot with that comment. Not able to resist he points out "Hell Angelus, SHE IS MY MATE. Of course everything that's said in there is gonna be told to her. Why is it so important that she not be in there with us?" He points to the room they were about to enter, when Angel abruptly stopped in front of him.
"Spike, I just wanted to talk privately with you. Afterwards I don't care what happens, anyway I fully expect you to tell Buffy everything that goes on there. Its as much her decision as it is yours, now that she is mated to you, actually has she claimed you as you have claimed her?"
Buffy looks up at Spike puzzled. "What is he talking about?" She asks, clasping his hand tighter.
Spike looks at Angel, then turns to look down at Buffy, "You did, Pet. Last night, during well you know, you bit me drawing blood I might add; and said that I was yours and I accepted. Don't you remember that little detail?"
"I remember everything about last night, Baby. I just thought that you had to make the claim. I was just well telling you that you were the only one I wanted when I did that."
"Either way, you claimed me, and I'm as much yours as you are mine, now. It doesn't matter that you didn't know. What matters is the blood and claiming me as yours."
She smiles brightly and leans up to brush a light kiss on his lips. "Is that why I went all wiggy on Faith a few minutes ago?"
"Yeah, Luv, it is."
Angel breaks in and says "Can I speak with you now, there is something I'd like to discuss with you in private."
Still looking at Buffy Spike asks with his eyes. "Go ahead, I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here when you return, promise." She reassures him.
Smiling at her, he leans down and plants a kiss on her cheek, then turns to Angel, nods his head and follows the broody one into the little den like room.
Angel steps to the side as Spike follows him in the door, closing it behind him.
Spike turns back to him, smirking, and being cocky. He plants his hands in the pockets of the duster. Cocking his head, he pins Angel with a stare. "So oh Great Poof. What did you want to talk about that Buffy couldn't hear from the source?" He asks as he removes his hands from his pockets and leans on the wall behind him, crossing his arms over his chest.
Angel sits in a leather chair, across from the leather clad, pain in his ass, of a resurrected grand-childe. "Spike, sit down."
"No, Peaches I think I'd rather stand."
Angel sighs, deeply and rests his head between his legs, brooding for a few moments. He looks up at Spike. "You never change, do you?" He asks on a sigh of air.
Spike smirks and clucks his tongue, "Sure I do, Peaches. You just weren't around to see for yourself. Everything that happened in Sunnyhell, I was there. From the first time I saw Buffy, I started changing. She saw it, didn't want to accept it, but she saw it, saw me. I changed for her, because of her. I wanted to be good enough for her. Went and earned me a soul, saved the world. Which in turn dusted me I might add, which means I died for her, and I'd do it all over again. Everything that's happened to Buffy the last few years, I was there for and it changed me profoundly. Changed me for the better, I recon. I've changed Angel, a lot since the last time you seen me."
Angel clasps his hands between his knees as he rests his head on them, he shakes it "You're still that cocky little bastard though."
"Can't change everything, Peaches. I don't think Buffy would want it any other way. Now that I've explained. What in bleedin' hell did you want to talk about?"
Angel looks up from the floor, looking at him seriously, which looks a lot like he's brooding. He sighs, "Well, Spike, I wanted to ask you how you would feel about working with my crew and me? Now before you start" He pins him with an evil Angelus glare "Let me explain. I figure you've been fighting with Buffy, for a while. You know the game. You aren't gonna go anywhere; you're fighting the good fight. I know that you can fight and that you enjoy it. I figure that we aren't done with the research on just exactly what you are, and knowing you, you'd go out and kill something anyway just because you got bored, so why not make it worth your while and get some cash for it in process? Also I would like you on the team, because for some strange reason that I can't understand the team seems to like you. I think you'll fit right in, even though you get on my last nerve." He says the last with a smug smirk, to rival one of Spikes.
Spike stands stunned, still leaning up against the wall, his arms fall to his sides, and he slowly slumps.
"Damn, Angelus, wasn't expectin' this, not in the least. You offerin' me a job, the worlds endin' again, right?" He shakes his head and smiles down on his grand-sire. "Thought it'd be a cold day in hell, when you. . . hell I don't know what you're bein', but yeah it would be good to get some dosh, for doin' what I like to do. I'm also pretty sure Buffy won't be against it. But I want to talk to her before any decision are made." Shaking his head again, he states "Yeah, I think it could work."
Getting up and walking over to the door to open it, " Why don't you go talk to your Mate, about it?" Angel growls out, not being able to hide the jealously that he has toward Spike.
Spike hears the growling, and snickers "Can't help who she loves, mate. It took her forever to finally get over you. I guess in some way she'll always love you, which I don't like one bit. It doesn't mean she can't love someone else. You're just jealous because it's me and not a complete human. The thing is that I asked to be what she deserves when I went and got the soul. I guess what I am is what she deserves."
"Yeah, I know I left her so that she could have a normal life and be a normal girl, I should have known that she'd never have that so called normalcy. She's not normal, she never will be. I never in a million years thought that she would want anything to do with you."
"Loves a funny thing, Angelus. You should know that by now."
"I remember a not so very stable or sober you sayin' that once."
"It's the truth, mate. I never thought that she'd see me as anything more than the monster, but she finally did and made me the happiest what ever the bloody hell I am on earth. I couldn't love that amazin' woman more than I already do."
Angel looks at Spike in amazement, not believing what he sees. He really does love her more than anything else in the world.
Spike cocks his head to the side, "She's everything I am now, and she's my EVERYTHING. Has been for a very long time, actually I think that she's been my everything since the first time I laid eyes on her. I'll protect her and hers 'til I can't and then I'll protect them even then. No worries mate."
Angel nods his head; he knows that when Spike makes a promise he doesn't go back on it. He can trust him. He seen how he was with Drusilla and from what he can see he ten times worse with Buffy. Knowing that Buffy and her friends are in good hands, he's happy about it. "I know Spike. Now get out there and talk to her, before she gets impatient and barges in here."
Angel finally opens the door and walking out behind Spike, pats him on the back. Smiling, at how well that conversation turned out. At least they didn't try to kill each other. That's a step in the right direction.