Chapter 16
Betrayal
Buffy was in the kitchen pretending to wipe down the already clean counters when Xander, Anya and Kitara filed in. Carrying multiple bags from several different fast food establishments, they quickly piled them together in the center of the table.
"We didn't know what everyone wanted, so we got a little bit of everything," Xander said, pulling out the contents of the packages.
"Xander didn't know what he wanted, so 'he' got a little bit of everything," Anya corrected, rolling her eyes at her boyfriend.
Buffy grabbed a pile of paper plates from the cabinet and placed them on the table. "Go ahead, knock yourselves out."
"You're not hungry? We have all this food!" Anya complained, pointing to the schmorgisbord before them.
"Maybe later. Just feeling a little anxious about this prophecy stuff," she lied, knowing her stomach was in knots from her conversation with Spike.
She'd been making a hardy attempt not to look in the direction of Kitara, who had taken a seat at the end of the table. All attempts failed when Xander and Anya announced they were going to round up the others, leaving the two girls alone in the room.
"I don't envy you. The job you have..... being the slayer." Kitara started, picking up a plate.
"Well, someone's gotta do it," Buffy answered, opening the refrigerator, trying to find something else to keep her occupied. She was feeling extremely uncomfortable being alone with the other woman.
"There's just one thing I don't understand. Maybe you can fill me in."
"What's that?" Buffy asked, still rummaging through the fridge, unable to look at the other girl without thinking of her with Spike.
"You're a vampire slayer, right? You're supposed to kill vampires."
"Yeah? And your point would be?" she asked, irritated already by the conversation.
"If you're supposed to kill them, why do you fuck them?"
Buffy slammed the door shut and spun around to face her. "Excuse me?!" she demanded, caught off guard by the other woman's brashness.
"I'm just saying, seems a vulnerable position to be in, being a slayer and all." The smugness in her response instantly set Buffy off.
"What I do is none of your business," she warned, stepping closer to the table.
"I just couldn't figure it out. Someone whose supposed to kill vampires, but sleeps with not only one, but two of them. Is it a turn on for you? Doing the enemy?"
Buffy tried to hold her anger in, but Kitara seemed determined to cross the line.
"I mean, I've never actually been with one. Not yet, anyway." She grinned at Buffy, satisfied with her taunting. "But I'm hoping to change that. I hear vampire stamina leaves nothing to be desired. Would you agree?" she asked coyly, dishing out some noodles onto her plate.
"You hurt him, and I'll hurt you." Buffy warned. "Without even thinking twice."
She glanced at the slayer in surprise. "Well, well. The slayer protecting her vampire. Isn't that interesting." She paused, "But you're forgetting, he's not yours anymore. He's all mine. You'd better remember that."
Buffy eyed Kitara, anger running through her. "I don't take kindly to threats."
"Oh, it's not a threat. I just thought we'd better get some things straight between us. Spike's weak when it comes to you, but honestly, I don't know what it is he sees in you. You must've done some job on him."
"What's between me and Spike is none of your business."
"Oh? I think it's completely my business. You still want him, and I won't let that happen."
"Does Spike know what a bitch you are?" Buffy asked, ready to go at the girl, barrels loaded.
Kitara began laughing, amused at the question. "You have no idea. Why don't you stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours."
"You're in my house where I make the rules. And if you're suggesting I stay away from Spike, you've got another thing coming. But I do agree.you should stay out of my way." Buffy's tone was threatening enough to hopefully get her point across.
Kitara was about to speak again, when the basement door opened, and Spike stepped out. She stood up, rushing over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "I was wondering where you were."
"Felt a bit knackered, must have passed out. So, what's going on up here?" he asked, eyeing both of them wearily.
"Just girl talk," Kitara answered, making sure Buffy didn't have a say.
"Getting along then?" He looked at Buffy, unsure of her expression.
Without answering, Buffy moved passed them, into the other room. As she was heading out, everyone else filed passed her into the kitchen to find dinner. Angel watched her make her way to the closet and approached her when he saw her grab a light jacket.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"I'm gonna patrol," she answered, rummaging through her pockets for her wooden weapons.
"By yourself? Let me go with you," he offered.
"I'd rather go by myself if you don't mind."
"Buffy, what if you run into something you can't handle?"
"I'll be fine. I Promise," she reassured him. "If I get into trouble, I'll come running. Okay?"
He nodded, still feeling reluctant to let her go. "Just be careful."
She turned around and headed out the door, glad to be out of the house and away from her troubles for a while. She walked the streets, not really intending to do much patrolling. She needed the time alone, if for no other reason than to distance herself from Kitara before she said or did something she would probably regret later. 'Probably,' she repeated to herself, not very convincingly. She really didn't like this new girl that Spike had said was 'good for him'. She had an odd feeling about her, even going beyond her jealousy. She didn't trust her. She made a pact with herself to find out from Angel what Kitara's story was. Maybe knowing a little about her would help to set her mind at ease.
When she made it three streets over from Revello drive, she headed toward the cemetery. Maybe a good fight was what she needed to clear her head. She approached, knowing she was going straight for Spike's old haunt. His crypt was still there, occupied by Clem since the vampire left town. She found she really enjoyed spending time with the carefree demon. At least once a week, she made her way to his home to visit. She managed to forget for a little while about evil, the hell mouth, the First and everything else that went along with being the slayer. Instead, they would talk about television shows and old movies over buckets of popcorn and snacks. Although the interior had changed since the old occupant left, she also enjoyed the memories of the crypt and the time she'd spent there with Spike.
She was almost in sight of the mausoleum when her vamp senses began to tingle. Stake in hand, she turned on her heel, just in time to see the ubervamp approaching. 'Why didn't I let Angel come with me?' was the last thing she thought before he attacked. He began his assault full force, with Buffy barely getting a strike in.
Meanwhile, back at the house, the others had finished dinner, cleaned up, and were back at work trying to research the ancient book they'd been told about. Spike was feeling a little uneasy about Buffy being out by herself. Angel had made it clear that she insisted on going alone, especially after the blonde vampire accused him of not trying hard enough to persuade her otherwise. The watcher had put a quick end to their 'discussion' when he realized any interaction between the two was likely to end in a fight. Keeping Spike and Angel separated was just one more thing on a long list of items that Giles really didn't want to have to contend with.
Kitara watched everyone from the background, studying their habits and keeping a close eye on anything they found that might be helpful. Being in the middle of things was proving to be a lot more informative than she'd anticipated. She figured she'd collect as much information as she could before reporting back to The First, not sure of how she was going to sneak away without anyone noticing. She shrugged it off, knowing she'd figure out a way when the time came. For now, it was time to step up her plan of making sure Spike was not trying to rekindle things with the slayer.
Closing the book she'd been pretending to read, she caught Spike's attention by motioning him toward the kitchen. He followed, happy to be distracted. He felt he should be out fighting, not cooped up in the house with a roomful of bookworms going through old, boring books he could barely stand to read. Sitting around not doing anything was making him crazy, and worrying about Buffy wasn't doing anything to help his mood.
"So, what are the sleeping arrangements?" she asked, sliding her arms around him when they were out of everyone's sight. "I'm a little tired. Thought I might turn in."
"Oh, well, you should check with the girls. I'm sure they can make room somewhere upstairs for you."
"Well, I was thinking more along the lines of asking where you were sleeping. I promise I won't hog the bed and I'd feel safer knowing you were right there with me."
"Kit, I'm not sure if....."
"C'mon Spike," she interrupted. "I just want to be close to you. I'll make it worth your while," she added, seduction eminent in her voice.
He smiled, an evil grin taking over his features. "What did you have in mind, pet?"
"Say yes and I'll show you." She reached up, tugging his bottom lip between her teeth. "I promise you won't be disappointed."
The promise of sexual release sounded very appealing to him. His pent up energy was screaming to be let out, especially after his near hits and misses with Buffy over the past couple of days. He was holding a woman who wanted him, and it had been a long time since he'd had a soft warm body to curl up to.
He took her hand, opening the door to lead her into the dark basement.
"Stay here, pet. I'll go tell everyone we're turning in."
"No, stay. They probably won't even notice we're gone," she said, backing up to the mattress, with Spike following closely. "I don't want to waste any more time. It didn't take me long to figure out what I wanted," she said, pulling his shirt from the waistband of his jeans. In a single effort, she pulled it over his head, dropping it to the floor. "I've been waiting for this."
He spoke no words, instead helping to remove the clothing between them. They fell entwined to the bed, ravishing each other's bodies, not taking the time to get to know each other as first time lovers usually would. His interest was merely release and she was there to accommodate anything he wanted. She knew he didn't love her, but as long as he was here, he wasn't with Buffy. That was good enough for her, for now. Love could come later.
She let him have his climax, forgetting her own, even biting her tongue when he cried out the name of his slayer at the height of his release. She casually wondered as he rolled over beside her, draping his arm across her stomach, if he'd even realized he'd called Buffy's name. She drifted off to sleep, knowing this was the first step in a difficult task of trying to make him forget about the woman he truly loved.
Spike curled up silently beside her, guilt ridden for what he'd done. It wasn't bad enough that he'd cried out for his slayer, but if she'd known it was Buffy he was thinking of the whole time.... He felt bad for the woman lying beside him, but he felt more guilt for the woman he knew he was betraying. Being with Kitara had been wrong. From the time he slid inside, he felt it in his gut. It wasn't Buffy, and that's where he wanted to be. He fell asleep knowing he'd made a huge mistake, but wasn't sure what course of action it would take to fix it.
He was awakened suddenly by a weight falling over his leg. His eyes shifted to Angel, standing over him, worry eminent on his face. Spike looked down to see his pants draped across him.
"Get up! Get dressed!" Angel demanded, almost in a panic.
"What is it?" he asked, irritated by his interrupted slumber.
"It's almost morning and Buffy never came home last night."
Spike shot up, fear taking over his entire being. He was dressed and ready to go before Angel had time to make it back up the stairs. They set off together, differences aside, to look for Buffy, hoping to find her before the sun decided to make it's deadly appearance in the sky.
TBC
Betrayal
Buffy was in the kitchen pretending to wipe down the already clean counters when Xander, Anya and Kitara filed in. Carrying multiple bags from several different fast food establishments, they quickly piled them together in the center of the table.
"We didn't know what everyone wanted, so we got a little bit of everything," Xander said, pulling out the contents of the packages.
"Xander didn't know what he wanted, so 'he' got a little bit of everything," Anya corrected, rolling her eyes at her boyfriend.
Buffy grabbed a pile of paper plates from the cabinet and placed them on the table. "Go ahead, knock yourselves out."
"You're not hungry? We have all this food!" Anya complained, pointing to the schmorgisbord before them.
"Maybe later. Just feeling a little anxious about this prophecy stuff," she lied, knowing her stomach was in knots from her conversation with Spike.
She'd been making a hardy attempt not to look in the direction of Kitara, who had taken a seat at the end of the table. All attempts failed when Xander and Anya announced they were going to round up the others, leaving the two girls alone in the room.
"I don't envy you. The job you have..... being the slayer." Kitara started, picking up a plate.
"Well, someone's gotta do it," Buffy answered, opening the refrigerator, trying to find something else to keep her occupied. She was feeling extremely uncomfortable being alone with the other woman.
"There's just one thing I don't understand. Maybe you can fill me in."
"What's that?" Buffy asked, still rummaging through the fridge, unable to look at the other girl without thinking of her with Spike.
"You're a vampire slayer, right? You're supposed to kill vampires."
"Yeah? And your point would be?" she asked, irritated already by the conversation.
"If you're supposed to kill them, why do you fuck them?"
Buffy slammed the door shut and spun around to face her. "Excuse me?!" she demanded, caught off guard by the other woman's brashness.
"I'm just saying, seems a vulnerable position to be in, being a slayer and all." The smugness in her response instantly set Buffy off.
"What I do is none of your business," she warned, stepping closer to the table.
"I just couldn't figure it out. Someone whose supposed to kill vampires, but sleeps with not only one, but two of them. Is it a turn on for you? Doing the enemy?"
Buffy tried to hold her anger in, but Kitara seemed determined to cross the line.
"I mean, I've never actually been with one. Not yet, anyway." She grinned at Buffy, satisfied with her taunting. "But I'm hoping to change that. I hear vampire stamina leaves nothing to be desired. Would you agree?" she asked coyly, dishing out some noodles onto her plate.
"You hurt him, and I'll hurt you." Buffy warned. "Without even thinking twice."
She glanced at the slayer in surprise. "Well, well. The slayer protecting her vampire. Isn't that interesting." She paused, "But you're forgetting, he's not yours anymore. He's all mine. You'd better remember that."
Buffy eyed Kitara, anger running through her. "I don't take kindly to threats."
"Oh, it's not a threat. I just thought we'd better get some things straight between us. Spike's weak when it comes to you, but honestly, I don't know what it is he sees in you. You must've done some job on him."
"What's between me and Spike is none of your business."
"Oh? I think it's completely my business. You still want him, and I won't let that happen."
"Does Spike know what a bitch you are?" Buffy asked, ready to go at the girl, barrels loaded.
Kitara began laughing, amused at the question. "You have no idea. Why don't you stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours."
"You're in my house where I make the rules. And if you're suggesting I stay away from Spike, you've got another thing coming. But I do agree.you should stay out of my way." Buffy's tone was threatening enough to hopefully get her point across.
Kitara was about to speak again, when the basement door opened, and Spike stepped out. She stood up, rushing over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "I was wondering where you were."
"Felt a bit knackered, must have passed out. So, what's going on up here?" he asked, eyeing both of them wearily.
"Just girl talk," Kitara answered, making sure Buffy didn't have a say.
"Getting along then?" He looked at Buffy, unsure of her expression.
Without answering, Buffy moved passed them, into the other room. As she was heading out, everyone else filed passed her into the kitchen to find dinner. Angel watched her make her way to the closet and approached her when he saw her grab a light jacket.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"I'm gonna patrol," she answered, rummaging through her pockets for her wooden weapons.
"By yourself? Let me go with you," he offered.
"I'd rather go by myself if you don't mind."
"Buffy, what if you run into something you can't handle?"
"I'll be fine. I Promise," she reassured him. "If I get into trouble, I'll come running. Okay?"
He nodded, still feeling reluctant to let her go. "Just be careful."
She turned around and headed out the door, glad to be out of the house and away from her troubles for a while. She walked the streets, not really intending to do much patrolling. She needed the time alone, if for no other reason than to distance herself from Kitara before she said or did something she would probably regret later. 'Probably,' she repeated to herself, not very convincingly. She really didn't like this new girl that Spike had said was 'good for him'. She had an odd feeling about her, even going beyond her jealousy. She didn't trust her. She made a pact with herself to find out from Angel what Kitara's story was. Maybe knowing a little about her would help to set her mind at ease.
When she made it three streets over from Revello drive, she headed toward the cemetery. Maybe a good fight was what she needed to clear her head. She approached, knowing she was going straight for Spike's old haunt. His crypt was still there, occupied by Clem since the vampire left town. She found she really enjoyed spending time with the carefree demon. At least once a week, she made her way to his home to visit. She managed to forget for a little while about evil, the hell mouth, the First and everything else that went along with being the slayer. Instead, they would talk about television shows and old movies over buckets of popcorn and snacks. Although the interior had changed since the old occupant left, she also enjoyed the memories of the crypt and the time she'd spent there with Spike.
She was almost in sight of the mausoleum when her vamp senses began to tingle. Stake in hand, she turned on her heel, just in time to see the ubervamp approaching. 'Why didn't I let Angel come with me?' was the last thing she thought before he attacked. He began his assault full force, with Buffy barely getting a strike in.
Meanwhile, back at the house, the others had finished dinner, cleaned up, and were back at work trying to research the ancient book they'd been told about. Spike was feeling a little uneasy about Buffy being out by herself. Angel had made it clear that she insisted on going alone, especially after the blonde vampire accused him of not trying hard enough to persuade her otherwise. The watcher had put a quick end to their 'discussion' when he realized any interaction between the two was likely to end in a fight. Keeping Spike and Angel separated was just one more thing on a long list of items that Giles really didn't want to have to contend with.
Kitara watched everyone from the background, studying their habits and keeping a close eye on anything they found that might be helpful. Being in the middle of things was proving to be a lot more informative than she'd anticipated. She figured she'd collect as much information as she could before reporting back to The First, not sure of how she was going to sneak away without anyone noticing. She shrugged it off, knowing she'd figure out a way when the time came. For now, it was time to step up her plan of making sure Spike was not trying to rekindle things with the slayer.
Closing the book she'd been pretending to read, she caught Spike's attention by motioning him toward the kitchen. He followed, happy to be distracted. He felt he should be out fighting, not cooped up in the house with a roomful of bookworms going through old, boring books he could barely stand to read. Sitting around not doing anything was making him crazy, and worrying about Buffy wasn't doing anything to help his mood.
"So, what are the sleeping arrangements?" she asked, sliding her arms around him when they were out of everyone's sight. "I'm a little tired. Thought I might turn in."
"Oh, well, you should check with the girls. I'm sure they can make room somewhere upstairs for you."
"Well, I was thinking more along the lines of asking where you were sleeping. I promise I won't hog the bed and I'd feel safer knowing you were right there with me."
"Kit, I'm not sure if....."
"C'mon Spike," she interrupted. "I just want to be close to you. I'll make it worth your while," she added, seduction eminent in her voice.
He smiled, an evil grin taking over his features. "What did you have in mind, pet?"
"Say yes and I'll show you." She reached up, tugging his bottom lip between her teeth. "I promise you won't be disappointed."
The promise of sexual release sounded very appealing to him. His pent up energy was screaming to be let out, especially after his near hits and misses with Buffy over the past couple of days. He was holding a woman who wanted him, and it had been a long time since he'd had a soft warm body to curl up to.
He took her hand, opening the door to lead her into the dark basement.
"Stay here, pet. I'll go tell everyone we're turning in."
"No, stay. They probably won't even notice we're gone," she said, backing up to the mattress, with Spike following closely. "I don't want to waste any more time. It didn't take me long to figure out what I wanted," she said, pulling his shirt from the waistband of his jeans. In a single effort, she pulled it over his head, dropping it to the floor. "I've been waiting for this."
He spoke no words, instead helping to remove the clothing between them. They fell entwined to the bed, ravishing each other's bodies, not taking the time to get to know each other as first time lovers usually would. His interest was merely release and she was there to accommodate anything he wanted. She knew he didn't love her, but as long as he was here, he wasn't with Buffy. That was good enough for her, for now. Love could come later.
She let him have his climax, forgetting her own, even biting her tongue when he cried out the name of his slayer at the height of his release. She casually wondered as he rolled over beside her, draping his arm across her stomach, if he'd even realized he'd called Buffy's name. She drifted off to sleep, knowing this was the first step in a difficult task of trying to make him forget about the woman he truly loved.
Spike curled up silently beside her, guilt ridden for what he'd done. It wasn't bad enough that he'd cried out for his slayer, but if she'd known it was Buffy he was thinking of the whole time.... He felt bad for the woman lying beside him, but he felt more guilt for the woman he knew he was betraying. Being with Kitara had been wrong. From the time he slid inside, he felt it in his gut. It wasn't Buffy, and that's where he wanted to be. He fell asleep knowing he'd made a huge mistake, but wasn't sure what course of action it would take to fix it.
He was awakened suddenly by a weight falling over his leg. His eyes shifted to Angel, standing over him, worry eminent on his face. Spike looked down to see his pants draped across him.
"Get up! Get dressed!" Angel demanded, almost in a panic.
"What is it?" he asked, irritated by his interrupted slumber.
"It's almost morning and Buffy never came home last night."
Spike shot up, fear taking over his entire being. He was dressed and ready to go before Angel had time to make it back up the stairs. They set off together, differences aside, to look for Buffy, hoping to find her before the sun decided to make it's deadly appearance in the sky.
TBC