Disclaimer: Same as always, I don't own BTVS or any thing related to it.
Authors note: I am really pleased so far with the way this story is turning out and I'm really glad that so many of you are reading. I'd like to thank these people for their reviews: Darklover, Azrielle, Hannah, and Kate. Thanks to you for reviewing and I hope you keep reading. Your gracious author -Grace
The first thing I notice is that I'm out of fags, the second thing is that there are way too many demons and vampires running around tonight. Either something's going on that I'm not aware of or the Slayer's not doing her job. I absent-mindedly reach for another cigarette, one that of course doesn't exist. I guess my train of thought isn't too good right now seeing as how I only thought about how I was out of smokes a couple moments ago and yet I've only just reached for one despite the fact. A slave to my addictions I am, yes, how true that is.
Can't say my day wasn't eventful, a little disturbing at that too. I wasn't expecting my past to come walking back into my life anytime soon. Well, anytime ever if I'd have had it the way I'd have wanted it. What really gets me though is that she would even want to know me, that she wouldn't be a little put off by the fact that her great uncle is a vampire. Hmm, yes, that's been occupying my mind for most of the time since we've met. Why I couldn't have just asked her that I don't know, I guess I just didn't feel the need at the time. Hate to say this about her, but I'm not sure I can trust her just yet. Hell, I've only met the girl half a day ago, it's not like I'm going to open myself up to her completely. She shouldn't expect me to. Does she?
Of course she never knew my sister in her life, and didn't know much about her, but if she is whom she says she is; and she must be if she brought that damned journal along with her, I've got to accept her. It's a little strange knowing that I have family out there. I never really even knew if my sister survived London back then. All those nasty vamps running around looking for a quick bite to eat. I was one of the lucky ones, if you could call it that, who was chosen to become part of something, part of a legacy, part of a family. Not just a quick meal like so many others. I was gone long before she even was old enough to know what happened to me. Not that I'd ever admit it of course, but if there were only one thing I could have changed about my past, it would have been to say goodbye to my little sister Katherine.
Ah, it's all too late for all that now, and I haven't got many regrets about the past, I'm not even sure that I'd have stayed human if I'd had the option. What life was there for me there back then? I couldn't say I've never missed things, the sun for one, a heartbeat at times, food, real good food that I could taste well, but I'd be long gone and dead, really dead and six feet under if it hadn't been for being turned. Then there's Buffy, oh sweet perfect amazing Slayer of mine, if I hadn't died so many years ago I would have never come to Sunnydale. Funny how things work out isn't it. I wonder where the hell she is anyway? I thought for sure she would have come by already. Can anyone say whipped nancy boy? Fuck, what happened to me anyhow? Vampire man, remember? Having family and memories seem to have brought out the worst in me. Maybe it's a good thing Buffy hasn't showed, don't want her to see me in my high heels and puffy dress.
All right, I think I've got things under control, back to staking and killing things. Yes that's always a good man activity and something that I happen to particularly love to do. Something is definitely different, there's way too much activity here tonight and I'm only feet away from my crypt. I wonder if the other cemetery's are this active tonight. I'll have to make it a point of talking to the Watcher tomorrow, see if there's anything I can do to help control the population of evil.
Laurea and I talked most of the afternoon, talking about each of our lives and such. She being only in her early 20's surprisingly had a lot to say. She seems really mature for her age and all, I wonder if I'll see her again or if I've scared her off well enough. I left that damn journal lying on my chair. Most likely I won't even be able to open it, it's been to long, that's not who I am anymore, that's definitely not what I want of life. William the bloody, well, yes, they were bloody right about that. I'll have to get rid of it at some point, or maybe, damn it, I'll just give it back to the girl. She seemed to take care of it, although why I can't destroy the fucking thing I haven't a clue. I sort of hope she comes around again although we'll have to work on that William thing. Can't have her calling me that now can I? William this, William that, ugh makes me want to gag.
Well wouldn't you look at that? It seems that the Slayers little Scooby gang doesn't think I can handle my own graveyard. Nice of them to stop by wasn't it? Oh I was so afraid of the big bad beasties. Wonder what they want from me now, maybe a try at dusting me while the Slayer's not around. I'd like to see 'em try, wouldn't get far I can promise that. I take care of the last remaining vampire I had previously been playing with and stand to face the group. Even the watcher is out tonight, but no sign of Buffy, is she avoiding me purposefully?
"Watcher?"
"Spike."
"To what do I owe this visit?"
"Do you usually talk like that? Can't you just say what do you want?"
"Xander." Giles hushes the annoying boy and continues "Spike, Buffy left this for you, she told me to give it to you as soon as possible."
He produces an envelope from his pocket and thrusts it in my direction. He's seemingly a little nicer tonight; I wonder what it is that he wants? What's more intriguing than that thought though is just what exactly the Slayer has to say, I'd rip into the packet now, but there's no chance of my sharing the information inside with the Scoobies and so I tuck it into my duster pocket. My mind is running with possibilities of what it could say. I can't come up with one thing that could make sense except for that she's writing me off. She's sending me a letter so that she never has to talk to me again, so that she doesn't have to see me again. Oh shit, that's it isn't it? Get a hold of yourself man, it's probably nothing, just get the Scoobies gone so that you can go and find out.
"Left it for me? Where did she go?"
"I'm not sure she wants you to know. She may have told you in the letter."
"And if she didn't?"
"Then she didn't want you to know did she huh undead?"
"You know idiot Harris, the slayer isn't around to save you if I choose to hurt you. If you think you're little gang is going to stop me from teaching you a lesson, you're dead wrong. I'd suggest you keep to yourself for the time being."
Of course I'm only jesting, not about the disliking Xander Harris part, or about being able to take care of him had I wanted to, but I'd never be able to really hurt him. Buffy would probably not take kindly to me knocking off her friends and would probably kill me herself. Well, I can still talk big; a man's got to have something.
"By the by," I direct my question only to Giles "what's with all of the activity tonight? Something happening I should know about?"
"There's a prophecy due to occur in two weeks, as far as I can figure it's over flow from that. You know how it is, the hellmouth becomes a beacon to every demon within a hundred miles when these things happen."
"Mind if I come by the shop tomorrow? Talk it out a bit with you?"
God this envelope is burning a hole in my pocket. I've got to get back to the crypt soon so I can appease my curiosity.
"Sure, I guess that's all we came to tell you."
I must be the only one paying attention to the things happening around us because neither The Wanker, Giles, nor Willow notices the vampire that's sneaking up behind them. Great, if I lunge for the vamp, they think I'm jumping at them, they try to stake me, I have to hit someone, Buffy gets pissed, I end up getting staked in the long run anyway. Oh bloody hell, there's not even time to warn the witch; it seems that she is the intended prey of this vampire, and so I hope to god that I'm able to get to this vampire before the Scoobies get to me. Well, my Slayer would be even less pleased if I just let her friends get picked off by demons and vampires. I jump.
How amusing that was. Five seconds of complete and utter chaos, rather funny chaos, and I'm luckily still around to relive it. Red's face when I jumped at her was indescribable. Somewhere between fear and confusion while I was pushing her to the ground and somewhere between thankfulness and confusion when I was throwing the offending vamp over my head and towards the others waiting stakes that had most surely been intended for me. Thankfully, as soon as they realized that I was in no way trying to hurt the witch, but only trying to protect her, they joined the fight. It was a wonder that the two men can't get this vampire down try as they might. He looked so familiar, as if I had seen him before this fight. Couldn't have, no one survives my attacks. I jump atop him, pressing him to the ground while The Watcher fumbles around for his lost stake. Then as sudden as the wind it comes to me. How I didn't see it before I don't know, and how he ever recovered so quickly I cannot say. I never thought he would make it out of that cemetery that night.
"Mate you just don't give up do you?"
Giles has finally found the stake and now that I am in possession of it, I press it lightly to this vampire's chest. There'll be time for his death, he's not getting away tonight I'll guarantee that.
"Alright, you're going to tell me a little story. Something about yourself and why you're here. And don't leave out why you tried to kill my Slayer, it won't show well on you for lying."
"Spike you know this vampire?"
"Watcher this isn't exactly the time, but yes, I do, I drained him last night after he tried to kill Buffy."
"Drained? How could he have possibly recovered so."
"This is the one that tried to choke her?" the witch is now standing above us with a very angry glare resting on her features. "If you drained him then why is he here now?"
"I want to know now why you're here, I want to know who sent you, and I want to know what the Slayer has to do with it." I've changed into into game face, the more threatening of the two me's and press the stake a little tighter against his chest.
"I'm prepared to die for this cause, you'll get nothing from me."
"Fine, then let's have it out shall we?"
The point of the stake is not quite to his heart and I ask one more time
"Last chance, you tell me now I let you go, you don't talk and you die."
He shakes his head one last time before I turn him to dust. I would have gotten nothing from him anyway, and so really there was no good reason to keep him around. Goddamn minions taking up space where they aren't wanted. I wish he had just been reasonable, told me a little bit about who's controlling him, maybe about what his plans were. Minions these days are all too stupid to know the difference anyway. I hope I can get out of here before the inevitable question and answer session begins. For a couple minutes there I had completely forgotten about my Slayers letter.
"Watcher, I'll talk to you about this more so tomorrow, for now though, I'm off to read a letter."
"We really should talk more about this."
"Tomorrow."
I leave the gang standing above the recently much deceased vampire. Well, can't say the night wasn't eventful either, I only hope that this rush I've worked up isn't smashed to a screaming halt after reading what the Slayer has to say. I close the door behind me, pour a quick drink and retreat once again to my chair. I almost forgot that that bloody journal was still here. I pick it up and run my hands over the smooth leather surface. I'm going to get rid of this thing as soon as possible, for now though I just sit it on top of the fridge. Out of sight out of mind right? I'm finally able to take the envelope from my duster and I tear it open on one end. Out drops a little piece of paper. Must not have to say much, if this is it, well I guess that could be both good and bad. The paper smells like mint and looks like a gum wrapper. Great, I'm that much of an afterthought. I gently unfold the paper, take a deep breath, open my eyes, and stare at the three words she has written there.
Authors note: I am really pleased so far with the way this story is turning out and I'm really glad that so many of you are reading. I'd like to thank these people for their reviews: Darklover, Azrielle, Hannah, and Kate. Thanks to you for reviewing and I hope you keep reading. Your gracious author -Grace
The first thing I notice is that I'm out of fags, the second thing is that there are way too many demons and vampires running around tonight. Either something's going on that I'm not aware of or the Slayer's not doing her job. I absent-mindedly reach for another cigarette, one that of course doesn't exist. I guess my train of thought isn't too good right now seeing as how I only thought about how I was out of smokes a couple moments ago and yet I've only just reached for one despite the fact. A slave to my addictions I am, yes, how true that is.
Can't say my day wasn't eventful, a little disturbing at that too. I wasn't expecting my past to come walking back into my life anytime soon. Well, anytime ever if I'd have had it the way I'd have wanted it. What really gets me though is that she would even want to know me, that she wouldn't be a little put off by the fact that her great uncle is a vampire. Hmm, yes, that's been occupying my mind for most of the time since we've met. Why I couldn't have just asked her that I don't know, I guess I just didn't feel the need at the time. Hate to say this about her, but I'm not sure I can trust her just yet. Hell, I've only met the girl half a day ago, it's not like I'm going to open myself up to her completely. She shouldn't expect me to. Does she?
Of course she never knew my sister in her life, and didn't know much about her, but if she is whom she says she is; and she must be if she brought that damned journal along with her, I've got to accept her. It's a little strange knowing that I have family out there. I never really even knew if my sister survived London back then. All those nasty vamps running around looking for a quick bite to eat. I was one of the lucky ones, if you could call it that, who was chosen to become part of something, part of a legacy, part of a family. Not just a quick meal like so many others. I was gone long before she even was old enough to know what happened to me. Not that I'd ever admit it of course, but if there were only one thing I could have changed about my past, it would have been to say goodbye to my little sister Katherine.
Ah, it's all too late for all that now, and I haven't got many regrets about the past, I'm not even sure that I'd have stayed human if I'd had the option. What life was there for me there back then? I couldn't say I've never missed things, the sun for one, a heartbeat at times, food, real good food that I could taste well, but I'd be long gone and dead, really dead and six feet under if it hadn't been for being turned. Then there's Buffy, oh sweet perfect amazing Slayer of mine, if I hadn't died so many years ago I would have never come to Sunnydale. Funny how things work out isn't it. I wonder where the hell she is anyway? I thought for sure she would have come by already. Can anyone say whipped nancy boy? Fuck, what happened to me anyhow? Vampire man, remember? Having family and memories seem to have brought out the worst in me. Maybe it's a good thing Buffy hasn't showed, don't want her to see me in my high heels and puffy dress.
All right, I think I've got things under control, back to staking and killing things. Yes that's always a good man activity and something that I happen to particularly love to do. Something is definitely different, there's way too much activity here tonight and I'm only feet away from my crypt. I wonder if the other cemetery's are this active tonight. I'll have to make it a point of talking to the Watcher tomorrow, see if there's anything I can do to help control the population of evil.
Laurea and I talked most of the afternoon, talking about each of our lives and such. She being only in her early 20's surprisingly had a lot to say. She seems really mature for her age and all, I wonder if I'll see her again or if I've scared her off well enough. I left that damn journal lying on my chair. Most likely I won't even be able to open it, it's been to long, that's not who I am anymore, that's definitely not what I want of life. William the bloody, well, yes, they were bloody right about that. I'll have to get rid of it at some point, or maybe, damn it, I'll just give it back to the girl. She seemed to take care of it, although why I can't destroy the fucking thing I haven't a clue. I sort of hope she comes around again although we'll have to work on that William thing. Can't have her calling me that now can I? William this, William that, ugh makes me want to gag.
Well wouldn't you look at that? It seems that the Slayers little Scooby gang doesn't think I can handle my own graveyard. Nice of them to stop by wasn't it? Oh I was so afraid of the big bad beasties. Wonder what they want from me now, maybe a try at dusting me while the Slayer's not around. I'd like to see 'em try, wouldn't get far I can promise that. I take care of the last remaining vampire I had previously been playing with and stand to face the group. Even the watcher is out tonight, but no sign of Buffy, is she avoiding me purposefully?
"Watcher?"
"Spike."
"To what do I owe this visit?"
"Do you usually talk like that? Can't you just say what do you want?"
"Xander." Giles hushes the annoying boy and continues "Spike, Buffy left this for you, she told me to give it to you as soon as possible."
He produces an envelope from his pocket and thrusts it in my direction. He's seemingly a little nicer tonight; I wonder what it is that he wants? What's more intriguing than that thought though is just what exactly the Slayer has to say, I'd rip into the packet now, but there's no chance of my sharing the information inside with the Scoobies and so I tuck it into my duster pocket. My mind is running with possibilities of what it could say. I can't come up with one thing that could make sense except for that she's writing me off. She's sending me a letter so that she never has to talk to me again, so that she doesn't have to see me again. Oh shit, that's it isn't it? Get a hold of yourself man, it's probably nothing, just get the Scoobies gone so that you can go and find out.
"Left it for me? Where did she go?"
"I'm not sure she wants you to know. She may have told you in the letter."
"And if she didn't?"
"Then she didn't want you to know did she huh undead?"
"You know idiot Harris, the slayer isn't around to save you if I choose to hurt you. If you think you're little gang is going to stop me from teaching you a lesson, you're dead wrong. I'd suggest you keep to yourself for the time being."
Of course I'm only jesting, not about the disliking Xander Harris part, or about being able to take care of him had I wanted to, but I'd never be able to really hurt him. Buffy would probably not take kindly to me knocking off her friends and would probably kill me herself. Well, I can still talk big; a man's got to have something.
"By the by," I direct my question only to Giles "what's with all of the activity tonight? Something happening I should know about?"
"There's a prophecy due to occur in two weeks, as far as I can figure it's over flow from that. You know how it is, the hellmouth becomes a beacon to every demon within a hundred miles when these things happen."
"Mind if I come by the shop tomorrow? Talk it out a bit with you?"
God this envelope is burning a hole in my pocket. I've got to get back to the crypt soon so I can appease my curiosity.
"Sure, I guess that's all we came to tell you."
I must be the only one paying attention to the things happening around us because neither The Wanker, Giles, nor Willow notices the vampire that's sneaking up behind them. Great, if I lunge for the vamp, they think I'm jumping at them, they try to stake me, I have to hit someone, Buffy gets pissed, I end up getting staked in the long run anyway. Oh bloody hell, there's not even time to warn the witch; it seems that she is the intended prey of this vampire, and so I hope to god that I'm able to get to this vampire before the Scoobies get to me. Well, my Slayer would be even less pleased if I just let her friends get picked off by demons and vampires. I jump.
How amusing that was. Five seconds of complete and utter chaos, rather funny chaos, and I'm luckily still around to relive it. Red's face when I jumped at her was indescribable. Somewhere between fear and confusion while I was pushing her to the ground and somewhere between thankfulness and confusion when I was throwing the offending vamp over my head and towards the others waiting stakes that had most surely been intended for me. Thankfully, as soon as they realized that I was in no way trying to hurt the witch, but only trying to protect her, they joined the fight. It was a wonder that the two men can't get this vampire down try as they might. He looked so familiar, as if I had seen him before this fight. Couldn't have, no one survives my attacks. I jump atop him, pressing him to the ground while The Watcher fumbles around for his lost stake. Then as sudden as the wind it comes to me. How I didn't see it before I don't know, and how he ever recovered so quickly I cannot say. I never thought he would make it out of that cemetery that night.
"Mate you just don't give up do you?"
Giles has finally found the stake and now that I am in possession of it, I press it lightly to this vampire's chest. There'll be time for his death, he's not getting away tonight I'll guarantee that.
"Alright, you're going to tell me a little story. Something about yourself and why you're here. And don't leave out why you tried to kill my Slayer, it won't show well on you for lying."
"Spike you know this vampire?"
"Watcher this isn't exactly the time, but yes, I do, I drained him last night after he tried to kill Buffy."
"Drained? How could he have possibly recovered so."
"This is the one that tried to choke her?" the witch is now standing above us with a very angry glare resting on her features. "If you drained him then why is he here now?"
"I want to know now why you're here, I want to know who sent you, and I want to know what the Slayer has to do with it." I've changed into into game face, the more threatening of the two me's and press the stake a little tighter against his chest.
"I'm prepared to die for this cause, you'll get nothing from me."
"Fine, then let's have it out shall we?"
The point of the stake is not quite to his heart and I ask one more time
"Last chance, you tell me now I let you go, you don't talk and you die."
He shakes his head one last time before I turn him to dust. I would have gotten nothing from him anyway, and so really there was no good reason to keep him around. Goddamn minions taking up space where they aren't wanted. I wish he had just been reasonable, told me a little bit about who's controlling him, maybe about what his plans were. Minions these days are all too stupid to know the difference anyway. I hope I can get out of here before the inevitable question and answer session begins. For a couple minutes there I had completely forgotten about my Slayers letter.
"Watcher, I'll talk to you about this more so tomorrow, for now though, I'm off to read a letter."
"We really should talk more about this."
"Tomorrow."
I leave the gang standing above the recently much deceased vampire. Well, can't say the night wasn't eventful either, I only hope that this rush I've worked up isn't smashed to a screaming halt after reading what the Slayer has to say. I close the door behind me, pour a quick drink and retreat once again to my chair. I almost forgot that that bloody journal was still here. I pick it up and run my hands over the smooth leather surface. I'm going to get rid of this thing as soon as possible, for now though I just sit it on top of the fridge. Out of sight out of mind right? I'm finally able to take the envelope from my duster and I tear it open on one end. Out drops a little piece of paper. Must not have to say much, if this is it, well I guess that could be both good and bad. The paper smells like mint and looks like a gum wrapper. Great, I'm that much of an afterthought. I gently unfold the paper, take a deep breath, open my eyes, and stare at the three words she has written there.