DISCLAIMER: All characters of the Buffy Universe belong to Joss Whedon.
TIME: An Alternate Version of the aftermath of Season 6, Episode - "ENTROPY"

RATING: PG-13

PAIRING: Spike/Anya

COME WHAT MAY

A Fanfic by Jasmine Cora

6 - Crypt Visits

Spike began festering through his belongings, throwing blankets and rummaged old cigarettes and cigarette boxes about to make his crypt more ... presentable. Spike never took much liberty into how his place looked in the first place. He was a vampire. Creature of the night ... to do what he pleases ... make a mess and be damn proud of it. But Anya was on her way any second for the Passions marathon. He didn't want to come off to her as a total slob. The tv was set on the channel, Spike's cushion chair all nice and comfortable. Just as Spike finished tidying up, a repeatative knock came at the door. Spike chuckled to himself, knowing who would be so anticipative in her knocking for a rummage old crypt of Spike's.

"Its open, Anya ... you don't have to-"

"HIYA!"

Anya wasn't waiting for Spike to finish as she quickly paraded forth, carrying bags in her arms. Spike's eyes grew wide for a second as he watched her set the bags down and rummage through them. He couldn't help but laugh at this newley set vengence demon. She was back to her quirky self, and he liked her better that way. "I got popcorn, your batch of blood, cheese nips and OH! Look, spicy buffalo wings!" she replied, holding hot a carton of freshley cooked wings in triumph. "Haven't you had enough?" Spike joked, placing his hands on his hips. "You may have won the last round, but prepare yourself for a rematch, chip boy!" Anya replied with a scoff. Spike scoffed back as he tilted his head. "Is that right?" Spike replied back with a bit of sass. He walked over to Anya as he opened the carton of buffalo wings, inserting one into his mouth slowly as if teasing Anya. "Bring it on, pet!" Spike exclaimed challengingly. Anya laughed as she reached into the carton and picked out one for herself, letting it rub against her lips as she eased it into her mouth. Spike and Anya both shared a laugh as they both heard the theme of Passions engulf the television. "It's starting!" Spike proclaimed, running for the seat. Anya grabbed the buffalo wings, popcorn and Spike's blood as she dashed behind Spike.

Spike headed for the floor in front of his chair, surrendering it to Anya. She was wearing a dress after all, he felt it was only right. Anya plopped herself down in the seat, as she began stuffing popcorn in her mouth. She handed off the batch of blood to Spike, who didn't even bother with the fact that it was cold to care. Passions was on and he was going to enjoy the marathon with his new friend, Anya.

The night wore on fast it seemed. Passions was getting more addicting as it rode on for Anya, as she and Spike screamed and teared over episode after episode. During commercial breaks they spoke thier opinions and thoughts about the show, joked and shared thier food as the night rode on. And soon, it came down to the moment Anya or Spike didn't want.

The final episode of the marathon.

It was tear-jerking, though Spike tried his best to hide it. But what Spike and Anya really didn't want was their fun night to end. More then ever as time went on, they enjoyed each other's company more and more. They both could feel the pain of the night end as Spike clicked off the television as the credits of the last episode began. Anya sniffled for a brief moment as she crossed her arms. "Wow ..." she replied. "Damn right. That's one hell of a show!" Spike proclaimed, taking another swig of his cold blood. "I loved it ... every second of it." Anya admitted. A akward hush fell over them slightly as Spike decided to break it.

"So ... guess that's a night!"

"Oh, yeah ... I-I guess so. What time is it anyway?"

"Oh ... um, I reckon ten or so. Night's still young ... at least for me. Might go out and play some kitty poker with the gang down at the pub."

Anya smiled. She wanted so much to tag along, but she felt it would've been too much. Besides, she didn't want the others to get the wrong impression ... though as it was, she really didn't care. "Well then, I guess I better be going! Magic Box needs to open tomorrow ... and I have to make money!"

"Don't we all ... " Spike replied, agreeing with her. Spike lead Anya to the door as she held her sweater top in one hand and the carton of buffalo wings in the other. She turned to look at Spike as their eyes locked again. "I really had a great time." Anya replied. "Yea, me too. We got to do it again real soon, yea?" Spike answered back, as Anya smiled in agreement. "Listen, Anya ... whenever you feel like stopping by ... by crypt is always open to you. Remember that ... " he sympatheiclly replied, not just towards Anya as a friend, but as a shoulder to lean on should the others turn on her in despite of the things that had occurred. "Thanks. Guess that means more crypt visits, huh?" she joked outloud. Spike laughed. "I'll see you later then?" he asked. "Definitly." Anya replied shyly.

Without even thinking it, Anya reached over to Spike and gave him one of her tight hugs. Since Spike couldn't breath, it didn't matter that her hugs were tight. Though Spike was caught off guard, he only hesitated a moment before he wrapped his arms around Anya in return, allowing himself to take in her scent ... her own natural aroma of vanilla. Their breathing was almost in tune with each other as Spike felt they shouldn't keep a hold on each other too long as he slowly pulled away. Anya did the same as she locked eyes with Spike once again. "Night." Anya replied quickly as walked off, eating the rest of the buffalo wings.

Spike leaned in the doorway, watching her as she left, until she was out of sight. He couldn't help but to smile whenever he was around her. She had this quirky personality that wasn't quite human, but it was all her own. He wouldn't change her for anything. He was glad to have someone to talk to. Someone to trust. All his mind was consumed with now, was when he would see his new blonde haired lady again ... he wished desperatley that she wanted to join him for kitty poker to extend their evening.

Now it didn't seem to interest him much anymore.