Kennedy wandered through the cemetery. She knew she should go back to the house; Willow would be worried about her. "She's the only one." She has seen Faith and Willow earlier in the evening, searching for her. Kennedy knew it was what Buffy had ordered…for Willow. She knew Buffy didn't care if she ever came back to the complex. At this moment, Buffy was probably telling Willow that it was better this way, that she didn't want to be found, but that she'd come around in time. Spike would be right there next to the Slayer Wonder, the Savior of the World, Goddess Buffy.
The sight of a Bringer pulled Kennedy from her musings, "Finally, something to kill," she said as she pursued the Bringer.
She held back and watched as the one was joined by several, and that several was joined by another several. "Quite the party," she whispered to no one.
A part of Kennedy wanted to run back to the house and tell everyone that the Bringers were back which meant that the First hadn't stayed down as long as they had all anticipated, but her selfish side held her back. There was no way she would go crawling back to the house to help Buffy and her followers, but they were more than followers, they were like worshipers. She watched in fascination as the Bringers hurriedly moved inside an abandoned building on the far edge of town. This was her chance, she could change everything, all she had to do was walk inside and say 'hello'.
"Now this is just exciting, a lone Slayer walking right in, like she owns the place," the familiar voice of Caleb greeted her.
"Wouldn't walk any other way. You're the evil that can't die, and that's just impressive," Kennedy said.
"Why would a girl come alone, unarmed into my place of residence? Doesn't seem to me like it would be the wisest choice," Caleb continued as if he hadn't heard her speak.
"You tell me, preacher," Kennedy replied coolly.
"You want the holy fire, girl. You seek something you can't get from the others," Caleb began, "They don't see you for what you truly are, you are such a strong instrument, capable of such great things both good and evil."
"Word is, you know all about the evil," Kennedy said.
"What do you want to know?"
"Why? Why be the big evil when you know there's always going to be a good guy to shut you down?"
"Now there in lies the fun of the whole thing. Knowing that you are up against odds that seem overwhelming…that's where the passion comes from, the fight. The sensations that run through you as you wonder if today will be your last, knowing that one false step could be then end of it for you. Why do you want to know about evil, girl?"
"Good doesn't exactly seem to do it for me anymore. I assumed my skills could be put to use…elsewhere."
"What could have possibly driven you to turn coat?"
"She's blonde, green eyes, thinks she's God's gift."
"The Slayer, the true Slayer…Buffy."
"That's the self-righteous bitch herself. The way I see it, she did a right job in slicing your last puppet in two…you need help, seeing as you can't take form."
"She did kill me good and proper, that weapon of hers working like a charm."
"So, am I just wasting my time here? Do I need to go back to the house and give you time to think about my offer while I tell everyone that you're back in the game?"
"Now, now, just take a minute. I'm taking a minute to think over what you're telling me. Pardon me for not being trusting right off, but last time we met, you and that little witch were performing a spell to give all the potentials their full power. That isn't exactly the kind of help I want."
"Last time we met, Buffy wasn't such a large pain, well, she was, but it didn't matter as much."
"What's different now?"
"Everyone is on her side this time, even Xander."
"Yes, I remember him, the boy who sees everything. I took one of his eyes, and never got to complete the job for him…I'd really like the chance to."
"See everything except what's right in front of his face. He's got a blind spot with Buffy. After everything, and everyone he's lost he still follows her lead and backs her up, always."
"The man is loyal, no sin in that."
"That loyalty will get him killed."
"Does that bother you?"
"Not like I thought it would, how…relieving."
"It's nice not to care, not to have to worry about doing the right thing, always being the good guy," Caleb said. Kennedy watched as Caleb dissolved into the figure of the Mayor, "Faith knows all about that. That kid had quite the appetite."
"She gave it up, she fights for the good guys now. She and Buffy share the leadership role at the complex. The badness in her, it's gone."
"Oh no, my Faith will always have that dark place. She'll never be as dark as she once was, which is disappointing, but what are you going to do? You raise them, you feed them and all you can do is hope that they turn out as evil as you wanted."
"Kids these days," Kennedy said with a smirk.
"Watch that attitude young lady. I won't take any lip from you," the Mayor said, "Kind of a funny phrase, 'take any lip'. Don't you think?"
"Hysterical."
"I have to ask, why come to me? Why seek me out? What's in it for you?"
"First, didn't seek you out, saw one of your little friends, followed him here. Second, everything's in it for me. Revenge, a chance to see Buffy fail once and permanently…show everyone that she's not as high as she thinks she is."
"Revenge really is a sweet thing," the reformed Caleb said, "It's my favorite sin."
Kennedy couldn't get over it. The only time she'd seen the First it was as Caleb, it was mesmerizing to see the First morph between people. It showed how much power this evil really had, to be able to take on the image of any dead person, wow.
"You know, this won't be easy. People are going to die," the First said.
Kennedy was stunned, before her stood Buffy. For a moment she was worried.
"Relax, it's just me. Remember, I'm the death expert, or rather the non-death expert. Dying three times does that," Buffy said.
"Even though she's back?"
"Even though I'm back. Now, let's talk."
"We couldn't find her anywhere, Buffy. I'm worried. I should have been more supportive of her…I mean she was wrong and all, but still…" Willow trailed off.
"I know, Wil. We all came on a bit strong, she felt outnumbered, I'd know I felt that the night you guys…" Buffy paused, "She'll come around."
"I know. I just want it to be now, and not later. Later is no good."
Buffy hugged Willow tightly before standing up from the bed. "I'll make sure she comes back. I won't give up on her. I promise."
"I know."
Buffy gave one more worried look to Willow before leaving her friend for the night. She leaned heavily on the door and sighed. Part of her knew Kennedy wasn't going to come back any time soon, but she'd never tell that to Willow. Willow needed to be reassured that everything would be taken care of, no matter what the reality was. Coming back was selfish, she knew it, but that didn't change the way she felt about her decision. However, part of her knew that if she knew her return would affect things so drastically; she never would have come back. She would have gone on to heaven and spent the remainder of eternity soaking up the rays with her mother.
"Red ok, pet?" Spike asked softly. He knew from the look on Buffy's face that Red was far from ok, but he needed to help Buffy, and talking would help.
"She's dealing as well as she can. It will take time," Buffy looked up at him. She needed to tell him what she was feeling, what her "spider sense" was indicating, but she was afraid. If she told someone, out loud, then it made it real, and that was the last thing she wanted.
"I'd give up the ring to know what was going on in that head of yours, Slayer," Spike said.
"No, you wouldn't. That ring means more to you than my thoughts. I should know, I was around the last time you got your greedy little hands on it," Buffy said casually.
Spike smiled, he knew she was avoiding the topic. She wasn't ready for him to know. He'd play along with her, give into her need for secrecy. It was safer than pushing her. Pushing her always led to fighting and closure and he didn't want that. "Right you are, pet. Now, let's go have us some quiet in front of the telly."
Buffy smiled to herself as she noticed that Spike didn't wait for a response from her, he simply grabbed her hand and pulled her down the hall after him. Calm flooded her system as she felt Spike's thumb soothingly rub hers. It amazed her how much the simplest, smallest touch from him could send her heart to the stars, cause every thought to leave her head, make the whole world just disappear. She'd felt that way the night he had found her and just held her tight. The strength that she took from him, that he offered her…it was unbelievable. She'd never felt like that, not with Angel, definitely not with Riley. She was always too worried about saving Riley to ever take strength from him, and with Angel it was too complicated. She could never be as close to him as she needed, if she was, he'd loose his soul…again.
When they reached the door to the basement, Spike let go of her hand to open the door, and she felt cold…alone. To alleviate the sense of loss, she hugged herself and followed him down the stairs. It was odd for her to feel that strongly toward the blond vampire. Her Slayer didn't want her to need his comfort, his touch, his strength, but that was why she had come back. For him. That's why she'd stayed with him in the Hellmouth, to be with him for all time. She'd pushed him away from her for so long, and every time he came back…this time it was her turn to come back to him. She knew that he needed her as much as she needed him, even though he'd never admit that out loud.
He watched Buffy closely. The slight furrow of her brow, indicating that there was too much on her mind. Her body language practically screamed fatigue. Her shoulders sagged, her steps were shuffled, and not even her expertly applied makeup could hide the bags under her eyes. Watching her was making him unnaturally tired. It was night, and his demon wanted to hunt in spite of the fatigue that plagued him. Tonight would be about Buffy. She needed him. He had seen it in her eyes the moment she'd walked out of Willow's room. He'd felt it when she didn't fight him when he led her away from the group. Tonight, he would take care of her.
Buffy allowed a gentle smile to play on her lips as she watched Spike arrange the pillows on the bed. "Do I get popcorn and an annoying little kid kicking the back of my chair?"
Spike smirked as thoughts of him and Buffy in a dark theater danced in his mind. "We might be able to swing the popcorn, but I was going for more of a private setting."
Buffy smiled. She'd seen the look in his eyes, the hunger and knew that he was thinking about the dark theater. She allowed her own mind to wander there for a moment. His cool hand on her thigh, his lips sucking greedily on her neck…
Spike saw her flush violently under his gaze, his grin turning wicked. He sucked in his cheeks and ran his tongue along the front of his teeth. "Naughty Slayer," he drawled.
"You're a pig, Spike," Buffy teased.
Spike slowly closed the distance between them. He allowed his hunger, his desire to play out in his eyes and smiled internally as he heard her heart rate accelerate.
She willed her heart to stop hammering against her ribcage. He looked so hot sauntering towards her. He had a predatory gleam in his eyes that made her thighs quiver. He had been so very right about her…she needed a little bite in her man; make that a lot of bite.
Spike stopped when he was close enough to feel her breath on his neck. He could smell the sweetness of her arousal. "And you want me, Slayer."
Buffy shivered as she felt his breath on her neck. Her mind told her to tell him off, but her body wouldn't obey. She leaned into him until their lips were almost touching. When his lips met hers, she couldn't stifle the moan that escaped her lips. It had been so long since she'd felt his body this close to hers, his mouth exploring her own. She missed it. For the first time, she allowed herself to give into the feelings that surged through her. With all of the other intimate moments they had shared together, she had always held back. She was never able to give into her feelings. The time for that was past. Last year, she'd wanted so badly to have him this close to her, but never allowed herself to act on her desire.
Growling possessively, Spike pulled Buffy closer to him. He was relieved when she moaned into his mouth. Her signature was strong, it was the only thing he was aware of, the only thing he cared about. The rest of the world be damned. He'd waited so long to have her in his arms. Ever since he'd bolluxed it up with her back in SunnyD, he'd wanted her. Part of him would never forgive himself for what he'd done to her. The images of her frightened face, the disbelief in her eyes, it haunted him. Pushing away those thoughts, he focused fully on the beauty in his arms.
Pulling away for much needed oxygen, she looked up into his blue eyes. She was now completely lost in her desire. Unlike all of the other times, she didn't crave the sex like she had before. Her desire now was tender. She was content to just have him hold her, the smoochies were a bonus.
"Better?" Spike asked.
"Much," Buffy replied. She hugged him tightly and buried her head in his chest.
Spike gathered her up in his arms and carried her over to the bed. He looked down at her and was entranced by the warmth that spoke to him from her eyes. Pride swelled within him as he realized that he was the reason for that look. "Bloody beautiful," he murmured.
Needing him to be closer, Buffy patted the area next to her on the bed and pouted as he cocked an eyebrow. "Sit."
"Patient, Summers," Spike scolded. He went and turned the light off, then removed his shirt. Heat surged through him as he felt her eyes burn into his chest.
"Stupid vampire," Buffy groused. She crossed her arms across her chest definitely.
Spike shook his head as he sat down next to her. Wrapping his arms around her, he felt her resist his embrace. He chuckled softly.
She felt her resolve slip as he placed gentle kisses on her neck. She couldn't keep her muscles from relaxing as his talented mouth coaxed her. "I hate how you can do that."
"What's that, luv?" Spike asked against her shoulder.
She couldn't help the moan that escaped her lips, "That. Touching me and making me forget everything…even when I was supposed to be all irritated with you."
He chuckled at her. Always had to be stubborn, one of the qualities about her that had first drawn him to her. "I could always stop," Spike said as he removed his lips from her tender flesh.
Smiling to himself as she whimpered softly, he scooped her up into his arms and cradled her against his chest. He sighed contentedly as she snuggled into his chest, her little hands tracing patterns on his back. This was heaven to him. No other dimension could possibly be as blissful as this moment was to him. There was no other place for him to be, being in the arms of his Slayer was the best think he could ever imagine.
Buffy giggled as she heard him growl possessively. She liked the way it warmed her insides. Knowing that someone cared that much about her, that someone would always have her back left her feeling peaceful. She moved her hands up to the back of his neck and gently moved his head toward hers, forcing him to look her in the eyes. "I love you, Spike."
If he had a heart, it would have stopped beating at that moment. There had been no reason for her to say it, the world wasn't ending…it was truth. She loved him. The truth of her statement was written in her eyes. "Love you too, pet."
"Promise me something?" Buffy pleaded.
He didn't like the serious tone that had taken over her voice, "Anything."
"Never leave me, no matter what happens?" Buffy implored.
"I'm yours Slayer, forever. Nothing will ever make me leave you," Spike said.
"You're quite sure?" Giles asked.
"Yeah. Little bastards are back, no eyes and all," Faith told him.
"We spotted them on our patrol," Wood began, "They scurried off once they noticed us."
"They didn't try to engage you?" Giles asked.
"Nope, ran off. We followed them to an abandoned shack on the edge of town," Faith explained.
"This is very distressing. I knew that he would be back, I guess I was just hoping it would take him a while longer to reappear," Giles said.
"I think we all were," Wood said softly.
"Were what?" Buffy asked in a voice that was all too cheerful for the current topic.
"Ah, Buffy, you're up, good. We have a situation, quite bad actually," Giles said.
"What's the what?" Buffy asked.
"Bringers. They're in town. Looks like the First wants a second round," Faith said. She was itching for a good fight. Things had been a bit too quite for her liking, and now she knew why. Whenever the First made his presence known, all the local baddies made a run for the hills.
"Do we know how many Hellmouths there are?" Buffy asked.
"Why?" Giles asked.
"I just wanted to know how many craters we're going to have to create before this guy gets the hint," Buffy said.
Spike smirked. That's his girl, always go for the fight. Keep a calm front no matter what was happening underneath the surface.
"I don't exactly think it will be that simple, Buffy," Giles said. He removed his glasses and rubbed them furiously.
"Look, Giles, I know this is big…the biggest, but it's nothing I, we, haven't faced before. I say if we stopped him once we can stop him again," Buffy said.
"I'm with B on this one. I say we go and kill us some Bringers. We could keep one of them and find out what our good friend is up to this time," Faith said.
"I suppose that would be useful, but girls, I don't want to do anything rash. We don't want to upset the First, or cause him to move up his time table, not until we have a plan," Giles said.
"I have a plan," Buffy said, "Kill everything that stands between me and the First, then destroy the Hellmouth."
"Sounds good to me," Faith intoned.
"I like a good brawl as much as the next bloke, but I've got to agree with Rupes here. I think it's best if we wait this one out a bit first," Spike said. He didn't want to get Buffy brassed at him, but he just got back. He wasn't exactly looking forward to leaving again. Plus, there was more at stake this time around .He had her, and nothing was going to take that from him, not even the First.
"Spoil sport," Buffy pouted at him, "So, what do we do? I get that we don't go and cause trouble, but I don't want to just wait around for him to make the first move either."
"I think we're going to have to, Buffy. Until he makes himself known to us, there isn't much for us to do," Giles said.
"There might be something we could do," Willow offered hesitantly, "We could find out who his right hand guy is. You know the Caleb fill in."
"That's good, Wil. Find the guy that has form, and kill him. That would weaken the First, make him have to rethink his plans and give us some time," Buffy said.
"Time for what?" Xander asked, "I don't want to be Mr. Gloom, but last time we had a run in with this thing, we all nearly died."
"Giles was telling me something about the amulet the other day, how it held the Champion until they were needed again. Spike and I were sent back here for a reason, I'm sure of that now," Buffy said.
"So, what's the reason?" Spike asked.
Buffy sighed, "I don't know."
There ya go. Sorry it took so long to update, but the server was down and such. Please review.
