Chapter 25

Shadows

Spike leapt from the tree branch that he'd been crouching on, his flexibility allowing him to land safely on the ground.

Spike didn't often hang out in trees but he had caught a glimpse of his little slayer kneeling in front of a grave.

He had attempted to sneak up on her and try to listen in but a twig snapped beneath under his foot and she dashed off in a hurry.

Stepping out of the clearing, Spike read the name on the crypt, 'Dawn Summers' and knelt down in front of it.

"'ello nibblet, I 'aven't been round much I know and I apologize." Spike paused a moment and cursed under his breath at his stupidity, "You should 'ave told me, that your big sis was the slayer I might 'ave been a bit nicer to 'er. But you were right she is beautiful, but she's still sad. Buffy needs some one Bit, and I wanna help but I'm not sure how to go about it. We get on okay and I think there's some potential for love but…She still wants to be a slayer."

Spike pulled a cigarette from the pack in his pocket and lit it.

Taking a long drag from the cigarette Spike stood up and began to pace.

"Faith, I told you about 'er, says that I should make Buffy fall in love with me, you know how the slayers work I'm sure, and then she wants me to dump 'er. Just like that. I said no of course but I'm startin' to think it might work." Spike tilt his head towards Dawn's grave, ears perked up as though he was waiting for her to say something.

He sighed, "Guess you don't like that idea much, I could tell by your silence," he chuckled,"I best be getting off then Bit, try to stop by another time. And don't you worry I'll watch out for the big sis. Seems I'm always finding girls needin' me to care for 'em."

Spike tossed his cigarette off to the side and smiled at the grave stone, "I guess now I know who's been leavin' the flowers."

Buffy collapsed onto her bed and stared at the ceiling, tears stained her face but she made no effort to wipe them away.

Buffy rolled onto her side and slide under the covers, sleep quickly overcoming her. She didn't see the figure crouching outside her wind, nor did she hear the window slide shut.

Her senses told her that there was another person in the room, but she didn't turn over to have a look, she knew who it was.

"I'm really tired" Buffy whispered

Spike stepped out of the shadows behind her, "So sleep then love, I was just checkin' on you."

Buffy turned over to face him and whispered, "What was your mother's name?"

"Anne De'Sanguinary"

Buffy smiled, "Anne is middle name"

Spike smiled at her, "Buffy Anne Summers, that's a nice little name"

"It's Elizabeth" she whispered

"Elizabeth?"

"My name, I am Elizabeth Anne Summers"

Spike brushed a strand of hair from her face, "Sounds like the kind of name I'd hear in England"

Buffy pushed herself up and laid her head on his shoulder, "Really?"

Spike nodded, "Yeah, Probably some wealthy high society girl"

Buffy frowned, "You have got to be kidding me"

Spike chuckled, "Didn't say it was, sounds like it could be though"

Buffy yawned, "high society my butt"

Spike stood and laid her head on the pillows, "Get some sleep Pet, I'll see you tomorrow"

Buffy nodded sleepily and Spike gave her a quick kiss on the forehead, opened the window and climbed down the tree.

Spike was unaware of the person watching him from a tree on the opposite side of the street as he headed home to get some much needed rest.

Angel could feel the anger building up inside, Buffy had dumped him, the star quarterback on the school's varsity football team. The most wanted guy in school, dumped. And she seemed to be replacing him with Spike.

I don't know who she thinks she is? I am the star. People fawn over me. I am the one people look to when they need a leader. But no, Buffy Summers, some mere sophomore dumps me. I don't care all that much really but to dump me and start going out with Spike? That's the worst thing that can happen. She doesn't know what she's doing to herself by dating him. Spike is evil. I should know.

Out of the shadows, stepped another person. Female this time. Angel jumped out of the tree and greeted her.

"Dru, what are you doing out here so late?" he took her hands in his.

Drusilla swayed side to side, "My white knight is playing with the dangerous bumblebee. And Mrs. Edith says she will soon sting him and he will hide away forever"

Angel smiled at her, he was another of the few who could understand Drusilla's speech, "Are you sure Buffy is going to hurt him and not the other way around. Spike is the more dangerous of the two"

Drusilla screeched and clawed at the air with her razor sharp nails, "My knight will tumble"