Kat easily hauled the body into the closet of the motel. She shut the door and locked it with a click, moving over to the bed and flopping down on it with a sigh. Things weren't so fun anymore and she was bored. The whole point of bringing back Angelus was to have fun. To have a partner in crime. Someone similar to herself. But over the past few days, he'd been getting on her last nerve. Narcissistic would be an understatement. He never stopped talking about himself and the things he'd done. He'd even started taking credit for all of her ideas. He kept trying to sleep with her too which was irritating. She didn't find his huge ego attractive. He was attention seeking, like a little child trying to get his mommy and daddy's attention. It was pathetic. It also didn't help how he kept talking shit about Spike. She knew it was her own fault. He was soulless like her after all. She'd reacted when he first did it. He found a button and now he loved to push it. But it was getting to the point where she wanted to murder him, and that just wouldn't do. That was letting him off lightly. No, she had other plans for the asshole. She wouldn't let anyone off with talking about Spike like he had been.
She had left the abandoned warehouse while Angelus had gone out for a bite to eat, coming here to the motel. It was easy. Kill the person staying in this room, stay here until she knew where she was going next. And being here also meant she could put her plan in motion. She lounged around for a bit first, feeling full and satisfied. She wouldn't have just killed the twenty something man without draining him. That would just be wasteful. After laying around like a self satisfied cat, she finally sat up, wriggling up on the bed until her back leaned against the headboard. She reached out, grabbing the phone receiver and calling a number very familiar to her. It rang a good few times and she already felt her agitation flare.
"Hello?" A voice rushed out, sounding out of breath.
"Hello, Wesley," she smirked, shifting to get more comfortable. There was a pregnant pause on the other line for a moment, the only sound being his rapid breathing.
"Kat… You're the last person I expected to hear from," he murmured. She was glad he didn't bother with the whole 'where are you' crap. He was too clever for that. He knew it would be pointless to ask.
"Well, I knew you guys probably missed me. Figured I'd say hi," she snorted teasingly.
"What do you want?" He asked tensely, not bothering with niceties.
"A lifetime supply of blood… to be able to walk on the beach without burning to a crisp, sipping on the people there like cocktails," she grinned impishly.
"Katherine," he growled down the phone, making her chuckle.
"Still no sense of humor I see. Fine… I'm gonna tell you where to find Angelus. You're gonna get him and shove his soul right back where it belongs," she huffed. Wesley was silent again for a long moment and she was just starting to think he'd hung up on her when he started speaking to her again.
"Why? Why would you do that?" He asked suspiciously.
"Come on, Wes. You've met Angelus. He's insufferable. He was fun, now he's not. I thought about just staking him for pissing me off so much, but this is a lot more fun. I took Angel's soul away because it was the worst thing I could do to him, just like giving Angelus his soul back is the worst thing to him," she shrugged even though he couldn't see it. She couldn't wait for him to get all souled up again, knowing just how much it would torture Angel to remember the things they'd done together.
She was expecting him to comment on how she'd changed or how this wasn't her. But in true form, he stuck to business. He probably knew what she was handing him was huge, regardless of her motives.
"Where is he then?" He asked, she could hear him grabbing something. Probably a pad and paper.
"You know the old TechWare warehouse?" she asked, sounding bored. She reached over for the TV remote, flicking it on.
"The one by Aviation Lane?" he asked carefully.
"That's the one. Come by in about an hour, Angelus will be there," she grinned. She wished she could stay and watch the moment where he got his soul back, see the devastation on his face. She heard his scribbling over the line before a pause, a deep inhale from the man.
"Kat…" he murmured, his business-like voice now gone and replaced with a softer one.
"Yes?" she asked, amused.
"You need to stop this. It's not too late to just come back, get your soul back too," he pleaded.
"And why would I do that, Wes? I'm having so much fun," she snorted, switching the channels on TV.
"If you won't do it for yourself, then do it for Spike," he implored. Her back straightened, a flood of red flashing behind her vision.
"Excuse me?" she asked. Her voice was deadly and low, her grip on the phone receiver making the plastic groan.
"Do you think he'd want to see you like this? Do you think he'd be proud of you right now?" he asked desperately. Her hands shook as a myriad of emotions hit her all at once, all of which were unpleasant and unwanted. No, he wouldn't be proud. Because he'd had his own burden of a soul he'd had to deal with. And maybe if he was around, she could free him too, using magic to get rid of it. But he wasn't here. He wasn't here to be disappointed in her. He wasn't here to love her.
She let out a loud scream, full of pain, anguish and rage as she slammed the receiver onto the bedside table and shattered it. The bedside table was next, being picked up and thrown hard across the room, leaving a dent in the wall as it smashed to pieces. By the time she was done, there was nothing left in the room that she hadn't broken. Everything lay in tatters and ruins and yet she didn't feel much better. Her hands still trembled and she clenched them to fists, taking a breath she didn't need to try and calm herself. A loud knock sounded on the door of her motel room and her head whipped to face it.
"What?!" she growled angrily.
"Ma'am, is everything okay?" someone asked on the other side, no doubt a staff member. Someone obviously went and snitched about her behavior. It didn't help that this wasn't supposed to be her room and now there would be questions. Or maybe not. She walked over to the door and swung it open. A young girl in a beige uniform was on the other side and she looked at Kat with concern, her eyes flitting behind her to see the mess left in the room.
"Do you need help, ma'am?" she asked in a whisper. Kat sniffled, wiping her face and finding it damp. When had she been crying? Pathetic. She nodded, moving away from the door so the girl could walk in and she hugged herself, making herself look small and weak.
"What happened? Did someone hurt you?" the girl asked when she shut the door behind her. Kat couldn't be bothered playing the game, she was far too on edge. Instead, she darted at the woman with her vamp speed and her teeth were in her neck before she even knew what hit her. The girl protested for a moment before she stopped, the pleasure of feeding taking its hold. Kat moaned, letting the blood soothe her raw wounds and make her feel better. It always made her feel better.
She wondered about how to murder Wesley. Using Spike like that to get to her, to try and get her all souled up again like a stupid neutered puppy. It made her sick. How dare he drag Spike into this, trying to hurt her. Trying to appeal to her humanity like she had any left. She wanted to rip his throat out. She'd avoided going around there. She knew about Wolfram and Hart although she'd only been there once very briefly. And she knew from Angelus that the Slayers had a HQ now right next to it. He'd been wanting to go and murder everyone but Kat had avoided it. That was where she and Angelus differed. He got obsessed with those he knew as Angel, wanted them all dead. Kat couldn't care less about them. If they got in her way, then she'd have no problem dealing with them. But she could hardly be bothered to go out of her way to kill them. Not when there were more fun things she could be doing. She also wasn't stupid. She was a young vampire and taking on a crap load of Slayers wasn't a good idea. She very much liked her unlife and intended on sticking around. She had some self preservation after all. But Wesley had promoted himself to the top of her shit list, right under Angelus/Angel. But she'd need to think of a way to get him without the others being around and she knew it would be hard. So she'd wait. It wasn't high on her list of priorities right now. First, she needed to deal with Angelus.
Glancing around at the mess of the room, she sighed and swiftly left. She took her cell from her pocket and glanced at the time. It was a new phone, one she had simply to contact Angelus on if they weren't together. She hadn't called Wolfram and Hart on it because she knew they had a lot of crazy ass technology there. She didn't need them tracking her whereabouts and finding her. Another reason why she needed to leave the motel ASAP. Her tantrum had lost her out on some time since she'd told Wes to be at the warehouse in an hour. She hit the only contact in the phone and it rang a few times before Angelus finally picked up.
"Are you at the warehouse?" she asked before he even got a word out. He chuckled down the phone at her impatience.
"Not yet, I was thinking of staying out a bit longer. The night's still young," she could hear his smirk. She needed to get him to the warehouse and quick and she knew just how to do it.
"I've been thinking… about your offer. You're right, I was playing hard to get. But I'm sick of waiting now. I want you and there's no use in dancing around it," she did her best to sound coy and alluring despite the scrunched up face she was sporting.
"Little Kitty wants to play now, huh?" he asked teasingly and her legs stopped still, her body growing rigid at the nickname. It felt like someone punched a hole through her chest. Only one person could call her that and he wasn't here anymore. She bit her tongue, as much as it pained her not to say anything. She wanted his soul shoved in his body now more than ever and she'd blow the whole thing if she went off on him.
"I do. I'm at the warehouse… waiting for you," she murmured sweetly. A dark chuckle hit her ears down the phone and she was on edge not knowing if he'd take the bait.
"I'm on my way," he growled, hanging up on her. She didn't doubt he'd show her a good time if she would have actually been there. Too bad he was too much of an insufferable asshole. With that taken care of, she felt lighter. One less problem to deal with. She needed to hunt for somewhere else to hide out for a bit. But first, she'd go find some trouble to get into. Angelus wasn't wrong after all. The night was still young.
—-
Spike was tense, sitting in the back of the van near the warehouse. It was a sensitive mission, not knowing if Kat would be around. So the Slayer only had her main gang helping with some of the old Potentials she trusted posted outside the warehouse stealthily in case anything went wrong. Buffy had convinced the W&H gang to stay back and let her handle it. They still needed people back at base if anything went wrong. He'd not been happy to learn Wes of all people got to speak to Kat. Wished it had been him but it was probably for the best. She was handing over Angelus to them and Wesley had told them her reasons. He got a sick satisfaction over the fact he'd annoyed the crap out of her that much she'd resorted to this, but it spoke volumes to the new soulless version of herself. Old Kat would never subject anyone to that kind of torture, now she relished in it. Buffy was hoping Kat would be there too but Spike knew better. She wasn't going to stick around knowing they'd all be there, it was too much of a risk. Yet, he couldn't help that tiny spark of hope that bloomed in his chest at the possitibily, no matter how stupid he knew it would be. He heard Buffy's walkie go off with one of the Potentials telling her Angelus had just gone inside.
"It's go time," Buffy said firmly, the Slayer mask in place. He knew the words weren't only directed at the people in the back of the van. Willow and Tara had stayed back at HQ to do the soul spell on Angelus. They theorized that while Kat had been using magic to protect her against her own soul and Angelus', that no longer applied. The witch needed to start the spell now so they could go in and apprehend him, distract him until it was done. He pushed open the back doors, hopping out of the van, followed by Xander and Anya. Giles and Buffy got out of the front, the group merging and making their way into the warehouse with determination. Buffy went first, kicking the door in with the dramatic flare Slayers often loved.
Angelus looked shocked for the briefest of moments before he smirked at her.
"Hello, lover," he grinned mockingly. Spike saw how Buffy's hand tightened on her stake, fire behind her eyes as she glared at him.
"I'm not your lover," she spat tensely. He laughed, moving around a little but always facing Buffy and the group.
"You know, you might wanna leave. Me and Kat are about to get it on. I don't think your precious feelings could take it. Or maybe you could join in. Not sure if Kat would like that very much, though," he smirked leeringly. Spike reacted without much thought, growling loudly as he launched himself at the vampire. He threw a punch and Angelus flew backwards, laughing as he stood back up. Oh, he'd distract him alright. Bloody beat the tar out of him until his soul was back. Maybe even after too.
"Don't you talk about her like that," Spike hissed, his face shifting on its own. Angelus chuckled, shifting his own face with a shrug.
"What's wrong, Spike? Jealous?" he asked teasingly. Angelus ran at him but he dodged the hit, kicking out his leg and making Angelus tumble to the floor. When he went to grab him, Angelus booted him in the chest and he shot backwards, groaning as his back connected with a concrete pillar. Suddenly, the older vampire had hold of his duster, pressing him against the pillar.
"Come on, William. Don't you know that you never get the girl? Do you really never learn your lesson?" Angelus asked with a sneer. Spike yelled, throwing his head forward hard. It connected with Angelus' big ol' forehead and the pair of them groaned. Spike was sure he was seeing stars for a minute. They kept fighting, throwing fists and dodging blows and he was vaguely aware of Buffy yelling something and the others narrowly avoiding being caught in the crosshairs. After a kick that sent Angelus into the wall, Spike watched as he cried out, clutching his chest. About damn time. He was writhing and moaning, and not in the way that said he was having a good time. Spike stalked over, looming over him as he finally stopped with his noises. He leaned down, fisting Angel's shirt before punching him so hard it knocked him out.
"Spike! He was souled!" Buffy chided with a frown, rushing over to them both.
"I know," he bit out, giving her a look before he moved away. Now with the threat, or at least one of them, dealt with, he took a moment. An inhale had him drowning in Kat's scent. It made a deep ache appear in his chest as he yearned for her. He just wanted her back. He spied a black hoodie and he knew it was hers. He went over to it and snatched it up, taking a deep breath and letting her scent soothe him. If he closed his eyes, he could pretend she was there with him. He tried to not let Angelus' words get to him. So what if they'd been shacking up. She wasn't souled, she wasn't the same. It wasn't her fault. At least he kept trying to tell himself that to make the burning pain in his chest disappear. Maybe it wasn't her fault, no soul and all that. Didn't mean it didn't sting like a bloody bitch. It was eating at him and he loathed it. He followed the gang out to the van and he quickly barged past them all, stopping at Buffy who was comically carrying the big lump called Angel. He grabbed him, sniffing at his neck.
"Wow… just when I think I've seen just about everything," Buffy murmured with a face. Spike gave her a dirty look.
"Checkin' somethin'," he huffed, inhaling deeply once more for good measure.
He felt his body relax a little as he moved out of the way and got in the van, letting super girl put the idiot in. Kat's scent wasn't strong on him. Enough to know they'd been sharing a space and spending a lot of time together but nothing like it would be if they'd been shagging. He felt a twinge of guilt that he doubted her and he had to remind himself that she wasn't herself so he had a right to. She thought he was dead, might even hate him. He had no idea how she felt about him currently and he hated it. But it did ease his aching heart that she hadn't been with Angel. Wasn't sure how he was supposed to look her in the eye again if she had, soul or no soul. He'd dealt with it too many times with Dru, he couldn't take that kind of rejection. Not from Kat.
"Is that how vampires say hello?" Xander asked wryly once he got in the van. Angel was passed out in the middle of the floor but he'd wake up soon enough. Spike smirked smugly at the fact he'd hit him hard enough to knock him out. Wasn't an easy feat with a vampire.
"What?" he asked, raising a brow.
"The… sniffing. Like dog's sniff each other's asses. Is that how vampires say hello?" he grinned, looking all too happy with himself. Even Anya gave him a look like the boy was stupid.
"Don't be silly, Xander. Vampires say hello like normal people. Juhngi demons however… they say hello by sniffing the armpits of other Juhngi demons," Anya explained simply. Xander looked at her horrified and Spike snorted, leaning back against the van as it jerked into drive. He was glad Angel was back. Not 'cause he liked the ponce or anything, 'cause he bloody well didn't. But because he'd have useful information about Kat and what she'd been doing, what her mindset was like. He had the inside scoop. Also helped that he was now far the hell away from his girl so he could stop driving himself insane imagining all the things they'd been doing together. Now Angelus was dealt with, they just had to sort out Kat. He wouldn't rest until he had her back.
Once they got back to HQ, Buffy directed some of her Mini Slayers to take Angel back to Wolfram and Hart. Spike and the rest of them went into the Slayer HQ where Willow and Tara were anxiously waiting.
"Did it work?" Willow asked hopefully.
"Like a charm," Buffy smiled, allowing herself at least one victory. Willow visibly relaxed and smiled at Tara who held her hand.
"I'm off to bed," Spike murmured. Sure, it was a good thing they got Angel back but Kat was still out there. Still adding more to the ever growing list that would be on her conscience when she came back to her senses. Buffy's hand darted out and grabbed his forearm, halting him before he could leave. He gave her a curious look.
"We'll get her back, Spike," she said firmly, a new conviction behind her eyes. Was nice to see rather than that lost lamb look she'd been sporting lately. Hadn't given him much hope. He nodded, grateful he had the Slayer on his side with this one before he moved to the elevator. He'd been staying here, Buffy had given him a room. Well, it had been for Kat originally, for when they fixed her up. He was dead after all, no need for a room. But now he was back so Buffy said he could share it with her. When she came back, that was. Was a decently sized room. Double bed, chest of drawers, a telly. Everything he needed. Even a little fridge to keep his blood fresh and a microwave to heat it right up. Buffy had thought of everything for Kat and he was happy she had people looking out for her like that. The room felt empty though, missing someone. He hated it. He'd never felt more alone in his life. He shucked his duster off, tossing it over a chair in the corner before he flopped down on the bed with a sigh. His hands still clutched her hoodie and he brought it to his face, eyes closed as he took a long and deep inhale. He drifted to sleep surrounded by her scent and dreamt of better times.