Chapter Seven: Adjustment

Spike wasn't sure of how Angel would react when he found out he had snuck out of the mansion. He had been wandering around Sunnydale for a while, memories of his life coming back to haunt him. Trying to get a control on the bloodlust was hard, but he had drunk his fill of the red stuff before he'd come out and was making the conscious decision to stay away from body packed places like the Bronze. The storm helped a little, seeing as how the Californians seemed to hate the rain.

It took him a few minutes to realise his feet had taken him to Revello Drive. He looked up and found himself standing outside 1680 and he frowned. He closed his eyes and remembered the first time he had met the golden haired slayer. She'd been walking down the hallway as he had been talking with Xander. After asking who she was, Xander had filled him in. It was then that he had fallen for her. Sneaking around in the library with Xander had only revealed the true identity of the girl and the librarian, but it had done nothing to dampen his feelings.

She'd given him a purpose. Fighting vampires was something he enjoyed and sometimes he wished he had the calling. She grieved for her normal life so frequently; he wished he could just give it to her. All he'd wanted to do was make her happy; but it seemed he was forever doomed to do that as a friend. She was in love with Angel.

Angel. The thought crossed his mind and he almost snarled. He still hated the brooding poof. But he couldn't deny that the guy was trying to help him. Then again, he could argue that the brunette was only doing it for Buffy.

Spike shook off the thoughts and climbed the tree to Buffy's window, perching on the roof and looking into her bedroom. She was curled up on the sheets, fully dressed still, but deep in sleep. He watched her, carving her features in his memory in case he never saw her again. He missed her. God, he missed her.

But being around her now was impossible. He didn't want to hurt her as his demon demanded, so he had to learn to control it. Even if being with her was a dream that could never come to fruition, he had to be near her at least. Friendship was enough for him.

He sighed, turning away from the window. Angel would come looking for him soon; time to do what he had snuck out to do. He jumped from the roof landing nimbly on his feet.

It amazed him how quickly he had taken to the new strength that flowed through his being; the feeling of being more connected. And he wondered if this was what it was like to be a Slayer. He felt more powerful and knew now that he could be an asset to her. She wouldn't have to look out for him all the time. He could be her equal.

These thoughts bombarded him as he crossed the short distance to his old house. It was deserted, as expected, but he had to get the things he needed. Just had to make it look like a robbery. He grinned to himself as he headed round the back of the house and kicked the back door in. There were no alarms but he didn't want to attract any attention from the neighbours. Especially since any sightings of him would be enough to provoke questions and curiosity.

The kitchen was dark and he shifted to his game face, well aware that his night vision was better like that. He looked around, sadness filling him that he could never return to this place, that he could never be with his family again.

He moved into the living room, looking around. Cards of sympathy were everywhere, flowers and pictures of him. Regret and loss immediately assaulted his senses and he bit back the anguish as he moved around. The air was filled with the scent of flowers, but behind it, familiar scents lingered. His mother, his younger sister. His family. He picked up a picture of them, running his fingers over the faces of his lost family. At least with his death he could ensure their safety. He hoped his mother would move them back to England now. He didn't want his fate to befall his younger sister. She was only ten, a tiny little thing with an affinity for books. Like he had been.

He slipped the picture into his pocket, hoping they wouldn't notice it had gone. Then he turned and left the room. Other scents drifted to him and he realised that his friends had been here. Buffy, Xander and Willow. Of course they had been. They'd thought he was gone for good.

Only he wasn't.

And he had no idea what he was going to say to them when he finally saw them again.

He climbed the stairs quietly, standing on the landing for a moment, letting the familiar homey scents wash over him. He was going to miss this.

The hallway floor creaked as he moved around, glancing into his mother's room and his sisters, knowing it would be the last time. Then he came to his own room. He looked around and then sighed, beginning to pack up the things he wanted into an old holdall. A few clothes, his laptop, a couple of CD's and DVD's that he knew he couldn't replace. He knew his mother wouldn't come in here for a while; the room looked how he had left it before going to school that day.

As he finished, he turned to his desk, finding the picture of him and his friends. They were smiling then, rolling about in the sunshine like idiots. He smiled, the memories fond and missed.

'You'll still have your friends.'

Spike jumped as he turned, finding Angel on the windowsill.

'What the bleeding hell are you doing here?' The blonde said angrily.

'I knew you had sneaked out. I followed you. Can find you easily now.' Angel looked him over, as if checking for injuries. 'You went to Buffy's house.'

Spike ducked his eyes, looking back at the photo. 'I might get them back but I can't get my life back.' He put the photo in his bag, moving past the other vampire.

'I know. But moping over it won't do any good.'

'Then why the hell do you brood so much?' Spike turned, a grin in his eyes. Then he headed out of the house. Angel jumped from the roof, meeting the younger vampire at the front porch. They walked a distance apart as they headed back to the mansion. Finally Spike stopped and turned to Angel. 'Why did you follow me?'

'Had to make sure nothing happened to you.'

'Well, look I'm fine. So you can cut me a break now.' He stormed off, the mansion coming into view in the distance. Angel stopped for a second and sighed, watching the younger vampire walking ahead. He looked back, a frown deepening on his face and then carried on walking.

'I'm just looking out for you, you know.' Angel said, stepping into the mansion. He noticed he was talking to himself as the blonde had disappeared again. The brunette shut his eyes, letting his senses find the other, before heading for the back stairs. He walked up slowly, hearing the other vampire mumbling to himself. He moved along the upper corridor, noticing the dust that had gathered from misuse. As he rounded the corner and leant against the door frame of the room that Spike had chosen, he watched the other pull things out of the holdall.

'What do you want now? I don't think I'm going to get hurt in here.' Spike didn't even look at Angel as he addressed him. Angel shrugged in response.

'Just checking.'

He turned to leave but Spike's voice stopped him. 'You don't have to pretend to care. I know you're only doing this for her.'

Angel turned back again, and was met with stormy blue eyes. He sighed, leaning back against the wooden frame. 'Partly. But mostly because I've been in your shoes.'

'I haven't killed anyone.'

'But you want to.'

Silence filled the room at Angel's statement. Spike looked away, his face betraying his true feelings.

'Say I do. Would you stop me?'

'I'd have to.'

'Not just if you have to? Would you care enough?' Pain filled the teenager's voice and Angel almost winced.

He stepped forward. 'I've never particularly liked you Spike. I started this because losing you hurt Buffy beyond belief. And she needs you.' He sighed. 'But now, I've got to care. I do care, because you're my responsibility, whether you like it or not. You're my Childe.'

Spike watched him for a moment, a flood of emotions playing out on his sharp features. Then he cracked a smile. 'That sounds kinda gay.'

Angel almost smiled, before frowning and turning away again. 'Maybe I could teach you a little respect for your elders.'

'Poof.' Spike shot at him as he walked out the door. Angel shook his head, knowing the teenager was just trying to get a rise out of him.

So it wouldn't do for him to see the grin that was slowly spreading across his face.

Buffy sat on a blanket with her legs covered by another one, effectively blocking the cold as Giles paced slowly behind her. He held open a book with one hand, whilst the other played absently with his glasses.

'"And on that tragic day, an era came to its inevitable end." That's all there is. Are you ready?'

Buffy nodded vigorously. 'Hit me.'

'Which of the following best expresses the theme of the passage? A) Violence breeds violence, B) All things must end, C)...'

The blonde looked down at her sheet and filled her answer in. ''B'. I'm going with 'B'. We haven't had 'B' in forever.'

Giles sighed, pulling his glasses off of his nose. 'This is the SATs, Buffy, not connect-the-dots. Please pay attention. A low score could seriously harm your chances of getting into college.'

Buffy twisted to look up at him. 'Gee, thanks. That takes the pressure right off.'

'This isn't meant to be easy, you know. It's a rite of passage.'

'Well, is it too late to join a tribe where they just pierce something or cut something off?'

The librarian frowned and looked down at her reprimanding. 'Buffy, please concentrate.'

She stood up suddenly and Giles frowned once more. She walked past him, stopping as he turned to survey the scene. Spike stood a few feet away, opposite the slayer, his posture rigid.

'Hey.' She said, her voice a fraction above a whisper.

'Hey yourself.' Spike said, looking to Giles. 'Hello Rupert.'

'Spike.' Giles greeted, somewhat cautiously. 'Is Angel not with you?'

'I'm sure he's lurking in the bushes somewhere. You how good he is at it.'

Buffy smiled, looking between the two figures. 'How have you been doing? We haven't heard from either of you in a couple of days.'

Spike nodded. 'It's hard…adjusting. But I've been working on it. Even managed twenty minutes in the Bronze last night.' He rocked on his feet, pride on his face. 'The bloodlust is one thing…sensitive hearing is another.'

The slayer cracked a smile as she got the joke. Giles nodded. 'What's the purpose of your, erm, visit, Spike?'

Buffy looked towards her watcher and then back to Spike for his answer.

'Actually…I was wondering if Buffy fancied a bit of a patrol. Not too long…just a quick round…' He trailed off, seeing the concerned look on Giles' face.

'Sure I could do that.' Buffy jumped on it, not even considering Giles.

'Would that be wise?' Giles asked. Buffy frowned at him, seeing the crestfallen look on Spike's face. Giles backtracked. 'No, Spike…I'm well aware you are still you, but I'm more worried about Buffy's SAT scores.'

'Giles…I can study tomorrow. I need to let off some steam anyway.' She looked at Spike, a smile curling the corner of her mouth. 'Besides, I'm sure a little digging on the new big bad wouldn't go amiss.'

Giles frowned, looking between the two briefly. 'Okay, Buffy. But be alert. And report back to me in the morning.' He began to pick up the blankets and books. Buffy took a few steps forward towards Spike.

'Just like old times huh?' She whispered and Spike smiled.

'Just like.'

'I appreciate you coming.'

Mayor Wilkins sat behind his desk, looking up at his visitor. The man smiled, waving his hand in a dismissive gesture.

'It's no problem.' The man smiled again, his eyes glinting with the light. Sunlight filtered through to a small patch on the carpet and he avoided it deftly. The mayor smiled back, standing up.

'I realize it is early... for you... but I think you'll agree that this matter is urgent, also... delicate.'

'I'm a very delicate person.' The vampire grinned, folding his hands in front of him.

'So you feel you can handle this?'

'It's a little out of my element, but I can get you what you need. I know a beast who knows a guy.'

Wilkins headed over the wall cabinet. 'Are you sure that subcontracting is the way to go here?'

'Well, this guy's worked your town before, and if he lives up to his rep, this place'll be in flames.' The eerie smile clouded the vampire's face again and the Mayor nodded.

'I've made certain deals to get where I am today. This demon requires his tribute. You see, that's what separates me from other politicians, David.' He opened the cabinet to reveal an assortment of items, mostly magical. The vampire, David, watched from his position. 'I keep my campaign promises.'

He reached in and took out a shrunken head. He tugged on the tuft of hair at the top, and a small section of the head pulled open, folding back on the leathery skin. Wilkins took a quick sniff from the hole and closed the flap of skull again.

'Where'd I put that Scotch?'