A/N: Okay so the views and reviews are up…so I'm going to continue writing this. First off…if anyone thought I was threatening to only write the story if i got "x" number of reviews…that's not it. All i meant was I didn't want to get overly involved in a fandom that was dying out. I know that Buffy has over 40 thousand stories on this site…still, I assume at least half if not more were wrote during the 7 seasons of the show.
I'm glad to see that my new favorite show/ship still has a fan base…
That's all I wanted to say…THANK YOU to everyone that reviewed…
Two small changes to the story (why i love constructive criticism):
1) I didn't realize the "RERUN" scene break was slightly confusing…instead you will get a brief description of time and place for each new scene
2) I realize I do love the ellipsis…I don't know…i think its because a lot of the serious conversations I write…I imagine they wouldn't just say the words…they would be pausing, using inflecting, thinking of the right thing to say, etc…Sometimes I explain briefly what is going through the characters mind in the middle of a statement. Sometimes, I use five ellipsis in one statement. I will try to not overkill the use of three dots in a row. I will still probably use them more than the average writer. It is how I write. Still, I will try to use them more sparingly.
Thanks,
Trim59.
Spike had spent days training. He couldn't believe his new strength. He had killed vampires before. However, he had never dusted a vampire without having a stake. That changed on his latest patrol. Spike hit a vampire and sent it flying about twenty feet into a large, ornamental headstone. The poor sucker hit it so hard he fell apart, literally, and dusted on the spot. Spike didn't understand how it happened, but it was cool nonetheless. He even let one of his friends run off. Hopefully, news would spread quickly. Spike liked the ideas of being more feared than he already was.
Spike pondered about the source of his new strength. He wondered if the demon had strengthened the one inside of him. Spike knew that probably was not the cause. His urge to kill or maim innocent things hadn't returned, nor did it take more effort to fight the occasional bloodlust or thirst. Then again, those things came with practice and a soul. The amount of power a person had came second to their own will. The person chose how they used their power.
Needless to say, Spike was trying to stay busy. He wanted Buffy, but he didn't want to suffocate her. He would already be annoying Buffy with his presence plenty if he followed the timeline closely. He didn't know if a twenty minute visit to the Slayer, when he was supposed to be stalking a random alleyway or killing something, would completely change the outcome of a future event. Even worse, Spike's constant fear was the timeline evolving into something he had never experience before.
Spike could randomly decide to start smoking menthol cigarettes, and the First could appear nine months ahead of schedule. He knew that was extremely unlikely. He bursted into that little Scoobie meeting when he wasn't supposed to be there. There were no negative consequences or changes from that. Still, he tried his best to do exactly the same thing he had before. His life became a rerun. The only time he said different things, did different things, or acted different, was when he interacted with Buffy. It was extremely boring.
Honestly, he was scared. Spike knew he was going to start being more bold with his actions. Otherwise, he might lose his mind as he said things and did things for a second time. He knew he just had to be careful. Changing his brand of cigarettes or choice of drink wasn't going to kick-off an early apocalypse. Setting a police station on fire, killing Giles, or doing something else extreme and important possibly could. He just needed to be smart. He needed to think if a certain action would drastically change something in the future.
Spike babysat Joyce and Dawn like he did the first time. He still enjoyed the talk about their favorite show with Joyce, but he wasn't as interested in the episode. One bad thing about time travel was that everything on TV was a rerun. Of course, Spike was nice to Buffy this time around when she came to drop the girls off and to pick them back up. Unfortunately, he didn't get a chance spend much time with Buffy with her sister and mother around.
London, 2007
"I'm not entirely sure where we are going." Faith said being honest. Looking out the driver side window, Faith did her best to look for any familiar place.
"Ummm here..." Spike said in a sarcastic tone as he held out the piece of paper.
"I know that," Faith replied as she didn't break eye contact from the road. She had already read the address that was on the piece of paper. "But, I'm still not sure"
Spike let out a scoff as he looked out his own window. Turning his head back towards the Slayer, he stated, "I thought bringing you along would be useful. How long did you live here?"
"Wait a minute…" Faith replied, not answering his question. "You're saying you brought me along only as a tour guide?" Faith gave Spike a playful grin as she looked across the car.
"I'm not saying that…but I thought you could help me see the," Spike's eyes darted around the car as he tried to think of an excuse. "Breathtaking sites London has to offer."
"Ohh, the sites, and I was thinking you brought me along for that same reason." Faith's words drifted off as she shoot a look at Spike with a smirk on her face.
Spike returned the smirk. A few seconds after Faith returned her eyes to the road, Spike leaned back against the head rest. Looking out the window, he replied to her playful attempt at flirting. "That was another reason." Spike started as he glanced across the car to meet eyes with the brunette. "And they are as breathtaking as ever."
"Well thanks," Faith replied with a smirk on her face. This time, she didn't break her eye contact from the road. "It's good to know that-"
"Wait…" Spike interrupted. "I think that's it." Spike continued as he pointed across the road.
"You sure?" Faith questioned. Regardless, she was already slowing the car to a stop against the nearest sidewalk.
"About as sure as you," Spike said sarcastically.
"Okay," Faith replied as she put the car in park. Faith turned her body slightly towards Spike. Leaning her body against the cushions of the car seat, Faith gave Spike a small smile. "Good luck."
"Good luck," Spike questioned as he looked across the car at Faith. "Oh no…you're coming with me."
"That wasn't part of the deal." Faith said bluntly.
"Well, I kind of need you." Spike replied as he began to feel irritated.
"No you don't," Faith quickly replied. "Just…i don't know, go in there and be nice."
Spike didn't let Faith finish her words. "And what? Say hello, do you mind stirring up your cauldrons and waving your bloody wands around…and sending me back in time a bit?"
Faith's only reply was a chuckle as she shook her head.
"For real," Spike said in a serious manner. "The whole vampire thing, soul or not, doesn't make most people jump for joy…or get the urge to help me when I barge in demanding things."
"Well, don't demand things." Faith stated. She still had the urge to stay in the car even though Spike was steadily chipping away at her resolve. "Be nice…"
"Oh, that's bloody brilliant," Spike exclaimed. "Will you PLEASE help me?" Spike shook his head as he continued, "And if it doesn't work I'll only drain one of you, promise."
Again, Faith shook her head. "Spike, how does me coming along help you anyways?"
"Uhh, Slayer remember?" Spike said as he moved his head towards her. "If I'm with you…that gives my whole, I'm a nicevampire, speech some bloody weight."
Faith let out a scoff as she rolled her eyes. Crossing her arms, Faith sat in silence. Spike refused to break eye contact with her. Letting out another scoff, Faith uncrossed her arms. "This better be quick."
Spike smiled as he reached for the door handle. "Sure thing love."
Sunnydale, 2001
Spike sat on his couch watching television. He wasn't focused on the fuzzy picture in front of him. He knew he did something tonight, but he couldn't remember what. Standing up quickly, Spike let out a few explicit phrases as he headed towards the door. He was supposed to be outside Buffy's house, lurking like he normally did. Tonight was the night Dawn discovered the truth. Running towards the door, Spike slowed down as he grabbed the side of his head. Memories came flooding back about Dawn and his talk outside Buffy's house before they went to the shop.
"I know!" Spike spat at himself, wishing his newly acquired sixth sense would have tipped him off sooner. Remembering what he forgot, Spike turned around and made haste to the couch. Grabbing his trench coat, Spike quickly put it on. As he opened the door, Spike let out an irritated grunt. Not taking the time to close the door, Spike cleared the steps with a jump. Angry, Spike used more force than necessary and crushed the side of the box of chocolates as he grabbed it off his table.
"Ughh…" Spike exclaimed as he looked down at the box. At least it wasn't as damaged as before.
Sunnydale, 2001
Spike arrived at Buffy's house with time to spare. The headaches caused by his visions were a negative. A positive was they were always preemptive. Lighting his second cigarette, Spike leaned against the tree in Buffy's yard. Spike did his best to think back. "How long was I here?" Spike questioned, growing more impatient by the second. On cue, he noticed Dawn lowering herself down the side of the house.
As before, Dawn let out a repressed squeal as she almost ran into Spike. "Jeez," she hissed, clearly scared. "Lurk much?"
"I wasn't lurking," Spike replied. "I was lurking…it's a whole diff-" Spike stopped himself as he rolled his eyes. "That wasn't right…"
"Well at least your honest," Dawn replied. Her eyes grew as she looked at the gift Spike was holding underneath his arm. Crossing her arms, Dawn smirked. "Are you giving Buffy a birthday present?"
Spike looked upwards as he let out a sigh. Time travel sucked at times.
Sunnydale, 2001
A loud noise from upstairs startled Buffy as she sat on the couch talking to Tara and Willow. Buffy didn't know if it was her Slayer sense, or the fact she had snuck out a few times herself. Still, she had a strong feeling it was her sister. Buffy stood up from her seat and made her way to the bottom of the staircase.
Buffy yelled out, "Dawn?" After a few seconds, there was still no reply. "Dawn?" Buffy repeated a little louder.
"She's fine," Spike said as he appeared out of the shadows. Buffy jumped slightly as she snapped her head to look at Spike. Letting out a sigh, she shook her head.
"Do you just," Buffy started, as she took a step toward Spike and threw her arms out. "Walk in now?" Spike shrugged his shoulder. Buffy gave him a somewhat disappointed look. Regardless, she was more worried about her sister's well-being than scolding Spike. "Dawn!" Buffy yelled up the staircase again.
"I told you. She's fine." Spike said. Buffy turned away from the staircase to face the vampire. Before Buffy could say anything, Spike finished his statement. "I made sure of it."
Buffy shook her heat as she looked back up the staircase, intent on calling Dawn's name once more. In less than a second, Spike's words registered in the Slayer's brain. Snapping her eyes back to Spike, Buffy's face held anger and betrayal. "Where was she Spike?" She spat.
"We went for a walk…she's perfectly fine." Spike said as he withheld most of the truth.
"What did you do? Where was she?" Buffy spat as she closed the distance between them and grabbed Spike by his shirt. Spike rolled his eyes. Clearly, Buffy had a handful of questions that all needed answered immediately.
"The shop." Spike said.
"The shop?" Buffy yelled.
"Yeah…" Spike tailed off, breaking eye contact with her. Finally, Buffy let go of his shirt. Spike took a step back as he prepared for Buffy's next volley of angry words and questions.
"How could you?" Buffy said in a hurt and angry tone.
"I was just along for the ride," Spike retorted, falling back on applicable portions of previous conversations between them. "She's a fourteen year old, hormonal teenager. If kid sis wants to grab a midnight stroll she's going to find a way, and she did." Spike let out a scoff as he looked at the nearest wall. "I just thought she'd be safer with big bad looking over her shoulder."
Buffy shook her head as she shoot daggers through Spike.
"And you know what?" Spike said in an angry voice, taking a step towards Buffy. Spike got momentarily distracted as he looked at Willow and Tara, now standing only a few feet away. Looking back at Buffy, Spike kept on with his train of thought. "It was a bloody good thing I was. Thanks to me she didn't find out about her…origins…from a book."
"What?" Buffy said in a panicked voice.
Reaching into his trench coat, Spike pulled out the small book. Spike turned to the page revealing the truth. Without a word, Spike handed it to her. "Read." he demanded.
Buffy obeyed. Spike noticed Buffy's hands tremble as she read the words. After she was finished, Buffy looked back up at Spike.
"So, besides keeping sis from being a crunchy snack for a prowler," Spike started. Before finishing, Spike pointed at the book still in Buffy's hands. "I kept her from reading that."
"Spike," Buffy said in a low voice. "I'm…I'm s-"
Buffy couldn't finish her apology as Spike cut her off. "Why do you make it so bloody hard Slayer? You know something? Even without a soul," Spike managed to correct the tense he was using as it came out of his mouth. "I w-am decent to you, all of you, and I help."
"Spike…" Buffy pleaded.
"No, you let me finish Slayer. It's about sodding time you heard this." Spike replied, half surprised that Buffy didn't immediately say something. "Without a soul what did Angel do? He killed people, he killed friends, he tried to end the bloody universe! Oh,and then I helped you stop him. I help you guys out…and you kick me like I'm a dog begging for food from the dinner table."
"I di-" Once again, Buffy's attempt at interrupting Spike was useless.
"You and your little gang of misfits," Spike said as he motioned toward Willow and her lover. "Better stop treating me like a…like a dog." Spike said in an upset voice. After a second, Spike held his hand up in front of him as he altered his statement. "No, you better stop treating me like a bloody unwanted stray mutt around here. That you don't have the heart to take to the vet and put out of its misery!"
"Is that what you want Spike?" Buffy said in a sarcastic tone. "To be put out of your misery? Do you want me to stake you?" Buffy questioned.
Spike let out a scoff as he placed his hand on his hip. Rolling his eyes, Spike shook his head. It was less of an answer to Buffy's question, and more of an action of disapproval towards the woman in front of him.
"Spike," Buffy continued. "You're the one that acts miserable. Like you're doing all of us a favor by helping…like you're doing us a favor by not killing us." Buffy word's tailed off, but she maintained eye contact with Spike.
"It's the chip," Spike growled. Letting out a sigh, Spike changed his tone to one of disappointment. "It always comes back to the bloody chip."
"What would you do if you didn't have it?" Buffy retorted, thinking she already knew the truth regardless of his answer.
"The same thing I am now!" Spike yelled back. Buffy rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms over her chest. "And you don't believe that. I get it, but listen now for a bit love." Spike finished his statement, but didn't immediately continue.
"I'm listening…" Buffy said quietly.
"I'm an elder. I'm the oldest vampire in this little run down town by a long throw." Spike replied. His voice was calm. He didn't want to continue his argument with the Slayer. Spike wanted Buffy to listen and understand. "Even though I'm not exactly Mr. Popular with my kind anymore…helping you stake them and all…I'm still respected and feared. I can't do anything to you, but if I wanted to I could go get twenty of the bloodsuckers. I could sit outside your house and wait."
Spike paced a few steps as he stared at the ground. Wanting to further emphasis his point, Spike continued. "And tonight, instead of helping niblet, I could have easily went and told a handful of them your sister was wondering the streets alone. Then,when she was all tied up right like…I could have barged in here…." Spike stopped his statement. Next, he changed his tone to one of false worry as he pretended to be out of breath. "Slayer, they got your sister! Follow me!" He acted out. Just as quickly, he went back to explaining his point. "And I could have led you into a trap. One even you couldn't get out of." Spike trailed off.
Turning around, Spike quickly headed towards the exit. About halfway, he turned back to look at Buffy. "But I played chaperone love. Not because I had too, not because a bloody chip made me, but because I wanted too!" Spike didn't wait for a reply as he made his way out of the house and slammed the door behind him.
Sunnydale, 2001
Spike looked up from the couch as he saw Buffy enter his crypt. For the first time in a while, Spike wasn't in good spirits to see the Slayer. "If you're here to stake me, " Spike said as he returned his attention to the television. "Make it quick. I got things to do."
As during their previous talk, Buffy made her way to the opposite end of the couch and sat down. Spike looked over and made eye contact with Buffy. He waited a few more seconds for a reply, to which there was none. "Well," Spike said as he did his best to hide his irritation and hurt towards the Slayer. "No pointy stick in hand. I guess that means you want to have one of those civilized conversations right?"
Buffy nodded her head slowly. "Yeah,you could call it that."
"Okay," Spike said as he turned his body to face the Slayer. "Go ahead and work your little magic. Avoid the heartfelt apology that would kill you…and make it seem like everything is my fault again."
Spike stared at Buffy. Buffy's eyes drifted from Spike, to the television, and then to the floor. After a few seconds, she regained eye contact with Spike. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I treated you like that last night." Buffy replied in a sincere tone. "I know you were just trying to help."
"Your bloody right," Spike replied, adding to Buffy's statement. "And I did help…"
"You did…" Buffy said as she looked at Spike. Her face was serious, but Spike wasn't able to tell what she thinking or feeling. "And I appreciate it."
Spike fought back a small urge he had to rub it in Buffy's face. Regardless, he wasn't going to. It was a victory. Trying to gloat about it would only end in her mad and storming back out. Still, he had some thing he hadn't gotten the chance to say that he wanted to. Hopefully, Buffy and him could continue the civilized conversation.
"You know something though Slayer?" Spike questioned. Buffy didn't reply. However, she looked into his eyes and gave Spike her full attention. "Staying with the dog thing from last night…I don't do these things just hoping to get table scraps…or for the Slayer to rub my tummy." Spike let out a sigh as he looked at Buffy. "But would it kill you to let the mutt rest all cozy by the fireplace and the like? Because I'm getting bloody tired of always getting thrown in the kennel, or in the backyard in the rain…when I've done nothing."
Buffy didn't reply immediately. After a few seconds, she finally said, "Spike, you're not staying at my house…and I'm not scratching anything on you."
Spike's eyes rose to the ceiling as he shook his head. Looking back at Buffy, Spike tilted his head to the side. "Is that really the only thing you got out of that statement?"
Buffy gave Spike a blank stare. Spike's mouth fell open slightly as he continued looking at the woman in front of him. She couldn't really be that dense, right? Out of nowhere, a laugh escaped Buffy's mouth. A few seconds after Spike joined in, the laughter subsided as Buffy turned more towards Spike.
"I understand what you mean." Buffy replied once she regained her composure.
Spike's only reply was a small smile. Feeling suddenly anxious, Spike stood up. "I don't know why I even ask love," Spike muttered, "Manners I guess…but do you want something?"
"Umm, what do you have?" Buffy asked.
"Well, besides blood, which I don't imagine suits your fancy." Spike said as he made his way to his cooler. Bending over, Spike scanned the contents before replying. "Diet Coke."
Again, Buffy let out a laugh. However, this one ended as soon as Spike turned around to face her.
"What?" Spike spat towards her, feeling embarrassed.
"Diet Coke?" Buffy squeaked out, fighting off a grin that wanted to appear on her face.
"Yes, Diet Coke!" Spike replied. Defending himself, Spike said, "Clem brought it over."
"Ohh…okay." Buffy said with a shrug of the shoulders.
Spike maintained eye contact with Buffy and allowed his eyes to linger slightly longer than necessary. Shaking his head, Spike quickly grabbed both beverages and headed towards his seat. Spike handed Buffy her drink as he sat down on the couch. "You really love to bust em' over anything, don't you?"
"Maybe," Buffy said as she popped open the lid on the Diet Coke.
Sunnydale, 2001
Spike shifted on the couch uncomfortably. Alerted by his movement, Buffy looked over at him. Spike quickly moved his eyes back towards the television as he took a sip of his blood. This was awkward. Neither one of them had said anything in too long. He got her a drink, they talked for a few minutes, and then they turned their attention towards the television. Buffy complained about the horrible reception, but she continued watching it nonetheless.
Buffy had asked why her mom and him loved Passions so much. Her questioning suddenly reminded him of Joyce's quickly approaching death. Spike got stressed, realizing it was another thing he had to find a solution too. Buffy noticed this. Buffy asked if he was alright. Spike lied and said he was. Next, he went on explaining how the two blurry images on the screen were married, but the female blurry image was having an affair with the third blurry image. That was about 5 minutes ago.
It was absolutely silent. Spike kept the television muted, because the only sound that the TV unit emitted was static. Every ten seconds or so, one of them would take a drink. Spike was brought out of his deep thought by Buffy placing her can on the floor. Wiping the small amount of moisture on her jeans, Buffy sat up in her seat.
"So umm…" Buffy started. "Thanks for the drink."
"Yeah." Spike muttered.
"So, I got places to be and…vampires to kill," Buffy continued as she did her best to hide the nervousness in her voice. "No offense."
"Yeah, I get it." Spike replied.
"So i'll see you around then," Buffy continued, starting to stand up from the couch. Once she turned away from Spike, she twisted her face in anger at herself. She sounded more like high school girl talking to a crush than a Slayer.
"Buffy, wait." Spike said quickly. Buffy allowed her legs to give as she sat back down in the seat. Buffy gave Spike a curious look. "Yeah," she asked.
"Ummm…" Spike started, looking down at the ground.
He wanted to tell her. This was the best opportunity. She felt bad for being a bitch to him the previous night. They had actually spent more than five minutes together without arguing. Her heart finally seemed to be thawing out towards him. The list went on and on. Still, Spike was petrified. He didn't even know how to tell her about the chip. If he just told Buffy, she wouldn't believe it. If he hit or slapped Buffy, she would get upset and probably hit him in the face.
"Ummm…" Spike repeated after a second of silence between them.
The first time he told her they fought. No doubt, it was because he told her by way of trying to physically harm her. The fight was vicious, and the sex was incredible. Still, he wasn't at the point with her where a brawl would leave to sex. Besides, he didn't want it to happen that way. Maybe, Spike thought, he had earned her trust enough that she wouldn't stake him. The last time she came to his crypt apologizing was after Dawn beat him to a pulp. Still, she hadn't kiss him this time. He couldn't understand that either.
Girls must really like bad guys. He had been nothing but kind to the Slayer this time around. Still, she came to his crypt apologizing after he helped Dawn. Unfortunately, he hadn't received a kiss this time. It made no sense. He was nothing but a perfect gentleman. Last time, they had just disassembled his Buffy sex toy, which disgusted her, and she still kissed him.
"Oh!" Spike screamed as he clutched his hands to his forehead. How the hell could he forget about the Buffybot. It was way too late now. There was no way that little geek could build it in less than two weeks. Why couldn't he remember that sooner. Spike realized it wouldn't have mattered. He had given Warren the task of building him the robot almost a full week before he even made it back to Sunnydale.
"Spike, are you okay?" Buffy said in a concerned voice.
"Im fine," Spike said, as he ran his hands down his face before dropping them back to his sides. "Look, Buffy, there's something I need to show you."
"Okay…" Buffy stated as she looked at him. Honestly, she was more concerned about his random outburst than what he had to tell her. She wondered if it was his chip by the way he grabbed his head.
"But I can't," Spike said slowly. "It's big. It's really big…and I don't think you can handle it. Not yet at least."
Buffy scoffed. "Okay, I'm leaving."
Spike's eyes grew large as he looked at the now standing Buffy. "Slayer?"
"What Spike?" Buffy spat as she turned around and faced him.
Spike didn't reply but motioned towards her with his hands. Not using words, Spike made it clear he was confused by her sudden desire to leave.
"You really are a pig." Buffy hissed as she shook her head.
"What the bloody hell are you talking about?" Spike yelled back at her.
"You got something really big to show me?" Buffy questioned as she placed placed both hands on her hips. "But you don't think I can handle it?"
Spike shook his head in confusion as he looked up at Buffy. Within an instant, the lightbulb lit in his brain. "Where is your bloody head today Slayer?"
"Where is your's?" Buffy replied as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Not the same place as you…" Spike replied as he shook his head fiercely.
Buffy gave him a look of disbelief.
"I'm supposed to have the dirty mind Slayer, not you." Spike said as he leaned back on the couch.
Finally, Buffy dropped her hands to her side. "Then what?"
"I have something," Spike made sure to take time and correct his words. "To tell you…to show you, whatever love. It's a big deal…and I don't want to stress you out with it."
"Ohhh…" Buffy replied as she looked around the crypt. She did her best to fight against a blush. She felt stupid. Then again, every other word out of Spike's mouth was a sexual innuendo. It really wasn't her fault.
"Some other time…" Spike said as he stretched his arms over the back of the couch. "And you're welcome for the Coke."
Buffy's eyes continued darting around Spike's crypt. Having nothing better to say, Buffy corrected Spike. "Diet…"
"Same diff Slayer," Spike said.
"Okay…" Buffy said, shifting her weight from foot to foot.
"Okay…" Spike said as he stared at her.
After a few seconds, Spike tilted his head and looked at Buffy. "Don't you have vampires to kill or-"
"Right," Buffy said in haste. Deciding not to rely on words, as they had been betraying her recently, she nodded her head. Spike raised on hand a few inches of the back of the couch in a casual wave. Turning his attention to his favorite show, Spike jumped when he heard the door slam harder than usual.
"Bloody hell woman!" Spike yelled, "If you break that door you're fixing it love!"