Soul Survivors by dawnofme

Chapter #1 - 1. Imagine the Hell

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from Buffy. This story is for entertainment purposes only. I'm not making any money off this. a/n: Betas: Slaymesoftly aka The Speed Demon, Raynedanser, and Mabel Marsters. Banner made by: me, Dawnofme. Soul Survivors Chapter One: Imagine the Hell The phone rang repeatedly in the otherwise silent Summers’ home. The downstairs was growing dim with very little of the late afternoon light getting through the covered windows. The answering machine clicked on to Dawn’s cheerful greeting. “Hi. You have reached the Summers’ residence. We can’t come to the phone right now. Please leave a message and we’ll get back to you, like…as soon as we can.” As the prolonged beep followed, Giles stood half way down the stairs and cringed, having a good idea who it was. Travers’ voice came over the speakers. “Again, this is Quentin Travers. I’m not going to stop trying, Giles. I must speak with you. You know we have things to discuss. It’s only been two weeks since I left you and your cohorts in California, but I will get on a plane if I have to so that we can speak face to face.” Giles sighed as Travers continued with his veiled threats. He went down the last of the steps, then sat at the small desk and picked up the receiver. “Giles, here.” “You have been avoiding me,” Travers stated coolly. Giles leaned an elbow on the desk and took off his glasses. “Yes, I have.” “You took an oath and you need to fulfill your sworn duty as a watcher.” “I’m no longer a watcher.” Giles wiped the beads of sweat off his brow and replaced his glasses, thinking that after he hung up he’d turn the air conditioning on. “Officially, your resignation does not go into affect for another week. You took an oath, nonetheless, and you must see it to the end. I know you are a man of your word.” Giles closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose under his glasses. “I am a man of my word, but I couldn’t possibly--she has a soul.” “That is not the issue. She was your Slayer and she’s a demon now.” The front door opened and he sat up straight. “I have to go.” Giles hung up the phone just as Dawn came into the room and tossed her backpack onto the couch. “You are home early.” Dawn rolled her eyes and flopped down next to her backpack. “I went to the crypt, but they were still asleep.” The grin she gave Giles was so familiar. “They must have had a very long night.” He cleared his throat and stood. “Well, yes, they must have patrolled all night.” Giles was not comfortable with his new roll as guardian to a teenage girl who was so…Buffy like. He edged his way into the kitchen and attempted to act casual as he hit the erase button on the machine. “So who were you talking to just a minute ago?” Dawn asked when she followed him in and went to the fridge. “No one important.” The back door blew open and Faith kicked it shut behind her. She glanced at Giles and then at Dawn, who was drinking straight from the milk carton. “Hey,” she greeted them while putting the paper bag filled with groceries on the island. “Ooh, what did you get? Let’s see.” Dawn pulled out bags of fresh fruits and vegetables, hamburger meat and two large Styrofoam tubs of blood. She frowned at the Slayer. Faith shrugged. “Buffy and Spike are coming over tonight. Thought they might want refreshments.” “I know what the blood is for. What I don’t know about is all this greenage.” She pointed at the pile she’d made with lettuce and other stuff. Faith gathered up what she could and took it all to the fridge. “This is the kind of stuff you don’t get in prison. It’s good for you and you will eat it.” “Giles, make her stop,” Dawn pleaded. “Pizza is good for you, isn’t? Why can’t we have pizza?” The older man smiled at them. Faith had jumped into her new roles with gusto, and as much as it amazed him to think it, he was glad she was here. “Pizza does have its merits.” Dawn stuck her tongue out at Faith, which only caused Faith to smile smugly. “Get a job and you can spend your money on all the junk food you want.” “Or, I can call Xander and he’ll bring a pizza or two.” Dawn turned and went for the phone on the kitchen wall. “Yo, ask if him if Willow is still planning on coming over.” Dawn paused her dialing to frown at Faith. “Leave Willow alone.” ~*~*~*~*~*~ “Come on, Xander, it’s not that bad,” Willow told him through the door to his room, before leaning against the wall in exasperation. The door opened and a freshly showered and dressed Xander stepped into his living room. “I’m just tired. I had a hard day at work and I don’t want to spend my evening with Captain Peroxide,” he said as he grabbed his keys. When the phone rang, Xander smiled and put his keys down. “I need to get that.” Willow picked up the keys and waited patiently until he was done. “Dawn wants us to bring pizza. I guess Faith is on a health food kick and Dawn says she’s gonna starve if we don’t bring a couple of pizzas with everything on them.” His eyes got big and he put a finger up. “I’ve got an idea. How about I drop you and the pizzas off and you call me when you want to come home?” Willow grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him to the door. “Come on. If I have to put up with Faith all night, you can survive a few hours in the company of Spike.” Xander stopped in the open door way. “Doesn’t it freak you out that Buffy is a vampire?” Willow’s big eyes watered. “Of course it does, but she’s still our Buffy and I love her no matter what. We haven’t had a chance to have a good talk, but I know this has to be really hard for her. I can’t image the hell she must be going through right now.” ~*~*~*~*~*~ Buffy’s moans echoed off the cave-like walls along with the creaks from the bedsprings. She sat straddling a naked Spike who moaned back as he moved his hips below her while she bounced and rocked above. They had gotten up pretty late and they were surprised that Dawn hadn’t tried to wake them. For whatever reason, Dawn was not in the crypt when they woke up a few minutes ago and they’d taken advantage of the situation. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes when Spike raised his hips and changed the angle. One thing she could say about being a vampire was that the sex was incredible. All her nerve endings were hypersensitive and every bit of pain or pleasure was heightened to levels she’d never thought possible. Spike let go of her hips and slammed up into her, causing her to fall forward, her head resting next to his on the pillow. Gripping her hips again, he moved at a maddening pace. All she could do was hold on and moan at the ever-building pressure. She turned her face into his neck and inhaled his natural musky scent. Men spent hundreds of dollars on cologne, trying to get a scent like that and Spike just had it. Buffy was close now and her walls tightened, causing Spike let out a short growl. Her orgasm rushed up on her in waves of exquisite pleasure. Unable to control her actions, she vamped out, her golden eyes focusing on Spike’s smooth white neck. Her mouth flooded with salvia at the thought of sinking her teeth into him. Frightened by the thought she raised her head and Spike slowed his hips, not stopping, as he gazed back at her with golden eyes of his own. “Do it,” he commanded softly. Buffy shook her head. “I know you want to.” He closed his eyes for a moment and thrust into her, before opening them again. “I want you to.” On their own, her lips curled back and he let go of one hip to grasp her head. She let him pull her to his neck, but she resisted before her fangs could touch it. She’d never bitten anyone and she was afraid if she did, that she wouldn’t be able to stop. “Take it, Buffy. It’s all yours, anyway. Please,” he begged as he went still. Her resistance dissolved at his words, and she sank her fangs into him. Eyes rolling back at the first drop of his blood, she climaxed again. He growled ferociously and bucked wildly underneath her until he was spent as well. Buffy took a couple of deep pulls and was surprised at how much effort she had to put into getting any, but once Spike’s blood hit the back of her tongue, all thought left her. She’d never once tried drugs, but she imagined that the feeling in her buzzing head was close to what they would feel like. Her head swam and she took swallow after swallow. In the back of her mind, she knew she should stop, but the instinct to keep going was far too strong. She felt him harden inside of her again and she moved her hips, wanting more. Spike’s voice sounded far away and weak. “If you want to continue, you’re going to have to stop, love. Or I’ll be too weak.” His hands went up and lightly pushed on her head and even then, she didn’t want to stop. Easing her fangs out of his flesh, she felt an acute loss. There was no time to dwell on it as Spike began to move below her again. Moving slowly at first, but soon they were both going at a crazed speed until they collapsed together on the bed. She rolled off him and he put his arms around her and hugged her tight. Still in her vamp face, she looked at the bite marks on his neck. She’d done that. Closing her eyes, she fought to control the possessive feelings that were over taking her. Those were her marks. Concentrating all her strength and effort into her face, she morphed back and pulled her head away from his neck. Gazing into his gorgeous blue eyes she whispered, “I love you.” “I love you, too.” “I’m scared, Spike.” He moved into a sitting position and leaned against the headboard in exhaustion. “You have nothing to be scared about, pet.” Sitting up, too, she stared at him. “What I just did. That was the most incredible sensation, the feel of my fangs going into your flesh.” She shivered. “That’s normal. There’s nothing wrong with you.” “But, what if I get around Dawn or the others and start to feel that intense need to have that again?” “You haven’t felt it yet, have you?” Spike ran a hand through her hair and smiled softly at her. “You’ve seen her every day this week and yet not once have you tried to attack her.” “True, but what if now that I know how it feels, I can’t stop myself?” “You will stop yourself. Your soul will not let you harm her. You love her.” “I love you, and yet I still bit you.” He chuckled. “That’s a little different. You weren’t biting me to get a meal, were you?” She shook her head. “Of course not. It was in the heat of passion and I had to beg you to do it.” Reaching out to him she lightly touched the open wounds and he closed his eyes. “Does it hurt?” “No, just the opposite. It would be nice if you’d finished the job and closed up the wounds with your tongue, though.” She leaned in and stuck her tongue out, but he held her back and let out a short laugh. “You need to be vamped out in order to close the wound right.” “I’ll try, but I still can’t just go back and forth.” “You’ll get it, love. Don’t get discouraged. Just concentrate and give your head a little shake, right quick.” Doing as he suggested, she went into vamp face and gave him a toothy smile. There was so much left to learn and she didn’t know what she would have done if Spike hadn’t been here with her. She leaned in and lapped at the wound with her roughened tongue. He moaned and she stopped to stare at him. Tilting her head at him, she asked, “Did that feel good?” “Oh, God, yes!” He moaned again when she went back at his neck with her tongue and she had to fight the urge to bite him again. The sounds he was making and the whole experience was turning her on. He gripped her hand as she moved it slowly down his stomach. “I’m going to need some blood if we’re going to have another go.” He let go of her and leaned his head back on the headboard. “I’ll be back, then,” she said cheerfully as she hopped up. Not taking the time to cover up, she climbed the ladder, going straight for the fridge. She moved quickly, knowing that the sun was down already and they needed to hurry if they wanted to get to Dawn’s on time. Just as she pushed the start button on the beat up old microwave, the crypt door opened. She ducked down and tried to think of what to do next. “Spike!” Clem called out as he moved towards the makeshift kitchen. Buffy looked around wildly, crawled to the fridge, and opened it. She closed the door on herself as much as she possibly could, hoping that she was covered enough. Her gold eyes locked with Spike’s wild blue ones as he popped up out of the opening below. “Clem! I’ll take those.” A half-naked Spike grabbed the two grocery bags from the demon and backed up into the kitchen. He’d only had time to yank his jeans on and Buffy noted through her panic that he looked hot, bare foot and half unzipped. “I could have done that.” “Yeah, well listen. See, I have company over and you’ve kind of caught us unawares here.” Clem leaned to the right and looked past Spike. His red eyes got big when he saw the face of a vampire who was huddled behind the refrigerator door. “Oh, man, I didn’t know.” Clem backed up. “There’s a poker game on tomorrow, I’ll hold a spot for you if you want in.” Spike nodded yes, so Clem said, “I’ll go now.” He paused at the door with a wrinkled hand on the handle. Glaring at Spike, he said, “Buffy’s only been gone a couple of weeks. I know you’re evil and all that, but I can’t believe you’ve already found a replacement.” Clem shook his head and opened the door. “Thanks for the supplies,” Spike said as the door slammed shut. Buffy snorted and her platinum blond lover frowned at her. Letting out a giggle and shaking her head quickly, she morphed back into her human face. “Hush, now. That wasn’t funny,” Spike told her with a grin. “Oh, yes, it was.” Clem had come by once before, but she had been downstairs in bed and Spike had rushed up to greet him and help him put supplies away. She would have to face the demon and others soon, but she still wasn’t ready. For some reason it tickled her to think of the wrinkled demon sticking up for a dead slayer and getting all indignant over the fact that Spike had a new lover so soon. She giggled some more and then doubled over in full out laughter before she could get to the microwave. When she stood up straight, her eyes fell on Spike slumped over a sarcophagus. Grabbing the cup of blood, she quickly made her way to him. “Here you go.” He drank it down in three gulps and nearly choked on the last bit when she wrapped her fingers around a couple of belt loops and yanked the unzipped front open wider. “How long will it take before you’re at full strength?” He gazed at her with hungry eyes and cupped one of her breasts. “Not long at all.” “Oh, good, then,” Buffy said sweetly. “Wait! Maybe you should abstain until the proper time of mourning has past. You don’t want to dishonor my memory.” She snickered and then giggled again at the stern look he gave her. “I’m not waiting for anyone or anything. We have about fifteen minutes and I’m going to make the most of it.” He swatted her backside with a resounding slap, and she jumped with a yelp. Narrowing her eyes at him, she attempted a glare, but it was somewhat hard to do while suppressing a smirk. When Spike turned his back on her, she almost felt sorry for the poor unsuspecting vampire. She bit her lip to keep from laughing, reached out, and yanked his jeans down until they fell at his ankles. “Hey!” he yelled out. When he bent down to pull his pants back up, she hauled her hand back and brought it flat against one cheek. The slap rang out over the crypt along with his second, “Hey!” She laughed and ran for the ladder. “Ooh, that’s gonna leave a mark.” “You are going to get it!” he said as he turned around and attempted to run after her. He tripped on his forgotten jeans at his ankles and went flying. Buffy landed on the bed and held a pillow to her stomach, laughing hysterically as Spike let out a string of curses that would even make a truck driver blush.

Chapter #2 - 2. Family Dinner

Soul Survivors Chapter Two: Family Dinner “You’re late,” Dawn told Buffy and Spike as they came through the door she was holding open. “Yeah, well, blame your sister,” Spike said dryly while rubbing his backside. Buffy snorted, but wisely kept her mouth shut as Faith came into the entry hall. “Hey. You guys hungry? I’ve got blood.” Spike watched as Buffy shook her head and said, “No thanks. We already ate.” “I can see that you have,” Faith said with a smirk. Faith walked towards them, stopped in front of Spike and tilted her head to the side. He groaned inwardly. He should have turned his collar up or kept his coat closer to his neck. His eyes widened and he leaned back as Faith reached up to touch Buffy’s marks on his neck. Then everything happened so fast, he could barely register it all. Buffy vamped out and rushed at Faith, tackling her up against the wall. The mirror and silk plant next to them rattled and shook with the force. Faith had the decency to look scared and stared at Buffy with wide eyes. Buffy growled low. “Don’t you ever touch what is mine, again,” she said through gritted teeth. Relaxing, Faith took a deep breath and released it slowly while checking out Buffy’s features. “Damn, B, your vamp face is fug ugly!” Dawn snorted behind them, but before she could comment, the front door opened. Xander came in with his arms full of pizza boxes, got a glimpse of Buffy in her angry state and yelped. Spike was there to catch the boxes before they could tumble to the floor. Willow pushed past Xander and gazed at Buffy in wonder. “Wow. What happened here?” “Don’t flirt with Spike,” Faith said as she pushed Buffy away from her and frowned. “Oh, and what ever you do, don’t touch him. That’s all I’m saying.” When everyone just stared at her in shock, she pointed in the direction of the kitchen. “I’ll just go finish tossing the salad.” Spike caught a slight movement out of the corner of his eye and turned his head just enough to see Giles lingering on the steps. He glanced back at Buffy, who was now in obvious distress. She was having trouble switching back to her more human visage, her gold eyes wide and scared. “Shake it off, pet. Like we talked about.” As her sister and friends watched in fascination, she inhaled a deep breath and shook her head quickly, morphing her features right before their eyes. “That’s just cool.” Dawn came up and Buffy stayed still as the younger girl touched her now smooth face. Buffy held Spike’s gaze. “I’m sorry about that. I don’t know what came over me.” “’S alright. I do. Truth be told, it gave me the warm fuzzies.” He rested an open palm over his stomach and leered at her. They smiled at each other and Xander groaned. “I, for one, did not get any warm fuzzies, and I do solemnly swear not to flirt with Spike or touch him in any way.” Buffy let out a relieved laugh as Xander smiled warmly at her until Spike shoved the pizza boxes back at him. Dawn quickly stepped in and grabbed the boxes from them both. “I’ll just take these into the kitchen.” “I’ll come with you,” Willow said going past the others, holding up a paper bucket. “We got hot wings for Spike.” Xander stood with his hands in his pockets for a second before stepping towards the living room. “Well, let’s see what’s on TV.” Buffy followed him, leaving Spike by the foot of the stairs. “You plan on joining us, Watcher?” His voice was low and deep, but Spike knew he got his point across when Giles stopped his ascent and changed directions. “Well, yes. For a little while, at least. I have a lot of loose ends to tie up before my resignation goes into effect in a few days.” Spike let the man pass him and watched as he walked slowly into the living room. He hadn’t had a chance to get Giles alone since the evening that Willow returned. Buffy and Spike had walked home after the movie and hadn’t gone out much at all, until Dawn had passed along Faith’s invitation to come for dinner tonight. They both had wanted to say no, having thoroughly enjoyed their time alone. Except for the few hours that Dawn joined them on the weekdays after school, they‘d had each other to themselves. Dawn had begged and pleaded until they gave in and agreed to come. Now, he was glad that they had. Spike determined to get Giles alone before the night was out. ~*~*~*~*~*~ Spike felt awkward, sitting at the table with all these people. He looked down at his plate of wings and picked at one. Buffy sat quietly beside him with her hands in her lap. She’d tried a bite of the one wing she’d put on her plate and screwed up her face in distaste. Some vampires kept a bit of their taste buds and could enjoy really spicy foods now and then, just for a change. Because it was considered an odd behavior, most vamps with a taste for human food rarely indulged unless they were alone or in the process of trying to appear human around people. Spike had hoped that Buffy would be like him and enjoy a spicy taste now and then, but he guessed that wasn’t going to happen. “Do I have to eat the salad?” whined Dawn. Faith glared at her. “Eat it.” Dawn began protesting and the others groaned. Buffy slapped a hand on the white lace covered table, causing plates and utensils to clink together. She closed her eyes for a second and then looked sheepishly at her friends. “Sorry.“ Then to Dawn, she said, “Do as you’re told and stop giving Faith a hard time. It’s not like we’re asking you to eat snails. It’s just some lettuce.” Spike had to suppress his grin at the look Dawn threw back at Buffy before she did a boarding house reach for the dressing. She dumped three helpings of the white goop onto her lettuce and began shoving it in. “I got a job today,” Faith said quietly. Giles perked up at that. “That’s great.” “Let me guess,” Xander just had to say. “Bouncer, at the Bronze?” Willow and Dawn snickered at the same time. “No, you idiot. I can’t work a night job.” She paused, looking sheepish. “I’ll be working Tuesday thru Saturday from ten to two at Hayley’s Diner.” “You’re going to be a waitress at the place next to the movie theater?” Xander asked in shock before leaning back and folding his arms across his chest. “That won’t last long. The first time you deck a rude customer, you’ll be fired.” “Do you ever shut up?” Faith asked him with a frown. Spike popped a chicken wing in his mouth and stared at a flustered Xander, wanting to know the answer to that question himself. Faith continued. “I’m going to be a short order cook.” “Oh, God. I’m never eating there again.” Xander took a huge bite of his pizza and chewed like a cow with sauce oozing out of one side of his mouth. Spike cringed. And they all thought it was sick to watch him drink blood. “Hey! I’ve got mad skills in the kitchen, buster. It’s what I did in prison every day. Besides, Joe, the owner, has agreed to pay me cash and not ask for any identification.” “Why would he do that?” Willow asked. “I saved his butt a few years back when I took out a Plekx demon trying to make a snack out of him and his daughter one night as they closed up shop.” She shrugged. “He remembered me.” Giles set his fork down and wiped his mouth with a napkin. “That will work out nicely then. You’ll be working while Dawn’s in school, but not so early to interfere with your sleep. A slayer must always be fresh when patrolling.” “That, and I’ll be able to earn my keep here and pay some rent. It’s not much, but it’s the best I could do without identification and skill.” Willow looked pointedly at Giles. “I still think the Watcher’s Council should be paying their Slayer. Look at how hard things were for Buffy last year, having to work and watch over the hellmouth. Now Faith is going through the same thing and it isn’t right.” Faith’s warm smile was lost on Willow as she focused on an uncomfortable looking Giles. “I agree with you, but I have never had any clout with the Council. At this point, with the way they tried to assassinate both of them, and the fact that I have resigned, I doubt they would listen to me.” He stood up and pushed his chair in, leaning on it. “I’m still waiting for the insurance money to come in so that Anya and I can reopen the Magic Box. Until then, I’m doing what I can. I have applications in at both the college library and the city one. I hope to hear something soon.” Xander was quiet, but his questioning eyes searched out the older man. Glancing from Xander to Giles, Buffy spoke up. “You’ve kept in contact with Anya?” “We’ve spoken many times since I’ve been back. She‘s come to her senses and convinced D’ Hoffryn to release her from her vengeance duties. She is once again, just human, and has been handling all the details with the insurance company. We expect the first check to arrive within the week.” Giles refused to look at Xander or Buffy. “I have some work to do. I’ll be up in my room.” “Wait!” Faith said. “Can you come sit down for a minute? I have something I want to discuss with everyone.” Giles slowly went to his seat and when he was settled, Faith stared across the table at Buffy and Spike. “I invited the two of you over tonight because I wanted to ask you something.” “Okay.” Buffy shoved her plate forward and leaned her elbows on the table. “I was down in the basement, doing laundry the other day and I looked around and realized that the space down there is pretty big. I think it would be best if you two moved in down there.” Buffy glanced at Spike. He shrugged. “I go where you go, pet. Doesn’t matter to me where we sleep.” “Dawn was telling me that the lower level of the crypt is still pretty messed up. And, anyway, anything can come in there while you’re sleeping and cause havoc.” Spike and Buffy shared a secret smile, both thinking about all the havoc Clem had caused earlier. “True,” Spike agreed. “Also, I think it would be better for Dawn to be able to come straight home after school. I know you guys are feeding her those awful TV dinners. She can’t eat them every night, she’ll get sick.” “I can, too. I like them.” “Dawn,” Faith said in a low tone, meaning to sound patient, but not quiet reaching that level in her exasperation, “didn’t you tell me that you’d love it if they moved in downstairs?” Dawn’s eyes widened in understanding and she sat up straighter. “Oh, yeah,” she said before looking across the table at the vampires again. “Please, guys. It would be so great if we could all live together.” Spike watched Buffy struggle with what to say. He was ready to say ‘yes‘. Anything to make Dawn happy. “There isn’t much privacy down there. We can’t move the washer and dryer upstairs, so every one would be in and out of our space all the time.” “That’s why I invited Xander here.” Faith spread her hands, like a model on a game show, displaying a prize, out towards the man still stuffing his face with pizza at the other end of the table. He swallowed and took a quick drink. “What do you need me for?” “You’re a carpenter, right? I was thinking we could put up a wall against the staircase and add a locked door to it. With the washer and dryer right at the foot of the steps, we would have room to do our laundry and the two of them could have plenty of space and privacy.” “Well, it is possible. I would need to draw up some plans. It’s a two man job at least and, I know none of us can afford to pay for labor on top of supplies,” Xander’s voice was laced with hope, thinking that they could scrap the idea. Spike smirked at him. “I’m good with a hammer and I’m strong. We wouldn’t have to hire a second man.” Buffy’s soft gaze settled on Giles. “What do you think?” Giles got up again. “Well, I, uh…I think it would make Dawn happy. If you will excuse me now, I must get back to my work.” The rest of gang stayed silent until Giles went out of sight. “Say ‘yes‘, Buffy,” Dawn pleaded. “Let me think about it and talk with Spike first.” Dawn looked down and moved the remaining lettuce around on her plate. “Okay.” Spike stood up. “I’m going to go have a smoke on the back porch.” He gazed at Buffy while patting his jacket down, looking for his lighter. “You coming with?” “Sure.” Dawn watched them go with sad eyes. “Say, Dawn,” Xander asked cheerfully, “Do you still have your Playstation 2?” “Yes,” the girl answered without much enthusiasm. “Are you up for some Twisted Metal: Black?” “Sure,” she said with a smile. “I haven’t played that in a long time.” They got up together and left for the living room taking about clowns and weapons. Faith sighed and leaned back, watching Willow. Getting more and more unnerved by the Slayer’s stare, Willow pushed her chair back and jumped up, saying cheerfully, “I guess we’re stuck with the clean up.” “I’ll wash, you dry?” Out on the back porch, Buffy leaned into Spike’s side, his arm across her shoulder. Looking out at the yard, he focused on the wooden fence and shivered remembering the moment he’d realized that his love was a vampire. He looked down at her under his arm and reminded himself never to take the time they had together for granted. They could have years stretching out before them, or one of them could be dust in the heat of a battle. Spike squeezed a little tighter, wishing he could keep her in his arms for all eternity. Her sad words vibrated off his chest when she said, “Is it just me, or is Giles really avoiding me?” She pulled back and gazed at him, wanting an answer. “I don’t know what’s going on with the man, but it’s not just you.” She stared down at her feet, fighting the tears that were forming. “I know I’ve disappointed him by getting turned. I should have been more aware of my surroundings; I should’ve found a way to get free before Dru could do her damage.” Anger swelled inside him and he wanted to march up the steps, tear the door off its hinges and then tear the head off a certain British man. He warred with his demon and fought to control his emotions. No one…NO ONE… upset his Buffy like that. Shaking his head, Spike told her, “I have no idea what’s going on in that soddin' brain of his, but there’s no way he blames you for what’s happened.” “Then why won’t he look me in the eye or talk to me? I always thought that he cared for me, not just as a slayer, but also like a daughter.” “I know he cares about you. I’m sorry he’s being a bloody pillock. You want me to go knock some sense into him?” She smiled at him and his stomach clenched. His heart felt as if it was being gripped tightly by an unseen fist. All he’d ever gone through in his life, to get to this point, was worth this one moment, just to see that loving, trusting smile directed his way. “No, don’t do anything like that. You could kiss me though. That might make it--” Softly, he pressed his lips to hers, effectively cutting off her words. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer and deeper into the kiss. She was always just as hungry as he was and he marveled at how perfectly matched they were. The door opened behind them and Willow let out a short “eep” sound. “I’m sorry. I’ll come out later.” As she turned to go back in, Spike stood up. “No, stay. I’ve got to ask Dawn something.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Spike trod through the kitchen with purpose and passed Dawn and Xander in the living room, who were oblivious to their surroundings. Not looking back, he continued to the stairs and stomped up each step, playing out the scenario he’d imagined just a few minutes before. Disappointment washed over him like cold water when he arrived at Giles’ door to find it partially open. He would have really loved to tear the door apart. Soundlessly, he pushed it open further and took two steps into the room. With his back turned to Spike, Giles sat hunched over his desk writing furiously. The only light in the shadow-filled room coming from a small desk lamp directed towards what ever it was he was writing in. The vampire took a wide stance and crossed his arms over his chest, letting the leather of his coat creak with the movement. Giles continued to write, irritating Spike further. He cleared his throat and narrowed his eyes at the man when he stopped writing and slammed a book shut before turning around. “Spike?” “You gonna tell me why you’ve been avoiding Buffy, or do I have to go through that bloody diary of yours to find out?”

Chapter #3 - 3. The Sooner; The Better

a/n: Betas: Slaymesoftly, Raynedanser, and Mabel Marsters. Banner made by: me, Dawnofme. Soul Survivors Chapter Three: The Sooner; The Better “Come and sit with me.” Buffy patted the spot on the porch steps beside her and gave Willow an encouraging smile. It was always awkward when a person interrupted a couple while they were making out. Willow’s tentative smile faded as she sat down next to her friend who was now a vampire. Buffy didn’t blame her for being wigged out. “What’s it like?” Willow asked softly. Buffy gazed up at the star filled sky and took a moment before saying, “It’s not really all that bad.” She sighed, and then perked up. “I can see better. I also smell things better and hear things better, but the clear and sharp view at night is most spectacular. In some ways I feel more alive now then I did before…” “I feel so bad that you were all alone when it happened and after.” “I wasn’t alone for that long. I spent well over twenty-four hours in a cave after I dusted Drusilla, and that was a pretty bad time. I was so hungry, but I couldn’t come out of game face. No matter how hard I tried. As soon as I was able to look human, I went to the butcher shop and got some blood. The next night, Spike found me.” She smiled and hugged herself. “From the looks of things, you and Spike are getting along very nicely,” Willow teased softly. Buffy forced herself to look Willow in the eye. It wasn’t easy to push past the anxiety she felt with her worry over what her friends would think. All she saw in Willow was a haunting sadness and an accepting smile. Buffy felt like smacking herself even though she knew that she wasn’t the most perceptive of friends. Poor Willow. Here she was happy and in love, while Willow deeply mourned for Tara. “How are you doing?” Buffy asked, putting a hand on the girl’s shoulder. “I’m doing better,” Willow said and her eyes lit up. “The coven in England was such an amazing place. The people were so nice, and they embraced me and showered me with their love and goodness. I’m so glad I agreed to go.” “I’m glad you did, too. So they’ve helped you to move on?” Willow shrugged. “In a way. I think what I got most out of it all was that I can never really move on from what happened. What I did and what I almost did has to stay with me, so I never go to that bad place again.” She tucked a stray lock of red hair behind her ear. “I can never forget that I killed a man and almost destroyed the world.” “So, no magic for the time being?” “I’m magic free,” Willow said cheerfully and slapped her knees. Buffy glanced behind her to make sure the door was still closed. “Where is your admirer?” Willow touched her cheeks and groaned. “After I turned down her latest proposition, she left to patrol.” Buffy stifled a giggle. Willow glared at her before dropping her shoulders and sighing. “I kind of wish she’d leave me alone.” “Faith could be a nice distraction,” Buffy said in a small voice, unsure how Willow would take her advice. “You are not going to believe this, but that is exactly what Xander said the other night.” Willow stared at Buffy with big eyes. “Why do straight people think that just because a girl is gay, that she can easily hook up with another woman simply because they are both gay?” She shook her head and Buffy remained wisely quiet. “It doesn’t work that way. Do you secretly wish to hook up with every man that crosses your path?” “No. You’re right and I see your point. I’m sorry.” “Oh, Buffy, it’s okay. Really. Faith is totally hot, but she’s not my type. To be honest, I don’t know if I’ll ever find a girl who is my type again. Tara was special.” Buffy put her arms around her and hugged her tight. “Tara was special. I just hate to see you hurting. Is there anything I can do?” Gently pulling away from Buffy, Willow wiped at her tears and smiled at her friend. “Yes. You can get Faith off my back. I know she finds it amusing, but I don’t. Every time she leers at me, I feel a spell coming on.” Willow’s voice went low. “My eyes glaze over and I can feel them wanting to turn black. My scalp itches and I feel the black roots coming in.” Buffy leaned further away from her and looked horrified until Willow burst out laughing. “Gotcha!” Letting out the unneeded breath that she had been holding, Buffy chuckled. She was glad that she had her Willow here. All the bad that had happened a few months ago was behind them. Sitting on the back porch talking about their problems was like old times and she longed for the old days back in high school. “But seriously, I wouldn’t mind if you had a talk with her.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Spike cleared his throat and narrowed his eyes at Giles when he stopped writing and slammed a book shut before turning around. “Spike?” “You gonna tell me why you’ve been avoiding Buffy, or do I have to go through that bloody diary of yours to find out?” The man stood up, nearly knocking the chair over, and whipped his glasses off his face to clean them. “I’m not sure what you mean.” “Oh, don’t play dumb with me, Rupert.” Spike stepped further into the room and sat at the edge of the bed. “You might as well sit back down. I have a feeling this is going to take a while. “Rather, you should leave. I’ve very busy and not up to playing games with you.” Crossing his booted feet, Spike got comfortable and glared at him. He’d been around a long time and knew when someone was nervous. The man’s heart was racing and he gripped the back of the chair far too tightly. The glare he was aiming at Spike did not affect him. “I’m not going anywhere until you answer my question.” “I’m not avoiding Buffy.” “So what would you call it when you won’t look the girl in the eye, when you refuse to speak directly to her, and every time we come by, you find excuses to get away from the lot of us?” “I-that’s not what-” “Do you have any idea how hurt she is? A few minutes ago, she was reduced to tears, because she thinks that the only father figure she’s ever really had is disappointed in her.” Giles’ flinched and his closed off expression softened the slightest bit. It wasn’t much, but at least now, Spike knew that the man still cared for his girl. That was something and he could work with that. “I don’t blame her for what’s happened. She was attacked from behind, and there is nothing she could have done to save herself. I know that if there was a way, she would have taken it.” “So then why the hell are you up here and not downstairs with the rest of us?” Giles pulled the chair out and faced it towards the bed, before sitting down. Putting his glasses on, he stared at Spike for a long moment. He was sizing the vampire up and Spike willed Giles to trust him. It was obvious that the man desperately wanted to tell him something. Spike leaned forward. “What ever it is, you have to know that I’m on Buffy’s side. All I want to do is make things easier for her. I know we’ve never seen eye to eye and in the past, I have been a real pain in the arse, but I promise you, you can trust me.” Taking satisfaction in the fact that he’d surprised the man again, Spike straightened up and put on his most trustworthy face. Giles looked down at his hands. “There are things that I can’t yet discuss with anyone. I’m waiting for a book to arrive. Perhaps when it gets here, I will have some answers and then things can change.” “What aren’t you telling me?” Spike stood up. “Is Buffy still in danger from the Council, because I thought I set that straight.” Giles got to his feet and put his hands out. “I promise you this: If I feel that Buffy is in danger from the Council or anyone else, I will send for you right away.” Spike narrowed his eyes and studied him. There was something not right about all of this, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. “I trust that you are a man of your word?” Giles started and his eyes got wide, but he collected himself and shook his head. “Yes, I am a man of my word.” “Good. It would make Buffy feel better if you stopped treating her like a pariah.” Giles looked down again, struggling to rein in conflicted emotions. “That might not be possible. It might be easier for her if we kept our distance.” “What the hell is going on, that you can’t get close to her?” Spike said, raising his voice with every word. “I-I may have to leave. It’s very possible that I will have to get lost somewhere where the Council cannot find me. I worry that she will be hurt even more, if we get close again only to have me disappear on her. I fear that it will be hard on me as well.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Downstairs and outside, the two girls sat side by side. “I’ll talk to her for you. I can even go into game face again.” “What was that all about earlier? Faith said something about touching Spike?” Buffy sighed. “I’m still learning how to control my emotions and the demon that now shares my space.” She turned her attention to the leaves from the bush poking through the railing and pulled a few off. “Faith went to touch Spike’s neck and I lost that control and nearly bit her head off.” “We all noticed those marks, but I wasn’t going to say anything. Did you loose control and bite Spike in a fit of anger?” Buffy snorted. “I’m so, so glad I can’t blush anymore.” She tore pieces off the leaves and watched them fall to the step below. “I did loose control in a way, but Spike was very willing. It’s a vampire love kind of thing.” Buffy shrugged. It was quiet while the witch processed that last bit of information. “Oh. Oh!” Willow blushed for the both of them, and then giggled. She nudged Buffy. “I guess things between you two are really, really good then?” “Oh, yeah.” Buffy tossed the leaves away. “But there is so much more than the physical stuff.” She glanced at Willow. “I’m in love with him.” It felt good to say it aloud to someone else, making it more real somehow. Willow gave her a soft smile. “I’ve known that for a long time.” When Buffy squinted at her in confusion, she added, “I was there that night when we saw Anya and him together at the Magic Box. Remember? I saw your face; you were devastated. Probably more so than Xander.” “I can’t deny that.” The door creaked open. “Hey, you guys,” Xander said cheerfully. “I was wondering where you all got off too.” He glanced around the yard as the two girls got up. “Where’s Fang Face?” “I think he’s talking to Dawn,” Buffy said as she stretched, doing her best to ignore the bigoted nickname. It’s not as if Spike didn’t get off a jab at Xander now and then. “Dawn’s in the kitchen getting ice cream. We’ve been playing video games and haven’t seen him.” As she entered the kitchen, Buffy watched Dawn shovel ice cream into her mouth. “You’re going to get brain freeze if you keep eating it like that.” She crinkled her nose in distaste. “Naw ahm nawt.” “Have you seen Spike?” Dawn swallowed the load in her mouth and held the back of her head, cringing. “No. Was playing play station with Xander, just like he said. Haven’t seen Spike since dinner. Ow!” “Told you.” Glass shattered upstairs and drew all their attention. She rolled her eyes; at least she knew where Spike was. Buffy led the way as they ran up the stairs. As she rounded the corner, Giles backed slowly out of his room. “You will go nowhere.” Spike spat out as he followed Giles out of the room. They both gave a guilty start when they realized, at the same time, that they had an audience. “What’s going on here, Spike?” He gave his head a slow shake in an attempt to calm himself down. “If Xander was in some kind of trouble, would you let him take off to handle things on his own?” “Absolutely not,” Buffy answered without hesitation. “How would you feel if he just up and left without telling anybody that he was in danger?” Buffy had no idea where he was going with this line of questioning, but she was definitely alarmed. “I would be devastated that he didn’t think we could help him.” Spike gave Giles a pointed look. “No one devastates my girl.” He held up two fingers. “Two days, Watcher. Book or no book, in two days time, I want answers.” Giles glanced quickly at the shocked faces waiting to see what he’d do next. He bolstered himself up, turning his attention to Spike. “Agreed.” “I’m not in any danger. Am I?” Xander asked the hallway. Spike walked over to him and none too gently slapped his arm on the confused guy’s shoulder. “What say you and I go have a look at that basement?” The vampire glanced back at Giles. “The sooner we move in here, the better.” He pushed Xander down the stairs. “What was that all about?” Willow asked. Giles pointed at his room. “I need to clean up that mess and get back to work.” He gazed at Buffy before saying, “It was good to see you tonight.” “You, too,” Buffy said softly as she watched him close his door. “What-?” Dawn started to say. Buffy narrowed her eyes, lost in thought. “I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.” She marched down the stairs with purpose. When Buffy opened the door to the basement, she could hear Xander talking excitedly about beams and walls. “Can we soundproof the new wall and door?” Spike asked. “What do you need sound…oh. I guess we could.” “Just thinking of my neighbors. Do unto others and all that,” Spike said with a grin and a wave of his hand. “Look, Buffy.” Dawn pushed past her, jumped down the last steps enthusiastically and ran to the space under the stairs. “Xander could build you a huge closet here with lots of shelving.” She moved to the worktable and turned on the recessed florescent light on the wall. “And we can replace this with a black light.” Buffy rolled her eyes. “Let’s not forget the disco ball and love beads.” “No love beads, please,” Spike said with a groan. “I spent much of the sixties high as a kite after draining hippie co-eds.” “Too much information, Spike,” Dawn said while smiling at Xander, who stared at Spike in disgust. “Way too much information. Gross.” Xander agreed. Spike went behind Buffy and wrapped his arms around her middle, resting his chin on her shoulder. “What do you think, love? Will this work for us?” “Well, I like the idea of a huge closet.” She leaned back and closed her eyes for a second, enjoying the feel of Spike surrounding her. “Can we keep all of our candles? Maybe we could put up some non-flammable type shelves to put them on.” “Anything you want.” She turned in his arms and smiled up at him. “Even the French vanilla and apple pie scented candles?” He groaned in mock protest. “Even those smelly things.” Without taking his eyes off his lover he said, “Let’s get those plans drawn up and supplies bought right away.” “Sure,” Xander said halfheartedly. Dawn pushed him towards the stairs. “Can I help?” “Sure.” Xander paused on the stairs and looked down at the lovebirds gazing into each other’s eyes. “I don’t understand it,” Xander said loud enough for them to hear. “What?” Dawn asked. “How can she look at him like that just for saying a few lovey dovey words when a minute ago, he was talking about killing young girls?” “I don’t know,” Dawn said seriously with a shrug. “Maybe for the same reason that you could look at Anya that way after she talked about flaying open the guts of helpless men or mass murdering whole villages?”

Chapter #4 - 4. Hello, Buffy

a/n: Betas: Slaymesoftly, Raynedanser, and Mabel Marsters. Banner made by: me, Dawnofme. Soul Survivors Chapter Four: Hello, Buffy Buffy reclined on the old green couch, tossing a bright orange and yellow Hacky Sack up in the air over and over again. Ignoring the ten o’clock newscast droning on the TV, she wondered why Spike would have a Hacky Sack in his weapons chest. Spike had left for his poker game a couple of hours ago. After cleaning the place up, she’d had nothing better to do, so she decided to organize the weapons. They were all just kind of thrown together in the big cedar box with a heavy sackcloth blanket tossed over it. The soft little beanbag type ball, with its bright colors, stood out against the metal and wooden objects. It was at the bottom, so she pulled everything out in order to see what it was. She giggled, imaging Spike bouncing around the crypt tapping the little ball against his feet. If she’d found it anywhere else in the crypt, she would believe it was Clem’s little toy, but she could not imagine the peace-loving demon getting cozy with the weapons. She glanced at the door and then leaned back again. Looking at the door every other minute would not make Spike get home faster. She almost wished she’d taken him up on his offer to go with him, but she knew she wasn’t ready to face the demon population. If they hadn’t needed the money, Spike wouldn’t have had to go at all. He was sure he’d bring home some cash, and she hoped so. Spike could no longer just steal what he needed or wanted, although she secretly thought it would be okay. They were demons after all. She jumped up and tried to shake the evil thoughts. She did much better when Spike was around. The whole place lit up with vibrancy and hope when he was smiling at her. Edging her way back to the weapons chest, she kicked it open and exchanged the Hacky Sack for a nice sturdy sword. She gripped it firmly and swung it around one way, then sliced the air back to the other side. The weight felt good in her hands and she went on autopilot, going through the moves that Merrick, and later Giles, had taught her so long ago and insisted on going over almost daily. Buffy could feel the strength coursing through her, though it was different somehow from what she’d had before. Spike had trained with her a few times already and she had been discouraged by how much stronger he was than her. He’d assured her that she would quickly increase in strength, given time. Pointing the tip of the sword towards the ground, she leaned on the handle and stared at the door. There was a whole cemetery out there, where fledglings could be rising and demons could be roaming. She shrugged. Anything to relieve her boredom; even if Spike would have a conniption fit when he found out later. He was so protective of her, and it was one of the many things she was having a hard time getting used to. She could take care of herself. She marched to the door and opened it wide before stepping into the night. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The top on the late model blue convertible was just going up as the car came to a complete stop in the empty driveway. Angel stepped out and smoothed his coat, while taking stock of the situation before him. The porch light was on and all but one light in the house was off. That wasn’t Buffy’s room. Going through his options, he thought about what his next move would be if he found no one home. He’d tried the Magic Box, only to find it boarded up. When he’d knocked at Giles’ condominium, an old woman who smelled like peppermint opened the door and shooed him away. Perhaps they’d all gone to England to help Faith. It was unlikely, but if it were the case, he’d be able to get back on the road and catch up with Wes, Gunn, and Fred for a trouble free holiday in Sin City. He wasn’t one for the bright lights and crowded casinos, but he wouldn’t mind seeing Lorne again. He knocked on the door and wasn’t sure if he should feel relieved or disappointed when he heard movement inside. The door opened a crack, and Giles glared out at him. “What are you doing here?” “I got your message about Faith, and when I called over at the prison they said she was extradited to England.” “You’re more than a week behind on your messages, aren’t you?” Angel glanced around and shifted from one foot to the other. It would be nice if Giles would invite him in, but it looked unlikely. “I wasn’t around when you called. Actually, I was stuck at the bottom of the ocean in a box, until Wesley found me and got me out.” He forced the last bit out, not really wanting to get into more details. Giles opened the door wider. “As soon as I had recovered from months without blood, my friends gave me the message. Is Faith okay?” “Yes, she is. The Council was out to assassinate her, but we were able to intercept them and bring her here. She’s out on patrol right now.” Giles came out on to the porch and closed the door behind him. “Really, I don’t see why you had to make the drive out here.” “I tried to call, but no one ever answered the phone.” “And you didn’t think to leave a message?” “I wanted to talk to someone, not a machine.” Giles glanced away and said, “I’ve asked the girls not to answer the phone and to let the answering machine pick up for all calls. There are some people I wish to avoid at the moment.” “Well, that’s why I am here. I was worried that something terrible may have happened.” “Faith is just fine.” Angel could not help but be agitated that he‘d wasted a trip down here all because Giles didn‘t want to talk to some people on the phone. “Well, I’ll be off, then. My gang is on their way to Vegas for a little vacation. I think I’ll go catch up with them.” Giles gave him a nod as he put his hand on the doorknob, and Angel turned and walked down the steps. “How’s Buffy?” he asked after opening his car door. Giles paused with a stiff back and the door open. Without looking at him, he said to Angel, “I don’t think it’s my place to tell you,” before shutting and locking the door with a resounding click. Angel sat with his hands on the wheel, thinking that Giles was acting stranger than usual. He backed up and drove in the direction of the freeway then made a quick u-turn and headed towards the cemeteries. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Restfield Cemetery was quiet and peaceful, so Buffy took a little walk to the Shady Hill Cemetery instead. She’d gone only a few steps in when she stopped to listen. From the other end of the graveyard, Faith’s mocking laugher reached her ears, and she switched direction, walking towards the sound. She went quickly on light feet, holding the sword at her side. The closer she got, the more she could make out the conversation going back and forth. “You piece of crap vamp. Say that to my face.” “Up yours, you second string slayer.” Another vampire in dark blue jeans and a white t-shirt, agreed with his friend. “Yeah, up yours.” Three vampires were slowly circling around Faith, who stood with a wide stance on a low-lying stone monument. “Where’s the real Slayer? Dead?” the last vampire asked with a sneer. Buffy stopped a moment and wondered where he got his hair done. His tall, thin Mohawk was dyed like a rainbow with each pointy tip in a different color. There was no way he could do that by himself. Faith said, “I am the real Slayer and any vamp foolish enough to make their way into my territory is gonna find themselves dust.” The first vamp laughed and held out his hands in mock surrender. He was bald and dressed in blue jeans and a white t-shirt like the other two. He was big and buff and Buffy had to stifle a giggle as she pictured him with a mop. Mr. Clean--as she now thought of him--said, “Oh, I’m so scared.” Mr. Clean moved in closer and the others followed. “I think you are in our territory and you’re just about to join the last Slayer, six feet under.” “No, she’s not,” Buffy said in a snotty voice. “Cuz, she’s right here.” “Hey, B. You sure you’re up to joining this party? I can take them all if you’re not.” Buffy ignored the protests and comments by the three shocked vamps. “I’m in the mood for a little violence. I’ll take Mr. Clean and you get the peacock and his friend.” Faith shook her head. “Already barking out orders.” She leapt off her stone perch and kicked both of the vampires off their feet. Mr. Clean lunged at Buffy and she jumped back, readying her sword. She could see Faith, just past Mr. Clean, swinging her arms and kicking with gusto. “I thought there was only one fucked up vampire in this town?” Mr. Clean remarked. “Last I checked, Spike was still a guy, so where the hell did you come from?” “Um-Your worst nightmares?” “No, that would be a Slayer,” he said back seriously. “Then I was right.” “Wait, you’re the dead Slayer? You’ve been turned?” She advanced on him with her sword swinging, taking him by surprise, but he recovered quickly and kicked the sword out of her grip. The big vampire lunged at her again and wrenched the stake that she had quickly grabbed out of her back pocket, from her hand. Her eyes got big when he raised it at her. She backed up, but tripped on a tree root and tumbled on to her backside. Still coming at her, he leaned forward and drove the stake down, aiming expertly for her heart. She blinked as his dust rained down on her “Either you are really rusty, or you weren’t kidding when you said you’d lost your powers,” Faith said as she held a hand out. Buffy ignored it and got up on her own. She kicked at the dust and frowned. “Just shut up.” “You’re welcome. It was my pleasure to save your ass,” Faith bit out sarcastically. “Do you mind…?” Faith waved her hand in a quick circular motion over her own face, indicating Buffy’s current vamped out stated. Buffy glared at her before dropping her shoulders as she struggled to switch back. “I feel so weak and useless.” “It won’t be like this forever,” Faith said softly. “You know you’re going to get stronger.” “I hate it.” “Giles has set up a training room at the new Magic Box. It’s across the street from the old one. It used to be Bakery Pal’s, but I guess the “pals” had a fight.” Faith shrugged. “We’re going to start training there tomorrow. The back room is small, but we moved over all we could salvage from the old place. You want to join us?” “I don’t know. I’ll ask Spike. We’ve been training at the crypt, but it might be better if we had more equipment.” There was an awkward silence as Buffy thought back to the day the gang had enthusiastically shown her the training room that they had put together for her. “I don’t think Giles will want to train with me, though. You’re the Slayer now and it’s best if he trains with you.” “Either way, Spike and I can work with you. And, I know Giles will give you a key so you two can use the place anytime you want. You‘ll have to go in the back way. The store section still looks like a bakery and they haven‘t even started fixing it yet.” “We’ll see.” Buffy shrugged. Faith stared at her, making her uncomfortable. “So, what brought you out here? Is there trouble in vamp paradise?” Buffy smiled. “More like money trouble. We’re running low on cash, so Spike is out playing poker.” She hopped up onto a headstone and the Slayer followed, sitting next to her. Faith was quiet for a moment, before smirking at Buffy. “With what happened last night, I’m kinda surprised that you let him out of your sight. Aren’t you afraid some vamp ho will come in and steal your man?” Letting out an embarrassed groan, Buffy looked down. “I’m really sorry about that. I’m still getting used to the whole vamp thing and getting myself under control.” “No sweat, B.” Faith shrugged. “I could have taken you, if it came to that, but it did seem a little extreme.” “I saw you go to touch him and I just lost it.” Buffy looked down at her hands. “I don’t blame you. Spike just oozes sexy; if he were mine, I wouldn’t want anyone to touch him either.” When Buffy glared at her, flecks of gold coming and going in her eyes, Faith added, “Not that I’d want him to be mine. I’m not into together forever, you know. I like to keep my options open.” That reminded Buffy of the talk she’d had with Willow. “Speaking of options, Willow is not one of them.” “What? Did you bite her, too?” Faith’s bright smile was grating on her nerves, and she was rapidly being reminded why they didn‘t get along so well. “No, of course not. We were talking last night and she said she wished you would back off. She’s still having a hard time getting over Tara’s murder and you’re not making it any easier.” Faith shrugged. “No big deal. I’ll back off.” She smirked. “She’s really come a long way since high school. She dresses better, and she looks pretty when she blushes. She’s still fun to bug, though.” “Well, you’re not her type. She doesn’t do casual and she really doesn’t need your attention right now.” Faith smiled at Buffy. “I’m everybody’s type.” Buffy chuckled and shook her head. “But seriously, I get what you’re saying. I’ll back off and be a good girl. And to tell you the truth, I’ve had my fill of the female variety for a while. That’s all they served in prison.” “Oh, God. Crude much?” “Just being honest. I’m out to get me some male attention.” “You seriously need a girlfriend or boyfriend to settle you down.” “Well, I’ll have to settle for a few hot one night stands, since all the sexy vamps are taken.” A dark figure stepped out of the shadows and caught their attention. Angel stood there on the concrete path with his hands in his coat pockets. “Hello, Buffy.” :

Chapter #5 - 5. Sherlock Gets a Clue

a/n: Betas: Slaymesoftly and Mabel Marsters. A/N: While my BTVS verse is AU, I’m keeping in canon for Angel the Series. Angel makes this visit During S4 of AtS, which is parallel to BTVS S7. So he appears here between his S4 episode 2: Ground State and episode 3: The House Always Wins. Banner made by: me, Dawnofme. Chapter Five: Sherlock Gets a Clue “Hello, Buffy.” They jumped off the headstone in unison and stared at each other with open mouths. Faith, understanding Buffy’s distress at seeing her ex, stepped forward and lightly punched Angel on the arm. “Hey, man. It’s good to see you.” Angel took his eyes off Buffy and smiled at Faith. “It’s good to see you, too. Heard you got out.” His smile was genuine. “Giles said you were patrolling, so I came to say ‘hi’ before I head on back.” “You just got here and you’re leaving so soon?” Faith asked. The girls listened in shock as Angel described in detail why he’d hadn’t been around to help when Faith was in trouble. When he was finished, he sniffed, widened his eyes, and put out his hand to silence Faith before she could speak. “Shh! There’s another vampire near by.” He turned slowly in a tight circle, scanning the area around them with narrowed eyes. Faith snickered. “No shit, Sherlock.” “Faith!” Buffy shook her head at the girl. Finally getting the clue that this wasn’t the time to be joking, Faith sobered up. “Oh, right. Sorry.” “It’s…it’s me, Angel.” He snapped his head in her direction and blinked once. “No.” Tears formed and she fought for the ability to speak. She knew the day would come when she’d have to see him again, but it would have been a lot better if she’d had time to prepare for this moment. “Yes.” “When did this happen?” The anger in his voice surprised Buffy, as she thought he‘d be more sad than angry. “A couple of days before you got that call about Faith.” “I’m so sorry. I got the message about Faith, but not the one about you being turned. No one in my gang said anything to me.” “That‘s because I never called you, and I asked everyone that knows to keep quiet for now.” “Why wouldn’t you call me? I could have helped.” The hurt was written all over his face. “It wouldn’t have mattered, would it? You wouldn’t have been there.” His eyes widened again as a thought occurred to him. “Who did this to you?” She looked down. “I really…I mean, I don’t want to talk about it now.” Faith looked from Buffy and back to Angel, who was about to continue with his questions. “Drusilla did it, okay? Now leave her alone about it, until she’s ready to talk.” He staggered forward, but stopped and turned his back on them both while he attempted to get his emotions in check. Buffy wanted to get out of there. Wishing she’d stayed home, she played with the hem of her shirt. He whirled around and grabbed her into a hug. The emotions she felt were strange as she fought the desire to push away from him. For years, she’d longed to be wrapped up in his strong arms, but now that she was there, she realized that he was a little too tall and a little too wide. The hug lasted all of two seconds and then, as if he read her mind, Angel pushed her away with enough force to have her stumbling back. “He’s all over you,” he said through clenched teeth. “Why is it that you reek with the stench of Spike?” She told herself that she had no reason to feel guilty as he glared at her with accusing eyes, waiting for her to explain. Angel had no claims on her. As a matter of fact, she reminded herself, he had practically kicked her out of LA when she‘d been there last, and they weren‘t an item. Buffy shook her head. “I…I don’t owe you any kind of explanation.” She glanced at Faith. “I need to go. We’ll talk later?” When Faith nodded, Buffy turned to look for her sword, doing her best to ignore Angel. Once she had it secure, she started to jog towards the exit. Angel called out to her, but she kept on going. “Buffy!” Faith called to her. When Buffy stopped, Faith yelled out, “See you tomorrow night at the Magic Box?” “Okay.” She yelled back and waved. Then, she resumed her pace and ran out of sight. Faith and Angel stood with an awkward silence between them. Angle broke it when another thought occurred to him. “Buffy! You can’t let her go off like that. She could hurt someone.” “You can’t tell?” Faith asked him and then said quietly, “Spike knew right away.” “Knew what?” “She has a soul like you, Angel. Only hers appears to be more permanent.” He stared in awe towards the direction that Buffy had gone. “She has a soul?” “Yes, and she won’t hurt anyone.” “I just can’t believe it. Buffy’s a vampire.” “It takes a while to get used to, but Spike’s helping her adjust.” Angel squinted and spat out the name, “Spike. Why would she let him help her?” “They’re pretty tight, nowadays.” Faith shrugged. “So, I could smell.” Angel felt sick to his stomach. Like the time he drank down a whole bag of rancid pig’s blood before he really got a taste. “How’s the Fang Gang?” Faith asked cheerfully. “They’re all doing well. They’re on vacation right now. I plan to catch up with them after I leave here.” “The cheerleader get any good acting roles, yet?” “Cordy is not with us anymore. She’s an exalted being now in another dimension,” Angel said wistfully. He missed her so much and thinking about how he’d never see her again furthered his state of depression. Faith shook her head. “Damn, you people in L.A. are into some weird shit.” “I can’t argue with that.” He grinned at her. “So, everything alright with you then?” “Well, other than my own Council trying to end my life, yeah, things are great.” “What? Giles mentioned something about that.” Faith explained what happened at the prison and how Spike had scared the life out of Travers. Angel couldn’t believe the change in Spike and commented on that. “Well, he’s been really good to Buffy, I can tell you that.” “Listen, I have to get going, but you call me if they give you any more trouble. Let me know if you need any help.” Faith hugged him and he walked off feeling like a hero, until he got into his car and inserted the key into the ignition. There’s no way she could be happy with that piece of crap, poor excuse of a vamp. Maybe if he got her alone, he could talk to her and get her to see reason. Now that she was a vampire, the curse wouldn’t affect them. He smiled as he turned the motor. They could finally be together, as they were meant to be. He wouldn’t ask her to go away with him until he was sure she was the same girl he fell in love with. She seemed a little closed off. Is it possible that she’s not like she used to be, even with her soul? If that were the case, he would just walk away. Angel released the brake and put the car into reverse. But if she were his Buffy, he’d get her away from here and maybe take her to Vegas. She’d like that. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ When the door opened with a resounding bang, Buffy jumped up from her spot on the couch. Her stomach tightened in anticipation, knowing that Spike was home. She smiled at him as he swayed slightly in the open doorway. Spike gazed at her with hungry eyes and her whole body hummed for him. Not bothering to shut the door, he swaggered over to her. “Oh, God, Buffy. I missed you.” He smelled of sweet liquor and smoke, and his leather coat was cool to her touch. Buffy threw herself into his arms, their lips meeting, tongues dueling. They’d only been apart for a few hours, but it felt like forever. When she pulled away from him, she said, “I missed you, too. I think I’m addicted to you and if you’d stayed away much longer, I might have started going through withdrawal. And…are you drunk?” Even his deep chuckle made her body tingle for him. “I’ve had a bit to drink, but I’m standing--so not drunk. I had to keep drinking to stop myself from getting up and leaving before I made any money.” “Ooh, how did you do?” He pulled a rolled up wad of cash out of his pocket and looked at it with his eyes crossing before he could focus. “Not much; about seventy dollars. I think.” He blinked. “I won a wide screen TV, though.” She looked behind him at the open door, “Where is it?” “Well, I’m strong, but that thing is huge. It will take the two of us to get it. I’ve got a key somewhere to the storage unit that it’s being kept in.” He patted his pockets until he found it, showing it to her proudly. “Would have preferred cash, but you take what you can get.” He shrugged. “Thought we should wait until we move into your basement, so we don’t have to cart that thing around more than once.” “That’s a good plan.” She closed her eyes and swayed a bit herself, feeling like she was the one who was drunk. His voice was soothing and low and his accent just turned her on. There were times in the past, when all she ever wanted him to do was to shut up. She was stupid then. Now, she’d be content if he talked all night. Maybe he’d read one of his poetry books aloud for her later. She loved when he did that. “You okay, pet?” “Yes. This place was too quiet without you. You could talk all night and I’d be happy.” “Really, because I thought maybe you’d like it if I did this instead.” He grabbed her to him and kissed her neck, before nibbling on her earlobe. “Yes. You can do that, too.” He caressed her backside and then gave it a good slap before squeezing. “What about that.” “Oh, lots of that.” He nodded towards the TV and raised an eyebrow. “You wanna make out on the couch and watch late night TV?” “Yeah.” “Let me put this cash and key away and I’ll be right back up.” “Bring a couple of pillows with you.” She watched him drop down the hole, not bothering to use the ladder, and rolled her eyes. What a show off. She turned around and noticed that the door was still open, so she went to close it. Buffy jumped when Angel appeared in the open doorway. “There you are. It took me a while to track you.” She frowned when he walked in without an invitation, but closed the door behind him. He looked around and her nerves went on edge as he obviously found the place lacking. “What is this place?” Angel asked. “I like to call it home,” Buffy responded quietly. Behind Angel, a pillow flew through the air and landed by the hole. A second one followed and then Spike was standing behind him, looking shocked. “We have a visitor,” Buffy said to Spike. Spike let out a breath and walked around Angel to stand next to Buffy. “I see that.” “What’s he doing here?” Angel asked in exasperation. Spike narrowed his eyes and ground out, “I live here, so the question is, what are you doing here?” “I came to see Buffy.” He dismissed Spike without looking at him and gazed at her. “You’re living with him, too?” “That’s it! Time to go.” Spike grabbed his shoulder and gave him a good push towards the door. This agitated Angel and he swung his arm and caught Spike’s wrist, gripping it tight. “I told you, you stupid piece of trash, I came here to see Buffy, not you.” Spike went nose to nose with him and wrenched his arm out of Angel’s grasp. “Piss off, you soddin’ bog-trotter. No one asked you to come here.” “How do you know she didn’t? We were just talking, a while ago, with Faith.” Spike pushed him away and gazed at Buffy. “Is that true?” “Yes, but-” “And you didn’t think that was something you should share with me?” She hated that he looked so hurt and she never wanted to be the cause of that look on his face again. “I didn’t think it was that important, really.” She nodded to the couch with the hopes that he‘d get the idea that she had more important things on her mind. “I would have gotten around to telling you, eventually. I didn’t ask him over here. I thought he’d left town already.” Turning her attention to Angel, her countenance changed. Her eyes flicking gold then back to green before she vamped out completely. He jumped back in alarm, as if he’d never seen someone vamped out before. “Tell him, I never asked you to come here,” she ordered him with a growl. “No, you never did.” Angel was unable to tear his eyes off her. She inhaled deeply, shook her head, and felt relieved when her face changed back. She glanced at Spike. He stood with slouched shoulders, but both fists were clenched at his sides, and he refused look at her. “You don’t have to stay here with that.” Angel pointed a finger at Spike in disgust. “Come away with me and I can help you to adjust.” A deep, agonized growl came from Spike as he vamped out and prepared to attack. Angel answered back with a growl of his own and vamped out. Seeing that this wasn’t going to end well, Buffy rushed up to Spike and grabbed him by his coat. She dragged him to the couch and pushed on him until he sat down. She leaned down with him and kissed his cheek. “Calm down,” she whispered. “I’ll be right back.” As she turned, she didn’t see him hang his head down. Her focus was now on Angel and getting him out of their space. Buffy pushed him none too gently towards the door. “Let’s go. Out!” She slammed the door behind them and followed him until they were far enough away from the crypt for Spike not to hear them. When he turned to look at her, she glared at the man now, wearing a smooth face and big brown eyes. The face of the man that an innocent, immature and impressionable young teenage girl had fallen in love with. Or rather, had become infatuated with. Standing in front of him now, she could clearly see this. She fell in love with an idea; a romanticized version of a stage tragedy. Had she ever seen what he really was? A petty, egotistical man, who should have left her well enough alone. She wasn’t sure what sickened her more. The thought of what they’d done together that night in his apartment or the fact that he had walked away from her, leaving her life in shambles. “Buffy,” he implored. “Please let me take you away from here. Let me take care of you.” He stepped closer, but she held out a hand to keep him at arms length. “Do you realize that we can be together now? Really be together.” She closed her eyes for a moment. Could vampires throw up? She’d never seen one do it, but she sure felt like tossing her dinner. “No, we can’t.” “Yes, we can, sweetheart. Don’t you see? The curse doesn’t work when I’m with another vampire.” He stopped and let that sink in. “I hate what happened to you, but let’s turn it into something good. Something beautiful.” “So, what you’re saying is that now that I’m a vampire, I can never give you a purely happy moment?” “You’re a vampire now. You’re not pure.” “Gee, thanks,” she said dryly and folded her arms across her chest. “It’s not like that. I love you. I always will, no matter what, and now we can be together.” He gave her a warm, sweet smile. The kind she used to dream about after he left her to move to L.A. “No, we can’t be together. You need to go.” “Why not?” “Because I’m in love with Spike.” “You can’t possibly be in love with that soulless creature in there.” She found his decisive tone incredibly irritating. “See, there’s where you’re wrong. I could love a soulless Spike. And I did love him when he didn’t have a soul, but he’s not soulless anymore.” She nodded when Angel’s eyes went big. “He traveled across the globe and fought almost to the death to beg another demon to stuff his soul back into his dead body. And do you know why he did it?” Angel shook his head, not wanting to hear anymore. “He did it for me; because he loved me and didn’t want to hurt me again. That “creature” in there stuck around for years without a soul, professing his love for me, keeping my sister safe and taking care of her after I was dead, because he loved me enough to keep a promise, even when I wasn’t around to see it.” Angel backed away shaking his head. “He put up with me and did anything I asked.” Tears rolled unbidden down her face now. “Even when I treated him like dirt, he stuck around, because he knew I needed him. The only time Spike ever left me was when he thought that his soulless state was a danger to me. Then he went out and got a soul, so he could never hurt me again.” “No, this isn’t happening,” Angel said with a shake of his head. “Please, just go and let us be happy.” When he stood rooted to the spot, she sighed. “You always managed to leave or push me away at the wrong times. Why don’t you do the right thing now and leave when you should?” “He’s going to hurt you. Spike doesn’t think of anyone but himself. It was all about the chase for him. Now that he’s had you, he’ll get bored. The only reason he sniffed after Drusilla so long was that she never fully gave him all of herself. You do that with Spike and he’ll be gone before you know it.” That gave her pause to think. Was Angel right? Dru never really seemed to care for Spike the way he cared for her, even cheating on him right under his nose when he was paralyzed. “You’ll see,” Angel said softly. “And when you do, I’ll be here. I’m just a phone call away. Don’t ever forget that. I love you.” She watched him back up, turn slowly and walk down the path and out of sight. Long after he’d gone, she stood in that spot, frowning. Buffy snapped out of it and a small smile crept up on her. She’d done it! Freed herself from the hold that Angel had put on her from the moment she’d laid her eyes on him.

Chapter #6 - 6. Prize Collecting

a/n: Betas: Slaymesoftly and Mabel Marsters. Banner made by: me, Dawnofme. Soul Survivors Chapter Six: Prize Collecting Buffy walked back to the crypt with a smile on her face. What she’d told Angel about all the things Spike had done to show he loved her, she’d never said aloud to any one before. Deep down, she’d known all of that and it was all part of why she’d fallen in love with him, but to say it aloud? She loved him and it was an absolute fact that she could back up with specific things that he was and did that made her love him. She sighed. Spike was an incredible being, there was none like him in the entire world and he was all hers. The object of her adoration was still sitting in the same spot she’d left him in, with his head down. Maybe he’d fallen asleep; they were out there for a while, and he was a little drunk when he came home. “Spike?” His head snapped up and he wiped at his face as he avoided her eyes. “I suppose you want me to help you pack up your things,” he told her as he stood up, his shoulders sagging. It took a second for his words to sink in and when they did, she felt a rush of anger so acute that she had to step away from him. Did he actually just offer to help pack her things so she could leave with Angel? Glaring at him, she said, “Maybe Angel was right. Perhaps it was just about the chase for you and now that you’ve caught me, you’re bored already and would be happy to see me go.” His eyes went wide and he leaned back as if she’d slapped him. “Are you daft? Of course I’m not happy to see you go.” “Oh, but you don’t care enough to fight for me?” She crossed her arms and did her best to close off her hurt expression. He stood up straighter, feeling a ray of hope. “You want me to fight for you? Where is the pillock?” Spike glanced around wildly. “I’ll tear him into bite sized pieces and stomp him under m’ boots.” “Sit down.” She gave him a push and he fell back on to the couch. “I can’t believe you would think for one second that I’d leave you.” He pulled her into his lap and searched her face. “You’re not going with him?” he asked, his voice filled with wonder. Tears filled her eyes. “How could you think that I would, after I told you that I loved you?” He glanced down at her hand in his and played with her fingers. “It’s not that I don’t believe that you love me. It’s just that you and Angel go way back.” He gazed up at her, searching her face with his eyes. If he was looking for more assurance, she hoped that he saw it there. Now that she’d had a moment to calm down, she could see how Spike might think she would go away with Angel. It was only two weeks ago that she finally confessed her love for him. They’d had two glorious weeks together, but it obviously hadn’t been enough to balance out all the times she’d rejected him in the past. “Yes, Angel and I go way back, and I just realized tonight how sick and twisted it was. I asked him to go and leave us alone.” She smiled at him and put her hand on his chest, loving how right it felt to be in his lap. “I am going to spend the next couple of years being so good to you, that you’ll never doubt me again.” She gazed at him sadly. “I’m so sorry for hurting you before.” He turned her hand and kissed her palm. “Don’t be sorry, love. I don’t blame you for anything.” Spike looked at her in awe. “You really are mine?” Buffy chuckled lightly and nuzzled his neck. “Yes, Spike, I’m all yours.” She raised her head with closed eyes. The passionate kiss she was expecting did not happen and she opened her eyes when she felt him lean back. He rested his head against the couch and the smirk he now wore reminded her of the days when he was out to rack up his third slayer kill. “What is that look for?” She rubbed his chest with one hand and wiggled in his lap. “In all the decades that I’ve known Angelus, I’ve never won anything. Fights, Drusilla, towns; he’s won them all. Yet here you are and there he’s not.” When he finally noticed her frown, he added quickly, “I’m sorry, but you have to allow me a good gloat. It’s been a long time coming.” “I’m not some prize that you won.” She went to get off his lap, but he wrapped his arms around her and held on tightly, with a satisfied grin on his face that made Buffy want to slap him. “Oh, you are the grand prize, pet. The mega lotto jackpot and I’m the richest bloody vamp in the universe.” “You can’t sweet talk me with pretty words,” she said sarcastically. “I just kicked Angel out of here and I don’t like that he’s still in this room. He can’t have any part in us. None.” Spike played with her hair and gazed at her for a moment before the smirk was back. Grabbing the bottom of her shirt, he attempted to yank the garment over her head. Buffy covered his hands with her own. “What do you think you’re doing?” “I’m collecting my prize.” Spike raised an eyebrow. “You got a problem with that?” When she shook her head with a small smile and let go of his hands, he lifted her off his lap and threw her onto the other end of the couch. Buffy’s squeals and loud screams of delight bounced off the crypt walls and echoed outside. A scraggly stray cat, balancing his way across the fence, froze in mid-step and flicked its ears. When another squeal pierced the air, he jumped down and raced away from Restfield Cemetery. ~*~*~*~*~*~* “This it?” Spike pointed at the wide metal door in the back alley. “Yep.” Buffy said. “I don’t see why we can’t just work out at home?” “I think we’ll get much more done here. In front of other people.” Buffy smiled at him and rubbed his leather-covered arm. “Perhaps we’ll actually get a full training session in.” He grinned at her as he knocked. Could he help it if violence turned them both on? Regardless of the length of their sessions, Buffy was getting stronger every day. It was not surprising, given her physical condition before death, that she was far stronger than he had been at the same vampiric stage. “Hey,” Faith greeted them before inviting them in. “I was just warming up.” Buffy ambled around inspecting the familiar equipment before running her hands over the pommel horse. She scrunched her nose and kicked at the white and black square patterned linoleum that went only halfway across the room. The other half was just bare concrete. “This area used to be the kitchen, storage area and freezer. We had to knock out a few walls and cart all the junk away. Took us two days.” Faith said. The place reeked with the smell of fresh paint and every wall was covered in a mute grey tone. Boring. But what did he care? It wasn’t his place. He did need to see the owner, though. “Is your watcher around?” Spike asked Faith. “Yeah. He’s in the office just past that door.” He nodded. “Well, then, I’ll leave you two to warm up. I’ll go let him know we’re here.” The two girls were already stretching and warming up and he paused to admire his woman for a minute as she bent down to touch her toes. He could almost see the outline of her pink and tan laced pretties that she hid well under the brown sweat pants. Turning, he mentally slapped himself out of his wonderfully wicked thoughts. He needed to be on his toes if he was going to have a talk with Giles. The smell of WD-40 hit him as the door opened smoothly. Before him was an open door that led out to the front of the shop and on either side was a closed door. One was the bathroom as his nose could detect. As he went to knock on the other one, the phone rang, so he leaned an ear against it instead. “Giles, here. No. I don’t think you want to do that. I’ll go about it in my own good time.” There was menace in his voice as he argued with the person on the other line. “I don’t think you understand the situation. She’s not alone. You’ve met him, and I don’t think you were quite ready to go against him either.” A chair scraped back. “Stop calling me. Let me do my job. I’ll call you when the assignment is complete and not a minute before.” The phone slammed down. Spike rapped his knuckles on the door. “You in there, Rupert? I wanna have a talk with you.” Throwing the door open, Giles stared at Spike with unblinking eyes. “I wasn’t expecting you.” “Really.” Spike put a hand to his chest. “I would think that you were. It’s been two days.” “Come in.” Spike was impressed with the very large office. Besides the small desk in one corner, a huge round table crowded with chairs dominated the space and every wall was lined with mostly empty bookshelves that reached floor to ceiling. Giles gestured to a chair as he took a seat behind his desk. “The book arrived just a few hours ago and I’ve only had time to skim through it.” He put a hand on a large black book with no title. “And then there are these two.” His fingers brushed two books that resembled the one Giles used as a diary. “My cousin works at Council Headquarters and she smuggled these out for me. I haven’t even looked at the diaries yet.” “Are you ready to explain what’s going on, then?” “Yes. I was going to call around and see if we could get everyone together. Maybe tomorrow night?” Giles looked very uncomfortable and quite nervous, sitting straight in his chair. “No. Let’s do this now.” Spike picked up the receiver and shoved it at him. “As far as I’m concerned, everybody who needs to know is in this building, but if you feel the need to have Willow and Xander here as well, you’d best call them over here.” While Giles made his call, he watched in alarm as Spike picked up the book and flipped it open. This did not concern Spike in the least and he glared back at the watcher. Looking down at the first page, he was intrigued. “Origins and Foundations of the Vampire Slayer Line“. He turned the page and glanced at Giles, who was just setting the receiver down. “Some pretty heavy reading.” “Very. There are only four handwritten copies of that work and all are copies of long lost or burned manuscripts that were translated from another language. That one was recently in the vault of one Quentin Travers.” “What will he do when he finds it missing?” “Aida was very careful. I’m sure she replaced it and the others with dummy books.” Spike looked down at the first passage, skipping the pages of warnings before it and read aloud. “No one knows exactly who those first men were that began the slayer line. There were four of them, a young girl and a fierce and deadly demon. The story handed down through the ages is that they were somewhere in Africa. The demon was willing; the girl was not.” Giles stood up abruptly and grabbed the book out of his hands. “I’m sorry, but most of this book is filled with details that you should not be privy to.” “And you?” “I’ve known many of these details since the third year of Watcher school.” “There’s a school?” As serious as all this was, the thought of a younger tweed clad Giles sitting in a classroom amongst other tweed-clad snobs made Spike smile. He did not get an answer. Instead, Giles said, “Willow and Xander are on their way now.” Spike gripped the sides of his chair and got up. “Great. Let’s get in a little training before they arrive. He watched Giles as he slipped the three books into a drawer and locked it, before dropping the key into a pocket. At the same time as they were entering the training room, the back entrance swung opened. Anya rushed in, long brown hair flowing behind her and an envelope in hand. She stopped, her smile fading when her eyes fell upon Buffy and then Spike. Faith walked around her and shut the door, before going to stand next to Buffy again. The Slayer nudged Buffy. “How did you do it? Ever since I met that girl, she’s been ‘yakkity yak yak’ non-stop.” Snapping out of it, Anya blinked twice and focused on Giles. “This was in the mail box. The first check.” She handed it to him and the two shop owners shared a smile. “That’s wonderful news. Let me put this away and I’ll return in a moment.” Anya’s eyes lit up with false exuberance as she went up to Buffy. “It’s so good to see you, again. I heard what happened to you, but don’t worry, death looks good on you. I mean, you look great.” She stopped short of hugging her when Buffy gave her an icy glare. “Thanks, Anya,” Buffy said shortly. “Oh, and that thing with Spike? Remember, it was just a one night drunken kind of a thing. I really didn’t know you two were-” “That’s enough.” Spike stepped closer to them. “She gets that you’re sorry.” Anya’s face relaxed. “Oh, good. I do hope you’ve forgiven Spike, too. Because you’d be crazy to go on missing out on those orgasms.” Faith’s snort was barely audible over Buffy’s low growl, but Spike heard it and glared at her. She was unfazed by the look. “Touch him,” Faith recommended. “Just once.” Buffy turned to Faith, smacked her arm and said, “Shut up.” Anya gave them all a confused frown. “I’ll just go and see if Giles needs any help.” Faith’s laughter hurried Anya along and out of sight. Buffy glared at the door before turning her wrath on Faith. “I’m ready to continue. Are you?” “Bring it on, B.” Faith crouched down low in her tight black work out pants; her matching tank top barely covering her ample bosom. Buffy rushed her and they fell to the blue mat that they’d rolled out earlier. Faith ended up on top. “You’re letting your anger get the best of you, B.; instead of using it to your advantage.” “Shut up,” Buffy said, jumping back to her feet as soon as Faith let her go. “I don’t need you to tell me how to fight.” Spike backed up, leaning against the sawhorse. Buffy was glorious when she fought, and he had to admit it was pretty hot watching the two of them together. She’d taken her sweatshirt off earlier, and her hot pink tank top clung to her skin. . Buffy got in a good roundhouse kick, catching Faith in the jaw. Propelled back by the force, the slayer slammed into the wall. “Good one, love. That’s the way,” Spike said enthusiastically. They both glared at him before Faith went at Buffy again. Giles and Anya entered the room again and stood by Spike. “She’s still magnificent in a fight, and she hasn’t lost any of her training,” Giles said with satisfaction, then winced when Faith popped Buffy in the nose. “The training is all there,” Spike agreed. “It’s the strength that needs to catch up.”

Chapter #7 - 7. Watchers and Slayers

Betas: Slaymesoftly and Mabel_Marsters. A huge thanks to Slaymesoftly for her help on making this one much better. Soul Survivors Chapter Seven: Watchers and Slayers As Buffy went flying into Spike’s arms, he held on a little longer than necessary. She growled and pushed away, coming at Faith like a football player and plowing into the slayer’s stomach with her shoulder. They were still wrestling on the floor when Xander and Willow came through the back door. Xander stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes glazing over as he watched. Instinctively, Spike felt the need to march across the room to put his hands around the boy’s throat. However, looking back at the two girls rolling around on the mat, he knew he couldn’t fault the boy; he was just as fascinated by the spectacle. He glanced in Xander’s direction and grinned at Willow, who was leaning to the right behind her friend, watching as well. The little witch was interested in the Slayer, even if she protested to the contrary. He made a mental note to pass that observation on to Buffy when they had a moment alone. Willow licked her lips before she caught Spike’s knowing smirk; Giles frowned at the blond vampire in confusion when he burst out laughing. The red head straightened up to hide behind Xander. Looking as if she hadn’t a care in the world, Faith sat on Buffy‘s backside. Buffy struggled, flat out on her stomach, grunting as she tried to get up. “Had enough, B?” Spike took a step forward, holding a hand out to Faith before helping Buffy up. “Actually, now that Velma and Shaggy are here, I think it’s time for that meeting.” Faith’s snickering was interrupted by Anya’s return from the office. “Hi, Xander.” The two-time ex-demon waved quickly before turning to Giles. “I’ll come by tomorrow afternoon with those plans.” Giles nodded. “Great, I’ll see you then.” “And please, Giles, tell that British guy to stop calling. He’s really annoying.” ~*~*~*~*~*~ They sat around the table in the large office, waiting as Giles unlocked the drawer and pulled out the three books. “I’ve called you altogether, because I have some important things I wish to discuss with you.” Spike glared at him, knowing full well that this meeting wouldn’t be happening if he hadn’t insisted. “What are those?” Willow asked curiously, as Giles handed her one of the diaries. “Hold on to that for a minute and I’ll tell you.” Buffy sat next to Spike with a frown marring her beautiful features. Giles took his place down at the head of the table and took his time settling the two remaining books. His hands trembled as removed his glasses to polish them. He jumped when Spike’s patience ran out. “Let’s get on with it already!” Xander’s eyes narrowed as he looked from the Watcher to Spike and back again. “What does Deadboy Jr. know that we don’t?” Giles held up a hand. “I’m going to need your help; so if we could refrain from the name calling and accusations, I’ll go on.” Holding up the large black book, he quickly glanced at Buffy. “This book has opened my eyes to something about which I have been kept completely in the dark. I knew the Council held secrets that I was not privy to, but I did not know the extent of it.” Giles slapped the book down in an uncharacteristic show of temper, causing Willow and Xander to jump. The watcher gave Buffy a guilty look. “I took an oath, before I came to California for my assignment, before my peers, verbally and with my signature. I promised to do my duty to the end, but now I am quite certain that that’s an impossibility.” “What kind of oath?” Faith asked. “It’s long and involved, but one of the things I pledged to do was to make sure my Slayer did not get turned.” Spike sat up straighter and glared at the man. Buffy was turned and there was nothing he could do about that. “When a slayer dies, a watcher has one last duty,” Giles stated as if reading out of a textbook. “He is to stand vigil over the body for three days and if the slayer stays dead, she is to have a proper burial with dignity and honor due a Chosen One.” Faith and Buffy shared a look and turned their attention to Willow, who was pointing at Giles. “That’s why you refused to let us bury her right away, the first time she died.” “You are correct. I watched over her body, even knowing her cause of death had nothing to do with a vampire. It was my duty and I fulfilled it.” Xander raised his hand and Giles stared at him pointedly. “So what would have happened if she had been turned by a vampire and rose in front of you?” “I would have staked her.” Spike stood up, his chair hitting the wall behind him and got between Buffy and the watcher. “You are not coming near Buffy!” Giles put both hands up in front of him and winced. “I don’t plan to.” When Spike continued to tower over him, glaring with gold flicking in his eyes, something snapped in Giles. “Sit down!” He yelled. And was even more surprised when Spike complied. “There are things that I didn’t know then, but from what I’ve read already in this book, I now know that there are things that have been kept from those of us in the field. A lot of things.” He opened the book and turned a few pages, before looking up. “Let me read this to you.” He cleared his throat. “In conclusion, every slayer that is turned will rise with a soul. The creators saw fit to add this clause, knowing that being turned was a very real possibility for every slayer. It is a safety measure, a net. When a slayer rises as a vampire, she will not wish to harm the humans that she has so long been chosen to protect and it is a guarantee that she will not be sent to hell when she is dusted. Her watcher can safely and confidently deal the deathblow, knowing that she intends him no harm and that her slayer powers have been transferred at her death to the new chosen one. She would be just a fledgling and would be easy to kill.” Giles looked at the shocked group who stared at him with open mouths in silence, with the exception of Spike. The vampire leaned forward and asked, “So, you are saying that all Slayers who are turned become souled vampires?” “That does seem to be the case. I swear that I did not know this. In school, stories were passed around about a slayer that had been turned and was reported to have a soul, but none of us believed it.” Faith folded her arms and glared at Giles. “So if a vamp got me and decided to turn me, I’d be just like Buffy? I’d have a soul, too?” “Yes, it seems you would. But you would loose your slayer powers.” He quickly glanced at Buffy before turning the pages of the book to the front. “There is more that we were kept in the dark about in Watcher School. It says here that the first Slayer was infused with a powerful demon.” He looked up at them. “It does not name the demon, but it says that the demon was willing.” This time, it was Faith who stood up. “Are you saying that I have a demon inside of me? That’s why I’m so strong?” “Yes. And when you die, the demon jumps to the next Chosen One in line. It appears that for the last few years, it was somehow in two places at once.” “So, in a sense, Buffy just exchanged one demon for another,” Xander stated in awe. Spike sat back with his arm around Buffy’s shoulders and watched Willow directly across from him. She was turning the pages of the book in front of her in rapid succession. “What have you got there, Red?” “Where did you get this, Giles?” she asked, not looking up from the pages. “That is one of two watcher’s diaries that my cousin Aida found bundled together with this Head Council Book.” “Well there are some marked entries.” Willow flipped to the first page again. Xander leaned over and peered at the book. “Have you ever heard of a watcher named: Trent Langley?” Giles shook his head. Xander squinted, tilting his head in confusion. “It says here that this is a translation of Langley’s original diary. Why would they need to translate it. Watchers are always English, aren’t they?” “Yes, they are,” Giles said. “But English was very different in the 1400’s.” Putting her finger on a page, Willow said, “The first entry is dated March 27th, 1456 and labeled with Chastenay, France. Here is what he says: I have met Jehanne. She is older than I expected at eighteen years old. Jehanne Moriau is of slight build with black hair and grey eyes. She is fair and from my first glance, I fear, I may not be able to perform my duties properly. I wonder if Dudley has not made a mistake, sending me out here. An older, more seasoned man perhaps could resist her charms. I’ll do my best, but the fulsome look she gave me, before she knew who I was… I’ll say no more.” Willow looked up with wide eyes, and Faith leaned forward in her seat to say, “Seems the watcher and the slayer had the hots for each other.” Willow flipped through a few pages. “This one is dated July 12th, 1457; Paris, France. Jehanne had to save my life once again. She has surpassed me in all ways and I feel almost useless now. Verily, she is strong in body and spirit. I am amazed that the last year has not drained the life out of her. The things we have gone through would have made a weaker person go mad. I suppose she is the Chosen One for a reason.” “And then this one dated February 2, 1460. Jehanne and I worked with the warlock for months and it is sad to report his death. He was a gentle soul and bravely fought with us. Sadly, we were not able to dispose of both vampires. I was able to stake Jade, but not in time to save Pierre. He died yesterday from an infection from the bite wounds. Jehanne was able to keep Jorges at bay, but he is an old vampire and not easily destroyed. He wailed mournfully as his mate turned to dust. I feel no compassion for him. How many people suffered at their hands in years past? I shiver thinking how he glowered at me, vowing to get his revenge, before he fled into the night.” “The next entry is highlighted as well. It’s dated February 22, 1460 and says: This will be my last entry as a watcher.” Willow stopped, but kept her eyes on the page. She faltered, then continued. “It is done. Jorges has had his revenge. He hounded us for days, threatening to cause me the same pain that he was suffering. We huddled together in our cottage, not going out, even in daylight. Jehanne had enough of it and she went after him. I begged her not to go, but she stared at me, with those piercing grey eyes, and asked me if I really wanted her to forget her duty. She stood tall and talked of honor. She was right of course and I feel ashamed of my cowishness, even now, knowing the outcome. She left at dawn telling me to stay behind and prepare the weapons. She was to track him and then come back to collect me and the arsenal for a surprise daylight attack. She never came back to me that day. I searched for her until the last possible moment, barely arriving back home as the last rays of the sun went behind the building. I lost all hope. I knew she was gone. One night later, she knocked on the door and my mind could not grasp at what I saw. My Jehanne was dirty, but the light was still there, in her eyes. She cried as she explained what happened. He was waiting for her in the catacombs. He drained her and turned her.” She stopped reading and glanced at Buffy with a pained expression, but she waved her on. So she read, “When she rose out of the earth later, he was nowhere to be found. She came to me as soon as she could. She said she could feel her soul; it was still there. I was amazed and I could see it was no vampire trick, but I could not invite her in, despite her entreatments. When she begged me to stake her, I wanted to kill myself instead. If that makes me weak, then so be it. How could I? I know I took an oath, and she begged me to do it; she did not want to exist in her undead state. I wished I had had enough strength to kill myself instead. I staked her. There at the front door of our home.” Willow looked up again with tears in her eyes, unable to read further. Xander pulled the book over, cleared his throat and read. “When I took that oath years ago, before coming to find Jehanne, I had no idea what I was pledging to do. Is keeping a soul something that would happen to all turned Slayers? I should like to think that my beautiful Jehanne was special and stronger than the chosen ones before, but I doubt that is the case. I will send this diary to headquarters right off, but my bags are packed and I go another way. I must find Jorges. He must die for what he has done, or I will die trying. If I do make it and finish the task that I have set before me, then I will go back and I will expect answers from the others. I will also advise the elders to never send a younger watcher out to the field like that again. No matter how gifted the man may be, or how eager. Judgment cannot be clouded by emotions. That is all I have now.” Faith broke the silence by slapping her hands on the table. “Well, I guess they didn’t take his advice. Wesley was really too young.” Giles nodded his agreement while he ran his finger on the other diary. Buffy gripped Spike’s hand and he could feel her distress without even looking at her. She let go and he flexed his hand. “You were going to stake me?” she asked Giles, her eyes wide and troubled. “No…I took an oath.” Giles gazed at her with tears in his own eyes. “When I first realized what happened to you, I despaired, but Spike said you had a soul. I wasn’t expecting that.” He shook his head. “The Council knew how much I cared for you. That is why they sent the wet crew out, knowing that I would not be able to do my duty. Travers said as much to me, when he was in town.” Giles reached out and patted Buffy’s hand on the table. “And he’s been hounding you ever since I chased him away, yeah?” Spike asked. “Yes. He calls me every day. I have been holding them off the best I can, but they expect me to fulfill my oath. I am certain they will not let this go. My life is now in danger, as much as Buffy’s.” “What about me?” Faith asked. “I believe I have convinced them that you are doing the work you were chosen to do. Travers has assured me that as long as you keep patrolling and stand at the ready to battle the next big thing, they will leave you to it.” Faith got up again. “I’m not their fucking puppet!” “Good for you,” Spike said. “Of course not. I think they know that.” Giles stated. “So, these diaries?” Xander said. “I thought the current watcher has an all access pass to past diaries?” “Yes, but there have always been missing years and diaries. I’m surprised to find only two with this book. I can only surmise that they didn’t want the knowledge about slayers turning with souls to get out. There is no way any watcher could agree to stake a slayer, who wished to stay alive, knowing that she still had a soul.” “Can I see the other diary?” Buffy asked with her hand out. Giles gently handed it to her and they all watched as she flipped through the pages, before going back to the front. Buffy glanced up, took a deep breath and looked back down to read, “April 12th, 1618. Isle of Skye, Scotland. Locating Andra Mackinnon has proven more of a challenge than I thought. I want nothing more than to find this girl and bring her back to London. Why must they be called from all over the earth? It would be far more convenient if they would all be English. It has been a month, and yet I get no help from the people I come across. They do not appear hostile towards me, but many refuse to speak English and my Gaelic is sparse at best. April 28th, 1618. I have found Miss Mackinnon. She is a slip of girl with a great deal of belligerence and fire to match her red hair. Even though she is very young--only fourteen--I have high hopes for the future. She is strong and hearty. I found her wandering the hills just as the woman in the village said I would. The things these people believe. The women described her as the Devil’s child with red hair, black eyelashes and vivid blue eyes. She was all of that, but I do not see how that makes her the Devil’s child. The first thing we will have to do is find the girl a pair of shoes. Andra was wary of me and she made curious threats to my person if I came too close to her. The village people gave us a wide birth as we entered it this evening. I will be greatly relieved to be leaving here. Andra will be too, I wager.” Buffy stopped and flipped a few pages. She continued to turn pages as she said, “There aren’t any more highlighted entries--wait, here’s one: February 20th, 1619, London England. Andra has been displaying strange behavior again. She leaves to patrol early and does not return home until well after sun up. Marcus has been sojourning with us again. He will make a fine watcher someday soon. I have asked him to follow her tonight and see what it is that she is doing. March 04, 1619. Marcus is young and eager, but I cannot fathom the things he says. Truly, would a slayer fall in love with an evil vampire?” Buffy stopped to glance up, but Xander waved at her to continue. “This night, I will discover the truth, myself. The vampire, Torch, has come up often in conversation and Andra does indeed appear to change the subject. I have not caught sight of him in weeks, but we know he is still out there. Marcus says that he saw them conversing together last night by the river. I am sure he is mistaken. He was not close enough to tell, I am certain. There are many red haired men walking about this city. It was not Torch.” Spike sat up straight. “Let me see that. I know of a vampire called Torch.” He pulled the book over in front of him and read,” “April 02, 1619. Andra is like a daughter to me. I found her an orphan and have become too attached to her. I do not know what to do. She has been with me a year now, and she is the best slayer we have seen in years. I loath the thought of giving up my duties to even Marcus. I will have to go before the Council with my findings, however. I cannot keep this to myself. Marcus knows, of course, but he will say nothing and permit me to work this out. I am going to have to confront her. I did not want to believe it, I still do not, but why would a vampire save the life of a Watcher? Torch had the opportunity to kill me, yet I saw him with my own eyes dust his sire’s minions, before he shoved me out of the moving carriage. His words still send shivers down my spine. “For Andra’s sake, you live.” I cannot be objective, as I need to be. She is too close to my heart.” Spike stopped. “I had no idea that he had a thing for a slayer, once upon a time.” Giles perked up. “You’ve talked with this, Torch?” “Yeah. Last time I saw him, we were in London in the early 1900’s. I was in a demon bar bragging about killing the Slayer during the boxer rebellion. He asked me if I turned her and I told him no. He’s a quiet one, but everyone respects him because he’s so old.” Spike gestured to his head. “His hair was more orange than red, like fire. Hence the name, Torch. Saw him a couple of times, while we were there, but like I said, he’s really quiet.” Buffy took the diary back and continued. “April 18, 1619. Andra has been willful yet sad. She says she loves that creature. How could she? He is a soulless demon. She cannot think for a minute that he loves her in return. She points out that he saved my life, and I cannot come up with a good reason why. After we had words, she ran off two nights ago, probably into the arms of that creature. If she is not back by morning, I will have to see the Council. I do not know what they will do, but I fear for her life. April 25th, 1619. Last Entry. It has taken me days to write this and the pain is still fresh. Andra returned home, begging me to invite her in. I was so distressed and even knowing that it was probably a trap, I let her in. She hugged me and cried saying that it was not Torch’s fault. She had wanted it. Wanted to be like him so they could be together for all eternity. I do not know what Torch did wrong, but she was not turned properly. She still had her soul. Because of it, she could not live with what she had done and she had fled from her sire. Andra told me that she loved me like a Father and that she did not blame me for what had happened. She put her cold hand over my own and told me that I was a good man. We stayed together, conversing in the salon all night and I was glad that Marcus was not there. The thought of what I had to do was always in the forefront of my mind. It was torture. Nearing sunrise, I managed the courage to tell her of the oath that I taken. How could I kill her? She possessed a soul. Would I be condemning her to hell? When the sun was high over the city, she stood and said she was ready and instructed me to get a stake. When I got up, she ran and embraced me once more. I turned my back to get the stake and she ran for the door. I recall her saying something about being glad it was not a typical cloudy day and then I watched her run out into the courtyard. By the time I got to the door, there was nothing left of her but a bit of dust. It ends there,” Buffy said sadly.

Chapter #8 - 8. Give it Time

a/n: Again, I want to thank my betas, Slaymesoftly and Mabel Marsters, for all their help. Soul Survivors Chapter Eight: Give it Time One by one, the gang filed out of the office. They’d spent the night going back and forth with ideas and plans to keep both Giles and Buffy safe, but they hadn’t come up with anything worth taking a second look at. Buffy and Spike were still wide-awake at two o’clock in the morning, but the rest of the gang needed their sleep. Willow stood by the back door, clutching a couple of books to her chest and waiting for Xander to come out of the restroom. She’d said goodbye to Spike and Buffy as they walked out, noting that Buffy took one of the Watcher’s Diaries with her. It was strange to see them so close, and it was hard for her to remember that Buffy was a vampire. Looking down at her brown hush puppies, she wiggled her toes and thought how strange her life was. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Faith waving at her from across the room. If she didn’t look, maybe the over eager Slayer would give up. Willow was too tired to deal with her now. In addition, Faith hadn’t changed out of that sexy workout suit and it wouldn’t be a good idea for her to get another view of that cleavage. When she’d walked in earlier in the evening and seen the two girls rolling around on the floor…she closed her eyes while mentally stomping a foot. No naughty thoughts. No naughty thoughts. You did not wish to change places with Buffy. Nope. “You ready to go?” Xander took the books from her, giving her a curious stare. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” Faith asked as she crossed the room. Willow was about to tell Faith that she was just too tired, when Xander said, “We were just leaving.” “I’ll only be a minute.” Faith grabbed her arm, pulled her out the back door, and started to speak before the door was even closed. “I wanted to let you know that I had a talk with Buffy the other night. She told me that I should back off and give you some space.” Willow leaned against the brick building and did her best to keep her eyes above Faith’s neck. Willow swallowed, but could not speak. She nodded. Faith smirked at her, coming a little closer. “I would say I’m sorry, but that would be a lie, cuz it’s so fun to make you blush.” “Okay, we’re done here, right?” Willow went to open the door but Faith put her hand on it. “Really, Willow. You won’t hear another suggestive thing from me. Unless, of course, you say you’re interested?” Willow gazed into her eyes, feeling a little disappointed to see the mocking gleam in them. Glancing down at the pavement, Willow told her, “I’m not a casual kind of girl. I just don’t do that, so I really appreciate you backing off. Things are very hard for me right now.” “Yeah, well, if you ever change your mind, let me know.” Faith moved away from the door, opening it for Willow. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The next afternoon, Buffy sat in Spike’s chair reading the Watcher’s Diary about Andra. She turned a page and glanced up again at the entrance to the lower level. She should be down there sleeping, too. Turning in the chair while lying across it, she put her bare feet up and over one of the sides. Reading was so not her thing, but she felt a strange pull towards this diary. Knowing that she wasn’t the only slayer in history to fall for a soulless vampire somehow made her feel better. It was one thing to get infatuated with Angel, who had a soul, and another thing completely to fall in love with Spike, who just had a chip in his head at the time. Lying upside down with the book over her head, she let go of one side, reached for the candle on the crate next to her, and moved it closer. Buffy could see exceptionally well, but the small handwritten words in flowery prose were hard to muddle through. She couldn’t understand why Andra would want to be turned into the very thing she killed every night. She had to think that she’d lose her soul and go about killing innocent people. The only excuse Buffy could come up with is that the girl was very young and had no clue what she was asking. Even when Buffy was infatuated with Angel, the thought never crossed her mind to ask to be turned. Of course, she didn’t want to be a soulless creature when her boyfriend had a soul. “Buffy?” Spike asked in a husky, not-so-awake voice as he climbed up the last rung in the ladder. “I’m right here.” She slapped the book shut before sitting up straight. He leaned against a pillar, wearing only his jeans, a lit cigarette in hand. Smiling at her, he said playfully, “I know I have it bad when I’m starting to get jealous of a book. Missed you when I woke up.” “I’m sorry. I couldn’t sleep.” She rose up from the chair, going towards him. “The book is in watcher speak and I can’t make out most of it, but I’m really curious about that slayer.” Buffy wrapped her arms around him and sighed when he lifted his head to keep the cigarette in his mouth away from her hugging her back. She nuzzled his neck, eyeing the marks she’d put there. Changing positions, she ran a finger over the marks and felt him shiver. “Why don’t these heal like other wounds?” He shrugged while putting the cigarette out. “It’s not so much a wound, as a mark of territory. It will heal slowly, unless you choose to mark me again.” She closed her eyes, fighting off the urge to let her fangs drop. It was maddening how much she wanted to mark him again. Buffy rubbed her own neck and glanced at Spike. He hadn’t tried to mark her yet. “Speaking of biting, there’s one thing that was a surprise to me.” The warmth of his smile reached his eyes. “What’s that?” She focused her gaze on his bare chest. “When I bit you, I thought the blood would just rush into my mouth, but it didn’t. I had to really suck hard.” He chuckled while placing her hand over his heart. “Remember, love, I’m a vampire. If you bit into a human, the blood would flow like water in a faucet, because their heart would be pumping the blood around.” She shook her head in amazement. “There is a difference between biting humans and other vampires and there are marks that don’t heal right away. How come I didn’t know any of this stuff?” “I’m sure there are books out there with the information, but I guess, “know your enemy”, doesn’t apply to those types of details.” Spike lightly ran a finger over the side of her neck, and she instinctively leaned closer to him. “Besides, marks or claims are extremely intimate details between two vampires. Not the kind of thing we go on Oprah and share with the world.” “Claims? That sounds familiar, but what does it mean?” Using a finger, he lifted her chin and kissed her softly before saying, “A claim differs from a mark by mere words. They’re like wedding vows, but are much more binding.” She stared at him through half closed lids. “What are the words?” “The one doing the biting says simply ‘mine’ and the one who is bit answers back with the word ‘yours’. Then the bitee becomes the biter and the words are spoken again.” She pondered that for a moment while he rubbed her back. If she’d said ‘mine’ the other night, would he have answered back with ‘yours’? She would have. Maybe he couldn’t do that with her, if he’d already been claimed by another. “You and Drusilla?” Spike took her hand, leading her to the couch. “I can’t lie. I desperately wanted to be claimed and claim Drusilla, but she wouldn’t have me that way. I wasn’t her Angelus.” As much as she hated their sire and felt great satisfaction in the fact that she was dusted and gone by her own hand, she felt bad for Spike. Buffy relaxed into the couch, leaning her head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be.” His gaze was steady and serious. “Do you think-I mean-me and you-” “Give it time, love. You may decide that I’m not the one for you after all.” They both jumped when the crypt door opened with a bang, letting in the dreaded late afternoon light. “Buffy! Spike!” Dawn screeched in a desperate, out-of-breath fashion, standing in the open door way with her chest heaving. They both ducked lower behind the couch, shielding their eyes. “Close the door, Dawn!” Buffy ordered. “Oh. Sorry.” Once the door slammed shut, Dawn raced to the couch and grabbed them both by an arm, pulling on them. “You have to come to the house right now.” “Slow down, Bit.” Spike motioned to his armchair. “Have a seat, take a couple of deep breathes and tell us what’s wrong.” She dropped into the chair and held a hand over her stomach, still breathing too fast. “Social Services. Xander picked me up from school and when we got home, there was a message on the answering machine from Social Services.” Buffy sat up in alarm. “I thought I took care of things a long time ago. What did they want?” “The lady says that it’s time for our annual home visit. She wants you to call her to set up a time for her to come over.” Dawn bit her lip and stared with big eyes at her sister. “If they find out that you’re dead, they will send me away to dad’s.” “No,” Buffy said firmly. “We can handle this.” “Xander told me to come and get you. He thinks you should call her back and stall her somehow.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Spike paced back and forth, with a notepad and pen in his hand, behind Buffy while she sat at the desk in the living room. Dawn was perched on the arm of the couch, both feet swinging wildly, hitting the couch with loud rhythmic thumps. Below them, the ping and thwack of a hammer shook the house and filled the air. Buffy tried to go over in her mind, once more, what she was going to say to Miss Barns. She closed her eyes and covered her ears, but she was too tuned into the sounds around her. Growling, she quickly stood up. “Here, love.” Spike thrust his notepad in her face as she glared at him. “Act natural. You’re going away for a week, you work swing shift, and can she schedule a night time appointment?” “That’s it!” She threw her hands up, then pointed at Dawn, who froze in mid swing. “You. Go upstairs to your room and do your homework.” Pointing now at Spike as Dawn rushed up the stairs, she ordered, “You. Go down to the basement and tell Xander to stop working for just a few minutes, so I can make my call. And stay down there, until I come get you.” He smirked at her as he backed out of the room. “I love it when you go all dominatrix on me.” “Don’t be such a pig.” Spike sighed dramatically. “And when you call me names; it just give me goose bumps.” A giggle floated down from the stairs. “Dawn! Homework!” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Xander was pounding away with the hammer, bare-chested, in jeans with a big tool belt wrapped around his waist. Spike grimaced. “Oh, put a shirt on, will you.” Xander halted for a brief moment before raising the hammer back again. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Spike walked behind him and sat in the metal chair in the middle of the basement. “Unless you want to deal with a brassed off vampire who is trying to make a phone call.” Xander glared at Spike before tossing the hammer down and picking up a one-gallon water jug. Spike glanced around at the now cluttered space. Two by fours, boxes, nails, tools and other unidentifiable stuff lay scattered about. His gaze rested on Xander again and he frowned. The vampire picked up the t-shirt lying at his feet, tossing it at Xander. Xander studied him for a few seconds before pulling the shirt over his head. “What’s your problem? You worried Buffy will get a look at my well muscled, broad chest and dump your sorry butt for a better man?” Spike snorted. “Hardly. You’ve never had what it takes to turn her head.” He motioned towards his own face and said derisively, “Fangs.” “Yeah, well now that she has those, she doesn’t have what it takes to turn mine.” “Glad to hear it,” Spike said with a raised brow. “Just don’t let Buffy hear you say that, or I’ll have to pound some bloody sense into you.” “Of course I wouldn’t say that to her. She may be a vampire, but my friend is still in there, too.” He paused, frowning. “Could you not do that?” Xander asked him when Spike went to light a cigarette. “At least while I’m down here.” For a slit second, Spike thought about lighting up and giving him a two-fingered salute, but he stuffed the lighter and pack of cigarettes back into his pockets. Xander had his back turned to him as he rearranged some tools. “So. You and Anya? Are things back to normal?” Xander went still before throwing the wrench in his hand down with a clank. He turned slowly, fixing Spike with a murderous glare. “I don’t want to talk about Anya. Especially with you. Ever.” “Right then,” Spike said cheerfully. “Change of subject. Show me those plans that you drew up.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ When Buffy came down the stairs a few minutes later, they were still standing at the workbench with their backs to her. Xander was pointing out things on a large unfolded paper and Spike was nodding. She took a moment to look around. Who knew that one day she would be reduced to living in her own basement? Her thoughts brightened, when she caught the familiar sight of Spike’s long black duster. At least she wasn’t alone. “Hey, guys.” “How’d it go, pet?” “Miss Barns has agreed to come by next Tuesday for the in home appointment. She was pretty understanding.” “Great.” Spike told her. “That gives us a little over a week to fix things up here and get our stories straight between us all.” He looked at Xander. “Think we can have the wall up by then?”

Chapter #9 - 9. Affianced

a/n: Betas: Slaymesoftly and Mabel Marsters. Thank you ladies. Soul Survivors Chapter Nine: Affianced The past week had gone by so fast. Little by little, they had moved their stuff from the crypt and into the basement. Even so, they weren’t quite settled in yet. The widescreen TV needed to be moved in and their new door sat against the wall. Spike hoped to have it hung with a lock firmly in place once Xander arrived with the hardware. Buffy had left the decorating up to him. Ever the resourceful creature that he was, he’d found some great things in places that Buffy probably wouldn’t have approved of; or maybe she wouldn‘t care. It was hard to tell these days. He smiled, thinking about her. So far, she’d been happy with his choices. She’d squealed with delight when she saw the new, brown leather couch, but agreed with him that they would have to do something about the textile factory smell. His gaze fell onto the glowing apple pie scented candle sitting on one of the new gray stone shelves that he’d installed. Buffy insisted that the scented candles helped, but to his way of thinking, they just added more scents to an already crowded room. The new paint smell from the light blue walls, the new couch, and his cigarettes were quite enough. He’d sent the rugs off to be cleaned before they brought them down here, but they still had the smell of home. Rubbing a bare foot over the one under his feet now, he sighed in contentment. He glanced at the clock on the wall. If only Buffy would hurry up with whatever she was doing upstairs, they’d have a few minutes alone before everyone got home from school and work. It was almost three now. They’d both gotten up early today, unable to sleep for the nerves. Spike would never admit to it, but the thought of a social worker coming here and taking Dawn away gave him fits. There was no way he was going to let them take Dawn from all that was familiar. She’d had so many upsets in her life already. “Lost in thought?” Buffy asked as she stood in front of him holding a huge cardboard box. “Just thinking about tonight, is all.” She gently placed the box on the couch and sat next to Spike. “I was up in Faith’s room looking for more of my stuff when I found this tucked back on my closet shelf.” She flipped it open and said, “You just have to see this.” She pulled out a spiral notebook, a black velvet drawstring pouch and a small box before pushing the larger box further down the couch. Buffy handed the notebook to him and Spike searched her face as she kept it devoid of emotion. He knew he’d never get tired of looking at her creamy white complexion, her green eyes or her long golden hair. He tore his gaze from her, looking down at the folder in his lap. It seemed familiar and one glance at the first page as he opened it told him why. His eyes lit up as he turned the pages of the wedding planner. “You kept this?” She smiled at him and fiddled with the box in her hand. “I have no idea why I did. At first, I threw it away, along with this, but the next morning I fished them both out of the trash and put them in the box.” Buffy took the top off the little box and moved tissue paper out of the way, before holding out the wedding cake topper. He chuckled and took it from her, holding it up and turning it slowly. “You still haven’t smeared his mouth with red paint.” “I’ll have to smear both of their lips now.” Her smile was genuine, and he was so glad that she was at a point now where she could joke about what happened to her. He wasn’t there yet, himself. “Just leave it off. Pigs blood doesn’t hold the same appeal as the blood of the innocent.” “You would say that,” she teased as she carefully placed the topper back in the box. “Was evil for over a century. Having a soul for a few months isn’t going to make me forget.” “Well, I’ll never forget that night when you went down on your knees and proposed to me, before giving me this.” She dumped the silver skull ring into his open hand. He groaned. “I know it was just a spell, but I wasn’t really smooth, was I?” “We were having this heated argument. Remember?” She smiled at him when he nodded and grinned back. She said, “I was having a great time and I remember thinking that you were the best person to go back and forth with, because your mind was so sharp and quick. Next thing I know, you’re on your knees smiling at me. I think that is the first time I’d ever seen you smile like that and I instantly thought that I was in love with you.” He put his empty hand in hers and squeezed. “I remember thinking that you deserved a better ring than that and then you said ‘yes’ and kissed me. I was thinking how hot you were and was amazed at how much in love I was.” She leaned in closer to him. “The strange thing is, Willow told me later that she never said anything about us falling in love with each other. Just that I should marry you.” “I’m thinking that we’re just meant to be, pet.” They kissed and when they pulled apart, Buffy told him, “I can’t argue with that.” He tilted his head at her, caressing her cheek. “I still don’t understand why you would keep this stuff. We hated each other after the spell was broken.” Buffy shrugged. “You were the first person to ever propose to me. A girl always remembers that kind of thing. If fact, you are the only one to ever propose to me.” “I’m surprised Solider Boy never proposed; he was completely besotted with you.” “I think he knew that I wouldn’t say yes.” Spike squinted while staring at the gaudy ring in his hand. It wasn’t the type of ring Buffy deserved. He made a promise to himself right there that he would shower her with jewels over time. Lots of diamonds and emeralds and whatever else she might fancy, but right now, all he had was the skull ring. He glanced up at her trying to decide if he should ask her. She looked longingly at the ring and his decision was made. “Will you wear this again?” Her eyes met his in surprise. “Just until I can get you something better.” She held her hand out to him and whispered, “Put it on.” Once he slipped it on, she held her hand up to stare at the ring. “Do you think we will ever get tired of each other?” “Not bloody likely,” Spike said dryly. “If things get a little predictable, we can always have a right good fight and then make up.” Buffy launched herself into his lap and kissed him. Smacking noises filled the room followed by moans. She leaned back and glanced over her shoulder at the open door way, before grinning at him. “We have a few minutes, don’t we?” “Should we make the most of it?” His eyebrow went up with his smirk. “Oh, yes!” He rose up gripping her tightly, taking a few purposeful strides in the direction of the large four-poster bed and tossed her on it. Her laughter tickled his ears as he quickly shed his clothes. The mattress had come from the crypt, but he’d salvaged the frame from the old mansion on Crawford Street. He wrapped an arm around a post at the foot of the bed and watched her undress, appreciating the beauty before him. ~*~*~*~*~ Spike locked the new door and jiggled the handle to test its strength. Xander had done a good job. He had nodded, but said nothing when Spike and Buffy thanked him, an hour ago, for all the work he’d done on their new living space. He’d made his excuses before leaving in a hurry. Hearing Faith shout goodbye, Spike stopped at the top of the basement steps until the back door slammed shut. He adjusted the waistband of his tan slacks. The fewer people who saw him like this the better. When he came around the corner, he stood still, waiting for the reactions. Dawn was applying make-up to her sister’s eyes while Buffy sat on the edge of the couch, and they didn’t notice him. “Dear Lord!” Giles exclaimed as he reached for his keys on the desk. “Whatever happened to you?” Dawn’s bark of laughter followed as Spike backed up, wanting nothing more than to race down the basement steps and change back. The ungrateful chit. He was doing this for her. His glare only intensified her laughter as she ran out of the room. “Spike?” Buffy asked in amused wonder. “What did you do?” At least she had enough care for him to suppress the grin threatening to take over her face. He looked down at his brown loafers, grimacing. “This is my attempt at putting on a good impression for the social worker.” He paused to watch Buffy and Giles starring back at him with open mouths. “Do you think this will do the trick?” Giles made a poor attempt at brevity and said, “Well…yes, I think that will do.” The man grinned and Spike had the overwhelming urge to punch him. Giles shook his keys. “I’m off to the shop now to meet with Anya. Call me when the social worker is gone, so I know when I can come home.” “Okay.” Buffy told him, not taking her eyes off Spike. When the door shut behind Giles, Spike moved closer to Buffy. “I haven’t overdone it, have I? I don’t want her to think you’re dating a right geek.” She giggled while covering her mouth. “No. You did good.” She adjusted the collar of the blue dress shirt peeking out of the top of the white sweater and lightly kissed him. “I just didn’t think she’d approve of your bad ass, dangerous looking boyfriend.” He shrugged. “I like my dangerous looking, hot boyfriend, and you really didn’t have to do this.” “Smile!” Dawn shouted as she came around the corner. The flash blinded them both for a second. “Hah! Oh, my God. This is so freakin’ funny!” The girl pulled the Polaroid paper out and fanned it. “Give that to me,” Spike warned in a deep voice. “I don’t want to have to hurt you.” Dawn just giggled and jumped around. “Nope. This is mine.” She stopped to stare at the imagine forming on the paper. “This is a good one.” “Let me see.” Buffy got up next to her sister. “Yeah, it came out nice, except for me. I look dead.” Dawn looked at her with big, sad eyes. “Don’t say that, Buffy.” She put her arm around her, hugging her close. “I’m sorry, Dawnie. It’s true though. But I’m still here, so don’t be sad.” Dawn went back to staring at the photo, then glanced at Spike, who stood a few feet away, frowning. “You want to see it?” She put it behind her back before he could take it. “Promise me you won’t destroy it?” “Let me see it.” Spike groaned when he got a good look at his likeness. What a Nancy boy he was. If he had a pair of glasses, he’d look like a Junior Watcher in training. “Look up,” Dawn said, bringing him back from his self-loathing. Another flash filled the room and the big black camera whirled and clicked again. “You can have that one. I’ll take the new one.” He thrust the offending object at Dawn and scowled. “I don’t want it. Burn it for all I care.” “I’ll take it.” Buffy snatched the photo from him and put it in her jeans pocket. “Wait until Xander and Faith see this.” Dawn said as she watched the new photo develop. “Don’t you dare.” Dawn backed up, swinging the camera and picture behind her back. Spike advanced on her, so she turned and ran up the stairs. Buffy grabbed his arm, holding him back. “Let her go.” She gazed up at him and ran a hand through the soft curls. “Is this what your hair does when there’s no gel or hair spray on it? “Yes. This is my natural look. Or as natural it can look with the bleach.” “I kind of like it.” “I refuse to go around with soft, baby curls, even for you.” Dawn raced down the stairs, breathing hard and waving her hands about. “She’s here. She’s here. I was looking out my window and saw a car pull up. Act naturally.” The three of them adjusted their clothes and stood by the couch. The drapes in the living room were pulled wide open on the large window, but they couldn’t see her from where they were. They all jumped when the loud pounding at the door started up. Dawn frowned. “Rude much?” Buffy gave her a warning glare before looking to Spike for strength. The insistent pounding on the door continued. “Answer the door, love.” Spike put his arm around Dawn in an effort to calm her down and followed Buffy with his eyes until she went out of sight to the door. From the strength of that knock, the picture forming in his mind of what Miss Barns might look like frightened even him. “What are you doing here?” They heard Buffy say with some hostility. “No time to explain. I didn‘t expect to see you here. I came to give this to Giles, but I‘m glad you’re here,” the familiar voice of his grandsire said, before Angel pushed his way past Buffy and came into the living room. “You need to see this right away.” The door slammed shut and Spike felt his demon on the edge of his sanity, pushing to be let to the surface. Angel opened a manila folder and started to explain as Buffy came from behind him. “You can’t be here. We’re expecting some very important company in a few minutes.” Buffy said in desperation. “You heard the lady. Now, get out!” Spike yelled. Angel glanced up from the folder, finally taking notice of the two other people in the room. His focus landed on Spike, eyes getting wide at the sight of the blond man in his outfit. “William?” Angel asked incredulously and dropped the file; the contents floating softly to his feet. a/n: Here is one of the polaroid pictures that Dawn took. Click on the picture to see a larger version of it. CordyKitten asked if she could see the picture : )

Chapter #10 - 10. Miss Irma Barns

Soul Survivors Chapter Ten: Miss Irma Barns “William?” Angel said in confusion. “No, you git.” The soft smile that had transformed Angel’s face had Spike wishing for a place to hide. Angelus never had any use for the softer side of him that was William, so he could not see why he’d be getting all nostalgic about it now. He was grateful when Angel remembered his papers and began picking them up. “I wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t important.” Angel gazed sorrowfully at Buffy, who rolled her eyes at him. “Wesley’s new girlfriend is a top lawyer at Wolfram and Hart.” He held up a hand when Spike tried to interrupt. “It’s a long story and I don’t have time to go into it all now. Lilah thought Wes would find this contract of some interest, because she knows he’s an ex-watcher.” He looked up from arranging the pages. “Quentin Travers has put a contract out on Buffy and Giles.” “Bloody hell!” Spike growled. He sat down with Buffy and looked at the contract. There it was in black and white; all laid out. A Cialux demon was commissioned for the job with the promise of some payment and perpetual protection against future slayers if he was successful. “A Cialux demon?” Spike asked Angel. They were tricky buggers, but nowhere near the top of the food chain. “Not just any Cialux demon. This one is a half-breed. Half Cialux and half human. He blends in pretty well with humans in the dark. He will be able to move around town without getting much attention.” What does a Cialux demon look like?” Dawn asked. “They’ve got light blue, wrinkled skin and overly large hands. The teeth are sharp and they can immobilize most enemies by either biting them with their poisoned covered fangs or blowing out a cloud of poison mist,” Spike told her. “They are very strong and can break an opponents bones using just one of their hands.” Angel added, then leaned over Buffy and pointed to the page they were staring at. “Look there. Today’s date. The contract is effective starting today. That’s why I rushed over here as fast as I could.” Angel glanced around the room. “Where’s Giles? I have to warn him, too.” The doorbell rang and they all stood up at once. Buffy shoved the folder at Spike. “Quick, hide this while I answer the door.” A light knock came from the door before Buffy could get to it. “Hello. You must be Miss Barns,” Buffy said pleasantly. “Please come in.” “Thank you. And you must be Buffy,” Miss Barns said in an equally pleasant tone. Spike took in her form and sized her up in a split second. He was good at doing that and he’d used it to his advantage in years past to lure in his victims. Now, he determined to use those skills to keep Dawn with them. Miss Barns, wearing a sharp, gray business suit, stood a few inches taller than Buffy. Her slacks were loose, not giving away the slim figure underneath. She wore her long dirty blonde hair back in a large barrette, clipped tight at the nape of her neck. The thick lenses of her wire-rimmed glasses magnified her big brown eyes. He didn’t want to get over confident, but he was sure that this would be an easy take. Miss Barns surveyed the room with a sharp eye. “I didn’t know you would have company.” “This is Dawn,” Buffy said with a smile. “And this is Angel. He’s an old friend and was in town for the night. He just stopped by to say hello.” Spike stepped forward. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss Barns,” he said in a cultured voice that he’d never forgotten how to use. “I’m Buffy’s fiancé, William, but you can call me Spike. All my friends do.” A quick glance at Buffy to see if she approved gave him all the go ahead he needed, when he noticed how she played with the ring on her finger and smiled softly. Miss Barns’ eyes lit up and she smiled shyly at him. “What an unusual nickname. However did you get it?” “I’m not sure, really. I’ve been called that for as long as I can remember.” He motioned to the large couch up against the window. “Won’t you have a seat?” Buffy waved at Dawn and encouraged her to sit down next to the social worker, while Miss Barns placed her briefcase onto the coffee table and snapped it open. “I don’t have much to go by from previous records. It seems that the last social worker,” Miss Barns looked closely at something written in a red folder, “a Ms. Kroeger, was placed on leave the day she was supposed to write up a report about her visit with you.” She tapped another spot. “Here it looks like the case was supposed to be reassigned, but it never was.” She looked up at the quiet people in the room and addressed Buffy. “Do you have any idea what happened?” Buffy’s eyes went wide for a minute and she swallowed before sitting down next to Spike on the loveseat across from Miss Barns. “I don’t know. The visit with Ms. Kroeger seemed to go well, but we hadn’t heard from Social Services again until you called.” She shrugged. “We just assumed that all was well.” Angel was standing beside the couch on Buffy’s side when he reached out and gripped her shoulder. Spike and Buffy took his cue and looked out the window. What looked to be a man in a blue LA Dodgers baseball cap and matching blue jogging suit, was peering into the window right behind Miss Barns. They all did their best to keep their faces blank, but Dawn got a glimpse of movement out of the corner of her eye and jumped. “Is something wrong, Dawn?” Miss Barns asked in alarm. Dawn laughed nervously while Buffy shook her head slightly in warning. “It was nothing. I thought I saw a spider.” “Oh, that won’t do.” Miss Barns shook her head and wrote in her notebook. “There can be no bugs in the house.” “Buffy, dear, why don’t I escort Angel to his car. I know he needs to be on his way. You and Dawn can keep Miss Barns company,” Spike said. “No. I’ll go,” Buffy said as she stood up. She knew he didn’t want her out there with the Cialux or Angel, alone, but he couldn’t very well cause a scene with the social worker looking on.” “Yes, I really should be going. It was nice to meet you.” Angel gave the social worker a polite wave and followed Buffy to the front door. The Cialux demon had disappeared from view, so Spike stood up. “Why don’t we take Miss Barns on a tour of the house?” “That would be nice. I do have to inspect it. This is my first field assignment and I mean to be thorough.” Something slammed against the house and Miss Barns jumped. “What was that?” “Oh, nothing,” Dawn said her while steering her towards the kitchen and away from that side of the house. “Buffy probably just brought one of the trash cans up from the curb.” That was good enough for the social worker, who then turned her attention to Spike. “So, how long have you and Miss Summers been engaged?” ~*~*~*~*~*~ The Cialux demon jumped up from where Angel had thrown him against the wall and lunged at the vampire again. Buffy jumped onto his back and gripped his throat, while Angel tried avoided the demon’s big hands. “Fiancé?” Angel grumbled, wearing and unhappy, resigned pout. “You got a problem with that?” Buffy threw back in between grunts, tightening her grip on the creature’s neck. He coughed out a thin blue mist and even though she was behind him, Buffy instinctively held her breath. She let it out again when she remembered that she didn‘t need to breath and his mist would be ineffective on her. “Yes, I have a problem with it,” Angel said through gritted teeth while he kicked at the one of the large hands. “You can’t legally get married. Vampires don’t do that.” The Cialux demon stumbled back and threw Buffy off him. He stood with his large blue hands out wide and growled at them. “Will you two shut up already! “ Angel hauled back his fist and hit him in the temple, the force of his blow causing the baseball cap to fly off. Stunned, the Cialux swayed where he stood. Buffy took a few steps back and then ran at him, leaping forward and kicking a foot up to make contact with the back of his head. The demon crumpled to the ground between them. They stared at each other in silence for a minute before Buffy said, “Vampires can claim each other, though.” This was not something Angel was expecting and his face registered his surprise. “A claim?” Buffy looked down at the demon. “Let’s put this idiot into your trunk, until I can get rid of the social worker. Then we can find a sword and chop off his head.” Angel put a hand up. “Just watch him for me. I have a sword in my trunk.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ When Buffy came back into the house, she was barefoot and cranky. She wasn’t even a slayer anymore and still her stuff was being ruined. Angel hadn’t given her much time to get out of the way before he hacked the Cialux Demon’s head off. Blue fluid went flying everywhere, landing on her cheap white tennis shoes and soaking through to the socks. Fortunately, her jeans were blue, and after a wipe down with a rag, the color had just blended in. She’d said goodbye to Angel, who implored her to think carefully before deciding whether to go forward with the claiming. Buffy didn’t have to think about it, but she was willing agree to anything Angel asked, just to get him to leave. Following the voices, she made her way to the kitchen and stopped short of going in. From where she stood, she could see Spike’s back and the look of admiration and rapt attention on Miss Barns’ face. She reminded herself that she needed to be nice to the woman before coming all the way into the room. “So what do you do for a living, Spike?” Miss Barns asked. Without hesitation, Spike came back with his answer, “I’m a freelance writer at the moment, but I have an independent income from some family money, so my living is secure.” When Miss Barns put her hand to her heart, Buffy wanted to gag. “How fascinating. I’ve never met a blue blood before.” Spike graced the woman with one of his deep chuckles. “I’m not much of a blue blood. My family made their money in the shipping business. Although, I did have a great aunt who married well. I think she was a duchess.” Miss Barns smiled and wrote something down on her notepad. “Well, I think I’m done here. Before I go, I have one more question for Dawn.” Dawn had been slouching down on the island, bored stiff, but she perked up. “Sure.” Miss Barns smiled kindly at her. “Are you happy here?” Dawn smiled back. “I’m very happy.” Spike stood up when Miss Barns did. “Well that settles it then,” the social worker said. “Buffy, may I have a word with you before I go?” “Sure. I’ll walk you out.” Buffy nodded and smiled at Spike and Dawn when they looked at her expectantly, hoping they would get the message that all was well outside. Miss Barns was quiet as she gathered her briefcase and purse, and quiet still as they walked to her car. Buffy stood on the curb with her toes curling around the edge of the concrete, and watched the social worker put the briefcase into the trunk of her car. She tried not to let her impatience show, but Spike and Dawn were probably dying to know what happened with the blue demon. “In the notes that Ms. Kroeger left, she said that there were some funny things going on at your house.” Miss Barns stared at Buffy with a stern expression. “Do you have any idea what she was talking about?” Buffy hesitated, trying to think fast. She was quick on her feet when it came to fighting moves and plans of action, but coming up with words? Not so much. “I…I’m not really sure.” She scratched behind an ear. “I can’t think of anything.” Miss Barns relaxed and smiled. “Good. Dawn seems to like your fiancé and she seems really happy here with you.” She pulled a business card out of her pocket. “Here’s my contact information. Call me if you need any help and don’t forget to send her report card to that address.” She moved to opened her car door. “There will be one more visit by another worker in about six months, and if all goes well, Dawn’s case will be considered closed, unless she contacts us.” “Thank you,” Buffy said as she looked at the card and suppressed a giggle. Her name was Irma. Miss Barns held her hand out to shake. Buffy quickly rubbed her hand on her jeans; hoping to warm it up. “It was nice to meet you--oh, my, your hand is so cold.” Miss Barns slowly released it and Buffy shoved it in a pocket. “Poor circulation.” Buffy shrugged and rubbed her hands together. “It might help if you wore shoes. “ Miss Barns opened her door wider, but changed her mind in mid swing and held it closed. She glanced around, then leaned forward to whisper, “Does Spike have a brother?” Buffy smiled and shook her head. “Damn.” Miss Barns got in her car and Buffy stood on the curb until she drove off and turned the corner. She raced back to the house to find Spike on the phone. After a few seconds of eaves dropping, she knew that Giles was on the other line, but it was hard to hear the conversation, because Dawn kept asking alternating questions about the demon and the social worker. ~*~*~*~*~*~* She followed Spike down to their room after he hung up with Giles, and filled him in on the fight against the Cialux while he changed out of his “geek” clothes. Buffy smiled as she hung up the sweater in the deep closet that Xander had built for her. “You made quite the impression on Miss Barns.” Spike shrugged. “I have that effect on a lot of women.” His hair was transforming right before her eyes as he ran gel covered hands through it and she had to admit that he was right. Curls or no curls, Spike was hot. “There,” Spike said. He wiped his hands on a towel and faced her. “Am I me again?” Smiling, she walked up to him and put her arms inside his coat and around his waist. “William is back in the closest.” He raised an eyebrow and said dryly, “And there he shall stay until we have another emergency.” “I don’t know. William was kind of cute.” She shrugged and grinned up at him. “Irma seemed to like him.” “Irma?” “Miss Barns.” A knock on the door cut their conversation off. Dawn rushed in, not waiting for an invite. “Giles just pulled up.” Giles entered the house and slammed the door. “Buffy! Spike! Where are you?” “You don’t have to yell,” Spike said as they met him in the kitchen. “I want to see that contract.” Dawn rushed out of the room saying, “I’ll get it.” Giles tossed a pile of books on the island counter and gave the two vampires a grim look. “I had an idea mulling about in my head and after this latest development, I think it’s the only solution.” Dawn rushed up and handed him the manila folder. “What did you have in mind?” Spike asked. Giles tore his gaze from the papers before him and said gravely, “We’re going to London.”

Chapter #11 - 11. Bite Me

a/n: I want to thank slaymesoftly for all her help shaping this chapter up. And mabel_marsters for all her help with the UK aspects of this story. I've never actually been to England (Been to France : ) ), so her help with all things British is greatly appreciated. If you happen to be British and you see something in the story that just doesn't ring true, please feel free to comment on it, so I can fix it. The following chapter is the type of stuff I'm really nervous about putting out there for people to read, so if you liked it, I'd love to hear from you. Even, if you don't like it. LOL! There's always room for improvement and I can't know what's not working, unless someone tells me. : ) To all those who have left reviews already, I want to say a big THANK YOU! It makes my day to see the reviews. Soul Survivors Chapter Eleven: Bite Me Their room was spacious and the colors suited them both - with walls painted in a rich cream, a deep red carpet, and glossy modern furniture. How Giles had managed to get this suite, she didn’t know, but if she ever came to London again, Park Plaza was the hotel she’d be staying at. Her fingers itched to move the curtain over a little as she leaned against the wall next to it, but it was early afternoon and the sun was still up. The huge window took up most of the wall from floor to ceiling. When they had arrived yesterday, right before sundown, the drapes had been wide open. Giles had rushed to close them for her, but she’d gotten a brief view of Big Ben in the distance across the river. As soon as it was safe, Spike had opened the curtains and they stood before the window, gazing out over the river. Big Ben glowed with ethereal lights along with the surrounding buildings. London was beautiful at night and it was nice to share the view with the one she loved. Spike’s laughter rang out from the sitting room. He was doing his best to relax by watching some British comedy. After just five minutes, she had gotten up to make her way to the window in their room. She didn’t get any of the jokes or what was so funny, but then again, she could only understand half the words they were saying. Buffy willed the night to come, for she was anxious to see some of London up close. The trip over had started just before nine o’clock in the evening at LAX. It was quite a challenge making sure they snuck into the cargo hold for the same plane that Giles would be on. Thirteen hours in a cargo hold was no picnic either, but they made the most of their time. The dark, cramped area was loud and a bit cold even for vampires. She smiled just thinking about the fun they’d had. Some suitcases were pretty comfortable. It was even trickier getting off the plane at Heathrow. They had landed at three in the afternoon and even with the cloud cover, they couldn’t risk a run in the daylight. It was a good thing she was with Spike, who’d done that kind of thing before and knew just where to hide. She marveled at how resourceful Spike could be. He hadn’t been in London in over forty years and yet, he quickly found the safest route to the hotel during daylight hours. They’d made their way to the underground transportation system and taken a “tube” train, before traveling through the labyrinth of sewers that would take them to the basement of the hotel where Giles was waiting. After going through the muck of the sewers, Buffy had thought the lobby of the hotel looked like a palace. The dim lights soothed her raw nerves, and it wasn’t long before they were on their way to the elevators. The smooth off-white floors in the lobby were polished to a high gloss. Buffy longed to go back down there in a pair of new cotton socks and slide around. What would the high-class hotel workers think if she did that? She grinned and settled her gaze on the drawer where her socks were stored. They were set to stay for at least a week. They’d spent their first night in the suite going over strategy and recovering from the long flight and time difference, but Giles had been up and gone the first thing this morning. He went off, armed with the secret Council book, the two watcher’s diaries, and the contract that Quentin Travers had put out on their lives. Spike had shocked Giles when he declared the man’s plan to be brilliant. Giles would go to the council members one by one. First to the watchers who had worked in the field with a slayer, and then to the watchers waiting for their turn. He was probably at some tweed wearing guy’s place right now, showing him the evidence that put Travers in a bad light. She giggled as the image of a Giles look-alike cleaning his glasses and sputtering, “Well, I never!” flashed through her mind. Once Giles had the support of the other watchers, they were going to invite the whole group to their suite so that everyone could meet Buffy and Spike. Eventually, they hoped to confront Mr. Travers at Council headquarters, and, with the support of the others, get him to back down. There was no way they could live in peace with Travers’ minions breathing down their necks like they were. She clenched her fists and fought the urge to punch the wall. Every time she thought of that jerk, she felt her control slipping. Buffy grabbed the glass covered tissue box off the vanity next to her and threw it across the room. It crashed against the wall and shattered into tiny pieces. Spike came rushing through the double doors, his eyes darting around the room before he gathered Buffy into his arms. “Everything all right, love? I thought someone was in here with you.” Leaning her head against his solid chest, she inhaled his unique scent and allowed her body to relax. “It was nothing. I was just thinking about Travers and lost my temper again.” His chest vibrated with a deep chuckle. “You’ll get your chance to confront him soon enough.” She gazed up at him. “It’s taking too long for the sun to go down,” she whined and stuck her lip out. “I’ve never been to Europe and I want to see London.” “Ooh, pouty.” His eyes sparkled with mirth before he kissed her lower lip and nibbled on it gently. “Does someone have a lot of pent up energy?” Buffy nodded with a small smile on her face. “I think I know what to do with that energy that will keep you occupied.” “You have a one track mind,” she told him while helping him undress. “Well, yours is occupied now, innit?” was his smug reply. “Hmm, that feels nice.” Spike rubbed her shoulder with one hand while he undid her pants. She opened her eyes and noticed the front door of the suite in her line of vision. Buffy reluctantly disengaged from his amorous attentions, quickly shutting the doors to their room. They had no idea when Giles was planning to return. It wouldn’t be good if he came home and found them going at it. Giles had tolerated Spike and, at times, seemed to even like him, but she knew that he really didn’t approve of their relationship. Which was stupid. What was there to disapprove of now? She turned back, admiring lots of things she approved of. He was completely naked, hard and ready for her. Then his hands were roaming all over while he gazed at her in adoration. “I never get tired of this; with you.” “Me either,” she told him while caressing his chest. She gave his nipple a hard pinch and delighted in his reaction. Spike’s eyes glazed over with lust as he gripped her backside. “That hurt, you little-” He stopped and tensed again when she pinched the other one. “Little what?” she asked playfully. All play ended when he crushed his mouth to hers, their tongues dancing to the same rhythm their bodies knew as they rubbed against one another. She felt her way between them, gripping him before pumping her hand along his length. Spike moaned into her mouth then pulled away from her. The desire and raw hunger in his blue-rimmed, almost black eyes, matched her own as she stared back boldly. This is what she’d fought so hard against last year? How incredibly stupid she’d been. In all her life, she’d never felt so desirable; so wanted. “Do you know what I want to do you?” he asked in his deep voice. Buffy closed her eyes and shook her head. “I want to turn you around and bend you over that chair there.” His lips moved over her neck now causing her to shiver as he ran his tongue up to her ear. “Then I’m gonna take you from behind.” Her little moan was all the permission he needed, so he pushed her towards the chair, spun her around, and leaned her over it. The little red chair was softer than it looked and the material felt good against her breasts. He rested a palm on the small of her back, and she braced herself as he pushed his way inside. “You are so tight.” She used her muscles to squeeze around him and pushed herself. He gripped her hips. “Hold on, pet.” Then he was moving, slowly at first, rotating his hips. The pleasure was incredible, but she wanted more. “Harder,” she ordered. He withdrew completely and slammed into her. “Touch yourself.” Without thinking, she instantly moved her hand to do as he told her. Anything to keep him moving. He slammed into her repeatedly, touching the right spot with each thrust. The chair moved beneath her with the force, her toes slipping as she lost traction. He adjusted them and continued, only to have to stop again when it slipped across the carpet a second time. He growled and grabbed her at the waist, pulling her off the offending piece of furniture. He was still inside her and thrust further into her as he kicked the chair, with brute strength, into the wall. Half carrying and half pushing her, he shoved her back into position on it and slammed into her again. The noise the chair made as it hit the wall over and over again, their skin slapping together, her finger rubbing against her clit, and Spike hitting the perfect spot inside her with each thrust all intensified her arousal. Little noises began escaping from her throat as the pleasure built up. Spike grunted in response, gripping her hips tighter. She bit her lip to keep from crying out as she went over the edge. With her walls rippling and tightening around him, it wasn’t long until he followed her, mumbling her name. He slowly pulled out and caressed her back. “I’m sorry that was over so quick, but doing you from behind with your arse up in the air like that was too much excitement for me.” Buffy stood on shaky legs and curled her toes into the carpet. “You liked it like that, I guess?” “Yeah. It’s bloody hotter than hell to see myself entering you.” Spike hugged her to him and nuzzled her neck. “No worries though. With my constitution, we’ll be shagging again in ten minutes.” She let out a short laugh. You could stuff a soul into him, but no one could yank the cockiness out. They sat on the end of the bed and she clasped her hands in his and watched as he brushed a knuckle over the silver skull ring. Smiling, she searched his face noting the familiar scar on his eyebrow and his long eyelashes. “I love you. You know that, right?” He let her hands go and kissed her softly. “I love you, too. Even if I don’t deserve you or your love, I’m so happy to have you.” Buffy sighed as she glanced around. The room was getting dimmer, but light still filtered through the curtains. “Well, it’s still light out.” “Guess were gonna have to stay busy, then. How about we take advantage of that Jacuzzi tub in our bathroom?” “That’s a great plan,” she said as she flopped down on the bed. “I’ll go get the water started.” A few minutes later, he lifted her up in his arms, carried her to the tub, and gently placed her in the water. She moaned in gratitude as the jets massaged her back and feet. He moved around the large open bathroom, closing the door and lighting a few more candles. “Where’s the bubble bath?” she asked when he slipped in beside her. “You don’t put bubble bath in one of these things. I learned that the hard way.” She frowned at him. “I don’t want to know.” “Right then, come sit on my lap.” She glanced at him and slipped under the water instead. The roar of the jets reminded her of the cargo hold of the plane. She grabbed onto Spike’s leg to keep from floating to the top and exhaled the useless air in her lungs. It was a surreal feeling, under the water. She could make out a wavy Spike and a couple of glowing candles through the rushing water. If she wanted to, she could stay under there all night. The urgent need to breathe, the panic, and the instinct to survive was not there. She grinned and put her hands on Spike’s knees. She could do many things under the water now that she had no need to breathe. She moved closer to him, letting her tongue dart out to touch the tip of his already swollen member. Spike wound his fingers in her floating hair and when she took him in mouth, he wrapped his feet around her. Holding on to his thigh, she used the other hand to caress his balls. A few minutes passed and he could take no more. He reached into the water, pulled her up, and settled her in his lap with her legs spread on either side of him. “Hey, I was having fun down there,” She pouted. “I was too. So much fun that it was gonna get cut short if I didn’t stop you.” She wiggled in his lap, rubbing herself against him. He stilled her movements and reached between them to rub her clit. “This won’t go too smoothly under the water you know,” she told him as she moved against his fingers. “The water will wash away all my natural lubricant.” He stopped and frowned at her, while reaching back with his free hand for something. “And how would you know that?” “Trust me, you don’t want to know.” She grinned at him, raising an eyebrow. He lifted them both out of the water and sat on the wide edge of the tub, where he flipped open a bottle of oil. “You’re right. I don’t want to know.” Spike poured a generous portion on himself and rubbed more on her, before lifting her up a bit and positioning her over him. He held her there and vamped out. “You are mine now, and no one but me will ever touch you like that again.” He let her go and she slammed down on him while he dropped them back into the water. Her legs were in a weird position, so it took a moment to sort it all out. Then he was moving her up and down, the buoyancy of the water slowing their motion. His amber eyes were hidden behind closed lids and she took a moment to study the demon’s face as it relaxed in pleasure. She touched his forehead and his eyes opened. He was beautiful to her, no matter what face he showed her. She bent down and kissed him, his fangs cutting into her lip. She pulled away and licked her lips before offering him her tongue. Greedily, he sucked it in to his mouth and savored her rich blood. The act caused pleasure to shoot from her tongue straight to her groin and she moaned. They continued their slowed movements, as she threw back her head, taking in the smell of humidity, the candle wax and the perfumed oil. If she could, she would freeze this moment in time. It was just the two of them, connected and close, far from home and worries. Spike shifted his hips and rammed up into her. She was getting close. She leaned in and rubbed her neck against his fangs. “Please,” she whispered. He grunted and moved his hips. “What do you want, Buffy. I want you to tell me.” The bones in her face crunched as she changed forms and looked him in the eye. “Bite me, Spike. Please.” He yanked her head to the side, and in one swift movement, his fangs sank into the flesh of her neck. She screamed as her release rushed up on her. The pleasure intensified with each pull of blood. He held her down as he came, and she could feel him pulsing as if he was alive inside of her. When he was finished, he pulled out of her neck but kept her on his lap as he closed the marks. Spike hugged her closely, and she felt his forehead smooth out. She tried desperately to morph back as well, but her emotions were running so high that she just couldn’t get enough control to do it. Only after she took a couple of deep, slow breaths, did her eyes go back to green and her face smooth out. They remained like that, with him going soft inside her while long minutes passed; neither of them ready to give up the closeness and emotional connection that went with it. Finally, she leaned back, touching the marks in wonder. “You all right, love?” he asked tenderly. “More than. That was totally amazing.” She kissed him, got up from his lap and sat down next to him. Spike reached over and switched the jets off. The room fell into a peaceful silence and they sat back, with his arm over her shoulder, until Spike could stand the silence no longer. “I know you’re anxious to do the tourist thing. Let me wash your hair for you and we’ll get going.”

Chapter #12 - 12. Out For a Stroll

Soul Survivors Chapter Twelve: Out for a Stroll The cloudy sky was still a dark grey when they left the Park Plaza lobby and started down the street together. Her inner warning bells were going off at being out before the sun was completely set, but she didn’t feel like she was going to combust. Buffy wore her long black leather coat over a pair of black slacks and a thin red sweater. Her stylish, low-heeled boots clicked over the wet pavement as she walked beside Spike with an arm around his leather-covered waist. Spike moved with sure steps, his arm casually thrown over her shoulder, their hips bumping every now and then. He wore a red, silk shirt over his usual black t-shirt and looked exactly as he had the night she first saw him in that alley years ago. She smiled and pulled him closer to her. Looking down at her red sweater, she realized how very similarly they were dressed. They were one of those couples, dressing alike. Her smile widened. It was her first time abroad, she was doing the tourist thing, and she could share it all with the love of her life. Best of all, he was a London native and knew his way around. She loved the feel of the city with its old buildings and statues. The few boats going slowly up the Thames lent a relaxed feeling to the hustle and bustle on the street. Lights from the buildings reflected off the damp roads. It had rained while they were keeping busy in the hotel room, but there wasn’t even so much as a mist now. “So, love, what do you want to do first?” Spike asked when they stopped at a corner. Buffy watched a red double-decker bus pass and then pointed at the huge wheel ride, across the river. “Let’s do that.” His lip went up on one side as he crinkled his nose in distaste. “You want to ride the London Eye?” “Sure. I think it would be fun. We can see the city in lights from above.” She stared at him, trying to figure out what his problem was. “It’s called the London Eye?” “That’s what some call it. Eye sore is more like it.” “Have you been on it before?” “No. It was just built a couple of years ago. I haven’t been back here in decades.” “Then let’s do it,” she told him cheerfully. He leaned over and kissed her before steering them in the direction of the big wheel. Spike complained about exorbitant admission prices, declaring it highway robbery even as he handed over the cash. They entered one of the large clear glass cars with two other couples and began the slow climb. Darkness had fallen over the city before they reached the top and the view was spectacular. The bright lights of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament stood out in the distance. The river sparkled with lights from the boats and reflections from the buildings on its banks. Spike pointed out places of interest, and the other couples inched their way closer as he told her little tidbits about some of the buildings and things he had experienced. Once he knew he had an audience, he really poured on the charm and had the them all laughing. When the ride ended, the couple from Kansas shook his hand, thanking him for the tour. The vampires waved at the couple as they walked off in another direction. Spike kicked at the rubbish littering the ground near the Eye before quickly moving them away from the area. “You charmed the socks off of that farmer and his wife,” Buffy told him when they stopped at another corner. “Who knew you could be so charming and nice to humans?” He shrugged. “Yeah, well, they were having a good time. It’s taking me a while, but I’m getting used to the idea that humans aren’t just food.” They took the Underground to Piccadilly Circus, where they paused so that Buffy could take it all in. There were cars zooming by and the big New York type billboard practically blinded her with its flashing lights. People went past them with purpose. Many of them had backpacks or were loaded down with shopping bags. Later, they did some window-shopping before finding a nice dark spot by the River to sit and relax. “What do you think of London, then?” he asked her as she looked out over the water. “It’s marvelous.” She sighed, gazing around her. “I love how old everything feels, even with all the modern stuff.” “I wish you could have seen it in my day without the glass and steel buildings littering the city up. I miss the carriages and gaslights. This place smelled different and sounded different.” He paused and then grinning he said, “Well, maybe I don’t miss the smells.” “Well, thank you for taking me on a small tour.” She slid closer to him, putting her hand on the back of his to neck to bring him in for a long, leisurely kiss. When they parted, she said, “I don’t know if we’ll have time to do much more of this after we get put in the mix with the watchers.” Standing up, Spike held out his hand for her. “We’re not done yet. The night is still young.” He held her hand as they quickly made their way back to the Underground. “Where are we going?” she asked. “I have an errand to run in the Financial District and then we can explore the area. I thought maybe you’d like to see the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.” “You have to run an errand?” If he hadn’t been to the city for forty years, what could he possible have to do? “It won’t take us long.” The Financial District was nothing like Piccadilly or the other sections they’d been to. It was eerily quiet and deserted. Once he took them to the back streets and alleys, she could almost image that they were back in time. They wound through narrow passageways and dark roads. A few times, Buffy thought she saw movement out of the corner of her eye, but when she turned her head, there was nothing. They passed a couple of homeless people huddled up against the door of a building in a dirty yellow sleeping bag. “Stupid buggers. They’re just asking for it,” Spike leaned in and whispered. “Why?” “This is our part of town at night.” They were just coming out of a small passageway that ended in a big open space. Spike stopped and said, “Mitre Square. One of Jack the Ripper’s victims was found right here.” She gazed at the spot. “Did you know him?” Spike shook his head. “Was newly turned and the demon population had no better idea who he was than the humans. Some say he was a demon hunter gone mad.” When they crossed the square, he pulled her into another tiny passage. The sign on the wall read: Mitre Passage EC3. As she walked behind Spike, she wondered why they would post the names of alleys and such. He was walking faster now and she didn’t have time to ask him. They moved through a few more twists and turns; every now and then, she could get a glimpse of the brightly lit buildings far off, but the section was clothed in dim light and dark shadows. The smell of damp stone and pavement mixed with the low-lying fog that was settling in gave the area a creepy feel. They ended up on a bigger street, yet it was deserted. He stopped when they came to a narrow alley. “Sugar Baker’s Court,” he explained, pointing to the black and white plate on the wall. She looked down the alley, seeing nothing different from the others they’d been in and passed along the way. “If all goes well, we’ll be back down this way before heading to the hotel.” He started off again and she took a couple of quick steps to catch up. They went by a modern looking building before slipping into a sinister looking tight passage. He stopped them again when they came to another plate on the wall. It read: French Ordinary Court EC3. “Not long now.” He grabbed her hand and squeezed. The passage curved slightly and came out to a small street where he stopped to look around. “Bugger.” “What?” “The only entrance I know of is blocked off.” Across the way, a large hole like opening was covered with a big black and white plastic board. His head jerked to the left. “You, there!” he called out to the empty street. A figure dressed in black stepped out of the shadows. As they got closer to him, her senses told her he was a vampire, like them, but she moved slightly behind Spike. “Out for a stroll with your lady, are you?” the creepy vampire asked. The vamp had a thick Welsh accent and it took her a minute to translate what he said into her version of English. His face was in the shadows; she could barely make out his white pocked face and sunken eyes. “You might say that. I have some business to conduct downstairs,” Spike told him in a firm voice. “I haven’t been in town for years. Where’s the new entrance?” “This way.” He shoved the door he was standing by open and moved to let them pass. “She’s a pretty one, that.” The gross creature flashed a toothless grin and she turned her face away from him, thinking he was one guy who’d definitely look better in game face. “Thanks, mate.” Spike nudged Buffy forward, pushing her into a small dark hallway. When the door closed behind them, she stopped and turned back. “Where are you taking me?” He gently pushed her up against the wall, pressing her to it with his body. “I’ll tell you in a minute.” Buffy could feel his breath on her cheek and sighed with pleasure as his hand found its way up the inside of her sweater to cup a breast. He pressed his arousal against her leg, causing her stomach to clench with desire. “What are you doing? I thought you had an errand to run?” “I do. We’ll get to it; but first, it’s been way too long since I last kissed you. I plan to do it right proper, here and now.” Spike leaned forward and placed feather light kisses up her neck. He stopped to nibble on her earlobe before kissing her along the jaw line and up to her mouth. Buffy grabbed his chin, kissing him. He tasted so good; she was grateful that she didn’t have to come up for air. Her hands found their way into his hair and she yanked on the short locks desperately wanting more of him. He moved away, leaving her with lowered eye lids and swollen lips. After he licked his own lips, he said, “There now. That’s better.” “Better?” she practically shouted as she slapped his shoulder. “Now I’m all frustrated.” “Patience, love. I’ll take care of that as soon as we get back to the hotel. That’s a promise.” He tugged on his coat and adjusted his pants. “Now, as to the question of where we are. You are standing in the hallway of the London offices of Wolfram and Hart.” Her eyes darted around, taking in the dark hall in alarm. “What? There’s an office in London?” Spike nodded. “And in Rome, LA, Chicago, and even Paris. Their buildings are huge and out in the open. Not in London. Here they cower under the surface like the weasels they are.” “How can you have business with them? They helped to make a contract to end my life.” He shrugged. “That was just one lawyer in LA. And remember, I was evil for over a hundred years. I have some things safely stored here that I need. Come on.” He took her hand and led her down the hall. He stopped at every door on the right to put a hand on them. After a few tries, he found the right one and they made their way down a narrow flight of stairs that ended with another set of closed doors. He knocked loudly at one of them. The door creaked open and a man in a tuxedo looked down his nose at them. “Yes?” “William the Bloody to see Maston Drake.” “Very good, sir.” The man opened the door wider and they stepped into a huge reception room. The room was filled with antique furniture. To the left a very large oak desk was in front of a wall filled with three elevators. “How may I help you?” the pretty receptionist at the desk asked. Buffy noted that she had a heartbeat. The woman glanced up at Spike, obviously liking what she saw. “I’m a client of Maston Drake. I need access to my box,” Spike said. “Elevator two. Third floor down,” the receptionist sing-songed. He nodded his thanks and ushered Buffy to the elevator. “We won’t be here long; I promise.” Spike pushed the number three button and then they were going down. The elevator opened to a large but narrow room much like a bank. Buffy waited while Spike went to one of the windows and signed some papers. Soon they were ushered into a room off the main one. The walls and floors were white with no adornments - a mahogany table and two matching chairs, the only furniture. They waited a few minutes before a man dressed in a tuxedo, wearing white gloves came in with a long rectangular strong box. “Just call when you are through.” The man pointed to the red button by the door before leaving. Spike pushed a combination of numbers on the side making the box spring open. He moved some things around and glanced up at her. “Can you give me just a moment?” She stood and turned around, keeping her eyes focused on the door. Curious as she was, it took all her strength not to turn back. Something metal clinked against the box. “Okay.” She turned quickly and was happily surprised to see the box still open. “You’re welcome to have a look. They’re just things that I thought to save over the years.” “I can’t believe you’ve kept this stuff here all this time.” She smiled at him as she reached into the box. “Glasses?” she asked him, putting the old-fashioned frames on her face. “They look better on you, pet.” He sat back and folded his arms across his chest. “I didn’t need them anymore, once I was turned, but, I just couldn’t part with them.” “I like them. Put them on.” He took them from her and frowned at them before doing as she asked. She tilted her head and touched her face. “You look smart and sexy.” Spike chuckled and placed them on the table. She reached in the box again and pulled out a thick stack of loose papers. She sat down and looked through them. The rough yellowed paper was obviously very old. “Did you write all of this?” He gave her a wary look and nodded. There were pages and pages of poems. Some only a few lines long; others filled whole pages. She really wanted to sit there and read them all, but Buffy knew they didn’t have time for that. She placed them to the side and reached into the box again. It was like treasure hunting and she felt honored that he trusted her enough to let her go through his personal stuff. Buffy pulled out a ring of heavy keys and raised an eyebrow in question. “Those are probably useless now. They were for my home here in London.” “Will you take me to see it sometime before we have to go back to California?” “Sure.” He shrugged. Next out of the box was a heavy black velvet pouch. She reached in the bag and pulled out a handful of coins. “I bet these are worth a lot today.” “Probably, and they’ll keep until we have an emergency.” She reached in again, pulling out another velvet pouch. Only this one was larger and just as heavy. She opened the pouch, taking out a necklace. It was twisted and she worked it until it straightened out. Buffy glanced at Spike, who was watching her reaction with interest. She dumped the other bits of jewelry out onto the table. There were rings, more necklaces, bracelets, earrings and even hair pins with gems on the ends. “The family jewels,” he said simply when she glanced up at him again. “My mother was the last to wear them. When she died, a few days after my turning, I gathered them up and carried them with me for quite some time.” Tears formed in her eyes as she stared at the beautiful pieces in front of her. “Did you kill her? I know that happens a lot,” she said softly. “I tried to turn her. She was dying and I wanted her to live with me forever. I loved her that much. But something went wrong. It’s not a good idea to turn someone until you are much older.” She rubbed her finger over a smooth amber stone. “What happened to her?” “I don’t like to talk about it, but she’s gone. The same night she rose, I had to stake her.” Spike ran his fingers through his hair in agitation. “With us both dead, there was no one to pass those jewels on to, so I took them with me. I let Drusilla and Darla have a few of the pieces and we sold some of them to keep us going. When we made plans to leave England, I hired out this box and they’ve been here ever since.” With the pouch wide open, she started to put the pieces back in, one by one. “I wish I could have met her.” “She would have loved you. Your mum reminded me of her.” Spike’s large hand covered hers. “I think she would be very please to know that someone I loved was wearing them.” The moment stretched on as she tried to form words. “I…I have no need for this much jewelry. I couldn’t possibly-” “Pick one thing that takes your fancy and make this old vampire happy.” Buffy wiped at her eye and spread the jewels out. “This one.” She held up a pendant on a thin gold chain and untangled it from a ring. The square cut emerald was dainty, but looked regal surround by small, white diamonds. He smiled through unshed tears of his own. “I knew you’d pick an emerald. They suit you.” “Help me put it on?” He fumbled with his chair as he quickly got up to do her bidding. Buffy lifted the hair off her neck and shivered when Spike’s fingers brushed his marks.

Chapter #13 - 13. London Calling

A/N: I want to thank my wonderful betas for their speedy return of my chapters and their hard work and lovely comments about them. Slaymesoftly and Mabel Marsters have really been GREAT! Thank you, laides. And then, the reviews have been so nice. Thank you for reading and reviewing. It really makes my day. : ) Soul Survivors Chapter Thirteen: London Calling With the door slowly closing behind him, Giles once again found himself outside in the damp London night. He gathered his wits about him and adjusted the strap of his bag before scanning the road for Aida. His cousin had begged out of calling on George Foster, and now that he’d experienced the man for himself, he couldn’t blame her. The little black taxi pulled up and he quickly went down the steps and dropped into the seat beside her. Aida consulted her clipboard before giving the driver the address to their next destination. “How did it go up there?” she asked Giles. “Not as well as I would have liked, but I suspect you know that.” Aida laughed full out in a rare show of emotion, and he fought the urge to smile back at her. Their fathers were brothers and while they were growing up together, Giles had always thought she was a goody-goody. They didn’t speak once he’d gone off into his rebellious stage. When he’d come back in to the fold, so to speak, she had been gracious and kind to him. Giles stared out the window, watching his city going slowly by outside the moving car. He loved London and longed to be here the whole time he was in the States; but Aida was what he missed the most. She was family and belonging. Her dark brown hair was liberally peppered with gray now, but she wore it up in the same conservative style that she had adopted many years ago. With their identical eyes and glasses, they were often mistaken for twins. Even though they were the same age, Aida had been two years ahead of him when he entered The Watchers’ Academy. They’d spent late nights together, studying to get him caught up. Like him, she’d dedicated her whole life to the Council and its noble cause. “I’m so sorry you had to put up with him,” Aida said. “But it’s best to get him on our side.” “Foster is a churlish git who’s reserving his judgment until after he meets Buffy.” He frowned as he polished his glasses once more. “He‘s agreed to stay quiet about my visit, because he claims to detest Travers even more than we do.” Aida nodded. “George has made it perfectly clear, since he‘s been back from Africa, that he feels Quentin is incompetent and that it’s time for a change in leadership.” Giles consulted his watch. “It’s now well past ten and I’m exhausted. This next stop will be our last.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Spike leaned against the wall at the entrance to Sugar Baker’s Court and banged his head against the hard stone in frustration. The alleyway was still deserted and now he knew why. The demon bar was no longer located at the other end. With closed eyes, he took a long drag from his cigarette, trying to think. There’d been so many demon bars in so many countries that he’d never really taken the time to remember their names. If he could just remember it, he could find a vampire lurking about and get the new location. Even then, this whole search was a long shot. The beginning of the last century was when he’d last seen Torch. Even if the orange-haired vampire had stuck to London for his feeding grounds for hundreds of years before that, it didn’t mean he hadn’t struck out for greener pastures since. Spike stuck his hand into his jeans pocket and fingered the ring he had tucked away there along with a few rare coins. Buffy paced back and forth, pausing often to look up at the skyline. His disposition softened when he got a glimpse of the emerald pendant around her neck. He had known that she’d like the emeralds, and when the time was right, he’d give her the matching ring. It was burning a hole in his pocket and he itched to do it. Now wasn’t the time. He glared at the leather bag that the tuxedo-clad employee had given Buffy before they left the white room. It contained some bloody awful poetry. Spike had tried to get her to put the pages back into the box before they left, but she insisted that she wanted to read them, to get to know William. Some of those poems had been written when he was a fledgling, and he wasn’t too keen on her getting to know that him. They’d stopped on the way out of Wolfram and Hart so that he could withdrew a hefty sum of cash to take back to Sunnydale with them. He’d never had need of it in the past, he just took what he wanted; but all that was changed now. The last time he’d considered withdrawing the money was the night he first saw Buffy working at the Doublemeat Palace. She would never have accepted it at the time, so he’d just left it alone. Once they were out on the street again, he’d brought up the idea of finding Torch. Spike had to mentally stamp down his jealousy when her eyes got big with excitement over the prospect of meeting this ancient vampire. He’d wanted to shake her and insist that look should be for him alone, but his reasonable side, the part over run with the goodness of a soul, told him that he was being ridiculous. “There can’t be too many stupid names for demon bars,” Buffy told him as she stopped in front of him. “Evil this; Wicked that. How hard can it be to remember?” “I’m sorry, love.” He dropped the cigarette and put it out. “Let’s take a walk and see if we can’t find someone who remembers it.” They strolled through more open streets and had found their way back to the big glass building with the modern fountain before they saw another vampire. He was singing off key while balancing on the edge of the fountain on one leg. From the looks of it, he’d already fallen in more than once. His black hair was plastered to his face and his jeans and jacket were soaked. “Hey, mate!” Spike said cheerfully. This one was young and if the friendly routine didn’t do the trick, he could always go master crazy on him. “Whoa there! Nice night to be out, yeah?” The vampire practically shouted in a slurred and heavily accented voice. Buffy tapped Spike on the shoulder. “What did he say? Is he speaking English?” He shushed her and chuckled. “Yes, but best let me do the talking.” Spike took long strides, getting closer to the young one. He smelled like cheap beer. “I’m looking for an old bloke. Goes by the name of Torch.” The young vamp’s eyes crossed and he stopped balancing to jump down. “Yeah, I know him. Foocking bastard.” Spike smiled at him. “It’s a little early to be pissed yet.” “Well, we gotta start sometime. Had me a nice wench for dinner and celebrated early.” “So. Torch. You seen him lately?” “Aye, just left him at Smiley’s.” He swayed a little and hiccupped. “Well, I didn’t talk ta him, ya know. Bloomin’ idiot thinks he’s the King of Scotland, ‘e does.” Spike moved to give the fella room as he pushed past him. “And where might Smiley’s be?” “I might only be ten and two along, but I’m no fledge. Fooking bastard.” Spike’s patience was running out. He gripped the vamp’s shoulder and shook him a little. “Smiley’s; where is it?” “Past St. Olave’s Church, don’t ya know?” He looked Spike over as if seeing him for the first time. “Haven’t seen you round these parts before.” “Just passing through. Thanks for the information, mate.” Spike jogged back to Buffy and smiled triumphantly. “Shall we find Smiley’s?” Buffy looked past him and grimaced. “I wish we had a stake, cuz, yuck.” He didn’t know what he was looking for, that would give him an indication of where the bar might be. They had to stop for Buffy to read all the plaques on the church graveyard that were clearly for tourist, before they could get past St. Olave’s. He didn’t think there’d be a big sign hanging up saying “Smiley’s”, but the closed sign with the yellow happy face was even more unexpected. “Are we at Wal-Mart or a bar?” Buffy quipped. If Spike didn’t know any better, he’d think he stepped into any pub off the street, but the lack of heartbeats all around told him other wise. A couple of blokes played pool off to the side. A big group sat around a table just past the pool tables. A few more sat at the bar and a couple of birds were talking by the old-fashioned jukebox. He grabbed Buffy’s hand and sidled up to the bar. “Slow night?” he asked the beefy bartender. The bartender stopped polishing the spot he’d been concentrating on and glanced up. He jerked his head towards Buffy who was looking around in awe. “What’s wrong with ‘er?” “She’s American.” “That explains it. I don’t have any Budweiser.” Spike chuckled as he covered her mouth, before she could get out a quip. It wouldn’t do to upset the bartender. “We’re looking for Torch. Seen ‘im?” He pointed a fat finger to a dark corner. “Thanks, mate.” Spike pulled Buffy closer to him before pushing away from the counter. “What are you having?” The bartender asked in a tone that brooked no argument. Spike hesitated. He didn‘t like being forced to do anything and that included buying bad booze. He glanced at Buffy with her hopeful expression as she stared at the dark corner and made his decision. “A bottle of single malt whisky and two glasses.” He slapped a bill on the bar, handed the two glasses to Buffy and grabbed the bottle before the bartender could put it on the counter. “Keep the change.” When a few more vamps entered the pub, Spike took a quick look, assessing the newcomers. They were no threat, so with Buffy following close behind, he kept going towards the booth in the back. The old vampire had his back to them. He was hunched over his glass, his bright orange hair unkempt and almost comical. Spike glanced at Buffy, raised his eyebrows and grinned before he cleared his throat. Without looking back at them, Torch said in a thick Scottish brogue, “Ach awa’ an’ bile yer hied.” “Wha-what?” Buffy asked with a frown. Spike grinned at her. “He basically just told us to piss off.” He guided her to sit across from Torch and slid in after her. Spike stayed silent, sizing up the old vamp. His green silk shirt hung loosely over his rail thin body. He looked just as he had over a hundred years ago, except he dressed better now. “You might remember me. We met at the top of the last century.” When Torch still kept his head down, he added, “Name’s Spike.” Torch’s head snapped up and he glared at them. “I dinna recall the white hair.” “Yeah, well.” Spike shrugged. “Got bored with the natural look.” “Last time I saw you, you were a cocky young bastard. You bag any more slayers? Heard ya got one in New York.” “No, but that’s why we’re here.” Spike glanced at his girl. “This is Buffy.” “Bonnie lass, but stupid nickname. Mighta done better if you kept your human name.” It took Buffy a moment to understand his heavily accented words, but when she did, her eyes widened. “That was my human name.” Torch snorted and took a drink. “Get to your point so I can go bach ta ma drink.” Buffy put her hand in Spike’s lap and he laced her fingers with his, giving her a gentle squeeze. “Before I was turned, I was a slayer.” It was as if he’d finally woken up. Torch sat up and really stared at her. “The hell you say?” Then he glared at Spike. “Thought you said you hadn’t got another slayer?” “Didn’t. My sire got her.” “It’s a long story and very boring.” Buffy said. “My watcher had some journals that I read. One was from Andra’s watcher.” “Don’t want to talk about ‘im.” Torch said with a frown. He narrowed his eyes and tilted his head. “Can I ask you a question?” “Sure.” “When you awoke, did you feel bad for the humans?” Buffy smiled at him. “Don’t you mean to ask if I have a soul?” Torch reared back and let loose a string of curses. Spike went into defense mode, ready to protect Buffy. “All this bloomin’ time.” Torch laughed. “I knew it.” He leaned in to the table and whispered, “It’s what happens to all slayers when they’re turned, right?” Buffy nodded her head. “I’m sorry to bring up bad memories. I…I just read Andra’s watcher’s journal and it fascinated me.” “What about it? That dry Englishman could no’ be entertaining.” Torch took a drink and then stared at Buffy sheepishly. “Does he mention in there how I once saved his unworthy life?” Buffy and Spike exchanged an amused looked. “Yes, he did. Just a short note about it though.” Torch groaned. “Can we no’ burn the book, then?” “I’m sorry, but we need it.” Buffy hesitated. “Can you tell me about Andra?” “What do you want to know?” Torch scratched behind an ear. “She was a slayer and I turned her.” “Her watcher was under the impression that she was in love with you.” Buffy said. “Aye, she was.” The far off, nostalgic look that crept across his deceptively young face had Spike feeling nostalgic, too. He gazed at Buffy. She looked just as amazing in profile just as she did from the front. “You were in love with her, too.” Buffy said confidently. “And why would you think that? Soulless creatures din’na have the capacity to love.” His hard stare did not deter her. “I know you loved her. You wouldn’t have saved her watcher and declared it was for Andra, if you didn’t.” Buffy leaned into Spike. “Besides I have personal experience with soulless creatures.” Torch’s eyes widened as he grinned. “So that’s the way it is?” They didn’t say anything, so he said, “So you want to know about Andra?” Buffy nodded. “I just feel this sisterly connection to her, you know. We’ve been through some of the same things.” Torch laughed at that. “You have fallen in love with a demon, been turned and woke with souls, but you two are nothing alike.” He settled back in his seat. “I was just six months a fledge when I bumped into her one night. My sire had warned me about slayers and I knew she was in our town, but I didn’t know it was her.” He waved his hand around his head. “I saw this lass with pretty red hair and got a bit homesick. I have never fed off another Scot in my entire existence. I was still trying to shake my humanity and I felt bad for the gal, walking all by herself at night. An easy meal. So I walked up to ‘er and warned her that she wasna safe out on the street at night.” He chuckled and downed the last of his glass. Spike refilled it with the whiskey he’d paid for. “That little spitfire pulled out a stake and thanked me for the warning. I almost didn’t see it coming because I was mesmerized by her beautiful blue eyes, but I managed to jump back and asked her if she could harm a fellow Scot.” His brown eyes lit up again in mirth. “Do you know what that chit said?” He altered his voice to make it high pitched. “That would depend on where in Scotland ye were born.” Buffy smiled, not really getting the joke. “So she obviously didn’t stake you?” “No. She din’na. I would meet her when she went on patrol to give her pointers while she did what she was bairn to do. I liked her. She was only fifteen and she developed a crush on me. At one point, she asked me not to kill my prey. I promised her I wouldna, but I lied to her.” He shrugged. “One day, she shows up and begs me to turn her. She’s all moon eyed. I tried to get her to see that she would be evil, that she would become what she was trained to kill. She didn’t care. She just wanted to be with me.” He frowned and looked down into his glass. “I thought about it and didn’t see how I could lose. I could boast to being the youngest vampire to ever kill a slayer and I could have Andra by my side for all eternity.” “But she woke up with a soul,” Spike said to encourage him to go on. “Aye, that she did. And upset as could be over what she’d asked me to do.” Torch shook his head. “She took off and was gone for three days. When she came back, she told me that she’d gone to see her watcher and that he’d taken an oath to kill her if she was turned.” Buffy put her hands on the edge of the table. “Wait! Did you say that you saw her after she went to her watcher?” “Aye.” Buffy looked at Spike. “Her watcher said she went out into the sun and killed herself. That he saw her pile of dust.” Spike narrowed his eyes. “Andra came to you after she saw her watcher?” “Aye. If he says she walked out into the sun, he’s either a liar or he’s mistaken.” “How could she survive in the sun?” Buffy asked. Torch shrugged. “You’ll have to ask her.” Buffy gripped Spike’s arm. “Andra is still alive?”

Chapter #14 - 14. Poetry in Motion

A/N: This update is coming one day sooner than usual, because I won't be around tomorrow. My oldest daughter (I have five children) is turning thirteen tomorrow and my husband and I are both taking the day off to take the kids out for a whole day of fun. I can't believe I'm going to be the mother of a teenager! She has been a dream child and a pleasure to raise. Here's hoping that she doesn't get possessed by the teenage angst monster! Okay, enough of that RL stuff. On to what you clicked this link for. More story. But first, I want to thank my betas for all their help and encouragement. Slaymesoftly and Mabel Marsters are two of the most awesome people I've gotten to know in the fandom and I'm honored to call them my friends. And to all of those who have reviewed: Thanks a ton. I never realized how much a review meant to an author, until I became one. Soul Survivors Chapter Fourteen: Poetry in Motion Buffy gripped Spike’s arm. “Andra is still alive?” “Andra is no’ alive.” Torch firmly put his glass back on to the table and glared at Buffy. “I took her life over 380 years ago. She’s undead.” “Where has she been all this time?” Buffy asked in wonder. Why hadn’t she come into the open? “The night she came back from her watcher’s dwelling, she asked me to take her far away. She was spooked and did say that her unlife was in danger.” He shrugged. “So we moved to Italy for a spell.” Buffy glanced around the surprisingly quiet bar before staring at Torch again. She felt her first inclination to like the dour vampire sitting across from her. “So you kept her safe and hidden. Where is she now?” “Don’t know,” Torch answered in a voice devoid of emotion. “I think she’s in London. She stops by to say hello when she comes to town; she was in here a week ago.” Buffy’s inclination to like him quickly vanished. “You mean you two didn’t stay together?” “Get awa’ wi’ you. No one could put up with Andra for that long. We lasted three years.” “What happened?” “She wanted me on a leash. No killing my victims, and she pushed and nagged for me to go on pig’s blood.” He shrugged again. “I put up with her do-gooder routine for as long as I could stand it and then left her in Rome to come back here.” “You left her alone?” Spike asked. “You’ve never met Andra. She doesn’t need anybody. She floats around Europe moving every twenty years or so, so the locals won’t get suspicious when she never ages. She blends in or stays hidden and does her bit to keep crime down. She makes her way back here every now and then and stays for a few years.” He looked up at Spike and smirked. “She’s never gotten over me. When she’s here we shag and fight and have a time together, then she takes off for parts unknown.” “But she’s here in town, now?” The prospect of getting to meet the other slayer was exciting. “Yeah. Can’t say where she’s staying, because I don’t know. When she’s randy, she’ll look me up.” Buffy groaned. “Why do vampires have to be such pigs?” Torch snorted. “Why do turned slayers have to be so self righteous?” Spike chuckled as he wrote something down on a napkin before pushing it at Torch. “That’s where we’re staying. If you see Andra anytime soon, ask her to call on us. It would make Buffy happy.” “A little advice,” Torch said as they got up to leave. “Stop trying to make the lass happy. You’ll go mad trying and she’ll no’ appreciate it.” Spike smiled pleasantly. “Thanks for the tip, mate, but I’ve always been love’s bitch. I’m not about to change now.” Torch grinned back and put the folded napkin in to his shirt pocket. “It’s always the bonnie ones, too. Why can’t we fall for the auld bags? We’d at least be able to think with our brains, then.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Buffy relaxed, reclining across the red couch in the sitting room, with her head on a cushion. She reached out and put the old paper on the coffee table, before grabbing the next one on the pile. It was too early for her to be up, but she hadn’t been able to sleep. Last night had been a whirlwind of a day and her mind had kept switching from tourist stuff to their conversation with Torch and back again all night. She’d finally given up on the idea of sleep and left Spike to the bed. On her way out of the room, she’d spied the brown leather bag that held Spike’s poems. She’d been going over the pages for the last hour now and had read them all twice. Buffy grinned at the page in her hand. They weren’t very good, but she had to admire his efforts. His attempts at poetry seemed to improve once he met Drusilla and that only meant that he’d been a better poet as a vampire than a human. Buffy fingered the rough paper and her smile faded. He must have really loved her; there were so many poems about her. She’d heard him say that he loved her, had watched him act the fool for the crazy vampire, but it really didn’t mean that much to her at the time. They were soulless demons, which she knew now was dumb reasoning. Vampires could and did love. All the time. She looked over the poem, written in Spike’s neat and tight handwriting, again. All of the poems were written when he was newly turned and he was clearly infatuated with his sire. Tender by William the Bloody She favors the young and tender; Seeks them out on battered streets of anguish, Passing up the wrinkled and the worn. No hardened vein of intuition can call her out. Her ears prick at the quicker beat, And she gathers nightly. So let them free oh, town of London fair, To roam the foggy streets alone, For she shall have her fill. My plum shall surely return to me With eyes aglow and youth’s radiant smile, Swaying to unheard melodies. “I am young and tender, still,” I’ll call out to her in hopeful adoration. Hearing, she shall come before me. We’ll roll and float upon her bed of ease; The night’s fine take appeasing her, And rest in peace we shall. When sunset down has called to us, Arise and sighing, we animate To seek the tender among you once again. There were so many things wrong about the poem. Vampires searching out and killing young children. Ugh! But the lines spoke of the way he worshipped her. Buffy felt the sudden need to smash something. It was a good thing she dusted Dru. Spike was hers now. She sat up when Giles came out of his room, putting his jacket on and trying to hold onto his bag at the same time. “On your way out?” she asked. “Yes. I’m having lunch with my cousin and then we plan to make the last of those visits.” When they’d come back to the hotel last night, Giles had still been up making notes. He’d given them a brief summary of his progress and it looked good for them. The meeting was set for tomorrow night and they all hoped that word wouldn’t get to Travers before then. Buffy told him about their meeting with Torch, and he was very surprised to find out that Andra was walking around and in London. The wheels starting turning in his head right away, and he’d suggested that Andra should meet with the watchers, too. It was great evidence to show up with, if what Torch had said was true. If she were still out there hundreds of years later, helping humanity, it would prove that turned slayers did not need to be executed. It was a good idea, but they’d have to find her first. “Well, have fun,” Buffy told him. “I didn’t expect you to be up.” “Couldn’t sleep. I need even less than I did when I was a slayer.” “Aida is dying to meet you. She’s coming to collect me here. Do you mind if I let her in to say hello?” The thought of having to meet another watcher was not appealing, but it was Giles’ cousin and she would have to meet with a whole room full of them soon. She shrugged. “Sure.” Giles went back in his room for something, so Buffy took the opportunity to gather all the loose papers, carefully putting them back in the leather bag. There was a firm knock on the door and she got up, put the bag by the low table near her bedroom door and opened the front door. Buffy could not contain the smile. There was no mistaking who the woman standing on the other side of the door was. She invited her in and Aida Giles inched by her, not quite sure if she should trust her or not. “There you are.” Giles shut his door and grabbed his bag. Buffy could not believe the resemblance. She knew that the watcher stuff was generational in Giles’ family, but he’d never really mentioned Aida before. She’d seen letters on his desk with her name on the return address, but she’d been too wrapped up in the job and her own teenage angst to ask about Giles’ life. It was kind of funny how awkward the moment had become. Finally, Giles remembered his manners and introduced them. “It’s nice to meet you, Buffy. I’ve heard so many good things about you,” Aida said kindly. “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you, too.” Giles opened the door. “Well, we’d better go if we are going to make our reservations.” He smiled at Buffy. “What are your plans for tonight?” Buffy ran a hand through her hair and belatedly realized that she hadn’t brushed it when she woke up earlier. “More sight seeing. Spike and I are going to try to get to the Tower Bridge before they close the tourist stuff.” “Do wear something warm, dear.” Aida suggested. “It’s been foggy and raining off and on all day.” She smiled at her and promised to stay bundled up. She wasn’t going to point out that vampires didn’t get cold. Once she was alone again, she looked around the room, deciding what she should do. She’d never been one to sit still and just watch TV. She thought of Spike sleeping in the other room. She was getting a bit tired. If she went in right now, she’d have a couple of hours to sleep before they had to get up. The brown leather bag caught her eye as she opened the doors and on impulse, she grabbed it and brought it in with her. The room was dim, with the heavy curtains tightly shut, the quiet hum of electricity the only sound in the room. She closed the door and quickly shed her clothing, leaving a trail of it that ended with her socks by her side of the bed. She placed the collection of poetry on the end table and quietly slipped under the covers. Spike was still beside her with his face turned towards her. A few unruly curls had sprung free from the gel in his hair and she longed to reach out and touch them. She told herself that he needed his sleep, so she kept her hands to herself. Even if she couldn’t get back to sleep, at least she could enjoy the view. His eyes fluttered open and with a sleepy smile, he reached out to her. “I’m sorry I woke you.” His smile brightened. “Don’t be. It’s like waking up to heaven when I see you first thing.” “Well, it’s early still.” “Couldn’t sleep?” “No. I was out in the sitting room reading your poetry when Giles left to have lunch with his cousin.” She paused and smiled. “You won’t believe how much Giles and his cousin look alike.” Spike propped his head on an elbow. “So, you were reading that drivel that I tried to pass off as poetry?” “It wasn’t all bad. It was obvious how much in love you were with Drusilla.” “We can burn those, you know. Or throw them away.” He ran his free hand over her cheek, then through her hair. “They mean nothing to me now.” She shrugged and kissed his arm. It was hard to think when he was touching her. “Dru was the first female to ever pay attention to me, and I grabbed on to that and held tight for over a hundred years.” He chuckled. “I used to give you a hard time about how you mooned over Angel, but I was even more pathetic than you.” She frowned and pushed his hand away. “I can’t argue with you there, but did you just call me pathetic?” “You were pathetic, but so was I. Now, we’ve both come to our senses, yeah?” She just stared at him, looking bored. “I’m not good with the words, but I think you will agree that I’m very good with the actions.” A nod was all he got from her. “Give us a kiss, then.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ They did get to the Tower Bridge on time and Spike enjoyed the experience as much as she did. The tour was okay, but getting to stand on the top with her, making out with the misty rain falling on them was just incredible. He took her around and they saw some of the things they’d missed the night before, but he drew the line at riding one of those double decker buses. It was just public transportation, after all. Spike planned the sights so they’d end up near the Royal London Hotel. He didn’t try to talk her into going in and he didn’t even know why he felt the need to see it one more time. He’d run out of there one night and straight into the arms of death in the form of Drusilla. If Buffy noticed his sudden sense of melancholy, she didn’t ask about it, and he was glad. Soon after, he took her to his old place of residence. He pointed at the old building from across the street and told her that that is where he had lived for half of the year, each year of his human life. The other half had been on an estate in the country. There were lights on, and while the area was no longer the posh section of town, the place looked great to him. Buffy had suggested that they knock on the door and ask to see inside, but he just couldn’t do it. There were plenty of happy memories there, but some very bad ones, too. When he quietly asked if they could leave, Buffy put her hand in his and led them away. The last stop of the night was to the butcher’s. The shop was closed, but he worked on a lock until it popped open with ease. They slipped inside with Buffy giggling and remarking at how much fun it was. They weren’t even in there for a minute before the alarm bells went off. They rushed around and grabbed as much pig’s blood as they could and took off just as the police arrived. There was a chase, but the two overly fed men where no match for two highly motivated vampires. Spike opened one of the containers and held on to it as it leaked a trail of blood along a path. He tossed the container and they raced in another direction. It was a great diversion, even if the police only stopped to look at the stains on the pavement for just a few seconds. By the time they gave chase again, Buffy and Spike were long gone. Buffy ran ahead of him and he couldn’t help but think that she was poetry in motion. They kept running until they got to the hotel where they solemnly made their way past the watchful eyes of the hotel staff. They had to share the elevator ride to their floor, but once they got into their hotel room, they fell on each other laughing.

Chapter #15 - 15. The Lion's Den

Betas: Slaymesoftly and Mabel Marsters Soul Survivors Chapter Fifteen: The Lion’s Den Buffy paced the length of the hotel bedroom only stopping to peek out the window now and then. She was nervous. Two more hours and their suite would be overrun with Watcher Council personnel. Not her idea of fun. She smoothed her modest blue dress down for the hundredth time. It reached to mid-calf and had a relatively high neckline. No matter how she dressed, she was still a vampire, but Giles suggested that she do her best to give them a nice first impression. The hair on either side of her face was pulled back and worked into a French braid. A few shorter tendrils framed her face to give her a soft look. Giles was out with his cousin having dinner in the hotel restaurant, and Spike had been given the job of getting last minute supplies for refreshments. She glanced at the clock. He should have been back fifteen minutes ago. The store wasn’t that far from the hotel. The knock on the door effectively brought her out of her musing and stopped her pacing. Spike and Giles both had their keys. She frowned as she hesitated by the door. If it was one of those watchers, what should she do? It was way too early for one of them to show up. She opened the door a crack and then pulled it open wide in shock. A short, skinny girl in black jeans, white t-shirt and black suede jacket lined with white faux fur stood there grinning at her. Her very long and wavy hair was the very definition of strawberry blonde. Her blue eyes stood out against a pale face. “I know Americans are pretty rude, but isn’t considered bad form not to invite a girl in?” Buffy snapped out of her trance with a shake of her head. “Andra?” The girl, who looked about sixteen, spread her arms out wide. “The one and only.” Buffy stepped back to let her pass, watching the girl as she took in the room. “Very nice,” Andra conceded. Buffy was intrigued by her accent or lack there off. There was a hint of her Scottish roots, but it sounded more like Giles’ accent. It was much easier to understand than Torch’s. She motioned to the couch. “Have a seat.” Andra sat in the chair with a relaxed easiness that made Buffy envious. “So, wanted to see me, did you?” “Yes. I was surprised to hear that you were still around. Your watcher wrote in his diary that he thought that you had walked out into the sun.” Andra’s laugh was deep and hearty. “That was all his idea.” “Huh?” “He made it up, so I could go on without having to look over my shoulder. He told me about his oath, but there was no way he could do that with me having a soul and all. So, he suggested that I leave the country until that generation passed on.” “And you went to Italy?” “Aye.” Andra regarded Buffy with open curiosity. “Torch says that you are in love with Spike, The Slayer of Slayers, but that he didn’t turn you?” “That’s right.” Buffy smiled at her. “I’m really glad you decided to come see me.” A ghost of a smile graced Andra’s lips. “When Torch came looking for me, I knew it was something big. That idiot rarely moves from the bar where he parks his arse night after night.” “He’s a character.” “Aye, that he is. When he told me about you, I just had to come and see for myself.” Andra leaned her elbows on her knees, giving Buffy a long hard look. “So all slayers who are turned keep their souls?” “Yes. It was a well-kept secret until my watcher got hold of a couple of key books. One of them being your watcher’s diary.” Andra relaxed again in her chair. “My watcher thought maybe there was some kind of problem because Torch was such a young fledge. He had no idea and neither had I for all these years.” As they talked about their experiences, Buffy had to agree with Torch. They were nothing alike. Andra was all confidence and nonchalant ease. She was quick to laugh, but just as quick to get upset. When Andra got around to telling her how she went about fighting against crime, Buffy listened in shock. She was about to tell Andra what she thought when they heard noise from the hall. Spike opened the door, pausing there with bags in his arms when he saw Andra. He smiled smugly. “That explains it.” Glancing over his shoulder, he said, “Get in here.” A sheepish looking, orange haired vampire followed him into the room. “I found this genius loitering about in the hall.” Andra stood up, glaring at Torch. “I told you to stay out of my business!” “Ach! Don’t be biting me heid off, woman!” he yelled back at her and then he said, in a softer tone, “I was just making sure you’d be safe.” Andra started rambling in another language, or maybe it was a combination of languages, but it was clear that she was upset. “I got everything on the list.” Spike handed Buffy the crumpled piece of paper before putting things away in the mini bar. Andra refused to look at Torch and sat in her chair sulking. “My watcher will be back in a few minutes, so we’ll have to visit another time. Unless-” Buffy said, remembering their conversation the other night about Andra helping. “Unless what?” Andra asked. “Well, we’re having a meeting with some the Council members in a little while to get the current head guy to step down and call his watch dogs off me and my watcher. He refused to fulfill that same oath that your watcher took.” Buffy stopped and glanced at Torch. What to do with him? Torch stood with his arms crossed and watched Spike with amused fascination. “I never thought I’d see the day.” He shook his head sadly. “A vampire--a master vampire--turned into the Watchers’ Council’s errand boy.” As Spike put a bottle of scotch on the counter, he threw Torch a murderous glare. Buffy jumped up when she heard the key in the door, grabbed Torch and Andra and shoved them into her room. “Stay there! Please,” she added when they each gave her a stony glare. Her nerves were already shot and she didn’t need this. She forced a smile as she greeted Aida and Giles. The older woman had met Spike earlier, but she was still wary of him and she stayed close to the door. Spike was not helping matters. He slammed the small refrigerator closed and kicked the metal trashcan. “Errand boy,” he mumbled under his breath. With her arm around his shoulder, she led him to the bedroom. “Honey, you are making our guest nervous. Why don’t we go finish getting ready?” “Don’t take too long,” Giles said. “We need to go over strategy once more before the others arrive.” Buffy nodded before shutting the door behind them. The room was almost in complete darkness. Andra stood, looking out the window while Torch reclined on the bed. Buffy turned on the bathroom light and whispered for them all to come inside. It was a nice large bathroom, but with four vampires all squeezed in there, it didn’t seem so big. Buffy quickly went over what they should do and with minimal protests, it was agreed on. The most unhappy was Torch. He didn’t fancy being cornered in a room with a bunch of watchers having a meeting in the next room, but he realized that at this point, it was too late to leave. Buffy and Spike would go talk to Giles and let him know about Andra being in the room and that she was willing to come out and speak to the members when the time was right. As they filed out of the bathroom, Buffy remembered something. “Oh, and Andra?” When she knew for sure that the vamp was paying attention, she said, “Whatever you do, please don’t go into details about how you fight crime.” Andra broke out into a wicked smile and nodded her head in agreement. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ They’d had only fifteen minutes before their guests started to arrive to go over the plan, and most of that time was taken up with questions about Andra. Now Buffy and Spike were back in their room with the door cracked open. They had to fight for position to see the goings on. By the time Giles got things started, there were twenty people crowded into the sitting room. Giles went on and on about why they were there and Buffy giggled when she caught a short bald man standing near Giles’ bedroom door stifling a yawn. “Will that windbag ever shut his gob?” Torch whispered. “Shh,” Buffy and Spike hissed at the same time. “Buffy can you come here, please?” Giles asked, raising his voice above the chatter. Spike squeezed her hand in a show of support before she went out into the lion’s den. All eyes were on her and even through her nerves, she was able to quickly assess the situation. Some were openly curious; others a bit hostile and a few appeared to be scared. Well at least she wasn’t the only one. Once she was by Giles’ side, she waved at the group and waited for him to lead the way. “This is Buffy. She was my slayer. As I’ve told you all, she was turned by Drusilla, but she has retained her soul, just as this book says all slayers who are turned will do.” He held up the book again before placing it on the mini bar’s counter. A tall, stocky gentleman in a tan suit, who was easily the oldest in attendance, stood up. His healthy head of white hair was neatly combed, setting off his darkly tanned and weathered face. He had been sitting close to her, so he didn’t move. His brown eyes bored into hers as he studied her closely. Someone coughed and another watcher cleared her throat. “George Foster, lately of South Africa,” he offered as a greeting. “How do you do?” The man was making her uncomfortable as he watched her with eagle sharp eyes. A silence fell over the room as they all waited for her to speak. “I’m fine, thank you.” Apparently, that wasn’t the answer he was expecting if his disapproving frown was any indication. “I say. Really?” She frowned back at him. “Yes, really. I’m perfectly fine.” “And you really have a soul?” As a whole, the group behind him leaned in closer and stared at her as if she were a lab experiment. Giles came to her side. “Yes, she has a soul.” “Let her speak for herself,” the bald man standing by Giles’ door said. Rolling her eyes, she told them, “I do have a soul.” A younger woman, who was sitting in the back and looked somewhat familiar spoke up, “Do sit down, Foster.” While she glared at him, she adjusted her glasses. He glanced back. “Sorry,” he said and then took his place in the chair behind him. Buffy stared back at him in defiance when he continued to look at her with narrowed eyes. The noise level in the room increased as people started to talk amongst themselves. The bald man took a few steps forward and put his hands on the back of the couch. “How do we know that she’s even really a vampire?” he asked and set up more murmurings. Next to her, Giles sighed and rapped his knuckles against the counter to get their attention. “Now why would we lie about a thing like that?” Then they were all talking at once and Buffy had enough of it. Nerves coupled with her growing anger made the transformation of her face an easy thing to do. She got a bit of satisfaction when there were gasps all around, and then blissful silence reigned. Now she knew how Spike had felt all these years. It was a rush to see all these people just a little bit horrified and frightened. “I am a vampire and I do have a soul.” She turned her attention to Giles, who seemed a little taken back as well. “What is it with these people? Can’t we get on with this?” She turned back to the others. “Aren’t we here to discuss what to do about Travers?” Foster’s frown turned up a bit and he coughed to cover a snicker. “Yes, the vampire is quite right, but I have one question to ask her first.” He narrowed his eyes at her again and his frown returned. Crossing her arms and widening her stance, she stared boldly back at him, giving him a short nod of her head. When he was through clearing his throat, he said, “I have been the watcher to three slayers in my lifetime. All were brave and took their duties very seriously. I doubt very much that any one of them could have endured existing as you do now. What I want to know is how come you didn’t find a way to end your own existence or get your watcher to do it for you?” It took her a moment to let the question sink in. How did she explain to these strangers such personal things? Stalling a bit longer, she relaxed and closed her eyes before giving her head a quick shake. Her face went smooth and she congratulated herself for the quick transition. “I had people who cared about me. A sister who needed me and friends who depended on me.” She paused and used one booted foot to scratch at the other. “I focused on surviving so I could be there for them. I didn’t think about suicide or vampicide. What ever you want to call it.” Foster crossed his arms and leaned back in disbelief. “You are telling me that you can stand to walk around in your undead state; existing as one of the demons that you used to kill?” “Used to kill? I still do--well, I will when I get my strength up.” Again, the others began to talk amongst themselves, so she said a bit louder, “My heart does not beat.” She put her hand over her heart, and then moved it to rub her arm. “My skin is cool to the touch, but my soul is very much alive. I have a lot to live for and I’m not going to stand by and let someone end it all just because some old rule book and tradition says I shouldn’t be allowed to continue on.” A man in a gray suit behind Foster stood up. “And you expect us to what--side with a vampire over the head of the Council?” She nodded and the man sat down. “At this point, I’m asking for your help. I didn’t have a choice when I was called to be a slayer, but I choose now to live. With or without the Council’s help, I plan to be around a long time.” “The issue here,” Giles chimed in, “Is that we’ve either taken an oath or will be asked to take one in the future. One in which we have not had all the information before taking it.” He glanced around the room at his colleagues. “Are any of you here willing to take that oath now, knowing that you may one day have to kill the girl that you were charged with training and protecting. Even though she has a soul and intends to harm no one?” “You’ve got a point,” another man said. “But, I hardly think it’s Quentin’s fault that things are they way they are. This goes way back.” Foster stood up again and faced the others. “The damn fool went into a binding contract with a filthy demon to have Giles killed. I hardly think that’s the kind of behavior the leader of our Council should be partaking in.” Foster sat down and the young woman on the couch spoke again, “There is no question that we need to discuss Mr. Travers’ future with the Council, but right now I think we need answers to more questions about Miss Summers here. I can still call you Miss Summers, yes?” “Lydia,” Giles began in polite frustration, “I went over it all when I met with you individually. What can you possible still need to know about Buffy?” Consulting her notepad, she bit at the eraser on the end of her pencil. “Ah, yes. Here it is.” She looked up and directed her question to Giles. “How do we know that her soul is not a temporary thing?”

Chapter #16 - 16. Bloomin' Idiots

a/n: Betas Slaymesoftly and Mabel Marsters. Soul Survivors Chapter Sixteen: Bloomin’ Idiots From his spot behind the door in the bedroom, Spike strained to see the woman who was speaking. That voice seemed familiar. “Ah, yes. Here it is.” She paused for a moment. “How do we know that her soul is not a temporary thing?” “That’s just…ridiculous,” Giles sputtered. “I think it’s a very good question,” a bald man with thick glasses said. With notepad and pencil in hand, the woman stood up, and Spike couldn’t help but smile. Now he knew who she was. She was the watcher who had done her thesis on him. She was a weak link in the chain as far as he was concerned, and he knew where he’d be focusing his charm and powers of persuasion. She spoke again. “We know of only one other vampire with a soul and he is very unstable. Would it be wise to allow Miss Summers to continue if there is any doubt that her soul won’t go “poof” like his does?” With a wink to Torch and Andra, Spike whispered, “That’s my cue.” He cracked his neck and allowed his face to relax into a serene and innocent pose before he quietly closed the door behind him. His confidence grew as those with their backs turned to him caught the looks of shock on the faces of those who did see him and turned to stare. With all eyes on him, he took long strides until he was by Buffy’s side where he kissed her cheek. Mesmerized by the beaming smile she directed his way, Spike nearly forgot where he was. Giles cleared his throat as the vampire focused his attention on the group of tweed wearing dolts littering up the suite. “I recognize a few of you.” He directed his smile at Lydia and she gave him a tentative smile in return, before patting her hair and sitting back down. “What was your name again, pet?” “Ly…Lydia.” “You are as lovely as I remember--are those new glasses?” Nearly choking on a laugh, Spike coughed to cover it as Lydia’s whole face lit up. “Why, yes, they are new.” George Foster stood up again. “Who are you?” “Name’s Spike.” Giles cut in, “This is William the Bloody also known as Spike. You may recall hearing how he was caught by the American government’s Initiative program and had a chip implanted into his head.” “Ah, the neutered vampire.” George sat down again, frowning at him. “What is he doing here?” “Spike has a soul,” Buffy informed the group. “His is not from a curse like Angelus’ and he can’t lose it.” “This must be a new development,” another man said, “We would have heard about this otherwise.” Lydia spoke again with wonder, “If it’s not a curse, then how did you ever get a soul?” “Does it matter how he got it, or even if he’s telling the truth?” Baldy said with derision. “He was never a slayer, and if he does have a soul, he’s gotten it so recently that there is no way to judge whether he will keep it or not.” “This is stupid,” Buffy complained. “We can settle this right now. Andra!” They all looked around, and then watched as Andra slipped out of the bedroom, leaving the door open a crack for Torch to get a good view of the proceedings. Buffy met her halfway and held her hand as they walked back to Giles and Spike. Pride filled his heart as he watched Buffy take charge. “This is Andra. She was a slayer and was turned in the 1600’s. I think it’s safe to say, the soul sticks.” Giles had yet to see her and he looked on with as much avid curiosity as the others. When questions and comments started flying about the room, Spike mirrored Giles’ moves and relaxed against the mini bar to watch the chaos. Their eyes met and an unfamiliar feeling of solidarity passed between them before they both looked away. Even with the noise, all heard the pounding on the door. It continued as the room slowly quieted down. Giles scratched his head and looked around the room while walking slowly to the door. “We’re all here, aren’t we?” he asked Aida. She consulted her clipboard and did a quick inventory of the room before nodding. “Everyone who was invited is in this room right now.” Once Giles undid the locks and turned the handle, the door was pushed open and the watcher stumbled back. Quentin Travers glanced wildly about the room, slamming the door behind him. He took a deep breath and exhaled, but before he had a chance to speak, Spike had him pushed against the door with his feet a couple of inches off the ground. Spike growled and ignored the screams and sputtering of the humans behind him. It was Buffy’s voice that was able to get past his intense anger. Giles pulled on one of his arms while Buffy had the other, but he refused to let go. Travers was stock still, with his head turned and eyes squeezed shut. “Spike. Let him go, please,” Buffy pleaded. “This is not proving our case.” He could see the logic of her words, but his demon wanted to tear the bloody weasel into pieces. He slowly came to himself and still he hesitated. He had warned the man that if he tried to have Buffy or her friends harmed, that he would track him down and cause him excruciating pain. He released his grip little by little until the man was able to slip down and his feet found purchase. Quentin pushed at him, but Spike remained in place while he changed out of game face. Then, he slowly leaned in by his ear, breathing on him before whispering, “This is not over. Not by a long shot. I am a man of my word, and you will pay for what you did.” Spike backed up and when Buffy put her arms around his waist, he squeezed her back. “Sorry, love, I just lost it.” Everyone was standing up now, gawking at him in horror. Spike frowned at them all. “What would you do if someone put a hit out on your family members?” he asked them defiantly. In unison, everyone in the room let out a breath. The man in the grey suit took a step forward and tilted his head at Spike. “Let me get this straight. You are a vampire and you consider a slayer and a watcher,” he pointed to Giles, “as family?” Spike held on to Buffy. “She’s my woman and that makes the watcher sorta like my father-in-law, doesn’t it?” He shrugged. “I’ve never been conventional; having humans as family seems perfectly acceptable to me. What do you think?” Spike groaned inwardly. He was such a ponce. And there was no way he’d make eye contact with Giles at the moment. Did he just admit that he considered the man to be family? “What do I think of a vampire who considers a watcher his family and who protects him?” George Foster interrupted to ask as he glared at Spike, before a grin took over his face. “I say, call me Uncle George.” Giles made a choking noise behind Spike, and he glanced back to see the man poorly attempt to cover a laugh. He frowned and glanced back at “Uncle George”, who was still grinning at him. Then, the strangest thing happened. The room full of watchers started to snicker, snort and giggle. Spike had seen a whole lot of crazy things in his life, but this had to be at the top of the list. Travers straightened his tie and readjusted his coat while giving the room a disgusted glare. As he took a deep breath, his chest puffed out in front of him. In a loud voice, he said over the laughter, “Is this how the Watchers’ Council conducts themselves in the absence of its leadership?” The room went still as Travers slowly made his way around it. “Do we have unofficial meetings in the presence of filthy demons and air our dirty laundry?” His voice continued to rise with his indignation. “And do we hold these back stabbing meetings in cheap hotels?” “Cheap!” Aida Giles rolled her eyes and smirked at the head watcher in a way that Spike was sure would gain any vampire’s respect. “You’ll be singing a different tune when you see the bill.” “Mark my words,” Travers said in a low voice, “The Council will not be paying for these rooms.” Aida’s smirk widened into a full-blown smile. “As treasurer, I think I’m well within my rights to authorize such an expense.” Andra snorted and Travers glared at her. She bugged her eyes out at him and put up two fingers. “I don’t like you, and you’ve a face like a skelpit erse.” “Aye!” A voice in the bedroom agreed. Spike stepped forward and to cover Torch’s loud exclamation, he said, “I have to agree with Strawberry here. Your face does resemble a smacked arse.” Travers frowned at her. “Who are you?” “Just another vampire,” she answered with a sneer. “If you’re feeling peckish,” Spike said as he pointed at Travers, “You are welcome to this one.” Travers’ glared at him but backed down to appeal to the others in the room. “This cannot continue. Watcher Council business should be conducted within our building and in an official manner.” “I couldn’t agree more,” Foster said with narrowed eyes. “Let’s reconvene tomorrow in the conference room. We have much to discuss.” The others nodded in agreement and Travers perked up. “Good, then. Tomorrow at 9:00 A.M. sharp.” Giles cleared his throat. “I…I think 9:00 P.M. would be more appropriate as some of those who will need to be in attendance cannot safely move about in the daylight.” “The vampires are not invited!” Travers yelled in a display of temper. “We kill vampires and rid the world of their kind of filth; we don’t invite them up for tea! With forced politeness, Lydia said, “They are essential to our discussion and they must testify before just decisions can be made.” “You would allow these vile abominations to enter our building and walk our halls?” he asked the room in disbelief. “The vampires are invited,” Foster said in a tone that brooked no argument. When the others agreed with their silence, Travers backed down, turned on his heel and exited the room without another word. A couple of watchers approached Andra and began asking her questions. A few others gathered their things to leave, including the bald watcher with glasses. Giles shook his hand, “It was good to see you again, Albert.” The man nodded and left quickly. Buffy stepped away from Spike and Mr. Foster as they discussed the demon in Africa that Spike had gone to see to get his soul. Spike kept an eye on her as she smiled and talked with three watchers until Foster stopped speaking and acknowledged Lydia who had sidled up to them. Spike graced her with a genuine smile. “’lo there.” “I…I just wanted to say my goodbyes.” She shyly averted her gaze from him and nodded at Foster. “I shall see you both tomorrow at the meeting.” Spike grabbed her hand before she could turn away from them. It trembled, but he gallantly ignored that as he brought it to his lips and kissed the back of it. “It was a pleasure to see you again, pet.” ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Using a folded handkerchief, Albert Haynes wiped the sweat off his head. He stepped out of the elevator and glanced around, his eyes darting every which way. “Here,” Travers whispered and waved at him as he peeked around a corner in the lobby. They huddled together in the secluded hallway. “Thanks for the tip, my good man,” Travers said to him. “Think nothing of it,” Albert told him. “Vampires with souls; vampires without souls. It’s all the same and they all need to be eliminated.” “I couldn’t agree with you more. And when this is all taken care of, you will have Aida Giles’ job.” Albert smiled. He’d secretly hoped for a promotion. “Let’s get out of here,” Travers said while looking around to make sure the coast was clear. “When we get to Nigel’s, you can tell us both all that transpired up there and we can come up with a plan to thwart them.” ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Shutting the door behind her, Buffy took stock of things. Torch was getting restless and he paced back and forth across the carpet. Andra relaxed on the bed as if she hadn’t a care in the world. Spike was still talking with Aida and Giles. The others had all left. She was ready to have Spike all to herself again and she hoped that he could somehow get Aida to leave and get Giles to go to his room. Then Torch could slip out unseen and take Andra with him. “With a smile like that, I’m wondering what you are thinking about,” Andra said with a knowing smile of her own. Spike came into the room. “I convinced Giles that he should walk his cousin to a taxi. If Torch is to leave undetected, he’d better do it now.” “’S about time. You’d be calling me a bampot if you kept me caged up here much longer.” Torch paused by the bedroom door. “Ye comin’, woman?” Andra stayed in her spot on the bed. “Go away with you now. I’ll leave when I’m good and ready.” When he just stood there glaring at her, she sat up and flipped her hair behind her. “I want to have a chat with my new friend here.” “Ach, I’ll be in the lobby, then; waiting.” Buffy glanced at Spike in alarm. She wouldn’t want Torch to snack on the other hotel guests while he waited. Spike understood her look and slapped Torch on the back. “I’ll come and keep you company. We can have a chinwag and give the girls some time.” Buffy felt a little self-conscious when, with Torch looking on curiously and maybe a little wistfully, Spike pulled her in a for a gentle hug. He nuzzled her neck and place a light kiss on the tip of her nose before giving her a soft kiss on the lips and then whispering, “I can’t wait to spend some time alone with you, love.” Once the men were gone, Andra got up and sat in the yellow chair across from Buffy. “Your, Spike,” she began, “He’s a right pretty man, he is.” With a far off look, Buffy smiled. “I’ve thought of him as beautiful before, but I don’t know how he’d feel about being called pretty.” “It’s good that you are not alone.” Buffy detected the sadness in her voice. “You aren’t alone either. You have Torch.” Andra shrugged, “I don’t spend a lot of time with him. He can’t behave himself and I can’t live with that.” “It must be tough.” Buffy was completely sympathetic. For three hundred years, things hadn’t changed for Andra. It made her realize just how special Spike was. It had taken a chip to rein him in, but once he’d fallen in love with her, they could have taken that chip out at any time and she knew without a doubt that he would have continued to try to be good for her. ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Torch and Spike waited until Giles got into the elevator to go back upstairs before finding an empty couch in the lobby to lounge on. They watched the people walking by, and Torch rubbed his stomach from time to time. It had been a long while since he’d fed, but the look on Spike’s face encouraged him to hold off a little longer. “So, this thing about a soul?” Torch asked, trying to get his mind off dinner. “Is it true?” “Yep.” “Now, why would you go and do a bloody thing like that?” Spike shrugged. “What can I say? I’ve always been love’s bitch.” “You did it for the girl?” he asked incredulously. “Are you daft?” The pointed look Spike gave him was unnerving. “If you love someone enough, you can do just about anything.” “I heard you tell that old man that you went to Africa?” Torch asked attempting to sound nonchalant. “Planning a trip to Africa, are you?” It was Torch’s turn to shrug. “Maybe the thought crossed my mind.” ~ * ~ *~ *~ *~ Andra spotted them right away. Their orange and white heads stood out in the posh lobby, and she giggled when she noted that she wasn’t the only one who thought so. The vampires ignored the people going by with their noses in the air. Good for them. They didn’t even notice when she walked up. They had their heads together and they were bent over a low table. She leaned over trying to see what Spike was writing down, but Torch got a whiff of her scent and quickly folded the napkin and shoved it into his pocket. Spike stood up and nodded to Andra before telling Torch that he knew how to contact him if he needed anything more. She watched Spike swagger across the lobby and disappear around a corner. “So, what was that all about?” she asked. “Nothing to worry your pretty little head over.” The vampire was insufferable. She glared at him to let him know that she was not happy, but after a few hundred years, such a look had no effect on him. “I didn’t ask you to wait here for me. I can get on fine without you and I have for a long time.” Torch glared back at her and stood up. He came around the couch and loomed over her before his countenance softened. “With all those watcher wankers roaming about, I mean to make sure you get home safely.” “I’ve survived this long and mostly on my own. I don‘t think I need an escort home.” She folded her arms across her chest and attempted to look as if his words did not affect her. The air around them got thick with tension and Torch’s lip twitched. He seemed to be debating whether to hit her or kiss her. She hoped he’d do the latter. Instead, his gaze softened and he closed his eyes for a few seconds. When he finally looked at her again, she was taken back by the tenderness she saw there. “You’re m’ childe,” he said. “I’ll not let anything happen to ya.” Torch scratched at his elbow. “I mean to see you home. Those bloomin’ idiots that were up in that room are sneaky, evil bastards.” She blinked at the tears that were threatening to form and hardened herself against him. “And what are you, then?” He looked away, fighting his own emotions. “Let’s go.” They went on quietly until they reached her place. “So, are you coming in?” she asked him coyly. He leaned down and mashed his lips against hers, letting a small moan escape before telling her, “There are some things that need seeing to tonight.” He gazed into her eyes. “Wait up for me?” Andra nodded. “I’ll be here.” Letting out a long sigh, she watched him saunter off before she went inside. ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Torch didn’t much like interacting with humans. They were food and he didn’t play with his-but he’d made exceptions in the past and he’d make one now. He prowled around for an hour until he found the right element for his needs. As hungry as he was, the dirty, foul smelling wretch of a man was no temptation for him, and after a bit of conversation, he got the name of the local bloke who dealt in illegal arms. Once he found the man in question, he followed him until he was alone, jumped him and forced the man to take him to his stash of weapons. Torch had to show him his real face in order to properly scare him into complying. He forced the blubbering big oaf to show him how to load the gun and shoot it. Once he was sure he had the instrument of death down pat, he untied the man and gave him a fair shot at getting away. Then he hunted the criminal down and tore into his neck. He berated himself for eating like a soddin’ fledge, but his hunger was going on painful and he was in a hurry to get back to Andra.

Chapter #17 - 17. Watching Their Backs

Betas: Slaymesoftly and Mabel Marsters Soul Survivors Chapter Seventeen: Watching Their Backs With bed sheets tangled up around their legs, they lie together in the quiet late afternoon. Buffy ran a hand through Spike’s hair and was rewarded with a deep rumbling sound of appreciation. With his eyes closed and his cheeks sucked in, the look of pure pleasure on his face reminded her of what Andra had said last night. “Andra’s right. You are a pretty man.” The rumbling stopped and he slowly opened his eyes to glare at her. Ooh, now he looks even prettier with those blue eyes blazing with indignation. She smiled at him. “Take that back. I am not pretty.” “Nope.” “Then you give me no choice. You must be punished until you admit that I am no pretty boy.” She shook her head in defiance, eyes shining with mischief; giggling as he tore the sheet off them and began unmercifully tickling and pinching her all over. Her squeals of laughter rang out into the room as she fought back with nipping fingers of her own. Through his deep laughter, he demanded that she take back her proclamation that he was pretty. Buffy screeched when he pinched a nipple, and yelled, “Never, pretty boy!” Then, with an evil laugh, she flipped them over until he was on his back. The double doors rattled with Giles’ knock, and he followed the pounding by yelling, “Keep it down in there!” They stilled and Spike raised a playful brow up at her. “I bet I can make you scream first.” “Oh, no way. I can so make you scream first,” Buffy challenged back with a raised eyebrow of her own. He tossed her off and pushed her on to her back. “The challenge is on then.” As he moved lower, she gripped his head to stop him. “No way. You can’t do that. That’s an unfair tactic.” Spike smirked at her. “I’m a vampire, love. I don’t play fair.” She continued to grip his head and smiled prettily at him. “That makes sense, but seeing as how I’m a vampire too, I guess I don’t have to play fair either.” Taking advantage of her new ability to move in fast forward, she sat up and stretched until she reached her goal. His eyes widened when she palmed his balls in a tight grip. She paused there. “We didn’t establish methods of expectable screamage getting, but since we’re vampires and we don’t play fair, that wouldn’t have mattered anyway, right?” When her grip tightened, he winced. “Don’t do it! You win! You win!” Buffy pouted, “But I didn’t get to make you scream yet.” Then she squeezed a little tighter. His eyes got wider, and opening his mouth, he put forth a pathetic excuse for a fake scream. He smiled at her. “See, screams. Ahhhhh. All done. Let go, please.” When the phone rang, she let go to grab the receiver from the bedside table. “Hello? Yes, that’s fine. We‘ll accept the charges for the call.” While she was put on hold, she told him, “Saved by the bell.” She smiled at Spike, thinking that he looked like a Playgirl centerfold. He was lying on his side with an elbow on the pillow and his head in his palm. His platinum hair was wild and sticking up in some places while curly in others. He was semi-hard and she got aroused just watching him. “What? Oh, yes. Charge it to that same account,” she told the operator. He caressed her thigh as she gazed at him with hungry eyes. Sitting up straight, she said, “Dawnie! Hi, sweetie. Weren’t you supposed to call in two hours?” Spike went on his stomach and reached around on the floor until he found his t-shirt and jeans. He sat up and slipped them on. As Dawn went on and on about things back at home, Buffy grinned at him, covering the mouthpiece. “It’s not like she can see that you’re naked.” “Shhhh,” he said with a finger over his lips. “She might hear you.” Then he whispered, “I won’t talk to your little sister while I’m starkers. Whether she can seem me or not, ’s not right.” He glared at her when she giggled. “How is she doing?” “Just a minute, Dawn.” She put her hand on the receiver once more. “She says she has a boyfriend.” “Give me that phone.” He grabbed it from her. “Dawn? It’s good to hear your voice, too. What’s this I hear about a boyfriend?” ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ The water was never hot enough anymore. Steam rose up and over the frosted glass door, yet she still felt the need to play with the knobs again. As the bathroom door opened and closed, she couldn’t help but smile. Buffy knew he’d hurry up the phone call, once he heard the shower going. Spike slipped in and ducked under the spray. Water rippled over his hair, over his face, and down his sculpted torso. She licked her lips. Thirst had been a part of her existence since she woke up to her new “life”, but this was the first time she’d felt thirsty for a little water. “Dawn sounded happy?” Buffy asked him. “Yes. I know she misses you, but she seems pretty busy with all that school stuff.” He glared at her. “And, that wasn’t funny. She does not have a boyfriend.” Buffy lathered up the soap in her hands before placing it back in the dish and rubbing them over Spike‘s chest. “She’s lucky to have you looking out for her; but you know, she’s going to get a boyfriend soon.” Her smile faded. “She’s going to grow up, have her first heartbreak, get married, and have kids.” Hugging her to him, he asked, “What’s the matter, love?” She leaned her head on his chest, not caring that it was soapy. Sometimes, when she thought about the future, she got a little depressed. “She’s going to get old and I’m not. Most likely, I’ll see her grow up and die, but I’ll be just the same.” “I’m sorry that you don’t get to have that kind of life.” “That’s not it. I never thought I would have any of that. I was the Slayer; it was never going to happen. But it’s just sad to think that I’m going to have to watch her grow up, but I won’t grow old with her.” He hugged her and then put her at arms length so he could look her in the eyes. “No more of that. We can’t change anything, can we?” When she shook her head, he smiled softly at her. “Cheer up. We’ve almost got this thing with the Council wrapped up, and we can go home soon. Things are looking good, yeah?” It was such a nice feeling to have him here with her. He was so attentive, caring and good to her. Again, she wondered why she fought him for so long. “You’re right. Things are good and I’m glad I’m here with you.” She smiled. “I don’t know if I’m ready to go home yet. You still have to show me more of London and we are so close to Paris. Couldn’t we go to Paris?” The groan that Spike let out was very unexpected. “I’ll take you to Paris, if you promise not mention shopping or bug me every other minute about it.” Buffy tilted her head and smiled curiously at him. “Old baggage.” Spike explained. “That’s all Harmony would talk about, and she made me nutters with her pleas for me to take her to Paris.” Snickering, she said, “I have to admit, your taste in women has really improved, and I promise not to bug you about Paris.” ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * Spike and Buffy waited for Andra on the steps outside the imposing Watchers’ Council building. Giles had already gone in, and they stood arm in arm, keeping an eye out for her. The street they were on was relatively quiet and they could see them coming from quite a distance. “This isn’t good. Torch shouldn’t be here,” Spike said with a frown. Buffy watched them walking together quickly. Torch wore a long grey trench coat that billowed out behind him like a cape. “Maybe he’s here to support Andra.” “I’m sure he is, but they’re barely tolerant of us. A vampire without a soul won’t go down well or do us any good in that meeting.” As the two approached, Spike prepared for an argument. “Don’t bother,” Andra said as Torch opened the door for her. “You’ll not get him to change his mind.” They followed them in, and Spike started right away. “You can’t go up there with us.” Torch finished taking in the lay of the lobby before turning to Spike with a stoic expression. “I have no intention of going into a small room with a bunch of watchers.” He pointed to the mint green couch. “I didn’t survive as long as I have by being a glory hound like you. I’m going take my ease right here and wait for her. I trust that you will look out for Andra in there?” Spike nodded. Andra glared at Torch. “I told you, old man, I din’na need protection. I can take care of myself.” Buffy stepped up to the agitated vampire, placing a hand on her shoulder. “It never hurts to have someone watching your back. We’ll all look out for each other, okay?” Placing her arm fully around her shoulder, Buffy guided Andra to follow Spike, who was already on his way past the front desk. “Andra.” Torch called out. Buffy watched her go to him. Even with her enhanced hearing, she couldn’t make out what they said, but it seemed so private that she was glad she couldn’t. Torch clasped her hand in his and leaned down to kiss her. Andra worked to free her hand from his, then wrapped her arms around him and fiercely kissed him back. Turning away from the couple, Buffy caught the look of impatience Spike was throwing their way. Andra jogged back to them. “Sorry.” Spike turned and mumbled, “They’ve probably started without us.” ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ The meeting had started without them, but someone had set aside three metal chairs for them towards the door. The large oval table in the ornate and antique meeting room was overflowing with Council personnel. Travers was presiding from the farthest end of the table, and he stopped in mid sentence when his secretary opened the door for the trio of vampires. Spike glared at the group and insolently sat in the middle chair, gesturing for the girls to take their seats. Even though the situation was pretty tense, Giles looked right at home at the table next to his Cousin. He gave her a small encouraging smile, before sobering up again and focusing on the person who was currently speaking. Buffy really tried to keep up with everything, but being so far back and not being able to see everyone’s face put her at a disadvantage. The watchers were polite, each waiting for their turn to speak until Foster decided he’d had enough with the formalities. “Let’s get down to the business at hand, shall we?” he said loudly. Then the argument was on. Not about souled vampires, but as to whether Travers should resign or not. Mass opinion, with the exception of a few, was that he should step down. Many suggested that it was time for him to retire. A man that Buffy recognized from the Watchers’ visit to review her when she was dealing with Glory stood up. He was dark skinned and tall and she remember that she’d thrown a sword at him when he had interrupted her once. “Quentin has kept the Council running like a well oiled machine all these years. I can’t believe that you are all turning on him now.” He paused for effect and glared at the stony faces looking back at him. “What’s he done? He’s tried to deal with a rogue watcher who refused to honor the oath that he took to follow the traditions and safe guard us all from a turned slayer.” George Foster spoke up again, “Do sit down, Nigel.” He shuffled some papers and waited for the man to do as he asked. “The troubles with Travers go way back, and this latest incident is the last straw for me.” Quentin cleared his throat. “If you have an issue with me, you should have taken it up with me privately, like a man.” He changed subjects. “I think we are here to discuss what to do with those…creatures intruding on our meeting.” Buffy’s hand went out and squeezed Spike’s knee before he could get up. She shook her head at him, and he relaxed again. They were all talking and shouting at once. A few of the more passive members were leaning back in their chairs in exasperation. Aida stood up. “That is enough! All of you, shut up!” The room fell silent, and Buffy giggled when Spike’s clear voice cut through the quiet. “I like her.” “That goes for you, too, mister.” Aida smiled at Spike before turning her wrathful gaze back on the group around the table. After that, things went calmly as they discussed what to do with Travers. After hearing opinions back and forth, Travers got everyone’s attention and with confidence demanded that it be put to a vote. He showed no emotion as the overwhelming vote for his resignation went against him with just Nigel, Albert, and a few others voting in his favor. Lydia said softly, “Early retirement is not a bad thing.” Quentin got up. “My resignation papers will be in my secretary’s hands before the night is out.” Then he quietly closed the door behind him. They all heaved a collective sigh of relief before going on with matters of importance. Buffy had her turn to speak and answer questions. Spike said a few words as well, but Andra was the main attraction. Her young form was deceptive, but soon the room was filled with quiet respect as Andra spoke with an air of confidence and age. At the rate they had been going, they could have been there all night, asking the ancient vampire questions. Aida suggested that they have Andra come back another time to have an informal interview with a few of the watchers, to get more information. With the vampires looking on as they sat in their metal chairs, the Council continued with their business. After listening to Giles speak about how harmless the souled vampires were and how helpful they could be to the cause, it was decided that major changes needed to be made in the Council’s procedures covering the turning of a slayer. A committee was formed to go over the book that Aida had given Giles. Changes to the oath and the way they conducted business would be examined and recommended changes would be brought to the Council, as a whole, in one month‘s time. As a group, they agreed that the souled vampires should be left alone and that Giles would not be taken to task for not fulfilling his oath. They asked him to stay on the Council and to go back to Sunnydale to continue working with Faith; which he agreed to do, with pay for himself and his new slayer. Before they convened the meeting, George Foster suggested that they take a vote to have Aida installed as the new Head of the Council. Giles smiled proudly at his cousin as the vote was taken. When the meeting was officially over, Aida sat at the table in shock, watching the others as they took their leave. Aida got up to collect her things. As George passed her, she stopped him. “I can’t believe that you didn’t want this job for yourself. I thought for certain that you would.” Giles and the three vampires looked on, just as curious to know the answer. “I’m too old to run this thing. In fact, once I knew a competent person was in charge, I planned to put in for retirement. I’m going on seventy-five and I’m well over due for some peace and rest.” He grinned at her. “My request for retirement will be on your desk tomorrow, alongside Quentin’s resignation.” With that, he walked out of the room. After congratulating Aida on her promotion, the vampires parted ways with the two Watchers, leaving Giles to help Aida pack her stuff for the eventual move to her new, bigger office. Buffy felt a sense of relieve that it was finally over. It was bad enough that they’d be fighting demons alongside Faith once they were back in Sunnydale. She didn’t need to have to look over her shoulder for Council employees with stakes in their hands. Spike was very quiet beside her as they went down the stairs and through the hall that led to the lobby. He still seemed to be on high alert, and she could feel the tension coming off him. Even so, she talked cheerfully with Andra. As they came into the hallway, Torch stood up and smiled at Andra. No matter how they acted, it was obvious how much they loved each other. Torch’s smile suddenly vanished as his eyes widened. “Spike!” he yelled out in warning as he pulled a black hand gun from his trench coat and aimed it their way. Before she could process what was going on, Spike knocked Buffy and Andra to the floor, covering them with his own body. From her spot under Spike, Buffy could now see the two men who had come in to the lobby behind them. Travers and Albert held crossbows; wooden bolts whizzed above the three prone vampires, bouncing against the walls. Torch aimed the gun, firing off three quick shots. Albert went down with blood oozing from a wound to his head. Travers removed a bloody hand from the wound in his side and cursed before getting one more shot off. They watched in horror as the thin bolt flew above them and hit Torch, driving through his heart. Andra struggled underneath Buffy and an agonized, “Nooooooo!” split the air as her lover burst into dust before their eyes. Travers dropped his weapon and fell to his knees; the spot of blood forming on the lower side of his shirt was spreading rapidly. He closed his eyes and slid to the floor, where he remained still. Spike jumped up, in game face, as Andra pushed Buffy off. Buffy frantically tried to hold both of them back from going after the bodies lying on the floor just inside the lobby. Andra made a strangled noise in her throat and Buffy pleaded with Spike, “Help me with her, please.” Spike took one more look at the men lying on the ground and reluctantly turned back, pushing the demon down and morphing back to his human look. He got his arms around Andra just as she got loose from Buffy. When the fight went out of the distraught vampire, Buffy took her from Spike and pulled her in a tight embrace. She whispered words of comfort as her own tears fell freely. People rushed in from the halls, and shouts for an ambulance echoed in the lobby from a man who declared that Travers still had a heartbeat. Giles ran into the lobby and around the fallen bodies. He was wild-eyed until his gaze landed on Buffy, then he expelled a relieved breath as he rushed to her. With gratitude shining in his eyes, he hugged Buffy even though she was already holding on to a shocked Andra. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” the watcher said. “Travers,” Spike growled as he glared at the fallen man. “He tried to kill us.” Giles let go of Buffy, who then loosened her hold on Andra. Brushing away the tears in her eyes, she swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Torch.” Buffy managed to say. “He saved us.”

Chapter #18 - 18. Survivors

Betas: Slaymesoftly and Mabel Marsters Soul Survivors Chapter Eighteen: Survivors The sirens seemed far away, and even as the medical personnel rushed into the lobby, Buffy still felt like it was all surreal. Andra was in a state of shock. She didn’t cry; she just watched impassively as the men worked on securing Travers to the gurney. Another medic covered Albert Haynes with a blanket and called for the coroner. “Let’s get you two out of here,” Spike said softly, trying to guide Andra away. She stood rooted to the spot and followed the gurney with her eyes as it went by. Travers was still unconscious and it didn’t look good for him; not that Buffy cared. He deserved to die, and she hoped that he would. Suddenly, Andra began to move. She went quickly across the lobby, and they followed her down the steps. Andra hugged her arms around herself as she watched the ambulance doors close on Travers. “We’re taking him to the Royal Brompton Hospital,” one of the medics told the small group forming at the steps before he hopped in the ambulance sped away. The crowd slowly dispersed, and when they were alone on the steps, Buffy turned to Giles. “Travers can’t get away with this.” “What are we supposed to do? Go to the police and say that Quentin Travers killed a vampire?” He spoke the words softly, but Andra gave a strangled cry and began pounding her fists on Giles’ chest. They quickly subdued her and she let out racking sobs as Spike held her tightly and spoke soothingly to her. Buffy and Giles walked a few steps away, speaking together quietly for a minute before Giles went back into the building to sit with Aida. Andra was silent again, but she let Spike hold her. Buffy put her hand on the grieving vampire’s shoulder and exchanged a look with Spike. What were they supposed to do with her now? “You should come back to the hotel with us,” Buffy told her. Andra shook her head slowly and stepped back from them both, wiping at her face with one hand. “That’s right,” Spike agreed. “You shouldn’t be by yourself.” With suffering and regret in her eyes, Andra said, “No. I need to be alone right now.” “Wait!” Buffy said. “We’ll be going home soon, and I’d like to see you at least one more time before I go.” Andra nodded. “I’ll come by the hotel tomorrow night.” They stood side by side, arms linked and watched Andra shuffle slowly down the street. When she was out of sight, they turned into each other for a tight embrace. Buffy held on to him, clutching his duster for fear that he’d disappear right before her eyes. “Let’s get out of here,” he murmured into her neck. ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Shortly after sundown, the next night, Andra casually slipped past the doors and into the Royal Brompton Hospital. Squinting, she shielded her eyes from the florescent lights. No one paid her any mind as she slowly made her way around. Andra was good at the hunt, and patience was one of the virtues she excelled at. She’d had hundreds of years to perfect her techniques. No evil thing that she was after could escape her. She located him thirty minutes later on the fourth floor. He was alone with his eyes closed when she found him. Andra stood over him for a minute and watched him sleep, his chest rising and falling in peaceful slumber as the machines he was attached to droned and beeped on. Andra’s face was a mask of indifference, but her hands clenched at her sides. She bent down to whisper in his ear, “Not long now, Quentin Travers.” The man did not move or open his eyes, and she hoped that when the time was right that he would be awake to see her. She stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her, and searched for a good spot to wait. She kept vigil around the corner, only peeking out when she heard steps in the hall a couple of minutes later. A nurse went into his room. Minutes passed, and then the nurse shut the door behind her and walked away. Once she was sure the coast was clear, Andra slipped back into his room. She watched him as she closed the door behind her. Travers’ eyes were closed, but he was beginning to stir. She grabbed a chair to shove against the door handle. With the hourly nurse’s visit out of the way, she was relatively sure that she had time, but it would not be good to be interrupted while she was at work. Soundlessly, she walked the few steps to stand beside his bed. She willed him to open his eyes, and when they fluttered open she was rewarded with a look of sheer terror. She knocked the call button off the bed. It swung back and forth, hanging on its wire by her legs. Travers opened his mouth to yell, but she was too quick for him. Her hand was on his mouth before he could get a sound out. She was careful to make sure not to block his nose. She wanted him awake and coherent. “Shh, now,” Andra told him in a cold voice while glaring at him with steely blue eyes. “You wouldn’t want to reopen your wound and spill all that lovely blood, would ye?” As drugged as he was, his hands moved in slow motion to grip her arm, but even at full strength, he wouldn’t have been able to move her hand from his mouth. The watcher let out strangled, mumbling sounds, but she just ignored him. The monitors clicked and the beeping picked up speed. “Do you know what a turned slayer, with a soul, does with all her time when she has hundreds of years?” Other than his eyes getting wider, he showed no intention of acknowledging her words. “I’ve been all over Europe, keeping the human population safe from evil bastards - both demon and human.” She inhaled the scent of fear in the room and glared at him again. “Yes, I have no problem killing a human being. The evil ones, that is; the ones who seem to get away with murder.” The monitors went crazy as he tried to shake his head. She knew she didn’t have much time before the monitors going off the charts would have someone hurrying to check on him. “You, sir, are an evil bastard, and I can’t allow you to get away with murder.” He continued to shake his head while he dug his fingernails into the flesh of her arm. “Oh, yes! Your blood is going to taste bitter going down, but I’ll relish this one like none other. ‘Tis true.” She made sure he saw her transformation into the demon; then used a hand to jerk his head to the side. Without pausing, she fell upon him and sank sharp fangs into his neck. She shook her head and ripped at his flesh. The clean white pillow was soon stained red. Travers kicked at the sheets and hit her back with his fists, but to no avail. A spot began to form on his hospital gown as the stitches from his gunshot wound burst open with his exertion. The beeping of the monitor slowed and then failed altogether, the long tone signaling his end and bringing a bit of calm to her. When she was sure she’d taken enough, she yanked her head back, with fangs still embedded, at an angle in the flesh so that the wound would not look so much like a vampire bite. She stared coldly down at the body of the man that had taken everything from her as she wiped her mouth on a sheet. Then suddenly, she was moving at hyper speed. She tossed the chair away from the door, flung it open and zipped down the hall. Once she was near the stairwell, she slowed her steps. She could hear yelling and calls for assistance from a nurse. Andra spit a few times as she made her way out of the hospital. She wanted the taste in her mouth gone, but at the same time, she needed it there. ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Buffy was emotionally, if not physically exhausted. Last night, they’d been up until after dawn, furiously making love to each; trying to cling to the reality of here and now. They were both still on the earth, they were together and they could still love each other. As she got dressed, she remembered that night, not so long ago, when Spike had come into her bathroom. He’d told her that love was passion and that it burned. She’d said that she didn’t want to be consumed. Now she realized that he was right. Better to be consumed by the power of intense love than to be consumed by the world at large. Her hand went to her collarbone where she rubbed a finger over the smoothed edges of the emerald. Spike was not in the room when she woke up. She hurriedly shoved her feet into her boots to go find him, but she didn’t have to look far, as he was in the sitting room. His back was to her as he sat on the couch and leaned over the coffee table. A bottle of single malt scotch, two half-filled glasses, a pile of cash and a set of playing cards lay between him and Giles. The watcher sat in the chair on the other side of the table, concentrating on his hand. “Hurry it up, old man. I want to win this hand sometime before you up and die, cuz I know I’m not in the will.” “Do shut up. I can’t think when you do that,” Giles said. Buffy smiled at them as she came around the couch to sit next to Spike. “You’re not cheating are you?” Spike smiled brightly at her and she basked in the wake of his love for her. “Good evening, kitten. Thought maybe you’d sleep through until tomorrow.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “And no, I’m not cheating. Don’t have to with him.” Giles looked at them over his cards with resignation. “I don’t know if I should be insulted by that or not?” Buffy grinned at him. “It’s Spike; be insulted.” The watcher grinned back at her and placed his cards on the table before leaning back into his chair in smug victory. “Don’t under estimate your opponent.” “Hmpt,” was all Spike would say as he tossed his cards down. Giles grabbed the bills on the table and pocketed them while Buffy frowned at Spike. “I hope that wasn’t our Paris trip money.” “No worries, love. I won more than I lost,” Spike said as he patted his bulging jean pocket. Then he used the remote to turn the TV on, while Giles cleaned up the cards and took the bottle and glasses back to the mini bar. It was all so domestic and she mused about how strange their lives had become. It was a good strange, but she never would have guessed that this is how they would have ended up. “So what are the plans now?” she asked them. After Giles moved his chair back in place and took a seat, he said, “I have my ticket for the night after tomorrow. We’ll leave for the airport right before sunset. You’ll have to take the Underground again by way of the sewer system from the hotel basement. The thought of going through those disgusting sewers again made Buffy crinkle her nose. “Yuck, but do we have to leave so soon?” Spike held her hand. “’Fraid so, pet. We’ll do Paris tomorrow night, but we’ll only have a few hours if we want to get back before daylight.” “I got a call from Faith early this morning.” Giles adjusted his glasses and leaned back. “There’s increased demon activity, and it seems to be centered around the new high school. I think she’s going to need all of our help. We really need to get back.” “Dawn didn’t mention that when she called,” Buffy countered. “After so many years with a slayer for a sister, I doubt the usual pick up of activity in the fall would even faze the girl,” Giles said. “He’s got a point there,” Spike said. Breaking news interrupted the program on the television. Giles grabbed the remote to turn up the volume. A male reporter squinted past the lights shining down on him to stare directly into the camera as police activity went on behind him. “We’ve just had reports that a wild animal or…something is on the loose somewhere inside the Royal Brompton Hospital behind me.” He pressed his earpiece closer to him and paused before nodding. “One death has now been confirmed. Somehow this animal found its way to the fourth floor without being seen by anyone and attacked a man who was brought in just last night with gun shot wounds.” Turning to point at the large structure, the reporter said, “Hospital officials have locked down the building and police are not letting anyone in. They are evacuating patients as fast as they can and barricading staff in with patients who are too ill to leave their beds…” Giles turned the volume down and the three of them stared at one another, dumbfounded. “You don’t think--” Spike started. “Yeah, I do.” Buffy got up to get her jacket. She should have seen this coming. They had to find her. A light knock on the door had them all pausing. Buffy was closest to it, so she changed direction and opened it. Andra stood on the other side. “Don’t look so surprised,” she told Buffy. “I told you I’d come tonight to say goodbye.” Spike stood with Buffy as Andra stepped over the threshold. “Seems you’ve been a busy girl.” He pointed to the TV screen as Giles turned up the sound. “Looks like you’ve already been out calling.” Andra narrowed her eyes at the screen. “That man was a criminal, and I saw no justice for his crimes in the near future.” They were all silent, but Giles frowned at her with the type of disapproval that Buffy guessed Andra’d seen from her own watcher a few times before she had been turned. Andra gestured with her hands in agitation. “That bastard was going to kill your slayer.” Her voice rose. “He killed my lover!” Andra continued to glare at Giles as the phone rang. Spike picked it up. “Hello. Yes. Here he is.” He held the phone out for Giles, “It’s Aida wanting to know if you’d seen the news yet.” “I’ll take it in my room.” Once Giles was gone, Andra relaxed her stance and sighed as she watched the reporter on TV. “You can’t blame me for wanting to rid the world of that filth.” Then she spit, and Buffy crinkled up her nose. “And, don’t you be telling me that I shouldn’t harm a human. There be evil out there in all types of forms. There’s a slayer out there to do the demon hunting, but no one to hunt down the evil humans.” Spike put his arm around Buffy. “I, for one, am glad you did it. I say good riddance and thanks for saving me a trip.” If the situation had been different, if it was Spike who took a stake to the heart, what would she have done? Buffy knew the answer and she couldn’t fault Andra for what she’d done. Once they were settled on the couch and Andra in the chair, Buffy asked, “What do you plan to do now?” “What can I do? I’ll stick around London for awhile and then I’ll go off and find a town that needs me.” She shrugged, and said wistfully, “It’s been years since I’ve been back to Scotland. Perhaps I’ll go there.” The two blonds exchanged looks before Spike nodded at Buffy. She glanced at Andra with a hopeful expression. “You could come back with us.” A look of pleasant surprise crossed the girl’s face before she closed it off. She slipped into her Scottish accent and said, “The New World? Ach, no. I’ll not be flying in one of those metal birds.” “You could always take a boat,” Spike suggested. She waved him off. “I’m needed here. Besides, you already have the current slayer and the two of you to fight the evil there. Who does Europe have?” “But, you’ll be all alone here, now,” Buffy said softly. She’d spent so long with the support of friends and family, that she couldn’t image being alone like that. “It’s nothing new to me. I live that way by choice, don’tcha know?” Andra swallowed and shook the pained expression from her face. “It will be hard to go on, knowing that he’s not here waiting for me to turn up when I get the notion, but I’ll be fine.” She nodded. “That I will.” Rubbing his chin, Spike said with a gleam in his eye, “Pity that. I was looking forward to introducing you to Peaches--” Buffy’s loud groan interrupted him. “Peaches? They aren’t native to the New World. I’ve had one before,” Andra said with a confused look, probably thinking that they were a little daft. “He’s talking about Angel,” Buffy said, smiling at her. Andra looked even more confused. “I have to say, I’ve never seen an angel before, but you know one named Peaches?” She looked on, shaking her head at them as Buffy giggled and Spike chuckled. “Yer a strange lot.” “I have a feeling Angel would love ‘er,” Spike said. “She’s eternally walking around in the body of a fifteen year old. She’s exactly his type.” Buffy hoped the glare she gave Spike affected him as much as the punch to his arm did. “Sorry,” Buffy told her. “Angel is the name of a vampire who lives in Los Angeles. He has a soul, like us.” “Oh?” Andra was curious now. “I had no idea there were so many of us out there.” Buffy shrugged. “As far as we know, there is just the four of us.” “There had to be more turned slayers in the history of the line,” Andra said. “I’m sure there were. We’ve read of one other, but it looks like we’re the only survivors.”

Chapter #19 - 19. The Start of Eternity

A/N: I want to thank my betas, Slaymesoftly and Mabel Marsters, for sticking with me for the whole story, for their quick returns of chapters, and for their honesty and encouraging words. More author's notes at the end of the chapter. Soul Survivors Chapter Nineteen: The Start of Eternity The jet engines roared around them, causing the baggage underneath to shake continuously. It reminded Spike of the time in the early 80’s, before they’d gone back to Europe and the hotels that he and Dru had stayed at while criss-crossing the States. Vibrating beds. He sighed. They just don’t make things like they used. His hand rested on Buffy’s head in his lap. They were at least ten hours into their flight, and she’d fallen asleep a couple of hours ago. She had been exhausted. They’d had to rush their trip to Paris, and Buffy had lamented the fact that they couldn’t stay overnight. He took her first to the Eiffel Tower where he derived much delight from her oohs and aahs at the view. Never once taking his eyes off her, he’d agreed that the view was indeed beautiful. Thanks to the Metro, they were able to make it across town for the highlight of their trip. The Sacre Coeur sits on a high point of Paris and he knew she’d like the view from there as well. It wasn’t as spectacular as being on the Eiffel Tower, but they stood on the steps of that old church, embracing. She’d let him kiss her there and he marveled at the freedom he now had with her. He could be tender and loving because she soaked it all in with abandon. Later, they sat in one of the outdoor cafes that line the streets near the Sacre Coeur. He bought her chocolate crepes, but she really didn’t enjoy them. She thanked him anyway, telling him that at least now she could say that she’d eaten crepes in Paris. After spending some time watching the people go by, they left there with just enough time to take a walk along the River Seine before they headed back to London. Andra showed up the next afternoon as they were packing for the trip home. Buffy tried to convince her to go with them, but again, she refused. After the two girls hugged each other goodbye, Spike walked with Andra to the basement, where she had come in. He told her about Torch wanting to know about Africa and how he’d asked for contact names there and directions. Andra smiled, with tears in her eyes, and thanked him for telling her, but told him that she already knew. She’d gone through Torch’s pockets while he’d slept the night before he saved their lives. She’d seen the napkin Spike had used to jot down the information and had guessed that that was what it was for. Before she left for the tunnels, she hugged Spike and thanked him again. He didn’t think he’d ever forget her parting words. “I’m not sure Torch loved me enough to do what you did for Buffy, but I’d like to think he did. I’ll never know for sure. Be good to her.” Then, she went off into the dark sewers under London. ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Luggage littered the entry of the house on Revello Drive. Spike followed Giles in with the last piece and kicked the door shut. The three of them cringed as the house shook with the force of his kick. “Sorry,” Spike whispered. Buffy was wide-awake after her long nap on the plane, but she didn’t think Faith and Dawn would appreciate the rude wake up call at five am. They’d just picked up their bags when Dawn, in her robe, trampled down the stairs. Faith, moving a little slower, peered down at them and then past them, but she followed Dawn down until she was just a few steps from the ground floor. “You’re home. Yay!” Dawn screeched and threw her arms around Buffy. Just as quickly, she let her go and started moving the luggage around. “What did you bring me?” Spike rubbed her head affectionately and chuckled, “We just got in, Niblet. Give us time to get our things sorted and we’ll find your presents soon enough.” “Now! Now!” She jumped up and down. Buffy searched the pile for her backpack and pulled out a small box. “I got this for you the other night while I was in Paris.” She smiled at her sister who grabbed for the box. “I’m so jealous. I wanted to go so bad,” The lid for the box tumbled to the floor as she squealed in delight. “Perfume! I have perfume from Paris.” She jumped on Buffy again. “Thank you.” Dawn ran up the stairs going on about how her friends would just die when they saw it. “Did you get anything for me?” Faith joked. “Actually, we did,” Buffy said. “But you’re a big girl; you can wait, right?” Faith smiled at Buffy from the stairs and rubbed at her messed up hair. “Yeah, I was up late last night and I could use a little more sleep.” She peered past them again. Curiously, Buffy looked over her shoulder, but there was nothing there. Giles picked up his two bags, but Faith went down the last of the steps and took them from him. “I’ve got it.” As she went up the stairs with Giles behind her, Faith said over her shoulder, “I’ll see you guys when I get home from work.” Buffy glanced at Spike and their eyes locked. “Home,” she said. His warm smile turned her insides to mush. He hadn’t gotten much sleep on the trip over, but she knew he’d be up for a little fun when they got downstairs. With their arms loaded with luggage, they made their way to the basement door. Spike paused before turning the handle, dropping his bags. “What?” she asked. He motioned for her to follow him towards the kitchen, so she dropped her bags and stepped over his. When he stopped suddenly, she tumbled into his back and could feel his deep chuckle. “I thought I heard an extra heartbeat,” he said. Buffy moved to his side and peered into the dark kitchen. “Hi, Buffy,” Willow said quietly with a small wave. The redhead was partially hidden behind the island with a mug in her hand, looking guilty as sin and wearing Faith’s favorite dark blue flannel robe. Spike kissed Buffy on the forehead and said, “I’ll just go put our stuff away. Don’t be long.” With a short wave, he said, “Nice to see you, Red.” Buffy felt silly standing just inside the kitchen with her mouth open. She snapped it shut and took a seat on a stool. “Um…” With her eyes on her mug, Willow set it down, sat next to Buffy, and said in a small voice, “I’m weak.” “So that whole speech you gave me on the porch was…what?” Buffy couldn’t help but tease her friend. Willow put her hands over her face, but Buffy knew she was blushing. “I…oh…a…I had a moment of weakness, okay. It’s not going to happen again. It was just a thing.” “You stayed the night,” Buffy gently prodded. “No. I mean, yes, I did, but I just fell asleep. This is not going to be a habit, I swear.” Willow shook her head. Buffy smiled at her embarrassed friend. Willow really seemed to mean it, but she remembered saying that same thing to herself, once upon a time, about Spike. She put a hand on Willow’s shoulder. “Hey, it’s none of my business what you do. I was just teasing.” “Willow,” Faith called out softly from the stairs. “Are you coming?” Standing up quickly, Willow’s blush deepened as she grabbed her mug. Buffy stood up as well. “I brought some things back from London for you. Can you swing by tonight?” Willow nodded and left the kitchen in a hurry, spilling some of her coffee. Candlelight spilled out of their open bedroom door and onto the walls of the narrow staircase. Buffy could faintly hear Spike humming some tune and moving the luggage around. When she came into the room, she kept her eyes on him while pushing the door shut with her back. His duster was hanging on the coat rack by the door and she ogled him in his tight black t-shirt. She turned the deadbolt and leaned back against the door. He had the suitcase open that held all the gifts they’d bought for their friends and Dawn. One by one, he placed the items on the dresser in a neat row. Replicas of Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower, postcards, key chains; the usual stuff. “Willow have a good night, then?” Spike turned to her with a raised eyebrow. “Looks like,” she told him with a grin while she strolled over to the dresser to pick up a Big Ben. “Good for her.” “You know,” Buffy said while examining the little plastic model. “The only bad part about being the one to go on a trip is that you don’t get any presents when you get home.” “Who says you don’t get presents? My girl always gets presents,” Spike told her, trying to sound insulted that she would think otherwise. Her eyes lit up as she surveyed the dresser. “What did you get me?” “Patience, love. Let’s get all this stuff unpacked first.” Buffy got closer to him and she was thrilled when he inhaled deeply to take in her scent. “You can’t tell me that you got me a present and then make me wait.” Her hand found its way under his t-shirt and up his chest. “That’s just cruel.” He gazed at her with unchecked love and adoration while he slipped his hands into his pockets. “I wanted to give you this at just the perfect time, but I’d probably botch it up somehow.” Her curiosity was piqued now and she glanced around, trying to figure out what he was talking about. He took a step back to hold out an upturned fist at her. “I got this put away just before you picked out that necklace of my mom’s.” His voice was shaky, his eyes glistening. Her hand automatically went to her chest where she fingered the pendant that she treasured, because it had been his mother’s. She tore her gaze from his eyes and stared at his fist as he looked at it. Slowly, he opened his hand and in his palm was a gold ring that matched the necklace. The emerald in the middle was the same size as her emerald and little diamonds surrounded it. “It’s beautiful.” “My father bought her a complete set with earrings and a bracelet as well. You might remember seeing them when you picked out the necklace.” She nodded. “We can always go back to London some day and get those, too,” he told her as he put the ring on his pinky. It went as far as his knuckle. Spike grabbed her left hand and turned the skull ring that had become a permanent part of her everyday wear. “I know this is a nostalgic reminder of our magically induced engagement, but would you wear my mom’s ring for a real engagement? A promise for the future.” Frowning, she looked at the skull ring. She thought they’d done the “real” engagement when he’d slipped the skull ring on her finger a few weeks back. She looked up at his hopeful face and said, “No.” He dropped her hand and stepped back in confusion. “Why, Buffy? I love you; you know that. I know you love me, too.” If only she was good with words. She sighed. “Of course I love you. With every fiber of my being.” She held up her hand and pointed at her skull ring. “This is a real engagement ring as far as I’m concerned. He watched as, with her other trembling hand, she pulled the skull ring off and then put it on her other ring finger. “What are you doing?” “If you put your mother’s ring on my finger now, it’s got to be for the wedding.” His shocked face hurt her, but she went on. “The claim. The forever. I want it with you. Now. Then you can put that ring on my finger.” He turned his back to her and she watched him inhale and slowly let the air out before he turned around with a stern expression on his face. “A claim is forever. You can’t ever take it back. There is no demon divorce court that can break it with a signature on a piece of paper.” She knew that it was the tears threatening to spill from her eyes that softened his expression when he said, “You have to be absolutely sure, Buffy.” She stood tall, looking him in the eyes. “I’m sure. Aren’t you?” “I am sure,” he told her emphatically. “I know that you are the one, Buffy. There’ll never been anyone else for me, ever. I’ve known it for years now and that’s never going to change.” He stepped in, gently placing a kiss on her lips. “We have time. Give yourself time. To be sure.” An indescribably intense need overtook her. An instinct so strong that she could not fight it- didn’t want to fight it- propelled her forward. She grabbed his shoulders and kissed him hard. Her soul wanted the commitment. The “I do.” But something clicked inside her, and she realized that a claim is just that. A claim. He kissed her back with fervor and intense need of his own as he helped her get his shirt off. They broke the kiss and hurriedly fumbled with each other’s pants, then their shoes to get them off as well. An instinct she didn’t know she had took over her and without a shadow of a doubt, Buffy knew now that a claim was a forceful kind of thing. Not hearts and flowers and white gowns. If she bit him and said the word, he’d respond back. She just knew it. They stumbled over the suitcases to get to the bed, where she tore away from his kiss to throw the open suitcase off, not caring about the mess it made as clothes went flying across the room. He stood waiting for her, gloriously naked, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he took in unneeded breaths. She yanked her top off and slowly unhooked her bra while keeping her eyes on him. “You are so perfectly stunning. Come here,” he said, tenderness in his eyes as he motioned for her to come closer. She jumped at him, shoving Spike onto the bed. If he thought this was just another coupling by two lovers, he was in for a big surprise. He loved it when she got rough and demanding anyway. They exchanged moans with their kisses as hands roamed and hips moved. Buffy was ready for him, positioning herself and slamming down onto Spike to take him in all at once. He thrust up into her and they moved together. She watched him as he thrashed his head from side to side with the pleasure. Spike made a small sound of protest when she stopped moving on him. Her heated gaze caught his undivided attention as her face altered before his eyes. “I love you, Spike. You belong to me, don’t you?” she asked as she moved her hips slowly. He lifted his head up in alarm, finally getting where she was going with this. “Yes, but--” “Then there is nothing left to discuss,” she said quickly to stop his protest. “I’m going to take what is mine. Are you going to try to stop me?” Those blue eyes of his gleamed with an underlying delight as he slowly shook his head. She took in the sight of him beneath her. His beautiful white chest, his toned and tight stomach that rippled with clenched muscles. The only problem was, now that it was time, she hoped she could do it right. It was taken out of her hands when he morphed into his demon. She responded to that in an almost feral like way and let out a roar of possession that surprised even her. “Mine!” she growled. Their eyes met for a brief moment, but she couldn’t wait any longer. She needed to sink her teeth into him; to be a part of him, in him. Buffy grabbed his hair, yanked his head to the side and bared her fangs as they met his neck. She buried them deep, and a shiver flowed up her spine as she drank from him. Three deep pulls and his body relaxed beneath her. She released her hold on his hair, removing her teeth from his neck at the same time. Again, she growled, “Mine.” “Yours,” he answered back in an unwavering voice, even though he looked at her with wonder as a single tear slipped out of the corner of an amber eye. “I’m yours, Buffy.” Leaning down, she pressed her chest to his, resting her head over his shoulder and staring at the bite marks that proved he was hers. Her eyes rolled back with pleasure when he began to move beneath her, wrapping his arms around her and squeezing tightly. Suddenly, he pushed her off and she found herself flat on her back. He entered her again and began to thrust at a frenzied pace. Then he slowed and gazed at her, his vamp face tight with the building of his upcoming release. “Mine,” he said with a clarity she didn’t think he could possess in the state he was in. She turned her head to the side and he slowly lowered his mouth to her smooth neck. There was no pain when his fangs entered her; only a sense of perfect rightness. She groaned with the pleasure of it as Spike took blood that she freely gave him. He pulled out from her neck to gaze in to her eyes. “Mine.” “Yours.” Buffy smiled at him. “Yours, Spike. All yours.” In tandem, they exchanged their vamp faces for their human ones. Then, it was as if the bed had disappeared beneath them, and they were turning slowly while floating downward. They continued to move as their pleasure built to a fevered pitch and then, together, they cried out in release. They slowly came down from the high of the experience, clinging together, each unwilling to let the other one go. Spike rolled to the side, but hugged her against his body and they stayed that way for minutes. She leaned her head back so she could look at him, while she caressed his neck. She smiled at him in wonder and was glad that she wasn’t the only one in shock at how amazing the experience had been. He let go of her and they sat up together. Spike placed a hand on her cheek and gazed lovingly into her eyes as he said, “There’s no turning back now.” Buffy’s smile brightened at the thought. “No turning back.” He took the ring off his pinky and she held her hand out for him as he slipped it on her ring finger, saying, “We belong to each other for all eternity.” “Forever,” Buffy agreed with a hint of giddy happiness coming through her solemn tone. After a long and tender kiss, they climbed under the covers and started eternity by making love to each other once again. The End A/N: This is it! The end of Soul Survivors. For those of you who have read and reviewed, thank you so very much. I write for the pure enjoyment of it and because I can't get enough of Spike and Buffy, but the reviews are a HUGE bonus. It's a little bit of an addiction to wake up in the morning and see review notices in my inbox. They really spur my muse on as I write more. I have plans for one more story in this Universe that is a continuation of the story. I've also written a story that takes place in the past. You can read Torch's story, Torchair Air Eideadh, here: Click Here for Torch and Andra's Story I'm currently working on a Season Four Spuffy story. I'll keep everyone informed of my progress on my Livejournal. I'll began posting it when the story is complete in rough draft form and when I have a few chapters back from my betas.