Chapter 5 – With Me
Spike abruptly awoke as he heard the sound of footsteps running above him. Startled and shaken by the dream he just had because it was so vivid and real. Never had he felt so complete in his unlife. As he stretched out his limbs, he recognized the empty feeling inside him was so much more pronounced that it was before he fell asleep.
Loneliness. The aching feeling inside him was almost too much to bear.
Dru had left him. Actually she had never really been his. Before that, Cecily had rejected him.
Buffy could be the missing piece, the one to fill the empty void. If the dream was a vision of things to come, then perchance the powers that screw with peoples’ lives finally saw fit to reward him.
‘Bloody hell unlikely, ‘m evil, powers don’t reward evil.’
Spike sighed, reached into his coat pocket and grabbed his smokes. He sat back down on the cot and leaned against the wall. No sooner did he light up did the basement door fly open.
“Spike, you better not be smoking down there.”
“Slayer, you got me chained up. Where do you expect me to have a fag?”
Buffy huffed as she came down the stairs. She marched right up to the vampire and reached to grab his smoke out of his mouth.
“Unless you plan on unchaining me, and you don’t, let me have my smoke you daft bint. Bloody only chance I get to sit back and enjoy just being.”
“Oh please…” Buffy started to protest, and then she realized he had used the same exact words in her dream. ‘Shit, that was no ordinary dream that was a Slayer dream!’
Spike didn’t notice her stuck in thought. He just shot his mouth off at her.
“What are you going to do throttle me or something? Bloody hell, you’re just like me alone. No Angel. Even with all your soddin’ friends, you don’t get a moment of peace!”
Buffy looked up at him with tears in her eyes. He couldn’t read her expression, but he new he had hurt her, made her cry. He hated it when Dru cried, only because she was so bloody annoying and would wail for hours. Buffy was different, if he was every to feel the peace he felt in the dream with her, he wasn’t going to get it by hurting her.
“Sorry luv,” he whispered, “just thought I heard you say that once. I’m so sorry. I’m a bad rude man.”
~~~ ~~~
Angelus paced around the factory, furious at his grand childe. William was a weakling when he was made and a weakling now. Spike will pay for his betrayal. Angelus planned on torturing the boy to set it straight once and for all who the alpha vamp is in their family. He’d give Drusilla one good screw in front of Spike, then stake the bastard!
“Drusilla!”
Dru spun around, with Miss Edith in hand, and ran up into Angelus’ waiting arms. “Daddy. Are we going to go out and play with Sunshine and William tonight?”
“Yes Dru. We will find him and the Slayer, knock them out and bring them back here. Chain them up and redefine the word torture. We are going to find them and bath in their blood!”
Drusilla pushed Angelus away, and stared at him with contempt and disgust. She would not let him hurt her precious William.
“Daddy, perhaps we should find Williams’ Sunshine and make a toy out of her. Mommy always wanted a little dolly of her own. The pixies say so. William needs a playmate.”
Drusilla had hoped to sway him, but her actions had angered the master vamp. Angelus grabbed the precious Miss Edith and through her across the room. Drusilla screamed in horror.
“Enough you lunatic! Spike has betrayed us, and he shall pay with his unlife. Don’t you dare try and stop me or you will share in his fate!” Angelus grabbed Drusilla, and locked her in the bedroom.
“You, come here.” Angelus beckoned over a minion. "You keep watch over her. If she tries to get out, stake her. If she gets by you, consider yourself to share the same fate as William the Bloody!"
The minion humbly looked at his master and accepted his fate. There was no way he could stop the vampiress from leaving even if he wanted to.
Angelus stormed away and began preparations to create an army of minions to use in his war. Drusilla sat on the bed with contempt. How dare her Daddy threaten to take her unlife! She knew she was crazy, but she truly knew he was no better than she. Her intellect being far superior to that of the drunken Irishman, she immediately had recognized Angelus’ was off his game and the plan with Acathla was losing steam. He had lost his focus on the big picture. He was weakening.
“Miss Edith! I know you can hear me, even if you can’t see me. The pixies say sunshine and William will save the day, and we are to help!”
Drusilla smiled, ready to fulfill a new destiny.
“Anyanka, Patron Saint of Scorned Women, I request thee to come to my aid!”
~~~ ~~~
Buffy just stood there amazed. He’d been right there with her in the dream. The powers that like to screw with Buffy were really throwing her for a loop. She wasn’t supposed to fall in love with an evil, soulless vampire. It just wasn’t right, against her whole nature. She’d been hurt at first, but he was only telling the truth.
“Buffy, luv, please say something. I’m sorry, ‘m evil and hurt you…”
“Spike, in the dream, were you...”
“Buffy Summers Get Your Slayer Butt Up Here! I don’t have all day to perform a miracle on you!” Cordy yelled down the stairs.
Buffy just looked down, afraid to look at Spike. Spike wouldn’t let her, he reached up and lifted her chin and looked in her eyes. He had to know.
“Luv, were you with me in that dream? Were you really with me?”
“Buffy!!! Let’s go now!”
“Luv?”
Buffy knew there would be no going back if she admitted it. She couldn’t get herself to trust him yet, but he was right there with her. She was so confused, didn’t know whether to run away or jump in his arms.
“Luv, please tell me you were with me?”
She looked at him, really looked into his deep blue eyes, and whispered “I was with you…I…”
“All I needed to know luv. Go see your friend, before she loses all patience. ‘Sides, we both need some time to sort out what this means.”
Buffy wiped her tears, put on a smile – a real smile - and ran up the stairs to Cordy.
Spike felt his undead heart warm up for the first time ever. He would give anything to have her smile like that at him again.
Ch 6 - Changes
The library had considerably quieted down since Cordelia departed. Xander was munching away on donuts, pretending to comb through research. He had one of his old Superman comics within the book he held. Meanwhile, Oz, Willow and Giles were diligently researching; with no progress to show for their efforts.
Willow perked up; an indication that finally some knew knowledge would be at hand. Giles was aware he was asking a lot of the teens to stay cooped up in the library; he was grateful but he knew he would have to set them free soon.
“Something of interest Willow?”
“Giles, this here says something about a scorned master vampiress. She and another will start the magicks which bring together the champions, and bind them together forever.”
“Drusilla?” Giles thought aloud. He wasn’t aware of any other vampiress’ of high rank. “I wouldn’t put it beyond her…but she wants Buffy dead as much as Angelus.”
“Well Giles, there’s more.”
“Go on Willow.”
“This manuscript is old and hard to read, but it looks here it says she does it to save her childe and punish her sire. A vengeance demon, by the name of A-…and then the rest of the page is ripped and several missing after that!”
“Bloody hell, figures we’d be so close to getting a little closer and something like this happens.”
“G-man, you’re gonna need some new glasses the way you keep wiping them!”
“Xander, how many times do I have to ask you not to call me that name!”
“G-man, you should thank me. It will help you remember to get new glasses…”
Willow sensed that Xander was going to keep burying himself if she didn’t step in soon, and she didn’t need to deal with a mad Giles!
“Umm…so ….wonder how Cordelia’s doing with Buffy?”
Giles wiped his glasses again, groaning inwardly that Xander was right. If the stress of today didn’t break his spectacles, surely the upcoming events would.
~~~~~~
“No! I’m not going for the vamp ho look!” Buffy took the dress and threw it back at Cordelia. No way, she was not going to look like an S&M queen.
“Honey, do you want to save the world?” Cordelia chastised Buffy for being difficult. Cordelia continued to go through the racks of clothing until she found a longer dress.
“Well duh, of course and I will, with my fists.”
“Spike does seem like the rough & tumble type. Look Buffy, if this prophecy is the only way to save the mall, then for the sake of women everywhere, please try this on!”
Buffy grabbed the outfit from the brunette. Shopping was supposed to be fun, not stressful. She couldn’t believe the things she had to go through to save the world. She held up the dress. The material was lush black velvet, which would fall around her ankles. The bodice was similar to a corset, with metal links and ribbon to tie it in the front. Buffy had to admit, the dress was gorgeous…in a gothic kind of way. The neckline was a simple scoop neck, and the arms were sleeveless.
“Time to play dress up for Spike, might as well make this a fun and positive experience,” she muttered to herself. After struggling for a bit, she finally got the dress on. When she turned and looked into the mirror she was astonished at the reflection.
“Looks like I can give Drusilla a good run for her money; prophecy or not I am going to make Spike drool!” Buffy was proud of herself for realizing that she could use her feminine power over Spike.
“That’s the spirit! Go Buffy! Now get out here so I can see you.” Cordelia practically grabbed the Slayer out of the fitting room. She had a pile of jewelry and hair adornments ready to try out. Cordelia decided upon two ornate hair sticks, made of wood but coated over in silver, with beautiful Celtic engravings. The brunette cheerleader was proud of herself for picking something that could also be used as a weapon.
“Oh. My. God! Buffy this necklace is just perfect, goes right along with the vampire & slayer theme!” Cordelia placed the ornament around the slayer’s neck. It was simple, yet fitting. A short, slim silver chain with a silver bleeding heart charm – looked like a choker. Buffy looked at it with approval.
“Wow, your really getting into the Goth girl thing! It’s almost like a sweet, innocent, Victorian Goth goddess look. Damn I’m good! Ok, now to get your nails and hair done!”
“Cordelia, I’m not dying my hair black! I don’t want to look like a freak.”
“Buffy, don’t worry; the results so far have been good, ‘c’mon I’m going to treat you to some time with my hair guy. Oh this is so much fun, pretending to be best friends and a makeover guru, but I still look better than you!”
Buffy got all of her packages, and Cordelia whisked her out to the garage onto their next stop.
~~~~~~
Spike was not sure how long he had been sleeping, but he knew it was around mid afternoon. The absence of heartbeats assured him that he was still alone. Hopefully the Scoobies, Buffy or maybe even Joyce would remember to pick up some blood for him. Joyce. She was a classy woman, treated him with respect instead of disgust. He could see where Buffy got her strength and determination from.
Her father must be a real prick. Spike had observed there were no pictures of him, and no one made any references to him either. Spike might be the Big Bad, but family continued to be important to him even after he was turned. What kind of man would just leave these two beautiful, strong women? Agh! Spike mentally slapped himself for referring to the slayer as beautiful. Still, it didn’t bloody matter. What kind of father abandons his daughter?
Her father, her first boyfriend – both had used her up and when they were through with her dumped her. It saddened Spike deeply. It was also a revelation. Drusilla had used him as a replacement for her daddy the whole time, and when Angelus came back, Spike was sent to the dumpster too. Vampire and Slayer, both castaways brought to this point of time for a reason. He wasn’t looking for redemption, but certainly for revenge. Revenge against his grandsire for such blatant abuse of others emotions; emotions Angelus had but chose to ignore. Revenge against the Slayer’s father for starting the distrust the girl was sure to have against men. If this girl were ever to survive and have a normal life, how would she ever find love? Would she always be alone?
It bothered him to think this deeply about the Slayer, but the prophecy, the dream…maybe some magicks were to blame, perchance not. The results could be unexpectedly wonderful, yet one goal remained. Angelus would pay.
~~~~~~
Anyanka sauntered into the room. She was accustomed to being summoned and finding her requester in bad shape, yet she had never been prepared to see a master vampiress so brutally tortured. The girl looked no older than 20, but she was bloodied, bruised, burned and chained up. He who did this would certainly pay, and would feel the pain thousands of times worse than this girl had.
Drusilla looked up, with relief in her eyes. Angelus had finally broken her - broken her so hard back to sanity. She couldn’t regret all of the pain she had inflicted over the years, but she knew her William was special. The pixies knew and she knew. She made him and had subjected him to pain and loneliness. Her wish would be her chance to repay him for the kindness he showed her over a century. Perhaps he would finally get all the love he deserved.
Chapter 7 - Transformations
Drusilla had never been more pleased to see Anyanka show her face. She had been kicking herself since calling on the vengeance demon, because in her distraught state she forgot about vampire hearing. Angelus had not yet left, and overheard Dru’s plea.
**Flashback**
“How dare you, bitch!”
Angelus grabbed the set of chains nearby and started to lash the vampiress in the back. The entire mansion could hear her wailing in pain, but no one would come to her aid for he or she feared a similar fate.
“You are nothing, were nothing when I made you, and are nothing now! Not even a pretty face, won’t even be pretty enough for your William when I am done with you!”
Angelus grabbed the candles that had been lit around the room and ordered the minions to help pore wax all over the helpless girl. Smoke would wisp off her, as the hot wax burned her skin.
“Daddy, please!” Dru cried.
Angelus grabbed a carving knife from one of the minions, and sauntered up to Dru.
“I’m not your daddy, your daddy is dead. I killed him. You are nothing. I should have rid myself of you years ago. Are you prepared to die now?”
Dru could not believe Angelus would finally kill her; but she welcomed it. She would be free from this insanity.
She did not look at him, she just replied softly, “Yes.”
Angelus’ wicked laugh filled the halls of the mansion.
“You stupid, silly, ignorant girl …this is my game…and my game is torture. It has been so long my love, so long since I have played with you. You should know better.” With that, Angelus took the carving knife, cut the sides of her face, and placed shallow cuts all over her body.
Angelus turned around, and looked at his masterpiece. She was recognizable, but disfigured with her clothes left in tatters just hanging from her chains on the wall.
**Flashback ends**
Dru was relieved and emotional as Anyanka came over to break the chains. She fell into the demon’s arms and promptly passed out from pain. Anyanka knew that she would have to nurse the vampiress back to health, and in order to do that she had to get her somewhere safe.
There was a flash, and the two were gone.
~~~~~~
Back at the library, the remaining Scoobies were wrapping up for the afternoon. After their one breakthrough, no further progress had resulted from their efforts. Xander had dozed off, but Giles was content to leave him alone. It afforded the Brit just a few more hours of peace and quiet before the ruckus would start come nightfall. Even with all of the new variables, it was evident that Giles would have to find a way for the slayer and vampire to procreate for the sake of humanity.
The silence of the library was broken when Oz brought to light what no one else had thought of.
“We need to go back to the house and work with Spike.”
Giles looked up, “What do you mean?”
“Well Buffy is going through this little makeover with Cordelia so she is more appealing to Spike, shouldn’t we do the same with him?”
The sound of glass breaking broke Xander out of his nap.
“G-man, I knew you’d end up breaking those things!”
Giles just looked up towards the Powers that Be, silently asking them to make sure all of his agony would be worthwhile.
“Oz has a good point. I do not know how receptive Spike will be, but we do need to work with him. He is not likely to be cooperative about going out, so we need to bring the clothing to him. Oz, if you could please drive us to my flat, we can go through my clothes….”
“Buffy doesn’t like the tweed! Sorry, dude, but your clothes won’t…”
Giles coughed loudly to shut the whelp up.
“As I was saying, I have clothes from my youth that will suit him just fine and would be considered fashionable.”
The gang made their way out of the library over to Oz’s van. Giles was pleased with himself that he was able to keep Xander from asking any more questions about his glasses. Not only would they be picking up several outfits for Spike, but he could also grab his spare set of glasses.
~~~~~~
The Scooby Gang, sans Buffy and Cordelia arrived back at Joyce’s house. Giles asked the gang to stay upstairs, because he felt he would be the best person to speak to Spike. Besides, he did not need any of Xander’s side comments. Provoking the vampire’s temper certainly would not help the cause. Giles slowly made his way downstairs, to see the blond menace lying on the cot asleep. Not wanting to disturb Spike, he turned to walk up the stairs but Spike’s voice stopped him.
“Watcher”
“Sorry Spike didn’t mean to wake you. I’ll come back and talk to you later.”
“No bother, with the stinkin’ Scoobies chattering upstairs and my vampire hearing I’m not likely to get back to sleep.”
Spike was silent for a moment, and his nostrils flared to confirm who was in the house. Actually, it was to confirm that his blond goddess was not among the living. He was disappointed, but figured it was nearing dark in a few hours. She would want to be home in time to make sure her mom was ok.
Giles wondered what the blond vampire was thinking, hoping that he would be cooperative.
“So, Watcher, when will the Slayer be back?”
“Well, Spike, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. You see she is, well how should I say...”
“She’s off with that cheerleader bint getting dolled up for me; yeah I know what of it?”
“Bloody hell Spike. If she is doing it for you, would you do a little something for her? Just a change of clothes? I brought a few things from my home.”
“ ‘m not wearing tweed!”
“Damn it, why do all of you think all I wear is tweed! Look, Spike do you want to stop Angelus?”
“Yeah”
“Then it looks like the only option is for you and Buffy to get together. That means you have to do something to appeal to her to.”
“ ‘m fine as I am, nothing wrong with what I am wearing.”
“I agree, but to her there is. You must understand that! If not, just humor me please?”
Spike thought about it for a few moments, to make the watcher squirm. He knew Giles was right. He had to appeal to the Slayer. He had never even been on a real date before, as a human or vamp; unless you included the dream picnic, he had with the slayer. That gave Spike an idea. He would treat the slayer to the date of her lifetime. Treat her like she deserves to be treated, and perhaps he will earn her way into her heart.
“Fine watcher, for the sake of puppies and Christmas I’ll do it. If I am going to do it, it will be good and proper. I will need a few things though.”
“Whatever you need Spike.”
“I’m going to need out of these chains first of all; a car; and some cash.”
“What do you need that for?”
“Are you insane watcher? I need to romance the chit! I am taking her out on a date. I cannot soddin’ do that if my car and cash are back at the mansion, can I? Watcher, think about it, you are asking me to sleep with the girl. I am not going to lie to you. I like her, more than I care to admit even to you. You have my word I’ll treat her like a lady.”
Giles considered himself a good judge of character. Looking into Spike’s eyes, he could see that the vamp was being honest. If he was going to do his job as a white hat, he would have to put his trust and faith in Spike.
“I agree to your terms Spike. If you harm a hair on her head, I will stake you myself.”
“Agreed. So Watcher, toss that bag of clothes and we’ll see what you’ve got.”
~~~~~~
Buffy took her time stepping out of Queen C’s little red car into the warm California sun. She had not had the privilege of going to a finer salon since she left Los Angeles. Naturally, Cordelia only had the best, and it would be the best salon in all of Sunnydale. The girls stepped into the salon. The décor was contemporary and posh, with alternative music pumping throughout the common areas. Cordelia confidently approached the two women at the reception desk. The women were no older than 23 and could not be more opposite in looks. One was a blonde-haired woman that looked like she stepped out of Vogue, dressed from head to toe in Marc Jacobs' latest design. The other, looked like she belonged in a punk rock band. She had tattoos from head to toe, piercing everywhere possible, and her hair was black with streaks of violet.
“Oh my god, How are you Serena & Cat!” Cordelia was elated to see her two favorite stylists were working today. “My friend Buffy and I have an appointment to get our hair and nails done; I hope we have our hair booked with both of you.”
Buffy started to get nervous. It was possible Miss Piercing Queen was going to touch her golden locks. Buffy was all for doing it to save the world, but she wanted to do it looking like a sane girl!
Miss Piercing Queen quickly spoke up, “Cordelia you’ll be with me, and Buffy was booked with Serena.”
Buffy let out a breath in relief. Thank goodness she was going with Serena.
Serena turned to Buffy ”so what can I do for you?”
Before Buffy could speak, Cordy opened her mouth.
“Well Serena, remember the time you did Cat’s hair honey blond with a few strands of brown and black? Could you do Buffy’s hair like that?”
“Absolutely; come Buffy, let’s go to my chair and take a look at your hair darling.”
Buffy was speechless. She thought she was getting the better of the two, and never would have thought that the glamour girl whose chair she now sat in was responsible for Miss Piercing Queen’s look. There was no way a short cut was for her. She just sat in the chair frightened, which was not saying too much for the strength of the Slayer’s backbone.
“Don’t worry darling, the change Miss Chase asked for isn’t nearly as dramatic as what you see on Cat now. Your lovely long locks are perfect, and these beautiful hair sticks will keep it up nicely.
Buffy felt a little relieved until she realized there was no mirror.
“Um, isn’t there someplace where we can sit where there is a mirror?” Buffy asked.
“Darling, that’s the pleasure of being my client. You will just have to trust me, ok darling. You’ll look lovely!”
As Serena got to work, another couple of girls came over.
“Miss Summers, we will take care of your manicure and pedicure while Serena works her magic.”
Buffy was amazed at the way the girls were able to all work together at the same time. While being pampered for once, she shut her eyes and relaxed.
Several hours later, Buffy stood in shock in front of the mirror at the salon. Serena had left her speechless, in a good way. Buffy actually liked how she looked. The added colors gave her an edgier look, and her hairstyle more depth. Most of her hair was down, except for a small amount that swept up off her face and held back with the hair sticks.
Buffy then looked down at her nails. The steel metallic grey color was perfect. It was not Goth it was edgy. Hearing Cordelia run into the room, Buffy turned around with a big smile on her face.
“Look out Spike, here I come!”
~~~~~~
Joyce walked into her home, to find everyone there except for her daughter and that stuck up Chase girl. She noticed someone new in the living room, but she thought he looked familiar. He had curly platinum blond hair, with just a little bit of gel in it to hold the curls. He was wearing a pair of blue jeans, long sleeved black shirt. The shirt tucked into his jeans, and a leather belt nicely kept everything in place. The pair of black boots underneath the jeans did not strike her as strange. She was really hoping he was a potential date for her daughter, so she figured she would introduce her self and make a good impression.
“Hi I’m Joyce Summers, Buffy’s mom.”
The room was full of giggles. Taken back, until she saw the young man smile and recognized him as the vampire that had come into her home that morning.
“Sorry Spike, how silly of me. You clean up nicely. I certainly hope my daughter has been treating you well.”
“She’s been wonderful, has been out for a few hours though. I suspect she’ll be home soon.”
“Wonderful, would you like a cup of cocoa?”
“Thanks Joyce. I was wondering if I could have your permission to take your daughter out tonight.”
The faces in the room all looked at Spike in shock. Never in a million years had they expected Spike to be proper.
“Absolutely Spike, I trust you with my baby. Come into the kitchen; let me get you some of that hot cocoa I promised you.”
“Do you have a car to take her out in?”
“Oz is letting me use his van, since Giles’ car is back at the library.”
“Nonsense Spike, take my Jeep. I want nothing but the best for my baby.”
After Spike and Joyce made their way into the kitchen, Xander started his protests immediately.
“Giles, you can’t let Buffy go out with that evil blood sucking fiend by herself!”
“Xander, I have Spike’s word he will not hurt her. Now you need to grow up, because if Buffy walks in this house with any indication her leaving with Spike is a bad thing, you can forget about saving the world or eating one of your soddin’ donuts ever again!”
Xander just slumped back into the couch in defeat; Giles threat of no donuts apparently doing the trick to shut the boy up. A minute later, the doorbell rang. Giles opened up the door to see Cordelia standing there, but no Buffy.
“Cordelia, my god, where is Buffy?”
“You can’t see her yet Mr. Giles; I want Spike to see her first. Go get him.”
In the kitchen, Spike had heard the doorbell. He could sense the nervous slayer outside. Just the fact she was nervous gave him encouragement that perhaps his golden goddess would be his. He stepped through the kitchen door into the living room, only to see the cheerleader. He sauntered up to the doorway before Cordy pushed him back.
“Wow, Spike you look ….normal, in a good way. Buffy’s so going to love you.” Cordelia looked to the side and motioned for the slayer to step into the doorway.
Spike could feel the slayer’s nerves increasing to a near panic, he thanked the powers that she could not sense he was equally as nervous. He saw one black boot step into view. As she fully came into view, his eyes traveled up the long slim black velvet skirt that accented figure perfectly to the black velvet corset top beneath a long, lightly knit silver sweater. He adored the necklace; the bleeding heart charm hanging off the chain was exquisite.
As his eyes lifted up to meet hers, he raised his hand and caressed her face. His golden goddess’ hair was exquisite. She transformed into his princess; no make that his queen. Spike heard her heart begin to race. He hoped he had the same effect on her as she had on him.
“‘Cor slayer, you’re beautiful.”
Buffy was in a trance, he looked so handsome. His clothes were normal, hair tousled… Spike looked like the man of her dreams, hotter than the guys in school, certainly all of Sunnydale. He took her breath away as she looked up at his chiseled cheekbones, and into his cerulean blue eyes. Her body just reacted to his, as if it already belonged to him.
From behind his back, he pulled out one solitary rose and presented it to her. He softly began to speak to her.
“Would you allow me the privilege of escorting you on a proper date for the evening?”
She looked up at him amazed, amazed at the man he truly was.
“William, I’d be honored.”
He took her hand in his and guided her out into evening.
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Author's Chapter Notes:
Thank you all for your reviews! I so appreciate it! ~ Cheers Opal