There wasn’t anything that she could say. Absolutely nothing could stop the tide of events which were sweeping along. Joyce looked down at the receiver, dial tone sounding uselessly in the background and sighed. Before this she might have had a chance, Buffy being alive and under her control would have offered some protection but now…
The phone clattered to the floor, numb fingers grasping at air.
Now everything was falling apart and she had no chance of recovery.
Joyce realised that she should’ve known that this would happen the minute Buffy walked out the door, gun shots ringing just after her departure. It was a given that they would find out, what with all of Hank’s spies. The man was stupid to think that not one of them would also be reporting to another.
The older woman shuddered as she recalled the disguised voice. With cold tones that registered even through distortion, she had been told of her fate if Masters did indeed reach the girl first. Another thing which would most definitely happen. Now that Buffy belonged to that British punk, the man would be forced to take her with him to the annual meeting or suffer dire consequences.
She was not too old to remember attending those functions herself.
Part of her knew that she should try to fight it, perhaps call Hank and warn him before it was too late but then her husband was a sick bastard… Sick enough that she could reason it was what he deserved if Masters became suitably angry.
Yet another definite in what was becoming a maelstrom of changing loyalties and loaded threats.
Even if she did follow the man’s wishes there would still be the larger than life shadow of her husband to deal with. If she managed to secure Buffy then there would be at least three different parties who would want control of her. Not to mention Parker.
Joyce crouched down, pale fingers wrapping around the thick plastic and slowly began to dial the personal number he had given her.
She wasn’t dead yet. There was still time.
***
“You taste like dark chocolate dipped in strawberries.”
Faith giggled as the other brunette licked a path between the valley of her breasts. This was truly the life. Her eyes stared at the ceiling as Dru wove her tongue along her body, not stopping except to whisper odd drug induced words.
At this point in time Faith really didn’t care anyway.
In one of his fouler moods Parker had decided to be generous and not take out his ire on them. Instead he had gone back upstairs to ‘talk’ with Riley. Faith didn’t need to guess what that entailed. Even though Xander had called there was still punishment which needed to be meted out. The Captain had fucked up and just because his big brother was a major gang leader didn’t mean that he could escape with only a few scratches.
She tried to ignore the red flashes which Dru had unconsciously timed her tongue to mimic. Clever girl. Just because their lover had left them alone for once, didn’t mean that he wouldn’t find a way to still participate. The camera by the bed was able to record every moment that he was away with incredible ease. It was a common tool in their games. Neither of the women had raised an eyebrow, when he flicked the switch except to move into a better position. Such tapes were only ever passed around the gang. To let an outside member view the footage would instantly result in death. And even Warren wasn’t that stupid.
Faith’s eyes rolled back in pleasure as Dru teased one nipple. She could hear the other girl humming listlessly, nimble fingers undoing the front clasp of her bra.
“Do I really?” she asked. Faith was sure that the line of coke Dru had just snorted was making the girl think she tasted strawberries. Only the black haired woman had such a unique reaction to the drug.
“Indeed yes” answered Dru, lifting her head from Faith’s bare breasts and snaking her hands down to the waistband of her jeans. One finger trailed down her thigh causing a low moan. “And this tastes like honey.”
“That’s not very original.”
Ebony eyes, wide and luminous glared at the writhing woman before her. “Shhh… Little girls shouldn’t talk back to mummy. Especially not when I’m sharing some of the cake.” Dru undid the clasp, pulling down Faith’s jeans and leaving her clad only in a small black thong; obviously Parker’s choice.
Faith’s breathing if possible grew heavier.
Running red lacquered nails up smooth muscled thighs, Dru considered her current relationship. It was difficult, not only because of the way her thoughts seemed to leap from one perspective to another but also due to the very confusing behaviour of Faith. There was something about the woman which half made her want to slap that confidence away or opposingly bask in its glow. Watching the stunning brunette gasp and plead for more attention Dru wondered exactly why the woman had let herself be dragged into such a situation. Surely her bad dog would have accepted Faith if Parker hadn’t. Nuzzling her head against the swell of Faith’s stomach, Dru stared at the jutting hip bone. Everything had been going wrong lately. Parker still did not have the sunshine. Her Spike had the audacity to believe that he loved the naughty ball of light and daddy still didn’t want her attentions.
If Dru was saner, she would’ve cried. As it was she tore the last remaining cloth from Faith’s body and tried to forget.
For her there was always too much time and no real way to escape it, except for this continual rotation of drugs and casual sex. There was no real loyalty to Parker beyond the fact that he seemed stronger than Spike and Faith was only loved in the strictest of sense for her doomed fate. Whatever it was that she saw, Dru knew empathetically that Faith would fall. Whether that was to a bullet or man mattered little. Rather than consider any of it, Dru focused her attentions on Faith and blamed the sunshine for the ever tightening webs.
Perhaps there was enough time for revenge.
***
The ticking of the clock was the only sound in the room as he forced his hands to punch the numbers in. He thought that the small buttons would resist more against his grip but then that would only be wishful thinking. The only person who had control of the situation was him and no Powers That Be were going to intervene and stop one Alexander Lavelle Harris from committing yet another sin.
Xander wondered whether he should become a Catholic to help absolve him of the guilt. Confession to anyone was looking better and better every time he retreated from Adam’s presence.
Though it didn’t help the brunette still felt sorry; couldn’t really stop it if he was honest. He didn’t want to do this, anymore than he had wanted to loose an eye. But then neither had really been his choice.
It made him want to scream as he realised that was something Willow and he also shared. For good and most definitely ill, Xander was removing any chance of Willow’s fingers remaining squeaky clean.
And everyone knew how much of a cleanliness freak the red head was.
The couch sagged as Xander forced himself into the plush leather and waited for the girl to pick up. One hand unconsciously fingered the patch which covered a mutilated socket, the riddles of the scar helping him to remember exactly why he was in this position.
Aureli.
Xander had always been the Zeppo and though he’d wished it weren’t true, he had eventually realised that there was no way of getting past it. Like all his classmates Xander came to accept himself as playing the role of the class clown, not considered smart but harmless enough that no one went out of their way to pick on him.
If you needed a guy who lurked in the background of the stage and handed everyone else props, then the ‘Xanman’ was more than capable than taking care of it.
Anything else and you were doomed.
It was a well known fact at Sunnydale High which everyone subtly recognised. Xander’s role was to entertain and thus Willow remained his only real friend besides a guy called Jesse. For the most part it was fine. He had Willow who adored him utterly and Jesse, tall and lanky, who laughed at all his jokes.
Though he was aware of the various gangs which made their presence known, Xander felt relatively safe that he was overlooked and ignored. Spike and Angel had never once glanced in his direction, preferring to exert their dominance over other more obnoxious challengers.
Which in all honesty was perfectly fine. Xander really didn’t need anyone else kicking his ass besides his drunk father.
The first ringing of the phone made him want to cringe and hang up instantly but he held back.
Pretending that this had never happened wouldn’t change anything.
Xander gulped, forcing his mouth to move as Willow’s sweet voice echoed out of the receiver.
The man could only hope that she would be pleased that he was visiting Sunnydale again.
It was finally time.
***
The door of the Desoto slammed as Spike forced himself into the driver’s seat and wrenched the gear stick into first. He didn’t want to be at the house any longer, particularly not with all these bleeding thoughts whirling around his head. As if I didn’t have enough bleeding problems…
The engine revved, signaling the need to shift long before he made his way out onto the street. Traffic was relatively dead so he had plenty of room in which to swing out, squealing tires shrieking into the distance. The thick scent of burnt rubber wafted high into the air, soiling his senses and generally irritating Spike just that little bit further.
The Brit welcomed the emotion.
Hard, scarred knuckles, accustomed to being bathed in blood gripped the wheel as he made his way through Sunnydale and out onto the highway. There wasn’t much that could distract except for the deafening screams of some rock band that Buffy had switched the radio to. Infuriated Spike fumbled with the controls until the deep disgruntled voice of Warren Zevon howled out of his stereo. Sure it wasn’t angsty or angry but it soothed him slightly. Enough that Spike stopped driving down the middle of the two lanes with one hand flipping the bird to anyone foolish enough to beep in protest.
It was hard not to sing out as the first sounds of the guitar pulsed out and Spike soon succumbed.
I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand
Walking through the streets of Soho in the rain
He was looking for a place called Lee Ho Fook's
Going to get himself a big dish of beef chow mein
Ah-oo, Werewolves of London
If you hear him howling around your kitchen door
Better not let him in
Little old lady got mutilated late last night
Werewolves of London again
Ah-oo, Werewolves of London
He's the hairy-handed gent who ran amuck in Kent
Lately he's been overheard in Mayfair
Better stay away from him
He'll rip your lungs out, Jim
I'd like to meet his tailor
Ah-oo, Werewolves of London
Well, I saw Lon Chaney walking with the Queen
Doing the Werewolves of London
I saw Lon Chaney, Jr. walking with the Queen
Doing the Werewolves of London
I saw a werewolf drinking a pina colada at Trader Vic's
And his hair was perfect
Ah-oo, Werewolves of London
Draw blood
Spike glanced at the mirror, surprised to see a small smile tug at the corner of his lips. It shouldn’t have surprised him in hindsight. Angel was one who brooded out of the two of them and well, Spike didn’t want to take over the Poofter’s role. Aureli did have experience and considerable expertise. The big oafish wanker.
Azure eyes flashed with brilliance before once more settling into contemplation.
It was obvious from the conversation that he’d shared with Buffy that she didn’t trust him nor did she really care who she got handed off to. The main emotion that Spike had felt when watching hunter green eyes gaze at the floor was apathy, freezing and chilling in its hopelessness. For one so determined and obstinate half the bleeding time Spike couldn’t help but be amazed. Part of the reason he’d ever wanted the silly bint was because of her spirit. Her utter determination to not become a victim like Cordelia Chase so often pretended.
Everyone knew that the gorgeous brunette deserved every second of her new lifestyle. She had offered herself to Angel. When the man didn’t want to let go then the gang had considered it fair. If Cordy hadn’t investigated the repercussions of her actions then that was her fault and no one else’s.
Buffy on the other hand had never had that chance.
She’d simply been dragged into his world due to attention from Parker and been forced to stay as a result. The blonde hadn’t really wanted him. She couldn’t if her father was anything to go by.
Spike knew that deep down all of Buffy’s confession of love had been an act of survival.
How could you love someone who had imprisoned you and now was going to be forced to expose you to a life you had fled from?
You can’t thought Spike bleakly. There’s just no way.
The engine roared as again he forced the pedal to the floor. Even if it wasn’t planned he was still to blame; would have to be blamed for their current predicament. It didn’t help that the crazy bird hadn’t mentioned her father being a banished crime lord but Spike knew that he should have expected it.
After Drusilla, Spike should have been aware that women weren’t honest. Or at least they weren’t when they were involved with someone like him. It came with the territory. Men like him should only have the odd girlfriends who were so disposable that half the time they were to be ignored. The other half of their relationship would be spent in the bed.
Cursing to himself Spike shook his head and stared through the windshield. He couldn’t fit to that lifestyle. Had never wanted to try it and even after all the lies with Buffy wasn’t about to start.
Gods help him but he loved the sodding chit.
And that’s when you become truly buggered.
What she had told him had transformed old rumors into honest truths, and restructured his entire view of not only their relationship but his livelihood. On one hand he had the bleeding Chosen One on his arm, content (he hoped) and pretending to love him. On the other he had the threat that she could be married off to some daft git with a poncy name of Billy or offered to any of the other ponces who wanted to get their greasy mits on her. And that was without mentioning the looming specter of her dear old da’.
At the crux of the matter Spike didn’t know this girl. And had no sodding clue as to rescue themselves from the situation where his lack of knowledge and her silence, had landed them.
Masters wasn’t the only one who was going to kill him.
Angel would be a close second.
Spike knew that Aureli had warned him about getting involved. Hell, half of the gang in their own unique way had mentioned the damage left in Drusilla’s wake. She, like Buffy, had also lied to him, slept with the biggest supplier and hidden the misdeeds away. The bleached Brit had no doubt that Parker had not been the first.
Nor would he be the last.
But that wasn’t his problem any longer. She’d chosen another. Spike didn’t know exactly what he would do when forced to look at ebony eyes bathed in mascara but it certainly wouldn’t be declaring his undying love.
Now Buffy would be the recipient of that; or would be if he could work up the courage to admit the feeling out loud without being drunk or high. Somehow knowing and speaking those three small words were entirely different. She couldn’t toss them to the side as Dru had so constantly if she didn’t know.
It was a good plan in principal, however after her furious words and demands to know about Drusilla, Spike couldn’t see it lasting much longer.
The ringing of his cell broke Spike away from his musings, one hand grappling towards the small machine before flipping it open.
“Hullo?”
“What the fuck is wrong with you! I wanted answers. Not two people running out into town.”
“Nice to know you care Peaches.” Spike grinned until he processed the words. “What do you mean two? Everyone else is meant to be at the house.”
Angel rolled his eyes, wanting to chase after the thoughtless Brit and break his jaw. He couldn’t have this disruption in the gang, not at this time. “Summer’s decided that she needed a walk.”
“AND YOU JUST LET HER LEAVE?”
“NO”, Angel yelled, hands fisting into what had been perfectly gelled hair, “Wesley let her out.”
“I’m going to fucking kill him.”
”There’s time for that later. First you have to find her.”
“Right then” Spike growled, hating the way Angel had maneouvered him once again. For all he knew Aureli had let her out himself before slipping the lock back in place. The man was so bleeding paranoid about Masters and what he thought that he was willing to do whatever it took to gain control.
It more than irked.
Fuck ‘em he thought. Bugger them all to hell. If they want to see me race against the bloody clock than so be it. I’ll make the sods wish that they had never signed that bleeding agreement in the first place.
His fist smashed against the dashboard as he wrenched the wheel to the left and headed back to the house.
Buffy may not want him anymore but that didn’t mean much besides the fact that he was a stupid son of a bitch. After Dru Spike didn’t think that any other woman could compare in terms of driving him to the edge.
Now karma had come along to prove him wrong.
The soft ticking of the tachometer echoed as he turned the stereo down. There may be no time left to escape Masters’ clutches but he could certainly out think the old bat.
“There’s time” mimicked Spike sarcastically. Soddin’ Peaches is a bloomin’ idiot. Time’s already bleeding well run out.
End Chapter.
A/N: I’ve been weighing up continuing to post for a while as I was worried that this story was no longer of interest. I’m over that now. I WILL finish this story, come hail, rain or viruses. However I do think that we as fans and as part of a fandom have a problem. Yes there are comic books coming out but no new television series or something viewed by a great deal of people meaning viewers and enthusiasts are dwindling.
Despite this we have ways of attracting attention and letting our views be heard.
Youtube is a great way of gaining more interest and perhaps most important gaining the attention of someone who CAN solve that problem.
NAMELY JOSS WHEDON.
I will be posting a video of entreaty within the next few days and I ask for others to voice their support as a BtVS fan and post their own videos. If we can get enough attention then we will get a response.
The link will be on the site in the chat section within a few days.
Please help me rejuvenate our fandom.
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Very important message at the bottom. PLEASE READ.