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spnae · 8 months

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Chapter 10 Electric

***** ****** ******

Moments later the doorbell rang. Faith ran downstairs to get it but Spike was already there. “Evening, Cal, Faith’ll be along in a minute.”

“Callum,” he corrected gruffly, “and thanks.”

“I’m here, I’m here!” Faith declared, rushing to the door, “Hey!”

Callum looked her up and down taking in her black lacy top, sexy blue skirt and borrowed boots, “Wow… you look…”

“Too much? I knew the skirt was too—“

“You look amazing… gorgeous in fact…”

“Oh… humm, thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself,” she said, gesturing to his blue dress shirt.

Callum handed her a small bouquet of tulips in red, white and yellow, “I hope it’s not too girly.”

“Nah, you’re cool on this one. I actually do like tulips, thank you.

He shot her a thousand watt smile that nearly made her melt. Faith stood there dumbstruck for a few seconds before she snapped out of it.

“Here, I’ll take care of these and put them in your room,” Buffy said, making Faith jump in surprise with her sudden appearance.

Faith quickly schooled her features as Buffy took the flowers from her, “Oh, sure. Cool.”

“Now that’s taken care of, ready to go?” Callum asked.

She cleared her throat, “Yeah, I’m ready.”

“Have fun kids,” Spike sing-songed behind them.

“Shut up, Spike!” Faith threw back over her shoulder as they headed out the door.

Once they were gone Buffy turned to Spike, “So what about us?”

“I assumed the bubble bath was your way of saying you weren’t ready to go out yet,” he smirked.

“You really do get me don’t you?”

“I’ve always liked to think so, but then I’ve been wrong before haven’t I?” Spike asked, shifting himself to lean against the wall.

Buffy gave him a wistful smile, “Not recently. I have been looking forward to trying out the bathtub… and the bubble bath.”

He bit his bottom lip, “Then that’s what we’ll do, Love.”

“Well since nap time is out, I’m going to grab something to eat, you want anything?”

“I’m fine. You take your time, I’ll see you upstairs, Pet,” he said, pushing himself off the wall.

“Ahh huh, ok,” she shrugged, “I know you, you’re scheming…”

Spike grinned wickedly, “I prefer ‘planning’.”

“Have it your way.”

“Oh I plan to, Goldilocks.”

***** ****** ******

Back in town, Faith and Callum arrived at the pub. It was a cozy place with booths set all along the walls and a small stage opposite the bar with wooden tables in between. They had barely set foot inside the pub when a strongly built older man jovially shouted, “Cally my boy!”, from behind the bar.

“Bloody hell…” Callum mumbled, “Faith, I’m really sorry about this.”

“About what?” Faith started to say when the older gentleman had come up to Callum giving him such a strong bear hug that he actually picked him up off the floor a few inches before releasing him, “How are you, Lad? I’ve barely seen you all week. Who’s the pretty Lass?”

Callum rolled his eyes but smiled goodnaturedly, “Didn’t know you were going to be here tonight. Mum said you had off now you cut back your hours.”

“Oh aye, I did. Hadn’t actually planned on it, but when you’re needed… had to take care of a few things.”

“How come I can’t call you ‘Cal’ but this guy can call you ‘Cally’?” Faith interjected.

“Now you see what you’ve done? Got me in the doghouse before it’s even built,” Callum teased the man. “Excuse my manners, Faith. Unfortunately, this one here gets to call me whatever he fancies and I can’t do a damn thing about it… this here is my father. Dad, this is Faith. It’s largely thanks to her and her uncle that Angus and I are finally getting things off the ground,” he cleared his throat, “This is meant to be our first date.”

Mr. Ross raised his eyebrows, “That right now?”

“Yeah, well unless you count last night with my cousin,” Faith countered.

“What’s this?” Mr. Ross asked.

Callum shook his head with a chuckle, “It’s nothing, Dad. Faith asked me over to look at a new job. Professional visit. After that, her cousin and her bloke sort of roped us into watching a film with them.”

Mr. Ross crossed his arms over his expansive chest. “Must be someplace if you’ve hired my boy for multiple jobs.”

“Yeah, big old place. Needs a lot of work done,” Faith answered.

“They’re in the old castle just outside of town,” Callum interjected.

Mr. Ross gave a hum of interest, “And what’s some princess in a castle doing out with a working-class lad like my boy?”

Callum clapped a hand on his father’s shoulder. “Now Dad, Faith isn’t some—“

Faith cut him off, “Naw Callum, it’s cool. Been called a lot of things, but ‘princess’? Damn, that’s a new one on me,” her voice had a slight edge to it.

Callum’s dad smiled and suddenly the resemblance to his son was uncanny, “Oh aye. See why this one caught your attention, Cally.”

“Huh, yeah. Well, I’m no princess, my uncle sort of inherited the place. Started a private school for girls. I teach there,” Faith said.

“What is it you teach, Lass?”

“Advanced Martial Arts and Hand-to-Hand. That enough backstory for you?” She countered.

“Oh aye, that’ll do,” his eyes twinkled as he glanced at his son, “Might have met your match with this one, Cally-boy. Good to meet a woman who can handle herself.”

Callum grinned warmly at Faith for half a second before turning to his father, “Yeah well, I thought you had things to do, Dad.”

“Done, just heading home to your mum now. She’s making mussels tonight and you know what happens if I’m late for dinner,” he widened his eyes comically, “Ross men love a feisty woman.”

Callum rubbed the back of his neck, “Right then before mum’s mussels go wonky. Give her my love, will you?”

“Course I will, Lad.”

“I’ll see you soon, Dad,” Callum gave him a pat on the back and made a move towards the bar guiding Faith with a gentle hand on the small of her back. Faith realized with a jolt in her stomach that she didn’t mind the gesture coming from him.

Callum’s father followed them over, he had a quick word with the bartender and a very pregnant-looking waitress. Then he grabbed his hat from a hook behind the bar, “Alright Cally, I’m heading out, mind your manners. You’ll get in trouble if you don’t mind your manners. Just ask your mother.”

“I’m sure we’ll do just fine,” Callum replied.

“See that you do,” he gave his son a pat on the back and headed out.

It wasn’t until Callum turned to the bartender that Faith realized she recognized him. “Oi, Angus, a couple of beers for me and the lady. Faith, chicken and chips alright with you?”

“Yeah, I could eat.”

“Coming right up,” his cousin answered. The two men looked a lot alike except that Angus had bright red hair instead of Callum’s black hair. The difference was staggering. Angus set two beers down on the counter, “Your dad wants us to take a look at the storage room door. Damn thing keeps getting jammed.”

“Yeah alright,” Callum answered, slightly annoyed.

“How’d it go with that other job you were looking into last night?” His cousin continued.

Callum hitched a thumb at Faith, “Got the client here with me.”

“Blimey, thought you looked familiar,” Angus said as he offered his hand, then turned to his cousin with a knowing look, “you’re taking the job aren’t you?”

“I think we can do it.”

“Yeah, alright, we’ll talk later,” he said with a nod before turning toward another customer.

The two of them grabbed their beers and headed over to a secluded booth. “Must be rough, you guys both working two jobs,” Faith said as she sat down.

“Nah, it’s alright. My family is full of the entrepreneur types, and we all sort of help out at each other’s businesses,” Callum grinned.

“You are all really close then huh?”

“Now. Not always the case, I’d become a bit of a black sheep for a while but I’m over it. Moving on. What about you?”

“Pretty much the same,” Faith shrugged uncomfortably.

He eyed her for a moment before speaking, “Faith, I’m really sorry about my dad. I never imagined you’d meet both my parents before we’d actually been out on a proper date… really bungled things up coming here didn’t I?”

“Naw, it’s fine. Your dad actually seems alright. But what did you mean about meeting both your parents?”

Callum gestured to Faith’s necklace, “I stopped by my mum’s shop earlier. Told her about our date, and she remembered a couple of American girls coming in. Heard you talking, not hard to put it together.”

Faith had a sudden sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Callum took a long pull of his beer and gave her an appraising look, “You're the Slayer aren’t you?”

Faith sat up looking around then noticing his gaze she relaxed a little, “Why would you say that? What do you know about Slayers?”

“So it’s true?”

Her stomach clenched and she leaned forward pinning him with a hard glare, “Look I don’t know what you think you know but if you don’t start talking I’m out.”

He stretched out a hand to cover hers, “It’s alright, Faith. Really, it’s okay.” There was something about his tone that almost reminded her of Angel and had a disarming effect on her. She looked down at his hand covering hers and fought down the impulse to pull away.

“How do you know about Slayers?” She said calmly.

“Didn’t until today, thought my mum was off her nut, until just now. Apparently, my aunt was one. I knew my mum had a sister and that she had died very young but I swear I never knew anything else about her until today.”

“Your mom’s sister? When?”

He thought for a moment, “Think she died in 1970, or thereabouts. Why?”

Same year Robin’s mom was called… the Slayer before her? Damn, I am not history girl.

Faith swallowed dryly, “Say your story tracks, how’d your mom even know?”

“Yeah, well I guess she wasn’t supposed to but they were really close, sort of like you and Buffy I gather… All I know is what she told me.”

“Which is?” Faith prompted, slowly pulling her hand out of his grasp to pick up her beer.

Callum shifted back in his seat, concern on his face. “According to her, there’s only one Slayer in all the world. Now that’s the part I’m really having a hard time swallowing; she says you have these powers to kill vampires and demons and the like— Which seems stupid, how is one person, even one with supernatural abilities, supposed to fight all the vampires in the world?”

“And demons, and save the world at a seriously alarming rate. Does that freak you out?” She asked, taking a drink.

He took a sip of beer and eyed her critically, “You’re serious, it’s true then?” When she didn’t answer, he took a deep breath and bobbed his head, “I guess I’m just trying to wrap my head around it. I was really hoping Mum was just losing it,” he huffed, resting his forearms on the table and rocking his head back, accepting defeat.

“She’s not… but how did she-“ Faith started to ask but stopped herself, unsure if she really wanted to know the answer.

He dropped his gaze, shifting uncomfortably before answering calmly, “I guess from a few things you must have said in the shop, my mum was able to put together enough to realize you were like her sister. And you were having doubts about coming tonight because you’re afraid.”

His answer caught her off guard. “She ah, caught all that did she?”

He turned his beer in his hand, running the pad of his thumb over the glass, clearly holding back a torrent of questions. He

. “How long have you been the Slayer? Does your uncle know? How—“

“Ok so, wait a minute with the twenty questions… are you sure you really want to know all this? I mean really?” Faith asked seriously.

“I know I really want to get to know you. The way mum describes it, it sounds like this is a pretty big part of who you are.”

“This is why you asked to come by early.”

“I was supposed to check out another job, but after talking to mum I rescheduled that appointment. I figured you were more important than some built-in shelves.”

Faith was a little shaken, she wasn’t used to being put first like that. Like she was important. “You know I could bench you easy, and my job involves sticking stakes into vampires, and fighting demons, right? Just last night we evicted a vengeful spirit from Buffy and Spike’s bedroom. This isn’t an every-so-often kind of thing, it's every day. Do you really want to hear about that?”

He took a long drink and waited for the pregnant waitress to set down the chicken and chips they had ordered, “Maybe this is me being bloody stupid. I don’t know, but I do know that I have never met anyone like you in my life and I’d really like to know you better.”

“You’re sure none of this is sending you running for the hills?”

“Not yet anyway. I’ve been waiting to ask you out since we met but I didn’t think I was ready for another go at a relationship yet. When I thought you had a boyfriend, I… Well, I was really glad when you asked me. All this comes as a bit of a shock, sure, but it definitely makes you interesting.” He took a long pull of beer while Faith watched him, “Something I don’t get though, if you’re the Slayer then why does Spike call Buffy ‘Slayer’?”

“You caught that huh?”

“I just thought it was some kind of kinky nickname he had for her until now.”

Faith cleared her throat. Then chugged her beer, set the empty bottle down in front of her, and signaled the waitress for another. “Alright, so, first thing first; the way Spike says it, yeah, there’s definitely some serious kink he has going on there. You have no idea... Second, few things have changed since your aunt was the Slayer. Buffy is ‘The Slayer’ as in the original ‘to every generation’, blah blah…”

“But my mum said, you—“

“Oh I am. Long story short; Buffy died. For about a minute but it was long enough to activate another Slayer. When she was killed, I got called up.”

“Holy… so there’s two of you… and she isn’t really your cousin is she?”

Faith tapped her nose, “More like ‘chosen’ family. Same with Giles.”

“Wow… so… Wow, this is what you have to do… you have to lie to everyone?” He sounded more concerned than angry.

“About certain things, yeah… but it’s just—“ Faith stammered.

“To protect people. It sounds like a really complicated way to live. You’re sort of like a superhero.”

“Just no weird outfits or capes,” she laughed, “Yeah it is I guess, but it’s cool, not like I ever had anything else.”

“But Buffy and Spike; obviously he knows.”

Faith laughed again, “Oh yeah, he knows almost as much about Slayers as Giles does, only from a different angle.

“Should I assume he’s not exactly your typical guy?”

“You catch on fast. Yeah you could say he’s part of a eh- unique set, just like Me and Buffy,” she cocked her head, “Sort of.”

“What’s his story anyway?”

“Oh no, I’m not going there. Let’s just say he can keep up with us in a fight pretty damn well. He’s a good guy to have on our side.”

“Sounds complicated...”

“I haven’t even started on my backstory. It’s almost as complicated as his. You sure you want to get into all this?”

“I am if you are.”

Faith took a deep breath, unsure about what she wanted to tell him, “How do I know you’re not going to—“

“Blab it about town? My own father thinks my aunt died in a horrible rock climbing accident in the highlands. My mum only told me today because she thought, given your concerns, I should know what I was getting into,” he smirked, “Trust me Faith, I won’t say anything you don't want me to.”

Faith took a breath and cleared her throat, ”Good, because we tend to be a little iffy about straights finding out.”

He raised his eyebrows, “You’re not like the mob, I’m not going to find a bomb in my bed or something…”

“You know you’re leaving the door wide open for a great sex joke right?”

Callum flashed a sexy smile, “Not my intention, but ah, if that’s where your mind went with that I take it I’m safe.”

“Yeah, our business is protecting people from the baddies. We’re the good guys.” Faith replied.

“Okay, so what are the good guys doing running a girls school?”

She watched him drink his beer and took a sip of her own, “Alright…” she said as she proceeded to tell him a little more about the school and her role in it.

Callum sat back against the corner of the booth stunned, “So basically, it is what you say it is. You're just very selective on who you take on. So all those girls you teach… they’re—“

“Yup… freaked out yet?”

He let out a low whistle and shook his head, “That’s a lot to take in,” he took a sip of beer and nodded, “Alright I’m good, I’m hanging in. Wow, I bet Spike was really having a laugh about that whole superhero training camp thing.”

“Yeah well wouldn’t you?”

“Suppose so,” he tilted his head slightly and grinned.

“What’s that look for?” Faith asked, cocking her head to the side.

“Most of my adult life, I’ve been dealing with Superman jokes. Comic geeks wanting to call me ‘Kal-El’ or ‘Clark Kent’. Especially now there’s that Tom Welling bloke everyone says I look like. Not sure I see it myself, but that’s not the point. The point is that all this time I’ve tried to distance myself from that and then here I am. Falling hard and fast for a girl who is an actual real-life superhero. Who, by the way, looks like I should be able to pick up with one hand.”

“Did you say you were falling for me?”

He suddenly looked slightly bashful, “Afraid I think I am. That— is that alright?”

Faith covered her sudden desperate need to run by digging into the basket of chicken and chips in front of her. “As long as you’re okay with the fact I could toss you across the room without really trying, and I’ll never need your help opening a freaking jar.”

“Remind me not to piss you off.”

“Yeah, that doesn’t usually go well for the other guy,” Faith grinned and let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding as she relaxed against the booth. She suddenly stiffened slightly again, “Are we talking about incarcerations tonight or are we saving that conversation for another time?”

Callum shifted in his seat, “If you want to…but ah, given everything else, I’m voting another night.”

Faith nodded, “Sorry, didn’t mean to bring down the mood.”

“Impossible.”

“Ah huhh, say that again after you get to know me better,” she chuckled darkly, “So anyway, is that why you don’t like being called ‘Cal’, something to do with comics?”

“Kal-El, with a ‘K’, is Superman's Kryptonian name, it’s just a little too close to ‘Cal’ when you look like the Man of Steel as much as I do.”

“You won’t hear me complain. Never got into comics myself but damn, maybe I’m missing out,” she grinned.

“I’m starting to think this slow and steady thing might be harder than I thought.”

“Kinda getting that vibe too,” Faith took a sip of her beer as she eyed him, his muscles straining under his shirt. The urge to rip it off of him like tissue paper was strong.

She set her beer down, “As much as I’d really, really like to find a nice quiet spot somewhere and make it a whole lot less quiet... Like a week ago. I really want this time to be different. What your mom overheard was all true. I do like you, a lot which is big for me and I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“So the bit about the bathtub?”

Faith nearly choked on her beer, “Your mom heard that too?”

“In her defense, the acoustics in that place are wicked. I used to think my mum was magic or something. I learned fairly early on you can hear everything from behind the counter even when you’re not trying to,” he laughed, “So, I take it this isn’t the tub on the fourth floor then.”

“No, we have a massive jacuzzi type tub in our bathroom. It takes forever to fill so we don’t use it much, but it’s seriously amazing after a long day.”

“Don’t really do baths myself.”

“Not manly enough?”

“Piss on that, I’m just too damn tall for most tubs.”

Faith laughed, “I think this one would work for you.”

Callum raised an eyebrow, “Maybe I’ll have to check it out,” he smirked.

“Maybe the third date,” she said, taking a drink.

Callum gave her a slow smile, “Now, ya know something. That raises an interesting point, is this date number one or number two?”

She watched him as he casually leaned towards her a little and her heart suddenly sped up, “Sort of depends on how the next one goes, I’ll let you know.”

“Already planning another date?”

“Kinda thought this one was going pretty well so far. You already know one biggy. So I’m game if you are.”

Callum grinned, “Oh I’m game.”

***** ****** *****

Back at the castle, Spike rummaged around in the wardrobe in their room looking for candles. It took a minute but he struck pay dirt, a whole box of white candles. They were really there for power outages and spells but they would do just fine to set the mood. He knew he didn’t have much time. He had managed to grab some blood just as the girls came into the kitchen with pizza they’d brought back with them from town for dinner. Buffy had stayed down stairs to eat but he knew she wouldn’t be long.

He had started lighting the last of the candles in the spacious bathroom when he heard Buffy calling for him from their bedroom, “In here, Love. Bring your special bubble bath would you?”

Buffy chuckled to herself. She grabbed the bubble bath and padded her way barefoot into the bathroom carrying it and a bottle of wine and two glasses. It was dark except for the dozen or so candles he had lit. The tub was still filling as Spike stood there shirtless waiting for her. She smiled when she saw him. “I was hoping for candles,” she said, setting down the bubble bath on the side of the tub.

“I’ll take those,” he added, taking the wine and a glass. He poured some into each glass. They touched glass before each taking a sip, “Thought we were out of wine.”

“Got some more today, what do you think?” Buffy set her glass down and started shrugging off her top revealing the lace camisole she had on underneath.

“Little sweet for my taste but it’s not bad,” Spike said as he continued to watch her with hungry eyes as she leaned over to pour bubble bath into the tub.

The scent of blackcurrant and honey filled the air, “That’s better huhh?”

He looped a finger into Buffy’s waistband, pulling her towards him roughly. Buffy gave a playful little squeal as he did so. He tugged at the bottom of her camisole, “I think we can do better,” he smirked.

****** ****** *******

Faith let out a crow of triumph as she sunk another billiard ball, winning her second round against Callum. A local band had begun playing about an hour into their date and the place had filled up.

“You warned me you were good. Best three out of five.”

“You’re just looking to have your ass handed to you.”

“Rather have yours, but I’ll take what I can get,” he grinned.

Faith returned it with her own, “Obviously. Alright, rack’em up, pretty boy.”

“Pretty boy?” He repeated, getting closer to her. Faith allowed him to pin her against the table. “Where do you come down on kissing on a first date?” He asked.

“Sort of feeling like a second date, don’t you think?”

Callum’s grin widened as he leaned in to kiss her. Faith snaked an arm behind his neck to deepen the kiss. It was electric. Faith had never been kissed like that in her life and that was saying something considering the amount of practice she’d had. They broke apart breathing a little heavily, “Holy shit,” she gasped.

Callum steadied himself, he was also feeling the effects of the kiss, “So, ah that wasn’t a one-sided Slayer thing I take it, you felt that too?” he gasped.

Faith nodded, still catching her breath.

“Definitely feels like a second date,” Callum breathed in her ear.

“I’ll say,” she pulled him back down for another kiss as he picked her up onto the billiard table. She felt him pressing hard against her through his jeans and felt her own body responding to him. Gears clicked inside her head, she wanted him now. It was more than clear that he wanted her too. But no. It couldn’t happen, not here, not now. Not yet.

Faith placed a firm hand on his chest just as he started to pull away, “If we don’t stop, Lass, these folks are going to get a very different show than they came in here for.”

They both looked at one another, eyes blazing and breathing heavily. Callum took a step back, allowing Faith to slip down off of the table. She pressed her lips together relishing the after effects of the kiss, “If that’s any indication, I’m thinking you might be right about a bomb going off in your bed.”

Callum’s eyes flashed and he grinned a little, “You’re ruddy dangerous you are. Like you’re trying to take a sledgehammer to my resolve.”

“I could say the same thing to you,” she said, pushing him back just a little, a sly smirk playing on her lips. “Rack'm up, mister, we're not done here.”

*****

A few hours later Callum and Faith were standing at the castle’s door once again. “You want to come in for a drink?” She asked.

”Not so sure that’s the best way to go about this going slow bit, beautiful. Especially after our little display at the pub,” he grinned.

“Who’s stupid idea was this taking it slow thing anyway?”

“Pretty sure it was a mutual consensus,” he chuckled.

“So next time?”

“Next time? How soon can we do next time?”

Faith smiled, “How’s next Friday?”

He pulled her to him, “That’s too far away.”

Faith let out a shuddering breath, “I’m on duty tomorrow night. You’re off from the hardware store on Tuesdays right?”

“Probably coming here to start on the elevator if I can get the parts. How do you feel about mixing business and pleasure?”

She shrugged one shoulder, “Doesn’t bother me.”

“So, Tuesday?”

“Unless I can talk you into coming upstairs now.”

Callum hesitated as Faith pulled him down for another electrifying kiss. “Didn’t we just go over this?” He asked breathlessly.

“Just making sure. Gotta say, your restraint is pretty damn hot.”

“I don’t go into the hardware store until afternoon on Wednesday.”

“Tuesday it is.”

“Tuesday. I’ll take you back to my place, we’ll have a night in. I’ll cook.”

“You cook?”

“Man’s gotta eat. The crockpot is my best friend. Does all the work for me.”

“Fair enough,” she smiled.

They shared one last long kiss before Callum finally left for the evening. Faith’s heart pounded in her chest as she closed the door. She couldn’t help the broad smile on her face as she made her way upstairs. Tuesday. She’d never allowed a guy to get to her like this before. Not even Robin. Sure she had thought they had something going. Neither one of them had ever used the dreaded “L-word”.

This connection she was feeling with Callum, just felt different. Hadn’t Callum even said he was falling for her? Was that what this was? Love… the real deal? The thought put her stomach in knots but then she thought of his smile and couldn’t help but smile again. She was still smiling when she reached her floor. The door to Buffy and Spike’s room was shut but she could still hear muffled sounds from within. Clearly their night hadn’t ended yet.

#buffy the vampire slayer #buffy fanfic #fanfic #spuffy #bound #fanfiction

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spnae · 11 months

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Spike/Buffy

Rated M- Adult content.

Summary: It all started with Spike having nightmares about the woman he loves prompting him to go to her; before a demon got there first. Now where will it lead them? What new challenges will they face in a world with multiple Slayers? Nearly all major characters will eventually make an appearance. Essentially this is a very Spuffy centered continuation of the series.

Rated for sexual content. Canon typical violence and themes. I will try to add appropriate warnings as needed although I think these should suffice for the majority of the story. Stunningly gorgeous banner created by cd85

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

A/N: I am in the process of updating this story. Links will be added as updates are made.

Master List: Table of Contents

Chapter 1 To Paris with Love and Demons

Chapter 2 Demon

Chapter 3 Date Night

Chapter 4 Take the Last Train to Scotland

Chapter 5 A New Leaf

Chapter 6 The New Girls

Chapter 7 Movie Night

Chapter 8 Ghosts and Stockers

Chapter 9 Awkward Moments

Chapter 10 Electric

Chapter 11 Vampire Dust Will Get Ya

Chapter 12 Hospitals Man

Chapter 13 Home Again

Chapter 14 Out For A Walk

Chapter 15 Love a Handyman

Chapter 16 Have a Little Faith

Chapter 17 Underground

Chapter 18 Ohhh Baby

Chapter 19 Baby Blue

Chapter 20 House Guest

Chapter 21 Our Expert

Chapter 22 It’s Complicated

Chapter 23 Bye Bye Baby

Chapter 24 Dance Magic

Chapter 25 Oh What a Night: Part 1

Chapter 26 Oh What a Night: Part 2

Chapter 27 Punk Love

Chapter 28 Changes

Chapter 29 Twisted Sister

Chapter 30 Aftermath

Chapter 31 Third Times a Charm

Chapter 32 Open Up

Chapter 33 Coming Clean?

Chapter 34 Skid

Chapter 35 The Talking Dead

Chapter 36 Redemption

Chapter 37 Sins of Omission

Chapter 38 Living Dead Girl

Chapter 39 When the Levee Breaks

Chapter 40 Couples Retreat

Chapter 41 Time

Chapter 42 Breathe

Chapter 43 Cabin Fever

Chapter 44 Recovery

Chapter 45 Birthday

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

#buffy the vampire slayer #buffy fanfic #fanfic #spuffy #bound #fanfiction #spike x buffy #buffy x spike

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spnae · 11 months

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Chapter 9 Awkward Moments

Buffy yawned as she entered Faith’s room later that morning with a cup of tea and some toast she had snagged from the kitchen. As she looked around, Buffy marveled at how simple the room was. A full sized bed, dresser, vanity, a wardrobe, night stand and a large comfortable blue saucer-chair made up the furniture. It was also cleaner than she had expected.

Although Buffy had seen Faith’s room from the door a number of times, this was really the first time she had actually been inside. The room was painted a light blue with white trim. The rest of the room was done in light blue and gray tones with lots of black and white accents. Faith had decided to use weaponry to decorate the walls. A pair of swords and a large crossbow were mounted above the headboard.

Afraid she wouldn’t be able to get out of the big round chair without hurting herself, Buffy opted for a seat on the edge of the bed, “So what’s up?”

“I need date night help.”

“Show me what we have to work with.”

Faith opened her wardrobe revealing a variety of tops and only one very plain black dress, suitable for a funeral. “What you see is pretty much it. The dresser just has jeans and workout gear. Practical stuff.”

“Okay… so it’s a lot less ‘Joan Jett’ than I was expecting but I’m sure there’s something here,” Buffy started shifting hangers, “Faith, I don’t really see the problem. You have at least five tops here that would be perfect for first date drinks. He’s taking you to a local pub not a five-star restaurant,” Buffy pulled out a fitted black top with lace sleeves and lace running across the shoulders, “This one is perfect, just add the right necklace and you’ll be all set.”

“I don't really have any.”

“Then I guess we’re going shopping.”

Faith sighed, “These girls are great and all, but I was really looking forward to having a day off. Not like they all go on these little outings anyway but it’s still a break.”

“So we don’t stick with the group. Giles will understand. It’ll be the first time we’ve been shopping since…”

“Before everything got so screwed up…”

“Come full circle haven’t we?”

“Does that mean we’re friends?”

“I don’t know about friends, Faith, but we’re definitely vital to each other and you definitely belong here. We’re in this together and in my book I guess that sort of makes us family. Pretend cousin thing notwithstanding,” Buffy shrugged.

“Really?”

“Unless you don’t feel the same.”

“I… is that freaky or what? I mean the cousin thing felt sort of… weirdly natural.”

“Yeah… it’s weird, but somehow it fits, right? They say you don’t get to choose your family, but that’s never really been the case for me. I say family is what you make it.”

“I never had that, made up or otherwise. I think I kinda like it. Thanks, B,” she cleared her throat, “Well I guess that means we better get a move on. Giles is gonna wanna leave soon, he promised the girls lunch in town.”

“Yeah, you know I’m totally avoiding that,” Buffy said frankly.

“We’ll hitch a ride with them there, hit a few shops, and walk home.”

“Perfect, I’m starting to feel a little cooped-up, it’s been so nice the last few days,” Buffy said with a sigh, looking out the window.

Faith followed her gaze, looking out over the grounds, it really was shaping up to be a great day.

*****

Buffy and Faith made their way through the people on the sidewalk. This section of town was full of small shops Buffy was excited to check out. She hadn’t been shopping since she got Spike his new hooded motorcycle jacket in Paris.

They had already been to a few but hadn’t had much luck yet. This shop was different from the others. It reminded Buffy of The Magic Box only with clothing and jewelry instead of the extensive collection of occult books Giles had kept. Otherwise it was very similar.

A middle aged woman with black hair streaked with gray and bright blue eyes greeted them, “Good day, ladies. Is there anything I can help you find?”

“I think jewelry mainly. She has a big date tonight and nothing to go with the outfit,” Buffy explained.

“We’ll probably just take a look around,” Faith dismissed.

“We have plenty of unique jewelry. Most of it is here on the display. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks,” Buffy said as she started to browse.

Faith turned to the jewelry display and picked up a silver necklace with a delicate stylized dagger hanging from it. She took it over to show Buffy. “That’s surprisingly pretty, it would go great with that top.”

“I think I’m going to get it…” she paused looking at the necklace, “Do you think I’m wasting my time?” she asked Buffy.

Buffy looked up from the dress he was looking at, “Shopping?”

“Well that, but…”

“Callum?”

“Yeah… I don’t know…”

Buffy followed Faith over to another clothing rack, “Look Faith. Here’s what I think, honest opinion: You got burned on Robin and I think Spike was right.”

“Figured you’d side with him,” she said as she held up an interesting semi-sheer black tunic top with silver threads woven into the fabric.

“Well yeah, if you like the guy then it’s worth taking the risk. You won’t know until you try. And if you don’t get that top I will, that’s super cute,” she said as she continued looking through the clothing rack. Buffy pulled out a dark purple top with black laces up the front and down the short sleeves, “What do you think about this one?”

“Here, let’s trade.”

“In case there’s a second date?”

“I can’t help but feel like I’m not cut out for this, Buffy. What happens when I tell him about, you know, everything?”

“Everything? Slayer stuff and all? You really like this guy huh?”

Faith glanced up at the shopkeeper who had suddenly paused as she rearranged the display case. The woman picked something up off the floor and quickly resumed working. Faith dropped her voice, “Yeah… What if it all sends him screaming? What if it doesn’t and it gets him hurt or worse? I can’t…. Buffy I can’t let Callum get hurt because of me. I just can’t…” Faith turned around looking at a display of herbs.

“We would never let that happen, Faith. You know that right? You, me, Spike, the rest of the gang, it’s our job to protect people and we’re damn good at it. Besides, look at Xander, he’s been in at least as many scrapes with me as Spike, maybe more, and he’s still in one piece, mostly… ok maybe not the best example.”

“Eyepatch says a lot, but I guess you sort of have a point. I really like this guy, Buff.” Faith pulled out a silky green halter top with a raven printed on it and handed it to her, “Here’s a sexy little thing.”

“Oh I like that, give me,” she smiled. “Maybe I’ll try out that massive bathtub tonight.”

“Just remember that I use that tub too.”

“What do you think I’m going to do in there?”

Faith gave her a knowing look, “I’m not worried about what you’d do solo. It’s more like what would happen if your boy-toy is involved” she smirked.

“Dirty… like you’d never try it out if Callum was a willing participant.”

“Sure I would… I’d also remember the cleaner is under the sink.”

Buffy laughed, “Thanks for the tip.”

“What do you think of this?” Faith asked, holding up a simple little black sleeveless dress.

“You need it. You need a little hot in your wardrobe.”

“Fine, I’ll keep an eye out.”

They left the shop almost a half hour later. Buffy found a short skirt with thistles screen printed on the thigh for herself and talked Faith into a skirt and a second dress. They each picked out a few new tops and restocked the herbs they had used along with some Berber-weed for Spike. This had been Buffy’s favorite shop so far. After that they grabbed a quick bite to eat and hit a few more shops. Buffy grinned broadly as they exited a lingerie shop.

“Let’s check out the music store and head back, I think I’m about done,” Faith said, pointing across the street.

“Sure, why not.”

The bell over the door tinkled as they walked in. The store was deserted and there was a slight scuffling sound and a woman’s Scottish accent saying, “Sorry, customers. Won’t be a moment…” in a hushed tone before a very pretty middle aged woman with Asian features came out from behind a heavy beaded curtain. Her sleek black hair had a dyed streak of bright blue and was tied back in a messy bun. She also wore a tiny diamond stud in her nose. “Hello there, anything I can help you find?”

“Oh hello,” Buffy managed to say as she was trying to take in the scope of the store. She redirected her attention to the woman behind the counter, taking in her funky handmade name tag, “I don’t even know where to begin, Zara.”

“Nostalgia, man…” Faith breathed as she looked around the shop. It was full of records, tables of cassettes, CDs, and players of all kinds.

“No kidding, Spike and Giles would both get totally lost in here,” Buffy said as she picked up an album with Jim Morrison’s picture on the cover. She flipped it over and set it back down.

“Rupert Giles?” Zara interjected.

Buffy was taken aback, “Ah yeah, you know him?”

“For most of my life it seems. You seem a touch old to go to his school.”

“Actually we teach there,” Buffy gestured to herself and Faith.

“Oh my God, you must be Buffy and Faith. So nice to meet you!” She said enthusiastically as she offered to shake Buffy’s hand. “So what brings you in today?”

“Her really,” Buffy pointed to Faith.

“I’m just looking. Maybe get something for Gi- ah, Uncle Rupert’s record collection.”

“I happen to know his wishlist,” she winked.

Buffy had the sudden sinking feeling that it was Giles behind the beaded curtain. Faith must have had the same thought because she caught Buffy’s eye and turned back to the shop owner quickly, saying, “Yeah, sure. I’ll take something off his list, surprise him. What about you Buffy? Getting anything?”

Buffy hesitated, “Now you mention it, do you carry MP3 players?”

“Sure do, right over there in the case.”

Buffy went over to take a look, while Zara walked over to the record albums. She pulled one out and handed it to Faith, “Here’s one Rupe wants.”

“Works for me, thanks!”

As Buffy checked out, she heard Giles’s unmistakable voice coming from behind the curtain.

“Zara, darling, I—“ he said distractedly as he removed headphones from his ears. He looked up, startled, “Buffy, why hello, I hum… you’ve met my friend Zara then? Ah, Zara, this is Buffy and—“

“Ah yeah we met, she was super helpful…” Buffy said, and then wished she hadn’t sounded so dumb.

Zara covered the awkward moment that followed with a laugh, “I was nosie I’m afraid. They had said something about your music collection and I interjected. We sort of handled introductions on our own.”

Giles stammered slightly, “We were just having tea. The shop is normally rather quiet this time of day…”

“We sort of picked up on that,” Buffy smirked knowingly.

“Yes well, how is the shopping going?” He asked, trying to change the subject while he looked around until he finally spotted Faith.

“Cool it, Rupe,” Zara soothed as she gave him a smile.

“This is our last stop then we’re heading back,” Buffy answered, holding up her shopping bags realizing a moment too late that her lingerie bag, clearly marked with the shop’s rather evocative name, was front and center.

Giles cleared his throat trying to pretend he hadn’t noticed, “The girls only have another hour and a half before I’m set to meet them; are you sure you don’t want to get a ride back with us?”

“Nah, as soon as Faith is done we’re heading back.”

****** ****** ******

When they got back, Faith started to make her way upstairs before she noticed Buffy going in the opposite direction, “Aren’t you taking your stuff up?”

Buffy turned back towards her, “TV’s on, thought I’d see if Spike is in there.”

Faith shrugged, “Eh, what the hell…” she said, turning to follow Buffy.

Spike wasn’t in the great room. In fact only Addison and Ursula were there. Kissing and grinding on each other with such enthusiasm that they didn’t even notice when Faith and Buffy walked in.

Buffy cleared her throat loudly, “Ladies!”

The two young women looked up, startled. Fear flashed in Addison’s eyes as she looked around for her shirt. Ursula couldn’t have cared less about being caught. She coolly pulled Addison’s shirt off the back of the couch, handing it to her girlfriend.

Buffy continued, “Why don’t you two take that upstairs to your room? The other girls will be back in about an hour.”

With that, the two Level 4 girls rushed past them to the stairs giggling.

Buffy rolled her eyes, “I suppose they’re going to want to be assigned to the same city,” she asked as she turned towards the stairs.

Faith followed, “Yeah, Ursula already brought it up to me the other day, they want to live together.”

“I’ll talk to them about it, later.”

“Yeah, I don’t think you want to walk in on all that again,” Faith shook her head as they reached their floor.

Buffy placed a hand on her doorknob, “Nope, not even a little. I do however want to put these bags down and find my guy.”

She opened the door to find Spike sitting upside down on the loveseat with his legs hanging over the back. His eyes were closed and he had on Buffy’s earphones connected to her laptop listening to music. He was reminding her of Dawn when she was about seven. Buffy set her bags down on the bed and went over to sit down next to him. Spike jumped as he opened his eyes and took off one of the earphones with a start, “What the— bloody— oh, hey Babe. How was the whole bonding experience?”

“It was… actually a pretty good day. I don’t think we’re ever going to be best friends but we’re being civil and we’re getting along for the most part.”

“That’s something,” he answered and closed his eyes again, tapping the beat on his stomach.

“How was your day?”

“Uneventful unless you count walking in on the lovebirds going at it hard in the living room.”

“Ah yeah, I thought you were in there watching TV, boy was I wrong.”

“Intended to. Went down to grab a beer and walked in on them. Turned right around and came back up here. Hope you don’t mind; I downloaded some tunes onto your computer.”

“Nah, it’ll go perfectly with your gift.”

“A gift for me?” Spike removed the headphones and swung his legs around to sit-up in his seat, “What’s the occasion? It’s not my birthday, yet.”

Buffy frowned, “When is your birthday? Do vampires even celebrate birthdays?”

Spike gave her a puzzled look, “Personal preference I suppose. Dru always made a big thing about it.”

“So when is it?”

“August 20th, met Dru ‘round the same time. Original member of the 27 Club,” he shrugged.

Buffy sighed as she relaxed back in her seat, and stretched her legs over Spike’s lap, “Makes you a Leo. I can work with that.”

“What’s this about?” He asked her as she kicked off her shoes and they clunked to the floor.

“Nothing, just gathering all the pieces of the Spike-puzzle I’m going to need for this long-term-commitment thing we’re going for.”

Spike raised his eyebrows, “And birthdays are part of the whole ‘normal-heathy-relationship package’, that right?”

“Basically, yeah.”

“Well I do like presents,” he grinned a little as he spotted the bags sitting on the bed, “Am I allowed to see what you got?”

“You get one gimme”

“That fancy looking one there, the gimme?” He smirked as he ran his fingers down her hair, gliding along her shoulder and down her arm.

“Might be,” she grinned, catching his hand in hers.

“Does my girl have plans for me tonight?”

Buffy leaned in close teasing him with a kiss that didn’t quite connect, “I may have got some fancy bubble bath.”

“You don’t say? Anything else I should be looking forward to?”

“There might be one or two other little surprises.”

Spike let out a low little growl pulling her to him. Buffy responded with a happy sound of her own as she consented to the kiss. She slid easily into his lap as they continued kissing. They stayed like that for several minutes before breaking apart. Spike tapped her on the leg, “I need to eat before I start getting hostile.”

“You go, I’m pretty beat from last night, I think I’m going to take a nap.”

There was a knock at their bedroom door.

“Who goes there?” Spike asked gruffly.

Faith’s voice came through the door, “Are you two decent? Kinda filled my quota of interrupting people in the act today,”

“You’re good,” Buffy laughed.

Faith opened the door, “Right, at least you two are fully clothed.”

“Giles might have actually been having tea, we don’t know.”

“What’s this now? Mr. Stiff-upper-lip, got a special friend?”

“Unclear…”

“Don’t want to know, it’s just too weird,” Faith grumbled.

“So what’s up, for a girl with a hot date you’re awfully bad moody.”

“Nah, 5x5, B. Maybe a few butterflies but it’s cool. Giles and the girls just got back. Callum called.”

Buffy eyed her, “He didn’t cancel did he?”

“Huhh… no… kinda the opposite. He finished his day a little earlier than he thought he would and wanted to know if he could pick me up earlier, get something to eat.”

“But that’s a good thing right?”

“He’s going to be here in about an hour.”

“You better get ready then.”

“I was kinda hoping you might help me with my hair,”

Buffy shrugged, “Sure, how do you want it?” she asked skeptically. Faith never seemed to have any trouble doing her own hair, but Buffy was in a benevolent mood.

“Kinda what I need the help with.”

“I’ll be in.”

As Faith left the room, Buffy turned to Spike, “She is really in knots over this guy.”

“All been there. Not a guy, I just meant—”

Buffy laughed, “You know I’ve always kinda wondered about you and Angel.”

“Oh now you're going to get it,” he said as he pulled her tightly against him grinning. He wove his fingers firmly into her hair and kissed her roughly until he felt her knees start to give way.

“You were saying?”

“Wow…”

“Run along now, Slayer. You go, make friends.”

Buffy took a moment to shake the hormone induced fog from her mind, “Not just yet, I got you something you might want to play with.”

He raised an eyebrow, “Present time?”

“One.” Buffy walked over to the bed and pulled out the MP3 player she bought him. “Here, I got this for you.”

Spike opened the box and held it in his hands, “Buffy… first the jacket, now this. You know I—”

“Call it a belated birthday gift for last year.”

“Thanks for this, Pet,” he held the player up in his hand. “I’ll need to get some music loaded up.”

“You’re welcome. I better go help Faith,” she said, giving him a kiss, “I love you,” she murmured.

“Love you too, Slayer.”

They shared one last lingering kiss before Buffy made her way across the hall to Faith’s room. When she got there Faith had already changed into the black lace top Buffy had picked out and the new dagger necklace. Buffy pursed her lips at the jeans she still had on, “Are you sure about the jeans?”

Faith shrugged as she finished her eye makeup, “You think I should wear slacks?”

“No, I think you should wear that totally hot little skirt you found today.”

Faith rummaged through the bags she’d thrown into her big round chair and pulled out a blue skirt with a 3 inch wide panel of black leather on one side that was bordered with little silver studs running along the edge. “Don’t think it’s too much?”

“Any other guy and you wouldn’t even be asking that. No, you’ll leave him speechless.”

While Buffy plugged in the curling iron, Faith shrugged off the jeans and pulled on the skirt. The skirt hugged her curves well and made her feel a little like a rockstar.

“I think I have an idea for your hair; have a seat.”

Faith sat, allowing Buffy to start on her hair. Buffy had just started a small French braid on one side of Faith’s head starting at her temple when they heard a faint knock. They both looked up to see Ursula standing in the doorway, “Ehh Hallo, Faith, Buffy, I’m glad I caught you both,” she said with a slight German accent.

“Sure, what’s up Urs?” Faith asked.

“I just wanted to say thank you both for being so cool earlier. I know we probably shouldn’t have gotten carried away downstairs like that.”

“Don’t worry about it, it’s fine. But you’re right, privacy is probably the best policy. I know you have to share a room with two other girls but still, do your best alright? Spike spent the day locked in our room so he wouldn’t disturb you.”

“Spike saw us too?”

“Ohh yeah,” Buffy nodded, “He’s way too cool to say anything though.”

“Please don’t tell Addy, she is already very shy about our relationship.”

“Course not,” Buffy said as she finished the little braid then reached for the curling iron.

“What’s this? Why the smoking outfit?”

“I got a date. You like?”

“If I were single… what shoes will you wear?” Ursula asked.

Faith pointed over to her regular boots. Ursula made a face, “No, not with that hot number. Size 8 right?”

“How’d you-“

“I have boots that will be much better, chunky wedge too, so they aren’t too bad in a fight either. I’ll get them,” Ursula ran upstairs and was back down before Buffy had finished the first curl with the curling iron.

Buffy paused, letting Faith pull them on, “Wow, these are surprisingly comfortable.”

“Not to mention totally hot? Who’s the lucky one getting the hot-girl special? It’s not that handyman guy is it?”

At the stunned look on Faith’s face Ursula laughed, “It is, isn’t it?”

“Can we just keep this quiet?”

“Sure, I owe you one anyway,” with that Ursula left to go back upstairs.

Buffy turned back to Faith and continued curling her hair, “Where’s he taking you tonight?”

“Some pub in town, ‘The White Rabbit’ I think he said.”

“Didn’t we pass it on our way back?”

“Yeah, I told him I could walk but he insisted on picking me up.”

“How chivalrous,” Buffy smirked.

“Is that what it is? Damn…”

Buffy laughed, “As strong as we are, sometimes it’s nice to be treated like a lady.”

Faith pressed her lips for a second, “Yeah don’t know, I mean there’s nice and then there’s… freaking annoying. I mean where’s the line?”

“That’s something you really need to work out between you two.”

“How’d you and Spike do it?”

“Oh no, do not go looking at us as a relationship model because, damn.”

“Yeah I get that… I just, how do you find the balance? I mean you’re both a couple of bad asses and then I don’t know… you got this seriously sickening lovey-dovey thing going on. I don’t know how to do that. I keep thinking maybe that’s what went wrong with Robin. I’m just too— hard.”

“I’ve been there, I get it. Honestly, I don’t know. I think once I was able to respect him, love came really easy for me. He’s also not afraid to tell me what I need to hear and I don’t know... That lovey-dovey stuff just sort of randomly comes out.”

Faith sighed as she looked in the mirror, “Damn, B, like the hair.”

“Well, go knock’em dead… figuratively.”

“Got it…”

#buffy the vampire slayer #buffy fanfic #fanfic #spuffy #bound #fanfiction #spike x buffy #buffy x spike

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spnae · 11 months

Text

Chapter 8 Ghosts and Stalkers

“What the hell?” Buffy gasped, when she turned on the light in their bedroom. Everything from Buffy’s dresser drawers had been tossed around the room like confetti.

“Bloody hell,” Spike swore as he picked up one of Buffy’s bras off the floor.

Buffy straightened herself and looked sternly around the room, “Alright Casper! That’s it! What the hell did I ever do to you?”

They waited a minute looking around the room, and— nothing. Aside from the mess, nothing seemed unusual. Spike started picking up Buffy’s things, putting them in neat little piles on their bed, “I don’t know how you wanna arrange this stuff, Love,” he paused looking around, “You know, something like this… I think something must’ve pissed our ghost off. Trouble is, what?”

Buffy joined him and started putting things away, “Clearly she has something against me. Have you noticed none of this is yours?”

He straightened up with a shrug, “Seems our ghost has a fixation.”

“Joy…”

It wasn’t until they had nearly everything put away that Buffy noticed Spike’s poetry journal sitting out amongst the last of her items on the loveseat. The book was laying open haphazardly to a page on which Spike had drawn a picture of Buffy. The picture had been torn in half, “Well whatever is going on, she is starting to piss me off. I liked that picture,” Buffy grumbled.

“I can always draw another one, Love,” Spike looked around the room again and sighed dramatically, “I think that’s the last of it.”

“I’m getting ready for bed. Hopefully our ghost is too pooped to spook after all this,” she muttered, frowning at the room.

“One could hope… I’ve still got plans for you.”

She took a few steps towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck, “What kind of plans?”

“Three guesses…”

Buffy ran a hand down the front of his jeans, “Pretty sure I only need one,” she purred.

“You feeling up to it?”

“If we take it nice and easy,” she added as she reached for the light switch.

The two of them started kissing tenderly. Buffy opened her mouth to deepen the kiss. Spike let out a moan of approval as she ran her hands under his shirt, practically ripping it off of him. He went to grab her at the waist but stopped himself.

“What’s wrong?” she panted.

“I was going to throw you down on the bed but I don’t want to hurt you.”

She paused, then smirked, “I have an idea, but you’re going to have to lose those,” she said, gesturing to his pants.

Spike scrambled to comply, “Thought you’d never ask.”

Buffy pushed him up against the side of the large fireplace, trailing rough kisses along his neck, chest, and stomach. She continued down until she found the prize she’d been looking for and took his cock into her mouth. She worked her mouth over the length of his shaft taking him deeply. The tip of his cock nearly gagging her as he hit the back of her throat. Buffy focused on breathing through it, taking him further down her throat. She cupped his sack in her hand, applying pressure. Spike gasped as she did so. Without stopping, Buffy started removing her own clothes as best she could. She took a moment to catch her breath when she took off her shirt, she gave him a few more licks along his shaft, sucking the tip each time before withdrawing from him.

“Bed, now,” she gasped. Buffy stood up facing him. They kissed passionately as they made their way over to the bed.

As soon as she felt the back of her legs touch the bed Buffy laid back onto it, “Now, Spike!” She begged. But Spike just smirked. Instead of entering her soaked folds, he knelt down between her legs to pay back the favor. He licked a path up her slit, taking the bead of her clit into his mouth and sucking on it, making Buffy arc her head back, crying out in ecstasy. She dug her fingers into his hair as she felt herself getting close to the edge and pulled him up towards her. Spike complied feverishly kissing a trail up her body to her neck, pausing only to suck on one of her breasts before sliding his cock into her. He worked his way in slowly, careful not to put too much of his weight on her ribs. Buffy wrapped her leg around him, digging her heel into his ass and pulling him deeper into her with a growl of pleasure.

Spike increased his pace slightly and Buffy let out a moan, “Oh God, Spike! I need you!”

He thrust into her deeply, colliding with a bundle of nerves deep inside her and pairing it with a rough kiss she accepted in kind. It was impossible to tell where he ended and she began.

“I love you,” he murmured.

Buffy let out a little gasp, “William, I need you, kiss me…” she moaned as their lips met again. As they held the kiss, Spike twisted himself holding Buffy to him as they rolled to Buffy’s left side, “Hold me,” she whispered.

“I’m never letting you go, you’re mine,” he growled, kissing her again.

Buffy screamed in delight as she felt the first wave wash over her, “Spike!!!”

He rolled Buffy back onto her back. Buffy ran her leg over the back of his thigh. He sucked and nipped at her neck, driving hard into her and making her body quiver with the sensation.

Spike pumped into her with long fluid strokes, speeding up as she ran her fingernails down his back. Spike growled into a kiss. Buffy screamed again as Spike reached his own climax spilling into her with a pulsating force, sending her over the edge once again.

He paused letting Buffy catch her breath then started gliding inside of her once again quickly picking up speed. “Oh god Spike, what— ahh!”

Buffy gripped his arms digging her nails into his skin as he drove into her harder and faster, determined to make her cum again. Spike kept up the pace as he reached for one of her nipples, squeezing until he pushed her over the edge for the final time.

Spike kissed her one last time before collapsing down on the bed next to her. “God I missed that,”

“Come here,” Buffy moaned playfully.

“Again?”

“No, I just wanna feel you next to me.”

“You won’t get any complaints here, you want to get under the covers?”

“Do I have to move?” She joked.

“I got this, Pet,” he said grinning as he got up, pulled the covers back as far as possible. Buffy giggled as he picked her up. He laid her back down on the bed and pressed himself to her ensuring as much contact as possible. He pulled the covers over the two of them. Buffy adjusted so she was laying on her left side with her back pressing into Spike. She loved feeling his cool skin pressed against her.

Spike started running his fingers lightly along her arm and down her side tracing her curves with his fingers. “How do you feel?” He murmured into her ear.

“Like the man I love just gave me three intense orgasms.”

He brought his hand back up to gently caress her arm, he brushed her breast as his hand went to her ribs. “How do they feel?”

“Alright.” Buffy said, relaxing into the feel of his hand on her.

“Is that right?” His hand ran down between her legs and she relaxed allowing him access as he massaged her already sensitive area. She let out a little gasp as he continued rubbing her gently. As he sped up she moaned in delight.

“God, I love that sound,”

Buffy moaned again, on purpose this time, spurring him on. She could feel him hardening as she pressed into him, “William—“

“ENOUGH!” Came a shrieking voice. “William should have been mine! You’ve ruined him!!! Ruined!!!” The voice of a hysterical girl screamed.

Spike threw back the covers and they both sat up looking around. The wispy figure of the girl was once again standing by the desk, this time looking more like Ophelia in the fourth act.

“Spike…”

“I see her too— don’t—“

“Lies!” The ghost streaked again “You could have been mine! You should have been mine! Sweet sensitive William…” with the last words she faded away to nothing.

“You want to explain?” Buffy asked reproachfully.

Spike sputtered, “I- I… I don’t know her. I don’t think I know her…” he looked at her horror struck.

Buffy softened her tone, “She’s calling you ‘William’, do you think you could have known her when you were alive?”

“I- oh come on now… it’s not like I was some kind of a lady’s man. I didn’t really- hang on a tick…” Spike got up and hastily pulled on his boxers and t-shirt, then he strode over to the light switch, “Shield your eyes, Love.”

Buffy did so as he flipped on the light and went to the roll top desk. “You said you saw her here the last time too, yeah?”

“Yeah, I did.” Now Buffy got out of bed, she grabbed her underwear and a nightgown, throwing it on as she walked over to Spike and the desk “What are you thinking?”

“I’m not sure… I sort of have trouble remembering a lot of things from my life. Not like it’s all a blank or anything, just bits are a little jumbled. Remember when we got here and I said the place seemed familiar?”

“Yeah.”

“What if the reason I was having such a hard time placing it was because I was here when I was alive? Before the more extensive renovations were done.”

“Meaning everything is completely different…” she nodded, looking around the room, “Ok let’s run with that. What’s this part about her thinking you should have been her’s?”

“No idea…”

“Super freaky ghost lady has the hots for my man and some serious jealousy problems with me, I want to know what to do about it.”

Spike opened the desk and started rummaging through it. Aside from a stationary set and a few extra pens it was relatively empty. “There’s got to be something here,” Spike growled. He slammed a fist down on top of the desk and a little door on the side fell open, “Bloody hell… knew there had to be something!” He grinned.

Buffy watched as Spike fished inside the desk and pulled out a small stack of old envelopes and a very small thin book that could easily fit inside a pocket. Spike took up the little book.

The light in the room flickered, “Getting warm, am I?” He flicked it open. “What the…” inside he found his own neat writing, “Bloody hell…” he whispered.

“What is it?”

Without speaking, Spike handed the tiny book over to her. She also recognized his handwriting instantly, the poems inside were short and simple. Rudimentary really, but there was a sweetness in them as well. “How did-“

“I’m not sure. I had a bunch of those tiny things, used ‘em like notepads… must have dropped it or-“ he trailed off as he picked up the first of the letters and started to read:

Dearest William,

I am simply overwrought. I have not received responses to my first two letters. I know you have been in contact with my brother. Walter thinks I'm being silly, writing to you at all after uncle's ball. Perhaps I am being too forward. I can't imagine what you must think of me. I'm certain you must know I felt something stir within me the night we danced. You must have felt it too. I've kept the poetry you dropped for me on the dance floor. Though we only just met, I know they must have been for me…

Spike stopped reading, "Bloody hell…"

The second and third letters were very similar. With the exception that they got gradually more intense. The fourth one however was completely different.

My Sweet William,

As I'm sure you know I have been visiting with my uncle for my health. I do enjoy the views here. The doctors say I'm addled but I know I'm simply in love. Staying here in the very place we shared our first dance has brought you closer to me.

My dear William, you will never believe what that horrible Walter is saying! He keeps insisting you have gone missing, presumed dead! They say your poor sweet mother is gone too. My heart simply can not bare the shock. I'm certain he must be lying. He would say anything to keep me from you.

As your friend I can't imagine why. I do know Walter must be the reason I haven't received any reply from you. My dear sweet William, I really must hear from you the very moment this reaches you in London. If I do not hear from you. If you truly are gone, I am certain I must do myself an injury. I must see you. I simply can't bear living in a world without you, my dearest William.

Forever yours, in love,

Eliza

"Bloody hell…"

"You keep saying that," Buffy said irritatedly.

Keeping the envelopes in his hand, he thrust the letters at her, "I huhh… I never knew it had gotten so bad. Her brother was tampering with her mail alright. I asked him to…" the lights flickered again. "I only asked you to dance the first time because he asked me to! The second time was just to be nice. Never thought you'd go off your nut!" The lights flickered again and the painting above the fireplace slammed against the wall."Oh sod off you nutter! I'm not even the same guy you met at that stupid ball anyway and it's not because of Buffy so lay off! In case it's escaped your notice, I'm a sodding vampire!" The lights flickered again. "Bloody brilliant."

"I think it's story time Spike, what do you know?"

"Yeah, Love, I remember the girl. Barely, but I do."

A wailing sound ripped through the castle.

"Spike, Honey…" Buffy said softly.

"Yeah alright. The uncle of an old schoolmate owned this place back in the day. Guy threw a big party, a ball. Mother and I hadn't really been out in public much since my father died, so Walter insisted his uncle invite us. We came. Had a tedious evening and were back in London before we knew it."

"So what happened at the ball?"

"Nothing really. Walter comes up to me. Says his little sis's dance card is empty, could I ask her to dance. So I did, as a favor to him. Later on I see the girl doin the wallflower bit so I figure, why not ask for a second dance?" He looked around the room and growled, "Didn't realize you'd think we were bloody betrothed! Yah loon!" He yelled to the room. He tore the envelopes still in his hand in half then, half again. He kept on tearing; the lights flickering with each rip of paper, "Oh go moan somewhere else, Myrtle…" he mumbled tossing the bits of paper into the unlit fireplace. "Anyway, apparently that was my mistake… that and I must have dropped my sodding notebook!" He yelled again.

Buffy covered his hand with hers, "Go on…"

Spike took a deep breath, "Mum and I were back in London, maybe a week or two, before I got a letter from the girl. She's going on about the evening and what all… What you got to understand here, Love, is that I was a by-the-book society type back then. Trying desperately to fit in. A young girl like that, writing to a man like me, was taboo. I did what any decent guy would. I told her brother." Spike shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "I ah, I got one more letter a couple weeks after that. Could tell she wasn't right, but I didn't know how bad it was. Didn't want a scandal. Mother hadn't been well since we left Scotland. She'd become housebound by then. So naturally I told Walter she'd written to me again. Asked him to put an end to it, and keep an eye on the girl. She didn't seem well. Apparently she just kept writing and good old Walter just intercepted them and took her back to Scotland when she didn't stop. Look at the date on that last one, that's over three months after I met Dru. We weren't even in London anymore. She probably stayed in Faith's room, and her brother stowed her letters in the desk there."

"Which explains why she didn't bother anyone else, and why she hates me so much."

"Just imagine how she'd have felt if you hadn't got hurt. We'd probably been shagging most of the time. God I miss Paris."Buffy punched him in the arm.

"Ouch…" he rubbed his arm but grinned, "Alright, so how do we get rid of Eliza the crazy ghost?" The windows rattled and the dresser drawers shook.

"Try explaining you're dead?" Buffy shrugged.

"How's that one for ya Eliza? You do realize what I meant when I said I'm a vampire right?" he changed his face for her, "Been a vampire for a long time now. Before you even wrote that last letter."

"I can see you, you have a soul" Eliza’s disembodied voice hissed.

"You're right, he does" Buffy spoke up, "Why don't you tell her why you're unique among vampires, Honey."

"I went and got my soul back. I fought for it, for her, for love. What I want to know is how you can see my soul. I've been a ghost, that wasn't one of the perks. So what were ya, huhh? Maybe a Seer?"

There was a loud shriek, as some of Buffy's things started to fly out of the dresser and the wardrobe doors slammed, "Hey! We just cleaned up your last mess!" She yelled at the ghost as she rushed over to her dresser.

"I never asked for a bloody stalker!" Spike grumbled as he helped Buffy.

"Well on the up side, I guess you know what it's like now," Buffy huffed as she fought to tuck her things back into the drawer, "You did get pretty stalkery…" she said to Spike, "that whole shrine thing… and Buffy-Bot, I mean seriously... Why I'm I with you again?" She teased as she continued to fight with the dresser.

"Oh very funny, Slayer," Spike huffed.

The bottom drawer shot out, suddenly knocking Buffy hard in the shins, "Ouch! That's it!"

Spike helped Buffy to her feet, "You alright?"

"Fine, this bitch has got to go. Giles?" She suggested.

"Sure, seeing as I got nothing. Bird's not gonna listen to reason that's for sure. I never even responded to any of her letters and she was still obsessed…"

With that, things started flying out of both Buffy and Spike's dresser drawers. Spike caught a pair of jeans in the face. "Thanks! Could use these!" He yelled. He held them up triumphantly just as a pillow hit him in the back of the head.

Buffy scanned the room and had managed to grab the yoga capris she had been wearing earlier when the rest of the throw pillows started to fly around the room. Ducking with their arms over their heads, they ran for the door. They yanked it open together, slamming it behind them in the hall. Faith came out holding a small ax, "What the hell is going on?"

"Spike's old stalker…" Buffy gasped, pulling her yoga pants on under the little nightgown.

Faith dropped her arm carrying the ax and set it down, "You want to repeat that?"

The door started to rattle as though someone was trying to get through, "Giles, now. Talk later." Spike said just as he realized he had a pair of Buffy's jeans instead of his. He swore as he threw them down on the floor.

Faith looked at the jeans and back up at him, smirking at his boxers. These ones were printed with beer bottles and shot glasses. "Fine, I'm in… damn, and here I thought you two were just making up for lost time."

"Started out that way," Spike said ruefully as they made their way down one floor.

As they ran through the library Buffy gaped at Faith, "You seriously thought ALL of that was us?"

"Well how was I to know our shy little ghost was Spike's crazy ex?" Faith retorted as they crossed through the training room.

"She bloody well was not my ex- bugger all!" He growled and headed up the second staircase to Giles's room.

Spike reached the door first and knocked loudly, Buffy stepped in front of him just as Giles opened the door, "What's this all about?" Giles asked groggily. He was dressed for bed and his hair was tussled.

"Our ghost is wrecking our room,"

"Bitch is insane… stuff flying all over the sodding place," Spike huffed as he pushed past Giles. He sat down in a chair holding his head in his hands still only wearing a t-shirt and boxers.

Giles hitched a thumb over his shoulder at him and gave Buffy a quizzical look as she and Faith followed Spike into the spacious room. "We'll explain everything," Buffy responded.

"I just don’t understand how this could have happened—“ Spike groused.

"Don't you dare start that," Buffy said, perching on the arm of Spike's chair.

"I just mean, I know I did everything I was supposed to do. And yet the girl still killed herself because I didn't respond to her letters. Instead I asked her brother to stop her from sending more…"

"It’s, not your fault!" Buffy argued.

"What's this about?" Giles asked.

Buffy launched into the story of Eliza and her obsession with Spike.

Giles frowned, cleaning his glasses, "Have you anything to add, Spike?"

"No, that about covers it… not much to it. I didn't even know she had kept writing after that second one. I just figured Walter talked her round, made her realize I'd only meant to be nice." Spike sighed as he scratched the back of his neck.

Giles replaced his glasses, "Anything you could be forgetting from the ball? It was a long time ago, could you have possibly said something that she may have misinterpreted as an advance or interest?"

Spike shook his head in frustration, "I highly doubt it. I was a proper little ponce, always trying to do the right thing. I was there with my mum for Pete's sake. I imagine I thanked her for the dance, probably said some overly polite toft and that was it."

"What about the notebook?" Buffy remembered excitedly, "You dropped your notebook!"

"Oh right, it was in with the letters. The daft little bird wrote about it in one of them, saying I'd left it for her. I bloody well didn't, must've dropped the damn thing and she picked it up."

"Anything significant in there?" Giles asked.

Buffy shrugged, she shot a quick look at Spike and turned back to Giles, "Not really, it was mostly incomplete ideas. The few full poems I saw were pretty unremarkable, nothing like what he's been writing lately," she said, giving Spike's shoulder a squeeze.

"In that case I agree with Buffy, you did everything a man in your position could have done per social norms of the time." Giles said with a nod.

"Sodding rules…" Spike grumbled.

Giles shifted his body into a more comfortable position, "Yes, quite. So what seems to be the trouble?"

"Like we said when we came in; she’s wrecking the place, stuff flying everywhere."

Buffy leaned forward, “It’s not just mine now either, she's just as pissed at Spike now too."

"I wonder what set her off,” Faith mused.

"Oh we think we know," Buffy shifted guilty, Spike smirked.

"Ahh yes, no need to go into that then,” Giles said quickly.

"The question is how do we stop it?" Buffy asked.

Giles thought for a moment, "We could try a general removal spell, however without a witch… if she has grown stronger, we might need to weaken her first somehow."

Spike stood up and snapped his fingers, "That's it, Rupert. When I was a ghost the only thing I had was my will. That's how ghosts manipulate things. Emotion, passion, anger… The only way I beat the Reaper was because I had enough willpower to do it."

Giles waved a dismissive hand, "Now isn't the time for poetry."

"That wasn't poetry. I was being literal; he called himself the Reaper. Git was sending souls to hell in his place, tried to send yours truly. It's a long story. What I'm saying is poetry is exactly what we need right now, don't you get it? That's how we break her will."

"By reading her some of your newer poetry… He might be right, it's worth a shot. Spike can read to her, try to wear her down and then you, Faith, and I perform the spell. Easy as pie."

"Only one problem," Spike interjected.

"That is?" Giles inquired.

"Those poems are personal, I never intended anyone to read them except maybe Buffy. You're practically her father… it's—" Spike cut off looking sheepish.

Buffy cleared her throat, "So read one of the less, you know…intimate, ones. What about the 'Spark' one?"

Spike shifted uncomfortably, "It's… it's not very… it's short for starters… it's personal…"

"It's a good place to start. If it works, it works. Remember, this was your idea."

"Worth a shot," Faith yawned unapologetically, "Let's do this so we can all get some sleep."

"Faith, the book we need should be on the shelf behind you just there, the green. Ahh yes," he said as she handed it to him. He opened the book to the page, running a finger down the text, "Right, we should have everything here. I'll gather the supplies."

The room was a wreck when they returned but at least nothing was moving. Eliza seemed to have tired herself out. One good thing was that since they had been traveling, neither Buffy or Spike really had much to throw around and most of the weapons they had with them were in the training room.

Faith had gone upstairs to check on the girls who were thankfully in bed. By the time she got back into the room Giles and Buffy almost had everything set up. Spike bounced on his heels nervously with his poetry journal in his hand. To Giles' great relief, Spike had taken a moment to put on a pair of pants. Spike pulled out the small notebook he had dropped so many years ago. He looked it over again. If he thought his most recent work was maudlin at best then these were pure garbage. He scoffed as he looked them over. Then he had another idea.

"Rupert?"

Giles looked up from the book he was looking over, "Humm?"

"Think it's possible she might have attached herself to this stuff?" Spike asked as he picked up the letters and the little notebook.

"If they were significant enough, then yes."

He held up the final letter, "This one is pretty much a suicide note, and this is the notebook I dropped, she got so attached to. Burning them should do the trick, yeah?"

"If she is in fact using one of these as an anchor then yes, it would certainly help break her hold on this plain."

He walked over to turn on the gas fireplace and the flames rose. Spike watched the flames as they caught the envelopes he'd thrown in earlier and threw the letters in on top, "Right then. Buffy? You see my lighter about?"

Buffy looked around, but Faith was faster, "Over there B, behind you," Buffy nodded her thanks and went to get it then tossed it over to Spike.

"Cheers, Love," he shoved both the notebook and the lighter in his back pocket.

"Alright now, everyone knows what they're doing? Yes?"

Buffy and Faith nodded from opposite sides of the room. Faith was nearest the door while Buffy stood between the two dressers. Giles took up a spot between the now empty wardrobe and the bed directly across from the fireplace. Spike stood in the center of the room between the bed and the sitting area.

He huffed "My cue then," he said softly, then in a louder voice he addressed the ghost, "Eliza, you around? You got an idea of what my mates and I are up to?"

The painting above the mantle gave a feeble knock against the wall.Spike nodded, "There's a lot here I still don't quite understand. Like how you could have taken two dances and a dropped notebook so far out of context to believe there was actually something between us. Those poems you found were never for you. They weren't for anyone..."

"Why are you lying?" Eliza whailed.

"I'm really not. You remember those little ditty's you picked up?"

Eliza materialized in between him and the sitting area. She wasn't just a see through wisp of a ghost now. Now that she was more solid and closer to him he could see her more clearly. Her blue eyes bulged slightly making them look almost too large for her thin face. Her very long blonde hair laid in a lank braid over her shoulder partially concealing her neck. As she turned he could see the shadow of ligature marks around her throat as though she must have hanged herself.

"I have each precious word memorized," she answered wistfully.

"Those weren't even finished poems, they were ideas and scribbling. I can prove it to you," he held up his red poetry journal, "May I?"

"Oh please William, I'd love to hear more." Eliza nodded.

"I'm not so sure you will, Eliza. You see, everything in this book here that's even remotely meaningful is about or for that woman over there," he pointed over to Buffy with the journal, "I'm here in this castle for her, not you. I didn't even know you were here. I'm making a life with her. These poems in my hand are for her, they are about her!"

Eliza glared towards Buffy and turned her attention back to Spike, “William?” Her voice sounded oddly distant.

Giles gave Buffy and Faith a nod to light their candles and the herbs he'd given them, before doing the same himself. He gave Buffy another nod gesturing towards Spike to start reading. While Giles started chanting.

Spike started to pace until he caught Buffy's eye, "You know what Eliza, I'm just going to read one. This is for you Buffy…" he opened his journal to the poem Buffy had suggested.

"It's not a flame, rather a spark,

I carry for my love in this dark.

Endless days and desolate nights;

Devoid of my love to make it right.

A spark of life, a flame that burns,

For her soul next to mine I yearn.

The spark that burns in the light,

Only for her, does my soul burn bright." Spike finished with a sigh.

"That was beautiful, William…" she said weakly.

"I don't know about 'beautiful' but it's definitely for her. I never wrote so much as a syllable for you, Eliza," he held up the tiny notebook and lit it on fire then threw it through Eliza and into the fireplace. There was a gasping wail that went through the room, but otherwise nothing was disturbed.

"I'd say that did something," Faith said.

Eliza's eyes widened. She opened her mouth to speak but no sound came out. Giles started reciting the incantation louder. The candle flames shot up a few inches and somehow withstood the sudden gust of wind that blew around the room like a small tornado. Eliza screamed as the wind settled around and turned into a bright light.

Spike watched as she screamed soundlessly. Her mouth formed the syllables of his name. She screamed as the light grew brighter around her. It seemed to transform her somehow. Suddenly she stopped screaming, her arms fell to her sides. The light grew brighter still and just as Giles finished the incantation, everything stopped. The brilliant light surrounding Eliza evaporated into nothing, taking her along with it.

Spike turned towards Buffy, he held his arms out. She looked around the room, "I told you that poem was a good place to start. Good thinking on the notebook," she said, going to him.

"I need a bloody drink…" Spike groaned.

"Here, here!" Giles agreed, "Well done, Spike."

"Gee, eh, cheers, Rupert," Spike said skeptically, but pleased with the compliment.

Faith pulled out a fresh bottle of whiskey and four glasses, pouring each of them a shot, "To expelling crazy ass ghost,"

"Cheers," Spike intoned.

"Cheers," the others echoed.

Buffy set her glass down and looked around the room, "Why do these things always have to make such a mess of everything?"

Spike snorted, "Keeps life interesting don't it…" he poured himself another drink and downed it, "Chin-up, Love, we'll get it sorted."

"Again…"

***

An hour later Buffy collapsed onto the bed gingerly. They had got nearly everything cleaned up but there was still work to do. Spike looked up at her, “We don’t have to finish this tonight, Love. It’s been a long one. Hell even I’m knackered.” He pulled aside the curtain a few inches, “No wonder too. Sun will be up in another hour or so.”

“That’s only because it comes up super early here.”

Spike set down the last of his things in a small pile on one of the chairs. He walked over to his side of the bed pulling off his shirt as he went, “Come on, Slayer, I know you’ve got plans with Faith today. A little rest is better than none,” he pulled the covers down and climbed into bed, patting the space next to him.

Buffy eyed the spot on the bed then looked around the room, “You’ve convinced me,” she said as she crawled in next to him. He wrapped an arm around her as she pressed close to him feeling safe. “Spike?”

“Hum?”

“I love you…” she murmured sleepily.

“Love you too.”

#buffy the vampire slayer #buffy fanfic #fanfic #spuffy #bound #buffy x spike #spike x buffy #fanfiction

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spnae · 11 months

Text

Chapter 7 Movie Night

Over the next few days the three of them kept busy with the girls and landed on a good routine. Buffy’s ribs were healing well as long as she was taking it easy. On the third day after the injury, she dodged a wild kick from one of the younger girls while she was walking around the room supervising the class. She missed being hit but fell right into one of the metal sparring dummies. It wasn’t really enough to re-injure her but it did manage to remind her that her ribs were really only starting to mend and It would still be some time before she’d be back to full health.

When Giles returned the next evening with the older girls he was surprised to find the dynamic they had stumbled into in his absence. After he and the girls had gotten settled in, Giles came back downstairs to the living room to catch up with Buffy and Faith.

“There were no other mishaps while I was gone I trust?” He asked them.

Buffy shook her head, “Nope, turns out we actually make a pretty good team when we’re not making power plays.”

“And Spike?”

“I think he was in the kitchen last I knew,” Faith shrugged.

“No, I meant—“

“We know what you meant. If it wasn’t for him there is no way we could have managed after Buffy got hurt. He picked up the slack and then some,” Faith said defensively.

“Very good, glad to hear it. Any more ghost sightings?”

“I thought I heard something last night and I’ve found a few of my things in weird places but neither of us saw anything,” Buffy shrugged.

“And she’s only moving your things?”

“Seems that way. But it’s not like Spike is exactly big on material possessions at the moment.”

“No I suppose not. Once I get settled in I’ll go through the castle’s archives and do what I can. Might be rather fun actually.”

“That’s why you’re book-man!” Faith teased, “Seriously though, I’m having someone come by to check out the giant birdcage and get it running again.”

“As long as you get someone who respects antiques. I’d hate to see such a fine example of an antique lift be destroyed by some pillock.”

“I’m having the Ross’s take a look, if they don’t think they can do it they’ll recommend someone.”

Giles adjusted his glasses, “Is our cover with the locals still holding?”

Faith averted eye contact, “Yeah they still think you’re my uncle.”

“Alright so that brings me to my next question,” Buffy asked, “are we still going with our original cover story here?”

“The best lies have a kernel of truth. We run a school for girls. Faith is my niece. I had to stop wagging tongues, you know.”

“Which makes me what? Your American daughter?”

“I suppose so, yes. Everyone around here knows that I’ve spent an extended amount of time in the states so it wouldn’t be a surprise.”

“Not like Dawn and I have heard from our own father in… well a really long time... Besides, you did have a little thing with my mom,” Buffy teased.

“Yes well…” he stammered, and started cleaning his glasses, “Your mother was a very special woman,” he added almost inaudibly.

“Ok, seriously more information than I needed,” Faith said as she got up to leave, “Callum will be here soon, I want to check on the girls and let them know what’s up.”

“I’ll come with you, I wanna hit the kitchen first, grab a snack.”

“And if Spike’s not in the kitchen?”

“Very funny.”

Giles rolled his eyes, “Yes well I plan to unpack and spend a quiet evening in, if I’m not needed.”

****** ****** ******

Music was playing in the kitchen; Spike was singing along to The Ramones ‘Do You Wanna Dance?’, as he was finishing up the dishes.

Buffy put a hand out to stop Faith and pressed a finger to her own lips to keep her from interrupting him as they entered the kitchen. The two women stood there watching him for a moment. The song ended and the next song ‘I Wanna Be Well’, came on. “Damn that’s hot,” Faith whispered, “You know Buff, if you ever get tired of this one, you can send him my way.”

“Not a chance,” Spike said, turning around as he dried his hands on a dish-towel. His lean muscles moving interestingly under his blue t-shirt. He gave Buffy a slow grin, “Haven’t seen much of you since this morning. Giles and the girls getting settled back in alright?”

Buffy went over to give him a kiss, “I see you found the stereo alright. Yeah, we’re all squared away. Just you and me for our first Friday night in Scotland. Faith has a friend coming over.”

Faith rolled her eyes, “Not like that!”

“Don’t do anything we wouldn’t,” Spike smirked.

“Don’t think that’s going to be a problem,” she frowned, “I kinda punked asking him out.”

Buffy rummaged through the fruit bowl, “If you don’t ask him out, I’m going to do it for you,” she said as she tried to decide between an apple and an orange.

“I thought about taking you out proper. Maybe find a place with a band, if you’re up to it,” Spike said.

“I’m not sure if I’m ready for that just yet. I’m kinda in a night-in sort of mood.”

“Thank God for thick walls,” Faith grumbled.

“Not talkin ‘bout that!” He turned towards Buffy, “Were you? Because I sure wouldn’t say ‘no’ if you were, Goldilocks,” he grinned wolfishly.

“Dishes are almost as good as foreplay,” Buffy grinned.

“And there it is, grossed out and jealous all in one. I’m going to check on the girls before Callum gets here, you coming, B?”

Buffy took a bite of her apple and gave Spike a wink before turning to leave with Faith, “Yup, I’m in. I’ll see you later,” she said, throwing a smile over her shoulder at Spike.

“God I’m a lucky bastard.”

***** ****** ******

Minutes later Spike had finished up in the kitchen and was heading through the entrance hall when the doorbell chimed. Spike pulled the door wide revealing a tall good looking man who could have been Superman’s stunt-double, “Oi, you must be the handyman Faith’s been going on about; come to fix the lift?”

“I make no promises, told her I’d take a look. See if it’s something we can handle,” he said in a Scottish accent.

“Right then, in you come. I’m Spike,” he thrust out his hand.

Callum shook his hand, “Callum Ross, I don’t remember seeing you around when I was here before.”

“Nah, I've only been back in Europe for a couple of weeks. Come on, it’s just over here.”

Spike gestured to the lift, “I took a look the other day, cable is shot, I can lend a hand replacing it if you need it. There’s a maintenance ladder of sorts in the shaft but it’s not in the greatest shape. I can get it up there no problem.”

“That’s the hard part, mate. You got climbing experience or something?”

“A bit. Anyway, I was just heading upstairs, I’ve hardly seen my girl today. I’ll send Faith down.”

“Thanks, I’ll try not to keep her long,” Callum said as he stepped into the elevator and started examining it.

Spike headed upstairs, it took a minute to find Faith since she was settling a dispute on the fourth floor amongst the Level 2 girls.

Faith was seething, “I don’t care who started it, it ends now. You need to burn off steam? There are training rooms for that! I—“

“Faith? Don’t mean to break this up, your handyman is down stairs looking at the lift.”

Faith gave the girls a stern look before she ran a hand over her hair, “Sure, ok. I’m on it,” she said briskly as she bustled past him.

“Oi, Faith, where’d Buffy go?”

Faith turned to look at him, “She went back downstairs, maybe the bathroom. I don’t know.”

Faith ran down the stairs stopping short of the entryway, she smoothed her shirt and walked forward towards the elevator. Callum was examining the inside of a small maintenance hatch.

“Hey, sorry I wasn’t downstairs when you got here—“

Callum jumped a little, “Oi Faith! You gave me a start girl. No worries, I do need to take a look at the pulley at the top. You want to see me up?”

Faith had laughed when she had startled him but now her mouth suddenly went dry, “Ah yeah, yeah I can show you up, fifth floor.”

“Led the way,”

“I had to settle a dispute with the girls-“

Callum spoke a little stiffly, “Oh it’s fine, your boyfriend let me in. I think we might be—“

She cut him off, “Boyfriend?”

“The Londoner. Said he was here with his lady, I just…”

“Spike? Me and Spike? Oh, no, no, no. I mean yes he is staying here. No, he is definitely not MY boyfriend. Not even close. Spike is Buffy’s, eh my cousin’s boyfriend. He used to work with a good friend of ours that’s a PI in LA.”

A relieved expression passed over Callum’s handsome face and his entire demeanor became almost buoyant as they continued their conversation.

Faith paused looking down at him, “You seem really interested in my relationship status,” she smirked.

“Noticed that huh?”

“How’d you like to go out for a drink sometime?”

“Took the words right out of my mouth. I’d love to.”

Faith smiled in relief, “Good, how’s tomorrow night?”

“8:00?”

“You tell me where you want to meet and it’s a date,”

“You’re on…”

****** ****** *******

Meanwhile Spike went back downstairs in search of Buffy. Before he had a chance to check the bathroom, he noticed that the light was on in their bedroom and went in. Buffy was sitting on the loveseat with her laptop open.

“There you are, Slayer, I was looking for you, what are you doing?”

“Hey! Just emailing Willow, she was checking up on us. Xander is talking about coming back to Europe soon.”

“Getting the band back together then?”

“Same continent at least. I don’t really like being so spread apart like this, I miss my friends. I miss having an actual home. Spike, I’ve really been thinking a lot about what you said about living here permanently.”

“I’ve been putting some thought into that as well, Love.”

“And?”

“Hopefully we’re thinking the same thing.”

She smiled, “But after we continue our trip right?”

“Duhh”

“By the way, earlier when Faith and I came up, where’d you go? I thought you were right behind us.”

“Would’ve been but Faith’s boy showed up,”

“You mean he’s here? I'm a little bit curious.”

“Think Superman.”

“Are we talking Christopher Reeves or Tom Welling on Smallville?”

“Ehhh… I was thinking the comics, but Reeves I guess. I don’t know the other guy, haven’t really watched a lot of TV as of late.”

“Dawn is obsessed with Smallville. I kinda want to meet this guy. Are they still downstairs?”

“Dunno, we could just go to bed,” he grinned.

“It’s still early, we don’t have to lock ourselves in our bedroom just yet do we?” she let out a little laugh. She took both of his hands, “Why don’t we do a movie night downstairs? I’ll make popcorn…” she grinned coyly.

“As long as there’s a beer in it for me.”

As they headed down stairs they realized Callum and Faith were above them on the stairs on their way back down from checking the elevator mechanism at the top. Buffy paused, waiting for them to catch up. They were so deep in conversation as Faith came around the edge of the landing that she actually bumped into Buffy who had paused to straighten a picture frame. Buffy caught herself on the railing, her ribs suddenly reminding her to take it easy after being relatively quiet most of the day.

“You alright there, Pet?” Spike asked her from only a few steps down from her.

“Yeah, I’ll be alright.”

“I’m sorry B I didn’t—“

“I’m fine, I’m the one who stopped.”

“What’s the matter with her?” Asked Callum in a concerned tone.

“Training accident, banged up her ribs. This sort of thing happens all the time. We’re pretty used to it,” Faith answered.

“She’s tougher than she looks,” Spike looked at Buffy fondly. Buffy continued down the stairs and stood on tiptoe to kiss him.

Faith turned to Callum, “See what I mean about these two?”

Callum grinned easily at Faith, “Take it you’ve never been in love before, have you?”

Faith began to blush, and rounded on Buffy, “What are you two doing anyway? Snooping?”

“Now I’m hurt. We are having a movie night,” Buffy responded.

Faith eyed her suspiciously, “If the girls don’t have the same idea, Cuz.”

As they came into the entrance hall, they could hear the TV and Buffy went over to check it out. Faith led Callum into the kitchen while Spike lingered, waiting for Buffy.

“Yeah, he’s definitely more of a Welling,” Buffy murmured in Spike’s ear as they headed into the kitchen.

“I’ll just have to take your word on that, Love. Think we should try to force these two into a double date?” Spike asked.

“It’s like you can read my mind.”

Buffy got to work on the popcorn while Spike grabbed beers for each of them, “Sorry, Pet, looks like we’re all out of wine.” He took the beers over to the large table they used for meals and sat down.

“So what’s the word, Cal, can you fix our lift?” Spike asked.

“Callum, please. And yeah, I think so. As long as I can get the right parts I don’t see why not, especially if I’ve got someone who can climb,” he tipped his beer towards Spike, “I saw what you meant about that maintenance ladder,” he took a pull at his beer, “Not bad. I should bring you some of my brother’s stuff though. Him and his wife opened a brewery a few years back.”

“You never told me that,” Faith said, “that sounds amazing.”

“Didn’t realize you were into beer.”

“Faith in a nutshell,” Buffy started ticking off her fingers, “Likes: fighting, weaponry, and leather. Dislikes: anything too ‘girly’, mushy or frilly. Loves: Alcohol, dancing, rock, action movies, sex, and fighting.”

Faith choked on a sip of beer, “Buffy!”

“What? Did I forget something?”

“There was the bit about—-“

Faith slammed a fist on the table, “Spike, I swear if you finish that sentence I will—“

Callum leaned back in his chair with his arms folded across his broad chest watching them quietly.

“You don’t even know what I was going—“

“Doesn’t matter!”

“When did you become such a delicate flower anyway? What happened to the Faith I met back in Sunnydale? Brash, forthright, badass. Knew each other less than a day before you sat there bold as brass and told me all about the guy with the—“

“Spike I’m warning you—“

Callum interrupted her with a grin, “Ya know Faith, there’s a pub not far from here, has bands every weekend, and my brother often has bands play at the brewery in summer; if you’re interested. Or we could go to an MMA event sometime, I know a guy,” He wasn’t fazed by their outburst in the least, in fact he seemed rather comfortable with it.

Faith stared at him in shock for a split second before stammering, “I- I, yeah that would be awesome…”

“Alright then, I’ll get started on making proper plans. Can’t have a girl like you working all the time without blowing off some steam now can we?” he said, looking her up and down as he took a swig of his beer.

Buffy stood up, “I think the living room should be clear now. Spike, why don’t you go pick a movie. I got the popcorn. I expect to see the two of you in there for movie night.”

“After you, Slayer.”

Buffy and Spike headed out, leaving Faith and Callum behind. They both stood up looking at each other, “I imagine they meant well.”

Faith scoffed and shook her head, “You really have no idea…”

“I’m just guessing here but I’m going to venture to say; you’ve got yourself a sorted past you’re trying to make right. Turn over a new leaf and such. Except romance wasn’t exactly factored into that equation was it?”

“No, not exactly… I mean you’re spot-on. How—“

“You’re not the only person with an interesting past. Spent a good chunk of my youth in one sort of trouble or another. Even found myself locked up for a short bit. After that I decided it was time to turn things around, start helping people instead of hurting them. Always been handy so I started doing odd jobs for people. That got me the job at the hardware store.

“I- that’s… are you messing with me?”

“Honest truth. Didn’t scare you away did I?”

“No, not at all- takes way more than that to scare me. I—I guess I just never imagined we had that much in common… you seem so clean cut.”

Callum smiled at her, “So about what your cousin said…”

“I’m looking for something long term this time around… I don’t want to rush into anything…” she blurted out.

He grinned again, “Perfect.”

“Also, I’ve got some major baggage and a couple of Jurassic sized bombshells… I just… I’m trying to lay it out but there’s a lot I just can’t talk about. So here’s my middle ground, take it or leave it,” she said very quickly.

“Are we talking about kids or skeletons in the closet?”

“Closet’s pretty full. You seriously think kids are my thing?”

“Alright, just so long as I don’t end up with some jealous bloke standing over me with an ax.”

“Voice of experience?”

Callum gave a half grin, “Didn’t know she was married.”

“I think we’ve all been there. Glad we had this talk.”

“Me too.”

“You know you don’t have to stay for this,” she waved her hand irritatedly, “If you don’t want to… I swear…”

“I was just planning on a quiet night at home anyway and I’m off tomorrow so I’m not fussed. I think it’s good to change it up, don’t you?”

“You don’t know what you’re in for around here.”

“Oh I think I’ll manage. Come on, they seem like the search and rescue type.”

“They are.”

Spike was still looking through movies when they got to the living room, “I’ve counted twenty vampire films here, they do realize these aren’t actually instructional videos right? Especially… sodding ‘Interview with a Vampire’? Are you bloody kidding me? That’s twenty-one. Oh here’s twenty-two… what the hell is ‘Blood and Donuts’? Bloody hell…” he put it back in the bin and kept digging. “I’m not watching some sodden— oh look, another vampire movie… ‘Love at First Bite’, hells bells…” he flipped it over to read the back, “Oh Slayer, if you were aiming for a laugh, I think we got a winner here, Goldilocks.”

Spike handed the movie over to her, “I said you could pick… I don’t know…Dracula? Really? You hate Dracula…”

“Just read the blurb.”

Buffy flipped the movie over in her hand, “Oh God. It’s either going to be horrible or funny as hell, I’m going with both. Care to find out?”

“Go on, Slayer, put it on,” Buffy turned towards Faith and Callum, “We’re either in for a bad movie-night or a laugh fest, it’s anyone's guess,” she said as she sat down gingerly on the couch she had been favoring since her injury. Buffy made a ‘have a seat’ gesture towards the second couch.

Callum complied as he stretched out his tall frame at one end of the other couch and reached an arm across the back, “I’m easy to get on with,” he turned to look at Faith who was still standing behind the couch, “Don’t know about you but I’ve had a long day. It’s good to relax.”

Faith sat down next to him and slipped off her gym shoes so she could curl up on the couch.

“Better?” He asked.

Faith chuckled faintly, “Yeah. This week wasn’t so bad thanks to these two, but it had been a little rough for a couple of weeks before that. It’s going to suck when they leave.”

“Aww Faith, that was almost sweet,” Buffy said as Spike came over, positioning himself behind her so she could rest back on him. Buffy handed Faith an extra bowl, “Here you can divide up the popcorn. Let’s get movie night started.”

“I got it,” Spike picked up the remote to press play. Then readjusted so Buffy could sit back more comfortably again, “Here, Love, better?”

She hummed in agreement as the movie started.

*****

After the movie, Faith saw Callum out. Buffy and Spike lingered in the living room cleaning up bits of popcorn Spike had started throwing at the TV during the movie. They passed them on their way to take the beer bottles and bowls to the kitchen.

“Night Callum, nice to meet you!” Buffy called over her shoulder. Spike threw him a nod as he followed Buffy.

“Good to meet you both!” Callum called from the doorstep. He turned to Faith, “What’s his problem with Dracula anyway?”

“Long story,” Faith said as she quietly offered to walk him out to his car.

A few minutes later Faith came back inside to find Buffy and Spike waiting for her, “What?”

“Sort of got that pesky first date out of the way, didn’t we?”

“For your information, I did ask him out. We’re going for drinks tomorrow night.”

“I guess it’s sort of like you arranged your second date before your first,”

“More like we got hijacked.”

Spike cleared his throat, “Hey now, ‘hijacked’ seems harsh… but fair.”

“But it all worked out right?”

“Not the point.”

Buffy grinned, “Maybe you’ll get lucky and find out Mr. Clean-cut has a naughty side, you never know.”

“Yeah, we had a little talk about that. Turns out maybe we do have a little more in common than I thought,” Faith said as she started up the stairs.

“You got things worked out better than you had before so I still call this a win.”

“Why are you being so weird?”

“I’m not being weird, am I?”

“Just,” Faith made a face, “Peppy…”

“Normal people call that a good mood,” Buffy retorted as they continued to climb the stairs nearing their bedrooms.

“Whatever, B, can I get your help tomorrow?”

“With what?”

“I’m not really sure what a normal date looks like.”

“You think I do? Our first and last real date was strolling through Paris until we stumbled across a cabaret Spike’s friend owns.”

“Don’t forget the alley,” Spike grinned and Buffy swatted at him.

“Our idea of going out usually involves patrolling. That’s what passes for ‘normal’ in my life and I’m good with that.”

“I don’t even think I can do normal.”

“You know what would really help you out, Faith? Start by binning that nonsense about ‘normal’, because you’re not. No Slayer is, Buffy knows that. The sooner you get it, the better.” Spike huffed.

“This is a bad idea… this is exactly why my longest relationship before Robin was maybe the occasional long weekend. What am I doing? I can’t do this,” Faith moaned moodily.

“Didn’t say that. If you think there’s something there then you should go for it. Love is worth walking through fire and a lot more.”

“He would know,” Buffy said seriously.

#buffy the vampire slayer #buffy fanfic #fanfic #spuffy #bound #buffy x spike #spike x buffy #fanfiction

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spnae · 11 months

Text

Chapter 6 The New Girls

Buffy, Faith, and Spike took the new girls on patrol in the old teal painted van Giles had found for such trips. They didn’t have far to go to the nearest cemetery. It would have been an easy walk but Giles had made Faith promise to take the van in case something happened because the nearest hospital was relatively far away.

The girls stood huddled around the cemetery entrance looking nervous. “Who here has been in a cemetery at night?” Buffy asked.

All four girls shook their heads.

Buffy looked from Spike to Faith and back to the girls, “Well… you’ll get used to it real fast. Feels like I’ve spent most of my life in them. We are here at this particular cemetery because the local paper reported some suspicious deaths and several missing persons reports in the area. These are the things we need to check out. The paper was vague but experience tells me that it’s probably a vamp.”

“It most likely is, but there are loads of other nasties that like to rip out throats so be on the lookout,” Spike added.

Faith stepped towards them with a leather messenger bag in hand. She pulled out four stakes and four small bottles of holy water for the girls, “Tonight will be your first test. Deloris and Thea you two will be with me. Sheena and Aretta with Buffy and Spike. We will be watching from a distance. If something comes at you, it is up to you to defend yourself and your partner. We will be close but don’t count on one of us saving the day. Any questions?”

“What do we do if it is not a vampire?” Aretta asked in a strong Nigerian accent.

As strong as Aretta’s accent was, it was nothing compared to Sheena’s Scottish brogue. Buffy had more trouble understanding Sheena than she did any of the other girls and the vast majority of the people she’d met in Scotland. It was bound to be an interesting night.

“The best you can, you might surprise yourselves. We’ll intervene if you’re in over your heads,” Spike switched to his vampire form. Deloris let out a little squeal. Spike ignored her and continued speaking, “For the record, you get in over your heads one of us will be there. I’ll be coming in hot. Remember, every vampire has two faces. This is mine, don’t get stake-happy with me, alright? Bad guys yes, Spike no. Got it?”

The girls nodded, and Spike let his face melt back into his human form.

Faith clapped her hands, “All right ladies, let’s head out. Thea and Deloris, You start out on the left. Aretta and Sheena go right. Cemetery loops around so we’ll meet up. We’ll give you a headstart. Good luck.”

Buffy sidled up to Spike taking his hand, “Nice job working in the self preservation angle.”

“Yeah, well I plan on getting lucky tonight and I can’t do that if I’m a pile of dust now can I?”

“Probably for the best, it’s always hard to predict how newbies are going to react. Speaking of which, you picking up on anything yet?”

Spike took a moment to concentrate and sniffed the air, “Nah, nothing yet. Nights still young. Tell me again why all three of us are out here?”

Buffy rolled her eyes and pulled him along with her, “Come on, last thing I want is for these girls to come up against something they’re not ready for.”

“They’re alright, we can still see ‘em.”

“Maybe you can,” she grumbled.

“You’re sexy when you pout. But seriously, is this the same woman I was with when we closed a bunch of girls into a crypt with a vamp?”

“That was different and you know it. They had to get it fast and they didn’t have Slayer strength. These girls… they have power but they’re still green. Same problem just reversed.”

Spike threw an arm around her shoulders, “You’re worrying too much, Love.”

“I like to think of it as making up for not being here the last few months. I know we said we were just coming to visit but I’m seriously thinking maybe this is where I need to be… I just hope Dawn understands.”

“You mean ‘where WE need to be’, don’t you?”

“That’s what I said wasn’t it?” She grinned innocently.

“No, but I’m not going to fuss,” They went on a little further in silence before Spike spoke again, “You know the older girls will be leaving soon. Heading off to wherever you’re sending them. I say let’s stay until they’re all trained up and out of here. Then we can resume our Euro-trip, head back to Rome, pick up the Niblett, and come back here, permanently.”

“Did you just ask to move in together? I mean we’re… and- and we’re staying in the same room… traveling… and I love that— we’re always together… wait— wait, wait…. are we somehow living together already and I didn’t realize it?” She turned to him with her eyes wide, “We just started… it— it's a new-- ok not NEW but it’s a new chapter of an old— oh my God, are we actually living together?”

Spike snorted out a laugh, “Hell if I know, Pet. Relax. Is it so bad if we are?”

“Spike, I—”

He was suddenly afraid of what she was going to say. Stuck your foot in it now didn’t you? Never even considered she might not be ready for that—

“Look. We don’t have to talk about this now. I know we haven’t actually been together long… not to mention you’ve never lived with any of your other— I just—-You have time. You live with a bunch of girls, if you want me to get a place of my own, I will. I’m sure Dawn and Willow will both have a weigh-in on that. We can—“

Buffy cut him off by placing a hand on his chest, he looked down at her hand, “Humm, Buffy?”

“Shhh, just-“ her attention was directed towards the girls in the distance. They were still walking along the cemetery path when a man in a suit stepped towards them. “Later. It's showtime, let's see what they do.”

One of the girls let out a nervous battle cry and charged. The vampire dodged the attack easily and flung her hard into a tombstone. Spike took a step forward, “Crap… rookie mistake. Come on,” he snarled.

Buffy put out a hand again, “Just a minute, let’s see how Aretta does. Can you see Sheena?”

“She landed over there behind those markers. We need to get closer,”

“This way,” they wound their way through the headstones until they had a better vantage point.

“Aretta is holding her own, do you see Sheena yet?”

“There-“ Spike pointed as Sheena used a headstone to pull herself up. The girl shook her head before quickly stooping down to pick up her stake and rejoined the fight just as Aretta landed on the ground with a thud.

A moment later both girls had the vampire cornered against the back wall of a crypt. Sheena kicked the vampire, pinning him to the wall with her foot, while Aretta staked him. The girls backed away looking at each other. Sheena held her hand up for a high-five, “I can’t believe we just did that!” She exclaimed before they slapped hands and burst out into a fit of nervous laughter.

Buffy and Spike came into view clapping slowly, “Not bad for your first time girls.”

“It was teamwork,” Aretta said, smiling at Sheena.

“You got a win and that’s great. You’re not done yet. We’re going to head over towards Faith and the other girls now. Maybe you’ll run into something else, maybe you won’t. Stay alert, got it?”

“Yes, ma’am,” they said in unison.

“We’ll go over stuff when we get back to the castle.”

The four of them made their way back onto the path that looped around the cemetery, the girls continued in front with Buffy and Spike following at a distance. “About earlier…” Spike started.

Buffy gave him a fleeting look, “Maybe we should talk about this later.”

“I- humm, yeah, sure. It’ll keep,” he nodded as he thrust his hands deep into his pockets.

They walked along in silence for several minutes. Spike started humming a song Buffy had heard but couldn’t place, “What song is that?”

“The Ramones, I’ve had it stuck in my head since I met Sheena.”

“Do I want to know why?”

“Kinda hard not to, songs called ‘Sheena is a Punk Rocker’, catchy tune too…” Spike continued to hum quietly as they walked.

It wasn't long before they heard the unmistakable sounds of a fight. “Aretta, Sheena,” Buffy called to the girls, “hang back behind us, at least until I can see what’s going on.”

The girls did as they were told following close behind. They redirected their steps, winding their way through the tall headstones as the fighting grew louder. It was sometime until they could see Faith and the girls standing back-to-back surrounded by at least ten vampires.

Buffy stepped towards them from behind a particularly tall headstone, “Is this a private party or can anyone join?” she asked loudly.

“Oh, hey B! Nice of you to join us. As you can see, our dance cards are pretty full, feel free to join in.”

“Sounds like fun, count us in,” Buffy said as she stepped forward to the closest vampire, “Any time, Honey! Bring the kids!” She yelled over her shoulder as she quickly staked the first one.

“Already on it, Pet,” Spike grunted as he blocked a kick from a tall, thin, female vampire. Spike caught her leg and sent her flying into a headstone. In one swift motion he pulled a small crossbow from a special sling he’d added to the inside of his jacket. He shot the vampire squarely in the chest turning her to dust.

Spike then reloaded his weapon and turned it on one of the three vamps Faith was facing, allowing her to stake the remaining two in quick succession.

“Thanks man,” Faith said, turning towards him, “hey where did Buffy go?”

“Saw one bolt, she’s probably gone after him.”

“Pretty sure we lost more than one. You go, I got the girls,” Faith said as she folded her arms in front of her. She watched as each of the girls squared off against their own vampire. “Keep your feet and follow through, Deloris!” She barked.

Spike caught up to Buffy just as she sent a dark haired vampire stumbling with a kick to the stomach. An extremely large and muscular vampire well over seven feet tall, came up from behind her. The vampire picked her up like a rag doll and started squeezing her like a soda can. Moving quickly, Spike ran forward throwing a rock at the massive vampire, “Oi, Andre the Giant! Put her down!” He yelled as the rock made contact with the back of his head and bounced off.

Spike maneuvered himself behind the oaf. He leapt up, wrapped his arm around his neck and began punching the gigantic vampire in the side of the head. The vampire stumbled forward into a tombstone pinning Buffy there. She let out a strangled scream of pain. Spike pulled up a stake driving the entire length of it into the back of the huge vampire. Spike leapt off as the vampire crumbled.

Buffy landed unceremoniously on the ground with a thud. She gasped for breath as she looked up to see the dark haired vamp coming back towards her. Buffy twinged in pain as she grabbed her stake and held it up at the last second as the vampire charged at her with his teeth bared.

“Think that’s all of them,” Spike said as he reached out a hand to help Buffy up. She gasped in pain. “Are you alright there, Love?”

“Think he might have cracked a rib, maybe two,” she said breathlessly.

“Shit. Come here, let’s get you back to the castle. Here, I got you,” he said, wrapping an arm around her.

They hadn’t made it far before Faith and the girls appeared from among the graves. “There you two are. The girls did great. They— You alright B?”

Buffy shook her head, “I’ll be fine, couple of cracked ribs.”

Faith made a face, “Yeah, those are never fun. Good thing we heal fast.”

“Yeah,” Buffy wheezed a little.

Faith turned to Spike, “Van is over that way. Let’s get your girl home. Make sure she didn’t do anything worse than crack ribs.”

Spike gave a quick nod and they all made their way back to the van. The girls talked excitedly all the while. “Looks like the night was mostly successful,” Buffy said.

Spike eased his grip on her a little, “How’s it going there, Love?”

“I’m starting to wonder if one of these is more than just a little cracked,” Buffy quietly gasped in pain as Spike helped her up into the front seat.

“Lift your shirt, Pet. Where’s it at?”

“Can’t we do this back at the castle?” She asked.

“I’m not stripping you down. Just want to get an idea of what we’re dealing with here.”

Buffy shifted and lifted her shirt a little, “Yeah alright.”

“Girl takes a couple dozen beatings, survives a few mortal wounds and she thinks she’s a hard-ass,” Spike teased.

Buffy chuckled then gasped in pain, “Oh, it hurts to laugh,”

“But you can, that’s a good sign,” he smiled at her. Buffy nodded in agreement.

Faith climbed into the driver’s seat, “All set, just waiting on you Spikey-boy.”

“Sod off, Faith, stop calling me that would you?” Spike grumbled as he climbed into the back seat with the girls.

“How about ‘Willy’?”

“Not if you value your life.”

“William,” Buffy murmured.

“Right here, Love,” Spike said as he pulled himself up so he could see her from around the back of the seat.

“Just proving a point,” she chuckled weakly.

“Very funny, you are,” he huffed as he sat back in his seat.

***** ***** ******

As Faith parked the van in front of the castle she addressed the girls as they filed out.

“Anyone else extra hungry?” Thea asked.

“How can you even think about food when Buffy’s hurt? Aren’t you concerned at all?” Deloris snapped.

“S’alright to be both, Dee,” Sheena replied.

“Sheena‘s right. It’s typical to be hungry after slaying. Go on girls, get your snacks and get to bed. I mean it, I’ll be around to check on you. Go on, we got this. We’ve all had worse, she’ll be fine.”

The girls protested but complied in the end. While Faith was dealing with them Spike got out of the van and offered to help Buffy down, “Thanks, but I got it.”

Spike stepped back to give her space. It was clear she was in pain but true to her word she was managing as they made their way in.

“Let’s get you in bed, let you heal properly.”

She nodded, “Maybe a little something to dull the pain,”

“I hear there’s something in the roll top,” Spike smirked.

“Count me in,” Faith chimed in as they walked up the stairs to the first floor. Buffy gritted her teeth and gripped the railing as they reached the first landing.

“Is there a reason we don’t use that?” Spike asked, gesturing to the closed off shaft for the elaborate birdcage style elevator.

“Yeah, cables are old as hell and frayed, the thing is a death trap.”

“So get your boyfriend to fix it,” Buffy gasped.

Faith colored slightly, “He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Here, Love. Let me. Still got a way to go here,” he wrapped an arm around her gently as she allowed him to help her up the stairs.

“For the record, I’ll fix the thing myself if it comes down to it. Even if we only use it for injuries,” Spike growled.

“Didn’t know you were handy,” Faith said as she followed them into their room.

“I’m no expert but it’s hard not to pick up a few things along the way. Anyone can become a Jack-of-trades if they live long enough. I figure an elevator as old as that, well it’s not exactly complicated is it?”

“Yeah, sorry, not really overwhelming me with confidence right now. I think I’m going to ask around.”

“Ask Callum,” Buffy insisted as she sat down on the loveseat in the seating area of their bedroom. She shrugged off her lightweight jacket and leaned back against the seat. Buffy took a few breaths and grimaced.

“Let’s take a look, Love,” he said, motioning for her to lift her shirt. Her right side was already bruising badly. Spike gingerly pressed his fingers to the area, Buffy let out a hiss of pain.

“Sorry, Pet,” he frowned as he moved to check the other side. The bruising wasn’t nearly as bad there.

“How’s our patient?” Faith asked.

“Definitely a couple a broken ribs on the right side there. I count two for sure, the third one is questionable, it's at least cracked.”

“I’m going to make sure the girls cleaned up the kitchen and I’ll bring up a couple of ice packs for you alright, B?”

“Thanks,” Buffy closed her eyes for a moment, “Spike, would you get my sweats and a clean tank, please?”

“No problem. Need help?”

“I’ll let you know.”

Spike shrugged one shoulder as he got the requested items from her drawers. “Are you cold?”

“Yeah, a little. Not everyone is impervious to temperature change.”

“I wouldn’t say that. Extreme heat or cold can be a bother.”

“Well sure, burning up or freezing solid would bother anyone,” she laughed weakly clutching her side.

“See what you get for poking fun?” He said teasingly as he handed her the clothes. “Are you sure you don’t want me to help?”

“Thanks but I think I got it, it's not my first broken rib.”

It did take her a little longer than usual but Buffy managed to get changed on her own. After which she went into the bathroom. While she was gone Spike decided to turn on the gas fireplace in their room. For the end of June it was unseasonably cool inside the castle that night.

He fished out two glasses and the whiskey from the desk, taking them over to the little table by the fire, and poured a small measure into each glass. Spike downed his glass and poured another.

There was a knock at the door before Faith pushed it open without waiting for an answer, “I got the big ice pack and a— Where’s Buffy?”

“In the loo.”

Faith eyed the glasses on the table, “One of those for me?”

“You bought the bottle. Ta by the way.”

“Figured we could use it at some point,” she said, taking a glass and sitting down on one of the chairs.

Spike sat across from her on the loveseat, “Yeah, doesn’t matter how many times I see her get hurt, it still gets me.”

“Guess that’s what love is huh?” Faith took a drink and settled back into her seat.

“Guess so,” he swallowed his drink and poured himself another, “Whiskey’s good, all that matters.”

Buffy came back in, walking stiffly, “Drinking without me?”

“I poured you one, Love,” he said, handing it over to her.

“Thanks, honey” Buffy moved to sit next to him and tilted her head up for a kiss, “Hum, whiskey.”

“You could almost get a bloke’s heart beating again.”

“Are we drinking or should I leave you two alone?” Faith interrupted.

“Drinks, then some serious sleep and healing,” Buffy said, curling up on the loveseat as best as she could.

He laid his hand on her knee, “You’re taking some time off. I’ll take over your training classes.”

“He’s right Buff, you definitely don’t want to re-break those suckers. I should know,” she paused to take a drink, “He shouldn’t have any trouble, they’re mostly in the training rooms anyway, we’ll work it out.”

“I can't just sit around,” Buffy said, taking a swallow of whiskey. She looked at the glass perplexed, “Wow. I normally don’t like whiskey.”

Spike grinned as he remembered the first time he shared a drink with Buffy in his crypt.

“Ok that’s it!” Faith groused, “tomorrow afternoon I’m going over to the hardware store and I’m asking Callum out for a drink.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Buffy said, emptying her glass, “You can ask him about the elevator too.”

“See, all this stuff here,” Faith twirled her finger in a large circle, “This is why I’m kinda hoping Callum is just a regular vanilla kind of guy… an open mind would be good though. Maybe vanilla with a little wild cherry.”

“Nice guys don’t often have bull-whips,” Spike smirked.

“Nice memory but its the quiet ones that surprise ya,”

Buffy narrowed her eyes and looked between the two of them, “Bull-whip?”

“Just an old story Faith told me a while back.”

“I probably don’t want to know.”

“Probably not,” Faith grinned as she took another sip of whiskey.

Buffy adjusted herself in her seat, wincing. Spike reached for Buffy’s drink, “Here, Love, finish this. We’ll get you to bed.”

“Humm, you just love getting me in bed.”

“True,” he stood up, holding his hand out to her. Buffy took his hand, allowing him to pull her up, “Tonight I’ll settle for you getting some rest and letting those ribs heal.”

“I should get going too, I need a shower.”

“Night!” Buffy called as Spike led her over to the bed.

Spike directed his attention back to Buffy, as Faith closed the door behind herself.

He pulled the blankets aside for her, “In you get, Slayer.”

Buffy slipped into bed carefully, “Spike?”

“Yeah?” He answered absently as he pulled the blanket over her.

She stilled his hand with hers, “I’m really sorry I freaked out like I did earlier.”

“Oh that-“, Spike started to say.

“Everything is so new. I just—”

“Hadn't thought that far ahead?” He asked, raising an eyebrow, as he stood up straighter.

Buffy didn’t release his hand, “Well no. I mean yes, you’re right, I haven’t… and when I did, it just really—“

“You just get some rest, Goldilocks,” he said, squeezing her hand and moving around to his side of the bed.

Buffy furrowed her brow finding it extremely difficult to get comfortable, “Are you sure we’re ok?”

“Course we are.” He gestured for her to sit up and slipped an extra pillow behind her.

She rested back onto the pillows, relaxing while Spike stripped down for bed. “You just seem off,” she stated.

Spike crawled into bed with her. Propping himself on one elbow to see her better. “You’re the one who’s hurt, Love. Let’s just focus on that alright?”

Spike laid awake half the night thinking and watching Buffy sleep.

God, I love her more than I’ve ever loved anyone. Course she loves me too. I know that— otherwise we’d both be barmy or dead. Don’t go questioning her now you nit.

But when we decided to make this official, I just assumed we would be together in all senses of the word. Including living together. But if Buffy isn’t sure… where does that leave me?

At arms length or worse. Bollocks, William. It’s you she comes to when she is in trouble and needs help. Must count for something. Or does it? Is simply loving someone enough?

He watched her as she took a deep breath and started to cough a little. She didn’t wake up but by the look on her face it was clear she was in pain.

He rested a hand high on her chest by her collarbone and she relaxed instantly. Her breathing eased and the look of anguish on her face melted away. It was a little thing but in that moment it was what they both needed. A comforting hand for her and reassurance that she didn’t just want him but also needed him. Spike fell asleep with that thought, his hand still resting on her chest. He didn’t notice the slim ghostly figure of a teenage girl watching them.

#buffy the vampire slayer #buffy fanfic #fanfic #spuffy #bound #buffy x spike #spike x buffy #fanfiction

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spnae · 11 months

Text

Chapter 5 A New Leaf

A few hours later Buffy woke up to a knock at the door. Rubbing her eyes, Buffy opened the door to find Faith holding a cup of coffee and a bagel, “Hey, girls are going to be coming down soon. I brought these up for you. I want to introduce you to the girls at training this morning. Spikie boy too if he wants. Don’t want any of the girls thinking he’s target practice.”

“Humm, thanks, you didn’t have to do that.” She took a tentative sip of the coffee Faith handed her. It was disappointingly void of cream or sugar. But it’s coffee…

“One time only deal, B. Are you going to get pretty-boy up?” Faith asked, poking her head around the edge of the doorframe.

Buffy glanced over at Spike sprawled out on the bed with a pillow over his face. “He’ll join us later.”

“Right, whole creature of the night thing.” Faith smirked.

Buffy leaned against the door frame and took another sip of coffee, letting the unadulterated flavor wash over her taste buds. “Give me a couple minutes to get dressed. Which training room are we in?”

“The one by the library, it’s bigger. I want to get this done before Giles leaves with the older girls. They’re going to be gone for a few days.”

Buffy straightened up, a frown clouding her features. “I didn’t realize they were going to be gone that long. What’s he doing with them?”

Faith rolled her shoulders, stretching like a cat. “Taking them on one of those spirit journey things, it’s supposed to be the beginning of the end for them as they wrap up their training with us before they go on to their placements. He’s had this on the schedule for months. Gonna be gone most of the week.”

“I should have known. Giles did tell me he had some girls that would be ready to leave soon. I guess I just lost track of time,” she said with a sigh as she turned her face back towards Spike.

He had rolled over onto his side petulantly with the pillow clamped over his head. He grunted, “You birds keep it down, you’re waking the dead.”

Buffy couldn’t suppress a grin, “Oh good, you’re up. Faith wants us to address the masses.”

“Bugger all,” Spike huffed as he pulled himself up, the sheet slipping down precariously. “Can’t it wait? Not like we’ve got a big bad on deck.”

“Things have been a bit quiet,” Faith agreed, “can’t be good.”

“Always something brewing,” Spike added as he grabbed his clothes and started pulling them on.

Buffy shifted her body, blocking Faith’s view of Spike. “I saw a ghost last night.”

Faith redirected her attention back to Buffy with a confused look on her face. “Seriously? In here?”

“Yup, right over there,” Buffy pointed to the corner behind her where she had seen the apparition.

“Explains a few things,” Faith huffed, folding her arms over her stomach and leaning against the cool stone wall in the hallway.

“Like what?”

“Never saw anything, just heard a few knocks and bangs, couple of things moved when I was in here alone. That kind of stuff barely registers on my weird-o-meter anymore.”

“Tell me about it… “ Buffy said around a bite of bagel.

Spike snorted, making a poor attempt to cover it up with a cough as he walked towards them pulling on a clean dark gray t-shirt. “Humm, dusty in here…”

Faith tilted her head, “Right… anyway… I’ll let you two get ready and just meet you down there.” With that Faith turned and left.

Buffy crossed her arms and turned towards Spike, “Really?”

“Oh come on, Love. You have to admit. It’s more than a little funny that you, one of the most badass supernatural forces for good on the planet, got spooked by a wee little ghost.”

“I’m really trying to be mad at you right now.”

“How’s that workin’ for ya, Pet?” He replied with a knowing smirk.

“Don’t push your luck,” she grinned as she pulled workout clothes from her bag, “Ok, so first chance I get, I’m unpacking.”

“Add it to the list.”

******* ****** ******

“Good morning ladies!” Faith walked up and down as she addressed the girls in front of her. Giles, Buffy, and Spike stood behind her like members of a stage cast. “As you can see we have some special guests who will be staying with us for a while. Some of you might remember Buffy-“ Whispers rippled through the girls, a few of the older girls hushed them, “That’s right, the original slayer, is in the house. Buffy and I will be splitting training duties. With her is one of our closest friends and allies, Spike aka William the Bloody Slayer of Slayers. Vampire with a soul. Good guy. Teacher NOT target practice—“

“Wait— That’s William the Bloody? I thought you said he was dead. That he died in the Battle of Sunnydale,” one of the girls blurted out.

“Got better; still dead,” he answered.

Faith snorted, “Yeah well, he’s here now to help with your training. Buff, you want to say a few words?” She added as she turned to Buffy.

Buffy switched spots with her, “I know a few of you already and the rest I know through your progress reports. But those can only go so far. Spike and I are here because we agree it’s time we take a more personal role in your training. I don’t really have a lot to say, does anyone have any questions for me or Spike?” She gestured towards him as he placed a hand on the small of her back.

“Yeah, I got one. If he’s the Slayer of Slayers, how are we supposed to trust this guy?”

Buffy rolled her eyes, I should have expected this, “You can trust him because I do. I trust him with my life, and yours. But I get it. Trust is earned and even if you don’t trust him you should be grateful for the insights he can supply. Better to be prepared. I’ve learned a lot about what it is to be a Slayer from him, you can too.”

Spike adjusted his hand on her back as he stepped a little closer to her, “That and you lot got the advantage of safety in numbers.”

A girl standing in the front of the group cocked an eyebrow as she eyed the two of them, “Just how close of a friend is this guy?”

Spike tried not to grin at the blush coloring Buffy’s cheeks as she shifted a little before answering, “Spike is my… partner.”

That earned a few low snickers.

She rolled her eyes at how stupid that sounded, “Alright fine yeah, I guess it’s pretty obvious Spike and I have a lot more than just a working relationship.”

“Not like they weren’t going to notice we’re sharing a room,” Spike smirked.

She shrugged, and turned back towards Faith and Giles, “They’re all yours.”

Giles turned to the group of girls, “Level 4 girls with me,” he said heading towards the stairs.

Faith’s voice cut through as she stepped forward, “That means levels 1, 2, and 3 fighting stances. We’re going to jump right in.”

“Giles, can I have a word?” Buffy asked, pulling him aside.

“Quickly, we really must be off,” he gestured towards the older girls to go on without him, “I’ll catch up.”

Buffy moved Giles to the corner of the room, “I saw a ghost last night. Know anything?”

“I don’t, but generally they are innocuous. I can look into it when I return if you like.”

“I’d appreciate it,”

“Right then, upon my return. See you soon!”

“See you!” She called after him.

Buffy turned around and started walking around the room correcting stances and provided assistance.

“What’s with the level thing?” Spike asked as he sidled up to her.

“What? Oh that’s just the system they came up with. Helps to break them up into smaller groups by age and level of training. Sort of our version of martial arts degrees meets high school.”

“Got it.”

With that, the two of them got to work with Faith training and sparring with the girls.

***

After the first training session Spike went back to their room whilst Buffy and Faith took the girls for a run. Sleep seemed relatively pointless so he decided to give himself a tour.

The first thing he did was head upstairs, to the other two floors they hadn’t seen yet. The one right above them consisted of three large bedrooms and one very big communal bathroom that had been recently renovated. The top floor was nothing more than one large bedroom and an access he imagined went to the roof. He meandered around the castle until he found himself in the large training room and he made his way back up to Giles’ private suite.

“Now that’s more like it, Rupert,” Spike said out loud as he looked around. It was a large room with a sitting area on one side that reminded him of Giles’ living room back in Sunnydale.

“If I were a Watcher with a stick up my ass, in charge of fifteen underage girls and Faith, where would I keep the good stuff? Ah right then…” Spike opened the doors to the wardrobe and found a bottle of scotch and a set of glasses on the top shelf, “Predictable.”

He helped himself to a drink, put Billy Squire’s ‘Don’t Say No’ album on the record player then sat back listening. As much as he agreed with Buffy about the importance of the work they were starting at the castle, it was nice to hide away with a drink in hand. A trip to the liquor store was definitely in his near future.

Spike made his way back downstairs into the training room where he heard voices. The girls were back. The rain had started.

Spike peeked his head out from behind the screen blocking the staircase from view. Buffy was there with a smaller group of girls guiding them through some tai chi exercises as a cool down after their run. He stepped out from behind the screen watching them. Buffy didn’t break form, but she did give him a quick smile when she saw him. A moment later she finished the sequence, “That was great guys, thank you! That’s all for now, I’ll see you later.”

Buffy watched as the girls filed out through the library and down the stairs before turning to Spike, “What were you doing?”

“Havin’ a nip with Squire.”

Buffy raised an eyebrow, “Ah huh, what happened to punk rock?” She asked as she picked up a towel, dabbing sweat off her face and neck.

“You really got me pigeonholed don’t you, Slayer? Remind me to tell you all about Woodstock sometime.” He drawled as he came closer.

“I— Spike-”, she stammered a little before she realized he was teasing her, “Jerk.” Buffy swatted at him with the towel.

“Not like Giles has The Ramones or The Buzzcocks up there anyway. Got a point though don’t I?” He chuckled.

She sighed as she picked up the zip-up hoodie she had worn on her run and started towards the library stares, Spike followed. “Faith told me she put a bottle in the roll top desk in our room. And there’s a portable stereo in the kitchen. What were you doing up there anyway?”

“Just nosin’ about. That bit about the booze would have been useful information, but then I wouldn’t have discovered Rupert’s record collection. That’s one thing about a mostly nomadic lifestyle, I’ve lost more records than Giles has seen in his life.”

“Could always get you an MP3 player.”

“Two sides to that; Mobile, but vinyl is better.”

Buffy laughed, “Not really the point here.”

He nudged her shoulder as they went, “Oh come on, Love, just getting the lay of the land. Not like I trashed the place.”

“I just don’t like the idea of you being in there when Giles isn’t here. He’d be pissed.” She huffed.

“I wanted to sleep. I’m only up because you requested my presence.” He answered, as he opened the door to their bedroom.

Buffy stripped out of her workout tank and turned towards him. Standing in front of him in a pair of jogging capris and a sports bra she grinned at him, “I’ve got some time to kill, I can think of something that might help you sleep. Can’t have you cranky for the field training tonight.”

“Damn, I like it when you tuck me in,” he murmured in a gruff tone as he pulled her closer and kissed her passionately.

****** ****** *******

Buffy grinned as she watched Spike laying next to her on the floor. They’d made it to the bed this time but had fallen off of it at some point. When she made a move to get up, Spike grabbed for her wrist, “Leaving so soon?” He asked without opening his eyes.

“Yeah, Slayer training stuff I told Faith I’d come find her to train after a while. Met you in the entry hall at 9:00 alright?” She kissed him.

“Better get going then, don’t want to start something and be late. Nothing like shagging in the middle of your first day at your new job.”

“It’s not like it’s really my first day. I do the same thing in Rome, just on a much smaller scale, and not in a castle.”

“I love seeing you shine,”

“Now who’s trying to start something we don’t have time for? Get some sleep.”

Buffy made her way down to the second training room where Faith was working out alone using one of the punching bags. They often gave the girls the afternoon off now it was summer and they were dotted round the castle and the grounds. Faith looked up from the target she had been hitting, “Hey B, what’s up?“

“Nothing really, thought I’d practice my staff work. Figured you’d be in here since a couple of the girls were already in the other training room when I came down,” Buffy picked up a quarterstaff and squared up against the dummy closest to Faith.

Faith steadied the heavy bag, “Yeah, kind of a rare opportunity to have the place to ourselves. That rain didn’t last long, a lot of the girls are out in the orchard, sort of nice.”

“Yeah,” Buffy grunted as she hit the training dummy.

“So what’s Spikie-boy up to?”

“Getting some much-needed rest,”

Faith’s eyes twinkled and she gave a barely there a grin, “Ah huhh, I hear that. Damn that man is fine.”

“Yeah, well hands off,” she said as she struck at the dummy again.

“Already tested the waters there, he didn’t bite, not even a nibble.”

Buffy paused, dropping her fists and turned towards Faith who was still hitting the bag. “Wait, what?” Buffy asked.

“Flirted with him a bit in your basement back in Sunny-D. No big thing. Even if you hadn’t come in, I doubt he would have gone for it, that guy has a one track-mind and you’re it—“ she grunted the last word as she delivered a kick.

Buffy watched her a second longer before resuming her staff work, “I guess that sort of answers my question.”

“What’s that?”

“I was going to ask you why you are the only one I haven’t had to explain everything to,” Buffy said as she continued practicing.

“Because I totally get it. I mean the soul thing is a given, plus he’s super hot,” she punched the bag in front of her a few times and continued, “must be nice having someone who can keep up with you and gets the whole Slayer thing,” she paused, hitting the bag again, “vamp’s sex on legs and he only has eyes for you B.”

“Yeah…” she agreed as she struck the floor with a particularly hard strike.

Faith stopped to look at her, “Do we need to talk?”

“No,” she waved a hand dismissively, “It’s good. I got my guy, I’m happy. What about you?” She continued twirling her staff, plunging it into the dummy’s chest, “Opps…”

“Ehh, yeah, let’s try pulling our punches on the equipment huh?”

“Sure.”

Faith hesitated, “Anyway— You already know I tried to make a go at a real relationship with Robin for a while.”

“Mind if I ask what happened?”

“Might tell you if I knew. Just packed up one day and said he wanted to go back to New York,” she shrugged, “Hurt ya know… but, sort of made me realize maybe I’d been missing out too. Something I didn’t know I actually needed before. Probably sounds stupid…”

Buffy shrugged her head before delivering another strike, “No it doesn’t. So what now?”

“Oh I’m good… There’s a hottie in town I got my eye on, just— Slayer stuff and work and— damn, when the hell did I become responsible?” Faith paused, rubbing the back of her neck.

“I think it’s a Spider-Man thing.”

Faith resumed her stance, squaring up her shoulders, “And for the cool kids?” She asked.

“Xander… it’s this whole ‘With great power comes great responsibility’ thing… sort of comes with the territory,” Buffy shrugged.

“Kinda like it, is that weird?”

Buffy chuckled darkly, “Ohh yeah… super weird…”

They both laughed at that.

“Seriously though, I need to get laid, bad,” Faith sighed.

“Could always hook up with the Scottish hottie. What’s he like anyway?”

Faith walked over to the edge of the mat to pick up a towel and let out a little groan as she whipped sweat off her neck. She grabbed her water bottle, taking a drink.

Then sighed, “He’s really nice. Freaking gorgeous. Tall, broad shoulders, great head of thick black hair, the most gorgeous baby blues, and a smile that could melt a chastity-belt.”

Buffy’s eyebrows raised with interest at that. “Hottie got a name?”

Faith didn’t look up, “Callum, his name is Callum.”

She eyed her, “He doesn’t know you like him does he?”

Faith set down her bottle and the towel, still not making eye contact. “I’m- we talk. Every time I see him he’s working.”

The corner of Buffy’s mouth pulled into a half smile, “Bartender?”

“No… he isn’t.” Faith said a little heatedly and deflated quickly, taking a deep breath. “Alright fine, he works at the hardware store, and recently started a construction business with his cousin.”

Buffy’s eyes widened and she relaxed her staff at her side, “Oh my God, that’s what all the freaky remodeling stuff has been about! The training rooms and the girls' rooms upstairs and the girls bathroom. Faith!”

“I don’t want to make things… you know— I actually think I like this guy… he’s—” she stammered uncomfortably. She was showing more vulnerability than Buffy had seen in years.

“Wow, and here I was thinking you just jumped any guy you saw.”

“God I want to… trying to turn over a new leaf…”

“Wow.” Buffy said, letting her shoulders drop.

Faith sighed in agitation. “Don’t sound too surprised. This is hard… trying to be a nice girl for a nice guy.”

Buffy shook her head and held up a hand for her to stop, “You can’t do that, you have to be yourself.”

Faith sat down heavily on the mat with her legs folded in front of her. “That came out wrong. I just mean I’m trying to do better. I’m trying to be better and if I’m going to have a guy at all, then I want one that will help me do that. Sort of thought Robin could have been that guy…”

Buffy frowned, “And now you think this is the guy?”

“I didn’t say that. I just said he was a nice, really hot guy I like.”

“The fact that we are even having this conversation is kind of a big deal. Maybe just try getting to know the guy. Let him see the real you, the good you— before you jump him.” Buffy said as she slipped her staff back into the rack by the wall.

“Like dinner and a movie? I don’t know if I could handle that, B.”

She walked over to sit across from Faith. “Who says it has to be? Let him like you for you, whatever that is.”

Faith chuckled mirthlessly, “God that’s lame, you sound like a freaking shrink or a fortune cookie or something.” Then she shot Buffy a serious look, “Guess I sort of needed to hear that, thanks.”

Faith stood back up stretching, “It’s times like this that I really miss Angel.”

“You guys really got close huhh?” Buffy asked.

“He’s a good friend. Gave me a second chance and didn’t give up on me.”

Buffy twirled her staff slowly in front of her and cleared her throat. Never thought I’d see the day when Faith getting close to him wouldn’t bother me but here it is— wow… “Anyway, what's the game plan tonight?” She asked as she stood back up and went to grab her own water bottle.

“Taking the new girls out for their first field trip.”

Buffy eyed her over the bottle as she took a long drink. “Are you sure that’s a great idea? Leaving the rest of the girls alone?”

“I’m putting Ava in charge while we’re gone, they’ll be fine for a couple of hours.” Faith said, stretching out her shoulders.

Buffy shrugged. Faith knew the girls better than she did. “Humm, yeah, I can see that… as long as they don’t start a mutiny while we’re gone. We’ll come back to find Ava tied to a chair.”

“Oh come on, have a little faith,” Faith smirked.

“Oh now that’s lame.”

#buffy the vampire slayer #buffy fanfic #fanfic #spuffy #bound #spike x buffy #buffy x spike #fanfiction

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