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spacemonkeysalsa · 3 days

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God of Ambivalence

A tiefling Artificer splits a large stone on a beach to discover a one handed-wizard inside.

Pairing - OC/Gale & Shadowheart/Lae'zel but there will be more as it goes on.

Read Chapter One on Ao3

Read Chapter Two on Ao3

Read Chapter Three on Ao3

Read Chapter Four on Ao3

Read Chapter Five on Ao3

Read Chapter Six on Ao3

Read Chapter Seven on Ao3

Read Chapter Eight on Ao3

Read Chapter Nine on Ao3

or read Chapter Nine, below

Gale discovers that during the hundred years he was inside of that stone, Mystra found at least one new chosen: a tiefling named Rolan who might be able to help.

Elion’s assignment to get food from the larder grew more involved as Master Faydor and the stranger, called Erakis, got to talking and hit it off. In another hour Erakis was cooking up a meal for them, using the blacksmith’s forge in a very unconventional way, as he listened to Master Faydor’s stories and laughed so loudly it echoed around the courtyard. Shadowheart and Lae’zel emerged from their conversation as the sun got high. Master Faydor suggested they make their announcements with the meal.

Gale looked like a new person after a bath and a change of clothes. He had Elion knot the end of his sleeve for now, after applying fresh bandages to the stump. The wizard hadn’t exaggerated. He did clean up nicely. “I don’t suppose there’s any way I can gain your respect back after all that?”

“Why wouldn’t I respect you any longer?” Elion asked, genuinely concerned, but more than anything, distracted. There was a pink hue to Gale’s skin that looked rather nice on him. He tried not to dwell too much on any implications. Blushing was a collection of blood under the skin and it was a good sign, more than anything, because Gale’s skin had so recently been bloodless and gray. That was all.

Arabella was deep in conversation with Shadowheart’s direwolf, and the clowder of cats. She dismissed Shadowheart with a wave of her hand when the cleric tried to summon her over.

“She’s not hungry,” Shadowheart informed Master Faydor.

“Nonsense!” Master Faydor protested, “even inscrutable weave-touched waifs need protein. Mr. Erakis certainly knows his way around a cookstove… forge.”

Lae’zel and Xan hung back near the entrance of the sanctum. Their conversation looked tensed, though perhaps not as involved as that of Arabella and her council of nocturnal predators. Elion watched them without reading a single word that fell from their lips, but he thought he knew the conversation well. It was one he’d had with his own parents a few hundred times.

“I disapprove of the things you do,” Lae’zel might say.

“I know and I do care but it will not change the things I do,” Xan would probably respond.

“Then suffer my disapproval.”

“I will.”

As Elion watched their exchanges grew faster and more heated, then they cooled and slowed. Then they finally stopped. Xan stooped down and kissed his mother quickly on the forehead, clearly enjoying how very annoyed she looked in response. The two of them finally came to join the rest of the group, as Master Faydor had everyone prepare a plate.

They ate in silence, gathering clouds overheard darkening the land, though the forge still had an ember glow to keep them warm and undulate a bright shimmer against their faces.

Shadowheart wasn’t eating much. Elion caught her passing more than a few pieces of meat to the cats that had abandoned Arabella. That particularly lovely white one lounged under her chair, stalking.

“We have an idea,” Elion decided that he might as well broach the subject, if no one else was going to say anything, “About, what to do for Gale.”

“What to do with Gale,” Lae’zel qualified.

“Rolan, of Ramazith’s Tower,” Elion shot Gale a glance, but the wizard seemed just fine to let him speak. He wasn’t eating much either. “We thought maybe, given his expertise…”

Again, Shadowheart and Lae’zel responded by looking at each other.

“Oh Gods,” Lae’zel sighed.

Xan was grinning, he looked up and snagged Elion’s eye, “he’s an old friend, and I’m sure my mothers are quite embarrassed that they didn’t think of him.”

“We hadn’t really gotten around to discussing how we might help,” Shadowheart admitted, “we were still rather mired in the question of whether we ought to or not.”

“I’d sooner say that we’ve done enough already and leave you to pursue your future without further interference." Lae’zel looked directly at Gale, but in spite of her harsh words, her face had softened somewhat. “Whether or not we bear any responsibility towards you, Rolan isn’t a wholly terrible option.” She looked rather displeased with herself as she admitted this. “We could perhaps make an introduction, in twenty-five words or less.”

“Why yes,” Shadowheart seemed pleased that Lae’zel had suggested it, “that would hardly be any trouble at all.”

“Ramazith’s Tower?” Erakis spoke up from his perch. He’d settled himself comfortably on one side of the forge, lying on his side and propping his head up with one hand, while he fed himself with the other. Elion hadn’t really gotten a very good look at him up close before, so he hadn’t appreciated just how large the man was. It wasn’t just his considerably stature or his broad shoulders. His features all seemed wide. It wasn’t unattractive in the least, but it was noticeable. Even his eyes seemed a touch too far apart, his mouth broad, his fingers twice the girth that would have seemed normal.

There was also something strangely familiar about him, but Elion couldn’t quite place it.

“That means you’ll be headed to Baldur’s Gate then?” he swirled his wine before he downed it.

“Seems the best heading,” Gale nodded. “I can't very well linger here,” the way he said it made Elion think he wanted to add something about not being welcome, but was too polite to just come out and say it.

“You should join me,” Erakis pushed the rest of his plate towards the white cat, who was approaching with a curious sniff. “I’m meant to meet up with a friend in the mountain pass. A tiefling ranger who said I could use a portal to get into the city. It should shorten the journey by a tenday or so.”

“A portal? Out here?” Elion balked. If he’d known he could have portaled to or from the city that would have made coming out here for the apprenticeship a lot easier.

“Not well known, and she usually charges a small fortune. But she likes me, and she owes me a favor. She’ll be more than fair.” Erakis tentatively reached out to pet the cat, but the creature darted away, startled by his sudden movement.

“Sounds promising,” said Shadowheart, “I’ll tell Rolan to expect you.”

“You won’t accompany them?” Xan asked, keeping his voice low enough that Elion was sure he’d only meant for his mothers to hear him.

“Lae’zel is right,” Shadowheart told Xan firmly, “we’re not as young as we used to be, we need to pick our pursuits more carefully. I’ve already got this sanctum to see to, and besides—we’ve done enough.” She didn’t sound entirely convinced or convincing, but Xan didn’t try to argue with her, only watched her with a slight frown.

“Chk,” Lae’zel furrowed her brow at her wife, “I didn’t say anything about our irrelevant ages!”

“You want to go with them to see Rolan?” Shadowheart challenged.

“Absolutely not,” Lae’zel hissed, “he’s been insufferable ever since Mystra made him her Chosen.”

“So just these last hundred years or so?” Shadowheart asked playfully.

“Precisely,” said Lae’zel with a snarl.

Gale curled into himself, setting his food down. His face had gone very peaked, very fast.

“Are you alright?” murmured Elion.

In response, Gale lifted his arms to his face, in a gesture that appeared entirely instinctual and futile, like he’d meant to cover his face with both hands, only to remember there was only one left. He looked like he might be ill.

“Shadowheart—I think he—”

“No,” Gale snapped. “I’m fine,” he softened, “I’m fine. It’s nothing.” He exhaled slow, and even, eyes closed. Then he picked up the bottle of Waterdeep whiskey that Elion had found for him in the kitchens and took a generous swig.

At least he finally had something in his stomach.

#bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #baldur's gate 3 gale #bg3 gale #gale dekarios #gale of waterdeep #god of ambivalence #bg3 fanfiction

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justmightyshadows · 2 months

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The Three Lost Ones

Jaheira, Lae'zel and Minthara all yearn for the pieces of their home lost to them. I'm exploring how they dealt with/deal with that loss or how they feel about those places now or simply them in those places. These are all SFW.

This is from a prompt sent to me, enjoy! I made each one really different I think and may have gone off the rails a bit from the prompt, as is my way.

Lae’zel and Saamrel (Tav)

It was always after a hard fought battle that Lae’zel would look up into the sky as if she would hear the chants of victory coming from her childhood home and her people. Today felt different, she settled into the hot springs and sighed. “I would like to see it again.” Tav didn’t have to ask what she meant, ever since Vlaakith had turned against her, Lae’zel’s yearning for K’liir had only grown. Every time she sank her blade into another Githyanki’s heart it seemed as if a piece of her was there again.

“We can return, but it will not be a peaceful visit.” Saamrel says to her as they rub their aching shoulders into the water.

“It was not a peaceful upbringing, it would be foolish to be there and not be think their will be battles of all sorts. At least there my glory will be painted on the stone, at least there it will be a sign of my prowess.”

Saamrel let’s the silence settle over them, what Lae’zel seeks may be youth or freedom, it is almost certainly not that she yearns for the sight of her home but she will not know that until she has faced the past herself.

“Then we should show them what has become of Lae’zel of Creche K’liir and when we are done with the hard work of battle, will there be a hot springs?” Saamrel wanted nothing more than to relax after following Lae’zel into what felt like the hundredth battle of the week. She was a warlock not a warrior and keeping up with Lae'zel made them realize it more and more.

“Tchk, the springs here are minuscule and the water only heats sore muscles. On K’liir the water heals wounds as well, the minerals of the tears bind the flesh back together and leave it brand new.” Lae’zel looks at the misty water around them with disdain, as if staring at it hard enough would get it to do flesh mending on command.

Saamrel moves closer to her, resting their head on Lae’zel’s chest. Lae sits up to give them space and looks down with soft eyes at Saamrel. She wraps an arm around them and kisses their forehead lightly.

“It sounds exceptional Lae. Tell me more about this place - you’re selling me so far.” They close their eyes and listen to the soft hum of Lae’zel's voice.

“On K’liir we can sleep under the sea of stars spread out around us, the colors are beyond your imagination, trying to describe them would take far too long. The halls of the Creche are made from solid stone - carved by hand over many years. For that reason it is one of the most unique Creche locations in that we made it completely ourselves. The younglings born there are put through rigorous battle training and grow to be some of the strongest and most fearsome warriors in Vlaaki-” She goes quiet at the mention of her former Queen’s name. This had been happening less and less but the shock Lae’zel was going through still seemed to catch her in moments like these where she was caught up in the dreams of her past. Saamrel massaged the arm she had wrapped around them, slowly working their thumb into the tense muscles until Lae’zel continued.

“I guess I should say Orpheus’ army. I am not sure though if they know he has returned.” She held Saamrel gently in her arms and placed her head against theirs.

“Would that I could go there again, would you really join me?”

Her voice was soft and full of longing, longing for a world she had not yet created.

“I fear we must - Xan has already started to fall behind. He has yet to kill a beholder like you had at his age.” They say with a crack of a smile on their lips.

“Nonsense, Xan could never be such a failure. We must bring him there at once, he is proof of Orpheus’ return. He is free.” Lae’zel says shooting out of the water, her feet pattering against the stones of the bath house and going to get her things “We leave at first light.”

Jaheira and Thalwyn(Tav)

The sun spilled in small waterfalls of light upon the forest floor, as you and Jaheira work your way, on top of the branches of the old grove trees, into the darkened patches of the forest. Stalking. Your prey had made it’s way past the river trying to lose you in the bramble on the other side but Jaheira’s sense of smell had found its trail. You heard a crunch of leaves and freeze, your elf ears swivel to take in the surrounding area and then you see it, the powerful Buck that had been on a rampage this entire season. It stood near 10 feet tall with 2 feet extra of antlers adorned to its head. Silvanus had sent Jaheira out here just to fell it and she had brought you along, as a gift.

It made its way into the clearing as Jaheira silently leapt to the forest floor flattening herself into the shadows. You drew your bow as it bent its long neck to graze on the dew covered grass and with a mighty thunk - hit right between the ribs by its front leg. The deer let out a wounded cry but labored on, doubling back in confusion towards the forest, towards Jaheira. She leapt forward in her panther form and bit down on the back of its neck, but it continued on smashing into trees and bucking its hind legs. Only one option, you think and with blade extended you drop down upon its head, sinking your bladed into the thick layer of bone, ending its final rampage with a crash.

Jaheira stayed in wild shape, but became an owlbear to move the carcass back to the cottage you had set up together. It was a long walk but you stopped occasionally to pick mushrooms and flowers that you held up to her for her opinion. She gave a nod or shake depending on if she wanted to keep it. Near the base of a hill, within a small meadow you see your home - a negligible wooden structure with several gardens adorning the sides. You’d set up a small shrine in one of the sunny spots for Khalid, sometimes you’d see your lover stop and talk to it. Sometimes, you'd stop to talk to it yourself offering your thanks for his continued love.

In human form Jaheira took a moment to stretch towards the sky and turned to you “I think next time you can just aim for the head! You picked the most difficult shot, I'm starting to think you just enjoy the heroics.” She grabbed you by the waist and planted a kiss on your lips, smiling into your mouth as she did. Her body, never idle, went to break down the kill for yourself and any other animals and the like who may need food within the forest.

It had been 100 years since you left Baldur’s Gate and brought Jaheira here as a dying wish. You had brought your favorite bow and placed it in the heart of the forest as you called on Silvanus to protect her in this life and the next. At least that is what you told Jaheira, really, you had offered up your life, in perpetual service to Silvanus for a chance to spend more time with your beloved. The God of Nature was enraptured by your love and gifted you both with eternal life while within the bounds of the Dalelands as its stewards.

The sky opened up on your heads and you both ran quickly into the home. Jaheira waited for you to light the hearth and put the kettle on as she sat deep within the cushions strewn around the one room shack. She ran her fingers through her hair and enjoyed the moments without someone looking to her for the next thing to do or decision to make.

“How are you feeling, Jaheira, older than ever?” She laughed at your joke with a wry smile and noted

“I only have forever left now it seems.”

Minthara and Eurydice

Waking in Menzoberranzan was nothing like the surface world, the drow only meditated for a couple hours before rising, so, the excitement of waking was lost on them. Without the sun the days would blend together if not for the fanfare of dressing in the appropriate garb for the occasion.

A servant entered Minthara’s room and placed two outfits of elegant material along the chaise, one for her and one for her consort, Eurydice. When they awoke from their slumber they dressed promptly and feasted on mushrooms and wine underneath the iridescent light that permeated their room. As the head of House Baenre and the Queen Mother of the city of Menzoberranzan, Minthara had matters of state and diplomatic affairs to attend to for some hours each day.

“I will be back as soon as the affair of House DeVir has been taken care of.” She kissed Eurydice on the cheek and delighted in the blush that it elicited.

“You were right to pick up the pieces of that forgotten House and have them as our vassal- they have proved to be especially proficient at espionage. Viconia, brings the followers of Shar into the land which is good for the new face we are trying to build. Acceptance as long as there is obedience.” Eurydice nodded slightly and held tight to Minthara’s arm, her body pressed against her.

“Always on your guard my love. No matter how I adore Viconia she is still a challenger to our throne.” Minthara let out a sly grin -

“Oh, of that I am very aware my dear.” She said with a hint of malice. The doors to the room were opened for her as she left and the hallways were full of servants bowing low to the ground as she passed. Her office overlooked the interior of the diplomatic building and she watched as others mingled and discussed topics of state below her.

House DeVir will be awarded their ancestral home along with gold for 2 generations, at which point they must provide funds for their own wealth outside of House Baenre.

She looked over the last bit of the treatise and smiled - if after 2 generations they are penniless, which they will be, we can force them to continue as our vassals. She left the office, taking a couple of wide opulent corridors to the top floor where she stared out at the city. The glowing pillars of light that punctuated the landscape were like nothing that existed on the surface.

‘I am home’ she muttered to herself and calling a servant forward sent word to Eurydice to be prepared for visitors at the late meal. They needed to host the heads of two of the newer houses to make bonds before the coming vote of the parliament.

At home, the servants ran quietly through the marbled halls making sure arrangements were made for the guests. The great hall was adorned with ever-flame candles and flicker lights, the table set with gold goblets and plates and each chair was slightly warmed to keep the chill of the Underdark to a minimum.

The guests arrived on time and Eurydice took her place next to Minthara. Minthara led them in a toast, smiling broadly at her consort as she did, caressing the small of her back and then pulling her in close. It was over in an instant - Eurydice clutched at Minthara’s gold trimmed jacket forcefully as she dropped her cup. The wine splattered across the floor down the set of small steps that led to where they stood. She fell to her knees with Minthara clutching her shoulders in disbelief - the poison was overtaking her faster than she had ever seen such things happen before. Blood dripped from her ears and mouth as Minthara rest her down on the ground her body going numb and her eyes welling with tears. The guests did not react -standing still with small grins upon their faces as a dagger lodged itself into Minthara’s back.

She awoke with a jolt to find herself in the soft cushions of a bed. Her body was hot and she felt herself slick with sweat at the dream she had just had. Eurydice turned to her and looped an arm lazily over her body.

“Bad dream, my love?” She planted soft kisses on the arm and side closest to her before sitting up to pull Minthara’s face to her chest - caressing her head lightly.

“You are safe here. We are together, remember? We’re in Baldur’s Gate still.” The dreams had turned to nightmares as soon as Minthara had mentioned that they should return. Minthara curled into her tightly, pulling her legs over her lover's body.

“We should stay here.”Her voice was soft and lingered gently on Eurydice’s ears.

“So, we shall stay. We have conquered here and that is enough for now.” Minthara felt the heartbeat of her lover lull her into a peaceful state. She would have to ramp up the poison resistance of them both far more than she had already.

#bg3 #minthara #bg3 tav #bg3 minthara #bg3ficfeb #bg3 fanfiction #bg3 jaheira #bg3 lae'zel #lae'zel #laezel #bg3 headcanons #bg3 prompts

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localravenclaw · 2 months

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also btw this is my weekly LIKE ALL OF ARI'S POST IN ONE AFTERNOON. I am desperately trying to tell tumblr to just... show me your posts all the time and i'm at my wits end.

I LOVE YOU ALL THE TIME NOT JUST ONCE A WEEK.

Lol Xan, I love you so much for this! 🤭💕

Dw, you are absolutely under no obligation to keep track of my nonsense blog. Besides, I have long since given up on tumblr ever showing me posts of my mutuals in a timely manner, if at all. XD

But thank you so much for letting me know that I am still loved and appreciated. I hope you feel the same.

#ari answers #ari × xan

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furymint · 11 months

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header: 1 / 2

alias/nicknames: eli (me shortform typing lol), ellie (samu), lilac (pseudonym), cadieux (nol. and xan. its great), any array of words starting w c (wyda)

gender: male, he/him

age: 24ish

zodiac: leo, halone

abilities + talents: piano & organ, singing, wound & surgical nurse, magical wards, talking complete philosophical nonsense

alignment: lawful / neutral / chaotic / good / neutral / evil / true

sins: envy / greed / gluttony / lust / pride / sloth / wrath

virtues: charity / chastity / diligence / humility / justice / kindness / patience

languages: common, ishgardian, ancient ishgardian, glove, fan, shorthand, gay

family: Josseloux Cadieux--adoptive father, Mathieu Cadieux--grandfather, Julia Cadieux--cousin. + others but not of relevance

friends: bells <3. he’s also friends w my other ishgardian npcs, incl ephemie, kayden, and vera. there’s also a gaggle of artist-pacifists he hangs with

sexuality: heterosexual / bisexual / pansexual / homosexual / demisexual / asexual / unsure / other

relationship: single / partnered / married / widowed / open relationship / divorced / not ready for dating yet / it’s complicated

libido: sex god / very high / high / average / low / very low / non-existent

build: slender / average / athletic / muscular / curvy / other

hair: white / blonde / brunette / red / black / other: pink

eyes: brown / blue / gray / green / black / other

skin: pale / fair / olive / light brown / brown / dark / other: grey

height: 6'5"

scars: none of particular obviousness or relevance, although one of his feet is a bit gnarled after it was shot

dogs or cats || birds or bugs || snakes or spiders || coffee or and tea || ice cream or cake || fruits or vegetables || sandwich or soup || magic or melee || sword shield dagger or bow || summer or winter || spring or autumn || past or future

A few songs that remind you of them:

all this and heaven too - florence + the machine

lungful - douglas dare

i talk to the rain - yuki kajiura

tagged by: @norhimorovine!

#im to sleepy and having noise issues so cant concetrate #to think who hasnt been taged #so plz do if u wanna!#and ty norhi!#about elliot

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thefarminggoblin · 2 years

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Baldur’s gate characters and their pronouns

My headcanons for the all of 3 people who are in the fandom on this app. Enjoy!

TW: trans/homophobia, misgendering

__________________________________________________

Ajantis 🛐 “I don’t believe in that nonsense, Helm would be appalled!” Sorry, he wouldn’t vibe with the rainbow mafia. Would purposely misgender folks.

Anomen 🛡 “Erm, pronouns? Why do you ask? I don’t have any. I’m a man?” Confused, but would come around with education. Would accidentally misgender folks, but over apologises and tries to correct himself but mucks it up a lot. He’s trying, okay?

Aerie 🎪 “Pronouns? Oh! She/her!” *beams* “What are yours?”

Coran 🦚 “This is your way of asking what is in my pants, hmm? Oh very well. He/Him. I also have a di-“

Dynaheir 🦢 “She/Her. What else did thou expect?”

Imoen ⚡️ “She/Her! What’s yours?”

Khalid 🗡 “He/Him. W-why do you ask? D-do you need to t-talk about it? Are you having an identity c-crisis that I can h-help you with?” Please he would be a “free parent hugs” person at Pride 😭

Kivan 🏹 “What do you mean ‘pronouns’? I don’t have any.” After explaining he would come to the conclusion of He/They.

Jaheira 🍃 “Nature has no use for such things, but if you insist: She/Her.” She would begrudgingly go with her husband to Pride, not really showing interests, but will provide hugs and would 100% throw hands with trans/homophobes.

Haer’dalis 😈 “Oh? I’ve never truly believed in the concept of restricting one’s gender. Call me anything, my raven. Though I would prefer Xe/Xem.” Unlabelled sexuality as well.

Mazzy ⚜️ “Honestly, I don’t know why you brother with all that nonsense, but I suppose I would be a She/Her. But as far as I am concerned none if that matters, truly.”

Minsc 🐹 “Eh? What does that mean? Oh! Boo, tell Minsc? Ahh yes, you are so wise! Boo says I am He/Him, for I am a very manly man!”

Neera ✨ “Huh? She/They. Didn’t I tell you that? Geez you’re forgetful…”

Valygar 🍂 “He/Him. Would you also like to know what I had for breakfast this morning?” Poor bb has so many trust issues but would be respectful. Head canon that he’s also a closeted pan man.

Viconia 🌑 *scoffs and rolls her eyes* “Go/Away. I thought it obvious! I’ve not the patience for your gibberish nonsense.” 🥺 “Ohh very well. She/Her. Now leave me be!”

Xan 🌙 why/me *sighs* “He/They. But it doesn’t matter, I suspect I will be a mere ‘was/were’ rather soon…”

Yoshimo ⚔️ “Hah, He/Him. And your own?”

Bonus: Boo 🐹 Xe/Xem. “Squeak!”

#baldur's gate #old as balls fandom which is very niche #yet very dear to me #my first contribution to this fandom #a little nervous tbh #if you haven’t played it yet you absolutely should #Xan of evereska #Khalid and Jaheira #anomen delryn #Kivan #minsc and boo #imoen #Baldur’s gate 2 #aerie #Valygar #neera

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incorrect-bhaalspawn-quotes · 9 months

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(standing in front of Durlag’s Tower)

Xan: We’ll never survive.

Coran: Nonsense. You’re only saying that because no one ever has.

#source: the princess bride #baldur's gate #incorrect bhaalspawn quotes #bg1 #xan of evereska #coran

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spnae · 1 year

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37 Living Dead Girl

“Buffy? Spike? Buffy?”, there was yet another knock at the door and Buffy realized she couldn’t ignore it and started fumbling blindly for her bathrobe; which wasn’t where she normally kept it… Shit.

She lifted her head. It felt like the roadrunner had smashed an anvil into it. Buffy let out a groan and the arm she hadn’t realized was snaked around her constricted. Spike.

The pounding on the door resumed, “Buffy?”

She groaned again, “What do you want, Xan? We’re half dead in here.”

“It’s too early for your puns, Love. Make the boy go away,” Spike grumbled into a pillow as he shifted onto his stomach like a sullen kid.

Buffy huffed without looking over at Spike, “Go away, Xan!”

“Come on guys! I’m supposed to get you up! The coma girl’s parents are here. She woke up and they want to talk to you so get some clothes on!”

Spike groaned and pulled himself up out of bed, “Bugger all,” he grumbled, pulling on his jeans gingerly over his injured leg and limped over to the door pulling it open fully. Xander’s eyes grew wide in shock when he saw Spike’s bare chest.

“Dude, what the hell is going on here? Have you looked at yourself in a mirror?”

“Not as of late, no, you ninny,” he murmured as he looked down at himself. He knew she had written her name under his left collarbone, but he hadn’t realized she had also drawn swirling doodles and a few hearts into his skin. The doodles interspersed with the numerous cross burns dotted all over his chest certainly told their own story. The burns were nothing more than little pinkish-red marks now but they stood out in sharp contrast against his pale skin, “Bollocks. How bad are the bits I can’t see?”

“Got a turtleneck?” Xander scratched his own neck indicating corresponding marks on Spike, “Those are pretty obvious, man. What the heck did you do to him, Buff?” he asked as he tried to poke his head into the room to talk to her.

Spike blocked him, “She’s not exactly decent, mate, getting dressed and a bit hungover too. Who’s with the Andersons now?”

“Faith answered the door and sent me to get you. Will and Giles are in serious book mode. I think they’re in the library but I’m avoiding. Faith wants me and Callum to put the girls to work on the duplex, while she takes the grads to the airport.”

“Right, we’ll be down,” he closed the door as Xander turned away. “You hear him, Pet?”

Buffy had pulled on a purple sleeveless top over a long black skirt with purple embroidery. Her hair was still a mess from sleep and it made him smile as she tamed it.

Buffy nodded as she finished and pulled out a pair of cute but practical sandals, “Yeah, we better get down there.” She looked up at him, “Maybe you should just stay up here. Keep off of that leg.”

“It’s about Sheena and Ruby. I need to be in this.”

She paused taking in the extent of the marks on his chest, “Fine, but maybe go with one of your dress shirts and that new black infinity scarf I just got. I really did a number on you last night,” she grimaced apologetically.

“Nonsense, I love your handiwork. As for that scarf, I might be a bloody poet, Pet, but I sure as hell aint about to dress like one of those trendy wankers running around nowadays.”

“Do you want to make Mrs. Anderson faint again? Because I’m pretty sure advertising evidence of kinky vampire sex might just do it, call it a hunch. Xan’s right, I must have left it on too long in a few spots, a couple of those don’t look good. Look at it this way, at least it’s a plain scarf, no frills.”

He frowned, “Yeah alright. I hear you. As nice as they were, I get the feeling they aren’t going to be all smiles in regard to Ruby’s new living arrangements and lifestyle as is.”

“Which part? The dead but soulful part, the undead-living-here part, or the liking women part?”

“Hard to say.”

“Let’s see what they want first, they might just want to tell us about Sheena.”

“Phones work.”

“True… let me track down Willow. Sheena might have said something to them about our visit.”

“Right, I nearly forgot ‘bout that. Got a bit distracted last night. All went well I take it?”

Buffy shrugged, “I was just the guard dog, but the mind walk Will did with Ruby did the trick. I didn’t really do much except help get Ruby’s stuff out of her room and lend a minimal hand with Odette. Ruby ‘did pretty much all the work. Odette didn’t seem like much of a fighter to be honest.”

“Probably just the regular demon stuff. I certainly didn’t teach her anything. I’m still dumbfounded that Dru just let her go.”

“It’s crazy to expect crazy people to make sense”

Spike shook his head, “Dru is insane but she always made some sort of sense. Even if I didn’t see it right away. In the end she almost always did.”

“I don’t know how you put up with her for so long.”

“Can’t really explain it to be honest,” Spike said awkwardly and rolled a shoulder.

“We better go, I want to see if Will is in the library.”

*****

When they reached the library they were surprised to find Ruby lounging with her leg up over the arm of the chair in the corner with a book in hand. She was situated a short distance away from the large table where Willow and Giles were pouring over books and a stone tablet.

“Hey guys!” Buffy interrupted them, “Ruby’s parents are downstairs.”

Ruby’s head shot up from her book in alarm, “Do they know about me?”

“We don’t really know what they know. Just because we didn’t say anything to them doesn’t mean that Sheena didn’t.”

“How do you want to play this Buff?” Willow asked.

“I think Spike and I need to get down there. Give us a minute or two and then come down with Ruby, but maybe just hang out in the stairwell by the living room so you can hear what’s going on. Oh and by the way, once I get him downstairs, Spike is forbidden from getting off the couch.”

Willow and Ruby smirked at each other and Spike rolled his eyes. Soberingly, he looked squarely at Ruby, “You and I need to have a talk young one. I was out of line but there are things you need to know.”

Ruby nodded, “Whatever you say, g-“

“And don’t you bloody well dare call me grandpa!”

“I was going to say, go see what my parents want. And maybe don’t mention Willow is a witch, I just don’t think they’d respond well.”

“Oh, well right then.”

Buffy put her hand on Spike’s chest, pushing him back slightly from where he was leaning against the doorframe, “Talk later.”

In a matter of minutes the two of them were downstairs greeting the Andersons. Faith took a step towards the staircase, “Sorry to cut and run Buff but I got to make sure Addison and Ursula make their flight.”

“No, it’s fine. I know you got a busy day, thanks for doing this.”

“No problem, B. Hey,” she grabbed Buffy’s arm and gave Spike a barely perceptible glance, “Everything 5x5?”

“Yeah, all good.”

“You gonna fill me in later?”

Spike gave Faith a nod, “Mind yourself, Doe-eyes, doin’ much better now, thanks. You get the beer later and maybe Buffy and I will spill the relevant bits.”

“You’re on, pal,” Faith replied as she headed up the stairs.

Buffy turned back to the Andersons and directed them into the living room.

“What can we do for you?'' Buffy asked cordially as she and Spike sat down together on one couch, the Andersons took the other.

“We’ve just come from the hospital. But I think you already know Sheena is awake.”

“Oh, well I was just there visiting and—“

“Ruby was with you wasn’t she? You found our girl and you didn’t tell us?” Mrs Anderson was trying to keep the accusation out of her voice but it was still there.

“It’s more complicated than that—“

Mr. Anderson bristled, “Our daughter is alive and you didn’t think we should know? When did you find her? How long has—“

“Mr Anderson, please calm down. We were planning on calling you when Ruby decided she was ready. She’s been through—“

“She is our daughter!” he roared, standing up, “What gives you the right to keep her from us!?”

Spike stood up with a deep growl, “You need to have a seat, mate. The lady is trying to explain the situation.”

The Andersons looked a little shocked, they hadn’t missed the growl but they didn’t understand it either. Mr Anderson didn’t sit down, “Young man, perhaps we should be talking to Mr. Giles. I don’t—“

“Don’t you ‘young man’ me, I was—“

Buffy reached for Spike’s wrist, “Sit down, you need to rest that leg.”

“Leg’s not so bad, Pet. I’m fine. But if he thinks I’m just—“

“William, please.”

“Buffy, you know as well as I do that we’re the only ones willing and able to help them and they—“

“Don’t know the whole story.”

Spike deflated as he sat down, his leg really wasn’t fine and he stretched it out in front of him on the coffee table.

Buffy hit Mr Anderson with a hard gaze until he relented a little and sat down too. “Thank you. Now maybe we can talk like adults. As I was saying. Ruby has been through a lot. We have been helping her.”

“Helping her?” Mrs. Anderson asked, “What has happened to our girl? First you tell us she might have been turned and now we find out she’s been hiding out here and you didn’t say a word. Where is my daughter? I want to see her!”

“You will. But I think you need to hear what happened after Ruby attacked Sheena.”

“After— but—“

“We haven’t been keeping you in the dark so please stop acting like we have been. You know she was turned, you know she attacked Sheena. Denial isn’t going to help anyone here. What you don’t know is that we were able to capture her afterwards and hold her here.”

“You held our daughter hostage?”

“We held a demon inhabiting your daughter’s body as a prisoner,” Spike corrected, “You’re welcome.”

Mr. Anderson wrapped an arm around his wife tightly. “But she was with you at the hospital wasn’t she?”

Buffy inclined her head a little, “Yes. We were able to have someone retrieve Ruby’s soul and put it back in.”

“So what does that mean? She has her soul, she’s cured? I thought you told us that it couldn’t be done.”

Spike huffed, “It’s not a cure. That’s utter nonsense. She’s still a vampire, she’s still dead. Crosses still burn and she still needs blood to survive. Animal blood, that is. She hasn’t had human since she’s been with us.” He paused looking at Mrs. Anderson. She had blanched at the mention of blood but didn’t look faint so he continued, “She’s also more her true self now. She has all her humanity back. She can discuss literature sensibly again, and thank god for that because trying to talk with her about Oscar Wilde without a soul was just— bloody painful…” he stopped catching a bewildered look from Buffy, “Point is, she can make opinions and decisions based on morality and has a working conscience again. It doesn’t mean she’s any less of a vampire. It also means that she essentially has multiple— How do I put this?”

“Just tell them what you told me,” Buffy reassured him.

He bobbed his head once and continued, “There’s more to her now. A lot of it she doesn’t even understand yet. First off she’s what we call a fledgling. Her demon didn’t have a lot of time to get real used to things before she got the soul shoved in. She’s getting off easy but she’s still got, sort of, multiple voices in her head.”

“Like multiple personalities?”

“No, no, think of it like the angel and devil on your shoulder kind of thing except a bit more literal. She has a lot she needs to work through before she can figure it out. Takes some getting used to. The guilt alone is enough to drive anyone mad.” Spike looked down, only just noticing Buffy’s hand clenched tightly in his own.

Mrs. Anderson’s eyes flickered from their hands and back up to his face, “You’re speaking from experience, Mr. Spike.”

He turned earnest eyes to her, “Yeah I am, and I know first hand how difficult it is. I was fortunate to have someone to fight for and who fought for me in return when it got to be too much. The least we can do is try to do the same for Ruby.”

Her eyes flicked to Buffy, “But you’re a Slayer like Sheena aren’t you?”

“The original, yeah.”

“Ruby is in good hands.”

“That’s what you said about Sheena and she still—“

Buffy bristled, “That was out of our control. It’s thanks to Spike and one of the other girls stabilizing her before the paramedics got to her that she is even alive. And further thanks to my friend Willow and Ruby for her waking up. I shouldn't need to tell you that Spike has cared for your daughters like his own family. Our family. We only want to help and part of that is helping Ruby make amends, getting her back on her feet and letting her make her own choices.”

“That’s why she was with you at the hospital.”

“Yeah, she wanted to see Sheena, help her if she could, and she did.”

Spike nodded, “She’s been doing really well, all things considered.”

The Andersons shared a look, Mr. Anderson turned back to Buffy and Spike, “I think we understand. May we see our daughter now?”

Spike turned towards the door concealing the staircase, “You get all that, Rubes? What do you say, feel like having a chat with your folks?”

The door opened and Ruby walked into the living room followed by Willow.

Ruby had pulled on what Buffy recognized as Giles' cardigan. She was holding it closed around her middle tightly, giving her the look of an awkward child, “Hey, Mum; Hi, Daddy.” Her parents descended upon her immediately enveloping her in a hug.

“Ruby! Oh my sweet girl! We thought we’d lost you!” her mother was crying.

“Well, you did, Mum, you did but I’m me again. For the most part. Not completely, but it’s mostly still me, like Spike was saying,” she nodded heavily as she pushed her parents back a little at arms length so she could look at them better, “He’s right it’s— it’s not easy and I was afraid to call, yet. I didn’t want them to contact you so please don’t blame them. Don’t be angry with Buffy and Spike, they’ve done nothing but help me.”

“We’re just glad you’re safe. When will you be coming home, sweetheart?”

Ruby shook her head, “I’m not coming home. I just can’t.”

Her parents looked at each other “But why not? I don’t understand,” her mother pleaded.

“What about uni?” Her father interjected.

Spike stepped in, “It’s Ruby's choice of course, but I have to say I agree with her. For one thing, living in a regular house like that can be kind of dangerous for a vampire, especially a young one. We are experienced here. Buffy has been dealing with the likes of me for years now and the castle is vampire safe. Ruby has already started to make herself comfortable and has a private space to call her own. Buffy and Willow here even went to help her clean out her room at University so you don’t have to worry about that. We’ll see to getting a phone line set up for her at some point here.”

“What happened to your mobile?” Her father asked.

Ruby shook her head, “Lost it the night I died.”

The phrasing seemed to strike her parents hard and Ruby‘s mom looked at her a little bewildered. With some effort she seemed to collect herself, “Well that’s simple enough, you’re still on our family plan, we will simply call our carrier, let them know that you lost your phone and see about getting you a new one. At least let us do that for you, sweetheart,” she nodded and looked pleadingly.

He nodded, “Seems silly not to. We’ll be happy to get it replaced, that way you can keep in touch.”

The unease in their voices didn’t go amiss to anyone, least of all Ruby, “Mum, Dad, I really do think it’s best for everyone that I stay here. I can train with Spike and Buffy and help them out where I can. I really think it’s what’s best. My afternoon class would kill me proper. I’d be a pile of dust on the sidewalk before I even got there. But yeah, a new phone would be brilliant.” She smiled at them both.

“But what about your future?”

“I’m dead Mum. The only future I have at the moment is right here, doing work with them. Fighting the good fight.”

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson exchanged another troubled look.

“It’s part of the deal I made when they offered me my soul. I chose this. I’m sure. Besides, it’s not like I’ll be that far, I can still visit.”

Willow stepped forward next to Ruby, “Absolutely! I can even bring her over tonight or tomorrow. Ruby was talking about wanting to get the rest of her things moved in.”

“That’s true, it would be nice to have the rest of my books and a proper bed,” she looked apologetically at Buffy and Spike, “I appreciate the cot but I’d love to have my own bed down there.”

Buffy rolled a shoulder, “Yeah of course, whatever you need; it’s your space. As long as your parents don’t mind you taking it, you can move whatever you want in there. It’s totally Ruby-ville.”

“Thanks. So what do you say? Can I come get my stuff?”

Her mother seemed a little overwhelmed, “I- we— If— yes of course. Can we see where you’re living?”

Ruby frowned a little, “I don’t really have it finished yet. Willow was going to let me paint.”

“This is Willow?”

Willow stuck out her hand, “Sorry! Yes, Willow Rosenberg. I teach math and science. I’ve invited Ruby to take the basement bedroom on my half of the duplex we started renovating.”

“You’re the one who helped Sheena?”

“I sure am. I’m also the one that ensouled Ruby too. I’ve sort of been keeping an eye on her, she’s been doing a lot better the last day or so.”

The Andersons seemed stunned, “But didn’t you say you teach maths and science?”

“I’m a woman of many talents.”

“And thank the Lord for that, and for everything you’ve done for our girls already. So Ruby will be living with you, not at the castle?”

“It’s on the grounds, you’re welcome to come and see it if you don’t mind a construction site,” Willow turned to Buffy, “do you know if they are working on your side or ours today?”

“No idea, Xan just gave Spike a quick rundown, and Faith didn’t say anything at all.”

“Or you’re welcome to come back another time after Ruby has had a chance to fix it up the way she wants.”

They glanced at each other, “I think we just want to see where she’ll be, that's all.”

“Willow—“

“It’s fine Ruby, Buffy and I can show them around, you just hang out with Spike. You two have a lot to talk about anyway.”

Ruby nodded to Willow, “Yeah alright, what do you say, Spike? Mind if I join you while you heal up and get that talk out of the way?”

Spike had already rested himself back onto the couch with his bad leg up, the other foot still on the floor in case he needed to intervene, “We can bond over a pint— or tea if you prefer, I’m not particular.” He was about to say “a pint of blood” and caught himself just in time, he wasn’t sure if Mrs. Anderson would have stayed vertical or not.

“Ruby?” Willow looked worried, remembering the tea incident from only a few days ago, “Are you sure you’re all right to go back in the kitchen?”

Ruby shrugged, “Feeling a little more stable. Giles said it was better in there now and at least I know Sheena is gonna be okay. I can’t stay out of the kitchen forever, I like to cook too much.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t have said anything, we might put you to work, Slayers like to eat,” Buffy joked.

Ruby laughed at that and hugged her parents again, “I have a good feeling about this, don’t worry about me alright?”

They nodded reluctantly and pulled away

Buffy frowned at her skirt, “I hope they aren’t going all dust happy over there,” she looked up at the two vampires in the room, “You know what I mean, alright, let’s see what’s going on over there.” She said firmly as she leaned into Spike, squeezing his shoulder and applying a little pressure with her thumb where her name was burned into him. “Remember to stay off that leg.”

“Yes, Slayer,” he had managed to keep his tone even, but it still hit Buffy the same way as if he had purred into her ear with his hand down her pants.

Oh my god Spike.

It’s not my mind that’s in the gutter for once, Slayer, he said silently with a smug grin on his face.

You just behave yourself, Mr. Pratt, don’t make me tie you up again.

His grin widened, Yeah like that’s a real deterrent.

She rubbed a hand over her eyes, I really hope I didn’t create a monster last night.

Oh sweetheart, I’ve always been a monster. You just unchained me…

Unless I decide I want you in chains again, however you wanna look at it. It was Buffy’s turn to smirk.

Willow caught the interaction between the two of them and raised her eyebrows, “Buffy, are we going to get going here or do you two need a moment?”

Buffy tried her best not to blush as she turned to her best friend, “Right, okay, Mr and Mrs Anderson, come along with us. We’ll show you out there, It’s the big stone building you guys sort of past on the way in and it needs a lot of work so it’s going to be a while before anyone else is going to be moving into it but the basement on Willow’s side is in exceptionally good shape so since Ruby doesn’t really need a whole lot it’s fairly well set up for her already.”

“What do you mean by that; she doesn’t need a lot?” Mr. Anderson asked as they headed outside.

“Well she’s dead, she doesn’t really need a lot of creature comforts, it’s just a fact. You should have seen Spike’s place when we first started,” she cleared her throat, “seeing each other,” she ended diplomatically.

Willow shot her a glance but didn’t say anything.

“You both went by ‘Summers’ at the hospital but you’re not married are you? I just assume because you all call him ‘Spike’.”

She cleared her throat again, she had really wanted to talk to Willow about Spike, but not like this. It really was like Spike said; that in many ways they already were married, so what was the answer; Not yet, but we’ve been talking about it OR Yes, we accidentally eloped in Paris and we’re technically on our honeymoon but we’re probably going to have a wedding anyway?

Before Buffy could make up her mind about how to answer the question Willow chimed in, “Oh no, they got married a few months ago. William took her name but we have all known him so long we still just call him ‘Spike’ out of habit.”

Buffy gaped at her best friend, had Spike talked to her about their plans? Mrs Anderson smiled “Well I’m glad to hear it. It certainly makes me feel better knowing that she will be around people who are setting an example for a normal life.”

Buffy‘s eyebrows shot up “Normal?”

“Well, yes. It gives me hope that despite all this, that perhaps someday she can still settle down. She has never shown much interest in finding someone but now she won’t be at university. Maybe she’ll be able to get her nose out of her books long enough to focus on finding a good man and make a life for herself.”

Buffy caught Willow’s eye and she shook her head warningly. “Ahh huh, yup,” she tried to sound convincing. Any more comments like that and she wasn’t sure if she would be able to stop herself from breaking her nose. If Willow didn’t beat her to it first.

Ruby stood in front of the microwave waiting for the timer to go off. Her eyes kept darting towards the corner she had thrown the girls into. The memory of it mixed with the vision from the mind-walk were colliding violently in her brain and it was all she could do to stand still where she was. At least her stomach wasn’t trying to expel itself, although actually drinking the blood in her mug might not be so easy.

She was having very mixed feelings about blood. On one hand, her body and her demon demanded it, but at the same time the idea was repulsive to her. She figured that would just be one of those things she would have to come to terms with. She tried to distract herself by looking out the window towards the partially burned orchard and another pang of guilt shot through her.

Despite several of the girls receiving various injuries, only one Slayer had been lost in the attack and that was on her. She didn’t think they knew of the extent of her involvement in the attack and in some ways that was worse. Looking back at it now, she couldn’t blame the dark haired girl who had snuck in to beat the crap out of her while she’d been tied up in the utility room. She didn’t know the Slayer’s name but she did know that she had left the castle already. Which really just meant that she never had a chance to apologize. She couldn’t blame any of them for hating her and she knew she didn’t deserve their forgiveness, apologies be damned.

She took a deep breath to settle herself just as the microwave finished. She gathered their mugs and whisked them out to the living room where Spike waited for her. “Here ya go,” she murmured, setting it down in front of him.

“Ta, luv,” he eyed her carefully.

“So, what did you want to talk about?”

“Thought I’d start with an apology for last night. You did good. Buffy told me you took Odette out pretty easily.”

“Did she also tell you I was blind with rage?”

“Didn’t need to,” he sipped the blood.

“So is that what you wanted to talk about, me killing Odette?”

“Partly. Did Buffy tell you anything about our line?”

“Sort of, you were sired by your ex and she was sired by some bloke named Angel. Then from what I gathered from your outburst last night, I’m guessing that there was quite a bit o’ funny business going on between the three of you.”

He ignored the comment, “You’ll probably meet Angel before long and I rather hope you never meet Drusilla. Don’t much fancy seeing her again myself.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because Buffy will likely have to be the one to put her down when it really should be me or Angel who does it.”

“Oh…”

“There’s a lot there. I could start anywhere and just keep goin’ into next week. So let’s start with some questions. Anything you want, ask.”

Ruby puffed out her cheeks, “Why were you so upset last night when Buffy mentioned Odette?”

“Hadn’t given her a thought in years and thought she was dust long ago for starters. For all the carnage I’ve been responsible for over the years, I never really turned too many vampires. Turned Odette just to get back at Dru. I imagine it’s why she left you in the crypt the way she did, it’s what I’d done to her except that I was waiting there expecting a shag when she woke up.”

“You like to keep it in the family, huh?”

Spike laughed, “You’ve read Dracula, you got the gist of things. Stupid ponce and his bloody brides,” he grumbled and took a sip of blood.

“What?”

“Nevermind, I don’t think he’ll be gunning for Buffy again anytime soon so you won’t have to worry about that wanker. Go on, drink up. It’s best when it’s warm.”

She looked at her own cup, “He’s real?”

“Git still owes me money.”

Ruby gave him a look that said she would be expecting more of that story later, “Sure… so what’s the plan for me?” She took a tentative drink from her mug. It wasn’t Slayer blood but Spike had been right about the herbs. The sip turned into a gulp.

He watched her with interest as she gulped it down hungrily. She clearly hadn’t been feeding properly which he had expected. “Good question. I thought I’d start you out joining in with the Slayeretts’s training. You can fight, that comes standard with your demon. But there’s always more to learn. Don’t get complacent. The best way to take advantage of the whole immortality thing is to roll with changes.”

“Says the punk rock poster child?”

“Pot. Kettle. Changes can be slow and I quite like my hair this way so I’m not likely to change that anytime soon. That and it’s sort of what keeps me alive with the Slayeretts when we go on field trips.”

“Are you saying I should start dyeing my hair a distinctive color?” She smirked.

“Don’t get smart.”

“Can’t help that, just am.”

“Yeah alright smarty pants, there’s still a lot I want to cover with you.”

“The girls hate me,” she blurted out suddenly.

“True. Deloris was a sweetheart. The girls aren’t real happy with you being here. Won’t do anything with me and Buffy around though.”

“Yeah, sort of already got that message.”

“Yeah, well that is just something you’ve got to deal with. Fact of the matter is that we don’t really belong much of anywhere so we got to make our own place in the world. I sure as hell didn’t just wake up one day and say ‘Oh I’m just going to be good now’, not that I didn’t try. I was a sodding mess, one big bloody morally-gray mess for a couple of years. Trying to suss out what I should do and how I should act to make Buffy happy, make her tolerate me, even if she couldn’t love me. Then something happened… I— I lost control— I nearly hurt Buffy beyond forgiveness. If she hadn’t…” he flinched inwardly, he couldn’t bring himself to talk about that night. “If she hadn’t knocked some sense into me... Left in search of my soul just after that.” He added weakly.

“So that’s what you meant before. The thing about it being a grand gesture of love. You did it for her.”

Spike hung his head down, he had almost forgotten he had said anything to her about that, “I was out of my mind in love with her but the demon can’t really process love the same way as a human soul. It’s close. Damn close. But there’s this— line in between and I nearly crossed it. Knew I couldn’t look her in the eye. Not after she’d seen me for the monster I was. Not when all she deserves is a good man to support her in everything she does. I couldn’t blame her for hating me, so I went to find the thing that would turn me into the man she deserves. I got it; and everything fell apart after that. Lost my mind. Buffy helped me shove my marbles back in place.”

“But clearly things worked out between you, I mean you’re together now, and you seem sane enough.”

“Sure as hell wasn’t overnight. Whole thing is far too complicated to get into now. You’re coming along quickly but then I sort of figured you would, pipsqueak. You and I aren’t exactly brooders like Angel. Can crack a smile for starters.”

“You don’t like him much do you?”

“We’re getting on alright now. Lots of unpleasant history there. Some of its guilt. Angel is big on guilt. Blames himself for everything he did plus everything me and Dru ever did. Well I don’t know about Dru really. I don’t think he can look at her without feeling at least a little pride. She was his greatest masterpiece after all. And then when she turned me, he thought he’d take on a new pet project. Taught me everything I know. Tried to twist me to be just as nasty as him but it just never did quite work. No one was more twisted and sadistic than Angelus. I didn’t bother trying to be like him after a while, became my own monster as it were. Started hunting Slayers.”

“Until you fell in love with one.”

“Yup.”

“Almost sounds like you were searching for your soulmate even then.”

“Bollocks, didn’t have a soul,” he said a little too quickly. The truth was that it wasn’t a new thought. The idea had often kept him awake, especially just after he had first realized his feelings for her. The thought had crept back into the forefront of his mind after Buffy had told him about meeting his soul in the heaven dimension she was in.

“No, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there was some prophecy or something out there that says you were destined to fall in love with a Slayer.”

There was a ring of truth there that he wasn’t sure what to do with, so he just kept his response clipped. “What do you know about prophecies?”

“Nothing really. Willow has just been filling me in on some of the basic things she does with your group and mentioned something about them.”

“Good storyteller is she?”

“Could probably listen to her read the dictionary if I’m being honest.”

“Got it bad for the witch don’t you?”

She shrugged, “Not really a secret. She’s kind, sweet— generous.”

“You’re going to make your own choices no matter what I say but can I give you some advice?”

“It’s what you’re here for isn’t it?”

“Red is working on getting out of a crappy rebound relationship after losing the love of her life. A real nice girl I liked a lot too. Now Red clearly likes you, but the last thing that girl needs right now is some hot little thing twisting her head round.”

“But—“

“I’m not saying stay away from the girl. Just take it easy. Pump the breaks. Do you both a favor and take the time to get yourself right in the head first. By the time you do that, maybe the time will be right for you both.”

She nodded glumly, she suddenly wasn’t feeling as secure about her situation as she had less than a half hour ago when her parents were in the room. Now she was feeling almost claustrophobic, the weight of unknown possibilities pressing in on her. She looked at the thin layer of blood coating the bottom of the cup and grimaced.

“Ruby?”

“Hum?”

“You alright there?”

“Yeah, just thinking.”

“Willow?”

“Yeah but also— This soul thing, and the fighting evil thing and–”

“The blood?”

“Yeah…”

“You need your strength. You’ll get used to it, and so will the girls. Willow too. Just wait and see.”

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

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