Author's Notes: Thanks to the efforts of a friend of mine (Becca), I was able to complete this section of the story with no problem. She wrote the majority of the scene between Spike and Drusilla and deserves all the credit for it. From this point on, she and I will be co-writing the story, and we both hope you find it enjoyable. Thank you.
Breaking all the rules when we get together
Anything at all, are you ready to do
--Breaking All The Rules
--She Moves
For a long moment, all Buffy could do was stare at Spike in disbelief, refusing to drop her fighting stance in case this was a trick. Finally, she found the courage to speak. "Let me get this straight. You're offering to help me see that Angel is cursed again?" she said slowly.
He scoffed at this, shaking his platinum blonde head. "The last time I checked, I wasn't speaking in tongues," Spike answered sarcastically. "I think I made myself quite clear."
Buffy remained silent for another moment. "This is coming from a vampire who killed two Slayers in his lifetime," she answered ironically. "Now, you want to play 'Let's Make A Deal' with one?"
Spike shrugged. "What can I say? Angel gets on my nerves, and this is the only way to get him out of the picture short of killing him."
Buffy eyed him curiously, still not quite trusting him. And, despite Angel's promise to her in her dream the night before, she couldn't stop from voicing her next question. "Why don't you, Spike? If you took him out, it would save us both the trouble of an alliance."
Spike sighed, deciding that the best way to break through this Slayer's defenses was to tell her the whole truth. He leaned against the lamppost behind him, a smirk on his face. Here's the scenario... Your boyfriend..."
Buffy cut in with, "He's NOT my boyfriend!"
Spike went on as if she hadn't spoken, though it pleased him somewhat to have struck a nerve with her. "Your boyfriend," he emphasized, "is too well guarded now for me to risk killing him. If I did that, I'd have a dozen of the locals breathing down my neck... Angel's their leader now, and they'd do anything to avenge him if it came to that. But if he were to turn to your side once more... That's a different story."
Buffy was still doubtful though. "Why?" she asked. "What's in it for you, Spike?"
"Drusilla," he answered simply. "If things go on the way they are now, I run the risk of losing her to Angelus. And, basically, I'm hardly in the mood to share what's mine... Think back, Slayer. You know I would do anything to keep her around."
Buffy knew he spoke the truth; Spike had proved that more than once in the past. "Okay, so you've made your point," she said slowly. "But what do you expect, Spike? I'm not about to jump into this little scheme of yours willingly."
Spike smirked again. "I figured you wouldn't. That's why I'll give you some time to think it over. We'll meet in that dance club of yours tomorrow night, and you can give me your answer then."
Buffy hesitated a moment, then slowly nodded. Twenty-four hours ought to be enough time to think it over, she reasoned. She watched Spike retreat and disappear into the darkness before she finally let her guard down.
A part of her wanted to shout out what now that she would do it, but her more cautious side won the fight. This was hardly the time to act impetuously. But it surprised her that she was even considering joining forces with the enemy.
What if it was just a ploy on Spike's part, Buffy wondered as she started for home, something that would definitely insure her demise? She recalled once more what Angel had said in her dream.
"'Don't be afraid to trust,'" Buffy whispered, tears springing to her eyes. "Oh, Angel. Do I dare go to these lengths? Is it worth the risk?" But, much as she craved an answer, there was none forthcoming. All she had to go on now was instinct, and what would be a great leap of faith...
As Spike walked home, he thought about what he'd done. Who would have thought that he would offer to join forces with his greatest enemy, in a plan to defeat his oldest and best friend? Who would have thought. But he'd do anything for Dru, and even if she didn't know he was doing it, even if she didn't want him to, he'd do anything to keep her his. He could only hope that she didn't have another of those visions that would clue her in.
Over the years, Spike had been described.as ruthless, uncaring, and selfish. He was described as nearly indestructable, for he had no emotion, and therefore, no weakness. That was only partially true. He was ruthless, but he cared for one thing only. He had only one weakness, and that was Drusilla. Over the years, he'd begun to actually care for her, and not just take out the actions. He actually enjoyed taking care of her, and had gone to extreme lengths to make her happy.
But now that she was well, and now that she was happy, Spike was beginning to doubt his actions. What if in allowing Angel to come back to the fold, he had ensured the loss of the only thing he loved? Well, he just couldn't let that happen. And in 24 hours, he'd find out if he would be able to keep what was his.
Spike's feet had led him home, and as he walked into the warehouse, he was surprised to see Drusilla, alone, lying in their bed.
"Dru! Why aren't you out hunting with Angelus?" Spike questioned, finishing the last part with a sneer.
"Love! I'm so glad you're here! I was beginning to be worried about you, your being sick and all. What kind of a mummy would I be, if I let you get hurt?"
Spike sighed, slightly annoyed by the ways she tended to avoid giving a straight answer. "Drusilla, you didn't answer my question."
"Angel wanted to hurt the Slayer, so he went off looking for her. He told me I'd only get in the way," she finished with a whimper.
"Dru, how could he say that? You could never get in the way! And I'm surprised he was so cruel to you, you two seem to be getting awfully close these days. Would you rather I leave, so I'm not in YOUR way?" The last part of the sentance was untrue... nothing could ever make him leave her side, absolutely nothing.
"Spike, are you getting angry? Angel is my sire, we're catching up on old times. I love you, love. You know that. So what's the problem?"
"The bloody problem is," Spike began, sauntering up to Drusilla, "that you two seem to be getting awfully bloody close! You know he wants you, Dru. And you're not making it easy for me to watch you respond to him! You bloody decide now which of us you prefer, or just tell me to leave!"
"Spike, love," Drusilla said, as she leaned in closer to Spike, "You wound me with your words. The air, it's telling me to hurt you, for hurting me. The trees, they whisper of your death. Shhhhh. I won't listen to them... this time. After all, my pet, you've done so much for me in the past. But if you hurt me again... shhhh. Let's not talk now, love. I've missed you."
And Spike, playing the fool, let her go. He let himself be pushed around, so she would have the best of both worlds. After all, he really couldn't deny her anything. But one day... one day, when he had his strength up, he would be able to tell her, and really command her. One day, if it came to that, he WOULD kill Angelus his own bloody self. If that slayer didn't help him, he'd risk his own life to keep Drusilla his...
Once more, Buffy faced another sleepless night. Funny, she mused at one point, that all the vampires in my life are having that effect on me as of late. First Angel, now Spike. The thought made her giggle out loud, and she had to automatically cover her lips lest her mother hear her.
Surprisingly, the evening passed quickly, but Buffy had come no closer to a decision on Spike's offer. Perhaps if she talked objectively to someone about it...
But who was there that she could tell without raising a fuss. Xander plainly hated Angel, and would be less than pleased to hear she was considering making an alliance with Spike. Giles and Jenny would be too concerned about the risks that were involved to be rational. Willow was too sensitive about the issue to offer an objective opinion; her emotions took charge most of the time. And Cordelia... would be more worried about her hair and giving out fashion tips.
With a start, Buffy realized there was someone who hadn't been a part of the group long enough to form an emotional judgment of the issue. And, under normal circumstances, it was the last person she would have considered going to for advice.
But now it was confirmed. She and Oz were about to have a serious, private talk...
If you're lonely and need a friend
And troubles seem like they never end
Just remember to keep the faith
And love will be there to light the way...
-- Mariah Carey
-- Anytime You Need A Friend
Tracking down Oz at school proved to be no problem, Buffy soon found. The real difficulty lay in tearing him away from Willow long enough to talk to him. In fact, it wasn't until lunch time that Buffy found the opportunity.
She hid in an empty classroom down the hall from Oz's locker, waiting until he walked past to put a few books away. Buffy looked quickly to make sure no one was watching, then called his name softly, catching his attention.
"Buffy, hi," Oz said, turning towards her. "Willow was just looking for you..."
Buffy interrupted him. "That can wait," she said hurriedly. "I need to talk to you... in private. Do you got a minute?"
He hesitated, then nodded, walking into the room and watching as she shut the door behind them. "Just as long as you promise there are no surprises," Oz added quickly.
Buffy looked at him strangely. "Surprises?" she asked.
Oz gave her a nervous smile. "It's just... If I recall, the first time we met one-on-one, you pinned me to a wall. Second time, you didn't have any clothes on..."
Buffy blushed, slightly embarrassed by both memories. The first had been due to a misunderstanding (she believed Oz had been about to attack her at the time), and the second... was basically the result of a witch's spell gone horribly wrong. "I promise, no surprises," she said with a goofy grin, assuring both him and herself. "I just need some advice."
Oz moved to half sit on one of the desks. "Ok," he replied, being totally cool by not questioning why. "Shoot."
Buffy paused a moment, unsure how to start. Finally, she said, "How much did Willow tell you about that guy I was seeing, Angel?"
Oz sighed. "Basically that he used to be a good vampire, but something happened to turn him bad... Well, and she mentioned that you were pretty close to him," he replied, looking slightly uncomfortable.
Buffy sighed deeply, leaning against the doorframe with a pained look in her eyes. "I was madly in love with him, to be honest," she admitted. "And ironically, it was that love that destroyed everything Angel and I had." She looked at Oz, quickly filling him in on her dream, Spike, and his offer. "There's a chance that I can make it right, but there are so many risks involved in such a scheme... What I was hoping for was that you could offer an objective opinion as to what I should do..."
Oz remained silent for the longest time, contemplating all this. "Has this Spike guy given you any reason to trust him?"
Buffy shrugged. "Besides not attacking me last night? No. In fact, there's no reason I should other than that dream I had."
"But you want to now?"
Buffy sighed once more. "I do, Oz. I really do want to believe him. But I could be setting myself up to get killed if I do!"
Oz thought a moment longer. "So, you have a choice between getting back the guy you love the most or your own personal safety... Which sounds more appealing to you?" he said at last, summing it up in the best way possible.
Buffy shook her head. "I don't know," she moaned, letting her gaze wander a moment. "What would you do in my place? If it were Willow you had a chance to save at your own risk? What choice would you make?"
Oz remained silent once more, deep in thought. Finally, he said, "I'd choose Willow. To hell with the danger involved... If there was a way, I'd take it. I owe her that."
Buffy nodded, tears in her eyes. "I would too," she said softly, looking downward. "Anything for Angel..." Looking up at Oz again, she said, "Thank you... Just one thing. Don't tell Xander, Willow, or anyone else that we had this talk. They'd only try to stop me from carrying it out."
Oz nodded. "But you mentioned that you're meeting Spike tonight at the Bronze. How are either of you planning to explain it away to your respective friends?"
Buffy paused a moment, then shrugged. "By being creative," she said simply, a mischievous glint in her eyes...
It was near dawn, and as Angelus came home from the hunt, he saw a disturbing sight. Drusilla and Spike were together in the center of the warehouse, talking and being totally affectionate.
Angelus watched as Spike leaned over to tenderly stroke Drusilla's cheek, watched as he bent down to kiss her. Drusilla looked Spike in the eye, about to say something, when she noticed Angelus.
"My Angel! You're back! Did you have fun, my pet?" she asked, abandoning her perch on the table and walking slowly closer to her sire's side. "Was the hunt good?" she whispered seductively, drawing closer still.
Drusilla was so close, that Angelus would have been able to feel her breath. He cast a glance at Spike over her shoulder, giving the blonde vampire a smug smile he was sure would invoke jealousy. Leaning closer, Dru whispered in his ear, "I hope you had a good time. You left me and Miss Edith all by ourselves. You left us!" With that, she slapped him playfully. Knowing his weak point, she played her offense accordingly. "Good thing my Spike was here. He kept me... entertained." And with a final coy smile, she sauntered back to Spike.
Angelus wasn't about to lose out on this one though. "Dru! I'm so sorry I was mean to you!" Saying that, he began walking towards the pair. "Next time, I'll bring you with me and we'll have a good time playing with the Slayer. What do you say, please?"
Drusilla cast a pleased look at him. "Why, Angel," she said. "You do know the way to a girl's heart... Don't keep Drusy in suspense. Tell her what good games she can play."
Angelus smiled, glad he had gotten her attention. "You can work on your spells, Dru. You're practically the only one left who knows that ancient gypsy art... I'm sure that even that computer bitch doesn't know half the old magicks that you do. The Slayer won't even know what hit her!"
Seeing Spike open his mouth as if to try and object, Angelus quickly continued, "Don't worry about roller boy... we'll feed him scraps if he's good!"
"Now wait a bloody minute!" Spike angrily began, walking over to Angelus. "Let me remind you that not only am I OUT of my wheelchair, but no longer in need of your `services'. Besides... Dru already has plans. You remember, pet? You said you'd help me hunt! Remember all the fun we had? Vienna? The fire? Oh... the blood... it was sweet as wine. What do you say we throw you another party? Let's make this town burn!!!" Spike finished, trying to make his offer sound more appealing.
"You'll never learn, will you?" asked Angelus, sauntering closer. "The student can NEVER beat the teacher. Why would anyone choose the servant, when they can have the master? Why would Drusilla choose you, when I'm the one who taught you?!" Utterly confident, and completely arrogant, Angelus offered, "Unless you're scared, why don't we let Dru decide?"
Like a bee to honey, Drusilla drew nearer to Angelus. She slowly drew her hand around the back of his neck, making a slight cut. She leaned down to slowly lick the blood that welled forth, and smiled at him.
Spike gave up at this point, merely watched as they spent the day flirting. He watched as Drusilla grew more and more fond of her sire, helpless as she slowly slipped away.
"I really need that damn Slayer to agree to the deal. Hell, I'll do anything. Just please, don't let me lose her. Don't make me let go." For the first time in his entire life, Spike prayed. He wished, he begged, he prayed; not really caring WHO heard, just wanting his request to be granted. He stayed there for hours, alternately thinking, crying, and praying. And he barely noticed as the sun began to sink lower and lower in the sky...
I don't want to wait for our lives to be over
I want to know right now - What will it be?
I don't want to wait for our lives to be over
Will it be yes or will it be sorry?
--I Don't Want To Wait
--Paula Cole
Spending their nights at the Bronze had pretty much become a tradition for Buffy and her friends. However, she hadn't come here as often since Angel had changed; it had invoked too many painful memories. But now, knowing she had a chance to get him back, she didn't mind so much.
She sat alone with Xander and Cordelia at their usual table, but she might as well have been by herself considering the kissfest these two were having. On any other day, Buffy would have been half watching them enviously, but now she kept throwing glances around to see if Spike had arrived yet.
Impatiently, Buffy checked her watch for about the millionth time. "God, where is he?" she muttered under her breath.
Almost instantly, Spike was right behind her, providing a whispered answer. "Detaining our significant others," he said, startling her. "Right now, they're looking for you over at the cemetery thanks to a forged note I provided."
Buffy gasped at his sudden appearance, alerting Xander. With wide eyes, her friend moved to get up, but Spike warned him back into his seat by wrapping one hand around Buffy's throat. "Don't make me do something she'll regret," Spike threatened. "All I want is just one dance with your Slayer, and I'll leave."
"Over my dead body," Xander said defiantly, while Cordelia stared on in fright. Buffy understood how they felt; if not for last night's events, she would be equally scared herself.
However, now was not the time for her friend to try and be heroic. "Xander, don't," Buffy said abruptly. "I don't want any trouble. I'll just do what he wants." When Spike loosened his grip, she stood, escorting the platinum blonde vampire to the dance floor.
It amazed Buffy that she was being so calm about this. How many times had she and Spike gotten into some fight or another? Too many to count, she reasoned. Why then was she about to dance with him without question, without fear?
How ironic, Buffy mused as she felt Spike put his arms around her casually, her own sliding awkwardly around him. This is just the sort of thing I always wished Angel and I could do together, even initially after he turned bad. I have got to drop this new fascination with the guys who I'm supposed to be fighting.
"What do you think you're doing?" Buffy hissed once she and Spike were alone, swaying in time to the slow song that was playing. "Are you out of your mind? We could have met outside! All you had to do was signal me!"
Spike couldn't stop a slight growl from escaping his lips. "Too many ears, Slayer, both out there and in here," he replied. "Your friends and mine can't have any clue of what we're up to, remember?" He stared down into her angry green eyes, feeling it was all he could do not to shove her away and bolt. Up until now, it had only been Drusilla who he had dared to drag into this activity. And just being near Buffy on this level was disturbing him, making him extraordinarily restless. And, according to her body language, she felt much the same way. "Plus, this should make it appear we're still at odds, tense as we both are..."
Buffy nodded slightly, realizing he was right. "You have a point," she admitted in a whisper. "Okay, so what now?"
Spike looked towards the table where her friends sat. The young man, Xander, was now rifling through her bag, perhaps for a crucifix, so their time to talk was severly limited. "Your answer... What is it, Slayer?"
Buffy blinked her eyes once. "I'll do it!" she replied. "I'll do anything. Just tell me what the plan is!"
Spike shook his head, noticing that Xander had found the cross and was heading in their direction. "Later," he offered hastily. "Things are too hairy here. I'll be at your place around midnight or so."
Buffy reeled back slightly in astonishment. How did Spike know where she lived, let alone get a sample of her writing to make a forgery? But, much as she wanted to ask him, she was startled when he suddenly disappeared on her. "I hate when they do that," she muttered, looking towards Xander and anticipating a few minutes of contrived assurances for his benefit...
True to his word, Spike showed up outside her bedroom window later that night, just as she was preparing to go to bed. Buffy nearly screamed at his sudden appearance, but stifled it just in time. She rubbed at her eyes, trying to calm her nerves, then stood and walked closer. "You have got to stop doing that!" she admonished him, glad she wasn't wearing anything too revealing.
Spike scowled. "If you really want my help, Slayer, I'd say you should drop this attitude of yours," he retorted. "If not, maybe I'll just leave right now!"
Buffy groaned slightly. "Okay... So what is your great plan for restoring Angel's soul, Almighty One?" she replied calmly, her wit shining through.
Spike grinned. "I see Angel never did bother to tell you what really happened to that gypsy girl he killed. That's so like him... If he had, you would have put the pieces together on your own."
Buffy rolled her eyes. "What are you blabbering about?"
"Drusilla," Spike said, "is the result of a Romani girl who Angel turned into a vampire. She is the reason he was cursed in the first place, and she alone retains all knowledge of the exact spells that were used. Only she can change him back."
Buffy's eyes widened. "I see... And you needed me for this why? You could have talked her into it on your own."
Spike sighed, surprised by how dense she was. But, before he could answer, he noticed the bedroom door behind her opening, her mother's voice asking if Buffy was alright. Spike hissed an expletive before diving out of sight, hiding to one side of the window.
"I thought I heard voices," Joyce said, studying her daughter's mask of wide-eyed innocence. "What are you still doing up? It's almost one in the morning, Buffy."
Buffy's mind scrambled for an acceptable answer. "I... I was just..." she stammered, her eyes darting downwards. Quickly, she picked up one of her stuffed animals from the floor. "I couldn't get to sleep without Mr. Gordo," she replied with a silly smile, standing and hugging the stuffed pig to her chest.
Joyce gave her daughter a strange look. "I swear sometimes, I don't know what gets into you," she answered with a note of amusement, stepping forward to embrace Buffy and give her a kiss on the forehead. "Sweet dreams, honey," she said, walking from the room and shutting the door behind her.
Buffy breathed a sigh of relief, turning back towards the open window. She waited a moment, then gently called out Spike's name, taking a few steps closer.
He moved back into view almost instantaneously, wearing an amused smile. "Mr. Gordo?" he asked ironically.
Buffy threw him a murderous look, tossing the pig onto her bed. "Shut up!" she snapped, making sure to keep her voice down. "Now, where were we before we were interrupted?"
Spike sighed. "Use your head, Slayer! Drusilla won't cast this kind of spell for my benefit, no matter how much I try to persuade her. It would only make her suspicious and then where would we be? No, what we have to do is force her hand in this."
Buffy's eyes gleamed in understanding, thinking she knew what he had in mind. Spike confirmed it for her by saying, "Like it or not, we have no other choice. By working together, I believe we might just pull this off."
Buffy nodded. "Well, tonight probably wouldn't be workable," she replied, "seeing as how it's half over already... Okay, meet me in the park tomorrow evening. And within two hours of that appointed time, all our problems will be solved..."