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Title: A Perfect Fit. Chapter 12 of 19
Genre: General, Romance, Humor, bit of action
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel: the Series
Pairing: Spike/Other, Buffy/Angel
Rating: R for sexual situations and language.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from Buffy and Angel. Candy is my own original character and I do own her. This story is for entertainment purposes only. I'm not making any money off this.
Summary: Begins three months after the final battle in the alley in Angel, Not Fade Away. What's left of Angel's crew has moved back to The Hyperion, including a restless Spike. Someone interesting comes to LA, when Faith suggests that only Angel can help her. Many characters from both shows will make appearances. Angel, Harmony, Gunn, Illyria, Lorne, Buffy, Giles, Dawn, Angelus, Willow and others.
(Previous Chapters Here)
Thanks to my wonderful beta:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
raynedanser
A/N: Lyrics. Diana Ross, "Now That There's You." and Jesse McCartney, "Beautiful Soul."
Chapter Twelve ~ Who needs that crap?
Giles had been working on the computer in Angel's office with the door half open, when he heard voices in the lobby. He went to go tell them about his progress when he realized that it was only Spike and Buffy. He hung back out of curiosity.
He watched the vampire run up the stairs. It was obvious that Spike had moved on. Giles was hoping that Spike didn't take steps backward and start up something with Buffy. She was coming his way now mumbling about caffeine and chocolate.
“Interesting conversation you had there,” he said.
“You were listening in on a private conversation?” She looked tired and emotionally wrung out with dark circles under her eyes.
“You were having a private conversation in a public hotel lobby,” he said. “I must say, I'm very glad that you and Spike have decided to just be friends.”
“I'm sure you are,” she said with a sarcastic tone. She stood with her feet apart and her hands on her hips.
Giles watched as Angel made his way past them and into the basement entrance. Buffy had her back turned and didn't notice. “That bit about Angel,” he told her. “Spike's wrong. You and Angel should just be friends, too. There's only heart ache down any other road with him again.”
Buffy held out her hand. “Giles, stop right there. I know you care and I appreciate how you’re always trying to look out for me, but if I want relationship advice from my ex-watcher, I'll ask. Until then, I hope you will mind your own business.”
Giles' jaw tightened as he watched her go through the kitchen doors and out of sight. He knew she was right, but he still felt the rejection keenly. The mistakes that he'd made on her behalf were still there and while she said she forgave him, she certainly had not forgotten. It seemed that Spike had gotten over the fact that he'd plotted to have him killed, yet his own slayer still did not trust him. The computer chimed to let him know he had new e-mail. He went back to work.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Angel didn't want to talk to Buffy just yet and he was glad she was distracted with Giles. He made his way down to the basement to his work out room. He punched the bag a few times. He didn't want to think about the stupid mistakes he'd made in the past, for they were legion. He jumped and stretched. And he really didn't want to think about Spike. He hit the bag some more. The stupid vampire. Couldn't he just be constant? He was always coming up with something new to knock Angel off balance.
He felt bad for not warning Spike that Candy had seen them hugging. If he had, then Spike would know he had been spying on them. That would not be good. Spike would goad him for days on that thought alone. They'd work it out. Candy appeared to have a calm disposition and no real hang ups. He envied Spike for that, but he wouldn't change Buffy for all the peace in the world.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Spike got to his door, he paused with his hand on the knob. He smiled in anticipation of seeing her again. His stomach tightened at the thought her. He had it bad. Really bad. He couldn't wait to see her in that apron. He was going to come in with the good news that Buffy was going to back off. She'd hug him in gratitude and they'd get on with the snogging and shagging.
Dreams were lovely and nice and all that, but he didn't find Candy in an apron and pink lacy thong. She was sitting on the couch looking right pissed. He gulped. He didn't know what he'd done, but it wasn't good. He got the tingles at the thought of what she could do to punish him. She was marvelous when she was angry. He hung his duster up and just stood by the closed door waiting.
She got up and stalked towards him. She stopped just short of touching him and wrinkled her nose in distaste. “You stink of her.”
He was about to explain, but went speechless when she vamped out. She was awesome in her anger with her amber eyes flashing. She slashed out with her sharpened nails and ripped his black t-shirt off in one swipe. Gone was the clean looking 50's girl. Here was the demon in all its glory and Spike was hard as nails. With preternatural speed, she threw the offending garment out the door and slammed it shut. She pushed him into the bedroom and slammed that door too.
“Take off your boots,” she ordered in a deathly calm voice. Blood was slowly seeping out of a few spots from the scratches on his chest.
He talked as he kicked them off. “I don't know what brought this on, but I like it,” he told her cheerfully. “I think you got the wrong-”
She slammed him down on the bed. She was on top of him and she slowly licked his wounds. He groaned as he watched her. She looked up and morphed back to her human visage. There was a smear of blood at the corner of her mouth. How he wanted to kiss her. He closed his eyes in perfect agony for she was driving him crazy.
“I gave you the chance before,” she was saying. “I offered to get out of the way.” She was sitting up now, straddling him with her hands on his chest. “You made your choice. You wanted me!” she yelled.
“Yes-”
“Shut up. I'm not through.” She slapped his chest and he jerked up, grinding his erection on her. She closed her eyes at the pleasure of their jean clad parts rubbing together. She opened her eyes and fixed him with a glare. “You belong to me now. You are mine. I'll kill her or die trying before I'll let her have you. You're not going to be able to get rid of me, you understand?”
She had no idea what her words were doing to him. A sane being would run for the hills or at least take out a restraining order, but not this vamp. If he wasn't in love already, he would be now. As wonderful as this was, he couldn't let her go on thinking he had been with the Slayer.
“I don't want to get rid of you, luv,” he said as he raised himself up on his elbows. “We were talking in the lobby in plain sight, I swear.” She just glared at him so he told her about their conversation minus any descriptions of physical touching. “And then I hugged her,” he added. She growled low. “It meant nothing. Just a little comfort for a friend.”
Candy looked at him and her expression when from angry to soft and sad. She let out a sigh and leaned down across his chest. “I'm sorry, Spike.”
“Oh don't be,” he purred. He put his arms around her and turned them to their sides. “I've been around a long time and I have to say, I've never been more turned on in my life.”
“You're sick, Spike,” she said as she fumbled with his belt.
“Yeah? So are you.”
“I'll have to wear that outfit you bought me another day. There's no way I can wait,” she said between groans. She was yanking on his pants now. They were fighting to get each other's clothes off and they somehow ended up on the floor. It was fast and none to gentle, but they had all night for gentle.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was just past six the next day and they were ready to go out for the night. They hadn't felt like going down and seeing the others so they sat side by side on the couch watching TV. Spike called out, when there was a knock on the door and invited who ever it was in. He was relaxed and didn't want to get up and answer. Giles opened the door and hesitated there. Spike could see Angel at his open door straining to look into the room so he invited him to come in too.
When Angel and Giles were seated across from them, the old Watcher said, “I've been on the phone and communicating through emails since we saw the record of your activation as a slayer. We are very intrigued by this discovery. We are of the consensus that any activated slayer that is turned will rise with a soul.”
“Did you find other cases of it happening?” Angel asked.
“There was one case way back, but the details are sketchy. It appears that the slayer was turned, but the watcher did not follow protocol. He held vigil at her grave. When she rose up, she was very strong, but she did not harm her watcher. The sire was waiting as well. When she saw him, she dusted him and pleaded with her watcher to kill her. It is unclear if he did as she asked or if she killed herself.”
“So now you know,” Spike told Candy. She had what she came to L.A. For. After last night he was pretty sure she was going to stay with him, but he'd feel better when they could be alone and discuss the future.
“I leave tomorrow night for London,” Giles said. “I'd like you to come back with me to Council head quarters. We'd like to do a few tests and interview you."
Spike put his arm around Candy's shoulders. “She's not going anywhere.” There was no way he was going to let those wankers poke and prod her.
“You are welcome to come too, Spike. You are quite the legend back home and I know they'd love to get the chance to meet you,” Giles offered.
"This is all a bit overwhelming for me. I've had so many years alone with no purpose or understanding of my existence. I'm don't really have a desire to travel overseas again, but if I could be a help..." She looked at Spike but he kept his face blank. "Mr. Giles," she said. "I'm very grateful for all your help and you, too, Angel. Right now, I just need some time to absorb all of this. I'll keep your invitation in mind, but I won't be going any where tomorrow night."
Spike sighed in relief and relaxed his hold on her. He had time to convince her not to go to London. Giles might be in charge of the council now, but he doubted there had been much change. He didn't trust him and with good reason. He had a habit of turning on souled vampires and attempting to end their existence. He frowned at Giles as the man stood up.
“I'll be going then.” Giles looked uncomfortable and Spike felt some of that old joy creeping up for causing fear in a human. “I just ask that you consider making the trip, soon. There are a lot of people who are quite anxious to meet you.” He fumbled with the knob on the door.
They sat quiet until they heard the Watcher's footsteps fade away down the hall. Angel turned to them and said, “I don't think either of you should go to London. Council headquarters is no place for vampires, regardless of the situation."
“I'm thinking the same thing,” Spike said.
“But we're the good guys right?” Candy looked at one and then the other. They shared a grim look. “You both have been fighting for the right side for awhile now. Heck, I was a slayer for a minute. If I can help, I want to.”
“We are vampires first and foremost. The Watcher's Council was created to help the slayer in her duties to slay our kind,” Angel told her.
“To go there and be in the midst of them would be like suicide. You heard the Watcher,” Spike pleaded with her. “Remember what they are trained to do if a slayer is turned? Eliminate them. Sure, they act all welcoming now, but what if those nancys put their heads together decide to stay with the old ways?”
Candy's eyes went wide, but she gave Spike a soft smile. “Okay guys. If you won't go, Spike, I won't either.”
“Good. That's settled, then. Let me be the bad guy. I'm used to it and I can care less what those wankers think of me. Just tell Giles that you don't go anywhere without me and that I refuse to go.” Spike was so relieved. If she really had wanted to go, he would have gone with her and tried his best to protect her.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Caritas was smoky and crowded, but every creature appeared to be in a good mood. Lorne's personality was infectious when he was up. Tonight he was way up and in top form. He glided over to the group and ushered them to a huge table up front that he'd saved for them.
Dawn was looking around in awe at the variety of demons. Buffy and Candy were not talking to each other, but that was probably good. They weren't glaring at each other either. So hopefully no World War III tonight, Spike thought. Angel was quiet and broody as usual.
Spike could tell that Candy was getting more nervous as her time to sing was drawing close. It would have been better if the place was not so crowded. She would do well, he just knew it. He was more concerned about the reading at the end.
Lorne came up and put his hand on Candy's shoulder, “Are you ready, kid?” he asked her.
“Not really, but let's get this over with,” she answered. Spike squeezed her hand in support and watched her follow Lorne up on stage.
“Okay people. It's time for a little more entertainment tonight. Please give it up for a vampire who's going to prove tonight that she's got soul, baby. I give you Candy singing ‘Now that There's You‘, Diana Ross style.”
Candy stood on the stage with the bright light on her. She looked beautiful in her purple outfit. She squinted and looked in his direction. Spike waved at her. “Um, I'm not much of a singer,” she said as she tapped the mike. “So please bear with me.” The music began. “For you Spike,” was all she had time to say before she had to sing.
The lyrics were on a big screen behind her and on the prompt in front of her. She took a deep breath.
Now that there's you...Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat.
I can get up in the morning
Look down the lonesome road
Know that I have the strength to carry on
Now that there's you
Love abides in my soul
I have a purpose, I have a goal
I can reach out and touch the star
Yesterday it seemed so far
Now that there's you, oh you...She hesitated and skipped a few words.
No matter the trial
I'll get by 'coz I know there's an answer
Somewhere in your smile
Now that there's you
I can reach that mountain top
'Till I get there I won't stop
I've a new sense of pride
It makes me do things I never tried
Now that there's you oh, you
I can feel I am real
At last I taste the honey
I'm alive for the first time
And the sun shines over
Now that there's you
Hey, you
Oh oh oh oh...She stood there waiting for the next lines and looked very uncomfortable.
I see all the colors the world was supposed to be
And now a robin sings and I know there's spring
Now that there's you
Every day I seem to find a new dimension of my mind
I'm no longer a piece of clay
My heart has some buried lungs to say
Now that there's you, oh you
There was more and the music continued and the words came up, but she was flustered. She put her hands up, smiled and shrugged. They clapped politely for her and she stepped down.
As she hit the last step, Spike slowly stood up and continued to clap. He told her he would give her a standing ovation. Candy wasn't going to have record producers banging on her door, but she sang a song to him. He shouldn't be surprised, but it was nice.
He walked towards her. He kissed her soundly, but then he walked passed her and up on the stage.
“Oh no, if he sings a Ramone's song, I'm out of here,” Buffy joked.
“Okay, thank you Candy,” Lorne said into the mike. “Now we have quite a treat for you all. My good friend Spike is coming up here. Be prepared to be blown away.”
Spike sat on a stool and fixed the mike stand. Someone handed him a guitar. When he spoke, his voice was low and sultry. “It's only fair that I sing something back to my lady, yeah? So this is for Candy. You'll have to excuse the guitar. When Lorne showed me the lyrics to this song, I knew I had to sing it, but I can't do it with the original background music.” He shook his head and smiled. He strummed on the guitar to get warmed up. “This song is called Beautiful Soul.”
I don't want another pretty face
I don't want just anyone to hold
I don't want my love to go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
You're the one I wanna chase
You're the one I wanna hold
I wont let another minute go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
His deep voice rang clear and confident over the room. The other patrons were silent.
I know that you are something special
To you I'd be always faithful
I want to be what you always needed
Then I hope you'll see the heart in me
Spike closed his eyes and sang out.
I don't want another pretty face
I don't want just anyone to hold
I don't want my love to go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
You're the one I wanna chase
You're the one I wanna hold
I wont let another minute go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
He opened his eyes and looked at Candy.
Am I crazy for wanting you
Baby do you think you could want me too
I don't wanna waste your time
Do you see things the way I do
I just wanna know if you feel it too
There is nothing left to hide
I don't want another pretty face
I don't want just anyone to hold
I don't want my love to go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
You're the one I wanna chase
You're the one I wanna hold
I wont let another minute go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
You beautiful soul, yeah
He put down the guitar and stood up. The crowd clapped and whistled and a few of them even stood up. He went back to his seat. Candy was silent and just stared at him. Dawn wiped at a tear. Conner rolled his eyes. Buffy looked stunned and asked Angel, "Did you know he could sing like that?"
Angel nodded and smiled sheepishly at Buffy. "He used to sing Drusilla to sleep way back when."
Lorne came up to them. “Come on you two lovebirds. My office is this way.”
They got up and followed him to his office. The music dulled considerably once the door was shut. His office was just an extension of his wardrobe. Wild colors and fun. Lorne grabbed a stool and placed it near the couch where they sat together.
“Okay. I'm glad I had you both sing even if some of us were not born for the stage." Spike chuckled and Candy slapped his arm. "First thing. You two don't leave this country for at least twenty-four months. This is very important, stay on the continent and do not cross the borders. Also, don't trust the circus midget clowns. I don't know why, but just don't.”
“Can you tell Candy anything else about her turning,” Spike asked.
“I am not a fortune teller. I can, however, tell you both that someone with a few more answers will be on their way here soon.”
“Who? Friend or foe?”
“Hard to tell. I can only say that loose ends will be tied,” Lorne said. “Candy, remember to have patience with Spike and I saw something about rabbits? There will be a heated discussion about a rabbit.” When they looked at him as if he'd grown a second head he said, "Hey, I just tell it like I see it." He shrugged.
“Is that it?” Spike thought that with all that singing, he would pick up on more than just that.
“Well, there is one more thing for you, Spike. I saw someone with red hair when you sang. Your heart is in the right place, but be very careful. Things could go terribly wrong if you are not careful.”
Spike nodded. He had a feeling he would see Willow very soon. They followed Lorne out of the office. Spike stopped her in the short hallway that led back to the club. He watched Lorne go up to a group of female demons with out-stretched arms. The music was funky and sultry and he could see Angel and Buffy dancing together. Dawn and Conner were sitting at the table engrossed in an animated conversation.
He pulled Candy with him as he leaned on the wall. She stood between his feet. “That was very nice, that song you sang,” he told her.
“I had no idea that you were going to sing, too. I've never heard that song before. It was beautiful,” she told him. He was holding her tight at her waist. His nervous energy was obvious and he was wound tight.
“This is probably not the most appropriate place for this, but I've got to tell you,” he forced out with emotion. He looked up at the dim lights on the ceiling in the smoke filled hall. He never was one for good timing. Why start now? He looked her in the eye and blurted out, “I love you.”
Her eyes went wide and she grabbed on to his shoulders. Then from no where came the giggles. She couldn't stop herself. Even when he got the hurt look on his face. She stopped when he tried to push her away from him. “No. I'm sorry,” she said seriously. She grabbed him by his jacket, leaned in and kissed him. “I love you, too,” she told him in a tender voice when they parted.
“You really do?” She nodded and he said, “I'm sorry there's no candle light or soft music.” He looked away. “I'm not known for my great timing or perfect moments.”
“Who needs that crap?" She gently took his face in her hand and and turn his head so she could look him in the eye. "Tell me you love me again,” she demanded.
Chapter Thirteen: Interrogation Tactics
Genre: General, Romance, Humor, bit of action
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel: the Series
Pairing: Spike/Other, Buffy/Angel
Rating: R for sexual situations and language.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from Buffy and Angel. Candy is my own original character and I do own her. This story is for entertainment purposes only. I'm not making any money off this.
Summary: Begins three months after the final battle in the alley in Angel, Not Fade Away. What's left of Angel's crew has moved back to The Hyperion, including a restless Spike. Someone interesting comes to LA, when Faith suggests that only Angel can help her. Many characters from both shows will make appearances. Angel, Harmony, Gunn, Illyria, Lorne, Buffy, Giles, Dawn, Angelus, Willow and others.
(Previous Chapters Here)
Thanks to my wonderful beta:
raynedanserA/N: Lyrics. Diana Ross, "Now That There's You." and Jesse McCartney, "Beautiful Soul."
Chapter Twelve ~ Who needs that crap?
Giles had been working on the computer in Angel's office with the door half open, when he heard voices in the lobby. He went to go tell them about his progress when he realized that it was only Spike and Buffy. He hung back out of curiosity.
He watched the vampire run up the stairs. It was obvious that Spike had moved on. Giles was hoping that Spike didn't take steps backward and start up something with Buffy. She was coming his way now mumbling about caffeine and chocolate.
“Interesting conversation you had there,” he said.
“You were listening in on a private conversation?” She looked tired and emotionally wrung out with dark circles under her eyes.
“You were having a private conversation in a public hotel lobby,” he said. “I must say, I'm very glad that you and Spike have decided to just be friends.”
“I'm sure you are,” she said with a sarcastic tone. She stood with her feet apart and her hands on her hips.
Giles watched as Angel made his way past them and into the basement entrance. Buffy had her back turned and didn't notice. “That bit about Angel,” he told her. “Spike's wrong. You and Angel should just be friends, too. There's only heart ache down any other road with him again.”
Buffy held out her hand. “Giles, stop right there. I know you care and I appreciate how you’re always trying to look out for me, but if I want relationship advice from my ex-watcher, I'll ask. Until then, I hope you will mind your own business.”
Giles' jaw tightened as he watched her go through the kitchen doors and out of sight. He knew she was right, but he still felt the rejection keenly. The mistakes that he'd made on her behalf were still there and while she said she forgave him, she certainly had not forgotten. It seemed that Spike had gotten over the fact that he'd plotted to have him killed, yet his own slayer still did not trust him. The computer chimed to let him know he had new e-mail. He went back to work.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Angel didn't want to talk to Buffy just yet and he was glad she was distracted with Giles. He made his way down to the basement to his work out room. He punched the bag a few times. He didn't want to think about the stupid mistakes he'd made in the past, for they were legion. He jumped and stretched. And he really didn't want to think about Spike. He hit the bag some more. The stupid vampire. Couldn't he just be constant? He was always coming up with something new to knock Angel off balance.
He felt bad for not warning Spike that Candy had seen them hugging. If he had, then Spike would know he had been spying on them. That would not be good. Spike would goad him for days on that thought alone. They'd work it out. Candy appeared to have a calm disposition and no real hang ups. He envied Spike for that, but he wouldn't change Buffy for all the peace in the world.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Spike got to his door, he paused with his hand on the knob. He smiled in anticipation of seeing her again. His stomach tightened at the thought her. He had it bad. Really bad. He couldn't wait to see her in that apron. He was going to come in with the good news that Buffy was going to back off. She'd hug him in gratitude and they'd get on with the snogging and shagging.
Dreams were lovely and nice and all that, but he didn't find Candy in an apron and pink lacy thong. She was sitting on the couch looking right pissed. He gulped. He didn't know what he'd done, but it wasn't good. He got the tingles at the thought of what she could do to punish him. She was marvelous when she was angry. He hung his duster up and just stood by the closed door waiting.
She got up and stalked towards him. She stopped just short of touching him and wrinkled her nose in distaste. “You stink of her.”
He was about to explain, but went speechless when she vamped out. She was awesome in her anger with her amber eyes flashing. She slashed out with her sharpened nails and ripped his black t-shirt off in one swipe. Gone was the clean looking 50's girl. Here was the demon in all its glory and Spike was hard as nails. With preternatural speed, she threw the offending garment out the door and slammed it shut. She pushed him into the bedroom and slammed that door too.
“Take off your boots,” she ordered in a deathly calm voice. Blood was slowly seeping out of a few spots from the scratches on his chest.
He talked as he kicked them off. “I don't know what brought this on, but I like it,” he told her cheerfully. “I think you got the wrong-”
She slammed him down on the bed. She was on top of him and she slowly licked his wounds. He groaned as he watched her. She looked up and morphed back to her human visage. There was a smear of blood at the corner of her mouth. How he wanted to kiss her. He closed his eyes in perfect agony for she was driving him crazy.
“I gave you the chance before,” she was saying. “I offered to get out of the way.” She was sitting up now, straddling him with her hands on his chest. “You made your choice. You wanted me!” she yelled.
“Yes-”
“Shut up. I'm not through.” She slapped his chest and he jerked up, grinding his erection on her. She closed her eyes at the pleasure of their jean clad parts rubbing together. She opened her eyes and fixed him with a glare. “You belong to me now. You are mine. I'll kill her or die trying before I'll let her have you. You're not going to be able to get rid of me, you understand?”
She had no idea what her words were doing to him. A sane being would run for the hills or at least take out a restraining order, but not this vamp. If he wasn't in love already, he would be now. As wonderful as this was, he couldn't let her go on thinking he had been with the Slayer.
“I don't want to get rid of you, luv,” he said as he raised himself up on his elbows. “We were talking in the lobby in plain sight, I swear.” She just glared at him so he told her about their conversation minus any descriptions of physical touching. “And then I hugged her,” he added. She growled low. “It meant nothing. Just a little comfort for a friend.”
Candy looked at him and her expression when from angry to soft and sad. She let out a sigh and leaned down across his chest. “I'm sorry, Spike.”
“Oh don't be,” he purred. He put his arms around her and turned them to their sides. “I've been around a long time and I have to say, I've never been more turned on in my life.”
“You're sick, Spike,” she said as she fumbled with his belt.
“Yeah? So are you.”
“I'll have to wear that outfit you bought me another day. There's no way I can wait,” she said between groans. She was yanking on his pants now. They were fighting to get each other's clothes off and they somehow ended up on the floor. It was fast and none to gentle, but they had all night for gentle.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was just past six the next day and they were ready to go out for the night. They hadn't felt like going down and seeing the others so they sat side by side on the couch watching TV. Spike called out, when there was a knock on the door and invited who ever it was in. He was relaxed and didn't want to get up and answer. Giles opened the door and hesitated there. Spike could see Angel at his open door straining to look into the room so he invited him to come in too.
When Angel and Giles were seated across from them, the old Watcher said, “I've been on the phone and communicating through emails since we saw the record of your activation as a slayer. We are very intrigued by this discovery. We are of the consensus that any activated slayer that is turned will rise with a soul.”
“Did you find other cases of it happening?” Angel asked.
“There was one case way back, but the details are sketchy. It appears that the slayer was turned, but the watcher did not follow protocol. He held vigil at her grave. When she rose up, she was very strong, but she did not harm her watcher. The sire was waiting as well. When she saw him, she dusted him and pleaded with her watcher to kill her. It is unclear if he did as she asked or if she killed herself.”
“So now you know,” Spike told Candy. She had what she came to L.A. For. After last night he was pretty sure she was going to stay with him, but he'd feel better when they could be alone and discuss the future.
“I leave tomorrow night for London,” Giles said. “I'd like you to come back with me to Council head quarters. We'd like to do a few tests and interview you."
Spike put his arm around Candy's shoulders. “She's not going anywhere.” There was no way he was going to let those wankers poke and prod her.
“You are welcome to come too, Spike. You are quite the legend back home and I know they'd love to get the chance to meet you,” Giles offered.
"This is all a bit overwhelming for me. I've had so many years alone with no purpose or understanding of my existence. I'm don't really have a desire to travel overseas again, but if I could be a help..." She looked at Spike but he kept his face blank. "Mr. Giles," she said. "I'm very grateful for all your help and you, too, Angel. Right now, I just need some time to absorb all of this. I'll keep your invitation in mind, but I won't be going any where tomorrow night."
Spike sighed in relief and relaxed his hold on her. He had time to convince her not to go to London. Giles might be in charge of the council now, but he doubted there had been much change. He didn't trust him and with good reason. He had a habit of turning on souled vampires and attempting to end their existence. He frowned at Giles as the man stood up.
“I'll be going then.” Giles looked uncomfortable and Spike felt some of that old joy creeping up for causing fear in a human. “I just ask that you consider making the trip, soon. There are a lot of people who are quite anxious to meet you.” He fumbled with the knob on the door.
They sat quiet until they heard the Watcher's footsteps fade away down the hall. Angel turned to them and said, “I don't think either of you should go to London. Council headquarters is no place for vampires, regardless of the situation."
“I'm thinking the same thing,” Spike said.
“But we're the good guys right?” Candy looked at one and then the other. They shared a grim look. “You both have been fighting for the right side for awhile now. Heck, I was a slayer for a minute. If I can help, I want to.”
“We are vampires first and foremost. The Watcher's Council was created to help the slayer in her duties to slay our kind,” Angel told her.
“To go there and be in the midst of them would be like suicide. You heard the Watcher,” Spike pleaded with her. “Remember what they are trained to do if a slayer is turned? Eliminate them. Sure, they act all welcoming now, but what if those nancys put their heads together decide to stay with the old ways?”
Candy's eyes went wide, but she gave Spike a soft smile. “Okay guys. If you won't go, Spike, I won't either.”
“Good. That's settled, then. Let me be the bad guy. I'm used to it and I can care less what those wankers think of me. Just tell Giles that you don't go anywhere without me and that I refuse to go.” Spike was so relieved. If she really had wanted to go, he would have gone with her and tried his best to protect her.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Caritas was smoky and crowded, but every creature appeared to be in a good mood. Lorne's personality was infectious when he was up. Tonight he was way up and in top form. He glided over to the group and ushered them to a huge table up front that he'd saved for them.
Dawn was looking around in awe at the variety of demons. Buffy and Candy were not talking to each other, but that was probably good. They weren't glaring at each other either. So hopefully no World War III tonight, Spike thought. Angel was quiet and broody as usual.
Spike could tell that Candy was getting more nervous as her time to sing was drawing close. It would have been better if the place was not so crowded. She would do well, he just knew it. He was more concerned about the reading at the end.
Lorne came up and put his hand on Candy's shoulder, “Are you ready, kid?” he asked her.
“Not really, but let's get this over with,” she answered. Spike squeezed her hand in support and watched her follow Lorne up on stage.
“Okay people. It's time for a little more entertainment tonight. Please give it up for a vampire who's going to prove tonight that she's got soul, baby. I give you Candy singing ‘Now that There's You‘, Diana Ross style.”
Candy stood on the stage with the bright light on her. She looked beautiful in her purple outfit. She squinted and looked in his direction. Spike waved at her. “Um, I'm not much of a singer,” she said as she tapped the mike. “So please bear with me.” The music began. “For you Spike,” was all she had time to say before she had to sing.
The lyrics were on a big screen behind her and on the prompt in front of her. She took a deep breath.
Now that there's you...Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat.
I can get up in the morning
Look down the lonesome road
Know that I have the strength to carry on
Now that there's you
Love abides in my soul
I have a purpose, I have a goal
I can reach out and touch the star
Yesterday it seemed so far
Now that there's you, oh you...She hesitated and skipped a few words.
No matter the trial
I'll get by 'coz I know there's an answer
Somewhere in your smile
Now that there's you
I can reach that mountain top
'Till I get there I won't stop
I've a new sense of pride
It makes me do things I never tried
Now that there's you oh, you
I can feel I am real
At last I taste the honey
I'm alive for the first time
And the sun shines over
Now that there's you
Hey, you
Oh oh oh oh...She stood there waiting for the next lines and looked very uncomfortable.
I see all the colors the world was supposed to be
And now a robin sings and I know there's spring
Now that there's you
Every day I seem to find a new dimension of my mind
I'm no longer a piece of clay
My heart has some buried lungs to say
Now that there's you, oh you
There was more and the music continued and the words came up, but she was flustered. She put her hands up, smiled and shrugged. They clapped politely for her and she stepped down.
As she hit the last step, Spike slowly stood up and continued to clap. He told her he would give her a standing ovation. Candy wasn't going to have record producers banging on her door, but she sang a song to him. He shouldn't be surprised, but it was nice.
He walked towards her. He kissed her soundly, but then he walked passed her and up on the stage.
“Oh no, if he sings a Ramone's song, I'm out of here,” Buffy joked.
“Okay, thank you Candy,” Lorne said into the mike. “Now we have quite a treat for you all. My good friend Spike is coming up here. Be prepared to be blown away.”
Spike sat on a stool and fixed the mike stand. Someone handed him a guitar. When he spoke, his voice was low and sultry. “It's only fair that I sing something back to my lady, yeah? So this is for Candy. You'll have to excuse the guitar. When Lorne showed me the lyrics to this song, I knew I had to sing it, but I can't do it with the original background music.” He shook his head and smiled. He strummed on the guitar to get warmed up. “This song is called Beautiful Soul.”
I don't want another pretty face
I don't want just anyone to hold
I don't want my love to go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
You're the one I wanna chase
You're the one I wanna hold
I wont let another minute go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
His deep voice rang clear and confident over the room. The other patrons were silent.
I know that you are something special
To you I'd be always faithful
I want to be what you always needed
Then I hope you'll see the heart in me
Spike closed his eyes and sang out.
I don't want another pretty face
I don't want just anyone to hold
I don't want my love to go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
You're the one I wanna chase
You're the one I wanna hold
I wont let another minute go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
He opened his eyes and looked at Candy.
Am I crazy for wanting you
Baby do you think you could want me too
I don't wanna waste your time
Do you see things the way I do
I just wanna know if you feel it too
There is nothing left to hide
I don't want another pretty face
I don't want just anyone to hold
I don't want my love to go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
You're the one I wanna chase
You're the one I wanna hold
I wont let another minute go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
You beautiful soul, yeah
He put down the guitar and stood up. The crowd clapped and whistled and a few of them even stood up. He went back to his seat. Candy was silent and just stared at him. Dawn wiped at a tear. Conner rolled his eyes. Buffy looked stunned and asked Angel, "Did you know he could sing like that?"
Angel nodded and smiled sheepishly at Buffy. "He used to sing Drusilla to sleep way back when."
Lorne came up to them. “Come on you two lovebirds. My office is this way.”
They got up and followed him to his office. The music dulled considerably once the door was shut. His office was just an extension of his wardrobe. Wild colors and fun. Lorne grabbed a stool and placed it near the couch where they sat together.
“Okay. I'm glad I had you both sing even if some of us were not born for the stage." Spike chuckled and Candy slapped his arm. "First thing. You two don't leave this country for at least twenty-four months. This is very important, stay on the continent and do not cross the borders. Also, don't trust the circus midget clowns. I don't know why, but just don't.”
“Can you tell Candy anything else about her turning,” Spike asked.
“I am not a fortune teller. I can, however, tell you both that someone with a few more answers will be on their way here soon.”
“Who? Friend or foe?”
“Hard to tell. I can only say that loose ends will be tied,” Lorne said. “Candy, remember to have patience with Spike and I saw something about rabbits? There will be a heated discussion about a rabbit.” When they looked at him as if he'd grown a second head he said, "Hey, I just tell it like I see it." He shrugged.
“Is that it?” Spike thought that with all that singing, he would pick up on more than just that.
“Well, there is one more thing for you, Spike. I saw someone with red hair when you sang. Your heart is in the right place, but be very careful. Things could go terribly wrong if you are not careful.”
Spike nodded. He had a feeling he would see Willow very soon. They followed Lorne out of the office. Spike stopped her in the short hallway that led back to the club. He watched Lorne go up to a group of female demons with out-stretched arms. The music was funky and sultry and he could see Angel and Buffy dancing together. Dawn and Conner were sitting at the table engrossed in an animated conversation.
He pulled Candy with him as he leaned on the wall. She stood between his feet. “That was very nice, that song you sang,” he told her.
“I had no idea that you were going to sing, too. I've never heard that song before. It was beautiful,” she told him. He was holding her tight at her waist. His nervous energy was obvious and he was wound tight.
“This is probably not the most appropriate place for this, but I've got to tell you,” he forced out with emotion. He looked up at the dim lights on the ceiling in the smoke filled hall. He never was one for good timing. Why start now? He looked her in the eye and blurted out, “I love you.”
Her eyes went wide and she grabbed on to his shoulders. Then from no where came the giggles. She couldn't stop herself. Even when he got the hurt look on his face. She stopped when he tried to push her away from him. “No. I'm sorry,” she said seriously. She grabbed him by his jacket, leaned in and kissed him. “I love you, too,” she told him in a tender voice when they parted.
“You really do?” She nodded and he said, “I'm sorry there's no candle light or soft music.” He looked away. “I'm not known for my great timing or perfect moments.”
“Who needs that crap?" She gently took his face in her hand and and turn his head so she could look him in the eye. "Tell me you love me again,” she demanded.
Chapter Thirteen: Interrogation Tactics
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