The Sweetest Revenge Prologue
by Cariann"You know very well you eat this late," Buffy plunges the stake into the vampire, "you're going to get heart burn. Get it? Heartburn?"
The vampire turns into dust, and Buffy asks to no one in particular, "That's it? That's all I get? One lame ass vamp with no appreciation for my painstakingly thought out puns. I don't think the forces of darkness are even trying. They could make a little effort here, you know. Give me something to work with."
Spike stands a top a building watching the slayer. "Watch your mouth little girl. You should know better than to tempt the fates that way, cause the big bad is back. And this time things are going to be different."
Spike watches Buffy walk away until she disappears. He pulls out a smoke, and lights it. He inhales deeply before turning to leave. He still has planning to do. **This time, I'm going to follow my plan, and I'm going to make them pay. My dear old sire, and his little whore are going to regret the day they crossed me. I'll see to that.**
Part 1
Spike walks into his old lair, and finds Harmony lying on the bed reading a magazine. She glances up at him when he enters.
"Spike?" she asks hesitantly.
"Right kitten, I'm back," Spike says grinning at her.
Spike walks over to her, and pulls her into his arms. He kisses her roughly. Harmony tries to fight him off, but eventually gives in to her own desire, and lets him attack her. Spike pushes her back onto the bed.
"Spike, why'd you leave me?" Harmony asks through pouty lips.
"Shhh, we'll talk later." Spike commands, as he crawls on top of her.
Harmony pushes him onto his back, and demands, "No, we'll talk now."
Spike groans, "Harm, I'm home, for good." Spike sits back up, and smiles seductively at her. "We'll have plenty of time to talk later."
Spike runs his hand up her stomach, and caresses her breast through the material of her shirt, and continues, "Right now, I want to make up for lost time. I missed you."
Harmony sighs, but gives herself to the vampire she loves.
Spike awakens just before sunset. He rolls over, and is thankful that Harmony is sound asleep. He carefully, so as not to wake her, gets up, and puts his clothes on. Without a glance in her direction, Spike walks out of the lair, and through the tunnels.
He travels by the underground tunnels for a while, until he's sure the sun has set. He carefully lifts the manhole, and when his hand doesn't start to fry, he hoists himself out of the tunnel. He's near the Bronze.
**Perfect, bloody perfect.** He quickly heads towards the cemetery. Once at the cemetery he waits. Ten minutes pass before four vampires approach him. "It's about bloody time you got here," Spike shouts.
"Sorry, the slayer is at the Bronze. I didn't want her to see us," one answers.
"Right, okay then here's the plan."
Spike tells the vampires what he wants him to do, and the vampires stare at him in fear.
"She'll kill us if we attack her, and her friends," one of them protests.
"No, she won't, because there's going to be four of you blokes there. I'll also be there hiding, and when the times right, I'll come and help. In the process I'll kill the slayer. She won't know what hit her," Spike answers.
"What do I get for doing this?" one vampire foolishly asks.
Spike vamps out, and grabs his head. He rams the vampire's head into the wall of a crypt. Spike holds his head there, and growls into his ear, "How about, I won't kill you, mate."
"Okay, I'll do it," the vampire whimpers in fear.
"Good," Spike answers, letting go of the vampire�s head. The vampire falls to Spike's feet. Spike stares down at the fallen vampire, before shrugging, and stepping over him. He faces the remaining vampires, and menacingly asks, "Any one else have a problem?"
The vampires shake their heads in terror. Spike's demon face vanishes, and he evilly smiles.
"I thought as much, now let's go before the slayer leaves."
When they reach the Bronze, Spike orders, "Okay, you guys wait here. I'm going to wait over there."
Spike points to an alley, and starts walking to his hiding place, but turns around and threatens, "Don't screw up, or I'll have to kill you. And remember boys, the slayer's mine."
Spike disappears, and waits anxiously in the alley. **I have to stay here. I have to follow the plan. I can't get impatient this time.** Spike lights a cigarette as he impatiently waits in the alley for the slayer to appear.
Eventually, Buffy, Xander, and Willow leave the Bronze.
"That was fun," Buffy says cheerily.
Buffy looks over at Willow, who is moping over Oz's departure.
"Will?" Buffy asks with concern in her voice.
"Yeah, lots of fun. So much fun," Willow sarcastically answers.
"Okay, so it's not the complete solution to your mopiness, but it's good to get out."
"Yeah, Will. You can't stay in your room forever," Xander offers trying to help.
"I know, but I'm just not in fun mode now. I'm in depressed mode," Willow answers, sadness falling onto her face.
The vampires approach, two in front, and two behind. "Uh guys, we have company," Buffy states, and pulls out a stake. Willow, and Xander each pull out crosses. "Run you guys," Buffy yells, attacking the two in front of her.
Willow, and Xander turn, but are grabbed by the two vampires coming from behind. Xander fights with one of them, but the other grabs Willow, and she screams. Buffy turns around, and panics. She is knocked down by the other two. She quickly gets up, but can't help her friends. The other two vampires are keeping her occupied.
The vampire that has Willow pulls her head back, and is about to bite her when his head is yanked back by his hair. He quickly turns to dust, and Willow sighs in relief, but then screams when she sees who appears when the dust settles.
"Spike!" Willow screams.
"Hello, Red," Spike sneers.
Buffy sees Spike, and quickly dusts one of the vampires, before hurrying over to the others. The second vampire she is fighting gives chase. She tries to kick Spike, but he ducks. The second vamp grabs her from behind. Spike quickly grabs the stake from Buffy, and reaches around and plunges it into the vampire that is holding her. Without pausing, he pulls the last vampire off of Xander, and stakes him.
The three friends stare at Spike in shock. Spike just shakes out his clothing. "Now wasn't that fun," he says before walking away.
He disappears into the night before Buffy can make any sense of what just happened.
Part 2
Buffy, Xander, and Willow are sitting in Giles' house discussing the night's events. "Giles, Spike dusted three vamps that were attacking us," Buffy explains.
"Are you sure?" Giles asks in shock.
"I was there Giles. I saw it," Buffy answers.
"I still can't believe it. Maybe it wasn't Spike?" Xander suggests.
"Know any other badly bleached, blood suckers?" Buffy responds.
"Maybe he has a soul now," Willow suggests.
�Spike! I don't think so," Buffy laughs.
"This is most strange. It could be a trap," Giles warns.
"What kind of trap?" Buffy asks curiously, the idea never occurring to her.
"Maybe to get you to let your guard down around him," Giles suggests in total watcher mode.
"That's sneaky, too clever for Spike," Buffy dismisses with a shake of her head.
"Maybe he was jealous, because he wants to kill you for himself," Willow offers.
"That's a happy thought," Buffy scolds.
"Well, it could be that he's claimed you as his. I mean for killing, and he doesn't want any other vampires to get his prize," Willow explains a little too happily at her own genius.
"Great, so now you have me claimed by Spike as his. I'm not property," Buffy responds disgusted.
"Well, what other explanation is there?" Willow defensively asks.
"Buffy, what Willow says makes some sense. Spike is arrogant, and quite full of himself. Not to mention he has a great hatred for you. He obviously sees killing you as his revenge, and therefore he doesn't want anyone else to do it," Giles adds to Willows argument.
"Great, so I shouldn't fear any vampires, but Spike, because if they attack me, he'll kill them. Life just keeps getting better and better," Buffy grumbles.
"Well, at least we didn't die tonight. I really thought I was a goner," Willow says relieved.
"Spike didn't try to kill any of us though. What's the deal with that?" Buffy asks.
"He may have a plan," Giles suggests.
"Spike? A plan? Mr. I couldn't wait two nights to kill you when I would have been at my strongest. He doesn't have the patience for plans," Buffy answers laughing.
"Maybe he's getting better." Willow suggests.
"Wouldn't that technically be getting worse, since it involves killing Buffy" Xander contemplates out loud.
"Spike's not going to kill me. He's tried for like two years, and fails miserably every time. Why doesn't he just go away?" Buffy asks annoyed.
"He hates you, and wants to eat you," Willow innocently answers.
"Thanks for the imagery Will. I say we just play it cool. If Spike wants to help us kill vampires, and demons, let him. But I don't care how much he helps, if I get the chance, I'm going to bury a stake in his heart," Buffy declares before standing up.
"Be careful, Buffy. You may have avoided any harm from Spike until now, but he still is a very dangerous vampire," Giles warns.
"I know, and I'm going to show him just how dangerous of a slayer I am. He may have killed two of them, but he ain't killing me," Buffy confidently proclaims.
~~~
Spike returns to the lair after his encounter at the Bronze. He is in a great mood after the night�s events. He enters his room whistling, but stops when he is faced with a fuming Harmony.
"Where have you been?" she angrily asks with her hands on her hips.
Spike sighs, annoyed that his good mood is being disturbed by Harmony.
"Out. I had work to do," he answers pushing past her.
"You think you can just come and go out of my bed," Harmony demands chasing after him.
Spike whips around, and grabs her around the waist. He pulls her to him so that their mouths are inches apart.
"What do you think?" he asks, trailing his free hand down her neck.
Before she can answer, Spike grabs her by her neck yanking her into a kiss. He lets her go, and looks at her wickedly. "Let's go out and have some fun," he suggests seductively licking his lips.
"Aren't you scared of the slayer?" Harmony asks.
Spike controls his anger. **It's only for a little while longer that I have to put up with her.**
"The slayer's taken care of for tonight," Spike evenly answers.
"You killed her," Harmony squeals in delight.
"Not yet, luv, but in time. Right now, I want to have a party. A party with lots of blood."
Harmony pulls him over to the bed. "Later, let's have a party here first," she suggestively says.
Spike arches his eyebrows at her, before pushing her onto the bed. "All right pet, for now."
Part 3
Spike is sitting on a headstone waiting. He keeps searching the area for Buffy, but she hasn't arrived yet. Spike made sure her watcher knew that two vampires will be rising tonight, and he is positive that the slayer will come. Bored, Spike pulls out a cigarette, and lights it. He inhales slowly. He jumps off the headstone, and starts pacing. **Bloody hell where is she?**
Almost as if she can hear his thoughts, Spike hears her approaching. He quickly tosses aside his cigarette, and ducks behind a crypt. He watches as she searches for the appropriate graves. When she finds them, she hikes herself up on a headstone, and waits.
Spike waits as well. He starts getting impatient, but forces himself to stay put. **Follow the plan. It'll be soon enough that I'll taste her blood, and see Angel destroyed, but right now I have to follow the plan.** Spike grins at his thoughts. He waits patiently a little while longer, and than after glancing around, he puts his plan in motion. He circles away from the slayer, and approaches her from behind.
"Well, well if it isn't Sunnydale's very own little slayer," he calls out to her.
Buffy jumps up, and faces him. She grips the stake in her hand tighter as she wearily eyes him.
"What do you want Spike? To get your ass kicked again?"
"Funny, pet. Actually, I'm quite sick of getting my ass kicked," he replies glancing at the stake in her hand.
Buffy stares at him in shock, and Spike fights the urge to attack her. **Be cool. Suck in your pride. Soon you'll be dancing on her grave.**
"Really, then why don't you leave?" she asks feigning being bored.
Spike slowly sits on the vacant headstone. "Because I like it here," he simply replies.
He lights another cigarette, and Buffy loosens her grip on the stake.
"What do you like here? Getting your ass kicked by me daily, or is it Harmony?" Buffy asks trying to get a rile out of him.
�Yeah, I can't leave that air head," he sarcastically replies. "I'm so sick of her. No substance, no fire. Just a little kitty that'll do anything I say."
"I thought you'd like that," Buffy replies, somewhat unsure of the direction this conversation is going.
"Think about me a lot, luv?" Spike asks amused.
"NO," Buffy shouts back.
"Well, I don't. They're good to shag, but what can I say I'm looking for more."
"You want a fulfilling relationship?" Buffy mockingly asks.
Spike refuses to take her bait, and calmly replies, "It'd be nice. Have someone I can talk to. I like to talk, if you haven't noticed. And I like to shag, but it's so much more fun to shag someone with power, beauty, and intelligence."
"What was your trip with Dru than, because she has none of those things,� Buffy replies, venom dripping from her words.
Spike loses his delicate grip on his control at the mention of Drusilla. "You shut the hell up. She was a bloody goddess, my goddess," he shouts, as he angrily stands up to face the offending slayer.
"But she doesn't want you anymore. She'd rather be with a�what was it? A fungus demon?" Buffy replies with an amused smirk on her face. She knows she is hitting him where it hurts the most.
Spike moves towards Buffy, and she responds by holding up her stake. He retreats, and shoots back, "Well at least I'm not the only one in this cemetery with this problem, because if I remember correctly Angel would rather be anywhere but here with you." He says this with a mean smirk on his face, glad that he can inflict just as much pain with the right words.
Buffy's face clouds over with seething hatred, and anger. She tries to kick Spike, but he ducks. She throws a punch, but he grabs her arm. He twists her arm behind her, and holds her up against him. He whispers in her ear, "I saw my sire recently, and he didn't mention you, but I couldn't resist. Seems he doesn't care that you jumped all over the first guy who propositioned you."
Buffy throws her head back, connecting with his nose. Spike yelps, and lets her go. They face each other ready to go at it, when the newly risen vampire grabs Buffy from behind. She tries to throw him off, but the second risen vampire grabs her legs. Taken completely by surprise, they start to carry her off. She's screaming, and trying to free herself, but can't.
Finally, she screams, "Spike, help me."
Spike grins, and chases after the vampires, and slayer. He quickly grabs the one that has her feet, and shoves him to the ground. Deciding to have some innocent fun, Spike doesn't stake him right away, but proceeds to pummel him. Satisfied with his violent outburst, Spike stakes the vamp, and turns to see Buffy doing the same to the other one.
"Nice form, pet," Spike comments clapping.
Buffy stands up, and faces him. "Why'd you do that?" she asks confused, and angry.
"You asked me to," he simply states.
"And if I asked you jump on one leg, and flap your arms like a chicken, would you do that too?" she sarcastically asks.
Spike scowls, and answers, "Hell no, I may be crazy for helping you, but I'm not a bloody fool."
"That's still up in the air," Buffy shoots back.
"That's really nice considering I just saved your cute little ass."
Buffy pauses. **He just called me cute.**
Buffy turns serious, and asks, "You still haven't told me why?"
"Look slayer, I have nowhere else to go, and like I said, I like it here. Let's have a truce, like before. I'll help you stop the baddies, and in exchange you'll leave me alone." Spike nervously waits for her answer.
"Make a deal with you? Are you insane? You'll just keep trying to kill me," Buffy shouts in frustration.
"I saved your skin twice, slayer. I could have easily killed you both times. Look don't trust me right away, but give it a try," he pleads.
"You'll keep killing people. I can't stand by and let you," Buffy argues.
Spike smiles. **It's working perfectly. The only thing holding her back is me killing people.**
"Okay, fair enough, I won't kill anyone," Spike offers with a shrug.
Buffy laughs, "Yeah right, and I'll stop showering. You can't just stop, you're a killer."
Spike turns serious, and asks her, "If I stop killing do we have a deal?"
"How will I know you stopped?" Buffy asks just as serious.
"We'll become best mates. You can follow me around. We'll slay baddies, and talk about our hair," Spike jokes.
"No way," Buffy exclaims, but giggles at the thought of discussing hair with the bleached blonde vampire.
"Come on slayer, what have you got to lose?" Spike asks trying desperately to convince her.
Buffy contemplates it. **He's right. What do I have to lose?**
"I'll do it, but on one condition," she offers.
"What's that, slayer?" Spike hesitantly asks. **What more does she want?**
"Tell me the real reason," Buffy demands.
Spike looks away before she can see the anger, and pain in his eyes. When he turns back towards her, he answers without emotion, "Because my whole world is Dru, and she's gone. I have nothing. There's no reason for me to live, but despite the despicable state of my life, I still like living."
"You're not really alive," Buffy interrupts.
Spike rolls his eyes playfully. "Fine, smartie, I like not living. There's still fun to be had, but I just don't have the same fire without Dru to constantly fight with you, thus the deal. I win you know. I may not get to kill humans, but I can still fight. That's what I like, you know, ending people, whether they are demons, or humans. So I still get to have my fun, and be a big badass vampire, and at the same time, I don't have to worry about the slayer. I'm tired of being on the losing end of our battles. So as they say, if you can't beat them, join them."
"I don't think I believe you," Buffy plainly states.
Spike panics briefly, but composes himself. "We had a deal," he says through clenched teeth.
"Fine, I'll hold off shoving this stake up your ass, and you will meet me here, at sunset, for patrol."
�Tomorrow then," Spike says relieved.
Spike turns to leave, but Buffy calls out to him, "Spike."
Turning around, Spike asks, "What pet?"
"Thanks, for you know," she shyly says with her head down.
Spike slowly grins, "Don't mention it, luv."
Part 4
The next day, Buffy is sitting with Willow at school. "You didn't tell Giles," Willow asks.
"Not yet. I'll see how it goes tonight, and then inform him of my new patrol buddy."
"Buffy this is too strange. Are you sure it's not a trap?" Willow asks concerned.
"There's no way to know unless I do it. I'll be careful. I'll have my trusty stake, and if he tries anything, it'll end up in his chest," Buffy confidently replies.
"Why do you think Spike is doing it?" Willow asks.
"Well, he said he was tired of losing, and didn't feel like fighting anymore. He said his life wasn't the same without Dru."
"Yeah, but to be on our side. If you think about it, you're the reason Dru left him," Willow comments without thinking.
"How is it my fault?" Buffy asks with hurt, and confusion.
"Well, because you made that deal against Angelus, and because well, Angelus took Dru away from Spike, and�" Willow stops when she realizes what she is implying.
"And I made Angelus. I know Will," Buffy says, pain in her eyes.
"Sorry," Willow says quietly.
"Sex is bad. I've so learned my lesson. Twice. I'm not sleeping with another guy ever. I'll be nun Buffy from now on."
"Come on Buffy. It's not always bad," Willow says, but rethinks her position, and continues, "Well maybe it is. I mean guys always leave."
Sensitive to Willow's pain, Buffy reassures her. "Will, you're relationship with Oz was great. At least you got to sleep with him more than once. I do it, and they turn evil."
"Yeah, well he still left," Willow sadly answers.
"He'll be back," Buffy confidently assures her.
"But he still left to begin with," Willow angrily argues.
"I know. I'm sorry Will," Buffy quietly offers.
They sit in silence for a while. Riley walks by.
"What about Riley?" Willow asks hoping to change the subject.
"What about him?" Buffy asks.
"I bet he wouldn't turn evil afterwards," Willow replies giving Buffy a meaningfully look.
"Will, why would you think there would be an afterwards?" Buffy asks shocked.
"Because, I think he likes you."
"I don't think so," Buffy replies shaking her head.
"Come on Buffy. What do you think about him?" Willow urges.
"I don't."
"Because of Parker?"
"No," Buffy angrily shouts.
"Angel?"
"No."
"Spike?"
"God Will. Why would you ask that? Where are getting these ideas? I don't need a man. I can be single, free Buffy," Buffy argues.
"Yes, but a man is nice."
"I know, but only the right one. I've surely learned that lesson. I'm really just ready to concentrate on school, and slaying. I rushed into things with Parker. I'm not doing that again."
"Good, and you'll have Spike to worry about."
"What do you mean?" Buffy asks confused.
"Well, with Spike tagging along, you're not going to have much of a social life," Willow answers.
"Oh God, I didn't think of that. Why'd I agree? He's going to ruin my life," Buffy moans.
"I don't know, cause you're a softie for miserable pathetic vampires," Willow suggest with a smile.
"He just gets under my skin. I get so mad talking to him, I forget how the conversation gets turned to what he wants, or how he gets me to agree to what he wants."
"Well, you could always tell him to scram tonight, and stake him."
"The sad thing is, I'd feel guilty cause we did make a deal."
�Sometimes it sucks being the good guy."
"Tell me about it," Buffy agrees.
~~~
Spike paces around the lair waiting for sunset. **This is the night the plan really goes into effect. I'm moving out, and leaving Harmony for good, thank God. Tonight everything has to go perfectly. The slayer has to trust me. She has to be comfortable around me. No slip ups like last night. Just please don't let her mention Drusilla.**
Harmony stirs in the bed, and calls out, "Spike, come back to bed."
Spike glances at the clock, and then at the scantily clothed Harmony. **I've got twenty minutes. Might as well give it one last go. Who knows how long it'll be before I get between the slayer's legs.**
Part 5
Spike approaches the cemetery. He can see the slayer impatiently pacing around the headstone from last night. Spike pauses. He decides to let her wait a little while longer. Frustrated, Buffy kicks the headstone, sending it toppling over. She scrambles to set it back up. Spike laughs. Buffy looks up to see him approaching with a grin on his face.
"What are you laughing at?" Buffy angrily demands.
"You with your bum in the air," Spike replies amusement on his handsome face.
"Stop looking at my ass," Buffy demands growing annoyed.
"But it's such a cute little bottom," Spike comments while looking at her butt appreciatively.
"Spike," Buffy shouts.
"Sorry luv, let me help you." Spike grabs the headstone, and plants it firmly in its place.
"You're late," Buffy says with her hands on her hips.
"The sun, you know. It's unpredictable," Spike responds with a shrug.
"Let's go, so I can actually have a social life after this." Buffy starts walking, and Spike follows her.
"Hot date, luv?" he asks trying not to sound too curious.
"No, but I want to spend as little of my time with you as possible. Why'd I agree to this?" Buffy asks throwing her hands in the air.
"I think it's cause you fancy me," Spike arrogantly replies.
Buffy snorts, "In your dreams, Blondie."
"Now, now, let's not start throwing out names. I might have a few for you too," Spike playfully warns.
"Really like what?" Buffy asks stopping, and turning towards him.
"Let's not play this game yet," Spike warns.
"Fine, just keep your eyes open." Buffy starts walking again, and Spike follows, but he doesn't watch for vampires, instead he watches the slayer as she walks, swaying her hips.
They circle the graveyards, and head towards the campus. They are walking side by side. Every so often Spike gently bumps into her. She responds by glaring at him, and shoving him away from her.
"Just one sweep of the campus, and then I'm calling it a night," Buffy informs him.
"What am I suppose to do after that?" Spike whines.
"I don't know, whatever it is you vampires do."
"We kill," Spike answers, looking at her with a wicked gleam in his blue eyes.
"Spike," Buffy warns.
"Well, then you entertain me," Spike hopefully suggests.
"Not a chance. I have to study."
"Well I'll watch the telly, while you study."
"Watch it at your place."
"I don't have a place," he answers head down.
"What Harmony throw you out?" Buffy asks with an amused smile on her face.
"I left. I couldn't exactly tell her about our deal. Plus she was getting on my nerves."
"So, go stay in crypt somewhere."
"You're heartless," Spike yells at her.
"Me? Well at least mine beats," Buffy throws back.
"Low blow, slayer," Spike answers with hurt in his eyes, and voice.
"Yeah, well what do you want me to do about it?" Buffy asks on the defensive. She knows she is being mean, but she isn't comfortable with how much he is growing on her. She surely isn't going to let him see her soften.
"Let me stay with you," Spike suggests.
"Yeah right, so you can kill me in my sleep. Not a chance."
"Come one slayer, I promised. I have nowhere else to go," Spike desperately pleads.
"I live in a dorm, no chance."
"With your mum then."
"So you can kill her."
"I wouldn't. I like your mum," he protests.
"Forget it."
"Fine," he angrily shouts.
"Fine," she shouts back just as angry.
They continue walking in silence. Spike is pouting, and Buffy is thinking. **Why am I doing this? God, I must be going crazy.**
After about ten minutes they arrive at Buffy's dorm.
"Well this is where I get off," Buffy says facing him. She continues, "I guess I'll see you tomorrow. Meet me at Giles'"
"Why there?" Spike panics. **The plan didn't include getting chatty with her friends.**
"I have to tell him what's going on, and you're going to be there,� Buffy informs him.
"Slayer," Spike starts, but Buffy cuts him off.
"Tomorrow at Giles', or stake in heart," Buffy threatens twirling a stake between her fingers.
"Tomorrow then," Spike agrees defeated.
Buffy goes into her dorm, and Spike turns to leave. **This plan is getting harder, and harder. Is it worth it? Hell yes.** Spike walks slowly to the cemetery. He picks a crypt, and settles in for the rest of the night, and day.