Something New
Chapter 3
Something New
Chapter 3
�Willow, what�s James doing here?� Buffy frowned the next day, setting her schoolbooks down on the giant table at the Magick Box.
�Oh! Uh� what little boy named James?� Willow asked, acting as if she didn�t see James, who was fondly fiddling with a crystal.
�Will, I�m not dumb.� Buffy pointed to James. �Isn�t he Spike�s son? Or are we taking turns?�
�Oh, uh, well, h-he certainly isn�t spending the time with me.� Willow said, biting her lip. �I-I�m sorry. I�m a bad, bad liar.� Willow stated the obvious, going over to sit down in the chair beside where James stood. �But, uh, n-no offense, Buffy, but Spike said �Grr! Don�t let Buffy touch Jamie� e-except h-he didn�t use those exact words, and he called you a lot of mean words, instead of Buffy. Did I mention I was sorry?�
�Yeah, you did.� Buffy said, more amused then upset. �So Spike just dropped James into your lap? What�s up with him? Can�t handle a child? Maybe James was getting on his nerves? Fantasizing about eating him, perhaps?�
�A-actually, no.� Tara said matter-of-factly. �He stopped by today f-for s-supplies, but was n-nervous about taking James with him, so w-we offered to watch James for a � a little while.�
Buffy knit her brow. �What�s Spike doing that�s so awful he can�t take James with him? Isn�t he currently trying to teach him awful things?�
�Oh, Buffy, I-I d-don�t think your giving Spike a f-fair chance.� Tara said. �He�s j-just a little shaky at parenting. Aren�t we all, w-when we first start?�
�I guess.� Buffy admitted. �But give me a good reason why James has to stay here. And what�s Spike doing anyway?�
Willow hugged James� head, covering up his ears. �Spike had to go kill some cultists that just moved in.� She said, whispering the word �cultists�. �They aren�t the friendly type, and major in using C-H-I-L-D-R-E-N parts in their S-P-E-L-L-S to raise zombie and H-E-L-L-type creatures.� Willow released James� head, and he looked at her appreciatively. �So, until it�s safe, James is going to stay here for a little bit.� She tickled James� belly and he laughed happily.
�Oh.� Buffy was stumped. �I guess that is a good reason. But do you have to spell everything? Makes you seem kooky.�
�Kooky.� James echoed, laughing.
�Sorry, Buff, but at James� age, he�s going to be soaking things up like a big ole� little young sponge.� Willow said. �At this stage, we�ll make the impressions on how he�s going to be in life. So we can�t really talk about the O-C-C-U-L-T around him.�
�The occult?� Buffy asked.
�Yee-gads!� Willow�s hands flew to James� ears, but it was too late. �Gosh, Buffy, do you really want your son to get into that? I mean, you always keep Dawn away from this sort of thing, and she�s thirteen. Jamie�s only six.�
�I guess not,� Buffy agreed. �But that�s not up to me. I mean, he�s Spike�s son, not mine. So if Spike wants to teach him about beer and gambling and hookers and which girls taste just right with what amount of gravy, then that�s Spike�s choice.�
�Buffy,� Willow scolded, grateful she had her hands over James� ears. �You do have a say in this. You�re still his mother, but I�ve only seen you be mean and from what I heard, I thought you really loved James.�
�I did!� Buffy protested quickly. �I mean, I still do! I tried to talk to Spike yesterday, but he was being coc� a smart-mouth and being really dumb and Riley tackled him out of the blue and I guess he really muddled things, but then Spike was just plain rude. I mean � I try to work myself up into a reasonable mood, but he destroys it with his slander and slang and bad British attempts at being evil by acting like a giant pervert, which is no surprise anyway. I�m just tired of going between liking James and tolerating Spike and being frustrated. I mean, do I actually have to like both? Why does Spike have to be in that package deal?�
�Y-you don�t have to like Spike.� Tara objected softly. �N-no one�s asking you to. B-but you can�t just yell a-and hit Spike like you used to, f-for Jamie�s sake. I-imagine how c-confusing this all must be, for him. P-poor little guy.� She hugged James� shoulders comfortingly for a moment, then let go.
�I�m sorry.� Buffy sighed, trying to let go of all of her anger and annoyance. �There�s no reason to punish James when Spike gets on my nerves. I just have to learn to deal.� She breathed out again, in another attempt to relieve herself of the stress, then scooted down to James� height. �I love you.� She said to him, feeling a bit awkward but good. �You know that, right? I do love you.�
James smiled, but knew all along, anyway. �I love you, too, mommy.� He said, flinging his arms around his mommy and hugging her tightly, and Buffy hugged back, absently touching his blonde hair, which he seemed to have adopted from her.
�Oh, Buffy� careful�� Willow sighed, too late. �James got into poison ivy.�
�Poison ivy?� Buffy frowned, wishing Willow had told her earlier. She pushed James back a little to get a look at his hands, already cursed if he did have poison ivy. �Oh, well, I don�t think this is poison ivy.� Buffy said, frowning at his red fingers. �More like a bad scrape. Did you fall?�
James shrugged. �Maybe. I think.�
�Well he�s particularly helpful.� Giles commented, coming out of the backroom.
�Does it hurt?� Buffy asked, rubbing the red soreness, wondering whether it�s soothe him or hurt him.
James nodded shyly, but seemed unaffected by her touch. �It�s all ouchy.�
�Maybe band-aids and get-better kisses are in order.� Buffy suggested, and James nodded again. She ruffled his hair lovingly and then stood up on the way to find some band-aids. �At least he isn�t copying Spike when it comes to his fashion sense.�
�Buffy, he�s just a little kid.� Willow said, motioning James over and he rushed to her quickly, expecting more hugs but the witch looked at his fingers. �Huh. I think you�re right, Buffy.� She said, running her thumb over on of James� fingertips. They�d been red only last night, but now they were rough in addition to that, almost as if he fell and scraped his fingers. Hard, but not impossible to do. �How did you manage to do this?�
James shrugged. �I dunno.�
�Spike�s crypt.� Buffy sighed, returning with the ever handy and necessary band-aids kept about. �I told you guys it wasn�t safe for a little kid to play in. Sharp edges, weapons, hard stone floors, hard stone walls, a big old hole in the floor�� She knelt to take one of James� hands, but had trouble wrapping five bandages around five little fingers. �One killer vampire and one little boy locked up in a giant stone cage for twelve hours a day. I sure hope Spike is the patient type.�
�Buffy, d-don�t you think you�re being a l-little judgmental?� Tara asked. �Spike is good to James. H-he wouldn�t flip if James broke a lamp. A-and I don�t th-think Spike has a lot to break.�
�Have we given any thought to research the spell that Willow preformed on the � lovely couple?� Giles interrupted.
�Uh� no.� Buffy frowned. �Should we be?�
�It isn�t much anyway.� Willow shrugged. �I cast the My-Will-Be-Done spell, I said �If Buffy loves Spike so much, why doesn�t she just go marry him?� Except it was more like, �Well fine. Why doesn�t she just go marry him?� And I was angry, but I�m so sorry, and then Spike and Buffy with the� kissing and then I broke the spell and gave everyone cookies.� Willow frowned guilty. �Maybe I made too many cookies. Maybe I didn�t make enough!�
�It�s okay, Willow.� Buffy said. �I�m not mad at you, I�m just a little scared, but I�m over it now. Maybe one day Riley will be on his knees with a big ole� honking diamond on a 24 karate gold ring and waay bigger than Spike�s puny� ok, not-so puny and rather beautiful ring. But Riley is my Prince Charming. I just know he�s the man I�m going to marry and give James brothers and sisters with. Not some arrogant, immature, rude, obnoxious little bleached vampire trying to relive the eighties.�
�I don�t like Riley.� James said matter-of-factly. �He�s like a huge ugly giant. And he�s got dumb hair. He scares me.�
Buffy sighed and shook her head, wrapping another tiny finger in a band-aid. �Spike brain-washed you, huh? Riley isn�t mean, and he only seems big because you�re so tiny.� She poked James� nose with a small smile. �Riley�s nice, and you�ll get used to him someday. Of course, I don�t ever expect you to call him �dad�, but you should at least get along with him.�
James didn�t relent the natural pout and worried look in his eyes. �He hurt daddy.�
�He didn�t mean to.� Buffy said, pulling the wrapper off of another band-aid. �He just didn�t know Spike isn�t evil. I don�t know what Riley would do if he found out Spike was a vampire.�
�He did it on purpose.� James pouted stubbornly. �He�s a big fat meanie.�
�Maybe now isn�t the best time to be planning your family tree.� Giles suggested. �Young James still seems to be having some difficultly understanding why his parents aren�t together, and a divorce is hard enough on a young child.�
�But we�re not divorced.� Buffy objected. �We never even went out.�
�Try explaining all of this to Jamie.� Willow said, petting the child�s head, and he leaned into the touch affectionately.
�I just� I want Jamie to have a normal life, I guess.� Buffy sighed.
�Well that�s never gonna happen!� Willow cried. �Jamie is Spike�s son. Vampire-Slayer child. Not even the hope of Riley being his step-dad is gonna make all of this normal. A-and, no matter what, there are gonna be demons everywhere, with Spike or without Spike. Someday Jamie is still gonna be captured and held hostage by some powerful demon and by-golly, I�d rather that both of you and Spike go and help then risking your neck. You should at least make up with him.�
�Jamie�s gonna be kidnapped?� Buffy paled.
�Well, n-no.� Willow frowned. �That was just an example. But should that ever happen, two is safer than one. No offense, but Spike can get a fat head and then you�re both in a bad mood, and bad mood Buffy is kind of scary.�
�I believe I agree with Willow on this.� Giles confirmed. �Of course, sometimes it can be the other way around. Perhaps it�d be best if you two worked out your differences if only well enough to join forces and compromise.�
�You want me to be friends with Spike?� Buffy blinked in disbelief. �Didn�t we all agree just a few weeks ago that Spike was bad, evil and should be killed?�
�Hey!� Willow cried, hugging Jamie. �Little kids, right here! Right here in this room with big ears listening to every word you say!�
�I-I think Willow�s right.� Tara added softly. �M-my parents fought once when I was little, a-and I still remember it. I-I wanted them to stop, b-but I don�t think they heard me.� Willow put on a sympathy face and touched Tara�s hand, too, and Tara gave a sad smile, appreciating the affectionate touch.
�I get it. I�ll play nice.� Buffy sighed. �Let�s clear the slate.� She ruffled James� hair fondly, but just as she warmed to the idea again, James broke free of Willow and Buffy and bolted to the door as fast as his little legs could carry him. �What�s-�
Buffy was cut off as Spike tore into the Magick Box, quickly shutting the door behind him, leaning against it exhaustedly, peering behind him nervously as if expecting something.
�Whoa.� Willow blinked, impressed at Spike�s speed and the fact that he was out of breath, though he didn�t have any to begin with.
�Spike.� Buffy greeted, trying to remember her new resolve.
�Daddy!� James proclaimed happily, clinging to Spike�s legs.
�Not now, pet, Daddy�s tired.� Spike said, petting James� hair, then slowly regaining himself. �Huhlo Slayer.�
�What�s going on?� Buffy raised an eyebrow, half wondering why Spike had just bolted into the Magick Box like he was calling sanctuary.
Spike ignored her, having to get James to let go of his legs, then walked into the Magick Box fully.
�I suspect you�re not here to purchase anything.� Giles said disappointedly.
�What�s wrong, Spike?� Tara frowned, knowing well enough.
�Had to run back here.� Spike said by way of explaining. �Managed to kill all of the buggery Hujik Chyn, though. Nasty blokes.�
�Don�t you have a motorcycle?� Willow recalled.
�Yeah, but whoever I stole it from must�ve stolen it back while I had me back turned.� Spike said. �The sissy.�
�Yeah, but� why run?� Buffy knit her brow.
�Got shot.� Spike muttered. �Red, do you have that spell up?�
�Umm� not exactly.� Willow admitted sheepishly. �I�m still trying to get past the undead barrier; if I reverse the spell then only undead can enter and humans can�t, and I don�t think you want that.�
�Then put up a bloody force shield.� Spike growled. �No one gets in, not the Slayer, not even little Tara.�
Buffy stared at Spike in disbelief. �You�re putting up a force field to keep me away from Jamie? How old are you?�
�You, Slayer, are the least of my worries.� Spike growled.
�What, then?� Buffy folded her arms. �Some cult members who refused to die give you a hard time? Are you going to admit you need my help?�
Spike rolled his eyes. �That�d make your sodding day, wouldn�t it, Slayer? Fine.� He pulled off his coat angrily. �Not cultists. The sodding army boys shot me in the bleeding shoulder, okay? Christ.�
�Blinkie.� James scurried to Willow.
�Stop being a baby and let me see.� Buffy touched Spike�s shoulder, trying to peer through the hole in his shirt at the bullet and a bit of lost blood.
�Ow! Cor, Slayer!� Spike growled.
�Shut up, Spike.� Buffy pulled down his shirt instead to get a better look. �Ouch. Actually, that looks kinda deep. Giles, don�t you have any anesthetics?�
�Uh, well, perhaps some alcohol would do the trick.� Giles decided.
�What�s this, sympathy from the Slayer?� Spike held his shoulder sorely, not trusting Buffy with her not-so-gentle fingers.
�How does that surprise you, Spike? After all, I can�t have you poisoning my son�s mind, and since you are his father, I�ll just have to put up with you. Plus it can�t feel good having a bullet lodged in your shoulder, and we can�t just let it sit there. Now take off your shirt.�
�Now, Slayer.� Spike shot James a scandalous look, then pulled off his shirt, wincing at his shoulder motion.
�Hold still, now.� Buffy held his arm still to get a better look at the odd red colouring of the hole. She couldn�t tell if that was the head of the bullet, blood, or even muscle. With an already stressed vampire under her hands, she delicately extended her small pointer finger, brushing over the skin, then giving an graceful poke.
Spike snarled and spun, snatching Buffy�s wrist and meeting her sudden panicked eyes for a split second before he pulled away in pain, touching his forehead with his palm at the sudden intense shock sent to his brain for pinching her.
�Sorry!� Buffy winced. �Giles, that alcohol would be great about now, and something to get the bullet out.�
�There is a scalpel about somewhere.� Giles considered.
�That�ll work.� Buffy agreed. �You okay, Spike?�
�There�s a munchkin clinging to me leg.� Spike said, looking down at where James hugged inseparably.
�Oh. Right.� Buffy crouched down, petting James� hair as he turned blue eyes on her. �Jamie? Sweetie. Can we borrow Spike for a minute?�
�No!� James clung tighter to Spike�s leg. �Blinkie.�
�Oh, bugger.� Spike eyed Giles fishing a scalpel out of one of his drawers.
�What�s a blinkie?� Willow frowned.
�A blanket?� Buffy guessed with a shrug.
�Actually, the alleged bullet in Spike�s shoulder seems to be emitting some sort of� blinking light. As James seems to have chosen the best word for it.� Giles said. �Which, of course, leads me to believe that this may not be a bullet at all. Perhaps some kind of dart.�
�An electronic dart?� Willow frowned. �What could an electric dart possibly ��
�Oh.� Tara gasped. �I-it�s a tr-tracer, isn�t it?�
�Sodding hell!� Spike cursed.
�Calm down you sissy.� Buffy rolled her eyes. �It�s no different than a bullet. We�ll just pull it out. Easy-peasy.�
�No, way different.� Spike growled. �I�ve got to get out of this place. My son is not going to live out his life with a sodding chip in his head. Or worse. And now I�ve led those fucking poncers straight to him.�
�Calm down, Spike.� Willow said quickly. �I-I know you. You probably gave those army guys a run for their money, huh? We�ve got some time. Uh, Tara and I will take James somewhere. Maybe a movie. Or an ice cream.�
�Please, actually, uh, Willow, do stay here.� Giles requested. �I believe that a bit of magick may have to be involved. And if not in the spell sense, then at least to keep these two from killing each other. As annoying as Spike can be, a lack of a father may be a bit emotional for James.�
�Thanks a bunch, Rup.� Spike muttered. �Come �ere, runt.� He pried James off his leg, picking him up and trying not to wince at his bad arm. �Now Jamie boy, you have to go hang out with little Tara for a bit. You gonna be good?�
�I don�t wanna!� James cried. �I wanna stay with you.�
�I say you have to go.� Spike growled. �I don�t expect you to understand, but you do as I say and I won�t be gone long.�
James sniffed, crying hard and unable to understand why Spike had to go away again, as Spike had anticipated. In James� mind he knew that if Spike stayed away too long he wasn�t going to come back, though that seemed distant. He only knew something was really wrong.
�Come on, brat. If you don�t stop crying I�m gonna have to leave for real. Do you want that?�
James sniffed and whimpered. �No.�
�No.� Spike agreed. �Don�t worry, luv. There�ll be plenty of time for you to cling to my leg later.�
James looked extremely hurt with his pursed lips and watery blue-green eyes, but Super Jamie knew that Super Spike had something important to do that didn�t involve him, and that Spike thought he was too little for. Super Jamie could only comply, but make sure Super Spike knew he was miserable about it. He kissed Spike�s cheek, then clung to his shoulders as hard as his little hand could grip Spike�s arms, which was pretty strong for a little kid. Of course, he was Super Jamie. �I love you, Daddy. I don�t want you to go.� He complained.
Spike visibly stiffened, then squeezed James a little more tightly, rubbing his shoulders. �Come on, munchem.� He said, getting less agitated and more coaxing. �Later you can bug me all you like. Even jump on the bed.�
�Really?� James perked.
�Uh-huh. Now, uh, Tara, take this little demon before he sticks to me.� Spike grunted, and Tara nervously came to try and pry the clinging child from Spike�s arms. �Love ya, Little Bad.� He pet James� blonde hair, then kissed him away, and Tara kept petting to soothe him as he seemed to start crying when Spike stopped.
�Bye,� James muttered softly looking just as sad as he clung to Tara�s shoulders.
�Tara, uh, try taking James just for an ice cream.� Willow suggested. �Give us a few hours, and if necessary, take him to Buffy�s house to watch TV. And, uh, I think a nap is in the good future. Just � go � now, before we end up here forever.�
Tara nodded, then took James out of the shop, hurrying a little at the risk of Initiative soldiers nearby.
�You are the cutest thing.� Buffy shook her head, catching Spike discreetly wiping tears and casually tried to look like he was smoothing back his hair.
�Hey,� Spike defended. �Didn�t want the little guy to see non-edible blood. �Specially not me wounded. At least not till he�s eleven. Don�t wanna freak him out, do we?�
Buffy shook her head. �Okay, Daddy, let�s get that lead out of your system.�