School Hard

"A lot of educators tell students, 'Think of your principal as your pal'," said Snyder. He glared at the two girls sitting in front of his desk. "I say, 'Think of me as your judge, jury, and executioner.' Tell me, who do you think is the most troublesome student in this school?"

Buffy sat silently beside another girl in the principal's office. She tried to look contrite but it didn't look like Snyder was buying it.

"It's a very narrow gap between the two of you. On the one hand, Buffy hasn't stabbed a horticulture teacher with a trowel."

The dark-haired girl snorted. "I didn't stab anyone with a trowel. They were pruning shears."

Snyder ignored her. "On the other hand, Sheila has never burned down a school building."

Buffy thought about suggesting it was mice, then thought it'd be best not to mention that possibility.

"Thursday is Parent/Teacher night. I've decided to put the two of you in charge of the event. Today is Monday. You have three days to prepare. Do well, and you will incur my good will. And may effect what I will tell your parents when I meet them. Screw up and you're expelled. Are we clear?"

Buffy nodded eagerly. "I'm clear." She looked at the other girl. "Don't you feel clear. We're very clear."

Snyder glared at both of them. "Are you still here?"

Buffy practically leapt from her seat, wanting to be gone before Snyder inflicted even more horrors on her.

Willow and Cordelia were waiting in the quad for Buffy. Actually, Willow was waiting; Cordelia was keeping her company. The red-head waved, spotting the blond girl.

Buffy collapsed onto the bench beside them, looking dejected. Willow commiserated with the miserable slayer after she'd explained what Snyder had said.

"He's got you guys making party favors, huh?"

Buffy sighed, nodding. "His two worst students." She looked up as the brunette, Sheila, who'd been with her in the office passed by. "That's what mom sees when she looks at me. A Sheila."

She glared at the girl. "I'm the slayer which requires a certain amount of cutting and fighting. What's Sheila's excuse?"

Cordelia looked up from examining her nails. "Homework. She won't do it. Most teachers respect that now. Oh, you might want to keep away any sharp implements when your working with her."

Buffy groaned. "Do you think any other Slayers ever had to go to high school?"

Willow glanced at Cordelia then back to Buffy. The brunette girl sighed, rolling her eyes. "Look, we'll help you. And as long as nothing bad happens, you're all good." She turned to the red-head looking for praise for her effort.

"Are you crazy," Buffy screeched. "What did you say that for? Now something bad is gonna happen!"

"Please. Nothing's going to happen," snapped Cordelia.

"Not until some dummy says, 'as long as nothing bad happens'," said Willow, then choked as Cordelia shot her a nasty look.

"Whatever. Since my talents aren't appreciated, I'm sure the two of you can work this out on your own," she said, standing. She glared once more then walked away.

Willow patted Buffy's arm one more time, before hurrying after Cordelia.

Buffy stood slowly, muttering to herself. "Maybe this time it'll be different.

Late at night the streets were practically empty. Which was a good thing as a classic 1958 Dodge Desoto Fireflite barreled down the town's main drag. The car wove back and forth wildly until it slammed into a sign saying, Welcome to Sunnydale. The engine shuddered to a halt as a howl tore through the night air.

Spike moaned as his adopted childe lifted his head from Spike's lap. Xander glanced up licking his lips, purring at the taste of his sire. Spike ran his fingers through the thick brown locks before tugging his childe's head up.

Xander allowed himself to be dragged away from his treat. Spike leaned forward devouring the swollen mouth in front of him. He only stopped when Drusilla yanked on his hair. He growled softly at his sire, then tucked himself back in. He glanced around, eyeing the quiet streets.

"Home, sweet home," he muttered, starting up the engine again. He backed over the sign, then paused.

Xander pointed to the left, towards the school. Drusilla pointed to the right, toward the Bronze. Neither said a word.

Spike turned the car to the left, peeling off into the night.

Following Xander's unvoiced directions, it didn't take the trio long to find the Anointed One's lair.

Spike leaned in the doorway listening as two younger vampires argued about the slayer. He snorted as the brunette one claimed to have been at the crucifixion. He stepped into the light. "You were there?" he smirked. "Oh, please! If every vampire who said he was at the crucifixion was actually there, it would have been like Woodstock."

The blonde vampire watched the younger one. He could tell he was enraged enough to attack. Spike decided to provide him with an opportunity. He was bored. It'd also make for one less idiot minion to deal with. "I was actually at Woodstock. That was a weird gig," he said, turning away to examine the lair. "I fed off a flowerperson, and I spent the next six hours watchin' my hand move."

The dark-haired vampire rushed him, almost before he'd turned his back. Spike swung almost too fast for the others to see. The brunette was dust before anyone realized Spike had ripped his head off. He grinned at the remaining nest. "So, who do you kill for fun around here?"

Collin watched the older vampire warily. He might just be able to get rid of the slayer. "Who are you?"

"Spike," he said, quietly. "You're that Anointed kid. Right? Heard tell about you. You got slayer problems. Know what works? Killing them."

Collin looked from his guardian to the blonde vampire. "Can you?"

He shrugged. "A lot faster than Nancy-boy could've. I've done a couple of slayers. I don't like to brag," he muttered, modestly, before grinning. "Who am I kidding? I love to brag. The first one was during the Boxer Rebellion, and she..."

He paused, sensing someone behind him. He swung around, fangs flashing then slid out of game-face as he caught sight of his lover. Drusilla drifting along behind him.

"Xander," he murmured, hurrying to him. "You shouldn't be walking around. You're not well." Spike pulled the fledging into his arms. Xander glanced around from the safety of his arms.

"Look at all the people. Are they nice people?"

Spike shrugged. "We're getting along."

Xander locked eyes with Collin. "He has power. We could feel it from the car. Is why we came in."

Spike eyed his lover, then Collin. "Yeah, he's the big noise in these parts."

Xander tilted his head, eyes moving over the boy. "Do you like twinkies? Hmm? I liked them. They were full of good, sticky sweetness. Don't like them anymore. People have all the sticky sweetness. They're twinkies, now." He shivered, snuggling into Spike. "Spike? I'm cold."

The blonde vampire pulled back, taking his duster and wrapping it around the younger immortal's shoulders. "I've got you."

Xander cuddled back into Spike's arms. "I'm a prince," he said, quietly. Spike stroked his cheek, gently; he moved into the caress.

"That's what you are, my princeling."

Drusilla stomped her foot, "No! I'm daddy's princess."

The couple ignored her. Xander leaned forward, nipping at Spike's jaw, drawing blood. Slowly he licked up the drops of blood. As one they turned to Collin. "Me, and Xander; we're moving in. Oh, and Dru."

She pouted at her childe's indifference, as Xander pulled away from Spike to wander around the lair.

"I'll do your slayer. And as long as you realize who's got the biggest wrinklies we'll be fine," he purred. Collin nodded.

Suddenly Xander, and Drusilla gasped in pain, both vampires grabbing their skulls. Xander whimpered loudly. Spike rushed to his side, as Drusilla began to wail, "I can't see her..."

Spike oblivious to his sire's ranting, focused on soothing his childe's pain. Xander hissed, cringing from the vision. "Spike," wailed, the young immortal. The older vampire hugged him close.

"What is it, little one?"

Xander lifted teary eyes to Spike's. "Slayer's strong. Grandfather's caught in her heart."

Spike snarled. It sounded like Angelus was in love with the slayer. "He's helping her?"

Xander nodded. "They're dating. They were mean to me," he pouted. "Kill the nasty slayer for me?"

Spike stroked him, nuzzling at his throat. "It's done, baby."

Xander stared up at him, eyes wide. "Kill her for your prince?"

He grinned wickedly. "I'll chop her to messes."

Xander's eyes lit up. "You are my sweet...my guardian angel."

After settling him, Spike turned back to the Anointed. "How 'bout this slayer? Is she tough?"

After two days of rest, and adjusting to their new home Spike was restless. He wanted to see the town his pet had grown up in. Catching a glimpse of the slayer he planned to kill would be useful as well. With that in mind he took his childe with him for a tour of Sunnydale. They finished up at the Bronze.

Xander leaned into Spike as they watched the dance floor below them. "So, this is where your from, little one." He smiled shyly, nodding at his sire. "Do you know who's sitting with the slayer?" He turned to look.

"Little willow tree," he said quietly, frowning. "Nasty tongued little harpy."

"Do they have names, pet?"

"Willow and Cordelia," he said, cocking his head to the side before giggling. "Nasty thoughts to go with her nasty tongue. Shouldn't think such things," he growled.

Spike glanced down at the trio. The red-head seemed to be helping the blonde study. The brunette looked put out. He watched as she stood abruptly. Tuning out the club's various noises, he focused on the group.

"Look," said Cordelia. "I didn't come here to sit in a dark corner. I came to be seen."

"I thought you came to dance," said Buffy, smirking.

"That is just the means," she said, moving away from the table.

Buffy groaned, dropping her head onto her French book. "It's Wednesday, Will. I'm not going to bring my grade up by tomorrow. I might as well enjoy this last night of freedom."

Willow poked her until she sat up. "None of that missy. We are going to have you speaking French before the night's through," she said, firmly.

Spike turned to Xander, only to find him gone. He cursed seeing him wandering toward the girls. Shoving teenagers out of the way he hurried to him. He grabbed the younger immortal, pulling him away before he could be spotted. Xander whined, looking up at him with sad, dark eyes. "I want to see the willow tree."

He sighed. "Not now, pet. Maybe next time. For now I want you to go back to the lair." He turned him towards the door. "I'll bring you back something yummy. After I've checked this slayer out."

Xander swayed absentmindedly, as Spike tugged him outside.

"Right back to the lair, pet."

Nodding, the younger vampire drifted off. Spike watched him until he'd disappeared into the darkness.

Spike lingered by the door for a bit, before going back into the club. The brunette girl was on the dance floor, her body swaying to Nickel's "Stupid Thing." Her gaze would dance over to the group's table, every few minutes.

She looks good, he thought; eyes turning to the remaining girls. The red-head watched Cordelia with barely disguised longing. Naughty thoughts indeed, pet.

Spotting a vamp at the bar, Spike stalked over to it. "Go get something to eat," he ordered. He waited, giving the vampire time to catch a bite.

After a minute he moved closer to the group's table, speaking loudly enough to be over heard by the slayer. "Where's the phone? I need to call the police. There's some guy out there trying to bite somebody."

Buffy shot out of her chair, rushing from the club. Willow waved to Cordelia, then hurried after her. The brunette groaned but left the dance floor to follow the others. Spike trailed behind, taking up a place in the shadows to watch the slayer work.

Buffy had spotted the vampire as soon as she'd exited the club. She marched forward yanking him away from his victim. The girl dropped down to the ground, clutching at her throat. He roared, spinning to face his attacker. "Slayer," hissed the demon.

"Slayee," quipped Buffy, then launched a roundhouse kick to his head. He flinched but straightened quickly. He swung at her; she side-stepped his blows with ease. She went on the offensive, landing several punishing blows before he caught her arms. Using them as leverage, he swung her around, tossing her into the air.

Buffy bit back a curse as she slammed into the wall, bouncing back to her feet almost instantly.

Willow darted around the battling duo, hurrying to the weeping girl's side. She tugged her up, encouraging the girl to get away. The slayer kept herself between the vampire and the girls. She glanced away from the vampire she was currently beating to a pulp. "A stake would be nice," she called.

Cordelia rolled her eyes but went back inside for the stake. She looked through the slayer's purse, dropping items on the table as she searched. Eyeing the eyeshadow she pulled out with distaste. "How tacky," she said, discarding it. Finding the stake, she hurried back outside.

Distracted by Cordelia's reappearance, Buffy missed the coming blow. Hard enough to knock her to the ground, momentarily stunned she lay there. Taking advantage of the situation the vampire, bent to grab. "I don't need to wait for St. Vigius. You're mine," he hissed.

"Already taken," she snapped, kicking him in the face. He staggered back as she leapt to her feet.

"Buffy," called Cordelia, tossing her the stake.

"Spike," yelled the vampire as she stalked forward. Too late. As Buffy snatched the stake from the air, and in on swift move plunged it into his chest.

Spike watched all of this with a thoughtful look on his face. She's good, he thought. I'm better.

He straightened from where he'd been lounging against the wall. Clapping, he stepped out of the shadows.

Buffy looked around warily, eyes narrowing as she spotted him. Cordelia and Willow turned to where she was looking. Cordelia's eyes widened.

"Nice work, luv." He said, looking from the ashes to the slayer.

"Who are you," she asked, glaring at him.

"You'll find out on Saturday," he said, stepping back into the shadows.

"What happens Saturday?"

"I kill you," he murmured, disappearing into the night.

Buffy shuddered, then turned to the others.

"Giles?"

They nodded.

Spike watched them leave, grinning smugly. Let the girl go to her watcher. She'd learn about him quick enough. He moved to leave, stopping as he saw a brunette girl stumbling drunkenly down the alley. His pet could use a bite. Plus, he was a bit peckish himself. Moving swiftly, he drained the two boys following the girl before she'd gotten more than a few feet ahead of them.

Sheila slowed to a halt. She spun around again, yelping at the man who'd come out of nowhere. "Who are you?"

Spike leered at her, "Who do you want me to be?"

She blushed staring at the guy. He was hot. Bleached blonde hair, and eyes like gem-stones. "Did you see..."

"Those two losers?"

"Yeah."

"They got sleepy."

"Huh?"

"And you got something a whole lot better," he purred, rubbing against her as he slid by her. He glanced back at her grinning and walked away.

"Hey, wait up! What's your name?" she called, hurrying to catch up with him.

The girls made it back to the school just in time to catch Giles before he'd left for the night.

Giles watched his pacing slayer, as the others studied in grim silence. "He can't be any worse than any other creature you've faced."

"He's worse."

Cordelia shrieked in outrage. The vampire's silent appearance and subsequent announcement startling her. She glared down at the red streak of nail polish on her sleeve then up at the vampire. Who was blessedly unaware of her anger.

"Once he starts something, he doesn't stop until everything in his path is dead."

Jenny looked from the tense vampire to the watcher. "Not your average minion."

Buffy angled her way to Angel's side. "We were at the Bronze earlier. Thought you said you might show."

Angel looked puzzled. "You said you weren't sure if you were going."

Buffy tried not to pout. "I was being cool. Two hundred years, and you don't know what a girl means when she's says maybe?"

Cordelia snorted. "Way to stay focused on the vamp that's going to slaughter you Saturday night."

"Yes, we do have slightly more urgent matters to discuss," said Giles. Cordelia looked smug. "Angel, do you know if this Spike fellow goes under any other name?"

When no answer came, everyone turned to look at Angel, only to find him gone.

Xander lay watching Drusilla and Ms. Edith arguing. His maker and her dolly had apparently had a falling out. He wondered idly, why the stars had become so quiet. Maybe they were as wary about returning home as he. He'd have to ask Spike; he'd know.

As if thoughts of his lover had conjured him, the blonde vampire walked through the door. He tossed a struggling bundle to the floor, crossing over to where Xander lay on the bed.

"Brought something sweet for you, little one."

Xander rolled over on his back, offering his throat to the older vampire in an instinctive move, that was also a plea. "Not hungry. I don't like it here. The dark is waiting. " He peered up at him through dark lashes. He scooted closer as Spike reached out stroking his brow.

"I miss Prague," blurted Drusilla.

The blonde vampire rolled his eyes. "You nearly died in Prague. We're here because here is where Angelus is," he dropped onto the bed beside his lover. "And Angelus is going to make you well." He nuzzled into the bared throat--lean hands roaming the body beneath him. Xander purred, pushing into the touches.

"Chant. Chant. Chant," mumbled Xander. "Like naughty cheer-leaders." He looked over his lover's shoulder as the sound of struggling caught his attention. The bound girl had managed to turn over, nearly working her gag loose.

Drusilla hummed softly to the sounds of the vampires doing the ritual in the rooms above. "They are preparing."

"St. Vigius, Saturday. Should be a party."

Drusilla gazed up at the ceiling. "You should go up with them and cleanse."

"Why?"

Xander sat up, the blonde rolling off of him. "Whose this?" he said crawling from the bed. She stared around with wide, freaked eyes. Xander gave a little grin. "I know you. Sheila, right?"

Sheila relaxed minutely. Something about him soothed her. In fact, he looked familiar too. Maybe the guys were having a little joke at her expense, she thought. Xander. Xander Harris. That was his name.

Drusilla's eyes wavered between the ceiling and her creation. "The boy doesn't trust you."

He shrugged, "Could care less, luv."

Xander drifted closer to the girl. He reached out, brushing the hair from her face. "Shh," he whispered, pulling her into his arms. Xander's quiet admonishment caught the older vampire's attention. He turned to him, grinning as he saw him cradling the girl. This was the first time in nearly a week Xander had gone after food himself.

Sheila sighed, slumping into the slightly chill embrace. The soft, gentle touches calming her. Xander burying his face against her throat startled her but didn't really worry her. She was up for a little fun and games. It'd teach those guys to try something like this on her. She jumped at the sharp pain at her throat, when it kept hurting she started to struggle. Panicking when she realized it was futile. Her screams rang through the room.

Spike laughed, realizing his pet hadn't pulled her under. Usually a vampire's bite was pleasurable, only minions and renevants caused pain with a bite; and a Master's bite was ecstasy. Which was why most victims didn't fight. Xander gazed at him from where he crouched with the girl. He tore his mouth away from the pulsing throat, and held the girl out. "Sire," he called.

Spike stood. "Got an idea, Dru baby. Why don't you go make nice with the natives, while Xander and I have a little teacher/student time."

Drusilla hissed loudly. She glared at them, snatching Ms. Edith before disappearing up the stairs.

Thursday dawned uneventfully, despite the previous night's scare. Buffy spent the day more worried about the Parent/Teacher conference than the blonde from the night before.

The Scoobies gathered in the library to help Buffy, each in their own unique way.

"It's been awfully quiet," said Jenny as leafed through the book on the counter.

"This is a good," said Buffy. She glared down at the vegetable tray, she'd just finished preparing. She hoped the parents weren't to hungry. Something was missing. What was missing? Banner's, check. Food, check.

Giles wandered out of his office. "That's because for three nights the unholy ones scourge themselves into a fury, culminating in a savage attack on the night of St. Vigius."

"Couldn't they just play Twister," said Willow, carefully placing the crossbow on the table.

Cordelia snorted, tossing the stake she'd been sharpening onto the table. "Not everyone's idea of fun is as wild as your's Willow. And how long do we have to do this? My fingers are cramping."

"Longer than three minutes, Cordelia."

Cordelia grimaced at the pile of wood. "She doesn't need that many stakes. I mean if this Spike guy is as dangerous as he looked. It should be over pretty quickly." Buffy scowled at her. "Still rooting for you on Saturday. I'd be there for you myself, if I didn't have a leg wax."

"Okay. Parents start arriving in an hour. The lounge is all comfy, everything's ready. What am I forgetting?"

"Punch," offered Willow.

Buffy looked around the library. She was right. "Punch. Hold down the fort, guys. I'm punch bound.'

Cordelia pushed away from the table. "As fun as this has been, time to go. Parent's to pacify soon."

The two students walked away, leaving Ms. Calendar and Giles to finish preparing for Saturday.

Xander danced silently around the room. Eyes closed, listening to the voices inside. They told him bad things about Sunnydale. He didn't want to be here. But Spike was insistent. They wouldn't be leaving until he was healed. He stilled, darting a look at his maker.

She was pouting in a corner. She hadn't appreciated being ignored the night before. Or the entire day. He stiffled a giggle.

He prowled over to her. Staring down at her for a long moment, before crawling into her lap. She growled softly, but allowed the contact. He knows she doesn't like him. He didn't turn out liked she'd planned. Plus, Spike had been treating her differently ever since they'd decided to leave New Orleans. His sire knew something. He was certain if he looked hard enough he could see what the stars had told him. It wasn't worth the effort though. Spike would do what was best for them.

"Mommy," purred Xander, burrowing into the still chest.

Drusilla perked up slightly. This was her childe, even if Spike tried to take him away. She brushed the dark curls from his face. So, like her own. She just knew Angelus would love him. If only Spike would play fair, she thought.

Spike stood at the door, entranced by the sight before him. His dark-haired sire, and childe curled around each other. It was beautiful.

Xander glanced up, catching sight of his lover. He wiggled out of Drusilla's embrace, gliding over to Spike's side. He buried his head into the curve of his neck. "Mommy and me need alone time, my blue-eyed angel."

Spike considered objecting. However, Drusilla had been peckish of late. He didn't want her acting out. Not until he was ready. "Sure, luv." He said, dropping a kiss onto the upturned face. "I'll just go grab something to eat."

Xander smiled and drifted back to his maker. She brightened and opened her arms for him. The look she gave Spike one of triumph. The blonde snorted but refrained from speaking. Xander was his, no matter who'd done the actual siring.

"Later, pets." He called, heading out to look for a little fun.

Buffy waited anxiously behind the snack table as the parents began to arrive. She hoped feverently that nothing would go wrong. She offered a bright grin to several of the parents and began doling out punch.

Willow wandered over. "What kinda punch did you make?"

"Lemonade," she said handing the red-head a cup. "I made it fresh and everything."

"Uh? How much sugar did you use?" she asked lifting the cup. "I don't like it too sweet." She took a sip.

"Sugar?"

Willow grimaced as the liquid rolled over her tongue. She coughed, then set the cup down. "It's uh good."

"Hey, no one said it had to be good. Now, all I have to do is keep Snyder away from Mom..."

"Hi, Mrs. Summers," said Willow, brightly. Buffy turned to see her mother heading their way.

"Hi, Willow. Hi, honey. Did you do all this?"

"Yeah! Try the lemonade," she said, offering her mother a cup. She looked up to see Snyder heading toward them. "Just as soon as Willow shows you the library," she said, putting it down.

Willow slid her arms around Joyce's shoulders, maneuvering her away from the table. "Actually, I'm sure you'd like French class better. Big study group, studying in the library now. They can get kinda nasty if you disturb them."

Buffy gave a huge sigh of relief when she noticed it was 8:45. She also offered up a blessing for Willow, who'd managed to keep her mother occupied all night. Fifteen minutes to go and she'd be home free.

"Are you even doing anything," asked Cordelia, stalking into the lounge. "We're locked up in that library working on your weapons. Slaves at least get to eat."

She paused staring at Buffy. Buffy glared back. "What?"

"You're starting to look a little slagged. What, are you just skipping the foundation entirely now?"

"Three lives, Cordelia. And right now they're all trying to collide. It's like oil and water, not mixing."

"Yeah, and I can see the oil," muttered, Cordelia. "Hey, is that your mom? Now, she knows how to moisturize. Did it like skip a generation?"

"I've seen every classroom, and not a single teacher," said Joyce, moving to stand by her daughter. "We've managed to just miss them every time." Willow grinned smugly behind her, giving Buffy a thumbs up.

Before Buffy could answer, Principal Snyder had descended on them. "Mrs. Summers. Principal Snyder. I'm afraid we need to talk. My office is this way."

Buffy watched in dismay as they walked away. Willow looked pained for her friend. Cordelia smirked.

"When they're done talking..."

"What?

"My guess? Tenth high school reunion, you'll still be grounded." Buffy glared, then whimpered.

When he mother returned from Snyder's office, it was all the slayer could do not to scream in frustration.

Seeing the look on Mrs. Summers face, Willow decided it was time for her and Cordelia to make a strategic retreat. Pulling the taller girl behind her, she headed towards the library.

Spike lounged against the cavern wall. Bored. Allowing his lover and sire time to themselves, left him with nothing to do. The 'annoying' one's minions were too pathetic to provide much entertainment and he didn't feel like hunting. Well, not hunting just anyone. The slayer was his target. Suddenly the vampire didn't feel like waiting until Saturday. He'd do her tonight, and get rid of the threat to his lover now.

Giles snapped the book he'd been reading shut. "I've found him." Jenny looked up from the computer screen.

"Him who?"

"Our new friend Spike or 'William the bloody'. He earned the name Spike by torturing his victims with rail road spikes. Lovely. Though the good news is he's not even as old as Angel. Barely two hundred. Oh, dear."

Willow and Cordelia paused in the doorway. "Oh, no. That can't be good," muttered the red head. "He's in 'oh, dear' mode."

Giles glanced from the teenagers to Jenny, who'd moved to his side. "Spike's fought and killed two slayers in the last century."

"We should warn Buffy," said Willow, tugging an exasperated Cordelia back the way they'd come.

Joyce stormed past several parents to where Buffy stood cringing behind the snack table.

"Car. Now," snapped the irate woman.

With a whimper Buffy turned to follow the rigidly retreating back. Willow spotted them just as they were leaving the lounge. She'd started to call out when the lights went out.

"What in the world," began Joyce, her question drowned out by the sound of shattering glass. Screams echoed from the lounge.

Buffy spun around, heading back to the room. Willow and Cordelia meeting her halfway. Before they reached them, the doors were flung open as panicking parents tumbled out into the halls. The girls jumped back to avoid being trampled. When the door cleared, Buffy made her way inside and froze.

The blonde from the night before was standing in a corner of the lounge, surrounded by vampires.

He grinned at her. "What can I say? I couldn't wait.' Spike lunged at her. Snatching up a nearby chair, she flung it at him and ran.

She wasn't ready for this fight. Not now. She didn't stop to see whether the chair had slowed him down. She raced into the hallway. A roar echoed from behind her. "Nobody gets out! Especially the girl!"

"Willow. Cordy. He's here," she yelled, slowing only long enough to grab her mother's hand. She headed for the nearest exit, stifling a curse as she spotted more vampires. She turned around, dragging her mother along. "Willow."

"Buffy, what is going on," cried Joyce, tugging at her hand. Buffy ignored her. "Willow," she called again. The red-head and the cheer-leader appeared at the other end of the hall. "Can we get out that way?"

Willow shook her head. "All of the exits are blocked," she yelled. Cordelia shifted nervously beside her. Not quite ready to panic yet, but on the verge.

Buffy paused, trying to remember the most defensible classroom. The science room with it's steel door would be good. "This way," she called, herding her mother forward. The girls collected the surviving parents, and all the stragglers. With Buffy in the lead, they headed down the hall almost to the room when the library doors flew open.

Cautioning Jenny, Giles found two torches. He handed one to her, moving to the doors. He could hear yelling. "Stay here."

Jenny rolled her eyes, following right behind him.

"What in the--" he muttered, spotting Buffy and a group of parents barreling toward them. Buffy didn't stop.

"Spike and an army," she snapped. "Look out!"

Giles spun in time to avoid the vampire that had snuck up behind him. He jumped back, shoving Jenny back, as he slammed the doors shut. Buffy rushed forward, launching herself at the vamp. "Everybody into the science room. The group of parents stampeded into the room like a herd of frightened deer.

"Buffy," screamed Willow as more vampires appeared, cutting the two girls off from the slayer. Buffy staked the vamp she'd been fighting, turning to help her friends. Paling as the number of vampires registered. There were at least ten between them.

Willow grabbed Cordelia's hand. "Help the others. We'll be fine!" With Cordelia following, she took off down the hall. Reluctantly Buffy entered the science room and bolted the door shut.

Familiarity with the school gave Cordelia and Willow the advantage. And they stayed just one step ahead of the vampires. Darting ahead Cordelia spotted a familiar door. "Here," she called, racing past another hallway without pause. She screamed as arms locked around her.

Willow searched frantically for a weapon. Her eyes locked on the football teams trophy case. Snatching one up she launched herself at the vampire.

"Hey," she yelled. It looked up, and she slammed the trophy into it's face. It roared letting go of the brunette, to grab at it's shattered nose. Scrambling at her pocket, Cordy pulled out a pencil and shoved it in the vampire. As the dust settled, the two darted in the closet, yanking the door shut.

Buffy examined the barricade the parents had erected. It would hold for awhile.

Giles gave the temporary barricade a look of disgust. It wasn't much but it should hold. Hopefully, long enough for Buffy to do her thing.

Spike waited impatiently in the lounge for one of the minions to return. He ignored the feeding vampires, as he studied the man he'd caught. "Nice of you to provide us with a buffet," he smirked, looking up as one of the Anointed's vampires returned.

"We cut the power. Nobody got out."

Spike quirked a brow. "And the slayer?"

The minion shrugged. "She's either that way," he said pointing to the left. "Or that way." He pointed to the hall Cordelia and Willow had escaped down.

"You don't know?" Spike glowered but refrained from staking the idiot creature. Instead, he lifted the human he'd been studying. "I'm a veal kind of guy. You're to old to eat." A sharp crack signaled the man's end. "But not to kill." He dropped the body. "I feel better now. Time to go slayer hunting."

Giles hung up the phone. Jenny glanced away from the doors. "Dead?" He nodded, deep in thought.

"If I remember correctly, there's a boarded up cellar behind the stacks. You can get out that way. Find Angel. He knows this Spike."

She shook her head vehemently. "I'm not leaving you here. NO."

"Jenny," he said softly, holding her hands between his. "It's for the best. Without Angel..." She sighed, squeezing his hand, before letting go. She pulled away, glaring at him.

"You get killed, I'm going to be pissed," she muttered, then vanished into the stacks.

Buffy resisted the urge to knock Synder out, barely. The whining little toad, was working her last nerve. "Listen, closely. Nobody goes out. Nobody gets in, until I say so. Do you hear me?" she growled.

"Who do you think you are?" Synder tried to look imposing, puffing out his chest, but it only made him look ridiculous.

"The one who's going to stop them," said Buffy, already turning away. Through arguing she scanned the room for a way out. The ceiling looked like her best bet. Grabbing a stool she set it on a lab table, then clambered onto it. She paused feeling a hand on her leg.

"Buffy, please. You can't go out there. I know you've gotten into fights, but these guys are serious."

Buffy patted her mom's hand. "I know. It's why I'm going up, not out," she said, pulling herself into the drop ceiling. "Don't worry..."

The blonde vampire stalked the halls, like the predator he was. His voice purred out into the hallways, as he taunted the slayer. Kicking in doors as he searched.

"Slayer! Here, kitty. Kitty. I find one of your friends first, I'm gonna suck 'em dry. Use their bones to bash in your pretty blond head."

The vampire smirked, he could smell fear. And it smelled like the little red-head and her brunette. Maybe he wouldn't just kill them. Xander would love a prezzie.

Cordelia jumped as she heard the sound of another door being kicked in. Willow hovered behind her. She could feel the other girl pressed against her back, and a familiar strawberry scent filled her nose. The brunette closed her eyes, and prayed for strength. She wouldn't let anyone hurt Willow. She opened her eyes, and squeezed the broom she held tighter.

She could hear the vampire as he paced right outside the door, and Willow started praying. Except she couldn't get past--'Oh, God! Oh, God!'

Spike leered at thought of what his pet would do to such lovely things. "Or maybe..." he continued, "We'll have a little fun first. I always was partial to brunettes."

Cordelia let lose an involuntary screech, that was quickly muffled by Willow's hand clamping over her mouth.

Spike snorted. Like he hadn't heard them instantly. He leaned back, lifting a booted foot and paused as a minion grabbed his arm.

"Master Spike listen...."

Spike stilled, tuning out the girls' heavy breathing and heart beats. He smiled. Clever girl. She was above him. "Someone's in the ceiling," he sing-songed.

Taking a deep breath, Giles finished stocking Willow's bookbag with weapons. Muttering he began unbarricading the door. He spun around at the loud crash behind him, swinging the axe he held up, ready to strike. Dropping it when he recognized his slayer. "Buffy, your all right."

She nodded, gathering weapons.

"The others?" he asked.

"My mother, the tyrant and most of the parents are locked in the science room across the hall. Willow and Cordy ran the other way. I don't know if they're...." She stopped, looking away.

"Where's Jenny?"

Seeing how distressed she was Giles didn't push.

"She went out through the stacks. She's getting Angel."

Buffy nodded, grimly.

"Good. I'm going to take out those vamps closest. I want you to get my mother out of here."

Giles shook his head. "No. I'll help you."

She paused in her weapon check. "Giles my mother is in that room. If I don't make it...I *know* you'll make sure she does."

Momentarily speechless, he could only nod. He watched her finish loading up, then helped her settle a stool under the hole in the ceiling. "Plan?" he asked, when he finally regained speech.

She grinned. "Set 'em up and knock 'em down."

Giles watched her dissappear back into the hole. "Be careful," he whispered, turning away.

Spike glared at the science room door. He knew the slayer's mum was behind it. He could smell her. He watched as the minion rammed the door for the third time, before giving up.

"The door's solid,"mumbled the vamp.

Spike rolled his eyes, and collared the vampire. "Use your head," he snarled and smashed the creature's head into the glass emergency case. He dropped the vampire and pulled out the ax, shoved it at the fallen minion and pointed him at the door. "Get her out."

Moving down the hall, he collared another minion, "You. Come with me." Snatching poles from a nearby utility closet, Spike tossed one at the minion, gesturing for him to head to the other end of the hall. Then he began to hunt.

Jenny walked warily beside Angel. She didn't trust the creature. "So, you know about this Spike guy. What's the plan?"

Angel glanced at the woman. He could smell her discomfort, her hatred. It would be a blessing if Spike actually did kill her. "Bait. Spike was always partial to a pretty brunette," he said, emotionlessly.

Jenny shuddered but allowed herself to be man-handled into the school.

Cordelia squirmed in Willow's hold, and couldn't help darting out her tongue. Willow gasped at the lick to her palm, and let go stepping back. Cordelia sighed but straightened up. "I think he's gone," she said, reaching for the door.

Willow looked at it suspiciously. "He could come back."

She snatched her hand back from the knob. "What should we do?"

The red-head shrugged. "I don't know."

Cordelia stepped closer, she could see the tremors running through the smaller girl. "Hey, we'll be fine. Buffy'll do her thing and it'll be cool. She wouldn't let anything hurt her mom or you." She awkwardly began patting her back.

Willow lifted worried green-eyes to the taller girl. "She wouldn't would she?"

Cordelia shook her head, the pats turning into strokes along the slender back. "Nah. If it was just me in here it'd be dinner time. But you..."

Indignant Willow moved closer. "Buffy wouldn't do that your her fri--"

Cordelia breathed in the scent of the girl who was practically chest to chest with her. "Friends," snorted, Cordy cutting her off. "No." She reached out a hand catching a strand of red-hair between her fingers. "Your friend. Buffy and I tolerate each other for your sake."

Willow's breathe caught as the brunette continued playing with her hair. "Why?" she whispered, unconsciously leaning in. The question asked nothing specific but everything important. Cordelia let the hand stroking the smaller girl close around her waist, and tugged her closer.

"I don't know about Buffy, but me...."

Whatever else she would have said was cut off as her mouth descended on Willow's.

Elsewhere in the school the blond vampire still hunted. Spike tracked the sound's of movement, shoving the pole he held into the ceiling ahead of him.

Buffy groaned and backed up as the pole shot through the space in front of her. She moved quickly, and quietly, hoping the rats eww! would be enough to cover the sounds of her movement. Backtracking she made her way to the science room, and slowed at the sound of wood splintering. Knocking a small hole into the tile below her. Peering cautiously through, she spotted a vampire directly below her.

Climbing to her feet she straddled the rails, then dropped through the ceiling onto the vampire. Pinning him to the ground with her weight, and staking him quickly. Standing up she surveyed the battered door, satisfied it would hold until she was done she started to leave.

Joyce could just see her daughter through the splintered door. "Buffy are you okay?"

"I'm fine, mom. Just hold on a little longer and I'll have you guys out of here." Reluctantly turning away, she crept down the hall stake in hand. A shuffling sound, made her look over her shoulder. She gasped in relief. "Sheila, where have you been?"

Sheila offered a sheepish grin."Sorry. But there were these really weird guys outside."

Buffy nodded, moving forward again. "Shh! I know. They're trying to kill us."

Sheila smiled, picking up the ax, dropped by the dusted vampire. "This should be fun.

Buffy gestured for her to follow, and began to make her way back toward the blonde vampire. The dark-haired girl grinned. She didn't understand how this ditz had her sire so worried. She was too stupid to even realize she had a vampire at her back. Sheila purred in anticipation. She'd kill this girl and her sire would be so pleased.

Fuming silently, Spike glared at the ceiling. The girl was gone. Somehow she'd managed to slip by him, or more likely the idiot minion at the other end. With a sigh he tossed the pole aside, and froze as a familiar scent hit him.

He looked up just as Angelus entered the hall, clutching a brunette. Here was his sire at last. All souled up and helping the slayer according to Xander.

"Angelus!" he cried out, faking cheer. It was a shame, his sire had been amazing in his day.

"Spike," called Angel, dragging Jenny closer.

Spike's gaze narrowed briefly. What was Angelus up too? Surely, he wsn't planning to use the brunette as bait. Did he think Spike an idiot minion?

"I'll be damned," he said, moving to hug the older vampire. He was willing to wait and see how this scene played out before calling his sire on his bluff. Spike let Angelus ramble on, studying the demon before him. He could smell the stench of the soul. It's existence a work of foul magic. Nothing like his beautiful pet.

Xander's soul was lovingly intwined with his demon. This was a caged monstrosity. Spike glanced down at the woman his sire was offering him. It was clearly a trap. But for who? He had a feeling the woman was as much bait as a nussiance Angelus would gladly be rid of. He could smell the stench of hate and fear coming off her and it wasn't for him.

Buffy crept up on another minion, almost ready to strike. Sheila seeing her chance vamped out, the excitement too much for her as she raised the ax.

Giles peering through the library's shattered windows, searching for his slayer's whereabouts, saw her and the vamp. "Buffy behind you!"

Buffy spun around, catching the ax. She snatched it from the female vamp, and swung beheading her. Another swing and the vamp behind her was dusted. Buffy coughed, waving away the dust. "C'mon," she called, yanking open the wrecked door. "Head to the library. There's an exit hidden in the back." She turned to go. "Giles, get them out," she yelled over her shoulder.

Tiring of his game quickly, Spike decided to call Angelus on his bluff. "Why're you scared of this slayer?"

Angel stilled. Spike snickered to himself. His sire had never liked being called a coward. Even if it was just implied.

"This tortured thing is just an act right? You're not...housebroken?"

Angel growled at the insult, and insolence in Spike's tone. Jenny shifted in his grip. Spike met his sire's displeased gaze head on. He was his own master now. He no longer answered to Angelus. Or what was left of the great Angelus.

Angel looked away when it became obvious Spike wasn't going to submit. "She killed the Master. You think you can take her alone. Be my guest. I'll just eat and run," he snapped, bending to Jenny's neck.

"Don't be silly," siad the blonde, moving closer. "A drink between Masters to show we're all friends. Together."

Both heads bent to drink, as Angelus moved closer Spike attacked. "You think you can fool me?! You were my sire! You were my Yoda!"

Angel growled tossing Jenny aside. "Things change."

Spike glanced from his sire to the cowering woman on the floor. "Not us. Not demons," he snarled, grabbing the pole he'd dropped. "C'mon people not a spectator sport," he barked at the watching vampires. The blonde launched himself at Angel.

Seeing her chance, Jenyy scuttled to the door, narrowly avoiding the other vampires. Sensing the slayer, Spike drew back from the fight. Allowing the others to chase down Angel and the fleeing woman.

"Fe, fi, fo fum," purred the vampire. "I smell the blood of a nice ripe girl." He whirled around to face the slayer.

Buffy stood waiting for him, swinging the ax she held. "Do we really need weapons for this?"

Spike looked at the pole he held, then the girl. "I just like them. They make me feel all many." Shrugging he tossed the pole aside, and stalked forward. She dropped the ax; moving to circle him.

"The last slayer I killed...begged for her life." He eyed her. "You don't strike me as the begging kind."

Buffy shook her head. "You shouldn't have come here."

Spike sighed. "I do a lot of stuff I shouldn't. This though, I'll make quick. It won't hurt a bit."

Buffy's eyes narrowed. "No, Spike. It's going to hurt a lot."

Buffy launched herself into a spin kick. The vampire blocked it, tossing her into the wall. She bounced back to her feet, blows flowing like lighting. Except they never landed. Spike always one move ahead. Buffly leapt bach as he went on the offensive. Dodging blows until one caught her across the chest, slamming her into the wall again. Spike lunged forward and she dropped to her knees. Spike's fist punched through the wall where her head had been. Slipping behind him, she lashed out with her foot. The kick catching him in the head.

"Now, that hurt!" he roared, pulling his arm from the dry-wall; ripping out a stud along with it. He swung the beam, smashing it into the slayer's face. Buffy grunted, the blow knocking her to her knees.

"But not as much as this will," he muttered, standing over her. He lifted the stud, and roared in pain as something cracked across the back of his head. He dropped to the floor, clutching his skull as he looked up at his attacker. Stunned to see the slayer's mum looming over him with an ax, rearing back to swing again.

Spike staggered to his feet, keeping one eye on the slayer and one on her mother.

"You get the hell away from my daughter," cried Joyce.

Spike hissed, moving to attack when Buffy gained her feet. With a snarl, Spike spun and leapt out a broken window.

Looking pale, Joyce dropped the ax. "Nobody lays a hand on my little girl."

Buffy grined, wrapping her arms around her mother.

Giles hugged Jenny closer as the police escorted the survivors form the building. "Another wonderful, fun-filled evening," she murmured against his chest. He pulled back. "I will understand if you decide to start avoiding me."

She snorted, slipping an arm through his. "Wouldn't think of it. Though, Angel....not to fond of."

Synder glanced from the leaving squad cars to the Police Chief. "So, Bob. Everything cleared up?" The man nodded. "I need to say something to the media though."

Synder looked unconcerned. "So?"

"So? You want the standard story? Gang-related? PcP?

Synder rolled his eyes. "As opposed to what? The truth?"

"Right," said the Police Chief. "Gangs. PCP."

Buffy walked beside her mother to the car. "Cool. How long til this bit of good will wears off and you start ragging on me again?"

Joyce stopped, hand on the the door handle. "At least a week and a half." Buffy bounced. "Very cool!" She climbed into the passenger seat as her mother started the car. "Hey, did you see Willow? Cordy?"

A dark-head of mussed hair peeked around the corner of the closet door. Cordelia sighed in relief when nothing attacked. She glanced over her shoulder. "I think we're safe," she said stepping out of the closet.

Willow as red as her hair followed. "So, Buffy won." She said, tugging at her clothes.

Cordelia grinned watching the girl try to unrumple herself. "You think she'd have the decency to alert others."

Willow looked up, then away. "So. Umm...what does this...umm...."

Cordelia placed a hand over the babbling mouth. "It means I won't be mean to you again. Well, unless it's that time of the month. In which case, I don't think you or anyone else can hold me responsible. Now, why don't I take you home? "

Spike stood just outside the sunlight flooding the center of the warehouse, watching it and pondering his failure the night before. He'd known the slayer had friends, but family involved? That was just unbelievable. It hadn't helped that the Anointed's minions were little better than cannon fodder. His pet had warned him though. He'd chalk this up to experience. Next time he'd be ready.

Xander slunk into the room, moving to his side. "Did she hurt you, my angel?"

Spike shook his head. "Nothing serious, little one. Took me by surprise is all."

Xander whined in distress. He didn't like the thought of anyone hurting his Spike. "Nasty thing. Should eat her all up."

Spike grinned, pulling him closer. "Yeah, pet. Next time."

Xander purred, snuggling closer. "You'll kill her, and I'll lick all the lovely red. Tongue bath for a dirty boy."

Spike nuzzled the pale throat, then bit deep. Xander moaned and writhed against him. Not wanting to weaken his lover he only took a taste, then offered his own throat. "Go on, my pet. Drink."

Humming, Xander bit and nipped at the length of pale flesh offered to him, before finally sinking his fangs in. Spike moaned and reached out, dragging his lover closer until they were pressed chest to groin. Xander began to grind against his sire as he suckled.

Spike hissed in pleasure, thrusting against the body clinging to him, supporting them both as Xander drank and writhed against him. Dropping his head again, Spike tore into his lover's throat. And with a shudder he could feel, his pet came.

Xander drew back mouth wet and red, dropping to his knees. He slid his hand inside the tight jeans, palming the heavy length of his sire as he pulled him free. He purred and stared up at his sire from wide, brown eyes.

Spike growled at the debauched innocence at his feet. Mouth slick with blood, as he sucked him in. Hissing at the wet suction, Spike threw his head back as Xander worked him. Swallowing around the thick cock until Spike came with roar.

Spike purred, pulling his lover to his feet. "Just what the doctor ordered, luv." Xander giggled and tucked him back in, wrapping his arms around the blonde.

It was the soft growl and feel of his sire approaching that finally drew Spike from his rest in Xander's embrace. "What's wrong, Dru?"

"The Anointed One."

Spike sighed, then shrugged. "What's bothering the Annoying One?"

Xander laughed, then pouted. "He doesn't want to play." He turned his gaze to the other side of the room. "No fun."

Spike rolled his eyes. "Fine. I suppose I should make nice."

Drusilla nodded. Xander's nose wrinkled, then he grinned. "Sunbathe."

Spike's eyes glittered as he pulled Xander in for a rough kiss before releasing him. He made his way over to where Collin and his minion's watched on the far side of the warehouse. He knelt before the child, as Drusilla and Xander watched from the shadows. "I, uh... I offer penance," he muttered.

"Penance," roared Collin's bodyguard. "You should lay down your life. You've ruined the feast of Saint Vigeous and depleted our ranks."

Xander vanished back into the shifting shadows inside the cavernous room. He slunk along the edges of the room, skittering past the random rays of sunlight. Always just out of sight. Leaving Drusilla to watch the unfolding drama.

"I was rash. And if I could do it again," he stopped, laughing as he stood. "Who am I kidding? I'd do exactly the same thing, except I'd do this..."

Before the others could react Spike had lunged forward, and snatched Collin up into his arms. Collin struggled uselessly.

"First," he finished, carrying the child over to a cage hanging from the ceiling. Collin's bodyguard rushed forward. Or started to. Xander slipped a stake into his back before he'd even registered the threat. Smiling he staked the second guard before it could blink.

Spike tossed the kid into the cage. Xander dropped his stake, clapping his hands. "Do it, Spikey."

Spike pulled on the chain, starting it's rise toward the open ceiling as Collin struggled to escape it. "From now on Pet, I promise we're gonna have a little less ritual, and a little more fun around here," he said, giving the chain one final strong yank, lifting Collin into full sunlight.

"Yay," cried Xander, whirling around until he was dizzy and collapsed on the ground. Leaving the cage behind, Spike dropped to a crouch beside Xander.

"You like that, little one?"

Xander nodded. Spike gave him a soft grin, and picked him up, standing in one swift move. "Let's see what's on tv, pet." Xander snuggled closer, watching his maker over Spike's shoulder as they left the room.

fin

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