Sticks and Stones

[undercoverlover]

This story is set towards the end of series seven with spike living in buffy's basement.


Anon Vamp: Come on Slayer, you can do better than that.
Buffy: Yeah well let's call this my off day.
Buffy throws a few punches at the cocky vampire, newly raised from Sunnydale's vast cemetery. He kicks her and she falls backwards over a headstone.
Anon Vamp: Wow, when he comes into form he is really gonna kick your ass. I mean I thought you were gonna be a challenge for him but you're no match for even me!
Buffy pulled herself up in fighting stance.
Buffy: What are you talking about? God, you newbies are always so cocky thinkin' you're the new big bad. But ya' know what Sparky"¦
She pulled a stake from her coat.
Buffy: You're really not!
Buffy moved to stab him but the vamp grabbed the stake and held it an inch from his heart.
Anon Vamp: You think you know, you think that because you're the slayer you can do anything. Well you can't and you know you can't. Really you've known it all along.
He knocks away the stake and stalks towards her.
Anon Vamp: When he comes he is gonna rock your world. He will blow you away like dust.
Buffy walks backwards and ends backed up against a mausoleum.
Buffy: Who are you talking about, when is he coming?
Anon Vamp: He's already here, but he's not ready. Yet.
Buffy suddenly regains her confidence and gains the upper hand.
Buffy: Yeah well tell your boss that when he's ready he's to beep me because I am one busy slayer, OK?
She knocks him hard and he falls on his back. Just as he goes to get up she pushes her foot on his stomach with her wooden heel on his heart. She crouches down with her heel still on him and holds his head so he looks at her.
Buffy: Well I can't stay around here all night kicking your ass, I have other evil minions to kill, so if you'll excuse me"¦
She thrusts her heel into his heart and the monster screeched as it turned into a pile of dust.



Summer's House-Headquarters The gang are all there except for Anya at the magic box

Xander: So when do we think it'll be safe to go back to work again. I mean I know there's like an Apocalypse coming and everything but I swear if I don't show up for work again this week Mr Hick is gonna fire me.
Giles: I really don't think Mr. Hick is that worried about you not coming into work considering you have no work to go to.
Xander: What do you mean, of course I have work to go to, I have to be at the Crawler Street site. You know the new block of apartment buildings?
Giles: Does anyone bother with buying newspapers or is it just me?
Giles throws Xander a copy of the Sunnydale Weekly. On the front cover there's a picture of Xander's site totally demolished.
Xander: Oh. Well now see here people this is what you get when Xander Harris doesn't show up for work for just a week; total chaos.
Dawn: Yeah because you would have stopped it how exactly?
Xander: I don't know but it says here that the scaffolding wasn't fixed right and that would never have happened on my shift.
Giles: Well actually you're probably right because it wasn't faulty scaffolding at all, my friend down at the news office told me that a weird looking biker gang ripped the place up. Our demon friends seem to be back.
Dawn: Hey sucks to be Mr. Hicks huh.

Willow enters

Willow: Hello my apocalyptic companions, how's it going?
Dawn: Wow you're chipper this morning? This wouldn't have anything to do with a two-hour late night phone call to one Kennedy SIT would it?
Willow: We need thicker walls in this house.

Buffy enters

Buffy: Hey guys.
All: Hey Buffy.
Xander: I'm sure Kennedy will be back in no time; she has to pick up one SIT and then she'll be back tomorrow.
Willow: Yeah I know but it seems like forever.
Xander: Aww, someone's at the butterfly stage.
Willow: I know it's great isn't it.
Xander: I wouldn't know I can't remember.
Dawn: How should I know, the first guy I ever kissed was a vampire and I had to stake him myself.

Buffy walks over reaching over Dawn's shoulder to grab a handful of chips
Buffy: Wow, kissing a vampire then having to kill him. Wow what's that like?
They laugh half-heartedly at Buffy's joke.
Buffy: Hey anyone know where Spike is?
Xander: Yeah he's out back laughing and playing in the sunshine working on his tan.
(silence)
Xander: He's in the basement.
Buffy leaves with a glass of blood.
Xander: I am so misunderstood. I just don't get it; he uses her, she uses him, he hurts her, she hurts him and then he hurts her some more. I don't get it.
Dawn: You always hurt the ones you love.
Everyone turns to look at Dawn.
Dawn: Oops.

In the basement
Buffy: I brought you some O negative.
Spike: Thanks I'm not hungry.
Buffy: Hungry? Shouldn't it be thirsty, I mean you're not gonna eat it are you but I suppose"¦
Spike: Love, I don't want it.
(silence)
Spike: But since you ask the craving for blood is called a thirst but it's our life force and we need it so it makes us hungry.
Buffy: Oh. Ok I will just leave you alone because you are clearly not in the mood for company and so I will go.
Spike: (sighs) It's not you love, I was just thinking and I got myself all wound and"¦ It's not you. Please stay; I am hungry really.
He takes the glass.
Buffy: I actually would like to stay but watching a human drink blood kind of gives me the wiggins.
Spike: What did you call me?
Buffy: I called you a vampire.
Spike: No you didn't princess you called me a human. I heard you.
Buffy: I so did not.
(silence)
Buffy: Did I really?
(more silence both not knowing what to say)
Buffy walks away

Kitchen

Xander: Love? What are you talking about, Buffy doesn't"¦
Dawn's head falls
Dawn: Am I the only one who notices anything around here? If she didn't feel something for him she wouldn't keep taking him back. I've seen the way they look at each other, the way they talk. She can talk to Spike like she can't talk to us.
Willow: Really? You think its love. Maybe she just feels sorry for him.
Giles: I have to say it's strange the way she acts around him.
Buffy: Is that how you think I've been acting. Strangely?
Xander: Buffy come on we're worried about you.
Buffy: Why? Because I can't handle it, is it because he is a vampire, hello you almost married an ex-demon who by the way is back in the category of things I am chosen to kill.
Xander: No Buffy you are a vampire slayer. Emphasis on the word Vampire. He has done things and here you are taking him glasses of blood. What is this, we don't want you to get hurt and you know that eventually he will hurt you Buff'.
Buffy: Here's a newsflash, whatever Spike and me are, it's none of your business. Just like it was none of your business when I was with Angel. You really helped me out there by judging me and having no understanding or trust. Kick his ass yeah thanks a lot.
Willow: Kick his ass, Xander did you say that?
Buffy: No you did, it was a great piece of advice thanks Wil'.
Willow: I never said that, do you even remember what happened on the day he opened Acathla?
Buffy: Yeah I was on my way to the mansion and Xander found me and told me good luck and that your message to me was kick his ass.
Willow: Xander how could you not tell her?
Xander: I panicked I didn't know if she would kill him or not so I made sure that she would.
Buffy: You son of a bitch I can't believe you.
Xander: I am not a vampire cheerleader Buffy ok, I'm not on their side and funnily enough I don't think they're on ours. Angelus killed people, he deserved to die. So does Spike.
Buffy: Giles killed someone does he deserve to die?
The group stares at Giles in disbelief.
Giles: Buffy!
Buffy: Yeah you remember Ben, he was innocent , Glory did the killing and Giles killed Ben. So Xander shall we string Giles up?
Xander: You know what Buffy, think what you want but you and I both know that if I had've told you about Willow doing the spell you wouldn't have done it.
Buffy: But I did didn't I Xander without your help. I killed him and I knew.
Xander: Shows how much you really cared about him then doesn't it?
Buffy: I think it shows exactly how much I loved him. I had to because I knew I couldn't let him live. And I knew if I didn't maybe he would do it himself.


Xander: You know what Buff' I wish he had've done it himself it would have saved you a lot of time and effort.
Buffy: You *******!
Buffy punches Xander really hard in the face, not complete slayer strength but she gave it to him hard.
Buffy: How dare you say that to me I loved him, I do love him and I always will. You know what could've saved me a lot of time and effort, saving your ass all the time, always in my way.
Xander stood up regaining himself and looking Buffy right in the eyes.
Xander: Well maybe you shouldn't have bothered. I didn't ask for all of this. You had to be so righteous all the time, you couldn't quit and let Kendra deal with it, Chosen one my left big toe! She could do it better than you and you knew it but you had to be the centre of the universe as per usual Buffy just had to save the day. Again. If I'm in your way so much I'll leave.
Xander walked out the door, everyone stood in stunned silence.
Anya: Well you handled that really well didn't you Buffy. Simple critiscism and you couldn't handle that. Oh my God do you even know what Xander has done for you, what he would do?
Buffy: I know exactly what he would do he would get in my way and get killed, that's just one more thing i could do without.
Anya: You don't even know, how easily he would give up his life for you do you? I may have hurt Xander and lost a fiance but you have just hurt someone who would give up his life for you, who has been there for you no matter what. You won't get that back.
Anya grabbed her coat and went after Xander.

 

[Angelic]

Wow sad.🙁
But I think you are a talented writer!

 

[undercoverlover]

Spike had left Buffy's house through the basement door and returned to his crypt

Clem: I don't see what's so special about this slayer Spike, I just don't I mean any offence to you but she's got hardly any skin on her at all. She's all-tight but with you I guess that's the appeal huh.
Spike: Appeal, yeah she does rather appeal to me. It's just that she's different.
Clem: She looks like anyone else, nothing special.
(Spike pins Clem against the wall)
Spike: You watch your mouth or we'll find out if your skin can stretch as far around your neck as I think it can.
Clem: I'm just saying man what's the big deal, why do you like her so much?
Spike: I don't know really, she's like an addiction. I've just gotta have her.
(spike has a flashback of the rape scene)
Spike: She's like the air you know, it's weird, i used to hate her maybe i still would if it weren't for this chip but things are the way they are.

Buffy shows up at the door

Buffy: And maybe they wouldn't.
Clem: I have to go and be somewhere that is not here right now so i will see you two young things, well i will see you later buffy. see you around spike.
Spike: Yeah thanks Clem

Buffy: Is that how you feel?
Spike: Yes, but why ask questions you already know the answer to.
Buffy: I don't know it's just everytime you say it i find it harder to believe.
Spike: Why, you know I mean it.
Buffy: It's just i find it hard to think anyone could love me like that after everything with Angel, you know.
Spike: Actually pet i don't, yes Angel loved you, maybe it was because he had a soul maybe it wasn't we'll never know but you know that I loved with and without a soul. You can't not believe that.
Buffy: You hurt me so much.
Spike: I know and you hurt me you called me a monster and I wasn't. Not at the time.
Buffy: Sticks and stones..
Spike: ...Can break my bones but you leaving me nearly killed me.
Buffy: Ditto
Spike: I miss you
Buffy: Me too. Not just you know the stuff but I miss talking to you. You were the only one I could talk to about anything, you're the only one that understands.
Spike: I know. You were the only one who was going through the same as me you know. You'd died, I've died. You didn't know exactly what you were and neither did I. We were different...but we were the same. Are the same.
Buffy: Spike you know that's not true. You're a vampire and I'm not. I know what happened between us but it shouldn't have and I'm sorry I pulled you along.
Spike: No bother pet, I enjoyed the ride but Buffy, a part of me is human. People including you say you shouldn't love me. Xander loves Anya still and she's a demon. Funny how no one bats an eyelid.
Buffy turns slowly to walk away.
Buffy: I can't play games anymore.
Spike closes his eyes, he can't bear to watch her leave again. Buffy stared at the door.
Buffy: I know what I want, I'm gonna die in a few days so I am gonna take it. I'm tired of wasted chances and missed opportunities. I don't love you Spike I care a great deal for you and it hurts me to see you hurt. People are together all the time for reasons other than love so why can't we. The slayer's supposed to be alone right. Well I'm tired of being alone. I'm tired of fighting and being the one. It's too lonely.
Buffy turns to face Spike.
Spike: You're right you know, it is lonely; I've seen you deal with it. We might die so can't we just be together.
Buffy walks up to Spike and kisses him passionately.

Camera pans outside to show Xander leaned up crying outside the crypt listening to the end of Buffy's speech. Camera moves into the bushes to see Anya watching Xander crying.
Back at the Summer's house
Willow: They've been gone a long time I hope they're ok and Xander didn't do anything stupid.
Giles: Why would you assume it would be Xander to do something stupid. (a slight pause and then"¦) Oh yes that would fit wouldn't it.
Willow: You know we've all done things we're not proud of but I think Spike's really changed I mean he loved her before he had a soul. Anyway what's a soul these days.
Giles: Admittedly he did love her before but still. I think of Buffy as a daughter and I just would've liked someone better for her.
Willow: Someone who would die for her"¦
Giles Yes well you know what I mean.
Willow: well actually I don't because she will probably die soon and Spike loves her I don't see why they should make the most of the time they have together. I do think Xander should stay out of it, I mean yeah sometimes Buffy does things I'm not ok with but at the end of the day it's her choice and Xander doesn't exactly have the best judgement.
Giles: I see your point.
(silence)
Willow: Did you really kill Ben?

Double Post (next time use the edit button!):

Cut to Xander's apartment.
Xander walks in to find Anya sitting on the couch dressed smartly with bags packed, puffy eyed where she'd been crying.
Xander: Anya.
Anya: I'm leaving.
Xander: What?
Anya: Didn't you hear me I'm leaving (shouts)
Xander: Why? I don't understand.
Anya: What a shock. I collected the last of my things that were here and now I'm leaving.
Xander: Why? Where will you go?
Anya: I'm staying with Halfrek for a while and I'm leaving because I want to. I hate this place. Sunnydale. Ha yeah right this is the most depressing place in the world save a few demon dimensions where you never feel happiness but sometimes this place beats them all.
Xander: What is An' I know something's wrong tell me what.
Anya: As per usual it's you Xander, well actually this time it's her. I mean a girl just can't compete. She's pretty, strong, living dead pratically and a crush for like ever.
Xander: Buffy.
Anya: Well done Mr. Harris Katy show him what he's won.
Xander: An' I don't love Buffy. I swear I don't.
Anya: Where have you been Xander?
Xander: Huh?
Anya: Why are your eyes puffy Xander?
Xander: I don"¦
Anya: I know where you were you were outside Spike's crypt and you were blubbing like a baby because your precious slayer doesn't love you. Because she doesn't need you anymore. She has a real man now.
Xander stood up straight and looked her in the eye.
Xander: Why are your eyes puffy Anya?
Anya: Because I was crying.
Xander: Why Anya?
Anya: I don't know.
Xander: I do, it's because the man that used to love you, note the past tense, loves someone else.
Anya: Stop.
Xander: The man that air quote loved you couldn't stand you anymore, he couldn't bare to be with you.
Anya: Please.
Xander: Marry you. What a joke that would've been. I don't love you. And I never did.
Anya: Please Xander stop
Xander: Why, you didn't, when are we going to tell them Xander, oh when Xander please Xander if I don't nag you to within an inch of your sanity I might die. (shouts at her right up close to her face) Please do. (Whispers) I was ashamed of you.
Anya: Why are you doing this to me?
Xander: Because I hate you. You filthy demon.
Anya bursts into full on tears.
The door bursts open and Xander walks in.
Real Xander: Anya, it's the first.
The demon changes into Buffy
Buffy: Come on Xander.
Xander backs away
Buffy: What's the matter Xander don't (morphs into Spike) you love me.
Xander: Get out of here. Anya!
Anya:Xander Spike: Oh Anya! Oh Xander! You two are so predictable. And so wrong for each other. See ya later girls. (Disappears in a grey mist).
Xander and Anya hold each other while she still cries.
Camera pans showing a old warehouse showing a pair of hands inside dragging an unconscious Buffy bound and gagged across the floor and propped up against a wall.

Buffy VO: Now that's better.

Summer's home:

Willow in the kitchen: Hey Dawn how was your day?
Dawn: It was good, or not so much. I got detention from Mr. Bell, He's such an as...
Willow looks at her
Dawn: ...aspiring man who reaches his goals and compells others to do the same.
Willow and Dawn laugh together as Buffy stumbles through the door with Spike.

Buffy (laughing with Spike): Hi you guys.
Willow: Hi Buffy and Spike, together laughing and hugging and what the hell is going on.
Spike: We have some news to tell you.
Buffy: Yes we do and I would really rather tell them when they're all together.
Spike: You're right love we'll just have to wait.

Xander and Anya come through the door and into the kitchen.

Buffy: Hey you two, great everyone's here, oh except for Giles.
Spike: yeah but can you really wait for him, I can't keep it in anymore.
Buffy: Ok then, guys we have some news to tell you...
Xander: Oh yeah, you think you've got news, how about the first tried to impersonate me and was at my apartment being an ass to Anya. How's that for news.
Buffy: Oh my God, are you alright?
Anya: I'm fine, it was just so... you know?
Buffy sits Anya down
Buffy: what happened exactly?
Anya: Well I was really upset and so I packed up the last of my things that were still at Xander's and I was waiting for him to come home and he came through the door, well i thought it wqas him and he started saying really awful things about me and the wedding. It really hurt. And then the real Xander walks through the door.
Xander: It was the first I know it.
Dawn: How can it be, the First can only be dead people.
Anya: I'm thinking that I don't care what it is but I want it dead, just, I want it dead. Wow that's really weird, my own vengeance feels really strange. And it's so frustrating because I can't act my own wish.
Xander: I'll make a wish, that that thing was dead and it died some horrible death thing and it hurt really bad.

Everyone stares at him.

Xander: What I don't like demony things that impersonate me and hurt people I l...
Anya looks up at him with teary eyes.
Xander: People I know.