8472/A Night Stroll

A Night Stroll
Date of Scene:	23 July 2019
Location:	Brendan Cemetery, Sunnydale
Synopsis:	Buffy runs into Spike during a patrol and they reminisce about how they've both changed.
Cast of Characters:	Buffy Summers, Spike

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Buffy Summers has posed:
Somewhere on the outskirts of Gotham there was a creepy old cemetary, just crawling with vampires. So is it any surprise that Buffy can be found there, doing her usual patrols? But..Tonight something's a little off. She's exhausted, there's that. She'd been patrolling all night and is now covered in blood from fighting vampires all night, although none of them were ancient enough to possess the power of blood essence required for Wanda's spell.

Right now however, Buffy is experiencing anothing type of exhaustion - she leans against one of the tombstones, sinking to the ground as she tries to recuperate. It's been a busy few weeks and she needs to clear her mind. For just a moment, she closes her eyes, trying to calm her racing thoughts..

Spike has posed:
Spike came out here to figure things out. That was hours ago and he's been sitting by a tombstone watching everything, and looking around quietly. Looking over, Spike looks to Buffy with a sigh and stifles a yawn. He's been sitting here, dirty, looking tired and shaking his head again, Spike doesn't say a word yet. Rather he get s up and goes to Bufy silently, watching her.

"Buffy?" Spike asks, concern in his voice.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers blinks slowly, yawning and stretching, glancing up at him, a but surprised. "Hey...Spike. Oh. What are you doing out here?" she smirks, "Oh right, pretending to be a hero, fighting the good fight, blah blah.." she sighs, resting her head back against the tombstone. She hasn't slept in a long while.

Spike has posed:
Raising his hands Spike shakes his head. "Apparently getting into trouble. See, that's what I'm good at. I play the hero. I get into trouble" he admits. "so what're you up to?" he asks looking down to Buffy. Shaking his head he sigghs. "I worry about you. Talk to m,e, Buffy. What's going on?" Spike asks, being able to get his psychology skills working fine. Or at least, in theory, fine.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers chuckles a bit. "Hah, guess you never stopped having a sense of humour." she smirks, "Yeah, you're just a big trouble magnet, aren't you? Well, what's it look like I'm doing? I'm patrolling of course. At least I was, until I just realized one of the vamps I dusted was an old friend.." she sighs, "It's silly, but I guess it never gets old, having to kill your friends.."

Spike has posed:
Spike sighs. "That" he says, with a definitive tone to his voice. "Sucks. It sucks, as you Americans say. Though I hear you, Slayer. You had to slay your friends. Figures, you eventually had to slay somebody you cared about" Spike sighs looking worried. "Don't let it get you down though, you know?"

Spike's got a point to what he's saying. Keep your head up, keep on keeping on, et cetera. Still though Spike doesn't have a dig at Buffy this time. Instead, he looks genuinely....sad for a moment.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers arches a brow. "Don't let it get me down, huh? Easier said than done.." she shrugs and smiles, "I mean, it's okay, I had to 'kill' even Angel once. So I should be used to it. Life is fragile and temporary, everyone dies, and more often than not, I have to be the one to do the slaying. Comes with the territory I suppose.." she sighs, "Just, sometimes I wish I could take a break from killing things.."

Buffy can't help but notice the sadness reflecting in his own eyes however. "What's up with you? I've never seen you down like that before." Buffy smirks, "What, did I strike a nerve, or something?"

Spike has posed:
"Buffy, I've been where you are, had to kill friends, ya know? Just...It's....I know how you feel, how it eats away at you and hurts and you can't let it go" he sighs shaking his head. He ctually does. And it's something he's tried to forget, but right now he knows how Buffy feels. He just wishes he could help her in this, however that turns out.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers hmms, peering over at him curiously, shuffilng a little nearer. "Really. You mean...As a human, or a vampire?" she eyes him a bit doubtfully, shrugging, "I mean, as a vampire, you don't have a soul so how could you really CARE who you hurt or kill? It's not like you can feel real emotions, like compassion..Or love."

Spike has posed:
Spike tilts his head, "I had to kill my mother, Buffy" Spike says watching Buffy shuffle closer. Looking over Spike nods to Buffy. "Killing people is...." he sighs, "It's....difficult, honestly" Spike says gritting his teeth. He's determined to help the Slayer, tat's for sure.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers frowns, her curiosity further piqued. "You..Had to kill your mom? How come? What happened..C'mon Spike, tell me more about your past..About you. I wanna know more about you." she seems genuinely interested in him.

Spike has posed:
Spike sighs, "Okay, I got rejected by somebody I wanted, I ended up seduced by Drusilla, and turned. We revelled for days, but I went home, and" Spike says voiding Buffy's eyes. "I sired my mother. But I had to stake her because I couldn't bear what I'd done to her" Spike says quietly, almost, almost sounding ashamed of what he'd done decades ago. "That's the short version of how I ended up killing my mother, Buffy" Spike says then meets her gaze again. "It was a mercy killling, if you will. I made sure she didn't suffer any" Spike sighs looking like he almost.....almost regrets it. The devotion to his mother is written across his face as he speaks.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers narrows her eyes at him, looking umimpressed. "Seriously. That's pretty pathetic. Why'd you go and sire her in the first placE? That's just proof that you didn't love her, Spike. And you got seduced by Drusilla?" she laughs, shaking her head. "Really, I pity you. Your life is so..So shallow and full of illusions." the last part does cause her to falter a bit. "Wait..You did it so she wouldn't suffer? If that's the case, why turn her to begin with?" the look in his eyes as he recalls his mom does touch her a bit, but she's not show how to think about that. "I love my mom too. She's been sick lately.."

Spike has posed:
Spike looks to Buffy quietly. She has a point...and yet her words cut him deeply. "You think it's pathetic?" he asks, "If you had to stake your mother to end her suffering, would you?" Spike adds looking quietly to Buffy. "I...I....sired her so she could join in what I'd become. It..." he pauses and sighs, looking away from Buffy. "Didn't work" he mutters, avoiding her gaze.

Buffy's right, in a way Spike was pathetic. "I learned my leson, Buffy" Spike says with a firm conviction in his voice. He's saying it with his emotions on his sleeve. His heart, too come to think of it.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers folds her arms, shaking her head. "It's pathetic that you sired her in the first place. did you really think you were doing her any favors by turning her into a demon, like yourself?" she seems somehow annoyed, in fact. "don't you get it? You can't save someone by siring them. They may look human, but they're fully demon."

Spike has posed:
Spike narrows his eyes. "I sired her to give her a chance at an afterlife" he says firmly. "She was sick, Buffy. She was sick and dying. I did the right thing, I was trying to save her. I was trying to do the right thing" he says with anger in his eyes. "Tell me, if you were a vampire and your mother is dying. You'd do whatever it took to save her, right?" he asks. Looking her dead in the eyes, Spike's gaze softens watching Buffy quietly, almost silently. He thought he was doing the right thing Instead....nope

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers sighs, reaching out to gently touch his arm. "I get it, I really do..You loved her. You wanted her to live forever, like you believed yourself to be doing. But the reality is, when you become a vampire, you still die, your soul still leaves your body. You're nothing more than an empty shell, possessed by a demon. That and memories of who you once were. I guess it's easy to fall for that trap but..She wasn't really happy as a demon, was she? I mean, if I died..Would you do the same thing to me?"

Spike has posed:
Spike doesn't pull his arm away. "You told me you were sad over killing your friends" Spike says watching the Slayer. "If it was you I'd do what you wanted." he says softly, there's a gentleness to his voice.

"No she wasn't happy, but in the moment, I did what's right" he says with a look past Buffy again then back to her. "I did what I thought was right. I know now loking back it wasn't the right thing"

Spike's.....smartening up, amazingly.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers smiles slowly, but there is warmth in her eyes for Spike, for once. "Thank you. I'm glad to know you've got my back." she squeezes his arm gently, before letting go. "Life is a funny thing, it's really quite fragile you know. I once had a friend, Owen, he was dying of cancer. Thought if he got friendly with vamps, they would give him a second change at life." she smirks as she remembers how his story ended. "I guess you showed him otherwise. But then maybe it was a mercy killing. But you know what the right thing is now, right? I guess you're unique, you're not like most vampires. I still haven't figured it out entirely, because how could that chip alone give you compassion or the ability to love? But you are different, somehow.."

Spike has posed:
Spike's eyes light up at Buffy's words and her smile. "You're right. Life is a funny fragile thing. But" Spike says gently with that smile reaching his eyes. "I'm not a normal vampire. Whatever one of those is. I don't sleep in a coffin. You've seen where I sleep.

Well that sounded worse than Spike meantt it.Buffy has though seen Spike's couch and sub basement. She has, literally, seen where he sleeps. Spike just phrased it wrong as he looks like he's opened mouth, insert feet. Feet, ankles, and......everything.

Spike listens with a nod. "If I could sit down and say look, being a vampire's not all it's cracked up to be..." he smiles still, "Well, okay, I'll take that back. It's interesting, but I don't do capes or coffins, I'm a fan of garlic, I love me some garlic bread, and I got a car and a computer and I watch TV." he says happily. "Plus, I got friends, you guys. Scoobies. And of course" he says with a nod to Buffy. "You, the Slayer."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers chuckles, "Well, to be fair, you DID hang out in a crypt for a while. One with a big coffin, well more than one coffin. Honestly, I found it creepy every time I came over. I'm glad you decided to move into a REAL place, although it's still kind of funny and a little sad that you try to live as if you're just a normal human." yeah, she's seen where he sleeps now. It's a bit less spooky but a little odd. "Yeah, you watch those silly soaps and walk around in your underwear, as if you don't expect some cute girl to drop by at any moment." she chuckles.

Spike has posed:
Spike arches a brow at Buffy. "A cute girl who has seen me in my underwear, who tells me to put pants on huh?" he asks with a wry grin now. "Yep you're that cute girl, Buffy. Cute, dangerous and scary all at once, ya know that?" he nods with a laugh, his eyes light up when he laughs. "There's nothing wrong with those soaps, Buffy. C'mon. I don't complain to you about Passions do I? Well....not so much" he adds quickly.

"Okay how's it sad that I'm living like a normal person? I move up in the world from a crypt. Plus, I'm living with a bunch of college age friends, right? I may as well get in on the staying up late act and keep my phone on yes?"

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers chuckles, reaching out to playfully punch him in the chest. "Seriously, those soaps are terrible. I mean, you go around all badass, dressed like a punk rocker, but you watch these sappy shows about love triangles? It's like you're trying to be someone or something else. Like you got this soft, squishy center, even though you act all tough on the outside. I just can't seem to figure you out.."

As for that last part, Buffy just shrugs. "Well, that's good that you don't live in a spooky crypt anymore, I guess. Just..I wonder how much of the real you is in there? I wonder how hard it is for you to fight the demon in you, with nothing but a chip to guide you?" she sighs, "I guess sometimes I just think too much..About what you could have been like.."

Spike has posed:
Spike shakes his head. "Got me dead to rights" he says not even bothering to block her punch. If she wants to play around, oh, he'll play. "Love triangles. It's always a fun thing on TV, but you hear about people dying for it for real, yeah. No thanks" Spike shrugs not too bothered about the critique of those soaps. Truthfully, he's nitpicked them to death, too. But....he gives Buffy another eyebrow raise, his eyebrow trying to reach the stratosphere at her words. "You're comparing me to an Oreo cookie, and trying to figure me out? Then you're wondering how much of the real me is in here?" he asks, hand on his heart. "I wondr that, too Buffy. I wonder that too some days. I just go out there and fight because it's what makes me feel alive. But fighting you....no, no. I'd rather" he says, then pauses thinking how to word it.

"It's weird" he says. "I went from you hating me and wanting to stake my butt, to now, standing herte talking with you trying to figure me out, right, and I've watched you for so long, and I've not even got close to figuring you out, right" Spike admits looking serious. "I believe I can fight the demon, Buffy. All I need is a reason and motivation, and enough of a kick in the pants, really"

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers peers at him thoughtfully, taking another step closer to him to press a hand over his, the one clutching at where his heart would be. It's almost as if she were searching for his heart, but of course he has none. He's dead afterall. "It's funny, sometimes, just a little, it's as if you're more alive, more full of...I dunno, compassion, than a lot of fully living people. Just a little." she lets go quickly, not wanting this to get awkward or...Something. "Well, yannow, a lot of that had to do with the chip, but maybe you have some good in you afterall." she smiles, "And what is your motivation?"

Spike has posed:
Spike stills when she puts her hand over his hand, his other arm still...though he wants so badly to wrap it around Buffy and protect her. Instead he smiles, an actual smile. "No idea how that works but you're right, Buffy" Spike says gently. "I'm not like most vampires, am I?" he asks with a nod. Looking to her, Spike smiles more. "You're not like a bloodthirsty, angry Slayer. YOu actually don't stake first and ask questions later" Spike says.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers realizes what she's doing and pulls away fairly quickly. "Don?t be so sure about that, Spike.." there's a brief, conflicted look in her eye although she smirks and shrugs it off, "I'm still the Slayer and you're a vampire. You're just more useful to me alive than dead. For now." she shrugs, glancing skywards at slowly approaching stars. "Who knows about the future? One day when circumstances change we may become enemies again. This world can be a crazy place after all.."

Spike has posed:
"You're hurting and you don't understand" Spike says, his psychology clicking into gear. He nods, "There's nothing to be afraid of, Buffy. You don't understand this ut it's more. I'm more useful to you alive? I'm use to you in many ways, more than you want to admit" Spike nods, but he's got a gentle voice. "I'm more useful to you alive, and you know how but you won't tell me. Even if you deny it"

It's not like Spike's done the same thing himself, denying it. Instead, he's watching Buffy quietly then smiles.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers frowns, shaking her head, "It's crazy, why do I always get drawn towards folks with dark pasts, usually hundreds of years old..And the moment I let my guard down they crush my heart?" her tone is suddenly bitter, and she is clearly hurting from..Something. "That's why I'm not even gonna go there, it's not worth it. We're better off as allies, maybe even friends. And nothing more. Just don't push it, or I'lol show you what a true slayer attitude is like.."

Spike has posed:
Spike shakes his head watching Buffy with a concerned look in his eyes. "I hear you" spike says gently. "I hear you, and you'r hurting. I get it, okay. I get it Buffy" Spike says and watches her. "Wait a minute. Did you just say friends?" he asks with a nod. She's admitted they are friends. He knows they're allies, or at least in his head.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers shrugs, "Yeah, I guess that's what we are. Even friends can be annoying." she chuckles, reaching over to play punch him again, "Don't think too deeply about it. We're just two random people, drawn together by circumstance, forced t work together. Think too hard about it and you'll give yourself a major headache." she sighs, "Only...Sometimes I wish being just a girl, enjoying shopping and cheerleading, and pretty things. Maybe if I could be that person again, my love life wouldn't be so...So cursed.." she pushes off from the tombstone she was leaning against, and gives out a startled Yelp, stumbling towards Spike. Her upper right leg is bleeding from some sort of stab wound she had casually overlooked after the fight.

Spike has posed:
Spike moves quickly, stepping toward Buffy. Looking to her he smells blood. "You're bleeding" he says sounding worried. If he was most vampires, he'd be all over her wound. Instead he shakes his head and takes off his duster, digging through the pockets to see if he has a hankerchief or tissue or anything to help her out. "Yeah and you'd probably be dead if you were just a girl, Buffy. Let's be honest. I don't see you having a desire to spend hours shopping, really" Spike says, though his voice has concern for her.

Sliding his duster back on, Spike holds out his hand. "Press it against the wound, it'l quit bleeeding" Spike says, "I saw it on one of those PBS shows"

Spike...just admitted he watches PBS. Not cool, Billy Idol lookalike.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers frowns, "I'm okay, gimme a second.." still she flinches again, stumbling towards Spike, clutching his arm for support. She visibly winces But is grateful for the offered bandage, hastily wrapping it around her wound. "Come on, my apartment is not far from here.." she waves her hand in a general north direction.

Spike has posed:
Spike nods. "Alright" he says gently, watching her. "Let's get going. You need to rest up though, Buffy" Spike says softly, watching her as he's not averse to her clutching his arm. He's fully okay with supporting her. "You'll be okay," he says gently, not adding I'm here, that'l just piss Buffy off more.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers rolls her eyes at his gentle tone, which somehow bothers her but warms her heart at the same time, much to her annoyance. "Fine, But I don't need to be coddled or anything, I just need some time. So don't baby me or something.." she does continue to clutch his arm though, secretly glad for the support as she follows him to her apartment which is thankfully not too far away. "You really make no sense at all.." she mutters, wondering why she is even trusting her former arch nemesis. Life can be strange sometimes.

Spike has posed:
Spike nods. "I won't coddle you. But" he says as they are heading to her apartment. "But I'm not going to sit here and let you hurt yourself more either" he says. Spike still has a soft tone, albeit not gentle. It's like....he's trying to give her the voice she wants to hear. Which is confusing him a lot, frankly. An absoluely confusing situation but he's going with it. Plus, he's not letting her go, it'd just result in carrying her into her apartment, too.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers seems a bit anxious as she leads him to her apartment. What if Willow's there, how will she explain this rather awkward turn of events? But on the other hand, if she is here, she will probably send Spike away and help Buffy herself. And then lecture her on why she shouldn?t be getting 'cozy' with a vampire. Again. "Okay....Here we are.." she sighs as she reaches the apartment, having taken the elevator to the second floor to keep weight off her leg as much as possible. She still cling onto Spike, more than she would like, as she unlocked to door to her room. She steps in, expecting him to follow, then sighs. "Spike, I invite you into my room...I'd better not regret this.."

Spike has posed:
Spike pauses. "Why would you regret this?" he asks. "Do you...?" he pauses, "Think I'm going to take advantage of you in this state?" he asks, hand on heart agin. There's sincerity in his tone and voice. He's being sincere and steps into her room, not following her too closely. It's not hard to imagine him being a gentleman, in Victorian era England, really. All 'my lady' this and that.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers rolls her eyes at his gentle tone, which somehow bothers her but warms her heart at the same time, much to her annoyance. "Fine, But I don't need to be coddled or anything, I just need some time. So don't baby me or something.." she does continue to clutch his arm though, secretly glad for the support as she follows him to her apartment which is thankfully not too far away. "You really make no sense at all.." she mutters, wondering why she is even trusting her former arch nemesis. Life can be strange sometimes.

Spike has posed:
Spike nods and folllows Buffy into her apartment. He's not babying her. He's not coddling her, and his voice is subtly changing to give her what she's asking for. Instead he nods. "I won't coddle or baby you, Buffy" he saays. There's sincerity to his voice, honesty. It's not hard to imagine him being a gentleman in Victorian era London, the high society sort, not the loudmouth lout he is now. Even his voice has a higher class of accent too. Gone is his rough accent, more refined, more poet Spike.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers can't help but smile at his promises. "Sure, just need to deal with this wound real quick and you can be on your way.." yep, cold and to the point. "a Feel free to sit wherever I guess. There are hangers in the closet. I mean, assuming you ever take that old duster off. Where did you even get it, anyway?" she turns back to her wound, mopping up the blood as best as she can but she will need to change into something else if she is going to clean it properly. "Mind turning around for a sec? I need to get changed.." her face reddens slightly at the awkwardness of the situation. "I should have a first aid kit in the closet."

Spike has posed:
Spike does turn around for a moment, eyes watching the wall, but he does smile to himself. In his day, this was all different, but he's got himself to where he can quickly wheel around if, and only if, Buffy wants to kill him. Though given how tonight's turned out, Spike's doubting that. "Let me know when to turn back around" Spike says. There's still the concern in his voice, the genuine, honest concern for Buffy. She got hurt. Spike's taken her home. That's how he's seeing it. He's absolutely worried about her, too though and is glad she can't see his face or eyes with him being turned around. It's got worry all over it.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers smiles softly, watching him thoughtfully. He's not so bad, maybe she is too hard on him. But he's a vampire without a soul after all. Buffy has her stake at the ready, in case he does pull a fast one. Eventually she pulls on a short redskirt with shorts underneath, which goes with her white tank top. Pulling off her jacket, Buffy inspects the scratches and the bruises on her arms before turning to touch Spike lightly on the shoulder. "Ok you can turn around now..."

Spike has posed:
Spike turns around slowly, hands at his sides and palms open to show he's not a threat. He's got into Buffy's room. Why would he try to kill her? Maybe a few years ago, he would. But no, not now, not here. Instead he nods to Buffy. "Good choice" he says with a genuine tone. "Tank top, shorts, and nobody's going to wound or scratch you. So" he says. "You've done good. Do you want me to sit in a chair while you get some rest?"

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers rolls her eyes. "Geez Spike, I'm not a baby, I know how to dress myself." yep, still full of snarkiness she is. Although Buffy is secretly quite flattered that he likes her fashion sense. "Actually..I need you to help me rewrap this bandage..I should have a first aid kit in the drawer over there." she points to the drawer behind Spike. "Need to clean this wound, I guess it was deeper than I thought, but I should be fine in a couple of hours." she's never been much for hospitals, plus she usually heals up pretty quickly. Hopefully this wont need stitches.

Spike has posed:
Spike nods and doesn't turn his back on Buffy again. Instead he opens the drawer, feeling for the kit and nods, producing it. "alright" is the sole word he says, closing the drawer with a hip. "You tell me what to do.I'm no doctor, but if we figure this out, it'll go better" he nods, opening up the first aid kit. Spike holds up a roll of bandages. "Alright, heere we go. Doctor Pratt in the room" he says, cracking a joke.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers rolls her eyes, "Seriously, I couldn't see you as a doctor. You'd just end up eating all the patients." she smirks, still taking jabs at him it seems. "Well let's see, first of all, I need to clean the wound. There should be some disinfecting wipes in there..Probably easier than scrubbing it with soap and water.." While he's hopefully pulling out the wipes, Buffy looks to her own wound, unwrapping the bandages and inspecting it with a slight wince. She needs to clean it properly before it can get infected, and then rewrap it. Really, she should be used to the sight of blood by now, but it never gets better really.

Spike has posed:
"You mean I'd eat all the patients I didn't like" Spike says. "Same reason you're not a nurse, Buffy. A syringe is not a stake" he adds and nods. "Clean the wound. Got it. This looked so much easier on TV. Okay. Clean the wound with water, or...whatever's good for cleaning wounds" Spike says, proving he's....welll...not a doctor. Not yet at least. He was a poet, ages ago....then again his poetry was bad enough to wound people's souls.

Spike finds a sink and runs water, bringing a jug of water to Buffy. "This ought to do. Let's see how this goes" Spike adds. "Worst comes to worst, you bless it and kill me for messing this up" he adds and looks genuinelyy worried for a moment or two.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers laughs, "That's ridiculous. Why would I stake patients unless they turned out to be vampires? I have a soul, remember? Unlike some people I know." she shrugs, "It's usually better to clean with soap and water, so you can soak that small towel in the kit with warm water. It doesn't look too deep so I shouldn't need to use those wipes unless I relaly need to." he brings the jug and she smirks, "Or I guess that works..Hopefully it's warm at least? You haven't done this before, have you.." hopefully Spike brought the kit over too, and she dips the small towel in the warm water, dabbing at her wound with it. It's a bit bigger than she would have liked, but doesn't look like it'll need stitches. AT least, given Buffy's super healing boost. She breathes a sigh of relief as she cleans the wound, tossing the old makeshift bandages away. "Okay, can you upon those new bandages and just help me wrap 'em around this part of my leg?" she holds her leg up, still bleeding a bit. Hopefully he wont try and bite her.

Spike has posed:
Spike did. The kit is set on her bed as he watches, waiting to hand her things. Spike's a tool monkey of sorts, waiting to hand the Slayer things. When she asks for his help he's on it like, well, a vampire on blood. Only this case, it's hands on bandage, helping the Slayer out with concern in his eyes, looking over, watching her quietly. He's not mad at her, he's....more concerned about Buffy, more worried about her honestly.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers arches a brow at his lack of a snarky comeback. "What..At a loss of words?" she smirks, taking the bandage from him, wrapping it around her leg, using one of the clips to keep it securely in place. "Phew.." she flexes her leg then attempts to stand up but stumbles a bit, clutching onto Spike for support. "Geez. Guess I lost a bit more blood than I thought. I suppose I should rest a bit.." with a sigh, Buffy plops down on the edge of the bed. "So what, you gonna finish the patrol on your own, or..Stay here a little longer?" honestly, she's not sure what would be the better option. "I mean, all that blood is probably driving you crazy." Buffy gestures towards the bloody bandages in the trash which are probably catching his attention by now. "Sorry, but I don't usually keep blood in the fridge so...." awkward..

Spike has posed:
Spike just puts the lid on the trash can, provided there's one and dumps a spray bottle of air freshener in it. He then settles on the floor by Buffy. "I was going to stay here to check on you if you want me to. Whatever did that to you, can do the same to me Buffy. We're better off as a team taking on dangerous things" he points out, getting up and sitting down the other end of the bed, looking over to Buffy. "If you want me to get going on patrol, just say" he says. Spike's being entirely reasonable and caring, which is a new thing for him. But it's Buffy so it's not hard to get used to.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers smiles, watching Spike thoughtfully, "I just can't figure you out." she shrugs, "I mean..I didn't really finish my patrol, but I guess if you want..There's some beer in the fridge, just don't stuff Wil's stuff or she'll be mad, she probably has lots of witchy ingredients in the fridge." she sighs, stretching her neck, feeling a bit stiff. Not like she'll ask him for a back rub or anything. "Just gimme a minute or two and I'll be good as new again. Just don't molly coddle me or anything.."

Spike has posed:
"Don't touch the angry witch's stuff. Alright" Spike says. "You can't figure me out?" Spike asks noting the smile, though he does go to get a beer, looking in the fridge for anything for Buffy. Returning, he sits up at the other end of the bed, though if Buffy wants him closer, she can always hint at him to move down the bed. Best of all. Spike's not touched one single thing of Willow's

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers bites her lip as she glances at Spike. Sitting on her bed, or at least one end of it. "Um, you dont have to sit quite THAT far away, I mean, it's not like I'm gonna stake you, unless you try to bite me.." she smiles, "But I get the feeling that you're trying very hard not to. Hand me a beer why dont you?" she's got an almost impish look in her eyes. The stake is sitting between them.

Spike has posed:
"You move that stake first. I wouldn't want you to get excited and stake me" Spike says dryly with a grin, though he does step back and keep his eye on Buffy while he goes to get a beer with a smile. Buffy's got an impish look. Spike's just going with it. If it ends up with him staked, he'll go out in style. If it'd be one hell off a way to go out.

Spike hands Buffy a beer and has got one for himself, too. Sure, drink with the chosen one, Spike. Though given how they are, Spike's not entirely worried

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers laughs, picking up the stake and waving it almost playfully in his face. "What's wrong, you don't trust me? I mean, do you really think I'd stake someone who is more use to me alive than dead?" yup, she's enjoying this. Although Buffy is considerate enough to toss the stake on her nearby desk. Which means she'd have to get up to grab it if need be. "Seriously though, I think you would have bitten me long ago if you had intended to." she shrugs, reaching for the beer, sipping on it. "Feels good after a long night's work of patrolling. Still haven't found that 'special' vampire though.." she does glance thoughtfully at Spike though as she says that, having thoughts.

Spike has posed:
Spike shakes his head. "You waving wood around, Buffy. That's just, ya know..." he nods watching the stake get put on the desk. Spike sips his own beer. "You know, you aren't bad for a slayer. And I'm not like most vampires. I don't bite people. Then again, I bite those who really deserve it" Spike says, "Would I have bitten you? Mmm....no" Spike adds tipping his beer back again as his eyes are half closed. He chuckles. "Would you have staked me ages ago?" he adds with a wicked grin.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers takes another swig of beer and laughs, "Not bad for a slayer huh? What, should I be...Flattered? Although at least I'm better than that crazy Faith. Wonder what she's up to lately, anyway?" she sighs, not really wanting to think of Faith though, she's a lost cause. "Well...If it weren't for that chip, and your dumb luck? Yeah..I probably would have staked you ages ago. But then again, you have changed drastically from the person you once were. Mind you, I don't trust you completely now, and I still suspect if your chip stopped working there would be nothing to keep you in line.." she frowns, pondering that over again, pondering what that would mean if she ever did come to trust him completely.

Spike has posed:
Spike holds up his hands. "Look, if my chip stopped working, Buffy...I'd still be the same to you, and Willow, and the Scoobies" Spike says softly, he's sounding, well, trying to, sound genuine. No I mean you are....ah shit how do I wanna say this?" Spike asks looking a little confused. "You're not like those crazy kill all vampires without doing anything, type vampires" Spike says as he watches Buffy. Spike though nods. "You're not the same, either Buffy. You've grown, matured and know who you are however. See, there's a lot to be said for you now vs when we first met, ya know" Spike says. he's letting the not fully trust comment slide. Though he is too wondering what it'd be like if they did trust one another completely.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers shrugs, "Maybe..Maybe not. Hard to say, really. Until that day comes.." she frowns, still holding onto a little bit of doubt when it comes to Spike. "No matter how you might feel or act right now, it is a vampire's true nature to kill and hurt. But I get it. You're really trying to be something more than a mindless monster. And..Maybe that's admirable." she sighs, "But let's not think about that right now. I just wanna relax after a long night's patrol." when he talks of her being different, Buffy just laughs. "Am I? I don't think I'm going soft or anything. I'd kill any vampire out there..Except for you and Angel. And that's only because you guys are..Unique, even for vampires. Don't misunderstand. I'm the Slayer. I wouldn't hesitate to kill you if you suddenly reverted back to your old self, or any other vampire. It's just my job." Buffy is enjoying her beer and starting to relax a bit more too.

Spike has posed:
Spike nods solemnly, "I hear you, Slayer. I hear you" Spike says. "You're a slayer. But" he nods holding up a hand. "What I meant by different is, I mean, if I tried this with any other slayer I'd be staked. You? I can have a conversation with, we patrol. You guys are my friends" Spike says watching Buffy as she says she wants to relax. Spike nods and sits on the floor. "I'll be over here unless you want me to sit somewhere and stay out of trouble. Or if you want me to sit anywhere just say" Spike nods sagely again.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers smiles, eyes continuing to glimmer with amusement. "That's right. I'm the Slayer.." she arches a brow at the use of the word 'friend'. "Friends, huh...I guess..I suppose you could say that. Although it seems kinda strange, considering you were trying to kill me a few years ago." she shrugs, "But you're still afraid of me, I can tell. For starters, sitting on the floor instead of my bed? Didn't I say I don't bite?" She's enjoying this.

Spike has posed:
Spike shakes his head smiling as he sits back on the bed, leaning back. "Nah I was more giving you room if you wanted to sleep" Spike says. He's...still a gentleman in some regards. Though he's sat here leaning back on Buffy's bed and watching her. "I am not afraid of you" he says with a joking tone. "I'd fight vampires for you, come on. That's not afraid of you. That's not being afraid of you."

Sure, Spike. However you wanna justify it. Buffy's right. Spike's not so much afraid of Buffy....as what Buffy could do to Spike.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers smiles and shakes her head. "Nah, don't think I can sleep so soon. Not exactly tired yet. I'm still restless, and my patrol got cut short. I dont mind talking a bit for now.." she also leans against the wall next to her bed, watching him thoughtfully with that bemused smile of hers. "Hmm..Well then, let's continue to 'not be afraid' of each other. For now" she lifts her beer glass to chink against his. "To...Us..?" ugh, is that too awkward a cheer to make?

Spike has posed:
"I could hit you oer the head if I wanted to wake up in a dumpster or have Willow hex me into next week" Spike says clinking glasses. "I'm not afraid, no" he adds after a long sip. "What's there to be afraid of, really. We're both here, and I've not tried to kill you" Spike adds with a nodd, looking to Buffy over the glass.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers takes a long sip of her beer in silence, thinking. This is so strange, having Spike in her ROOM, no less. Chatting away like old friends. She frowns, "Alright, I'm all rested now. Let's not get TOO cozy.." she eyes the stake on the desk but doesn't make a move for it. Finishing off the rest of her beer and heading for the mini fridge for another drink. "well, now that I'm finished dressing my wound, I should really finish up patrolling. Still haven't found powerful vampire's blood for that spell that wanded needed.." she pauses, peering at Spike thoughtfully, "Of course I could always use your blood...But, I guess I'd need a lot of it, to the point where you'd be pretty weak after.." For some reason, that bothers Buffy.

Spike has posed:
Spike raises an eyebrow. "Depends" he says with a smile watching Buffy. "So this is cosy enough. I mean, too cosy may not be a good idea till, ya know, we know what we're doing, right?" he asks with a nod as Spike smirks. "So you rest up talking and drinking good beer. Alright" Spike adds then gives her a serious look. "How much blood would you need for this?" he asks and gives her a genuine look. "I mean if it was made worth my time and I was helping people, I'd be up for it" he says, then the alcohol gets to his tongue. "Plus you'd be the one nursing me back to health" he says with a head tilt at Buffy.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers frowns, shaking her head. "No no, that's alright. I'll find someone else. The amount of blood I'd need would put you out for a few days at least. And I'd probably hurt. I'd rather find an evil ancient vampire and pay him his dues, make it worthwhile." she peers at him thoughtfully, her expression softenned some. "I mean..I'd rather not hurt you if I can help it, to be honest. And the idea of..Nursing you back to health.." that makes her blush just the slightest bit, shaking her head. "Now you're just being silly! Just help me search for some more powerful vamps. I know I fought some unusual ones the other day, although none of them were really ancient, I don't think." she smiles, "But geez, look at you, so eager to be the knight in shining armour. Would you really be willing to go that far, to make that sort of sacrifice..For a spell to protect a group of people you don't even know?"

Spike has posed:
"Buffy" Spike says, "I am a powerful vampire. If it comes down to it. I'll give blood" he says, he's serious but Spike smirks at Buffy's blush. Making a Slayer blush wasn't on his to do list tonight. Instead....Spike looks gentle. "I'll help, Buffy" Spike says with a nod. A serious nod.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers nods slowly, "Maybe, if I run out of options..But, just be aware of the potential dangers. This could really hurt, even kill you, Spike. I dunno what it feels like to be a blood drinking being that needs blood to survive, having a significant amount of that blood drained from you. I'd rather not have that happen if I can help it." she grabs another beer from the fridge, taking another long sip. "Well I'm all healed up. I should probably..." she yawns a bit, flopping back down on the bed tiredly. Maybe she could rest for a little while longer. But things are awkward with Spike sitting there next to her.

Spike has posed:
Spike nods though he's not moving. "I'll get going if you want sleep. Or I could tuck you in and read you a bedtime story?" he offers failing to keep a straight faace but he does get up slowly, very slowly. It's almost like he doesn't want to go, but Buffy being tired is his cue to....do....something. Buffy needs sleep. Spike, not so much. Looking over, Spike nods to Buffy. "Get some rest, alright?" Spike says. There's gentle in his voice, as Spike stays put for a moment.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers blinks slowly as he rises to his feet. Yes, he should get going, so she can get some sleep. Because things can get awkward really fast otherwise. Still, she climbs to her own feet, stepping towards him. "Heh. I'm not a baby, don't need bedtime stories. But..." her gaze softens, peering into his eyes, resting her hands gently on his shoulders. "Thanks for stopping by, Spike..I..appreciated the company." she gently squeezes his shoulders before letting go, but doesn't step back. "Heey, do vampires even sleep? Get tired?"

Spike has posed:
"I never said you were" Spike nods enjoying the touch on his shoulders. Images flash through his mind, and he smiles, his gaze softening. "You know" he says with hands at his sides. "You know" he says, "Never mind, it's silly. But I'm enjoying this more than I'm letting on" he says, voice soft, gentle as Spike smiles, a gentle, genuine smile. He gently moves his arms, he's either stretching or debating trying to hug the Slayer. Either/or.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers bites her lip, peering at him, still a little too close for comfort. "Heh..." she chuckles a bit nervously, "I know, but...Yeah, I should..Get sleep so.." she playfully punches him on the shoulder. "Got a long day ahead of me tomorrow. But..Let's hang out again sometime. Just..You know.." shoot, this is awkward. She steps towards the door, openning it to let him out. "Take care, Spike.."