William's Muse

Legacy

Author: Kathlyn O’Brian Rating: This one’s a PG Category: Romantic hetfic Summary: A blast from Spike’s past . . . Pairing: Spike/A character of my own devising! Dedication: Kirsty, speedy-beta extraordinaire. And to all of those who have felt sorry for poor old Spike over season five. Notes: Ok, this is my first stab at hetfic in a long while. Its sort of AU - Buffy has not turned into a horrible, self-obsessed whiny bint and Spike is not in love with her!

Giles seemed even more stressed than usual. He hurried around the shop, dusting, pricing and re-arranging with even more fervour than usual. The door bell jangled and Willow’s auburn head popped around the door. “Hey Giles” she said cheerfully. “I got your message. What’s up?” Giles stopped dusting the bronze statue of the Indian god Natarajam and pushed his glasses up his nose as he turned to face her. “Ah, Willow” he sounded tired. “I’m glad you’re here. I’ve just had a call from my brother in Chelmsford. My god-daughter, Kessy, is coming to stay with me. She has had rather a hard time recently - a . . . broken engagement, then losing her job, and her father thought that a change of scene would be good for her. She intended to come at the end of next month, but there’s been rather a change of plan due to a death in the family. It appears she’ll be arriving . . .” he scrutinised his watch “. . . tonight.” Willow gaped. “Whew, Giles!” she exclaimed. “Have you got anything ready for her - a room, you know?” Giles shook his head. “No. Her father has been trying to contact me for days but I’ve not been able to return his calls, being so busy, you know. Anyway, it’s not a problem for me to fix up the spare room, I was just wondering if you . . and Tara, and Buffy - if you’re not too busy that is - could help me? Maybe dust and air out the spare bedroom, pick out some new curtains? And I’ll need to go shopping - get some food in. Something that a young woman would like - you probably know better than I do. Ice-cream, pizza, perhaps?” Willow frowned. “Do they have pizza in England?” she asked. Giles smiled indulgently and nodded. “Oh yes. And hamburgers and hotdogs. Just get the type of food you would like. And . . I’d be delighted if you and Tara, Buffy, Dawn, Xander and Anya could come over tonight to welcome her?” Willow smiled. “No problem, Giles. It’ll be a pleasure.” * * * * * * At ten o’clock that night, the gang were seated around Giles’ living room, eating pizza and all glancing curiously at the newcomer. Kessy Manners was a strikingly attractive young woman of 26, with long, dark hair held back in a neat plait. She was dressed in jeans and a funky t-shirt which bore of the name of some unheard of British rock group, much less formal that the attire worn by members of the Watcher’s Council, the only other English people that the Scoobies had come into contact with. She was nearly as shy as Tara, her few words spoken in a soft Home Counties accent. She was obviously very fond of Giles, calling him “Uncle Rupert” and taking every opportunity to hug him that she could. Giles smiled proudly. “Kessy has some magical knowledge” he informed the gang. “I taught her myself. Maybe the three of you” he gestured to Kessy, Willow and Tara “would like to do some spells together?” Kessy and Tara exchanged shy smiles. Willow beamed. “That sounds like fun!” she exclaimed. The gathering broke up around 11.30, Kessy being tired and jet-lagged from her flight. The Scoobies made their way home through the - for once - demon free streets. “Well, I liked her” said Anya, enthusiastically. “She was nice - not all snooty like most English people. And she didn’t try to make a pass at Xander.” “Anya,” Buffy frowned “Why do you assume that every woman you meet will try to make a pass at Xander?” Anya looked bemused “Well, won’t they?” she asked. * * * * * * * * * * The next day was overcast and cloudy. Which was good, for Spike, who was bored and decided to go and find a Scooby to harrass. Around midday, having watched his daily dose of “Passions” and not feeling drowsy enough to sleep the rest of the day away, he pulled a blanket over his head and set off in the direction of the magic shop. He kicked the door open so that it hit the wall behind with a resounding thud and hurried inside, pulling the smoking blanket from his shoulders. “Bloody Hell.” he exclaimed. “Nearly got fried this time . . I swear, if I ever . . ..” Spike turned towards the counter and stopped mid-sentence when he saw the strange young woman sitting there. The first thing that hit him was her likeness to Dru. She was tall and slim with long, silky dark hair that tumbled over her shoulders. Her complexion was typically English - pale - unusual to see in a hot climate such as that of California where most girls sported tans. Her large dark eyes were fixed on him in amusement. “Well that’s something you don’t see every day.” She remarked with a smile. “ Aren’t you taking a bit of a risk?” Spike’s interest increased at the sound of her voice. She was English! Oh thank heavens - a fellow Brit who didn’t wear tweed and talk about demonology and naff progressive rock bands from the Seventies. She wasn’t at all bad looking either. This could go well. But how . . .? “What - you know what I am?” he asked, curiously. The young woman smiled. “A Vampire? Of course - not many customers come in with a smoking blanket over their head in the middle of the day looking as pale as you do. Believe me, when you’ve got a godfather like Uncle Rupert, Vampires are hard to avoid. Don’t you lot tend to sleep in the day, though?” she asked, curiously. Spike shrugged and wandered over to the counter. “Only if there’s nothing better to do” he said, slipping a hand into his pocket for his cigarettes, hoping this chit wouldn’t know about the “No-smoking” law that the Watcher had laid down in in his shop. “Wanna fag?” he asked. The dark haired woman shook her head. “No, thanks, I’m trying to give up. It plays hell with my voice. I’m an aspiring singer, you see.” Spike leaned nonchalantly on the counter. “Yeah? Cool. What d’ya sing? Any punk?” The young woman smiled and shook her head. “Er, no. Puccini” Spike made a face. “A bit faffy for my liking. Always preferred Verdi myself. So anyway, what part of Britain’re you from? I’m a Londoner, myself . . .” * * * * * * The pair chatted for hours. Spike learned that the girl’s name was Kessy. “Bit of a stupid bloody name, ain’t it?” he remarked Kessy shrugged. “No more stupid than ‘Buffy’” she replied, whispering conspiratorially, They both burst out laughing. * * * * * * When Giles returned that evening, along with Buffy and Willow, he found an animated and excited Kessy waiting for him. “I’m going out tonight!” she announced, enthusiastically. “I’ve got a date. Would you believe it - I’m only here 24 hours and I’ve been asked out! I think I like America.” Buffy grinned. “Well, that’s American guys for you!” she said “Can’t resist an exotic accent.” Kessy shook her head. “Oh no. This bloke was English”. The three of them stared at her. “English?” Giles asked in a weak voice Kessy nodded. “You must know him.” she said. “He told me he comes in here all the time and he’s helped Buffy on several occasions. He’s dead good-looking, Uncle Rupe. Smokes a bit too much though, and has a rather dated taste in music. . .” Giles went weak at the knees. “Describe him” he said Kessy grinned. “Oh, he’s pretty gorgeous, in a punky sort of way. Bleached blond hair, wicked cheekbones, nice eyes, sexy smile. Leather coat - very cool. And he told me his name was William but everyone knows him as . . . “ “Spike” Buffy finished for her. * * * * * Giles was in full pace-mode. “You cannot go out on a date with Spike!!!” he declared. “Why not?” Kessy frowned. “Because he’s - he’s a vampire!” “I thought you told me Buffy went out with a vampire?!” “Yes but that was different. Angel had a soul. Spike - doesn’t. He’s dangerous. He’s tried to kill Buffy on numerous occasions . . .” “Well, that’s only to be expected, considering she’s the Slayer. Anyway, he seemed alright to me. And I’m not going to spend my time in America watching telly, Uncle! I intend to have at least some sort of social life . . .” “Kessy, this town is full of eligible young men. Why does the first man you decide to date have to be of the murderous, undead variety?” “Oh come off it, Uncle Rupe. He’s alright. We’re only going to that club - the Bronx or whatever its called. You can even send Buffy to spy on us if you like. And I promise I’ll be home before midnight!” Giles sighed. Women! * * * * * * Spike arrived at the shop to pick Kessy at at 7.30 on the dot. He had made an effort with his appearance, in that he had changed his black t-shirt for a clean one (he had been wearing the other one for four weeks) and put on a red silk overshirt which he’d stolen a few months ago and had never got around to wearing. Kessy was waiting for him, as were Giles, Buffy, Willow, Xander, Tara, Anya and Dawn. Giles fixed the blond vampire with a steely glare. “Let me make this clear to you, Spike” he said, sternly “You will be under surveillance tonight. And I warn you that if anything - anything - happens to my god-daughter I will personally see to it that you are a pile of dust by tommorrow morning.” Spike heaved a sigh. “Whatever you say, Rupert. Honestly, I’m just here to take her out, ‘ave a bit of fun. You can trust me. None of you trust me. Its gettin’ old.” he sighed again and smiled at Kessy. “Ready luv? I must say you’re looking smashing this evening.” Kessy returned his smile. “Thanks, Spike. You too.” She gave Giles a quick kiss on the cheek. “’Bye Uncle Rupe. Don’t wait up” Spike put an arm around her shoulders and the two of them walked away down the street. Spike threw a glance back at Giles, and winked. Giles frowned. “Get after them” he hissed at Buffy. * * * * “What are they doing?” “Erm, they’re talking.” “And now?” “They’re still talking. No wait - he’s whispering something to her. They’re laughing.” “And now?” “He’s . . . walking over to the bar to get a drink. Okay, he’s coming back with . . a whiskey, I think and a glass of wine. He’s setting them down on the table. Oh, they’re getting up to dance. C’mon, Buffy, can’t you take over lookout for a while? My legs are cramping.” Buffy dug Xander in the ribs and pulled him down into his seat. “You’re hopeless!” she complained. “Well, nothing seems to be happening. He’s being a perfect gentleman. And I really need to patrol.” Willow slipped an arm around her friend’s shoulder. “Me and Tara can stay here and watch if you want to go?” Buffy smiled “Thanks Will. Call me on my cellphone if anything happens. What’re they doing now?” Xander craned his neck around the pillar behind which they’d been shielding themselves from view. “Ummm, still dancing. Wow, Spike can actually dance, umm. . . “ Buffy grabbed his sleeve and tugged. “Come on!!” * * * * * * * * “I had a lovely night. Thank you.” Spike and Kessy paused outside the door to the shop. The evening had gone so well. Spike couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so good around a human and had not wanted to eat them. Kessy was so down to earth, sweet and friendly. The fact that she was mortal didn’t seem to matter to him as much as the fact that he was very attracted to her. He put a hand on her arm. “My pleasure, luv. Enjoyed it as well. Hope we can do it again, y’know.” Kessy smiled. “I’d love to!” she said. She hesitated. Wasn’t this the point at which they were supposed to kiss? She’d never kissed a vampire before. Oh well, she supposed that they did it the same as everyone else - although she rather hoped it wouldn’t involve biting. . . . She leaned in towards him. Spike looked as though he was going to do the same, but stopped, his forehead barely touching hers. “You know” he said, with a cheeky grin “You never told me where you got such a stupid bloody name from. What were your mum and dad on - callin’ you that?” Kessy relaxed and smiled. “Well its not my full name” she admitted. “Its how I used to say my name when I was very little and it sort of became my pet name. My real name is Cecily.” she paused. “I was named Cecily Elizabeth Barton Manners - after my great-great grandmother, you know.” Spike froze. Kessy, not noticing, leaned in, and gave him an affectionate kiss on the cheek. His skin was smooth, and cold. “Thanks, Spike” she said. “See you tommorrow!” And with that she opened the door and slipped into the shop, leaving a stunned Spike standing outside. * * * * * * * * * “I do see you William, that’s the problem. You’re beneath me.” The memories flooded back into Spike’s mind as if it had been yesterday. Himself, a young mortal man, hopelessly in love with the beautiful and elegant Cecily Barton, who had sneered at his love poems and rejected with contempt his proposal of marriage. Over a century later the pain hadn’t totally dissipated. He could see the resemblance in Kessy. Despite the gap of four generations, Kessy resembled Cecily in so many ways. However, she possessed all of Cecily’s beauty and charm with none of her great-great-grandmother’s haughtiness and pride. It was a much more attractive combination. But that was history. He was done with all that - he had been from the moment Drusilla had sunk her fangs into his neck and he had been reborn as William the Bloody, a vicious and notorious vampire who took no prisoners. He had let Cecily live, despite Drusilla’s jealous insistence that she should be his first victim. and now, thinking of Kessy, he was rather glad that he had done so. * * * * * * * “And he was a perfect gentleman. Completely charming”. Giles swallowed the last of his tea and frowned. “Hmm. Well, I’ve never known Spike to do anything unless there’s something he wants out of the situation. Be on your guard against him, Kessy. And don’t let him lure you back to that crypt of his. Goodness knows what he’ll try to do.” Kessy nodded. “I’d say I was in far more danger from some of the Frat-boys from the local college.” she remarked, dryly. “Honestly, there were some of them at the Bronze last night - you should see the way they react to women, like a bunch of bloody apes with their leering and jeering! Horrible. Spike, at least, knows how to treat a lady. He’s a Victorian you know. Has notions of chivalry.” Giles smiled ruefully. “Yes, maybe. He also has notions of how to disembowel a person with a railway spike, Kessy. Just be careful.” His god-daughter laid her hand on his. “I will, Uncle” she promised. * * * * * * * Kessy was sitting behind the counter in shop that afternoon when Spike crashed through the door, draped in a smoking blanket. He threw it to the floor and gave Kessy a disarming grin. “Afternoon, luv. Feelin’ good?” Kessy nodded. Spike made his way across to the desk, pausing to pick up and fidget with several rather valuable items of stock. “So, fancy going out again tonight?” he asked. “Definitely”. Kessy leaned over the counter and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. The touch of her warm lips on his cold skin sent a delightful shiver down his spine. “What about going to see a film? I would suggest something gory and scary, but that might inflame your more violent instincts. I’ve been warned about you, you know.” Spike smiled. “Glad to hear my reputation’s not diminished.” He paused, and leaned on the counter. “You know what you said - about your great-great gran . . .?” Kessy nodded, flipping through a spellbook that was open in front of her. Spike shifted uncomfortably. “Well, what do you know about her? I mean, the name just rang a few bells - I was quite well up with most of London society back in the 80’s - the 1880’s, that is - and I might have come across her, once or twice, you know. A casual acquaintance sort of thing.” Kessy leaned her chin on her hand and gazed dreamily ahead. “Well,” she said, softly. “Her name was Cecily Elizabeth Barton. She was born in 1855 and her father was a lawyer - they were quite rich, I think. She was very beautiful and had no end of young men falling at her feet. Eventually she chose one - she married my great, great grandfather, Bertram Manners in 1882 and they settled in Chelsea. They had three sons, one of which was my great granddad. She died about 1930, I think. Do you think you knew her, then?” Spike shrugged. His face was turned away so she couldn’t see his expression. “Maybe. She married Bertie Manners you say?” Kessy nodded. Spike swore under his breath and muttered something that sounded like “Bastard! Called himself a friend!” Kessy looked up. “Sorry?” she asked Spike turned to her and smiled. Kessy couldn’t help thinking that his face looked strained and tight. “Nothing. Just thinking about the old days, y’know. So - d’you ever see a picture of her, then?” Kessy nodded enthusiastically. “Oh yes. She was so beautiful. I have her wedding ring, as well - it was left to me by my grandmother, along with a package of letters she wrote to her son during World War I. Oh and the most romantic thing! I’ve got an absolutely ancient little book of poems. My grandmother told me that it was given to her grandma - Cecily that is - by a young man who was supposed to be hopelessly in love with her. He was a poet and wrote these awful sonnets to her. Apparently, he asked her to marry him and she rejected him really coldly, and she regretted it for the rest of her life because he disappeared that night, never to be seen again. Don’t you think that’s just so sad?” Spike turned away. “Yeah, bummer.” he said, flatly. “Anyway better be going. Meet you outside the Odeon tonight, about 7pm yeah? ‘Bye love.” With that he pulled his coat over his head and dashed outside into the sunshine. * * * * * * * * Giles was less worried that night. But he still insisted that Xander and Anya went along to the Odeon and secreted themselves in the back row to keep an eye on his god-daughter and her vampiric lothario. “Her father would kill me if I had to phone him up and tell him that his daughter had been eaten by William the Bloody within 48 hours of her arriving in America” he groaned. “I just need someone to keep an eye on her, until I can be sure he hasn’t got anything up his sleeve.” Xander stood up, “Well, G-Man, as long as you’re paying for our tickets, I’m not complaining. And - hey - I always find that my surveillance skills are really enhanced by a jumbo sized bucket of Popcorn, a party-tub of ice-cream and a packet of Twinkies.” He grinned. Giles gave another groan and fished in his pocket for his wallet. * * * * * * * * Kessy enjoyed “The Blair Witch II”, although Spike complained that there wasn’t enough violence in it for his tastes and no-one was properly disembowled. Still, he enjoyed the way Kessy hid her face in his shoulder whenever the really scary bits came on. Her draped an arm around her and held her close. She was so sweet, so lovely. He pressed a kiss to her temple as she sat, riveted to the screen. He had to have this girl, had to make her his. He couldn’t forget, however, the feelings that had arisen in him when he had heard her talk of her great-great-grandmother. About how his beloved Cecily had - no more than two years after his death - married Bertie, the man who had always sworn to be a true friend to William. He had been betrayed. Well, it wasn’t the first time. Bertie, Drusilla, Angelus, the Slayer . . . He should be used to it by now. The film ended and they made their way outside, not noticing the tall, dark young man and slim fair-haired woman who trailed behind them, both wearing sunglasses, despite the darkness inside the cinema. The woman was clutching a notepad on which she scribbled down everything that Spike did or said to Kessy. Xander and Anya followed them for a while, until Anya decided that watching a film as scary as that really, really made her want to have sex to feel secure again, and they figured that the English couple would probably be all right - after all, Spike hadn’t tried to bite her yet. Swiftly and silently they made their escape. * * * * * Spike and Kessy walked, heading nowhere in particular. Kessy held Spike’s hand in her own and marvelled at the coolness of the vampire’s skin. They seemed to be heading towards the cemetery. Kessy halted by a tomb and leaned back against the cool marble. “I’m not supposed to go into your crypt” she said, with a smile. “Uncle Rupe said you might try to do all sorts of nasty things to me.” Spike raised a scarred brow. “Yeah? Well he’s probably right. But . . . not if you don’t want to. I’m not going to push ya, Kess. You know, I like you too much for that.” Kessy smiled. “Thanks” she said, softly. She moved her face towards Spike’s and angled her head so that their lips met in a soft and tender kiss. What seemed like hours later, they broke apart. Kessy’s face was flushed and Spike couldn’t get over how beautiful she was. He reached out and took her hand. “Well, s’pose I’d better be gettin’ you back before the Watcher and the Slayer descend on me brandishing foot-long stakes” he said, with a grin. “I really enjoyed tonight, y’know” “Me too” Kessy kissed him gently on the cheek. “You’re a vampire in a million, Spike.” * * * * * * Back at the crypt, Spike was suddenly aware of how cold and lonely the place was. His bed was nothing but a tomb, covered with a blanket and he was going to have to sleep in it alone. Ah well, he had dreams at least to keep him company. It must really bite to have a soul, not to be able to feel happiness like this. He was so damned glad he hadn’t got one. It was still night but he wanted to sleep - wanted to be at the shop tomorrow so he could spend as much of the day as possible with Kess. Stripping off his shirt, he pulled back the blanket which covered his tomb and made to climb in. He stopped at the sight of something lying on the thin mattress. A small package wrapped in brown paper. Frowning, he picked it up, examined it for a moment and then tore off the wrapping. He froze. The little, red-leather bound book was practically crumbling with age, its dog-eared pages testifying to its being read and re-read many a time. He traced his finger in wonderment over the embossed cover, the gold-lettering long since having worn away. With shaking fingers, he opened the cover and gazed upon the title page. Underneath the antiquated typescript, the brownish ink scrawl took him back over 120 years . . “To Cecily, with fondest thoughts of this summer. May you think of me as you read these pages and know that, although I may never write as beautifully as the poets who have crafted these lines, my heart is no less true and my love no less ardent. with deepest affection, I remain your true friend William Francis Lawrence.” Tears clouded his eyes and he dashed them away angrily. This stuff belonged to the past. A folded slip of white paper slid from among the pages and fell to the floor. Spike bent to retrieve it. He unfolded it and read. . . “Dear Spike I know my great-great-grandmother never got over the way she rejected you. For years I wondered about the story I’d been told by my gran and now I can see it all. I can see why great great grandmother Cecily regretted you so much. You are a sweet, dear, and truly exceptional man - vampire - not to mention handsome, funny and charming. I can only wonder at the man you once were, but I can say with all my heart that I truly believe I am falling in love with you, and that if I had the chance my namesake had, I would never let you go. with all my love, Cecily xx” Spike snatched up the letter, the book, and his shirt and ran from the crypt. * * * * * Kessy sat in front of the mirror, brushing out her hair. She was falling for Spike, and hard. No matter what Uncle Rupe or the others said. They’d never really taken the chance to get to know him. She heard no footsteps behind her, and saw no other reflection than her own in the mirror, but suddenly a pair of strong arms encircled her and pair of cool lips descended on the back of her neck. She whirled around in shock. “Spike!” she declared. “When did - how the hell did you get in?” Spike smiled. “Once invited, always welcome” he said, softly. “We’d better be quiet. Don’t want to wake your Uncle up do we?” He put his arms around her, and lifted her up, carrying her over to the bed. Once there, he settled her among the pillows, before shedding his coat, shirt and t-shirt and re-joining Kessy, pulling her close to his bare chest. Kessy felt his smooth skin and taut muscles beneath her cheek and sighed contentedly. Spike took her hand and kissed it. “I got the book” he said. “And the note.” Kessy looked up at him. “And?” she asked. “And” he pulled her up to face him. “I can honestly say that I’m the happiest dead man in the world at this moment. I never want to let you go either, Kess.” Kessy’s face lit up and she kissed him, passionately. Eventually, Spike drew her away slightly so that he could look into her eyes. “You know that it’ll never be the same for us” he said, sadly. “There’s gonna be no poems, no proposals, no marriage and kiddies and town-houses in Chelsea. I’m not William Lawrence, Kess. That bloke died a good century ago. I can’t be for you what I wanted to be for your great great grandmother. I can only be a bloodthirsty vamp with a chip in his head.” Kessy snuggled against him. “That’s all I want” she said contentedly. “To be honest, William Lawrence sounded like a bit of a prat.” They both laughed. Spike laid Kessy down among the sheets and began to unbutton her shirt. When she was fully naked under his gaze, he pulled her into his arms and proceeded to make passionate love to her, all throughout the night. Kessy awoke the next morning, opening her eyes into the early morning gloom. She was glad she’d remembered to close the curtains. Spike lay beside her, still asleep, his strong arms holding her close. She kissed him tenderly, and made to climb out of bed without waking him. Only to meet the stern eyes of Uncle Rupert. They stared at each other for a moment. Kessy’s mouth went dry. “Well?” Giles asked, coldly. Spike stirred beside Kessy and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. “Morning, love” he mumbled and opened his eyes. Kessy gazed at him, helplessly. Giles was holding a long stake. Spike looked from one to the other of them and groaned. “Oh shit!” he exclaimed. The End

Background and designs from Opulant Designs.

Legal Notice - "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" TM is © Fox and its related entities. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, duplication or distribution of these materials in any form is expressly prohibited." Disclaimer - This web site, its operators and any content on this site relating to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" are not authorized by Fox.