What Have You Done?

AUTHOR: Meghan O'Connor

FEEDBACK: Please! The more I get, the more you get!

RATING: PG-13

DISCLAIMER: All residents of Buffy and Angel series belong to the Joss Whedon god. I don't make crap off these, they're for fun, so

bugger off. However, Elizabeth Thornewood is all mine.

SPOILERS: Buffy and Angel series somewhat up until this season so I don't have the whole Darla/baby issue. And Spike likes Buffy, but

isn't totally in love with her, so we have not had the joys of delicious Naked!Spike yet. You also don't see Gunn hang around a lot

in my stories.

ARCHIVING: Not normally a problem, but ask first

SYNOPSIS: Sometimes you don't get any resolution to issues in your life.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Elizabeth is an old friend of Wesley's, a Watcher as well. She quit the council in protest over how they have treated him

and Giles, and has come to LA to live and work for them. I've decided she lives down the other wing of the hotel from Fred. Privacy and all. Imagine her with a soft cultured accent, like Giles.

"I don't understand, Wesley. Just what will this spell accomplish?"

The slender Englishman placed candles about the lobby as Angel, Cordelia, and Elizabeth looked on with trepidation. He occasionally glanced at a book he was holding to check the placement. Wes spoke while drawing various diagrams. "Giles is worried that Spike may have an ulterior motive in attempting to befriend the Slayer and her friends." Angel snorted contemptuously, and Elizabeth glared. "Willow actually expressed some concern that Tara felt he may be regaining his soul. She was the one who was able to tell when Faith switched bodies with Buffy, so I agreed to find out for her. This spell will show us where Spike's former human soul is. If we see him, then it has somehow returned to him. If not, then…" He finished a rune with a flourish and stood up. "There we go. Now please, step back and do not interrupt." They backed up a little.

Wesley began a chant from the book as he lit the candles in a deliberate pattern. The sigils on the floor began to glow as his voice took on more confidence. "That which was torn from you, let it be seen. That from which you were sundered, let it be known. That which was given up, let it take form before us." Wesley lit some incense as a glow began to hover in the air before them, about the size of a large oval dressing mirror. The light was opalescent and streaked with swirls of blue and silver. Wesley's voice carried clearly over the growing sound of wind. "Give us the sight of you.

Give us the form of you. Let us have your location, your placement, your very soul. Torn from he who is now known as Spike, let us see William!"

Suddenly, a great howl filled the lobby and built rapidly to a shriek. The portal flashed brilliantly, forcing them all to close their eyes. A second later, all went dark. And there was a loud thud coupled with a slight moan of pain. They opened their eyes, looking to see if Wesley was injured. At another slight moan, all four pair of eyes focused on the man on the floor. Wesley was in enough shock that Elizabeth reached the man first.

She knelt beside him and put her hand on his forehead, brushing aside the soft brownish-blonde curls. His eyes opened with a gasp and he scuttled away from her. Angel's voice behind them was filled with shock. "Spike." Elizabeth was captured by the intense blue eyes in the handsome face. She watched softly as the man seemed to be searching for something in his pockets. He found, then donned, a small pair of gold-rimmed spectacles and looked up at her.

`Where… where am I? And who are the lot of you?" The educated accent and soft voice surprised them all. Elizabeth stood and offered him a hand. He took it and stood, straightening his jacket. Seeming to come out of a trance, Elizabeth was the first to speak.

"Please forgive me. We have inadvertently brought you here by magical means. My name is Elizabeth Thornewood." He took her hand and bowed lightly over it before kissing the back. She barely felt his lips, a mere brush of breath, but a shiver went down her spine.

"Pleased to meet you, Miss. I am William Archer." A sharp intake of breath made her turn to Angel. He looked shell-shocked. Wesley was next to greet him and actually offer him a seat on the round couch. Angel and Cordelia introduced themselves as well. "So you are American?" Elizabeth watched as he seemed to keep his eyes on Angel or Wesley's face. She took Cordelia's arm and spoke firmly to Wesley.

"Wesley, Cordelia and I will be right back. I'm leaving it to you to explain where and when he is, and our unusual style of dress. Understand?" A look of comprehension came into his eyes after a moment and he nodded. Angel just smiled at her. She dragged Cordelia up the stairs to her room.

Cordy spun and started talking the moment the door was closed. Elizabeth started pawing through the closet. "Oh My God, that's Spike, isn't it? Before he got all grrrr. Wow, what a hottie! I never noticed those eyes before. But that suit has got to go. I mean talk about so last century." Elizabeth came back from the closet with a pile in her arms and dumped it on the bed. She looked at Cordelia until she shut up.

"Actually, I believe that was a decent example of men's fashion in the year 1880 or so." Cordy's eyes grew wide as Elizabeth continued. "I didn't realize it until Wesley was actually translating the spell. It wasn't a spell to see someone's soul, it was a spell to bring it to you. That is not Spike at all. That is the man he was before he was vamped. It is William's soul, given the form he had just before Drusilla sired him. We have, for all intents and purposes, brought him forward in time. Since Spike apparently doesn't have his soul, they can occupy the same time and place simultaneously. You and I are up here to change clothes."

Cordy looked lost at the sudden subject change. "So being all 1880's, he needs guys to explain thing, and now you get a fashion consciousness?" She grinned. "You really think he's cute, huh?" Elizabeth just sighed and rolled her eyes as she chose an outfit.

"No, Cordelia. He may be rather handsome, but we are up here for another reason." She handed her a blouse and long skirt. "William is from the Victorian era. I highly doubt he's ever seen a woman's legs. Even an ankle could be scandalous back then." She looked pointedly at the jeans and tank top that Cordelia was wearing, then down at her own shorts and t-shirt. "We are simply making him more comfortable by putting on a long skirt and a better top, until he comes to terms with where and when he is." Cordy snorted, then started to change.

"Ok, but he better get there before I sweat too much. And you still think he's cute."

What Have You Done? 2

William Archer had been with them a month. He was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that he was over a hundred years in the future. His few ventures out with the other men made his head spin, and he frequently had to lie down upon returning. He also still found it difficult to understand Miss Chase when she spoke. It wasn't due to her accent, but the terms that he still didn't understand. And she was quite brash and forward. Elizabeth (she'd insisted) was closer to the women he was used to meeting, but had her defiant moments.

He and Wesley were able to discuss at great lengths some classic literature, and along with Elizabeth, had regained the habit of afternoon tea. She served an excellent tea, and quickly learned what sweets and sandwiches were his favorites. He didn't speak often with Angel, but the man kept quite late hours.

Elizabeth often looked sad when he pressed upon her to speak of these demons and the like that they fought. It was amazing to think that the nightmares once offered in the lurid novels and penny dreadfuls may have some basic in fact. He'd asked her once why so sad, and she simply told him she hated to expose him to such darkness when he was so obviously a creature of light. She'd blushed and excused herself then, and he was flustered at the compliment. She was really quite brilliant. William found himself looking at her often. She'd kept the long skirts to make him comfortable, but the materials were light and gauzy in this dreadful heat. It had taken him almost three weeks to be comfortable without a tie and jacket, and was just now beginning to roll his sleeves up. But Elizabeth seemed to have acclimated quite well. William caught himself staring at the tendrils of hair that lay on her neck, damp in the heat and loose from her "ponytail". He had to drag his attention back to Wesley, who had stopped his discourse on the finer points of Tennyson's poems. Wesley was looking at him rather intently.

"I'm sorry. What was that about the rambling in the third verse?"

Wesley frowned, then glanced at Beth, who was showing Angel something on the computer. "You seem quite taken with her."

William stammered a little. "Well, I… She… She's lovely." They both looked at her as she laughed at some comment Angel made, then swatted him on the arm playfully. William suddenly became aware of the level of intimacy he'd seen her express with these people, and was unsure as to her status. He turned back to Wesley. "I don't wish to seem forward, and I beg your forgiveness aforehand. Is she spoken for?"

Wesley grinned. "Not to my knowledge. We think of her as a dear sister. You fancy her, don't you?"

William blushed. "Oh, my, yes. She's exquisite. Such lovely hair and eyes, and so graceful. And I never imagined how brilliant a woman could be, such a fascinating conversationalist." He couldn't seem to meet Wesley's eyes.

Wes smiled again and leaned over the desk. "I'll be frank, William, as we are prone to be in this day and age. You're good for her. She smiles a lot more and is more outgoing. I know she values your talks and opinions. I also know she may not recognize it, but you treat her like a real lady."

William looked surprised. "But of course! How could I treat her otherwise?"

Wesley got serious. "Sadly, not all men do that anymore, especially in America. But she's not fragile. I've seen her face down a 7 foot tall slime-dripping Kresslart and cut its head off in under 10 minutes. We fight evil, William, and no one can do that without being a strong person. Outside and inside."

He looked at Beth in awe. "But surely she doesn't need to do this? Surely you and Angel can handle such horrors?"

Wesley sighed and began to clean his glasses. "Alright, let me be blunt, then. She doesn't need you to protect her. You do make her feel special, but she'll need someone who can accept that she can make tea, research obscure languages, put up her hair, and kill demons, all in one night. I've known her the longest, and I would trust her with my life. I can't speak for the others, but I know they care very much for her. We'd do anything to see that she doesn't get hurt. If you care for her and can accept everything she is, then I wish you the best of luck. I dare say she likes you too, and I think you'd bring some real light into her life. But you also can't gloss over what she does or tell her to stop. If you saw a wrong, wouldn't you protest it and try to right it?"

"Of course, but…"

"But nothing. That's what she does." He sat back in his chair and replaced the frames on his face. "It also brings danger into her life. If you want her, then tell her. Our lives are unpredictable enough without having to wonder about what could have been when it's too late."

William looked pensive for a few moments, then excused himself to go out to the courtyard. Beth looked over concernedly and frowned at Wesley. He sighed, knowing it would soon be his turn for a lecture.

What Have You Done? 3

They had finally given in to William's demands. He'd wanted to know how they knew who he was when he was pulled to their time, and why. Wesley hadn't been happy to be explaining it all, but Elizabeth became very uncomfortable and left the room halfway through the talk. Of course, William couldn't possibly know that she'd done her Watcher's thesis on Spike, greatly contributing to the body of research on he and Drusilla. They all agreed not to even bring up the subject of his Sire. But since she left the room, she also missed the long argument that ensued when William wanted to meet Spike.

They were aware of Spike's being chipped, but were still reluctant. Angel actually gave in first, then won the others over with the argument of at least William would know what not to become. Elizabeth was pacing the lobby when they came out of the office and told her what was going to happen..

"You want to what? Are you out of your bloody mind?" William winced at her vulgar language. She stared at him, hands on her hips in a defiant pose. Wes tried to ease her tension.

"Elizabeth, it is his choice. It would have been his life, he has a right to see what happened. And as we all know, Spike can't currently hurt humans. It may even help his willingness to work for the side of good."

Her eyes narrowed. "Of course. And should he ever get `unchipped', who do you think he'll want to kill first?"

Angel spoke up. "William's under my express protection. Spike knows better than to mess with anything like that."

She strode over to the phone and picked it up. "Fine. But I'll tell

Giles." She dialed quickly and watched the others while she listened

to him pick up on the other end. "Giles, hello, it's Elizabeth.

Yes, fine, and yourself? Good, and the shop's doing well?

Congratulations. Look, I've got an odd question. Is Spike there?

Well, isn't that convenient. Would you kindly explain to him who I

am and put him on? Yes, Giles, it's terribly important." She paused

for a moment, looking daggers at Wesley. The next moment, she froze,

her breath catching in her throat. She was actually speaking to the

vampire she'd studied so long ago.

Quickly composing herself, she spoke. "Yes, I'm here. I know you don't know me, but I work here in LA with Angel." Her next words were hurried. "No, please don't hang up! We have something of yours!" She took a deep breath to ease her flutters. "I mean, we have something here in LA that you'll want to see. You must come right away. I know you know where Angel lives." She listened for a moment, then her eyes came up to meet William's. Her voice was soft and breathy. "I have your soul, William Archer." Her eyes lingered in his as she hung up the phone without waiting for a reply. They looked at each other for a moment, then Beth broke the gaze and started for the stairs. "I need to lay down. Wake me when he gets here. If you live through it."

What Have You Done? 4/?

Cordelia came and got her from her room several hours later. "Beth? Beth, Spike's here. We asked William to stay in the back rooms until we call for him, just in case."

Beth came out of the bathroom. She was no longer wearing the skirts, but dark brown leather pants, matching low-heeled boots, and an emerald green clingy t-shirt that had sleeves that ended in a small bell shape just below her elbows. Cordelia's eyebrow rose in surprise. Beth blushed, then straightened. "I know the skirts make William more comfortable, but I am meeting a deadly vampire that I spent half my life researching. This time, I will be comfortable and ready for whatever he tries. If he attempts to harm William, I cannot fight in a skirt." They headed for the door, Cordy chuckling the whole way.

Spike looked up, catching an unnecessary breath at the beautiful woman descending the staircase. Her clothes clung to each womanly curve, and her walk was nearly silent. Long loose curls of dark blood red hair tumbled from the green ribbon to fall halfway down her back, and her eyes shone like the emerald in the Gem of Amara he'd once held. This was wasted on a Watcher's Council?

She presumed both he and Angel could hear her heartbeat racing as she came face to face with a legend. The same face as William, but the eyes burned hotly when they looked at her. A sardonic smirk played around his mouth, and she grinned at his bleached locks. So like William, and yet different. She'd been taken aback on the phone by what sounded just like William speaking in a low-class accent, and looked forward to actually hearing him in person. So intent was her perusal that she didn't notice Wesley, Angel, and Cordelia looking at each other knowingly and concernedly. The smirk deepened.

"Too bad most Watchers aren't like you. I'd have popped back over to the old country in a flash." She blushed. "So, pet, what's all this about having my soul?" He leered at her. "I can think of better things of mine for you." She turned an even deeper shade of red as Angel growled softly.

"Well, that clinches it. You must be Spike. I am Elizabeth Thornewood. And yes, I… Your soul is here." He came closer and glared down into her eyes. He faintly realized she smelled like cinnamon and roses.

"Well, I don't want the bleeding then. I just want to make sure you're not going to stick it back in me so I get all broody like Hairboy over there." He was surprised to see her snicker instead of be scared.

Her grin was quite knowing. "Not much possibility there, Spike. We did a spell to detect if you were ensouled or not, and ended up actually causing your soul to… um, arrive." She stepped back a little and called up the stairs. "William, would you join us, please?" Spike looked totally confused until he saw the young man in the Victorian style suit and glasses step into the hallway. It couldn't be. What had they done?

William looked to Elizabeth as he came down the stairs, stunned by the man that could be his twin but for the hair and clothes. Spike frowned and looked at Beth as well. Comprehension flashed in his eyes as he saw how her smile softened and her eyes sparkled. Well, this made things so much more interesting. A thought suddenly came to Spike. "Bloody hell, luv. If he's here, and I'm here, how come we both exist?" He laughed inwardly at how the man avoided looking at the fact that Elizabeth had pants on. At his outburst, however, he watched his former self upbraid him for cursing. It felt really off center.

"Now see here! There is no need for that sort of language, there are ladies present."

Spike chuckled. "I'd forgotten what a stupid wanker I used to be. Of course, I tried really hard to forget. I—" He was suddenly knocked to the floor by a strong right hook. Rubbing his jaw, he looked up to see Beth standing between he and William, fists clenched.

"You will not insult William again. You may wear his face, but I'll beat that smirk off of you if you don't apologize. And to answer your question, this is your human soul, given form. Apparently you don't have a soul, so there's no contradiction. You have become a different person."

Spike jumped to his feet, then broke out laughing. "True enough, pet." He decided that this could make for an interesting summer of games if he played it right. He looked back at Angel, missing Beth's expression of outrage as he spoke. "Opinionated, smart, violent, and beautiful. Peaches, I think I'm in love."

What Have You Done? 5

Elizabeth found it quite humorous how Giles was pointedly glad that Spike was staying in LA for a few months while William determined his future course. Angel was teaching Cordelia some defense techniques, and Spike would often watch Beth and Wesley spar. His comments angered her at first, but she quickly realized that Spike was analyzing her technique and suggesting improvements in his own abrasive manner. She implemented some of his suggestions and was soon defeating Wesley more than half the time. Wesley encouraged William to attempt boxing, but he found it difficult to concentrate when Beth was in the room.

That particular day, William had come to the ballroom that they used for practice to ask Wesley a question. He waited patiently near Angel and Cordelia's yoga while Beth and Wes finished up their sword katas. Spike lounged on a chair, watching them. When they bowed to each other, he gave his two cents. "You know, pet, you'd get better swing if you didn't stick your arse out so far on the backspin."

William gasped at the crudity. "Now see here! You will not speak to Elizabeth like that!"

Her eyes narrowed at Spike. Beth walked over to a chair at the edge of the dance floor and lay her sword across the seat. She dried her face with a towel and picked up one of Wesley's boxing gloves as she walked over to Spike. William was standing next to him, and Spike just smirked up at him. She pulled another chair over and hissed angrily. "William, sit down!" Stunned, he dropped into the seat. "Although he is crude, Spike is criticizing my fighting technique. I am improving. If I do not do my best, I will fail in battle. And there is only one end to that."

He started to protest. "Elizabeth, surely this isn't necessary…" Spike jumped to his feet and started to yell at William.

"It is necessary, you stupid git! Life isn't all bloody awful poetry and stinking flowers. It's gore and pain and the things that go bump in the night go bump from dragging your bloody body down the stairs!"

Elizabeth put her hand on Spike's arm. When he turned to her, he was caught unawares by the back of the boxing glove across his jaw. He fell to the floor as she tossed it aside. "I don't think William understands just what happened when you became a vampire, Spike. He's yet to see what you can do." She backed up, allowing Spike to get to his feet. He shrugged off the duster, agreeing with  her next words. "Come on, vampire. You're not intending to truly harm me, but improve my technique. Show William what his future would have been had he stayed." Her voice turned sultry as she took a fighting stance. "Come on, Spike, give it to me. Or have you been… neutered?" Spike lunged.

Angel and Wesley had come up behind William to make sure he didn't interfere. When he tried to stand up, Angel put a hand on his shoulder. "This has been a while coming, Will. Sit. He can't truly hurt her, but they both need this. And you do need to see it." The dance was that of two wild cats, circling each other and only occasionally striking out. Punches were blocked, kicks avoided, and holds broken. Whenever they got close to the others, Angel's grip on William would tighten as Spike made some comment about how he would have countered a move if he could really hurt her.

She was tiring, they could tell. A few quick moves from Spike brought them near Angel and the others. A well placed kick put Spike on one knee in front of her, facing away from William. Angel realized Spike had his game face on as Elizabeth looked down at him and reached out to touch the ridges on his brow. And only Angel's vampiric hearing picked up the growl of arousal as she ran her fingers over his demonic visage. Suddenly, Spike grabbed her hand and surged to his feet, spinning around behind her with her hand in his. In the same swift move, he forced her to her knees, falling  behind her and wrapping his other arm around her waist. Beth was now on her knees in front of William, one hand pinned behind her back and the other pinned to her side. Her back was against Spike's chest as he brought his arm up and cradled her head, turning her neck to the side. He could smell the fear pouring off of his souled self as he looked up in game face, his fangs mere millimeters from her skin. She didn't dare move even though he was still chipped. Elizabeth could feel what the fight and that position had done to Spike as he held her tight against his body. She glanced at Angel and was surprised to see the emotions crossing his eyes. She realized Angel was conflicted with concern for her and a gleam of pride for his progeny.

Suddenly, Spike released her and stood. She fell forward and lay flat on the dance floor. Sitting up calmly, she looked at the gentle man she cared for. "If he was any other vampire, I would already be dead." Spike grabbed his coat and lit a cigarette. He headed for the door, casually tossing over his shoulder, "No you wouldn't, pet. You'd have been turned into one of us."

What Have You Done? 6

It took a week before William was able to talk to Elizabeth again.

It was another two weeks before they regained their previous level of comfort around each other. Spike managed to interfere as much as possible. He touched her whenever he passed by, his gaze lingered a little too long, and she caught him watching her with those hot blue eyes every now and then. Her pulse raced whenever he stood just a little too close. Fortunately, he seemed to avoid being around William as much as possible.

William looked up, gasped, and immediately dropped the book he'd been reading. He ran to the door where Angel held Beth up with her arm around his shoulders and his arm around her waist. She was keeping all her weight on her right leg and holding the left one off the floor. Before he could speak, Angel transferred her weight to William. "Take her. I've gotta go back to Spike." Beth glanced up at Angel. "Are you gonna be alright?"

She nodded, leaning on William a little. "Go. Cut off its head for me." Angel spun and headed back down to the sewer exit. Beth waved towards the round couch in the lobby, and William guided her to its cushions. She leaned back, then opened her eyes after a second. "In Cordelia's desk on the right side, you'll find the first aid kit. I'm going to need your help, William." He hurried to the desk and back and placed the kit on the seat beside her. Beth pulled a dagger out from behind her back as he knelt in front of her. "Damn, another pair of pants ruined. Why can't these things fight in flowerbeds?" She lifted the denim away from her leg and plunged the blade through the fabric. A few sawing motions parted the fabric from mid-thigh to the bottom seam. William blushed deeply and looked away from her smooth pale flesh.

"What happened?"

She hissed as she pulled the draping material away from a long cut on the inside of her calf. Her sound of pain made him look around at her, and his eyes widened at the blood dripping down her leg. "Dencorpen, a minor demon, lives in the sewer, really hates when the homeless guys disturb their little trash hoards. Only four feet tall, but they have very long whip-like tails." She dug through the kit and came out with a brown bottle. Her tone was serious. "William, I need your help. You have to pour this over the cut to wash it out, or their trash could infect the wound. I won't lie, it's going to hurt. It's a form of alcohol. Don't worry about getting it on the floor, that's not important. But I'll need you to hold my leg down." He blushed and looked at the floor, then back at her.

She put her hand on his face and brushed back his unruly hair. "Think of yourself as a physician if you must. But I may not be able to control my reaction to it, it will hurt. I don't want to accidentally kick you or anything." He nodded, tongue-tied. William took the bottle from her hand and unscrewed the lid. The acidic smell made his eyes water as he turned to her bare leg. Gently placing his left hand just above her knee, he held the bottle above the top edge of the cut. He glanced back at her as her hand covered his, then pressed down. Taking the hint, he held her firmly and poured the alcohol into the wound.

The breath left her lungs in a tight hiss. William stopped after a second and looked over at Beth. She was much paler than usual and her hands were balled into fists. He was amazed she wasn't screaming. Capping the bottle, he used some of the gauze to dab away the extra blood and alcohol. She rifled through the kit and came up with a handful of odd bandages. "Need to close the wound." Her voice was tight between clenched teeth. She applied one of the butterfly strips to show William how to bring the edges of the skin together. "About an inch or two apart, all the way down." Her hands returned to fists and her head lay back against the cushions as William tended to the cut.

He spoke to her in an attempt to distract her from the pain. "Does not your family worry that you endanger yourself so often?" A moment of silence made him look up at her. Beth's eyes were still closed, but sadness suffused her countenance. She spoke without opening her eyes.

"My family is dead." He started to apologize, but she cut him off. "I am an only child, and my parents were killed by vampires when I was 12." She then looked at him and smiled softly. "But since I have been here, I feel as if I have gained a new family. I consider Wesley, Angel, and Cordelia to be my family."

William looked back down at the pile of bandage wrappers on the floor. "And who among them is the oldest? How do you place them?"

She laughed, music to his ears. "Hmm. Cordelia is like a slightly younger sister. Wesley is almost a twin to me, I've known him since I was a child. But Angel is the oldest. Both physically and in experience. He's like a much older brother. I believe he was only twenty-some odd years when he was Sired, but that was almost a quarter of a century ago." William just nodded and finished cleaning up. He turned to put the trash in the bin, but her hand on his arm stopped him.

"Thank you, William." She slowly rose to her feet, then lightly kissed him on the cheek. He blushed, then looked directly into her eyes. "Thank you for helping me."

His reply was quiet but confident. "Forever and always will I be there, Elizabeth."

Just then, the entire group came back. Wesley excused himself to clean off some demon slime, and Cordelia got her purse and headed home. Spike went for the shower as well, helping Elizabeth up the stairs. William asked Angel for a moment of his time. He followed the vampire into the office.

"What is it, William? Will she be all right?"

William drew a quick breath to steel himself. "Yes, her wound was painful but minor. I wanted to ask you something in private, as she considers you family and the oldest." Angel grinned slightly, seeing what was coming. "Sir, I ask your permission to court Elizabeth, if she'll have me."

He leaned back against the desk and forced himself to look pensive. It really was too easy to make the young man nervous. Angel decided to let him off the hook. "If she'll have you, you're welcome. And from what she's said to me, I doubt `welcome to the family' is too presumptive. Elizabeth is like the little sister I once had. I would hate to see her get hurt." The implied threat made William swallow hard. He was resolute.

"Sir, if I ever hurt her, I would hope you would strike me down right there."

Angel straightened and headed for the stairs. "Good luck."

What Have You Done? 7

Spike snickered as his embodied soul struggled over a poem yet again. The young man looked up and frowned at Spike. "Quickly, I'm the very spirit of vexation. What's another word for glowing?"

Spike just blinked for a second. It took him at least that long to realize that this version of himself didn't have the memory of that bitch degrading him at the party. A smile crossed his face as he realized the little ponce was trying to write about Elizabeth. Now this would be fun. "It doesn't have to rhyme, you know."

William looked a little perplexed. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that poetry changed a while back. Now it's all this sodding free verse nonsense. Women like an honest emotion, not that contrived rhyming crap. Just say what you feel and don't worry about the rhymes."

"But a proper poem—" Spike cut him off and looked over at Elizabeth. She was leaning over Cordy's shoulder, pointing to something on the computer screen.

"Hey Liz, would you come tell the nancyboy here that poems don't have to rhyme?" Angel and Wesley looked up from their reading for a moment, concerned for William's safety. Her confident walk reassured them, and they returned to the research as she neared the two look-alikes. Beth glared at Spike as she stood before them.

"First off, don't call me Liz." She turned to William, her gaze softening. "Secondly, he is correct. Victorian poetry was very formal in its construction, with specific rhyming schemes being employed with usually overblown descriptions of emotions. Free verse actually first flowered in France about 1913, and took off from there. I can get you a book if you like of some classic examples."

Spike interrupted William yet again. "No need, pet, I think we can compare the two right here. Tell her something you wrote."

William blushed. "I hardly think that's appropriate—"

"No, mate, if you can write it you should be able to say it. Go on, then." Elizabeth watched the banter with a raised eyebrow. William took a steadying breath, then spoke.

"Please understand it's not finished." She nodded. "She has made me wayside posies: here they stand,/ Bringing fresh memories of where they grew. /As new-come travelers from a world we knew/ Wake every while some image of their land,/ So these whose buds our woodland breezes fanned/ Bring to my room the meadow where they blew,/ The brook-side cliff, the elms where wood-doves coo--/ And every flower is dearer for her hand./ Oh blossoms of the paths she loves to tread,/ Some grace of her is in all thoughts you bear:/ For in my memories of your homes that were/ The old sweet loneliness they kept is fled,/ And would I think it back I find instead/ A presence of my darling mingling there."

Elizabeth just stood there, an incredulous look on her face. Her mouth was slightly open. After a moment, she shut it and blushed. Her voice was filled with wonder. "William, that's… that's beautiful. I…" She smiled.

Spike got to his feet, not liking the turn of events. He'd never been that good a poet, but she liked that claptrap? Well, two can play… "All fine if you like that structured stuff, pet." He looked at William while he stood behind Beth. When she tried to look back

at him, he just turned her head with his hand. "Now, free verse. Meant to have an intense effect." He leaned a little closer to her

ear, but William could hear the words as well.

"Hair cascading in crimson waves, a sheet of blood on fire.

The scent of roses assaults me

I see my reflection, only the once in twin emerald pools of light

My skin warmed only by the heat of her breath

Heart and pulse racing

Dreaming of flesh the color of moonlight and petals

Yearning towards heavy darkness

And the voice of imported silk, a last cry before sinking."

William could see that Beth was a little flushed and unfocused, and her breathing was erratic. Spike's vampiric senses also picked up on her rapid heartbeat and scent of arousal. He smiled and stepped away. "Well, pet, dunno about you, but I need a smoke." He grinned as he walked away from the pair, heading for the dark courtyard.

Elizabeth blushed yet again and stammered. "Yes, well… As you can see, they… Both forms have their high points. Please excuse me, I… I need some aspirin." She whirled and headed for the stairs. No one noticed Spike head for the fire escape and slip inside an upper floor.

Beth struggled against her captor, trying to get the hand off her mouth as she was dragged into an empty room. Her eyes widened in indignation as Spike turned her in his arms and pressed her up against the door. "Don't scream, pet." She nodded and his hand fell away from her. He was prepared for her betrayal as she drew a deep breath for her cry. Suddenly, her shriek was forestalled by Spike's mouth devouring her own. His body molded itself to hers and she felt that the poem had affected him as well. One of his hands was tangled in her hair, cupping the back of her neck, while the other slipped around her waist and drew her even closer. His mouth slid off of hers as he trailed moist kisses along her throat. It was hard for her to even hear his mumbled desires due to the singing of blood in her veins. Beth felt as if fire raced along her nerves, heating them both.

Gradually, she became aware of what Spike was mumbling as his tongue swept over her collarbone. "…Never give you this, pet, never feed the fire you have. Can't doom you to furtive fumbling in the dark, long Victorian nightgowns, want you in silk the color of your eyes…" She grabbed him by his hair and drew his face back up to hers. She stared into eyes the color of a hot blue gas flame. Something seemed to crack in her heart, the sound of a twig snapping in the forest. Her voice was low and dark, thick with need.

"Get this straight, Spike. I know what you are and what you're capable of. And I won't be a pawn in your mad one-upmanship game with yourself. You don't have anything to prove to me. The Council would have executed me in my bed for what I'm about to say." He waited, still held by her hand in his hair. "I love William. I desire you. That will have to suffice. William is my sunlight. You are… my fire in the darkness. No more games, you leave him be, and I'll let you burn through me. Yes or no?"

Spike smiled, a slow evil grin that made her pulse throb. "I'll leave him be, pet. On one condition." He knew her Watcher's curiosity would compel her to answer the way he wanted. And her depth of knowledge would ensure she went in willingly.

"What?"

"Tonight I am the fire in your veins. Tonight, I claim you in the darkness." His vampiric vision let him see how her eyes widened in comprehension and fear. And more than a little excitement.

"Dealing with the devil." She pushed aside the thoughts of Angel's revenge and Wesley's disappointment. "Done."

What Have You Done? 8

What had she done? Elizabeth had just agreed to let Spike bite her during sex. She was a Watcher, she knew what the ramifications of being "claimed" meant. It meant she'd have to keep from meeting Wesley's look of disappointment and disgust when he realized she'd slept with a demon. It meant she'd have to keep Angel from killing Spike when he realized she belonged body, blood, and soul to his rebellious Childe. She numbly followed Spike from the empty room they met in to her own chambers down the hall. She whispered the elements of a spell and turned to see him shrugging off the leather duster.

"What did you just say, pet?"

 "A spell of quiet. If I'm not screaming in pain, then no one can

hear what goes on in this room."

He grinned as he unbuttoned his red overshirt. "Good. Hate to have interruptions."

She ignored his humor and went around the room, lighting candles. The red shirt dropped onto the coat, quickly followed by his boots and socks. She came back only to gasp at the sight. Spike stood quietly, the hard planes of his body thrown into high relief by the flickering shadows. His blue eyes burned hotly at her as she admired the expanse of pale flesh and strong arms. She closed her eyes for a second, then opened them to find that he stood close enough to breathe on her. Beth was oddly relieved that he didn't.

Spike gazed into her emerald eyes as he reached for the first button on her blouse. Her racing heartbeat filled his ears as he gently pressed his lips to hers. The buttons slowly gave way, and she leaned into the kiss. His fingertips carefully eased the blouse off one shoulder. His mouth was nibbling on her jawline and about to head for her ear when she mumbled something in the negative, then suddenly pushed him away from her. He looked confused as she pulled her auburn curls out of the bun on her head and shook her hair over her shoulders. "No. No tenderness."

Spike frowned. "But pet, I could hurt you. You're very… human."

A small flicker of anger and resignation lit her eyes behind the smoky desire. "I didn't agree to this to you could act like him."  

Spike's eyes narrowed in challenge. She continued. "I may be human, but I'm not made of glass. If you want it, come try to take it."

Beth barely got out the last word before Spike was grabbing her by the arms and kissing her fiercely. His mouth plundered hers, battling with her tongue and crushing her lips. She moaned involuntarily. It'd been so long since someone wanted her at all, and never this intensely…

His hands left her arms and ripped apart her blouse, buttons flying haphazardly. She shrugged off the tattered fabric as he broke open the snap on her bra. Spike ran his tongue across her jaw and nibbled on her earlobe as his chilled hands pushed aside the fabric and cupped her breasts. When he flicked her hard rosy nipples with his thumbs, she gasped and ran her fingernails down his chest. He struggled momentarily for control of his demon as she left red welts across his torso. Her hands settled on his waist, and he shoved the bra off of her. Beth let the ruined lingerie hit the floor, and started to return the kisses on his neck. Spike moaned as well as her hot tongue left wet trails from his chin to his jugular. She sucked on the base of his neck as his nimble fingers made short work of the front of her jeans.

He slowly knelt before her and drew her jeans and lace panties down to her ankles. Beth steadied herself on his shoulders as she stepped out of the clothing. Spike stood again, taking a step towards her. She automatically stepped back, and he repeated the action until the back of her knees hit the edge of her bed. She fell backwards, then looked up from her awkward position before him. He grinned sardonically and unbuttoned his own black pants. Letting them fall from his hips, his smile widened as she drew a surprised breath. Well, well, Spike goes commando, said a small functioning part of her brain. Her own pupils dilated at the lovely sight of his cock bobbing before her. Spike was quite decently endowed, and very happy to be here, apparently.

Beth frowned a little as Spike knelt between her knees at the edge of the bed. "Spike, what are you doing?" His cool hands eased her knees apart as he continued to look at her.

"Pet. Shut up and hold on." Her head fell back and the air escaped her lungs as his head suddenly dipped to her core and his chilly tongue laved her center. It was as if his lower temperature only caused her to burn hotter. Long strokes lapped her wetness, and her hands clutched at the blankets convulsively. Her panting whimpers were a litany of begging as he found her sensitive clit. Spike kept up the rhythm as he pushed two fingers inside her. Curving upward just behind her pubic bone, he pressed and rubbed slightly at the swollen spot, making her whimpers deepen to grunts. Her belly seemed wound tighter than her old grandfather clock.

Just as she seemed to be unable to continue, his fingers and mouth left her. "Nooooo…" Her half-plea, half-whine was cut off as he grabbed her under the arms and scooted her swiftly up the bed. His hips wiggled between her legs, spreading her, and one quick thrust made her cry out as he sank in her depths. He stilled for a moment, giving her time to get used to his size. Spike's fingers were interlaced with hers as he held her hands down beside her head, his chest rubbing against her hard nipples. Incoherent sounds issued from her throat as he slowly pulled almost completely out of her. Her legs began to shake as he quickly thrust forward again, repeating the gesture. Beth kept her eyes on his as he slammed into her, driving his shaft into her hot core over and over.

Reduced to a series of panting grunts, the air burned between their faces as Spike plundered her mouth again. Beth sensed that the winding spiral was close as her thighs shook between thrusts. Suddenly she threw her head back, exposing her creamy throat to his gaze. A keening cry escaped her as she stilled, her muscles clenching involuntarily around his cock. The sight made Spike shift

into game face, his eyes suddenly molten gold. A deep thrust, and his fangs sank into her neck as he spilled himself within her, his cold seed bathing her walls. Her blood trickled down his throat, hot and spicy with release and magic.

After a moment, Spike forced himself to leave her skin and her depths, easing out of her. Beth gasped for air as he slowly licked the mark on her neck, causing the blood to cease flowing. Her eyes fluttered as Spike rolled to one side and shifted the covers. Rolling back with her in his arms, he covered them both with the blanket. His whispers barely penetrated her brain as she drifted to sleep in his embrace. "Sleep for now, luv. I've claimed you, and nothing can make me leave your side."

What Have You Done? 9

**WARNING: I do use some anti-Irish racial epithets in this section. However, Beth is English with all their history behind her. And before you get pissy, I'm Irish. My research of Irish v. English history gives me the appropriate context for Elizabeth to know exactly what comments would hurt Angel. If you don't like it, don't read it.

She expected that he would be gone by the time she awoke again. She didn't expect the note on the pillow next to her, hastily penned on her own stationery. It was strangely compassionate, while at the same time it was clinical and disturbing.

"Elizabeth—

You were wrong. It's you who are the fire in darkness. If you don't want Peaches to kill us both, take a long, hot shower with lots of fragrant soap before you come downstairs. That rose shampoo is especially nice in your hair. Your neck should be mostly healed by the time you're done, cover it or not as you wish. I know it's there."

She followed his instructions, making sure to be extra clean. Pinning her hair up, she was grateful for the radio announcer's notice that it would be unseasonably cool tonight. It seemed as if the weather was conspiring with her to wear a higher-necked blouse than usual. Matching it with a long skirt and boots, she headed downstairs.

William's only concern was for her headache and why she'd slept so late. Thinking quickly, she was grateful he accepted the excuse that the cooler weather allowed her to sleep better. Wesley and Cordelia were out running errands, Spike was playing on the computer, and Angel sat at the desk staring at the paperwork. Beth came over to get some coffee, her eyes sliding away from Spike's. A voice in her ear startled her as William came up behind her.

"Care for a bite?" She gasped, the coffee missing the mug and splashing on the countertop. William apologized as she shakily replaced the pot and wiped up the brown puddle.

"No, no thank you. Not hungry just yet." She glanced over at Spike, who just smirked at her from behind Cordelia's desk. None of the three saw how intently Angel watched the exchange, his visage darkening in comprehension. He returned his attention to the accounts and forced his voice to remain neutral.

"William, Wesley called. He'll be by any moment to pick you up. He mentioned something about some bookshops?"

William smiled. "Oh yes. I do hope you can excuse me for a few hours, Elizabeth. Wesley promised to show me some of the sources for his arcane knowledge. I should get my coat, it's apparently promised to rain later."

She grinned at his enthusiasm. "Not a problem at all. I hope you find the time enjoyable. Just don't let Wes get into his lecture persona, he'll never shut up."

"I find his mind quite fascinating. I'll see you later, then?" She nodded, then blushed as he bravely gave her a quick peck on the cheek before heading out of the room. Angel's voice interrupted her dreamy look.

"Elizabeth, would you go get last month's accounts for me? I left them downstairs next to my coffee table."

"Certainly, I'll be right back." She headed through the door and down the stairs. Spike was engrossed in his game and failed to notice William head out the front door while Angel rose and followed Elizabeth, shutting the door behind him.

Angel maintained his human face with some difficulty as he watched Beth search for the papers under the coffee table, then straighten up. His vampiric hearing caught her mumbles. "Humph. Two and a half centuries old must be wearing if he can't remember where he left it." He leaned against the pillar at the bottom of the stairs and spoke quietly, causing her to spin around in shock.

"Perhaps you prefer your vampires a few hundred years younger." She watched him cross his arms and stare at her coldly.

"What are you talking about? And there aren't any accounts down here, Angel." She swallowed and looked away for a moment. Looking up at him again, her eyes widened in fright as he suddenly stood before her. He grabbed her upper arms painfully and listened to her racing heartbeat for a moment. His chocolate brown eyes were nearly black with some emotion she couldn't fathom. His voice was low and harsh.

"I figured you'd be more likely to tell me the truth if you weren't around Spike. Is it a part of Watcher training now to deceive good men?" The scent of fear and roses rolled off of her, along with a barely detectable familiar smell. "Are you having fun, stringing along poor innocent William while you sneak off and sleep with his demon self?" She gasped deeply and wrenched her right arm free knocking Angel's head back with a resounding slap to the face. He grabbed her arm again and drew her close, letting his demon visage slip into place. "Is it all one big Council experiment?"

A match flared in the darkness by the stairs, and cigarette smoke was drawn into lungs that no longer needed air. The voice was steel covered in silk, deadly quiet. "She's an adult, capable of making her own decisions. As for your decisions, Sire, I suggest you get your hands off my mate." Angel was at his throat in an instant, pinning Spike to the wall. His heavier mass kept Spike from getting free as he growled at him.

"You dare? Insolent Childe, you dare to come into my home and seduce my friend? You are no end of trouble, boy. I should have staked you in that mine in Yorkshire." He shook Spike as he berated him. "A good friend, close enough to be a sister, and you dare to mark her without my permission? It's been too long since I taught you how to behave, boy. I just might--"

"Oh for Christ's sake, will you two shut the fuck up?" Angel dropped Spike, who leaned against the wall as they both stared at Beth. The uncharacteristic profanity from her had them both in shock, and she took advantage of the silence. She advanced like a furious lioness, grace belying her anger. Her eyes glittered with rage as she pointed at the two vampires. She spoke with a dead calm that made Angel's demon retreat with no small amount of fear. Spike was suddenly intensely hoping she didn't have a stake hidden in that skirt. "How bloody dare you make this about you, Angelus." Angel opened his mouth to correct her and received another head-rocking slap before he could get a word out.

"Don't correct me, I know quite well who was speaking a moment ago. One, I was not seduced, it was a mutual decision in sound mind. Two, without your permission? I don't need your permission to do anything, and if you haven't learned in over a century that Spike doesn't ask you for permission either, then you really are an ignorant bogtrotter." Angel's eyes darkened at the insult. "Three, you certainly weren't treating me like sister a moment ago when you were accusing me of being either a mad scientist or a whore. But considering your real sister's pain was over with quickly, perhaps she had the better deal." Pain flashed across Angel's face. Beth's eyes softened for a moment, telling him that she was sorry, but he had hurt her deeply with his accusations and distrust. She continued with the tirade.

She turned to Spike and glared. "And you. I know what it means to be claimed by a vampire. Being a former Watcher, I dare say I know all that entails more than any normal human. But you claimed me as Mate, not as Childe, so I am not your possession either. Don't you ever, ever presume to even think I can't say no to you. I will have you as an equal, or you will be fodder for a dustbin. Those are your choices."

Suddenly running out of steam, her shoulders slumped. Beth spoke in a softer tone as she stared at the floor. Neither vampire could mistake the hurt and fear in her words. "I love William. But don't you think I'm dreadfully aware that the longer he's here, the more likely it is that we are changing time? Wesley isn't just showing him the bookstores, he also searching for a particular volume for me. I think there was a prophecy about this." Her laugh was short and bitter. "But what doesn't seem to have one around it?" She looked up, meeting Spike's blue eyes, her own green ones full of unshed tears.

"You will be here when he's gone. I know you won't believe me, but you are not a replacement for him. But I also know that without him, you wouldn't be here at all. So long as William is here, he is my sunlight. When he's gone… The fire changes form, and lights the darkness. I chose you, knowing the fire you've become. Remember that, Spike. I could have chosen any human, William, any vampire. But I choose you."

They stood there, lost in their own emotions as she quietly headed back upstairs, her step heavy and slow. Angel spoke without looking at Spike, choked with feeling. "I… I apologize. You've met your match." He looked up, nearly smiling at Spike's look of shock. A small bit of brogue slipped into his speech. "It's damn lucky ya are, boy. Break her heart, and the devil himself won't find all the pieces of ya."

The smirk returned to Spike's face as he turned for the stairs. Pausing, he spoke over his shoulder. "If I ever do, Sire, I know you'll do what's right."

What Have You Done? 10

She wondered if they could turn back time just long enough for Wesley to not have brought her the book she was looking for. Just long enough not to have translated half the passages before finding the one she knew was there. Just long enough not to have read the prophecy. Just long enough to not have realized that she would watch William die.

The words leapt up at her, blackly searing her vision. "The demon's soul is drawn forward, given form by the Watcher/Innocent and unaware, he gives his heart freely/Three moons hence and full, the body is pierced, the soul drawn back/Leaving the heart's flower with empty arms/Comforted only by the spike through her heart."

Beth closed the book after a long quiet moment. She withdrew her purse from the desk drawer and headed for the lobby. As she crossed the empty floor, Cordelia looked over. "Hey Beth, where ya headed?" Beth stopped on the top step before the entrance, pausing for a second without looking at Cordy.

"Where you can get the future for the price of a song." She left the hotel as Angel and Wesley came up from training in the basement.

"Guys, I think Beth's upset. She just came out of her office and said she was going to Caritas for some reason. She seemed really pale." Wesley frowned, then ducked in the office to see if there were any clues to her behavior. He spied the book she'd asked him to purchase on the desk with her notes next to it. The translation on the top sheet caused his heart to skip a beat. Grabbing the paper and folding it into his pocket, he rushed back out to face a concerned Angel and Cordelia.

"Cordelia, could you possibly keep William entertained when he comes downstairs? Not a word of this, we'll update you when we get back." She frowned, but he turned to Angel without waiting for a reply. "She's headed to see Lorne, to see if there's any way to prevent a prophecy that could alter time. We've got to stop her." Angel nodded and grabbed his car keys. Wesley looked at Spike as he came across the lobby to join them. An eyebrow rose in question, and Spike snapped defensively.

"Even I know you shouldn't muck about with time. No matter what it does to your heart."

Rather than distract the woman on stage, they slunk into a darkened table along the edge. The Host glanced over at them, then returned his attention to Beth as she started her song. Even Wesley was surprised at the lovely voice that breathed such sweet words. Spike smelled her nervousness even from their seats. Angel merely noted how her eyes flickered over them, then pointedly kept to anywhere but there table. She was ignoring them so she wouldn't lose her nerve.

I can stand with the weight of the world

On my shoulders

I can fight with the toughest of the tough

I can laugh in the face

Of all my insecurities

Anytime, anywhere, anything

I'm strong enough

But when you're holding me like this

I'm carelessly lost in your touch

I'm completely defenseless

Baby, it's almost too much

I'm helplessly, hopelessly, recklessly

Falling in love

So let consequence do what it will to us

I don't care

Let the stars stand as witness to it all

Say the word and tonight I will follow you anywhere

I just can't pretend anymore

I'm too sturdy to fall

But when you're holding me like this

I'm carelessly lost in your touch

I'm completely defenseless

Baby, it's almost too much

I'm helplessly, hopelessly, recklessly

Falling in love

I am not afraid

I am not afraid

'Cause when you're holding me like this

I'm carelessly lost in your touch

I'm completely defenseless

Baby, it's almost too much

I'm helplessly, hopelessly, recklessly

Falling...

(Helplessly, hopelessly, recklessly falling)

I'm helplessly, hopelessly, recklessly

Falling in love

Applause resounded through the club as Lorne congratulated her and put on some pre-recorded tunes. Leading her off the stage, he paused at the bar for two drinks, then took her to sit across the room from Angel's group. Putting one drink in front of her, he took a deep breath and looked up sadly into Elizabeth's eyes. She'd reached for the alcohol, but her hand froze in midair at his look. Even with fiery red eyes and a completely different skin tone, she could see what he didn't want to say to her. Her hand shook for a moment, then slowly dropped to the table like a falling leaf. Her voice was shaky with forced amusement.

"We always come to you to find our way out of a prophecy. I suppose they were written for a reason. Can't get out of this one, can I?" She took a quick drink as the Host cradled her other hand in his own, covering it with his other palm.

"Sweetness, I don't want to be the bearer of horrible news, believe me. But sometimes I don't get the over the rainbow endings with rosy glasses, ya know?" He patted her hand awkwardly. "For what it's worth, you will be happy again. But it's a truckload of pain to wade through first. Just try to see you have people that love you, ok?"

When Beth looked back up at the Host, her eyes alone held oceans of anguish. "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind; therefore is winged Cupid painted blind." She downed the rest of her drink in one gulp and headed for the door. When Lorne saw the AI team get up to follow her, he intercepted them just before the staircase.

"She needs time to process. That songbird is full of pain, and not even a group hug's gonna penetrate the veil. She was even quoting Shakespeare." Wesley's eyebrow rose behind his glasses.