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You're not exactly sure what led you here. You were supposed to be in LA with Angel right about now, but you find yourself wandering the streets of Sunnydale California in the dead of night. He's so going to kill you when he finds out you're missing. But that's a later you's problem. Your eyes get caught on the gates of the cemetery and your feet almost seem to stop all on their own. You haven't seen him since what, the 1800's?? Not since he, Angel, Darla, and Drusilla were all still working together. You and Angel found each other again when Angel got his soul back and semi begged for your forgiveness, but you haven't seen any of the others in centuries. Cordelia did mention Spike apparently gaining a soul of his own back, though, so maybe… You enter the cemetery before you can convince yourself otherwise. Despite all that went down, you do miss him. He was a decent friend when he wasn't impaling people on railroads.
It takes a few minutes of walking to find what you're looking for, but it was easy to recognize once you did. One, because Spike is painfully predictable in his hideout spots and decorative skills, and two, because he's literally there having a smoke beside the entrance. Some things really do just never change, huh? You approach the vampire carefully, trying your best not to startle him. You'd rather not get beheaded today. Then again, if you did, Wesley might finally get off your ass about paperwork. Unfortunately, multitasking isn't one of your strong suits, and getting too lost in your thoughts causes you to step on a slightly too crunchy leaf. Damn you, Wesley. In an instant, Spike's hand is around your throat and he's baring his teeth like a threatened wolf. He'd probably kill you just for that comparison if he was a mind reader. He presses you harder against the walls of his home. “What the fuck are you doing in my territory? Can't you tell when your superiors have claimed an area already?” Well, he definitely still has his ego. Again, some things never change.
“Owwww!” You whine, attempting to wiggle out of his grasp. It doesn’t really hurt but it is annoying and you like being difficult. “Spike I swear to god, if you get blood on this outfit I'm calling Angel back here.” You most definitely are not doing anything of the sort but it's the thought that counts.
“You know Angel? What, are you one of his little spies sent to fuck up my life even more?” He nearly growls, squeezing your throat tighter. Damn he's paranoid.
“No what the fuck?? Angel doesn't even have spies. Do you seriously not recognize me? That hurts more than your stupid nails do.” Curious about your words, he relents to inspecting you closer. It was extremely awkward.
“Dude. Personal space? Ever heard of her?” He huffs and drops you back on your ass. “OWW!” You complain, still not in pain by any means but definitely pissed off about his actions. Mumbling various insults under your breath, you stand up and brush yourself off. This place is dirty as shit. Why must vampires be so obsessed with abandoned buildings and graveyards? Can't it for once be a pretty cottage or something? Spike crosses his arms, still glaring but with a lot less bite behind it. … There's a joke in that somewhere.
“... Are you really…?” His voice is rough but hesitant, more unsure than you've ever heard him be.
“Yeah. It's been a while, hasn't it?” Your voice, unlike his, was too relaxed for the situation at hand. Not like it was your fault, you just don’t really fear Spike. Or graveyards. Besides, you've been in too many crazy situations the past month to let this quake your boots. Fuck, you should've worn your favorite boots today! They would've looked so cute with this outfit.
“I honestly thought you got slayed or something. But you've been with Angel this whole time, huh?” You were about to get upset at the “got slayed” comment but paused when you heard the envy dripping from his next words. It does make a little sense, if you think about it. He's always been envious of Angel and how everyone seems to flock to him first. Even Drusilla was more attached to Angelus than him. You were one of the few people who felt more comfortable with him than the emo bastard, and now you've turned to him too after abandoning everyone else.
“Not the whole time. We reunited when he got his soul back. It took a long while for us to actually become friends again even after that. I heard that you got your soul back too, so I wanted to see it for myself. Not that I'm sure you even needed it back, though. You were always more comfortable to be around than Angelus was.” You were going to say he was always more human, but you aren't sure how well that would've gone over. Even the words you did say are obviously conflicting in his mind.
“Oh, cause I'm some fucking saint now. You and Dawn would definitely get along.” Despite his words, you can tell what you said touched him. It also helped that you technically told him you liked him better than Angel.
“Isn't that Buffy's sister? I hope so, her family is cool as hell.” You met the scooby gang back when Angel was still living in Sunnydale. You might've also had the slightest crush on Buffy back then, too. She just attracts all the vamps apparently. Poor girl.
“Listen, kid. The sun's gonna come up soon. If you wanna leave tonight, you're gonna have to leave now. Otherwise, you'll be stuck here for another day at least.” You know what he's asking. The question hidden behind the gruff warning. He wants to know if you'll stay with him. If you really want to rekindle the friendship you both used to have.
“Guess I have to find shelter for tonight then.” You hum, walking straight into his crypt without another word. Despite his grumblings, you can feel his smile even while facing away. The man is way too easy to read.
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“This is bullshit!” You slam the cards on the table, crossing your arms with a huff and a pout. “You have to be cheating. There's no way.” The older vamp just grins, taking up your cards gleefully.
“Or, you know, you just suck.” He teases as he reshuffles the deck. You half-heartedly throw a coin at the bastard in retaliation. Your next choice words were interrupted by your phone buzzing in your pocket. Texts from Angel.
EMO LOSER😼!!
Where are you
I can't find you
Cordelia says you aren't with her
Are you still in LA?
Come here now
Damn he's panicking hard. Before you respond, you glance up to see Spike's suddenly sour expression, obviously overthinking and believing you're about to abandon him again and flock to Angel. That gives you an idea.
Kidnapped⛓️. Danger⚠️. In NY. Help🆘️. Super almost dead💀☠️.
You read your message outloud as you type it. If Angel believes this, that's honestly on him. You can visibly see Spike’s shoulders relax.
“What, did ya really think I'd leave so soon? I still have to beat you first!” You challenge with a grin, pulling your cards from the shuffled deck. Spike does the same, a genuine look of amusement overtaking his usual grumpy face. When it's just the two of you, it's easier to imagine things never changed, that you both aren't what you are, and that nothing else in the world is going wrong. Just two competitive losers playing cards.