A Time To Sew
William sat at his desk finishing his Sociology assignment. He heard a light knock on his door.
He turned around. “Come in Bit.” He said
Dawn turned walked in.
“It’s scary how you know it’s me every time.” Dawn said plopping down on his bed.
“Slayer senses.” William teased.
Dawn rolled her eyes. She looked down at William’s comforter smoothing it out.
“What’s on you mind Bit?” William asked.
“Well everyone is coming over tonight. Cause you know..” Dawn said not wanting to finish her sentence.
William nodded.
“It’s just weird sometimes at school I have to act so normal like I know nothing and then when I come home everything is different. This seems more real than what everyone else get to live.” Dawn said.
William smiled at her. She was so remarkable. She insightful and mature for her age it scared him at times.
“Will can I ask another question?” She said.
“Anything Bit.” He announced.
“What did it feel like? I mean the moment you knew.” Dawn asked.
William sat back in his seat and began to tell his story....
FLASHBACK
__________________________________________________________________
Rupert and William sat up waiting. Dawn had broke and there was no sign of Spike. they thought that perhaps he had just fallen asleep at The Summer’s house but William knew better.
Lizzie’s light was still on. She knew she was waiting for him as well. Rupert was about to call The Council when they both saw it.
It floated from the ceiling hovering over them. A green cloud of smoke. The same color they had seen in Lizzie room.
“No.” Rupert whispered his eyes becoming wide in fear.
William watched it float toward him.
“NO!” Rupert screamed.
He would not lose William.
William watched as his father began to chant.
Everything seemed surreal.
A large swirling light appeared before him holding the green dust at bay.
“Da, what did you do!” William screamed watching the green cloud and swirling light battle.
“Spike’s dead! You’re to be called! Go in now!” Rupert said pointing at the light.
“What do you mean?” William screamed.
Rupert continued to focus his energy on the light.
“I will not lose you too!” He screamed.
William realized at that moment what his father had done. He had opened a portal, the same one he had opened to spare their mother her fate. It hit William at that moment. Spike was gone....
William looked at the light. He wanted to obey his father but his feet would not move. William a million thoughts raced through his mind, His life as he knew it, his brother gone, his mother on her deathbed, Lizzie...Lizzie....
William looked at his father.
“Da! No!” William screamed.
Rupert looked at his son. He saw determination in his eyes. He saw peace. Resignation.
William took a step toward the green cloud. The cloud turned from the swirling light and hovered for a moment then with lightening speed it shot straight into William’s chest.
Rupert lowered his hand and began to cry.
William gasped for air.
The same images that invaded his brother filled his mind. Ancient wars, untold tales. All of it hit him at once.
William regained his footing and stood up.
He looked over and saw his broken father.
“Spike...” He cried.
William sunk to his knees hugging his father. Both men cried.
Rupert straightened out first. He wiped the tears from his son’s eyes.
A knowing looked passed between them. They would have to go on. For Jenny, for Spike.
William continued to wipe the tears from his eyes.
He laid down in his father’s lap like he had done as a child.
Rupert grasped his son in his arms and began to speak.
“It had been foretold...Into each generation a Slayer is born. One girl in all the world, a Chosen One. One born with the strength and skill to fight the vampires, to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their numbers. Always a girl until now. You have been Chosen. This is your destiny William Giles. My name is Rupert Giles and I am your Watcher....”
Flashback Ends
_________________________________________________________________
Dawn listened to his story. She smiled at him.
“Green Cloud eh?” Dawn said making a face.
“How’d it taste?” Dawn asked.
William tugged at her hair and said.
“Kind of green”
tbc....
A Time To Mourn
William watched his friends and his newly adopted sister sitting in the living room. They never said why they gathered in The Giles’s home on this day. But he knew why. It was the day he was called.
The day Spike died.
They came over every year and told funny tales about how they all came to be Scoobies.
How William found out about Oz being a werewolf when he came to his house one day and saw him shackling himself to a desk.
How Anya got stuck here when Rupert smashed her amulet.
When William first began slaying all the mistakes he had made.
They talked about Spike.
His music, his life. Things he did with the band. But no one brought up Lizzie.
Not because of William or Dawn, but because of what happened when she found out he had died.
How broken Lizzie was. How she never really recovered from Spike’s death. How fragile she had become.
William looked over at Lizzie’s old window.
It was a sound a simple sound that brought her out of it, but a part of her was lost that day. He would never forget the look in her eyes.....
FLASHBACK
__________________________________________________________________
William sat her room. Watching her as she just laid there staring at the ceiling. She had been that way for two days now. Before he and Rupert even got to The Summer’s House to break to the woman their tragic news Lizzie had known somehow she had known.
The police showed up at The Giles Family doorstep to tell them the news of an accident. Spike’s car his black Desoto exploded on impact the charred remains of a male were all that was left. William and Rupert where stunned they were sure he had died at the hands of a Vampire. It did not help any, in fact it made it worse.
When they walked over to The Summer’s house to tell them the news. Joyce announced she would be the one to tell her daughter. After a few moments Joyce yelled for Giles. Giles and William ran up the stairs and found Lizzie lying in her beg staring up at her ceiling.
Lizzie had been catatonic for two days now. Joyce and Rupert started the heartbreaking proceedings to find a hospital to admit her into.
William sat there holding her hand talking to her trying to coax her out.
Dawnie came in to brush her hair and read to her. Try to tell her stories that used to make her laugh.
William and Dawnie even turned on The Princess Bride and sat there watching it with her. Talking to her. Letting her know when her favorite parts were coming on.
Nothing stirred Lizzie. She just laid there staring.....
William sat there looking up at the sky praying, making bargains to however would listen. He would stroke her cheek and try to talk to her.
“Come, on Luv. Spike is up there watching bloody furious with me right now because your in such a state.” William said
He held her hand.
“Come on Luv come back to us.” He whispered.
William watched her for a moment then he began to cry.
“Please Lizzie I can’t lose you too.” William whispered.
A gust of air from the window filled the room causing Lizzie’ s window to slam shut.
Lizzie shot straight up startling William.
“Spike?” She said with a small smile looking toward the window.
William watched as her face slowly fell.
She turned to William her once bright eyes filled with pain.
“Will?” She questioned.
“Yes Luv.” He whispered.
“He’s gone isn’t he?” Lizzie said quietly.
“I’m sorry Lizzie.” He said.
Lizzie screamed. She screamed so loud the other occupants of the house came running in.
Lizzie screamed over and over again until no sound came from her mouth. Tears ran down her face like rain against a window.
She heaved gasping for air.
“SPIKE!!” She wailed.
William took her in his arms. Lizzie clung to him letting out the most pain filled sobs he had ever heard.
“Please no!” She screamed.
“I’m sorry Lizzie.” William cried holding her as tight as he could.
The two teenagers held each other tightly.
Crying.
One for the brother, he had never been without.
The other for the love, she could not live without.
There was no funeral. Spike had long ago said if he had died he wanted a party at The Bronze with The Dare playing. He wanted his ashes scattered in England near a garden he had fallen in love with a long time ago.
Everyone assembled to say goodbye to the talented musician. He had so many local fans. Everyone gave his brother and father condolences. The Dare took the stage. They stood there looking off the side as if they were waiting for someone.
Finally a person took the stage.
William sat there with Dawn, Joyce and his father as Lizzie walked up to center stage wearing the same outfit she had the night Spike sang to her.
“I wanted to thank everyone for coming.” She started.
“Spike would be bloody pissed about all the trouble we have made for him.” Lizzie said smiling using the words Spike would have uttered himself if he had been there.
Everyone in the room chuckled for a moment.
Lizzie looked at William trying to find the strength to continue.
William stood up smiling at her. Encouraging her by nodding.
The two had become closer than ever. No one else seemed to understand their pain quite like the other did.
“You can do this.” He mouthed at her.
Lizzie bit her bottom lip and took a deep breath.
“We were all lucky to know him.” Lizzie said.
She looked down a smile crept across her face as a single tear ran down her cheek.
“I was luckiest of all. To be the girl he loved.” Lizzie whispered.
She looked up and closed her eyes.
Oz on cue began to strum his guitar.
“There's no one in town I know
You gave us some place to go.
I never said thank you for that.
I thought I might get one more chance.
What would you think of me now,
so lucky, so strong, so proud?
I never said thank you for that,
now I'll never have a chance.
May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in.”
William crossed his arms listening to Lizzie sing. She had the voice of an angel. It was strange to him he felt no jealousy. Just pride. Pride that the girl his brother adored was honoring him, singing for him. With the band he loved.
“So what would you think of me now,
so lucky, so strong, so proud?
I never said thank you for that,
now I'll never have a chance.
May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in.”
Rupert held Dawn in his lap. Joyce touched his shoulder as tears rolled down his eyes.
“And if you were with me tonight,
I'd sing to you just one more time.
A song for a heart so big,
god couldn't let it live.”
From outside in the shadows a lone figure watched the girl as she shone on stage. Her eyes filled with so much sadness.
May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in.”
William walked up to the stage and took Lizzie reached out for her knowing what would come next.
She hugged him tightly trying in vain not to let her pain consume her but she couldn’t.
Lizzie broke down in his arms began to cry, her knees gave out .
William caught her. He picked her up and carried her off stage.
The lone figure from the outside watched the whole scene unfold and whispered one word...
“Lizzie”
William shut the door to his room. All his friends had let, The Bit was safely tucked into her bed, his father retreated into his study to reflect the way he always did on this day and William, William was alone.
It was not a lonely time for him. It was his time to remember. He felt guilty for how he felt. It was a horrible time. But it was the last time he truly felt any peace. Back when they buried his mother. When he was first called. When everyone thought Spike was gone.
He tried not to long for those days but he did. Those few a precious months he got before the world began to spin out of control again...
FLASHBACK
______________________________________________________________
God’s Teeth he was tired. He had been out for a long time tonight. There were so many of them. Creatures of the night seemed to pop out of nowhere that night. Something was stirring. He could feel it. There were new rumors a New Master of The Hellmouth was being groomed. That it was powerful and feared but William had yet to see it.
17, he thought. He fought 17 new fledglings tonight. A few where difficult but nothing he could not handle.
He was relieved that he no longer had to hide who he was to Willow and Xander. One night a group of vamps tried to attack his friends when they were coming out of The Bronze. William had been there to stop it. Although they were confused and a little bewildered at first with the help of his father they accepted William’s role.
They even began to help when they could. He made them promise however never to tell Lizzie. She was still too fragile.
She had her good days and bad ones.
Sometimes she would be just like the girl he remembered. They would have there conversations yelling at each other from their windows nightly. Then some nights he would see her from his room, staring out the window like she was waiting for something, more to the point she was waiting for Spike.
Some nights he would find her asleep in his bed afraid to be alone. He would go downstairs and sleep on the couch. Other nights he would go over to her house and read to her so she could fall asleep. He knew Spike would want him to be there for her.
William took a shower and crawled into his bed. His body was sore his muscles ached. He began to fall asleep when he heard a tap on his window.
William smiled.
He walked over to the window and opened it reaching out for the person outside.
Lizzie stood there in her yummy sushi pajamas wringing her hands looking nervous.
William laughed and took her hand.
He pulled his covers back.
Lizzie smiled and jumped into his bed like a child.
William went over to the other side of the bed and got in.
“Sorry, I just got a little worried when you got home so late.” Lizzie explained.
William knew she worried about him. Like with Spike she never questioned where he went but sometimes when he came back too late she would panic.
William laid on his side and closed his eyes. They did this often shared his bed. Sometimes it was difficult for him to hide bulge in his sweat pants but he found ways to deal with it. Namely getting up and taking cold showers when he knew Lizzie was sound asleep.
“I know Pet.” He whispered.
William felt Lizzie take his arm and pull it around him.
He smiled.
“Just don’t hog the covers.” William teased.
“I do not hog the covers.” Lizzie pouted.
“Yes you do Luv. I wake up cold every time.” He argued.
“Stop being a baby.” Lizzie said snuggling into his bed.
William laughed.
His fatigue found him again before he knew it he was fast asleep.
Later that night Lizzie heard a voice in her head.
“It can’t be.” She thought.
She opened her eyes and saw William holding her one arm wrapped around her.
Slowly he turned from her.
“Lizzie.” She heard again.
“Lizzie, Come to me...”
Lizzie stood up and looked out the window. She saw nothing. She looked across the way to her room.
Again she heard it.
“Lizzie, please..come to me.” She heard.
Lizzie took one more look back at William. She climbed out the window and made her way down the trellis. She climbed up to her window and stepped into her room.
“No..” She whispered.
Spike turned and looked at his love.
Lizzie began to shake she closed her eyes.
“This isn’t real..this isn’t real.” She chanted.
Spike walked over to her and held her face in his hands.
“I’m real.” He whispered.
Lizzie felt tears coming out of her eyes. She kept her eyes closed and let out a sob when she touched Spike’s hand.
“You’re not dead.” She cried holding onto him tightly.
“Oh God you don’t know. You can’t know. I missed you so much.” Lizzie cried.
Spike began to cry as well.
He touched her face and kissed her lips.
Spike looked in Lizzie eyes.
Lizzie felt herself enter a haze.
“Lizzie, you will forget I was here every time I leave. You will only remember I have come to see you when I am before your eyes again. You will go on thinking I am dead every time I leave your window. ” Spike said looking into her eyes.
“Do you understand?” Spike commanded.
Lizzie nodded.
“I will forget you were here every time you leave. I will only remember you are here every time I see you before my eyes again.” She repeated her voice sounding automated.
Spike kissed her again breaking her trance.
Lizzie looked up at him. For the first time in months she was happy. She threw her arms around him.
Spike laughed and swung her around.
They kissed passionately.
“Where have you been?” Lizzie asked.
“It’s not important Luv.” He whispered.
“I thought you were dead. I was so lost.” Lizzie cried
Spike kissed her softly and whispered in her ear.
“Though lovers be lost love shall not; And death shall have no dominion.”
Spike sat down on her bed pulling her into his lap. Lizzie sat down laughing.
“I think I missed this most of all being in your arms.
Spike kissed her shoulder.
“Who are you?” He teased.
Lizzie laughed.
“I’m Perfect Princess Buffy and you are my humble slave...”
FLASHBACK ENDS
__________________________________________________________________
He had found out later from Spike that he would come to her at night. Try to ease her pain. He always said he was trying to help her heal. William argued with him all the time.
FLASHBACK
_______________________________________________________
“What you did just made her worse she was healing just fine!” William spat.
“Really that so then tell me why it happened!” Spike would yell.
“Don’t you dare blame this ALL on me.” Spike would say.
“Not after what you did.”
____________________________________________________________
William gasped raising his head for the his desk. Again his face was drenched in sweat. He opened his door and walked into Dawn’s room and looked at the sleeping girl. She trusted him with her life. He kept his secrets. He betrayed her time and time again. The things he knew about the sister she adored. The thing he had done. William left the room and walked back into his room. He closed the door and sunk to the ground weeping.
“I’m sorry Dawnie.” He whispered.
“I wish I could take it back.....”
He heard her crying. He hated when Dawnie cried. He knew why. He couldn’t blame her. It was this time of year. Dawnie once called it the dastardly double whammy to the therapist Rupert made her go see.
For an adult to go through what she did in the span of those weeks would have sent most into a state of complete despair.
For Dawnie to still be standing. Strong with wisdom beyond her years was astounding. She found strength somehow to go on. Accept the life of the newest addition to the fractured Giles’s family. Even an active researcher for The Scooby Squad. For the most part she was finding a way to move on.
But she couldn’t right now.
William stood there debating whether or not to knock.
He finally decided to walk away when the door swung open.
William’s heart shattered when he saw her.
Her auburn hair clung to her wet face. Her eyes were red and puffy.
He held out his arms to her.
Dawn hugged him hard.
“It’s O.k. Bit. We know it’s hard for you....”
FLASHBACK
__________________________________________________________________
William and Rupert Giles took the front of the coffin while Xander and Oz took the back.
Lizzie held her sister against her chest trying to soothe the broken child.
Joyce Summers had always been a fighter. She had fought to ensure her daughters always felt love even though their father had longed abandoned them. She fought to give them a new life of love and happiness, saving all she could to bring them to the town that brought them so much happiness. She fought the cancer that ravaged her body for so long. She fought to teach her girls a lifetime of lessons in the span of a few years knowing she may not be around when they got older.
Joyce Summer fought until she could fight no more.
Joyce Summer’s joined her friend Jenny, her best friend the women that gave her so much when she came to town. She joined Jenny and her sister one cold August morning. Her girls at her side with the two men that she entrusted to take care of them standing close. She looked at her girls, smiled then left this earth.
Dawn cried immediately. While Lizzie could not. William saw the same look in her eyes the day she found out about Spike. Nothing but pain a pain so deep it numbed the rest of her senses.
She had been walking around in a cloud. No one could get through to her. Not even William. She went through all the motions never complaining making sure everything was done. Making sure Dawnie was being cared for.
She could not cry. Lizzie had nothing left inside.
Her love and her mother were gone and she was left alone.
Shortly after the funeral a social worker came to the house.
“Mr. Giles, my name is Doris Kroeger. I have been assigned to Dawn’s case.” She said.
Rupert sat down looking at the cold women.
“How can I help you.” Rupert asked.
“Are you aware that is Joyce Summer’s has requested that you retain full custody of both her daughters?” She asked.
Rupert nodded.
“I am well aware. She made those provisions years ago when she first became ill. If anything was to happen to her my wife and I would raise the girls as our own.” Rupert said.
Doris Kroeger began to write down some notes.
“That was back when your wife was still alive?” Doris inquired.
“Yes but Joyce had other documents drew up after words I have copies if you like.” Rupert offered getting irritated at the women in front of him.
“That won’t be necessary. Mr. Giles let me cut straight to the point. If it was Dawn and Dawn alone you were taking my visit would not have been necessary. It is her sister Elizabeth that concerns us.” Ms. Kroeger announced.
“Lizzie. Why?” Rupert asked.
“We feel that Dawn is very fragile right now. She needs to be in a healthy environment.” Doris said.
“Are you suggesting that I am not capable of taking care of the girls?” Rupert said.
“I am suggesting that her sister is unstable and that it would be best that they spend some time apart.” Doris said.
“That’s absurd. They have just lost their mother. They need each other now more than ever.” Rupert argued.
“Mr. Giles, I have several reports. One from a doctor that treated Joyce Summers. He said Elizabeth had a violent outburst. Another one from Elizabeth’s doctor saying that there was a time not long ago where here mother considered institutionalizing her. A report from the school counselor saying Elizabeth has become withdrawn within the last year.” Doris said ruffling through her papers.
“Do you have any iota of what the girl has been through in the last year? First my wife died. She and Lizzie were very close. Now her mother. As for her bout of catatonia that was because my son had just been killed in a car accident. Lizzie and my son were very much in love. In fact there is no doubt in my mind that if he had lived Lizzie would have been my daughter in law one day. Surely, you can see that her reactions to these circumstances though a bit extreme are understandable.” Rupert trying to contain his own pain.
“Yes her relationship with your son. I have made some inquires about that. It seems as if the two were always together. Reports from neighbors about late night visits by climbing through windows. Some had concerns if the relationship was a healthy one at all.” Doris said.
Rupert tried to contain his anger.
“Ms. Kroeger why don’t you get to the point of your visit.” Rupert asked.
“Of course. I am going to suggest that one of the girls be removed from the home. Until social services can be assured Dawn will not have to endure any further trauma.” Doris said.
“Again I feel...”
“I’ll go.” They both heard.
Lizzie walked into the room.
“No Lizzie you are not to go anywhere.” Rupert said.
“Then we will have to remove Dawn.” She announced.
“No, Dawnie needs to be here.” Lizzie said.
“It’s o.k. Giles. I’ll be o.k.” Lizzie said.
“It’s nothing personal Ms. Summers. We are not sure Dawn would be safe in your presence for the time being.” Doris said lacking any real feelings of empathy.
“I understand. I will just get my things.” Lizzie announced.
Rupert grabbed Lizzie’s by the shoulder and kissed the top of her head.
“I swear to you. You will be back by morning.” Rupert promised.
Lizzie smiled and walked upstairs to tell Dawn and William the tragic news.
END FLASHBACK
__________________________________________________________________
Will and Dawn sat on the top of the stairs. William had his arm around Dawnie.
“What a bitch.” Dawn mumbled.
William nodded.
After everything went down Doris Kroeger mysteriously disappeared. William had his own ideas about what happened to her. In fact his gut told him Spike had made sure she was as cold as her demeanor at the end of her life.
He did not know for sure.
“It makes you wonder. Why people have to die.” Dawn said looking straight ahead.
“Sorry Pet I am not good at the existential thoughts. That’s Da’s department.” William teased.
Dawn laughed her eyes filled with tears again.
William held her in his arms trying his best to soothe her.
A Time To Dance
Author’s Note: Manipulated dialogue from Fool for Love
Dawnie looked up at William.
“William, do you think that you could ever forgive me?” Dawn asked.
William looked at her with shock. He was the one keeping secrets from her and
she was asking his forgiveness. What was wrong with this picture?
“For what Bit?” William asked.
“Because I was always nicer to you than I was to Spike.” Dawn said with a hint
of sadness showing through in her voice. William noticed that this was really
the first time he has heard her talking like a child and not a young adult.
William shook his head.
“Nothing to forgive, Bit.” He said.
“I was mad at him for dying.” Dawn admitted.
“Why?” William asked.
“Because maybe if he had been here, so would Lizzie.” Tears started to form
behind Dawn’s eyes as the memory of her sister invaded her mind.
William held Dawn again.
“My fault.” He thought
“My fault...”
FLASHBACK
__________________________________________________________________
William sat next to Joyce’s grave. He knew he would not have to worry about a
hand clawing out but he guarded it making sure no other creatures of the night
would come and defile it. He would ever let a filthy, soulless thing ever touch
suck a pure woman like Joyce.
He was so angry. Even though William was The Slayer now all he could do was
revert back to watching. Watching Dawnie cling to her sister as Lizzie tried to
tell her everything would be turn out fine. Watching as the love of his life
resided herself to her fate. Watch as that cold bitch Kroeger repeated over and
over again that she felt Lizzie was an unstable and a dangerous influence to her
younger sister. Watch as his father tried to do everything in his power to stop
the removal of Lizzie from their home. Rupert called every person he could think
of, including The Council demanding they help him bring Lizzie back. William had
to watch as their broken family became even more fractured. Watching as Lizzie
walked out the door...
Doris Kroeger, what did she know anyways?
William was afraid for Lizzie, he had no idea where she was. He hoped and prayed
that his father would find away to bring her back.
William felt a tingling sensation go up his neck.
He gathered himself to his feet. Before he could stand upright he found himself
pinned to the ground.
William looked up ready to stake the vampire in front of him.
“WHERE IS SHE!” It said obviously angry.
William lay there shocked. It was his face staring back at him. The mirror image
of him.
“Spike?” William asked in shock.
Spike pulled him to his feet and threw him against a tree.
“I said WHERE IS SHE!” Spike yelled again.
William pushed his brother away.
“Spike?” He said again.
Spike began to pace.
“I went to see her after I saw this.” Spike said pointing at Joyce’s grave.
“All her stuff is packed in boxes and she’s not at Da’s what happened to her?”
Spike demanded.
It hit William, and hit him hard. His brother was the sensation that he felt
running up and down his neck. Spike was that unkind tingle, Spike was a vampire.
“Stay the fuck away from her!” William yelled now defensive for Lizzie’s safety
from the man she had loved.
“Too late for that.” Spike smirked.
William lunged at his brother.
Spike laughed at him.
“Think you can take me, Little Brother? I don’t think so. Did I neglect to tell
you I‘m the new Master Of the Hell Mouth?” Spike said kicking his brother off of
him.
William digested his brother’s last bit of information.
He would deal with that later.
Spike and William circled each other.
William’s only concern was Lizzie.
“You’re lying. She would have told me if she saw you.” William said.
“Of course she would have you prissy Nancy Boy. That’s why I made sure she would
never remember when I came to her. Cool Vampire trick, wanna see another?” Spike
said jumping in the air and landing in front of William.
His face shifted before William’s eyes.
William stared at his brother’s demon visage.
“No.” William whispered.
“One more time before I tear you limb from limb. Where is Lizzie?” Spike said
this time with a bit of primitive growl showing.
“Social Services took her away today said she was unstable. That it was unsafe
for her to be around Dawn.” William said
“That’s bullshit. If it weren’t for The Bit I would have turned her bloody ages
ago.” Spike said.
The very idea of Spike touching Lizzie filled William with rage.
He ran up to Spike connecting his fist to Spike’s chest several times, yet it
did no good.
“You.”
THWACK
“WILL NOT”
THWACK
“GO NEAR.”
THWACK
“HER!”
Spike stuttered backward.
“Come on little Brother let’s dance.” Spike smirked.
“You think that’s what this is, a dance?” William asked.
Spike rolled his eyes.
“Of course it’s a dance you Wanker, don’t you feel it?” Spike asked with a
smirk.
William threw blows with his brother as his brother continued to taunt him.
“This stupid Slayer role is nothing but one huge dance. And the thing about the
dance is, you never get to stop. Every day you wake up, it's the same bloody
question that haunts you: is today the day I die? Death is on your heels,
brother, and sooner or later it's going to catch you. Just like it caught me.”
Spike said.
William head butted his brother then flew in the air hitting him in the head.
Spike laughed.
“You don’t think I know what you feel like brother, being the Slayer? A part of
you wants death... not only to stop the fear and uncertainty, but because you're
just a little bit in love with it.” Spike said.
William let out a growl and pushed his brother back.
Spike swept William’s legs causing him to fall to the ground. William flipped
back on his feet.
Spike stood there glaring at his brother.
“Death is your art. You make it with your hands, day after day. That final gasp.
That look of peace. Part of you is desperate to know: What's it like? Where does
it lead you? That's the secret. Every Slayer... has a death wish”
Spike said a look a pain flashed in his eyes before reverting back to his cold
demeanor.
“Even you, Little Brother.” Spike said
“Sooner or later, you're going to want it. And the second, that one, brief
second... it happens...
Someone will slip in... and have themselves a real good time.” Spike said.
William closed his eyes for a moment.
“You think you know me? You don’t, you don’t know a thing about what I am.”
William said.
“Whatever helps you sleep at night.” Spike smirked.
“Stay away from her Spike.” William warned.
Spike rushed his brother at full speed grabbing him by the throat.
“She’s mine. She’ll always be mine.” Spike growled.
“Then why haven’t you turned her?” William gasped.
William kicked Spike off him.
“Because you know your world is perverse. It’s dark and Lizzie would never be
happy there. She belongs in the sun and with her sister. Face it Spike you were
never good enough for her and you know it.” William said.
Spike stopped his attack his brother’s words stinging him.
“ You’re not even worth her time or her... memory. As you your self have proved
true. She will never be able to be seductive in the dark, but to be innocent in
the sun. The only thing the dark will do for her is tear her to bits till
there‘s no more left. Now Spike, now you’re just beneath her. ” William spat
out.
Spike began to take a step toward him continuing their “dance” when he heard
Willow’s voice.
“We’ll continue this later, Little Brother.” Spike said disappearing into the
darkness, pretending her hadn‘t heard the hurting word his brother had produced.
“Will!” Willow yelled running toward him.
“You sounded like you were taking to yourself.” Willow said.
“Come on Red let’s get out of here.” William said.
END OF FLASHBACK
_______________________________________________________________
William looked down at Dawnie.
“How about we get out of here for a tick Bit?” William suggested.
“Meet up with The Scoobies?” William offered.
“Oh! Go to the Bronze? Dance?” Dawn beamed.
William bit the inside of his cheek.
He was really beginning to hate that word.
Hiding his emotions, William smiled at Dawn and said
“Sure Bit. Let’s dance.”
A Time To Gain 30
Author’s Note: Manipulated dialogue from Touched
William sat in The Bronze with his friends and Dawn. He knew she needed to get
out tonight. Get her mind off of things. Rupert had agreed. They looked so
innocent all sitting there laughing but if anyone knew the truth. They looked
like normal kids but they weren’t. A werewolf, a witch, a weapons expert an
ex-two thousand year old demon, a child with an amazing gift of intuition and of
course The Slayer. The one called to fight the evil, to protect the world.
For the moment they were just kids laughing at Xander trying his hand at salsa
dancing looking more like he had a piece of ice sliding down his back than
anything else.
“What is he trying to do exactly?” Willow asked.
William shrugged his shoulders.
“Look sexy? You know do that swirl thing with his hips that they do.” William
offered.
“Someone should tell him it’s not working.” Dawn whispered.
Willow laughed.
A slow sensual Spanish guitar rift filled the air.
“Oh I love this song!” Willow said grabbing Oz.
William gulped hard.
He smiled down at Dawn.
“Just going to the loo.” He said.
Dawn smiled and nodded.
William walked toward the bathroom. He ducked in a dark corner and closed his
eyes. As the song filled the air.
He never allowed himself to think about it. As if he did it would some how
discount the whole event. Make it less real. However, when he heard this song it
all came back to him.
FLASHBACK
__________________________________________________________________
William sat on his bed shaking. Spike was a vampire. The new Master, the thing
he had been searching for. How? None of it made any sense to him.
Was he suppose to kill him?
His brother was his enemy?
"She's mine. She'll always be mine." William remembered Spike saying.
Was he going to try to take her? Turn her?
Lizzie...
They had taken her this morning.
At least she was safe.
William listened to the silence it was deafening. He flipped on his radio
wanting some kind of noise to fill the air.
William heard a tap on the window.
He ran over and opened it.
"LIZZIE! He exclaimed.
Lizzie crawled in.
"Hey." She said.
"Lizzie what are you doing here. Are you going to get into any trouble?" William
asked.
Lizzie shrugged her shoulders.
"Probably. According to the state I already am trouble so who cares right?"
Lizzie teased.
"Lizzie, Da's going to get you back you should have seen him on the phone today
he was like a mad man. I don‘t think that Kroeger woman is going to have a job
by the time my Da gets through with her." William said confidently.
"She's right, Dawnie isn't safe around me." Lizzie whispered sitting down on
William's bed.
William knelt in front of her.
"Don't say that Lizzie. There in no one in the world she is safer with." William
said.
"I'm scared Will. I feel myself slipping away. The scariest part is I don’t seem
to care if I do. I think I want to." Lizzie said.
"No, Lizzie you don’t. If you feel yourself slipping away, then hold onto me.
Stay here with people who love you don‘t let your hope slip away.” William said.
Lizzie's eyes filled with tears.
"How can you say that to me Will? You don't think I know, do you?" Lizzie
whispered looking down.
William looked at Lizzie confused.
"I know how you feel about me, Will." She whispered.
William stood up his heart was pounding.
He turned away from her.
"I've always known." Lizzie said.
William closed his eyes for a moment then turned to her and looked into her
eyes.
"Then I can say it. I love you."
"Don't, I'm not safe. I'll hurt you." Lizzie said as tears fell from her eyes.
William touched her cheek, wiping them away.
"Don't cry. I hate it when you cry. Listen to me Lizzie. I'm not asking you for
anything. When I say, "I love you," it's not because I want you or because I
can't have you. It has nothing to do with me. I love what you are, what you do,
how you try. I've seen your kindness and your strength. I've seen the best and
the worst of you. And I understand with perfect clarity exactly what you are.
You're a hell of a woman. You're the one, Lizzie." William said his voice filled
with emotion.
"If I get too close to you William I will ruin you." Lizzie said.
"I'm already ruined Lizzie. You're The One. I will never love anyone else. I
knew that since the day I laid eyes on you." William replied.
Lizzie heard the music playing in the background.
She smiled at him and held out her arms.
"Dance with me?"
William wanted nothing more but to hold her in arms. Slowly he rose from the
bed, pulling her to him.
At that moment, he thought about telling Lizzie about Spike. But he couldn't.
"William." Lizzie whispered
William looked in her eyes. She was so beautiful. He needed to kiss her and he
did. Lowering his lips to hers, he placed a small kiss to her bottom lip then
her top one before placing his tongue into her mouth. Lizzie parted her lips,
letting him in to dance with hers. The kiss was soft and pure.
"Where you are, that's where I wanna be
And through your eyes
All the things I wanna see
And in the night
You are my dream
You're everything to me"
Tears filled William's eyes. He waited for this moment and it was finally
happening. He swayed with Lizzie in his arms, touching her face while he
continued to kiss her. Listening to the lyrics of the song, William imagined a
world with just the two of them where no death, no slaying, and no pain could
reach them.
"You're the love of my life
And the breath in my prayers
Take my hand, lead me there
What I need is you there"
Lizzie had to stand on her tiptoes to kiss William. She could feel his jaw
trembling. She touched the side of his face to calm him, let her mouth explore
his mouth. She drew back giving him a reassuring smile. Quickly, William
reclaimed her lips while they continued to dance, kissing each other with
tenderness.
"I can't forget the taste of your mouth
From your lips
The heavens pour out
I can't forget when we are one
With you alone, I am free"
She removed his shirt from his jeans, pulling it over his head. She placed her
hands on his chest, massaging his exposed flesh with circular motions. She
watched his nipples harden from her touch. Gently she bit them before taking
them into her mouth. William gazed down at her barely able to keep his eyes
open. Her touch was overwhelming.
Lizzie crossed her arms in front of her and removed her shirt then her bra. The
moonlight danced off her skin. William began to take labored breaths as he stood
there gazing at Lizzie as if she was some sort of mystical entity.
"You're beautiful." He whispered.
Lizzie brushed her breast against his chest before pulling him closer to
continue the dance, the dance of lovers. William wrapped his arms around her
tighter. The feeling of her breast against his chest and how soft she felt in
his arms almost unhinged him right there. They continued to dance and kiss,
stroking the flames of the fire rising between them.
Lizzie removed William's hands from around her and placed them on the front of
her jeans. She unzipped his pants, granting him permission with her eyes for him
to do the same. She walked over to his bed and laid down, pulling him with her.
They were both naked and pressed against each other. William wanted to kiss
every part of her and taste every inch of her.
He was afraid and nervous. He had never been with anyone. He imagined if it did
happen, Lizzie would be his first, but her relationship with his brother took
that away. Never on this earth did he imagine he would get this chance. Lizzie
encouraged him in silence, letting him take the lead and allow him to do what
ever he wanted to her.
Hesitantly, he put his hand on her breast. Lizzie moaned in approval. William
kissed her shoulders then lowered his head to her chest. He kissed her nipple
once, then again. Finally, gathering all his courage, he opened his mouth and
began to suck on it. Lizzie's lower body jerked while William moved from one
nipple to the other. He placed his hand on her thigh, trying to still her then
trailed his hand up, brushing it over her clit. She whimpered. He looked up at
her asking for permission. Lizzie grabbed his hand, placing it on her clit.
William rubbed it slowly.
He watched as Lizzie moaned and threw her hand back staring at the ceiling in
ecstasy. William on instinct abandoned her breast and dipped his head between
her legs, giving her clit a hard lick then he latched on. His eyes drifted up to
see her and if this was what she really wanted.
He watched as Lizzie's eyes rolled back, biting her bottom lip. William
continued to lick and suck, loving the taste of her in his mouth. He knew he
lacked any experience but he poured out his love and devotion into every kiss
and lick of her center like the way he had long to kiss her mouth all these
years. She was getting wetter and hotter. He could hear her panting then
suddenly he tasted the very core of her. It was her most intimate part and he
wanted to drink every loving drop. He felt her legs shake against the sides of
his head as her hands held him it in place. William continued to kiss and lick
her until her body slowed then he heard her crying.
He vaulted up.
"Lizzie, did I hurt you? Did I do something wrong?" William said with concern.
Lizzie smiled through her tears.
"No, you were perfect. Like you always are, William. You're perfect." Lizzie
whispered, pulling him up by the shoulders to kiss him.
"Every day, every night, you alone
You're the love of my life
Every day, every night
You're the love of my life"
Lizzie reached between their bodies and wrapped her hand around William's penis,
gently directing it to her opening.
William braced himself afraid and excited.
“William” Lizzie said.
"We don't have to do this." William said concerned.
"I want to. I just need ask you to do something for me before we do." She
replied
"Anything." William whispered.
"I want you to look into my eyes when it happens. I want you to see me. I want
you to see that it's you that I am looking at and no one else only you William."
William's mouth went dry. She was aware of his greatest fear, that she was doing
this because he looked like his brother and he was just comfort, but her words
changed all that for him.
"You are here with ME…aren't you Lizzie?"
"Yes William I am."
"We go dancing in the moonlight
With the starlight in your eyes
We go dancing till the sunrise
You and me we're gonna dance, dance, dance"
Slowly, he entered her. The feeling of her surrounding him was his heaven. He
began to quiver. Lizzie stroked the nape of his neck with one hand and the small
of his back with the other, trying to soothe his fears.
"Take your time" she whispered
William slowed his pace down. He looked into her eyes, watching the contours of
her face contort into pleasure. Lizzie shut her eyes and he kissed her eyelids.
Their movements were slow and deliberate, helping them reach their peaks.
Arching her back, Lizzie let out a gasp, opening her eyes to look at him before
her orgasm exploded inside her. William followed, burying his head in her chest,
panting.
"Love you Lizzie. Love you So much."
Lizzie kissed the top of his head and whispered.
“I know.”
END OF FLASHBACK
__________________________________________________________________
“Every day, every night, you alone
You're the love of my life
Every day, every night
You're the love of my life”
The song ended. William raised his head shaken by the memory. He had not been
with anyone else before or since then. He doubted if he ever would.
He thought back to what he told her.
“You’re The One.”
He knew she was. There would be no one else for the male Slayer.
“Not that it mattered.” He thought
“All Slayers came with an early expiration date anyways....”
Authors: Note The song Is called Love Of My Life with Carlos Santana and Dave
Matthews I am pointing this out because you must listen to it! It’s one of my
all time favorites.
Across town, William sat at his desk.
He pulled out a small pink envelope.
He had tried to throw it away so many times before, but he couldn’t. He
had to keep to remember. Remember what happened that night and the role
he played in all of it.
FLASHBACK
__________________________________________________________________
William woke up to see Lizzie was now no longer there. He pulled on a
pair of jeans and sweatshirt. He put on his shoes, getting ready to go
find her. He was about to go downstairs when he saw the small pink
envelope. He reached over and began to read.
“Dear Will,
Let me start by saying I love you. I will always love you. But this is
what I have to do to make sure Dawnie is safe. Tell your father thank
you for everything he is going to do and everything he has already done.
Will, I'm okay.
And give my love to my friends;
You have to take care of them now
You have to take care of each other
You have to be strong, you were always the strong one.
Tell Dawn I love with everything I am.
Will, the hardest thing in this world ... is to live in it.
Be brave.
Live.
For me, because I can’t...
Love,
Lizzie”
William’s heart stopped.
“Oh God... no, Lizzie,” he whispered.
He climbed out his window and down the trellis. He climbed through
Lizzie’s window and began to yell for her.
“LIZZIE!” He yelled, his voice piercing the night's silence.
He saw the light from the bathroom. William ran to the door and opened
it.
“NO!!!!” He screamed.
Lizzie was slumped over the bathtub, one arm inside the tub. The water
was dark red. Her beautiful face was a sickly colored white.
William, thinking fast, grabbed a small towel and pulled Lizzie’s wrist
out of the tub. He tied the towel around her wrist as tight as he could
trying to stop the bleeding. He checked for a pulse, but was unable to
feel one.
“No Lizzie, no,” he cried, rocking her back and forth. "Please don't
leave me..."
William looked at her. Nothing made sense to him anymore. She couldn’t
die. She couldn’t die...
William picked Lizzie up.
“You can’t die...” he whispered.
Using all his slayer strength and speed, William ran out of the house
and into the darkness, clutching Lizzie to him.
William got into the cemetery holding a limp Lizzie in his arms.
“SPIKE!” He screamed.
He turned in circles frantically looking for his brother.
“SPIKE!” He roared.
Spike heard his brother. He walked slowly up to him, his head down.
“Care for another dance brother?” He smirked, he didn't see Lizzie.
Spike killed the cigarette he was smoking and raised his head
“I tho....”
Spike watched as William sunk to his knees. He was holding someone,
sickly white, pale, beautiful....
“NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!” He screamed.
He ran over to his brother and yanked Lizzie out of his arms. Spike
cradled her rocking back and forth.
“Not my Lizzie. Not my beautiful Lizzie,” Spike cried.
Spike looked down at her wrist and saw the crimson cuts.
He shook his head.
“No Baby, No... Why??” Spike cried, holding onto her tight.
William grabbed his brother by his leather duster.
“Is she dead?” He screamed.
Spike listened for a moment and began to cry.
“They won’t be able to save her,” He said.
Spike continued to stroke her cheek.
“No, Lizzie. Please,” Spike cried.
Spike looked at his brother for a moment then picked her up. He nuzzled
her cold body to his chest and carried her away.
“She’s dead,” Spike said.
William sat on the wet grass, broken.
Time passed slowly for William nothing made sense. Lizzie was gone.
Beautiful, sweet, lovely Lizzie...... Suddenly, he felt himself being
dragged to his feet. He looked up and saw his brother’s leather coat
billowing against the wind.
“Spike, what are you doing?” William said fighting against him.
Spike shoved him into a crypt staggering a bit.
“She needs more blood.” Spike said.
William looked and saw Lizzie writhing on the floor.
“Lizzie!” William said.
“I have to get her to a hospital.” William said.
“I told you she’s dead, you nit!” Spike yelled.
William looked at Spike confused.
Suddenly Lizzie growled.
William’s eyes got wide.
“What did you do!” William yelled as he punched his brother in the
chest.
“We’ll go over the logistics later, Little brother. Now go help her. She
lost too much blood before. Nearly drained me.” Spike said catching his
breath.
“Oh God no....” William whispered.
“She’s fed already, Will. There’s no going back.” Spike said looking at
her.
“You sick fuck!” William screamed at his brother.
“You said you loved her and this is what you do!” William said grabbing
his brother and throwing him against the wall.
Spike stared into his eyes.
“You knew I would it. That’s why you brought her here. Don’t try to play
righteous Slayer on me Will! Why did you bring her here and not to the
hospital? You knew she wasn’t going to make it. You knew what I would
do,” Spike ground out, using the remnants of his strength to push his
brother away.
“Now, like I said. She has already fed. She drained a girl I brought to
her, it’s done. But she is still weak. She needs something more.” Spike
said.
“What?” William asked.
“You have Slayer strength. Slayer blood. It’s potent and powerful like
mine. But mine’s is dead. Yours is fresh.”
“There’s no way.” William said trembling.
Spike showed William his wrist.
“Look I told you she fed off of me already. She needs you. I will make
sure she does not take too much.” Spike said.
“I won’t do it,” William said.
Spike threw a stake at his brother’s feet.
“Then do it, kill her,” He said.
William kissed the top of Lizzie forehead as she shook.
William picked up the stake.
“I’m sorry Lizzie. I can‘t... ” he whispered.
He began to raise his hand up gripping the stake ready to plunge it into
Lizzie heart. Spike took a step forward afraid his brother would
actually do it.
William closed his eyes not being able to look while he did it. He let
out a roar and swung his hand down. Suddenly he stopped. His hand began
to shake as he dropped the stake.
William looked over at his brother, then lowered his wrist to her mouth.
The brothers watched each other.
William flinched as he felt Lizzie’s fangs pierce his skin. He stared at
his brother as his eyes filled with tears. Spike watched William making
sure he did not have any second thoughts. William stood there, not
wavering. He felt as she drank from him. Slowly his eyes drifted shut
and he sunk into the darkness.
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