Disclaimer: All characters herein are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. I am simply playing with Spike the only way I can.

Rating: PG (language)

Feedback: Craved in the most unbecoming manner: Randy_Sex_Kitten@hotmail.com
 
 
 

"Damn it!"

These not so gentle words were closely followed by the sound of breaking glass.

"Bollocks!"

Spike turned to face his adversary. He had been fighting with her all evening and was tired. His shirtless chest was covered in black streaks and his game face was rippling.

"Now look, you bint! Do you have any idea what I've given up for you?"

Spike grunted as he once again attacked his foe. There were several metallic clanks before he fell back, breathing heavily. The weapon in his hand gleamed as he stalked towards her.

"We have been together for years! How can you treat me like this now?"

Tears formed in his eyes and he turned away, hiding his face from the watchful eyes observing him fight with his beloved. He quit resisting his demon and vamped out, allowing all of his anger to show in his face.

"I have cared for you, watched over you and protected you from those who wanted to hurt you! I have been nothing but... but... considerate of your needs, with the exception of the time I... Never mind. Now let me do what needs to be done!"

The watchful eyes gleamed as William came roaring to the forefront with those few stammered words.

Spike approached her once again, flinching when his attempts were thwarted. His pain was visible when he pulled back, shaking off his game face to show sad blue eyes.

Dawn felt movement behind her and looked up from her position on the porch to glance into warm chocolate eyes.

"How's it going?" Xander asked.

"Not good," was her response.

Xander sat down next to Dawn, offering her the bowl of popcorn. She grabbed a handful, nodding her thanks to the handsome man. The two friends began shoveling the sweet kernels into their mouths as they continued to monitor the confrontation. Both flinched as Spike suddenly roared and attacked. The sounds of his pain and anguish combined with the crunching of metal giving way filled their ears.

Spike roared a second time as his opponent drew first blood. He sucked hard at the gash on his arm before licking the wound to close it.

"You soddin' bitch! That's it! No more! I cannot do this year after year. I can't, I can't..."

He collapsed to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably.

Xander stood and gave the bowl to Dawn before approaching the weeping vampire and wrapping a warm arm around his shaking shoulders.

"C'mon Spike, come inside. Buffy's fixing you some blood. You can snuggle with your honey and we'll go through the phone book, let our fingers do the walkin'. We'll find someone that can help you."

Spike sniffed and looked at his beloved DeSoto, lying in pieces in the Summers' driveway. He reached towards Xander, wrapping his grease stained arm around his friends' waist.

"'K. Thanks, mate."

They turned and joined Dawn on the porch before wandering into the house, seeking the warmth and comfort that only family can provide.