Phone call to Myri

[bigbad]

[Shortly after reading the note (though allowing some time for being on an airplane I guess but DEFINITELY NOT THINKING ABOUT TIMEZONES), Spike pulls out his phone and calls. She had promised she'd still be able to talk by phone after all.]

Really, love? Couldn't even stop to say goodbye?

Comments

[witchwoman]

[She nearly doesn't pick up, promise or no. But finally, the ringing halts, and he'd hear her voice, apologetic but trying to be firm.]

... Spike, I-- I'm sorry to have left the way I did.

I knew you - all of you - might feel angry with me for my decision, or try to convince me to stay if I told you face to face. And I know... [She sucks in a breath, forcing herself to say the words with some degree of confidence.]

I know it's the right choice. For everyone.

[bigbad]

Nonsense, love. I'd never be angry with you. [Try to talk her out of it? Definitely. Be angry? No. Not with her. Finnick's a different matter.]

I think you're wrong, though. This benefits no one. Just makes us all sadder.

[witchwoman]

You've always been so kind to me, Spike. I didn't do this to hurt any of you, so you must understand that it's... it's me.

There are some things I must learn how to handle on my own before I can be of any help to my friends.

[With emphasis:] My family.

[bigbad]

[His voice is quiet, not quite choked with tears, but there's certainly far more emotion in it than he'd show with most people.] You do realize we don't care if you're any help or not, right? You mean the world to us.

[witchwoman]

You might not care. But I do.

Feeling helpless or... like a burden is something I can't live with anymore. It doesn't mean I've stopped caring for any of you. Or about the mission.

[She pauses, then adds, pleading:] You'll tell me, won't you, if anything happens? If you learn anything more?

[bigbad]

Of course I'll tell you.

[She is a part of this mission, whether she's here or not.]

We'll probably all be heading back to the castle when all this is over. You're not getting rid of us that easily.

[witchwoman]

[He can probably hear the small smile in her voice, and the relief there.] I wasn't trying to get rid of anybody. Maybe things will be easier for everyone ... at the castle.

[bigbad]

There is rather a lot of space. Still can't believe that thing has an entire bloody bowling alley.

[witchwoman]

Does it? I don't remember everything that there was, to be honest. It's been so long...

[bigbad]

When we come back, we can explore. [If you're not gonna be on failboat, he'll just have to spend all the time he can with you at the castle.]

[witchwoman]

That sounds absolutely perfect, actually.

[bigbad]

[His face crinkles into a smile, though he still looks a little sad.] Think you'll be able to come back to us eventually?

[witchwoman]

I always intended to. I just... need time. [She forces a brighter smile.] It will be over before you know it.

[bigbad]

I very much doubt that. [He already misses her too much.] But I hope it helps.

[witchwoman]

You know I have to try.

[bigbad]

I do, love. And I've no doubt you'll find your strength if you look for it. [He gives a slight smile.] I've always seen it.

[witchwoman]

[Her answering smile seems a bit twisted out of place.] So how is everyone else doing? Buffy? Elena?

[bigbad]

They're all right. They miss you too. You've built up quite the fanclub, you know.

[A beat.]

They'll be announcing if Italia's guilty or not soon. Want me to text you or something, or will you be watching?

[witchwoman]

I'll be watching. [Her voice is quiet, and she looks thoughtful.] What do you think his chances are? Honestly?

[bigbad]

They broke the seal. If the Grays are as good as they say, he'll be home free.

[witchwoman]

The... Grays?

[bigbad]

You know, the mysterious beings only me, Buffy, and Des can see? [A beat.] The ones that aren't demons.

[witchwoman]

Do you... think you've figured out what they might be, then?

[bigbad]

I've got no clue. But I don't think they're good news. They'll settle the trial, I've no doubt, but I doubt we'll like the cost.

[witchwoman]

How can they have so much power? To guarantee Rafael's freedom?

[bigbad]

[Spike shakes his head.] I don't know that either. Part of why I don't trust them, maybe.

[witchwoman]

But the others do?

[bigbad]

Depends which others you're referring too. I don't think trust is the right word for it. Some of them think it'll turn out for the best.

[witchwoman]

What makes them believe that?

[bigbad]

Optimism, I suppose? We've got some bloody foolish teammates.

[witchwoman]

Perhaps just a bit... reckless sometimes.