PRIVATE ☏ VIDEO TO SPIKE

[socialgraces]

[The call comes later in the evening, sometime after dark. When he answers, she's settled into a chair in one of the many random sitting rooms of the castle with only a small lamp switched on behind her. She tries to keep her tone casual and light, but she looks hesitant.]

Remember me?

Comments

[bigbad]

Francesca! [He looks overjoyed to see her. Look, it's really great seeing someone not be dead.] You're looking... alive.

[socialgraces]

[She can't help but grin in return, especially because she wasn't expecting such an enthusiastic greeting. She definitely appreciates it though.] I'm definitely alive, yes, and doing well, all things considered. [She's become more accustomed to all the recent attention, but she still looks a little fidgety.] How are you holding up?

[bigbad]

All right. Better for seeing you. [He shrugs.] We've been travelling all over the bloody country for this mission.

[socialgraces]

It must be keeping you busy, you've been gone for quite some time. [She gives him another smile.] I'm sure you're doing an outstanding job.

[bigbad]

[He grins, shrugging a little.] I'm doing all right. Be nice if I could hit people without getting a pounding headache, but I make do.

[socialgraces]

[She gives him a curious look.] You get a headache from... hitting people? I'm not sure I've heard that one before.

[bigbad]

Yeah. No idea why. I'd think it's a vampire thing, but I really doubt it.

[socialgraces]

[And she just doesn't say... anything. At all. For a good five seconds. She finally chokes out:] Vampire?

[bigbad]

Yeah, sorry I didn't tell you sooner. [He shrugs, looking a little embarrassed.] But I figured you should know. I swear, I've got no plans to eat anybody.

[socialgraces]

I... can't be one to judge based on racial stereotypes. It was just surprising, is all. Besides, it would be hypocritical of any of us Knights to hold your past against you. Especially when you don't even remember it. [She gives him an encouraging smile because, for some crazy reason, this makes her like him as a person even more.] I can't begin to fathom the the terrible things I most likely engaged in before I crossed through the Veil.

[bigbad]

Wish all knights thought like you. [Hi Buffy. Your racism is showing. But he smiles at her. Because that is such a relief. For a moment he worried he'd lose another friend over this.]

[socialgraces]

They will, eventually. At some point their harsh past deeds will be brought to light, or their weaknesses exploited, and they'll forget all about you being a... vampire. [It's still such a strange thing to say about someone.] It all makes a lot more sense now, though.

[bigbad]

I hope so. [He tilts his head curiously.] what makes sense?

[socialgraces]

Christos was just so sure that there was something... about you. I suppose all that makes sense now.

[bigbad]

...is that why he was such a dick?

[socialgraces]

He's just a suspicious person by nature. And he's not always the most tactful.

[bigbad]

And I'm all about tactful. [except for... not even a little.]

[socialgraces]

[And now she's reminded of why she actually called... She smiles at him, before looking down.] Forgive me for being blunt, but I really called because... I saw your video message. To Sir Bancroft.

[bigbad]

[Oh... right... that. Spike winces.] Yeah, sorry. Buffy already chewed me out over that.

[socialgraces]

I had no intention of 'chewing you out' for anything. [She looks back up, smiling at him warmly.] I just thought I should actually call you, personally, to tell you I was okay.

[bigbad]

Oh. [That gets a grin. He's too used to dealing with Buffy.] I'm glad you did.

[socialgraces]

I'm glad I did too.

[bigbad]

[He's quiet for a moment, then hesitantly asks:]

What's it like?

[socialgraces]

[She gets the strangest little smile on her face, which doesn't match her words at all.] Terrifying. Even doing this, for some many years ... it was still terrifying.

And then ... it was over. And it felt like I was stuck in this really long dream.

[bigbad]

The death part? That felt like a dream? [Or a nightmare? Spike must have died once for the vampire thing to happen. He wonders if it felt like anything or if he just turned.]

[socialgraces]

While I was ... dead, yes. Like one of those dreams that seems to go on and on and you can't wake up.

[She had been thinking the same thing, about him having died at one point to become what he was now. She doesn't bring it up though, knowing he doesn't remember.]

I didn't dream of anything in particular, I don't think. It was just like I was in some kind of limbo, waiting for... something. Perhaps it was because I was being resurrected.

[bigbad]

Guess if there is some deity in charge of all that, he'd know you weren't gone for good.

[socialgraces]

Yes, I'm not really sure how that all works either. But I suppose... that's kind of the point. Mortals aren't privy to such knowledge. We can only hope someone is looking out for us.

Unless you've gotten on the bad side of a deity or two, then you probably hope they've lost track of you.

[bigbad]

[He gives her a wry little grin.] Honestly, it's probably safer in general they ignore us. I'm sure I've done a thing or two I'd rather some omnipotent being didn't see.

[socialgraces]

Haven't we all. [She returns his grin.] Although, I am glad someone is able to stay in their good graces, or else I wouldn't be here.

[She looks at him contemplatively for a moment before venturing a question.] Do you think it's overly sentimental of me to be questioning the entire purpose of my life?

[bigbad]

[He shrugs.] Sentimental's not the word I'd use. Don't much see the point, though. Seems like the sort of question no one outside those deities that may or may not look out for us could answer.

Then again, I haven't died recently.

[socialgraces]

I suppose my introspection revolves more around a self-realization, than the actual purpose of life. More like, what I'm doing specifically with my life, not a question of fate, you know?

I believe, completely, in what I do, but I can't say as if I'm... happy. Then again, this is all I've ever known.

[bigbad]

Take a vacation, then. No one can't say you haven't earned it.

[socialgraces]

[She smirks.] Funny, that's what Dumage suggested as well. That and drinking. Lots of drinking.

[Something in her mind seems to click suddenly and she shoots him an apologetic look.] I'm sorry, I don't know why you've become the random person for me to shoulder my emotions onto. I suppose it's a tad inappropriate. You're just... easy to talk to, I guess.

[bigbad]

Smart girl, that Dumage. [Spike smiles too, and the expression doesn't really waver at her apology.] Was a bit unexpected, sure, but... [He shrugs.] I don't mind.

[socialgraces]

I take it you and Dumage have gotten to know each other, then? I figured she'd like you.

[bigbad]

Yeah, she's quite the woman.

[socialgraces]

There's a lot more to her than meets the eye. She has more to offer than she thinks.

Just don't tell her I told you that. [She adds with a smirk.]

[bigbad]

I don't know, quite a lot meets the eye... [He smirks back.] But I sort of suspected.

[socialgraces]

She'd be pleased to hear she made such a good impression. Make sure to tell her I said 'hello'.

[bigbad]

I'll do that. [He smiles at her warmly.] It's really good hearing from you.

[socialgraces]

[She returns his smile.] Keep in touch.

[bigbad]

I will. Bye, love.