elisi | Play it Again, Sam Part 7

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Play it Again, Sam Part 7

More fic (as if everyone didn't get enough yesterday)!

For new friends and lurkers (do I have lurkers?) this is my 'Spike-gets-his-own-back-on-Riley' fic ('cause everybody hates AYW I think). Hmm, maybe a better description would be 'Riley learns a few lessons' (well he does in this chapter anyway). The story is actually not about Riley as such - as in AYW, he is more of a catalyst. But never mind all that. If you want to catch up, previous parts are here. All re-edited, thanks to

thedeadlyhook who finally made me get round to it! :)

And so onto the next bit - this chapter btw wrote itself completely. I've barely changed a word since I first wrote it down! I'm not sure if that makes me very clever or not, I just felt like telling you. Anyway, here it is:

Play It Again, Sam

Part 7

Walking back towards Wolfram & Hart in the early hours of the evening, the streetlights flickering to life as the daylight faded, Sam and Riley were tired, but excited, and chatting about the days events.

“I still can’t believe they managed to hush up that incident with Jack Nicholson so perfectly,” Riley said. “The story the media were fed about the golf buggy - how did they do that?”

He shook his head. “And to think this morning I thought Lorne was odd...”

Sam chuckled. “Not that you could ever call Lorne ordinary - although he is a perfect sweetheart!”

Before Riley could comment on this, she continued. “It’s a shame we can never tell the guys about all this - I mean, how would they react if we told them half of Hollywood was made up of demons?”

Riley considered this. “You know, I think they would laugh their heads off and tell us we were crazy! The demons we usually come across in our line of work tend to have a ‘crush, kill, destroy’ mentality. Bitching about finer point of etiquette is hardly their strong suit.”

Sam grinned. “You can say that again. It’s strange, I kept forgetting that they’re demons. I mean, take Spike. He seems like a perfectly nice guy, and then he suddenly talks about eating bats - what was that about, do you know?”

Riley shrugged. “No idea. I can’t say I ever talked to him much - beat him up for information, but that’s about...”

He stopped at the look on Sam’s face. “I mean... he was evil then - would have killed me if he could, said so himself!”

Sam shook her head and looked at him with eyes that dared him to even think about not answering her next question.

“What happened between you two? - And Buffy, I suppose I should say. He said, that he broke you up. You never mentioned that.”

Riley suddenly felt all the apprehension he’d managed to suppress come rushing back. How was he going to answer her? He didn’t want to lie to her, but telling her about the vamp ‘brothel’ was out of the question. He took a deep breath and plunged in.

“As you know, she didn’t love me as much as I loved her. And I wasn’t coping very well. I did some... stupid things. Spike found out and told Buffy. That’s how I realised that he was in love with her. Anyway, Major Ellis showed up that night asking me to join up again, and I decided to leave unless Buffy gave me a reason to stay. She didn’t. And then I met you and...”

He smiled softly. “...it all just seemed like a bad dream that I had finally woken from.”

Sam thankfully seemed satisfied with this and then continued. “How did you break them up? It must have happened when we were in Sunnydale, but you never said anything.”

Riley looked down. “I - I was not sure Buffy would want me to tell anyone, she was obviously keeping it a secret.”

Lifting his face he looked at her. “And it kind of threw me, you know. I never thought that she’d actually go to him. I knew there was some kind of connection between her and vampires, a part of her that she never let me see. Maybe she was in denial, I don’t know. It was part of the reason I left. And if I helped end whatever she had with Spike, I’m glad. It couldn’t have been healthy.”

Sam nodded slowly.

As they continued walking, Riley’s arm around Sam’s waist, they heard a scream.

It was dark now, and as they ran down the narrow alley, Riley looked around for something to use as a weapon, but found it hard to distinguish anything in the gloom. Soon they heard sounds of fighting. As the alley opened up into a small square, they saw what appeared to be five vampires fighting among themselves.

After a few seconds they realised that one of them was very blonde and wearing a long leather coat. And was fighting all the others simultaneously. Transfixed the two humans watched the fight.

Spike punched, kicked, rolled and jumped, moving like a large feline, yellow eyes blazing. There was a ferocity to him that made Sam suddenly uncomfortable. Maybe it was seeing him in gameface that abruptly marked him out as ‘other’. Maybe it was the inhuman fluid grace with which he danced with his prey. Because it was a dance, she realised, a deadly dance to which he knew every step, and that he revelled in. And this was who Buffy had turned to. Sam began to understand on some unconscious level why Riley had left Sunnydale.

She took hold of his hand.

Without warning, stakes seemed to appear from Spike’s wrists, and in the blink of an eye, two of the vampires were dust. The third quickly followed, and the last one, realising he was alone, set off down the alley.
Having retracted the stakes at his wrists, Spike leisurely produced another one from a pocket, lifted his arm, aimed, and the stake flew through the air. It caught the running creature in the back, and turned to dust with it.

Spike looked around, demon visage melting into human one. “Now, where’s my damsel in distress,” he muttered.

Riley and Sam quietly sunk into the shadows.

Ducking behind some cardboard boxes, he pulled out a pretty young woman in a nice evening dress. She appeared to be shaken and possibly in shock, but unharmed.

“Now I take it you were on your way to dinner and fancied a shortcut.” Spike said with no introduction.

The girl nodded mutely.

Spike looked her over, eyes narrowing. “I’d say, new boyfriend, second, possibly third date, right?”

She nodded again, and tried to find her voice. “How... how...”

Spike smiled. “See pet, shortcuts in this part of town mean that you turn into dinner, instead of having it yourself! So unless you fancy bein’ part of the menu, you’d better go by cab from now on. Understood!”

Another nod.

“Good. Hop along now.”

He turned to leave, but she grabbed his arm. “Who are you? How can I thank you? Can...”

Spike quickly held up his hand to stop her: “For Christ’s sake woman, shut up! Helping the helpless is what I do, ok? You qualified. I helped. Don’t want your bleedin’ gratitude. Now go!”

He took her arm and gently, but firmly, propelled her in the direction of the road.

Seeing that she was on her way, he turned to the shadows. “Mr. and Mrs. Finn. Had a nice day?”

Riley came out into the dull light followed by Sam.

“You knew we were there,” he said simply.

Spike frowned. “Well, yeah. You’re not invisible. - And even if you were, I’d be able to sense you anyway!”

Sam stared at Spike. “I... I have never seen anyone fight like that before. It was truly amazing.”

Spike noticed the slight tremble in her voice. How tight she was holding Riley’s hand. How close together they stood.

And unbidden memories came into his mind. Images of Riley paralysed by a chip; Riley in the dark with a vampire’s fangs in his arm; Riley in his crypt, drowning his sorrow with the only other creature who understood, even if he was the enemy in more ways than one.

Spike looked at the man and forgot for a moment that he couldn’t stand him.

“You know - I’m glad you found someone who doesn’t want some monster in her man. You deserved more than Buffy could give you.”

Riley looked at him dumbfounded, and, Spike realised, for the first time ever saw him as a man and not a demon.

There was an odd silence. Sam tried to understand what had just happened, but the look on her husbands face was one she couldn’t read.

Spike seemed to snap out of it first, half turning as he pulled out his cigarettes and muttered to himself.

“Bloody soul. Turning me into a bleeding nancyboy.”

Riley slowly took his eyes off the blonde and looked at his watch. “Sam, we’re going to have to go. Dinner. Remember?”

Spike smiled. “Oh, the double date! Have fun. Sam, Nina’s a nice girl, you’ll like her. Personally, I’m going further downtown to clear out a few vamp nests. See you tomorrow!”

The couple said good-bye and went back down the alley.

Part 8

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you are doing a really good job!

paragraph 3 "it's a shame we can never the guys about all this"
i think you left out the word "tell"

i went back and read the whole story, i like it
i can't imagine how you'll tie it up in 3 more chappies though...
write another fic when this one is done!!

Thank you so much for catching that typo - it just goes to show that spell checkers can't catch everything. And also that I can't see for looking! :) I really ought to have a beta-reader, I guess.

Also thank you for reading - I still can't really believe that I actually wrote this! But it's definitely fun to share!

The last 3 chapters are significantly longer than the previous ones - and there is also an epilogue, so it gets tied up rather well I think (also it's a sort of this-could-have-happened story, so 'Power Play' follows smoothly on from the end).

I'm enjoying seeing Riley get a little squirmy over his past with Buffy being dragged into the light. I always suspected that he gave Sam the edited version, the one that mostly covered how Buffy let him down.

I have to say, though, I'm annoyed with the one-sided picture Sam is getting of Spike and the Spike/Buffy relationship. (I'm not annoyed with you, the author, but with Riley.) I wouldn't expect Riley to reveal what he is choosing to leave out, but the edited version suggests that what broke up Buffy and Riley and what drew Buffy and Spike together was essentially her fetish for demons. (I know Spike has said this too, but I'd assumed he was just being snarky to Riley.) Riley may have deserved more than what Buffy could give him, but she also deserved more than--or needed something other than--what Riley could give her. I have serious problems with Riley portraying himself as the victim in the story and moreover, I think I have an anti-Riley knee-jerk reaction with anything having to do with the events of As You Were. So I can't exactly offer an unbiased discussion.

I have to laugh, though, at Spike opening that particular can of worms with Riley while Sam was in the room.

The epiphany that Spike and Riley had in the alley about each other surprised me. I'll be interested in seeing where you're going with this.

One small proofreading thing in part 6: Lorne's suit color is spelled fuchsia. I usually get it wrong myself and had to look it up.

Oh, wonderful, wonderful feedback! ::smiles happily::

Let me see - you've raised such interesting questions, and now I'm trying to think ahead to see if I'm actually addressing them...

the edited version suggests that what broke up Buffy and Riley and what drew Buffy and Spike together was essentially her fetish for demons

I think this is how Riley sees it (I think what Spike said to him in 'Into the Woods' affirmed what he already thought) and finding her in Spike's bed probably made him feel he was right. Of course Buffy doesn't have a thing for demons as such - she has a thing for Spike, and him being a demon happens to be part of that. Her line (in Wrecked) about him being 'convenient' is so blatantly untrue - just about anyone else would be more convenient! (see

the_royal_anna's essay about s6 Buffy-and-Spike).

Anyway, Buffy certainly deserved more than Riley could give her ("I wanted to get you what you deserve...") (I love 'Beneath You' - have I ever said that?) and I think that's another reason why he left - he knew he wasn't enough.

Spike opening that particular can of worms with Riley while Sam was in the room Heh! Let Riley squirm!

The epiphany that Spike and Riley had in the alley about each other surprised me

Can I just say how happy I am that you used the word 'epiphany'? If I was giving the chapters names, this one would be called 'epiphanies'!!! Although Spike doesn't have an epiphany as such. I think he always understood Riley ("You're not the long-haul guy and you know it"), but for a moment he just 'let the mask slip' ('cause hey - Spike became Buffy's next 'not-long-haul'-guy) (meaning s6). But what I wanted from that slip, was to make Riley able to see that what Buffy was attracted to wasn't just the monster. That there was a caring, considerate man there too! Suddenly he is going to reconsider a whole mindset, and maybe - gasp - not be such a bigot!

The other 'epiphany' is Sam's. I think her world-view is rather simplistic - there are good guys and bad guys. That some of the good guys are suddenly demons she takes in her stride. But the fact that the line can be blurred - that the cute guy flirting with her is also a killer who enjoys the kill for it's own sake - that's what's unsettling her.

Anyway, I have to run. Also, thanks for catching the typo, will go fix.

I'm running a bit late, so I've just stopped by to give feedback. Apologies if I repeat anything said above - aaargh stress!

One typo I caught (sorry for being so pedantic)
It was couldn’t have been healthy.” Sam nodded slowly.
the 'it was couldn't' bit...

I loved the end - Spike's conflict within himself; it's amazing to see how far he has progressed with a soul that he is able to put himself in Riley's position. I liked how on the one hand Spike is supportive, on the other he completely is aghast at himself for saying that. Great stuff - really gets you thinking!

And also interesting to get Sam's ideas of Spike - not just that he's one-dimensional, funny and chatty - but he is a demon, fighting other demons - there is more to him than surface.

Great stuff can't wait for more! :)

More feedback! ::dances::

Firstly - thanks for catching typos, I've read it so often I can't see for looking!

And you managed to describe Spike's conflict perfectly - you obviously think clever thoughts! V. glad that I made you think btw - I think far too much about all this, so it's nice when people join me. ;)

About Sam - I forgot to say this to

spikefan - don't be sure that she's accepting Riley's view of events. But since she knows that it's all very painful for him, so she lets it be and tries to work it out for herself. And the fact that Spike is not 'a big fluffy puppy with bad teeth' will make her think some more. Especially since she doesn't have that 'bad-boy-thing' that Buffy admits to. I tried to sort of re-enforce that with the Tom Cruise thing, since he is probably the Riley of movie actors.

She's fun and clever, but would never in a million years understand Buffy.

And you managed to describe Spike's conflict perfectly - you obviously think clever thoughts!
Pfff! You write it that way! :)

Heee! ::is happy::

Oh, this is nice. You've got Riley trying to come up with a version of his history that makes him look like not such a heel (while simultaneously realizing it could come off that way) and Mrs. Finn having her reactions to suit - a little horrified at the "beat him up for information" statement, impressed and a little terrified of Spike himself in action. This fits nicely too with her reaction to Buffy as someone larger than life.

And I liked that you had Spike having an empathic reaction too, assessing Sam and figuring out what was going on there - well done! Good return to the observation skills Spike was always known for. All in all, everyone comes out of this one seeing something in a new light.

Thank you! Glad you liked it - this was actually written fairly early on, and I had to maneuver the characters so they'd end up here.

This fits nicely too with her reaction to Buffy as someone larger than life.

I'm so glad you picked up on that - I think Buffy (and most things in her life) are 'larger than life' which is what Riley found so difficult to cope with. So I always felt that Sam suited him well.

Hi, I back read some more to find this - it's wonderful! Even though it's been mentioned several times above, I just have to repeat it: I love Spike's epiphany about Sam and Riley. So very insightful - pure Spike. I'm looking forward to the rest.

Do you have any more fic posted anywhere? I'd like to read it. My muse is so good at hiding, that I've only written one story, but I can't resist asking you for more! :D

Thank you so much for commenting! I will try get around to editing part 8 soon...

More fic... well, there's my little vignettes (but I think you already found them?). I wrote a VERY schmoopy bithdayfic for

spikefan (nov.4th) - and that's about it. I have more ideas though, it's just finding the time to write it all down!

interesting comment about lurkers; I suppose I sort of qualify! Just discovered your stuff, and digging my way through.

I'm really enjoying this one. It's nice to see a three dimensional Riley for a change. In most of the Riley stories I've read he's either the villain of the piece, or gotten rid of as soon a possible to make way for the Spuffy goodness. While I'll freely admit that he isn't my favorite character; he isn't evil in cannon. Misguided and narrow minded, but well meaning. Interesting to use him as the lens for seeing the changes in Spike.

Squee! More unexpected feedback! *dances*

Interesting to use him as the lens for seeing the changes in Spike.

Now that exactly what I was trying to do, only I never managed to put it so succinctly! I never particularly liked Riley either, so I thought that it'd be fun to actually make him learn something. Also I discovered that I really do like Sam - I had a blast writing her! ;)

Thank you so much for your feedback - you've seriously made my day! *hugs*

Hey, always happy to oblige! I've decided that I like your Sam, too. And the idea of her and Nina going off together to discuss their proms amused me!

Oh, I'm so pleased that you like my Sam. I also like the idea that Riley is completely whipped! ;)

It caught the running creature in the back, and turned to dust with it.
Liked the contrast to Oz! I like the way you sneak in references without dwelling too much on them; makes it seem natural.

Riley paralysed by a chip
It's late (12:19am), so maybe I'm slow on the uptake right now, but I didn't catch this reference.

I like the way you sneak in references without dwelling too much on them
Hee. There are tons of them all the way through - I guess I'm just such a geek! :)

Riley paralysed by a chip
Riley had a chip, just above his heart. Adam used it to control him in 'Primeval' (and the ned of 'The Yoko Factor'. Basically he couldn't move unless told to. In the end he sort of performed open-heart surgery on himself!

Of course. Duh. Was Spike aware of this on the show, or are you assuming he found out?

Spike came to the cave where Adam and Riley were (very start of 'Primeval'):

Spike looks at Riley.
Spike: Slightly stiffer than usual.
He snaps his fingers in Riley's face, who doesn't move a muscle.
Spike: Subtle, but I like it.
As he starts nudging Riley:
Spike: What's with him?
Adam: I activated his chip.
Spike: Oh, so, it's chips all around, is it? Someone must've bought
the party-pack.

Look at you, all ready to go with the script! Now that you point it out, I remember the scene. (sometimes I'm a little slow on the uptake!)

Hee! I have www.buffyworld.com (transcripts of every episode) on my favourite list, so it's v. easy to look these things up! :)

I'm sure Claudia has that same website or one like it bookmarked as well. I'm forever asking her about one scene or another, or who said what, etc. I'm sure she'd probably appreciate it if I just bookmark the site and look it up myself, so I should probably do that now while I'm thinking of it!

Heeee! Much as this chatting has been fun, it's getting late here, and I should really go spend some time with my poor, lonesome husband! ;)

Yeah, fun to run into people in "real time"!

I should really go spend some time with my poor, lonesome husband!
Maybe he could start his own LJ called "Confessions Of An LJ Widower". :)

Heee! If only...

I know I've already commented on this part, but I wanted to say that I quite liked the Riley-Spike moment. I think perhaps Riley and Spike were more alike in some ways than either cared to admit.

I quite liked the Riley-Spike moment.
I'm so glad you did! It was one of those I *had* to write, since it just appeared in my head pretty much funny formed!

Bother! That should have been 'fully'!

Getting to know the Fang Gang is certainly an educational experience for Riley and Sam. Puts a lot of grey into their black and white world. I wonder what they'll think if they find out Nina is a werewolf?

I forgot to mention this earlier, but having Riley and Sam pass Illyria in the hallways of W&H made me think that Riley and Fred would have done well together. He'd be all in awe of her intellect and she of his height. :-)

Puts a lot of grey into their black and white world.
It does rather - but Sam, although a little uncomfortable, has very clear lines between 'work' and 'free time' so it's not really a problem for her. Riley on the other hand of course has a lot of 'issues'...

He'd be all in awe of her intellect and she of his height. :-)
Heeeee! :D

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Play it Again, Sam Part 7

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