City of Night 3/? (Prompt: Abacus)
Apr. 12th, 2007 08:21 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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tamingthemuseTitle: City of Night 3/?
Fandom: BtVS/Ats
Prompt: Abacus
Warnings: Non-con (only briefly described)
Rating: Adults Only
Summary: This is about the period after Dru dumps Spike the second time, and what happens between the dumping and him arriving in Sunnydale with Harmony. I’ve alluded in several other fics about this period, and always meant to get around to writing it. In this chapter, Spike meets an old friend and tries to get set up in L.A.
Previous parts here.
Spike had left Caritas, and was winding his way through the streets of L.A. If he was going to stick around and stalk that pretty lawyer-boy, he’d need to know the lay of the land. He’d need an ally. As it happened, he did have one contact in Los Angeles. He hadn’t seen her since Dru and he first passed through on the way to Sunnydale but he was sure she’d still be there.
He pulled up at the address he remembered. The house was still there, surrounded by big trees and a tangle of flowers and foliage, like some fairy-tale cottage in the woods. It was completely out of place in this otherwise lifeless and dingy neighborhood, but no one else seemed to notice. Part of the magick, he supposed.
He walked up and swung the elaborate brass knocker on the oversized door. A few moments later, the door swung open, and a massive creature smiled down at Spike. More than seven feet tall, with thick misshapen arms and legs, greasy green-black hair, and protruding tusks. Huge gnarled and clawed hands pulled him into a hug. “Sweet William,” she said, obviously happy to see him. “Come inside. What are you doing in Los Angeles?”
Spike let himself be mauled by the ogress. “Hello, Aasha.” He stepped inside, looking around. It fit the outside of the house. Stone floors, massive overstuffed furniture, and a hearth with a crackling fire and a cauldron. Aasha moved back to the fireplace, stopping to stir something in the cauldron. She jerked her head towards the back. “Come on back to my office. I’m doing the books, but we can talk while I figure.”
Spike nodded and walked with her back to her office. She settled at her massive desk, thick fingers moving across a well-worn abacus, stopping periodically to write something in an ancient red-bound ledger. “So where is the lovely Drusilla?” Aasha asked.
Spike grimaced a little. “She’s left me, Aasha. For good this time. Said I wasn’t evil enough for her.”
Aasha clucked her tongue. “She’s a fool, sweet William. You’re a rare one. She didn’t appreciate what she had.”
Spike smiled at that. “Flirting with me, Aasha?”
Aasha laughed. “You’re a pretty one, William. But I’d break you. Shame though. Maybe I should turn you into an ogre. I’ve been meaning to hunt down a husband,” she teased.
Spike burst into laughter despite himself. “I might take you up on it sometime, Aasha.”
“That’s better. You’re pretty when you smile. So what brings you here?” The abacus beads clacked away, a steady counterpart to the conversation.
“I’m going to stay here in the city for a bit. I’m needing to get set up, and I need a source for information. You’re the only person I know here, so I thought I’d come to you for advice.”
“Hmmm.” Aasha furrowed her brow and concentrated. “Well there’s a decent demon community here. Whole sections of town that are mostly settled by non-humans. Like this neighborhood. I do a brisk trade in charms and potions. What sort of information are you looking for?”
Spike shifted a bit uncomfortably in his seat. “I’m trying to find out about a lawyer that has dealings with demons. Lindsey Macdonald.”
Aasha chuckled. “I know him. He’s another pretty one. He’s with Wolfram and Hart.”
Spike raised an eyebrow. “Wolfram and Hart?”
Aasha clucked her tongue again. “Been around this long and not heard of them? I’m surprised. Big time firm, handles all the most prominent demons and a lot of the more corrupt humans. But if you’re looking for serious information on them, pretty Will, you’ll need to go to some unsavory sources.”
Spike nodded. “I do.”
Aasha let out a little sigh. “I thought you would say that. You live a dangerous life, William.” She stopped in her figuring to scribble down a name, address, and phone number on a piece of paper. “This is who you need to see. He knows everyone. And he runs a large part of Demontown. He can give you work if you want it, and probably set you up a place to stay. Be careful with him, though. He’s not nice, even by demon standards.”
Spike tilted his head, a cocky smile on his face. “I can handle myself, Aasha. But thanks for the name. I’d best be going. Not much left to the night.”
Aasha stood with him and walked him back to the door. “You want to come sometime, sit and talk a while, you know my door is open for you, sweet William.”
Spike nodded. Aasha had befriended him and Drusilla when the two of them were lost in Rumania, almost a hundred years ago. Her potions had helped keep Drusilla together long enough for Spike to find the cure for her in Sunnydale. He stood on tiptoe, planting a kiss on her wrinkled cheek as she bent over. “You’re a good friend, Aasha.”
She smiled and patted a massive hand on his shoulder. “You need friends, William. Take care now.”
Spike climbed back into the DeSoto and took off into the night.
A short while later he pulled up at the address Aasha had given him. He had to smile. It was a club, noisy, with a line outside waiting to get in. The patrons were a mix of demon and human. And the bright garish red neon sign proclaimed the name as ‘Dante’s’.
He walked up to the bouncer, bypassing the line. The bouncer gave him a once-over. He didn’t banish him to the back of the line instantly, which was good. “You want in?”
Spike nodded. “Got business with the proprietor.”
The bouncer smiled. “Oh, ‘business’, eh? Well, you’re certainly his type. Inside, stairs to the left.”
Spike took in the comment with just a slight raise of his eyebrow. But if it got him in, he’d deal with it. He made his way up the stairs. The club itself was buzzing, loud techno music blaring, a lot of scantily clad bodies moving to the music. The heady mix of arousal and sweat and adrenaline washed over him as he approached the office. He knocked on the door. A male voice answered, “Come.”
Spike stepped inside, looking at the man reclined on a plush velvet couch. He had long stringy dark hair, and his eyes pointed in two different directions. A thick scar completed the picture. He smiled at Spike. “You’re lucky,” he said. “Normally I’m not here. But tonight I had the feeling I should be.” He pushed up and sauntered indolently over towards Spike. “Vampire. Aurelius clan, I can feel it on you. Rare blood.” He licked his lips. “So what can I do for you…?”
“Spike.”
“Spike. Suits you. I’m called Rack.”
Spike nodded. “I understand you’re the man to see for pretty much anything important around here. I’m needing information, place to set up, maybe a way to earn some quick dosh.” He figured best to flatter him a bit. The power was crawling off Rack. He was human, but he was obviously sporting some powerful mojo.
Rack inclined his head, moving a little closer. “I can arrange all that. I have people everywhere, doing my work. Question is…what can you offer me?”
Spike could ‘feel’ him move. He’s sure he could even with eyes closed. It was like a snake slithering over rock, scales rasping as it moved. “Dunno. What do you want?”
Rack stepped closer still, rubbing one finger along the lapel of Spike’s duster. “Got to give a little to get a little, right?”
Spike shivered. He really didn’t want this creep touching him. How much did he want the information anyway? He considered, weighed, decided. “Sorry. No can do. Sorry I wasted your time.” He stepped back, turning for the door.
Rack gestured, and a heavy invisible force pushed Spike against the wall. “No one wastes my time, vampire. There’s always a cost.”
Spike snarled and struggled, trying to move, his muscles straining. Rack just smiled and stepped up to him, sliding a hand under his shirt. “Now…we were discussing payment? I think I’ll just take what I want. Don’t worry, you’ll get what you bargained for.” Rack smiled and gestured again. Spike’s T-shirt split apart, and Rack’s hand caressed Spike’s nicely muscled chest. “And perhaps a little more, if you’re as good as you look.”
It was several hours later that Spike woke up in a strange bed. His memories of the night before were hazy at best, but his body ached everywhere, and there were fresh bruises in various places all over his body. He felt…drained. Like when his Sire would take too much blood. He snarled. Damn that Rack anyway. He groaned as he tried to move, and then noticed the thick envelope. He picked it up and opened it. There was a wad of cash, a key, and a sheaf of papers. He began reading. It was the information he wanted. Well, he couldn’t move right now anyway without pain. Might as well read. He settled down to work his way through it. For the moment, he pushed aside what it had cost him. What it still might cost. He had the feeling he hadn’t seen the last of Rack.
Fandom: BtVS/Ats
Prompt: Abacus
Warnings: Non-con (only briefly described)
Rating: Adults Only
Summary: This is about the period after Dru dumps Spike the second time, and what happens between the dumping and him arriving in Sunnydale with Harmony. I’ve alluded in several other fics about this period, and always meant to get around to writing it. In this chapter, Spike meets an old friend and tries to get set up in L.A.
Previous parts here.
Spike had left Caritas, and was winding his way through the streets of L.A. If he was going to stick around and stalk that pretty lawyer-boy, he’d need to know the lay of the land. He’d need an ally. As it happened, he did have one contact in Los Angeles. He hadn’t seen her since Dru and he first passed through on the way to Sunnydale but he was sure she’d still be there.
He pulled up at the address he remembered. The house was still there, surrounded by big trees and a tangle of flowers and foliage, like some fairy-tale cottage in the woods. It was completely out of place in this otherwise lifeless and dingy neighborhood, but no one else seemed to notice. Part of the magick, he supposed.
He walked up and swung the elaborate brass knocker on the oversized door. A few moments later, the door swung open, and a massive creature smiled down at Spike. More than seven feet tall, with thick misshapen arms and legs, greasy green-black hair, and protruding tusks. Huge gnarled and clawed hands pulled him into a hug. “Sweet William,” she said, obviously happy to see him. “Come inside. What are you doing in Los Angeles?”
Spike let himself be mauled by the ogress. “Hello, Aasha.” He stepped inside, looking around. It fit the outside of the house. Stone floors, massive overstuffed furniture, and a hearth with a crackling fire and a cauldron. Aasha moved back to the fireplace, stopping to stir something in the cauldron. She jerked her head towards the back. “Come on back to my office. I’m doing the books, but we can talk while I figure.”
Spike nodded and walked with her back to her office. She settled at her massive desk, thick fingers moving across a well-worn abacus, stopping periodically to write something in an ancient red-bound ledger. “So where is the lovely Drusilla?” Aasha asked.
Spike grimaced a little. “She’s left me, Aasha. For good this time. Said I wasn’t evil enough for her.”
Aasha clucked her tongue. “She’s a fool, sweet William. You’re a rare one. She didn’t appreciate what she had.”
Spike smiled at that. “Flirting with me, Aasha?”
Aasha laughed. “You’re a pretty one, William. But I’d break you. Shame though. Maybe I should turn you into an ogre. I’ve been meaning to hunt down a husband,” she teased.
Spike burst into laughter despite himself. “I might take you up on it sometime, Aasha.”
“That’s better. You’re pretty when you smile. So what brings you here?” The abacus beads clacked away, a steady counterpart to the conversation.
“I’m going to stay here in the city for a bit. I’m needing to get set up, and I need a source for information. You’re the only person I know here, so I thought I’d come to you for advice.”
“Hmmm.” Aasha furrowed her brow and concentrated. “Well there’s a decent demon community here. Whole sections of town that are mostly settled by non-humans. Like this neighborhood. I do a brisk trade in charms and potions. What sort of information are you looking for?”
Spike shifted a bit uncomfortably in his seat. “I’m trying to find out about a lawyer that has dealings with demons. Lindsey Macdonald.”
Aasha chuckled. “I know him. He’s another pretty one. He’s with Wolfram and Hart.”
Spike raised an eyebrow. “Wolfram and Hart?”
Aasha clucked her tongue again. “Been around this long and not heard of them? I’m surprised. Big time firm, handles all the most prominent demons and a lot of the more corrupt humans. But if you’re looking for serious information on them, pretty Will, you’ll need to go to some unsavory sources.”
Spike nodded. “I do.”
Aasha let out a little sigh. “I thought you would say that. You live a dangerous life, William.” She stopped in her figuring to scribble down a name, address, and phone number on a piece of paper. “This is who you need to see. He knows everyone. And he runs a large part of Demontown. He can give you work if you want it, and probably set you up a place to stay. Be careful with him, though. He’s not nice, even by demon standards.”
Spike tilted his head, a cocky smile on his face. “I can handle myself, Aasha. But thanks for the name. I’d best be going. Not much left to the night.”
Aasha stood with him and walked him back to the door. “You want to come sometime, sit and talk a while, you know my door is open for you, sweet William.”
Spike nodded. Aasha had befriended him and Drusilla when the two of them were lost in Rumania, almost a hundred years ago. Her potions had helped keep Drusilla together long enough for Spike to find the cure for her in Sunnydale. He stood on tiptoe, planting a kiss on her wrinkled cheek as she bent over. “You’re a good friend, Aasha.”
She smiled and patted a massive hand on his shoulder. “You need friends, William. Take care now.”
Spike climbed back into the DeSoto and took off into the night.
A short while later he pulled up at the address Aasha had given him. He had to smile. It was a club, noisy, with a line outside waiting to get in. The patrons were a mix of demon and human. And the bright garish red neon sign proclaimed the name as ‘Dante’s’.
He walked up to the bouncer, bypassing the line. The bouncer gave him a once-over. He didn’t banish him to the back of the line instantly, which was good. “You want in?”
Spike nodded. “Got business with the proprietor.”
The bouncer smiled. “Oh, ‘business’, eh? Well, you’re certainly his type. Inside, stairs to the left.”
Spike took in the comment with just a slight raise of his eyebrow. But if it got him in, he’d deal with it. He made his way up the stairs. The club itself was buzzing, loud techno music blaring, a lot of scantily clad bodies moving to the music. The heady mix of arousal and sweat and adrenaline washed over him as he approached the office. He knocked on the door. A male voice answered, “Come.”
Spike stepped inside, looking at the man reclined on a plush velvet couch. He had long stringy dark hair, and his eyes pointed in two different directions. A thick scar completed the picture. He smiled at Spike. “You’re lucky,” he said. “Normally I’m not here. But tonight I had the feeling I should be.” He pushed up and sauntered indolently over towards Spike. “Vampire. Aurelius clan, I can feel it on you. Rare blood.” He licked his lips. “So what can I do for you…?”
“Spike.”
“Spike. Suits you. I’m called Rack.”
Spike nodded. “I understand you’re the man to see for pretty much anything important around here. I’m needing information, place to set up, maybe a way to earn some quick dosh.” He figured best to flatter him a bit. The power was crawling off Rack. He was human, but he was obviously sporting some powerful mojo.
Rack inclined his head, moving a little closer. “I can arrange all that. I have people everywhere, doing my work. Question is…what can you offer me?”
Spike could ‘feel’ him move. He’s sure he could even with eyes closed. It was like a snake slithering over rock, scales rasping as it moved. “Dunno. What do you want?”
Rack stepped closer still, rubbing one finger along the lapel of Spike’s duster. “Got to give a little to get a little, right?”
Spike shivered. He really didn’t want this creep touching him. How much did he want the information anyway? He considered, weighed, decided. “Sorry. No can do. Sorry I wasted your time.” He stepped back, turning for the door.
Rack gestured, and a heavy invisible force pushed Spike against the wall. “No one wastes my time, vampire. There’s always a cost.”
Spike snarled and struggled, trying to move, his muscles straining. Rack just smiled and stepped up to him, sliding a hand under his shirt. “Now…we were discussing payment? I think I’ll just take what I want. Don’t worry, you’ll get what you bargained for.” Rack smiled and gestured again. Spike’s T-shirt split apart, and Rack’s hand caressed Spike’s nicely muscled chest. “And perhaps a little more, if you’re as good as you look.”
It was several hours later that Spike woke up in a strange bed. His memories of the night before were hazy at best, but his body ached everywhere, and there were fresh bruises in various places all over his body. He felt…drained. Like when his Sire would take too much blood. He snarled. Damn that Rack anyway. He groaned as he tried to move, and then noticed the thick envelope. He picked it up and opened it. There was a wad of cash, a key, and a sheaf of papers. He began reading. It was the information he wanted. Well, he couldn’t move right now anyway without pain. Might as well read. He settled down to work his way through it. For the moment, he pushed aside what it had cost him. What it still might cost. He had the feeling he hadn’t seen the last of Rack.
no subject
Date: 2007-04-13 01:43 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-04-13 07:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-04-13 01:48 am (UTC)bad Rack...
going to enjoy this ride honey I can tell.
no subject
I'm so glad you're liking it.
no subject
Date: 2007-04-14 10:08 am (UTC)Really excellent stuff. I'll look foward to what happens next!
no subject
Date: 2007-04-15 10:06 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-04-15 03:58 pm (UTC)But Rack? Oh, don't like him. You caught his slimy malignance perfectly.
Very nice. This could turn nasty.
no subject
Date: 2007-04-15 11:34 pm (UTC)