As soon as they walked into the upper lobby of Wolfram and Hart, Harmony started in on Spike. “Fine, don’t talk to me,” Harmony said petulantly.

  Spike stopped, staring at her in confusion. “What?” He asked.

  “Whole time we were a thing, you treated me like day-old rat blood. Why should now be any diff? Just ‘cause you’ve gone all Patrick Swayze?” Harmony continued, still moving things around on the reception desk.

  David closed his eyes and mumbled under his breath about how she should have listened to him but kept walking. He didn’t want to be caught in the middle.

  “What are you on about?” Spike asked curiously, trying to puzzle out what was wrong with the blonde vampiress.

  “Well, gee, nothing much. Just since you’re all soulful now, I thought maybe, just maybe you might have learned to open up a little. You know, talk. But I guess a leopard can’t change its stripes.” Spike took a deep breath as he rolled his eyes.

  “Spots, you dink. Leopards have spots,” Spike corrected Harmony.

  “Oh, excuse me, Mr. Brainy,” Harmony responded dripping with sarcasm. “Thank you so much for sharing. Wow, what a breakthrough.” Harmony flounced off in a huff, leaving Spike standing there.

  Ignoring the drama between the two exes, David went to sit on the steps, still shaking his head. As he sat there, he overheard his name coming from Angel’s office, so he walked over to listen by the door instead.

  Spike shook his head at Harmony’s antics and continued through the lobby, pausing when he noticed David eavesdropping at Angel’s office door. He walked over to see what was going on, motioning for David to move over so he could listen in without being spotted.

  “Yes, this is an unusual situation, but I think it’s our only choice. It’s what we’d do in any case of a haunting, isn’t it? An exorcism of sorts,” Wesley said. Spike and David looked at each other warily.

  “I mean, I know they’re already gone, but they’d be gone dead. Forever. It just doesn’t seem right,” Fred argued.

  “I agree, but neither is leaving them there,” Wesley continued. “Trapped between realms, with no control over their fates, not able to touch anything, affect anything. Unable to fight. Letting them cross over seems the most merciful thing we….”

  “Yeah, yeah, mercy,” Angel interrupted. “You know, I’m all for it. Just tell me how we do it.”

  “The amulet’s protected, invulnerable to anything,” Wesley explained.

  “Coulda told you that,” David scoffed under his breath. Spike shook his head and kept listening.

  “But the magic that’s protecting it doesn’t work on hallowed ground.”

  “Hallowed? Like a church?” Gunn asked.

  “Or a cemetery, yes. It has to be taken there and destroyed.”

  “Destroyed? How?” asked Fred.

  “I think a sharp blow would probably do the trick,” Wesley guessed.

  “Angel, what do you think?” Gunn asked.

  “Think I want to sleep on it.” Angel said quietly.

  Spike sighed while David looked down at the floor. They could hear movement and steps approaching, and both automatically stepped away from the door and walked out of sight.

  “Guess he means to put us out of our misery,” David pointed out softly.

  “Sounds like it.”

  “What’re you going to do?”

  “You’re asking me? What about you? What are you going to do about it?”

  “Didn’t think I had much of a choice in this, to be honest. And you’re not exactly known for your ability to work with others, you know. I’ve done my time. I’m ready to go. Was already done what feels like ages ago.” Spike just stared at him. David shrugged. “Just sayin’ is all. I’m really good and done. Being a ghost. Ready to shuffle off if that’s what’s next.”

  “And if I take Hainsley’s deal?” Spike inquired, raising an eyebrow. David studied him for a moment, then grinned.

  “Could be interesting too, I suppose. But you won’t.”

  “And what makes you say that?”

  “Just know is all. You can’t do it. You might want to. Real bad. But you won’t.”

  “Uh huh,” Spike studied David, who looked back down at the floor and shrugged again.

  “I’ll back you up though. Should things go wonky. Sometimes the world flies sideways, yeah?” David glanced back up at Spike awkwardly, who nodded.

  “So, you’re ready to die?”

  “Just said I was, din’ I? Ready and then some.” Spike nodded, satisfied for the moment that David wouldn’t get in the way of his plans.

  ****

  “Well, look at you,” Spike said to Angel as he turned off the light and crawled into bed. Spike had stayed in thought for a while before finally making his way up to Angel’s apartment. David had followed silently. Now they stood there, looking out the window.

  “Oh, no, no,” Angel said in exasperation. “No! No! No!”

  “Sitting in luxury’s ample lap,” Spike sighed. “Top of the world. Looking down at, well, everyone.” He turned to look at Angel. “It’s good to be king, isn’t it?” David sat on the armrest of a chair, continuing to stare out the window silently.

  “Ground rules: Haunt me all you want during business hours, but this space – off limits!”

  “Relax beef-cake. I didn’t come for a fight.”

  “Really?”

  “Not that I could, right? Can’t touch. Can’t affect anything. Yeah, we overheard your little group powwow.”

  “How much?”

  “Enough of enough.”

  “Look, Spike…”

  “Necromancer tried to make a deal with me.”

  “What?” Angel asked surprised.

  “Said he could bring me back, body and soul, if I used our close personal relationship to double-cross you.”

  “Tempting. And what’d you say?”

  “You see, right there!” snapped Spike, pointing his finger at Angel. “That’s the problem. You having to ask me that. I don’t play for that side anymore, or haven’t you heard. Besides, even if Mr. Death could do what he promised, I trust him about as much as you trust me.”

  “What do you want from me?” Angel asked, staring at Spike as he paced by the windows, moonlight through the blinds painting him in dark and light stripes.

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  “I can’t live like this, Angel. Bein’ useless,” Spike sighed. “Bein’ nothing. I want it to end. We both do,” he gestured towards David who nodded his agreement.

  ****

  The ride to the cemetery had been quiet. Angel had been kind enough to take a larger vehicle so David hadn’t felt the need to lean forward and into their space. He still spent the time staring out the window, taking in all the lights and people going about their business, lost in his own little world.

  They walked in silence through the cemetery as well. David wasn’t sure what kind of place one needed to do what they had in mind, but he followed along, figuring they must know what they were doing. Finally, Spike spoke up, “I suppose this’ll do. Feels hallowed enough.”

  Angel pulled the amulet out of his pocket. “You sure you want to do this Spike?”

  “What? Think I could really stand hanging out with you and your lot now and forever? Wise cracking ghost side kick. No bloody thanks.” David chuckled to himself and then sighed as Spike continued. “Come on. You know as well as I do, it’s for the best.”

  “David? It’s your afterlife too.”

  David nodded. “Where he goes, I go. I’ve done my bit and then some. Time to shuffle off. Surf the sands of time. Well past time, ifn’ I’m being honest. It’s been … well, it’s been interesting.” He flashed a quick smile, then turned and looked up towards the sky trying to make out the stars. Angel nodded and set the amulet down, grabbing a nearby urn.

  “I’m glad it’s you though,” Spike added hastily. “Finally doin’ me in. Feels right, you being my grandsire and all. Circle of death, eh?”

  “Goodbye David.” David turned and nodded to him, then looked back up at the sky. Angel looked at Spike. “Goodbye Spike.”

  “See you around Angel.” Angel raised his arm and went to bring down the urn and ended up hitting himself in the head.

  “Uh, I think you missed,” Spike noted and David spun in time to watch Angel slam himself in the face next. David couldn’t help but chuckle just a little, despite the turn of events, but the humor quickly left his face when he heard Angel groaning as he was lifted into the air.

  “And the dead shall rise!” The necromancer, Hainsley, shouted triumphantly as he walked up to them holding out the hand that was making Angel rise into the air. “Just ‘cause I say so.”

  “Hainsley,” Angel grunted.

  “Vampires should think twice before messing with a man who wields power over all things lifeless.” With that, Hainsley flung Angel against a wall with a loud thud, knocking him out cold. “If you ask my advice,” he added.

  “Took your sweet time steppin’ in, Hainsley. I came this close to getting a one-way ticket to the great beyond,” Spike gesturing with his hand to indicate how close he’d come to becoming truly dead.

  “Relax, son. I wasn’t going to let anything happen to you. You’re the linchpin of my plan.”

  “Our plan,” Spike corrected him. “And you bloody better well hold up your end of it. I’m not gonna be used by you.”

  “Yes, you are. But afterwards, I’ll give you your rewards, just as you asked. I’ll put you back in the driver’s seat of your afterlife,” the necromancer retorted, turning to look back down at Angel on the ground. David scoffed. “Control. That’s all anyone really wants, isn’t it? And who are you?”

  “He’s nobody,” Spike answered quickly, and David nodded.

  “Just a casual observer. Along for the ride.” Hainsley looked David up and down as though measuring him up.

  “Yes. Seems you are, aren’t you? Speaking of control. Wouldn’t you like to have yours back?”

  “Save it for someone who cares,” David brushed him off. “Not interested in having you sell me anything, thanks though.”

  “Quite the predicament you’ve found yourself in. Stuck as you are. You sure you wouldn’t want to be able to feel again? Live in the world as you’ve been missing for… how long now? You could even have a body that suited you even better than before?” Hainsley seemed to be reading him in a way that made David feel too vulnerable, and he started fidgeting uncomfortably despite himself.

  “Still no, mate. Keep your observations to yourself. No way in hell I’m making any deals with you, so can it,” David snapped and turned away.

  “Suit yourself,” Hainsley’s voice raised in a mocking way. “Just so long as you don’t cause trouble with my plans, I’ll leave you be.”

  David rolled his eyes and turned back to face the necromancer. “And you can save your threats old man. Not impressing anyone, yeah? I’ll back him up.” David pointed a thumb in Spike’s direction. “Not gonna cause issues for you so long as you leave us be, right? Hold up your deal with him, and you’ll see no trouble from me.” Hainsley studied him for a moment as David stared him straight in the eye, then nodded.

  “Alright. But when you’re ready, and I’ve no doubts that you’ll grow tired of being a ghost soon enough, I’ll be here to make a deal.”

  “Can we just get on with it?” Spike interrupted Hainsley before he could continue trying to plant more seeds into David. Hainsley just shrugged.

  ****

  Back at Hainsley’s mansion, Hainsley set Angel on table and cut open his shirt. “Shall we get started then?” He grinned maliciously to Spike and David, then turned to Angel, who began to stir. “Hello vampire. Have a nice nap?” Angel tried to sit up and began protesting, but Hainsley threw out his hand and pushed him back down using his powers. “Don’t get up. You’ve had a rough day. You know, so have I, thanks to you.”

  “Yours is about to get a hell of a lot worse,” Angel retorted.

  “I don’t think so. Me, necromancer. You, dead. You can’t lay a finger on me.”

  “Maybe not. But what do you think the senior partners are gonna do to you when I show up missing?”

  “Oh, you’re not going to be missing. You’re going to show up to work bright-eyed and bushy-tailed tomorrow morning when you reverse the seizure of my personal assets and reinstate the Internment Acquisitions Department.”

  “And why would I do that?”

  “Not you. Me, wearin’ your body,” Spike chimed in.

  “And to think I didn’t trust you,” Angel didn’t seem too surprised.

  “Come on Angel, what choice did I have?” Spike walked around to stand next to Angel as he spoke. “Bloody exorcism? Letting you and yours banish me to oblivion? No, thanks. Necro here’s gonna give me my body back after I take yours for a test drive. Fix his little problems. And here’s the kicker. I go in, and you go pfft off to Never-Never Come Back Land,” Spike flicked his fingers as Angel’s eyes widened, then noticed David standing against the wall arms crossed and tucked in his sweatshirt pocket. David met his gaze before Angel looked back at Spike. “And then, yours very truly will be running the show. Your cars, your digs, everything. Every one I deserve will be mine. And maybe I’ll have a go with that Fred. She looks like a goer. And she seems to really look up to you.” David started pacing and shaking his head.

  “Shut up!” Angel interrupted, then noticed David’ pacing. “You’re gonna let this happen too?” David looked over at Angel with a slightly pained expression, then glanced at Spike and Hainsley who were looking at him intently. He scowled.

  “Save the great Angelus? Now why would I want to go and do a thing like that? Might have a word with Spike about Fred, because I’m a gentleman, but saving you isn’t what I’m here for.”

  “Yeah? And what’s that then?” Angel inquired, grunting as he continued to try and fight the necromancer.

  “Backin’ him up,” David thrust a thumb towards Spike and shrugged.

  “You know what? You’re right. Enough talk. Let’s do this already. I’m itching to get physical,” Spike interrupted, annoyed, before David could say anything else.

  “I’ve never installed anyone in a conscious dead body before. I imagine this is going to be extremely painful,” the necromancer gloated before he closed his eyes and began his ritualistic droning. David moved closer to Spike and Angel, watching Hainsley intently, as he brought his hand up and thrust it into Angel’s abdomen. Angel grunted and groaned in pain. Spike chuckled to himself while David grimaced. Hainsley reached out to Spike and drew the ghost into himself. David’s entire body tensed as he stared at Hainsley, studying the man for any sign he was going to change the plans Spike had agreed to. He had no idea what he might try if that happened, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to just stand by doing nothing either.

  A reddish glow went through Hainsley as Spike’s essence moved from one arm to the next but stopped before it reached Angel. Hainsley grunted and stammered. “What? What are you doing?”

  “Spike … Spike?” Angel prompted. David smirked recognizing that Spike was finally wrestling control from the necromancer of his own body.

  “No! No!” Hainsley argued with the ghost inside of him, as he withdrew his arm, Spike having finally taken over some control of the body. Angel finally hopped up and punched Hainsley.

  “I can touch you now, Hainsley.” Hainsley used his powers to throw Angel over the table, causing David to jump back.

  “Think you’re clever, eh? But …” Hainsley grunted as he fought for control over his own body again. “Your ghost can’t control me for long. I hold the power. I rule the dead!” He threw out his hand and tried to move Angel’s body again, but his arm moved away as Spike wrested control back.

  “Not today.” Angel walked up and punched Hainsley in the face repeatedly, before landing one in the gut and throwing the man into the table. Hainsley landed head first with a loud crack. David couldn’t stop the cheer that erupted from his lips as he stood and watched smugly. The man landed heavily with a thud, then suddenly hopped back up. Angel stared in shock, sure he’d managed to kill the man by the sound and way he’d landed. Hainsley started punching the vampire hard across the face with more agility than either David or Angel would have expected. David’s eyebrows rose and his mouth dropped open as Hainsley kicked Angel square in the chest, sending him falling into another table, nearly knocking over a lamp.

  Angel spun around with a silver serving tray and spun it through the air, straight through Hainsley’s neck. As Hainsley’s head rolled to the ground, David laughed out loud and clapped despite himself, while Spike’s head remained sticking out of Hainsley’s now decapitated body. Angel’s jaw dropped open as he stared at Spike, the realization he’d been fighting the ghost and not the man dawning on him.

  “Oh, bollocks,” Spike said in disappointment as the body fell to the floor, leaving him standing there. “I was just getting warmed up.” David continued to giggle softly to himself watching the shocked look on Angel’s face.

  “That was you hitting me?” Angel asked incredulously.

  “That last bit, yeah,” Spike admitted with a slight shrug. “Hainsley’s been dead since he hit the table.” Seeing the look of betrayal on Angel’s face, Spike scoffed,

  “Oh, come on! Had to get a few licks in, didn’t I?” Angel continued to stare in annoyance at the blond vampire staring back at him smugly. David just shook his head and started walking towards the door without waiting for the others to follow.