Spike:
He was nestled into the warmth of his bed, the bed that was made of furs and leaves. It was comfortable, and did its job of keeping him to sleep through the morning.
This morning was no exception. His jacket hanging on his bedside rock, his bare chest exposed through one of the furs he was using as a blanket. He was deep in sleep, and usually was until about dusk, when he felt the need to rise. But this morning, his dreams were plagued with unhappiness and worry.
Fear that Pearl would leave him with all that had gone on. He couldnt live without her.. and in his dreams, he was throwing himself into the river, prepared to drown to keep from losing her.
He woke with a start, black eyes wide as he sat up. His breathing was heavy, his furry chest rising and falling with the fear. He looked around him, and saw Pearl snoozing soundly beside him. He took a few deep breaths, and sighed.
What was wrong with him?
Pearl Barbossa-Swann:
Pearl had been angry for days. It had progressed through stages of yelling, cursing, threats, and most recently the silent treatment. While they still shared the same nest, she had scooted herself as far from him as she could and faced away. Of course, that didn't stop her subconscious from scooting her closer to her mate and her back had been against Spike when he jolted awake.
But the red-haired female had been up for at least a few moments before Spike jerked. Gone was the hat and her over-dress, all she wore to sleep was her necklace and her chemise. She had been awake, going over what had happened and deciding she had been mad enough. It had been an accident, and he was so very sorry for falling into their trap.
"Spike? Are you alright?" It was the first thing she'd said to him since the previous morning.
Spike:
His breathing eased as he realized his dream wasnt true.. But it could have been true, and still could be. He had a hard time shaking the image from his mind, and he ran a paw through his blonde hair, and sighed. This was getting difficult. He had preferred the yelling, the cursing, over the silence. Not having her tell him she loved him before going to sleep did something to him. Sure it was a small gesture and shouldnt have meant that much but it didnt make it hurt any less.
He hadnt expected to hear her speak, though he knew that she was awake. Her breathing was different than it was when she slept, he could hear the difference clearly. But her voice echoed thorugh his ears, and he turned to look at her. She was facing him, actually looking at him now for hte first time since yesterday.
"Nightmare, pet.. I think im fine." He said, though he was careful what to say..He didnt want to anger her further, he just wanted his mate back. He wanted to snuggle into her warmth and let his own lower body temperature keep her cool under the heat of the thick pelts of blankets.
Pearl Barbossa-Swann:
Pearl's face softened into concern for Spike, uncertain of what it was that could bother him so much. She didn't recall him ever having a nightmare before, not one that shook him awake like that. She snuggled closer, trying to reassure him, tucking her head under his chin.
"I'm done being angry now," she murmured in the darkness of their den. And she was. She'd forgiven him and wanted things to go back to the way they were.
Well, she truly didn't want him drinking anymore, except when it was with her, but other than that, back to normal.
Spike:
The male was caught off guard when she snuggled under him, though he wouldnt have let her see it.
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, his paws rubbing up and down her arms.
She wasnt angry anymore? Well that was a relief. He deserved her to have been angry still, but he couldnt say that he wouldnt take her mercy. He loved this girl, despite everything he was and had been in the past. He had never expected to fall for someone who was alive, happy, and ready for life.
Not really.. But he couldnt say he disliked it whatsoever. He liked her warmth.
"You sure?" He asked, though he questioned whether or not that was the way to talk to her. He was so at a loss for words, that he was unsure of what paw to step on in terms of speech.
"I love you, Pearl." He whispered into her ear, was was close to his maw. He inhaled her scent and let it out in a deep sigh.
Pearl Barbossa-Swann:
"I'm sure," Pearl replied, smiling a bit. "I think you've suffered enough punishment."
She melted with a small sigh at his whispered words, nuzzling her head against his. He was so cool against her warmth and while she liked the contrast, she knew it came at a price. It meant she was mortal, would grow old and someday even die while Spike would go on. Well, she had the feeling in the back of her mind that he wouldn't really go on without her, but that wasn't relevant to the point. He was almost taken away from her by that b*****d Angelus.
She didn't want to lose him to anything, even time.
"Do you remember, what I asked you to do the night I found out about what they did to you?" she asked, turning her head a bit so that she could look up at him.
Spike:
He leaned against the wall of the cave, the blankets covering his lower half as he held her to him.
When she looked up at him, he looked down and brought his paw up to stroke her hair gently.
What had they talked about that day? It was before all hell had broken loose.. It was before she had become so angry with him. It was the beginning phase, the 'it cant be true' phase. Thats when he remembered.
She had asked him to turn her. While it filled his heart with dread at being the one that killed his mate, he was filled with something else.. Happiness, maybe? That she would want to spend all of her time, even cheating death, to be with him.
He wouldnt have to suffer without her, and the kids wouldnt have to lose her either. They'd be a family forever, and thats the image he had in his head.
He could see her now, hunting with him at dusk and helping him drink the blood of prey. It gave him a bit of anxiety and hope. They could truly be together, truly know what the other was living like.
"I do." He said, still stroking her red hair and then taking his other paw to put a claw under her chin and raise it up to look at him.
"Are you still serious 'bout that, luv?" He asked.
Pearl Barbossa-Swann:
Pearl's eyes flicked down for a moment, really considering the decision. What would she lose? What were the risks? The warmth would be gone, and she'd never be able to feed herself with just clams and fish and sweets and such. Could she end up like Angelus? Would she lose her mind? Become something horrible?
But she would be with Spike for forever, be with their children.
She couldn't turn that prospect down.
Her gaze rose to his again and she nodded slowly.
"I don't think I could bear the thought of time getting the better of me and taking you away."
Spike:
He grinned down at her, leaning fown to kiss her before pulling up and sighing. He didnt know that he wanted to be the one to hurt her.. not like this.
But he supposed it was better it was him, instead of someone who wouldnt be gentle.. Wouldnt hold her to them and offer their comfort and support. It had to be him. Otherwise he wouldnt feel comfortable with it being done.
"Time could never get the best of you pet. Im always here, and you will forever be with me.. Vampire or no vampire." He nuzzled into her cheek and took in her scent. She wanted to be his forever and by god..she would be.
"When are you wanting to do this, luv? Have you decided?" He asked.
Pearl Barbossa-Swann:
Pearl's heart thrilled at how tender he was. She knew that wouldn't, couldn't end up like the other vampires, not when Spike was so good, even if he was naughty sometimes. She nuzzled him back before slipping away. There was just one more thing she needed to do.
"I'll be right back," she said and turned away, heading for the den's exit.
She emerged in the growing sunlight and it hurt her eyes. All the time she had spent with Spike, she had forgotten how bright the sun could be, even in the morning. She closed her eyes and just felt it, allowed the warmth to seep through her fur. It would be the last time she would be able to do this.
But the sun was overrated. It was nothing to her in comparison to her mate. For him, she would give up a thousand suns. The moment gone, she took one last look at the bright sky and returned to the den and cuddled up to Spike again, her fur still warm from the sunlight.
"Right now."
Spike:
He released her from his grasp, and watched her slide out of the fur laden bed and head to the front of the den. He watched the sunlight hit her body making her seem to glow, with the glow it put around her. She sparkled right now, and he hoped that she would still be happy enough to sparkle once she wasnt able to stand in that sunlight anymore. He felt a pang in his unbeating heart and wished there was another way to keep her forever..something that wouldnt keep her from being able to pick flowers in the sunshine, or see her friends during the daylight hours.
He watched her slowly return to him, crawl back into the bed, and back into his arms.
Instinctively he wrapped his arms around her again.
When she said "Right now" he took a deep breath. He didnt really need to breathe, but sometimes times just called for a good deep breath. He looked down at her, and smiled reassuringly, his fangs present as always. He would be so gentle..he would take such care of her. This would be the most intimate moment they would ever share, and it would only happen once. He ran the side of his claw down her cheek, to her chin, and lifted it up so that her neck was visible.
Positioning her over his lap, he drew her close to his body, and let her lean into his chest. He wanted her comfortable.. and he wanted her to know that he was there.
"Are you ready, pet?" He asked with a soft, loving tone.
Pearl Barbossa-Swann:
Pearl snuggled close as he held her and leaned forward to nuzzle his cheek once again.
That done, she settled where he had her before and tilted her head a bit to one side, her hair sliding over and off of her shoulder. A hurricane of emotions swirled within her, excitement and apprehension all mixed into one swirling cacophony of hopes and doubts. But she trusted Spike, with her very life as this was about to prove.
"Ready as I'll ever be..." she replied, paused then smiled softly at her mate. "I love you, too, Spike."
Spike:
With her last nuzzle to his cheek, he took a moment to bask in her warmth.
He wouldnt feel that warmth again, and.. he was sure to miss it. Bu the was used to not having the warmth around him. He could live without it. He leaned over to give her neck a gentle kiss.
Just kissing along the length of her neck and nuzzling right under her chin.
He wanted her to feel relaxed, to know that he was going to guide her through this, and she wouldnt have to be afraid. He hadnt had that kindness when he was turned.
Drusilla had been rather rough about it. She hadnt even asked him if it was what he wanted.. She had asked if he wanted something glorious, and the glutton in him said yes. He had been fooled.
But he wouldnt do that to Pearl.
Baring his fangs, he bit into the sensitive flesh of her neck, and began drinking at the blood that flowed into his mouth. It was warm, full of life, and it was hers. He swore he could hear her thoughts but he was more sure that he could only feel her heartbeat.
Once it started to edge away, he stopped, and pulled away, wiping his face with his paw, and turned his wrist towards his mouth. Biting down, he drew blood, and placed it in front of her face.
"Drink it, pet.."
Pearl Barbossa-Swann:
It hurt for a moment, it felt wrong to her senses as her beloved drained her life from her body. But it wasn't really supposed to feel right. After all, she was technically dying, and that was something her body naturally would rebel against. She could feel her heart slow and her body grew cold.
And as soon as it had started, Spike pulled away and offered his own cut wrist. It swam in her vision for a moment before he guide it to her mouth and she gave it a testing lap before latching onto it and drinking slowly, deeply. It warmed her again, just a little and at that moment she couldn't think of another time when she had been that connected with her Spike. They were giving a part of one another to each other, would forever be connected now.
Spike:
He didnt like the feeling of her body rather limp against his chest. But of course she was dying, at least.. for awhile. He knew she would likely feel pain after she started drinking, and then for a moment, her breathing and body would still.. He had to remind himself that she would rise to him, and it would only take a bit. But he hoped..oh god he hoped she didnt hurt too badly during the change. He didnt want her to feel that pain, though her body dying, was going to bring pain.
Her life was being ripped from her, and ripping an essence from anything wasnt pleasant.
But when she latched onto his wrist, he knew this was it.. She was his now, and he was hers. This was as much a binding tie as marriage, and he would always be able to feel her..always sense her, and she would always know where he was. There was no going back, but it had brought the two closer than they had ever been.
"Atta girl." He whispered reassuringly, his other arm holding her still limp body against him. She was weak, but still there and he supposed that was better than.. the other kind of limp she could have been.
He didnt like the thought of her dead at all. But knowing she would come back, helped ease the thought.
Pearl Barbossa-Swann:
Pearl shivered as another wave of pain rolled through her as her body changed. She pulled away from his wrist and curled against him, mewling once as she felt her insides twist and turn, her teeth grow to fangs in her mouth. It was death and birth all rolled into one, and as a mother of three, she knew that birth hurt.
But unlike that, this change was over in just a few moments and the pain went away. The chill remained, but with it came a power she hadn't had before, and a deeper connection to Spike. He was cool too, but the furs, they were warm and soft.
"Is it over?" she asked, exhaustion in her voice. She was hungry, but sleep overruled that. She could wait until night fell again and they could go out and hunt together.
Spike:
He listened to her cries of pain, and just held her tightly to him so she could find something solid to press into. She needed to feel grounded, and eventually, that pain would ease, and her cries would stop, and turn into a smile. He could see it now.
But once her body stopped jerking, he felt her heartbeat cease, and she stopped breathing.
He looked down at her, eyes meeting hers. Her scent was different.. She smelled more exotic than before, and she had almost seem to develop a sort of glow. So the sunlight wouldnt take that away..
He was happy for that.
"Should be." He said with a small smile. He nuzzled into her cheek, pulling her to him again and hugging her tightly.
She was okay..She was okay and she would be able to be with him forever.
"How do you feel?" He asked, pulling back, and lying her on the blankets that made their bed. He knew how he had felt, and she would be tired.
She would need a rest and then she would be good at dusk, for him to get her her first meal.
He stroked her hair, lying down next to her so that they were facing each other.
Pearl Barbossa-Swann:
Pearl snuggled as close as she could to him, closing her eyes, they felt so heavy.
"I feel... Tired, a little hungry..." She smiled then, a sweet, Pearl trade-marked "I'm up to no good" smile.
"And I think a little more devious than before. Poor Ranger's going to lose things much more often, I think," she added with a small laugh. She didn't want to maim or murder or manipulate as she had worried. It was as if the naughty side of her had been magnified a bit.
She snuggled deeper under the furs and against Spike, curling in a contented manner.
"It's... weird... No heartbeat, no breathing..." Her voice returned to the sleepy quality.
Spike:
Spike held her close to him, and kissed her forehead as she spoke. She was so.. mischevious and appealing. He liked that side of her. Giving a chuckle, he nodded.
"That right pet? He best watch himself, hes got himself a pretty lil' otter runnin' around causing a bit of trouble." He mused, and chuckled again at the thought of her causing the mischief she was speaking of.
"You'll get used to it. Eventually, you dont even miss it," He smiled.
Pearl Barbossa-Swann:
Pearl sighed in a contended manner as Spike held her, smiling over how her words had amused him. Of course, she wasn't jesting, she really did have every inclination to cause the ranger more trouble now.
"Was worried, I'd become evil like... them. Glad I'm just a... bit more... naughty," she replied and drifted off into dreamland.
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