The Espresso Pump was nearly empty at this hour.  She sat in a quite corner waiting for him, looking in her element.  She had replaced the charcoal suit with a russet one that matched her hair.  The incandescent light of the coffee shop made her red hair glow as if it emitted it's own light. 

Spike was only six feet in the door, when she turned and looked directly at him.  Her expression was edged with amusement.  Sure bleedin' laugh at the funny vampire without teeth.  Why am I even here?  Even thinking about taking a job was embarrassing, but without my bite it was hard to stay in blood.  That's stupid.  Spike your not here because your seriously going to take a job, but because your hormones are through the roof and she smells good.  And you were always too curious for your own good.  Watch yourself, curiosity always brought you trouble.  Remember all the times the old pouf nearly killed you for putting the family at risk.  Well, I'm damn well all alone now, so screw it.

She stood as he reached her and offered her warm hand.  He shook it, then sat in the stool across the small table from her. 

"Thank you for coming, Spike.  Or do you prefer, William?"

He did like the way her mouth formed and warmed his old name.  Soft old tosser.  "Spike."  He dropped the look of indifference.  He leaned in toward her, lowering the pitch of his voice. "Now tell me darlin', why's a pretty young thing like you looking to hire a vampire?" 

Her features softened momenterily, then her right eyebrow went up and she brought her face within inches of his.  "Because they're handy to have around the kitchen when I can't unscrew a jar lid.  Would you like a coffee?" She sat up. "You're good.  Most of the vamps in my employ are fairly young and wouldn't even think of trying an enthrall."  She put her briefcase on the table between them, took out two sheets of paper and handed them to him. "Coffee?"

He took the sheets.  "Mocha."  He skimmed the document. He couldn't shake the weirdness of the situation.  Not even as a human had he ever needed to contemplate taking up work.  He eyes caught on 'Skills and Experience Required: Must have leadership experience and have lead successful tactical raids against armed groups.' What kind of job is this?  He had expected a bodyguard sort of thing.  Starting back at the top, he read more carefully.  'Position title: Master Vampire.'  She had to be joking.  You don't hire Master's.  They come in and take.  'Other requirements: Must be able to work with other species, including humans.  A good understanding of French and German is an asset.'  By the time she arrived with his coffee, he was nearly in tears with laughter.

"I know this is unusual.  This is why this position has remained open.  I can't remain Master, I'm needed in too many other places.  But, my vamps need a good leader and the only one among us, who is capable, won't do it.  The rest are too weak or are still tied to their own agendas."  She took a sip of her coffee watching him over the rim.

"Why me?  How do you know I won't take over and use them for my own wacky schemes?"  Using a spoon, he took a mouthful of whipped cream for his drink.  She studied her cup as if looking for the right words.

"Well, that's a good question.  I was hoping to find out this evening.  I hadn't come to Sunnydale seeking to fill the position.  It was a combination of things, I believe, that lead to you as a candidate -"

"Back up.  You're a Master Vampire?"  It just kept getting weirder.  He dug a fag out of his duster but noticing the no-smoking signs he hesitated, bugger it, then lit it anyway. 

"No, of course, I'm not a vampire. I'm just acting in that leadership capacity.  But they are my minions.  I did conquer each and everyone of the originals.  They are bonded to me, so I needed someone strong enough to issue the challenge." 

He ate some more cream, then took a sip of the sweetened chocolate flavoured coffee beneath.  "Why do you have minions?"  Why did a young woman have minion's.  She was lean and stronger looking than Buffy, but we all know those looks deceived.  But single handedly taking down even a fledgling? 

"Spike, how do you like the world around you?  Happy friendly food just walking around, unaware." 

"I hate this place.  They're not sodding food any more are they?  I've had to eat from a bag like that old pouf, my grandsire, for nearly a year."

"Forget the chip, Spike.  Think like a vampire.  If you had your ability to feed back, would you love the world again?" 

He tried to look away from the force of her will.  Not wanting to think of the possibility of freedom and its implications. "I have had some good days because of this world."

He was startled by her warm hand covering his. "You will love it, again."  Her copper brown eyes were unfocused, as if she were seeing more than him. 

He shuddered and pulled his hand away.  What did she see?  Is she a seer like Dru?  He reigned in his expression. "You haven't answered my question, pet."

Her eyes were clear again as they studied him.  She shrugged, "They make good foot soldiers.  Spike, we're at war as Buffy or Angel could tell you.  The war is to keep this plane of existence intact.  Buffy's part is a nightly fight, keeping the demonic species in check.  Angel's is to instill hope, keeping the human population inline with order.  Mine is to weed out the human populations that have been contaminated by outside demonic forces.  Since, my main adversaries are human and vampires were made to hunt them, my main forces are recruited from them.  It's all about balance.  It's not about wiping out the native demon population.  Once it wasn't an issue, but things change.  With the human populations growing out of control, we need the only big predators we have left."

"Why you and not a vampire?"  His head spun.  He heard the word's Giles had spoken long ago, about the chip being a sign, echo in his mind.  He laughed. 

"Who know's?  Why send a vampire to inspire human hope, other than her feels the compunction to redeem himself?  Why send a young child to fight what goes bump in the night, at an age when she should still be sheltered by her family?  I, at least, was an ecologist.  I just added a few more predators to my working model."

It all started to make some crazy sort of sense. "So you want to hire me to take over a group of minions and lead them in battle against humans?  What kind of demonic contamination are you talking about?  Drugs, murderers, Regis?"

"We concentrate on organized crime that can't be checked by official sources; pleas for help Collin finds on the net; and any business that the Powers send my way.  Then my businesses help out those demon populations that are indigenous and need to blend with human society.  They also give us a network to find any potential need for our skills.  They pay for our mission."  She looked in her empty cup, then asked him if he would like another.

How could I fit into a fight that is against a mortal enemy?  I'd get more of a body count staying here.  She's right about the absurdity these Powers of hers like.  If a vampire helping humans can work, why not a toothless vampire hunting humans?  Do you have the balls, Spike?  What you need, old lad, is a good bout of violence or a good shag to clear your head.  He thought maybe after this he would go track Buffy.  She was a demon magnet maybe he could pick off some of her strays without her knowing.  It would be more satisfying to do other things with her. 

He was hit with Titia's scent as she came back with their coffees.  She smells so bloody good.  I can't decide which would be better to drink her or shag her.  Spike, you need to get out of here before you do something stupid.

She gave him a strange little smile as she sat.  She was starting to unnerve him.  She raised responses in him that no mortal other than Buffy ever did, and her controlled manner hid a ferocity he would love to see set loose.  The essence of that wildness made his mouth water. 

He drank his coffee as fast as its heat would allow.  He had to leave and think.  Her eyes were on him, heating his skin. "Do you mind if I take these?"  He held out the job description. 

"No.  Go ahead."  She handed him a card.  "My cell phone and hotel numbers are on the back.  In case, you wish to discuss it further." 

He stuffed the papers and the card into his duster pocket, then turned to leave.  She stopped him by placing a hand on his arm. "It would be best if you didn't discuss this with anyone, especially the Slayer or her Watcher.  Alright?"

"Like I'd bloody well get the chance.  The only way I can get her to listen to a full sentence these days is to chain her up."  He was nearly to the door, when he thought to turn and say, "Thanks for the coffee."
 

...

Well, that went better than expected.  She sipped the decaf latte in her hands.  She only spaced on his scent once.  Should've asked him back to my room.  She could smell his reaction to her and he was a vampire.  Just another word for easy.  But, he seemed a bit overwhelmed by the situation.  But that's not it is it, old girl.  He'd have refused you.  A cloud of issues surrounds that boy and he seems unwilling to fight it.  A big part of that cloud has Buffy's name on it.

She shook her head. She couldn't see how that little blonde could have such an effect on the spawn of Aurelius.  She was going to go see her in the morning about visiting Angel.  If she could draw her into a less defensive discussion, maybe she could figure out her attraction. 
 
 
 
 

"Damn it, girl.  You know that's not what I mean.  I sure you have many problems of your own.  Don't we all."  Titia paced along the along the back display at the Magic Box the next morning.

"I can't.  With my mom sick and my sister to take care of, not to mention the bitch goddess from hell running around town, I can't spare any time.  Angel's a big boy, he can deal."  Buffy sat in a chair at a unique round table, with an inset frosted glass covered light.  It cast a cool glow over her normally golden skin.

"Angel is a two hundred and forty-eight year old demon, who is constantly fighting his nature and nearly lost!  I'm not saying move in, just a quick weekend fling.  Besides, who are you trying to convince me or you."

"There are many people who need me.  I can't drop them for him right now.  I'll go after mom has fully recovered and Glory is dead or back where ever she belongs.  Why does he need me anyway?  He's got Cordy and that police officer, he seems to like so much.  Hell, he's so got you."

God, this little girl could infuriate.  "He doesn't have me.  Even if I had those sorts of intentions, I can't help him the way you can."

"Oh, I'm sure you have all the necessary parts.  You may not be blonde, but you have everything else he likes."

"How can you belittle his love for you?  How can he have so much love for a little brat like you?  Oh, don't miss read me, I'd do anything for Angel, anything.  I can't believe after you secured all his love you could so easily turn your back on him."  Titia couldn't believe her rage.  Maybe that was her trick, she had infuriated Angel and Spike so much they just thought it was love.  "That's fine.  You obviously don't care.   I'll have to do my best when I get back.  He's a vampire, maybe I could have Cordy and the police officer join us for a foursome, it be like the old days for him."  She didn't even try to hide the sarcasm or disgust in her voice.  So much for my famous negotiating skills.  One trip to the Hellmouth and years of experience just goes running out the door.   She turned to leave.

"You think he still loves me."  Titia saw that the adamant expression that had gripped Buffy's features had faded.

"Arg!  What do you think I've been saying for the last half hour.  I know that the two of you have been separated for what may seem an eternity for you, but for him it was yesterday.  I'm not saying that things haven't changed for him too, but you are still central to him.  I know you are seeing some other guy, but you can still visit Angel as a friend."  Titia sat down in a wooden chair beside Buffy.  She picked up the paper cup with the Espresso Pumps logo on it, that held her liquid portion of the peace offering she had arrived with.  She checked the paper bag and pulled out another croissant.

"Riley left."  Titia watched Buffy's face fall further.  Apparently, she needed a vacation too.

"They do that sometimes.  I'm not the best consoler for this sort of thing.  I haven't had a meaningful relationship in years." That's because you almost killed the last one.  "And I've never experienced anything like the love you and Angel had.  Or I should say 'have' as I think it still very much there."

Buffy turned her large hazel eyes on her. "You're still young.  Even if you sound old.  But, I don't know if I can go back.  So much has happened.  I've put a lot of energy into forgetting him since he left me.  And, he is the one who told me that I should try an lead as normal a life as I could.  He's the one who made that decision."  Buffy picked at the date square, she had eaten half of. " Do you think he really wants to see me?" 

"Yes.  He told me a bit of why he left.  It's a conversation that's waiting until I get back."  She looked at the Slayer with sympathy.  "There is one thing I do know about, that once you are touched by the Powers there is no such thing as normal.  You have to find what ties you to this earth and the cause, and hold it close."  Titia pushed away the end of her pastry.  She was no longer hungry.

She saw Buffy nod her head in agreement.  The blonde girl sighed and looked at the clock on the wall.  "I've got a class at eleven-thirty.  I should get my little Buffy butt in gear."

"Would you like a drive?  My car is down the street."  Titia stood and picked up her jacket and purse.

"Thanks."  Buffy gathered her stuff and they walked out the door, with a wave to Anya and Giles. "Thanks for the talk, too.  I'll think on it."

Titia nodded. "I'll be here until Giles has the stuff to pack the crystal and knife for travel."

They walked quietly pass the Main Street shops to the large burgundy car.

"Here we are."  Titia noticed her time was up on the parking meter. "Just in time too."

"Nice car."

"Thanks, I love the classics.  Of course, there's features that aren't original."  She pulled the seat belt over her shoulder.  "Even with the modern engine, I still hadn't planned to use it as a primary car.  I had planned to ship it to Montreal.  But things came up.  And well its beautiful, if a little harder on the environment than I would normally allow myself."  She started the car and pulled away from the curb in the direction of the university.

"Giles said you were from Canada.  How long have you been in California?"

"I've been setting up a branch in LA for about two months now."  Titia spared a glance at the pretty palm lined avenue they drove down.  "Left next, correct?  We have at least a month more of issues that still need me, before I'm off to Germany.  I'm so happy this little detour happened.  It's like a little vacation, with no one nattering and plucking at my shirt sleeves."

"I remember vacations"

"You do look like a candidate for one."  Despite Buffy's youth, she seemed drawn and tired.

"Have you been enjoying Sunnydale?"

"Haven't had much of a chance, yet.  I hear the night life is pretty wild."

"Yeah.  You could say that.  The only fun human night life is the Bronze, which you've already discovered."

"Would you mind, if I came on patrol with you some night?  I'd like to see the greatest slayer on record in action."

"It's very dangerous, other than my team, I don't take civilians on patrol."

"I have fought a few vampires before and I would stay out of your way."

"Giles hasn't 'expositioned' on any demonic unholy what's-its lately, so I suppose it would be as safe as it can be.  Okay, meet us at the Magic Box at seven.  We'll start at Under Palms Catholic cemetery, it's not far from the Bronze.  We'll probably Bronze for a while after, before heading home."  They turned into the campus and Buffy directed her to the hall. 

"Thanks.  I'll see you this evening barring holy intervention."

Titia drove back to Main Street to find lunch.