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Divide & Conquer

Summary:

A Season Five onwards rewrite, starting around the events of 'The Yoko Factor', Season 4.
The Scoobies have had their argument, Giles is hungover and Spike decides to taunt The Watcher just one more time after walking in on Giles singing 'Free bird'...

Chapter 1: Free Bird

Chapter Text

Giles staggered down his stairs into the darkened room. Willow most likely had turned the lamps off when they had left following their argument. Not wanting to interrupt his mood too much he switched on just one of his lamps, ensuring the room remained low lit and moody. He then quickly poured and downed two generous glasses of whiskey before heading for a shower.

The heat of the shower, mixed with the generous portions of drink, had made him feel incredibly light headed as he made his way to his small kitchen after his shower. Though he felt refreshed he was fully aware that with lack of sleep and food, he wouldn’t take much to get drunk. Making the decision that he was happy with that he poured himself another generous portion of his best Scotch. May as well carry on as you mean to go on, old man.

“Easy does it Rupert. That's a good Scotch you're pouring your heart out to.”

The disdain flowed off Giles’ lips, “What do you want now?”

“I wondered if you sang requests?” Spike thoroughly enjoyed teasing The Watcher. There was something deeply satisfying about it.

“Sod off.”

“What will the little lady say when she gets in? You’ll not be able to take care of her if you carry on.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” Giles growled in sincere warning.

Spike smiled mischievously, goading the fellow Brit on. “You know what I mean.”

Giles turned and stepped into Spike’s space. His stature towered over the vampire threateningly. “I don’t believe I do. Why don’t you explain to me.” His eyes flashed and the vampire could tell he had pushed too far.

The Watcher was near breaking point, and he was fully aware that he was a sitting duck with his chip implant. Taking a step away and around, Spike made his way into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of Scotch.

“Well, if the lady of the house won’t be back tonight, I’ll be on my way.” Instead of leaving, Spike smugly sipped from the glass as he surveyed The Watcher.

“Just say what you have to say and leave.” Giles slumped on the bar stool on the other side of the kitchen bar.

“What and let you do another lovesick cover all by yourself? I don’t want to miss that show.” He chuckled as he topped up both glasses with another generous portion.

Giles closed his eyes in exasperation. “That's not what I was doing.”

“Oh please…” his arrogant smile softened a little, his eyes showing the true insight earned after decades of observing human nature. “You can fool the others, but we both know who you were crooning for.” Lifting the glass to his lips, he then paused, “It’s so pathetic, it’s poetic.” He pushed the glass over to the older man's direction.