Summary: Buffy and Spike find love where they'd least expect it when they leave Sunnyhell to fight a band of warrior demons intent on resurrecting a major evil and blowing the top of the Hellmouth!
TimeLine: None - completely my universe. [Only thing to assume happened is Season Three...major events, i.e Angel goes to LA, and the gang goes to college - but even some of that has been screwed with!]
Rating: NC-17
Feedback: Please - morbiddesiresbypassionfish@yahoo.com
URL: http://www.morbiddesires.com/MD
A/N: I'd like to thank, Lady Brandywyne, for beta'ing parts 'Four' onwards...Thanks for all your support, work and comments about this fiction, hun - they mean the world to me!
[ One - Three, revamped; 11 April 04 ]
Chapter One
Buffy delivered two roundhouse kicks in quick succession then waited until her
opponent flung back in, delivering a sharp sidekick. Her opponent flew off
the constraints holding it to the ceiling. As the offending bag dropped to
the floor, clapping resounded around the converted training area at the back
of the Magic Shop. Buffy turned around to face the source of the sound.
"Nice work, love!" The figure drawled from the shadows.
"You really need to get a new line, love." Buffy spat out as
Spike stepped out of the shadows.
Spike smirked at her. "So do you!"
Watching him walk towards her, with sure steady steps, Buffy
tried not to let her lusty emotions get the better of her, though he looked
oh-so-very sexy. Mentally shaking her head in an attempt to clear her
thoughts Buffy spoke. "Why are you here Spike? I'm training - leave."
Spike chuckled walking closer still. "And miss out on the
chance to piss you off? I think not!"
Buffy sighed and threw up her hands in frustration causing
Spike to laugh once again.
"Then whilst you're here, make yourself useful." Buffy said
pointing towards the bag, then up to the ceiling hook. Spike raised a dark
brow sardonically at the Slayer.
"Too heavy for you, pet?"
In a move too quick for the eye to see, Buffy punched Spike in the stomach, causing him to double over. Buffy smiled down at him sweetly.
"Yeah, it's too heavy!"
With that she left the training room to go find Giles. Spike
watched her leave then sighing, picked up the bag as if it weighed nothing,
and pushing the restraints back into place, locked it on. He turned as if to
leave then delivered a sharp sidekick - reminiscent of the one Buffy had just
done - and the bag flew across the training area. Whistling to himself he
left the room by the back entrances.
---
"Giles?" Buffy called out as she re-entered the shop floor. "Giles?" She
repeated, moving further into the shop. The man in question stood up from
under the counter, facing his ward.
"Ah, hello Buffy. I thought you w-were training in the back?"
He placed down the objects in his hands and looked back up at Buffy.
"I was…I kicked the thing off again." Buffy admitted
sheepishly. "Sorry!" She added in an afterthought.
Giles tried to look stern but just ended up smiling
indulgently. "Would you like…" the phone ringing cut off Giles' question. He
reached over for it and Buffy walked over to the table, which was covered in
old texts and rituals about the latest threat to the world, and took a seat.
She sat back and listened to Giles' conversation.
"Hello Magic Shop!" Giles greeted in an overly chipper voice,
a fake smile plastered to his face. Buffy grinned at the picture, her grin
turning to a frown as she saw Giles do the same.
"Well, yes...this is Rupert Giles." He waited a beat, his frown deepening.
"All with same markings you say?" Another beat. "Well yes.... Thank
you...good bye."
Giles replaced the receiver and took a deep breath. Buffy
spoke first.
"I guess all's not so quiet on the western front?"
"No. Quite." Giles replied. "That was...a friend from the
paper, there have been killings of a distinct nature in the woods near
Rotherham Clearing."
"Want I should assemble the gang?" Buffy asked, getting up and
reaching for her coat.
"Yes, I believe a...uh...research party as Xander would put it,
should be our first course of action."
"Okay, I'll round up the troops and be back in half an hour;
bye." Buffy left the shop, the bell tinkling behind her.
"Bye." Giles removed his glasses and began rubbing the lenses
in an oft-repeated action. It was going to be a long night. He could tell.
---
Buffy went looking for Xander and David first as she figured that they would
be probably at the Bronze. She found them at said expected place sitting
around a table, drinks in hand.
David was the same age as Xander and Buffy and had joined the Scooby Gang a
little after they had started college. Buffy, though deeply touched by
Willow's offer, had forced the hacker to go to the computer college in LA
where she could be close to the important software companies and was also able
to fight the forces of darkness with Angel, and regretfully Cordelia.
David was brought to Sunnydale, to be trained as a
Watcher-in-action by Giles - an attempt from the council to get back into
Giles' and the Slayer's 'good books'. Though not immediately accepted, David
was now an important part of the group, replacing Willow in internet-whiz
department ensuring the groups' link with the nets' information was not
severed. In the short time he had become an important part of the group he
became a confidant for both Xander and Buffy. Even Spike confided in him.
"Hey guys!" Buffy walked up to the table that the boys were sitting at and
sat down on the stool Xander kicked out for her.
"Hey Buff, come and join us." Xander said.
"Sorry Xand, no can do. Giles wants us."
"Oooh research! Better get us some weapons of mass
destruction!"
"Would that be the chocolate or sprinkle covered ones?" David
quipped, causing the Slayer to smile and the Zeppo to laugh.
"Come on then Buffster, Dave - on with the research."
"You two go ahead, I have to find Spike first - if he has to
help us then...then he has to help us!" Buffy finished lamely and the three
left the Bronze.
"Okay Buffy we'll see you at the Magic Box, try not to beat
Spike up too much on the way - he may have to fight later." David said with a
knowing smile.
"Ruin my fun!" Buffy and Xander chimed simultaneously. They
stared at each other then burst out laughing, stopping at the reprimanding
Watcher-look on David's face.
"Sorry, I'll be good." The Slayer said before giving them a
little wave and heading towards the cemetery.
"See ya." Xander said to Buffy before he and David left in the
opposite direction, towards the Magic Box.
---
Buffy walked through one of Sunnydale’s' many graveyards hoping to bump into
Spike. He always seemed to find her on patrol. Ignoring the tickle in the
pit of her stomach at that thought, she continued her search. She had already
been to his crypt but he wasn't there. She had now been looking for him for
nearly thirty minutes and although she had staked a fledgling five minutes ago
she was becoming restless. Fifteen minutes later she was about ready to give
up and head to the Magic Box, when she saw him leaning against a tombstone,
casually smoking.
*God he looks yummy in the moonlight. * She thought, watching
how the light played across the angles of his face. Then scolded her self;
*NO! Bad Buffy - Spike equals enemy. Even if he is sex-on-legs…*
Spike's clearing of his throat brought her from her thoughts.
"You here for a reason Slayer?" Spike asked, slowly allowing
his eyes to roam across her body. She was still wearing the clothes she'd
been training in - long, baggy, cream cotton pants with a tight fitting, thick
strapped black top. *God she's so beautiful. *
He heard her heartbeat quicken as she walked towards him and he
smiled a purely male smile at her obvious perusal of him.
"Giles wants us." Buffy began. "Some big bad on the horizon."
"And you couldn't manage without me?" Spike said
sarcastically, falling into step beside her as she left the cemetery and
started up the road.
"We could...but since you hate helping, I want you to you to
suffer - I like to torture you!" Buffy replied with an evil smile. Spike
gave her a sexy grin and waggled his eyebrows suggestively.
"I'd like you to torture me…" He curled his tongue beneath his
lips, enjoying her gasp at the view.
Buffy felt her face flame up and with a sigh of exasperation she pushed the door tot he Magic Box open, slamming it back in Spike's face.
Chuckling at her reaction, Spike moved to prevent the door from
hitting him then pushed it open then walked in. Leaning back against the
counter, he watched the group converse, whilst Giles was retrieving some
texts.
"What are you talking about, Xander?" Buffy asked laughing,
absently noting the vampires' entrance. David sat up and put a hand on
Buffy's arm.
"Don't worry about it, Buffy! Xander's just plain crazy!"
Buffy only laughed harder in response, while Xander gave her a goofy grin.
Spike's jealousy flared as he saw that David hadn't removed his
hand from the Slayer's arm, but calmed when David caught his glare and,
smiling knowingly, removed his hand. At that moment Giles returned.
"Thank you for all for coming, I apologize for interviewing your evening but there appears to be a new threat heading towards the Hellmouth."
He began, setting various books down on the table.
"However, we will not be able to wait for it to arrive in
Sunnydale. I'm afraid it has already killed too many and some are still
missing. We shall be heading out to the site where most of the victims have
been found - the trail seems to have stopped there. On the bright side, we
shall be staying there for a few nights courtesy of the council. Buffy,
Xander I suggest you both call yourselves off for the week."
"Yay! I'm all for kicking some demon ass but a week off
college, all expenses paid - there's gotta be a catch." Buffy said
suspiciously. Giles smiled at his Slayer.
"The only 'catch' would be the defeating of the demon, but
since you do not mind that part there is none." Buffy beamed in response.
"Sooo, when do we leave?" Xander asked with a grin. His
opinion on the lack of school were pretty much plastered over his face.
"Tomorrow night." Giles responded. "We shall meet here at 8
O'clock. Spike I'm afraid we shall have to take you car as well." He said,
facing the Vampire.
"Fine but I'm not taking the whelp." Spike replied, glaring at
Xander who retorted just as hotly. "I'm not going with him!"
In an attempt to prevent any further argument Giles spoke
quickly.
"Buffy and Gunn will travel with Spike and I shall take David
and Xander." Giles sent a pleading look to Buffy, imploring her with his eyes
to agree. Buffy nodded her head in reply, smiling slightly when she heard her
Watcher breathe an audible sigh of relief.
"Gunn is coming?" Xander asked. "I thought he was staying in
LA for the next few weeks."
"Well, though I am unsure of whether he will be back tomorrow,
I feel it is best to cover all possibilities." Giles moved to pick up one of
the old books he'd just placed on the table before continuing. "For tonight I
suggest we spend a short amount of time researching and get some rest for
tomorrow."
Xander looked at him in mock-horror. "You mean...c-c-cut down
the research? Nooooooo!" He wailed, clutching his head for emphasis.
David and Buffy laughed at him, while Spike just rolled his eyes and began
fiddling with his lighter. Buffy looked up at Giles after her laughter had
subsided.
"So Giles… What are we looking for in these here books?"
"According to my sources all the victims were found with a hole
burned in their forehead. Some sort of blue substance was seeping from the
wound."
"Eeew. So burned hole, blue goo… Anything else?" The Slayer
asked.
"I'm afraid not as yet. I suggest Xander and David stay and
research the demon, while you and Spike begin your patrol." Giles suggested,
his eyes flittering over to the Vampire, which nodded in approval.
"Okay - back in a bit." She turned to Spike. "Come on, Fang, let’s go kill some of your cousins." Spike just snorted, and rolling his eyes before following the Slayer out of the shop.
Sixty minutes later Buffy and Spike hadn't made much progress. Buffy had dusted one fledgling in about ten seconds once they had left the Magic Box but they hadn't seen anything remotely scary since. So they had passed the time bickering, trading quips and insults. Spike had bought them both an ice cream much to the Slayer’s surprise and they were now walking back to the Magic Box ice creams in hand.
"Mmmm. Cowd!" Buffy declared as she took another lick of the chocolate ice cream.
Spike watched intently as her pink tongue darted out to lap up more of the sloppy desert. It was taking all his restraint and then some to stop himself from grabbing her and taking her right here. *Maybe ice cream wasn't the best thing. * He thought ruefully. "You’re welcome, Slayer." He said aloud, half sarcastically.
Buffy just smiled and said, "Fanks!"
Spike pushed open the door to the Magic Box, gesturing for Buffy to enter first. She did so, shaking her head slightly as she thought. *A demon with manners, who'da thunk?!*
Spike closed the door behind him, the bell tinkling, though he didn't miss her movement. "What?" He asked, slightly perplexed.
Buffy came out of thoughts and turned her head to the Vampire that preoccupied them. "What?" She responded. Spike was about to ask when Giles spoke up, acknowledging their arrival.
“Ah Buffy, Spike. I-I trust patrolling was, uh, fruitful?” He smiled at his Slayer as she sat down at the table next to Xander, quickly finishing the ice cream least he steal it from her.
“Big no Giles.” She sighed, pushing away a nearby book before wiping her mouth just in case there was any residual chocolate on it; “Just one baby vamp gone poof so…” Buffy began but Xander’s cry interrupted her,
“I’VE GOT IT!” The Zeppo got up and crossed over to the Giles, handing him the book. The Watcher hurriedly replaced his glasses and began reading the passage.
“The Golashai.” He stated, “A band of six powerful warriors, it was said that they were banished to another realm of existence four hundred years ago. If memory serves, wherever in the world they resided great havoc arose. They started some of the worst battles in history. Their methods of destruction are unique to their band. I-I-I don’t k-know why I didn’t realise it earlier.” Giles sent his Slayer an apologetic look, but she simply smiled.
“Don’t sweat it Giles. How do I kill these Go-go guys?”
“Goloashai, and I’m afraid there in lies the difficulty.” Giles began, removing his glasses gesturing with them as he spoke, “The warriors work as a group, the six of them make a powerful offence. What we must do is separate the members and dispose of them individually. Beheading is the wisest option, though it was said that one had his arm burnt off - so fire is another possibility. Th-though with, urm, Spike that may not be such a good idea.” The Watcher glanced at the Vampire, who just raised his eyebrows in response. “They do however have at least one point in their favour – they are familiar with the site of battle. So once we arrive there we shall have to make a brief scan of the area to attempt to familiarise ourselves with it as best as possible.”
“How about a map?” David asked from his position in front of the computer, “I could print off a plan of the woods if that would help?” He began tying on the keys even as Giles responded.
“Yes, thank you David that would definitely be most helpful.” He said approvingly, turning back to the others. “Now, since there is nothing else to do I suggest that everyone goes home and gets a good night sleep. As soon as we arrive at the cabins we shall be keeping to a vampiric timetable, so that we can not only have Spike’s assistance but also because I believe that it will be at night that the Golashai are most likely to attack.”
“Okay G-man, come on Buff I’ll walk you home – never know what you’ll meet out there!” Xander said smiling at Buffy.
“How ‘bout I walk you home Xander?” The Slayer responded, smiling back.
“Yeah, that works too. See ya tomorrow Dave – Bye Giles, dead guy.”
David flashed his face out from the computer to nod at Xander while Giles smiled briefly before returning to his book whereas Spike just snorted.
“See ya all tomorrow guys.” Buffy said, she glanced briefly at Spike who smiled before walking out the back of the shop. The Slayer sighed at the emotions running through her then left with Xander, grabbing her coat on the way.
---
“So, what’s with you and dead boy junior?” Xander asked suddenly in the middle of his dramatic tale of how he’d personally dusted a Vampire all on his lonesome.
Buffy pulled herself from thoughts about said peroxide Vampire at the use of Xander’s nickname for him.
“Huh?”
“So…what’s…up…with you…and dead…boy junior?” Xander repeated slowly. Buffy glared at him slightly.
“That wasn’t a ‘huh’ of ‘I didn’t hear you’ it was a ‘huh’ of ‘where the hell did that come from’?” Buffy explained.
“You and Spike – you know…How come he buys you ice cream and stuff on patrol…and what’s with all the smiling?" He was on a role.
“What? I don’t know, there was a guy selling it on side of the road – it was hot. I don’t know Xander why don’t you ask him?” Buffy asked irritably. Xander held up his hands in a sign of timeout.
“Chill Buff! I was just wondering why he’s all amorous around you. I mean he may have to help us but you were mortal enemies once upon the Hellmouth.”
“Exactly Xander, were.” Buffy replied offhandedly.
“You mean you’re more now?” He asked, his eyebrows rising in exclamation.
“NO! No, no…” Buffy faltered, unable to answer she retorted, “Look Xander if you want Spike to buy you ice cream just ask him.”
She looked up and found that they had reached his house.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Buffy said stiffly, and then turned walking off back towards her home without waiting for a response.
As Buffy travelled the short journey to her home, made shorter by cutting through a cemetery, she forced her thoughts from the blonde Vampire and all the complications he was making in her short life. She reached her house, and she was about to walk towards the back door when she noticed Spike and her mother drinking cocoa in the kitchen. She was about to sneak in her window so as not to have the promised parental talk about eating right when her eyes locked with Spike’s. The Slayer felt her heart quicken but she raised a finger to her lips to indicate not to acknowledge her presence. Spike nodded the movement only perceptible to the Slayer's keen eyesight, before turning his gaze to Joyce.
“Well, thanks for the cocoa Joyce…but I think I’d better be off.” Spike smiled courteously, placing his cup on the counter as he stood.
“It’s been lovely speaking with you Spike, maybe you could pop by the gallery and I’ll show you those dolls you were interested in.” Spike nodded politely as she continued, repressing a shudder at the thought of more lifeless porcelain girls.
“I suppose you’ll be her to pick up Buffy…uh tomorrow?” At the Vampire’s inquiring look she explained, “Mr. Giles rang earlier telling me of your departure to um…Redrock Forest is it?”
“Oh, yeah – some new demon. Anyway I’ll see you tomorrow then.” He walked to the door, “Goodnight.” Spike said as he closed the door behind him. He walked down the path in case Joyce was still looking, before doubling back towards the Slayer’s bedroom.
“Goodnight.” Joyce returned to the closed door before picking up his cup and adding it to the pile of waiting dishes. “Tomorrow.” She murmured to the plates and pans before beginning the nightly routine of locking up.
Spike quickly scaled the tree outside the Slayer’s bedroom window and silently moved to the roof. If he’d had any breath to take it would have been stolen from him at the beauty that was presented before him.
Buffy was wearing a thin silk midnight blue chemise that barely skimmed her tanned thighs. Her golden hair was pulled up in a clear clip; a few tendrils having escaped the band fell down, framing her face. The only light in the bedroom was that of the vanilla scented candle that burned by her bedside, the small light from it casting shadows on her features. Soothing music flittered out from her stereo, loud enough to be heard but not so loud that it would disturb her mother even with her locked door. She was facing the window, packing her overnight bag for the following day’s trip on her bed.
Various items of clothing had been neatly folded amongst stakes and battle knives. Buffy was just reaching over to retrieve her toiletry’s bag from behind the case when her spider senses kicked in, informing her of the Vampire’s presence. She raised her head and looked up towards her open window, Buffy gasped at the desire she saw burning within his eyes. Her own never leaving Spike’s she raised her self to her full (though petite) height.
*Bloody Hell! * Spike whispered in his head as Buffy gracefully stood, removing his view of her tantalising breasts.
At the sound of her mother’s door being shut down the hallway, Buffy was snapped from her trace-like state she had been reduced to from the hold of his piercing blue eyes. Spike watched as her desire filled eyes changed to the scowl he was so used to seeing.
“What are you doing here Spike?” She hissed over at him.
He replied with a grin, mock hurt within his voice, “Why Slayer, I just wanted to see if you were alright. How could you be so cold?”
Buffy just raised her eyebrows in response and crossed her arms, waiting for the real reason he was here. Unbeknownst to her, her actions increased her cleavage. Spike shifted slightly, his jeans constricting painfully over his erection. He sighed, and then answered in as normal a tone as he could muster as he attempted to reign in his arousal.
“What time do you want me to pick you up tomorrow?”
When she didn’t respond he snapped back at her.
“You listening?!”
Still nothing – on closer inspection her face looked paler than normal.
“Slayer?”
Still nothing.
Spike quickly climbed in her window and carefully crossed her bedroom to where the Slayer was standing unmoving.
“Pet?” He moved closer still, his frown deepening at her lack of response at his being there.
“Buffy?” He whispered; concern evident in his voice. Buffy raised her head slightly at the use of her name and gave him a wavering smile before fainting. Spike caught her before she fell to the ground, scooping her up in his arms. Holding her in one arm he removed the suitcase, laying her gently down on the bed. As he attempted to wake her fear pierced his heart and he felt his throat constrict slightly.
“Buffy, love, wake up.”
Spike was at a loss what to do; she’d seemed normal earlier today. He shook her slightly and tapped two fingers against her cheek. When she didn’t even move he shook her with more vigour. “Buffy… please...”
As the Slayer swam back into consciousness she saw a worried looking Vampire staring down at her with cobalt eyes that reflected fear, caring and lo- *No, I can’t think that. *
Buffy stared back at him, her hazel eyes luminous and unreadable. His unguarded emotions were quickly concealed and he stepped back from her side, fumblingly slightly his hands in his pockets.
“What the bloody hell happened to you?”
At his rough words Buffy snapped back from her thoughts, “I don’t know…I…I’m just tired.” She ended irritably. The Slayer took a deep calming breath, looking up to the ceiling then back to Spike. “Look Spike, what do you want?” She asked; fatigue evident in her voice.
The Vampire looked down to the floor then shrugged; his hands thrust low in his duster’s pockets. He took his own deep breath and asked again, his voice void of any emotion, “Tomorrow, pet, what time do you want me to come for you…for the trip?”
“Oh…well, I guess we’ll leave at nine?” She asked, not really sure of how long they’d need.
“Okay.” The Vampire agreed quickly, anxious to be gone. “Bye, love.” Within seconds he was gone without waiting for a response. The cool air displaced by his speedy departure making Buffy’s skin tingle pleasantly. Or maybe it was the Vampire that caused it.
“Bye.” She whispered, sighing she threw her small bag into her suitcase and reached down and closed the lid. Slipping under her comforter she retrieved her diary and began to write as the calming music filled her brain.
*Mi vida loca…my crazy life! *
Spike walked towards Giles' apartment, his own emotions tumultuous. The Slayer's desire filled face was burned into his mind. She'd never looked at him like that. Sure she'd tried to cover it up, but he'd seen the longing and want that caressed her features. Not that he'd been any better…
Looking up, he realized that he'd reached his intended destination. He knocked on the front door, then opened it and walked in to find David and Giles surrounded by various aged texts and scripts.
"Ah, hello Spike, what brings you here?" Giles asked politely, raising his head to address the Vampire.
Spike had been working with the Scooby Gang for almost a year. After leaving Sunnydale with the intention of torturing Dru back into loving him, he made a little detour to LA, stopping off to brutally tear off the antlers of a certain chaos demon. Sadly, that particular chaos demon had some pretty high connections of The Powers That Be. So as penance, the PTB's made it so that Spike had to help the Slayer in her calling. As an extra punishment he could experience intense pain but never actually be killed, relieving him of the easy option of staking himself, thus prolonging his torture. Over the year the gang had moved from hating his presence to accepting him as a somewhat reluctant member of the Scooby Gang. Even Xander was slowly moving from the point of loathsome tolerance to wavering acceptance. The two had bonded over their mutual hatred of Angel, though he'd never admit it. Spike had a promising friendship with David, and he and Giles were on amicable terms - well, as amicable as a Vampire and a Watcher could be.
As for him and the Slayer, as far as Giles was concerned, that was anybody’s best guess.
Sensing the Vampire's distress, David spoke, "Are you okay, mate? You look paler than usual - if that’s possible."
When Spike didn't respond, Giles prompted, "Spike?"
"What?" Spike broke out of his thoughts to face two expectant faces. "Right....um, I was at the Slayer’s and she just fainted....for no reason." He blurted, unable to keep his concerns to himself.
"What? Tell me what transpired exactly?" Giles questioned, immediately concerned for his ward.
"I was talking to Joyce, saw the Slayer outside the window, but she mouthed not to say anything. So when I was finished I went up to ask what time she wanted me to collect her tomorrow, and she just went all quiet and fainted." Spike dragged in a deep, unneeded breath. "When she woke up she bitched at me, sayin' she was fine, so I left." Spike finished his explanation, omitting the part where he'd seen her about half-naked.
"I'll give her a quick ring..." Giles mumbled, moving to the phone, already concerned for his charge.
David followed the Watcher's movements with his eyes, and then turned back to Spike, "She'll be fine, mate. She’s probably just tired; you two have been patrolling late the past couple of weeks." The dark-haired man offered, in an attempt to soothe the clearly frazzled Vampire.
"Yeah...” Spike replied guiltily. He'd forgotten that humans needed more than a few hours sleep to live. He had never slept all that much anyway, even when he was human; he just figured she was the same. Thinking back to the previous few weeks, Spike realized that David was right - he and the Slayer had been patrolling later and later recently. They pretty much bickered 24/7; the usual inspired insults flying back and forth between the two in a happy bantering pattern. However, as of late, they were more and more often veering off into innuendo...
Giles’ voice broke into Spike's self-reflection: "She says she simply hasn't been getting enough rest - nothing to be alarmed about." The Watcher spoke with such false cheer that it obvious to everyone. He had spoken carefully to his ward, and though she had insisted she was fine, he had lectured her on the finer points of the importance of healthy eating and plenty of sleep. Buffy had then pointed out that 'Being a Slayer doesn't help in getting those ten hours, Giles’ - a statement to which he could hardly fault her.
"I must, however, ask you, Spike, to not keep Buffy out so late." Giles continued, sending the Vampire a stern look.
Spike scoffed in response, irritated at being blamed even though he felt it was his fault. "Bloody Hell! We're not dating, Rupert! We're out there killing my brethren; not having a bloody late-night tea party!"
"I am well aware of that Spike." The Watcher continued, in just as stern a tone as before; the Vampire's outburst not affecting him in the slightest. "But whenever the two of you get together time and reason fly out the window, and all you do is squabble like children."
"Hey!" The Vampire looked insulted.
"He's right, man." David interjected.
"Fine!" Spike rolled his eyes dramatically. "Don't fret, Watcher, I'll make sure the Slayer is all tucked in and off to beddy-bies by midnight, in the future!" The Vampire said sarcastically, crossing to the door.
"Tomorrow then." Giles called out to the Vampire's retreating back. The blonde simply raised a hand, not bothering to turn, and slammed the front door behind him.
Giles’ brow furrowed at the Vampire's almost cavalier actions. When Spike had first entered, he would have sworn he was terrified; but as he left he did so with an air of indifference.
"He was just worried." David explained; the grounded one, as usual.
"Oh." Was Giles' only response, as he busied himself with his reading; his mind reeling over David's soft statement.
David just sighed and, he too, returned to his books.
---
Spike returned to his apartment, thoughts of the Slayer filling his head. He felt guilty about her fatigue - had it really been his fault? No. Like he said to the Watcher, Slayer's a big girl - she can take care of herself.
As much as he tried to convince himself that it wasn't his fault, his head was still rimmed with guilt as he climbed into bed, once the sun began to crest the horizon.
---
Buffy awoke at ten then next morning, feeling completely refreshed after her ten hour marathon sleep...and also kinda silly. How could she, Slayer of all things-that-go-bump-in-the-night, have fainted? And in front of Spike, William the Bloody, no less?!
She sighed in agitation and got up, quickly dressing. The day was quite warm so she was attired in her usual mini-skirt and halter-neck combo. Tying her hair up, she grabbed a pair of sunglasses off her dresser. Walking downstairs, she found her mother in the kitchen drinking her morning coffee and reading the paper.
"Hi sweetie," Joyce greeted, handing her daughter an orange/grapefruit mix. "You're up late."
Buffy took the glass, taking a sip before responding, "Yeah, I just needed some sleep, I guess."
"That’s what I'm always telling you." Joyce smiled, then turned serious. "Mr. Giles rang this morning about the slaying trip. Do you have everything you need?"
Buffy smiled at her mother's tone, "Yep, all packed. Clothes, toothbrush, weapons of mass destruction...” She trailed of with a smile at her mother's look. "We're leaving tonight. Ugh, a whole week. I'm figuring that while I'm not slayin' I can be playin'!"
"I think it'll be good for you, honey. Even if it is to slay...is that how you say it?"
"Yeah, Mom." Buffy finished her juice then placed her glass in the sink. "See you later..." She moved to grab the heavy bag she'd brought down with her.
"Have a nice day...oh, do you want me to take that over to Mr. Giles' on my way to the gallery?"
Buffy sighed in relief - just because she had Slayer strength didn't mean it wasn't uncomfortable to lug a big suitcase around. "Thanks! Later!" She dashed out the door, quickly leaving to meet Xander before her mother could change her mind.
--
Five hours later Spike was rudely awoken by a sharp ringing sound. Growling in frustration, he clambered out of bed and wandered, naked, into the kitchen, hoping that was where he'd left the cordless phone.
"What the hell d'ya want?" He growled into the receiver.
"Hello? Spike?"
Spike frowned, trying to get his fuzzy brain to understand that Buffy was on the phone, talking to him - it was usually David or Giles who phoned - he didn't even think she had his number.
"Slayer?" He tried to put on the most bored tone possible.
"Sorry if I woke you, well, actually I'm not..." Spike rolled his eyes, but let the comment pass. "...I rang 'cause Giles says to meet at his place at eight, and then we leave straight for the other place, so we can get there before sunrise, because it's early tomorrow or something." She took a deep breath before continuing. "So, no patrolling; I'll let you get that much-needed beauty sleep." She ended with an unseen smile.
"Thanks so much, pet." Spike replied, sarcastically. "Tell the Watcher I'll be there at eight, is the monkey boy coming with us?" He asked casually, wanting to know if they'd be alone.
"They do have names, Spike." Buffy chided. "And, no, but Gunn will meet us there a bit later."
"Whatever, see you later, love."
"Bye." Buffy hung up the phone and turned to face the room of expectant faces. "He says he'll be here at eight."
"Excellent." Giles said. "I want us to have some time to survey the area before sunup."
"Sure, Giles." Buffy replied absently, sinking back into her seat, and grabbing her magazine.
Seeing his Slayer out of sorts was disconcerting to say the least. He walked over and sat down. "Buffy, are you sure you're quite alright?" He asked, quietly.
The Slayer smiled into the gentle face of her 'father' and replied, "I'm fine...just needed a bit of sleep - I feel a hundred and ten percent now!"
"You just seem...distracted." He said carefully.
"Just thinking."
"Oh, no! Anything but that!" He joked quietly, getting a good-natured giggle from the Slayer. Giles sat back, watching as his ward, Xander, and David all got caught up in a mundane conversation, and smiled.
Things were going to be okay.
Day the first, 7:50pm…
Spike pulled up the Desoto outside the Watcher’s house at about ten to eight. He’d actually managed to get back to sleep after the Slayer’s phone call, making what had to be an all-time new record of nine hours sleep in total. He left the car, locking his baby carefully, and walked up the steps to Giles’ abode, a pensive expression on his face.
He’d dreamt again last night.
One of those dreams….about her.
The Slayer.
*For god’s sake man, she’s the Slayer of all things. Sure she’s hot but get a fucking grip!* He continued to berate himself as he opened the door and walked in without invitation.
His thoughts trailed off as he entered the condo and took in the sight before him…
Buffy sat, curled up on the couch, reading a magazine. There was a slight breeze in the room, coming from the open window by the door, and it blew the hair hanging loose around her face into fetching little ringlets. The small lamp by her head lit up the room with it’s softy glow, casting shadows onto her face.
In short, she looked beautiful.
Sensing Spike’s presence, Buffy turned her head towards the doorway and her gaze locked with his. The Vampire could hear her blood rush, and her heartbeat quicken and he would later swear that his own was pounding in unison at the emotions he saw in her all-of-a-sudden expressive hazel eyes. They were the same as those that had rendered him so stationary the night before. They were the same that were reflected in his.
Before either could say or do anything, their connection was broken as Xander entered the room loudly.
Buffy blushed as she realised she had been staring at Spike, and quickly buried her nose back in the magazine.
“Hey dead-guy; you’re late.” The brunette stated bluntly, oblivious to the sexual tension that still hovered in the air.
Spike just snorted, finally removing his gaze from the Slayer. “When are we leaving?” He directed his question to Buffy, even though he busied his eyes and hands in lighting a cigarette as he sat down.
When it was obvious that Xander was not going to answer, Buffy spoke up without taking her eyes off the words that had blurred in front of her focused eyes. “Um, when Giles and David come back with….uh, stuff.”
Taking a drag of the white stick in his hand and blowing the smoke over his head and out towards the open window, Spike raised an eyebrow incredulously as he kicked his feet up on the table. “Stuff?”
“Yeah, stuff…” Buffy sighed when she could continue to feel him stare at her. “Food, water, blood, first-aid…stuff!” She elaborated with an eye roll of her own.
“Down, kitten. Was only asking.”
Xander got up, heading for the toilet. “You want anything when I get back, Buff?”
The Slayer turned her head to call at his retreating back, “Coke?”
“On it.” He replied, before disappearing down the hallway and leaving them both alone.
“Thanks…” Buffy murmured, continuing to flick through the magazine she wasn’t really reading for a moment longer, before throwing it away in agitation. God what was wrong with her? Her emotions were reeling inside her, and her heart was still pounding!
*What part of “Vampire – bad” is lost on you, Summers?!* She growled at herself.
“Problems, Slayer?” Spike’s sardonic voice broke into her self-berating and she turned her head back around to glare at the Vampire in question.
*Okay, that seals it – I’m sick.* She decided as her lust for the Vampire only doubled when she laid eyes on him.
“Stupid vampire.” She muttered as she stood – where was Xander? Fuck it – she was gonna get the damn drink herself, anything to get away from Spike, and those eyes…
However, as she rose she did so too fast and swayed, about to fall. Before she could even register it happening, Spike was up out of his chair guiding her gently back down to the couch. Angry at being caught wobbling again, she opened her mouth about to berate him for his thoughtfulness but he intercepted her.
“Shut it, Slayer.” He growled, then stormed out the room, leaving a shocked Buffy lying on the couch.
“Typical!” She muttered to herself as she sat up slowly.
But then he was back again, drink in hand. He stopped in front of her, and held it out.
She looked at it as though it was going to bite, “What the fuck is that?” She snapped testily.
He pulled the tab on the can, opening it and then offered it again. “You’re weak, Slayer. It’s got lots of energy giving stuff – just drink and shut up.” He finished on a grin, trying to belay his concern.
Buffy took the drink, but also offence to the comment. “I’m not weak, Spike.”
Spike just rolled his eyes, indicating the drink once more.
“I’m just….pensive.” She decided on the final word with a nod.
Spike snorted at that. “Yeah, pensively collapsing everywhere. You know pet, next time I may not be around to catch your sorry arse – so just do as you’re told for once and drink the bloody drink!”
For some reason Buffy was unable to think of a come-back. She decided it was because of the light-headedness, but later realised it was the concern in his eyes that held her tongue.
“Shut up Spike.”
Well, almost held it…
Without another word she tipped the can to her mouth and began to drink the foul tasting energy drink with a grimace. Spike nodded his approval, watching her for a moment before beginning the task of unearthing Giles’ TV.
A minute later a flushing sound was audible and then the sound of tap-water running. Moments later Xander appeared, two cokes in hand. Noticing she already had a drink he frowned, “Sorry, Buff – you still want this?”
The Slayer smiled at him, but shook her head – the more she drank the easier it went down. “Nah – thanks anyway.”
“No worries – more for Xander.” He smiled back at her before sitting down next to her, leaning back to enjoy the TV that had finally been found and connected.
---
David and Giles returned ten minutes later, carting supplies to the eye-balls. Once they were all packed into their respective vehicles the five of them set off and were on their way; the Watcher first, with the Vampire close behind.
Spike grinned as they passed the ‘You are Now Leaving Sunnydale’ sign and slammed on the breaks. He put the car in to reverse, tires squealing and rubber burning as he backed over the sign, leaving it flat and trampled on the ground. With a smirk, he ran over it again just for luck, then continued on after the Watcher.
Buffy just stared at him.
“What?!” He whined, glancing at her.
“What?! What the hell did you do that for?!” She screeched, incredulous at the audacity of the Vampire who had just had her slamming into the car door….and not in a good way.
Spike shrugged nonchalant, “Tradition.”
“That’s the other sign!” Buffy sighed, exasperated.
“New one.” He replied with a boyish grin, absently playing with an unlit cigarette.
Buffy took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Okay. I’m gonna look out the window now and pretend you don’t exist. Warn me the next time you’re gonna destroy federal property.”
Spike saluted her with his free arm, “Yes, ma’am.”
She rolled her eyes, and turned her head not believing him in the slightest. “Try it, bleach-boy, and you fit in an ashtray.”
“I didn’t say nothing!” He complained.
“This isn’t helping my pretence any, Spike.”
“Big word, pet.”
“Spike!” She glared at him.
“Fine…” He muttered, sullenly and she turned back to face the window. Until his eyes rested on the stereo. He smirked, then casually leant forward pushing the play button. Billy Idol blasted from the speakers making the Slayer jump, then cringe.
“Oh, no you don’t!” She protested immediately, flipping the thing back off.
“Hey!” Spike cried out, switching it back on and the music filled the car again.
“No, Spike!” Silence. “I’ll ride in your half-dead car so you don’t kill Xander, I’ll try to stay alive through your shitty driving – which sucks. Ass!” She exclaimed as he swerved dangerously in front of a lorry as he over took. The sounds of horns blaring followed them. She glared at him, and continued. “I’ll even listen to whatever crap comes out of your mouth, but, I will not – I repeat not – listen to Billy Idol for this two hour journey!” Her chest was heaving as she glared daggers at him, her words finishing on quite a hysterical note. It was just too much – to be trapped in a car (which she hated), to have to sit alone with the object of her ridiculous desires and to listen to Billy fucking Idol – no way!
Spike grinned at her, raising an eyebrow. “Are you quite finished?”
Buffy let out a long breath slowly before replying in a calm voice. “Yes.”
“Good.” He leaned over and pinched her cheek playfully. She slapped his hand away, rubbing at her face. “This is my car, my driving, my chit-chat and my music! And I’ll do whatever I bloody want!” And with that he turned the music back on full blast.
“NO!” Buffy shouted, her temper snapping as she quickly turned it back off.
The vampire grinned evilly and switched back on.
Buffy growled at him, shocking him momentarily, enough time for her to eject the tape and send it flying out of her open window. She sat back and smiled sweetly at him; “No.”
Spike growled violently as his favourite tape was lost, slipping into his true face as he swerved the car purposefully. The Slayer swung across the single seat, slamming into him. With an annoyed grunt, she pulled away, using her arm rest as leverage.
There were a few tense minutes of silence in the car, until finally Spike broke it by lighting up a cigarette. Buffy decided that this was one battle, that maybe she should just leave alone. Looking for a distraction for the rest of the journey she turned around, getting up on her knees to rummage around the back looking for a magazine in her second bag that hadn’t fit in the boot.
Spike caught the movement out of the corner of his eye, and his mouth went dry as his jaw slacked open. His eyes and attention were dragged away from the road by Buffy’s petite bottom as it wriggled in the air only a few inches from his face.
So much was the distraction that Spike almost missed the only exit for a hundred miles and swerved dangerously in order to make it. Five or six horns could be heard screaming at the Desoto in the background, but the Slayer and the Vampire heard none of it. The sudden movement had tossed Buffy into Spike’s lap…and something very hard was poking her in the bottom.
Their eyes met and lust crackled between them.
But it was cut off by a red light that Spike hastily slowed down for. Both reigned in their arousal as Buffy moved stiffly off Spike, sitting solidly on her side of the car.
In dire need of a different kind of distraction, Spike flipped on the radio, allowing easy-listening music from a local radio station to fill the otherwise silent care. The light change to green, and while the car moved on, the Vampire and the Slayer stayed exactly where they were.
Day the first, almost midnight…
“Now that everyone has dropped off their bags, if Buffy and Spike can do a quick over-view it would be most helpful. Meanwhile David, Xander and I will see what we can come up with back at the lodge. Then we can all get some sleep come sunrise, I suppose – it would better to keep Vampire times to help us be more alert for whatever is to come.” The Watcher looked around for any dissention but found none. He did notice that Buffy and Spike, who hadn’t spoken to each other since arriving, were standing very far apart from each other than normal, or strictly necessary.
Both warriors simply nodded, and headed off towards the woods, leaving the others puzzled but with the only available option being to watch them go.
---
They walked through the woods with an uncomfortable silence filling the air. Neither made any attempt at conversation, they simply continued to traverse the undergrowth. They came to a clearing surrounded by a high forest. Both felt a shiver go through them as they stood there; the ground was deep in magic.
Their eyes scanned the darkness, but the came up empty. Sudden flashes darted in between the trees and the spun, following the trail trying to pinpoint it. They heard a child’s laughter…
Then nothing more.
Spike turned to Buffy, about to speak when the sky cracked and the heaven’s opened sending a torrent of rain down upon them. With a shriek, Buffy spun around, running back towards the cabin with Spike close on her heals.
They burst into the first of the rented cabins, looking around for occupancy. All that greeted them was their luggage…and nothing more.
Spike sighed and slumped down into one of the lounge chairs, unable to contemplate the implications.
“Oh, no…” Buffy was not as placid as she stormed out back into the rain, and across the other cabin, all thoughts of the mysterious child flying out her brain.
---
“But…” Buffy tried to get a word in edgeways. “Giles! Why?” She whined, a pout firmly in place.
Giles ignore it. “Please, Buffy. It’s only for a couple of nights. David and I need to be here so that we may research the demons, and quite frankly I fear for Xander’s safety if he were to stay with Spike. As it is, I fear for it while he’s staying with me!” The Watcher muttered, with an eye role as he thought of how irritating the boy could be.
“Hey!” Xander complained in the background, but was ignored.
Buffy sighed at Xander, then turned back to face her Watcher, ready to speak again. He halted her forthcoming flow of speech with his hand. With a grunt of displeasure, she spun and quite frankly flounced out of the cabin, slamming the door behind her just in case he missed the point.
Giles sighed, turning back to his work. “Very mature, Buffy.” He muttered, before becoming immersed in papers.
The Slayer stormed back into the other cabin and scowled at Spike who hadn’t moved since she’d left him. Grabbing her bags up in strong hands, she crossed the room without a word, intent on having a much needed shower and unpacking.
“I take it we’re stuck with each other?!” Spike’s voice rang out down the hallway, and she gave him a rather effective growl and slammed her door shut without replying.
Spike chuckled then lifted his bags up to take to the second of the three rooms.
---
Buffy sighed contentedly as the silk dressing gown slipped softly over her carefully dried naked skin. She had just taken what had to be the most relaxing shower the world had ever known and was feeling all the better for it. She clipped her still damp hair up into a haphazard twist on her head, allowing a few tendrils to fall down her back. With a soft smile she walked out into the communal area, her eyes widening in shock as the front door opened.
A loud wolf whistle filled the room, as the latest occupant looked the Slayer up and down playfully. “Hot damn, girl!” Gunn greeted with a grin as he dumped his bags by the sofa.
They had met Charles Gunn about four months earlier. He had stormed into Sunnydale after a group of wannabe bad asses after tailing them through LA. Originally, thinking Buffy to be a damsel in distress he had rushed in to save her…and soon had been corrected when it had been her doing the saving! A few vamps had got away, so Gunn had stayed in Sunnydale until the job was done… Strong ties had begun to form between him and the Slayer and her new Scooby Gang. Never one to loose an asset, Giles had solicited his aid since that day. The whole gang loved him.
All the gang…except for Spike …
Buffy blushed slightly under his light teasing. “So, you here for fun, or to kick some serious demon ass?”
The look he sent her was devilish to say the least. “Bit of both, if you’re offering!”
Buffy was saved from answering by a very male, British accent as it floated into the conversation, and she turned to face him.
“Hello, mate.” Spike grinned at the wave of wonderful fear that wafted his way from the yuppie, tucking his thumbs into the top of his jeans; his only item of clothing.
“Hey.” Gunn responded tightly, unnerved by both the Vampire’s state of undress, his game face…and how damn close he was to the Slayer.
Buffy attempted to break the tension without gawping at Spike’s nakedness, “Shower’s free now, if you want it…” She half-wondered why he was all grr, but was put off by thoughts of; *Spike chest. Naked chest. Naked Spike chest…mmmm…..*
Spike’s eyes drifted down to hers, his face morphed back to his human features and his expression softened.
“Well, isn’t this a happy home?” Gunn muttered quietly, jealousy seeping into his voice at the display before him.
Buffy turned around to ask him what he meant, but she was interrupted by Spike answering her earlier question.
“Thanks, love.” He grinned over her shoulder at Gunn, and then swatted her on the behind.
Buffy yelped, spinning back around and punched him on the shoulder as he walked away chuckling.
Gunn frowned at Buffy, then over at Spike’s retreating back. With a shake of his head, he picked up his bags and headed towards the remaining bedroom.
“What?” Buffy questioned as he walked by.
“Nothing…” He replied, a slight grin on his face as he passed her line of sight.
“Whaaaaat?!”
To Be Continued....
A/N: I'd love to hear your thoughts; this was my first ever fic - I wrote it on paper first (something I never do now!) and am slowly copying it up to the computer, which is why there's so little of it up! I do have more...let me know if you want it...
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