Written by: Mac
Author's Website
~Prologue~
“Willow I’m at the eastside entrance do you have me covered?” asked Buffy into her headset.
“Yup,” said Willow.
“You ready Faith?” Buffy asked.
Faith popped her gum, “I’m five by five B.”
“Okay, we’re going in. Miguel Santiago is going
down.”
Faith and Buffy kicked open the doors. Each were dressed
in all black and had on masks. Buffy made a gesture for her and Faith to go
ahead. “Willow, are all the entrances clear?” Buffy inquired.
“Yea, wait, five guys are entering at the south gate. Be ready for them.” Willow replied.
“I’m all over it Wills. Faith go and try to find Santiago’s men.” Buffy requested.
Faith fled up the stairs. Suddenly gas started to fill in the room. Buffy had her weapon out ready if anyone intruded. She saw a figure dart through the entrance. “Stop!” she shouted. The figure looked at her and raised his weapon as well. Buffy shot first on instinct. Thankfully she had on a mask so the gas wouldn’t affect her.
“Willow we have a man down,” Buffy said into her headset.
“I copy that. I’ll send an ambulance on its way.”
Buffy knelt down next to the victim. They were dressed in all black and wore a black mask over their face. Buffy took off the mask to discover a man with platinum blond hair staring up at her.
“Who are you?” he asked, and then he passed out.
Chapter One
The tension level was running high that morning in the L.A. branch of the Central
Intelligence Agency. Everyone looked up with fright when Rupert Giles, the headman,
walked into the building. He walked by Buffy’s office. “Summers, you’re
with me,” was all he said. Willow and Faith looked down trying to look
busy.
“You two might as well join the group,” Giles added. They walked to Giles’ office in silence, all wearing frowns on their faces. None of them knew what was coming. Giles closed the door once they were all in the room. Buffy, Willow, and Faith stood in an upright, at attention manner. Giles looked at them and leaned on the front of his desk, not saying anything at first.
Suddenly a harsh voice broke the silence, “How could the three you let this happen!?” Giles shouted. “You are my best team in this office!” He turned to Buffy and said, “I never even thought that you could be so irresponsible that you would shoot a fellow agent in the leg, especially my nephew.” Behind Giles’ back Faith smiled.
Giles immediately whipped around and Faith frowned just as fast. “And you,” he pointed at Faith, “You left her without backup! I am disappointed in all three of you. We almost got three men who are part of Santiago’s ring. We may have had Santiago in custody by now.” Giles voice became softer now. “Now, Willow were you aware that another team was going to be helping on this operation?”
Willow shook her head no. “I didn’t get any radio confirmation either,” she added.
“I will have to speak to Oz about that,” said Giles. “Next time girls, please be sure you are getting updates from Tara, who will be here, and that you take Anyanka with you.”
“Do we have to?” asked Faith. “All she does is complain about how she’s not getting enough orgasms from Xander.”
Giles winced, “I am going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” was his reply. “Willow, Faith, you may go now. I need to talk to Buffy about her new assignment.” Buffy looked up startled. Willow and Faith walked out of the room looking at Buffy worriedly. Giles turned to Buffy. “After this incident you must know by now we will have a new agent joining the ranks. His name is William Giles, my nephew, and also the man you shot in the leg.”
Buffy cringed, “About that I wanted to apologize.”
“Well don’t tell that to me, tell it to him,” Giles said. “He will be your new partner for the rest of the case. When he comes into the office you two will get the details of your assignment.”
“A new partner? But Giles I do just fine with the girls. We’re a great team,” whined Buffy.
“I know you are, but you and William are the examples for the agency. Our new rising stars so to say. The girls will be helping you and the boys will be helping William.”
Buffy pouted, “When is he going to be back in?”
“In three days.”
“That’s all it takes for him to heal a bullet wound!?”
“Well, he was wearing a little bit of padding so it just went partially through the leg. Nothing to worry about. He’s a Giles man.”
“Great, just what I need,” grumbled Buffy as she walked out of the office. As she closed the door she found herself faced with three anxious looking people, two of them redheads.
“So how’d it go with G-man?” asked Xander.
“Dandy, I get a new partner to work with for the rest of the case,” Buffy said sarcastically as she walked off into her office and slammed the door.
“Well, she seems to be taking this well,” analyzed Oz calmly.
“Oh yeah, she seems so enthusiastic about this one,” Xander added.
“Come on guys, this is her first male partner since Angel, give her a break. She just doesn’t want to be hurt again.” Willow went back to finish her paperwork.
“But who said she was going to fall in love with this one?” Xander commented to Oz.
*******************
“Are you sure you are going to be ok with this?” asked Willow.
“I’ll be fine,” answered Buffy. She and Willow were at Buffy’s loft painting their toenails while watching Charlie’s Angels. “I mean it’s not like I’m going to fall in love with him like I did with Angel. I don’t even know what I saw in him, really. Anyway he seems happy with Miss Sticky Fingers,” Buffy lamented.
“I know it was hard when he broke up with you to be with Faith but at least you guys are all friends and can be civil with each other. Maybe William will be dashing and sweep you off your feet. ‘Oh, William,’ you’ll gasp.”
“Shut up!” Buffy said jokingly. “I wouldn’t date him. He’s probably like a Giles Jr. Okay that just sounded wrong on so many levels.”
“I’m right with you,” agreed Willow. “I’m so happy its spring! It’s getting warmer. We can go to the beach and have parties now!”
“Yes, and at least one of those weeks will have to be PG-13 for when Dawn and her boyfriend come to visit,” Buffy reminded Willow.
“What’s his name again?” asked Willow.
“Andrew. Dawn adores him. I already told her she couldn’t drink, drive, smoke, or have sex while she’s here. Do those sound like good standards?” “
Very reasonable. Good job at playing the big sister role.”
“Yea, now only if I could get my own life organized,” Buffy groaned.
********************
Three days later a long leather duster billowed behind a man dressed in black as he walked into the CIA agency building with a slight limp. He showed his identification to the clerks and took the elevator up to the third floor. His leg hurt like hell. Some careless chit had shot him in the leg during a mission. ‘I wonder what a ditz she is,’ thought William as he got off the elevator. He immediately bumped into someone as he started walking. Papers flew everywhere. “I’m sorry, mate,” He apologized as he bent down to help the person pick up the papers. He looked up and found himself nose to nose with a woman with semi-blond hair and green eyes. Her golden skin shone in the sun that illuminated through the windows. She smelt of vanilla and something else that Spike couldn’t put his finger on. ‘She’s a beauty,’ thought William as he stared at her.
“No, I’m sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going. I am such a klutz,” Buffy insisted. “Can I help you?”
“Yes please,” replied Spike. “I am looking for my uncle Rupert Giles."
Chapter Two
Buffy’s eyes flashed up like a deer caught in the headlights. “You… you’re William Giles?” she asked nervously.
Spike smiled, “Yes, you’ve heard of me. Has old Rupes been bragging about me?”
They walked towards Giles office. Buffy was too embarrassed to even look at Spike.
“Well, here we are,” she concluded.
“Thanks, luv. Maybe you can show me around one day,” Spike winked at her and walked into the office. Giles hung up his phone just as Spike entered.
“William!” he greeted. “I didn’t think you’d be in for another two days at least.”
“Rupes how many times do I have t’ tell you? It’s Spike now,” Spike complained. “This,” he pointed to his leg, “Is just a minor wound. I’ve had much worse.”
“Well, in that case we shall get you started,” Giles said. “You will be working with my top agent on the Santiago case. This case is very delicate. He is a drug dealer in South America who has many sources all over the world. His main dealings are with heroin and cocaine. All of our witnesses who have come forward to testify in court become missing a few days before they were supposed make their appearance. We need good solid evidence to take him down. I will fill you in on the details of your assignment once you have met your partner.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“William, er, Spike I would like to introduce you to one of the finest agents you will ever meet. This is Buffy Summers, your partner,” Giles informed his nephew. He, Buffy, and Spike stood in the middle of Buffy’s office. Spike was faced with the blond haired beauty he had run into just off the elevator. His mind processed the name and his eyes widened so fast it was almost comical.
“You’re Buffy Summers!?” he exclaimed. “You were the chit who shot me in the leg!”
Buffy’s face turned red, she tried to hide her embarrassment. Willow and Xander watched the scene from the door. “I- I’m really sorry,” she started.
“Well I’ll give you two a little time to get acquainted. Come see me when you want the details of your assignment,” Giles interrupted briskly. He strode out the door muttering to Xander and Willow, “I wonder which one will come out alive.”
“You shot me in the leg and you say ‘sorry?’” Spike asked incredulously.
“Well if you had made your presence known it wouldn’t have happened now would it?” Buffy shot back.
“I did. Obviously they don’t train officers in L.A. as well as they do with the ones ‘n New York!”
“How dare you judge my performance, you haven’t even seen me in the field yet!”
“I don’t ‘ave to. I already have proof,” Spike pointed to his leg.
“Yes, you have proof of just how careless you are in combat! I can’t believe that Giles is making us be partners.”
“Well believe it pet,” Spike looked at the blond smugly.
“What?” She asked as she walked past him out the door.
“Well,” started Spike, “I was just thinkin’ if you are the best agent in the branch I wonder how wonky the other ones are. Do they even know how to use a gun? Because you obviously don’t!”
“Ugh,” Buffy exclaimed as the two partners stomped off to Giles’ office, the whole branch staring at them.
They made it to Giles in record time, both fuming. Buffy shoved the door open.
“How the hell am I supposed to work with him?” she asked Giles.
“Why’d I get put with a blond who can’t even run a mission right, let alone work by herself?” asked Spike.
“Alright that’s enough!” Giles shouted. The two agents snapped into an upright position, respecting their superior. “You two listen to me carefully. You are the top agents in the CIA. What I have to tell you is confidential.” Buffy and Spike were listening intently. “There is a mission I need you two to go on. We think Santiago is selling missiles to the Vinasques. If this happens it could mean that the Vinasques are working against our country secretly. We can’t let that happen. You two need to go in, but you need to be careful. The agency thinks there is a leak somewhere. That would explain why our agents have disappeared. Buffy, you will be an expert in drugs and are looking to make a big time trade. I know you have a lot of knowledge about this so it shouldn’t be too hard.”
Buffy nodded. Giles turned to Spike. “You will go in looking to buy missiles. You were in the navy for two years studying them. The agency wants you to bid for those missiles against the Vinasques. This information shall remain confidential. You will leave in two days. This should give the agency enough time to wipe out your existence to the world. Don’t be surprised if you see any familiar faces while you are on your mission.”
“We understand,” Buffy confirmed.
“Yea, we’ll take ‘im out and the whelp can rot in jail,” Spike smiled evilly.
They turned to walk out of the office. “Oh, I almost forgot to tell you,” Giles called after them. “You two will be posing as husband and wife.”
Chapter 3
They were both dreading the trip. How were they supposed to live together? For
how long? Buffy was relieved as she reached the exit to see Oz and Willow waiting
to join her for lunch.
“Hey guys!” Buffy smiled.
“Hey Buff,” Willow greeted. Oz nodded. The two red heads knew better than to ask Buffy about her meeting with Giles. Everything in the office was confidential and they were pretty used to that by now.
“Where do you guys want to eat today?” asked Buffy.
“I was thinking about that little sandwich shop down the street,” suggested Willow.
Just as she said this Oz looked over Buffy’s shoulder.
“William?” he asked. “William Giles.”
Buffy turned around to see Spike coming up behind her, she groaned inwardly.
“You two know each other,” concluded Willow.
“Yea, Oz and I were school mates back in the day,” Spike reached out to shake Oz’s hand. “And it’s Spike now.”
“You lived in England,” Buffy turned to Oz.
“For three years when my father took a sabbatical,” He replied.
“I never knew that!” Willow exclaimed. “Would you like to join us for lunch Spike?” she asked him. “I want to hear all the naughty things Oz used to do.”
Spike chuckled, “Sure thing, pet.”
He and Oz walked a little bit ahead of Willow and Buffy.
“Why did you have to invite him,” Buffy hissed.
“I was just being nice,” said Willow as she looked ahead to make sure Spike and Oz were still in deep conversation.
“He insulted me and all of the branch, does he really deserve your kindness?”
“Just give him a chance. If Oz likes him he has to be a decent person.” They got to the shop ten minutes later. Buffy was avoiding Spike’s gaze.
“So what do you do for fun around here?” asked Spike.
“We like to go to the Bronze,” said Willow. “It’s a club. Oz has gigs there so I go to watch and Buffy goes dancing.”
Spike raised a scarred brow and looked Buffy up and down. Buffy growled and started to lunge at him. Willow grabbed her arm. She smiled at Spike, “Excuse us.”
She and Buffy went to find a table. “Aggressive much?” asked Willow.
“Did you see the way he looked at me,” said Buffy incredulously. “He looked like he was looking at a hooker who was standing on the street.”
“No he didn’t, calm down.” Both girls smiled as Oz and Spike made their way towards them. Oz sat down beside Willow giving her a peck on the cheek leaving one seat left for Spike. The seat beside Buffy.
“When did you join the agency?” asked Oz.
“I graduated from Oxford and then Rupps talked me into joining. He pulled some strings and they let me join,” explained Spike. “I had done studies in weapons and what not so it wasn’t hard for me to get acclimated.”
“Wow!” exclaimed Will. “Oxford. And I thought going to Columbia was hard.”
“Major?” asked Spike.
“Computer engineering.”
“Man, you guys are making me sound like a bum,” Oz said. “I didn’t go. I’m too lazy.”
“Don’t worry,” Will assured Oz. “Buffy didn’t go either.” The table jolted as Buffy kicked Willow in the shin.
Buffy stood up. “I have to go,” she muttered. “There’s something I forgot to do.”
“Buffy wait!” Willow protested as she stood to go after her. Oz gently took her arm and shook his head no. Willow sighed as she sat back down.
~~~~~~~~
Bang! Bang! Bullet shells clattered on the floor as Buffy reloaded her gun. Her brown eyeliner started to run around her eyes from the combination of tears and the rim of the safety glasses she was wearing. She was about to start another round when someone laid a hand on her shoulder. Buffy turned around and hung a right hook. She looked down to see Spike clutching his nose as blood gushed through his fingers. Buffy dropped her gun and removed her safety devices.
“Jesus Spike,” she knelt down beside him, “don’t sneak up on a person like that!”
“Bloody hell woman! I wasn’t going to attack you. Do you always go for the nose like that?” he asked.
They both stood up. “What can I say?”
“Uh, does sorry come to mind?”
“Nope.”
“Look,” started Spike, “I came here to talk about the trip. We might as well try to get along if we are going to be living with each other in some third world country. If you can agree to be nice to me than I think we’ll be good.”
“Me? Be nice to you? I think it’s the other way around. You insulted me and my abilities to do this job.”
“Don’t give me this. You did the exact same thing!”
“I did not!”
“Look I came here to apologize but if you are going to be so stubborn I guess I won’t.”
“Fine!”
“Fine!”
They both stomped out of the range more frustrated with each other than before.
Chapter Four:
Tap. Tap. Tap. Buffy's pen tapped repeatedly on her sheet of notes. She and
Spike had been sitting in a meeting with Giles for about an hour now. They were
supposed to be on their way to Santiago's in two.
"Tara would like to meet you two downstairs to prepare for your trip," Giles finished, "Good luck." Buffy and Spike walked out of the office, both choosing a different way to get downstairs. Buffy took the elevator while Spike took the stairs. They ended up in the "costume room" at the same time. The room was named the costume room because it had outfits and props for every profession, literally.
"There you two are," said Tara cheerfully.
"Hello, luv," Spike greeted. He and Tara had met at the welcoming party that Giles had thrown for Spike the day before. Buffy was not able to go due to plans she had already made.
"So," Tara began, "We are figuring Santiago isn't trading drugs for cash like the traditional way."
"What does he want?" asked Spike. "Kittens?"
Buffy rolled her eyes. "No," Tara continued. "He wants diamonds for drugs." She pulled out a necklace covered with the clear jewels. "This is what you will trade when we take him down. It is imperative that you not lose this necklace. It has thirty-five of the highest quality, flawlessly cut South African diamonds on it. Spike is going to be giving it to you as a gift, and to set the bait. If Santiago goes to make the trade with the necklace for the drugs, we'll have him. Finding out the weapon trade is a bonus."
"Uh-huh," said Buffy. "This is all we have to do?"
"No," replied Tara. "Santiago is very picky about who he trades with. You must be welcomed into his circle before you may attend to business. That's why you will be staying with him on his estate. This way he can keep an eye on you as well as get to know you. It also means you two will have to be careful."
"So we have to become friends?" asked Spike.
"Basically. Tape everything you can and collect evidence," Tara looked at her watch. She gave Spike the box that contained the diamond necklace. "You must go catch your flight. Good luck you two!"
~~~~~~~~
Buffy and Spike avoided looking at each other all throughout the flight from
L.A. to Asuncion, Paraguay. Luckily Buffy fell asleep on the plane, so she and
Spike didn't cause a lot of commotion. Spike looked at the woman sleeping in
the seat next to him. Her chest rose slowly up and down as she breathed. She
looked so innocent.
'I really didn't give her much of a chance, did I?' Spike thought to himself. She was actually quite a beautiful creature, once she slowed down enough for anyone to get a good look at her. Buffy moved at little bit in her chair and stretched her arms up. She still appeared to be asleep. Spike looked down to notice her shirt had ridden up to about an inch above her belly button. He frowned when he noticed a dark scar that marred her pale skin. He frowned and wondered. 'She probably got it on the job.'
They were now being driven to Santiago's estate in Inguatemi. The ride was hot and the dirt roads were dusty.
"Will you stop for a minute?" Spike asked the driver. His name was Riley and he was in the agency too.
"Sure thing Spike," answered Riley. Spike scowled. "I mean Mr. Rubin."
"You better not slip up in front of Santiago, Mate."
"Sure thing. It won't happen again." Yes, Spike and Buffy's last name would be Rubin. William Rubin and Beth Rubin to be exact.
Spike and Buffy got out of the car and stretched their legs. Spike turned to his new partner. She was taking a drink of water when a droplet slipped between her breasts and into her shirt. He stared as the liquid slid down into her shirt. "What is it, Spike?" Buffy practically yelled, snapping him out of his trance.
Spike jumped. "Oh! Right, here are your rings." He held out two rings. One was a delicate band of shiny gold and the other was slightly thicker, with a good sized diamond set into it.
"Well aren't you going to put them on?" Buffy was becoming impatient. Spike sighed and slipped the rings onto the appropriate finger.
The jeep pulled up to the entrance of the estate, which was blocked by beautiful black iron gates.
"Rubin party," Riley said into the speaker. Buffy and Spike both looked nervous. Buffy bit her nails while Spike fidgeted.
As they drove up to the gate Buffy noticed Spike's fidgeting. "Will you sit still!" she exclaimed.
"Well stop biting your nails!" Spike shot back.
"You know," Buffy started as she looked to see if anyone could hear them. "For a CIA agent you aren't very stealthy. "
"You forget luv, we're not actually the CIA, we are the affiliated ABA. If we were the CIA, Rupes and I wouldn't be here."
"Oh, what a shame."
"So much for the name American-British Alliance," Spike muttered. Both of them sat up in their seats as they drove through the estate. There was every activity imaginable there, including: tennis courts, stables, a golf course, archery targets. The main house faced a lake. It was at least three floors high. The building was painted beige with a white trim. All the other buildings had been painted to match. The two blondes hopped out of the car. Just as they did, a tan-skinned man exited the mansion. He had on a formal navy blue suit. His hair was mussed up purposely for effect. When he saw "Beth" and "William" his face broke into a huge smile.
Spike was the first one he walked up to. "Hello Mr. Rubin," greeted Santiago as he offered his hand. "It is nice to finally meet you. I was beginning to think you lived in the computer." Spike laughed as he analyzed the man in front of him. So this was the famous Santiago. The one who got his money by selling weapons and earned diamonds by trading drugs. He was in good shape. Judging by his facial features he looked to be about 40 years of age. He had smooth tan skin and black hair that was slicked back with hair gel.
"And this," Santiago walked over to Buffy, "must be Beth." He looked at Spike. "Es muy bonita."
"I love your estate," commented Buffy. "It is so beautiful."
"Yes," sighed Santiago. "My wife of late designed it. She was a very brilliant woman, with good taste I might add. Let me show you to where you'll be staying. I reserved the nicest guest house for you two."
The three of them made small talk as they walked through the grounds. They reached a small home at the end of a path bordered by exotic trees. The house was a single story high. They followed Santiago into the kitchen entrance. The floor was made of tile, and was fully furnished, including appliances.
"Do you like it?" asked Santiago.
"We adore it," Buffy spoke for herself and her partner.
"Then I will leave you to unpack." Santiago looked at his watch. "Please join me at my house for dinner at six o'clock."
"We'll be there," replied Spike as Santiago left.
The first thing the two guests did was check the place thoroughly for any bugs or cameras. They didn't find any but this was no surprise since Giles had informed them that Santiago wasn't the spying kind. He was more professional about this sort of business. If there was anything fishy going on he would know.
"We might as well make ourselves at home," sighed Buffy. She made her way to the bedroom. Her eyes widened in realization. She looked across the hall quickly.
"Spike!" she called.
"What?"
"You get to sleep on the floor," she told him.
Chapter Five
The sun was setting in the distance creating a dashing pink sky. Buffy and Spike walked along the path way to the main house. Spike was dressed in a suit and Buffy in a simple long black gown. The tranquil scene was interrupted by the sound of a tear followed by a
“Damn it all,” from Buffy.
She clung to Spike’s arm to steady herself. Spike looked down to see that Buffy had stepped on her dress and the heel had caught at the seam. Buffy steadied herself and looked at the damage to her dress.
“I hate heels,” She muttered. “What am I supposed to do now?”
Spike did not say a word, but merely bent down and ripped the rest of the seam up to above her knee so the rip appeared to be a slit.
“Hey!” shouted Buffy as she shot her leg at him. Spike gulped when he saw her underwear peak out. He stood up.
“Just tryin’ to help, by the way nice pink knickers you have there.” He commented.
Buffy, her face turning a shade of red, watched him walk on.
*******************
They sat down with Santiago and his mistress Maria for a dinner of goat with assorted vegetables on the side. The main dining room was magnificent. The floor was covered in oriental rugs, a glass chandelier hung above the table.
“William,” Santiago said, “I heard a rumor that tomorrow you and Beth are going to look at diamonds. Do you mind if Maria and I came along?”
Spike smiled, the rumor had gotten out and Santiago had taken the bait.
“Beth and I would love to have company, wouldn’t we pet?” Spike looked at Buffy.
“Oh yes! That would be great fun,” answered Buffy. “William is such a bore sometimes.”
Spike scowled.
Santiago laughed, “Then it’s settled.”
They set out for the shops on the Main Street in Inguatemi. All along Buffy and Spike knew where they would end up buying their diamond.
Tara was waiting for them when the stepped into the shop. It must have been their tenth store that was full of precious gems and rocks.
“May I help you?” asked Tara politely.
“Hi,” started Spike. “My name is Will and my lovely wife, Beth, is interested in purchasing a diamond.”
Tara led them over to a case where Buffy and Spike had planted the diamond they had been given.
“Would this one suit you?” questioned Tara.
“Can I see?” Buffy replied. The necklace was handed to her. Spike clasped it around Buffy’s neck. It was a huge piece of rock.
“These are some of the finest diamonds I have seen in my time,” continued Tara. “They are from Africa with the precise cut and size. There are 30 pieces each with 20 carats. It is worth 2.4 million dollars.” A hint of warning was in Tara’s voice, but it was only noticed by the two other agents.
Buffy smiled at Spike.
“We’ll take it,” concluded Spike smiling down at his wife. He and Tara stepped aside pretending to make transactions.
“Oooh, Buffy,” squealed Maria. “I love it!”
Spike walked back over with the empty box in hand. He looked at the diamond resting on Buffy’s chest.
“I think he deserves a kiss!” exclaimed Maria. Spike and Buffy looked at each other in masked horror.
Chapter 6
‘A kiss,’ thought Buffy. ‘Okay I can do this, I’ve kissed guys before….’
‘Oh Bloody hell,’ thought Spike.
The two blondes moved closer to each other. Buffy tilted her head until, finally, their lips met. Buffy was surprised at how soft Spike’s lips were. Judging from his personality, she thought they would be rough and scratchy. Spike, in turn, was shocked at how good she tasted. Mint lingered on her breath. Their lips lingered for a minute until Spike’s tongue slipped out to seek entrance into his partner’s mouth. She accepted. Their tongues danced, each one wanting to dominate the other. Buffy’s hands clung to Spike’s shoulders while his hands rested on the small of her back. Their bodies molded together.
From the entrance to the shop was the squeaky sound of the door opening. Buffy and Spike pulled away immediately as reality came crashing back to them. Each avoided the other’s gaze. Tara smiled knowingly. She knew this was going to happen sooner or later.
“Shall we move on then?” suggested Spike.
Buffy and Spike each avoided the other’s gaze all the way back to the estate. Neither one was thinking about anything other than that kiss. It had set a spark that ignited a flame in both their bodies.
It was dark as they entered the guesthouse and Buffy flipped on the lights.
“ I’ve got news from Tara,” announced Spike.
“What is it?” asked Buffy.
“I dunno yet, she wrote us a note.” Spike took out the jewelry box. Imbedded in the bottom was a piece of paper. The note read:
Buffy and Spike,
Hope you guys have settled in nicely. We have a change of plans. We figured out something, though. Santiago doesn’t want diamonds for drugs; on the contrary, he wants drugs for diamonds. We expect that Santiago will approach Spike tonight with an offer.
Take it. Your drugs will be ready and waiting for you in your car. Buffy, read up on diamonds tonight. Don’t be alarmed to see familiar faces in strange places.
Keep Safe,
Tara
“Ok, offer tonight,” repeated Buffy.
“Trade tomorrow,” concluded Spike.
An hour later, Buffy and Spike were doing paperwork when there was a knock on the door. Spike threw the blanket and pillows on the bed from the floor. He went out to talk to Santiago. Buffy strained to hear but didn’t catch anything. She was still thinking about Spike’s lips. Lips of Spike. ‘Bad Buffy! Shouldn’t you have learned once from Angel? You are so naïve.’
Spike came back in. “He did as Tara expected,” explained Spike. “We will meet him tomorrow in a neutral place. I think Riley is going to be picking us up.”
Buffy wrinkled her nose. “He’s weird. Like big, bulky jock weird.”
“Picky aren’t we, pet?”
“No, I just have good taste.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Riley did end up picking up Spike and Buffy the next morning. Santiago had already left to go get the diamonds. There was a bag full of heroin in the SUV. Surprisingly, today heroin is the most popular street drug.
“So Spike, how are you liking it here?” asked Riley.
“Don’t call me Spike, mate,” replied Spike coolly. “Unless you want to blow our cover and we’ll all end up dead.”
“Sorry boss, it just slipped my mind.”
“Well don’t let it do that in front of Santiago.”
“Where exactly are we going?” asked Buffy.
“Somewhere in the middle of a back road.”
“Why there?”
“It’s out of the way so we won’t be interrupted. He’ll have lots of men heavily armed, I suppose.”
“Do you think he’ll get to those missiles?” asked Riley.
“Hopefully not,” said Spike.
They pulled up and got out of the vehicle. They were surrounded by trees and were definitely in the middle of nowhere. Spike grabbed the heroin and Buffy got her diamond tools as Santiago’s truck came into sight. Sure enough, in the back were about seven armed men. The truck pulled to a stop and Santiago and his men got out.
Buffy tried to hide her surprise when two of the “men” revealed their faces. They were Faith and Angel. Spike recognized them too.
“You have the goods?” asked Santiago.
“Do you?” asked Spike. He removed his sunglasses. The blue in his eyes shone in the sunlight and was accented by his blue button up shirt he wore with kakis.
“Let me see the diamonds first,” requested Buffy. “I have to ensure that they are perfect.” She took out her eyeglass piece.
Santiago took out a velvet bag and laid ten diamonds on the hood of his truck. Buffy walked over to analyze them and examined them with the help of the sun.
“They are cut nicely, no?” asked Santiago, as she continued her examination.
Buffy stopped. “Yes, they are, but one of them has a scratch on it. I’m not sure if that’s satisfactory.”
She looked up to see seven guns pointed at her.
Chapter Seven
One hour before:
Spike walked into the room with an anxious look marring his face.
“Buffy!” he called.
“What?” she answered.
“There was a leak.” He paused. “It was one of ours.”
Buffy looked up, startled. “Who?”
“We don’t know. What we do know is that we were right in the first place. Santiago does indeed want diamonds for the drugs he will sell us. He will give the diamonds to the Vinasques. Apparently the diamonds are from the Vinasques’ homeland in Russia.”
“It’s illegal to take diamonds out of Russia,” stated Buffy.
“Exactly. The Vinasques want to return them to their homeland. To them, Santiago is a hero for doing this. They don’t see he’s just using them.”
“So, they’re going to give him missiles as a thank you,” concluded Buffy. “They aren’t working against us as we originally thought; it’s Santiago.”
“Exactly,” concluded Spike.
“Wait, how are they getting the missiles? Aren’t they just some gypsy clan?”
“I suppose they’re stealing them from the Russian government.”
Present Time
“It looks like your bodyguard has lost interest in saving your lives,” Santiago said icily.
Spike looked over to see Riley chatting it up with a couple of Santiago’s men.
“No need to worry, boys,” Buffy told them calmly. “I am just making sure that you get the best quality diamonds I can give you. You wouldn’t want to give Maria some piece of trash, would you?” Buffy raised an eyebrow.
Santiago signaled for his men to put their guns down.
“Yes,” started Buffy. “They look fine. This diamond has a rare, nine cut symmetry instead of the regular eight cut. Everything is just fine.”
“Now what about our deal?” Spike asked Santiago.
“Ah, yes.” Santiago turned around and opened the back of his vehicle. “Here you are.” He handed the cocaine to Spike.
Spike opened up one of the packages and tasted the drug. “Fine enough,” he said.
“Then our business here is done?” asked Buffy impatiently.
“Yes it is, dear,” Spike told her.
“If you have any other business in my country, you are welcome to stay in the guest house as long as you would like,” said Santiago as he drove off.
“Pull over, I would like to drive,” Spike requested of Riley. They were about 5 miles away from the trading point.
As Riley got out of the car, Spike grabbed his gun. Buffy caught his wrist. “What the hell are you doing?” she asked. Spike shook her off and got out of the car.
She heard a single shot and screamed, knowing what had happened.
She jumped out of the car. “What the fuck did you do, Spike!” she demanded.
“He was the leak,” said Spike. “He knew Santiago’s men too well. We’ve suspected it might’ve been him for some time.”
“And you didn’t bother to tell me?”
“I didn’t think you needed to know.”
“Well, next time I do need to know!” Buffy got back in the car while Spike dragged the body into the woods. Nothing was said on their ride back to the house.
Chapter Eight
The sunrays bounced back out from the surface of the pool in the mid-afternoon heat. It was at least one hundred degrees out. Santiago had left after setting up another trade in Miami in two weeks time. Willow had told Buffy and Spike that Faith was tracking him and that he was in Russia. She also told them that they knew where Santiago kept his belongings in Miami, so Buffy and Spike would have two weeks to collect evidence as well. They had booked a flight for that evening.
Spike had decided to take a swim in the pool before they left for the airport. He wanted to feel refreshed before he set off on a four-hour airplane flight. Maria had decided to join him. They were splashing each other in the pool playfully when Buffy looked out the screen. Spike saw her. “Buffy come on and join us,” Maria invited.
“No,” Buffy declined. “I don't have a bathing suit.”
“Sure you do,” Spike countered. “I saw a little red number….”
“No,” Buffy repeated firmly, "I don't want to.” Then she added a little to quickly, “It's packed anyway.” Spike and Maria shrugged and continued chatting.
Buffy went in the house to lie down for a nap when Spike shouted for her. She heard the sound of glass shattering and ran out onto the deck. Maria was sprawled across the wooden plane. Buffy ran out to her as Spike hurried out of the pool.
“What happened?” asked Buffy.
Maria murmured, “Poison, in the drink. I should have realized it.”
“Just hold on Maria and we can get you to the hospital,” said Buffy.
Maria reached out and touched Buffy's arm. “No, I'll be dead in a few minutes. Listen to me carefully.” Her voice became raspier. “I'm with the FBI and I have been undercover in this case for two years. Santiago has found me out apparently. Buffy, Spike you have to promise me that you'll get him. He killed my partner.”
“We'll get him,” Spike assured her.
Maria smiled as her eyes closed and she inhaled her last breath.
Chapter Nine
Spike and Buffy flew to the States. The trip back was much nicer than the trip to Paraguay. Neither of the Agents was as agitated this time, most likely because they weren't arguing the whole way there.
They drove along the highway to Miami Beach. There, the two blonds had a comfortable apartment set up for them. Compliments of the ABA/CIA of course. Everything was going as planned. Santiago would meet them in two weeks to make another trade. That's when Buffy and Spike would make their move.
“I wanna be sedated,” Spike wailed along with the radio.
With a sigh of utter disgust Buffy reached over to turn it off.
“Are you planning on ruining all my fun while we are partners?” asked Spike.
“What do you think?” asked Buffy. Spike looked over and smiled at her. She was rather feisty. She enjoyed annoying/teasing him. She could get him going so easily. Although they still didn't know each other all that well they had some sort of connection. It was impossible to tell what kind but there was a connection.
“Why did you move to the states?” asked Buffy suddenly.
Spike smiled. “Honestly I don't know luv. I guess because Rupert wanted me to come work with him. Partly because I needed to get away.”
“Away?” asked Buffy not able to resist her curiosity.
“My da' died two years back and since my mother has been depressed. I couldn't live like that anymore. My sister Dru is there, taking care of her now. And you?”
“I've been around.” Said Buffy, not telling him the whole truth. “I moved a lot when I was growing up so I never made very many friends until I came here when I was nineteen.”
Spike pulled up to an apartment building that looked rather grand. “Home sweet home.” Spike sighed. When they walked in Buffy thought she was in a palace. Its was a two story apartment with hard wood floors. The couches in the living room were made of black leather and the master bedroom and the guest bedroom both had ready made king size beds. The apartment also came equipped with two computers, a stereo, and a TV. Both Buffy and Spike were exhausted so they both crashed, in separate beds.
Spike woke up the next morning with an awful headache. He looked in Buffy's room and saw that it was empty. Spike figured she must have gone out for her daily morning run. He whistled as he walked toward the bathroom shirtless with only a pair of black jeans on. He opened the door and looked up to come face to face with Buffy. Her eyes flew wide open.
“Spike get out!” She screamed smacking him rapidly on the chest.
“Ow!” Exclaimed Spike. He felt a stirring in his jeans when he realized she was only wearing a towel, hair still wet from her shower.
'Whoa, mate,' he thought to himself, 'she's your partner, you're not supposed to think about her like that.' 'Even if she's sexy as hell,' he added.
He looked her up and down and frowned when his eyes came upon scars on her upper arms and shoulders.
“What happened?” he asked reaching out as if to touch them.
She shoved him out of the bathroom and shouted,” None of your damn business.” She closed the door in his face and locked it.
Chapter 10
Buffy's forehead pressed against the plastic well of the shower. The hot water cascaded down her back in way that felt somewhat comforting to her. She didn't know why she had gotten back in the shower. Maybe it was to wash away all of her scars. She could never tell Spike how she got them. When she had told Angel he felt uncomfortable around her. No, it was definitely best that Buffy would keep this to herself. But what would she tell Spike? She snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of the phone ringing. She had left a message for Willow, and set the phone beside the sink. Buffy quickly turned the faucets off and picked up the handset.
"Hello," she answered.
"Buffy? It's me," replied Willow.
"Hey Wills, how's it going?"
"Good, I have a site for you to check out. It's at 157 Keys Ave. We think some of Santiago's equipment and paper work will be there."
"Ok, I'll check it out," said Buffy.
"So, how are things going with Spike?" asked Willow.
Buffy peaked out the door and there was no Spike in sight.
"Well he kinda walked in on me after I got out of the shower," explained Buffy.
Willow laughed.
"Willow, It's not funny!" Buffy exclaimed her face turning red. "He saw them…."
Willow stopped laughing. "Oh, sweetie I'm sorry. What are you going to tell him?"
"Anything but the truth," Buffy hissed.
"Wills!" a voice called from the background.
"Listen," said Willow, "I gotta go but don't go to the site alone. Bring Spike with you."
"Will do," agreed Buffy.
Buffy slid on her jeans and a lavender tank top. She prayed Spike would be in his bedroom when she stepped out of the bathroom. Thankfully he was. Buffy slipped into her bedroom and put her hair up in a quick messy bun. She slid on her flip-flops and tucked her gun into the back of her jeans. She walked briskly out of her room down the stairs and headed toward the door.
"Just where do you think you're going?" a very male and very British voice asked. Buffy jumped. Spike was standing at the kitchen counter with a cup of coffee.
"I need to go pick up some stuff at the store," Buffy lied, knowing that she was going to go check out the site Willow had given her.
"Need anything?" she asked.
"Nope," said Spike.
"Ok, see ya later then," Buffy said. She opened the door and stepped out.
"You know you can't avoid me forever," Spike shouted out after her.
The short blond walked up the wobbly metal stairs that led to 17 Keys Ave. It was a nice apartment building about five stories tall and surrounded by palm trees. Buffy scanned the brass numbers on the doors on the doors as she passed them. 13 15 17.
"Bingo!" she whispered to herself.
Of course it was locked. Buffy hadn't expected Santiago to be that stupid. She took out her penknife and started working on the door. The lock finally released with a definite 'click.' She opened the door and smiled at her accomplishment. She felt like Nancy Drew. Buffy scanned the room. There was a good supply of weapons from rifles to machetes. That was not what Buffy was interested in though. Her eye caught a stack of large papers sitting on a table. She ruffled through them looking for anything that might tell her where in Russia Santiago was. She did find one important paper. It was not a map, but a blue print to a building.
"Willow should be interested in this," Buffy said.
"I don't think you'll be seeing Willow or anyone else anytime soon," replied a voice from behind her. Buffy heard the click of a gun getting ready to fire.
She turned around slowly. The man who stood before her was 6'3 with pale white skin and brown colored hair.
"Hey boys!" he shouted. "Look who I found here."
Two men appeared at the door.
"Santiago will be happy about this," said one of the men. Buffy didn't dare reach for her gun.
"So who are you?" asked Buffy's captor. "FBI? CIA? Oh, it doesn't matter either way you have caused us trouble and Santiago will make sure you pay when he gets back."
"Not if I have anything to do with it," a shadow said from the door.
The man holding the gun swung around and pointed his gun at the silhouette. A gunshot whistled through the air before the bullet reached the man's arm forcing him to drop the gun. The figure stepped out into the light.
"Spike behind you!" Buffy warned as the two other men tried to sneak up on him.
Spike elbowed the first guy in the ribs while the second jumped on his back. Buffy made sure that her captor had passed out and then went to help Spike. She pulled the second man off of him. She punched him across the face. He swung back at her and she ducked. Buffy's leg shot out and swiped the man off of his feet. His head hit the table and he was out like a light.
"Well that was easy enough," Buffy piped, looking over to see that Spike had taken care of his attacker as well.
Tara led Santiago's men away as a crew came to clean up the apartment. Everything had to look as it did before Buffy walked in or else Santiago would know something was up.
Spike and Buffy walked out onto the sunny street. Spike hadn't said a word to Buffy since that morning.
Buffy turned to him, "How did you know where I was?"
"Is that all you have to say?" asked Spike incredulously. "How did I know where you were? Buffy you could've been killed. You almost blew the whole case today!"
"I did not! I can take care of myself," argued Buffy.
"Oh yeah, it looked like you were taking real good care of yourself when I walked in."
"You wouldn't know anything about it," said Buffy.
"Because you don't tell me anything. How are we supposed to be partners if you can't even communicate with me? How am I supposed to be able to trust you?"
"Look, I'm sorry. I just thought I could deal with this myself," Buffy attempted to apologize.
"Just be careful," Spike advised. "Next time I may not see the gun you were trying to hide and I won't be able to be there to help you out."
A/N A new chapter already! I am so proud of myself. Anyway if you want to know the status of the new chapters you can check out my LJ at livejournal.com/users/Phullara.
Chapter 11
Spike lay in bed drumming his thumbs. He glanced at the clock. It was 12:32 am. He couldn't sleep, his mind was everywhere. Well not everywhere maybe just on a particular blond. He just couldn't figure Buffy out. It wasn't just because they started out on the wrong hand, but she wouldn't open up to him. She didn't even seem like she wanted a partner. Spike was trying his best to be on good terms with her but it was hard since he didn't know much about her. From what Tara and Willow told him she had lived in California her whole life, she had a sister named Dawn, and she was currently single. Even though those were some major factors they didn't seem like much compared to the whole picture.
He had been so embarrassed when he walked in on her shower. Spike usually had a hard time waking up but that incident had him alert and kicking. He was doing his best not to ask about the scars on her body it was bloody embarrassing.
'Embarrassing for YOU?' his mind shouted at him, 'What about her and how you looked at her.' It was true he was rather shocked. And how exactly was he going to ask about her bruises if he even dared to. 'Hey Buffy how'd you get so beaten up?' Yeah, right.
Spike sighed and rolled over to try to get more comfortable. Suddenly he was flying through the air and landed with a dull thud on the carpeted wooden floor. “Damn the bloody bed,” he cursed. He had gotten stuck with the twin bed. Buffy heard the thud and went down the stairs to investigate. Spike saw her silhouette in the door.
“Spike are you okay?” she asked.
“Yea, just rolled over a bit to far,” Spike replied. He started to get up, but hissed with pain when he put full weight on his leg. He put his hand down where it hurt and felt blood.
“Oh great,” he muttered his bullet wound had reopened.
Buffy turned on a table lamp. “Come on,” she said slinging Spike's arm over her shoulder. “Let's get you patched up.”
Spike sat on the toilet lid as Buffy patched him up. He watched her as she taped down gauze and put medication over the wound.
“How'd you get so good at this?” he wondered.
“Plenty of practice,” answered Buffy, she immediately looked down at the floor after realizing her falter.
Spike saved her by purposely throwing out, “I know what you mean. I got a lot of bruises when I was a kid too.”
Buffy smiled grimly. She stood up. “All done,” she said happily. Spike yawned, “We really should get some sleep.” He started to limp off to the guest bedroom.
Before Buffy could stop herself the words flew out of her mouth, “Spike wait. It's silly for you to be sleeping down here. Why don't you just take the big bed upstairs? My body is tinier than yours so I'll sleep down here.”
'Pfft,” Spike brushed it off, “it's okay luv, really I'm fine.”
“I insist,” Buffy continued.
Spike realized she wasn't going to stop. “Why don't we share?” he proposed, with nothing but honorable intentions.
Buffy wasn't so sure about sleeping in the same bed with him. She was skeptical when it came to men, but what harm would it do? She could protect herself anyway. “Okay,” she smiled shyly, then added,” just don't hog the covers.”
Spike laughed and followed her up the stairs. They both
flopped into bed and laid there in silence.
Interlude
Buffy woke to have the sun blazing in her eyes. She hadn’t closed the shades. Someone groaned and rolled over next to her. She looked over, stared and automatically reached for her gun. Suddenly blond hair peeked itself out from under the covers reminding her of the excursion the night before. Buffy threw the covers off and started to get ready for the day.
She was about to walk out the door when a baritone voice called from the bottom of the stairs, “Going on another adventure without me, luv?” Spike wore a sleepy smile on his face. Buffy smiled at his tussled hair.
“No, just to the clinic,” she offered.
“Are you sick?” asked Spike. “’Cause if you’re sick I could..”
“No, I’m fine. They just called me yesterday because they want to get a Depo-Provera shot.”
“Planning on having wild orgies without me?” Spike raised his eyebrows.
Buffy blushed. “No,” she said defensively, “ You know the agency. They want me to get one while I’m undercover. Don’t want to be liable for anything these days.”
“Okay,” replied Spike, “I don’t want to do all this paper by my lonesome.” He pointed to a stack of papers on their desks.
That night was hell in a hand basket. The air was humid and sticky. Buffy was reading in bed when Spike came up to join her. She was surprised for some reason. She didn’t think this was going to be a daily thing. Oh, well she had opened the door. The night wasn’t like last night; Buffy didn’t drift peacefully off to sleep. She couldn’t sleep. The side effects of the shot were already kicking in. Her clit was on fire. She couldn’t do anything about it. She squirmed and then froze when Spike rolled over in his sleep. She scowled at him.
‘Damn men,’ she thought. Her breasts were tender and dying for someone’s touch. Her own touch had never had any effect on her whatsoever. Buffy felt a breeze come in through the window that brought her a few moments of relief. Maybe that’s all she needed, some fresh air.
She tip toed over to Spike’s side of the bed where her sneakers were. It was hard to keep quiet. She tried to balance on one foot while putting a shoe on. Buffy failed miserably and went crashing to the floor right beside Spike. She growled. She looked up to see Spike peering at her over the bed. He wore a smirk as he asked, “You okay, pet?”
Buffy scowled at him, “Jesus Spike just go back to
sleep. I am fine!” She stomped out the door.
Chapter 12
Buffy couldn’t turn her head off as she ran. Thoughts just kept plaguing her brain. Thoughts about a certain bleach haired guy.
‘No,’ she mentally slapped herself. ‘No, tingly feelings about guys. That only leads to the baddy bad bad bad.’ Pause ‘Maybe not too bad.’ Running did help take away some side effects of the shot but not all of them. She was also worrying about the case. They didn’t seem to be getting anywhere on it. And how was she supposed to concentrate on it if she started something with Spike?
All too soon she found herself back at the entrance to the apartment. Spike was outside the apartment smoking a fag.
“Have a nice run, luv?” asked Spike, smirking.
“Maybe you should come with me some day. Then again you probably wouldn’t be able to keep up if you keep smoking those,” she pointed at his cigarette.
Spike watched as she sassily walked pass him with a wink. ‘Was she flirting with me?’
Buffy stared at the computer. Her eyes were getting blurry from sitting and researching Santiago.
“We are getting no where,” Buffy told Spike.
“Sure we are,” said Spike.
“The last time Santiago was in the United States was in 1997,” Buffy informed him. “Why does he care so much about blowing us up? He has shown no interest in our policies or our government.”
“He went with a guy named Juan Martinez according to his billing.”
“Wait a minute, Juan Martinez? That sounds familiar where have I heard that name before?”
“Maybe he was as corrupted as his friend Miguel Santiago,” suggested Spike. “You know with the drugs and everything.”
“Wait!” exclaimed Buffy. “That’s how I know him. He was a drug dealer based in Paraguay. He killed two of his runners and was convicted. I believe he is still in Leavenworth serving a life sentence.”
“Hey Buffy,” said Spike, “look at this.” His two runners that he killed were two illegal Russian immigrants.”
“I have an idea,” Buffy told him. “Let me call Willow.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I was right!” Buffy triumphantly help up a fax to Spike’s face.
Spike brow wrinkled. “It looks life a bunch of jibberish to me.”
“This jibberish just about solves our case Spike,” Buffy informed him. “Look at the two readings. I had Willow run a DNA comparison between Santiago and Juan. They have the same family genetics. Willow did some further research with our agency in Paraguay and the confirmed it. Juan and Santiago are brothers.”
“Uh, Buffy,” Spike interrupted as he showed her his computer screen. “The navy border patrol has a big shipment from South America coming in to the Gulf of Mexico in about a week.”
“So what’s the problem?” asked Buffy.
“The ship has just come in from Russia. The cargo is then going to be shipped to Oklahoma.”
“Well what would he want in the Gulf? Why would he bring the missiles there?” wondered Buffy.
“He’s going to try to get his brother out,”
concluded Spike.