memories in ***
I don't own them Joss Whedon does!




Nastassia eyed Spike from across the room for several minutes before asking
Willy if the blond at the bar was indeed William the Bloody. The last time she
had seen him he was with that crazy Druscilla somewhere in Brazil. She had
heard that they suffered a bad breakup ending with Spike wandering for the last decade or
so. Lots of rumors floated around about the blond vampire, some said he never
stayed long in one place because he still mourned the loss of Druscilla, there
were even farfetched rumors that he had become involved with ..of all people
the Slayer. Jarvis would be glad to know that a powerful vamp like Spike was in town.



"Yeah, that's Spike." Willy nodded his head up and down, "Comes here whenever
he's in town." He leaned in towards the redhead, "We're like this." He crossed
his fingers.

"Really? Do you think you could introduce us? I only know him by reputation, I've
seen him around but never officially met." She smiled at the barkeeper running
her finger down his jawline.

Willy gulped visibly, "Well, yeah. I'll give you an intro."

She frowned as she looked at the vamps around her, mostly fledglings because
she had needed quick help preparing Sunnydale for Jarvis visit. None of the
vamps with her had even heard of William the Bloody, she sighed, "Stay here,
I'll motion if I need you." She told them as she followed Willy to the bar.

Spike finally asked for the bottle and was getting a buzz as he tried to fend off
the advances of the lonely hearts in Willy's bar.

"No, luv not interested." He used a napkin to wipe the slime off his arm where
the amorous chaos demon had touched him.


He took another drink as Willy
approached the bar, a tall redhead at his side, she looked vaguely familiar to Spike
but he couldn't place her.

"Spike, uhh." Willy stuttered nervously.

"Yes, Wllly?" Spike answered impatiently.

"This is Nastassia, she wanted to meet you." Willy gave Spike a sly wink.

"Nice to meet you Nastassia. But I already told Willy here, I'm not interested in
finding a date for the evening." He nodded at her as he poured himself another
drink. "In fact I think I'm going to call it a night."

She laughed softly and shook her head, "I do have a proposition for you, but not
that kind." She turned to Willy, "Could you bring us another bottle and leave us
alone, please?"

He nodded and went back behind the bar.

"So what kind of proposition are you talking about?" Spike asked as
Willy sat the fresh bottle down and retreated from the couple.

"Sunnydale has been quiet for a long time now....My partner Jarvis and I think
it's time to come back and use it's energy for our benefit. I realize there is
still a Slayer of sorts here. And when I saw you the first thing I thought was that
you - the slayer of two Slayers could help us out. " She leaned in closer,
"I've heard rumors you know this ones weaknesses ."

Spike buzz was quickly replaced by a tightness in his chest at the realization
that Buffy was in danger, he decided to play it safe and let Nastassia think the
drink was loosening his tongue. "What exactly is in it for me, luv?" He gave her
a seductive grin.

"You could be the third in a triumverate. Jarvis, myself and William the Bloody,
could be so very interesting." She almost purred as she leaned closer to Spike.

"What exactly would I have to do?"

"Kill the Slayer, that's it." She poured herself a drink, "Think you could manage
that?"

Spike smiled broadly at her, "Of course, Pet."


&&&&

Buffy took her time choosing the exact outfit to wear to see Spike. She finally settled
on a long skirt and sweater, she swept her hair up and clipped it just the way he
liked it. She took a deep breath as she pulled up to the hotel. She went to his
room and knocked, no answer she knocked again, and then again. Where in the
world could he be? She finally had her nerve and he wasn't around. She sighed
then smiled to herself this was just her.....no, just thier luck. But their luck was
going to change if she had anything to do with it.

She drove around Sunnydale trying to think where Spike would go. As she drove
by Willy's she grinned and shook her head, Of course. She parked outside the
seedy bar and walked inside looking around the bar she found Willy drying
glasses with a dirty rag. "Slayer.....long time no see." He said nervously.

"Have you seen Spike?" She asked as her eyes wandered to the end of the bar
where a familiar blond and a.....a very attractive redhead sat. Anger and jealousy
fought a battle as she marched to the end of the bar before Willy could even
answer.


She took a deep breath and calmly asked, "Who's your friend, Spike?"

Spike's eyes widened at the sound of her voice, "Bu...Betty.......what are you
doing here?"

Buffy looked at him like he had grown a third head, "Betty?" She asked
with a frown.

"Yeah, isn't that your name?" His eyes pleaded with her to play along.

Nastassia watched the interlude with interest, "Betty or whatever your name is,
I'm Nastassia and since I was here first and Spike doesn't even seem to remember
your name, I think it's time for you to go." She flashed the slightest bit of fang
as she smiled at Buffy.

"Well actually Nastassia, I actually had prior claim to Spike here."
Buffy reached
for her stake in her coat pocket, a move that Spike noticed but Nastassia didn't.
He would love to see the redhead dusted but not now, he needed more info
from her to insure Buffy's safety.

"This is all very flattering, but ladies please stop fighting over me." He turned
to Buffy, "I keep telling you it's over. Leave me alone." Spike replied
convincingly drunk.

"What?" Buffy was hit with the realization that Spike wanted
her out of here for a good reason.

"Go on home..........I might see you later. Got me a new friend here." He put
his arm around Nastassia.

"What about us?" Buffy whined.

" We had some good times, if you know what I mean." He waggled
his eyebrows at her. "You got your taste of the Big Bad."

She seemed to be playing along, he only hoped that she would forgive him when this was all
over. Even if she didn't it was worth it to keep her safe.

Buffy turned her attention back to Nastassia, "Fine, your welcome to him. But
let me tell you he's not as good as they say." She flashed an evil smirk Spike's
way.

Spike rolled his eyes at Buffy, "Still the best you ever had though." His smirk
matched hers now.

Buffy turned to walk away.

Nastassia looked at Buffy and then back to Spike, "An ex?"

"Just a girl I had a bit of fun with. Now exactly where in the tunnels should I meet
you and Jarvis?" Spike asked as he sneaked a look at Buffy. Maybe she would
just leave? He shook his head as he listened to Nastassia. No such luck on Buffy
just leaving this to him, she seemed to be into the spurned lover part - he cringed as he watched her stop at the bar.

"Service, Willy!" She pounded her small fist on the bar.


"Geez, Slayer!" Willy shouted back, "Give a guy a break."

Spike's eyes turned back to Nastassia as she heard Willy's telling words. You've
done it now Buffy!

Nastassia was staring at him with disbelief on her face, "The Slayer! That's the
Slayer! But why.....?" She turned back to ask Spike as he stood up from his
barstool. Her face lit up with the realization, "You and the Slayer? The rumors
were true? How twisted is that?" She snapped her fingers and suddenly eight vampires appeared
around her. Spike ran towards Buffy as Nastassia gathered her vamps around
her, he had time to swoop her into his arms and then he ran into the alley,
the vamps in close pursuit.

"What the hell are you doing?" Buffy asked confused.

"I'm saving you - again." He explained as he looked behind him they were
too close, they were going to have to fight. He stopped and put her down,
"Just trust me Buffy - we're gonna have to fight our way out of this alley and
then I'll explain." He barely got the words out before they were attacked by
four vamps, Buffy easily took out two and turned towards Spike who had one
down on his back in the alley and the other charging him, she tossed him
a stake and watched as he staked the charging vamp then with ease dispatched
the one on the ground.

She turned around to find two more charging her, she kicked one against the
wall as she quickly staked the other. Spike fought off two more to stake the
dazed vamp at the wall.

Nastassia and the remaining vamps watched with interest she called to him
before they ran, "This isn't over, we'll be back. With or without your help,
she's going to die. Jarvis and I will rule Sunnydale."

"Who is she and who is Jarvis?" Buffy asked as she dusted off her skirt and sweater.
Then she frowned, "And why were you with her?"


"Name's Nastassia she and her partner Jarvis fancy coming into Sunnydale
and ruling it." Spike explained as he put pushed Buffy's hair away from a
cut above her eye. "That looks bad, lets get it cleaned up."

She pushed his hand away, "Your changing the subject, I got the ruling part. You
still haven't answered why you were with her."

"I was offered the third in a triumverate." Spike told her as he pulled out a
hankerchief and worriedly began to dab at the cut again.

"Is that why your in Sunnydale?" Buffy gasped with horror, that couldn't be the
reason he was here.

"Hell no! And you know me better then that." He shoved the hankerchief in
her hand, "Hold that on the cut." He stomped off towards the Desoto. Buffy
following him. "Can't believe you would even think that." He opened the car door
for her, "Get in."

"Well I don't know what to think, it's been ten years you come back and tell me
you love me and then we make love and I'm happier then I have been in........
well in forever and then you get mad at me again and the next thing I know
you are at Willy's talking to this tall, pretty red head and she wants you to help
her rule Sunnydale." Buffy's words gushed out as tears threatened to spill.
"And I have my own car." She said stubbornly.

"Buffy, please just get in the car. We need to go somewhere safe and get
your cut cleaned and then we'll talk and it will be okay." He placed his
hand on her cheek, "I promise."

He sighed as she got into the car. It was going to be a long night. He turned
to look at Buffy curled up in the seat next to him, she looked tired. "So why
were you at Willy's?"

She was biting on her lower lip the way she always did when she was trying
to figure out something. It was one of the things he loved about her, how he
could always tell when she was really concentrating.

******
"Buffy take a rest, you need it." Spike watched the petite girl as she sat at the
kitchen island with a stack of bills, a calculator, and a pad of paper,
she was chewing on her bottom lip as she kept adding and readding the numbers.

"What?" She asked absentmindedly as she picked up the checkbook.

"Rest.........you need one. You've been at that for two hours now." He stood behind
her now, rubbing her shoulders to try to alleve her stress.

"I think if I pay part of the electric bill and part of the phone bill. I'll be okay and
they are good about taking partial payments. Course next month the bills will
be even larger, but I'll worry about that next month." She sighed as she
finished writing out the bills and stamping the envelopes.

"It's gonna be okay." He nibbled lightly on her neck.

"You promise?" She had asked as she turned and found his lips with hers.

"I promise." He had murmured against her lips.

"Okay then." She had given him a small smile as she wrapped her arms around him
and whispered, "I need you, Spike."

******
&&&

"I went to look for you." Buffy's voice interrupted his trip down memory lane.
That had been one of the few times, she have ever let down her guard
and admitted she needed him.


"For me?" He smiled at her, "So was that who the stake in your jacket was for?
Me?"

"It's my turn," she glared at him, " you know me better then that. It's habit to carry a stake." She
placed her hand on his arm and scooted closer to him.

"It's a good habit for you, Pet."

Buffy continued "I went to your room first, when you weren't there I figured Willy's."

"How did you know where I was staying?"

"Dawn told me, don't be mad at her." Buffy spoke soflty.

"I'm not mad at Niblet, luv. " Spike replied assuringly.

"She told me lots of stuff, cause obviously someone has a big mouth." She
gave him a small grin.

"Yeah well she gave me Red's 'resolve look' and I couldn't help it." He grinned
back at her, "So what did she say?"

"She told me to find you and let you know I love you no matter what."

"That Dawn's a smart woman." Spike laughed softly, "Right now unfortunately
we have a problem. And keeping you safe is my biggest priority." He pulled
into the hotel parking lot.

"Why are we here? Why not my place?" Buffy asked as Spike fumbled for his
room key.

"Cause, luv, she knows what you look like and someone in Willy's might supply
a name and she might find your place. Come on, I've got my trusty first aid kit,
we'll fix you up and you can sleep here tonight."

She raised her eyebrow at him, "Sleep?"

He shook his head at her, "Where is your mind at,Slayer?" He grinned as he
opened the door to his room.

"Nice room." Buffy remarked as she sat down of the foot of the bed.

"It'll do." Spike replied as he dug through his bag and pulled out a small
box. "Be right back."

Buffy watched him go into the bathroom and lay back on the bed, she was so
tired, fighting with Spike could wear a girl out. She giggled to
herself - Spike could wear a girl out.

****
"Again?" She murmured against his hard chest.

"Where is all of that famous Slayer strength now?" He laughed soflty as his
hands roamed all over her body elicting a delicious tingle wherever they stopped.

"Tired.........birthday party with everyone remember?" She opened
one eye to peek at him.

"Well this is part of the gift, and there's more later." He had kissed her hard
then and she had returned the kiss, tired or not he always brought out the passion
in her. Part of Spike's charm was that she knew if she had told him that she
really was too tired, he would have just held her close to him all night without
expecting anything.

*******
&&&
Buffy sat back up on the bed as she heard Spike return, she grimaced at the
memory realizing she had never found out what the other part of her gift was going to be, because
later that evening, they had argued about her admitting her feelings to him, to every
one. The next day he had left her. She shook away the bad part of the memory
and concentrated on the blond in front of her.

"Here you go, luv." Spike spoke in a calming voice as he cleaned the cut out.
"This may burn a bit." He told her as he applied the antiseptic and then the
butterfly bandage. "All better." He proclaimed as threw away the bandage
wrapper.

"Thank you." She told him as she leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on
his cheek. "Now we have to figure out what to do about Nastassia and Company.
What did you find out?"

"Well she gave me some directions on where to find she and Jarvis lair in the
tunnels. He was arriving tonight." Spike explained as the two of them got
comfortable sitting against the headboard.

"Great, lets go then." Buffy started to stand.

"No, I'll go." Spike told her firmly.

"Hey, slayer here, I can handle myself." Buffy stood beside the bed.

"I know you can." He said aloud to her, then added mentally but I don't want you
to have too.

"Well then lets go, now." She reached for his hand.

"Not now, we'll go tomorrow night, make sure Jarvis got here." He humored her.

"You think that's best?" She asked as she sat down next to him again.

"Yeah, I do. Why don't you get some rest and we'll be ready to face them
tomorrow." He kissed her lightly on the lips and pulled her close.

Buffy yawned once, "Okay then, tomorrow - together."

"Together, always love." He smiled at her as her eyes closed and she
cuddled closer together. He was gonna get her out of this mess and hopefully
they could work this out. Right now it seemed like she was okay with it, but he
had his hopes raised more then once and his heart broken for it.

When he was sure she was sleeping, he covered her snugly with the blanket and
put on his boots. He was going to take care of this problem tonight.

Buffy opened her eyes slightly when she heard the sound of Spike sitting in the chair
putting his boots on. She almost said something but decided against it, she
knew what he was going to do and she wasn't going to let him do it. Not this time.
She could still remember the beating he had taken without complaint from
Glory all those years ago. Her mind lingered for a moment on that first innocent
kiss in his crypt - when he had thought she was the Buffybot. That was a turning
point in her feelings for Spike.

Spike gave her a last look of longing and slipped out the door.

"Oh no you don't." She said out loud to the empty room as she too slipped out
into the night stealthily following the man that she loved into the dark labyrinth of
tunnels under Sunnydale.

TBC

Part 5:

Spike lowered himself into the tunnel closest to the hotel. He looked around
twice - was someone following him? Was she? Nah, she's safe sleeping back
in his room. After taking a moment to gain his bearings he took off into the
darkness. Surely she wouldn't come after him, his mind wandered back to another time.

***
"Buffy, what are you doing here? I told you to stay with Niblet." Spike glared at Buffy
as she slipped up beside him in the dark alley.

"Dawn is safe in the car, all locked in tight." Buffy assured him as she watched the
vampires in the alley behind the Bronze. "Let's just take them and we can still
make the movie."

"I could take them alone." He grumbled.

"So could I." She argued back, "Now on the count of three...one....two... three." She whispered
as they charged the vamps taking all three out in a matter of minutes.

He watched her wipe the dust off of her jacket and look at him with a smile, "I'm hungry now, can
we get some dinner with this movie?"

He shook his head exasperated with her, "Fine, but it's Niblet's birthday she gets to choose the movie
and the dinner." He paused then raised an eyebrow, "But later, I'll let * you * choose where we......."

He was cut off by her punching his arm and rolling her eyes at him, "Come on, lets get this birthday
celebration started."
***

&&&&
He took a minute to smile to himself at the memory of that night, he, Dawn and Buffy out alone for
"date" it had been one of the most enjoyable evenings of his life. His two favorite women in the whole
world and after Dawn had gone to bed, Buffy had taken him downstairs to the basement to show off
part of the repair work to the pipes. They had ended up kissing by the third step and were half dressed by
the time they reached the last one. A sleeping bag that had not been used in years saw lots of action that
night.
&&&&

Buffy waited for only a moment before lowering herself into the tunnel, she stood
perfectly still for a moment and listened she could hear very faint footsteps - she
carefully followed them. If she strained she could barely see the outline of Spike's body
moving in front of her.

The tunnel began to lighten as several torches appeared lit on the walls. She
had to lay flat against the wall as she watched Spike look over his shoulder,
she would have to be more careful, he had always been good at sensing her.

Spike stopped short again and turned quickly catching a glimpse of familiar
blond hair. She was here, he shook his head in irritation, she was never going to learn to listen to anyone,
stubborn as a mule and could never admit when she was wrong. Couldn't imagine what he saw in her, but then he
remembered her soft breath against his back on early morning afters and even though he was aggravated with her
for following he didn't want to be harsh, "Buffy." He called out softly, "Come on luv, show yourself."

Buffy frowned when she heard his voice but knew that she had no choice but to show herself. He was going
to be pissed, but it wouldn't be the first time she had angered him and she doubted it would be the last, he
had to answer for coming alone anyway. She walked into the light, "Okay, you caught me." She tried to
lighten the mood but the look on his face told her it was too late for that.

"Why did you follow me? I was gonna take care of this and be back in the bed before you even had to worry
about it?" He told her sternly.

"You said we would do this together and then you snuck out. If we want this to work out between us, we have
to be honest about every little thing. Which means you don't take off without me." She replied defensively.

"Let's not argue about this right now. Why don't you just turn around and go back to the hotel, crawl in the
bed and keep it warm for me." He winked at her knowing full well that his charm wasn't going to work in
this instance.

"It's not going to work, Spike. Thats a great offer I admit, but I'm here and I'm going to help take these two
down. Now where are they?" She stood with her hands on her hips and a defiant look on her face.

"Summer's you know what your problem is - you never let anyone help you. It's like personal offense to you - if
you can't do it all yourself. No one can do it all themself, luv. Doesn't work that way."

"I've been doing just fine for the last ten years all by MYSELF." she told him as she turned and stomped
down the tunnel.

He stomped after her, "You say you want to work this out with us but if you don't let me in, Buffy - it's never
gonna work. You say you love me but you can only say it in private, you've said you need me but you don't want
to take my help. If you don't let me into your life completely I might as well leave again!"

"I'm trying to let you in - but if you are going to lie to me like you did tonight.....then why should I open up to you?
You said we would do this together then you went off alone - what if something had happened to you?"
Buffy stopped and stared at him, "Did you even think of how I would have felt if you had been hurt or worse?"

"I can take care of myself, pet." He replied in a low tone.

"So can I." She turned and continued down the tunnel until she reached a fork. "Which way?"
She looked over her shoulder and asked Spike.

"I'm not sure I think to the right. The directions were a little unclear because I was trying to keep an eye on
you at Willy's." He grumbled. "A lot of good that did."

She ignored the last part of his comment,
"I'll take the right and you take the left we'll meet back her in ten minutes and let each other know what's
going on in each of these tunnels. Okay?"

"Fine, ten minutes." He started towards the left tunnel. "Buffy," he called to her.

"Yes." She answered softly.

"Be careful." He replied.

She gifted him with a smile, "You too."

Buffy walked quickly down the tunnel timing herself so she could get back to Spike. She found a large
wooden door and leaned against it to listen for activity. She heard the vamp behind her too late, as she turned
around she felt the board hit the side of her head.

Spike walked down his tunnel finding absolutely nothing. His tunnel must be the dead end, he turned around
to meet Buffy. "Buffy," He called after waiting for five minutes, "Buffy are you there?" Worry gnawed at him as
he started in the direction that he had last seen Buffy take.

He soon found the large wooden door that Nastassia had described to him but no Buffy. Just a large board
lying beside it, he sniffed the air - blood, Buffy's blood was on the board. He slowly opened the large door.


Nastassia stood behind the door smirking at him. "About time you got here, Spike."

"Well, I thought it would be the sociable thing to do, drop by see the new neighbors." Spike replied cockily
surveying the situation. Nastassia and four vampires who appeared to be fledglings stood in the room.
There were no other older vamps in the room, so he decided Jarvis had not arrived yet. His heart sank
as he realized that Buffy was nowhere to be found.

"She's in the other room." Nastassia told him knowingly, as she nodded towards a tall vamp.

"I want to see her." Spike told her as she took a step closer to the redhaired vamp, "Now."

"You aren't in a position to demand anything, Spike." Nastassia snapped her fingers as vampires
surrounded Spike, "But I will allow you a look."

The tall vampire returned to the room carrying Buffy's limp form in his arms, Spike tried to go to her but was
quickly restrained by the vampires at his side. Nastassia nodded at the vampire holding Buffy and he
walked over to Spike standing close enough for him to get a good look at Buffy.

Spike winced as he saw the blood trickling from a cut above her temple and the cut above her eye from earlier was bleeding
again, he could already see the nasty bruise forming on the side of her face. Anger roared through him as his
gameface appeared and he charged Nastassia, the vamps at his side barely kept him from strangling her.

Nastassia shakily stepped back from Spike, watching as it took four minions to restrain him.
"I wouldn't come any closer, Spike." She smiled wickedly as she took Buffy from the vamp that
held her. "I hear that Slayer's blood is an excellent aphrodisiac? Is it?" She pushed Buffy's hair
away from her neck exposing her jugular vein. She ran her finger over the pulsing vein.

"Put her down Nastassia, we can come to some kind of agreement." Spike said as he looked around the room searching for an escape route.

"Oh, I'm not going to taste her, Spike. I'm saving her for Jarvis." She held Buffy tightly against her and pointed to a bench built into the wall, "You sit there,
Jarvis will be here soon. " She never let go of Buffy as she watched Spike sit. She directed two vamps to watch
Spike as she prepared Buffy for Jarvis.

"I could tie you up, Spike. But I think you know what will happen to the dear Slayer here if you try anything." She left the room, Buffy in tow.

Spike sat back against the wall as the fledglings cautiously guarded him. He had to get
Buffy out of here - think Spike, think.

&&&&
"Jarvis, will be so impressed to see that I have solved his little Slayer problem for him." Nastassia
chattered as she roughly cleaned the blood from Buffy's face and tied her hands behind
her back. "We have to get you cleaned up, dear. I want you to be a presentable gift to Jarvis."

Buffy's eyes fluttered open as she felt the rough cloth scrubbing at her face and listened to the feminine
voice in front of her. She tried to move but quickly realized her hands were tied, she opened her eyes
fully and faced Nastassia, "Spike? Where is he?" She asked her heart heavy with fear.

"Don't worry, Slayer. Spike is in the other room. Big plans for William the Bloody." Nastassia laughed
as she finished cleaning Buffy's face.

Buffy's eyes searched the room for a weapon, for anything she could use to get her out of this mess.

****

TBC

Part 6:

Spike studied the two vamps on either side of him as he tried to form a plan.
Neither of the vamps appeared to be very old or very smart, Nastassia had obvioulsy
hurriedly sired several fledglings without training them very well. He worried about
Buffy in the other room as he debated taking his two "guards" out. His decision
was made for him as another vampire entered the room.

Jarvis was a very large, imposing vampire, his red hair matched Nastassia's tresses
perfectly. Spike realized immediately on his arrival that this was a older vampire
with some power. Jarvis looked questioningly at Spike, "William the Bloody?"

Spike started to stand but was quickly stopped by the vamps at his side. One
began to speak, "He is not our friend."

Jarvis eyed the Spike again, "Things have obviously changed." He turned to the
guards, "Watch him, while I find Nastassia."

The vamp pointed towards the doorway that Nastassia had taken Buffy through.
Spike held his unneeded breath again debating what to do. What if Nastassia was
handing Buffy to Jarvis at this very moment.

His fears were quelled slightly when Jarvis returned to the room and sat down in one of the larger chairs against the
wall. He turned his attention to Spike again, "Spike. The Slayer? Your choice in women has always
been questionable, first crazy Drusilla and now the killer of your own kind."

Spike tried to stand again, this time Jarvis nodded at the vamps to allow him to
stand. "Jarvis, you seem like a reasonable man. Why don't you just let Buffy and
I go and we'll leave you alone."

Jarvis laughed harshly, "The Slayer is going to just let me have free run? Because
you tell her too."

Spike's cockiness came back full force, "Well yes. I have quite a bit of control over
her........if you understand my meaning." He cocked his scarred eyebrow at Jarvis.

"I've no doubt you have many charms, but I find it hard to believe even you could
keep the slayer out of my business. Alas, I won't have to worry about her much
longer, Nastassia has made a gift of your Buffy to me. In just a few moments,
I shall make her mine, a turned Slayer should be a great asset." Jarvis smiled
as he watched Spike clench his fists and start towards him. Jarvis nodded and
the two vampires quickly restrained Spike.

Spike let the vampires restrain him, he might as well let Jarvis think that he was in
control of the situation. He had a simple plan - when Nastassia brought Buffy in
he would charge her, not one of his better plans but once Buffy was in his arms
he would be able to think clearer. Several pieces of broken wood lie on the floor
from a splintered chair, he took notice of excactly where they lay.


"There, you are all cleaned up now." Nastassia smiled at Buffy, "Now it's time.
Jarvis is waiting."

Buffy fidgeted with the rope that bound her hands, "What about Spike? What will
happen to him?"

"Jarvis is a benevolent ruler, I'm sure he can find ways to convince Spike to help
us." She giggled, "A bit of torture never hurt anyone and the offer of having you
as his mate once you are turned should help."

"It's never going to happen." Buffy threw the words at her as she felt the rope loosen
even more.

"My dear it *is* happening." Nastassia pushed Buffy towards the other room.

&&&
"Lovely, she's just lovely." Jarvis appraised Buffy as he placed a hand on her
cheek, "And so warm." He turned towards Spike, "I think I can see your attraction
to her."

Buffy took this moment to pull her hand free, clocking Jarvis hard in the face
as Nastassia jumped her from behind. Spike charged forward knocking his
guards heads together and easily leaving them on the floor unconcious, he dove for a long wooden splinter.

Jarvis stood up and walked towards Buffy and Nastassia who were taking nasty
swings at each other. He grabbed Buffy's arms and held them behind her. Spike
watched with horror as he took one strong arm and turned her head exposing her
neck to him.

Nastassia laughed out loud, "I told you it was going to happen, Slayer."

"Oh, I don't think so." Nastassia was suddenly in Spike's grasp, the makeshift
stake over her heart. He maneuvered himself so that his back was to the wall and
no one could come from behind as he spoke to Jarvis. "I propose a trade here,
Jarvis. Your mate for.........mine." Spike gave Buffy a small smile.

Buffy's heart skipped a beat at the his wording, *mate*, she was his mate now.
She watched his face carefully for any sign of what he was planning.

A wicked smile crossed Jarvis' face as he slightly loosened his grip on Buffy.
"As you wish." He gave Nastassia a look as he let go of Buffy, Spike let go of
Nastassia at the same time the two women walked towards each other glaring
at each other. Nastassia turned suddenly and grabbed Buffy pulling her against
her with her arm secure around Buffy's neck.

"The rules change again, Spike." Jarvis winked at the blond vampire.

Spike only took a moment to make his decision as he charged forward towards
Nastassia, flinging Buffy out of the way as his stake hit home, Buffy fell to the
ground as Nastassia's dust settled around her.

Jarvis stood in shock as he watched his lover's dust settle on the floor. He didn't have
time to speak as Spike charged him, the fight was vicious as Buffy watched from
the floor, Spike was holding his own though and something told her not to interfere
just yet. She picked up the stake from the floor and waited.

Spike was bleeding from his nose and had a cut above his eye. Jarvis looked even
worse. She caught Spike's eye and raised the stake, he nodded and she took over the
fight, shoving Spike out of the way with a silent "sorry". She drove the stake into
a surprised Jarvis. She slumped down to the floor with Spike as more dust rained
down on them.

"You okay?" She asked him as she rubbed her arm.

"Yeah, you?" He asked as he stood and offered her his hand.

She accepted his hand and stood up beside him, "A little sore. but I'll be okay. Think we should
take them out?" She nodded towards the unconcious minions.

"Yes, it will be a mercy killing they aren't too smart." Spike and Buffy each staked one of the vamps and
took one last look around the dust filled room.

"I need a shower, a long, hot shower." Buffy sighed as they walked through the tunnels back to Spike's room.

"Me too." Spike agreed lost in thoughts of another time.
*****
"Don't you dare use up all that hot water, vampire!" Buffy's voice came from
the hallway.

"First come, first served." Spike shouted back to her.

"Fine, then we'll have to compromise." She smiled seductively at him as she pulled
back the shower curtain and stepped inside.

"I'm good at compromise." He'd whispered as he pulled her close to him.

Long after the water had chilled they stepped out of the shower thier bodies
warm from their passion.

***************

Spike was holding Buffy's hand he looked down at her and noted that he really
wasn't good at compromise try as he might he could never accept her compromise
of their relationship. He hoped that it was going to be different now, but his heart
still worried.


"So how big is the shower in that bathroom?" Buffy asked coyly interupting his thoughts.


"Big enough." He grinned at her as he unlocked the hotel room door.

He adjusted the water as they undressed, exhausted they both stood under the hot water holding tightly to
the other. Spike lathered the washcloth and gently washed Buffy careful not to linger too long, he knew she
was tired and sore. She smiled when he was done and returned the favor athough she teasingly did take
a long time to clean certain parts of his body. He grinned at her "I really don't think we need to start this
in the shower, we're both so tired it could be dangerous."

"Spike, it's always dangerous with you." She had giggled as he reached a towel and handed it to her, while
he dried off and wrapped another around his waist. "Remember that time in the walk in refrigerator? I
thought I was going to be frost bit in some really tender places."


"I remember, luv." He found another towel for her hair and soon they returned to the bedroom slightly damp but
none the worse for wear. "Let me fix that eye for you." Buffy found the first aid kit and bandaged Spike's eye,
"How many times do you think we've bandaged each other?"

" Too many to count, my turn." He yawned as he bandaged her face. "Come on, lets get some sleep." Spike told her as he straightened the tangle of blankets and covered her
back up slipping in beside her.

"Thanks, Spike." She whispered as she curled against him. "For saving me yet again."

"Don't mention it." He smiled as her warmth washed over him. He placed a soft kiss on her shoulder.

She turned over then and smiled at him with so much love he thought he might have to turn away. "I mean it,
you saved me again and I really need to thank you." She kissed him then, long and slow and fiery, her small
hands running up and down his strong chest.

"Buffy, I know you're tired and sore, we don't have too......." He was cut off as she rolled him and situated herself
on top of him.

"Hush and just enjoy the moment." She whispered, "I love you, Spike."

"I love you." He whispered back as he let her take the lead. Their lovemaking was slow and steady as they
discovered each other all over again.

"That was really nice........" Buffy sighed against his chest.

"It was...wasn't it." He grinned at her as her eyes shut.

Sleep finally overtook them at noon, by two the phone was ringing. "Hello?" Spike answered groggily.

"Spike! I can't find Buffy and Albert called looking for her she didn't come in and she's not answering her
phone." Dawn's harried voice came over the phone.

"Relax, Niblet. She's okay." Spike smiled at the sleeping Slayer beside him.

"She's with.......you?" Dawn asked shyly.

"Yeah, pet. She's here." Spike ran his hand through her hair lovingly.

"So she did find you? And you guys umm.......talked?"

"Yeah you could say that. We'll tell you all about it tonight okay?" Spike promised not to tell about Xanders visit
and promised to get Buffy to Dawn's that night before Dawn would let him hang up.


Spike ordered in a pizza at three knowing Buffy would be hungry when she woke up. He had some A pos
stored in the mini fridge and he ate before she woke.

"Hmm.......do I smell pizza?" Buffy sat up and stretched in the bed.

"Yes, pineapple - thats what you like right?" Spike grinned at her she looked lovely even rumpled from sleep.

"Sounds good. What's on the agenda for today?" She stood and reached for a piece of pizza.

"Dawn called......." Spike started.

"Dawnie! I didn't go to work and I wasn't home, she must be worried sick." Buffy reached for the phone.

"She's okay. I told her you were safe."

"What exactly did you tell her?" Buffy asked warily.

This is it, this is the part where she gets scared away, she just can't handle *us* being public knowledge.
Spike ruffled at her question, "What do you think I told her - I said that we ravaged each other all night....
Dawn's a big girl she can handle it."

"I just meant - did you tell her about Nastassia and Jarvis? Why are you so grumpy? Dawn already knows
more about our personal life then I wanted her too, so I'm sure it didn't traumatize her to find out I spent the
night here." Buffy frowned as she finished her pizza.

"I'm sorry, Buffy. Old habits die hard, I just thought that maybe you were backing out of this, maybe you had
thought about it and decided you didn't want people to know about us afterall."

"I told you...that was not going to happen. I love you Spike." She kissed his cheek and began to look for her
clothes. "Could you get me a soda please?"

"Sure." He went to the mini fridge and kneeled down to get a better look at the seclection in it.

Buffy moved Spike's duster and was surprised to see a little black box fall out of the pocket. She picked it
up quickly and took it with her into the bathroom. Sitting on the toilet she opened the box, her eyes teared
up when she saw the ring. It was beautiful and she knew immediately that it was for her. How long had he
had this? She sighed as she put the box in the deep pocket of her sweater.

"Buffy, you okay in there?" Spike called through the closed door.

"I'm fine, sometimes a girl needs a bit of privacy." Buffy smiled at him as she entered the room. "You didn't
answer whats on the agenda?"

"Dawn wants us at her house at 6pm."

"Sounds good but thats a couple hours away, what shall we do till then?" She fluttered her eyelashes at him.

"Don't know why we bothered to dress." He chided her as they fell back on the bed together.

&&&

"You look fine, Buffy,." Spike told her as she brushed her hair again. "Only thing is that nasty bruise on your
face. Xander is gonna think I hit you." Spike shook his head in irritation just thinking about Xander.

"Xander?" Buffy asked confusion on her face.

Spike slapped his hand over his mouth, "Sorry luv, it was supposed to be a secret. Xander and Anya are
going to be there."

"Oh....oh. In that case, maybe you should go on and I'll run by house and change into something a bit nicer.
I'll catch up with you there." She touched his cheek with her hand. "Okay?"

Spike's stomach lurched, she didn't want to arrive with him if Xander was there. What exactly did that mean?
Was she going to back out when it came down to facing Harris? "You look fine, Buffy." He repeated.

"But it's special if company is there, I want to look extra nice."

"Fine, whatever. I'll see you there." Spike told her avoiding her eyes.

She kissed his cheek and closed the door behind her. He immediately punched the wall so hard that
his fist bled. "Here we bloody go again!" He yelled to the empty room.

TBC

Buffy tried to put the hurt look on Spike's face out of her mind as she tried to
find something to wear to Dawn's house. She knew she had hurt more times then
he should be able to forgive her for yet he still wanted and loved her. She was not
going to let him down this time. She placed the small ring box on the dresser as she
slipped into a pretty sundress and sandals. She let her hair hang in long loose
curls around her shoulders and spritzed herself with her favorite perfume. After
checking her makeup one last time in the mirror, she opened the ring box and
placed the ring on the third finger of her left hand. She almost cried at the perfect
fit. Spike needed proof that she was ready to make their love public, this should
do it.

&&&

"Okay, I'll just go and see what happens. If she doesn't want to tell Xander about us
then I'm leaving and so help me I won't be coming back this time." Spike mumbled
angrily to the radio playing in the desoto.

He arrived first and Dawn gave him a big hug as he came throught he door, she
peeked behind him, "Where's Buffy?"

"She's coming." Spike said solemnly.

"I thought she'd be with you." Dawn asked concern on her face.

"So did I." He answered here with a shrug.

"Did you two argue?" She whispered as Xander walked to the front door.

Spike shook his head, "I'll tell you later."

"Spike! Dawn said you were in town." Xander offered his hand and Spike shook
it.

"Yeah just for a short visit. So I understand you and ex demon girl have a family now?"
He asked as Dawn led them to the living room.

Xander sat next to Anya who had already pulled out the latest pics of their children
to show anyone who was or wasn't interested. Spike smiled politely as she and
Xander told stories about the kids.

&&&

Buffy approached the door to Dawn's house and her stomach suddenly lurched
as she looked at the ring on her finger. What if the ring hadn't been meant for her?
How humiliating was that? She took a deep breath, no it's for me, I just know it is.

She knocked on the door. "Why didn't you come with Spike?" Dawn asked
irritabley.

"Hello to you too, sister dear." Buffy frowned at Dawn.

"He seems upset, what happened?" Dawn asked her then added, "Hi to you too."

"It's gonna be okay Dawn. I promise." Buffy smiled at her sister as she followed her
into the living room to join the others.

"Buffy!" Xander stood as soon as she entered the room.

"Xander what are you doing here?" Buffy feigned surprise as she hugged
Xander.

"We thought it would be a nice little getaway and Dawn said we could suprise
one of my best friends while we were here. How are you Buff?" He asked
as he sat down.

Spike watched with interest and his heart sank, he remembered another time
and another place.
*******
"Get in the closet now!" Buffy told him pushing his half naked body into her closet.
"Xander is coming up the stairs."

"So...lets give the boy something to talk about." Spike had smirked.


"Are you crazy he would never understand ...........this, whatever it is between us."
Buffy had glared at him as she shut the closet door.

*****
"I have pictures of the kids, Buffy." Anya motioned her towards the couch.

This is perfect, Buffy thought as she sat down beside Anya. Anya would be the
one to pull this whole plan together. "Let me see those, Anya." Buffy reached for
the photos with her left hand.

As expected Anya's eyes caught sight of the diamond on her hand. "Buffy, you
have an engagement ring! A big diamond, bigger them my diamond." Anya
frowned. "Where did you get that?"

Spike's serious thoughts were interupted by Anya's words. He looked at Buffy's
hand and then felt his duster pocket, the ring was gone. His smile lit up the whole
room as he realized she was wearing his ring for everyone to see. "Yeah,
Buffy, *where* did you get that ring?" He asked with a ridiculous grin.

Dawn smiled at Jordan and nodded her head when she saw the ring. This time
big sis was gonna do it right.

Xander and Anya waited anxiously for Buffy's answer. Buffy stood and walked
over to where Spike sat She took his hand in hers, "I guess I should make sure
the ring was for me, huh?"

"It's always been for you, luv." He brought her hand to his lips and softly kissed it.

"Somebody want to fill us in here." Xander asked with some irritation. "This can't
be what it looks like."

Buffy turned to face Xander, "It is exactly what it looks like. The ring is from Spike.
I love him Xander."

"When did this happen?" Xander asked disbelief heavy in his voice, "It's not a spell is
it?"

"It happened about ten years ago and I was too stubborn to see it for what it was,
I loved him then and I love him now. Only this time I'm not ashamed of it." She
turned back to Spike and kissed him passionately.

Spike stood and put his arms around her waist as they both faced Xander,
Buffy spoke again, "You either want me happy or you don't Xan."

Xander started to say something but Anya lay her hand on his arm, "Xander
they weren't all happy that you chose me to marry either. But look at us now."

"She's right, Buffy, Spike .........not that it matters but you have my blessing too."
Xander conceded.

Soon, Dawn and Jordan joined Anya and Xander in a circle around Buffy
and Spike."I for one am very happy! Two of my favorite people together." Dawn
hugged Buffy tightly then turned to Spike, "Welcome to the family."

Spike pulled Buffy close to him, "I guess I do belong here." His words filled
with emotion.

"You always did, Spike. You always did." She whispered back, "I'm sorry it
took so long for me to realize it."

The group talked late into the night about the good ole' days. Later that night
at Buffy's place she and Spike settled into her bed. He picked up the postcard
that was still sitting on the nightstand. She smiled tiredly at him, "Guess I won't
be getting any more of those. You are staying put now, right?"

"I think my wandering days are over, luv." He picked up her hand and stared
at the ring shining there for the world to see. "I never thought I would see this on
your finger."

"Well its there and it's never coming off." She leaned over and kissed him, giggling
as she yawned.

"You are tired, aren't you?" He grinned as he ran his hand up and down her leg.

"Yeah, but not too tired if you want to...." She curled up next to him and lay her
head on his chest.

"We got all the time in the world for that, pet. Just go to sleep now." He dropped
a light kiss in her hair.

"Okay." She murmured as she snuggled even closer to him. And for the first time
in a decade they both slept peacefully knowing they were safe and loved and most
importantly never going to be alone again.






The Mushy End.