Chapter 15



Keeping her eyes glued to the beeping machine that was tracking Spike, Buffy ran blindly, hoping that she’d get to him before the Initiative.



“Just keep on running, baby,” she panted. “God, I hope I’m reading this thing right.”



Reaching a dead end, she closed her eyes and tried to sense any nearby vampires. “Let me find you,” she whispered, hoping that somehow he could hear her. “Please...”



Feeling a pull to the left, Buffy followed her instincts and pushed herself to move faster.

***



Spike’s energy was running low but he continued to go in circles, shifting from above ground to underground. “Good thing I don’t need to breathe,” he grumbled, scratching dried blood from his forehead. He grimaced and cursed, finding it harder to move his injured arm. Pausing to glance at his shoulder, he picked up the sound of something coming in his direction. “Will they ever let up?”

***



Buffy hid in the bushes once she saw a small group of soldiers ahead. She instantly recognized Forrest and Graham, two of Riley’s campus roommates. “Spike must be close,” she decided. “Those bastards are totally playing with him.” Buffy felt like growling as the men laughed and taunted Spike even though he was nowhere to be seen.



“We know you’re here Hostile 17! Stop hiding and show yourself!”



“Yeah, you filthy parasite, come out! If not, we’ll chase you all night long!”



“Not if I can help it.” Armed with her innate Slayer powers and few weapons, Buffy charged, prepared to save and protect her boyfriend at any cost.

***



“Oh! Hey, guys! Have you seen Riley?”



“We’re busy,” Forrest said, looking through Buffy and keeping his eyes to the trees. “He’s not moving.”



“Who’s not moving?”



“We don’t have time to talk right now.”



“Well, if you won’t tell me if Riley’s around, maybe you boys could help me. You see, I was chasing this three-eyed monster and...I kinda lost it. It’s really dangerous but if you’re too busy...”She shrugged and turned her back.



“We’ve already got the hostile tagged,” one of the men whispered. “We can get him in daylight. Then he won’t have anywhere to hide. He’ll be caught and captured or found extra crispy.”



“Hey, wait!”



“Yes? Are you going to help me? Thank God, because the thing seems really nasty—really, really nasty. I know there’s no way I could take it all by my lonesome,” Buffy said, playing innocent. “I hope it didn’t get too far away though.”



“Which direction was it heading?”



“East. Definitely east and fast.” Once the commandos got on their walkie-talkies and started heading away, Buffy ran after them. “Don’t you need my help?”



“Ah, no. Why don’t you continue to look for Agent Finn? Let the professionals take care of this.”



“Oh, okay. If you say so...”

***



“Spike? Where are you? They’re gone now.” Buffy picked up the tracking device from where she had tossed it while talking to the soldiers. “Just stay where you are and I’ll get you,” she said, seeing that the red flashing light still wasn’t moving on the screen.



Walking slowly, she silently prayed that he was all right and that he was at a standstill by choice. Oh God, she thought, he could be so hurt that he can’t run anymore...



“Oh,” Buffy gasped, seeing a flash of blonde and leather crumpled into a tight ball. “Spike!” She was on the ground instantly, wrapping her arms around him.



“Watch the shoulder.”



“Sorry, sorry. Are you okay?” She struggled to see his face and winced, “I’m going to make them pay so much. We need to hide. I’ve got them diverted but I’m not sure how long it’ll last. Can you stand?”



“Probably, but not well,” he admitted quietly.



“Let me help you.” Holding him gently, she guided him to his feet and propped his weight against her. “You were shot in the shoulder?”



“After I crashed the car. There must be something—a poison of some sort—on the bullet because I can’t move my arm anymore.”



Buffy tightened her hold on him. “It isn’t a bullet. It’s a tag and it makes you show up on that.” She pointed at the machine that was discarded on the ground. “As for poison, Riley never mentioned--.”



“Buffy...”



“Spike!” Buffy whimpered as he passed out in her arms.

***



“Thank you guys, so much. Let me...” Buffy hurried to open the heavy door to the crypt for Xander and Giles as they carried an unconscious Spike. “Hope there are some lights that work. Spike’s been working on...oh my God...” Tears prickled in her eyes upon seeing the furniture and appliances that filled the tomb. “Um, put him on the couch.”



“Looks like bleach boy’s been busy,” Xander said. “This place looks...nice.”



“Yeah,” Buffy said with a discreet sniffle. “I can’t believe he finished it so quickly.”



“Ah,” Giles cleared his throat, “Would you like to take off his jacket and shirt?”



Sitting close to where Spike was sprawled out on his stomach, Buffy undressed him with careful, loving hands. “You’ll be fine,” she whispered, pressing her lips against the back of his neck. “I promise, Spike. Giles will help you.”



“I’ll try my best. I owe him,” Giles said with a reassuring grin.



“Thank you.”



“And I’ll help too. Just,” Xander looked down, “ah, just because I have nothing better to do and I’m pretty sure Anya would hate me if I didn’t...”



They exchanged glances until Giles cleared his throat again. “I think I’d better start operating. Xander, will you hold the flashlight?”

***



“Scalpel.”



“Scalpel.” Buffy lifted up the instrument as she ran her fingers through Spike’s hair.



“I can see it. It’s...blinking,” Giles wrinkled his nose and looked closer.



“Blinking?”



“Yeah, Buff. It’s a red flashing light.”



“Ew. Get it out.”



“I’m working on that. It’s deeply embedded.”



“Spike said he thought there was something like poison on it. Is that possible?”



“I’m sure anything’s possible. The device could’ve been coated with a toxin. It does make sense for the Initiative to want their prey to be weakened for capture... Oh, I’ve got it!” Using long tweezers, Giles held up the tag and smiled proudly. “Xander, can you run and flush the bugger?”



“Wait! Shouldn’t we keep it and examine it?”



“Buffy,” Giles took of his plastic gloves and motioned Xander to go, “we don’t need the commandos coming for us, especially since Riley is still tied up in my living room. If we need information, we’ll get it from our captive.”



“Okay, watch Spike and I’ll beat the shit out of Riley--.”



“No, Spike needs you. We’ll handle Riley. Make sure Spike rests. Dress his wound, feed him and see if you can get him to come to. If there is a poison, you won’t see us again until we have some sort of cure.” He stood and walked to the door, “I will call. Meanwhile, take care of him. I know he couldn’t be in better hands. I feel foolish...what is between you both is not a spell...no, it’s nothing more than love.”



Buffy blinked, watching Giles leave the crypt.

***



“You can wake up when you want to,” Buffy sighed and kissed his cheek. She had bandaged Spike’s shoulder and tried to force him into drinking blood but he didn’t respond to her efforts. Pulling a blanket around them, Buffy snuggled closer to his body as they lay on the couch.



“No rush though, baby. You can sleep.” Putting her hand against his bare chest, Buffy wished his body would reveal how he was feeling. An uneven heartbeat or irregular body temperature would at least give her a hint as to his condition, but his heart was silent and his body stayed it usual room temperature. “God, it would be so nice to think that you were just sleeping...”



Taking his face between her hands, she kissed his mouth, paying special attention to each lip. “But you’ve got to wake up soon because tomorrow’s my birthday. You can’t be comatose. I won’t let you.” She took his arm and draped it over her waist. “You promised that I’d have a good day. You promised. Please, Spike...”



“Don’t cry.”



Buffy’s head shot up, afraid to believe her ears. “Spike?”



“I’m not worth your blubbering.”



“Spike...” Buffy squeezed him tightly and cried harder as he responded to her kisses. “I-I...was so afraid.”



“I’m still here. Most of me, anyway. I’d try to wipe your tears away but my entire left side’s numb.”



“Oh, oh Spike,” she sobbed, burying her face in his neck.



“Hush, kitten. Buffy, don’t cry.”



“I thought I’d lost you.”



“You didn’t.”



“How are you feeling?”



“Ghastly would be an understatement.”



“Do you need something? I’ll get you anything. I’ll warm you some blood.” Buffy tried to get up from the couch and Spike growled in protest. “Or maybe I won’t.”



“Don’t leave me, Slayer. Stay put. That fucking pig shit won’t do a bit of a difference.”



“But--.”



“No.” Once Buffy had her arms around him again, he relaxed. “Something’s not right, Buffy. I’ve been in auto crashes before and I’ve never felt like this. I’ve been shot too. I’ve only passed out one other time and I woke up in a sodding wheelchair.”



“Giles is getting info from Riley--.”



“And why would he volunteer anything to help me?”



“Who said he was volunteering? I tied him up after threatening to cut his throat.



“That’s my girl. It’s about time.”



“I did it for you.”



“You’d do just about anything for me, wouldn’t you?”



Buffy frowned at the sudden change in his voice. “Anything. What are you getting at?”



“Whatever’s happening to me, it has one sure cure. You know that, don’t you?”



“You...you want to bite me.” She searched his face and noticed a hint of shame in his eyes.



“Forget it.”



“Do you think you could?”



“Don’t know. It’s not like I want to hurt you but I shouldn’t have brought it up. Sorry.”



“You’re positive it would help you? I don’t want you to get a headache...but if it went well... Okay.”



“What to you mean okay?” He gave her a doubtful look and swallowed as Buffy moved her hair, exposing her neck. “You can’t be serious. Why aren’t you bashing my head in?”



“I’m very serious, but if you get a shock and pass out again, I’ll be very upset. I want you to feel better—hell, I just want you to have feeling in all your limbs. The numbness is spreading, isn’t it? I know you won’t take too much. I trust you.” Spike opened his mouth to speak but she continued to talk. “I’ll do this for you. You must’ve known I would or you won’t have asked me.” Buffy kissed him slowly and looked him in the eye, “Bite me, Spike. I know you want to.”

***



Buffy closed her eyes and waited for the pinch. Shivers traveled down her body and she clutched Spike’s hand as his lips brushed against her neck. “Spike,” she moaned, her impatience growing.



“I’m trying to convince the chip that I mean no harm. Don’t be nervous, pet. I won’t let it hurt.”



Swallowing, she couldn’t help but feel turned on as he licked her with the tip of his tongue. “Spike...” Opening an eye, she saw as he shifted into vamp face.



“Thank you,” he said faintly before puncturing her skin.

***



“Buffy, I hate to bother you.”



“Giles, it’s fine.” Tucking her hair behind her ears, she looked in the refrigerator as she spoke on the cell phone. “What’d you learn?”



“Well, Riley is exceptionally stubborn.”



“Need me to rough him up?”



“No, no, I let Anya and Xander to the, ah, roughing. They interrogated him.”



“I hate that I missed that,” Buffy said with a laugh.



“It was quite a...performance. We learned that the tag was dipped in a contaminant that causes the body to breakdown. I’m still researching, but I believe that Spike could become completely immobile within a few hours. His muscles will, ah, freeze up in a sense. And Riley was rather smug about this—the cure is sickly ironic. Buffy, he must consume human blood and Riley is insistent that he must bite his victim. And since Spike cannot bite, I fear that his situation may be unpromising. Unless we find a spell...”



“Giles, you can stop researching.”



“No. I’ve got the others here and we’ll work around the clock--.”



“Giles, stop. Close your book and take a nap. Spike’s getting better as we speak.”



“W-what?”



“Um, the chip doesn’t go off every time he bites. Spike and I kinda tested out a theory and all’s quiet on the poison-y front.”



“He bit you?”



“And he was a perfect gentleman, so don’t get all over-protective on me. Speaking of my perfect gentleman, I think he’s getting up. I’ve got to run and tend to the sexy wounds.”



“I-I’m glad that everything seems to be...in order.”



“Pretty much, but we’re going to lay low for the next few days.”



“What about Riley? The Initiative will surely start a search party...”



“Mmmm, let me get back to you on that because if we let him go or not, either way things could get messy. Just keep on milking him for info and I’ll be by tomorrow. I’d say first thing, but there’s no way I’m getting up early on my birthday.”

***



“Feeling better? You look better—less, um, dead—you were white as a sheet before and I mean literally.”



“What did Giles want?” Spike sat up on the couch and unhurriedly swung his legs to the front. He stretched his limbs and motioned for Buffy to come to him. “Catch me if my body decides to make me fall on my ass.”



“Like you have to tell me to do that, Spike,” she snorted. Once he stood, they were nose to nose and Buffy’s heart involuntarily sped up.



“You alright, pet?”



She felt like groaning, their bodies were close but not touching. His face had a few cuts and bruises that she had to force herself not to kiss. “Fine.”



“Why do I not buy that?” he teased, making his voice no louder than a whisper.



“God, don’t do that.” She closed her eyes, not wanting to see him roll his tongue suggestively and knowing that if she did, she’d be forced to attack him.



“Have you been downstairs yet?”



“No.”



“Let’s go then.”



“Can you get down the ladder?”



He brushed his lips against her cheek as he spoke, “You can toss me down if you’d like.”



“Weren’t you near dying a few hours ago? Now you seem so...normal.”



“It’s because of you and now I’d like to thank you properly.” He scooted her back and took her hand. “How do you like my decorating? I know you wanted to give it a woman’s touch so I left a lot of empty spots and just set up the essentials.”



“It’s wonderful, Spike.”



“Good. Ladies first.”

***



“I’ll admit that I had some help. Picked up some minions with experience in remodeling and construction.” Spike lifted his hands from Buffy’s eyes and waited for her response once they made it safely to the lower level. “Do you like it?”



Buffy grinned, taking in the bed, bookshelves and the area he’d made into a bathroom. “I’m moving in tomorrow, okay? I have no idea how you made all this out of a crypt but,” she spun, pulling him into an embrace, “I love it.”



“I’m still working on the air conditioning and heating; but, until then I have blankets to compensate for what I lack in the body heat department.”



“I love it,” she repeated before kissing him.



“Want to try out the bed?”



“You sure?”



“You’ll just have to be gentle with me, kitten. Think you can handle that?”

***



"Satin sheets...slippery."



"I like shirts nowadays." After Buffy freed Spike of his pants, he pulled her on top of him so she straddled his waist.



"Really?" she smirked as he pulled the strings of her halter, causing the fabric to hang loosely in front of her breasts.



"Absolutely.



"You can't get hurt anymore, Spike," Buffy said as she hiked up her skirt. “Since we’ve gotten together you’ve been stabbed, shot, and almost crushed in a car accident. That’s not even counting all the times you’ve been shocked by that damn chip.”



“Doesn’t seem that bad. Not when I’ve got you. You make me forget about all that.”



“I love you, Spike.” After he tossed her halter to the floor, she pushed their chests together and covered his mouth with hers. As their lip lock grew more passionate, a hand was between her thighs and moving her underwear aside. “So, uh, my blood, is it some kinda aphrodisiac? Maybe I should sell it. Blood o’ Buffy, get it while it’s hot: it’ll get you healed and horny.”



“I’d rather you kept such a delicacy just for the likes of me.”



“You’re greedy.” Once his erection was positioned at her opening, she sat back until he filled her to the hilt.



“I won’t deny that.”



“Will you want to bite me again?”



“Do you want me to?”



“Um,” she paused to kiss his chest, “maybe. It wasn’t bad…it made me feel—I don’t know—more connected to you. Not that I don’t think we aren’t, ah, nicely connected now. And I wouldn’t let you drain me all the time…just for special occasions.”



“Like Christmas and Earth Day?”



“Sure. I’ll get you a whole book of holidays, baby.”

***

 

Chapter 16

“We’ll play a little game of Simon Says. I’ll say sock him in the nose and you’ll act as my fists. Then just for giggles, we’ll replace his pea brain with an actual pea.” Spike chuckled, amused and impressed by his idea.

“This is very romantic bedroom talk, honey. Will you be having wet dreams about torturing Riley all night?”

“Feeling neglected, sweetness?” Spike scooted closer to her, spooning against Buffy’s back. “Sore?” he asked, running a finger over the wounds on her neck before giving them a soft kiss.

“Not really. Do you think I’ll have a scar?”

“Depends on how many times I reopen them. But we have many places to choose from, like here,” he cupped the fullness of her breast, “and here,” he whispered giving her thigh a feathery touch. “So many delicious choices...”

“I wouldn’t mind a scar. Angel’s marks went away in no time.”

“You let him bite you?”

Buffy smiled, taking Spike’s hand in hers and giving it a squeeze. “Don’t get grouchy. I can explain. It was different.”

“I’m listening.”

“Oh, where to start?” She rolled to face him and comfortably wrapped her arms around him. “So much happened while you were chasing Drusilla. You ever meet Faith? She was the new Slayer after your ex killed Kendra and she’s something like my criminally insane evil twin.”

“Sounds like I’d remember her if I met her.”

“When all of the graduation hoopla was going on, she poisoned Angel to distract me. The only way he could be cured was with blood from a Slayer. I tried to kill Faith--I wanted to kill her, but it didn’t happen. I let Angel bite me because I had to. You know the rest, graduation ended in fiery fun and Angel left me for LA.”

“And the other Slayer?”

“Faith’s frolicking somewhere in the land of unconsciousness. She’s going to be in a coma for a very, very long time.”

“Why is it that Sir Mopes-A-Lot always seems to steal my glory? I thought I was the first to get a taste of you, but no, he’s already been there and done that.”

“If he wouldn’t have been so sick, I wouldn’t have let him do it. But with you...I was curious before you were hurt and you know how much I liked it. With him, the biting was an act of love and necessity; with you...I’d say it was purely an act of love. Poison or no poison, I would’ve let you take a nibble.”

“Is that so?” he asked, brushing his lips against the corner of her mouth.

“I was with Angel for two years and I never felt as comfortable around him as I do around you. Thought you’d like to know that.”

“It does give me a warm fuzzy feeling.”

“He wasn’t actually the first to bite me either. The Master was; and...don’t tell, but you smell better than Angel does. It’d take your yummy leather, cigarette and hint of cologne any day over his--.”

“He’s a musty bugger, yeah? Smells as old as he is, right?” Spike smirked and held her close. “You, Slayer, I love you.”

Buffy grinned, relishing the fact that she knew the secret to making her boyfriend cheerful with the aid of only a few sentences. “I know,” she whispered back.

He stretched out an arm and turned off the lamp next to their bed. “Got to rest up for your birthday.” With the lights out, they embraced again.

“Spike, I’m not exactly sleepy.”

“You should be.”

“I’m not.” Buffy draped a leg over Spike’s side and circled a hand around his semi-hard cock, giving it a gentle tug. “Maybe we could...but if you’re too tired...wouldn’t want to keep you awake. You’ve had a hard day.” As she spoke, she stroked him up and down, “And I know we already made love once tonight...”

“Think you really have to ask more than once?”

“You’re unpredictable. Maybe you were going to play hard to get?”

“Don’t think so.” In one fluid motion, he clutched her hips, pulled her forward and entered her with a groan.

“Oh, thank you.” Buffy kissed him as they moved together lazily. “This is nice. Relaxing...”

“You can’t get heavy-eyed on me now.”

“Can too,” she purred, enjoying the gentleness of their slow movements. “More kissing please.” Buffy moaned once their lips came into contact. They played with the intensity and length of the kisses as their hands searched each other’s body. “Spike,” Buffy whimpered at the first wave of her approaching orgasm.

“Be patient,” he urged, not letting her quicken their speed. “Hold on.” He laughed quietly as Buffy made noises while trying to control her body. “You can do it. It’ll be worth it.”

She nodded, gritting her teeth and forcing her hips not to thrust against him wildly. “Oh, God,” she hissed, once her body started to shake. She called out Spike’s name as her climax hit and lasted for a few seconds longer than usual.

“Think you can sleep now?” Spike asked with a smirk once their bodies were spent.
***

“Happy Birthday, Buffy.”

“How are you feeling? You look good.” While lying on her stomach, Buffy brushed her fingers against the light bruise on Spike’s forehead. “A few hours ago, that was bleeding and now I can barely see the mark.”

“Told you you’d heal me up.”

Buffy yawned, her eyes still heavy from waking. “So, no discomfort? Nothing hurts at all? What about your shoulder? Can I take a look? Roll over.” Once he rested his face against the pillow, she leaned against him and gently pulled back the tape of the bandage.

“How’s everything, doc? Will I live?” he teased.

“Still red but there’s a nice scab. I’ll leave the dressing off and put it on again once we get out of the shower.”

“What’s your hurry?” Spike reached for her and pulled her back when Buffy tried to get out of the bed.

“Spike, we need to see about Riley.” Buffy spun easily on the smooth sheets to face him. “I don’t know if Giles still has him tied up or if he let him go.”

“Can’t you just give him a ring?”

“No,” she said, “I need to thank him again for helping and I want to do it in person. In fact, you should thank him too. He said something really nice yesterday; Giles finally believes that we really love each other, Spike.”

“It’s about time that he saw the light.”

“It’s probably because I went crazy when I thought you were in danger.” Not saying a word, Spike guided her lips to his for a kiss. “It’s amazing how well you’re recuperating,” she whispered seconds later. “I feel so lucky. I’m so, so, thankful...”

“Hush, we don’t need anymore waterworks. Is that offer for a shower still open?”
***

“Where is he?”

“Buffy. Spike. I didn’t expect to see you both so early.” Giles opened the door in his pajamas and robe.

“Were you sleeping?”

“No, just having breakfast. Have you eaten anything? I have plenty if you’d like eggs and such.”

“Maybe after we see Riley,” Buffy said smiling politely. “Is he still here?”

“Oh, yes. He’s in the bathroom. I hoping we can release him soon because I’d like to take a shower. I have a few ideas as to how we can get out of this mess with him and the Initiative. Depending on how cooperative he is, we can always perform a forgetting spell of sorts.”

Buffy nodded, listening but feeling Spike’s impatience as he stood next to her. “Honey, why don’t you check on Riley?”

“Seriously?” Spike asked, as if afraid to believe his ears.

“Just don’t get a headache.” Buffy smiled and then gave her attention back to Giles. “Tell me more about this forgetting spell.”
***

“Well, well, well, it’s nice to be on the other side.” Spike sneered, seeing Riley chained to the bathtub. “How’d you sleep, dickhead? Watcher keep you up with his snoring? Damn, the walls in here aren’t the thickest, are they?” Spike continued to grin slyly as he stared at Riley, who remained silent. “Cat caught your tongue, pretty boy?”

“You can move.”

“Yes and very well. In fact, you should’ve heard my Buffy this morning. The noises she was making because of my ability to move,” Spike shook his head and chuckled as Riley narrowed his eyes. “She’d be too much for you. She’d bruise you.”

“You won’t get away,” Riley said through clenched teeth. “We’ll hunt you down again and next time, we’ll kill you before Buffy can run to your rescue.”

“Is that right? You know, your threats seem a bit empty and not very scary when you’re tied up to the place ole Rupes takes his bubble baths. If you want scary,” Spike shifted into his vamp-guise, “I can show you scary. When it comes to payback, I’m willing to get a migraine...”
***

“Are you sure it was wise to send Spike in there with Riley?”

“Your spell will be Plan B. Plan A is: scare the shit out of him.” Buffy wiped her mouth with a napkin and took a sip of orange juice. “Thanks for the breakfast of champions. Very yummy way to start a birthday.”

“You’re welcome.” Giles pulled out a chair and sat next to her at the kitchen table. “What will happen after you scare him?”

“I hope to still be able to join the Initiative. The scaring won’t be so much physical but mental. We’ll go the old-fashioned route of blackmail. Riley’s done some things that would make Professor Walsh very disappointed. He revealed his identity to civilians and he knew that Spike wasn’t human before it came out that he was their Hostile 17. Riley didn’t report it and that’s a huge no-no.”

“I hope your approach is successful.”

“Me too. I’ve got to get in that lab and right now, Riley’s the only thing that could get in my way.” Buffy finished the last of her orange juice and scooted away from the table. “If you need me, I’ll be in the bathroom with the boys.”
***

“Spike,” Buffy scolded, seeing him sitting on the toilet seat and holding his head. She took one look at Riley, whose face was black-and-blue and sighed. “I told you it wasn’t necessary.”

“It was worth it,” Spike said in a weak voice.

He looked at Buffy and she got madder seeing that tears were in his eyes. “You never listen to me. God, is it that bad?” She walked to him and brought his head to her stomach.

“Buffy,” he protested. “Don’t make such a big deal about it.”

She held him closer, knowing he was pushing her away just to keep up his reputation as a Big Bad around Riley. “Can I talk to you in the hallway for a minute?” When Spike said nothing, she started to pull him to the door and out of the bathroom.
***

“You feel better, you big jerk?”

“Actually I do.”

“Liar.”

“I punched him three good times before I nearly passed out. I’d say it was a bloody breakthrough.”

“I’d say you’re bloody stupid,” Buffy snapped, pushing Spike into a chair in the living room. “You weren’t supposed to over do it and—just sit there until I’m finished.” She turned on her heel and stomped into the bathroom.
***

“Alright,” Buffy shut and locked the door before sitting on the edge of the tub, “let’s make this quick because I’m not in the mood to negotiate with you all day. I want to let you go and I will—without hurting you—if we can reach an agreement.”

“I think he broke my nose,” Riley hissed, trying to find a comfortable spot to rest his head. “Buffy, I thought you were different. I thought...never mind.”

“Putting what happened to Spike aside, I’d still like to be a part of the Initiative.”

“You’re kidding. We wouldn’t be fighting for the same thing. You’d be more dangerous than anything else. It’d be too risky.”

“How so? I protect people; you’ve seen it and I just think putting a computer chip in a vampire’s head is cruel. Why do that when you can kill them with just a poke in the heart?”

“Because the science is also important. We need to learn about the HSTs--.”

“Well,” Buffy said with a laugh, “what’d you learn about William the Bloody?”

“Buffy, you’ve got to let me go. If not, my men will be crashing through here and you’ll have more to worry about than just your boyfriend.”

“Love to, but you’ve got to promise not to give them any info about Spike and you’d better think up a darn good story about how your face got in the way of somebody’s fist. I’ll let you go and take you to the hospital if you’re cooperative. If not, we’ll perform a spell that will erase days—maybe even weeks off your memory. So, which will it be?”
***

“Spike, you have recovered speedily, I see.”

He nodded, eyes closed and his head back, “You too, Watcher. Miss the mucous?”

“Ah, not particularly. But you are feeling well?”

“Super, except for the herd of elephants stomping around in my head. Do you need something? I was busy here not talking to you.”

“Spike, ah, have you considered with your new handicap, maybe you’ve been called for a, higher purpose?”

“A higher what?” Spike asked, narrowing his eyes.

“Maybe you’re meant for doing good deeds like Angel--.”

“Oh, you take that back! I’m not meant for a bloody thing. I was simply a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong bloody time and now I’m making do with what I have. And one of those things I do have is the Slayer for a girlfriend; she’s the only reason why I’m in this.”

“Are you finished?” Giles asked, not amused or shocked by the words Spike spit at him.

“Yes, I think so.”

“Well, forget that I mentioned anything.”

“Oh, I will.”

“I’ll be in my room if Buffy needs me. Thank you for helping me, Spike.”

“It wasn’t my bloody pleasure!”

Giles nodded and made his way across the room.

“Higher purpose, my ass,” Spike grumbled, getting to his feet. “Buffy! When are you coming out of there?” He pounded on the bathroom door. “Come on! Let me in!”

“Spike, will you stop it?” Buffy opened the door and slipped out into the hallway. “What’s your deal now?”

“I want to leave, alright? Just for a little while.”

“Why? Are you feeling okay?” Buffy came closer, “Is it your head? Shoulder?”

“I’m just tired of waiting around,” Spike softened as Buffy ran her fingers over his temples. “I’ll be back in an hour or so. How are things going in there?”

“He wants to do Giles’ spell for some reason,” she frowned. “He wants to forget but when I ask him why, he just stops talking. If you’re leaving, take my phone.” She tucked it in his jacket and patted his chest. “You aren’t mad that I yelled at you, right?”

“No,” he said, pulling her into his chest. “I can take a bit of scolding, pet.”

“Okay, call if you have any problems and come back when you want. If we do the spell, I don’t know how long it’ll take to finish.” Buffy tilted down Spike’s chin and kissed him quickly. “Looks like today will be just another Buffy birthday.”

“Oh, we’ll see about that. The day’s still young, Slayer,” Spike smirked before kissing her again.

“Where are you heading?”

“Back home to our place.”

“Mmmm, our place, I like the sound of that. I’ll sneak away as soon as I can.”
***


 

Chapter 17

“I gave Willow a call, she and Tara will be here shortly,” Giles said as he entered the living room. “Oh, did Spike leave?”

“Yeah,” Buffy answered, locking the front door. “He didn’t want to wait round. He gets pretty antsy, but then he doesn’t mind sitting in front of the TV for hours and hours…”

“I hope I didn’t upset him; that was not my intention.”

“You upset him? When? Giles,” Buffy scolded, “I thought you were going to make an attempt to get along with Spike?”

“I am making every attempt,” he insisted. “I just suggested that due to the fact he can fight only demons…I believe Spike may have a higher purpose.”

“Higher purpose?” Buffy repeated, letting the words sink in. “You mean like Angel—oh God, you didn’t mention Angel while you were ‘suggesting,’ did you?”

“Only as an example--.”

“You can’t do that! Spike doesn’t handle being compared to Angel very well; it makes him jealous and a little insecure…”

“Buffy--.”

“Alright! I admit it—but you wouldn’t believe the baggage between those guys—it makes Spike very jealous and very, very insecure to be compared—and not that it’s a bad thing, I like that there’s a hole to all his conceit and when he’s vulnerable…especially since I’m the only one that sees that side of him,” Buffy sighed dreamily, her chest swelling with love. “Um, what were we talking about? I think I got a little sidetracked.”

“Spike’s destiny.”

“Right. So what do you mean by a ‘higher purpose’? If you mean continuing to fight for the sake of good, I think he has one. He probably gave you his speech about changing sides only because of me, right?” When Giles nodded, Buffy let out a laugh, “He’s so predictable and actually since he’s so predictable I think it’s safe to say that, in the future, as long as he loves me, he’ll have a higher purpose. At the moment he’s fighting just because it’ll make me happy, but who knows, maybe later he’ll surprise us all, including himself by realizing that being a white hat is just the better thing to do.”

Giles opened his mouth to respond, but the sound of the doorbell ringing cut him off.

“I’ll get the door, it’s probably Will and, uh, don’t worry about Spike. He’s still uneasy with his switch to the un-dark side. He still needs time to adjust.”
***

I know she’s expecting something special, Spike thought as he sat in front of the television set. Our crypt was supposed to be her big surprise, but that got shot to hell because I was unconscious.

Spike flipped through the home shopping channels for the umpteenth time and sighed in frustration when he still failed to find inspiration for Buffy’s birthday gift.

I had to go overboard with our date. Now candy, flowers and even jewelry are out of my options. Got to do something bigger…better.

“But what?” he asked the empty room.
***

“Are you going to help us with the bippidi-boppidi-booing, Buff?” Willow asked cheerfully.

“Nope, I’m going to watch. Think we can speed the spell-casting up a little?”

“Oh, do you have birthday plans?”

“Maybe. It depends on what Spike has up his sleeve,” Buffy answered as she followed Willow and Tara through the hallway. “He always keeps me guessing.”

“H-how is he?” Tara asked quietly.

“He’s much better, thanks for asking. You haven’t officially met him, have you? I think we’re going to have an open house soon--.”

“He found a place?” Willow asked.

“Yup and you won’t believe where we’re living,” Buffy began, stepping into the bathroom where Giles was questioning Riley for the last time.

“What you are willing to forget can have to do with a number of things, one being the Slayer and another, the organization that you are working for, am I correct?”

Buffy froze, listening to Giles clear his throat.

“Your loyalty must be strong to one of these factors and after seeing your reaction to Spike’s misfortunes, I’d say that Buffy and her feelings are not high on your list of priorities.”

“I’d rather forget everything than have to lie because I’m being blackmailed. The Initiative—Professor Walsh alone—would see through the lies and then we’d all be in more trouble. More trouble than it’s worth,” Riley mumbled. “I don’t want anything to do with Buffy and her vampire boyfriend, make me forget that I ever met her. Erase what I know; I’ll go away and stay away.”
***

Buffy felt as if she had been slapped in the face by Riley’s words. He really doesn’t like me anymore, she thought as she stared at the man she had once thought of as her friend. It shouldn’t bother me, but…

“Um, we have the supplies,” she announced softly, letting her presence in the room be known. “I guess the erasing can start now.” She uncomfortably looked around the room before setting the paper bag of magical odds and ends that she was carrying on the bathroom sink. “I’ll be…not in here until everything’s finished. Good luck with the spell, guys.”
***

“What are you buying her?”

“Well, I picked up a few things that she’s been eyeing at the stores. Mostly clothes.”

“I guess I could buy her some underwear since I ripped that pair…”

“Excuse me?”

“Nothing, Joyce. Just thinking out loud.”

Joyce nodded, sitting across from Spike at the kitchen table. “Buffy’s never been picky, I’m sure she’d be delighted with anything that you give her. Have you thought about making her something?”

“I only have a few hours till she’ll be done romping with the Scoobies. Besides, what could I make?”

“I don’t know; you seem like you’d be a pretty artistic man to me.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that, pet. I’d hate to disappoint you,” Spike chuckled. “Maybe I should just run to the store. It’s still cloudy out and--.” He stopped speaking once the cell phone in his jacket started to ring. “I should be on my way. Thank you for the ideas, Joyce.”

He flashed her a smile before heading out the backdoor. “Hello?” he said, answering the call. “This is, uh, Buffy’s phone. Can I take a message?”

“So polite. Good job.”

“Buffy, how are you? Are you finished?”

“I don’t think so, but then I’m not sure because I’m hiding.”

“Hiding?”

“Riley hates me.”

“So? I hate him and you should too. There’s nothing better than a mutual hate-hate relationship. ”

“But…I guess you’re right.”

“Buffy--.”

“We were friends once, Spike, and he wanted to date me. I find it sad that after I tie him up in a bathtub he decides to hate me. He won’t even look at me without making a disgusted face—I know I shouldn’t care, but I can’t get over it. Yesterday we were pals…”

“You tied me up and look at the good it led to, pet.”

“True,” Buffy said with a weak laugh. “Are you watching TV? What shows am I missing?”

“There isn’t much on.”

“Too bad you couldn’t come back here and keep me company…”

“It is too bad,” Spike said, sneaking around the side of the apartment courtyard and spotting Buffy outside of Giles’ front door. “I hate to cut our chat short, but I’ve got things to do, sweetheart.”

“Oh,” Buffy pouted. “I won’t keep you then. I love you—hey! Did he hang up on me?!” She shook the phone, hearing nothing but silence where Spike’s voice used to be. “That stupid, no good vampire--.”

“Love you too, Slayer.”

Buffy turned, startled by his low voice. “You didn’t tell me you were so close, you brat!” Smiling, she ran to him with a bounce in her step.

“Thought it’d be nice to take an afternoon stroll with the sun not being out and all.” Spike looked up to the sky and squinted. “It’s going to pour soon.”

Buffy nodded, not caring about the weather, and giving him a hug. “Riley hurt my feelings,” she mumbled with her cheek pressed against his chest. “He wishes that he never met me. Why is it bothering me so much, Spike?”

Spike wondered the same thing, but bit his tongue. “No one wants to hear that they’re disliked, I guess and ah, to lose a friend—even a lunk-head like Riley—that’s not something most people enjoy…”

A smile tugged on Buffy’s lips and she stood on her tiptoes to kiss the side of Spike’s face. “We should go inside before the rain starts.”

“Wait, you’re better now?”

“I think so.” She continued to kiss downward until she reached his lips. “Thanks to you.”

“What did I do?”

“You—you just make me happy,” she said after giving him a slow deep kiss. “You understood where I was coming from.”

“I only said one sentence though.”

“One very good sentence,” Buffy corrected, leading Spike to the entrance of Giles’ house.
***

“Hi.”

“Hello,” Spike said, cocking his head to the side. “And you are?”

“Tara’s a really powerful witch,” Willow answered proudly. “She wants to meet you because Buffy’s been talking about you so much.”

“I’m not really that powerful,” Tara said modestly. “Will’s the powerful one…I just help out and…I’m not powerful.”

“Alright, whatever you say, pet.”

“Buffy told us you were living in a crypt.”

“Yes, we are. I’d say you could stop by and take a peek, but we aren’t ready for visitors.”

“But we’ll be ready for the house warming party. It should be potluck. Tara and I can conjure up some of our now-famous cupcakes. We make some mean cupcakes, don’t we?”

“I think they’re rather nice,” Tara answered with a grin.

“Oh, aren’t you funny? Spike, isn’t she--.”

“She’s a riot. How’d the spell go?” he asked, changing the subject. “Should Buffy be in there with him?”

“Everything went smoothly if I do say so myself. Riley can’t remember anything that happened in the past week or so.”

“You’re positive?”

“Yup, he doesn’t even know about our spat with ‘city-wide laryngitis’,” Willow said using air quotes. “He’s back to good ole kept-in-the-dark Riley.”

“And the soldiers can’t reverse the memory wipe?”

“No, only we can do that and doing so would be dangerous,” Tara answered. “His family and friends will think he got amnesia.”

Spike nodded, staring at the closed bedroom door and still not liking that Buffy was alone with Riley.
***

“Buffy…what?”

“Hey there, stranger.”

“What happened? Where am I?”

“You’re at my friend’s house. I found you and you were knocked out cold,” Buffy lied. She sat on the edge of the bed and held up two fingers. “How many fingers do you see?”

“Uh, what happened?” Riley tried to sit up, but he collapsed back in pain. “Why does my nose hurt?”

“Good question.”

“You don’t know?”

“I just found you,” Buffy shrugged. “What do you remember?”

“I remember…you kissing some guy outside of the bridal store and telling me that you were getting married. Please tell me that didn’t happen,” he said with a confused laugh. “Did I dream that up?”

“I think so. I’m not getting married, Riley.”

“But that guy? Who was he?”

“Just a friend who was visiting, nobody important. He’s long gone and won’t be back anytime soon,” Buffy said, batting her hand. “But if that’s the last thing you remember, you’ve missed out on a ton.”

“Oh,” Riley said, looking lost. “Would you mind filling me in? I can’t believe…can I use a phone? How long have I been here?”

“A few days. Should I call Maggie for you?”

“Maggie?”

“You must’ve been hit really hard if you can’t remember Professor Walsh. Maybe she can send Forrest or another commando buddy to--.”

“Commando? Buffy, what are you talking about? I have no idea--.”

“Hey, hey, cool down.” Taking a deep breath, Buffy touched Riley’s hand. “I know, Riley.”

“But—what do you know?”

“You hunt demons and are a member of the Initiative.”

“How do you know that?”

“Yesh, inquisitive much?” Buffy laughed. “I’m the newest member of your chain of command. I was recruited yesterday and you’re supposed to give me a tour of the lab tomorrow.”

Riley searched her face and looked in disbelief. “Wow. This is all news to me. Very, eh, unbelievable news.”

“You missed a lot, Mr. Amnesia.”

“You’ll help me figure things out, right, Buffy?”

“Sure, Riley.” Swallowing, Buffy held his hand and gave it a squeeze. “What are friends for?”
***

“Nobody important?” Spike demanded the second Riley left in the care of the Initiative. “Just a visiting friend? Nice to know that I’m loved here,” he grumbled, brushing lint and dust off his leather coat. “Damn, Watcher, when was the last time you cleaned in there?”

“You were hiding in the closet?”

“It was there or under Giles’ fucking bed,” he answered bitterly. “And you’re being friendly with him even after he was an idiot a mere hour ago?”

Buffy looked at the concerned faces of her friends as Spike ranted and raved. “I think I should get him home. Uh, Tara, Willow, Giles, thanks for the help.”

“Just what do you think leading him on is going to accomplish?”

“Call me later, guys!” Buffy said, pulling Spike out of the house and into the rain.
***

“Is that your teeth that I hear chattering?”

“You had no problem hearing me as I talked with Riley.”

Spike narrowed his eyes as he and Buffy trudged in the heavy downpour. “We’ll be home soon.”

“And then I’ll freeze there.”

“We have blankets.”

Buffy said nothing and continued to shiver. Her clothing and hair were drenched and she struggled to leap over all the puddles that were standing in the graveyard. “If I fall in the freaking mud, Spike…”

“What? You gonna melt, princess?”

“Yes. Why can’t we have a car like normal people?”

Spike slowed the pace of his walking and reached for Buffy’s hand. “Where would I park it? In our garage?”

“Shut up,” Buffy pouted.

“I’m just saying--.”

“I know what you’re saying, Spike.”

“You that cold, pet?” Spike asked as Buffy’s body shook. “Fuck, I don’t want you to catch your death on your birthday, or on any day really.” He stopped and quickly took off his jacket. “I doubt this’ll help, but it’s something.”

“Thanks,” Buffy said, wrapping his leather tightly around her shoulders.

“Buffy, about Riley--.”

“Can’t it wait until we’re home? Please? I really want to talk just not right now.”

Spike nodded, “Think you can run, sweetheart?”
***

“I’m really going to freeze,” Buffy announced once they arrived at their crypt. “Am I turning blue yet?”

“Hold on,” Spike said, walking around as if looking for something. Each step that he took left a dirty puddle on the cement flooring.

“Don’t track your dirty boots on the rug.”

“I won’t. Why don’t you go downstairs and get out of those clothes?”

“What are you going to do?”

“Warm you up. I just need to gather a few things.”

“Okay,” she said, hugging her chest and heading to the ladder. “I’ll be back.”
***

“To have a hairdryer...” Buffy muttered as she tied her damp hair in a tight knot. She was dressed in the warmest clothes Spike had brought to the crypt and was making a mental list of all of the things she needed to bring to their new place.

Buffy tossed her dripping wet clothing into the shower and looked up with a jerk, a burning smell filling her nostrils.

“Oh, fuck!”

“Spike?!”

“Don’t worry, everything is under control!”

“Why do I not believe you?” Buffy yelled, running to the second level at full speed. “Spike, are you sure that’s safe?” The crypt had an eerie glow and whatever Spike was burning in the metal trashcan was making soft popping noises.

“Just had some problems with starting it, but now we’re good to go.”

“But there’s a bonfire in our living room…”

“No, it’s a heater,” Spike said from where he was sitting on the couch. He picked up a bag of marshmallows from his lap and dangled them in the air. “Come on, pet. Let’s go camping.”

“It is toasty, huh?” Buffy commented, making her way closer to the fire. “And I see you moved the rug, that’s good.” She sat next to him and spread the blanket that was in her arms to cover them both even though Spike wasn’t phased by the temperature. “I’d move closer, but you’re kinda damp, honey.”

“An excuse to shed my clothes?”

“If you want to,” she laughed, “but don’t expect me to join your nakedness just yet.”

“Still mad about Riley?”

“I was never mad. You were, remember?” Buffy watched as he undressed, captivated by the golden hue of his skin. “I was sticking to the plan. I mentioned that I needed to be nice to him before and with his memory loss, I can start over and go at everything with a new approach.”

“Would this approach involve dating him or at least pretending to?”

“It could,” she admitted quietly. Spike resumed his place on the sofa and Buffy curled into his side. “But I’d like to avoid that.”

“It won’t last long, right?”

“No way. A few days, tops.”

“Right. Guess you’ll just have to do what you can to get the job done.”

“And you don’t have a problem with that?”

“I do, but then I’m reminded of how much you trust me and…it’s about time that I return the favor, don’t you think?”

“Spike,” she said warmly, wrapping an arm around his waist. “I won’t let you down. You have my word, baby. I’ll stay on my best behavior.

“You’d better,” he snorted. “I’m putting a lot of faith into you, missy.”

Moved by his words, Buffy gave him a loving squeeze as she kissed his chin. “Can I have a marshmallow, Spike?”

“Sure and I found these skewer-things for roasting them…”

“You’ve thought of everything.”

“Impressed?”

“You always manage to impress me.”

“Oh really? What if I told you that I’m a sod and that I haven’t bought you a birthday gift yet?”

“You don’t have to buy me anything--.”

“Yeah right, tell me another, pet.”

“I’m not joking. It sounds corny, but you’re giving me exactly what I wanted as we speak.” She causally brushed her fingers up and down his chest. “I haven’t had to slay a thing today. There wasn’t any blood or gore and nobody died and you didn’t get hurt—well, the headache aside. Now, we’re settled in for a romantic evening in our new place with our campfire…this is really nice. No other presents are needed.”

“But if I got you something tomorrow you wouldn’t turn it down?”

“Oh, of course not.”

“That’s my girl,” Spike chuckled. “But as long as you’re happy, if you don’t think that you’re birthday was a bust--.”

“I’m very happy. Extremely.”

“Alright,” he said, pulling Buffy into his lap. “Happy birthday, pet.”
***
 

Chapter 18

The campfire continued to burn into the night and early morning. Articles of Buffy’s clothing were removed one by one until her naked skin was covered by nothing but Spike’s body. Heated kisses and touches were exchanged between the two until their passionate foreplay caused Buffy to reach all her limits, unable to handle mere centimeters of space separating her from Spike.

Spike’s unnecessary intakes of breath echoed Buffy’s quick pants as they rolled together, tumbling into the cushions of the worn sofa.

“Spike,” Buffy croaked, her voice raw with lust. “Need you.” She reached for him with open arms and legs spread wide. After letting out a soft grunt, she sighed in relief once he took advantage of her welcoming gesture by sinking into her deeply and interlocking their bodies together.

“Best present…ever,” she muttered into his ear along with other affectionate words. She lightly tugged and combed his hair with her fingers while she praised his ability to make her feel satisfied, wanted and adored. Spike didn’t reply, but Buffy could tell that he was pleased by the smirk that curved his mouth as he brought her closer to orgasm with each thrust of his hips.

Closing her eyes, Buffy waited for sparks to race through her body and she wasn’t surprised to feel Spike nuzzle her shoulder with his face as they rocked together. His pointed teeth slid smoothly into the tender holes on her neck, causing Buffy to reach her climax and involuntarily dig her nails into his lower back. Whispering that she was sorry, Buffy caressed the red moon-shaped dents that flawed his skin.

“That’s alright,” Spike said, after coming with a growl. Using the tip of his tongue, he licked up the last pearls of blood that gathered around her tiny wounds.

“You’re amazing,” Buffy purred as he began kissing down her arm after starting at the top of her shoulder.

“Got you warmed up, didn’t I?”

“Well…I think I’m actually bordering lukewarm,” she teased.

“Looks like you’re giving me a challenge. Let’s see what I can do for you, kitten.” Spike flashed her a mischievous grin before pouncing on Buffy for a second time.
***

“Ow,” Buffy groaned, rolling her head from side to side on her shoulders. She let out a loud yawn and lifted her arms above her head as she curved her back.

“Rough night?”

“No, it was very smooth. I just can’t say the same about our couch. It’s lumpy as hell. Will, it’s possible to bust a spring in a couch, right? Because not to brag, but my boyfriend’s a real….” Buffy turned to face Willow as she spoke, but became tongue-tied, seeing that Riley was standing next to her friend.

“So, I’m considered missing for a night and you have wild couch romps with some mystery man?” Riley joked. “Just how many pieces of furniture have you taken out?”

“Hey, Riley. I didn’t think you’d be back to school already,” Buffy said, changing the subject. “I want to say that you look good, but…” A little sympathetic smile tugged on her lips as she looked at the dark bruises on his face and the white bandage that covered the width of his nose. “Um, you at least feel better, right?”

“I feel like one big bruise, but other than that, the pain’s tolerable.”

“Does the Initiative know what happened to you?” Willow asked after sitting next to Buffy on the park bench.

Riley’s eyes grew sizes larger and he looked from Willow to Buffy in a panic. “You told her!?” he whispered frantically. “Who else knows?”

“Riley, I’ve really got to give you a refresher course because I’m positive that we’ve talked about this before. Too bad I didn’t record my ‘Slayer comma the’ lecture. Man, if I had that baby on tape--.”

“I know that you’re…the Slayer,” Riley revealed, looking from side to side nervously. “Professor Walsh filled me in and…wow. I can’t believe it, Buffy. You seem so…tiny—not that that’s a bad thing. I know that amazing things can come in small packages but…wow.”

Buffy tried to smile, but could only force a closed-lip smirk. “I’m just full of wows.”

“If you guys need to talk about the top secret, maybe I should--.”

“No!” Before Willow could leave her seat, Buffy grabbed her arm. ‘Stay, please!’ she mouthed.

“Maybe I should stay and help explain some things to Riley,” Willow finished, clearing her throat and settling back on the park bench.
***

“Willow’s a witch?”

“She prefers being known as magically gifted,” Buffy corrected.

“Yeah!” Willow agreed, “Witch is so Halloween-y. It’s horrible how we’re represented with the green ugly faces and wart-covered noses--.”

“Every year she tries to file a slander case against all of the major manufacturers,” Buffy joked, her face straight. They were sitting together in a fast food restaurant. Riley had made a point to scoot in next to Buffy and Willow sat across from them in the booth.

“So now’s not the time to ask if you ride on a broomstick?”

“Not unless you want to be turned into something small, hairy and with a pink nose. Will, tell him about our good friend, Amy the rat.”

“You turned someone into a rat?”

“It’s a long, yet exciting story.” Willow began the tale, “Once upon a time, in high school--.”

“But to make that long, yet exciting story short: Amy’s a rat and we can’t change her back. You don’t want to be another Stuart Little, right?”

“Riley Little does have a nice ring to it,” Willow grinned.

“Okay, I’ll make a note to always be extra nice to Willow.”

“And that’s why Will knows about everything. She helps me with my Slayer duties and I figure if I’m ever in a bind with my new commando duties, maybe I can give her a ring.” Buffy shrugged and searched Riley’s face, hoping that he’d give his approval. “And I know that she won’t tell a soul.”

“No one else knows?”

“Nope,” Buffy lied, keeping her expression as natural as possible.

“Alight, but keep it on a need-to-know basis. Professor Walsh will have my head if my secret is spread all around Sunnydale.” Riley opened his mouth to continue talking, but was interrupted by a beeping sound. Quickly, he reached under the table and glanced at his pager. “Buffy, aren’t you scheduled for a tour of the lab today?”

“As far as I know.”

“Professor Walsh is paging me now. After I give her a call and see what she wants, would you like to head down there with me?”

“Sure, that sounds great.”

“Alright, I’ll be outside,” Riley said, picking up his tray of crinkled up food wrappers.

“Maybe I can get this done sooner that I thought,” Buffy whispered to Willow once Riley was out of sight.

“Be careful, you’re already lying to him. You know how cranky he got when you betrayed him the last time.”

“You don’t have to remind me. I prefer this Riley, the other was a huge asshole.”

“You like him when he’s innocent and dumb as a doornail?”

“He is kinda sweet…”

“Should Spike be worried?” Willow teased. “I remember a time when you thought Riley was really sweet and quite the hottie…”

“And I also said that there weren’t any sparks between us. Spike finally told me that he trusts me with Riley and it’s a major step for us. I won’t hurt him—I can’t hurt him. Sure, maybe if Spike wasn’t in the picture, I would settle for some Riley loving, but I doubt that we’d ever be long term. He too…”

“Committed to the bad guys?”

“That’s exactly it and the worst part is: Riley, Forest, Graham and the rest of Maggie’s Dream Team have no idea that they are the bad guys.”

“Well, we’re not too certain ourselves. All we know is what they did to Spike--.”

“That’s enough proof for me,” Buffy broke in. “They’re sick and once I get in that lab, I’ll be so much closer.”

“To what?”

“Shutting them down for good.”
***

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I used to hide to get way from Dru. There was only so much of her talking to her dead Polly that I could handle. And then there was Miss bloody Edith...used to hide that sodding doll just for a cheap thrill on some days...”

“Renovating the crypt doesn’t take up your time?”

“Sometimes, but when my girl’s at school or when she’s frolicking about in the daylight I feel so….”

“Left out?”

“Like an abandoned puppy who’ll piss itself once his master gets home,” Spike admitted with a sigh.

“Awww, Spike. Hey, have you ever considered an exciting career in the real estate business? It’s really booming here in the Hellmouth! I sold three crypts and five sewer apartments last week!”

“No, no, Clem,” Spike laughed. “Real estate won’t do.” He sipped his drink through a bent straw as he lazily pressed buttons on the TV remote. “Can’t remember the last time I kept a job…that didn’t involve butchery and mayhem starting. Doubt I could handle a normal nine-to-five.”

“How about continuing your education?” the droopy skinned demon suggested. “I’m sure you could take classes in one building and avoid the sun completely. You and Buffy could be study buddies--.”

“It’s too late for that, mate.”

“Really?”

“Oh yeah. I read her textbooks during the day while she’s sleeping through class and we study at night. It’s quite a system and it gives me something to do rather than watching talk shows when the soaps are over and if it’ll help her pass…. Besides, way back in my breathing days I nearly became a school teacher,” he said while scratching his brow. “You do realize if you repeat any of this conversation, I’ll kill you, right?”

“Everything you say is safe with me, Spike,” Clem promised with a reassuring grin.
***

“Is your entire fraternity in on this?”

“It makes things more secure that way.”

“Oh. Gotcha.”

“Are you sure that you want to see it now? It’s getting a little late…that boyfriend of yours may miss you,” Riley commented, giving Buffy a quick glance as they walked through the building.

“Boyfriend? Did I say that I had a--.”

“A mystery man who breaks couches.”

“Oh, him! He’s…uh, out of town again. We’re a long-long distance kind of thing.”

“I’m sorry to hear about that.” When Buffy shot Riley a questioning glance, he continued, “I mean, you should have someone here all the time. Especially with the work that you do in the field.”

“But it doesn’t—it wouldn’t keep him safe if he were here. If I had a choice, I’d want my honey to get off the Hellmouth…even if he could handle himself in any situation….” Buffy’s eyes glazed over, thinking about Spike and his graceful fighting skills.

“Buffy, come in. Earth to Buffy,” Riley joked. “We’re here.”

Buffy’s brows furrowed, looking at a large mirror that reflected their bodies from head to toe. “We’re here?”

“Just stand still,” he whispered, opening a hidden panel and pressing a tiny button that was to the left of the mirror.

“What’s it doing?” Buffy asked, wrinkling her nose as a horizontal line scanned down her body.

“Recording your retinal scan.”

“Oh, I knew that.”
***

“Next time you’ll be able to get in by just talking. The elevator’s voice-activated.”

“That baby must’ve been fun during our bout of laryngitis.”

Once they had reached the basement floor, Riley grasped Buffy’s hand and gave it a warm squeeze. “Follow me,” he repeated, his voice soft as he led her into the main chamber of the lab.

“It’s huge,” Buffy whispered, taking in the new environment. As Riley pulled her across the catwalk, her eyes grew wide, seeing a number of men and women in surgical scrubs. Demons were tied down on tables and it was clear that they were not there by choice.

“What are they doing to them?”

“Our team is just performing some tests.”

“Oh,” Buffy said, still in a daze. “Riley, if I were a vampire that had been captured by-by the team, where would you keep me?”

“We have cells that house them.”

“Cells? Like cushy prison cells with movie night and a full gym that they can get toned with?”

“No,” Riley chuckled

“I didn’t think so,” Buffy mumbled.

“So, what do you think?” Riley beamed at her, full of pride. “How’s the lab?”

“It’s incredible.” Buffy turned back to the pit that was in the center. Sighing discreetly, she studied all the little walking lab coats and wondered if it was one of them who had handicapped her boyfriend. “It’s not like I thought it was some fly-by-night operation…unless it is. God, do you guys fly? With those jetpack things, do you have those?”

“I can’t really talk about that,” Riley said, playing coy.

“This is crazy. So unreal.”

"Does that mean that you like our little operation?"

Buffy jumped, letting go of Riley’s hand and finding Professor Walsh behind her. "Yeah-yes. It's very...clean."

“Cleanliness is important. Here’s your visitor’s badge and I’ve assembled some reading material to bring you up to speed.”

Buffy frowned, taking the papers and clipping the plastic badge to her jacket. “And here I thought you couldn’t give me homework out of class.”

“You can’t take that home. It’s classified material, highly sensitive. When you’re through reading those pages you’ll have to eat them.”

Not sure if she was serious, Buffy looked up at Riley.

“She’s joking, Buffy.”

“Don’t worry, it doesn’t happen very often and it probably won’t happen again,” Maggie Walsh assured. “Now, shall we?”
***

“Xenomorphic behavior modification? That’s a mouthful.”

“Yes, we’ve made significant advances in reconditioning the sub-terrestrials and bringing them to a point where they no longer pose a threat.”

“So I’ve seen,” Buffy said under her breath. After the long tour, Buffy felt that she’d seen everything except for one room that was clearly labeled with the number 314. “What’s over there?”

“Research area. Very restricted for security reasons,” Professor Walsh said, taking her attention away from the door. “Here is your security card and pager. We’re the only ones with the number and it stays that way. Lose either one of them and there’s hell to pay and down here we mean that literally.”

“Gotcha.”

“Welcome to the team, Buffy,” she said, smiling and shaking Buffy’s hand. “You’re in Riley’s hands now, for I’ve meetings to attend.”

“Um, thanks.” Buffy looked at the confidential items that filled her hands and grimaced at Riley. “Should I feel under pressure? Yesh, how much super secret stuff can you guys have?”

“All that and then some.” Riley put his hand on her shoulder, leading her to the door.
***

“Are you sure that this the place to be going over my paperwork?” Buffy asked, weaving through the people that filled the Bronze. “It seems a little on the crowded and loud side.”

“We’ll be fine,” Riley said, ushering her to a dark empty table in the back. “Here’s your diet.” He scooted the drink towards her before pulling out her chair.

“Thanks,” Buffy muttered, feeling a tad uncomfortable.

“I’m sure that you have a lot of questions about what you saw today. Not to knock Professor Walsh, but talking to a real person will be more helpful than those papers.” He leaned forward and gave her another handsome smile, “So, lay it on me. Ask me anything—well, within some reason.”

Buffy blinked, realizing that he was giving her a golden opportunity to get information from him in a painless way.

Must play it cool, she thought.

“Okay, a few questions come to mind. Like, why you? How did you get involved with the Initiative?”

“I was plucked out of special op training for this,” he answered, looking pleased that she asked a personal question.

“What did they tell you it was for?”

“Well, they didn’t. In the military you learn to follow orders, not ask questions.”

“Aren’t you curious about all the science and research stuff they’re doing? Doesn’t it wig you out just a smidge?”

“I know all that I need to know. I know that we’re doing good here and that we’re protecting the public by removing the sub-terrestrial threat. To me, it’s work worth doing.”

Buffy nodded and played with her drink as she contemplated her next set of questions. When she looked up at Riley again, over his shoulder, a very familiar silhouette caught her eye.

“Is something going on up there?” Riley asked, turning in his seat once he saw Buffy’s eyes widen.

“No!” She grabbed his face and pulled it away, stopping him from seeing the bar. Her mind blank of excuses for her actions, she decided to use her lips instead of words.

“Wow, I-I didn’t see that coming.” Riley pulled back from their kiss with goofy excitement written in all his features. “Now all I feel is this strange tingling feeling and my ears—do you hear humming?” he asked with a laugh.

Before Buffy could answer, she was pulled in for a longer and deeper kiss.

Please, she thought as she played along, don’t let….

Buffy opened her eyes and over Riley’s shoulder, there was Spike, staring at them as he stood near the bar.
***


 

Chapter 19

Buffy’s eyes met Spike’s and dread traveled through her body. She could tell that he was upset, even though he was on the other side of the Bronze. His jaw was set, his eyes were slightly narrowed and with each unnecessary breath that he took, his nostrils flared.

Shit, shit, shit, Buffy thought, suddenly unable to move fast enough. She pushed Riley back and ripped her mouth away from his greedy lips.

“What?” Riley asked, surprised by her actions. “What’s wrong?”

“I can’t do this,” she whispered, her eyes still on Spike. “I’m seeing someone—someone who I love and I can’t do this to him.”

Buffy gathered her belongings and fled from the table, leaving Riley baffled and reeling from her snub. By the time she made it across the busy dance floor, she was not surprised to see that Spike had vanished.

"Excuse me," she panted, leaning against the bar. "There was a man standing here a minute ago, he’s really handsome, British and dressed in all black. Can you tell me where he went?"
***

In the smoky room, Spike’s hair stood out like a beacon in the darkness. He was sitting at a round table with various demons on either side of him.

Well, he did tell me once that he had friends…

Buffy tried not to wrinkle her nose as she took in the group of less-than-threatening monsters. Each demon had playing cards in front of them and she gathered that they were playing some sort of poker game.

“Spike,” she said softly, afraid to rile the others if they recognized her as the Slayer. “Spike, can I talk to you?”

“Can’t you see that I’m busy?” he answered, never turning to face her.

“Spike, please, let me explain.”

“Hey, Buffy.” Clem grinned and waved at her, causing the folds of loose skin under his arms to wiggle and shake.

“Uh, do I know you? Have we met before? Was there violence involved?”

“Oh, heavens no. Spike’s just told me a lot about you. I’m Clem. I helped him find your new home.”

“Can we stop the yammering? I’ve got a bloody good lead here.”

“Spike’s a little cranky. He went to get us an onion blossom and he’s been a grouch ever since. I’m guessing that he was overcharged,” Clem whispered. “Why don’t you pull up a chair? You know the game? Maybe Spike could advance you a tabby.”

“Tabby?” As Buffy set a chair close to Spike’s, she glanced in the cardboard box that sat in the middle of the table. “You play for kittens? Spike—kittens?!”

“Don’t bock about my extra curricular activities, sweetheart. I haven’t said a word about yours, even if they’re revolting and downright gross. You need to wash out that mouth of yours before it’s coming near me again.”

“You’re over-reacting,” Buffy sighed. “Just let me explain.”

“You don’t have to. I saw everything. Heard it all too. The sound of smacking lips travels mighty well when you’re a vamp.”

She rolled her eyes and reached for his arm. “Will you just listen to me? Can’t your buddies call a timeout?”

“There will be no timeout. Spike, take your human somewhere else,” a green demon interrupted. “We’ve got a game to finish.”

“It’s not like we stand a chance of winning,” a scaly demon added. “He’s been cleaning us out since he showed up. I’m starting to think he’s cheating.”

“Now wait a minute, boys. Would I do a thing like that?” The room was silent and everyone, including Buffy, knew that he was very willing to play an unfair game. “I cheat? What about ole green horns over there? He’s got x-ray vision and nobody points a finger at him!”

Buffy shifted uncomfortably in her seat as the demons that surrounded her all started to growl and vocalize their annoyance with Spike. “Honey, maybe we should go and leave them to their kitties…”

“That’s right, leave your winnings and get out. We’ll forget this whole thing.”

“This is a set up, isn’t it?” Spike raved. “Trying to squeeze a few quid out of me? Well, I’ll tell you what you didn’t count on: you’re all in for quite the fight! All you against me and the lady! We’ll have you bleeding in seconds flat!”

“We will? I’ll beg for forgiveness all night long, but—I have to fight for your right to gamble for kittens? That doesn’t seem like a currency worthy of getting into a bar fight over.”

Spike looked at Buffy in the eye for the first time since she’d entered the room. “You owe it to me, Slayer.”

“Right,” she swallowed, getting to her feet. “Come and get it, baddies. You want to fight? You face the both of us. But first,” she took the cardboard box of cats and tipped it over gently on its side, “Be free, kittens!”
***

“What can I say? I help the helpless and those kitties were in definite need of rescuing,” Buffy explained as she, Spike and Clem took the back exit out of the Bronze. “It was so funny to watch those demons crawl on the ground. I saw one—the slimy guy—he was crying over losing the little fur balls.”

“Kittens are delicious. I caught this one and I’m going to have it before bedtime.” Happily, Clem pulled a tiny white cat from under his shirt and showed it to Buffy. “Doesn’t it look yummy?”

Buffy’s mouth gapped open and she looked at him in horror.

“Looks like the Slayer isn’t too fond of your choice of bedtime snacks,” Spike snickered.

“Kittens are very not yummy!” She stepped forward and took the kitten into her arms. “They’re cute and for petting, not for chowing down on! Even using them as substitutes for poker chips is sick. Isn’t that right, Mr. Kitten?”

“Some of us think that making out with the enemy is sick, but to each his own.”

“Isn’t my boyfriend adorable when he acts like an ass? It just makes you want to squeeze him to death…literally, right?”

“Uh…” Clem looked from Buffy to Spike, “should I answer that truthfully?”

“Maybe you should run home, mate. I feel another fight coming on and with me and my Slayer it gets quite nasty.”

“He’s a hair-puller,” Buffy explained.

“But…my kitten?”

“Eat it and I slay.”

“Really?”

“Really,” Buffy answered. “You seem nice, but I have very strong feelings about this.”

“Maybe…uh, would you like to keep him?” Clem suggested. “I don’t want to be tempted…”

“Spike? Can we keep him, baby?”

“You mean you’re going to ask my opinion?” Spike said with mock-surprise. “This is new.”

“Again with the adorable. Okay, it’s ours. Bye, Clem. It was nice to meet you.” Without looking at Spike, Buffy turned on her heel and headed in the direction of their crypt. “You’ll get used to him, kitty. He’s a stupid, stubborn vampire. You’ll love him someday too, I promise.”
***

Spike stayed steps behind Buffy as she stomped through the cemetery.

“Are you going to stalk me the whole way home?”

“I might. The view from back here is bloody remarkable. Remind me to buy you the whole line of those leather pants.”

Buffy spun and looked at Spike with one hand on her hip. “Are you going to let me explain now?”

“It’d probably be a waste of time. I have a good idea of what you’d say.” He sauntered up to her and ran a thumb across her lips. “You’re sorry…it meant nothing…stop me if I get something wrong.”

“It won’t happen again,” she whispered. “Never, baby.”

“You got into the lab?”

“I did and I can come and go as I please. I think I found something. There’s this room—314—that had tons of security. Everyone was very hush-hush about it, too.”

He nodded, still concentrating on her lips. “Why’d you kiss him then? If you got inside the lab.”

“He was going to see you,” Buffy confessed. “I know it was stupid, but I couldn’t let him see you.”

“Protecting me?”

“Always.”

“Would you mind keeping your lips to yourself next time? Because they belong to me and I like to keep all that’s mine…well, to myself.”

Buffy nodded, her eyes sparkling. “My lips are your lips. In fact, I only borrow them. You’re not mad anymore?”

“No, not at the moment.”

“That was…surprisingly painless.”

“But we still need to discuss the fur ball. I’m not sure that I want it in my crypt.”

“Why not?” Buffy dangled the kitten in front of his face. “You don’t like him?”

“I have nothing against that particular one, I just don’t fancy myself as a cat person. If you want a pet, let’s get something ferocious.”

“You can train him to be an attack kitty. We can name him something ferocious like Tiger or Simba or, uh, Snowball.”

“Very funny, sweet,” Spike said, draping an arm over Buffy’s shoulder.

“Mmmm…I’m liking this.” Buffy sighed, enjoying his closeness as they walked the rest of the way to the crypt. “You had me thinking that I could lose this. That was a horrible feeling. Neither warm or fuzzy.”

“Maybe you’ll think about that next time.”

“There won’t be a next time.”

“I hope you’re right, pet,” Spike said, opening the door of their home.

“God, me too.”
***

“I’ve never had a cat, for any kind of pet for that matter.”

“Why start now then?”

“Because.”

“Well, that’s a good answer there.”

“Maybe I should run and get him some stuff. He needs food and a litter box and a mouse-shaped toy to swat at.”

“If you’re heading out, we’re short on beer and those cheesy puffs.”

“What do I look like, your slave?”

“Actually you do. You wronged me, remember that.”

“Why do I have the feeling that you’ll be constantly reminding me?” Buffy asked, sitting next to Spike on the couch with an exaggerated sigh. “What else do we need, master?”

“Master? I like the sound of that.” With a mischievous grin, he started to pull her into his lap.

“I’m here to follow all your commands.”

“This is becoming more and more to my liking.” As he spoke, Spike inched closer to Buffy. When they were centimeters shy of kissing, he paused. “Did you brush?”

“Yes.”

“Use mouthwash?”

“Shut up and kiss me.”

“Hey, who’s the master here?”

Rolling her eyes, Buffy yanked his chin down within her reach and she soon found it difficult to keep up with his fiery kisses. Show off she thought, letting a deep moan escape from the back of her throat. Knowing that he was trying to prove that his kiss was far superior to Riley’s, she allowed herself to melt in Spike’s strong arms.

“We need paper plates.”

“Huh?”

“And Joyce called, she wants you to stop by and pick up your birthday gifts.”

Buffy nodded, unable to get out a word before Spike’s mouth came back down on hers.
***

“My nameless kitty will get only the best of the best! Just, eh, I’m not sure what that is. You need to help me out, Will.” Buffy spoke on her cell phone as she paced up and down the row of pet supplies. “There’s so much stuff here from teaser toys to squirrels stuffed with catnip. Help.”

“I don’t know, Buffy. Just get what calls to you. So, what does your significant other think about your new feline friend?”

“I’m not sure. I got on his bad side today. I kissed Riley and he saw the smoochies.”

“Oh no.”

“I know.”

“But you guys got over it, right?”

“I think…well, I hope so. Wait a minute.” Buffy placed the phone on a shelf and picked up a large scratching post. “Sharp nails of doom will make Mr. Kitty ferocious,” she muttered. “Spike’ll like this.”

“Okay, back.”

“What are you guys naming the kitten? When can I see it?”

“There’s been no mention of names. ‘Mr. Kitty’ seems to be coming out naturally, but I’m giving Spike the honor of naming our new bundle of joy.”

“You’re taking care of a pet together. Awww, that’s two steps in the right direction.”

“After the Riley kissing that took us fifty paces back,” Buffy added. “Maybe we’ll add kitty viewing to the crypt’s open house…okay, I think I’ve got what I need. My cart’s a little on the overflowing side and that’s a sign that I need to stop shopping. Before I let you go, have you heard anything from Giles? Is there any evil hanging about or coming our way?”

“I haven’t seen him and Tara and I weren’t near a phone all day…”

“It sounds like I need to give him a ring. Later, Will.”
***

Spike could see it out of the corner of his eye. “What a bloody annoyance you are. Will you stop it?”

The kitten didn’t listen and it continued to lick itself and bat at its ears.

“You’re interrupting my time with the telly.” Spike raised the volume of the television and tried to concentrate more heavily on the show.

Without him noticing it, the cat leaped on the couch. “Oh, hell,” Spike said as it walked onto his lap. “Don’t do that, you big cootie.”

“Get off. Don’t get kitten on my leather. I forgot to tell Buffy to pick up some lint rollers.”

Against his better judgment, he straightened out a finger and timidly petted one ear. “Never liked cats…but you are one soft little bugger, aren’t you?”

The kitten collapsed and looked up with big, shining eyes.

“Fine. Do what you want. I can already tell that you’ll be an independent little puss.” Spike ran his palm over the kitten’s back and couldn’t help but crack a smile. “Look at me, holding a conversation with Clem’s comfort food. Wouldn’t Dru be proud?”
***

“Mom! Do you think I could get a lift back to the crypt?” Buffy walked through the door with her hands weighed down. “You won’t believe what I got at the Bronze today!”

“Buffy, it’s about time that you showed up.”

Her head jerked up, seeing her mom and Giles standing in the doorway. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Faith,” Giles said, pulling off his glasses. “She’s awake and she has escaped.”

"Escaped? How long have you known? Giles this is bad."

"I've been trying to reach you all day."

"My phone was confiscated at the lab. I just turned it on a few minutes ago to call Willow. She said that she was away from a phone all day too."

"Buffy, when Faith escaped, there were victims. A young girl and two guards were found badly beaten. The police are looking for her."

"But, she was in a coma. I thought she wasn't supposed to wake up for a very long time."

"It was completely unexpected."

Buffy nodded. "I need to get Spike. We'll look for her. When we find her we’ll...God, I have no idea what we’ll do. Should we hand her to the cops?"

“No. That’s a bad idea.”

Buffy turned slowly, hearing Faith’s voice coming from behind her. “Hey, I was just about to look for you.”

“I've been standing still for eight months, B. You wouldn’t have had to look hard.”

“Giles, take my mom outside.”

“What’s you’re hurry?” Faith asked, blocking the exit to the living room with her body. Her face was shades paler than usual and she was dressed head to toe in black. Buffy’s heart sped up, thinking that she looked more dangerous and psychotic than ever.

“Are you all right?” Buffy asked carefully.

“Five by five. Best thing about a coma, you wake up all rested and rejuvenated and ready for payback.”

“So much for the chitchat, huh? You’re going straight to the revenge.”

“What'd you think, I'd wake up and we'd go for dinner and movie? You tried to gut me, blondie.”

“You'd have done the same to me if you had the chance.”

“So let's have another go at it. See who lands on top,” Faith said, rushing at Buffy.

“You know, maybe I did miss you.” Buffy threw several punches at the other Slayer. “I missed kicking your ass.”

As they fought and blocked each other’s blows, Giles guided Joyce into the kitchen. “We have to go to Spike.”

Joyce jumped, hearing crashing sounds coming from the other room. “Shouldn’t we call the police?”

“We will, but for now must help Buffy.”

“By leaving her?”

“By staying out of her way and letting her concentrate. She won’t win this fight if she’s worrying about our safety. We need to get Spike and tell him to come at once. He’ll be able to give Buffy the help that she needs.”
***

Buffy was tossed onto the coffee table and it shattered under her weight. “Ow. That’s going to leave a mark.”

“Come on, B. Is this all that you’ve got? I’m not even breaking a sweat here.”

“I’ll just have to break a few of your bones then.” Buffy got to her feet and struggled to regain her balance. Throwing caution to the wind, she head-butted Faith and sent her flying into the dining room. Buffy grabbed the nearest heavy objects and hurled them at the Faith’s head.

“Come on, F. Is this all that you’ve got?”

With an angry growl, Faith pulled herself up by clinging onto the silverware cabinet. Buffy ducked as a drawer of spoons, forks, and knives was thrown in her direction.

“Fuck. The cops,” Faith whispered at the sound of approaching sirens. “Guess playtime’s over.” She pulled a device out of her jeans and slipped its rings onto her fingers. “Hey, B, want to see my new present? See, some people show a little appreciation when a girl wakes up from a long nap.”

“What are you talking about? Wait. Don’t answer, I don’t care.” Buffy slammed her left fist in the side of Faith’s face. She pulled back her right, but Faith moved faster.

“What? You want to hold hands?” Instead of getting a response, an electric shock traveled through Buffy’s body.

“What the…” Feeling faint, Buffy struggled to keep her eyes open. Her vision became blurred until she saw her body standing clearly in front of her. “Huh?”

“What a rush, these out of body experiences.”

“Faith? What did you do?”

Buffy watched as her mouth twisted in a bitter smile. “Surprise, B. I promise to take real good care of this body of yours.”

Buffy stood in a daze, still trying to understand as the front door to her mother’s house was kicked in by police officers.

“Freeze and put your hands over your head!”
***


 

Next