Chapter 6

United

Spike stood there for a while, hands clenched and body rigid. Not only was he pissed something had happened to the two most important people to him; one of them was still in danger. He didn't even know where to begin, where Warren could have taken her was anybody's guess, but he doubted that it would be back to any known place of his.

Spike turned and kicked the wall. Frustration was building fast, and his anxiety over the situation didn't seem to be getting any better. 'Think Spike, think...' he said to himself, as he paced back and forth. But he couldn't think, not straight anyway, because his thoughts were becoming jumbled, and his pent up energy was getting the best of him.

His mind finally settled on one thought- Warren had to have gone through the sewers, because there was no way he was going to carry her through the streets without being seen. With that realization, he knew his only plan for now was the process of elimination. Not the fastest way to go, but the most reasonable. Open any and every door he came across, climb every ladder he passed, and beat the shit out of any passerby for info. So far, he realized, he had yet to run into anyone. Not unusual though, since it was after dark. By now, Spike's eyes had had plenty of time to adjust to the lack of light, and he knew little would be missed. Especially since all his other senses were also on full alert.

He took off at a full run, not trying to hide his presence. A good throttling of something would give him some kind of release, at least. At first he felt he was running without a destination, but then a feeling came over him like he was being led. "Spike. This way," he heard, but didn't stop running. His dream at the motel room was not forgotten, and he thought of how at the end of it, he could hear Joyce's thoughts inside himself. No special light this time around to follow...just the knowledge she was in the lead. And he trusted Joyce completely.

****

Buffy had tried to keep Warren from taking her away from Dawn, but her resistance did little in the way to deter him. He had carried her over his shoulder for a good while, and her limp, upper body was jostled by his clumsy half-run. By the time they had reached his destination, she was back to dry heaving, and sweat dripped into her eyes, even though she was cold. Now she stood against a wall, her hands in restraints above her head. She took in the place through half shut eyes. It was some kind of public works place, probably the water company. Too tired to care, and too weak to support herself any longer, she buckled at the knees. Her wrists held all her weight; it hurt, but she had no choice.

Buffy looked up at Warren who was acting nervous as he fumbled with some papers and a box of unknown contents. "Whatever you are up to isn't going to pan out. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but unlike you, I have friends. And my friends, I'm sure, are going to be all over your ass if you don't let me out of here." Her headache raged on, and the work it took to get each word out made the pain double. She wanted to be in her comfy bed, head on a plump pillow, resting her weary body.

Warren's sudden closeness pulled her from her thoughts. "What I plan on doing, Slayer, is doing a favor for someone. Now, that isn't so bad, is it?" He ran a finger down the side of her face. "So, just be a good little girl and be quiet. I have to concentrate." Buffy had the urge to bite his finger as it brushed against her bottom lip, and she cringed internally at the thought his fingers may explore other places. But he was soon back to his papers, mumbling to himself. The only thing she made out was something about missing an ingredient. After a few swears, and looking at his watch, he told her he would be back soon.

****

Soon ended up being longer than she thought it would be. Buffy alternated between standing and hanging. Tears pricked her eyes, but she didn't want Warren to come back and catch her crying. She was back to shivering, almost violently, and whenever she moved her neck too much, a sharp pain shot through it. The demon's venom must have worn off by now, because she no longer felt like she was in a cloudy haze. She didn't know if the headache and chills were a reaction, like a side effect or what, but it seemed to be progressing.

When Warren finally came back, she had to restrain herself from begging him to let her go. She didn't want to sound weak, although it was very evident she was.

Warren pulled a pink colored stone out of a felt bag, and set it on a makeshift table. Furiously he scribbled something on a piece of paper, before taking a swig of water from a plastic bottle. To Buffy, that bottle was a piece of gold. "Can I have some?" Not really liking the thought of Warren's lips having touched it, but her whole body yearned for a drink.

Warren, not looking at her, made an "ahhh" sound, tilted his head back slightly, and then closed his eyes for a minute. Buffy thought he was annoyed she had interrupted him, but then he turned her way, an evil, little smirk on his lips. He had the bottle in his hand as he walked to her. "Depends if the Slayer has it in her to beg a little." He held the bottle up so she was staring at the cool liquid. "Come on, tell me you want it."

'What kind of sick game is this?' she asked herself. She gave him a "what the hell?" face, and said, "No."

Warren rubbed the capped opening against her mouth, making her lips open and close slightly against it. He was obviously enjoying this. "Come on. Let it in." When she tightened her lips, he shrugged in response, and started to walk away. She knew he was doing this on purpose. And as degrading as it was, she desperately wanted to drink. Actually, with all the sweating, she knew she was going to dehydrate if she didn't have some soon. With that in mind, she decided to play along. "Ok."

Warren once again faced her. He cocked an eyebrow in expectancy. Buffy swallowed any pride. "Please, give it to me."

"No. More feeling in it, sweetie."

Buffy lowed her voice to make it more sensual. "Please, Warren, you know I want it."

He was very close to her now, his voice in her ear. "You want it? Well, you know what you have to do before anything can come out for you to drink."

Buffy felt even sicker to her stomach at this point. He held the bottle up to her, and he studied her mouth as her tongue flicked out to touch the opening. His voice was getting heavy and urgent. "Yeah, Slayer, play a little." He had his other hand in her hair now. 'How wacked is this guy....errrr, maybe not a good term to describe him," she thought. She didn't care, as long as she got a drink, and then he left her alone.

"Take as much as you can...."he said, then started pushing it in further. He was obviously aroused, and the thought made her gag, just as much as the plastic being shoved into her throat. She pulled her head back. Warren took the cap off and gave her one measly gulp. She was pissed. "That all you got, little boy?"

"Oh, no, I have a lot more where that came from, but I'm thinking I'm going to make you work for it." With that said, he grabbed the top of her blouse and ripped it off of her.

"What the fuck do you think you are doing?" she asked. He slid a hand from her neck toward her bellybutton, but she kneed him in the crotch before he got further. Warren stumbled backward.

"You little bitch," he said, grabbing himself. "I just may make you kiss that better."

After the pain subsided a little, he went over to a closet and rummaged around in it. He ended up slamming it shut, then preceded back to the table where a green canvas bag was laying. Pulling a clear container out of it, and then picking up a metal pipe from the floor, he came to stand in front of her once more. "Didn't want it to go this way," he said, and then he swung the pipe at her legs in a way so he hit both at the same time. Buffy buckled at the force. Wasting no time, Warren grabbed her face, knowing she was in too much of a stupor to think, and shoved a pill down her throat.

Buffy's involuntary reflexes kicked in, and she almost threw up. She swung her leg at him once more, but this time he was anticipating it, and was able to move in time. "What was that?"

"Just something to bring out the mellow side of you." Warren snickered as he popped the little pill container back into the bag.

"Yeah, well, that's just cause you know there is no way in hell I would ever submit willingly to the likes of you."

The room was well lit, but one of the florescent bulbs blinked in a fast rhythm, giving off an almost strobe-light effect. Her enemy seemed to be walking in slow motion as he half circled her body. "Now, now. That's not nice." He stopped now, just a few feet from her. She knew that the pill was taking effect, and she felt almost as if she had left her body. Once again, she was unable to hold herself up, especially since she could tell big-ass bruises were starting to form on her thighs.

Once Warren was sure she was no longer a threat, he went over to the now half-asleep Slayer. He rubbed his clothed erection against her stomach. "Don't be so judgmental, you haven't seen all of me yet."

All she wanted was sleep. It tugged at her eyes and smothered her brain. Tears threatened once more as she half-heartedly struggled against her chains. "Please," she said desperately.

"Ahhh, that's right, back to begging." He pulled her up again him. "Won't you feel so much better knowing that you did something so nice for me? I mean, I guess what goes around, really does come around. Here I am, working on a favor for someone, and now you are begging to do me a favor."

Buffy decided to turn the conversation. Try to distract him as long as possible. Not that she thought that would be easy. She put a hand on his chest, a gesture to make him happy, though it was more to keep him at bay. "And what favor would you do for someone?" she asked while looking at him with batting eyes. "I mean, I have to say I know you are smart Warren, and you must be very busy. So who is lucky enough to get you to take time out of your busy schedule...oh wait, must be some lucky lady." She started to twirl her finger in his hair, hoping to encourage him into talking.

Warren stepped back, looking at her coyly. "Don't think I'm smart, you think I'm stupid, otherwise you wouldn't be asking me that. But, since you will be out of my hands soon anyway, guess it wouldn't hurt to let you squirm a while at the news of your fate."

Buffy remained still and hoped her face was unreadable. "So, go on."

Warren looked at his watch again. "Shit! My watch stopped. He could be here any minute!" He ran over to where the pink stone was and started taking some other stuff out.

"Who's he?"

He talked as he worked at arranging some stuff. "The Paricee demon. He's supposed to be here at 3 AM to pick up his mate."

Buffy looked around and shrugged. "And looks like he's going to be stood up 'cause whoever it...wait...just what kind of favor are you doing?"

Warren now took the left over water and poured it over the stone. "You are the favor," he said, and then looked over at her. "To make a long story short, his brother worked for me a while ago, and when things didn't pan out the way I anticipated, I sent him to your house for a little one on one action. Now, a few weeks later, this demon shows up and says he has come back to revenge his brother's death at the hands of the Slayer. Of course, he thinks it's my fault, and tries to kill me. But I had an offer he couldn't refuse; if he helped me capture you, I could do a spell that would make you his mate. How could he resist? I mean, the Slayer, loving him and being his obedient mate." Warren laughed, "Of course, I have no idea what a demon's idea of love is. Could be sucking his toes clean every night for all I know."

Buffy shuttered. "Warren, you are demented. And since when have you started doing spells?"

"I'm not. I mean, this is only my second one."

"What?" Buffy yelled. She didn't like the idea of being a guinea pig.

"Shut up. I need to concentrate. Besides, I think if I do a good job, this demon just may let me have a turn with you as a payment."

"I thought your life was payment. Oh, wait, I guess that isn't very valuable to anyone besides yourself."

Warren was getting mad. "I mean it, Slayer, shut up, or I'm going to pop you another pill. And I don't think two is a recommended dose." He looked back down at the rock, then shut his eyes and mumbled something. Then he took out a feather and brushed it three times on top, and then made a circle around it. After watching him pour some black powder in little piles to form two circles entwined, Buffy closed her eyes and tried concentrating on not letting the spell have any effect on her. She doubted that would work, but worth a try.

Warren traced the lines of the created circles over and over again with a red rose and a black rose he had tied together. "Two circles, separate be, make them one in unity. Though one is the heart of light, make it love the one of night." Buffy watched as the circles started to move. Then Warren dropped the roses in the middle and start talking in a language she couldn't understand. "Ishmane adube..."

The door to the building flew open, causing Warren to stop mid-sentence as he got up and spun around to see who had busted the door in. "Shit. Spike. Shit..." was all Warren could get out. Spike stood there, in full glory, basking in the thought he was about to wreak carnage on this fellow. That is until he saw Buffy, half naked, chained up and looking very sick.

He heard her say his name with what little strength she could muster. Though all the pain, was that a bit of a smile on her lips? A bit of relief in her eyes? "Hello,luv." His attention turned back to Warren. Menacingly he walked toward him, fists already formed, ready to mash him into a bloody pile of mush. "What the fuck did you do to her?" He grabbed Warren's shirt and held him up, as he pushed him back into the wall. "Did you touch her?" Warren only formed the word no on his lips, and then Spike's fist met his mouth. Blood seeped down his chin.

Warren wiped his chin and then looked over at the doorway, a noise grabbing his attention. "Oh....crap."

"Where is my mate? Is this her?" The demon asked, taking up most of the doorway. He started walking toward Buffy, but Spike intervened by moving to stand protectively in front of her.

"It didn't work," Buffy said to the demon. "Warren tried the spell, but he said he couldn't figure it out. He did tell you he's only done one other spell before, right?

The demon looked over at Warren, who was now trying to slowly back up toward the door, and then looked back at her. Buffy went on, trying to direct the demon's attention to her rival. "Yeah, well, he said it didn't matter that the spell didn't work because what you wanted wasn't much of a concern to him anyway. He said all that mattered to him was getting to defile me so he could have the last laugh.

The demon started walking towards Warren. "Is that right?" he asked, squinting his eyes at the human, shaking his head in disgust.

Spike winked at Buffy when he noticed a smirk of triumph grace her mouth. Yes, why waste valuable time killing Warren when this demon could do it, and he could be with Buffy? He gave a chuckle as he listened to her continuous accusations. "Oh, and he said your brother was a wimp. A kitten could have kicked his ass." That was it, the demon chased Warren out the door, Warren begging for him to believe it wasn't true.

Spike admired his little spitfire. Hardly any life to the girl, by the looks of it, yet she still had it in her. He went to her then, putting his hands on each side of her face. "Buffy." She looked at him with glazy eyes. "Buffy," he said once more, but this time with concern. She was hot enough that even he could even feel the change in temperature. He looked up, realizing he didn't have the key to let her free.

"You came for me," she said with a note of bewilderment in her voice.

"Would you expect anything less?" Spike asked. "Buffy, you are burning up. We need to get you out of here." He turned and went to the bag that Warren had left behind. Luckily, he found the key tucked inside a small, side pocket.

"I'm getting you out of here, luv," he said as he worked the locks. Buffy squinted her eyes shut when the chains clattered to the floor. Her headache was still pounding and the noise seemed to cut right through her. As the support of the restraints left, she felt herself sway, but only for a second, before she was swept up into Spike's arms. "Hold on, pet, we'll be at the hospital soon."

Buffy clung to him and laid her head half on his shoulder, and half against his neck. "I want to go home."

Spike stopped walking. "Buffy, you need help. You are too sick to be going home." He couldn't believe she would argue with him over this, and knew he was going to have to stay strong and insist on doing what was best for her. "I'm taking you to the hospital. Dawn is there with Xander."

Buffy lifted her head a bit. "Is she ok?"

Spike walked out the door now, still carrying her, enjoying the closeness of the situation. "Yes, she seemed fine. Just a little shook up. I doubt they will keep her there long."

Buffy couldn't take it. Feeling so miserable from being sick, mixed with the emotions the last few hours had left her with, she broke down. "Dawn is probably home then. Please, Spike, take me home.

Spike felt her tears on his neck, and he went all soft. "Ok, whatever you want. But you better let us do whatever we have to do to get you better, missy." He tried to get the last bit to sound threatening.

Buffy tightened her arms around him. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

Chapter 7

Evolution

It didn't take long for Spike to get Buffy back home. Just having her so close and safe restored his strength to full capacity. Although he was swift, he couldn't help but falter once in a while to take a quick peek at the stars above. For whatever reason, he knew the mystery as to why he should have the good fortune to be back in Buffy's life, was written up there somewhere.

Buffy said nothing, and Spike assumed she had fallen asleep. Her left arm dangled by her side, and he could hear that her heartbeat had slowed down. Gathering her up closer to himself, he climbed the front porch stairs, and then entered only to be greeted by an unusually hyper Tara. "Buffy...is she ok?" Spike didn't hesitate as he carried Buffy up the stairs toward her room. Tara was at his heels. "Xander just called. I guess Dawn is fine and he and Willow are bringing her home in a few minutes. I told Willow to go to the hospital after Xander called from there." Spike was now fussing with Buffy's clothes, trying to make her more comfortable, but she was still asleep, so it wasn't easy. Tara went to one of Buffy's drawers and pulled out some pajamas. "Why don't you let me do that? You've done enough, and I'm sure you're wanting to get back to your place."

Spike looked at her like she was crazy. "No place I'd rather be then here. She needs looking after."

"Well, Willow and I are here..."

Spike didn't have time for a debate. "Look, she's mighty sick, and I can't just leave her...I'm thinking things may get worse before they get better."

Tara looked around, uncertain. "Oh...um, O..Ok." She walked over to Buffy's bed and sat down. "Buffy needs to be cleaned up, especially around the puncture wound on her neck, it's pretty nasty. How about you use the guest bathroom to take your shower, and I can help Buffy in the one up here. I think I can wake her up enough to get her in there."

Spike put down one of the photos he had taken off of Buffy's bureau to study, and looked at Tara, "Are you saying I need one?" He was mostly kidding, and just wanted to get her going.

Tara tried backpedaling. "Oh. Oh no, I just mean that you are...ummmm...if you are going to be sleeping here you should try not to get any of that dirt on the linens."

Spike looked down at himself. Ok, so he was a mess, and he hadn't been able to shower for a while. He figured he probably didn't smell that great, either. His clothes were damp, and dirt was caked in sporadic places. A devilish chuckle escaped his mouth before adding, "No worries pet, I don't favor sleeping with any of my clothes on." At first he thought maybe imploring such a vision in her mind may have scared her, but the blush and shy look she had about her told him otherwise. 'Huh, so sexy I can even make a gay witch take a glance in the other direction,' Spike thought as he sauntered toward the door.

Tara didn't let him get away so easy. "Maybe, you could throw your clothes in the laundry." Spike smiled to himself as he went downstairs.

****

After Spike took his rather quick-but-thorough shower, he fussed some more over Buffy, who was now more awake, but also more sick. She insisted she only needed some rest, so after pulling the blankets up around her, Spike accommodated her request.

Soon thereafter, Xander showed up with Dawn and Willow, both who rushed upstairs to see Buffy as soon as Spike told of her whereabouts. His disapproving grumbles were ignored and overshadowed by the girls' high-pitched chatter as they met up with Tara at the top.

Xander nodded his head in Spike's direction. "How is she?...And please tell me those aren't my pants." Xander held his hand up, "Forget I asked."

Spike rolled his eyes and tried tightening his belt around the loose folds of material. "Tired and very sick, but she says all she needs is sleep. I'm not quite so sure. Thinking she really needs to go to the hospital, and if she doesn't start making progress in the next few hours, that's exactly where I'm taking her. Girl has a mind to be stubborn, as you know." Spike headed toward the kitchen, talking over his shoulder. "How is Dawn?"

Xander followed him in, grabbing a bag of chips once he reached the counter. "She's fine. They cleaned up her neck and gave her some fluid through intravenous. Mostly just shook up over the whole ordeal, and worried over Buffy." He threw a couple of chips into his mouth, then proceeded to talk through the tasty distraction. "So, do tell, where was Buffy?"

Spike leaned back, using his elbows on the countertop behind him as leverage. "With Warren, as Dawn said." Uncrossing his feet, he stood up a little taller. "I'm going to go check on them. She really should be sleeping."

Xander grabbed Spike's arm on his way by. "Did he hurt her?"

Spike looked at Xander. "I'll take care of it. If I see him again, he's going to pay, don't worry."

"Thanks," he said as he rolled the empty chip bag up and threw it in the trash. "Don't take that the wrong way, I still don't like you, but you came through this time. Buffy and Dawn are back, and hey, I'll just assume you will still be a future pain in my ass, so all is well.

Although Xander was seriously pissed now, and would have liked nothing better than to rip out Warren's throat, he knew Spike would get the job done, if need be. So he figured he'd leave it at that. "You can tell me about what happened with Warren later. I know you are probably tired, therefore I know better than to push you."

"Since when?" Spike asked sarcastically. And since when did Xander show a grain of compassion toward him, he wondered.

"Since I'm way tired myself, and just happen to have a girlfriend who will be home in about five hours. I'm sure she will expect me to have my stamina back up to ship-shape form by then." Xander headed for the front door after salvaging his keys from the cluttered coffee table. "Tell Buffy I wanted her to rest, so I'll wait till later today to visit with her. Just make sure you call me if anything comes up." Xander hesitated in the doorway, a look of contemplation on his face, but then a wry smile slipped in. "Take good care of them."

Spike stood motionless as the door closed behind Xander, and reality set in that he had just been entrusted with the Summer's household.

****

The morning light came fast, pretty much just as Spike had settled down for some shut-eye. The shy bird had come through on her earlier suggestion of him spending time there, but more so than he had expected. Willow seemed a little hesitant with the idea, but Tara had persuaded her into helping move the spare mattress into Buffy's room. After Willow had said good night, and took off for their room, Tara yanked the mattress up next to Buffy's bed, a sly half smile breaking through as she talked. "You should be close, just incase."

Spike put his hands in his pockets. "Just incase."

Tara threw a pile of sheets and blankets on the makeshift bed, then pointed to a small table. "Thermometer is there, along with the stuff you'll need to keep her wound clean. It's weeping puss, so I'm pretty worried about it. And her fever isn't coming down." They both looked over at Buffy, and then back at each other. "I just figured you'd want to do this stuff, but if you need help, just knock."

"I've got it, pet."

After Tara left, Spike sat on the edge of Buffy's bed. Little light filtered through the closed curtains, which had also been covered by some dark colored sheets, but it was enough to be able to study her sleeping form. A few strands of hair had found their way across her face, so he brushed them back with the back of his fingers, before running his thumb along her cheek. She squirmed a bit, and mumbled something incoherent as he moved back down onto his bed. He laid on top of the blankets, wanting as little as possible between himself and Buffy. "Goodnight, luv," he said out loud.

"Night," came Buffy's groggy voice.

Spike fell asleep with a certain thought entertaining his mind and heart; Buffy knew he was sleeping in her room, and she didn't mind. He didn't let the fact that she was sick, still mostly asleep, and may not even fully realize he was her roommate overpower his whimsical idea that she wanted him there. The vampire's body lay still as death, except for the smug smile that still lingered.

Chapter 8

On the Edge of Love

For the fifth time in two hours, Spike held onto Buffy as she threw up into a bucket by her bed. At first she tried to shoo him away, but he would have none of it, and she didn't have the strength to argue. He knew she hated being so helpless and was probably on the edge of resenting the fact he was around to see it. When Buffy didn't have control of a situation, he knew her hard side was usually going to come shining through, with all the nosebleeds and bruises that come along with it. But this time it was different; though her eyes warned him not to pity her, she had let herself relax in his embrace as he gave her some sips of water during the quiet times. Sure, he loved her strong side, but he knew he wouldn't mind getting some snippets of this more vulnerable, I'm-just-a-child-in-your-arms side, more often.

The lack of sleep was getting to the both of them, and Spike knew he couldn't watch her go through this much longer. Buffy was just about asleep, her head half- resting on her pillow, half on the side of his arm. He hated to wake her, but he knew it wouldn't last long anyway. Not at the rate things had been going.

After gently moving away, Spike went downstairs to call Xander to fill him in on Buffy's condition, and that he was bringing her to the hospital. Then he went to wake up the girls to tell them, also. Tara offered to drive them, but Spike informed her that Xander was already on his way, and just to meet them there later with some of Buffy's stuff. That done, he went back to Buffy.

He wiped some wet strands of hair from her forehead. "Buffy...Luv," he whispered as he maneuvered his arms under her. She woke up, an alarmed look about her as she realized her body was being lifted. "Shhh...gonna take you to the hospital, pet."

Buffy struggled against his hold on her, but soon realized it was useless. It was quite pathetic, he thought, compared to what she was usually capable of. By now he was already descending the stairs, and she was back in relax mode. Her voice was soft and distant, "I want to stay home. I hate hospitals."

"I know," he said, as the possible reason why crossed his mind.

Xander was already waiting in the car by the time Spike made it out the door. After they settled into the back seat, Xander said hi, and then drove them off toward the hospital. Buffy rested her head against Spike's shoulder. He grabbed her hand to reassure her, but he wasn't quite sure which one of them needed it more.

****

After a long wait in the waiting room, and one nurse scared out of her white tights by threatening-Spike, Buffy finally had been escorted to a room. Spike paced outside the door, and Xander left to go back to the Summer's house to get the girls, then pick up Anya.

Spike was hungry, he hadn't had any blood for hours, and he was starting to feel a little queasy. The thought crossed his mind that he was in the perfect place to get a meal, but he didn't dare leave. Once again, he looked up at the clock. Ten minutes had passed. "What the hell is taking so long?" Spike said out loud, agitated. Just then a nurse came up to the door with a wheelchair, and Buffy was led out the door, and into the chair. Spike looked at Buffy, who was hugging herself, and looking at him though half closed eyelids. Her breathing seemed to have increased, and this worried him. The doctor nodded to the nurse, then turned his attention to Spike, who was watching the Slayer be wheeled away. Not wanting the girl out of his sight, he started after her, but the doctor grabbed his arm.

"We are taking her to her own room. She's seriously ill; it's a good thing you brought her in." The doctor took a clipboard from under his arm. "I'm doctor Garrison," he said as he shook Spike's hand. "So, do you know what happened? She wasn't up to talking...are you related?"

Spike hesitated. Doctors, so damn nosey... "Ahhh...not related, just friends. Found her that way."

"Do you know how she got the puncture wound on her neck? She said something about the sewers."

"All I know is her little sis was missing, so she went looking for her."

"In the sewers?" Dr. Garrison cocked his head.

"Look mate, does it matter? She needs your attention, doesn't she?"

"Yes," he said, as he turned on his heel. "I'll keep you informed."

Spike followed him."Oh no, I'm coming along."

Dr. Garrison stopped walking. "Right now, we are doing some blood work...once she is settled, I'll come get you."

Spike decided against throwing the git into the wall, although his nerves were quite on edge. "Fine then. But make it snappy, a bloke can stand the smell of bleach and death only for so long." Spike wondered when the smell of death started to become unappealing to him. He puffed up his chest a bit. 'Only cause I'm not the one that caused it.' he thought, but not as convinced by his words as ought be. He left to go find some blood.

****

Spike watched as the others petted and talked softly to Buffy, but he could tell she just wanted sleep. He figured this past half an hour was enough merriment and sympathetic words she needed for a while, and decided to rally them out the door. But then Dr. Garrison stepped into the room, and they all quieted down to see what he had to say. Willow moved out of the way so he could be close to Buffy as he filled them all in.

"Miss Summers, are you feeling a little more comfortable?"

Buffy slightly shook her head, but didn't open her eyes much. The doctor patted her hand and then half-sat on the edge of her bed. "Ok, earlier we took a culture, from your neck wound...do you remember that?" Buffy shook her head yes, as she let her fingertips graze the gauze pad that now covered it.

"Yes, well it is a puncture wound, and it was quite deep. Although it probably didn't bleed much, it still can cause risk of infection. That is why I was concerned by the looks of it when you came in. I could tell it was an abscess, which is characterized by pus and swelling, both of which you have. Also, the red line that was extending from it is a sign of blood poisoning." Dr. Garrison referred back to the papers in his hand, and then continued after a moment of study. "Your blood has been checked for bacteria, and blood gas levels. The tests indicate that you do have blood poisoning, or septicemia. A form of staph infection."

Buffy opened her eyes a bit more, and Spike could tell she was trying to grasp every word he said. "Septicemia is almost always a complication of an infection and occurs when bacteria escapes form the primary site and enters the bloodstream. You see, the bacteria that caused the infection, and endotoxins released by your immune system to battle those bacteria, can impede the blood flow to your body tissues. This causes high fever, chills, headache, nausea and rapid breathing, all of which you have been experiencing. If the bacteria continues to multiply without being stopped by your immune system or medical attention, you run the risk of septic shock, a potentially life-threatening condition." Dr. Garrison's face softened as he gently touched Buffy's shoulder. "Don't worry. I think if you had waited any longer, the chances of you developing septic shock would be more possible, but it looks like your friend here brought you here just in time." With a wave of his hand he indicated to Spike, who was more filled with worry to let any self-pride develop.

Dr. Garrison got up as a nurse came in, but continued, "Here's the problem. You have a drug-resistant strain of staff - which unfortunately is becoming more common. While the resistant-strains themselves do not cause any different or worse infections, than non-resistant strains, they can be much harder to treat because the most common and easiest to use antibiotics may not be effective. So, you will need to stay here for a while to receive your antibiotic through IV." As he said this, the nurse was getting the IV bad ready. "Actually, you are also dehydrated, so we will be giving you an IV for that also. I will be back tomorrow to check in on you."

Buffy tried to sit up more. "I'm fine. Really, I swear I feel much better already."

Spike stood up from his resting place against the wall, and walked over toward Buffy more. "Do as the doc says, Pet."

Buffy widened her eyes at him and pressed her lips together. "Really, Spike, I'm fine."

Xander shook Dr. Garrison's hand and said thanks, before the doctor left. Then he went to Buffy and told her that they'd all be there for her.

Buffy hunkered back down under the covers. "You guys know I'll heal fast."

Tara rubbed one of Buffy's upper arms. "Buffy, we know that, but it's best that you came here. Some things you just can't do alone. Now that they've got you started on your meds, you probably won't have to stay long. But give it some time."

Buffy was quiet for a while, then nodded her "ok".

Dawn put a fast food bag by the bed. "I brought this, probably kinda cold by now though. Sorry." She leaned over and hugged her sister.

Buffy took a sip of water, and then looked at everyone with a sorry expression. "I'm really tired, guys. I don't think I can fight it much longer. I think they gave me something earlier that made me even more drowsy then I already was."

Tara nodded her head, as if to tell the others to get going. "It's ok, we understand. Heck, that is why you are here, to rest and heal. Your body is fighting an infection, and you will probably be feeling tired for a while. We'll keep in contact with you and never far away."

Buffy squeezed her hand. "Thanks."

They all headed out, but Spike lingered behind. "What do you want me to do? Stay or not, either way, I'm not going past the waiting room."

Buffy couldn't help but smirk at his hardheaded ways. "Why does that not surprise me?" Then she scowled at him, "And why didn't you stick on my side of the whole "I'm fine and will go home today" plan?"

Spike opened up the bag of food and picked out a few French fries. "Hmm, grease for the sick lady."

"Spike."

Spike looked up. "Just want you to be safe. And after seeing what you went through at home, forget that idea of yours. Just stay here and be a good girl." He started munching on the fries. "Do you mind?" Spike asked.

"Ahhh..no. Not hungry."

Spike chuckled and pointed a fry at her, before popping it back into his mouth. "Don't waste away, Slayer, or I won't have anyone around to beat me up."

Buffy didn't feel so great thinking about beating up Spike, once again. She knew he was joking, but she also knew there was a serious side to the comment. Buffy knew she had hurt him...and that hurt her. She never denied that, not to herself anyway, she just didn't know exactly why she felt that way.

Spike pulled a chair up by her bed, and she looked over at him as he fell in to it. He settled into his usual sitting position- very relaxed and looking like he couldn't care less about what was going on around him. But she knew this wasn't true, he cared very much. Her gaze found his blue eyes studying the room a bit, before settling onto her face. Not caring if he noticed, her eyes followed his lean, muscular arms all the way to his hands. Hands that had touched her...and they were now resting by his... "Mmm." Buffy looked up, started by her own sound. 'Oh my God, I can't believe I just did that,' she thought to herself. Spike's face was serious, and his eyes were still locked on her. She saw his mouth twitching, like he was about to say something, so she figured she better change the subject.

"Spike, thank you."

Spike shook himself out of the stupor he was in. "Huh?"

"For saving us...how did you find us?"

"Xander helped."

Buffy's eyebrows went up. "You two?"

Spike stood up and then sat on her bed. "Yes. Actually, the whelp isn't that bad. Think I may give him a chance after all." Spike's face got serious again. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to be inviting him over to watch the telly, or go out for drinks."

Buffy, patted his hand. "I don't think he'll be too upset over that." She tried not to notice her touch made him uneasy. "Spike, thank you for taking care of me." There was so much she wanted to say, but she didn't know how. All the feelings she had developed for him over the last few years were still there- some had faded, some had grown stronger and some were slowly becoming more clear and recognizable...still, she was confused. The last couple of weeks had opened her eyes to some of the "unknowns" that floated around in her heart. The best thing she could do, she had decided, was try to let go of her over- analyzing mind, and let her heart have it's own free-will. "Looking back, I don't know what I would have done without you. And I don't mean just these last couple of days, either. I can always count on you."

Spike looked down at her hand that was still on his. "Buffy.." his voice caught in his throat. "I..I'll do anything for you."

Buffy looked him strait in the eye. "Just be yourself. I like you."

Spike figured it was her fever talking. "Pet, you need rest." He grabbed his coat and pulled out his cigarettes. "I'm going for a quick walk, but I'll be back soon. Probably catch up on some sleep, myself."

"You could go back to your place, if you want."

Spike pulled his coat on. "And what do you think, luv?"

"I think I'm going to wake up and find you still here."

"Always..." He gently touched her face. A nurse came in to take Buffy's blood pressure. "I'll be back in a bit, luv. Rest up."

****

Spike finished his fag, and then picked up the receiver of the payphone, just outside the hospital's main entrance. It rang on the other end a couple of times before he heard Willow's voice. "Hey Willow, it's Spike...Yes, Buffy is fine, just resting...I have something I want to ask you though."

Chapter 9

Awakening

"So, who was on the phone?" Dawn asked Willow, as she came bouncing down the stairs. Tara followed her, carrying a laundry basket full of clothes to be folded, and Willow sat back on the couch with a "humph" at the site of them.

"It was Spike," Willow answered, a little lost in thought. She got up, but Tara cleared her throat, and Willow knew she wasn't going to get out of folding laundry. "I, I was just going to find a spell that matches socks and folds those sometimes tricky shirts."

Tara gave her "the look". Willow half- smiled and sat back down. "I'm joking, no magic. No sir-ree, not for this domestic gal."

Tara giggled, and then asked, "So is everything ok with Buffy?"

"Yeah, Spike said she was sleeping. He wanted to know something though, about a spell."

"So, he wants you to do a spell for him?" Tara asked, a little slighted that Spike would ask that of her. She was pretty sure he realized Willow was having trouble keeping her magic under control.

Willow put the shirt she had folded on top of the pile, and got up to retrieve some books that were stacked next to the couch. "No. I guess when he found Buffy, Warren was trying to do some spell, and he wanted to make sure it didn't work on her. He told me what kind of stuff Warren had out, and a couple of words he had heard before interrupting him."

"Do you have reason to think it did work? Did he say she was acting differently?" Tara asked concerned, grabbing a book to look though.

"He didn't say, just that she was acting a little nicer to him than normal."

Dawn had stopped looking for whatever it was she was looking for in her backpack, and went to the kitchen. She grabbed an apple from the kitchen to munch on, but never let the conversation out of her range of hearing. She came back in and sat in her previous spot on the floor. "So, and Spike's complaining?"

"No. Just wanted to make sure everything is ok with her, I guess."

Dawn rolled her eyes. "Well, you know Buffy, always with the keeping of feelings inside, and living in the land of denial." She took a bite of her apple and talked while chewing. "I think Buffy should give him a chance.' She studied that apple before taking another bite, then moved it around before her to add emphasis, "I mean, sometimes I wonder...I think they've been doinking, or at least some heavy make out sessions... you guys heard her saying his name in her sleep..." Dawn looked thoughtful for a second, then nonchalantly went on, "...and I don't think Spike wears underwear, because every time he's around Buffy..."

"Dawn!" Tara and Willow said at the same time. Tara looked at Willow, a certain way that somehow or another, Dawn understood.

Dawn jumped up. "Oh my God, they are! They've been..."

"Dawn," Willow said, a little stern. "We never said..."

"That's sooo cool." Dawn said enthusiastically. The look on the two witches told her to take it down a notch. "I mean, not in a cool, Buffy's doing a guy and doesn't even bother to tell us she has feelings for him, kinda way." Willow looked at her, her eyebrow raised, to which Dawn took as a warning. "Ok, not good she is having premarital sex. That is bad. Bad Buffy." She was quiet for as long as she could stand, then couldn't help herself, "But it's awesome. I like Spike...I wanted her to finally admit..."

"Buffy hasn't admitted anything other than...I think Buffy is still confused as to what she feels for Spike."

"Yeah, I think she's integrated the thought that she hates Spike, so far into her mind, that she doesn't even think to feel what's in her heart." Tara suggested. "Willow, not to change the subject, but we better get this done so I can start packing our stuff, and you can look up that spell. Then we'll go visit Buffy for a while, and you can fill Spike in."

Dawn sat up a little more now. "That's right, you guys are leaving tomorrow night, right? Won't you take me with you? Who's going to stay here with me?"

Willow patted the top of Dawn's head, as she walked by her. "Well, Spike made it sound like Buffy may not be in the hospital much longer, and Xander said if she is still there, he and Anya will stay here with you. Tara and I need this time together, and we won't be gone that long."

"Will you send me a post card?"

Willow chuckled. "We're just going to a bed and breakfast on the coast. Not like we are going to Hawaii or something. But yes, I'll send you a postcard."

****

Spike walked back inside the hospital, his lips holding a cigarette before he raised his fingers to it, and took a drag. A nurse walking by gave him a dirty look. "Sir..."

"Yeah," said Spike, as he pulled it out and threw it in a drinking fountain on his way by.

He could still hear the over-sized bird squawking as he turned a corner. "Sir, that's unsanitary. I'm gonna have to..." Her voice faded as he made his way to the stairs. Elevator was faster, but he needed to stretch his legs a bit more. On his way up to the fourth floor, he thought about Buffy - how he was one step closer to her, yet in reality, maybe still one-step behind. He debated now if it was a good call on his part to have asked Willow about the spell. He knew what the spell was for; he knew it was to make Buffy love that demon bloke, partially because he had figured as much so, and partially because Buffy had filled him in a little more since then. He didn't have an exact reason why he hadn't told Willow, he just thought it would be better if he acted a little dumb about it. It's not like he lied, he just didn't give her all the info.

Half of him wanted the spell to have had at least some effect on her, so that maybe the chances of her loving him would be out of the near negative zone. After all, it was to make her love a demon, and that he was. But the other half, where his heart spoke from, wanted her to love him on her own free will.

'It's not like she was saying she loved me, or was trying to hold my hand.' He thought to himself, 'Buffy can be nice, sometimes. But knowing there is even a smidgen of a chance that any nice words on her part are do to some sodding spell.' He pushed through the doors, and walked down a hallway that led to the unit Buffy was in.

Spike entered her room, and was floored by the scene before him. Buffy was straddling Xander, who was sitting in the chair, half of his ass sliding toward the ground.

"What the fuck?" Spike growled.

Xander looked petrified and held his hands up. "Hey, hey, not the one, just sitting here...she came... I mean, she walked over here."

Buffy continued to snuggle into Xander's neck, making Xander squeal. She said something Spike couldn't hear, but he didn't want to. This out and out disgusted him. Buffy wanted Xander? He growled again and stomped towards them.

Xander kept trying to push Buffy back, but she kept insisting and asking, "Don't you want me?"

Xander looked desperately at Spike. He could tell Spike was pissed, and so he wondered if this was going to end up being one of Spike's "this is going to be worth it" times. "Wait, Spike...I think she thinks I'm you or something, I don't know. I think she's sleepwalking, or delusional, or both. All I know is I'm innocent guy, here."

Spike stopped and looked at her. Yeah, something was off. "Buffy?"

Buffy grabbed Xander's hand and put it on her breast. Xander pulled away and said, "Hey!"

Spike glared at him, "Yeah, you better 'hey'!" He touched Buffy's shoulder. "Buffy."

"Yeah, Spike. I know how you like it," Buffy said, but was still looking at Xander, all seductive.

Xander was quite uncomfortable. "See, she thinks I'm you. And do I even want to know how she knows how you like it?"

Spike looked at him, and that told Xander everything. He muttered, "Oh, oh God."

Spike took Buffy's arm and shook it to wake her up. Xander pushed his hand away. "No, you are not supposed to wake someone that's sleepwalking."

"Well fancy that, works out nicely for you then." He clicked his tongue. "If you think I'm going to let her..."

Xander nudged Buffy slowly off of him. "No, I'm not the one that's low enough to use a situation like this to my benefit."

"Oh, what, and I am?" Spike asked, acting like he was surprised by the statement, all the while, still thinking in the back of his mind he wish he were in Xander's place.

Xander got Buffy to stand up, and then talked her back to the bed. She settled in, and looked like she had just gone back to her regular, sleeping self.

"Well, that was interesting. What do you think brought that on?" Xander asked as he straitened out his clothes.

Spike's blood went down to simmer, instead of boiling. He decided to let it go. "Hell if I know. Probably just all that's happened has her on edge, stressed out a bit."

"So stress is the aphrodisiac to get Buffy wanting you?"

"Ha... more or less. So anyway, the girls may be over later for a visit. Buffy should be awake by then."

Xander sat back down, and took a sip of his now cold coffee. "I can't believe Buffy didn't tell me."

Spike figured he meant the fact that Buffy had slept with him. "Look, I don't think it's something she was proud of." Heck, he knew it, she had told him enough times.

"Yeah, but *you* were probably making buttons to wear to the demon bars that read, 'I did the slayer.'"

Spike swallowed and looked away, before his temper got the best of him.

Xander finally looked up at Spike. "Well, congratulations are in order. All those times I said you'd never get her, and you two were doing it all along, right?"

"If I can't get it through to her that I love her, then I suppose it's worthless to even begin to explain it to you. You think it's a joke, a game... fine, but I know the truth." He felt like such a ponce... he had a reputation to keep. He was the big bad, a force to be reckoned with. Xander was scared of him, and the last news he should be flinging about was that he turns into a weak, tingly blob of mush, whenever Buffy is concerned.

Spike straightened up, and put on his best evil demeanor, with a touch of "I'm so cute even you may secretly want me" charm, hidden in the undertones of his voice, "I *love* Buffy. Whether you acknowledge that as the truth or not, doesn't change the reality of it. I'd do anything for her, and I think I've proven that. I've walked over myself, to be more like her...closer to her, what she is. *If* you are truly her friend, I'd think you'd hold her hand through her decisions in life, instead of pushing her in the direction you expect her to go."

Xander got up, and grabbed his jacket. He stood looking at Buffy for a while, before heading out. He got to the door and then turned back again toward Spike, who was standing with his back to him. This would be easier, he imagined, not having to look him in the face. "Tell you what. As much as I *really* hate to say this, you are right. Buffy's known you long enough to make the decision if she wants to be with you or not, on her own. So, I'm going to back off and just hope she is happy with whatever she chooses. And if she does choose to be with you, I certainly won't be having a party to welcome you to the family, but I guess I could settle for being a pain in your ass only some of the time."

After Spike heard the door shut behind him, he let out a breath that was long and slow. Part of the burdening weight that had come along with his and Buffy's crazy relationship, had just been partially chipped away. It felt good.

Spike walked over to admire his sleeping beauty- he liked the bead head look, reminded him of the past times he had the privilege of seeing it. It always made him want to run his fingers through her hair, but she was never one to stick around long enough to let him.

He pulled the covers up around her, and grinned as he thought how little the hospital gown covered her. Too bad he hadn't been around the times she had snuck off to the bathroom...he would have had quite a sight as she walked off, seeing how her ass would have been in view through the slit in the back.

He had to grab himself because the ache for her was growing, so to speak. And to know, because of the happenings a few minutes before, that she wanted him, made it all the more intense.

After gently kissing her forehead, he went to the chair for a nap. Heck, if it wasn't a hospital, he may have kept himself occupied in a different fashion. He thought about laying his duster over his lap, but what if Buffy woke? Or a nurse came in and he had to get up for some reason. Damn it! He'd just have to wait. He cursed under his breath and let himself slip into sleep- where good things always happen.

****

Buffy felt the sun upon her face, and opened her eyes. She stood in a field, that stretched as far as the eye could see, and beside her stood a giant, oak tree.

"Hey, fancy meeting you here."

Buffy turned to the sound of Spike's voice. "Spike? What are you doing here?"

"Don't ask me, it's your sodding dream. And you could have provided me with a blanket if you were going to keep me waiting on such a sunny day." He didn't look very happy.

"Sorry." Buffy looked around and noticed something moving on the other side of the huge tree trunk. She walked to the other side, and stood staring at the sight before her. "I made them for you," came Spike's voice from behind her.

A stick was propped up against the tree, and Spike picked it up and handed it to her. Buffy looked at him, then at the piñatas that hung from the lowest branch. "Get it all out, Buffy."

She walked up to the one of Riley, the paper mache matched his initiative uniform. Captain Cardboard was written across his chest. His eyes were looking down at her, and his face looked grim. She turned, as if to say something to Spike.

"Buffy, it's a dream. Nothing is real, except what you are feeling." Spike leaned against the tree and took out a fag.

Buffy held the thick stick up, a little unsure. "This is for giving up on me. I had given up on myself, and you didn't stick by me. For leaving me...for leaving me," she shouted, and then knocked his legs off. "You never did like I could beat you," she said as she moved on to the next figure, her posture confident. "And you, Parker." Parker's naked form swung before her. His cock was grotesquely large and hard, the place where his heart should be, just a hole. Buffy had to smile to herself, that Spike remembered what Parker had done to her. She took aim at his cock, seeing that was more or less his heart, and hit it hard. It fell to the ground with a thump and Buffy smiled victoriously. "Let's see ya talk to all the girls with half your blood supply gone." She moved on to the next figure, biting her lip as she contemplated her actions. It was Angel. She backed away slowly.

Spike now perked up a bit, was she going to back out of doing Angel in? "Oh! Hey, give me the stick, let me have a second go at the poof."

Buffy nodded, "Not a chance!" She took a couple quick steps toward Angel and plunged the stick through his heart. "Also, for leaving me." Spike settled back down, smiling at the site of Buffy staking her once lover.

Last but not least, was her dad- the hardest one by far, because he was the beginning. Buffy stood there for what seemed like hours, thinking. Then she let loose, hitting him over and over, all the while crying and pleading to know why he wasn't in her life. Spike had to leave to the other side of the tree, because it was even too much for him to watch. His heart was breaking for her.

Finally, her voice died down, and so did her sobs, so he went back to meet up with her. She was wiping away the last of her tears, and a radiant smile broke across her face. "I'm ready."

Buffy felt the ground move, and then she fell into a blackness that surrounded her. Then in an instant, she was sitting by a fire, in the dessert, talking to the first Slayer.

Buffy sat there as the other slayer shuffled around behind the fire. The flames seemingly engulfed her. Then she was still, as she stood staring into Buffy's eyes, slightly unnerving her. The first Slayer resumed her crouching and walking behind the fire. Her voice rose above the roar of the fire, "You will slowly wake to life, just as you will slowly fade from it. That's how life is; not easy answers to complicated questions, as you expect." The painted woman threw something that looked like dust, into the fire. "Nothing in life is for sure, but death. Your death was your gift, and love was behind your gift. Without it, your gift would have not have been so potent."

Buffy digested what she could of her words. "But why was I brought back?"

"So full of love, so scared to feel. Now be free to love fiercely, freely, and except the love that is given to you in return. Don't be afraid of it. Don't let fear be stronger than your desire." The flames rose higher, until everything became a brilliant orange that she had to close her eyes against. Once the heat of the flames was gone, Buffy opened her eyes and saw the hospital ceiling through thick haze. Sitting up, she felt almost nauseous. Everything felt tilted, and distorted. Then she saw a tiny light come toward her, until it burst into radiant beams, and settled into her mother's image. "Mom!" Joyce went over and hugged her daughter.

"Mommy." She clung against her mother's form. "Are you real? Or am I still dreaming?"

Joyce patted Buffy's head, which was now buried against her chest. "No, this isn't a dream Buffy."

Buffy looked up into her mother's face and then touched it, barely containing her tears as she did so. "I missed you. It's been so hard..."

"I know. I've missed you, too. Since you left, I've been looking over you, as always."

Buffy scrunched up her face. "Left?"

"Heaven." Joyce smoothed down Buffy's hair. "I had hoped you wouldn't remember; I knew it would only make it harder."

"I...I was in Heaven? I thought so, but I couldn't remember any of it. Just the feeling of being there, that's all I took back with me. I guess that's why it felt so peaceful, and happy. You were there with me." Understanding washed over Buffy.

"Yes, we were together. I knew you were coming because I saw it all happen. And what you did for Dawn, I've never been so proud of you Buffy. I knew you had turned into a woman before I had to leave the earth, but never as much so, as on that day."

"Why did you let them bring me back here?"

"I wanted it because I thought you needed it."

"What?" asked Buffy, nothing less than totally confused.

"Buffy, I know every detail of your life. Things you never filled me in on, I now know. Things that happened after I left the Earth, I have seen." Joyce wiped a tear from Buffy's cheek. "You were happy in Heaven, but I knew there were things left undone at home. I knew someday you would be here with me again, but for you to be able to go back and finish your life, that's a one-time deal. Something not many people get to do, but since you had put your life out to save the world, I knew my request would be answered."

"You asked for me to come back here?"

Joyce kissed Buffy's forehead, then looked her dead in the eye. "From now on, every morning that you look out a window and see the sun rising into a yellow sky, embrace this world, and know you are meant to be here." Joyce pulled Buffy into a fierce hug. "I have to go. I love you and Dawn very much, Buffy. Know I am always with you, and *will* see you again, someday."

"I love you, too."

Joyce slowly backed away, still looking at Buffy. She stopped by Spike, who was still sleeping in the chair, but never took her eyes off of her daughter's face. "Follow your heart." Then her mother's form fell into itself, until there was just that little dot of light that whipped away in a second. The room shifted, and everything felt back to normal.

Next