Quid Pro Quo4

Quid pro Quo

By MadRog (madrog@ev1.net)
www.sunnydale-tales.com

Summary: Post ATS & BTVS. Surprises abound in different lands, different cultures, different times and a different relationship between Buffy & Spike. Magic and action thrives. The ATS crew is bitter after their treatment during S5 ATS by Giles, Andrew and Buffy. Starting w/a dream and phone call, the BTVS crew has to ask for the help of the vampire with a soul (unaware of Spike's return). Can Spike and Angel get over the hard feelings? And old loves? Spike is cold and Buffy is hot for him. Can Buffy find a way back to Spike while they save the world-again? SPUFFY! B/S, A/N Bloodplay.

A/N: Thanks so much to peta-megan for getting this chapter back so quick. This chapter took some work, and she turned it around so fast.
Also thanks to everyone that stayed with this story and thanks to those that reviewed, MarzBar, Kimber, Mole, and Jane. You guys are great!

Chapter 17 – It's Only A Little Nudity

"This bleeding tunnel must be magical or some such because there is no bloody way all the tunnels could be housed in the temple we saw from the outside." Spike picked up his backpack and prepared to transverse the spinning disks. However, when he took his first tentative step, the disk didn't spin. He took another step and still no spin. "Peaches, you must have drained the carnival ride's juice. Coming right over in a jiff." But before he took another step, without thinking, he turned back far enough to offer his hand to Buffy. She was shocked but hurried to grasp his hand in case he took it back. In fact, he held her hand, escorting her through the spears, and didn't let go until they made it completely through. Buffy wanted to jump for joy. He had voluntarily touched her and had for a period of time. Her progress with him was tangible now. Now if he would just let her put her hands on him, she thought while licking her lower lip.

Spike could have kicked himself for taking her hand so casually, as if by habit. However, he couldn't bring himself to let go. It felt...well, in a nut shell, the touch seemed right. Her hand fit his like no other, but did he want that familiarity again? His answer was starting to lean towards wanting such closeness with her again. That was it. He didn't want to follow that line of thought any further. He had enjoyed holding her hand. Leave it at that.

Shortly there after, all stood facing the next hand print. No one made a move to read the writing around it or place their hand on it, unsure what to expect, especially after Angel's and Spike's last enactment. Neither wanted a repeat of drudging up their past. All that garbage needed to stay in the past.

Figuring that this may be a place that she could help out, Nina started the ball rolling by reading the hieroglyphs. "A sun, a person and an infant, in that order."

"Ok, that means...what?" Never good at puzzles, Buffy was completely confused.

"It's Buffy." Everyone turned to look at Angel as he looked at Buffy. "The sun shines down bright on a husband and a baby in your life. It's what you always wanted. A normal family."

Spike knew that Angel was right. That truth hurt like years of being stuck in hell, but he knew it to be true. Buffy with a husband, and he could picture her plump with child. Despite his resistance, it made his teeth clench tight. The baby wasn't so bad. He could understand that, but he had to admit that the thought of her in another man's bed for the rest of her life burned him severely.

With a frown marring her brow, Buffy held up her hand. "But I don't want that stupid dream anymore." She caught Spike's eye, trying to convey that she wanted her crazy life; she wanted him.

Angel shook his head. "But you did. I left you so that you could have that." It still hurt to think about why he left, and he easily remembered the pain that followed. However, in this circumstance, this needed to be said. His solace was Nina slipping her hand into his.

Buffy's hands slid down to her waist, a show of defiance. "And thanks for nothing. Besides, I said that I really don't want that anymore."

Spike had heard enough. This little visit to hell was dragging out too long. He had taken the initial hit to his heart and wanted to avoid more. "Just slice your hand, Slayer, and be done with it."

She had come so far, and she was back to the "slayer" stage. Damn. Gone were "pet" and "luv." She wasn't sure what to do to correct that, but she did know that she needed to put an end to this discussion. She slit her palm and placed her bleeding hand in the hand print. The other three prepared to step into the portal.

And nothing.

"Well, that was anticlimactic." Spike watched Buffy pull back her hand and try again. But still nothing. Zip.

Spike went quickly from the pain of contemplating her idyllic life, to relief. She must not be the one symbolized in the hieroglyphs. No. He thought about it, and the inspiration came. Not Buffy but Angel. "It's you." He pointed at his confused grandsire.

"It can't be me. The baby could be Connor, but his birth had nothing to do with a sun, and nothing about Darla related to the sun. That's for sure." When Buffy looked at him in confusion, Angel waved the subject aside. "A long story – for another time."

With a smile, Spike slapped Angel on the back. "No, poof, I told you that you couldn't sign away the Shanshu."

Angel lowered his head, feeling the defeat that that once loved dream brought to him now. With sadness evident in his eyes, he first looked at Nina and then at Spike. "But you're the one that received the gift."

Uncharacteristic of his relationship with Angel, Spike grasped Angel's shoulder tightly, giving a little shake. "Doesn't mean there was only one to be dished out. It's still your destiny." He turned and pointed at the hieroglyphs. "See. We were being too literal. The sun is shining down on the man, gracing him with a rebirth."

Angel tried to squash the hope that was building, but it was still peeking around the corner. "Rebirth?"

"Yeah, a reincarnation of sorts." Nina wanted to jump up and down. In fact she did, just little ones. Angel had shared with her how badly he wanted to Shanshu, turning human, and how much it took for him to sign the possibility away to convince the Black Thorn that he had returned to evil. She also knew that he hated to hope. Slipping her hand in his, she tried to convey her own hope.

Angel stared at the hieroglyphs again, and all were happy to see a corner of his mouth lift up, hopefully the beginning of a smile. "Ya think?"

Buffy reached over and slapped him on the side of the head. "You should know by now that there's always a way." That released everyone from their stupor. Nina hugged Angel as tight as he could and Spike clapped the brunette vampire on the back again for good measure. Not to mention he got a kick out of the violence.

"I'll believe it when I see it." With his voice superficially gruff, Angel attempted to cover his tapped deep emotions. After extracting himself from Nina's embrace and a quick kiss, he slit his hand and placed it in the imprint. The portal opened immediately. Taking Nina's hand, he stepped through first faster than he would have liked, anxious to take steps closer to his future.

Catching her balance from her big step through space and time, Buffy turned to make a joke to Nina when her eyes landed on Spike first, quickly ogling his body. He was naked all but a leather loincloth. Her mind raced back in time to the day of her invisibility. She had barged into Spike's crypt and thrown him against the wall. She had grabbed the sides of his shirt and jerked the shirt open. Pop, buttons had flown across the room. His ripped abs had made her mouth water that day. Ok, she was drooling now just as she had back then, but back then, she couldn't be seen. This time she could be, but she didn't care. He had the body of a god, Apollo maybe. She really didn't care which god; she just wanted to look her fill. Her eyes ran down along his shins to his toes which were in leather sandals. How could his toes even look sexy? Maybe she was developing a fetish, she laughed to herself. A Spike fetish as a whole. The weird part was that it didn't sound so far fetched as she laughed.

Her gaze traveled back up, greedily taking in every square inch of exposed skin. When she reached his face, she discovered that his mouth was slightly hanging open, and his eyes were trained her way but not at her face. Actually, his gaze appeared to be focused several inches below her chin. Curiosity piqued, Buffy looked down. To say that she was shocked would have been an understatement. What she was, was aghast. Stupefied. She was without a shirt, only a loincloth like the men. No wonder he was staring...or could that be a good sign that he was staring at her naked breasts. Yup, a good sign. But instead of being embarrassed, Buffy stifled instinct and left her breasts uncovered. If it helped to win Spike back, then it was worth it.

Spike was knocked out of his daze as his knees gave in. Luckily his ass landed on a log. Tearing his eyes away, he tried to not look at Nina and thus having Angel tear his head from his shoulders. But his eyes couldn't stay away from Buffy. He found his traitorous hand reaching for her own and pulling her down to sit beside him. With monumental effort, he forced that same hand from fondling her beauty.

Desire. Red, hot, burning desire was evident in his eyes, and she savored each and every flame. Those flames fueled her hope. Buffy wanted to stop and see if she could entice Spike into a little fun, but cursed the timing.

Unconsciously drawn, Spike's eyes caught hers as he leaned to place a chaste kiss on her lips. The second kiss was different. Slow, smooth and sweet. Their mouths opened, and their tongues stroked each other. Spike lightly cupped his hand around the back of her head. Not to hold her still, but more of a guide, caressing her while encouraging her in the kiss. Buffy recognized the gesture for what it was and was encouraged not just for these kisses, but also for her pursuit of Spike. She didn't fool herself that he had completely come around, but this was a yummy start.

Angel pulled Nina's hand off his mouth, having no patience for Nina's matchmaking. "Spike...Spike." Impatient to obtain Spike's attention but aware that Nina was still bare-breasted, Angel blocked Nina's body with his own as he called the blonde's name. "Boy, snap out of it." When he finally gained Spike's attention, he quickly lined out a plan. "First order, something to cover Nina and Buffy." He couldn't help his gaze from straying to Buffy, discomfited each time. Yes, he had seen her glory one other time, but she wasn't his to admire anymore. He had Nina and was happy for it. "We have to get something now."

"Naked epidermis. This would be perfect if they were all women. Where are good Amazons when you need...ow! What, slayer, a little jealous?" He was pretty sure that he had made a direct hit. Maybe baiting her would not violate his conviction to leave her be. Ok, ok, so he had kissed her. Some resolve alright. Smiling wickedly, Spike snapped to his feet. He watched Angel place Nina on the log next to Buffy, who now crossed her arms across her breasts, doing a little push up job to her small breasts but it also brought Spike's gaze up to her own. If she disgusted Spike so much, he wouldn't be lusting for her so much as he looked to be now.

All looking around, for the first time they noticed that they were not alone. Spike found himself facing what appeared to be a camp of natives. Gazing at the activity in the camp, they noticed that the natives were similar to the Mayans from their other portal jump. Similar to the Mayans, but not quite. They definitely weren't dressed as opulently by a long shot. Loin cloths just didn't yell wealth.

The natives were moving about preparing for something. From the looks of it, they were gathering up weapons.

Angel leaned down for a soft kiss. "Nina, are these Mayans?"

"I don't think so. Their weapons seem different from the pictures I have seen, but they still look to be Mesoamericans. If I had to guess, a big guess, I would say that they are Aztecs, and they are getting ready to fight Spaniards."

Armed with some information, Angel and Spike left to search. Near a tent, scrounging around, Angel came up with a couple large, leather pouches which he tore into strips so that Nina and Buffy could tie them around their chests. Even though she was relieved, Buffy felt like she was just wearing more of a skimpy swimming suit than her birthday suit.

Despite the scene in front of him, Spike didn't see it for more than a minute due to his pent up pain. He hurt all over his body, every solitary cell ached for Buffy. Those perky breasts, his hands ached for what his eyes could see. His fingers twitched to go back to a place that they had once known so well. He could just reach out and cup her right breast. His fingers could tighten so he could feel the weight of the globe. He would gently knead until she made that breathy moan he loved to hear. Zeroing in on her nipple, he would pinch down until he would hear the catch in her breath, allowing him to go a little further. Then he would lean in and suck her hardened nipple into his mouth, biting down lightly. Her body would sway closer to him.

"Yes." Buffy slapped her hand over her mouth. She had been truthful but certainly hadn't wanted to blurt it out loud. Damn. Double damn, she thought as she looked at Spike's raised, scarred eyebrow. She was mortified, but he was just so cute when he did that.

For some odd reason, Spike wasn't sure what to think. He wanted to stay angry at her, revel in her jealousy that was obviously eating at her regarding Illyria. The other part gave a little cheer. That part that was left of him that wanted Buffy's love. He stomped on that traitorous feeling, but he sure wished that she wasn't so appealing in those strips of leather.

Angel's voice broke into his thoughts, bringing him back to the present situation. "Well, they look like they are getting ready for a big fight."

All alert again, Nina brought everyone back to the main goal of this jump. "That would at least make sense. We're here to find a weapon."

'And love.' Buffy smiled a secret smile.

Nina stood up and wrapped her hand around Angel's bicep. "So we need to find a gold weapon."

Mind focused on the current situation now, Buffy added to Angel's plan. "This may be an easy one. Let's split up to look around and then meet back here."

"Deal." Angel and Nina headed out.

Still not having found his voice, Spike struck out to search without a word.

His mind had drifted back to Buffy; the leather over her breasts was sexy. He was thankful that the natives in the camp seemed to be oblivious. He would hate to have to fight any of them that made advances toward her. What was he thinking? Not only could she fight for herself, but he had no right to defend her. She was her own person, not his to look out for. Right? Even his sensibilities were betraying him.

Just as in their little excursion to the Mayan ball court, the natives this night seemed to see them as one of their own, even down to Buffy and Nina being male, albeit males with leather bound chests. The difference here was that all the natives were armed with weapons, just apparently not gold ones. While walking through, they passed various weapons, pikes with obsidian tips, obsidian swords, other various implements of destruction.

Spike and the others grabbed a weapon for themselves, swords made of obsidian. All four met back up quickly.

Buffy looked back over her shoulder at the camp. "They're definitely preparing for a fight, and I'd say they are making their move soon. Very soon."

"And I didn't see any gold, not at all." Spike forced Buffy out of his mind and concentrated on what was going on around him. "I say we go with them and see if the enemy has the gold weapon."

"Right." Buffy was ready to get to business.

Angel rolled his eyes. Typical Spike and Buffy, going off half-cocked. "Whoa, whoa. We need a plan."

Stopping, Spike turned and glared at Angel. He sure knew how to ruin a potential fight. "And that would be...?"

Glaring back, Angel laid out a plan. "It looks like they are moving out that way." Angel indicated the direction in front of them. "Nina and I will go to the left, and you two go to the right. We'll use that whistle I used in the tunnel so that we can contact each other."

Again reminded of Angelus, Spike became defensive. "That's it, peaches?" With an eyebrow cocked, Spike looked on sardonically. Angel nodded. "Brilliant. Let's get to it."

TBC

Next chapter, Spuffy hits full force.

*****

Chapter 18 – Worth the Wait

Angel and Nina, hand in hand, circled around behind the warriors heading out. They mirrored their movements parallel, just as Spike and Buffy were doing on the other side. They moved carefully in the dark, but then they could see light ahead. Angel leaned down next to Nina's ear. "Maybe this is a key to the puzzle."

"Let's hope." She smiled and her eyes closed when she felt Angel kiss the side of her neck. She loved him so, and the best part was that she knew he loved her. They had stopped making love the last couple of months. That was how much he loved her, and he didn't what to chance the happiness clause. No chancing the happiness clause bringing forth Angelus who would no doubt kill Nina. Now they kissed, cuddled and he pleasured her. Mostly their love was expressed by their closeness. With such a wonderful man, she would be happy with what she had.

Getting back to business. Angel and Nina hid behind a large, thick tree. What they saw surprised them. A camp. A camp full of Europeans.

"Oh, wow." Nina's voice conveyed her excitement. "Judging by their breast plates and helmets with a ridge going down the center, these are Spaniards, conquistadors to be exact." A light bulb came on for Nina. "That would make these guys we are shadowing Aztecs."

"And we are with the Aztecs about to surprise attack. That will entail lots of weapons on both sides." From his vantage point, Angel started looking around the best he could, visually searching the Spainish camp.

Nina pointed to some weapons stockpiled near a tent. "Looks like. If the Aztecs don't have the gold weapon, the conquistadors should have what we need."

"Let's hope." Angel whistled over to Spike, signaling that he was going to hold his position for now and received Spike's agreement. "I would rather be on the side that is doing the surprising than be surprised."

Buffy and Spike's situation mirrored Angel's. They were hiding behind a tree next to an incline of earth and foliage, also spying on the conquistadors. Thinking quick on her feet, Buffy made sure that she was standing directly in front of Spike, as close as possible without touching. She made an educated guess that he would reject such an action. But luck was on her side. When one of the conquistadors, who she could have kissed, headed their way, Spike's arm snaked around Buffy's bare waist and pulled her back against him, presumably so she wouldn't be seen. Presumably not. She was pressed against him.

After a few minutes of looking around and then relieving himself, the conquistador walked away, and as if it had a mind of mind of its own, Spike's hand moved further around her waist and slipped up, touching just under her breasts. When she felt his thumb stroke the underside of her breast, Buffy held her breath, afraid to move. She didn't know where this was going, but she did know that it was in the right direction. She wanted to snuggle back against him but feared that he would withdraw again.

Then the thumb became a hand rubbing her breast through the leather. And patience paid off. Spike smoothly pulled down the leather covering her chest and cupped the closest mound, this time skin touching skin. He could feel her hard nipple pushing against his hand. He squeezed and kneaded, eliciting a heartfelt moan from Buffy that made him smile. She had always been so responsive to his ministrations.

She heard a "bugger resolve" right before his lips met her neck. Buffy was in heaven, riding on a wave of sensual bliss. He was touching her, caressing her, kissing her. Ah... his hand, his touch sent shivers through her body, quivering in all the right places. And she could feel his stiff shaft pressing against her back. Wanting to give what she was receiving, she moved slightly side to side rubbing against him--especially his rock hard erection--as he teased her nipple, rolling it between his finger and thumb. She could hear his breath catch. Yes, she was getting to him. She didn't know it, but she had already broken through his resistance.

Spike had lost it. No more holding back; he didn't want to examine his feelings. That was for another time. Now he flowed with his desire. His most primitive goal--to get inside of her. They could remain standing, do it doggie style-- ready to break apart if necessary. But no, she deserved better than that for their first coupling in over three years. He wanted to be able to look into her face when he entered her. And there was a big difference now. Now she was willing not only to have sex with him, but she didn't seem to mind that others knew about her lust for him. Surely Angel and Nina had noticed by now. Angel certainly did. Overall, Buffy wanted him, was willing to chase him, and willing to let others know. Wasn't that one of the things he had worked so hard to gain in Sunnydale? Yes, and he may be cracked in the head, but he was going to see their coupling in the woods through.

Then his other hand slid down, caressed her stomach, rode on down to her hip, running his finger along the edge of her loin cloth. Buffy groaned. How could he stop there? Desperate, she raised up on the ball of her feet. Yes! His fingers slid a couple of inches down in her loin cloth. She gulped when she felt his fingers gliding through her course curls. That did it. She didn't care if he pushed her away or what. As fast as she could, she turned in his arms, threw her arms around his neck and using all of her slayer strength, locked her mouth onto his.

Spike was quickly loosing his mind, and he really didn't care. Her mouth was ambrosia. Touching her breast was like a gift from the gods. After his and Angel's trip to Rome, he had written off any chance to be with Buffy. That wasn't quite true. He was fool enough to always have hope. And now, here she was in his arms, which were willingly wrapped tight around him. Oh, how he remembered the taste of her, so sweet but also conveying her underlying power. Her taste was the only taste for him.

Spike held back his moan, but finally any last restraint cracked like a dam and the water flooded through, never to be returned. The kiss wasn't a gentle one, but a desperate and consuming joining of lips. Open mouthed, their tongues dueled. He could now feel her nipples pressing into his chest. Shifting a little to the side, Spike cupped her breast again, and they broke their kiss. Buffy's head fell back as she moaned. Spike kissed her delectable neck, making his way up towards her ear. A nip and she let out a throaty groan.

Buffy's senses were on overload. She had dreamed of this so many times, but usually they were in his crypt or in her bedroom or even down in the basement at her house that he had made home for a time. Once they had been in London on vacation. He was showing her the sites, and they had snuck around every corner to kiss and grope, making each other so aroused that they raced back to their hotel.

Now, during their kissage, she had left her eyes open, reassuring herself that it was him kissing her and not another dream. She soaked in his face-- the distinct scar and his sexy cheek bones.

He was so wrapped up in her that at first Spike didn't notice that one of Buffy's hands had moved between them and was now fondling his erection. She rubbed the palm and heel of her hand up and down his shaft through his loin cloth. He moaned into her neck. Her kiss may have been nectar, but her hand on him was heavenly. When he threw his head back, Buffy took the opportunity to return the favor of showering his neck with kisses. She even went so far as nipping above his jugular which caused a loud growl. She licked her lips.

Growing impatient, snaking her hand under his loincloth, Buffy grasped his member, and Spike thought he would come in his leather loincloth. To Buffy even though he was rock hard, he was velvety soft and...warm. Before she had actually enjoyed his coolness, but warm was good too.

His need was white hot. He lifted her up and her legs immediately wrapped around his waist. Her sex made intimate contact with his own through their loin cloth. Buffy wrapped her arms around his neck just as tight as her legs were around him. Spike put one hand behind her head to hold her still, devouring her in an intense kiss.

'I need...I need...I need...' Buffy thought as she tasted him. She needed him. Buffy was desperate. She hated to admit it, but she was. She desperately needed him to keep doing what he was doing, and oh could he do it well. 'His taste was so sweet, and she had missed it so much. She needed him. Only him.

And he wanted her. Couldn't help but think about the first time they had made love. At least love on his side. And now...now he could have her just the same as before. This time with ease. All he needed to do was make the material between them go away. Skin to skin. Him inside of her. His hard on was painful but sweet all at once.

He took a couple of steps away from the tree, taking her around a mound, blocking them from the view of the camp. He wanted to throw her down and slam inside of her. And that was practically what he did. Freeing himself from his loin cloth and her the same, he lifted her up and down onto his throbbing cock. Once inside, he let them fall onto the slope, covered in undergrowth which cushioned their landing. The fall caused his cock to enter her as far as it could. Their eyes locked. Their gazes conveying their satisfaction with the intimate action.

Still keeping eye contact, Spike began to move. Considering their hunger for each other and what was gong on around them, Spike picked a fast pace. Spike knew that time wasn't on their side. Any moment now the attack would begin, and they would have to flow with the fighters.

But now wasn't time to think of Aztecs or Spaniards. He was obsessed. Obsessed with the girl he was joined to.

Buffy couldn't have asked for more. She didn't care one bit that she was making love on the jungle floor with people all around. She was in Spike's arms and that was all that mattered. In and out, pumping her, he filled her. The friction driving her wild.

The joining was fierce but touching at the same time. Spike was almost embarrassed. He was going to come in under three minutes? He at least had to insure that he brought her to climax first. But before he could slip a hand between their bodies to rub her clit, she came. Luckily, he sent her soaring to heaven during the forth minute as his own orgasm shook him.

Buffy thought her eyes would cross from her intense pleasure. She hugged him tight as she came back down. Nervous, she couldn't stand to see his face with regret written on it. But then he kissed her on the forehead and rubbed his cheek in her hair. Her voice was tentative. "Spike?"

He had to catch his breath before answering. "Yes, luv."

'Luv.' That was a good sign, giving her courage to ask the question she felt compelled to ask. "Spike, do you...will you regret this?"

He pulled back so that he could see her face. She was so very beautiful, an exquisite beauty. He gave her a chaste but heart warming kiss. "No, luv. No regrets here. None."

There had been no mentioning of feelings, especially not love, and she was bursting with the desire to tell him how much she loved him. But she didn't think they were quite there yet. Take it one step at a time. "Could we do it again? I mean, when we get back to the temple."

"Yes, pet, I think we can arrange that..." When they heard movement in the brush, Spike perked up and looked around. He could hear the natives moving forward in the bush. The Aztecs were moving in on the unsuspecting Spaniards. He didn't find it surprising that they were up against Spaniards. All their excursions on this mission were connected to the area around the pyramid's location. The natives of different times and even Spain in that the country supplied the area's invaders. Now they were combining the Spaniards with the Aztecs.

But that wasn't the problem now. The problem was finding some mysterious gold weapon while not getting killed. Even Angel was in danger of being run through with a wooden pike at the right spot.

On the opposite side of the camp, Spike and Buffy could hear what sounded like cats, maybe jaguars fighting. An excellent diversion. The Aztecs had attacked the Spaniards by first making a superior distraction.

After tucking Nina behind a tree, Angel began his search on his side of the camp for the weapon while Buffy and Spike fanned out. Occasionally they had to do a little hand to hand, but for the most part, the Aztecs were keeping the Europeans busy. They just had to duck sword swipes and dodge flying bodies.

Angel spotted their objective first, a gold pike lying next to one of the tents in the center of the camp. He yelled out to the area in general. "Buffy, Spike, it's a pike lying next to a tent here in the center. I'm going back for Nina and will meet you back there."

Buffy heard Angel just fine and relaxed and enjoyed the fight. "Spike?" Her could hear him answer over to the right. "Get your ass over here."

Spike had taken on two at once. "Keep your shirt on. Kicking arse here. Be there in a sec. Let a bloke have some fun."

He sounded close so she wasn't worried. Spike always came back. She easily found the gold pike thanks to Angel's directions, but didn't pick it up yet, knowing that when she did, the portal would open. But then she saw Nina and Angel running towards her. "Spike," she called again but with urgency evident in her volume.

"Coming, bossy bint." Spike was a little buried under two Spaniards, a minor delay. He hit one in the jaw, and he slumped to the ground.

With Angel and Nina only a few feet from her, Buffy was relieved to hear Spike's voice near.

Not seeing the distinctive blonde, Nina was immediately concerned. "Where's Spike?"

"He'll be here any second. His voice sounded just around that tent." Regardless of her words, Buffy had trouble convincing herself.

Before their eyes, a Spaniard stepped out of the tent and moved to pick up the pike. Angel and Buffy lunged on instinct. Angel took out the conquistador, and Buffy picked up the golden pike. Buffy's move was a dreadful error. Still looking for the blonde half breed, Buffy glanced back and saw the portal open, but still no Spike. No, no, no. "Spike!" There was now more than a touch of panic in her voice.

"SPIKE!"

Quid pro Quo

By MadRog (madrog@ev1.net)
www.sunnydale-tales.com

*****

Hi again. I've been gone for awhile, but I'm back at it. Don't worry. I will finish the story and have a couple more planned plots. Thanks for sticking with me and reading this story.

Chapter 19 – Once More

Spike had unintentionally stepped into another hornet's nest in the form of three looming conquistadors. Before he realized his mistake, they had ambushed him, knocked him to his knees with a pike to the head, dazing him. Luckily, two turned to fight the Aztecs, but one stayed with him. With his head heavily spinning, Spike was only half blocked the next blow from a sword, swatting the weapon to the side. Success, but Spike was still too dazed to make it to his feet. He could only vaguely hear Buffy's voice calling him, but as much as he wanted to, he was in no shape to answer.

With Nina's safety paramount in his mind, Angel stepped through the portal, pulling her along, looking back to see if Buffy and Spike were coming. They weren't, but he was still getting his love to safety.

Using an age old method, Spike kicked up his leg right into the conquistador's crotch, doubling him over, allowing him to squirm out from under the soldier. Through the smoke of the burning tents, he caught a glimpse of Buffy holding a gold pike with the open portal as a backdrop. "Buffy go! GO!"

Focusing immediately in on her love, Buffy's head snapped to see just the top of Spike's head down to his eyes. It only took her a second to decide between staying or going. She threw the pike through the portal and ran to Spike. As Buffy expected, after the pike passed through the portal closed, but she didn't care, not one bit. All she could see was Spike. She swiftly knocked the groaning, crouched Spaniard out with a right to the jaw and then knelt down beside him.

Spike let his head fall back on the ground with a thump. "Buffy, you should have gone. Now you are stuck here."

"No 'thank you?'" Reaching out for his hand that was laying by his side, Buffy laced their fingers and held on tight. "I'm stuck here - with you."

Floored by her sacrifice, he squeezed her hand even tighter. Helped up by Buffy, he looked over where the portal once was. "What about the gold pike?"

She placed her hand over their joined ones as if to keep them together, her thumb brushing across his skin. "I sent it through. I'm guessing that was why the portal closed."

Spike looked back up into her face, his gaze searching every inch. "Why didn't you leave me? You should have. Angel and Nina will need you. You had to go."

When she answered, her eyes were full of tears. "I don't have to go anywhere but where you are. And Spike, you know Angel. He will make it through this. He always does. Furthermore, blondie, I can't believe that you even asked me why I stayed. I'm not leaving you behind. I'm never leaving you behind again, even if it means death." Tears started to stream down her face. Not knowing if he would catch her, she threw herself into his arms. "I lost a year without you. I don't, won't miss a second more."

Spike could barely understand what she had said with her head burrowed into his shoulder, but he heard enough and it made his heart swell. He gathered her up and held her tight. He was too choked up to talk and had matching tears rolling down his face.

Trying to get closer, Buffy wiggled against him, searching for the perfect position. "Spike, you know I wouldn't leave you? That I want to be with you, don't you?"

"No, pet, I didn't know that, not after Rome. I might have that last couple of days in Sunnyhell, but after I came back, I didn't know at all." He squeezed her a little tighter. "But I know that now." Concerned for their safety, Spike wrapped an arm around her shoulders and moved them into the jungle where he sat down and gathered her in his lap. "Ah, kitten, you know how I feel about you."

"Not anymore..." Buffy's hand cupped the side of his face. Their kiss was tender and special. This tender touch was what she had been striving for since she had seen him in Cleveland. He was alive, she was with him, she loved him, and she was ninety-nine percent sure that he still loved her. She opened her mouth to tell him just that, make him admit it, when they were interrupted by a portal opening up in front of them. Shocked, Spike didn't move at first, but then Buffy was yanking him up. She pulled Spike through, and the portal closed behind them.

"What the bloody hell did you do?" Spike's mouth was running before he stepped completely through the portal.

As they came through the gate, Angel had to laugh at their expressions of sheer shock. Yes, Spike looked befuddled, and Angel was loving every second of it. "I guess who or what ever sends us through the portals insist that we all come."

"Wonder what would happen if one of us gets killed?" Nina reluctantly voiced everyone's question.

Buffy shook her head. "Let's not even go there."

Angel's gaze took in everyone's conditions. "Right. So do we rest or go on?"

In typical Spike style, he was anxious to do something, anything. "Let's get this over with, and this time, let's use our shiny new toys."

Each pair chose a tunnel and a weapon. Angel chose the pike, Spike took the knife and Buffy took the sword, and Nina used a long curved knife that Angel had brought in his pack. Once armed, they headed out.

*****

Angel and Nina didn't have far to go until trouble found them. In the first chamber they came to, they each picked a side, reading the hieroglyphs, looking for the hand imprint. Then it struck, with an emphasis on "it." Nina was knocked down, and Angel knocked face first into a wall. When they looked, "it" wasn't there. Then something cut his belt, and he still saw nothing. The leather was the only thing that kept him from being sliced open. "It or its are invisible."

"Now be PC. They are visibly challenged." Nina tried to make light of the situation even knowing full well the possible, probable danger they were in.

"I bet this thing bleeds just like the rest of us. Put your back to the wall. Give it less target." Angel, holding the sword in front of him in a futile attempt to cover his movements, darted over to next to Nina. He swung his sword to no avail. While he was crossing, he received a cut four inches long on his right thigh.

Standing in front of her now, physically protecting her, Angel tried to give her some advice, but what do you do against an invisible adversary? "No matter what happens to me, keep your back against the wall and your weapon up."

That was good advice until she was cut on her forearm. Angel was incensed. "This stops now." He concentrated. "There has to be a way to kill whatever is attacking us. If it is getting close enough to cut us, I can kill it." Then the proverbial light bulb came on. "That's it. The air will move at the creature's approach."

Angel knew that the approach would be fast, but so was he. He waited, and he didn't have to wait long. He swung as he felt the air move and as the creature opened up a wound on his shoulder. Regardless of its invisible state, he could feel the sword slice through what felt like meat. Chalk up one for the good guys, and the bonus, they could see a trail of black blood drops. Angel wanted to go on the offensive, but he wouldn't leave Nina without cover. Who knew there could be another creature.

Nina and Angel watched the blood appearing on the floor. The creature looked to be pacing, no doubt regrouping. But then the blood stopped materializing. When he felt the wind breeze by, he swung his sword with all his might.

Bull's eye. They heard it fall to the floor and it shimmered into sight. The creature was small, covered in grey hair, and as expected, had long, sharp claws. To make sure it never moved again, Angel cut off its head. If he had to admit it, he would have done it just over the creature cutting Nina.

"Nina, are you okay?" He gathered her up into his arms and slowly, soothingly rocked from side to side.

"Good." Her voice sounded as shaky as she felt, but Nina knew she was safe in her lover's arms.

Angel's voice sounded the same. He had been so frightened for her. "I love you," he whispered softly for her ears only.

"I know." She rubbed her hand across his back. It was rare that he actually told her how he felt so she savored each and every time. But if he said it or not, she knew that he loved her. "I love you, too."

Angel pulled back and inspected her injuries, all minor. "I couldn't stand it if anything worse happened to you."

"Nothing will. You are with me." She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. The contact was nice, but she wanted more. Running her tongue along his upper lip, she finally coaxed his mouth open. The kiss deepened. With adrenalin still rushing through them, clothes started coming off. Neither cared that they were making love with a creature lying on the floor near them. Their world narrowed, including them only.

*****

Buffy and Spike entered a large chamber that sent the shadows of their memories rushing to the forefront. Immediately, the scene in the chamber had changed. They were in Spike's crypt. No doubt about it. The crypt was bathed in candlelight and a sarcophagus was made up similar to a day bed. Both turned around, easily recognizing their surroundings. Buffy didn't realize how homey Spike had made the place back then, no doubt for her. She had been so dreadful to him, yet he still thought of pleasing her.

"Home sweet home..." Images swam before Spike's eyes. "Or was that 'home sweet hell'?" He remembered how he had tried to make it more comfortable for Buffy. Unfortunately, he could tell by the surroundings that this was when they were having sex and that it was the time before she'd broken up with him. The scene opened up old wounds, wide, gaping wounds. This was the last time they'd had sex, and the end of that time was the worst of the wounds that was perpetually open concerning Buffy.

Buffy glanced over at Spike, worried at the tone of his voice. She hated the fact that many of his memories included her when she was the reigning queen of bitchiness. She had to get him away from those thoughts. "But it doesn't exist anymore. It went all woosh, the boom, big crater. Big wow!"

Buffy's efforts were for naught. He had a bad feeling about this scene because he remembered the night so well. "I don't think that makes any difference to whom or whatever is controlling these mojo excursions."

Nodding, Buffy had to agree. "But what are we..."

As they watched, Past Spike came into view up through the floor via the ladder from his lower level. He was not in his usual t-shirt but a handsome, dark button down shirt. He was reading from a small book as he walked towards the sarcophagus. With his look, the pastime of reading, and the candlelight added a romantic feel. "You looked so yummy."

Her compliment wasn't enough, just the recognition of the coming pain hurt more than the scene with Angelus. Hoping to avoid the coming pain, grasping at straws, Spike experimented. "Stop."

'Oh, no. Just what I need.' Buffy went so far as to stomp her foot in frustration. Wait a second. If we can halt the scene, maybe we can change the scene, too. It was worth a try. "Go." She let the scene go for a few seconds and stopped it when past Spike sat down. "Spike, come here." She picked up the volume and read the title. "Shakespeare's sonnets. I should have realized how sensitive, civilized you were back then, but you hid that side of yourself. Oh, we'll talk about it later. Try this." She suddenly took Spike by the arms and seated him on top of the Past Spike. Instead of sitting on his past self, he meshed with him, becoming one. Buffy had a feeling that was what would happen.

His feelings also meshed. He felt the hope of Past Spike that Buffy would come through his door but then the dread of how she would act after their sexcapades.

Before she took the experiment further, she held his hands. "Don't worry. I think we can make some changes. For me, please just go with it." How could he refuse her anything? Bloody hell, he admitted to himself that he would do anything for her and that he loved her still. After a moment, Spike couldn't trust his voice, so full of emotions, so he just nodded his head.

The door opened, slamming against the wall, and Past Buffy came striding in at a quick, no nonsense pace.

Surprised, Spike glanced up and went with the scene. The words tumbled out from Past Spike. "Buffy. Hey now." Putting the book down, Spike stood and sauntered over to her. Spike hid his joy that she had come to him behind an arrogant mask, knowing that his over amount of affection would turn her off. "If I'd known you were coming, I'd have baked a cake."

Pulling off her black gloves, Past Buffy moved to stand in front of him. Present Buffy wondered what Spike would have said if he had known how much she had wanted to reached out and touch him back then. "I need information."

"Well, suppose I could be helpful. If the price is right." He smirked that sexy smirk that always got under her skin. "I'm not sure I'm selling out at Doublemeat Palace wages, though." Spike remembered how much he had wanted to gather her into his arms but was frustrated in advance for what her reaction would be.

Her face was set cold and hard. "I need to find a guy. Dealer. Calls himself The Doctor."

Spike had hoped Past Buffy hadn't seen him flinch. "Human?" Bloody hell, she had already caught a whiff of his little venture. Bollocks.

"His traffic isn't." Her voice was firm.

"Freeze." Buffy turned to Spike who was looking kind of sick, green complexion. "Spike, I never gave you a chance to explain. Why did you have those eggs?"

Blue gazed into hazel. He had wanted to explain so many times, but had finally given up. Now was the chance. "I wasn't the Doctor, but I was holding the eggs for him, an out of town bloke – for money. And no, I wasn't told to keep them cold."

The explanation left her with questions. "Why did you need the money?"

"For you and Dawn." Spike met her eye to eye. He had nothing to be sorry for. He had only been trying to help Buffy's situations. "I only wanted to get you out of that grease trap before it fried you alive."

"I was so blind." She closed her eyes for a moment. "I'm sorry. I wish I had asked then. I should have." She leaned over and surprised him with a kiss and then got things going again. "Go."

"Clock ticking?" Spike hoped she would stay even though while she was there, she might ferret out his secret.

Unbeknownst to him, Buffy was focused on his sexy, sculptured lips, wanting to press her own on his. "Whatever he's doing, he's doing it soon."

Spike looked her up and down, loving what he saw as usual. A corner of his mouth rose. "Soon but not now?"

Present Buffy commanded, "Stop." The scene froze. Buffy watched with a smile. "This is so cool." She took a step into her past self. Before she could do much thinking, she felt compelled to speak. She spoke in a quiet voice, pitch low. Her whole demeanor changed from when she had first come into the crypt. Buffy knew that her next line was important. That was an understatement. It was monumentally, life changing important. "Tell me you love me."

Past Spike felt surprised by her intensity. Present Spike was wary. He could feel how vulnerable he had felt that night. Plus he wasn't too sure about laying out his feelings to her again. That had never been successful in the past, but he spoke. "I love you. You know I do."

Present Buffy savored his words even though Present Spike might not mean them, but she had a hope and inkling that he did. "Tell me you want me." Contrary to what Past Buffy had done, Present Buffy smiled tenderly and placed her hand on his cheek. She couldn't stand waiting any longer to reach out and touch him.

The play they were enacting had changed already. Present Buffy had changed the path of the past. This was a warm, caring Buffy now. He was amazed. Leaning into her hand, Spike whispered, "I always want you. In point of fact..."

"Shut up." Just as she couldn't wait to touch him, she couldn't wait to kiss. She moved her hand to the back of his head and grabbed a hand full of his shirt. She pulled him to her, and not caring what he thought or wanted to do, she kissed him.

At first the kiss was one sided. Spike still was stunned that she could and how she had changed the past. She had changed a carnal act, without feelings on her side into warm feelings. Instead, her emotions were clear. She cared for him and her action was a show of true affection.

Finally waking up from his daze, Spike opened his mouth and returned her kiss. Their tongues met and danced. But as soon as he was getting into it, she turned them and pulled him down onto the coffin-couch. Buffy lay down on her back with Spike on top of her. She frantically began unbuttoning his shirt. Spike pulled at the fastenings on Buffy's bulletproof vest. She stared at his face while she pushed the partially unbuttoned shirt down on his shoulders, and then used it to pull him down for another kiss. She was lost in the sensations, soaring up into the clouds. She could be happy just lying under him, kissing him, but she wanted more. She wanted his love again, but she knew that she had to make the first move, timid, not knowing if he would reject her love or pull away.

However, when she came up for air the words just flowed out. It was sooner than she wanted, but she didn't regret them. "Spike, I love you."

~~~~~~~~~

TBC