Consisting of the Scoobies plus Spike and Jonathan, the Buffy Rescue Party, had been traveling for two hours since leaving the truck stop. Willow and Xander were up in the front of the SUV, Jonathan in the middle row, with Spike and Dawn in the very back. The tense atmosphere in the SUV had returned with a vengeance.

Out of idleness and habit, Spike started to light a fag, but Xander happened to look in the rear view mirror and went psycho, threatening to open the back window. Since then, Spike was no longer talking, hands balled into tight fists until Willow glared at the vampire, indicating Dawn with a nod of her head. He forced himself to relax, at least by outward appearances, for the Bit’s sake.

Willow returned to her current roll of co-pilot, giving Xander directions, “The map was marked over there on the right side of the highway. Take the next exit *after* the airport exit.” Willow thanked the Goddess and let out a breath she felt like she had been holding the last fifteen minutes. Everyone had all been so worried that Buffy would be on a plane and gone before they could get to her.

The access road was lined with fast food restaurants. Hindered but not letting the sunlight stop him, Spike finally picked up a very faint scent in the grocery store parking lot next to a McDonald’s. Trying to be helpful, Jonathan offered his opinion, “If they are in a semi-truck, they would need a large parking space. That is if they wanted to grab a quick breakfast at McD’s. Take my word for it.” Jonathan now stared down at the pavement, absently kicking at stray rocks, “I spent some time in a semi a few months back.” How he had hoped they would not ask for any more details. Fleeing Sunnydale after the fiasco with Warren was not something he wanted to remind these people about. Not to mention, it was an event he was trying to put behind him.

Luckily Xander just somberly nodded his head in agreement “Not like that huge truck could pull up to the drive thru window.”

Trying to find a bright spot in the current state of affairs, Willow put an comforting arm around Dawn, “Just think, I doubt they would have stopped here for breakfast if they were trying to make a flight.” Striving for the best spin possible, “I bet those meanies didn’t fly your big sis anywhere.” Actually it did provide a distraction for Dawn as she wondered if Willow realized she was fifteen, not five.

In an eerily flat tone for the vamp, Spike told Jonathan to try the spell again, concluding as the rest of them that Buffy must have already moved on and so should they.

After sending Dawn in McD’s for “rations,” Xander turned the SUV around, providing more shade for Spike. They *so* didn’t need any spontaneous combustion during the location spell. By unspoken consensus, no one made any move to hid their activities from curious eyes. No one cared who saw them. They just needed a few minutes, and then they would be gone.

By the time Dawn returned with breakfast and stowed it in the SUV for later, Willow and Jonathan were ready…If only the spell had gone as smoothly as the preparations.

As during previous castings of the spell, the green ball of light appeared between Jonathan’s hands, split into a swirl of blue and yellow, and then the blue light connected all the Scoobies, including Spike. But only for an instant. To everyone’s shock, the blue streams of light quickly withdrew back into the energy ball. Before anyone could voice their alarm, Jonathan rushed to reassured them, “No, no, I’ve still got her. Weak but there.”

Then two streams of blue light came out, and surprisingly, only connecting with Dawn and Willow this time. A collective breath was held as the yellow stream of light started out of the ball, much slower than previous times, heading towards the map. The the yellow paused, dimmed, extended a few more inches before fading away completely, just shy of intersecting with the map.

Spike whirled, pinning Jonathan with his yellow gaze, “Get the Slayer back, he-witch. Now!”

Taking a defensive step back, Jonathan just shook his head sadly, “Sorry, Buffy must be out completely. She’s gotta be drugged.”

Uncharacteristically, Xander tried for a little optimism, “The light was headed here,” and pointed to a location on the map. They needed a new destination and close was good enough for horse shoes and hand grenades. They couldn’t just sit and wait.

*****

Over an hour and a half later, Xander was wishing he had one of those horse shoes for good luck. He was currently driving around a small, secluded business district with numerous two to three story buildings housing a wide variety of businesses. When they had initially arrived, Jonathan had tried the spell again with no response, thwarting their effort to narrow down Xander’s guess-timate to an exact location.

After driving around one more time, Xander wearily asked no one in particular, “Which one?”

It was Willow’s turn to play Sherlock Holmes. “Ok, let’s look at the clues and think this through. What do we know so far?”

Xander played Watson, “The *general* location, meaning Buffy is in one of these buildings. We just don’t know which one?”

Willow prodded further, “And?...”

“And?” Xander paused in confusion. What was he missing? He continued, thinking out loud, “We cast the locator spell again and…Oh yeah, the spell was different last time.”

Willow’s lips curved up slightly at her best friend, “The question was why? Why did Buffy single only me and Dawn out? What do we three have in common?”

Excited now, Xander raised his hand, “I know this one, too. You’re women.” He smugly looked around at the ‘duh’ looks on everyone’s faces. “That was my favorite part of biology class. Well, that was the only part of biology I paid attention to…””

Willow laughed, “Thanks for NOT sharing right now, and what can women do that men can’t?”

Having exhausted his knowledge, Xander was now at a loss, “Stop and ask for directions?”

Willow gave him a big eye roll, “Have babies, Mr. Biology - no directions needed.”

“Little Bit better not even think about reproducing anytime soon,” Spike grumbled from the shadows inside the SUV, earning a much needed chuckle from the group and receiving a playful slap from Dawn.

“Voila.” With that Willow laughed and pointed across the street to one of the buildings with a sign that read “The Zeus Fertility Clinic.”

Xander shook his head, “We’re definitely going to need a plan this time, and I don’t mean a family plan. I can’t imagine a clinic letting us waltz in and search the place...”

*****

Twenty minutes later, Jonathan got out of the van and headed for the clinic. Before she could follow, Xander stopped Willow, “Will, do you trust him?”

Willow paused, gazing at Jonathan who was patiently waiting a few feet away, head slightly cocked in a silent question. Willow looked back at Xander, “I want to have confidence in him, but I admit, it’s hard.”

Xander was impressed at Willow’s ability to put the past behind her. She had come so far in the last couple of months since Tara’s death, but he looked closely at his best friend, trying to read her expression, “Confidence or ignorance?”

With a slight smile, she answered, ”Ok, I may be ‘ignorant’ to have ‘confidence’ in him. I am just going to have to use a little faith - for Buffy’s sake.”

*****

Plastering smiles on their faces, Willow and Jonathan entered the clinic, greeting the receptionist and security guard sitting behind the front desk. With more bravado that she felt, Willow spoke up in her perkiest voice, “Hi, we have an appointment for 11:00. I know Jonathan and I are a little early, but we were just so excited.” Jonathan tried to desperately hide his “eww” face. The reference to ‘excited’ in a fertility clinic produced more of a mental image than he ever wanted.

The pleasant looking woman smiled in welcome, “What’s the name?”

Willow answered without thinking, “Uh, Willow and Jonathan Rosenberg.” Jonathan had to catch himself before correcting her.

Now the receptionist began to frown, “I don’t see your names on our list of appointments. Are you sure it was for today?” She looked up at Jonathan who was nodding vigorously. “Maybe your appointment was for another day. Let me check…” After typing for a few more moments, she shook her head, “No, I don’t even see you on the computer. Who was the doctor you were supposed to see?”

Willow had been expecting something like this but still was momentarily at a loss of what to say. Which doctor??? Willow paused, but Jonathan made the save. “Dr. Thompson,” Jonathan spoke up, earning a smile of appreciation from Willow. He had taken note of one of the doctors’ name on the front door as they had entered the clinic.

However, the woman continued to frown, “I am *so* sorry. She already has an appointment scheduled for 11:00. Can I make you a new one?”

Willow tried to work up some tears of disappointment. “Oh, no! We drove nearly four hours to get here,” she thought no lie there, “and were looking *so* forward to a tour of your facility today. Would that be possible, and we could come back another time to meet the doctor?”

The security guard also sitting behind the desk must have bought Willow’s act. Taking pity on the “couple,” he volunteered to show them around. “…Informally, of course,” the guard added with a wink.

As Willow and Jonathan followed the guard through the locked door leading to the back, Dawn swept in the front doors, wailing and balling her head off. Totally hysterical, she made her way to the reception desk, crying so hard that she couldn’t even talk at first. Stunned, the receptionist came around the front of the desk to comfort the girl. Thus, Dawn was the only one to see Xander sneak swiftly in the clinic’s front door and swiftly through the door Willow had left propped open by simply dropping a pen in the door jam.

Outside, Spike sat in the alley behind the clinic guarding the SUV - ha, ha! Desperate for action but frustrated with waiting, he sat and chained smoked. Blowing out a stream of smoke, he thought, “The whelp can sod off.” After a long suffering sigh, Spike had to remind himself why he was out in the SUV while the others were inside. No believable way to explain a smoking, singed vamp dashing in the front door. Knowing his luck lately, they would know that vampires were sterile and definitely not in need a fertility clinic. Bullocks, he couldn’t even pace stuck in this buggering vehicle. Instead Spike settled for flicking ashes in Xander’s ashtray, covering all of Harris’ loose change stored in the small drawer. A vamp had to take his little pleasures where he could get them. Now if he could just see Buffy’s face, feel her smooth, warm skin beneath his fingers, smell her alluring scent…and know that she was safe again. A spot of violence would help right about now, the vampire thought, smiling his most evil smile, planning what wicked things he would do to the Slayer’s kidnappers.

Chapter 6, Just a Moment

A few minutes later, Xander poked his head out the exit leading to the alley behind the clinic and waved at Spike. Not needing a second invitation, the blonde vamp immediately jumped out of the SUV. Closing the door behind the flammable vampire and watching him pat out the few fires ignited by the sunshine, Xander started to explain, "Change of plans. I know we were just scouting now and attacking later, but we've got to do something ASAP." Xander motioned Spike to follow him around a corner and quietly continued, "I just saw one of those tattoo guys telling a doctor to operate on 'her' immediately. 'Her," I assuming, is Buffy."

Spike nodded and growled, "The buggers! I'll tear their hearts out, still beating. Where is she?"

"Must be on the second floor. The doctor who was talking to Mr. Tat stepped on the elevator after agreeing."

Xander and Spike found a door labeled "Stairs" but had to stop when they realized this door required the swipe of a coded card to open. Xander glanced both ways down the hall, "Ok, here's what we need to do.We find somebody, knock them out and take their." Before he could even get the word "card" out of his mouth, he was interrupted by the sound of ripping metal and turned to see a smiling vampire holding the door open, pulled off its hinges. A vamped out Spike just casually shrugged, "Waiting is just not my style." For once, Xander was glad to have Spike on his side.

Heading up the stairs, the pair searched the first two rooms but found only medical supplies. Xander was starting to get anxious, looking both ways down the hall when Spike tried the third door. Jack Pot! This door opened up to what appeared to be a small operating room with Buffy against the far wall, lying on a table, strapped down, fully restrained and gagged. An IV led from her arm to three bags of liquids on a slow drip hanging from a nearby pole.

"Now we know that she is definitely sedated." Xander stayed by the door, letting the furious vampire go to Buffy. No way he was getting between this snarling vamp and his Slayer. He valued his skin way too much for that.

As he first touched her, Spike shifted back to his human face. "Come on now, luv, we've got to go." But Spike couldn't get a response of any kind from Buffy. Angrily, Spike thought that Jonathan had been right, and she was drugged to the gills. "Slayer, you're making this whole rescue a bit difficult."

Cracking the door open for a little quick recon, Xander whispered over to Spike, "Someone's coming." Growling again, Spike gave up any attempt at waking Buffy and began pulling out the IV and removing the restraints. All the while Spike kept talking in a low, soothing voice, almost a purr.

Noiselessly shutting the door, Xander stepped back and prepared to launch a surprise attack. After knocking the woman to the floor, Xander realized he had just attacked a nurse, a human nurse. Awkwardly trying to apologize, Xander helped her to her feet but was bumped by the door opening up again. He immediately recognized the doctor he had seen talking downstairs. Now this guy, Xander thought, he was comfortable fighting. Human, male, on the small side - go for it. Thinking fast, Xander reached up, grabbed the doctor's head and slammed it down on his rising knees. The doctor instantly went limp and crumpled on the floor without a sound. Xander grinned at Spike's impressed grunt of approval.

Turning to the nurse, Xander felt like he was suddenly in slow motion as he watched her reach out and press the emergency alarm button. "So much for the victory dance," Xander said as the door opened again. Addressing the man who rushed in, Xander cockily said, "Next? Step right up to the plate." Before it could even register, Xander found himself on the receiving end of a vicious bitch slap, sliding across the floor, only stopped by Spike's legs. Belatedly he realized that this new guy wasn't human. Catching Spike's eye, Xander quipped, "Demon batter up - Send in the relief pitcher."

Fully vamped out and furious, Spike swung around and squared off with the newcomer. This also brought him conveniently next to the nurse. "You silly bint, the alarm's making my ears ring." Without even looking at her, Spike's fist shot out, knocking out the traitorous woman, eliminating any threat from that department. Keeping his yellow eyes fixed on his new opponent, Spike licked his lips in anticipation, but then recognition flickered in the back of his memory. Slightly tilting his head, deceptively calm, he asked, "Do I know you, mate?"

In obvious anticipation of the fight, the demon shrugged out of his jacket. Acknowledging Spike with a fractional inclination of his head, he answered, "I believe you've met my brother. I'm Beta. ."

"Don't tell me.'Alpha, right?' Big, feathery bloke? Missing his head - now? Is there a little sis, 'Gamma,' rounding around somewhere?"

"Just us two, and I'm pleased you remember him." Beta's eyes narrowed to slits. "That bitch, the Slayer, will pay twice over for killing my brother. First with her ovaries and then with her life."

"What's with you blokes and eggs? Odd fetish to have, but you're gonna have to get your own wench, you sick twit. This one's more trouble that you could possibly know." Grabbing the IV pole, Spike hit Beta but with pathetic results. Looking at the very bent pole, Spike re-evaluated Beta. The demon was not quite as tall as Alpha had been, but was still larger than Spike, very muscular, and looked much more human than his brother. He wasn't sure if the human part was good or bad. Beta's features still strongly resembled a falcon's as had Alpha's, but he had hair instead of feathers. Beta extended his talons, slicing Spike's upper arm deeply and blood flowed. Remembering back to London, Spike thought, 'Well, those were the same as Alpha's.' Spike stepped back and squared off again, mirroring Beta's movements, but still receiving another cut to his arm and one to his stomach that also bled profusely. Sensing an easy victory, Beta got sloppy and made a hasty lunge. The only problem was that he had forgotten Xander, but Spike hadn't. Out of the corner of his eye, he had watched Harris grab a rolling chair and prepare. When Beta made his move, Xander slid the chair in the demon's way, allowing Spike to side step to a nearby surgical tray and grab a scalpel. Spinning on his left foot, the vamp slit the demon's jugular in the blink of an eye. Not even realizing his injury, Beta snarled and turned on Spike before feeling the warm flow of blood pouring down his shirt. Grabbing the wound, Beta stared back up at Spike still not fully comprehending that he was looking death in the face, even as he slumped to the floor in a pool of his own blood. All over in a matter of seconds, Xander was left gawking in amazement as the floor quickly turned from a drab grey to a bright red. "That puts a hole new meaning to a slider. Go team."

Spike didn't even acknowledge Xander's reference to them play on the same team, despite how monumental it was coming from the Whelp, just scooped Buffy up and ordered Xander to get the door, and they unbelievably made their way to the exit without further incident. However, the vampire came to a quick halt in the frame of the exit, faced with the sunshine outside and no SUV in sight. Xander darted around him, searching for the missing vehicle.

Spike noticed people down the hall, rushing towards him, and his keen vampire hearing heard police sirens obviously responding to the alarm still going off. Looking back outside, Spike could see Xander frantically waving his arms at something around the corner, hopefully signaling their get-away car.

Upon hearing the alarm, Willow, Dawn, and Jonathan had exited the clinic when they had heard and returned to the SUV. When a delivery truck honked at them for blocking the alley they moved around to the side of the clinic, not wanting to draw anymore attention to themselves than possible. All three were very relieved when they finally saw Xander signaling.

Satisfied that they had seen him, Xander turned back in time to see a smoldering vampire headed his way carrying the Slayer. Later, when Xander thought back to this moment, Spike's selfless act of courage to save Buffy at all costs stood out as when he finally change his mind about this master vampire, seeing him as a person instead of a thing to be killed. This vampire had gone out into the deadly sun, letting the door automatically lock behind him, risking burns, risking his life all for the Slayer, his deadliest enemy. Rushing back to help Spike, Xander caught Buffy up in his arms, allowing the vampire to jump into the SUV screeching up next to them. Jonathan and Dawn immediately flung the door open, pulling and pushing Spike into the far back seat and then taking Buffy from Xander into the second row. Xander jumped into the co-pilot seat as the SUV started speeding away. Team work, nothing like it.

*****

Other than making a quick stop on the side of the road so that Xander could take over the driving from Willow, the gang drove as fast as they dared back to Sunnydale, straight to Revello Drive. Having seen Spike sizzle enough for one day, Xander pulled the SUV right up into the front yard, as close to the front door as possible. Willow was out of the vehicle, up the front steps and through the front door before the SUV had come to a complete stop. She returned with a throw off the sofa as protection for Spike. With Jonathan's help, Dawn was quickly out guiding Buffy's limp body out of the back seat and back into Spike's waiting arms once the vampire had made his way up onto the shaded porch.

Noting with a smile that Dawn never lost physical contact with her sister, no matter who held Buffy, Willow's gaze followed Spike and Dawn making their way slowly up the stairs until their were out of site. Turning back to Xander and Jonathan, Willow took a deep breath and collected her thoughts, "We are going to need a few supplies. Go to the butcher shop first. There is no telling the last time spike was able to feed, and he needs his strength to heal. I also need you to go by the health food store. I want to mix something up to help Buffy purge as quickly as possible whatever garbage those creeps put in her system.Here, let me write down what I need." As Willow went to make her list, Xander turned to Jonathan who was still standing on the porch, unsure what to say or do. "Can I give you a ride home?"

"Sure, that would be great. Maybe I could help you with the medicinal stuff. I know some about herbs and natural meds."

When Willow returned, she gave a small smile of thanks to Jonathan and sent them on their way. After watching the SUV roll out of the yard, Willow headed upstairs to check on the injured. She found all three lying on Buffy's bed. Spike must have just walked in and sat down on the bed still holding Buffy in his arms. Buffy was now cuddled up on his lap, sleeping, while Spike leaned against the headboard, also sound asleep, head nestled against her hair. Dawn was lying at their side with her hand resting in Buffy's, softly snoring. Willow stood for a minute and enjoyed the scene, then gently closed the door and left them in peace. Peace - a rare event in their world and a moment to be savored.

The next time the door to Buffy's bedroom opened, night had fallen, and Xander followed Willow into the darkened room. As Xander approached the bed, without opening his eyes, Spike stared a low growl that increased as Xander got closer. Xander stopped and raised up his hands, "Fang Face, don't bite the hand that's just trying to feed you - literally. I just wanted to let you know that we've got some blood downstairs for you."

Spike stopped growling but opened his eyes to glare a challenge at Xander, visibly tightening his arms around Buffy. No way he was moving away from his Slayer anytime soon. Dawn was awake now and watching with owlish eyes, concern obviously growing.

Willow touched Xander on the back, "Xander, why don't you bring some up to him?" Xander wasn't happy to be the vamp's errand boy but left to do as asked.

Spike turned his glare to the mug in Willow's hand. Dawn spoke up while trying to see into the mug, "Gross.What's that?"

"This is for Buffy, to hopefully help get the yucky stuff out of her system. Willow stepped up to Buffy, speaking softly, "Let's see if we can wake her up enough to drink."

Spike protectively growled at her proximity. Willow stepped back and turned on the lights, "Spike, I know you are just trying to protect her, but since I've been trusting you with her, the least you could do is trust me now."

The sudden transformation in the vamp from anger to concern was lightening fast and astounding. With soft words and a little gentle shake, Spike slowly coaxed Buffy to consciousness. Everything was still foggy but she slowly recognized the blue eyes above her. Of course, she would have recognized those gorgeous blue eyes anywhere. "Spike.I knew you would find me"

Her smile and obvious trust in him, even if not stated in so many words, warmed Spike from the inside out. "It's Willow, you should be thanking, love. It was her plan, not mine."

Buffy focused on her best friend's face, weakly returning Willow's smile. But a frown quickly appeared on Buffy's brow, "Where's Dawn?"

"I'm here," Dawn moved around so that Buffy could see her more easily. "How are you?"

Looking her sister up and down, making sure she was alright, Buffy nodded, "Better now.just sleepy." Willow help up the mug, "Try this and see if you don't start feeling better." She brought the drink to Buffy's lips, but Buffy jerked away, scrunching her nose up at the foul smell. "Major ick factor."

Spike took the mug and tried, "Come on, kitten, just a little sip." Willow and Dawn watched Spike gently cajole Buffy into drinking, sip by sip, the whole mug. By the time Buffy was done, Xander had returned with a mug of warmed blood for Spike, which the vampire quickly downed with a thankful nod.

Xander was very relieved to find Buffy awake at last. Hovering beside the bed, still some what worried about his friend, he asked, "Buffy, is there anything else we can get you?"

"Sleep.now." Buffy's eyelids were already drooping again.

Stepping over to the other side of the bed, Willow whispered to Dawn, gently stroking her hair, "Dawnie, you need to eat something soon." Dawn only nodded noncommittally as she started to doze off also.

After Xander and Willow left and silence fell once again in the room, Spike listened to the two Summers girls' heartbeats and breathing, the respective rhythms beginning to slow back down. Just as he was falling asleep himself, Spike felt Buffy's eyes on him again. He opened his eyes and was drawn into her hazel gaze, "Spike, are you going to leave?"

Sure that he knew what was coming after that question, Spike answered, "As soon as I can crawl out of this bed, but I couldn't move if I wanted to right now, pet. Need a little time to heal up some first before heading back to the Magic Box."

Thoroughly enjoying the feel of her cheek against his cool muscles, Buffy sleepily shook her head against his chest, "No, I meant leave Sunnydale. Are you going to leave town again?"

Where the hell was this going? He was just too tired for games now, so he settled for noncommittal. "I'm not sure yet." He knew he couldn't leave again, couldn't bring himself to leave her or her little sis again, but he also did not want to upset her now. Not to mention, she felt too good holding her in his lap, and he didn't know if or when that would ever happen again. Undecided, he looked over at the window, avoiding her gaze. He could feel the Bit stir, listening intently, all her teenage curiosity focused on her sister and her friend. Buffy looked at his face, trying her best to see it as clearly as the drugs in her system would allow. Taking a big breath, Buffy linked a free hand with his, "Someone once told me that I've survived so long as a Slayer because of my friends and family, my ties to the world. He also told me to get over the martyrdom and live."

Recognizing his own words, Spike chuckled at Buffy's failed attempt at an English accent.

She smiled up at him and dropped her miserable accent before continuing, "I've thought about it for months, and no more being the martyr for this Buffy. But I've also come to realize that I need help from my family and friends to stay alive." After a pause, she laid her head back on his chest, squirming to find the best possible spot. "But it doesn't work so well when one of my friends lives in London now. And, no, just for the record, I don't mean Giles." Looking back at Buffy, Spike was in time to see Dawn lay her head back down with a smile on her face.

Buffy's groggy voice drifted up to him, "How can you help if you're not here?"

"Slayer?..." Spike started but was silenced by a firm kiss on his lips. "Stay, blood breath, we.I need you here." With that stunning bombshell, Buffy snuggled back down and fell asleep before Spike could gather his thoughts enough to speak. He looked over at Dawn, who was now grinning, and saw her squeeze her sister's hand. How the word echoed in his head, one precious word, "Stay." Spike had never noticed how wonderful that word sounded until that night and awed by how much life could turn around with one simple word. So many times she had used it in the past to wound, stay away or stay out of my life. But not tonight, things had changed. The Slayer had asked him to stay in Sunnydale. He had been wrong when he had told Buffy that he was waiting for that one good day to kill her. How incredibly wrong he had been. It wasn't just one good day, but any day he could spend with Buffy was good. Hope blossomed at her words, 'Stay..I need you here.' Now he could bring himself to hope for many more 'good' days to come.



TBC

 

Chapter 7: Unexpected (Part 1)

Buffy happily entered the kitchen two days later, her mood a mix of joy to be out of bed but combined with some moping that the house was so empty. Since no one had been upstairs or in the living areas, she had been left feeling somewhat at a loss? She spotted Willow in the kitchen, but still where was Dawn, Xander, …Spike?

She was still surprised that she had slept forty-five hours straight through before leaving her bedroom. Whatever that junk she was given by the doctor had really knocked her for a loop. Even with her Slayer healing abilities and Willow’s concoction, she had had a hard time expelling the yucky stuff from her system.

Last night, fed up with lolling around in her bed, Buffy had dragged herself down to the living room to watch a rented movie with Dawn and Willow. Insisting she rest up and get all the meds out of her system before returning to demon hunting, Spike and Xander covered patrols for her. Stunned by their apparent cease fire, Buffy had agreed. She didn’t know if they would ever be buds, but this truce was a much needed miracle.

At first Buffy had been embarrassed to see Spike again. She fondly remembered her first night back from the clinic, cuddling in his arms, kissing him on the lips, asking him to stay in Sunnydale. When she had woken up hours later, he had been gone. Later she was told that he had returned to the Magic Box, something about deliveries and workmen. She hadn’t expected him to stick around watching her sleep for a day and a half, but she had missed him all the same. Last night when he came to visit her with Xander, he acted his normal Spike-self, as if he had never left. In fact, he acted like he did after she was resurrected, no real zingers. Spike only made playful jabs shrouding his concern for her welfare. However, Buffy suspected Spike was sneaking sly looks at her when he thought she wasn’t looking, but try as she might, she could never catch him. Accordingly, she wasn’t sure how things between them now stood and could never find a private moment alone with the vamp to find out.

Standing by the kitchen sink, Willow’s voice brought Buffy back to the present. “Hey, Buff. Have a seat, and I’ll get you something yummy for your tummy.”

“Thanks, Will.” Looking at her friend, Buffy thought how great it was to see Willow smiling again. She knew Willow still missed Tara, but each day seem to be getting a little easier. Thinking of missing someone, Buffy asked, “Where’s Dawn?”

“Since summer school is over, the last couple of days she has been going over to the Magic box, helping Spike set the training room back up and training with him.”

Well, that answered one question. Sounds like Spike was going to stay in Sunnydale. Buffy smiled into her orange juice. “What are you going to do today, Wills?”

“After I finish here, I’m going to the lab for a while. Later Dawn and I thought we’d catch a matinee. Do you want to come with?”

“The lab, big ‘no.’ The movie, a ‘maybe.’ You know, I do want to start patrolling again tonight. I’m just really restless and don’t know if I could sit through a movie today.”

“No prob. Why don’t you meet me at the Magic box later if you decide on a ‘yes’ for the movie?”

Buffy thought for a minute, “Yeah, that sounds good. I’ll go over later and will probably tag along for the movie before patrolling.”

Shooing Willow out of the kitchen, Buffy cleaned up the kitchen before wandering upstairs to shower. Hey, a trip to the Magic Box entailed leaving the house. Definitely in the plus column, but seeing Spike was riding the line between the plus and minus column. Buffy longed to see him but wasn’t sure what was going to happen next. Dawn and Willow would be there, right? Why was she so worried?

An hour later, she was still in the bathroom. Why did her hair have to be perfect? The outfit just right? Why was the outfit better for a workout instead of a movie? Why did she find herself thinking more of sparing with Spike than going to a movie.

Buffy then tried to convince herself that she wanted to spare with someone to make sure she was ready for patrol tonight. Be prepared - Buffy the Boy Scout!! That’s it. Dawn and Spike were training, after all, and it was her training room. She could just join in, right? Ok, she was happy to have a plan now, to have made up her mind on a course of action. Now she found herself hurrying to get ready.

An uncomfortable thought struck her. If all that were true, that she needed to practice fighting, then why did her thoughts center around her body contact with Spike instead of the fighting moves? How come she pictured herself pinning him to the mats, her body pressing down on his, her lips…?

This was ridiculous; at lease she could be honest with herself. She liked fighting with Spike, liked the challenge but also liked the interaction and the yummy contact. Hell, she liked him. Whew, honesty was scary, but what the hell…

*****

Over at the newly renovated Magic Box, or whatever its new name would eventually become, Spike and Dawn had finally finished organizing the training room and had stopped for a lunch break in the new kitchen upstairs. In fact, the training room was the only room still remaining from the old Magic Box. The second floor now housed an open living area, kitchen, full bath and two bedrooms. The smaller third floor previously used for storage had been converted into the master suite.

Sitting at a make-shift kitchen table, Spike finished a mug of blood as Dawn put away the remains of her sub sandwich. She was excitedly babbling about her training. “Spike, I’ve been practicing that spin kick you showed me yesterday. I think I’ve got it now. Can we start with that?”

“Sure, Platelet, let’s see what you’ve learned, but lets do it on the mats this time. I would think you’re sore from yesterday. Ya know, a spin kick should end with you on your feet, not your arse.”

Dawn shot him a mock insulted look, “And this coming from the man drooling ‘platelets’ down his chin. Use a napkin much?”

Rolling his eyes and wiping his mouth, Spike followed her downstairs into the training room, not worried in the least. Bite Size had attempted that move at least twenty times the day before, never making contact. Unless, of course, you didn’t count her arse hitting the floor each time. “Ok, this time keep your eyes on your target, snap your head as you come around, and little Ms. Humpty Dumpty, keep your balance forward this time…”

Before Spike could finish his instructions, his senses started to tingle. Buffy was near. He knew the instant she walked in the front door. There was no longer a bell on the door, but he still knew. As he started to turn towards the training room door leading into the main room, one second he was looking at the door, and the next all he saw was the ceiling. As his hand came up to gently probe his throbbing jaw, Spike mentally shook himself. He laid there thinking, ‘Déjà vu, Nibblet. Should have learned, you ponce, when Clem had distracted you at the crypt, and Dawn had landed a punch.’ Trust Dawn to finally get the kick right when he wasn’t paying attention. ‘Maybe I will just stay here for a bit, admire the new ceiling, and try to blend into the mats. The Slayer will eventually go away, won’t she?’

Dawn was ecstatic, cheering, jumping around the room, giddy with success. “Oh, oh, Buffy. I did it. Did you see it? I finally got the move right. A gorgeous spin kick.”

Buffy smiled at her enthusiastic sister, for what she wasn’t quite sure yet since all of Dawn’s words were running together, but she had a good idea after spying the blond vamp laid out on the mats, holding his jaw. She let Dawn continue her victory celebration which now included opening the back door and yelling her success to the alley. Buffy laughed to herself, ‘To think she had put off coming over…’ Buffy strolled over to Spike and looked down into his face.

The vamp, however, was still trying to hold onto his denial. ‘Maybe, I will get lucky, and Buffy will take little sis and go.’ When the Slayer’s face suddenly blocked his view of the ceiling, Spike gave a long suffering sigh, ‘No such luck, mate.’

“You know, I came to watch, thinking you were a little old to be a teacher to an energetic teenager, but I didn’t think you would need a wittle nappy-poo, Spikey.”

Absently noting that Buffy’s face was still beautiful even upside down, the already mortified vampire looked up into the Slayer’s smiling face before closing his eyes. “My new teaching technique. Give the youngster some confidence first. Just thought I would wait here for her to run out of steam.”

Glancing at her sister who had finally stopped yelling and was now returning, Buffy smirked, “Ok, Gramps, I’ll just sit over there and watch. But, just so you know, I don’t have a cell phone if you need me to call 911.” Taking a seat on the weight bench on the side of the room, Buffy gave her best innocent look, batting her eye lashes, “If she breaks a bone, does that mean she’s ready for the big show?”

Making a sound that was a mixture of a groan and a growl while he sat up, Spike thought, ‘Bugger! Face it, she wasn’t going away any time soon.’ And to be honest, he really didn’t want her to leave. It was great to see her up and about with a genuine smile on her face. Even if it was at his expense, it was worth the bruised jaw and pride. But a master vampire did have to keep up appearances. Distinctly growling this time her way, Spike snapped, “You can stay but just shut your soddin’ trap.”

As Dawn helped him to his feet, he heard Buffy smirk, “Yes, teacher.”

Much later, Willow showed up for the movie. Dawn was tired and glad to have an excuse to stop and went to take a quick shower in the guest bath upstairs.

Buffy had really enjoyed observing Dawn’s new skills but had been itching to join the practice, having a hard time sitting on the side lines. Spike wasn’t the only one who knew the moves. The Slayer could teach them a thing or two.

While greeting Red, Spike was trying to think of a way to get Buffy to stay. He knew he had worn Nibblet out, extending the practice longer than usual, hoping that as long as little sis was there, so would big sis. But now he could tell Buffy wanted some action, and he knew he was just the vamp to goad her into it. Putting on his best Big Bad grin, he challenged the Slayer, “Soooo… Ms. Lady-o-Leisure thought she would finally roll out of bed, did she? Think you can do better?”

‘Well, that was easy,’ Spike thought as he raised an eyebrow, watching Buffy kick off her shoes and take up a fighting stance.

TBC….

Title: Relentless Revenge, Chapter 8

Author: MadRog@ev1.net

Chapter 8: Unexpected (Part 2)

Taking Buffy's vacated spot on the weight bench, Willow watched with fascination as the once mortal enemies began to spare. She was reminded of a time that Buffy had mentioned that Spike referred to their fights as dancing. Now Willow knew what he had meant, and Spike had been absolutely right. The pair was perfectly matched, trading off who had the upper hand and neither ever keeping the advantage long. The fight was fast, furious and totally engrossing for Willow to watch. Not to mention the verbal sparing that never ceased was equally entertaining. Willow hadn't realized that Dawn had come back down and was ready to leave until she felt Dawn pull on her sleeve to get her attention. "Hellooo, Willow. I said I'm ready."

"Oh.right. Sorry, Dawnie. Hey, Buffy, Dawn's ready. Let's go."

"But I haven't finished kicking this old man's ass yet," Buffy called back while glancing quickly over to her friend and sister.

Spike took advantage of the distraction and swept her legs out from under her, sending Buffy to land flat on the mats, air rushing out of her lungs. "A little too cocky, aren't you, youngster."

"When I'm done, you will be begging for that wheel chair back." Buffy vaulted back on her feet in an instant.

Dawn and Willow knew when they weren't needed and left. Both were certain that they were already forgotten before they had even made it out the front door.

Even if neither Spike nor Buffy did not acknowledge their absence, both combatants had noticed that they were now alone, and the fight decidedly took a turn. Each began changing tactics, finding openings to use wrestling type moves, pinning the other to the mat, jumping on the other, and going for holds instead of punches.

If this had been a boxing match, the announcers would have been making observations about the pair slowing down and looking for clinches to catch their breath. But that was not the case here. Each were just looking for and enjoying the increased body contact, finding pleasure in the lack of an audience.

However, when Spike began to feel himself get too obviously aroused, he called for a break. He thought.no, he knew things were progressing well between him and the Slayer. She had asked him to stay, hadn't she? He didn't want to screw things up now. And giving into the temptation of her gorgeous body pinned under his, by kissing her senseless, putting his hands on.

Spike quickly turned away as he felt himself grow even harder, not wanting her to see his arousal and chance making her feel uncomfortable around him again. No, different thoughts were definitely needed, mate. "Water."

"Huh?"

"Water. How about some nice *cold* water?" or *cold* shower, he thought with a grimace.

"Sounds good. Thanks." Before he made it to the stairs, she continued, "Spike, I wanted to start patrolling again tonight. Do you want to come with?"

Now Spike knew the euphoria Dawn had felt earlier. He wanted to jump around, yelling his small but precious victory all the way to the stars. The Slayer wanted to be with him!

'Ok, you nit, play it cool. Don't push her. Take what she freely gives and be happy,' Spike mentally scolded himself. "Sure," he replied as casually as possible and then quickly headed up the stairs.

When Spike came back down, Buffy was again seated on the weight bench. "Sorry, luv. I don't have any bottled water yet. You'll just have to make do with the old fashion kind: water and ice in a glass."

"I knew you hadn't joined this century yet," Buffy joked, smiling her thanks.

Spike chuckled as he put some space between them, going over to lean on the far wall but also leaving himself a good view to admire Buffy. Cor, she was beautiful, even when sweaty. He watched her gaze intently at her glass, turning it around in her hand in obvious fascination. "Hey, now. You're not devising the best way to use my glass as a weapon on me, are you? 'Cause these two are the only ones I've got right now."

Buffy looked up at him sharply at first, but to Spike's surprise, she quickly looked back down at the glass. A bright red blush slowly crept up from under the neckline of her shirt all the way to her hairline. Spike's eyebrows rose, also. This was definitely moving up his scale of interest.

Buffy had been caught thinking about what, in her own mind, she called the Ice Dream. However Buffy realized that she was sick of dreaming and ready for reality. "No, your precious glasses are safe. I was thinking about a very unBuffylike dream I had a couple of weeks ago that I just can't seem to forget. Or should I say, I don't want to forget."

"Much better than designing a weapon. And.?"

Taking a deep breath, Buffy went ahead and took that last step off into the proverbial new and uncharted territory before she cold lose her nerve or have second thoughts. Slowly turning the glass in her had, Buffy now openly admired the glistening ice. "This dream started in my bedroom. Since that night was stifling hot, I went downstairs to get a glass of ice water to hopefully cool down. A glass just like this." Since she could tell that Spike had grown very still, Buffy glanced up quickly to make sure he was still listening. Now he looked almost mesmerized by the glass, also. "When I went outside to sit on the porch and enjoy the breeze, he came to me, taking some ice, rubbing it down my neck, down my front."

When Buffy reached into the glass, grabbed a piece of ice and started to demonstrate, Spike came off the wall, tension poring off him in waves, and licking his lips as he watched the ice melting down into the neckline of her shirt. "What a lucky bloke, you mystery man."

However, Spike lost all ability to speak as Buffy looking him in the eyes, sucking on the piece of ice , "No, I knew him. I knew who he was before he ever touched me."

Not happy with this new turn in the dream, Spike leaned back against the wall as casually as his jealousy would allow. "Slayer, I have no desire to listen to your wet dream about some soddin' fantasy man."

"Spike, I always know when you are close by before I see you, and I knew it was you before I ever saw your face in that dream. It's always you." She finally broke out into the first smile since starting the story, "Want me to tell you what else we did?"

Good thing Dawn and Willow had left the room because anyone standing between them would have been singed by the sparks flying between Buffy and Spike, and no one would have been fast enough to move out of vampire's way getting to his Slayer.

With a foot or so left between them, Spike surprised Buffy when he knelt down in front of her, not touching but pausing, holding himself back with a noticeable effort. "In order for this to happen, for us to ever happen again, you've got to be sure. Never a 'no' again while you mean 'yes.' It's just not fair to you or me. You've got to say 'yes,' out loud for anyone to hear. "

Buffy carefully placed her hands on either side of his face, running her thumbs across his cheek. Since taking that final plunge, she was now committed, single-mindedly determined to see it through.

Spike turned his head and kissed her palm reminding Buffy of their dance by the park that one night before he had returned to London. That night she had let him leave. That night she had been too afraid to follow her heart. But not this time. With resolve shining in her eyes, she spoke up, "Yes, Spike."

"Are you sure, luv? Do you know what you're saying yes to?"

Leaning forward so that they were almost touching nose to nose, "Listen up, you bleached blond hard-head, it was yes this morning," pausing to kiss the tip of his nose. "It is yes right now," she kissed him on his scarred eye brow. "And it will be yes tomorrow," she assured him before kissing him on the other eyebrow. "Yes to all, everything. The whole enchilada." Then she kissed him on the lips.

Spike could only stare, totally dumbstruck. Even if he had tried, he could never had imagined such a tender answer from the Slayer.

Buffy knocked lightly on the side of his head, "Hello, anyone home under all that perioxide? You want me to demo that ice trick now, comatose man?"

This wasn't a dream. It wasn't a pinch , but he had felt that knock on the side of his noggin. "Maybe later." was all he could manage to choke out.

Buffy was thinking a little more constructively. Thinking how much she would like to be on her back, lying on the mats under him before he could even finish the last word. Mmmm, under Spike - a very good thing. And then how his mouth would follow. She had waited way long enough for this, which felt like her whole life.

Spike was elated but still very hesitant. His hopes had been dashed so many times in the past. All he could do was stare at her mouth. Those beautifully sculpted lips that had rocked his world in the last few days. Those lips that had told him to stay in Sunnydale and were now telling him 'yes' to his dearest dreams, even offering a demo of an erotic dream of her own. He wanted to go on looking at her smiling at him, a smile meant only for him. Huh? What the hell was he thinking? 'Taste this delectable treat now and look later, you poof!'

Spike slowly took their glasses and set them down on the floor. He picked her up off the weight bench, wrapped his arms around her middle to lift her up and then spun her around the room with a boyish laugh. After a few moments of pure joy, Spike slid her body down his until her lips were level with his own. As their mouths met, open, wet and warm, the fire so long held at bay ignited.

Buffy could feel his jubilation and desire tinged with wonder, shock and fear. Well, she would just have to kiss away that last one.

The kiss held a whole new world for both, full of passion, desire, heat, but also full of hope for tomorrow, tasted of promise and acceptance. Buffy opened her mouth for him, sighed at the delicious taste of Spike as their tongues dueled, quickly reacquainting themselves but never getting enough.

Still holding her flush against his body, her feet a few inches off the floor; Spike started to carry Buffy towards the stairs.

Buffy pulled back for air, saying with a sly smile, "Mats look comfy."

"Let me show you upstairs instead."

She gave him another long, enticing kiss. "Mats are closer."

Nipping at her tongue, Spike felt a growl begin from deep within, "Red has the key to this place and could be back anytime. Don't want Nibblet's sex ed class to be a show and tell, luv."

"Eeww!" Buffy scrunched up her nose at the thought.

Spike placed a kiss on the offended nose, "My thoughts exactly, kitten." He was struck by what a hindrance a soul could be. Making a vamp like him all sensible and the like, scared of getting caught by her friend and kid sis making love to the Slayer. Setting her down on the first step of the stair case, Spike spun her quickly around so he wouldn't change his mind and gave her a playful slap on the arse to send Buffy on her way up.

But even with good intentions and all that blah, blah, blah, Buffy only made it up a couple of steps. As she was stepping onto the third step, Spike found himself staring at a shapely Slayer's arse wiggling in front of his face. That little temptation was just too much for this deprived vamp. It had been months, after all. Hell, he was still having erotic dreams about the delectable anatomy Buffy had flaunted during their last pool game.

Buffy felt a cool, soft touch on her bare skin, just below the bottom of her shorts, which froze her in her tracks and sent delightful tingles up her body. As she paused, she thought she would actually purr out loud as she felt his hand slide further up her thigh, under her shorts now. Long cool fingers set her skin on fire as they made their way to her panties, caressing, enflaming her desire.

'Well, at least we aren't in obvious view anymore,' Spike thought as he wrapped his other hand up under her shirt, around her waist, turning her around to face him.

Buffy's lips curved up into a cat-that-ate-the-canary smile as Spike pushed her shirt up to kiss her belly button, dipping in, licking, tasting. Next that talented tongue licked a path to her left breast as the hand from around her waist burned a path to fondle her other breast. Buffy was now in a dilemma. Sensations from three different areas bombarded her senses, making her dizzy with desire. While Spike's mouth tugged and suckled her taut nipple, a hand boldly caressed the other breast as another hand continued to tease her crotch through the silk of her panties. But then Buffy groaned with disappointment as Spike's two hands came off her writhing body, together to unbutton her shorts and started inching down her legs. Spikes cool mouth followed the downward decent, blazing a trail first over to the valley between her breasts, then down to the curls at the apex of her legs but only darting between for a second, nipping at the curls before continuing down her inner thigh.

Buffy practically growled his name in frustration. "Spike.," she said through clenched teeth, quickly kicking her shorts off the rest of the way. Buffy buried her hands in his short, blond hair, trying to pull him back up. He obliged until he got back even with her sexy little curls. Gently pushing her down on her back against the steps, Spike began licking, teasing and nipping in earnest. As she hit the sweet peak of her climax, Spike kicked off his own pants and easily slid into Buffy, one swift joining, embedding him to the hilt in her heat. Feeling more complete than she ever had before, Buffy enjoyed watching Spike's eyes rolled back as her tight body enveloped him. Both held perfectly for a moment still savoring the exquisite feel never matched before.

Unable to stay motionless any longer, Spike started to move with Buffy quickly matching his rhythm, again perfectly attuned to the other. Another dance all its own. The pleasure increased and the climax was soon upon them. As Spike felt Buffy tighten even more around his shaft, he made one last deep, hard stroke, sending them both over the edge, both crying out with the overwhelming pleasure.

As Buffy slowly floated back down to earth, the feeling in her back on the *so* uncomfy stairs returned. "Bed," she gasped.

"Heard of one of those buggers," he whispered in her ear as he nibbled on her neck. Cor, this was where he was meant to be.

Squirming some beneath Spike, Buffy gasped, "You. Me. A bed."

"Mmmm, I love how you come up with new ideas. Would really novel for us, love, but it's all the way on the third floor." Now he was sucking gently on her ear lobe.

Squeezing his ass for emphasis, Buffy whispered back, "I'm not sure you want the image of your naked ass, as cute as it is, burned into Willow or Dawn's brains." Realizing how much fun that was, she squeezed again for good measure, of course.

Spike groaned with pleasure as he picked her up and carried up the stairs.

*****

Well, they did make it to the second floor. The sofa in the living area was good enough. It's the thought that counts, not that they were thinking of anyone but each other at that point.

Since round two had detoured to the second floor and round three didn't make it past the second stairwell, they did eventually make it to the master suite on the third floor by the fourth round.

Buffy was now lying sated with her head on Spike's stomach, enjoying the feel of his hands gently stroking through her hair. "You're such a bad influence, you know?"

His hand froze. "Why this time, kitten?" Spike feared that the bubble had finally burst until he saw the twinkle in Buffy's eyes.

Buffy felt bad when she saw the vulnerability quickly pass across his expression, but she knew she deserved that. Her post-sex track record was truly shabby. Well, tonight was the night to start healing any open wounds. "I should be patrolling but here I lay, thoroughly enjoying you."

"Don't hold your breath for an apology, luv." Smiling again, Spike moved his hand to sensually stroke the sensitive side of her breast.

"Oh, no," Buffy said flashing big, innocent eyes, "I can find much better thing to hold." It was definitely time for round number five. Somebody ring the bell.

*****

A while later, Spike could tell Buffy was beginning to fall asleep. An event he found himself dreading. If Buffy followed her previous pattern, she would pull away before falling asleep, breaking all physical contact, never trusting him enough to hold her as she slept. Others might think that it was a show of trust for a slayer to even fall asleep in the same room with a vampire. But Spike thought otherwise. He suspected that if he touched her, she would instantly jerk awake, slayer defenses back up in force.

But Spike had one more surprise coming before they both gave up to the lure of slumber. As he expected, Buffy rolled to face away from him but then scooted back to find a comfortable position up against the length of his body. Without any hesitation, Spike jumped at the opportunity and spooned his body around Buffy. But still not wanting to take any chances and ruin the bliss, Spike tentatively rested his hand on her hip. Buffy made a sound that suspiciously sounded like a purr, snuggled a little tighter up against his front, and then pulled his arm around her. Spike nestled his face in her hair, inhaling her scent even as sleep finally claimed him.

TBC..

Whew, my first Spuffy love scene finished. Since I'm working on another Spuffy scene in the next chapter, I would love some feed back and constructive criticism on this one. You guys are so great!!!

Thanks for R & R. MadRog@ev1.net

Title: Relentless Revenge, Chapter 9

Author: MadRog@ev1.net

Author's Note: Thanks so much for all the reviews on the last chapter. I was nervous, but all of you made me feel so much better. Warm fuzzy all around. : ) Sorry that this chapter took a little longer, but it just seemed to have a mind of its own. I am finally happy with it. See what you think and let me know. Enjoy!



Chapter 9: Coming Out, Part 1:

Lying on his side, Spike woke nestled up against a pillow. "Bugger!" His brain snapped on, "I should be holding a Buffy, not some bleedin' pillow." But no, he assured himself, last night hadn't been another soddin' wet dream. He could smell her all over the sheets, but the sheets were now empty and cold. Cold just like he felt inside and out, and that feeling had nothing to do with his being a corpse. Buffy had run out again, damn her. But he had no idea why he was so surprised. Spike took the pillow and threw it against the wall. All his other bedding soon followed along with his duffel bag and whatever other items he could lay his hands on in the sparse bedroom. Luckily, the only furniture currently in the master suite was the bed.

With his rage still unquenched, Spike started to throw the bulky mattress across the room but froze when he heard Dawn's voice yell up the stairwell, "Hey, Godzilla, are you done trashing Tokyo yet?"

'Smart-mouthed brat!' Spike thought as he searched through the mess, finally finding some clothing to throw on before heading downstairs. As he sullenly walked into the second floor, he found the Nibblet sitting at the kitchen table, drumming her fingers impatiently. Spike snarled as best he could considering who he was snarling at and asked, "Doesn't anyone *ever* remember that I'm a vampire and supposed to be let alone during the day to get my sleep."

"Sounded more like throwing than sleeping going on up there. Besides, you never sleep much anyway, and you know you love the company," Dawn confidently added. "What's got you so pissy?"

Spike stomped over to the refrigerator in search of breakfast. Dawn listened to him mumble something not so nice about Buffy and laughed silently at his back. With narrowed eyes, Spike shot Dawn a fearsome scowl, "Your big sis is still a coward. She shouldn't have snuck out while I was still asleep. Right now we should be."

"Eew, thanks for *not* sharing!"

"Get your brain out of the gutter, Nibblet. I just meant.I just thought maybe things had finally changed."

"Hey, Mr. Pouty? Didn't you say that old myth about vampires and bats was bogus?"

"Yeah, Dracula just liked to pull that rubbish on the unsuspecting. Just like Drac to.don't start me on that wanker. 'Sides, I haven't finished my rant on your big sis yet."

Giving him a gotcha smirk, Dawn continued, "I only mention it since you seem to have the same poor eye sight as a bat this morning." Spike gave her a 'huh' look until she gave him a break and nodded her head towards the refrigeration's door that he was currently holding open. "Note the *note* on the frig, Oh Observant One."

Spike snatched up the paper taped to the door, and Dawn noticed that one corner of his mouth tilted up as he read. 'Morning, Sleepy Head. I had to go meet Willow early. Meet you at the Bronze tonight for a little fun before patrol. Buffy."

Not exactly a love letter, but it was something. However, he was soon frowning again when he remembered he was pissed at the Slayer for sneaking out. She could have woken him up to tell him or something. Regardless, Spike carefully folded the note and stuck it in his pocket before he finished preparing his breakfast.

Rolling her eyes at the ceiling, Dawn commented under her breath, "I hope I'm not near this stupid when I fall in love."

Spike heard her, "Oh, yes you will be, and then I'm gonna have a bit of revenge. Ya know, I'll either sit back and laugh or rip the bugger's head off.whatever seems right at the time, of course."

Ignoring his remarks, Dawn kept to the subject of Buffy, "You should be bouncing off the walls. Did she ever leave a note before?"

Starting to catch the implications, Spike pulled the note out again, "No, never."

"I'd say that's a change for the better. And she did say she would meet you at the Bronze tonight, right? Sounds date-ishy to me."

Looking up from the note, Spike snarked, "Reading another blokes mail is a federal offense."

"Only if the letter was mailed, not taped to a refrigerator," Dawn shot back. "Of course I peeked. How else do I find out what's going on around here?"

"Your right, Bite Size. About Buffy, at least. Things are looking up. In fact, how about a shopping spree instead of training today?"

Dawn tilted her head, calculating her best mooching angles, "Will you buy me something?"

"We'll see if you're a good little girl." This earned him the glare he was expecting as he walked across the kitchen to heat up his mug of blood in the microwave. "First I have to call Giles and take him up on a little business proposal of his, and then let's go buy some furniture. It's time to outfit this flat."

Dawn instantly perked up at the thought of shopping, especially with someone else's money. "Oh, I could use a new mirror for my room."

"Platelet, you're talking to me about mirrors?" Spike laughed as he finished his cup of blood. "The sales clerks are going to love us."

*****

After extensive shopping at a local mall, of course avoiding windows and skylights, Spike bought enough furniture and miscellaneous items to outfit the second and third floors of his flat and even purchased a new mirror a certain precocious and pushy teenager that had assisted him. Spike suspected Dawn had had her sites set on a mirror all along just to see how he would avoid explaining his lack of reflection to the salespeople, wholly underestimating the wily vampire and the gullibility of unsuspecting humans. Spike, with his trademark arrogance, ingeniously defied anyone to mention that he had no reflection, pretending that he did and that the clerk was the one with a vision problem. Later over quick bite to eat, Dawn was still laughing at her mental image of Spike checking on his hair in a mirror as the young clerk gawked.

*****

When Xander arrived at the Bronze that night, he found Spike and Dawn in the back of the club playing darts. Well, Spike was trying to play while attempting to teach Dawn and her friend, Janice, how to just hit the dart board instead of the surrounding walls. Dawn was catching on quick enough, but Janice was really struggling. After a couple of practice rounds, Xander goaded Spike into playing partners, Xander and Dawn versus Spike and Janice.

When Buffy and Willow finally arrived, they waved at the others over at the dart boards before taking a seat at a table near the dance floor. The two women received an enthusiastic wave back from Xander and a frown from Spike. Dawn was to busy cheering her last throw to notice them at all. After ordering themselves drinks, Willow and Buffy watched Dawn and Xander celebrate their victory before starting to make their way over to the table to join them. Dawn rushed over and caught Buffy's attention, distracting her so she didn't see Janice's older sister, Sarah, intercept Spike.

Spike, who had been politely escorting Janice back to her own table, had been dying to get to Buffy but didn't want to hurt the sister's feelings. Resigning himself to the delay, he decided that his only consolation was that Sarah was an upperclassman to Dawn and would hopefully help the Nibblet out at Sunnydale High.

Back at the table, Xander was enjoying a good, old fashioned gloat, "First I beat Captain Peroxide.Ok, his handicap of Janice helped, but I still won. Then he gets ambushed by a Cordelia type. Couldn't happen to a nicer la.la.la.loser!"

Willow, who was facing the dance floor, laughed as she watched Sarah successfully drag Spike out amongst the gyrating dance crowd. Much to Spike's obvious relief, the song soon ended, and Willow continued to watch Spike try to escape without pissing her off too badly. Commenting to the table in general, Willow nodded her head toward the snared vamp, "I don't know when I have seen a Master Vampire quite so uncomfortable."

Buffy jerked around searching the dance floor until she located the pair. "Yeah, isn't it great? Such the Big Bad." As Buffy and Willow continued to watch, a slow song started up. Seizing the opportunity, Sarah smiled a cat-that-swallowed-the-canary smile while trying to wrap Spike's arms around her waist. Buffy tried to make another light comment at the pair's expense, but none would come to mind.

Spike knew that the Slayer was watching now. He could feel her eyes burning into his back, but he couldn't seem to help himself from teasing Buffy in a rare opening like this. Besides he was still peeved about that morning, enough to let her sit and stew for a bit.

But sitting on the side lines and spectating was not one of Buffy's strong suits. When Spike turned on the charm and obviously started to enjoy himself, Buffy found herself on her feet, tapping on the girl's shoulder. "May I cut in?" and promptly did so before Sarah or Spike could refuse her demand disguised as a request.

Before Spike could utter one of his smart-ass cracks, Buffy took the offensive, "Jail bait much?"

"They're all jail bait to me, pet," Spike shot back with an evil leer. "If you want to get all technical like, you are, too, compared to my age."

Chuckling, Buffy relaxed into Spike's arms to enjoy the dance. "Is this what you did in London?" Oh, yuk, that sounded too much like a Jealous Buffy. Obvious much?

"Some but with no one that mattered," Spike couldn't help himself from teasing her a little more, but then he realized something abut the Slayer was different tonight. "Is that perfume you're wearing? You usually smell of vanilla."

Buffy was suddenly acutely embarrassed and started to deny her earlier impulsiveness with one of Willow's perfumes but relaxed again when he nuzzled his nose into her hair, inhaling appreciatively.

After a moment more of dancing and nuzzling, Spike spoke in a sultry voice, "I can't even eat vanilla ice cream without getting all hot and bothered anymore. As good as it smells, perfume on you is not required or needed with me, love."

Spike and vanilla ice cream - what a yummy visual. As her lips cured up into a smile, Buffy whispered into his chest, "I missed you."

His anger that morning when he had woken up all alone was abruptly forgotten. For Spike, her words made up for it ten fold. "Missed you, too, pet."

Buffy gained a little more confidence, "I missed you before you even left." When Spike drew back with his eyebrows coming sharply together in question, Buffy explained. "I missed you before you even left Sunnydale for Africa." Buffy snuggled up close again, "I just didn't want to admit that I wanted to be with you back then."

When the song ended, Buffy dragged Spike through the crowd over to the Scoobies' table, pointedly ignoring Xander who was staring at their clasped hands. "Hey, guys. We're off to patrol. Willow, do you mind keeping an eye on Dawnie tonight?"

"You don't mean all night." Xander squawked before he jumped up, grabbing his shin and turning to glare at Willow. Well, it wasn't everyday you saw a slayer and a vampire acting like a couple, but he almost forgotten that this was Sunnydale.

Willow, however, thought the sight of the couple was a long time coming and long overdue. "Sure, Buffy. When should we expect you?" Judging from Buffy's lack of returning last night and that Buffy was still holding Spike's hand, purposefully not letting go, Willow already had a good idea what her friend's answer would be. However, when Willow glanced over at Spike, her heart went out to the vamp. He had a resigned look on his face, waiting for the inevitable Bug Buffy Excuse. He had turned slightly towards Buffy, shifting his weight onto the hip opposite her. Willow wondered if he even realized that he was physically and emotionally trying to distance himself, involuntarily protecting his heart.

Willow was exactly right. As Spike now looked down at Buffy's face, he felt his soddin' hope start to wither again. But what did he really expect her to say to the Scoobies? 'We're going to patrol, then shag our brains out, and I'm not sure when I will be able to walk well enough again to get out of bed, let alone make it home.' Actually, yeah! He would love to hear her say just that, loud and clear for everyone in the Bronze to hear. The added bonus would be seeing the Whelp's spontaneous combustion. Of course, the Nibblet didn't need quite so much detail, but cor, wouldn't it sound great? Hell, he would even settle for a few flames coming out of the brick layer's ears.

As Spike's grip on her hand started to relax, Buffy could feel him subtly pulling away. Well, this was it. Buffy's Come Clean Time. What they didn't know was that she had already planned tonight to do just that. That morning when she had slowly woken up, she had found herself lying on her side facing Spike with her arm and leg thrown intimately over him. As she carefully slid away, trying not to wake him, the slight friction she caused had brought a small smile to his face. That was all it too for her. Seeing that boyish smile caused her to lay in bed for another few minutes studying him and thinking. That's when Buffy's last resistance finally took a hike, and she made up her mind to tell everyone about their relationship. She wanted to see Spike's genuine smile return when he was awake, wanted to be able to openly put that smile on his face without the overshadowing fear of anyone seeing or judging them. Well, she couldn't stop them from judging Spike or their relationship, but she now no longer cared what anyone thought. The sneaking around was definitely over. They both deserved better, and what better place to do it than the very public setting of the Bronze. That ought to put an enormous smile on his face.

Clasping Spike's hand more firmly and pulling him against her side, Buffy answered Willow's question that was still hanging in the air, "Wills, I think we will be busy all night." She turned to watch the expression on Spike's face as she finished, "Don't expect me back until tomorrow. After patrolling, I'll be with Spike at his apartment if you need me. Right, Spike?" Buffy was rewarded not with a smile but with a full fledged grin, one causing little crinkles to form at the corners of his eyes. Buffy returned his grin as he stepped in close and wrapped his arms around her waist. Spike spoke to the table but kept his eyes on Buffy, "Sound like a great plan, love."

If Spike was in seventh heaven, Dawn had to be in a t least the sixth. "Oh, oh, we'll have a great time. No worries. See ya. Bye already."

Watching the couple leave, Willow was grinning from ear to ear, also. "Mission accomplished, all phases, finally!!" Willow turned to her best friend, who was looking a little green around the gills, "Xander, are you going to be ok?"

Xander gave a long, suffering sign, "If she's happy, I'm ok with it. But if they break up, my votes back to staking him."

TBC.

Part Two will be out in the next day or two - with Spuffy and more Spuffy!!

Thanks for the R & R's. They help greatly.

MadRog@ev1.net

Coming Out (Part 2)

Title: Relentless Revenge, Chapter 10
Author: MadRog@ev1.net

Author’s Note: Ok, it’s so quiet out there. See if you like this Spuffy centered chapter better. Enjoy!!



Chapter 10: Coming Out, Part 2:

After leaving the Bronze, Spike was in a state of euphoria, dragging the Slayer into the first dark alley they passed for a quick snogging session.

Talking a gulp of air, Buffy gasped, “I take it you’re happy?”

“I was hoping for a few flames coming out of the Whelp’s noggin’ but I’ll do with the tad of smoke that came out of his ears.”

“I don’t know what happened between you and Xander. I’m not even sure I want to know but thanks. A little peace in that department helps.”

“If you’re happy, love, ‘tis worth it,” Spike whispered before impatiently recapturing her lips with his own.

“Your kisses do that,” Buffy sighed against his lips, “among other things you do so well.”

A teasing glint came into Spike’s blue eyes, “But, love, you said we had to patrol tonight. Now, I don’t want you accusin’ me of being a bad influence and all.”

Leaning against the wall of a building for support, Buffy moaned as she felt one of his hands sneak up to cup her breast as he kissed her neck and rubbed his leg up between her thighs. But when he suddenly pulled away, she squeaked in alarm. Grinning, Spike took her hand and pulled Buffy down the street, “Come on, kitten. I know the spot we need to *patrol* first.” Spike glanced back briefly to enjoy her cute, little lower lip thrust out in a pout.

Letting herself be pulled along, Buffy grudgingly agreed, “The sooner we patrol, the sooner we get to shag.”

Spike raised a scared eyebrow at her. “Shag? Since when do you say shag?”

The vamp playfully swatted at her hand as Buffy landed a pinch on his ass. Buffy just giggled, “See, you are an evil influence.”

“Bad to the bone, love,” he smirked and kept pulling her towards his mystery destination.

When they stopped at the entrance to one of the many cemeteries on Sunnydale, Buffy looked at Spike in question, not sure what he was up to this time.

Spike raised an eyebrow, “Don’t you remember, love? Two vamps came rushing out these gates. You took on one. I lifted the other off his feet from my perch atop that pillar.”

Buffy put her hands on her hips, giving him a glare before replying. “You were being such a pain that night, letting that second vamp go. But I also seem to remember that you were trying to *persuade* me to tell my friends about us.”

“And now that they do, I thought this would be the perfect place to patrol and celebrate our coming out.”

Knowing that he was right, Buffy stepped back into Spike’s arms and in a soft voice confided, “I wanted to be with you, but I wasn’t ready then. Couldn’t handle it yet.”

“I know, love. Even though I wanted it otherwise, I wasn’t ready either. We both had a little more changing to do first.”

Spike rubbed his hands sensually up and down her back as his mouth starting to nibble on her ear lobe, briefly kissing her before starting on her other ear. “What I really wanted to do that night was pull you back behind this pillar and hump you silly. It could have been such fun. See what you missed out on, pet?”

Buffy cocked her head to the side. “No…I’m still fuzzy on the whole hump, fun, you in a cemetery part. Show me?”

“Mmmm, come into my cemetery said the vamp to the slayer,” he said in a deep, sexy voice, licking his lips and leering as he led her through the gates, behind the pillar into the darker shadows.

Neither had any desire to wait, no foreplay needed this night. They quickly loosened any clothing that might hinder their ‘fun.’ Spike lay beneath Buffy on the damp grass, and as both vamp and slayer enjoyed looking deeply into each other’s eyes, she lowered herself down onto his shaft, joining them in the most intimate of ways. The awed look on his face reminded her of their first time in the abandoned house. That time they had both been so desperate, hurried to release all the pent up frustrations, emotions, and desires. Unlike the shock of their first time, this time Buffy felt like she was coming home after a long trip away. However, this was the time to go slow and enjoy. They interlocked their hands, intertwining their fingers before she stared her movement in earnest. Both lovers held on so tightly that half moon indentations would surely be visible on the back of each other’s hands as they climbed to the stars together.

*****

After tidying each other up, which was big fun all by itself, they patrolled three more cemeteries. Now Buffy was sitting on a tombstone enjoying one of her little pleasures in life, watching Spike fight. They had come upon two Sinque Demons in this cemetery, and Buffy was presently content to just sit and watch since she was still a little shaky in the legs from what she was beginning to think of as the Spike Effect. She could also tell the vamp had been itching for a good brawl, and Spike was having *way* too much fun for her to interrupt or interfere. Nonetheless, her notoriously short patience was starting to frazzle. Swinging her feet impatiently, Buffy called over to the grinning vamp, “Done *yet*?” He had been ‘playing’ with them for the last fifteen minutes.

While Spike was beating on the taller of the two demons, the other stopped to catch its breath, “What’s up with you guys? The Slayer should be the one trying to kill us and then dust you. Ya know, master vampires are suppose to be on our side on this whole good/evil thing.”

Also glaring at Spike, the other demon added its two cents worth, “Yeah, man. Aren’t you William the Bloody? I thought you were the Slayer of Slayers. Hey, why don’t you two fight now and give us a break?”

“Still slaying slayers, mate. Just with new methods now. Right, love?”

“Brag much?”

Not worried about the tired demons at his back, Spike turned around to look at the Slayer, “Yeah and enjoying every word.”

Buffy smirked, “And I guess you think you’re good at these new methods of slaying?”

“Love, what a short memory you have. You had no complaints in my methods a scant hour ago.”

“Well, Mr. Vamp Without a Clue, I’m not so sure. You weren’t even able to finish off those two chumps, let alone slay me.”

Spike spun around, and sure enough, the two Sinque Demons had slipped away into the night, “Bullocks! Those blokes weren’t the world’s best fighters, but they could take a punch and had stamina. *And* I wasn’t done with them yet.”

“Maybe you would like to show me some of your other methods,” Buffy offered, running her tongue seductively across her upper lip.

Needing no more invitations, Spike walked up between her legs and ran his hands up her thighs before leaning in to kiss her deeply. As their tongues met, tasted, dueled, Buffy ran her hands up his arms before pulling slightly back. A wicked smile lit her face as she said in a husky voice, “No, maybe I’m still not sure about your methods.”

But another kiss drew her in a little deeper as one of Spike’s hands continued its path up under her shirt, across her ribs. His hand fondled her breast, rubbing his thumb across the peak, feeling her nipple instantly harden at his merest touch. “You can call me the Layer of a Slayer, pet.”

“Oh, now that was *pathetic.* Gagging here.” Buffy shoved him back from her and ran in the opposite direction, throwing a taunt over her shoulder, “Catch me if you can.” She was away, darting through the tombstone and around crypts. After stumbling back a couple of steps but then quickly regaining his balance, the vamp was after his slayer.

Throughout their chase, laughter and taunts could be heard floating across the cemetery. If her pesky duty hadn’t interfered, Buffy would have beaten Spike back to the Magic Box. The Slayer forced to slow down to stake a fledgling coming out of his grave right in her path. But before the dust had even settled, Spike grabbed her, effortlessly tossing her over his shoulder, ignoring her protests.

Buffy bitched the whole way, lodging lame complaints between giggles, “No fair. You cheat.”

“All’s fair in love and war, pet.”

“Cliché … or is it touché? Whatever. I would have beaten you if I hadn’t sopped to stake your bud.”

“That blighter wasn’t a mate of mine.”

Buffy made a show of trying to find someone to come to her aid, “Help…Help me…”

“Call a slayer,” Spike teased with a light spank.

“Ow!” But his playful pat drew her attention to the part of his body she would see, thinking even this part of his lean body looked good, even upside down. “I think I’d rather have a Big Bad.”

“Now that I can oblige.” He carried her back to the shop, not stopping until he was all the way up the stairs to the master suite.

Buffy looked up from her new vantage point on the large bed and gave him her best snarky look. “Caveman much?” she asked before another giggle escaped.

Spike paused for a second to bask in the Slayer’s obvious happiness, wanting to savior her playful mood which for once was directed at him. He wondered if he would ever get used to seeing her like this, a Happy Buffy instead of a Disgusted Buffy or Sad Buffy. Her disgust with him, with herself, and with life in general had eaten away at him as much as it had devastated her. However, he had seen this Buffy before, long ago, but only from afar and never before directed at him. But now her joy was coming his way, and he meant to keep it that way. The star struly smiled down on her. Well, down on both of them tonight.

“Are you going to just stand there? Beat your caveman pecs maybe?” Buffy patted the empty space on the bed next to her. “Or do you want to join me, and I can beat on your chest for you?”

“Promises, promises, love.” As he started to pounce, Buffy unexpectedly scrambled off the other side of the bed with a laugh. She kept the bed between them, circling until they finally came to a stand still opposite one another. The predator was being taunted by his prey. With a flourish, Buffy kicked off her shoes, all the while hazel eyes stared into blue. As Spike started towards her again, she help up her hand to stop him and then raised up an eyebrow, entreating him, “Buffy says, your turn.”

Catching on, Spike sat down on the bed to take off his socks and boots before standing back up to face her. Giving him a sly little smile, Buffy seductively stripped off her shirt and bra. While thoroughly appreciating the show, Spike shucked out of his own t-shirt. He took another small step towards her, but Buffy took a matching step in the opposite, eliciting a growl of frustration from the vamp. Offering up an impish grin again, Buffy slipped her skirt and underwear down her legs with painful but exquisite slowness in Spike’s opinion. When her body was fully exposed to the open air, Buffy felt herself grow hot instead of cold as she watched Spike mirror her actions with a matching grin on his face.

Then he made his move. He first faked to the right but then lunged back to the left as a laughing Buffy tried to make it past. She almost ducked under but a very determined Spike was faster this time. Or she wasn’t trying hard to get away. Either way, they soon didn’t care who caught who.

Spike finally managed to throw an arm around her waist, bringing Buffy back roughly, pressing his hard front along the length of her sleek back. His mouth immediately found the sweet spot behind her ear. Buffy’s laughter abruptly changed to moans of pleasure as she felt his blunt teeth replace his tongue against her skin, sensually biting at the muscles where her neck and shoulder met. Buffy was instantly covered in delicious goose bumps as she felt his erection rubbing against her back. As she flung her head back to allow his mouth better access, Buffy felt Spike push swiftly inside her, deep within her core, and she had been so ready, needing this as badly as he did. Spike held onto her hot, tight body as he quickly moved in and out of her heat.

As Buffy felt her lover rushing towards climax, Buffy felt another desire that needed to be fulfilled. “No, I want…I need to kiss you. I can’t touch enough of you…I want to see you.” She turned in his arms simultaneously as Spike spun her around. Buffy felt a distinct loss when he withdrew from her body, and she didn't feel complete again until he was filling her once more. “Oh, yes…*much* better,” Buffy purred, if that’s possible through clenched teeth. Grabbing hold of his hair, she pulled him down into a searing kiss, sending them both into the beginning of a long, earth-shattering climax.

Buffy was still marveling that the bed was still in one piece as she felt Spike starting to fall asleep. As they remained joined, Buffy could feel Spike's muscles relax one by one. She could also tell that Spike was fighting sleep as best he could as she lovingly ran her hands up and down his back. She suspected she already knew what was making him so uneasy. “Spike?”

Spike reluctantly opened his eyes, trying to anticipate what she was thinking. She had no reason to run now, did she? “Yes, pet?”

”I will be here when you wake up. I promise.” She sealed her vow with a gentle kiss. “And with a little influence, I could be persuaded to spend tomorrow doing some more indoor recreational activities with you.”

Spike moved his hips seductively, reminding her that he was still inside of her, “Consider yourself persuaded, love. And as soon as I doze for a bit, I’ll see if I can persuade you a little more.” He rolled onto his side and cuddled her up in his arms. “Thank you.”

Knowing exactly what he was thanking her for, Buffy leaned up to kiss his cheek before snuggling against his side. Perfectly content, she whispered back, “You’re welcome,” before she quickly followed him into sleep.

*****

As the first rays of the approaching day escaped above the horizon, Buffy and Spike lay wrapped in each others limbs, in a deep sated sleep. Nonetheless, Buffy woke up as Spike started shifting restlessly, his movements becoming jerky. When he started to growl softly, she lifted her head off the pillow, resting it in her hand to look in his face. That was when Buffy realized that Spike had shifted into game face. He had never done this before in his sleep that she knew of but this had previously been something she had feared.

However, instead of feeling apprehension, she found herself fascinated. Taking this rare opportunity to explore while the demon slept, she reached up and gently ran her fingertips across his ridges, trying to learn more about this other side of her lover. Spike’s golden eyes snapped open but took a couple of moments to focus. When he finally looked like he recognized her, she tentatively asked, “You ok, fang face?”

Spike opened his mouth to answer but couldn’t force himself to utter a single sound. Finally, he settled for pulling her tight and molding her body to his.

Buffy could now feel him shaking ever so slightly. Holding on even tighter than before, Buffy stroked the back of his head nestled against her neck until he calmed. Running her hands through his rumpled hair, Buffy tried desperately to find words to soothe him, “Spike, is there anything I…”

Looking up into his Slayer’s beautiful face, Spike was finally able to speak, “Just a nightmare, love. Been having them since Africa… I’m better now.” Spike realized that he was still in game face as Buffy ran a finger hesitantly down an elongated canine. He shook his demon visage off before speaking again, “Buffy, love, you know I would never hurt you, even in my sleep. You do know that, don’t you, love?”

“Of course." Unsure what else to say, Buffy tried to lighten the mood, "You okey-dokey now?” So many times in the past, Spike would always find the right words to comfort her in her times of vulnerability. Instead of her returning his kindness with some insightful words of her own as she wanted to, she was at a loss, uttering stupid stuff like ‘okey-dokey.’ Rolling her eyes, she adamantly wished she had his gift for words at this moment.

“Better, only because you're here, love…Some nights the nightmares are worse, sometimes better, but definitely easier to take with you here to wake me up.”

Noticing the sun had fully cleared the horizon, Buffy got up to pull the drapes a little further, securing the room from any deadly rays. At first Spike had thought he had pushed to far, that she was getting up to leave until she slipped back in bed with a contented sigh.

Snuggling back into his arms, Buffy finally found some words that she thought might help. Rolling so she could face him fully, she gently stroked his scared eyebrow, “I do trust you.” The light that came into his blue eyes told her she had found the right words after all. “I trust you with Dawn. I trust you to watch my back. I trust you not to hunt. Spike, I trust you…in every way.”

“Truly?”

“Absolutely…Well maybe not completely with Xander…” Buffy wasn't too sure because her own eyes were shut when Spikes lips came down on her own, but she suspected that her vampire was smiling, happy again. They were both happy for once.



TBC…

Sorry, this took a day or two more to get out than I had hoped, but I hope you liked it. Next chapter - back to the plot… You just can’t keep good evil down. ; )

Thanks for the R & R’s. They help greatly…

Quality Time

Title: Relentless Revenge, Chapter 11
Author: MadRog@ev1.net
Distribution: Would love it! Just let me know where…

Author’s Note: Thanks again for the reviews. You guys are great and keep me going!!



Chapter 11: Quality Time

Buffy and Spike had just returned form patrolling after they had spent the whole day together, talking, loving, sleeping and overall enjoying each other. The lovers had only interrupted occasionally by a few deliveries of Spike’s purchases from the previous day. In the late afternoon, Buffy had sat on his new black, leather sofa watching Spike with fascination as the vamp set up his new home theatre system like a pro. When she had asked him about this surprise talent, he had shrugged, “Wanted to watch Passions in style.”

As he finished the installation, Buffy thumbed through the DVD’s and called to check on Dawn. Willow answered the phone and told her that Dawn was spending the day with Janice. “Don’t worry about Dawnie or me. Just have some naughty fun, Buff. Or should I say in the Buff. I know, bad joke.” Willow making a joke, even if it was a bad one, was definitely a good thing.

When night fell, Spike and Buffy had finally left his flat for the first time that day to patrol.

*****

“Did you hear something?” Buffy lay on her back with Spike’s head resting on her chest.

Spike had been listening to her heart beat, and if she would just keep quiet, he could even hear the blood rushing through the valves as they opened and closed. After placing a kiss in the valley between her breasts, he purred against her skin, “All I can or want to hear is you, love.” Then he lifted his head to suckle her breast, pulling on her hardening nipple.

Buffy put her hand on the back of his head, pulling him up by his bleached hair but giving a groan of delight as he gave her nipple one last tug. “No, Spike, later. I heard something downstairs.”

Spike cocked his head to the side, listening, “What’d you hear?”

“You’re the vamp. You tell me,” she said lightly slapping on the back of his head.

Spike rolled out of bed and pulled on a pair of pants with a graceful economy of motion. After listening a few seconds, he replied, keeping his voice low, “Someone is downstairs. Looks like we have a little action left to take care of tonight, Slayer.”

“Told ya!” Buffy exclaimed in a hushed tone while she started to search for her own clothes.

“Business first. Nanny-nanies later, love.” When Spike approached the second floor, he paused when he recognized what he was hearing. Keanu Reeves to be exact. Stepping on into the room, he found Willow and Dawn sprawled on the new sofa, engrossed in a movie on his new wide screen TV and DVD. “Everyone comfy I hope?”

Dawn glanced briefly up, “Yeah but we could use some popcorn. Got any?”

Willow gave the perturbed vamp a smile, “Great sofa and nice abs.”

“Willow!” Dawn looked about as shocked as Spike looked embarrassed.

“I’m gay, not blind.”
Spike quickly retreated back up the stairs, running into Buffy on her way down. “We’ve been invaded,” was all he said as he headed up to find a shirt, shaking his head as he hurried past. ‘Could vampire’s blush?’ Buffy wondered. She’d have to ask him later.

“Hey, Dawn. Hey, Willow…Oooh, the Matrix. Where’s the popcorn? I’m *so* hungry.” Buffy plopped down on an oversized stuffed chair, putting her feet up on the ottoman.

Spike came back in mumbling and stomped over to the kitchen to make the popcorn. He handed one bowl to Willow for her to share with Dawn and put another on the table next to Buffy. Before she could even grab a bite, Spike picked her up, sat down in her chair, and then settled her in his lap. His efforts were rewarded by the feel of a happy Buffy squirming in his lap until she was perfectly content.

Spike took a bite of the popcorn Buffy fed him and thought about his unlife, ‘Now this has to be a type of heaven; Buffy nestled in his lap while watching a good flick on a wide screen TV.’

*****

A knock on the front door woke them all up early the next morning with the first of the day’s deliveries, and as it turned out, that day was a good prediction for the rest of the week.

As more deliveries came, Spike explained he was taking over the Magic Box from Giles and Anya and setting up an antique shop. Giles had said that was what the vampire was the most qualified to do for a living since Spike was an antique himself, and Anya had said that Spike would make a fantastic salesperson because he could talk a female customer into buying anything. Buffy, needless to say, wasn’t too thrilled with that comment about Anya. In fact, she preferred not to hear Spike’s and Anya’s names used in the same sentence at all and had no hesitancy telling everyone just that.

When the first shipment of antiques arrived from Giles and Anya in England, the whole gang had been at the shop admiring the new signage. Spike had let Dawn name the shop. Spike that it to be a nancy-boy name, the Vitorian Gentleman’s Antiques, but Bite Size had been elated and that was enough for him.

When the all the crates were finally off the truck and in the shop, Spike watched the Nibblet squeal with excitement as Buffy began to pull the crates apart, both anxious to see the secrets inside. Xander sat back to watch while Willow took charge of the packing slips, and all three girls oo’d and awe’d over every piece of furniture revealed.

When every last piece of furniture and knick knacks had been accounted for Willow walked back, handing the packing slips to Spike. However, she was totally befuddled when Spike promptly handed them back to her. “No, Red. I think you should keep them. I wouldn’t want to keep you from that musty ole lab, but I was thinking you would be an excellent shop manager, if you’re interested, that is?”

Willow’s face lit up as she glanced back at all the beautiful antiques and then back down at the packing slips. “Well, I could get your inventory computerized and help out some.”

Nevertheless, Spike knew he already had her hooked, “I’ll need help in the early part of the day since that’s when I sleep.” Spike focused a confident leer towards Buffy, “That’s when someone lets me get some sleep.”

Buffy tried her best to act innocent but knew her blush gave her away. “Why are you looking at me?”

“Maybe I just like looking my fill, pet.”

God, he said the nicest things. Walking into his arms, Buffy murmured, “Well, ok, then.”

Becoming embarrassed watching the two passionately kiss, Dawn turned away, “Get a room already.”

*****

Sunnydale had been unusually quiet during the next week as a new pattern started to form, Scoobie Central subtly shifted, following its leader from Revello Drive to the apartment above the new antique store. Dawn practically moved into one of the guest rooms at the shop to be close to Spike and Buffy, and most nights, Buffy and Spike found Willow and Xander over watching movies with Dawn when they returned from patrol.

*****

It was Sunday, and Spike and Buffy had spent the morning working out with Dawn. Since Dawn had been feeling a little neglected that past week, Spike had promised her a little "Quality Bit Time" which translated to a movie and ice cream afterwards. Accordingly, Dawn was in the bathroom taking a shower and getting ready which in teenager time was an hour or two. But much to Buffy and Spike’s delight, Dawn grooming left the lovers a little adult time to indulge with each other in the master bedroom.

Buffy was presently curled up in Spike's lap, sitting in the oversized chair, while Spike waited for the Nibblet to finish dressing. They had just come down from the master suite.

Breaking their comfortable if not unusual silence, Buffy asked, "When will you two be back?"

"We'll catch up with you on patrol. The Bit would like that."

"How will you know which cemetery I’ll be patrolling?"

"Love, I’ll always find you. I can feel whenever you are near just like you can feel me."

"You know, while you were gone, I never thought you were dead. I would have known if you were gone for good. I think I’ve always felt a connection between you and me, but you know, it devastated me when the others left. I knew Angel would never come back, and deep down, I don’t think I wanted Riley back. But I knew you’d pop back up like an old penny. I never questioned that.”

"Always, love. I will always make it back to you." Normally, Spike hated the very mention of the Great Gelled One or the Soldier Poof, putting him into a snarky mood, but this time, she was ranking him on top. He thought he could make an exception this one time.

With her fingers, Buffy played with the hair at the nape of his neck, twisting a curl and avoiding his direct stare. “Do you still love me?

Spike took a deep, unnecessary breath, realizing that it was his turn to get a little uncomfortable. Never being able to hold his tongue, Spike had been trying keep from telling her how much he loved her. In fact, he could feel the words on the tip of his tongue at least twenty times a day.. However, he felt a real need for a little reassurance before he committed that part of himself again, until Buffy told him something about what was in her own heart. “The last time I told you that I love you, pet, and then got lucky, you dumped me shortly thereafter. Now granted, the order would be different this time since I got lucky first this afternoon, but I'm not too apt to go through that whole dumping bit again. I like how things have been going lately between us, and besides, I'd prefer Captain Cardboard didn't blow this place up. Red would be crushed, don’t ya think?”

Buffy ran a fingertip across one of his sharp cheek bones and then down his cheek towards his mouth. “And if I promise not to blow up anything or dump you later?”

"Then I do still love you. But you already knew that, didn't you, love?"

She ran her finger tip slowly across his lower lip, “Yeah, but I’d like to hear it again.”

"Makes you all tingly inside, pet?" However, Spike suspected that Buffy wasn't finished yet and was still fishing around for something. "And…?"

"I wasn't in a place back then to really accept or give love. Not even to Dawn. Not even to my friends." Buffy took a deep breath and wasn’t sure if she could continue.

Sensing her dilemma, Spike ran a hand up her neck to cup her cheek, trying to pass on some confidence, trying to give her the courage to continue.

But then Buffy looked in his beautiful blue eyes, and the words came tumbling out. "But now…I trust you. I care about you, and I know I want to be with you…I just need a little more time to work everything else out." Unable to continue holding his intense gaze, Buffy turned her head to place a kiss on the palm of his hand. Spike was reminded of the time, before returning to London, when he had placed a kiss on the palm of her small hand in much the same fashion. But today when he and Dawn returned after the movie, instead of leaving town, Spike would be returning to his Slayer waiting with her arms wide open.

As their lips came together, Dawn chose that moment to finally come out of the bathroom. "Eew! You two are going to make me too nauseated to eat popcorn."

Buffy pulled back long enough to reply, "Mmmm…then go back in the bathroom if you don't want to see."

"Sorry, sis. If Spike and I go through the sewers to the theatre, we need to leave now. And I don't want to miss the trailers."

After kissing Buffy once more, Spike headed out with Dawn who was happily chattering at his side.

*****

The pair made it from the sewer system to the theatre with only a small amount of sun exposure. After purchasing a decadent amount of popcorn, Spike and Dawn scanned the theatre for the perfect seats. Dawn wanted to sit in the middle, but the vamp insisted that no one be able to sit behind them. Hence they settled on the middle of the back row with a wall to their backs. Spike had his feet casually slung over the seat in front of him and was throwing popcorn on those seats in front to discourage anyone who dared thinking about sitting in front of them.

About twenty minutes into the film, the screen suddenly went blank causing Spike to redirect his popcorn, throwing it at the tiny window of the projection room in protest. A man that looked to be a manager type walked in from the back, announced that there was a small fire in the food preparation area, politely asked everyone to remain calm, and to quickly exit the building using the doors next to the screen.

Spike pulled Dawn back into her seat when she started to comply. "Nibblet, something isn't right here. Hold on a sec." The vampire couldn't smell any smoke or hear any fire alarms which was very strange if there were a fire. His suspicions grew by leaps and bounds when two more men walked in the back of the theatre and nodded towards Spike and Dawn.

Dawn knew Spike was right that something was peculiar when two more men came in the exits as the other theatergoers quickly streamed out. Dawn grabbed hold of his arm and asked in a nervous sounding whisper, "Spike? SPIKE? What should we do now?"

Spike was presently considering all their options, the good and the bad ones. But the dilemma was that all their options looked really looked more like the bad and the worse. This theatre with all the rows of seats just wasn't the best place to wage a battle, let alone try to escape safely with the Bit in tow. She was still so big in guts but low in fighting skills. "Ok, Bite Size, first we need make it out of this row into the wider aisle. We need to get ourselves a little elbow room. Let's go towards the side that only has one bloke. But whatever I say, follow my lead. No arguing, Platelet. None."

Taking her hand, Spike led the way. He was proud of this girl. He knew she was scared, but she showed no signs of outward fear. Her head was up, back ramrod straight and confidently walking with eyes shooting sparks in defiance of their imminent peril.

As Spike and Dawn made their way to the end of their row, the man who Spike now suspected was a demon stepped into their path. Without even looking back, Spike knew the demons on the far side entered their row, blocking any retreat.

Well, it was time for the Big Bad to bluff. “Excuse me, mate. Seeing as this is my first date with this bird, I think she would like to avoid burning alive. So if you would move out of our way, I’d like to go and see if I can get my blunt back. Maybe take her to dinner instead…”

Dawn’s grip on Spike’s hand tightened when she realized that he was trying to make them look as if they barely knew each other, but why? What was he planning?

The guy that had cleared the theatre was currently not budging out of Spike’s way. He just nodded his head towards Spike as he addressed the approaching man. “What would you like us to do with them, Father?”

Well dressed in tweed, “Father” looked to be in his sixties and replied in a cultured British accent that fit his look. Father directed his reply to Spike. “William the Bloody, we are here to invite you on a little excursion.” Dawn thought the slight curl to his lips belied his cordial words.

Spike took a moment to look over the other two blokes that had walked up behind them and were currently covering the only open sides to escape. Turning back to look at the obvious leader, Spike pulled out a cigarette and lit it, blowing smoke in the nancy-boy’s face before answering. “It’s Spike and thanks for the offer, mate, but I’ve already been abroad enough this year. Don’t really fancy leaving the Hellmouth anytime soon.”

When he spoke again, Father smiled a smile that chilled Dawn down to the tips of her toes. “I thought that might be your reply, but you see, I would like to further our accaintance. Get to know the vampire who helped kill my first son and who personally killed my second.”

Spike blew out the next puff of smoke rather forcibly. Balls! Sometimes it didn’t pay to have such a well known reputation. This really wasn’t the time or the place for the past to come back to bite him on the ass. He started to continue his banter further out of sheer perversity until he remembered the Nibblet standing behind him. Bloody Hell! “Well, Dad, you asked so nicely, I’ll stick around and chat but first you have to let the bint go. She’s nothing to me and has nothing to do with my past. It’s hard to do that whole male bonding rot with a gel around.”

When Father nodded his agreement to Spike’s request, the other man at his elbow looked ready to argue, but Dawn beat him to it. “No way I’m running out on you, Spike. I can…”

Spike turned on her, cutting her off, “Look, you silly chit, bugger off.” Spike violently jerked Dawn out of the row and shoved her towards the exit.

Stumbling, Dawn caught herself on the door handle, “But I…”

“I. SAID. PISS. OFF!” Spike snarled, flashing his yellow eyes. Before turning his back on Dawn, his cold, hard voice lashed out one more time. “Why don’t you go run and tell big sis what wrong the Big Bad did now.”

Spike could hear Dawn stifle a sob as she pushed through the door out into the lobby. He felt like a total bastard, but he was desperate to make sure she was away, out of this load of rubbish.
The man standing beside Father spoke up as Dawn left, “But Father, that girl was the Slayer’s sister!”

“I’m aware of that, Jacob. Now she’ll run to her ‘big sis’ as our dear William calls her, and then both girls will try to save her vampire lover. But that will gave us time to get him where we want to snare her. It all works out nicely. You see, I get three for the price of one: A highly successful slayer, a mysterious key, whatever that is, and a vamp that goes against his nature. All three unique and extremely worthy of study.”

Not caring what happened to him, Spike changed to game face and lunged at Father, “There’s no bloody way I’m going to let you…” He spun around as he felt a prick and passed out before he could switch directions and tear into the ponce that had just stuck him with a hypodermic. “Bloody Hell…Buffy…”

Father smiled a malicious smile down at Spike now lying on the filthy movie theatre carpet, nudging the vampire with the toe of his shoe. “This was definitely worth the trip. Bring him, Jacob. We have a plane to catch so be quick about it. I’m anxious to get him back to the lab and find out what makes this Slayer of Slayers so different from all other vampires, forsaking his natural urges to sleep with his food instead of eating her.



TBC…

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