Chapter 16 - To See You Again

Spike had driven to the hospital as fast as humanly possible. In fact he'd had to force himself to even bother stopping for red lights. The only thing keeping him from pushing the pedal to the floor was the fact that he actually wanted to be alive long enough to see Buffy again.

But by the time he'd gotten to the emergency room he'd found that Buffy and the girls had already left. He took about two minutes to run to the restroom to wash all the blood off his hands and splash cool water on his face before jumping back into his car. He didn't want Buffy to worry at the sight of blood when they were finally reunited.

Spike burst into the room, his duster flying behind him, practically screaming Buffy's name. "Buffy!" Before he had a chance to even call out to her a second time, she was in his arms.

"Oh, God, luv." Spike breathed out the words as he buried his face in her hair and held her close. "God, you're safe." The words rushed out tinged with awed disbelief.

Neither of them noticed when the others slipped out of the room, leaving them blessedly alone.

Buffy was crying. The relief of having escaped hadn't sunk in until the moment she'd laid eyes on Will again. The sobs came fast and hard, her breath hitching in her chest. "Will." His name was the only word she seemed capable of voicing.

"Shhhh, luv. You're safe now. I've got you." Spike held her closer, hugging her tight. His own chest ached with the relief of having her in his arms again. After a while her sobs died down, though tears still leaked from her eyes. Spike tilted her head up and wiped at the steady stream with his thumbs. "Did he touch you? I mean, did he hurt you at all, luv?" Spike whispered the question with dread.

She shook her head, still unable to speak. Spike kissed her then, unable to wait any longer. The feel of her lips against his was heaven. Having her here, tasting her again, was heaven. Buffy kissed him back, savoring the feel of him against her. She wanted the kiss to last forever, but eventually she pulled away so that she could talk.

"He threatened..." Buffy shook her head. "But he never. He said when he got back, but then Harmony - " her breath hitched again, and she fought back renewed sobs.

Spike let the anger wash over him. She was safe. Angel wasn't ever going to touch her again. His grip on her tightened, but he stopped himself before causing her any pain. She was safe.

He cooed words of love to her, telling her she was safe, that he would always keep her safe from now on. She clung to him, begging him not to let her go, to just hold her. He maneuvered them so that they were lying on the bed Buffy in his arms, her head resting on his chest.

She was quiet for so long that Spike thought she had finally fallen asleep, but then her small voice echoed through the room. "He said he was going to kill me. After...after he got the money...after he.after he had some *fun*." Buffy shuddered in his arms and he couldn't help the possessive growl that escaped his throat.

"He's gone, luv. He won't ever touch you again." Spike reassured her, rubbing his hands up and down her arms to warm her chilled skin.

"Will, there's something I have to tell you." Buffy lifted herself up so that she could stare into his eyes. "I love you." She saw his eyes blink; saw the telltale signs of water building behind those beautiful lashes. "The whole time I was...there...I could only think of one thing. Getting back to you. I didn't want to die without telling you. Without making sure you knew, understood, how much I loved you."

Spike's heart was beating a mile a minute. She was pouring her heart out to him, or at least what she thought was her heart's desire. And all he could think about was kissing her, loving her, right here, right now. He loved her, God damn it! And he'd just spent the worst forty-eight hours of his life hoping and praying that she was still alive. And now he had her here, in his arms, professing her love for him. What was a man supposed to do? He was only a mere mortal. So he did the only thing he could; he kissed her.

Spike nibbled at her bottom lip, letting his tongue trace its outline before gently biting down. Buffy groaned and arched into him, her breasts pressing down against his chest, the taut nipples rubbing coarsely over the material of his shirt. It was an effort for Spike to force himself to not flip them over, rip off all her clothes, and thrust himself hard into her willing body. It felt as if he'd been waiting forever for this moment. Forever for just the chance to make love to this woman. *His* woman.

Slowly he let his hands wander her body, gently lifting her clothes off her, until she was naked and pliant beneath him. Buffy's hands were busy as well, tickling the fine hairs of his skin as she explored his body. His shirt had long since come off, and his pants as well. He was left with nothing but his boxers, a very thin piece of material separating him from Buffy's own nudity.

"Will, please." Buffy tugged at his shorts, begging with her actions for more.

"Luv, are you sure?" God, how could he ask her that? How could she be sure, when she didn't know the true nature of their relationship? Spike felt like a heel, but he couldn't stop now. Couldn't keep himself from taking what he'd always wanted. What he desperately needed.

"Yes." Buffy slid his boxers down, until he was able to kick them off.

The one word answer sent a wave of desire crashing through him. He reached down with hand, feeling for her, and swore softly when he encountered wet heat. "Christ, luv."

Buffy spread her legs wider, inviting him to lie in the cradle of her thighs. She nearly wept when he took his hand away only to replace it with the tip of his arousal. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, pressing him closer.

Spike leaned down to kiss her, entering her in one swift thrust. She was tight around him, and he moaned almost incoherently. He waited, wanting to give her time to adjust to the intrusion. Spike could feel every inch of her against him, encasing him. And he grit his teeth to keep from losing control. God, he was finally inside her. She was finally his!

And then it hit him. He could *feel* every inch of her. Spike cried out when Buffy began to move, to thrust up against him. "Luv, wait. Stop!" Quickly he pulled out of her, cursing himself every which way possible. He turned away from her, swinging his legs off the bed and sitting up.

"What's the matter?" Buffy's voice was trembling, as if she feared she had done something wrong.

"Sorry, luv." Spike turned back to her, the look on her face nearly broke him. He leaned forward daring to kiss her again. Mistake. He was on top of her in a matter of seconds.

"Mmmm, yes, Will." Buffy murmured, reaching down to grasp him firmly in her hand. "Make love to me."

God, he wanted to. Spike thought he might actually die if he didn't. But he was already doing enough to guarantee his reservation in Hell; he wasn't about to add this to the list as well. "Buffy, luv. Fuck!" He jumped in her hand, thrusting involuntarily. "I want to, God, I want to." He murmured kissing her again. "But no condom. It might already be too late." He wanted to kick himself for not thinking, for entering her without protection. The look he gave her was so contrite she tried to stop the bubble of laughter from escaping, but couldn't. "If you think my dying of blue balls is funny, then have at it, luv." Spike grumbled, his arousal still painfully throbbing a reminder at him of his own stupidity.

Buffy kissed him, still laughing lightly. "It's not that, Will. I'm just happy. I thought...I thought you didn't want me." She answered shyly. "When you turned away, I thought..." the words trailed off but she continued to gaze at him, her big doe eyes large in her face.

"No, Buffy." He kissed her again, torturing himself. "God, I can't *stop* wanting you." But he pulled away, running his hand through his hair roughly. Barely suppressing the need to pull it out by the roots instead.

"Then there's no problem." Buffy whispered, her hand stealing out to open the drawer in the small bedside table. "Cordy." She answered his unspoken question as she pulled out a pack of condoms. "She thought we might need them tonight." Spike was going to kiss Cordy the very next time he saw her.

But then he was kissing Buffy again, and all thoughts of Cordy, of the rest of the world, flew out of his head. He ripped open one of the foil packets she handed him, and quickly covered himself. This time he entered her slowly, dragging out the incredible feeling of her heat engulfing him. Bending forward he took the peak of her breast into his mouth, suckling gently. One hand shot out to cover the other breast, kneading it slowly before reaching toward the tip to pinch and roll her nipple.

She groaned and breathed out a small sexy "oh" that made Spike's insides catch on fire. Every sound she made, every wriggle of her body beneath him had him responding in ways he'd never imagined. He'd made love with other women, and some had been extremely creative. But loving Buffy...being with Buffy was something that couldn't compare to any experience he'd ever had before.

Spike couldn't keep himself from quickening his rhythm. His thrusts came faster and harder, making Buffy cry out. She clung to him, meeting every thrust with as much force as possible. Their hips crashed together, over and over, until the sensations swamped over her.

Spike felt his whole body tightening; felt the onrush of his orgasm shooting through him. Reaching down he pressed his fingers to her, rubbing softly. "Buffy," he groaned out her name. "So close, luv, please." He begged her with his eyes to find her release, and just like that she exploded. She fluttered around him, and Spike couldn't do anything but ride the hot wave of his own desire to its crest.

Feeling completely boneless, Spike rolled off her not wanting to crush her with his weight. Buffy moaned in complaint, reaching for him again. He turned them until he was spooning her, his front to her back. Then he kissed the nape of her neck, letting his lips linger. "That was incredible, luv." His arms went around her waist, his palms coming to rest on her flat stomach.

"God, Buffy. I'm so sorry. I can't believe I let myself lose control that way." His arms tightened around her, his hands rubbing gentle circles over her abdomen. "I might already have gotten you pregnant." He worried.

Buffy turned in his arms and kissed him softly. She lowered her head until it was resting on his chest, and let herself enjoy his warm masculine scent before replying. "I guess that would mean you'd just have to marry me." She answered playfully.

Spike's gut clenched, God, he was a bastard.

"Buffy?"

"Mmm?" The murmur was muffled by his chest.

"There's something I have to tell you." Spike grimaced at his own lame attempt to begin this conversation. "I should have told you before...Jesus, before we made love, but I couldn't."

He waited a beat before continuing, trying to screw up his courage. "Buffy, we're not engaged. You don't love me, at least not in that way. I'm sorry." He whispered, waiting for her response. The silence stretched until it became unbearable. "Buffy?" Nothing but her steady breathing. When he finally got the guts to check, he found her fast asleep.

"Oh, bloody..." Spike couldn't believe his luck. She hadn't heard a word he said. So, okay, he'd hold her in his arms tonight and tomorrow he'd finally tell her the truth. Then he'd probably wave goodbye to her as she walked out of his life. He kissed the crown of her head, and tightened his hold on her.

Maybe that was for the best? She'd only been his pretend fiance and look what it had gotten her? Two days of terror and bruises that hadn't yet faded. He kissed her wrists, brushing his lips against the rope burns. Could he ask her to become a permanent part of his life, when he knew how dangerous it could be? He knew that anyone in his life could be a potential target, but especially his loved ones. With his mum and da gone, the only other potential targets would be his wife, he stared down at Buffy, and their children, his hand came up to unconsciously curl around her stomach.

Good Lord, what if he'd gotten her pregnant tonight? A stab of longing pierced through him at the thought of Buffy as the mother of his children. What he wouldn't give for that image to become a reality? What was he going to do? He wasn't even sure if she would still want him; love him, after she found out the truth.

Spike drifted off the sleep, still mulling over the potential threats to Buffy versus their potential happiness together. Could he risk her safety? Spike thought about the agony he had just lived through, not knowing where she was or whether she was even still alive. And he knew the answer to that question.

***

Buffy rolled over and heard the crunch of paper before she opened her eyes to find the note. She squinted at the white sheet before rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

~ Dearest Buffy,

There are so many things I should have told you before last night, luv. You've always told me I had a gift with words, but when it comes to you I've always been tongue-tied.

First, I want you to know that I love you. After you read the rest of this note you may not believe that, but it's true. So I hope you keep it in mind when you find out what I've done.

You should know that we aren't really engaged to be married. You aren't my fiance; you never were. I'm so sorry, luv, that I lied to you. It was a ruse, that you agreed to participate in, in order to help me with the conference. I never thought it would go that far, Buffy, I swear.

After your accident, the doctor said that you should avoid any unnecessary stress. And I wasn't sure how you would react to the news, since you seemed to believe that our engagement was real. I hated lying to you, luv. But I didn't want to take the chance that it might affect your health.

I suppose you think I've taken the coward's way out by writing you this letter rather than speaking to you in person. And maybe you're right. But I knew that if I hadn't left while you were sleeping I never would have been able to. As it is it's tearing me in two just thinking about walking out that door.

I know last night shouldn't have happened. And you're probably regretting it as you read this...but you may as well know it's the one thing in my life that I will *never* regret. The one memory I'll always cherish. The one thing I do regret, though, is your not knowing the truth before it happened. Before we made love. I'm sorry for that, Buffy, truly.

I love you, baby.

I'm sorry if I hurt you. I ache knowing that, that bastard hurt you because of me. Which brings me to the hardest part of this letter to write: the goodbye.

I won't let that happen again. I can't.

Being with me puts you in danger. It always will. I'm sorry, luv, but I can't stand around knowing that my love puts you in harm's way. A love I'm not even sure you want any part of anymore. I'm sorry.

Please, luv, stay safe. William ~

The ink began to blur as the tears fell from Buffy's eyes. Will was gone?

*** Chapter 17 - Dawn's Early Light

Spike was crying. He tried to stem the flow of tears, tried to keep from acknowledging them, but it was a losing battle. He'd left Buffy hours ago, warm and sleep rumpled in their bed. He'd written her a final goodbye.

He'd gotten on the first plane off the island, not bothering to say goodbye to his friends or to thank them for helping get Buffy back safely. He couldn't. He could barely force himself out of that room and onto the plane. If he'd stopped for anything, he wouldn't have been able to go through with it.

God, he was such a namby pamby nancy boy! So what, if he'd given up the only truly good thing to ever happen to him? So what, if he knew he was going to be miserable for the rest of his life? That he'd given up the only woman he could ever love? He didn't have to cry about it! Did he?

He remembered crying that day he'd arrived on Buffy's doorstep after having caught Dru with another man, for the second time. The tears were falling down his face and though he hadn't said a word, Buffy knew. She took him in and threw her arms around him. She made him cocoa with little marshmallows and let him talk his brains out. And then she'd taken his duster, shoved him under the covers of her bed and then gotten in with him. She wrapped him in her arms, and kissed him on the forehead. Before lulling him to sleep with words of comfort and the warmth of her body surrounding him.

That had been a day from Hell, but Buffy had somehow made it better. Yes, he remembered crying then, but had it hurt like this? This gut wrenching mind numbing pain that made his chest hurt and his eyeballs ache? He didn't think so. He hadn't remembered this all consuming agony. Maybe that was because even though he'd lost Dru, even though she'd humiliated him beyond belief, he'd still had Buffy. And now...well now he didn't.

Spike stared out the tiny window listening to the plane's twin engines hum. He could see the early light of dawn peeking through the clouds. The sight was beautiful, the colors bright and vivid, but Spike didn't really see any of it. His mind was a million miles away, or maybe just a few thousand, in a hotel room with a girl who would just barely be waking.

***

Buffy couldn't believe it. Will was gone! He hadn't given her a chance to explain, to tell him that she'd gotten her memory back. Instead he'd left her. For her own good! Buffy stomped angrily around the room gathering her clothes. What right did he have to decide what was good for her? What right did he have to decide that he wasn't worth the risk?

Men!

Buffy was already throwing her clothes haphazardly into her luggage; she was determined to go after him. If he really meant to sever all ties with her, well he better damn well be able to tell her to her face!

Her suitcase was almost full when there was a knock on the door. Crap. She'd forgotten about the rest of the gang. They were probably checking up on her to see how she was doing. Buffy hadn't even given them a second thought! What kind of friend was she? They flew all this way to help her and she was about to jump on a plane without even saying goodbye! Buffy opened the door an apology already on her lips. She frowned when she was met with the two men she'd never seen before.

"You should really be more careful miss." The one on the left warned.

"Especially after what you've just been through." The other piped in.

"How do you know what I've been through?" Buffy asked suspiciously.

The two men reached into their pockets simultaneously. "Sorry miss, we should have identified ourselves first thing. I'm Agent Salazar, and this is Agent Benson." They showed their IDs to her.

"Oh." Buffy was still a little confused as to what they were doing there. "Was there something you needed?"

"Actually, yes. We need you to come down to give your statement." Benson explained. "It's best to get it as soon after the incident as possible to make sure that the details you remember are fresh."

"It would be helpful if Mr. Huntington could join us as well." Salazar added.

"Oh," Buffy chewed her bottom lip nervously. "I'm afraid that Will has already left for California. He had some...business to take care of."

Salazar frowned. "He does realize he'll have to return to give his statement, and more importantly testify in court?"

"I'm not sure. I'll call him and let him know he has to come back as soon as possible." Buffy hedged, uncertain even how she was supposed to get a hold of Will when he didn't want anything more to do with her.

Benson nodded. "It's still a good idea for you to come down this morning and give your statement, even if Mr. Huntington won't be able to give his until he returns."

"Do we have to leave right now? Can I...can I call some friends to go with me?" Buffy hesitated. She really didn't want to go alone. She didn't think she wanted to relive the last two days by herself.

"Of course Ms. Summers. Whatever makes you most comfortable. We just want to get the facts down straight so that we can help the attorney prepare for trial." Salazar gave her a sympathetic look.

"Thank you." Buffy stepped aside, gesturing for both men to enter the room. "If you'll just wait a moment I'll call over to my friends' rooms."

Within ten minutes Cordy, Willow, and Tara were all in Buffy's room. They'd stepped further into the suite to speak quietly to each other out of earshot of the two lawmen. It wasn't that there was any real reason to keep the conversation from the two, except for Buffy's embarrassment at the situation.

"He just left?!" Cordy almost yelled out, but quieted at Buffy's frantic motioning. "Without saying goodbye or anything?"

"He left a note." Buffy answered.

"That's it?" Willow scrunched her nose up in disgust. "You guys finally get together? And he just leaves you a note? I mean, you did get together right?"

Buffy blushed.

"What did the note say?" Tara entered the conversation.

"Will said he loved me, but didn't want to put me in danger. He thinks loving me will make me some kind of target or something." Buffy explained.

"That's ridiculous!" Willow yelped in outrage.

"I don't know. I can see why he'd be concerned. You did just get rescued from a psycho that was out to hurt Spike." Tara played devil's advocate.

"So you think he's right? To just throw away a chance at being together just *in case* something might happen?" Buffy queried, surprised. "He said he loved me. And I told him how much I loved him last night." Buffy whispered quietly.

"No! I didn't say he was right. I just said I understood." Tara rebuffed.

"Well, he needs to get his ass back here." Cordy stated firmly.

"Look! I can't deal with this right now. They need my statement." Buffy glanced over at the two waiting FBI men. "I don't want to go alone." She bowed her head.

"Honey, we know that." Willow was rubbing circles on Buffy's back. "We'll all go with you, that's why we're here."

"And as for dealing with Spike..." Cordy glanced up as the door to the suite opened and Wesley, Xander, and Lorne walked in. "I know just how to handle it."

***

"I can't believe this! Could we at least have gone first class?" Xander whined.

"No. You know these were the only seats available on this flight. If we'd waited, the next flight wouldn't have left until after dinner." Wesley answered calmly.

"Why couldn't we just call him? Why do we have to fly all the way back to Cali just to turn around and fly back?" Xander continued to grumble.

"You know how stubborn our Spike is." Lorne answered. " And I don't know about you two," Lorne wagged his fingers at his two companions. "But I don't intend to sleep on the couch for the rest of my life."

All three boys sighed as one.

Chapter 18 - Coming Back to You

They entered the house with the key Spike kept in the hanging plant on his back porch. They found him in the game room, sitting on the love seat and staring into space.

"Okay, pack your stuff." Xander didn't bother saying hello.

"Huh?" Spike jumped in surprise. When he realized that the friends he'd left in Hawaii with Buffy were now in the room with him he became concerned immediately. "What's wrong? Is Buffy okay?" Spike was up and grabbing a hold of Xander before he even knew what he was doing.

"Lay off, man." Xander shrugged Spike off. "No, Buffy is not freakin' okay. You left her. Alone." Xander emphasized the last word. "And now we're all paying for it." He swept his arm toward their other two friends.

"But she's okay? She's not hurt?" Spike insisted on an answer.

"Not in the physical sense, no." Wesley provided. "But she wasn't looking too good when we left. Although that might have more to do with the statement she has to give today."

"What statement?" Spike demanded.

"Spike, honey," Lorne moved closer, and threw his arm around Spike's shoulder. He led Spike back to the loveseat and sat him down. "Buffy just spent a horrific two days with some psycho. Those federal boys want her to tell them everything that happened. I think she was just a little nervous at the prospect."

"She could probably really use the support." Wesley encouraged.

"But she has the girls, right?" Spike wanted nothing more than to be there for Buffy, but knew it would be a mistake.

"Yeah, the girls are with her, but Spike, man, she needs *you*." Xander insisted. "How can you stand to be away from her after almost having lost her for good?"

"Don't you see? That's exactly why I have to stay away from her!" Spike's words were laced with anguish.

"And would you feel any better if something happened to her while you were apart?" Lorne asked.

"No! Nothing's going to happen to her. That's why we have to *be* apart." Spike insisted.

"Spike you can't predict the future. Buffy could have an accident tomorrow. Or some psycho could see her walking down the street and decide she's the flavor of the week whether you guys are together or not." Lorne warned. "You're being without her can't stop any of those things. In fact the only thing you're being apart can prevent is your own happiness."

"I...I need to think." Spike stammered, wavering slightly.

"You can think on the plane. We've got reservations for the 6:15 flight." Xander informed him.

"No! I can't go back tonight."

"Spike, they have to get your statement as well." Wesley put in.

"Well, I can give a statement over the phone." Spike rebuffed.

"But you have to be there in person for the trial anyway. It's probably going to be set in the next week or so. Salazar said something about a cancellation on the court roster." Xander checked his watch, trying to hurry Spike along. "Come on, you have to grab your bag. We gotta jet."

"No." Spike was stubborn.

"Okay, Spike." Lorne caved in. "We'll call the girls and tell them you're not going back with us." Both Xander and Wesley gave Lorne unbelieving looks, but kept silent.

"Good." Spike was relieved to have gotten his way without too much resistance. "Ask them how Buffy's holding up?" Spike checked his watch. "She's probably still giving her statement." Spike's brow was furrowed in worry.

Lorne whipped out his cell phone and hit speed dial. "Tara, honey, how's tricks?" Lorne murmured a few sounds of agreement before speaking again. "I was just calling to let you guys know - " Lorne paused, his expression becoming alarmed causing all three men watching to lean forward with questioning looks. "What?! How could they let that happen?" Lorne listened for a few more minutes. "We'll be on the next flight." And then in a quieter tone he added, "Don't worry, baby, I love you."

"Let's head out," Lorne clicked his phone shut and jumped down from the barstool he'd been sitting on. "The girls need us."

"What? Why? What's happened?" Spike was nearly a wreck. "Is Buffy okay?"

"She's fine." Lorne answered calmly but refused to meet Spike's eyes.

"What aren't you telling me?" Spike demanded.

Lorne sighed. "I guess you'd find out sooner or later." He shrugged. "Angel's out on bail." He watched as Spike's jaw clenched. "Apparently he might've made some threatening statements towards both Buffy and Harmony. Both of them are pretty upset, and so are Tara, Willow, and Cordy."

"What kind of threats? Are they under police protection?" Spike, Xander, and Wesley all spoke at once.

"The fibbies offered to put them in hiding, under protective custody, but Buffy refused."

"What? Why?" Spike demanded. "Why would she refuse?"

"I'm not sure. I couldn't really get a lot out of Tara it sounded like she'd been crying. I'm pretty sure she said there were police stationed at the hotel, but Buffy didn't want to be moved. Didn't want to hide. Something about not wanting to live her life running away?" Lorne related what little information he had.

"Bloody stubborn bint!" Spike yelled. "Let me grab my bag." He was already running towards the stairs that would lead to his bedroom.

"Maybe we should call Salazar and Benson to make sure they've got everything covered until we can get back." Xander suggested, worry for Cordy and the girls running through him.

"No need." Lorne said turning back to them with a smile.

"I thought you said you didn't know much? How do you know if they've got sufficient coverage at the hotel?" Wesley asked.

"I don't. The one thing I do know is that Spike is going to be pretty pissed when he finds out that the only information I got during that phone call was the current 78 degree temperature of downtown Sunnydale." Lorne smirked at them. "But we'll be at least 50,000 feet in the air before that happens."

***

Buffy was completely miserable. Spike hadn't called. And now that the end of the day was looming she'd gone from being angry to depressed. Cordy had insisted that the boys wouldn't let her down. But what could they do, really? If Spike didn't want to be here, if he didn't love her enough to take the necessary risks, how could they force him to?

On top of all that she was emotionally drained from her five hour session at the Kauai branch of the FBI. The girls had gone with her and had been extremely supportive, but her worry and anger over Spike plus the odd mixture of emotions she felt at retelling her ordeal combined to completely flatten her.

She sighed, wiping at the stray tears on her cheeks. Buffy was sitting out on the patio of their room, watching the waves crash on to shore. The sun had set long ago and the breeze that played with the loose strands of her hair blew coolly over her skin. God, she was tired of crying.

Buffy was so lost in thought she didn't even hear the suite door open, or see the man that entered.

***

When Spike had found out about Lorne's ruse, he'd been both angry and relieved. He was happy to know that Angel was still locked up and that his Buffy was safe, but angry to realize that he'd been tricked into going back to Kauai. He wasn't sure how he felt about seeing Buffy again. He'd been agitated since the moment he'd left her, worried about her safety, but also concerned about her reaction to the revelations he'd lain bare in the note he'd left behind.

Would she hate him for lying to her? Would she really want to see him again now that she knew he was in love with her? These questions replayed themselves over and over in his head as the plane flew them that much closer to the answers.

Spike berated himself for having left her, wondering how she had coped with the statement she gave this morning. Wondering how she had been coping with the aftereffects of being kidnapped and imprisoned by a madman. Spike's hands clenched into fists as he thought about the man that had taken his Buffy, the man that had used her to try to hurt him.

Spike would have gladly killed him the other night, probably would have done without thought to himself if Xander hadn't stopped him. All he could see while he was beating Angel into the ground was Buffy's face, scared and upset. He couldn't even stomach the thought that Angel might have touched her, might have hurt her in anyway. He remembered exactly the feelings that swamped him when Buffy had told him that he'd only hurt her a little, only left a few bruises. He remembered kissing at the ring of bruised skin around her wrists as she slept.

Spike's gut clenched and his heart twisted. He needed to see her again, to know that she was all right. Lorne's ploy had been nothing but that, a trick to get him on the plane. But it served a second purpose as well. It had reinforced Lorne's earlier words. Would Spike feel any better if Buffy were somehow hurt while they were apart? He knew the answer without having to even think about the question.

Quietly Spike slipped into their room, letting his eyes adjust to the gloom until he could see the faint outline of Buffy's body on the lounge chair beyond the sliding glass doors. He moved across the carpet, coming to stand just inside the archway of the patio doors. "Buffy," he called softly and then swore when she jumped a mile, eyes wide with fright. "Sorry, luv."

"Will?" She whispered his name as she realized who it was standing before her. For a brief moment Buffy was overcome with relief, love, and longing at the sight of him. But she soon became wary, not knowing why he was here or what he was feeling. "What are you doing here?" Buffy voiced the first question that came to mind. She honestly hadn't thought she'd see him again so soon, if ever at all.

Spike let his gaze wander over Buffy. Letting him see for himself that she was healthy and hale. She was wearing the oversized t-shirt she normally wore to sleep, with a pair of spandex shorts. He knew from experience that the shorts would come off before she climbed into bed, and the thought was already making him half hard. He shook his head to rid himself of those inappropriate thoughts and concentrated on the question she had asked him.

"I came back..." Spike hated the cautious and slightly disbelieving look Buffy was giving him. He decided to go with the unabashed truth. "I came back for you."

Buffy's look turned into one of disdain. "Just like you left for me?" She asked, not bothering to hide the hostility or hurt she felt.

"I..." Well, what could he say to that? "I'm sorry."

Buffy stared at him for a moment before looking away. "Do you honestly think that after all these years together, now suddenly, I've become a target? We've only been in each other's back pockets for the past ten years. If any of your enemies didn't already know how much we meant to each other, whether we're lovers or not, they're too stupid to worry about."

Now that she put it like that, Spike felt ridiculous. It was true that anyone remotely interested in him would know how strong his feelings for Buffy went. For God's sake, every article ever written about him had included at least a small snippet from her as well including that damned Sunnydale's Most Eligible Bachelors feature. Why had he thought that loving her would put her in any more danger than she already was?

"You know what I think?" Buffy continued, oblivious to the thoughts running through Spike's head. "I think you left, no, *ran away* because you were afraid. Not for me, but for yourself." Buffy advanced on him now, poking painfully at his chest with her index finger. "You were afraid to face me, to have to tell me the truth. The truth about our engagement, the truth about your feelings for me." Buffy's face was red and angry once more. Abruptly she turned on her heel and strode back out toward the balcony railing, silently seething.

Spike stood stunned. Was that what he had done? Had he run away because he was afraid to face her? Afraid to tell her the truth? Afraid to *know* the truth?

"You left one thing out, luv." Spike moved closer, only inches away from her now. But he refrained from touching, waiting for her reaction to his next statement. "I was afraid to find out the truth. The truth about your feelings for *me*." He waited as she turned around to meet his gaze. "You're right. I was afraid, though I didn't know it at the time. I was afraid you'd hate me for lying to you all week. Or worse yet, afraid that all you'd feel was sorry for me once you found out that I was in love with you and always had been." Spike cursed himself as he felt his eyes fill with water. "I couldn't bare to see the pity in your eyes, luv."

"Oh, Will." Buffy shook her head. "If you'd only waited and let me explain."

"Explain what, Buffy?"

"I got my memory back, Will. While I was still," Buffy swallowed past the lump in her throat. "While I was still with Angel. I tried to tell you, before we made love last night. I told you how much I loved you."

"You mean?" Spike's heart was doing flips in his chest. "You mean you knew, before we made love, that our engagement had been a lie? And when you said you loved me, you meant you *loved* me?"

Buffy nodded, unable to form any more words. And then Will was kissing her. She heard the low groan rumble through him as their lips met. Buffy let out her own small groan of satisfaction when she felt the tentative lick of his tongue against her bottom lip. She opened for him, allowing him entry into her mouth to deepen the kiss.

Spike was in heaven. Buffy loved him! Unable to wait any longer he scooped her up in his arms and carried her back into the suite. Gently he laid her on their bed and stood back to admire her. Buffy's hair was sexily rumpled and her mouth was swollen from their kiss. As he watched the small pink tip of her tongue peeked out to wet her lips. Spike moaned feeling his groin tighten at the sight.

He fell on to the foot of the bed on his knees, staring hungrily up at her. Slowly he crawled up her body, rubbing as much of himself against every inch of her along the way. Buffy wanted to scream as she felt the normally soft cotton of her shirt rub roughly against her tightened nipples. When Spike was finally covering her fully with his own body, he leant down to kiss her once more. As Buffy lost herself in the kiss she failed to notice Spike flipping them over so that he was now on bottom, her legs straddling his hips.

Buffy shivered as she felt the cool night air touch her overheated skin. Her eyes opened slowly at the realization that she was now nearly naked. Her shorts had long since disappeared as had her nightshirt. Already prepared for bed, she hadn't been wearing a bra. So now she lay on top of Spike clad only in a white lace thong. Buffy thrust downward feeling the hard length of his arousal through his tight denim jeans. They both groaned as Buffy fumbled with the button and zipper, struggling to pull the thick barrier away.

As Buffy moved off his body to tug at his jeans, Spike sat up and pulled his t-shirt over his head. Now they were both dressed in only their underwear, only moments away from making love together for the second time. Buffy stepped off the bed, waiting until she caught Will's eyes before slowly bending forward and slipping off her thong. Spike's heart was pounding as he watched Buffy slowly strip the last bit of lace off her tantalizing body.

He couldn't believe that he was actually here. After all they'd been through and meant to each other, they were finally together. After admitting to each other their true feelings, they were about to make love without any secrets or fears hanging over them. Quickly he released his erection from the confines of his underwear kicking off his boxers while he waited for Buffy to reclaim her position above him.

Buffy straddled his hips again, his arousal nudging at her entrance. But instead of taking him inside of her, she leaned forward and began nibbling on his neck. Moving down his body she teased his nipples until they were hard and aching, before continuing downward. Spike's hands shot out to try to guide her movements, but she fended them off, wanting to be the one in control.

When he felt that hot pink tongue tasting him he nearly fainted. She took in his arousal and it was all he could do not to thrust roughly into her warm wet mouth. "Buffy, luv, stop!" He cried out when the sensations became too much.

She pulled off him quickly, a worried look on her face. "Did you not like that?"

Was she blind? "No, luv! Of course I liked it. God, I liked it a little *too* much."

Buffy blushed and Spike marveled at her ability to do so after what she'd just done to him. "Ah, Buffy. I love you." The words slipped out without conscious thought.

"I love you, too." She whispered the words back to him.

"C'mere," he growled at her, his arms open.

She slid into his embrace and squealed when he flipped them over once more. Spike reached into the bedside drawer praying that the stash of condoms Cordy had given Buffy were still there. He nearly let out a triumphant shout when his hand encountered a small plastic square. He pulled it out quickly and covered himself, leaning forward to kiss Buffy once more before positioning himself above her.

Slowly he entered her, waiting as each breathy moan escaped her lips. Finally encased within her, he began a lazy thrusting as he nibbled on her neck. God, had he ever felt anything more delicious, more right? Sooner than he'd like his rhythm began to quicken, as did his pulse. He could feel himself nearing completion and wanted desperately for Buffy to go over the edge with him.

"Buffy, luv," he whispered in her ear just before taking the lob in his teeth and biting gently. A satisfied thrill shot through him at her deep moan of approval. "I'm so close."

"Yes, Will." Buffy answered, her hips thrusting upward to meet his. "Just a little more."

Buffy arched her back nearly off the bed as Spike bent even further to take the taut peak of her breast into his mouth. At the same time his hand snaked between her legs to massage her there. The twin sensations sent her rocketing over the edge and she screamed out his name, "Will!"

The sound of his name leaving her lips pushed Spike toward his own climax. He thrust once, twice, three times more before his orgasm ripped through him and he emptied himself into the tight latex covering he wore. They lay in the afterglow for just a few minutes before Spike rolled off her and cleaned himself up. He came back with a warm wet washcloth to wipe Buffy down and then gently kissed her on the tip of her nose before returning to the bathroom to dispose of the dirty towel.

Climbing back into bed, he was immediately warmed by Buffy's body snuggling into his embrace. They kissed lazily, until Spike finally pulled away. "You need to get some rest, luv. The last few days have been exhausting and we'll have to go back to the FBI office tomorrow so that I can give my statement." Spike hated to bring up anything to do with the last few horrific days without her, but he knew they needed rest.

Buffy looked as if she wanted to say something, but she only bit down on her bottom lip instead.

"What is it, luv?"

"Will you still be here when I wake up in the morning?" She asked, looking away from him, the hurt still evident in her voice.

Spike's breath hitched in his throat. "I'm so sorry for hurting you, Buffy." He kissed her again, rubbing his hand up and down her arm in comfort. "I'll be here in the morning. And every morning after if you'll let me?" He made the last statement a question.

"What are you saying, Will?"

"I'm saying that I want you for forever." Spike stated calmly. "I know this is bloody horrible timing, luv, but...I want our engagement to be real." He fingered the ring she wore on her left hand. "Will you marry me?"

"Oh, Will!" She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. "Yes!"

***

Chapter 19 - The Run In

Buffy was tired, especially because she hadn't been allowed to get much sleep last night. She smiled at the memory, not minding one bit. Her right hand was clasped in Will's, leaving her free to raise her left and gaze at the ring she wore. She stumbled a bit as they walked up the stone steps, Will catching her before she fell completely.

"Watch it, luv." But he'd known what had distracted her and smiled at her lovingly. "We're almost done for the day. Then we can head back to the hotel and celebrate some more." His smile turned wicked making her shiver.

Spike turned back to focus on their path wanting to get the rest of this day over with. They had just finished meeting with the FBI officials to give Spike's statement and were now heading over to the courthouse to talk with the district attorney. The court date had actually been scheduled quite early, only three weeks away and the DA was anxious to get all the information together for the trial.

Spike turned to Buffy once more when he felt her stiffen and heard her let out a short gasp. "What's the - " Spike's question was cutoff by a familiar voice.

"Why hello there, cutie." Angel's smile was wide. Buffy saw now the crazy glint behind his eyes, something she hadn't noticed before he'd taken her. She didn't answer, only tightened her grip on Will's hand.

Spike's head whipped around and he took a step to place himself directly between Buffy and Angel. "I told you to stay the bloody fuck away from her!" Spike's voice was even and low, his eyes shooting cold blue shards of anger.

"So, we meet again, William." Angel turned his gaze toward his hated nemesis. "This isn't over. You stole what should have been mine! I deserve to have it back!"

Spike lunged for him, Buffy screamed. Suddenly there were restraining hands over both men. Buffy was shaking as she realized that Wesley and the others had arrived just in time. Wesley had hold of Will and both he and Xander were talking him down. Lorne made sure to keep himself between Angel and the girls, who were huddled protectively around Buffy.

Risking a quick glance over at Angel, she noted that there was a man she didn't know holding him back as well. He was in a dark brown suit, his hair nearly black, his face clean shaven. He, too, was trying to speak soothing words, but Angel's eyes never lost their crazed glint. From what she could hear the man was obviously Angel's lawyer, but if he thought Angel would listen to logic and reason he was sorely mistaken.

At just about that time, the DA came flying down the steps to intervene. Angel's lawyer was already herding him down the steps and towards his own car, so Spike whirled on the DA instead. "How the bloody hell did he get out?"

Looking chagrined the DA nonetheless pushed the loose hair from her face and straightened her posture before answering. "I'm afraid he had his bail set today, and was obviously able to meet it."

"Why the fuck would they give that asshole bail?" Tara was surprised at the language and tone her lover used. It was rare that anything got to his sweet nature.

There was nothing the DA could say to that. The old adage innocent until proven guilty, obviously wasn't going to cut it.

Buffy was completely shaken, her eyes wide in her face at the thought that Angel was free to roam the island. Spike swept her up in his arms and held her close, rubbing soothing circles on her back. Once she'd calmed, Spike had to relieve some of his own excess emotional energy. He kissed her lightly on the crown of her head, and angled her face so that their gazes could meet.

"Luv, I need some time to think." Spike informed her.

"What? Why? Will - "

"The others will stay with you." He gave each of their friends a stern look, letting them know exactly what would happen if any of them left her alone until he returned.

"Buffy," he kissed her on the lips this time. "I'm just...I'm still so angry. And I feel so guilty."

"Will, it's not your fault!" Buffy wailed, not knowing how to make him see.

"I know that, luv, here," Spike pointed to his temple. "But here," his palm rested above his heart, "it's a completely different story."

"What about our appointment, Mr. Huntington?" Spike had forgotten that the DA had still been standing there.

"We'll have to reschedule it. I'll call you first thing in the morning." He promised her.

"We don't have very much time, if we're going to prepare for this trial properly." She warned.

Spike only nodded as he turned to trot down the stairs. As he passed his friends he whispered a fierce, "keep her safe!" To which they all nodded.

***

Buffy was beginning to get really worried. Who was she kidding? She'd been worried the moment Will had walked off without her that afternoon. Now, almost midnight, he still hadn't returned. Lorne and Xander were currently out in the main suite playing cards, while Wesley escorted the other girls to their own rooms. In an effort to get rid of her bodyguards Buffy had put on her pajamas and announced her intention to go to bed. Unfortunately that did nothing but force her to lay awake listening for Will in the bedroom, rather than sitting out in the main room watching the door. The boys refused to leave, citing Spike's icy glare and quick temper. She heard them now, shuffling the cards and chuckling to each other.

Where was Will?

Just then Buffy heard the soft click of the front door opening and Xander's soft, "woah." She bolted out of bed and through the bedroom door to find a bruised and bleeding Will limping into the room.

"Will!" She ran toward him wrapping her arm around his waist to help him to the couch. "What happened?" Her fingers flew over his body examining every inch of him, making sure his injuries weren't life threatening. "We need to take you to the emergency room." Buffy urged.

"No. Had enough of bleedin' hospitals in the past two weeks." Spike answered, to sore to refuse Buffy's help to the sofa. "Just had a small scrape, that's all, luv." He kissed her cheek as he sat.

"A small scrape?" Buffy repeated, incredulous. "Where have you been? Who did this? Was it Angel??"

"No, luv. Haven't seen that tosser since this afternoon." Spike shook his head. He took the glass of water Lorne offered with a nod of thanks before taking a large gulp. "Told you, needed time to think. Rented a motorcycle, took a ride. Went further than I thought, started to rain." He shook his head at his own stupidity. Riding on unfamiliar roads, at night, at the speed he was going he's lucky he didn't do any serious damage. "Took a turn too fast."

"Oh my God!" Buffy's heart leapt into her throat at the thought that Will could have been killed. "Are you sure you don't need to see a doctor? You could have broken something!"

"'M fine, luv." Spike reassured her.

"Well, if you're all right, I'm gonna head on out." Lorne stood. "Tara's probably waiting up for me."

"Yeah, I want to get back before Cordy falls asleep." Xander stood as well.

"Thanks, guys." Spike nodded at them. "I appreciate you staying with her."

"Just don't make a habit of running off half cocked and trying to get yourself killed, okay sweetie?" Lorne answered for the both of them, giving Spike a wiggly fingered wave as they left the room.

Spike chuckled then decided that had been a bad idea. His side hurt like crazy. He placed a palm over the area in which he knew he would have a very large bruise in the morning.

Buffy was torn between wanting to nurse Will back to health and wanting to knock his block off for almost killing himself. She settled for a quick insult as she strode toward the bathroom to get the first aid kit, "You big stupid...man!"

She returned to the main suite still talking, "Why do you always have to do the big brood? And why does it have to be on a motorcycle? I hate the one you have back home, and now you tell me you went out and rented one? Geez!" She blew out an exasperated breath.

She administered to his wounds, not feeling guilty at the sharp intake of breath Will took at the first touch of the hydrogen peroxide doused cotton ball. "Serves you right!"

Through it all, Spike remained silent, letting Buffy vent her worry and anger. Finally when she was done bandaging his cuts he reached for her and pulled her into his embrace. "I'm sorry, luv." He nuzzled his face in to her neck, and breathed in her scent. "I didn't mean to worry you."

Buffy sighed, letting herself relax into Will's arms. "I didn't know where you were, if you were okay. And then you come in and you're all..." she gestured toward him, encompassing his whole body. "Bleedy. It was like a nightmare or something." She whispered.

"Luv, why did you ask if Angel had done the damage?" Spike wondered.

"He's out now." Buffy shrugged. "And you're the one he really wants to hurt. He only took me because he knew it would hurt *you*. I thought...I thought he might have gone after you." Buffy buried her face in his chest. "I was so worried."

"God, Buffy." Spike's embrace tightened. "I'm so sorry, luv. I didn't even think about how you would be feeling. What you must have been thinking after seeing him again." He cursed himself. "I'm such a selfish git!"

"Yeah, you are." Buffy smiled into his chest. "The girls have been asking me what the heck I see in you." She teased.

"Oh, have they?" Spike raised his scarred brow at her.

"Yeah, when I told them our engagement was real, they were like, 'What? Why?'" Her smile grew wider when she felt Will poke her in the side.

"And what did you tell them?"

"Oh, something about the really cool game room you have at your house." She answered, bursting into hysterical giggles when Spike's poking finger turned into several tickling fingers instead.

"Is that why you're marrying me? For my game room?" Spike demanded.

"Yes!" Buffy cried between gales of laughter.

"Oh, really?" A second hand joined in the tickle fest.

"No! Stop! Stop! I give!" Buffy screamed.

"You give?" Spike asked, still letting his fingers wander.

"Yes!"

"Okay, what did you *really* tell them?" Spike prompted.

Buffy waited until her breathing returned to semi-normal. Then she looked up into Will's ocean blue eyes. "That I'm happy. Finally." She leaned forward to kiss him chastely on the lips. "That I love you."

"I love you, too, baby." Spike caught her lips in a kiss considerably less chaste than hers.

When they broke apart Buffy was once more breathing heavily. "Will?"

"Yes, luv?"

"Can you promise me something?"

"Anything."

"Be careful." Buffy urged. "You don't know what Angel's capable of."

"I promise, luv. But you don't have to worry about him anymore." Spike leant forward until their foreheads were touching. He closed his eyes and just sat surrounded by her. After a few moments his eyes fluttered open and he moved forward to kiss lightly at the tip of her nose. "Let's go to bed." He whispered huskily.

She nodded and stood, reaching out a hand for him. He clasped her hand in his, tugging her gently toward the bedroom. "You're hurt." She reminded him, as she lay on the bed watching him strip down to his boxers.

"Not *that* hurt." He responded, leering playfully at her.

"Will." She reprimanded him, even while she stifled the wince that came from seeing the new bruises forming on his torso.

Spike's leer turned into a smile as he slid under the covers. "I just want to hold you, luv." He reached for her, slipping her to his side, his arms encircling her slim figure.

"Goodnight, luv."

"Night, Will."

He held her close, letting her even breathing lull him to sleep.

Chapter 20 - The Morning After

Buffy woke to the sensation of Will's soft lips rubbing gently against her own. "Morning, luv." He whispered as he slanted his head to take the kiss deeper.

"Mmmm." Buffy murmured, riding on the wave of bliss Will was bringing her on. "Morning." She finally answered when Will moved to trail his kisses down her jaw line toward the pulse point jumping in her neck. He suckled her there, not worrying whether he left his mark on her.

"I take it your feeling better?" Buffy giggled as Will lifted her nightshirt to ghost his lips over her sides, and down to her hips.

"Never better, kitten." Spike leered at her, nipping at her hip playfully.

Buffy felt a jolt at the feel of Will's teeth grazing her skin. Her hands reached out automatically to cup his head and hold him against her. She reveled at the urgency to which Will worried her smooth skin. When it had a light shade of red his tongue licked out to soothe the rash he had created. She sighed at the sensation.

In the meantime Spike's hands had not been idle. They continued with their mission to rid Buffy of her clothing, lifting the nightshirt up until she was able to slip it above her head. She lay beside him now with only her panties, writhing at his touch. He stopped the game he was playing at the curve of her hip, to reposition himself. He covered her with his body, letting her feel his heavy arousal.

"We're going to have to stop at the drug store today, luv." He whispered as he kissed the tip of her nose. While he distracted her with sweet kisses, he reached into the night table for another condom. "We're running low on supplies," he waggled his eyebrows at her, making her laugh.

Spike couldn't resist another kiss. Hearing her laughter, seeing the happiness on her face, made him want to hold her in his arms and kiss her until the end of the world. But too soon kisses weren't enough, and Spike found himself pushing his boxers down and hastily kicking them off. He ripped open the small package he held, but Buffy stopped him before he could reach for his hardened member.

She smiled, taking the condom from him and encircling him with her free hand. Spike groaned, loving the feel of her small hands on him. Buffy took her time, placing the rubber at the very tip of his arousal, then making a tight circle with her thumb and forefinger. She pushed slowly, letting the condom descend inch by agonizing inch. It took nearly all of Spike's control to not push her hand aside, shove the condom on and drive himself inside her. He could tell how much Buffy was enjoying this and that made him infinitely more patient than he ever thought he could be.

Finally she had secured the protection on him and was guiding him to her opening. They both sighed as he entered her and taking his cue from Buffy, Spike set a slow lazy rhythm that drove them both crazy.

A few minutes into their lovemaking Buffy caught Spike wincing slightly. "Oh God! Will, we shouldn't be doing this. You're still hurt." Buffy stilled both their hips in concern.

"Buffy, luv," Spike kissed her deeply. "There's *nothing* I'd rather be doing right now. It's just a few bruises." He reassured her.

"Well..." Buffy was wavering. She really didn't want to stop either, but she hated the thought that making love to her was somehow causing Will pain. "Could we maybe change positions? Maybe it wouldn't hurt your side so much if I were on top?"

Spike's arousal doubled at the thought of Buffy taking control of their lovemaking in that way and he eagerly agreed to the new position.

"Now don't move a muscle. I'll do all the work." She winked at him. Slowly she began to raise her body only to languidly slide back down. She was in the perfect position for Spike to reach out and play gently with her breasts, causing Buffy to arch her back with a deep moan of satisfaction.

Spike groaned, closing his eyes when the strain of resisting his body's need for completion became too much. He took deep even breaths, trying to calm himself down.

Buffy was close; she could feel the orgasm growing and feel the first rush as it built inside her. Wanting to insure Will's satisfaction she began to work her muscles, squeezing gently. The hard ridge of flesh pressed against her contracted walls, and pushed Will over the edge.

"Buffy!" He cried out her name as he spasmed inside her.

She came before he could even complete his cry, her own body shaking with the force of her climax. She collapsed on top of him, her slim form adding hardly any pressure to his sensitive wounds. They lay together for a long time, basking in the afterglow of their morning romp, until there was a sharp rap at the door.

"Maybe they'll go away." Buffy mumbled, but the knock came again. Groaning she extracted herself from Will's embrace and grabbed her nightshirt. Throwing it on, she ran to the bathroom to quickly splash some water on her face and put on the bathrobe that hung on the door. "Coming!" She called as she walked out into the main suite.

"If that's Xander, Wes, or Lorne, tell them to bloody come back later!" Spike called from the bedroom. She could hear him rustling around trying to find appropriate clothing to greet a visitor in.

Buffy threw open the door, a huge grin on her face. "Will says to - " She cut her words off swiftly as she saw the state their visitor was in. "Oh my, God. Harmony! What's the matter? Are you okay?"

Harmony stood in the entryway, tear tracks streaming down her cheeks. She shook her head in the negative, unable to utter coherent words. Buffy ushered her into the room, herding her toward the couch. She ran to the bathroom to grab a box of tissues, returning immediately to Harmony's side. Buffy offered the tissues to which Harmony gave her a hesitant smile. The blonde dabbed at her tears, in an effort to compose herself.

Finally Harmony spoke. "You'll probably think I'm ridiculous; silly to care about a man who was such a monster. But...I can't...I mean I thought I loved him, you know?" She gave Buffy a pleading look for understanding. Buffy nodded, wanting to give Harmony whatever support she needed.

"Are you worried about his trial? That he'll be going to jail?" Buffy couldn't imagine *not* wanting Angel locked up forever, but she could see how Harmony would be torn by the idea. Harmony shook her head, a fresh burst of tears escaping. "What is it then?" Buffy prompted.

Harmony looked up; eyes wet and bottom lip trembling. "Angel's..." he had to stop to swallow the lump in her throat. "Angel's dead." The words were whispered but they echoed across the room as if she'd used a bullhorn. Harmony promptly burst into incoherent tears, lunging toward Buffy to bury her face in the other girl's shoulder. Buffy patted her back absently letting the shock of Harmony's words penetrate her mind.

Buffy let Harmony cry herself out as the idea of Angel's death made its way through her consciousness. She felt...well she felt a lot of things. Relief that the threat was gone. Anger that Angel would never be judged guilty. Sadness for the girl weeping in her arms. Her emotions were so jumbled. She wasn't sure what she was *supposed* to feel. Distantly she heard the shower running, her mind supplying the fact that Will hadn't yet come out to join them.

"How?" The words left her lips without conscious thought. She wanted to bite them back, not knowing how Harmony would take the question. Wanting to kick herself for asking Harmony details of her ex-lover's death. "Forget I asked. I'm sorry."

"No. It's okay." Harmony sniffled, lifting her head from Buffy's shoulder. "I'm not sure exactly. The police called, they want me to go down to the station, ide-de-dentify the body, answer some questions." Harmony looked away, staring through the sliding glass doors and out toward the ocean. "They said he was be-beaten." She stumbled over the words. "But I think, the detective said something about a bullet wound, too."

Buffy found that her initial shock hadn't been complete. "So, it wasn't an accident?" Buffy's brow furrowed in confusion. "He was murdered?"

"Yes." Harmony's bottom lip was trembling again, and Buffy opened her arms to allow Harmony back into her embrace.

***

Spike found them like that, huddled together on the couch. He'd thrown on a pair of pajama bottoms and a tank top after hopping out of the shower. And was still scrubbing his hair with a dry towel as he sauntered into the room when he stopped short at the sight of them. He rushed toward them, his hand extended, "Buffy? What happened? What's wrong?"

Buffy shook her head silently letting him know with her eyes that she would tell him later. But before he could get the message Harmony was already sobbing out the words. "Angel's dead!"

Buffy watched with a mixture of curiosity and confusion as Spike's face went from shock, to anger, to a decidedly pale mix of both. "Dead?" He repeated the word as if in disbelief.

"Yes, they found him this morning. He was beaten and shot." Buffy hastened the words out before Harmony had to.

"Shot?"

"Yes." Buffy repeated.

Spike's gaze slid across the room, darting over objects he didn't really see as he took in Buffy's words. Angel had been shot? The bastard was gone? For good? He turned back toward the pair on the couch; Harmony calmer now but still obviously badly affected by the current turn of events. The sight of her made him want to offer comfort, but he couldn't bring himself to say he was sorry for the monster's death.

Spike was still standing there debating his next move when there was another knock on the door. He gestured to Buffy that he would answer it, and quickly made his way to the entrance. He pulled the door open and found himself confronted with several people of which he wasn't expecting. He raised his eyebrow at Xander wanting to know what was going on.

"Spike, man. They need to talk to you." Xander indicated the two men standing behind him. Spike nodded at Salazar and Benson, stepping out of the way so that everyone could enter the suite. Wes, Lorne, Xander, and the two agents all made their way into the main room.

"Ms. Kendall, Ms. Summers." Benson gave each of them a nod. "Sorry to interrupt." Both agents looked discomfited by the crying jag Harmony was still trying to control.

As one they both turned toward Spike. "We need to speak to you sir. If you could get dressed, maybe you can accompany us back down to the police station?" Salazar requested politely.

Spike gave them a puzzled look. "Police station? Why do you need me down there? I told the DA that I would call her this morning to setup another appointment." He stopped for a moment, chagrined. "But I guess that won't be necessary anymore."

"Not necessary? What's going on here?" Wesley piped up. He had noted the girls on the couch, and wondered at the agents' arrival, but still had no clue as to what was happening. "Did something go wrong with the trial date?"

"You could say that, sir." Benson answered. "The defendant is dead."

The room was completely silent as the three new comers absorbed the information. "And you need to speak with Spike because?" Wesley prompted.

Again both agents turned toward the man standing in the middle of the room. "Perhaps you could tell us where you got those cuts and bruises, sir." Salazar gestured towards Spike's bruised arms and scraped knuckles.

"I had an accident last night."

Salazar and Benson turned to look at each other, nodding to themselves. "We'd still like it if you can come down to the station with us, sir."

Spike stared back at them silently. Finally, he rubbed a dry palm over his face. "Do I need a lawyer?"

"It might not be a bad idea, sir."

"No!" Buffy stood, throwing Harmony off her. She'd had enough of listening to these ridiculous accusations. "He didn't do anything! Angel was the criminal! Angel was the one who should be going to jail!" Buffy's own tears had surfaced now.

Spike strode toward her quickly, wrapping her up in his arms. "Shhh, luv. Don't worry, nothing's going to happen to me. I didn't do anything wrong. They'll see that soon enough." Spike whispered comfort.

Buffy remained silent the entire time Spike was dressing, throwing short furtive glances at the two men sent to take him away. Spike returned to the main room, giving Buffy a warm kiss on the lips. "I'll be back soon. The guys will go with me." He nodded his head toward the three men waiting by the door. "Call Giles. Tell him to get on the next available flight." Buffy nodded her eyes still moist with tears.

The sound of the front door clicking shut was loud in her ears.

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