Title: Back Track
Author: Nebula
Chapter: 26 of ?
Pairings: B/S, X/A, W/T
Rating: PG-13, sometimes R
Time Period: Post 'Get it Done' to ...?
Summary: In the midst of war, Buffy finds she's not the only one
that wishes the last year would just make itself all better. It
can't be done, unfortunately. Or can it?
Disclaimer: Who wants to guess what I'm about to say? ~_^ Joss
said I could write, so I'm gonna write, dammit! LOL Of course,
none of the characters are mine. They all belong to Joss.
< --- >
Buffy let out a sigh of exhaustion as she slumped down in her
seat. At Anya's suggestion, she'd made up two more classes, and had
been surprised to find that there were more than enough people to
fill the spots. It appeared that Anya had been spreading the word
through a few of the smaller towns nearby, and Buffy was reaping the
rewards. She was also tired.
She hated to do it, but maybe the others could take patrol for the
night. She couldn't think, let alone fight. She probably couldn't
even eat. She closed her eyes, frowning slightly. There was
something niggling in the back of her mind that she should be
remembering...something Spike had mentioned. The two had even
talked for an hour about it, before reaching a climatic conclusion
about...something. Oh bugger.
She groaned, letting her head fall back to bang against the top of
the chair. Mind, work. You can't be mush yet. There's still
something important you have to be doing...
"Buffy?"
Buffy snapped her head up, staring at the door. Oh yeah.
This. "Hi Riley," she said, smiling weakly.
Riley blinked at her, before offering her a smile of his
own. "It's, uh, good to see you again," he said.
"Good to see you to," she lied, wishing he were anywhere BUT
here. Now she remembered the conversation with Spike; he'd been
offered the eggs again, and had turned them down. Buffy had
insisted that he take them, surprising him. She'd explained that
when Riley came looking for them, it would just be easier if they
already knew where to look. The offer had been taken, and the eggs
had been set up perfectly in a small warehouse on the opposite side
of town.
"What are you doing here?" Buffy said, trying to sound and look
shocked. It was hard to take life's little ups and downs with
bewilderment when you already saw them coming.
Riley's face turned grim. "I need your help with something."
Buffy hid back a smile. Perfect. "Like?"
"Eggs. They're being sold on the black market by..."
"Oh, those," she said, waving her hand, pretending to be not
interested. "We've got those covered."
He blinked again, and Buffy tried not to laugh at the look on his
face. After making her believe that he'd been interested in her
again before his wife had made an entrance, Buffy was more then
ready to give him a little retribution.
"Um, well, I've got the stuff to take it out for you, and..." He
sighed, giving the sheepish country boy look. "It would look really
great to my commanders if I could turn it in saying I got rid of
it. Help me out?"
She shrugged carelessly. "Let me get my coat," she said,
standing. She almost winced at the pain. Okay, being thrown around
as she demonstrated being an attacker was really hard on her body.
She stretched, hoping that would relieve some of the pain. Nope.
She sighed, grabbing her coat, and headed out after Riley.
Just as the front door closed, Anya came up from the
basement. "Buffy, could you help me carry a few boxes
upstair...Buffy?"
The blonde was gone. Frowning slightly, Anya went to call the
others. The Slayer didn't just disappear like that.
Buffy was ready to pound her head into a wall. She hurt, she
ached, she was miserable and sore, dammit, and all Riley could do
was play James Bond for Dummies. She almost snorted. She wanted to
grab him and drag him to the warehouse, torch the eggs, then go home
to Spike. Her frustration was pushed away at the thought of a
calming massage at the hands of Spike. Her lips curled into a smile
at the thought. Oils poured onto her skin, his mouth trailing
kisses down her body as he worked out the knots everywhere, and
Spike wasn't one to shy away from going EVERYWHERE, and his voice as
he called to her, "Buffy, you work yourself too hard. Buffy, I love
you. Buffy?"
"Buffy?"
The Slayer rolled her eyes, before turning back to Riley. "Yes?"
she said, wanting to snap at him.
"It's down this road, right?"
Buffy nodded. Slow and steady, then straight home to the magical
hands. "Yeah. We think it's down in the warehouse near Fox Lane."
"I know the place," Riley said, going into commander mode. "It'll
be faster to cut through the graveyard."
Buffy's eyes lit up. Faster? Okay, maybe she didn't hate Riley
that much. She would be nice.
As they walked into the cemetery, Riley cleared his
throat. "So...how's your life going these days?"
And just like that, all ideas of being nice to him went out the
window. "Fine," she said stiffly. 'How's your wife?' She wanted to
ask, but bit her tongue. "How about you?"
Riley smiled. "They're great. Listen, I wanted to talk to you
about something."
"Yes?" she asked wearily, glancing down at the ground. Would he
EVER shut up? She knew that normally she would never be this nasty
about him, but she was really tired. More classes were great
income, but they were taking their toll on her physically and
mentally. She was more then happy to have Riley taking the eggs
out; she had no strength for it.
"Well, I was hoping to ask you something first. Have you, uh,
found anyone yet? Anyone special?"
She smirked, though he couldn't see. About time he asked. "As a
matter of fact," she started, only to gasp as she was thrown to the
side. Stars danced around her head, and her vision blurred. There
were demons all around them, with Riley fighting them off. She
would've growled (this was HER place to fight, not his) if she
hadn't been hit again. She flew into the side of a crypt, aware
that something sticky was sliding down her face.
The demon was coming towards her again, she realized. How could
she be this pathetic? She was the Slayer, for crying out loud! She
tried to pull the dagger out of her coat, crying out as the demon
hit her face. He pulled back, hitting her again. And again.
Buffy opened her eyes, drifting back to the conscious state she
had left for a few minutes. The demons were dead, and someone was
picking her up, cradling her to its chest. The cool touch of
fingers running over her forehead, skimming past the
wounds... "Spike?"
"Shhh," he whispered, placing a small kiss on a part of her
forehead that was bleeding or bruised. "It's me. You're safe."
"Tired," she mumbling, her eyes barely staying open.
"I know," he said, wincing at the state she was in. He'd been
heading for the Magic Box to pick Buffy up when he'd heard the
sounds of a fight coming from the cemetery. He'd run in to find two
surprises: Riley, back in Sunnydale, fighting off demons, and Buffy
battling a demon and losing. Horribly.
The second one had shocked him more. Buffy, losing to ONE measly
demon? She could've snapped its neck in half a second if she wanted
to.
It was only when the demon sent her flying into the crypt that he
sprang into motion, making a run for Buffy. By the time he'd
reached her, the demon was pulverizing her, and she looked half-
dead. He'd quickly gotten rid of the thing, then pulled her to him.
The first thing he'd noticed, besides the blood and bruises, were
the circles under her eyes, and the way her body was limp in his.
No wonder she couldn't fight back; she was exhausted.
Her eyes were closing, and as much as he hated to, he had to keep
her awake. "Buffy," he said quietly, shaking her slightly. At her
moan, his heart wrenched. "Buffy," he repeated, "you need to stay
awake. Head's a bit bashed up, and if you fell asleep now, you
might not be wakin' up." The joking tone in his voice was forced;
the mere thought of her not breathing made him choke up.
"I know," she said, leaning into him. "Besides, we have to deal
with the eggs."
Spike rolled his eyes. "That?"
"Spike?"
Buffy almost jumped at the harshness of Riley's tone. "What the
hell do you think you're doing?" he demanded, pulling something from
his pocket. Her eyes widened. A stake.
"Riley, no!" she yelled, trying to stand and defend Spike. She
never reached her feet; with a whimper she fell against Spike,
broken and spent.
"No," she said, trying to sound forceful. "Leave him alone,
Riley. You have no say so over what happens with me anymore."
Riley took another step forward, and Spike's hands instinctively
pulled her closer. "She means it, mate," Spike said calmly. "Back
off. Get your eggs and go."
"And what? Leave her here with you? Not going to happen, Spike.
I know you just want to use her," Riley sneered.
Spike swallowed, images of the bathroom floating through his
mind. Though his past self had been conquered, he still remembered
what had happened the first time around.
Buffy interpreted the look on his face correctly. "You asked me
if I'd found someone," Buffy said, turning to glare at Riley. "Well
guess what? I did. Spike's been there for me when my mom died, I
died, came back, and everything else that happened. Somewhere along
the way, I fell in love with him," she added quietly. Spike's hand
squeezed her hip reassuringly. She smiled at the gesture, before
glancing over at the shocked soldier. "We're happy, Riley. Please;
take the eggs and go. If you've found someone of your own, I wish
you the best."
Riley gaped, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. He
finally settled on a closed mouth and nodded. "Okay then. I hope
you two are happy." It wasn't said with bitterness, but with a
touch of regret and sincerity. Maybe Riley had grown up since she
had seen him last. She certainly had.
Spike nodded at him, and the two watched as Riley walked away.
Once he'd gone, Spike sighed. "Thought he was gonna stake me for a
second there."
"Thought so, too," Buffy mumbled, laying her head against his
chest.
He frowned, shaking her slightly. "Hey, no fallin'
asleep, 'member?"
"I know," she grumbled. "I'm awake."
Spike chuckled at her pout, then pulled her closer. "Let's get
you home," he said, his smiling not hiding the fact that he was
worried. "Then you'll tell me exactly what happened." He began to
stand, only to jump back as one of the demons from the ground picked
himself up.
Buffy cringed as the demon headed their way. Spike was using both
arms to hold her, and it didn't look like he was going to let go
anytime soon. There was no chance that she could hold her own
against the demon, so what exactly were they supposed to...
Twang!
The demon gurgled, teetered, before falling to the ground, a well-
placed arrow through its throat. The duo looked up at their
rescuer, surprised. "Jonathan?!"
Jonathan clutched the crossbow to his chest and made his way over
to them. "Is she okay?" he asked, frowning.
Buffy nodded, smiling. "Just tired, that's all. Nothing serious."
"Nice shot," Spike complimented. "Nicely timed, too."
Jonathan looked up, grinning. "Really?" he asked
earnestly. "I've been practicing with Dawn these days, and you
know, she's really good with it, but she's better at a sword, though
she thinks that..."
"Jonathan?"
"Yes?" he replied, his babbling ceasing at the sound of Buffy's
voice.
Buffy almost rolled her eyes at him. "Do you want to date my
sister?"
Jonathan swallowed, causing Spike to turn away slightly, a grin
blossoming on his face. Even though she was injured and tired,
Buffy was still a person to be reckoned with. "Um, well, actually,
I would, yes," Jonathan said, looking her in the eyes.
Buffy was impressed. He was terrified, but he wasn't backing
down. There was some hope for the geek yet. "You have my
permission," Buffy said, before yawning. While yawning, her breath
caught as a result from the hit she'd taken from the demon. She
winced, leaning against Spike.
"Andrew's getting the car," Jonathan supplied, leading the way.
With Buffy tucked away in his arms, Spike followed after him.
Chapter 27:
< --- >
The gang was surprised, to say the least, when Spike carried an
unconscious Buffy into the house. He said not a word, but merely
continued his trek up the stairs, ignoring the hurried steps behind
him.
Though his appearance was calm, he was anything but. Inside, he
was in full panic mode. On the way home, Buffy had fallen asleep
against his shoulder, despite his protests. His protests had soon
turned to anxious pleas, which Jonathan and Andrew had joined in on,
in an attempt to keep her awake. Nothing had worked.
"What happened?" Xander asked, as Willow went to get the first aid
kit.
Spike snarled as Willow came back in, causing the witch and human
to back up. "Spike, sweetie, calm down," Willow said, trying to
soothe the protective vamp. A testy vampire was not a pleasant
vampire.
"Riley," he managed to grit out between his clenched teeth.
"Riley did this to her?!" Xander said, almost shouting.
Spike calmed himself enough to roll his eyes. "Not him, whelp.
He was doin' better then her."
"Start from the beginning," Willow said, taking charge.
Spike sighed and launched into how he found them, the argument
with Riley, Jonathan showing up, and Buffy passing out in the car.
At Spike's miserable look, Xander squeezed his shoulder. "Don't
feel bad; this wasn't your fault," he commented, glancing down at
the Slayer. "Buff'll be fine; she's been through worse."
Spike nodded, not looking convinced in the slightest. "At least
we know what happened to Buffy," Willow said, a sheepish look on her
face.
Spike frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Ahn called about an hour ago," Xander explained. "She said that
she was down sorting inventory, came up and found Buffy gone."
"And that sparks the demon girl's attention in what way?"
Xander glared at Spike at the title the vampire had bestowed on
Anya. "She didn't think Buffy would be up to a patrol after class."
"But she's got a class at four," Spike said, looking utterly
bewildered. "Not at six!"
Willow shook her head. "Anya set up more classes for her, so she
taught twice today."
Spike stared at her, then turned to Buffy. Her face was still
pale, and blood had dried on her forehead. "No wonder she went down
so fast," he murmured.
"Huh?"
The vampire sighed, turning back to the Scoobies. "When she first
started teachin', she went out on patrol one night and slipped up.
I was there and caught her, thankfully, but she wasn't at her best.
Took her awhile for her to adjust to the extra stress of trainin'
Lil' Bit, teachin' a class full of people, and then patrollin' on
top of it."
Xander's eyes widened in realization. "Overload, huh?"
Spike nodded, shaking his head. "Wondered why she was such an
easy target tonight. Couldn't even fight off a simple demon, while
Cap'n Cardboard knocked 'em down left and right."
"The extra class must've took her out," Willow groaned, taking a
seat next to Buffy. "Help, please?"
Between the two of them, they managed to peel Buffy's jacket off.
Once the task had been accomplished, they set about cleaning her up
as best they could. Spike cringed as he took in the bruises on her
face. Even with Slayer healing, they'd take awhile to disappear.
"Are you okay?"
Spike raised his head, startled at Xander's question. "Huh?"
"From the fight," Xander supplied.
Spike shook his head. "Fine. I snapped his neck easily enough.
He was too occupied with her." With that, he turned his attentions
back to his love.
Xander stopped himself from rolling his eyes. He'd been trying to
get the vampire's mind off of Buffy. Plan A backfired. Okay, Plan
B.
"Spike?"
No response from the worried vampire. "Spike?"
"What?" Spike almost snarled at Xander's second attempt.
"Would you..." Xander shook himself. He was going to ask for
this. "Would you come to the wedding?"
THAT got Spike's attention. He whipped his head around, frowning
slightly. "Thought I was already invited."
"You are," Xander confirmed. Willow glanced at her friend, as
confused as Spike was. "I just...I wanted..." He looked anywhere
but at Spike, muttering something under his breath.
Willow didn't hear him, but Spike heard him just fine. His eyes
widened. "You'd want me to?" he asked quietly.
Xander built up his courage and turned back to Spike. "Yeah, I
would. You've proved yourself in more ways then one, and you're a
good friend," he admitted. He took a deep breath and said, "Spike,
I'd like you to be my Best Man."
Silence reigned, before Spike began to smile. Really smile, not
smirk. "It would be my honor," he said, his accent slipping to
William's once more.
"Thank you," Xander said, exhaling the breath he hadn't known he'd
been holding. It was true; over the year with the First Evil, Spike
had been a good room mate. Since they'd traveled back in time, he'd
become a confidant and a better friend. Hell, Spike had taken care
of Xander when the boy had slid towards the black hole.
Spike's smile instantly disappeared at a small moan from the bed.
His attention was quickly brought back to his golden
goddess. "Buffy?" he whispered, frowning. Please, let her be all
right...
Finally, green eyes met with anxious blue. "Spike?" she managed
to croak out.
Tears sprang up in Spike's eyes. "Good to have you back, luv," he
said, his voice cracking. "Fell asleep on us."
"I did?" she asked softly, looking confused. "Sorry. I told you
I wouldn't, and..."
"Shhh, doesn't matter. You're back with me, and you're safe.
Promise."
"Riley?"
"Gone," Willow said, smiling down at her friend. "How's your
head?"
Buffy winced. "I'm on the 'let's not think about it' part of
healing."
Xander chuckled. "Painkillers?"
"Please," she pleaded, sitting up with Spike's help. Within
seconds Xander was back with the pills and a cup of water. She
downed both in a matter of moments, then rubbed her tender
head. "Feels like I got hit by a ten-ton monster," she grumbled.
"That's because maybe you WERE hit by a ten-ton monster," Spike
said, narrowing his gaze at her. "What the bleedin' 'ell were you
thinkin', goin' off to patrol when you were tired?!"
"I didn't think it would effect me that much," Buffy defended, but
Spike was already shaking his head.
"Effect you that much? Did you forget what happened when you
first started takin' up lessons? You were a mess! You were tired,
and I had to carry you home. 'Member?"
"Oh! That's what that was about," Willow exclaimed.
Spike nodded, glaring at Buffy. "Should've told us to come and
patrol," he started, but this time, it was Buffy who interrupted.
"Look, I wanted Riley out of my hair, and he wanted the eggs. I
wasn't going out for patrol! I was going to leave that up to you
guys. I felt really bad about it..."
Xander shook his head. "Don't worry about it, Buff. We'll take
over patrol for the next couple of days, or until you adjust to
classes. Okay?"
Buffy smiled, relieved. "Thanks."
She turned back to Spike, who still looked upset. "I'm sorry,"
she said, taking his hand in hers. "Not gonna happen again.
Promise."
He blinked, before sighing and taking her in his arms. "Make me
worry," he mumbled into her hair.
"My job," she said, grinning.
She felt him snort into her hair. "Damn good at it, too." There
was a pause. "Promise?"
Her grin faded into a smile. "It won't happen again, Spike."
"Promise?" he persisted.
"Promise," she assured him.
"Good."
Willow smiled at the two, before breaking out into a broad
grin. "Oh, you missed it! Xander asked Spike to be his Best Man!"
Buffy pulled out of the embrace enough to give her best friend a
look. "You did, huh Xander?"
Xander sighed heavily with exasperation. His eyes, however,
twinkled with merriment. "Yeah, yeah, I did. Go ahead, give me a
hard time about it. And Spike, you have to wear a tux."
Spike glared at him. "What do you mean, I have to? I don't wanna
look like a Nancy-Boy, thank you very much!"
Sensing the impending argument, Buffy nuzzled into Spike's
neck. "Bet you'd look pretty sexy in it," she murmured.
Spike looked down at her, his ego promptly boosted. "Really?"
"Mm hmm."
Spike smirked. "On second thought, I guess the tux isn't so bad
after all. Could be worse."
Buffy gasped and sat up. "What's wrong?" Spike asked, immediately
concerned.
She began to pull covers off. "Willow, we have a green
emergency," she said, Spike grabbing her before she fell.
Willow's eyes widened. "Oh no," she whispered, terrified.
"Is that worse then a red emergency?" Xander asked, completely
bewildered.
"What's goin' on?!" Spike asked, beginning to panic. "Are you
hurt? Is it the demon?!"
"No," Buffy said, hurrying after Willow, who was racing top speed
down the stairs. "The bridesmaid dresses!"
Chapter 28:
< --- >
Buffy smiled and rolled over, kissing Spike's forehead. He was so
good to her. She could make of list of the ways that she didn't
deserve this man.
After the men had recovered from their shock, and Buffy (with
Willow's help) had spun a story about how the green dresses were
really expensive, Anya had agreed to let Buffy choose the dresses,
reminding her to keep the prices low. Once the slayer and witch
were out of hearing range of the others, the men threatened to do
horrid things if they ever scared them like that again.
Spike growled as she began to lay kisses on his throat. "Still
mad at you," he mumbled, half-asleep.
"About what?" she asked innocently.
"You know damn well 'what'," he huffed, ignoring her ministrations.
Buffy narrowed her gaze at him. She knew what he was doing.
Moving down, she swiftly took his nipple into her mouth and bit.
He yelped, wide awake. "Not fair," he gasped.
"And why's that?"
He tried to glare at her, a familiar sensation rising in his
body. It wasn't the only thing rising. "Don't start somethin' you
don't intend on finishin'," he growled.
Her response was a Cheshire cat grin that made him swallow. He
doubted that the cat had ever looked this good when smiling. "Maybe
I intend on finishing it," she purred.
He whimpered. First, she did one of the things she KNEW would get
him up in more ways then one. Second, she gave him a sensual grin.
Third...was she trying to kill him with that tone of hers?
He must have voiced his opinions, because she giggled. "Oh no,"
she said, mock frowning at him. "I have different ways to...bump
you off."
He shivered. "So not fair," he protested weakly.
"Then help me," she said, leaning down to take his other nipple
into her mouth.
He managed to get his motor skills working in time to stop
her. "No," he said, watching her pout.
"Why not?" she asked, her bottom lip enticing him. He licked his
own lips before continuing.
"We can't. You know that, Buffy."
She sat up abruptly, glaring at him. Spike mentally sighed. So
much for fun and games. "And why not?" she demanded. "We've been
together for over a few months now. I think we're happy. Aren't
we?"
He nodded, not catching the desperation in her voice. "Yes, but
that doesn't mean we should be doin' this. We never really got to
finish our one date, you know. That's all we've had is one date."
She rolled her eyes. "Spike, please. We don't need a date to be
together. It's just something couples do." She leaned forward to
place a kiss to his neck, but he pulled away.
"Buffy, stop," he said, trying to grab at her wandering hands.
She grinned at him, breathing into his ear. "Besides, doesn't
this feel right?"
He gulped, pushing her hands away. If she just stopped, he'd be
okay. He just needed her to back away... "No, it doesn't."
Buffy recoiled as if she'd been stung. He looked miserable, and
suddenly she realized what she'd been doing. She'd practically been
forcing herself on him.
Three simple words. Three simple words could let your heart burst
with joy or despair. And the words he'd just said hadn't been
ranking high on the happiness factor.
This didn't feel right? After everything with the two of them,
she thought it was finally time. She'd really hurt him the previous
year. Using him without a thought as to how he felt, pushing him to
the brink of grief, bringing him to extreme measures that drove him
to get a fixed feeling of craziness. For her. What had she done?
Without a word she left the room, closing it behind her just as
Spike looked up. Her eyes were stinging as she headed downstairs
onto the front porch, which was bathed in sunlight.
Spike sighed. He had hated to have done that, but he'd been left
no choice. If she'd kept going, they would've ended up having sex,
and Spike was afraid, so afraid...but not of her. He was afraid of
himself.
He'd hurt her once, and he hadn't wanted to do it again. She
might trust him, but he didn't. He had just wanted her to back
away. He snorted, furiously wiping tears away. Good job, Spike.
Blew it again.
He let his head bang against the wall as he realized he'd been
shoving her away. As if to say he didn't want to be with her. He
just couldn't risk hurting her. He was so scared that if they began
to start sharing skin again, they'd spiral downwards, just like last
year. Could they have a relationship with a balanced love and sex
life?
His heart leapt at a small knock on the door, but it fell as
Xander's head popped in. "Come to stake me?" Spike asked bitterly,
looking out the window.
Xander sighed, taking a seat on the vanity chair. "Willow's
outside with Buffy, who was crying about something, and you're up
here brooding." When he didn't get a rise out of the vampire,
Xander bit his lip. "Okay, this can't be good. No jokes about
Angel?"
No response. "You're dressed, right?"
Finally, a weak smirk. "Yeah, I am."
"Good. You wanna talk?"
Spike turned his gaze to the boy, who seemed to have grown up
overnight. No, he'd done it over a few months, the vampire
realized. It had been gradual things here and there, but the boy
had become a man. He opened his mouth to state his surprise that
Xander actually wanted to hear him out before he mentally sighed.
"Friends listen," Xander said, as if reading Spike's
mind. "You're both miserable, and I left the girls to talk it out
in their girly-speech that no one except the females understands."
Another weak smile. "Figured you'd come up for the man-to-man
talk?"
Xander shrugged. "Your call. If you care to talk, I'll care to
listen. Deal?"
Xander's honesty surprised the vampire, and before long he found
himself being honest right back at the human. About his feelings
over the first time around, the bathroom incident, the soul, his
fury and humiliation around Chloe's death, then through the second
time around. Trying to ignore her and his feelings. Their
agreement to not get physically involved until they were certain of
what they were doing.
Before the vampire realized it, they'd been up there for over half
an hour, with Spike talking, and Xander listening, interjecting a
few comments here and there. "This takes us up to the present
problem?"
Spike nodded, before sighing heavily. "She wants more, and so do
I. Told her to stop teasin', and I finally ended up tellin' her
that it didn't feel right. She left then, before I got to tell her
that it wasn't her fault. It's mine. It's not her I'm afraid of,
it's me. I just don't wanna bollix the whole thing up, ya know?"
Xander nodded. "I know. I've been the same way over the
wedding. I don't want to hurt Anya again, but I'm starting to give
way. If we had kids, which, hey, could be years down the road, but
I'm thinking ahead, see, and..."
"Xander?"
"Yeah?"
"Point, please?"
"Right. Sorry. Anyways, it's just...I had a really bad
childhood," Xander admitted quietly. "I was introduced to demons
long before Buffy came to town. He hurt my mom and me, and it
wasn't always the physical stuff, either. The stuff he used to
say..." He sighed. "That's why I flipped when Anya said I was like
him. I've always been scared that I'll follow in his footsteps, and
screw everything up, and I'll hurt Anya, or my own kids..." He
cringed, grabbing his forehead. Great, let's just start World War
Three again, why don't we?
Spike grabbed him as he began to tip. "Easy, Harris," he said,
rubbing the boy's head, trying to ease the pain. "Think of
somethin' else. Counter it."
"Um..."
"Kittens."
"What?"
"Think 'bout kittens."
Xander looked up at him, perplexed. "Why would I think about
kittens?"
"Tasty," Spike offered, grinning.
"Tas...oh, gross!"
Spike chuckled. "Sweetest blood."
"Dawn apparently doesn't know, or you would be at the receiving
end of her wrath."
Spike rolled his eyes. "I know, I know."
Xander sat up, the battle having subsided for the
moment. "Thanks," he said, offering Spike a smile.
Spike shook his head. "It's me that should be doin' the thankin'."
"You'll talk to her then?"
The vampire sighed. "Yeah, I will. If she doesn't hate me."
"I don't," a soft voice said from the doorway. Both males whipped
to see Buffy and Willow standing in the doorway. Buffy's face was
tear-stained, her eyes red and puffy. Spike's heart wrenched at the
sight of her, and the knowledge that he'd been the one that had
caused her pain.
Silently Willow and Xander slipped out, heading for the medicine
cabinet. "There's way too much drama around here," Xander muttered,
digging for the aspirin.
"Too early for it, at any rate," Willow agreed, holding her hand
out expectantly. When Xander gave her a look, she rolled her
eyes. "Listening to Buffy sobbing for half an hour doesn't grate on
the friendship nerve, but it certainly strikes a chord with your
eardrums."
Xander chuckled and handed her the pills.
The ones that had started the 'drama' had no idea they were being
talked about. Their eyes were fastened on the other, neither making
a move.
Spike looked down at the sheets. "I'm sorry," he said softly.
The next thing he knew, his arms were full of Buffy. "Me too,"
she whispered, wrapping his arms around his neck. "Spike, I'm so
sorry..."
He tightened his grip on her, with no intention of letting
go. "Not your fault," he said, laying a kiss on her hair. "It
wasn't you that I was upset at. It was me. I don't trust me, luv.
Not after what what happened in the bathroom last year."
"Nothing's going to happen," Buffy assured him, rubbing her nose
into his chest.
He chuckled. "Sure, use the vamp as a Kleenex. How nice."
She giggled and sniffled at the same time. "See? Finding more
uses for you by the minute. Boyfriend, back massager, tissue..."
Her giggling increased to laughter as his hands found her sides
and began to tickle her mercilessly. "Uncle! Uncle!" she squealed,
trying to get away from his hands.
"Boyfriend," Spike corrected, pulling her to him. Their gazes
locked again, but this time, they were full of joy, and not
melancholy.
"I love you," he said, emphasizing on each word.
Buffy smiled at him. "I love you too."
Dawn poked her head in, glaring at her sister sleepily. "You woke
me up with your laughing," she accused.
Buffy grinned. "Sorry."
"Are not." Dawn glanced at the two, then caught sight of Willow
and Xander downing pills. She turned back to the couple,
frowning. "What'd I miss?"
Chapter 29:
< --- >
The day of the wedding dawned bright and clear, Xander having
remembered that the original date had been rainy. A few months
before the actual wedding, he'd managed to convince Anya to change
the date. The sun shone down on his wise decision as they headed
off to the wedding.
Things went downhill from there. The new dresses they'd ordered
were delivered with the dinner (which happened to be fish) and had
to be set out to air. Buffy began to wish for the green disasters
they'd worn the first time around; anything smelled better than fish
dresses.
It took twice as long to convince Spike to get into the tux then
it took to actually get him into it. Once he got into it, then
there was the convincing him to stay in the blasted thing.
"I look like a ponce," he complained as Buffy adjusted his bow.
"Yes dear," Buffy said distractedly, trying to get his bow
straight.
Spike glared at her as Willow smothered her giggles. "Buffy!" he
whined, causing Buffy to sigh and take a step back.
"This 'ponce' stuff means a lot to Xander, trust me. He knows
you're just doing this for him."
"Yeah, well..." Spike grumbled, trying to get comfy in the suit.
Dawn poked her head in just then, grinning. "The guests are
arriving now, so I thought I'd..." Her eyes widened as she took in
Spike.
Spike transferred his glare from Buffy to her younger
sister. "What?" he snapped.
"Damn," was all she breathed. She shook herself, trying to find
her voice. "You look good. No, way better than good."
Spike smirked and stood a little taller, puffing out his
chest. "You think?"
Dawn licked her lips, nodding emphatically. "Oh yeah. Trust
me."
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Dawn..."
The younger Summers sighed, letting her sister shove her
out. "Eye candy, Spike!" she called over her shoulder.
Once they were out of the vampire's hearing, Dawn turned to her
sister. The two shared a satisfactory smile. "Think he bought it?"
Buffy chuckled. "Oh yeah. Nice touch at the end. It's
appreciated."
"No prob," Dawn said, before leaning in. "I wasn't kidding," she
added, raising her eyebrows.
Buffy rolled her eyes once more. "I didn't think you were."
"Dawn!" a voice called. Dawn turned to see Jonathan entering,
wearing a suit himself.
"Speaking of eye candy," Buffy whispered, causing her sister to
blush furiously.
"Bugger off," she grumbled good-naturedly, heading over to her
boyfriend. Buffy had to admit, Jonathan cleaned up very nicely.
Of course, not as nice as some... "Glad to see she found her
Prince Charmin'," a sensual voice whispered in her ear.
Buffy shivered. "She's not the only one," she replied, turning to
look into his blue eyes.
Spike smiled, giving her yet another glimpse at the innocence that
had been William, before he began to fiddle with his jacket, looking
annoyed.
"Quit fussing," Buffy said, pushing his hands away. "You look
fine."
"Not as good as you do," Spike argued softly, earning a blush from
Buffy. "You look much better when you're not dressed in green that
they use to jump-start the bleedin' sun."
And she did. As she laughed at his small joke, he gazed at her,
unable to truly believe that she was his. Hair done up begging him
to be undone, glistening glossed lips begging to be kissed, and a
tight, flowing golden dress that begged to be taken off.
That was just on the outside. In her eyes he could see happiness,
something he'd missed the first time around. Love, too, was there.
Then, there was the glow surrounded her. The one that was more
golden than her dress. It made her look like a goddess. More of
one than Glory ever was.
"You look very nice, Spike," Anya's voice said, calling him from
his thoughts. He turned and offered the bride a smile.
"Thanks, pet. Shouldn't you be gettin' ready for the big gig?"
Anya nodded. "Oh yes, and I almost am. I just needed someone to
go talk to Xander quickly for me."
Willow came out of their prep room long enough to catch the tail
end of her sentence. "Xander? He's in that room with the red rose
taped to the door. What did you need to ask him?"
"I just wanted to know where he put there rings. The ring-bearer
is looking for them."
Buffy was already heading for Xander's door. "Xander?" she
called, tapping on the door. She frowned slightly when she didn't
get a response. "Xander?" Still frowning, she opened the door and
peered inside. Her eyes widened at the sight inside.
"Is he all right?" Anya asked, starting forward.
Buffy spun around, smiling broadly. "Oh, he's fine," she quickly
assured the bride. "He's just dealing with something. I'll get the
details on what happened with the rings. You go get ready," she
said, shoving Anya towards her room.
Once Anya was out of sight, Buffy was back at the door, Spike and
Willow right behind her. "Oh no," Willow breathed, looking in.
The room was empty.
"Great," Buffy groaned. "He did another Houdini."
"We have to find him, and fast," Willow said, biting her lip.
Spike remained silent, gazing in at the room. The whelp had been
fine, ready and willing to fix things with Anya. This wasn't fixing
things very well; if anything, this was the best way to botch them
up. Again.
"What's going on?"
The three whirled to see Tara trying to look beyond them into the
room. When she realized what was going on, her eyes widened. "Oh
dear."
"Don't say anything to Anya, please," Buffy begged. "We'll find
him, and see what's going on."
Tara nodded. "I'll keep her distracted. Find him, and fast. The
ceremony starts in twenty minutes."
"Thanks. All right guys, listen up," Buffy said, taking
command. "Willow, you search the rooms down that hallway, and I'll
search around here."
"I'll take the other side of the lodge," Spike offered.
"And I'll take care of Anya," Tara said, already heading off for
Anya's room.
Buffy looked grim as she glanced back into the room one last
time. What had gone wrong? "Go," she ordered, the three splitting
up to search their designated areas. It was a race against time,
and time was not on their side.
The doors on the right had all been searched, but to no avail.
Where was he? There wasn't much time left.
A noise caught Spike's attention. A short sob, coming from inside
one of the rooms in front of him. He slowly opened the door,
searching until his eyes landed on a figure curled up near the
closet.
"Harris?" he called softly, heading for the man.
Xander looked up, his eyes red from crying. Tears ran down his
face, but he didn't bother to wipe them away. In his right hand
were the rings.
"I can't do this," Xander whispered, glancing back down. He
winced, shaking his head.
Spike recognized the ongoing battle in the whelp's head. He knelt
next to the man, no, the boy. He didn't look much like a man
anymore. He looked like a scared, miserable boy that had just lost
his best friend.
"Yes you can," Spike argued, sighing at the state Xander was
in. "Harris," he said, more gently this time. "Why wouldn't you
want to spend the rest of your life with the woman you love?"
"It's n-not that," Xander whispered, grasping the rings in his
hand. "It's..."
"Listen to me," Spike said quietly, leaning forward. "You helped
me, and now I'm gonna help you. That's what friends do, right?"
Xander said nothing, merely sniffling again. "Tell me why you
don't want to do this," Spike asked, starting to get concerned. He
knew Xander would regret this for the rest of his life if he messed
this up once more.
Xander swallowed and tried to explain. "W-When I was little, my
dad..." He closed his eyes, new tears leaking out. "Hit me a lot,"
he admitted quietly. "He hit my mom, too. They fought constantly,
and I always hoped that I could move away, become someone other than
Xander, the little boy that couldn't defend himself.
"I stayed in that basement for so long, until I couldn't take it
anymore. Having friends over when my parents were home...it was
embarrassing. A-And I hated it. So I moved out, and Anya moved out
with me. We found the apartment, and we were happy together."
"Sensin' a big 'but' comin'," Spike remarked, his heart wrenching
for the lost boy in front of him.
Xander chuckled bitterly. "Yeah. It wasn't long before Anya and
I had our first big fight, and she just wouldn't shut up. I kept
wanting her to stop talking, and the thought of hitting her flitted
through my mind, and I froze. I couldn't breathe. The thought of
me doing that, like he had...Anya said I passed out, but I don't
remember. I just...I was so sure that..."
"That the thought made you like your dad?" Spike asked, watching
as Xander hung his head, ashamed. "Look, just 'cause you think it
doesn't mean you'd do it, and there's the difference. Hey, I used
to think 'bout killin' Buffy. I don't anymore, but do you get the
point here?"
"I'm scared," Xander whispered, choking back a sob. "I don't want
to hurt her. I don't want to mess things up for my kids, but that's
all my childhood was. Maybe I won't know how to be anything but
abusive. Maybe neither of us will be happy. Maybe we'll get a
divorce, and it'll hurt our kids. Maybe..."
"Harris, there's a world of 'maybe's," Spike said, closing his
eyes in exasperation. "You have to take a chance, or you'll be
miserable for the rest of your existence."
A strangled cry had him opening his eyes just in time to see
Xander clutch his head and slide towards the ground. "Oh shit," he
muttered, grabbing Xander. "Harris? Stay with me here. Xander!"
But Xander was long gone.
Cursing, Spike pulled the trembling figure into his arms. He
frantically glanced around the room, then towards the door. "Red?"
he called, starting to panic. "Buffy!!"
He winced in sympathy as Xander jerked, unable to do anything to
help. "I'd get the witch, but I don't think you wanna be left right
now," he said to the unconscious figure in his arms.
His thoughts drifted back to what Xander had said before the war
in his mind had claimed him. He wondered briefly if the rest of the
group knew about his childhood. Willow might, and Buffy was a
slight possibility. The others...no.
"You know, the whole thing with your dad could work in your
favor," he told the unconscious Xander. "You know what NOT to do,"
he joked weakly, watching Xander's shaking increase. He rubbed the
whelp's arms, trying to keep contact. If he didn't...it suddenly
occurred to him that they might lose the whelp. Of course, they'd
had close encounters before, with Spike and Buffy, but they'd pulled
out.
They were more than the average human, though, and even they had
had difficulty climbing out. Xander was only human. Spike's panic
began to reach a new level. Granted, he professed to hate the boy,
but somewhere over the past months, they'd become good friends. The
turning tide, Spike realized, had been when Xander had took him in.
After everything with Buffy and Anya, Xander had offered him a place
to live, food, and safety.
"C'mon Xander," he said, shaking the boy slightly. "Pull yourself
out. Come back."
Spike glanced up at the clock and cursed. Almost time for the
ceremony. "Xander, she's waiting for you," he said. "She loves
you, you know. C'mon, don't be a whelp. Don't botch this up.
"Y'know, if you leave, the Slayer'll have my hide. The
Scoobies'll miss you." He sighed, before admitting softly, "I'll
miss you, too. Treat me like a person, a friend. So, get back
here. For them. For her. For me."
Xander gasped, sitting up. His forehead connected with Spike's
nose, and both men groaned. "See if I help you again," Spike
grumbled, rubbing his tender nose. The boy had startled him when
he'd woken so fast.
"Sorry," Xander apologized, before he began to fall backwards.
Spike grabbed him and pulled him against the vampire's shoulder.
"You all right?"
Xander paused, before nodding weakly. "Yeah. Tired, though.
Drained. But safe."
Spike nodded. "War generals give it a rest?"
"I think they're gone. For good."
Spike glanced down at Xander, before he began to grin. Xander
returned it, adding a 'thanks'.
"Welcome," Spike said, helping Xander to his feet. As they headed
for the door, he hesitated. Spike stopped. "Xander?"
The boy turned to him once more. No, the boy was gone again. The
man had returned, and was nodding at him. "I'm ready. I can fix
this."
Spike smiled. "You can, and you will."
"Thank you," Xander said sincerely, holding onto Spike as the vamp
helped him from the room.
"Don't mention it. Please, seriously, don't."
Xander laughed, directing Spike towards the ring-bearer. They
gave him the rings just as Willow and Buffy came running.
"Where were you?" Buffy asked, panting slightly. "We've been
searching every...are you okay?"
Xander nodded wearily, offering them a smile. "Yeah. Spike saved
me in more ways than one."
Spike looked away, a perfect picture of bashful. "Told you not to
mention it," he mumbled.
Willow gave her friend a hug, as Buffy wrapped an arm around
Spike. "A hero, huh?"
Spike grinned at her. "Bloody right I am. By the way, he's done
with the wars in his head."
Willow looked up at Xander from her hug. "You are? That's
wonderful!"
"Yup, perfect condition again. Tell me no one told Anya," he
asked suddenly, his gaze fearful.
Buffy shook her head. "You're safe, though you'd better get down
to the end of that aisle pretty damn fast. I'm not juggling again."
Willow snorted at the memory. "I'm moving, just moving slow,"
Xander growled, following them into the ceremony hall.
Just as they'd taken their places, the orchestra started up. The
men and women in the ceremony linked arms and slowly made their way
down the aisle.
Buffy blushed as Spike walked towards her. He smiled at her
flushed face, offering her his arm. "Shall we?" he whispered.
She bowed slightly, wrapping her arm around his. "We shall," she
whispered back, heading down the aisle.
They parted at the end of the aisle, each taking their designated
spot. Xander glanced at the looks Willow and Tara were sharing when
they thought no one was looking, and the heated gaze Buffy and Spike
had going between them. Then the music announced the arrival of the
bride, and when he turned, his mind was full of nothing other than
Anya.
Her hair curled, cascading down off her shoulders, gave her a sort
of glow. Her veil covered her face, but he could still see her
smiling at him. The only thing he could think was how beautiful she
looked.
He took her arm when she'd reached him, and the two finished the
walk to the end of the aisle.
"I think I'm nervous," Anya whispered, looking slightly sheepish.
Xander gazed at her with surprise, before he began to smile. "So
am I," he whispered back, earning a smile from his girl. He'd done
it. They were getting married, and nothing could go wrong.
The ceremony continued without incident, and then it was
time. "I, Alexander Harris," he began, only to have banging at the
lodge door interrupt him.
Spike and Buffy exchanged worried glances. Xander almost rolled
his eyes. "I had to think it," he muttered under his breath. "All
I did was think 'nothing can go wrong' and now this happens..."
"Keep going with the ceremony," Buffy said, striding towards the
door. Spike started to follow her, but she shook him off. "I need
you to stay here," she explained, earning a glare from him.
Nevertheless, he remained standing in his spot.
From behind the door, the banging continued. Then, a roaring
voice yelled, "ANYANKA!!"
"Oh newt's eyes," Anya sighed. "I figured someone would show up
and try this."
"You know who it is?" Tara asked, frowning.
Anya merely shrugged. "Probably some male I turned into a beast."
Buffy grabbed a pole from the closet, thankful she'd remembered
the last problem from the first time around. She'd also remembered
to order dresses with slits in them. It made fighting and running
much easier.
With a final sigh, she opened the doors, hurrying out and slamming
them shut behind her.
"No worries," Dawn told the guests, smiling. "Buffy'll take care
of it. Continue, Xander?"
Xander noticed the concerned look on Spike's face, but said
nothing. "I, Alexander Harris," he started again, "take thee, Anya
Jenkins, as my..."
A thud against the lodge wall caused those attending to jump.
Spike clenched his fists, telling his irrational mind that she was
just pounding it, and she'd be back in here before long.
Xander turned back to Anya and quickly finished, before he was
stopped again. Anya did the same, hurrying through her speech.
"Buffy's okay, right?" Dawn whispered to Willow, starting to look
worry.
Willow offered the younger Summers a bright smile. "You know
Buffy; she'll be fine."
Xander's "I do" caught their attention. Anya reciprocated, and
the rings were exchanged.
"I pronounce you husband and wife. You may..."
The lodge doors burst open, and Buffy went flying into the wall.
Dawn shrieked as the demon minister hurried to finish.
"Y-You may kiss the bride," he stammered, as the guests leapt to
their feet. A huge, hairy beast ducked and glanced around, laying
its three eyes on Anya.
"ANYANKA!!" it screamed.
"And get them out of here!!" Buffy yelled, finishing for the demon
minister.
That got them moving. Xander and Anya were rushed to the safety
of the reception hall, and the guests quickly followed after them.
"Buffy!" Spike shouted over the clamor.
"Get them out!" was all she managed, before she was dodging blows
from the hairy beast.
Spike growled, but went to ensure the safety of the bride and
groom.
Once everyone was safely in the reception hall, Spike yanked off
his jacket and went back towards the doors. "Wh-where are you
going?" Dawn asked, biting her lip.
"To help her. Lock the doors behind me."
Dawn and Willow hurried after him, slamming the doors and locking
them once he'd left.
"Will they be okay?" Dawn asked.
Willow said nothing, merely resting her head against the
door. "Be safe," she whispered to the two in danger.
Chapter 30:
< --- >
Spike ran out only to find a scene of chaos before
him. "Bloody 'ell," he muttered under his breath.
Buffy was desperately trying to hold off the beast, her pole on
the opposite side of the room. With a roar it sliced its claws into
her side, causing her to cry out.
Another roar caused the beast to pause and look up. That was its
downfall. Spike leapt at it, knocking it to the ground. As he
punched and kicked at the beast, Buffy began to crawl towards her
pole. It was the only weapon they had.
"Get out of here!" Spike yelled at her, the beast finally getting
a hit in. He went flying into a wall, shaking his head.
"No!"
Spike sighed, picking himself up. "Buffy, go!"
"Not without you."
The words were said with such determination that Spike turned to
glance at her. Hair mussed, bloody, dress torn, a light in her
eyes, and he was falling in love with her all over again.
The beast glanced between the two, unable to decide who to attack
first. Spike made up its mind for it. He launched himself at the
beast, Buffy desperately reaching towards the pole. "C'mon arm,
you're almost there," she growled to herself. "Just reach a little
further..."
With a triumphant 'aha' she had the pole in her hands. She turned
back just in time to see Spike get dealt a bruising blow. "Heads
up!" she called, tossing the pole his way.
Spike caught it effortlessly and proceeded to ram it into the
beast's chest. It lurched, then glanced down at the wound.
Spike smirked. "Guess you lose, mate."
The beast grunted, then reached down towards the pole. Buffy
watched with wide eyes as it merely pulled it out, hissing at Spike.
"Or not," the vampire muttered, suddenly finding himself face to
face with the undying beast. A hairy claw shot out, grabbing Spike
around the throat and hauling him off the floor. Spike tried to
punch and kick himself free, but to no avail.
"Hey, Hairy!" a voice said, catching the beast and Spike's
attention. The vampire turned as Buffy climbed to her feet.
"Buffy, no," he managed to choke out.
Buffy offered him a smile. "I told you, I'm not leaving without
you." Switching her focus from Spike to the beast, her smile
disappeared as she said coldly, "Now, let him go, or pay the price.
And let me tell you, it's a hefty one."
The beast growled, but did release Spike. Releasing being,
throwing the vampire into a wall hard enough to daze him. Once he'd
disposed of Spike, the beast headed for Buffy.
Buffy dodged the first blow, landing a swift kick to the beast's
middle. It staggered, then got his balance back, swinging a hairy
fist at her face.
Spike tried to pull himself up, but couldn't seem to get his limbs
to work properly. He turned in time to see Buffy crumple to the
floor, physically spent. She was reaching for the pole, but she
wasn't going to make it. The beast was on top of her, wrapping
claws around her neck.
With a gasp Spike stood, cringing as something inside of him
popped. Nevertheless, he continued on to Buffy, breaking into a
painful run as she struggled, only to be dealt a slap across the
face. She whimpered as blood flowed from the three gashes that now
adorned her left cheek.
Buffy struggled to keep her eyes open. If she closed them, she
knew she wouldn't open them again. Images of Dawn flashed through
her mind, closely followed by the gang, all depending on her.
Then...blonde hair, blue eyes, and a beautiful smile that made her
heart pound. Spike.
With a yell she shoved the beast off, causing it to stumble,
trying to right itself. Buffy was just as surprised as the beast
when, as he stood, a pole lodged itself through its throat. It made
a gurgling sound, before tipping over to the right.
Spike blinked. He'd been running towards the beast, and had just
picked up the pole when the thing had stood up. Spike had seen his
chance to cripple the beast long enough to get Buffy to safety, and
had thrown the pole with all the force he could muster. He hadn't
counted on it being the finishing blow.
A moan from the floor brought his attention back to the here and
now. He fell to his knees, hands brushing her hair from her
wounds. "You all right?" he asked, concerned.
She looked up at him, eyelids drooping. "Tired," she mumbled,
voice tinged with sleepiness. "You?"
"M'fine," he lied, not wanting to worry her anymore. When the
anxious crease disappeared from her forehead, he offered her a
smile. "Let's get you somewhere so you can lay down."
"Can...Can I sleep?" she asked, barely able to keep her eyes open.
Spike did a quick examination of her head, fingers dancing over
her scalp. No bumps or bruises; she'd be all right. "Go ahead,
luv. Not gonna leave you, promise."
She was asleep before he'd said the last word.
Buffy groaned, clutching at her head. "Make that noise stop," she
grumbled.
"You mean the noise that's the music in the next room? Sorry sis,
not gonna happen."
Buffy cracked an eye open and found herself looking at her
smirking sister. "Glad you're enjoying this," the Slayer muttered.
"Glad you're feeling better," Dawn replied, glancing up when the
door opened. Buffy moaned at the sudden light in the dark room,
covering her face with the blanket.
Dawn winked at the intruder and stood to leave. "Just call if you
need something."
"Xander and Anya okay?" Buffy asked, still hiding her face.
Dawn nodded, more to herself than anyone. "Yeah, they're fine.
No one's started dancing yet. We had hairy things to get rid of,
guests to calm down, and then cake to eat."
"That's nice," Buffy said, yawning. She could just go back to
sleep. She was still tired and sore from that beast-kicking she'd
received earlier. But everyone was okay, so she'd done her duty.
She'd killed the evil thing. Well, it hadn't been her exactly, it
had been...her eyes shot open, and she began to push herself
up. "Where's Spike?" she asked, wincing at the stream of
light. "Is he okay? What happened to..."
Strong hands took her by the shoulders and began to push her back
down onto the sofa. "I'm here, luv, I'm here. Just rest up a bit.
Nibblet, would you...?"
Dawn rolled her eyes but grinned. "Yeah, yeah, I'm outta here.
I'll close the door behind me, too."
"Thanks, Bit. Go have fun."
With a grin Dawn skipped out of the room, shutting the door on her
way.
Buffy tried to sit up again, only to have the hands shoving her
gently back down once more. "Buffy, pet, you should..."
"Just want you to hold me," she mumbled.
A pause, before she was being helped up. She leaned against the
familiar cool body, before looking up into eyes that still
glimmered, even in the dark.
"Hi," she whispered, smiling at him.
Spike returned the smile, laying a kiss onto her forehead. "Hello
to you, too. Feelin' better?"
Buffy nodded against his chest. "Much. How about you?"
He paused too long. "Spike..." she said in the most threatening
tone she could muster.
He sighed. "Just a few scratches and bruises, and a broonen bo,"
he added, mumbling under his breath.
She frowned, narrowing her gaze at him. "Try again?"
"A broken bone," he said, sighing heavily. "I'm fine, Buffy, I
just..."
"Where?" Her hands were on him instantly, trying to find the
damage.
He grabbed her wandering hands in his own, and kissed the tops of
her hands in an attempt to calm her. "Just a hip bone popped outta
place, probably somethin' tiny busted. That's all. Nothin' to get
worked up over."
"Oh yeah. It's not a big deal. Just something that could cause
you a lot of pain. Of course; nothing to get worked up over. What
was I thinking?" she snorted, her voice heavily laid with sarcasm.
Spike's nostrils flared. "Don't you start with me, Slayer.
You're bleedin' and bruised, and you probably broke somethin'
yourself. Yet I'm the one that gets the nurse routine? M'not
porcelain, ya know!"
"I'm aware of that!" she said, her voice raising. "I'm not
either, so don't try to pin this on me. A hip out of place is not
something to avoid or make light of, you asshole!"
Buffy clenched her fists as he snarled, "Kinda my hip, so I think
I'll decide what to do with it. Makes me wish I hadn't done the
move that landed me with the problem in the first place!"
"And what fantastically stupid move would that be?" she snapped.
"The one where I jumped up to save your ass!"
The fire in her eyes died, but she tried to keep her face twisted
in rage. "Well, then I can I tell you that I wasn't worth it," she
hissed. Her bottom lip began to quiver, betraying her. "You
shouldn't have done something moronic, you...you..."
Then he had his arms around her, and her tears were soaking his
shirt. "I'm fine," he sighed, rocking back and forth. "And no, it
wasn't moronic. I was so bleedin' scared that it was gonna hurt
you, and I had to get up and help. The hip popped out, but I didn't
care. S'not 'bout me ignorin' it, or tryin' to make it a joke. I
didn't care 'cause you were in trouble. Do you understand? I
didn't care 'bout the hip 'cause I cared more for you."
"Y-You could've..." She sniffled, pulling back to look at him.
He reached up to wipe tears away before they could hit the gashes on
her face. She leaned into his touch before continuing. "You
could've done something permanent, and then for me to know that it
was because of me?" She shook her head. "I couldn't live with
that. I already know that this whole relationship is wrong."
Spike's mouth opened with shock. This had not been what he'd been
expecting. He tried to swallow past the lump in his throat. She
wouldn't do this to him, would she?
As if she were reading his mind, she reached forward and closed
his mouth with a finger. "Hear me out, please?" she pleaded, almost
flinching at the fear in his eyes. So much wrong that she had to
fix...
"Vampires and Slayers aren't supposed to be together for obvious
reasons," she started. Spike tried to interrupt, but she stopped
him. "Hear me out," she repeated, before cupping his face with her
hand, trying to reassure him. He closed his eyes, whimpering softly.
"Okay, the two don't mix for some basic reasons: she's alive, he's
dead. She should normally hate him, and vice versa. Then there's
the last reason: she kills his kind, and he kills hers."
He opened his eyes and stared at her. She bit her lip, but
continued. "You and I don't follow those rules. Normally. I'm
alive, and you're dead, and there's a rule followed. We love each
other, that rule got bent. I kill your kind, but you do, too.
That's the biggest bend in the rules. It makes your life that much
harder, because..." She swallowed, before saying softly, "Because
you're siding with me, it puts you in harm's way. Because of who I
am, your life is in more danger."
Tears gathered in her eyes as she began to babble. "Because you
want to be with me, and I with you, and we don't even have to be
doing anything, just liking each other, your life is in peril, and
it's because you're with me. I mean, anyone else, and they'd leave
you alone, and you'd be safe..."
"Shhh," he whispered, leaning in until his forehead touched hers.
Their roles had switched once more, and he was the comforter
again. "Hush. I know perfectly well that because I'm with you, I'm
endangerin' myself. I would choose you over any pain. Never doubt
that." He paused, before asking tentatively, "Do you want me
to...not be here?"
Buffy looked up at the uncertainty in his eyes. She brushed her
lips against his, before whispering, "Even if it meant you being in
danger, I couldn't let you go. I'm too greedy," she joked weakly.
Spike laughed, relief evident on his face. "Thank heavens," he
sighed, earning a laugh from her as well. She laid against his
chest, happy once more.
"So, we're all right?"
She smiled. "Yeah. We're all right."