Spike awoke to the hell that was Xander's basement. He'd been having another dream about being in the middle of the ocean, lying on a giant orange life raft. Spike wrinkled his nose at the dank smell of Xander's living space. The aforementioned was still fast asleep and snoring as though driving the pigs to market. Spike had an itch on his nose, he tried to lift his hand to scratch it, growling in frustration as he had forgotten the ropes that bound him hand and foot to the garish PVC chair. It almost made him miss the luxury of being chained up in Giles's bathtub. He looked across at Xander again, he was lying on his back, his mouth wide open.

"Hey Harris! Fire, fire," yelled Spike.

Xander shot up in bed, bleary eyed.

"What! Fire where?" he asked in confusion.

Spike smirked in satisfaction.

"No one said anything about fire, you stupid git, I have an itch and as I am all tied up, I need you to scratch it," Spike informed him.

"I hope you don't mean that in the sexual sense," said Xander as he rolled over in bed, trying to get back to sleep.

"Yeah right, you wish, always did wonder about you Harris," said Spike.

"Spike, anyone ever tell you, you're a complete bastard?" asked Xander

The phone rang, and he put a hand across the bed to answer it.

"Giles? Do you have any idea what time it is?" asked Xander

"Hello Xander, I need to speak to Spike actually," Giles told him.

"Please tell me it's to ask him to move back in with you," Said Xander hopefully.

Xander got out of bed to hand Spike the receiver .

"I'm a little tied up right now mate," said Spike wryly.

Xander rolled his eyes, putting down the phone, he started to untie Spike's ropes.

"Thank you so much, the phone?" asked Spike.

"Get it yourself, I'm off for a shower," said Xander.

Spike snatched the phone up off the bed.

"What the hell do you want?" asked Spike.

"Nice to talk to you to, I need to see you, I expect you at my place tonight around eight, be there," said Giles.

"Or else? Look I don't have to go anywhere, unless of course there's some money or smokes in it for me," said Spike hopefully.

Giles sighed, it was a bit hard to appeal to someone's better nature, when they were seriously lacking in one.

"How about a twenty and a carton of cigarettes?" asked Giles

"Done, wouldn't want any one accusing me of being greedy, see you at eight then," said Spike.

Buffy sighed as she flopped down on her bed. It had been a particularly tough day and Riley hadn't taken her news that she wouldn't be able to meet him tonight very well either. She hoped that what ever Giles had to tell her tonight, would be good news for a change, because boy did she need it, she thought to herself. Buffy changed out of her dress into her usual jeans and jacket, perfect for a little patrolling after the meet. She picked up a stake out of the weapons bag under her bed and closed her dorm room door behind her.

Buffy walked through the dark campus grounds, although there were street lamps dotted around, there were still many shady areas perfect for vamps to lurk around, wanting to get a piece of the slayer. Her senses bristled as she neared the bus stop, she took her stake out of her pocket and turned around, at that moment the bus pulled up and she hastily stuffed the stake back in her jacket.

Buffy got off the bus and walked the few blocks to Giles's apartment, she was almost to the door when she bumped into something black and smelling of leather, Buffy looked up to see Spike looking down at her mockingly.

"If you wanted another feel love, all you had to do was ask," he said Mockingly.

Buffy pulled the stake out of her pocket and levelled it at his chest.

"Feel this!" she replied.

"Okay, okay I get the message," said Spike, holding his hands up in surrender.

She lowered the stake, a thought occurring to her.

"What are you doing here Spike?" she asked.

"Got a call from Giles this morning, said he wanted to see me," said Spike.

"That's funny, he called me too, and with the same message," said Buffy.

The door to Giles's apartment opened, Giles stood there looking at the both of them.

"Thought I heard voices, well come in then," said Giles.

"There must be some mistake, Spike thinks you actually wanted him here too," said Buffy.

"No, no mistake, I wanted to see the both of you together," said Giles.

Buffy looked at Spike, who was sporting a huge smirk on his face, an expression she would dearly love to wipe off. Spike followed Buffy into the apartment and sat down in a chair in the corner.

"That's my chair, Spike," Giles protested

"And you think I care, where's my money and cigarettes?" asked Spike.

Giles ignored him and disappeared into the kitchen to fix his guests a drink, he returned several moments later with a tray. Buffy looked at Spike in distaste as he gulped down his mug of blood, his game face slipping on.

"Eww," said Buffy.

"Didn't seem to mind it so much when we were engaged," said Spike.

"Mention THAT, once more and you will be going out of here in a dust buster, buster," said Buffy her cheeks flaming.

Giles sighed, he hadn't even spoken about why he wanted them both here yet, and they were already arguing. This wasn't going to be easy, he walked over to his drinks cabinet and poured himself a large scotch, something told him, he was going to need it.

"Spill Rupes, I don't have all night," said Spike.

"Oh what else do you have to do, lurk around street corners looking evil?" scorned Buffy.

"Hey I still got it," said Spike

"Yeah," replied Buffy sarcastically.

"Children, please, if I could have your attention for a moment," asked Giles desperately.

Both of them fell silent. Giles fished around in the jacket of his usual drab tweed suit and brought out a white envelope.

"What's that?" Asked Buffy.

"A letter that arrived from the London headquarters of the Watcher's Council," Giles informed them

"What are they to do with us? I quit and they fired you," said Buffy.

"Yes, Buffy thanks for the reminder," said Giles.

"Here let me look at that," said Spike.

He snatched the envelope out of Giles's grasp and took out the letter, scanning the page.

"Oh, hidden talents Spike, didn't know you could read," said Buffy.

Spike ignored her insults and started to read the letter aloud.

"Blah, blah, Watchers Council, requests the presence of Buffy Summers and the vampire, known as William the Bloody immediately in London..Bloody hell, you have got to be kidding!" said Spike.

"Carry on reading, there's more," said Giles.

"I don't wanna hear more, cos it's not gonna happen," said Buffy.

"Buffy, you cannot ignore a summons from the Watchers Council, you know better than any one, their methods of persuasion can be very er persuasive," said Giles.

Spike read the rest of the letter to himself , he walked over to Buffy and dropped the letter on her lap. His grin spread across his face.

"Read it and weep pet," said Spike.

Buffy blinked back the tears, that was exactly what she felt like doing.

"It's not so bad is it? An all expenses paid trip to London for two weeks," asked Giles.

" But at what expense to me? They can't be trusted Giles, apart from wanting to discuss my possible return to their fold, I can't see why they need to see me so urgently," said Buffy.

"You are the slayer, and with Faith in a coma as well as being out of her mind, you are or were their strongest warrior, they need you, more than you need them remember that, it could be a starting point to getting what ever you might need in life Buffy, they are a well funded organisation," reasoned Giles.

"What do I need with a future? The odds are that I won't live past twenty five anyway," she replied.

Spike looked at her, a mocking expression on his face.

"One can hope," he said

Buffy pulled a face at him.

"Don't see why he has to tag along," said Buffy, pointing at Spike.

"The council have probably got wind of the fact that Spike has been neutered and want to study him," said Giles.

"More scientific experiments? Had enough of that with the soldier boys who put the chip in my head in the first place, on second thoughts you can stick your trip, it's not like it's a novelty to me, with England being my mother country and all," said Spike.

Giles smiled at Spike in an annoyingly knowing way, which made Spike's blood boil.

"You really don't know who you are dealing with Spike, besides I am sure they can come up with something to please that mercenary little unbeating heart of yours," said Giles.

Spike's interest was peaked, it had been a long time since he'd been to England, and the idea that there may be large amounts of cash involved, had him more than eager to comply.

"They won't off me when I get there will they?" asked Spike.

"Believe me Spike if all they wanted to do was kill you, they would have done it already," said Giles.

"Can I have a couple of days to think about this?" asked Buffy.

"Yes, yes of course, the Council were expecting that, but on Saturday evening there will be a private plane waiting on the tarmac at Sunnydale International," Giles replied.

Buffy made her way back to her dorm, her feet dragged over the distance, it was all quiet and dark in her room, she sat down on her bed not even bothering to turn on a light. A few moments later Willow entered the room; she switched on the light and let out a little scream as she saw Buffy sitting there.

"Hey Buffy, why are you sitting in the dark, is everything okay?" asked Willow.

"Not really," said Buffy.

"Your date with Riley not go well?" asked Willow.

"Had to cancel that, Giles wanted to see me," Buffy replied.

"Oh, I hope it wasn't anything end of the worldy?" asked Willow.

"Depends on how ya look at it, he wants me to go to London, or should I say the Watchers council wants me to go to London," said Buffy.

"Ooh a trip to Europe, don't suppose you want to take a friend along, hint, hint?" asked Willow.

Buffy looked at her friend.

"If only I could, but sorry already have a travel companion," said Buffy.

"Riley? You two made up and he's taking you on a surprise trip?" asked Willow.

"Well, I am going with a guy of sorts, just not Riley," said Buffy.

"I can't think who, you're just gonna have to tell me Buff," said Willow.

"Spike," she replied.

"Haha, that's a funny one, no really who?" asked Willow again.

Buffy sighed.

"I already told you, Spike," said Buffy.

"Huh?" asked Willow.

"Seems the watcher's council want to see Spike as well as myself and thought that they could kill two birds with one stone and we could travel together," said Buffy.

"I don't know about killing two birds, more like you'll end up killing each other, you're not going are you?" asked Willow.

"I have a couple of days to think about it, I don't know, I guess at least Spike is harmless, being chipped and all," said Buffy.

Spike took a slow walk back to Xander's basement, not in any great hurry to return, ok he was a vampire, they were supposed to like dank dark living conditions, but Xander's place went beyond that. He was glad that Dru couldn't see him now; she'd think him really pathetic, living amongst the slayer and her friends, not being able to bite anyone or even fight. He could hear her cackle in his head as if she was standing behind him.

If only he hadn't thrown in his lot with the slayer and helped her defeat Angelus, Dru might never have left him. Spike grinned to himself. This trip might be the perfect opportunity to get a little pay back on the blond pest.

He entered Xander's basement, Xander was getting naked with Anya, Spike looked away at the disturbing sight, of all the bad luck, he thought to himself.

"Honey I'm home!" yelled Spike loudly, shutting the door with a bang.

Xander and Anya leapt apart like two scalded cats.

"Spike! I was trying to have an orgasm, can't you come back later?" asked Anya as she buttoned up her dress.

"Yeah Spike, this is the first time I have had a chance to be alone with Anya since you moved in here," complained Xander.

"Well I wouldn't want to ruin that five minutes of playtime," said Spike.

"He's very good actually, it takes at least ten," said Anya defensively.

"Woo-hoo Harris, didn't know you had it in you," smirked Spike.

"Shut up Spike, before I make you homeless," warned Xander.

"That's not gonna happen, anyway I will be out of here on Saturday, I'm off to the blue yonder for a couple of weeks, so you can get all the sex you want," said Spike, shuddering slightly at the idea.

"You are gonna leave Sunnydale for a couple of weeks? I think Buffy might have something to say about that," said Xander.

"She knows, and what's more she's coming with me!" said Spike confidently.

Anya laughed, Xander just continued to stare at Spike open mouthed.

"Uh-oh Willow must have been casting spells again," said Anya.

"Either that, or Spike here, has been out drinking," said Xander

"I am neither drunk or under a spell, Buffy and I are going to London together for an all expenses paid trip," said Spike.

"I am calling Giles, you're scaring me," said Xander.

"Really?" asked Spike hopefully.

Xander went over to the phone and dialled Giles's number; he came back a few moments later. Spike folded his arms and looked at Xander.

"Well?" asked Spike.

"It's all true," said Xander.

"You don't think Spike and Buffy are starting up again, do you Xander?" asked Anya.

Spike laughed bitterly, not quite meeting the couple's eyes.

"Yeah right, when hell freezes over maybe," said Spike.

Saturday

It was late afternoon, Buffy pulled her suitcases out of the closet in her dorm room and threw them on the bed, she sighed in resignation, there were a million reasons why she shouldn't go and only a few as to why she should. It was madness, but she had finally made up her mind to go the previous evening. Riley had stalled her after her class with Professor Walsh, and had been demanding that she make up her mind about them, Buffy had told him that she still needed time. After angrily telling her that she could take all the time in the world, because he'd had enough, Buffy had decided that some time away from Sunnydale was just what she needed. Just because she was travelling with Spike, there was nothing that said they had to hang out together.

She opened up the drawers and threw the clothes from them in her case, haphazardly, wiping away angry tears from her face. Buffy wished Willow was around right now, but her friend was off with some member of her Wicca group again. Buffy couldn't blame her; she hadn't exactly been a lot of fun to be around lately.

Buffy fumbled through her underwear draw, her hand closed over something small and round, she looked down in surprise, seeing the heavy silver ring that Spike had given her when they had been 'engaged' She had never got round to returning it, the memory of the whole thing too shaming for her. Buffy had felt that she couldn't endure the snarky comments Spike was likely to make on it's return, so she had shoved it away and had forgotten about it until now. She picked it up and looked at it, before tossing it in her suitcase, she would find the right moment, while they were away to return it to him.

Buffy zipped up her cases, checked her passport and papers were in her bag, and sat down on her bed and waited for the time to pass.

It was 8:00pm; the Sun had well and truly gone down, as Buffy left the campus in a taxi, headed towards the airport, she sighed sadly. Willow hadn't returned, so Buffy had had to resort to leaving Willow a note on her bed.

The taxi pulled up at the airport, Buffy got out, there really hadn't been time to let her friends know of her decision, so it had been a lonely farewell. The only person she had informed was Giles, she had her luggage stowed away and was surprised when she was escorted to the VIP lounge. She opened the door, "Surprise!" shouted all her friends. Buffy smiled in gratitude, glad of some friendly faces to see her off.

Willow came forward and gave Buffy a balloon with the brightly coloured words, "bon voyage" across it. Anya also stepped forward with a large paper bag of grapes, she handed the bag to Buffy.

"You are supposed to give grapes to people when they are sick Anya," explained Xander.

"Oh, but I thought she was sick, she's going away with Spike isn't she?" asked Anya.

"That's not so much a sickness, as temporary insanity," Xander replied.

"Thanks for the support guys, speaking of Spike, where is he? Not that I care," said Buffy.

"He's already on the plane, said being around too many goody goodies made him want to vomit," said Willow.

"That figures," said Buffy.

Giles came forward; he looked at Buffy in concern.

"Are you okay with this? I mean really?" asked Giles.

"Yeah, I need some time away, this is a perfect excuse for a vacation, or at least it would be if Spike wasn't waiting for me," said Buffy.

"It's not too late to back out you know," said Giles.

"Yes it is, besides, any fool can see that this means a lot to you and your future career, you've been more than a father to me, it would be bad of me if I couldn't return the favour, after all it's only two weeks, how much can happen in that short time?" replied Buffy.

She said her goodbyes to her friends and climbed the few steps up into the private jet; the stewardess closed the door behind her. Buffy looked around the plane; it was equipped with every luxury a traveller could want, Spike was already seated in one of the soft cream leather seats, nursing a large whiskey in his hands.

"Slayer! Was starting to think you'd chickened out, but here you are," said Spike.

Buffy put down her bag and took a seat as far away from him as possible. The announcement came over the speaker for them to put on their seatbelts; Buffy buckled up and sank back into the comfort of her seat, as the feeling of inevitability washed over her and the plane speeded up for take off, she suddenly wondered if she had been a little too hasty.

Chapter 3

They were in the air and on their way to England, Buffy glanced across the aisle at Spike, he unbuckled his seat belt and got up, and walked over to the mini bar in the corner, pouring another glass of whiskey for himself. Spike turned, sensing her eyes on him.

"Want one?" he asked, raising his glass.

Buffy just looked at him, her eyebrow arched.

"Do I look like a hard liquor kinda girl?" she asked.

Spike smirked.

"Heard beer was more your poison," he replied.

Buffy flushed uncomfortably. The time she had turned cave girl Buffy, was another of the less noteworthy moments of her life that she wanted to forget.

"How did you know about that?" she asked.

"It was the topic of conversation at Willie's bar for weeks, we had some good laughs with that one," Spike replied.

"All the more reason not to drink," she sighed.

"Must be painful for you," said Spike.

Buffy frowned.

"I don't get your meaning," she replied.

"That stake you have up your ass all the time, I mean what are you eighteen, nineteen years old?" asked Spike.

"Nearly nineteen, not that it's any business of yours," she snapped.

"Life is for living Summers," said Spike as he took a large swallow of his drink.

"Oh, you'd know, being dead and all," she asked.

"Living dead is the preferred term," he said airily as he sat back down in his seat, almost missing it.

"Spike, are you drunk?" she asked.

Spike chuckled as he downed the rest of his drink.

"Well I have to have something to dull the pain of the next two weeks, I am starting to think there is not enough money in England to compensate for spending time with you," said Spike.

Buffy flinched slightly at his words, not so sure why they would affect her so. So what if Spike didn't want to spend time with her, hadn't she felt exactly the same way? She didn't know why, but away from her family and friends, she was starting to feel the tiniest bit insecure.

Get a grip Buffy, you've only been in the air for half an hour, England can't be so different from America, she told herself angrily.

Spike looked at the stewardess as she entered the cabin.

"Is everything okay?" asked the young girl nervously.

"Fine sweetheart, what's the in-flight movie? Getting a bit bored with present company," said Spike, looking over at Buffy.

The girl smiled at Spike, more than a little affected by his clear blue eyes and that sexy leather coat he was wearing, she was an employee of the Watcher's council and she knew what he was. Transporting demons and prominent members of the Watchers council was almost everyday occurrences to her. The demons, or the Watchers Council for that matter were rarely this handsome. She smiled at him and batted her eyelashes.

Buffy groaned, a slight feeling of nausea coming over her at the sight of the girl, trying to flirt with Spike. Buffy looked at the back of the seat in front of her, glad of the comforting sight of the airsickness bag, should she need it after being witness to the sickening display.

"The movie?" Buffy reminded her.

"Oh, yes sorry, its 'Sixth Sense', can't tell you much about it, meant to be a bit creepy that's all I know," shrugged the girl.

"Well, if you get scared, you can always sit on my knee," grinned Spike.

The girl giggled.

"I'm sorry, it's against policy, I don't think Mr Travers would like that very much," she smiled at him.

"Isn't there something else you should be doing, as we're all fine in here," said Buffy.

"Oh, right, I'll put the movie on for you," said the girl. Disappearing behind the curtain.

"Spoilsport, unless of course you wanted to take her place and warm up my knee?" asked Spike.

He touched the tip of his tongue to his lower lip, Buffy felt the heat steal through her body, the little movement reminded her of the passionate kissing they had shared when she couldn't get enough of him, her face flamed in remembrance.

"How's Harmony these days Spikey?" she snapped in response, to hide her discomfort.

Spike choked on the mouthful of whiskey he had just taken, spraying it everywhere.

"Ewww, nice Spike," she said wrinkling her nose as she wiped the front of her jacket.

Buffy walked over to the mini bar to get a paper napkin, as she walked back to her seat, the light went out in the cabin, she lost her footing in the darkness and fell forward, Buffy would have fallen to the floor, if a pair of strong arms hadn't reached out to catch her. Buffy pulled out of Spike's arms as the movie screen lit up and the opening titles of the movie came on. She straightened her jacket and sat down in her seat.

"Thank you Spike for saving me from falling flat on my ass," mimicked Spike.

He was confused, he would have loved nothing better than to see the slayer fall in a heap, but before he knew what he was doing, he'd shot up out of his seat to catch her. This wasn't part of his plan of revenge.

"Thank you," Buffy said quietly.

Spike raised his eyebrows in surprise, after a quick glance at Buffy who was staring straight ahead, he followed suit and sat back to watch the film.

They were halfway through the movie, when a gentle snoring disturbed Spike; he looked across the aisle at Buffy, curled up fast asleep in her seat. Oh what he would have given to have Buffy as vulnerable as this, only a few short months ago. Spike's fists curled up at his sides impotently. He slowly got up out of his seat and walked over to where she slept, he came to a stop in front of her, gazing down at her. Buffy shivered in her sleep, he noticed her trembling and against his will and better nature, he reached into the over head storage compartment and pulled out one of the travel blankets and gently tucked it around her, Buffy turned over in her sleep, grabbing his hand and kissing it.

"Thanks mom," she sighed sleepily.

Spike snatched his hand away; it burned as if touched by fire. Being in close quarters with Buffy like this was resurrecting memories he'd been trying to forget for a long time. He sat back down with a fresh drink, studying the contents of the glass tumbler, as if it held the answers to all these conflicting thoughts running around in his head. After finishing his drink in one big gulp, he closed his eyes.

Spike was awakened by the jolt of the aircraft as it touched down on the tarmac; Buffy was awake and flicking through a magazine, humming a little tune under her breath.

"Are we there yet?" he asked.

"We have to fly across the entire country and the Atlantic Ocean, what do you think?" she asked.

"Well, where the bleeding hell are we then?" asked Spike.

"You missed the first stop, we just landed at JFK airport," Buffy informed him.

"New York, I could tell you a story or two about my glory days, bagged my second slayer here," he said proudly.

Spike's smile faded at Buffy's look of disgust.

"Oh, I er guess it wouldn't be too interesting from your point of view," said Spike.

"You guessed right," she replied.

The stewardess appeared from behind the curtain.

"Sorry, but there has been some kind of delay, we won't be taking off for at least another couple of hours so if either of you wanted to get off the plane, maybe stretch your legs a little?" suggested the girl.

"Okay, always wanted to see the big apple," said Buffy.

"New York is not the kind of place for a young girl to be roaming about at night," said Spike.

"What are you, my mother?" Asked Buffy.

"Just wouldn't want all those other nasties, getting first crack at you before I'd had my shot," said Spike.

"You had your shot Spike and failed miserably, you are even more pathetic now, so I think you have kinda lost your chance," said Buffy.

"Fine get yourself killed, see if I care," said Spike.

"Never thought you did," she replied airily as she walked past him and down the aircraft steps.

Spike stood there for a moment, the stewardess stared at him hopefully,

"I'm on a break now, I can sit on your knee in my own time," she purred invitingly.

Spike looked at the girl in annoyance.

"Sorry pet, I have to go somewhere," said spike as he pushed past her and followed Buffy down the steps of the aircraft.

Spike followed her at a distance as she weaved her way through the crowds at the busy airport, his sharp sight, never losing view of his target. He full expected her to leave the airport, but instead Buffy seemed content to browse the airport shops, he groaned inwardly, that's what happens when you travel with a teenage shop-a-holic, he though to himself.

Spike took out his cigarettes and lighter, putting one in his mouth he lit it, dragging on it deeply, waiting for the nicotine, to take its effect. He was surprised as he was tapped on the back by a security guard who pointed out the no smoking signs to him. Damn, was he ever going to get a break, he thought resentfully as he ground out the butt on the floor. When he looked up Buffy was gone, Spike sighed. He had nothing else to do, but return to the plane, there was little time to do anything else.

He entered the cabin, the stewardess was sitting in the corner, and she gave him a frosty stare as he sat down. All these women were starting to drive him mad, maybe it was their secret plan all along. Buffy returned a few moments later, several bags in her hands.

"Fun shopping trip?" asked Spike.

"Fun stalking?" asked Buffy.

"Don't know what you mean," said Spike innocently.

"Spike, for a vampire, you have to be the saddest excuse for a prowler, I have ever come across," said Buffy mockingly, as she sat down in her seat.

The stewardess closed up the doors.

"If you could put on your seat belts, we are cleared for take off," snapped the girl as she walked off.

"Wow, if it got any colder in here, I might be in danger of hypothermia, what's up with her?" asked Buffy.

Spike shrugged.

"Well merry old England, here we come," he said.

The stewardess appeared with the snacks trolley.

"How long till we get to England?" she asked the girl.

"About six or seven hours depending on conditions," said the girl, smiling at Buffy and frowning at Spike.

"Didn't know you were so eager for our honeymoon to begin," smirked Spike

"Honeymoon? Maybe if you were the last guy in this dimension," replied Buffy.

The final few hours of the flight passed without incidence, except for the continued coldness of the stewardess, as the plane touched down at Heathrow airport, on a cold grey English afternoon, she had the strange feeling or premonition if you like, that things would some how never be the same again.

Chapter 4

Spike looked out of the plane window at a country he'd never really expected to revisit again, the last time he'd been here, Dru had been with him. Spike sighed; was nothing forever these days? He thought sadly.

"Welcome to England," said the stewardess, seemingly eager to be rid of them both as she hastily opened the aeroplane door

"Sorry love, slight problem, its called daylight," said Spike as he pointed through the window.

"That's why we carry these!" snapped the girl, as she threw a thick blanket at his head.

Buffy smiled sweetly at the girl as if she were her new best friend.

"Mr Travers will be waiting for you in the airport," the stewardess informed them.

"Who the hell is he when he's at home?" asked Spike, looking at Buffy.

"Quentin Travers, he's the head honcho of the Watchers council, not my most favourite of people," Buffy replied.

"Oh, now you've disappointed me, I thought I held that title," grinned Spike.

Buffy couldn't help but giggle at his impish expression. He was quite the charmer when he wanted to be, and away from their usual setting he somehow seemed different. Buffy shook her head; she couldn't allow him to get under her skin like this. Maybe it wouldn't harm to call a truce for a few days, it might make things a little easier. Buffy looked at Spike, about to open her mouth, when he'd put the blanket over his head and dashed off in the direction of the airport's main building.

Buffy turned her attention back to the stewardess,

"Thanks for everything," she smiled at the girl.

"All part of the service, I just wanted to say sorry for earlier," said the stewardess.

"Why?" Asked Buffy, not really sure what the girl was getting at.

"I did a bad thing, I tried to hit on your boyfriend," she replied.

"You tried to hit on my whatty? He's not my boyfriend! Why would you say that?" Buffy asked.

"Oh, it's just that." the girl trailed off.

"What?" demanded Buffy.

"Well, er during the flight when you fell asleep, I saw him cover you with a blanket and you took his hand and kissed it, thought it was kinda sweet at the time," she replied.

Buffy flushed, as she remembered having a hazy dream, and in it, her mother had come and tucked her in, like when she was a little girl. She had kissed Spike's hand? 'Well you've kissed at lot more than that before' her annoying inner voice reminded her.

"Sure he wasn't trying to smother me with the blanket?" asked Buffy, her thoughts in confusion.

Spike was waiting for her when she entered the double doors, a strange expression on her face.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Nothing, oh look I think that's for us," said Buffy as she noticed a man dressed in a chauffeurs uniform, he was holding up a card with her name on it.

She grabbed Spike by the arm and walked over to the man.

"Buffy Summers?" asked the man, as he looked down his nose at her.

"Yep," she answered brightly.

"Follow me," he replied as he turned and walked away.

"But, our luggage?" asked Buffy.

"Already taken care of," he replied.

They had nothing else to do, but trail after the man, as he escorted them to a waiting limousine, Spike let out a low whistle.

"Guess Rupes was right about the buggers being well funded, thought that was just a sweetener to get me here," said Spike.

"Not every one tells lies like you Spike," she replied.

The chauffer opened the limo door. Quentin Travers, senior member of the watchers council alighted from the vehicle.

"Oh God! Do tweed suits come as standard issue among you watcher types?" asked Spike.

Buffy suppressed the giggle she felt rising in her throat; Quentin turned a stern look in Spike's direction.

"Hmmmm, you must be William?" asked Quentin.

"Why do I feel that was more of a statement than a question?" asked Spike.

Quentin ignored him and moved onto Buffy.

"I trust your flight was comfortable Miss Summers, nice to see you again," he drawled, putting out a hand

"Yes on the first count and not so much on the second," said Buffy.

She stared at the outstretched hand and deliberately folded her arms.

"If you'd like to join me in the limo, we can escort you to your accommodation, ladies first," said Quentin.

"Thanks mate, don't mind if I do," said Spike as he brushed past Quentin and seated himself inside the luxury of the car.

"That figures," said Buffy as she joined him in the car, soon to be followed by Quentin.

The Limo managed to weave expertly through the early evening traffic.

"So why do you want us here?" asked Buffy bluntly.

"All in good time Miss Summers, how is Mr Giles?" he asked.

"Oh, you mean since you fired him after years of loyal service to the council?" asked Buffy sarcastically.

"Rupert's become quite the bum, sits around all day watching soaps and getting pissed," Spike informed him smugly.

"Gotta be better than working for a bunch of stuck up English prigs," said Buffy defensively.

"Very concisely put Miss Summers," Quentin returned.

"Oh Buffy has a way with words, 'Spike you are such a pig,' is her favourite," he mimicked.

"I am also good with my hands," mouthed Buffy as she made a staking motion with her hand.

"Is that an offer love, you could at least wait until we get to the hotel," said Spike, as he licked his lips.

Buffy blushed as she saw Quentin's raised eyebrows, she had forgotten how that same hand movement had looked to her friends, when they had silently discussed ways of defeating the gentlemen.

Quentin sighed and checked his watch; it was at least a forty-five minute drive to the hotel.

"Would any of you like a drink?" he offered as he opened up the mini bar in the limo.

They drove down the Strand, coming to a stop outside the "Savoy" hotel.

"Gotta hand it to you Travers, when you said all expenses paid, you weren't joking," said Spike.

"We have a reputation to uphold," said Quentin looking at his watch yet again.

"Do you have somewhere else you have to be?" asked Buffy arching an eyebrow at him.

"As a matter of fact I do, you'll have to check yourselves in, how about we meet in the American bar say around nine? It's inside the hotel, you can't miss it," said Quentin.

"What about money to pay for it?" asked Buffy, pointing at the hotel.

"Thank you for reminding me Miss Summers, the hotel is taken care of, we have an account here," said Quentin as he drew a large buff coloured envelope from his jacket.

"What's this?" asked Spike.

"Room number, booking confirmation and a little pin money until we can compensate you more substantially," said Quentin.

"I'll look after that," said Spike as he took the envelope from Quentin.

The chauffeur opened the limo door and a porter came forward from the hotel to take in their cases, Quentin lowered the window of the limo.

"Don't forget nine o'clock in the American bar," he reminded them as the car pulled away from the kerb.

Buffy marched through the doors of the hotel, leaving Spike to stare at the departing limo, he wasn't sure if his ears had deceived him when that bugger had said 'Room'

"Nah he wouldn't," said Spike softly under his breath.

When Spike entered the lobby of the hotel, he saw the object of his 'affections', leaning over the reception desk, her head bent as she signed the guest book. A young man dressed in hotel uniform stood behind it.

"Thank you Madam, ah this must be the other half of your party, here are your keys," said the man as he handed them both smart card keys.

He then signalled to a boy who was standing around.

"Hi I'm Malcolm, let me show you to your rooms," he smiled at them,

*Hoping for a big tip are you boy?* Spike thought to himself.

Spike and Buffy followed Malcolm into the elevator.

"So how are you liking England so far, you're American right?" asked Malcolm.

"I'm American, Spike here is well I'm not sure what he is," said Buffy sarcastically.

"English, born, bred and sired," Spike informed him proudly.

Spike lit up a cigarette, he drew on it deeply. Buffy made a delicate coughing sound as she waved away the smoke.

"I'm sorry Sir, but I am going to have to ask you to put that out, there is a no smoking policy in the public areas of the hotel," Malcolm informed him.

"Oh for God's sake!" said Spike, he stubbed the cigarette out on the wall of the elevator and let the butt fall to the floor.

The elevator doors opened with a ping.

"Your suite is at the end of the corridor, it's one of the best we have, Mr Travers is a respected client of ours," said Malcolm.

The boy drew out a chain from his pocket and swiped the card across the security panel on the door, he turned the handle and opened it.

"Oh wow! It's beautiful," Buffy exclaimed.

"It's our deluxe river view junior suite, I know it's a little dark out there now, but come the morning, you will have spectacular views of the River Thames, now if you need anything, we have full room service as well as internet facilities, should you require them. It's all listed in the guide book on the table," he smiled at them both.

Buffy ran into the bedroom.

"Have you seen the size of the bed?" she called out.

"If that's all Sir?" asked Malcolm rubbing his nose conspicuously.

"Oh yeah, right you want a tip, show me to my room and then we can talk about it, and it better be just as good as hers," growled Spike.

Malcolm looked at Spike nervously.

"I don't understand, there must be some kind of mistake, this is your room, yours and your wife's. Mr Travers told us that you were friends of his here on your honeymoon and that we were to see that you were taken care of Mr Summers," said Malcolm.

"Mr Summers.? Never mind, here's a fiver, thanks for your help," said Spike as the boy hurriedly exited the room.

Spike looked towards the bedroom from where he could hear various squeals of delight. Buffy came out of the bedroom. He looked at her pensively. He really hoped she was in a 'don't kill the messenger' mood. Buffy frowned at the strange expression on Spike's face,

"What is it, and why are you still here Spike and why isn't that guy showing you to your room? Which I sincerely hope is the hotel basement by the way," Buffy said smugly as she looked around the luxury of her room.

"Because my sweet I am already in my room, that's why," Spike informed her.

Buffy stared at him waiting for the punch line, the continuing silence grew ominous in its length.

"You're not joking are you?" she asked.

"Happy honeymooning Mrs Summers," shrugged Spike.

"When I see that Mr Travers, I am personally gonna squeeze every last breath from his body," she replied.

"Fine! You do whatever you want, only if I can watch of course could do with a spot of violence even if I am only a spectator," said Spike.

He grabbed his case and started towards the bedroom.

"What do you think you are doing?" she asked.

"Unpacking of course and by the way, I sleep on the left side of the bed," he smirked as he walked off.

Buffy folded her arms against her chest.

"If Travers wants war, he's damn well gonna get it," said Buffy quietly to herself.

She stood there for a few moments, pondering on the downward spiral this trip was taking, she could hear Spike whistling happily from the bedroom. Maybe she couldn't do anything about the accommodation for now, but she could make sure Spike didn't get too comfy before this mess was straightened out.

"Spike?" she called out.

No answer.

Buffy frowned in growing frustration as she walked into the bedroom; to her surprise it was empty. The door to the bathroom was slightly ajar, Buffy walked over to it. Vampires didn't need the bathroom so it wasn't like she would catch him with his pants down she reasoned to herself as she pushed the door open. The sound of running water didn't register with her at first as she saw Spike, with more than his pants down. He had his back to her as he stood in the shower, Buffy froze to the spot, as she watched him lather himself under the flow of water. Buffy tried to walk out of the room, but for some reason her legs and her brain no longer seemed connected.

Spike turned to reach for the shampoo, his body all wet and glistening. He looked in surprise as he saw Buffy hovering by the doorway. She looked at him, her eyes widening as they slid lower; he was big. She had felt 'it' that time she had sat on his lap in Giles's apartment, it had almost made her resolve to wait until they were married, crumble into dust. And she was also sure that she would have ripped his clothes off and had him there and then on the crypt floor, just before Willow broke the spell. "Pass the shampoo love?" asked Spike.

"Go to hell," she said as her legs finally started to function and she ran from the room.

Spike looked at himself, his body had started to respond to her presence, much to his annoyance, it seemed to know what it wanted, even if he was afraid to admit it. He smashed his hand against the tiles in self- annoyance, almost deciding to make his shower a cold one.

"Think I already am in hell," he said to the empty room as he carried on showering.

Chapter 5

Spike dressed quickly and joined Buffy in the sitting room of the suite; hearing his approach, she got up off the sofa and went to stand in front of one of the large windows. She wasn't ready to look him in the eye so soon, after their previous encounter. She sighed as she looked out into the darkening night sky.

That was how Spike found her, a rush of sarcastic comments rose in his throat. He swallowed them down and sighed heavily. He didn't know what Travers was up to yet; hopefully that problem would be solved in a couple of hours when they met up with him. Buffy knew she couldn't spend the rest of the evening staring out into nothing, no matter how comforting it was; she turned to face him. Her cheeks flaming at the sight of him, his hair was still tousled from his recent showering. She was angry, but she didn't know why. She hid behind the only weapon Buffy felt she had left, her sharp tongue. She opened her mouth, her vitriol finding voice.

"Is that all you have to wear? Hardly suitable for a place like this is it?" she asked scathingly, as she looked at his jeans and usual red shirt.

Spike felt his earlier charitable feelings dissolve away, in the face of her obvious contempt. He'd entered the room actually willing to call a truce their bickering, but if that was the way she wanted to play it, then it was fine with him.

"Well I could go naked, you seemed to like that well enough," Spike snapped at her.

The comments about his clothing had stung, it was just one of the many things he'd let slide after the split with Dru. Harmony had tried to change him, being so clothing obsessed herself. And it wasn't his fault that Harm had burned most of his belongings. He didn't know why it irked him so much coming from Buffy.

"You're in my room for now, but that does not mean I have to like it Spike," she replied, ignoring his previous comment.

"Well, if that's the case, I'll remove myself from your exalted presence, I am sure I can find more congenial company than yours," he replied.

He scooped the envelope off the coffee table, which Travers had given them earlier.

"Where are you going with that?" she asked, pointing at the envelope.

"Any where, but here," he replied.

He angrily shrugged on his leather duster and slammed out of the room, leaving Buffy alone. She knew she should be glad that he had gone, but all she could think of was how huge and empty the place seemed without his presence. She curled up in an armchair and wrapped her arms defensively around her body. Tears started to form in her eyes; a fat tear made it's way down her face, she wiped it away angrily.

"I will not cry, it must be the break up with Riley, yes that's it," she told herself out loud.

But if she really took time to think, she knew that she'd hardly given Riley Finn a moment's consideration since they'd finished with each other. She had been too busy verbally fighting with Spike, and looking at that glorious naked body, her treacherous thoughts reminded her.

As Spike rode the elevator down to the main lobby, he lit up a cigarette, looking challengingly at the bellboy. The boy caught his look of defiance and moved further into his corner.

Spike had looked through the envelope on the way down, there were papers for car hire included, all he had to do was collect the keys at the reception desk and sign a couple of forms and then he could be out of here. There was enough money in the envelope to last a neutered vamp for some time. That idea was starting to sound very appealing. Better than the blond bombshell that waited upstairs. Maybe he could make a new life for himself back in England; he'd steal the car and carry on driving. Spike walked over to the main desk, his mind already half made up to do just that.

Spike signed the necessary document and took the keys from the man behind the counter. He looked at the keys as they rested in the palm of his hand. With a growl he shoved them in his jeans pocket and strode out of the Hotel, walking out on to the Strand.

"You big poof, you're getting soft that's what it is, that chip in your head not only stopped you killing, you've lost your balls too," he muttered angrily.

He walked off to the nearest tube station, an idea forming in his head.

Buffy sat in the American bar, there was little or no evidence on her face that she been crying, save for a little puffiness around her eyes. She was glad of the muted lighting of her surroundings. To the casual observer she looked trouble and carefree. She checked her watch; it was five minutes to nine. Spike had not returned to their room, and she was starting to wonder if he had gone in the permanent sense.

Not that she cared, she told her self. Buffy frowned as a young man approached her; it was third in the last twenty minutes. She had come down early to get away from the deafening silence of her room only to be repeatedly hit on by young men who seemed to think that a woman alone must be desperate for male company. She looked away and the man got her silent message and went to sit back at the other end of the bar.

Buffy looked down at the luxurious carpet, deciding to avoid all eye contact with the patrons of the bar, she went off into a little daydream, sighing sadly. It was several moments before she noticed the pair of smart black shoes in her line of vision; she raised her head, another refusal on her lips, which died a swift death as she saw Spike standing there. Her heart did a little flip flop in her chest.

"Spike?" she asked, almost unable to believe her eyes.

"Unless there's two devilishly handsome men that look just like me, then that would be correct," he grinned.

Her eyes travelled up his body of their own volition, taking in every inch of his appearance, from the black leather shoes to the smart black shirt and tailored trousers. Her tongue seemed to stick to the roof of her mouth.

"Don't say that I've managed to achieve the impossible and actually shut you up?" he asked.

Buffy swallowed hard.

"Don't be so stupid, just didn't expect you to show, that's all. What else would it be?" she asked.

"I dunno, why don't you tell me Summers," he answered, staring intently into her green eyes.

Buffy knew she was still staring at him as though she could devour him with a spoon, but she couldn't help herself. Maybe it was true that vampires had some kind of mystical thrall about them, because try as she might, Buffy couldn't look away.

Quentin Travers entered the American bar of the Savoy at exactly nine o'clock. He scanned the room to find Buffy and Spike waiting at the bar. Only seeing what he wanted to see, he didn't notice Buffy's flushed cheeks or the studied nonchalance on Spike's face as he approached them.

"Good evening, glad to see you are both here, unpunctuality is utmost sign of sign of bad breeding," he said smugly.

"So is sticking me in the same room as him," Buffy replied angrily, as she pointed towards Spike.

"Ah, yes I did wonder how long it would take to get around to that subject," answered Quentin.

"You must see that it can't work, mortal enemies under the same roof, bloodlust aside what were you thinking?" asked Spike.

There was certainly some kind of lust brewing between them and it had little to do with blood, thought Spike as he watched her through half lowered lids. Not that she would ever admit he thought, with a wry smile.

"We may have an account here, but it only runs to one room, if you don't like it, there's always the streets, what money you have wouldn't be enough to get you home if that's what you are thinking of doing," suggested Quentin dryly.

"So basically what you are saying is that we are at your mercy for the next two weeks?" asked Spike.

"That's exactly what I am saying," smiled Quentin.

Spike stood up and grabbed Quentin by the lapels of his expensive suit, raising his fist, only to lower it as a blinding pain shot through his head.

"Interesting little mechanism you have in your head there William, which is exactly why we are so interested in you," said Quentin as he straightened out his suit.

"Well I don't have any problem with violence, so if you wanna keep your head on your shoulders, then a few more explanations are in order," said Buffy, threateningly.

Spike held his head, waiting for the pain to subside.

"I just bloody knew it! You want to mess with my head, sorry, but I am out of here," said Spike.

"Hear me out, if you don't like what I have to say, then you are free to leave," said Quentin.

"Spike lets hear the old wind bag out," sighed Buffy.

Travers ignored her intended insult.

"Good, then lets get a table," said Quentin, as he led the way.

Spike looked at the menu, closing it with a snap.

"Guess I'm going hungry this evening," he said.

"Not at all, they can make pretty much what ever you want here," Quentin informed Spike.

"I'll have a steak tartare then," grinned Spike.

Their meal arrived a little while later along with a bottle of the finest red wine the hotel had to offer. Buffy pulled a face of disgust as she saw what Spike had ordered. It was raw steak, the sight of it was almost enough to kill her appetite, but her stomach growled reminding her that she had eaten nothing since the plane this afternoon.

"Ok, I'll make it simple for you both. William the watchers council want to study you, we know a little about the organisation that put the chip in your head, but we need to learn it's capabilities as well as any information that you could give us about what type of show they are running. Their technology is years ahead of anything we have developed," said Quentin.

"Now I want you to tell me why the bleeding hell I should do anything to help you, especially as you are about the extinction of my kind?" Asked Spike.

"Because William, after the two weeks, if you give us your full cooperation. We will deposit the sum of two million pounds to an account for you," Quentin replied.

Spike looked at him, his fork froze half way to his mouth.

"Where do I sign up?" he asked.

Buffy was a little more sceptical.

"Spike! He can't be trusted," said Buffy.

"For two million, I'd make a pact with the devil," said Spike.

"I think you already have, I can't be bought so easily Mr Travers. I haven't forgotten one moment of what you did to me in the past," said Buffy.

"Ah, yes, but you haven't heard what I have to say yet, have you Miss Summers? How does a salary for the work that you do, as well as Mr Giles's return to the watchers council sound for starters?" he asked, supreme in his confidence.

"And?" she asked

"What do you mean And?" asked Spike.

"I want to know what else Mr Travers is prepared to offer," said Buffy.

"Smart girl, always negotiate for more, did Rupert teach you that little gem? It's simple really, we want you to assist with our watchers training programme. Many of our operatives in the field, will never have the chance to even train a slayer, let alone meet one. How about we look on these two weeks as a trial period to see if it will work out? If you feel you can help, I would be willing to move the operation state side, it needn't interfere with your slayer duties, or your studies, plus you will be paid the same amount as Spike for your time over the next two weeks," said Quentin.

"You seem to know a lot about what I have been doing," said Buffy.

"You think we would be dim-witted enough to repeat the same mistakes we made with Faith? One rogue slayer was quite enough," said Travers.

Buffy considered what he's said for a moment.

"Okay, I'll do it, but step one foot out of line and it's your ass," said Buffy.

"Well that's settled then, how about you and I go back to that huge bed in our room and give it a test run?" asked Spike.

"When there's a blue moon in the sky, I don't see one do you Spike? But anything is better than hanging around here, not giving the bed any test run either," said Buffy.

"As if I should be so needy," said Spike.

With that, Spike and Buffy left Quentin alone to finish his drink. He smiled to himself as he swirled the almost blood red liquid around in his wine glass.

They had fallen for it hook, line and sinker.