Chapter 10

Spike had been gone from the bedroom for nearly ten minutes, and Buffy was getting restless. She could hear voices in the other room. She got up from the bed, and threw on a pair of jeans and a blouse from the wardrobe. Buffy frowned as she heard Spike's voice raised in anger. Quickly brushing her hair, she joined him in the lounge.

"Spike, what's wrong, and who's this?" she asked, looking at the stranger standing in the middle of the room.

The man looked back at her.

"You're Buffy Summers right?" he asked.

"Yes, but.." Buffy began.

"We don't have much time, I have to get you both out of here," said the stranger.

"And tell me again, why would we want to go with you?" asked Buffy.

"Look maybe I'm not making myself clear here. Rupert called me several hours ago, said you might be in need of my help. My name is Robson. I am a friend of Rupert's, we go way back," said Robson.

"I still don't see the urgency, and why didn't Giles call me himself?" asked Buffy.

"He did try to call you. Several times in fact, but he kept getting no reply," Robson explained.

Buffy flushed uncomfortably.

"I er was really sleepy," she stammered.

Spike looked at her and arched an eyebrow. Sleep had been the last thing on her mind, as she had been on top of him, under him and..Spike brought his mind back to the present.

"Yeah, I was really sleepy too, didn't hear a thing," he said, turning back to Robson.

"It's to do with that blood sample I sent to Giles, isn't it?" asked Buffy.

"That, among other things," said Robson.

"What did old Rupes find then?" asked Spike.

"Your blood was being contaminated with the blood of the Lazarus demon, have you heard of it?" asked Robson.

"Can't say I have, but if you are gonna tell me, make it in plain English, I know you watcher types," said Spike.

"He's a watcher?" asked Buffy.

"Does Giles have any other type of friends?" asked Spike.

"As I was saying, the Lazarus demon has regenerative powers. It would have rendered you in a semi human state. How much of it did you drink?" asked Robson.

"He drained the whole bag, near enough," said Buffy.

"Hmmm, the effects should have worn off in a few more hours. But it greatly depends on the dosage," Robson replied.

"Yeah, but what if they gave him more rather than less. You should have seen him, he went bye bye, as soon as he'd drank it all," said Buffy.

"That sounds rather ominous. I've been asking around, called in a few favours, it also seems that the council is after Spike's chip. They plan to remove it," said Robson.

"Well that's good news for me, surely. That's all I have wanted since the soldier boys put the bloody thing in my head in the first place," said Spike.

"Yes, but as soon as they remove it, they intend to reward you with a stake in the heart. They're not interested in you, just what's in your head," said Robson.

"Those bastards!" said Spike, as he sat down hard on the sofa.

"What's my part in all this?" asked Buffy.

Robson frowned.

"Can you think of anything Quentin might have told you? Any thing no matter how little," he asked.

"Well, we were shown around the underground headquarters yesterday. Oh, and he said something about a project called rebirth and that, I would understand their work firsthand, or something," said Buffy.

"I have heard rumours about the rebirth project, but nothing concrete. I will have to do some more asking around. However, for now we are wasting time. Get anything together that you need. Essentials only, as time is of the essence," said Robson.

"Don't tell her that, otherwise Buffy will pack everything she's brought with her," said Spike.

Buffy hauled Spike up off the sofa, and literally dragged him into the bedroom and closed the door behind them. She turned to face him, her arms folded in defiance.

"Do we trust him?" asked Buffy.

"What choice do we have? Face it, we're stuck between a rock and a hard place, love. Talking of hard places, would you like to feel mine?" asked Spike.

"Spike! We have to pack," said Buffy, as she flushed red, just thinking about it.

"Nothing like a bit of danger, to get your priorities in order," he smiled.

"Yeah, and yours seem to be in your jeans," said Buffy.

"Can't blame a vamp for trying," he chuckled, as he packed his bag.

"Spike,"

"Yeah?" he asked.

"Be careful, it seems Quentin has it in for you," said Buffy, gravely.

Spike stopped his packing to walk over to Buffy. He cupped her face with one of his large, rough hands.

"Don't worry sweetheart, I'm not planning on getting myself dusted anytime soon," he said.

"Who said I was worried?" she lied.

"Ok, have it your way, for now," said Spike, as he continued packing.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Already to go, wherever that may be," said Buffy.

"Well I cannot take you to any of the councils safe houses, but do not worry I know of a place. You have your passports? The plan is to get you both out of the country as soon as something can be arranged," said Robson.

"All in here," said Spike, as he patted his leather duster.

Robson opened the door, checking the hallway before stepping out of the room. Leaving Buffy and Spike alone for a moment. He was surprised as she took his hand and squeezed it firmly.

"I'll watch your back," she said softly.

Spike's eyebrows raised in surprise at her words. It chafed at his manly pride to know he would need that offered help. He also knew he had no choice. Spike swallowed it down, and returned the pressure of her hand.

"I know you will, I trust you Buffy," he replied.

It was her turn to look surprised. They both quickly pulled apart, as Robson turned back to face them.

"Shall we go then?" asked Robson.

As Buffy and Spike stepped out into the hallway, she turned and took one last look at their room.

"I'm gonna miss this place," she sighed, before closing the door, and walking off after Robson.

"Me too," said Spike almost inaudibly, as he followed.

He was thinking of their night, spent in each other's arms. She had given herself to him so many times, but what was it to her? Just a tumble, never to be repeated? There were so many questions, which needed answers. Now was not the time, first they needed to get out of here, undetected. As the elevator doors closed behind them, one thing Spike was sure of was that he was starting to lose his heart to his mortal enemy. What else could be causing this ache in his chest, every time he looked at her. He placed a hand over his heart, removing it quickly his eyes widened in shock. He placed it there again and looked at Buffy.

"Spike, what is it?" asked Buffy.

He took her hand and placed it on his chest.

"Feel," he urged.

"Enough with the touchy feely requests, oh! You have a heartbeat," she said, looking at Robson.

"Just the effect of the demon blood," said Robson, indifferently.

Buffy kept her hand there, enjoying the feel of his hard chest. She started to daydream about how it had felt as she had run her fingernails over it, only a few short hours ago.

"Ahem," said Spike.

Buffy was jolted back to the present situation, to see Robson looking at her strangely.

"Yes, Buffy I have a heartbeat. Thanks for checking it out," he said, trying to appear indifferent, under the watchers scrutiny.

Indifferent was the last thing he was feeling as he wrapped his duster closer around him, to hide his arousal at her touch. The movement was not unnoticed by Buffy. The pinging of the elevator doors was like their wakeup call, as it broke the sensual spell that was wrapping its self around them both.

"Wait, I know the hotel is being watched, I had to come in through the back. If I am caught it will be my job," said Robson.

"Thanks for doing this," said Buffy.

Robson just nodded at her as he looked out of the doors.

"As I thought, Lavinia Davis. She is over by the main doors in the worst disguise I have ever seen," said Robson, scathingly.

"Lavinia? But she was that accommodating young lady who showed me around yesterday," said Spike.

Buffy poked her head out of the elevator.

"She's not very attractive is she?" asked Buffy.

"Don't have to get all jealous love, she's not a patch on you," grinned Spike.

"What's there to be jealous of?" she lied.

"Follow me, we'll have to go through the kitchens. I have my car parked in the staff area," said Robson.

They followed him, Buffy kept glancing behind them. She really was watching his back, he mused as they navigated the kitchens and exited the hotel.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Lavinia turned around, almost as if prompted by some sixth sense, something did not feel quite right. She took the Elevator up to the couple's room. She placed her ear against the door, hearing nothing, she took the spare card key from her jacket and opened the door. The room was empty, so Lavinia opened the bedroom door. The bed was a mess and there was clothing scattered over it, as if someone had left in a mighty haste.

Lavinia's hands trembled as she dialled Quentin's number on her cell phone.

"Yes?" came the gruff reply on the other end.

"I, er, Miss Summers and William, they're gone sir," She blurted out.

The lengthy silence on the other end, grew more ominous as each second passed.

"They know about the blood, but they don't know everything. I want them found. Get every watcher in the entire council on it for all I care. And Lavinia," said Quentin.

"Y-yes Sir," she stammered.

"One more failure like that, and you will be lucky to find work as a road sweeper," said Quentin, as he put the phone down on her.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The car drew up a back alley, in Mile End. It was one of the rougher areas of London; garbage cans were filled to overflowing. The smell of rotting food, assaulted Spike's senses. Buffy put her jacket over her face, at the smell.

They were standing outside the back entrance to a hotel. A neon light flicked on and off, a large greasy looking man came out the back. A cigarette was dangling in-between his dirty fingers, which he flicked away almost hitting Buffy.

"Classy," Buffy retorted.

"Robson, what have you brought me? The ice princess can sod off, if she thinks she's too good for my hotel," said the man.

"She didn't mean anything by it, she's American mate, not used to our ways," said Spike.

"Spike!" she hissed.

Spike turned to her, and put a warning finger on his lips.

"I trust you, now trust me," he whispered in her ear.

She shut up then, all protests died on her lips.

"I saved you the best room, it's the bridal suite." said the man, licking his lips suggestively.

"Ew," said Buffy, as she shuddered.

She could just imagine all the 'pretend' married couples that used this establishment.

"What was that?" asked the man.

Spike gave Buffy a hard look.

"Thank you," she amended quickly.

The man gave Spike a rusty looking key.

"12a up the stairs," said the man.

Spike took Buffy by the sleeve and dragged her into the hotel.

"Look Buffy, it may not be the Savoy, but it's a roof over our heads. Believe me, when I say you wouldn't want to be homeless on the streets of London, even with your abilities. I may not like that greasy tub of guts any more than you, but he's all that stands between you and I sleeping in a cardboard box tonight, so play the game, okay?" he asked.

They had reached the foot of the stairs, when Robson joined them.

"I have to go, otherwise I will be missed. I will give Giles your hotel number so he can call you, and do not leave the hotel. I am sure they are aware that you have gone. Quentin will have people out, looking for you both. I'll be back as soon as humanly possible," he said.

Spike took Buffy's hand.

"Come on lets go Love," said Spike.

Buffy sighed, and went with him.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Better switch on the light, it's starting to get dark," said Spike.

"Couldn't you keep it off? Then I can imagine that I am back at our other hotel, minus the drippy tap and the broken toilet seat," said Buffy.

"On the upside the room does have it's own microwave, and fridge," said Spike.

"Pure indulgence," she said, sarcastically.

"Come on love, just trying to make the best out of a bad situation," he replied.

Buffy looked distastefully at the peeling wallpaper.

"I bet they rent rooms, by the hour at this place," she said.

A knocking started up on the paper-thin walls of the room, next to theirs.

"What now?" she asked.

Buffy's mouth gaped open in horror, as she correctly interpreted the ensuing creaking of bedsprings, and the moans of pleasure belonging to the couple in the next room. She put her hands over her ears to block out the sound. Spike sat next to her on the bed and peeled her hands away, to put his arms around her.

She buried her head in his chest, breathing in the scent of him. Buffy placed a hand on the edge of his t-shirt. Spike sucked in a breath, realising for the first time that it wasn't an unnecessary one. He could feel her fingernails working their way beneath the fabric to touch the naked skin of his toned stomach.

"Buffy?" he asked, already knowing what she wanted.

"Make it all go away," she sighed.

Buffy looked at Spike, before pushing him back onto the bed. She pulled off his t-shirt and admired his pale skin in the early evening light.

"You are beautiful Spike, I never thought I'd use that word and you in the same sentence," Buffy giggled, as she bent her head to place a trail of kisses along the curve of his neck.

Spike groaned at the sensations she stirred up in him. How could things have shifted so quickly in a few short days? They did say love was akin to hate. **Love** Spike realised, that it was love for him, maybe it always had been. He pulled her down to meet her lips with his own. Spike tried to convey his newfound revelation in the touch of his hands, as he removed their clothing. Buffy sensed the change in him and wondered at it. It felt as if he was trying to worship her with his body. They fitted together perfectly as if each had been created for the other and this moment in time.

They came to completion, in a series of gentle sighs and moans. Nothing like the ugly parody of love, they had heard from the other room. Spike rolled off her, and pulled Buffy into the circle of his arms, covering them both with the rough bedspread.

Buffy snuggled up against him, sleepily and yawned. Feeling secure in his arms as sleep started to claim her. She softly kissed his chest before drifting off.

Spike stroked the softness of her hair.

"I love you Buffy Summers," he whispered, as he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

TBC

Chapter 11

***Buffy's Dream***

Buffy was lying on a hospital trolley. She was being wheeled up a brightly lit corridor, Spike was at her side holding her hand and smiling at her. He was strangely dressed in a green gown, with a facemask tied around his neck. They arrived at what looked like an operating theatre. Buffy looked down in shock at her swollen belly, Spike placed a hand on it and looked at her encouragingly.

"Come on love, I know you can do this. Push it's almost over," said Spike.

She shook her head and noticed for the first time that Giles, Willow and Xander were watching her from a glass observation window. Giles was shaking his head disapprovingly, and wiping his glasses. Willow just looked at Buffy in her usual wide-eyed surprise. She crossed her fingers and mouthed, "Good luck" to Buffy, through the glass. Xander was repeatedly hitting himself on the head with a hammer in an attempt to knock himself out.

Buffy looked back at Spike, he slipped into his game face, and grinned at her. She puffed and panted and a few seconds later Spike reached down and took their "baby" from her.

"What is it, a boy or a girl?" asked Buffy.

Spike looked at her, his fangs bared and yellow eyes shining.

"No, love it's a demon," he said, holding up the baby for her to see.

The baby was in game face just like Spike. Buffy recoiled in horror, looking back at the faces of her friends. They were laughing and pointing at her. She started to sob and at that moment, Quentin came in and staked Spike through the heart, neatly catching the baby as Spike dissolved into dust.

"Thank you Miss Summers, job well done, I'll be taking this," said Quentin, as he walked off with the baby.

Buffy looked at the pile of ashes on the floor that was once Spike and then up again at Quentin's retreating form. And she opened her mouth to let out a blood-curdling scream..

HOTEL NIGHT

"Buffy, Buffy.." Said Spike, trying to shake her awake.

The nightmare had her tightly in its grip, but she managed to shake it off and return to consciousness. Spike had switched on the bedside lamp to study her face; the smell of fear was strong on her.

"Buffy, what is it, what's wrong? You were screaming blue murder," said Spike.

Buffy looked at Spike, she was still trembling from the remembered dream.

"It's nothing really, just a childish nightmare that's all," she lied.

"It sounded a little more than that," said Spike, as he touched her shoulder in concern.

Buffy flinched automatically.

"Don't touch me," she snapped.

Spike frowned, the hurt evident on his face. She hardened her heart to it and drew her knees up to her chin, staring sightlessly at the wall.

"Fine, don't tell me then, but isn't that what couples are supposed to do, share their problems?" asked Spike.

Still a little raw from what she had dreamt, Buffy went for the jugular.

"Who said we were a couple, I never said that at any time," she replied defensively.

Spike swallowed down the pain at her words. He got up from the bed and pulled on his jeans.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"Any where, but here love. It's obvious that I'm superfluous to your needs," said Spike.

"But Robson said we weren't to leave the hotel," said Buffy.

"I don't give a damn what that prick has to say, I need some smokes and fresh air so if you don't mind? Well actually I don't care if you do," said Spike as he finished dressing.

"Spike.it's not a good idea,"

He slammed out of the room. She listened to his retreating steps along the hall and down the stairs, her tears started to fall in earnest.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After a half an hour of feeling sorry for herself, Buffy got up from the bed. She entered the grimy bathroom, and splashed her face with cold water. Looking at her puffy eyes in the mirror, her reflection looked back at her, almost accusingly. She hadn't meant to be so cruel to Spike, it was that damned nightmare.

Spike had been showing human characteristics ever since he'd drank that blood, and twice she had invited him into her bed. Well three times, if she counted their tequila fuelled first time. Granted, she had done the instigating on all the occasions, but not once in all their troubles had Buffy thought of the possible outcome of their union. Not until the dream at least, she didn't blame Spike; after all, he had been a vampire for a hell of a long time. The vampire community didn't exactly have to worry about procreating, not in the conventional sense anyway.

Maybe she was just stressing over nothing, but she had had too many prophetic dreams in her time to discard this latest one. If only Giles were here, he would help make sense of it all. She felt a fresh wave of tears well up in her eyes, but she blinked them back, angry with herself for her weakness.

"Get it together girl, you've had to face worse than this in your time," she told herself angrily.

There was a knock at the door, Buffy leapt off the bed eagerly to answer it.

"Spike, I am so sorry about." the words died on her lips, as she saw it was only the hotel manager. " Oh, it's you," she finished.

He looked her up and down.

"What's the matter sweetheart, your fella run out on you?" he asked.

"Is there a point to this conversation, or shall I just give you an ass kicking?" asked Buffy.

"Like a little scrap of a girl such as you could take me on. Anyway there's some guy on the phone for you," he said.

He waddled off down the hall, leaving an overpowering aroma of sweat in his wake. Buffy had no choice, but to follow him. She picked up the handset.

"Hello?" she said,

"Buffy, it's Giles," he replied.

Buffy breathed a big sigh of relief at the sound of a friendly voice.

"Giles, what's happening? Spike and I are holed up at some sleazy hotel and the council are out to kill Spike. Not to mention some top secret plan they are cooking up," said Buffy.

"I know, Robson told me. Not that Spike's demise would cause me any grief, he's one demon that Sunnydale would be a lot sunnier without," said Giles.

Buffy's hand tightened on the handset at Giles's words. She couldn't blame him for his attitude really. Hadn't she behaved in exactly the same way before their trip?

"You are making plans for both our escapes, aren't you?" asked Buffy.

"I er um yes," said Giles, awkwardly.

"Good, because if he does not go, I do not go. He's helpless Giles; he wouldn't even be able to fight them," said Buffy.

Giles sighed.

"I'm sorry Buffy," said Giles.

"For what?" asked Buffy.

"For putting you in this situation in the first place," said Giles.

"You weren't to know, I should have trusted my instincts on this one. Quentin usually has an agenda of his own," said Buffy.

"Quentin is not a bad man, but he will act in the best interests of the council, whether it's morally right or wrong," said Giles.

"So what's the plan?" asked Buffy.

"Have your things ready, Robson will collect you from the back alley of the hotel after the sun goes down," said Giles.

"And after that?" asked Buffy.

"He's taking you to a private airstrip that flies out freight planes only. It will be easier for you to get through unnoticed," said Giles.

"How is that going to get us all the way home?" asked Buffy.

"It will take you as far as LAX. There wasn't one going to Sunnydale, but not to worry we will be there to meet you," said Giles.

"Thanks, I'd better go, love to the others. Didn't think I would be so homesick, but I also didn't think things would turn out like this either," said Buffy.

"Be careful Buffy, I don't think I will be able to sleep until I know you are home safe," said Giles regretfully.

"I can take care of myself, its Spike I'm not so sure of," said Buffy.

With that, she replaced the handset, and went back up the stairs to her room.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Buffy sat on the bed, looking at her watch. It was almost 7am and Spike had still not returned. She pulled back the ragged curtains to see that the sky was turning to grey. What if the effects of the demon blood had started to wear off? He had the best part of half an hour, before sunrise.

Buffy grew tired of twiddling her thumbs, she put on her jacket and left her room against her better judgement. So, Robson had told them both to stay put, but Buffy couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right. She tucked her blonde hair into her jacket and pulled up the collar. Buffy walked out into the back alley of the hotel, looking around in the dimness. There was no one around except for the obligatory drunk, taking a leak a few feet away.

"Guess some things are the same the world over," said Buffy.

Buffy walked down the road, not sure what direction to take. Something silvery caught her eye in the light of the street lamp. Frowning, Buffy bent to pick it up. Her heart was in her mouth as she saw it was Spike's lighter. She would know it anywhere; he'd used it enough during their short 'engagement' but where was its owner? Buffy looked around, at the now empty streets. A male hand rested on her shoulder making her start, fleetingly. Buffy gripped it on reflex and threw it and it's owner over her shoulder.

Robson landed in an awkward heap at her feet.

"I should have remembered not to have come at you from behind. They teach that in basic training," said Robson, rubbing at his shoulder.

"Is Spike with you?" asked Buffy.

"That's why I'm here. I just got word, and the council have him. They picked him up about two hours ago, as he was walking back from a local corner shop," said Robson.

"That dumb ass," said Buffy.

"Well a lot of vampires are lacking in intelligence," said Robson.

"I wasn't talking about Spike, I was talking about Mr Travers," said Buffy.

"Well at least they didn't get their hands on you. We can still go ahead with our plan to get you on that plane tonight," said Robson.

Buffy shook her head.

"No Spike, no Buffy, Comprende?" asked Buffy, as she folded her arms and fixed him with a determined glare.

"I don't understand, he's just a vampire, it's your job to kill them. Why would you care?" asked Robson.

Buffy realised that she did care about Spike, in fact she cared so much that it scared her. Why had she been afraid to let him get close? What if she never got the chance to show him that she wanted more than just great sex? She had to get Spike before Travers killed him. Buffy pulled Robson along by his lapels of his jacket.

"I'm gonna rescue Spike and you're going help me," said Buffy.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spike was starting to come around, he squinted against the bright lights of the grey walled room. He tried to move, only to discover that he was very tightly chained to a chair. One minute he had been walking down the road about to light up a cigarette and the next Spike knew he was here.

He pulled at the chains, to no avail. Spike slumped down in the chair. The door opened, Quentin walked in followed by Lavinia.

"Hello William, so nice that you could join us," drawled Quentin.

"Any thing to oblige.you bastard," said Spike.

"Now, now no need for offensiveness. We have a missing slayer that we need to find, any idea where she might be?" asked Quentin.

"Go get shagged, you look as if you need it," snarled Spike.

"I thought that might be your attitude. I have a couple of friends that might be able to persuade you to talk," said Quentin.

As if on cue, a couple of hard set looking men entered the room.

"Are you the welcoming party?" asked Spike.

One of the men backhanded him across the face.

"You speak when spoken to, get it?" asked one of the new comers.

Spike spat blood on the floor.

"Never was one for doing what I was told," said Spike as he looked up at him defiantly.

"Well I'll leave you three alone to get acquainted, come on Lavinia," said Quentin.

"Oh, yes, sorry Sir," said Lavinia as she followed him.

Lavinia followed after Quentin, as she turned to close the door, She glanced at Spike and caught his eye. Flushing guiltily she hung her head in shame and closed the door.

"Now where were we?" asked Spike.

"At the bit where you were about to tell us everything you knew," said the man.

"Over my undead body," sneered Spike.

TBC

        Chapter 12

Buffy quickly returned to the hotel, to stuff all of her and Spikes belongings into a bag, her hand closed over Spike's ring. She knew what it was before she even opened her palm to look at it. The perfect opportunity to return it to him had never arisen, now she knew she didn't want to. Buffy slipped the ring onto her thumb; it always had been a little too big for her.

She exited the hotel; Robson was waiting for her, the engine of his car already running.

"Better get in the back and lie down, too many of Quentin's spies are around," said Robson.

Buffy got in and laid on the back seat, as Robson navigated the London roads. They had only been travelling for a few minutes when the car came to a halt. Robson slammed his hand on the steering wheel in frustration.

"What is it?" asked Buffy.

"Early rush hour, we could be stuck here for ages," said Robson.

"Spike does not have ages, we have to get there some other way," said Buffy.

She dared a peek over the back seat.

"There's a tube station over there, Bank or some funny name," said Buffy.

"Excellent idea, with all the other travellers we will be harder to spot," said Robson.

They took the tube as far as Holborn and changed lines.

"Now what? We can't just walk through the front doors of the watchers council," said Robson.

"That's exactly what we are going to do," said Buffy.

"Madness, sheer madness," muttered Robson,

"That's me, mad, bad and dangerous to know. Well maybe less on the bad," grinned Buffy.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spike was slumped in his chair exhausted by the physical torture that had been dealt out to him. His body bore the recent scars of holy water and crosses that had been applied to his flesh.

One of his torturers looked at him scathingly.

"This ones not going to talk, useless vampire scum," he said.

"You'd better tell Mr Travers. I don't think he's going to like it," said the other.

"Who ever heard of a vampire protecting a slayer," sneered the first man.

"She's not going to save you mate, you're done for. Travers has got plans for you," he said, as he left the room with his accomplice.

Spike continued to stare at the floor. She would come for him. He had to believe that, he was sure he would go mad if he allowed himself to think of the alternatives.

Buffy cared about him, some where in that stubborn little heart of hers. No matter how damning her earlier behaviour had seemed. The silly bint had just had some ugly nightmare or other. He had caught her off guard, was all, he thought. Buffy wasn't the best at communicating her emotions. He's seen how she would make quippy little comments to hide what she was really feeling.

The few days they had been away together, on their vacation from hell, Spike had seen a different side of her. Yes, he had total trust in her. Buffy would come for him. He looked up and smiled as Travers entered the room, his secret knowledge gave him inner strength.

"What's next on the menu?" grinned Spike.

Travers pursed his lips together in annoyance, as he regarded Spike.

"What are you so happy about William? So, you will not talk? No matter. I want that chip in your head; at least I will get that. Enjoy your time left on this earth, because in the next hour and a half you will be going for a one-way trip to our operating theatre," said Quentin, smugly.

"So if it's the end of the road for Spike, then why don't you tell me just what you wanted Buffy for? Sort of a last request thing," asked Spike.

Travers considered him for a moment.

"I suppose I could do that. After all, you won't be going any where soon William," said Travers.

"And how about a cigarette while you are at it?" asked Spike.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Buffy and Robson watched the entrance to the watchers council, from across the street.

"Do you think the building is being watched?" asked Buffy.

"Well we've been here for over ten minutes and I've not seen anything. I really think that in all his arrogance, that it has just not occurred to Mr Travers to place operatives outside the building," said Robson.

Buffy and Robson turned, as they felt a presence behind them. Buffy's face drained of colour as she saw it was the woman from the hotel of the previous day.

"Robson, what interesting company you keep, hello Miss Summers," said Lavinia, sarcastically.

"I er, Lavinia," stuttered Robson.

She gave him a hard stare.

"You don't have much time. William is scheduled for surgery in less than an hour," said Lavinia.

"I don't understand," said Robson.

"I think I do, she wants to help, is that right?" asked Buffy.

"Since when did Quentin's right-hand man, er person, grow a conscience then?" asked Robson.

Lavinia ignored him and turned to Buffy.

"The plan was just to walk right through the front door," said Buffy.

"Brave, but stupid. You won't get far without this," said Lavinia, as she held out a familiar looking gold key.

"That's Mr Travers key, the one he used when he took us to the underground place," said Buffy.

"And there is the matter of your clothes," Lavinia said, looking Buffy up and down.

Buffy looked at her jeans and jacket.

"Yeah, I guess they are wicked conspicuous, but I don't care, I just want to save Spike," said Buffy.

"Well you'll do as I tell you then. I never knew Mr Travers was capable of such cruelty, I can't be a part of it any longer" sighed Lavinia, sadly.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spike looked at the clock on the wall. Its constant ticking loud, in the empty room. Each sound bringing him closer to his ending. What ever Buffy was doing, she had better be doing it quickly, he thought.

He couldn't believe what Travers had told him, that man had less morals than a vampire did. Moreover, to want to use Buffy in that way without her consent, had made him so angry, but Spike had hidden it well. If he ever got out of here, he knew he would have to tell Buffy. For all either of them knew, Quentin's plan may have succeeded after all, but just not in quite the way, he had expected.

If Buffy was carrying his child, it was something that they would both have to deal with. The chance of hitting the jackpot the couple of times they had made love, were pretty slim. There was so much that he wanted to say to her, tell her, and the chances of him being able to that, were looking bleak.

Where was that Lavinia chit? Travers had sent her out for his cigarettes nearly half an hour ago, and time was a wasting. Spike looked up as the door opened, he saw the brown skirt suit out of the corner of his eye, and looked at the floor again.

"About bloody time. Thought I was going to get the big send off without a last smoke," said Spike.

A cigarette was placed into his mouth.

"A light would be good too," said Spike.

A lighter would be placed in front of him. Spike recognised his lighter and looked up in shock, into a pair of green eyes, shimmering with unshed tears.

"Buffy? Bloody hell, is that really you?" asked Spike, taking in her scraped back hair and brown skirt suit.

"None other, lets just say I found a friend in an unexpected place," said Buffy.

Spike pulled at his chains.

"It's hopeless, I am never getting out of here. You should go before Quentin finds you," said Spike.

Buffy got on her hands and knees, pulling at the chains, but they refused to budge.

"I think if we break the chair, then I can get you out of these," said Buffy.

Spike looked at her.

"Sorry love," he said.

"Sorry for what?" she asked.

"Sorry I was stupid enough to get caught," said Spike.

"If any one should be sorry then it's I. I was a bitch to you this morning, and I know it," said Buffy.

Buffy got onto the chair and straddled Spike's lap, pushing her legs against the wall and holding on to the back of the chair, she pushed with all her strength.

"Buffy, as much as I am enjoying you squirming about on my lap, now's not the time for fun and games. They will be coming for me soon," said Spike.

Buffy glared at him warningly.

The back of the chair split, with a satisfying crack, causing them both to collapse to the floor. Spike got up from the ground on shaky legs. He put out a hand to help Buffy up. He retrieved his shirt and duster from the back of one of chairs, and quickly put them on.

"Now what?" asked Spike.

Buffy looked at him thoughtfully.

"That Lavinia is smart. She told me that she was invisible to the staff here. Dressed in her clothes, I hardly got a second glance all the way here," said Buffy.

"Fascinating, but how does that help us get out of here?" asked Spike.

"Grab the chains wrap them around yourself, I am going to bluff our way out of here that's how," said Buffy.

Spike placed the chains over his head. Buffy pulled him along by them, out into the main research area. There were very few people around, unlike their previous visit. Buffy glanced at her watch, it was 9:30 am. The rest of the staff would be clocking on soon, Buffy used Lavinia's swipe card to open the main doors. As they started to open, Buffy felt herself breathe a little more easily.

"I think we made it," said Buffy.

"Don't count your chickens just yet," said Spike.

"Pessimist," hissed Buffy, under her breath.

Spike chuckled, wincing a little, as it reopened one of the wounds on his chest. They both walked forward out onto the empty platform. The doors started to close behind them.

"See told ya, piece of cake," said Buffy confidently.

"Miss Davies, where are you taking the prisoner?" asked a voice behind her.

"Oh, hell!" said Spike.

Buffy turned to face the grey suited, security guard who stood challengingly on the deserted platform.

"You're not Miss Davies," said the guard.

"You think?" asked Buffy.

The guard blew on his whistle for a few short blasts, just before Buffy's fist made contact with his face and he almost swallowed it. The man fell to the floor like a sack of potatoes.

"Poor bastard, I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of one of those," said Spike.

Spike threw the chains off; he looked up towards the elevator doors across the way.

"People are coming, I can hear them, and we need to get out of here and fast. The tunnels are still here that looks like our best way out at the moment," said Spike, as he jumped onto the tracks.

Buffy joined him.

"I hope you're right, don't feel like outrunning a train as well as Travers's minions," said Buffy.

Spike took her hand.

"The tracks are too rusted, nothing has run here for at least twenty years pet, stop panicking," said Spike.

"Panic? Me panic! I'll tell you what 'bloody' panic is! It's finding out that you'd been abducted that's what," said Buffy.

"Stop bleeding yammering woman, and lets get the hell out of here," said Spike.

They both broke out into a run, Buffy held tightly to his hand. She let Spike guide her through the inky blackness of the tunnels.

"If we get out of this, I am so gonna kill you," said Buffy.

"The same way you slayed me in bed last night? Anyway looks like the end of the tunnel is in sight quite literally," said Spike.

"And it looks like a dead end, Spike you have great night vision is there anyway out that you can see?" asked Buffy.

Spike looked around.

"There's a closed off stairwell on the left, looks like we could get out that way," said Spike.

He kicked it experimentally; the rusty corrugated metal panel gave very easily.

"Ah, mindless vandalism, oh how I've missed it," said Spike.

"Don't get too used to it," said Buffy as they climbed the filthy stairs.

"I can smell the fresh air we are near street level," said Spike.

"How are we gonna get you out of here? I mean the daylight problem," asked Buffy.

"Let me worry about that. Hopefully that demon blood is still working, otherwise you'll be taking me home in a doggy bag," said Spike.

Buffy looked at Spike intently for a moment, before pulling his head down to hers. She caught his lips up in a passionate, but tender kiss. After a few moments, they broke apart.

"Very nice, what was that for?" asked Spike.

"Maybe it was I'm glad you're not a big pile of dust kiss, now lets go. Just one more barrier to break through," grinned Buffy.

"How many more to break through when we get back to Sunnydale?" asked Spike.

Buffy sighed.

"Let's cross that bridge when we come to it," said Buffy, hoping that her friends would understand.

The last obstacle proved no problem to their combined strength, as they pushed past the hardboard walls that sealed up the old tube entrance. Buffy stepped out into the cloudy grey morning, it had started to rain. Spike put his hand out in to the day light, testing his skins reaction to it.

"So far, so good, lets take the bus I've had enough of the underground to last me several lifetimes," said Spike as he stepped out onto the pavement next to Buffy.

"We have to get to Bank, that where Robson left his car, he gave me the keys, " said Buffy holding them up.

Spike took them from her and pocketed them.

"I'll take those, I've heard of your driving skills, funny really, it seems Giles has some cool friends after all, " said Spike.

Buffy opened her mouth to protest, quickly closing it as she considered the truth of his words. She laced her fingers through his and pulled him towards a bus stop.

"C'mon lets go home, we have a plane to catch, and we haven't got there yet," said Buffy.

Moreover, a whole lot of other bad to deal with too, thought Spike, but that could wait for the plane ride.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"So let me get this straight Miss Davies, you saw Robson trying to apprehend Miss Summers, and you stepped in to help. Then Miss Summers knocked you both unconscious and then proceeded to drag you into a back alley where she stole your clothes and your security keys?" asked Quentin.

"That's exactly how it happened," said Robson, nursing a bruise on his face.

Lavinia looked up at Travers innocently, a black eye starting to show.

"I did my best sir, but slayer strength and all," said Lavinia.

"Hmmm, you can both go," said Travers, dismissively.

Robson and Lavinia left the room. It had been at Robson' suggestion that Buffy had hit them both, albeit, very reluctantly on Buffy's part. At least they would have their careers intact, and no real suspicion would fall on them.

"Godspeed to them both, looks like they've escaped Quentin's grasp for now," said Lavinia.

" Yes, he did look a little annoyed. I need a drink," sighed Robson.

"At this time of the morning? Okay, you're on," said Lavinia.

TBC
 

Chapter 13

Buffy and Spike sat upstairs, on the front seat of a red double Decker bus, as it drove through the wet London morning. Buffy started to giggle. Spike looked at her, a confused expression on his face.

"Sorry Love, not getting the humour of the situation," said Spike.

"It's not funny really, just a stupid random thought that popped into my head," said Buffy.

"Like?" asked Spike.

"Like, at least I am finally getting to see the sights of London. Even if it is from a bus that's probably older than mom," said Buffy.

A thought occurred to Spike.

"Did you even tell your mum that you were going to England?" asked Spike.

"Sure, I phoned her the day before I left," said Buffy.

"How did she react to her only child going away with her mortal enemy for two weeks, and to a strange country?" asked Spike.

Buffy looked uncomfortable for a moment.

"I er um didn't tell her," said Buffy.

Spike chuckled.

"Wonder what Joyce would say, if she knew what her daughter had been doing with said enemy while away," drawled Spike.

Buffy sighed and Spike looked away, as they travelled in awkward silence for several minutes. The bus pulled sharply to a stop and Buffy was thrown into Spike's arms. He steadied her and she looked up into his face; the emotion in his eyes, caused the breath to catch in her throat. Spike ran his tongue over his lower lip. Her eyes followed the action and she pressed her lips to his. He wound his hands in her hair as their kiss deepened. They parted, reminded of their surroundings by the loud hacking cough, of a disapproving old woman. Spike frowned; the moment passed and he looked away.

"Travers told me I was done for; that you wouldn't come for me," Spike said quietly.

Buffy touched his chin and turned him back, to face her.

"I will always come for you, no matter where, or how far. Travers wouldn't know a real human emotion if it staked him, you didn't believe him did you?" asked Buffy.

Spike smiled sadly at her.

"Maybe for an instant, but only for an instant. I mean why would you risk yourself to save me? What do I really have to offer any one? I'm not a good man Buffy; hell I'm not really even a man," said Spike.

Buffy's eyebrows knitted together, her eyes flashing annoyance.

"Do you wanna make me mad? I see who you are now, and I see a different 'man' from the one who showed up in Sunnydale a couple of years ago," said Buffy.

Spike smiled, as the fond memories of their past encounters washed over him.

"Yeah, but wasn't that part of the excitement? To see who would kill the other first?" asked Spike.

Buffy looked at him airily.

"Spike your number was up the moment you decided to come to my town. I would have got you in the end," she said confidently.

"Yeah, my number was up, just not the way, you mean," Spike mumbled in contented acceptance.

"Time to get off, this is our stop. I can see Robson's car parked over there," said Buffy.

They got off the bus, Buffy held tightly to his hand; afraid of losing him again.

"Don't want to rain on your parade love, but what next?" asked Spike.

Buffy reached into the jacket of the brown suit she was wearing, and retrieved a folded piece of paper.

"It's all here; Robson wrote it down, directions and all, probably just as well. I won't really feel safe until we are back to Sunnydale. If Travers comes calling, then at least I can fight him on my own turf," said Buffy

Spike studied the piece of paper.

"Looks like we're going on a trip to Essex, fancy a trip to the seaside? Southend Airport is just a few miles from there," Spike said, as he unlocked the driver's door of the car.

"Spike?" said Buffy as she looked at him

"Yeah?"

"Why is that yellow thingy, around the tyre of the car?" asked Buffy.

"Bloody hell, we're not going anywhere in this; wait here," said Spike as he eyed the wheel clamp, and walked off.

Spike turned a corner, Buffy was in two minds whether to follow him or not. She took the keys from the car door and opened the trunk, taking what was left of hers and Spikes belongings from it. Buffy looked up, as she heard the screeching of tyres. A small strange car pulled up at the kerb. The passenger door opened.

"Are you just gonna stand their and catch flies, or are we going to get the hell out of dodge?" asked Spike.

Buffy scrambled into the car and slammed the door shut.

"Haven't lost my touch," said Spike smugly.

"Spike, is this car stolen?" asked Buffy.

"Borrowed is the preferred term love," said Spike.

Buffy sighed in resignation.

"Can I just say how much I am not loving this trip, anything else illegal on the agenda? " asked Buffy.

"Auto theft is enough to be going on with, unless you have any ideas?" grinned Spike.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The phone rang in Willows dorm room; she had answered it by the second ring.

"Please be Giles," said Willow.

"Oh, but the middle-aged librarian look is so last century," said the voice on the other end.

"Xander? Oh," said Willow, the disappointment evident in her voice.

"Nice to talk to you too Will, maybe you'll be full of the happies again when I give you the news," said Xander.

"Xander!" said Willow warningly.

"Okay, okay, wouldn't want to become a demon magnet again. Just talked to Giles, Buffy's safe from the council for now. If everything goes okay she should be back sometime tomorrow night," said Xander.

Willow breathed a sigh of relief.

"And Spike?" asked Willow.

"That's the funny thing. Giles's watcher friend told him that Spike was captured and that Buffy rescued Spike. What do ya think is going on with that?" asked Xander.

"I have no idea," lied Willow.

"Any way, Buffy and the blonde pest will be back soon. Then maybe we can find out what those evil British guys wanted with our Buff," said Xander.

Willow looked at her watch.

"Gotta go Xander, meeting someone later," said Willow.

"Some hot young campus stud?" asked Xander.

Willow smiled, as she thought of her shy friend Tara. Ever since they had worked together against the Gentlemen, Willow had spent an increasing amount of time with her. It was nice to have a non-Scooby friend, she thought to herself.

"Yeah, how did you guess?" asked Willow as she replaced the handset, and walked over to the closet to get ready.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"If you had to steal a car, couldn't you have got one with a little more leg room?" asked Buffy, as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"The Mini is a great British institution, you wanted to soak up the culture love. Now's your chance," said Spike, as he leaned forward to switch on the radio.

"Well if Travers and tiny cars are all England has to offer, then you can keep it. How are you holding up? I saw what they did to you back there," said Buffy.

Spike briefly touched his chest.

"Fast healing like yourself pet, I'll soon be right as rain," said Spike.

"Are we there yet?" asked Buffy.

"Do you see any sea?" asked Spike.

"Nope, but I do see a store and my tummy's all growly," said Buffy.

Spike pulled over and Buffy took the remainder of their dwindling cash and exited the car.

"Don't take all day, I know how long it takes a girl to shop," said Spike, raising an eyebrow.

"Well I'm not like other girls," she said as she walked off.

"That's for bloody certain," Spike replied.

With Buffy gone, Spike looked out at the darkening skyline. He idly strummed his long fingers on the steering wheel. It was only three in the afternoon, but it was already starting to get dark. Suddenly Spike gasped as he felt a sharp pain in his upper body, he clutched at his chest, as he blacked out momentarily.

Buffy returned to find him slumped over the wheel.

"Spike, are you okay," she asked urgently.

Spike raised his head.

"My heart just stopped, looks like the demon blood is wearing off. It was like dying all over again," said Spike.

"Sure you're okay?" asked Buffy.

Spike nodded.

Buffy placed the groceries in the back seat and pulled him into her arms. She immediately noticed the returned coolness of his body.

"Guess it couldn't last forever," she sighed against his skin.

"Did you want it to?" asked Spike.

"I don't know," she answered truthfully.

They pulled apart and Spike drove off.

"Got some time to kill, mind a little detour?" asked Spike.

"Is that wise?" asked Buffy.

"Don't go all sane on me now. I just want you to have one good memory from your trip," said Spike.

Buffy gave him a saucy grin,

"I have quite a few happy memories already," she replied, as her hand curved around his thigh.

"I'm starting to think that all those stories about college girls are true," he said teasingly.

Spike turned his full attention back to the road. As full as he could, with a certain slayer tracing patterns along the curve of his inner thigh. After a few more minutes, Spike turned into a car park and switched off the engine.

"Where are we?" she asked.

"You'll see," said Spike.

He quickly exited the car and opened her door. Buffy got out, smelling the salty air.

"The sea?" she asked.

"Either that, or there's a really big puddle over there," Spike said dryly.

"Ruin the moment why don't ya," said Buffy, as she lightly thumped him on the arm.

Spike pulled her along the sea front and down the steps leading to the beach.

"Slow down, I can't run in this thing, I should change," said Buffy, looking down at Lavinia's clothing.

"Keep it on. It makes you look like a proper little schoolteacher. You know I'm a bad boy, are you going to punish me later?" asked Spike, hopefully.

"Repeatedly," said Buffy, trying to look severe.

They linked hands and walked along the beach. Buffy winced as a pebble worked its way into her boot.

"Damn stones, thought the beach was meant to be a little more..well beachy, not that I mind," Buffy amended quickly, not wishing to appear ungrateful.

Spike stopped walking and looked out to sea.

"Buffy, there are things we really need to talk about. Travers told me everything, about his plans for you, why he wanted my chip, and why he gave me demon blood. You're not gonna like it," said Spike.

"I don't suppose I will, but lets save it for when we get back to Sunnydale. We can hold a scooby meeting, talk over the facts with the others," said Buffy.

Spike shrugged, not sure, it was the best way to go. He knew Buffy all too well, she wouldn't listen unless she wanted to.

"Okay, but on your head be it. At least let me tell you about our first night together," said Spike.

"You mean the night I acted like a drunken ho?" asked Buffy, reddening, at what little memory she had of that night.

"You didn't though. Nothing happened at all," said Spike.

Buffy stared at him, briefly stunned into silence.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she demanded.

"Why didn't I bloody.Buffy I tried a million times the morning after. You didn't want to know," Spike said in indignation.

Buffy grinned at him playfully.

"Ahh, I had ya!" said Buffy.

Spike realised that she was teasing him.

"Summers, you are asking for it!" growled Spike.

"And you're going to give it to me later, but for now lets enjoy the rest of our walk," she replied as they continued along the beach.

"So you're not mad?" asked Spike.

"For something that was my fault? So what exactly did happen?" Asked Buffy.

"You asked me to stay and I did, I held you in my arms all night," said Spike.

Buffy swallowed as she felt tears spring to her eyes. She gently touched his face.

"Thank you," she said.

"Buffy?"

"Yeah,"

"Is this gonna work? You know, the you and me?" asked Spike.

Buffy was silent as she considered it.

"Don't see why not, you're thinking of my friends reactions aren't you?" asked Buffy.

"Maybe, but you know they all hate me, don't you," asked Spike.

"Yeah, it had crossed my mind, but take their histories; Willow dated a werewolf and Xander is currently dating an ex vengeance demon. Don't really think they have a lot of reason to go all judgy on me," said Buffy.

"We'll see. Incidentally, how do you feel about kids?" asked Spike.

Buffy looked at him strangely as the memory of her nightmare came over her.

"That's a funny kinda out there question," Said Buffy as she looked down at the ground. "I don't know, give me another week and I'll tell ya," she added quietly.

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Spike sharply.

"Nothing, nothing at all," Buffy said vaguely.

They sat on a bench over looking the sea, holding hands and lost in their own thoughts. Both thinking of the possible child they may have created, but neither of them ready to voice it. He saw his ring shining on her thumb, so she'd kept it after all, he'd thought that his favourite ring must have taken a one-way trip down the loo weeks ago. The little gesture gave Spike hope that maybe they could have a future together after all.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Quentin sat in his limo, feeling very pleased with himself. He had thought the trail had gone cold after Buffy and Spike's flight from the Watchers HQ, but a phone call a couple of hours later, had certainly brightened his mood. He was headed down the A12 towards the only non-commercial airport in the area. A couple of other cars followed in his wake. Buffy Summers was very naïve if she thought it was that easy to get away, he thought to himself as he sipped at his tumbler of whiskey.

"Looks like we're here love," said Spike.

Buffy looked as they drove past the brightly lit airfield, surrounded by a high wire fence.

"Park up," said Buffy.

Spike pulled up along side the grass verge.

"Perfectly good main entrance over there," said Spike.

"Which is why we won't be using it," said Buffy.

She grabbed their things and made her way over to the fence, Spike abandoned the car and joined her just as she did one of her famous flips over the high fence. Not to be out done he did the same.

Buffy glanced at her watch.

"It's seven forty five, not a lot of time to waste," she said as she pulled Spike along with her.

"There's dozens of planes here," said Spike.

"But only one that looks even slightly flight ready, what do you wanna bet that it's our flight," Buffy replied.

"Know all," mumbled Spike.

"You wait here, I'll go check. Robson said they're expecting us," said Buffy.

Buffy made her way over to the plane and talked to the pilot, and she gestured for Spike to join them. They scrambled inside the belly of the plane as the cargo doors closed behind them, and the engines fired into life. The plane moved off as, it made it's way over to the main runway.

Spike looked out of the window, taking his last look at England for what was probably his last time ever, when he noticed a limo and two other cars speeding towards the runway from the other direction.

"Don't look now love, but it looks like Quentin has come to see us off. And to think I thought he didn't care," Spike said sarcastically.

As the engines speeded up, the cars came to a halt, Buffy and Spike watched as they saw Quentin get out of the limo and thump the door in obvious frustration.

"Now be a good girl and wave bye bye, to the nice watcher man," said Spike.

Spike turned to look at Buffy, his mouth opened in surprise.

"What?" she asked innocently.

"Decided that the two finger salute was appropriate for the occasion did you? Hell why not," said Spike as he raised his fingers and did the same.

As the plane got in the air, Buffy relaxed into one of the seats. Apart from the hundreds of cardboard boxes that filled the plane it could have been worse, she thought.

"Well that showed him for now any way, but I doubt that's the last that we've seen of that bastard," said Buffy.

"You can count on it. Enough talk about him, long trip ahead, any ideas how to spend the time?" asked Spike.

"Spike we can't have sex in here, they might catch us. Besides I want to make sure that you are back to normal," said Buffy.

This was a good an opening as he was going to get, so he took it.

"I think it may be a little too late," said Spike.

"What do you mean?" asked Buffy.

"I mean, that I think you might be carrying my child Buffy,"

Spike looked at her, waiting for the childish hysterics and denial to start.

"I know," she said quietly.

TBC

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