Chapter 12

"I have heard some crazy ideas in my time, usually from Buffy, granted, but hello mass destruction big crater, jog anyone's memory?" asked Spike.

"Just hear Willow out," said Buffy.

"Well the amulet, I am assuming is still inside the remains of the hellmouth, unless there's something else your not telling us Spike," said Willow.

"Like what?" he asked.

"Like, did it travel with you when you er died?" asked Willow.

"No, just me, no poncy jewelry," said Spike.

"Well there is one thing," said Buffy

"What is it?" asked Willow.

Buffy started to unbutton Spike's shirt.

"Hey since when did I sign up as a stripper, besides I don't think I'm red's type," said Spike.

Buffy opened Spike's shirt to reveal the scarring on his chest, caused by the amulet.

"Wow, that's some memento, it looks like I was right, the amulet and Spike are definatley connected in some way and the sooner we reunite the two the better," said Willow.

"Excuse me if I don't jump for joy at the prospect of being re-united with the means of my death," said Spike.

Buffy gave Spike a penetrating look.

"When do we leave?" asked Buffy.

"The sooner the better I'd say, we are gonna have to drive there, I know it's a long way, but unless Spike has suddenly got over his fear of flying or one of you has recently won the lotto so we can afford all the plane tickets, we'll have to hire something, besides we can all take turns at driving so there won't be the need for anything much more than Gas stops," said Willow.

"I can help with the driving," said Buffy.

"No offence love, but we want to get there in one piece, we're gonna need some thing pretty big for all of us" said Spike.

"You want to help with the arrangements? " asked Willow.

"Sure, it's my ass we are trying too save here," he grinned, giving Buffy a quick kiss as he followed Willow into the lounge.

Buffy allowed herself a little smile as some of her earlier despair was washed away. It was gonna work, it had to, but be dammed if she was going to just sit there and lose Spike a second time, she thought resolutely, as she grabbed her clothes and finished getting dressed.

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

(A Few hours later)

"Well that's all sorted then, Spike you and Andrew go to the hire place, we need something like a motor home, big enough for all seven of us," said Giles.

"I know the kind of thing you need, did it once before when we were all fleeing from that Glory chickie," said Spike.

"Yes, but this time you are not going to steal it," said Giles.

"As if I would," said Spike innocently.

Giles handed Spike his credit card.

"Now I am trusting you with this, against my better judgement, no spur-of- the-moment shopping trips this time, ok?" said Giles.

"Got every thing I need for now, come on boy, looks like we are stuck with each other again," said Spike looking at Andrew.

"Want me to come with?" asked Buffy.

"You stay here love, won't be long, give you a chance to miss me," he tilted his head at her and grinned.

"Had three months to do that," she replied sadly.

Spike instantly regretted his thoughtless words; he took Buffy's hand in his.

"If you really want to come with us Buffy?" he asked.

"No you are right, besides they probably need my help back here, don't be too long," she said as she leaned in to give him a kiss on the lips, which soon blazed out of control.

A discreet cough brought them back.

"Ahem I'd say time is of the essence," said Giles.

"Right, let's get on it," said Spike.

Andrew followed after him eagerly. After they had gone, Buffy walked over to Giles and gave him a hug.

"Thanks for doing all of this, but I don't understand, why the sudden attitude change where Spike's concerned," said Buffy.

"A little bird had a word in my ear, made me realise how I was behaving," admitted Giles.

Xander watched Spike and Andrew walking away, from his position at the apartment window.

"Guess I am going to have to phone work and tell them that that sickly relative has taken a turn for the worse," sighed Xander in resignation.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spike drove the motor home away from the hire place; Andrew sat next to Spike, occasionally stealing glances at him. Spike sighed and lost his patience.

"What is it?" Spike asked Andrew.

"Can you do that mind reading trick like Willow?" asked Andrew.

"Yes, sometimes, it's only been happening for the last day or so,"

"Just like a Jedi knight," sighed Andrew in admiration.

Andrew went off into one of his little daydreams; the motor home came to an abrupt stop. They were in the parking lot of Safeway.

"What are we doing here?" asked Andrew.

"It's time for you to go and do your Martha Stewart bit, shopping for seven people on the road please, and don't forget the mini marshmallows or hot chocolate, unless you want me to bite you again," said Spike.

He handed Andrew, Giles's credit card and settled back behind the wheel for a nap. Andrew continued to stare at him.

"What now? Is English your second language or something?" asked Spike.

"I might need help with the bags," said Andrew petulantly.

Spike sighed.

"Fine," he replied getting out of the vehicle.

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

"Where have they got to, it shouldn't take this long to get a van," said Giles.

They all heard the approaching noise of a large vehicle as it parked on the driveway, Xander looked out of the window.

"Spike certainly knows his motor homes, that's one hell of an RV," said Xander.

Xander watched in amusement as Spike slammed out of the vehicle and stalked off toward the entrance.

"Someone looks less than happy," said Xander.

"I think I'll go pack, things could get pretty tense in here," said Dawn quickly slipping off to her room as she heard the front door opening.

Spike marched into the lounge angrily.

"If you want that boy to make his 21st birthday, never send him on another mission with me again, ever," said Spike as he slumped down into an armchair.

"What's he done now?" asked Buffy as she sat her self down on his lap.

"We went to Safeway," said Spike.

"Sounds harmless enough," said Willow.

"Ah now I get it, handy tip never grocery shop with Andrew, still have nightmares about the one time I went with him," said Xander

Andrew entered the room a few minutes later, looking very sheepish; he shuffled over to where Spike and Buffy were seated.

"Sorry dude," said Andrew contritely holding out a hand.

Spike looked at it for a moment and then looked at Buffy, he took Andrew's hand and shook it.

"Forget about it mate, we have more important things to worry about right now," said Spike.

Spike turned his attention back to Buffy.

"Did you miss me?" asked Spike.

"Of course," she said kissing him enthusiastically.

"Ever heard that phrase, get a room?" asked Xander.

"Look why don't we go back to your place so we can get packed, although a lot of my stuff is still in its suitcase," said Willow.

"Sounds like a plan, come on Andrew, what time do you want us to meet you back here," said Xander looking at Giles.

"We'll leave around midnight, the roads will be pretty empty by then, it will give us a head start," Giles replied.

Dawn came back in the lounge.

"Buffy have you seen my blue sweater?" asked Dawn.

She saw the couple kissing in the corner.

"Ugh!" she sighed and went back in her room.

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

Giles gathered up several ancient looking volumes as well as an assorted collection of charms and other magical objects and placed them all carefully in a large leather satchel. He looked at his watch it read 11:45pm. Dawn was dozing in one of the armchairs. Her rucksack tucked under her head as a pillow.

Buffy and Spike were still in her room, "packing" Giles was not so green as to know that it didn't take nearly three hours to pack for the kind of trip they were going on, he sighed inwardly, he knew he was just going to have to get used to the changes going on around here, as much as he hated it, he knew things never stayed the same, no matter how much you might wish it.

Buffy and Spike emerged from Buffy's bedroom at 11:55pm

"No Xander and Willow yet?" asked Buffy,

Spike had his and Buffy's bags slung over his shoulder. While Buffy had an arm about his waist.

"They'll be here love," Spike replied.

At exactly midnight a car pulled up on the drive. Spike put the bags down and gently shook Dawn.

"Come on little bit, it's time we were going," he said.

Dawn opened her eyes and yawned.

"So you finally finished packing then?" she asked sarcastically.

"Well you know Buffy, how she likes to get it just right," said Spike grinning her at her.

"Can we go?" asked Giles impatiently.

All four of them looked at each other for a moment, as if they suddenly realised the importance of what they were about to embark upon.

Spike smiled at them all.

"I trust you guys there's no-one I'd rather be in a predicament with," said Spike.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," said Giles sincerely.

There was a knock on the apartment door.

"I think that's our cue," said Spike.

Spike picked up the bags and linked hands with Buffy, they all walked out of the apartment together. Giles took one last look as he turned out the light.

TBC.

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

        Chapter 13

They had been on the road for several hours now; everyone had finally drifted off to sleep, one by one, except for Buffy and Spike. He had decided to take the first shift behind the wheel. Buffy smiled to herself as she turned to look in the back of the RV. Dawn and Andrew had fallen asleep together on the double bed while they had played cards. Buffy grinned; Dawn would be so grossed out in the morning, when she discovered that she had 'slept' with Andrew.

Buffy turned her attention back to Spike; she studied his profile, seeing the look of concentration on his face, her eyes loving every inch of him. He felt her gaze and took his eyes off the road for a moment and turned to look at her.

"What is it, love?" he asked her.

"Nothing," she sighed contentedly and laid her head on his shoulder.

A moment passed.

"I could stay like this forever," Buffy said.

"Stuck in a motor home, on the road to no-where, in the literal sense?" he asked.

She thumped his arm lightly.

"You know what I mean, snuggled up next to you like this," she replied.

"You always were big on the snuggling, especially towards the end," Spike smiled.

"That last night in the basement, I wanted to do more than cuddle up to you, but I was afraid. I had the feeling that one of us wasn't gonna make it, didn't think it would be fair to start something neither of us could finish," she said sadly.

Spike glanced at her quickly.

"You seem different Buffy, from when we were in Sunnydale, what changed you?" he asked.

Buffy sighed deeply, considering her answer before replying.

"It was a lot of things really, defeating the first, knowing the burden of slayerness has passed from me and," She paused for a moment "Losing you, after you died, I shut myself off from everyone,"

"Slayers really are lone creatures, I once told that to Wood, that all slayers live for is the mission, and that any one else just comes a poor second," said Spike

"Did you tell him that before or after you bit him? Not that he didn't deserve it, and as for anyone else being a poor second, you're wrong there," she said firmly.

Spike kissed the top of her head, his eyes back on the road.

"How about a little music, we have a long journey ahead of us," said Spike attempting to lighten the mood.

"Sure, why not, not too loud though, don't want to wake the others, I am selfish I want you all to myself," said Buffy.

"I won't argue with that," said Spike switching on the radio.

A heavy rock song blared out, he quickly turned it down, Buffy took another quick glance in the back, and a few of them stirred, but luckily didn't awaken. Drowning by the Backstreet Boys came on; Spike grimaced and reached to change the station. Buffy put her hand on his to stop him.

"Leave it," she said.

Spike shrugged, there was no accounting for taste, give him a good Ramones tune any day he thought.

"Well we just entered Illinois love, don't think there will be any time for sightseeing though," he smiled.

"Great, I get to go on my first road trip and all I see is the road," Said Buffy.

Spike looked at her, slightly shocked. Buffy giggled at him.

"Can't you tell when I am joking by now?" she asked.

Spike turned his full attention back to the road and Buffy lay her head on his shoulder again. Spike started singing softly under his breath, he stopped when he felt Buffy shaking; he looked down to see her grinning widely.

"What?" he asked

"I thought for a minute that Sweet had made a return visit," she said.

"What's the matter, don't you like it?" he asked

"I like it a little too much if that's possible, that time you sang to me in your crypt got me as hot as hell," she admitted.

"Even if I was singing to you to sod off and leave me alone?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"I don't blame you, after all I am the queen of the mixed signals," She sighed.

"We did a lot of stuff, of which I am sure neither of us is proud, but we can move past all those things Buffy, Sunnydale is gone, we have been given a second chance," Spike replied.

"Only if we can stop your transformation," she said.

"Had enough of if's in my lifetime, time to start making a few when's," he said firmly.

"Why didn't we ever talk like this before?" she asked.

Spike looked at her briefly.

"I always wanted to, guess there was never enough time," he replied.

Buffy turned around, alerted by a noise in the back of the vehicle.

"Ewww, get off!" Said Dawn as she awoke to see Andrew stretched out beside her, fast asleep.

"Leave him Dawnie, he's better asleep than awake," said Buffy.

"Well I'm not staying on this bed with him, can I sit up front with you guys?" asked Dawn.

"Yes," said Spike

"No," said Buffy

Dawn scrabbled in between the pair.

"Thanks Spike," Buffy mumbled under her breath.

"Whatcha listening to?" asked Dawn.

Buffy sighed; this was going to be a long night.

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

The sun was starting to rise, Spike could see it's comforting glow, just over the horizon. Buffy and Dawn were both asleep by his side. Spike smiled at the sight of the two sisters, they were the two people he cared the most about in this world. This mission had to succeed, to lose Buffy and even the little nibblet again, after they had made their peace, would be unbearable, being sent to hell would be the easy part compared to that.

The others were starting to wake up in the back. Giles sat up suddenly, disorientated for a moment, his glasses fell off his face, and he picked them up and looked at his watch.

"You should have woken me over an hour ago," Giles said, looking over at Spike.

"Sorry, wanted to watch the sunrise, and I didn't want to disturb the girls," said Spike.

Spike pulled over on to the side of the road.

"Whereabouts are we?" asked Giles.

"La Salle, Illinois," said Spike.

"We are making good time then," said Giles, more than a little impressed with the way Spike had handled himself.

"We're gonna have to stop for gas soon, this thing sucks gas the way a vamp sucks blood," said Spike.

"Hmmm, interesting comparison," said Giles wryly.

Spike opened the door and got out of the RV; to watch the sun complete it's ascension into the early morning sky. Buffy and Dawn both stirred in their seats, the invading coldness from the open door woke Buffy up, she opened her eyes and shivered. Buffy saw Spike standing alone outside and hurried out of her side of the vehicle and joined him. She put her arm about his waist and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Morning love," he said without looking at her.

Buffy watched the sunrise with him.

"This is beautiful, it's funny how you can take the little things for granted, and even the big things," she said wistfully.

"Do you know how many times I dreamt of watching the sunrise with you?" he asked.

"I think I do," she sighed.

"Beautiful," said Andrew, who had silently come up behind them,

Spike and Buffy turned to look at him, Buffy frowned at the way Andrew looked at Spike, and she had an uncomfortable feeling that Andrew hadn't been talking about her or the sunrise.

"Kinda having a private moment here with my girl if you don't mind?" asked Spike

"Just wanted to see what you wanted for breakfast," said Andrew huffily.

"Pancakes," said Buffy as she and Spike both turned their backs on him.

"Are you still there?" asked Spike without looking around.

Spike tried to slip on his game face, nothing seemed to be happening, he touched his face, it still felt the same, he growled, frustrated, he tried again. Buffy looked at him.

"What's the matter?" she asked.

"I can't vamp anymore," said Spike.

"Maybe you're not doing it right," Suggested Andrew.

"Don't be so bloody stupid," said Spike angrily.

"Andrew, just get back in the RV okay," said Buffy.

Andrew took one look at the look on Spike's face and decided retreat was in order.

"Knew it was gonna be like this, Andrew do this, Andrew do that," He mumbled as he got back in the vehicle.

Giles poked his head out of the driver's door.

"Are we going to get this show or the road, or just sit here and wait for Spike to go to hell?" asked Giles sarcastically.

"Point taken," said Buffy as they both got back in the vehicle, and Giles started up the motor.

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

Willow and Xander were both awake and sitting at the breakfast table.

"Morning you guys," said Willow cheerily.

Dawn awoke as the vehicle moved off, she stretched and yawned and turned to look at the others.

"Everyone's very chipper this morning," she said.

Dawn caught the scowl on Andrew's face.

"Well maybe not everyone," Dawn added.

"I'd better be getting paid overtime for this," grumbled Andrew as he stirred the pancake mix.

"You will be awarded accordingly," said Xander.

Everyone had had some breakfast except for Giles, who contented himself with a mug of tea, whilst he was driving. Xander had cleared away the breakfast things to stop Andrew's grumblings about slave labour.

"Right, we will be pulling over for gas at the next station we come to," announced Giles.

Spike had fallen asleep on the double bed; Buffy lay next to him, watching him sleep. Willow watched them, almost envious of their closeness, she sighed to herself, Xander caught her look, and he squeezed her hand.

"You'll find love again Willow, we both will, you mustn't give up hope," said Xander.

"What if Tara was it?" asked Willow.

"She wouldn't want you to be alone all your life Willow, just take your time," Said Xander.

"Yeah, you're right, I think I need a relationships time out after the fiasco that was Kennedy, and I need to finish my studies and all those changing of Uni's, not helping," said Willow.

"Hey it's not your fault that UC Sunnydale is at the bottom of a crater," said Xander.

"No it's his," said Buffy smiling at Spike's sleeping form.

Buffy stroked Spike's hair, feeling his cheek; it felt warm to the touch, Buffy looked over at Willow.

"What is it, Buffy?" asked Willow.

Buffy looked back at her friend's concerned faces.

"Spike feels warm, and earlier when we were outside he couldn't vamp out," said Buffy.

"It's all just part of the changes Buffy, the closer he gets to his ascension the more mortal like he becomes," said Willow

"I hope this ascension thing is not gonna happen Mayor Wilkins style," said Xander.

"But it's happening so fast, why didn't you go through those changes when you became a Goddess?" asked Buffy.

"Several reasons, but I'd say, it was because I was human to start off with, and oh yeah, I didn't die," said Willow.

Xander looked at Buffy's strained face.

"Don't worry we will get there in time, not exactly sure what we are going to do when we get there, anyone think to pack a fleet of JCB's?" asked Xander.

"We could give Andrew a shovel," suggested Buffy.

"Very funny," said Andrew.

"Oh come on take a joke Skywalker," said Xander.

"The jokes around here are always at my expense, that's the problem," said Andrew.

The vehicle slowed down as Giles pulled into the gas station.

"Now would be a good time, if anyone wants to stretch their legs," said Giles.

"I'm up for some leg stretching, Buffy?" asked Willow, looking at her friend.

"I'm fine here, you go," said Buffy.

One by one they all got out of the van, except for Buffy and Spike, Buffy jumped as Dawn poked her head back in.

"Anyone for munchies?" she asked.

"No, I 'm good, ooh maybe a Hershey's bar, I am feeling naughty," said Buffy.

Dawn closed the door and Spike and Buffy were finally left alone. Spike opened one eye.

"So you are feeling a little naughty are you?" he asked grabbing her around the waist.

"I thought you were asleep," she said in surprise.

"With all the noise that lot were making?" asked Spike.

Spike fumbled about in his jeans pocket and took out his set of keys to the van, and pressed the key, the clicking sound of the van locking, had Buffy raising her eyebrow at him. Buffy looked over at the ignition, Giles had left his keys in the ignition.

"Do we have time?" asked Buffy.

"Sure, besides the other's are going to find out the delights of shopping with Andrew," he smiled lowering his head and kissing her lips.

They broke apart,

"You'll have to tell me about that one day," she said. Kissing him again.

Dawn came toward the RV ten minutes later; it seemed to be rocking gently. She knocked on the door, but got no answer, Willow and Xander came up behind her; they exchanged knowing glances.

"Ever heard the saying, when the RV's a rocking, don't come a knocking?" asked Xander as they walked off, leaving Dawn with a very confused look on her face as she trailed after them.

TBC

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

        Chapter 14

Several hours had passed since their stop at the gas station, it was pretty quiet in the van, that was the problem, apart from the driving shifts that each took turns with, there was just too much time on everyone's hands. Spike sat in one of the chairs, his eyes closed. Even though his relationship with Buffy was more than he'd ever hoped for, he still felt slightly depressed; the PTB's really had a twisted sense of humour, if they even had one at all. Being here with Buffy and being finally accepted by all; meant so much to him. He glanced over at Buffy who was sitting next to Giles while he drove. It would be Willow's turn to drive next, although he's never been in a car with her behind the wheel, Xander had sung praises about her driving skills. Buffy had still been a bit humpy that no one would let her drive. Dawn and Willow were getting rest while Xander watched the mini TV with headphones, so as not to disturb them.

Andrew was sitting across from Spike at the table, reading the latest edition of Cult Times. Spike watched Andrew as he scanned the pages. Andrew looked up as he felt someone watching him. He blushed as he saw it was Spike. Spike sighed inwardly, he was gonna have to nip this in the bud, without hurting the boy's feelings, he had a quick glance at the others, as they all seemed preoccupied with other things, he decided now would be the only time.

"What are you reading mate?" asked Spike.

"An in-depth interview with the actress who played Princess Leia, in Star wars," said Andrew enthusiastically.

"She was quite a hot chick, took Dru to see the premiere of it, but all the silly bint prattled about was the pretty stars," said Spike.

"Dru? One of your formers?" asked Andrew.

"For about a hundred years, what about you?" said Spike.

"Oh me, I've never really had a girlfriend or other, Warren, he er..." Andrew trailed off.

"He used you didn't he?" asked Spike.

"How did you know, did you read my mind or something?" asked Andrew sharply.

"Maybe, look have you ever thought that what happened with him, well he was a real bastard by all accounts, it may have just confused you, I have noticed that you're not happy unless you have a strong male to follow. But even if that is your bag, it's nothing to be ashamed of, but I like the female of the species myself," said Spike

Andrew looked at Spike.

"I know what you are talking about here, you think I have the hots for you, look I know you and Buffy are pretty tight," said Andrew.

"Well yeah, guess I am not handling this conversation as well as I thought well as I thought," replied Spike.

"I'm not as stupid as everyone else around here would like to believe, I have even summoned demons in my time," said Andrew proudly.

Spike ignored the latter half of his statement.

"Why work for the whelp then?" asked Spike.

"Because he took me in when no one else would, I am alone, I have no-one," said Andrew.

Spike looked at him sympathetically

"I know how that feels, any crumb tossed to a starving man; I know what it's like to be on the outside," said Spike.

Andrew looked at him, surprised.

"But you are always so cool and mysterious," said Andrew.

"Window dressing," Spike admitted.

"I know I can't be anything else to you, but I suppose I could use more friends," said Andrew nervously.

Spike looked at the vulnerability in Andrew's face, he could see it had taken him a lot to admit his fears. Spike smiled at him warmly and put out his hand; Andrew shook it enthusiastically.

"Doesn't mean that I won't still have a few jokes at your expense from time to time," growled Spike.

"Looking forward to it," grinned Andrew.

"And if you repeat this to anyone, I will bite you," said Spike

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

They all lurched forward in the van as it came to a halt on the side of the road.

"What the bloody hell was that," exclaimed Spike.

"We appear to have a flat tyre," said Giles.

Willow sat up.

"Great news," Willow replied.

"Let me get the spare off the back, I am handy with a tool," said Xander.

All eyes turned to him.

"In the mechanical sense," Xander blushed.

"Have you ever changed a tyre before?" asked Spike.

"I've seen it done enough times," Said Xander getting out of the van.

Several moments passed, No Xander.

"Should we send out a search party?" asked Buffy.

Xander popped his head back in.

"Houston we have a problem, just checked the cavity for the spare, there isn't one," said Xander.

"Well we have two gods on board, couldn't the pair of you magic up a new tyre?" asked Dawn, looking at both Willow and Spike.

Willow and Spike looked at each other empathetically.

"Do I look like the Goodyear blimp?" asked Spike sarcastically.

"I don't think it's that simple Dawnie," said Willow.

"Well maybe it would help if we knew where we are, let's look on the map and try and figure out the location of the nearest gas station," said Giles.

After several moments of deliberation, they decide they were almost out of the state of Iowa, a little way from a town called Council Bluffs.

"Bleedin' Iowa, we'd better not bump in to captain cardboard," said Spike.

"That's not very likely, he and Sam are probably off on some secret mission or other," said Willow.

"What for? To look for his missing personality?" asked Spike.

Buffy turned round in the seat.

"Just drop it okay," said Buffy, glaring at Spike.

"Well nothing is going to be achieved by sitting here, who's going to get us a wheel?" asked Giles.

"Spike and I will go," said Buffy.

Giles looked at the others appealingly.

"Ok, I'll go with them," said Xander.

"Yeah, we don't want a repeat of earlier," said Dawn.

Spike pretended to look shocked.

"I don't know what you mean nibblet," said Spike.

Buffy grabbed spike and hauled him out of the RV,

"I love it when you play rough," said Spike suggestively,

Xander rolled his remaining eye.

"If we are not back in an hour presume I am either dead or insane," said Xander as he watched Buffy and Spike walk away, hand in hand.

"Thought you were already insane," mumbled Andrew.

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

Spike, Xander and Buffy walked along the road, although Xander was feeling the effects of three's a crowd syndrome. He sighed as he listened to the pair whisper sweet nothings to each other like a pair of lovebirds, he was feeling slightly sick.

Buffy looked at Xander.

"You're awfully quiet Xander, why aren't you joining in the conversation?" asked Buffy.

"How do you reply to you have the sexiest blue eyes or you have the most pert pair of.."

"Xander!" Buffy cut him off.

"Oh thank God! A gas station," said Xander.

"And we are going to pay for this how?" asked Buffy.

Xander reddened.

"Dammit I left Giles's credit card back at the RV, how much do you guys have on you?" asked Xander.

Buffy looked in her wallet; there were only a few bucks and some loose change. Xander came up with the same.

"Hang on children, let's not panic, you two wait here," said Spike.

He disappeared across the street and entered what looked like a bar,

"Oh great, when the going gets tough the tough get wasted," said Xander.

"Have a little faith in him Xander," said Buffy folding her arms defensively.

Xander was getting restless, he looked at Buffy and disturbed a dreamy expression on her face.

"Penny for them," said Xander.

"Huh?" said Buffy, waking from her daydream.

"Your thoughts," said Xander.

Buffy just shook her head and smiled.

"They are too precious to put a price on," she said

"So it's working out with soul boy then?" asked Xander.

Buffy looked at him,

"Better than my wildest dreams, it's just this thing hanging over us that stops it from being perfect," said Buffy.

"What's the worst that could happen, you could have your very own hell god, couldn't be any worse than Glory," he grinned

Buffy looked at him shocked.

"Living dimensions apart, long distance relationships never work out," said Buffy.

Spike came out of the bar at a run.

"Move it!" he yelled at the surprised pair.

"No not there, the gas station!" he said as they started to run off in the opposite direction.

Spike caught up with them and pulled them into the sales office.

"Get down!" he told xander and Buffy.

"What?" asked Buffy as she and Xander crouched on the floor beside him.

Xander peeped over the top to see several excited women emerging from the bar, looking in all directions.

"You were running away from that?" asked Xander, looking at Spike as if he had gone mad.

"Kind of a one woman man," said Spike looking at Buffy.

Seeing her flushed and panting as she got her breath back, reminded him of the last time he's seen her like that, their eyes locked and he leaned in for a kiss.

"Ahem!" coughed a mechanic in greasy overalls.

Spike and Buffy flushed guiltily, the three of them rose from the floor.

"My friend here had lost her contact, we were helping her look for it," said Xander lamely

Spike took the matter in hand.

"Our RV's gotta a flat," said Spike reaching into his back pocket pulling out a thick wad of bills.

"Where'd all that money come from?" asked Buffy wide eyed.

"Did you conjure it up," asked Xander quietly.

"In a manner of speaking," said Spike.

They settled the bill for the new tyre and walked back to the RV.

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

"Any one want to play I spy or charades?" asked Andrew

The other occupants of the vehicle groaned.

Willow gave Andrew her "Evil Willow" look.

"Just trying to pass the time," said Andrew petulantly.

"Could they take any longer?" complained Dawn.

They all jumped as someone knocked on the back door of the van.

Giles opened the doors, and Spike stood there, a big grin on his face.

"Mission accomplished, now everyone get your asses out of here so we can fix this thing and be on our bleedin' way," said Spike.

"How'd you pay for it, you left my card here, didn't bother sending anyone to give it to you as I thought you'd be back for it," said Giles.

"No need, Spike here knows how to make money," said Xander, more than a little impressed.

"But that's impossible, everyone knows that money can't be..." said Willow.

Spike cut her off, looking very uncomfortable.

"Ah yes, want to help with a levitation spell here Red as we have nothing to jack the van up with," said Spike hastily.

Willow jumped out of the van with the remaining occupants. She mumbled a few words and the van started to rise. The van was soon fixed and they were on their way. They drove down Main Street, out of Council Bluffs.

"Oh look there's that bar you went in," said Buffy.

"Dance for dollars?" asked Dawn

"What?" asked Buffy.

"That's the name of it," Dawn informed her sister.

"Spike! You didn't," said Buffy.

"Well, it got us our bloody tyre, didn't it," said Spike

Xander was hunched over his shoulders shaking with laughter, Dawn gave him a cheeky look.

"I have $5, wanna give us a twirl Spike?" asked Dawn grinning.

"I knew you hadn't made money," Willow.

"I had, just not in the way you all assumed," said Spike raising an eyebrow at them all.

Andrew got out his video camera.

"What's that out for?" asked Willow.

"Just in case Spike decides to take Dawn up on her offer," said Andrew.

There were collective sighs in the van.

"Buffy you're quiet, you're not pissed at me?" asked Spike.

"How could I be? As long as it was looky and no touchy, you're mine," said Buffy, kissing him in front of everyone.

Buffy's hands rested on the waistband of his jeans, she frowned as she pulled a dollar bill from beneath the edge.

"Looks like I forgot one," said Spike sheepishly.

For such a small woman, Willow drove the van well, everyone relaxed, Xander sat up front with Willow, while Giles got some rest,

"So when do you think we'll be back in Sunnydale then Wills?" asked Xander.

"Sometime tomorrow evening, as long as there is no more incidents," said Willow.

TBC
 

Chapter 15

They drove the rest of the day without stops, and as night fell it was Spike's turn to take the wheel again, Spike took over from Xander, Xander was on shorter shifts than the rest of them as his remaining eye got tired a lot quicker. Spike couldn't help, but look at Xander and blame himself for the loss of his eye, if only he'd been a little bit quicker.

Xander caught a look on Spike's face, one he knew well as he'd seen it on Buffy's face a hundred times.

"Stop it," said Xander

"Stop what?" asked Spike innocently.

"Beating yourself up over this," said Xander touching his eye patch.

Spike smiled wryly.

"I chose to go fight the forces of evil myself, I didn't see it like that at the time, but I was one of the lucky ones, I got out of it with my life, besides it was you who stopped him from getting the other one," said Xander

"That's one way of looking at it I suppose," said Spike.

"And hell, if they decide to make a sequel to 'Pirates of the Caribbean' I could always audition as an extra," said Xander.

Spike couldn't help, but smile to himself, Xander even with his disability was still the same old Xander, with the inappropriate humour. Buffy leaned forward and put her arms around Spike's neck.

"Do you want to make us crash pet?" asked Spike.

Buffy quickly kissed his cheek before removing her arms.

"Am I sitting in your seat?" asked Xander turning round to look at her.

"Yeah kinda, do you mind?" she asked Smiling at him.

"No, I need to get some shut eye, quite literally," said Xander wryly.

He climbed over the seat into the back and Buffy sat down next to Spike.

"So you're my designated companion for the evening then?" Spike asked.

"Of course, try getting rid of me," she said, resting a hand on his thigh.

"Dinner smells good, what's Andrew cooking up?" asked Spike.

"Dawn's helping him, so it's bound to be something weird, hope I don't have to do any cooking, my skills in the kitchen are non existent," giggled Buffy.

"It's not your cooking skills I lo.want you for," said Spike.

He frowned to himself, he'd been about to say love, but for some reason he'd held back. She must know how much he loved her, he'd said it with his eyes and hands a thousand times, it had been on the tip of his tongue as many times as that, since he'd been back. She had not said the words either; it was if they were both waiting for something. The moment passed, but both remained silent for a while. Buffy absentmindedly stroked his thigh, deep in thought.

"Buffy," Spike said.

"Huh?" she replied, snapping out of her daydream.

Spike looked down, her eyes followed, seeing his evident arousal.

"Sorry," she said blushing.

"Wouldn't mind under normal circumstances, but we have an audience of five," said Spike.

"Would you settle for an arm around you," asked Buffy.

"Nice, but the minute that lot go to sleep," said Spike.

"Promises, promises, and a little wishful thinking, the amount of coffee some of them have been swallowing, don't think there's much chance of that," said Buffy wistfully.

"Yeah, I guess we should shelve our love life for now, this time tomorrow we will be back at the crater formerly known as Sunnydale," said Spike.

Spike switched on the radio, it was gonna be another long night.

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

"Would you look at that, we just entered Denver, always wanted to see the Rocky Mountains," said Spike.

Buffy remained silent, he smiled fondly as he glanced down at her, she was fast asleep, her head resting against his shoulder. He tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. A quick glance in the back soon told him that every one else was asleep except for Giles, who had his head in a book. He looked up.

"Sorry, did you say something?" enquired Giles.

"Just said we're in Denver now," said Spike.

"Good, we're making excellent progress, don't exceed the speed limit though, don't want us getting pulled over," said Giles.

"No that would definatley not be of the good," said Spike.

"I just hope you both know what you're doing," said Giles.

"You mean being together?" asked Spike.

Spike had still had a grudging respect for Buffy's former watcher, even after all he'd tried to do to him, he decided not to read Giles's mind as it was probably so boring it might make Spike fall asleep at the wheel.

"Well yes, I am just worried that if this all falls apart, I will be left picking up the pieces like before, and believe me it wasn't pretty, it still wasn't pretty three months later, when you showed up again, but she is happy," Giles admitted.

"Well you'd better put your thinking cap on and find something in one of your bloody books then, I am putting my trust in you Rupes," said Spike.

Giles smiled to himself, things were a long way from being perfect between him and Spike, but his trusting Giles's abilities was a start.

"Well you'd better stop 'bloody' talking to me then," said Giles.

Spike smiled as he saw Giles's expression in the driver's mirror that was when he saw his own blue eyes looking back at him for the first time in over a hundred years.

Spike was so startled that he put the brakes on, if he hadn't put out a restraining arm Buffy, she would have fallen on the floor of the van, as it was Willow and Dawn fell off the bed on top of each other.

"Where am I?" asked Dawn, momentarily confused.

"Currently underneath me," said Willow as she scrambled off of Dawn.

"Don't say we have another flat," said Xander sleepily.

"No," said Spike.

Buffy stretched out and yawned, instantly alert at Spike's expression.

"What's so interesting in the driving mirror?" asked Buffy.

Spike turned it slightly.

"Oh!" said Buffy startled by Spike's reflection.

"And this is why we stopped, what's the big?" asked Dawn.

"He hasn't seen his reflection in over a century, bound to give a fellow a shock," said Giles.

Spike turned round in the driving seat.

"Does anyone have a bigger mirror?" asked Spike.

"I do", piped up Andrew.

Dawn arched an eyebrow at Andrew as he went over to his bags and took out a mirror; he caught the look on Dawn's face.

"For shaving," he said defensively.

"Oh, you mean those two hairs that grow on your chin," replied Dawn.

Andrew ignored him and passed the mirror to Spike.

"Thanks Andrew," said Spike.

Spike stared at his reflection silently for several moments.

"Spike, you look very nice, but we're wasting time here," said Buffy.

Spike woke from his daydream, looking at Buffy, he noticed for the first time, how scared she looked.

"What is it pet?" he asked

"As if you need ask," she said angrily, getting out of her seat and slamming out of the van.

Spike followed her, Dawn got up to check if her sister was okay, but Willow put a restraining arm out to stop her.

"Leave her Dawn, they need to talk," said Willow.

Dawn lay down on the bed again, why did her sister always get all the hot guys. She was seventeen and never really been out on a proper date, unless you counted her slut fest with AJ or that guy who had turned out to be a vamp. Dawn sighed, after being cooped up in here for nearly two days, hell even Andrew was starting to look tempting.

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

Buffy stood on the side of the road, her arms folded as she stared out in to the darkness, Spike came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, she pulled out of them and walked a couple of steps away from him, he stepped out in front of her, and put his finger under her chin, so she would look at him. He was surprised to see tears shimmering in her eyes, his lips touched each wet trail, turned silver by the moonlight.

He couldn't just smell her fear; he could feel it.

"Hold me Spike, I am sorry I walked away from you just then," she said.

Spike held her in the warmth of his embrace, warmth and Spike seemed an alien word to her, it was just one of the many changes he had been going through.

"Buffy," he started, but she cut him off.

"No, I don't want to talk, just hold me, and let's pray that tomorrow takes care of it's self," she sighed.

Spike kissed the top of her hair, they were both lost in their own little world until they were shaken from it, by the blaring of the horn from the RV. They both turned to see Andrew sitting in the drivers seat with a huge grin on his face.

"If he thinks for one moment that he's actually going to be allowed to drive, he's sadly mistaken," said Spike.

TBC

Chapter 16

The rest of the journey went with out incidence; the closer they all got to "Sunnydale" the quieter the mood became in the van. They all had their personal demons to deal with. Willow, because she'd lost Tara there, Xander losing Anya. Dawn was thinking of her mom, Andrew shifted about uncomfortably in his seat thinking about his friend he had murdered. Buffy was just thinking about when she'd lost Spike and the terrible final battle in the hellmouth.

They were in Nevada now, driving through Las Vegas, only a couple of hours hard driving and they would be there. The sun was going down, not that it mattered to Spike anymore what time of the day or night it was. Buffy and Spike sat next to Giles while he drove. They both groaned as Giles tuned in the radio station to classical music.

"Just something to soothe everyone's ragged nerves," said Giles defensively.

They drove up the strip, lights were flashing on every casino, trying to lure gamblers into their establishments. Wedding chapels were everywhere as well.

"Greed and lust all in the one handy location," said Spike sarcastically.

"Pull over," said Buffy.

"Why? I am not so sure you are allowed to park on the strip," said Giles.

"There's a motel car park, just do it," said Buffy.

"Didn't have you down as the Las Vegas type love, there's plenty of time for fun, when this is all over," said Spike.

Buffy ignored him and got out of the van, walking off down the street, Spike followed her.

"Hey where are those two going?" asked Dawn.

"Into a wedding chapel or so it seems," said Willow, slightly alarmed.

"Everybody out," said Giles.

They all piled out of the van and went off in the same direction that Buffy and Spike had gone. It was the "two hearts" wedding chapel. They came to a halt outside the pink heart shaped doors.

"You don't think they'd.." trailed off Xander.

"No, of course not," said Willow uncertainly.

"Well don't you think we'd better get in there and find out?" asked Andrew.

They entered the foyer; Buffy and Spike were nowhere in sight. A blonde brassy receptionist greeted them. When they tried to go into the main wedding chapel, she restrained then.

"I am sorry, no one is allowed in when a wedding ceremony is underway," said the woman.

"This is urgent, our friends are in there, making a big mistake," said Xander.

"Do I have to call security?" asked the woman.

"No," said Giles defeated.

The group of friends sat down on the chairs lining the one wall in the waiting area.

"I hate Buffy, she could have at least waited for her own sister to be there," said Dawn, starting to cry.

They all looked up as some music played to signal the end of the ceremony. The chapel doors opened, Spike and Buffy walked out, arm in arm, confetti flying in the air.

Dawn leapt out of her seat.

"I am so gonna kill you two," said Dawn.

"Hey wait," said Buffy.

Dawn thumped her sister on the arm.

"Owww what was that for?" asked Buffy.

"Faith!" said Willow.

"What, where?" asked Xander.

They turned to see the second couple walk out of the chapel, Faith was holding a bouquet and a very big smile on her face as she came out of the chapel with her new husband, Robin Wood. ( A/N yeah I know)

"Hey guys, nice to see ya, sorry I guess the wedding invites got lost in the mail," she grinned at the stunned assembly.

Buffy looked at her sister.

"You thought Spike and I had gone off to get married?" asked Buffy in disbelief.

"Must say, I got quite the shock when Buffy and bleach boy came to my wedding," said Faith.

"How did you know where to find us?" asked Wood.

"The school bus, it sticks out like a sore thumb, I saw it in the parking lot, when we were driving by," said Buffy.

Wood looked at Spike.

"Thought you didn't make it out of Sunnydale," said Wood.

"You mean you hoped I didn't," said Spike.

The two men eyed each other up, their mutual dislike for each other, evident on their faces.

"Look, why don't we all go for coffee and then we can fill you in on what's been happening," said Giles.

"Kinda had other plans for this evening," said Faith looking at Robin, "But hey we can take a little time out," said Faith.

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

"Whoa, you guys have been busy," said Faith.

"Not as busy as you, by the looks of it," said Buffy looking at Faith's shiny new wedding ring.

"Robin, promised me surprises, this is just one in the long list of many," said Faith.

"Please don't share with us," said Xander.

"I think it's sweet," said Willow.

"So you have been living out of the school bus, getting jobs wherever you stopped?" asked Spike.

"That and other things," said Robin.

Faith grinned at Robin as they shared a private moment.

"So what are you all doing in Vegas?" asked Faith.

"We're trying to save Spike," said Willow.

"Ah you're on a mission, nothing changes, so much for that normal life eh B?" asked Faith.

"Normal is over rated," said Buffy.

"Where are you headed on this mission of redemption?" asked Faith.

"Sunnydale," Giles informed her.

Faith's hand shook, her coffee spilling onto the counter.

"Are you all mad?" asked Robin.

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

Half an hour later, they were all ready to be off again. Robin was seated at the wheel of the school bus, a slight scowl on his face, it was evident that he was far from happy with the recent turn of events.

"I am coming with you B, and that's final," said Faith.

"But it's your honeymoon," said Buffy.

"Yeah, I know, but two slayers are better than one," said Faith.

"Well we're not strictly slayers anymore, due to the population increase," said Buffy.

"We still have the super powers and the fighting skills," said Faith.

"True, okay we can always use an extra pair of hands," said Buffy.

Spike looked at the school bus.

"Not sure that hunk of junk can keep up with us," said Spike.

"That may be true, but you know the way Faith, so if we do get separated." said Buffy.

They got into their separate vehicles, it was Spike's turn behind the wheel, and he gave Wood a little mock salute as they drove out of the parking lot. As they drove out of Nevada and hit the desert roads, Spike was surprised to see the school bus, still visible in his driving mirror. He grinned to himself, Faith must have told him about his doubts about their ability to keep up with them.

After 3 hours hard driving they were a little way off from the place they used to call home. Spike slowed the vehicle down and switched off the lights. The school bus parked behind them and did the same.

"Hey where did the lights go?" asked Andrew, who had been In the middle of reading a comic.

"Look," said Spike.

All eyes turned to the horizon,

"Lights, lots of them," said Willow puzzled.

By the look of the glow in the distance, there were lots of them. Faith banged on the side of the van. Andrew opened it, Faith hopped in.

"What's going down?" asked Faith.

"Did you catch the lights?" asked Dawn.

"Yeah I saw that much," said Faith.

I think, a couple of us need to get a look at what's going on before we proceed any further," said Giles

"Good idea, volunteers?" asked Xander.

"I'll go," said Spike.

"Me too," said Buffy

"Count me in," said Faith.

"Me four," said Dawn.

"No way, you're waiting here with the others," said Buffy firmly.

Dawn's face fell and she went off and sulked in the back of the van. Andrew followed, not even bothering to ask, as he already knew what the answer would be.

"Be careful," said Giles.

"I know the drill," said Buffy.

"I just have to tell Robin the plan," said Faith as she walked over to the school bus.

"Guess I know who wears the pants in that relationship," said Spike.

"I heard that," said Faith as she walked off.

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

"So hubby let you tag along then?" asked Spike.

"Yeah, took some convincing, but I knew he'd see it my way eventually," said Faith.

"Yeah you slayers have a very persuasive way about you," said Spike.

"Can we just keep our minds on the mission in hand?" asked Buffy.

They neared the remains of Sunnydale, halted in their progress by a ten- foot wire fence.

"Bloody hell," said Spike.

"My thoughts exactly," said Buffy.

"Look at this," said Faith.

She pointed to a large sign on the wire fence. Spike read out the words on the sign.

"This land is the property of Wolfram & Hart, KEEP OUT, all trespassers will be dealt with,"

"Wolfram & Hart?" asked Buffy.

"Law firm, they gave Angel a lot of trouble, heard about them during my time in LA," said Faith.

"Well, newsflash kiddies, said Law firm is now being run by Buffy's former," said Spike.

Buffy looked at him.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Buffy said.

"You didn't ask," said Spike.

"Look let's not start with the arguments, I think the best bet would be to get to the van and figure out what's going on here," said Faith.

"Yeah, maybe Willow can throw some light on this, I can't believe Angel could be involved in something shady," said Buffy.

Spike shook his head as Faith led the way. Buffy really was out of touch with the tall dark forehead, thought Spike to himself.

TBC

 

        Chapter 17

Spike, Buffy and Faith walked along the dark desert road, they had been walking for a while, but none of them had spoken. Spike finally broke the silence.

"So congratulations are in order, never had you down as a one man woman Faith," said Spike.

Faith laughed.

"Kinda surprised myself, but you know me, act first, worry later," said Faith.

Buffy still found it hard to believe Faith was married. She knew the other slayer's low opinion of men, but even harder for Buffy to believe was the idea of Faith in love; she had to know.

"Do you love him?" asked Buffy.

"Straight to the point as always B," smiled Faith.

"Well?" said Buffy.

"I'm not sure it's our business love," said Spike.

"No it's okay, I can understand Buffy asking that, considering my past record, and yes I really think I do love him," said Faith.

"Good, that's all I wanted to know," said Buffy firmly.

Buffy couldn't help being a little cautious of Faith, even after her help in defeating the first, maybe their history just ran too deep to be friends in the real sense of the word, as she had once long ago hoped.

"Can't say I love your choice of husband, but I hope it works out for you," said Spike.

Apart from the smack down between Spike and Faith, that time Spike had discovered that her friends had thrown Buffy out of her own home, he still liked the other slayer. She did a lot of what she wanted, not really caring what others thought of her, but she seemed to have developed some newfound maturity, considering her wild nature, it could only be of the good. Looking at her, Spike could tell she was far from tamed, husband or no husband. He smiled to himself, Wood wasn't in for a boring life with Faith.

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

They arrived back at the parked vehicles. Robin was leaning against the RV, talking to Giles. They stopped talking as Faith and the others approached.

"Whatcha doing? No ill conceived plans of revenge against Spike, I hope," said Buffy, only semi joking.

"No, no of course not," said Giles feeling his shirt collar, which suddenly felt too restrictive.

"She was only kidding with you mate, she knows you wouldn't be that stupid," said Spike.

"We were discussing a volume of Talbert's guide to demonology," said Wood.

Faith walked up to Robin, and wrapped her arms about his waist.

"I can think of better things to be doing than that," Faith said, kissing him in front of the others.

Giles turned his back on the couple.

"So what did you find out?" he asked.

"That we are gonna need wire cutters and some kinda a plan, if we even want to get anywhere near our former town," said Buffy.

"Yeah, there's ten foot fence around the place, it must stretch on for miles, according to some sign, it's the property of Wolfram and Hart," said Spike.

"The law firm?" asked Giles puzzled.

"One and the same, but how do you know about them?" asked Spike.

"Watchers council, it was their business to know about anyone who dabbled in the demon world, or at least it was until the Council was destroyed nearly a year ago," said Giles.

"Well there's something you might not be so aware of, Spike just shared the fact that, Angel is running their LA branch," said Buffy.

"Really, how did that happen?" asked Giles.

Buffy shrugged

"I need to talk to Willow, maybe she can fill in a few blanks, I know from her weekly emails, she was spending a lot of time with Angel's friends, I just assumed it was at that old hotel that he'd taken over," said Buffy.

Willow poked her head out of the van.

"Did someone say my name?" she smiled.

"We need to talk, but not out here," said Buffy to Willow.

Buffy shivered.

"You're cold," said Spike, taking off his leather jacket and putting it around Buffy's shoulders.

She melted into its warmness, his body heat and the scent of him still clung to it, and she breathed it in. Buffy looked at Robin and Faith. She took pity on them, it was their wedding night, Buffy knew how she would feel, or at least hoped she'd feel one day if it was her Honeymoon.

"If you guys wanna hit the sack, we can catch up in the morning," said Buffy.

"Really? If your sure," said Faith.

"Yeah, you've earned it," said Buffy grinning at them.

"Thanks Buffy, if you ever want a reference, for finding another job, just ask," said Robin.

"I'll hold you to it," said Buffy.

Buffy sighed as she watched Wood and Faith walk off to their the bus, she envied them in a way, their life was so much more simpler than her own current predicament.

"Come on, let's get inside where it's warm," said Spike.

Willow and Giles followed them all inside, where they shut the door against the cold night air.

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

"So Angel has been in charge of Wolfram and Hart for several months?" asked Buffy.

"Yeah," said Willow.

"And you were gonna tell me when? Why does everyone operate on a need to know basis around here?" asked Buffy indignantly.

"Come on love, everyone knows Angel is a touchy subject around here," said Spike.

"But why didn't he tell me, when he gave me the amulet?" asked Buffy.

"Maybe because you were too busy locking lips at the time," said Spike, raising an eyebrow.

"There was kissage?" asked Xander.

"Really?" asked Dawn.

"It was nothing, thanks for sharing with everyone Spike, look guys that part of my life is so over," said Buffy.

"So Wolfram and Hart are the proud owners of a big hole in the ground?" asked Xander.

"But why, it's not like they can build on it or anything, it would be too creepy," said Dawn.

"I don't think that's their plan at all, it's my guess they are after the bloody amulet, and if they get their hands on it first then we will be really buggered," said Spike.

"Well we'll just have to make sure that doesn't happen," said Buffy.

"So what's the plan," said Andrew, coming out of his corner.

"Willow, do you have a cell phone number or something where I can contact Angel, I need to know how deep his involvement goes with this," said Buffy.

Willow rummaged around in her bag.

"I can go one better than that, I have his cell phone number as well as his office number," said Willow, handing Buffy her cell phone.

Buffy looked up the number on Willow's phone, it started ringing.

"I'm just gonna take this outside," said Buffy.

She got out of the van and closed the door, before anyone had a chance to protest or otherwise.

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

Spike watched her from inside the van, from the agitated way she paced about outside, they were definatley not exchanging sweet nothings. He trusted her anyway, after all what was a relationship without it. Buffy waved her arms about as she spoke. Finally ending the conversation, she looked up and met Spike's eyes looking at her. She could see the warmth in them, and she responded to it. Buffy got back in the van.

"Well?" asked Xander.

"Seems that Angel was totally unaware of Wolfram & Hart's latest purchase, he's only responsible for the LA branch, they have firms all over the country," said Buffy.

"Yeah, but buying up Sunnydale, that has to be big news, and from what you saw they are definitely not running a covert operation," said Xander

"Can we rely on him for assistance?" asked Giles.

"He said he would get his friend Gunn to look into it, see what he could come up with, he's gonna get back to us, apparently Wolfram and Hart gave him the amulet in the first place," said Buffy.

"The bastard never told me that, they must have been trying to off him, evil law firms don't just stop trading in evil over night, it must have been their plan all along that he would wear the pretty bauble, instead I stepped in, that must have pissed them off no end," said Spike.

"That's exactly what Angel thought," said Buffy.

"Let me see what I can dig up on my laptop," said Willow removing it from its bag.

"I'll help you with that," said Dawn.

"Xander, you can help me look in the books I brought with me, we might strike lucky and find something new," said Giles.

"Spike I need some air, wanna come with? We can't do anything else tonight, at least until Angel calls us back," said Buffy.

"As if I'd need asking twice," said Spike.

After three days in the tin can on wheels, he was eager for the wide-open spaces, he grabbed Buffy's sweater off the front seat and they went off into the night.

"I guess I'll just do the dishes then," said Andrew

"Some coffee wouldn't go amiss either," said Xander.

"Kiss my ass," said Andrew.

"What?" said Xander.

"All you have to do is ask," said Andrew.

He turned and walked into the cooking area.

"You know he just said Kiss my ass," said Dawn.

Xander smiled, "Yeah, I know,"

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

Buffy and Spike stood outside the van for a moment, neither really sure what to say to each other. They both turned their heads in the direction of the school bus, as they heard strange noises, Buffy soon guessed what it was, her face flushed fiery red, she was grateful for the darkness which hid it. Spike grinned.

"All I can say is thank God they had the presence of mind to put up curtains," said Spike.

"Come on, let's get out of here," said Buffy taking his hand.

They walked for a while, coming to a rocky outcrop. Buffy climbed it, pulling Spike along with her. She put her arms around him and rested her head against his chest.

"Alone at last," she giggled against his t-shirt.

Spike stroked her hair, picked up a strand and kissed it. He loved the scent of her, the feel of her body pressed against his, his senses heightened by their shared warmth. He'd never experienced in their previous relationship, his coldness had always drawn the heat from her body, but now it mingled with his own. Buffy slipped his leather jacket from his shoulders and laid it on the ground. She looked up at him, the message in her eyes was clear, he took her hand and kissed it. He took the sweater, he'd taken from the van and balled it up into a pillow, and gently lowered Buffy to the ground, covering her body with his own.

"Sorry it couldn't be in a more romantic setting love," he sighed.

"We have the stars and each other, what could be more romantic than that?" asked Buffy.

She laced her fingers in his hair and pulled his head down to meet hers.

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

They lay together on the rocky outcrop, wrapped in Spikes jacket to keep warm. Buffy was half asleep. Spike leaned over to kiss the tip of her nose.

"That tickles," she giggled sleepily.

"Hey, no going to sleep, besides a snake might bite your ass," said Spike.

Buffy's eyes opened at that.

"That got your attention," said Spike wickedly.

Buffy felt a vibration in Spikes jacket pocket, and the sound of the "Harry Potter" theme tune started to play.

"What the bloody hell is that?" asked Spike.

"At a guess, I'd say Willow's cell phone, should be that call we're expecting," said Buffy, as she removed it from it's pocket.

"The poof always did have bleeding awful timing," said Spike.

"Hello?" said Buffy into the receiver.

TBC

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