My Last Breath

Chapter 1: Delivery

Summary: After Buffy hears from Andrew that Spike is alive she is has come to Wolfram and Hart to sort out some things. However, she doesn’t know that she is getting in the way of prophecy that wasn’t meant for her.

Rome
Nighttime…

Buffy hung up the phone. She didn’t know what to do, to feel, to act. She had to admit to herself that Andrew just changed her life forever. Andrew said he was alive. Spike…was alive and kicking in L.A for a while. Andrew saw Spike a few weeks ago.

The front door to Buffy’s apartment opened and the sound of a girl’s laughter echoed.

”Buffy…hey.” The voice of Dawn said.

Dawn was all dressed up and her hair was curly. Her new style made her look so much older than she was in Sunnydale.

”Hey.” Buffy said softly.

Dawn noticed Buffy’s face expression.

”What’s wrong?” Dawn asked instantly. From the past Dawn knew her luck was always bad. People she loved died, or went evil, or got hurt.

“Uhh…nothing.” Buffy said and got up off the couch and stood.

”You’re lying…what is it?” Dawn demanded.

“Andrew called.” Buffy said. Dawn gave her a look to go on further with her explanation, “He…he told me…”

”What?” Dawn asked.

Buffy looked up at Dawn to see her reaction, “He said Spike…Spike was alive.”

”What?” Dawn shouted, “That’s cruel…how-why would he say that?”

”Because he saw him.” Buffy said.

Dawn just stood there, taking everything in. ‘He’s alive?’ Dawn thought to herself. ‘So I guess everyone I know never dies.’

“He saw him?” Dawn asked.

”Yeah…and I don’t know what to do.” Buffy sat back on the couch.

”What to do? Buffy, you’re not going to go see him?” Dawn walked further into the apartment, in front of the couch to face Buffy.

“I don’t know! Andrew told me…he told me Spike didn’t want me to know.” Buffy said, “Spike wanted it a secret.”

”Why would Spike want that? He loves you and you told him you loved him.” Dawn said.

”I know I told you that when we down in the Hellmouth I told him I loved him but…I left out one detail.” Buffy said, “He said I didn’t love him.”

”WHAT?! What is it with you guys? First Spike wants you to love him and you don’t and then when you start to love him he doesn’t want your love…you guys are really messed up.” Dawn said.

”Tell me about it. Things with Spike has always been complicated…even more complicated than Angel and Riley combined.” Buffy admitted,

“They should make a movie about the two of you.” Dawn mumbled and looked off to the side.

Buffy laughed, “Yeah…but who would watch that?”

Later that night Dawn was off in bed but Buffy was still up. She stood by the window that overlooked the small streets of Rome with a cup of coffee in her hand. Her thoughts of everything that happened for the past several years lingered in her head. It was funny how after seven years of battling evil, going out every night and dealing with demons, she was now standing inside an Italian apartment in the middle of the night not worrying about the things that go bump in the night. She didn’t have to worry about anything anymore. She has money, she has a job, she has everything she dreamed about since she was sixteen years old but still she was not satisfied.

‘What do I want?’ Buffy thought to herself as she stood there in the dark, ‘Why am I not happy?’

The next morning Dawn walked into the living room in her pajamas to see a suitcase sitting on the couch. She looked at it for a minute until she called Buffy’s name.

”Buffy!” Dawn shouted.

”Yeah?” Buffy’s voice asked from another room and then she walked out from the bathroom with a bag full of shampoo, soap, and toothpaste.

“We going somewhere?” Dawn asked the obvious question.

“Uhh…yeah…” Buffy said and put the bag in the suitcase, “I’m going to L.A.”

”Just you?” Dawn asked.

”You got school and everything. This trip should really be me visiting…” Buffy told Dawn, “Andrew’s flying in a few hours…he’s going to stay with you while I’m gone.”

”ANDREW!” Dawn yelled in disguise.

”Please Dawn.” Buffy begged, “Please…I got to do this. Just…just try and get along.”

”But he’s such a dork…he thinks he’s so cool now that Giles gave him a coat with pockets where he can hide guns and candy bars.” Dawn said and put her hands on her hips.

”Candy bars?” Buffy looked up at Dawn.

Dawn nodded and rolled her eyes.

”So is this more of I’m going yell at Spike for not calling you trip or a yell at Angel for being so evil and not letting you know Spike came back?” Dawn asked with a yawn and sat down on the couch.

Buffy thought about it for a moment, “I don’t know…bit of both.”

Dawn laughed, “You going to get into a fight with them and make them feel the guilt in there little souls?”

”Oh yeah.” Buffy said as she zipped up the suitcase.

L.A

Science lab at Night…

Knox was working late alone in the lab when he heard someone come through the door. Two men roll in a big sandstone sarcophagus covered with five crystals, and a circular iris. Knox looks a little surprised by the delivery.

“Uhh…what’s this?” Knox asked.

”Delivery.” One of the men said.

“Ancient Relics is two floors down.” Knox laughed nervously.

”Was addressed here to go to a Ms. Winfred Burkle.” The man read off his clipboard and both of the guys turned to leave.

“Wait…wait don’t I need to sign something?” Knox called out.

”Already been taken care of.” The man said without looking back.

Chapter 2: Up in the Air

Airplane

Somewhere between Rome and L.A

Buffy looked out the airplane window and saw the clouds for miles and miles below her. She knew she was over America because she no longer saw the Atlantic Ocean between the spaces of the clouds.

”Miss…” a voice said, but Buffy didn’t take her eyes off the scenery outside her window.

”Miss…” the voice said again, and this time Buffy broke out of her trance.

”Huh?” Buffy looked up and saw the person next to her seat and a flight attendant staring at her.

”Were serving lunch now…I was wondering if you would like lasagna or chicken?” the flight attendant asked nicely.

”Oh…umm…lasagna.” Buffy said with a small smile and then looked back out the window.

”I’ll have the chicken.” The woman sitting next to Buffy said the attendant and then turned to look at Buffy, “First time on a plane?” the lady asked.

”What?” Buffy looked at the woman, “Oh…no…um…no it’s not.”

”Well you seem a bit nervous.” The lady stated.

”A little.” Buffy said and looked down at her lap, “I’m going to see my ex-boyfriends…at the same time…” Buffy said and then started to examine what she was saying and seemed a bit frightened, “…together…”

”They don’t get along?” the lady asked.

Buffy laughed instantly, “A big no…however they are working together.” Buffy said with a confused look, “…it’s a whole big mess.”

”I see…” the lady said, “Then may I ask, why are you seeing them?”

“Good question.” Buffy said, “Guess…I just…I think I need to do this.” Buffy looked at the lady, “My last boyfriend…he…we left things sort of up in the air…and Angel…well…I think we need to talk some more about closure or something.”

”Angel?” the lady asked, “Your one boyfriend is named 'Angel'?”

Buffy nodded with an ‘I know, weird huh?’ look.

“Well I hope everything works out.” The lady said with a sympathetic smile.

“Me too.” Buffy said with a nod and looked back out at the clouds drift by.

L.A

Wolfram Hart

(A/N: If you notice this is a scene I added in the beginning of “Hole in the World”)

”We’ll meet up later after we take care of Mister Creepy Bug…thing here.” Fred said to Angel as she and Wesley carried the bug off towards the lab. However Knox stopped both of them, “Knox…hey.”

”Hey…let me take that.” Knox said and took Fred’s end of the demon.

”Oh thanks.” She said with a smile; however Wesley didn’t seem too pleased that he was still carrying the demon.

”There’s a box…sarcophagus in the lab with your name on it.” Knox said to Fred.

”Oh…okay…I’m going to get cleaned up and then take a look at this bug here.” Fred glanced down at the bug Wesley and Knox are holding, “Then I’ll start on the sarcophagus.”

”Then dinner?” Wesley asked with a smile.

Fred blushed and smiled back, “Wouldn’t miss it.”

Both Spike and Angel started walking towards Angel’s office, leaving Fred and Wesley.

Harmony came up to Angel with his ‘#1 Boss’ mug full of blood.

”Here you go.” Harmony gave Angel his cup and then noticed blood on Angel’s shirt, “You get hurt boss?”

”Spike stabbed me.” Angel said without looking back and went into his office and left Spike with Harmony.

”Heat of the battle Peaches!” Spike yelled out and started walking into Angel’s office.

Harmony shrugged and went back to her desk.

The elevator dinged again and there was a pause before anyone came out. Buffy’s head poked out of the elevator and looked around the lobby to see if she was in the right place. She stepped out with hesitation and began to too look around at the huge lobby. ‘Angel works here!’ Buffy thought to herself.

She mumbled out loud, “Merciful Zeus.”

Harmony sighed and raised her eyes up and saw Buffy looking around the lobby. Harmony’s eyes widened.

Buffy eyes traveled from the second floor terrace to the main desk and saw Harmony staring at Buffy with wide eyes. Then Buffy’s eyes too, grew to the size of Harmony’s.

“Harmony?” Buffy asked.

”Oh god…” Harmony said with panic.

”What are you doing here?” Buffy asked and started to walk towards Harmony.

”Uh…uh…umm…” Harmony stumbled with words and started to back up against the wall behind her desk in fear, “I…I work here.”

Buffy raised an eyebrow, “You what?”

”I work here…see…” Harmony moved from the wall closer to the desk and picked up one of her unicorns, “This is my stuff.”

”I can clearly see that.” Buffy said seeing Harmony’s tacky unicorns and nail polish spread out on the desk.

“I’m the secretary here and I’m not killing people, I’m drinking pig’s blood so please don’t stake me. Angel hired me…well actually it was Wesley but still…” Harmony said quickly, trying hard to convince Buffy she shouldn’t be killed.

”I see…where is Angel?” Buffy asked.

“Umm…he went into his office with Spike.” Harmony said.

”Spi...Spike’s here? So…he is alive?” Buffy asked and looked down at the desk top.

”Well not technically “alive” but…you know he’s vampire with a soul.” Harmony said, “He’s no longer a ghost.”

”Ghost?” Buffy asked.

”Yeah, you see—“ Harmony was about to explain when Wesley voice interrupted her.

”Harmony can you---Uh… hello may I help you?” Wesley stopped when he noticed the girl.

Buffy turned and saw Wesley, “Wesley…”

”Buffy…you’re…you’re here.” Wesley said with astonishment.

”Yeah…” she laughed, “I’m here in this Buckingham Palace.” Buffy said and looked up at the high ceilings.

”Yes…it’s quit a big place…Wolfram and Hart has remodeled.” Wesley explained, “But…why…are you here for Angel or…”

”Spike?” Buffy finished his question, “Yes, I know he’s back…that’s sort of why I’m here…”

”I understand.” Wesley said, “Umm…they’re going to be shocked you’re here.”

”Well they deserve a shock and but kicking.” Buffy said.

Angel’s Office…

“It's bollocks, Angel! It's your brand of bollocks from the first to last.” Spike yelled at Angel.

” No, you can't ever see the big picture. You can't see any picture!” Angel shouted back.

There passionate arguments were about mostly anything, a song, a movie, or a girl. However, they could go way off into subjects that have no significant meaning, such as ‘If astronauts and cavemen got into a fight, who would win?’

In Spike and Angel’s arguments if Spike chose white, Angel would choose black. If Spike picked an apple, Angel would pick an orange. If Spike said cavemen would win a fight against astronauts, it would be Angel to say astronauts would win.

“And that wins out every time with you.” Angel said and walked up to Spike to get into his face, “You know, the human race has evolved, Spike!” and then Angel walked away.

“Oh, into a bunch of namby-pamby, self-analyzing wankers who could never hope to—“ Spike said and made gestures with his hands as he talked and followed Angel around, mocking him.

“We're bigger. We're smarter. Plus, there's a thing called teamwork, not to mention the superstitious terror of your pure aggressors!” Angel said then turned to face Spike.

“You just want it to be the way you want it to be.” Spike said.

“It's not about what I want!” Angel yelled.

Angel’s door creaked open and revealed Wesley looked a little concerned and taking back at all the yelling, “Umm…is there something important we should all be informed about?”

”Uh…no…no.” Angel said and moved away from Spike.

“It just seems important.” Wesley said.

”Bloody right it is.” Spike said to Angel.

”Shut up Spike.” Angel said, “Is there something you need Wes?”

”You’re just avoiding the fact that I’m right.” Spike said.

”You’re never right Spike.” Angel said to Spike.

“Can’t see what Buffy sees in you two…” Wesley mumbled.

Both Spike and Angel’s ears perked up at the mention of Buffy’s name and turned to Wesley.

”What?” Spike asked.

”What?” Angel asked.

”That’s why I came in here…it seems we have a visitor.” Wesley said and looked behind him to see Buffy slowly walking into Angel’s office.

Both Angel and Spike couldn’t believe she was there, and they also couldn’t believe two seconds ago they were just arguing about astronauts and cavemen while Buffy was only in the next room.

Buffy, Wesley, Angel, and Spike were silent for a moment. Buffy stared at Spike and he stared back at her. Angel stared at Buffy and then looked at Spike and Wesley looked at all the members of the weird love triangle. Wesley started to back away from the door, trying to exit before he got caught in all the arguing that he knew was going to happen.

”You…” Buffy said quietly to Spike, “You…you’re…here.”

”Buffy…” Angel started and began to walk towards her. Buffy’s eyes turned to Angel, “Look, I know you’re probably upset and everything but—“ Angel didn’t finish his sentence, instead he got a right hook delivered to his nose by Buffy.

Angel held his nose in pain.

”Upset?” Buffy asked, “I think I’m a little beyond that.” She said.

TBC…

Chapter 3: Doubtful Love

Angel continued to hold his nose in pain while Buffy continued stare at him with a hard look. Behind Buffy stood Spike, smirking away at Buffy’s punch she gave to Angel.

“Good work luv.” Spike said.

By the sound of Spike’s voice she turned around and gave a punch to Spike’s nose too.

”Hey!” Spike exclaimed and rubbed his nose. Angel raised an eyebrow and started to smile, “What did I do?”

”What did you do!” Buffy exclaimed at Spike, “WHAT DID YOU DO! How could you ask me that! Do you want me to punch you again?”

“Look Buffy, even though I enjoy you kicking Spike’s ass...I think you should calm down.” Angel said in a soft voice.

“Calm down!” Buffy exclaimed and walks away from both Spike and Angel. She stares out of Angel’s office window to watch employees walk around in the lobby for a moment and then whips her head around to look at them, “Why don’t you stop telling what to do…both of you…that’s what got you two in this mess in the first place. I’m not your puppet.” Spike had to smile at that comment about to puppet but however ask quickly as the smile came frowned again, “I don’t want you two deciding what is and is not good for me.”

Spike and Angel shared a look of shame.

“I want to know why I didn’t get a phone call…and why I wasn’t informed about what the hell is going on over here…” Buffy said, glancing back and forth between Spike and Angel.

Spike and Angel opened their mouths to speak but nothing came out. They tried to come up with a reason why they didn’t call her but they knew that their excuses were not good enough, Buffy wouldn’t accept them and probably start punching them again.

“I thought we were all friends here…” Buffy said calmly.

“We are Buffy it’s just…we wanted you to live your life…you were starting over and we just thought—“ Angel started but Buffy cut in.

”Thought that I what?” she asked Angel and then turned to Spike, “Thought what Spike, that I wouldn’t be happy to know that you were alive?”

“You don’t seem happy now.” Spike mumbled and looked down at his feet.

”How dare both of you hide something like this from me…” Buffy scolded both of them, near the verge of tears.

“Luv listen…” Spike walked closer, trying to comfort.

Buffy jumped back from Spike, “No…no…” Spike looked down in disappointment, “How could you tell Andrew and not me? Why didn’t you want me to know!” Buffy was crying now, not caring that that she was getting upset in the middle of Angel’s office.

Spike paused and then whispered, “I don’t know.”

“Don’t you want to be with me?” Buffy whispered out.

”That’s not it…that was never the issue…it…it was…” Spike tried to think real hard for the right words, “…it was me being terrified…again.”

Buffy sniffed and waited for Spike to continue. Angel just stood in the background, observing.

”I thought of so many times of hopping on a boat or stealing Angel’s jet and going to you, but I guess I didn’t have the courage. I guess I was having doubts.” Spike explained and walked slowly closer to her, “I was afraid.”

Buffy smiled a little, “Spike, afraid?”

Spike smiled back at her, “First thing in my life I’ve ever been afraid of…”

”You don’t have to be.” Buffy whispered back, saying the same thing she said to him months ago in her kitchen.

“Why’s that?” Spike challenged her.

Buffy took a deep breath, “Because…with us…I don’t doubt the way I feel about you. It’s either I love you or I don’t, no shades of grey in between.”

Spike stared at her, waiting for her to come out and admit the three little words to him in front him again, and also with Angel in the room.

”You love him?” Angel asked quietly.

Buffy and Spike looked at Angel and then back at each other and Buffy started to smile and nod.

”Honestly? Yeah…I do.”

Spike gave Buffy a sweet smile, and then he walk over and kissed her. And for the first time, Buffy didn’t care who was in the room.

TBC...

Chapter 4: Making Up For Lost Time

Later that night…

Spike unlocked his apartment and opened the door. Buffy was by his side at the doorway, looking around the dark and shallow apartment for outside in the hallway.

“I know it’s not much to look at.” Spike said as he walked in and set his keys down on his kitchen table.

“No…no…” Buffy said while walking across the threshold, “I mean it’s a step up from your old crypt and my basement.”

Spike let out a small chuckle and then he cleared his throat. An awkward silence hung over both of them.

“Uhh…you could sit down.” Spike nodded over to his couch.

Buffy walked over to the couch and sat down, she looked up at him to see if he was going to sit with her but he just stood firm in place. Her eyes drifted to the coffee table and saw two game controls.

”You play video games now?” Buffy asked with a smirk.

Spike chuckled, and then came over to the couch and sat at the far end. To Buffy it was like he was sitting miles away.

“Yeah…gettin good too…I know that’s one thing I could beat you at.”

Buffy laughed, “Yeah right…”

”What to play?” Spike picked up a control and held it out for Buffy.

”Uh…Spike, I don’t think you brought me to your apartment to play video games, I know you better than that.”

Spike laughed and set the control back on the coffee table, “Right.” He mumbled.

He looked down at his hands as another awkward silence passed. Buffy looked up at Spike, and examined him, wishing he would turn and face her. However, when he didn’t look back she started to look other places, all around the apartment. Spike turned and looked at Buffy, watching her look everywhere but at him. Then Buffy got the feeling he was staring at her and then she turned to face him.

Both of them stared at one another. Their eyes every once in a while would glance down at each other lips for a few seconds. It was Buffy to make the first move; she moved over to his side of the couch and leaned in to meet his lips. And at that moment the kiss had became like electricity. Their kiss was not hard and demanding like it was in the past, it was more soft and sweet.

Both of them stayed in the same position for a few moments, not touching each other except for their lips. But after a while Spike couldn’t resist not touching her anymore so he cupped her chin, and in return Buffy reached out and grazed her hand on his cheek.

The parted, foreheads leaning on each other and hands still on each other. They didn’t say anything at first, they just kept their eyes closed and breathing loudly from the lack of breath and excitement.

”We can take it slow if you want.” Spike said when he opened his eyes to see she had opened her eyes also.

Buffy nodded; “Okay…” she said softly and leaned a little back so she could see him, “So…fresh start?”

Spike smiled, “Yeah…fresh start.”

Buffy smiled and leaned back and rested her head on his shoulder. Spike snaked his arm around her and kissed her the top of her head and began to stroke her arm. Both of them just sat their staring off into space.

Late at Night at Wolfram and Hart Lab…

Fred walked in the lab to find Knox the only one working.

”Hey.” Knox said when he saw Fred.

”Hey.” Fred gave a friendly smile and then reached out and grabbed her lab coat and put it on.

”So how was that demon bug thing you got this morning?” Knox asked while working on an experiment.

”Oh…I decided to hand over that case to some of the graduate students…” Fred said as she picked up at clipboard and started to read and flip threw some papers of her work. She looked over to the table and saw a huge sarcophagus and seemed interesting in it.

“Think their ready for that?” Knox asked.

”Not sure…maybe…I just want to get a work on this.” She said while walking closer to the sarcophagus.

”She’s quit a beauty huh?” Knox asked and walked up and stood by Fred.

”Where’d it come from?” Fred asked while she kept staring at the jewels that were on top of the lid of the sarcophagus.

“Not sure…some guy just delivered here the other night. It was addressed to you.” Knox said and passed her the delivery form.

Fred read the paper and then looked back at the sarcophagus, “Well…umm…we should start on this tomorrow...its late.”

“Right, right.” Knox nodded and glanced down at the sarcophagus.

Fred gave him a friendly smile and then took off her lab coat, “It’s been a long day…I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Kay…bye.” Knox called out as Fred walked out.

Knox looked down at the sarcophagus and mumbled, “Tomorrow…” Knox gave an eerie smile.

TBC...

Chapter 5: Stating the Facts

The Next Day…

The elevator dinged in the lobby of Wolfram and Hart and slowly opened to reveal Spike and Buffy laughing. Buffy took Spike’s hand and pulled him out of the elevator and into the lobby.

”You sure you don’t want to take the elevator for a spin again love?” Spike whined, obviously wanting to go back into the elevator alone with her.

”Come on…Angel is expecting us, besides I don’t think security will be happy if you press the emergency stop button again.” Buffy said as she pulled Spike towards Angel’s office.

”Sod security, it was fun. Besides I did worse things when I was haunting this place a while ago.” Spike said.

Buffy stopped walking and turned around towards Spike and put her hands on his shoulder and began to fuss with his collar of his leather duster.

”How about I here more about this ghost experience you had tonight…you…me…dinner?” Buffy looked into this blue eyes.

“Dinner huh?” Spike smirked and started running his fingers through her blonde hair.

”Why not? I’ll order you some buffalo wings.” She whispered with a flirty smile.

”Now how could I turn an offer like that?” Spike asked and kissed her quick on the lips.

Spike slung his arm around her shoulder and entered Angel’s office.

”Hey Fred…Peaches.” Spike said when he saw Angel talking Fred.

Angel shot a glare at Spike and then turned to Buffy, “Hi.”

”Hi.” Buffy said to Angel and then turned to Fred, “Hi…I believe we haven’t met.”

Fred smiled at Buffy, “Hi. I’m Fred.” Buffy and Fred shook hands.

“Oh right…” Buffy nodded, “Willow mentioned you before. Nice to meet you. I’m—“

”Buffy…I know.” Fred said, “Angel and Spike both talked about you before…actually they talk about you a lot.”

”Really?” Buffy seemed interesting, “Well Fred maybe one day we can hangout and talk about that.”

”So what’s up?” Spike asked Fred, changing the subject quickly.

”Well I was just about to head down to the lab and find out what is so significant about a sarcophagus that was sent to me a few days ago.” Fred explained.

“A sarcophagus?” Spike mumbled.

”Yeah…apparently the delivery card had my name on it…but no return address. I guess the sender wanted to stay anonymous.” Fred said to the group, “Kind of creepy.”

”What are you going do with the sarcophagus?” Buffy asked Fred.

”Well…I guess perform some tests…maybe get it opened, see what’s inside.” Fred said, “To see why it was sent to Wolfram and Hart.”

”It doesn’t seem like balloons and puppets are going to pop out…sounds dangerous.” Spike said.

”Then I’ll help.” Buffy jumped in, “Dangerous is my middle name. Just point me in the right direction and—“

”Luv, your on vacation.” Spike rubbed her back, “You don’t always have to jump on a case.”

Angel seemed unnerved that Spike was touching Buffy and the fact that she was letting him. However he tried to not show his nervousness in front of the group.

”Spike, evil doesn’t take a vacation.” Buffy said, “Whenever there is something scary and creepy I’m there.”

”But I don’t know what you could do Buffy…you sure you want to help?” Fred asked, “It’s nothing exciting…nothing that an experienced Slayer like you went up against in the past.”

“Well I can lift things, Slayer strength you know. Besides I get jumpy if I don’t do work.” Buffy said, “So where’s the lab?”

Buffy walked out the door and Fred looked at Angel and Spike, “She’s certainly feisty.” She took one last look at the two vampires and followed Buffy.

Spike smiled at Fred’s comment about Buffy. He was about to turn around and follow Buffy and Fred down the lab when Angel’s voice called out to him.

”Spike?” Angel said.

Spike turned around and looked at Angel, “Yeah?”

”Let’s talk…” Angel said.

”Do you really mean talk… or fight?” Spike asked.

Angel thought for a moment, “Not sure…seems we end up fighting no matter what we do.”

”True.” Spike said and walked farther into Angel’s office and sat down on the edge of the big desk, “So…what do you want to talk about? Sports? Weather? Politics? Astronauts and cavemen? Oh and by the way…I asked Buffy about that on the way over here and she picked cavemen.” Spike smiled to himself.

”Oh I’m glad to see you two have so much in common. “Angel said sarcastically. “Let’s cut the crap. You know want to talk about.” Angel said.

“Is this the big speech where you tell me I’m no good for her and I don’t deserve her and all that jazz?” Spike asked.

”Well…yeah…” Angel said.

”Well you can save it. You don’t need to tell me something I already know.” Spike said. Angel gave Spike a confused a look, so Spike elaborated, “I know I don’t deserve her…” Spike spoke softly, “But she’s here now and what’s to be with me…and I’m not going to push her away because I guess what? I want to be with her too.”

”It won’t last.” Angel stated.

Spike got up from the desk and walked closer to Angel, “Is that so? Do you have a magic crystal ball that tells you the future or something?”

”No…but this is like a fact…it won’t last…” Angel said.

”No, you’re not taking about fact…you’re talking about experience…you two didn’t last and you just think that we won’t either.” Spike said a little anger.

”That’s right.” Angel said, “Buffy and I had something so passionate and deep that you could never have with her.”

”You are so full of it…when are you going to wake up and realized you were wrong for leaving her! When you going to admit that the all mighty Angel made a mistake and I got a something special that’s going for me?” Spike yelled, “You blew it!”

Angel didn’t flinch or argue back. Spike just shook his head at his grand-sire and walked away without looking back.

”You’re right.” Angel mumbled to himself after Spike had left the room completely.

TBC...

Chapter 6: Breathe

Buffy and Fred walked into the Wolfram and Hart’s lab and saw they weren’t alone in the room, Wesley and Knox seemed to working too.

”Hey Wes…” Buffy smiled.

Wesley and Knox turned their attention to Buffy and Fred.

”Buffy…Fred…” Wesley smiled at both of them, “Thought Angel was coming too.”

”He was…” Fred looked towards the door to see if Angel was coming.

”He’s probably fighting with Spike; it’s what they do best.” Buffy looked over at the sarcophagus, “Is this it?” She started to walk towards it.

“Yep, that’s it.” Fred said.

Fred and Wesley stood back and watched as Buffy examined the whole parameter of the ancient sarcophagus.

”So…what happened to dinner last night? You…me…” Wesley said quietly to Fred without taking his eyes off of Buffy and the sarcophagus.

Fred turned around towards Wesley, “Oh my god…I honestly forgot. I’m so sorry.”

Wesley laughed and looked at Fred, “It’s alright. I’m sure you can make it up to me.”

Fred gave him a sweet smile, “What did you have in mind?”

”I don’t know…movie…my place…make out session.” Wesley said.

”Wes!” Fred squealed in embarrassment, and looked at Knox and Buffy to see if they heard him and when she saw no one was looking she gave him a kiss on the lips.

While Fred and Wesley were being ‘busy’ across the room, Buffy was examining the pretty looking crystals that were onto of the lid cover of the sarcophagus. She seemed memorized by the crystals and moves her hand slowly to touch the iris. Then, before Buffy can react the iris opened and gust of air blew into Buffy’s face. She instantly started to cough.

”Buffy?” Wesley asked in concern when he saw her cough near the head of the sarcophagus.

“What happened?” Fred asked in concern.

Wesley, Fred, and Knox went to Buffy’s side. Wesley rubbed her back, trying to get her to stop coughing.

Buffy pointed to the sarcophagus, “I don’t know…the thing opened there was some sort of air…”

Knox walked over to the sink and poured a glass of water and came back and handed to Buffy.

”Here.” Knox handed to glass to Buffy.

”Thanks.” She said and drank the glass down.

Wesley and Fred looked over and saw that Buffy was right; the iris on top of the lid was opened.

Spike walked through the lab door, “So what’s happened?”

Spike looked at everyone hovering around Buffy as if they were concerned for some reason, “What’s going on?” he walked over to Buffy and the rest of the group.

”It’s nothing…I’m fine.” Buffy said and cleared her voice.

”The iris on the sarcophagus opened and there was something that came out of it…Buffy breathed it in.” Fred explained.

”What!” Spike shouted and started to panic.

”Spike, I’m fine…really…” Buffy reassured him.

”I don’t know Buffy…I think we should have you checked…just to make sure.” Wesley said.

”Right.” Spike said and nodded, looking at the sarcophagus and trying to keep his cool.

”But—“ Buffy tried to object but couldn’t get a word out.

”But nothing luv…” Spike said firmly to her, “Where’s the med-lab wing around here?” he asked Fred.

”Come on I’ll show you.” Fred said.

Both Buffy and Spike followed Fred out the door of the lab.

”What do you think happened?” Knox asked Wesley.

Wesley just kept staring down at the iris on the sarcophagus, “Not sure.” He said, “But it can’t be good.”

TBC...

Chapter 7: The Last Peaceful Evening

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Spike glanced at Buffy as they exited the med-lab, “You don’t feel dizzy or nauseous?”

They walked down the hallway towards the elevator.

”For the last time, I’m fine.” Buffy said, “Don’t you trust the doctors?”

”No, not really.” Spike admitted, “Doctors are not always telling you the truth, and since this are Wolfram and Hart doctors then they must be lying on top of there lies.”

”Spike they didn’t find anything. I don’t see what the big deal is, sometimes on patrol I inhale a bit of vamp dust by accident…” Buffy pointed out.

Once they got to the elevator Buffy pressed the ‘Up’ button and waited.

”Maybe we should get a second opinion. Maybe we could get some x-rays or some more blood tests…OR maybe…” Spike was going to continue but Buffy shut him up with a kiss. She kissed him long and hard, trying to make him calm down and put his worries to rest. When she pulled away she smiled to see he was speechless.

‘I just know what he likes.’ Buffy thought to herself as she smiled at him.

“What were we talking about?” he whispered to her in a daze.

”Dinner…you…me…tonight.” Buffy stated.

”Alright…” Spike smiled but then shook his daze away, “Hey, wait a minute…you distracted me on purpose!”

Buffy rolled her eyes and grabbed Spike’s shoulders, “Spike…I’m fine…honest. Stop worrying.” She whispered.

“When it’s about you, I always worry luv…” Spike whispered back.

The elevator dinged and out came Angel quickly. He was about to run down the hall to the med-lab but he back tracked when he saw Buffy and Spike.

”I heard…” Angel said and came up to Buffy and Spike. Angel turned to Buffy, “You alright?”

Buffy sighed, “I’m fine! Will everyone stop worrying…please.” She said and walked into the elevator.

Spike and Angel exchanged a glance with each other and then got into the elevator with Buffy.

Later that evening Buffy and Spike returned to Spike’s apartment. Buffy seemed a little upset, she was carrying a bag of food in one hand. She set the bag down and turned to Spike and crossed her arms across her chest.

”What!” Spike asked from her look.

“We couldn’t even get through dinner without you making a fuss…I sneezed and you wanted to call the paramedics.” Buffy said.

Spike shut the door and walked up to Buffy with a little innocence face.

”Look...I’m sorry.” He said softly and put his arms on her waist, “I’m sorry I embarrassed you but do you blame me? It’s your first day out with that dusty stuff from the sarcophagus in your system…”

”You just know how to make a girl special don’t ya?” Buffy sighed and walked over to the couch and sat down. Spike followed and sat down next to her. “So much for our first date…” Buffy mumbled.

Spike paused and thought about it, “That was our first date?”

Buffy laughed and looked at him, “What did you think it was?”

“Not sure…never really thought about it.” Spike admitted.

”You never thought about it because your mind was preoccupied if I sneezed or coughed.” Buffy shook her head.

”Sorry love…” Spike said and put his arm around her shoulder and started playing with her hair.

Buffy leaned closer into Spike, “Its okay…it’s the best outing I had in a while actually…”

”So…you’ve been on dates after the crumble of Sunnydale…” Spike stopped playing with her hair and waited for her to answer.

Buffy moved her head to look him in the eye and saw him waiting for her to answer, “…what if I did…would you be jealous?” She whispered.

Spike sighed, “Well…yeah.”

Buffy smiled and gave him a quick his on the lips, “Good...but to make you feel better you’d be glad to know I didn’t go out on any dates…”

Spike breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, “Thank god.”

Buffy laughed and kissed him again, but a little longer and more passionate. When they broke away Buffy noticed that both of them were laid out vertically on the couch with Spike on top of her. They didn’t start kissing again but their lips were very close and the lust in their eyes looked like they wanted to kiss again.

”Thought we were taking it slow…” Spike said in a whisper.

”Me too…” Buffy whispered back, “Guess…this is slow to us…”

”You sure you want to—“ Spike was cut off by Buffy kissing him again.

A few moments later when they broke apart Buffy said, “I love you…”

”I know…” Spike whispered with a smiled and went in for the kiss again.

While Buffy and Spike were making up for lost time with a night of passion, some action was also taking place in the Wolfram and Hart med-lab. However, there was no one in the lab to take note of what was happening, all the employees turned in for the night.

Inside a test tube was Buffy’s blood sample, which was starting to act a little funny. The red blood began to boil like as if it were a pot of water on the stove. The boiling increased rapidly until the test tube couldn’t take it anymore, and then the tube shattered.

TBC……

Chapter 8: Tumble and Fall

The next morning Knox went into the med-lab very early, before anyone even came to work. He walked in and found a test tube broken on the floor. He went down and picked it and looked and saw Buffy’s name printed on the side of the tube in red marker.

In about ten minutes he cleaned up the mess and got rid of the exploded tube. He took out from his pocket another test tube with Buffy’s name on it and replaced back in a tray along with other blood samples. Once Knox was done he slipped out of the med-lab, unnoticed by anyone.

2 Weeks Later….

The elevator in the Wolfram and Hart lobby dinged. The two doors slide open to reveal Buffy dressed up in training clothes and talking on her cell phone.

”I know Dawn, I know…” Buffy said on the phone as she exited the elevator and started walking across the room toward Angel’s office, “…well, if Andrew does it again you have permission to break everyone of his little action figure toys…I’ll call you later when I talk to Spike about the whole are-you-coming-Rome-to-be-with-me thing…” Buffy paused at Angel’s office door, “Oh he’ll come…do you really think he’ll pick Angel over me?”

Buffy laughed at something Dawn said on the other line and then said to be good and goodbye as she walked into Angel’s office.

“Wes…Gunn…” Buffy looked around the office and only found Wesley and Gunn talking, “What happened to Angel?”

”Oh he’s off handling a little crisis downtown.” Gunn said.

“Crisis? Should I be concerned too?” Buffy asked.

“No…no…Spike went with him…” Gunn said.

Buffy raised an eyebrow, “Voluntarily?”

Gunn paused, “Actually I’m not sure…I think it was by accident. They were arguing about astronaut and cavemen thing again…”

”Still! God…are they crazy?” Buffy paused, “It’s cavemen.” Buffy mumbled.

Gunn and Wesley raised an eyebrow at her small response.

“Anyway…I was going to go train…care to join?” Buffy smiled, hoping one of them would cave and she wouldn’t have to train alone.

“Uhh…no thanks…” Gunn said, “Got a case in fifteen minutes…”

”I thought you were the fighter type…hence the name ‘Gunn’.” Buffy said.

Gunn laughed, “I feel more comfortable doing what I’m doing now…see ya Buffy.” Gunn said and walked out of the off.

Buffy turned to Wesley, “So…how about you?”

”I would love to but…I actually have a…a date.” Wesley mumbled.

”A date?” Buffy smiled, “Wessss….so who’s the lucky girl?”

Wesley was about to answer when Fred walked into the room.

”Oh…hi.” Fred said, “Umm…” Fred seemed a little nervous about Buffy being around when she was going to mention Wesley about their lunch date.

Buffy exchanged glances between Fred and Wesley and caught what was going on quickly.

”Oh…” Buffy nodded, “Well I’ll be going now.” Buffy walked out the office leaving Fred and Wesley alone.

Fred and Wesley heard Buffy mumbled as she exited, “Probably talking sexy smart dirty talk as soon as I leave.” Fred and Wesley looked down to the ground in embarrassment.

Buffy absolutely loved Wolfram and Harts training room, to her everything was new and shiny. During the whole workout she had a smile on her face and seemed to never want to leave, she was having too much fun working with the electronic moving punching bag dummy. Every couple of punches she let out a laugh about how silly it must look at what she was doing.

”I see you have a favorite toy in here now.” A voice startled Buffy. Without looking she turned off the machine and faced the voice, who was Knox.

”Umm…yeah…it’s pretty cool.” Buffy said with a small smile, “Uhh…who are you again?”

”Knox…I work with Fred—“ he started.

”Yeah, down in the science lab.” Buffy finished his sentence, “Yeah…so…what you doing up here?”

”Oh just seeing how you are? Are you feeling okay?” Knox stepped closer.

Buffy rolled her eyes but still had a smile on her face, “I swear if someone asks me that again, I’m going to make them the replacement of this electric dummy here.”

”Well I was just checking…curious…” Knox said, “Science and all that…we’re still trying to figure that thing out.”

”I see…but you guys don’t have to get all weird and protective of me. Hello Slayer here!” Buffy said, “Besides the med-lab said my tests were extremely normal…”

Knox nodded and smiled, “You’re right…I’ll…I’ll let you get back to your training then.” He started walking away towards the door.

”Knox….” Buffy stopped Knox in his tracks, “…Thanks for your concern….” Buffy said softly.

Knox turned to her and gave her a small smile, “Just doing my job Ms. Summers.” He said and left out the door.

Upstairs in the lobby the elevator dinged and out exited Spike and Angel.

“I don’t know what Buffy sees in you…” Angel mumbled as he walked towards Harmony’s desk.

”Well I don’t see what dog girl sees in you…” Spike said as he followed Angel behind, “She must love the big ass type fellows who like to cry all day long and turn into puppets.”

”Hey!” Angel turned around quickly to Spike and spoke quietly to him, “Will you shut up…and don’t mention that to Buffy.”

Spike instantly smiled, “Already did…”

Angel glared daggers at Spike and then turned around towards Harmony, “Any messages?”

”Uhh…no not really. Buffy was by early looking for you.” Harmony said while filing her nails.

”Really?” Both Spike and Angel said together which made them look at each other.

”Now why would she looking for you?” Spike asked, “She’s my girlfriend.”

”I know…” Angel said in a childish voice, “She just…probably maybe…wanted to see me….for some reason.”

Spike rolled his eyes, “The only reason she would call you again is to take brooding lessons.”

In the training room Buffy was taking a water bottle break. She was sitting on bunch of gymnastic mats. Once she was done sipping her water she looked around the room and noticed her vision was a little blurry. Buffy blinked a few times to see if she could see clearly but it seemed that it didn’t help.

Then out of nowhere she felt dizzy spell overtake her and made her fall to her knees. She stayed down for a moment and kept her head still because the dizziness made her sick in the stomach. Buffy looked around the training room and saw that the equipment through her eyes appeared to spinning. She shut her eyes quickly to make it stop.

’What’s happening?’ was Buffy’s as she brought herself to her feet.

”And what can you provide for her huh?” Angel shot out, “Your poor taste in clothes and music?”

”Poor taste in music?” Spike laughed, “Look who’s taking…you like Barry Manilow.”

”What are you two fang boys bickering about now?” Gunn said as he walked into the lobby.

”Oh Angel was just defending Barry Manilow.” Harmony smiled.

Angel turned to Harmony and gave her a hard glare.

”What?” Harmony asked with an innocent voice, “You were!”

”What’ up Gunn?” Angel turned back to Gunn, “Trouble?”

”Not sure…security wants me to go down and check something interesting they found on their video tapes.” Gunn said.

The elevator door in the lobby dinged in the background.

“Interesting in what sense—“, Angel started and was interrupted by Harmony.

”Oh my god!” Harmony said and got up off her seat.

Gunn, Spike, and Angel looked at Harmony and saw she was staring at the elevator. All three guys turned and saw Buffy in the elevator collapsed on the ground.

”Oh god…” Gunn mumbled.

Spike and Angel rushed towards the elevator and kneeled by Buffy’s side.

”Buffy?” Spike asked and tried to check her for injuries but saw she looked perfectly fine, “Buffy!” He tried again but she still didn’t answer.

Spike kept calling her name and his eyes focused on her. He didn’t notice that Angel was shouting orders to get doctors and a stretcher.

TBC...

Chapter 9: Promise Me

Buffy lied still in one of Wolfram and Hart’s hospital beds, and as her eyes were closed she heard people in the distance talking. The voices seemed to keep getting louder gradually and made her open her eyes to see what was happened.

Her eyes were still a little blurry from some unknown reason but she still could make out the group of people that stood in her room, talking quietly with one another and to doctors.

Towards the door Buffy saw Fred, Angel, Lorne, Wesley, and Gunn gathered together as a group, unaware of her being awake. She was just going open her mouth and ask where Spike was until she looked out the corner of her eye and saw that he was sitting in a chair near her bed with his head bowed down a little.

”This can’t be good.” Buffy said. Her voice was a little squeaking from not talking for a while.

Spike’s head instantly shot up and looked at Buffy. Angel’s team also heard her small voice and turned their attention to her.

“Buffy…” Spike said, “…god love you scared the hell out of me…”

”Buffy, how do you feel?” Angel stepped to the other side of Buffy’s bed.

“What…what happened to me? What’s going on?” Buffy started questioning.

”You don’t remember?” Fred asked frowned.

Buffy glanced at everyone’s sad faces and then asked the group, “No…you guys tell me.”

”You fainted…you’re over worked…maybe dehydrated when you were working out.” Angel said, which made him feel guilty for the lie he just told.

”Dehydrated? Angel, I have been through seven apocalypses and some how I’m still standing…I think it takes a little more than lack of water to make me go down.” Buffy said softly.

Angel didn’t respond. He just looked down at his shoes.

Buffy looked over to Spike, “It’s bad isn’t it?”

”No it’s not…” Spike said.

”It’s the sarcophagus isn’t it?” Buffy asked and turned from Spike to Fred and Wesley.

No one respond.

”Guess I was wrong…guess that thing was something to worry about.” Buffy said and she looked down at her hands and she noticed they were paler than usual.

“Luv, whatever is going on we will fix it...” Spike said.

Buffy slowly turned to Spike and lifted her eyes to meet his, “You can’t be sure about that…”

“Yes I am…I promise we will find the cure.” Spike whispered and leaned in and touched her cheek with his hand.

”You promise?” Buffy asked, sounding vulnerable and like a small child.

”Promise…” Spike said and forced himself to smile for her.

Buffy matched his smile and reached out and stroked his cheek, “I believe you.”

Outside in the hallway Fred, Wesley, Lorne, Angel, and Gunn are talking quietly. Spike exited Buffy’s room and all the members of the group caught the anger, fear, helpless, and fire that absorbed his eyes.

Spike turned to Angel, “Tell me what the hell is going on…now.”

Angel was taken back by Spike’s voice and a little terrified.

Angel looked to his group and then back to Spike, “All the doctors are pointing at the sarcophagus. Whatever has a hold on her is mystical…”

”Angel what’s happening to her…you talked to the doctors.” Gunn said.

Spike turned back to Angel, “What’d they say?”

Angel had his eyes on the ground, not barring the news himself and telling Spike too. However he pushed his fear away and looked dead straight into Spike’s eyes, “Her organs are cooking.”

Wesley and Gunn faces cringed and looked down as if they were already defeated. Fred slowly put her hand over her mouth in horror as Lorne shut his eyes as if in pain.

Spike however didn’t blink nor change his face expression. To Spike, it has seemed as if the last few minutes Angel has been speaking a foreign language.

Angel looked around at his crew, “Look you guys I know you all feel like you might lose it but right now is not the time to be upset…we need to work the problem…” Angel looked at Spike.

Spike shook off his daze feeling and then inhaled deeply. He looked up at Angel, “I made a promise Angel…” Angel swallowed and continued to listen to Spike, “I’m not losing her.”

”So lets not.” Angel said softly.

Even though both the vampires were determined they still had doubts, after all, they lost her once before.

tbc...

Chapter 10: Desperate Times

Everyone had their assignments and had taken action immediately after learning Buffy’s condition. Gunn decided to travel to the White Room to see what he can find out about Buffy’s fate. Wesley and Fred went down to the lab and conducted tests on the sarcophagus and to try to find a cure for Buffy. Lorne made everyone he came in contact with in the halls of Wolfram and Hart sing their soul out. And Angel and Spike did what they did best…fight with their heart instead of their head.

The door of Eve’s bedroom burst open with a sudden kick. Spike and Angel stepped forward, and Lorne trailed behind.

Eve scrambled to the corner of her bed in her pajamas when the guys walked in. The three of them thought it was such a pitiful site.

“What…what do you want?” Eve asked, popping her head from behind her covers.

”Buffy to be alright and not sick is what I want.” Angel answered, “Why don’t you tell us what’s up Eve.”

”Buffy? Who’s that?” Eve asked. Clearly she had been around Wolfram and Hart when Buffy came into the picture.

“More of a woman than you’ll ever be.” Spike said firmly.

Usually Eve was terrified of Angel’s snippy come backs but now, her fear was directed to the bleached vampire.

“I—I don’t understand.” Eve shook her head, “I didn’t do anything.”

”Sarcophagus Eve…it was sent to Fred and we want to know who sent it.” Lorne spoke up for the first time since he entered the room. He walked towards Eve and sat down on her bed side. “You see a sweet little sugar pie had been an innocent victim of whatever lied inside this coffin and she is now seriously ill…now you are going to sing for me or we rip your throat out….oh and singing anything by Diana Warren will result in your gruesome death—except for ‘Rhythm of the Night’.”

”I swear it wasn’t me.” Eve pleaded.

”Sing.” Angel demanded.

All three guys waited. Eve sighed and opened her mouth and began to sing ‘Hero’ by Mariah Carey, “There's a hero….If you look inside your heart.”

Lorne interrupted, “She’s clean.” He got up off the bed and walked towards Spike and Angel.

“You sure?” Angel asked.

”Not quite but she has nothing that I’m picking up on…” Lorne said

The three guys turned to leave but Eve yelled out, “Wait!” They turned towards her and waited for her to speak. “I want to help...”

”Then get your Senior Partners to help us.” Angel stated.

“They can’t…” Eve said.

”Can’t or won’t?” Spike spoke up.

”They can’t…for real…If you’re talking about a sarcophagus then that doesn’t match our records….except the ones before…the old ones.” Eve explained.

”You mean before human kind…with the original demons?” Angel asked.

“But they were driven away.” Lorne provided.

”Not all of them.” Eve stated, “And the ones that stayed had been fighting and killing each other all the time. But they don’t die the way we do…tell Fred and Wesley to look up in the oldest scrolls…the text that is forgotten. Look under the ‘Deeper Well’.”

The elevator of the lobby dinged and out exited Lorne, Angel, and Spike. They all walked towards the middle of the lobby.

”Lorne go down to the lab and tell Fred and Wes the update and get them cracking on that text.” Angel ordered.

”You got it.” Lorne said and started back into the elevator.

Angel turned to were Spike was standing, “And Spike—“. He stopped when he noticed that Spike was traveling up the stairs already, going to see Buffy in the medical wing.

Spike looked inside Buffy’s room from the doorframe. He noticed that heart monitors were now hooked up to Buffy that were not there before. Spike grabbed a doctor by the arm as he walked by.

”What’s the purpose of the monitors? And why is she alone in here?” Spike growled.

”They are just for precaution…and I’m not sure who was watching her.” The doctor acted like he was too involved for Buffy’s case.

Spike took notice that the doctor was acting like Buffy was not a big deal and it made him anger. Spike pushed the doctor against the wall and held his neck. “I want your best doctors here with her twenty-four seven….do you hear me?”

Somehow the doctor nodded while still being held by his neck. Spike let go of the doctor and went into Buffy’s room and directly to her side. He noticed that she looked even paler than when he left her.

“Buffy?” he whispered.

She fluttered open her eyes and turned to Spike, “Any good news?”

”We got a lead…” Spike said and tried to smile for her but nothing came out.

”Do you have to go away again?” She asked.

“No…I’m going to stay here with you…I’ll let Angel take care of the rest.” Spike said as he stroke her hair lightly.

”It’s okay…you do what you have to do…” Buffy said sounding weak with ever word she spoke.

“I’m not leaving your side.” Spike said.

”I’ll be okay…all you’ll be keeping company is a still splotchy girl...two heads are better than one…even if it is yours and Angel’s.” She tried to make a joke and laugh but neither one of them did. Buffy just felt too weak to laugh and Spike just seemed too stressed out.

“Spike…” Spike turned around when he heard his voice being called. He saw Angel and Gunn standing at the door.

”Go…” Buffy said.

”I’ll be as quick as can be…” Spike said and leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

“I’ll be still here…maybe…” Buffy said with a little emotion.

”Hush…” Spike said and ran his hand across her cheek before getting up and leaving.

Outside Buffy’s room Gunn and Angel waited for Spike.

”What’s the news?” Spike asked once he got in the hallway.

Gunn and Angel exchanged a look.

”We got word by security that something weird is on one of the security tapes in the med lab…” Gunn said.

”Weird as in…” Spike said.

”As in…it looks like one of our own has be double crossing us…Buffy’s blood sample was replaced in the lab with a fake…it was caught all on tape.” Angel said.

”By who?” Spike asked, waiting for a name to be mention so he can jump on the case to kill someone.

The elevator dinged in the lobby and out stepped Knox in his lab coat, ready to find out what’s going on. However as soon as the doors slide open he was greeted by the hard cold stares of Angel, Spike, and Gunn.

Knox glanced back and forth from each guy. “What’s up?”

TBC….