This is in answer to Cats fic challenge (CatsHellMouthCafe).
Must contain- happens in season 2, Spike has to be in his wheel chair.
Spike saves Buffy from Angelus. Possible a rash dicision to make Dru
jelous. Instead he's "stuck" with the slayer and Drus still playing
along with daddy.
You can have Angelus still wanting to hurt Buffy and being more
affectionate with Dru.
Maybe Buffys injured and it's hard for her to move and they're stuck
together.
Just doesn't start out as a romance, but after being stuck with Buffy
and noticing how beautiful or whatever traits you want him to see,
that he starts to want her. Gets curious about her.
Author- Valerie
Rating- G (for now)
Pairing- B/S
Disclaimer- Joss owns it, or I'd be very wealthy right now.
LOVES BITCH
Spike wheeled himseld out of the mansion as fast as he could with an
unconsious slayer on his lap.
He didn't know how long he had before Angelus and Dru came too, but
he didn't exactly want to be there when the woke up.
They know he teamed up with the slayer to stop him from raising
Acathla.
It worked well. Once they managed to immobilize Angelus and Dru,
Buffy and Spike destroyed the statue, rendering it to bits. Buffy
collapsed almost immediately, having taken a few hits from Angelus'
sword. One slice to the back of her calf, one in the abdomen and one
along shoulder.
Spike was having a hard time controling his deamon with her blood all
over her and himself.
Spike pushed hiself as hard and fast as he could. He had to find some
place to take her.
Running out of ideas, he rolled his eyes."Bloody hell." Spike mumbled
as he turned down the next street. It lead to an apartment building
not far from the Bronze.
"I know I'm gonna regret this." Spike said as he pulled out a set of
keys and unlocked the door to the building and went inside. He took
the elevator to the 8th floor and stopped in front of apartment 814.
He unlocked the door and pushed himself in and closed and locked the
door behind him.
He carefully wheeled himself tto the side of the sofa.
"Slayer." He said shaking her slightly.
He got no response.
"Pet. C'mon wake up luv." Spike said shaking her again.
Buffys eyes opened slowly.
"Let's get you on the couch, then we can look after those wounds."
Spike said.
Buffy nodded and moved slowly wincing as pain shot through her body.
"Lay down luv. You can sleep. I'll tend them." Spike said as he went
to the bathroom and grabbed a cloth and water. The pulled out a first
aid kit out from under the end table.
He set to work on her injuries right away. Ripping her pants to tend
the slice to her calf. He cleaned it , applied antibiotics, the
wrapped it tightly.
Next was her shoulder. That one wasn't to bad. He reapeated the same
steps.
He raised her shirt to reveal a heavily bleading abdomen.
"Bloody hell, did a good job eh Angelus." Spike said disdainfully.
He shook his head and began to work. This wound was much worse.
After checking it didn't do internal damage, as far as he could tell.
But it did require about 15 stiches. After he put on the bandage, he
put the kit away and went ot his room and pulled out some clean
clthes.
He put a clean shirt and sweat pants on the chair beside Buffy, so
she could change when she woke.
Spike wheeled himself to the other couch and pulled himself out of
the chair and on to the couch and laid down to get some sleep.
Spike awoke to the sounds of shifting and gasping. He looked over to
see Buffy trying to stand.
"Buffy, get back to bed." Spike said as he quickly got back into his
chair and over to Buffy.
He put his hand on her shoulder and slowly pushed her back to a
seated position.
"You had a couple bad ones there pet. Needed sewing up. You have to
take it easy." Spike said.
"Why do you care Spike?" Buffy spat out.
"I want you in one peice and top strength. That way when I get out of
this chair, I can have good time killing you." Spike smirked.
"Maybe I''l dust you right now." Buffy said casually.
Spike snorted. "No you won't slayer. Where's the challenge in offing
a vampire on wheels. Admit it. You like the fight just as much as I
do." Spike replied just as smugly.
Buffy just looked away.
"'Sides, they know we teamed up, I can't go back there, not like
this. I wouldn't stand a chance." Spike said honestly.
Buffy looked around the apartment.
"Where are we?" Buffy asked.
Spike rolled his eyes."My apartment."
"You have an apartment? I thought you lived at the mansion." Buffy
asked curiously.
"Well I did. But when Angelus came back......he and Dru......became
involved....again. So I got this so I could get away once in awhile."
Spike said as he shrugged and looked down.
Buffy fell silent at the mention of Angel and Dru.
After a few minutes Buffys head popped up. "How do you pay for this?"
Spike didn't answer he just smirked and tilted his head.
"Nevermind. I so do not want to know." Buffy replied as she started
to yawn.
"Lay down slayer. Nothing can get you here. Go to sleep. I'm going to
my room to get some sleep as well. There's a change of clothes for
you when you wake up." He said pointing to the chair.
"I've only ever seen you in your bad ass black." Buffy said
sarcastically.
"Yeah well, they were my roomates." Spike said.
"You had a roomate?" Buffy said lightly.
"Well not for long." Spike smiled as he went to his room.
"Why me?" Buffy said to herself as she slowly laid back down to get
some sleep.
tbc.
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////////////////////////////
Chapter 2
Spike watched Buffy sleep. He hadn't been able to sleep, so he came
out of the bedroom and grabbed a book and began to read. But glancing
at the slayer sleeping on his sofa. She was so tiny. She looked so
helpless, he could easily snap her neck while she slept. But he
didn't want to. Why didn't he want to? This little girl was a thorn
in his side. Disrupting his plans from the moment he came to
Sunnyhell. It was her fault his Dru was back with Angelus. If she
hadn't snogged the great poof then none of this would be happening.
He shook his head and let out an uneeded breath. Then again, what
wouldn't someone do for love and acceptence. His whole unlife, he
has been dedicated to his Dru, his dark princess. Now, he has
nothing. Maybe she was feeling the same way.
His thoughts vanished as he heard her whimper in her sleep.
I wonder what she dreaming about. What goes on in that head of hers.
When she began to struggle in her sleep he went to her side as she
shifted quickly then bolted upright, she looked around wildly.
Wincing and grabbing her stomach and shifting her weight onto her
other leg.
"Take it easy luv. You're safe here. Well until I decide I want a
midnight snack." Spike said as he slowly helped her lower herself
back to the sofa.
Buffy let a tear fall, but quickly wiped it away.
" I'd be vacuuming you up before your game face came on." Buffy
retorted.
"Vacuums in the closet pet." Spike said smirking.
"Okay, I'd leave you in a dust pile. I don't like you enough to clean
up after you." Buffy replied with a small smile.
"Lay back. I'll check your wounds." Spike said
Buffy laid back, but watched him very carefully.
When Spike checked her leg he cursed quietly.
"What?" Buffy asked.
"It's not healing." Spike said as he pulled out his first aid kit
again.
Spike removed the wrap and clean the wound again, rewrapping it with
fresh guaze.
Then he moved to her stomach.
Buffy watched him closely. Amazed at the amount of care he was taking
with her. But also waiting for him to attack her when she slept. But
she was sleeping and he was across the room.......reading. She looked
at the book that was thrown haphazzardly on the floor when he came to
her side.
"Be a good little sayer and don't move around like that again. You
ripped your stitches. I'll have to sew you up again. Bloody hell.
You're a right pain in the arse, you know that don't ya." Spike said
as he set to work.
"Oh right and your all hugs and kittens I suppose." Buffy said.
"I'll have you know I'm a very likeable guy." Spike replied.
"Yeah sure you are Spike. When? Oh I know. On halloween when you
tried to kill me. Or on parent teacher night when you tried to kill
me. Should I go on?" Buffy said tersely.
"Well that is kinda your job 'innit. Your the slayer, I'm a vampire.
It's what we're supposed to do." Spike replied matter of
factly. "'Couse I never had this much trouble from a slayer before."
Spike said flippantly.
"I'm sorry Spike. I mean what was I thinking. Fighting for my life,
god what was that about." Buffy replied.
"Oh please. You can't tell me you don't love the thrill of the kill
slayer. The fightin, the scrapin. It's what your made for. It's what
you are. If you didn't enjoy it, there would be something wrong with
you." Spike replied.
"Maybe you like it. I would rather not be doing this." Buffy said
quietly.
"Yeah right, and Bob's your uncle." Spike said as his head was thrown
back by a quick punch to the jaw from Buffy.
"Dammit slayer." Spike said grabbing his jaw. "You are the most
infuriating bird I've ever met." Spike said grinding his teeth.
"What you expect me to make nice to my mortal enemy." Buffy sneered.
"We already saw the result in you doing that. Angelus I beleive."
Spike retorted back.
Buffy glanced away and said nothing.
Spike continued to sew her up. He stole a glance at her as he put the
kit away.
"Don't move around so much. I don't fancy having to sew you up a
third time." Spike said as he moved back to the other side of the
room and picked up his book and began to read.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
////////////////////////////
Chapter 3
Angel stood there rolling his eyes as Drusilla danced around. *She
wasn't so bad as long as I could pass her off onto Spike. But now
Spike was in league with the slayer. Spike had taken her side over
mine. He'll pay for that.* Angel thought to himself as a snear came
across his face.
Drusilla stopped dancing and came to Angels side. She leaned into
him and whispered in his ear.
"He's hers now." She said as she began to sway back and forth.
Angel looked at her as she interupted his thoughts.
"What?" Angel asked annoyed with her ramblings.
"My dark prince, he belongs to her now." Drusilla sang.
"Spike belongs to who? Buffy?" Angel snorted.
Sure Spike had taken her side, but to be with Buffy. Spike was happy
with Dru. He would be back for her. And he would pay.
"He always belonged to her. The stars tell me they're the same." Dru
said as she started spinning.
Angel tried to get more but Dru was off in her own little world.
Angel let out a deep breath and looked toward the doorway. *Almost
sundown. Soon Spike. Very soon.* Angel thought as he strode from the
room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spike was awoken to the sound of moaning. He rolled his eyes.
"Not again." He said to himself as he groggily got himself back into
his chair.
Buffy woke up wincing and crying before Spike made it over to her.
"Slayer......Slayer it's me. You're safe here." Spike said as he got
to her side.
When he looked at her he saw that she was bathed in sweat and very
pale.
"It hurts. God Spike it hurts." Buffy said not caring anymore that
she was depending on her mortal enemy.
"What's wrong? Where does it hurt?" Spike asked trying to get a look
at her wounds.
"Leg, stomach." Buffy squeeked out between gasps of pain.
She had to really be in pain if she would allow herself to openly
cry in front of me. That's not like her. Spike thought to himself as
he removed the wrap from her leg.
His eyes widened at the sight. Her leg had not only not even started
to heal, it had become much worse. Her leg was swollen , The slice
open and bleeding and infected. The leg around the injury was turning
blue. He quickly checked her stomach. It was the same. Other than the
stiches holding it closed.
He looked closer at her stomach and noticed a couple dark circles.
"Bugger." Spike said as he rolled his eyes.
"What?" Buffy asked sobbing.
"He dipped it. His sword in poison. He killed a Krelin deamon the
other night for sport and kept some of it's blood. I never thought
anything of it. Most it can do to vampires is give us an irratating
itch for a day or two. But it can kill a human, slow and painful
like." Spike said matter of factly.
"What? Oh god." Buffy said as she started crying harder.
"Don't get your knickers in a twist slayer. There's a cure, I
should've seen the signs of this earlier. Must be slower acting
because of who you are. And you said you didn't want to be the
slayer. It's a peice of luck you are innit." Spike said as he rolled
himself to the kitchen.
Spike opened the drawer and pulled out the supplies need and went
back to Buffy.
He put all the ingredients in the bowl and began working them
together into a paste.
"What's that?" Buffy asked as she was gripped with nasea.
"You're cure pet." Spike said as he started smearing the past on to
her leg, stomach and shoulder.
Buffy could feel the heat coming from the ingredients onto her
injuries.
"What's in it?" She asked barely holding the contents of her stomach
down.
"Very simple cure really. Burba weed, which I always have. Some sage
and eye of rat, mix with some blood to form the paste." Spike said as
he grabbed the trashcan from under the table and dumped the contents
onto the floor and placed it in front of Buffy.
She barely had time to react, Spike grabbed her quickly and moved her
to her side as her stomach emptied into the garbage can.
When she finished Spike got a cold face cloth and wiped her face and
neck.
After a few minutes she was able to speak again.
"You had all that stuff just lying around?" Buffy asked.
"Well the burba weed and blood yeah. The rest belonged to my
roommate." Spike said casually.
Buffy just looked at him.
"He was into the craft. Apperently not very good at it." Spike said
dryly as he placed the cloth on her forehead when her eyes drifted
closed.
Spike remained by her side. Watching her closely. His brows furrowed
as he watched her sleep. Watching her breathing seemed to bring him a
peaceful feeling. Why would he enjoy watching her sleep.
tbc.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
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Chapter 4
Angel stood out front of the apartment building looking up. He had
followed their scents. He slowly turned and walked away, he didn't
need to stay around, he knew where they were now. All he had to do
was figure out the best way to torture them. A smile spread across
his lips as he slowly made his way down the street.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spike sat in his chair beside Buffy while she slept. She had woken
numerous times, delerious from the fever. Spike would wipe her down
with a cold cloth often. He also would talk to her quietly to keep
her calm so she wouldn't move around as much.
He knew Angelus had found them, he felt him the other night. He took
a quick look out his window, only to see him standing down on the
street out front of the building.
He looked at Buffy sleeping on the couch, wondering how long until
all hell breaks loose. Angelus can't come in here, but that doesn't
mean he can't make them go out there.
Spike was drawn out of his thoughts when he noticed Buffy was
watching him.
"Do you think you can eat something?" Spike asked as he ran a cloth
over her forehead.
She nodded slightly and started to rise and immediately hissed in
pain.
"No. Lay back down. You aren't going to heal from this to quickly.
I'll have to apply the paste a few more times." He said pushing her
lightly back down.
Spike went to the kitchen and looked around for something to give her.
He went back to he side and handed her some crackers and set some
water down on the table.
"This will do until your stomach can have something heavier. Then
I'll make you a real meal." Spike said as he took the cap off the
bottle of water.
Buffy ate the crackers slowly, not having a lot of energy to do much.
Buffy watched him as she ate. She saw the bowl with water and the
cloth he used to wipe her forehead. She was totally taken aback by
him. She was definately seeing a different aspect of Spike. One not
exactly expected. She lowered her eyes as she toyed with her last
cracker.
"Thank you." She said almost in a whisper.
Spike stunned for a minute just looked at her before a small smile
crept on to his face. He didn't answer he just gave a small nod.
When she saw him smile she couldn't help but return it.
She looked over to his chair where his book lay discarded.
"What are you reading?" She asked curiously.
Spike looked towards his book. "Oh, Jane Eyre." He paused for a
moment.
"Would yoou like me to read it to you?" Spike asked as he went to
retreive his book.
Buffy nodded and moved slowly to change her position.
Spike came over and adjusted the blanket making sure she was covered.
He opened the book and began to read to her.
Buffy closed her eyes letting his voice comfort her.
Spike looked up from his book to see a small smile on Buffys face and
her eyes closed. He smiled and shook his head, but continued reading
until he knew she was asleep.
He made sure he marked the page so he could continue when she woke.
He hadn't told her about Angelus finding them. He knew he would, it
was just a matter of time. But he hadn't wanted to worry her. Why did
making her worried bother him. He should have enjoyed the thought of
it.
He went to his room and began to slowly rise to his feet. He stood
for almost a minute before lowering himself back down to his chair,
exhausted.
Spike smiled to himself, hopefully he'll be able to regain his
strength before what ever Angelus throws their way.
tbc.
Chapter 5
Buffy was sitting on the couch, strong enough to move about freely,
albeit very slowly, and still in a large amount of pain.
She sat watching the bedroom door. Spike was in there sleeping, not
knowing she was gaining her strength back faster than they thought.
He would be easy to dust. Not being able to walk, he couldn't put up
much of a fight. Which would be good, since she wasn't up to fighting
just yet.
Her brows furrowed as she thought about him. He saved her when he
could have let her die. He also healed her, when again he could have
let her die. He read to her and fed her. Spike was a mystery. She
couldn't figure him out. He's the only vampire she came accross thet
even put up a challenge when it came to fighting. He's the only one
she's never beaten. If Angel hadn't dipped his sword, she would have
defeated him.
Spike was not like any vampire she's ever come accross. He smokes and
drinks, eats food and even goes out in the daylight. Very
unconventional.
She got up slowly and made her way to his bedroom and opened the door.
"Spike." Buffy said quietly only to stop and look when she saw him
standing a few feet from his wheelchair.
Spike fell when he heard her voice, breaking his concentration.
"Bloody hell. You ever heard of knocking slayer." Spike spit out as
he pulled his wheelchair back to him and lifted himself back into it.
"You were walking." Buffy said quietly.
"Yeah, imagine that. Been doing it for a long time now. Well up until
recently that is." Spike said as he looked at her. "Glad to see your
up and about, looking well. Well, looking better at any rate."
Spike started wheeling himself out of the room as he pushed himself
past Buffy and out to the living room and lit a smoke.
Buffy followed him and sat accross from him on the couch.
"We can't stay here. Angel knows where we are." Buffy said as she
looked at Spike.
Spike looked at her quickly.
"I may have been sick and in pain, but I know when he's around. He's
been out there the last four nights. It won't be long before he
drives us to leave the building and right into his sights. We have to
leave while the sun is up." Buffy finished.
"Oh yeah, cause the sun is always good for my skin." Spike replied
dryly.
"Is your car in the underground parking?" Buffy asked.
"No. It's at the mansion. Haven't been able to drive for a bit." He
said in a clipped voice.
"Right. Sorry." Buffy said as she started thinking. "We have to go
somewhere he doesn't know about. I can't go home or to Giles. Willows
and Xanders out of the question." Buffy said.
"I know a place." Spike said mumbling.
"What?" Buffy asked.
"I said I know a place. Just on the outskirts of town. It's an old
abandoned farm house. Well it became abandoned after Dru ate the
occupants when we first arrived in town." Spike said.
"Then she has access to the house, it's no good." Buffy replied.
"We weren't invited in. They were outside having a party and we
crashed it." Spike said.
Buffy winced at the details. "Okay, I'll call a cab and let the
others know where I'm going." Buffy said as she moved to the phone.
"And if they're caught by Angelus they'll give you up." Spike
said. "Just tell them you're hiding out and best not give them too
much details. You can get in touch with them when you have too."
"You're right, best not too drag them into this. I'll call them later
from the cell as soon as we get there. I'm gonna call the cab. Grab
whatever you're gonna need to take with you." Buffy said as she
picked up the phone.
An hour later she had the cab driver pull up as close to the door as
he could. Buffy got out and opened the door to the house. She grabbed
all the bags first and placed then inside the door and then went
back for Spike. She had the cab driver make sure the blanket was
snugly wrapped around him due to his allergy to the sun. She carried
the wheelchair as the cab driver carried Spike.
"Come on in." Buffy said as the cabbie walked in behind her carrying
Spike.
"Just set hin there away from the window." Buffy said as she started
closing cutains.
Once seated and hearing Buffy say it was safe Spike pulled the
blanket off and reached into his pocket and handed the cabbie a fifty.
"Thanks mate." Spike said as he pulled out his smokes.
"Sure man, take it easy." The cabbie gave them a nod and headed out
to his car and drove away.
Buffy went around closing curtains and putting their stuff away. She
put Spikes things in the bedroom an the mainfloor, and she took on of
the ones upstairs.
Buffy sat down on the couch exhausted. Still nor up to her full
strength she tired more easily.
"Look I know you don't want to be here anymore than I do, let's just
try and make the best of it." Buffy said as she leaned into the
cushions.
Spike just looked at her but nodded as he rolled his eyes. "I'm
going to my room." Spike said as he turned he sat himself into his
chair and wheeled himself there closing the door behind him.
Buffy just slowly lowered herself on the couch and fell asleep.
**************************
Chapter 6
Buffy slowly began to wake when she heard rustling in the kitchen.
Buffy rubbed her eyes tiredly as she started to sit up. She sat there
for a moment taking in her surroundings before rising and making her
way out to the kitchen.
"Hey." Buffy said quietly as she came into the kitchen and sat at the
table.
Spike just looked at her and nodded.
"Need some help." Buffy offered when she saw the mess he was making.
"I'm quite capable of whipping together a meal." Spike barked at her.
Buffy looked away and started fiddling with the table cloth.
Spike saw her face fall slightly and felt slightly ashamed.
"You should be resting. Not up wearing yourself out. Not up too full
strength yet slayer." Spike said as he turned the oven on.
"I'm okay Spike. No, not fully healed, but I can't keep staying in
bed." Buffy said as she turned to face him.
"I'm not even gonna try to convince you to. Not like you'd listen to
me anyway." Spike mumbled to himself as he opened the fridge and
pulled out a beer.
Buffy slowly got up and went to the fridge and pulled out a coke.
"How long do you think we should stay here?" Buffy asked as she
opened her pop and took a drink.
Spike barely hid his suprise that she even wanted his opinion on the
matter.
"Not sure. You should be fully recovered before you even think about
going back." Spike said as he took a swallow of his beer.
"I know. But when do you think we can go back?" Buffy asked again.
"What do you mean we? I'm not going back slayer." Spike said as he
wheeled himself to the living room.
"What do you mean you're not going back? You have to." Buffy said
following directly behind him.
"Why do I have to go back? There is nothing left there for me. Dru
is........I can't even protect myself against him or anyone for that
matter." Spike said quietly.
Buffy came to sit down beside him. "We're in this together. You
stood there by my side. You saved me. Your healing me now. I won't
let him near you. Okay." Buffy said quietly.
Spike just shook his head. "I'm not going back."
Buffy just nodded her head and moved back over to the couch.
"I think you're right though. I'm starting to feel very tired." Buffy
said as she moved to the couch and layed down.
"I'll wake you when dinners ready." Spike said.
Buffy just nodded as she closed her eyes.
Spike took his last swallow of beer as he continued to watch Buffy
sleep.
"What are you doin mate. She's the slayer." Spike said to himself as
he tore his eyes from her and went back into the kitchen.
Spike pulled the pan from the oven . Spike pulled himself to his feet
and walked over to the cupboard and pulled the plates and glasses
down.
He quickly put them on the counter and made it back to his chair
before his legs gave out.
He wheeled over and grabbed the dishes and began to set the table.
"Slayer." Spike said nudging Buffy slightly.
"Humn." Buffy replied as she started to open her eyes.
"Dinner ready. Come and eat." Spike said as he turned around and left
the room.
"Dinner was really good. Thank you Spike." Buffy said as she started
clearing the dishes away and taking them to the sink.
"Ah, your welcome." Spike said ducking his head.
"Your turn to rest. I'll do the clean up." Buffy said as she smiled.
Spike smirked and started wheeling himself to his room.
"Spike, why don't you get comfortable in the living room. I'll put a
movie in when I finish these." Buffy said already filling the sink.
"Okay." Spike replied as he pulled his chair to the end of the couch
and stood up long enough to lay down and get ready for the movie.
**************************
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Buffy had finished the dishes and wiped the counters and stove top,
then grabbed a beer from the fridge and went to the livingroom.
She stopped and leaned against the doorway when she saw Spike.
She couldn't help but smile. He looked.........sweet when he was
sleeping, Buffy thought.
He was laying on his back, his one arm laying across his now bare
torso. When did he take his shirt off? Buffy thought as she moved to
stand in front of him to get a better look. He looked like he was
sleeping peacefully.
Buffy set the drinks down on the table and grabbed a book from the
shelf. Sitting herself in the armchair by the end of the couch she
began to read, since the movie seemed to be out of the question.
Buffys eyes started to droop after a couple of hours. She put the
book on the table and stood up and started leaving the room.
But stopped and went back to stand in ftont of Spike. Reaching over
him to the back of the couch she pulled the blanket off and gently
covered Spike.
His hair was slightly mussed, slowly she put her hand out to smooth
it back.
Spikes hand reached up at lightening speed grabbing her arm.
"Slayer." He said as he turned his head and looked at her calmly.
Buffy jumped a little startled.
"Spike.....I was....I don't know what I was thinking." Buffy replied
puzzled.
"I'm a demon Slayer. Never forget that." Spike said honestly, trying
to convey his meaning to her.
"I know you're a demon Spike." Buffy replied quietly.
Spike let go of her hand and pushed himself to a sitting position.
"Look...Buffy." Spike started. Buffy turned all her attention to him
at the use of her real name. "I'm helping you ...yes. But there was a
purpose behind it for me remember. I'm not noble and all that rot. I
did it for purely selfish reasons. Best to remember that."
"Maybe we could help each other." Buffy replied just above a whisper.
"What can you do to help me?" Spike scoffed.
"You want out of that chair right?" Buffy asked, but it was more like
a statement.
Spike lowered his head. "You know I do."
"You helped me fight. Your helping to heal me. I can help you walk."
Buffy replied matter of factly.
"Aren't you afraid of what I might do when I'm able to walk?" Spike
asked dumbstruck by her offer.
"No. I'll be well long before then, I could dust you if you kill, or
become really annoying." Buffy said as she emptied her drink.
Spike chuckled and looked at Buffy who smiled back.
"Okay, we help each other. And I'll make a promise. I'll go back to
fight Angelus with you. I won't hurt or attack anyone while I'm
there. When it's over I'll leave town for good. But no promises
beyond that." Spike said as he watched for her reaction.
"I'll take you're word for it. I don't beleive you, but I'll take
it." Buffy replied with a small smile.
"I'll have you know I've never broken my word to a lady." Spike said
as he backed up on the couch offended.
Buffy was a lttle suprised at his reaction and smiled even wider.
"What about that movie." Spike said reaching over and grabbing the
beer Buffy had set ther a couple hours ago.
"Maybe I should get you another one, that has got to be warm.
Spike shrugged as he took a drink. "Another would be good, then you
wouldn't have to get up half way through the movie and grab me
another." Spike said deadpan.
Buffys jaw dropped as she gaped at him.
"What?" Spike asked with a hint of a smile.
"Your starting to get annoying." Buffy said as she toyed with the
wooden table leg.
"Now now pet. Wouldn't want to welch on our deal." Spike said
chuckling.
Buffy shook her head. "You are a very strange vampire Spike." Buffy
said as she stood up and brought him another beer.
************************
"God...just pick one." Buffy yelled frustrated.
"Fine. The first one then. The sixth one , oh and the twenty seventh
one." Spike huffed as he took a drink.
Buffy looked at him through mere slits as she went to the end of the
bookcase and pulled out a movie.
There had to be around two hundred movies and Spike had made her read
every title twice. An hour and a half later Buffy pulled the very
first one off the shelf and put it into the machine, grabbed the
other two and started the movie.
Buffy sat down a little miffed with a look that could've shot stakes
at him.
"Which one are we watching." Spike asked as he looked intently at the
t.v.
Buffys jaw dropped as she looked at him.
"What? Which one?" Spike asked innocently.
Buffy looked away not answering, closing her eyes and rubbing her
temples. "Too bad the poison hadn't worked." Buffy said quietly to
herself.
"What's got your knickers in a twist slayer?" Spike asked as he
looked over at her.
"Nothing and keep my knickers out of it." Buffy said as she leaned
her head back and tried to watch the movie.
"Yeah , whatever." Spike said rolling his eyes as he turned back to
the t.v.
*******************
About fifteen minutes into the movie, Buffy with a small smile on her
face looked at Spike, who was wearing an expression of abject horror.
Buffy held in a giggle as she turned back to watch the movie.
Watching him out of the corner in her eye, was much more enjoyable.
******************
Spike sat there staring horrified at the screen in front of him.
He knew he couldn't get Buffy to change the movie since he's the one
that chose it. After having Buffy read all titles several times, at
which he wasn't even listening, he was doing it to annoy her, it
seemed to work really well.
Now he wished he had listened to the titles. He let out a long breath.
He sat back resigned to the fact he was stuck watching Persuasion.
A girly, softy, feely, let's get in touch with your feelings movie.
Oh no, what were the other two I chose. Spike thought looking around.
His eyes fell on the other two movie cases. He quickly scanned the
titles.
Titanic......well that had possibilities, all that death, sinking
ship, yeah that one will be alright. He looked at the other one.
Wake of The Red Witch....that definately sounded good. Witchcraft,
blood, mayhem.
He just had to make it through this one and he could watch something
more to his liking.
*******************
"What was your favorite part?" Buffy asked as she pulled the second
Titanic tape out of the VCR.
"When she dropped him under the water." Spike said blatently, waiting
for her to put the movie about the witch in.
"Spike." Buffy said a little dissapointed at his veiw.
"He was a ponce. He was not in her station, and no matter what she
said, when they got there.....had he lived....she would have dropped
him quickly for any man with a bank roll. He wouldn't have been good
enough for her." Spike said quietly as he looked down.
Buffy just looked at him for a moment before putting the movie in and
sitting down.
*******************
After Buffy pulled out the last movie, they both stretched and yawned.
"I think should go and check to see if I still have all my parts."
Spike said as he looked at the stack of girly flics ha just watched.
"This last one though, wasn't to bad, she was a firecracker. Gotta
love a women with a stubborn streak like that." Spike said as he
moved to his chair.
"You don't think she's.........too.......I don't know...independent?"
Buffy asked as she busied herself putting the movies away.
"Always liked a strong independent woman." Spike said as he grabbed
hi empty bottles and went into the kitchen.
"Really." Buffy said following him.
"Yeah, but in my day, that was a novelty. Very few woman were allowed
the freedom they are today." Spike replied.
"I don't want to ask.....but......Druscilla......she's not.....I
mean..." Buffy stuttered out trying to find the right words.
"No she's not strong." Spike said quietly. "But I love her none the
less slayer. She brought me into this world, she's ev.........or was
everything to me." Spike said as he looked at her. "The same way he
was to you."
Buffy nodded as she started to rise.
Spike started to wheel himself throught the living room to the
bedroom off to the side.
"Spike." Buffy called softly.
Spike stopped halfway through the bedroom door. "Yeah?" He said as he
looked at gently.
"We don't all measure a man by their worth.......or station in
life." Buffy said as she smiled softly, ducking her head before
disappearing up the stairs.
After she disappeared Spike smiled to himself as he watched the now
empty stairwell.
He turned and went into the bed room and pulled himself onto the bed.
He laid down and looked st the ceiling. Slowly he closed his eyes and
drifted off to sleep.
TBC.
Chapter 8
Spike woke up when he heard Buffy moving around in the kitchen. He
pulled himself up and over into his chair. Running his hands through
his hair trying to smooth down the curls that were no longer slicked
back.
He moved through the livingroom and to the kitchen, stopping in the
door way watching Buffy making breakfast.
Buffy looked over and saw him watching her.
"It's not much, cosidering there wan't much in the cupboards, but I
could make you some." Buffy said with half a smile.
"Sounds fine. Porridge is it. I remember when my mum use to make it
for me." Spike said as he pulled his chair up to the table.
"Ya, me too. I hated it when I was a kid. But now, throw a little
brown sugar in it, I can't seem to get enough." Buffy said as she
brought two bowls to the table.
"I always liked it. My mum was a good cook. Could make anything
palatable." Spike said spooning on the brown sugar.
"I've been thinkng all morning. I'm almost healed, won't be long
before I'm good. But if you think it's alright, I'd like to stay here
until we get you on your feet again. Does ........that sound okay to
you?" Buffy asked as she took a bite.
Spike thought for a few minutes before answering.
"You're sure you want to do this slayer? Make me well again. Make me
what I was." Spike said looking at her.
"I'm sure." Buffy replied quietly.
"Alright. You've got a deal. We'll stay here. Then we'll go back and
take care of business." Spike said looking at Buffy for confimation.
Buffy nodded her head and then continued to finish her breakfast.
"I should get ahold of my mom. We're gonna need money for food,
blood. Don't know how long we could be here for." Buffy said as she
took her bowl to the sink.
Spike rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"Look, yeah go ahead, call mum. Let her know you're fine. Have catch
up girly talk or what have you. As far as money goes I have plenty,
no need to hit your mum up for it." Spike said as he handed Buffy his
bowl.
"What are you doing?" Spike said as Buffy went to put his bowl in the
sink.
"What?" Buffy asked puzzled.
"I want more. Don't put my bowl in the sink." Spike said eyeing the
pot on the stove.
"Oh." Buffy replies smiling as she filled his bowl again.
Buffy sat at the table watching Spike eat his third bowl.
"We're definately going to need alot of groceries." Buffy said as he
practically licked the bowl clean. "I though vampires didn't eat
food." Buffy said as he finally had his fill and she was allowed to
actually put it in the sink.
" We obviously don't need to eat, it does nothing for us. But I
happen to enjoy eating." Spike replied running a hand over his
stomach.
"If you have plenty of money, why do you steal?" Buffy asked quickly.
"Nice topic change there pet." Spike said smirking. "Simple, I ate a
stockbroker once." Spike said shrugging his shoulders.
Buffys face dropped as a disgusted look came accross her face.
"What? You wanted to know." Spike said as he turned around wheeling
himself into the other room, smilling all the way.
************************
"Spike." Buffy yelled as she made her way into the house from the
barn.
Spike loked up from the book he was reading as she walked int to
livingroom.
"There's a car in the barn. Do you think you could take a look at it
when the sun sets, see if it's alright to use?" Buffy asked as she
sat down beside him.
"Sure. Sun's gone in another hour or so. I'll check it out for you."
Spike answered.
"What were you doing out there all day slayer?" Spike asked as he set
his book aside.
"You'll see when you go out. I'm actually a little tired. I think I'm
going to have a nap. Can I just lay in your bed instead of going up
the stairs, my leg seems a little more sore today." Buffy asked
quietly.
"Sure luv. I'll take a look ay your leg when you get up alright."
Spike said as she started to get up.
"Okay. Wake me up when the sun sets. If the car is okay, maybe we can
go into town and do a little shopping." Buffy said as she looked back
at Spike from the bedroom doorway.
"What ever you want luv." Spike said as he picked up his book and
began to read.
*****************************
Buffy jerked awake violently as she felt someone grabbing her.
"Easy slayer. Just your wake up call." Spike said from beside the bed.
Buffy laid back down trying to calm herself.
"Take off your pants." Spike said demandingly.
"What?" Buffy said a little stunned by his demand.
"I'm going to check your leg. Take off your pants." Spike rolled his
eyes. "Fine I'll leave, you take them off, cover up and call me when
you're ready." Spike grumbled as he turned his chair and left the
room.
Buffy took off her pants and jumped back under the covers.
"Okay." Buffy yelled as she uncovered her leg.
"Slayer, you don't have to yell. I can hear when you whisper
remember." Spike said as he came to her side.
"Sorry." Buffy whispered smiling.
Spike just shook his head at her as he grabbed her leg.
Moving into to get a closer look Spike hands gently touched and
carressed her injured leg.
"This one seems to be taking longer to heal. It must have been your
first injury, more poison went into this one. A few more applications
of the paste and you'll be okay." Spike said applying some paste to
the wound. After he wrapped it again with a peice of bedding he had
torn up.
"Thanks. I'll get dressed then we'll go out to the barn." Buffy said
as Spike started to leave the room.
"I'll wait on the porch at the side of the house." Spike said as he
disappeared.
********************
Buffy pushed Spike into the barn.
"First I'll show you what I was doing today. Then we look at the
car." Buffy said as a big smile encompassed her face.
Spike smiled at her enthussiasm.
Buffy stopped when they came into the hay mows and waited for Spikes
reaction.
When he just sat there staring she ran in front of him and started
pointing things out.
"We needed a place to work out right. Getting all smelly and sweaty,
why not do it in the barn." Buffy smiled. " I threw a couple ropes
over the beams for us to climb. I secured a bar accross those two
beams up there to do chin ups. I thought we could use all the beams
up there for balancing. I tied a couple of poles here, for you, to
start your healing.
We'll start you on these, then you'll be up there.........with me."
Buffy said smiling proudly.
Spike couldn't help but smile. "Thank you Buffy." Was all he said as
he moved in and ran his hands along the railing he'll be using to
relearn how to walk.
Spike cleared his throat. "Let's go have a look at that car shall
we." Spike said as he loked at Buffy.
Buffy smiled as she walked behind him in the direction of the car.
tbc.
CHAPTER 9
Angel paced around the room angrily. He hadn't been able to find
where Spike Buffy had gone too. He had theie scent in the car park
below the building, but that's as far as he could follow. He went all
over town but no one could tell him of their where abouts. Not even
under the torture thay had endured at his hands. They seemed to
disappear without a trace.
"Miss Edith spoke lastnight. Says my dark prince is glowing , that
they are becoming one. Getting stronger." Druscilla said as she
walked slowly into the room.
"Where are they? Did Miss Edith tell you where they are?" Angel asked
grippng her arms.
Druscilla smiled. "They went to our welcoming." Druscilla said as
Angel let go of her.
"They're preparing." She added as she looked up at Angel through
hooded eyes.
"Preparing for what?" Angel asked as he pinned her to the bed.
Druscilla nipped at Angels neck. "Us." She whispered before sinking
her fangs.
Angel closed his eyes as he sunk into pleasure.
*************************
"Come on Spike. One more time and we'll call it a night." Buffy said
as she noticed it was almost time for the sun to rise.
Spike nodded and pulled himself from his chair, supporting his weight
on the bars as Buffy walked in front guiding him, or to catch him if
he fell.
"Good............you're doing good." Buffy said facing him as she
backed up slowly.
Spike gritted his teeth as he watched is feet moving slowly, most of
his weight being supported by his arms.
"No. Don't look at you feet. Look at me." Buffy said gently grabbing
his chin and raising his head so their eyes met. "Look at me." Buffy
repeated as she dropped her hand away.
Spike looked into her eyes intently as he concetrated on his
movements.
"Okay. You're doing great." Buffy said as she helped him turn around
so he could walk back to his chair.
Spike gritted his teeth again as he took his last step. Buffy caught
him quickly and helped him back into his chair.
"You did good Spike. It won't be long before you're up there with
me."Buffy said indicating the beams up above. "Tomorrow we'll do this
again as well as work on your upper body." Buffy said as she moved
behind him and pushed an exhausted Spike back to the house.
Once inside Buffy whelled him through the livingroom to his bedroom.
Buffy helped Spike lift himself from the chair and sat him on the bed.
"Lay down. You should rest." Buffy said as she grabbed the blanket.
Spike nodded tiredly as he tried to remove his boots.
Buffy dropped the blanket and bent down to Spikes feet, quickly
removing the boots.
Buffy then lifted Spikes legs up to the bed and then threw the
blanket over him.
Buffy walked over to the door but was stopped by Spike.
"Slayer........ Buffy. Thanks." Spike said quietly as he closed his
eyes.
Buffy smiled at him as she walked out of the room.
************************
Buffy went to her room and sat on her bed. Wincing as the smallest
movement caused pain to course through her leg.
She didn't want Spike to know it wasn't healing properly. He other
wounds seemed t heal fine. Only small scars remained of them. But the
one on her leg, was still open and red. She applied more paste and
bound the wound with a fresh cloth.
She slowly stripped off her clothes and climbed into bed, falling
asleep quickly.
**************************
Over the next few days Buffy and Spike had fallen into an easy
routine. They slept during the day and trained relentlessy all night.
Putting everything they had into their training.
Spike just in a couple of days was able to walk along the bars for
the most part by himself.
When Spike was finished he would sit in his chair and watch as Buffy
would run and jump along the beams overhead.
When she was finished she jumped down, wincing slightly as she
landed, pain shooting through her leg.
She turned to Spike and started wheeling him back to the house.
Once inside the house spike wheled himself to the kitchen and grabbed
a beer from the fridge.
"Were you ever going to tell me?" Spike asked as he took a drink.
"What?" Buffy asked as she looked at him with a puzzled expression.
"Your leg. I saw you in the barn." He said as he turned his chair to
face her.
Buffy just looked away. "I'm taking care of it." She said as she
moved to grab an apple off the table.
"Let me see it." Spike said as he came over to her.
Spike didn't even wait for a response. He pushed her into the chair,
grabbed her leg, propping it up on his lap and ripped the leg of her
pants, leaving her leg bare.
Spike inspected the wound more closely than before. He looked at the
coloring surrounding the wound. It was red, nothing to do with the
poisoning. Spike shook his head as he lowered her leg and went to the
bathroom, returning a couple minutes later.
"It's infected pet. The paste did cure the poison, unfortunately the
paste also caused an infection." Spike said as he place Buffys leg on
his lap again as he began to diligently clean and disinffect the
would.
"It'll take a little longer now, but you'll be fine." Spike said when
he finished and put everything away.
"Thank you Spike." Buffy said as she stood up.
"Next time tell me." Spike said as he left the room and went to his
room.
Buffy smiled to herself as she watched his retreating back.
"There's a couple hours left before sunrise. Wanna watch a movie?"
Buffy asked as she followed him.
"No more girly movies right?" Spike called back.
"No, it'll be a testosterone packed movie." Buffy said as she moved
over and picked out Die Hard.
"Movie sounds good." Spike said as he stood up and slowly moved over
to the couch and sat down.
Buffy put the movie in and went and sat down.
"I'll get the snacks." Buffy said standing back up and going to the
kitchen.
Buffy came back in with a bag of popcorn and drinks as she sat down
with the bag of popcorn placed between them on the couch.
tbc
CHAPTER 10
Over the next few days, Buffy mainly helped Spike regain his strength.
She took Spikes advice and took it easy, no training until the
infection was under contol.
Spike was getting stronger everyday. He no longer needed Buffys help
to walk, he could walk on his own, only needing the wheelchair after
training when he wore himself out.
**************************
Buffy came down the stairs groggily walking into the kitchen.
"Whatcha makin?" Buffy asked as she went over to the coffee pot and
pored a cup.
"Beef stew." Spike said as he poured a glass of red wine into the pot
of browned meat.
"Can I help?" Buffy asked setting her cup down and moving over to the
stove.
"Sure. I just gotta let this simmer abit. You can help cut up
vegetables." Spike said as he turned down the burner ans covered the
pot.
Spike pulled out another cutting board and handed her the carrots and
celery, while he started peeling potatoes.
"It's pretty early. Why are you starting supper already?" Buffy asked
as she chopped carrots.
"To make a really good stew, you let it cook most of the day on a low
temperature, the wine brings out the flavour of the meat." Spike said
matter of factly.
"Oh." Buffy said as she continued to concentrate on her task.
Spike stole a glance at her through lowered lashes, a small smile
forming on his lips while he watched her butcher the carrots, making
them almost unrecognizable.
"Is this okay? Are they too small?" Buffy asked as she crinkled her
brows looking up at Spike.
"No." Spike said quickly when he tore his gaze from the mangled
carrots. "They're fine luv. Perfect." Spike added with a smile.
Buffy smiled widely as she looked back down and reached for the
celery.
Spike finished peeling and cutting the potatoes, adding them to the
pot.
He had Buffy add hers to the pot then cover turning it down a little
more.
"All done pet." Spike said as they started cleaning the counters.
"You're different." Buffy said quietly more to herself than to Spike.
Spike stopped and looked at her. "How's that?" He asked puzzled.
"What?" Buffy said looking up. "Oh. I mean from other vampires. You
eat food, you smoke, you cook. Why do you know how too cook?" Buffy
asked curiously.
"My father died when I was but a boy. I was an only child and my mum
was a woman ahead of her time. She thought I should know how to do
everything for myself. She taught me to cook, sew, knit, crochet, but
all done in a manly sort of way of course." Spike said smirking.
"You knit?" Buffy said as her jaw gaped open.
"Then yes. Been a long time though, probably couldn't do it now."
Spike said as he opened a beer.
"If you can remember, could you teach me?" Buffy asked quietly.
Spike just looked at her and smiled as he lowered his head.
"I s'pose so." Spike replied softly.
Buffy jumped up quickly and grabbed the keys to the car.
"Where are you going slayer?" Spike asked suprised at her sudden
movements.
"My mom never had the patients to teach me and I want to learn. I'm
going shopping. I'll be back in an hour." Buffy said smiling as she
walked out the door.
*********************
"I didn't know what kind of yarn to get.........or needles, so I
picked a few different kinds." Buffy said as she empied the contents
of the four different bags on the couch.
"Did you buy out the bloody store." Spike said as he looked at the
couch.
"Did I get the wrong kinds?" Buffy asked as she started to fidget a
little.
Spike rolled his eyes. " No we can work with these. C'mon." Spike
said as shoved everything to the floor and sat beside her on the
couch.
***********************
Spike started chuckling to himself while watching Buffy get
frustrated.
It had taken him a little while to remember how to knit. But it
looked like it was gonna take him a long while to teach her.
Spike continued knitting when he heard her growl and throw the
needles, which were now sticking out of the wall across the room.
Spike shook his head as he set his down and grabbed another pair of
needles from the table.
"Come here." Spike said softly taking Buffy's hands. "Sit down for a
minute." Spike said as he spread his legs having her sit between his
legs ib front of him.
Buffy pulled back slightly as she looked at him.
"If I was gonna hurt you I would have done it already. If you wanna
learn sit down." Spike said.
Buffy reluctantly sat down in front of him.
Spike put his arms around her, holding the needles.
She watched as Spike added a row of stitched to the needles.
"Okay, you take them now." Spike said as Buffy grabbed the needles.
Buffy held the needles, her hands on top of Spikes as he guided her
through it.
He did this for four rows before pulling his hands back letting Buffy
continue on her own.
Buffy had been concentrating so hard she hadn't moved from her spot
between Spikes legs.
"I'm gonna get some sleep now luv. Dinner won't be ready for awhile,
so you should get some rest too. We were up early and we have a long
night of training." Spike said as he rubbed her arm.
"Mm hmm." Buffy replied automatically but not really listening.
Spike finally gave up and just layed his head back and closed his
eyes.