"For Their Own Good"
Author: A. Price
Email: andramichelle@yahoo.com
Spike made his way to Wolfram and Hart through the back alleyway trying to stay off the more populated street. He found himself behind the building and began to search for a way into the tunnels. He began by placing his hands along the wall and pressing. After traveling several feet, the wall finally gave as if it were an invisible door; and he stepped through and began his descent down a narrow staircase.
Gunn opened the back passenger door and eased Buffy into his arms. Strangely, no one asked about the unconscious woman in Gunn's arms as they walked towards Wesley's office. "Funny no one's said anything."
Wesley unlocked his door, "I suppose it's not the strangest thing they've ever seen considering where we are; and it is quitting time. I'm sure that most people are anxious to leave here."
Gunn laid Buffy on the couch in the office. She cracked one eye open, but Wesley shook his head slightly and she closed it again. "Hello, Eve." Wesley called out as Eve entered the room.
"Who exactly do we have here?"
"It's the Slayer." Gunn answered, "An angry slayer."
"She just looks out of it to me." Eve stepped a bit closer to the couch, "Why is she angry?"
"We had to take care of Spike." Wesley offered, "She and Spike were... shall we say close?"
"You took out Spike?" Eve asked her eyes wide.
"Yes, it looks like the Senior partners might have been correct... we couldn't get an answer from him about his involvement with Angel's disappearance and Gunn got impatient. So, Spike is now waiting to be vacuumed off my rug. Buffy threw a slayer fit and we had to tranquilize her." Wesley explained in a matter of fact voice.
"The Slayer is going to be missed. What are you planning on doing with her?" Eve questioned suspiciously.
"Gonna take her down to the basement till we can get her on a plane back to London. Wesley called and told them know what's going on." Gunn explained as he picked up Buffy's limp body.
"How did they take the news about Spike? Don't they consider him a hero?" Eve's forehead creased.
"Mr. Giles tolerated Spike, hero or not, he accepted our word that we did what we had to do." Wesley followed Gunn out of the office, "Don't worry we have it under control."
"If you say so." Eve started towards the entrance to the building already dialing her cell phone.
Spike listened carefully as he walked down the dark tunnel, watching for Angel and the basement entrance.
"That was close." Gunn told Wesley when they were safe in the basement.
"Yes, it was. We'll have to be very careful from now on, I don't trust Eve as far as Fred could throw her." As Gunn sat Buffy down, Wesley found the corner of the basement that Spike had mentioned. "Start feeling around on the wall here."
The three placed their palms on the wall, and began concentrating on finding the opening.
"Here it is!" Buffy called out as she stepped through looked like a solid wall; the others followed her.
"Should we wait for Spike?" Gunn asked as they climbed down the staircase.
"I'm sure we'll meet up with him in the tunnels." Wesley told him as they made their way down the corridor.
Lindsey tapped his fingers on the desk impatiently. He had waited 29 minutes and Angel still had not moved or answered him. He patted the dart gun in his coat pocket and walked into the narrow hall that led to the cell.
Digging a large key ring from his pocket, he opened the cell door cautiously. There was still no movement from Angel.
Angel could hear Lindsey walking towards the cot. He bided his time waiting for him to get close enough. Lindsey pulled the gun out of his pocket as he took another step towards the vampire.
When he was close enough, Angel rolled over and kicked him in the stomach. Lindsey fell to the ground with the dart gun still close by. Angel started towards him with purpose, the kick had sapped most of his remaining strength but he had a mission, and if he died stopping Lindsey McDonald, it would be worth it, "Lindsey, I knew that voice was familiar."
Lindsey looked up at him from the floor, his hand slowly reached for the dart gun at his side, "I'm flattered you remembered my voice." He replied with a smirk as his hand gripped the gun.
Spike heard voices, and one of them was definitely Angel's. He rushed down the hallway. It took only a moment to find the cell. He was surprised to see Angel standing upright over a younger man on the floor, from his position he could see the man's hand on a gun of sorts.
Spike watched as the man picked up the gun and aimed it towards Angel. "Watch out!" Spike shouted as he entered the room. Angel raised his leg to kick the gun out of Lindsey's grasp.
Lindsey, startled by the arrival of a second vampire turned the gun from Angel to Spike. He fired only a second before Angel's foot hit his hand sending the gun spiraling.
Spike rushed to help Angel restrain Lindsey, gamely ignoring the pain in his thigh as they tied up the lawyer with the dirty bedsheet from the cot. Angel saw the dart as soon as they sat their captive on the floor. "Spike, you need to get that out now." Angel sat down tiredly on the edge of the bed.
"Nah, I'd rather walk around with a dart in my leg, Peaches." He replied sarcastically as he pulled the dart out with a wince.
An edge of hysteria tinged Lindsey's laughter, "You're dead."
"Yeah, vampire, here. I am dead." Spike replied shaking his head.
"No, I mean you really dead... the dart was poisoned." Lindsey laughed again, "And it wasn't the mutated one I gave Angel. It was the original version, which means you'll be getting sick a lot sooner. And I don't see any Slayer blood around here to save either of you."
"It's another dead-end!" Buffy grumbled as she turned around to face Wesley and Gunn.
"This place is like a maze." Gunn looked around the dark corridors "Do you think Spike got in?"
"I'm sure he has." Wesley assured him as they backtracked to where they had started in the tunnel.
Buffy's voice rose impatiently. "He's probably as lost as we are!"
Wes tried to reason with her. "Or maybe he's found Angel, already."
"Maybe he has, but he's not the antidote... I am." She shook her head as if to clear it and added softly, "I'm sorry, Wes. I'm just worried about both of them."
"It'll be okay, Buffy. Let's go this way and see what we find," Gunn replied as he directed his flashlight down another tunnel.
"Can we gag him, or better yet knock him out?" Spike looked at Lindsey with disgust.
"Gagging me won't change things," Lindsey smirked. "Both of you are going to die."
"Gag him." Angel instructed Spike as he tore a piece of blanket, "We've got to get out of here quickly; it won't take long for the poison to work on you."
"Buffy's on her way, and Wesley and Gunn are with her." Spike informed him trying to concentrate on gagging Lindsey instead of the poison swimming through his body. Angel was right; he was already feeling lightheaded.
Lindsey laughed again, "This will be interesting. Which one of you is she going to save? Or possibly the two of you will just drain her dry - self preservation you know?"
Angel's fist met Lindsey's face with a loud thump, Lindsey passed out on the ground, and "On second thought knocking him out was a better idea."
Spike nodded as he sat down on the cot, "So how fast does this work, should we try to find Buffy?"
"I don't remember too much after passing out the first time; it worked fast. " Angel replied solemnly.
Spike laughed bitterly, "Guess you got your way, after all."
"I never wanted it to be like this, Spike. You know that." Angel sat beside him.
"How would I know that, Angel? I was always Dru's toy to you in the old days; and since I've been back, I've just been a bloody reminder of what you used to be. You hate me." He ran his hands over his face and was surprised to find that he was running a fever, his body beginning to ache all over.
"I don't hate you, Spike." The words were barely a whisper as Angel moved over to let Spike lie down.
"What did you say?" Spike looked at him through bleary eyes.
"I said I don't hate you. But, you are right about one thing, you do remind me of what I used to be, and not just because of what Angelus did. You make me realize that I'm also responsible for Dru's actions and for yours and countless others too." Angel sighed.
Spike raised his head, "You weren't responsible for everything I did," he replied softly.
"Maybe not everything, but a lot of it. I don't like accepting what Angelus did; it's even worse to think about all of those I sired and let loose on the world."
"Nothing you can do can change the past. Worry about the present now, I need you to do something for me." Spike closed his eyes and laid his head back down on the cot.
"What do you want me to do?" Angel asked hesitantly.
"You won't like it."
" I'm not surprised. What is it, Spike?"
"I want you to tell Buffy that I love her and she needs to find a way to be happy."
"You're not going to die, Spike. You said it yourself, Buffy is on her way." Angel pulled the blanket up over Spike.
"And there's one Slayer, two sick vampires, she's determined to be the one to save you, Angel. I won't let her drain herself to save us both; and at this rate, I'll be too far gone; to worry about it." Spike shook his head at his grandsire.
"She's resourceful, she'll find a way. Just rest till she gets here." Angel stood and walked toward the cell door, looking down the hallway for signs of Buffy. The corridor was empty and he heard no sign of movement. He looked back at Spike shivering on the cot and weighed his options. He could go look for Buffy alone or carry Spike with him. He wasn't sure he had the energy left to do either. Just as he was returning to the cell, he heard a voice in the distance.
"I see a light down this one," Wesley called over his shoulder.
"He sees a light," Gunn called back to Buffy.
She quickly caught up to Wesley and squeezed in beside him in the narrow tunnel; "I see it too. It's not too much further." She took the lead and quickly made her way towards the faint light.
"It looks like there are cells down through here." She stopped to let Wesley and Gunn catch up.
"I'm not really surprised," Wesley told her as he shined his light in one of the dark chambers.
"We probably don't want to know what they are used for," Gunn added.
"Buffy?" A voice called from several feet down the tunnel.
"Angel?" Buffy called back as she ran towards his voice. Gunn and Wesley followed closely behind her.
"Angel?" She called out his name again as she found the open cell. Her heart caught in her throat at the sight of Angel, standing but looking feverish and weak. He met her at the door, blocking Spike from her view.
Wesley noticed Lindsey on tied up on the floor; "Lindsey kidnapped you?"
Angel nodded, "Yeah, I'll explain later, right now we've got to get out of here. Spi... "
Buffy interrupted him by putting her arm around him, " Don't worry, we're going to get you out of here and then we'll get you the antidote." She started to lead him out the door when she saw the blond on the cot, "Spike!"
"That's what I was trying to tell you, Buffy. Lindsey poisoned Spike too, and his is the fast acting poison like Faith used, maybe even stronger." Angel pulled away from Buffy and leaned against the wall, "He's already in bad shape."
Buffy knelt by the cot, "Spike, it's me." She ran her hand through his damp hair.
Spike opened his eyes slightly, "Buffy?"
"Yes, it's me. We've got to get you and Angel out of her so we can get you both well again." She tried to smile through watery eyes.
"You can't save both of us, luv." He replied as he weakly took her hand in his.
"We'll see about that." She kissed his forehead, "I heal fast. Remember?"
"He's right, Buffy. You can't give enough blood for both of them. Remember what happened last time when it was just Angel?" Wesley's voice was sympathetic.
"I'm not choosing between them!" Buffy shook her head.
"There has to be another way," Gunn sighed.
"There is. I didn't want to do this, I feel like it's my responsibility... but I don't think I have a choice now." She pulled out her cellphone and a small black book from her coat pocket. She found the number she was looking for and dialed.
"Hello, Jenna. It's Buffy. Yes, it's been a while. Could you please meet me at Wolfram and Hart? Yes, I know they are evil, but I need your help. A man named Wesley with an English accent will let you in. Now. I need you to come now. Thanks." Buffy clicked the phone off. "We need to move. Wesley, you and Gunn help Angel. We'll leave this guy here for now. And Wesley? Make sure Fred is still here, please." She kicked absently at Lindsey's unconscious body as she handed him her phone.
"Of course." Wesley called the lab. He and Gunn propped Angel between them.
"You need help with Spike?" Gunn asked as they turned to leave.
"No, he'll hate this, but I've got him." She lifted the limp vampire, put him over her shoulder, and followed the others through the basement and up to the lab where Fred was waiting.
"Wesley please go let Jenna in, she shouldn't be too long," Buffy instructed him as she laid Spike on a gurney. "Gunn can you make Angel comfortable?"
Angel was laying on a second gurney, "Buffy, what are you going to do?" He asked curiously.
"I'm going to ask Fred to draw blood from Jenna, a slayer based here, to save you," Buffy explained as she smoothed loose curls off Spike's forehead.
Wesley entered the room with the younger slayer. The young woman looked confused. "Why did you need me, Buffy?"
"Jenna, I don't have a lot of time. Angel and Spike are both sick; they need the blood of a slayer to survive. I don't think I can donate enough for both of them, so I'm asking you for your help. If you don't want to give your blood, I understand," Buffy explained rapidly.
"They're vampires, Buffy." Jenna looked from one vamp to the other.
"I know. Again, we're not big on time right now, but I will explain later." Buffy held Spike's hand tightly in hers.
"If I don't, what will you do?" Jenna asked hesitantly.
"I'll try to cure them both myself," Buffy answered simply.
"But you said that you weren't sure you could."
"I'm not, but I'll try."
Jenna rolled up her sleeve. "I'll do it."
"Thank you," Buffy replied, relief in her voice.
"Should I draw from you first, Buffy? Spike does seem to be sicker then Angel," Fred asked as she began to get her phlebotomy tray ready.
"No, just draw Jenna and give Angel the blood. I'll take care of Spike myself." Buffy picked Spike up once again. "I need somewhere private, please."
"Buffy, this isn't a good idea, let Fred draw your blood," Angel pleaded.
"No, I have to do this," she replied stubbornly.
"You can use my office." Wesley nodded in understanding as he handed her a key and gave her directions.
Buffy carried Spike into the office and turned on the small desk lamp. She laid him gently on the couch before she removed her jacket and tossed it on the desk. Kneeling beside him, she patted his cheek to wake him, "Spike."
He opened his eyes and gave her the barest hint of a smile, "When I imagined you picking me up and throwing me over your shoulder it never ended quite like this."
She returned his small smile. "The night's not over, yet." She caressed his cheek with her warm hand; "You know what you have to do, right?" Her tone was serious as she unbuttoned her blouse and pulled it off her shoulder to give him better access to her throat.
"Don't think I can do it, Buffy." He tried to sit up. "Maybe it's best you just let Fred draw the blood."
"I don't want Fred to draw my blood." Buffy shook her head as she took his hand and held it tightly. "I want to do this for you. I want to give this part of me to you…. it's not just to save you… it's…" She paused for a moment as if she was searching for the perfect word.
"Buffy, it's not a good idea." Spike shook his head.
Buffy continued as if she had not heard him, "Commitment! This is my commitment to you. You'll always have a part of me," she sighed softly, " I love you and I want to give this to you. A syringe of blood is not the same. Do you understand?" She smiled again, this time a full on Buffy smile.
"It's a beautiful gesture, luv. But what if I can't stop? I won't have you ending up in the hospital like last time." He pushed her hair behind her ear. "I couldn't live with that."
"You won't let that happen. You'll stop. Spike, we don't have time to argue. Please, please do this for me." She lay down on the couch next to him and pulled her hair away from her neck.
"Still not sure, pet." He replied weakly.
"I am. Trust me, please? For us?" She pulled his face closer to her throat; she could feel him tighten against her.
"You promise that if I can't stop, you'll stop me?" He whispered against her.
"You'll stop." She answered matter-of - factly as she pulled his arm around her waist tightly.
"I love you, Buffy." She could feel him change against her skin, the smooth forehead rippled and hardened.
"I love you, Spike." She replied as she felt the sting of fangs enter her throat.
"You sure that's a good idea?" Gunn asked as Buffy left the room.
"I'm sure she knows what she's doing." Wesley assured him.
"I'm not." Angel grumbled from the gurney.
"Thank you, Jenna," Fred told the younger girl as she put a bandage on the venipuncture site. She'd drawn several vials of blood from the young slayer. "Why don't you lay down over here for a little while, I'll get you a snack."
"Actually I feel okay, I've donated blood before. " Jenna nodded towards the door. "Do you think Buffy is alright?"
"I'm sure she's fine. I'll check on her in a bit," Wesley answered. "Now you need to rest a bit; she took more blood then your ordinary blood donation would have."
"I'm going to complete this transfusion now." Fred gathered the blood and went to Angel's side.
Angel looked worried as Fred poured the blood for him, "Here you go, Angel. This should have you feeling better soon."
He took the offered blood. " She's right, someone needs to check on Buffy." "As I said, I will check on her in a bit," Wesley reassured him.
"But…" Angel started to argue,
"Just worry about getting yourself well, Angel. This is Buffy's decision, and you need to start respecting that." Wesley sat down beside the gurney. "I'll give her fifteen more minutes and then check on her. If she needs medical attention, she can get it right here."
Spike felt the difference as soon as the first drops of hot blood hit his tongue. He began to move against her as he drank, rubbing against her back; his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer against him.
Buffy gasped slightly when Spike began to feed more earnestly, there was pain, but the feeling of sharing herself with him far outweighed it. He was moving ever so gently against her as he fed and she couldn't help but move with him in this strange dance.
He could feel the poison leaving him as the power of her blood entered his system. Part of his brain screamed that he'd had enough, while the other part wanted to drink her power until it was gone. She was gasping beside him; he tasted something else in the blood now, something stronger… her trust and her love. It was enough to make him stop.
Buffy shuddered slightly as Spike withdrew his fangs. She was a little dizzy but she knew she would be okay. She could feel his tongue lapping at the bite, cleaning it. She clumsily turned towards him, a goofy smile on her face. "See, you stopped."
He gathered her to his chest, pressing her against him, and placed kisses in her hair. "I did." He sat up with her still against him; then pulled away so he could see her face. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." She tried to sit up but fell dizzily against him with a small giggle. "Just a little dizzy."
He situated her in his lap and helped her to sit up. She nuzzled against his cheek. "That was…intense."
"Was it like that with Angel?" He asked. It was a silly question, but he had to know.
"Yes… no… well it was intense but different somehow. I was so afraid for him, afraid that it might be too late and that my blood wouldn't save him. I had to hit him to make him drink," She said as she tried to explain the experience to him.
"You weren't afraid for me?" Spike asked frowning.
"I was very afraid for you but I knew that this time my blood would work; and when I let you feed, it wasn't as if I was just giving you your medicine. I told you before; it was a commitment, a pledge to you. When Angel fed from me, I knew it wasn't going to change anything. He was still leaving. When you fed from me… I knew… I knew that you were staying." Her voice lowered softly.
"I am… for as long as you'll have me." He kissed her lips then, sweet and gentle.
She rested her head against his chest, gently rocking her against him, he ran his hand through her hair, . "You're stuck with me now." He whispered softly.
"Will you please go check on her now, Wesley? If you don't, I will." Angel stood up.
"Angel, my friend, I don't think you want to do that. You might see more then you want to." Gunn placed his hand on the vampire's shoulder.
Angel frowned as he sat back down.
"I think Gunn's right. I'll go." Wesley left the room.
"If he's hurt her… " Angel shook his head.
"Spike wouldn't hurt her, Angel," Fred replied softly.
"I didn't think I would either, but I have over and over again." He sighed.
Wesley could see them through the glass window of his office. Buffy was in Spike's lap curled against him. For a brief moment he considered what a handsome couple they made, then he raised his fist to knock lightly on the door.
The soft knock startled the couple. "They've come to check on us, luv. Or check on you anyway."
Buffy smiled at him, "Let's show them we're okay." She shifted in his lap. "Come in," she called out softly as she quickly buttoned her blouse.
Wesley walked in the room smiling, "You're okay? Both of you?"
"We're good," Buffy answered, her hand tightly curled around Spike's. "Angel?"
"He's fine, if not a bit grumpy. He wanted me to check on you," Wesley answered as he sat on the edge of his desk.
"Well, he's back to normal then, nothing to worry about," Spike smirked as he placed both hands around Buffy's waist pulling her closer against him, his chin resting on her shoulder.
Buffy grinned despite herself, "I'm glad he's better."
Wesley took a deep breath. "You did well tonight, Buffy. You too, Spike. I know that in the past we've had our differences, you've made decisions and alliances," Smiling he nodded at Spike, "that I didn't understand, but there has never been any doubt that you are good at what you do, I know you have company in your job now, but you are still the slayer."
Buffy smiled despite herself. She had not always thought highly of Wesley, but having his approval still made her feel good inside. "Thank you."
Wesley nodded and turned to Spike, "And you William the Bloody, I have to thank you too. I know that Angel is not your favorite person and I understand part of the reasons for that. The fact is he's my friend and you helped him despite your problems."
Spike looked embarrassed. "Umm… Angel, never could take care of himself very well." He muttered. "It was nothing."
Wesley grinned. "Be that as it may, my friend is safe; and speaking of Angel, could you please come with me so he knows that Buffy is safe too."
Buffy uncurled from Spike's lap and stood offering him her hand, "Come on, let's go."
Spike's strong arm slid around Buffy's waist supporting her as they followed Wesley back to the lab.
Angel stood when they finally entered the room. "Buffy."
"I'm okay, Angel." She walked towards him leaving Spike with Wesley.
Spike watched her go and was surprised that he felt not one spark of jealousy. Buffy cared for Angel, but he knew in his heart that she was with him now. He watched as she hugged Angel and it was okay; she was coming back to him after all.
Angel hesitantly returned the hug while looking over Buffy's shoulder at Spike, expecting an outburst. Instead, Spike was standing there with a calm smile on his face. Spike felt a moment of pity for Angel. How terrible it must be to always be so hesitant, so afraid of a bit of happiness.
"Thank you." Angel whispered into Buffy's hair as he let go of her.
"Your welcome." She smiled as she stepped away from him. She nodded towards Jenna "Thank you.".
"No problem, but I would like that explanation when you have the time." Jenna grinned at Buffy, "You never mentioned this kind of thing at ‘slayer school'."
"I promise you'll get the whole story."
"I'm looking forward to it. I'll see you later." Jenna gave a small wave as she left the room.
"Looks like you're okay, too." Angel nodded at Spike.
"Yeah, my girl fixed me right up." Spike couldn't help but smirk.
Angel only shook his head at the other vampire. "I suppose I owe you a thanks too."
"I did it for Buffy," Spike answered honestly.
"I know." Angel shrugged. "By the way, you need to clean out your office, ASAP."
"Yeah, that's a real thank you." Spike shook his head.
Buffy entwining their fingers together, shook her head at Angel's words, "I thought that maybe you had changed."
"Angel, I realize that you have differences but Spike has been quite helpful." Wesley started.
"Man, he helped save your life." Gunn pointed out in disbelief.
"I didn't say he was fired, I just think he'll be wanting a transfer… to England." Angel smiled.
Spike stared at Angel as if he had not heard him correctly, "Transfer? England?"
Angel raised his eyebrow. "Don't tell me you don't want to go back with Buffy?"
Spike looked at Buffy, his eyes full of silent questions. Was that what she wanted? Buffy smiled at him and nodded her head; no words were needed.
"Do I get a raise? Cost of living increase?" Spike snarked with a wide grin.
Angel shook his head, "Don't push it." He sat back down. "I think we're all exhausted; so why don't we get some rest and you can come back in tomorrow. We'll set everything up then."
"That sounds good to me." Buffy smiled as she took Spike's hand and led him towards the door. "We'll see you tomorrow."
"Home again, home again… " Spike singsonged as he opened his apartment door still holding tightly to Buffy.
"Not for long though." She grinned at him lovingly.
He sighed as they sat down on the couch. "About that, Pet."
Buffy's face fell as she scooted away from him. "You don't want to go with me?"
He moved closer to her and put his hand on her cheek. "Buffy, listen to me, don't want anymore misunderstandings between us. Yes, I want to go with you."
She let out a sigh of relief. "I was afraid for a minute there."
Caressing her face, he continued, "I just wanted to make sure it's what you really want. I don't want to rush you."
"I don't feel rushed at all." She raised her hand to her face placing on top of Spike's. "I don't want to waste any more time without you." She lifted her face up to his and their lips met in a soft kiss that promised so much more. He lifted her on to his lap never breaking contact, and then…she yawned.
Spike laughed as Buffy tried to stifle her yawn. "Tired, luv?"
She blushed, "Sorry, it has been a long night."
"Let's go to bed then and have a short nap."
"Napping wasn't exactly what I had in mind for you, but… " She was cut off mid-sentence by another yawn.
"We've got lots of time for that." He smiled as he stood and took her hand. She followed him to the bedroom and undressed.
Spike pulled back the covers for her and motioned to her to get in the bed. She snuggled under the blankets and watched him undress. He crawled in behind her and spooned against her back, running a hand through her hair, he kissed the top of her head, "Get some sleep now." He murmured softly.
She tried to close her eyes; she had thought she was tired before they came to bed. She reached one arm behind her and began to absently run one finger up and down Spike's thigh. After a few minutes, she realized she really wasn't tired anymore and judging from the way Spike felt against her back, he definitely wasn't tired either.
She rolled over to face him a glint in her eye as her had traveled downwards under the covers. Spike's eyes widened, "Thought you were tired?"
"Not so much now," she whispered against his mouth.
They rested later… much later.
"Thanks for everything you did tonight, Wes." Angel sat his drink down on the small table.
"It was nothing, you would have done the same. I'm just sorry we lost Lindsey," Wesley answered as he took a sip of his own beer.
"Yeah, looks like we lost Eve too. I guess that's no big surprise though." Angel picked up his glass. "I want to thank you for setting me straight about Buffy and Spike, too. You were right; it wasn't my place to keep them from each other."
"I think you knew that all along, it just took a little reminder from someone else to make you accept it. It's good of you to give Spike the job in England."
"I really do need someone over there and hey it gets Spike out of my hair, right?" Angel grinned and raised his glass in a toast.
"Spike, I do expect you to check in at least a couple of times a week." Angel handed him a thick folder; "Here is the information on your new office and some numbers you can call if you need anything while you're settling in."
"Yes sir!" Spike gave a mock salute. Buffy rolled her eyes at him and playfully punched his arm.
Angel just shook his head at the other vampire, "Let me know when you get there, okay?"
"We will." Buffy stepped closer to him and gave him a hug, "Take care of yourself." She turned to Spike taking his hand. "We better get to the airport."
"I still can't believe you let them go off together." Gunn sat across from Angel's desk shaking his head.
"I had to, couldn't fight it anymore. You saw them together." Angel smiled as he thought of the pure happiness on Buffy's face as she had left his office.
"It was for their own good."
The End