Chapter Five

Intermission

*

Spike woke with a start, for a moment forgetting where he was. Then it all came flooding back to him. He'd arrived in Rome, and had managed to face Buffy without being reduced to ashes. Now they were preparing to fight some big evil that the details were sketchy about. Spike noticed the spot on the sofa beside him was empty and sighed. He should have known that she wouldn't stay by his side the entire night, that maybe she was still a little fearful of admitting what she felt for him. Spike could forgive that, after all, she'd only known of his existence for about twelve hours, there could be no rushing into things, not this time. The situation was too delicate and in the light of things to come, not really that important. Unfortunately for Spike, he found it hard to concentrate on the impending evil, not when his brain was so cluttered with thoughts of Buffy, not when his gut was doing funny things whenever he was in the same room with her. Spike rolled over on his side and stifled a groan as his muscles protested. Seeing her now differed so much from the last time he'd seen her. Getting only a glimpse of her from across the room at some soddin' night club didn't even do her justice, but seeing her in living color, standing face to face with her again, Spike knew he was still in deep with this woman. The water was rising, and he was slipping under, but he wouldn't let himself drown. He'd done that too many times, this time it was going to be different.

Spike sat up slowly and gathered his thoughts as he glanced around the stillness of the living room, cloaked in pre-dawn shadows of gray and blue. A glance at the clock on the wall behind him showed that it was nearly five a.m. and Spike groaned. Rarely if ever did he get up at the crack of dawn. Guess there was a first time for everything. He got to his feet and trudged to the bathroom. After relieving himself, Spike stood in the middle of the hallway, listening to the sounds of the inhabitants of the apartment as they breathed deeply in sleep. Before he knew it, Spike's feet were moving until he stood in front of Buffy's bedroom door. He pressed his palm against the wood and sighed. Reaching down, he turned the doorknob and entered her room, closing the door softly behind him.

In moments, he was standing at her bedside staring down at Buffy as she slept. Lowering himself until he was at eye level with her, Spike reached out a hand and hesitantly tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. She moaned softly in sleep, sighed, but did not wake up. Spike continued his exploration of her face as he traced a fingertip over the shape of her face, skated his thumb over her lower lip and brushed soft touches over her eyelids, until his hand rested on top of her head. Spike was starting to lose control, his body was responding and he wanted to do more than touch her face. He desperately wanted to explore her body, feel her responding from beneath him as he kissed and touched every curve, every angle. Slowly, Spike reached out and lowered the blanket from her shoulder, revealing that she slept in nothing more than a skimpy pair of bikini panties and a tank top. As soon as cool air hit her skin, Spike watched in amazement as her nipples puckered from beneath her top. That was when Spike noticed his jeans were a little tighter in the crotch area. The blood had begun to rush in his ears as he took in Buffy's beautiful shape. Swallowing hard, Spike climbed into bed beside her, knowing he was taking a huge risk. He took her in his arms and pulled her body close to his and in moments she was stirring, groaning and waking up. A brief feeling of fear clenched at Spike's gut as she rolled and faced him, questions rising in her expressive green eyes.

"Spike...what are you-"

Spike quickly pressed a finger to her lips and then replaced his finger with his lips as slowly he kissed her. She returned the kiss, for which Spike was glad for, he didn't know what he would have done had she pushed him away. The kiss was deepened until they were frantically clawing at one another, as lips met and melded, tongues intertwined, as moans issued from their throats. Breaking the kiss, Buffy stared up at Spike in wonderment as her breath huffed through her mouth. Never breaking eye contact, Spike reached for the strap of her tank top and slowly lowered it, his lips trailing kisses from the curve of her neck to her collarbone, then returning to bury his lips in the juncture between her shoulder and neck, reveling in the feel of her pulse beating rapidly beneath her skin, the place where her blood flowed. With a moan, Buffy reached for Spike, framing his face between her palms and dragging him down for another kiss, her urgency increasing. Spike could feel her heart as it raced beneath her ribcage and it pleased him that she was just as affected by him as he was by her. Breaking the kiss once again, Spike reached for the other strap of her top, lowering it until both of her breasts were exposed, the rosy tips pebbling instantly. Just as Spike lowered to take a nipple in his mouth, Buffy stopped him abruptly.

"Spike...maybe we shouldn't...Dawn..." Buffy said frantically, nodding toward the hallway and the room beyond it where her sister slept.

"It's five in the morning, love...don't think anyone'll be stirring about for quite some time. Long as you keep quiet, no one will know," Spike said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Buffy asked as her lower lip jutted out in a faux pout.

"Hate to tell you this pet, but you're a screamer, you'd wake the neighborhood," Spike said and laughed at the lift of Buffy's eyebrows in amusement. "Just telling you what it is, love. Don't shoot the messenger."

Buffy gave Spike's shoulder a playful shove as her cheeks reddened slightly with a blush, the smile lighting the corner of her lips her first genuine one since Spike had arrived. Spike placed a kiss at the corner of her mouth and then looked into her eyes.

"Nice to see that again," he said huskily.

"See what?" she asked innocently batting her eyes at him.

"Your smile. You still glow, love," he said softly and then lowered his lips to hers again, capturing her mouth sweetly, gently tugging her lips, pulling them slowly through his teeth as she moaned deep in her throat, clawing at him, bringing him closer.

"Ok," she said as they stared into each others eyes. "Just this once, just because it's been so long."

"Too bloody long," Spike agreed and once again they were kissing, this time the kisses were peppered with longing, need and a desire that had yet to be quenched between them. Spike rolled himself atop of her, feeling the warmth of her body as she embraced him. He shifted slightly and lifted the hem of her tank top, dragging it over head and pulling it off. Tossing the top across the room, Spike took her breasts in, the nipples hard and just begging to be kissed. He lowered his mouth to a nipple and gently suckled at it, feeling her writhe from beneath him as she begged him not to stop. This only urged Spike on further as he moved on to her other breast.

"Spike...please..." she moaned, cupping his face between her hands and rocking gently as pleasure coiled within her.

"Anything love...anything..." he cried out softly as his mouth trailed kisses from the valley between her breasts, down the smooth skin of her belly, his tongue darting into her navel, as she wriggled and cried out. Soon his mouth hovered at the waistband of her panties, where he trailed kisses around the spot where her panties covered her most intimate place. He covered her mound with a hand and reached lower, caressing her sex. Her thighs fell open and Spike pressed a thumb to the apex of her sex, kneading slowly until a circle of wetness appeared on the silk covering her.

"Aah God...Spike...," Buffy cried out as her eyes squeezed shut, her breath hissed through her teeth and she rocked beneath him.

Spike slowly peeled her panties off, sliding them down her legs to her feet, where she kicked them off, sending them flying across the room with a giggle. Completely exposed to him, Buffy didn't hide herself, allowing Spike access to her body and he was more than happy to oblige. Before he could ravage her, Buffy had flipped their bodies until she was straddling him. She smiled lustily and placed her hands on his shirtless chest, scraping her nails gently over his nipples, which elicted a growl from deep in Spike's throat, a sure sign he was turned on.

"Love..." he said his voice full of warning as he knew they were hovering at the point of no return.

"You're wearing too many clothes," she said softly reaching for the snap of his jeans.

"By all means," Spike said with a gesture of his hand. "Something must be done about that, then."

With a grin, Buffy unsnapped his fly and slid his jeans over his legs, her gasp of pleasure followed when she saw he wore no underwear.

"Commando, huh?" she asked lustily.

"Never was a boxers or briefs type of guy," Spike said.

"We can work with that, I think," Buffy said.

"Was hoping you'd say that love," Spike said, reaching out for her. Her breasts swaying in front of him were driving him crazy and he couldn't wait to feel the smooth skin beneath his palms. But she batted his hands away and waggled her finger at him.

"No touching. My turn," she said and then let her eyes take in Spike's body. Drawing in a shaky breath she ran her hands over the hard muscles of his defined chest, tweaking his nipples with his fingers as her hands slid lower. Her palms coasted over his belly and she leaned forward to dart her tongue in his navel, which made his body lift from the bed as he cried out, his sharp intake of breath making Buffy smile up at him in amusement. Moving her lips lower, she kissed his abdomen and soon had made her way to his erection, which she grasped in her strong hand. She darted a glance in Spike's direction, where he was staring at her with hooded eyes. Buffy turned back to the hard flesh cupped in her palm and leaned forward, her tongue darting out to lick the tip. Slowly, she lowered her mouth and took him in inch by inch, until she'd taken in the whole length. She moved her mouth up and down over his shaft, causing a groan to issue from Spike's lips as she devoured him. Her hand reached down to cup his scrotum, her nails gently scraping over that sensitive area. She kneaded his balls as she continued taking his shaft into her mouth. Spike reached over and fisted a hand in her hair as his hips vaulted from the bed.

"Jesus love...yes...like that...God...been so bloody long..." Spike moaned as his eyes squeezed shut and his mouth dropped open and a litany of endearments issued from his lips. He realized he was getting close...way too close and gently urged Buffy's mouth off his shaft, deftly flipping their bodies until she was beneath him. He wanted to go slow, give her the same pleasure she had bestowed upon him. She stared at him with hooded eyes and silently begged him to complete her. She opened her thighs to him giving him an unwritten invitation, and Spike was more than happy to give her whatever she wanted.

Lowering his head, he buried his nose in the silky curls that covered her sex. He opened his mouth over her wetness, his tongue darting inside and he marveled as Buffy cried out, clenching the blankets beneath her in tight fists, her breath once again hissing through her teeth. He tasted her once more and then positioned his shaft at her opening, teasing her by brushing it around the area until she was begging him to fill her.

Spike didn't need any more encouragement than that as he began to enter her slowly until he was gloved inside of her to the hilt. He stared down at her as he thrust slowly into her body, watched as her eyes flew open, her mouth dropped. She grabbed his head and dragged him down for another kiss as Spike increased the intensity of his thrusts, pounding himself into her body.

Before she could start to scream, Spike covered her mouth in a punishing kiss, and then pressed her face into his chest where she moaned her climax. Spike could feel his release as it approached, coiled within his belly. He pumped harder and faster as Buffy clung to him, whimpering and moaning. She clasped his buttocks in her hands and squeezed which sent Spike hurtling over the edge of the precipice as his release claimed him. It was a full body orgasm as he collapsed atop of her, his hips still pounding into her furiously as he spilled himself into her, his release powerful and long-lasting. It felt as if every last ounce of him had been drained as Buffy pressed her mouth wetly to his neck and moaned her second climax moments after Spike had reached his.

Long moments passed as they remained in the same position. Spike was still buried inside of her, Buffy's mouth was still pressed to his neck, and both of their eyes were closed. In unison, their breathing returned to normal as they each floated back to earth. Withdrawing himself from her tightness, Spike rolled onto his back, and Buffy pressed her head to his chest, a contented smile on her face. She pressed a kiss to his sternum and smiled tiredly.

"Mmm...That was...well...that was incredible..." Buffy breathed, shooting Spike a weary grin. He lifted his hand and cupped her shoulder, dragging his palm down over the smooth skin in a caress.

"Happy to accommodate love," Spike said softly. "I hope we didn't wake anyone."

The comment was met with a playful shove to his shoulder.

"You're the one who gets to explain then," Buffy said groggily as she pressed her head to his chest and moments later, promptly fell asleep.

"Glad to love," Spike whispered, lifting his head and pressing a kiss to the top of her head. His hand continued to caress her shoulder as she snored softly. Spike felt his heart swelling with love as he stared at her sleeping form. It was just too bad that this moment couldn't last forever. There was no denying the evil that was coming, it was hard to ignore, but if moments could be put away, carried in a bottle, Spike would have liked to carry this one with him. It was rare and it was special. It was love, in its purest form and Spike didn't think he could have asked for much more. Glancing at the clock on the nightstand near her bed, he was disappointed to see that an hour had passed. Soon, the others would be waking up and it would be time to address the questions about the approaching evil. For now, Spike wanted to revel in the waning moments he had with the Slayer, it was precious and it would be short-lived, but it would be imprinted in Spike's brain forever, even if it was the last time they shared anything like it again.

End of Chapter Five

 

Chapter Six

*

Buffy rolled over in bed and felt the empty space beside her. He was gone. She knew that Spike didn't want to take a risk staying with her until she woke up. There would have been too many questions. Questions Buffy wasn't prepared to answer. Sitting up in bed, Buffy ran a hand through her hair and sighed. She didn't even know how she felt about making love with Spike again. Unfortunately with the new turn of events in the last twenty-four hours, there was really no time to dwell on her confused emotions. There was a new evil on the horizon, one that wanted her dead. Buffy knew she had been kidding herself when she'd actually started to relax. She hadn't really resigned to the fact that no matter what she did the evil would always be one step behind her. Now she had no choice. Evil was always waiting for the right moment to spring out and make her life miserable. Didn't matter that there were new Slayers awakening around the world, and it didn't seem to matter that she no longer resided on a Hellmouth, evil just didn't give a damn about that stuff.

Standing under the hot spray of the shower, Buffy let the water pound her head as her thoughts churned inside her mind. She found herself a little confused with the Spike in the picture. It was still hard to wrap her mind around the fact that he was alive, had been alive all along. It pierced her somewhere deep inside when she thought of Spike and the fact that he'd felt he needed to lie to her. Pounding her fist against the tiled wall in front of her, Buffy battled with emotions of anger and confusion. What made things worse was that Buffy was starting to get sucked in again. Spike was pulling her back in, making her feel things for him, things that she had buried deep inside of her when she'd believed he was gone. Now those feelings were being forced into the light once again, and Buffy found herself unsure on how to handle this new path in her life.

Of course, first things first. The new evil on the horizon. Before she could sort out the tangled webs of her emotions she had to deal with the life threatening presence that loomed over her like a dark cloud. Maybe...just maybe... after the dust settled, she could try and figure out just what the hell she was feeling toward Spike. That is, if she lived to see that day. Shaking her head, Buffy dismissed the macabre thoughts from her brain. She had to stay focused, be the leader, and resurrect her role as the general in an ongoing battle between life and death. Seemed the struggle would never end.

*

Spike slipped out of the apartment and took a seat on the steps in the hallway. He shook a cigarette from the pack in his hand and thrust it in his mouth. He lit a match, cupped his hand around the flame and pressed it to the tip of the cigarette and watched as the smoke curled from the end. Taking in a lungful of smoke, Spike held it for a moment and then exhaled through his nostrils, pressing his fingers to his temples. His head still hurt, a lingering pain left over from the mind-bending vision of the night before. He'd asked Andrew to run to the butcher shop for him and had fed just an hour before, hoping the blood would kill the ache in his brain. It had only satisfied his hunger, but hadn't done a damn thing to alleviate the bleeding migraine. The damn headaches made him remember the days when he was a chip-head and he hated that feeling. He hadn't had the chip for over a year, but ever since it had been removed, his head still hurt like a bitch, it seemed he could never get rid of the headaches. Now he had the bleeding visions to deal with. No big breaks for Spike. Nope, seemed someone or something always had to be jerking his chain, whether it be 'The First Evil' or 'The Powers'. Sometimes he wished that he'd been allowed to die that day in the Hellmouth, seemed anything was better than what his unlife was becoming these days.

The only thing that made his unlife worth living was Buffy. Despite all of the shit going on now, she was the one bright shining light at the end of the bloody tunnel. Coming to Rome had been the best decision he'd ever made and sod all else. The early morning love-making he'd shared with the Slayer had cemented the decision in his head. He was here to stay. He wanted to be in her life, even if it didn't happen to last very long.

Spike made a decision in that moment. If she didn't live through this next challenge, then he wouldn't either. It was hard for him to imagine life without her and if she died, he would end his life as well. He knew no one would stake him, so he would find other ways. There were a myriad of ways a vampire could die. One stroll into the midday sun and it would be over. He'd be ashes. Finished. Because that was what the long days and nights would feel like without her and he couldn't take going through that kind of pain ever again, not like the previous time she'd died.

Of course, he would never let Buffy in on his plan, because she would kill him before he could even think of doing anything to harm himself. He couldn't remember how many times he had begged her to stake him, to kill him. Every time she had vehemently protested, finding some way to make it seem he could go on. Well, if she wasn't around to protest, then Spike could find it within himself to do what needed to be done. End of story.

Spike stared at the cigarette in his hand, noticing it had burned straight to the filter. Tossing the butt down, he crushed it with his booted foot and then got to his feet. It was time to face her. He didn't know what kind of reaction he was going to get from her today after what had happened between them in the early morning hours, but he guessed she was going to act indifferently, so that no one would be suspicious. Spike was willing to settle. For the moment. Sooner or later her friends and her family were going to have to know the truth. Spike and Buffy were in love, simple as that. Like it or bloody leave it.

*

Buffy entered the kitchen and went straight for the coffee pot. Thank God Andrew was gifted in the kitchen department. There weren’t a lot of good things she could say about the former member of The Troika, but she had to admit he could make a halfway decent pot of coffee. He knew just the way she liked it too. Not too strong, but strong enough to give her a needed shot of energy. Pouring herself a large cup, Buffy stirred creamer into her cup and took a tentative sip of the hot liquid, liking the way it felt sliding down her throat. Turning, she took in the others gathered in the kitchen. Andrew and Dawn were bustling around, preparing for school and work. Giles was on the other side of the kitchen, talking on the phone. Then her eyes narrowed in on Spike, and her heart flipped over in her chest as she drank him in. He stared back at her with hooded eyes and nodded slightly, affirming that he was there for her, even if he couldn't say the words out loud. In that moment, she desperately wanted him to hold her, the need to have his arms around her so strong that the weight of the emotion threatened to break her. Shaking herself mentally, Buffy averted her eyes from Spike's penetrating ice-blue stare and walked over to where Giles stood.

"What's new?" she asked, taking another sip of the coffee in her hand. Giles pocketed his cell phone and reached for the coffee cup on the countertop beside him, taking a sip.

"I've contacted Willow. She is getting in touch with Xander as we speak. I've arranged for them to fly in tonight and will pick them up at the airport when they arrive," Giles said as he contemplated his former charge over the mug of his coffee cup. "How are you holding up?"

"Fearful with a side of panic, yourself?"

"Mmm...I think I echo that sentiment as well, in a manner of speaking," Giles murmured. He stared at her inquisitively. "I'm thinking it couldn't hurt to contact Faith and Robin in Cleveland, bring them up to speed." Buffy agreed. It wouldn't hurt at all to have her two best fighters on standby; they needed all the help they could get at this point.

"I'll have Spike get in touch with Angel. Having his crew in on this would definitely be of the good," Buffy said.

"I agree," Giles said with a nod. "Whatever differences he and Spike have should be set aside. Can't have anything clouding anyone's judgment," Giles said, giving her a look. Buffy knew what he was aiming at and wasn't about to hesitate in addressing it.

"Just say it, Giles."

"What do you mean?"

"I know what you're thinking about Spike. You don't have to beat around the bush with me," Buffy said plaintively, her eyes never wavering as she stood her ground with her former Watcher. Giles's eyes traveled to his feet and Buffy knew that he was ashamed of the resentment he still felt toward Spike, but she knew he would try to do his best to get along.

"I trust you Buffy," Giles said softly, gently placing a hand on her shoulder comfortingly. "I know this is a difficult time and you need all the resources you can find. I trust your judgment and I apologize for my shortcomings. But Spike-"

"Don't Giles," Buffy warned.

"Merely saying-"

"I do not want to get into this with you, not now," Buffy said vehemently, placing her coffee cup on the countertop and crossing her arms over her chest. "Understood?" Giles hesitated for a moment as if there were more protests he wanted to make. But as he met Buffy's unwavering stare he backed off.

"Clearly," he said with a nod.

"Good," Buffy said. "I'm going to the Slayer school to bring the girls up to speed. Stay here. If anything happens call me right away. I shouldn't be long." Buffy turned on her heel and left Giles standing there. She didn't see the look Spike shot her as a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

*

Spike wasn't sure what to do with himself as the day dragged on. He knew that he was bloody knackered and could have used a good nap, but the twisting in his gut told him that sleep wasn't going to come so easily to him with the new trouble brewing. He'd seen the looks that Giles had been shooting in his direction all day and had avoided the former Watcher. He wasn't in the mood to be hashing out past uglies with the man, and preferred to keep his distance. Giles seemed to pick up on that vibe and had stayed out of the way.

Buffy dashed in and out all day. Between the Slayer school and the day to day of normal life, she was always coming and going. When she wasn't dealing with the potentials or doing something for Dawn, she was on the phone.

Spike had filled Angel in and had even asked the Poof if he would make a trip out to Rome, secretly hoping he'd know what was best for him and stay in L.A. Thankfully, Angel had some intelligence and said he would hold things up on his end, get his gang in on the research and keep his ear to the ground. Spike would never say it out loud, but he was glad to see the Champ dealing with the Buffy thing in an adult way, and not threatening to stake his grandchilde anymore.

Once the phone call had been made, Spike had planted himself in front of the telly for lack of anything better to do. After attempting to watch Passions (the whole bloody thing was in Italian), Spike dozed in the chair, almost hating that he was so physically exhausted. It made him feel like he wasn't pulling his weight and he needed to be on top of things more than ever. For Buffy. For this evil-whatever-it-was that seemed hell bent on approaching.

As day faded into evening, Spike found himself growing a little restless. Buffy hadn't come home yet and he was anxious to see her. He'd been waiting all day to talk to her about the love-making they had shared early that morning, but there never seemed to be a good time. He knew it was trite to be thinking these things, but he couldn't help himself. He needed reassurance that she was still on the same page as he was. Unfortunately, Xander and Willow were arriving in a few hours. The Scoobies would be reunited and then it would be more dirty looks and snide comments thrown in Spike's direction. He was looking forward to that about as much as he looked forward to a piece of wood jammed into his chest. He'd bide his time, snatch a moment alone with her and then they would talk things over. He had nothing but time anyway.

*

Buffy ended her phone call with Faith and sat gingerly on her bed, hashing things out in her brain. Faith had assured her that at a moment's notice she and Robin could be on a plane headed to Rome. Buffy felt slightly better knowing that her strongest allies had her back, but it wasn't making her breathe any easier. Spike hadn't had a vision all day and the strain of not knowing was beginning to take its toll. Buffy rolled her head around on her shoulders, trying to loosen her cramped and sore muscles. She reached a hand up and began to massage her neck as exhaustion set in. She was damn tired and stressed out. A sound from the door way brought her eyes up and they slammed into Spike's as he entered her room, closing the door behind him. He crossed the room to the bed and sat down beside her.

"Giles just left to pick up the Scoobies. You look like hell, you alright, love?" Spike asked softly and Buffy let out the breath she'd been holding. Thank God he hadn't brought up the sex yet. There was no way she was going to be able to address it now. It seemed Spike sensed it and for that she was thankful.

"I'm fine," she said softly and before she could protest, Spike had lifted his hands to her shoulders and begun to knead the muscles there, working the stress out with his powerful fingertips. "Mmm..." she murmured, lowering her head as delightful sensations coursed over her entire body. "That's great...right there..." Spike maintained his silence as he continued to massage her shoulders. Before she knew it, he had pressed his lips to her neck and was trailing kisses from her collarbone to her shoulder. Buffy pulled away from Spike and shot him a look.

"Spike-" she started to protest and Spike stood, shaking his head.

"Didn't mean anything by it, Slayer...don't get your knickers in a twist," he said turning to leave.

"Wait! Spike...I didn't mean-" Spike held up a hand to stop the words from tumbling out of her mouth.

"I know, love. We'll talk later...I know you need your space and I'm more than happy to...AAH!" Spike was cut off as he grabbed his head and crumbled to the floor screaming in pain. Buffy jumped off the bed and raced to his side, cradling his body close to hers as he writhed and cried out.

"A vision?" she cried out in a panic. "Another vision?"

"Would seem that way!" Spike shouted in a strained voice and cried out in pain again. "AAARGH!" Buffy held him close to her, gritting her teeth as he struggled violently in her embrace. She prayed to herself that it would be over soon.

"Hold on, Spike. Just hold on. Tell me what you see," Buffy said in the calmest voice she could muster. Deep inside it was killing her to see him in so much pain.

"A road...a highway...I think...there's someone walking toward something...it's a hole...or a crater...AAH!" Spike managed before his face contorted in pain and he curled up into a ball on her bedroom floor. Dawn and Andrew came charging into the room, horrified at what they were seeing.

"What can we do?" Andrew cried out, a look of stark fear etched on his face.

"Nothing! It'll pass!" Buffy cried. "At least I hope so!" She felt Spike relax in her arms and looked down at him, seeing that the crisis had passed. Moments later, he blacked out.

*

"Drink this," Buffy said later on as she and Spike sat in the kitchen. She handed a bag of blood to Spike and sat across from him as he struggled to sit up, barely mustering the energy to lift the bag to his mouth and drink. Once he had drained the bag, he handed it to her and Buffy stood, crossing the room to toss it in the trash. She picked up his cigarettes from the counter and handed them to him.

"You can smoke in here if you want to. Considering the circumstances a little secondhand smoke isn't going to kill anyone," she said softly and then took a seat in the chair across from him. Spike could only nod as he thrust a cigarette in his mouth and lit it. A moment of silence stretched between them and Buffy waited. She knew that he must be in excruciating pain, a pain that no amount of Extra Strength Tylenol could cure.

"Better?" she asked.

"S'pose," Spike said evenly as he smoked quietly.

"Wanna tell me about the vision? Anything you can remember," Buffy said. Spike nodded, flicked an ash into an empty soda can nearby and glanced back up at Buffy, squaring his shoulders.

"Showed me a road...a highway...looked like it was California...desert...tumbleweed...the whole nine. It was so fast...but I saw the crater...the one where Sunnydale was. Looked to me as if the person or thing was headed toward it," Spike said. A thought dawned on Buffy in that moment. She should have known it all along. The urge to throw something passed over Buffy.

"The Hellmouth," she said dazedly shaking her head and lowering it. "I'll be damned if this doesn't have something to do with the Hellmouth."

"Hate to burst your bubble love, but didn't we close The Hellmouth, put it out of business in the whole permanent sense?"

"I thought we did. At least that's what was supposed to happen," Buffy said, getting to her feet and beginning to pace the room. "After all of this time...I should have known...damn..." Spike stood and crossed the room until they were standing face to face. He put his hands on her shoulders and leaned his face in closer to hers so he could look into her eyes.

"Don't beat yourself up about this, pet. Someone or something's looking to open the Hellmouth? Fine. We'll stop it. Just like we always do," Spike said. Buffy bit her lip as tears filled her eyes and Spike shook her a little. "Get yourself together, Slayer. Don't cop out now. This is what we do. You and me...the Scoobies...we'll stop this. You have to believe that, love."

"What if I can't?" she asked, her voice coming out tear-filled and choked. "What if we can't?" She lifted her teary eyes to Spike as her features crumpled. Spike pulled her to his shoulder roughly and felt her body shake as she began to sob violently. He stroked her back and closed his eyes. It was killing him to see her fall apart this way. Something had to be done and soon before the battle was over before it began.

"Shh love...c'mon...I know you're scared...I know you haven't a clue what to do...but I believe in you...everyone does...you can win this..." Spike comforted. Buffy's sobs began to subside and she lifted her tear-stained face from Spike's shoulder with a nod. Brushing the moisture from her cheeks she squared her shoulders and took a breath.

"You're right. Of course you're right. I don't know what's wrong with me, guess I lost it a little there. I just need to keep myself focused," she said as if she were doing her best to convince herself.

"That's my girl," Spike said with a slight smile, releasing his hands from her shoulders and taking a step back. Buffy stared at him a moment and then took a step forward, grabbed Spike by the shoulders and pulled him to her, lowering her mouth to his in a punishing kiss. Spike was almost knocked over by the show of emotion, but was more than happy to give her what she wanted as the kiss lingered. Spike broke the kiss moments later and tilted his head to look into her eyes.

"Ok, Slayer?" he asked.

"Yes. Ok," she said giving him a watery smile. "Sorry I went all girlie on you." Spike waved a hand nonchalantly in front of his face.

"Think nothing of it, Slayer. Everyone needs to fall apart every now and then," Spike said. "Even you."

The sound of a door slamming broke the moment between them and sent their eyes swinging toward the entryway to see who had entered. Giles entered the kitchen followed by Willow and Xander. She gave Spike a fleeting glance and he nodded slightly. Moments later, she was enveloped in a group hug with her two closest and best friends. No words were spoken as the battle-weary Scoobies embraced one another. No words needed to be said, the impending doom spoke for itself. Spike watched a moment more and then grabbed his jacket off the back of a chair and slipped out of the room. She had her support system to hold her up now. The thought wasn't sour tasting though, because Spike had been reassured. He knew that a piece of the Slayer's heart belonged to him as well. He'd felt it in her embrace, tasted it on his lips from the kiss she'd given him. He didn't need much more affirmation than that. It was enough. Now...it was on to the next.

*

A deserted road in California, somewhere between Los Angeles and Pasadena

Heat rose from the pavement as the midday sun beat down on the desolate California highway. A lone tumbleweed blew across the road as the Santa Ana winds picked up speed. A cloud of dust rose tornado-like and spun down the highway. The road appeared to be empty, until moments later a brilliant flash of light exploded from the sky. When the smoke cleared, a figure rose up from the concrete and began to walk the highway. The figure walked a mile or so and then stopped. It stood in front of a large crater and peered down into the gaping hole. The figure seemed to shape-shift, changing its appearance until moments later a human male materialized. He lifted his hands as the wind blew and sparks of energy flew from his fingers as slowly he was pulled deep into the crater. The winds were strong, picking up debris and dust, and moments later a beat up highway sign was picked up and tossed across the highway. It read: Welcome to Sunnydale.


 

Chapter Seven

Cleveland, Ohio

*

Slow night for patrolling, Faith thought to herself as she dusted a vamp, brushing the remains from her hands. The vamp she had just killed was the first one she'd seen in at least two days and it bothered her more than she liked. Faith picked herself up off the ground and swiped a hand over her jeans, brushing them off brusquely. She bent; retrieving the ax she'd dropped on the ground, and pocketed the simple wooden stake in her hand. It was the first time she'd only needed a stake and no other weaponry. Cleveland Hellmouth was an active bitch; it hadn't taken more than a week living on it to figure that out, one year ago. Faith had been looking forward to the challenge of being in the thick of things again, this time on the lighter side. No going back to the bad place, she'd been down that road and hadn't liked where it had led her. Prison.

Faith shook her head as she walked the deserted streets of Cleveland toward home. For as long as she lived she never wanted to go back to prison. Hell, even death would be better than that alternative. And she'd come pretty close to it in the year she'd been in Cleveland. Lucky for Faith, she had razor sharp instincts and wits to match. No beastie, demon or vamp could get the best of her. Another thing she found herself lucky to have, but would never admit out loud, was Robin and the band of newbie’s that were Slayers. If it weren't for them, they wouldn't have gotten as far as they had here. Faith had never played well with others, but there was always room to learn, she believed that heartily.

Turning onto the street that would lead her home, Faith kept a watchful eye on her surroundings. No matter what she did, she always kept alert. Never knew when something was going to jump out at you unexpectedly. As she neared the rundown two story house where she, Robin and the girls lived, Faith narrowed her eyes suspiciously. The house was strangely dark, every light extinguished. Taking deliberate steps, Faith approached the house slowly and walked around the perimeter. It wouldn't be the first time the house had been attacked by one thing or another. Chances were, Robin had taken the girls and hidden them in the basement, while he investigated the situation. But oddly, only silence emanated from the house. At this time of night, everyone was usually up and about. No one went out unless necessary and Robin knew better than to leave the girls alone.

Faith's hackles were definitely raised as she climbed the steps to the front porch of the house, pulling open the front door. Peering inside, she didn't flip on any lights; she didn't want to scare off the intruder if they or it were still lurking around.

The house was deadly silent as Faith poked her head into the living room and the makeshift training area that had once been a study. Entering the kitchen, Faith headed to the basement door and stuck her head inside, shouting for Robin or any of the girls. No answers. Closing the door, Faith turned and headed down a short hallway until she arrived at a staircase that led to the second floor.

Climbing the stairs, Faith gripped the axe in her hand tightly and started to investigate the second floor bedrooms and bathroom. Two of the three bedrooms were clean, as well as the bathroom. Faith pushed open the door of the last bedroom, which belonged to her and Robin and gasped in horror at what she saw, the axe falling from her fingers and hitting the hardwood floor with a loud metallic clang.

Bodies were littered everywhere and Faith took small steps as she recognized the faces. Each of the five Slayers throats had been slit clean across and their glassy eyes stared up at nothing. Faith covered her mouth with her hand as she peered down at each body. At last she came to Robin. He was slumped in a corner badly beaten, his throat slit as well. Judging by his labored breathing he was alive, but barely. Faith quickly got to her knees at Robin's side, cradling his head in her palms.

"What the hell happened here, Robin!" she cried out, shaking him a little as he started to black out. Coughing and sputtering, Robin's body shook violently as blood leaked from the corner of his mouth.

"Something...came...killed...girls..." Robin said, his voice choked and strained as he struggled in Faith's grip. "Couldn't...stop...all dead..." He coughed again and slumped in Faith's arms. She shook him again violently.

"C'mon Robin...don't die on me now, man! Damn it! Tell me who did this...you have to tell me!" Robin eyes rolled into the back of his head and his body convulsed. Moments later, he stopped breathing and his head lolled to the side. He was gone. Faith gently released his body, letting it slide to the floor soundlessly. She pulled her knees up to her chest and desperately tried to get her thoughts together, which were racing. Moments later, she twisted her body and vomited, then clutched herself and got to her feet.

Stumbling from the room in a daze, Faith half ran, half fell down the stairs until she reached the front door, pulling it open, and stumbling to the front porch. She took in deep breaths of the cool night air and then stumbled to the porch railing, grasped it with her white knuckled hands and leaned over it, retching again. She slumped to the floor and desperately tried to figure out what to do. She pushed her sweaty matted hair away from her face and got to her feet.

Bracing herself, Faith entered the house again and climbed the staircase. She had to retrieve her cell phone and few belongings from her bedroom, although she dreaded entering it again. Then she was getting the hell out of here after the police were called. Faith didn't want to see all of those bodies of the people she'd grown to love and trust over the last year, but she had no choice.

She hurried into the darkened bedroom and pulled open one of the drawers of the nightstand until it came off its track, sending junk flying all over. Bending to the floor, Faith scooped her cell phone and car keys from the floor, then straightened, her eye catching something on the wall. She narrowed her eyes and studied the wall. Something had been written on it, a message of some sort. Faith carefully stepped over the bodies of the Slayers, and went to flip the light on. Once light illuminated the room, Faith read the one word message written in blood on the wall: Sunnydale.

End of Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

*

Buffy felt as if someone was shaking her awake, but she was reluctant to open her eyes. She groaned and tried to bury her head beneath her pillow, but the person shaking her shoulder was insistent, calling out her name loudly. Rolling, Buffy frowned and opened her eyes slowly. As she shaded them from the brightness of the bedroom light, her gaze focused on Giles who was leaning over her, a worried look in his eyes, as a frown creased his features.

"What is it?" Buffy asked groggily.

"Something's happened, Buffy. An accident. You must get up," Giles said hurriedly, as he crossed the room, opened her closet and then came back moments later tossing some clothes on the bed. "Get dressed." Buffy sat up slowly and pressed a hand to her forehead.

"You do realize it's," she glanced over at the clock on the nightstand near her bed and then back at Giles, "three o'clock in the morning. I'm not going anywhere."

"Buffy, this is an important matter and requires immediate action," Giles said in frustration. Buffy tossed the covers off her body, getting to her feet, her eyes wide and panicky.

"D-did something happen? Is anyone hurt? Dawn-" Giles cut Buffy off with a lifting of his hand. He sighed, removed his glasses and lowered his head.

"I just received a phone call from Faith. She was at the airport in Cleveland. Seems something terrible has happened and I think there is a connection with the visions Spike has been having. Now please Buffy...time is of the essence," Giles said as he turned to leave the room.

"Wait!" Buffy called, before Giles could leave, "what happened? If Faith is in trouble again-"

"No, no. Nothing like that," Giles said with a shake of his head, "i-it's much worse. So much worse. I'll have to tell you in the car on the way to the airport. Get dressed."

*

Buffy sat in stunned silence, staring straight ahead as Giles drove the car to the airport ten minutes later. Giles glanced at Buffy out of the corner of his eye as he drove, a frown of concern settling over his features.

"You alright, Buffy?" he asked. Buffy said nothing, just twisted her fingers in her lap.

"Buffy?" Giles asked again. Buffy turned her head dazedly as if just noticing that Giles was in the same car with her.

"Huh?"

"You alright? I know it's quite a lot to take in. I can't even fathom what Faith must be feeling. She sounded shaken on the phone," Giles said as he kept his eyes focused on the road ahead. Buffy shook her head slowly.

"I just can't believe they're gone. Just like that. Something came in and just-" Buffy couldn't finish the sentence. She mashed her lips together into a tight line and squeezed her eyes shut.

"I know. It's just awful, awful for Faith and Robin...good Lord," Giles said shaking his head. "Those poor girls."

"So, what are we going to do about Faith?" Buffy asked.

"See what information she has, and how it pertains to the matter at hand. It's the best we can do," Giles said. Buffy sighed and leaned back in her seat.

"Not just that, but how are we going to help her through this? She's gotta be traumatized. I just hope she doesn't start acting out...killing people again...because this time-" Giles cut Buffy off.

"I wouldn't worry about Faith. She's a fighter. I'm sure she'll be alright," Giles said, but it sounded as if he were trying to convince himself. Buffy hoped they were doing the right thing allowing the rogue Slayer to join them in Rome. Maybe concentrating on the source of all of this madness would make things a little better, at least take her mind off the horrible things she'd seen. The moment the thought entered Buffy's mind she took it back. No, there couldn't be anything that could take away the memory of something that gruesome. She remembered finding the body of her mother dead on the sofa in her own home and waves of sadness washed over Buffy. There were just some things you didn't bounce back from.

*

Chaos had erupted back at the apartment, when Giles and Buffy returned from the airport with Faith. Spike had had another vision, this time seeing the souls of the dead Slayers from Cleveland being channeled somewhere, presumably Sunnydale. The vision hadn't showed much, just a male figure using magiks to funnel the souls of the slain Slayers. Spike had said the man resembled someone he'd seen before, but he was having trouble placing who it was. The news frustrated Buffy to no end, and she started the gang on research, while Giles contacted the Watchers Council with the news of Robin and the dead Slayers. Faith was settled on the sofa to rest. Buffy got on the phone with Angel immediately.

"Any new trouble there?" Buffy asked Angel as she sat at the table and tried to choke down a cup of coffee to keep her alert. Angel sighed from his end of the line.

"We can't keep up here. Our resources are nearly exhausted, Buffy. Something's brewing and the word's out," Angel said. "Every vampire, demon and creature you can think of is out on the prowl. It's in the air."

"We've got trouble here too," Buffy said defeated, using her fingertips to knead her temples. Suddenly she had a vicious headache coming on and the situation unfolding wasn't making it any better. "Something's happened in Cleveland. Faith came home to find Robin Wood and all of their Slayers slaughtered. She's a mess."

"Jesus," Angel breathed into the phone, "what the hell's going on here, Buffy?"

"We're on it," Buffy said.

"If you need me-"

"Thanks. Just keep me up to date on anything you come across. This could get bad, like end of the world bad. Spike's visions-"

"Spike?"

"Angel-"

"Buffy, you can talk about Spike and I won't freak out on you. I just wasn't aware that he was having visions now. Are they the same type of visions that Cordelia had?"

"The same," Buffy said.

"Interesting," Angel said evenly. "How's he holding up?"

"You actually care?"

"I won't lie to you, Buffy. It still bothers me about you and Spike. But I'm dealing," Angel said softly.

"Thank you...I think..." Buffy said. "So you're gonna keep me up to date?"

"I'll call if anything changes. Give Faith my condolences," Angel said and then disconnected.

*

Spike stepped out into the chilly Rome evening, sitting on the steps in front of Buffy's apartment. He breathed in the damp air, feeling the wet chill of the rain that had fallen recently. Taking a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, he shook one from the pack and lit it. He heard footsteps from behind him and picked up Buffy's scent before she approached him. Moments later, they were standing face to face.

"How are you?" Buffy asked softly, jamming her hands into the pockets of the black suede jacket she was wearing.

"I'm fine, pet. 'Cept for the bleeding migraine, life's bloody peaches," Spike said and then was silent a moment as he smoked. The sound of Buffy's even breathing from beside him was a comfort and he looked over at her. Seemed the frown on her face was going to be a permanent fixture. He hated to see all of this new weight settled back again on her slim shoulders.

"Sounds like you've got yourself a mess in there," Spike said motioning with his head toward the apartment. Buffy sighed and sat down on the steps beside Spike, pulling her knees up to her chest and pressing her forehead to them.

"Things are fucked up, Spike. I mean fucked up," she said, lifting her head and sniffling as if holding back a fresh bout of tears. Spike placed a hand on Buffy's knee and rested it there in comfort.

"It's getting deep, isn't it Slayer?"

"The deepest," Buffy said, with a shake of her head. "We don't even have a clue on what we're dealing with and already it's sending messages. First it's Faith, then what next? Me? Dawn? You?"

"Hold on a bloody minute, Slayer. Don't get ahead of yourself. First you have to suss out what it is that's playing these games with you. Judging by my visions, this beastie isn't holding back, it's out for blood. Literally," Spike said.

"I know. But it's hiding itself well. You still having trouble placing a name with a face?" Buffy asked. Spike shrugged and let out a sigh.

"Sorry, pet. Still no connection. But I know I've seen that face somewhere. Give me a bit and I'll come up with it," Spike said. Buffy touched Spike's arm and gave him a weak smile.

"I'm glad you're here. I don't know what I'd do without you," she said, her smile slipping a little as her composure started to slide. Immediately Spike was pulling her into his arms and holding her. His embrace comforted Buffy and she sighed and closed her eyes.

"Can we just stay like this forever?" she asked, snuggling closer to Spike and wrapping her arms around him. She tilted her face up and Spike leaned in for a kiss.

"Can only wish love," Spike said softly.

*

Buffy and Spike walked back into the apartment, arms wrapped around each other. Standing in the darkened hallway, Spike took a risk and framed Buffy's face between his hands, leaning in for another kiss. The world fell away as the kiss deepened and Buffy thrust her hands beneath Spike's jacket, pulling his body closer to hers in urgency. They didn't see Giles come from the kitchen and stand in front of them. Finally, he cleared his throat and the sound brought Buffy and Spike back to reality. Without looking at Giles, Spike pressed another kiss to Buffy's forehead and then sauntered from the room. Buffy looked at Giles expectantly.

"What's up?" she asked.

"I have news," Giles said flatly and motioned for Buffy to follow him into the kitchen.

Buffy shrugged off her jacket and carried it with her, then draped it over a chair as she sat across from Giles at the kitchen table. The tea kettle on the stove began to whistle and Buffy motioned for Giles to stay seated as she busied herself at the stove pouring boiling water into a mug and then bobbing a tea bag in the liquid. She took the steaming mug to the table and set it in front of Giles, who smiled his thanks and took a tentative sip. Buffy folded her hands in front of her and waited.

"You had news?" she asked. Giles stared into his mug for a moment and then looked over at Buffy.

"I'm afraid I do. It's rather bad, really," Giles said, setting the mug down and giving Buffy a serious look. Buffy looked down and shook her head sadly.

"When is the news ever not bad?" she asked, saying it more to herself than to Giles. "So, what is it? Whatever it is, I can handle it. After tonight, I think I'm pretty capable of handling anything." Giles cleared his throat and removed his glasses, setting them on the table in front of him. He leaned forward and gave Buffy a penetrating stare.

"I never told you this, but I've had the Watcher's Council keeping tabs on the supernatural activity around the area where Sunnydale was located for about six months now," Giles began to explain, sitting back in his chair. Buffy swung her eyes to her former Watcher and frowned.

"What for? We closed it down, Giles. Remember? Me, you, the Potentials, Spike? In fact, I clearly remember running for my life as the town caved in on itself. So why would you need to keep tabs on a place that doesn't exist anymore?" Buffy asked, growing more and more confused as she got deeper into this situation. Seemed the fun was never ending, it just got better and better, Buffy thought wryly to herself as she once again focused on what Giles was saying.

"We destroyed the Hellmouth yes, but we didn't destroy the supernatural aspect of it that can't be buried under the earth. Unfortunately, that supernatural energy can be picked up on by demons, vampires and all that sort. You follow me, Buffy?" Giles explained.

"I think so," Buffy said with a nod, "so what are we facing Giles? You know don't you? You've known all along?" She stared at her Watcher, narrowing her eyes as his gaze traveled to his hands. Buffy stood up from the table, gripping the edge with white-knuckled fingers and tried to control herself as anger came over her.

"You've known all along about this and decided what...you were going to wait until the most extreme amount of death could occur before you finally told me?" Buffy cried, her body starting to tremble as her anger increased. She came around the table and stood in front of Giles who got to his feet, looking weary and defeated.

"I had to be sure it was really Sunnydale and the Hellmouth we were dealing with. Details were sketchy at best and then Spike and the bloody visions! What did you expect me to do, Buffy?" Buffy looked down and shook her head, biting her lip to keep any unnecessary comments from spilling from her mouth, like the hateful words she wanted to toss at Giles for keeping this from her. She looked up at him, her green eyes burning with anger, as slowly her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

"You could have told me," she spat.

"I'm terribly sorry Buffy, but I still have to tell you the rest. I know you're angry at me, but believe me when I say, I did this for your own good," Giles said.

"Tell that to Robin Wood and five dead young girls," Buffy said through clenched teeth. Giles flinched visibly at the harsh words and sighed, running his fingers through his short brown hair. Silence hung over the room as Giles fiddled with the handle of his coffee cup and then lifted his head to continue.

"I know who we're dealing with. This information is new, and has just come to light. It's someone you know personally," Giles said flatly, turning his eyes. He focused on something across the room a moment, as if gathering strength and then swung his gaze back to Buffy. "This new evil we are dealing with, the one that has been stirring things up at the Hellmouth has a co-conspirator."

"Who is it, Giles?" Buffy asked, holding her breath.

"The Immortal," Giles said evenly, his eyes never wavering as he watched the news wash over Buffy. "I'm terribly sorry." He reached his hand across the table and covered Buffy's with it. Buffy lifted her eyes, a look of sheer fury so evident in the green depths that the room seemed permeated with it.

"Don't touch me," she said withdrawing her hand from Giles' and stepping back as she glared at Giles with animosity. "I can't believe you're sitting here telling me that my ex is somehow responsible for that slaughter in Cleveland. You’ve got some nerve, Rupert. I'm going to bed. Check your sources. We're not going to tell the others about this conversation, not until we have the facts straight," Buffy said and then without looking back, she turned on her heel and stormed from the kitchen, leaving Giles sitting there, staring at his hands numbly. He reached into the pocket of his shirt and withdrew his cell phone. He tapped a number and placed the phone to his ear, waiting. When someone had picked up on the other line, Giles began to speak.

"She knows. Yes...I just told her...thank you," Giles said, then flipped the phone shut and glanced behind him, checking to see if anyone had seen him make the phone call. Breathing a sigh, he got up from the table, deposited his coffee mug into the sink and shut off lights as he left the apartment. He never noticed Spike standing in the shadows, watching. The blonde vampire curled his hands into fists at his sides as his breathing hitched in his chest and he vamped out, staring after the retreating form of the Watcher.

Closing his eyes and concentrating, Spike's face shifted back to his human guise and his breathing returned to normal. Turning, he slowly walked down the darkened hallway and stood before Buffy's closed bedroom door. The sound of her weeping could be heard and Spike slumped against the wall nearby, his heart breaking at the sound of Buffy in pain. Reaching for the door knob, Spike turned it and entered the room, closing the door softly behind him.

End of Chapter Eight
 

Chapter Nine

*

Somewhere between Los Angeles and Pasadena: A deserted highway

It was a calm scene. Deserted highway sandwiched between miles and miles of desert. A mile or so down the road where a crater about one hundred miles in size was located, mystical energy like an unseen tornado swirled. A group was gathered around the crater, dressed in maroon colored robes. They chanted in monotone, holding lit candles. A male figure stood on the periphery of the area, watching the scene unfold with a contented smile as he folded his arms over his chest. The chanting continued and suddenly the earth began to shake, dust and debris scattering like leaves in the wind as the crater opened slowly. Once the dust had settled, a cloud of blue-purple energy shot up from the gaping maw, hovering for a moment. Then like a lightning bolt, the energy shot forward and enveloped the mysterious group in its glow. Moments later the group had disappeared. The male figure was the only one who remained as he stood and waited. He withdrew a knife from the inside pocket of his suit coat, running his fingers over the blade as the sun glinted off the metal, casting an eerie light over the man's face. Looking up, he glanced at the sleek black Cadillac that crept slowly down the deserted highway and came to a stop at the mouth of the crater. The man pocketed the knife, cast one more glance at the crater and then walked to the waiting car.

*

Evening: Rome

Spike stood in the moonlit bedroom watching as his Slayer got to her feet, brushed the tears from her eyes and then slowly turned around. She clutched herself, trembled and then took slow steps toward Spike, until they stood face to face.

"What is it, Spike?" she asked tearfully, lifting her chin as if attempting to put on a false bravado. Judging by her defensive stance, Spike knew that he'd better tread carefully with Buffy. She'd been through a hell of a lot in the last week, and he could see the strain taking its toll on the usually fiercely strong Slayer. Spike's gaze never wavered from Buffy's as he slowly put his hands on her shoulders, drawing her closer. Cupping her head, he guided it to his shoulder and she rested there, breathing a sigh as Spike stroked her hair softly.

"I heard, love. I saw the whole thing between you and the Watcher. That bastard," Spike said with a shake of his head. Buffy lifted her head from his shoulder and stared up at Spike, her eyes still shining with unshed tears.

"This has nothing to do with you," she said tightly, disentangling herself from Spike's embrace and taking a step back. She turned away and crossed her arms over her chest, her posture indicating to Spike that she was in no mood to hash this out with him tonight. Spike took a step forward, gripped her shoulder and turned her to face him.

"This has everything to do with me, love. When something hurts you, then it affects me," Spike said, the urgency in his voice barely hidden as he stared unabashedly at Buffy, who was frowning at him.

"I know you care Spike," Buffy said shaking her head wearily, "but this is something I have to deal with. Giles may have been wrong in keeping something this huge from me, but he put it on my shoulders now. It's my thing. I have to find out what it all means, and what my ex has to do with all of this bullshit." Spike tilted his head back and sighed, then met Buffy's eyes again.

"There you go again. Guess some things never bloody change do they, Slayer?" Spike retorted haughtily, starting to pace around the room. He shot a look at Buffy, who stared at him in confusion. "Things get a little hairy and right away you start shutting people out. It's what you do every bloody time!"

"Shut up Spike," Buffy seethed, folding her arms across her chest angrily. "You don't know anything about me!" At those words, Spike stalked across the room and grabbed Buffy roughly by the shoulders, shaking her.

"That's bloody funny coming from you," Spike said through clenched teeth as his leaned his face close to hers. "You don't get it, do you? I'm the only one who knows you! I know you better than the rest and I can see perfectly what's happening here!" Buffy twisted herself away from Spike's grasp and shot him a glare.

"What are you talking about?" she asked.

"You're terrified and the moment that happens is the moment you want to run. Tell me I'm wrong," Spike said. Buffy was silent as she and Spike regarded one another in the darkness, the tension thick between them. Spike threw his hands up in the air in frustration and then stalked to the door, putting his hand on the doorknob. But before he stormed out, he turned his head to Buffy.

"When you're ready to let me in you know where I'll be," he said softly and then turned the doorknob, thrust open the door and stormed out, slamming it behind him. Buffy flinched as the door slammed and then stumbled blindly to her bed, climbing beneath the covers.

This can't be happening, Buffy thought to herself as she curled her knees up to her chest. Tears threatened, but Buffy swallowed them back. She was tired of crying, tired of feeling sorry for herself. She was also tired of the lies she'd been told, not only by Giles, but supposedly by The Immortal as well. Rolling onto her back, Buffy's thoughts swirled in her brain, keeping sleep at bay. Why was Giles keeping things from her all of a sudden? It didn't make sense. Since when had he ordered the Watcher's Council to keep tabs on Sunnydale and what did it all mean? She'd always considered Giles to be like a father to her, now she didn't know what to feel. Buffy wished that she hadn't been so angry with him so that her questions could be answered.

Next her mind traveled to thoughts of The Immortal. What could his connection to all of this possibly be? They hadn't ended their relationship on bad terms; it had been a mutual break up. She'd realized that she wasn't in love with him, had only needed a distraction in her life to deter herself grieving over Spike. The distraction hadn't really been a distraction at all, because she'd never stopped grieving the death of her former lover. No matter how many other men she dated, Spike was still firmly lodged in her heart. Now Spike was here, truly alive, and all he'd wanted from her was to be let in, to be loved. Well, Buffy hadn't had a clue about being scared of letting people in. That is, until Spike had brought it to light.

Buffy rolled back onto her side. Damn Spike. Why did he have to be right about every single little thing about her? She realized then that the words he'd said were true. Spike was really the only one who truly knew her. Mind body and soul. Why she had been denying it for so long was a question Buffy could not find the answer to. Guess there were some things she was going to have to change in herself. But she wouldn't be making the changes just because of Spike. Deep within herself she knew that eventually she would have to let people get close to her. The more she shut out the ones that loved her, the more isolated she became. Maybe deep down, she preferred it that way. The thought scared Buffy. What scared her more was what was coming in the days ahead. It was too terrifying to think about.

*

Spike sat in the darkened kitchen, his thoughts churning around inside his head, making it impossible to think straight. On top of the bleeding migraine he had due to the visions, he now had the fight with Buffy added on to the pounding in his head. He hated to fight with Buffy, but he knew he'd hit the mark right on regarding her inability to let anyone in on what she was feeling. That woman was always in fight or flight mode, no two ways about it and she had Spike twisted up in knots. No woman got to him the way she did. He was truly love's bitch, through and through. Even though they had fought, he couldn't help the feeling he had of wanting to run back to her and apologize. Then he wanted to toss her on the bed and make love to her until they were both drained. Spike could never win, it seemed. There was always something waiting around the bend to tip the bloody scales. It pissed Spike off more than he liked and he only wished it would just bloody stop.

A sound brought Spike's head up from his arms, where he'd been resting it. He narrowed his eyes as someone walked into the kitchen. A brief feeling of hope rose within Spike as he thought that maybe Buffy had come to apologize to him after all. On closer inspection he realized it wasn't Buffy who stood within his field of vision. It was Faith. Spike rose from his chair and went to the nearby wall, flipping a light on. Faith squinted from the sudden brightness in the room. Spike felt awkward as he and the rogue Slayer regarded one another. Faith's eyes narrowed as she took him in and then she slowly walked to the kitchen table and sat, still staring at Spike.

"Hey Blondie, you're freakin alive," she said with a shake of her head. "How the hell did that happen?" Spike let out a sigh and shook his head as he took a seat across from Faith.

"Long bloody story, pet. Mind if we don't get into it now?"

"Fine by me," Faith said nonchalantly.

An awkward silence fell between them. Faith looked down at her hands and then started to pleat the flowered tablecloth with her fingers. Spike wasn't sure what to say to her. How's it going after the slaughter? Spike shook his head. Bad taste, mate, he thought to himself. Finally Faith spoke.

"So what the hell's going on, Spike? I mean, I'm walking along...minding my own business and suddenly I'm finding six dead bodies in my home. What's the sitch?" Faith asked.

"Big bad, love. Something about Sunnydale and the Hellmouth," Spike said with a shake of his head.

"Sunnydale," Faith said in a horrified whisper. Spike lifted his eyes to the Slayer sitting across from him. She'd gone deathly pale and had begun to tremble. He'd never seen Faith lose one ounce of her cool and now she looked moments away from falling apart.

"Faith?" Spike asked in concern, lifting his scarred eyebrow at her. Faith squeezed her eyes shut and swallowed hard. When she opened them, she caught Spike's stare in her direction.

"That was the message on the wall. It was in blood," Faith said softly.

"Not following, love," Spike said.

"When I found Robin and the girls...there was a message written in blood on the wall. One word. Sunnydale," Faith explained, her voice cracking slightly. She glanced up at Spike. "Means only one thing, right?" Spike was on the same page as Faith.

"We go back to Sunnydale," Spike affirmed with a slight nod.

"Then we leave as soon as possible," a voice said from the hallway. Spike whipped his head around to see Buffy standing in the hallway, a look of resignation on her face as she entered the kitchen. "If something or someone is trying to reopen the Hellmouth, then we have to stop it. Now that we know for sure where it's heading, we can get there and stop it," Buffy said, sitting down at the kitchen table.

"Think B's right," Faith said, glancing at Spike.

"You up for this?" Buffy asked Faith.

"Yeah. Damn right I am," Faith said with determination, pummeling her fisted left hand into the open palm of her right. "I think some vengeance is in order." The three seated at the table regarded one another in silence. Then Buffy stood from the table and folded her arms across her chest.

"Then we leave first thing in the morning," she said evenly, shooting a glance at Spike. Spike caught the look in his direction and stared into the fathomless hazel depths of Buffy's eyes. He could see exactly what she conveyed to him without speaking a single word. She was sorry. She was going to try harder. She wanted him to understand. With one look, Spike forgave her and that was all it took. They were on level ground again. Now a battle was on the horizon. It was time to set petty differences aside and once again focus on the big picture. It was going to be a hell of a ride.

End of Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

~*~
Help... I'm stepping into the twilight zone...place is a madhouse feels like being cloned...
My beacon's been moved under moon and star...where am I to go now that I've gone too far...
(Twilight Zone: Golden Earring)
~*~

*

There was too much to do and not enough hours in the day to do it. Buffy had a bag to pack and flight arrangements to make. In the early morning hours, sitting around her kitchen table, she, Faith and Spike had hammered out a plan. They were going to Sunnydale, or namely the crater that had once been the town, to investigate. Call it a re-con mission.

Buffy wanted to know just what the hell she was dealing with, and she couldn't think of the two people she'd want by her side more than Faith and Spike. She hated to leave Dawn behind, but Buffy was confident that Willow and Xander would care for her. Buffy didn't even want to think of Giles. She was still angry at him, confused as well. She pushed her growing suspicions toward Giles out of her brain and tried to concentrate on stuffing as much clothing as she could fit into the duffle she was taking on the plane. The hand on her shoulder caused her to whip around, fists poised instinctively. The fists dropped to her sides when she realized it was Spike who had grabbed her. Her shoulders relaxed and sagged as she smiled, shaking her head.

"You don't know how close you came," she said walking up to Spike and wrapping her arms around his waist, pulling him closer to her body. "I could have sent you flying across the room." She leaned in for a kiss and Spike chuckled into her mouth.

"S'alright, love. Been in front of your punches before, wouldn't be the first or the last time," he joked, kissing her again. "Just as long as I don't get anymore broken noses we'll be right as rain." He pulled back from her and laughed at the contrite expression on her face.

"Maybe I'll break your nose just for saying that," she said, giving him a gentle shove and disentangling herself from his embrace. "You have to go away now. I have much packing to do, no distractions."

She turned and faced the bed, beginning to push clothing into the bag once again. Strong hands wrapped around her waist and tugged her back until her bottom was pressed against Spike's groin. He rotated his hips a little and smiled as a moan issued from Buffy's throat. Pressing his lips to her neck, he nibbled on her neck as she tilted her head, allowing him access to the tender skin between her neck and shoulders. She lifted her arms up, entangled them around Spike's neck and moved her hips, grinding against Spike until he moaned as well. His hands encircled her waist and traveled up the sides of her ribcage, his palms ghosting over her breasts as they strained from beneath the top she wore. Playfully, she slapped his hands away and stepped out of his embrace, turning to face Spike. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were smoky as she stared lustily at Spike. She crossed her arms over her breasts and gave Spike a petulant look.

"I don't have time for this right now," she said. "You know, big apocalypse on the horizon." Buffy tilted her head toward the window. "So there will be no...no...atmosphere. Get my drift?" She lifted an eyebrow at Spike who chuckled and held his hands up in a mock surrender, and then he dragged his finger over his chest in an 'x'.

"Cross my heart, love," he said, his blue eyes flashing playfully. Then he turned to leave the room, sending a hooded stare her way. "But you can't be all business all the time," he shot back at her and then left the room. Buffy let out the breath she'd been holding and then shook her head with a small smile. She turned back to the duffle bag on her bed. Another sound assailed her senses and this time she didn't turn around.

"I told you, Spike...I have no time for this...so don't even think about-" her voice trailed off and the smile fell from her face as she spun around and came face to face with Giles. Instantly, a frown settled over Buffy's features and her body tensed.

"It's you," she said tightly, "what do you want?" Giles crossed the room and went to stand by the window, staring out of it listlessly.

"I'm only going to say this once. I don't think it’s wise for you to be going back to California at this point in time," Giles said, not facing Buffy.

"Well, this is my decision. When you decided you were going to keep things from me was when I decided that maybe it wouldn't hurt for me to do the same," Buffy said lifting her chin stubbornly. Giles wheeled around angrily, whipping his glasses off his face and stalking across the room, until he and Buffy were standing face to face.

"I think you're making a bloody mistake! Lives could be at stake! That is why I do these things for you, so that no more lives will be put in danger!" Giles cried, his fingers clenching into fists at his side. Buffy scoffed and shook her head, turning her back on Giles.

"Too late for that now, Giles. Damage has already been done. Robin and those Slayers are gone. Some good that information you were withholding did you, didn't it?" Giles took two steps forward, turned and grabbed Buffy by the shoulders, shaking her.

"You can't keep blaming me for their deaths," he said forcefully, "I wasn't responsible for that. What part of that don't you understand?" Buffy struggled to release herself from Giles' grasp and then tilted her head up to address him.

"I don't understand how we could work beside each other for seven years and in one instant you forget all of that and go behind my back!" Buffy said in a strangled whisper as her emotions rose within her. Giles released Buffy, sighed and put his glasses back on. He trudged to the bed and sat on it, staring at the floor. Silence flowed between them heavily for long moments and Buffy found herself holding her breath. The second shoe was about to drop, she could feel it. Something about Giles' defeated look forecasted a second-shoe-droppy moment and Buffy tensed, waiting for it.

"You're hiding something," Buffy said and tilted her head back a moment and then lowered it with a sigh. She pressed her fingers to her temples and squeezed her eyes shut. "I knew it all along, too." Giles was still silent and when Buffy looked at him closely her heart melted a little. Something wasn't right here, he looked awfully upset. Against her better judgment, Buffy walked over to him and sat beside him on the bed. She stared ahead a moment and then turned her head slowly.

"So you gonna tell me?" she asked softly.

"Give me a moment please," Giles said and took a deep breath. He didn't face Buffy as he began to speak, aiming his words it seemed, at the floor instead.

"This hasn't been about Sunnydale or the Hellmouth at all. It didn't start out that way, at least. Not until recently," Giles said, removing his glasses once again and starting to clean them on the hem of his shirt. He kept his eyes averted from Buffy's as he continued. "This has been about Spike," he finished, pushing the glasses back onto his face and then finally facing Buffy. He flinched at the horrified expression on her face and squeezed his eyes shut.

"What!" Buffy cried, getting to her feet immediately. "What the hell are you talking about!" she cried. Giles sighed again and Buffy fought against the urge to put a fist to his jaw as her body began to tremble.

She clenched her teeth as she spoke. "Tell me."

Giles got to his feet and paced across the space of floor near her bed.

"Angel contacted me when Spike appeared out of the amulet. Angel didn't want any additional trouble at Wolfram and Hart so we came up with a plan to put Spike back where he belonged," Giles said in an emotionless tone.

"What do you mean?" Buffy asked shakily as a lump rose in her throat.

"The visions. The coven in Devon cast a spell sending him the visions and cast a glamour of The Oracles directly into a portal where Spike would find them. He was supposed to go to the Hellmouth, where Angel and I would trap him, mystically transport him back into the amulet and send him to another dimension, where he could be put to rest. Permanently," Giles explained, barely able to meet Buffy's eyes as he continued. "Obviously something went terribly wrong and now we are dealing with this new evil. Angel and I never expected Spike to come here and we never expected that he would start seeing you as well. I'm afraid you know the rest." Buffy was stunned into silence. She could clearly hear the words Giles was saying, but they seemed to float around her, over her, not really hitting the mark. She stumbled to her bed and sat on it, staring ahead silently. Giles squatted to Buffy's eye level and looked up at her, pleadingly.

"Please understand why Angel and I felt we needed to do this. It was for your own good. We didn't want Spike making trouble by finding his way back to you and trying to manipulate his way into your life. The visions were not supposed to show him true events, but the spell got muddled somehow. These events might be the cause of what we're dealing with now. I'm so terribly sorry," Giles said. Buffy shot an angry look at Giles and got to her feet, pushing past him. She stood at the door way and pointed out to the hallway beyond.

"Get out," she seethed.

"Buffy you must understand-"

"I said get out!"

"If you'll let me explain-"

"I think you've explained enough," Buffy said, "and I think I've heard enough. You and Angel wanted to kill Spike; I don't understand how you felt that would help me. You tried once before and what...you failed so you had to try again?"

"Buffy-"

"No!" Buffy shouted and stormed over to Giles, covering her ears. "I don't want to hear anymore. I don't want to hear how you fucked up a spell to kill Spike and not quite, but almost, unleashed this new evil thing that wants to destroy the world by opening the Hellmouth again. And I don't want to hear how I have to clean up your mess and live with the deaths of a good friend and five young girls, 'cause oops...you made a mistake! I don't want to hear anymore!" Buffy began to shake as sobs overwhelmed her.

Giles left the room wordlessly, nearly barreling into Spike, who had been standing outside listening to the whole thing. They exchanged a heated stare and Spike let the Watcher pass, heading into Buffy's bedroom. She was curled up on the floor, sobbing.

Slowly, Spike got down on the floor beside her. She crawled across the space and fell into Spike's arms, where he caught her up and held her as she cried. Spike vowed that he was going to make the Poof pay for what he'd done. He'd leave Giles up to Buffy, but Angel's unlife was in serious danger as far as Spike was concerned. Staring down at Buffy as she fell to pieces, Spike sighed. Seemed everything was falling apart bit by bit. Somehow Buffy would have to get herself together so they could fight this thing and beat it. A sound brought Spike's head up and he nodded at Faith as she entered the room, taking in the scene before her dully.

"So we still on a mission?" she asked softly, nodding at Buffy who was still in Spike's arms.

"Would seem so, pet. Got ourselves a situation," Spike said, glancing down at Buffy and brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I heard. Well, bits and pieces, but I got the jist. So when do we leave?" Faith asked.

"Soon as Buffy pulls herself together. I'm on it," Spike said.

"Let me know," Faith said and then left the room, closing the door behind her.

Spike stared down at Buffy, who was wiping tears from her eyes and struggling to sit up. Spike helped her to her feet and led her to bed. Buffy's eyes stared ahead listlessly. Spike waved a hand in front of her face and sighed. She's almost catatonic, Spike thought to himself, sitting down beside her. There was only one thing he could think of to bring her out of the state she was in.

Spike angled his body until he was lying alongside of Buffy. He drew her into his arms, turned her head and began to kiss her. At first she barely responded, but as Spike's kisses grew more heated, he achieved the desired affect, as Buffy came to life, hungrily returning his fervent kisses and clawing at Spike, bringing him closer.

Buffy continued kissing Spike as she reached behind her, felt along the nightstand table for the touch lamp located there and tapped its base, extinguishing the light and casting the room into darkness as dusk settled outside.

In moments, Spike had removed Buffy's clothes and began busily removing his own. He entered her in one swift motion as Buffy trembled beneath him, tears clinging to her eyelashes as her eyes bored into Spike's. Spike leaned forward, brushed a kiss against Buffy's ear and whispered something.

"Scream all you like, love. Let them hear," he whispered and Buffy was happy to oblige as Spike began to move his hips, pounding into her body forcefully. The moans rose from Buffy's throat as Spike made love to her, sending her pain swirling away in a tide of ecstasy. She clung to him and pressed her forehead to his shoulder as sensations like lightning bolts coursed over her entire body and as a second orgasm hit her, she tilted her head back and screamed her climax.

"That's right love, let it out!" Spike cried as his features crumpled and his release curled within his belly, his hips thrusting faster and faster as his orgasm approached. Moments later, Spike let out a guttural moan and spilled his love into Buffy. Buffy clung to Spike's shoulders and held on as he poured himself into her.

When it was over, the two spent lovers fell back against the bed, heaving in great gulps of air as they returned to earth. Spike gathered Buffy in his arms and pulled her to him closely. A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she drifted off into sleep. Spike pressed a kiss to her eyebrow and closed his eyes.

Spike knew that he couldn't cure Buffy's anger and pain over what Giles had told her, but at least he could distract her, and if nothing else, take her away from the world for a little while, make her forget all of the ugly things waiting for her in the days ahead. He was glad he'd taken the chance. He stared down at Buffy, ran his palm over the smooth skin of her shoulder and pressed a kiss to her nose. In the morning they would sort out what to do next. For now, he wasn't going to press Buffy. He would just let her rest. Everything that awaited them would still be there when they awoke.

*

Faith stood outside Buffy's bedroom door and listened to the sounds emanating from behind it. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she listened. Spike, gettin the job done, she thought to herself with a shake of her head. She walked away from the door slowly, the smile never leaving her face. She was looking forward to a good ass-kicking. It had been too long. With B and Spike at her side, they couldn't lose. This was going to be fun and Faith couldn't wait.

She didn't care about that stuff that Giles had said, but it did bother her about Angel. He had betrayed Buffy and never would Faith have guessed that Angel was capable of doing that to his first love. It was her belief that no one could be trusted, 'cause eventually someone was going to get screwed in the end. Seemed it was Buffy who was the one always getting screwed. Faith found herself growing increasingly angry with Angel. In some way, he was connected to the deaths in Cleveland and the thought caused Faith's hands to clench into fists at her sides.

Well, it was time the dues got paid and Faith didn't mind having a hand in helping out. Sadly, she thought of Robin and the Slayers in Cleveland. It hurt too much to remember that awful night and Faith pushed the memory out of her brain. There would be time for reflection later, for now there were some evil ass-kicking to be had.

She'd wait while Spike and Buffy worked out their issues, and then it would be off to the races. It was payday and Faith wanted to be first in line handing out the judgments, it was the best thing she could think of to avenge the deaths of the only people in her life that she'd ever been closest to. It was the only way.

End of Chapter Ten

 

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