Author Note: "Missing Scene" from the Season Five episode 'Spiral,' in which Buffy enlists Spike's help in the great escape attempt from Glory.

Help

For the second time in two days Buffy was knocking on Spike's door, asking – no, practically begging him for help. Not that begging was necessary. Ever since he had risked his life and limb to keep her and Dawn safe she had no doubt he'd do anything for her. It was such a change from her kicking the door in, and beating him to a pulp herself. 'What a difference a couple of weeks make' she mused, while waiting for him to answer.

When he finally came to the door he was shirtless and his hair was messed up.

"Sorry," she said, trying to hide her awkward enjoyment of the view. "Didn't mean to wake you. You… your bruises have healed well."

He smiled saying, "Bet you didn't come here to discuss my pretty face."

"Right," she confirmed, re-focusing her mind. "Got any alcohol?"

That was not the question he expected. Tilting his head for a second he moved aside and gestured for her to come on in before walking to his bar and pouring two drinks.

"That bad huh?" he asked.

She nodded "That bad. That really really bad. We have to run away together."

Taken aback by her words he battled with himself, refusing to get too carried away thinking about her meaning. When he raised his eyebrow she explained.

"Need to take Dawn to safety. She can't stay here, we'll all get killed."

Now it was his turn to nod. "Right, when we setting off?"

She looked at him intently then, once more amazed at his willingness to help her.

"Buffy?" he prompted.

"I told the guys they had an hour," she said, looking down at her watch. "That was twenty minutes ago."

His heart sank, a little, but he tried to shrug it off nonchalantly "Everyone's coming?"

"To leave them is to leave them in danger," she said, and he knew she was right. He couldn't argue with her instinct to protect, but that didn't stop him from trying.

"You, me and Dawn in a sports car could get further faster," he reasoned.

"No. More. Danger. For anyone!" she snapped and he didn't push it anymore.

"Sorry," they said in unison before laughing, releasing the tension around them.

"It's not that I'm not tempted," said Buffy, in a gentle tone. "Right now that sounds pretty good, but I can't leave them. Tara's already got hurt. You… you already made your sacrifice. God, I have some nerve even asking you for anything else."

"Buffy," he said, equally gently, but looking away from her. "I'd do it again, in a heartbeat – even if I don't happen to have one. I love you."

"Thank you," she said, and he dared to glance up again. "Thank you what you did with Glory, for still wanting to help. For helping me realize Willow was in danger yesterday, and for what you said to Dawn."

He smiled, again. "Told you that, huh?"

"Yeah," she confirmed. "She said you were very sweet. Why don't I see that side of you more often?"

Shifting uncomfortably he puffed out his chest a little, "Macho male pride?"

"Ha, yeah, that must be it. Whatever it is, though, I… I think I'd like to see more of it. You're sweet side, I mean. And who knows, maybe one day you'd get more than your crumb," she blushed, hardly believing she admitted that out loud.

He beamed up at her, in gratitude. "Been meaning to thank you for the crumb. That kiss, Buffy, it meant a lot."

"I know," she said, before taking a deep breath. "I know, but we have bigger things to deal with right now."

They stood up, signaling the end of their heart to heart.

"Back to work. I need you to steal a van. Big enough for all of us."

"Slight issue with that," he said, pointing towards the door. "It's kinda deadly for me out there right now."

Buffy frowned. "We can't wait to nightfall."

"Won't need to," he said. "I know the perfect place you can pick one up. Can talk you through the basics of hotwiring. Even give you some nice shiny aluminum foil to vamp proof the widows of the Winnebago."

Her frown deepened in response to his suggestions, and she shook her head. "I might be okay with you stealing, under certain circumstances, but to do it myself? Whole different moral dilemma."

"Now's not really the time for moral dilemmas, pet," he said.

"I know," she said. "But can I pretend you forced me into it?"

Again he smiled, "Sure thing."