TITLE: WRECKED – CHAPTER 11 - ALTERNATE ENDING TO DAMAGE CONTROL

PAIRING: BUFFY/OTHER –BRUCE NOVIKOV

DISCLAIMER: I don't own any characters except the ones I make up. They are owned by Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, etc. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is made. My story is for entertainment purposes only.

RATING: - M – FOR ADULT THEMES. PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE UNDERAGE, I ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY IF YOU DO.

MORNING

BRUCE & BUFFY'S HOTEL ROOM

Buffy slowly drifted awake, her mind still foggy from the deep sleep she had been in. Taking in the scene before her, she smiled as images of the previous night drifted through her mind. Feeling a slight blush tint her cheeks, she smiled as she looked around for Bruce, only to find his side of the bed empty and cold, telling her he was once again up early.

Grinning at him, she pulled the sheet over her naked torso and slid from the bed. Making her way to the bathroom, she started the shower and brushed her teeth when she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror, startling herself. Her hair was in a state of tangled disarray, her cheeks were flushed and her lips swollen from Bruce's passionate kisses, making her look like a thoroughly 'loved up' woman.

Wiping a hand over the fogged up mirror, Buffy inspected herself some more thoroughly. Thinking of the night before, she tried to remember where her dress was. Remembering the conversation that had happened right before Bruce kissed her, she guessed it must still be in the living area. Not wanting the housekeeper to find their clothes strewn carelessly all over the apartment, she went to the living room, only to stop and stare in shock.

Her dress was there all right, lying in a crumpled heap in the center of the room, Bruce's shirt right next to it, making Buffy remember how hastily she'd pushed it from his broad shoulders with trembling hands. One of her shoes was carelessly tossed beneath the table, its twin nowhere to be found.

Gasping in horror, Buffy rushed forward and plucked her strapless bra from where it hung over a chair. Even though no one was around, Buffy shoved the small garment under the sheet. Reaching to pick up Bruce's shirt, she smiled as she brought it to her nose and inhaled his masculine scent. In a dreamy state she gathered the rest of the scattered clothing and took a shower.

Emerging from the bathroom, Buffy started as she saw the bed was already made up, fresh towels, a robe and slippers placed neatly on top of the bedding. Feeling a bit shocked and uneasy that someone had been in the room while she was in the shower, she cast a glance over the room and found nothing out of place.

Back in the bedroom, Buffy noticed the tray with coffee and tea, biscuit and a small chart indicating that it had indeed been housekeeping that had cleaned the room. A huge bouquet of flowers stood next to the tray, brightening the room and scenting it with its sweet floral aroma. A card pinned on the side drew her attention. Bruce must have asked the housekeeper to bring the flowers, but he'd personally written the small note.

The note was short and to the point but just the thought that Bruce had sent the flowers made her heart swell even more with love. Bruce requested that she join him downstairs in the lobby for breakfast when she was ready, saying that he 'would be waiting'. Grinning to herself, she planned to do just that.

Bruce and Maddox were seated in the back of the hotel's large lobby, each with a fresh cup of coffee before them. The lobby was filled nearly to the brim as a large number of people had also stayed at the hotel for the charity event.

Despite the important conversation he and Maddox were having, Bruce had trouble focusing on anything else expect the woman who was asleep in his room upstairs. He'd hated leaving her and would have preferred to stay in bed with her all day and show her over and over again just how strongly he felt about her. But he knew it had been a very emotional night for her and she'd probably need some time to herself to gather her thoughts and emotions.

He still couldn't fathom how it must have been for Buffy when her friend lay dead in her arms, the sound of a scared young girl ringing in her ears as her life also slipped away. It was hard only imagining it and he wished he could do something for her, help her in some way to make the pain go away.

But Bruce was no fool; he knew something like that would stay with a person forever. Time might help to ease the pain, but the wounds never really healed, they were branded into a person's soul, making it impossible to ever completely forget what happened.

A flash of color drew his attention and as he looked up, he was transfixed with the image of Buffy as she entered the lobby, her eyes scanning the room. The moment her eyes landed on him, a small private smile broke out on her face and Bruce felt his chest tighten. She was elegantly dressed in white pants and a light green shirt, covered from neck to chin in a warm gray sweater, her loose hair flowing behind in her in soft waves.

Not paying any attention to Maddox who was still talking to him, Bruce stood up and strolled over to Buffy, meeting her before she even reached the first row of tables. Instead of stopping before her, her stepped right up to her and pulled her into his chest, his lips landing on hers in a polite and discreet kiss.

'Always the gentleman', Buffy thought as she smiled into the kiss as Bruce's arms went around her and grasped her one hand in his. When he pulled away, he was mirroring her smile but his eyes were darker, showing just a hint of the passion she'd seen the previous night.

Trying to keep her blush at bay at the thought of the previous night, she quietly followed Bruce to their table. Maddox scowled at Bruce for a second but then turned his face and presented her with a warm smile, "Good morning" he said happily, his eyes crinkled in humor, making Buffy's blush even deeper. There was no doubt in her mind that he knew exactly what they had been up to.

Feeling a little embarrassed and not trusting herself to say anything incriminating, Buffy returned a polite greeting and concentrated instead on her coffee and the menu. Bruce still had her hand clasped in his and she enjoyed the warmth of his embrace so she didn't try to pull away.

After eating breakfast Buffy leaned back in her chair and smiled at a few people she remembered form the charity event. As if that had been the signal the women waited four, a few ladies made their way over to their table and started making arrangements for various get-togethers the coming week.

Unsure if Bruce had any plan for the week, Buffy looked over at him, only to start grinning as she saw the women had all but pushed the two men out of their seats and taken their places. Over the shoulder of a woman Buffy had only met once, she was Bruce looking at her with a warm smile. Smiling back at him, her heart jumped when he winked at her.

Maddox scowled at the women around them. They were like a flock of birds gathered around the table, their excited chatter enough to make his ears sing. One woman, he guessed to be in her early fifties, plopped down right in his lap as if she wasn't even aware he was there. He'd never had a problem with ladies throwing themselves at him, but he was a taken man and he didn't want to jeopardize that in any way.

Looking over at Bruce, he saw that he was faring no better, as the Baronova twins had pushed him to the edge of his seat, all but sharing it with him, as they had all their attention focused on Buffy. That in itself was surprising; Galenka and Anastasija were seventeen years old, tall, blond and spoiled rotten and they rarely got along with any women except the ones in their family, but they were glued to Buffy's every word, smiling as they nodded every few minutes at what was being planned.

As he listened to the pack of women making plans for shopping trips, tea parties, and lord only knows what lese, he couldn't help but think that it might be a good idea if Buffy stayed an extra week while he and Bruce headed back to Los Angeles to attend a few matters. Bruce had mentioned he wasn't sure how to proceed with their next pressing matter if Buffy was around in this could be exactly what they needed.

Feeling the old lady shift in his lap, poking his thighs with her stick think legs, he'd had enough. Carefully but firmly lifting her up and standing up, he stood up and left the table, Bruce close on his heels as he quickly kissed Buffy goodbye and told her where they would be.

Bruce fell in step next to him and Maddox immediately voiced his opinion, "I think it would be a good thing if Buffy stayed another week. You mother adores her and those women back there will keep her busy while your…away…attending to business." Maddox said casually.

Bruce didn't look at him and kept quiet for a few minutes before answering, "I know, it's perfect actually…I just want to leave her." He admitted.

Maddox scoffed, "It will only be a few days; and it's not like she'll be alone." Yet he understood Bruce's reason. He also felt very protective of Buffy but he knew she would resent being watched like a little child all the time. Despite what happened to her, she was a strong, independent woman, proving just how strong willed and fierce of heart she was.

Instead of answering, Bruce just shoved his hand in his trouser pockets and kept walking. He wanted to be upset at Maddox for mentioning it, for even insisting he leave Buffy behind after he just found her, but he knew it was a good idea, knew it was safer that way as well. Buffy needed the time to relax and unwind and a week of going out with the ladies and getting pampered was a perfect idea.

About an hour later, Buffy finally managed to extract herself from the twins and the women that had bombarded them at breakfast. Even though it was unexpected, Buffy felt excited by the aspect of spending time with everyone. Even the twins, who she'd thought would be distant and rude, were very nice and friendly.

Swiping her room card through the panel in the door, she stepped inside the room. Bruce and Maddox were seated at the fireplace and all talk halted the send they saw her. Bruce got up and came to her, his walk lazy yet powerful, making Buffy go all warm inside.

"Make a few new friends?" he enquired jokingly as he pulled her close and greeted her with a more passion kiss this time.

Pulling back breathless, Buffy presented him with all the cards she'd been handed, "Everyone gave me their cards as I don't have my phone with me." She said as she dumped about twenty different cards on the table next to the front door.

Bruce quirked an eyebrow as he scanned the pile of card, "Looks like they have you all booked up for about the next three months." He teased. Knowing that if those women got their way he wouldn't see her for about a month. Buffy laughed softly, nodding her head in confirmation.

Dropping the card he was holding, Bruce stepped back and pulled Buffy into his chest, then wrapped his arms around her lower back, "Well, seeing as I just got outsmarted by a few very clever women, I guess I'll just have to up my ante a bit" he muttered as he kissed her neck softly.

Giggling at the ticklish sensation and feeling sheepish with Maddox in the room, Buffy pushed at his shoulders until he lowered her back down to the ground. He begrudgingly obliged but remained close, presenting her with a piece of paper, "My mother also called, she'd hosting a luncheon this week and she won't take no for an answer."

Just thinking about Bruce's mother brought a smile to Buffy's face, but it dropped as she looked at the date and time scribbled on the paper, "But it's Saturday, and you want to go back to L.A. on Friday." She said with a hint of sadness in her voice.

Bruce kept his gaze on Buffy's face, noting the disappointment with both relief and regret. "I know, but I was thinking you would like to stay. And seeing that the ladies were so excited to spend time with you, I'd feel terrible if I just whisked you away, so I came up with a plan…" He left the sentence hanging in the air, waiting for her reaction. When a grin spread on her lips and she quirked an eyebrow at him, he continued, "I only have a few things to attend to back in L.A. It wouldn't take more than three days; if Maddox and I left tomorrow morning, we could be back before Saturday and stay for a while longer if you wanted?"

Buffy stared at him, elated at the idea of them staying in Russia a while longer. There was still so much she wanted to see and do and the week they had been here was just too short to get everything done. But then again, she wasn't so excited at the idea of Bruce leaving.

Searching is eyes for what he might prefer, she sighed when she saw nothing. Biting her lip, she thought back to what Bruce had said a few weeks ago, he wanted her to be totally honest with him, to not hold anything back and as scary as it may sound, she liked the idea of telling him exactly how she felt.

Nodding her head, Buffy answered, "Al right, but only if you promise to hurry back to me." She said the last part in a low voice, betraying her feelings. She didn't know how serious his business in L.A. was, but if he said he could be back in time for the luncheon, then she believed him.

Bruce touched his forehead to hers and replied in an equally soft, but firm voice, "Always."

Nodding in acceptance, Buffy reached around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss.

NEXT MORNING

NOVIKOV ESTATE

Buffy fumbled under the weight of Bruce's thick coat, trying her best to keep it from touching the floor. Bruce was busy 'arguing' with the butler, who insisted on carrying Bruce's luggage downstairs, but Bruce was adamant that he was more than capable of handling the heavy luggage himself. Buffy wanted to laugh at the look of amusement on Bruce's face, he was just pestering the old man, but they both knew Bruce would never allow an older man to carry his things about.

At the bottom of the stairs, Maddox was talking with Elena, Dr. Eva Morgan tucked securely into his side. Smiling at the happy picture the couple presented, she once again glanced up the stairs, only to find Bruce standing right before her. Taking the coat from her, he quickly shrugged it on and embraced her in a tight hug, "Miss me while I'm gone?" his voice was gruff and she didn't know if it was from the cold or something else that might be bothering him.

Hugging him back just as fiercely, Buffy smiled despite being sad that he was leaving, "I miss you already." She admitted. Even though it was just going to be a few days, it was still hard to think of him leaving. Pulling back and putting on a happy face, she looked up into his face, waiting for a kiss.

Bruce didn't disappoint and he gave her a deep, passionate kiss, leaving them both breathless. Smiling down at the woman who held his heart in the palm of her hand, he reluctantly pulled away and walked to the waiting car.

A cold gust of icy wind blew through the open front door, making Buffy shiver and clasp her hands together. Feeling warm hands wrap around her, Buffy turned and smiled at Bruce's mother, the comfort an unexpected welcome, "He'll hurry back my dear, I promise. He won't be able to go without you for long." She said in a soothing voice and Buffy could only nod.

Eva joined them, along with the staff who just said goodbye with sad faces. The front door opened again and Chase stepped inside, his lips blue and his nose red. Winking at Buffy, he strolled inside and made a beeline for the kitchen. Knowing he usually escorted Bruce almost everywhere, Buffy frowned, wondering why he wasn't going with Bruce and Maddox. Before she could voice her thoughts, Eva gently squeezed her hand in reassurance, "Don't mind Chase, he's very discreet."

Buffy's frown deepened, not understanding what Eva meant. Seeing the look on Buffy's face made Eva stop and look at her in astonishment. Smiling to herself and looking at the door even though she knew she wouldn't see the two men, Eva scolded Bruce for his overbearing attitude.

Taking Buffy's hand in her own and guiding her to the living room, Eva stared explaining, "Chase will be joining you until Bruce gets back." Buffy's frown was still in place, making Eva giggle, "Bruce didn't tell you that he appointed Chase as your official 'escort', did he?" Come to think of it, she could only imagine why Bruce hadn't said anything; obviously Buffy didn't take very kindly to being watched like a child.

With wide eyes Buffy swirled her gaze to Chase, making him squirm and smile sheepishly. He tried to think of something to say to lighten the situation but he came up short, "I, uh… I only do what I'm told." He said with a shrug that was anything but casual. Clearly he was also feeling a bit 'uncomfortable' about his latest 'assignment'.

Making a sound of irritation deep in her throat, Buffy looked away and allowed Eva to guide her to the living room, her softly muttered, "I am going to skin him alive" making Eva burst out in laughter.

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