Realizations
Disclaimer - Don't own the Buffy people. Except in my mind, where I keep Spike locked up. he he he...
Chapter eleven recap: Buffy passed the first test, the test of her body. She defeated a three headed hydra and got the first part of the key. Balinn took her back to the castle where Spike was. He was sitting in his room, singing away, when the mist told him to join Buffy...
A/N - By the way, the song Spike was singing is Pity For A Dime by Creed. lol, sorry, it was just in my head as I wrote.
**** Chapter 12 - Into the Woods... Again ****
Buffy's mouth dropped open in shock when Spike appeared out of thin air right in front of her. His jaw did the same, but was soon replaced by a grin.
She whispered, reaching out to touch him.
He paused and looked around him... and up into the cloudless, sunny sky. Buffy! I'm gonna fry! The bloody sun! He flattened himself up against the shade of the castle wall, but there wasn't enough, and part of him was still in the sun.
The vampire spoke after a few panicked minutes. Why am I not on fire?
Buffy looked to Balinn for an explanation.
Different dimension, different rules. You can't really expect him to travel with us if he's a pile of dust, can you?
Buffy's face lit up and Spike relaxed off the wall. He grabbed Buffy around the waist and pulled her in for a kiss.
I've missed you, luv. He told her after a few minutes of good old-fashioned making out.
Buffy giggled. I've missed you too, Spike.
And you love me.
And I love you.
They started kissing again, and Balinn rolled his eyes. After a few minutes, he started to get a little uncomfortable, watching those two kiss like nobody was around. He cleared his throat. No response. He did it again, louder this time. Still no response.
The couple looked up, as if surprised to remember he was there.
Look, you two will have plenty of time for that later. But now, we should really be on our way.
Spike watched him, and turned to Buffy. Who is he?
She broke out of her boyfriend's grasp and gestured to her guide. Spike, this is Balinn. He's kinda my guide. Ooh, and he can turn into stuff. Balinn, this is Spike. But you know that already.
Spike nodded in acknowledgment to the other man, and Balinn did the same to Spike.
So Balinn, where we going? Buffy asked.
He pointed to the path leading away from the castle and into the woods. The woods, of course.
Of course. Buffy smiled, taking Spike's hand and interlocking her fingers with his. Spike smiled at the contact. He'd been waiting forever to have her feel this way about him, and now that she did, he couldn't stop his face from curling into a genuine smile instead of his trademark smirk. *If the Scoobies could see me now...* He thought to himself.
Balinn watched as the lovers shared a smiled. Shaking his head and sighing, he turned to the path.
Hey, wait a minute... Buffy started. I thought you said I'd get a clue to where the next one was.
You did. I told you, it's in the woods.
Buffy and Spike each raised an eyebrow. They had almost identical expressions on their faces, and it was all Balinn could do to not start laughing. Instead, he bit his lip and smirked.
That's not really a clue.
Oh come on, last time the key was at the end of the path. Do you honestly think this will be any different?
What'd we say about sarcasm, Kitty? She said, laughing.
We didn't, remember Princess? He grinned.
Spike watched the banter flow between the two, and he couldn't help but feel a little jealous of the taller, dark-haired man. A low growl escaped his throat before he even realized it. Buffy faced him, giggling.
You okay?
Fine, pet. Well, if you two are done, I'd like to start taking a walk in the sun.
Buffy giggled and squeezed his hand, planting a kiss on his cheek. The two closed the distance between them and Balinn, and together, the three crossed the clearing and entered the woods.
***
Should we try to talk to her?
No, Willow. I think it would be best if we wait. We do not know if she is in the middle of the first test or not. If she is, I do not want to disrupt her concentration. Giles answered.
The Scoobies were all gathered in the Magic Box, except for Dawn, who was still in school. Willow and Tara were finished with classes for the day, and Xander had gotten away from the site early. Anya, as usual, was behind the counter. Giles was at the round table, looking through books.
But then how are we ever gonna know when she's done? I mean, what if we wait, and then she's in the middle of it? Or what if she's already done and we're just waiting for nothing? She was quiet for a minute. What about Spike? Maybe he knows something?
Tara nodded in agreement. He might. She started setting up the crystal.
Giles looked up at the redhead and removed his glasses. Yes, perhaps. I suppose I'll be the one to talk to him since Dawn is not here?
Willow nodded. Unless Xander wants to volunteer. She said loudly. Xander's head snapped up from the magazine on the counter in front of him.
What about me?
Nothing. Me and Tara are gonna do the spell so Giles can talk to Spike. You two want to watch?
Xander shrugged and put down the magazine, walking to the table. Anya hit the lights and stood by his side. Tara, Willow and Giles all sat at the table, forming a triangle and holding hands. The witches started chanting.
They all watched the image appear in front of them, and were all surprised to see Spike walking in sunlight. With Buffy holding his hand.
***
Spike had a weird feeling about him. It was almost as if someone was looking at him...
No Spike.
Giles nearly laughed at the confusion on the vampire's face. Yes. You're outside?
Spike couldn't help grinning. I am. Buffy here passed her test and got me out. But now we're on our way to the next part of the key.
If you don't mind, what did she have to do?
Beat a hydra. You should really talk to here. I wasn't there.
I will, Spike. Thank you.
***
Giles blocked communication with Spike and turned to the witches. Is there a way to talk to Buffy?
Willow and Tara looked at each other and shrugged.
We can... say the spell again, but with Buffy's name. But I don't know how long the crystal will last. Tara answered.
Well, let's try.
The witches chanted again.
***
Was that Giles?
Yes, pet. I'm sure your mind will be invaded by him in a few minutes. Spike smiled at her.
I'm sure. And speaking of... The blond held up her hand to silence her boyfriend.
Buffy?
Yup, Giles.
How are you?
A little sore. Spike tell you about the three-headed hydra?
Yes.
Yeah, well he threw me around for a while. But I killed it and got the key, so, yay!
Giles smiled warmly, though she didn't see it. Very good, Buffy. Now, Spike is in the sunlight?
Yeah. Different dimension, different rules. That's what Balinn said.
Your guide.
And now?
On to the second part. It's in the forest here. Any luck finding out what's guarding it?
I'm sorry, Buffy. But we are working on it.
Thanks. I miss you guys.
We miss you as well, Buffy. Be careful.
Will do. Bye.
Goodbye.
***
Giles broke communication with his Slayer. He did miss her.
So? What news of the Buffster? Xander asked as Anya flipped back on the lights.
Uh, well, she did indeed pass the first test. Spike is in sunlight, due to the fact it is another dimension. And they are now on their way to the next test, which Buffy said is in the woods. She also said she is hurt from her fight with the hydra to get the key.
Wow, a hydra? Those are myths! I mean... Willow stopped when everyone looked at her. Umm, I mean, Buffy passed. That's great! She smiled sheepishly.
Yes. Though I do suggest that we try to find out what her next obstacle will be. If she's hurt...
The gang nodded somberly. She'll be okay, Giles. We'll find something. Tara said, lightly touching the Watcher's arm.
He gave the blonde a small smile. I'm sure we will.
***
Buffy had linked her arm with Spike's a long time ago as the pair leisurely strolled down the path in the woods. They were smiling and talking, acting as if they were both just normal lovers out for a walk. Buffy silently wished things could stay this way forever.
Spike was thinking along the same lines.
Balinn was ignoring them both, walking twenty steps ahead of them and humming to himself.
Suddenly, Spike's stomach emitted a loud rumble. Buffy dropped her jaw and started laughing.
Spike furrowed his brow, pretending his feelings were hurt. Well luv, you'd be hungry too if you hadn't eaten since... well, since that Hellmouth incident.
Hmmm what?
I haven't eaten since yesterday. I've just been so busy, what with a three-headed monster to fight and all. Hey Balinn! The guide turned around.
We're hungry.
Yes again, dummy! Sighing, Balinn waved his hand, and an array of food appeared on the blanket now at their feet. Spike's eyes widened, and Buffy smiled at her guide.
Nothing to it. Her guide smiled back.
Uh, I hate to ask, but what about me? Spike interrupted.
Buffy mumbled, mouth full of an apple.
I mean, there's no blood.
Buffy's eyes turned questioningly to Balinn, who looked at the vampire.
You'll be fine. You can eat whatever Buffy does, and you won't need blood until you return.
It's almost like I'm human, luv. Spike grinned at Buffy.
She snorted. But then you wouldn't be my favorite vampire.
That's true. I suppose I can settle for that... He purred, leaning in to capture her lips. She sighed and deepened the kiss.
Balinn watched and shook his head. They were never going to get anywhere if these two didn't stop kissing every five seconds. He walked over and lightly slapped Buffy upside the head.
She shouted, jumping up. What was that for?!
We should be moving. Stop acting like teenagers.
Spike had joined Buffy on his feet and was now glaring at the other man, ready to fight for the woman next to him. She gently put a hand to his chest to calm him down, and he started purring again. Buffy giggled as her hand started vibrating.
Sorry Balinn. We'll stop making out so much. Spike let out a small whine at her remark. Hehe, quiet Spike. Just wait until we get back home. She winked at the vampire, who's lip curled up in a semi-evil smile.
Balinn stated. Follow me? Spike and Buffy each grabbed various pieces of food and started eating them as they followed Balinn down the path again.
***
It was late in the afternoon when the trio reached the end of the path. They all stopped, staring in front of them. A small staircase lead to a door about six feet underground.
I'm guessing this is the next test, huh? Buffy asked, after she and Spike had circled the hole in the ground.
Balinn nodded.
Tomorrow, then?
So what do we do til then?
We could sit around a campfire and sing kumbaya... Spike joked.
Buffy slapped him lightly on his arm. Me and Balinn have a strict no-sarcasm pact.
You and Balinn. Not me, pet. He smirked at her. Then he turned to the nearby guide and grinned wickedly. May the lady and I make out now, O Mighty Guide? He asked, trying to sound innocent.
Balinn rolled his eyes. Just... I'm going to go now. Yes. I'll be back by morning. He waved his hand and created a fire. Then, in a flash, Balinn was replaced by a black cat, who stalked off into the woods.
Buffy and Spike smiled at each other in the fading light. I think that's a yes. She whispered, leaning in to kiss him.
****
A/N - I know that's shorter than the past few have been, but I'm kinda sick. Anywho, the next chapter may not be up until wednesday nite, so if it isn't... sorry. Wait, i almost forgot... i promised a shirtless spike! So the chapter isn't done!
***
Spike pulled his duster off and carefully laid it down. His shirt followed, and he stood around shirtless.
And all the girls swooned.
***
A/N - There. :)
