Author: Summer
Rating: R?
Disclaimer: I own nothing. The characters and all here are on loan for this fic. They belong to Joss, Warner Bros and Fox as well as Mutant Enemy.
Summary: Spike has been turned human because of the Ghorac Demons bite but is seriously ill. Will he tell Buffy? Can they get together before the end?
Authors note: Buffy never died. Set sometime in between seasons 5&6 but after Joyce died.
Feedback: That would be excellent I'd love it!
Chapter Twelve
Buffy awoke a warm calm feeling surrounding her. Turning over to her right side what she expected to see wasn't there.
*Where is he?* she thought and then that's when she smelt it. Cooking.
Getting up form the bed and putting on her dressing gown she quietly made her way downstairs. Following the sweet smell of pancakes and waffles she found herself staring at an unfamiliar sight. Spike..wearing an apron!
Dawn smiled as she noticed her sister standing in the kitchen doorway. Buffy put her finger to her lips urging Dawn to keep quiet as she silently crept up behind the bleached former vamp. Circling his waist with her arms and kissing his bare back with her soft lips. He moaned in pleasure turning around to bring her lips up to his.
"Eww gross" Dawn commented from her seat across the kitchen table.
Buffy and Spike broke the kiss long enough to stare back at Dawn. "What's wrong with you Nibblet? I thought you wanted us two together?"
"Yeah, I did but I don't want to watch the togetherness"
Buffy and Spike just laughed. "OK you two be good while I go up and change.........." extracting herself from Spikes hold.
"OK but hurry up" Spike called after her "the pancakes will get cold"
Buffy shot Spike a glance and blew him a kiss before shooting back upstairs.
As she walked over to her dresser she noticed a small calling card. Picking it up and turning it over in her hand she had a flash back to the night before:
** "If you ever need anything, you can contact us at this address" Handing Buffy a small piece of card he left **
A wave of panic washed over her. "Spike" she exclaimed out loud. She had completely forgot why she contacted the Initiative in the first place. Spike's chip!
She had been so caught up in her own happiness. Her heart sunk at the thought of losing him. Reaching for the phone she eagerly dialled the number on the back of the card.
Waiting for someone, anyone to answer she got none. It just kept ringing and ringing. Hanging up she proceeded to get dressed deciding she'd call back a bit later (but not too late). As she descended the stairs for the second time that day she noticed Spike and Dawn were now sitting at the table.
Spike looked up as he saw Buffy approach the table "Hey, you took your time. Your pancakes are cold now you kno................." he stopped what he was about to say noticing Buffy's fallen expression "what's wrong Luv?"
"Spike.........we need to talk" Spike an Dawns facial expressions dropped.
"I don't think I'm gonna like this" He said preparing to stand.
"You two aren't breaking up already are you? cause I don't think I could go through that" Dawn looked worriedly from Spike to Buffy.
Buffy shook her head "No Dawn we're not breaking up" Spike dropped his head in relief "I just need to talk to Spike in private for a few minutes".
"Anything you have to say to Spike can be said in front of me"
Buffy sighed and Spike looked up at her "sit down" she said. She didn't need an argument with Dawn right now.
As they all took a seat Buffy continued to fill them in on the situation with the chip. Mostly all the stuff they didn't know.
"Anyway" she continued directing the conversation more to Spike than Dawn "I think it would be a good idea if we started our relationship......" Buffy had some trouble finishing the sentence.
But luckily Dawn interjected her opinion "I think what Buffy's trying to say is.....she doesn't want anything to happen to you. Your too important to her....and to me as well" she added silently.
"Ah lil' Bit. I'm not going anywhere" he smiled. Putting a comforting hand on her shoulder he turned to Buffy "you don't have to worry either Luv"
Buffy felt relieved he understood her but she still had that nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach. Something was wrong, she could feel it. "I just don't want to lose you. I don't think I could take anymore loss. We need to sort this chip thing out as soon as possible so we can get on with our lives"
"I agree Luv but how?"
Taking and placing the small piece of card the sergeant had given her in his firm hands.
She looked up at him. "What's this?" he asked turning the card over reading the address on the other side.
"It's the address of the Initiative's base..............I think" she said with a degree of uncertainty "the sergeant gave it to me last night. Told me if there was anything I needed I should contact them"
"And have you?" Dawn asked turning to her sister.
"No. I couldn't get through. I'll try later and tell them your coming".
"What? Your not going with me?" he asked her surprised
"Hey, I thought you were the Big Bad?" he looked up at her with a puppy dog expression "Aw come on Spike you can go with Giles instead....besides he's been researching your condition and stuff and...I'll..just.......get in the way" she stood suddenly turning away to avoid looking at him walking to the counter.
Spike sat there a second staring. He looked up at Dawn long enough to see her giving him a sympathetic smile.
*Did Buffy really love him?* he thought *or was it all just an act to hide her remaining feelings for Soldier Boy. Maybe his death meant more to her than she was letting on? Maybe coming to the initiative with him was too much for her. She didn't want to be reminded.*
Pushing the thoughts aside he quickly stood up and walked over to stand beside Buffy "I'm gonna go get changed Pet". Moving to the doorway he shot one final glance in her direction. He couldn't deny that his feelings were more than a little hurt. With a silent attempt at a sigh he moved to climb the stairs.
As Dawn watched him go she turned to Buffy a sour expression plastered over her face "Buffy, why didn't you offer to go with him? he needs your support!"
"Dawn.......I......" Buffy sighed "You just wouldn't understand"
"Try me" she said glaring. But as Buffy just kept silent she stood to leave like Spike had a few moments earlier. "That's right Buffy sorry I forgot, I don't understand anything around here do I?"
As Dawn stormed off Buffy turned back to the dishes sighing once more and muttering "Great" under her breath.
*******
"Hello Rupe" Spike shouted walking into the Magic Box. Giles looked up slightly frustrated at his outburst to which a couple of customers jumped at.
Spike smiled to himself. Pleased that he still had the skill of scaring people. Walking over to the Watcher he noticed immediately that he wasn't ready to go with him but busy taking inventory. "You coming or what?" Spike asked somewhat rudely.
But Giles didn't even look up as he said "Patience is a virtue"
Spike sighed now deeply impatient at the Watchers patience. After a few moments of pacing the floor waiting for some response he tapped his finger on the ledger "Hurry up old man".
Now Giles looked up "what's the hurry Spike? You worried we'll get to the initiative and it won't be there?" he asked jokingly.
"Yeah, I do, knowing them"
Giles sighed and removed his glasses once again to be cleaned. "All right just.....let me get my coat"
As Giles collected his jacket from the back Spike noticed Anya exiting the stock room. She jumped slightly noticing the former vamp.
"Spike you scared me!....again! When are you gonna stop that? What are you doing here?"
"Waiting for..GILES" He shouted the watchers name loudly.
As if on cue Giles appeared "Yes, yes..I'm coming. Can't you be patient for one minute?" Spike rolled his eyes and headed for the door "Oh Anya, I expect you to behave like I was here. This is my store remember!" he exclaimed.
"When are you ever here?" she said under her breath "your always cleaning up Buffy's messes"
"I heard that. Be lucky I haven't fired you....yet".
"FINALLY" Spike sighed a little too loudly "come on pops, lets go"
"Get in the car" Giles said following him out turning to give one final piece of advice to Anya "remember what I told you".
*******
The journey over to the Initiative was made in remote silence. In fact the only time Giles spoke to Spike was to remind him not to smoke in his car.
Spike knew he shouldn't really but it was a hard habit to kick. Especially since you've done it for years and years. But now he had his health to worry about, he couldn't risk anything happening to him. He'd just have to keep reminding himself that he was alive now.
They pulled up in front what looked like a deserted army base camp. Five separated large buildings were spaced out around a large military training ground. Spike started to feel a little overwhelmed. Especially considering the circumstances which led them to the government cover-up organisation in the first place. Turning to Giles he noticed he was sweating slightly.
Giles parked the car opposite a large metal gate. As they approached a loud voice was heard above them. "STOP RIGHT THERE. IDENTIFY YOURSELVES".
The pair looked up to see a camouflaged speaker. "Uh.my name is Rupert Giles" the Watcher said somewhat nervously "And this is...."
"William Weatherby" Spike finished. Giles turned to him a smile coming over his face realising it was the first time he actually heard Spike's real name.
"We..we.. have an appointment..I believe" Giles stuttered "With...a...Sergent Lockely".
The pair could hear the sound of papers rustling and then a loud buzz from the gate.
"PUSH THE GATE AND STAY TO THE LEFT"
Giles and Spike did as they were told. Pushing the gate open they entered finding that it closed automatically behind them. Keeping to the left of the path they must have walked about a hundred metres in when suddenly the path just came to a standstill! Looking around it seemed like they were in the middle of nowhere. It was just bleak landscape.
Spike turned around suddenly noticing a soldier obviously walking towards them. *Where did he come from?* A tallish, medium build kind of guy in about his early twenties. With blond hair. *A typical soldier Boy* He thought.
"Hi, I'm Agent Allen" Giles whirled round at the voice "I'm here to escort you to the Captains office".
Spike and Giles looked at each other for a moment "Actually we're here to see......." Spike started but was cut off abruptly by Giles.
"That's fine"
The Agent just nodded not noticing the glares Spike was giving out to both of them.
He led them to a spot on the field. Looking down Spike could just about make out the shape of a camouflaged trapped door. As it was opened a stairway could be seen leading down. The whole 'abandoned army base thing' was obviously a cover up to hide what was really going on below.
The Agent led them through corridors and stairwells. The style of the place pretty much hadn't changed except for a few things here and there. Spike didn't see any demon holding cells like before, which made him wonder what type of agency they were running now.
Agent Allen led them into a large office obviously occupied by a authority figure. There were no windows of course but dim ultra violet light. The whole room had a real masculine military feel about it.
"If you'll take a seat, the Captain I'm sure will be with you shortly" and with another curt nod he left, leaving them alone..........again.
Giles took the opportunity to take his advice and sit down in one of the leather chairs. Spike on the other hand preferred to stand. He really couldn't wait to get out of there. The couple turned as they heard the door open. Three men entered the room. One in a uniform, the other two wearing white coats.
he man in the uniform came forward "Mr Giles?"
Giles nodded and prepared to stand but the Captain or whatever he was motioned for him to sit back down. "I am Captain Adrian Rocher. I took over the Initiative operation after that certain incident in Sunnydale awhile ago. I am head of what you see before you" he paused giving them a tour with his hands. "These are my associates Dr Clegg and Dr Maxwell. Dr Clegg is the man responsible for the design of the chip".
Spike's anger began to rise but as they turned to him the anger began to change into trepidation. He felt like a lamb being led into the slaughter house. "This must be the one that got away, so to speak" the Captain said with a laugh "Hostile 17. I assume he's the reason your here?"
"HE has a name" Spike said glaring at the Captain insulted "It's Spike! Spike, not Hostile 17!"
"Yes..well.." the Captain stuttered turning to Giles waiting for an explanation.
It took Giles about ten minutes to explain everything. Especially with all the stuttering he seemed to do when he was nervous. All through the proceedings Spike noticed they kept a watchful eye on him. He wondered whether they were actually gonna let him leave. God how he wished Buffy were here with him now. Why wasn't she here?
"We'll have to run some tests...." Spike immediately looked up panic shining in his eyes. Now he REALLY wished Buffy was with him. "They shouldn't take more than an hour or so"
Spike shuddered at the thought of having them poke and probe him. All the while wearing some breezy gown that opened at the back. "No way" he said firmly.
Giles turned towards Spike. "Spike you have to have the tests. We came here to find out what the chip is doing to you and in your condition"
"I never agreed to any tests! I don't want them touching anything!" Spike pointed to the two doctors.
Spike, you need these tests! I know how you feel about this but trust me. All you have to do is trust me. Nothing will happen to you, I'll be there watching. Plus Buffy would want you to have them!"
Spike sighed knowing all too well that the Watcher was right. He hated admitting that to himself. And he knew he should have the tests. If not for himself................for Buffy. *Even if she wasn't with him* she thought.
"All right, All right I'll do it" he said "but not for you" he pointed to the Initiative "for Buffy".
The doctors nodded. Wanting to get underway as soon as possible they took Spike to a brightly lit laboratory. It reminded Spike too well of the one in Sunnydale about a year ago. He had a bad feeling abut it all but it was too late to turn back. They must have spent about an hour hooking and unhooking him up to scanners, treadmills, EKG and other such machines.
*******
After four long tiresome hours Spike and Giles were now seated back in the large office......waiting.
Spike hated waiting. Turning to Giles he saw the Watcher seemed totally calm "I can't stand this. You'd think they'd have the results by now!"
"Just relax" Giles replied "they'll be back soon"
"You said that an hour ago, the tests took less time than this"
Giles was just about to reply when the door opened and in stepped Captain Rocher and Dr Clegg. Spike watched intently as the pair took seats in front of them.
"Well?" Spike asked impatiently. He just had to hear the results if anything just to get on with his life.
"Mr....er.....Spike" the captain stuttered "We have your results. I'm afraid it's not good"
Spike felt a wave of panic shoot through him. He knew it was too good to be true. There always had to be some complication. He looked up into the man he knew had the answers "what's wrong with me?"
The room fell silent for a second then suddenly the doctor spoke "The chip is........malfunctioning"
"Well great" Spike exclaimed "If the chip is malfunctioning then that means no more headaches..........right?"
"I'm afraid it's not as simple as that" the doctor continued "You see the chip that's lodged in the parietal lobe. It has never been planted in a human brain before. This situation was never expected to happen" he said frankly.
"So what are you saying?" Giles asked.
"What I'm saying is...Spike..doesn't have much time. These headaches and such he's been recieving...they're all symptoms of .....degeneration within the brain".
"So your telling me that this thing you've planted in my head is destroying me?"
The doctor nodded. "So what do we do now?" Spike asked "What's gonna happen?"
Dr Glegg drew in a deep breath looking straight at Spike "I can't say. We....uh..."
"Am I gonna die?"
"It's possible if it....if we can't find a way of..........."
"Why don't you just remove it?" interjected Giles.
"We can't" The Captain replied. "We tried"
"Can't or Won't?" Replied Spike.
"We can't" he said firmly.
TBC...............................................................
A/N: I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. I told you it was gonna get exciting. Please keep reviewing I love the ones you've sent so far. Oh and give me you ideas too you know whether you want me to kill Spike or not You know that kind of stuff. I'll try and continue soon (if I get enough reviews, haha).
Oh yeah and thanks for all the reviews on my other story SEX,LIES AND.......HIGHSCHOOL the next chapter of that should be up tomorrow or today. Thanks.