A/N: This story picks up just after the end of Bound, if you have not read Bound, I strongly recommend doing so before reading Bound: Part 2. Thank you to everyone who has already read the first part of this story. This has taken me almost a year to wright and I'm nowhere finished yet. I look forward to continuing this ride with you my gentle readers! That said, I'll get into the important stuff. It should go with out saying but I'll say it anyway: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 1 Punk Love

Spike pushed Buffy to the ground as a deadly looking sword sparked against the brick wall just behind where her head had been. The demon snarled, reared for a second attempt. Spike held off the second strike with a length of pipe, the clang of it echoing through the alley. Buffy recovered quickly and looked around for the ax she had dropped.

"Any time now, Pet!" he grunted, as Buffy scrambled for her weapon..

"Working on it, Honey!" she said, sarcastically as she spied the handle under the dumpster and dived for it. She rolled up holding a compact ax with a long blade curving down over nearly a quarter of its grip. Spike's eyes widened as he dropped out of the way of Buffy's strike, ducking as the demon's head spun off to the left.

"Bloody hell, woman! A little warning next time!"

"Oh please, I wasn't even close to hitting you. You big baby," she teased, "I'm liking this new ax. It's almost like a travel size version of my scythe."

Spike pulled himself up and dusted off his jacket as he strode over to the now abandoned motorcycle partially blocking the alleyway. "Sort of the point, thought it'd make travel a little easier for us. Although I imagine you'll want to taper down that handle for vamps. Up to you." He kicked the tires as he examined the bike. A beautifully restored vintage Triumph, built for two. A grin spread across his face, "What do you think, Love, fancy a spin? Spoils of war and all?"

Buffy stood up from where she had retrieved the sword the demon had dropped and turned to him, "As long as I get to keep this pretty-shiny. Kinda love this."

"Pretty sure it goes with the bike, there's a scabbard attached to it and everything."

"Yours, mine, and ours."

"Planning on making an honest man out of me Miss Summers?" he grinned wolfishly.

"What? Are you going to ask my father for my hand too?" she laughed.

He swung a leg over the bike, getting a feel for it and looked up at her, "That wanker who couldn't even be bothered with you and Dawn after your mum died? Not bloody likely. Don't need his blessing for so much as a sneeze for all I care."

Buffy wordlessly handed him the hilt of the sword and he took it to secure it on the bike. He rested his hands on the handlebars and looked back up at her, "Sorry, Love, I know he's your dad and all..."

"Thing is that you're right. He hasn't been there for us since… well a long time before mom died."

"Doesn't mean you're alone. I'd ask Giles if I asked anyone, Pet. Didn't think you'd hold with such an archaic tradition anyway."

She snorted lightly as she climbed onto the bike with him, "The sentiment is nice but definitely not necessary."

Spike looked around and spotted the demon's helmet with its head still in it, "First chance we get, I'm getting you a helmet, don't need your pretty brain gettin' scrambled now."

Buffy's eyes fell onto the demon's headless body and then the head, her face screwed up in disgust, "Think we should do something with it?"

"Not doing 'A Weekend at Bernie's' with that sodding thing. He'll disintegrate once the sun hits it."

"Seriously? Aww, I love the no-mess ones."

"Nice and considerate ain't they?" He answered as he turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life and Spike let out a whoop of glee, "God, I love that sound!"

"So many, many, many, many, many things I could say right now."

"Say 'em after you've gone for a ride. Make our tour of the city a lot easier. Hold on tight, Love. I'm gonna have some fun with this."

Buffy wrapped her arms around him tightly and they pulled out into the streets of Edinburgh. It was the second weekend in a row they had spent in the city. Two weeks since Angel had left and things had finally quietened down. He had called a few days after arriving in Rome to let them know that everything seemed fine with Dawn. Although he admitted that he hadn't really stayed long enough to find out much, because he wanted to get back to his father/son time before heading back to LA. As far as he could tell, they didn't seem to know each other yet but it was only a matter of time after his visit. Buffy was less than satisfied with that answer but didn't really know what else she could do at this point. So she just thanked him for his information, called her sister a little more often and proceeded on like everything was business as usual.

She and Spike had spent their first weekend mostly in Mary King's Close and exploring the underground there. Buffy marveled at the ingenuity and sheer expanse of the Edinburgh Underground, the city under the city. Spike had enjoyed showing Buffy around the demon marketplace. It was really something to see. There were over a hundred demon vendors selling everything from clothing and weapons to spices and charms. Spike had been anxious to get Buffy a meaningful gift ever since she had splurged on his new motorcycle jacket and the MP3 player. It was there in the demon marketplace he had bought her the new ax she used tonight. He was thrilled to see how well it was working for her.

This weekend they had decided to spend their time topside, after visiting a couple of clubs the night before and spending the day curled up together in their hotel room having a different kind of fun. Buffy was feeling more relaxed than she had in years. Not that everything was perfect, life was never perfect, but the past two weeks had been pretty damn close.

She shrugged a shoulder and tightened her grip on Spike, pressing her cheek into the leather of his jacket as they rounded a turn. She eased her hands flat against his chest as they came out of the turn. They drove around for more than an hour and a half taking in the sights. Spike would stop every once in a while to share some tidbit of information before heading off again.

Spike pulled the bike into a club they had talked about going to after patrol. He was getting a bit tired of the endless techno dance stuff most of these places played. They had tried one club in the underground the weekend before, that Spike really enjoyed. It was more like the old dives with a live band he had frequented years ago. Buffy hadn't cared much for that one but loved seeing him happy so she tolerated it. She suspected tonight would be a similar experience. According to the schedule on a flier they'd seen, tonight's band was a Punk group and Spike was looking forward to it.

Buffy frowned a little as she looked down at the outfit she had on. They had planned on going back to the hotel before heading out for the club. As it was, she figured the red tank top and black leather pants she had on wouldn't be completely out of place at a club like this. She shrugged her shoulders and got off the bike making sure that her ax was securely stowed away along with the sword on the bike. Spike was sure to park in the back where hopefully no one would notice a bike with weapons attached to it. He frowned a little, wishing the bike had saddlebags. He'd have to get some.

"Ready for some fun?"

"I could use a drink or three."

Spike raised one dark eyebrow, "It's going to be one of those nights is it?"

She rolled her shoulders, "Maybe. I think they call it having a good work/life balance. Chop off a demon's head and go drinking with a sexy vampire. You know, balance."

He extended a hand and pulled her to him with a sly grin, "Well let's go find you a drink."

Inside the club they sidled up to the bar and ordered drinks. The band playing wasn't nearly as bad as Buffy had anticipated. They had a little more of an upbeat feel similar to a lot of the songs by The Buzzcocks or the Ramones that Spike had played for her. It could have been a lot worse, she figured.

Spike turned, resting his back and elbows against the bar while Buffy sipped at her vodka and cranberry juice, his attention directed towards the band. She grinned as she watched him. Tomorrow they would be heading back to the castle. It was the Level 4 girls last week. They would be leaving for their new placements after their planned beginning-of-the-month shopping trip in town the following weekend. Which effectively meant this was their last night out for a little while, except for patrolling.

She finished her drink and snaked her arm around Spike's waist, under his coat. He wrapped one arm around her back as they stood there at the bar. He took a slow sip of his drink.

You made short work of that, Pet. Ready for another? She heard his voice in her head through their link.

She pressed her head to his chest. I think drinks are a 'good' tonight. We have to be responsible adults again in less than 24 hours.

Spike shifted, turning towards the bar. He flagged down the bartender, "Can we get another round here, mate?"

Yeah well at these prices I'd rather hit that bottle in our room if you're really serious about getting the house fixed up.

Buffy pouted a little as she sipped her new drink, One more and I'm cut off.

Spike grinned, Don't care if you have a few more. I was talking about me. Why waste money on their rotgut when I got a bottle from the Abbey in our room? Don't have vodka in the room, Pet. You have your fun.

They got their drinks just as the band finished their song. "For some of you bloody nostalgics out there, here's a couple a old favorites!" The lead singer practically yelled into the microphone as the band started playing Iggy Pop's 'The Passenger'. Spike bobbed his head and tapped his hand on Buffy's back in time to the tambourine while murmuring the words under his breath. Buffy grinned as she watched him totally at ease.

The band started playing, The Buzzcocks' 'Love You More'. Spike grinned, and downed his drink, slamming the empty glass on the bar. He took Buffy's hand, the one not holding her drink, in his leading her to the floor. Buffy laughed. It was ridiculous to think the man in front of her could remember Queen Victoria's reign, as he pulled her close to him and danced to the music. She swayed with him to the song with her hand resting at the nape of his neck. It didn't matter if it was the waltz or a punk rock band playing, this was the man she always wanted to dance with. She buried her head in his shoulder. The song ended and Spike yelled his appreciation for the band, his voice rumbled through his chest and made her smile.

She might have to remember this place for his birthday. The thought hit her. It was almost August and she had planned on doing something special for him but didn't know what exactly that was going to be yet. At least she had until almost the end of the month to figure it out.

The thought left her mind as Spike spun her and pulled her back to him firmly. She laughed and let herself melt into him for a kiss. This was shaping up to be a really good night. Quite possibly the best date ever.


The next morning Buffy checked out of their hotel alone. Spike had left a little before dawn in order to take the bike into the underground for safekeeping until he could come back for it. They had agreed to meet at Steve's Place, the underground pub, before coming back for the car and heading back to the castle that night. The arrangement gave Buffy a little extra time to have a shower and deal with the hangover and serious lack of sleep from the night before. By the time she had checked out she was feeling a lot better. She dropped her bag in the car along with Spike's and headed towards the entrance to the underground.

When Buffy finally made it to Steve's Place, it was starting to fill up with demon clientele. Steve gave Buffy a reluctant little nod and she went over to him. "Hey, Steve. Spike around?"

"In the back."

"Thanks, appreciate it. He's not getting in trouble is he?"

"Haven't heard any ruckus since he brought that bloody bike in," Steve shook his head, "Pretty sure everybody around here knows not to tangle with either of you by now. Can't say they understand it, but the regulars know."

"They don't need to understand anything, Steve. By the way, you got anything for me?"

"All the buzz I've heard has been about you. The thing with the Minch. That had the whole neighborhood talkin' for a bit, but I've already told you that of course. Couple of vamps have been trying to cause trouble though. They keep asking about Slayers, trying to figure out how many there are and where they might be located. Been talking about Spike too. Calling him your pet vamp."

Buffy crossed her arms and pursed her lips, this sort of thing wasn't wholly unexpected, "Whatcha tell them Steve?"

"Me? No! You got it all wrong. I didn't tell them anything. You're scarier than they are. All I said was that you were the only Slayer I've seen. Then they started asking about Spike." He dropped his voice so low, Buffy had to lean in to hear Steve, "I don't know what you two got going on. I don't wanna know. I just know that he's a vampire with a soul and you two come in here somewhat regularly, sometimes even sharing a glass like you're a couple of kids at a soda shop. You've been seen around an awful lot, always together, looking real close. I didn't say anything, didn't need to. I swear."

"Have you told Spike about this?"

"First thing when he came in. He asked if he could stow the bike and I took him out back myself, told him all about it then."

"Thanks, Steve," and with that Buffy made her way into the back where she knew the poker game was in session. She heard Spike's unmistakable voice calling one of the players out on cheating and Buffy stepped in. A rusty looking demon with what looked like porcupine quills for hair, was standing across from Spike who was sitting back looking as relaxed as could be. The other two demons at the table looked about as concerned as Spike did.

A yellowish demon with large pointed ears to Spike's right looked mildly annoyed, "Sit down, Ronny, we all know you've got a problem with palming cards," he said with a strong Australian accent. The large demon on Spike's left remained silent but Buffy recognized him as the big drunk from the day Wendy's crew took the Minch baby.

Spike looked up with a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips, "Well boys, sorry to take your cash and run but my lady's here. Mustn't keep her waiting, you know." The other demons all turned towards Buffy.

The sulfur-yellow demon's jaw dropped as he looked back at Spike, "That's your little Sheila?"

"Buffy, actually," Spike stooped down to grab something from the floor. He pulled up a pair of black saddle bags.

There went that birthday present idea; Buffy thought idolily.

Spike's head shot up and their eyes locked. His brow furrowed a little and she knew he had heard her thinking. They had been practicing different things trying to develop the bond between them into a more reliable form of communication that didn't require physical contact. That mainly meant lots of meditation sessions that quickly devolved into very hot sex. So far they had only managed to develop it as far as touching over clothing. Now they were at least ten feet away from each other. Sure they had experienced little insights into each other's emotions from a short distance like this before but those had been sporadic at best. This was different. This was a new development and they weren't even trying.

She blinked and took a few steps inside the room, shaking it off for now, "Ready, Honey?"

Spike scooped his winnings into one of the saddlebags and stood up, "Sure, Love. We were about done anyway, right fellas?"

"Game was over for me three hands ago," the big guy grumbled, adding a surprisingly cordial nod towards Buffy.

The rusty looking demon turned towards her, "Thought it was just a rumor, but he really is the Slayer's little lap-vamp ain't he?"

"Oh, he's a lot more than that," she said, shifting her weight, "Care for a demonstration?" She shifted her gaze towards Spike, "Do you want to show him some of the moves you've taught me, Sweetheart?" Her tone had an edge to it that said, in no uncertain terms, that they were not to be messed with or underestimated.

Ronny the rusty blanched or at least as much as the orangey-red demon could, "He— he teaches you— the Slayer?"

"Oh sure, I've learned lots from him. No better teacher for a Slayer than the Slayer of Slayers himself."

Spike smirked as Ronny looked back over to him, "The Slayer of— what's he doing shacking up with one then?"

"Our love life is of none of your concern there Rusty."

"It's Ronny. No, I want to know, if you're the supposed Slayer of Slayers, how come we never heard of you, Spike?"

Buffy interjected, "Honey, are you being modest again?"

"What are you doing, Slayer?" Spike asked needlessly, as he lit up a cigarette.

"Just righting a wrong. Don't you think your new little friends should know who they're playing with, William?"

Spike raised an eyebrow, "Didn't think proper introductions were necessary to play cards, Pet," he exhaled a puff of smoke.

Rusty Ronny looked between the two of them, "What is this? Who—"

"You've been playing cards with 'William the Bloody', you've heard of him right? Used to run with Angelus; The Whirlwind."

"That– that was a long time ago. Angelus hasn't been seen in these parts in well over a hundred years, he's dead. And you, if you're 'William the Bloody' then what are you doing with a Slayer?"

"Angelus– Pfft, haven't heard of him in over a hundred years because he's been stateside going by 'Angel', and he was here two weeks ago you git. Shows what you know. Had a grand old time we did," Spike sneered and was over the table before any of them could blink. He held something deadly looking up to Ronny's throat and Buffy realized that it was a railroad spike. When did he start carrying that around again? Buffy wondered.

"What do you say mate? Want to know how I earned the name 'Spike'? Other than the fact it's a bit shorter," he laughed menacingly, "I don't mind demonstrating. Rather like teaching as it turns out. Imparting knowledge… is so… rewarding..." he said in his most dangerous tone as he twisted the spike against the demon's skin. Ronny shook his head stiffly as Spike held him there, "No? Still want to know why I'm with the Slayer, yeah?"

"Y- You- you know, it's really none of my business. You make a l-lovely c-couple, I'm sure!" He stammered.

Spike threw him back, "That's right. You don't mess with a good thing. What goes on between me and the lady is our business," he added a threatening jab with the railroad spike before dropping it back into his pocket.

Buffy took several steps towards him and placed one small hand on his chest, "Ready to go, Babe?"

"To the ends of the earth, Love," he gave her a chaste kiss, then turned around righting the table he'd knocked over and snagged the saddlebags and his winnings, "Ready."

They walked out together, waving to Steve dismissively.


Once in the underground street, Spike turned towards her, "Not so sure how that little stunt is going to pan out, Love. Might stop some of the more ridiculous rumors."

"Pretty clear you're not just my lap-dog— lap-vamp— I mean seriously— ughh. I think it's a little more clear we have a seriously mutual thing going on here."

"Really don't mind being in your lap," he smirked.

"Dirty."

"Yeah… but you like it."

She smiled, shaking her head, "You're still an idiot."

He took her hand, "Come on, Buff. There's something I've been waiting to check out," they headed towards the place Spike had stowed the bike.

"What's that?"

"Glasgow."

"Glasgow. Now? We have to be back to the castle tonight. And sleep. Sleep is needed."

"We'll take the bike through the tunnels, should be ventilated enough you'll be alright, only take an hour or so to get there through the tunnels, no traffic."

She raised an eyebrow, "You're serious?"

"Been a while since I've been there. Last I saw it, the underground there was mostly just a tunnel system; sort of like Sunnydale but with a train system built in. Don't get me wrong there's plenty to see. It's sort of like Edinburgh Underground only in smaller— eh clumps or neighborhoods I guess, it's a bit different than this. I'm just talking about a drive up and a drive back something to pass the daylight, that's all. Something to do, Pet."

"You mean just go for a Sunday drive?"

Sike laughed, "Do people still do that? Yeah, I guess it is a Sunday drive; what do you say?"

"Sure, let's go."

"That way you can say you've been to Glasgow and by the time we get to the city proper we can just spend our nights above ground. Maybe take in the ballet or something."

Buffy's eyebrows shot up "The ballet?" she questioned.

"Well yeah, since you were into that whole figure skating thing when you were young. Ballet isn't that far off, thought you might like it. Didn't you tell me you took ballet when you were a kid? Or was that Dawn?"

"Who are you and what have you done with my railroad-spike-welding boyfriend?"

"So is that a 'No' to the ballet?" His expression was one of bemused confusion.

"You just surprised me. I never pictured you as the ballet type, like not ever."

He shrugged, "Not exactly. I mean I can certainly appreciate the physicality of it all. It's visual poetry. My Mum always enjoyed it, so did Drusilla, hell, even Angel. Used to be a good way to spend an evening. I just thought you might like it too, but look if it's not—"

She watched him as he struggled to explain himself. She could tell he was trying to downplay the situation he'd put himself in and placed a hand on his arm, "We can check dates when we get back to the castle."

"We can do anything you like, there are museums, concerts, the theater and lots of great architecture, even the cemeteries are something to see. We don't have to go to the ballet—"

"Spike, I get it. We can definitely partake of some of the local culture," she pulled him down for a kiss, "I love that you're trying so hard, but you don't have to—"

"I want to, Love. You see so much ugliness everyday, you deserve to see a few things that are as beautiful as you are."

"Aww, Spike, that's— wait— how long have you been working on that line?"

He grinned sheepishly, "Been sittin' on it for a little while. Doesn't make it any less true."


When they got back that night, the castle was quiet. All of the Level 4 girls were out on solo patrols and Faith had taken the Level 2 girls out on a training exercise. They had no more than set their bags down when they heard the unmistakable sound of crutches coming towards them from the kitchen.

"Hey Giles, I thought you'd be in bed already," Buffy said but when she caught sight of his face she grew worried, "What happened?"

"I think we should all have a seat," he turned back into the kitchen and sat down. Buffy and Spike sat across from him, "I got a call from Sheena's parents this evening. Her older sister is missing."

"Oh God."

"Apparently she had gone out with some friends the other night, she was supposed to come home from University for a visit over the weekend. They thought she had just decided to stay over at a friend's but when she still hadn't come home and hadn't called like she usually does, they started calling around. No one has seen her since the night before last. They called here hoping she had come to visit Sheena."

"Have you told her?"

"Her parents have asked me not to for the moment. They don't want to worry her and are hoping she will turn up."

"And what do you think?"

He set his glasses down on the table in front of him, and rubbed his eyes before answering, "I took the liberty of making a few calls of my own. There have been three local reports of bodies with neck trauma within the last few days, Faith took the girls to check them out. I asked her not to mention the missing girl. I was trying to wait up to hear something."

Buffy nodded, "You should get some rest, we'll stay up."

"I'll stay up, you need some sleep too, Pet."

"Says the vampire who hasn't slept since yesterday."

"Pfft— this is nothing. Sheena's a good kid."

"You just like her because she paints your nails," Buffy teased halfheartedly.

"Or maybe I let her paint my nails because I like her. Kid helps out with the dishes and all that. She also doesn't treat me like I'm just the help or worse; The bloke shagging her beloved mentor."

Giles pinched the bridge of his nose again, "Must you say it like that?"

"What, too subtle, Giles? What about screwing? Banging? Getting a leg over? Fu-"

"Yes THANK YOU that's quite enough," Giles held his head in his hands.

"Oh my God, Spike, I think you broke him…" a microscopic smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

"Oh please, like Anya and Xander weren't infinitely worse. Call it payback for what you did to my blanket Rupert. Or should I say, on it?"

Buffy looked between the two of them, "Giles?"

"Ahh, well I— it was a matter of convenience you see."

"Convenience? We've never done anything more than snog on anything of yours! There you go— couldn't even wash the thing? Just hung it back up. That's just uncouth, that is," he grumbled.

"What are you— Ohh my God I just don't even want to know— " Buffy said, exasperated. She pointed sternly at Giles, "You bed, Spike and I will camp out in the living room. I want to know if Faith found anything on Sheena's sister. Spike, you're closer to Sheena, has she ever mentioned her sister's name or given a description of her?"

"Sure, name's Ruby. Five years older I think. Showed me a picture once, looks like Sheena. Ehh dark, sort of wavy hair. Likes The Clash, trying to get Sheena into 'em. Can respect that. Sounds like a peach of a girl," he said, tapping the table irritatedly, "I don't like this…"

Buffy reached out, taking his hand. On the outside he was cool as could be, but the moment she took his hand she knew better. He was really worried about Ruby and Sheena. Of all of the younger girls, Sheena had been the one Spike had somewhat bonded with. Not that he was particularly close with any of them, but Sheena had helped him with routine jobs around the castle a few times. She was one of the only ones who treated him like just another guy. Not just a teacher or her mentor's dangerously handsome undead lover. Sheena had treated him almost like a favorite uncle or something. It was a little like his relationship with Dawn, although not as close.

Spike stood up slowly and patted Buffy on the shoulder, "Come on, Pet. The couch awaits."

"Hummm, cozy boyfriend snuggles and a movie?"

"Sure. I'll grab some blood and a couple of beers. Want anything, Love?"

"I think there was a bag of gummy worms hidden in the top of the cupboard. Could definitely go for some of those if they haven't devoured them yet."

"You got it."

If you are loving, or even liking this story please don't be afraid to comment. I love reading your kind words and they certainly encourage me to wright! Thank you!