Disclaimer, Summary, ect.: See chap 1.
Author's Notes 1, Tigerwolf: Ok. I don't have much to say here, except that near the end of this chap, a thread that will run through the whole rest of this story will start. Keep your eyes open, or you might miss it. OH, and just because I've forgotten to say it before now, We reallllllly love reviews... VERY MUCH. So please review. Thank you.
Dawn grunted. It was... well. Late, and she had to pee. The cots were lined up in the Ohana, since they weren't moving tonight. Anya was closest to the driving area, then Xander, Giles, Buffy, and Spike. Five cots, Tara and Willow on the bed, and Dawn herself on the couch.
She sighed as she made her way to the bathroom. Two days ago, because Xander and Anya were whining about Giles and Buffy always getting the bed, everyone decided to draw straws. Whatever two got the short straws got the bed, one during the day, the second during the night. Spike had drawn the first short straw, and Willow the second. In a move that surprised everyone but Dawn, Spike handed Tara his straw without a word. It was sweet, and now the Wiccas were curled happily together on the big bed in the back room.
She came out from the bathroom, wiped her eyes tiredly, then stopped. Looked again. Her sister and Spike were lying back-to-back, and one of Buffy's uncovered feet was tangled around Spike's ankle. She gave pause to think that maybe there was more to what Spike felt for Buffy than a wet pipe dream. She made a mental note to watch them closely for the next few days, and made her way back to her couch.
Many hours later, many many sleepfilled hours later, Buffy woke slowly, her eyes drifting open, and moved to roll on her back to stretch. But she couldn't roll over any more to her side, because it was squished up against his back. Spike's back. She tried to pull away quickly, but realized before she woke him that their feet were connected. Because hers was wrapped around his. She made a disgusted face and began slowly untangling herself before anyone saw. Finally, her foot free, she scooted to the other side of her cot, where it was mashed up against Giles' cot. Obviously, she was hot last night, so it served that she would want to be close to a cool, slightly under room temperature thing. And, since she was sleeping, her body OBVIOUSLY didn't register the cool thing as Spike. Just... as, well, a cool thing.
========================================================================== =========
A few moments after Buffy moved away, Spike woke up. Not completely, just enough to realize that he was cold and that a moment earlier, he'd been warm. Got to fix that. He groped around, searching for a his blanket. Finding nothing, he'd been forced to wake up a little more, and to open one eye, to find that his blanket had been kicked off the edge of the cot. He pulled it up, laid it over himself, and snuggled down against the pillow again. The steady breathing of his human roommates was very soothing, and Spike was asleep again in no time.
Buffy peeked her eyes open slightly, when she was sure he was asleep. Didn't get caught. Thank God. She'd never, EVER live that one down, she was sure.
Even asleep, under the blanket, Spike was shivering slightly, the temperature difference that Buffy's movement had caused not going away as quickly as it would if he was at full strength. Also, he could hear a weird sound. Kind of like... A telegraph? Clicking? He sat up with a start, looking around for the source of the sound.
Buffy jumped to a sitting position. Looked at him guiltily.
Spike was sitting on the side of his cot, sniffing the air, his eyes searching for any big green alien that might be in the Ohana. He caught Buffy's eye, mouthed, "You hear that?"
She didn't hear anything, but she nodded.
Spike stood up, his eyes wide. Like they'd been after the movie. He moved cautiously to the window, looked outside.
She got up, followed him to the window, put a hand on his shoulder.
Spike jumped at her touch and spun around in a fight stance. Relaxed when he saw her. Mouthed, "God, Slayer, don't do that." Looked out the window, whispered. "There's somethin' outside..."
A raccoon crawled out of a tipped over garbage can, and Buffy pointed. "The wildlife?"
Spike shook his head. "There was somethin'... Clicking. Like a telegraph. Like on the movie." Continued scanning through the window, swearing to himself that he wouldn't jump, even if a green leg did show up.
And damn, if a green demon with four fingers, zipping up a dirty pair of blue jeans didn't walk out of a porta-john, less than fifty yards away.
Spike jumped back, the fact that it was a demon, not an alien, taking a moment to register. He sighed. "God..." If he'd been human, his heart would have been racing.
Buffy sighed, after she had jumped behind him. "What a vacation," she mumbled, slipping on flip flops and heading for the door of the RV.
Spike slipped on his shoes and followed her outside, slipping a tee shirt over his head. "We gonna kill it?"
Gave him a look. "No. We're gonna see if it wants to play poker."
He gave a half chuckle. Then, "You ever seen one of those before?"
She shook her head. "No. But that doesn't mean that I can't kill it."
They walked through the forest that surrounded the RV park. It was very dark. Suddenly, the clicking sounds started up again. Louder. Spike looked around. "Ok, I KNOW that wasn't a raccoon."
She pointed to her left. "Two green things."
Spike gave a low growl. "I take the big one."
Buffy nodded. "I've got the one in the... well, the dress." She was a little uneasy, though. They were talking- uhhh chirping, quite loudly, but not at each other. Like they were yelling at the ground. A spell? An incantation?? Were they Glory's???
Spike paused. "Uh, Slayer...?" He put a hand on her shoulder, pulling her out of her attack stance. "The big one just said, 'and never run off like that again', I think."
She snorted. "'Won't have to worry about that after I kill them. They can't have her!"
He cocked his head. "And now the other one said, 'you scared your father and I to death'." He kept his hand on her shoulder. Reached out, tapped the big demon on his shoulder. The green demon turned around, chirp/clicked at Spike. Spike turned to Buffy. "He wants to know if they're on our property. If they are, they apologize for bothering us."
"Bu-... I... Um... No."
Spike turned back to the demon, and let out a long series of chirp/clicks and a rising and falling trilling noise. The demon made something that sounded like laughter, and chirp/click/trilled back at Spike. Spike chuckled and turned to Buffy. "He says their family is here on vacation, and their youngest daughter ran off. Apparently, she has been scaring everyone in the park tonight." Spike chirp/clicked at the demon again. Who gave a quiet chirpy sound in response. Spike looked at Buffy. "Apparently, they made the mistake of allowing their kids to go to a human movie that they have taken to imitating."
Buffy looked down and saw a little demon, well, little demon girl. She was dressed in a pink and yellow sundress, and blinked up at Buffy with large black eyes. Buffy pointed at the girl. "Umm... tell her... she has a pretty sun- ummm well, moondress."
Spike clicked at the father demon for permission to speak to their daughter on the Slayer's behalf. The father demon shrugged. Spike got down on one knee, and chirp clicked at the little girl demon. The child smiled, then chirp/clicked and held up one hand and one finger on the other. Spike grinned up at Buffy. "She says she's five, and thanks you for the complement."
Buffy made an aww-face, and knelt on her level. Smiled. "Tell her she's very pretty, and that mom and dad know what they're talking about. Scary things are out at night, sometimes."
Spike translated for the little girl, who giggled, and poked him in the nose. He gave a play growling sound, then chirp/clicked at her. Picked her up and handed her to her father. Turned to Buffy. "She says that I'm not scary. I told her that I'm not like most of the things you were talking about." Spike waved as the family of demons made their way back to their campsite. The little girl waved over her father's shoulder, and actually blew a kiss at Spike. He ducked his head for an instant, then waved again.
Buffy made a sweet face. "Someone has a crush on you."
Spike actually looked embarrassed for a moment, then he gave her a cocky grin. "Yeah, well. I guess I'm just irresistible. It's a curse."
Rolled her eyes. "To five year olds... you stud you."
Spike snorted at her. Then chuckled. "And not even the right species. I really am cursed." He began heading back toward the Ohana.
Buffy gave a considering frown. "She really was a cute little girl."
Spike nodded. "Yeah. And for some reason, I think Mr. M. Night Shamalan owes them for concept of aliens. Species infringement or something."
She nodded. "Yeah. Prolly." She laughed. "I feel really dumb now."
Spike sat on a log. "Yeah. I'm not exactly feeling my whole IQ either. I mean, they were not only harmless, but on vacation! Like us! And the two of us seemingly fearless people get all worked up over nothing." He grinned at her. "That was their teenaged son we saw at the porta-john."
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Hey you!! How dare you vacation!!"
He looked at her. "Huh?"
"I mean, that's what we were doing. It's like... We're the vacation nazi's or something." She dropped to sit on the log, too.
Spike chuckled. "Yeah. I mean, how would we feel if someone came up and nearly attacked us?"
"I'd have to beat them."
"You wouldn't let me help?" Raised eyebrow.
She shrugged. "Have at 'em."
He chuckled. "Oh, yay. Take that, imaginary evil things. And that, and that." Air punches.
She gave a half grin. The white beater and rolled blue boxers were not cutting it. Despite the heat in the day, it got pretty cold at night. The hair on her arms was raising, and she had goosebumps on her legs.
He looked at her. Took off his tee shirt, held it out to her. "Here, just till we get back inside."
She hesitated, then took the tee-shirt, slipped it on over her head. It hung on her, of course, but it was thicker, and soft. The one she had picked out at Wal-Mart.
He gave her a smile. "Better?"
It was warming her up. She pulled the excess material across her body, to trap the heat in. "Yeah. Thanks."
He stood up, offered her a hand. "Well, now that you're warm, I need to get back inside." His human body was beginning to react as it would if it were still alive, he was shivering.
She frowned, took his hand and stood, drew off the shirt, passed it back to him. Her heat was in it now, and it would warm him up a little bit.
He pushed it back. "I'm fine, luv. Really." Cocked an eyebrow at her. "And you say you don't care."
She rolled her eyes at him, slipped the shirt back on and went back into the RV without another word. He trotted after her, kicked off his shoes next to his cot, and curled under the blanket as fast as he could go.
She took her time, pulled her covers over her. Snuggled down into them and pulled her second pillow off the pile for her head, and cuddled it to her chest.
Spike rolled over, so he could see her. Kept his eyes mostly closed. Just open enough to see her through the lashes. Knowing she was there, beside him, even if it wasn't for the reason that he wanted, made him warm up a little. He gave a sigh and began to doze off.
Her eyes were closed against the impending dawn, and if necessary, she'd tell the others to let her sleep because she had patrolled. Eventually, she began to drift off.
=========================================================================
In the morning, after a brief discussion with Buffy about how the patrolling had went, the others let them sleep.
Dawn was helping put the cots away, stashing them anywhere they could shove them, and looked at Buffy. She was wearing Spike's shirt. The big blue one he slept in. Her eyebrow arched. Well, well, well. How cozy. She decided that she was right to keep her eye on them.
Awhile later, Spike woke up, and put up his cot himself, then headed for the tiny bathroom to take a quick shower. As he passed, he said to Tara, "Sleep well?"
Her head ducked instantly, her cheeks flaming slightly, tucking hair behind her ear. "Yes. Thanks."
He gave her a smile. "No problem, ducks. Glad to do it." Went into the bathroom.
========================================================================== ===========
About fifteen minutes later, Buffy realized she was responding to a conversation that she had no idea was taking place. She focused her gaze on Dawn's face. Shook her head a bit. "What have I been saying?"
Dawn frowned. "I asked if I could play in your makeup, cuz I'm really bored, and you said ask Xander. You just agreed to let me make you over."
"I what??"
Dawn smiled, and laid out a top and pants she had picked out for Buffy. "You said everything. Clothes AND makeup."
Buffy fishmouthed. It was the red lace top, paired with a slinky barely there black bra, and a pair of low-riding, lace up the front black pants.
Dawn said casually, "You might wanna change out of that shirt. It looks a little big for you."
Buffy grabbed at her stomach, pulling the fabric out. Barely held in a groan. Spike's shirt. Lovely. She pulled it over her head, revealing the beater underneath.
Dawn smiled and directed her to the now-vacated bedroom to change.
Thirty minutes, two different sized curling irons, and a quarter pound of makeup later, Buffy was allowed to step out of the room.
Xander looked up to greet Buffy. "Hey, welcome... back.." His jaw dropped.
She smiled self-consciously. Dawn had alternated the curling irons, making a tousled effect with her hair. Her eyes were lined in black and smudged, with a hint of red at the corners. Her mouth was painted the color of blood, cheeks lightly bronzed. The bra one could see clearly through the red lace top that showed off the barest hint of her midriff. The pants rode low on her hips, and Dawn had painted her toes to match the shirt. Fire engine red.
"Whoa, Buff.. You look.." Anya whacked him. Hard. "Nice. Good. Not in the least bit of interest to me being engaged and all." Anya sat back, a smug look on her face.
Dawn surveyed her handiwork with pride. Buffy looked incredible. Incredible enough, to even make Giles look twice. Which he did. "Buffy. Good lord." He was overcome by the sudden irresistible urge to clean his glasses. So he did.
Buffy was getting slightly agitated. She sat on the floor, drawing a book up, and lounged back on an elbow, reading.
Spike came out of the bedroom, intending to get something to eat. Walked to the minifridge, stopped in midstep. Looked at Buffy. The first thing he noticed were her painted toenails. A really bright red. Then the low riding pants caught his attention. The hint of midriff that they showed was his focus for a second, then he moved up to the shirt, which he could almost see through. Could see through. Could see a lacy black bra in places. Then her face caught his attention. Blood red lipstick, and something indescribably beautiful had been done with her hair. He leaned on the counter, physically having to restrain himself from saying the first thing that came into his mind, which happened to be a rather elaborate poem, but not something he'd want anyone to hear. Forgetting his food entirely, he turned on his heel and went back into the bedroom. Collapsed on the bed, panting. God, she was going to be the death of him one way or another.
Buffy looked up at where he had been standing. Shrugged. Started to go back to her book.
"Buffy?" Dawn said. "Can you go get me my CD's?"
Buffy sighed. "Dawn. Go get them yourself, I mean-"
"I did you over, though. They're just under that big black bag against the wall by the foot of the bed."
Buffy sighed, slapped her book down and went into the bedroom, not saying a thing. She turned, her back to the foot of the bed, and bent to dig through the bag.
Spike was laying on his stomach on the bed, totally engrossed in something. His back was to her, and he was so caught up in what he was doing that he didn't even notice her presence. Muttering something to himself about 'what's another word for radiant?'. He sensed her presence after a moment, and glanced toward her, his jaw nearly dropping when all he could see clearly was her butt, in those tight, low riding pants, sticking up in the air. Swallowed. Tried to reconnect to his train of thought, but it seemed to have derailed.
Her hip cocked to the side in irritation when she couldn't find the CD's quickly. Finally, she found them. Hiding UNDER the bag under the black bag. Sighed, and straightened.
Spike looked back to his writing so fast that he heard his neck pop. Muttered a curse.
She kicked at the bag. Pouted at the case in her hands.
He did his best to ignore her. Then realized what he was doing and leaned over the bed, pulling out a small shoebox and shoving his piece of paper back into it. Still didn't look at her.
She noticed Spike then. "How long have you been there?"
He looked at the wall. "Oh... Long time."
"Oh. Right."
He risked a look. Oh. That was not fair. She'd gotten even more beautiful in the last ten seconds. Looked away again. It was either that, or pounce her and get his undead ass kicked.
She tossed her hands in the air. "I know I look skeazy! Dawn got me to agree to it in my sleep. God," she muttered to herself. "A VAMPIRE won't even look at me."
He sat up and looked at her. "NO!" Then quieter. "No, luv. You.. you don't look sleazy. You look.. beautiful. I just... I didn't want you to catch me staring and... Stake me, or somethin'."
She shrugged self-consciously. "These aren't exactly, 'don't look at me' clothes. Dawn seems to like them." She sighed. "That's what I get for shoplifting."
Spike chuckled. "Tell me about it." He gestured down at himself. It was then that she noticed that he was wearing the red shirt and... gasp... BLUE jeans that Dawn had picked out. He shrugged. "I had to wear them sooner or later, or she'd never let me hear the end of it."
She nodded. "Yeah. She'd kill you." The shirt was clinging to his abs. She dragged her eyes away.
Seeing her focus, he stood up. Turned around. "What do you think?" Struck a half pose.
She shook her head. "No... Way cool with the shirt. Pants look good too.." Mumbled inanely, "They bring out your eyes."
He sat down, one hand on his chin, his shoulders shaking quietly. Then the dam broke. He laughed. "God, Slayer... What set of 'eyes' would that be? Unless I have literal 'hind' sight."
A slight flush stole up her cheeks.
He stopped laughing. "Sorry, luv. I know you probably meant something else. That just..." Chuckled. "Was kind of funny, you must admit."
She rolled her eyes self-deprecatingly. "Yeah... it was. Poor Giles. I came out and he had to clean his glasses."
He started laughing again. "God.. You even got the Watcher..."
Her eyes popped open. "No! NO! He just... I just... he doesn't... No."
He laughed. "I know.. I was joking, luv." Cocked his head, trying to get it under control. "And what did the Whelp do?"
She shrugged. "Xander told me I looked nice."
Spike gave a snort. "I knew he was blind. You're beyond nice.." Stopped himself. "Nevermind."
She shrugged again. "Xander isn't here to hit on me."
Grin. "True. But I am." Wait for the put down. The, 'I'll never love you.' 'I don't care if you fry.' Or, let's not forget the one that must come with his handbook somewhere, 'You're beneath me.'
Just an eyeroll, and a, "Spike. You're here for Dawn."
He looked at her. This was new. "Uh.. yeah. And you."
Dropped her eyes. Met his again, dropped them again. "Yeah. But, mostly for Dawn. Safety, ya know."
Ok. What was going on here? He cocked his head. "I take care of the people I love, Slayer. You. And the Lil' Bit." Ok. She has to dispute that. 'Evil, soulless demons can not feel love.'
Purely uncomfortable, and the clothes were not helping. "Thank you."
He just stared at her. The Spike's brain computer had just crashed. "You're... welcome, luv."
She nodded, then slipped out of the room, handing a too-innocent looking Dawn her case of CD's, picking up her book, and burying her nose in it.
========================================================================== =========
Later the next day, the Ohana was on the move again with Giles at the wheel. In comfortable yoga pants and another of her white beaters, Buffy was in the passengers seat. She had been sitting in contemplative silence for about twenty minutes, then, "I met a baby demon."
Giles glanced at her. "Oh? And when was this?"
"Yesterday, REALLY early in the morning, or ya know, super late the night before. We- me and Spike- thought we heard a noise, and then, this green demon comes out of the porta-potty. So, we decide to patrol really quick, and come on two of the same kinds of demons, yelling at the ground. But they're clicking, and Spike understands their clicking. Anyway, their little girl wandered off on her own, and they were telling her not to do it anymore. She was five, and very pretty. She blew a kiss at Spike."
Giles chuckled. "Sounds like harvester demons. They're totally harmless."
She nodded. "Yeah. They were on vacation."
Giles smiled. "Nice to know we're not the only ones with a demon on vacation."
She frowned suddenly. "Why does she feel so safe with him? She shouldn't."
"Who? The little girl?"
"Dawn."
"Ah. And I assume you're talking about Spike?"
"No, Giles... the Good Humour Man."
Giles chuckled. "Ok. No need to be sarcastic. I know it's hard for you, but please try to stop." He thought. "Well, Spike can't hurt her, and he shows no desire to do so. Why does it worry you?"
"Because it could change. One tiny sliver of silicon and wires keeps him from snapping your neck. It could change quickly. And I won't have her hurt like that. Or killed for a foolish trust."
"I see that you don't believe that he is capable of truly caring about her."
She frowned. "That's not true. He does. He cares for her. He likes her. I just... I don't know. Do you know, all she has to do is POUT at him, and he's at her beck and call?"
Giles chuckled. "No, I didn't. But I'm guessing that explains the blue jeans from earlier."
Nod. "And I don't... You don't think she likes him, do you? Like... likes him?"
Giles shook his head. "The way they are together... I don't know. It's almost like Spike's appointed himself her unofficial big brother."
Buffy worried her bottom lip. "When I came in to tell Spike she was missing a few days ago, he was holding her, and she was crying." She shrugged. "I worry."
Giles glanced at her again. "Why was she crying? Did he do something?"
She shrugged again. "She said she felt like a cry. She was fine."
Giles looked at her. "Wait a minute. You said that she came back here for a nap."
Buffy looked down. "I figured I ripped her a new one already. She didn't need it five times over."
Giles returned his eyes to the road. "If I promise not to talk to her about it, will you tell me what really happened?"
"She.... wanted to examine a real vampire, so... Spike made himself available."
Giles glanced at her again. "Well, I hope her curiosity was satisfied." The look turned curious. "Actually, I rather envy her. I did my senior thesis on vampire behavior. If I thought Spike would even remotely help me, I'd ask him to read my old paper."
She gave him a look. "You don't seem to understand. My baby sister is intrigued by vampires. She should know two things: Evil. Stake make dead."
"I do understand, Buffy. But I don't think that it's vampires in general that interest her. I think it's just Spike. She's never had the opportunity before. He likes her, and she feels safe around him."
"Giles, I'm asking your opinion, not as a watcher. I'm asking it as a man, as someone I trust like my father, with my life, and with Dawn's. Should she?"
"Should she feel safe around Spike, you mean?"
"Yes."
Giles sighed. "Let's look at the facts. After everything he's done for her, everything he's been through just to keep her from harm, let me ask you this. How can she not?"
Buffy nodded. He was right. She just wanted to worry over something. "Ok."
Giles glanced at her again. "I think the real question is, do *you* feel safe around him?"
She wouldn't look at him, instead stared out the front window. "Of course not."
"Why?"
"Because he's tried to kill me more times than I can count, because he changes his mind and emotions more than normal people change underwear, because he's a vampire. Because he's an unconscionable killer, he feels no remorse for past deeds, knows he would hunt again should the chip die tomorrow."
Giles nodded. "Now. Two final questions. One, assume all that you just said is true and Spike would really kill all of us if the chip failed tomorrow. Assume Dawn knows this. Why does she trust him?" He chuckled to himself. "I'll ask the second question after you answer this one."
"Because he'd never hurt her."
"I thought you said that he would kill again if the chip failed tomorrow."
"I never said us. I just meant... he would feed. Even if he hated us, he would never kill us, because it would make Dawn unhappy."
Giles nodded. "Ah. Even though he knew that if he did, you'd kill him."
She nodded. "Second question?"
"Why do you like him?" He took a hand off the wheel to wag a finger at her. "And don't deny it. You two have been getting along better than ever since we left Sunnydale."
She echoed her words to Spike back at her Watcher. "Because... what he did for me and Dawn... that was real. And I won't forget it." She gave an embarrassed shrug. "And I swore to be civil so he would help me get the Winnebago."
Giles chuckled. "That makes sense. I have one last question. Why am I defending Spike?" Shook his head. "You can take that one as rhetorical."
She nodded. "Please. I don't even wanna go there."
"Thank you."
She smiled. Poked her stomach. "We need to seriously train when we get back."
The Watcher chuckled. "Yes. I do believe that living off fast food is beginning to take a toll."
"I know! I'm all... fat and stuff." Poked at her stomach again.
Giles laughed. "Buffy, you are not fat. You whole body is a lethal weapon. Besides, it is almost impossible for Slayers to gain weight. Almost as hard as it is for vampires."
She shook her head. "Soon enough, I'm gonna be one of those gross people who can make their belly button talk. Look! It MOVES when you poke it! Like... Jello. But... flesh."
Giles chuckled again. "Buffy, everyone can do that. You are strong enough that, should we get a flat tire, I won't need a jack to lift the Ohana up!"
She rolled her eyes at his exaggeration. "Yeah. I know. Just call me... Buff Buffy. Or.... flabby butt Buffy. Ya know."
Giles gave her a look. "Buffy. You could give everyone in this vehicle a run for their money on fitness."
She sighed. "I know. I'm just... oh man... Listen closely. I'll never say it again. I just really want to train."
Giles smiled at her. "Alright. Next town we come to, we'll find a gym. Will that make you happy?"
She shrugged. "Even just someone..." her eyes lit up. "I'll be back." Went to the back, and knew he was sleeping, but knocked anyway.
"Come in?", the vampire called groggily.
Buffy slipped in. "I'll pay you $20 a day to spar with me."
He sat up slightly. "What?"
She prodded her stomach. "Getting soft. I want to train. Will you spar with me? You need cigarette money anyway."
He sat on the side of the bed. "Slayer, I'd love to. But what about the chip? All I can really do is try to defend myself while you beat the crap out of me."
She nodded. "I know. But... how about you're just sure that you're not gonna hurt me? Just... know that you won't hurt me, and it should leave you alone, right? Maybe step back so it won't hit me, or, so I can work on blocking."
He gave a thoughtful nod, excited at the prospect of getting to fight with her again. Well, spar, not fight, but.. same basic thing, right? He grinned at her. "Slayer, I'll even do it for $10. One time fee. It might be fun."
She tried to not smile, not wanting him to think she enjoyed their fights. She nodded and grabbed her wallet off the floor, handed him a twenty. "At least be able to get a carton of cigarettes. So... tomorrow, yeah?"
He grinned. "Give me time and place, luv. I'll be looking forward to it."
She grinned and walked back out the door, made herself comfortable by Giles again. "Don't worry about the gym."
Giles glanced at her. "Oh?"
"Spike's gonna spar with me for $20."
Giles gave her an incredulous look. "Sometimes you amaze me, Buffy. After all you just told me about him, YOU go in there and ASK him to attack you?"
She shrugged. "If a Master can't beat me, who can?"
"A chipped Master."
"No less dangerous. We both know it. Why else would you chain him in a tub?"
"So that he'd stop eating all my graham crackers."
Half-smile. "He said you hogged the wheatabix."
Giles snorted. "That's because he ate everything else!"
She knew Giles had enjoyed having him for a roomie, even if he'd never admit it, under hell's threat.
Giles let out a sigh. "His only redeeming quality, as far as I'm concerned, is his ability to cook Italian food flawlessly. It's the only reason he didn't find himself taking an impromptu tan on my lawn."
A grin quirked her lips. "I see."
He caught it. "And what is that for?"
She shook her head. "The slayer of Slayers is also a cuisine chef?"
He chuckled. "You'd be surprised. He apparently also plays piano. Quite well."
Rolled her eyes. "THAT I do not buy."
"We'll have to find a piano so he can prove it."
She nodded. "I miss cable. I miss watching Moonlighting on cable."
Giles chuckled, then spotted something off the side of the freeway they were on. "Well. How would you feel about stopping for the night in that nice hotel over there? It says they have cable, and high speed online, which I'm sure will make Willow want to stop."
Big excited smile face. "Really?? We have money for that??"
Giles pulled off the freeway and into the parking lot of the hotel. "Actually, can I tell you something, Buffy? Something strange has been going on with our money lately."
"You can tell me. Strange what? It grows on a tree now?"
Giles shook his head. "No. Well, almost. Let me tell you how it started. The day we left Sunnydale, I had a little over five hundred dollars in my wallet. Now, despite the movies, the fast food, the gas, I STILL have five hundred dollars, and the change from everything."
She gave him an odd look. "That's not right." Buffy stood. "I'm gonna check my wallet." She opened the door, ignoring the half-dressed sleeping Spike, and picked up her wallet, brought it out to Giles. "I had... $280. I gave Spike $20. I should have...." She counted it out. "Not $280. Why do I still have $280?"
Giles shook his head. "I honestly don't know. But whatever is doing it, I hope it continues."
She shrugged. "Gift horse, mouth, all that?"
Giles smiled. "Yes. Something like that." He glanced up at the hotel. Compared to the cots in the Ohana, it might as well have been the Waldorf. "How many rooms do you think we need?"
"Ummmm... eight people, four rooms? Assuming you can share with Spike?"
Giles made a face, which looked quite silly on him. She laughed.
He gave her a half-hearted glare. "I do not want to share with Spike. If it's all the same to wherever our money is coming from, I'll just get five rooms. Spike can have his own."
She put her hands up in a placating manner. "I'm sure he won't whine."
"He'd better not. Or I might find some chains and his room can be the bathroom."
She smiled. "Ok... ok... breathe in, breathe out. Let's go inside."
Author's Notes 1, Tigerwolf: Ok. I don't have much to say here, except that near the end of this chap, a thread that will run through the whole rest of this story will start. Keep your eyes open, or you might miss it. OH, and just because I've forgotten to say it before now, We reallllllly love reviews... VERY MUCH. So please review. Thank you.
Dawn grunted. It was... well. Late, and she had to pee. The cots were lined up in the Ohana, since they weren't moving tonight. Anya was closest to the driving area, then Xander, Giles, Buffy, and Spike. Five cots, Tara and Willow on the bed, and Dawn herself on the couch.
She sighed as she made her way to the bathroom. Two days ago, because Xander and Anya were whining about Giles and Buffy always getting the bed, everyone decided to draw straws. Whatever two got the short straws got the bed, one during the day, the second during the night. Spike had drawn the first short straw, and Willow the second. In a move that surprised everyone but Dawn, Spike handed Tara his straw without a word. It was sweet, and now the Wiccas were curled happily together on the big bed in the back room.
She came out from the bathroom, wiped her eyes tiredly, then stopped. Looked again. Her sister and Spike were lying back-to-back, and one of Buffy's uncovered feet was tangled around Spike's ankle. She gave pause to think that maybe there was more to what Spike felt for Buffy than a wet pipe dream. She made a mental note to watch them closely for the next few days, and made her way back to her couch.
Many hours later, many many sleepfilled hours later, Buffy woke slowly, her eyes drifting open, and moved to roll on her back to stretch. But she couldn't roll over any more to her side, because it was squished up against his back. Spike's back. She tried to pull away quickly, but realized before she woke him that their feet were connected. Because hers was wrapped around his. She made a disgusted face and began slowly untangling herself before anyone saw. Finally, her foot free, she scooted to the other side of her cot, where it was mashed up against Giles' cot. Obviously, she was hot last night, so it served that she would want to be close to a cool, slightly under room temperature thing. And, since she was sleeping, her body OBVIOUSLY didn't register the cool thing as Spike. Just... as, well, a cool thing.
========================================================================== =========
A few moments after Buffy moved away, Spike woke up. Not completely, just enough to realize that he was cold and that a moment earlier, he'd been warm. Got to fix that. He groped around, searching for a his blanket. Finding nothing, he'd been forced to wake up a little more, and to open one eye, to find that his blanket had been kicked off the edge of the cot. He pulled it up, laid it over himself, and snuggled down against the pillow again. The steady breathing of his human roommates was very soothing, and Spike was asleep again in no time.
Buffy peeked her eyes open slightly, when she was sure he was asleep. Didn't get caught. Thank God. She'd never, EVER live that one down, she was sure.
Even asleep, under the blanket, Spike was shivering slightly, the temperature difference that Buffy's movement had caused not going away as quickly as it would if he was at full strength. Also, he could hear a weird sound. Kind of like... A telegraph? Clicking? He sat up with a start, looking around for the source of the sound.
Buffy jumped to a sitting position. Looked at him guiltily.
Spike was sitting on the side of his cot, sniffing the air, his eyes searching for any big green alien that might be in the Ohana. He caught Buffy's eye, mouthed, "You hear that?"
She didn't hear anything, but she nodded.
Spike stood up, his eyes wide. Like they'd been after the movie. He moved cautiously to the window, looked outside.
She got up, followed him to the window, put a hand on his shoulder.
Spike jumped at her touch and spun around in a fight stance. Relaxed when he saw her. Mouthed, "God, Slayer, don't do that." Looked out the window, whispered. "There's somethin' outside..."
A raccoon crawled out of a tipped over garbage can, and Buffy pointed. "The wildlife?"
Spike shook his head. "There was somethin'... Clicking. Like a telegraph. Like on the movie." Continued scanning through the window, swearing to himself that he wouldn't jump, even if a green leg did show up.
And damn, if a green demon with four fingers, zipping up a dirty pair of blue jeans didn't walk out of a porta-john, less than fifty yards away.
Spike jumped back, the fact that it was a demon, not an alien, taking a moment to register. He sighed. "God..." If he'd been human, his heart would have been racing.
Buffy sighed, after she had jumped behind him. "What a vacation," she mumbled, slipping on flip flops and heading for the door of the RV.
Spike slipped on his shoes and followed her outside, slipping a tee shirt over his head. "We gonna kill it?"
Gave him a look. "No. We're gonna see if it wants to play poker."
He gave a half chuckle. Then, "You ever seen one of those before?"
She shook her head. "No. But that doesn't mean that I can't kill it."
They walked through the forest that surrounded the RV park. It was very dark. Suddenly, the clicking sounds started up again. Louder. Spike looked around. "Ok, I KNOW that wasn't a raccoon."
She pointed to her left. "Two green things."
Spike gave a low growl. "I take the big one."
Buffy nodded. "I've got the one in the... well, the dress." She was a little uneasy, though. They were talking- uhhh chirping, quite loudly, but not at each other. Like they were yelling at the ground. A spell? An incantation?? Were they Glory's???
Spike paused. "Uh, Slayer...?" He put a hand on her shoulder, pulling her out of her attack stance. "The big one just said, 'and never run off like that again', I think."
She snorted. "'Won't have to worry about that after I kill them. They can't have her!"
He cocked his head. "And now the other one said, 'you scared your father and I to death'." He kept his hand on her shoulder. Reached out, tapped the big demon on his shoulder. The green demon turned around, chirp/clicked at Spike. Spike turned to Buffy. "He wants to know if they're on our property. If they are, they apologize for bothering us."
"Bu-... I... Um... No."
Spike turned back to the demon, and let out a long series of chirp/clicks and a rising and falling trilling noise. The demon made something that sounded like laughter, and chirp/click/trilled back at Spike. Spike chuckled and turned to Buffy. "He says their family is here on vacation, and their youngest daughter ran off. Apparently, she has been scaring everyone in the park tonight." Spike chirp/clicked at the demon again. Who gave a quiet chirpy sound in response. Spike looked at Buffy. "Apparently, they made the mistake of allowing their kids to go to a human movie that they have taken to imitating."
Buffy looked down and saw a little demon, well, little demon girl. She was dressed in a pink and yellow sundress, and blinked up at Buffy with large black eyes. Buffy pointed at the girl. "Umm... tell her... she has a pretty sun- ummm well, moondress."
Spike clicked at the father demon for permission to speak to their daughter on the Slayer's behalf. The father demon shrugged. Spike got down on one knee, and chirp clicked at the little girl demon. The child smiled, then chirp/clicked and held up one hand and one finger on the other. Spike grinned up at Buffy. "She says she's five, and thanks you for the complement."
Buffy made an aww-face, and knelt on her level. Smiled. "Tell her she's very pretty, and that mom and dad know what they're talking about. Scary things are out at night, sometimes."
Spike translated for the little girl, who giggled, and poked him in the nose. He gave a play growling sound, then chirp/clicked at her. Picked her up and handed her to her father. Turned to Buffy. "She says that I'm not scary. I told her that I'm not like most of the things you were talking about." Spike waved as the family of demons made their way back to their campsite. The little girl waved over her father's shoulder, and actually blew a kiss at Spike. He ducked his head for an instant, then waved again.
Buffy made a sweet face. "Someone has a crush on you."
Spike actually looked embarrassed for a moment, then he gave her a cocky grin. "Yeah, well. I guess I'm just irresistible. It's a curse."
Rolled her eyes. "To five year olds... you stud you."
Spike snorted at her. Then chuckled. "And not even the right species. I really am cursed." He began heading back toward the Ohana.
Buffy gave a considering frown. "She really was a cute little girl."
Spike nodded. "Yeah. And for some reason, I think Mr. M. Night Shamalan owes them for concept of aliens. Species infringement or something."
She nodded. "Yeah. Prolly." She laughed. "I feel really dumb now."
Spike sat on a log. "Yeah. I'm not exactly feeling my whole IQ either. I mean, they were not only harmless, but on vacation! Like us! And the two of us seemingly fearless people get all worked up over nothing." He grinned at her. "That was their teenaged son we saw at the porta-john."
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Hey you!! How dare you vacation!!"
He looked at her. "Huh?"
"I mean, that's what we were doing. It's like... We're the vacation nazi's or something." She dropped to sit on the log, too.
Spike chuckled. "Yeah. I mean, how would we feel if someone came up and nearly attacked us?"
"I'd have to beat them."
"You wouldn't let me help?" Raised eyebrow.
She shrugged. "Have at 'em."
He chuckled. "Oh, yay. Take that, imaginary evil things. And that, and that." Air punches.
She gave a half grin. The white beater and rolled blue boxers were not cutting it. Despite the heat in the day, it got pretty cold at night. The hair on her arms was raising, and she had goosebumps on her legs.
He looked at her. Took off his tee shirt, held it out to her. "Here, just till we get back inside."
She hesitated, then took the tee-shirt, slipped it on over her head. It hung on her, of course, but it was thicker, and soft. The one she had picked out at Wal-Mart.
He gave her a smile. "Better?"
It was warming her up. She pulled the excess material across her body, to trap the heat in. "Yeah. Thanks."
He stood up, offered her a hand. "Well, now that you're warm, I need to get back inside." His human body was beginning to react as it would if it were still alive, he was shivering.
She frowned, took his hand and stood, drew off the shirt, passed it back to him. Her heat was in it now, and it would warm him up a little bit.
He pushed it back. "I'm fine, luv. Really." Cocked an eyebrow at her. "And you say you don't care."
She rolled her eyes at him, slipped the shirt back on and went back into the RV without another word. He trotted after her, kicked off his shoes next to his cot, and curled under the blanket as fast as he could go.
She took her time, pulled her covers over her. Snuggled down into them and pulled her second pillow off the pile for her head, and cuddled it to her chest.
Spike rolled over, so he could see her. Kept his eyes mostly closed. Just open enough to see her through the lashes. Knowing she was there, beside him, even if it wasn't for the reason that he wanted, made him warm up a little. He gave a sigh and began to doze off.
Her eyes were closed against the impending dawn, and if necessary, she'd tell the others to let her sleep because she had patrolled. Eventually, she began to drift off.
=========================================================================
In the morning, after a brief discussion with Buffy about how the patrolling had went, the others let them sleep.
Dawn was helping put the cots away, stashing them anywhere they could shove them, and looked at Buffy. She was wearing Spike's shirt. The big blue one he slept in. Her eyebrow arched. Well, well, well. How cozy. She decided that she was right to keep her eye on them.
Awhile later, Spike woke up, and put up his cot himself, then headed for the tiny bathroom to take a quick shower. As he passed, he said to Tara, "Sleep well?"
Her head ducked instantly, her cheeks flaming slightly, tucking hair behind her ear. "Yes. Thanks."
He gave her a smile. "No problem, ducks. Glad to do it." Went into the bathroom.
========================================================================== ===========
About fifteen minutes later, Buffy realized she was responding to a conversation that she had no idea was taking place. She focused her gaze on Dawn's face. Shook her head a bit. "What have I been saying?"
Dawn frowned. "I asked if I could play in your makeup, cuz I'm really bored, and you said ask Xander. You just agreed to let me make you over."
"I what??"
Dawn smiled, and laid out a top and pants she had picked out for Buffy. "You said everything. Clothes AND makeup."
Buffy fishmouthed. It was the red lace top, paired with a slinky barely there black bra, and a pair of low-riding, lace up the front black pants.
Dawn said casually, "You might wanna change out of that shirt. It looks a little big for you."
Buffy grabbed at her stomach, pulling the fabric out. Barely held in a groan. Spike's shirt. Lovely. She pulled it over her head, revealing the beater underneath.
Dawn smiled and directed her to the now-vacated bedroom to change.
Thirty minutes, two different sized curling irons, and a quarter pound of makeup later, Buffy was allowed to step out of the room.
Xander looked up to greet Buffy. "Hey, welcome... back.." His jaw dropped.
She smiled self-consciously. Dawn had alternated the curling irons, making a tousled effect with her hair. Her eyes were lined in black and smudged, with a hint of red at the corners. Her mouth was painted the color of blood, cheeks lightly bronzed. The bra one could see clearly through the red lace top that showed off the barest hint of her midriff. The pants rode low on her hips, and Dawn had painted her toes to match the shirt. Fire engine red.
"Whoa, Buff.. You look.." Anya whacked him. Hard. "Nice. Good. Not in the least bit of interest to me being engaged and all." Anya sat back, a smug look on her face.
Dawn surveyed her handiwork with pride. Buffy looked incredible. Incredible enough, to even make Giles look twice. Which he did. "Buffy. Good lord." He was overcome by the sudden irresistible urge to clean his glasses. So he did.
Buffy was getting slightly agitated. She sat on the floor, drawing a book up, and lounged back on an elbow, reading.
Spike came out of the bedroom, intending to get something to eat. Walked to the minifridge, stopped in midstep. Looked at Buffy. The first thing he noticed were her painted toenails. A really bright red. Then the low riding pants caught his attention. The hint of midriff that they showed was his focus for a second, then he moved up to the shirt, which he could almost see through. Could see through. Could see a lacy black bra in places. Then her face caught his attention. Blood red lipstick, and something indescribably beautiful had been done with her hair. He leaned on the counter, physically having to restrain himself from saying the first thing that came into his mind, which happened to be a rather elaborate poem, but not something he'd want anyone to hear. Forgetting his food entirely, he turned on his heel and went back into the bedroom. Collapsed on the bed, panting. God, she was going to be the death of him one way or another.
Buffy looked up at where he had been standing. Shrugged. Started to go back to her book.
"Buffy?" Dawn said. "Can you go get me my CD's?"
Buffy sighed. "Dawn. Go get them yourself, I mean-"
"I did you over, though. They're just under that big black bag against the wall by the foot of the bed."
Buffy sighed, slapped her book down and went into the bedroom, not saying a thing. She turned, her back to the foot of the bed, and bent to dig through the bag.
Spike was laying on his stomach on the bed, totally engrossed in something. His back was to her, and he was so caught up in what he was doing that he didn't even notice her presence. Muttering something to himself about 'what's another word for radiant?'. He sensed her presence after a moment, and glanced toward her, his jaw nearly dropping when all he could see clearly was her butt, in those tight, low riding pants, sticking up in the air. Swallowed. Tried to reconnect to his train of thought, but it seemed to have derailed.
Her hip cocked to the side in irritation when she couldn't find the CD's quickly. Finally, she found them. Hiding UNDER the bag under the black bag. Sighed, and straightened.
Spike looked back to his writing so fast that he heard his neck pop. Muttered a curse.
She kicked at the bag. Pouted at the case in her hands.
He did his best to ignore her. Then realized what he was doing and leaned over the bed, pulling out a small shoebox and shoving his piece of paper back into it. Still didn't look at her.
She noticed Spike then. "How long have you been there?"
He looked at the wall. "Oh... Long time."
"Oh. Right."
He risked a look. Oh. That was not fair. She'd gotten even more beautiful in the last ten seconds. Looked away again. It was either that, or pounce her and get his undead ass kicked.
She tossed her hands in the air. "I know I look skeazy! Dawn got me to agree to it in my sleep. God," she muttered to herself. "A VAMPIRE won't even look at me."
He sat up and looked at her. "NO!" Then quieter. "No, luv. You.. you don't look sleazy. You look.. beautiful. I just... I didn't want you to catch me staring and... Stake me, or somethin'."
She shrugged self-consciously. "These aren't exactly, 'don't look at me' clothes. Dawn seems to like them." She sighed. "That's what I get for shoplifting."
Spike chuckled. "Tell me about it." He gestured down at himself. It was then that she noticed that he was wearing the red shirt and... gasp... BLUE jeans that Dawn had picked out. He shrugged. "I had to wear them sooner or later, or she'd never let me hear the end of it."
She nodded. "Yeah. She'd kill you." The shirt was clinging to his abs. She dragged her eyes away.
Seeing her focus, he stood up. Turned around. "What do you think?" Struck a half pose.
She shook her head. "No... Way cool with the shirt. Pants look good too.." Mumbled inanely, "They bring out your eyes."
He sat down, one hand on his chin, his shoulders shaking quietly. Then the dam broke. He laughed. "God, Slayer... What set of 'eyes' would that be? Unless I have literal 'hind' sight."
A slight flush stole up her cheeks.
He stopped laughing. "Sorry, luv. I know you probably meant something else. That just..." Chuckled. "Was kind of funny, you must admit."
She rolled her eyes self-deprecatingly. "Yeah... it was. Poor Giles. I came out and he had to clean his glasses."
He started laughing again. "God.. You even got the Watcher..."
Her eyes popped open. "No! NO! He just... I just... he doesn't... No."
He laughed. "I know.. I was joking, luv." Cocked his head, trying to get it under control. "And what did the Whelp do?"
She shrugged. "Xander told me I looked nice."
Spike gave a snort. "I knew he was blind. You're beyond nice.." Stopped himself. "Nevermind."
She shrugged again. "Xander isn't here to hit on me."
Grin. "True. But I am." Wait for the put down. The, 'I'll never love you.' 'I don't care if you fry.' Or, let's not forget the one that must come with his handbook somewhere, 'You're beneath me.'
Just an eyeroll, and a, "Spike. You're here for Dawn."
He looked at her. This was new. "Uh.. yeah. And you."
Dropped her eyes. Met his again, dropped them again. "Yeah. But, mostly for Dawn. Safety, ya know."
Ok. What was going on here? He cocked his head. "I take care of the people I love, Slayer. You. And the Lil' Bit." Ok. She has to dispute that. 'Evil, soulless demons can not feel love.'
Purely uncomfortable, and the clothes were not helping. "Thank you."
He just stared at her. The Spike's brain computer had just crashed. "You're... welcome, luv."
She nodded, then slipped out of the room, handing a too-innocent looking Dawn her case of CD's, picking up her book, and burying her nose in it.
========================================================================== =========
Later the next day, the Ohana was on the move again with Giles at the wheel. In comfortable yoga pants and another of her white beaters, Buffy was in the passengers seat. She had been sitting in contemplative silence for about twenty minutes, then, "I met a baby demon."
Giles glanced at her. "Oh? And when was this?"
"Yesterday, REALLY early in the morning, or ya know, super late the night before. We- me and Spike- thought we heard a noise, and then, this green demon comes out of the porta-potty. So, we decide to patrol really quick, and come on two of the same kinds of demons, yelling at the ground. But they're clicking, and Spike understands their clicking. Anyway, their little girl wandered off on her own, and they were telling her not to do it anymore. She was five, and very pretty. She blew a kiss at Spike."
Giles chuckled. "Sounds like harvester demons. They're totally harmless."
She nodded. "Yeah. They were on vacation."
Giles smiled. "Nice to know we're not the only ones with a demon on vacation."
She frowned suddenly. "Why does she feel so safe with him? She shouldn't."
"Who? The little girl?"
"Dawn."
"Ah. And I assume you're talking about Spike?"
"No, Giles... the Good Humour Man."
Giles chuckled. "Ok. No need to be sarcastic. I know it's hard for you, but please try to stop." He thought. "Well, Spike can't hurt her, and he shows no desire to do so. Why does it worry you?"
"Because it could change. One tiny sliver of silicon and wires keeps him from snapping your neck. It could change quickly. And I won't have her hurt like that. Or killed for a foolish trust."
"I see that you don't believe that he is capable of truly caring about her."
She frowned. "That's not true. He does. He cares for her. He likes her. I just... I don't know. Do you know, all she has to do is POUT at him, and he's at her beck and call?"
Giles chuckled. "No, I didn't. But I'm guessing that explains the blue jeans from earlier."
Nod. "And I don't... You don't think she likes him, do you? Like... likes him?"
Giles shook his head. "The way they are together... I don't know. It's almost like Spike's appointed himself her unofficial big brother."
Buffy worried her bottom lip. "When I came in to tell Spike she was missing a few days ago, he was holding her, and she was crying." She shrugged. "I worry."
Giles glanced at her again. "Why was she crying? Did he do something?"
She shrugged again. "She said she felt like a cry. She was fine."
Giles looked at her. "Wait a minute. You said that she came back here for a nap."
Buffy looked down. "I figured I ripped her a new one already. She didn't need it five times over."
Giles returned his eyes to the road. "If I promise not to talk to her about it, will you tell me what really happened?"
"She.... wanted to examine a real vampire, so... Spike made himself available."
Giles glanced at her again. "Well, I hope her curiosity was satisfied." The look turned curious. "Actually, I rather envy her. I did my senior thesis on vampire behavior. If I thought Spike would even remotely help me, I'd ask him to read my old paper."
She gave him a look. "You don't seem to understand. My baby sister is intrigued by vampires. She should know two things: Evil. Stake make dead."
"I do understand, Buffy. But I don't think that it's vampires in general that interest her. I think it's just Spike. She's never had the opportunity before. He likes her, and she feels safe around him."
"Giles, I'm asking your opinion, not as a watcher. I'm asking it as a man, as someone I trust like my father, with my life, and with Dawn's. Should she?"
"Should she feel safe around Spike, you mean?"
"Yes."
Giles sighed. "Let's look at the facts. After everything he's done for her, everything he's been through just to keep her from harm, let me ask you this. How can she not?"
Buffy nodded. He was right. She just wanted to worry over something. "Ok."
Giles glanced at her again. "I think the real question is, do *you* feel safe around him?"
She wouldn't look at him, instead stared out the front window. "Of course not."
"Why?"
"Because he's tried to kill me more times than I can count, because he changes his mind and emotions more than normal people change underwear, because he's a vampire. Because he's an unconscionable killer, he feels no remorse for past deeds, knows he would hunt again should the chip die tomorrow."
Giles nodded. "Now. Two final questions. One, assume all that you just said is true and Spike would really kill all of us if the chip failed tomorrow. Assume Dawn knows this. Why does she trust him?" He chuckled to himself. "I'll ask the second question after you answer this one."
"Because he'd never hurt her."
"I thought you said that he would kill again if the chip failed tomorrow."
"I never said us. I just meant... he would feed. Even if he hated us, he would never kill us, because it would make Dawn unhappy."
Giles nodded. "Ah. Even though he knew that if he did, you'd kill him."
She nodded. "Second question?"
"Why do you like him?" He took a hand off the wheel to wag a finger at her. "And don't deny it. You two have been getting along better than ever since we left Sunnydale."
She echoed her words to Spike back at her Watcher. "Because... what he did for me and Dawn... that was real. And I won't forget it." She gave an embarrassed shrug. "And I swore to be civil so he would help me get the Winnebago."
Giles chuckled. "That makes sense. I have one last question. Why am I defending Spike?" Shook his head. "You can take that one as rhetorical."
She nodded. "Please. I don't even wanna go there."
"Thank you."
She smiled. Poked her stomach. "We need to seriously train when we get back."
The Watcher chuckled. "Yes. I do believe that living off fast food is beginning to take a toll."
"I know! I'm all... fat and stuff." Poked at her stomach again.
Giles laughed. "Buffy, you are not fat. You whole body is a lethal weapon. Besides, it is almost impossible for Slayers to gain weight. Almost as hard as it is for vampires."
She shook her head. "Soon enough, I'm gonna be one of those gross people who can make their belly button talk. Look! It MOVES when you poke it! Like... Jello. But... flesh."
Giles chuckled again. "Buffy, everyone can do that. You are strong enough that, should we get a flat tire, I won't need a jack to lift the Ohana up!"
She rolled her eyes at his exaggeration. "Yeah. I know. Just call me... Buff Buffy. Or.... flabby butt Buffy. Ya know."
Giles gave her a look. "Buffy. You could give everyone in this vehicle a run for their money on fitness."
She sighed. "I know. I'm just... oh man... Listen closely. I'll never say it again. I just really want to train."
Giles smiled at her. "Alright. Next town we come to, we'll find a gym. Will that make you happy?"
She shrugged. "Even just someone..." her eyes lit up. "I'll be back." Went to the back, and knew he was sleeping, but knocked anyway.
"Come in?", the vampire called groggily.
Buffy slipped in. "I'll pay you $20 a day to spar with me."
He sat up slightly. "What?"
She prodded her stomach. "Getting soft. I want to train. Will you spar with me? You need cigarette money anyway."
He sat on the side of the bed. "Slayer, I'd love to. But what about the chip? All I can really do is try to defend myself while you beat the crap out of me."
She nodded. "I know. But... how about you're just sure that you're not gonna hurt me? Just... know that you won't hurt me, and it should leave you alone, right? Maybe step back so it won't hit me, or, so I can work on blocking."
He gave a thoughtful nod, excited at the prospect of getting to fight with her again. Well, spar, not fight, but.. same basic thing, right? He grinned at her. "Slayer, I'll even do it for $10. One time fee. It might be fun."
She tried to not smile, not wanting him to think she enjoyed their fights. She nodded and grabbed her wallet off the floor, handed him a twenty. "At least be able to get a carton of cigarettes. So... tomorrow, yeah?"
He grinned. "Give me time and place, luv. I'll be looking forward to it."
She grinned and walked back out the door, made herself comfortable by Giles again. "Don't worry about the gym."
Giles glanced at her. "Oh?"
"Spike's gonna spar with me for $20."
Giles gave her an incredulous look. "Sometimes you amaze me, Buffy. After all you just told me about him, YOU go in there and ASK him to attack you?"
She shrugged. "If a Master can't beat me, who can?"
"A chipped Master."
"No less dangerous. We both know it. Why else would you chain him in a tub?"
"So that he'd stop eating all my graham crackers."
Half-smile. "He said you hogged the wheatabix."
Giles snorted. "That's because he ate everything else!"
She knew Giles had enjoyed having him for a roomie, even if he'd never admit it, under hell's threat.
Giles let out a sigh. "His only redeeming quality, as far as I'm concerned, is his ability to cook Italian food flawlessly. It's the only reason he didn't find himself taking an impromptu tan on my lawn."
A grin quirked her lips. "I see."
He caught it. "And what is that for?"
She shook her head. "The slayer of Slayers is also a cuisine chef?"
He chuckled. "You'd be surprised. He apparently also plays piano. Quite well."
Rolled her eyes. "THAT I do not buy."
"We'll have to find a piano so he can prove it."
She nodded. "I miss cable. I miss watching Moonlighting on cable."
Giles chuckled, then spotted something off the side of the freeway they were on. "Well. How would you feel about stopping for the night in that nice hotel over there? It says they have cable, and high speed online, which I'm sure will make Willow want to stop."
Big excited smile face. "Really?? We have money for that??"
Giles pulled off the freeway and into the parking lot of the hotel. "Actually, can I tell you something, Buffy? Something strange has been going on with our money lately."
"You can tell me. Strange what? It grows on a tree now?"
Giles shook his head. "No. Well, almost. Let me tell you how it started. The day we left Sunnydale, I had a little over five hundred dollars in my wallet. Now, despite the movies, the fast food, the gas, I STILL have five hundred dollars, and the change from everything."
She gave him an odd look. "That's not right." Buffy stood. "I'm gonna check my wallet." She opened the door, ignoring the half-dressed sleeping Spike, and picked up her wallet, brought it out to Giles. "I had... $280. I gave Spike $20. I should have...." She counted it out. "Not $280. Why do I still have $280?"
Giles shook his head. "I honestly don't know. But whatever is doing it, I hope it continues."
She shrugged. "Gift horse, mouth, all that?"
Giles smiled. "Yes. Something like that." He glanced up at the hotel. Compared to the cots in the Ohana, it might as well have been the Waldorf. "How many rooms do you think we need?"
"Ummmm... eight people, four rooms? Assuming you can share with Spike?"
Giles made a face, which looked quite silly on him. She laughed.
He gave her a half-hearted glare. "I do not want to share with Spike. If it's all the same to wherever our money is coming from, I'll just get five rooms. Spike can have his own."
She put her hands up in a placating manner. "I'm sure he won't whine."
"He'd better not. Or I might find some chains and his room can be the bathroom."
She smiled. "Ok... ok... breathe in, breathe out. Let's go inside."