A day and a half later, and nothing had changed. Buffy sat on the floor
of the Ohana, her arms crossed over her chest, hands gripping at her
shoulders, as if deflecting blows, sending Spike alternately betrayed and
angry glares.
He, for his part, was keeping his expression decidedly neutral. Not returning her glares, no matter how much he wanted to. Six more hours, and he'd make the decision for her.
Her mind was rife with discord, and it was, of course, all his fault. They could be harmoniously screwing the whole way home, and everything would be fine. Because... wow, the way he moved his- No. Bad. No. No. Six hours and the choice was out of her hands. And that didn't sit well with her. She hated not having a choice. She always needed her own choice. Her free will to at least decide which the LESS painful of two horridly hurtful choices was.
He gave a sigh, and returned his attention to the game of Go Fish that he, Dawn, and Tara were playing. Him under protest.
Everyone in the Ohana felt the tension, and it was decidedly quiet. Hushed. Strained. And Buffy wanted to beat the hell out of something, and cry.
Spike cheated to lose the game, and then got up and left for the back room. Emotional tension was so bloody exhausting.
Buffy had finally worked her mind around it. She could have his body. And Spike never left her upset. She would skillfully use their post-sex cuddle time, which she knew he *loved*, to get him to play nice. It was an easy, workable plan. She stood, followed him into the room, closing the door behind her, locking it.
He looked up from where he'd been leafing through one of Giles' old books, and focused on her. "Slayer," he said by way of greeting.
She wetted her lips, feeling decidedly uncomfortable. Resolved to brazen it out. Stepped forward, sliding the book from his hands, touched her lips to his repeatedly in small, feathery kisses, that turned longer, harder in a matter of seconds.
He responded for a moment, then pulled back. "Made your decision, then?"
Looked at him, defiantly pressed her lips to his again by way of answer.
A mental sigh. Oh well, he'd asked her to choose. Sex without friendship it was then. He pulled her onto the bed roughly.
Low moan in her throat, looked up at him, ran her fingers over his torso.
Spike growled low, and quickly flipped on top of her. She wanted sex, he'd give her sex. He'd give her the most mind-blowing sex ever. And then he'd begin to make his point.
========================================================================== ==
Buffy's eyes were slightly glassy, and she lay panting, lips swollen from being crushed to his, her entire body on fire, but sated. She lay languidly on top the sheets, lifted a hand to run it down Spike's arm.
He pulled away from her, getting up as soon as he could, and moving to dress. All without a word.
The pleased look on her face gave way to one of confusion. Okay.. This wasn't right. He always wanted to cuddle after they ma- had sex. What was going on?
He finished dressing, ran a comb through his hair, then went into the main room, closing the door behind him.
She sat, confusedly, then after a moment, pulled her knees to her chest, feeling very cold. She stared at the door, then shook her head. 'Let it go, Buffy,' she told herself. 'You chose. And you chose well.' She firmed her mouth, dressed hastily, and joined the others.
Spike was settled in a folding chair, backwards, watching Xander, Anya, and Dawn playing Monopoly on the table.
She brushed past him, ignoring the way her body reacted to him, even after having been with him less than five minutes before. Sat in the passenger's seat. "Hey, Giles."
The Watcher glanced up from where he was studying a map. "Ah, Buffy. How are you?"
"Good. Great! You?"
Giles shrugged. "Fine, except for the fact that I listened to Xander when he told me to take a left about six miles back, and now I have absolutely no clue where we are."
Buffy smiled. A problem she could solve. "Then, go back six miles and make a right."
Giles chuckled. "That would be easy, if this weren't a one way road we're on. I've got to figure out how to get us turned around."
She made a face. "Sorry. Not talking to problem-fixer, anymore."
He shook his head. "This'll teach me to listen to Xander." Went back to studying the map.
"Yup. That sure will."
Giles glanced up again. "Is something bothering you, Buffy? You seem a little.. too cheerful, today."
Hurt face. "What? I have to Glum-Buffy all the time to be normal?"
Giles chuckled. "No. I didn't mean that at all. You just seem to be trying a bit too hard. Did you and Dawn have a fight? Or one of the others? Is Spike annoying you again?"
"You could say that," she grumbled quietly. Louder, "No. Just... really glad to be getting home."
Giles nodded. "Yes. Me too." Frowned at the map. "Of course, we'll have to get turned around and going in the right direction before we can get any closer to home."
Another charming smile. "Better hurry, Direction Man. Don't want night to fall and have to leave it to Spike."
Giles sighed. "Good Lord. We'd probably wind up in Minnesota."
"Or South Dakota."
Giles chuckled a little. "He probably would do that, wouldn't he." Shook his head. "We can't really blame him, though. How would one of us feel if... Xander, or Willow lived in another state?"
Didn't really care, but she nodded agreeably. "Yeah.."
Giles nodded and went back to studying the map again, grumbling to himself about how he was going to have a long talk with Xander.
"Hey, I'm gonna take a quick shower, and then come keep you more company, ok?"
Giles smiled at her. "Take your time, Buffy. I'll still be here."
She nodded, and disappeared back into the bathroom after grabbing clothes and towels.
========================================================================== =========
Buffy made her way to Spike's hotel room, knowing it was different now. Things were not the same. When he'd made love to her before, his eyes never left hers, always full of caring, or love, or lust, or whatever was his ruling emotion. Now, his eyes still never left hers. But it was... blank. Like he took no pleasure, but she knew he did. He left her, every time after they had sex. Had even taking to smoking again. Light up, let the cigarette dangle in his lips while he pulled his pants on, and left. But tonight, she was trying something different. She knocked.
"In, Slayer." He knew it was her. The sun set, and she appeared. It was like a clock.
She slid the door open, closed it behind her, crossed to where he was lying, already shirtless on the hotel bed.
Stared at her. Blankly, with a hint of indifference.
She let her eyes close against his cold look, keeping them closed while she pulled her clothes off.
He made a quiet sound. A snort. And went about removing his already unzipped jeans. No use delaying.
She joined him on the bed, reaching for him.
He moved sort of like a robot, repeated actions, with no thought or feeling behind them. Knew what she wanted, and gave it to her.
Right before he finished with her- because that's what he did- finished. Like a chore- she took hold of his hand, kissing the palm.
He let her, watching. Not allowing his emotions to show.
She kissed the pads of his fingers, as she had the first morning after they had been together, dragged her lips across where the cuts had been, her other hand sliding across his chest, gently.
She was making this hard. But he had to go through with it. Had to make her see. Phase one had not been completed yet. Couldn't let himself enjoy her gentleness. Couldn't let it show.
She let her fingers slide between his, interlocking them. Kissed the base of his neck tenderly. Looked at him, bit her bottom lip a moment. Then, quietly, "Stay with me?"
Oh, he wanted to. He wanted nothing more than to just lay there, feeling her warm body up against him, touching him. But no. Plan. Had to stick to the plan. "No." Moved to get up.
Her mouth moved, with no sound. Couldn't vocalize that kind of hurt. Confusion clouded her eyes as she stared at him, dressing slowly.
Kept his back to her as he dressed. Couldn't bear to see the way he *knew* she was looking at him. Kept up his internal mantra of 'plan plan plan...' Headed for the door, even though it was his room. He'd take a walk, come back when he was sure she'd gone.
She drew in a breath, about to speak, when he paused at the door. He had changed his mind. He was going to stay, and things were going to be-
He looked over his shoulder, eyes focusing on her in the near darkness, supremely glad that Slayer sight wasn't as good as vampire sight at seeing in the dark, or she might have seen something he didn't want her to. Said flatly, without emotion, "Hope you got that itch, Slayer." Opened the door, and left.
He would have done better to bitch-slap her. She felt suddenly, irrevocably, mind, body and soul, naked. She drew the sheets over herself, fruitlessly. Cheap. Small. But mostly cheap. She stood, dressed hastily, and left.
He'd been lurking in the hall. Waited until she got on the elevator, and then went back into his room. Looked at the bed. Uh-uh. Not tonight. Headed for the couch. Paused, turned, fished his stuffed cat out of his bag, then laid down on the couch. Maybe now he could sleep.
========================================================================== =========
It was their last day in the hotel. She hated herself for it, but knocked anyway.
This time, a grunt was her only invitation.
She entered, her head lifted defiantly, but her body language a different, shyer message.
He was on the bed, as before. But hadn't even bothered with the pants, this time.
God in heaven, naked. And totally comfortable with it, from all appearances. She knelt on the bed, tugged her shirt off, moved to him.
Watched her, like before. Blankly. The way one would watch a fish tank.
She slid closer, kissed him.
Hmm. She was trying again. He let her kiss him, but didn't respond too much.
Her hands rested on his shoulders lightly while she kissed him, and they slowly began to rove over his chest.
Growled slightly, and pushed her back. "No."
Slightly protesting noise, tried to kiss him again.
He growled again, and flipped quickly so that she was on her back and he was on top of her. "No, luv."
When Spike would have made short work of the jeans she was wearing, she pressed her knees together, turned on her side and pushed up on the bed, getting herself away from his caging arms. "Stop."
He sat back on his knees. Looked at her. Waited.
Her eyes were flooding and she refused to let him see that. She stayed on her side, her back to him. "I... I w-" She stopped. Closed her eyes, ridiculing herself, waiting till the flow had stopped, not wanting to wipe at them, alerting Spike to their presence, and until her voice was steady. Took in a slow deep breath. "I want to change my choice. I can- I can still do that, right?"
Ah. Phase one complete. He got up, and slipped his jeans on, then sat on the bed before answering. "Don't think you're supposed to be able to, luv."
He was going to make her beg. Well, just another thing to cry over when she got back to her room. "I know. But... I- I want to."
He moved closer to her, the blank look gone, emotions radiating from him once again. "You can."
Her back shuddered as she held in another sob, raising one hand to swipe at her face disgustedly. Nodded her head.
"Friendship, then?" Had to get her to say it, before it was official and Phase 2 could actually begin.
Took in another steadying breath. "Yeah. Friendship." Stood off the bed, her arms folded discreetly over her chest. "I... I need my-"
He was already holding her shirt for her.
Keeping one arm across herself, she grabbed the shirt with her other hand, turned around to tug it over her head.
The moment she had it on, he put a hand on her shoulder gently. "Are you alright, luv?"
Pulled away from his touch slowly, not even angrily. "I can't-" Dragged a hand through her hair. "I'm- I can't do this tonight." She walked to the door, trying to get out before she started crying for reasons she didn't even understand again.
He nodded, and walked with her to the door. "Hey. Later, maybe we can get a cup of coffee, or something? Before time to leave. If you want."
Nodded hastily, scrubbing her hands over her face, particularly hard over her eyes. "Sure... just... knock... or... call the room. Whenever."
He nodded, and handed her a couple of Kleenexes he'd grabbed from beside the bed, opening the door for her. "I'm here, if you need to talk, luv. Okay?"
Right. Of course. Talk to him. About him. About things she was feeling. That she didn't know what she was feeling. Or why. Right. Right on that. "Of course."
Nodded again. Beginning to feel like one of those stupid plastic bobble head dogs in car windows.
She nodded too, and slipped from the room.
========================================================================== ===
He went back into the room, plunking himself down on the bed with a sigh. Phase 1 complete. Picked up his cell phone, hit speed dial 1.
Mumbled, sleepy Spanish obscenities greeted him.
Felt like hitting himself over the head with a chair. Damn time zones. "Sorry, pet. I'll let you go. Didn't mean to wake you."
"Mm-wha-?" Could almost see her blinking her eyes blearily, rubbing at them. "What, Puppy?"
"Not important. You go back to sleep."
"Why the hell would I do THAT at 4 AM? I'm awake now." There was a small smile in her voice.
He chuckled. "Okay. Remember what we talked about a couple of days ago? Well, Phase 1 is complete."
Hauled herself up on her elbows. "Bitch swam outta denial, huh?"
He laughed a little. "She changed her mind on the ultimatum, if that's what you mean." Sighed. "God, though, pet. She almost had me a couple of times."
Reprimanding sigh. "Puppy-"
"I know, I know... But she was being... gentle. Sweet. Soft kisses.. caresses..." Sighed.
"Do NOT even feel bad for her." Madison's voice was sharp, quick to cut in on his musings.
Snapped back. "Sorry. I don't. I didn't. Really."
She muttered at him in Spanish for a moment, "Los mentirosos van al infierno." (liars go to hell)
"So do vampires, pet." She'd either forgotten, or didn't care that he knew Spanish.
Huffed at him. Definitely the latter. "Puppys who lie go there even faster."
He made a quiet whimper. "I am sorry, Madison. And I didn't give in. That's what counts. She snapped first."
"Good." Mumbled a little under her breath. Maybe she wasn't her best at 4 AM, but she was certainly her most honest.
"So.. Want to explain to me what Phase 2 is again? What if she likes being just friends? What do I do then?"
"She won't. And in Phase Two, while being innocent friends, you'll lavish her with looks. Those smoldering ones, that make you melt into your shoes and forget that every man who breathes is a miserable piece of- " Reigned in her rant. "Anyway. Smoldering looks, casual touches. It'll drive her crazy."
He grinned a little. "This phase is gonna be fun."
She laughed a little. "Of course it will be."
========================================================================== ======
Buffy was sitting next to Spike in main room of the Ohana. He was making her share her magazine.
Cocked his head, stared at a page. "Do you think that's her real hair color?"
Squinted at the black-haired model with pale skin and freckles. "No. Look at her eyebrows. Her hair's a medium brown."
He nodded. "Thought as much. And that one.." Pointed. "Looks like she's wearing a dead dog."
Gave a small laugh, tried to not squirm closer or farther away from him. "She's ugly."
He made a face. "Tell me about it. She's in no danger from vamps, though."
"Why's that?"
He made the same face again. "Well, humans aren't the only creatures who like a bit of presentation with their food." Wrinkled his nose. "And it'd take more than a sprig of parsley to make *that* appetizing to *me*." Snort.
Laughed. "Which is why Madison made the list." No resentment, just understanding the younger woman's beauty.
He chuckled, nudged her with his shoulder. Playfully licked his lips. "Now you... Slayer Parmesan, with a side of hot cocoa. Mmm."
The 'Mmm' sent ripples of yummy-ness coursing through her body, to settle into a big knot of unsatifsaction. She bit the bullet, smiled. "Yup. Fattening and chocolate. And totally not good together."
Spike chuckled, and went back to studying the magazine, trying to turn the pages faster.
Swatted at his hands. "For those of us who can *read*, Spike, the words are kind of interesting."
He snorted. "I can *read*, Slayer. Just looking for something interestin'."
"The fashion alerts ARE interesting."
Another snort, and a muttered 'Dawn-ism'. "Yeah, right."
Butted her head into his shoulder, trying to act as normal as possible. "Shut up."
'Grrr'ed, softly. Playfully.
Kept her nose in the air while she read over the fashion alerts. She was tingly. So what? She was always tingly with Spike less than eight inches away. Hell, who was she lying to? Eight feet away. Yeah, but... the tingles started from her thigh. They usually started running down her back and- Hand. Thigh. Hand thigh. Thigh hand. Hand on thigh. Spike hand on Buffy thigh. Hand of Spike on thigh of Buffy.
He didn't seem to be doing anything. It was just... there. And he was still reading the magazine. And had moved a bit closer to her, too.
Friend, Buffy. Bad girl. Noooo cookies for you. Magazine. Pee. Gotta pee. Gotta pee. She stood abruptly. "I gotta pee."
He watched her head for the bathroom, calling after her, "Thanks for the announcement, luv!"
Xander took a cue, stood up, cupping his hands around his mouth. "NOW HEAR THIS! BUFFY HAS TO PEE! BUFFY. HAS. TO. PEE." Sat back down. "We now return you to your regularly scheduled RV boredom."
Spike was doing his best not to laugh.
Buffy came out of the bathroom a few minutes later, giving the back of Xander's head a playful slap. "Go, you, oh knightly squire."
"Thank 'ee kindly, madam," he responded, with a half bow.
Spike finally chuckled.
She rolled her eyes and sat back down. Flipped through the pages.
Spike yawned, and leaned his head back against the back of the booth, closing his eyes.
Buffy was gonna be a good girl. So when boredom and sleepiness got the best of her, she huddled in the passenger's seat, almost as if she was trying to protect herself from something.
They were looking for another hotel, but this little out of the way town didn't seem to have one, so Giles kept driving. He glanced over at Buffy. "Buffy, why don't you go ahead and get your cot out? You seem very tired."
Shook her head, tilted it back on the armrest to look at him as best she could. "I'm ok."
He gave her a smile. "Want me to ask Dawn to bring you a blanket?"
Nodded. Giles knew everything.
The Watcher turned his head and made the request of the youngest Summers, who was very close to falling asleep in the booth, leaning against her already slumbering vampire friend.
She jerked awake, eyelids still half-closed, though. "Huh?"
"I asked you if you would get your sister a blanket. You're the closest to the linen closet." Linen closet. Humph. Little cabinet with a bunch of blankets crammed in there, is more like it.
Grumbled as she climbed to her feet, dragged one out of the tiny closet, tossed it, folded, onto Buffy, then laid back down again.
Buffy lolled her head back to thank her sister, who was currently pulling a sleeping Spike's arm to wrap it around her. Grinned. Too cute. "Thanks, Dawnie."
"Mmm-nnnt," the youngest Summers mumbled, trying to sleep again.
Buffy spread the blanket over herself, smiled at Giles. "Thanks."
He nodded, and returned her smile. "Go ahead and sleep, Buffy. I can keep going for a couple of hours, and then I'm going to have to wake Spike. We need to get at least to YellowStone by tomorrow. Then it'll be easy to find our way home."
"Mmm-kay..." She let her eyes shut, and she slept.
-========================================================================= ======
She woke, seemingly minutes later, to pitch darkness, and a humming. A song humming. Behind Blue Eyes? She sat up blinking blearily.
Spike was driving, keeping himself occupied by humming any old song he could think of. This was a personal favorite.
The blanket slowly slid off her as she sat all the way up, looking around. "What time?" she inquired sleepily.
He glanced over, giving her a smile. "Little after three am, luv. How'd you sleep?"
Cocked her head to each shoulder sharply. "My neck is really pissed off at me. Besides, though, fine."
He grinned a little. "Wish I could help you with that, luv, but I'm driving."
Tingles. Damn them. "No. Friends. No. S'ok."
He just chuckled a bit. Changed the subject. "Took Rupert a good fifteen minutes to get Bit off me without wakin' her."
Smiled, turned to take in everyone on their respective cots. "Yeah?"
Spike nodded with a smile. "Yeah. Was hangin' onto me pretty tight. I didn't really mind, though. Kept me warm. And I just was enjoying the company."
Pulled the blanket back up. "Yeah. Giles was keeping me company I guess."
"Sorry. Guess I'm no substitute for Super Watcher."
Smiled. "You fell asleep before I did."
He chuckled and shook his head. "Yeah. When I get relaxed, and feelin' happy, I doze off. I've always been like that."
"Oh."
Looked at her. "Somethin' botherin' you, luv? Can I help?"
"No." Toned it down. "No... I'm fine. Just... ya know."
Gave her a sideways look, complete with raised eyebrow. "If I knew, would I have asked you?"
Laid her head back down on the armrest. Her hair hung down between them. "No. I don't know either."
Spike smiled, and reached over to pull the blanket back up over her a bit. "Oh, good. Then we can be clueless together."
Shuddered. "God, I hate that movie." Loved him touching her, though.
He chuckled, and kept the one hand on her armrest, holding the blanket up, steering with the other hand. "That movie *scared* me. I didn't even *know* that humans could act like that. I had been hoping that Harm was a genetic experiment gone horribly wrong."
She gave a soft laugh. Could feel his hand by her head.
Absently, as he drove, his thumb began playing with the hair that was hanging over the armrest.
She didn't move, didn't want to alert him to his actions, for fear he'd stop. "I used to be like Harmony."
Shook his head with disbelief. "Uh-uh. I will not have that mental picture. I'll have nightmares."
Another smile. "I wasn't THAT bad, but... I was a very content, rich, popular girl." A touch of longing in her voice. Before she was the Slayer. Before her mom died, before it mattered that she was a horrible judge of character...
He knew what he was doing, by then, and continued consciously, stroking her hair gently. "Do you regret it? If you could go back in time, and warn yourself, get away before Merrick found you, would you?"
Took a deep breath. Remembered her words to Giles, when she learned she didn't HAVE to be the slayer anymore. By then, it was all she was. "I... I don't think so. I have real friends. Who'd die for and with me. And they've proved it. I guess... I could live without some of the hurt. A lot of the hurt. I have a dad, for real now. I wouldn't have had Dawn without being the Slayer. I guess I wouldn't. Because... without the slayer, what am I? Nothing. Shallow, vapid, Cordelia. Being the slayer has shaped me. I know that."
He nodded. "Good." Kept stroking her hair softly. It calmed him for some reason.
She pulled the blanket around her more firmly. "Yup. Good." Looked at him. "Do you... regret being sired? Would you warn yourself against it if you could?"
He had to think about it for a moment. "I don't think so. Sure, I've caused a lot of damage because of it, but if I hadn't been sired, I never would've met you, or Niblet, or Joyce, or Madison. Never would've guessed that I could be a part of this... group. Family. So, no. I wouldn't." Chuckled. "Hell. I'd probably go back, find Dru, and have her do it sooner."
Half chuckle. "She's such a crazy ho."
Momentary biting of lip. Touchy subject. Looked at the road signs for a moment.
Small voice. "Sorry."
He shook his head. "S'ok, luv. No problem."
"Yeah. But still."
Chuckled softly. "Water under the bridge, Slayer. Don't let my past problems bother you."
"Right." His hand had stopped it's movement.
Spike pulled his hand away from her, as they were at a stop light, and stretched a little, needing to shift positions after so long in one place.
Quelled her disappointment, and increased frustration as she peeked at him, turned her eyes back forward when he was finished stretching.
He yawned a little, then returned his attention to the road when the light turned green. "Anything else you'd like to talk about, luv?"
Shrugged. "Not really. Anything you want to talk about?"
Mimicked her shrug. "Not really." Sideways grin.
Rolled her eyes at him. "You better not be making fun of me."
He chuckled. "Now whatever gave you that idea?"
Just smiled. "Really don't need to talk to me about anything?"
Shrugged. "Can't really think of anything." Then gave her a sideways look. "There is something you can help me with, though."
"Hmm?"
He gave her a kind of silly look. "There is an itch, on the back of my neck, and in order to scratch it, I'd have to let go of the wheel. Bad idea, being that we're now on a freeway and all. Could you....?"
Nodded and stood behind his seat, scratching at the back of his neck.
He purred softly. "Little lower, luv. Ahh. Thanks."
Kept scratching gently. That sound... It was almost as bad as him touching her. Maybe worse.
He kept purring, but gently pulled away from her when his eyelids started to droop. "That's enough, luv. Don't want me fallin' asleep at the wheel, do we?"
Folded her hands in front of her obediently, quickly. Regained her seat. "No we don't."
The vampire yawned, and shook his head. Blinked, then grinned at her. "Thanks, luv."
"Anytime."
========================================================================== =======
They had finally made their way to Yellowstone. Parked at the RV place. And Dawn had spilt nail polish remover on Buffy's blanket, while Xander had managed to squash an eclair into his. So. People were sharing. Xander and Anya huddled under their blanket, Giles had adamantly refused to share. So that left Buffy trying to sleep under a blanket with Spike.
The main, and most obvious problem with this was that it got very cold in the Ohana at night, hence the blankets in the first place, but Spike.. Well, his auto-shift body temperature dropped low enough to make him shiver. So, instinctive reaction. Snuggle closer to the warm thing that was under the blanket with him. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how she looked at it), Buffy happened to *be* the warm thing.
And Spike happened to have hauled her against him, an arm slung over her stomach, anchoring her to him, the tips of his fingers disappearing into the waistband of her baby blue boxers. The cold fingers were what woke her up.
Spike, on the other hand, seemed perfectly happy. He was purring softly, and nuzzled his nose into her hair. His nose was cold, too.
The goosebumps weren't all happy ones. But some were. She debated pushing him off, but she really didn't want to. That's what it boiled down to. Wanted him to touch her. Not just screw her. Touch her. And he was. She was pretty sure once she had warmed him up, he'd let her go.
But that took some time, due to the no circulation factor. About an hour later, Spike did let go, then rolled over, and snuggled against her again, back to back.
She decided that since she let him use her heat, she would use a little more of the blanket. Tugged it to her.
He was holding the other side.
Growled quietly. She was getting cold. Decided the only way to not waste blanket space was to roll over, tuck herself up against Spike's back, and hold the blankets as tightly around her as possible.
The moment she rolled over and got up against him, the purring started again. Or, rather, got louder again, because it hadn't ever stopped.
She closed her eyes, nuzzled into his back, and let the noise wash over her.
Spike was happy. Content. He let out a deep, unconscious sigh, before drifting into an even deeper sleep.
Buffy followed him shortly, woke hours later to Spike looking at her.
He smiled at her from where he was propped on his elbow. The sounds of deep breathing told of the fact that the rest of the Ohana's occupants were still asleep.
Her hand went directly to her hair.
He chuckled. "Don't worry, luv. Not stickin' up, too much." This was said very quietly, so as not to wake the others.
Tiny groan, and she ran her fingers through it anyway. "Morning."
Yawned. "Mornin'. I didn't bother you last night, did I? Woke up kinda tangled."
Shook her head. White lies never hurt anyone. "No. Slept all night."
He laid on his back, and looked over at her. "Good. So'd I."
"Always good." Curled her toes. "Feet're cold.."
He pushed his half of the blanket over her.
Sighed sleepily, pushed his half back at him, just rearranging until her feet were properly covered.
He smiled over at her, and yawned again.
Turned on her side, facing him, cuddling down into the blankets.
He kind of half nuzzled his pillow, moving the stuffing around to make it softer. "You know, in all my years, I've slept everywhere from the finest hotels, to underneath a bridge. Don't think I've ever slept as well as I did last night." Frowned at the cot for a moment. "Lumpy, camp cot aside."
Non-committal noise. "I slept pretty good, too."
Eyes were half closed. "Good." Sleepy, relaxed smile. Spike moved for a moment, half sitting up to rearrange his half of the blanket, which had gotten kind of wrapped around one of his legs.
Buffy blinked. What was- Yup, it was.. but... "Spike..?"
He glanced at her. "Yeah?"
"Your bed is vibrating."
He sat still for a moment, before his eyes widened with realization. "Oh. My phone." Pulled it from under the pillow. "Hello?"
"¡Usted arrogante, subyugar, caballo estúpido como, el hijo de una ramera!" The Spanish assault fell rapidly on his ears. (You arrogant, overbearing, stupid horse's ass, son of a bitch!)
Spike swallowed, and held the phone slightly away from his ear. "Ow. Hi, pet... I'm guessing you're mad at me for something?"
She rattled off a few more choice words. "How dare you."
He had a sheepish look by then, knowing that Buffy's Slayer hearing would've picked up most of that, if not all, and that she'd studied Spanish in High School. "I take it you've been talking to your brother?"
She just cocked her head, having no idea what was said. They weren't taught THAT kind of language.
"Santa Maria, you bless God himself that you aren't here. I've already slammed Will's head into a wall."
Spike bit his lip. "We were only standin' up for you, Madison-"
"Jesus Christo!" She exploded at him. "I can stand up for myself! What did you do??" Soft whimper. "¿El Dios dulce, qué usted hizo?" (sweet god, what did you do?)
He sat up on the cot, looking embarrassed, and a little ashamed. "I.. we.. Just roughed the wanker up a bit, Madison. Really. We-"
"Broke eight of his ribs. Both of his arms, cracked his pelvic bone, broke his nose. I know."
Spike let out a soft growl. "After the things he said to you, Madison, he's lucky we let him off so easy." Eyes flashed.
"He has a major concussion, Spike. Apparently from having his head slammed into a brick wall. Did I mention a fractured jaw?"
He winced. Spike. Not Puppy. She was pissed. But still.. "Hey, now, I didn't slam him into the wall. That was Will. If you're trying to get me to say I'm sorry, I can't. Because I'm not. He deserved what we did, Madison. And I'm glad we did it. Maybe he'll think twice before he hurts someone else."
She was glowering. "Do you know what it takes for me to not go to him?? To not heal him??"
Growled. "He doesn't deserve it, Madison. You know that." Voice softened, added a bit of a concealed whimper. "I'm sorry what we did upsets you, pet. I really am. That, I am sorry about. But... You know me. You know why I had to do that. I know you do."
Buffy listened carefully. Apparently they had beat the hell out of someone who had hurt her. It was... sweet, in an overprotective, violent way. She kept listening for more. He did love her. That was clear.
Madison dismissed her still-aching heart. "I'm fine, Puppy. You know that. I'm always fine."
"Los mentirosos van al infierno," he whispered in Spanish. Quiet entreaty.
Muffled sniff from her end of the line. "Fine. I hurt. He shattered my heart, and trust, and confidence." Tearful indignance. "Is that what you wanted to hear?"
"Now tell me that there isn't a part of you that is glad that wanker got his. Honestly." His voice was quiet, comforting, to soften the sharpness of his words.
Little sob. "That's why I'm so upset."
He nodded softly. "I know. I know it hurts. I know exactly how you feel, pet. And I'm going to keep being here. For you to yell at, or complain to, or anything you want to do. Cause that's what friends do. Remember that I love you, Madison. Will loves you." Went for a lighter tone. "If it helps, he wanted me to eat the wanker, and I said no."
Watery laugh. "He's still mad you didn't. Puppy... Tell me you understand why it hurts me that I'm happy he's in the hospital? I was... it's in my soul to stop pain... I'm... glad it was inflicted..."
He sighed. "Part of me does understand, pet. Part. But it's a part that I don't listen to that much anymore. All I want is for you to be happy. And I'm sorry that what I did to try and make it better just succeeded in making you feel worse." Sighed sadly. "I am a creature of violence, Madison. Of darkness. It's what I am. What I do. Sometimes I forget that there are other ways to deal with things."
Buffy bit her lip at his revelation. He was... kind, and so contrite. She dropped her head to consider that they were both creatures of violence.
Sighed again. "I am sorry, Madison." His head was hanging a little by then, and it came through his voice.
"You never make me feel worse, my Puppy. You make me feel very cared for, protected, and loved. You and Will. My knights in shining armor." Dropped her voice. "I'm sorry I upset you so much."
Head cocked, looking for all the world like the Puppy he was. "You didn't upset me."
"Well, I must've sounded pathetic and crazy."
He chuckled a little. "No. Just sad. Heartbroken. And that made me mad. I can't stand it when someone I love is hurting. Tears me up inside, until I have to physically tear something up in order to fix it."
Buffy's head tilted slowly. The group had noticed a torn up sofa on their way out of the hotel the next morning after Buffy's mind change. The clerk had assure them it was rabid raccoon or something, but she knew better. It had been Spike. Her pain had bothered him, too.
"Puppy?"
"Yeah, pet?", he said quietly into the phone, one hand reflexively clenching and unclenching the blanket.
"I'm glad he got his. I'm glad you and Will gave it to him. I'm glad you care enough to. I'm sorry I yelled at you. It's... it's the only way you know to protect people. So... thank you for protecting me."
Half grin. "More than welcome, Madison. All in the pack, after all."
"Exactly. So just 'cause I healed her doesn't mean I won't-"
Cleared his throat, loudly, hoping she'd get the message.
Trailed off. "Oh."
Half chuckled, kept messing with the blanket. "Yeah."
"Why are you nervous?"
"I'm not nervous."
"Los mentirosos van al infierno."
Sighed. "Just fidgety, that's all. And once again, so do vampires."
"Then why are you fidgety?"
"Dunno. Miss you."
Buffy allowed a slow smile to curve her lips. Got up, slipped to the bathroom, because she felt like she was intruding.
"Miss you, too."
Kept playing with the blanket. "Buffy and I were kind of.. cuddling last night.. I was cold.. It doesn't screw up the Phases, does it? I slept really good."
Soothing voice. "That's got you worried?"
"Kinda."
"No, it doesn't. Just a taste of what she can't have till she plays by your rules."
He nodded. "Oh. Ok. Does it matter that I didn't *want* to wake up today?"
She laughed. "You are such a puppy. Nope, doesn't matter at all. Just remember. No kissing. No... special touching."
Nodded again. "Gotcha." Sighed. "She helped me with an itch while I was driving night before last. Almost put me to sleep at the wheel."
Grin. "No scritching, though?"
Sadly. "No." God. She could *hear* the pout.
"Soon enough, Puppy. She'll learn, or I'll be there. One of the two. I promise."
Brightened a little. "Really? You think?"
Buffy listened at where she had the door cracked. Smiled. He sounded like a little kid.
"Really."
Sigh. "Oh, okay. But I don't like waiting. You know that."
"I know. It'll be ok, though." Muffled yelling on her side of the line. She sighed. "Well, wasn't that the sweetest wakeup call you've ever heard?"
He laughed quietly. "Will pissed at something? Or just not a mornin' person?"
"Out of his favorite cereal. And his head hurts where I smacked it into a wall."
"Knowing him, the wall prolly has a headache, too," he chuckled.
She laughed. "You know it. Anyway, I better go make him eggs to make up for it. Thank you for letting me yell at you."
He grinned. "Anytime. But you owe me an all night scritch to make up for it, next time I see you."
She sighed, very exaggerated. "I *guessss* so." Smiled. "I love you."
Smiled happily. "I love you, Madison. Take care. Say hi to Will for me."
"You betcha. Bye, Puppy."
"Bye, pet." They hung up at the same time, and Spike returned his phone to beneath his pillow. Yawned, stretching out on his back. Watched as Buffy exited the bathroom to make way for a sleep rumpled, half awake Dawn, who had just stumbled out of the back room, clutching her Rhino. Didn't even mutter a greeting, just closed the door behind herself.
Spike chuckled a little, and smiled at Buffy, who now had non-sticky-uppy hair.
She smiled back, tucking her hair behind her ears. "How's Madison?"
He chuckled. "Running an emotional gauntlet. Pissed, happy, sad, you name it. It's like the PMS station sometimes."
Buffy shrugged empathetically. "She got her heart broken."
He nodded. "Yeah. We all know how *that* feels. Probably why I had to do something about it. First time I've ever been able to."
Half nod. Decided to extend an olive branch. Even if it was somewhat forced, "Tell her... next time you talk, that I hope she feels better."
An effort. Well, well, well. Grinned. "I'll do that, luv." Patted the cot beside him. "'Sides Bit, and us, everyone's still sleepin. Care to lie down?"
She crawled back up and laid back down.
He laid her half of the blanket over her, and stared up at the ceiling. Hmm. Oh, look. A patched hole from the sword he'd caught. How.. interesting. Sighed.
She tried to squirm closer without being noticeable.
Noticed, but didn't mind. Let one arm lay onto her cot. Invitation. After all, they'd all seen Willow and Xander do things like that. And they were just friends. Perfectly acceptable.
After a moment's hesitation, she moved up against his side, her head cushioned by his shoulder.
He let his arm wrap around her gently, comfortably. Sighed again.
Bit her lip. "I... um... heard some of your conversation." All breezy casual.
Uh oh. Oh God.. She knows about the plan.. don't panic. "Oh really?" Yeah. That didn't sound nervous.
"Yeah." Pushed at his side until he rolled on the opposite one.
"Uh, luv-"
Laid close to his back again like she had the night before, and buried one hand in the thick hair, scritched tentatively at his scalp.
He had been tense. *Had* being the operative word. "Ooh.." Ah, ok. Madison had been right. Pushed against her hand, a happy purr starting in his chest.
She smiled happily, and gained a little confidence, roving her hand over his scalp, scritching a little more vigorously, then softly.
Spike gave a happy sigh. Hoped... prayed that it would be quite some time before anyone else woke up.
End, part 19. Ok, guys... Yeah, it took a couple days. I felt like making you wait. Sorry. It's the sadist in me. Anyway, we can't tell you how much the NON mean reviews meant to us last chapter. We were starting to lose faith in people. You've restored us. : ) Spuffy lovin'? You might ask. 'Where is it???' Well, I can tell you chappy and verse where it's at, but I won't. *evil teehee-ing* But that MUST mean it's there right? Stay tuned for the next episode of "Ohana: No one gets left behind". Sorry, I feel silly. REVIEW! Let us know what you think. *blows kisses*
Always. Tequila Sunrise
He, for his part, was keeping his expression decidedly neutral. Not returning her glares, no matter how much he wanted to. Six more hours, and he'd make the decision for her.
Her mind was rife with discord, and it was, of course, all his fault. They could be harmoniously screwing the whole way home, and everything would be fine. Because... wow, the way he moved his- No. Bad. No. No. Six hours and the choice was out of her hands. And that didn't sit well with her. She hated not having a choice. She always needed her own choice. Her free will to at least decide which the LESS painful of two horridly hurtful choices was.
He gave a sigh, and returned his attention to the game of Go Fish that he, Dawn, and Tara were playing. Him under protest.
Everyone in the Ohana felt the tension, and it was decidedly quiet. Hushed. Strained. And Buffy wanted to beat the hell out of something, and cry.
Spike cheated to lose the game, and then got up and left for the back room. Emotional tension was so bloody exhausting.
Buffy had finally worked her mind around it. She could have his body. And Spike never left her upset. She would skillfully use their post-sex cuddle time, which she knew he *loved*, to get him to play nice. It was an easy, workable plan. She stood, followed him into the room, closing the door behind her, locking it.
He looked up from where he'd been leafing through one of Giles' old books, and focused on her. "Slayer," he said by way of greeting.
She wetted her lips, feeling decidedly uncomfortable. Resolved to brazen it out. Stepped forward, sliding the book from his hands, touched her lips to his repeatedly in small, feathery kisses, that turned longer, harder in a matter of seconds.
He responded for a moment, then pulled back. "Made your decision, then?"
Looked at him, defiantly pressed her lips to his again by way of answer.
A mental sigh. Oh well, he'd asked her to choose. Sex without friendship it was then. He pulled her onto the bed roughly.
Low moan in her throat, looked up at him, ran her fingers over his torso.
Spike growled low, and quickly flipped on top of her. She wanted sex, he'd give her sex. He'd give her the most mind-blowing sex ever. And then he'd begin to make his point.
========================================================================== ==
Buffy's eyes were slightly glassy, and she lay panting, lips swollen from being crushed to his, her entire body on fire, but sated. She lay languidly on top the sheets, lifted a hand to run it down Spike's arm.
He pulled away from her, getting up as soon as he could, and moving to dress. All without a word.
The pleased look on her face gave way to one of confusion. Okay.. This wasn't right. He always wanted to cuddle after they ma- had sex. What was going on?
He finished dressing, ran a comb through his hair, then went into the main room, closing the door behind him.
She sat, confusedly, then after a moment, pulled her knees to her chest, feeling very cold. She stared at the door, then shook her head. 'Let it go, Buffy,' she told herself. 'You chose. And you chose well.' She firmed her mouth, dressed hastily, and joined the others.
Spike was settled in a folding chair, backwards, watching Xander, Anya, and Dawn playing Monopoly on the table.
She brushed past him, ignoring the way her body reacted to him, even after having been with him less than five minutes before. Sat in the passenger's seat. "Hey, Giles."
The Watcher glanced up from where he was studying a map. "Ah, Buffy. How are you?"
"Good. Great! You?"
Giles shrugged. "Fine, except for the fact that I listened to Xander when he told me to take a left about six miles back, and now I have absolutely no clue where we are."
Buffy smiled. A problem she could solve. "Then, go back six miles and make a right."
Giles chuckled. "That would be easy, if this weren't a one way road we're on. I've got to figure out how to get us turned around."
She made a face. "Sorry. Not talking to problem-fixer, anymore."
He shook his head. "This'll teach me to listen to Xander." Went back to studying the map.
"Yup. That sure will."
Giles glanced up again. "Is something bothering you, Buffy? You seem a little.. too cheerful, today."
Hurt face. "What? I have to Glum-Buffy all the time to be normal?"
Giles chuckled. "No. I didn't mean that at all. You just seem to be trying a bit too hard. Did you and Dawn have a fight? Or one of the others? Is Spike annoying you again?"
"You could say that," she grumbled quietly. Louder, "No. Just... really glad to be getting home."
Giles nodded. "Yes. Me too." Frowned at the map. "Of course, we'll have to get turned around and going in the right direction before we can get any closer to home."
Another charming smile. "Better hurry, Direction Man. Don't want night to fall and have to leave it to Spike."
Giles sighed. "Good Lord. We'd probably wind up in Minnesota."
"Or South Dakota."
Giles chuckled a little. "He probably would do that, wouldn't he." Shook his head. "We can't really blame him, though. How would one of us feel if... Xander, or Willow lived in another state?"
Didn't really care, but she nodded agreeably. "Yeah.."
Giles nodded and went back to studying the map again, grumbling to himself about how he was going to have a long talk with Xander.
"Hey, I'm gonna take a quick shower, and then come keep you more company, ok?"
Giles smiled at her. "Take your time, Buffy. I'll still be here."
She nodded, and disappeared back into the bathroom after grabbing clothes and towels.
========================================================================== =========
Buffy made her way to Spike's hotel room, knowing it was different now. Things were not the same. When he'd made love to her before, his eyes never left hers, always full of caring, or love, or lust, or whatever was his ruling emotion. Now, his eyes still never left hers. But it was... blank. Like he took no pleasure, but she knew he did. He left her, every time after they had sex. Had even taking to smoking again. Light up, let the cigarette dangle in his lips while he pulled his pants on, and left. But tonight, she was trying something different. She knocked.
"In, Slayer." He knew it was her. The sun set, and she appeared. It was like a clock.
She slid the door open, closed it behind her, crossed to where he was lying, already shirtless on the hotel bed.
Stared at her. Blankly, with a hint of indifference.
She let her eyes close against his cold look, keeping them closed while she pulled her clothes off.
He made a quiet sound. A snort. And went about removing his already unzipped jeans. No use delaying.
She joined him on the bed, reaching for him.
He moved sort of like a robot, repeated actions, with no thought or feeling behind them. Knew what she wanted, and gave it to her.
Right before he finished with her- because that's what he did- finished. Like a chore- she took hold of his hand, kissing the palm.
He let her, watching. Not allowing his emotions to show.
She kissed the pads of his fingers, as she had the first morning after they had been together, dragged her lips across where the cuts had been, her other hand sliding across his chest, gently.
She was making this hard. But he had to go through with it. Had to make her see. Phase one had not been completed yet. Couldn't let himself enjoy her gentleness. Couldn't let it show.
She let her fingers slide between his, interlocking them. Kissed the base of his neck tenderly. Looked at him, bit her bottom lip a moment. Then, quietly, "Stay with me?"
Oh, he wanted to. He wanted nothing more than to just lay there, feeling her warm body up against him, touching him. But no. Plan. Had to stick to the plan. "No." Moved to get up.
Her mouth moved, with no sound. Couldn't vocalize that kind of hurt. Confusion clouded her eyes as she stared at him, dressing slowly.
Kept his back to her as he dressed. Couldn't bear to see the way he *knew* she was looking at him. Kept up his internal mantra of 'plan plan plan...' Headed for the door, even though it was his room. He'd take a walk, come back when he was sure she'd gone.
She drew in a breath, about to speak, when he paused at the door. He had changed his mind. He was going to stay, and things were going to be-
He looked over his shoulder, eyes focusing on her in the near darkness, supremely glad that Slayer sight wasn't as good as vampire sight at seeing in the dark, or she might have seen something he didn't want her to. Said flatly, without emotion, "Hope you got that itch, Slayer." Opened the door, and left.
He would have done better to bitch-slap her. She felt suddenly, irrevocably, mind, body and soul, naked. She drew the sheets over herself, fruitlessly. Cheap. Small. But mostly cheap. She stood, dressed hastily, and left.
He'd been lurking in the hall. Waited until she got on the elevator, and then went back into his room. Looked at the bed. Uh-uh. Not tonight. Headed for the couch. Paused, turned, fished his stuffed cat out of his bag, then laid down on the couch. Maybe now he could sleep.
========================================================================== =========
It was their last day in the hotel. She hated herself for it, but knocked anyway.
This time, a grunt was her only invitation.
She entered, her head lifted defiantly, but her body language a different, shyer message.
He was on the bed, as before. But hadn't even bothered with the pants, this time.
God in heaven, naked. And totally comfortable with it, from all appearances. She knelt on the bed, tugged her shirt off, moved to him.
Watched her, like before. Blankly. The way one would watch a fish tank.
She slid closer, kissed him.
Hmm. She was trying again. He let her kiss him, but didn't respond too much.
Her hands rested on his shoulders lightly while she kissed him, and they slowly began to rove over his chest.
Growled slightly, and pushed her back. "No."
Slightly protesting noise, tried to kiss him again.
He growled again, and flipped quickly so that she was on her back and he was on top of her. "No, luv."
When Spike would have made short work of the jeans she was wearing, she pressed her knees together, turned on her side and pushed up on the bed, getting herself away from his caging arms. "Stop."
He sat back on his knees. Looked at her. Waited.
Her eyes were flooding and she refused to let him see that. She stayed on her side, her back to him. "I... I w-" She stopped. Closed her eyes, ridiculing herself, waiting till the flow had stopped, not wanting to wipe at them, alerting Spike to their presence, and until her voice was steady. Took in a slow deep breath. "I want to change my choice. I can- I can still do that, right?"
Ah. Phase one complete. He got up, and slipped his jeans on, then sat on the bed before answering. "Don't think you're supposed to be able to, luv."
He was going to make her beg. Well, just another thing to cry over when she got back to her room. "I know. But... I- I want to."
He moved closer to her, the blank look gone, emotions radiating from him once again. "You can."
Her back shuddered as she held in another sob, raising one hand to swipe at her face disgustedly. Nodded her head.
"Friendship, then?" Had to get her to say it, before it was official and Phase 2 could actually begin.
Took in another steadying breath. "Yeah. Friendship." Stood off the bed, her arms folded discreetly over her chest. "I... I need my-"
He was already holding her shirt for her.
Keeping one arm across herself, she grabbed the shirt with her other hand, turned around to tug it over her head.
The moment she had it on, he put a hand on her shoulder gently. "Are you alright, luv?"
Pulled away from his touch slowly, not even angrily. "I can't-" Dragged a hand through her hair. "I'm- I can't do this tonight." She walked to the door, trying to get out before she started crying for reasons she didn't even understand again.
He nodded, and walked with her to the door. "Hey. Later, maybe we can get a cup of coffee, or something? Before time to leave. If you want."
Nodded hastily, scrubbing her hands over her face, particularly hard over her eyes. "Sure... just... knock... or... call the room. Whenever."
He nodded, and handed her a couple of Kleenexes he'd grabbed from beside the bed, opening the door for her. "I'm here, if you need to talk, luv. Okay?"
Right. Of course. Talk to him. About him. About things she was feeling. That she didn't know what she was feeling. Or why. Right. Right on that. "Of course."
Nodded again. Beginning to feel like one of those stupid plastic bobble head dogs in car windows.
She nodded too, and slipped from the room.
========================================================================== ===
He went back into the room, plunking himself down on the bed with a sigh. Phase 1 complete. Picked up his cell phone, hit speed dial 1.
Mumbled, sleepy Spanish obscenities greeted him.
Felt like hitting himself over the head with a chair. Damn time zones. "Sorry, pet. I'll let you go. Didn't mean to wake you."
"Mm-wha-?" Could almost see her blinking her eyes blearily, rubbing at them. "What, Puppy?"
"Not important. You go back to sleep."
"Why the hell would I do THAT at 4 AM? I'm awake now." There was a small smile in her voice.
He chuckled. "Okay. Remember what we talked about a couple of days ago? Well, Phase 1 is complete."
Hauled herself up on her elbows. "Bitch swam outta denial, huh?"
He laughed a little. "She changed her mind on the ultimatum, if that's what you mean." Sighed. "God, though, pet. She almost had me a couple of times."
Reprimanding sigh. "Puppy-"
"I know, I know... But she was being... gentle. Sweet. Soft kisses.. caresses..." Sighed.
"Do NOT even feel bad for her." Madison's voice was sharp, quick to cut in on his musings.
Snapped back. "Sorry. I don't. I didn't. Really."
She muttered at him in Spanish for a moment, "Los mentirosos van al infierno." (liars go to hell)
"So do vampires, pet." She'd either forgotten, or didn't care that he knew Spanish.
Huffed at him. Definitely the latter. "Puppys who lie go there even faster."
He made a quiet whimper. "I am sorry, Madison. And I didn't give in. That's what counts. She snapped first."
"Good." Mumbled a little under her breath. Maybe she wasn't her best at 4 AM, but she was certainly her most honest.
"So.. Want to explain to me what Phase 2 is again? What if she likes being just friends? What do I do then?"
"She won't. And in Phase Two, while being innocent friends, you'll lavish her with looks. Those smoldering ones, that make you melt into your shoes and forget that every man who breathes is a miserable piece of- " Reigned in her rant. "Anyway. Smoldering looks, casual touches. It'll drive her crazy."
He grinned a little. "This phase is gonna be fun."
She laughed a little. "Of course it will be."
========================================================================== ======
Buffy was sitting next to Spike in main room of the Ohana. He was making her share her magazine.
Cocked his head, stared at a page. "Do you think that's her real hair color?"
Squinted at the black-haired model with pale skin and freckles. "No. Look at her eyebrows. Her hair's a medium brown."
He nodded. "Thought as much. And that one.." Pointed. "Looks like she's wearing a dead dog."
Gave a small laugh, tried to not squirm closer or farther away from him. "She's ugly."
He made a face. "Tell me about it. She's in no danger from vamps, though."
"Why's that?"
He made the same face again. "Well, humans aren't the only creatures who like a bit of presentation with their food." Wrinkled his nose. "And it'd take more than a sprig of parsley to make *that* appetizing to *me*." Snort.
Laughed. "Which is why Madison made the list." No resentment, just understanding the younger woman's beauty.
He chuckled, nudged her with his shoulder. Playfully licked his lips. "Now you... Slayer Parmesan, with a side of hot cocoa. Mmm."
The 'Mmm' sent ripples of yummy-ness coursing through her body, to settle into a big knot of unsatifsaction. She bit the bullet, smiled. "Yup. Fattening and chocolate. And totally not good together."
Spike chuckled, and went back to studying the magazine, trying to turn the pages faster.
Swatted at his hands. "For those of us who can *read*, Spike, the words are kind of interesting."
He snorted. "I can *read*, Slayer. Just looking for something interestin'."
"The fashion alerts ARE interesting."
Another snort, and a muttered 'Dawn-ism'. "Yeah, right."
Butted her head into his shoulder, trying to act as normal as possible. "Shut up."
'Grrr'ed, softly. Playfully.
Kept her nose in the air while she read over the fashion alerts. She was tingly. So what? She was always tingly with Spike less than eight inches away. Hell, who was she lying to? Eight feet away. Yeah, but... the tingles started from her thigh. They usually started running down her back and- Hand. Thigh. Hand thigh. Thigh hand. Hand on thigh. Spike hand on Buffy thigh. Hand of Spike on thigh of Buffy.
He didn't seem to be doing anything. It was just... there. And he was still reading the magazine. And had moved a bit closer to her, too.
Friend, Buffy. Bad girl. Noooo cookies for you. Magazine. Pee. Gotta pee. Gotta pee. She stood abruptly. "I gotta pee."
He watched her head for the bathroom, calling after her, "Thanks for the announcement, luv!"
Xander took a cue, stood up, cupping his hands around his mouth. "NOW HEAR THIS! BUFFY HAS TO PEE! BUFFY. HAS. TO. PEE." Sat back down. "We now return you to your regularly scheduled RV boredom."
Spike was doing his best not to laugh.
Buffy came out of the bathroom a few minutes later, giving the back of Xander's head a playful slap. "Go, you, oh knightly squire."
"Thank 'ee kindly, madam," he responded, with a half bow.
Spike finally chuckled.
She rolled her eyes and sat back down. Flipped through the pages.
Spike yawned, and leaned his head back against the back of the booth, closing his eyes.
Buffy was gonna be a good girl. So when boredom and sleepiness got the best of her, she huddled in the passenger's seat, almost as if she was trying to protect herself from something.
They were looking for another hotel, but this little out of the way town didn't seem to have one, so Giles kept driving. He glanced over at Buffy. "Buffy, why don't you go ahead and get your cot out? You seem very tired."
Shook her head, tilted it back on the armrest to look at him as best she could. "I'm ok."
He gave her a smile. "Want me to ask Dawn to bring you a blanket?"
Nodded. Giles knew everything.
The Watcher turned his head and made the request of the youngest Summers, who was very close to falling asleep in the booth, leaning against her already slumbering vampire friend.
She jerked awake, eyelids still half-closed, though. "Huh?"
"I asked you if you would get your sister a blanket. You're the closest to the linen closet." Linen closet. Humph. Little cabinet with a bunch of blankets crammed in there, is more like it.
Grumbled as she climbed to her feet, dragged one out of the tiny closet, tossed it, folded, onto Buffy, then laid back down again.
Buffy lolled her head back to thank her sister, who was currently pulling a sleeping Spike's arm to wrap it around her. Grinned. Too cute. "Thanks, Dawnie."
"Mmm-nnnt," the youngest Summers mumbled, trying to sleep again.
Buffy spread the blanket over herself, smiled at Giles. "Thanks."
He nodded, and returned her smile. "Go ahead and sleep, Buffy. I can keep going for a couple of hours, and then I'm going to have to wake Spike. We need to get at least to YellowStone by tomorrow. Then it'll be easy to find our way home."
"Mmm-kay..." She let her eyes shut, and she slept.
-========================================================================= ======
She woke, seemingly minutes later, to pitch darkness, and a humming. A song humming. Behind Blue Eyes? She sat up blinking blearily.
Spike was driving, keeping himself occupied by humming any old song he could think of. This was a personal favorite.
The blanket slowly slid off her as she sat all the way up, looking around. "What time?" she inquired sleepily.
He glanced over, giving her a smile. "Little after three am, luv. How'd you sleep?"
Cocked her head to each shoulder sharply. "My neck is really pissed off at me. Besides, though, fine."
He grinned a little. "Wish I could help you with that, luv, but I'm driving."
Tingles. Damn them. "No. Friends. No. S'ok."
He just chuckled a bit. Changed the subject. "Took Rupert a good fifteen minutes to get Bit off me without wakin' her."
Smiled, turned to take in everyone on their respective cots. "Yeah?"
Spike nodded with a smile. "Yeah. Was hangin' onto me pretty tight. I didn't really mind, though. Kept me warm. And I just was enjoying the company."
Pulled the blanket back up. "Yeah. Giles was keeping me company I guess."
"Sorry. Guess I'm no substitute for Super Watcher."
Smiled. "You fell asleep before I did."
He chuckled and shook his head. "Yeah. When I get relaxed, and feelin' happy, I doze off. I've always been like that."
"Oh."
Looked at her. "Somethin' botherin' you, luv? Can I help?"
"No." Toned it down. "No... I'm fine. Just... ya know."
Gave her a sideways look, complete with raised eyebrow. "If I knew, would I have asked you?"
Laid her head back down on the armrest. Her hair hung down between them. "No. I don't know either."
Spike smiled, and reached over to pull the blanket back up over her a bit. "Oh, good. Then we can be clueless together."
Shuddered. "God, I hate that movie." Loved him touching her, though.
He chuckled, and kept the one hand on her armrest, holding the blanket up, steering with the other hand. "That movie *scared* me. I didn't even *know* that humans could act like that. I had been hoping that Harm was a genetic experiment gone horribly wrong."
She gave a soft laugh. Could feel his hand by her head.
Absently, as he drove, his thumb began playing with the hair that was hanging over the armrest.
She didn't move, didn't want to alert him to his actions, for fear he'd stop. "I used to be like Harmony."
Shook his head with disbelief. "Uh-uh. I will not have that mental picture. I'll have nightmares."
Another smile. "I wasn't THAT bad, but... I was a very content, rich, popular girl." A touch of longing in her voice. Before she was the Slayer. Before her mom died, before it mattered that she was a horrible judge of character...
He knew what he was doing, by then, and continued consciously, stroking her hair gently. "Do you regret it? If you could go back in time, and warn yourself, get away before Merrick found you, would you?"
Took a deep breath. Remembered her words to Giles, when she learned she didn't HAVE to be the slayer anymore. By then, it was all she was. "I... I don't think so. I have real friends. Who'd die for and with me. And they've proved it. I guess... I could live without some of the hurt. A lot of the hurt. I have a dad, for real now. I wouldn't have had Dawn without being the Slayer. I guess I wouldn't. Because... without the slayer, what am I? Nothing. Shallow, vapid, Cordelia. Being the slayer has shaped me. I know that."
He nodded. "Good." Kept stroking her hair softly. It calmed him for some reason.
She pulled the blanket around her more firmly. "Yup. Good." Looked at him. "Do you... regret being sired? Would you warn yourself against it if you could?"
He had to think about it for a moment. "I don't think so. Sure, I've caused a lot of damage because of it, but if I hadn't been sired, I never would've met you, or Niblet, or Joyce, or Madison. Never would've guessed that I could be a part of this... group. Family. So, no. I wouldn't." Chuckled. "Hell. I'd probably go back, find Dru, and have her do it sooner."
Half chuckle. "She's such a crazy ho."
Momentary biting of lip. Touchy subject. Looked at the road signs for a moment.
Small voice. "Sorry."
He shook his head. "S'ok, luv. No problem."
"Yeah. But still."
Chuckled softly. "Water under the bridge, Slayer. Don't let my past problems bother you."
"Right." His hand had stopped it's movement.
Spike pulled his hand away from her, as they were at a stop light, and stretched a little, needing to shift positions after so long in one place.
Quelled her disappointment, and increased frustration as she peeked at him, turned her eyes back forward when he was finished stretching.
He yawned a little, then returned his attention to the road when the light turned green. "Anything else you'd like to talk about, luv?"
Shrugged. "Not really. Anything you want to talk about?"
Mimicked her shrug. "Not really." Sideways grin.
Rolled her eyes at him. "You better not be making fun of me."
He chuckled. "Now whatever gave you that idea?"
Just smiled. "Really don't need to talk to me about anything?"
Shrugged. "Can't really think of anything." Then gave her a sideways look. "There is something you can help me with, though."
"Hmm?"
He gave her a kind of silly look. "There is an itch, on the back of my neck, and in order to scratch it, I'd have to let go of the wheel. Bad idea, being that we're now on a freeway and all. Could you....?"
Nodded and stood behind his seat, scratching at the back of his neck.
He purred softly. "Little lower, luv. Ahh. Thanks."
Kept scratching gently. That sound... It was almost as bad as him touching her. Maybe worse.
He kept purring, but gently pulled away from her when his eyelids started to droop. "That's enough, luv. Don't want me fallin' asleep at the wheel, do we?"
Folded her hands in front of her obediently, quickly. Regained her seat. "No we don't."
The vampire yawned, and shook his head. Blinked, then grinned at her. "Thanks, luv."
"Anytime."
========================================================================== =======
They had finally made their way to Yellowstone. Parked at the RV place. And Dawn had spilt nail polish remover on Buffy's blanket, while Xander had managed to squash an eclair into his. So. People were sharing. Xander and Anya huddled under their blanket, Giles had adamantly refused to share. So that left Buffy trying to sleep under a blanket with Spike.
The main, and most obvious problem with this was that it got very cold in the Ohana at night, hence the blankets in the first place, but Spike.. Well, his auto-shift body temperature dropped low enough to make him shiver. So, instinctive reaction. Snuggle closer to the warm thing that was under the blanket with him. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how she looked at it), Buffy happened to *be* the warm thing.
And Spike happened to have hauled her against him, an arm slung over her stomach, anchoring her to him, the tips of his fingers disappearing into the waistband of her baby blue boxers. The cold fingers were what woke her up.
Spike, on the other hand, seemed perfectly happy. He was purring softly, and nuzzled his nose into her hair. His nose was cold, too.
The goosebumps weren't all happy ones. But some were. She debated pushing him off, but she really didn't want to. That's what it boiled down to. Wanted him to touch her. Not just screw her. Touch her. And he was. She was pretty sure once she had warmed him up, he'd let her go.
But that took some time, due to the no circulation factor. About an hour later, Spike did let go, then rolled over, and snuggled against her again, back to back.
She decided that since she let him use her heat, she would use a little more of the blanket. Tugged it to her.
He was holding the other side.
Growled quietly. She was getting cold. Decided the only way to not waste blanket space was to roll over, tuck herself up against Spike's back, and hold the blankets as tightly around her as possible.
The moment she rolled over and got up against him, the purring started again. Or, rather, got louder again, because it hadn't ever stopped.
She closed her eyes, nuzzled into his back, and let the noise wash over her.
Spike was happy. Content. He let out a deep, unconscious sigh, before drifting into an even deeper sleep.
Buffy followed him shortly, woke hours later to Spike looking at her.
He smiled at her from where he was propped on his elbow. The sounds of deep breathing told of the fact that the rest of the Ohana's occupants were still asleep.
Her hand went directly to her hair.
He chuckled. "Don't worry, luv. Not stickin' up, too much." This was said very quietly, so as not to wake the others.
Tiny groan, and she ran her fingers through it anyway. "Morning."
Yawned. "Mornin'. I didn't bother you last night, did I? Woke up kinda tangled."
Shook her head. White lies never hurt anyone. "No. Slept all night."
He laid on his back, and looked over at her. "Good. So'd I."
"Always good." Curled her toes. "Feet're cold.."
He pushed his half of the blanket over her.
Sighed sleepily, pushed his half back at him, just rearranging until her feet were properly covered.
He smiled over at her, and yawned again.
Turned on her side, facing him, cuddling down into the blankets.
He kind of half nuzzled his pillow, moving the stuffing around to make it softer. "You know, in all my years, I've slept everywhere from the finest hotels, to underneath a bridge. Don't think I've ever slept as well as I did last night." Frowned at the cot for a moment. "Lumpy, camp cot aside."
Non-committal noise. "I slept pretty good, too."
Eyes were half closed. "Good." Sleepy, relaxed smile. Spike moved for a moment, half sitting up to rearrange his half of the blanket, which had gotten kind of wrapped around one of his legs.
Buffy blinked. What was- Yup, it was.. but... "Spike..?"
He glanced at her. "Yeah?"
"Your bed is vibrating."
He sat still for a moment, before his eyes widened with realization. "Oh. My phone." Pulled it from under the pillow. "Hello?"
"¡Usted arrogante, subyugar, caballo estúpido como, el hijo de una ramera!" The Spanish assault fell rapidly on his ears. (You arrogant, overbearing, stupid horse's ass, son of a bitch!)
Spike swallowed, and held the phone slightly away from his ear. "Ow. Hi, pet... I'm guessing you're mad at me for something?"
She rattled off a few more choice words. "How dare you."
He had a sheepish look by then, knowing that Buffy's Slayer hearing would've picked up most of that, if not all, and that she'd studied Spanish in High School. "I take it you've been talking to your brother?"
She just cocked her head, having no idea what was said. They weren't taught THAT kind of language.
"Santa Maria, you bless God himself that you aren't here. I've already slammed Will's head into a wall."
Spike bit his lip. "We were only standin' up for you, Madison-"
"Jesus Christo!" She exploded at him. "I can stand up for myself! What did you do??" Soft whimper. "¿El Dios dulce, qué usted hizo?" (sweet god, what did you do?)
He sat up on the cot, looking embarrassed, and a little ashamed. "I.. we.. Just roughed the wanker up a bit, Madison. Really. We-"
"Broke eight of his ribs. Both of his arms, cracked his pelvic bone, broke his nose. I know."
Spike let out a soft growl. "After the things he said to you, Madison, he's lucky we let him off so easy." Eyes flashed.
"He has a major concussion, Spike. Apparently from having his head slammed into a brick wall. Did I mention a fractured jaw?"
He winced. Spike. Not Puppy. She was pissed. But still.. "Hey, now, I didn't slam him into the wall. That was Will. If you're trying to get me to say I'm sorry, I can't. Because I'm not. He deserved what we did, Madison. And I'm glad we did it. Maybe he'll think twice before he hurts someone else."
She was glowering. "Do you know what it takes for me to not go to him?? To not heal him??"
Growled. "He doesn't deserve it, Madison. You know that." Voice softened, added a bit of a concealed whimper. "I'm sorry what we did upsets you, pet. I really am. That, I am sorry about. But... You know me. You know why I had to do that. I know you do."
Buffy listened carefully. Apparently they had beat the hell out of someone who had hurt her. It was... sweet, in an overprotective, violent way. She kept listening for more. He did love her. That was clear.
Madison dismissed her still-aching heart. "I'm fine, Puppy. You know that. I'm always fine."
"Los mentirosos van al infierno," he whispered in Spanish. Quiet entreaty.
Muffled sniff from her end of the line. "Fine. I hurt. He shattered my heart, and trust, and confidence." Tearful indignance. "Is that what you wanted to hear?"
"Now tell me that there isn't a part of you that is glad that wanker got his. Honestly." His voice was quiet, comforting, to soften the sharpness of his words.
Little sob. "That's why I'm so upset."
He nodded softly. "I know. I know it hurts. I know exactly how you feel, pet. And I'm going to keep being here. For you to yell at, or complain to, or anything you want to do. Cause that's what friends do. Remember that I love you, Madison. Will loves you." Went for a lighter tone. "If it helps, he wanted me to eat the wanker, and I said no."
Watery laugh. "He's still mad you didn't. Puppy... Tell me you understand why it hurts me that I'm happy he's in the hospital? I was... it's in my soul to stop pain... I'm... glad it was inflicted..."
He sighed. "Part of me does understand, pet. Part. But it's a part that I don't listen to that much anymore. All I want is for you to be happy. And I'm sorry that what I did to try and make it better just succeeded in making you feel worse." Sighed sadly. "I am a creature of violence, Madison. Of darkness. It's what I am. What I do. Sometimes I forget that there are other ways to deal with things."
Buffy bit her lip at his revelation. He was... kind, and so contrite. She dropped her head to consider that they were both creatures of violence.
Sighed again. "I am sorry, Madison." His head was hanging a little by then, and it came through his voice.
"You never make me feel worse, my Puppy. You make me feel very cared for, protected, and loved. You and Will. My knights in shining armor." Dropped her voice. "I'm sorry I upset you so much."
Head cocked, looking for all the world like the Puppy he was. "You didn't upset me."
"Well, I must've sounded pathetic and crazy."
He chuckled a little. "No. Just sad. Heartbroken. And that made me mad. I can't stand it when someone I love is hurting. Tears me up inside, until I have to physically tear something up in order to fix it."
Buffy's head tilted slowly. The group had noticed a torn up sofa on their way out of the hotel the next morning after Buffy's mind change. The clerk had assure them it was rabid raccoon or something, but she knew better. It had been Spike. Her pain had bothered him, too.
"Puppy?"
"Yeah, pet?", he said quietly into the phone, one hand reflexively clenching and unclenching the blanket.
"I'm glad he got his. I'm glad you and Will gave it to him. I'm glad you care enough to. I'm sorry I yelled at you. It's... it's the only way you know to protect people. So... thank you for protecting me."
Half grin. "More than welcome, Madison. All in the pack, after all."
"Exactly. So just 'cause I healed her doesn't mean I won't-"
Cleared his throat, loudly, hoping she'd get the message.
Trailed off. "Oh."
Half chuckled, kept messing with the blanket. "Yeah."
"Why are you nervous?"
"I'm not nervous."
"Los mentirosos van al infierno."
Sighed. "Just fidgety, that's all. And once again, so do vampires."
"Then why are you fidgety?"
"Dunno. Miss you."
Buffy allowed a slow smile to curve her lips. Got up, slipped to the bathroom, because she felt like she was intruding.
"Miss you, too."
Kept playing with the blanket. "Buffy and I were kind of.. cuddling last night.. I was cold.. It doesn't screw up the Phases, does it? I slept really good."
Soothing voice. "That's got you worried?"
"Kinda."
"No, it doesn't. Just a taste of what she can't have till she plays by your rules."
He nodded. "Oh. Ok. Does it matter that I didn't *want* to wake up today?"
She laughed. "You are such a puppy. Nope, doesn't matter at all. Just remember. No kissing. No... special touching."
Nodded again. "Gotcha." Sighed. "She helped me with an itch while I was driving night before last. Almost put me to sleep at the wheel."
Grin. "No scritching, though?"
Sadly. "No." God. She could *hear* the pout.
"Soon enough, Puppy. She'll learn, or I'll be there. One of the two. I promise."
Brightened a little. "Really? You think?"
Buffy listened at where she had the door cracked. Smiled. He sounded like a little kid.
"Really."
Sigh. "Oh, okay. But I don't like waiting. You know that."
"I know. It'll be ok, though." Muffled yelling on her side of the line. She sighed. "Well, wasn't that the sweetest wakeup call you've ever heard?"
He laughed quietly. "Will pissed at something? Or just not a mornin' person?"
"Out of his favorite cereal. And his head hurts where I smacked it into a wall."
"Knowing him, the wall prolly has a headache, too," he chuckled.
She laughed. "You know it. Anyway, I better go make him eggs to make up for it. Thank you for letting me yell at you."
He grinned. "Anytime. But you owe me an all night scritch to make up for it, next time I see you."
She sighed, very exaggerated. "I *guessss* so." Smiled. "I love you."
Smiled happily. "I love you, Madison. Take care. Say hi to Will for me."
"You betcha. Bye, Puppy."
"Bye, pet." They hung up at the same time, and Spike returned his phone to beneath his pillow. Yawned, stretching out on his back. Watched as Buffy exited the bathroom to make way for a sleep rumpled, half awake Dawn, who had just stumbled out of the back room, clutching her Rhino. Didn't even mutter a greeting, just closed the door behind herself.
Spike chuckled a little, and smiled at Buffy, who now had non-sticky-uppy hair.
She smiled back, tucking her hair behind her ears. "How's Madison?"
He chuckled. "Running an emotional gauntlet. Pissed, happy, sad, you name it. It's like the PMS station sometimes."
Buffy shrugged empathetically. "She got her heart broken."
He nodded. "Yeah. We all know how *that* feels. Probably why I had to do something about it. First time I've ever been able to."
Half nod. Decided to extend an olive branch. Even if it was somewhat forced, "Tell her... next time you talk, that I hope she feels better."
An effort. Well, well, well. Grinned. "I'll do that, luv." Patted the cot beside him. "'Sides Bit, and us, everyone's still sleepin. Care to lie down?"
She crawled back up and laid back down.
He laid her half of the blanket over her, and stared up at the ceiling. Hmm. Oh, look. A patched hole from the sword he'd caught. How.. interesting. Sighed.
She tried to squirm closer without being noticeable.
Noticed, but didn't mind. Let one arm lay onto her cot. Invitation. After all, they'd all seen Willow and Xander do things like that. And they were just friends. Perfectly acceptable.
After a moment's hesitation, she moved up against his side, her head cushioned by his shoulder.
He let his arm wrap around her gently, comfortably. Sighed again.
Bit her lip. "I... um... heard some of your conversation." All breezy casual.
Uh oh. Oh God.. She knows about the plan.. don't panic. "Oh really?" Yeah. That didn't sound nervous.
"Yeah." Pushed at his side until he rolled on the opposite one.
"Uh, luv-"
Laid close to his back again like she had the night before, and buried one hand in the thick hair, scritched tentatively at his scalp.
He had been tense. *Had* being the operative word. "Ooh.." Ah, ok. Madison had been right. Pushed against her hand, a happy purr starting in his chest.
She smiled happily, and gained a little confidence, roving her hand over his scalp, scritching a little more vigorously, then softly.
Spike gave a happy sigh. Hoped... prayed that it would be quite some time before anyone else woke up.
End, part 19. Ok, guys... Yeah, it took a couple days. I felt like making you wait. Sorry. It's the sadist in me. Anyway, we can't tell you how much the NON mean reviews meant to us last chapter. We were starting to lose faith in people. You've restored us. : ) Spuffy lovin'? You might ask. 'Where is it???' Well, I can tell you chappy and verse where it's at, but I won't. *evil teehee-ing* But that MUST mean it's there right? Stay tuned for the next episode of "Ohana: No one gets left behind". Sorry, I feel silly. REVIEW! Let us know what you think. *blows kisses*
Always. Tequila Sunrise