"What's going on?" Spike asked as he sat up better in the bed.
George took one hand firmly and clasped the leather strap tightly around it. Dr. Dawson helped him with the other arm. Spike bucked but was no match for the large aide, the chip protected the man, he watched helplessly as George secured each leg.
"Eh...what do you need those for?" Spike was angry now.
Dr. Dawson stepped forward again, "Mr. Spikely, I've read Dr. Lavery's notes about you, your chip is of great interest to me. I'd like to run some tests."
"You could have just asked instead of trussing me up! What kind of tests?" His eyes flashed at the doctor.
"Just some x rays, EEG etc. Maybe some blood work." Dr. Dawson explained calmly,"And quite honestly, I'm not as trusting of you as others seem to be."
"Dana didn't mention tests." Spike replied frowning.
"She's not aware that I'm running them. But I'm sure my data will prove to be interesting enough that she'll agree with my decisions. Your chip might be a clue on helping some very disturbed people. If I can get a good look at it." Dr. Dawson opened the door to the room, "George, lets roll him down to the x-ray room."
George dutifully released the brakes on the bed and began rolling it out of the room.
"Wait a minute!" Spike called out loudly as the bed left the safety of his room.
"Mr. Spikely you will kindly refrain from causing a scene. I can administer anesthesia if you would rather, you could sleep through the tests." His voice was dark and ominous.
Spike calmed quickly, he knew he wanted to be awake for the tests. He clamped his mouth shut, his jaw tightening as he was wheeled down the hallway. Doctor Dawson flipped on the light in X-ray and began to position Spike as he moved the xray over his head. He and George ducked behind wall with a small window in it and he shot the xray, coming out to reposition Spike two more times. He put the film in the processor and moved Spike to another room for more tests on his brain waves.
He left Spike in the room as he went to check the xrays. George kept a watchful eye on the restrained vampire. Spike was just relieved that the tests weren't painful, so far the only irritation to him was where the tight leather straps had rubbed his wrists and ankles raw.
"Mr. Spikely, I'm sure you have checked into this, but I need to know, have you tried to have this chip removed?" Dr. Dawson pulled a chair close to the bed.
"Once, but it's no good. The doc said he couldn't remove it without killing me or leaving my brain mush." Spike replied suspiciously, "Why?"
"I think it would do my research a lot of good to actually have that chip in hand to look at and study." Dr. Dawson pulled out his own notebook and jotted down something, "This doctor, he was sure the chip was impossible to remove without harm to you?"
"Yeah...that's what he said and he had no reason to lie. Are you done with me now?"
Spike spit the last part out.
"Yes, I am for now." The doctor stood to leave, "George, you can put him back in his room and loosen the restraints a little."
The aide rolled Spike back to his room and took care when loosening the straps so that Spike could move a bit more comfortably. He lay back on the bed wondering what was going to happen next, he was sure Dr. Dawson wasn't through with him. Part of him was angry with the man and part of him seemed resigned that maybe he deserved the treatment he had recieved tonight.
Early the next morning, Dana walked into the room smiling, the smile quickly left her lips as she saw the restraints on Spike's arms and legs. "What happened? Did you have an episode last night? No one called me."
"Dr. Dawson wanted some tests." Spike nodded at the leather straps, "He isn't quite as
trusting as you are."
"He what?" Dana began to unbuckle the restraints, "I'm sorry, I had no idea. I'll speak to him about this 'now'. I know this is bad, please don't leave until I talk to him." She shook her head at the raw marks on Spike's wrists, frowning she left the room.
Spike began to pace the room as much as he hated to admit it, it was helping him to be here, and he hated to leave and possibly go back to where he was. He sighed as he realized the desperateness of his situation, he had no place to go. After a few moments he decided to follow Dana he wanted to hear the rest of Dawson's plan for him.
"Joseph!" Dana called down the hall as she glimpsed Dr. Dawson walking out of his office, "I need to speak to you."
"Dana, I was coming to find you. I would like to discuss your patient, Mr. Spikely." He smiled at her as if nothing was wrong.
"Good, that's exactly who I want to discuss." She gave him a tightlipped smile as she followed him back into his office, "What were you doing with Spike last night?" Her voice was deadly calm.
"I wanted to run some tests, frankly I knew you wouldn't approve, Dana. And since when do you call patients by their first name? Cozy with him aren't you?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Are you questioning my proffesionalism?" She shot back.
"Of course not. I would like for you to listen to my findings though. Would you please give me that much?" He asked folding his hands together on his desk.
"Fine. Expliain away."
"I read your notes about his chip. I think that given the right circumstances this chip might help some of our more dangerous patients, help control their irrational behavior. I did some xrays last night, the chip is in a dangerous spot, but I think I could remove it, study it, maybe help others with the knowledge." He smiled at her, "See I wasn't doing anything nefarious, just trying to help my research."
"You didn't have to restrain him." She answered angrily.
"I wasn't sure he was as receptive to me as he is to you."
"Well as much as I understand your wanting the chip as a research tool, I'm afraid it's impossible. It's already been documented that the chip can't be removed without killing him or leaving him with severe brain damage. I'm sorry." Dana stood up to leave.
"As I said I think I could remove it." Dr. Dawson now stood.
"You 'think' you could, but you aren't sure. Thats not very good odds for my patient, as it stands the chip isn't hurting him, it's not worth the risk to remove it."
Dr. Dawson's voice rose, " 'Your' patient is a vampire, even if I didn't save him, yet got the chip out, it would be worth it for research purposes."
"Tell that to him and those who care for him, he may not be 'human' in every sense of the word, but he is a man. You are not experimenting on my patient, in fact I would prefer your staying away from him." She turned and left the office slamming the door behind her, she ran into Spike standing by the door, "You heard?"
"Yeah, I did. It's okay, Dana. I mean really with all of the evil I've dished out, why shouldn't he feel that way? This is just proof of what I've tried to tell you - doesnt' matter what I do to prove myself, there are still going to be people who see me like he does - the majority of people will see me that way as a monster." Spike shook his head as they walked back to his room.
"So what - if some narrowminded people see you that way, you'll still know that you aren't that 'monster' and the people who count know that too." Dana gave him a sad smile,"Soon you'll be ready to leave here, we just need to find you a place, maybe a roomate who can help to make sure you're okay the first little while.
"Not so sure about that, I doubt Buffy has even mentioned this whole "help Spike" thing to her friends, Red and the Whelp probably don't even know I'm here. I don't think I have anywhere to go now." His voice was soft and emotional, "Do you mind leaving me alone for a bit?"
"Of course, I'll be back to check on you soon." Dana left him alone, she walked over to the nurses station where she was greeted by Buffy and Dawn, "Hello, I didnt' expect to see you this early on a Saturday morning."
"Dawn wanted to stop by for a visit and we're going shopping, she has a sleepover tonight." Buffy explained, "Is it okay to see him?"
Dana put her hand on Buffy's shoulder, "Actually I need to talk to you first." She led the two sisters to her office.
"Is Spike okay?" Buffy and Dawn asked in unison.
"He's...not feeling up to company now. He had a bad night, my colleague put him through some unneccesary tests on his chip and left Spike feeling quite vulnerable." Dana explained.
Buffy's voice rose slightly, "Unneccesary test? I thought you said he was safe here."
"He is. I spoke to Dr. Dawson, he is interested in Spike's chip but I think he now understands that he's to leave Spike alone. But Spike is feeling like no matter what he does people will see him as a 'thing'. I think he'll be able to leave soon with some suprevision the first little while. Do you have any idea's where he could go?" Dana asked knowing she was putting Buffy on the spot but needing the girl in front of her to admit the depth of her feelings for the vampire. If she was going to continue to suppress her feelings it did no good for her or Spike.
"He can live with us! We have a basement." Dawn offered as Buffy's mouth dropped open.
"Dawn....uh...that might not be a good idea." Buffy replied softly.
"She's right, Dawn. If Buffy isn't comfortable then it wouldn't be in Spike's best interest."
Dana told them evenly looking directly at the fidgeting blonde.
"I'm comfortable with Spike." Buffy declared defensively.
"He doesn't think so, he even said that he's sure you haven't told your friends that you've been helping him. Is that true?" Dana prodded.
"Well, no. But..." Buffy started.
"Buffy hasn't really seen Xander or Willow lately. But when she does, she'll tell them, right Buffy?" Dawn rushed to defend her sister.
Dana continued to look at Buffy waiting for her answer, finally she spoke, "Of course I'll tell them."
"Good," Dana stood up, "I think we'll check on Spike now, I hate for you to have wasted your trip here. And as for the place for Spike to stay, we still have a little time to sort that out."
Dawn walked beside Dana to Spike's room, Buffy followed behind lost in her thoughts.
Dana opened the door slowly, Spike was much as she had left him. Sitting on his bed, a worried look on his face, "Hey, you have company, is it okay to let them in?" She smiled at him.
He nodded when he heard Dawn's voice, "Hey Spike." She burst through the door, Buffy behind her. Dana left the trio alone as she went back to her office.
"The doctor said you might get to go home soon." Dawn smiled brightly.
"Yeah, gotta have a 'home' to go to though, Niblet." He wore a pained expression.
"Well..." Dawn started but was interrupted by Buffy.
"You okay? Dr. Lavery told us that the other Doctor ran some tests on you last night?" Buffy stepped closer and picked up his arm inspecting his raw wrist, "Did he do this?"
"He wasn't sure I'd cooperate." Spike replied with a bitter laugh, "S'ok, Dana talked to him, won't happen again." He gave her a half smile.
"Dana?" Buffy asked raising her eyebrow.
"Yeah, Doctor Lavery." Spike nodded.
"Yes, I know that's her first name. But why are you calling her that?" Buffy's voice was more then a little irritated now.
"She told me I could. We've been playing chess and it just kind of happened." He looked at her not sure if he was seeing what he thought he was seeing, was Buffy jealous?
****
Dr. Dawson walked by Spike's room. Stopping he peeked the small window, he was unnoticed as he watched the scene inside. "Enjoy his company while you can" .....he muttered as he walked away from the room.
TBC
George took one hand firmly and clasped the leather strap tightly around it. Dr. Dawson helped him with the other arm. Spike bucked but was no match for the large aide, the chip protected the man, he watched helplessly as George secured each leg.
"Eh...what do you need those for?" Spike was angry now.
Dr. Dawson stepped forward again, "Mr. Spikely, I've read Dr. Lavery's notes about you, your chip is of great interest to me. I'd like to run some tests."
"You could have just asked instead of trussing me up! What kind of tests?" His eyes flashed at the doctor.
"Just some x rays, EEG etc. Maybe some blood work." Dr. Dawson explained calmly,"And quite honestly, I'm not as trusting of you as others seem to be."
"Dana didn't mention tests." Spike replied frowning.
"She's not aware that I'm running them. But I'm sure my data will prove to be interesting enough that she'll agree with my decisions. Your chip might be a clue on helping some very disturbed people. If I can get a good look at it." Dr. Dawson opened the door to the room, "George, lets roll him down to the x-ray room."
George dutifully released the brakes on the bed and began rolling it out of the room.
"Wait a minute!" Spike called out loudly as the bed left the safety of his room.
"Mr. Spikely you will kindly refrain from causing a scene. I can administer anesthesia if you would rather, you could sleep through the tests." His voice was dark and ominous.
Spike calmed quickly, he knew he wanted to be awake for the tests. He clamped his mouth shut, his jaw tightening as he was wheeled down the hallway. Doctor Dawson flipped on the light in X-ray and began to position Spike as he moved the xray over his head. He and George ducked behind wall with a small window in it and he shot the xray, coming out to reposition Spike two more times. He put the film in the processor and moved Spike to another room for more tests on his brain waves.
He left Spike in the room as he went to check the xrays. George kept a watchful eye on the restrained vampire. Spike was just relieved that the tests weren't painful, so far the only irritation to him was where the tight leather straps had rubbed his wrists and ankles raw.
"Mr. Spikely, I'm sure you have checked into this, but I need to know, have you tried to have this chip removed?" Dr. Dawson pulled a chair close to the bed.
"Once, but it's no good. The doc said he couldn't remove it without killing me or leaving my brain mush." Spike replied suspiciously, "Why?"
"I think it would do my research a lot of good to actually have that chip in hand to look at and study." Dr. Dawson pulled out his own notebook and jotted down something, "This doctor, he was sure the chip was impossible to remove without harm to you?"
"Yeah...that's what he said and he had no reason to lie. Are you done with me now?"
Spike spit the last part out.
"Yes, I am for now." The doctor stood to leave, "George, you can put him back in his room and loosen the restraints a little."
The aide rolled Spike back to his room and took care when loosening the straps so that Spike could move a bit more comfortably. He lay back on the bed wondering what was going to happen next, he was sure Dr. Dawson wasn't through with him. Part of him was angry with the man and part of him seemed resigned that maybe he deserved the treatment he had recieved tonight.
Early the next morning, Dana walked into the room smiling, the smile quickly left her lips as she saw the restraints on Spike's arms and legs. "What happened? Did you have an episode last night? No one called me."
"Dr. Dawson wanted some tests." Spike nodded at the leather straps, "He isn't quite as
trusting as you are."
"He what?" Dana began to unbuckle the restraints, "I'm sorry, I had no idea. I'll speak to him about this 'now'. I know this is bad, please don't leave until I talk to him." She shook her head at the raw marks on Spike's wrists, frowning she left the room.
Spike began to pace the room as much as he hated to admit it, it was helping him to be here, and he hated to leave and possibly go back to where he was. He sighed as he realized the desperateness of his situation, he had no place to go. After a few moments he decided to follow Dana he wanted to hear the rest of Dawson's plan for him.
"Joseph!" Dana called down the hall as she glimpsed Dr. Dawson walking out of his office, "I need to speak to you."
"Dana, I was coming to find you. I would like to discuss your patient, Mr. Spikely." He smiled at her as if nothing was wrong.
"Good, that's exactly who I want to discuss." She gave him a tightlipped smile as she followed him back into his office, "What were you doing with Spike last night?" Her voice was deadly calm.
"I wanted to run some tests, frankly I knew you wouldn't approve, Dana. And since when do you call patients by their first name? Cozy with him aren't you?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Are you questioning my proffesionalism?" She shot back.
"Of course not. I would like for you to listen to my findings though. Would you please give me that much?" He asked folding his hands together on his desk.
"Fine. Expliain away."
"I read your notes about his chip. I think that given the right circumstances this chip might help some of our more dangerous patients, help control their irrational behavior. I did some xrays last night, the chip is in a dangerous spot, but I think I could remove it, study it, maybe help others with the knowledge." He smiled at her, "See I wasn't doing anything nefarious, just trying to help my research."
"You didn't have to restrain him." She answered angrily.
"I wasn't sure he was as receptive to me as he is to you."
"Well as much as I understand your wanting the chip as a research tool, I'm afraid it's impossible. It's already been documented that the chip can't be removed without killing him or leaving him with severe brain damage. I'm sorry." Dana stood up to leave.
"As I said I think I could remove it." Dr. Dawson now stood.
"You 'think' you could, but you aren't sure. Thats not very good odds for my patient, as it stands the chip isn't hurting him, it's not worth the risk to remove it."
Dr. Dawson's voice rose, " 'Your' patient is a vampire, even if I didn't save him, yet got the chip out, it would be worth it for research purposes."
"Tell that to him and those who care for him, he may not be 'human' in every sense of the word, but he is a man. You are not experimenting on my patient, in fact I would prefer your staying away from him." She turned and left the office slamming the door behind her, she ran into Spike standing by the door, "You heard?"
"Yeah, I did. It's okay, Dana. I mean really with all of the evil I've dished out, why shouldn't he feel that way? This is just proof of what I've tried to tell you - doesnt' matter what I do to prove myself, there are still going to be people who see me like he does - the majority of people will see me that way as a monster." Spike shook his head as they walked back to his room.
"So what - if some narrowminded people see you that way, you'll still know that you aren't that 'monster' and the people who count know that too." Dana gave him a sad smile,"Soon you'll be ready to leave here, we just need to find you a place, maybe a roomate who can help to make sure you're okay the first little while.
"Not so sure about that, I doubt Buffy has even mentioned this whole "help Spike" thing to her friends, Red and the Whelp probably don't even know I'm here. I don't think I have anywhere to go now." His voice was soft and emotional, "Do you mind leaving me alone for a bit?"
"Of course, I'll be back to check on you soon." Dana left him alone, she walked over to the nurses station where she was greeted by Buffy and Dawn, "Hello, I didnt' expect to see you this early on a Saturday morning."
"Dawn wanted to stop by for a visit and we're going shopping, she has a sleepover tonight." Buffy explained, "Is it okay to see him?"
Dana put her hand on Buffy's shoulder, "Actually I need to talk to you first." She led the two sisters to her office.
"Is Spike okay?" Buffy and Dawn asked in unison.
"He's...not feeling up to company now. He had a bad night, my colleague put him through some unneccesary tests on his chip and left Spike feeling quite vulnerable." Dana explained.
Buffy's voice rose slightly, "Unneccesary test? I thought you said he was safe here."
"He is. I spoke to Dr. Dawson, he is interested in Spike's chip but I think he now understands that he's to leave Spike alone. But Spike is feeling like no matter what he does people will see him as a 'thing'. I think he'll be able to leave soon with some suprevision the first little while. Do you have any idea's where he could go?" Dana asked knowing she was putting Buffy on the spot but needing the girl in front of her to admit the depth of her feelings for the vampire. If she was going to continue to suppress her feelings it did no good for her or Spike.
"He can live with us! We have a basement." Dawn offered as Buffy's mouth dropped open.
"Dawn....uh...that might not be a good idea." Buffy replied softly.
"She's right, Dawn. If Buffy isn't comfortable then it wouldn't be in Spike's best interest."
Dana told them evenly looking directly at the fidgeting blonde.
"I'm comfortable with Spike." Buffy declared defensively.
"He doesn't think so, he even said that he's sure you haven't told your friends that you've been helping him. Is that true?" Dana prodded.
"Well, no. But..." Buffy started.
"Buffy hasn't really seen Xander or Willow lately. But when she does, she'll tell them, right Buffy?" Dawn rushed to defend her sister.
Dana continued to look at Buffy waiting for her answer, finally she spoke, "Of course I'll tell them."
"Good," Dana stood up, "I think we'll check on Spike now, I hate for you to have wasted your trip here. And as for the place for Spike to stay, we still have a little time to sort that out."
Dawn walked beside Dana to Spike's room, Buffy followed behind lost in her thoughts.
Dana opened the door slowly, Spike was much as she had left him. Sitting on his bed, a worried look on his face, "Hey, you have company, is it okay to let them in?" She smiled at him.
He nodded when he heard Dawn's voice, "Hey Spike." She burst through the door, Buffy behind her. Dana left the trio alone as she went back to her office.
"The doctor said you might get to go home soon." Dawn smiled brightly.
"Yeah, gotta have a 'home' to go to though, Niblet." He wore a pained expression.
"Well..." Dawn started but was interrupted by Buffy.
"You okay? Dr. Lavery told us that the other Doctor ran some tests on you last night?" Buffy stepped closer and picked up his arm inspecting his raw wrist, "Did he do this?"
"He wasn't sure I'd cooperate." Spike replied with a bitter laugh, "S'ok, Dana talked to him, won't happen again." He gave her a half smile.
"Dana?" Buffy asked raising her eyebrow.
"Yeah, Doctor Lavery." Spike nodded.
"Yes, I know that's her first name. But why are you calling her that?" Buffy's voice was more then a little irritated now.
"She told me I could. We've been playing chess and it just kind of happened." He looked at her not sure if he was seeing what he thought he was seeing, was Buffy jealous?
****
Dr. Dawson walked by Spike's room. Stopping he peeked the small window, he was unnoticed as he watched the scene inside. "Enjoy his company while you can" .....he muttered as he walked away from the room.
TBC