Buffy was waiting for him when he got to the caves. She was stamping her foot and looking at her watch when he joined her.

"I was about to go looking for you," she scowled.

He ignored the barb in deference to reacquainting himself with the layout of the caves.

"I'm here, aren't I? Let's go."

She fell in behind him, looking at him oddly when he stopped to sniff the air.

"Are you okay?" she asked suddenly.

He started and stared at her, shocked by her show of concern. "I'm fine."

"It's just you're acting all weird and helpful and non-snarky and stuff."

He sniffed the air again, catching the scent he was looking for.

"Just concentrating, luv. This way. C'mon," he commented, heading into a narrow cavern.

"How do you know?"

"Can smell Soldier Boy's cologne. Bloody Aramis. Can't stand the damn stuff."

She fell silent for a while, but he knew she was there, following him, letting him lead. It was amazing how well they worked together when they weren't sniping at each other. Each was acutely aware of the other's whereabouts and actions. It was almost comfortable.

Maybe now is the time to start changing a few things'

"So, how's your mum?" he asked blithely as he sniffed the air again and turned left. The boy wasn't far away.

"Huh?"

"Your mum, Joyce. Heard she was sickly."

He wasn't expecting the hand that seized him from behind and slammed him into the cave wall.

"How do you know about my mother?" Buffy growled.

Spike immediately put his hands up in surrender. "Word travels fast in the demon world, especially if the Slayer is involved. I heard that she went to hospital. I just wanted to know how she was doing."

"What do you care?"

"Oi!" he snarked, brushing her hands away, just barely avoiding a chip shock. "I'll have you know that I like your mum. She's got balls, and she's decent, and she's always a lady, and she's never treated me like a freak. Forgive me for asking if she was okay."

Buffy looked ashamed for a moment, then answered softly, "I'm sorry. I'm just It's hard with Mom and Riley They don't really know what's wrong with her, yet."

Spike gave her an understanding nod. "So, they gonna give her a full going over? Do one of those, what do ya call em? CAT things?"

Buffy looked away and he had to suppress the urge to comfort her. He was fairly certain this Buffy would not take his attentions well.

"I I dunno."

"Well, they should. Give her a full going over, from top to bottom. Leave no stone unturned. You tell em Slayer. You make sure they do one of those CAT scans, and an MRI too, and don't take no for an answer."

She gave him an odd look, and for a moment he thought he may have blown his cover by pushing too hard. He cursed silently. He'd never been good at being subtle, or at lying. Neither had been his forte. He was a much more blunt and straightforward kind of vampire.

"I I will. Thank you, Spike."

He let out the breath he didn't know he was holding and gave her a soft smile. "You're welcome, Slayer. Be sure to tell Joyce I was askin' after her and that I hope she feels better soon."

He returned his attention to the task at hand. Riley was close, very close.

"I will. Thank you for helping me, Spike."

"Don't mention it. Can't have you worryin' about your mum and Soldier Boy. A worried Slayer is a distracted Slayer." He led the way down another tunnel. "And distracted Slayer is a dead Slayer and a dead Slayer means" He looked at her and gave her one if his evil grins. Have to make her think I'm still evil and all'

"I don't get paid."

He stepped aside, nodding to an opening in the tunnel wall that led to another chamber. "Soldier Boy is in there, and he doesn't sound too happy."

Buffy blinked at him, then warily moved past him into the cavern. He stayed and waited, trying to ignore their conversation as he mentally ticked off all the things he had already changed. Before, he hadn't helped her, but had kidnapped the doctor with Harmony's help and tried to force him remove the chip. Then he had attacked Buffy and tried to kill her before discovering that the surgeon had lied to him.

I wonder what helping her instead will mean'

He didn't have time to dwell on it, however, as Buffy led a somber-looking Riley from the chamber. The two men met eyes, and Spike saw the growing fear and insecurity that would soon lead the boy to cavorting with vampire whores looking back at him.

He knows. He knows even now that he is going to lose her. You poor bastard.'

He straightened, puffing up his chest as he drew his bravado around him, and put out his hand, palm up, his trademark smirk on his face. Buffy frowned at him, then shoved the money into his waiting hand.

"Why thank you, Slayer. As always, a pleasure doing business with you. If you lose your puppy again, please don't hesitate to look me up," he smoothed, bowing slightly.

"Shut up, Spike," she snapped, guiding Riley past the smug vampire and down the tunnel.

Spike waited a moment, then followed a short distance behind.