Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Joss owns it all damn him!
Okay, can I just say I'm really tired of flamers? What is wrong with you people? If you don't like the story don't read it! And especially don't read *20* chapters into it and then take the time out to leave me nasty comments!
Everyone else, please enjoy!
***
Chapter 21 - The Chase Is On
Spike made two stops before heading up to Buffy's suite. He knew he'd hurt her and could just imagine her sitting up in her rooms alone and upset. He wanted to kick himself for having been so stupid and hurting Buffy in the process.
By the time he got to her door he was loaded down with a large bouquet of red roses, a bundle of "I'm sorry" balloons, and a pair of small pearl earrings he'd seen in the shop and thought Buffy would like. His father had told him that there was no such thing as going overboard when apologizing to a woman, and he believed him.
He freed one hand and pushed the small button that rang the bell. He waited but heard no sounds coming from the other side of the door. He pushed the button once more and then rapped on the door loudly. "Buffy, luv?" He expected to hear a "go away!" or something of the sort, but still nothing.
So, now what? He wasn't going to make the same mistake and enter her suite without permission. But was she there and not answering? Or had she gone out? Where would she have gone? He knocked again hoping that she might feel some pity and open the door. When there was still no result, he sighed heavily and glanced up and down the corridor.
He could wait here all night, he supposed, but didn't think that was prudent. If she was in the room, he'd probably *would* be waiting all night. And if she'd gone out, it would be better if he tried to track her down. He could start with his mum. She probably knew where Buffy was, and this time he would drag it out of her! With that thought, he tied the balloons and the flowers to her suite door, and then strode quickly to the elevator.
***
"What do you mean you don't know, mum?" Spike asked, desperate. "That's what you said last time, and you did bloody well know!"
"Don't you raise your voice to me young man!" Joyce answered back. "When I make a promise to someone I keep it! And I'd like to think I've taught you the same thing."
Spike dry washed his face and let out an exasperated breath. "I'm sorry mum. It's just that I've really messed this up, and I want to fix it before it's too late." He gave her soulful puppy dog eyes. "I need to get her back."
"I know love." Joyce answered, giving the crown of her son's head a quick peck. "Everything will work out."
"How do you know?" Spike asked. "Did she say anything to you? Have you seen her?"
"She came by." Joyce nodded slowly.
"What did she say?"
"Not much. I could tell there was something on her mind, but she didn't seem inclined to talk and I didn't want to push."
"She didn't say anything about it?" Spike's heart was sinking. He knew Buffy, and the fact that she hadn't shared any of their recent argument with his mother did not seem like a good sign.
"No. I'm sorry Will." Joyce bowed her head slightly.
They spoke quietly for a few more minutes before Spike left his parents' suite dejected. He wandered back to his office, unsure now what his next step should be. When he opened the door he encountered his father studying the monitors eyeing the casino floor.
"No luck I take it?" Rupert asked mildly.
"No. She's not up in her rooms." Spike answered curtly, no energy left for pleasantries. Had the damage been too high? Was she out of his life permanently? Absently he rubbed at the ache in his chest.
"No she isn't."
His da's words penetrated the fog surrounding him and caused him to make an abrupt turn. "You know where she is?" Spike demanded.
Rupert inclined his head, indicating monitor 3. Spike's brows drew together as he peered at the black and white screen. What he saw made his heart race and his anger flare. Buffy was there in the midst of a crowd blowing on dice, and wearing a triumphant grin.
***
When he arrived on the casino floor, Spike's anger had ebbed slightly. So she wasn't in her room sulking, why had he expected that? But when he got close enough to see her in full color another emotion washed through him and flooded his senses; pure, white hot, jealousy.
She stood at the head of the craps table wrapped in the little red dress she'd worn their first night out. It clung to her body and left little to the imagination. She was laughing and smiling and every time she leaned over to throw the dice all the men surrounding her were gifted with a close view of her tight ass and smooth legs. Spike had no doubts that the other side of the table had an excellent view as well.
He pushed through the crowd, now at least four men deep. He reached her just in time to see a man in his late forties pat her on the ass just before she rolled the dice again. He threw the man a scowl, then grabbed Buffy's elbow. "What the bloody hell are you doing?"
"I'm kicking your ass!" Buffy answered without qualm.
"Cash in," he demanded through gritted teeth.
Buffy tried to pull her arm away, "No. I'm on a winning streak."
Not allowing her escape, Spike leaned forward and grabbed her chips. He threw them forward and ordered the croupier to cash them in.
"You can't keep me from playing!" Buffy yelled as he pulled her from the table.
"Yes, I can. This is my casino. The house always has the edge." Spike answered calmly.
"Fine! Then I'll take my business elsewhere. And I'll be sure to let everyone know that the Crypt can't handle a run of honest luck!" She pulled away now, spinning to face him head on.
"Buffy, come upstairs with me. We have to talk."
"No. We've talked enough already. My bags are already packed, I'm leaving in the morning."
He grabbed for her arm again. "Buffy, please. I'm asking, please come upstairs with me. We need to talk about this."
Buffy sighed and turned away. "There's nothing left to talk about. I told you, I won't bother you anymore. I'm leaving. I won't make a scene. Please," the last words were whispered out, and Spike could hear the tears that threatened in her husky voice, "please just leave me alone."
"Okay, it's the hard way then, luv." Spike answered, moving forward and wrapping his arms around her waist. He lifted her and slung her over his shoulder. He began to walk back toward the elevator that would take them up to her penthouse.
Buffy panicked. What was he doing? Why wouldn't he leave her alone? Wasn't breaking her heart enough for him? She couldn't take anymore of this. She couldn't take seeing him, being near him, and knowing that he didn't want her. The panic grew until she began to lash out physically just to get away.
Spike was wary of Buffy's skill as a fighter, which was why he moved quickly to secure her into such an awkward position. It would be difficult for even her to maneuver out of it. "Buffy, luv, I just want to talk. We're both so stubborn I don't even know how.oomph!" His sentence was cut midway when the toe of one of Buffy's heels accidentally connected with a very sensitive spot. They both fell to the ground, Buffy rolling away as quickly as possible. Spike sat on the floor a bit dazed and gently cradled his abused dangly bits.
"Will, please leave me alone." Buffy entreated one more time before dashing into the open elevator. The doors closed before Spike could even stand. He banged a closed fist on the door, and then turned around to slump against it. What now?
Suddenly an idea came to him and his mouth twisted up in a grin. Pushing himself off the elevator doors he headed toward's his mum's suite.
***
Upstairs Buffy was frantically putting the last of her things in a carrying case. She wouldn't wait until tomorrow; she'd leave tonight. She *couldn't* see him again. Her last task before stepping out the door was a quick phone call.
"Hello?"
"Giles?" Buffy's voice was hesitant. "I'm sorry to call so late."
"Buffy? What is it child?" Thomas asked, worry in his voice.
"I know we'd planned my trip for the weekend, but do you think I could come tonight instead? I'd start the drive right now."
"Now? But it's late, won't you be tired lass?" Thomas was no fool, he knew the child was running away from something, or someone. And he had a feeling he knew who that someone was.
"No. I'll be fine, I promise. I just would like to get started. If that's okay with you?"
"Sure, lass. You know you're welcome anytime. Just be careful."
"I will. Thank you Giles!" Buffy thanked him earnestly before hanging up the phone and grabbing her bags.
***
"Thanks mum." Spike called as the door closed behind him. He knew his mum could help him, and now that he'd called the realtor all he had to do was find Buffy and convince her to go with him. He just had one more stop to make.
He was in the Crypt's small jewelry store when the page rang out for him. He strode to the courtesy phone across the hall and picked up the line. He was immediately connected to a waiting phone call.
"Spike."
"Is that anyway to greet someone?"
"Grandda? What are you doing calling this late? Is something wrong? Is it grandmum?" Spike asked with growing concern.
"No, your grandmum's fine. I was actually calling to see if I could catch Buffy." Giles hid a grin behind his hand as he spoke.
"Buffy? What do you mean?"
"Well, she called me a few minutes earlier and asked if it would be okay if she came down early. I told her that would be fine but I'm worried about her making the long drive so late at night. I don't want her falling asleep and crashing." Giles stated innocently.
"What?!" Buffy was leaving? Tonight? Without bothering to say goodbye he hung up the phone and raced toward the elevator. By the time he'd gotten to Buffy's door he already had his passkey out. Without hesitation he used the key and entered the suite.
"Buffy?" He called as he sped from room to room. His heart sank as he noted the emptiness of each room, and the missing clothes from the closet. He sank onto the bed taking in the vacant aura permeating the penthouse.
Buffy was gone.
Okay, can I just say I'm really tired of flamers? What is wrong with you people? If you don't like the story don't read it! And especially don't read *20* chapters into it and then take the time out to leave me nasty comments!
Everyone else, please enjoy!
***
Chapter 21 - The Chase Is On
Spike made two stops before heading up to Buffy's suite. He knew he'd hurt her and could just imagine her sitting up in her rooms alone and upset. He wanted to kick himself for having been so stupid and hurting Buffy in the process.
By the time he got to her door he was loaded down with a large bouquet of red roses, a bundle of "I'm sorry" balloons, and a pair of small pearl earrings he'd seen in the shop and thought Buffy would like. His father had told him that there was no such thing as going overboard when apologizing to a woman, and he believed him.
He freed one hand and pushed the small button that rang the bell. He waited but heard no sounds coming from the other side of the door. He pushed the button once more and then rapped on the door loudly. "Buffy, luv?" He expected to hear a "go away!" or something of the sort, but still nothing.
So, now what? He wasn't going to make the same mistake and enter her suite without permission. But was she there and not answering? Or had she gone out? Where would she have gone? He knocked again hoping that she might feel some pity and open the door. When there was still no result, he sighed heavily and glanced up and down the corridor.
He could wait here all night, he supposed, but didn't think that was prudent. If she was in the room, he'd probably *would* be waiting all night. And if she'd gone out, it would be better if he tried to track her down. He could start with his mum. She probably knew where Buffy was, and this time he would drag it out of her! With that thought, he tied the balloons and the flowers to her suite door, and then strode quickly to the elevator.
***
"What do you mean you don't know, mum?" Spike asked, desperate. "That's what you said last time, and you did bloody well know!"
"Don't you raise your voice to me young man!" Joyce answered back. "When I make a promise to someone I keep it! And I'd like to think I've taught you the same thing."
Spike dry washed his face and let out an exasperated breath. "I'm sorry mum. It's just that I've really messed this up, and I want to fix it before it's too late." He gave her soulful puppy dog eyes. "I need to get her back."
"I know love." Joyce answered, giving the crown of her son's head a quick peck. "Everything will work out."
"How do you know?" Spike asked. "Did she say anything to you? Have you seen her?"
"She came by." Joyce nodded slowly.
"What did she say?"
"Not much. I could tell there was something on her mind, but she didn't seem inclined to talk and I didn't want to push."
"She didn't say anything about it?" Spike's heart was sinking. He knew Buffy, and the fact that she hadn't shared any of their recent argument with his mother did not seem like a good sign.
"No. I'm sorry Will." Joyce bowed her head slightly.
They spoke quietly for a few more minutes before Spike left his parents' suite dejected. He wandered back to his office, unsure now what his next step should be. When he opened the door he encountered his father studying the monitors eyeing the casino floor.
"No luck I take it?" Rupert asked mildly.
"No. She's not up in her rooms." Spike answered curtly, no energy left for pleasantries. Had the damage been too high? Was she out of his life permanently? Absently he rubbed at the ache in his chest.
"No she isn't."
His da's words penetrated the fog surrounding him and caused him to make an abrupt turn. "You know where she is?" Spike demanded.
Rupert inclined his head, indicating monitor 3. Spike's brows drew together as he peered at the black and white screen. What he saw made his heart race and his anger flare. Buffy was there in the midst of a crowd blowing on dice, and wearing a triumphant grin.
***
When he arrived on the casino floor, Spike's anger had ebbed slightly. So she wasn't in her room sulking, why had he expected that? But when he got close enough to see her in full color another emotion washed through him and flooded his senses; pure, white hot, jealousy.
She stood at the head of the craps table wrapped in the little red dress she'd worn their first night out. It clung to her body and left little to the imagination. She was laughing and smiling and every time she leaned over to throw the dice all the men surrounding her were gifted with a close view of her tight ass and smooth legs. Spike had no doubts that the other side of the table had an excellent view as well.
He pushed through the crowd, now at least four men deep. He reached her just in time to see a man in his late forties pat her on the ass just before she rolled the dice again. He threw the man a scowl, then grabbed Buffy's elbow. "What the bloody hell are you doing?"
"I'm kicking your ass!" Buffy answered without qualm.
"Cash in," he demanded through gritted teeth.
Buffy tried to pull her arm away, "No. I'm on a winning streak."
Not allowing her escape, Spike leaned forward and grabbed her chips. He threw them forward and ordered the croupier to cash them in.
"You can't keep me from playing!" Buffy yelled as he pulled her from the table.
"Yes, I can. This is my casino. The house always has the edge." Spike answered calmly.
"Fine! Then I'll take my business elsewhere. And I'll be sure to let everyone know that the Crypt can't handle a run of honest luck!" She pulled away now, spinning to face him head on.
"Buffy, come upstairs with me. We have to talk."
"No. We've talked enough already. My bags are already packed, I'm leaving in the morning."
He grabbed for her arm again. "Buffy, please. I'm asking, please come upstairs with me. We need to talk about this."
Buffy sighed and turned away. "There's nothing left to talk about. I told you, I won't bother you anymore. I'm leaving. I won't make a scene. Please," the last words were whispered out, and Spike could hear the tears that threatened in her husky voice, "please just leave me alone."
"Okay, it's the hard way then, luv." Spike answered, moving forward and wrapping his arms around her waist. He lifted her and slung her over his shoulder. He began to walk back toward the elevator that would take them up to her penthouse.
Buffy panicked. What was he doing? Why wouldn't he leave her alone? Wasn't breaking her heart enough for him? She couldn't take anymore of this. She couldn't take seeing him, being near him, and knowing that he didn't want her. The panic grew until she began to lash out physically just to get away.
Spike was wary of Buffy's skill as a fighter, which was why he moved quickly to secure her into such an awkward position. It would be difficult for even her to maneuver out of it. "Buffy, luv, I just want to talk. We're both so stubborn I don't even know how.oomph!" His sentence was cut midway when the toe of one of Buffy's heels accidentally connected with a very sensitive spot. They both fell to the ground, Buffy rolling away as quickly as possible. Spike sat on the floor a bit dazed and gently cradled his abused dangly bits.
"Will, please leave me alone." Buffy entreated one more time before dashing into the open elevator. The doors closed before Spike could even stand. He banged a closed fist on the door, and then turned around to slump against it. What now?
Suddenly an idea came to him and his mouth twisted up in a grin. Pushing himself off the elevator doors he headed toward's his mum's suite.
***
Upstairs Buffy was frantically putting the last of her things in a carrying case. She wouldn't wait until tomorrow; she'd leave tonight. She *couldn't* see him again. Her last task before stepping out the door was a quick phone call.
"Hello?"
"Giles?" Buffy's voice was hesitant. "I'm sorry to call so late."
"Buffy? What is it child?" Thomas asked, worry in his voice.
"I know we'd planned my trip for the weekend, but do you think I could come tonight instead? I'd start the drive right now."
"Now? But it's late, won't you be tired lass?" Thomas was no fool, he knew the child was running away from something, or someone. And he had a feeling he knew who that someone was.
"No. I'll be fine, I promise. I just would like to get started. If that's okay with you?"
"Sure, lass. You know you're welcome anytime. Just be careful."
"I will. Thank you Giles!" Buffy thanked him earnestly before hanging up the phone and grabbing her bags.
***
"Thanks mum." Spike called as the door closed behind him. He knew his mum could help him, and now that he'd called the realtor all he had to do was find Buffy and convince her to go with him. He just had one more stop to make.
He was in the Crypt's small jewelry store when the page rang out for him. He strode to the courtesy phone across the hall and picked up the line. He was immediately connected to a waiting phone call.
"Spike."
"Is that anyway to greet someone?"
"Grandda? What are you doing calling this late? Is something wrong? Is it grandmum?" Spike asked with growing concern.
"No, your grandmum's fine. I was actually calling to see if I could catch Buffy." Giles hid a grin behind his hand as he spoke.
"Buffy? What do you mean?"
"Well, she called me a few minutes earlier and asked if it would be okay if she came down early. I told her that would be fine but I'm worried about her making the long drive so late at night. I don't want her falling asleep and crashing." Giles stated innocently.
"What?!" Buffy was leaving? Tonight? Without bothering to say goodbye he hung up the phone and raced toward the elevator. By the time he'd gotten to Buffy's door he already had his passkey out. Without hesitation he used the key and entered the suite.
"Buffy?" He called as he sped from room to room. His heart sank as he noted the emptiness of each room, and the missing clothes from the closet. He sank onto the bed taking in the vacant aura permeating the penthouse.
Buffy was gone.