Chapter 12
"I have heard some crazy ideas in my time, usually from Buffy, granted, but hello mass destruction big crater, jog anyone's memory?" asked Spike.
"Just hear Willow out," said Buffy.
"Well the amulet, I am assuming is still inside the remains of the hellmouth, unless there's something else your not telling us Spike," said Willow.
"Like what?" he asked.
"Like, did it travel with you when you er died?" asked Willow.
"No, just me, no poncy jewelry," said Spike.
"Well there is one thing," said Buffy
"What is it?" asked Willow.
Buffy started to unbutton Spike's shirt.
"Hey since when did I sign up as a stripper, besides I don't think I'm red's type," said Spike.
Buffy opened Spike's shirt to reveal the scarring on his chest, caused by the amulet.
"Wow, that's some memento, it looks like I was right, the amulet and Spike are definatley connected in some way and the sooner we reunite the two the better," said Willow.
"Excuse me if I don't jump for joy at the prospect of being re-united with the means of my death," said Spike.
Buffy gave Spike a penetrating look.
"When do we leave?" asked Buffy.
"The sooner the better I'd say, we are gonna have to drive there, I know it's a long way, but unless Spike has suddenly got over his fear of flying or one of you has recently won the lotto so we can afford all the plane tickets, we'll have to hire something, besides we can all take turns at driving so there won't be the need for anything much more than Gas stops," said Willow.
"I can help with the driving," said Buffy.
"No offence love, but we want to get there in one piece, we're gonna need some thing pretty big for all of us" said Spike.
"You want to help with the arrangements? " asked Willow.
"Sure, it's my ass we are trying too save here," he grinned, giving Buffy a quick kiss as he followed Willow into the lounge.
Buffy allowed herself a little smile as some of her earlier despair was washed away. It was gonna work, it had to, but be dammed if she was going to just sit there and lose Spike a second time, she thought resolutely, as she grabbed her clothes and finished getting dressed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(A Few hours later)
"Well that's all sorted then, Spike you and Andrew go to the hire place, we need something like a motor home, big enough for all seven of us," said Giles.
"I know the kind of thing you need, did it once before when we were all fleeing from that Glory chickie," said Spike.
"Yes, but this time you are not going to steal it," said Giles.
"As if I would," said Spike innocently.
Giles handed Spike his credit card.
"Now I am trusting you with this, against my better judgement, no spur-of- the-moment shopping trips this time, ok?" said Giles.
"Got every thing I need for now, come on boy, looks like we are stuck with each other again," said Spike looking at Andrew.
"Want me to come with?" asked Buffy.
"You stay here love, won't be long, give you a chance to miss me," he tilted his head at her and grinned.
"Had three months to do that," she replied sadly.
Spike instantly regretted his thoughtless words; he took Buffy's hand in his.
"If you really want to come with us Buffy?" he asked.
"No you are right, besides they probably need my help back here, don't be too long," she said as she leaned in to give him a kiss on the lips, which soon blazed out of control.
A discreet cough brought them back.
"Ahem I'd say time is of the essence," said Giles.
"Right, let's get on it," said Spike.
Andrew followed after him eagerly. After they had gone, Buffy walked over to Giles and gave him a hug.
"Thanks for doing all of this, but I don't understand, why the sudden attitude change where Spike's concerned," said Buffy.
"A little bird had a word in my ear, made me realise how I was behaving," admitted Giles.
Xander watched Spike and Andrew walking away, from his position at the apartment window.
"Guess I am going to have to phone work and tell them that that sickly relative has taken a turn for the worse," sighed Xander in resignation.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spike drove the motor home away from the hire place; Andrew sat next to Spike, occasionally stealing glances at him. Spike sighed and lost his patience.
"What is it?" Spike asked Andrew.
"Can you do that mind reading trick like Willow?" asked Andrew.
"Yes, sometimes, it's only been happening for the last day or so,"
"Just like a Jedi knight," sighed Andrew in admiration.
Andrew went off into one of his little daydreams; the motor home came to an abrupt stop. They were in the parking lot of Safeway.
"What are we doing here?" asked Andrew.
"It's time for you to go and do your Martha Stewart bit, shopping for seven people on the road please, and don't forget the mini marshmallows or hot chocolate, unless you want me to bite you again," said Spike.
He handed Andrew, Giles's credit card and settled back behind the wheel for a nap. Andrew continued to stare at him.
"What now? Is English your second language or something?" asked Spike.
"I might need help with the bags," said Andrew petulantly.
Spike sighed.
"Fine," he replied getting out of the vehicle.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Where have they got to, it shouldn't take this long to get a van," said Giles.
They all heard the approaching noise of a large vehicle as it parked on the driveway, Xander looked out of the window.
"Spike certainly knows his motor homes, that's one hell of an RV," said Xander.
Xander watched in amusement as Spike slammed out of the vehicle and stalked off toward the entrance.
"Someone looks less than happy," said Xander.
"I think I'll go pack, things could get pretty tense in here," said Dawn quickly slipping off to her room as she heard the front door opening.
Spike marched into the lounge angrily.
"If you want that boy to make his 21st birthday, never send him on another mission with me again, ever," said Spike as he slumped down into an armchair.
"What's he done now?" asked Buffy as she sat her self down on his lap.
"We went to Safeway," said Spike.
"Sounds harmless enough," said Willow.
"Ah now I get it, handy tip never grocery shop with Andrew, still have nightmares about the one time I went with him," said Xander
Andrew entered the room a few minutes later, looking very sheepish; he shuffled over to where Spike and Buffy were seated.
"Sorry dude," said Andrew contritely holding out a hand.
Spike looked at it for a moment and then looked at Buffy, he took Andrew's hand and shook it.
"Forget about it mate, we have more important things to worry about right now," said Spike.
Spike turned his attention back to Buffy.
"Did you miss me?" asked Spike.
"Of course," she said kissing him enthusiastically.
"Ever heard that phrase, get a room?" asked Xander.
"Look why don't we go back to your place so we can get packed, although a lot of my stuff is still in its suitcase," said Willow.
"Sounds like a plan, come on Andrew, what time do you want us to meet you back here," said Xander looking at Giles.
"We'll leave around midnight, the roads will be pretty empty by then, it will give us a head start," Giles replied.
Dawn came back in the lounge.
"Buffy have you seen my blue sweater?" asked Dawn.
She saw the couple kissing in the corner.
"Ugh!" she sighed and went back in her room.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Giles gathered up several ancient looking volumes as well as an assorted collection of charms and other magical objects and placed them all carefully in a large leather satchel. He looked at his watch it read 11:45pm. Dawn was dozing in one of the armchairs. Her rucksack tucked under her head as a pillow.
Buffy and Spike were still in her room, "packing" Giles was not so green as to know that it didn't take nearly three hours to pack for the kind of trip they were going on, he sighed inwardly, he knew he was just going to have to get used to the changes going on around here, as much as he hated it, he knew things never stayed the same, no matter how much you might wish it.
Buffy and Spike emerged from Buffy's bedroom at 11:55pm
"No Xander and Willow yet?" asked Buffy,
Spike had his and Buffy's bags slung over his shoulder. While Buffy had an arm about his waist.
"They'll be here love," Spike replied.
At exactly midnight a car pulled up on the drive. Spike put the bags down and gently shook Dawn.
"Come on little bit, it's time we were going," he said.
Dawn opened her eyes and yawned.
"So you finally finished packing then?" she asked sarcastically.
"Well you know Buffy, how she likes to get it just right," said Spike grinning her at her.
"Can we go?" asked Giles impatiently.
All four of them looked at each other for a moment, as if they suddenly realised the importance of what they were about to embark upon.
Spike smiled at them all.
"I trust you guys there's no-one I'd rather be in a predicament with," said Spike.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," said Giles sincerely.
There was a knock on the apartment door.
"I think that's our cue," said Spike.
Spike picked up the bags and linked hands with Buffy, they all walked out of the apartment together. Giles took one last look as he turned out the light.
TBC.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A/N I really want to thank you all for the reviews, I am going on holiday to the South of France for a week, but I will be writing while I am away, so look for chapter 13, some time on 30-31st August.
"I have heard some crazy ideas in my time, usually from Buffy, granted, but hello mass destruction big crater, jog anyone's memory?" asked Spike.
"Just hear Willow out," said Buffy.
"Well the amulet, I am assuming is still inside the remains of the hellmouth, unless there's something else your not telling us Spike," said Willow.
"Like what?" he asked.
"Like, did it travel with you when you er died?" asked Willow.
"No, just me, no poncy jewelry," said Spike.
"Well there is one thing," said Buffy
"What is it?" asked Willow.
Buffy started to unbutton Spike's shirt.
"Hey since when did I sign up as a stripper, besides I don't think I'm red's type," said Spike.
Buffy opened Spike's shirt to reveal the scarring on his chest, caused by the amulet.
"Wow, that's some memento, it looks like I was right, the amulet and Spike are definatley connected in some way and the sooner we reunite the two the better," said Willow.
"Excuse me if I don't jump for joy at the prospect of being re-united with the means of my death," said Spike.
Buffy gave Spike a penetrating look.
"When do we leave?" asked Buffy.
"The sooner the better I'd say, we are gonna have to drive there, I know it's a long way, but unless Spike has suddenly got over his fear of flying or one of you has recently won the lotto so we can afford all the plane tickets, we'll have to hire something, besides we can all take turns at driving so there won't be the need for anything much more than Gas stops," said Willow.
"I can help with the driving," said Buffy.
"No offence love, but we want to get there in one piece, we're gonna need some thing pretty big for all of us" said Spike.
"You want to help with the arrangements? " asked Willow.
"Sure, it's my ass we are trying too save here," he grinned, giving Buffy a quick kiss as he followed Willow into the lounge.
Buffy allowed herself a little smile as some of her earlier despair was washed away. It was gonna work, it had to, but be dammed if she was going to just sit there and lose Spike a second time, she thought resolutely, as she grabbed her clothes and finished getting dressed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(A Few hours later)
"Well that's all sorted then, Spike you and Andrew go to the hire place, we need something like a motor home, big enough for all seven of us," said Giles.
"I know the kind of thing you need, did it once before when we were all fleeing from that Glory chickie," said Spike.
"Yes, but this time you are not going to steal it," said Giles.
"As if I would," said Spike innocently.
Giles handed Spike his credit card.
"Now I am trusting you with this, against my better judgement, no spur-of- the-moment shopping trips this time, ok?" said Giles.
"Got every thing I need for now, come on boy, looks like we are stuck with each other again," said Spike looking at Andrew.
"Want me to come with?" asked Buffy.
"You stay here love, won't be long, give you a chance to miss me," he tilted his head at her and grinned.
"Had three months to do that," she replied sadly.
Spike instantly regretted his thoughtless words; he took Buffy's hand in his.
"If you really want to come with us Buffy?" he asked.
"No you are right, besides they probably need my help back here, don't be too long," she said as she leaned in to give him a kiss on the lips, which soon blazed out of control.
A discreet cough brought them back.
"Ahem I'd say time is of the essence," said Giles.
"Right, let's get on it," said Spike.
Andrew followed after him eagerly. After they had gone, Buffy walked over to Giles and gave him a hug.
"Thanks for doing all of this, but I don't understand, why the sudden attitude change where Spike's concerned," said Buffy.
"A little bird had a word in my ear, made me realise how I was behaving," admitted Giles.
Xander watched Spike and Andrew walking away, from his position at the apartment window.
"Guess I am going to have to phone work and tell them that that sickly relative has taken a turn for the worse," sighed Xander in resignation.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spike drove the motor home away from the hire place; Andrew sat next to Spike, occasionally stealing glances at him. Spike sighed and lost his patience.
"What is it?" Spike asked Andrew.
"Can you do that mind reading trick like Willow?" asked Andrew.
"Yes, sometimes, it's only been happening for the last day or so,"
"Just like a Jedi knight," sighed Andrew in admiration.
Andrew went off into one of his little daydreams; the motor home came to an abrupt stop. They were in the parking lot of Safeway.
"What are we doing here?" asked Andrew.
"It's time for you to go and do your Martha Stewart bit, shopping for seven people on the road please, and don't forget the mini marshmallows or hot chocolate, unless you want me to bite you again," said Spike.
He handed Andrew, Giles's credit card and settled back behind the wheel for a nap. Andrew continued to stare at him.
"What now? Is English your second language or something?" asked Spike.
"I might need help with the bags," said Andrew petulantly.
Spike sighed.
"Fine," he replied getting out of the vehicle.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Where have they got to, it shouldn't take this long to get a van," said Giles.
They all heard the approaching noise of a large vehicle as it parked on the driveway, Xander looked out of the window.
"Spike certainly knows his motor homes, that's one hell of an RV," said Xander.
Xander watched in amusement as Spike slammed out of the vehicle and stalked off toward the entrance.
"Someone looks less than happy," said Xander.
"I think I'll go pack, things could get pretty tense in here," said Dawn quickly slipping off to her room as she heard the front door opening.
Spike marched into the lounge angrily.
"If you want that boy to make his 21st birthday, never send him on another mission with me again, ever," said Spike as he slumped down into an armchair.
"What's he done now?" asked Buffy as she sat her self down on his lap.
"We went to Safeway," said Spike.
"Sounds harmless enough," said Willow.
"Ah now I get it, handy tip never grocery shop with Andrew, still have nightmares about the one time I went with him," said Xander
Andrew entered the room a few minutes later, looking very sheepish; he shuffled over to where Spike and Buffy were seated.
"Sorry dude," said Andrew contritely holding out a hand.
Spike looked at it for a moment and then looked at Buffy, he took Andrew's hand and shook it.
"Forget about it mate, we have more important things to worry about right now," said Spike.
Spike turned his attention back to Buffy.
"Did you miss me?" asked Spike.
"Of course," she said kissing him enthusiastically.
"Ever heard that phrase, get a room?" asked Xander.
"Look why don't we go back to your place so we can get packed, although a lot of my stuff is still in its suitcase," said Willow.
"Sounds like a plan, come on Andrew, what time do you want us to meet you back here," said Xander looking at Giles.
"We'll leave around midnight, the roads will be pretty empty by then, it will give us a head start," Giles replied.
Dawn came back in the lounge.
"Buffy have you seen my blue sweater?" asked Dawn.
She saw the couple kissing in the corner.
"Ugh!" she sighed and went back in her room.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Giles gathered up several ancient looking volumes as well as an assorted collection of charms and other magical objects and placed them all carefully in a large leather satchel. He looked at his watch it read 11:45pm. Dawn was dozing in one of the armchairs. Her rucksack tucked under her head as a pillow.
Buffy and Spike were still in her room, "packing" Giles was not so green as to know that it didn't take nearly three hours to pack for the kind of trip they were going on, he sighed inwardly, he knew he was just going to have to get used to the changes going on around here, as much as he hated it, he knew things never stayed the same, no matter how much you might wish it.
Buffy and Spike emerged from Buffy's bedroom at 11:55pm
"No Xander and Willow yet?" asked Buffy,
Spike had his and Buffy's bags slung over his shoulder. While Buffy had an arm about his waist.
"They'll be here love," Spike replied.
At exactly midnight a car pulled up on the drive. Spike put the bags down and gently shook Dawn.
"Come on little bit, it's time we were going," he said.
Dawn opened her eyes and yawned.
"So you finally finished packing then?" she asked sarcastically.
"Well you know Buffy, how she likes to get it just right," said Spike grinning her at her.
"Can we go?" asked Giles impatiently.
All four of them looked at each other for a moment, as if they suddenly realised the importance of what they were about to embark upon.
Spike smiled at them all.
"I trust you guys there's no-one I'd rather be in a predicament with," said Spike.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," said Giles sincerely.
There was a knock on the apartment door.
"I think that's our cue," said Spike.
Spike picked up the bags and linked hands with Buffy, they all walked out of the apartment together. Giles took one last look as he turned out the light.
TBC.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A/N I really want to thank you all for the reviews, I am going on holiday to the South of France for a week, but I will be writing while I am away, so look for chapter 13, some time on 30-31st August.