Spike hollered as Willow dabbed at the cut on his arm with a cotton ball saturated in rubbing alcohol.

Oh don't be such a baby, Willow teased.

That bloody hurts! Spike retorted.

Willow stifled a laugh. It was funny, but then again it wasn't. Spike had been a big bad vampire who had loved to terrorize Sunnydale and create complete havoc. He had been the toughest opponent she had really ever seen Buffy have. Willow would never tell Buffy but, but she though Spike was a lot tougher than Angel too.

Now, the toughest big bad of all--well almost--sat next to her, human, and whining like a four year old.

I know it hurts, but the wound has to be sterilized before I put on the bandage. Otherwise, you could get an infection. Willow justified.

Spike pouted and sighed heavily, Go on then.

He winced but took it like a man.



***

Buffy sat in the kitchen with a steaming cup of hot cocoa, courtesy her watcher.

It's not that I think he can't handle himself in a fight, he's a good fighter! Trust me, I fought him enough I should know. But I know his style, again with the I should know, and it's not a help. It's all run-head-first-who-cares-what-happens-cuz-I'm-a-bad-ass-vampire-who-can't-be-staked type style. It's going to get him killed, Giles. Buffy sipped her hot beverage.

Yes, you're quite right. Spike being human now does change things quite a bit. On patrol he is more of a hindrance to you than a help. Take tonight for example. Giles removed his glasses from his nose and rubbed his eyes with his thumbs, Perhaps I should have a talk with him. Maybe he'll se it from my point of view.

***

You're out of your bloody mind! Spike stood in the kitchen, his arm now bandaged. If you think I'm just going to sit at home all night while Buffy's out fighting danger, then you have another thing coming!

Yes, well, I can see your worries and I assure you she is perfectly capable. However, I think if you trained harder for the next little while, you might be ready in a month--

A month?!! Listen here, Rupert, I may be a little clumsy than usual and a whole lot weaker, but I can still fight! I'm not going to sit around and let Buffy take her chances on the hellmouth alone. You know as well as I do that she needs me on patrol, and I'm not going to let her down! Spike moved a step towards the watcher.

She always used to patrol alone before you and another certain vampire came into her life! I trained her well and how dare you suggest I did not prepare her for her calling! Giles moved a step towards the ex-vampire.

Buffy stepped in between the two men, Hello! Slayer standing right here? Buffy looked at Spike, You're not ready, Spike. Yes I need you out there! But worrying about you getting hurt doesn't help. I need to know that you are okay in a fight. You're human now and wounds that simply pissed you off as a vampire, will kill you as a human.

But, Buffy, I--

I know you just want to help and, believe me, I appreciate it, But in order to help, you have to learn to fight like a human

The room was silent.

A million thoughts went through Spike's mind. He knew Buffy was telling the truth. Fighting as a human was a whole lot different than fighting as a vampire. He wasn't used to it and suddenly doubted he ever would be. He felt so useless. This wasn't the way it was supposed to be. He was supposed to take care of her, help her, and always be there for her no matter what. Somehow it was easier to do that as a vampire. At least he had some strength, then, and the slayer didn't have to worry about him all the time. Being human was so frustrating!

Buffy tried, What if you stay home and work with Giles for two weeks. With some early morning and some late nights, I think you'll be ready. Buffy turned to her watcher, Is that okay with you?

Yes, of course. Giles nodded with some new enthusiasm.

Buffy turned back to Spike. If it makes you feel better, I'll take Willow and Xander with me on patrol. I'll also go on shorter patrols so I can spend more time training with you.

Spike absently rubbed his bandaged arm in thought. That sounds like an okay plan, he smiled weakly. I guess that's why you're the slayer and I'm not. Spike chuckled and immediately winced. You think with your head, I think with my testosterone. Spike laughed lightly and again winced. This time he clutched his ribs.

Buffy wanted to tell him that it wasn't the slayer in her telling him to stay home. The slayer in her knew that he could fight and she felt safer and more comfortable when he was around patrolling with her. It was her human side, the side of her that loved him, that told her to make him stay behind. Buffy looked at her love, bandaged and holding his chest. Why did you talk me out of taking you to the hospital?

Willow did a fusion spell. She said it might take twenty-four hours to repair itself and that I should lie down. Spike winced again, Maybe I should go lie down. The ex-vampire moved towards the kitchen exit but Buffy held him back.

Spike, please let Giles take you to the hospital? Buffy gently placed her hand on his arm. Please? For me.

Spike looked deep into his girl's blue eyes and instantly he gave in. All right, I'll go. But why Giles? Why not you?

Buffy smiled slightly, The whole he's-my-British-cousin thing might work better if the person bringing you in was actually....British.

Giles joined in, shall we go then?

Spike took Buffy's hand in his own and gave it a gentle squeeze. The two followed the watcher out of the kitchen and to the front door.

I'll be here when you get back. Buffy gave Spike's hand a last warm squeeze before letting him go.

Willow joined her friend at the door. You okay?

Will, tell me I'm doing the right thing. Buffy pleaded with her friend, Tell me that Spike will be okay and all this worry and fear inside me will just go away.

Willow smiled gently and placed her hand on Buffy's shoulder for comfort. I think you're doing okay. Spike just needs to train a little more to be ready. After a few weeks, everything should be back to normal. Willow hesitated before adding, Well as normal as a slayer's life can get with an ex-vampire as a fiancé and a home over the hellmouth.

Buffy smiled and hugged her friend. Thanx, WIllow. Sometimes I forget how great it is to have a best friend.

Xander walked into the hall and spotted Buffy and Willow hugging. He grinned. Ooh! Hugging Fest! Can I buy a ticket?

Buffy and Willow parted and let their friend in. The three hugged tight and everything felt better. It felt so good to be together.

For a moment, everything was normal again.