Chapter VII - Three People in Prague

Their Hotel room in Prague, Czech Republic:

Buffy sat straight up in her bed.

It was happening again...

She made a beeline for the bathroom and threw up what she had eaten for dinner the night before.

"Slayer?" a voice, a very familiar voice said from the doorway.

Silently cursing herself for not locking the door but powerless to do anything she looked up at Spike.

"Get out." she croaked. Then she retched again bending over the porcelain bowl she emptied what little was left in her stomach into the toilet.

But this time she felt a cool wash of air as she felt spike sweep her hair away from her face.

After this she sat down on the floor.

"You need to get yourself checked, slayer."

Buffy looked up at Spike. She was surprised that he would suggest that. She was about to fire back a witty retort but then she just nodded; she realized that he was actually serious.

About a week after they arrived in London Spike suggested they retreat to Prague, he said he had a small bank account at a small bank there; so she, Spike and Alex had followed his advice and traveled, by train, to Prague. They still traveled at night; they all felt safer that way. They were in Prague now, staying in a small hotel. It was a beautiful city, cobblestoned and picturesque with beautiful old houses. It was funny; Alex had commented on these and could even point out the very oldest ones. Much to the surprise of the two adults.

Apparently, Prague hadn't changed much since spike had last been there. He still knew all the places that the sewers were connected to they used that to their advantage.

Now, in all this time Buffy and spike had formed a shaky alliance. Much like the one they had formed three years ago to beat Angelus. Like then, they knew this task would be next to impossible alone.

"It's only been-" she tried to cover it up, unfortunately Spike cut her off.

"Don't lie to me, slayer." Spike said. He wasn't harsh but Buffy knew the warning. She wasn't afraid, she was just cautious after all; right now... spike was all she had. "I've heard you every night since Alex joined us."

Buffy sighed and looked down.

"Fine. fine." she whispered. "I'll go get myself checked, but any other poking and prodding; some serious doctor butt will be kicked."

"Good." Spike replied. He stood up. "Now I'll wake up slayer junior."

"Slayer junior?" Buffy questioned her voice rather hoarse, she coughed. "Why do you call her that?"

"You'll see." spike answered.

She followed him out of the bathroom and into the bedroom.

She watched in fascination as Spike cautiously approached Alex's bed. As soon as he prodded her gently, Alex shot up. for a second Buffy thought Alex was awake and then she punched spike in the jaw. Buffy nearly burst out laughing at the look on spike's face. He nodded in the slayer's direction.

"Now" he said rubbing his jaw. "You know why I call her slayer junior. She hits like you, Slayer"

"Spiiiiiiike?" Alex yawned.

The vampire turned to her, still rubbing his jaw.

"Oh damn, did I hit you again?" Alex asked, she seemed more awake all of a sudden.

"That you did, Bit." spike said.

"Sorry." Alex replied sheepishly.

"S'okay."

"Good morning, Buffy." she said noticing the slayer presence.

"Good morning." the slayer responded.

"Why are you up so ea-ea-ea-earlyyyyyyy" Alex's question turned into a monster yawn.

Buffy shrugged.

"Internal clock is all wonky." she admitted.

Alex yawned again.

"You hungry, Slayer? Bit?" spike offered suddenly. Both Alex and Buffy looked at him.

Buffy shook her head but Alex nodded vigorously.

Spike smirked.

"Right." he said. "Don't know why I even ask. The bit is always hungry." he got up and walked to the door before rolling his shoulders and realizing the absence of his well-loved coat. "Bit, would you get my duster and chuck it here?"

Alex play scowled.

"What am I, Spike? Your minion?" She asked rolling her eyes.

"Exactly." Spike agreed.

She rolled her eyes but grabbed the duster and threw it at spike.

"Is it okay if we go with out you, Buffy?" she asked she cocked her head to one side and suddenly reminded Buffy so much of... of...

"Slayer?"

"Oh, yeah." she said snapping out of her stupor. Her eyes caught Spike's. "It's okay. Big with the okay." She paused. "I have something I need to do today."

Alex's look was questioning but she didn't press. She knew better.

"Let's go, minion." Spike said. Solemnly, Alex nodded ignoring the nickname.

She followed him out the door.

Buffy sighed, making sure that she had her own key before she want out to find the European equivalent of a convenience store. She had a feeling she wouldn't be needing to see a doctor now, but she would sure need one soon especially if her inkling was right.