AN: Okay, this is the natural end of the original story arc. Let me know if you think it's worth another jaunt.
"Such a blessing to have friends who care about you, isn't it?" Spike loaded the tense air with sarcasm.
"Is it just me, or does everything that comes out of his mouth make you sick too?" Xander asked the others.
"It's just you, Xander." Buffy replied softly.
"But, Buff, you do have to admit, he does have the tendency to say rather unsavory, jerk-like statements." Willow tried to get Buffy to turn to her.
"I think in this case, his comment was rather warranted. And considering I was just compared to a dog, I don't think Xander will find too much sympathy from my end."
"Yeah, well..." Xander stalled, still hoping for a note of vindication.
"Okay, since you two were so kind to pay us both a visit," Buffy suggested with no small measure of self-restraint, "Why don't we continue this discussion at a more appropriate time. Spike and I just took down a mega Egyptian demon, sent a goddess back to her rightful realm, and I almost lost my soul a few hours ago, so..."
"I bet that's not all..." Xander surmised with disdain and then rising agitation, "Oh God, I really didn't want to think of that. Willow, I can't stay here..."
"Right, Buffy, I think you've made a very good point. Xander and I," Willow shot a glance at the nearly green Xander, "will get settled and see some of the city and meet the two of you downstairs after sunset. And then we'll talk. Sound good?"
"Everyone agreed?" Buffy pushed for consensus even though she didn't really like the idea. Anything to get them out of the hotel room.
"I'm all for them leaving this very instant, if my opinion's worth anything..." Spike drawled, anger radiating from his person.
"For once, I'm with Spike on this one," Xander chimed hurredly, already heading for the door. Willow followed anxiously after him.
When Xander and Willow were finally gone, the first thing Buffy wanted to do was jump Spike and ride him until they both thought of nothing else but each other. True, they'd have to deal with more objections later, but right now, after that shock, all Buffy wanted was to lose herself once more in her lover's skin, sound, smell and touch. She didn't care what anyone thought. Nothing compared to the electricity the two of them shared behind closed doors. If anything, it helped her escape the complexities she wasn't able or ready to deal with.
Spike, on the other hand, was trying desperately to digest the string of blows that had just been dealt to his psyche and sense of self-worth. He'd used nearly all his energy just trying to look tough and keep his big mouth shut as best he could—knowing it would only make things harder for Buffy if he lost it and went head to head with Xander.
"Buffy, could you close the second curtain. The sun's getting bright," Spike called from the windowless side of the room, hand covering his now distraught features.
It was late morning. Egyptian sun shone mercilessly, without a cloud to dampen its power.
Without a word, Buffy walked over and drew the second set of curtains, leaving the room several shades darker.
Spike's skin stopped itching and his eyes began to see with their regular vampire clarity once more. Silently, he wished the light film of water he blinked out of his eyes had been caused by the sun.
"I'd go out if I could. But it's too bloody bright here. Not even blankets do the trick," Spike muttered, only half expecting Buffy to listen.
"It's all right, babe, I don't have anything I need to do," Buffy slinked over to the large armchair where Spike had plopped his weary form.
"I wish I could go out. Staying in with that fiasco playing through my head..."
"Don't worry about them, Will." Buffy touched his hair, tracing it down his temple.
"I don't, but they are your friends and I don't see where I have any other choice!" He retorted with exasperation.
Buffy paused and took in his words. Reaching for him again, she lowered her face, trying to catch his gaze which was now fixed on his hands fiddling nervously in his lap.
"William, I think that's one of the most loving things you've ever said to me."
"Oh God, don't give me a medal. If that's one of the nicest things I've said, bloody Hell, I must nev..."
"Spike. Calm down. Please." Buffy let her hands wander across his chest, as she positioned herself in his lap.
"Calm down?! After that humiliating experience...give me a moment at least." Spike was still riled, but having Buffy in his lap helped to divert some of his negative attention.
Buffy started to pull his jacket away to reveal his bare chest, letting her body search and press against his.
"What are you doing?" Spike asked half-confused, half-aroused.
"Seducing my fantastic boyfriend," Buffy murmured against his cheek.
"Oh," was all Spike managed to say.