Spnae - Spnae

39 Couples Retreat

Saturday morning Buffy found herself walking down the stairs leading to Ruby’s basement bedroom, “Ruby? You down here?”

“Yeah! Even dressed in my own clothes and everything. Although, I’m thinking a shopping trip is in order… human me was sort of–” she frowned, holding up a lime-green top with a picture of a kitten wearing sunglasses on it, to show Buffy as she came into view. “Dunno if it’s really me anymore, do you?”

Buffy shrugged, “Depends on how much you like kittens and toxic green.”

“Yeah the green not so much,” she sighed, “ Anyway, what’s up?” she added, balling up the shirt and stuffing it back into the bag she had brought from her last visit to her parents house the day before.

“Giles thought you might be able to use one of his suitcases and I got a nice big thermos for you to keep blood in for your trip. Spike was threatening to eat stray sheep by the time we came up from Paris so I figured you might need it.” She plopped the suitcase down on the multicolored brocade duvet covering Ruby’s newly acquired full sized bed and sat down next to it.

“I can’t imagine being hungry enough to drain a sheep, didn’t you feed the guy?”

Buffy laughed, “Nah he ate before we left, he was just being dramatic. He’s gone a hell of a lot longer without feeding, although I don’t really recommend it if you can avoid it. You get hungry enough and just about any furry creature looks tasty from what I hear. Hence the thermos.”

“Noted. Thanks.”

“How goes the Rome packing?”

“I think I pretty much have everything laid out. I’m glad to have my own clothes, at least they fit nicely. Thanks for going over to my folks place with me.”

“I already told you it was no big.”

“It was nice having a Buffy-buffer with my parents, not to mention Sheena. Nothing like moving out the same week your baby sister gets home from hospital and then trying to explain this ‘business’ trip thing, yeah...”

“The timing is pretty sucky, but at least Sheena should be coming back to the castle to continue training soon.”

“That’ll be good I guess. When are you heading out?”

“After we get you and Willow on your way. We figure we can time our arrival with sundown if we do it that way. Faith and Callum almost have the van packed up. I wanted to take the train again but Callum says this will be faster.”

“Yeah, like half the time, that’d be about a 10 hour train ride, you’d be nuts. Kind of a no-brainer to take the van.”

Buffy rolled a shoulder, “I really enjoyed the train ride up from London. The room we had was surprisingly cozy.”

“I’m not so sure if I’m looking forward to this trip.”

“You should be fine. Giles has made all the necessary calls. Our sources say Kennedy has already landed in Australia. The Rome Slayers know you’re coming. Just stick with Willow, I have a feeling she is going to need you. I know Spike already talked to you—“

“I’m planning on sticking to your room while I’m there. I’m not in any hurry to jump into anything and after this I sure as hell don’t want to get her any more twisted up than she already is.”

“Good plan. I pretty much have all my personal stuff with me except for a few pictures, so you don’t really have to worry about much of my junk being in the way. Mostly just clothes. Oh and fair warning, between Andrew and my sister, be prepared to be talked into oblivion.”

“Chatty sister huhh? Luckily I have some experience with that.”

“Yeah, Dawn isn’t even the bad one, it’s Andrew.”

“Willow said he liked to tell stories.”

“Oh yeah… and he has a thing about me and Spike.”

“How so?”

“Not sure if he is just like a huge fan of our love or if he just has a big crush on Spike. There is definitely some hero worship going on there. Don’t be surprised if he drills you for information. He’s a weird little guy but he’s been a surprisingly good ally and he’s sort of the Watcher in charge down there so try not to kill him.”

Ruby laughed, “Sounds like a riot. I still can’t believe I’m doing this; going to Rome I mean.”

“Yup, lot’s of travel plans going on. Speaking of which, I really should go make sure Spike remembers to pack my favorite ax.”

“From what I know of him, I’d be surprised if he didn’t pack your top three favorite weapons plus snacks and chocolate.”

It was Buffy’s turn to laugh, “Yeah, he’s pretty great that way.”

Ruby pulled the suitcase over, opening it and started placing her belongings into it, “Yeah, well, I’d better get my crap packed before Willow starts to wonder what’s taking me so long.”

“I think she was just about done. She never did unpack really.” Buffy suddenly found herself staring at one of the brocade roses adorning the duvet cover.

“Buffy? Are you alright?”

She jerked her head up, “I just keep thinking I should have known what was going on. I should have seen something. I should have… I knew something was wrong. I knew she was keeping something from me. That something wasn’t quite right. I just– I thought it was something with Dawn or– I don’t know. I had so many crazy ideas about what she was hiding. I thought I knew what it was when she told me about this other stuff… and then… She had so many bombshells for me, but this one. This one I should have seen. I’m her best-friend, I should have known.”

Ruby moved a stack of neatly folded clothes into the suitcase and sat down, “Don’t do that.”

“What?”

Ruby shook her head, “Look, Willow and I had a long talk, and seriously, just don’t go there. She didn’t want anyone to see it.”

“That’s pretty much what Spike said too, but it really doesn’t help.”

“No, I suppose not, but you really do need to realize that Willow was hiding it all really well. I’m not blaming her for anything, but I am too grateful to you to allow you to blame yourself when she was going through such great lengths to do so.”

“I haven’t seen her in months. Heck, even when I was around, I wasn’t really around, because I was too busy with the wallowing and trying to fill the crater sized hole Spike left in my heart when he died. I should have known something else was wrong before it got this far— it’s just like last time except—“

“Stop it. That glamor wasn’t the only thing she did. She told me she also used that salve of hers and what she called a ‘chipper potion’, which I guess was really just some sort of herbal tea mood-booster so she seemed a lot happier than she really was. She put a lot of effort into hiding which means it wasn’t you being a bad friend. Actually, I’d say that the fact you even picked up on anything at all says the opposite.”

Buffy shook her head, “Maybe to a point— but it’s like last time, I’ve been so wrapped up in my own life that I’ve ignored the people who matter most in—“

“God. Yeah you and everyone else on the planet!”

“What?”

“Everyone does it at some point. Not that they try to, but let’s face it everyone gets wrapped up in their own head sometimes. Hard to live for everyone else when you got your own life. It’s not just you, so drop it. You know now and now is what matters. By the way, I’m pretty sure she probably would have just kept on hiding it if she didn’t feel safe here. A big part of that is you and the fact you offered her a new place to live. That made a difference.”

“You too.”

Ruby let out a mirthless laugh, “Maybe, maybe not. Pretty sure I was little more than a welcome distraction. I think the biggest reason I’m not just saying sod the whole thing is because I need to know how much of it is really her and how much was that blasted potion.”

“Considering I had no idea, I’d say not much. I’m pretty sure she likes you.”

“Yeah well, I don’t know if that matters at the moment. I’m really having second thoughts about this trip to be honest. Maybe I should be sticking close for Sheena. Maybe I—“

“Jetta is keeping an eye out for Sheena. I’m putting her and Ava in charge of the younger girls while we’re gone. It sort of works out now we only have 11 total, Ava and Jetta are just about ready to start Level 4 training so it’s good timing that way I guess.”

“Pftt, oh yeah, that’s better. Isn’t Jetta the one who gagged me? Great substitute for her actual sister.”

“No one is replacing you, you’ll be back before you know it. As for the gag, let’s be fair, you needed it. If she didn’t do it, someone else would have.”

Ruby gave a self-deprecating laugh, “I was a bit off my nut. Can you really blame me? Newly turned formerly-closeted lesbian, high on Slayer blood, gets thrown in with a bunch of hot Slayers? Like locking a starving child in a bakery and telling them they can’t sample the goodies.”

“You sound like Spike.”

Ruby raised an eyebrow and shrugged, “Maybe it’s a hereditary thing.”

“I don’t think it works like that for vamps,” Buffy suppressed a frown at the thought of Drusilla and Angel. “At least I seriously hope it doesn't. Anyway… you want me to tell Willow you’re just about ready? I bet she’s just waiting for the rest of us now.”

“Speaking of which, shouldn’t you be going too?”

“Yeah, I’m in charge of vamp-proofing the van.”

“Have fun. I’m still wondering how I’m going to manage this. I’ve got a reefer coat and a hoodie, but it’s going to look odd in August.”

“Your what?”

Ruby held up both garments, she shook one, “Hoodie” then the other, “Reefer coat, what’s confusing?”

Buffy laughed, “Ohh! Okay, we call that a peacoat where I’m from. Wow. Okay then.” Taking a deep breath she schooled her features, “Ah, yeah it’s a little weird in August but way better than getting all flamy.”

“And I thought sunburn was bad when I was alive.”

“Definitely puts a new spin on it doesn’t it?”

*********************

Callum drummed his fingers on the steering wheel while waiting for the traffic light to change. Being the only one of them to have ever been to Smoo Cave, Callum had volunteered to take over driving once they had gone about half way. The light changed and he continued, casting a glance to the passenger seat where Faith was curled up with her head resting on her knees. It didn’t surprise him since she only seemed to sleep when he had sufficiently worn her out, not that he’d complain.

He knew Faith was feeling guilty about not being at the castle when the shit had hit the fan. So much so, that he was doubly surprised when she had been the one to suggest going on this trip. He knew the only reason she did was likely because of the spell work Willow had preformed to strengthen the castle’s defense and the fact that Giles wasn’t alone.

He wasn’t entirely sure what to make of Xander yet. He figured he was easy enough to get along with and despite talking and often acting like a buffoon, he had a surprisingly extensive knowledge about the supernatural and a work ethic he could certainly respect. They had been working well together on the duplex which Angus was happy about because it meant extra hands on the project. Angus’s wife was due to give birth to their fourth child in a matter of weeks and Angus had been determined to get as much of the work finished as he was able to before the baby came and he planned to take some time off to be with his family. Angus and Callum had already asked Xander if he’d like to help Callum out with odd jobs and even bartending at The White Rabbit while Angus was out and he accepted.

He reached up to adjust the rearview mirror to see into the backseat where he could clearly see Buffy watching the scenery as she gazed out through a small opening in the cardboard she had put up for Spike’s protection. It was still light out but it wouldn’t be for much longer.

“What happened to Spike?”

“Sleeping.”

Callum raised a questioning eyebrow, “Back with the luggage?”

Buffy almost said something rude but then remembered that despite being in the castle as much as he had been lately, Callum was still getting used to certain facts about vampires. “He’s here, you just can’t see him in the mirror,” she said absently as she stroked the hair back from Spike’s forehead. In direct contrast with Faith, Spike was stretched out on the bench seat with his head in her lap and one arm flung up over her knees.

“Any idea how much longer it is until we get there?”

“Starting to see signs for the caves now, we’re making good time, should still get to the B&B just about sundown.”

Spike shifted, rolling his head in her lap nuzzling his face into her stomach.”Nice try, I know you’re awake.”

Spike let out a low grumble and pulled himself up to sit next to her. “I miss anything exciting?”

“Some nice views, but mostly just sheep.”

“A few of those around,” he scrubbed a hand over his face and looked around, spotting Faith still asleep, “See I’m not the only one to fancy a kip.”

“She hasn’t been sleeping well,” Callum said, glancing over at his girlfriend.

“Think we can all relate to that.” Buffy grouched.

“Tired, Pet?”

“Of being in this van, much of the yes.”

“I see it just up ahead here,” Callum responded, turning onto the road leading to a large white Inn turned into a B & B. Moments later he pulled the van into a shaded spot and reached a firm but gentle hand over to rouse Faith. The four of them filed out of the van, stretching and grabbing their luggage.

Inside, the space was bright and cheerful. Flowers in vases dotted around adding pops of color. The furniture was the comfortable sort often found in such cozy places and lent a very welcoming feeling to the space. Just the sort of place Spike would have loved to ransack only a few short years ago. Painting the pristine white walls and polished surfaces red with the blood of the graying gentleman behind the counter. “Good evening, welcome! Do you have reservations?”

As things stood now however, Spike simply gave him his most winsome smile, “Sure have. Under Summers and Ross,” he added, jerking his head towards the couple with them.

The old man skimmed a finger through an old fashioned ledger, “Ahh yes, here we are. Just sign here if you please and we’ll get you all settled in for the night. I’m Mr. Lewis. I’m afraid you’ve missed dinner, however I’m sure the wife would be happy to arrange a fruit and cheese plate for you if you’d like.”

“Yes please,” Buffy answered.

“Yeah, I think we’ll take some of that action,” Faith drawled.

Upstairs, Callum slipped the two bags he carried into the room the old man unlocked for him. His eyes widening slightly when one of the bags made a suspicious clanging sound as the weapons within made their presence known.

Spike rolled his eyes and invented wildly, “Either you accidentally grabbed one of your tool bags for work or you two have a much more exciting weekend planned than I thought.”

“Don’t threaten us with a good time unless you’re prepared to see it through there, Spikey,” Faith teased.

“Why Faith, I’m flattered. I had no idea,” He drawled in mock surprise.

Callum snorted a laugh and brushed past them both with the bag in hand, “I’ll just take these tools back out then shall I? Think you can behave yourselves for that long?”

“Scouts honor, Mate. Don’t think the Mrs. would care for it much anyway,” Spike winked.

Buffy had to take pity on poor Mr. Lewis, who had gone slightly red in the face, “Oh my god guys, save the jokes. Let’s just get settled in.”

Spike took her hand, “Right, Pet, maybe we can go for a walk or something before we turn in.”

Apparently the idea of something so mundane snapped Mr. Lewis out of his shock and he hastily unlocked the door to their room, handing Spike the key, “The rooms in this hall share the bath at the end, just there. Please remember to be courteous.”

“Wouldn’t dream of being anything but.”

He hesitated, “Well I’ll just leave you to it. I’ll have someone bring up the fruit and cheese if you like, or I can bring it to you in the great room with a bottle of wine.”

“The great room would be just fine, thank you.” Buffy replied before Faith or Spike could disturb the poor man’s delicate sensibilities any further.

Buffy felt herself relax almost instantly as they entered their room. It was done up in cozy dark woods, pale gray walls and a dark blue bedspread which she immediately flopped down on. “Yeah, I kinda love this room. Maybe we should do something like this for our bedroom.”

Spike pursed his lips as he laid their luggage down on a cushioned bench at the foot of the bed, “Think I’m partial to the metal sort of bed frame. Like the one you had back in Sunnyhell, perhaps not white though.”

Buffy raised an eyebrow, “That bedframe squeaked.”

He stalked over to her and lowered himself down with his arms, bracing himself up over her with a wicked grin, “So do you.”

“You just want me to tie you up and chain you down.”

“Can go both ways,” he murmured as he sank down to kiss her with raw need.

After a long moment he relented, leaving Buffy breathing hard and squirming beneath him. “Black metal bed frame it is, you win. I’ll make it work.”

He smirked, backing up and off of her. He extended a hand to pull her up, “Well, at least we have that very important detail decided on. Now we just have to talk about the blasted backsplash and bathroom tile, paint vs wallpaper and all that rot.”

Buffy let out a petulant little huff, “I know I want our place to be on the cozy side.”

“Obviously.”

“I’m thinking sort of a light meets dark kind of thing.”

“Just like us.”

“Just like us,” she repeated as she pulled him into another kiss.

Just then there was a knock at the door, “You two coming down?” Faith asked. The words were barely out of her mouth before Buffy was at the door, with Spike at her heels. “You’re really excited about the whole wine and cheese thing huh?” Faith smirked at Buffy.

“That and I’m curious about the cave.”

“I’m telling you right now B, I’m not sure if I really want to go in there tonight. I say the three of us day-walkers check it out in the daytime, do a little recon and then if we need to go back at night then Spikey can join us.”

“Where’s your sense of adventure? Do the recon tonight, get it out of the way. Take the sword, find ‘The Pit of Despair’, all that.”

“Am I supposed to know what that means?”

“You’ve never seen ‘The Princess Bride’?”

“Don’t do chick flicks.”

Spike gaped at her, “Bloody hell woman, shows what you know. Help me out here, Goldilocks.”

“He’s right, it’s a classic. Little bit of everything including rats of unusual size and a lovable giant.”

“Sounds weird.”

“You sure you shouldn’t be shacking up with the great-forehead?”

“Big no. What does that have to do with a movie anyway?” Faith huffed, clearly agitated.

Buffy shot her a questioning look, “Are you alright?”

Faith rolled her shoulders and straightened up, “I’m fine, just… can’t seem to unwind. Kinda just want to take it easy tonight. This place is freaking me out a little too. Too bright and cheery, and quiet, it’s just weird.”

“All the more reason to hit the cave tonight. With any luck maybe there’ll be some nasty for us to take down.” He paused looking around as they came down the stairs, “Didn’t think the quiet was so bad.”

“Think I’m just used to the castle. Got to get my head around not being there with the girls and their constant hullabaloo.”

“Now there’s a word for it,” Spike grumbled, “Rather prefer the quiet myself.”

“Which is why we need to talk about how we want to do our half of the duplex,” Buffy was saying as they turned the corner into the great room where Callum was waiting for them.

“Told you my mum would be keen to help you out with that. Going to have to start making decisions about the tile and bathroom fixtures and what-all real soon too because we’re going to need to get started now we got most of the structural stuff under control. Angus was overseeing the roof work this weekend so the fireplace shouldn’t be giving you any more grief.”

“Spike and I just started talking about that. Trying to get back to something looking even remotely like normal after everything.”

Faith made a guttural sound and gulped down a glass of wine, “Weren’t you the ones who told me there was no such thing as normal for a Slayer?”

“Don’t think we put it quite like that, Doe-eyes. Buffy just means normal for us. Despite all the crazy shit this life throws at us, Buffy and I agree we need a nice cozy place to retreat to in our down time.”

“My mum can certainly help you with that.”

“She did his place, it’s really nice Buff.” Faith said as she leaned up against Callum.

“What do you say, Lass, have them over for dinner one night, start to reclaim some normal of our own? Barely remember what my flat looks like, good thing I don’t have any pets.” He joked.

Faith took a deep breath and refilled her wine gesturing towards Buffy with the bottle. Buffy slid a glass towards her. After filling her glass, Faith sat back in her seat eyeing Callum. “You don’t like staying with me at the castle?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“But it’s what you mean isn’t it?”

“You know I want to be wherever you are. I just mean that it might be nice if we could occasionally stay somewhere where I don’t have to pull on a pair of pants every time I have to go to the loo, is all.”

“Heaven forbid one should sleep in the nude without locking the damn door with all the Slayerettes around, that’s for sure,” Spike seconded, “Be right nice to have our own private bath too.”

Buffy was glad the conversation seemed to be coming back around, “Yeah, alright, I wouldn’t mind taking a look at your place, Callum, then we can think about meeting with your mom. Is there anything you absolutely have to have a decision on within the next week or so?”

“Angus would like to have at least one if not both of the suites finished before the baby comes. He knows I can handle the kitchen and Xander seems to be able to do just about any of the carpentry I set him to. He did a particularly good job on the windows.”

“Oh yeah, Xan has lots of practice with windows, doors… walls… yeah, I’ve kept him busy the last few years.”

They talked a little longer until they had had their fill of fresh fruit, a variety of cheeses, and crackers. Buffy was feeling surprisingly content by the time they made it outside and headed towards the cave.

***************************

The path leading down was steep and rocky. Buffy was grateful she, Faith, and Spike had listened to Callum’s warnings about footwear and opted for waterproof hiking boots. It was clear they would need them. Spike was far less concerned about having proper footwear but had acquiesced for her benefit.

Even in the relative darkness of the evening the mouth of the cave was visible and imposing in the sliver of moonlight shining above them. A gaping maw in the darkness. Buffy was overcome with the sheer size of the cave entrance alone; she figured that it had to be at least 50 feet high and nearly three times as wide.

“Holy crap,” she breathed.

Callum chuckled, “Told you it was big.”

“Yeah but… Holy crap… That's huge, massive… that's seriously the biggest one I’ve ever seen.”

“I’ve heard that before.” Callum smirked.

Faith barked out a laugh and Spike snorted, “Out of context a bloke might be offended, Love.”

Buffy looked over to him, her mind still focused on the cave when she realized what was so funny, “Oh my god, Spike!” She squeaked, making him laugh again.

“Good thing I’m nice and secure in my manhood.”

Callum was still chuckling, “Pretty sure it's the largest sea cave in Scotland if I remember correctly.”

“Oh I’d believe it,” Faith said coolly, “Kidding aside, this thing really is a beast.”

Inside the cave Spike held out a hand to Buffy, “You got a torch in that bag of yours, Pet?”

She dug in her shoulder bag a moment, pulling it out and handing it to him. Spike flicked it on, illuminating the space and the smooth pebbles they were walking on until they came to a long footbridge, half of which was covered with a roof situated directly under a large natural hole in the ceiling of the cave where moonlight was currently coming in.

“See now, this is what I’m talking about. We should build something like this going from the house to the castle, be perfect.”

“You’ll have to take that up with our contractor, I already told you what I thought about it. We already have enough going into this project. Yeah it might be a great long term goal but right now, it’s just not in the budget.”

Callum chuckled, “I’ll just keep adding onto my to-do list.”

“Yeah well I’m handing over my paycheck to you aint I?”

“Hey now, I–”

“Let me stop you. I’m just saying, Buffy’s still paying for the apartment in Rome and what not, so yeah I might as well just have Giles make my paycheck out to you at this point, Cal,” Spike grumbled.

“Supplies cost money too, man.”

“I know you’re right, and I ain't got any complaints ‘bout the work you been doin’. Like what I see so far. Money well spent if it gives my lady her dream home.” he said as he watched the waterfall cascade through the cave.

“You could always lend a hand too.”

“Got some welding you need help with? Not exactly sure where I'd be handy.”

“You’re not bad at decorating, Babe.”

“Very funny, Slayer. Again, glad I’m secure in my masculinity.”

“That’s never really been my strong suit. It’s why I had my mum do mine.”

“Spike’s old place was really kinda nice considering it was all stuff he found at the dump.”

“Not all of it was from the dump, and its a bit hard for me to go into shops, daylight hours tend to cut into my availability. She can have a stab at ours too so long as she knows Buffy and I have our own style. Might be the only thing I can help with. Carpentry ain’t really my thing. Keeping carpenters and window manufacturers in business might be more my expertise.”

Callum laughed, “Can teach you how to do tile. That’s a time consuming pain in the arse. You’d cut down on my hours a bit with that.”

“Don’t mind padding my resume, granted it’s usually with new and interesting ways to kill demons but I’ll give it a shot.” He shrugged non-committedly.

Faith suddenly grabbed Spike’s hand, directing the flash light to a point several yards in front of them, “What’s that up there?”

Callum looked ahead where Faith was pointing, “Oh yeah, they use those rafts for tours. The cave goes back pretty far but it’s almost all water the further back you go up to a certain point and then you can sort of walk around a bit.”

Buffy pulled open the weapons bag, “Party favors for everyone,” she said, handing out weapons. She hesitated on Lancelot’s sword, “Callum, you want the honors?”

“What do you want me to do with it?”

“Pointy end goes in the bad guy.”

Callum rolled his eyes, “Got that bit. Been sparing with the lady a bit in our down time. She’s been showing me around the weapons cabinet. I ment in regards to finding this lock we’re looking for. Not like we even know what we’re going to find. Can’t just say ‘Lead me to the man in black,’ now can I?”

“See Faith, even your boy here quotes ‘The Princess Bride’.”

“Great, I’m the one person who hasn’t seen this thing.”

“Gonna have to have a movie night.”

“Save it, let’s get our adventure on.”

The four of them continued on in one of the rafts reserved for cave tours. There was recessed lighting in this section of the cave which ran on solar power and seemed to be motion activated so they didn’t need to rely on the flashlight as much. Aside from the waterfall it was eerily quiet in the cave. The sword did absolutely nothing until they finally reached the back of the cave.

Buffy gripped Spike’s hand for stability as she jumped out of the raft and into a narrow rockledge. He threw her a rope, “See if you can secure that someplace, Pet.”

“Eh, give me a sec.”

Buffy was still looking around when the sword in Callum’s hand suddenly twisted, turning towards a relatively flat section of wall several yards ahead of them.

“You lot jump out.”

Faith and Callum scrambled to shore while Buffy held the raft in place, “Spike, there’s a ring in the wall over there, do you think you can manage.”

“Yeah, I’ll take care of this bloody thing. You go on. He’s going full steam ahead, best keep an eye on Sir Galahad there.”

Callum was indeed leading the way or rather the sword was. Faith stuck close behind him with an ax in one hand and a stake in the other, just in case. Buffy caught up to them a moment later.

“Well what do I do now?” Callum asked just as the sword tip collided violently into the wall of the cave. The words were barely out of his mouth before the stonewall melted away into a large archway revealing what appeared to be a quaint forest clearing with a lovely cottage and a few chickens and goats milling around.

“Bloody hell.” Callum swore under his breath as Faith came up to his side.

“Sweet little set up, think we’ll find Goldilocks and the three bears?”

“Don’t let your guard down.”

A moment later a woman in a medieval style dress and very long light brown hair came out of the cottage and into the open. She was young and pretty close to Buffy and Faith‘s age, maybe a little older but not by much, “Greetings visitors. How pray tell, do you come by my husband’s sword?”

The three of them were speechless for a moment before Buffy found her voice. “Hi there. I’m Buffy, this is Faith and Callum. Did you say it was your husband’s?”

“Sir Launcelot?” Callum spluttered suddenly, he seemed a little star struck.

“You know him? Did he send you to me?”

“Humm, no. In fact he—“

Her face fell. “He is dead isn’t he? I feared he was long ago. Time is such a strange thing when it loses all meaning. Oh my poor Launcelot.” Her voice was sad, but not tearful. Certainly not the way one would expect a grieving widow to sound. It was an odd statement, Buffy was already starting to feel like there was something very off about her but she wasn’t sure what.

“Ahh, yeah. I bet. What is this place? Who are you lady?” Faith asked.

“I? I am Lady Guinevere, former Queen of Camelot.”

---

---

Chapter 42 Cabin Fever

Faith brushed dirt from her hands and sat down in front of Guinevere’s fresh grave. Callum threw down the shovel Faith had pilfered from the B&B’s garden shed and sat down next to her. “You alright?”

She shrugged, “She was a Slayer and I killed her.”

Callum straightened his back, “Self defense against a crazy woman thought to have been dead long ago, who just stabbed someone you care about. You didn’t know Buffy was going to pull through.”

“That’s just it, I’m not sorry… Not for that anyway.”

“But you feel sorry for her.”

“Yeah, I guess I kinda do. I mean this whole thing was seriously messed up from the beginning. Who’s bright idea was it to lock her inside a freaking cave anyway? That thing about it being for her protection was a crock of bull.”

He looked around at the seemingly idyllic forest landscape surrounding the cottage. It looked like something out of a Disney film. “Agreed. This place screams gilded cage.”

“Probably some Watcher’s Council BS, or maybe she was already going nuts or something. Who knows.” She said plucking a blade of grass and tearing it into little pieces.

“Are you going to be alright?”

“Always am.”

He wrapped an arm around her. “Babe, it’s me. Couples therapy, remember?”

“So much more fun when you’re naked.”

Callum chuckled, “Come on, beautiful, you wanted to check out the cottage some more, might find some answers.”

She sighed and pulled herself up. “Yeah, better see if there are any more bombshells waiting for us.”

*****

Buffy pushed herself up out of bed unsteadily. She was healing well but her chest and back seared with pain at every movement. She watched Spike sleeping for a moment as she gingerly shrugged on her robe before creeping out of the room. The bathroom door at the end of the hall was open and Buffy shuffled towards it. She was feeling fairly weak after everything and wouldn’t have gotten up at all if she didn't have to use the bathroom so badly.

She stood at the sink washing her hands and examining her reflection in the mirror. She was pale and looked exhausted. There were circles under her eyes like she hadn’t slept in a week. Her breathing was still a little off but at least she was ambulatory. Barely. This was definitely worse than the wound she had suffered at the Hellmouth.

The corner of the shower curtain caught her eye in the mirror.

Mmm… hot water sounds really good— I should probably get cleaned up and check out the damage for myself…

She sighed as she shrugged off her robe and the oversized shirt she had slept in. Then turned to look at herself in the mirror. She peeled off the bandage a few inches right of her sternum. It was a testament to how much the ordeal had upset Spike since he had yet to make a joke about her being stabbed in the boob. The slash was crusted over with blood. It looked like it was a few days old and had started to heal. She proceeded to contort her arm around to pull off the bandage at her back. Using the mirror she was able to see that side was healing just as well. The hilt of the sword had left a nasty bruise.

There were two baskets on the countertop filled with tiny bottles of shampoo and conditioner. A third basket was filled with what looked like little seashell shaped homemade soaps. Buffy grabbed one of each along with a fresh washcloth and proceeded to the shower. It was just as glorious as she had hoped it would be. The wounds were raw and burned under the water but it felt so good to get clean. She washed gingerly, watching trace amounts of blood and dirt run down the drain.

Could be worse, at least it doesn’t look like the shower scene in ‘Psycho’— She thought.

By the time she got back to their room she felt like she had just finished an extensive training session with the girls. She took the towel off of her wet hair and pulled her robe tighter around herself. Then collapsed back onto the bed as smoothly as possible and let out a hiss of pain as she eased against the pillows. The wound at her back stung dully and felt like one large bruise.

Because it is one big bruise.

She shifted awkwardly as she tried to get comfortable and swore under her breath. Spike lifted his head towards her groggily, “Alright, Pet?”

“I’m fine. Just doing the healing thing.”

He turned, propped himself up on one elbow with his head in his hand, “You smell nice. Shower help?”

“Yeah. I’m feeling better. Still hurts but you know how that goes—“ she cut off with a wince of pain.

“What do you feel like doing? Do you want to head home early or take a few more days here?”

“I hadn’t really thought about it. We should probably check out the cottage again.” She said pulling the blanket back over herself.

“Faith and Callum went this morning, been gone all day as far as I know.”

She nodded, “Alright. What about phone calls? Did you call Willow?”

Spike frowned and cleared his throat, “Not yet, I thought it might be better if you talked to her.”

Buffy looked towards the clock, “Almost dinner time. I’ll call later.”

“You should definitely eat something.”

“I look like death.”

“Nonsense. I look like death and no one bats an eye.”

“You look like you should be a male pinup in some dirty magazine.”

“You say the sweetest things,” he chuckled, “but seriously, you need to eat. Sure you’re a bit peaky but just as beautiful as ever, nothing a little makeup can’t fix if you’re all that worried.”

“Gee thanks,” her voice dripped with sarcasm.

“Come on, you know I’m right.”

“Fine. can you hand me some clean clothes?”

“You need fresh bandages.”

She glanced over at the clock again, “Yeah, that’s probably a good idea. They are looking better but I really don’t need them popping open if I have another coughing fit or something. Dinner actually sounds like a pretty great idea right now.”

Spike rolled out of bed and grabbed a clean pair of jeans and a shirt for himself. His own wound looked significantly better than hers but he was still moving rather stiffly.

“How are you feeling?” She asked.

“I’m alright, Pet. Bit tender, but then I don’t have to breathe so there’s that,” he said as he pulled his shirt on gingerly and went to get Buffy’s clothes out of her bag. He tossed them onto the bed next to her before grabbing the first aid kit.

Buffy slipped her robe off of her shoulders and Spike raised his eyebrows when he saw the wounds.

“Well, at least it’s starting to close a little.”

“Yeah, it’s not as bad as yesterday, still hurts like a bitch.”

“I hear you on that one.”

Spike moved around to her back laying a cool hand on her shoulder as he applied a fresh bandage. When he finished he ran his fingers down her arms, kissing her neck.

Buffy inhaled sharply at his tender caress and started to cough a little. “Sorry, Love,” he murmured as he moved back around to her front. He shook his head as he secured the bandage, “Likely to leave a scar.”

“Guess it’s a good thing my boyfriend thinks my scars are sexy.” She smirked.

“Bloody well right they are,” he crooned and leaned in to kiss her.

Buffy slowly pulled back from the kiss, “Humm, yeah, better not start anything we can’t finish.”

He pushed her clothes towards her, “Better put these on then.”

“Any idea what they are serving for dinner tonight?” She asked as she started to dress herself.

He sniffed the air, “Hard to tell over your soap but I’m thinking it smells a bit like a curry,” he answered as he helped her with her shirt.

“Sounds good.”

*****

Faith had spent the past couple of hours going through the cabin and more specifically the things in Guinevere’s bedroom. Her room was the most orderly place on the entire second level. It was also the only room they had found so far that didn’t have any drawings on the walls. The only thing that really stuck out was the enormous bookcase along one wall that was completely filled with journals and sketchbooks. They were stacked on top of the bookcase until they reached the ceiling. There were no other books. Not one.

This is a job for the brains… I can’t do this shit…

Faith thought as she flipped through one of the journals.

She scoffed and went back out into the hall behind Callum who had brought his camera along and was now taking pictures of the drawings covering the walls in the upstairs hallway. The drawings looked like they were done in charcoal from the fireplace. It looked as though Guinevere had tried to wash them down a few times but had started over again. Most of the drawings were of things that happened years before she and Buffy were called but a few looked familiar. One such drawing looked remarkably like Angelus and it made Faith shudder.

Another drawing showed a depiction of what was clearly mayor Wilkins turning into a giant snake. She had been in a coma at the time and had only heard about the events after. Although, surprisingly, it wasn’t half as bad as seeing the Beast she had faced in LA just after she broke out of prison; when Angel had lost his soul.

There was even a scene depicting Angelus feeding off of her. She had nearly died from the substance she had injected into herself in order to knock him out. It had ended up being an odd bonding experience for them in the end. It was strange and more than a little unnerving to see it on the wall like that.

Faith sat down on the floor staring at the drawings.

Callum lowered his camera and looked down at her, “You alright, darling?”

She didn’t respond immediately, “All of this is just seriously freaking weird. Like scenes from my life and it’s just really nuts-o-plenty.”

“I can imagine. I don’t know how I’d feel if it were me.” He shrugged, “Did you see the one in the bedroom at the end? There’s one with a guy collapsed over a cross, I swear it looks like Spike from the back. Got the hair anyway. It’s really freaky.”

“Yeah it really does. What did you think of the ice monster one?”

Callum shrugged, “Bit over the top aesthetically, speaking. Looks like a giant icicle thing with claws and teeth.”

Faith had to laugh, “Yeah pretty much. Got to say I’m kind of glad I haven’t had to fight that one. Not really a fan of the whole snow and ice-mountain cave-dweller scene. And what’s with the Yeti looking thing with the box?”

“You’re the expert here.”

“Right—“ she gave him a skeptic look and shrugged it off.

“What do you make of that one?” He asked, pointing to his left. Most of the drawings there were so corrupted by intersecting lines, neither of them could figure out what they were supposed to be.

“Not a clue, most of this looks like complete garbage. Make sure you get pictures of everything though.”

“On it, Lass.”

“Did you have a chance to check out those last two rooms?”

“Ahh, I got the one on the left you already checked out . Not much in there, in the way of artwork. You already saw the two sets of bunk beds without mattresses. Kinda looks like she just piled stuff up in there that reminded her of her family,” His shoulders dropped a little, “This place is bloody depressing.”

She crossed her arms over her chest as she scanned her eyes over the walls. “Giles would blow his intellectual wad in here. Probably wouldn’t be able to get him to shut up about the place.”

“Trust me, if it weren’t for the creep-factor I’d probably be right along with him.”

“Yeah well I’m going to check out that last room.”

Faith padded down the hallway a little. The door opened a crack and she gasped when the sight of a woman met her; before she realized it was yet another drawing. The room had been completely cleared out. Every reachable surface had been drawn on. Black lines of charcoal covered nearly every inch.

The drawing of the woman that had first caught her attention, took up about half of one wall. She was thin, dark haired and wore a white empire waist gown with blood dripping down the front of her. She was surrounded by children of various ages, and fire.

A wall of blood red fire stood behind the figures in the drawing. It was one of the only drawings that had any color added and Faith realized with a jolt that it was probably blood. Maybe from one of the animals Guinevere had killed.

Faith pulled herself away from the intense stare of the two dimensional woman to examine the rest of the drawings. Demons in all shapes and sizes dotted the walls. A flayed man bound between two trees. Another man arched in pain as light shot out of his eyes and mouth obscuring his features. A woman with blonde hair that looked like it could be Buffy, punching her fist into a demonic Frankenstein’s monster. There was an odd image of a woman floating, dressed in all black with black hair and eyes and unnerving black veins running across her exposed skin.

Faith had no way of knowing if most of these drawings were from the past, present, or future. She had heard stories about Willow going dark and wondered if the last drawing could possibly be her.

Callum walked in, disrupting her thoughts, “Bloody hell—“ he breathed, “Glad I brought extra film.”

“You’re not kidding.”

He pointed towards the picture that had originally caught Faith’s eye, “Who do we think that is?”

Faith frowned, “That would be Spike’s ex.”

*****

Buffy and Spike had just gone into the great room after dinner when Faith and Callum returned to the Inn. Buffy was starting to feel significantly better after getting some food in her stomach. Spike had been right to insist she eat.

Faith plopped down on the couch next to Buffy, jostling the cushions and making Buffy wince.

She turned to glare at her, “Easy, bouncing Betty.”

“Sorry about that B, kind of a rough day.”

“How so? What did you guys find?”

Callum sat in a wingback chair next to the spot Spike had taken up on its twin in front of the unlit fireplace.

Faith sighed and shifted further into the cushions, “Well, we took care of Guinevere and checked out her graffiti. It’s really extensive, there is so much crap to go through there.”

Spike leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs. “Anything of note?”

“Lots. Some of it was stuff I know already happened. Like she was having Slayer dreams about us. I really don’t believe she didn’t know Slayers were still around. I really think she was playing us from the get-go.”

Buffy hugged a throw pillow to her chest, “I wondered when you first told us about the drawings. It’s really wiggy.”

“She had to have known.”

“Maybe it sort of added to driving her round the bend.” Callum suggested, “Don’t forget bout the journals and the sketchbooks we found too.”

“Ohh yeah, thanks babe. Yeah she had like hundreds of these things on a big bookshelf in her bedroom. I only flipped through a couple of them but she was definitely losing it for a while.”

“It doesn’t surprise me,” Buffy frowned.

Faith turned back to Buffy, “I had Callum get pictures of all of it. And we grabbed a few of the journals for Giles but there are too many of them to even think about taking with us.”

“At least we have the sword and we can get back in. I’m sure Giles is going to want to check it out.”

“Probably. But one thing at a time. We’re going to have to get the film developed when we get back. I can tell you one thing though,” she rolled her head towards Spike, “there’s one hell of a portrait of your ex in there.”

Spike shifted forward a little more, “Dru?”

“Oh yeah. Looking real creepy with a bunch of kids around her and all this blood dripping down. It’s freaky.”

“Well that tracks. She always did have a thing for kids.” His tone was matter of fact, he wasn’t surprised in the slightest.

“Not helping the creep factor here,” Faith groused.

“Anything else?”

Faith adjusted herself on the couch, “Not a clue really. You figure some of those drawings could be almost as old as the cabin. I only know the ones that I either lived through or heard stories about. Like this one that looks like it could be Willow when she went all dark-side, but I couldn’t tell you if that already happened or if she’s going to go dark again.”

Buffy frowned at that, “Will has been doing really well with the magic stuff but this thing with Kennedy—“

“Yeah what’s going on with that bitch anyway?” Faith asked.

“As long as she’s still in Australia and far far away from Willow and my sister, I don’t really care.”

“You better be careful she doesn’t come back round. My sister-in-law had that problem with her ex before my brother. Sort of how they met, actually.”

“I know Giles has connections in Australia; they are supposed to be keeping tabs on her.”

Callum raised his eyebrows and glanced over at Spike, “Probably for the best I take it?”

“Any more trouble out of her and I’ll happily rip her throat out.”

“Never did get that third notch did you?” Faith said.

He smirked, “Oh I got my notch alright. Brought the house down.”

Buffy blushed, “Oh my word, do you have to bring that up?”

“Don’t care what you say, Pet. You don’t forget your first time, especially when we started out on the ground floor and ended up in the basement. God, that was a fun night.”

Callum bit back a laugh, “Now I understand why you laughed at me for breaking the bed.”

“Wow, B, didn’t know you had it in you.”

“How’bout all the furniture I had to replace in my old crypt?” He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

Buffy glared at Spike, “You are—“ Doing this on purpose.

You bet I am, Slayer. Know it’s gonna be a bit before you’re up to anything, got to keep things interesting.

She rolled her eyes at his smirk, “Anyway… enough about our sex-life; what are you two up to tonight?”

“I could definitely use a drink or twelve,” Faith answered.

“Absolutely,” Callum stood, extending his hand towards her, “can I buy you a drink, beautiful?”

She let him pull her up, “You know it.”

Buffy let out a tired sigh, “I have some serious phone calls to make, I guess.”

Faith turned toward her as Callum wrapped an arm around her waist, “You still haven’t checked in with Giles and Willow?”

“No, not yet.”

Faith snorted, “Good luck with that.”

“Gee, thanks.” Buffy pouted a little.

“Giles can wait a bit can’t he?” Spike asked.

She sighed, “Yeah, I won’t be able to get him off the phone if I mention Queenie. I definitely need to call Will and Dawn though. Get her filled in and make sure everything is alright there. Go on, you three go get your drink on, I’ll be phone-call girl.”

Spike leaned forward taking her hand, “Doesn’t seem fair.”

Buffy shrugged a shoulder, “I’m not really feeling the drinks tonight. I’m actually thinking more sleep.”

“Probably do you some good, Love.”

*****

The inn had a small bar at the back of the dining room. The three of them sidled up to the bar, Faith sitting between the two men.

“How is B doing, I mean really?” Faith asked abruptly.

“She’s alright. Don’t think it’s all sunk in just yet.”

Callum raised a finger in the air to get the bartender’s attention, “Could we get a bottle of whiskey and three glasses here?”

“Straight to the point. Can see why you like this one, Doe-eyes,” Spike said as the bartender set down the glasses and retrieved a bottle of whiskey.

“It’s not the only reason but it’s definitely a perk.”

“I bet,” Spike gave a weak chuckle and shook his head, “this little trip has gone a bit sideways, hasn't it?” he added as the bartender set the bottle down in front of them and started to pour.

Callum chuckled darkly and took his glass, “Never a dull moment with you lot, I’ll say that.”

“I’ll drink to that. Cheers, mate.”

“Cheers,” Callum and Faith echoed.

The three of them shot back their drinks and clunked them down onto the bar before Spike refilled them.

“So what now?” Callum asked.

“Probably just finish out our long weekend here and head home. Don’t think Buffy is too keen to head back early and should be just about healed by then.”

“Brilliant. It’ll give me a chance to paint the view.”

Spike snorted into his shot glass.

Callum grabbed the bottle and refilled Spike’s glass, “What’s that? You going to write us a sonnet?”

“Piss off,” he muttered, biting back a grin. He had to admit, it was nice having another guy around he could call a friend.

“Do I need to leave you two creative types alone?” Faith smirked, downing another drink.

“Oh is that what you think?” Callum laughed as he wrapped an arm around her waist, “Cheeky one, you are,” he pulled her into a kiss, delving deep and leaving her breathless.

“Wow,” Faith sounded dazed when she spoke.

Spike downed another shot, “Maybe it’s me that should leave the two of you alone.”

“You’re good. Promise to save it for the bedroom, mate,” he squeezed her to him, “Right darlin’?”

“Might be time for us to turn in.”

“I probably shouldn’t make a night of it anyway. No telling how things are gonna go if Buffy gets into things with Dawn. Bit’s libel to take it badly.” He paused looking at his glass and filled it again, drinking it quickly.

He was more than a little apprehensive about what this all meant for their relationship. On one hand he was overjoyed with the prospect of having her by his side indefinitely but at the same time he worried about how she would handle watching her loved ones grow old and die. He had never really had that problem but he was sure she would.

“Girl can be savage when she wants to be.” Faith commented.

“Got that right,” he downed another shot and slid from his stool slapping some money down, “I’m going to see how she’s faring.”

*****

When Spike got up to their room, Buffy was in her pajamas and sitting up on the bed with her phone in her hand. She glanced up at him when he came in and he immediately noticed her yes were slightly red at the corners.

“Alright, Slayer? You get through to Roam?”

Buffy cleared her throat, “I talked to Willow.”

He strode over to sit with her, watching her intently. “What is it?”

Buffy shook her head, “I hum, I sort of chickened out.”

“You didn’t call?”

Her voice was rough, “I did. I talked to Willow, checked in on the Rome situation with Kennedy being gone. Violet has sort of taken over, who would have thought huh?”

It was clear she was stalling. “Timid little ginger right?”

“Yeah. Turns out she’s kind of a natural leader, just needed a confidence boost.”

Spike nodded, it was always good to have an update but he couldn’t let her change the subject either. “Good for her but what about Red? What’s going on there?”

She twisted her hands together around her phone, still clutching it, “Oh I got her all filled in no problem. Told her everything we know so far and then— I asked to talk to Dawn. Spike, I completely froze. I don’t even know why. I was doing fine and then when I heard her voice—- I just couldn’t tell her what happened. I started babbling about the B&B; what a nice room we have. I sort of tried to push past the freak-out and started to tell her about the cave but then I just made it sound like we went sightseeing or whatever. It was so stupid.”

Spike pulled her into him, letting her rest her head in the crook of his neck. “This hasn’t exactly been a lovely seaside holiday, Pet. Point of fact I’m not surprised in the least. You’ve been through a lot, we all have. You’re so used to just gettin’ right back up no matter what knocks you down like some sodding punch-clown. You’re still human, sweetheart.”

“Am I?” It was almost a whisper.

He had half expected her to say something like this but it still struck him like a kick to the stomach. “Course you are, Love. You’re just a little something extra. Like a hot fudge sundae with whipped cream and a cherry on top.”

Buffy snorted a tiny laugh, “You’re such an idiot.”

“Yeah but you love me so what’s that say about you?”

“As long as we get to be idiots together.”

“Always.”

---

41 Breathe

Spike crumpled in over Buffy’s still form in his arms. The gaping hole in his own chest practically nothing compared to the pain of feeling her limp against him. He was so consumed by grief that he didn’t even notice the hand lightly gripping the back of his head. Until the fingers gripped harder and dug into his scalp. “Go on, Faith, just leave us alone… I can’t—“ he shuddered weakly.

Faith looked up from where her eyes had fixated upon the floor a few inches away from Buffy. “It’s not me. Spike look.”

He shook his head, still unwilling to move.

“Spike?” The hand gripped tighter in his hair, pulling him back a little, “You’re crushing me.”

He blinked several times, letting his eyes focus on Buffy. Who was looking back at him with wide green eyes. His grip on her increased involuntarily and she gasped. “Babe, kinda hard to breathe.” She gasped again.

In his shock Spike nearly dropped her before adjusting his grip on her. “Oww!” She groaned.

“Buffy? Oh thank God. You really had me going there for a minute, I thought I’d lost you again.”

“Doesn’t exactly tickle,” she coughed and a little blood came up with it, “oh that’s gross.”

He pressed his ear to her chest, “I swear your heart stopped, Pet. It’s In working order now, bit fast. Bitch got you in the lung.”

She took several shallow gasping breaths. “That would explain it.”

“What the hell?” Faith’s voice came from behind them, “not that I’m not super stoked or anything but what the hell B?”

Spike looked back at her. “Not now, let’s get her back to our room and let her heal up a bit and we’ll explain.”

“She has a right to know.” Buffy gasped again.

“And she will.”

She grumbled and started to sit up with a grimace of pain. Spike adjusted himself to help her up better.

“Should she really be moving like that?” Callum asked, shock lacing his voice.

“Fought off Uber-vamps— and ran rooftops, after the last time this happened,” she rasped weakly before gasping for breath. She coughed several times before continuing, “Think I can handle this.”

Spike supported her over to a comfortable chair setting her back allowing her to breathe easier. “Rest a bit. This one is considerably worse, Slayer. Your heart literally stopped.”

“Like it hasn’t done that before.”

“You know what I mean. Lung is a bit different than the gut.”

Callum shook his head. “All right, but I’m with Faith on this one. What’s going on, is this some sort of Slayer thing? Is that what all those questions you were asking Guinevere were about before she went mad?”

Buffy and Spike exchanged a look. She coughed again grimacing and glanced over to the spot where Guinevere’s head had landed. “Spike’s right. We should— get out of here.” Her breathing was off. Weak. But she was determined to push through.

Spike gave a nod, “Faith, can you run up and see if you can find a blanket or something to wrap around her? We don’t want to cause a ruckus back at the B&B.”

“Sure, whatever. I’m just glad she’s alright.”

Faith’s head was swimming as she took the stairs at a run. The breath caught in her throat when she saw what was at the top of the stairs. “Huhh, guys! You might want to see this!”

Spike growled, “Cal, go on. See what she found.”

Callum met Faith at the top of the stairs. The walls of the upper landing were completely covered with what looked like hellish graffiti. Drawing atop drawing until they were barely legible. “God, what are these?”

“Slayer visions,” Faith said flatly. “She must have still been having them… These— and she had stopped fighting. No wonder she was looney toons.”

“You mean this is the kind of stuff you dream?”

“Well yeah, but this— Cal, when I get some slayage in, this sort of slides away and they're just dreams. Freaky ones sure, but we get used to them and the slaying sort of calms things down. They don’t build up. Not like this. Guinevere was doing some extreme ignoring and it drove her crazy.”

“Holy shit.”

“You can say that again.”

“Oi! Can we hurry this along! Slayer healing notwithstanding, Buffy still needs tending to here!” Spike’s voice bellowed up the stairs.

“Right,” Faith muttered as she pushed open one of the doors onto a neatly kept bedroom that must have been Guinevere’s. She quickly grabbed a dark green wool blanket and the two of them turned back down the stairs.

In a moment Spike had Buffy wrapped in the blanket and was carrying her out of the cottage. Faith and Callum following behind carrying the weapons they’d brought with them, including Lancelot’s bloodied sword.

“Spike, you really don’t have to carry me,” Buffy complained before having another coughing fit that made her wince and gasp in pain.

“What and pass up a chance to be useful? Not likely,” he grinned at her as they made their way out of the forest clearing and back into the dimly lit cave. The water spirit was standing sentient at the edge of the water when they came out.

“Am I hallucinating?” Buffy wheezed.

“Shh, no you’re not, Love.”

“Vampire, the Slayer within is no more.”

“I didn’t kill her if that’s what you’re thinking. But you knew what would happen before you let us in didn’t you?”

The watery figure inclined her head. “I confess it was foretold. The Lady’s demise would come in the form of two like her, and two men, one living, one dead; carrying the sword of Lancelot.”

“Could have warned us.”

She shook her head wearily. “That I could not.”

“Now what?”

“This is the Slayer you spoke of, the one you wish to make your bride?”

“She is.”

“She is injured.” The spirit moved forward, reaching out a translucent hand towards Buffy. “She is strong despite being weakened so. She should rest. Her body will heal.”

“Ta, sort of already figured that one out.”

Callum gaped a little at the water spirit, “D-did you need the sword back?” he stammered.

“I do not. I think it would be best if the Slayers kept it, this place may still be of use to you in the future.”

Faith glanced down at the sword and back at the entrance that had already closed behind them. “I think I’m gonna be back to check things out if that’s alright.”

“As you wish my Lady, this place is now at your disposal.”

“Ah yeah, thanks. I guess.”

Spike gave a quick nod and proceeded towards the raft where he quickly helped Buffy get situated and then they were off heading back towards the Bed and Breakfast. At the mouth of the cave Spike helped settled Buffy down onto a large rock.

“Not going to be a laugh getting up that hill, Pet. How do you feel about a piggyback ride?”

Buffy glared at him and started coughing again, clutching at her chest she nodded, “Fine, you win this time.”

“Don’t worry, no one here is going to think you’re any less of a badass,” Faith chuckled darkly. “What was all that in there? The anti-aging questions and this and— What the hell Buff! Didn’t you think this might be shit I should know about?”

“It’s not like that,” Buffy gasped.

“Then what’s it like then? What if she had run me through?”

“You probably would be dead. You have a few more years,” Buffy coughed again, wheezing.

“We don’t have all the answers. We will tell you what we know and piece it together with whatever the hell just happened in there. After! Buffy is in bed.”

“Fine.”

“Damn right. I don’t remember anyone grilling you for answers when you got blown-up.”

“You got blown-up?” Callum eyed her dubiously.

“Not exactly. More like the shockwave and some shrapnel. Spike wasn’t even there for that.”

“Don’t get me started on why. At least I was there for the after party,” he grumbled.

“Let’s hear it for the Big Bang!”

At that Buffy grabbed Spike’s arm pulling herself up to stand. “Knock it off you two!” she hissed painfully.

Spike turned, grabbing her tightly, “Come on, Pet,” he murmured as he pulled her around to his back. Squatting down he grabbed her legs, pulling them around his waist as she gripped him around the neck and shoulders. “Cal, fetch the blanket.”

“Sure, mate.” He grabbed it from where Buffy had left it on her rock, “You don’t want this now do you?”

“Not cold or shocky are you, Lamb?”

“Less talk. Giddyup.”

“Should’ve seen that one comin’.”

Buffy pulled her arms tightly around him. An intense sting radiated through her chest at the movement but she didn’t dare release him.

The four of them made the trek up the rocky slope. Callum and Faith followed behind. At the top of the path, Buffy slipped from his back and continued to the B&B only pausing long enough at the van for Faith and Callum to stow the weapons and get the first-aid kit they had started keeping in there since they first arrived.

Back in their room, Spike settled Buffy onto the bed while Faith gathered a bowl of water and a clean rag. Callum tossed the first-aid kit onto the bed exiting quickly as Spike started to pull her shirt off. He examined the wound and pressed his ear to her chest again, “I’m no doctor but I swear it’s sounding better. How are you feeling?”

“Super tired,” she took in a tentative breath before coughing again, “Breathing still sucks.”

“Blood has stopped. That’s good. Not crazy about seeing you coughing up blood.”

“Babe, if I can survive this, I think I’m in the clear.”

He cupped her cheek, “Looks like we got some time to work through those issues of ours after all.”

“Little bit.”

His eyes were filled with wonder as he gazed at her. Thankful she was alive. He smiled. Time. They had time. She was alive and they had time. A lot of it, it would seem. “Guess we got some answers tonight, ehh?”

“I’d like some of those too,” Faith said as she came in, breaking the moment. She threw some navy blue towels onto the bed and set the bowl of warm water on the little table next to Buffy. Then she sat down on the bed behind Buffy and started cleaning the wound at her back, “Don’t let me stop you, go on, I think I need to hear this too.”

“She’s right babe,” Buffy murmured as she slumped into Spike’s shoulder, letting him support her while Faith worked.

“We’re going to have to call Red I bet.”

“She’s been thinking this has all been because of her spell and it’s not,” she paused trying to catch her breath, “Guinevere just gave up— got past her— 26th birthday without— dying first. Which means—“

“Which means that the wankers who started this whole Slayer thing put a cap on your lives with that damned death-wish thing.”

“Exactly.”

“Someone want to back up here?” Faith groused as she pressed gauze to the wound harder than necessary, making Buffy gasp in pain.

“Yeah, easy, Florence Nightingale, we’re patching up a wound not the Hoover Dam.” Spike snapped.

Faith looked at her hand pressing on the gauze and released some of the pressure. “Sorry, B,” she mumbled, “go on, you were about to start story time.”

Buffy took a minute to regulate her shallow breathing, “It goes back to the original spell that created the first Slayer. From what Willow says it has— ah— something to do with the demon they used, like a type of vampire which—“ she gasped, “makes sense because—“

Faith nodded, “Vampire Slayer, duh.”

Buffy shook her head grasping for breath and tapped Spike on the shoulder.

“I can fill in for a bit.”

Buffy nodded.

“Looks like that death-wish thing you all share is there by design and serves a rather twisted purpose. Keep the line rolling with pretty young things.”

Faith stiffened, “You want to clarify that?”

“Death is our gift,” Buffy interjected, a little stronger this time.

“Right. They seemed to think that if you made it that far it was a job well done and you should just reap your reward, everlasting peace...” his voice trailed off, knowing it was still something that stung at Buffy, knowing what she had lost.

“So is that how Queenie was like a thousand or something.”

“Dunno about that really but yeah, bird was up there. She was apparently the one who made it past the expiration date because she stuck her head in the sand instead of fighting the good fight.”

“So she stopped aging.”

“And apparently can’t be killed unless you chop her head off. We’re pretty sure that’s the reason the original watcher’s wrote in that little caveat. Didn’t want an immortal woman with super powers wandering round. Basically, these sick bastards decided that no one, including the chosen one, should have eternal life so they instilled a sort of death-wish in Slayers ensuring they would never make it past 25. Probably why they started that whole Cruciamentum thing at 18 too.”

“Holy shit.”

“That was pretty much my reaction too.”

“Okay, so explain Buffy, she’s only a few months older than me.”

“I’m what happens when you return a gift.”

Faith stopped what she was doing, “You don’t mean—“

“You too can be just like me if you either get ripped out of heaven or live to celebrate your 26th birthday. Apparently…” Buffy tried a weak parity of an infomercial, but then trailed off with several more raspy breaths and a fresh round of coughs.

Spike noticed the blood had stopped completely now and her breathing eased slightly. As did some of the tension in his shoulders along with it.

“Well shit.”

“Yeah, really.” Buffy sighed.

Faith got up and took a second to let the news sink in before speaking, “Lay back, your back is done, we got to get the front patched up.”

Spike helped ease her back gingerly, “Give me that,” Spike held out a hand to Faith, and she handed over the gauze.

“How long have you guys known about this?”

“Not long. Tonight sort of filled in some of the bigger gaps.” Spike answered as he tended to Buffy’s wound.

“Yeah… I guess I get that…” she said distractedly, and cleared her throat, “You eh, you got this right Spikey-boy?”

“Sure, you go on. Mull things over.”

“No kidding,” with one last glance back at them, Faith slipped out the door and into her own room where Callum was waiting. He had taken off his shirt and boots and was sitting in the comfortable reading chair in their room, elbows resting on knees and staring at his shirt clutched in his fists. He looked up when Faith came in, “She’ll pull through, I gather?”

Faith nodded, “Yeah. Spike‘s got this. Slayer healing has the rest. She’ll probably take it easy for a few days but she’ll be fine.”

He nodded, “And how are you fairing?”

She sat down heavily on the bed and let out a huge sigh, “Honestly, I have no freaking clue. They just filled me in on some crazy shit going on with Buffy. And apparently all the slayers including me, if I don’t bite the big one first.”

Callum shifted over to sit next to her, “You want to talk about it?”

His eyebrows rose as she filled him in, and he shook his head. “That’s a lot to take in.”

“Yeah but from the sounds of it, I kind of have a while before I really have to worry about any of that.”

He looked back down at his hands, took hers in his and gazed at their entwined fingers. “Look, Faith, I’m not gonna pretend that this isn’t freaking me out. I’m still wrapping my head around what I saw tonight.”

She yanked her hand away. “You’re going to run for the hills aren’t you?”

Callum narrowed his eyes at her and turned to look at her squarely, “Whatever gave you that daft idea?”

“Humm hate to break it to you but tonight was definitely not the weirdest thing we’ve ever seen. Yeah the whole thing with Buff was pretty intense but it’s still just another freaking day.”

“Doubt this sort of thing is typical, even for you, Lass.” He shot her a small grin.

“I— well not exactly—“

He shoulder bumped her gently before taking her hand again. It had been a long night. “It’s alright if you need to talk. I sure as hell could use an ear.”

Faith watched him, “Talk?”

“Well yeah, you know, that thing you do with your mouth that helps you express your thoughts?”

“Are you sure we’re talking about talking?”

“Normally I’d let you get away with that but I’m serious, Faith. We should talk about this.”

“I’m not great with the talking.”

“Fine, I’ll start. Today started off as a fun road trip. The biggest thing I was worried about was trying to get Spike and Buffy to come round to figuring out what they want to do in the duplex. Then meeting Guinevere was pretty amazing—“He cut off when she gave him a dubious look, then continued, “well it was at first. Until she went crazy and I watched my girlfriend decapitate her after she stabbed Buffy through the blasted chest. Who is apparently going to be fine by the way… which is great news, but holy shit, Lass! It’s just been a bloody weird night and I’m still wrapping my head round it all.”

She bit back some snappy retort at the vulnerability he was showing, like a shark smelling blood in the water. She didn’t want to be a shark. She wanted to be a better person. A better her. Angel had helped her a lot and she was better, but this kind of thing still didn’t come naturally to her. Spike‘s Florence Nightingale jab came back to her.

She took in Callum’s hulking muscular form, tattoos rippling across his skin, his disheveled hair hanging limply, and the mix of indiscernible emotions on his face. Here was the man who had practically moved into the castle with her after losing one of her girls and he never said a word. He never complained. He didn’t look at her like she would break and he wasn’t overbearing. He was just there when she needed him. Now he was asking for the same treatment and she wasn’t sure how to do it.

“Did that help?” It was a weak attempt, she knew, but she really was trying.

He bit the inside of his cheek, “A bit. Might take me some time. I mean you’ve been honest ever since I found out about the whole Slayer thing. But knowing it and seeing it are pretty different things.”

“Okay so now I’m thinking you’re going to bolt on me again.”

He threw up his hands standing up abruptly and turned to her. “God, would you stop that? Can you just for once— it’d be nice to know that you are capable of having a little faith in us.”

“I’m not used to this. Having someone I— none of this comes easy for me, ya know? I mean I’ve never really had too much experience with—“

“The whole lone wolf bit. You’ve told me.” He huffed and sat back down next to her.

She shook her head, “It's not just that, Cal. Every time I would start to get close in the past, I— I didn’t just push people away, I made them hate me. It took going to prison and Angel helping me out the whole time I was in there for me to realize what I was doing and I’m still working on changing that. Teaching at the castle, getting as close to Giles as I have, burying the hatchet with Buffy and getting to know the girls— I’ve changed a lot, but it’s hard.”

Callum shifted back towards the headboard looking at her. “Not telling me anything new. I’m not asking for a miracle, sweetheart. Just stop acting like I’m going to bolt every time there’s a bump in the bloody road.”

“Most people would probably say this is more than a bump.”

He rearranged one of the pillows to give her a comfortable spot next to him and leaned forward to pull her closer. “Yeah well maybe it’s more like a crater but I’ve been told I’ve got to adjust for slayer weirdness so why split hairs?”

She actually laughed at that as she eased herself next to him. Stretching her legs out she examined her bare feet as she spoke, “Definitely got the weirdness.”

“We both need to deal with it. You saw tonight what happens when you don’t.”

“I also saw what happens when everyone you love dies.”

He shook his head, “Think that probably goes two ways, could also be what happens when you wall yourself away from letting anyone else in after loss.”

She pulled her legs up to her chest defensively. “Maybe— I don’t want to do that, Cal. I don’t want to be like her.”

“Then don’t,” he shrugged his broad shoulders, “you said you wanted to go back in there. Do you think that will help you deal with this?”

“Won’t know until I try. If nothing else, maybe I’ll find something the brains can use.”

“Then we’ll go back tomorrow, together.”

She let her legs fall as she turned towards him a little more, “I’m going to have to deal with the body, Cal. Are you sure you want to see that?”

“No, but I will. I’m not letting you go back there alone.”

“Who’s the badass here?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.

He grinned at her, “No question it’s you, babe. This isn’t about that.”

“So what now?”

He shrugged, “I don’t know. But it’s like you said ain’t it? You’ve still got some time before any of this affects you directly. All I know is I want to spend as much time with you, as either one of us might have. If that’s a day or a thousand years I want to be a part of your life as much as possible.”

“So like the whole ‘Carpe Diem' thing?”

“Suppose so.” They sat quietly for a long time, both lost in thought. “So does this mean this is something that could’ve happened with any slayer throughout history?” He asked, thinking about the aunt he never knew.

“Apparently. Well no, not really. That’s what the death thing is for I guess.”

“And that’s all slayers, you too?”

“Yeah. I mean—“ she broke off. Thinking about her darkest moments when things were the worst. It seemed almost like someone else’s life compared to where she was now. She shook her head, “It's different though. We’re fighters, it's who we are and we’re not going down without a fight. But sometimes there’s just— it’s like this split second when things get really clear and everything seems— and then the next second it’s gone. Like it never happened.”

“And my aunt?”

“Yeah, her too. Guinevere is the only one that we have ever heard of in the history of, well ever, to actually get past the termination clause. Hell, even Buffy has died twice. Three if we count tonight but— yeah that’s just going to give me a headache.”

He leaned towards her, taking her hand, “What about you?”

“Close a couple of times, but no.”

Settling his arm around her and he pulled her back onto the bed with him, “Keep it that way, yeah?”

She snuggled her cheek against his chest, getting comfortable, “That’s the plan.” She ran her fingers over the lines of the bear’s head tattooed on his chest and wrapped her fingers around his shoulder following the line work of it’s body.

He tilted his head down to watch her and caught her eye. “But right now you just want to shag so you don’t have to think about it, don’t you?”

“Don’t you?” She asked a little gruffly as she gripped him through his jeans.

Callum caught her wrist and pushed her back, pinning her to the mattress. “Sort of beside the point isn’t it?”

She grinned wickedly, pressing herself up to catch him with a hard kiss, “It’s one way to cope.”

“Carpe Diem,” he growled as he returned the kiss and let her flip him over to his back, not that he could have stopped her, not that he’d want to. He landed with a hard thud onto the mattress and a fierce grin on his face as they melted into one another. He worked his fingers under the soft fabric of her t-shirt and cupping her breast through her bra. Faith pulled back allowing him to push it over her head and unclasped her bra for him.

They were both topless, clad only in jeans that certainly had to go. She kissed him hard, biting his lip and pulling back a little. He groaned a little and returned the kiss with abandon. Without breaking the kiss Faith shifted back onto her knees enough to unbuckle his jeans and hers. She had no more than undid her zipper when he had already pushed her jeans and underwear down around her hips. She rocked back to remove her jeans and Callum followed unexpectedly. He shucked off his own as he pushed Faith back towards the foot of the bed. She pulled him down to her wrapping her legs around his waist feeling his cock bounce against the inside of her leg and over her center. The anticipation was driving her crazy.

He pulled back a little, grinning, “Something you want, beautiful?”

In response she reached down to grip his cock firmly. His grin widened as he pulled back slightly. “Sorry darlin’, patience, please. I wanna go slow with you tonight. Coping with trauma takes time after all,” he murmured as he nipped at her neck, making her shudder.

“Are we calling this couple’s therapy?”

“God, I love you.”

*****

Spike laid on his side propped up against a couple of pillows, watching Buffy sleep. Her breathing was still labored but better. What had been alarmingly ragged painful breaths before now resembled the breathing of someone with just a nasty chest cold.

The wound he had received from the same stab of the sword hurt like hell but he didn’t have to breathe. She was the one struggling for breath, and he hated it. She was as immortal as he was, had apparently been ever since she had been resurrected. They just hadn’t known for sure. The thought made his head hurt.

It was a long moment before he realized she was looking at him. “Hey there, Goldilocks.”

“Hey yourself,” she rasped as she adjusted herself on the bed to see him better. She winced as she settled back onto the pillows.

“How are you feeling?”

“Like a seriously thirsty pincushion.” She hissed in pain as she adjusted the pillow behind her.

“Thought you might. I managed to scrounge up a pitcher of water for you,” he held a glass with a straw sticking out of it for her, “drink.”

She ended up only taking a few sips but it was better than nothing.

“Your breathing and heart rate sound a lot better. Think your healing is concentrating on the internal damage.”

“Thank you, Dr. Pratt.”

He shuddered comically, “Oi! Now that I can do without.”

Buffy laughed weakly, “You should get some sleep too mister. Clearly I’m going to heal just fine.”

“Not the point is it? I still don’t like seeing you hurt.”

She sighed, “Okay, yeah, but you were part of the shish kebab too last I checked.”

“I’m alright.”

Buffy frowned, “How long was I out?”

“Few hours. Sun came up a couple of hours ago. You need your rest, sweetheart.”

“Notice the total lack of backflips.”

“Ahh huh, let’s have a look at that shall we?” He gestured towards the bandage on her chest.

Buffy gave a little nod and watched as he pulled back the bandage with deft fingers. He gently prodded the skin around the wound. It was puckered together although the skin hadn’t yet begun to heal. Just as he had said, her body was working from the inside out.

“We should probably try to get some food in you. Do you feel up to it?”

“Are we talking jello?”

He laughed, “I’m serious, you need to keep your strength up. I already had some blood. You sure you don’t need anything?”

Buffy considered that. She was thirsty but that was all. She didn’t think she could eat anything. “No, just water for now.”

He reached over for her glass, holding it up for her again. “You scared the hell out of me, Pet. Why didn’t you dodge? A stab like that would have been nothing more than a sodding inconvenience for me,” he pulled up his shirt and gestured to his own chest at the wide gash located a little lower than Buffy’s much more severe wound.

She turned a tired gaze towards his face, “I was trying to get you out of there, you idiot. Did you see how fast Queen Crazy was?”

“It keeps running through my head. I really thought—“

She reached to cup his cheek and he leaned into the warmth of her hand, “Spike, honey, I’m going to be alright. We both are.”

He shook his head a little. She had known of the possibility longer than he had but he wasn’t sure if she had taken the time to really consider a life of immortality. “Buffy—“

She squinted a little, worry was rolling off of him in waves, his thoughts simmering at the surface. “I know.”

“Do you?”

“Dawn, Giles, Will, Xan… yeah… I’ve thought about it. I’ve been thinking about it.”

“And?”

“It’s just one more layer of weird isn’t it? But hey at least we’re in this together right?”

“Till the end of the world.”

Unless of course the prophecy actually was referring to him and not Angel. For the first time since he had heard about it, he desperately hoped it really was Angel.

The stupid ponce can have his mortal cake and eat it too. He thought venomously.

“What was that?”

He straightened, he hadn’t really meant for her to hear that and he didn’t know if now was really the best time. He sighed, “Just thinking about Angel and his bloody prophecy. I’d been a mite jealous a while back.”

“Is this the one you keep dancing around? The one that could mean you?”

He nodded, “Had wanted it bad before. Beat the shit out of the ponce for a chance at it that turned out to be a sodding fake. But this changes things. He can keep his chance at becoming a real boy if it means I get you.”

Buffy let that process in her mind. They had fought over mortality and over her. A life with her and Spike had won in more ways than one. He had her heart, no question about it, even if he would have lost the battle he had won the war. Even if she didn’t know about it. “How long have you known about this?”

“Bout a year I suppose, bit longer, maybe. Angel’s been working himself ragged for years trying to save enough lives so he can reap his big cosmic reward and I just sort of stumbled into the running by mistake. Rather doubt it’s about me,” he shrugged, “s’why I didn’t say anything about it before. Besides, Angel’s been after this particular merit badge for this long and doesn’t seem to be any closer. Even if it does mean me, who’s to say it won’t be in a couple hundred years? It’s too vague.”

Buffy closed her eyes and opened them again, slowly, “I get why you didn’t say anything but I still wish you would have.”

“Rather thought you might know bout it already. Bound to be in those files Wes passed on to Willow.”

“She hasn’t had a chance to go through everything.”

“Should probably call the witch, you know. Fill her in.”

“Giles too. God, what am I going to tell Dawn?” Buffy sighed.

“That someday you’ll be the younger sister?” Spike chuckled.

“Oh yeah that’s definitely not going to wig her out.”

“All part of the glamorous lifestyle. At least you have a pulse.”

“True. Sunlight is a bonus too.”

“Oh now you’re just being mean.”

Buffy just grinned sadly, “Too bad I didn’t keep the Gem of Amara. If I knew Angel was going to throw it in the ocean like an idiot, I would have.”

He sighed and straightened up, “Yeah well it’s gone now. Think maybe you can eat something? Soup maybe?”

“I can give it a try.”

He leaned in, kissing her on the forehead. “That’s what I like to hear.”

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