Lovers Walk

Chapter Twenty-Two: Mettings

Willow stood outside Buffy's bedroom door, trying to decide whether to go in or not. Buffy had came home the night before crying, telling of what she had saw. Willow felt bad and wanted to comfort her friend, but wasn't exactly sure how. Deciding on at least trying to offer a shoulder to cry on, she softly knocked before opening the door.

"Hey.....Buffy, can I come in?" Willow asked as she peaked her head inside the door.

Buffy opened her eyes and saw Willow's concerned face. "Yeah, sure Will"

Willow walked over to the bed and sat down, giving her friend a comforting smile. "How you feel?" she asked, not really sure what to say.

"Like crap" Buffy said sniffling.

"I'm sorry Buffy..is there anything I can do?"

"No, but thanks....I'll be okay." Buffy told her sitting up, "I guess. I just can't believe this Will. Was I so stupid to think that he'd just wait around forever for me to make up my mind?" she asked grabbing a Kleenex and wiping her nose.

"Buffy.....you don't even know what's going on over there." Willow told her.

"Oh, I know....doesn't take a genius to figure that out. I've messed things up so bad...what am I going to do?"

"Well, she is a vamp.....you could always just dust her" Willow said with a smile, trying to cheer Buffy up.

Buffy laughed lightly. "Yeah, could do that....still wouldn't solve all my problems though, not to mention what Spike would say if he ever found out"

"Yeah, I know.....but it's always an option" Willow said grinning at her.

Buffy smiled at Willow before the shock of everything came back to her and her smile soon faded. She closed her eyes as the tears starting pooling up again and she sighed heavily.

Willow sat just looking at Buffy. An uncomfortable silence feel between them before Dawn peaked her head in the door.

"Buffy...is everything okay?" she asked as she walked in.

"Yeah Dawn....everything's fine." Buffy told her wiping at her tear streaked face.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah" Buffy said smiling.

Dawn knew something was up, she had heard Buffy crying all night. She wondered if she should tell her about Spike being back. She was obviously upset about something...maybe now wasn't the time.

"You want some breakfast..I could bring you some up." Dawn said, trying to help any way she could.

Buffy smiled at her sister. Dawn tried so hard and she felt bad for being so distant with her. "That would be nice Dawn. Thanks."

Dawn smiled at her and flew down the steps to make Buffy some breakfast. After assembling a simple breakfast of cereal and toast, she carried the tray back upstairs.

"Here you go...fruity goodness from the Toucan" Dawn smiled brightly as she sat the tray down.

"Thanks Dawn" Buffy said as she stared at her breakfast.

Buffy looked at her sister, knowing she should tell her Spike was back, but wasn't sure she could do it without crying again. Dawn had missed Spike so much, she felt bad keeping it from her. Stealing herself to keep the tears away she cleared her throat and smiled at Dawn before speaking.

"Dawn...Thought you might want to know..that Spike's back" Buffy said trying to sound as calm as possible.

Dawn looked at Buffy wide eyed. She had wanted to tell everyone about seeing Spike, but he wanted to talk to Buffy and tell her about Ravyn, so she kept it to herself.

"Yeah, I know" she said looking down, "I saw him in town last night."

"You knew?" Buffy asked her looking puzzled.

"Yeah..when I was coming home..I saw him. We talker a r a while..then he walked me home." Dawn said hopeing she didn't ask what they had talked about.

"Oh" Buffy said playing with her cereal. "What did you talk about?"

*Ugh..now what* Dawn asked herself. "Oh, not much..you know, how are you, where you been..stuff like that" she half lied.

Buffy looked at Dawn and noticed she kept looking at anything but her. She wondered if she had seen Ravyn and just didn't want to say.

"Dawn....was Spike alone when you saw him?" Buffy asked her softly.

The look on Dawn's face was enough answer for Buffy. She knew right then Dawn had seen Ravyn and wasn't telling her.

"Dawn...was he alone?" she asked again when shen't n't answer.

Dawn looked over at Buffy and hoped she didn't have to answer. Spike asked her not to..she couldn't tell.

Buffy sighed. She knew. "He was with Ravyn wasn't he?" Buffy asked.

Dawn looked at Buffy and decided to play dumb..maybe buy her some time at least.

"Who's Ravyn?" she asked Buffy trying to look innocent.

"Ravyn is the vamp Spike came back with, the same one he left town with" Buffy said a little more sarcastically than she had intended.

Dawn's eyes went wide...how did she know? Had she talked to Spike already?

"How do you he's with someone?" Dawn asked trying to figure out exactly what Buffy did and didn't know.

"Because I went by his crypt last night and saw a light on...I saw her there." Buffy told her.

"Oh" was all Dawn could manage to say. If Buffy knew about Ravyn...then is that why she was crying? But why...it's not like Buffy liked Spike...did she?

"Is it okay if I go over to Janice's?" Dawn asked needing to talk to Spike.

"Yeah, don't stay gone all day though" Buffy told her ready for some alone time.

"Okay, thanks." Dawn said as she stood and gave Buffy a smile and left.

"Was she acting funny..or was it just me?" Buffy asked Willow when Dawn had left.

"Something was up with her. Not sure what though." Willow said as she stood up. "I'll take that if you're through." she said pointing at the breakfast tray.

"Thanks" Buffy told her as she handed her her uneaten breakfast.

Willow took the tray and smiled at Buffy before leaving her to her thoughts.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Dawn made her way to Spike's as fast as she could. She thought a little advance notice about Buffy knowing he was there and about Ravyn might be helpful. She still couldn't figure out why Buffy had been so upset and it had her wondering if Spike's return was the reason..and if so, were the tears because of Ravyn?

She knocked softly on the door, not wanting to barge in...the sun was up, hate to get him crispy if he were up walking around.

She opened the door slightly and peaked her head in before calling out to him.

"Spike?" she asked softly.

Spike had heard the door open and had gotten out of bed and started dressing when he heard Dawn call out to him. He smiled as he went up the latter and saw her standing right inside the doorway.

"Hey nibblet..what brings you by?" he asked as he came up the latter.

"Oh, Hey..I didn't wake you did I?" Dawn asked, hopeing she hadn't `disturbed' anything.

"No..couldn't sleep. What you doing over here?" he asked as he fished in his coat pocket for his smokes.

`Oh..um..I just thought you would want to know..that Buffy knows your here.

Spike's head shot up when her words hit his ear. "How?" he asked, hopeing she hadn't said anything.

"She saw you last night..here, in the crypt"

Spike closed his eyes for a minute trying to get his thoughts cleared before speaking.

"Did she see Ravyn?"

"Yeah. She saw her."

Spike sighed and sat down in his chair. He leaned his head back and was flooded with so many questions his head felt like it was going to explode.

"Thanks Dawn...for coming by" he said....barley getting the words out. He glanced over at her and smiled, knowing she had did it out of concern for him. It felt good knowing someone else cared.

"Yeah, well just thought I'd give you a heads up. So I guess I'll go. Bye Spike" Dawn said before turning to leave.

Spike sat there for a while after Dawn had left, trying to get his muttled brain to work, before getting up and going back downstairs. He stood beside the bed watching Ravyn sleep. He wondered how he had gotten to this place. How had he left the woman he loved only to find another.

He laid down beside Ravyn and stared at her. He wondered how she could love him so much in such a short period of time. He knew she did, he could see it every time she looked at him. He practically begged Buffy for her love, only to get knocked down for trying...but Ravyn gave it without him ever having to say a word.

Spike pushed a strand of hair out of her face and looked at her. He knew he loved her, he just wasn't prepared to hurt Buffy by doing so. How was he going to be able to do this, someone was going to get hurt. But who?

Ravyn opened her eyes and was startled to see Spike staring at her. His eyes were unfocused, like he was looking through her. She could practically see the wheels turning in his head. She reached out and ran the back of her hand down the side of his face and he looked at her. She could see so many emotions running through his eyes she wondered how he stayed sain.

"What's wrong?" she asked when she got his attention.

"Nothing." he said smiling at her, "Just got alot on my mind is all"

Ravyn knew what he had on his mind. The Slayer. It pained her to know he was hurting. He looked so lost and confused. Maybe this would be easier for him if she weren't there. Not that she wanted to leave, but she'd do anything for him. Anything at all.

"You know...I've been thinking. Maybe if I went to LA or back to New York for a while...then you..."

"No" Spike said softly interrupting her as he reached over and pulled her to him. "I want you here."

"It's okay....really, I mean if you need time to figure out...."

"Shhh.....don't talk." he whispered to her before placing a kiss on her forehead.

Silence fell upon them as they were both lost in thought. Ravyn could see the pain in his eyes. She wondered what he really felt for Buffy, the thoughts scared her. Did he still love the Slayer? And if so...where did that leave her? Not knowing what else to do, she wrapped her arms around him, and held him tightly to her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As the sun set, Spike had already made up his mind to talk to Buffy. The longer he put it off..the harder it would be. Saying a quick good-bye to Ravyn he left headed towards Buffy's house.

Ravyn watched him go. She had thought alot about what he was going through. He had loved the slayer for a long time and she knew he couldn't just shut those feelings off. Even though Ravyn knew Spike loved her, she couldn't help but feel a little insecure about it. What woman wouldn't. She wanted to do something to help...what she didn't know what...wasn't like killing the Slayer was an option....chip and all.... but the thought had crossed her mind.

He had seemed so depressed all day that she figured he needed a little cheering up, so grabbing her jacket, she headed into town to get him a little surprise.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike walked to Buffy's wondering what he was going to say. He had no idea, especially seeing how she had told him that she wanted to talk about `them' when he had talked to her on the phone when he was in New Mexico. He hoped this wouldn't be as bad as he thought as he walked up to the door and gently knocked.

Dawn heard the knock on the door and was surprised to see Spike when she opened it. She had wondered all day if he would still come. Letting him in they talked for a minutes before Dawn directed him to the back porch...where Buffy was.

"Hey Buffy" Spike said softly as he stepped out onto the porch.

Buffy closed her eyes and tried to clear her mind as she heard him approach. "Hey" she said smiling at him as he sat down on the steps beside her.

Spike sat there looking at her. He didn't even know where to begin. Luckily, Buffy took his silence as her opening and turned to face him.

"So, how long you been back?" she asked, giving him a small smile.

"2 days" he answered. "Would have been by sooner, but had a few things to work out first."

"Oh, it's okay. Dawn's glad your back. She told me she saw you last night." she rambled not knowing exactly what to say.

"Yeah, it was good seeing a familiar face again. So, how's everything been? Hellmouth been up to it's usual standard?" Spike asked her.

"Same ole...nothing much exciting going on. Well, did see some vamps down he whe warehouses last night. To many to start anything with. Not sure what they were up to though." she told him, falling right back into the `shop talk' they did so well.

"Yeah...I could help you..if you wanted me to, I mean..with whatever you need. Slaying and all." Spike told her glad their conversation was seeming to be going good.

Buffy just smiled at him before an uncomfortable silence fell between them. Neither knew how to say what they were feeling.

Spike sighed before turning to face Buffy. The silence was killing him.

"Buffy...I know you saw Ravyn...and I just want you to know, I never meant to hurt you"

Buffy couldn't look at him. She wanted to run and cry or hit him or kill something.....she just didn't know which. She closed her eyes a minute to stop the tears before stealing herself against the biggest lies she had ever told him.

"I'm not hurt. I'm good actually." she said smiling. "I'm glad you found someone Spike. I'm really happy for you." she lied.

Spike was shocked. Was this the same girl who said she missed him and wanted to talk about `them'? He sat there looking at her, confused as to what was happening. Did she not even care? Had he been so wrong to think she may have actually wanted him. Shaking his head he tried to clear the doubts he was having when he noticed she was speaking to him.

"Oh, what was that?" he asked looking back at her.

"I said.....Dawn said Ravyn seemed nice. I know she was a little snappy the time I met her, you know, with just being attacked and all. Maybe you could bring her around....let her meet the gang." Buffy told him...*what on earth are you saying!* she screamed in her head as the words came out of her mouth.

Spike looked wide eyed at her. Had she gone completely crazy....or had he. Shaking the confusion off he smiled slightly at her. "Yeah, I could do that. Don't think Ravyn's had to many people to talk to in a while. Might be nice for her to talk to someone beside me for a change." he said relieved this was going well.

"Good...you could bring her by the Magic Box tomorrow...if she wanted to come."

"Yeah, I'll ask her." Spike said smiling. He felt like this huge weight had been lifted. The thoughts of hurting Buffy had been killing him, knowing she really didn't care hurt...but made things easier. "So......you wanna patrol?" he asked as he stood up.

"Yeah...maybe we can head down to the warehouses and see what the fuss is down there." Buffy said as she stood and started for the house. Spike following right behind her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike walked to the crypt hopeing Ravyn wasn't waiting up. He had spent the biggest part of the night patrolling with Buffy and wasn't sure how Ravyn would react to that bit of information. As he approached..he noticed a flickering blue light that had the whole inside of the crypt lit up, quickening his pace he reached the door and flung it open.

What he saw brought a grin to his face he couldn't wipe off. Walking inside he took off his duster and pulled his boots off. He walked over to the sofa that now sat in the middle of the room and saw Ravyn laying there....asleep. He smiled and climbed on the couch, sliding in behind her. She woke as he did.

"Hey" Ravyn said sleepily as Spike gave her a kiss on the head.

"Hey" he said wrapping his arms around her. "Thought you said you weren't going to buy me a new TV." he said grinning at her.

Ravyn chuckled slightly with her eyes still closed. "I didn't....you think I'd spend my money for a wide screen on you? This is all mine" she said smiling.

"I'm not worth a wide screen?" he asked looking at the monster TV sitting in the corner.

"Nope" Ravyn said smiling as she clutched the remote to her chest.

Spike saw the remote and grinned as he snatched it from her.

"Hey...that's mine" Ravyn said sleepily, trying to get it from him.

"Not anymore" Spike said as he started flipping through the channels.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ravyn rolled over in bed and noticed Spike wasn't there. She closed her eyes and tried to will her headache away before grabbing the pill bottle off the bedside table. Taking a few, she got up and dressed before headed upstairs.

"Are you gonna turn into a couch potato now?" Ravyn asked as she took in the site of Spike laying on the couch, flipping through the TV channels.

"Naw..I doubt it......unless you spring for cable." he said grinning up at her.

"I almost didn't get this thing" Ravyn said smiling as she picked his feet up and sat down, " I figured you'd get all lazy if I did.....I should start listening to myself more."

"Yeah, well....what else am I gonna do all day?"

"Sleep...like normal vampires do."

Ravyn sat there watching as he flipped from channel to channel until she was getting sea sick. "Did your talk with the Slayer go okay?" she asked worried about what had happened.

"Yeah, went better than okay actually." he answered her as he laid the remote down and sat up. "Had a nice chat with her...even went patrolling."

"That's good." Ravyn said, sorta relieved

"She wanted to know if you wanted to come to the Magic Box and meet the Scoobs."

Ravyn stared at him and noticed he was waiting on her to answer. "Yeah..I guess..."

"She said to bring you by tonight" he said smiling at her. He could see a little apprehension in her eyes and wasn't sure if she really wanted to.

"Oh...tonight?" she asked, not really wanting to meet them right yet, "I've got another headache...not sure if now's a good time."

Spike smiled at her and kissed her on the forehead. "You don't have to if you don't want to. Just thought maybe, you'd like someone other than me to talk to is all." he said not wanting to pressure her into it.

"Oh, it's not that I don't want to....it's just...." Ravyn saw the disappointment on his face. She smiled at him and took a deep unneeded breath of air. "Sure.....I'd love to meet your friends Spike"

"Good...let me finish dressing and we'll go" he said smiling as he stood from the couch to get ready.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy was sitting nervously at the Magic Box. The whole gang was there waiting for Spike and Ravyn. Buffy still had no clue as to why she had asked Spike to bring her. Ravyn was the `last' person on earth she wanted to see.

She had just rambled on when she should have kept her mouth shut. Lying to Spike about what she felt was the hardest thing she had ever done. She did love him....but knew she was to blame for this. If she had just told him what he wanted to hear that day, this wouldn't be happening. She knew she had felt something for him all along...she was just to stubborn to admit it.....now she may have to live with the consequences of her tight lip.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike opened the door to the Magic Box and ushered Ravyn in. He noticed all the Scoobies gathered around the table and he smiled at them as they approached the table.

"Hey" Spike said as everyone sat there staring at them.

"Hey S" Da" Dawn said as she stood from the table and gave him a hug.

"Hey nibblet" he replied hugging her back.

"Here..have a seat" Dawn told Ravyn as she let go of Spike...offering Ravyn her vacant chair.

"Thanks Dawn" Ravyn said smiling at the girl.

"You're welcome" Dawn said as she pulled another chair to the table.

"Hey...I'm Xander" Xander said as he looked at Ravyn, "This is Willow and Buffy you already know..I think" he continued as he introduced her to everyone at the table.

"It's nice to meet you." Ravyn said trying to smile. She had never bothered to take the time to meet new people since escaping the Initiative and this was all a little strange to her.

"So Dawn said you guys went after the Initative" Xander said, trying to start up a conversation.

"Yeah, didn't go exactly like I had planned." Ravyn told him smiling.

Spike sat and listened as Ravyn and Xander talked about their `failed' attack on the Initiative. He glanced at Buffy and noticed she was just sitting there staring at Ravyn...well, glaring was more like it. He wondered if there was more to what she had said last night than she actually admitted. He had felt relieved all day that there wouldn't be any kind of hard feelings between Buffy and himself. He still wanted her in his life and knew Ravyn wouldn't have a problem with him patrolling with her after talking to her earlier. He was glad everything was working out...finally his life was getting simple.

"Hello...earth to Spike" Dawn said smiling as he had `drifted' off in thought.

"Huh..oh, sorry nibblet..what was that." he asked her noticing the funny looks everyone was giving him.

"I asked if you were still going to be helping Buffy patrol." she said when he turned his attention to her.

"Oh..yeah, if she needs me, be happy to." he answered her

"Good...I'd feel better knowing someone was watching her back"

"Hey! What was I ..chopped liver?" Xander asked, sounding offended.

"No offense Xander, but your fighting skills aren't exactly up to par just yet." Dawn said smiling at him.

Spike noticed Ravyn had gotten quiet again and was holding the side of her head. He leaned over to her and placed his on on her arm.

"Hey, you okay?" he asked her quietly as the other's continued talking.

Ravyn smiled at him weakly. "Head's just really hurting." she said, trying to hold back the tears. It felt like her chip was activating...only magnified 10 times worse than normal. "Did you bring those pills with you?" she asked him softly as a single tear escaped before she had a chance to wipe it away.

"No, didn't think you'd need them. You want to go?"

"Yeah...if you don't care. You can stay though. Patrol and talk a while."

"No, I'll go with you" he said getting concerned when he saw the pain in her eyes.

The other's had noticed Spike and Ravyn's hushed conversation and had tried not to stare until they noticed Ravyn. She was bunching her hair up in her hand on the right side and her eyes were clinched shut as Spike was talking to her.

"Hey...you okay" Willow asked, wondering what was wrong.

"She'll be okay Red...She's been getting these headaches is all. Think I'm gonna take her back to the crypt." Spike said smiling at Willow as he stood up. "Buffy, if you still want to patrol later..come by the crypt." he added looking over at Buffy.

"Yeah, okay" Buffy said as she watched Ravyn and Spike along with everyone else.

Ravyn looked up and smiled at everyone best she could through her blurred vision. She had never felt anything this painful as another jolt went through her head. "It was really nice meeting you all" she said shakily as Spike helped her stand.

"Yeah, you to" Willow said along with the others as they watched them turn to leave.

Just as Ravyn got to the top of the couple steps leading to the upper level, the room started spinning and she grabbed Spike's arm to steady herself. Spike looked over at her as she wavered to the right a little.

"You gonna be okay" he said when he noticed her clutching her head and gasp for air. As the words left his mouth, her legs buckled and he barely caught her before she hit the floor.

"Oh my god" Willow said excitedly as she stood up from the table. Everyone else soon to follow. They made there way up to where Ravyn had fallen and noticed she had passed out.

"Is she okay" Dawn asked worriedly as everyone had gathered around.

"Yeah, bit..she'll be fine" Spike said he picked Ravyn up and stood. "Couch still in the back?" he asked.

"Yeah" Willow said as she turned and hurried to the training room door and opened it.

Spike carried Ravyn into the training room and laid her down on the couch and pushed her hair away from her face.

"Is there anything we can do?" Willow asked as she stood by the couch.

Spike looked up at her briefly and smiled. "No, she'll wake up. Thanks Red."

"Has this ever happened before?" Willow asked after seeing how scared Spike looked.

"Couple times. The headaches, she has alot of those, I think the fainting spells have something to do with it." he told her.

Everyone just stood there watching, not knowing what to say or do. Spike was gently rubbing Ravyn's face trying to wake her up. Buffy watched from the back of the room, not sure of what was going on. Vampire's just `don't' pass out. She watched Spike's face and saw the worry in his eyes. She knew something was wrong.

"What's wrong with her?" Buffy asked as she walked over to the couch and looked at Spike.

Spike looked up at her. "Don't know. Not exactly. I think she did something to her chip when she killed that guy in New Mexico."

Buffy's eyes widened. "She killed someone with the chip in?" she asked shocked.

"Yeah, head guy down there. She was dazed for a while after she did, then she got shot by some fancy new weapon of there's." he told Buffy as she squatted down on the floor next to the couch.

"What kind of weapon?" Buffy asked him.

"Some kind of extermination thing. Bullet's explode inside the body and releases a toxin. Destroys everything. Eddie, this Doctor that found was, stopped the toxin and got us out of there...but she was out for over a month. Wasn't sure she was ever gonna wake up."

"So, you think these headaches have something to do with that?" Buffy asked.

"Might. She's been having them ever since she woke up"

Everyone sat quietly and took in what Spike had told them. They all had questions running through their minds as to what had actually happened when they were away.

"You think her chips malfunctioning?" Buffy asked as she looked back over at Ravyn.

"Possible" Spike said as Ravyn make a small noise.

"Hey...come on, wake up" Spike said quietly to her when he noticed she was finally starting to wake.

Ravyn opened her eyes slowly and blinked a few times. Her head was pounding and there was a ringing in her ears. She turned her head and saw Spike...along with everyone else looking at her.

"Hey" she said softly before closing her eyes again.

"Hey...you okay?" Spike asked, relieved she had woken up. "You scared me. We need to call Eddie. This shouldn't be happening."

Ravyn smile at him. She was getting scared herself. She had kept the headaches to herself to keep him from having anything else to have to deal with. She knew now she needed to find out what was wrong. The look on Spike's face was worse than the pain in her head.

"Yeah...I can call him when I get back" she said trying to sit up.

Spike helped her sit and rubbed his hand over her head. "Let's get you home." he said as he stood.

The gang just watched, everyone surprised to see this `softer' side of Spike. He was usually always so `bad tempered' it was strange to see him show actual emotions as this. Just the look on his face alone, was enough to make everyone wonder if they really even knew him at all.

Ravyn stood with Spike's help and smiled weakly at everyone who was there. "Sorry" she said, feeling awkward at the stares she was receiving.

"Oh....don't be. We just hope your okay" Willow said as she looked from her friends back to Ravyn.

Ravyn smiled at Willow before turning to Spike. "Take me home?"

"Yeah...let's go" Spike said as he bent down and picked her up.

"I can walk" Ravyn said slightly irritated at him carrying her, as he started out of the training room. Showing a weakness, especially around these humans wasn't something she wanted them to see.

"I know you can." Spike said as he headed for the door.

Everyone watched them leave and turned to stare at each other as the door closed behind them.

"Well, that was unusual." Xander said as he headed back to the table.

"Yeah, not often vampires get `sick'" Willow said as she also sat.

Buffy was still staring at the door as her friends were discussing what had just happened. She was blown away at the fact that Ravyn had killed someone..'with' the chip still in. She turned to face the group and noticed a funny look on Willow's face. She leaned her head over to the side and looked at her. "What's with the look Will?"

Willow looked at her and smiled slightly. "I'll tell ya later" she answered, thinking she may have something to finally cheer her depressed friend up.

"Okay" Buffy said as she reached for her bag. "I'm gonna head out and patrol. I'll see you guy's later."

Buffy headed down the street, replaying everything Spike had said. She couldn't get over the fact that Ravyn had killed someone. Was that chip enough to `really' control a vampire or had Ravyn just found a way around it? And if so....what would stop her from killing again?

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

Chapter Twenty Three: The Bronze

Spike carried Ravyn inside the crypt and sat her down on the sofa. He took off his duster and caught Ravyn's jacket before it slapped him in the face as she flung it at him. He chuckled at her slightly as she glared at him.

"I don't know what you thinks so funny?" Ravyn said taking her boots off.

"What, I didn't say anything." Spike replied still smiling at her as he sat down in his chair and stared at her.

Ravyn rolled her eyes at him as she threw her boots away from her and leaned back against the couch.

They both sat quietly. Spike never took his eyes off of her. She was extremely pissed at him and he was enjoying the way her eyes would sparkle with golden flecks everytime she looked at him. She had complained all the way back to the crypt about him carrying her out of the Magic Box. Him carrying her showed a weakness she didn't want anyone to see and he knew it. He had only done it out of concern for her, even though she was to mad to appreciate the gesture at the moment.

"Are you always gonna get pissed when I help you?" Spike asked as he leaned back in his chair.

Ravyn looked over at him and glared dagger's at him as he sat there smirking at her. She knew he was just trying to irritate her and it was working.

"Probably!" Ravyn said hatefully, "I don't need you treating me like a broken China Doll. I was fully capable of walking out of there." she added picking up the remote and flipping the TV on.

Spike reached down and started taking his boots off as Ravyn laid down on the couch. She watched him and spread out, covering the whole couch, knowing that was where he was headed.

"You know you're gonna move over and give me room to lay down with you." Spike said as he stood up and moved towards the couch.

"No Iot."ot." Ravyn said as he approached the couch. "Anyways, I thought you were patrolling with the Slayer."

Spike pushed Ravyn's legs forward and slid in behind her...well almost, he had to push her a little as she tried to keep herself planted firmly to her spot. Pinching her bottom finally made her move enough for him to slid in behind her, earning him an elbow to the gut.

" Ow...Bloody Hell woman....watch the arms would ya."

"Go away Spike" she said loudly pushing up against him, trying to look mad but her eyes gave her away. He knew he was starting to get to her.

"You're not laying here! This is my couch, now go play with the locals and leave me alone!"

"Nope, I'd rather stay here and aggravate you" he said trying to slide his hand up the front of her shirt.

"Stop it" Ravyn yelled as she slapped his arm and pulled his hand away. "I said to leave me alone."

Spike chuckled at her as he continued to try and get up her shirt.

"Fine...you want the couch. Take It!" Ravyn yelled as she tried to get up.

"Oh no you don't" Spike said as he grabbed her around the waist and wrapped his leg around hers. "You're staying right here."

Ravyn struggled for a few more minutes until she finally gave up with a long sigh. "I'm so gonna kick your ass when my head stops hurting."

"Yeah...can't wait" Spike whispered in her ear, nibbling on it as he did. "Always did like a good fight. Be just like foreplay."

Ravyn laughed lightly at him. "You're a moron." she said turning her head to look at him.

"Yeah, but I'm your moron." Spike said as he kissed her head and held her tightly to him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy walked into the Magic Box after taking Dawn to school and slumped down in a chair at the table. Willow looked up at her and they exchanged glances before Xander joined them.

"Hey Buffster...why the gloomy?" Xander asked as he took in her sullen appearance.

"No reason" Buffy told him before giving another glance at Willow.

"Did the patrol go okay last night?" Willow asked, trying to change the subject.

"Yeah...not much happening. I thought about heading back over to the warehouses where I saw that group of vamps earlier this week, but I haven't made it that far yet." Buffy said as she sat up straight in her chair. "I'm not sure what their up to but I'm sure it's no good."

"You want some company?" Xander asked her, trying to help out.

"Maybe..."

Xander stood from his chair and walked over towards Anya as Buffy moved her chair closer to Willow's.

"So, Will...what was with the look last night?" Buffy asked her friend.

"Oh" Willow said excitedly as she remembered what she wanted to discuss to her. "Well, remember last night..Ravyn passing out and all...well it got me to thinking about Drucilla."

"Huh" Buffy said as she scrunched up her nose. "What made you think of that loony?"

"Well, you saw the way Spike was all attentive guy last night, it just reminded me of the way he was with Drucilla."

"Yeah, so..."

"So, you think maybe that's why he's with Ravyn? You know...maybe he needs to feel needed. He does have a way of picking his women on the weak and feeble side." Willow said smiling.

"I'm not." Buffy stated as she thought about what Willow had said.

"Well no...but if he has a woman who needs him, I mean really needs him to care for her, then he may feel validated by being with her. Maybe something he needs deep down draws him to the weaker ones."

Buffy leaned her head sideways and pondered what her friend had said. "Well, it makes sense I guess. He always does get a little over protective when I'm hurt fighting."

"Exactly" Willow said smiling. "If Ravyn gets better....then he won't `need' her."

"You're forgetting one major thing here Will." Buffy said, her face looking saddened. "He stayed with Drucilla for a hundred years. If he could put up with her...I'm sure he can put up with Ravyn's headaches. He'll probably never leave her"

"Oh, didn't actually think about that." Willow said deflated. "We could find a way to fix her...then maybe he'd let her go."

"No...I'm sure that won't do it either. Maybe we'll get lucky and her head will explode" Buffy said with a evil grin.

"Well, we can always dream. Staking her is still option one for me." Willow told her friend as she tried to find something to cheer Buffy up.

"Who we staking over here?" Xander asked as he came back to the table.

"Oh...just vamps." Willow said looking over at him.

"Oh...speaking of vamps...what did you ladies think about Ravyn?" Xander asked with a silly grin on his face. "She's way hot for a vamp."

Willow and Buffy stared at him, not willing to say what they actually thought of her.

"She was okay I guess." Willow told him. "Didn't really get to talk to her much."

"Yeah, that was way weird. I didn't think vamps could just pass out like that." Xander said, his grin now gone. "And did you see the look on Spike's face? The guy actually looked scared."

"I know" Willow said glancing at Buffy.

"Think I'm gonna head home guy's. See ya later" Buffy said as she quickly made her way out of the shop.

"What's up with her?" Xander asked as he watched Buffy rush out of the store.

"Don't know" Willow lied looking sad for her friend.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike woke to the sound of music and found himself alone on the sofa. He sat up and looked around before he headed downstairs. He climbed down the ladder and smiled as he saw Ravyn. He leaned up against the wall and watched as she danced around in her underwear, looking through her clothes.

Ravyn rummaged through her clothes trying to decide on an outfit as she continued to moved to the music. Picking an outfit she smiled as she laid it out and replaced the other's back in the dresser.

Spike slowly walked in behind her as she sat on the old chair he had down there and started brushing her hair. As he reached her, she turned her head towards him and smiled.

"You're not nearly as sneaky as you think you are." she said as he kneeled in the floor in front of her.

"Yes I am." Spike said as he ran his hand up her stomach to her breast.

"I heard you come down the ladder Mr. Stealthy guy." Ravyn said smiling as Spike started kissing the trail his hand had made.

"Don't see how with this music blasting." He said as he reached around and unfastened her bra and removed it before kissing her softly.

Ravyn dropped her hairbrush as Spike kissed down her neck to her chest and sucked her right breasto hto his mouth and lightly squeezed the other. She arched her back and held his head to her as he licked and sucked at her.

Spike leaned back up and found her mouth and kissed her hungrily as his hands traveled down her body. He hooked his fingers around Ravyn's underwear and pulled them off before running his hands up her thighs. Ravyn moaned into his mouth slightly as he ran a hand over her sex and slid a finger inside her folds. Wrapping his free arm around her waist, he pulled her to the edge of the chair for better access.

Ravyn leaned forward and unhooked his belt as Spike continued kissing her. She unfastened his pants and slid them down his legs before grabbing the hem of his shirt and pulling the garment up, over his head. She ran her hands over his back and finally brought them to rest on the back of his head, holding him to her as their tongues tangled with the other.

Spike pushed a finger up inside of her before withdrawing it and adding another. He pumped his fingers in her, getting her ready for him before he positioned his shaft at her opening. Pulling back from her, he watched as he slowly entered her, sucking in air through clenched teeth as his cock was squeezed by the tight entrance. Grabbing her by the hips he pulled out and reentered, quickening his pace as she moaned and wrapped her legs around him. He watched her face as she laid her head back on the chair and watched him. Sas pas panting for air and never took her eyes of him.

Raven squeezed her vaginal muscles around him and smiled as he closed his eyes tightly and took deep gasping breathes as the pressure around his cock was becoming intense. Spike gripped her hips tightly and thrust his hips forward, slamming into her as he felt her tighten around him. Ravyn rolled her head back as she felt her orgasm approach and dug her nails into the arm of the chair as Spike bucked wildly into her. She let out a half sob/cry as she felt her whole body burn as she climaxed, Spike's name on her lips as she did.

Spike slammed into her as hard and fast as he could as he felt her tighten around him and squeeze him. He threw his head back and gasped for air as his own orgasm hit him, sending sparks of light behind his closed eyelids. He slowed his pace as he came down, not wanting to end the pleasure he felt buried inside her. Opening his eyes he looked at her and saw her smiling at him.

"What are you smiling at" he asked her breathless as he leaned forward and caught her lips with his briefly, before wrapping his arms around her waist and laying his head on her chest.

"You" she said as she wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly.

"And why am I funny?" he mumbled against her.

"Didn't say you were funny."

"Then why the big smile?"

"Because, you have a one track mind. You'd think as old as you are...you'd be tired of having sex by now."

Spike chuckled lightly at her. "Don't think so...It just keeps getting better the more time passes."

"Yeah, well this was our first `quickie'." Ravyn said running her hands through his hair. "Wasn't aware you knew what that was."

"You complaining?"

"No, just suprised"

"Yeah, well....you dancing around down here half naked will get you good and shagged everytime. I can go for a couple more hours if the `quickie' wasn't enough for you."

"As interesting an offer as that sounds...I'm going out"

Spike sat up and looked at her. "What do you mean your going out?"

"I'm going out....as in leaving this tomb you've kept me hold up in since we got here."

"And just where do you think you're going?" Spike asked as he pulled out of her and pulled his pants up.

"Somewhere fun. Where that might be, I haven't a clue." Ravyn said sitting up and grabbing her underwear. "Guess that little club downtown'll have to do."

"And you were planning on going without me?"

"You can come if you want" she said, grinning up at him.

"You damn right I'm going with you! I know what kind of gits hang out in there."

Ravyn stood up and walked over to the bed before glancing back at him. "Well, if your going with me, you better hurry up." she said as she started dressing.

Spike sat there and watched her pick up the clothes she had picked out before realizing he had seen that outfit before. He stood quickly and walked over to her. "You're not wearing that." he said as he took the outfit out of her hand.

Ravyn stared up at him, wide eyed. "And why the hell not? I've worn it plenty of times. You never said anything about it before."

"Yeah, that's because I liked seeing you in it.....got a damn hard on everytime you wore it. The exact reason you're not wearing it to the Bronze!"

"You're insane. There's nothing wrong with this outfit!"

"No, not if you're looking for a date."

"I don't tell you how to dress, and you're not gonna tell me, now give it." Ravyn said getting mad at his behavior.

"No...pick something else."

Ravyn glared at him before trying to get the white shorts and halter from him. He snatched them back away from her and gave her a hard look before grabbing her arm.

"You can wear something else. You're not wearing this one."

"Fine!" Ravyn said before stomping over to her clothes and pulling another outfit out. "Is this okay with you?" she asked sarcastically.

Spike looked at the white leather pants she held up and smiled. "Yeah, that's better. See, wasn't so hard to choose something else was it?"

"Nope, not any harder than you choosing something else either."

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"It means, I not going with you if you wear your usual all black ensemble. It's depressing." she said smirking at him....*two can play this game* she thought to herself.

"I like wearing black."

"So, I like that outfit. Either you wear something with `color' or I'm wearing that." she said pointing at the outfit he sill held in his hand.

Spike looked at her for a minute before agreeing. If he wanted her to half way listen, then he knew he'd have to compromise somewhere. He went over to his clothes and looked. *Not much to choose from* her thought to himself as he looked at his limited supply of `colored' clothes.

Ravyn walked in behind him and pulled a blue silk shirt and handed it to him. "This one" she said before turning around and waking back to the bed and started dressing.

"I don't like this one. It makes me look to soft." he wined as she snickered at him

"Put it od led let me see." she said as she pulled her pants up.

Spike sighed and slipped the shirt on. He did actually like the way it felt against his skin...not that he would tell anyone. "Well?" he asked after he buttoned it up.

Ravyn smiled when she looked up at him. "Now see...that's perfect." she said walking over to him. "Brings out the color in your eyes." she added before giving him a small kiss. "Now go put your boots on so I can finish dressing."

Spike walked past her and headed for the ladder. "I'll heat us up something to eat. Hurry up" he said before he turned the corner and left her.

Ravyn smiled as she grabbed the halter top he had taken from her and put it on. She quickly finished dressing and brushed her hair. Darting up the ladder she walked over to him and grabbed the cup he had sat down for her.

"Ravyn....."

"What?"

Spike sighed as he looked at her. "You really need to buy some new clothes. Something less leather and less revealing"

"Yeah...whatever. Can we go now?" she asked as they finished up their meals.

Shaking his head, he grabbed his coat and opened the door. "Let's go"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy watched as Willow and Xander danced. She smiled as Xander did a quick impromptu snoopy dance as Willow busted out laughing at him. She was actually glad they had talked her into going out tonight. She had been cooped up way to long.

Spike followed Ravyn into the Bronze and grabbed her hand as some guy was looking at her. Ravyn looked over at him and shook her head before walking towards the bar.

Xander and Willow walked back to the table where Buffy was sitting, laughing as they sat.

"Man, that was fun." Willow beamed, her whole face flushed with laughter. "You should have came out there Buffy."

Buffy smiled at her friend. "Yeah, maybe later."

"Well, what do you know." Xander said. "Look who just showed up." he added as he pointed to bar.

Buffy and Willow both turned and saw Spike and Ravyn sitting there. Willow looked over at Buffy and before glancing back over at the bar.

"Hey, Spike!" Xander yelled.

"What are you doing?" Willow yelled at Xander.

"What...he's not after Buffy anymore....don't see the harm in having him around. Besides, he shoots a good game of pool." Xander said, looking over at Spike.

Spike turned when he heard Xander. *Bloody Hell* he said to himself as he saw them looking over at him. "The whelp's over there." Spike told Ravyn as he handed her her drink.

Ravyn took her drink, looking over at the table. She saw Buffy staring right at her. She hoped Spike didn't want to go over there. She wasn't in the mood to play nice to the Slayer. She only did for Spike's sake.

Spike sighed as he saw Xander motioning for them to join them. "Wonder what he wants?" he asked Ravyn. "Not like he likes me around or anything."

"Ignore him." Ravyn said as she looked around the club.

"Welet'set's go say hey at least." Spike said as he started towards their table.

Ravyn rolled her eyes slightly but followed him. *There goes my `fun' night* she said to herself as they approached the table.

"Hey" Xander said as they stopped in front of the table. "Have a seat"

Spike cocked his head to one side looking at Xander. *What is up with him* he wondered as he sat down. Ravyn sat beside Spike, but avoided looking at anyone. She really wished she had picked somewhere else to go now.

"Nice outfit" Willow said to Ravyn, wondering how she even got into it. She had never seen leather that tight before.

"Thanks" Ravyn said looking over at her before stealing a glance at Buffy.

"So, what brings you two out tonight?" Xander asked, looking from Spike to Ravyn.

"Ravyn was bored" Spike replied. He looked over at Buffy and noticed she was avoiding looking at them. He could tell she wasn't as comfortable with him and Ravyn as she had said.

"Slayer.....any luck finding out what's going on down at the warehouses." Spike asked, trying to get her to at least look at him.

"No, haven't been back since we went the other night." she answered, smiling slightly at him.

Ravyn watched the two as they talked about their patrol. She could see something in the Slayer's eyes when she looked at Spike. She instantly got that funny tingle in the pit of her stomach. She knew the Slayer felt something for Spike, whether she admitted it or not. Ravyn felt her anger boiling as they talked and laughed.

Ravyn turned in her chair and looked at Xander and smiled. "So, you dance?" she asked him.

"Yeah...well, kinda." Xander replied smiling.

"So...you wanna. Don't think I can handle this shop talk." she told him.

"Sure...if Spike don't mind."

"He won't" she said as she stood up from her chair. *He probably won't even notice*

Xander smiled at Ravyn as he stood up. He glanced at Spike who was engrossed in a conversation with Buffy. He shrugged his shoulder and followed Ravyn to the dance floor.

Willow watched Ravyn and Xander before looking back over at Buffy. She was actually smiling. She smiled to herself, happy that her friend wasn't feeling blue for a change. Maybe things wouldn't be so bad after all.

"Well, you dance pretty good to me" Ravyn said as her and Xander swayed to the music.

"Yeah, well I try." he replied smiling.

Ravyn looked over at Spike and Buffy and could have spit dust. They were laughing and smiling at each other. She was getting mad at herself for acting like a jealous teenager. She hadn't ever been a jealous person, *why now* she wondered.

"So, can you Salsa?" Ravyn asked him as she saw a couple off to the side doing the dance. "Or Tango....Lambada?"

Xander laughed nervously at her. "No, afraid not." he said.

Ravyn smiled. "You wanna learn how" she said smiling. "It's not that hard."

"Really?"

"Yeah...see." Ravyn said pointing to the couple she saw.

"Looks like fun." he said smiling at the couple.

Ravyn looked back over at Spike and caught herself before letting a growl out. "So, you wanna try?" she asked Xander as she looked back at him.

"Sure...I guess."

"Alright. Come this way." Ravyn said as she led them over to the couple that was doing the dance.

Ravyn approached the couple and smiled. "Hey.....You guy's are pretty good. Care to show a beginner how to do it?" she asked them as they stopped their dance.

"Sure" the man said as he looked over at his dance partner.

"Great. Get the DJ to put on some up beat music and let's get at it." Ravyn told him as the other woman was already showing Xander the basic moves.

Ravyn smiled as her new partner came back over. "What's your name?" she asked him.

"Ricky" he answered.

"Well Ricky...I'm Ravyn and I already know this dance." she smiled as she walked closer to him. "Shall we" she asked glancing back over at Spike.

Ricky smile at her as he reached out for her. "Sure thing"

Willow was listening to Spike and Buffy but turned her head as the music caught her attention. It was lively and fun. She tried to see where Xander and Ravyn had went, but was having trouble as the dance floor was getting packed. She frowned as she saw everyone dancing and having a good time while she sat around listening to patrolling stories. Her eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of Xander and a woman dancing. She scrunched up her forehead as she wondered what had happened to Ravyn. She moved her head from side to side trying to see, then the crowd thinned a little and she gasped as she saw Ravyn.

"Wow" she said excitedly. "Did you know she could do that Spike?" Willow asked, amazed as Ravyn and her partner danced together.

Spike looked over at Willow, then noticed Ravyn and Xander were gone. He then followed Willows head to the dance floor and his own eyes widened as he caught site of Ravyn and some guy who was all over her. He sat back in his chair and watched, getting a little angry as he did.

"Buffy..look at Xander" Willow said laughing as she saw her friend trying to do the dance. He was actually not half bad she thought...just a little clumsy at it.

Buffy looked at Xander and chuckled at him as he danced. She looked around and saw Ravyn, then turned to Spike. He didn't look happy she noticed. She looked from Ravyn back to Spike and wondered how this would all play out.

Spike watched as Ravyn was obviously having a good time. His anger calmed slightly as he started feeling bad about paying so much attention to Buffy that she had left the table without him even noticing. He smiled slightly as he watched her amazed and wondered where she had learned to dance like that.

Buffy saw Spike smile and instantly wished he'd had stayed mad. She didn't want him happy with Ravyn and she knew Spike well enough to know that Ravyn would eventually mess up enough to piss him off. Hopefully it wouldn't take to long.

Ravyn smiled at Ricky as the dance ended. "That was so much fun. It's been years since I've done that." she beamed.

"Pleasure was all mine." he told her as his own partner returned to his side with Xander in tow.

"Oh wow...that was great" Xander said excitedly to Ravyn. "Definantly much better than the snoopy dance."

Ravyn laughed at him, shaking her head. "I have no idea what the snoopy dance is, but I'll take your word on it" she told him as they both turned and headed back to the table.

Spike watched them walking towards the table. Ravyn was smiling that big smile he loved to see. He smiled at her as she sat down beside him and picked up her drink.

"You weren't trying to make me jealous by dancing with that git were you?" Spike asked Ravyn softly as he leaned over to her.

"No" she answered as she looked at him. "Wasn't even aware you knew I left."

Spike saw the look in her eyes and knew she had felt ignored and that's why she left the table. He smiled at her and leaned over and kissed her forehead.

"I love you" he whispered in her ear.

"I love you to" Ravyn said smiling, looking at Buffy as she did. Bufy was staring at them.

"So, Spike....up for a game of pool?" Xander asked.

Spike looked over at Xander and wondered where this new found `tolerance' had come from. "Yeah, guess so." he replied.

"Cool, let's go" Xander said as he stood from the table and started walking away.

"You care?" Spike asked Ravyn.

"No...go ahead." Ravyn said smiling at him.

Spike winked at her as he stood up and followed Xander. He wasn't real sure about leaving Ravyn and Buffy alone at the same table but didn't feel the need to baby-sit them either.

Ravyn took another sip of her beer as she looked at Buffy. Willow looked nervously back and forth from Buffy to Ravyn as they both sat staring at each other. Willow was starting to worry as no one was speaking and the stares were turning into glares as the minutes passed, neither one breaking their gaze of the other.

Buffy shifted in her seat as she stared at Ravyn. She smiled slightly at her before crossing her arms on the table. "So, how'd you manage to kill someone with that chip in your head?" she asked Ravyn, wanting to find out exactly what had happened and how.

"I broke his neck." Ravyn replied smiling. "I have a high tolerance for pain Slayer. Comes from living with the chip for such a long time. You'd be surprised what I can do." she said leaning forward slightly.

Buffy looked at her and wondered just how dangerous Ravyn was. She had seen Spike's reaction when he hit a human with the chip and wondered how Ravyn could have actually killed someone.

Willow watched the exchange between Ravyn and Buffy and could see the looks coming from both of them. She was getting nervous as the tension was building between them.

"So...Ravyn, how's the headache today?" Willow asked nervously, trying to smooth things out a little.

"Fine" Ravyn said, never taking her eyes off Buffy.

Spike looked over at the table the girls were sitting at and could see the glares Ravyn and Buffy were shooting at each other. He knew leaving the table was a bad idea. He could see them talking, but both had that look in their eyes like they wanted to rip each other apart. He hurried and sank all his balls leaving a gap mouthed Xander looking at the pool table, before putting down his cue stick and walking back over to the table.

Xander followed Spike back over to the table and saw the looks Ravyn and Buffy were exchanging and knew the reason for Spike's hasty retreat.

"Bout ready to go?" Spike asked Ravyn as he sat back down.

Ravyn looked over at him and smiled. "Yes.....this place is starting to bore me."

Spike smiled as he stood up. "Well, guess we're going then" he said addressing the table.

Ravyn stood and walked over to Spike, leaning in close to him as she looked back over to Buffy. "Bye Xander, Willow......Slayer" she said as she smiled, looking at Buffy as she took Spike's hand in hers.

Xander and Willow said their good-byes and watched as Spike and Ravyn walked towards the exit, hand in hand. Willow looked over at Buffy and wondered what she was thinking. She saw mixed emotions on her friends face and knew she'd be in for a long night of listening to Buffy rant about the events of tonight. Sighing deeply she laid her head on the table and wished the nightmare would hurry and end. She wasn't sure how much more she could take.