Anything
by Cariann

Buffy's feet pounded against the pavement at a quick rhythmic pace. Each time her foot connected with the ground she was one step closer to getting out of town. Buffy tried not to think about what she was doing. She tried not to think about the fact that she was running away, but the thoughts entered her mind anyways.

Buffy had never run from a battle. It wasn't in her blood to do so, but now that was exactly what she was doing. She wanted to stay and fight, and if she had only herself to think of she would. She had accepted long ago that she may one day have to die to save the world. It was the burden she bore as the slayer, and as much as she didn't like it, didn't want it, she accepted it. She had been willing to die to stop the Master, and she was willing to die to stop Glory, but she couldn't. She couldn't because of Dawn.

She couldn't leave Dawn now not after her mother's death. She was all Dawn had left, and that was yet another burden Buffy had to carry now. It was a burden she willingly accepted because despite all the evidence that proved otherwise Dawn was her sister. She loved her completely and unconditionally. She may be the Key, but she was also a part of Buffy a part Buffy refused to lose, so she was running.

Buffy dropped down into the caves, and focused on the task at hand. She needed help. She needed help that only one other person could provide.

"Spike," Buffy called out her voice echoing off the walls of the cave.

She moved quickly through the caverns knowing he was in here somewhere waiting. She no longer questioned his love and furthermore she was no longer afraid of it. She knew he would be there when she needed him, and she was more then willing to accept his help. She didn't let herself think about the fact that she was in a way using him. She was using his love for her to get him to help her, but she didn't care at this point. Dawn needed her, and she needed Spike.

"Spike," Buffy shouted again growing more desperate and agitated.

He wouldn't just leave. She knew this, but a fear welled inside her that maybe he had. She needed him now. She needed him desperately. "Spike."

"What's wrong?"

His voice came from the shadows. He emerged from the darkness, and Buffy stopped. She looked up into his eyes and said, "I need your help."

"Anything." They stared into each other's eyes more being said through their gaze then through their words.

"We need to get out of town now. Glory knows about Dawn."

Spike grabbed her arm silencing her. "Let's go."

They took off practically running out of the cave. Spike's hand still holding her arm as they wove through the caverns.

**During the scene when Ben starts to turn into Glory Buffy and Spike come running out of one of the rooms, which they were obviously in together**

Buffy paced back and forth in the office. She was trying to focus, trying to think of a plan, but she couldn't. Everything was going wrong. They were trapped. Giles was hurt, and Buffy didn't want to think about what would happen if he didn't get to a doctor soon. The Knights were still outside, and Buffy knew they couldn't take them all on.

It was a completely hopelessly situation, and everyone was looking to her to fix it. She didn't know what to do. She was trying to be strong for everyone. She was trying to hold everything together, but she was so close to losing it. She couldn't deal with this not now not all at once.

Buffy forced herself not to cry. As much as she wanted to sink to the floor and just let it all out she knew she couldn't. She had to be strong for everyone. If they saw her cry, if they saw her fall apart they would all too. They were counting on her. She couldn't let them down. She couldn't let any of them die.

"Hey," Spike said quietly.

He was leaning against the door jamb watching her. Buffy hadn't heard him come in. She stopped pacing and faced him. She could see the concern in his eyes. She could see the love.

"Hey," she returned quietly. "How are your hands?"

Spike walked into the room and towards Buffy. His eyes searched hers finding all the answers he needed without ever asking the questions.

"They'll heal."

Buffy nodded and turned away from Spike. Spike stayed silent. He didn't ask her how she was. He knew not to ask that. He knew she was crumbling and on the brink of losing it. He also knew that asking her how she was doing would hurt her more then help her. If she had to talk about herself she would lose it.

Buffy turned around suddenly. She sought out his eyes, and locked hers with his.

"I need you to promise me something." Spike didn't say anything waiting for her to continue. "I need you to promise me that if something happens to me you'll take care of Dawn. That you'll protect her."

Buffy tried to hide the desperation in her voice. She tried to hide the fear, but Spike sensed it.

"I promise."

Their gaze held, and Buffy knew he would. He would give up his life for her for Dawn. Screaming from the other room broke their gaze.

"LET ME OUT."

Buffy's eyes widened in alarm, and she took off Spike hot on her heels.

The End

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