"You set me up."
Spike's fist slammed against the wall.
"You knew. You knew what those eggs could do and you didn't tell me."

His companion winced.

"I did you a bloody favour, dammit. Thought I was helping out. You said you needed me to keep an eye on something for a few days. Didn't mention you were expecting to hatch 2 dozen Suvolte demons in my crypt."

"I - I didn't know," came the response. "I didn't know they were going to hatch. I had a buyer - he said he'd give me a good price -"

"Yeah well that's another thing. What's with this 'Doctor' business anyway? Suddenly you're some big underworld figure? I'd stick to watching The Sopranos if I were you."

"You won't--"

"Won't what? Won't rat on you? No fear. I'll stay quiet. It's not as though Buffy'll be back to - " He stopped. Sighed.
"I'll take your heat for you. This time. I've already been tried and condemned anyway. 'S not like anyone'd be surprised."

He broke off, frowning.
"What're you doing mixing yourself up in this black market rubbish anyway? Wouldn't've thought it was up your alley."

"I needed the money," was the simple answer. "It wasn't hurting anyone. I just needed somewhere to keep the eggs for a few days."

"And it didn't occur to you that Buf - that the Slayer might find them? You saw what she did to that demon with the sword last week. Didn't you think she might try the same with the eggs?" He rubbed his eyes wearily, shaking his head.
"Didn't you think she might do that to me if she found them? I mean, it's not like she doesn't come by my crypt, you know." This last was added in an almost cocky voice, as though he took pride in her visits. Well he *had* dammit. And the relationship had hardly been public knowledge - so maybe the breakup wasn't either.

"I'm sorry. I didn't --"

"Didn't think, that's what. You didn't.bloody.think. Those eggs were hatching, dammit. Two bloody dozen Suvolte demons. Can you even comprehend the sort of damage they could do?"

"But -- they aren't--"

Spike ran one hand through his hair, an incredulous look on his face.

"What aren't they? What don't they do? Suvolte demons are about as destructive as it gets, you idiot. What did you think they did, clean the sewers and help little old ladies find their car keys?"

An abashed look was his only reply.

"Please. Tell me you didn't have a buyer for those things. Tell me there isn't someone out there just got done out of 2 dozen baby-sized killing machines. Tell me they're not gonna be looking for someone to blame for that." A new thought struck him and he added, horrified, "Tell me they didn't already pay you for them."

The black market trafficker known as The Doctor looked ready to vomit.

"Thirty percent upfront." Two pleading eyes fixed on Spike. "What am I going to do, Spike?"

The vampire shook his head ruefully. "Thought *I* was supposed to be the one whose crazy plans get buggered every time. Seems it's you too. Good to know I'm not the only poor bastard around here."

He patted his companion's shoulder.
"'S okay, Xander. I'll get you out of it. Somehow."

== The End ==