Spike looked away from his love and closed his eyes. Watching the pleasure she got from tricking the servant and then feeding upon him - it was almost like having the old, playful Drusilla back. But deep down he knew that wouldn't happen until after they took care of business in Slayer country. It chilled his bones to think what might happen if Buffy interfered with Laibach's plans before the Old One released Drusilla. There was too much at stake this time around. If the Slayer stuck her nose in, put Dru in danger, Spike would have her guts for garters once and for all.

There was another shriek from the room next door. In a flash of anger he tore the boot from his foot and violently tossed it at the wall.

"Here now," he yelled, "stop playing with your food or I'll bloody come out there and take it away!"

It grew very quiet as he lay back down with an exasperated sigh. Maybe now he could finally take a rest. Spike could feel sleep coming at last, as if he were resting comfortably deep within the cold, dark earth. He began to sink deeper and deeper into its black embrace. Yes, this was what he needed, this was-

"Spike?" Dru whispered very close to his ear.

He came awake with a start and turned to face his lady fair. "What is it, pet?"

She wriggled closer to him. "Did I wake you?" she asked coyly.

Spike rolled onto his side and put his arm around her waist. "No bother, I was only just starting to nod off."

Drusilla ran her fingers through his white hair. "What's next, my love?" she asked as she nuzzled his cheek. "We've done everything we were asked, where do we go from here?"