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[fredburkle]

"Crud!" I slapped my hand on the notebook sitting next to the microscope and fumed. This was the fifteenth test that'd failed miserably. I'd been trying for the better part of the week to find a way to corporealize Spike. Since I couldn't very well perform tests on him, not just because he had no body to test on, but because the tests might make

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[buffys_bitch]

"What, and spoil the fun of watching your cute self give an adorable girly start at my terrifying appearance? Wouldn't miss it for...well, for anything actually." I quip, giving Fred a half smirk.

I move further into the lab, looking at all the bells and whistles and gizmos she has around the place.

"What's got you up working so late? Thought you'd be over at Wesley's by now, doin' the nasty or whatever Percy boy likes to get up to." My grin widens. I love to tease those two. In a way it's because they seem so happy. Gotta keep them grounded with some quality Spike snark.

"There's been a bit of commotion lately. Think you missed most of it. Werewolves on the loose. Awkward reunions. Harmony doing a 'The Shining' number on us. It was all fits and giggles, I tell ya."

[fredburkle]

I picked up the notebook and gave him a small smile, "It's not your terrifying appearance, it's your lack of sound that startled me...and you know it." I started walking around the room, turning off lights and microscopes and shook my head at his comment about me and Wesley.

I knew my face was red, but there was nothing to be embarrassed about. I turned and was about to tell him that I would, in fact, be heading over to Wesley's when I was done locking up, when he said something about werewolves.

"Werewolves..um...reunions...'The Shining'? Like...Jack Nicholson..I'm home 'The Shining'? Or...just um...sequined clothes...? Werewolves?" I looked at the door, "Is anyone hurt....?"

[buffys_bitch]

"Harmony had to be tasered, wasn't pretty. Plus, I met a woman and tried to save her from a werewolf. Got it half right, she's alive. But she got bit by the beastie, so hopefully we can get to her in time. If I'd had my body back, might have saved her from what she's going through now."

I move to the window and look out, wondering where Nina is, and if the others will be able to help her.

"So why the candle burning at both ends?" Then I notice her hands. "What have you been doing?! Fred, you've hurt yourself." I exclaim, coming closer to look at the small burns on her hands with concern plain on my face.

[fredburkle]

I felt a stab of guilt at what Spike said. I shouldn't be going home, I should stay here and work harder and longer on making him whole. He was a champion, just like Angel, and this was no way for him to be rewarded. Standing around, unable to really help anyone. It wasn't fair and I didn't like it.

I waved my hand and gave him a small smile, "Oh, it's nothing. Just a couple energy burns from the spells and experiments I've been working on. Didn't hurt worse than a bee sting." I smiled at him, "I'm fine."

I pointed to the microscope, "And as for working so late...I've been working on this case..involving a friend. See, this friend is without their body and I want them to have it back...so I've been bustin' my tail to get it done."

I frowned and looked at the broken slide on the counter, "Unfortunately, I'm not any closer." I sighed and then realized something. I slapped the notebook down and moved the experiment to a small wooden bowl, "How could I be so dumb?!"

[buffys_bitch]

I look at her hands with disbelief. She got this on account of me? Why am I always hurting the girl? I'm about to give her what for, when she exclaims like something just came to her.

"What is it?" I query, intent upon her face. Seems like she's got her thoughts all in order, and it's pretty amazing to watch. mad fetching scientist. That's what Fred is. I smile in anticipation.

[fredburkle]

I pushed my glasses up as I expertly and slowly poured the spell ingredients into the wooden bowl. I glanced up and gave him a smile, "Wood. I've been performing the experiment on a glass slide and it hasn't been working. And I just realized why. Wood. The spell needed the natural qualities of wood to work...or at least I hope."

I nodded and added the last few things to the mix, along with some of Spike's essence. I softly said the encantation over the bowl and watched with anticipation as the spell began work. I crossed my fingers and hoped, that this time, it didn't blow up in my face...literally...again.

[buffys_bitch]

I watch with trepidation. Will I get my body back now? I'm touched that Fred is trying so hard. Not many would see me as worth saving, so I stick around, grateful for the efforts done in my name.

Smoke begins to rise and I get a bit concerned.

"Is it supposed to do that?" I ask with worry in my tone.

[fredburkle]

I made a disgusted noise in the back of my throat, sat back down on the stool and let my shoulders sag. I shook my head and sighed, "No...it's not."

I took my glasses off and rubbed the bridge of my nose. That idea failed. So if it wasn't the natural element of wood, then what was it? I sighed again and looked at Spike, "I'm sorry, Spike....I thought...I really thouht I had it for a second..."

[buffys_bitch]

"No need to be sorry, pet. Wasn't meant to be." I force a smile on my face to hide my disappointment.

"'Sides, you shouldn't be taking unnecessary risks trying to bring me back. No sense in you hurting yourself on account of the likes of me. You'll find it, I know you will, just ease off on the experiments involving fire and burnings and such, ok? Or Percy boy will be waiting to knock my block off when I do get my body back."

[fredburkle]

I was so disappointed, and if I was disappointed then Spike must be crushed. I felt so bad, but there was no way I was going to give up now. I definitely needed to bring Wesley into this. Maybe he could see something that I hadn't...a fresh pair of eyes.

I shrugged and touched my hand gently, "Oh, those are nothin', Spike. I handled myself in a hell dimension for five years....I don't think a couple minor burns is going to do me in." I gave him a small smile and said, "But thank you for the concern..."

I glanced at the smoke still rising from the small bowl and sighed, "I'll figure this out, Spike....I promise."

[buffys_bitch]

I nod and my smile becomes a little more genuine.

"Like I said, big hug in it for you when it happens. Maybe even little kiss if you play your cards right?" I'm just joking with her, trying to put her at ease over the failed experiment. Truth is, Fred was the first of them to even give me the time of day. A bloke doesn't forget that kind of thing.

"So, I guess that's it for the night then. No use crying over spilt spells..."

Go home to your lover, I want to say to her. Enjoy it while it lasts. I stand awkwardly though, not wanting to say goodbye. Not like I have a home to go to, or people waiting for me.

[fredburkle]

"Well I doubt Wesley would be upset for these..." I fingered the burns gently and gave him a grin. "But if you kissed me...then he might have something to say."

I knew he was kidding and he was just covering the fact that he was grateful to me for helping, so I didn't mind the flirting. I think I was the only person who actually cared if Spike was corporeal or not. They all had pasts with him....all bad from what Wesley told me. Or mostly bad, and that made them less than sympathetic with his plight.

But I only knew him from stories and from his ghostly wanderings. So, I didn't think he was so terrible. Besides, he'd saved the world, which means my life and I think I owe him a body...at least.

I glanced at the clock and nodded, "For tonight at least. I'll be back here early tomorrow morning, because I will figure this out and it will work." I made a determined face and said, "And since I have an in with the head of the research department, I think I'll use his help, too."

[buffys_bitch]

I nod and wave cheerio to Fred, trying to act like I'm going somewhere, got some purpose.

Today was a train-wreck from start to finish. Werewolves still on the loose, Buffy being within reach but not...And Angel, acting more cagey than usual.

Something is up with Angel, and although I hate his guts, I know him. Know the demon that lurked inside at least. And he is definitely fretting about something.

What that something is, I'm determined to find out.