Once he has her in his grasp, Spike becomes acutely aware of the pounding of his heart. It's his luck that her eyes are closed when a flash of emotion passes over his tightly held features. No, he hasn't saved her for her sake.

"Or you'll wind up back where you started, with all of us." His hand moves from her wrist to her shoulder, pressing gently. He wants to pull her in his arms completely, but he won't force her. Like he's not forcing her against trying again. "And if not, you'd leave me with some pretty weird company."

Still attempting jokes, as depressing as they are. "I don't think I'd survive the trip back."