Buffy's mind was wandering as she and her friends were walking to the Bronze. Since Willow brought her back, it did that a lot. Between the horrificness of waking up buried alive, readjusting to life outside Heaven, and the enormous pressure on her to take care of Dawn, she felt a little escapism was justified. Apparently, she was the only one, though, because Willow and Xander insisted on dragging her out places "to cheer her up" all the time. Like she didn't have any reason to be out of it right now.

The only person who seemed to accept her need to simply be and nothing else, was Spike. He would come see her every day and just be there, listening to her talk, or just sit there in silence while she drifted off. He was the only one she told that she hadn't been stuck in a Hell dimension; she'd been in Heaven. And they'd ripped her away from it, reinforcing her belief that she didn't belong there. Death is my gift. Humph. Indian givers, she thought.

"Hey, Buff? What planet you on now?" Xander joked, cutting into her thoughts as he did constantly anymore. Buffy had never been one to well, brood, like this. When she did, it reminded him of Angel, which made him feel ambiguous to the new Buffy. So he tried to bring her out of the shell she was hiding in as often as possible.

"Oh just thinking, Xand. No big. So who's playing the Bronze tonight?" she asked, forcing herself to be cheerful and chatty Buffy. Does it really matter in the end? When I died, it didn't matter who was playing here that night. She stopped, realizing how awful that sounded, even in her head. She just couldn't shake this morbidness, this feeling of all encompassing unhappiness. And no one understood. Of course not, she thought, none of them have ever died. I have twice now.

"It's just a cover band, but I heard they're pretty good. We can dance. It'll be fun, right, Tara?" Willow said excitedly. She was trying so hard to make Buffy comfortable with being alive again, and it was so hard when Buffy seemed to withdraw further into herself every day. Not even Dawn was reaching her anymore. Buffy disappeared all the time, and would come back to give non committal answers about were she was. It worried her, but it always seemed like Buffy was happier when she returned than when she left. Maybe she was going to see her Mom's grave.

"Yeah. They play great covers of Latin music someone said on campus," she said. Her gaze washed over Buffy and the witch could feel the pain radiating from her aura. She knew where Buffy was going when she disappeared. Willow had been so worried the first time that Tara had done a small locator spell, targeting the Slayer and any nearby demons, hoping to make sure she was safe. When it showed Buffy in different places around her house and the shop and the graveyard in the company of one demon, Tara had known what was going on. Buffy was hanging out with Spike. I know the others hate that he loves Buffy, well except Dawn, but I think he really cares. And I know he'll keep her safe. So she had kept it to herself. She'd always thought Buffy was fooling herself about how she felt about Spike anyway. Maybe dying had given her a new view on life.

Buffy smiled weakly, trying desperately to look excited about dancing to Ricky Martin covers all night. Although…it might be amusing to watch Xander do the Snoopy Dance Latin Style. A real smile broke through, and she chuckled a little bit.

Willow and Xander whipped their heads around to look at her happily. Buffy was laughing! She hardly ever laughed now, and anything that made Buffy look even remotely happy was okay with them.

"Where's Anya at?" Buffy questioned. Normally she wouldn't care where the sometimes annoying ex demon was, but it filled the silence and kept her from drifting off.

"She's closing the shop and meeting us there. Some new inventory came in and she felt she had to stock it immediately so she could make money on it tomorrow," he chuckled. "But don't worry Buffster, she'll be there to live the la vida loca with us."

Buffy smiled again, then wondered where Spike was. It was nice to have him around; he was always cracking jokes and keeping people from watching her like she was under glass. I think he understands that I can't take people constantly acting like I'm going to break all the time. It was worse than being a kid again. Shrugging, she followed the gang into the Bronze. At least I know Dawn is at a friends house and there's no Hellbitch after her. I can try to relax and have some fun.

Xander lead them to a table in the corner, and they all sat down. Once he sure they were all settled, he gazed about the room. Seeing one of his work buddies at the pool tables, he turned to the girls. "Care if I go shoot with the guys until Anya gets here?"

Willow shook her head. "Go ahead, we don't need no stinkin boys anyway," she joked.

"But we do need the bathroom," Tara said suddenly. "Wanna come too, Willow? Safety in numbers; there's always vampires in the Bronze." She giggled inwardly, knowing that Spike was hanging out in the corner, watching their table. If we leave, maybe he'll come ask Buffy to dance…

"Okay, baby. Buffy, will you be okay here for a few minutes?" Buffy gave her a look that clearly said what she thought of that question and Willow frowned. She doesn't have to be mean about it; I'm only watching out for her. She shrugged and took Tara's hand, walking toward the back of the Bronze with her girlfriend.

Buffy sat at the table, clasping and unclasping her hands. Maybe this was a mistake to come here so soon. I'm not sure I even want to be around all these people, even the gang. I'd rather be drinking cocoa and watching Star Wars on my couch. She looked around, preparing to get up and leave, hoping they'd all understand. She scooted to outside of the booth, getting up and running into a wall of muscle. "Ow," she muttered, looking up to see who was blocking her in.

Her breath caught when she saw Spike looking down at her with more tenderness than she ever could thought he could feel. His eyes were soft, and he had his hair in that sweet curly style he'd taken to wearing lately. She preferred it to the hard, slicked back 'Big Bad' look he'd always favored. This hair begged her to run her fingers through it… What the hell am I thinking? she chided herself. Running my fingers through Spike's hair? Sheesh.

"You okay pet? I saw you start looking panicky and thought I'd come keep you company till your mates got back." He ran his eyes over her. Same skimpy clothes, same intoxicating scent…but something was missing from this Buffy. She never seemed present, kind of like she was always miles away in her mind. He wished he knew how to help her, but he didn't so he simply let her decide what she needed from him. It kept him content to know that when she needed to escape, she came to him.

"That was nice of you," she whispered. She watched him look her over, wondering what he saw. Did he know that she felt like she'd left something behind when they called her back? Like she was incomplete forever? He probably does, she decided. Spike always knew things about her that she wasn't even aware of. Her eyes traveled up his body, surprised to see that he had on chinos and brown Docs with a black mock turtleneck, and of course, his duster. He looks positively yummy, she thought. Ooh! No bad Buffy! Not yummy…he looks…lickable. Now where the hell did that come from? Shaking her head, she met his eyes, and every argument for him to leave fell out of her brain. "Want to sit down?" she whispered hoarsely.

He watched her fidget for a second, feeling how fast her heart was beating. Is it possible? he thought incredulously. Spike contemplated, then shook his head. "I don't think your mates would want me here when they get back. How about a dance instead?" he asked, his eyes alight with hope.

When he asked, Buffy could see William in his eyes, asking Cecily to dance and being shot down. "Yeah," she answered before her mind could interfere. She tugged on his duster and he took it of, laying it in her seat, then he offered his arm. She giggles and took it, a smile taking over her face before she even realized it.

Spike's heart sang when he saw his Slayer smile in a way she hadn't since before Glory came to town. He could almost feel her fire starting to kindle inside and he was glad. He had missed Buffy's spirit, her witty retorts, and her gorgeous smile. At this point, he'd stand on his head and spit nickels if it would make her happy again.

He turned to her awkwardly when they reached the dance floor, and suddenly, a slow song came over the speakers. Spike's eyes scanned the crowd and saw the blond Witch waving, a hint of a grin forming on her face. She wiggled her nose and he knew they had been set up. Sighing with happiness that at least someone knew how much he loved the Slayer, he put his arms around her waist loosely and started to move.

Buffy looked up at Spike in amazement. The words to this song seemed to be written for him. He shrugged, and cocked his head towards Tara, who had rejoined Willow at their table. The red headed Witch was obviously agitated about something, but Tara was talking her down calmly. Buffy smiled, knowing the blond Witch was very intuitive. She probably knows who I've been visiting when life at home gets to be too much. She turned back to Spike and smiled at him gently, closing her arms around his neck and pulling him a little closer.

Spike was sure he'd died and gone to Heaven. Buffy was wrapped around him, dancing with him, of her own free will. She was here because she wanted to be. And she was smiling and happy. He breathed in her scent, the vanilla lotion, the powerful blood, and her girly smelling perfume. I never knew what love was until I met Buffy. And I failed her. I let her die, and here she is, dancing with me as if it never happened. He tightened his grip on her unconsciously, pulling her close enough to lay her head on his chest.

Buffy's mind was reeling as she listened to the words of the song Tara had chosen for them to dance to. Is that really how he feels about me? He can't still feel responsible for Glory. He did everything he could, including staying and taking care of Dawn when I died. Her heart sped up like a jackrabbit when he pulled her closer. She could smell his unique blend of scents: leather, tobacco, and that earthy musk. She sighed, a ripple of pleasure washing through her at right this felt. Finally, she gave in and laid her head on his hard chest, reveling in how sculpted he felt without that heavy coat on.

Her head snuggled into his chest, and Spike almost moaned. If he died right now, he'd be a happy vampire. Never would he have imagined when he asked her to dance that he'd be so lucky. Hell, I didn't even think she'd say yes, much curl up against me like a kitten. A hot, curvy, sexy kitten… He stopped that trail of thought immediately, knowing if he continued down that path, he would find a stake in his heart for sure. Even thinking about the Slayer got him aroused, and he was hardly in the position to keep that under wraps. His mind took a vacation from his brain, though apparently, because images of the Slayer naked began flashing through his head in rapid succession.

Buffy gasped when she felt a bulge pressing against her stomach, instinctively realigning her hips with Spike's. She heard him take in a sharp breath, and felt his body tense. Slowly, she raised her eyes to his, drowning in the intensity she found there. Her head tilted up, and her lips parted slightly, knowing he was going to kiss her. His lips met hers tenderly, softly, then began to coax hers apart. When his tongue brushed her lower lip, she sighed, allowing him access to her mouth. Her body seemed to melt against his, and she felt a heat forming in her that she knew she hadn't felt since…since Angel. Riley had never been able to turn her on this much with just a kiss.

Spike was lost. From the moment his lips touched Buffy's, he had lost all sense of the world around him. Only he and Buffy existed, and she was letting him kiss her, really kiss her. He bumped hips with her, unconsciously striving to be closer to the heat her body was emanating. He could feel her pulse racing, and it egged him on, making him shudder with need. He didn't know if she loved him or even if she thought she ever could. All he knew was this felt right. Nothing had ever felt as right as having Buffy is his arms like this.

Buffy broke the kiss off, needing to breathe, and cupped his cool cheek in her hand. Her thumb stroked his amazingly soft lips, and she gazed into his eyes. She swore she could see his soul gazing back at her. Wrapping her arms around him, she pressed herself against him until she couldn't tell where he ended and she began. And for the first time since she was brought back, Buffy felt complete. She felt everything she had felt in Heaven and more. The world was no longer cold, violent and ugly, but warm, safe and loving. She knew that is was where she belonged, no matter what anyone else thought.

Buffy Summers had finally come home.

Buffy was in Heaven. Again. Everything she thought she'd been ripped away from, she was now finding, ironically, in a vampire's arms. Mom would be proud of me, she thought. She always did like Spike, and the lecture she gave me about being pig headed is one of the things I'll never forget about being dead. She chuckled just a bit, realizing the total weirdness that was her life. Only a Slayer, hell, only she could have things she'd never forget about being dead.

She buried her face farther into Spike's neck as they swayed to another slow song. There had been a suspicious abundance of them playing tonight, and Buffy was pretty sure Tara had something to do with it. The blond witch had practically pushed her Spike together tonight, and it seemed she was determined to make sure it worked out. She felt Spike's chest rumble, and grinned as the purring started. Is there anything sexier than that? she thought ruefully. I never really knew what I missed when I was with Riley…why we never clicked, and it was this. He wasn't enough monster for me. Spike was right. Angel had always purred, and why wouldn't her first love's quirks influence her preferences?

A strong hand grabbed her shoulder suddenly and wrenched her away from Spike. Buffy's eyes slammed shut, trying to not cry at the similarity of this to her resurrection. Beautiful peace, then blinding emptiness. Her hands started to shake, and she wrapped her thin arms around herself, trying to calm down. Spike moved behind her, his body just barely touching hers, and his presence calmed her. Her eyes opened slowly, as if she was afraid she'd see the lid of a coffin again.

Instead, she saw Willow, resolve face and all. Her insides cringed, and she took a moment to center herself. She looked at Willow with the steely gaze of the Slayer, intent on protecting herself. "May I help you?" she asked in a deceptively sweet voice.

Willow glared at her sarcasm. She's gonna play it this way, is she? the witch thought. I can play rough, too. "Buffy, on behalf of your mother, Giles, who's British so he's kinda like a mother but not…," she stumbled. Great Wil. Real smooth delivery there. Way to make an impression, she grimaced. "On behalf of them, just what in the frilly heck are you doing?" she demanded. Resolve face gave way to concern face as she looked at Buffy, whose face looked like it was about to crumple.

"I'm dancing with Spike. I would think that's obvious, especially to someone as intelligent as you, Wils," she replied, sarcasm dripping off her response.

Willow gritted her teeth. She hated when Buffy behaved like a child. It was like trying to talk sense into a five year old. "Yes, I can see that. But why?"

"He's a pretty good dancer, which I would expect since he has been alive centuries."

Arghhh!!!! Willow shouted in her head. "And the kissage? That's part of the dance package? Cuz if it is, someone should have told me a long time ago."

"Contrary to your attitude, Willow, you are not my mother, nor are you Giles. Though right now, coming in a close second for tweed suit fittings. Quit having a wiggins. I'm allowed to make my own choices about who I want to date," she shot back.

"Buffy, he's a soulless killer. I'm sure you realize that if he didn't have the chip, he'd be out with his nutty ex killing half of LA!"

Several people had now gathered, listening to the two girls argue. Spike raised his hand slowly so no one pulled out a stake and said, "Can we have this discussion back at the table. Since you've gone and destroyed the special moment already might as well get out of the public eye for this discussion," he muttered. Bloody kids. Buffy and I were having the best time I've had since I was turned, and her sodding friends can't leave us be for ten bloody minutes! He growled under his breath, and was surprised to find Buffy squeezing his hand reassuringly.

Willow nodded curtly, heading back toward the table. Tara shrugged. "I tried to keep her away, but she wouldn't listen. She's been really strange since we did the resurrection spell."

When Buffy and Spike reached the table, they found a fuming Willow next to a glaring Xander. Buffy rolled her eyes. Why did she have to bring Xander into this? Ignoring their pointed glares, she sat down, pulling Spike next to her, and snuggled into his embrace. What do they know about dating normal people anyways? Willow has dated a cyber demon, a werewolf, and a witch; Xander dated a mummy girl, a preying mantis, an ex vengence demon, and god help us, Cordelia. Talk about living in glass houses…

Willow cleared her throat, and Buffy looked up, startled. "Buffy, he's tried to kill us all plenty of times," she whispered. "How do you know he won't get the chip out and do it again?"

"Oz-wolf tried to eat us several times and no one gave you this lecture. Xander almost got life sucked by a mummy, eaten by preying mantis, and has a girlfriend who could get her powers back and give us all boils or something…but no one threatens him. Why does everyone pick on me?"

"Because your last undead playmate killed Miss Calendar!" Willow shouted.

Buffy shuddered, gulping back tears. "That was way harsh, Wils."

Spike looked at the witch, sniffing the air around her. There's just something different about her lately. So easy to brass off. I'll have to tell the other witch about it later, he thought. "Look, I have a demon. But I have control of it. Just like your wolf could control himself most of the time. Doesn't mean he didn't almost eat you once or twice, does it?" he smirked.

Buffy swallowed hard, trying to collect herself. She knew the hardest obstacle would be Xander. He was always the hardest. For now, she had to calm Willow down. "Willow, Spike never once really tried to kill us. Or we'd be dead. Even I know that. He's the only vamp I've ever had to call a truce with because I knew I couldn’t beat him. I wouldn't just take any vampire into our homes, you know," she explained quietly.

"Aw, Slayer, didn't know you cared so much," Spike said, hugging her close.

"If his chip quits working, Buffy-" she started.

"It's already kaplooie," Xander interjected. Four sets of incredulous eyes stared at him, daring him to explain. "I started noticing little differences in Spike right after Glory did her mojo on him. He could threaten sometimes; he could get a little physical with people. So I watched him. And little by little, I watched the chip fizzle out entirely. It stopped working shortly after Buffy died. He could have been doing anything he wanted really. But mostly… he watched Dawn, patrolled and sat by Buffy's grave drinking himself into a stupor."

Buffy's jaw dropped. Had Spike known all this time? Her big eyes met his, pleading with him to tell the truth. Was he really being good because he wanted to, not because he was forced to?

Spike at least had the grace to look shamed. "Yeah, it's gone. Like the whelp said, it just quit workin. And I didn't say anything because… well, there was nobody I felt like talking to. Cept the Nibblet, and I think she already knew, tell you the truth. So I just did what was needed, what I'd promised, and forced myself not to go sunbathing every day." He looked away, wishing the boy hadn't told Buffy what he was like while she was gone. It wasn't like he was particularly proud of himself.

Buffy smiled at Xander. He knows, she thought. Somehow, just like with Riley, he knows what I feel for Spike. And I guess he figures I deserve to be happy whatever way I can. Amazing. Xander has finally grown up. She poked Spike in the arm and he turned around. "You wanna go finish that dance?"

Spike grinned at her, realizing her acceptance of his explanation meant she trusted him. Damn foolish of her, I guess, but her heart is what's kept her alive longer than any other Slayer. And I intend to keep her that way for as long as possible. He took her hand, preparing to whisk her away to the dance floor again.

"We're not done here," Willow said angrily. "I'm not going to let you risk all of our lives again, Buffy."

Buffy looked at Willow, her gaze steady and unwavering. "Willow, the prophecy states: 'One girl throught out the world…the Chosen One'. Not the chosen gang. Not the Chosen Witch. Just me, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. If you didn’t have the decency to leave me in Heaven when I died, have the decency to back off while I try to make a life here on Earth." With that, she pulled on Spike's arm, and they headed for the dance floor.

Willow stared at the spot where Buffy had been standing in shock. "S-She was in Heaven?" she gasped.

Xander nodded. "Hadn't you guessed by now, Wil? Every time we mentioned the demon dimension she was stuck in, she would disappear for hours on end. It took me awhile but I caught on that she had to have been somewhere else. And who wants to tell their friends they pulled them out of Heaven? She was trying to keep from hurting us," he said quietly.

"We were wrong. We never should have messed with the natural order," Tara added.

"But I didn't think it was natural. I thought she was in Hell," Willow said, the tone in her voice bordering on hysteria.

"We did, too, honey." Tara put her arm around Willow, hugging the stricken redhead close.

"Or maybe we just wanted to believe that because we needed her too much," Xander contradicted, a tear slipping out of his eye. "Look, I'm not on the soulless demon boat, but I am for Buffy being happy. Look at them." He gestured out to the dance floor where Buffy and Spike were already snuggled close and swaying to the music. 'When was the last time you saw Buffy smile like that? Even before she died?"

The Witches thought for a moment and the silence was damning enough. Neither could remember the last time Buffy had looked so content.

"I can remember. And I believe his name was Deadboy, folks. Since he left, her smile, her laugh, her entire attitude had been totally different. Like she was stuck on permanent bitch mode. We all knew she didn't love Riley…whether we wanted to admit it or not. Let me just say…not expecting the…the Spike, but hey- She's happy. So I'm happy."

Willow wiped a few stray tears from her face, nodding at Xander. "I guess that makes sense. Maybe he really does love her. If the chip was out and he acted like he did, I guess it's possible. And you're right about Angel, Xander. I never really thought about what had changed in Buffy; I was too busy wallowing in Oz. But when I think about it, you're right." She looked at her arms, the scars from the ritual that brought Buffy back still evident. "About everything."

Xander thought for a moment and a truly happy smile filled his face. "But you know what this means?" At Willow's head shake, he grinned even wider. "I get to tell Deadboy his evil spawn is Buffy's new man. Dude, is that gonna chafe his willy!" He clapped his hands in excitement, already planning how he was going to tell the souled vampire the bad news.

Willow shook her head, chuckling and cast another glance at the dance floor. She smiled ruefully, and twitched her finger at the couple. When their feet raised off the floor, floating in place, she grinned. Now they'll know they have my approval, she thought. Taking Tara's hand, she pulled her girlfriend out to the dance floor.

"Luv?"

"Mmmmm?"

"Are we bloody floating?"

Buffy looked down at their feet, which were dangling about a foot off the floor. Quirking an eyebrow, she swiveled her gaze around until her gaze met Willow's. The redheaded witch winked, then twitched her nose, causing their feet to once again touch the ground. "I think this means Mom approves," she replied drily.

Spike smiled against her ear. For some reason, it had become important to him that her friends accept them. He didn’t want her to alienate herself from what little family she had left. His breath hissed through his teeth when he felt Buffy rubbing her little hands down his back and over his ass, squeezing it playfully. "I think, pet, that you had better stop playing with fire," he growled, grinding his hips against hers.

She grinned naughtily, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Didn't you ever just want to play with matches anyways?"

"I think you already did that once. Burnt a great factory down, as I recall. And there was an incident with a flaming organ, something about a school gymnasium… Perhaps fire is not your friend, pet," he teased.

"Maybe I want to play with fire," she said, her lower pouting at him, begging to be kissed.

He groaned. "Well, you know what they say about playing with fire." He picked her up and began carrying her out the door of the Bronze. "You might just get burned."

With preternatural speed, Spike ran toward Revello Drive, his yellow eyes blazing. His arms clutched Buffy to him tightly, afraid she would suddenly disappear. When he reached her house, he flung the door open, and stepped inside, the demon mask slipping away. He set Buffy on her feet gently, feeling almost as if his undead heart was about begin hammering in nervousness.

She smiled gently, her fingers cupping his cheek. "Why, Spike, are you nervous? You're shaking," she teased lightly.

"Yeah, I'm a right poncy bugger, Slayer. I feel like I'm a high schooler about to lose his cherry," he said, grinning evilly.

She giggled at his bluntness. Spike always told her the truth, well almost always, and it comforted her. Her breath caught when she looked up into his eyes, the intensity burning her form the inside out. Unconsciously, she stepped forward, closing the distance between them.

Spike's lips came crashing down on hers, stealing her breath. His tongue teased her lower lip, asking permission. Buffy sighed, and her mouth opened to him, and he growled hungrily. His hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against him. Reality seemed to fly out the window as they kissed over and over, each kiss sweeter, more intoxicating than the previous one.

Buffy gasped for breath when their lips parted. Her arms had found their way around his neck and shoulders clutching him to her desperately. Her mind was spinning, and her heart was about to leap out of her chest. The last time she had been this caught up in a just a kiss…was too long ago to think about. Her body tingled in anticipation and she wondered just how far she was going to let this go. Do I want to make love with Spike? Did I say love? Oh God…She turned her thought back to Spike, who was sliding his hands over her rear in a torturously slow caress.

Spike was drowning. His body was on fire being pressed this close to Buffy, and he didn’t care if he burst into flames right there. She was kissing him like she didn't care fit here was a tomorrow, and his hands were roaming her body freely. Did she just grind her hips against me? Are her hands under my shirt? Spike prayed fervently to a deity that didn’t listen to demons like him that Buffy wouldn't regain whatever faculties she had lost the moment her hot little hands had slid up his chest tentatively. What a way to go…

Buffy tore her lips away from Spike's, breath heaving with arousal. Grinning, she raised her arms and tossed her shirt to the floor, leaving her chest bare to his widening eyes. She tugged on the hem of his shirt as well, waiting for him to get the hint. When it was obvious he was still stuck on her attire, she reached up and ripped his shirt from the collar, pushing the sides apart. Damn, and I really liked that shirt, too, she thought. Sighing at his sculpted muscles, she leaned in and peppered small kisses and licks over his pectoral muscles. He shuddered, and she ground her hips against his again, hoping he was going to take the hint soon.

Spike raised his eyes from her chest, gazing into Buffy's glazed pupils. The invitation in her eyes almost made him gasp. She wants to…she wants me to… he stuttered in his head. His hand reached and caressed her cheek lightly, and when she turned her face and bit his hand, eyes glinting with arousal, he lost every vestige of control he had. His demon flared, and he grabbed her into his arms, racing up the stairs two at a time.

Dropping her on the bed, Spike dove on top of her, his thighs burrowing between hers. She squeaked, and he graced her with his trademark smirk. His face fell when a thought occurred to him. "Buffy, where's the Nibblet?" he ground out, trying to ignore the way her thigh felt around his.

She blinked, trying to let the question penetrate her lust fogged brain. "Dawn? Where…is…Dawn? Oh!" She smacked her head. "She's at a friend's house tonight. We have the place to ourselves," she whispered, a big goofy grin coming over her face when he snarled playfully.

"Then I think, Slayer, that you are in for the best night of your life," he bragged.

"Talk about letting your ass overload your mouth," she muttered, squeezing his butt.

He cut off her next comment with a searing kiss, and she forgot what she was saying. Her hands scratched furrows in his back as he rotated his hips on top of hers. Her eager hands moved his to his breasts, and she smiled as he sucked in a deep breath. A shuddering gasp erupted from her lips when he took her nipple between his teeth and nibbled, and a rumbling chuckle followed.

"Have a thing for biting, eh, Slayer?" Her mewling moan was answer enough for him, and he moved his lips up to her neck, biting lightly here and there. Does she really want me to? I don't even know if I want to or if I can. Maybe this should wait… Spike wisely moved away from her pulsing jugular until he decided what how he felt about biting Buffy for real.

Buffy arched her hips up, rubbing his erection, and clawed at his pants. They had too many clothes on. Her hands reached for his zipper, dragging it down before he even realized what she was up to. Thanking the heavens that Spike didn't wear underwear, she pulled his jeans down over his ass.

"No need to rush now, Slayer," he teased, kicking his chinos down his legs.

"I beg to differ," she replied, sliding her legs back around his waist. "I think I've been waiting long enough."

Spike nearly tore her leather pants off trying to get hem down her legs. She giggled and he scowled at her. When they were finally tossed aside, his eyes roamed over her hungrily. He ripped her tiny underwear off, throwing them over his shoulder as he kissed his way down her belly. Her gasping moans egged him on, and he licked sucked lower until she began keening, babbling his name over and over again. He kept up the sweet torture until she came, shivering and breathing harshly in the dark.

Buffy clawed at his shoulders, pulling him up her body until his lips met hers in an intensely passionate kiss. He looked deeply into her eyes, asking permission before he entered her. A small laugh bubbled from her lips, and she smiled hugely, nodding her head. Then Spike was inside her, moving and stroking in places she'd never known existed. My God…he's…it's… Her thoughts jumbled together, making no logical sense as she felt her body building toward another climax. "Spike… Spike, I can't.." she gasped out. "Please…"

Looking at her face, he knew what she wanted. Bracing himself for pain, Spike leaned down, shifting his demon face forward and bit softly into her neck. He tried to tell himself he didn't bite her directly over Angel's mark on purpose, but his orgasm hit before he could even contemplate the meaning of such an action. He roared like a beast, vaguely aware of Buffy screaming his name, and collapsed on top of her, spent.

She raised her head weakly, running a hand down his back lightly. Typical man, she thought. Asleep before I can even tell him I love him. Oh, well, I can tell him tomorrow. She grinned to herself when she realized that she had just played with fire…and what a way to burn it had been. Yawning, she wrapped her arms around him, and shifted a bit so she could breathe, then drifted off to sleep.

When no one answered, Willow sighed and walked over to the side of the house, gazing up at Buffy's window, her hand shading her eyes from the blazing sun. Sure enough, heavy blanket shielded the frame from the midday light. Willow walked back to the porch and knocked again, more insistently. Damnit, Buffy drag your well ridden rear end to the door and let me in. I smell like gym mats! she thought. Tapping her foot, Willow finally decided she'd just open the door herself. Careful not to tear the door from it hinges, she willed it to open with her mind. Nothing happened. Oh, I forgot 'the no magick shall breach this house' spell! Now what do I do?

She sat on the steps, trying to figure out what to do. She could conjure a lock pick set, but she had no idea how to use it. All the doors and windows were locked, so no help there. She couldn't remove the spell unless she was physically in the house, and it would block her from trying to port herself in. She was screwed. That was all there was to it. Suddenly, a large car cast a shadow on the curb in front of Willow. She wondered who would be coming to visit Buffy this early until she saw the blacked out windows. Her eyes widened comically, and she put her hand over her mouth. Oh, Goddess. It's going to hit the fan now. She walked over to the car, and opened the door a crack.

Angel peeped out at her from the other side, scooting himself far away from the rays of light seeping in. "Hi, Willow. I thought Buffy said you and Tara lived here now. Why are sitting around like you're locked out? And why do you smell like sweat socks?" he asked, a smile creeping over his dark face.

Willow had never seen Angel smile like that. Something…or someone…in LA is good for him, she thought. Pushing that thought away, she tried to come up with a reasonable excuse for why she had been sitting there locked out. "Well, uh, I forgot my key," she stammered.

"Isn't anyone else in there like Dawn, or Buffy, or Tara? It's Saturday; I'd think everyone would be home," he commented, starting to rummage through his pockets.

"Dawnie's at a friend's house. Tara's, um, at the shop, uh, cleaning with Anya. And Buffy…she's… she patrolled late and is sleeping with the dead…like…like the dead!" Inwardly, the witch cringed. She never could lie very well, and if Angel found out about Spike… She knew Buffy and Angel had discussed things when they met a week ago, but somehow, she suspected Buffy sleeping with Spike never came up. And there's no way that's gonna be okay, even if she and Angel are better off apart. She sneaked a glance at the vampire, who had just fished something out of his pocket.

"Ah-ha! I knew I still had it on my key ring: a key to Buffy's house. Now we can go inside before I fry. Hand me that blanket, and I'll wait until you get the door open and run for it. Okay?"

Numbly, Willow nodded, hoping to anyone that might be listening that Buffy and Spike weren't laying nude on the carpet of the living room, or anything equally disastrous. She opened the door slowly, peeking in around the corner and breathed a sigh of relief when no naked flesh greeted her. "Come on, Angel," she called loudly, hoping to awaken the sleeping pair. In a flash, Angel was up the stairs and inside, smoking blanket and all. He dumped the ratty blanket on the floor, and hugged Willow, who stood in shock. What the hell is he on? she thought.

"I usually don't like to use the daylight entrance, but I didn't get started until late, and well, I'm here. You forgot your key, huh? Couldn’t you just zap the door open?" he said, eyes scanning the Summers' household for changes since his last visit.

"No, I put an anti-magick spell on the house to protect it from other magick users who might try to hurt Buffy and Dawn. No magick can open it from the outside, not even me," she replied.

A low growl filled the air, and she looked at Angel in puzzlement. "Willow…" he began.

Her eyes followed his gaze to the floor by the couch, where most of Buffy's clothes and some of Spike's were strewn haphazardly. Oh, crap! Why couldn't Buffy ever pick up her dirty clothes? she moaned to herself. "Oh, yeah, Buffy's always leaving her stuff laying everywhere. I feel like her mom sometimes, what with picking up her bras and shirts, and coats…" she trailed off, noting Spike's duster for the first time.

"Willow, don't lie to me. This isn’t all Buffy's. I know her smell. I can smell who else was here. Where are they?" he said, his game face flashing at her. "I'm not kidding, Willow! Where?!"

Willow held fast. Angel was just a vampire. She had beaten a Hellgod with her magick and she'd wrap Angel up if she had to. Never again would something happen like when Miss Calendar died. And if Buffy loved Spike, well, he counted as a member of the gang, too. She had to protect him. "I don't know, Angel. I told you I wasn't here last night. He might have gotten trapped after they patrolled. He has a cot in the basement," she offered, hoping to placate the very pissed off vampire.

"I smell…," he ran his hands over his face in agitation. "I smell sex, Willow. What I want to know is how long?"

"It's none of your business anymore, Angel. You guys are over. You just had this talk last week; she told me. What does it matter if she's happy with someone else? Ahhhh!" she squeaked, flailing as he lifted her up by her shirt.

"It matters who she's with, Willow. With him it matters. He'd do anything to get me back over Dru. Even hurt Buffy. He tortured me over the Gem of Amarra, you know," he said, still growling.

"Extricus!" Willow shouted. Suddenly, Angel was propelled across the room, and she slumped to the ground. When he got up and moved towards her again, she held her hand up, and her eyes turned black obsidian. "Protector sphereus!"

A large bubble grew around her, and she smiled wickedly at the befuddled vampire. Her voice rang out dark and full from the protective circle. "It has been a long time since you have seen my power, Angel. I kicked Hellgod butt when she messed with my friends. I advise you not to piss me off." She swirled her fingers and the bubble disappeared. "I don't know where they are. I'm not telling you anything. And don't ever attack me again."

His head slumped in defeat. "I'm worried Willow. I overreacted. But I-" he stopped and sniffed the air, head turned like an animal on the hunt. "Nevermind," he said grimly. "I don't need your help anyways." He raced up the stairs, headed for Buffy's room, where her scent was wafting out into the hall.

"Bind!" Willow said calmly. Angel crashed back down the stairs and scooted through the hallway to rest in on the couch, unable to move.

He snarled at Willow, who smiled. "I know you don't mean that Angel. But this really is none of your-"

"What the bloody hell is going on, witch? I'm trying to get a sodding nap before we have to meet at the shop, and you're down crashing things about with your mind!" Spike complained loudly, stumbling out of Buffy's room to the stairway rubbing his eyes. A loud growl filled the hallway, and he blinked, then squinted down at the couch. "Is that Peaches?"

"Yes," Willow said. "And he can't move. I bound him."

"Well, isn’t this interesting," Spike said, grinning. "Suddenly, I don't feel a bit tired." He clambered down the stairs two at a time and stood in front of Angel, a grin spreading across his face.

Angel snickered. Then he snorted. Then tears of mirth spilled out of his eyes.

"What are laughing at, you git?" he demanded.

"You. You're standing there threatening me in with untold evil and you're wearing Scooby Doo boxers!!" Angel shook with each hearty laugh, and Spike tapped his foot angrily.

"They're the bloody Slayer's and I'll have you know I'm only wearing them because I didn't want to scare the piss out of the witch by coming down with my dick flapping about!" he shouted.

That only made Angel laugh harder, and soon Willow joined in. Spike just stood there fuming, until he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Buffy walked in wearing a tee shirt that looked suspiciously like one of Spike's, peeked into the living room.

"What's so funny down here? Spike, why do you look…so..pissed.. oh my god," Buffy finished, seeing Angel. She ran her fingers over her tousled 'just been fucked' hair, and tugged on the hem of the tee shirt, trying to make it stretch over her thighs. She looked at Spike, who was wearing her boxers and a smug grin, and then at Angel. "This is not.. we didn't… See, Spike and I were patrolling and…"

"Your clothes fell off?" Angel interjected wryly.

"No! We took them off… because this demon…and this slime, ew… and we had to shower. But not together! So we came here to get cleaned up and… Spike took too long, so he had to sleep over. In Dawn's room. Cause she wasn't here," Buffy finished lamely, knowing that had to be the worst lie she'd ever told.

Angel looked at them one by one, his eyebrows raised in amusement. Willow was studying the floor intensely. Spike was rolling his eyes, shooting Buffy dirty looks. Buffy was smiling way too brightly to cover for the horrible lie she'd just concocted. The whole situation was hilarious. It was like they were on a bad sitcom and he was the father coming home after a big party. He sighed, knowing he was going to have to back off and let Buffy learn her own lessons. "Buffy, I love you, but you are the worst liar I know. Except for Willow. I don't care whether you and Spike were… cleaning up together or not. I just want you to be happy."

Buffy looked up, her eyes widening and she ran forward, slamming into him to give him a big bear hug. When he didn’t reciprocate, she looked at him strangely.

"Willow?" he said, giving the redhead a look.

"If you're going to behave, I guess I can let you move," she said smiling impishly.

He rolled his eyes and hugged Buffy to him. He glared at Spike over her shoulder, who rolled his eyes back at the older vampire. Buffy smiled, curling up on the couch next to Angel, and motioned for Spike to come sit on the other side of her.

Angel smirked when he saw the once great William the Bloody come running like an excited puppy dog. And he says I'm a poof? "Do you have a leash yet, Spikey?"

"Bugger off, ponce. I know where my bread is buttered," he replied, pulling a squealing Buffy onto his lap. "You, on the other hand, are a poof for no reason whatsoever."

"At least I'm not wearing underwear with a cartoon dog all over it," Angel muttered.

"Oh you wear them now?" Spike shot back. "Bout time. If I had nickel for all the times Darla nearly ripped your dick off getting you out of leather pants with no knickers on…"

"Shut up, Spike!"

"Both of you shut up!" Willow commanded, a grin teasing the corners of her mouth. "Why are you here, Angel?"

"Well, it's funny that you should mention Darla…because she showed up at my door the other night," he began hesitantly.

Spike rolled his eyes. "I know the stories about her and the resurrection. She still with Dru?" he asked, trying to not to look curious.

Buffy ran her fingers through his hair and chuckled. "It's okay if you want to know Dru is safe. Even if Angel is an over protective pain in my rear, I don't want him dead."

"You're the only one then, luv," he said, smirking at Angel's discomfort.

"No. Dru was nowhere to found. However, well, Darla was…"

Spike snorted. "Don't tell me you're sniveling at her heels again, you sod. That bitch would string you up for a spare set of garters, Angelus. I've seen her do it,"

"She's pregnant. And it's mine." Three sets of horrified eyes looked at him accusingly. His shoulders slumped and he ran his hands through his hair in agitation. "I don't know how it happened, but-"

"Well, I know, you prat. You snogged her. You had to have. The rest of it is a complete mystery, but at some point, you shagged her into the mattress, you nonce!" Spike said, his gaze on Buffy's shattered face.

"Spike…" he ground out.

"No! I won't leave it be. Why did you come here? To rub it in to the Slayer? I thought you two had agreed to quit running to each other every time you had a problem like bloody characters in Shakespeare! Look at her, mate. Last night, before we came home, she was so happy even I could feel it, deep in my dead cold heart. And you've effectively squashed that. Bloody brilliant, you prick!"

"Before you came home? Was she unhappy afterwards because you took too long?" he grinned, bringing up part of Buffy's awful lie.

"Bugger off. You know what I meant. And she didn't look to unhappy when she came down, did she?" he replied, sticking his tongue out at the older vampire, while running a hand over Buffy's tangled locks.

"Um, guys? She's sitting right there," Willow pointed out.

Buffy had been silent throughout the whole exchange. Her mind was replaying a memory form long ago, where Angel had told her vampires couldn’t get people pregnant. Had he lied to her because she was young and naïve? Or was it just that the Powers wanted to torture her for not wanting to come back?

"Luv, are you okay? Not going to toss on me, are you? Let me know if you are; I bloody hate vomit."

"Angel, you told me," she broke off, choking back a sob. "You told me vampires don't make babies. You lied!" she cried, her voice strangled with tension.

"Buffy, to my knowledge, I didn't lie. This… this…has never happened before as far as Wesley and I can tell. We think it's part of a prophecy because- the baby has a heartbeat…and a soul," he finished quietly.

"Why?! Why does Darla get this? Why does that trendy, twice dead, blonde bitch get this gift when… when it could have been me…"

Spike snickered.

Buffy whirled on him. "How is this funny, Bleach Boy?"

"Well, you might want to choose your insults a little more carefully next time," he said, trying not chuckle harder.

She elbowed him in the ribs as hard as she could. "Let me remind you that while I may have slept with you, I won't sleep with a big pile of dust."

Willow snickered and everyone looked at her. "Well, it was funny! Geez, wound up much?" When no one paid attention, she decided to go change her stinky clothes. They didn't need her there, anyways.

"None of this answers why you're here, Peaches. Did you come to bring invitations to the baby shower?"

Ignoring Spike's jabs, he looked at Buffy. "I came because I-I need your help. I need you and the gang to try and find out why this happened and what's going on. We're hitting nothing but dead ends. And if we don't find out something soon, either something very evil or something very good will be born. We need to know which beforehand."

"You know Darla was a right bint when she wasn't preggers. Bet she's a darling now that she's knocked up, huh, Daddy?"

Angel sighed heavily. He had forgotten how annoying Spike could be. "She's not exactly a ray of sunshine, no. But she is carrying my child. My only chance to ever be a father. So we have to figure out what's going on. My instincts tell me that nothing involving my Sire can be good."

Buffy gasped. "This is really hurting you, isn't it? You want it to be good. You want her to have your baby, don't you?" Her eyes filled with tears, knowing it was highly unlikely that she would ever get the chance to have a baby, much less be a mother.

Spike whipped his head around, and pulled the Slayer into his arms. He put his lips near her ear and murmured so only she could hear. "Slayer, if a baby's what you want, I'll go to the ends of the earth, to Hell and back, to figure out how to make it happen for you. Whether it's me or someone else, I won't let you miss out on anything you want with all your heart. Got it?"

She looked up at him through freshly shedded tears, and nodded. It's funny how I never noticed how human Spike was until I fell in love with his demon. "Thank you for saying that," she whispered. She wiped her eyes, and faced Angel. "We'll help. I'm not sure how we can, but we will. Maybe Willow and Tara can figure something out magickally, and maybe Giles can hit the books. Spike and I will go beat on Willy. Wanna come?" she asked, a hint of a grin flashing across her features.

"Just for old times' sake, I think I will. Imagine the look on his weasly face when all three of us show up," Angel said, beginning to crack a smile as well.

"Right then. The Slayer and I will go take a shower and then we can all go for a bit of the rough and tumble. Sound good?"

Two pairs of eyes looked at him incredulously. Buffy immediately began to stammer. "But-but we…Spike…Angel can't…"

"Spike, I don't do that anymore…"

When he figured what they were thinking, Spike almost cried with laughter. "Bloody hell, you two! I meant…I meant we could go beat up the snitch, not shag each other blind," he said, wiping his eyes. He started up the stairs. "Heh, that's a good one. Me and Buffy and the Poof..." He shook his head and headed into the bathroom.

Buffy blushed profusely and got up, backing towards the stairs. "I have to- Spike and I are gonna… See you a few minutes, Angel!" she blurted and ran up the stairs.

Angel sighed, shook his head, and went into the kitchen. Maybe Buffy keeps some blood in fridge for Spike…

Willow peeped her head out of her room, trying not to snort in laughter. "Ha! Buffy, Spike, and Angel in bed together…like all those fragile egos could even fit in one bed!" Giggling to herself, she headed downstairs to let Tara know she could head home.

Willow looked at the trashed living room in exasperation. This was the third time this month this particular room had been destroyed. They couldn’t afford to simply keep replacing all this stuff, especially with their current money troubles. A frown flitted across Willow's face when she realized it was technically her fault the room was messed up. It had been her tossing Angel about. A smile crept over her face when she realized that she could quite easily fix this. Concentrating, she snapped her fingers, and the whole room seemed to go into 'rewind' mode. Everything flew backwards, reassembling itself from pieces into whole items. Tears started sewing themselves back together, and dirt seemed to vanish from the carpet.

Tara walked just in time to have a broken lamp fly past her nose, busily gluing itself as it rushed back to its perch on the now repaired end table near the door. She frowned briefly. This was just another example of how much Willow was overusing magick. "Where did Buffy and Spike go?" she asked, trying not to focus on the issue that was causing so much friction between her and her girlfriend lately.

'They went with Angel to go beat up Willy for information," she muttered, keeping her eyes on the last few objects flying to their original locations. When they all landed nice and neat, Willow looked up at Tara's shocked face.

"Angel? Um, isn't he… well, wasn't he… what about B-Buffy and Spike kissage?"

"Oh, Goddess. It was almost funny… let me tell you the whole story. We'll go fix some lunch, and I'll tell you," Willow replied, giggling.

A loud crash echoed through the bar as a bottle broke in half on the edge of the bar. Spike grinned menacingly as he waved the ragged end at Willy. "Now, mate-"

"Spike, what are you doing?" Buffy asked sternly, holding the squirming Willy up by his shirt collar.

"Uh, well.. I was…looking for the other half of this bottle, Slayer. See? There it is," he said sheepishly, pointing at the glass on the floor.

"Okay, Happy Gilmore. We're here to rough him up, not permanently injure him," she said, a hint of a grin teasing the corners of her mouth.

Angel sighed. He'd never felt so left out in his whole existence. Spike and Buffy shared jokes and memories that he could never be a part of. And they were mostly happy, but even the sad ones seemed to bond them closer together, not farther apart. It ate at him every time he saw Buffy smile that special smile she reserved for those she loved deeply at his Childe. Spike was the one member of his family that he could never truly hate, yet never truly like. As if their relationship hadn't been strange before, now with Buffy in the middle…well, it was like something out of the soap operas Spike apparently loved. Before they'd left the Summers' house, he'd seen his Childe sneak into the living room to set up a tape in the VCR. Curious, Angel had popped it out for a minute to read it. The tape read 'Spike's soaps' and the date. He had almost fallen over laughing. And Spike calls me a 'poof', he thought, grinning.

"Angel? A little help here?" Buffy called impatiently.

Angel grinned evilly and grabbed Willy by his neck. "See, I'm willing to bet you know all about what's happened in LA the past few months. And I'm betting you know what I'm capable of if you piss me off. So…what do you know?" he growled.

"L-Look g-g-guys. I'll tell ya what I heard. I heard some vamps are looking to worship the baby. I heard some lawyers want it too. But worst of all I heard some enemy from the past is looking to hunt you and the bitch down… but he don't know about the baby. And the baby…well, it's a mystery to the demon community. Maybe you oughta try the higher ups. You know what I'm saying?" The snitch looked around nervously, straining to see if any customers were coming in to see him with the opposition.

"Very good, Willy. Now, let's have my goodies for the week and we'll be outta your hair. Got it?" Spike said, his eyes glittering.

Willy nodded quickly, getting a large brown sack from behind the counter. He dropped some packets from the fridge into it and a bottle of tequila, then at Spike's glare, a few more bottles of liquor. His hands shaking, he handed the bag to Spike, and gazed at the Slayer and Angel fearfully. When Buffy smiled her bitch smile, he groaned, knowing what was coming.

"Willy? If you tell anyone we were here….I'll rip out your intestines and give your leftovers to Spike for supper. Capiche?" she asked, smiling innocently at him. When he nodded, she punched him hard in the nose, and he passed out like always. "Ready baby?"

Spike nodded. "Nice job on the Italian, pet. Told you I could teach you."

"Spike, your version of teaching me Italian was a Godfather marathon on TBS. Then you spent two hours beating on me in the practice room until I could say a few sentences," she snorted.

He goosed her as he walked by and she shrieked. "But you learned something, didn't you?" he grinned and took off down the sewer ladder.

"You…you ass!" she muttered, sliding down the sides of the ladder quickly taking off after him.

Angel sighed heavily. Why does it feel like I'm the only adult on this trip? He trudged down the ladder, sloshing his boots in the water as he followed them to the Magic Box through the tunnels. Their laughter and taunts floated to him on echoes and his heart hurt every time he heard a kiss or growl of passion from Spike. Why does Spike deserve her and not me? What kind of cosmic irony would give such a creature of light to someone so dark? But maybe Spike really had changed. He'd immediately caved when Buffy called him on the bottle, almost looked ashamed. I told Spike once that demons could change and he disagreed. I wonder how he feels about that now? Shaking his head, Angel kept going until he caught their scent on a ladder to the surface. Climbing up it, he prepared himself for the whole gang and their reactions to his misdeeds. Suddenly, he felt like the child getting ready to be punished for his bad behavior.

When Angel emerged inside the back room, he squinted, checking to make sure all the windows in the place were blackened. After it passed his cursory inspection, he glanced around to see where Spike and Buffy had gone. To his amazement, Buffy was doing a handstand on the balance beam, moving quickly away from Spike, who appeared to be chasing her. Also upside down. He shook his head, and smirked. His smile grew as Buffy vaulted off the end of the beam, doing a series of backflips until she landed just on front of him. Spike imitated her, almost losing his balance a couple of times.

"Told ya, pet. Anything you can do…" he hummed.

Buffy stuck her tongue out. "No, you can't." She vaulted onto the beam again, doing front walkover then sliding into the splits on the beam. Lifting her head defiantly, she called, "But I'd sure like to see you try, you Eighties reject."

Spike looked at Angel, who shrugged. He had zero inclination to do anything but stare at Buffy when she was in that position. He tried to speak, but his mouth seemed to have forgotten how to work. It dropped open and simply hung there.

"I think he's suitable impressed, Buff. But if you want his brain to turn back on, you're gonna have to move away from the beam," Angel said, snickering.

His dark eyes danced with mirth, and Buffy smiled at him tenderly. Angel was being so great about her and Spike. It was obvious that he was doing well in LA, and that this baby, though worrisome, was a good thing for the brooding vamp. It gave him perspective. And I'm all for that. Sometimes changing your perspective is exactly what you need to make yourself complete, she thought. God knows I'd never be with that bleached idiot if I hadn't learned that. She looked at Spike, who was still staring at her raptly, his tongue almost hanging out. Shaking his head, she wrapped her legs around the beam, pushing up with her hands until she could stand, then jumped off. "Come on you two. Let's go play Twenty Questions."

"Oh my God, Angel. What are you doing here?" Dawn shrieked, combing back her hair, and adjusting her clothes. She had always had a major crush on Buffy's ex-boyfriend, and it just wasn't fair for no one to warn her that he was going to be there.

Xander raised an eyebrow in suspicion. He wasn't sure if liked Buffy showing up with Angel and Spike, early in the morning, especially after what he suspected Buffy and Spike did last night. A slight glance confirmed his suspicions about Spike, because the blond had his arms firmly around Buffy's waist as she leaned against him. He grinned. He'd have to rib Spike about waking up to Angel this morning. And he'd have to rib Angel about Spike. Looks like my day's looking up, he thought, grinning evilly to himself.

Anya gave them all a nod of acknowledgement, then went back to working on register receipts and inventory that had to be checked before the shop opened. She took running this store very seriously, and she'd be damned if she'd just drop everything because Buffy's ex boyfriend was in town.

Giles came from the basement, calling up to Anya as he opened the door. "Did Willow and Tara arrive yet? I really need their help on identifying some of these herbs that just came in. I guess I could just ask Spike, but I doubt he'll be here until-- right now," he said, blanching as he almost bumped into Buffy and Spike snuggling near the stairs. "Well, I suppose I could just…wait…if you're busy…Spike." Rubbing his temples tiredly, he didn't even notice Angel as he whipped his glasses off to clean them nervously.

Dawn grinned at Giles. "Isn't it cool? My sister quit being an idiot and Angel came for a visit all in the same day. We must have good karma, as Willow would say."

"Oh, no, Dawn. I think Buffy stopped being an idiot sometime around midnight last ni-," Anya started before Xander rushed over to cover her mouth. She glared at him and he gave the crowd a sheepish look.

"Still working on the tact thing," Xander clarified. He took Anya aside, whispering in her ear about age appropriate remarks.

"No kidding," Buffy muttered. Spike snickered and she glared at him.

"What? What did I do?"

"I think the better question is who," Angel retorted softly.

"Hey! You shut your gob, mate, or I'll--"

"Do nothing at all," Buffy replied sharply, stepping on his foot hard.

Everyone stared at the fighting trio in surprise. Angel shrugged his shoulders and sat in the nearest chair. Buffy smiled brightly, trying to cover up her irritation with her mate and her ex. Spike was rolling his eyes as he stomped on Buffy's foot in the same way she was still stepping on his.

"Just what in bloody hell is going on here?" Giles asked quietly. All three of them started to speak at once, and Dawn covered her ears at the noise. "One at a time!" he shouted. "Buffy? You first. What do I need to know?"

Buffy stared at the ground, digging her toe into the rug. At Spike's growl, she lifted her head, turning to look at him, and almost gasping at the hurt reflecting back at her. Her heart melted, and she turned to Giles, looking him straight in the eye. "Spike and I are an item. He's going to move out of the crypt and into my house. I trust him, and I love him. That's all you need to know."

Spike fought back a flood of intense emotions, trying not to act like a nancyboy in front of everyone, especially Angel. He wrapped his arms back around Buffy's waist and buried his face in the back of her neck for a moment. When Giles spoke to him, he raised his head and gazed steadily at the Watcher. "I'll take care of her and the Nibblet with my dying breath. I won't fail her again. And if I try to hurt her, you and Harris can hold me down and kill me."

Giles nodded slowly, weighing the truth in the vampire's words. He really means it. He really loves her and would die to protect her. It's fascinating, he thought. "Alright. That leaves you, Angel. Why are you here?"

"I need your help. All of you. Darla is back, and without going into the whole story, she's pregnant with my child. Wesley and I have been searching everywhere to find out how this is possible and have had no luck. We need you to help us find out, before it's born, whether this will be a thing of good or evil. Willy said the demon community doesn’t know how it happened. He recommended checking with the higher ups."

The room grew somber as the gang contemplated what Angel had told them. When the shock wore off, Giles raised his head and looked Angel straight in the eye. "What do you plan to do Angel?"

"If it's good, keep it, I suppose. If it's evil…what I have to do, Rupert. But I need to know so I can prepare myself, because it has a heartbeat and a soul. It's my baby," he said, staring at a point on the wall opposite him.

Xander stared at his shoes for a moment, then spoke. "Well, man, I'm not too fond of the Darla. She killed my best friend. I'm still not too fond of you. But I'd never leave someone as needy as you just hang cuz hey…not wanting Angelus to visit next time. So…where do we start?"

"Yeah," Dawn said. "Point me toward some big dirty books."

Angel smiled briefly, heartened by their acceptance. He looked at Giles once more, and the Watcher sighed.

"How do we get in contact with these 'higher ups', as Willy termed it? Do you have a plan?"

Buffy stepped in. "Why don't you, Xander and Dawn hit the books. Watcher's Diaries, histories, the big Vampyr one, and anything you can think of that has dark spells or whatever. Anya run the store; when we get back, we'll need you to contact your former boss and see what he knows. When Willow and Tara get here, have them do some sort of aura-mojo-magick thingy on Angel and kind of tap into whatever they can from there. Angel, Spike and I will go visit the big boys. However we do that."

Spike smiled, watching Buffy take over and run the whole place. He loved when she did this. Strong women were such a turn on. "Pet, do you really think any higher beings of light are going to want me along for the ride?"

"We're a package now. They want me; they get you, too. Got it?" He nodded, grinning like an idiot, and she stroked his cheek lightly. "A girl as famous as me has to have a bodyguard, you know."

Angel cleared his throat, and they stared at him. "If I can interrupt this Hallmark moment, can we get down to business? We'll need a couple of things from the shop to do this, and Spike, maybe you can talk the cash register Nazi over there into giving them to us," he muttered.

"Or I could just nick them," he said, his tongue sliding behind his teeth as he waggled his eyebrows. "A fellow's gotta get his evil kicks somewhere…"

Buffy rolled her eyes, and sat on Spike's lap while they planned their visit to the Powers That Be. At least my life is never boring…