Angel stared morbidly into the scotch he was nursing. Every fiber of his being was screaming at the unfairness of his situation. He was unable to tell Buffy about the lost day, unable to keep the images form playing in his head, and now, unable to stop imagining Spike and Buffy together, taunting him with what he couldn't have. A half smile came to his face when it occurred to him that in the old days, he and Spike would have gladly shared Buffy, and maybe they would have even shared the claim on her. He willed himself not to entertain dangerous thoughts like those. That was not even an option. A frustrated snarl emanated from his lips. Spike now has everything I ever dreamed of: Buffy, wholly and completely, and acceptance...no, forgiveness for his past from her and the others. I hope he's satisfied… Something in the back of his head told Angel that Spike was probably more than satisfied right now. More like sated, he thought grimly.

He felt a tap on his shoulder and it jerked him out of his moping. Cordelia was standing next to the bar smiling at him. His heart kind of melted like it used to for Buffy, and he smiled slightly. Maybe I don't have it so bad after all…

"Okay. I don't know why I seem to be the only one who has any ties to reality, but why did Buffy attack you? You didn't really address that to the group. Something you'd like to share?" Cordelia demanded.

"Not really, Cordy. But why do I have the feeling you'll torture it out of me if need be?"

She grinned. "Because I was the first one brave enough to date Xander Harris?" He laughed and she added, "And I might be the only one crazy enough to consider dating you after…"

His head whipped around to see her studying a poster on the wall above his head. "Cordy, I… Buffy attacked me because I thought that you looked pretty," he blabbered.

She raised one sculpted eyebrow in amusement at his stuttering. "For a guy who's older than the founding of this country, you're not very adept at dating. Are you trying to say you 'like' me?"

"Cordy." His voice warned her not to push it. "I do. But you know just as well as I that it can never happen. You deserve someone who can be with you wholly, just like Buffy. I'm smart enough to not get into the same mess twice." He stared into the bottom of the glass as if it held all the answers in the world.

"Uh uh! No way, Mister! Buffy might have bought that doomed love, self-sacrificing crap, but Cordelia Chase doesn't let anyone tell her who she can and can't date. Not even you," she finished, stomping her foot adamantly.

Angel felt her glare at him, and raised his head. "Cordy, don't make this difficult. Right now, I have to deal with the love of my lifetime, who I can never have, mating with the bane of my existence, my own Childe. I also think there's something going on with Buffy because of this claim business and I can't figure out what, but her smell is off and Spike's smell is off… I don't know. I just can't deal with you, too."

"Look, I'm going to say this once, Angel. I will make it easy for you. You don't just tell me you like me and take off like Batman. When we get back to LA, we're going to work this out, and I do mean the fun way," she said with a glimmer in her eye. "We'll get some chains from the weapons closet, and have Willow on call just in case, and then we'll see what you have to say."

A small chuckle escaped Angel's lips, and he smiled up at the seer. Who'd have thought one person could change so much in such a short time? he thought. But then, Buffy has grown up a lot, too, I suppose…Maybe I should trust her instincts with Spike. I may not like it, but I've always favored Spike, and if she's not with me, I know Spike will defend her until the day he's dust. Taking her hand, Angel lead Cordy to the dance floor and wrapped his large hands around her petite frame. Everyone heeds the call of time, even vampires. Time is nothing if not in constant motion, changing rapidly, moment by moment…

"Angel? I hate to interrupt your brooding… but how did Buffy know you were thinking I looked pretty? I thought she could only read Spike's mind. And while we're on the subject, what was with the sniffing? God, I felt like someone had brought their annoying puppy along," she complained.

"I wondered about that, too. Maybe since Spike is my Childe and he claimed the Slayer I had been intimate with…maybe she can read both our minds. As for the sniffing, I've never seen a human do it, only vampires," he trailed off, his mind racing with possibilities.

"O-ookay. So Buffy really is becoming a vampire like Giles said. Way creepy. I mean, Vamp Willow was one thing, but, ugh. Slayer Spike? Scary, scary thought, especially fashion wise." Cordy wrinkled her nose in disgust.

"I think we have a very serious problem. We've given them enough time to, uh, work off their frustrations. We should get the others and head to my apartment. Even if we have to chain her down, we need to have a long talk with Buffy about her new… hobbies," Angel said grimly. He lead Cordelia back to the table to collect the Watchers, the Witches, the ex demon, and the Whelp. If they weren't a motley crew, he didn't know what was.

As they reached the door, a boy Angel only halfway recognized stepped out in front of them. The boy glared at him and Cordelia holding hands like they were covered in filth. A low growl formed in Angel's throat but Cordelia squeezed his hand reassuringly, cocking her head towards Willow, who was waving at the kid.

"Oh, hi, Riley! Um, how are you?" she asked, a cheery smile pasted on her face. She glanced at Tara helplessly, trying to figure out how not to let it slip that Riley's sort of girlfriend was now mated for life to a soulless, bloodsucking British vampire.

"Fine, Willow. Where's Buffy?"

Angel groaned inwardly. Now he remembered where he knew this guy from. It's Buffy's Soldier Boy. Boy, is he in for a surprise. Angel smirked at the boy maliciously, intending to tell him exactly where Buffy was. As soon as he opened his mouth, he found it shutting involuntarily, and looked around wildly.

Willow winked at him, and wiggled her pinky finger. "I haven't seen her tonight Riley. Maybe you should leave a message on our machine and when's she's done patrolling or whatever, she'll call you." She opened her mind and found Angel's for a moment, whispering to him 'Just keep quiet. Buffy has to tell him herself. Even if you don’t like him, it's not fair to Buffy.'

Angel rolled his eyes and motioned for her to take the spell off his mouth. He felt a small jolt and his lips unglued. He sent a menacing glare at her, and she simply grinned.

"Well, Riley, we have to go. Nice seein' ya, man," Xander said, his voice overly cheerful. "We got places to be right about now so good luck on finding Buffy."

They started to shuffle past him, but Riley grabbed Angel's arm. "You'd better not have anything to do with Buffy being MIA," he threatened.

Before Angel could even reply, Cordelia stared Riley right in the eyes and snapped, "Angel has nothing to do with that skinny, badly dressed hussy anymore. He's my pet vampire now. And I'd appreciate it if you'd let him go before I have to get our resident witches to zap you someplace unpleasant." Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she took Angel's arm and practically dragged him away. Everyone looked at each other, then at Riley, then at the retreating couple and shrugged, leaving Riley standing gape mouthed.

Cordelia leaned in and whispered in Angel's ear, "Let them chew on that all the way there." He sighed, and she gave him a steely glare much like the one she'd given Riley. "And no more sighing. For God's sake, you'd think you were a teenager not a vampire. I told you things would be different now that I'm in charge." She jumped into the driver's seat and looked at Angel expectantly until he climbed into the passenger seat.

The rest of the gang piled into the car quietly, shooting questioning glances at the prom queen and the brooding vampire, but neither of them answered as Cordelia tore out of the parking lot, tires squealing.

***********************************************

Buffy sat up ramrod straight, her breathing heaving from exertion. Looking around wildly, she groped for the sheet and pulled it around her, sighing with relief when she saw that Spike wasn't gone. He was siting on the couch, smoking, and watching her sleep. He cocked his head to the side, his eyes asking her the question his mind had just telegraphed to her.

"Angel and the gang are headed here now. They saw Riley, but they didn't tell him anything. And they seem to think I'm- I'm," her throat tightened and she almost couldn't finish. "They seem to think I'm turning into a vampire," she whispered.

Spike smirked, shaking his head. "Now do you see what you get for reading people's minds without asking, pet? You're no more turning into a vampire than I'm going to a tanning bed." He snorted and shook his head, then put his cigarette out. He walked over to the bed and took her hands in his.

'The Claimed shall share everything

heart and soul

body and mind

Till never the twain be separated

In lightness or in dark

Weaknesses shall be eliminated

And love will rule

For the eternity that is their bond.'

"Does that make you feel better, ducks? We didn't really get to go over the formal stuff, what with your whole bloody family and mine barging in for the show," he grinned. "You see, you can't become a vampire; it would be a weakness to you as the Slayer. The original ritual included that chant, but you know me…never one to bow to convention. Rather get on with the biting and snarling and all that fun stuff."

"Um, Spike? I'm still dealing with 'eternity' portion of your poem. What exactly does that mean? And why the hell doesn't Angel know about any of this?"

"How many times do I have to tell you? He's a wanker, that's why! Christ, Buffy, I can't tell you how many times he sat there while Darla explained all the customs to Children. When Angelus was, well Angelus, he was about as useful as a thumb up your arse. All he thought about was killing wealthy people, and playing games with his victims. Anyone else who overheard that bitch droning out these practices all the time would have caught at least a bit eventually, but not Peaches, that sodding git…"

She put a finger across his lips vertically. "I get the point, baby. He's an ass. Okay? You're the Big Bad and he's a poofy haired wanker. Feel better?" She smiled angelically at him.

"Only if you said that while straddling my lap with blood running down your neck, but a bloke can't have everything, can he?" Spike smirked.

Buffy gave him a knowing look while hunting down something to wear. Her eye caught his briefly as she pulled on his torn jeans and her halter top. Maybe you'll get your wish later if you're a good boy while the gang is here. I'm all about making fantasies come true, she though mischievously. He swallowed hard and she giggled, curling up on his lap to nap while they waited for the gang to arrive.

Spike sighed happily as he rubbed his hands up and down the sleeping Buffy's back. A quiet purr was emanating from both of their chests, and he smiled, knowing this meant the claiming process was complete. They were bonded completely, just as the poem stated. He wasn't exactly sure what the whole thing meant, no matter what he had told Buffy. He only knew sketchy details of the transmogrification of traits and such; it didn't matter really. He knew more than his Sire, that was for sure. And that's really all that counted. The hairs on the back of his neck tingled, and as if on cue, a key slid into the lock. Grinning slightly, he closed his eyes and feigned sleep, knowing how the women would coo over him and Buffy sleeping in each others' arms.

Angel opened the door slowly, hoping to avoid any more embarrassing situations by warning them the gang was on their way in. The door swung all the way open, and the group filed in one at a time.

Xander groped his way in, his hand firmly covering his eyes. "We're coming in now. No naked Buffy or Spikes here, right? Everyone completely covered?" he asked loudly. "I'm already scarred for life, as it is."

Willow smacked his arm lightly, walking ahead of the group until she ran flat into Angel's back. When the stars dissipated, she poked Angel on the shoulder indignantly. "Hey. What's with the traffic jam here? You coulda at least gave some warn- awww," she finished, noting why he'd stopped dead. "They look so cute!"

Everyone else gathered around, and gazed at the slumbering pair. Spike was curled up in the armchair, wearing only pants that were obviously Angel's, with Buffy curled up on his lap. Buffy, in turn was wearing Spike's torn clothes, and had her head resting in the crook of his neck, just under his chin. As deadly as they were when they were awake, they looked as innocent as children asleep and cuddling, purring up a storm. Even Cordelia's face softened a bit.

"Doesn't it just make you want to cuddle up with your very own demon?" Xander asked sarcastically.

Giles looked at Xander askance. "You cuddle up with a demon every night. Even if she is an ex-demon, I hardly see the difference." He knew that his Slayer was obviously very happy with Spike, and whether approved of all this or not, he'd be damned if he'd let Xander ruin it for her.

Cordy wrapped her arms around Angel's waist and hugged him. "You think we should wake them up? I mean, I may be bitchy, but I know a Hallmark moment when I see one."

Anya peeked her head out of the crowd. "Do vampires show up on film? I have a camera in my purse if they do. We could draw funny mustaches on them and take a picture. I hear that's very funny."

Cordelia snickered and looked at Xander sympathetically. "And you thought dating me was torture."

Suddenly Spike opened one eye and glared at them. "Can't a bloke get some bloody sleep around here? You're squawking more than bleeding hens. And demon girl? If you ever do that to me while I'm sleeping, I'll pop your head like a zit, got it?"

Buffy stirred and rubbed her eyes, stretching a bit. "Spiiiiiike. I'm tired. Can't the Big Bad thing wait until morning?" she whined sleepily, burying her head into his chest.

If he could have, Spike might have actually blushed. Instead, he reached down and shook her shoulder, trying to wake her up completely. "Wake up, luv, before you say something we'll both regret," he whispered into her ear.

Her head shot up and she stared at the crowd incredulously. "Um, did I say- I mean what I meant was can't this talk wait until morning? I'm very tired, and Spike's been up all night… I mean, Spike, and I, have been working all night… Oh, Hell, I'm just gonna shut up now," she said lamely, seeing the way they were looking at her.

'Very eloquent, pet. Do you think you made it clear enough that we shagged our brains out all night or are you going to try to explain again?' Spike thought, chuckling internally. She shot him a murderous look and he stuck his tongue out at her and waggled it. Her eyes glazed over and he smirked again, smelling her arousal flaring up again. 'You really are insatiable. How on Earth did you expect a human boy to keep up with you? No wonder you had to wank off in the shower…'

A faint odor caught Angel's nose and he looked around then back down at his Childe and Buffy. He gave them an incredulous look, but kept silent. My God, again? That's just insane! he thought. This was definitely not the Buffy he had known. I guess it's the Slayer in her that makes her so…resilient. He suddenly remembered Buffy's link to him, and looked at her. She was smirking Spike's trademark smirk at him and he felt stupid. I should know better, he thought before closing his mind off to her.

"Excuse me? What the hell is it with you people and mind reading? It is so not polite to leave the rest of us out of the conversation," Cordelia fumed, stomping her foot. She grabbed Angel's hand and hauled him over to the couch and pulled him down next to her. She turned and looked at the rest of the group, waiting for them to follow suit.

Spike simply stared at Angel while everyone settled in, trying hard to contain the laughter that was almost breaking free. He looked at Buffy and thought, 'Can you project thoughts to Peaches, too?'

'I don't know. Want me to try?' she replied.

'Oh please do. Tell him I said "Two hours and she's already dragging you around by your Johnson. You are the most whipped vampire in history, you poof." Get that?' he asked snickering.

She giggled. 'You are so evil, baby. Give me a second to try.' Buffy reached out with her mind, calling Angel's name in her head. When he looked up at her in surprise, she grinned. Score one for the Buffster.

'Angel, Spike said "Two hours and she's already dragging you around by your Johnson. You are the most whipped vampire in history." Does that mean anything to you?' Buffy looked at him innocently, fighting back a giggle. Spike gave her a thumbs up as Angel began to sputter.

"H-how? Buffy did you just-? Fuck," Angel said, putting his head in his hands and running his hand through his hair. He glared at Spike and flipped him off, which only made Spike laugh harder.

Xander looked at them then at Cordelia. "Is this creeping you guys out as much as it is me? I wasn't real fond of Buffy communing with Deadboy, Jr. over there, but now she's mind reading the original Deadboy too? What's next? Chatting with the looney tune?"

"If I may interrupt, aren't we getting off the topic yet again?" Wesley interjected. "We came here to talk to Buffy and Spike about the claim and its effects. And I suppose, the reason it came to be."

Spike glared at the ex-Watcher. "I thought I already bloody told you gits that I lo-"

Buffy put a finger on his lips. "Let me tell them, baby." When he nodded sulkily, she kissed his lips lightly and turned back to the group. "About six months ago, Spike and I started…dating in secret. I'm not going into detail about it, but we've been close ever since. When Willow moved in with Tara, he basically moved into my dorm with me. He never attempted to hurt or kill me, though if he wanted to, I'm sure he could have tried. I kept it a secret because of exactly what happened tonight. I didn't want everyone I know invading my private life and casting their judgements on us. I guess we weren't very sneaky lately, and you guys caught us. I certainly hadn't planned to be claimed, nor do I think Spike had planned to claim me. It just happened. And I love it, and I love Spike. He makes me happy, and it's been a long time since I've felt that."

"But what about Riley?" Willow asked quietly. "You were dating him fairly…intensely, Buffy. How do you explain that?"

She looked at her hands. "I can't really. I- Well, Spike and I weren't supposed to be serious at first. It was supposed to be a fling. Just something to amuse us. I never thought that we would- The fight we were having earlier this evening after the first patrol was about Riley. Spike was demanding I get rid of one or the other. I realized then that I didn't want to be with Riley; I wanted Spike. But when he said he didn't want to tell you guys that we were together, I got hurt and ran straight here. He followed and we…made up. That's when you guys walked in. The End," she finished.

"Cor, Slayer," Spike broke in. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I just figured your mates would overreact and we'd have a bloody huge mess on our hands. Which, by the way, is exactly what we have," he said smugly.

"So you have been lying to us for six months, Buffy? To your best friends, and to me, your Watcher? How could you possibly think lying to us would make us any happier with you? Did you ever intend to tell us?" Giles snapped.

"Giles, I never intended for it to go this far. If you hadn't found us here tonight, we would have had to tell you. It's not like it isn't obvious that something is different," she replied flippantly.

"Yeah, like the fact that you've become a chew toy," Xander muttered, glancing at the bite marks peppering her expose neck and shoulders.

Buffy glared at him. "Xander, your girlfriend could ask for her powers back any day and turn us all into slugs. Do I say nasty things about her all the time?"

"Buffy, he's just being overprotective because he used to have a thing for you. I am not threatened, though I'm glad you don't hate me. For the record, on most days you're the last person I'd turn into a slug when I get my powers back," Anya said brightly.

Cordelia looked around the room in disbelief. "Okay, can I just throw in some logic? You people are nuts. Xander, get over Buffy and let her be happy. The Powers would not have sent me the vision saying she was safe if she wasn't. Anya, no offense, but you are strange. Giles, calm down. Her last vampire killed a member of the gang that you, particularly, loved; can you blame her for the cloak and dagger bit? Willow, I had no idea you were…so interesting lately. And Buffy?"

Buffy looked at the girl who had been so shallow and bitchy in high school in amazement. "Yeah?"

"We are so going to dish when this is over. As you can see, we might want to trade secrets every so often," she grinned, patting Angel's knee lightly.

A low chuckle started from behind Buffy, and it slowly built into an outright guffaw. Spike's was laughing so hard blood tears streaked down his face, and as soon as she read what he was thinking, Buffy joined in. They roared with laughter at Angel's expense as the dark haired vampire excused himself to stalk into the kitchen.

When they finally calmed down, Wesley cleared his throat again and looked at the Slayer. "Buffy, we don't know much about the claiming process or what it does. As we've witnessed several times, you can read each other's minds with ease. What other shared traits are manifesting?"

Buffy grew reticent, not wanting to freak Giles out. She sighed and rolled her eyes when Spike ordered her to tell them in her head. "Okay, so I have extra speed. I can draw on Spike's strength as part of mine, like double the Slayer double the fun? I'm, um, purring when content…" She flushed and Wes' look encouraged her to continue. "I can smell things no one should be able to smell." She looked pointedly at Xander, who turned bright red, and Anya, who just beamed. "That's it really."

Spike growled at her in warning, and she acquiesced. "I can growl and talk vampire or whatever that is. There? You happy?" she pouted at Spike.

"You bloody well know I'm not," he growled. "She has boundless, and let me tell you I mean boundless, endurance and energy. She's about ready to run me ragged. And," he paused, smirking, "She had great yellow streaks in her eyes when she attacked Angel. They reminded me of eyes like this." He vamped out quickly, his yellow eyes flashing until Buffy reached up and ran her fingers over his forehead gently.

"Good Lord," was all Giles could muster before he started cleaning his glasses.

"And no, she is not turning into a vampire. My poofy Sire doesn't know his arse from his elbow sometimes. Try handing her a cross; if she sizzles, well, there's your answer, mate."

Angel walked into the room, and handed Buffy something. She looked at the object for a second then blushed furiously. "This is not a cross, Angel." She dangled the handcuffs from her finger pointedly, then remembered where they had come from, and the blush crept down her neck.

Everyone stared at Buffy and Spike, who shrugged. "Found 'em in Peaches' underwear drawer anyways. Who's he to cast stones? I seem to remember plenty of times when he used bondage gear on m-"

Angel's hand covered Spike's mouth quickly, and he smiled weakly. Giving Spike a stern look, he walked toward the couch and sat down next to Cordy, who in turn, glared at him. Anya just stared at him in fascination.

"Like I was saying on me n Druuu-oooooooow!" Spike yelped as Buffy dug her elbow into his ribs.

"I do not want a blow by blow of your and Angel's past relationship right now, Fang Breath," she muttered, then flushed again as she realized what she had said.

Both Spike and Angel laughed, then whipped their heads around to look at each other. A look of camaraderie passed between the two that was so intense, Angel felt like he was back in the old days. He hadn't felt this close to his boy since before getting his soul. Spike's eyes flickered yellow as his demon recognized Angel's and to their surprise, Buffy turned to gaze at them with yellowish tints. The three just looked at each other in amazement. Her little nose wiggled for a minute and she gasped, her eyes widened, and she buried her face in Spike's neck.

'Oh my God, you guys are thinking… Shame! Shame on you! No wicked thoughts about sharing Buffy!' she thought to them both. 'Although…' Buffy got a naughty grin on her face as she considered the two men in bed with her and what they could do.

"Buffy!" Angel cried out in shock at what she was projecting to his mind. He felt the curious gazes burning into the side of his face and Cordelia's nails digging into his thighs. He couldn’t help but gape at his innocent Slayer who'd apparently been corrupted beyond repair by his Childe. He looked at Spike who was grinning madly, one eyebrow quirked up as if he were daring Angel to consider it.

Tara pulled on Willow's sleeve, whispering something in her ear. Willow nodded in agreement. She chanted a few words under her breath and an invisible barrier came up between Buffy and Angel. She only hoped it would block Buffy from the ensouled vampire's mind before he became too tempted to give that soul up. Or before Cordelia stakes him, she thought, glancing at the fuming ex-cheerleader.

Angel shook his head as if to clear his thoughts and threw a grateful smile at Willow. Getting back to business he spoke to where he thought Buffy was located, "Buffy, one of my worries is that your smell has changed. I know that sounds weird, but Spike's has too, in a different way. Spike's scent is a mixture of his and yours, which I would expect. But yours is… muskier? I don't know to me it just smells off. Does anyone else notice it?"

Spike sniffed his mate for a second, catching traces of him and her, and something faint, unidentifiable. He sniffed again, his brow cocked in confusion. "Yeah, mate. She smells of something.. I just can't grasp what it is. You think it's claim related or what?"

"You guys! Maybe one of the dusty vamps just had BO. However, it is really nice for you to sit and here discuss how I smell bad," she pouted.

Anya raised her head and sniffed. "I'm not a vampire, but it smells like she needs a bath big time. But not like sweaty smell, because I don't smell it unless I concentrate on it. It does make me nauseous to smell it, though. Wonder what that is?"

Spike kept his mouth shut. It just couldn't be. There's no way it could be true, especially not as a coincidence. And I don't want to get her hopes up. Or mine, he thought ruefully, careful to block his mind as he continued thinking about what a whipped lapdog he was becoming. He shrugged to the crowd. "Maybe that's just how vampires smell on humans… Bloody hell, Slayer!" he growled, vamping out when she elbowed his sore ribs again.

"See! See! I knew he'd hurt her!" Xander shouted, jumping up and pointing at them.

Buffy let out a warning growl, her eyes flashing yellow, and stared him down. He growled in return, and she leaned in and kissed him, cutting her lip on his fang. The blood flowing into his mouth soothed him, and the ridges faded as he kissed her back. Her eyes returned to normal and she smiled, softly stroking his cheek, the last drops of blood dribbling onto her chin. Turning back to face Xander, she laughed at his horrified face. "Nothing is wrong, Xand. It was a little spat, hardly anything worse than you and Anya have when you work late. Ours are just…different.'

"Buff, you have blood all over your mouth. How is that a little spat?"

"I do?" she asked, looking at Spike sternly. He grinned and licked off gleefully, and she rolled her eyes. "He did that on purpose. He could've made it close up all nice and neat. He was provoking you."

"Is anyone else here disturbed by this? Cuz I'm not real fond of watching Bleach Boy turn Buffy into an after dinner mint. I wanna leave before I have nightmares for the rest of my natural life," he complained.

"Xander, is, erm, right. We should go. Buffy, we'll expect you and Spike at the shop tomorrow at noon. I know there's tunnel access here somewhere, so be prompt. While Angel and his crew are here, we need to study the changes in you both, and perhaps even get ahold of those Asian demons. Good night, and do get some rest," Giles said tiredly.

He motioned for the rest of them to head out to the car, watching as Willow flicked her wrist and the air between Buffy and Angel shimmered for a second. She grinned impishly at Angel, and grabbed Tara's hand, leading her out. Xander and Anya walked out next with Xander muttering under his breath. Wes brought up the rear with Cordelia, who looked like she was about to rip someone's head off. I would not want to be Angel tonight, Giles thought. He turned to see Angel deep in conversation with Buffy and Spike. Angel finally got up and hugged both Buffy and Spike, then walked towards the door with slumped shoulders.

"Thanks Rupert," he said, shutting the door behind them. He walked towards the car slowly, knowing that the unspoken offer from Buffy and Spike could never be accepted. Not just because of his soul, but because he really did care about Cordelia, whom he was sure he'd royally pissed off tonight. No rest for the wicked, he thought, getting into the passenger seat next to his new girl.

Buffy had a million questions whirling around in her head, but all her body wanted to do was rest. She latched her arms around Spike's neck and waited for him to carry her to the bed. He raised an eyebrow at her, but carried her over and deposited her on the satin comforter nonetheless. She yawned and motioned for him to join her.

"Tired, luv? It's really only mid-day for us, you know," he grinned.

"I'm not used to vampire hours yet," she whined. "And as much as I want to know why we just offered to have a threesome with Angel, I can't hardly keep my eyes open." She stripped the pants off her lower half and twined her legs with his, her head resting on his hard chest.

"Probably because he may be a righteous poofy arse, but he's still damn sexy. I know from experience that we would have had one helluva night, too. Aside from the whole soul losing deal," Spike mused. "That wanker's idea of perfect bliss just might be you and I naked and bloody, pet. He always was a kinky bastard. Guess it's best that he stayed with the bitch then."

Buffy smiled a purely feline grin at Spike, imagining him and Angel, one on each side of her, hard and cold, their hands caressing her. Yeah, I can see how that might qualify as perfect bliss. I have got to get Willow to work on that happiness clause. This is just too good of an idea to pass up! She buried her face in Spike's neck, purring as she felt herself slip into unconsciousness. Mmmm, my own pet vampires…was her last thought.

Spike felt his insides turn to mush as he watched the Slayer sleep on his chest. When did I become such a bloody soft wanker? he thought. Dru was right. I reek of the Slayer. And I'm happy about it. Wouldn't she be jealous of my semi-reunion with good old Dad. Spike frowned, pushing all thoughts of his Princess to the back of his mind. The last sodding thing he needed was Dru to read his mind in the stars and make a beeline for Sunnydale. And truth be told, thoughts of Dru no longer depressed him anymore because he'd finally realized that his love for her had been nothing compared to what he felt for Buffy. It hurt him to know that, but it was true. He shook his head, preferring to concentrate instead on the thoughts he'd plucked from Buffy's mind before she fell asleep.

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The early morning sun was blinding as the Scoobies filtered in one by one the next day, most still rubbing the sleep from their eyes. Giles was, as usual, well rested and sipping a cup of tea at his desk while poring through some of his 'forbidden' books he'd retrieved from his locked cabinet.

Willow and Tara stumbled in, both sporting ponytails and sloppy looking research clothes, and headed straight for the couch. Xander and Anya arrived next, bearing doughnuts, coffee to brew, and blood bags from Willie's. Xander flopped on the couch next to the Witches, rubbing his eyes tiredly and running his hands through his tousled bed head. Anya started the coffee perking and placed the blood in the fridge.

Angel, Cordy and Wes soon followed, with a perfectly made up and rested looking Cordy dragging the haggard men in tow. Xander grinned ruefully at the vampire and ex Watcher, knowing the Hell that is mornings with Cordelia.

Anya walked into the room with coffee and plates for doughnuts on a tray, and handed Angel his mug. He took a drink, surprised to find it to be coffee laced with blood at a perfect temperature. His eyebrow raised at her and she smiled. "Spike likes his morning 'cocktail' this way. I figured you might, too. Although if it's not perfect, I doubt you'll yell 'For God's sakes, woman, get it bloody right! Are you trying to poison me?'," she said grinning.

Angel chuckled. "No, I won't. Hell, I can't think of anyone who's ever made my coffee with blood sweetner before. It's actually pretty good, Anya. Thank you."

"No problem. I had Xander get pig's blood especially for you. We don't keep that in our fridge like we do Spike's supply," she replied, walking away to distribute her goodies to the others.

Angel looked at Xander. "Spike's supply?"

The teen shrugged yawning. "Everyone keeps blood for Bleach Boy at their house. You know, in case we have to hole up or he's hurt on patrol. Buffy insists. Heh. Though now I guess she can just give him a fresh fix, huh?"

At a loss for words, the dark vampire contemplated for a minute. "But Anya said you had to pick up pig's blood special. What the hell do you keep for Spike?"

"Human. Willie talked some tech at the hospital into giving him the contaminated stuff from the blood bank, which he then sells to Buffy. Spike bitched about it at first, but he got over it when Buffy gave him the stare of death. Guess it was more like a 'do it or make friends with Mr Lefty' look more than a 'do it or meet Mr Pointy' look in retrospect." Xander grabbed a doughnut and began stuffing it into his mouth hungrily.

Angel rubbed his temples wearily. They bought stolen human blood for Spike to keep at their houses. They let him patrol with Buffy. What don't they do for my Childe? And why were they never this accepting of me?

Cordelia came up to him and put her arms around his waist. "Look, I may be mad at you, but I can tell you're going into brood mode about how well they treat Spike. Things were different back then Angel. They were more black and white: vamps bad, humans good. For the most part, you changed that. And now, it's just a great big gray area, especially where Spike is concerned. However, this doesn't mean I'm going to forgive you for being so torn about not getting to shack up with the Blonde Bombshells," she said, pulling away from him.

"Cordy, I tried to explain to you-"

"No way. I'm not buying it, Soulfang. I don't care about the old days, a Sire's connection or any of that. If you care about me, it should be enough to keep you from even wondering about that kind of thing, much less lusting for it." And she walked away, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor.

"Hey guys?" Willow asked. "Aren't Buffy and Spike supposed to be here by now? How can we start without them? They're kind of like our lab rats."

As if on cue, Buffy and Spike burst in, smoking blanket flapping behind them like a cape. They looked at each other and burst out laughing. Buffy put her fingers up over her head like Batman's cowl, and Spike gave himself a robin mask with his fingers. Buffy caught her breath and kissed him quickly then pulled away, wrinkling her nose.

"Holy Blood breath, Robin. You need a breath mint," she quipped.

"Oh ha bloody ha Slayer. You know I haven't even had breakfast yet. Speaking of which, demon girl?" he called.

"She has a name Spike. It's Anya. An-ya. And she's not your slave," Buffy retorted.

"S'right, you are. But Lucifer'll be wearing a toboggen before I let you cook me anything. I remember the meatloaf incident," he said, grinning at the rest of the gang.

"Oh, God," Xander muttered. "Even I couldn't force that down."

"Because the Slayer put my blood on it instead of the ketchup sauce," Spike said, shaking with laughter.

"Oh my God, I'm gonna be sick," Xander said, turning green. "You let me eat an entire piece and never told me?"

Spike grinned maniacally. "What? You expected something different?" Anya walked in carrying his mug and handed it to him. He gave her a quick peck on the cheek before saying, "Bloody marvelous, pet. You're a lifesaver." Grabbing Buffy's hand, he lead her to the armchair where the whole mess had started and settled in. She sat on his lap, munching on a doughnut. Her pink mug sat directly in front of his Sex Pistols mug, the contrast in their personalities evident.

Giles cleared his throat, and everyone tuned to look at him. "If you children are done behaving like well, children, we should be getting down to business. Before our meeting at Angel's last night, Wesley and I devised a plan of action for unearthing more information about claims. We have decided, for now, against contacting the Council, simply because we don't know if they would choose to harm Buffy."

Spike cut him off with a bone-jarring growl. "They had better not come within a bloody inch of my mate, Rupert, or so help me… I might just have to learn to overcome the headaches." His demon eyes glittered with malice, and no one in the room doubted his words.

"Yes, well, that is the exact reason we have decided to conduct the preliminary research on our own. We also need to find some information on a spell the girls and I did last evening, and what it may have brought to light. Buffy, have you had any strange dreams lately?"

You mean, besides the one where Spike and I won the Ice Capades? she thought wryly. A low chuckle brought her out of her reverie, and she found Spike snickering at her.

"Luv, the bloody Ice Capades?" was all he could muster.

Buffy turned bright red as everyone stared at her. "Nope. No overtly Slayer-ish dreams, obviously," she muttered glaring at Spike. 'You are so getting it when we get home, Fangbreath.' she growled in her head.

'Ooh, really? Wanna tie me up this time and be the Big Bad Slayer?' he shot back. Buffy's face flushed again, and Spike bobbed his eyebrows.

Angel's nose caught the scent again and he shook his head. What is it with those two? He feel Spike's eyes on the side of his face, daring him to find out why they were so addicted to each other. He had a feeling it wouldn’t take long for him to find out. Damn it. I'm with Cordy, I'm with Cordy…I just have to keep telling myself that, he thought.

Giles gave all three of them a stern glare and even Spike had the grace to look sheepish. "We are going to divide the work in this manner. Willow, you and Cordelia will surf the Web and try to wrestle some information about claims, and possibly the Asian demons, from there. Wesley, Tara, Anya and I are going to try some supernatural means of gathering information. Angel, you and Xander are going to get a list of the people who are close to Buffy, with the exceptions of ourselves, and visit them trying to find the recipient of the spell. Also, you will get as much information as possible from the demon community, even if you must travel to LA to get it. Spike, you and Buffy will patrol, and I mean, patrol the town, searching out these Asian demons. Do not engage them in a fight, as we don't know the extent of their powers; however, we do need some reconnaisance and keep them from taking any victims. I may send Tara with you to help out with magick, but I'm not sure just yet. Hopefully, we can avoid even putting the question to the council in this way. Buffy, I also want you and Spike to train when you get back, your new powers should be quite useful in that aspect. Everyone understand?"

Nodding, the teams went to separate areas of the house, starting their respective contributions quietly. Now was the time for concentration and work. It was possible that Buffy's life could depend on it.

To Be Continued....