General Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine. They all belong to the brilliant mind of Joss Whedon.

Please Read and Review: Don't be afraid to leave suggestions for future chapters. Thanks. I hope you enjoy it. Please let me know what you think.

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Buffy just barely finished getting dressed after getting out of the shower after pulling yet another disgusting double shift at Double Meat Palace, when she heard her sister's voice from downstairs.

“Buffy, I'm home! I got the mail!” Dawn yelled from the front hall.

“Hey Dawnie, thanks. Anything good in there?” Buffy asked coming down the stairs.

“Lets see,” Dawn said skimming through the pile in her hands, “Typical stuff, a magazine, a few fliers, the light bill, and ooh, a letter from Giles in England!!” she exclaimed, dropping the rest of the mail on the floor.

“Give it to me!” Buffy said as she dove for the letter. It was first letter in a long time they had received from Giles.

“No way! It's addressed to BOTH of us. I got the mail, so I get to read it first, and then you can read it.”

“But I'm the one in charge and I say that I get to read it first!”

“HA! Not a chance! My name comes first, I got the mail, and I saw it first, so I'm opening it and reading it first! NOT YOU!” with that Dawn took off up the stairs to her room with the letter in hand leaving her sister standing in the front hall. A few short seconds later, she too was bounding up the stairs to Dawn's room. When she got to the door and went to open it, she discovered it was locked!

"Brat", Buffy thought to herself. Then she had an idea, "Dawnie," she said sweetly, "please unlock the door, I promise I won't take the letter from you. Just unlock the door and we read it together."

"Nice try Buff, but it won't work." came the reply from the other side.

"Dawn Margaret Summers open this door right now or I'll break the lock and come in myself!" threatened Buffy.

"I already told you, No way! But here! This is for you, it was in the envelope." Dawn slipped another envelope under her door with Buffy's name written on it. Buffy picked it up and went downstairs to read it and pick up the rest of the discarded mail from the front hall. She walked into the kitchen, placed the rest of the mail on the counter by the phone, and sat down at the table to read her letter.

Hope all things are well in Sunnydale. Things here in England are just fine. I know I haven't written in quite a while, and I'm sorry for that, but things around here have been quite hectic lately. I trust that you all have been keeping the demon and vampire population under control. How's Willow doing with her magical abstinence? I hope she stays strong. It’s a big decision and she needs lot of strength. Have Xander and Anya made up yet? She hasn't fallen for D'Hoffryn's tricks has she? I hope not. But that is enough of chitchat. There are more important matters to discuss. Between the Council and I, we have something of great importance and concern to you. We will need you to come out here in order to go over these things with you. I have enclosed 3 airline tickets for you, Dawn and one other. The flight will leave from LA airport approximately 7:30 pm (your time), on Monday evening, with a stopover in New York City, then onto England. As of this moment, I have not been informed as to when you shall be returning and that the Council intends to supply your tickets home AFTER you arrive, settled in and all things have been settled. The council also informs me that they have arranged for your ride and accommodations here in England. Well, that is all I have for now. I shall call before you leave if I find out any more information.

Buffy sat at the kitchen table in shock! She wasn't sure what all this was about, but she knew it must be majorly important if she and Dawn had to go to England to find out. Well, she thought to herself, we were in need for some time away soon anyway.
 

“Dawn," she yelled upstairs, "please come down here, I need to talk to you. It's important! and No, you aren't in trouble."

Hardly even a step was heard from upstairs, when Dawn appeared in the kitchen doorway. "Yeah?" she asked. "Is everything alright?" She was little worried. Giles had asked all the typical questions in her letter but there was obviously something more.

"I'm not exactly sure yet." Buffy said.

"Why what is it?" Dawn asked with growing concern.

"Well," Buffy started. "Remember how just yesterday we were talking about maybe going on some type of vacation when you have your next school break?"

"Yeah, what about it?"

"Well, ummm, looks like it's going to happen a bit sooner than we thought."

Dawn looked exited and if she’d been little younger she would’ve been jumping around like crazy. "Really?!" she exclaimed. Then she grew serious. "What's so bad about that? Well...besides the fact that we probably don't have the money."

"It's England, we have to go to England to the Watchers Council."

Dawns good mood died right there. "Ugh! I really don't like them!” Then her face brightened Wait, will Giles be there?"

"Of course! He is part of the Council! I don't like them much either, but we HAVE to go."

"Oh yeah! Duh! So what's up?"

"I'm not sure. Giles didn't really say. All he said was that it was a big deal and important. Guess we have to go there to find out.

"Oh," Dawn said, her face showing her great concern about the situation. "So, when do we leave? In a few weeks?"

"Umm, not exactly, try a bit sooner."

"Okay, a couple weeks then."

"Nope. Sooner."

"Hmmm...."

Dawn was thinking hard, when Buffy cut in. "Try a couple days."

"WHAT! No way! How am I supposed to tell all my friends and get all my assignments together by then?” Dawn whined.

"You've got me there. All I know is that we leave around 7:30 Monday night from LA airport. And that we can take one other person with us." Buffy told her.

""Who are we gonna take? Ooh!!! I know!! Lets take Janice, I'll go call her right now and see if she can go!" Dawn said excitedly, bouncing on her toes.

Buffy was starting to feel nauseous when she looked at the bouncing teenager.
"NO WAY!! Absolutely NOT!! I will not be responsible for your friend missing school too. Besides that, I don't know how long we'll be gone. It could only be a few days, or we could end up there for quite a while. You never know with them." Buffy argued. There was no way she was going to let any of Dawns friends with her. It was terrible enough to look after one bouncing teen.

"I hope you don't expect me to do all my missing assignments when we get back then! I'll never be able to catch up. It was hard enough with Glory around, then I was even going to school!! There's no way I can keep up!" Dawn whined at her sister.

"I'm sure we'll figure something out. 'Till then, why don't you go upstairs and start packing. Be sure to pack some warm clothes Giles always says how cold it get sometimes out there." Buffy told her. Then she added, "and while your packing think of who else you want to go with us that can be away for an undetermined amount of time."

"Alright, but I don't think I have very many warm clothes, considering this is Sunnydale, California!!"

"I'll be up in a minute, maybe you can borrow some of my stuff. But I'll choose!!"

"Oh!! Thank-You, Thank-You, Thank-You, Thank-You, Thank-You!! I love you Buffy!" she squealed and hugged her sister so tightly she nearly knocked her off her feet then bounded up the stairs.

Buffy then went over to the counter and picked up the rest of the mail and was about to turn around when she felt a very familiar cool hand cover her eyes and it's opposite strong arm encircle her waist. It sent an annoying, yet comforting at the same time, chill down her spine and made her un-wantingly blush a deep crimson color.

As much as Buffy kept trying to protest it, that voice in the back of her mind still told her that she did like Spike and it would just be a matter of time before it would take over her mind completely and eventually she'd have to face the truth. She wanted to squirm away, but somehow she lost her will to. That voice seemed to be taking over her muscles now too. He took that opportunity to lean in and whisper seductively in her ear.

"Guess who, luv?" Buffy couldn't speak, she was afraid if she opened her mouth that the annoying voice in her head would speak up, and she didn't want that to happen. Well...not yet anyway. So she just sighed and leaned back into him.

"Give up?" he asked teasingly.

"Uh-huh." was all she managed to get out, barely audible enough for Spike to hear.

"Guess I'll just have to give you a hint then won't I?!" so he started to place a trail of kisses running from her earlobe down to the hollow of her neck and back up, all the while nibbling slightly.

"MMMMMM, Spike, mmmmmm, feels good." Buffy mumbled. Spike then twirled her around to face him and wrapped both arms around her waist and kissed her passionately on the mouth. They were still kissing when Dawn came to the room. She opened her mouth to speak, but thought better of it and turned on her heel and walked out smiling happily!

"I knew it!" she said to herself after she was out of the room. "I knew they were together!! Now I know who to suggest inviting on the trip! Who better!?! I hope Tara can find a daylight spell for him, so he can go out with us!" Dawn decided to wait on the steps for a few more minutes before interrupting her sister and Spike.

Meanwhile back in the kitchen Buffy and Spike were still making out like crazy! "Mmmmmm, god Spike, I missed this! I missed it soo much!" Buffy moaned into Spike's mouth.

"Mmmmmm, I've missed you too, Goldilocks. Cor how I've missed you!" he moaned back. They were really into this by now, to the average person it would've looked like they were hurting each other by the grip they had, or they were going to swallow each other whole, but not for Buffy and Spike. This was perfectly normal.

After about five or more long agonizing minutes of waiting, Dawn decided that she'd better make her presence known before things got out of hand. "Ahem" Dawn cleared her throat after stepping into the kitchen behind the couple. No reaction, so she tried louder "AHEM, Cough, cough" Dawn tried, but still same reaction, zip! "AHEM, AHEM, COUGH, COUGH" well at least they flinched, she thought. Okay last resort now.

"AHEM, AHEM, AHEM, COUGH, COUGH," then she tapped them on the shoulder and said, "Earth to Buffy and Spike!! Enough is enough already! You can come up for air any day now. Sometime within the next few seconds preferably!"

That seemed to get their attention. Slowly, Buffy managed to open her eyes and look at Dawn, but was still lip-locked with Spike.

A few moments later, her groggy brain seemed to realize what was going on! She was making out with Spike, in her kitchen and her kid sister was standing there smirking at her with her arms crossed. Quickly, she shoved Spike off of her, started wiping at her mouth and rambling incoherent words at Dawn. Spike took note of Dawn and started doing the same things as Buffy.

Meanwhile Dawn just stood there looking at the two of them rambling, and then she burst out into a fit of giggles! That shocked Buffy back into reality!

"It's not what it looks like! I swear! I was just trying to, ummm, uhhhhh.” Buffy was trying to explain to her sister. Dawn was now giggling so hard she was hunched over holding her stomach and trying to breath. ”Spike! Help me out her would ya!" Buffy hissed to Spike.

"Yeah bit, what your sis over there said! Not what it looked like! Really it wasn't! She was helping me out with something. Yeah that's it! She was helpin' me out!" Spike was saying. But Dawn was too busy laughing to hear any of it!

She wished she had a camera to capture the looks on their faces when they realized she was standing there! It was priceless! Breathe she told herself Breathe. "Okay..."she said breathlessly, trying hard not to start laughing again. "So what you two were doing in here WAS NOT making out, am I correct?" Dawn asked the blonde couple standing in front of her.

"Ummm, yeah" the two said unconvincingly at once.

"Right," Dawn said sarcastically. "And Giles didn't just send us 3 plane tickets to England, for a Monday night flight! Oh yeah and blue monkeys can fly!" she retorted.

"BLOODY HELL!!! ENGLAND?!?! Monday night?!?! That's only 2 and a half days from now!!! When were you going to tell me this, luv?!?!" Spike yelled at Buffy.

"Whoa! Back off fang breath. I just found out, right before you came in and well...you know..." Buffy told him, blush creeping up her face.

"Oh, Sorry." Spike said immediately apologetic.

"Yeah I thought so. Anyway, I was going to tell you tonight after patrol. I was going to stop by, but now I dunno...." she told him teasingly.

"WE are going to go on patrol tonight and then WE are going to go back to my place and talk about this little trip MY two girls are taking." He told her, going over to nuzzle her neck.

"Ummm, still in the room guys!" Dawn said.

"Not now Spike, later.", Buffy whispered to him.

"Yeah, later." he agreed.

"Whoa! Wait a minute here, Spike" Dawn said.

"Yeah bit, what is it??"

"Did you or did you not just call us YOUR two girls?"

"Yeah. I did. What of it?"

"Well, first off, you and Buffy just claimed not even three minutes ago that you two WERE NOT making out, yet you obviously were and now your claiming Buffy and I as YOURS."

"Oh...ummm..." Spike stammered not sure how to proceed. He tried looking to Buffy to help back him up but she just shook her head, as though to say, You got us into this, you get us out! First he thought about explaining it somehow, but then decided to tell the truth. "Well...as you both know, I love Buffy here with all my being and entire existence. Whether she loves me back or not, that's yet to be determined. I love you too, sweet bit, you're like a sister to me and my promise still stands that 'I'll protect you 'till the end of the world ' I'd never let your sis down or you…. So You both are so very special to me!" He told her sincerely.

"Aww Spike. That's the kindest thing you've ever said!!" Buffy told him and turned and kissed him on the lips without even thinking.

"Ha! I knew it!!" Dawn proclaimed out loud, "I knew you two were together!!"

"No" weakly protested Buffy, but she couldn't even convince herself with that one.

"Okay, I give up! You're right lil' bit. We are together," Spike said wrapping his arms around Buffy's waist and pulling her in front of him so she could tell just what she did to him. "But NO ONE, I repeat NO ONE, not a single other someone demon or human, or anything in between knows or can know yet." he told her. "Isn't that right sweetheart?" he asked Buffy.

"Well..." she hesitated, ignoring his sweetheart comment. Spike just looked at her. "I kinda told someone,” she said meekly.

"BLOODY HELL! What do you mean kinda?? Who?? Why?? I thought you wanted to keep this quiet??" He questioned.

"Stop yelling Spike. Calm down. I HAD to tell her. I didn't say it was you, she figured that out on her own, but I needed some answers to questions. You made me think about them."

"Oh. sorry pet. My bad. Go on. I'm sorry. Whom did you tell?" he asked nicely.

"It was Tara. About a week or so after it...err...we happened."

"Oh.... I see. Only her then? Not Red, or anyone else?? Right?"

"Right."

"Alrightly then," Dawn said. "So I can talk to Tara ONLY about you two and only when no one else is around correct??"

"Well..."Spike began, "I did kinda mention it to someone myself, but he's not gonna tell anyone either."

"SPIKE!!! You yelled at me for talking with Tara and you talked to someone too? WHO???" Buffy demanded.

"Clem, ya know the guy with the skin condition."

"Oh...yeah...him...ok...he's alright I guess. Better than the other guys that were there for the game." Buffy said calmly.

“Okay so there's only Clem and Tara that I can talk to no one else! Correct now?!” Dawn asked.

"Yep" they both said.

"Good! I'm so happy for you two!!" and she hugged them both tightly, giving each a quick kiss on the cheek, making Spike blush, then went upstairs to continue packing. Halfway up the stairs she paused and called to Buffy to bring up the suitcases when she finished her make out session with her Boyfriend.

"Okay Dawnie, be up in a few." she called back.

"Oh!! So now I'm the boyfriend now, huh?? Seems like I'm moving up the ladder here!" he told Buffy before they started making out again. They stood there in the middle of the kitchen for at least a good half an hour more before Buffy decided that she'd better bring up the suitcases, before she got too sidetracked.

"Mmmmmm, Spike...gotta go get the...mmmmmm...suitcases.... Mmmmmm. Still... mmmmmm... gotta... mmmmmm.... patrol...mmmmmm...too. God you're such a good kisser, I was beginning to forget!" she told him.

"That'll teach you to break up with me! And by the way luv.... I’m good at a lot more than kissing, if you remember!" he said seductively and took her hand and put it on his jean-clad leg.

"Oh god Spike!! Not now, Dawn's here. But, I remember, god do I ever! But we still have to patrol, before we get out of hand and Dawn walks in on us, again." With that she kissed him one more time, and dashed off down the basement stairs to retrieve the suitcases leaving Spike by himself in the kitchen. He walked over to the fridge to retrieve a pint of blood, and found none. So he opened up the cabinet and got out the hot cocoa mix and put on a pot of water to boil.

While he waited for the kettle to whistle, he decided to thumb through the mail. Hmmm lets see here, junk, junk, magazine, light bill (set it aside), and more junk. He then walked over to the table with the light bill in his hand, and sat down where his girlfriend, was sitting a mere hour or so ago. He opened up the bill, glanced at the number making a mental note of it and placed it down on the table. Then he decided to read the letter. As he read he realized how serious this must be if the Bloody Council of Wankers were going to pay for the trip and needed them there so soon.

He opened up the second envelope containing the tickets. Three in all. First class seating too!! Ooh boy! This must be big!! I wonder who they'll take with them?? Maybe the witch, nah.... She can't miss classes. Red??.... No... classes again. The Whelp?! no, he's got the construction boys to look after. Ex-demon girl...hmmm...maybe.... Nah, not close enough. Who's left?? Perhaps me?? I doubt that...I don't really think that the Council will be happy to see me. Not to mention Buffy actually bringing me.

WEEEEEEEEEEEEE went the kettle. Cocoa time!! He poured the mix into a mug with the water and stirred thoroughly.

"Hey Luv, or Bit.... You guys have any of those little marshmallows I like?" he called upstairs.

"Ummm...yeah I think so Spike.... Try the cabinet above the fridge!" came Dawn's reply.

"I'll be down in a few for patrol.... Hun...k??" Buffy called down to him.

"Alright. I'll be in the kitchen."

Spike downed four cups of cocoa in the few short minutes it took Buffy to come back down the stairs with her patrol bag already packed. Spike heard her start down the stairs and decided that he was going to play a bit of a joke on her so he hid on just the other side of the wall in the dining room, when she came downstairs.

"Okay, all ready to go. You ready? Spike?......Spike?? Spike??? Where are you??" she called.

Spike snuck out from his place behind the wall and stood directly behind her knowing she wouldn't sense him 'cause she wasn't concentrating.

"Spike c'mon it's not funny anymore. Where are you?? Spike? Spiiiiiiikeeeeee!!" she squealed as he picked her up and spun her around the room.

"Gotcha!" he said as he gracefully set his dizzy slayer back down on the floor and kissed her on the forehead.

While Dawn, watching from the staircase, after hearing Buffy calling for him, burst into a new set of giggle fits. Buffy glared at her and Spike tried his best not to laugh as well. Soon enough Dawn regained her composure and was calm enough to tell Buffy and Spike to be careful, that she'd lock the door behind them, and said "See you in the morning".

Then the happy couple walked out the door into the night.

Buffy & Spike walked to Oakfield Rest Cemetary in comfortable silence together, just enjoying each other's company for the first time in quite a while.

Suddenly, Spike stopped mid stride causing Buffy, who was too busy gawking at him to notice, to crash directly into the back of him. "Spike! What the hemph!" she yelled, mumbling the last part into Spike's palm.

"Shhh, luv, listen." Sure enough a fight could be heard just ahead.

"Can you see who or what it is?"

"No, it's too far into the trees to tell. But, it sounds like a Chiroglak demon."

"Well…let's go then."

"No! Wait! You can't just go in there swinging & expect to…" he said trailing off, seeing Buffy was already off & running towards it, battle axe in hand. Spike reached her just in time to see her axe go flying into the trees & her into him, knocking him to the ground.

"Oomph!"

"Like I was saying, you can't just come running at it with a battle axe and expect to chop off it's head in one swipe!"

"Well, why not? I can with any other demon I've fought so far."

"True luv, but this one actually has some brains that it uses. And it's not gonna let some little Slayer just waltz in & chop off it's head."

"Oh. Then how the hell DO you expect me to kill it, then? Huh?"

"Watch & learn my little Slayer. Just watch & learn." he said jumping up, leaving Buffy sitting on the ground. He then used the nearby headstone to vault onto the demon's back, put his hands on either side of it's head and gave it a quick twist causing it's neck to snap with a sickening POP and fall to the ground dead.
 

"Oh…. Show-off!"

Soon the two of them were once again walking along peacefully. A short while later Buffy turned to Spike and said, "You know…. This is nice."

"What's that luv?"

"Just this, us, walking, just being…DUCK!"

"Huh? Oh!" he said, doing as instructed after sensing the vamp coming up behind him.

Swish

"Now, as I was saying, just being together. Not having to be physical or anything. Not that I don't like that part too, but this spending time thing is nice. We should do it more often."

"Yes luv, I agree completely. Just one thing though…"

"What's that?"

"It's your turn to duck!" he told her jokingly, and dusted the oncoming vamp quickly. Just as the dust was settling from in front of him he saw that Buffy had picked up a fight of her own.

It was 5 against 1, but they all were fledglings. Three of which are an easy kill, even for Xander. The others look to be ex-football players. The first 3 were done away with quickly and then it was just 2 on 1. Not much of a challenge, but a good fight none the less. Spike took a seat on a nearby headstone to watch the action. Unfortunately, his amusement didn't last too long, `cause he too was attacked by a group of vamps. Seven in all, none were fledglings, and 3 of which were at least a foot taller than him.
 

He took down the two that were holding him quickly, and then moved onto the bigger guys. He got 1 beat and was working on the next when Buffy noticed his struggle, quickly dusted her last vamp and went to help out Spike. Before long they had dusted all of their attackers.
 

"Wonder what that was all about?" Buffy asked Spike while dusting herself off.

"Dunno pet. Guess some blokes are still sore that I’m fighting the good fight now."

"Or maybe they're jealous of you. That you get to spend "quality time" with me and they don't!" she quipped.

"Cute, Slayer, real cute!"

"Yeah, I know I am! You tell me enough!"

With that, Spike planted another one of his melting kisses on her.

"Mmmmmm…Spike…mmmmmm…not now, it's patrol time. Not…mmmmmm…make out with your mortal enemy time!" and she playfully shoved him off of her.

"Oh, all right. But promise me it will be later, alright?"

"LATER! Now help me patrol! The sooner we get done, the sooner we can start. Remember that!"

So they continued on their patrol, stopping every so often to steal a kiss or two from each other. Eventually about an hour and a half later they had finished a surprisingly quiet patrol and were standing in front of Spike's place talking.

"Do you realize that we only came across 12 vamps at the most the entire time we were out patrolling tonight? Is there some big, collective, demon population holiday that I'm forgetting about or you, (she poked him in the chest), forgot to tell me about?"

"Hey watch that finger! And no, not that I can remember. Maybe they're saving up for when you, Lil' Bit, and whomever else are gone."

"I hope not! But that reminds me, who am I going to get to do patrol for me while we're gone?"

"Just what do I look like, chopped liver?"

"Well…I was thinking that you'd come with us. Dawn would really like it, she already considers you part of the family, as well as my significant other, in case you missed her comment back at the house earlier. Actually, she put you into that category even before either one of us realized we had any kind of real feelings for each other."

"Hmmm, kinda sounds like Dru. She told me that she could see you all around me. I just put it off to her bein' crazy like she was, but now I realize that she was right. I couldn't and still can't stop thinking about you!"

"Yeah, Dawn was like that too. She kept trying to tell me to take a chance with you, but I wouldn't listen to her. She is my kid sister after all, I chalked it up to being her messed up thinking. I fought all that I was feeling back and kept trying to convince myself that they weren't there. I did this until I came back and I couldn't seem to hold them in anymore, and they slowly leaked out. Now I'm very happy my friends gave me a second chance here." Buffy gazed at him for a moment before planting a hard and bruising kiss on him, which he accepted with surprise, but gratefully.

After a few minutes she pulled away from him panting heavily. He then said to her while he too is trying to catch his un-needed breath, " Uh…luv…maybe we should go on inside now."

"Yeah, might be a good idea. Don't want to give anyone any ideas now do we?!"

"No, not at all." and he gave her a chaste kiss on the lips.

Once they were both inside, he shut and locked the door behind them. Buffy looked at him with an odd look on her face as if it say, what's with the locks? Off her look he explained.

"What?! Clem helped me install them just last night. Actually he's the one who suggested the idea. `for privacy reasons' he said. Sounded like a good idea, that way they'll be no more uninvited guests.", referring to both Xander and Riley's walking in on them.

"I think we've had enough of that!" she says strolling over to the fridge.

"Whatcha' looking' for pet?"

"Bottle of water, got any?"

"'Course! Second shelf down on the left. Have a seat on the sofa o'er there when you've finished raiding my fridge. I'll be right back."

"Hey! Where do you think you're going?!"

"Just downstairs for a minute luv. Now, go sit down and wait for me. I'll be right back."

"Ugh! Fine! Whatever!" she said out loud as he disappeared downstairs. As she sat there waiting she started thinking…wonder what he's up to. He's acting all weird all of a sudden. Why am I actually listening to him and staying put instead of following him?

But before she had time to answer her own questions he was already back and sitting down next to her. As he sat down, she noticed that he's holding a small rectangular shaped, deep crimson colored velveteen box with an indigo blue ribbon tied in a careful bow around it. "Whatcha got there, Spike?"

"Oh…ummm…well this is for you." he told her while handing her the box with shaking hands. "I know i-it's a lil' late, b-but we weren't exactly together th-then. I hope you like it. I-if y-you don't, I can take it back. But if y-you do then…"

"Spike," she started sweetly, "shut up and let me open it already!"

"Oh, ok. Go on then."

She slipped the ribbon off the box, and then opened it up carefully revealing a small silver heart shaped locket. It has a rose wrapped around a gothic style cross, on the inside are two beautifully etched portraits, one side is herself and the other is him. On the back is an inscription reading:
 

“Before you say anything, please read the card too. It’s in the box.” so she picked up the card and read with blurry vision through the tears in her eyes threatening to spill.
 

To the one and only Slayer in all of history to slay my heart. Exactly one year ago on this day, the 24th of April, 2001, was our very first real kiss. I shall treasure and celebrate this moment forever, along with every other milestone we have together. You will forever be in my heart, you’ve shown me what it feels to love and live again! Chip or none, I can guarantee you that my feelings shall forever remain the same. I love you Buffy.

With tears now streaming down her face Buffy looked up at Spike and smiled sweetly with the biggest, brightest smile he'd ever seen and kissed him gently, like the time mentioned, but with just a hint more passion. After breaking apart, he said, "So I take it those are happy tears then, pet?"

"Oh Spike! Of course they are! It's beautiful! I absolutely love it! I can't believe you remembered that kiss! You know, at that time, I wasn't even planning on kissing you, it just kinda happened. But, I have to tell you, I didn't and still don't regret that kiss for even one second. Nor, do I regret that night in the abandoned house with you. Actually, I don't really regret anything with you, except for one thing."

"What's that, then?"

"Not taking a chance with you sooner." She leaned in again and they kissed like before. After a minute or two they broke apart and she said to him, "Now will you please put this on me?"

"Of course my love." he told her with a smile and put it on her. After it was fastened, he turned her back around to face him and he moved back on the couch to admire it on her. It sat right at the hollow of her throat. "It looks perfectly stunning on you! I was so afraid you wouldn't like it!"

"Of course I do," she told him fresh tears coming to her eyes. "Again, thank you so much, I love it! I love the card too!" Again they kissed gently passionately.

"So, How long shall we be in England? Oh, and how do you expect to keep us a secret from the Bloody Council of Wankers the whole time we're over there? Especially when we can't even get through an hour and a halves patrol with out keeping our hands and mouths to ourselves?"

"I haven't thought that far ahead yet" she pouted at him.

"Oh, pouty! Look at that lip…gonna get it…gonna get it…"

She giggled and they kissed passionately. Soon, they were groping and trying desperately to rid each other of their now extremely restrictive clothing. Between kisses and touches, Spike managed to gasp out… "Mmph! Downstairs. Now! Mmph!"

Buffy just nodded her head in agreement and jumped up into Spike's arms wrapping her legs around his waste. Once finally downstairs, Buffy finally managed to get Spikes pants down far enough to implant herself slowly onto him.

"Cor, you're still so bleedin' tight and hot! I swear every time with you is like it's the first! I don't think I'll ever get used to this feeling! It's as though I'm on fire here!"

" Guess it's just my Slayer muscles. God Spike, I'd swear you get bigger every tiiime!" she said squealing the last part since he had just thrust complexly into her in one quick stroke causing his pelvis to hit her in just the right spot. "….Oh god! Right there! Wow!" she said gasping. "If you keep that up, I really don't think I can hold on much longer."

"Mmm, shall we aim for the bed this time, luv?"

"Shhh," she told him pressing a finger to his cool lips, "don't care…just kiss me."

"Whatever you say, sweetheart." Then they continued their dance.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A few hours later they were lying on the floor next to the bed, both covered in a fine film of sweat and breathing heavily, but cuddled in each others embrace just the same.

"Wow! That was even better than I remembered it!"

"You've got that right! Hey…look at that!!"

"Hmm?"

"We actually kept the damage minimal this time!"

"Oh yeah! And it seem we've missed the bed….AGAIN" she told him, both saying the last part at the same time causing them to start laughing.

Once their laughter had died down, Spike turned to his love and told her "I think we've beat our time record as well, pet."

"Is that so? What's our new record then, five an a half?"

"Ummm…nope…it's almost 4:30 am now Buffy, think that'd make…oh…about seven hours strait now!"

"Wow!" was all she could mange to think of to say in response.

"Agreed completely. Went fast though."

"Mmhmm." she replied sleepily. Then they lapsed into comfortable drowsy silence together for a few minutes until Buffy broke the silence. "Hey Spike?" she drowsily asked.

"Hmm?"

"Well…a couple things actually."

"Go on."

"Well…would you mind helping me into bed please? My legs don't seem to be functioning that well right now." she added playfully.

"Sure thing pet! You know I'd do anything to help you out!" then he scooped her up into his arms and placed her on the bed. After he got her settled, he himself climbed into bed beside her and threw the sheets over them. Almost instinctively, she cuddled up into him and he wrapped his arms around her and placed a gentle loving kiss on her lips which she returned equally. He knew now that it was only a matter of time before she would finally admit to him that she really did love him, but he would be patient about it and let her have the time she needed. "Now then pet, what was that second thing you needed me to do?" he asked with a smile.

"Oh…I just need you to set the alarm for eight. We've both got to get up, promised Dawn" she told him with a yawn.
 

"Already got it covered. Fixed it when I came down earlier. That all then?" he asked, but she was already fast asleep cuddled into his chest. So he smiled to himself and watched her sleep for a few moments, just enjoying the scene in front of him. Then he placed a soft kiss on her forehead, whispered in her ear that he loved her and watched, with newfound awe, as her cheeks pinked and a bright smile spread across her face. He too then smiled and drifted off into a happy peaceful sleep, knowing that one day soon he'd finally get to hear the three little words he'd been waiting years to hear her say to him, honestly come out of her mouth.

TBC….
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AN: Sorry about the Chapter mix up! Please remember to review and tell me what you think good or bad. It all helps!! Don't be afraid to leave suggestions for future chapters or Chapter Titles. (I really need all the help I can get with both things!!) Also…Anyone who is kind enough to leave me ideas, you will surely be credited for your help!!

“Morning Willow”, said Dawn from the kitchen counter with a mouthful of cereal.

“Morning to you too Dawnie, don’t talk with your mouthful. Do you happen to know if Buffy has a morning shift today? I didn’t see her upstairs and she’s not down here either.”

“Oh, well that’s ‘cause she’s not even home yet. She told me she was spending the night at a friend’s place last night. She should be home soon though, she promised to help me finish packing. Anything I can help you with?”

“Oh, No, that’s ok. It’s nothing major, just wanted to ask her about something.”

“Ok. Whatever. I’m going to go watch TV in the living room while waiting for Buffy. Feel like joining me?”

“Nah, that’s alright, I’ve got laundry to fold upstairs. Could you please tell Buffy to come up when she does get in?”

“Yep! Sure thing Willow.” Dawn said as Willow went upstairs and she sat down on the couch to watch TV. A few minutes later Buffy came in the front door. “Morning Buffy.” Dawn sing-songed to her sister. “I take it you had a good night?” she then asked enthusiastically.

“Hi Dawn and yeah, how’d ya know?” Buffy asked with a huge smile plastered across her face.

“Well…for starters you have that Cheshire cat smile on your face again, and second of all you have a giant hickey on your neck!” she proclaimed.

“Oh,” Buffy said shyly. “Whoa! Wait! I have a hickey from him?! Where?! How bad is it?!”

“Uh, yeah! It’s down near your collar bone on your right side, it’s pretty big and a really deep purple too.”

“Oh crap! Is it cover-upable?” Buffy asked fearfully.

“Probably not makeup wise, but I bet you could probably pass it off as a bruise from patrol if no one looks too closely.”

“Oh. Whew! That’s good, I’m not ready to have everyone finding out yet.”

“Yeah, yeah. I heard you guys last night.”
 

“What! When? Why were you out that late?” Buffy ranted, her face turning bright red.

“Buffy! Relax! Eww! I didn‘t mean that! Eww! God! Way too much information! I just meant when you two were explaining how I can’t tell anyone. Did I mention Eww gross much!?!!”

“Oh.” she replied sheepishly with a bright red face. “So…whatcha watchin’?” she then asked, desperate to chance the subject and taking a seat on the couch next to her sister.

“Why? Are you gonna stay and watch with me?”
 

“Maybe, depends on what’s on.”
 

“Right now I’m watching Scooby Doo.”
 

“Really?! I love that cartoon!”
 

“I know! So do I! Now will you stay?”
 

“Okay, but only ‘till the 1st commercial break, then I really gotta get in the shower.”

“Okay…but can we please do something together, just the two of us, for once today?”
 

“Sure Dawnie, that sounds great to me! How ‘bout you decide where to go and what to do?”
 

“Anything and anywhere I want?!” she asked Buffy excitedly.

“Of course! It was your idea! I’ll go along with whatever you plan.”
 

“Cool! You’re the best sister ever!!” Dawn told her then gave her a giant hug.

“Thanks! Now I’m gonna go jump in the shower, then we can get going.” she told her walking over to the stairs.
 

“Awesome! Be careful though, Willow’s home and looking for you. Which reminds me…don’t you think you should call a meeting today, so you can let the others know about England?”

“Ugh, crap! You’re right! I completely forgot! Can you please do me a huge favor and call everyone over for it?”
 

“Alright, but only ‘cause you promised we could hang out today. What time do you want them over? Do you want me to call Spike too?”
 

“Umm…what time is it now? I forgot my watch at his place.”
 

“Around ten I think.”
 

“Okay. Umm…how ‘bout twelve-ish then? That way we can have all afternoon and tonight together. Spike already said he’d take patrol with Clem tonight anyway.”
 

“Alright, cool! Twelve it is then. You didn’t answer me if I should call Spike too though.”
 

“Oh, no don’t bother calling him. He said he’d be coming over in a little while anyway. Just call everyone else, ok?”
 

“Ok.”
 

“I’m gonna jump in the shower now, ok?”
 

“Ok. I’ll start calling then.” Dawn said reaching for the phone, while Buffy started up the stairs. “Buffy, don’t forget Willow’s looking for you.”
 

“Ugh, that’s right! Any idea what she wants?” Buffy asked, pausing halfway up the stairs.

“Not really, she just said that she wanted to ask you something and to send you up when you got home.”
 

“Oh, alright. You didn’t tell her where I was or who with, did you?”
 

“No, of course not! I already told you, I heard what you two told me last night.”
 

“Okay, you’re right. I’ll go get in the shower and talk to Will. Make sure you get all the calls done. You should probably remind Spike while you’re at it, he was pretty out of it this morning when I left.” Buffy told her with a hint of seductiveness in her voice. “Twelve-ish remember.” she then added quickly.
 

“Eww, again Buffy! Stop saying stuff that way…I really don’t need to know for a fact, I try very hard to not think about what happens between you two. Now I have to go rinse my ears out, thank you very much!” Dawn complained.

“Sorry, I’ll try to stop.”
 

“You’d better stop, or the others are going to pick up on it. You complain about Spike doing it, but you’re just as bad sometimes. I picked up on you two a long time ago, like I told you. If you aren’t careful the others will figure it out before you are anywhere near ready for them to know. Now go get in the shower already.”
 

“Consider me gone.” and then Buffy raced up the stairs.

TBC…
 

“Is that you, Buffy?” Willow asked as Buffy walked down the hall towards the bathroom.

“Yeah Wills, it’s me.” Buffy replied passing the bathroom and stopping at the doorway into Willow’s room. “Dawn said you wanted to ask me something?”
 

“Yeah, I just wanted to know if you’d mind if I invited Tara over for dinner tonight.”
 

“I don’t mind, but Dawn and I aren’t going to be home. I promised her some sister time tonight. Spike and Clem are taking patrol for me. Which reminds me, I’m having a Scooby meeting around lunch time today.”
 

“Oh, I thought Dawnie was staying at a friends house tonight. She mentioned something earlier about you helping her pack.”
 

“Yeah, I forgot about that part. But anyway, that’s kinda what the meeting is about. She’s packing for a trip, as well as I should really get going on too.”
 

“Oh, I see.” Willow said with a touch of sadness in her voice, thinking her best friend was neglecting to tell her things still.

Buffy, noticing her friends crestfallen look and the sadness in her voice told her, “Aww…don’t worry, Wills. I just found out about the trip myself. I was planning on telling everyone at the same time is all.”
 

Hearing this, Willow perked up a bit and told her, “Oh, okay. Sorry, my bad.”
 

“Totally understandable, I would have reacted the same way if I were you. I’m gonna hop in the shower now, I’ll be out in a few. How ‘bout if you help me pack after that and we’ll talk a bit about stuff before the meeting?”
 

“Alright, I have some stuff I’ve been meaning to tell you myself.”
 

“That’s terrific Wills. I’ll let you know when I’m out.”
 

“Okay, I’ll be in here folding laundry.”
 

Then Buffy walked back out into the hallway and down to her room to retrieve a change of clothes and then across to the bathroom for a hot shower. Half an hour later Buffy and Willow were sitting in Buffy’s room on her bed, filling up a suitcase.

“So, where are you two going with the short notice and all?” Willow asked her.

“Oh, we’re going to England. London to be exact. Giles wrote and said the Council wanted us, but he didn’t mention why and I can’t figure out why either.”
 

“Well…what about your job at Double Meat Palace and Dawn’s school? Is she taking work with her? What excuse did you give your boss?”
 

“I dunno about school. I didn’t even think about that! I don’t even know how long the three of us will be gone. Oh God! We have to call Giles. I’ll be right back!” and before Willow could say another word, Buffy was already running down the stairs. “Dawn!”, Buffy called, running down the stairs. “Dawn! Where are you?!”
 

“Buffy! Chill…I’m right here. What’s your problem now?” Dawn said getting up from her place on the couch to meet her sister at the foot of the stairs.

“You need…we need to call Giles about school and the annoying social workers! He never said anything about mentioning to them about the trip! They can have you taken away!”
 

“Where’s the phone book then?”
 

“You had it last, you were making the Scooby calls.”

“Oh yeah…ummm…oh! Be right back!” and she ran into the kitchen to get the book off the counter. Within a few seconds she was back, phone book in one hand, phone in the other. “Here Buffy, I already have the page with the number.”
 

“Ok, good. Now, just read it off to me while I dial.”
 

So Dawn read off the number while Buffy dialled. After a couple rings Giles picked up. “Hello?”
 

“Oh good Giles, you’re there! It’s Buffy and Dawn. We received your letters and the tickets and we just had a question.”
 

“Oh, yes. Very good. What is your question?”
 

“Well, we need to know if anyone notified Social Services yet. Willow reminded me about them and you didn’t mention anything in your letters.”
 

“Ah yes. Of course! I must’ve forgotten. So sorry. Actually, The Council and I were just talking about that situation. They have assured me that everything out there has already been taken care of. That includes your job at the Double Meat Palace also. But, just in case, I too have called both places.”
 

“And…”
 

“And, they, (the Council), were telling the truth. Everything has all been taken care of. Dawn shall take the rest of the year off from school and will receive full credits for all of her courses.”
 

“Alright!! Excellent!” came Dawn’s reply from the extension in the kitchen.

“Dawn, calm down, we still need to call your school too. Isn’t that right Giles?”
 

“Ummm, actually no, not if you don’t want to or have the time to. But you might want to call just in case. That was the one phone call I didn’t make yet.”
 

“If and when we do call, what are we supposed to tell them? We can’t just tell them anything. We should tell them the same thing as the Council told Social Services and them.”
 

“Yes, you’re right, you should. Very good, Buffy. You really are growing up quite well without me there.”
 

“Yeah…I guess I am! Now can you please tell me what Social Services was told?”
 

“Ah, yes. I believe they were told that you had a very ill relative over here and it was important that you come.”
 

“Wow, they actually accepted that?”
 

“It seems so. So, have you decided who you are bringing with you then?”
 

“Ummm…” Buffy started, not sure whether she should actually tell Giles about bringing Spike or not. But before she had a chance to stop to think about it for a moment Dawn was already squealing over the extension.

“Ooh!!! Can I tell him Buffy? Pleeeeeese?” she whined.

“Dawn, remember the discussion we had?” Buffy told her warningly.

“Oh. Yeah. I forgot. Sorry.” Dawn immediately apologized.

“Buffy…are you there?”
 

“Yes Giles. Sorry. We, the three of us, decided that we want it to be a surprise.”
 

“Alright then. I must be going. I shall be see you all when you get here.”
 

“Ok, bye Giles.”
 

“Goodbye Buffy.”
 

“Bye Giles, thank you!”
 

“Yes you’re welcome. Goodbye Dawn.” Then they all hung up and Buffy walked into the kitchen to talk to Dawn.

“Dawn, you’ve got to be more careful. You almost blew our cover.”
 

“I know, I’m sorry Buffy. It’s just, well…I wanted to hear his reaction, and I really want to tell someone.”
 

“I know that Dawn, I’m glad I have you to talk about this situation with. It must be so hard for you. I have an idea, why don’t you go call Tara again and see if maybe you can go over there for a bit and talk before the meeting. Maybe you can convince her to let you help with Spike’s spell too!”
 

“That is a good idea! Now, you might want to go back up to Willow. I’ll let you know if and when I’m going.”
 

“Yeah, ok. Make sure you are back for the meeting though, I need all the help I can get.”
 

“Alright, we will. Promise!” then she picked the phone back up and dialled Tara’s number, while Buffy went back upstairs to continue her talk with Willow and finish packing.

“Everything alright now?” Willow asked as Buffy re-entered her room.

“Yep, talked to Giles and everything is all squared away with Social Services, School, and even work! Only thing left to do with that is to call the school Monday morning and double check that the council really did notify them.”
 

“Well that’s good news.”
 

“Yeah, I thought so too!”
 

“Hey, before you mentioned something about three of you going to England. What aren’t you telling me Buffy?” Willow asked becoming sadly annoyed again.

“Ummm…well…you see…uh…Giles sent us 3 tickets for England and since you and Tara should stay together and you both have classes still and Xander and Anya are finally on speaking terms again and they both have their jobs to contend with too, I’ve decided…no wait…Dawn and I both decided that Spike should be the one to go with us. Especially because I’ll need someone with my strengths and skills to protect and look after Dawn when I’m with the council.” she told her as quickly as she could manage.

“ Oh…I see then. But what about daylight? Won’t that cause a problem with the plane trip?”
 

“Dawn is on the phone with Tara right now about that. She wants to go over and help. I think she figured that that way, there will be no magical temptations for you.”
 

“Oh, alright. She’s probably right.”
 

“So you’re not upset about us taking Spike instead of you?”
 

“Nope, you made excellent points. Besides, we’ll see you soon enough, and you’ll only be a phone call away.”
 

“Wow. I didn’t expect you to be so accepting of this. Do you think the others will react as well as you just did?”
 

“I don’t know. But I guess you’ll find out soon enough. Besides, it’s kind of obvious you have feelings for him.” Willow told her, only half joking.

“What! NO, no feelings. Just friends, if that! That’s all! Really! I Swear! No Feelings!” Buffy ranted to her, face turning redder by the second and quickly panicking.

“Geeze, calm down. I was kidding!” Willow told her, really only half joking.

“Oh. Yeah. I knew that.”
 

“Yeah…ok. I think I’m gonna go finish folding my laundry. Let me know when everyone gets here.”
 

“Alright.” she told Willow as she walked out of the room leaving a very paranoid and suspicious Buffy behind. Oh god, Buffy thought to herself, does she know? How can she know? We’ve been careful and his little comments haven’t been that noticeable, that is if you weren’t intentionally looking for them.

“Buffy! I’m leaving now. I’ll be home soon!” Dawn called up the stairs interrupting Buffy’s thoughts.

“Alright Dawn! Meeting’s at 12, don’t forget!”
 

“Yes, Buffy. I know! Goodbye!” Before Buffy could answer, Dawn was already out the door, leaving Buffy alone with her thoughts once again.

I’m probably just being paranoid. She can’t know. Tara would never tell and neither would Spike or Clem. Besides, if she did know, she would’ve said something to me sooner. I’m just being paranoid. Soon she had finally finished packing almost everything and decided to wait until the following day to finish. So, she went downstairs to watch TV until everyone arrived.

Once everyone was finally gathered in the living room, Xander was the first to speak up.

“Okay Buff, what’s the deal?? What big bads do we need to beat down this week?”

“It’s nothing like that. It’s just…I need to inform you all of something.”

“So…what is it then? It must be major if you called all of us over here at lunchtime.”

“Yeah, actually it is. Dawn, Spike and I are all leaving for England on Monday night. Giles wrote and told me…well…us…Dawn and I….that the Council wants us.”

“Short notice much?!” Xander huffed. “Why evil dead over there and not one of us? And what about patrol?? Who’s gonna do that if BOTH of you are gone? Surely you don’t expect us to be able to handle it by ourselves?”

“Spike’s coming because I need someone with my strength and skills to look after

Dawn when I’m with the Council. As for patrol, that’s why Clem is here. Spike’s taking him out tonight to show him the ropes, so to speak. Then tomorrow he’ll go by himself,. The rest of the week, a couple of you guys will take turns going with him. After that he should be able to handle it by himself. If anything comes up, he’ll always notify at least two of you to help back him up.” Buffy told Xander and the rest of the Scooby’s, then turned to Clem and asked, “Does that sound about what Spike told you?”

“Yeah, sounds about right.”

“Any questions?” Buffy asked her friends.

Anya raised her hand. “Yes, Anya?”

“Well…what about sunlight? Isn’t that going to be a problem on a twelve hour flight?” She asked.

“Dawn and I have that covered already.” Tara informed her as well as the rest of the group.

“That’s terrific guys! What’ve you figured out?” Buffy asked excitedly.

“Well…we think we’ve come up with a full time cloud spell. It’s kinda like a deviation from the daylight spell Willow and I were working on a while ago.” Tara told her, blushing slightly thinking about Willow.

“Only thing is, we still kinda need to test it out.” Dawn finished, looking over at Spike.

“Bloody Hell! Why me?”

“W-well because i-it’s for you, i-in the first p-place.” Tara stammered.

“Besides Spike , would you rather us go call Angel and have him back again?” Dawn quipped at him before adding, “And then, if the spell does work, he’ll be going to England instead of you, and who knows what else could happen.” Knowing just how much it would urk him to think about giving up his relationship with Buffy all over again and to his grand-sire none the less.

“Fine, fine. I’ll do it. Just promise me you won’t call that poofter back here and that you’ll let me right back in if the spell doesn’t work.” Spike said to Tara and Dawn.

“You have our word Spike.” Tara and Dawn assured him.

“Now if you’re done tormenting Spike, Dawn, I’d like to continue.” Buffy threatened her sister.

“Yeah I’m done, but no promises I won’t again.” Dawn told her with a smirk.

“Fine, but be fair and do it when we aren’t in the middle of a big meeting.” Buffy replied. “Ok, now, does anyone else have any more questions about our trip?”

“How long will you be gone for?” Anya asked.

“Giles couldn’t specify. He just wrote that we would need to be there until everything was settled with the Council.”

“Any idea what they want?” Xander asked.

“Absolutely no idea. I haven’t done anything wrong.” Buffy told him before adding, “That they could possibly know about anyway.”, under her breath with a glance over at Spike, Dawn and Tara talking quietly in the corner.

“Well…what time is your flight then?” Xander asked.

“ 7:30 Monday night from LA airport. I think we have a stopover in NY for re-fuelling or something. Anyway…Spike said he wanted to take in a show and do some sight seeing while we’re in England.” Buffy told them enthusiastically.

“Don’t you think you’re getting a bit too excited about hanging out with Spike?” Xander asked sceptically.

“Um, I agree with Xander, Buffy.” Willow said. “You’re beginning to make me re-think my kidding around from before.”

“What! Oh No! It’s just I haven’t been anywhere outside California since Dawn was little. My father took us to NY once. I think it was part of some business trip or something, but I remember that we had a lot of fun there. I think it’ll be even better going all the way over to England, even if it is business with the Council. Especially since Dawn and I are both older now and can appreciate stuff more. Spike says he knows a lot of cool places to go too!”

“And you actually trust Dead Boy Junior??” Xander asked, already knowing the horrifying answer to come.

“Yeah, I do. He’d be sooo pissed if he knew I told you guys this, but listen..” she leaned close so all three of her friends could hear her whisper, “believe it or not, he really does have a gentle side. Especially when it comes to Dawn. Actually, you said it yourself Xander. You were buddies with him all summer last year, you saw it all yourself!”

“Yeah, I try to forget about that time. But I guess you’re right. He can be a nice guy sometimes. But don’t go telling him I said that! He’ll wring my neck, I just know it!” Xander replied, rubbing his neck. Just thinking about Spike wringing it, made it sore.

“Relax Xander, no one’s telling.” Buffy told him, patting him on the back.

“Yeah ok. Anyway, you’ve got my acceptance on taking him.”

“Us too.” Anya and Willow replied.

“That’s great you guys! It means a lot to me.” Buffy told them and gave them all a big group hug. “Now if there’s nothing else, I’m gonna go check on Tara, Dawn and Spike.”

“Actually, Buffy, there is something I still don’t get here.” Xander told her.

“Yeah Xand, what’s that?”

“I still don’t see why you’re so chummy with him all of a sudden. I haven’t heard you two argue in weeks, maybe even a month or more. Actually, he hasn’t been around in a couple of weeks.”

“Yeah, well, we kinda got into a fight over something, but we figured that we’d better learn to get along better if we’re going to be together indefinitely.” Buffy answered, while absentmindedly playing with her locket.

“Sounds logical to me. What about you Anya? Xander?” Willow told her friends.

“Yeah ok.” They both agreed.

“Great! Well…I’m gonna go check on the Dawn, Spike and Tara. Make sure he’s not going totally nuts with them.” Buffy told them and then walked off into the other room to find the trio.

“I don’t know about you two, but I’m beginning to think Buffy has “more than friends” feelings for Spike. But she’ll never admit to it. Not to us anyway.” Willow told Xander and Anya as soon as Buffy left the room and was out of earshot.

“Maybe you’re right Willow, they have been getting along better lately.” Anya agreed.

“No way! You two are imaging things! Just because they’re finally getting along for more than two minutes so does not mean that she has “more than friends” feelings for Dead Boy Junior over there. Really you guys are totally delusional!” Xander ranted.

“Xander, honey, calm down.” Anya told him while rubbing his back soothingly.

“Yeah Xander, chill. Really it’s just a thought, no evidence to back it up.”

****

Meanwhile in the dining room…Buffy walked in and asked, “So, what are you two planning on doing to my Spike here?”, coming up behind him and then placing a kiss just behind his ear, causing him to gasp in surprise.

“Buffy, you’d better be careful. Willow, Anya and Xander are all in the next room and they could walk in at any second.” Tara told her.

Then Dawn added, “Yeah and besides, you both told me you aren’t ready to confess to anyone yet.”

“She’s right, you know, pet. Neither one of us are ready to confess anything yet. We’re still trying to figure out what we have here ourselves.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s just…well…it’s just so hard to resist sometimes.”

“Yeah, it’s kind of obvious when you come home with those massive hickeys. I’m surprised Spike doesn’t have any.” Tara teased, but obviously spoke too soon, seeing Spike had moved the collar of his t-shirt revealing a slightly smaller, but just as dark of a hickey just below his collar bone. “Oh!” was all Tara could manage to say, while Dawn on the other hand, was fighting a loosing battle with a major case of the giggles once again. Attempting to ignore her sister, Buffy turned to Tara and asked once again if they had come up with anything.

“Yes, actually. We just need a couple more ingredients from the Magic Box and we’ll be all set to go.”

“Great, why don’t you take little miss giggles over there and go now. That should get Anya out and Xander will go back to the sight as well, especially after I tell him I’m not ordering pizza. Spike, can you send Clem home please, while I clear out Xander and Anya?” Buffy told Tara and Spike.

“Sure thing, pet.”

“We’ll probably be only twenty minutes, a half hour at the most. That ok with you two?

“Yeah, sure. No problem. What am I gonna do about Willow though?” Buffy asked Tara.

“Maybe it’d be better for you two if she stays. It’ll be good practice for your trip to England. You’ve said yourself that you can never be to certain who’s on the Council or associated with them.”

“Yeah…ok. Good point Tara. Thanks!” Buffy told her then have her a hug.

“Yep. No problem. We’re gonna go now. Well be back as soon as possible.”

“Alright, bye.” Buffy told Tara and Dawn as they made their way out the front door. She then turned to Spike and asked him to send Clem home and she’d take care of the others, then to meet back in the living room.

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