Approximately ten minutes later, everyone except Willow and Spike and of course Buffy, had left the Summers’ home. Finally, the three were now seated at the kitchen counter eating sandwiches while waiting for Dawn and Tara to get back with the missing ingredients for the spell.

“So…Spike, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.” Willow informed him.

Buffy, who was currently sitting on the opposite side of her, got a panicked expression on her face and started signaling to Spike to not mention anything about their new-found, mixed-up relationship.

Spike just glanced at her over Willow’s shoulder inconspicuously and gave her a look as though to say, Everythin’ll be all right, pet. I’ve got a handle on it. Don’t worry. Buffy relaxed some, and quit signaling, but still kept a panicked expression on her face and was still fidgeting in her seat. Spike ignored it, tuned his attention back to Willow, and asked, “What’s that, Red?”

“Well…it’s nothing really.” Willow told him, suddenly sounding more like shy Tara, than confident Willow.

“Aww, c’mon Red. If this was ’nothing’, then you wouldn’t be gettin’ all shy an’ stuff. That just aint like you. Now, c’mon tell me, it must be somethin’ big if you’ve been wantin’ to ask me for so long. Spit it out.”

“Alright, alright…” Willow said, then took a deep breath and continued, “It’s just, well…you’re so…how do I say this…different from any other Vampire, even Angel. I mean, well, you actually consume human food and drinks like us humans, most of the time you’d even prefer it over the blood that you’re supposed to drink and eat. You even display human emotions, even more than Angel ever did anyway. I was just wondering why.”

Spike looked at Buffy, who had completely visibly relaxed and practically fainted once Willow finished, and the sight of her combined with Willow’s completely random outburst, sent him into a fit of hysterical laughter. Soon all three were laughing. Buffy was laughing so hard she was crying and soon after fallen off her stool onto the floor. Spike was laughing so hard he was doubled over and was also crying. Willow, she was laughing so hard she just had tears rolling down her face, but she was just laughing at Spike and Buffy, rather than what she had just come out and said, like Spike and Buffy partly were. All three, in fact, were quite a sight to see. A Slayer, a Vampire and a Witch all laughing hysterically over something, together nonetheless! Eventually all three managed to gather themselves together and Spike helped his Buffy back up onto her stool and place a quick kiss on her neck making her shiver, blush and swat him away playfully, while Willow’s back was still turned. After that, Spike quickly returned to his stool, on the opposite side of Willow. “Alright Red, now that we’ve all got ourselves together, I’ll answer your question. Thing is…I n’er really thought ‘bout it. I used to think it was just outa habit, but now that I stop and think ‘bout it I guess I n’er really stopped in the first place. I can remember Dru and the bloody Poofter tauntin’ me ‘bout it all the time as well. To be honest with you, I don’t know why I act the way I do, or do certain things that I do. I guess some habits die hard, don’t they?” he told Willow honestly, directing the last bit directly at his love, locking eyes with her. Buffy, knowing very well what his second meaning was, blushed deeply and decided that then seemed like a good time to get up and get a bottle of cold water from the fridge. “Was there anything else you wanted to know?” Spike asked Willow once Buffy got up.

“No, not really. Tara and Dawnie should be back soon. We should probably all move into the living room.”

“That sounds like a great idea Will. You go on ahead; I’ll be in a second.” Buffy told her friend as she started making her way into the other room. As soon as she was sure that Willow was out of line sight and earshot, she swatted Spike and the arm and quietly yelled at him. “What was that all about, you nearly blew our cover! All that talk about ‘doing certain things that you do and old habits die hard’??”

Spike chuckled and smirked his trademark cocky smirk at her. “Hey, not everyone has their mind focused in the gutter, or what others do behind closed doors. Well…behind other things as well, but mostly behind doors at private residences.”

“Spike…” Buffy told him warningly.

“Yeah ok…I’ll be good. ’Sides, even if she did, bet she’d pro’ly n’er guess us of all people!”

“Humph! You’d be surprised! We’d better get in there though, no need to create more suspicion.”

“Yeah, all right. Just a quick kiss then?” Spike asked hopefully.

Buffy simply replied by wrapping an arm around his neck and pulling him down for a quick, but still searing and mind blowing kiss. “There. Now let’s get in there.” She told him breathlessly after they parted and walked quickly into the living room where Willow was sitting on the couch waiting for them.

Not even two minutes after they sat down, Dawn and Tara came in the front door. “Oh good, you guys are back!” exclaimed a very relieved Buffy, as the two walked into the living room.

“Yep and with all the ingredients now too! Tara, you’re still going to let me help, right?” Dawn asked hopefully.

“Of course Dawnie. I promised I would, didn’t I? Why don’t you start setting up in the dining room, while I talk to Spike and attempt to explain what’s going to go on to him.”

“Alright.” agreed Dawn cheerfully, taking all the bags of ingredients from Tara along with the spell book and hurrying off into the dining room to start setting up.

“Umm…Willow?” Tara asked, shyness creeping into her. “You’re more than welcome to stay and watch, but maybe you’d feel more c-comfortable going upstairs, or maybe the other room. C-considering your magical leave and all.” Tara, not only was being concerned for her ex-lover’s feelings and safety, but for Spike and Buffy’s safety of their secret relationship as well.

“Thanks for the offer, but I think I’m gonna go to the library and study for a while. I think I’ll do better the less I expose myself to magic’s.” She told her. She quickly went upstairs to gather her books and came back down, said her goodbyes and left for the library.

“Ok Spike, you ready?” Dawn asked him once Willow had left.

“Yeah, sure” he sighed. “Let’s get this over with already.”

“This spell won’t hurt him or anything, right?” Buffy asked Tara with growing concern as they walked into the dining room.

“No, it shouldn’t. It’s completely harmless. We’ll be careful with him Buffy, I promise!”

“Buffy, luv, look at me.” Spike told her cupping her chin in his hands. She did as told and Spike continued. “I will be fine. Lil’ Bit and Glenda here wouldn’t do anything they felt wasn’t safe. Anyway, as long as I have you, I have everything I need to be safe. I love you always.” he told her wiping away the flowing tears from her cheeks with his thumbs. He then kissed her gently on the lips, turned, and walked over towards Dawn on the opposite side of the room.

Buffy watched him through tear filled eyes as he crossed the room and prayed to whoever would listen to keep her Spike safe and to let the spell work. Tara’s voice broke into her thoughts, “You really care about him, don’t you?” she whispered.

“Huh? Oh! Ummm….yeah….I really do. He means a lot to me.” Buffy replied, voice cracking.

“Do you love him?” Tara asked quietly, hoping that Spike was too engrossed in his conversation with Dawn to hear them.

Buffy looked longingly over at Spike and thought about all they’ve been through together, good and bad, over the past four years. She also thought about all he’s said and done for her during those times as well. She then turned back to Tara and told her quietly, but completely honest, "Yeah, I think I do. The more I think about it, the more I'm realizing that I really, really do love him. All of him, man and demon."

“But you aren’t ready to tell him yet, are you?”

“No, not really. Maybe soon, but not just yet. I was just able to finally tell myself. There’s no possible way that I’m ready to tell him yet!”

“I understand. We should go over to him and Dawn now, before they become suspicious. Also, Willow will be heading back soon as well.

“Yeah, ok. Remember, not a word to him about what I just admitted. I’m so not ready to go down that path with him yet.”

“No problem. My lips are sealed!” Tara told her making a zipping motion over her mouth.

Once they were across the room Tara asked Dawn, “So Dawnie, did you explain everything to Spike about what’s going to happen?”

“Yep, we’re all ready.”

“Ok, let’s get started then. You ready Spike?”

“Yeah, but hold on just a sec though.” he replied, standing from his place on the floor next to Dawn and going over to Buffy.

“What’s up Spike?” she asked as he walked towards her.

“Oh, nothing really. Just this….” he told her enveloping her in another mind-blowing kiss.

“Guys…guys…GUYS!” Tara and dawn both exclaimed after a couple of minutes.

“Wow…that was….wow!” Buffy said breathlessly after finally breaking apart from Spike. “What was that all about?”

“What! I have to have a bloody reason to kiss my own girlfriend now?” Spike ranted.

“Well…no, but that was no simple kiss, and did you just call me your girlfriend?”

“Yeah, so. What of it? This is what you are, is it not?”

“Well….I…I…guess.” Buffy stammered, before continuing quickly, “It’s just I didn’t actually consider us as that, boyfriend and girlfriend, just as well…us. I never really put any sort of classification on our relationship. But I’d be more than happy to put that label on us! That is, if you want to.”

“Buffy, I’ve already made my decision. It’s up to you now if you want to reclassify us.”

“Nothing with you two is ever simple; just go with it for once Buffy and stop questioning everything that happens between you two.” Dawn told her sister, complaining slightly. Buffy just glared at her, but it was hardly effective since she was still breathless, read faced and star stuck from Spike’s kiss. Spike on the other hand just stood behind her, wrapping his arm around her waist and resting his head on hers.

“Aww aren’t you two just sooo cute together!” Tara told them. Don’t you agree Dawnie?”

“Definitely!” Dawn agreed with a huge smile, glad that for once her sister was truly happy with a guy was really was perfect for her. Dawn’s bright smile caused Buffy’s glare to dissolve into a smile as well and lean more into Spike’s embrace.

Looking up at him resting his head on, hers and smiling down at her, Buffy couldn’t help but giggle and give him a quick kiss on the cheek. Smiling she told him, “You know, I l…l…uh….” Why can’t I just say it to him?, she thought to herself while becoming lost in Spike’s blue eyes. Spike on the other hand still held her around her waist, moved his head to her shoulder, and smiled at her waited for her to actually admit to him out loud that she did love him. He could see it in her eyes that she did, but he had learned to let her take her time and not to push or she’d just get pissed off at him and push him away again. They had made so much progress just in the past day, he really didn’t want to risk anything, so….he just waited patiently for her to finish.

Taking a deep breath, Buffy decide to continue. “I really like you.” she told him. “I care about you a lot, you me so much to me.” Buffy told him honestly, not yet able to get the words out she had hoped to.

“I know Goldilocks. You mean a lot to me too. I love you and you now know that here,” he said pointing to her head, “and here now too, as well.” he finished, putting his hand over her heart.

“Ok, now you guys are getting pathetic now, with all these declarations of love and all.” Dawn whined.

“What! Love?! I…I…I…nev…never said that! All I said was that …” Buffy started before Dawn cut her off.

“We all heard what you said; it’s what you meant that I was talking about.” Dawn said matter-of-factly.

Buffy just blushed bright red and couldn’t find the words to speak, instead she just stood there open mouthed and bright red.

“When did you get so smart Nibblet?”

Dawn shrugged and told him, “Beats me, must’ve been hanging around you too long.”

Buffy rolled her eyes and decided that it was time to change the subject. “Shouldn’t you guys get going with Spike’s spell? Willow is going to be back soon.”

“Good point pet, no need to get Red involved. Let’s go and get this o’er with then.” Spike told everyone, then reluctantly let go of Buffy and gave her one last lingering kiss then strolled over to where the bowl of ingredients for the spell were on the floor. Dawn and Tara followed while Buffy took a seat at the table to watch.

“Ok Spike, give me your hand.” Dawn told him.

“What for?” he asked as he put his hand out as told.

“So I can do this…” Dawn replied while taking the small dagger and quickly making a small cut on his index finger.

“Oww! Bloody hell, Bit!” Spike swore, and then asked, “Now what was that all for?” Buffy, Dawn and Tara all burst into laughter at Spike’s complaint.

“Geeze, Spike calm down. It’s barely a nick.” Dawn told him through her laughter.

“This spell requires a few drops of your blood to make it work. Now please put your cut finger over the bowl.” Tara explained.

He did as told and let the blood drip into the bowl while Dawn poured some time of liquid mixture into the bowl and Tara stirred it. Just as the drips slowed to almost a stop, Dawn finished pouring and began chanting in some strange language Spike, nor Buffy recognized. The only words either understood were his name (Spike), protect, sun and heal. Tara poured another liquid mixture into the bowl, then she and Dawn repeated the four recognizable words, then some more unrecognizable ones. Suddenly there was a big poof of smoke and a teal mist surrounded Spike. Within a couple of seconds, it disappeared and the spell was over. Tara poured the now completely mixture into a mug and handed it over to Spike.

“Here you go. Just drink all of this and then in a couple of minutes you should get a tingly feeling, which will quickly go away. After that you should be able to freely withstand the sun.” Tara told him.

“What do you mean, tingly feeling?” Spike asked concernedly, taking the mug from Tara.

“It’s supposed to feel like that pins and needles feeling you get when your foot falls asleep. It’s no big deal really. Just drink the potion already.” Dawn clarified for him.

“Are you two sure about this?” he asked while drinking the potion. “Eh, this concoction ain’t half bad.”

“I’m glad you like it. I’m definitely sure it’ll work.” Tara replied.

“How long will it hold for?” Buffy asked.

“Well…it should hold strong for a few weeks, probably just over a month.” Tara told her.

“And after that….then what?” Spike asked.

“Well…actually the spell is basically a one-time only thing, that way if it fell into the wrong hands, there wouldn’t be a problem.” Tara started.

“You mean after a month, poof no more protection and he’ll have to go back to a smoldering blanket?!” Buffy complained.

“Not exactly, there is a way to renew it, you just didn’t let me finish.” Tara told her.

“Sorry. Go on then. How can we renew the spell?” Buffy replied sheepishly.

“All Spike has to do is just before the spell wears off, drink a full mug of blood.” Tara told her.

“Well that’s simple enough. I tend to do that on a daily basis anyway.” Spike replied.

“Um…I hate to tell you this,” Dawn said, “but it can’t be pig’s blood.”

“What?! What does it have to be then?” Spike asked suspiciously.

“It has to be human blood.” Dawn mumbled quickly and incoherently.

“Say that again Dawn. I could have sworn I just heard you say human blood.” Buffy told her.

“Ummm….actually you did. Just before the spell is supposed to wear off Spike has to drink a full mug of human blood. Unfortunately, it can’t just be from a bag swiped from the blood bank at the local hospital either. It has to be fresh and it has to be the Slayer’s.” Dawn said coughing the word Slayer’s.

“Did I, just hear you right Nibblet?! I really could’ve swore I just heard you just say that approximately one month from now I have to drink a full mug of the Slayer’s blood. Which means…that since your sister, my girlfriend, is the only real and active Slayer according to the bloody council, I’d have to drink her blood. Am I correct here? Please tell me I’m hearing things.”

“Actually, Spike, you heard her correctly. You are exactly right with your conclusion, but the good part is that it won’t have to happen every month. Since Slayer’s blood is more powerful than any other blood, it would only need to happen every 3 months after that, and only for a year.” Tara explained.

“Well, what happens if he doesn’t drink it when he’s supposed to, if I agree to fill a mug for him?” Buffy asked.

“Then the spell will become inactive and it’ll have to be re-worded and done again and then he’ll probably have to drink Slayer’s blood more often, possibly more, maybe less.” Tara told her.

“Ok, but what if some other vamp gets a-hold of the original potion? Won’t they come after me?” Buffy asked.

“The spell is specifically designed for only Spike, which is why we needed his blood.” Tara explained, then Dawn cut in. “Now unless there’s some other vamp out there with his own soul, that unconditionally loves my sister with all his being, and is willing to risk everything to protect her and those around her, I strongly doubt that either the spell, or the potion would do any good to any other vamp out there.”

Spike was about to speak when Dawn help up her hand to stop him and then finished with “Yes, Spike, even your ‘Poofter’ of a grandsire has no chance with either of those things.”

Buffy, nor Spike could believe what they just heard. They both looked at her with complete disbelief. Then Spike turned to Tara and asked, along with Buffy at the same time, “Is she for real?” Tara just nodded her head.

Spike and Buffy just stood there looking at Tara and Dawn, trying to take in everything that they had just been told. Then a thought occurred to Spike. He swore he heard Dawn mention something about him having a soul, but he didn’t think he heard right, so he turned to Buffy and she had the same confused expression on her face that he was sure he must wear as well. So he decided he’d better ask. “Uh…Nibblet, can you repeat that first part again?”

“Sure…I said, unless some other vamp with your name is out there, there’s no chance for the potion to work on them.”

“I think he’s talking about after that.” Buffy told her.

“Oh…ummm…”stalled Dawn, knowing exactly what both her sister and Spike were talking about. She looked towards Tara for help.

“She said that you’d do anything to protect Buffy and those around her.” Tara offered realizing the situation as soon as Dawn had slipped.

“Nope, before that, but after the name part.” Spike said, becoming annoyed.

“Oh you mean about you unconditionally loving Buffy?” Tara tried again, hoping that they’d loose interest, or think they were hearing things.

“Alright you two, stop with the games already and tell us exactly what was said,” “And meant”, Spike cut in. “Right. What exactly was said and meant right after ‘another vamp with his name, but” Buffy tried to continue, but Spike finished for her. “Before me unconditionally loving Buffy here.”

“Right……ummm….uh….”Dawn tried stalling again.

“Dawn….” Buffy told her warningly.

“Ugh! All right…all right! I give! I said that Spike had a soul! Not just any, like Angel who got cursed with one, but his own!” Dawn rambled practically yelling. Then off both Spike’s and Buffy’s confused looks she continued, “Yeah you both heard right a soul, Spike original, no strings attached. You don’t believe me? The spell wouldn’t have worked with out it. Spike you should’ve felt that tingly feeling by now, did you?”

“Kinda, but that could’ve been all in my head.” he replied.

“It wasn’t! You guys want real proof? See for yourselves!!!” Dawn said flinging open the dining room curtains letting the sunlight bathe the entire room.

“Bloody hell! You tryin’ to….hey!” Spike swore as the light filled the room, and then calmed considerably when he didn’t start to fry.

“Oh…My….God!” Buffy said slowly and deliberately, trying desperately to absorb the strange information that she had just been told, along with the equally strange situation at hand. While Buffy stood there open mouthed and staring at Spike, he was basically doing the same thing. I don’t feel any different, don’t seem to look any different, but somehow over just the past few minutes, I’ve changed completely. I found out I have a soul, wait…scratch that….my bloody own soul and I can stand here in this window with the mid-day sun pouring in on me. At least the latter is because of a simple spell that Glenda and Nibblet did. I wonder if this bloody spell will allow me to be outside in the sunshine too? Spike thought to himself. He then grabbed Buffy’s hand, much to her surprise, and pulled her towards the front door saying, “C’mon luv, I’m goin’ outside here to see if this spell really worked and you’re comin’ with.”

“Do you think that’s such a good….mmph!” Buffy started to ask him, but was cut off abruptly by a startling kiss from Spike.

“Shhh luv. Stop asking questions and just come with me. We’ll leave the front door open, just in case.” he told her while opening the front door and walking outside onto the shade of the front porch and then surprisingly sweeping Buffy off her feet and into his arms. After that, he took a deep un-needed breath and took a flying leap out of the relative safety of the porch and into the blazing mid-day sun.

A/N: SInce a bunch of readers were very nice & listened to my complaint abt. little to no reviews, I decided to be kind in return & post this chapter before I go away for a week!!
I will be in California for the "Slayer Con 2004"!!!!
Hope everyone appreciates the update!! I expect a bunch of wonderful reviews when I get back!!
Luv You All!! Thank you for reading & reviewing!!
~April
 

After a few agonizing seconds, Buffy quietly spoke. “Spike, open your eyes. You’re ok!”, then she yelled it for Tara and Dawn who were standing at the front door. “He’s ok! He’s really ok! No dust, just Spike!”

As Spike slowly opened one eye, then the other, he realized that he truly was alright. “It works! It really worked! The bleedin’ spell really worked!!!” Spike exclaimed while spinning around the front yard with Buffy still in his arms, clutching his neck, desperate not to fall.

“Spike! Put me down! I’m getting dizzy!” Buffy told him, but when he didn’t respond and instead spun faster, Buffy started squealing, “Spiiike, put me down right now!” then she playfully slapped his arm. “Spiiike, I’m serious! You’re going to make me sick!” Still, he spun and Buffy was seriously getting nauseous now.

“Uh, Spike?” Dawn called. “She’s becoming almost as pale as you. I really think you ought to put her down and stop spinning.”

“Spiiike, I’m seriously gonna puke. And if you don’t put me down right now and stop spinning, I’m going to puke all over YOU!”

Spike ignored everyone and continued spinning, like a little kid, in the sun. Then he herd Buffy start gagging.

“Spike…gag….put me…gag….down. I’m gon…..gag…..gonna…gag…HURL!!!” she said. Then on the last word, just as Spike finally put her down and stopped his spinning, that’s exactly what she did and all over his boots as well.

“Oh God! Bloody Hell!” Spike swore at her. “What’d you have for breakfast?”

Buffy just glanced up at him between bouts, with that look.

“Yeah…right…ok, sorry, bad question.” he said while she continued to puke on his boots.

Meanwhile Dawn and Tara were doubled over in laughter on the front porch.

“Oi, you two,” Spike called from the yard. “What’s so funny?”

Tara was the first to answer. “You! All three of us warned you, but you wouldn’t listen.”

“Listen to what?” Willow asked coming up the driveway, “And why is Buffy throwing up all over Spike’s boots?”

As Dawn regained some composure, she decide to answer. “Hey Wills, we’re laughing at Spike ‘cause he wouldn’t listen to any of us, including his own, OW!” Dawn was cut off by an elbow to her ribs. “What was that for?” she asked Tara, rubbing her side.

Tara just looked at her threateningly and gestured with her eyes toward the still sick Buffy and the still swearing but concerned looking Spike. “Slayer.” Tara finished before Willow had a chance to catch on to Dawn’s slip up.

“Is she gonna be alright?” Willow asked focusing on Buffy.

“I guess, she’s been puking on and off for a few minutes now. Maybe we should go in and get some towels and water for her.” Dawn suggested.

“Sounds like a good plan Dawn. Come on Willow.” Tara said.

“Alright, but you still didn’t tell me why she’s puking in the first place.” Willow said, walking into the house and leaving Spike and Buffy alone outside.

“Oh yeah, well…the spell worked, obviously and Spike got a little over excited, well…ok…a lot over excited. Anyway, he picked Buffy up and started spinning around in the sun, just like a little kid, with her in his arms. Buffy warned him to stop ‘cause she was getting dizzy, but he, being the stubborn one he is, didn’t or wouldn’t listen. We even tried to tell him that she was turning as pale as he is, but like we all know….he’s stubborn.” Dawn told Willow, then Tara finished off. “He finally quit spinning and put her down when she started gagging. But, of course, he was too late.”

“Oh. I get it now. You two are right,” Willow said imagining the situation and began laughing. That, in turn, caused Tara and Dawn to start laughing all over again. While they all laughed, they gathered some cool, damp towels, water, and some dry towels as well.

Meanwhile, outside, Spike had quit swearing and was fussing over Buffy instead, who continued to dry heave.

“I’m so sorry, pet.” Spike told her, rubbing her back. “I didn’t think you were gonna get so sick.”

“You didn’t think at all, did you?” Buffy asked sarcastically. “If we’re going to have a relationship here, we’re going to have to….” she continued, trailing off to puke once again on Spike’s feet. “Sorry, Spike.”

“Shhh….it’s ok….you can’t help it. It’s my fault.” Spike said, comforting her while continuing to rub her back and holding her hair out of her face.

“You’re absolutely right, it was all your fault!” Buffy told him, standing up. “I warned you, but you refused to listen. But, like I was saying, if we’re going to have a real relationship here, we’re going to have to learn to listen to each other more, or this, us,” Buffy motioned between them, “will never work out.”

“Do you mean that, Buffy? You want there to be an us, as in no one else and actually tell your precious Scooby’s about it? Eventually….when you’re ready, that is.” Spike asked teary eyed.

“Spike, of course it’s only you. You’re the one I love to be around constantly. It’s you I want to be with, not anyone else.”

He wasn’t sure he heard right. She hadn’t actually said those three special words outright yet, but her admittance that she definitely wanted to be with him, helped a lot. After all that, Spike, not even thinking, leaned in to kiss his precious Buffy.

“No, Spike not now.” Buffy told him moving away and putting her hand up. Spike looked at her, crest fallen and confused, thinking she was taking back all of what she just said. “It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just….well…I’ve finally quit puking, and Willow will be back any second.”

“I heard my name?” Willow asked, catching only the end part of what Buffy just said, while Tara and Dawn followed her down into the yard carrying the things for Buffy.

“Uh…yeah…Buffy here was just sayin’ you’d be back soon.” Spike covered.

“I’ve been back for at least fifteen minutes already. We just went inside and brought you two some towels and stuff.” Willow said gesturing to the things she, Tara and Dawn were carrying.

“Thanks guys. I appreciate it. Although, Spike has been taking pretty good care of me out here, considering he is the one who made me sick in the first place.” Buffy told them, teasing Spike in the process.

“Hey! I said I was sorry and I let you puke on me! What the bloody hell do you want from me here?” Spike complained, slightly yelling.

“Geeze Spike, overly defensive much?! You know, if I didn’t know any better, I’d swear you and Buffy were a couple!” Willow told him.

Both Buffy’s and Spike’s jaws dropped and their faces turned shades of red while they looked menacingly at Dawn, then Tara. But they both shrugged innocently. When no one said anything to deny it, Willow knew the truth, but decided against mentioning anything yet.

“Here, luv. Why don’t you drink some water.” Spike told Buffy, handing her the glass of water that Willow was holding and then taking a damp towel from Dawn and dabbing the back of her neck while she drank.

“Thanks, I’m feeling better now. I think I’m gonna go take a shower though.” Buffy told everyone. After a few more seconds of Spike basking in the afternoon sun and enjoying it’s warmth, he followed the girls back up to the house. Once he got to the stoop and began to take off his puke covered boots, he noticed everyone was scattering.

“Oi! Hold it! Everybody bloody FREEZE!” Spike growled warningly.

On command, hearing the threat in his voice, everyone froze in their tracks. Buffy was one quarter way up the stairs, Willow was in the dining room doorway, Tara was attempting to sneak into the kitchen, and Dawn was sneaking up the stairs, just ahead of Buffy.

“Buffy, luv, you go on ahead upstairs and get cleaned up, then meet us back down here. Red, you go on and do what you were gonna do. Glenda and Nibblet, I want you two to come in this living room with me, please.” Spike stated calmly, then with some threat, talking to Tara and Dawn, who continued to attempt to sneak away. When Spike noticed that they were still ignoring him, he growled low in his throat and yelled, “NOW!”

Hearing that, they both came slinking back into the living room to meet Spike, who quickly took off his boots and left them outside, then went into the living room, before Tara and Dawn decide to make a break for it again. “Now, please take a seat.“ He told them nicely as he walked into the living room. Knowing how pissed off he already was, they silently obeyed. After a minute or two of the three of them sitting in silence, Spike, taking a deep and calming breath, finally spoke. “Alright, so your telling me I have my soul back, correct?”

“Not exactly. You see, you never really lost it in the first place.” Tara quietly tried to explain.

“What do you mean? How could I have had my soul all this time and yet not feel some major remorse and regret for o’er a century of killin’?” Spike asked, not quite understanding.

“Umm…’cause you did it, the killing, more out of necessity, rather than ruthlessly.” Dawn continued.

“Alright….I understand your point there, and yeah, I guess that’s true, now that I think about it. But, how come I’m not all broody and what all like the poofter back in L.A.?”

“’Cause you’re a different person, Spike. Didn’t you ever wonder why you showed so much more humanity than the other around you?” Dawn told him.

“Well, yeah, but I just chalked it up to me bein’ weird. Ya know? So how’d you two know I still had my soul?”

“Well, we just put two and two together. Between the way you treat others, especially my sister, the way you act and the stuff you do with out even a second thought, it was just obvious to us that your human soul had to still be in you. Apparantly it’s been fighting to control completely for a while now.”

“Yeah, seems that way. From what you tell me, anyhow. Now, before I let you two go, is there anything else you should be telling me?”

“Yeah, what else have you two ‘forgot’ or just plain neglected to tell us?” Buffy asked coming into the living room and taking a seat on the arm of the chair Spike was sitting in and giving him a quick kiss.

“Hey you two! Willow’s just in the next room, so unless you guys want to be found out, I strongly suggest you quit it and keep your hands to yourselves. So to speak.” Dawn scolded, rolling her eyes.

“Alright,” they agreed sighing, but still held hands.

“Now, as I was asking, is there anything else you two are keeping from us?” Buffy asked her sister and Tara.

Tara and Dawn exchanged knowing looks, but shook their heads anyway, not wanting to reveal any more of the secret surrounding Spike. At least not yet anyway.

Spike, seeing the look exchanged, knew they were still covering up something. “Alright you two, out with it. What else is goin on with me, us, or that bleedin spell? I can tell you’re hidin’ somethin’. Just tell and I promise not to go all ‘grr’ on you.”

Taking on last look over at Tara for approval and getting the go-ahead she was hoping for, Dawn went on to explain. “Well…you see…um….”

“Get on with it Dawn.” Buffy threatened.

“Ok, ok. The thing is Spike, you see…well…it’s not just your soul that you have, but uh…that spell Tara and I did?, well…it wasn’t just an ordinary protection spell.”

“What the bleedin’ hell is that supposed to mean? What’d you two bints bleedin’ do to me?!” Spike swore, voice rising.

“We…we didn’t do anything! That’s just it. I m-mean we did a protection spell, but it wasn’t as advanced as we to-told you. You see that spell was more to speed up the progress of your h-human soul.” Tara sputtered.

“What do you mean, ‘speed it up’?” Spike demanded.

“You see, about a year after that spell being placed on you and you abiding by the previously set rules, which was drinking a full mug of Slayer’s blood every few months, you won’t need to do it anymore and the spell is over. You’ll be like every-other person.” Dawn explained hurriedly.

“Y-you mean he’s gonna b-be h-h-hu-human?!?” Buffy sputtered, clutching Spike’s hand tighter. She was completely thrown and most definitely confused as well.

“Shhh, luv. Why don’t you let them finish, there’s got to be an explanation.” Spike told her, and urged Dawn to continue.

“Well…no, not exactly Buffy. He’ll be human is some ways, like permanent sunlight protection; the de-activation of the chip, so that he can defend himself; and his permanent soul, no strings attached. That sort of stuff.”

“So what you’re saying is, you’re turning my boyfriend into a hybrid of some sort!?” asked Buffy, nearly screaming.

“Buffy! You’ve got to calm down, Willow’s gonna hear you!” Tara told her.

“Besides,” Dawn added, “We, Tara and I, didn’t or aren’t doing this to him. The Powers That Be are! We’re just helping along the process some.”

“Well…I for one, don’t really mind.” Spike told the group. “There are obviously benefits to this thing. So, what vampire qualities do I get to keep then?”

“Hmm…well…let’s see.” Thought Tara out loud. “Oh! If I remember correctly, you’ll still be cool to the touch, you’ll keep your strength, speed, hearing, eyesight, etcetera.” Tara finished explaining.

“So basically, he gets to keep all the parts he…err…we love.” said Buffy with a devious smile and a squeeze to Spike’s hand.

“What about the blood Nibblet?” Spike asked somewhat worriedly.

“Oh, that’ll stay basically the same as now, where you only need it once in a great while to bring up your strength.”

“Ok”, he replied relieved. “So, that all you two were keeping from us?”

“Uh, yeah!” Tara responded. “That’s all the information we have I think. Did we miss anything Dawn?”

“Well, I think we forgot the part about his immune system.” Dawn replied.

“Immune system?” Buffy and Spike asked at once.

“Yeah, you see, since you’re no longer going to fully be a vampire, you’re going to be susceptible to human diseases and viruses now. But not as much as a typical human would. Your immunities will be just a tad higher than a Slayers, but you’ll still need to be careful.” Dawn explained.

“Oh.” was all that either could think of to say.

“So, that’s all now right Dawn?” Buffy asked.

“Yep. That’s it, unless either of you two have anymore questions.”

“Not me. What about you sweets, you got anything else to ask them?” Spike said.

“Nope. I’m finished.”

“Guess that’s it then. You two are free to go now.” Spike told them. “You ladies almost ready to go then?” Spike asked.

“Huh? What are you talking about Spike?” Tara asked him, clearly confused.

“Oh, yeah, sorry Glenda. What I meant was, Buffy and Bit, are you two almost ready to get outa here?”

“Huh?!” Buffy and Dawn asked in unison, completely thrown.

“I thought you two wanted to go out today? Figured I’d take you m’self since sun’s no problem anymore.” he clarified.

“Oh! Cool! Can we Buffy? Pleeeease?!” Dawn exclaimed, then gave Buffy her infamous puppy dog look, while Spike did the same.

Buffy, unable to resist either look, gave in. “Ok, sounds like fun.” she agreed, then was ambushed by both Dawn and Spike with a gigantic hug, toppling her over onto the couch.

“I’ll be right back, just leme get something from upstairs, then we can go! You guys are so cool!” Dawn said jumping off the couch and then rushing up the stairs.

“Since you’ve decided to take us out, why don’t you go get your car, while I let Willow know we’re all leaving. Then Dawn and I will meet you outside, since you probably want to clean off your boots too.”

“Yeah, actually I do, they are kinda gross, thanks to you.”

“Hey! I apologized, but it’s your fault anyway. You’re the one who wouldn’t stop spinning!”

“Ok…you’re right. I admit it, I didn’t listen. I was having too much fun! I still can’t believe it worked!” Spike beamed.

“Me either, but I’m glad it did. This will make our relationship somewhat easier on both of us.”

“You got that right!” Spike answered, then kissed Buffy deeply. After a few seconds he pulled away and told her, “We should really get going. How ‘bout we take the truck, rather than my car. Considering my car is back at the graveyard and all the windows are blacked out as well. Don’t really think it’ll do for driving on the highway at two o’clock in the afternoon.”

“Highway?!” Buffy asked surprised.

“ Well, yeah. How else do you expect us to get outa town?”

“Ok, good point. Yeah, I guess we could take the Jeep. The keys are on the hall table. I’m just gonna go say goodbye to Tara and Willow, then I’ll be out. Ok?” Buffy told him, getting up from the couch.

“Alright, but I’m goin to say bye m’self to the witches.” he replied, helping Buffy up. Then they both walked into the dining room to find them.

Willow was just on her way out of the dining room as they entered. “Oh! Hey guys! You leaving now?” she asked.

“Yeah, we were just coming in to say goodbye. Spike’s taking Dawn and I out and we’re gonna take the Jeep. If it’s ok with you, that is.”

“Yeah, that’s cool. Tara said she’s gonna stick around for a while, so we’ll have her car if we need one. Speaking of which, she’s in the kitchen getting us some drinks if you want to say goodbye to her.”

“Oh, yeah. Bye Willow, have fun.” Buffy replied with a wink.

Willow blushed and said, “Yeah, see ya later.”

Then Buffy started walking into the kitchen to find Tara, while Spike hung back to say his goodbye’s. “Hey Buffy?” he asked, just before she reached the kitchen door.

“Yeah?”

“Could you do me a favor and please tell Glenda in there goodbye for me? I wanted to go outside and clean off my boots before we go.”

“Yeah sure! I’ll be out on a couple with Dawn.” Buffy replied with a smile, then continued into the kitchen while Spike walked outside.

Once outside, he went around to the side of the house to get the hose and then came back around to the stoop, where he sat down and lit up a cigarette.

“You know, you really should try and quit.”, came a voice from behind him, startling him and causing him to drop him to drop the lit cigarette.

“Ow! Bloody Hell!” Spike swore and tuned around to see who just scared him. “Oh. It was you Red, don’t do that to me!”

“Sorry Spike, just came out here to see how it’s going. I figure that the whole soul and humanization thing can be kinda overwhelming.”

“Yeah, sorta. I mean, I’m happy about it and all, but it’s just a lot to take in at once. But , it is nice to know that I don’t have to really worry about the sun anymore though.” Spike told her, while rinsing off his boots.

“I can imagine!”

“Well…looks like this is as clean as they’re gonna get.“ Spike said, referring to his boots while putting them on and then standing up. Then he continued on to say, “I guess I’d better go in and get Buffy and Nibblet, if we’re ever gonna get outa here that is. See ya later Red.”

“Bye Spike.” Willow replied. Then, just as he was about to open the front door to go inside, Willow called to him. “Wait up Spike.”

“Sure, what’s up?” he asked, taking his hand off the knob.

“I just wanted to say good luck. Not just with what Dawn and Tara just told you, but with Buffy too. Love can be pretty hard sometimes, but I think you two belong together and really need each other right now too. Take care of her. She really cares for you, possibly even love, I’m not sure. But I can tell how much she cares about you.”

“How?” asked Spike stunned.

“I just can tell, I don‘t know how to explain it. Now go say goodbye to Tara & get out of here, before Buffy comes out to find you and becomes suspicious. I don’t want her to know that I know yet.” Willow told him.

“Alright, I’ll take care of both my girls. Thanks!” Spike replied, then walked into the house musing to himself. Just when I thought I was finally beginning to understand things ‘round here. At least she’s happy for us and understands. Just as Spike reached the kitchen doorway, Tara and Buffy came out. “Oh good, there you are. I was just coming in to get you.” Spike told Buffy, then continued, “Why don’t you go see if you can get your sis down ‘ere so we can go.”

“Ok, see you later Tara, have fun with Willow.” she told her with a wink and then went off to find Dawn.

Tara blushed and then turned to Spike. “Well Glenda, I guess I gotta say thanks. I really appreciate what you’ve done for me with the spell as well as Buffy.”

“Yeah no problem. I was more than happy to do it. So where are you guys off to?”

“L.A. actually, but don’t tell them. I figure they can go shopping & what all while I go get my papers and all that rot in order for the trip.” he told her.

“That sounds like fun. I hope you guys have a good time.” Tara told him.

“Yeah, you and Red too. I’m gonna go get my girls now. I’ll see you later.” Then he walked out of the room, only to return second later. “Oh, and by the way, just so you know….I don’t plan on bringing them home ‘till sometime late tonight. Possibly even early tomorrow morning, if I can manage to get reservations at the new Bed and Breakfast on the coast.”

“I’m sure you can. Just be careful out there in L.A.” Tara told him.

“Don’t worry, we will.” he replied, leaving the room and almost colliding into Buffy and Dawn at the foot of the stairs.

“Hey!” all three cried at once.

“Bloody Hell! Would everyone quit sneaking up on me!” Spike swore. “Now, are we all ready to go now?”

“Yeah, lets go! Bye Tara and Willow! See you guys later!” Dawn said, while walking out the front door with her sister and Spike.

“Bye Dawnie!” they replied, then shut and locked the door behind them.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
TBC….

Within seconds of walking out the front door, Dawn quickened pace. Noticing her sister's pace, Buffy also sped up and within half-a-stride she was right next to Dawn.

“Hey!” Dawn complained, breaking into a light jog. Buffy sighed and took a couple large steps to catch back up to her sister. Then, just as Buffy caught up, Dawn broke out into a full out sprint. But Buffy, knowing what her little sister was up to, broke into a fast paced sprint in order to get ahead of her. Dawn, noticed Buffy was gaining on her and sped up as well. Just as Dawn thought she was in the clear, Buffy yelled out, “I call shotgun!”. At the moment of hearing that, Dawn stopped running and slowly continued walking towards the jeep, defeated. Once she announced her point, Buffy also stopped running and fell back into step with Spike. During the race, Spike had done all he could to keep from laughing at the situation, but no sooner he got over to the jeep and saw the fierce look on Dawn’s face, he couldn’t hold it any longer. Dawn glared at him, but he was too busy laughing at the ridiculous scene he just witnessed to notice.

“Do you two realize how bloody ridiculous you looked, not just one minute ago?" He managed to say to his girls through his laughter. That was the strangest, most ridiculous, yet oddly hilarious thing I’ve witnessed between you two, ever! All o’er the bloody front seat!”

One look at Spike, struggling with laughter and trying to unlock the jeep door was more than enough to set Buffy off into a fit of giggles as well. Soon, Dawn joined in, unable to stay mad, just happy to see Buffy and Spike so cheerful.
 

Buffy was the first to regain composure and took the keys from Spike and unlocked the doors by the simple press of a button on the key chain. “We should get going if we’re ever gonna make it to any of the good shops before they close.” she told Spike, then hurried around to the passenger side to climb in before Dawn tried to steal her spot.

All was quiet in the Jeep for the first few minutes of the trio’s excursion, while they enjoyed the scenery and the weather of the warm spring day. Spike had rolled all the windows down and was enjoying not only the sunlight that was bathing him, but also the company of his two girls. So far his day was going pretty well, for now at least anyway.

Buffy was gazing out her window, watching all the children playing in the parks and had a flash back to a conversation she had with Angel a few years ago.

** “I still have to go home and fill out my egg diary.”

Buffy sighed loudly and mumbled under her breath, “Guess things change….a lot.” She wondered if there had been any past slayers to ever have any children. “Probably not, seeing as I’m one of the few to actually live past their 18th birthday in the first place. But, even if there was even a remote possibility that I could eventually have children, I doubt if I would ever have a husband to have them with anyway. Angel said he couldn’t have any, and seeing as all the times that Spike and I’ve been together and I still haven’t gotten pregnant from him, I guess that means that it’s not just him, but his entire kind. Not that I’d ever even think of being with another Vampire anyway. Maybe I’ll figure out a way to ask Giles about it after we get to England.” Buffy sighed again, a bit louder this time. Spike picked up on her far-off look and decided to ask her about it.

“Penny for your thoughts, luv.” he told her, placing his hand on her knee.

“Huh? Oh! Sorry, I was just kinda day dreaming.” she told him.

“That sigh didn’t sound like an ordinary day-dream to me.”

“Well…I was thinking about Angel actually.” she told him, while placing her hand over his and turning in her seat to face him.

“Oh.” he replied dejectedly then went to remove his hand from her knee.

“No, Spike. Not like that.” she tried explaining and took his hand in hers.

“How then? Please tell me. I’d like to know why my girlfriend is day-dreaming about her ex, my grandsire, while driving with me.” he ranted towards her, practically yelling.

“Spike, please…calm down.” She told him, squeezing his hand. “Look outside. Do you see all those kids out there, playing in the warm day?” At his nod she continued. “I was thinking about a conversation I had with him a few years ago, before you were part of the permanent picture. I had to do this faux parenting thing for school with an egg, which turned out badly, but whole long other story. Anyway, we got to talking about kids and stuff and then how Vampires couldn’t have any. After that he was asking about what I saw in the future, and at the time all I could even think about was him. All I saw was him, and that’s all I wanted as well. But then, a year or two later is when Willow cast that “thy will be done” spell and we got engaged and everything. That’s when I realized that I truly cared for you, I just didn’t realize exactly how much yet. I was just now thinking about how much things can change in just a relatively short period of time.”

“Oh. I’m sorry then. I didn’t mean to yell, it’s just…he really gets on my bloody nerves. He always got his way and the girl. Nothing and no one else mattered to him back when our clan was together.” he told her, focusing on the road once again.

“I understand, and actually, I can’t really blame you for jumping to conclusions. I would have done the same if you told me you were day-dreaming about Dru. But you have to realize Angel is in my past now. He is no more than a friend to me anymore, you are the only man…err…Vampire…err…whatever you are now, in my life.”

“Our life.” Dawn corrected from the back seat. “You know, I never really did like Angel much. He never treated you fairly, Buffy, like you were his girlfriend. He treated you like an inferior mostly, as well as the rest of the Scooby Gang. No one else really liked him either for that same reason. But Spike, he treats most people with the respect that they deserve. Even if he does sometimes tend to be a master of the tactless. I tried to tell you that from the beginning, but only towards the end of last year did you finally get up enough nerve to do anything about your feelings. Then you had to go and do a bloody stupid thing, like break up with him when Captain Cardboard came back. And with a wife no less!!” (She added the last part bitterly.)

“Way to go bit!” Spike cheered her on.

“Don’t encourage her, Spike. You’ve got her talking like you now!”

“What’s the big deal about that?” Dawn whined.

“Big sis is right, Nibblet. I’m sorry, I do have to agree on some level. You shouldn’t cuss at least.”

“What did I say that was a cuss? And what is a ‘cuss’ anyway?”

“It’s a swear, Dawn.” Buffy told her. “And you said Bloody.”

“Oh. Oops, sorry. I’ll try not to do it again.”

“ ‘Captain Cardboard’ does have a name guys, and besides he wasn’t like cardboard.” Buffy tried to defend Riley.

“Sure….if you say so.” Spike and Dawn replied at the same time, causing everyone to laugh.

“This is going to be a looooong day.” Buffy thought out loud.

“You don’t even realize yet just how right you are.” Spike muttered under his breath, then went back to concentrating on the road, while Buffy went back to staring out her window and Dawn decided to start rummaging through her mini backpack that she had brought with her. After a minute or two of searching, Dawn was beginning to become frustrated.

“I swore I put it in here. It’s got to be in here somewhere, it just has to.” Dawn mumbled to herself as she dug through her bag.

“What’s that Nibblet? What are you looking for?” Spike asked overhearing her and glancing in the mirror at her.

“Huh? What‘d you say Spike?” Dawn asked him, being preoccupied with the contents of the bag in her lap.

“I asked what you were looking for. You seem to be very intent on finding whatever that blasted thing is.”

“Oh, yeah, sorry. I’m looking for a CD I had.” she told him, not taking her eyes off of her bag. “I swore I put it in here before we left the house.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it to much Dawn. We probably won’t listen to it anyway. Knowing you it’s probably some boy-band or something. I know I sure don’t want to hear that junk,” Buffy told her sister, “and I’m pretty sure Spike hates that music too. Right Spike?!”

“ ‘Hate’ is such a strong word, Slayer.” he replied mischievously.

“Please don’t tell me you actually like that stuff! I thought you were completely dead-set against all of it.”

“I am….mostly. There are a couple songs I do like, maybe more.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me! What happened to the whole ‘Grr…I’m the Big-Bad’ routine?”

“First of all, It wasn’t a routine. And second, I still am the Big Bad.”

“Big Bad what, Spike? You’re dating you’re once mortal enemy, you have a soul, and a makeshift family. So what exactly are you ‘The Big-Bad’ of now?, family man?” Dawn asked sarcastically, while continuing to search for her CD.

Spike thought about that for a minute and took in everything that happened in the past day and a half. “Actually Nibblet, that’s exactly what I am now!” He replied with his trademark cocky smile and tone. “I’m the Big Bad family man and bloody proud of it too!”

Buffy gasped in awe as Dawn, completely thrown by what he just said, actually stopped searching in order to stare at him and make sure he was for real.

“Do you seriously mean that Spike? You consider us as your family?” Dawn asked hopefully.

“ Course I do sweet bit. I promised years ago to protect you ‘ ‘till the end of the world’ and I intend to stick to it! That promise wasn’t just to Buffy either, I made it to myself as well. I intend to protect both of you. You are my family and I’ll do everything I can to see that you’re protected. I love you.”

“We love you too, Spike.” Dawn told him, then leaned forward to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, which caused his cheeks to pinken just a bit.

“Aww Spike, you’re blushing! That’s so cute!” Buffy told him.

“Shut it Slayer.” He grumbled in response.

“But it’s sooo cute…” Buffy sing-songed at him.

“How ‘bout that CD Nibblet?” Spike asked, desperate to change the subject off his face.

“Still looking Spike.”

“Well how ‘bout we turn on the radio then? Just till you find that blasted CD you are looking for.”

“Why do we have to listen to it at all, we’re almost to the mall anyway. By the time she finds it, we’ll be pulling into a parking spot.”

“It’s only fair Buffy! You stole the front, so I get to choose the music. Besides, we have the entire ride home to listen to it, when I find it.”

“Ugh. Fine.” Buffy replied rolling her eyes. “Can I at least choose the radio station we listen to ‘till we get to the mall?”

“Nope.” Spike replied. “I’m gonna choose it, you can choose what we listen too after your sister gets her turn.”

“No fair ganging up on me you two.” Buffy complained. “Well, at least we only have a couple more minutes ‘till we get to the mall anyway.”

**That’s what you think** Spike thought to himself as he turned on the radio. To his surprise one of his favorite songs had just started, so he decided to sing along.

Throughout the entire song Buffy and Dawn had constantly, yet quietly, snickered, asked each other what had gotten into Spike, and shot him strange and confused looks. Once the song ended and Spike had stopped singing, however, the girls could keep quiet no longer and finally erupted into laughter.

“Oi! Shut it you two! What was so bleedin’ funny about that song?”

Taking and deep breath trying to calm herself, Buffy spoke up. “Well…for one, whoever that just was on the radio, totally turned a mellow and soothing song into a major punk rock song.”

“Hey! Don’t poke fun at Joey. He’s a bloody terrific artist I’ll have you know.”

“Joey?!” the sisters asked in unison.

“Joey Ramone…” Spike offered, but only received blank stares, rather than recognition. “Ya know…lead of one of the most famous British punk groups, The Ramones.” Still, he received confused looks, only this time accompanied by shoulder shrugs. So, he did the last possible thing he could think of in order to make them understand…he sang. “Ba-ba-baba, baba-ba-baba, I wanna be sedated.”

“Oh!! Ok!!” Buffy and Dawn agreed in unison, yet again.

“Twits” Spike sighed and mumbled under his breath.

“I heard that William!!” Buffy scolded slapping him on the arm.

“Ow!” Spike whined, while rubbing his arm.

“God, you are such a baby. I barely hit you.”

“Still hurt.” he pouted.

“Oh! Give me a break.” Buffy said, while rolling her eyes at him.

“I know a way to make it feel better…” Spike told her with a playful tone to his voice.

Buffy immediately flushed, her mind going quickly to the gutter, but decided to play along to see just what he was up to. After all, Dawn was still in the truck with them. “Oh really? And what, pray tell, would that be?” she asked, then added sarcastically, “Kiss it and make it better?”

“Actually, luv, that’s exactly what I was thinking!”

Buffy groaned and rolled her eyes, but reluctantly gave in. So, she kissed her fingertips and then placed them on his arm where she had hit him. “There,” she grumbled, “feel better now?”

“Nope, sorry pet.” he pouted, “Guess you’ll have to do it the old fashioned way.”

“Ugh, fine!” Buffy grumbled at him again, then leaned over and kissed his arm. “Better now?”

“Yes luv, much. But…the pain has seemed to migrate.”

“Spike…” Buffy warned. But he just pouted in response. She sighed again, but still gave in. “Ok…so where’d it migrate to?” she asked, suddenly very aware of their close proximity.

“Just here.” Spike told her, taking her fingers and placing them on his lips and kissing them.

Buffy’s breath caught in her throat then and she could only close her eyes and smile broadly in response. After a few seconds, Spike released her hand, to which she practically whimpered at the loss of contact with him. Slowly she opened her eyes though, and was met with his cloudy sapphire ones and she couldn’t help but smile at him as their hands intertwined around each other.

Desperate to change the atmosphere before she did something drastic, Buffy started fiddling with the radio in order to find an upbeat, non love song. Eventually, after a few very agonising minutes, Buffy found a station, and surprisingly both other occupants of the truck had no discrepancies with it either. But then again, Dawn was preoccupied with attempting to find her CD, and Spike would go along with whatever she decided at the moment, already knowing how heavy the atmosphere was right then. But then, just as the song had begun it’s first chorus, that’s when Dawn shrieked from the back seat, startling both Buffy as well as Spike, causing him to swerve onto the shoulder of the road and back again.

“Geeze Spike. Drive much?!” Dawn asked sarcastically, while holding her cherished CD high in the air as though it were a trophy.

“I drive quite often, as you bloody well know Nibblet. It’s just lil’ girls like you shrieking in the back while I’m doing it that I’m having a problem with at the moment.” Spike practically growled back. To which Dawn just lowered her head and quietly apologized. “Yeah, yeah…now what was so bleedin’ terrific that you had to go shrieking about and nearly cause me to get into an accident?” “And please don’t tell me that it was all over that blasted CD you’ve been looking for since you got in.”

“Ok…I won’t.” She replied with just a hint of sarcasm.

“I don’t see how it matters, the mall exit is only a few miles ahead anyhow.” Buffy told her. “It’s not like we’ll listen to it anyhow.”

“Aww...c’mon Buffy,” Dawn whined at her, “Please?!?! Just at least look at the list of songs that are on it.” She then handed her the CD with it’s case.

“Fine, but no promises we’ll listen.” She told her sister, taking the item from her hand.

As Dawn was sitting back in her seat and Buffy was turning back around in hers, she noticed Spike had missed the exit for the mall. Tapping him gently on the shoulder to get his attention, she quietly asked, “Uh…Spike?”

“Yeah lil’ bit? What is it?” he asked, glancing in the rear view mirror at her.

“Well…” Dawn stared, unsure if he was still angry with her for shrieking a few minutes previous.

“Spit it out Nibblet, I’m not mad at you anymore and I promise I’ll try to to curse at you for the rest of this trip.”

“Ok, fine.” she sighed, then continued. “I think…no, wait…I’m pretty sure that you missed our exit to get to the mall.” She then looked towards her sister for conformation, which she received with a slight nod. “Actually Spike, I take that back; I’m positive that you’ve definitely passed it.”

“Mm-hmm…and your point being…?”

“Honey, don’t you think that you ought to find a place to turn around or at least take the next exit coming up?” Buffy asked him sweetly, giving the hand that was still intertwined with hers a slight squeeze.

“Nope.”

“Huh?! Why?!” Buffy and Dawn exclaimed in unison.

“Don’t wanna.” He answered them simply.

“But you promised to take us to the mall!” Buffy sighed exasperatedly.

“Actually, luv, I didn’t. I only promised to take you two out is all. ‘Sides, I’m not about to go to this blasted mall. ‘S too…UGH! What’s the word…?” he sighed, snapping his fingers.

“Overpriced?” Dawn asked.

“No…”

“Lame?” Buffy offered.

“No…still not quite it. Though you do have a point.”

The truck grew quiet as the trio tried to think up a word to describe the local mall. After quite a few minutes suddenly and with out warning Spike yelled, “I got it!! The word’s ‘identical ’! Everything in that blasted place is all uniform, which in turn makes it lame and boring!” Spike told them gleefully.

“Ok…that makes total sense Spike, but it still doesn’t explain why we’re not goin’ there. It’s the closest one around and besides that, probably the only thing. Aside from that even that’s where everyone goes.” Dawn complained.

“Not the only thing.” Spike mumbled seductively under his breath, while stealing a glance at Buffy and giving her a knowing wink. This only caused Buffy to immediately flush and her heart beat to skip a little, as well as earned him a pinch in the arm.

“So where are we going, if you refuse to go to the mall?” Buffy asked inquisitively.

“Ah-ah-ah! That’s for me to know and you,” he said motioning between the two girls, “to find out!” He finished with a wicked grin at both of them.

“Do we at least get a hint?” Dawn asked hopefully.

“Yeah I guess that’s fair. Leme think, ok Nibblet?”

“Sure. But can you guys at least put on my CD now?”

Buffy sighed and turned to face her sister, “Yeah, I guess we can manage. Leme see the case though too, I need to know what I’m in for.”

“It’s not as bad as you think, trust me Buffy.”

To this Buffy just scoffed and said, “Yeah, I’ll believe it when I see and hear it! Now just hand it over.”

“I can’t. You still have it. I think you put it in the glove box.”

“Oh. Yeah…sorry about that.” Buffy told her, turning around and popping open the glove box to get out the CD.

As she searched, a hint popped into Spike’s head. “Ok, I got a hint for you gals!…Big, Bright, Gambling.”

“We’re goin’ to Vegas!?!?” Both girls shrieked together.

“Bloody Hell, Bints!!” Spike cursed, rubbing his ears. “No! We’re bloody well NOT going’ to the gambling capitol of the bloody United States!! ‘Sides, we’re staying in this state! So there! That’s two hints now, you’ve only got eighteen questions left to ask about this trip and they all gotta have ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. Oh! And while you two are pondering all this, Buffy, why don’t you read Nibblet’s play list.”

“All right, but I swear Dawn, if you’ve fibbed on this list, you’re in deep and I mean it!”

“Geeze Buff! Calm Down! I promise I told the truth!” she told her holding her hands up in a ‘surrender’ type motion.

“Fine, but you’ve been warned.” Buffy shot back, then started to read over the list. After reading the first few, Buffy groaned loudly. “This can’t be happening.” she mumbled.

“Now, now, luv.” Spike told her patting her knee, then once again taking her hand. “As much as I’d love to be able to read your mind, I can’t. So…you care to explain why you aren’t reading aloud and instead grumbling?”

Buffy sighed, but complied and started to read the list.

Tonic - If You Could Only See
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Guns 'N Roses - November Rain
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

As Buffy was finishing up the second part of the list, she couldn’t help but to steal a glance over at Spike. She quickly noticed that his cheeks seemed a bit pink, while the rest of his face seemed paler than usual. “You ok, Spike?” she asked, squeezing his hand.

“Bloody wonderful…” he answered sarcastically. “Ummm…Nibblet?” Spike asked with a slight nervous shake to his voice.

“What’s up Spike?” She answered back with a twinge of fear.

“Just where exactly did you get your selections from?”

“Um…I plead the 5th?” Dawn squeaked.

“I KNEW IT!!” Buffy said practically growling and throwing her hands in the air, while attempting to lunge at Dawn over her seat and the center console.

Dawn shrieked and shrunk back in her seat as far as she could possibly go with out actually climbing over the back of the seat into the trunk section. “Sorry! Sorry, Sorry! Don’t kill me! Please!!” Dawn pleaded with her sister as she lunged closer.

“Give me one good not to.” Buffy growled, reaching for Dawn with one hand, while trying to unlatch her seatbelt with the other.

“I was only trying to help!” Dawn squealed as Buffy’s hand shot closer.

“Help, Dawnie, Help?!” Buffy growled at her, using the one name she knew grated on her nerves the most when she was in trouble. “How is reading my diary, my personal, private property and thoughts and then putting a good portion of that info out for the public’s ears Helping?!” Buffy screamed.

“Luv, calm down. Please relax.” Spike tried soothing, while rubbing her back in small circles.

“Calm down?! Did you just tell me to Calm Down??!!” Buffy snapped at him.

“Yes luv. That’s exactly what I said. If you don’t, someone, namely your sister, or quite possible even you, will get hurt. Especially if I happen to stop short. So please Buffy, I say again…calm down.”

“How the flying fuck can you tell me to ‘Calm Down’ and not hurt her for this??!!” Buffy screamed back at him, tears welling up in her eyes.

Spike sighed exasperatedly and pulled the truck over. “Bloody Hell, Slayer.” he growled. “I’m in the bleedin same damn position as you, you stupid bint! Can’t you see that?!” he snapped back and quickly unlatched his own belt, then opened the door and stepped outside, slamming the door behind him for good measure. “Time for a bleedin’ smoke break.” he mumbled to himself, going to fish out his cigarettes and lighter from his pocket.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
TBC….

A/N:Don’t forget to review and let me know how you like it so far.
I’ve worked extremely hard on this fic and it seems that not many are actully reading, or really cares enough to let me know their thoughts.

So PLEASE review…I’m begging here!!

To those who have reviewed…thank you ever so much, you’re greatly appreciated!!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Special Thanks to KC, Revenant and Kitty who are the brilliant people behind the chapter titles!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 

Next