Spike awoke to find Buffy leant on her side and weaving her fingers through his hair as she watched him, as he blinked at her she smiled warmly.

"Afternoon." Buffy let her hand trail down his side and rest on his hip.

"Night." Spike smiled at her, enjoying the feeling of Buffy watching him sleeping - it seemed like a million years ago now that he'd woken up with her sleeping next to him on her mother's bed.

"Last night we were both a little…" She started but trailed off as he nodded at her.

"Felt crazy all evening, wondering about what's going to happen, one little word buzzing in my skull."

Buffy frowned at him. "Starts with an 'S' ends in 'unnydale'?"

"No, was actually starting with an 'X' and ending in 'ander'."

Her mouth formed a silent 'o' then she giggled and prodded his arm. "Silly, he's my friend but he doesn't get to make the decision about who I'm seeing."

"Are you sure? I've seen him in action pet, he's fairly persuasive. Plus… he hates me."

"He hated Angel too."

"And see how well that ended." He grinned then flinched as she slapped his arm playfully.

"It's my decision, our decision, no one else's. Let's just forget about home for now, give things a chance to progress normally." Buffy frowned at the word 'normally' and Spike chuckled.

"Normally? Hardly normal pet, you're dating a vampire, I'm dating the Slayer… normal?"

Buffy flopped onto her back and sighed. He was right, things were never going to be normal but it was as close to normal as her life got. She gave a brief thought to the relationships she'd shared with guys who had pulses. Even when she was with Riley she still used to patrol with Spike, like she knew that in a fight Spike would be more help to her, Spike would be able to protect her and she didn't feel like she had to look out for him.

"William?"

"Hmmm?" He was leant on his side with his head propped up on one hand and stroking her hair softly with the other, mesmerised by how it felt when it slipped through his fingers.

"Shut up about home, lets pretend it doesn't exist, here is home." She turned her head so she was facing him, absorbing the sight of him with sleep mussed hair and looking deeply into his eyes as he smiled at her words.

"Feels like home." As Spike smiled warmly at her, his face softening as his eyes narrowed on hers, Buffy couldn't help but melt inside - it was the tenderest look anyone had ever given her.

Leaning back onto her side she placed her hand lightly on his chest and brushed her lips against his. Suffocating on all the things she wanted to tell him but couldn't say Buffy slipped out from under the covers and padded towards the bathroom, turning back to look at him when she reached the door. All she could manage was a sigh before she shut the door.

Spike frowned at the door as it closed, he could've sworn she'd wanted to say something and he had the feeling it would have been monumental. He reassured himself that he knew deep inside she loved him, but hearing those three words on her lips would be heaven.

As she came out of the bathroom wrapped in a bathrobe and rubbing a towel against her wet hair Buffy found the bedroom empty. Staring at the bed she sighed at the crumpled sheets, picturing herself laying there with Spike next to her, resting his head on her stomach as they giggled at the TV. Shaking her head she tried to shift her thoughts onto something that wouldn't make her miserable.

Walking into the lounge she found Spike wearing just his jeans and rifling through the fridge as he mumbled something to himself about blood.

"Hungry?" She smiled at him as she put her towel down on the back of the armchair.

"Feel like I haven't eaten in three days." Spike groused, his first real taste of human blood in a while was getting him twitchy, he craved more but didn't want to say anything in case Buffy got worried. In reality he hadn't drunk that much from her partly for fear of hurting her and partly because he'd only really wanted to mark her and be close to her, the blood was just a bonus.

Looking up at her standing beside him he noticed she'd taken the plaster off her neck, his teeth marks were still visible but there was no bruising that would draw attention to them. As he straightened up and turned away from her to walk over to the couch he heard her gasp.

"What?" Spike turned and frowned at her.

"Um… sorry?" Buffy pulled a face that said 'oops'.

"What?" His voice gained a note of suspicion.

"Think I was a little rough on you last night." Pointing at his back she quickly realised he wouldn't be able to see them, Spike tried to look over his shoulder with little success.

Grabbing her camera off the table she snapped a picture of his back and handed the camera to him. Spikes eyes widened as he looked at the little screen, across his back were dark red streaks, the result of Buffys fingernails.

Holding her breath Buffy waited for him to say something, he stood there staring at the screen and then started chuckling to himself.

"What?" Buffy frowned at him and peered over at the screen, nothing funny there.

"Just wondering how rough you would be in bed, suppose it's only fair - I mark you, you mark me." He chuckled softly again as he looked back at the screen and then at Buffys neck.

He'd admitted it to her, his intention last night was purely to mark her, to make her his. The thought of it caused her stomach to flip flop and Buffy narrowed her eyes on his.

"So, marking me now are we? Why don't you just pee up my leg?"

"Possession is nine tenths of the law." He grinned as he fell into the couch, repeating the words she had used on him.

Buffy settled into his lap and watched his hand as he slipped it under her bathrobe and over her inner thigh. Leaning back she kissed his neck then peered at his back, the long red streaks were testament to how hot she had got from his biting her. Last night he'd touched a nerve in her, some tiny fear of dying mixed in with her emotions and had heightened everything she'd been feeling, turning what desire she already felt for him into a burning mountain of passion.

Grinning at him she shifted so she was straddling his lap, taking his bag of blood away she chucked it over her shoulder. As she wriggled on his lap she licked her lips, fixing her eyes on his and watching him roll his eyes closed for a second before meeting hers.

"What's your game Slayer?" He arched a brow as she ran her fingertips softly down his chest, leaving burning trails under his skin.

Leaning her head to one side she exposed his bite marks to him, her voice was a seductive whisper. "Do it again… properly."

Staring at her neck as though it was the Holy Grail Spike considered it for a split second then frowned up at her. "No."

"Do it." Buffy frowned at him, narrowing her eyes in a look that should've made it clear she wasn't playing anymore, she wanted that feeling back, the feeling of being so close to him, being like one.

"No." Spike frowned slightly and shook his head before leaning back into the couch, she still held her head to one side and it was starting to tempt him.

Eyes slipping out of focus Spike stared blankly at her throat, she trailed a finger down it and he subconsciously licked his lips. He wouldn't hurt her, what she was asking him to do would hurt her, he promised Dawn, he promised himself and he promised her.

"Promised…" Spike whispered dreamily to nobody in particular.

Buffy watched the emotions playing in his eyes, trying hard to figure out why he was being so reluctant she went over last night and her eyes widened when it dawned on her.

"Gently?" Tracing a pattern on the back of his hand Buffy noticed it start to tremble under her touch.

He raised his eyes to meet hers and searched for an answer in her look, smiling to himself as he saw she was serious. Spike nodded at her and slipped into his game face, moving to bite her.

"Wait." Buffy caught his cheek and he fixed his gaze on the floor, she smiled at how he reacted in the same way Angel had when she'd touched his cheek when he'd been in vampire mode, like she shouldn't have to see him that way.

Running her fingers softly over his ridged forehead she followed them with her eyes, he didn't really look any different to her, not as handsome but he was still Spike, just with yellow eyes now staring back at her. Kissing his forehead she couldn't miss the look in his eyes as he blinked at her, it was almost reverence.

Planting a soft wet kiss on his lips Buffy slipped her hands around the back of his head, guiding him slowly to her neck and hoping it would feel the same as last night.

Closing his eyes he listened hard for her heartbeat, when he heard it beating fast against her chest he smiled. What made him chuckle softly was the impatient tug on the back of his head from Buffy. Inhaling deeply so he could practically taste her scent he licked her neck then softly punctured her flesh with his teeth.

"Spike…" Buffy moaned and tightened her thighs against his hips.

Oh god. Spike thought, he could handle tasting her but the feeling of her legs pressed tight against him, her naked thighs tensed and her taut body under his fingers was going to drive him insane. If I'm going to go insane, may as well do it properly.

Growling into her neck Spike slid her bathrobe open, cool hands instantly covering every inch of her as they weaved their way up to her breasts.

He closed his mouth around her wound and sucked lazily, just letting the blood flow into his mouth rather than drawing it out of her. Spike felt her fingers dig into his shoulder and he growled at her. Here we go again.

Slipping her hands down his back she clawed at him softly this time, trying to pull him closer to her, she wanted him near her, feeling his cool body against hers, feeling like they were connected. Yeah, in eternal damnation, do you go to hell for letting a vampire bleed you? Or do you only go to hell if it gets you horny?

"More…" Buffy felt his hands snake around her waist and pull her flush against him like he could read her thoughts when he was feeding off her blood.

Leaning her head back she listened to him closely, licking her neck and then softly wrapping his mouth back around it, the feeling of his naked torso pressing against hers, skin sliding over skin as he moved as she moved.

He pulled back and shook his head, forcing the demon away. Smiling as he watched her still straddling him, head leant back with her eyes closed in what he'd realised was ecstasy, Spike couldn't help himself, he chuckled.

Opening her eyes Buffy met his, she smiled warmly at him and prodded his chest with her finger.

"Stopping so soon?" She pouted and his eyes darted to her lips, leaning forwards he caught them in a brief kiss.

She could feel something warm trickling down her collarbone and onto her chest, as Spikes attention turned there she realised it must be blood, looking down at herself she saw a red trail almost reaching her right breast.

Spike grinned as he stared at it, the strong contrast of crimson staining her creamy skin. Leaning towards her he caught the end of it on his tongue and licked back up to her neck.

"Mmm… body paint of the undead." He smiled languidly then wrapped his lips around the holes in her neck again.

"That's disgusting…" Buffy cuffed him around the head softly and feigned horror, her thoughts running through a mass of erotic images involving her, Spike and blood red body paint. She whimpered.

Spike pulled back instantly and frowned at her questioningly, Buffy looked innocent as she avoided his gaze.

"What was that?" He narrowed his eyes on her face but she refused to make eye contact.

"Nasty little thoughts." She whispered quietly, now embarrassed by them.

"What abou… ah…" He nodded his head at her as he realised what she'd been thinking. "Body paint, sticky red and very naughty."

Buffy kept her eyes fixed on the couch and Spike nodded towards the bedroom, she felt her cheeks burning up.

A knock at the door made them both jump.

"Buffy… Spike…" It was Dawn, she rattled the door handle and huffed at it for being locked.

Buffy scrambled off Spike and ran off towards the bedroom, stopping she turned and scurried back to him, planting a kiss on his lips.

"Rain check."

Before Spike could answer she was gone, bolted into the bathroom and he was left to let Dawn in. Sauntering to the door he wiped his mouth on the back of his hand and unlocked it, before he could even reach for the handle the door was pushed open and Dawn walked in.

"Hi!" She slung herself into the armchair and looked up at him.

"Hello bit." Sitting down he picked up the bag of blood and played with it, letting the contents rock back and forth like waves.

"That's so gross."

"Dawn, leave Spike alone." Buffy came bouncing into the room and sat on the arm of the couch next to Spike, who looked up at her neck and smiled at the plaster.

"Ohmygod!" Dawn breathed out quickly and pointed her finger at both of them in turn, repeatedly then squealed again. "Ohmygod!"

"What?" Buffy frowned at her sister.

Dawn looked at Buffys neck then at Spikes mouth and finally at the unopened bag of blood in his hand, the back of which was smeared red.

"You let him bite you." Dawn widened her eyes at Buffy then looked at Spike. "You bit my sister? Was it because of what I said last night because I didn't mean to put ideas in your head…"

"Dawn…" Buffy sighed out and started to explain but Dawn cut her off.

"Did it hurt?" She came to stand next to her sister, arms waving excitedly. "What did it feel like? Was it sexy? I bet it was sexy, can I see it?"

"Who are you and what have you done with my sister?" Buffy raised her brows at Dawn and Spike just shrugged as he leant into the couch.

"Eh?" Dawn frowned at Buffy.

"I thought you would freak, vampire biting me and all, mortal danger, protect the sister you love kind of thing?"

"Oh, it's Spike. Besides he said he wouldn't hurt you when I quizzed him last night." Dawn smiled at Spike who returned it with warmth.

"Last night? Don't even tell me… I have to get ready." Buffy ruffled Spikes hair then walked to the bedroom door, turning as Dawn caught her arm.

"Dad wants to take me out tonight, alone, with Jane! You guys will be okay, I'm sure. Just thought I'd let you know so when you're having fun you can think about poor me and it'll spoil your night." Dawn grinned at her and Buffy raised her eyes to heaven, looking over her sister's shoulder she saw Spike wiggle an eyebrow at her.

"I'm sure we'll remember what a bad time you'll be having." Buffy hugged Dawn and headed into the bathroom.

"So…" Dawn flopped back into the armchair and stared at Spike. "What are you two up to tonight?"

Spike leant towards her and whispered. "Mall, said I'd take big sis shopping. Gonna get her a pressie, something remotely ring shaped… just to go along with the fiancé fiasco."

Dawn couldn't help noticing the look that entered Spikes eyes when he mentioned the ring, she sighed and moved to sit next to him.

"It's more than make believe Spike, I know she likes you as much as you like her. Give her time, she's got a lot of relationship debris." Touching Spikes hand Dawn suddenly felt thankful that she was free of boys and the emotional mayhem that came along with them.

"Thanks niblet, just worried how she'll react after the last time…" Spike trailed off and looked at the ring on his little finger.

"Oh… Willows spell? Buffy's over that, we talked about it once, she didn't sound like she'd regretted it or hated it or anything, she just said being engaged had felt nice somehow."

Spike perked up at hearing Dawns words; listening hard he heard the shower still running and smiled at how Buffy was showering for the second time that day.

"Go on…" He looked at Dawn eagerly.

Buffy padded quietly into the bedroom, leaving the shower on, she felt wicked for listening in on another one of their conversations.

"We were talking about weddings and things, she mentioned the spell and what it was like being engaged. She said that she'd always thought it would be something she'd miss out on because of her calling and even though it was a spell it'd been nice knowing how it would have felt to really be getting married. Kinda made me sad, knowing there's all these things she won't get to do."

In the bedroom Buffy sighed internally, she remembered talking to Dawn about it, it'd been late one night a few months back. Holding her breath she waited for Spikes reaction, guessing it would be laced with bravado and she couldn't have been more wrong.

"Dawn, I promise you that if there's anything I can do to help her lead a normal life I'll do it, I just want Buffy to be happy, I want to see her smiling and laughing, hell even laughing at me is better than her being bleeding miserable. I hate the fact she has to be the Slayer, feeling the constant pressure of her responsibilities, but I won't let anything happen to her and one day she'll experience everything she always wanted to. Whatever she needs to get out of life to make her feel like she lived it to the full, I'm willing to give to her if I can. I'm not much, not bright or quick, just a vampire, but I love your sister Dawn, more than I can put into words, she's everything, my whole sodding universe, do anything to make her see that. I'd die for her you know, love her more than my own unlife." Spike leant his head back and stared at the ceiling, sighing as he felt Dawn wrap her arms about him.

Buffy stifled her tears as she pressed her hand to the wall, she wanted to run in and wrap herself up in his arms, making him say it again to her face so she could memorise each look that went with each word.

"I know you would Spike, you love her more than she'll ever know, you'd go to the ends of the earth if it meant she could lead a regular girls life, just like I would." Dawn looked up at him with tears blurring her vision. "Why can't we make it normal?"

"Destiny niblet, you can't change it. How bout we settle for just looking out for her a lot, helping her, protecting her fiercely? Think that'll do?" Spike wiped the tears from Dawns face with the backs of his fingers and she nodded up at him.

"I can do the helping thing, might need a bit of practice on the protecting her fiercely front." Dawn smiled up at him and raised her brows.

"When we get back to Sunny-D I'll teach you how to swing a sword, no use you not being able to protect yourself. Don't tell Buffy though, she'd have my guts for garters if she found out." Spike watched as Dawn motioned a cross over her heart.

Back in the bedroom Buffy shook her head at Spikes words, she'd been meaning to teach Dawn a few things about self defence and she realised that Dawn was more likely to listen to Spike over her. If Spike taught her how to use weapons she'd think it was cool, if she tried to teach her sister she'd think it was treating her like a kid.

"Better go, come up to the living room later? Play some blue vampire goodness?" Dawn smiled at him as he nodded.

When Buffy heard the door shut she was still frozen to the spot, thinking over what Spike had said to her sister and getting an increasingly warm and fuzzy feeling in her stomach. As she heard Spike move in the other room she bolted for the bathroom, rounding the corner Spike looked at the damp footprints on the carpet and arched a brow.

He'd never suffered such insane torture in his life, she was insatiable, every time he thought she was going to stop she seemed to find some new untapped source of energy. All he could do was bend to her will, a few times he'd tried to lead her in another direction and he'd gotten a reaction that suggested it was the worst idea he'd ever had. There was no stopping her tonight; she was having fun.

"What about this one?" Buffy held another stripy shirt up against herself and Spike raised his eyes to heaven, a hundred years torment would be nicer than this.

It wouldn't have been so bad if she'd bought something but it seemed she was in window-shopping heaven and all he could do was obey her every command. He was starting to regret his decision to take her to the mall.

"What's wrong?" Buffy pouted up at him when he didn't answer her, she'd noticed he'd become increasingly quiet as the mall trip went on, it had been two hours now and Buffy had only just got into her stride, maybe men really didn't like shopping. "You want to take a break for a bit?"

Spike nodded with enthusiasm and Buffy caught hold of his hand, leading him to the fountain at the centre of the mall. Sitting at the edge of it she looked him over, he was wearing an expression that told her he was thoroughly exhausted and his patience was starting to wear thin.

"We could go home?" Buffy smiled at him and touched his knee, the last thing she wanted was to piss him off, today had been great, all they had done was curl up on the sofa together and annoy Dawn but it had made Buffy feel so relaxed and content.

"No!" Spike raised his eyes to meet hers, she was enjoying herself and he didn't want to ruin it for her, besides he hadn't got her a ring yet.

He'd seen a few potential shops but hadn't found a way to shake Buffy yet, he wanted her out of the way while he bought it for her, that way it would be a surprise and he'd get a bigger smile when he gave it to her or a bigger brush off.

"Just need to sit for a bit pet." Spike slipped his fingers into hers and smiled down at her hand, encompassed in his.

"You really liked the little pink dress?" Buffy looked up at him, it had been the flimsiest summer dress she'd ever seen but it had looked pretty good on her. When he'd growled and taken quick steps towards her she'd taken it as approval.

"Loved it, all thin and flowing, showed your arse off a treat, every curve of your taut hot little body." As he narrowed his eyes he let them roam over her, smiling to himself as he went.

Buffy caught his chin and raised his face so their eyes met. "Then I'll buy it. I'd buy half the mall if I could…"

"Money problems?" Spike caught that look on her face, he'd seen it before back home when she'd been going through her bills.

"Just a little, dads going to start sending money to the account every month so Dawn and I can stay in Sunnydale, think he'd rather we stayed there. It's still going to be tight though." Buffy sighed and her shoulders sagged forward.

"Come here." Slipping his arm around her Spike bought her head to rest against his chest, he couldn't stand seeing Buffy feeling down about things like this.

"I need a job." Buffy looked up at him and pouted, he knew what she was thinking, what kind of job would she be able to get that would accommodate her calling.

"We'll worry about that back home pet, I'm not Mr. Straight-and-narrow but I'll help if you let me." Spike ran his fingers down her hair and was amazed when she smiled at him. "What say I pay rent, would that help?"

He knew she wouldn't accept money if he offered it straight to her, she didn't like having to rely on others, maybe it was something to do with being the Slayer and her having constantly been told that she was alone in life. This way Spike knew she'd take the money with no regrets and she wouldn't worry that he wanted something in return other than a roof over his head.

As Buffy nodded his undead heart sang slightly, rejoicing over the fact that she was accepting help from him in some small way.

Spike leant forwards and caught her mouth in his, kissing her softly and slowly. As he pulled back he saw her smiling warmly at him and he decided that she was the most beautiful creature on earth when she smiled that way.

Buffy liked the way he was looking at her, eyes narrowed softly on hers and they were sparkling like he was truly happy right now. She knew it was because she'd accepted his offer of paying rent, it hadn't even been a hard thing to agree to. A month back she would've told him to go to hell, now all she could do was smile at him for wanting to help her out.

Reaching into his pocket Spike pulled out some money and divided it into two, handing one half to Buffy who looked at it with wide eyes.

"Think of it as rent for the past month, for once buy something nice for yourself."

"Where'd you…" Buffy looked from the money to Spike.

"You really need to ask that?" He smiled at her, if she didn't know his habits by now there was no hope for her.

"Poker? You play for money?"

"Only when I play against people, with demons it's usually…" Spike realised she probably didn't want to hear what they played for.

"Say it Spike." She knew that look, the 'better not tell her' expression he was wearing spoke volumes. "It's something gross isn't it?"

"Kittens. We play for kittens." Spike waited for her reaction, wondering what her feelings for small fluffy felines were, she never seemed to have had pets.

"Not anymore you don't." She looked serious for a moment then cracked a wide smile. "I don't accept kittens as payment, though I'm pretty sure Dawn would."

"Check, no kittens, just cash. Least I'm a lodger who doesn't eat much." He leant forwards, resting his elbows on his knees and turned his head to look back at her.

"Spike, you eat more than I do."

"Do not…" Spike considered what he'd eaten since living in her house. "Alright, I do eat but not as much as you do. I've seen you Summers, ice cream poses no threat to you, especially after patrol."

As Buffy opened her mouth in horror she slapped him playfully on the back, Spike winced. "Forgot about…"

"The deep wounds of kinky Buffys ecstasy?" He grinned and raised his arm to protect himself as she hit him again and again.

Spike chuckled at her, she was hitting him like a girl and it was a funny sight, the woman he was used to watching punching and kicking was slapping him like she was in a girly bitch fight. Catching her wrists he pulled her roughly towards him and kissed her hard, she struggled at first and then her whole body relaxed into him.

"Mmm…" Buffy pulled back slightly and brushed her lips against his. "People are watching."

"So…" Spike deepened the kisses and caught her around the waist with one arm, as his other hand trailed up towards her breasts Buffy pushed him off her.

"Spike… not here." She whispered hurriedly.

Her heart was smashing against her chest, she wished that she was more like him, not caring if people were watching them, she'd always been like this - public displays of affection were fine, public displays of mounting sexual passion made her panic about what people where thinking when they looked at her.

Reading her look Spike arched a brow. "Come here pet."

He caught her waist again and pulled her towards him, the mall was relatively quiet, there were still a lot of people around and he grinned as Buffy shook her head.

"Let it go…" Kissing down her neck he felt Buffy swallow hard.

She wanted to let go, God did she want it, but all those people staring at her, staring at them, thinking how disgusting it was. As Spike licked her neck she bit her lip, looking around her she saw people watching them and she couldn't help but smile to herself at how stupid she'd been. Most of the shoppers were ignoring them, the people that were watching them just seemed to look a little jealous.

As Spike nipped at her neck she felt his hand move up to her breast and cup it gently, rolling her eyes shut she wrapped her hand around the back of his head.

Fingers grasping his hair she peeled him off her neck and kissed him hard, he nipped at her bottom lip and she giggled. Spike couldn't help grinning, getting Buffy to let go of some of her restraints was fun.

As the clock above them chimed out ten pm Buffy pulled away from Spike.

"I'm going to do some speed shopping, maybe get that little dress you liked. I'll meet you back here in 30, okay?" Buffy tousled his hair and Spike smiled at her, she figured that he could use some time to look around and maybe get himself something.

Spike watched Buffy bounce off up the mall, sighing to himself he felt like the luckiest bloke on earth. When she rounded a corner and was out of sight Spike stood up and headed off in the opposite direction to her to the little jewellery store he'd seen earlier.


Pulling up outside the house Spike looked up at it, there weren't any lights on and he remembered that Dawn had said they were out tonight. He wondered for a moment if Buffy had any mischievous plans up her sleeve, smiling to himself he hoped she did.

Buffy yanked the driver's side door open and beamed in at him. "You going to sit there all night?"

"Nope, gonna get the mountains of bags out of my trunk and then I'm thinking a Buffy fashion show is in order." He lit up a cigarette as he got out of the car and walked around to the trunk.

"Still can't believe you didn't buy anything, you really just sat there for a whole half hour?" Buffy hopped around to the stand next to him, she reminded him of an excited little kid.

"Really didn't get anything." As he smiled at her he slipped his hand into his duster pocket and fumbled with the little ring box, panic set in.

Grabbing an armful of bags Buffy wobbled up the path to the front door, rummaging in her pocket for the key as she went. Spike pulled the rest of the bags out of the trunk and followed her, this was going to be a long night if he didn't give her it soon.


Busying herself with putting her new clothes away Buffy hummed along to the music playing in the other room. When she finished she walked into the living room only to find it empty, turning the stereo off she looked at the open door and out into the kitchen.

Frowning as she walked Buffy concentrated so she could hone in on Spike, rounding the corner she saw him standing in the dining room staring out of the French doors at the back garden.

"Pretty." Buffy murmured as she came to rest next to him, he'd been staring up at the stars and she could see why, they were out in force tonight and twinkling at her.

"Pool…" Spikes soft look turned mischievous as he watched her face.

"It's got lights…" Buffy smiled at him and opened the doors that lead onto the patio, walking to a junction box on the wall she flicked the switches.

Spike grinned as the pool lit up and he stepped out onto the patio. He watched as Buffy bent down and ran her fingers through the water.

"Warm…" She smiled up at him and caught the look on his face. "You wanna get changed?"

"Naked…" He grinned and arched a brow at her.

"No… not with my parents liable to show up at any second." Buffy rolled her eyes when Spike pouted. "They're out of town tomorrow with Dawn, taking her up to the mountains for the night…"

As he smiled she looked relieved, she could handle skinny dipping when they weren't going to be disturbed, naked Spike in water sounded like fun to her.

Catching hold of his hand she dragged him back to the annex and into the bedroom, stripping herself down she blushed when she noticed he was just stood there watching her. Spike sighed when she suddenly looked shy, she had no reason to be but he liked the fact that he had that effect on her.

Pulling his trunks on Spike pinched her ass then shot off at a sprint towards the pool, Buffy growled at him and gave chase, almost over taking him before he dived into the water. She skidded to a halt at the edge waiting for him to surface.

When he broke the water he wiped his face then ran his hand over his hair, Buffy sighed at him, he looked pretty irresistible like that, his hair all messed up and a contented smile on his face.

"Coming in?" Spike waded to the shallow end of the pool near the steps and Buffy followed him.

Turning her back on him she climbed slowly down the metal steps, just as she was about to let go Spike grabbed her around the waist and span her around, she giggled as her legs sliced through the water.

"Let me go…" She laughed at him and he moved her around so she was facing him, Buffy feigned struggling and he smiled as he tightened his grip. "Let me go…"

"Never…" His look turned serious and Buffy found hers eyes locked with his, her heartbeat accelerated as she read the emotions behind his expression.

Wrapping her legs about him she leant backwards and dipped her head under the water, Spike placed his palm flat against her back and grinned at the position before pulling her back up to him. Running her hand over her hair she couldn't help noticing he was still looking seriously at her.

"What?" Buffy gave him a broad smile that caused his look to soften slightly.

"I did buy something… earlier… at the mall…" He swallowed hard as her look turned inquisitive.

"This better not be gross Spike." She poked his chest playfully then realised he wasn't playing.

Running his right hand down her hair so lightly that his fingers barely touched her he shifted his gaze to his little finger where a small band glinted silvery in the dim light.

He took a deep breath and looked back into her eyes, she looked confused and he sighed heavily.

"What is it?" Buffy had been watching him closely, he'd looked nervous about something and she didn't like it, now he was wearing an expression that made him look like a lost little boy. Cupping his cheek in her hand she tilted her head and smiled warmly at him, hoping it would relax him a little. "Spike?"

"I got you something… a present… something to remember these two weeks by… thought maybe you'd like something… it's no big deal if you…"

Buffy dropped her hand to his chest, she really wanted to know what this 'something' was because it was obviously making him edgy. "A keepsake?"

When Buffy gave him a wide smile he knew deep inside she was going to be okay about it. Raising his right hand in a clenched fist so his palm was facing her she frowned at him at first, giving him a confused look. As he let his fingers open her eyes immediately settled on his little finger and they widened, she caught his hand in hers and pulled it towards her.

Looking up at her was a little silvery band with a clear heart shaped stone in the centre, Buffys breath caught in her throat. It was gorgeous, looking at Spike she blinked in disbelief and he grinned.

"It's real… you like it? Thought since we're engaged you'd like a ring..." Spike tried to act casual as he slipped the ring off his finger and held it out to her, expecting her to take it. When she offered him her left hand he felt his insides turn to jelly.

Fingers trembling as badly as hers were Spike managed to slide the little band onto her ring finger and Buffy wrapped her arms around him so tightly that if he had needed to breathe he would've had a problem.

Buffy held her hand out in front of her as Spike kissed her neck softly, the ring twinkled at her and she felt warmth exploding in her stomach. She'd never felt this happy in her life, even though she knew they weren't really engaged she still felt like she was, she was his and he was hers and that was all that mattered to her.

"I love it." She breathed into his ear softly and felt him hold her tight against him, sighing into her neck.

Closing her eyes she was struggling with her emotions again, wanting to tell him everything but she still couldn't find the words. Just say it Buffy, you can do it, I'm in love with you Spike… please stay with me?

"Spike…" Buffy started but her voice resisted and her mouth formed silent words.

"What's wrong pet?" Spike felt her tense up, she was holding her breath and he didn't know what was wrong, as her first sob pushed itself out into the open he caught her waist and pulled her off him.

Looking up at her he frowned, wiping the tears from her cheeks, he hadn't bargained on getting this kind of reaction from her. "Love. Don't cry."

"Sorry, just happy." She cursed herself for not being able to say it to him, was she really that scared of taking the leap? She could see in his eyes that he knew how she felt. Letting her eyes slip to her hand she smiled. "Really is beautiful Spike."

"Just like you then." He caught her lips in a soft kiss, Buffy sighed into his mouth and held him tight.

Leaning back she looked at his left hand, at the skull ring that had been her previous engagement ring.

"Thought about it, but something told me you'd prefer a ring you could wear back in Sunnydale." Spike watched her as she grinned.

She felt insanely warm and tingly inside now, he'd purposefully bought her something that she could wear always, like a real engagement ring, she stifled the tears that tried to push their way out of her.

"I'm never taking it off."

He couldn't help sighing when she said it, deep inside he wished they really could be engaged but he knew that even if their relationship continued back in Sunnydale there would be a lot of barriers to break down in her friends before it ever happened.

"Should bloody well hope not, cost me a small fortune…"

"It's really a diamond?" Something inside her hadn't dared to believe him earlier, if it was real it made it the most precious thing anyone had ever given her.

"Real diamond, white gold…" Spike put on a phoney American accent. "Certi-fied and genu-ine."

Giggling she prodded his chest playfully then looked around them, she'd completely forgotten they were in the pool. Spike perked his ear up at the sound of the front door closing and Buffy pushed off him and waded to the steps.

"What's the rush? Not like we're naked." Spike frowned and followed her.

As Buffy beamed down at him it dawned on him why she was in such a hurry, she caught his wrist as he stepped onto the patio surrounding the pool.

"Come on love, let's show your future in laws what a great guy you are for me." Buffy held her left hand up in front of him and wriggled her fingers to emphasise the ring then pulled him towards the house, he grinned at how she'd found a way to say the word 'love' to him without choking on it.

As she turned to look at him she grinned too, it had just come out that way, natural as anything. Now all she had to do was build up to forming a sentence with it, generally involving the words 'I' and 'You', but it was a start.

Buffy bounced into the hallway and waved her hand in front of Dawns face, Spike swore he'd never seen Buffy smile so wide and so warmly, she looked like she was on top of the world.

"It's gorgeous, well done William." Dawn grinned up at Spike and he shrugged his shoulders as if to say 'no big deal', when he looked at Buffy he remembered they were still in their swimwear.

Spike shifted uneasily at being stood in front of her parents in nothing but a tiny pair of trunks that were so tight he felt like he'd been shrink wrapped, looking over at him Buffy giggled.

She was still smiling wide when she showed the ring to her father, he smiled down at her and then up at Spike who got the feeling that he was happy to see his daughter with him and that made his undead heart swell up.

"Just like my little Buffy always wanted." Hank pinched her cheek. "I remember when you were twelve, you were going through your wedding phase like all little girls do, you said you wanted a ring that meant something and wasn't too fussy. I asked you what that meant, remember what you said?"

Buffy felt suddenly shy and blushed as she answered, hoping Spike wouldn't make a fuss. "I said it had to reflect love clearly, you said I was funny."

She cast a sideward glance to Spike, he was smiling softly at her and she sighed in return, the ring he'd given had reflected love clearly, it was a heart shaped diamond, it was impossible to get anything more like 'love' and anything more 'clear'. Looking down at the ring she grinned when it sparkled back at her then reminded herself it wasn't real, she wasn't engaged, but her heart seemed to ignore her and keep singing.

"Just said you were funny because you were so cryptic." Hank pulled her in for a brief hug, Spike decided it looked more like a squeeze of the shoulders but its coldness didn't seem to bother Buffy.

As she walked down the hall with him Spike watched her, her fingers were interlocked with his tightly and she was staring at the ring on her finger with a dazed smile. He wondered if she was used to her father showing more affection towards Dawn than he showed towards her, maybe it was just because Dawn was the youngest and most responsive to him. Still, he couldn't help getting the feeling that deep inside her Buffy felt a little jealous sometimes, he'd seen the look on her face whenever Dawn and Hank were laughing together, like she was thinking that Dawn isn't really her sister so why did she get all the attention. Times like those Spike doted on Buffy even more than usual, as though he was trying to make up for her father ignoring her.

When they walked through the door to the annex Buffy carried on into the bedroom, Spike slipped into a bathrobe and wrapped it around himself, thankful that he was hidden from prying eyes. Walking to the fridge he was accosted by Buffy as she wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her cheek to his chest.

Stroking her damp hair softly he concentrated on the feeling of her heartbeat softly thumping against him, his thoughts faded away until all he could hear was her blood rushing through her veins. When Buffy looked up at him she raised an eyebrow and as if reading his look let him go, took a bag of blood out of the fridge and poured it into a mug before walking out of the annex and into the kitchen.

Returning a few minutes later Buffy curled up on Spikes lap where he sat on the couch and handed him the mug. As they looked at each other they both remembered the time they had been under Willows spell and had done the same thing. Spike slipped his arm around her and leant his head against her chest, listening to the steady rhythm of her heart.

Buffy smiled while she ran her fingers through his hair, displacing it and causing it to loosen into waves. As he raised his head to look at her she kissed the tip of his nose and stood up, padding softly to the bedroom. Spike drank down his blood and sat for a moment, thinking over the night and what they would get up to tomorrow, he wanted to do something big, it was to be their last night in LA after all and they would have the place all to themselves.

Placing the mug down on the table he grinned at the digital camera, picking it up he pressed the power switch and frowned at it. Muttering to himself Spike tried to figure out how it worked, he knew how to take pictures but what he really wanted was to film Buffy. Flicking the dial around so the arrow pointed at the little film strip icon Spike smiled when a little red dot appeared on the screen along with little zeros set out in a typical hour-minute-second formation. Raising his brows he walked to the bedroom door with the camera poised for action.

Buffy wondered what was keeping him, he'd been sitting in the living room for at least fifteen minutes by now. She knew it took him about ten seconds to drink blood and it wasn't like the TV was in that room, it was still sitting in the bedroom. Brushing her teeth she kept pondering it until she noticed the reflection of her camera in the mirror.

"Hello Spike." Buffy shook her head, amazed at how he could creep up on her sometimes without triggering her Slayer senses.

"Love." He grinned as she turned to face him, toothbrush jutting out of her mouth. "You look a right treat."

"Stop taking pictures of me." She pulled the toothbrush out of her mouth and pouted at him, Spike lowered the camera and caught her lips in a kiss.

When he pulled back she was smiling again, he watched her rinse the toothbrush out then walk past him into the bedroom. Slipping his bathrobe off he hung it on the back of the door then followed her. Spike found her changing into a little satin night dress, he growled softly and raised the camera again.

"Spike." Buffy groused at him again. "Don't take pictures of me."

"Not pictures, making Buffy the movie." He grinned and she slapped his arm as she passed him.

Filming her slipping under the covers he couldn't stop himself grinning madly, it was fun filming Buffy, he hoped she'd keep it as a reminder of LA.

"Buffy…"

"Hmm Spike?" She picked up the remote and turned the TV on.

"You're beautiful." Spike smiled at her, she really was the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen, and he'd seen a lot in his time.

Buffy blushed up at him and hid slightly under the covers, he always knew how to heat her up inside until all her restraint melted away. Getting her confidence back she sat up a little and smiled up at the camera.

"You're pretty cute yourself."

"Not cute." Spike growled at her and shook the camera side to side like it was saying 'no'.

"Not cute? Okay… how about… devilishly sexy?" As he grinned she suddenly felt like her insides were hotter than the sun, she realised she liked making Spike grin, making him happy somehow made her happy too.

Growling softly Spike knelt on the bed and put the camera down, crawling up the bed towards her Buffy started giggling shyly, it was the sexiest bed crawl she'd ever seen. All he was doing was crawling towards her, resting on clenched fists but there was something manly about it, something dominant and definitely appealing to her feminine side.

"Mmmm sexy." Buffy smiled and caught him around the neck as he reached her, pulling him in for a kiss.

"Don't you forget it." Crushing her lips under his he kissed her fiercely, matching the dominance of the bed crawl she'd found so irresistible.

Buffy wrapped her arms loosely around his neck and moaned slightly when he pinned her shoulders to the bed then started to slide his hands roughly over her breasts and down to her stomach. At this point she froze and pushed him backwards, her eyes narrowing on the camera.

"Is that thing still on?"

"Maybe." He grinned at her and she wriggled across the bed and swiped the camera, turning it around she frowned up at him and pressed the stop button.

As he smiled sheepishly at her Buffy shook her head in disapproval, there were some things she never wanted filming, her and Spike getting it on was one of them.

Standing up she put the camera down on the bedside table, turning around to face Spike she could've laughed at the disappointed look on his face, maybe one day he could film her that way, years from now, when there wasn't any danger of Dawn or her friends seeing it. Buffy paused over the fact that she was already planning on being with Spike for a long time to come. Taking a deep breath she realised that she reeked of chlorine.

"I'm going to shower…" Buffy felt hot inside when Spike arched a brow at her statement, some part of her hoped that he was thinking what she was thinking, that they could both use a nice long hot relaxing shower.

Heading into the bathroom, she paused in the doorway and slid her arms out of her nightdress, letting its satin flow over her curves as it slipped down her and pooled around her feet. When she heard a soft growl coming from Spike she allowed herself a little triumphant smile, then leant in and switched the shower on. Stepping in, she slid the glass door shut and watched it steam up.

Sitting on the bed, he leant across and retrieved the camera then moved silently towards the bathroom door that Buffy had left open. Raising the camera in his hand, he filmed the silhouette of Buffy as she showered, his mouth parted slightly as he watched her, through the glass he could see her outline, her slow sensual movements as she soaped herself up then rinsed herself off, tilting her head back and letting the water bounce of her chest.

Growling, he stopped the camera then threw it onto the bed. Stripping down, he took two steps towards the shower door and froze with his hand barely touching the handle.

"Come in Spike." Buffy could feel him a mile off, knew he'd been filming her and decided that she didn't mind him filming her through the misted glass--he couldn't have been able to see much.

As the door slid open quickly Buffy was a little taken aback by Spike, she'd never seen him looking that hungry before--not for blood and definitely not for her.

Licking his teeth, he clenched his jaw and stepped under the water in front of her. Buffy sighed out as he pressed her hard against the back wall of the shower. He inhaled deeply then ran his tongue over his lips to moisten them, Buffys breath caught in her throat at how predatory he looked--she felt like he was going to eat her up.

Leaning his head back slightly he tilted it as he clenched his jaw again, narrowing his eyes down at her, she jumped slightly as she felt his hand press roughly against her stomach then start travelling downwards.

She'd never seen him like this, when they'd fooled around together this week he'd always been in fun mode or sweet mode, now he looked like he was in his nasty boy mode and god did it make her hot. She liked it when he was gentle with her but tonight she was craving roughness and somehow he'd picked up on it. Buffy giggled to herself, out of all the nights to want to play rough it was after he'd given her a perfect engagement ring. She reasoned that tonight of all nights she should want it gentle, tender and not rough and passionate.

Spike silenced her giggling by slipping his hand over her pussy and inserting two fingers into her opening, she grasped at the tiles behind her and bit into her lip hard. Eyes falling shut, Buffy let her lips part softly as she tilted her head backwards, fingers still clawing at the slippery tiles.

Pulling his fingers out he moved them up to her nub and circled softly at first. As his cold fingers gained tempo she licked her lips, inhaling sharply through her teeth. He inched closer to her so she was confined against the wall. Buffy felt flushed all over, her hot skin itching under his cold fingers. Bucking her hips against his hand, she begged for more.

Spike sucked his cheeks into a grin and then opened his mouth slightly, pressing his tongue against the roof of it as he watched her--his little girl getting all hot and flustered for him. As Buffy bucked her hips again her knees gave way slightly, weakening under the feeling of his fingers teasing her towards what she knew was going to be one big divine climax.

When she slumped slightly, Spike grabbed her firmly by the waist and pinned her hard against the tiles.

"Spike…" Buffy breathed out involuntarily from the impact of being forced so hard against the wall.

"S'okay baby, I've got you." Spike purred into her ear and she rolled her eyes closed again--the cool wet skin of his body pressed against her side felt like heaven.

As he tightened his grip on her waist Buffy suddenly became aware of how good it felt when he held her that tight, his fingers pressing hard into her soft flesh. Heartbeat accelerating she matched it with her breathing, she wanted him to hold her firmer, wanted his fingers wrapped tighter against her skin, wanted to feel just how strong he really was.

"Tighter…" She opened her eyes and looked up at him, he was frowning at her as though he wasn't quite sure what he meant. She ground out an answer from between clenched teeth. "Hold me tighter…"

Sucking his cheeks into another wide smile, Spike narrowed his eyes at Buffy; he couldn't get over how this girl kept surprising him.

"Baby likes it rough…" Testing his theory he gripped her side tight enough to feel every bone in rib cage clearly--if she wanted it any harder he'd be breaking them.

"God yes…" Buffy let her head fall backwards again and sighed, frowning she concentrated on his fingers hard against her skin and slipped her hand over his where it rested against her.

Spike realised he'd stopped teasing her when she'd begged him to hold her tighter, her small fingers tapped the back of his hand and he looked down at them. When she dug her nails into him he smiled.

"Rough… little… bitch…" Sliding his fingers back down to her opening again, Spike leant back slightly so he could get them up inside her. Slipping two fingers in he grinned as she moaned.

Teasing her nub with his thumb, he mercilessly pounded her with his fingers, she bucked her hips slightly and when she tightened her muscles against him, Spike was in awe.

He almost lost concentration; she was so tight, hot and tight, wet and hot and tight, for him. Biting his lip he focused on her face, she was panting hard, her free hand now raised above her seeking purchase--something to grab hold of.

Grasping her wrist tightly, he bought it down and wrapped her hand around his cock. Buffy opened her eyes and grinned at him, her wet fingers teasing its tip. Rolling his eyes shut, he clenched his jaw and pressed his free hand against the wall beside her head.

Pulling his fingers back out of her, he softly circled her arousal faster and faster, driven on by her--the quicker he moved the more she rubbed him. Shifting slightly, Buffy wrapped her fingers tightly around his length and as the feeling in the pit of her stomach grew, she rewarded him by swift strokes.

Screwing his eyes shut tight, he leant forwards and opened his mouth, fingers grasping at the tiles. Her small hot little hand was working wonders on him and he wasn't going to last much longer, growling he concentrated all his efforts on her.

Pushing his fingers back up inside her he rubbed her clit with his thumb as he slid his fingers in and out, wishing it was him in there, surrounded by her. Buffy opened her eyes as she gripped him tighter, meeting his eyes she smiled at him, he was frowning with concentration but as she smiled, he smiled too. She couldn't resist him as his look softened, causing her to heat up further.

Letting go of his hand, she wrapped hers around the back of his head and pulled him in for a kiss. Spike ran his fingers over her hair, licking her bottom lip he sucked it into his mouth. Trailing kisses along her jaw, Spike worked his way down to her throat where he paused for a moment.

"Spike…" Buffy tilted her head to one side, any second now she was about to go tumbling over the edge, he was close too, she knew it.

Pounding him faster and harder, she grinned as he kissed and sucked her neck.

"Buffy… god Buffy… B… ffy!" Screwing his eyes shut hard as he came Spike was taken aback when Buffys hand pulled his head hard against her neck, tugging at him.

"Spike…" Buffy moaned softly, she wanted it, wanted to feel it, needed it. "Bite… me…"

"Kinky… little… bitch…" Spike grinned and slid into game face, nipping at her slightly then returning to human form as he wrapped his mouth around the graze on her neck.

As he sucked on her neck harder and harder he felt Buffys knees wobble slightly, wrapping his arm around her waist hard he moved his fingers faster inside her.

Opening her mouth Buffy panted fast, she was in heaven, it must be heaven to feel that good. Taking a deep breath she could feel it, one more push and she'd be there, tensing her muscles up she felt Spike suck her neck harder and as his fingers slid back inside her she came, knees buckling under the wave of pleasure she collapsed to the floor taking Spike down with her.

"Spike…" Buffy moaned softly, expecting him to stop, but he didn't.

Slipping his fingers into her again he continued teasing her and sucking on her neck, nipping at it again and before she had time to even register what he was up to she practically screamed the house down as she was hit by a second more potent orgasm. Buffy felt like someone had just injected pure heaven into her bloodstream and she was floating away on it.

When her head cleared she realised she was panting hard into Spikes hand, now clasped around her mouth, and he was chuckling at her.

"Turns out daddy's little girl is a screamer after all." He grinned as her eyes widened and he let go of her mouth.

Looking down at her thighs, Buffy frowned, they were trembling badly and were definitely currently beyond her control, she didn't mind being stuck in the shower all night so long as the warm sedated feeling that was occupying every inch of her didn't go away.

"You alright?" Spike tilted his head then followed her gaze down to her thighs, he smiled at the sight of them trembling. "Need a hand getting up?"

"I don't think they work anymore." Buffy kept staring at them, her voice quiet.

"What don't pet?" Spike stood up and switched the shower off.

"My legs… I think you broke them somehow." Looking up at him she pouted.

"Silly Buffy, they'll be fine in a few minutes or judging by the supersonic scream maybe a few hours." Bending over he caught her under her arms and hauled her to her feet; she wobbled slightly as he let go of her.

Slipping into his bathrobe, he handed Buffy her one and she slipped it on. Spike scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the bed, when he set her down she looked up at him questioningly.

"Was it really that loud?"

"Lets just say either your folks think I'm trying to kill you or it's not just my charming personality that attracted you to me."

"Oh." Buffy stared blankly at the TV; her legs still hadn't regained feeling.

Spike watched as she curled up on the bed, turning around he walked back into the bathroom and dried himself off. As he hung the bathrobe up behind the door he heard soft snoring coming from the bedroom. Peering around the door he smiled at the sight of Buffy out for the count.

"She doesn't love you, bloody idiot." Spike growled at the TV, it was gone midday and Buffy was still sleeping soundly in the other room.

He was sprawled across the couch, dressed in only his jeans he'd been woken up by Dawn trying to break the door down. She'd stayed for a few minutes to complain about having to go up to the mountains but Spike knew it was more for show than anything else, she'd enjoy herself but still come back tomorrow complaining about it all.

Now he was watching Dawson's Creek, Pacey was pouring his heart out to Joey and it was driving him nuts. Cocking his head to one side, Spike listened for signs of Buffys snoring, when he heard it he relaxed again. Last thing he needed was Buffy catching him watching this, he wouldn't live it down and he certainly didn't want to spend the day having the piss taken out of him.

Standing up, Spike grabbed one of his few remaining bags of blood from the fridge and walked out of the annex into the kitchen. Pouring the blood into a mug, he placed it into the microwave, punched the numbers in and then pressed start. Raising an eyebrow, he stared blankly at the mug going around in circles, wondering to himself about whether Buffy was going to wake up anytime soon.

When it pinged, he drank down the contents swiftly and rinsed the mug out before heading back into the annex. He found Buffy rubbing her hair and yawning as she stared at the TV.

"Was starting to think you were going to sleep the day away." Spike stood next to her and smiled as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Were you watching Dawson's?" Buffy leant her head back and looked up at him.

"Certainly not." Spike frowned and let her go, sitting down on the couch he watched her grab a bottle of water from the fridge and drink it all down. "Dawn dropped by, came to moan about having to go away, she knows that we know she'll have a good time right?"

"Yep." Buffy curled up on Spikes lap.

"So why does she bother complaining?" He shook his head at Buffy and she just tousled his hair and smiled.

"Because she's a teenage hormone bomb, just like you once told me. It's law that she has to complain."

"Bet you whinged good and proper when you were a teen. I remember when I first saw you, you must have been what? 16 or so?"

"And your point is?" She raised her brows expectantly.

"Nothing, just happy memories." Spike sighed and Buffy slapped his arm playfully. "What? You were all wriggling, sweaty and sexy like, looked more like a mating ritual than dancing. Practically oozed power."

When his eyes unfocussed, Buffy frowned then shook her head--even she could see what he was thinking.

"Spike, stop thinking."

"What?" Spikes face was a mask of innocence.

"I know what you were thinking and it's disgusting."

"Nothing disgusting about your hot sweaty little body wriggling firmly against mine, that little cherub face looking up at me all coy like and you just begging for me to corrupt you. Little school girl Slayer, all peppy and sweet just waiting for a big bad to bend her over and…"

"Spike!" Buffy stood up and cuffed him around the head. "Gross!"

Spike chuckled up at her and clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. "Didn't hear any complaints last night pet."

"I'm not peppy teenage Buffy remember?" Buffy licked her lips and slowly straddled his lap, keeping her eyes fixed on his. "I'm wicked naughty little Buffy, already corrupted by big bads."

"My wicked little Buffy." Spike pulled her to him and caught her mouth in his, kissing her deeply.

Buffy smiled inside, she liked hearing those words--she was his Buffy, his little girl, and his baby. The more he said it the more she wanted to hear it and the more she longed for the courage to tell him how she felt.

"My wicked Spike." Buffy watched with fascination as he narrowed his eyes briefly then softened his look; she felt her insides heat up again. "What are we doing today?"

"I'm taking my fiancée out for the evening, bit of fun, some dinner, little kinkiness…" He lifted a brow and Buffy giggled--trust Spike to have everything planned.

Sliding off his lap, Buffy settled down on the couch and leant her back into his side; Spike slipped his arms around her.

"Okay, so we go out, make with the fun and the laughing, eat some food, get a little dirty and then fall asleep when we're both so knackered that we can't stay awake anymore?" Buffy tilted her head backwards to try and look at him.

"Sounds about right." He kissed her neck softly, registering how she was starting to use his words now.

"Fine by me love, but first we have to snuggle here and you can catch me up on everything that's been happening on Dawson's…" Buffy smiled wide.

Spike froze in horror as she finished her sentence, he swore she'd been sleeping; he'd heard her snoring.

"Or are you going to deny that you ever said…" Buffy paused then put on a painfully bad English accent and giggled. "…'She doesn't love you, bloody idiot'."

Spike growled in her ear and tickled her; Buffy erupted in a fit of giggles that soon left her gasping for air.

"Archery. Stupid guns." Buffy groused as Spike beat her for the fifth time at the shooting game. The guy behind the counter was looking nervous as he waited to see if they'd want another toy, nobody had ever beaten his game five times in a row before.

Spike rolled his eyes then arched a brow at her, he'd never realised what a sore loser she was.

"You know your problem, sweetheart?" Spike put the gun down and started walking off, and then paused to light a cigarette for dramatic effect.

"Do tell?" Buffy looked at the mountain of toys and frowned; picking a stuffed bunny up she left the rest on the counter.

"Too bloody used to winning all the time, getting your own way, you're such a…" Spike clenched his jaw and frowned at her, taking a long drag on his cigarette as he waited for her to bite.

Buffy tried to ignore him as she picked at the fluff of the bunnies hair, willing herself to not bite, she knew he was setting her up.

Watching her, Spike thought for a moment that she might actually pull it off, usually by now her curiosity had got the better of her and she was trying to beat the rest of his sentence out of him. She was just staring blankly at her hand as it pulled on the bunnies fur, as she sighed the corners of his mouth twitched into a smile.

"Such a what, Spike?" Buffy raised her eyes to meet his defiantly.

"Spoilt…little…brat." Spike grinned then ducked sharply to avoid the bunny that was flying on a collision course with him.

As he straightened up, he was assailed by Buffy, knocking him off his feet he landed hard on the floor. On opening his eyes, he saw her straddling him and grinning triumphantly.

"Take it back." Frowning, she caught his arms as he tried to swipe at her half-heartedly, she pinned them roughly to the floor by his side.

"Fine…fine…" Spike bucked his hips slightly as he wiggled his brows. Buffy rolled her eyes. "You're the very picture of loveliness, now let me up."

"And?" She pinned his arms harder against the dirt.

He tried to read her look, when he saw what she was up to he sighed. "And we can go play archery, but in my defence pointy wooden things make me nervous, it's unfair."

Buffy stood up and dusted her knees off. Humming a little tune to herself, she retrieved her toy and brushed it down.

"Don't worry, not going to aim at you." Holding her hand out, she hauled him up off the floor. "Besides, I've seen you use a crossbow, you didn't look very nervous."

"Because it's a whole different story when I'm the only person holding one." Spike brushed himself off and grinned at her.

"Excuses excuses, afraid I'm gonna beat you?" Buffy caught hold of his hand and started walking towards the archery game.

"Not at all, just I've seen your aim…" Spike chuckled and shook his head, over the years he'd realised teasing Buffy was fun, and once you got her biting, she didn't stop.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Looking up at him she frowned, he was only doing it to wind her up but she couldn't stop herself, Spike was always her greatest critic and it drove her insane.

"Oh nothing, only I seem to recall being accidentally shot a few times when we've been patrolling."

"Who said it was an accident?" Buffy let go of his hand and walked in front of him, smiling triumphantly to herself as she heard him huff.

"Oh well, that's a nice thing to tell your fiancé." Spike groused as he followed her, and then smiled at the sight of her pert ass wiggling side to side in her leather trousers.

"Best of five?" Buffy turned to face him on reaching the stand, looking up at him she couldn't understand why he was grinning then it dawned on her, while she'd been walking in front of him he'd been slicking his hair back. "Meh!"

Spike looked sheepish as she walked towards him, he loved how she fussed over him, all he had to do make his hair all neat and she was all over him.

Tip toeing in front of him, Buffy ran her fingers up the sides of Spike's head and tousled his hair, loosening it up until it looked wild again. Satisfied with the result, she realised Spike was staring at her with his eyes narrowed softly. Slipping her fingers through his hair and around the back of his head, Buffy brought him down for a kiss.

As Spike deepened the kiss, Buffy licked his teeth then wriggled her tongue in his mouth mischievously. She sighed out slightly as his arms snaked around her and pulled her up flush against him. His tongue now probing her mouth, Buffy leant back slightly and surrendered to him, letting him kiss her as hard as he wanted, she liked the feeling of his cold lips smashing against hers--it was urgent and possessive and tasted like cigarettes but it made her hot inside. Grasping his shoulders tightly, everything dropped away until it was just her and Spike, kissing each other desperately and fiercely. As she pulled back slightly for air, she came crashing back to reality as the guy behind the counter coughed at them.

Buffy and Spike froze as they were, Spike bending Buffy over backwards slightly with his arms wrapped tight around her waist and Buffy with her fingers digging into his shoulders. Turning their heads to face the guy, Spike frowned like he was going to tear him into little pieces and Buffy smiled awkwardly.

"Are you playing or not?" The guy folded his arms like he was losing patience.

"Um, sure…sorry." Peeling Spike off her, Buffy straightened her clothing out.

Spike couldn't help chuckling at how flustered she was; she'd turned so red with embarrassment that she practically glowed. Picking up the crossbow, Spike handed the man enough money to cover their games and loaded up the first dart.

Buffy was struggling with her crossbow, she'd loaded these things a million times and now she couldn't do it. Taking a deep breath she tried to let go and relax. Stupid Spike lips, stupid archery guy, stupid crossbows.

As Spike leant over to help her she snatched the crossbow away from him, then turning her back on him, she took another deep breath and the dart clicked into place. Smiling triumphantly she held her head up high and took aim.

"Come on then hero." Buffy gave him a sideward glance and arched a brow.

Spike arched a brow at Buffy and tilted his head, they were tying, 2 games each and both of them had an equal amount of darts sitting neatly in the bull's eyes of their targets.

Pausing for a moment, Spike looked at his last dart and considered the options, female politics were about to come into play and he had a choice to make. Either he hit the bull's eye which would give Buffy the option of losing or tying, neither of which she would like and both of which would lead to her sulking or he could misfire and she would either win or tie with him. The thought of Buffy sulking on their last night in LA together wasn't appealing, swallowing his pride he aimed, fired and hit the outer ring of the target beautifully.

Looking over at Buffy he shrugged and she gave him a wide smile then took aim with her last dart.

She knew he'd intentionally missed the centre of the target but it didn't stop her from vastly enjoying what she was about to do. Taking her time, Buffy adjust her aim, narrowed her eyes and loosed the dart, watching it zoom gracefully straight at the bull's eye and hit home with a soft thud.

As the arrow hit the red circle Buffy put the crossbow down and jumped about with her arms waving in the air. Spike cracked a wide smile--losing occasionally was worth it when it made her so happy. Bouncing up to Spike, Buffy squealed and grinned, it felt good winning, even if he had let her.

"Come on Diana, let's eat." Spike caught hold of her and slipping his arm around her shoulders they headed off towards the restaurants that lined the promenade.


Twenty minutes later and Buffy had dismissed nearly every restaurant. As she groused at the menu stand in front of the penultimate restaurant, Spike looked at the last one, raising his brows he smiled.

"Buffy?" Spike stood behind her and slipped his arms around her waist, letting his chin rest on her shoulder.

"Yeah?" Buffy leant into him; she liked the feeling of being all wrapped up in him.

"How about Chinese food, takeout, sitting on the beach, watching the ocean?" Waiting for a reaction he listened to her heartbeat accelerating slightly.

"Sounds nice." Buffy smiled broadly as she turned her head and kissed his cheek softly.


Settled on the beach, Spike had hollowed out some sand and made a small fire, Buffy sat curled up next to him and unwrapped her fortune cookie.

"So, what do the fates have in store for Buffy?" Spike arched a brow at her and fished the other fortune cookie out of the bag.

"Apparently I will find love in a strange place." Buffy smiled at it. Or person. "How about you?"

"I'm destined to have good fortune, sounds about right to me." Spike leant over and kissed Buffy before going back to playing with his chopsticks.

Buffy stole one off him and played in the sand with it, Spike frowned and she poked her tongue out at him.

"Hey, wasn't done with those."

"Well, you are now." Buffy grinned at him again then returned to drawing in the sand, it was nice just sitting about with him, eating Chinese food and being silly.

Giving up, Spike used his little wooden stick to draw in the sand, Buffy's eyes widened when she read what he wrote, confirming that he really did already know how she felt.

Written in the sand was 'Buffy loves Spike'. Buffy took her chopstick and wrote 'loves Buffy' after it so it read 'Buffy loves Spike love Buffy'. Spike frowned down at it then up at her.

"Palindrome, well, the Buffy version." Buffy smiled crookedly and Spike's mouth formed an 'o'.

He stared at it on the sand, unsure of whether she'd intended to write 'Spike loves Buffy' or 'Buffy loves Spike' only backwards, either way he knew she loved him because if she didn't she would have scrubbed out what he'd written. Chuckling softly he lay down on his back and looked up at the stars barely visible up above, he wasn't going to push her into saying it, pushing Buffy was always a bad idea.

"Do you like the ocean?" Buffy turned her head and looked down at him, he was staring dreamily up at the faint stars overhead with arms outstretched by his sides.

"Never saw it as a human. First time I saw the ocean in daylight was your video."

"Really? That's kinda sad." Buffy frowned as he sat up again and stared off into the distance.

"Pfft, looks better at night, all dark and foreboding, mysterious like."

"Just like you." Buffy pinched his cheek and giggled, the one time she'd seen him in daylight had been weird and as far as she remembered it, incredibly painful.

Spike smiled at her then continued staring at the ocean. Sidling up close to him, Buffy slipped her hand into his and leant her head against his shoulder. Sighing heavily, she caught his attention.

"What's up, baby?" Spike tilted his head and searched her eyes as she looked up at him.

"No one's ever going to give me a job." Buffy mumbled, it was stupid to be thinking about this right now but it was playing on her mind.

"Hey, don't be like that pet, you'll find something." Spike squeezed her shoulder and smiled down at her, she'd kill him for even suggesting it but it was worth a try. "Listen, it would be weird but you would be able to dash off at a moments notice, I know retail isn't your thing but…"

"What Spike?" Buffy's voice gained a note of suspicion, if he was going to say what she knew he was going to say then she'd do it, because if Spike was thinking along the same lines as her then it couldn't be that crazy an idea.

"Magic box?" Spike cringed on instinct but she just smiled at him. "Thinking the same thing?"

Buffy nodded, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea, Giles would be there and she could avoid customers as much as possible. It seemed like her only real option for employment. Plus, there was the bonus of Spike and his occasional trips to its basement to steal supplies; maybe she could make him pay her somehow. Buffy grinned at the thought and then realised Spike was arching a brow at her.

"Just thinking." Buffy tried to look innocent.

"Don't tell me, nasty little thoughts." Pulling her close to him, Spike kissed her, savouring how warm her mouth was compared to his, she tasted like fortune cookies and vanilla--all sweetness.

As he let go of her, Buffy wrapped her arms tightly around herself and looked at her watch, it was gone eleven pm and the night was starting to turn chilly.

Standing up, Spike picked his duster up and held it up, waiting for her to slip into it. "Come on pet, let's go home."

Buffy stood up and smiled at him, she couldn't believe he was actually offering her his coat, his precious coat. He'd made her sit on the sand because he didn't want it to get damaged and now he was actually going to let her wear it. Feeling bizarrely honoured, Buffy slipped her arms into it and sighed as Spike wrapped it tightly around her.

"Snug as a bug." Spike smiled softly and then looked seriously at her. "Don't let it drag on the floor."

"No sir."

Walking up the beach along side him, Buffy sighed again, she felt like she was wrapped up in Spike, the comforting scent of leather, cigarettes and his aftershave surrounding her. Smiling to herself she looked up at him as he walked, his fingers slipping into hers and a small smile twitching on his lips as she squeezed his hand gently. Buffy kept her eyes fixed on his profile; he was intently scouring the path ahead of them for signs of trouble. In that moment she felt like so long as he was near her, holding her, that she would be fine, no matter what happened everything would always be perfect.

As she watched him, his focus entirely with his surroundings so she would be safe, Buffy felt warm inside and mouthed at him silently. "I love you."

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