Summary - A sweet, fluffy story just on time for Christmas! The gang, including a semi-reluctant Xander try to get Buffy and Spike together by using the wiles of alcohol (and karaoke.) Set season 6, at Christmas time by the way, Spike loves Buffy and she knows, she's trying to decide if she loves him too. They have not slept together at this point!

Disclaimer - I don't own any of it, although I want Spike for Christmas.



Chapter 1 - The Plan

Xander looked around the table in the Magic Box, shaking his head in disbelief that he had been dragged here by Anya to help her, Willow, Tara and Dawn with this weird idea they had about Buffy. It wasn't that Xander hated Spike, because he didn't really, he just liked to annoy him and to be honest he kinda liked the guy since he'd started helping them out and all, not that he'd ever admit that! It was just that he was sure that Buffy wasn't gonna go for this idea of her and Spike together, I mean she always going on about how much she hated him, and how he was an evil, soulless vampire, blah blah blah. He decided to put this to the group.

"They both need it Xander, they're both miserable on their own, and it's Christmas! Besides, ever heard of the expression, "the lady doth protest too much", Willow raised her eyebrows at him.

"Um, no? Is that from Hamlet, or Macbeth? I never read them, just used the Cliff's notes." He was starting to get confused, what did English lit have to do with this?

Willow rolled her eyes. Tara rescued him. "She means that Buffy makes too much of Him, and we know better."

"Oh. Sorry wills, heard the Shakespearey word and kinda panicked I guess" Xander smiled sheepishly.

"Anyway, let's go over the plan" Anya was desperate to get down to business. "The sooner we get them together, the sooner Spike can start giving Buffy lots of orgasms, cause I think she needs them to be honest. Plus if we give them each other we don't have to buy them a present, but they still get us one". Anya loved Christmas; it was top of her present receiving holidays list.

"So what's the plan Dawnie?"

Dawn realised she was being spoken to and removed her hands from her ears, having placed them there as soon as Anya began to speak, not feeling the need for any unpleasant visuals at the time.

"Huh?"

"The plan?"

"Oh right, well first you guys get Buffy to go to the Bronze at eight tomorrow night, I'll make sure Spike is going and then..."

*****

The next night at eight o'clock Dawn arrived at the Bronze with Spike, having bullied him into taking her out, using the 'I haven't seen you for ages' speech, along with the patented Summers puppy-dog eyes. She spotted the rest of the gang and grinning turned to Spike.

"Oh look, everyone else is here!"

"What's going on Nib?" Spike raised his scarred eyebrow at her.

"Nothing, I didn't know they were coming, honest. But lets go and sit with the Buffy and the others anyway." She grabbed his hand and pulled him over to their table, not believing for a second that Spike was taken in by the innocence act. Oh well, he'd thank her later, she was sure. "Hi guys!"

"Dawnie, Spike." The gang greeted them, except for Buffy who was looking suspiciously at the large grin on her sister’s face. Spike suddenly was sitting in the empty seat beside her, having been shoved there by Dawn. She smiled tentatively at him.

"Hi Spike." He smiled back at her, glad he wasn't getting a punch in the nose for his presence.

"Evenin' love. Havin' fun?" She nodded, and smiled again, glad to see him, and making the decision not to be a total bitch like usual tonight. She was going to be nice to him and see what happened. She was about to start a conversation with him when two things happened, first Xander appeared at the table with a round of cocktails (and a coke for Dawn), and a green demony guy stepped up to the microphone on the stage, that Buffy hadn't noticed until now. The green-guy began to speak.

"Good evening sweetcakes, my name's Lorne, and tonight we're having a special, one-off night of karaoke, so just let me know if you want to sing and we'll get you sorted. The fun will be starting just shortly cherubs so make up your minds!"

For some reason, Buffy felt a sudden surge of dread wash over her. She glanced at Spike, and the dread was mingled with something that felt a bit like…excitement?

 

Chapter 2 - and the fun begins.



Buffy decided for the moment to ignore the possible torture that could come from the karaoke set up on the stage, and focused on what was happening at the table. She suddenly realised that there was a cocktail sitting in front of her, and looked at it in all its umbrella-filled glory with curiosity.

"Xander what the hell is this? Is it alcoholic? You know what happens when you mix alcohol and Buffy, and mixy drinks and Buffy? It has to be much much worse!" She was worried about embarrassing herself, but then she suddenly remembered something, and looking at Spike she knew he did too. He leaned over and whispered to her.

"It's alright love, I've seen worse drunks than you. Drink up and we'll move onto the shots soon, your drink face is kinda cute." He winked at her and Buffy was annoyed to find herself blushing. She was going to make a snide remark but she remembered her 'nice Buffy' resolution and just smiled back at him. To say he was surprised would be an understatement but he just went with it and picked up his own drinks, tipping it to Xander in a silent, but confused thanks, ripped out the umbrellas and took a gulp. He watched Buffy out of the corner of his eye, pleased to see her take her own drink and sip it.

"Oh, there's Janice, I'm off. I'm staying at hers tonight Buffy ok? So I'll see you tomorrow. Bye!" Dawn had got up, said all this and left without waiting for a reply. Buffy didn't try to stop her, she just shrugged and took a bigger mouthful of her delicious drink.

The gang sat and conversed happily, enjoying there drinks and actually laughing together. Spike offered to get the next round of drinks and Xander followed him to the bar.

"Spike, do you want a hand?" It was time for Xander to take care of his part of the plan. Spike turned round in surprise.

"Um, sure. Has someone put a spell on you or something? You do realise you just spoke to me without insulting me?"

Xander laughed. "Yeah. Look Spike, I just wanted to say that I, I'm sorry I changed back to the old attitude to you when Buffy came back, it wasn't deserved, and I'm sorry. And about Buffy-"

"Look, I know I don't deserve to be with her, and I don't have a soul and - "

"No, look I was just going to say if you think you can make her happy, go for it. I'll not get in the way."

Spike gaped at him. "Well, uh, thanks, Whe- um, Xander."

"Now, how about some shots this time round?"

*****

"What's going on guys?" Buffy questioned her friends as soon as the guys left.

"Um, what do you mean?" Willow tried to look innocent.

"You guys are acting weird, and you didn't seem surprised to see Spike and Dawn, and why the hell hasn't Xander been riling him all night?"

"I don't know what you mean Buffy." Tara lied as best as she could.

Buffy looked at Tara, and Willow's folded arms and Anya's grin, and realised she wasn't going to get any answers out of any of them, but she knew they were up to something, and she had a funny feeling it had something to do with her and Spike. Oh well, she was feeling quite relaxed and she had been getting warm fuzzy feelings about Spike for a few weeks, and hard as she tried they were getting difficult to ignore!

"Hey! Wait a minute!" Buffy shot up in her seat. "Why the hell hasn't anyone noticed that there's a green demon guy on that stage!?"

Willow and Tara looked at each other and suddenly began an in-depth conversation. Anya's grin widened, and then she thought she'd better cover things a bit. "So I plan on having a few orgasms tonight. What about you girls?"

*****

The guys arrived back at the table the same time that the karaoke host walked back up to the microphone.

"Well folks, it looks like everyone's a bit shy so I guess I'll have to start the proceedings. So here goes, my name's Lorne and I've come down from LA specially for tonight, so let's get cracking people. I think we'll start with a bit of romance."

Buffy's eyes widened as she recognised the beginning notes of the song, then they widened even further when a shot of tequila was placed in front of her.

"Tale as old as time, True as it can be, Barely even friends, Then somebody bends, unexpectedly."

She took a deep breath and drank her shot, following everyone's lead. She turned to listen to Lorne, and suddenly four bodies brushed past her and she realised that Anya, Xander, Tara and Willow and followed other couples onto the dance floor. She slowly turned back to look at Spike who was giving her his oh-so-sexy smile. He held out his hand, and she decided why the hell not and took it, letting him lead her to the floor. "Just a little change, Small to say the least, Both a little scared, Neither one prepared, Beauty and the Beast."

She fit perfectly into his arms, unaware that her four friends on the dance floor were watching them, grinning, and tried to concentrate on the song and not the butterflies that were fluttering around in her stomach, and the hard chest she was pulled tight against.

 

Chapter 3 - the ritual of humiliation has begun.



Willow and Tara talked excitedly as they danced, watching how closely Spike and Buffy were dancing, a closeness that was kept by both of them as they held each other and swayed to the music.

"Oh goddess Tara, I think it might work!"

"I hope so sweetie, they're so, well, cute together!"

Willow laughed at her girlfriend's description of them, but as she watched she couldn't help but agree.

"They're both gorgeous anyway, but together they look even better. Oh my gosh! Tara, I just said Spike is gorgeous!"

Tara laughed at the shocked impression on her lover's face. "Well he is! Whether he's undead or alive, he's still a gorgeous specimen, for a guy at least." Tara smiled shyly at Willow, who responded by kissing her before leading her back to their table.

*****

Xander was getting exasperated with Anya, fed up explaining the next part of the plan to her.

"Look An, we need to get more drinks, to relax them, but mostly for us. If we're all gonna be up there singing at some point, then we're gonna need some dutch courage!"

"But didn't you already buy some drinks? And if it's for Buffy and Spike shouldn't they buy them?" Anya pouted, not understanding the need for more money to come from them.

"Look Anya, it's just a guy thing ok? I need to take my ladies out." He shut up, realising he'd said the wrong thing by the rapid change of colour in Anya's face.

"Xander Harris I am your only 'lady' and don't you forget it! Or you won't be getting any orgasms for, for, a week!"

Xander grinned inwardly, knowing a week was the longest she would go before jumping him. "I'm sorry honey, but can you just let the drinks thing go? Buffy has no money, and Tara and Willow already paid Lorne to come down here so it'll be cheaper for us anyway ok? Plus Spike will pay for some anyway. And yes, I know you're my only 'lady'"

"Ok, but one more thing. How does this karaoke thing work? And I am not going first!"

"C'mon Anya, Willow and Tara are heading back to the table so we need to go back to put the next phase into action. Quick, before Buffy and Spike notice!"

*****

At that point Buffy and Spike wouldn't have noticed if there had been a sudden apocalypse. Both were too busy concentrating on each other, whilst trying not to, to notice anything. Spike was taking the opportunity to breath in her scent, is face buried in her hair as her head rested on his chest. He tightened his arms around her, loving the feel of her so close to his body, and the fact that she was there voluntarily. He had never felt so content in his entire existence.

Buffy smiled as she felt his arms tighten around her. She felt safe and comfortable, despite the squirming butterflies in her stomach, and loved the feel of his hard chest against her cheek. She tightened her arms around his waist in response. She realised that she had to speak to him, to tell him that her feelings were changing, that she was starting to.hell, if she couldn't admit anything to herself how was she gonna tell him anything? She knew she had to though, he deserved that from her.

"Buffy, love?"

She raised her head and looked into his smiling blue eyes, suddenly feeling the urge to tell him what was on her mind as soon as possible.

"The song's done love."

"What? Oh." She pulled away from him, smiling shyly at him. "I guess we better get back to the table then huh?"

"Sure pet."

Spike followed her back towards the table, cursing that songs had an ending, that this was a bloody karaoke so there was a noticeable pause between songs, that anything had taken Buffy from his arms. They reached the table and Spike noticed two things at once; there was another array of cocktails on the table, and Red was missing. Grabbing a cocktail and sitting next to Buffy, flashing her a sexy grin, the mystery of Willow's whereabouts was cleared up just as he was about to ask where she was.

"Um hello? My, my name's Willow." Buffy and Spike gaped at the red-headed witch as she stood in front of the microphone on the Bronze's stage. Neither had heard Lorne introduce her. "I apologise in advance but I'm gonna sing for you now. I've chosen a song which I love, and well I guess it has significance for a lot of people," Willow looked straight at Buffy, who just gaped back at her, "So here goes"

The music started to fill the club, and a few people cheered in encouragement as Willow nervously waited to start, cursing the luck that had made her choose the short straw and end up first up here. She took a deep breath, thankful she'd had time to drink her second cocktail before she'd made for the stage, and began to sing.

*"Wishing, and hoping, and thinking, an' praying planning, and dreaming, each night of his charms, that won't get you into his arms. So if you're looking to find love, that You can share, all you gotta do is hold him and kiss him, and love him, show him that you care."*

Willow stared at Buffy, who stared right back, smiling when the look in her best friend's eyes told the red-head that her message was loud and clear.

*"Show him that you care, just for him, do the things that he likes to do, wear your hair just for him, 'cause you won't get him, thinking and praying, wishing and hoping, just wishing and hoping, and thinking and praying, planning and dreaming, his kisses will start that won't get you into his heart. So if you're thinking of how great, true love is, all you gotta do is hold him, and kiss him and squeeze him and love him, just do it and after you do, you will be his."*

Buffy glanced away from Willow's penetrating gaze to glance at Spike, hoping he wasn't noticing the message being sent to her. He wasn't, he was too busy staring at Willow in awe, surprised by the sweet quality of her voice.

*"Show him that you care, just for him, do the things that he likes to do, wear your hair just for him, 'cause you won't get him, thinking and praying, wishing and hoping, just wishing and hoping, and thinking and praying, planning and dreaming, his kisses will start that won't get you into his heart. So if you're thinking of how great, true love is, all you gotta do is hold him, and kiss him and squeeze him and love him, just do it and after you do, you will be his, you will be his, you will, be, his."*

Willow finished to rapturous applause and she grinned and bowed before handing the microphone back to an enthusiastic Lorne.

"Well done muffin! Let's hear it again for Willow"

Willow waved to the audience one more time before running back to the table where her friends were applauding madly, especially Xander and Spike who were on there feet whistling. She flopped down into her chair, ignoring Buffy's half-hearted glare, and took a drink of Tara's cocktail.

"So, who's next?"

 

 

Chapter 4 - I guess I'm next then!

Buffy quickly stared at the floor, refusing to catch anyone's eye in case they made her go next, seen as it suddenly seemed to be the case that all of them were going to be taking a turn on that damn karaoke! As Spike had went to the bar for more drinks, as soon as Willow had indicated that someone else had to go next, Willow, Tara and Anya took the opportunity to volunteer Xander as the next victim, by glaring at him till he hung his head in defeat, rolling his eyes in misery, and fear.

"Here we go girls, and Xan-, well girls." Spike grinned at Xander, letting him know that he was just teasing, there was no malice intended, but he couldn't just let him off totally could he? He put the tray on the table and sat back down next to Buffy.

"What the hell is this Spike?" Buffy looked at the contents of the tray in a panic.

"Relax ducks, it was easier this way, that's all." Spike dished out the shot glasses around the table and picked up the bottle, beginning to pour everyone a drink. "It's just tequila love, and you've already had some tonight, just didn't think it was a good idea for you to keep mixing your drinks, that's all." He leaned closer to Buffy to tell her this last part in some confidence and she was glad he was taking steps to make sure she didn't embarrass herself irrevocably (ooh, a big word! I'll have to tell Giles his phone calls are rubbing off on me!). She smiled gratefully at him, but suddenly her fear was slammed into her again.

"We need some more singers up here, guys and dolls. But first we have the lovely Sally, who's gonna give us a bit of the delicious Gloria Gaynor. A big hand please.."

The gang took the opportunity of Sally's awful rendition of 'I will Survive' to take a couple of shots, or three in Xander's case, and all of them, bar Willow who felt very relaxed, were trying desperately to think of something to sing if they couldn't wiggle their way out of it. At last Sally finished and she grinned her way off the stage, despite the partially smothered giggles that were being directed at her, and the VERY half- hearted applause that was being offered by the crowd who were nursing their ears.

"Well guys, I guess I'll go next." Xander left the table, trying to look as if he was volunteering for the torture, and hadn't just been forced into it by the deathglares of three women who were very, very good at getting threatening people with just a look.

"Ok honey," Anya piped in cheerfully, "But try to be better than that last girl, she should really, never ever sing. In fact I'd better tell her that."

Xander just rolled his eyes and left the rest of them to explain why she couldn't go and make some poor, albeit talentless, girl cry. Anyway, he was off to face his fear and make a jackass out of himself in front of the huge crowd that he just noticed the size of for the first time. He really didn't need the extra headache. Approaching Lorne he gave the grinning demon his request and headed to the microphone.

"Hi everyone, my name is Xander, and oh boy, do I just love this hell!" the crowd, including his friends, laughed. "But here goes I suppose, and please be generous with your applause!" The music started to sing in a deep, surprisingly melodious, voice.

*"Listen boy, I don't wanna see ya let a good thing slip away, you know I don't like watching anybody make the same mistakes I've made, she's a real nice girl and she's always there for you, but a nice girl wouldn't tell you what you should do."*

He gang all stared at Xander, grinning as he got into the beat of his song, tapping his feet and moving his hips a little. He was staring at Spike who was getting the message loud and clear, although at the same time he was wondering why he'd never known the whelp was a fan of Billy Joel, and he'd only found out now when Xander had started to be nice to him! Oh well, he could keep it stored away for the next time the boy pissed him off, which usually wasn't too long in coming!

*"Oh listen boy, I'm sure that you think you got it all under control, you don't want somebody telling you the way to stay in someone's soul, you're a big boy now and you'll never let her go, but that's just the kind of thing she ought to know.

Tell her about it, tell her everything you feel, Give her every reason to accept that you're for real, Tell her about it, tell her all your crazy dreams, Let her know you need her, let her know how much she means."*

The gang joined in with the crowd as they began to clap along with Xander's song. He wasn't the best of singers but he was in tune, and he was getting into his performance. In fact, they had to try not to cringe with embarrassment for him when he started doing some odd Ricky Martin impressions with his hips, but oh well, at least he was enjoying himself!

*"Tell her about it, tell her how you feel right now, just tell her about it, the girl don't want to wait too long, tell her about it, tell her now and you won't go wrong, just tell her about it, before it gets too late you've got to, tell her about it!"*

Xander finished his last verse to thunderous applause and wolf whistles from a giggling, but appreciative crowd, and he gave a goofy grin and made his way triumphantly back to his seat. He was a little surprised to get a congratulatory, and very strong, thump on the back from the bleached vamp.

"Good one mate, didn't think you had the balls!"

"Um, thanks." Xander sank into his seat and poured more drinks. "Well I'm done, do I get to choose who goes next?" He grinned mischievously at his fiancée, who downed her tequila shot and tried to sink into her, much to the amusement of the others who were staring at her expectantly, all with large smirks on their faces. She sighed, stuck out her tongue, and headed for the stage, with no idea what the hell she was going to sing. And she'd be damned if Xander was getting any orgasms tonight!

 

Chapter 5 - Anyanka's vengeance, or Anya's triumph?

After conferring briefly with Lorne, Anya stepped up to the microphone and began to instruct her audience in the ways of, well, being an audience.

" I chose this song because I was told to, and because apparently it has some meaning, so you have to listen, but no heckling because it's not constructive, so I've been told, and I expect a lot of applause for doing this, because I'm only here because my friends have a plan and I am assured that I am very important to the whole thing!" Anya grinned at the silent crowd, unaware of the gapes she was getting from them, while Willow, Tara and Xander tried to avoid looking at Buffy and Spike, and Buffy herself purposefully avoided Spike's gaze, expecting his usual cocky smirk. If she had looked at him she would have noticed the hurt in his eyes as she avoided his gaze, convinced that she wasn't looking at him because the plan, that they both had the measure of by now, wasn't working and she didn't want to have to deal with it.

Anya was rounding off her instructions, while Lorne was frantically trying to find Anya's song to start her off, and shut her the hell up before his crowd left!

"Now I do expect some dancing, if only to make me feel better, and I expect to see certain, unnamed, couples on the floor shortly, and -"

Anya was cut off as her song started, she turned to glare at Lorne, then back to smile widely at the crowd, she opened her mouth, the gang cringed as one in fear, she began to sing, and they breathed a sigh of relief as she revealed a tuneful and, pleasant voice. Thank god they wouldn't have to pay the audience to applaud when she was done! All of them were getting slightly intoxicated by now, and in their relaxed state did not want to deal with a pissed of ex-vengeance demon.

*"It must have been cold there in my shadow, to never have sunlight on your face"*

Buffy eyes widened as she recognised the song, the memories of her and Spike's engagement suddenly losing all its negative connotations, and becoming again the dream it had been before. She knew what she had to do and turned towards Spike, but he was sitting staring into space, looking thoroughly miserable.

"Spike?" He looked up and she smiled reassuringly at him. "Aren't you gonna ask me to dance? This is our wedding song, or had you forgotten?"

He grinned at her, cursing himself for brooding like the gelled-wonder from LA when he saw the genuine affection in her eyes as she smiled at him. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to the dance floor, happily pulling her into his arms. "How could I forget it love? It's one of my best memories pet, surely you know that?" He whispered in her ear, sending shivers down Buffy's spine.

*"I was the one with all the glory, while you were the one with all the strength,"*

Buffy raised her arms and hooked them around Spike's neck, sighing happily as she finally let herself admit what she was feeling. She loved him. It was that simple, she completely loved him, all of him, even the fact that he knew how to be the most annoying thing on the planet when it suited him. Now she just had to find the courage to put her fears out the way and tell him.

Spike closed his eyes and held on tight to his slayer, he had to hold on tight to her, because who knew when, or if he would get the chance again.

*"I can fly higher than an eagle, 'cause you are the wind beneath my wings."*

Anya finished her song, quite pleased with her performance, so pleased in fact that Xander had to come to the stage and pull her off it.

"C'mon Anya! You've had enough applause, we need to get on with the plan!" He pulled her off the stage and back towards their table.

"But I'm good at this Xander! I feel appreciated, and talented and-"

"Would it help if I volunteered to brave the Christmas eve rush and go shopping for a karaoke machine tomorrow?"

"Ooh, I think it might Xander, although you can't take away another present in a trade for it, I've already counted and shaken the ones under the tree, and from what I guess the are I want them all!" At Xander's nod she squealed and hugged him. "Well in that case you can have your orgasms back tonight honey!" At her fiancé's questioning looked she just shrugged and shoved him into his seat as they reached the table.

On the dance floor Buffy and Spike separated and stared at each other. Buffy was desperately trying to push down her fear and tell him what she knew she had to, but Spike leaned down and kissed her cheek, whispering in her ear. "Just go back and sit down pet, I'll be back soon." And he was gone, disappearing amongst the crowd that were slowly leaving the dance floor. Shrugging Buffy made her way back to her friends and sat in her seat, unconsciously stroking the discarded leather duster that hung over the back of the chair next to her.

"Hey Buff. Where's bleach boy?"

Buffy shrugged, trysting that he would be back, but not trusting herself to say anything in case her voice shook with the sudden onslaught of emotion she was experiencing.

"Um. Buffy?" Tara pointed over Buffy's shoulder. "I think I found Spike!"

Buffy turned round and her mouth dropped open in shock, because Spike, her Spike, was standing at the microphone, smirking at the crowd, and looking for all the world as if he belonged there. All four girls at the table were struck by the sexiness of the sight on the stage, the tousled, curling blonde hair, the tight black t-shirt that showed off his toned body, and the tight black jeans that showed the power in his thighs. Buffy found herself wishing he would turn around so she could appreciate his butt too. The Bronze was silenced as he readied himself to sing, every girl, and a few guys, in the club waiting to see if his voice was sexy enough to match his appearance. Buffy found herself clutching his duster, mostly in an effort to stop herself jumping him in the middle of the club.

"Hi, my names Spike. I can't believe |I'm going to sing this bloody song, cos it is most definitely not my kind of music, but I guess it gives a message to someone in here who needs to hear it," Spike winked across the club at Buffy, and she felt herself shiver in anticipation. But what the hell was he going to sing?!

 

Chapter 6 - A Song for Comfort

"Willow!", Xander frantically whispered across the table to his Wiccan friend, safe in the knowledge that Buffy was too busy checking out Spike, and glaring at other girls doing the same, to notice his display of panic. "Willow! This was not in the plan! He's ruining it! I knew this wouldn't work, I told you that we shou-"

"Xander, shh! He might make it better, you never know! Just let it go, I don't think he's about to sing an 'I hate Buffy' song, so we'll be fine! Now breathe. Your face has gone all purple!" Willow whispered back at him.

"Yeah honey, and purple's not your best colour."

"You seem to care an awful lot about this plan, considering you were the one who was opposed to it in the first place." Tara teased him. "Now shh, he's gonna start."

"He'd better before Buffy falls off her chair, or starts drooling. Either one would be unpleasant."

On the stage Spike was about ready to start, having finished his speech, designed to calm him down, as the nerves were threatening to make his legs collapse under him, and he really didn't want to become a Spike-puddle on the stage floor. The music started.

"Oh shit, well here goes. And pet, you'd better be bloody listening cos this won't be happening again!"

*"Saying I love you, is not the words I want to hear from you, It's not that I want you not to say, but if you only knew, How easy, it would be to show me how you feel, More than words, is all you have to do to make it real, Then you wouldn't have to say, that you love me, Cos I'd already know."*

Buffy's jaw dropped, along with every other jaw in the room, as Spike's rich baritone voice flooded the Bronze, giving a new sound to what was one of Buffy's favourite songs, and the fact that he was telling her she didn't have to say those scary words to him, just made her want to say them all the more.

*"What would you do, if my heart was torn in two? More than words to show you feel, that your love for me is real. What would you say, if I took those words away, Then you couldn't make things new, just by saying I love you."*

Spike spun around (giving the waiting audience a glimpse of his fine ass) as the backing vocals kicked in, sounding a bit closer to home than expected. He groaned good humoredly as Lorne just winked and shrugged at him as he sang into his own microphone that he had had ready and waiting for such an opportunity. Spike turned back to his own microphone to sing his next verse, glancing over at the gaping, and teary-eyed, Buffy and winking at her.

*"Now that I've tried to, talk to you and make you understand All you have to do is close your eyes and just reach out your hand And touch me, hold me close don't ever let me go More than words, is all I ever needed you to show Then you wouldn't have to say, that you love me, Cos I'd already know.

What would you do, if my heart was torn in two, More than words to show you feel, that your love for me is real, What would you say, if I took those words away, Then you couldn't make things new, just by saying, I love you."*

Spike's song finished to thunderous applause and wolf whistles, which earned a glare from Buffy, and he winked to the crowd.

"Cheers ladies! Oh, and if anyone in here knows me, and tells anyone about this I'll, well you know what'll happen to you alright?"

Spike started to head off the stage, but was suddenly pulled off the stage by a large group of eager girls, and he let out a yelp as he fell into the crowd.

Xander noticed Spike's predicament, but just giggled in his slightly drunken manner, and left him to it. Besides none of the girls was in any danger, as Buffy hadn't actually seen it as she had run off to 'the bar', which meant she was going to check out her makeup before Spike came back to the table, they still had some tequila left after all. When she arrived back at the table Spike was sitting quietly in his seat, but Buffy didn't sit next to him. Instead she went to Tara and whispered in her ear. When Tara smiled widely and nodded, Buffy spoke to the table.

"Um, me and Tara still have our turns to take so we're just gonna take it together, if that's ok?"

No one objected, they all just stared at the big smile on Buffy's face, and Tara got up from the table. Buffy rounded the table to Spike, who had been sitting silently looking at the floor since she hadn't taken her seat beside him, wondering if he'd gone too far with the song, although he'd been sure he'd seen in her eyes the struggle she was having, and he was almost sure that she was starting to love him back. And he'd lied, he did need to hear her say it, he wouldn't be completed until she did, but he'd sang it anyway, knowing she needed to hear it. He didn't notice her circling the table to him, until he felt her breath in his ear.

"Thank you for singing such a beautiful song for me Spike. I loved it." She kissed his cheek and was gone. He tried to follow her with his eyes, but her and Tara were soon lost in the crowd who were on the dance floor, dancing to Lorne's energetic rendition of 'You can keep your hat on'. Thankfully, he was managing to keep his clothes on, although there had been a few attempts by the crowd to emulate 'The Full Monty', but they had been stopped by less intoxicated girlfriends, and practically dragged off the floor.

As they reached the stage and waited for Lorne to finish, Buffy turned to Tara and grabbed her hands.

"Thankyou so much for doing this Tara."

"Well they were going to make me sing anyway so I might as well do it with you!"

"No, I mean thanks for all of this. I know this whole thing was a plan to get me and Spike together, and thankyou. I guess you knew how hard it was going to be for me to realise how I felt, and thankyou for making it easier."

"You're welcome Buffy. We just want you to be happy, and we just happen to think that a certain sexy vampire could be the answer for you." Buffy raised a delicate eyebrow. "What? I can still think he's sexy, even if he is male"

Buffy chuckled. "Oh lord, Lorne's finished. I'm so nervous! Thankyou for this too!" Buffy hugged Tara and grinned at her, pulling her up onto the stage and over to Lorne to make their request.

Chapter 7 - some things are hard to say



Back at the table Willow was trying to talk to Spike, purposefully ignoring the sloppy kissing noises that were coming from a now completely drunk Anya and Xander. The other four had stopped drinking a while ago, unwilling to make complete fools of themselves, and not relishing the thought of a headache the next day. Anya and Xander had no such qualms.

"You ok Spike?"

"Yeah Red, I'm fine." Spike didn't look at Willow as he answered her, continuing to gaze at the floor instead. Willow sighed.

"No you're not Spike, now tell me what's bothering you before I beat it out of you!"

Spike raised his head, and one eyebrow, looking at her. She blushed and chuckled.

"Ok well maybe I won't beat it out of you, but I'll get someone bigger to!" To her relief the blonde vampire started to chuckle.

"Ok red, ok. I'm, well I just, I.oh hell I dunno."

"Very articulate Spike. Now would I be right in thinking that it has something to do with Buffy?" He nodded. "Are you by any chance thinking that this whole thing isn't going to turn out well?" He nodded. "What makes you think that?"

"She never spoke to me, ducks. I went up there and made a bloody fool of myself and it didn't make a difference!"

"Ok well that's a lie for a start! Don't growl at me mister big bad vampire, you know I speak the truth! I specifically saw her come over here and say something to you before her and Tara disappeared."

"Well yeah, but I thought she would maybe want to talk to me about it, you know?"

"She will Spike, she just has something to do first." Willow nodded over to the stage where Buffy and Tara were speaking to Lorne. "So just be patient ok? And stop brooding!"

"Bloody hell witch! I am not that bloody poof of a grand-sire ok? I don't brood! Oh bloody hell, ok ok, I'll stop. Satisfied?"

"Yup. Completely." Willow reassuringly patted his arm, smiling at the pouting so-called Big Bad. She turned to Xander and Anya. "For the love of God will you two stop that! Don't make me separate you two! Or I'll put a spell on you that'll make this stop for a month! Catch my drift?" They sprang apart like two teenagers caught, well, making out. Spike began to laugh.

"You can be quite the bossy little chit when you want to be red. I like it!" Willow laughed with him. "So was this the extent of your plan for me and Buffy? A bloody karaoke?"

Willow put on her best innocent face. "I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about! And no, there's more to it, but just shut up and pay attention, Buffy and Tara are about to start." Spike chuckled at Willow's discomfort and turned to the stage, where Buffy had just approached the microphone.

"Hi everyone, I'm Buffy, and this is Tara, and all I have to say is Spike, you'd better be listening!"

Buffy -*"I'm scared. So afraid to show I care. Will he think me weak, if I tremble when I speak? Ooh, what if there's another one he's thinking of, Maybe he's in love; I'd feel like a fool, Life can be so cruel; I don't know what to do."* The way Buffy was smiling at him through the end of this first verse, Spike had the feeling that this was not the part he was supposed to be getting a message from. He grinned, it was pretty ridiculous anyway, Buffy knew that he loved her, totally and completely and there was no question of anyone else. He continued to stare at Buffy while Tara sang.

Tara - *"I've been there, with my heart out in my hand. But what you must understand, You can't let the chance, to love him pass you by"*

Both - *"tell him, tell him that the sun and moon rise in his eyes, Reach out to him, and whisper, Tender words to soft and sweet"*

Buffy - *"I'll hold him close to feel his heartbeat"* (she grinned wryly at Spike as she realised what she was singing, relieved when he just shook his head in laughter.)

Tara - *"Love will be the gift you give yourself

Touch him, with the gentleness you feel inside, Your love can't be denied; the truth will set you free, You'll have what's meant to be, all in time, you'll see."*

Buffy - *"I love him"*(She grinned happily at Spike, and he nearly fell off his chair)

Tara - *"Then show him"*

Buffy - *"Of that much I can be sure"* (Willow, Xander and Anya were all grinning too, along with a very shocked vampire)

Tara - *"Hold him close to you"*

Buffy - *"I don't think I could endure, if I let him walk away, When I have so much to say."*

The whole club had noticed the staring contest between Buffy and Spike, and those closest to the stage could see the tears in her bright eyes.

Both - *"Tell him, tell him that the sun and moon rise in his eyes, Reach out to him, and whisper, Tender words so soft and sweet"*

Tara - *"Hold him close to feel his heartbeat"* (Buffy and Tara looked at each other and grinned)

Buffy - *"Love will be the gift you give yourself.

Love is light that surely glows, in the hearts of those who know It's a steady flame that grows"*

Tara - *"Feed the fire with all the passion, you can show"*

Buffy - *"Tonight love will assume its place"* (Buffy winked at Spike, who got out of his chair and started to walk towards the stage.)

Tara - *"This memory time can not erase"*

Both - *"Your faith will lead love where it has to go. Tell him; tell him that the sun and moon rise in his eyes, Reach out to him, and whisper, Whisper words so soft and sweet."*

Spike was standing in front of the stage grinning at Buffy, who was smiling tearily back at him. He could feel the eyes of the whole club on them, waiting to see what was going to happen.

Tara - *"Hold him close to feel his heartbeat"*

Buffy - *"Love will be the gift you give yourself"*

Both - *"Never let him go"*

As the song ended the crowd erupted into applause and cheers, loving the heart and soul both girls had put into their song. Buffy handed Tara her microphone and walked to the front of the stage. Bending down she put her arms out to Spike who grabbed her and pulled her down onto the otherwise empty dance floor beside him. Putting his arms tightly around her waist Spike grinned happily at her and then captured her lips in a searing kiss. The crowd got louder as they witnessed the moment, Anya, Xander and Willow were all cheering, standing on their chairs, and Tara stood on the stage with Lorne, both of them wiping tears from their eyes.

The blonde couple pulled away from each other, grinning at the noise around them. It was so loud he almost didn't hear her say it.

"I love you."

Chapter 8 - The beginning of the beginning



"Xander stop watching them!"

"Yeah Xander, stop perving!"

"Hey! I am not perving, I just can't take my eyes away, it's weird; it's disturbing, but at the same time they look kinda right, ya know?" Xander noticed the grins he was getting from the girls, "And if you ever tell anyone I said that I will have to kill you, you understand? It's just the drink talking anyway. Honest."

"Honey, just sit down and stop trying to make it better ok?"

Xander sat back down, blushing furiously. 'Good thing I never said they were an attractive couple or something. God I need another drink. Actually, ooh, wait a minute' he thought. "Anya, um, let's go get another drink ok?"

"Another drink? Don't you think you've had plenty? I mean, we have to go for my other Christmas present tomorrow, remember?" Xander just grabbed Anya, and whispered hurriedly in her ear. "Oh! Um, ok. More drinks anyone?" Without waiting for an answer they practically ran from the table, leaving Tara and Willow torn between gawking at them, and giggling uncontrollably. They did both.

"Do you think we'll see them again tonight?" Tara asked when she finally stopped giggling.

"Sure. Anya won't leave before giving Buffy the orgasm advice she mentioned yesterday, remember? And Xander might want another look!" Both girls went into fits of laughter again, then turned to look at Buffy and Spike who were still kissing, slow-dancing amongst the crowd around them that were dancing with vigour to 'All I want for Christmas is You'. "But they do look right together don't they sweetie?"

"Definitely. In fact I think for this we're entitled to keep both their Christmas presents! We've given them a pretty good one already, or at least we will by the end of the night."

"I guess so, but I don't really want a sex pistols album and four pairs of jeans in Spike's size, although we could keep the lingerie for Buffy." Willow raised her eyebrows suggestively at her girlfriend. Tara just pulled her in for a sweet kiss.

*****

"Buffy?"

"Mmmm?"

"You do realise that you won't get rid of me now pet? Ever?"

Buffy raised her head from Spike chest and pulled his head down to meet hers in yet another passionate kiss. Both of them poured all their emotion and love into the kiss, and both were dazed and panting when they pulled apart.

"Glad to hear it." Buffy whispered. "I love you so much Spike. I love you."

"So good to know pet. I love you too."

"Well I should hope so!" Buffy giggled, slapping him lightly on the chest.

"Hey! Watch it love! Slayer strength, remember?"

"Aww, did the big bad swayer hurt the poor widdle vampire?"

"Yes pet. And don't ever speak in that voice again, it's seriously disturbing!" He grinned at her. She slapped him again. "Hey! I'm not getting into an abusive relationship! The physical abuse stops now ok?" He joked. She laughed and nodded. "Good. There aren't too many abuse shelters for vampires you know!"

"Yeah I know. But you won't need it cos you ain't going anywhere, ok?"

"Whatever you say love, whatever you say."

Their lips met again, but this kiss was sweeter, a confirmation of their love and promises, and a prevention from getting too carried away in the middle of the dance floor.

 

Chapter 9 - truth time, don't you think?

"Thank you my beauties, and goodnight!" Lorne took a bow and stepped back from the microphone, grinning at the rapturous applause he was getting from the crowd.

Buffy and Spike finally parted on the dance floor. Grinning at each other, Buffy tightly held Spike's hand as she led him back to her, or rather their, friends. As they reached the table they were glad to find the two witches, both with wide grins on their faces.

"Hi guys." Buffy greeted her friends happily as she pushed Spike onto his chair and sat herself on his lap, much to his surprise, and immense happiness.

"Buffy, Spike", Willow answered them; Tara just grinned at Buffy's action. "Having fun? Haven't seen you for a while." Willow attempted innocence but failed when she started to giggle.

Buffy grinned at her friends and started to giggle, turning round on Spike's lap to see why he was so quiet. The dumfounded look on his face made her laugh harder. She turned back round to speak to Willow and Tara, pulling Spike's arms around her waist and clasping her hands with his over her belly.

"So where are the other two?"

"Oh they disappeared a while ago to go get some drinks apparently, except they took no money and no orders. Oh, and the bar's now empty and they're not there."

"Do you think they went home to do it? Or will they be back?" Buffy shook her head at her missing friends' antics.

"Oh they'll be back soon don't worry. Although you might wish they went home." Tara ignored Buffy's questioning look and shared a giggling glance with her girlfriend. Buffy shrugged and wiggled around a bit to get comfy before leaning her head back against Spike's chest. Suddenly she felt the vampire's hands tighten and felt his cold unneeded breath in her ear.

"You'd better stop that love or the whelp and demon girl won't be the only ones who are disappearing, and believe me, when we're done, you won't be able to walk till the New Year." He kissed her neck, sending shivers down her spine, brightening her blush that had started when she realised what she was doing to the man beneath her. She shook it off and grinned, wiggling a bit more to show him he was not gonna be the boss of her, laughing when he groaned in her ear.

"Love, please!" She giggled. "I mean it pet, I'll take you over the table, witches or no witches." She abruptly stopped, knowing full well that he would carry out his threat without another thought if she goaded him into it. He pulled his head round to his, giving her a chaste but loving kiss. "Later pet. I promise" He grinned and Buffy felt herself growing warmer at the thought.

"Now now sweetcakes! That's enough of that for now! Not on my time, ok muffin?"

The new lovers raised their heads upwards to see the green karaoke demon standing over them and grinning. He looked over to Tara and Willow. "So I take it it worked then ladies?"

"Oh yeah."

"Big time."

"Alright Glinda, Red, um Lorne was it? Spill. All the gory details please, including the stuff we don't know about! Like why this demon guy, no offence, is here, why nobody noticed etc. etc." Buffy nodded in agreement, knowing somehow that whatever was still to come was going to be good.

"Sure, just hang on a sec ok? Xander and Anya are on their way back, see?"

Willow pointed across the now empty club to a very dishevelled couple who were sheepishly making their way over to the others, trying very hard, and failing, to look like they hadn't just disappeared for a random sex session in a broom cupboard. The others, including Lorne, just sat waiting for them, smiling at them, trying not to laugh at the sight they made. It was really quite difficult considering that Xander was currently trying to tie one of Anya's stockings around the collar of his shirt, while Anya was oblivious to the fact that she still had one on, and her skirt was back to front so she now had a four inch split up the front, almost reaching to her panties. Xander's missing tie was tied around Anya's left ankle. The rest of the gang really didn't want to know.

"Hi everyone. What did we miss?" Anya grinned widely at the group, entirely unaware of the barely concealed laughter that she was faced with. She and Xander fell into the two empty seats at the table, grinning at their friends. Willow couldn't help thinking that it was lucky that they were both drunk, and were completely devoid of embarrassment for moment.

"You lot are just about to tell us the whole sordid story, right love?" Spike tried to glare at the scoobies, but couldn't hide his delight in the situation, or the fact that they had done this for him.

"Alright gorgeous, keep you hair on!" Spike gawked at Lorne as he addressed him, playfully biting Buffy as she giggled when she felt Spike tense at being called 'Gorgeous' by this demon they didn't know.

"Alright mate. You first. Who are you? And how the hell did you get involved in all this mess anyway?"

"Oh well, as you know I'm Lorne, I'm from LA where I run my own demon karaoke bar, and I read souls."

"You what?!"

"Ooh, a feisty little slayer! I read souls creampuff. Watch them while they sing, get the whole story, yadda yadda yadda. But we'll get to that in a minute. If you want to know why I'm here then you'd better ask your little fire witch over there."

"Willow?" The blonde couple turned expectantly towards the fidgeting redhead.

"Well I kind of, don't be mad Buffy, but I kind of phoned LA-"

"You what?! You phoned Angel?"

"Hey, are you ashamed of me or something Slayer? Don't want to tell old peaches about me eh?"

Buffy turned and kissed her boyfriend reassuringly. "Of course not sweetie," she grinned devilishly, "I just wanted to tell him myself so I could see the look on his face!" Spike chuckled, trying to hide his glowy feelings at being called 'sweetie' by the slayer.

"Ok love. All is forgiven."

"Right before you two get all mushy again- don't look at me like that! I see the looks you keep giving each other! Just hold on for five minutes till we're done ok?" Buffy settled against Spike's chest again and Willow continued her story. "Right, in answer to your question no I didn't tell Angel, I spoke to Cordy. I asked her not to say anything till I let her know it was ok, but if you want to tell him yourself that's fine. Well Cordy gave me Lorne's number, I remembered about him from when I spoke to Cordelia when you were, well, um, dead."

"Ok so Cordy put you in touch and you asked him here to what, read us?"

"Well it was just in case you needed any extra pushing you know? Lorne can basically tell you if you two belong together, right?"

"Sure dollface. I have stuff for all you puddings, seen as it's Christmas and all, but I'll do you two lovebirds last ok?"

"Me and Buffy? Sorry, wasn't sure if you meant us or the witches, seen as they're lovers, and birds an' all, so..never mind."

"Yes sugar, you and the slayer here. So who of the rest of you wants to go first?"

"I guess you should do Xander and Anya first, before they pass out." Tara suggested, nodding towards the couple who were practically asleep. "Guys? Lorne wants to speak to you."

"Oh good. I want to know stuff. I want to know about my money, and my wedding, and then I want to go home for orgasms. With Xander I mean."

 

Chapter 10 - Huh?

"No problem sweetness" Lorne spoke to a suddenly perky Anya, and turned to the still practically comatose Xander, "Ok I'll do him first before he disappears into the land of nod completely. Xander? Can you hear me?" He was answered with a nod of the head, and an almost in focus glance from a pair of bloodshot eyes. "Right, I only have one thing to say to you, and that's be honest with yourself and those around you. If you have worried about something you need to share them before everything gets worse ok?"

Anya slapped Xander's arm when he didn't reply. "Xander? Did you hear that?"

"Yeah An, I did. Tis' fine. All fine and understood, now if you don't mind I'm gonna get some snoozes in ok? Love you." Xander trailed off as head slowly met the table in front of him.

"Ok he got it. Now do me, do me!"

"Um Lorne? I'd be worried about the connotations of that if I was you, thought I should warn you seen as you don't know Anya too well."

"Hey!"

"Wow Red! That was pretty funny! And very quick. I'm impressed!"

"You're not the only one with a quick tongue around here mister! And don't dare say anything, you know what I meant. Pig!" Buffy blushed scarlet when she realised what she had said and slapped Spike playfully, glaring at him partly to cover her embarrassment and partly because she knew he was about to say something she didn't want to hear. Well not in front of everyone anyway.

"Ok ok people. Back to the task at hand. Thankyou Willow but I've read this girl's soul, remember? I know what she's like." Lorne winked at the witches, ignoring the pout on Anya's face. "Right sugar bun, you ready for this?" Anya lost the pout and nodded eagerly.

"Ok well you may not want to hear all of this but everything will be ok. Right, first money. You have nothing to worry about on that score, you'll always have more than you'll need as long as you keep working hard for it ok?" Anya nodded. "Ok now with regards to the other thing you're worried about, it may not turn out the way you wish it to, that all depends things outwith your control, but to be honest that may not be a bad thing although it may seem like it at first. I know what'll happen but I can't tell you which way it'll go, but know that you'll be happier whichever way it does go, cos whatever happens you'll get what you need on that score ok?"

Anya nodded quietly, a confused look on her face, not noticing the worried glances shared between her friends at her silence. All of them were wondering what Lorne had been talking about.

"Alright honey, but don't worry about it ok? I promise you everything will be fabulous, and as for the rest of you she'll talk to who she needs to, when she needs to ok?" They all nodded. "Right, which witch first?"

Tara and Willow glanced at each other, both a little nervous and neither wanting to go first.

"Never mind ducks-"

"Hey! That's one of my pet names for my girls, try again mate!"

"Excuse me? Your girls, plural?" Buffy twisted to face the vampire.

"Well yeah pet, you my love, and Dawn, demon girl and the witches."

"Not enough for you eh?" Buffy was teasing but Spike could tell there was a hint of worry behind her question. He kissed her softly but passionately.

"You're all I'll ever need sweetheart, you know that. I love you. But surely it's good that I care about your sister and friends?"

"Of course it is, but just them?"

"Just them. You and a few friends are all I need, and way more than I deserve ok?"

"Ok. But you do deserve us Spike. If you didn't I wouldn't be here."

"I know love." They kissed again and turned to see everyone staring at them, waiting to continue. They grinned sheepishly and settled back into their chair.

"As I was saying, never mind I'll speak to you both together ok?" The witches nodded eagerly.

"Right, first of all you two could well be together for the long haul."

"Could be?" Willow grabbed Tara's hand for reassurance.

"Yeah, could be. You should be, and will be as long as you stay entirely honest with each other. You, fire-witch, will have to work hard to keep her, because you're fighting against something bigger too, which you already know about. There was a looming danger for you blondie, but now that you've got the two strong ones together it won't be an issue. Seen as you relationship was the only thing either of you was worried about that's about all I have to say. Does that answer your questions?"

He continued when both witches nodded happily. "Right, so just remember what I said and everything should be fine. I do have one thing to add though, to you Tara. You have one of the purest souls I have every seen honey. You are pure goodness and it wouldn't surprise me if you have a great destiny in front of you, but don't hold me to that. You're also a lot more powerful than you know. Ok kid?"

"Um thanks Lorne."

"No problem dollface, it was a pleasure to read you" Lorne laughed, and the other joined in, happy to hear the good news he had for them. "Ok speaking of pleasures to read, I guess that leaves me you two. One at a time or both together?"

"Wait a minute mate, how can you read me? Hello? Vampire here, I have no soul!"

"Well it's not really your soul as such, it's more your essence."

"My essence?"

"Yes your essence. Well, to be truthful, it's the essence of your soul."

"What?!"

Lorne sighed, "Ok, all vampires are made from humans who have souls right? Well the souls are suppressed by the demon, almost into oblivion. Angel has a soul because something, namely his lovely curse, which I must say I find most amusing at times, released it through his demon. Well Spikey, something has begun to release yours, allowing me to read you."

"Something has begun to release his soul?!" Buffy was shocked at the thought that Spike was becoming a souled vampire, and a bit worried that it might mean at some point he was going to have to deal with a crippling amount of guilt.

"Don't worry love; I'm not gonna be a brooding ponce if it comes to it ok?" Spike grinned at her, having accurately understood her worried expression.

Buffy rolled her eyes and turned back to Lorne, "So how did his soul get released or whatever? What did it?"

"You did honey."

"Me-?"

"Buffy-?"

Both bottle blondes answered at once, more than a bit confused by the whole thing.

"But how could I? I didn't do anything, I swear I didn't, I'd never."

Lorne interrupted her rambling, "You didn't have to sweetness."

"Then how?"

"Easy. You're soulmates."

 

Chapter 11 - say what??

"Soulmates? What?!"

"Well I guess that answers the question about whether we're meant to be together pet."

"Yes, soulmates. Now let me explain what that means. Contrary to what everyone seems to believe, not everyone has a soulmate. It is actually very very rare. It comes from having two pure, and matching, souls. For instance your two witches over there are meant to be together, assuming all problems are sorted, but they're not soulmates. They don't have soulmates."

Lorne noticed Willow's disappointed look. "Now don't worry about that sugarcakes, you still have your witch girl, and you have it in your power to be as happy as can be ok? Right. Now the thing with you Buffy is that as a slayer you have a soulmate, all of them do."

"Why?" Buffy was confused by the whole thing, although happy to know that this gorgeous man she was sitting on had been meant for her all along. He was hers, and she was willingly his. And she planned to tell him so later.

"Well sweetpea, a meeting, or match, between two soulmates strengthens the good points and the strengths within your soul, so it was decided that this could only be a good thing for slayers, someone to fight with them or whatever, I'm not sure. But then some jackass decided to start keeping most slayers away from the whole friends, and generally other people, thing and it kind of went downhill. It just makes you two finding each other all the more amazing, plus with the added fact that you, gorgeous, were born over a hundred years before your beautiful lady here. So really when you think about it it's basically a miracle!" Lorne finished triumphantly, trying not to laugh at all the open-mouthed expressions he was getting from everyone around the table, (except Xander who was snoring by this time.)

"But what -?"

"I'm sorry white-witch, but I don't know anymore about it than that, and I really should be heading back to LA now. I'll give your regards to Angelus shall I?" Lorne chuckled, waving in dismissal of the objections he knew were about to come from Buffy and Spike. "I know, I know. I'll keep your secret, just let me be there when he finds out the whole thing ok my little sugar doughnuts?"

Buffy smiled at Lorne, standing up off Spike's lap and hugging the green demon tightly. "Thank you so much for everything Lorne. You're welcome to come and visit us anytime."

"Oh I know honey, and I'll be back. I'll need to meet everyone anyway," Lorne winked at Buffy, confusing her. "Don't worry it'll be great." Lorne released Buffy and faced the rest of the group. "Well kids, thanks for including me in this little adventure, and I'll see you all soon. Take care of yourselves and I'll see you all soon." They all said their goodbyes and, gathering up Xander, finally left the Bronze to head for home. Willow shouted through to the manager in his back office, telling him that they were leaving and it was fine to lock up now and they headed out. They headed back to Anya and Xander's apartment first, where Spike helped Xander into bed, leaving a disgruntled Anya to deal with him they headed to Tara's apartment next.

"So are you staying at Tara's tonight Will?" Buffy tried to be nonchalant. It didn't work. Willow and Tara giggled.

"Yeah Buffy, that was the plan. Unless you want to talk or something? Cos I can come back to the house if you want."

"No, no. It's fine. I'll be ok, don't worry."

"Buffy? Love? There's only the four of us here. We don't have to pretend anything ok? And I'm getting tired."

"You'd better not be mister! I'm not going to sleep for hours yet!" Buffy spoke low enough that only Spike would hear her. He grinned at her, squeezing the hand that he was holding and turned to the witches who were now walking behind them.

"Well hurry along ladies! It's getting a bit nippy out here. You know, seen as it's very early Christmas Eve an' all."

"He's so cute when he's babbling, and trying to be all innocent." Tara giggled to Willow. The red-head just grinned in response and quickened her pace, knowing that the two blonde warriors wanted to be alone, and looking forward to some alone time of her own with Tara.

*****

Finally Buffy and Spike reached Revello, having dropped off the two witches and hurried on silently to their destination. Buffy let go of Spike's hand and unlocked the door, beckoning him in behind her. The door was closed and they stood in the foyer, staring at each other.

"Are you sure about this pet?"

"Spike I love you. I'm yours, and you're mine. So get your ass over here!" Buffy grabbed Spike's hand and pulled him to her, and their mouths met hungrily. They made their way slowly up the stairs, not breaking contact and pulling off pieces of clothing as they went. Finally reaching Buffy's room they fell on to the bed and showed each other exactly how they felt.

Afterwards, as they lay in each others arms, both satisfied and fully content for the first time in their lives, the last thing Spike heard before he fell asleep was Buffy's whispered words.

"I love you baby. Always."

Spike smiled as he drifted off to sleep, knowing he would never get tired of hearing those words from his slayer's lips.

*****

"Good morning! I take it the plan worked then?" Dawn's giggling voice woke Buffy and Spike the next morning, and they both opened one eye to gaze at her grinning form in the doorway of Buffy's room from where they lay entwined around each other, where they had collapsed after making love for the fourth time.

"Um Dawn? You do realise how lucky you are that we have a sheet over us at this point in time right?"

"Oh. Um, well. Ah, right. Breakfast anyone?" Dawn ran from the room, embarrassed at what she could have seen, leaving the lovers giggling in the bed.

"Mornin' love." Spike leaned over to kiss his girlfriend.

"Mmm, morning baby." Buffy untangled herself from Spike and stretched languorously, feeling very very stiff, but very very happy. "Promise I'll wake up every morning like that?"

"Of course love." Spike grinned and kissed her again. "C'mon, we better get up. We have to meet everyone at the Magic Box in a few hours, and I have some Christmas shopping that I'll need help with."

"Spike, the only thing you're gonna need help with is staying un-dusty, and out of the sun."

"Exactly, you wouldn't want me to burn up before you get your Christmas present tomorrow would you?"

"Ooh presents!" Buffy squealed like a six year old. "Hurry up then! We need to shower before Dawnie has the breakfast ready. I'll race you to the shower!" She pulled her naked form from the bed and stood in front of Spike, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively at him. He leapt out of the bed and she squealed and ran to the bathroom, laughing when he caught her round the waist and nuzzled her neck.

Soon they stood in the shower, gently washing each other, exploring each others bodies as if they hadn't done that all night the night before.

"Promise me you'll never leave me."

"Never pet. You know me, can't get rid of me anyway remember?" Spike pulled up Buffy's chin so she was looking in his eyes. She saw he sincerity of his promise.

"Good. I love you."

"I love you too." They kissed gently, feeling safe now that they had each other, and looking forward to a future that was suddenly an awful lot brighter than before.

The end.