Chapter 10

“Buffy?” Spike said, knocking on the door.

“I know! I’m sorry! Give me...ten more minutes!”

He smirked, hearing Buffy curse as she shuffled around the room. “Take your time, I’m just relaying a message. I gave your watcher a call and he says that he’s pinpointed the whereabouts of the lab.”

“Did you tell him we’d look into it tomorrow?”

“Of course, I told him we had a date and that he should sod off...but I wouldn’t mind taking a quick peek. Buffy, it’d be on our way.”

The door opened and Buffy frowned at him. “You have got to be kidding. You’ve been bugging me for a date for how long and now you want to patrol?”

“Oh, Buffy,” he said, looking her up and down. “You look...hell, fuck the lab.”

She laughed and made an expression that scrunched her brow, “That didn’t take much yelling. Damn, I must look really nice.”

“A fella can change his mind, can’t he?” He stepped forward, “Buffy, I want to touch you but I’m terrified to messy you up. You look gorgeous...down right delicious and to know you’re a special treat just for me...”

“Now that’s what I wanted to hear.” She beamed, kissing his cheek and wiping off the light print of lip-gloss that was left behind. “Maybe on the way home we’ll look for the lab, but only if you’re on your best behavior.”

“I doubt that’ll be possible...look at you.”

Buffy grinned and reached for her purse. “You’re so sweet sometimes.”

He stopped her before she could leave her room. “Hold it, love. Stay put, I’ve got some goodies for you.”

“You shouldn’t have...”

“I snuck out today,” he explained, returning from his room and giving Buffy flowers, a box of candy and a little bag. “The lady there rattled off a list of things you may like and...and I got one of each. And just so you know, I paid for everything fair and square, even the flowers. It was bloody tempting not to pluck them out of some garden outside because it would’ve been free and the roses would’ve been just as nice.”

“Spike,” Buffy whispered, her hands full. “They’re beautiful.”

“Here, let me take some of the stuff back so you can open your prize. I hope you like the candy because it’s my favorite and I figured if you don’t, at least one of us will win, yeah?”

So, so, cute she thought, listening as Spike babbled nervously. She took the tissue paper out of the bag and gasped, seeing a black velvet jewelry box. “Spike, you spent too much. What about you finding a place?”

“Just open it,” he urged. “But before you get crazy, pet,” Spike opened the box and took out the ring, “It doesn’t have to mean much, it’s mainly just a token and maybe even a promise, if you will—I’m not leaving and I love you to pieces, Buffy.”

“Oh, wow.”

“You can wear it on any finger you choose. I wanted you to have something that fit better and look, it matches the other band perfectly. You speechless, kitten?” He laughed and spread the fingers of her left hand, sliding the ring onto her middle finger. “This way when you flip that whelp Riley the bird, he’ll get one last reminder that you’re mine. And who knows, maybe someday in the future, you’ll let me move it over a notch?”

“Marriage?” Buffy squeaked, as he stroked her ring finger. “Don’t you think it’s really, really too soon to think about that?”

“I said in the future.” He pressed his lips to her forehead, brushing against her hairline. “How much in the future? I haven’t got a clue, Buffy. Hell, it may never happen, but I want you to have and enjoy the sparkling things now just in case.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Then don’t say anything. Besides, we don’t want to miss our movie.”
***

Halfway through the movie, Buffy relaxed, assuming that Spike was going to keep his hands to himself until it was over. She rested her head on his shoulder and played with her rings, causing the diamonds to glimmer.

Can’t believe he would even consider marriage, even if he really meant in the far, far away future... We haven’t even been together for two weeks yet! I didn’t think vampires would ever want to get married and if they did, why didn’t he and Dru skip down Holy Matrimony Lane?

“Do you like the movie?”

She nodded, wondering if he could tell that she had other things on her mind. “Yeah.”

“Personally, I hope it ends soon.”

“You don’t like it?”

“No,” he whispered. “I’d rather be at your place.”

“Doing what?”

“You.”

“I shouldn’t have asked,” she giggled softly.

“I know. What’s wrong with you, Slayer? That answer should’ve been a given.”

“I guess it’s my turn to be freaked out. Spike, you gave me another ring...”

“You hate it?” He shifted to see her face. “I’ll take it back and we’ll pretend you never saw it.”

“No, no, I love it! I’m just freaking out about the M-word.”

“I never said the actual word, I only alluded to the concept,” he corrected.

“Yeah, but I’m still creeped out.”

“I told you not to.”

“I know but it’s too hard!”

He sighed and settled back in his seat, taking her hand in his. “Now is not the time to go bonkers about it. It’s just a little bit of silver and glass that I wanted you to have.”

“So the diamonds aren’t real? Not that it matters, don’t get me wrong; but, Spike, are they fake?”

“You’re thinking way too much, cutie,” he smirked, wrapping his arm around her.

“You aren’t going to tell me?”

“Nope.”

“That’s not--Spike,” she moaned, as he kissed her.

“Shhh, people are watching a movie in here. Don’t think about anything,” he whispered.

Buffy nodded, pulling him in for another kiss.
***

“Have you calmed down now?”

“I think so. This place is very nice, I’ve never been here before, have you?”

“Nope, a friend recommended it.”

Buffy peeked up from her menu, “What friend? You have friends?”

“Hey, I have friends--a lot of them! Just because I was trapped in a cage for a while and then tied to a chair for another while, it doesn’t mean that I’m unable to make a few mates along the way. I’m talkative and downright charming if I want to be and--.”

“Sorry, sorry,” Buffy smiled. “You’re Mr. Popular Guy. So, is it a beer buddy? Because every time you get free, you’re off to the bars...”

“For your information, he’s something like my real estate agent. He’s making my home hunting easier. You know, pointing me in the right direction. I’m not going for the traditional. A house or apartment won’t do for me.”

“You want what, like a condo?” She asked after they placed their food orders.

“No, not exactly. I’m looking for something that’ll give me some space. I don’t want to be bothered too much and I’d like a link or two to the sewers...I’ve got to get around, yeah? Little to no windows...the same goes for the rent...”

“Spike, what kind of place are you looking for?”

“A crypt.”

“You mean like the Crypt Keeper? You want to live in a nasty, grungy, dirty place--where they keep dead people?”

“With some work--running pipes, some decoration and whatnot--I think it’s a brilliant idea. It’s free shelter and Buffy, I’m dead—literally—so it’s really not that bad. We can make it cozy with a few throw pillows and a matching rug. I have my eye on a two story number that would be just perfect...”

“Are you going to sleep in a coffin? What about the original dead guy, what are you going to do with him?”

“I’ll have a bed on the lower level and I won’t be sleeping near the bloody coffin. The dearly departed and I will be roomies. Once we’re done eating, we can take a peek if you’d like.”

“Instead of looking for the lab?”

“We could do both.”

“I knew you were going to say that. So, how do you move into a crypt? Park the U-Haul in the cemetery and push your way in?”

“It’ll probably go down like that. Do you have a problem with where I’m going to live, Slayer?” he smirked.

“No, it’ll just be weird when I spend the night... But you being in the cemetery will be kinda nice. I’ll be able to stop by often and visit. We’ll just have to make it homey so it won’t be...Haunted Mansion-y. Just because my boyfriend’s a vampire, that does not mean I have to go all Morticia Addams, right? I won’t let you go overboard on the black, and a few windows wouldn’t kill you...as long as there’s no direct sunlight.” Buffy paused, a smile on her face, “Oh, this could be really fun, Spike.”
***

“For a dead guy, you eat a lot.” Buffy handed Spike the Styrofoam boxes that held their leftovers as she put on her jacket. “I’ve had a really good time tonight. I didn’t know what to expect and you’ve really impressed me.”

He took her hand and they walked out of the restaurant. “I have so much more in store for you, love.”

“Wow, this is even better than my birthday.”

“Well, considering your past birthdays, love, should I even take that as a compliment?”

She hooked her arm with his and grinned, touched that he remembered her birthdays and all the bad luck that was usually associated with them. “It’s a compliment,” she said, straining to walk and kiss his cheek at the same time.

“If you wanna do that,” Spike stopped suddenly, swinging his arm and pulling Buffy into his chest. She grunted in surprise and before she knew it, his mouth was on hers. “I want to show you the crypt and I want to look for the lab and,” his thumb raked over her breast until the nipple was standing at attention under his touch, “I want--hell, the things I want to do to you I can’t even spell, let alone pronounce.”

She whimpered, her body heat rising at his softly spoken words. “Pick one.”

“How about best two out of three?”
***

“What if we see Riley? We’re getting close to his dorm, you know.”

“Are we cursed by that bloke or what? Everywhere we go, there’s the GI Joe.”

“But our chances of seeing him, like, quadrupled if the lab is near where he lives.”

“Near? Kitten, I think his place is on top of the fucking lab,” Spike said, pointing at the directions he had written down. “This is the spot ole Rupes found, it’s the dorm.”

“Do you remember anything? Wouldn’t you remember being on campus?”

“Sweetheart, I was so disoriented that I could’ve popped up in the middle of a bloody McDonald’s and I wouldn’t have known where I was.”

“You should’ve said that when I was pumping you for information, mister.”

“And get ripped away from you and kicked out on my ass? I had good reasons not to tell you what I knew and if I told you the truth you would’ve accused me of bluffing, yeah?”

“No...well, maybe,” Buffy said, following Spike as he walked around the building. “You know where the lab is; are we going home now? We can’t barge in there or do something stupid. We came, we saw, we know where the thing is, so let’s go and get our leftovers home. They’ll get icky if they’re not put in the refrigerator.”

“When I get my hands on those guys...”

“You won’t be able to do anything but get a headache, Spike. They’re human.”

“They can’t all be... Will you be fighting all my battles with those who have a pulse?”

“Until you’re fixed. I hope you don’t mind. I know you want to be all manly but I want keep you safe.” She tried to get his attention as he glared at the dormitory. “Let’s go, Spike,” she whispered, pulling him in the direction of her house. “Come on, baby, I want to go home.”

His ears perked up at the nickname. “You haven’t called me that since you were on all that mojo.”

“I’ll call you some other names if you don’t take me home now. Please? I want you so much,” she batted her eyes and ran her hands across his chest. “Spike, we’ve been out long enough.”

“School night?”

“Yep,” she said, running a finger down the seam of the front of his pants, “and if we leave now I promise that I’ll let you keep me up past my bedtime...honey.”

“Oh, an offer I can’t refuse.”

“Spike,” she pushed him back as he kissed her. “The boxes are getting squished, what if they open?”

He looked down, as if he had forgotten that he was holding them. “Right.” He put the food on the ground near their feet and pounced on her again with a flirtatious growl. His hand quickly went under her dress and made its way up her thigh. Spike smirked as she purred, “You like that, kitten?”

“Can’t you tell?” she said, kissing his neck. “God, Spike.” She inhaled sharply as a finger rubbed against her underwear. “Spike...oh shit.” Suddenly, the sound of screams filled the air. “What’s happening?” Buffy asked, hiding her face against him.

“Don’t know. It’s nothing.”

Buffy frowned, the yelling grew louder and more voices were added to it. “It’s never ‘nothing,’ not in Sunnyhell. I guess we have to take a look.”

“We don’t,” he said, even though he straightened her dress and gave her a hug before gathering their boxes.

“Duty calls, sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, love.”

Buffy pouted as they walked toward the other dorm. People were running past, trying to get away from the scene.

“What happened?” Spike demanded, after grabbing a passerby.

“There’s a dead guy!”

“Was he killed or did he show up to party?”

“He was in his room and he was all carved up--drained of all his blood!”

“Goodie,” Buffy said, pulling on Spike’s arm. “You ask around for info and I’ll try to see the body.”
***

Spike saw Buffy and Willow sitting side-by-side on a couch. Buffy lit up when their eyes meet and she motioned him over.

“Willow found the body.”

He grimaced as Willow shrugged, looking numb. “There was so much blood, and there--there was a symbol, and Percy said I was a nerd!”

“Percy?”

“A boy we went to high school with,” Buffy explained. “She tutored him.”

“I was the only reason that poophead even graduated!” Willow said, crossing her arms and pouting. “He said I was too geeky for him.”

“And about the dead guy? Shouldn’t he be the issue at hand, our topic of conversation?” Spike looked confused as Buffy poked him and gave him a dirty look. “What?”

“This is major badness, Spike.”

“You’re not a nerd, love.” He paused trying to think of something better to say. “You’re...eh, delightfully bookish and the brainy types always go farther--that’s a proven fact, Red.”

Willow’s face softened at his compliment and nickname. “I guess you’re right. I never thought I’d say it, but, thanks, Spike.”

“Yeah,” Buffy added, flashing him a smile, “Will, does Percy even go here?”
***

"That dumb jock!"

Spike rolled his eyes as Xander spoke to Willow. Who said he was sick of her woe-is-me belly aching? Seems like he's encouraging her.

"You look awfully nice."

Spike's attention shifted to Giles who was talking with Buffy.

"Thanks, Giles."

"How was your date?"

"Good."

"I'm sorry that it was cut short."

"That's all right. As soon as we find out what kind of demon it is, we're leaving." Buffy turned and gave Spike a grin, sensing that he was staring at her. "Now, Willow, show Giles that eyeball symbol-thingie so we can go," she said, sitting next to Spike on the sofa.

Willow pulled out a yellow napkin that she had drawn on. “Right, it was carved into his chest, like a big creepy eye.”

"Hey, it’s the CBS logo!" Xander said.

"It does look familiar--." Spike started to say but Giles broke him off.

"It's the end of the world."

"Again?" Xander, Willow and Buffy asked at once, making Spike roll his eyes.

"Are you sure, Watcher?"

"It's, ah, the earthquake--that symbol--yes."

"I told you, Spike! I said, ‘We're all going to die' and you said, 'No, no, pet.'"

"Yes, you did but I still don't understand," Spike said, looking from Buffy to Giles. "What's the spooky eye going to do that'll cause our demise? I've seen that thing before."

"Where?"

"I was looking at this crypt on the other side of town and the symbol was carved into the coffin."

Giles looked confused but Buffy nodded. "Let's check it out. Giles, do you have some weapons we can borrow?"

"But Buffy..."

"Nope, we're leaving--must stop impending apocalypse."

"You heard her." Spike smirked, "Put these in the fridge for me. I'll get them tomorrow."

Giles looked at the Styrofoam boxes that were placed in his arms and frowned. When he looked up, Spike and Buffy were already out the door.
***

“This sucks.”

“You can stay that again, kitten.”

“This really, really sucks.”

“Let me get that for you.” Spike slid open the heavy door of the mausoleum and cursed when he saw a demon and Riley inside. “He’s like a fucking gnat!”

Buffy just rolled her eyes, shooting the green demon in the shoulder with arrows from her crossbow. Once she ran out of arrows, she tossed the weapon at its head and allowed Spike to fight the demon. “What was he trying to get?” she shouted at Riley.

“A child’s skeleton! He has it in the sack!”

“Ew, I’ll get it back.” She ran back to Spike as the demon roared and charged at him. Spike was picked up and slammed on top of a grave marker. “Spike!” Buffy screamed, before the demon knocked into her as it ran out of the mausoleum, causing Buffy to slam against the stone wall.

“I’m fine,” he replied, lying still and groaning. Seconds later, he helped her to her to feet. “You?”

“A little achy.” She winced and touched the back of her head. “Riley, where did it go?”

“I saw it take off towards the woods.”

“And you didn’t follow it?” Spike growled, dusting off his clothes.

“No weapons, no backup,” Riley shrugged. “You don’t go after a demon that size by yourself.”

“We do.”

“Yeah, well, I’m no Slayer and not a—whatever you are. Oh, Buffy, he knows, right?”

“Yeah, Riley, he knows,” she answered and then asked Spike, “should we go after it?”

Spike was about to respond but Riley’s handheld radio started to make noise.

“Base one, this is lilac one.”

“Lilac?” Spike repeated and exchanged smirks with Buffy.

Riley held up his hand to quiet their laughter and continued to talk into the radio. “Confirmed sighting of an unidentified Sub-T. Mobilize patrol team for debriefing at 0800 hours.”

”That’s very...commandory, Mr. Lilac. What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you; she who hangs out in cemeteries.”

“Well, you’ve found her, mate,” Spike said, not looking pleased. “What do you want?”

“Yeah, you let that demon go, Riley.”

“Don’t sweat it,” Riley shrugged. “My men will bag it.”

“Your men? Are you in charge of those bastards?”

Buffy jumped up, seeing fire in Spike’s eyes. “Honey, let’s go. Riley can’t talk about that stuff. It’s top secret.”

“You didn’t answer my question. What are you?”

Oh, hell, Buffy thought as Riley glared back at Spike. This is not going to end well.

“What I am is none of your concern.”

“Spike...”

“You aren’t human, are you?”

“Riley,” Buffy said, standing between them, looking from one man to the other. “Guys, please don’t do this. Not now.”

“What if I told you I wasn’t--.”

“Spike,” Buffy hissed, grabbing his wrist and squeezing until she knew it would cause him pain. “I mean it. Stop. It. Now.”

“Alright,” he said, grinning bitterly; his expression reminding Buffy of how he acted when they were enemies. Looking at Riley, he continued. “You, stay away. I’ve had to say it too many times already and it’s really getting on my nerves. We don’t need you, your gizmos or your fucking men, you got that?”

Buffy sighed as Spike turned on his heel and stalked out of the mausoleum.
***

 

Chapter 11

“About Spike…”

“I should report him for questionable conduct, Buffy.”

“To who? For doing what?”

“There’s something off about him. I think we should investigate him for your safety—for everyone’s safety, I mean.”

“You can’t.”

“I can and I will, Buffy.”

Anger traveled through Buffy’s body. “Mess with my boyfriend and—Riley, do you have any idea what a pissed off Slayer is capable of?”

“He is a demon, isn’t he? Damn it, do you know how much trouble I could get into for sweeping this kind of information under the rug? And I still can’t get over the feeling that he looks familiar--.”

“He’s saved your life how many times in the past week or so? He does the same thing that we do, he fights evil and he protects people. If you report him, you’re turning in one of the good guys.”

Riley wiped his mouth with his hand and looked as if he were deep in thought. He exploded seconds later. “I can’t believe you’re dating a thing like that! He’s clearly not human!”

“He is not a thing! Is that what this is about, why you keep finding me everywhere? Do you still think you have a chance with me?”

Riley shook his head but a blush covered his cheeks. “I don’t see why you’re dating him when...I think we could really have something here! I’m confused... when I’m around you I can feel my skin humming, Buffy, my hands—my every inch of me. I’ve never been this excited about anybody before. I’m not trying to scare you, and I’m not going to force myself on you--.”

“Good for you because you wouldn’t get very far. I’m with Spike; you’ve got to understand that and he’s my first priority, alright? Sure, it’d be nice to have another fighting buddy on my side but I still know nothing about you. You’re a stranger to me and I can’t handle all of your top secret, confidential crap. Until you tell me what you are and what your solider friends hope to accomplish, I agree with Spike; you should stay away.” Buffy picked up her crossbow and headed to the door.

“I can’t do that!” He yelled as Buffy lifted the heavy door.” This is not just your turf!”

“No, I guess there’s enough evil in the Hellmouth to spread around but not when it comes to Spike—report him or send any goons after him....” She shook her head and left Riley in the crypt, not able to find the words to express the damage that she would cause if anything were to happen to the man that she loved.
***

“Spike, I’m sorry about your wrist.”

“It’s not broken.” Not looking at Buffy, he flicked his cigarette, letting ash fall from the tip. “Just sore.”

“You weren’t listening to me.”

“You’re right.”

“Spike,” she said, standing in front of him, “don’t be mad at me.”

“I’m not.”

“I think you’re lying.” She tenderly picked up his wrist and ran her fingers over it. “I’m really sorry.”

“Oh, stop. It’s nothing to let your chin quiver over. I got caught up in the moment and nearly ratted myself out. I’m surprised that you didn’t just backhand me a few times.”

“He wanted to report you and he knows you’re not human,” she whispered. “I won’t let that happen. I know you want to be able to bite again but I’d rather have you neutered than in a cage.”

“Well, I agree with that sometimes and other times I think I’ll do just about anything to get my head fixed. How would you feel if one day you couldn’t eat anything unless it was pre-chewed for you?”

“That’s disgusting.”

“Comparing human blood to swine’s is like that—it’s disgusting, but hey, it keeps me around and kicking, right?” He sighed and finally looked her in the eye. “I left just in time to see them bagging our green demon and that’s how it was: a literal bagging. It took a lot for me not to follow them, but then I thought about you and I stayed put like a good puppy.”

Not sure what to say, Buffy crossed her arms and pouted.

“I told you not to worry about it, pet. Do you ever listen? Come here.” He looked annoyed as he motioned her forward, making Buffy more upset. “Oh, love, stop it.” His tone was softer, and he stood up and walked to her when Buffy refused to go to him. “This has been a long day, sweetness.”

She nodded, holding him close as he petted her hair.

“First there was that quake, then this ‘end of the world’ bull, and now Riley’s just the icing on the cake by officially ruining our date and making things rocky between us. Have I mentioned that I hate that guy?”

“Just about every few minutes.”

He chuckled and kissed her forehead. “Do we really have to go back to Scooby headquarters, kitten? Can’t we turn in? It has to be well past midnight by now.”

“I’ll have to at least call and check in.”

“Of course. Let me hold that for you,” he said, taking the crossbow as they walked towards her house.

“Are you really not mad at me anymore?”

“I know when the time comes you’ll be on my side...”

“I am on your side,” she insisted. “Why can’t you see that?”

“Just stubborn, I guess.”

“You don’t have to tell me about it, I’m fully aware of that.”

“I was never mad at you, Buffy. It’s the situation that’s driving me buggy. I have this terrible feeling that I’m going to be like this until the end and it very well pisses me off.”

“You weren’t mad that I hurt you? I still feel awful about that.”

“If it soothes your conscience, I’ve a few things in mind that you could do to make it up to me.”

“I’ll do anything, honey.”

“Oh, pet, those could be damning words.”

“Bring it on. I feel really guilty.”

“Ok, princess, as you wish.”
***

“Giles is very mad, he even said a few ‘bloody hells’.”

“Did you explain to him that the demon was captured?”

“Yup, but he still thinks that we should be out there getting the supplies that the demon was looking for. There could be more than one nasty; they love to travel in packs.”

“What does it want?”

“Well,” Buffy yawned, trying to remember. “It’s a Vahrall demon and it wants the bones of a child, the blood of man and something called the Word of Valios. The guys already checked around for the book and they can’t find it.”

“And what does the Watcher suggest that we do?”

“Research and patrol, the usual.”

“The sun’ll be up in a few hours or so. Think we could sneak in a nap or something like that?”

“Or something like that, huh?”

“You could consider it make up sex,” he suggested, running a finger from her elbow to her hand. “It’s very important, Slayer.”

“More so than saving the world?”

“We’ll win, the white hats always do.” Smiling, he turned her so he could pull down the zipper on the back of her dress. “Give us an hour tops.”

Buffy swallowed as he rolled the top of her dress to her waist, “Thirty minutes.” Threading her fingers through his hair, she hissed as he licked the valley between her breasts.

“Forty five.”

“Spike,” she moaned, spreading her legs so his hand could get between her thighs easier.

“Fifty and that’s my final offer.” They settled on the couch, tangling together as he hovered above her.

“Your offer grew, baby.”

“You noticed? I thought you’d be blinded by passion.”

“Almost but not quite.” As they kissed, she worked on undressing him. “I liked forty five.”

“I’ll make you change your mind.” With his pants around his ankles and her dress still bunched around her waist, Spike’s hand went between her legs again. “Let’s see if you’re ready to go, sweetheart.”

“You really have to check? What happened to your super-smelling abilities?” He smirked, kissing her and stroking her clit. “Spike,” she whimpered, getting fed up and positioning him at her entrance. "Spike..."

"Slayer, he said, mid-groan as he filled her to the hilt. "Forty five minutes?"

"I think I can spare an hour."
***

Buffy ran her fingers over his stomach muscles. Grinning, she kissed down his body. "You're so beautiful...you've always been so beautiful... That’s probably why you annoyed me. You were so conceited, always bragging about your strength and acting as if you oozed sexiness…”

“I don’t?”

“Not finished.” Licking her lips, she eyed his erection. “What bothered me was everything that you said was true. You’re strong, graceful and very…irresistible.”

“I’m evil too, remember that, kitten.”

“Oh, yes, downright beastly,” she encircled his shaft with one of her hands, “so, um…no good.” Glancing up at him, she smiled meekly, “Bare with me, I could be bad at this.” Before Spike could speak, she popped the head of his cock into her mouth.

“Buffy,” he said, pushing his hips towards her while she clumsily pleased him. He was on the verge of climax when the sound of the telephone shattered the mood. “Ignore it,” he hissed through clenched teeth, “you have a machine, right?”

She nodded, regaining momentum. They both relaxed once the ringing stopped.

“Fuck!”

“My purse, it’s behind you.”

Muttering a long line of colorful words, he found her cell phone. “You’re not answering it.”

“You then.” She tickled him until he answered the phone.

“This had better be good!” he roared.

Buffy reached to hold his hand and continued play with him until he tossed the phone in a huff.

“Hey, don’t break my phone! What’s wrong?”

“We need to get to your Watcher.”

“Now?” she whined, still face-to-face with his erection. She gave it a kiss, “I’m busy. You think I could finish? You were so close…”

“Buffy, do need to ask for my opinion?”

“No, I guess not.”

“Wait,” he sat up and pulled her into his arms, “instead of doing that, let me be inside you.”

“Ooo,” she cooed, sliding onto his hardness.

“We’ll just have to be quick, alright?”

She nodded, holding on to his shoulders and knowing she was in for a wild ride.
***

“What happened?” Buffy asked as they walked through the living room.

“It’s my fault,” Giles said, looking tired and sore. “I should’ve known. The Word of Valios is the name of a talisman, not a book. I blame myself entirely.”

“You had it here?” Spike asked, trying not to laugh. “Good thing we didn’t look too hard for it.”

Buffy squeezed Spike’s hand as she watched Giles, her eyes filled with sympathy. “You need something, ice maybe?”

“That would be wonderful.”

She nodded, motioning for Spike to follow her into the kitchen. “I feel bad. Here we were doing the big nasty and Giles was getting beat up.”

“We didn’t know he was housing one of the deadly ingredients.” Spike shrugged and looked in the refrigerator. “If you ask me, I think he needs a good knock in the head every once in awhile. His head must be full of dust and moldy book knowledge—it’s like a spring cleaning. Take out some brain cells, blow out some dust bunnies.”

Buffy looked at him and shook her head. His hands were full, a bag of blood in one hand and their leftovers in the other. “Didn’t you just eat?”

“You wore me out, sweetness.” He kissed her brow. “Tend to Rupert and call me when we’re going to kill the bad guy.”
***

“They’re going to open the Hellmouth,” Spike imitated Giles as they trampled on the burnt wreckage that was once Buffy’s high school. “Is there a demon who hasn’t tried to open the gate to hell?”

“Not one that I can think of. Be careful honey, this place doesn’t look too stable.”

“Can’t have us going under.” He leaped from one knocked over locker to another.

“When we get to the library keep a lookout for victims they’re keeping alive for the sacrifice. Getting them out should be what we do first.”

“Will do, love.”

“Okay,” she said, taking a deep breath, “Ready?”

“Guess so.”
***

“I don’t see any sacrifice people,” Spike said, scanning the room that was once Giles’ library. Where the floor used to be was a hole that was surrounded by chanting demons. “There’s just three of them. This should be cake, pet.”

“I hope you’re right.” They exchanged nods before jumping into the fight. Buffy pounded on one of the Vahrall demons until their supplies caught her eye. Leaving the brawling to Spike, she gathered the bones and bottle of blood. “Where are the people?”

“Buffy!”

She turned, seeing one demon hop into the hole. “Are they suicidal?”

“I…” Spike was cut off as the ground started to shake.

“Get them away from the hole!”

Buffy forgot about the ingredients and looked for weapons to use on the goons. She had one cornered as a bigger tremor shook the earth, nearly causing her to lose her balance and fall to her knees.

“Sorry!” Spike yelled, coming up behind her.

“That’s alright!” she said, while wailing on the demon. “Help me kill this thing!”
***

“Does saving the world feel mundane after the first dozen times?”

“Oh, yeah.”

“That wasn’t even that difficult—watcher boy got the worst beating.” Spike stared up at the ceiling in her bedroom. “I was actually worried it would be the end for a few seconds earlier, now I feel so let down.”

“You wanted the world to stop turning?”

“No, no, but I thought we’d have more bloodshed and whatnot. That was tame, Slayer.”

“I’m not complaining and I don’t think you should either. Minimal pain and suffering is a good thing, Mr. Doom and Gloom. Do you want me to get hurt? I know I couldn’t stand it if you were to get a freaking paper cut. I nearly bawled because of your wrist.”

“It’s all healed up, see?” He twisted his wrist, proving that the bruise had vanished.

“Good.”

“And you know I don’t anything to happen to my girl.”

“Sometimes I’m not so sure.” Spike looked at her as if she had insulted him. “Well, you’re almost rooting for the bad guys!”

“I love you, Buffy.”

“I know.”

“I’d go mad if something were to happen to you.” He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. “The way that I love you…sometimes it feels like my heart is beating again. With you, I don’t feel like the undead, I feel like the man I used to be.”

“What kind of man were you?”

“Oh, kitten, we don’t have enough time to get into that now. You need to sleep because your classes start in a mere hour or so.”

“I sleep during class. Tell me.”

Spike closed his eyes, refusing to give in to Buffy’s deadly pout. “Not now.”

“Sore subject, baby?”

“Embarrassing subject.”

“I would never laugh at you…much.”

“That’s heartwarming but still I say no.”

“Just answer me one question: were you a good guy or a bad guy?”

He searched her face and couldn’t help but pull her closer. “Good guy, kitten.”

“I knew it,” Buffy whispered, falling asleep with a content smile on her face.
***
 

Chapter 12

“I can see this happening.” Buffy inspected the crypt with her arms crossed and her eyes looking over every detail. “Upstairs, we can have the kitchen and the living room—I know we’ll have to find you a TV—and downstairs will be the bedroom and some sort of bathroom—because, honey, running water is a must. I figure we can get furniture at garage sales and places like that.”

“How about the dump?”

“No. No way, Spike. No dump.”

“There could be good stuff there. You’re too snobby--.”

“To shop till I drop in people’s filth? Yes, I am. I’ll take over the furnishings; you’re in charge of the Home Depot-ish stuff. I can’t wait to see you in your handy man get-up... Oh! We can always get Xander to help...”

“There’s no way in hell!”

“He could be helpful.” Buffy sang. “I don’t want you to wreck your new crypt.”

“I won’t wreck it! I’ve been alive for decades, pet, I think I can do some work here. Get one of those do-it-yourself guides and a nice hammer--.”

“And you’ll be homeless again.”

“Oh, you with so little faith. I’ll show you, Slayer.”

“Hey, hey, back off, mister, I have class.” Buffy pushed him back but Spike kept coming at her until she was against the stone wall. “Really, baby, I can’t. I’ve been late or absent to every class since we’ve gotten together.”

“Just a kiss, love.”

“Yeah right. Wait, wait, one more thing. You need a phone, too.”

“So I can call you?” Spike drew a line with his finger from her neck to cleavage. “I don’t even have your cell number. Kitten, there could be an emergency and...”

“Knowing you, you’d call just for kinky phone sex.”

“Would it be so bad?” Chuckling, his hand slid up her shirt. “I doubt you’d complain. What class do you see the GI Joe in?”

“You would,” Buffy said, shaking her head.

“I want to take as many jabs at him as possible.”

“What will you do if he starts jabbing back?”

Spike unhooked her bra and fondled each of her breasts as he kissed up her neck to her chin. “I could kill him.”

“You can’t.”

“I could, maybe not with my hands but I could be the driving force.”

“Don’t.”

“That’ll only be if he gets out of hand.”

“Spike,” she moaned as he kissed her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck and clung to him. “Leave him alone.”

“You’re protecting him.”

“You can be such an asshole sometimes.”

“Love you too, sweetheart.”

“I love you more.”

“Oh, really?”

His whisper sent shivers down her spine. “Yes,” she said weakly. Spike continued to kiss her passionately until Buffy was about to say that she’d be ditching all of her classes, but he abruptly put her bra back on and kissed her tenderly. “Spike?”

“Go to school, Buffy.”
***

“Your birthday’s coming up. You have any plans with...eh, Spike?”

“We haven’t talked about it.”

“Will you ever be at the dorm again? Most of your clothes are gone... Am I roomie-less?”

“Willow,” Buffy bit her lip. “I think I may be moving out.”

“Are you staying at home?”

“For a little while...until Spike gets his place to be livable for the actual living.”

“You’re living with him?” Willow said, wide-eyed.

“You’re full of questions today, aren’t you, Will?”

“Sorry, it’s just...aren’t things moving rather quickly with Spike? Oh crap, that’s another question.”

“It’s okay.” Buffy and Willow found an empty table to sit and eat their lunch. “Things are definitely…moving with us. Spike is very impatient and kinda antsy—in a good way—I mean, look at this.”

“An engagement ring?”

“He says that it isn’t but it looks like one, doesn’t it? It was my pre-first date present.”

“Oh, wow.”

“I know. I should be freaking out—okay, I did a little—but really, I like the pace of our relationship. I love him, Willow. It’s different than your spell; it feels different...more real.”

“But you hated his guts and now you love his guts?”

“They’re very lovable,” Buffy said with a smirk. “I want to be with him more. I want to wake up next to him and watch Passions with him...I want to live with my boyfriend.”

Willow blinked, “You’ve got it bad!”

“Very, very bad! Angel was like a major angst-fest but Spike is more laid back. I can banter with him and play with him. Angel was way too serious; we were never together unless we were fighting something. Sure, Spike loves to fight but sometimes we just watch TV. Could you see Angel watching The Muppets Take Manhattan with me?”

“Spike did? Awww, that’s kinda cute.”

“He’s whipped,” Buffy proclaimed with a smile, “and he knows it and I think he enjoys it.”

“Well, he did let Dru and Angelus run over him.”

“Hey, he was in a wheelchair and what could he do? Dru was a major ho for cheating on him and he was sweet enough to still want to save her--”

“You defending Spike; you do really love him, don’t you?”

“Haven’t you been listening to me?”

“Sorry, it’s still hard to believe.”

“You’d better believe it and tell the others to as well. Spike’s here to stay. Where I go, he goes.”

“Okay, okay, you dig Spike.”

“I do, but that’s enough about me. How have you been?”

“You haven’t missed much. I started going to the Wicca group on campus and it was a huge bust. All they wanted to do was wear flowery clothes and do bake sales.”

“Oh, I’m sorry about that.”

“No, it’s fine. I did meet this girl there, Tara. She’s actually the real deal. We’ve been doing spells together.”

“And they’ve been successful?”

“Yes,” Willow huffed.

“No offense, it’s just...things have gone wonky in the past...sorry.”

“Things have been fine and I really like Tara, in fact, I may ask her to be my new roommate.”

“You found a replacement for me already?” Buffy joked, but she masked hurt with a light tone.

“Well, Buffy...you’re never around anymore and you did say that you want to be with Spike constantly...”

“I still want to do things with you! What are you doing tomorrow?”

“I have plans with Tara.”

“Okay, how about after then? You could bring Tara. We-we could have a Girl’s Night and Anya could come too! No boys!”

“No vampires too?”

“Cute, Will. Just tell me yes or no, so I can get planning.”

“Sure, Buffy. Let me ask Tara when she’s free.”
***

Buffy’s head dropped, causing her to wake suddenly. “Shit,” she whispered, realizing that she’d fallen asleep during the review for her exam. Causally, she tried to peek at the student’s paper next to her and the girl glared, moving her notebook away from sight.

“Bitch.”

“How rude,” Buffy grumbled, rubbing her eyes. She looked at the clock, seeing that she only had fifteen minutes left of her last class.

Please God, let the professor put the study guide on the internet. Please, please, please...
***

“Spike, you’re old. Do you know anything about US history?”

“Depends,” he muttered, not looking up from his book. “What years? Things get foggy around my wild decades.”

“You only had a few wild decades?”

“You’re buttering me up.”

“Yup, I slept through my study guide and my teacher’s stupid.”

“Not fond of sleepers?”

“No,” she whined, sitting on his knee and peering at his book. “Plumbing?”

“That’s right. I think I can figure it out. I just need some of these and a few holes and then you’ll have a bathroom.”

“Did you read all those pages today?”

“I did.”

“And you retained every thing?”

“Every word, princess. I know how to read—I enjoy it.”

“I didn’t say that you didn’t know how to read. I hate to read myself, I’m a skimmer.”

“And that’s why you’re in a tizzy about your test, yeah?”

“Oh, mean!”

“You never told me the years your exam will cover.” He closed his book and pulled her to his chest.

“The Jacksonian Era—whenever that was—all I know is there are a lot of old, white, dead guys.”

“Not necessarily. When’s your test?”

“Tuesday.”

“Get your book, love and we’ll study.”
***

“Jackson was behind the Trail of Tears. He went absolutely batty trying to crush the bank because he hated the guy that was in charge. He was the first president from the west, considered a cowboy and he didn’t need any poncy secret service. You bugged him, he’d knife you.”

“Really?”

“Oh, yeah. He was ruthless.”

Buffy copied down everything that Spike was telling her. “You know a lot about this stuff. You weren’t there, were you?”

“I’m not that old, so don’t you start offending me, Slayer. I watch the History Channel.”

“You watch educational television?”

“Sometimes,” he shrugged.

“That’s not very big bad-ish of you, Spikey.”

“Well it’s paying off, isn’t it?”

Buffy nodded, putting the cap on her pen. “Can I take back all the times I insulted your intelligence? All that peroxide had no affect on you at all, baby, you’re really smart.”

Spike lifted his brow as Buffy crawled towards him. “What about studying?”

“We did a lot and we have four more days for you to drill it into me.”

“Nice choice of wording, pet.”

“I hope it’s giving you some ideas,” she purred, brushing her lips against the side of his face.

“I guessing you want to carry on where we left things this morning?”

“So smart,” Buffy whispered. She sat in his lap and pulled his head to her chest.

“Mind the hair.”

“I love your hair. Did you ever spike it to go with your name?”

“Of course,” he muttered as clearly as he could with his face in her cleavage.

“Is it naturally curly?”

“Don’t tell a soul.”

She laughed, wiggling closer to him. “The more I learn about you, the more I love you, Spike.”

“I told you we’d be just brilliant together, didn’t I?”

Buffy nodded as she continued to play with his hair and touch him lovingly. “I’m going to hear I told you so a lot, huh?”

“Continuously, Slayer.”

“You’re so wicked,” she laughed while unbuttoning his shirt. “Are you going to join me here or are you just going to sit—Spike!” Buffy giggled as he grabbed her, pressing her into the sofa and covering her body with his. “Spike!”

“Buffy,” he growled. He pulled her shirt over her head, giving her stomach a number of kisses. Buffy’s pants were almost off when Spike froze, “Are we expecting company?”

“I don’t think so...”

“Someone’s unlocking the door, pet.” He got off the couch and reached for a blanket. “Here.”

“Thanks.”

“I’ll get it, don’t move.”

“Spike, I don’t think you need to take a weapon. We have a peep hole.” She watched as he crept up to the door with a heavy vase in his hand. “Break that and mom—mom! You’re home!”

“Buffy, I tried to call and the phone must’ve been off of the hook last night. Spike, you’re still here...and you seem to be manhandling my vase.”

“Sorry, thought you were a burglar.” Once Joyce had the door closed, Spike offered to take her bags upstairs.

“That’d be sweet of you,” Joyce smiled, walking into the living room.

“Hey, mom.”

“Buffy, why are your pants on the coffee table? And your shirt,” she picked Buffy’s shirt up off of the middle of the carpet. “Did I interrupt something?”

“We were just studying,” Buffy said sweetly. “I’m glad you’re back, mom and early too. The phone, eh, last night we had to save the world so we opted to not take any calls afterwards.”

“I see.” Joyce returned her daughter’s hug. “You may want to get dressed again. It’s chilly, Buffy.”

“Will do. Are you hungry? We already ordered some take-out and Spike got a bit too much of everything. It should be here soon.”

“Sure, that sounds great, dear. I’ll just unpack.”

“And I’ll,” Buffy bit her lip, seeing Spike waiting at the top of the stairs, “change...in my room. I’m glad you’re back. Bye!”

“Nice to see you too, Buffy,” Joyce laughed. “I’ll call when the food’s here.”

“Thanks mom!” Buffy kissed her on the cheek before gathering her clothes and running upstairs.
***

“Do you think she’ll let me stay?”

“I hope so, if not, we’ll go.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I kinda told Willow that I was moving out of the dorm but I’m sure we could stay there for a little.”

“Won’t that be a full house, sweetheart?” He kneeled in front of her and hooked his thumbs on the sides of her underwear, slowly pulling them down. “You’re moving out of the dorms?”

She nodded, trying not to moan too loudly as he kissed along her side, starting at her hip. “I’m never there.”

“Where are you going to live?”

“Eh, with you...”

“Me?”

“If you want me.”

“I think I could find somewhere to keep you.”

“Oh, that’s good because if not, it’d be my turn to be homeless.” Her laughing stopped abruptly as his hand parted her thighs. “Spike...”

“Remember my hair. Don’t pull too hard, kitten.”

“I won’t.”

“Alright, open wide for me.”

She spread her legs, whimpering at the first lick of his tongue.
***

“I’m gathering that you’re dating now.”

“Yup,” Buffy grinned proudly as she snuggled into Spike’s side. “I won’t deny it this time.”

“I knew it was just a matter of time. You both seemed close before I left.” Joyce caught Spike’s eye and smirked before digging into her Chinese food. “Good for you. I hope you stay happy for a long time.”

“I don’t plan on mucking things up anytime soon, Joyce.” He tensed as she shrugged and smiled widely. “I told you,” he whispered in Buffy’s ear. “She’s out to get me.”

“We’ll share these.” Buffy leaned forward, getting them each a box. “Stop being afraid of my mother, Spike. I won’t let her hurt you.” She brushed her lips against his earlobe and possessively draped a leg over his body. “So, mom how was your trip? Why was it cut short?”

“The weather. If we hadn’t left today we would’ve been stuck and I didn’t want to miss your birthday, Buffy.”

“It’s Saturday, right?”

“Yes, sir. Open,” Buffy fed Spike a spoonful of rice and wiped his face. “I’m turning nineteen and I’ve decided it’s going to be the best Buffy birthday ever, even if we have to hide in the closet all day.”

“Buffy, you shouldn’t hide. You need to celebrate, dear. We could have a party here, if you’d like--.”

“Oh! I forgot! Can we have a Girl’s Night this week? Not tomorrow but the day after that? Willow thinks I’m abandoning my gal pals.” Buffy took a bite of Spike’s food. “I hope you don’t mind but I figure you could work on our crypt. I need to mingle, honey.”

“Our crypt?” Joyce asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Now, you’ve done it, pet.”

“Hush,” she whispered. “Mom, Spike’s got a new place and I want to move in with him when it’s finished.”

“Oh? Where is it? What kind of work does it need? I know a few people at work who could lend a hand.”

“It’s in the cemetery, Joyce.”

“Well…we could tell them that you’re the caretaker and that you’re converting it.”

“That would be great!”

“Peachy.”

“Spike, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Could that be my cue to run upstairs? Thank you for dinner, it was great -- and Buffy, tell me what you want do to for the Girl’s Night. I can go to the store tomorrow.”

“Ok, mom. Goodnight.” Buffy curled her legs across Spike’s lap and looked at him. “What?”

“Nothing.”

“You’re pouty.”

“Am not.” He rested his head on his hand, “Alright! We do you assume that I can’t do the crypt? Let me try it before you call in the others! It’ll be our place and I don’t want people poking about and getting in my way!”

“Does it feel nice to get that out of your system?”

“Yes,” he said with a sigh. “I’m just feeling overwhelmingly caveman-ish. My woman, my house; fuck off.”

“I’m just excited and want to move in as soon as possible.”

“I get that. I’m excited too.”

“Then hurry up,” Buffy teased, poking him in the stomach. “Instead of patrolling, you should stay in the cemetery. Get me a bed, somewhere to put our food and somewhere to pee and I’m good.”

“After we patrol, I’ll do that.”

“Fine.”

“But that means you’ll be sleeping alone tonight.”

“You don’t think I could handle it?”

“We haven’t been apart at all since we were magically engaged--.”

“Are you saying that I’m too clingy?” Buffy demanded, trying to move away from him but Spike held her still.

“You were hanging all over me and in front of Joyce--.”

“So what? Our relationship will not be a secret! I love you and I want to be around you and if I want to touch you--.”

“Don’t think you could handle it,” he sang smugly. “There’s no way, kitten. I’d give it an hour and you’d be coming for me--.”

“I’d rather die—no, I wouldn’t have to because you’d be in my bed first! You can’t live without me and you know it!”

“I’m already dead--.”

“There’s no way that you could stay away.”

“Oh, I could.”

“Prove it.”

“I will.”

“How about if we started now?”

“But patrolling...”

“Nope, you should just go to the cemetery. No you for me and no me for you--U-until the morning after Girl’s Night!”

“That’s well over twenty-four hours! I thought we were talking about a night!”

“You’re going to miss me so bad! You’re going to go through withdrawals!”

“Will not!”

“Will too.” Buffy stuck out her tongue and laughed in glee as Spike leaned in to kiss her. “No smoochies!”

“Fine.” He pushed her legs away and walked to the door. “I won’t even miss you.”

“I won’t miss you either.” Once he opened the door, Buffy gasped involuntarily, realizing that he was really leaving. “Spike!”

“You already calling me back, princess?”

“No,” she said, running to the door. “But we don’t have to do this. I know that I’m clingy. I was just teasing. I take it all back.”

“Aren’t you a bit curious now?”

“Maybe but--.”

“Let’s do it. You can get to school on time and stay awake during your classes and I’ll work on our place. When the time’s up—unless you crack and come to me—I’ll pick you up and take you home.”

“What kind of miracle work can you do in so little time?”

“You’ll just have to wait and see.”

“But I can’t see you at all?”

“Pet, don’t make me think that I’m winning already…”

“This is stupid.”

“But you put the crazy idea into my noggin--.”

“So, I’m being punished?”

“No.”

“I won’t lose, Spike.”

“You say that now,” he smirked. “I should go now, Buffy.”

“Okay,” she swallowed, struggling not to hug and kiss him goodbye.

“Bye, my love.” He blew her a kiss goodbye and wiggled his black-polished nails at her. “It won’t be too long. Let the strongest win.”

“I love you—be careful! Don’t...don’t do anything stupid!”

“You too, sweetheart.”

“I won’t miss you.” She said, knowing her voice gave away the opposite.

“I won’t miss you either. Love you, Buffy.”

Buffy closed the door before he could see the tears stinging in her eyes. “I can do this,” she whispered to herself. “Hell, I hated him for so long—Spike!” She perked up once the doorbell rang.

“I realized that we never made our bet official.”

“Spike,” she said warmly, opening her arms.

“Slayer,” he moaned, giving her a deep kiss and crushing her into his body. “Wait at least fifteen minutes so when I win it won’t be too embarrassing for you--.”

“Oh, go! Get!” She pushed him back. “I won’t let you win, Spike!”

Chuckling, Spike let Buffy push him out of the house. “You don’t even stand a chance! I’ll see you before sunrise!”
***
 

Chapter 13

“Thanks guys.”

“No problem, Buff.”

“Yeah, it’s not like we had any plans,” Anya huffed spreading the cards in her hand. “We were just going to light candles and have sex next to them.”

“Anya!” Xander snapped, looking embarrassed. “Buffy, it’s nice to have you. It’s just too bad that Willow couldn’t be here. This three-hand poker is not quite the game.”

“Two cards please,” Buffy said sweetly. “I’m not sure how much we’ll see of Willow now. I guess she’s got a spanking new friend and you know how that can be…”

“Oh, yes we’ve enjoyed spanking. Have you and Spike?”

Xander choked on the chips he had been eating and first looked at Anya and then at Buffy in shock. “Food. Stuck in throat. Dying.”

“No, not yet Anya.” Buffy smiled at Xander and pounded on his back twice with her fingers balled up in a fist. “Better?”

“Only slightly but I’m pretty sure that my ears are bleeding.”

“Vampires are known to enjoy spanking and bondage, especially since they can heal very fast.”

“Really? He hasn’t mentioned…okay, he did once, but we weren’t together then--.”

“Does he bite during climax? I dated this vampire once--.”

“Am I invisible here?” Xander covered his ears and looked as if he was sick to his stomach. “No more sex talk and definitely no Spike sex talk!”

“Xander, newsflash: Buffy and Spike are dating.”

“He doesn’t know?”

“He knows now!” Xander screeched.

Buffy touched Xander’s arm and looked him in the eye. “Spike and I are a couple now. But we’re kinda…taking a break. It’s actually a bet. We’re trying to see if we can stay apart for a few days and whoever caves and goes to the other first loses.”

“Xander, give me five. That’s a good idea, it’s like a way to guarantee make-up sex.”

“You think? But we aren’t mad at each other…”

“Ahn, you can’t have five cards. The max is four and that’s only if you have an ace.”

“Give me four.”

Xander didn’t move to deal her any cards. “Let’s see the ace.”

“Fine. Three. What a stupid game. All these rules to win little plastic disks.”

“Chips,” Xander corrected. “They’re called chips and they represent money because we are all currently poor. But that’s going to change once my merchandise hits the streets.”

“I can’t buy pretty things with chips.”

“You don’t think he’s mad at me, right? Maybe I really do smother him.” Buffy pouted, looking off into the distance. “Maybe I do cling… I’m-I’m like a wet t-shirt!”

“Hey! Listen to me!” Xander jumped up and grabbed a box from his workbench.

“What’s in there?” Buffy asked.

“Nasty, tasteless energy bars that are supposed to be healthy.”

“Anya, you’re a great salesperson. But I will admit that they leave a bad after-tastelessness. Want to buy a box?”
***

“Buffy, what a pleasant surprise.”

“Hey.” She walked past Giles and sat on the sofa. “Everyone’s got their munchies out.” Grinning, she helped herself to a handful of popcorn from the bowl that was on the coffee table. “I didn’t interrupt, did I? I seem to be doing that tonight.”

“No, I’m just wondering what brings you here. Is there a disturbance that I should know about?”

“Well, I was hoping there was a rowdy demon that you could tell me about. Can you look in your books and see if something will be running a-muck tonight? I need something to do.”

“I can look but,” he walked to his bookshelf and thumbed through random texts, “shouldn’t you enjoy a slow night?”

“I’d rather kick demon ass.”

“Oh…alright.” Giles gave up on the books and brought a map to Buffy. “You can look for our commando laboratory--.”

“Spike and I found that days ago. It’s under Riley’s dorm.”

“What? Spike said you wouldn’t--who’s Riley?”

“Didn’t I tell you? Riley’s our commando pal. He said that pretty much everything we knew about them is true--Giles, we are you looking at me like that?”

He pulled off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. “You’ve known for days and I’ve been continuing my research. You’re friends with the enemy.”

“Things have been really busy. It must’ve slipped my mind. I know I told the gang--.”

“I’m the last to know?”

Buffy grimaced at his angry tone, “Sorry. Uh, peace offering?”

“What are those bloody things?”

“I bought them from Xander because I felt guilty for interrupting his sexcapades with Anya. Take them. Boost Bars: ‘The natural food bar that provides a nutritional energy boost for active, health conscious people’.”
***

“What a night.” Buffy arrived home after walking through the cemetery and was disappointed that she had not seen any signs of Spike. “Cocky bastard,” she muttered while undressing.

Unable to stop herself, she peeked out her window and scanned the yard one last time for bleached blonde stalkers. “Who needs him,” she pouted, heading into the bathroom.

“Oh, Buffy, you’re back,” Joyce said, meeting her in the hallway. “Where’s Spike? I heard yelling before and--.”

“Everything’s fine, mom. Spike might be in later but I’m not sure. I’m just going to take a bath and then go to bed.”

“Okay. Goodnight, honey.”

“Night, mom.”
***

Buffy locked the bathroom door and dropped her robe. Wrinkling her nose, she spun in front of the mirror, looking for bruises, war wounds and prior love bites. “Not bad,” she whispered, finding her body free of marks.

Before heading toward the tub, she ran her palms over her hard nipples. “Like I need him to get my happies. I was doing just fine before.”

Buffy leaned over, pulling the bath mat up and adjusting the shower curtain. She looked into the mirror again and quickly pinned up her hair before turning on the faucet.

“The hard part will be thinking of some random celebrity and not my boyfriend,” Buffy said, sitting in the bath and situating her hips so the warm water pounded directly between her legs. Humming, she laid back and allowed her body to relax.

“Stupid vampire,” she sighed, closing her eyes and opening herself wider. Mmmm, sexy stupid vampire, she thought, as little sparks were sent though her body. She chewed on her lower lip, imagining Spike’s smirking face and mischievous blue eyes.

“Oh, Spike…” Whimpering, she arched her back and squeezed her breasts. “More. More.”

“God,” she hissed, holding her hips in the right spot to make her body jerk from the pleasure. “Spike, Spike, Spike,” she chanted until her orgasm left her speechless.

“Oh, wow.” Her hands shook gently as she hurriedly turned off the tap before the tub could overflow.
***

As soon as Buffy stepped into her room, she heard her cell phone ring. “No,” she whined, knowing that only the Scoobies had her number. “I changed my mind. I’m going to sleep. No more slaying tonight.”

“Having fun without me, kitten?”

“Spike?” Buffy jumped, “Where are you?”

“Outside.”

She ran to her window and grinned foolishly, seeing him at the tree in her yard. “Couldn’t stay away?”

“I was just walking by and then I heard all these naughty moans…”

“Just walking by huh?” Buffy pulled up her blinds and squinted at the ground where he was standing. “Baby, there’s about a pack of smoked cigarettes at your feet. I can’t believe I didn’t see them before.”

“Oh those. They aren’t mine.”

“Liar. Are you coming up to see me?”

“I can see you perfectly from down here, sweetheart.”

“What if I move away from my window?”

“I’d like it better if you opened your robe a bit. Show me what I’m missing.”

“So you are missing me?”

“Every second. Flash me, cutie.”

“Someone could see.”

“And it would be their lucky day.”

“You’re evil.” She loosened her robe and let it fall to her feet. Seeing Spike smirk up at her, she pinched and played with one of her nipples. “But, Spikey, I can play too.”

“What do you mean?”

Buffy pulled down the blinds. “Oops, guess you can’t see.”

“That wasn’t very nice.”

“You were cheating and cheating is bad.”

“What are you doing now?”

“Lying in my big empty bed and thinking of how hot your voice is.”

“You’re touching yourself.”

“How do you know that? Oh, there’s that smell-factor, huh? That is so gross.”

“Tell me. How does it feel? What are you fantasizing that I’m doing to you?”

“No…don’t want to.” Buffy made a whimper and tried not to laugh as Spike groaned in response. “Spike, are you touching yourself?”

“That is none of your business.”

“It will be when I have to bail your ass out of jail for lewd behavior.”

“It that what your thinking about, my ass? What are you doing to it, sweetness?”

“This is so…”

“Don’t be bashful. Talk to me. Tell me what you were thinking about earlier. What are you thinking about now?”

“I think you talk too much. And I think my hand it getting tired--.” She giggled as Spike made another noise, “I mean from holding the phone, you perv.”

“Don’t hang up.”

“But…”

“Keep talking to me.”

Buffy’s eyes widened at his desperate growl. “You about to come, Spike? Oh, God, I wish I could see you-hell, I wish you were up here with me. I could see your face, kiss you and touch you.”

“Slayer…”

“I’d, uh, run my fingers down your, um-I don’t think I’m good at this. I’m more of a doer than a talker. If I had you up here…I’d have you coming in no time. I’d tell you how much I love you and then I’d show you. All night long, baby. Mmmm, I miss you and --.” Buffy stopped, listening carefully as Spike came on the other end of the telephone. “Since you’ve lost already, I want you upstairs and inside of me. Hurry, Spike. I need you to make love to me.”
***

“Buffy.” He met her halfway up the stairs and she leapt into his arms. Propping her against the wall, he opened her robe wide and pushed two fingers inside of her.

Kissing him madly, Buffy batted his hands away and blindly reached for the zipper of his pants. “Uh!” she cried out as he filled to the hilt.

“Quiet.”

“Spike,” she whispered, meeting his rapid thrusts. “Never again. Stupid bet. Oh, God! Spike!” To muffle her involuntary sobs, she buried her head into his shoulder, getting a whiff of smoke, cologne and leather. “You-I...God, I love you.”

“Fuck.” He held her higher, pounding into her at a new angle.

Buffy saw his eyes roll back and pulled him to her for more kissing. “Don’t you have something to tell me?” she said with ragged breath. “Please?”

“I can’t go on without you, not even for a few fucking hours. It was worse because I knew that I had to back off--.”

“Nice but...not it.” They locked eyes and Buffy felt herself heading speedily towards release. “Say it.”

“I love you.”

“Oooh,” she hissed. “Again.”

“I love you, Buffy.”

She clung to him, riding out her orgasm and anticipating his. “Oh, Spike. Come for me, baby.” As he exploded with a loud moan, Buffy smiled and whispered how much she cared for him into his ear.

“Hold on tight.”

“Doubt I can hold you any tighter.” Buffy kissed his neck as he carried her to her room. Mmmm, she thought when he lowered her onto the bed. Anya was so right. We need make-up sex more often...
***

"Is Spike coming down for breakfast?"

"Um, no. We're still eh, breaking. He’s not here."

"Breaking things is more like it."

"What?" Buffy stopped pouring cereal to look at her mom.

"Out of the pictures on stairs, two have broken frames and one has cracked glass. And even though you tell me constantly that I don't listen to you, I am not deaf, young lady."

"Eh, sorry, mom. I'll replace the broken stuff."

"Oh, you will and make sure your boyfriend chips in too."
***

"Where'd you go?"

"Breakfast."

Spike grunted, putting a pillow over his head.

"Mom knows you're here."

"Smart lady."

"You're grumpy."

"I'm not."

"Are too."

Buffy patted him on his bare behind. "Move over, baby."

"You can go around. I'm comfortable."

"You won't be comfortable when I spill milk and fun-shaped marshmallows in your hair."

"Then you'd be cleaning me up."

"That would be fun. Move." She tickled the hairs on the back of his neck and sat next to him on the bed. "Drink your blood and be happy." When he continued to grumble, Buffy kissed his shoulder. "What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing. I just choose to be not pleasant."

"You still upset because you lost?" she asked, moving the pillow so she could see his face. She smiled, charmed by his sleepy eyes and messy hair. “You’re exceptionally gorgeous this morning. How do you do that?” Spike’s eyes stayed closed as Buffy settled in the tiny corner of unoccupied space that was left on the bed. “Don’t let me fall, Spike. I’ll be so pissed off.”

He rolled to face her and bent her knee over his side so they could lie as close as possible. “You dressed. Some people should have the decency to ask if anyone would like to accompany them in their shower.”

“Sorry.” Stroking the soft skin under his ears, Buffy gently kissed all over his face. “I guess I’ve been very un-decent lately. Giles is mad at me again because I never told him about Riley and the lab.”

“He’ll get over it.”

“I hope so but I’ll have to go back to calling him every night.”

“Shouldn’t that guy have more of a life than waiting for you to call?”

“I don’t know... The library was his life and that got fried. He has a girlfriend in England but I’ve never seen her. She doesn’t come to visit. And whenever I talk about my psych professor, his eye, like, twitches.”

“Mid-life crisis, pet. It happens to all of us. Even those as exciting as a bag of rocks.”

“What about you? How old were you when you died?”

“You’re bloody nosy.”

“I want to know more about you, Spike. Your name was William, right? William the Bloody,” she smirked. “I can’t see you as a William.”

“Then I did well, yeah?”

“What do you mean?”

“You should get to school. Get a head start.”

“You’re avoiding my questions.”

“You’re being meddlesome.”

“I’m not and you shouldn’t be so eager to get rid of me. Tonight’s my girl party--.”

“Fine. Would I seem more like a William if I had glasses, a brown mop and the ponciest clothes imaginable?”

“Uh, maybe.”

“And then add the fact that I lived with my mother and that I never had a proper shag until I was dead.” Spike glared but humiliation was easily seen in his blue eyes. “I was pitiful and pathetic. I wrote poetry,” he laughed bitterly. “Rotten, horrid poems. I was known as William the Bloody before Dru came along. I just shortened it up a bit because in my human days I was affectionately called William the Bloody Awful Poet. Happy now, pet? There’s all about me.”

Buffy’s heart ached and she swallowed, unable to speak.

“You don’t have to say anything,” he mumbled, keeping his eyes down. Acting calm, he slipped his hand under Buffy’s halter and stroked her breast with a shaking hand. “I don’t want you to think of me differently. William’s long gone and you’re stuck with just Spike now.”

“You’re blood’s probably cold by now and the cereal...it’s probably soggy,” she said lamely, smoothing down his wild hair.

“Sod breakfast.” Buffy gasped as he pulled her into a crushing embrace. “I love you, Buffy.”

“Spike,” she said, warmly. “I--.”

He covered her mouth with his, not letting her finish.
***

"Spike, good morning."

"Joyce." Taking his coat off of his head, he backed away from the front door.

"You were trying to sneak away."

"No, of course not. How are you today, love?"

"Busy. I'll be baking all day for Buffy's party."

"Oh? You need a hand?"

Joyce grinned, "I have two aprons."

"I don't need an apron..." Spike looked at checkered wrap in distaste.

"I insist." Joyce slipped it over his head. "You're so sweet to volunteer, Spike."

"I guess," he grumbled, tying the strings behind him. "So, what are we cooking?"
***

"Riley! Wait up!"

"Buffy, hey."

"Hey to you too. I was wondering if I could talk to you about...uh, class. Are you free for lunch?"

"Sure," Riley said, smiling. "I'm very free."

"Okay, eh, let's go?"
***
 

Chapter 14

“This is a surprise, especially after our last...talk.”

“I know. I’ve just been thinking and I want us to be friends, Riley.”

“What does Spike think about this?”

“Spike...well, he doesn’t exactly know that I’m here and I’m trusting you not to tell him about this little chat, okay?” Riley grinned and Buffy had to force back a glare. “I would like to know more about your group, if you’ll let me in on the secret, anyway.”

“Why the sudden interest?”

“It’s not sudden. I want to know how the professionals nab the bad guys because I think my stake is getting a teensy bit dated. You’ve got all those electrical thingies and those zappers...”

“You want new weapons?”

“I want a new way to approach my calling. I wasn’t lying when I said that I’d like to have more people on my side and I guess, what I’m trying to say is, I want to join the team if there are any openings.”
***

“What are your plans for Buffy’s birthday?”

“Well, the weatherman’s predicting a cloudy, stormy day so I figure I can take her out.”

“Are you sure that’s safe?”

“You worried about me, love?”

“You should be careful. Buffy would be crushed if something were to happen to you.”

“I don’t plan on turning into to dust. What’s with you Summers girls? I constantly have to tell you both that I’m not going away.”

“Think about it, Spike. Buffy’s father left and then Angel left. All the important men in her life have failed her.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“That’s good to hear. I hope you keep your promise.”

“I will, Joyce. You can count on it.”
***

Buffy took a deep breath before sitting in the chair in front of Maggie Walsh’s desk. I can’t believe she’s the head commando, Buffy thought, biting her lip. She’s so...old.

“So, the Slayer...”

“That’s me.” Buffy tensed up as Riley put his hand on her shoulder. She knew he was trying to make her less nervous but she moved out of his reach.

“We thought you were a myth.”

“Well, you were myth-taken.” Buffy smiled but it vanished when no one found her amusing.

“And to think all that time you were sitting in my class—when you graced us with your presence that is,” Professor Walsh said. “I always knew you could do better than a B minus. Now I understand your energies were directed to the same place as ours. It’s only our methods that differ. Riley tells me that you have an interest in learning of our scientific technology and state-of-the-art weaponry.”

“Yup, poking nasties with a stick seems so last year, although stakes are more effective than they sound.”

“Oh, eh, I’m quite sure of that. As I’m just as sure that we can learn from each other. I’m working on getting you clearance to come into the Initiative. I think you’ll find the results of our operation most impressive. Agent Finn, here, alone, has killed or captured—how many is it?”

“Seventeen,” Riley responded proudly.

“That’s...impressive, I guess.”

“And how many hostiles have you slain, Ms. Summers?”

“Um, do you have a calculator?”
***

“Wow.”

“Yup.”

“But you’ve killed a—you did the thing with that—uh, you drowned! And the snake! Not to mention the...daily slayage of...wow.”

“It’s no big really,” Buffy shrugged as Riley walked her home.

“Buffy, when I saw you stop the world from, you know, ending—I just assumed that was a big week for you. Turns out I suddenly find myself needing to know the plural form of apocalypse.”

Buffy smirked. “So does this mean I’ve scared you enough to leave my boyfriend alone for good? Because I have more stories where those came from; when you start slaying evil at fifteen, it has that affect on a girl.”

“Fifteen!”

“Yuppers. Well, this is where I get off. I’ll see you tonight around sunset?”

“Sure.” Riley grinned and patted her arm. “It’s nice to see you aboard and I know you’ll be essential to our mission.”

“That’s me. Bye, Riley.” Buffy turned on her heel and pushed open the front door to her house. “Honey, I’m home—Spike, hey.”

“Don’t you ‘hey’ me. What were you doing with him? Why was that sodding cub scout walking you home?”

Buffy tried not to laugh. “Shouldn’t the real question be: why are you wearing an apron? Feeling domestic, baby?”

“That is none of your concern, missy. Upstairs with you. We’re going to talk this out. Joyce, tell me if something good happens on the telly.” Spike took off his apron and draped it on the corner of the sofa. “If you hear yelling, I’m just beating her to a bloody pulp.”

“Okay, have fun kids.”
***

“Don’t be mad.”

“I’m not mad, I’m royally pissed off.”

“Oh, that’s better,” Buffy rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. “You have a chip in your head.”

“What?”

“A computer chip is giving you the shocks. Come here and sit. I can’t believe I didn’t see it before.” She stood and ran her fingers through his hair. “Give me your hand? Feel the scar?”

“So, there’s a computer in my head?”

“And it’s the Initiative that did it to you. I’m going to shut them down.”

“By getting cozy with captain cardboard?”

“I’m not getting cozy with him.” Buffy sat on the foot of her bed. “But there’s a pretty good chance that you could be sitting with Riley’s new second-in-command.”

“Great. Goodie for you.”

“Stop being an asshole. I’m trying to help you.”

“By sneaking in talks with the bloke who wants to get into your pants. Only I get that privilege, alright? I worked hard to get in those tight little numbers of yours.”

“I was going to tell you...”

“Yeah. Sure.”

“I was going to tell you this morning but you woke up cranky.” When he snorted, Buffy lost her temper and hit his arm. “You’re such a jerk!”

“Don’t I feel loved? Now you’re going to hit me?”

“No!” Capturing his face between her hands, she kissed him hard until they were rolling on her bed. “I’m trying to help you,” she panted.

“I hate him, Buffy.”

“He’s nothing compared to you. Stop being of jealous of him. It’s stupid and it should be insulting to you.” She kissed him again and slid her hands under his shirt. “Tell me...why are you covered in flour, honey?”

“I told her the bloody apron was useless.”

“Spike,” Buffy sang as she kissed his neck. “What have you been doing with my mother?”

“We’ve been making tasty treats for you and the female Scoobies.”

“Really?”

“It’s sad but true.”

Buffy grinned, “You...Spike, have I told you that I love you today?”

“Not sure, maybe you should just in case. She made me wear an apron, Buffy.”

“Awww,” she cooed. “It was pink too. She’s so cruel.”

“The lacy trim was nice though. Felt just like Betty bloody Crocker.”

Laughing, Buffy hugged him tightly. “Mom’s having fun with you, isn’t she? Want me to tell her to back off?”

“No, I can take her...I think.”

She rested her head on his chest and they laid in silence. “I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you about Riley. Cranky or not, you should’ve known. Don’t freak out, but I’m seeing him before the party. I have to kill things and my psychology teacher is going to watch.”

“Sounds kinky.”

“She’s creepy.”

“Be careful.”

“I will. What are you going to do while I party?”

“Don’t know.”

“Will you be hiding in the bushes?”

“Probably. You should sneak out and we’ll have a quickie.”

“Outside of my house?” Buffy said, wrinkling her nose. “Ew.”

“Don’t knock it until you try it, sweetness.”

“You’re always getting me to try new things.”

“See me around nine?”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Good girl.” Spike kissed her forehead. “Now about this chip, do you reckon I could just get the thing removed? Maybe I could get some guy to do a little operation...”

“It’d better be a highly qualified guy. One false move and who knows what could happen to you. I like my boyfriend with a fully functioning brain and let’s keep him that way please.”

“If you insist.”

“I do. A lot. But at least I have a new term of endearment for you, it just came to me.”

“What?”

“I shall tenderly call you — you ready— chip head. How’s that for creativity?”

“Funny, pet.”
***

“Professor Walsh would just like to see the Slayer in action. She’s got your clearance set and if you didn’t have plans, I would be able to take you inside the Initiative tonight.”

“Sorry, Riley un-duty calls.”

“Tomorrow then?”

“How about the day after that? Tomorrow’s my birthday...”

“Oh, it is?” Riley smiled, “I’ll have to find you a gift. Do you mind if it’s belated?”

“Um, you can do whatever you’d like. I’m not the kind of girl that turns down presents.”

They entered the cemetery and Riley quickly pointed out where Maggie and the Initiative team were hiding. “We’ll be here if you need backup. With us, nobody has to fight alone.”

Buffy forced a grin, “What kind of thing will it be? Vampire? Other demon?”

“All I know is, it’s going to be one of our own HSTs. Good luck!”

“Thanks,” Buffy grumbled as Riley dove into the bushes. ‘I usually know what I’m up against,’ she complained silently. The hair on the back of her neck prickled at the sound of a loud growl.

“Great, now all that pent up anger is going to be taken out on me.” With her bag of various weapons in hand, she waited for the monster to find her. By the sound of heavy feet stomping the ground, Buffy knew that she wouldn’t have to wait for very long.

***

Gritted her teeth, Buffy jumped with all her might, giving the mammoth demon a kick in the stomach. As she punched its disgusting face repeatedly, she used her knowledge of slaying to guess the demon’s weak spot.

“Eyes are usually good. But then others don’t like their heart poked and then there’s always the unique ones that you have to get in the knee... Hell, I’ll give each a stab.”

Panting slightly, Buffy scrambled to reach for her sword as the enemy charged at her. Due to its size, the demon wasn’t very fast moving and Buffy used that to her advantage. As she ran circles around it, it slobbered and waved its arms at her.

“This is almost embarrassing. He’s kinda cute, if you ignore the drooling— because purple saliva? Not attractive.” Wanting to show off her Slayer superpowers, she exaggerated every move, adding flips and fancy moves that would impress even Giles and definitely the Initiative’s cronies.

“Can I go home now?” Buffy said, after easily cutting off the demon’s head.
***

“Forgive my tardiness.” Buffy came in through the back door and waved to her friends. “Did I miss anything fun?”

“No. This party is very boring.”

“Hi to you too, Anya.” Taking food from the full coffee table, she sat on sofa. “Eat the munchies. My boyfriend made them.”

“I helped,” Joyce said, passing out drinks. “Spike’s a whiz in the kitchen.”

Buffy grinned and slipped off her shoes. “Mom, sit down. We can get our own stuff.”

“Yeah, Joyce,” Willow agreed. “We’re about to start the movie, but first I want to introduce you all to Tara.”

“Hi, Tara, I’ve heard so...much about you.” Buffy watched as Willow and the blonde girl held hands and sat close to each other on the floor. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Thanks for inviting me.” Tara looked Buffy in the eye for a few seconds but then averted her attention back to Willow.

“Um, the more the merrier.”

“Can we start the movie now?” Anya said, still sounding bored. “I miss Xander. If Xander were here I wouldn’t be as bored. At least I could sneak my hands in his pants a few times.”
***

Spike headed back to his stalking post after running to get more cigarettes. He stopped, seeing a green horned demon. “Well. What do I spy with my little eye? A demon. That would be—oh, right—one of the things I can kill.”

“Spike. Wonderful. A perfect end to a perfect day. Go on, then.” The demon turned around and held up his fists. “Let’s get on with the fighting.”

“Giles?” Spike frowned, taking a step forward.

“You understand me?”

“Of course, I understand you.”

“I’m speaking English?”

“No, you’re speaking Fyarl. I happen to speak Fyarl and— by the way, why the hell are you suddenly a Fyarl demon? You just come over all demon-y this morning?”

“As a matter of fact, I did.” Giles followed Spike and held a blanket around his shoulders. “Thanks to Ethan Rayne. You have to help me find him. He must undo this and then he needs a good...being killed.”

“You and your bloody obsession with undoing spells. And I’m just supposed to help you out of the evilness of my heart?”

“Y-you help me and I-I don’t kill you.”

“Oh, tremendously convincing. Try it again without the stutter.” Spike laughed as Giles continued to sputter. “I’ll help you, just for Buffy. She’d kick my ass if I didn’t.” Lighting a cigarette, Spike quickly took a drag. “So what’s first? I run and tell my Slayer what you’ve gotten yourself into?”

“No. When I find Ethan I can clear all this up without Buffy ever having to find out that anything happened to me.”

“You keeping secrets from Buffy?”

“No, no. I just don’t want to bother her.”

“She is having that party...I guess you’re right. I hate to say this but we’ll need your car...”
***

“If you can't find third gear, don't try for third gear!”

“I'm doing my best. You let Buffy drive this thing? I don't know if I'm driving this thing or wearing it.”

“It's perfectly serviceable and as for Buffy’s driving abilities...”

Spike gave Giles a sideways glance, “It’s funny hearing a Fyarl demon say, ‘serviceable.’ Had a couple of them working for me once. They're more like, ‘Like to crush. Crush now?’ Strong little buggers though. You won't meet a jar you can't open for the rest of your life—what was that? Did you growl?”

“No. Listen, about this Fyarl demon. Do-do I have special powers? Like setting things on fire with my sizzling eye beams?”

“Well, you got the mucous thing.”

“What? Mucous?”

“Paralyzing mucous. Shoots out through the nose. Sets on fast. Hard as a rock. Pretty good in a fight.”

“Are you making this up?”

“Maybe. But hey, you feel a sneeze coming on, you warn me.”

“Turn here,” Giles growled, slamming his arm against the passenger door. “Down shift! Down shift!”

“Calm down, will you?”

“I'm not sure I can. I feel like I'm changing. I really like this feeling. Sort of mindless need to destroy. This anger and rage."

“Oh great. Won’t Buffy be happy,” Spike rolled his eyes. “You’re turning all Fyarl now.”

“No! I refuse to become a monster because I look like a monster. I have a soul! I have a conscience! I am a human being!”

“Right, whatever you say.”
***

“Let me do all the talking.” Spike leaned against the bar and beckoned a waitress forward. “Hey, love. Do you remember two guys that got smashed here last night? Two of them. English like me. But older, less attractive. One of them gave you his number...”

“I threw the number out. I mean, I took one look and saw that he was staying at that rattrap—.”

“Which rattrap?”

“The one by the highway. The Sunnydale Motor Inn.”

“Thank you,” Spike said smiling.
***

Buffy looked at the clock and at five minutes past nine, she tiptoed out of the house. “Spike?” she whispered. “Spike, where are you?”
***

“How you feeling, mate?”

“Like snapping necks until everyone is dead.”

“Now that sounds like a Fyarl demon--oh fuck!”

“What?”

Spike squinted, a set of bright lights pulling up behind Giles’ car. “We’ve picked up a tail. Hummer. Military—fuck!”

“Well speed up. Lose them.”

“I got it floored! Why'd you buy this car?”

“Do something! If they catch us, we'll both end up in a lab!”

“It's getting closer.” Suddenly a second vehicle swerved to the right of their car. “And it's got a friend!”

“Damn!” Giles cried, crashing his arm into the window.

“Oh, sure! Dismantle the getaway car. That'll scare them!”

“Then slow down and I'll jump out. They'll follow you.”

“Hold on. These commandos. They're the same guys that are after me too! That’s a bad—.” Before Spike could finish, Giles jumped from the car and rolled onto the street. “Oh, don’t do that!”
***

“Sorry, but I’ve got to find him.”

“So, you were supposed to have sex outside and now you think he’s been kidnapped because he never showed up?”

“It’s good to know you were listening, Anya.” Buffy zipped up her jacket and shoved a stake in her pocket. “You guys can come with if you’d like.”

“Sure! Tara, see I told you we’re like Buffy’s sidekicks.” Willow jumped up and searched through the weapon chest.

“Just keep an eye on her. I don’t want anyone getting hurt.”

“Maybe he just decided that he didn’t want to have sex,” Anya said and then shook her head. “Never mind. I bet he was stolen again by those commandos. He’s doomed.”

“Anya, shut up,” Buffy demanded, hoping that she was wrong.
***

“Giles! Spike’s...oh, my God.” Buffy froze after taking a step into Giles’s wrecked apartment. “Oh, no.”

“Maybe they got Spike and Giles?” Willow asked. “But who would want both of them?”

“Maybe, uh, maybe they were together?”

“I don’t know, Tara. Spike and Giles aren’t exactly buddies.”

Buffy panicked, looking for clues among the damaged objects in the house. “Not both of them. I can’t lose both of them.”

The phone rang and the girls looked at each other. “I’ll get it,” Willow announced. “Hello? Xander—.”
***

“So it had pointy things. What kind of pointy things?”

“The pointy kind,” Xander answered. “And tufty ears. Oh, and it might have a sauce pan shape bruise.”

“I can’t believe this. Spike’s gone, Giles is gone and Xander’s been attacked.” Buffy paced as Willow, Tara, and Anya researched. “This can’t happen.”

“I think they were eaten.”

“Anya, you’re not helping.”

“Buffy, did you see that shirt?” Anya pointed to a scrap of fabric lying on the floor. “It’s been clawed up. I don’t know about Spike, but it’s clear that Giles has become demon chow.”

“That’s it. You guys continue to research. If you learn something, call me on my cell.” Buffy stormed out of the house and headed towards the university campus.
***

Spike drove the car with his foot pushing the pedal to the floor. He cursed as the military trucks followed and tried to run him off the road. “Oh, Buffy’s going to hear about this.”

Making a sharp turn, Spike lost control and closed his eyes as the car went speeding towards a tree.
***

Buffy and Riley crashed through the door of the hotel room. “Ethan?”

“You've got to stop it! It killed Ripper and now it's trying to get me!”

“You know that guy?”

“Yeah. Don’t let him go anywhere,” Buffy said before charging at the Fyarl demon. “Where’s my boyfriend? Where’s my Watcher?” She slammed it against the wall and was knocked across the room. “What did you do to them? What did you do?” Buffy yelled, getting back on her feet.

She dodged the Fyarl demon’s blows and continued to beat him until she had him on the floor. He tried to get up, but Buffy had him straddled and banged his head against the floor. “That was for Spike!” Taking a letter opener out of her back pocket, she stabbed the demon in the chest. “And this is for Giles!”

The demon moaned in pain and opened his eyes wide.

“Oh, God! Giles!”
***

Grabbing his head, Spike hissed, seeing that his hand was covered in blood. Shaken from the crash, he was slow to respond when the door of the car was ripped open. “Could this day get any worse?”

Spike swallowed, as a gun was pointed in his face. “I guess so.”
***

“God, I’m so, so sorry, Giles. I had no idea.” Buffy stroked his hand, happy that Ethan had reversed the spell and that he was human again. She was worried about Spike but afraid to know the truth. If he’s gone... her heart fell at the thought. No, he can’t be gone...

“Buffy, may I talk to you...alone?”

She looked at Riley and he grinned, saying that he needed some air. “Thanks, Riley.”

“Buffy, about Spike...”

Tears prickled Buffy’s eyes and she sighed, “He’s not okay, is he? Did...did you eat him?”

“No! He helped me! He led me to Ethan but then we were being followed by the commandos and we spilt up...”

“He’s still alive? The commandos...damn it! Riley! Get in here now!”
***

“Buffy—.”

“I need to know if any of your men were tailing Giles tonight. There were two Hummers--.”

“I can’t—he’ll know...”

“Giles knows about your secret identity.” Buffy knocked Riley’s head against the wall again with more force, “Tell me what you know!”

“Why should I?” he yelled. “You didn’t tell me that your boyfriend was Hostile 17!”

“Who?”

“Hostile 17! The vampire that broke out, Buffy! When we find him, our orders are to exterminate him!”

“That is not going to happen, Buffy said dangerously. “Call them off.”

“I can’t.”

“You can and you will.”

“The order came from Professor Walsh. I have no authority to intervene.”

“Giles,” she called sweetly, “Can you give me my sword?”

“I have no authority to intervene!”

“Thank you.” Buffy flashed Giles a smile before pressing the blade to Riley’s neck. “I usually don’t kill humans, you know that Riley? But for you, I’m going to make an exception...”
***

Ignoring the pain that was shooting down his arm, Spike ran, knowing that the soldiers were following.

“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!” he growled, not understanding why he couldn’t lose them. All he could do was keep moving.
***

“We’re tracking him by a device that has been lodged into his skin,” Riley grumbled. “He’ll be caught and killed—for good.”

“So he’s this blinking light?” Tapping on the electrical device, Buffy waited for an answer.

“Yes.”

“Ok, I’m going to find him. He’s moving fast. Giles, listen to his radio and once they lose Spike, let Riley go.”

“Alright. Be careful.”

“You too. Use this if you need to.” Leaving Giles with her sword and Riley tied to a chair, Buffy ran into the night.
***

 

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