Chapter 24 – Memories and Illusions

July 10, 2007 7:50 PM

The black garbed man held Raven against him effortlessly while she struggled to free herself from his grasp. Panic began to take over her senses when she realized that there was no getting away from him and her eyes began to glow brightly from the emotions that flowed through her.

Buffy’s voice whispered in her ear, “You’re not helpless. Do something.”

Raven renewed her efforts to liberate herself from her attacker’s grasp but it was useless. In her struggles she was only frustrating herself. The man holding her glanced over at Buffy with a question in his eyes and she nodded her approval for him to release Raven.

“Not yet. Let me try.” Mrs. Armstrong of the self-named Sunnydale Chickies piped up before Raven was freed. She hurried over to stand in front of Raven followed by the four other Chickies to form a semi-circle in front of her. “Once you panic, it’s all over with, breathe deep Raven.”

Raven looked at the older woman in front of her trying to comprehend her words. Following the instructions she breathed deep, letting the air fill her lungs and begin to clear her mind.

“Now, dear, what did your mother say earlier about utilizing what you have free?”

“She’s not my mother.”

“Neither here nor there, what do you still have free to use?” Mrs. Armstrong persisted in reaching the girl hell-bent on being headstrong.

“She’s right, think.” Mrs. Davis chimed in.

The older women, all in their sixties, had taken to the petite girl that Buffy had brought with her to self-defense class. Of the total five of the Chickies only one hadn’t taken Buffy’s class before because she had sprained her ankle the last time the class was offered. So, when this class was put on the schedule, all five had signed up so they could go through it together.

The four that had graduated the last time felt they were now experts in ‘self-defense’ and were eager to help the girl through the class. Buffy had told them if in the first class they could do something to defend themselves from the attacker then the self-confidence would be there for the rest of the lessons. So, she always had everyone meet the ‘attacker’ in the first class and would help them find the edge to assert themselves.

Raven began to feel more in control of herself as the oxygen cleared her brain from the panic signals. Her mind started to run through the beginning of the class when Buffy had gone over sensitive areas to attack and different parts of her body that she could use.

“Pretend it’s Buffy if it helps.” Mrs. Davis stage whispered to her.

Everyone chuckled including Buffy who was leaning against the wall watching with interest as these women reached her daughter when she couldn’t. Raven took a deep breath and brought her foot down on the attacker and then head butted him. When his arms loosened around her she brought her elbow back into his stomach and ran away from him. The class began to cheer her as she laughingly bowed to them.

“Okay, everybody, that’s it for tonight. See you next week,” Buffy called out to dismiss everyone for the evening. A fond smile graced her countenance as she looked at Raven now surrounded by chattering Chickies. They were busily asking her questions of where she came from, how she came to live with Buffy and about her unusual eyes. None of them were mean spirited but only inquiries from a group of women who had grown up in Sunnydale and watched as their families moved away. Now all they had were each other.

“Dear, why don’t you and Buffy come have coffee and dessert with us?” Mrs. Armstrong asked. “We go after all our classes. It would be fun to have some young people among us for a change.”

The other women quickly agreed with her and repeated the request. Buffy had heard the invitation but wanted Raven to decide before she came up with an answer. She continued to stack the mats in the corner of the room while waiting. It didn’t take long for Raven to call out if they could go or not.

Since coming to live with them, Raven had only spent time with them and the rest of the family. The isolation from other people was beginning to wear on the girl and she was becoming more petulant by the day. Thankfully, for all of them school would be starting in a little over a month and she would be in the company of people her own age. But remembering Dawn in high school, Buffy wasn’t completely sure if this was a good thing or not.

After throwing the last mat on the top Buffy made her way over to the group.

“Sure, I don’t see why not,” Buffy answered smiling at Raven and the women. “Let me call Spike and tell him that we are going to be late.”

She walked away from them to retrieve her cell phone from her purse. As she dialed the number the women began to gather their belongings in anticipation of leaving. Buffy let the phone ring about ten times but Spike never picked up the phone. Shrugging she made a mental note to try again in a few minutes figuring that Spike was probably giving Elijah his bath or something.

~~~~~~~~~

July 10, 2007 8:15 PM

There was someone knocking on the door at the same time as the phone was ringing. Elijah locked eyes with his Daddy as he watched him wage which was more important. Then deciding there was always call waiting Spike headed for the door with Elijah on his heels. He glanced briefly out the small window in the center and only saw a pretty brunette standing there. Gesturing for Elijah to stand behind the door he carefully opened the door a fraction.

“Hey, is Buffy home? Angel sent me.” The woman greeted him with a wide grin.

“Yeah, so you say. Why don’t you just stay there while I give him a call?” Spike slowly looked the scantily clad woman over as he shut the door in her face. There was no way he was letting a stranger, not even a woman, into his home not with the Soldiers out there. And if Angel did send her, he was going to give him an earful for not calling first. It would be just like him to do something to cause trouble between Buffy and him just for a laugh.

~~~~~~~~~

July 10, 2007 8:35 PM

Raven was sandwiched between Mrs. Armstrong and Mrs. Davis at the table while Buffy sat across from them with the other women. They had just placed orders for various desserts and coffee with the waitress. Once again Raven found herself at the center of attention as the women continued their questions with her.

“Are you looking forward to going to school here?” Miss Penelope inquired.

Raven shrugged her shoulders before she answered, “I don’t know. I miss my friends back home. But high school would have been different because there would be new people so maybe it won’t be too bad.”

“You’ll do fine, dear. This town isn’t that big so you’ll know everybody pretty quickly. And has your mother let you go to the Bronze yet?” Miss Penelope tried to reassure Raven.

“She’s not…”

“Now, now, Raven, she will never be your birth mother but Buffy is acting like your real mother. A mother is someone who loves you, and takes care of you, and protects you. Buffy does all that, doesn’t she?” Mrs. Armstrong corrected the teen while ignoring the face she was making.

“Yeah, I guess so. It doesn’t mean I am going to call her Mummy or anything.”

“I’ve already said that it’s all right if you don’t. “ Buffy told her sternly trying to send her the message not to be impolite.

“I’m sorry.” Raven smiled at Mrs. Armstrong while she apologized. “It’s just everything is hard to adjust to here.”

“That’s all right, dear. It must be hard to have everything taken away but your lucky to have people like Buffy and Spike to take you and your brother in. They are such polite people to live near.” Mrs. Armstrong turned to look at Buffy, “Is everything all right with your mister? He never is out like all the other men on the weekend doing the yard work and stuff. I know it’s probably none of my business, especially after all these years.”

“That’s okay. He’s like allergic to the sun so it makes it hard on him sometimes.”

“I bet it does, especially now with the children. He is extremely good looking.” Mrs. Davis tittered.

The others joined in her giggle agreeing with her as Buffy blushed.

“Thank you,” Buffy said.

“What’s the Bronze?” Raven asked.

“It’s an all age’s club in town.” Buffy explained but then dashed her excitement, “You’re still too young to go but I’ll talk to Spike about it.”

Raven knowing she wasn’t going to get anywhere else at the moment let the conversation go for a later time.

~~~~~~~~~

July 10, 2007 9:45 PM

Spike glanced worriedly at the clock wondering where Buffy was then glanced back at the brunette in front of him. He kept trying to force himself to maintain eye contact with her but his eyes every so often would scurry down to look at her breasts. When he realized that he was staring at them again, he would give himself a mental knock to the head, and look back into her amused eyes. She knew exactly what she was doing as she bent over on the counter to give him a better look at what her blouse and bra intended to be obvious. The twin creamy globes were amply pushed up making Spike wonder if the material was a fraction lower if her nipples would show. Without realizing it his tongue licked his lower lip before he heard her laugh outright at him.

"Buffy, should be home any minute," Spike stammered in an effort to reassure himself that he wouldn't be alone much longer with this woman that Angel had sent to help them.

"Yeah, you said that over an hour ago," She said straightening up again. Slowly she stretched her body like a cat waking from a nap in the sun.

Closing his eyes to avoid the temptation he kept wishing Buffy would walk through the door and save him. It wasn't that he wanted her or was really attracted to the brunette; he was just looking at what was displayed before him like any man would. At least that was what he kept telling himself as the guilt nibbled at him. He shouldn't even look at another woman. Buffy wasn't going to understand at all. After the Donna incident she trusted him with another woman about as far as she, well not her, as far as Dawn could throw him. Reluctantly opening his eyes again he found himself staring at the one thing he was trying to avoid. A sigh rushed through as he realized he was fighting a losing battle.

"You Bastard! What the hell is going on?" Buffy shouted as she threw her gym bag at him. This was totally unbelievable. She walked in to her kitchen and found her husband staring at some sleazy dressed woman's breasts.

Spike rolled his eyes as he easily deflected the gym bag. This was not going to go well at all.

"Hey, B." Faith turned to smile at Buffy. Her eyes opened in interest as she looked at Raven. Spike had told her all about the kids and the marriage and the house as he had tried to resist her teasing.

Raven returned the perusal straightening up to her full height as she took an instant dislike to the woman. She was causing trouble and that was one thing this family didn't need was more trouble. Since the house had been vandalized, family time had been more of a priority and although things weren’t perfect, Raven and Elijah were beginning to feel like this was now home. Raven kept telling herself that it was mostly for Elijah so she wouldn’t allow her protective shields down.

"Get out of my house now," Buffy snarled at her old enemy disbelieving that she had the nerve to be here after everything.

"Baby, Angel sent her to help. I talked to him about it," Spike explained cautiously as Buffy turned her glare on him.

"Like I believe that. She is here to cause trouble."

"It's true. I've been down in LA helping out since I got out and Angel said that you all might use help more than them. So, here I am," Faith explained shrugging her shoulders.

"I want you out of here. We don't need your help."

"Maybe it would be good to have someone else around to help with the patrolling and stuff." Spike tried to defend having Faith around.

"Stuff? What kind of stuff do you have in mind? Don’t answer because I already have an idea."

Both Faith and Spike looked away from her convincing Buffy of their guilt. Turning on her heel Buffy headed into the living room so she could get her weapons to go patrolling. Spike followed her while he tried to figure out a way to calm her down.

"What are you doing?" Spike asked nervously. "Buffy, come on, talk to me. Trust me a little."

Buffy straightened slowly making Spike take a step back away from her. She was too angry and upset to be rational right now and with weapons in her hand it was just the safer thing to do. Not that he honestly thought she would do anything but accidents did happen.

"Trust you? Why should I? I come home and find you ogling her, of all people." Buffy's voice trembled as she fought the tears. There was no way that she was going to cry now. Not in front of him and certainly not in front of her.

"I wasn’t ogling her. It wasn’t like that. Trust me, please." Spike pleaded while his hand brushed her hair away from her face.

“I’m sorry but I can’t trust you with her. Not with her,” Buffy’s eyes filled with tears as the hurt wove through her. “I’m going patrolling. Make sure she’s gone when I come back.”

Buffy turned away from him and without looking at anyone walked out the back door. Raven stared at Buffy retreating then up at Spike and finally her gaze came to rest on Faith with malice. Things were off balance in the house again and it was this woman’s fault and Spike’s.

“I hate you.” Raven said to Spike as she ran past him on her way to her room.

“Just bloody great.” Spike muttered looking first at Raven running away and turned to look toward the kitchen where Buffy had left by. Which one did he go and take care of first? “Women.”

“Not handling them very well tonight, are you?” Faith observed as she leaned against the door between the kitchen and the living room.

“This is your fault. And Angel’s. Are you enjoying this? Buffy’s told me about you. Was this some scheme cooked up between you two to give us trouble?” Spike questioned her scornfully. When Angel had reassured him that it was going to be all right for Faith to be there, he should never have listened. Faith should have been half way back to Los Angeles by now.

“No, I am not enjoying this. And no, it’s not a scheme. Look, I just wanted to help.” Faith shrugged. “Angel said things were overwhelming here and thought an extra Slayer would come in handy.”

Spike nodded and sighed knowing in a way she was right. Then looking right to left he tried to decide which one he was going to go to first. He froze with an “I’m dead” look in his eyes as Faith sauntered up to him with a grin. Her hands came out toward him and he started to take a step back when she patted him on each shoulder.

“First a word of advice, don’t ever defend me to Buffy because you’ll lose. Besides I can take care of myself. So, why don’t you go take care of your daughter and I’ll go talk to B. See if we can work this out.”

After a moment of trying to decide what was best Spike finally relented to Faith’s plan. The two turned in different directions to see if they could calm the females of Spike’s house down.

~~~~~~~~~

July 10, 2007 10:30 PM

Raven was sitting on her bed with her disc man attached to her head. Her arms wrapped around her knees as her head bobbed to the music. Spike approached her cautiously. This was the first time that the girl had shown any anger toward him. Their relationship so far had been one of easy companionship. She steadfastly ignored him as he approached even up to the point when he sat on the side of her bed.

Spike reached out and plucked the headphones off of her head so that he could talk to her.

“Hey. Give those back.” Raven reached out to grab them back but Spike laid it on the bed behind him.

“We need to talk.”

With eyes rolling Raven sighed loudly as she crossed her arms in front of her.

“There’s nothing to talk about.” She muttered as she looked away from him.

“You said you hated me and I want to know why because I love you, Raven.”

“No, you don’t. Both of you say it but you don’t mean it.”

If looks could kill Spike would be dead as she turned to look back at him. How could he say it? How could she say it? The only thing they cared about was each other. Sometimes this family thing seemed to be only a game to be put away when they were tired of playing. Yeah, they took care of them and protected them but the two of them had no clue what was going on inside her or Elijah.

“Of course we mean it. We wouldn’t say it if we didn’t.”

“Then why? Why do you do it? All the two of you do is fight or fuck.” Raven spit the words out as she moved off the bed so she could stand away from him. Her words were an exaggeration but those were the two things that caused problems around here. Like the night Max had left. They didn’t know that she had been awake when she had heard the dishes crash to the floor. And after Buffy had checked on her and thought she was asleep she had watched as Max drove away from her window. One more person was gone from their lives because of violence and she was feeling as unstable as Elijah. “Every time you all get into each other or start fighting it doesn’t matter if Elijah and I are around. It’s scary. We never know if you are all are going to break up or stay together. Or if we are even going to have a home the next day.”

Spike was stunned by her words never realizing that they were so aware of what was going on between Buffy and him. They had tried not to fight around the two but sometimes like tonight it just happened. As for the other they had restricted their sex life solely to the bedroom since they had been here.

“I’m sorry but I didn’t know that you were worried about us breaking up.” Spike told her trying to ignore the remarks about sex for now. “Buffy and I aren’t going to. We’ve had some problems but we’re working them out.”

“I’m not worried. I could care less. It’s Eli I’m worried about. And I don’t know what the hell you all do in there. First of all these walls aren’t exactly thick and the two of you make a lot of noise. Besides that Eli can pick up on things and he is always asking me if you are hurting Buffy. It’s freaking him out.” Raven shouted things that she had previously decided not to tell them. Even if she wouldn’t admit it she was afraid that if they knew how she felt and what Eli was picking up on then Spike and Buffy would decide not to keep them. Because they weren’t their ‘real’ children only substitutes for what they couldn’t have.

“Why didn’t you come talk to us before?” Spike had his hands on his hips as he looked everywhere but at her. The news that their bedroom antics were being heard was a bit embarrassing to him as it would to Buffy when she found out. It was also disconcerting that the children didn’t feel secure with them. Not knowing what else to do he approached her. His hand lifted her chin to look down into her eyes. “I didn’t know.”

“You two are the adults. You should know these things.”

“You’re right we should. We’ve never really been parents before.” Spike said in apology. It was true they had never been parents before except when Buffy had tried to raise Dawn and failed but that was due to unusual circumstances. It had nothing to do with her heart or ability. He rubbed his hands over his face unsure of what to do or say. Finally he raised his head to look at the teen in front of him and decided that the truth was all he could offer. “I’m sorry, Princess, for upsetting or hurting you or Elijah. I would never do it intentionally and neither would Buffy. We are in this together, all of us, and we’ll find a way. But we do love you, both of you and this is your home. Don’t worry about that.”

She nodded as tears finally started to fall. His words sounded real and she wanted to believe him so much. When he pulled her against him she held on to him like everything in her world depended on this vampire that wanted to be her father.

~~~~~~~~~

July 10, 2007 10:40 PM

Faith hurried through the cemetery toward the sound of fighting. She was just rounding a corner of a mausoleum when she saw Buffy thrown easily through the air. The demon hurried to stand over his fallen prey while holding a sword poised over a dazed Buffy. Running toward the pair she halted just in time to kick the demon away from Buffy. It felt good to be back in the fight as she grappled with the demon eventually taking the sword from him and with a turn she swung the sword decapitating him.

Smiling Faith turned back to Buffy who was slowly making her way to her feet.

“You okay?”

“Just dizzy. Need to sit for a minute.” Buffy replied while slowly rubbing her temple with one hand. Stumbling she made her way to a tombstone to take a seat on it.

“You pregnant?”

Buffy shook her head slowly as she tried to focus on what was going on around her. This wasn’t the first time in the last couple of weeks that this had happened. Mostly it was late at night while she was patrolling or trying to finish the chores around the house.

“You sure? Cause you look kind of green around the gills.”

“Thanks. No, I’m not pregnant. It’s that time now.” Buffy looked up at Faith standing in front of her then gave a small laugh, “it’s not something I have to worry about. We can’t get pregnant. We tried and it didn’t work.”

“Sounds like a bad break. So, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

Buffy stood and started to walk away from her. Faith trotted along side of her as Buffy picked up speed in an effort to get away from her.

“Slow down. I don’t relish the idea of carrying you back to the house cause you fainted.” Faith told her as Buffy started to slow down again.

“What are you doing here?”

“To help. Honestly, that’s why. Look, I know things have never been good between us. But I had a lot of time to think in prison and I want to try to make some things right.”

Buffy nodded as her eyes roamed the cemetery around her. The tiredness in her body wanted to believe that Faith was only here to be the help she needed. Spike had actually spoken to Angel about it which was a big deal in its self. So, maybe if everyone around her was saying it was okay maybe she needed to let go and trust their judgment. Finally she decided to give in. At least she knew the worst that the brunette could do so she would be able to watch her. And unfortunately the best way to watch her was to keep her in the house.

“Maybe it would be good to have someone else around to help with the slaying. Things have been hectic since the children got here and the house being vandalized. And there are still the everyday things that still have to be handled.” Buffy threw her hands wide as the things that needed to be done weighed down on her. It never seemed to end.

“Isn’t Spike helping out?”

“Yeah, but I feel like I need to take care of a lot things myself. Being a vampire all this family stuff is strange for him. I don’t want to overwhelm him.”

“He’s a big boy, B, if you need help then you need to ask.”

Buffy shook her head. Spike had told her if they were a family then most of it would be up to her to take care of them. If she asked for too much help he might bolt again. It was best that she just kept him happy and do what she could.

“Come on, let’s go back to the house and get you set up.” Buffy changed the subject before she ended up telling Faith things that were definitely better left unsaid.

“You’re letting me stay? I’m surprised.”

“Do the slaying. Stay away from Spike. Cause any trouble and you’re gone. Understand?”

“No problem.”

It didn’t take them long to move Faith into the dining room. The room was still empty of furniture since the attack so there wasn’t anything to move out. The couch in Spike’s study that had a pull out bed was moved into the room so Faith would have a place to sleep. A dresser that had survived was brought up from the basement.

After that was done Buffy gave her a tour of the house. First Buffy showed her the bathroom downstairs telling her that it was hers to utilize, showed her the kitchen that she had already seen but let her know that she could help herself to whatever food that she wanted. They moved upstairs where Buffy showed Faith which rooms were the children’s and which one belonged to her and Spike. As they headed back down the hall Buffy pointed out the staircase that led to the attic.

“You can meet Clem tomorrow. He lives here now.” Buffy briefly explained that Clem was a demon but was a member of the family. Faith nodded her head feeling a little overwhelmed by everything and followed Buffy into the upstairs bathroom. “This is the big bathroom. Feel free to use the tub if you like to take baths. It’s a lot nicer than the one downstairs.”

Faith ran her eyes longingly over the claw foot tub and all the bath stuff that Buffy and Raven had accumulated in their quest for the perfect bath session. In prison it had only been communal showers and since being out Faith hadn’t really had a chance to indulge in bubble baths. This was luxury in its highest form that was displayed so temptingly in front of her.

Apparently her wish was going to be granted as Buffy noticed the look on her face and understood completely.

“Why don’t you go ahead and take one now? It’s a long trip from LA.” Buffy moved to leave the bathroom then turned back to the brunette. “Thanks for helping me back there.”

“No problem. Hey, I’m sorry about before.” Faith shrugged her shoulders and looked away from Buffy. There she had finally apologized to Buffy about all the things from their past. As apologies went it wasn’t the greatest but from her it was a big deal. She only hoped that Buffy wouldn’t be a bitch about it.

“I forgave you a long time ago.” Buffy said with a slight smile then she turned to leave the other Slayer alone. It was true. In the last hour or so as she had settled Faith into the household and they had talked, Buffy realized that she had let go of the past. Somewhere along the line it had become just another bad time that she had dealt with and gotten through.

~~~~~~~~

July 11, 2007 12:23 AM

Their room was dark as Buffy came in. Spike shifted onto his side under the covers as she headed for the closet to get undressed. After she quickly disrobed Buffy carefully slipped into bed coming to curl against the coolness of Spike’s body. Instinctively in his sleep he wrapped his arm around her with a sigh born from finally being complete with her there. For awhile she lay quietly beside him but everything that had happened that night kept replaying in her mind and restlessly she moved away from Spike.

“You okay, Pet?” His words were drowsy with sleep as he moved closer to her as if he needed her to be a part of him. That he couldn’t sleep well or completely without them touching.

“About as right as rain,” Buffy told him as she shifted back against him again. It wasn’t right though. Too much, too soon, too fast, too overwhelming and her heart was full.

“What happened with Faith?” His hand stroked her arm as his lips nuzzled her below the ear.

“She is now going to being staying in our dining room. Your study is minus a couch though.”

“That’s all right,” Spike whispered as he ground himself against her bottom. “Are you okay with it? With me?”

“Touch her, look at her again and you’re dust.” Buffy turned to look back at him so that he would know she wasn’t kidding.

His hand took advantage of her leaning back and pulled at her until she was on her back.

“Mmm,” he murmured as he took advantage of her new position with both hands and lips. “Why would I when I have you?”

Buffy pushed at his chest until he backed away from her, “I’m serious, Spike.”

“So, am I. I promised and I meant it.” He waited until she nodded before resuming his previous mission of seduction then remembered his conversation with Raven and with a sigh halted again. Pulling away from her, Spike propped himself up on one elbow so he could look down at her. “Raven was upset about what happened. She kept playing it off as Elijah but it’s her too.”

“Is she okay?’

“Yeah, but the fighting between us is making them insecure. I guess their parents didn’t fight a lot. I don’t know.”

Buffy laughed, “For us, we’ve been hardly fighting at all since they got here.”

“That’s not all. They’ve been hearing us at night. And Elijah is still thinking I’ve been hurting you.” Spike said as he flopped onto his back. “I guess we need to be making some changes.”

“I guess so. Like you not making it your goal to make me scream.”

“But Buffy it’s no fun unless you’re screaming my name.” He practically purred as he rolled over on top of her. His lips returned to nuzzle her neck.

“Ego trip.” Buffy managed to eke out before she surrendered to him. “Yeah, we need to make some changes.”

And as Spike made love to her Buffy added the problem with the children to her list of things that needed to be taken care of.

TBC

Chapter 25 – Leather and Velvet Thighs

July 21, 2007 7:30 AM

The rich smell of coffee hung over the kitchen while the occupants waited in the first quiet moments of early morning. Clem and Spike leaned against the counter both sipping their demon beverage of choice while Raven and Faith sipped coffee at the table. Elijah busied himself drinking a glass of juice.

“When is Mummy making breakfast?” The boy asked the adults that surrounded him.

“She’ll be down soon, I hope,” Raven answered.

“Whoa, is that why no one is getting breakfast? Everybody is waiting on Buffy to make it?” Faith asked in disbelief as she looked at the others.

“Mummy always cooks,” Elijah said.

“And does Mummy also cook lunch and dinner, too?” Faith turned to the only one of the household that didn’t look sheepish and seemed willing to tell the truth.

“Not lunch. We have sandwiches and stuff. She cooks hotdogs sometimes.”

Turning, Faith pinned Spike to the counter with her gaze. “So, that’s what’s wrong with Buffy.”

“What do you mean ‘What’s wrong with Buffy’? She’s fine.” Spike defended himself while straightening up some.

“Last night she had a dizzy spell and some demon almost…got the upper hand,” Faith corrected herself not wanting to say anything in front of the boy about Buffy almost being demon sacrifice. She noted with satisfaction the concerned look in Spike’s eyes. Maybe there was hope for him yet. “Tell me, Spike, if Buffy does all the cooking, who does the cleaning and the shopping and the laundry and takes care of the kids?”

“We have chores.” Raven offered even though she knew herself that it wasn’t really a lot that she had to do.

“And I help with the kids.” Clem said.

“Okay, who is doing most of the household stuff and the patrolling and keeping the man of the house happy?” Faith continued to look at Spike remembering Buffy’s words from last night. It seemed Angel was right. She was definitely needed here. Buffy was being overloaded and no one seemed willing to help her out. Or maybe Buffy wasn’t asking for the help she needed. “Did Buffy keep you happy last night?”

“Well, yeah, she is my wife.” Spike stood even straighter.

“Let’s say she got to sleep when, two, closer to three,” Faith amended her time when Spike looked away, “and its 7:30 now. She’s had four and a half hours sleep and this room is full of able bodied people waiting for her to drag herself from bed to serve us like she’s a maid or something.”

“Did we do something wrong?” Elijah asked while the tears filled his eyes. Mummy hadn’t been feeling well lately and everybody kept telling him she was okay but this new lady was saying she wasn’t and that it was their fault.

Spike rushed to pick Elijah up so he could hug him close. The conversation with Raven last night was still fresh in his mind and he didn’t want Eli to think he had done something wrong.

“You didn’t do anything wrong, okay? Daddy needs to talk to Mummy and find out what’s going on. Then it will be all right.”

At that moment Buffy hurried into the kitchen while still pulling her hair into a haphazard ponytail. “Sorry, everybody, I overslept. Give me just a minute and I’ll get breakfast going.” She reached into the cabinet to grab a mug for coffee when she realized that everyone was staring at her. Slowly she turned to look at all of them. “What’s up?” A nervous laugh escaped her as she looked at each of them in turn. “Did something happen? Is everybody okay? Did we get attacked again?”

“No, Baby,” Spike walked over to pull her against him. Elijah wrapped his arm around her and she took him against her. “I have an idea. Why don’t we have Faith and Clem take the kids through the drive thru at McDonalds for breakfast? They can bring back something for everybody.”

“It’s okay. I just overslept.” Buffy protested. “I’ll have something going in just a minute.”

“It’s not that. I would like to talk to you for a few minutes alone.”

“Something did happen. Is it Dawn? Just tell me.”

“Nothing’s wrong, Buffy. I just want to talk.”

“Are you going to fight?” Elijah asked.

“No, they aren’t going to fight. Come on, kid, let’s go get some grub. I’m hungry.” Faith reached for Elijah and when his parents didn’t protest allowed himself to be taken.

Spike reached into his pocket and pulled out some money which he handed to Clem. “Get what everybody wants. And take care of things.” Spike told him with a clear unspoken message to watch out for Faith and protect the children. Raven reluctantly followed the others out still not liking this Faith woman. She gave Buffy and Spike one last pondering look before she closed the door behind her.

“What’s going on, Spike?”

“Faith said you got dizzy last night.”

“Yeah, it was nothing though. Not worth making a big deal over.”

Buffy turned to fill her coffee cup so Spike wouldn’t see her cover up the guilt in her eyes.

“She also says you’re exhausted.”

“She’s here one night and you’re taking advice from her. Must have had a real cozy chat before I got home. You two best friends now or something?” Buffy laughed as she turned to walk over to the table.

“How many other times have you been dizzy?” Spike asked as he leaned back against the counter.

“Just a couple times. It’s not a big deal.”

“She said that a demon almost got the best of you.”

“Well, since Faith seems to have all the answers and I am some sort of fading excuse for a Slayer, why don’t you continue this conversation with her?”

Buffy stood and headed for the kitchen door. This was not a conversation that she wanted to continue. Anger at Faith for butting in was building in her and at Spike for not dropping it.

“Why are you lying?” Spike followed her down the hallway as she ignored him. “Do you need help around the house and with the kids?”

His question was too direct and she faltered on her way upstairs. Then mustering her resolve she started to run up the stairs but he was right behind her.

“Do you? Why won’t you answer me, Buffy? Is she right? Are you exhausted?”

It was too much. He was finally asking the right questions but she was too afraid to give him the right answers.

“I’m fine.” Buffy threw over her shoulder as she marched into their bedroom.

Spike took her coffee cup and placed it on the dresser top. His hands came out to cradle her face as she fought back the tears that threatened.

“Buffy, why didn’t you tell me?” He gave a short laugh because he had asked his daughter the same question the night before. Either they were determined to handle everything themselves or he was completely clueless. And not to his credit it was probably the latter.

“It’s not something you want to hear.” Buffy pulled away from him and began to make the bed up.

“What don’t I want to know?” Spike was determined to keep asking questions until she was honest with him. As he waited he stepped to the other side of the bed and began to help her.

“Drop it, Spike.”

“No, I am not going to drop it. Something is wrong with you. A stranger can see it and for some reason I can’t.”

“You don’t see it because you don’t want to.”

Her answer was too honest and it stabbed through his heart with a quickness born of knowing that he had done something to hurt her.

“I want to now.” His voice was low and pleading for her to explain.

“Look, you told me before that if we had a family then it would be mostly my responsibility. I’m handling it. Don’t worry about it.”

“Yeah, you’re handling it so well that you are going to get yourself killed because you are so tired. Quit being a martyr.”

“How dare you? I am not being a martyr. I’m trying to keep this house going and everybody taken care of, including you. I’m doing the best I can and if it’s not good enough then go ahead and leave.” Buffy shouted in frustration. It wasn’t fair that he seemed to always misunderstand everything she said or did.

“Leave? I’m not leaving,” Spike shouted back before seeing the hurt in Buffy’s eyes and he instead dropped his voice to a more normal tone. “Do you think I am going to leave you because you asked for help scrubbing the bathrooms or something?”

“Would you? I don’t know what you are going to do half the time anymore. How you are going to react? Is he going to be mad or close himself off or what?” She looked at him in confusion as she realized that he was almost a stranger to her. It was still her Spike and in the good times it was great but part of the time she was afraid to let him know how she really felt. “I’m afraid, Spike. I’m afraid that if I burden you too much you’ll run. That you’re demon or whatever is going to demand its freedom again and you’ll leave me. I’m just trying to make you happy. I’ll handle it. Don’t worry about me.”

Buffy closed her eyes as she fought a losing battle against the fatigue and the emotions she had been hiding for too long. The things she had needed to deal with and chosen not to. To be honest it wasn’t all Spikes’ fault. Sometimes he was an excuse so she wouldn’t have to examine things too deeply or too long. Sara had been coaxing her to let go and fall apart if she needed to in order to feel better instead of the dry monologues she was receiving from Buffy during their sessions.

Spike felt like he had been beaten for the pain that coursed through him. She had been so strong and he had thought things were all right. This year had been really hard on both of them taking its toll emotionally and physically. Buffy had been so together lately, handling everything, taking care of everyone that he had allowed himself to dwell on his own emotional problems. His own insecurities and all the while Buffy had needed him more than she had said. Her strength was still there in her determination to take care of things but one person could only do so much and she had reached her limit. With a sardonic self awareness he realized that Angel had been right. He was selfish. It seemed that their lives had become wrapped around him and his needs instead of the needs of everyone it seemed.

He had become focused on all the things that he couldn't do, impregnate her, play with Elijah in the sun, and protect them from humans that he had forgotten all the things that he could do for them and for her. His insecurities of never being good enough, had taken the best of him away, leaving him feeling alone and distant and defensive. Buffy had never left his heart but for awhile he thought that he could never be enough for her. In his effort to make himself feel adequate had looked at another woman, a woman who wouldn't demand as much from him, who wouldn't force him closer to the light. The darkness had called to him saying it was the only place that he had succeeded. Evil was something that he had done well and in the kill and the pain he had felt himself worthy enough to exist.

It was only when this tiny woman had invaded his world that he had been forced to lose the charade. In her arms and in her heart there was always the push for more. He saw her efforts, her steps to join him in the darkness and it tore at his soul. Buffy could never live in the shadows of the night no matter what she thought. Her world was the daytime, the light and she deserved more than he could ever give her. But he vowed to himself that he would give her everything that he had. Anything not to lose her, or make her feel unloved again, to never feel as he did. No matter how much it would tear him in two inside.

“What else, Buffy?”

Her eyes flew open as she looked at him in surprise. There had been no defense, no shutting down, no display of temper. Nothing but a simple question.

“What do you mean?”

Spike crawled across their bed and drew her down to sit in front of him.

“I’m sorry, Love. I know it’s a lousy excuse but I didn’t see.”

“It’s funny, you know. When we first got together you saw everything. You knew my every thought before I even did. You did most of the housework, and took care of me.” She closed her eyes when she realized what she was saying, “I’m sorry I wasn’t trying to accuse.”

“No, you’re right.” He drew a deep breath just to delay his next words; words that were such naked truth that it hurt to think them much less say them. “But I didn’t take you for granted back then.” His arms pulled Buffy to him, settling her against his chest as he stroked her hair. “I love you.”

His gentleness and humility was disarming her and the tears began to fall in earnest. All the grief she had been holding inside finally broke free from the dam that had held them in place. His arms tightened around her. “Tell me what’s hurting you so bad, Baby. I want to be here for you. I want to try.”

Buffy wrapped her arms around him as she got as close to the protection of his body as she could. This was the Spike she had fallen in love with. The one who had been the one to bring her out of her hell and she found herself opening up to him. Slowly, between the tears she told him of the grief she still carried for the baby they never had, her fears of being a parent after she had loused up with Dawn, her anger at him for Donna, her insecurities and fears of not being enough for him. She told him that she hated being married at the courthouse and not the wedding that she wanted for them. She told him of her fears about what the Soldiers would do next and the pain that she had felt at seeing their home destroyed.

And he listened to every word with an open heart and the determination to make things right for her. To start being a true partner to her instead of the needy man he had become. His anger at himself for this wasn’t one of self pity but open assessment that he needed to change again for her. The hardest change had been those first years when he became one of the good guys. Now it was time to change to be the kind of man that she would be proud to call husband and their children call father. It had been his decision to stay because that was what he wanted now he needed to follow through on it.

After a while Buffy just huddled against him as the last of the tears drained from her. He shifted so he could lay her on the bed, wrapping her in the comforter, and he held her until she fell into an exhausted sleep. With a gentle kiss on her forehead he left her to her much needed rest.

~~~~~~~~

July 21, 2007 7:33 PM

Buffy carefully finished applying Ruby Desire lipstick before turning to look back at Spike. He was lounging on the bed watching her get ready for their date. This whole day had been like a dream and she wanted to pinch herself to see if it was real or not. After their talk this morning she had slept until almost 4:00 this afternoon. It had felt wonderful to wake up feeling refreshed instead of forcing herself from the bed. When she had crawled out of bed to answer the demands of her body she had been surprised to find the house scrubbed clean, the laundry running and the grocery shopping done.

Spike and Faith were putting together dinner for everyone, broiling steaks, potatoes baking in the microwave and Raven was assembling a salad. Clem had been in the living room watching ‘The Fox and the Hound’ movie with Elijah. It had felt good as they insisted she not do anything. Then Spike had really surprised her by telling he was going to take her to a play that she had wanted to see but after considering the offer she had turned it down. She hadn’t really wanted to sit quietly for a long period and asked if he minded if they just went out and hung out at the Edge like they used to.

And just a little while ago she and Spike had gotten out of the bathtub to get dressed for their evening. Spike had thrown on some faded and ripped jeans, a black t-shirt and the duster was waiting on the end of the bed. Buffy had dug through the back of the closet and pulled out some old clothes from her days of being a waitress, a black leather mini skirt and a lacy black button down shirt. At Spike’s request her old lace up boots were added to her ensemble. Now, her hair was teased into riotous curls and her make up applied. Excitement danced in her stomach at going out and just having some fun with Spike. It seemed like forever since they had gone on a ‘date’ and it was something they definitely needed.

“Have you been smoking my cigarettes?” Spike asked as he lit one.

“No, why?”

“There’s always seems to be less than what I thought I had.” He shrugged as he threw the pack and his lighter on the nightstand. As Buffy reached for the skirt to slip on he told her, “The boots first, Pet.”

Arching an eyebrow at him she reached for one the boots and came to sit on the bed between his feet. “Just want to keep me in my underwear as long as possible, huh?” It was a light hearted comment as she began to lace the boot up. Spike came to sit up so he could slip the other one on her then began to lace it.

“Actually, I would prefer you naked but if I can’t have that then red lace is an acceptable alternative.”

“So, can I have you in red lace?” Buffy teased.

“Anything you want as long as you have me.”

Then ignoring her protests of ruining her makeup he pulled her close for a kiss. It took them quite a while before they pulled themselves apart still unsatisfied but in heightened awareness of the other. After she had finished dressing and reapplying some makeup they made their way downstairs with the duster around Buffy.

“Woohoo, look at that. The little married couple playing at being single.” Faith joked as they made their way downstairs. The others stood next to her ready to wish them a good time. As soon as they reached the hallway Faith pulled Buffy into the dining room. “Let me see, girl.” Her hands reached for the buttons on the duster.

Buffy laughed and opened it for her.

“Very bad, Buffy. You have lightened up from the old days. Have a good time. Clem and I will handle everything.” Faith reassured her then she leaned over and whispered, “And I think Dawn and her husband are coming over to help make sure I don’t go psycho or something.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“It’s cool. Really. I understand the suspicion. Seriously, go have a good time.”

Turning Buffy started out for the hallway when she turned quickly and spontaneously hugged Faith. When she was finished Spike dragged her out the front door and she missed the look of appreciation from their new helper.

~~~~~~~~

July 21, 2007 8:55 PM

The Edge of Paradise was crowded and the smell of liquor and smoke filled the air. Spike's hand rested on Buffy's lower back as he escorted her toward the bar. When a pair of large demons brushed against her, she stepped closer to her husband.

"You okay, Pet?"

"Fine."

With a smile she looked up at him letting the feeling of being pampered and loved wash over her. It had been a long time since she had felt this way and she was going to enjoy it. In her heart Buffy knew that Spike loved her that he had always loved her and would continue to do so. It was just that she hadn't felt it this strong in a long time. Today he had made an abrupt about face and was coming at her full steam. She just hoped that he wouldn't take another turn away from her.

"Hey, you two. Good to see ya back." Arnie greeted them glad that the two were back together. After Spike had been alone in here drinking and looking like he had been cast into hell he had been worried that these two wouldn't make it.

Buffy smiled and put her left hand down on the bar, moving it so the diamonds in her wedding band sparkled in the neon lights from the bar.

"Holy shit," Arnie exclaimed holding her hand and checking out the ring. "It's about time, you damn vampire. Made in honest woman of her. Guess this means you ain't ever coming back to work," he added with a frown. Buffy had been one of his better waitresses and had been sorry when she had quit.

"Guess not." Buffy said.

"Mitzi, get your ass over here. Spike and Buffy got married." Arnie called out to one of the waitresses that had been Buffy's close friend while she had worked here.

There was a shriek from the woman as she came running over to the pair. Buffy was quickly engulfed in a hug from her friend. They swayed back and forth as they squealed and laughed.

"Congratulations. Oh my God, all this time and you got hitched." Mitzi reached out to grab Buffy's hand so she could take her turn looking at the ring. "Well, gee, I guess I'll never be able to steal him away from you now." Her eyes sparkling she turned to look at Spike who was standing there with a goofy look of pride. It had never been a secret that Mitzi had always had a thing for the blonde vampire even after she had found out what he was.

"Well, you could always give the groom a kiss for luck," Spike joked as he enveloped Mitzi in a hug. Then laughed as Mitzi did just that. To play along Spike pulled her close and kissed her back while Buffy laughed at their antics.

"Me next." Barbara one of the new waitresses they had gotten to know over the years came to join in the celebration. When Mitzi stepped away she took her turn to congratulate the new groom. Before it was over the other four waitresses working the floor had smothered Spike in kisses and hugs. He was completely flustered by the time he had been released and made his way back to Buffy.

It had all been in fun but suddenly wondered if Buffy was okay with it as she watched him approach. Once he was close enough Buffy pulled on his belt until he was standing between her knees. Her hand holding a napkin came to wipe the lipstick off his cheek and the corner of his mouth. When she had finished inspecting his face to make sure it was clean she pulled him down to her. Their mouths met in a kiss that had Arnie and the girls clapping from the passion they showed.

"Champagne is on the house," Arnie declared placing a bottle and flutes on the bar. "Have fun you two. Anything you want it's on me tonight." With that he turned to shoo the girls back to work and to check on some customers at the bar.

Spike sat on the stool next to Buffy as he watched her pour glasses of the wine for them. When she was done she picked up a glass and handed it to him.

"To us."

Their glasses clinked before they took sips.

"Thanks for taking me out." Buffy said.

“My pleasure, Love. Would you like to go get a table out of the way?” Spike nodded his head toward the corner where a few tables weren’t in the traffic flow.

Buffy quickly nodded her head as Spike took her hand and led the way to a small table in the corner. He was enjoying the expressions on her face as they moved from one emotion to another. There wasn’t one this evening that was in any way negative or pained. Spike felt almost shy in the wake of this side of his wife. But she never let him falter, leading him down whatever path of conversation that she wanted to follow.

They discussed the house and the new mish mash of furniture they had bought with no particular décor followed. The children were mulled over especially Raven’s words of the night before. Somewhere along the line their hands had entwined on the table as their heads had gotten closer. Plans were made for the future and where they wanted to go but they knew that with their lives the plans would probably be shelved tomorrow for something more pressing. But it was a way for them to share and that was all that counted.

They weren’t sure how much time had passed when Arnie made his over to them. “Hey, you two, I hate to interrupt but we may be having trouble.” His head gestured behind him at a table with six human males around it. “Mitzi’s told me they’ve been bad mouthing demons loud enough for the demons to hear. So, you guys in to help or not?”

Spike and Buffy peered around Arnie’s ample girth to peer at the men. None of them looked familiar but they had that clean cut all American boy look.

“Yeah, we’ll help if there’s trouble. Don’t know how much I can do.”

“That’s okay. You can keep the demons under control while I take on the little wussy boys.” Buffy offered, “They about ready for the second round? I think I can still carry a tray.”

“What are you planning?”

“Just a little friendly warning and see what they do.”

The couple rose and followed Arnie toward the bar where he quickly prepared a tray of beer. When he was done Buffy lifted it over her shoulder and sashayed her way over to their table. The old Buffy who used to work these tables with ease settled into place as she prepared to hand out the frosty mugs.

“How you boys doin?” She greeted them as she leaned over the table to dispense the brew. “You all new in town because I haven’t seen you around before?”

Six pairs of eyes looked her over as she smiled at them.

“Yeah, we’re new. But it is definitely looking like somewhere where I want to stay.” A man with graying hair, the oldest of the group answered her question letting her know that he was the leader and the one she needed to deal with.

“Well, I’ll be waiting on you tonight. So, whatever you need don’t hesitate to let me know.”

The men laughed and a few brief comments were made under their breath while their leader grabbed Buffy’s ass and squeezed. She reached for it and laid it on the table while he struggled to free it. But she merely leaned on it as she bent over some so they could all hear her.

“Just words of advice since you all are new to town. This bar caters to all kinds. They are welcome here, everyone is welcome here, as long as they pay their bills and mind their own business. Okay?”

Buffy straightened as she waited for some sort of acknowledgement. Two pair of eyes from the direction of the bar were boring into her back as they waited for what would happen. At first it appeared the guys were cowed enough as they looked around then one of them, a fresh faced kid who wanted to be a man, said loudly, “Demons don’t deserve to be patronizing with humans.”

A table of large demons with red scales sitting next to them had been hearing the comments made ever since this group had arrived and at this last one had had enough. They stood and made their way toward the humans.

“We’ll show you who can hang out here and who can’t. You are not welcome. Leave.”

Their four fingered hands clenched and unclenched as they waited for a comeback.

“Hey, guys, we don’t need to fight.” Buffy stood between the two posturing groups hoping to stop the inevitable confrontation that started only a moment after her words. Right before the punches flew she told the group to run if they wanted to live but their single minded belief that humans were superior in all instances led them to arrogantly fight back.

Buffy ducked as the two groups started on each other but was dragged in the middle by one of the men who decided she was fair game.

“Hey, I warned you to get out,” Buffy said right before she threw the astonished man over a table. The rest of the patrons decided that the evening had been too boring and thought that an all out brawl would be more entertaining.

Soon, everybody had joined in the fighting just to fight. Buffy kept trying to separate humans and demons but ended up just trying to protect herself. In the distance she heard Arnie calling out for Spike and wondered if everything was okay right before she got thrown into the wall.

~~~~~~~~

“Hey, Spike, yo, man, Spike,” Arnie tried to get the attention of the vampire who was watching out for Buffy.

Distractedly, Spike glanced back at the bar keep and asked him what was up. Arnie placed a hand on his shoulder to fully get his attention.

“Yeah?”

“It’s Barbara, she’s stuck on the other side of the bar under a table, can you go get her and bring her back. That table ain’t going to last long.”

Spike looked toward the other end of the bar and saw the blonde waitress huddling under a table that was surrounded about four rather large demons intent on out doing each other.

“Sure thing, mate,” Spike headed off toward her, having to avoid being drawn into a few scuffles and ducking around some others until he reached the table. He knelt down and peered under to lock eyes with the frightened woman. “Hey, you want to get out of here, maybe over to the bar? I could buy you a drink.”

Barbara nodded quickly and took Spike’s hand as she crawled out from under the table. Once they were standing Spike told her to hang on to him no matter what. She nodded and Spike began to lead them back to the bar.

“Hey, where you going with our prize?” One of the demons protested the removal of the woman they had been fighting over.

“Sorry, guess she likes blondes more than horns and warts,” Spike told him as he attempted to go around him but found himself avoiding a punch thrown in his direction. The other three started to come after them and Spike found himself deciding whether to fight them or run. Feeling Barbara squeeze his hand he decided that to run was the better option. With a couple of well laid fists and kicks and one kick from Barbara they cleared an opening and made a bee line for the bar.

After the waitress was safe, Spike attempted to look for Buffy in the crowd, but was unable to see the petite blond amongst the towering demons and humans that were tearing apart The Edge. With a worried feeling Spike sprang onto the bar so he could find her. He quickly spotted her blonde mane flying as she tossed a demon over her shoulder and turned toward one of the original troublemakers who seemed intent on provoking her. As she grabbed the guy by his shirt collar one of his friends came up behind her.

“Jab, Baby, jab with your left elbow,” Spike called out hoping she would listen. She did and sent the guy to the floor holding his stomach. “Yes!” He started to dance on the bar imitating fighting moves while calling out instructions to Buffy. At one point she stopped briefly and winked at him and his antics. She was actually having fun down there in the pit of slimy, sweaty, drunks intent on beating each other up. Buffy turned to kick someone in the stomach and flashed red to everyone who was in visual range. Spike threw his hands over his face and then peeking out between fingers, “Baby, don’t raise your leg”. She shrugged and continued what she was doing.

“Hey, Spike,” Arnie called up to him. “Do you think maybe you and your woman can start clearing this place out before the cops get here?”

“What and kill all the fun?”

“Spike!”

“Okay, okay,” Spike jumped lightly down into the fray and made his way toward Buffy. “Arnie needs the place emptied.”

She glanced at him and nodded. Together they started tossing or pushing patrons toward the front door. A couple of the regular customers they knew started to help them out and it didn’t take long before the place was empty. The last of those leaving hollered out a sorry to Arnie before closing the door behind them. Spike locked up and made his way back to the bar with Buffy beside him.

Arnie was standing with his hands on his hips surveying the damage to his place. Most of the tables and chairs were smashed. Fortunately this time most of the windows and mirrors had escaped breakage. Sometimes he thought the regulars were being more careful on what got broken because they knew the more damage the longer before The Edge opened again.

Buffy hopped up to take a seat on the bar with Spike leaning across her legs. Mitzi and one of the other girls were starting to put the unbroken glasses in the tubs to be taken back to the kitchen.

“It’s getting harder every time, guys, to pick up the pieces.”

“You got insurance, don’t you Arn?” Spike asked.

“Yeah, but the more I call them for this shit,” Arnie waved his hand around at the mess, “the more my rates go up.” Then with a heavy sigh he added, “I think it’s time to close it in.”

Everyone around him froze at the thought of The Edge closing down. The waitresses all looked at Arnie knowing that another job like this wouldn’t be easy to come by. Arnie was fair to his servers and made sure they were protected from unwelcome advances by customers. They were treated like people and not just bodies to sell his booze.

Spike looked up at Buffy with a question in his eyes accentuated by the scarred eyebrow arching up. She looked down at him for a moment then nodded her head in agreement.

“What if you had business partners?”

The two men locked glances as Arnie considered the offer. Then slowly he shook his head no, “Nah, it’s been my place for so long. I couldn’t share running it with anyone.”

“We wouldn’t run it. You keep controlling interest. Buffy and me, we just give you a little extra working capital. You said you wanted to do some expanding.” Spike offered.

“Why?’

Buffy smiled at his question and looped her arms around Spike’s neck while laying her cheek against his hair. “As much as we agree this place is smelly, dirty and generally a dive, it’s got a special meaning for Spike and me. It’s where I was working when we became an us. I don’t want to see it gone. Besides Arnie you’ve been a good friend to us. To me.”

Arnie thought it over for a moment then nodded his head. Things were changing and maybe it was time for him to change too. “Okay, you two, partners.”

The three of them shook hands while Mitzi and the others clapped. They agreed for their lawyers to talk things over and go from there.

“You ready to go home, Love?” Spike smiled up at Buffy ready to be alone with her.

“I’m ready to go. Want to head down to the beach and take a walk?” Buffy proposed with her eyebrows wiggling up and down.

“Yeah.”

Spike turned around so his back was between Buffy’s legs and she accepted the invitation hopping down onto his back so he could carry her out.

“Bye everybody, talk to you soon.” Buffy called out and waved before the door swung close behind them as they made their way to the Desoto and the rest of their night.

TBC

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