After she signed off, Spike was not sure what to make of this new turn of events. Reluctant to hope but wishing he knew what to expect next, one way or another.

Grabbing his things, Spike rushed downstairs to meet Giles. He was late, but it had been worth it. Upon his return to London, Spike had very mixed feelings but was resolved to avoid past mistakes. True, he had wanted to stay in SD and was very pleased with his progress with Dawn, Willow, and especially with Buffy, but he had no desire to do anything to jeopardize the trust under construction. However, while even in London, he still had his foot in the door of the Revello Drive even if it was through email.

***

Meanwhile, Giles was waiting for Spike in his car outside the vampire’s building, drumming his fingers and wondering why he had ever agreed to Spike’s plan. But he already knew the answer - Buffy. One thing he and Spike would always find a middle ground was Buffy’s welfare and the need to help the Slayer and her sister whenever possible.

Giles thought back a few days ago to when he and Anya picked Spike up from the airport. The vamp had been remarkably quiet, giving only minimal details of his trip, leaving Giles and Anya to stare at each other with unspoken questions.

More surprisingly, before dropping him off at his flat, Giles and Anya had quite a time convincing Spike to dine out with them. It just wasn’t like Spike to pass up free food.

Finally, after a good meal and a couple of pints, Spike began to open up. Dawn was doing great, passing summer school, but needed someone to teach her “the ropes.” The Slayer needed someone to watch her back and was “burning the candle on three bloody ends.” Buffy had to work during the day, slay at night, and keep up with Dawn during both. What he didn't say but came through loud and clear was that he was frustrated that he couldn't help and knew they didn't want his assistance.

As the fourth round was brought to their table, Anya decided it was time to crawl out of the pit of pity. "There has to be a way we can help. Even from London."

"Yeah, that frigging job is going to kill her." Spike said into his drink.

Giles pointed out the obvious, "Slaying is a very dangerous job..."

Spike interrupted, "No, no . Not that job. That grease trap. Slaying and raising Dawn should be a full time occupation on its own. She shouldn't have to work somewhere else."

Giles laughed at the irony of it all. "The Council will pay a vamp to do the Slayer's job in their home town, but won't pay the Slayer for managing the Hellmouth."

Anya nodded in agreement, "Go figure."

"What we should be figuring out is how to get the Wankers Council to pay her.” After a pause to calm down, Spike looked up at the Watcher and Vengeance Demon. “Ya know, I was thinking about a possible plan on the flight here...and I would need a little help." The sparkle was back in the vampire’s eyes.

Later after dropping Spike off, Anya summed it up best. "Spike is homesick."

Nodding in agreement, Giles took off his glasses to start cleaning them. “What can we do to help him, do you suppose?”

Giles was startled out of his wool gathering as Spike jumped into his car.

“Right, let’s get this plan going.”

***

”Maybe I didn’t hear you correctly. But even if I had, the answer is NO.” Quinton Travers could not have been more shocked but tried not to show it. He had been working late to finish up a report to be presented tomorrow, and now his assistant was behind him with his mouth hanging open. In front of his desk now stood Rupert Giles, Spike and a barely restrained Feral demon. The demon hands were cuffed with Spike using an occasional jolt from a cattle prod to keep the furious demon in line.

Travers didn’t believe for a minute their cover story. Not even this pair would deliver a demon to the council because they were ‘in the vicinity.’ This was preposterous. “Now if that is all you came for, please leave. I have a great deal of work to finish.” He dismissed them with a quick flick of the wrist.

Giles took a breath to repeat his request, succinctly this time. “Buffy Summers should be paid for Slayer services rendered at the Hellmouth. Back pay since her resurrection should be sufficient…” Giles paused to gain Spike’s nod of agreement. “..and put her on a monthly salary from this time forward.”

Travers leaned back in his chair and started to chuckle. “The Council has never paid a Slayer.”

”No time like the present to start, don’t you think? As you know, there has never been a Slayer to live this long or require payment to support herself and family. Times and circumstances change. In point of fact, Buffy would not even have a sister to support if she were not the Slayer. The monks made that decision for Buffy when they sent the Key to the Slayer for protection.”

“The Council has another Slayer.”

Spike smirked, “That caged bird? Lot of help, that one.”

Giles continued, “Yes, I know there is another Slayer, but as you also know, Faith is currently incarcerated. Therefore, she cannot perform any slayer duties. And you can’t call another slayer until Faith dies. To sum it up, all you’ve got is Buffy. As conditions presently deteriorate, she will have to slow down her slaying in order to support her family.” That was putting it on a bit thick. Giles crossed his fingers and hoped the exaggeration would help tip the scales.

Travers tried a new tactic. ”It’s just not possible. The Council must decide such an issue, and I doubt they would agree.”

Having had enough, Spike ‘accidentally’ let go his hold on the demon. Not missing a chance, the Feral Demon promptly knocked over a book case sending all the old volumes flying everywhere before Spike could manage to get him back under control with a few, well placed shocks.

After swallowing several times, Travers started again. "Maybe with some conditions..."

This time, Spike blatantly turned loose of the struggling demon to walk up to the desk and point the cattle prod at Travers. "No conditions. None." He let the noise of a glass case shattering behind him accent his point and then diminish before continuing. “You stupid ponces just don’t get it. The Slayer has already proved her worth and commitment by giving her life *twice* and still came back for more. How many times do you need to die to prove your worth, mate?” Spike motioned over to the demon leaving a path of broken wood and glass in its wake. “The payments start tomorrow or … I can make sure you get special deliveries everyday. The office, your flat, you mistress’ flat, wherever.”

After the gratuitous male staring contest, Travers replied through clenched teeth, leaving his assistant in shock. “Fine. We will notify the Slayer tomorrow. Now get that creature out.”

"Good. Now for our second request…”

Travers cut Giles off with a warning tone to his voice. “Rupert, I think you have pushed this as far as you should.”

Glancing over at Spike and the demon who had now made their way over to another row of shelves, Giles continued. “I think this is the perfect time settle all issues. The other request is that a college fund be set up for Dawn Summers.” He paused to admire the red flush crossing Travers face and held up a hand before Travers could refuse. “Dawn is the Key and should be taken care of. As I mentioned before, she would not even be in the circumstance she is now if it were not for our Slayer. The least the Council can do is help secure her future.”

But Spike had not played all his cards yet. Before Travers could launch any further arguments, the demon got loose again, rushed the desk, and let loose a large amount of mucus that landed square on the documents in front of Travers, solidifying with amazing speed. The second wad landed on the face of the young man unfortunate enough to still be standing behind Travers. As his eyes followed his assistant flailing around the room desperately trying to remove the hardening mucus, Travers reluctantly agreed to the last term as the demon inhaled loudly preparing more ammunition.

Giles quickly pulled out a legal document, got it signed and ushered Spike and the demon out the door before Travers had time to rethink the agreement.

Giles pulled his car to a stop around the corner from the Council of Watchers and turned to look at the pair struggling in the back seat. “Enough is enough. Would you two *please* mind the leather seats?”

Before he could even think about ducking, Spike poked Giles with the prod and pulled the trigger. Giles flinched and jumped away only to realize that there was no accompanying pain. The demon laughed and spoke in his language which Spike translated. “He said you have to put batteries in first.”

Giles glared at both the vampire and the demon who were now laughing hysterically in his back seat. “Very humorous. You might have told let me in on that little detail of the plan.”

Gasping for unneeded air, Spike finally got himself back under control. While rubbing his newly freed wrists, the demon asked Spike a question to which Spike answered. “Yeah, yeah, I’ve got your blunt right here, mate. 100 pounds, and your performance was worth every shilling. Let’s go get a pint to celebrate and settle up.”

Dawn was wearing a hole in her carpet pacing in her room for what seemed like hours (or in adult time, 30 minutes). Willow and Buffy were out on patrol so she had no one to talk to, and Spike wasn’t answering his messages. Finally, the ding from the computer echoed in her room, letting her know someone sent her a message. Please, please let it be Spike…

Carpe.Noctum: Hey, Nibblet. What’s up?

Trapped.in.SD: It’s Buffy. For the last couple of nights, her patrols have been especially rough.

Carpe.Noctum: What do you mean rough? She’s usually the one dishing out the rough stuff.

Trapped.in.SD: Just more beat up than usual. A black eye is not exactly a good fashion statement. Willow and I are trying to get her to take a night off to heal up, but you know her, no way.

Carpe.Noctum: Why doesn’t Red and the Whelp help on patrols?

Trapped.in.SD: They have been trying, but it’s Buffy the demons always zero in on. Wait, she just got home and headed for the shower.

Carpe.Noctum: Go get her an ice pack for the back of her neck and see how she is doing. I’ll wait.

Nine minutes later, (Spike did count), Dawn was back online.

Trapped.in.SD: Spike, they broke her arm tonight. Willow said she and Xander were of little help again even though they tried. The demons just shrug them off and go back after the Slayer. Buffy still got beat up pretty bad.

There was no immediate reply from Spike. He knew for the Bit to say it was bad, it must really be bad.

Trapped.in.SD: I think I can hear you swearing all the way here. Spike??

Carpe.Noctum: Sorry, Nibblet. Just have Buffy email me when she gets out of the shower.

Now it was Spike’s turn to pace. The hard part of waiting this time was that he wasn’t even sure Buffy would ‘chat’ with him. In relief, he sank back in his chair when her message came through. Twenty-one minutes this time - forever in Spike time.

Newbie: Thanks for the ice pack. It feels *so* good!

Carpe.Noctum: Slayer, what’s been going on?

Newbie: Just heavy demon action the last couple of nights. I am sure it will go back to normal Hellmouth levels soon.

Carpe.Noctum: Dawn said your arm was broken tonight.

Newbie: Dawn should keep her big mouth shut.

Spike just let her stew for a few minutes, hoping his silence conveyed his glare.

Newbie: Ok, these demons have been real grabby, more than usual. Instead of trying to hit or kill me, they try to hold on. Demons can be such perverts. You should know.

Carpe.Noctum: At least those demons have good taste. But I will rip out their spines and beat them to death if they even get a taste of you.

Newbie: Ooo, listen to the Big Bad Vampy. Grrrr. Argh.

God, it felt good to laugh, again, but Buffy decided it was time to change the topic to something that would put Spike on the hot seat instead of her.

Newbie: Spike, what did you go to Africa for?

Carpe.Noctum: Subject change? I can take a hint - for now. I went to see a demon.

Newbie: Why?

Carpe.Noctum: I like a challenge. *You* should know.

To think that she had not wanted to talk to Spike at first, but now Buffy could already feel her spirits lift.

Newbie: What challenge?

Carpe.Noctum: If I won, the demon would grant my request.

Buffy loved a challenge herself.

Newbie: Did you win what you wanted?

Carpe.Noctum: The jury’s still out on that one.

Newbie: Color me confused. What did you ask for?

Carpe.Noctum: You’re just gonna have to wonder, pet. Gotta go meet Giles now. Will you promise to rest up and take tomorrow off?

She started to give a glib reply. She usually hated it when people fussed over her, but for some reason, this was different.

Newbie: I promise I won’t patrol until this arm has healed.

Newbie: Spike?

Carpe.Noctum: Still here, pet.

Newbie: I miss the bickering.

Spike had a good idea what she was referring to but wanted to see what else she would say.

Carpe.Noctum: I will try to be less agreeable tomorrow night.

Newbie: No, I meant I miss bickering with you in person. It’s just not the same.

Carpe.Noctum: Me too, luv.

Spike figured this was Buffy lingo for “I miss you.” Sporting an enormous grin, he printed it out to save before he left to meet the Watcher.

*******

Sticking to the Underground System to avoid the sunlight, Spike arrived at Giles' flat early. The other commuters on the tubes had given the agitated blonde a wide berth. After talking to Buffy, he just had more questions than before, and he needed answers. Worry was eating him alive, or dead, in this case. Bullocks, something just wasn't right when those demon blokes don’t try to kill the Slayer. Spike was marginally relieved to find out that Giles had talked to Willow and had some other tidbits of information.

"Spike. Sit. Please. You are making my head spin with your pacing. We should be sorting through what little details we do know." To the Watcher's relief, the vampire threw himself in a chair across from him at the table.

As the two pieced the sparse clues together, they formed three very unpleasant speculations. These demons were organized, their focus was solely the Slayer, and their objective was to capture instead of kill. Why? Neither had a clue, but they could agree that recent events did not bode well.

With the force of a small explosion, Anya blew in the flat. No knock of warning, just a whirl wind of shopping bags. Giles took off his glasses to clean them to make sure he was seeing her correctly. "Anya, I sent you out to gather a few supplies, not on a shopping spree."

”Don't worry. I used your credit card, and you can turn in the receipts to the Council."

"Does it matter that there are no expense reimbursements from the Council?"

"Why not? Well, you should just charge them more per case."

Anya was quickly covering the dining table with her bags. Giles opened his mouth a couple of times doing what Spike thought was a great imitation of a drowning man trying to come up for air. Oblivious, Anya unpacked rubber gloves, tons of make-up, and finally a short, black wig.

Twirling the wig in his hand, Spike joked, "Anya, luv, you don't need a disguise for tonight. But later if you two want to play dress up, fine with me. None of my business but which one of you is going to wear the wig?"

"Oh, these are not for me. Let's see if the wig fits you."

The vampire’s shocked gaze traveled over from the wig she was trying to put on his head to all the make-up on the table. Male testosterone panic attack quickly set in. Ducking and backing away from her, "No way I am wearing any of that rubbish.”

As much as Giles was enjoying Spike's discomfort, he also was not sure where Anya was headed with this. "Let's make sure everyone is clear on tonight's plan. Our target is assumed to be a Elykl Demon who has been preying on stragglers from tourist groups leaving Piccadilly Square on foot. Being similar to an eel, this particular demon has the ability to direct electricity which he produces. The enormous shock causes severe back spasms, breaking the victim’s spine. Thus the victim is immobilized, allowing the demon time to move the body and eat in private. Our strategy is for Spike to tag along behind a group leaving the square, acting as a decoy, and when Spike engages the demon, Anya and I will step in and apply a dampening spell to even out the playing field. Any questions? Comments?"

Anya raised her hand. "First, eeeww on that whole back breaking part. Glad I never dated one of those. Second, Spike will never be mistaken for a Japanese or any other oriental tourist. You did say yesterday that this demon was only attacking Asian tourists."

Giles nodded, "Quite right." Both he and Anya looked at the supplies and then expectantly at the vamp lounging on the far side of the room.

Suddenly feeling the need to defend himself from the two conspirators approaching, Spike took up a fighting stance. "Now, I can understand the gloves to avoid shocks, but oh no, you’re not making a friggin poofster out of me."

*******

When they finally arrived in Piccadilly Square, Anya was in a huff, Giles was quite put out, and Spike had a smug grin. The vampire was now sporting a knit cap to cover the bleach blonde hair, Giles' favorite black overcoat, an Anya's black wrap-around sunglasses to disguise his blue eyes. He had conceded to wear the gloves but was still balking at wearing a camera around his neck.

Two hours later, Spike was getting bored. Bored, bored, bored! He had already followed three groups of tourists with no success. Not even a bleedin’ nibble.

Giles and Anya were no longer pretending to window shop. Well, at least Anya was no longer pretending. She was currently dragging Giles from window to window adamantly gesturing and chattering non-stop. Giles' apparent distress was one of the highlights of Spike's evening until he found a good use for his camera, taking pictures of beautiful women passing by, trying to guess their nationality, and more importantly, judge if they had real or fake breasts.

Distracted by his new hobby, he almost missed the fourth group of oriental tourists leaving the square. He followed behind, still snapping photos trying to blend in and hoping Giles and Anya were following, also. Suddenly, Spike felt someone jerk him by his collar off his feet, pulling him into a side alley. When he regained his balance, Spike spun around to confront his attacker. “Picked the wrong sushi this time, mate.”

While calling for Giles and Anya, Spike quickly took a swing with the blunt side of the small axe he had hidden under his coat, snapping the Elykl Demon's head to the side. Luckily, the shock Spike received only felt like static electricity, but he didn't want to see how bad it could get. "Watcher, where the hell are you and that bint?" They were suppose to keep him in their sights at all times, not ogling a soddin’ frock in a bloomin’ shop window.

The demon just shook off the vampire’s blow, raised his hand and shot out a lightening bolt, hitting Spike in the chest. Wham! He found himself slammed into a trash bin across the alley, sliding down across the dent his own body created in the metal container. “Did any one get the number of the bleedin’ train that just hit me?"

Several sensations registered in his dazed brain at once: the smell of burning hair and flesh, his silver bracelet branding his wrist, ringing in his ears, and the copper taste filling his mouth. When the stars circling before his eyes cleared, the first thing he was able to focus on was his axe lying at the feet of the demon. Balls!

"You're not Asian,” The Elykl Demon commented while casually tossing an electrical ball of energy casually between his hands. “I am on a strict oriental diet."

Starting to stand, "No, Sparky," Spike shifted into game face, "but I'm an equal opportunity killer who 's going to kick your arse all over this alley." Picking up a spare piece of pipe, the master vampire swung full force, but when his swing connected, a shock rocket up his arms sending him into a stack of crates.

Looking to the end of the alley for Giles and Anya, Spike noticed people were starting to gather, watching the unusual show. An elderly lady in the front nudged her husband, "Look, Herman. What pretty lights." The rest of the crowd was cheering each and every flash of electricity.

’New plan,’ Spike told himself, ‘Stall - with weapons that *don't* conduct soddin’ electricity.’ Using parts off the wooden crates for defense, Spike started ducking and dodging around the alley. Out of the corner of his eye, he finally saw his absentee assistants making their way to the front of the rather large crowd and finally began reciting the electrical dampening spell. A very good thing, in Spike’s opinion, because he was running out of lumber which kept bursting into flames with every bolt landed by the demon. However, immediately after Giles and Anya finished the spell, the demon’s next bolt came out only as a tiny, single spark.

"Well, Sparky, how are you without the voltage?" After exchanging a few blows, Spike easily gained the upper hand much to the crowd's delight, happy to see the underdog winning. Spike grabbed the demon in a head lock and bowed to the crowd's applause. Then, as casually as possible when dragging a struggling demon, he backed around a corner to chop off its head.

Taking Spike’s lead, Anya thanked the crowd for coming to their little show and made up where they could buy tickets for the full-length special effects show the next night. Then she and Giles politely sent the crowd on their way.

While brushing himself off and grimly bearing their laughter, Spike joined the couple at the mouth of the alley. The usually well-groomed vamp, was still smoking with his normally immaculate hair now standing on end with black singed tips. Neither were laughing, though, after Spike handed the Watcher his coat riddled with burns and Anya her designer sunglasses melted into a small, plastic lump.

*******

The following day, Anya and Giles stopped by to check on Spike. The vamp was still surly but pretty much healed. When Spike gave them a copy of his recent email chat with Willow, the conversation, of course, turned to the dilemma in Sunnydale. .

Anya read the correspondence over Giles’ shoulder.

Red: Spike, are you there?

Carpe.Noctum: Here. How's Buffy?

Red: You need to come back.

Carpe.Noctum: Red, HOW IS BUFFY?

Red: Fine. Her arm is healing fine and tonight Xander and I were more help with the latest group of demons.

Carpe.Noctum: And?

Red: Spike, I think they have the same tattoos as those demons who set the trap for Buffy last week.

Carpe.Noctum: Are you sure?

Red: Yes. Spike, I think you should come back.

Carpe.Noctum: Still too soon, luv. We've talked about this before.

Red: You once gave me a quote that helped me. Here's one for you: “If you have behaved badly, repent, make what amends you can and address yourself to the task of behaving better next time. On no account brood over your wrongdoing. Rolling in the muck is not the best way of getting clean.” (Aldous Huxley)

Carpe.Noctum: Brood? Never. *Don’t* ever confuse with that poof in LA.
Red: Take a bath already and COME HOME.

Spike wasn’t quite sure what to do, but he knew he hated indecision. After reading the correspondence, Giles looked the vampire in the eyes for long moments. Spike got the distinct impression that the Watcher was coming to an important decision of his own which was confirmed when Giles spoke, "Willow is right, you know. This is not your home. Sunnydale is you home."

Anya clapped her hands indicating her resolve and headed for the bedroom. "So, let's get your bag packed. We’ll ship the rest of your things over later.” Then she paused to share a look with Giles that made Spike wary. With a slight smile, Giles nodded before Anya continued, “Since you are moving back to Sunnydale, we have a proposal for you..."

Chain smoking and growling at anyone who dared get too close, Spike paced impatiently at the LAX Airport curb. 'Where are those silly bints?' Since his airplane had landed ahead of schedule, he knew they were not at fault. He was just impatient to see Buffy and confirm for himself that she was fine. He would have taken a shuttle, but Red and Lil' Bit had been so excited to show off their new driving skills that Spike just didn’t have the heart, figuratively and literally, to deny them.

Finally, his poor, black Desoto came into view, carefully navigating the chaotic airport traffic. “Not too shabby. Hey, is that a new dent on the hood...How the hell did they get a soddin' dent in the hood?” Throwing down his cigarette, Spike stepped off the curb to make sure they saw him, and he could tell when they did by Dawn's enthusiastic waving out the passenger side window. As they pulled up, Spike jumped quickly back onto the curb or chanced losing his toes. Even though he had on his steel toe boots, he still didn't trust his feet to the Red and Nibblet driving test.

As it was, one tire came to rest on top of the curb next to Spike's foot. Before the car even came to a complete stop, Dawn was out hugging Spike. Willow slid across the front seat and out the passenger side door to give Spike a hug of her own. Then the girls herded Spike into the back seat of his own car. He couldn't help but cringe when he heard Dawn yell, "My turn! It’s my turn!" Spike closed his eyes and shuddered, 'Bloody hell!'

Out on the highway back to Sunnydale, Spike was finally able to concentrate enough to talk since Dawn's driving on the open road no longer resembled a 3 AM drunk. "How's the Slayer? Did she take last night off?"

”No,” Willow rolled her eyes and looked at Spike over the front seat, “but she said she would take tonight off so we can all celebrate together."

Before Spike could even ask, Dawn turned around and opened her mouth to explain. “No, no, Bit, let Willow answer. You keep your eyes on the road." Spike pushed her back around as they barely missed a scenic tour of the local ditch. “Well, Red, what’s the important occasion?”

"Don’t know. Can’t say. All I know is that Buffy wanted to tell everyone at once.” Shooting a knowing look at Dawn, “And even Dawn has been sworn to secrecy. We are all meeting at the Bronze later."

Spike started to light a fag until he caught Willow now glaring at him. With a dramatic, long suffering sigh, he put the cigarette away, "Red, how are the repairs coming at the Magic Box?"

"Good. Well, actually great! Giles was right. Fixing my own mess has been better for relieving guilt than baking cookies."

"Water and electric on?"

"Yeah, why so interested?"

"The Watcher said I could crash there since the crypt is Clem's home now, not mine. Platelet, drop me off there so I can get cleaned up, and I'll meet you at the Bronze in half an hour. And you don't have to park on the curb this time. All four tires on the street."

Dawn and Willow sneaked a conspiratorial smile. Both knew what the other was thinking. The Big Bad Vamp had to gussy up before seeing the Slayer. Operation Matchmaker was going well, indeed. Mental high five.

*****

Upon joining the Scoobies at their usual table at the Bronze, Spike wasn't sure what he had expected, but the warm welcome he received was not one of the possible scenarios he would have ever imagined. Of course, Dawn and Willow were happy to see him, but Willow’s new warmth and friendship still unnerved him a tad. Harris was his usual sour self but with uncustomary restraint. However, it was Buffy's reaction that made him think that he must be dreaming. Greeting Spike as she would a friend, the Slayer seemed genuinely happy to see him. As he sat down, Buffy even ordered him a beer and one of those onion thingies that she knew he loved.

"We're celebrating tonight.” Dawn was busting at the seam, “but I know Buffy wants to tell you herself.”
Sitting back and relaxing, Spike suspected he already knew the surprise.

"No more Smelly Buffy. I quit the Double Meat Palace today." Letting that sink in for a few moments, Buffy lowered the second boom, "The council has put me on salary including the time since my resurrection..."

Full of irrepressible exuberance, Dawn just couldn't keep silent and added, "She got a big fat check today special delivery for the back pay."

Buffy looked directly at Spike for the next part, "…and they set up a college fund for Dawn." Spike broke eye contact first as Dawn, Willow, and Xander all started talking at once. Questions flew around the table at a hectic pace.

*****

After answering their questions for a few minutes, Buffy turned to Spike. "Want to get your ass kicked at pool?"

Spike raised his scared eyebrow as he turned to look at her, "Who’s daring?”

"Me, of course." Buffy stood up and grabbed Spike by the arm, towing him towards the pool tables. "Come on. What are you chicken?"

"No, I'm a pig, remember? Oink, Oink." Not the best comeback, but he was still in shock that the Slayer had him by the arm, dragging him along with her - in public, no less!

When they arrived at the table, Buffy let him go, "Thanks. I really mean it."

"For what, luv?" Still stunned and now confused on top, did he miss something here?

"For the check, the salary, Dawn's college fund, and allowing me one of my dearest dreams to quit that fast food Hell.” Now she had a mischievous glint to her eyes, “Do you think they will let me keep the hat?"

"Let's take it out and shoot it. Put it out of its misery and all that rot."

"Tomorrow night, during patrol. It's a date…But thanks for everything."

”Luv, you've got it wrong. Thank the Watcher...”

"Don't even start. Your lying is pathetic. I called him already and got the whole story out of him. You, Giles, a Feryal Demon, and Travers all in the same room was such a Kodak moment. The snot was the best part.”

Now embarrassed, Spike still tried to cover up, "I just provided the muscle..."

"Spike, is that really you in there? Take the credit and the thanks already. Besides, I sorta already suspected you when I read the part about Dawn's college fund - dead give away. Dead, get it? Buffy joke."

Buffy humor? Now Spike was really starting to get suspicious. Handing her a cue, he stepped up to the table.
Buffy chuckled since it was not often anyone saw Spike nervous, but she decided to let him off the hook. Approaching the table herself, she asked, "Whose break?"

"Ladies, first."

Buffy stepped to the head of the table, leaned over to line up her break. Standing behind her, Spike was mesmerized by the delightful view of her delectable ass as she eyed her first shot. Letting him know that she knew of his perusal, Buffy looked over her shoulder at him with a slow smile before taking her first shot. God, he was suddenly as hard as the cue he was holding. Maybe pool with Buffy wasn't such a great idea after all. But what was he nuts? No way would he walk off from that view, but it was very difficult to keep up their usual banter without sexual innuendos creeping in.

Having sunk a stripe ball in the corner pocket with her break, Buffy walked to the opposite end of the table, lining up her next shot. She bent over providing him with a luscious view of her cleavage this time. Spike caught himself starting to step over to get a better look. Not that the one provided was shabby by any means.

Buffy may have missed the shot, but her plan was working. She watched Spike stiffly walk up for his first shot, an easy one which he missed. He retreated to the balcony rail, leaving the pool table between them.

'Ok, Hard to Get Guy. Let’s try this. ' As if trying to decide her next shot, she walked all around the table, “accidentally” brushing up against him in the process. Her efforts were rewarded with a low growl that gave her goose bumps.

For once, Spike could not think of anything to say. ‘Ok, the first 'view' could have been an accident, the second could have been a coincident, but the third time, deliberately brushing up against him, was no accident. The Slayer was flirting with him, Spike, a Master Vampire. ‘You have stepped into the SunnyD Twilight Zone.’

Yes, Buffy was flirting and thoroughly enjoying every minute. While Spike was taking each of his turns, Buffy planned her next move. Still unsure where exactly this was going, she didn't really care as long as it ended in a bed. Well, the bed was optional. They never needed one before. Ok, so as long as they ended up naked together. Yum, naked Spike - rubbing, stroking, kissing a naked Buffy…

"Slayer?" Buffy was staring at Spike with a glazed look on her face. Buffy’s turn to shift uncomfortably.

"Slayer? It's your shot, luv." As she brushed by him again, he smelled the intoxicating smell of her arousal. What the bloody hell is going on? Not only was the Slayer flirting with him, but she was flirting with him in a public place. The whelp must not be watching or he would have interrupted by now. Spike looked around the club but didn’t see Xander. ‘The boy must be off marking his territory.’

Very undignified for a vamp, Spike jumped a mile when he unexpectedly felt her heat and sweet body against his back, her voice in his ear, "Earth to Spike. Your turn." His next shot sent the cue ball flying off the table and over the balcony. The only advantage of his pathetic playing was Buffy was now leaning over the balcony trying to get someone to throw the ball back up. Spike, of course, stood back and enjoyed the spectacular view her ass again provided.

Cue ball retrieved, Buffy brought it to him. "Spike, how would you set up this next shot?" The next thing he knew he was standing close behind her, point over her shoulder to help her line up the shot. The shot required her to make a bridge with her hands for the cue to avoid hitting another ball illegally. "Show me how..." When she wiggled back against him, Spike had had enough. Slamming both their cues in the holder, he grabbed Buffy and headed for the back exit.

Down below, Willow and Dawn were doing the happy dance. Xander was watching them with disgust.

Willow was the first to sit back down, "Phase 2 of Operation Matchmaker accomplished, Captain Dawnie. Steps 3 and 4 were highly successful."

Xander's jaw dropped open, "Huh - What operation? And huh, what phase? Again, huh?"

Willow just laughed, "Captain, do you want to explain our ingenious plan?"

Dawn turned to face Xander, "Step 3 - get Spike back to Sunnydale. Step 4 - Buffy is nice to Spike."

"And by the looks of Buffy's flirting and their departure," Willow wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, "Phase 3 may be accomplished tonight."

Xander stood up, "I *so* don't want to know what Phase 3 is. Are you both nuts? This is Spike, attempted rape in the bathroom Spike."

Both Dawn and Willow hit him but in opposite shoulders. Willow glared at her best friend, "And you left Anya at the alter to explain your behavior. Not physically, but mentally way too harsh. To beat that, you expected her to shake it off and continue. Just because you are bitter, unhappy, and scared of who you are, doesn't mean you can be cruel to others. Namely, Spike. Buffy and Spike don't have to be as miserable as you or me. If anyone feels that way, it should be me. And I don't. I am happy for them."

Looking at Xander’s now bowed head, Dawn added softly, "Spike's changed, and I know Buffy loves him even if she doesn't know it yet. And he loves her."

Willow grabbed her best friends hand, "You've got to let it go." Knowing he was outnumbered, Xander got up and headed to the bar to get another beer, but still heard Dawn’s next question to Willow, "Do you think they're suck facing yet?"

******

Dawn got it in one. They were currently kissing. Spike had brusquely ushered Buffy out the back exit to the alley and guided her over to a secluded part. Buffy was immediately on him.

Yes, Dawn, they were kissing, but to Buffy’s shock, Spike set her back at a safe distance. "I'm not you lap dog anymore." He couldn’t believe he had done it but was glad. He just wasn’t willing to go down this particular path again. He had changed but he didn’t think she had enough?

Buffy snapped, "Did Africa cure you of me?" With embarrassment and anger rising, Buffy wondered what was wrong with him. This is what he wanted, wasn’t it?

Needing something to do with his hands Spike lit a cigarette. Bullocks, this was not when, where, or how he had planned to have this conversation.

As he paced, Buffy fumed, "Yeah, leaving - always a great answer to your problems."

It was on the tip of his tongue, ‘Look who’s talking,’ but decided against a snarky reply for once. There was already enough fuel on this fire. “I thought it best. Even though I never wanted to hurt you, I still attacked you. In a word, unforgivable.” Spike waved off her reply so he could continue. “I was wrong when I told you that you belong in the dark with me. Truly, pet, you’re a mixture of dark and light. But that’s the funny part, I don’t even belong completely in the dark anymore. We are both unique in our own way and should revel in it instead of fighting each other. Did Africa teach me that? I expect so, and I’m glad for it now.”

“You attacked me and felt remorse. I used you and beat you to a bloody pulp for no good reason. You tried to apologize, but I never did. Maybe I should have been the one to leave.” Buffy took a deep breath. “And I’m sorry. I think I get it now. We are loners, odd balls, never to be normal, but we could be grey colored misfits together.”

Last year, hell, only a few months ago, those words would have sounded like bells from Heaven, but no, not now. “I now know that it would have never worked, luv. I’ve got to have more, and you deserve more. We are too loyal by nature, too monogamous to ever have an extended casual affair kept forever secret and be able to walk away or watch the other walk away later.”

Buffy had never thought about it that way, but knew he was right. Watching him with Anya had hurt too much. She wasn’t sure what to say next. “You’ve hurt me, and I know I’ve hurt you. I pushed you away so many times.”

Spike caught himself both he started babbling about love. “And I meet all my challengers head on, you being the biggest, but being with you now is different. It should be different. I had to learn the hard way, but learn it I did and won’t rush it now. It is worth the wait if we can get this right, for it to last.”

“But it felt right then and right now. I have just been too scared to admit it.”

“Sure, it is safe kissing and shagging with me because you think I am going back to London soon. As safe as telling your secrets to a dead man.”

A thoroughly confused and frustrated Buffy took a swing.

Spike caught the punch before it could connect with his face, “Don’t get me wrong, pet. I would love to spar with you, but I will not be a punching bag ever again because you want to avoid your feelings for me. No more blows in anger between us ever again.” Spike threw her fist back. “It’s got to be all or nothing this time. We hide nothing from no one and that includes the Council of Wankers, the Watcher, the Scoobies, not from anyone, not even each other. But know this also, if we have a go at this again, if you say yes, know that I won’t walk away ever again. I will fight to keep you, and that includes the Platelet.” Spike stopped his pacing and looked her square in the eye, “You’ve got to commit - all or nothing. No half measures until you suss it out. And I don’t think you even know yet.”

Not knowing what to say, Buffy turned and went back in the club. Damn him for always being so right. Who died and made him Dr. Laura? Caught up in her frustration, Buffy walked on out the front entry to patrol and hopefully clear her head.

Not knowing she had left the club completely, Spike stayed outside to finish a cigarette and to let her cool off. Reviewing the argument over in his head, he had figured she had been running out of options. When she got frustrated with him, she either hit him, kissed him, or ran away. The kiss hadn’t worked. He had stopped the hit. So the only option left was to run. When would she learn there was a fourth option - to just love him. Stop fighting it, trust and love him.

Buffy had just entered the first cemetery, mentally arguing with herself. Maybe she should be in a loony bin because Spike’s contradictions were driving her crazy. But who was she to complain about Spike’s contradictions when she was a mass of them herself. Dawn had been absolutely right the other night, her mind versus her body were constantly at odds where Spike was concerned. How many times had she told him she didn’t trust him, but then fell asleep in his presence? How much more trusting was that to completely let down her guard around a Master Vampire? How many times had she told him no and the proceeded to screw him silly? How many times had she told him to leave town and then was hurt when he finally did? How many times had he told her that he loved her but now was acting like he could care less? With that question came the next contradiction which stopped her in her tracks. The Slayer wanted this Slayer of Slayer’s love. This thought floored Buffy. Self realization sucked! She wanted ‘Ignorance Is Bliss-ville’ back.

Annoyed at the prick of pain on her shoulder blade, Buffy grumbled, “Busy. Thinking here.” She swatted at the mosquito that bit her shoulder, but instead of a lump forming from the insect bite, she found a small dart. “What the hell…?” was all she was able to get out before her world started to spin and vision blacked out. The Slayer she crumpled unconscious on the ground.

TBC…

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