Human?
By PassionFish
Prologue
Spike watched from behind a tree as Buffy called her good bye to her mother over her shoulder, grabbed her school bag and then left for school out of the back door. He glanced up at the sun shining brightly in the sky, sighing loudly then followed the slayer a fair pace behind her.
It had been nearly forty-eight hours since the vampire had woken up and discovered he was a vampire no more. Well, that wasn't quite true. He could breathe, his heart was beating, he could walk in the sun, he didn't hold quite as much fear for crucifixes and holy water, he certainly didn't want to drink blood but as a few of his minions could attest to he still retained his vampiric strength and skill.
Spike stopped outside the school and watched as the slayer met up with the witch and the whelp and went inside together. The ex-vampire waited until all the students had entered the school and the principal had done the once-round check that no one was lurking outside classrooms. As the troll-like man gave one finally look to the surroundings then turned to go inside Spike made his move around the back of the school to the entrance to the stacks in the library.
Jimmying open the door, Spike closed it carefully behind him and made his way through the bookcases. Settling himself where he could see the door and see when the slayer came in but also so that he couldn't be seen. And so he waited.
It was around eleven when the slayer finally entered the library. Spike watched as she threw her bag to the table and began ranting.
"Are you sure I can't kill him, Giles?" Buffy half-shouted to her watcher who was in his office. She began pacing the library floor as she continued. "I mean, think about it, the world would be a much better place without him. And its not like he's human - he can't be, he's lacking compassion. Come on, I've seen vampires...soul-less vampire's with more compassion then he has in his little toe!"
She slumped down in a chair, her arms hanging limply over the sides, just as Giles walked in, a small ripper-like smile on his face at his wards rant.
"Please Giles, I'm a slayer of bad things, right?"
"Yes, Buffy but..."
"Well then, he's a bad thing - I should get to slay him!" Buffy interrupted. "I shouldn't have to jump into his holes."
"Through his hoops, pet." Spike's accented voice travelled down the stairs from the stacks as did the ex-vampire.
Buffy immediately jumped up into a defensive fighting stance, stake in hand as the watcher dropped his books, whipping out a crucifix. Spike smirked and stopped on the bottom stair, holding up his hands in mock surrender.
"Hey, white flag here, I quit." He said, his tone even.
Buffy rolled her eyes as she relaxed out of her fighting stance and placed both hands on her hips, completing in a mocking tone. "We're mortal enemies we don't get time outs."
He clapped three times, "Well, done love." He laughed out.
Spike lurched forward towards the watcher and as he did Giles shoved the cross protectively into his face. The vampire-no-more reached out and grabbed the crucifix. He walked over to the slayer who had lowered her stake and handed it to her.
"Whah...?" Buffy was at a loss for words as she blindly took the cross, staring up at her mortal enemy who still stood in front of her. Of its own accord, one of her hands rose to touch his neck. She gasped sharply as she felt his pulse beneath her fingers, her eyes bugging.
"Spike?" She whispered, suddenly unsure of anything...and rightly so.
"Yeah love - I gotta problem."
Part One
Buffy sat frowning at Spike, who sat across from her. Spike was watching the watcher who was walking back and forth from the table and his office bringing various books with him including the Codex and several Watchers Diaries. The peroxide blonde turned his head back to the slayer and frowned at her frown.
"What?" He asked, absently looking up as Giles dumped yet another book on the table.
"What? What? This is way wiggy and not just in a small way." Spike rolled his eyes as the slayer began to rant once again, as she paced the room, about how this was ruining her already askew view of the crazy world she lives in.
"Hey! Its not like I asked to become human." The ex-vampire argued.
Buffy stopped suddenly and turned back to him, a questioning look on her face. "So you're just human?"
"Haven't we already covered that?" Spike snapped.
"I mean..." Buffy began, unfazed by his tone. "What about strength and skill and stuff...well, not that you had much skill anyway."
"Thanks so much, pet. But yes, I still got it." Spike replied, flashing her a sexy grin, which caused her to blush slightly.
"So Giles what are we doing with all the books?" Buffy said slightly desperately, in an attempt to get the spot light off her. *Why the hell do I give that reaction when he does that...its SPIKE for God's sake!* She mentally scolded herself as Giles answered her question.
"Well, we're uh, going to have to go through them I suppose. Maybe there's some reference to a male slayer..."
"Hey now, wait a minute, I never said I'd help you..." Spike interrupted, just to be interrupted by the slayer.
"If you got your strength and you want our help you can help us."
"What’s the matter, love? Slaying getting too much for you in your old age?" Spike asked snidely.
"If it is, can you make it all better?" Buffy asked sweetly, batting her widened eyes dramatically at the blonde.
"Uh-hum," Giles coughed politely, not quite liking the direction of the conversation. "I think it would be beneficial to test the full capacity of your predicament if you were to patrol with Buffy."
"Hold on, Giles. Why does he have to patrol with me? Can't he go with..." Buffy protested.
"Buffy you can hold your own so if there were to be a problem..." Giles interrupted.
"But..." Buffy tried again.
"No, that is final!" Her watcher snapped, ignoring her murderous scowl.
"Looks like you're stuck with me, love!" Spike sniggered.
"Joy!" Buffy muttered. A bell rang in the background and Buffy looked up at the clock. "Shit, I'm gonna be late!" She exclaimed, grabbing her bag. She looked back at her watcher. "I'll be back with the others after P.E, Giles."
"Okay Buffy." Giles said, moving back into his office.
Buffy turned to go but Spike's voice halted her, "Don't I get a goodbye, love?"
She looked up a mocking look on her face and tilting her head to the side, stuck her middle finger up at him, "Goodbye, love." With that she left the library to Spike's chuckle.
The peroxide blonde watched the slayer's swaying ass as she left the library and sighed. This was going to be a long day.
"So, you just woke up and poof you were human?" Buffy asked sceptically as she and Spike walked through the woods - what she remembered was a short cut to 'Stones' the new late night club that opened the other week.
"Yes." Spike answered for the fourth time, twiddling a stake between his fingers. "Do I need to say it again or has your brain finally got it."
"Hey, you make out like this is normal." She stopped suddenly a thoughtful expression on her face. "How come you're not wigging, I mean when I was a vampire I totally wigged and you're all..."
"You were a vampire?" Spike interrupted.
"Huh? Oh, not really. Nightmares were coming true and I got turned."
"Then turned back?" He asked regretfully.
"Well, yeah - it was all just some kid's coma-nightmare." Buffy explained.
"Pity." Spike muttered as they began to walk again. The slayer frowned at his response but left the thought alone.
Buffy was about to ask about his soul when a small branch cracking alerted her of company moments before she was hit over the head with a large tree branch. She fell to the ground on her hands and knees. Still dazed she nearly missed the kick aimed at her stomach. She grabbed the vampire's foot and threw him away from her as she stood. Her eyes quickly moved to Spike who was holding his own against three vampires, just staking one. Their eyes met briefly and he nodded that he was fine before delivering a sharp punch to one attacker's face.
Buffy blocked the round punch aimed at her temple and quickly staked the vampire without preamble. Her slayer-senses informered her there was badder prey to the right and she glance back at Spike who now only had one vampire in front of him before heading off into he forest - using her senses to seek the demon out.
The trail led her to the edge of a canyon.
She moved slowly, cautiously; wary of an attack. A three-armed slimy green creature suddenly charged at her, knocking her to the ground. She flipped it over her head, hastily getting to her feet, whipping out a stake.
Buffy ducked under its high punch and blocked its low punch, kicking the demon square in the head. It staggered a few steps back but quickly regained it’s footing, coming at the slayer. Buffy's face screwed up as purple goo shot out of its mouth and she ducked before it hit her in the face.
The creature let out a vicious roar and charged at Buffy once again. However, it didn't notice the slayer's change of position and fell down the cliff. On its way down one of its extended arms reached up and grabbed the slayer's ankle.
With a screech, Buffy landed flat on her face and was pulled down to the edge. With slayer-speed she grabbed hold of a tree root hanging near the edge of the cliff keeping both herself and the demon suspended in the air - holding on for dear life...literately.
The goo-monster was having its own problems - its slimy hands having a difficult time holding on to the slayer's ankle. Buffy sensed this and shook her leg vigorously. With a high-pitched scream the demon fell. Buffy heard its skull crack on the rocks below and she shuddered despite herself.
Just as she was thinking of a way of hauling herself over the edge there was a cracking sound and she could feel the tree root breaking from the tension.
From the position she was in she couldn't flip herself because she was uncertain if she'd be able to use a half broken root as leverage. As another part of the root cracked she swallowed her pride and called for Spike.
Spike, who had been looking for her, broke into a run at the sound of her needy voice. He reached the cliff but couldn't see anything.
"Slayer?"
"Spike!"
Spike walked closer to the edge, his eyes bugging when he saw her hanging there. "Bloody Hell, woman! What have you done now?"
"Spike! Just get me up!" Buffy's impatient voice made him roll his eyes.
"Pushy chit!"
He was about to lean down and pull her up but he was kicked in the back. He rolled over in pain, narrowly missing another sharp kick. Standing quickly he ducked under the next kick of the slime demon's partner. He slammed his fist into the things jaw, his leg delivering a sharp sidekick to the demons stomach. As it curved down in pain and Spike slammed the stake into its back. He watched as it staggered about before finally toppling over the side of the cliff.
Spike sighed then turned back to the slayer, "Now, where were we?"
Buffy was about to reply when the root snapped and she started to fall, with a shocked shriek of his name.
With lightening-quick speed a strong, pale but warm hand wrapped around her wrist in a safety lock. Spike heaved with his upper back and brought her over the cliff. They slipped on the moss and toppled backwards on to the slightly wet grass.
Buffy looked down at Spike from her position on top of him. They were laying, the slayer flat on top of the ex-vampire, their noses touching, her legs either side of his waist. Her arms were over his head, while his were around her waist.
"Thanks." Buffy murmured, unable to remove her eyes from the magnetic pull of his blue orbs.
"Your welcome." Spike responded just as quietly.
"Buffy?!" Willow's voice broke into their confusion and Buffy hastily moved off Spike, both their bodies protesting at the loss of contact.
"Willow! Hi, What are you doing here?" Buffy said, flushing slightly.
"Xander said you were going to meet him at 'Stones' after patrol but I was near so I thought I might as well cut through the woods and then I heard you scream so I rushed and are you okay?" Willow babbled, her brain trying to come up with a million reasonable explanations for what she'd just seen.
"I'm fine, just a couple of slimy demony things and some vamps but we're fine." Buffy responded in what she hoped was a normal tone.
She looked back at Spike who had also stood, and was now concentrating studiously on lighting up a cigarette. "Are you coming with us?"
"I think I'm gonna head home, love. Being good's tiring me out."
"Okay - will you tell my mom I'll be back in a couple of hours?" She asked.
"Sure, pet." The ex-vampire turned to go but Buffy's voice halted him.
"Hey Spike, catch." She threw him the stake that he'd dropped to the ground when helping Buffy.
"Thanks." He responded, catching the wood, he slipped it into his duster pocket and headed back to the Summer's house.
***
"Okay, Buffy, spill!" Willow said as soon as she was sure they were out of earshot.
"What?"
"Don't give me 'what'! I saw you two together and why will he be talking to your mom?"
"Okay, first things firsts. There was no 'together'. Not what you're thinking. The slimy demon I fought pulled me over the edge of the cliff and Spike caught me before I fell. When he pulled me over he slipped and I fell on him that’s all." She replied, giving Willow a look. "And, mom said Spike could stay with us until he can find a place."
"How come?"
"I don't know - she actually likes him, its wiggy!"
Willow giggled but asked with concern, "So, you're okay?"
Buffy smiled, "Yup! Now lets go boogy!"
"Urgh!" Buffy closed the door quietly behind her, dropping her bags on the kitchen table and kicked off her shoes. She, Willow and Xander had danced the night away and now at nearly three in the morning she was pooped.
She heard a quiet television switch off in the background and cursed mentally at herself, expecting to be majorly shouted out for the late hour on a school night.
She walked into the now dark room and reached out with her slayer senses to find the light switch...without bumping into everything. Just as she was reaching out with her hand to switch the light on her left hand and right hip was caught from behind and she was hauled against a hard, lean body. Buffy gasped, ready to slam the thing holding her into the wall behind her when it spoke.
"And what time do you call this young lady?" The British accent whispered by her ear, his hot breath sending barely perceptible shivers down her spine.
With an unseen smirk into the dark Buffy lifted her right arm and turned it over so she could see the watch face. "'bout ten to three." She said slightly breathily as her body tingled from the feeling of him pressed against her. She felt him chuckle through her back.
Suddenly, as if she'd suddenly realised who was behind her she twisted out of his grip and moved to flick on the light. "What are you doing up?"
Spike shrugged, moving to the kitchen intent on making some hot cocoa, "Couldn't sleep."
He flicked on the kettle and moved to get a mug when he paused, "Want some?"
"Sure." Buffy replied, sitting on a stool watching the ex-vampire's ass move about the kitchen.
Spike turned around, leaning against the counter top as he waited for the water to boil, cups having been prepared. "How was the club?"
"Pretty cool - better than the Bronze actually." Buffy answered conversationally, pulling her eyes from his behind.
"Not many vamps surprisingly." Buffy continued as the water boiled and Spike turned back around to fill the cups. He placed the mug of chocolate down in front of the slayer just as she got up and moved to the cupboard. He sat down opposite her and chuckled when she threw him the packet of marshmallows.
"Thanks pet. About the vampires - they'll be around when the place has been opened a few weeks." He informed her, taking a long drink of his hot chocolate.
"How come?" Buffy asked, cautiously sipping the hot liquid.
"If they have a master they'll wait until the place is a little more booming - then only picking out a few."
"I don't know how you can say it so casually." Buffy snapped.
"Hey slayer, its not like I decided the rule - I'm just telling what they'll do."
Buffy took a deep breath, "I...I know, I just..."
The clock on the wall chimed, indicating the time and Buffy groaned. She got off her seat and looked back at Spike. "Well, I have to sleep - school and all."
She looked down at the mug of half empty hot cocoa then back at her mortal enemy. "Thanks for the cocoa."
Spike nodded, "Night slayer."
"Goodnight Spike." Buffy said as she moved upstairs.
She collapsed on to her bed, kicking off her clothes as she lay. Moving sluggishly under the covers she curled up on one side.
"Get a grip, Summers. This is Spike for god's sake - give it a week and he'll be a vamp again and trying to kill you."
With that depressing thought she closed her eyes to sleep, unknowing that a certain vampire-no-more was outside her bedroom door, hearing her words.
"You know maybe you should get some more day time clothes." Buffy said suddenly as the two mortal enemies walked to school. Spike had decided to come to see if Giles had found anything else out and because he didn't want to spend the day alone and bugging Buffy was more fun then it should be.
"I like my clothes. I look good in them." Spike countered as they turned a corner.
"Yeah, as Mr. Creature of The Night - Must Kill Slayer." Buffy responded, her imperative coming out in a zombie voice.
Spike rolled his eyes, "And what would you suggest I wear, oh queen of fashion?"
Buffy eyes lit up and Spike quickly wished he hadn't asked. "You're old right Spike?"
"Yeah..." He answered cautiously.
"You got money?" Buffy asked as they turned into the school.
"Yeah..." *Very worried now.*
"Good! I can take you shopping before patrol!" Buffy stated happily.
"Hey now, wait a minute...!" Spike said, alarmed.
"Sorry, Spike I gotta go - I'll see you later." She blew him a kiss then rushed over to Willow. The two girls linked arms and walked into the building, immediately in conversation.
Spike shook his head then made his way round the back to the library.
***
"So you're going to take him shopping?" Willow hissed across desks as the Math teacher continued to drone on about equations, five minutes to the bell.
"Yeah!" Buffy whispered back, her eyes lighting up at the thought of having Spike (and his money) as a dress up doll.
"Are you sure its a good thing?"
"Go shopping with Spike's money? Yep, I'm thinking it’s a great thing." At Willow's closed expression Buffy frowned. "It's not a great thing?"
"Yeah...well, no...maybe."
Buffy raised her eyebrows, her head shooting up as the bell rang interrupting their conversation. She gathered her stuff and the two attempted to make their way to the library through the kafuffle.
_-_-_
"Well?" Buffy asked as soon as they had cleared the mass of students attempting to clear the school all at once.
Willow pushed opened the library door. "Its just do you really think you should get all chummy with..." Her voice quietened as she noticed the ex-vampire in question watching them. Or more specifically the slayer; his eyes didn't even appear to notice the witch just the blonde next to her. Willow flushed, her eyes shooting across to the slayer to see if she'd even noticed. The redhead got another shock when she found Buffy's own eyes to be fixated on the peroxide blond.
Her face got redder and Willow grabbed Buffy's arm and pulled her up to the stacks saying, "I need to show you a book."
As soon as the witch was sure they were out of ear shot and she had led the slayer to the back of the stacks, she turned.
"Buffy Anne Summers, you will tell me what’s going on and right now!"
"Nothings going on, MOM!" Smiling at Willow.
Willow sat and motioned for Buffy to do the same. When she did the witch began to speak again. "Look, Buffy tell me honestly - what’s going on with you and Spike?"
"Will, nothing's.."
Willow cut her off in a hushed voice, "If 'nothing' is me finding you on top of him in the woods, him living at your house, you all exciting about going out with him and then you two gazing at each other like two star-crossed lovers finally able to be together, then yes 'nothings' going on."
"Hey, Will I explained about the woods, its not my fault mom asked him to stay, any girl would be excited about spending someone else’s money and I was NOT gazing!"
At Willow's face Buffy sighed, "Look Wills, chill. Nothing really is nothing and nothing is happening. Nothing!"
Willow giggled and her face relaxed, "I just don't want you to fall in love with someone you can't be with."
"Like Angel."
"Like Angel." Willow confirmed.
"Don't sweat it, I'm not falling in love with him, I'm just excited about spending his money - he's old so he must have loads of it!" Buffy gave Willow what she hoped was a positive expression and that she sounded more convincing then she felt.
Apparently she did because the hacker sighed in relief and stood up. Buffy did the same and the two walked back to Giles and the rest of the group. Willow walked over to Oz and the wolf entwined their fingers. The Scooby Gang and its addition began to talk about the demons Buffy and Spike had slain the night before and soon it was time for the final lesson of the day.
Part Five
"Okay, my fashion less ex-vampire, lets go shopping!" Buffy said, leading Spike into the Mall.
The sinking feeling the peroxide had felt when shopping had been mentioned before had come back and now he could see real reason for it at the slayer's happy face. But seeing her smile at him was new...and much as he hated to admit it, was kinda nice.
Buffy led him into a large-ish store that sold both male and female outfits from various designers.
_-_-_
"What about this?" Buffy asked for the two-thousandth time, expecting and getting the same response.
"I don’t like it!"
"Right! That is it! I will choose and you will try on - understand? If not I'll stake you!" Buffy said sharply, rounding on the peroxide blonde.
"Aren't I a bit too human for you to stake me, pet?"
At her murderous glare Spike chuckled, "Choose away, love."
With a curt nod, Buffy moved around the store choosing various shirts, pants and jeans - throwing them all at the ex-vampire for him to carry. Once she was satisfied she gave another sharp nod and led him to the changing rooms.
"Go try it all on - I'll be back in a minute."
"Where are you going?" Spike asked with a frown.
"I saw a dress I want but they didn't have it in my size - I'm gonna go find it." Buffy replied with a grin.
She watched as Spike went into the unisex changing rooms, grumbling at the amount of multi-coloured clothing in his arms, then went off to find the dress.
Dress in hand Buffy moved into the changing rooms, not seeing Spike on the open floor she got in a stall herself and called out as she began to change.
"Spike? I'll be out in a minute okay?"
"Okay, love."
Two moments later she heard his voice again, "Do I have to try on the blue stuff?"
"Yes Spike!" Buffy said exasperated.
"Why?" He whined.
"It sets off the blue in your eyes."
"Bloody Hell!"
_-_-_
Buffy moved her right arm as far down as she could over her shoulder, then as far up as she could under her shoulder. Then she did the same with the other arm.
She sighed. Slayer agility be damned she still couldn't zip up any dress all the way up the back.
"I'm here, slayer."
"Okay...hold on...fuck it! Spike can you help me with this?" Buffy said as she gave up entirely.
She heard him chuckle, "Sure."
She sighed again and faced the mirror as she held her dress together behind her. She smiled at her reflection. The dress was a strapless midnight blue little number, with little silver threads at the bottom like stars in the night’s sky. It zipped up to mid-back and had a low-dip down the front of her cleavage. It was perfect because she had matching shoes at home.
She looked up as Spike knocked on the door then pushed it open. She smiled at his reflection, "Wow, you're reflecting!"
"I know."
"Neat trick."
"So, what do you want?" Spike asked, desperately attempting to stop his eyes from dipping down to her reflecting breasts.
"Oh, zip me up would you?"
"Oh..." Spike dropped his eyes to her back and brushed aside her hands. As they moved apart and the dress fell down a little he could just see the swell of her buttocks and he unconsciously licked his lips. He moved his hands to her dress, one pinching the bottom of it, the other holding the zip. He felt her shiver as his hand grazed up her spine as he zipped up the dress. Once it was done he smoothed the flap over, hiding the zip.
"All done." He murmured.
"Thanks." She responded, turning around.
Her eyes washed over his attire and she felt her throat constrict, "Wow, you look...nice." She finished, unable to come up with a word that didn't sound like she wanted to shove him up against the wall and have her wicked way with him. Like she felt!
"You too." He watched as she nodded, "Um, Buffy?"
At the sound of her name from his lips she looked up, her own eyes reflecting the desire she could see in his, shocked at his use of her given name. She licked her lips unconsciously at his hungry stare.
With a small groan, Spike lost his last bit of control and grabbed the back of her head, pushing her up against the wall as he smashed his lips to hers. His tongue touched her lips and he heard her moan loudly, her mouth opening immediately. Her own tongue came out to greet his and Spike slid his free hand up one side of her dress. He grabbed the back of her left thigh and pulled her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her own hands wrapping tightly around his shoulders; holding his head to hers.
Pressing her against the wall, Spike moved the arm that was underneath her to around her body as he moved away. As he walked them both over to the other wall his hands unzipped the dress and it slipped down, bunching around her waist. Wrapping his arms around her waist he was about to urge her legs down when they dropped, allowing the dress to fall to the floor.
Spike spun and pinned her back against the original wall, his hands roaming her body. Buffy's own hands moved to his shirt, unbuttoning it quickly before pushing the material down his shoulders. Spike quickly removed the shirt, his lips sliding across the slayer's cheek and down her neck. His tongue teased the thumping vein in her neck before his lips closed down around it, sucking gently at the soft skin. His hands resumed their exploration of her body, gently massaging her breasts, before tugging lightly on the hardened nipples.
Buffy's hands kneaded down his back before pulling round his waist and hastily removing the belt as she writhed beneath his ministrations. Her fingers undid the snaps on his jeans, her strong legs shoving them down his legs. Spike kicked them off, one hand moving between to rip away her underwear. His fingers found her moistened flesh and his nostrils flared. He captured her lips once again, titillating her desires as he pleasured her. As she broke away to hiss his name as she came Spike entered her still fluttering channel.
Buffy moaned as she accepted his length and she heard him groan as she squeezed around him. He began to move in a slow, steady pace as he kissed her, his hand massaging her breast and hip. As their release neared they moved their hips into each other's faster. Spike felt her second orgasm begin and he rocked against her, letting himself go over with a loud groan of her name. Buffy arched into him as she felt him pulsating inside her. Both panted for breath.
His head on the wall by her neck, his mouth slipped back to her jugular. He gently kissed the hickey he'd given her and nuzzled by her throat in a long-time habit. Buffy leaned her head against the wall as she slowly stroked the back of his head. She sighed in contentment and pressed her lips to his shoulder briefly.
"THE STORE WILL BE CLOSING IN FIVE MINUTES, PLEASE BRING YOUR PURCHASES TO THE NEAREST PAY POINT." The grainy voice broke into their pleasure filled haze and Spike sighed pressing his lips to Buffy's briefly before slowly moving out of her. She slowly dropped her legs and Spike carefully lowered her to the ground.
They dressed as quickly as they could. Spike pulled Buffy back to him, kissing her tenderly. When he pulled away she was panting heavily and he smiled down at her. "I'll meet you outside in a few minutes." He kissed her again then left to change into his original clothing.
Buffy watched as he went and sighed, leaning against the wall. She smiled sappily then picked up the dress and hung it carefully back on the hanger. She eyed it regretfully. She really did like it but for nearly three hundred dollars she couldn't afford it! She left the stall and bumped into Spike and he smiled at her, taking the dress as he leant down to kiss her again.
When he released her he gave her a light swat on the behind before taking her hand, leading her from the changing area. As they passed the woman on the way out Spike handed her all the clothes Buffy had selected for him except a black silk shirt and the blue jeans, shirt and a grey tee shirt. Buffy frowned when he didn't return the dress.
"Spike, I'm not getting the dress."
"Why?" Spike frowned putting all the stuff on the paying counter, smiling politely at the woman behind the counter as she ran the items through. "You looked gorgeous in it!"
"I can't afford it." Buffy explained, reaching out to remove the dress before the woman put it through.
Spike caught her hand and brought it up to his lips. "I'll get it." He said, gazing lovingly at her.
Buffy's eyes softened and she smiled but shook her head, "It's three hundred dollars, Spike! I'm not letting you get it for me." And reached out with the other hand.
Spike shook his head, pulling her up to kiss her. As their mouths fused he retracted the dress from her hand and placed it back on the counter. He heard the bleep as it went through and released her as the woman spoke.
"That'll be four hundred and thirty dollars, sir."
Spike reached into his back pocket and took out his wallet, absently handing her the cash. The woman's eyes bugged slightly but took the money. She bagged the items and slipped the receipt into the bag. Giving the ex-vampire the twenty dollars change she then handed him the bag. Spike took it and nodded his thanks as he retook Buffy's hand and led her from the shop.
_-_-_
"I can't believe I let you get me that dress." Buffy grumbled.
"If it helps, you didn't!" Spike teased and she growled at him. "Temper, slayer!" He chided.
Buffy scowled at him, but asked. "How can you be so blasé about so much money?"
"Pet, when you're my age and you have a shit load of cash, it doesn't matter."
Buffy rolled her eyes and Spike chuckled, "Come on, love. You have to patrol."
"WE have to patrol." Buffy corrected.
"You."
"We."
"You."
"We."
"You."
"We."
"You."
"We."
"You."
"We...or you're sleeping alone tonight."
"So, which cemetery first?"