Chapter 7

Dawn looked from her sister to the stranger on the doorstep. "What's the oh god for?" she asked in confusion.

"I er…um…" Buffy was finding that she was having trouble forming words.

"What I think Buffy, your sister right?" asked Spike, Dawn nodded and he continued "What I think your sister is trying to say is that she forgot to mention that I could stay here for a while. See I'm all the way from England, and I have to leave my current digs. Buffy said I could hole up here until I found something else,"

"Yes…er...I…how careless of me. Let's go check out that spare room right now," said Buffy as Spike walked through the door and into the hallway.

Dawn shut the door behind him, watching as Buffy led him up the stairs.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Dawn called up to them.

Buffy's foot almost faltered on the stair at her sister's teasing.

Spike chuckled behind her. "I like your sister,"

"Most of the time she is an unbearable brat," said Buffy, a little shamed at her words, almost the moment they were past her lips.

She took him towards the room at the end of the hall and opened it. Spike dumped his stuff on the bed; Buffy closed the door behind them. She turned to face him, her arms folded.

"Ethan said you were going to explain what was going on here," she demanded.

"Okay, give a bloke a moment," he replied as he took his cigarettes from his pocket and flicked open his lighter.

"I have a no smoking policy in this house, especially around Dawn. So you may as well get used to it," said Buffy.

Spike sighed and put the pack away. "Fine. The situation is this, Ethan has been found out for his little arranged marriages gig. They sent some under cover immigration officer to pose a person needing a quickie wedding. Ethan got wind of it and did a runner,"

"Why am I not surprised?" asked Buffy sarcastically. "What I don't get is why you have to live with me,"

"Simple, any recent marriage that Ethan has been within a hundred yards of, is under investigation. Seems he wasn't too good at covering his tracks…so for you to avoid the state pen and for me to avoid getting shipped back to merry old England, we have to play a little getting to know you game, play the happy newly weds and that sort of thing,"

"Spend time together, learning each others habits and stuff?"

"Now you're getting it, that's the girl I married," he grinned.

"Sssh," Buffy hissed.

"What? Lil sis doesn't know of your matrimonial bliss?" he asked.

"I told you no one does, especially not Dawn. Now we need a cover story…" Buffy paced the room nervously. "You are a friend of Faith's boyfriend Angel, and you want a place to stay for a while, three was becoming a bit of a crowd. I agreed to take you in, as I needed the extra rent money. So far so good?" asked Buffy.

"Sounds like you have it covered, might need to call Angel and bring him up to speed." Spike took out a cell phone, dialled Angel's number, and explained the situation to him.

Buffy watched him while he talked on the phone to his friend. For the first time, she noticed that he was left-handed. The breath caught in her throat as she saw he was still wearing his wedding ring. Her hand unconsciously when to her neck and she played with the gold chain that held her own wedding band. She had not removed it since that day six weeks ago.

Spike looked up at her as he said goodbye to Angel, seeing where her gaze rested. He felt a little uncomfortable. He held up his hand. "Yeah I know, it's just the day we got er married, your friend Faith saw the ring. I was a stupid ass and forgot to remove it. She thinks I am a married man, which of course technically I am," he smiled.

Buffy didn't return his smile. Hadn't Willow warned her that trouble came in threes? First, her mom had died and Dawnie had gotten sick and now she had to play happy families with Spike in tow. She sighed. The fates must really hate her.

"So how do you want to play this with the little bitty Buffy?" asked Spike

"Little bitty who-ey?"

"The nibblet, Dawn," Spike replied, rolling his eyes.

"Better not call her that, she gets mad easily,"

"She looks a little sickly," Spike observed.

Buffy felt defensive at his words. "She was sick, but she's getting better," she replied airily.

"If you don't want to tell me…" Spike trailed off.

"Look, I didn't ask to have you here, so while you are here can you please not pry into things that are none of your business?" asked Buffy.

Spike stood up, and although he wasn't overly tall, she felt at a distinct disadvantage at the height difference between them.

"Look luv, I have already explained what is going to happen if we don't work together on this. You go to the pen, where is it going to leave little sis? Faith told me about your mother. Sorry about that, but you have to be realistic here. Dawn seems a good kid, who deserves better than ending up in a children's home due to her sister's stubborn pride,"

Buffy sat down sharply on the end of the bed. Her shoulders slumped in defeat. Spike was right, as much as she loathed admitting it. He studied her white face, hating to be the bringer of bad news. He had often thought of her those six weeks apart and had found himself hanging on every word that Faith had said about her friend. It hadn't been much, because she and Angel were always either on their way out to some party or another or occupied in Angel's bedroom.

He noted the dark circles under her eyes, highlighted by the pallor of her skin. His fingers itched to take her in his arms, but he knew that it would be wrong. He didn't want to be thrown out after he had just gotten here. Buffy seemed a real survivor who had unfortunately had a lot heaped on her shoulders in a very short time. Maybe if she learnt to trust him a little, she would let him take on some of her burden…he wondered where this seep seated need to take care of her came from.

"Ok, just give me a few days to get used to the idea of your being here and we can work from there. What do you do for a living by the way? I need to know a few basics so Dawn doesn't rumble us," Buffy replied.

"I'm a writer, I also dabble in a bit of poetry when the mood takes me,"

Buffy's eyebrows shot up in surprise. She didn't know what he would say, but she hadn't been expecting that for sure. He didn't look the writer/poet type. Well what did they need writer tattooed on their forehead her inner voice spoke up.

"Ah, is that another word for unemployed?" she asked.

"I'm not broke if that's what you think," said Spike, a little stung by her condescending tone. "Besides can't do anything until my green card comes through. Before I forget, I have something that Ethan wanted me to give you,"

Spike reached inside one of his holdalls and took out what looked like a photo wallet. He handed it to her. She eyed it suspiciously before opening it. She looked at Spike as she removed the photos from inside. She let out a surprised gasp as she looked at a picture of her and Spike kissing just after they had been declared legally wed. She flicked through them quickly, going several different shades of red.

Both heads turned at a tentative knock on the door. Buffy started guiltily and dropped the photos on the floor.

"Dammit," she groaned as she dropped to her knees to quickly scoop them up. Spike joined her on the carpet and had just managed to shove them under the bed when the door opened.

Dawn looked at her sister and their new boarder, both red faced and out of breath on the carpet together "It was awful quiet, I wasn't disturbing anything was I? I can always come back later," a huge grin splitting her face as she watched them both.

"Your sister dropped something, I was just helping her to pick it up," said Spike smoothly.

"Ya, right. Gonna introduce me properly?" asked Dawn looking at her sister.

""Er, yes this is Spike. He's a friend of Angel's," said Buffy as she tried to get her breathing under control.

"Oh, I've met Angel a couple of times at the diner. He's pretty cool," said Dawn.

Spike snorted, before he extended a hand to her and she shook it. "Hello Dawn,"

"Why don't we let Spike here, unpack his things," said Buffy brightly, as she ushered her sister out of the room.

"It's okay, wanna keep him all to yourself huh?" asked Dawn, as she walked off.

"Dawn!" Buffy groaned, hearing her sister's laughter.

"Ever have one of those?" asked Buffy motioning to where Dawn had gone.

"No, I'm an only child actually," Spike replied, absentmindedly rubbing his hands down his jean clad thighs.

Buffy's eyes followed his movements, blushing as he caught her looking at him.

"There's clean linen in the cupboard at the end of the hall, we're having lunch around one-ish if you want to join us then?" she said before closing the door on him.

Finally, alone he let out the big sigh he had been holding in. "Well that put me in my place," he mumbled to himself, as he walked over to one of the windows that overlooked the yard. The grass was nearly a foot high and was in desperate need of mowing. The leaves from a couple of the trees were thickly scattered in the overlong grass. The whole garden had a feel of long-term neglect about it. He opened the window and breathed in the air. It was cleaner here in the burbs, away from the town. He took out a cigarette and lit it, leaning out of the window. Well it wasn't in the house exactly if he was half hanging out of the window now was it? He reasoned to himself.

He heard the sound of shoes on the wooden porch, and pulled in a little as not to be seen. It was Buffy; she walked down the steps and sat on them. She rested her elbows on her knees and stared off at some unknown point. Spike leaned out of the window to observe her a little better. She pulled out her gold chain from beneath her sweater and fiddled with it dreamily, Spike was arrested by the site of what dangled on the necklace. She still wore his ring, okay not on her finger like he had to, but she still carried it with her. He would have thought that she would have flushed it down the loo, at the first possible chance, but no she had still kept it…

Buffy sat up straight, why did she have the feeling she wasn't quite alone? She looked behind her to see if Dawn had snuck up on her on the off chance of making her jump, but no, the porch was deserted except for her, but there was this strange smell, that smelled a lot like someone smoking. Buffy looked up into a pair of blue eyes that were looking down at her…she quickly stuffed the necklace down the front of her sweater, but she had the distinct impression he had already seen her looking at it. She felt angry, and out of sorts at this new addition to her home.

"I thought I said no smoking in the house," she snapped to hide her discomfiture.

"Yeah, but technically I am not in the house see," he said holding up his cigarette and leaning further over the sill to emphasise his point.

"I'm going to make lunch," she huffed, slamming the kitchen door behind her.

Spike chuckled to himself, not really knowing why he like to goad her so much, she just seemed to bring out the devil in him. One thing he did know, that living under her roof, things were going to be far from boring.

TBC

Chapter 8

Buffy slammed around in the kitchen as she prepared the makings of a meal. Spike seemed to think he was a real smart ass. Well she would soon show him she thought angrily. He may have to live under her roof for the time being, but no one said she had to like it.

She could hear him moving about upstairs. The sounds of drawers and closets being opened and closed were easy to hear as his room was directly above the kitchen. He'd better not be getting too comfortable She frowned. Buffy thumped the egg carton down on the counter, wincing as she heard them crack under the pressure.

"Shit!"

"Looks like it's omelettes for lunch," Dawn whispered in her ear.

Buffy turned to face her sister, the scowl still on her face.

Dawn's eyebrows rose in surprise, "If looks could kill. What's got you all worked up?" she asked.

Buffy looked hard at her sister, she was sure she could detect a little smirk playing at the corners of Dawn's mouth. Deciding she was being over sensitive, she ignored it.

"Oh, you know me, I haven't had my caffeine fix yet…what with all the excitement of the new arrival," Buffy lied.

"Yeah I could see you were pretty excited, especially when I found you two together on the floor. Don't blame you. That hair, those eyes…" said Dawn, pulling a dreamy expression.

Buffy felt annoyed at her sister's admiration of Spike's attributes. She didn't want her sister talking about him like that, she didn't want anyone talking about him like that.

"He's married," Buffy blurted out.

"Really? Shame…he's quite the hottie. So if he is married, where is his wife now?" Dawn asked.

"Er…England, they split up," Buffy answered, why did she feel like she was digging herself a deeper pit with every word that she uttered? "Why don't you call up the stairs to see if Mr Sutton, er Spike wants a drink or something?"

"Ok," Dawn replied, a big grin spreading across her face, getting the answers she needed for now. Buffy liked Spike, all she needed to find out was how he felt about her. She got the distinct feeling that her stubborn sister would rather die than admit to any feelings for their newest member of the household. She had also just pulled what Dawn liked to term her liar face. There were secrets here in need of airing, she decided.

Dawn crept up the stairs and knocked on Spike's door.

"Hello?" called a voice from within.

Dawn slowly opened the door. "Er hi again, it's me as you can see," she finished awkwardly.

"And?" asked Spike, waiting to find out the purpose of her visit.

"Buffy said she needs some help in the kitchen,"

He arched an eyebrow at her doubtfully.

"She must be desperate to want my help then," said Spike as he stowed his bags away under the bed and followed Dawn downstairs.

Dawn sat down on the sofa and made herself comfortable and switched on the movie.

"You're not coming in too?" he asked her.

Dawn shook her head, "I really shouldn't be let near food, all kinds of bad happens,"

Spike shrugged and walked into the kitchen.

"Dawn could you pass me the frying pan off the hook there?" asked Buffy, she didn't bother turning around, as she was busily beating the eggs in a bowl.

Spike looked around the kitchen until he spied what she wanted, he walked over and took it down and passed it to her.

"Thanks," she replied. "Oh, did you ask Spike if he'd like a drink of any kind?"

"Nope, but I was told you needed some help," Spike replied.

Buffy spun around at the sound of his voice. "Oh, it's you,"

"And it's so very nice too see you too my darling wife," he replied mockingly.

"I told you to quit that, and what are you doing here?" she returned waspishly.

"Dawn said you needed help," Spike answered her.

"She lied,"

"I guessed as much,"

Spike just smiled at her, she put the bowl down on the counter, her eyes widening in alarm as he walked towards her. Time seemed to slow down as he stood so close to her that she could feel the heat from his body. She closed her eyes as she felt his hands reach up to circle her neck. She knew she should stop him, but she didn't want to. She had been thinking of that wonderful kiss he had given her on their wedding day and had compared it to every other kiss she had ever experienced and had found the others wanting.

His fingertips brushed across her neck and she sucked in a breath, waiting for his kiss, which never came. Buffy opened her eyes, feeling very foolish as she saw him holding her gold chain in his hand, her wedding band dangling from it.

"What are you doing with that?" she asked, trying to snatch it from him, but he held it out of her reach.

"While I was upstairs, I had time to think," he replied as he took the ring off the chain.

"In between breaking my no smoking policy you mean?" she asked.

"Yeah," he replied, offering no apology.

"And what did that so obviously super intelligent brain come up with that involves my ring?" she asked.

She had called it her ring, not the ring, but her ring. He liked that she had called ownership to it. If he were honest with himself, he was glad that Faith's mistake had given him an excuse to be allowed to wear his own still.

"If we are really going to make this work then we have to tell Dawn about us,"

"What us? There is no us," said Buffy heatedly.

"Whatever you say Buffy there is an us. You have to wear your ring and we have to tell Dawn and your friends no matter what they think or say. I know there is going to be some hurt feelings among them, but you don't have to do it alone. I will be right there to back you up, we are gonna have to tell them that we are hopelessly in love and make them believe it," Spike answered.

Buffy leaned against the kitchen counter for support.

"Why do you always have to be right?" she asked, her bottom lip trembling.

Tears began to fall down her face and Spike groaned inwardly. There was nothing he hated more than seeing a woman cry. Unthinkingly he walked over to her and took her in his arms. Buffy leaned against him and he stroked her hair to soothe her tears. Buffy lifted her tear stained face to look at him and he smiled down at her.

"Better?" he asked.

Buffy nodded, hating her momentary weakness as she turned away from him, located a piece of kitchen roll, and noisily blew her nose.

"Surely you see it's for the best?" he asked.

"Yeah, and while we are getting things out in the open, I think you deserve to know what's up with Dawn…she has leukaemia," Buffy said quietly, studying a crumb on the floor.

"Oh God, she is gonna be okay right?" asked Spike in concern.

Buffy continued looking at the floor; he touched her chin to raise her face to meet his.

"I don't know, it's too early to tell," Buffy admitted.

"Yeah, but there is hope?"

"There's always hope," said Buffy unconvincingly.

"But you don't believe that?" he questioned.

"Well my life has hardly been sunshine and butterflies, but whose is?"

Spike chuckled wryly at the truth of her words, words that sounded far too cynical from the mouth of a twenty-0ne year old woman. He took Buffy's hand and slid the ring on her finger before she could protest.

"Okay, I concede that we need to go public on this, but not our reasons for marriage ok?" she asked.

"That makes sense, so this is going to be a love match then?" asked Spike.

"To all that world, that is what it must look like," Buffy agreed.

"So when do we tell the nibblet?" asked Spike.

"No time like the present," she sighed.

Spike set the table for the three of them. Dawn was just finishing up watching the movie when Buffy called her into the dining room for lunch. Spike squeezed Buffy's hand trying to give her strength for the task ahead. She looked at the ring on her left hand finding it strangely comforting sight.

"I love that movie," sighed Dawn.

"What movie was that?" asked Spike conversationally.

"The wedding planner," she replied.

"Ah, can't say I've seen that one,"

"I think I would be a bit surprised if you had," Dawn giggled

Buffy kicked Spike under the table to get his attention, "Ow,"

"What's the matter Spike?" asked Dawn.

"Nothin' ah er Dawn, you see the thing is Buffy and I have some news for you,"

Dawn interrupted them "Oh God, you are pregnant aren't you? I could see the heat between you two the moment you entered the house," said Dawn excitedly.

"Um no, I can safely say I am not pregnant," said Buffy blushing furiously.

"Well what is it then?" asked Dawn as she heartily tucked into her cheese omelette.

"Buffy and I are married," Spike blurted out quickly.

Buffy turned and gave him a scorching look for the bluntness of his statement; she looked back at her sister who had turned an alarming shade of grey.

"Dawnie are you okay, do you need some water?" asked Buffy.

"N-n-no. Just give me a moment," she stuttered

Dawn got her breathing under control as she looked at her sister and Spike, shock turned to anger as she rose from her seat at the table and ran off up the stairs.

"Way to go Spike," said Buffy as she got up to go after Dawn.

"There was no easy way to tell her love and if Dawn went upstairs she went because she needed some alone time," he said as he touched her arm.

"When did you become the expert on teenage angst?" asked Buffy scathingly as she shook off his hand.

Spike sighed as he watched her march up the stairs. Deciding not to let good food go to waste he began eating his lunch, soon clearing the plate. He could hear Buffy tapping on her sister's door, but to no avail. He got up from his chair and wandered around the room, familiarising himself with his new home.

There was a shelf of family photos of both Buffy and Dawn in varying stages of babyhood right up until their teens. One large picture of a woman with curly fair hair and a friendly smile caught his eye. It had to be their mother, he could see her likeness in both her children, she had kind eyes and it made him a little sad that he would never meet her.

"I'll take that, thank you," said Buffy as she replaced it back on the shelf.

"Was that your mum?" he asked.

"Yeah,"

"So Dawn didn't want to chat?" asked Spike.

There was an awkward moment's silence as the conversation briefly ran dry.

"Where is your dad?" he asked, relieved to find a subject to latch on to.

"Hank? Last, I heard he was living in Spain with his latest girlfriend. He hasn't been a part of this family since the day he walked out on mom," said Buffy, a hint of bitterness creeping into her voice.

"So he doesn't know about Dawn?" he asked.

"No, if he were interested in either of us then he would have kept in touch,"

Both heads turned to see Dawn slowly descending the stairs.

"Dawn," Buffy sighed in relief. She felt instant remorse as she could tell her sister had been crying.

"So how long you two been married?" asked Dawn.

"Six weeks today," Spike replied.

"That would have been the day Willow came over and sat with me," said Dawn "Where did you meet?"

"The diner," Buffy replied.

"Yeah, we sort of fell in love over a little spilt coffee, there I was minding my business when your sister spills cold coffee all over my manlies,"

"Er yeah Spike that's enough of that heart warming tale. I am so sorry that I didn't tell you Dawn, I should have, but we got the diagnosis for your illness and what with Chemo starting, I thought it would be a little too much for you,"

"And we couldn't put it off much longer as my time was nearly up here and I didn't want to leave your sister alone while all this was going on," Spike explained.

"But how long had you been seeing each other before?" asked Dawn.

"Before what?" asked Buffy

"Before you got married duh," said Dawn in irritation.

"Two weeks, we took one look at each other and we just knew," said Spike, walking over to Buffy and putting an arm around her for effect.

"A love at first sight deal?" sighed Dawn.

"Yeah, something like that," Spike smiled at his sister-in-law.

"Well now that's all settled you can move your stuff into Buffy's room. There is a big five foot bed in there, just perfect for newly weds," said Dawn mischievously.

"Oh bugger," Spike mumbled under his breath.

"What was that?" asked Dawn.

"Perfect, absolutely perfect," smiled Buffy stiffly, first looking from her sister, and then to Spike.

Dawn then moved forward to hug the new couple.

"So you are okay with this?" asked Spike.

"Yeah, one thing I learnt since falling sick was that time is too short for arguments. Besides you obviously adore one another as I pointed out to Buffy in the kitchen earlier," said Dawn.

"Oh, you did, did you?" drawled Spike.

"This is so neat, having a guy about the house again and a big brother type figure. I just gotta tell all my friends," said Dawn as she bounded off into the lounge.

"And at some point you've got to tell all yours," said Spike as he looked at Buffy.

She had stopped listening to most of the conversation after the words…you can move your stuff into Buffy's room. There is a big five-foot bed in there. Well she had made her bed and it seemed she was gonna have to lie in it quite literally and not alone…

TBC

Chapter 9

"Well isn't that a fine turn out of events?" asked Spike as he watched Buffy.

"Sorry what was that?" she asked.

"Hello? If you were part of that earlier conversation it seems that I am going to be moving twice in one day, that's a record even for me. Guess I'd better get unpacked again. What side of the bed do you sleep on?" he asked.

"I-er, the right," Buffy replied distractedly.

"The left side it is then, who'd have thought that your little sis would have us bedding down together in a matter of minutes," he grinned.

Buffy caught his expression; did he need to look quite so happy about it?

"I expect you to keep to your side too," she said warningly.

"Not a problem for me," he replied challengingly.

"Meaning I might have one..."

All rational thought fled as Spike pulled her up out of her chair and wrapped his arms around her. He planted kisses along her neck and nibbled at her earlobe before claiming her lips. She was too shocked to speak, not that she could of with his mouth fused so tightly to hers. His arms felt strong and wonderful. It had been so long since someone had really held her and made her feel safe.

Spike lifted his head to look at her, cupping her cheek. He had seen Dawn enter the room. The display had at first been for her benefit, but then he had got caught up in the kiss and carried along on a tide of emotion that he had not expected.

Both of them were breathing raggedly as they pulled apart.

"I could always stay at Jenna's if you two need some alone time," suggested

Dawn.

Buffy felt strangely deflated at the sound of her sister's voice...so it had been all for Dawn's benefit?

"That won't be necessary. Besides you might forget your medication," said Buffy.

"Okay, but any time you think you might want to disappear let me know so I can put some loud music on," said Dawn as she skipped off upstairs.

"She should come with a health warning," said Buffy, folding her arms defensively.

So should you Spike thought wryly to himself, unable to stop his eyes from roaming over her form in the tight t-shirt and jeans she wore. How was he going to sleep with her night after night and not touch her? She was getting under his skin and it had been months since he had had a physical relationship with anyone, in fact there had been no one since Dru. But when he had held Buffy in his arms Dru had been the last thing on his mind.

The thought of his former hardened his heart. What was he doing thinking of Buffy, she was a female he wasn't sure if any of their sex had it in them to remain true. After all wasn't Buffy helping him fabricate the biggest lie of his whole existence? But one bad apple does not an orchard make His inner voice of reason reminded him. He knew he was wrong to judge her by Dru's standards, but once bitten twice shy as the saying goes and something was definitely biting at him, but did he want it to stop?

"Well I am all done in," said Dawn, as she yawned obviously.

She looked at the couple. After dinner Spike had cuddled up on the sofa with Buffy and had pulled her onto his lap. He had felt her resistance, but had enfolded her in his arms anyway. It hadn't been long before her head had begun to droop and she had fallen asleep. It had pleased him that she had trusted him enough to sleep in his embrace. He had stroked her hair while she slept and while Buffy had slumbered Dawn had chatted to him animatedly about her and Buffy's life together. He had absorbed every word for future reference. The two girls strength and the strong sisterly bond that existed had genuinely moved him.

"I really enjoyed our chat," sighed Spike, his legs were cramping a little under Buffy, but he was reluctant to move her.

"So it's about time you and Buffy were getting to bed wasn't it?" asked Dawn.

"I can take a not so subtle hint. You are quite the tease Dawn Summers," chuckled Spike.

"Yeah I know...and Spike..."

"Yeah,"

"Thanks for being here," she smiled at him shyly. "I can see you really care about my sister,"

"I do at that..." he replied, surprised at himself as he realised it was true.

Dawn walked over and planted a kiss on her sister's cheek before going upstairs. Spike shifted about again uncomfortably. He carefully manoeuvred Buffy around until one arm was hooked under her legs and the other under her back. He cradled her in his arms like a baby and lifted her up from the sofa and carried her to their room. Buffy snuggled into his chest and wrapped an arm around his neck. She sighed softly in her sleep as he kicked the door open and deposited her gently on the bed.

He shook her lightly. "Buffy love,"

"Hmmmm," she replied.

"Better get undressed for bed," he whispered.

"I'm so tired," she mumbled as she fell back to sleep.

She did look tired; the dark circles under her eyes had not diminished any, since he had last seen her. Spike rolled his eyes, she was probably gonna kill him for this in the morning he thought, as he lifted her arms to remove her t-shirt. She was wearing a temptingly lacy pink bra. Spike gritted his teeth trying not to notice the swell of her breasts. He removed her boots to concentrate on unfastening her jeans. He quickly slid them down her legs and pulled back the covers and placed her in the bed. With her body safely concealed under the comforter he felt as if he were regaining some control over the more treacherous parts of his body.

The bedroom was a little chill in the early winter evening so he quickly shed all of his clothing and turned off the bedside lamp. There was only moonlight to illuminate the room now and he felt annoyingly awake.

When he had gotten up that morning to meet Ethan, he had little idea that he would be sleeping with his wife just a few hours later. Buffy rolled over from her side of the bed and flung an arm across his bare chest as she closed the gap and pulled her self flush against his naked body. Why oh why had he never invested in pyjama bottoms? He asked himself. It was going to be a long night he could tell. He flinched in surprise as she kissed his shoulder. He craned his neck just to make sure that she was still asleep. So much for thinking there would be no touching in such a big bed.

"Night Spike," she mumbled dreamily.

"Night pet, sweet dreams," he sighed and closed his eyes.

Spike smiled to himself in the darkness. She may have kissed him while still asleep, but at least she had known who she was in bed with. He didn't know how he would have taken it if she had called out another mans name...

Buffy slowly awoke; the sun was shining in through a gap in the drapes. She smiled feeling warm and comfortable as she snuggled into something else that was warm and comfortable...

Her eyes shot open as they encountered the wall of a naked chest. She looked up and saw Spike's face only inches from her own. He was fast asleep with a smile on his face. As she tried to move in the bed she became aware of other parts of Spike that were touching her body. She lifted the covers to look down. In the night he had draped one lean thigh over her own. She tried to move away again only to be pressed closer to that hard well-toned body. Buffy was sure that the burning heat of her face would wake him if she blushed any harder...talking of harder...she looked lower and let out a little squeak before hurriedly covering the both of them up again.

Buffy wiggled again, before realising that maybe too much movement was of the bad as she was made more conscious of the lower portions of his body. She sighed and closed her eyes, wondering on her next course of action. She had to admit, unless she wanted to wake him up and make him aware of their position, then she had to stay put.

A treacherous part of her mind imagined how it would be to wake up like this every morning in the arms of a lover, in his arms. Buffy's eyelids grew heavy, feeling somehow safe and secure within his tight embrace. She could worry about how she had ended up in her underwear later, was her last thought before she fell into a deep sleep.

Spike had been holding a breath, he had been awake only moments before her, but he had a strong sense of self-preservation. He knew if he had indicated that he was awake then she probably would have pushed him out of bed while defending her maidenly honour. He had also felt the cold rush of the air when she had lifted up the covers. He wondered if she had liked what she had seen. He had heard the small squeal and it had taken all of his effort not to burst out laughing.

Well it hadn't been him that had wanted to get all snugly, but then he hadn't exactly stopped her when she had gotten all touchy feely in her sleep either. All that wriggling of her body had almost driven him mad into the bargain. Reluctantly he removed his leg from hers and got up out of the bed, zipping up his jeans as he went to seek out the bathroom.

He encountered Dawn on his way there and felt a little comfortable about the fact that he hadn't bothered to put on his t-shirt.

"Morning," she smiled at him.

"Morning bit," he returned.

Dawn giggled at the name he called her, deciding it was some strange English term or other.

He liked Dawn. Life hadn't been kind to her, how she still managed to remain so cheerful in the face of adversity he would never know, but he admired her for it. It made him feel that his own troubles were so petty and insignificant compared to hers.

She sailed past him and closed the bathroom door. "Gotta be quick in this house," Dawn called out through the closed door.

Spike grimaced as he lent against the wall waiting until she had finished with it. Hoping that it wouldn't be some time tomorrow afternoon. He looked at the door he had just exited, thinking about the night he had just spent in Buffy's arms. It was the most restful he'd had in a long time.

He was wrenched out of his thoughts by an ear splitting scream coming from the bathroom.

"Bloody hell, Dawn, Dawn" he knocked on the door.

There was no answer. Seconds later Buffy came out of the bedroom firmly wrapped up in a robe.

"Dawnie open the door please, its Buffy," she tapped at the door frantically.

Buffy and Spike both looked at each other as they heard the sound of her sister softly weeping from inside. Buffy pushed her shoulder against the door ineffectually.

"Spike could you?" she pleaded.

Spike nodded, understanding what she asked of him.

"I'm coming in Dawn," he told her through the door. He pushed at the door with his shoulder a couple of times before the lock gave way and he burst through it.

Neither Spike nor Buffy were prepared for the sight of the teenager sitting on the bathroom floor, her face partially hidden by her long mane of hair. Buffy knelt on the floor next to her sister.

"What is it Dawn? You scared the life out of me," said Buffy as she grabbed her sister by the shoulders.

Dawn raised her tear stained face to look at Buffy. She held up her brush to show her.

"It's my hair, it's started Buffy...my hair is starting to fall out," sobbed Dawn.

Buffy took Dawn in her arms and held her while she wept.

"Shhh, it's nothing to be afraid of Dawn. The doctors told you this would probably happen. I know it's a shock sweetie, but we'll get through it like we have everything else,"

Spike looked down at Dawn, the compassion for her evident on his face. He hated what she was going through and cursed the unkindness of the fates that had struck at this young girl. He also felt an intruder being in on her personal grief. He turned to go, surprised as Buffy's hand shot out and touched his leg.

"Stay?" she asked him.

He nodded, as he knelt down on the rug with the two sisters, holding Buffy's hand while she comforted her sister.

It was then, at that moment that Spike realised he loved her.

TBC

Chapter 10

Buffy didn’t know how long the three of them had sat there huddled together like that on the bathroom floor. Time had ceased to exist. It just felt so wonderful to Buffy, having him there supporting them in their hour of need. Better not get too used to it, her inner voice reminded her men had a habit of leaving, especially in this house...but something told her that Spike was a million miles away from the type of man her father was.

Dawn’s tears had dried some time ago, now she just laid there, her head resting on Buffy’s knee as she stared into the far corner of the bathroom. Buffy’s heart ached for all Dawn had gone through and had yet to go through, wishing that she could carry it for her instead. Dawn was a fighter and Buffy would be there helping her on, every step of the way, while there was still breath in her body.

Spike was still reeling from his newly discovered love for Buffy. It made him feel frightened and exhilarated all at the same time. All the times he had stayed away for his sanity, made perfect sense to him now. Somehow in the space of twenty-four hours, her little sister had wriggled her way into his affections also. Buffy and her sister were rapidly becoming the most important people in his entire existence and he would do anything to protect them both. Here of all places he had found with whom he really belonged and he would do whatever it took to hold on to that.

No longer would they have to fight their battles alone. He wanted to be there fighting them with her, side by side. If Buffy would have him, he was hers, body and soul. He had the feeling that the older Miss Summers would not accept him so easily. He knew she was attracted to him, but to how deep her feelings ran, was something he was totally clueless about. He cursed himself for thinking about his own feelings, when here was Dawn at another milestone in her crisis that she was going through. He needed to think...

Spike rose from the floor and exited the bathroom for a moment to put on a t-shirt. When he came back it was empty, he caught the tops of a couple of heads as they disappeared downstairs. By the time he had joined them, Buffy had seated Dawn down on one of the sofas. He walked past them into the kitchen and put the kettle on. Hot sweet tea had always been his mother’s universal remedy for all ills and shocks like the one the nibblet had just received.

Spike opened the cupboard and was searching it for something that resembled teabags when Buffy came in the kitchen. His mouth dried up like a 14 year old boy at the sight of her and not the mature twenty-eight year old he really was.

“Thanks for earlier,” she said, placing a hand on his arm.

Spike looked at her tiny hand as it rested on his skin. He covered it with his own and squeezed it reassuringly. Buffy looked into his eyes, her breathing became shallower at the intensity of his gaze. There was no Dawn here to impress with the lovebirds act, but at that moment she wanted nothing more than to taste his lips again. Buffy unconsciously leaned in towards him, both of them started as the kettle clicked off and the sound of the backdoor opening sounded simultaneously.

Willow opened the door; she stared at the couple, Spike barefoot in his jeans and t-shirt and Buffy in a robe.

“I...er...am...I interrupting something?” asked Willow.

“It’s okay Willow, this is Spike,” said Buffy.

“Hello, Spike,” replied Willow, her face still the perfect vision of surprise.

“Spike was just making Dawn some tea, you want?” asked Buffy.

“Sure,” Willow replied calmly, as if finding Buffy alone in the kitchen with a strange man was an every day occurrence.

Spike held out a hand to Willow. “I’m Buffy’s husband,” he explained.

“Oh, right, now it’s all as clear as mud. I mean I was in on the whole marriage of convenience thingy, but I didn’t know it included cohabiting,” said Willow.

Buffy took Willow by the hand and walked her to one of the kitchen stools, while filling her in on the events of the last few hours. Spike listened intently as he finished making Dawn her tea.

“So you and Spike are sleeping together?” asked Willow.

“Yeah, but not in the having each other sense,” said Buffy, her face colouring.

“Uh, huh,” said Willow sceptically.

“Stop it, you are starting to sound like Faith,” Buffy replied sharply.

“Scouts honour there has been no having of any kind,” said Spike.

“Bet you weren’t even a scout you don’t look the type,” said Willow.

“Got me there red,” Spike chuckled.

“So you are going public with your marriage?” asked Willow.

“Yeah, it’s the only way,” said Buffy as she flashed her ring finger at Willow.

“Don’t know what they are going to say at the diner,” said Willow.

Spike came and stood behind Buffy, his hand resting on her shoulder. “We are going to tell them together, tomorrow,” Spike informed her.

“We are?” asked Buffy in surprise.

Spike nodded, Buffy tilted back her head and looked at him and glanced back at Willow. “Guess Monday morning isn’t going to be quite so boring after all,”

“Shame there is no college Monday, I would have rather missed it,” said Willow, regretfully. Buffy seemed to be unconsciously looking to Spike for council. Willow wondered if Buffy even realized she was doing it. She decided to stay silent, not wanting to be the cause of one of Buffy’s outbursts. “So how’s Dawn taking it?” asked Willow.

“She thinks we are in love. It’s been enough for her to handle for one day, if she knew I had married Spike to pay her medical bills it would really destroy her,” said Buffy.

Both Buffy and Willow turned around at the sound of a mug as it smashed on the kitchen floor. Spike stood there staring at Buffy, his face almost as white as his platinum blonde hair. Buffy looked down at the hot liquid that pooled at his feet, unable to bear the agonised look on his face a moment longer. Her chest ached, her heart thumped heavily within her breast. She glanced at him again; he seemed to have regained some of his composure as he stooped down to pick up the broken remnants of the cup. She automatically went over to him and began to help him clear up the mess. She noted his hands were not quite steady as he picked up the pieces.

Spike hissed in pain as one of the jagged pieces of pottery cut into his thumb. He cradled his hand against his chest. Buffy grabbed his hand and forced him to let her look at it. The blood was dripping onto the sleeve of her white towelling robe, but she paid it no heed as she led him to the sink and ran it under cold water.

Willow watched their actions with interest, especially the tenderness and concern on Buffy’s face as she mopped up the blood on his hand with a piece of kitchen roll. Buffy reached across Spike and extracted a medical kit from an overhead cupboard.

“Sorry,” she said apologetically.

“This is the whole reason I told Ethan that I didn’t want it to be you when I got mixed up in this crazy get a green card quick scheme,” said Spike.

“Because of my troubles?” asked Buffy, confused.

“Yes and no,” Spike sighed.

“So when you said that you didn’t want to marry me on our wedding day it wasn’t because it was me?” asked Buffy hopefully.

“Hell no, whatever gave you that idea?” asked Spike in surprise.

Buffy arched an eyebrow. “Hmmm let me see...maybe the bloody hell when you first saw me, followed by your interesting yet very non private conversation with that slime Ethan Rayne,”

“You heard that?” asked Spike.

“Kinda hard to miss,” said Buffy as she firmly pressed a band aid to his cut thumb.

Spike looked at Willow and caught the assessing expression on her face, he looked away.

“Well if this isn’t a picture of domestic bliss,” drawled Willow.

Buffy blushed. “He hurt his thumb,” she said defensively as she sat down on one of the stools at the breakfast bar.

“Ok, I’m gonna go check on Dawnie while you two can finish playing doctors and nurses,” grinned Willow.

Alone in the kitchen together, Buffy felt awkward as the silence stretched out between them, Spike spoke first.

“When were you going to tell me your reasons for marriage? Here I was thinking you were some kind of money hungry girl on the make. Well actually not quite like that, I can see you are decent and honest and hardworking, Buffy...I...er....”

“Yes?” she urged.

“Is there any chance we could...?”

“Buffy Dawn needs you,” Said Willow as she popped her head around the door.

Buffy sighed at the interruption, wondering what Spike had been about to ask her.

“Sure I’ll be right there,” Buffy replied.

Spike sighed as he watched her leave. What had he been thinking, he had been about to ask her if there was any chance that she would go on a date with him. He laughed wryly at the notion of asking his wife out on a date, but he wanted to get to know her better, not just in case of any chance that they may or may not be investigated by the immigration people, but because he loved her and wanted to know her inside and out. Spike felt his body respond to the thought of knowing her in the physical way, not just to have her, but to touch her and show her just how much she meant to him.

Spike needed to get out, the walls were closing in and the sunshine was begging to be walked in. He strode out into the hallway and slipped on his boots and leather Jacket and exited the house before anyone had a chance to ask him where he was headed.

“So what do you think of the newest addition to the Summers’s home?” asked Dawn.

“He seems okay,” said Willow.

“You don’t seem so surprised at the news,” said Dawn. “You already knew didn’t you?”

“Yeah, I kind of did. Can you forgive me?” asked Willow.

“I am so over it,” shrugged Dawn. “But he is kinda a cute, don’t worry he’s like a brother, if I knew what it was like to have one,” Dawn giggled.

“Well don’t get too attached,” said Buffy unthinkingly as she sat down on the sofa.

“Why?” asked Dawn.

“Oh Buffy, you can’t start your marriage thinking all men are like Hank, and might leave,” lied Willow smoothly, pulling a face at Buffy.

“Sorry old habits die hard,” Buffy replied, angry at herself for her slip.

“Spike ain’t going anywhere, he’s not the type,” said Dawn confidently as she walked over to Buffy and put an arm around her.

“It’s isn’t, not ain’t, and what makes you say that?” asked Buffy as she patted her sister’s hand.

“What are you my mother now? And hello, have you seen the way Spike looks at you?” pouted Dawn as she went to switch on the stereo.

“Teenagers,” said Buffy in mock horror.

“Yeah, but you love me anyway,” grinned Dawn.

Buffy smiled absentmindedly, her thoughts with her husband and where he had possibly gone in such a hurry and what did Dawn mean, the way he looked at her?

Spike walked into the town and headed towards the mall, he dragged deeply on a cigarette and flicked it half smoked into the gutter. He really should quit, he mused. He entered the brightly lit shopping mall, glad to be among the anonymous sea of faces. It didn’t last for long, when he felt someone tap on his shoulder. He spun around to see Angel and Faith all over each other, and felt violently envious at their physical intimacy.

“And what’s a pair of love birds like you doing in a place like this?” asked Spike.

“Well you can’t spend all day counting ceiling tiles now can ya?” grinned Faith, as she leaned in to kiss Angel.

Angel grinned at her in a goofy way as they parted. Spike rolled his eyes at what he termed a sickening display.

“Aww c’mon Spike we’re just teasing you,” said Faith as she playfully thumped his arm. “How are things with the virgin Mary?”

“The virgin who...er you mean Buffy?” asked Spike.

“Yeah, how is B? She succumbed to your charms yet?”

“Give Spike a chance Faith, he’s a slow study, not like us, we see what we want and we take it,” sighed Angel dramatically.

“Ah very funny, all I can say is Faith, I feel sorry for you,” grinned Spike.

Even with all the teasing aside he could see that the well matched pair had a deep affection for each other. He wanted to be alone, seeing the two of them just served to remind him of everything he didn’t have, but wanted and with Buffy. Anyway what of Faith’s throw away comment about Buffy being the Virgin Mary; it had to be a joke right? If not it explained a lot of things, faint heart never wooed fair maid, he reminded himself. It seemed that Buffy was a maid in the truest sense of the word. It gave him an idea of how to win her heart, as they said actions speak louder than words. Spike smiled to himself as he marched off out of the mall and home.

“Where do you think he’s headed?” asked Faith.

“Home to his wife, I’d bet,” said Angel smugly.

“And wouldn’t B just kill us if she knew that I knew, but I like it better this way,” laughed Faith as she leaned up on tip toe to kiss Angel on the lips.

Angel smiled down at Faith. “How could they expect me to keep secrets from my favourite girl?” asked Angel.

“Favourite?” asked Faith warningly, as she gripped his manhood tightly.

“Only girl and you know it...so your friend really is a virgin?” Angel asked.

“Smooth change of subject, but yeah, I am sure they invented the chastity belt just for her. I am in great hopes that Spike will change all that. He’s a nice guy and B deserves a break. I happen to think they are made for each other,” said Faith as she pulled Angel along to look at something that had caught her eye in a store window.

TBC

I do chapter 11

Buffy sighed, staring at the screen but not really seeing or hearing the movie. Spike was the only thing in her head at that precise moment in time. Her chest ached, and she was irked by the feeling of melancholy that had settled over her. She didn’t like its implications one little bit. Spike was getting under her skin and she resented that fact too. It wasn’t until she heard a knock at the door and her heart raced within her breast, that she realised she had missed him. Tears welled up inside her as she shot up off the sofa to answer the door. She flung it open to a surprised looking Spike. His smile quickly turned to a frown as he noted the tears in Buffy’s eyes.

“What is it? What’s wrong? Is it Dawn?” he asked in concern.

Buffy wiped away the tears before she could make a bigger ass of herself.

“Everyone is just fine,” she mumbled.

“I get it,” Spike grinned in realisation.

“You get what?” asked Buffy.

“You missed me pet, didn’t you?” he asked.

He took her by surprise as he picked her off the floor and lifted her into his arms, wrapping her legs around him as he pushed her up against the hall wall.

“Spike, what are you doi...”

Spike pressed his lips against hers, silencing her as he ran his tongue along her lower lip before slipping it inside her mouth. Her hands curled around his neck of their own free will as Spike felt her return his kiss. He could sense the slight hesitancy in her kisses, it confirmed what Faith had told him at the mall, and whether or not it was his primitive male ego talking to him, but he felt a feral sense of satisfaction that she had not belonged to another. He pulled away from her first, calling a halt to their lovemaking.

“Good,” he said, as he let her slide purposefully down his body to the floor.

“Good?” asked Buffy in confusion.

Buffy held onto him not sure she could stand unsupported as she felt his kiss seep down to the tips of her toes. Spike studied her flushed face with amusement before striding off in the direction of the kitchen.

“Good that you missed me,” he threw over his shoulder before he turned the corner.

“Oh,” said Buffy as she sagged against the wall.

“Whoa, call 911 and put me out a fire,” said Willow.

Buffy pulled a face at her friend as she followed the path Spike had taken.

“See I told you they can’t keep their hands off each other,” grinned Dawn.

“Yeah, but I had to see it with my own eyes,” said Willow thoughtfully.

Buffy marched into the kitchen.

“And what was all that about?” she demanded.

“I have no idea what you are talking about Buffy Sutton,” he replied innocently.

Buffy felt her mouth water against her will as he pulled his t-shirt over his head to reveal that firm torso she had been resting against only a few hours ago.

“Why are you doing that?” she asked nervously.

“Because I am going to have my wicked way with you on the kitchen floor,” he grinned, licking his lower lip with his tongue.

Buffy took a step backwards.

Spike scowled at her, “Oh lighten up Buffy, as if I would, with the nibblet and your friend only in the next room,” he said as he turned his back on her and went into the yard.

Buffy followed him to the door, and watching him stride through the long grass of their neglected backyard. He walked over to the shed and disappeared inside. She was surprised to see him reappear with the lawn mower. After checking the petrol levels he brought it to life, Buffy couldn’t move for the life of her as she watched him work on the neglected garden.

Spike smiled every time he mowed in the opposite direction, he could feel Buffy’s eyes on him, nothing like putting on a little display so that she could see what she was missing. On the walk back from the mall Spike had realised quite a few things about his bride, she seemed to have major trust issues where men were concerned, that was the only reason he could think for her untouched state. She was beautiful and couldn’t have been short of offers, but then again she had been coping with a whole lot of bad these last two or three years. To win her wouldn’t be without its difficulties, but he loved her and could wait to win her trust.

A shimmer of sweat had broken out on his skin; even though it was December, it was still as hot as an early summer’s day in England. Buffy’s face was feeling rather warm as she watched the play of his muscles as he worked. She was so far gone in her fantasies involving Spike that she didn’t notice that her sister and best friend had just joined her. Spike saw Dawn and Willow sit with Buffy on the porch; he lifted a hand in greeting to them as they settled themselves next to Buffy.

“So whatcha doing Buffy?” asked Willow.

“Admiring the view I would say, drool much sis?” snerked Dawn

“It was hot inside, I needed some air,” Buffy replied haughtily.

Willow and Dawn exchanged knowing glances; Dawn got up off the porch and walked towards Spike.

“Nice of him to do the yard for you,” replied Willow casually.

“What’s your point?” asked Buffy.

“He seems a nice guy Buffy, I know you two met in an unconventional way, but have you ever thought he might like you?”

Buffy laughed uneasily. “What gives you that idea?”

“Um maybe that x-rated display in the hallway?” asked Willow.

“Oh that was just acting for Dawn’s benefit,”

“The way you too looked at each other had very little to do with pretend, do you like him Buffy?”

“Yeah, no, I don’t know,” Buffy sighed.

“Look Buffy, you can’t let your traumas interfere with getting some happiness, you are about due for some. Dawn is right, he looks like a keeper. Why don’t you give him a chance, just let things happen. What have you got to lose?” asked Willow.

“Oh maybe just my heart and soul,” said Buffy, as she looked at Spike.

Willow sighed heavily, deciding not to press the matter any further.

Buffy went upstairs to bed, it wasn’t all that late, and she had pleaded a headache which was actually true. There had been so many thoughts running around in her head that day, both emotional and sexual and Spike had been at the heart of all of them. Maybe she had been closing herself off to the chance of happiness, why did she keep using her father as a marker? There were nice guys out there, and she wasn’t so naïve that she didn’t know that. It was just taking that final step and giving herself to any one man that she baulked at. Buffy began to undress; she pulled out her favourite sushi pyjamas from under her pillow and put them on. She was just doing up the last button when Spike came into the room without warning.

“Just came to make sure you were okay. You looked a little pale over dinner earlier,” he said questioningly.

“Yeah, it’s been a bit of a long day that’s all,” she replied as she pulled back the covers and got into bed.

Spike walked over to his side of the bed and begun to remove his clothing, Buffy’s eyes widened in alarm.

“Er Spike, where are your bed clothes?” asked Buffy.

“I don’t own any, but you already know that and have seen everything already, so what’s the point?” he asked innocently.

“You knew...you were awake...bastard,” Buffy huffed indignantly.

“Oh come on take a joke Buffy,”

Buffy got up out of the bed and searched through the closet. She returned to him with some pyjama bottoms.

“These were my father’s, perfectly clean,” she handed them to him before getting back into the bed.

Spike unzipped his jeans and dropped them to the floor. Buffy gasped, as he stood there naked for a moment before putting on the bottoms. He smirked at her reaction before lifting the covers and getting in beside her. He switched off the bedside lamp and they lay there together in the moonlight, and neither of them feeling the least bit sleepy.

“So what you want to talk about?” asked Spike.

“Nothing springs to mind,” lied Buffy, she was still too preoccupied with the sight of Spike’s nakedness.

Spike rolled over in the bed, and draped an arm over Buffy. She edged away a little and Spike sighed.

“What are you so afraid of Buffy?” he asked gently.

“I don’t know what you mean,”

“Yeah you do,” Spike replied as he moved back over his side of the bed and turned over.

Buffy fumed, i so he thought her some kind of coward did he? Well she would show him /i she thought childishly to herself as she edged over to him until she was spooned up against him. He took her hand and held it and closed his eyes, a smile on his face. He turned over and took her in his arms. She nuzzled into his chest, breathing in his smell, before she knew what she was about; she planted a kiss on his bare chest. She looked up to see him looking down at her, an unreadable expression on his face.

“I’m not scared of anything, least of all us,” she said defiantly.

Spike liked the word us, that she had used it gave him hope for their future.

“Buffy don’t you think you could learn to like me just a little bit?” asked Spike.

“Does this feel like I hate you?” she replied.

“Thank you for that,” he said, not wanting to push her too much for one day.

Buffy awoke to the cruel sound of her alarm clock. The numbers on its face glared mockingly at her as she groaned and sat up in bed. Spike opened one eye, before yawning.

“Morning gorgeous,” he smiled at her.

“Yeah like I believe that, I have bed hair and bags under my eyes,” she replied as she got up off the bed and exited the room.

Spike heard the sound of her going down stairs so he quickly got out of bed and headed for the shower, remembering Dawn’s previous warnings of being the one to get there first. He wanted to look his best as Buffy presented him to her friends at the diner for the first time. He smiled at the thought of being able to hold her and kiss her in public, hell he liked the idea of being able to kiss and hold her any time. Spike took off the pyjama bottoms and stepped into the shower. The warm sting of the water went a long way to loosening the tense nerves in his shoulders, both he and Buffy were surprised as she burst into the bathroom, Spike recovered and grinned at her from ear to ear, totally unashamed in his nude state.

“This is becoming a bit of a habit love, if you wanted a look you only had to ask,” he purred at her.

“You could have locked the door,” she replied, averting her eyes.

“Um well I would have, but we had to break it yesterday to get to Dawn,” he reminded her.

Buffy turned tail and fled from the bathroom, the sound of his laughter ringing in her ears. It was too late for her though, she already had a vivid image of Spike soaping his naked body, and the rivulets of white foam running down his chest all the way to his...Buffy was sure her face was so hot that she could fry an egg on it. i Any more naked Spike and she could run a full length porno memory movie in her head, /i she thought resentfully.

After Buffy had left, Spike quickly finished up his shower, not wanting Dawn to be the next one to find him. He wanted to get to know his sister in law, but not while he was buck naked. He wrapped a towel around his hips and went into the bedroom. Buffy was already there, dressed in her waitressing uniform. She was just finishing up pinning her name badge on it, looking up at him as he entered the room.

“Thanks to you, I don’t have time for a shower,” she snapped, feeling awkward at their enforced intimacy.

“You still smell good,” he replied as he walked over to her.

The bedroom felt a whole lot smaller with him in it, as he stood next to her. He leaned into her, and she closed her eyes in anticipation of the kiss she sure would come, but he only reached past her to get his black shirt that he had laid out. Buffy was feeling very foolish, when she saw he had only been retrieving his clothing.

“Well today’s the day,” Spike smiled at her as he put his shirt on.

Buffy looked at him, did he have to look so edible she thought resentfully, noting the gleam of droplets of water in his hair. It curled slightly when it was wet; it made her want to run her fingers through it...Buffy snapped out of her illicit train of thought. There were bigger things to think of today, besides parts of Spike’s anatomy.

“Yes it is,” said Buffy “We need to get a move on or I will be late for my shift,”

Spike quickly pulled on the rest of his clothing and followed her downstairs. He put on his leather coat, and waited for Buffy at the front door.

“What about the nibblet?” asked Spike.

“She will be fine, Willow picks her up, and anytime she is not feeling well enough for school, Willow’s mom comes and sits with her,” said Buffy.

“Sounds like you have it all figured out. I can always look after her if you need me to. I am a writer Buffy, that’s kind of a work at home profession and I like your sister,”

Buffy could see how attached Dawn had already become to him too. All she heard from her sister, was Spike this, and Spike that.

“Looks like Willow gets out of witnessing our big announcement after all, she called me while I was downstairs, she took a later shift as Giles has hired in a new girl in as Harmony wasn’t working out, and thanks for the offer,” said Buffy. She was grateful for his help, but was afraid of relying on him too much. It was going to be hard enough as it was, when he would inevitably leave her as soon as the danger had passed. That was something she didn’t want to think too much about at the moment.

Buffy was quiet on the bus ride to the diner, she was all too aware of Spikes presence beside her. The journey seemed to be over too soon, and they were standing outside the i Last Resort /i Spike took her hand and laced his fingers through hers.

“I brought the wedding pics along for backup,” Spike told her.

“Thanks Spike, for being here with me,”

“Well why wouldn’t I? We are in this together; it takes two to make a marriage Buffy,”

“But this isn’t a real marriage Spike,” she reminded him,

“Not for now love, but I can hope,” he muttered under his breath with more confidence than he felt.

“What was that?” she asked him.

“Time to face the music,” he replied quickly.

Buffy opened the door and they walked into the almost empty diner, hand in hand. Only the staff were there as it was before opening. Xander looked up from the serving hatch, with interest as he noted their interlocked hands. Giles had his head in the accounts book and Faith was tying up her apron. The pretty honey blonde woman with an assessing smile, had to be the new girl, Buffy decided as she hung up her coat.

Faith walked over to her. “Don’t think I didn’t notice the hand holding with the platinum bombshell,”

“Who’s the new girl?” asked Buffy evasively.

“That’s Anya, she’s ok. Xander seems to like her; he was drooling the moment she walked in,”

“Ah, the lonely life of a fry cook,” smiled Buffy.

“So what have you been up to this weekend? Something naughty I hope. If I didn’t have Angel, what I wouldn’t to do to Spike if I got him under my roof,” said Faith, a smirk on her face. She studied Buffy’s face for her reaction.

“You do have Angel, and Spike is taken,” snapped Buffy.

“Really with who?” asked Faith, enjoying herself immensely.

“Well erm...”

“Excuse me, if I could have your attention please, Buffy and I have a little announcement to make,” said Spike.

Everyone turned to look at Spike; Buffy swallowed hard and walked over to him.

“This should be interesting,” said Faith to Anya, who had just joined her.

Spike took Buffy’s hand and looked at her before continuing.

“Buffy and I are hitched,”

There was a loud clatter of pans in the kitchen, followed by total silence.

“So what do you think?” asked Buffy, biting her lip and looking around the diner at her friends.

TBC