The pale man lay silently in his bed, the occasional ping of a machine and the slow rise of his chest the only indication that there was a spark of life in him. She stood at the foot of his bed, checking his charts. When his eyes fluttered open and pinned her with his sharp, blue-eyed gaze, she was transfixed by the sorrow and guilt that lurked in them. The rumours of him being attacked by a friend made her smile gently at him, trying to ease his sorrow. The nurse hadn't realised that she had moved to his side until he grasped her wrist.

She jumped as she felt his slender fingers press a scrap of paper into her palm.

Smoothing it open, she read quickly.

Looking down into his sad eyes, she smiled and nodded. Reaching her hand out, she smoothed the bandages on his neck gently and left the room. Glancing back, she saw that he had closed his eyes and his hands twitched restlessly on his blankets.

**********

Sunnydale

1630 Revello Drive

Dawn stomped past Willow without acknowledging her nervous stuttering. The teenager's blue eyes sparkled with anger as she cradled her broken arm with her free hand and shot up the stairs.

"Dawn… Please! I just wanted to say..." Willow jumped as she heard Dawn's bedroom door slam shut. Her hands fluttered nervously as she stood staring up the empty staircase, her shoulders dropped and she shuffled into the dining room and back to her studies.

'I just need to find a way to fix this. Then, Dawnie and Tara will forgive me.'

Willow rested her aching head in her hands and closed her tired, red-rimmed eyes, trying to push aside the aching gnawing in her guts. She groaned under her breath as she felt Rack calling her to him. Gritting her teeth, she blocked his siren call out of her head and grimly picked up the nearest textbook, staring blindly at the writing.

"Hey Wills! Go you with the textbookness!" Buffy chirped as she trotted through from the kitchen.

Willow jumped out of her skin. She quickly checked. 'Nope, still in here.' You never know living on the Hellmouth. She looked up at Buffy as her best friend fluttered around the table picking up books and then dropping them - the noise making Willow wince in pain.

When she looked over at Buffy she frowned. 'What the hell is going on with her?' She studied her blonde friend cautiously as Buffy studiously avoided Willow’s gaze and scuttled out of the room.

Buffy tried to ignore Willow's puzzled look and shot back into the kitchen. She stood by the island, staring sightlessly at a rather mouldy looking apple in the fruit basket.

'Oh God! What was I thinking? They are going to know what I did!' Buffy looked down at her chest. 'Nope, no scarlet letter of shame stitched on her shirt!

Everyone's going to guess what I did with Spike.' Buffy stood there chewing on her lip, worrying at a raw piece of skin. She felt really bad. Why had she told him he was convenient? Why on earth did she tell him that? 'One vampire got her hot and……… he was just convenient. I'm a bitch and truly evil. I did come back wrong! Why did I say those things? Freak show?' Buffy groaned. 'Motor mouth Buffy to the rescue. God his face!'

She had seen a flicker of utter pain in his eyes as she scrambled for her boots. When she had looked back up, he had his 'Big Bad' on and let her have it. They both should have just kept their mouths shut. 'Arghhh!'

She wouldn't have said anything. If he hadn't started that crack about 'only thing better than…' everything might have been a bit better. 'Enough! Gotta keep moving. Gotta keep busy.'

"Just gonna check on Dawn and see if she's ok." Buffy rattled up the stairs. She paused at Dawn's room, knocked and popped her head around the teen's door.

"Hey, sweetie, need anything?" Dawn looked up from her magazine, shrugged and shook her head.

"No Double Meat terror tonight?" she asked. Buffy came slowly into the room and flopped down onto the bed next to her sibling.

"Nope" she turned her head and looked at her little sister. "Want to spend the night with me eating ice cream and watching TV?" Dawn stared at her in surprise.

"What? You want to hang out with me?"

She couldn't keep the surprise and hope out of her voice. Buffy flinched and looked down, watching her fingers toying with a loose thread on the bedspread. Strong fingers, which threaded through hers and pulled her closer, her sweat-slicked flesh pressed again his cool hard chest

"Hey! Buffy… Buffy?" Dawn nudged her and Buffy snapped out of her memories and looked up into her sister's concerned blue eyes. 'So much like… No, not going there.' Buffy shook her head and jumped to her feet.

"Course I do - Look, let me do a quick patrol and I'll swing past Blockbusters and head back." She reached out and smoothed Dawn's hair off her face.

"Look, baby, I know it's been bad but I promise it will get better. I will get better...."

Dawn grabbed her small-framed sister in a fierce one-armed hug. Buffy stood there shocked for a second. Dawn rarely wanted her to touch her, so with her little sister initiating the hug she was wrong footed for a second. She wrapped her arms around her tall, slim-framed sibling and squeezed hard.

"Gak." Dawn hopped back. "Slayer strength - weak human here!" she giggled, thrilled that her sis was responding to her hugs. She had watched Buffy getting more and more withdrawn since she had come back. She and Tara had worried over Buffy's rapidly diminishing curves. Her breath caught in her throat and her eyes filled with tears.

"Dawnie?" Buffy watched her sister's face crumple. Concern etched deep lines around her hazel eyes. "What's wrong?"

"I miss Tara." Buffy pulled her teary-eyed sister to her and stroked her hair gently.

"Oh, Dawnie, so do I baby." Buffy closed her eyes and tried not to cry as well. She desperately missed the gentle Wicca with her soft ways and gentle concern. 'Damn Willow. I wish she was the one gone and Tara was here with us.'

Buffy was shocked by her thoughts. She looked over her shoulder guiltily, checking that Willow was not near enough to read her mind. She shrugged. 'Paranoid much?' Buffy turned back to her sister. She wondered if it was time for a change.

"Look I'll skip patrol and just get some vids and popcorn and we'll have a girly evening. Hey, I'll even let you do my hair and nails!" she chirped. Looking down at her hands, she grimaced. The normally perfect nails were torn and ragged. She guessed that the combo of Double Meat and a night with Spike had caused as much havoc on her manicure as it had on her mind.

In a typical teenage mood swing Dawn grinned.

"Cool! Go get Ashton Kutchner and… oooh Brad Pitt. A girly night needs Brad and Ashton." She made a shooing motion with her hand and twirled around to pull out her make up kit and straightening irons. She looked over her shoulder and raised an eyebrow. Buffy's breath caught in her throat again. 'God, she looked just like a certain peroxide menace when she did that.'

She shot out of Dawn's room and grabbed her purse and coat on the way out.

'No more thinking of Spike. No more thinking of his cool arms pulling her towards him. No thinking of the ecstasy he evoked with just a single touch of his hands. Not thinking about the way he looked up at her in surprise and shock as she sank down on his…. Gah! Bad Buffy! Need soap to wash out dirty mind!’

She bit her lip nervously, worried that there was a big sign over her head saying, "I GOT SPIKED!!"

"Still here, Buffy?" Dawn asked, leaning against her doorframe, watching Buffy standing in the hall. Grinning at her spaced-out sister, Dawn wondered what the hell was going through her older sibling's mind.

"Hey, why don't you swing by the crypt and get Spike? I know he always needs a new coat of paint on his nails!" Dawn watched Buffy closely, wondering why her sister left eye had twitched at the mention of Spike's name. She tried it again. "SPIKE!" she shrieked and Buffy flushed bright red and waved her hands up and down, bouncing on the spot.

'Ahhh! She knows! She's guessed something! She can see what I did,' Buffy thought.

Panicking, she tried to edge towards the stairs. Dawn's free hand snapped out and grabbed her in a vice-like grip. Dawn dragged her sister back into her room and pushed her in the direction of the bed.

"Spike," she chortled gleefully, watching as her embarrassed sister flushed an attractive shade of maroon. She sniggered, wondering what the hell her sister and her surrogate big brother had been up to. Her eyes narrowed sharply when she recalled images of Buffy, limping into the kitchen the other day. Suddenly, everything made sense.

"OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!"

She shrieked and Buffy winced at the high-frequency squeals filling the room. She glanced over her shoulder in a panic. Now, she really was expecting to see Willow standing in the door of her very loud baby sister's lavender-painted room.

"Dawn, shut up!" she whispered in a complete panic. "Ahh!! Willow's downstairs."

"Pfft," Dawn shrugged dismissively. "She's too busy worrying about herself to hear anything." Dawn uttered the words coldly and without any compassion, gingerly shifting her broken arm in the sling.

"She's probably too busy jonesing for a fix to even hear if a herd of Fyarl demons began doing a tap dance on the roof!" she snarked.

Buffy didn't have the heart to correct her., She knew that her sister was probably right on track with her opinion of the disgraced witch.

"So? You and Spike?" Dawn asked archly as she patted the space next to her on the mattress.

"Dawn, there is no me and Spike." Buffy lied very badly. Her blushes and twitching hands, contradicting anything she said.

"Yeah, right!" Dawn snorted. She took a deep breath. 'Ok, Summers, suck it up! You can do grown up. If you wanna play with the big boys, you're gonna have to act like one!'

"Buffy I know something is going on. You're never in. You smell like leather and cigarettes. That one night you came back stinking drunk, I saw Spike carrying you in. Man, Buff, you should have seen how sweet and gentle he was. He sat on the roof outside your room after Giles went to bed and watched over you until it was sunrise. Even though Giles yelled at him to get lost and that it was all his fault! I bet even after the sun rose, he was hiding in the sewers in case you needed him. He really loves you. You should have seen how broken up he was this summer." Dawn paused.

She bit her lip and looked straight into Buffy's hazel eyes.

"At Glory's tower, you know… the day, day you died. He cried!"

Dawn paused to take a breath, feeling light-headed from lack of oxygen. She looked over at her pole-axed sister's face and plunged in. "Buffy, what have you done? Please don't make a mess of this. He is a good vamp. He loves you. He would be so good for you and us. Please don't break his heart!" Dawn begged.

Before Buffy could reply, Dawn had uttered the magic words. They were all that Buffy needed to realise it would be okay with Dawn. If, and a big if, she decided to try and change things for the better with Spike, she had her sister's blessing. The way she was feeling at the moment Buffy guessed that Spike might be in for a shock.

Then, all her raging insecurities rose up. 'But what if he didn't want to know…?'

"It's alright to love him." Five words that suddenly simplified Buffy's world.

"The others, if they can't handle it then they have to come through me! Also, hey! Not like they can say anything. Their dating history consists of 1000-year-old ex-Demon, werewolf, Inca Mummy girl, creepy robot guy and preying mantis teacher. Not like they can throw stones 'cause… hey, they live in a majorly big greenhouse!" She reached over and stroked her hand down Buffy's tear-stained face and smiled reassuringly at her, suddenly feeling much older than her frazzled sister.

"Also, Mom, she wouldn't have said anything. She really liked Spike. If she was here and did say anything, all you would have to do was remind her about Ted. That would shut her up real quick!" Dawn grinned.

"Dawn, how did you? You don't mind?" Buffy stuttered.

"Buffy, I love you and I love Spike. Even if he is a schmuck, he's our schmuck! If being together makes you both happy, then bonus, 'cause, hey, my two favourite people are happy and together. Also, double bonus, maybe less of the bad-moody Buffy,” Dawn paused, looked down at her hands and then looked her sister straight in the eyes.

"I know it's been really tough for you. I hate what Willow and the others did. Leaving you down there, in… in your coffin. But I am happy you're here and if I can help in anyway, even if it's by telling you it's ok to love Spike, then, good." She nodded her head firmly, trying to suppress the huge grin that was tickling the edges of her mouth and then gave in and let out a very teenage shriek!

"Check me out! Go Dawnie, with the big girl's advice. I cool. Yep, I am!" She grimaced. 'Ok! That was not too mature but, hey, she was trying!'

"Dawn, what? How did you? You know? Uhmm." Buffy bit her lip, which brought back a flash of Spike leaning in and capturing her swollen lips in a gentle, fanged nip before he veered off and peppered her face and neck with butterfly soft nibbles and kisses.

"Buff, it’s cool. Go talk to him and bring him home. I miss him and I know that you guys need some quality time and I bet some snuggles." Dawn hugged her shaking sister and leapt up. "Go get Spike and vids. I'll be here!"

Dawn's voice shocked Buffy out of her triple X-rated memories, causing her to blush even redder.

"Ummm, okay, but Dawn…" Buffy peeked up through her lashes at her sister's back and then she realised. It was ok with Dawn, really ok, and suddenly she felt happy, happier than she had been since that night in the fallen down house. She also realised if she could talk to Spike things could be okay.

Dawn looked over her shoulder and grinned at her smiling sister. 'Cool, I did that. I made Buffy smile. Go me!'

"Still here, Buff? Go. Go get Spike. Go get chocolate and films!" Dawn pushed her smiling sister firmly out of her room. Buffy turned to look at the closed door and rested her hand on the wood. Then, she whirled around and shot down the stairs. She had no idea what she was going to say to Spike. Buffy and words were non-mixy. But she was going to do her best and if that didn't work she'd knock him out and drag him back to Revello Drive and Dawn could talk to him!

"Bye, Wills. Back in a sec," she called over her shoulder to the empty dining room.

'That's weird. Where did she go?' she thought as she trotted down the sidewalk. However, thoughts of her, Dawn and Spike having a family night soon blotted out any worries she had for Willow.

'Whoa! Spike and family in one sentence.' She rolled the thought around in her head and smiled. 'Yep, that sounded good.'

**********

'Things had to change.'

Spike swirled the amber liquid around a shot glass and ignored the concerned, wrinkled, saggy face across the table from him. He knew if he looked up at Clem that he would give in to the gentle demon's worried looks and start talking. The last thing he wanted was for the red-eyed demon to know what he and Buffy had got up to.

He often wondered if Clem was empathic.

He downed his JD in one go, he grimaced at the aftertaste and reached over and dropped a couple of bills onto the scarred and filthy table.

"I'm off mate, I'll just take the two and you keep the rest."

Spike reached over to the mewling basket and pulled out two kittens. A ginger one and a blue-eyed white furred one. He glared at Clem, daring him to say something as he tucked them into the pockets of his ever-present duster.

He cocked his scarred brow at his wrinkled friend and managed to paste a sly grin on his face. He turned and swept out of the bar. As he passed, the blue faced barman he held out a hand and snapped his fingers. The demon dropped a brown paper bag full of blood bags into his outstretched hand.

He strode out into the night, his cool factor lost when his coat started to mew in stereo.

Spike paused and glanced down and grinned. 'So much for getting his rocks back! Look out the Big Bad kitten is coming!' He stifled a snort and looked around carefully before he dropped his hands into his pockets and pulled out the mewling kittens and looked them in the eyes.

"Now listen, you two. Behave." They regarded him solemnly and the white one yawned exposing a pink tongue and what appeared to be a fine set of fangs in the making.

Spike grinned. "Bloody charming! Not even two little fluffers respect me!" He tucked them back in his pockets. "Right, off we go." He strode off down the street. His blinding bright hair gleamed in the streetlights.

**********

Spike stumbled into his crypt juggling bags from "Pets are Us" trying to ignore the rising mews coming from the two furry beasts that were trying to escape the confines of his duster. It hadn't been easy doing a bit of B & E with the two kittens voicing their disapproval. However, he had managed and grabbed everything that he thought, that his two girls needed to take care of the new soon-to-be additions to the Summers’ house.

He hoped that Buffy would accept them and see them as the apology that he needed to make.

'Poor little girl doesn't fit in anywhere. She has no one to love.'

Spike rolled his head from side to side and groaned. It had to have been the adrenaline that made him say all those things to her! Finally able to fight her and the blood lust just took over. Then, in the space of seconds, minutes, their tentative friendship was shattered, in a flurry of fists and angry words.

But then, when she yanked his fly down and sank down on him he had felt like he was in heaven or as close to it as vamp would ever get.

Spike dropped the bags on the sarcophagus and pulled out his two temporary roommates, dropping them on his ratty armchair where they sat and watched him solemnly. He emptied out a box and popped in a worn black t-shirt and then lifted them in. They promptly curled up and went to sleep. Spike paused in his tracks and watched their furry bodies, curled around each other. His mind whirled as he wondered how the hell he was going to get them to Buffy and Dawn. He knew that the Slayer would probably throw a fit if he just turned up with them.

So he guessed that Dawn was the way to go. 'But how?'

He knew he was channeling his inner William by just considering giving the kittens to Buffy and Dawn but….

He flopped down into his armchair and pulled out his flask and took a long drink from it. Emptying it, he threw it across the crypt. His mind filled with images of that night.

'Christ! She had nearly burnt his dick off when she sank down on him for the first time and every other time after that!'

He reached for the ever-present bottle that was tucked down the side of the armchair and took a long pull and shook his head. The sex had been great.

Fuck that! It had been amazing and earth shattering.

Then it had all go to hell in the morning, the two of them had ended up spouting vitriol. He couldn't prevent the poisonous anger that had bubbled out of him, in reaction to her words. Within seconds of their arguing he knew that between them, they had shattered any hope of a truce.

His mouth had shot off before his brain could prevent it. Guess he had fried a few brain cells with the toe curling orgasms the Slayer had wrung out of his aching body. He banged his head on the worn headrest and then leapt to his feet and started pacing, ignoring the chafing in his jeans and the half-healed scratches on his back. The Slayer had been a wild cat. She had scratched the hell out of his back. And just about anywhere else she had managed to get her hands on. Thank Christ for vamp healing! Though, as he paused and pulled his black t-shirt away from his body and looked down his chest, he wished that he could keep the scratches longer, if only to prove to himself he hadn't dreamt it.

He paused mid-stride. His voice broke the silence of the dusty crypt.

"Gonna make it right… It has to get better… I know she felt something."

It had been the best night of his unlife. He had thought that they were finally back on an even footing when he realised that he could fight her again. He had missed the dance and in his euphoria he had been carried away. Being the idiot he was, he had as usual taken it too far. His plan had been to give her a few taps just to remind her who he was, to show her he wasn't some kind of fluffy puppy.

He had been the Scourge of Europe! He wasn't the Slayer's lapdog!

He snorted in contempt at his posturing

'Yeah right! Not her lapdog!'

He knew that she had him by the short and curlies, as did the Niblett. One big-eyed look from either of them and he would be on his knees. He was theirs as much as they were his.

Then, his words to her flashed through his head again. '…Came back wrong, fuck!'

What had he been thinking? Tell the girl you loved that she was a freak and what? He was surprised she had flipped out and run off virtue fluttering? The fear pouring off her had been palpable. "You're a right tosser, Spike, mate," he muttered under his breath as he reached for an axe. With a quick look over at the kittens to check they were asleep, he stalked out into the cemetery.

Spot of violence before bed might clear his head. He had to formulate a plan. He had to sort this out with the Slayer. She had to know that he would lay down his unlife for her and that he loved her.

Spike tripped over a fallen tombstone and lay sprawled on his face. Of course she didn't realise he was in love with her. Not after his choice words that morning! What had he been thinking?

He rolled over onto his back and screamed at the top of his lungs and then started laughing.

If Dru could see him now! Tripping over tombstones and contemplating gifts of the furry kind for the Slayer and her sis! How the mighty had fallen!

Then he heard the ground shifting and breaking to his right. He leapt to his feet as a fledgling pushed its head out of the freshly turned soil. One swing of the axe and the newborn vamp was dust.

Spike pulled out a cigarette and lit it. The flame illuminated his angular face for a second.

Then, he strode off into the night, leaving a trail of smoke behind.

**********

Willow stood at the end of the filthy alley, chewing her bottom lip, as she wrung her hands nervously. Looking over her shoulder to check that no one was behind her, she stepped forward. Then she paused shuffling her feet as she tried to move away, indecision showing in every line of her petite frame, but her bones ached and Rack's call echoed in her head. 'Come to me, Strawberry. You know I'll make it good. Just a taste and all will be well.' She stepped forward. There was a shimmer in the concealing field around Rack's den and Amy appeared, Rack stood just behind her, grinning in anticipation, watching his new girl coming towards him. She reached out and pulled the red-headed girl in.

Amy looked over her shoulder at Rack. She saw the anticipation on his scarred face. She shivered and reached for the door to his inner sanctum. Pushing it open, she stepped in. She knew that there was no way she could get away from him at the moment. She would have to bide her time. She felt sick with guilt. What had started out as a bit of fun, a power boost, a way to let loose after being literally caged for years! It had turned into something dark and terrifying, and then there was Willow. She looked over at her old school friend and shuddered. Willow had no idea what was going to happen to her. At this point she doubted Willow would even care. As long as she got her fix!

There was no going back now and Willow's body went limp. Her pulse raced at the anticipated high as she followed Rack into his inner sanctum.

**********

"Crap!" Buffy dropped the bags of films, chocolate, popcorn and melting ice cream on the crypt floor. Spike wasn't around. She reached over for a lit candle and cautiously walked around the bags and sat in the ratty armchair. She covered her face with her hands, her nerves were getting the better of her, and all her rehearsed speeches flew out of her mind.

She froze.

There was a scratching noise and a snuffling. ‘Demon!’

She reached for the ever-present stake in her waistband and cautiously stood up. The noise was coming from the far corner of the crypt and she edged slowly forward, her hand raised and her breathing even. As she got closer to the faint noises, her hand raised and she plunged the stake downwards.

"Buffy! No!"

She jumped, tripped forwards and fell to her knees. The stake skittered away from her hand.

'So much for Slayer grace and poise!' she thought ruefully, as her cheeks reddened in embarrassment.

Spike shot over and caught her small body in his arms and steadied her. He inhaled sharply at the contact of her supple form against his, which immediately sent his brain into meltdown. The mingled scents of perfume, Dawn and Buffy's unique scent overwhelmed him. He pulled her pliant body onto his lap and rested his cheek on the top of her head.

"Luv? You ok?"

He was thrilled that she was here in his crypt waiting for him. 'Hang on! Waiting for him with a stake in her hand? That's not good!'

He eased her relaxed body around so that he could see her face. Her eyes were tightly shut and her long lashes feathered over her flushed cheeks.

"Buffy, look at me, sweetheart."

She shook her head and burrowed her face into the leather of his duster.

'What the hell was going on with her?'

He had spent the last hour staking every vamp in sight and had beaten a green, slimey thing to an even bigger pile of green, slimey goo. He was feeling much better.

Now this. 'Please don't have been here to stake me, luv!' he pleaded mentally. Spike knew if that was why she had been waiting in his home, then, after the other night, he would not be able to stop her.

He froze when he felt a soft brush of slayer lips along his neck and then jumped as she bit down gently on his neck.

"Ahh… Love, just like that!"

He tilted his head allowing her more access to the sensitive skin on his neck, his dick jumped in unison with the next Slayer nibble on his earlobe. Unable to stop himself, he growled and pulled her closer. Slamming their lips together for a passionate but gentle kiss, he tried to convey his love and longing to her.

Buffy pulled him closer and wrapped her legs around his waist. She ground herself down on his rigid erection, causing them both to throw back their heads and gasp. Before they could continue, a chorus of mews broke their passionate haze.

Buffy cocked her head and raised a finely plucked brow at Spike.

"Is that the effect I have on you? You mew?" She grinned at him, amused at the affronted look he gave her.

"Yeh… Right luv, I know you've got the boys in a vice but…"

He growled dramatically and pushed Buffy onto her back, with a twist of his hips he settled between her legs. Spike then purred loudly at her, as his mouth descended and soft lips trailed down her neck.

Spike paused, cocking his head. 'Hang on. Who mewed?'

Buffy looked up at him in confusion. 'Why did he stop?' Her fingers massaged his pecs and her legs pulled his hips back down to her groin.

"Spike?" she pleaded. Her hot demanding hands pulled at his duster and slipped it off his shoulders.

"Hang on, love." He pulled away from Buffy's warm embrace and shot across the crypt.

She lay back on her elbows and watched her insane vamp muttering to under his breath and then he disappeared into the shadows. She gulped as she ran the last thought through her mind again. 'Her Vamp?' She grinned. ‘Yup, that sounded about right.

But no more smoochies, more talkies and home to Dawn,' she told herself firmly. She sat up and primly began to re-button her shirt. 'How does he undo them so quickly?' she wondered, but Spike's return distracted her.

"Oh, oh. They are adorable." She frowned, her hand paused mid stroke "You're not going to gamble with them are you?" Her eyes flashed green in anger.

"Oi! White flag, already. They're for you and the Nib!" He smiled nervously and ducked his head sheepishly, trying to avoid Buffy's searching gaze.

"For me?" Her bottom lip quivered and she reached over and gently picked up the blue-eyed ball of white fluff. She gingerly cradled the kitten to her neck. She shrieked as she felt a tiny rough tongue licking her neck.

"Oh, it's a mini Spike," she giggled at the affronted look being directed at her by the vampire. "Oh, come on. He's cute! It is a boy isn't it?" Spike shrugged.

"No idea, love. Want to play doctor?" He waggled his tongue at her before curling it over his teeth.

"Ewww! Gross, Spike!" She wrinkled her nose at him and giggled. Spike's scarred brow shot up. Buffy giggled! He grinned at her thrilled, as her soft giggles filled the crypt.

"Oh my god. I forgot Dawn!" She rushed over to the door and then stopped.

Spike kicked at the dirt on the floor. 'Great a little progress and off she runs virtue all a flutter.'

"Spike… Spike? Pick up the bags! Come on. Dawn's waiting for us."

Startled, he looked over at his impatient lover and saw her standing at the door, kitten in hand and struggling to pick up all the bags scattered across the floor.

"Damn. The ice cream is melting. Come on! Hurry! We've got to get it into a freezer. Dawn will kill me if her cookie dough turns into cookie goo."

Confused, he just stood and stared at her, wondering what the hell was going on. Spike jumped when he felt the needle picks of tiny claws in his abdomen, he looked down at the kitten that was kneading his shirt with very sharp claws.

"Me?" He cursed mentally when his voice cracked.

"Yes. You. Get your stuff and come on. Dawn’s waiting, at home for us."

"Us?"

"Oh boy! Spike's brain has vacated the building." She snarked gently at the peroxide vamp, who still hadn't moved an inch.

"You" she pointed at the vamp. "Come… home... with... me... and... kittens. Dawn... waiting. Pick... up... bags and walk... with... me." She enunciated her words slowly and carefully, hoping that the normally sharp vamp would eventually catch on.

"Oh. Right! Coming." Spike reached over and grabbed various bags and tucked them under one arm. He shoved the kitten in his pocket and then offered his free arm to Buffy. He held his breath waiting, daring the Slayer to comment on his chivalry.

Buffy curled her hand primly over his forearm, without a comment. She reached up and planted a soft kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you, Spike. I love William." She grinned cheekily up at the horrified vamp's face.

"William?" he spluttered "William? Now, love, please," he begged.

"Aww, come on, Spike. He's a perfect you. White hair, blue eyes and attitude! He's a mini you. Shall I call him Spike?" she asked archly as they circumnavigated around a tombstone.

"No! No! William is fine, not Spike. No way, never. The Whelp would have a field day."

"Ok, William it is!" Buffy snuggled the kitten under her chin and then batted her eyelashes up at Spike. "But, Spike, we do have to talk and soon."

Spike frowned worriedly. He hoped he would survive the "Talk" with all his bits intact.

**********

Wave after wave of orgasmic pleasure flooded the red-headed witch as she floated higher and higher.

"Like that, Strawberry?" Rack spun Willow's relaxed, small body around the room before blasting her again with a crackle of power.

"Want some more?" He laughed, thrilled that she had answered his calls. This one was powerful and he knew that she was almost ripe for the plucking.

Willow moaned. Her eyes opened and a jet-black darkness filled them as she came again and again.

Amy sat next to Rack and watched the redhead, worrying.

‘How the hell were they going to get out of here?’

Rack sent another final blast at Willow and watched her writhe in ecstasy as she floated slowly down from the ceiling, into his waiting arms. He pulled her close and kissed her gasping mouth violently. He watched her delirious face carefully as his hand slid up her skirt to the juncture of her thighs.

"Ahhh, there you are, Strawberry. I wonder if the rest of you is as sweet."

His scarred face loomed over Willow's and he kissed her again as his fingers slid upwards.

Amy watched horrified, as Rack molested one of her few friends, but knowing his power over her, she didn’t say anything.

**********

A phone rang, breaking the silence of the Magic Box and the answer-phone clicked on.

Anya's voice filled the darkened shop.

"This is the Magic Box. We are here to service your magical needs, so please leave a message after the beep and I will call you back for your money."

"Hello. This is a message for a Mr Giles…”

Spike nearly tripped over his Docs trying to catch Buffy's eyes. Her complete about face was more than a little disconcerting. One minute he was sitting in his crypt alone, shattered and contemplating the feasibility of death by whisky.

Then, he's staggering three sheets to the wind through a moonlit graveyard looking for a fight and trying to understand the workings of the female mind. 'Good luck with that!'

An hour later, he's rolling around on the crypt floor with his arms full of a warm and willing slayer. He was terrified that if he said something then he would wake up from this amazing dream.

'What a bleedin ponce!' He mentally kicked himself and tried to keep pace with his determined little Slayer, as she strode towards Revello Drive. She was chattering away like a blue jay. He focused on her last words.

"Nibblet said what?"

He stopped in his tracks as finally got the gist of Buffy's babbling. His little bit had been onto them all along. He grinned. A genuine smile crossed his sharp features. His azure eyes lit up with a surprised gleam.

"She knows about us? Did you tell? What did she say? She's not gonna have a go is she?" 'Couldn't get anything past his Nib!' he thought proudly. ‘Sharp as a tack, that one. Takes after her mum!'

"In order of your questions… Yes, she knows. She sort of worked it out herself but…" Her words tumbled nervously out of her mouth.

"I kinda did tell her." She stepped over to Spike and ran her fingers over his lips. Spike leaned into her touch like a big cat, enjoying her hot little fingers touching him so gently rather than in anger.

"She was psyched and so grown up, but at the same time screaming like a lunatic. Best of all she loves us! She loves the idea of us! And she is going to back us up the whole way. And, no, she isn't gonna have a go." With her last words Buffy tried to mimic Spike's North London accent, very badly. She grinned up at the pole-axed vamp, delighted that she had finally found a way to stem the usual flow of words that accompanied Spike.

He snorted and pulled out a cigarette and lit it with trembling hands, completely overcome with emotion. 'Some big bad, you prat!' He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with smoke to steady himself.

"She doesn't mind?" he asked, stunned and more than a little bit stressed. He exhaled a plume of smoke and squinted at Buffy through the smoke that curled around his head, a questioning look in his blue eyes.

"Nope, but she is expecting to do your nails tonight!" Buffy grinned and spun on her heel and danced away. Tossing her hair coyly over her shoulder, she glanced back at the vamp and waggled her fingers at him.

"Come on. The ice cream is in serious danger of meltage! I'm starving and so is William. Aren't you, baby?" she cooed to the bemused little fluffer. She smiled. This was so much better than hiding behind a curtain of garlic and clutching a crucifix. She was under no illusions that this was going to be easy but with Dawn on their side, it would make things easier.

"Right… Right then. Off we go, milady." Spike shot past her and scooped her hand into his and twined their fingers together. Secretly, he was thrilled at being able to initiate such a simple contact without her turning on him, kicking him in the head and running away to hide in her ivory tower.

Buffy laced her fingers firmly with Spike's, her thumb caressing the back of his cool hand in small circular motions. 'Who'd have thunk the big bad was a hand-holder?' Buffy realised that she'd never let him touch her like this before. The swiftness with which he had initiated the handholding made her wonder how starved he was for contact.

She felt awful. He must have been so lonely.

Vague recollections of Giles in the library at high school lecturing her on vampire clans flitted through her mind. She could see him in her mind’s eye, glasses in hand and a look of exasperation in his eyes. Frustration filled his countenance as she sat picking at her nails, pretending she wasn't listening. Little did he know! Every word he spoke she absorbed and filed away.

She had to remember.

It was a matter of life and death. Her life or her death!

They were familial and very close knit, despite the blood and sex. They had a dependency on each other for comfort and support. Masters, childer and minions all in a hierarchical structure, laws to define their positions in their family. Despite their soulnessness, they cared for each other, never alone.

They fed, played and fucked.

She looked up at Spike and felt a twinge of sympathy. He hadn't had that for so long, not since he and Dru had first come to Sunnydale. Then, it had gone all to hell!

Angelus and Dru had hooked up in front of him, leaving the desperate vamp with no options but to turn to his mortal enemy.

They flaunted their affair in front of him.

Angelus had been particularly cruel, knowing that Spike was helpless. Also knowing that Dru was fickle he had revelled in breaking Spike’s spirit, by taking his dark goddess away from him. During their long talking sessions on the porch, Spike had finally opened up about those terrible months at the mansion.

It was then that she really began to hate Drusilla. The bitch had dropped her lover and protector of over a century in seconds for her ‘Daddy’.

At first she didn’t want to know, but it was like a car wreck, you couldn’t look away!

She had wondered about Angel and Dru. But to hear what they had got up to had broken her heart just a bit more. What had surprised her was that her heart had broken not because of Angel’s infidelity, but because of what it had done to the sensitive blonde vamp.

He had hesitated in telling her. “Not wanting to tell tales out of school,” was how he had put it, but she had pushed and prodded, wanting to hear it all. During those long conversations, she had finally put the ghost of Angel and their romance behind her. It had been liberating and finally she was freed from her first love. She had been surprised that the pre-chip Spike had been strong enough to stand up to his vampire family and turn to her for help.

The Slayer.

The one that had put him in a wheelchair in the first place, leaving him unable to fight for his lover. She had been his only chance to recover Dru from her twisted sire. Worst of all, she was the same mortal enemy that had released Angelus. His offer of a truce and help in saving the world for Manchester United and all the Happy meals with legs, yuck, illustrated the level of his desperation.

After that he had never really recovered Dru or anything else. He had broken a cardinal vampiric code, turning against his clan master and throwing in his lot with the 'White Hats'.

Then, the Initiative had captured him and put the chip in, ensuring that there was no way, he would ever be accepted by the vampiric community. What had the resilient vamp then done? He had turned to the Scoobies despite their very obvious reluctance to help. They had gradually started to assist him and in turn, he them.

After more than a few 'mishaps', like Adam, Spike had managed to forge himself a new clan, with her reluctant friends and family. She wondered if he had even realised what he had unconsciously done? His bonds with Dawn and Mom had gradually grown, from an axe to the head, to hot chocolate and marshmallows. And with it a new family had gradually evolved for him to nurture, and in turn be there for him to be nurtured by.

"You're mine, you know." She really needed to reassure him. Buffy knew the transition wasn't going to be easy; she needed him to know that he belonged to her and to Dawn.

"Have been from the moment I saw you. It just took me a while to realise it, sweetheart." Spike gave her a gentle half-smile and then winced.

"What? What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

"No, love, but Dawn's little friend here is using my coat as a scratching post!" He looked down. "At least he's not using it as a litter tray!" Buffy pulled a face and then looked down at her kitten and then started to walk a bit faster, tugging Spike behind her.

As they reached the end of the street Buffy's thoughts returned to her friends and she started worrying again about what their reactions were going to be.

'Giles is no longer an issue,' she thought bitterly, as they walked.

He was not around to cluck at her anymore. Hell, he wanted her to make her own decisions and grow up. Well, this was her decision, so there! She was tired of living up to their expectations. She wondered if Giles’ leaving was because she wasn't the same Buffy as before... If so, too bad.

This is the Buffy they got back and they would have to deal. She was starting to.

She had been pulled from Heaven and forced to crawl out of her grave.

Two things that were going to freak out even the strongest person.

So, it was taking her while to adjust but she was getting there.

One of the main reasons for that was walking beside her. She chewed her bottom lip worrying at the same raw piece of skin. She knew Giles would be disappointed with her choices but then of course he'd taken a few interesting turns in his life, especially during his Ripper days, so he really didn't have a leg to stand on.

Ok, so maybe, he had never taken a vamp as a lover. Well not that he had admitted to, but, he had walked on the ‘dark side’, and there was no saying he hadn’t dabbled in any interspecies sexage!

Xander and Willow were going to be a huge problem, but as Dawn said they also had a chequered past. She would hate it if they turned on her but after everything they had done to her recently, she would cope. As long as she had Dawn and Spike, it would be all right. Summers united!

'Oh! God!'

Xander was going to explode and rant and rave at her. He would make all their lives hell. It was not going to be pretty. A nasty niggling thought shot through her mind. Mostly, he'd be jealous that it wasn't him.

'No. Bad Buffy! Don't go there!'

But then again, after his attempt to ask her out in the Quad at school she really never felt as comfortable with him as she had before. She was relieved when he had started dating Cordy and then Anya.

The hyena possession and his attempted rape in the faculty room had left a bitter aftertaste in her mouth. Even all these years later, she hadn't managed to forget the sensation of his hands on her. All those awful words he had spouted at her still made her sick to her stomach, all of which she was POSITIVE he remembered. Yuck!

She was sure that he still felt something for her. It had been real obvious with all the snarking at Angel. He was always getting nasty little digs about the en-souled vampire and his relationship with Buffy. He had made his obssesso feelings real apparent. She ignored them, not really knowing what she could do about him or his feelings.

What she didn't get was who had elected him the arbiter of who she dated.

She still couldn't believe how easily he had talked her into running after Riley, playing on her fears of not having a 'normal' relationship and also on her terror of being alone. He hadn’t taken seriously anything she had said about the vamp-whore. He acted as if it was no problem! Which in itself was weird considering his hatred of vamps!

She wondered if he had talked her into chasing after Riley because he was human. Xander’s prejudice was something they were all aware of. But would his bigotry extend so far as to talking her into staying with the soldier? Even though, by doing so, he was exposing her and by association everyone she cared about to the danger of him being turned. Something, that could have easily happened, what if he had paid the wrong type of vamp-whore to suck on him? She could have gone a bit further and turned her customer? According to Giles and Anya it was something that happened all the time!

How could Xander really have wanted her to stay with Riley? Even knowing about the suckfests he was paying for!

‘I guess if he couldn’t have me, then Riley was better than Angel or Spike!’

She knew that he hated Spike not only because he was a vampire, but, more importantly because he was interested in her. That was a no no as far as Xander was concerned.

If it hadn't been for Spike she might have not found out until it was too late. She could have woken up to Riley's fangs in her throat. She had been insane with anger at the peroxide vamp at the time. She knew Spike had ulterior motives - splitting them up.

Nevertheless, he had saved her from an enormous mistake and probably saved her life! Mental note. 'Must thank Spike and buy him a big present!'

She kicked at a rock on the sidewalk and watched it skitter across onto the verge.

'Man, I wish Xander would just get over it!'

There was no way, no how, that she was going to wake up one morning and say 'Oooh! Hey, Xand's the one for me!'

She looked around guiltily. Maybe that was a bit harsh, but then again it's not like anyone could hear her!

"Why doesn't Xander like me dating the supernatural?" Spike started and looked at her, completely mystified.

"What did you say, luv?" He frowned at the top of Buffy's head as she gazed at her shoes.

"Nothing. Just thinking big thoughts." She snuck a look up at him and then reached up and brushed her lips over his scarred brow. "Come on. We're almost home."

'Home!'

Spike tried to suppress the warmth that spread through him, with that simple word. The feeling that it evoked was alien to him. It had been a long time since he had anywhere to call home. Knocking around with Peaches and his undead brides certainly hadn't inspired a feeling of security.

'He was.. and still is a prat with Drac envy. Why had no one else picked up on that affectation?'

Being with them certainly hadn't felt like home. He flicked his half-finished cigarette across the street, watching the glowing sparks as they faded and died.

Meanwhile, Buffy's thoughts returned to her friends. Willow was a bit different. Buffy had no idea what was going on with her.

If it had been Willow at high school or even college freshman Willow, she would have been easy to talk to, but now?

Buffy had no idea who this Willow was.

The Wills she had known last year would never have put Dawnie or anyone else in danger. She also knew that if she tried to talk to her best friend about Spike there was no way she would get a fair hearing. The Wiccan was too immersed in her own problems and there was no way, no how, that she wanted to provoke her unstable friend. Or even add to her troubles, 'cause knowing Willow, she would make it into a huge thing and all her fault. She would say that the resurrection had warped Buffy's mind and her taste in men!

Argh. Then, there would be the recriminations, then, even worse, the dreaded research and finally, the finger-pointing.

Buffy was worried that anything too extreme, and her dating Spike would qualify as being extreme in Willow's book, would trigger a 'lets fix this with magic' episode. And at the moment Buffy was way too worried that Willow would do something magical and hurt Dawn again.

She felt like a hostage in her own home, she had no idea what to do and how to make it all better. She also felt more than a little guilty. She was sure that raising her had contributed to Willow's problems. ‘But,' she thought resentfully, 'it wasn't like she had asked Wills to do it.'

After hearing what Giles had said in the kitchen that night, the arrogant 'tude that Willow had flaunted when the two of them had been arguing had more than creeped her out. Spike's presence that night had stopped her bawling her eyes out on the porch. He always managed to be there whenever she was feeling her worst.

'I wonder how he does that?'; His silent presence at her side that night had soothed her and his crazy schemes to help her out financially had made her smile.

She couldn't forgive Giles for bolting and leaving the whole mess in her lap.

What the hell was she going to do, because apart from Tara none of the others had called Wills on her weirdo behaviour? Instead they stuck their heads in the sand, or should she say, wedding plans and pretended nothing was going on.

Also, if she hurt Dawn again it was sooo over. She knew that there was no way a chip was going to stop Spike from stepping in.

She thought back to that night they had found Dawn broken and bleeding, and how Spike had hovered over his 'Nibblet' like a mother hen, whisking her off to emergency without a word being said. Just the same, Buffy had seen the struggle with his demon as he vamped out briefly, before silently urging her to turn back and scrape her sobbing friend off the ground. Without a word, she knew that he would look after Dawn and get her home. Unlike Willow, who had cried about her problems and not asked after Dawn until she was tucked up in bed.

A niggling petty thought occurred to her. ’Why is she in my mom's room? Also, shouldn’t she be paying rent?’

Oh grow up Buffy!' She mentally slapped herself.

Anya wouldn't care either way and Tara would probably just smile at her and give her a hug. She hoped so anyway.

One thing she had to thank Willow for recently was her dating Tara. She was probably the kindest and most decent person she had ever met. Buffy always found that when she was talking with or even just in the same room as the gentle Wiccan, she was at peace and felt safe.

But basically, despite all her worries as to how they would react to her and Spike, she was still really angry that they assumed that she was in Hell and not at peace.

"Luv, what serious thoughts you're having." Spike looked down at her with a concerned gaze. His eyes clouded with worry. Buffy just smiled and pulled him closer.

"Why didn't they realise I was in Heaven?" Her voice shook slightly. Spike pulled her to his side, pressed his lips to her temple and kissed her.

"No idea, love. No idea." He tried to keep the unadulterated anger out of his voice. His contempt for her Scoobies multiplied on hearing the anguish in her voice.

* * * * *

"Wait! No! What are you doing?" Willow struggled groggily out of Rack's arms and stumbled backwards. Her eyes flickering from green to black and then back again. She pulled her skirt down and shivered in horror as to how close he had gotten to her.

"I... I... Have to go!"

She turned and ran from the dirty rundown room out into the alleyway, trying to swallow her nausea. She fell to her knees and threw up. Feeling dirty and violated, she lurched up and staggered off into the night, unaware that Rack stood watching, furious that he had lost his prize.

He turned to Amy.

“She'll be back."

Amy shivered in fear for a second. Rubbing her hands up and down her arms, she stumbled away the warlock. Rack reached out and grabbed her by the back of the neck and peered into her eyes. His grip tightened. She winced. He tightened his hold and shook her.

“What are you thinking, Ratty?”

Amy closed her eyes. Tears of pain leaked down her quivering cheeks. She was terrified.

She bit her lip and looked up at her tormentor. "Please, please do me," she begged.

"All in good time. Just make sure she comes back. Now, get out of here."

Rack pushed the begging witch away. With a final wave of his hands, he blasted her with a dose of one of his specials. Amy lurched forward, fell to her knees and sighed with relief.

"Don't worry. I’ll bring her back." With that, Amy staggered out of the room, shaking with relief. He had bought her act!

Now she just had to get out and find Willow. She knew that he would be watching her, so she had to make sure Rack didn’t suspect anything. If she could get them under cover of some of her wards, then they could regroup. Maybe Buffy could help. Or that weird girl Anya, She must know something about magic! After all, she ran the Magic Box.

Yeah, the Slayer and her friends could probably take down Rack.

That’s if she could get away from him and get to them.

* * * * *

Tara looked up from her files and frowned. She felt something waver around her for a second. The candles flickered and then dimmed slightly. She shivered and pulled her robe tightly around her shoulders.

There was something wrong. Something was very wrong indeed.

Miss Kitty looked over at the window. Her fur stood up on end and she dove under the bed.

Tara reached out for her chamomile tea. Cradling the warm mug in her hands, she sipped it slowly, relishing the soothing heat as it calmed her. She shuddered and looked out over the deserted campus, wondering what had happened. She intuitively knew it had to be Willow, but there was nothing she could do.

Willow would have to find her own way, just as she had done all those years ago.

Sighing, she blew out the candles one by one and stumbled tiredly to her lonely bed. She lay there and stared at the ceiling. Tears rolled down her cheeks and soaked her fair hair. It had all gone so wrong and she had no idea how to fix it.

She knew that things would get worse and she was terrified that someone was going to get hurt.

The phone rang, breaking the silence of the tiny dorm room.

"Hello?"

"Tara? It's me, Dawn."

"Honey, what are you doing calling so late?"

"Uhm, Tara its 8.30 what are you talking about?"

"What?" the blonde witch peered over at her alarm clock.

"Yes, Tara you're getting old!" Dawn teased gently. "Look, I was wondering if you'd come over tomorrow, I really want to talk with you. There's so much that's happened, Willow broke my arm and Buffy…"

"Willow did what?" Tara sat up in bed and reached out, switching on her bedside lamp. Chills of fear ran down her spine. "Dawnie, what happened? Willow hurt you?" Tara was horrified. All her fears were manifesting.

"Look, hold on. I'm coming over to see you." Tara didn't hear Dawn say not to come over as she had already hung up. She ran around her room, grabbing her clothes and a bag of supplies.

Pulling the door shut behind her, Tara ran off down the corridor and out into the silent campus.

Tara stumbled and fell, dropping her bag. She scrabbled at her scattered supplies and shoved them back into her purse. Her hands were shaking as she stood up. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm down.

* * * * *

Willow staggered down Main Street. Her only focus was to get somewhere familiar so she could ride out whatever Rack had shot into her system.

Her pupils were dilated and her eyes were flashing from green to black.

Shot through with red sparks.

Her skin, normally pale, was ashen and she was trembling so hard that her teeth were chattering. Passers-by quickly skirted around the slender girl, some of them tutting in disgust at her stoned state. Willow was oblivious. Her only focus was to get somewhere safe and ride out the high.

In the distance, Willow made out the sign for the Magic Box. A wave of relief rushed over her. If she could only get there, then she could sleep in Buffy's training room. At least, there, no one would see her and she could recover in peace.

She reached the front door and with a whispered incantation the door swung open. Willow stumbled in, sealing the door shut behind her. Her only focus was to get to the training mats in the back room and get some sleep.

She was unaware that as she walked past display cases, the glass exploded and books flew across the room. A wave of destruction continued in her wake. Orbs of Thessula exploded and crystal geodes shattered. The jars of herbs on the shelves behind the counter cracked, pouring their contents onto Anya's spotless floor. The antiquated cash till started spewing notes and coins, ringing up sale after sale.

Pushing the door to the training room open, Willow staggered in, oblivious to the destruction behind her. She fell into the moonlit room and passed out on the mats.

* * * * *

"Here we are." Buffy's voice broke the silence that surrounded the two of them. She fumbled with the door and pushed it open.

The warmth and light of the Summers house flooded out and she tugged Spike inside.

"Dawn, we’re home." she chirped.

"We're in here." Dawn slid round the corner from the kitchen into the empty dining room. "Tara came over, she was worried."

"Hi, Buffy. Oh, Spike, you're here." Before Tara could continue, Dawn interrupted her with a shriek.

"Oh, oh, oh! Look at the cutie!" William blinked up at the entranced teen and yawned. Unimpressed with all the excitement, he closed his eyes and fell back to sleep.

"No!" Buffy spun away. She couldn't resist teasing her taller sibling. "He's mine."

"Niblet, here you go." Spike scooped out the ginger-furred kitten and deposited it into Dawn's waiting hands. He patted inside his pocket, checking for wet patches. Luckily there were none!

It was love at first sight. Dawn tucked the kitten into her sling and flung her free arm around the bemused vampire.

"Thank you! Thank You! It is for me? Right?"

"Yes, luv, and here’s everything you both need to get you started." Spike began to push the full 'Pets Are Us' bags onto the table. He upended them, their contents poured out all over the place.

Tara looked over at the vamp and smiled. Despite all that the others said about vamps she could see that this one loved. His aura was glowing with affection as he watched Dawn, stroking and cooing at her new friend. She paused for a second and frowned.

Buffy’s aura and Spike’s were practically a reflection of each other. They were golden, tinged with purples and silver. As they stepped closer to each other their auras, entwined and began to glow brightly.

‘Wow!’ Tara stared at the two of them. Their hands touched briefly. With the small contact, the purple colours of their auras mingled and pulsed.

‘They’re in love.’ Tara was mesmerized. Dawn’s voice broke her musings.

"Is it a boy or girl?" she asked.

"I don't know, but this is William." Buffy answered for him as she held out her sleeping prize for inspection. Spike gritted his teeth, ignoring the snorts from both Tara and Dawn.

"Sweetie, let me see." Tara gestured to the ginger fluff ball. She paused and studied it for a second. "It's a girl."

"Cool!" Dawn smiled maliciously at Buffy for a split second. "Welcome to the family, Anne."

"What? No! You can't do that," Buffy protested. She stomped her foot down on Spike's Doc as he doubled over with silent laughter.

"Thanks, Nib. Payback’s a bitch, eh, luv?" He quirked his scarred brow at the seething blonde next to him and then turned to Dawn with a smile.

“So are you going to get these two settled?”

“Sure. I have to get a box and set up their tray.”

“Dawnie, I’ll help you. We need two boxes and a couple of shirts. One of yours and one of Buffy’s, that way they will recognize your scents.” Tara began to scoop up the various boxes and cans. “Come help me with this stuff and we’ll find a place for their food.”

“She’s a wise bird that one,” Spike commented, as he extracted the white kitten from Buffy’s arms. He headed into the kitchen with his prize. He was back in moments and sat down next to Buffy on the sofa. His arm slid across the back and then dropped down onto her shoulders.

Buffy snuggled her head onto his shoulder and sighed happily.

Spike buried his face in her hair and inhaled her sweet scent.

“Spike?”

“Hmmm.”

“You know how I said we needed to talk?”

“Yeah..” Spike’s arm tightened around her shoulders.

“Well,” her fingers trailed up and down on his denim-clad thigh.

Spike, clenched his teeth, trying to will away his very obvious reaction to her soft touch. Buffy grinned at the sight of his erection straining against his much-abused fly.

“What is it, luv?” His voice was strained. His leg jumped as her hand slid higher.

“I was thinking…” Her voice trailed off, she sat up and swung her leg over Spike’s. She straddled him and then cupped his chin in her hands. “Open your eyes.” she whispered.

Spike looked up at her flushed and uncertain face.

“Spike, I want this to stop.”

He froze.

“What?” He hissed at her, conscious of teenage ears that could pickup just about anything.

“No! No, not us..” She paused and pecked a gentle kiss on his open mouth. “Come on. Let’s sit out on the swing.” She pulled him up.

“Tara, Dawn, we’ll be on the porch. Call us when you are ready to order a take out. Okay?”

“Fine,” Dawn yelled.

She slid the front door shut behind her. Spike was already slouched on the swing. He pushed it gently with his feet.

“How come I feel like a spotty git waiting for a fumble in the dark?” He grinned up at the blonde girl, as she sat down next to him.

She laughed and shook her head at him.

“Spike. What I wanted to say was. Well. Ummm. When Dawn and I were talking, I realised I want more.” She picked up his hands and held them in her own, very much like he had held hers the night she had returned from the grave. He squeezed her fingers gently.

Spike kept quiet. This was important. He needed the Slayer to talk this out. Either way, it was up to her. He listened to her heartbeat, trying to gauge her feelings.

Surprisingly, it was even and steady.

“Spike.” Her soft voice broke his concentration. He looked into her eyes.

“I’m all ears, pet.”

“I want this, us, to be more. To be better.” She paused and smiled.

“Look, I know we didn’t really start off on the right foot, but, luv, I understand.” Spike interrupted. She pressed her lips to his. Her tongue snaked out and she tasted his bottom lip.

“I mean, the sex is fantastic.” Her comment earned her a smirk. “But I want us to be more. I want the whole thing.”

“Flowers, chocolates, candles and romance?” he asked.

“Yeah. But also no more hiding. I want a relationship. No more hitting each other.”

“What? No training?” Spike interrupted.

“Okay, but no hitting outside of the mats. I don’t want Dawn to think that it’s normal for a couple. I mean, the only other example of a hetero relationship is Xander and Anya.” She shuddered.

“I get it, pet.” Spike leaned over and brushed his lips against her temple. He paused and savoured her warmth. “So, you’re ready to come out?”

“What? No! Not gay... Oh!” She blushed, embarrassed at her dumb blondeness.

“Yes,” she whispered softly.

“Good.” Spike clapped his hands together. He was elated. This was more than he had ever expected. He pulled her close and his lips crashed down onto hers. He kissed her softly. His teeth nipped gently at her full lips. Buffy moaned and pulled him closer. Her fingers tightened around his head, pulling at his hair and loosening it into curls.

“Buffy? Sorry to interrupt but Dawnie is getting hungry and well...” Tara was blushing as she caught the two of them mid-kiss.

“Hey, Tara!” Buffy popped up and straightened her blouse. Spike’s wandering hands had pulled it from her waistband.

“Tara, we have something to tell you. Well, Spike and I, um, we’ve been seeing each other. It’s sorta new and we wanted you to be one of the first to know. I mean, Dawn knows and now you. But then again, what with the smoochies, I guess it would be pretty hard to miss.” Buffy pulled Spike to his feet and wrapped her arms around his waist. She couldn’t stop babbling, her nerves were getting the better of her.

“I noticed,” Tara commented dryly. A lopsided grin crossed her face. “I wish you two could see your auras. They are beautiful, so in sync. Congratulations.” She reached over and hugged them both.

“You’re not bothered, Glinda?”

“Nope.”

“Tara, are you sure?”

“Yep.”

“No ‘go near her and I’ll stake you’?”

“Nope, though if you upset her or hurt her, then all bets are off. I know a few curses that can reaaally affect a man.” She batted her eyelashes at the agitated vampire.

Spike’s hands dropped over his groin.

“Hey! Tara, leave little Spike alone,” Buffy interjected, giggling. The relief could be heard in her voice.

“Oi! Less of the little, Slayer.” Spike patted the area in question. He looked slightly offended.

“Awww, poor Spikey!” Buffy tilted her head up and kissed him on the throat. He growled at her use of that much-hated nickname! It brought back too many memories of another blonde. Buffy grinned wickedly at him and mouthed Blondie Bear at him.

“Come on, guys, let’s order some Chinese and I want to know when this all started.” Tara pulled them both inside, trying not to laugh at the expression on Spike’s face.

"Uhm, I hate to be a party pooper, but where is Willow?" Buffy asked.

* * * * *

Amy reached her mother’s old car without any interference from Rack.

Her hands shook, as she tried to get the keys into the ignition.

‘Finally!’

The engine turned over and the car shot out of the filthy alley.

“She's not here, pet.”

Spike could only sense three human heartbeats. The thrum of the two kittens’ rapid hearts were a low counterpoint to the girls’.

Tara opened her mouth and then paused. Worry etched her normally calm face.

Dawn snorted and swept off into the kitchen to open up a tin of kitten food and to get some milk out of the fridge, cooing softly at her ginger fur ball.

Buffy frowned up at Spike.

“Where could she be? She was here just before I headed out.” She paused. “Wait. No. She wasn't studying. She must have gone out while Dawn and I were talking.”

Spike shrugged. He pulled off his duster and dropped it over the banister, stretching his arms towards the ceiling with a feline grace.

'Yum,’ Buffy thought, as she watched the thin strip of pale flesh that appeared at the join of his black jeans and t-shirt. A fine down of dark hair disappearing into his waistband flashed at her for a split second.

‘Pointing the way to paradise!’ Buffy mentally smacked herself. ‘Down, girl! You can get some special Spike luvin' later.’

His spine and shoulders cracked loudly, breaking the worried silence.

'Okay, not so sexy. Yuck!’ Buffy mentally winced.

Before any of them could say anything, the telephone rang. Dawn's voice could be heard from the kitchen.

“Hey, Xander… What? No, Buffy's here. Yeah, hang on. I'll get her.” Dawn ducked her head round the kitchen door.

“Buffy, Xander wants to talk to you. The alarm's gone off at the Magic Box. He is heading over there…” Buffy grabbed the phone from her hand.

“Hey! Rude much?”

“Xan, what's wrong?” Spike and Tara watched the Slayer as she twisted the telephone wire around one of her thin fingers. A small frown creased her forehead.

“No, it's ok. We'll meet you there. No. Wait outside in the car until we get there.”

“What's up, luv?”

Buffy turned to the black-clad vampire.

“We have to go. Someone or something has triggered the wards Anya had set up at the shop.”

She turned toward the kitchen and spotted Dawn stroking the two kittens. “But, I can't just leave Dawn…”

“I'll stay here with her. You and Spike, go help Xander.” Tara offered. She picked up Spike's duster and handed it to him.

“Go on, we'll be alright. Just call me once you've checked the shop. I can reset the wards from here.”

Buffy smiled her thanks to the gentle Wiccan.

“Spike, weapons.” She nodded to the chest that sat in the corner of the hall.

“On it.” He reached in and pulled out an axe and a couple of stakes. Deftly avoiding the crosses that littered the chest, he threw a small hurling axe over to Buffy and then pulled on his coat.

“Buffy.” Tara touched the slayer's arm to get her attention. “Something happened out there tonight. I… I felt something dark drawing power from somewhere.” She paused, looking over her shoulder to ensure that Dawn was preoccupied with the kittens. Spike had moved closer to the two girls, concern etching deep lines around his mouth.

“Glinda, what was it?”

“Spike, it was cold and it felt terrible. I don't know what it was, but the surge came from close by.” She paused for a second trying to recapture the feeling of the moment. Then, she realised something. “It was cloaked, sort of muffled. But still I felt it!” She shuddered. “It felt dirty and dangerous. Both of you, please, please be careful!” She looked at the two black-clad warriors, who were watching her with concern. “I'll watch over Dawn. Don't worry about us. Just be safe. Please.” She whispered a few words of protection over the two of them.

Buffy was a bit taken aback by the intensity of Tara's warning, but there was nothing that could be done. She had to go. That was her job.

“Dawn back in a bit! We have to check the Magic Box with Xander.”

“Okay, see yah.”

“Tara is staying with you, just order in. Get some extra for us, we’ll warm it up when we get back.”

“Yes! Go, Buffy. I'll be fine. Spike, just take her and go.” Dawn smiled over at her friend. She trotted over and gave him a gentle kiss on his cheek.

“Thanks for Anne.” She grinned at her fish-mouthing sister and bounced back to the kittens.

“Come on, Anne. Let’s go.” Spike smirked at the fuming blonde and held open the door for her.

* * * * *

“Oh Goddess, it hurts…”

Willow curled into a tighter ball. Her slender frame was wracked with uncontrollable shakes. Small, red sparks shot into the air and she moaned. Her head was spinning and there was no way she could sleep.

She vaguely wondered if it would ever stop hurting.

She wanted.

No. Needed the rush…

The high she had attained with Rack was now a distant memory. She needed to get back to him, now!

It had felt so good. But now it hurt. She needed to get another hit.

She rolled onto her knees and began to crawl slowly towards the door. Another spasm stalled her slow progress and she fell face forwards onto the wooden floor, unconscious. Her red hair fanned over her face, which twisted in agony as black veins appeared. Her ashen skin contrasted briefly with them until they receded.

* * * * *

The two black-clad figures of Buffy and Spike stalked down Revello Drive, their bright hair a counterpoint to the darkness.

“Tara seemed power freaked, didn't she?” Buffy queried her silent companion at arms.

“Eh? Sorry, luv. Was miles away… What did you say?”

“Tara, power freaked. Chanting at us. What was that all about?”

“Something is up. She can sense things. Haven't you ever watched her? She sorta phases out and then, wham, she's back.” He clapped his hands together to emphasise his point.

“What? No. I mean I never saw her do anything like that. How do you know she does that?”

“Luv, she's real special. There's a power in her. I guess my demon senses it.” Spike pondered his statement for a second.

“She's a lot more than Willow's girl. But then again, maybe that's all she wanted people to see her as. Now? Well, now, there isn't that element to her and…”

“Maybe she's more confident?” Buffy queried.

“Yeah, there's that and she... Damn it! I can't put my finger on it.” He growled, frustrated, raking his hands through his bleached hair, curls springing up haphazardly.

‘Aww! He looks so cute when he is frustrated. Makes me want to cuddle him, stroke his hair and tell him it will be alright!’

“What? Tell me!” One thing Buffy knew about Spike was he could read anyone and any situation within seconds.

She knew that if Spike sensed something then it was there. But what did he see in Tara?

“Luv, its like this. She glows.” He stopped and smiled. ‘Effulgent,’ he thought. “I mean all of us just saw her as Willow’s quiet, shy bird. But look at her now, she stood up to Red and called her on the magic. None of us saw that comin’.”

“Yeah, it’s like once she realised we were her family she felt safe.” Buffy grinned remembering Dawn last year, in bitch mode and ready to pull hair and take names!

“Yeah, I guess.” He shrugged.

“But after I realised the crap her father and her son-of-a-bitch brother had put her through, I started to watch over her and then…” He lit a cigarette and pulled hard on the filter.

‘Yup, that’s her Spike. Once he bonded with someone, they were his. With Tara it took a gentle pop to her nose and then Spike claimed her as his. Not in a sexy way, more of a family way. A clan thingy.’

“I guess that’s when I really saw her. When she hid behind her hair, I knew that she was hiding something from you Scoobies.”

“Hey!” Buffy interrupted him. “You’re a Scooby as well, and don’t you forget it.” She poked him gently in the ribs.

“Luv, tell that to the others.”

“I don’t need to. I know, Tara and Dawn, too. The others can just bite me!”

“I thought that was my job?” He smirked at the blonde bombshell next to him.

“Stop it!” She looked coyly up at him, through her lashes. “Maybe later, if you’re good! Tell me what you think about Tara.”

“You know I’m always good!” He curled his tongue over his teeth. He winked at her his cerulean eyes twinkled with humour.

She tried to ignore the innuendo but couldn’t resist messing with him, so she gently bit his bicep.

Spike jumped. He looked down at the minx hanging onto his arm. His erection twitched in response. He subtly reached down and tried to adjust himself.

But a small hand got there first.

“Something bothering you, honey?” Buffy smirked up at him. Her hot fingers massaged him gently, kneading his crotch like a contented cat.

“Luv, not helping, and you’re distracting me.” Spike gently caught her wandering hand and pressed a kiss to her palm.

“Where was I? Oh, right. I started watching her and then I saw it. Power, simmering under the surface, waiting to come out. She’s almost there but I think the best is yet to come.”

“Oh, well. I guess that we’ll have to be there for her.” Buffy worried her lip between her teeth.

“That we will, luv. That we will.” Spike drew on his cigarette and then flicked it away. Smoke curled around his head, like a halo.

* * * * *

“Tara? What are you doing?” Dawn slid around the door and into the sitting room.

Tara was seated on the floor, surrounded by a wide circle of cornmeal and small bundles of sage tied together with fine strands of wheat. Dotted in the cornmeal were several different crystals, which were glowing brightly.

“Shh, sweetie. Hold on a second.” Tara, raised her hands above her head and then placed her left one, palm down, on the floor to ground herself.

As the Wiccan chanted the final words of her invocation there was a shimmer of golden light that illuminated the entire house briefly.

Tara bowed her head in reverence to her goddess. Her golden hair fell forward, covering her peaceful face.

“So mote it be.”

She raised her athame and plunged the ceremonial knife into a silver bowl of water to cleanse it. With the tip she pricked the index finger on her left hand and let three drops of blood drip onto the nearest wand crystal. A clear bell-like tone rang out.

“Wow.” Dawn’s jaw dropped as she felt the power flow through Tara and then into the room.

Tara exhaled, then paused, gathering her strength. The use of her power drained her momentarily. Then, she relaxed her muscles.

“Hey, sweetie. What’s up?”

“Tara, I felt it! What have you done?”

“I’ve umm p..put a blessing on the house and all of us. Just a p…protection spell. Something is happening and I want all of you to be safe.”

“Can I sit down?” Dawn asked shyly, a little in awe of her surrogate mother.

“Sure, come over. You can come in now. I’ve finished.” Tara reached up and pulled the gangly teen down into the circle.

“Can I touch?” Dawn’s hand hovered over the now quiescent crystals.

“Sure, sweetie. Go ahead. They’re safe.”

“What are they?” Dawn poked tentatively at one of the round balls.

“Agate, malachite, tiger’s eye and wand crystals. They’re for protection. I use them to channel and their power helped me to focus my energies.” Tara’s stutter vanished as she picked up the various crystals and dropped them into Dawn’s out-stretched hands.

“Yipes! They’re warm.”

“Yes, they’ll cool down, but this one…” Tara lifted the bloodstained wand crystal and cradled it in her hand.

“This has to be buried under the house. Do you want to help me?”

“Sure. How deep? Shall I get a shovel? We can put it in the basement. There’s earth under the boiler.” Dawn pulled the Wiccan girl up and headed for the kitchen.

“There. It’s done.” Tara brushed the earth from her hands and looked over at the brunette teen.

“Don’t you have to do or say anything?”

“Nope we’re all done. Pancakes? I can make funny shapes.”

“What about the take out?” Dawn asked. She really loved Tara’s pancakes and didn’t want to miss them.

“We can have both.”

“Yum. Blueberries too?”

“Sure.”

Tara pulled Dawn to the stairs and they headed up. Neither of them saw a faint crimson glow that appeared under the boiler and then faded away.

* * * * *

Spike looked over at the determined girl trotting beside him, her shorter legs working to keep up with him. He slowed slightly and then grinned.

“What's so funny?”

“Nothing, luv. Bit's a sharp one, isn't she? Anne.” He quirked his scarred eyebrow at her.

“Hmph…” She tucked her free hand into the crook of his leather-clad elbow and leaned into him. As he looked down at her in surprise, she reached up and pecked him on the lips.

“What's that for, Luv? Not that I’m complaining but…”

He pulled her hard against his body and lifted her slightly, his lips searching for hers.

“Spike, I told you. I love you! Can't you just enjoy?”

"Shh, Pet. I get it! Just not too sure where I stand? I mean I heard what you said on the porch, but, I can’t help waiting for the other shoe to drop. I keep thinking that you’re going to turn round and say it was all a joke. As I said before, not too sure where I’m at, is all."

“Right next to me.” Buffy paused and peeked up shyly through her lashes at him.

“Uhmm. That's if you...”

She was flustered, not used to being honest with him. She was terrified that he would turn on her. She knew she deserved it after all she had done to him. She knew, that after all the crap she had thrown at him, the few words they had exchanged earlier were not going to be enough. Not enough to repair the damage they had both done to each other

Spike froze.

If his heart had been able to beat, he was sure it would have been pounding.

He was terrified. He clenched his jaw. A muscle ticked betraying his nerves.

But looking down into her uncertain eyes.

Time for a change!

“Now, where else would I want to be, luv?” His voice cracked with unrestrained emotion.

Buffy's eyes filled with tears of relief.

“Good…”

Buffy paused for a second. She took a deep breath and reached up, cupping his face in her hands. Her small fingers traced the sharp line of his cheekbones, relishing the fact that she could touch him freely.

“There's something I need to tell you. It's really important and I…”

Buffy, took a deep breath. Her fingers paused on the curve of his lower lip. Spike's mouth opened and he nibbled on her fingers. A curious gleam in his eyes, he gently kissed her fingertips.

“Go on, luv.”

His eyes caught hers. A soft smile curved his lips. He knew that whatever she was trying to say was hard. He didn't want to frighten her or put her off, so he stayed still in her embrace.

Waiting…

“Spike… No, William. I… I… Umm.” She paused.

“Spike, I love you.”

'There! Was that so hard?' her inner Buffy yelled at her.

Buffy looked down shyly at her boots, unable to meet his piercing blue eyes.

Then, she squeaked in surprise. A very un-slayer like noise, but at the same time, totally Buffy.

She was lifted up high and spun around by a laughing vampire. She clutched tightly at his shoulders to keep her balance, threw her head back and laughed.

Spike slid her small form down his body, relishing the contact between them. He rained kisses over her flushed, laughing face, determined not to miss a single inch.

“Oh, my heart, my love, my darling girl!” He paused and stared intently into her hazel eyes.

“You’re not yanking my chain are you?”

“Eww!” Buffy wrinkled her nose at him. “That’s gross! But if you want me to, I’ll do it later.”

She smiled impishly at him. A huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She felt like she could fly.

“Spike, I LOVE YOU.” She shouted at the top of her lungs. Amazed at how easily the words came to her lips.

“Buffy, I swear I’ll never let you regret this. I love you so much, but promise me you won’t take this back. I couldn’t endure it if you turned your back on me now.” Spike stopped and drew in a shaky breath.

“It would kill me.” Anxiety filled his blue eyes. He stared at her, trying to read her mind.

“No. No. Oh, Spike, please! I promise this is real and I’m not going anywhere and nothing will change how I feel. I swear.” She kissed his mouth gently and brushed her lips over his closed eyes.

“Sorry, luv. Wasn’t expecting you to say that! Say it again, please?” He begged.

“Love you, Spike.” Buffy grinned up at him, waiting for the talkative vamp to say something.

“Urgh!” Her breath was squeezed out of her. Spike crushed her small frame to his and then held her face in his hands. He kissed her thoroughly. Buffy’s toes curled.

“Wow!” She breathed out slowly, trying to get sensation back to her entire body.

“Xander!”

“Okay, not the response I was hoping for, Buffy.” Spike smirked down at her.

“No, doofus! Xander. Waiting for us at the Magic Box. He’s alone and what if there’s someone there, waiting to chop him to pieces!”

“Here’s hoping.” Spike laced his fingers with hers and pulled her down the street.

“Hey, he’s my friend. There will be no Xander pieces! Anya wouldn’t like it.” She trotted along with him, swinging their linked hands.

* * * * *

“There you are.” Amy leant over Willow’s crumpled form and roughly turned her over. She examined her pale face.

“Man, you are a mess.” Her top lip twisted in a sneer.

“But, then again, you left me in my mess for quite a few years. Fair’s fair.” She pulled Willow up by the hands and started to guide the stumbling girl out of the Magic Box. Their shoes crunched over the shards of glass that littered the shop.

Amy yanked Willow none too gently out the door and pushed her to the pavement.

“What the hell have you been eating, Willow? You weigh a ton.” Amy shoved the non-responsive girl into the waiting car. Slamming the door shut she skittered over to the driver’s side.

She could feel Rack. She knew he had to be watching.

“Amyyy… That you?” Willow slurred as she flopped her head back.

“Yeah. Come on. We’ve got to get out of here.” She turned the car on and started down the quite street.

“Hhhurtss.”

“What? Oh, yeah, Rack will fix you right up. Don’t worry.” Amy kept her eyes on the road. She didn’t want to look at her old school friend. She felt bad about shoving her to the ground, but Rack may have been watching!

“No, bleeding… My hands…” Willow tried to raise her arms. But they were too heavy. Amy glanced over and winced. Willow’s hands were pouring blood from where she had pushed her down on to the concrete pavement.

“Yeah. Too bad. They’ll heal. Ok?”

“Help me…” With that Willow passed out.

Amy stopped at a red light. She drummed her fingers nervously on the steering wheel.

“Crap!” She flicked the indicator on and spun the car towards her street and her Dad’s house.

‘Rack is going to kill me,’ Amy thought despairingly.

When they finally pulled into the driveway, Amy reached for the keys and turned off the engine. She rested her head on the steering wheel and sighed loudly.

“Amyyyy, where are we?”

“Home. Home, Willow. You can sleep it off here. But you have to keep quiet. My dad’ll go nuts if he sees you like this.” Amy stepped out of the car and came round to the passenger side.

She gingerly reached in and pulled Willow out of the car. The two girls stumbled towards the garage and the flight of stairs next to it. They climbed up the stairs slowly until they reached the apartment door.

“Come on, you can take the couch. Dad doesn’t come up here often. He’s too busy with his new family.” Amy paused. Bitterness flooded her sharp features and her eyes narrowed.

“I guess I should be grateful he let me rent the garage flat, huh?”

“Hmmm.. Wanna go to Rack.” Willow hung listlessly in her grasp.

“No!”

Amy hesitated. She knew if she tried to stop Willow going back, she would get hurt.

“We’ll go back. But for now sit down. I’ll get some Band-Aids.” Amy lowered her burden onto the couch and bustled over to the breakfast bar. Pulling out a first aid box, she came back over and swiftly cleaned Willow’s cuts and bandaged them.

“Willow, lie back. I’ll get you a blanket.” Amy disappeared into the other room. When she returned Willow was fast asleep. Tossing the blanket over the redhead, she flicked off the lights as she headed to her bedroom.

“Sleep well, Willow. You’ll feel better in the a.m.”

She walked quietly round the room, checking her wards. They were strong, strong enough to keep him out.

She headed into her room. Crossing quickly to her mother’s old armoire, unlocking the doors, she swung it open. It opened to reveal shelves of magical objects and her Book of Shadows. Skimming through it quickly, she stopped on a page. Amy exhaled, relieved that she had found the right spell.

She knew that a prayer to Artemis was probably their best bet. She searched through shelves, looking for a long thin Artemis crystal. Pulling it out, she ran her fingers over it, praying that her pleas would be heard.

She knew from past experience that the goddess would champion her and hopefully Willow. They were both trapped by Rack’s power games. She looked out at Willow’s limp form. Willow had wanted to go back. The goddess might not choose to protect her.

She shrugged. It was worth a try. She lit some tea lights. Placing the slim crystal in the centre of the flickering circle, she bowed her head and began chanting.

The crystal flared with power. A warm violet glow appeared in the heart of the clear quartz. Amy relaxed. Her plea had been heard.

She just hoped it would be enough.

* * * * *

Xander pulled up to the shop front and parked. He was still in his pyjamas. Anya had shoved him out the door with strict instructions for him to protect her money.

Xander looked over at the shop front.

Xander reached for the handle and paused. He remembered his promise to both Anya and Buffy.

He sat back and waited.

‘Man, I am whipped! I need more guy friends.’ He reached over into the passenger seat and grabbed a huge half-eaten bag of Cheetos.

* * * * *

“Slayer?”

“Hmm. What, Spike?”

“What are you going to tell the whelp?”

“What about?”

She kept her eyes forward, trying not to laugh at him. Her lips quirked slightly, but she controlled herself.

“What about?” he asked, trying to control his temper. “About you and me!”

“Oh. That!” She shrugged, still trying not to laugh.

Buffy drew out the silence for a split second, but she couldn’t bear it. She could feel the insecurity and hurt pouring off Spike in waves.

“Nothing, luv.” Spike sighed.

‘Back to being a dirty secret. At least she loves me!’ He tried to see the positive side.

“Spike, stop it and stop pouting as well!” She patted his arm and then reached up and pulled gently at his bottom lip.

“What am I going to tell Xander?”

Buffy tried to keep the smile out of her voice. Then, Spike growled. She realised that her teasing had gone far enough and she had to put him out of his misery.

“Spike. This is going to be hard. Xander isn’t going to like us.”

“There is a public us?”

“Yes! There is. Dawn knows, Tara as well. So, yes, we are going public. No more sneaking around and if Xander can’t deal, then…” Her eyes filled with tears, which then poured down her cheeks.

“Here now, none of that pet.” Spike squeezed her hand gently.

“I know I shouldn’t care but he is going to say something awful.” She wiped her cheeks with her the back of her free hand. For a split second, she looked like a four year old.

“Luv, he’ll say what he says and then we’ll deal. I won’t even try to thump him. I promise.” He stopped short and stared up Main Street.

“He’s over there. In the car…” Spike paused and sniffed the air. “Yeah, he’s eating as usual. Cheetos.”

* * * * *

Xander jumped, spilling Cheetos all over his lap, when a face appeared in the windscreen.

“Jesus. Get an unlife, Fangless!” Xander stepped out of his car, dusting off Cheeto pieces and trying to regain his cool.

“So, floppy boy, what’s going on?”

“Hey, Buff. Didn’t see yah there through the blinding brightness that is Spike’s hair.” Xander frowned. He looked behind Spike at Buffy.

“Uhmm. Buffy, why are you holding hands with Spike?” Xander waited, his guileless grin gradually slipping.

“Well, Xander, it’s like this.” Buffy started to explain when he interrupted her.

“No, forget it. I don’t want to know. Not now. Let’s just check out the shop and then I am sure I’ll wake up screaming!”

“Oi! None of that, you git.” Spike snarled, his eyes flashed golden for a split second as he let his demon out.

“Xander, please don’t do this.” Buffy begged.

Xander walked over to the shop, ignoring both of them and unlocked the door, fumbling with the keys for a second.

“Xander?” Buffy reached out to touch his shoulder. He shrugged it off angrily.

“Don’t! Not now, Buffy!” The brunette pushed the shop door open.

“Xander, stop this. Look, I want you to hear this from me, from us.” Buffy caught her friend’s gaze and held it. “What do you want most for me in the world?”

“For you to be alive and happy.” Xander replied quietly.

“Well look I’m alive and, Xand, I am happy so please just try to accept this.”

“Accept what exactly?” he mumbled.

“Spike and I. We are together and I am really happy,” she replied.

“Oh, Buffy, not the whole undead loving again, and not Spike. Please!”

“Look, Harris, you want to have a go, then lay it on. But leave Buffy out of it.”

Spike stepped closer to the two of them, and placed his hands on the shaking girl’s shoulders, to steady her as Xander responded.

“Just stop it, both of you. I don’t want to talk about this now. I’m tired and dressed in my nightshirt. I want to check this out and then go to bed. Buff, we can talk this out later, after I have slept, and over coffee tomorrow. Just let me stay in denial a bit longer,” he begged.

“Okay, Xand, but ignoring us is not going to make this go away.” Buffy gently pushed him aside and stepped into the darkened shop. She reached over and flicked the lights on.

“Oh my god!” she gasped.

“Bloody Hell!”

“Oh, mannn. Anya is going to have a fit!”

The three of them stood there in the doorway and gazed at the destruction of the shop.

* * * * *

Rack sat back on his sofa. He ignored the whining coming from the waiting room.

He could feel them out there, but he couldn’t pinpoint their exact position. He had followed their power signatures for a while. Then once they had met up they had flared for a few minutes and then were gone.

He stood and strode to the door. Pulling it open, he called out to the three idiots who were waiting for him. He would need them all… if he was going to find his missing Strawberry.

“Get in here, all of you.”

They scrambled to their feet.

Rack grinned as he followed them into his den.

"Oh... My... God! What a mess." Buffy stepped gingerly into the wrecked store, picking her way carefully through the debris to the cash register.

"I am not going to be the one to tell Anya about this." Xander shuffled forward.

All thoughts of Spike and Buffy were wiped from his mind. As he bent down and picked up a small statue of Ganesh, the trunk snapped off. Dropping the damaged statue, he stood; brushing his hands clean on his trouser legs.

Spike stood in the doorway, sniffing the air, trying to tell if it was a human or demon that had done the damage. The scents were hard to pinpoint.

"Hey. Dog boy, what's with the sniffing?"

Spike ignored Xander's question. He inhaled deeply and then shook his head.

"Nothing here. All I can get is you lot and burnt out fuses. Any dosh missing, pet?"

Xander snorted at the endearment. He walked over to the counter, his eyes scanning the wreckage. Buffy winced at his reaction, but she refused to rise to the bait.

"The money is all here by the looks of it."

She piled all the cash into a paper bag and handed it to Xander.

"Take it home. It may help. Anya can count it."

"Yeah, thanks. It'll help. Maybe we should clear up a bit?"

"No, Harris, leave it for demon girl. She'll want to see it."

"Don't call her that Spike!" Xander glared over at the vampire. "She is not a demon any more!" he shouted.

"Hey, stop it, Xander." Buffy stepped over to the two angry men and raised her hands in a calming motion. "Please. He didn't mean anything by it. He calls me Slayer all the time. It’s, it’s just the way Spike is." Xander looked over at Buffy. Seeing the pleading look on her face, he caved.

"Ok. Not the time for this. I better call Ahn and tell her what's happened. She is going to be pissed."

"Maybe you should give Rupes a bell too; he needs to know what's happened. It's about the right time to call the UK." Spike reached into his duster and pulled out his flask. He took a long drink and then, as an attempt to make the peace, he offered it to Xander. Xander looked at the flask for a second, and then took it with a brief nod of thanks. He took a quick sip.

He then handed it back to a very bemused Spike.

'I guess he's more worried about the shopkeeper from hell than he about is getting Vamp cooties.' Spike took a swift drink. 'Crap, now I'm sounding just like them!'

"No, Anya better talk to Giles once she's had a look at the inventory." Xander looked over at the two blondes. They were now side by side with Buffy's fingers curled around Spike's. He winced. Their relaxed affection was too much for him.

"I'll just check the training room and then we'll head off." He shot off into the darkened room.

"It's clear. Weapons are still on the wall. Nothing has been touched in here...” His voice trailed off at the sight of Buffy and Spike entwined. "Hormones under control please. I don't need this!" Spike looked up and sneered at the agitated brunette.

"It's not all about you, Harris!"

"Look, I'm tired. The shop’s a mess. Anya is not going to be happy. The last thing I need is you two slobbering over each other." He snapped the training room lights off and headed over to the shop front.

"Xander stop! Yes, the shop's a mess, but it's fixable. Yes, Anya will be upset, but we will all help to sort it out. Also, Xander, Anya doesn't own this place. So stop making such a big deal! If anyone should be angry it's Giles. So can it!" Buffy stalked over to the fuming figure, took a firm hold of his arm and pulled him round to face her. "Xander, Spike and I are a done deal. You don't like it then keep quiet!"

She took a deep breath. "Nothing you say is going to change this. There is no point in bitching and moaning."

"Buff, this is not right! He's dead. He's a vamp. He is evil. He kills. He's soulless. He can't love you. He is just using you! I won't let you throw your life away on him…"

"Give the boy a Cupie Doll! Dough boy, your powers of observation are staggering!"

Spike paused and looked down at himself. He checked his pulse.

"You know, I think you're right. I am dead. Quick! Call the paramedics!" He snorted in derision and began pacing up and down.

"Oh! Oh! Wait, something is happening!" Spike's game face appeared. He gingerly felt his forehead and fangs.

"Oh! My! God! I am a vampire. Thanks for clearing that up. You know, Harris, I never noticed. Wow!" Spike spun on his heel and stalked over to the two frozen figures in the doorway. Buffy tried to hide her smile at Spike's showboating. She tried not to giggle but, too late, it slipped out.

The girlish sound made Spike pause and grin at her.

"Harris, you're right, I have killed. Was evil. Though according to some people, these days I'm not even kinda naughty!" He curled his tongue over his teeth and raised his eyebrows at Buffy, which elicited another giggle.

"Mate, you have definitely got me pegged." He patted himself down.

"You know, I did have it here somewhere. Now where did I put it?" He pulled his t-shirt away from his muscled torso and looked down.

"Nope, it's not there. Oh bugger, it's gone!" He whirled to Buffy.

"Have you got it? Luv, please say you have it!" He fell to his knees in front of the two silent humans. She shook her head, starting to wonder if he had completely flipped out.

"Yeah, Harris, I think you're right." Spike sighed dramatically.

"No soul! I knew I was missing something other than my reflection."

He paused, cocking his head.

He looked up at Buffy and reached his hand out to her.

Buffy took his hand.

"Ahh. There it is."

Xander couldn't contain himself.

"What? There what is?" He demanded.

"My soul. She is in front of me."

Xander rolled his eyes.

'Oh man! I stepped into that.' He looked over at his best friend.

And then he saw it.

She loved Spike.

There was nothing he could do.

She loved Spike.

'I think I am going to be sick!' Xander clutched his stomach. Before he could say or do anything Spike had his shoulders in a strong grip.

"Harris. I do love her. Nothing and no one will change that." Spike ignored the niggling pain in his head.

"Mate, I am using her." Buffy gasped in shock. Xander's head shot up. A look of triumph on his face, his lips twisted into a sneer.

This lasted for a second.

"But it's entirely mutual and only in the best possible way!" Spike leered into Xander's eyes, leaving the fuming boy with no doubt as to what the vampire meant.

"Xander." Buffy's voice broke the quiet.

"I am not throwing my life away." She paused and took a breath.

"Every night he saves me!"

* * * * *

Amy flipped onto her back. She was exhausted. The petition to Artemis had drained her. She shivered, pulling her covers up over her shoulders as she snuggled down into her pillow.

Minutes ticked past. She still couldn't fall asleep.

The power emanating from Willow was making her head ache.

She turned onto her side, facing her bedside table.

The moonlight from the window behind her bathed the two picture frames in pale silver light. She reached out a hand and traced the familiar but hated features of her mother. The photograph wasn't placed there out of love, but as a reminder. Not to ever forget what her mother had done to her. If it hadn't been for Buffy, Giles, Willow and Xander she would not be here today.

That was one of the reasons she had brought Willow home. She owed her.

She owed them all.

They had saved her life.

The other picture was of her father, stepmother and her baby brother. Her feelings for her father were mixed. She hated that he didn't trust her to live in the house. Her step-mom, Judy, was ok. She really tried to make Amy feel at home, but her dad kept them from being too close.

He was frightened that she would end up like Catherine. As for Eric, he was an adorable munchkin who followed his big sister everywhere, always ready for a hug and wanting to play.

She really loved him.

Then she felt it…

Leaping out of bed, she ran to the other room, to check on Willow. The redhead was fast asleep. Her hands twitched every now and then, but then she stilled. Her breathing evened out and she fell back into a deep sleep.

The scratching got louder.

It was Rack…

* * * * *

Rack lay back as he focused his energies outwards.

The three drained bodies of his customers were slumped on the floor. Blood pooling under them, none of them moved. Their life force had been drained from them to give him a needed boost, but it wasn't enough. Their eyes stared emptily at the filthy ceiling. Fine trickles of blood oozed from the corners of their eyes.

Their features twisted in a combination of both pain and pleasure.

He could feel the two witches, but where exactly they were was another question.

A powerful force, a goddess, protected them…

It had a feminine touch and was strong. It was too powerful for him to penetrate. He was incensed. One of them had managed to get out from under his control, and there was no way he could get her back.

He stretched his mind further a field, to the Slayer's house, Strawberry's home.

He had nearly got her under his control. His frustration mounted. Then, she was snatched out from under him.

It had been a bonus that she was a pretty little thing. She would warm his bed quite nicely. Her power would be sufficient to sustain him for a while. By the time he had finished with her, Willow would have been his slave. She would have done anything and anyone to please him, anything for one of his ‘specials.’

He had wanted to use her to kill the Slayer.

Then he could have removed the one obstacle to him controlling the town and the Hellmouth. The death of the Slayer by her best friend would have made his day, not to mention his rep!

The raw power of the Boca del Infierno had been the reason he had come to this fleapit of a town. He had researched it closely and was almost in a position to tap into it directly. Then, he wouldn't have to deal with the dregs that came to him for a bit of fun. He kicked at one of the bodies, which lay next to his sofa.

He hadn't counted on the Slayer being a permanent presence. He had quickly made steps to cloak himself and his business. He wasn't ready or strong enough to take her on yet.

He had watched and waited, but she was too powerful and, surprisingly, she had allies in her fight. He had had to bide his time until Willow had been ripe for the plucking. He had been so close…

His mind had reached 1630 Revello Drive. He swooped down to get closer to the non-descript house.

* * * * *

Tara's head shot up. Her senses tingled. There was something outside, something evil.

"Tara? What's wrong?" Dawn reached out and tugged on the Wiccan's arm to get her attention.

"Dawn, get the kittens and go to the basement. I want you as close to the crystal as possible." Dawn hesitated, surprised at the strength in Tara's voice.

"Now!" Tara stood. She moved the cartons of take out to one side and pressed her hands on the counter to steady herself. For once, Dawn didn't question her. She grabbed the box containing William and Anne and ran down to the basement. The teen could hear Tara moving around in the kitchen, but her eyes were trained on the crimson glow emanating from under the ground.

"Cool!" She sat down next to where the crystal was buried and waited. As she sat there trying to keep calm, the power of the spell washed over her. She felt calm and safe. Resting her head against the wall, she waited, watching Anne and William who were curled up around each other, fast asleep.

Tara walked slowly to the front door and looked out of the small window to the side of it. Nothing moved in the shadows. But it was there, the same power that she had felt earlier.

But now it stank of decay and blood.

It was disgusting.

Closing her eyes, she centred herself. Reaching deep inside her for her power, she released it all into the air. The power activated the wards around the house in a shimmering display of light. She could almost get a bead on whatever it was.

She opened her eyes. If anyone had been there to see they would have been surprised. Unlike Willow when she channelled her power, Tara's pupils were the only things that had changed. They were pale silver, with hints of violet. She reached out further with her mind, trying to catch the intangible attacker. No luck, it was adept at evading her search.

"Sum defendo!" Tara's stutter was non-existent as she uttered the words.

* * * * *

Rack reeled back, screaming. The pain was immense and he curled up into a foetal position. His synapses were fried. Before he passed out, he caught a glimpse of honey blonde hair in his mind's eye and then darkness.

Amy jumped.

Rack was gone. She couldn't feel him scratching at her wards. They were safe for the night.

But how?

* * * * *

"Tara. Tara. Wake up! You're really beginning to scare me!" Dawn cradled Tara's head in her lap, stroking gently at her forehead with a shaking hand.

"Please wake up. I don't want to have to call Buffy and Spike," the scared teen pleaded. Tara groaned and opened her eyes.

"Hey."

"You're awake! What the hell happened? How come the basement is lit up like a Christmas tree? Are you ok? Are we safe?"

"It's ok now, baby. Help me up." Dawn pulled her gently up and guided her over to the sofa.

"Do you need anything? Glass of water?"

"No, I'm fine. I just used too much power tonight with the wards and then zapping whatever was trying to get in. I'll be ok. Just need to sit for a minute," Tara replied. She curled her legs under her and then pulled Dawn into her arms.

"But you're ok? Right?" Dawn was too scared to act cool. Right now she needed to know that they would be all right.

"Yeah, sweetie. I'm okay. Just a bit pooped out. A good night's sleep and I'll be good to go." She smoothed Dawn's soft hair back off her face.

"Look, Dawn, I am going to tell it to you straight. Ok?"

"Sure." Dawn was secretly thrilled that Tara trusted her. Buffy would have sent her to bed by now.

"There was something really evil trying to get into the house just now. I don't know what. It felt like death and smelled weird. I felt it earlier. But I think I managed to get rid of it for now..." Tara's voice trailed off.

"For now? Do we need to get ready for it to attack again?" Dawn was a little freaked.

"No. Not tonight. It's too weak, or it could be dead. We're safe."

"Maybe we should call the Magic Box and warn the guys?" Dawn reached for the phone.

"Ok, call them." Tara laid her aching head back against the cushion and closed her eyes.

'What was it? '

* * * * *

The sound of the phone broke the frozen tableau in the shop.

Spike was still on his knees. Buffy had her hand in his. Xander was staring at the two blondes in shock.

"That was a bit hokey wasn't it?" Buffy was feeling a bit stupid. She knew it had been too much before she had said it, but she wanted to ram the point home to denial boy. Spike blinked. The sound of her voice jolted him out of his stupor.

"I'll get that. It's probably Anya wanting a report." Xander shuffled away and picked up the phone.

"Yeah luv, it was a bit... What did you call it?" Spike tilted his head.

"Hokey." Buffy whispered, her blush now spreading down her neck.

"That's it, hokey…" He grinned and fluidly rose to his feet. He tucked the flushed girl into his arms and rested his chin on her head.

"Okay, I'll tell them." Xander hung up the phone. He half turned towards to front of the shop, but a flashing light on the answering machine caught his eye. He depressed the button.

"Hello? We're trying to contact a Mr Giles. A friend of his has asked us to contact him at this number." There was a pause and a shuffling of papers was heard on the message.

"A patient of ours asked us to call for him. Umm. Mr Wyndam-Price, well he's been injured rather badly. We believe he was mugged. If someone could contact us at 555-6363 we would be grateful. Anytime night or day is alright, there is a nurse on duty."

"Huh?" Buffy moved over to the counter. "Wonder Wuss has been hurt? Why are they calling here? Last I heard he was working with Angel and his team."

"How would I know Buff?" Xander scribbled the number down. "Here, give them a call." She took the scrap of paper, noticing he deliberately kept their fingers from touching.

'Nice Xander! He can't even stand to touch me now.' She tried not to show that she was aware of his repugnance, but she felt Spike step closer and put his hand on her shoulder to steady her.

"Who called, Harris?" Spike tried to keep the contempt out of his voice. The all too observant vamp had noticed the pettiness of the boy.

"The hospital. Are you deaf as well as dead?"

"Nooo, Whelp, who were you speaking to?" Spike marvelled at the stupidity of the git.

"What? Oh, yeah, it was Dawn. She said not to worry. She wanted to know if you could come back. She said not to panic, but that Tara wanted you home."

"Not to worry?" Spike snarled. He stepped forward threateningly, his hands curled into fists. "Oh, that's bright, Special Ed, don't panic!"

"Not now! Spike. Come on! We have to get home!" Buffy tugged at his arm and pulled him out of the shop.

"Xander, tell Anya to call me. We can come by tomorrow and help her. I guess you'll be at work." Buffy paused, considering her friend. Xander stood at the counter, his hands thrust into his pockets. He looked like his puppy had just died. She nodded to Spike and they swept out of the shop.

* * * * *

Anya paced up and down. She was getting angry and frustrated. Xander hadn't called her yet. She knew she should have gone with him! It was too much…

A hand fell on her shoulder, scaring her witless. She shrieked at the top on her lungs and then kept screaming.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

"Anya! Anya! It's okay! It's me, Xander!"

"Xander!" She batted at his chest weakly. "Don't do that! You made me make funny noises!" She examined her fiancé closely, taking in his pale face and tired eyes. Then she spotted the paper bag he carried. "Oh no! Is that all that is left of the shop?" She grabbed it out of his hands and upended it on the coffee table. "My money! Oh Xander, you're so brave, you saved the float!" She leaped on him and pressed relieved kisses over his face.

"Ahn, stop it." Xander pushed her off his lap and she landed on the sofa next to him. "The shop has been trashed; we couldn't tell if anything had been stolen, but it seemed more like vandalism. They didn't touch the money or go for anything else. Spike couldn't smell if anyone you know...demonic had been there, just us…" He rubbed his hands over his face.

"Trashed?" Her voice wavered slightly at the end. "Oh." Anya shuffled the coins around with her index finger.

"Yeah. We figured that you would want to see it and then, get the insurance adjustors in. You have full coverage don't you?"

"Yes. Giles insisted. At the time, I was worried about how much we spent monthly on insurance. But now..." She trailed off, visibly shaken.

"It's ok, honey, Buffy and Spike…" He grimaced at the mention of their names together. Anya noticed his reaction, but before she could say anything he continued. "They said they'd come over in the morning to help clean up and catalogue what's been broken. I'll take the day off as well."

"Well. That is good of them. It is heartening to see that they are prepared to help me out. Xander, why are you angry. Is it me? Have I done something?" She patted his arm with a stiff handed gesture.

"No. Nothing you've done. It's Buffy. She's gone nuts!"

"Now, Xander, I am sure that you are exaggerating. She seems to have recovered from us leaving her to dig herself out of her grave. Interesting that she had to do that though, isn't? I guess she has some insight into how her prey feels now!" She paused. "But I don't understand why you are more concerned, as usual, with Buffy, rather than telling me what happened at my shop!" Anya tried very hard to keep the hurt from her voice, but she knew Xander wouldn't hear it anyway.

"Ahn, the shop will be fine. It needs a clean and fix up and you're good to go. Don't worry, I'll help and the others too, okay?" He patted her hand patronisingly and forced a smile.

"Oh." She replied in a small voice. "Well then. Why do you think Buffy needs a straightjacket?"

"What? Oh, it's just that…" He paused not really wanting to voice the words, as then it would become a reality. Anya stroked his hands soothingly, her bright eyes fixed on his. "Buffy and Spike are well... You know?"

"They are what? Screwing like crazed minks? Oh, Xander you really are silly. I could have told you that yesterday, she smells different and so does he!"

"What?"

"Oh, you know. They smell of each other...”

"Okay TMI!" He leapt up and began pacing.

‘Here we go again! Buffy rant number one! ‘Buffy and Her Vampires’, wonder if I should tell him about slayers and vamps? No, Anya, that would make him angry and not able to perform in bed, but one of these days he is going to have to realise that she will never look his way. Why can’t he love me completely? What am I doing wrong?’ Anya twisted her engagement ring around her finger. ‘Why am I second best?’ She took a deep breath and decided to distract him in the only way she knew. Sex.

"Xanderbear, come to bed. We can play doctors and nurses; I know how much you like that! But this time, I'll let you be the naughty nurse!" She pulled her unresisting partner into the bedroom. "Come on, orgasms will help us both relax, where’s the stethoscope? You know how much I like it when I can hear how hard your heart pounds…" The door shut behind the couple.

* * * * *

"We're here! Dawn! Tara!" Buffy bent over in the hallway trying to catch her breath. She and Spike had run at full speed from the Magic Box to the house.

'Don't panic! Jeeze, Xander, great way to calm me down. Hey Buff, don't panic but Dawn called said to come home straight away! Yeah that's gonna work' She looked up at Spike through her hair and groaned. He was unruffled, as usual.

"What?" Dawn clomped down the stairs, dressed in her Pjs and carrying an empty mug.

"Nib, are you alright?" Spike grabbed the startled girl and held her at arms length checking her for injuries. Dawn wriggled away from him.

"Hey, stop with the eyeballing! I'm fine. What's your malfunction?" She eyed the two of them, as she distanced herself from the frantic vamp.

"You called Xander! Said to come back and not to panic!" Buffy exclaimed.

"Man, he is a dope! Something freaky happened but Tara fixed it. She's a bit burned out so I let her crash in her old room. Not like Willow is using it tonight!"

"Oh." Spike and Buffy relaxed slightly.

"Dawnie, what happened?" Buffy reached out and smoothed her sister's long hair off her face.

"I don't really know. One minute we're eating… Oh, there's loads of food for you guys in the kitchen, come on."

Spike slouched in his chair, cradling a mug of warmed blood in one hand and picking at some spring rolls. Buffy leaned against him, rapidly scooping spoonfuls of rice, chicken and cashews into her mouth. Dawn explained to them both how Tara had cloaked the house with spells of protection.

"It was way cool! The tiny crystals were all warm and glowy. She was amazing, then there was a whoosh and I was all tingly!" The couple kept eating and watched the excited girl as she pranced around the kitchen, her unbroken arm swinging as she made a point.

"She was really tough, ‘Dawn get the kitties and wait in the basement.’ It was weird. I didn't even question her…" Dawn paused in mid chatter and reached over and grabbed a handful of fortune cookies. She munched on them loudly.

"Nibblet! Then what happened?" Spike prodded her with his chopsticks.

"What? Oh yeah! Well, I waited and watched the red glow. It got real bright then… Whoosh."

"Whoosh?" Buffy raised her eyebrows, trying not to smile at her sister's antics.

"Yeah, whoosh. Then I sat for a while, but Tara didn't come down. When I came up she was out cold on the floor."

"What? Is Glinda okay?" Spike interjected.

"Yeah. I told you guys. She's asleep and that's what I’m gonna do now." Dawn leaned over and kissed Buffy on the cheek. She then turned to Spike and wrapped one thin arm around his neck and squeezed him tight. "Love you both. Night." She headed out of the kitchen. "Try to keep the sexy noises down, ok?"

"Whaa?" Spike stared at Dawn in shock, Buffy just sat there grinning at him.

"That's not a sexy noise, Spike! Try harder…" She squeaked as he yanked her into his lap.

"That hard enough, luv?" He ground his erection into her crotch.

"Hmmm. Nice. So honey, bed or check for Willow?" Buffy trailed her fingers up Spike's arms and then laced them around his neck. She nipped along his neck and settled her lips firmly on his.

‘Yum, luscious Spike kisses. That curl a girl’s toes and make her stomach flutter.’ She nearly came just from the pressure of his soft cool lips as they played across hers.

“Ouch, luv, you poked me!”

“What? Spike you’re the one with the pokage!” She ground her crotch down to emphasis her point.

“Yeah, well there is that.” He grinned lasciviously and raised his hips. “But hang on...” He reached into her jeans pocket and fumbled around. Buffy inhaled, her pupils dilated. “Here.” Spike handed her a folded piece of paper.

“Oh! Crap!” She pushed off his lap and danced to the phone, ignoring the groan of pain.

“Christ, luv, watch out! You crushed m’bits!”

She glanced over as she dialled the hospital number. Spike gingerly patted the said crushed bits and pieces. She reached over and started stroking his stomach. She grinned at the frustrated expression on his face.

“Luv, bit lower, please,” he begged.

“Hello, is this LA Memorial? Yes, I am calling about one of your patients. A Mr Wyndam-Pryce? We got a message that he was hurt… Yeah… Oh! Will he recover? Umm… He’s a family friend... Yeah... No problem... Okay... We’ll be there tomorrow. Which room is he in?” She scribbled down the room number. “Well, yeah. Can he check out tomorrow? Okay. Okay, meds and he’ll need the stitches removed in three weeks.” She pulled a disgusted face, at whatever was being said at the other end of the line. “Sure, tell him that Buffy Summers will be there at 9.00am. Mr Giles?” Her face fell at the mention of her missing Watcher. “No, sorry, he’s out of the country. He’s listed as Wes’s contact here in US?” She raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Huh? Oh, okay… Who should we ask for? Nurse Blanchett? Okay, I’ll see you in the am. Thanks.” She hung up.

“Well, what happened?” Spike stepped behind her and rested his arms over her shoulders. Buffy leaned into his embrace.

“I don’t get it. How come he asked for Giles? What about Angel or Cordy?”

“Peaches and the Cheerleader or Giles? Well, Slayer, I know who I would want in a pinch.”

“Giles?” she queried. He nodded.

“Give the girl a toy surprise. The big brooder or the madam?” He pulled a face. “Not ruddy likely!”

“Spike, his throat has been slit and he was attacked by someone while he was recovering from the surgery. What is happening down there?” He rested his chin on the top of her head.

“Don’t know, sweetheart, but we’ll find out tomorrow. Okay?”

“You mean you’ll come? How?”

“Luv, I can drive you know.”

“Spike, sunlight?”

“Yeah, annnd?” He raised his scarred brow.

“Oh, okay. But what about Dawnie?”

“School first. Then, Glinda can look after her, or send her over to demon girl and the Whelp’s.”

Buffy yawned tiredly and rubbed her eyes.

“Come on, luv, shower and bed.” He slapped her gently on the backside, grinning at her as she squeaked and ran off.

* * * * *

Spike sat on the edge of the bed and unlaced his boots. Kicking them off, he stood. Stalking around Buffy's room, he lit all the candles that were littered over the dressing and side tables. He checked the curtains, tugging them firmly closed.

'No need to let the girl wake up and need to reach for the Hoover!' He could hear the shower running. The scent of lemon and lime drifted across the hallway, enticing him. He rubbed his hands over his face, exhausted. ‘How the hell did I end up here?’

“Shower’s free.” Buffy padded into the room rubbing her wet hair dry. Drops of water ran over her shoulders and down into her cleavage, disappearing under the towel that she had wrapped tightly around her tiny form. Spike froze; his eyes fixed on her sun-bronzed neck and shoulders. “Spike? You ok?” She stepped in front of him and poked him in the ribs.

“Beautiful!” He ran his fingers softly over her collarbone and dipped them between her breasts, catching a few stray drops and brought his hand to his mouth. He licked his fingers and tried to suppress his shudder of enjoyment. He could taste the shower gel she had used. But under the fruity flavours was her essence. Strong, yet delicate, just like the radiant woman/child standing staring up at him. Her hazel eyes were clouded with passion and love. She wrinkled her nose at him.

“Spike? Shower? Sorta have funky crypt dust all over you.”

‘Well that just killed the moment!’ He shrugged.

“Okay, pet. Give us a minute.” Unable to resist tempting her, he pulled off his t-shirt. He flexed his back muscles deliberately as he stalked out the room.

“Yum.” Buffy slapped her hand over her mouth. Spike paused in the doorway, looked over his shoulder and grinned at her, pleasantly surprised at her reaction to his semi nudity. She had been more honest in that one instant than she had ever been in their relationship. ‘Prior to this evening,’ he amended.

“Wanna scrub my back for me?”

“Erm.” She swallowed nervously. “Okay,” she whispered, and followed him into the bathroom.

Spike reached over and turned on the taps, relishing the idea of a hot shower. Much better than the cold-water shower he had to endure in the crypt. He managed to get into the YMCA occasionally for a hot shower but he had to be careful that he was alone. Unlike most vamps, he was conscious of not freaking out the muggles with his lack of a reflection. ‘Well that and my sexy bod!’ He could almost hear Buffy laughing at him.

Buffy pulled off her towel and stepped in behind him, enjoying the experience. The water ran down his muscled back. She reached out and ran her fingertips softly over the pale skin and reached around to tickle his sides. Spike jumped and twisted away from her searching fingers. She had inadvertently discovered his big secret that night in the ruined house. The Big Bad was a ticklish vamp and she found this hysterical! He growled and reached for her giggling form. He watched her jiggling breasts in fascination.

“None of that, Slayer,” he hissed quietly. He was trying very hard not to join in the giggle-fest. Not good for the image.

“Shh, Spike, keep it down! Big, flapping Dawn ears can pick up just about anything! She used to catch me sneaking home post-patrol!”

“The Nibs caught the stealthy Slayer?”

“Yeah, she found me out in LA. Weird thing is she never asked for anything to keep quiet. She used to cover for me all the time.”

“Well, she loves you. ‘Course, she wouldn’t let anything slip!”

“Yeah, she does love me. She was also pretty handy with the first aid as well. Still is.” Buffy stepped closer and rested her head on Spike’s chest, enjoying the relaxed intimacy of the situation.

“It’s good you had someone to help you.”

“I know! She kept me sane in those last days in LA. Mom and Dad were fighting and then the divorce. Also, there was the whole Master vamp chasing after me, and Pike...” She trailed off, unsure as to whether or not Spike wanted to hear about the early slaying days.

“What Master vamp?” He looked down at the girl huddled in his arms.

“Lothos.”

“What? Lothos? That friggin' git!”

“You knew him?”

“Well, no. But you hear things in the demon world. Hang on a mo’. Knew him? Past tense?” Spike asked.

“I killed him.”

“You did? Good for you, luv. He was an idiot. What with the get up and the, well…” He trailed off.

“What? The Slayer fixation?” She squeezed him gently.

“Well, yeah.” He stopped embarrassed.

“Spike, it’s ok. I like your fixation!”

He smiled gently at her. “Sweetheart, I was fixated from the moment I saw you dancing in the Bronze.”

“Huh? I thought we met for the first time in the alley. You know, when you were all, ‘I’ll kill you on Saturday!’”

“No, I watched you wriggling your pretty bum all over the dance floor. The Whelp could barely move from the hard-on he was sporting.” He squeezed said bum gently and pulled her closer, his lips playing over her face, nipping and kissing until he found her soft mouth.

She pulled back to catch her breath. Reaching over, she grabbed hold of the shower gel and squeezed it over his chest. She rubbed her hands over his pecs and lathered his torso, running her hands gently over his chest and shoulders. Standing on her tiptoes, she reached around him and smoothed her hands over his back.

“You know, he’s the reason I got kicked out of Hemery High. I had to burn the gym down to get rid of the rest of his minions. Then we ended up here.” She rubbed her nose against his.

“Well, if he wasn’t dust I’d have to send him a fruit basket.”

“Why?” She knelt, trying to ignore his erection as she lathered his legs. Spike watched her, bemused at the sight of the mighty Slayer on her knees pulling a Magdalene. He grinned, not that he was Christ-like or anything.

“Well, if it hadn’t been for him. We wouldn’t have met!”

“Rinse.” She pushed him gently under the water and watched him as he pushed his curling hair off his forehead. “Come on, the water’s getting cold.” She climbed out and reached for a towel, only to be stopped by Spike. He wrapped her tightly in a dry towel and then reached for one for himself and tucked it around his waist.

“Come on, pet.” He pulled the tired girl into her room and pushed her towards the bed. Buffy stumbled tiredly over to the welcoming bed, collapsed bonelessly onto the soft covers and yawned. She blinked sleepily then pulled the towel off and threw it on the floor. Buffy rolled over and curled up under the covers. Spike paused and watched her bemusedly, as she yawned again and patted the empty pillow next to her.

“Get in, Spike.”

‘Three words I had never in my wildest dreams imagined I would hear.’ An invitation into Buffy’s inner sanctum, he dropped the towel and slid between the covers. Buffy shifted over and wrapped her warm, damp body over his. She snuggled closer and then closed her eyes.

“Too tired to play, Spike.”

“It’s alright, sweetheart.” He pulled her closer, relishing her warmth and the comfort of her bed. “This is perfect.”

Within seconds the two of them were sleeping.

* * * * *

Rack rolled onto his back and shivered. He hurt all over. He reached over to the nearest body to see if there was anything left in it. His hand trembled as it ran over the skinny, young boy.

Nothing.

He curled up into a tight ball and screamed. He could feel himself weakening.

“No, no, no, no. Not now! Not when I am so close!” He gripped the floor, desperately trying to stay anchored. His form flickered, vanishing and then reappearing.

Then he vanished, leaving the three cooling corpses lying in an alley. With his power gone, the illusion of his den had disappeared.

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