* * * * * Chapter 30: Promise * * * * *



Two hours later…

Buffy rolls out of the bed quietly, trying not to disturb the sleeping vamp at her side. After extricating her leg from Spike’s, she tiptoes toward the door. At a sound from the bed, she freezes in mid tip, peeking back over her shoulder. Spike turns on his side, burrowing into his pillow, but stays asleep. Buffy rolls her eyes skyward in relief and continues across the bedroom, grabbing Spike’s black shirt from the floor and gently pulling the door closed behind her. Here it is the middle of the day and she hasn’t showered, eaten or well, left her bedroom. She hopes Willow won’t be so mad she won’t give her the notes for yet another day of missed classes. Maybe she could have Spike write a Buffy-was-too-busy-having-sex-with-me-to-attend-school note. She smiles at the thought of him sitting at the kitchen island, naked of course, scrawling out the things they have been doing during the daylight hours. The thought of the kitchen elicits a rumble from Buffy’s stomach, announcing her most pressing need. Food. Glancing back at her closed door, she sighs wistfully and makes for the stairs, slipping down them quietly as she pulls the shirt around her. She really has to let him sleep sometime and they get everything but sleep done when they are in bed together.

With that thought and a smile plastered across her face, Buffy browses through the refrigerator. A bit of rummaging turns up some leftover spaghetti. Buffy shrugs. That will do. Standing by the microwave as it heats up her makeshift lunch, Buffy gazes out the window, lost in thought. She can hardly fathom how her life has changed in the last few days and she knows the changes are not done. Her stomach twists a bit in anxiety as she thinks about telling Giles and her Mom…and Xander. Oh God. Xander just loathes Spike. How will she ever get him to understand? Make him see what she sees? Her smile long gone, Buffy jumps as the microwave beeps.

* * * * *

“I don’t know, my love. This could be very bad.” Psyche’s flawless skin creases between her eyebrows in consternation.

“What do you mean?” Cupid glances up from his reading, noting his mate’s position over their gazing pool. “Has something gone amiss with our new lovers?”

“Not yet, but look…that friend of hers. He is coming toward the house. Does he not hate our darling vampire? This could get ugly.”

His curiosity piqued, Cupid lays aside his book and comes across the room. Brushing against Psyche, he perches on the edge of the pool. The view takes in Buffy in her kitchen as well as Xander coming down the sidewalk, approaching the house. Spike is upstairs, sound asleep.

“Well, you are certainly right. This could get…interesting. Let’s see.” Cupid’s face is calm, unmarred by the worry evident on Psyche’s. They both lean down, watching closely.

* * * * *

Buffy leans against the counter, poking a fork into her now warm spaghetti. The cool surface touches her bare stomach and she looks down. “Oops. Forgot to button up…” Buffy slides her fingers down the button band, but finds nothing. “Double oops. Ripped all the buttons off in a fit of passion.” Shrugging, she picks up the fork again. Who’s going to see her standing here, half-naked in Spike’s shirt?

As if on cue, she hears a knock at the front door. Eyes widening, she freezes, fork in mid-air. Another knock and now, a voice. “Buffy? You in there?” Shit shit shit. It’s Xander. Buffy hesitates, looking down at her food and then back towards the door. She thinks, I could just ignore him. Yeah, that would work. He knocks louder, calls louder “Buffy!?” A thud from upstairs makes her gasp. Spike. He’s waking up Spike. Oh, double shit. This is not of the good.

Dropping the fork with a clatter, Buffy sprints to the door, wondering how to get rid of Xander without letting him in. Sick, yeah, she’s sick. That’s it. Clutching the shirt closed, she snatches the door open a crack and pokes her head out. “Morning, Xander!” Her voice is chock full of false cheerfulness. Her sudden appearance startles Xander for a moment.

“Oh, there you are, Buffster. I was gettin’ worried. Thinking about knocking the door down for a minute there.”

The short laugh is even faker than her voice. “Oh, ha. Well, glad you didn’t do that. Uh, can I help you?”

Xander frowns slightly. “Are you okay, Buffy? You’re acting a bit wiggy.”

“Absolutely fine. That’s me, fine as fine can be.” Buffy pauses, remembers her previous plan. “Except for the sickness. Oh, yes, very sick. Death’s door.” She coughs, not very convincingly.

Just then, Buffy hears a voice from upstairs, calling her name. Muffled by the bedroom door, it is not easy to recognize. Xander’s eyes bug out, matching Buffy’s. Her heart stops beating for a minute, waiting for his reaction.

“A man! You, Buffy Anne, have got a man in there! I knew it! Willow got all red and blush-y when I asked if you were joining us for lunch. Oh that sly Ms. Rosenberg, told me you were sick. Faker. Big faker!” Xander waggles his finger at her, edging closer to the door. Buffy hears the voice again and realizes if she doesn’t answer, this is going to get ugly, quick.

“Be right there, sweetie!” She calls up the stairs, her voice dripping with honey. “Well, there you go, Xande.r, you clever boy. Caught me with my pants down. Literally.” Snatching Spike’s shirt tighter around her, Buffy slips further around the back of the door, remembering she is wearing the shirt and nothing else.

“Vixen. Who is it?” The slight note of jealousy always present when Buffy has a man in her life slips into Xander’s voice.

Buffy waves her hand dismissively. “Nobody you know. Uh, new guy at school. Yeah, um, helped me with my homework and the rest…well, you know.”

“You paid him with naked goodness? Buffy, that is not how the tutoring system works.”

“Ha ha, Xander. So, clearly, I can’t go to lunch. Gotta go. Nice seein’ ya. Stop by anytime.” With each word, Buffy closes the door a little further, finally clicking it closed as Xander opens his mouth to respond.

Through the door, she hears him. “Well, I should be going now, then. Bye.” Her heart racing, Buffy leans against the back of the closed door, eyes shut. That was close. Xander would have gone nuts. Now, where was she? Oh yeah, Spike was calling. Pushing away from the door, Buffy opens her eyes. Her throat goes dry as she looks up the stairs. Spike is standing there at the top railing, a sheet wrapped around his waist. It is the look on his face that stops her cold. He is hurt. Wounded. The pained look on his face is soon swept aside by a frown as he turns away and heads back to her room without a word. “Spike?” Buffy calls to him as she hits the stairs. Remembering how he stormed out the other night, she expects to have to stop him from tearing by her again. Moving quickly, she reaches the top of the stairs and turns to her room. For the second time in a minute, her heart constricts at the sight of her lover. He is sitting on the edge of the bed, looking at the carpet. The rage she expected is replaced by the much more unsettling quiet. Her voice is soft, barely above a whisper. “Spike?” She moves a little closer.

He doesn’t look up as he finally speaks. “So, which is it, luv? Ashamed of me or just in it for the sex?” Buffy feels her temper flare, but calms a bit as she looks at him. He still won’t look at her.

“Oh, Spike. It’s neither. What do you mean?”

“Had the whelp right there in front of you. And you lied ‘bout us, hid me like a dirty little secret. Buffy, I thought…well. I was wrong, I guess.” He starts to stand up.

Buffy’s temper surges back in a rush. “Sit down.” Her tone is firm and serious. Finally, Spike looks up at her. His eyes wound her, the hurt blazing in blue flame. He sits back down. “Now, you listen to me. I’m in this because I love you. NO!” She holds her finger up, causing Spike to slam his mouth back shut. She kneels down in front of him, taking one hand in hers. “You will listen. Yes, you’re right, I lied just now. Xander surprised me. But look…Spike, look at me.” He meets her steady gaze. “I won’t do it again. I am not ashamed of you, I’m not in it for the sex. I’m in it for you. And if my friends don’t like it, well…we’ll face it together next time.” She smiles softly at him, “Promise.” Spike leans towards her, taking her lips in a light kiss. She pushes the worry of what her promise will mean into the back of her mind.

“Got a deal, Slayer.” He glances down. “’Ey, isn’t that my shirt?” The light dances back into his eyes.

Buffy slaps lightly at his hand and whips the shirt off in one smooth movement. “There, that better?”

“Very.” Spike smirks as he grabs the newly naked Slayer around her waist and pulls her back onto the bed with him in a tangle of limbs and bedsheets.

* * * * *

“Awww. Oh, Eros. They are the cutest. Oh my. Well, look at that. And now, the…whoo!” Psyche blushes lightly as Buffy and Spike decide to make up in earnest. She fans herself as she giggles. Cupid comes over and lets his hand slide into her long golden curls.

His voice is serious. “It’s not that simple. She knows it. He must know it, too. Her friends are everything to her. They don’t and won’t accept it.”

Psyche glances up at her mate, worry etched back across her face. “Make it work, love. I mean it.”

The unfamiliar tone from his sweet Psyche gets Cupid’s full attention. He raises one eyebrow. “Like them, do you?” She nods. “I do, too. Their love is so pure and passionate. No wonder the other mortals won’t be able to understand it. As usual, you are right, my dear. I did not need to make them love each other, but that doesn’t mean I can’t smooth their path.”

Psyche squeals, clapping her hands together in childish joy. “Oh, what will it be? What will you do?” She bounces to her feet as Cupid rubs his chin in thought.

Suddenly, his eyes light up. “Perfect. I have just the thing. Wait here, my love.” Tipping up her chin, Cupid plants a kiss on Psyche’s forehead before leaving the hall, robes whipping behind him.

* * * * * Chapter 31: Hungry * * * * *



Psyche drums her fingers on the edge of the pool, her glance shifting from the two entangled blonds below to the door her beloved went through twenty minutes ago. She is growing impatient. Taking a deep sigh, she focuses her attention on the still water again.

“Those two have the most stamina. And, oh my, flexibility…” Psyche feels herself flush a bit with arousal and starts when Cupid’s voice booms across the chamber.

“I’m back, my love!” She spins to see her handsome lover holding a handful of golden arrows. Her eyebrows draw together, wondering why he would leave for twenty minutes just to get arrows. He has arrows everywhere! “I know what you are thinking, dear. Why did that Cupid leave just to get arrows, right?”

Psyche grins, nodding.

“Well, I will tell you. I had to go visit my sister, Suadela.” He grins, as if he has just explained everything with that statement. Psyche cocks her head at him, wondering what his sister, the goddess of seduction, has to do with the current problem.

“But, love, you don’t need anyone seduced. I think that part is taken care of.” She points her thumb down to see Spike and Buffy starting Round 2.

Cupid laughs, low and soft. “My sweet, darling Psyche. Seduction is only what Suadela is famed for…it is not her true power, it is merely her…shall we say, specialty?”

Psyche raises her eyebrows. Suadela’s powers of seduction are quite legendary. She did not realize that was not all there was to the sultry goddess.

“I will explain...” Cupid lays out the plan in detail for Psyche, who nods and smiles more and more.

Psyche giggles, very excited at this new turn of events. “Oh, my dear, you are positively glowing. Isn’t this fun!”

When Cupid sets the arrows down, she frowns a little. “What are you doing? Are you not going to shoot now?”

“No, as much as I hate to wait, I will. The effects are only for about two days and I don’t know when they will all see each other next. We will have to watch…and wait…”

* * * * *

“No, I really do.”

“Do not, Slayer.” Spike’s grip tightens around Buffy’s waist.

“Seriously. I do.” Buffy puts on her best impression of Willow’s ‘resolve face.’

“Luv, I can see that little smile. Not bloody convincing.”

Buffy makes a mock serious effort to squirm out of his grasp, but only succeeds in rubbing against Spike’s naked body in a most enticing way. “Now, now. That’s not playing quite fair.” His hands begin to wander.

“Spike!” Buffy squeaks out a protest, but the magic of his touch is turning her resolve into one big puddle of compliance. She falls limp against him.

“See, pet…knew you weren’t getting up. I, on the other hand…” Spike’s voice takes on a silky tone as he feels his body warm to hers.

“But, Spike. Hungry.” Buffy’s tone is petulant, not at all the tough girl she was trying to be mere moments ago. Her bottom lip juts out.

“Oh, bottom lip. Mmm, Slayer, that’s playing rough.” Spike’s mouth opens, baring his teeth slightly as he resists snapping up her bottom lip. His resistance doesn’t last. He grabs ahold of her full lower lip with his teeth, pulling it into his mouth. The movement dissolves into a kiss that leaves Buffy breathless and Spike more horny than ever. As his hands grasp her hips to pull her closer, Buffy pushes her hands against his chest.

“No, no. Food, Spike. Food.” This time it is Spike’s turn to pout. She sighs at his adorable expression and wonders if he will ever stop surprising her. To learn so much about someone so quickly; it’s emotional overload. Here he is, looking the part of a cute little boy with some very adult thoughts.

When she manages to not cave in the next minute, Spike sighs, defeated but willingly so. “What do you want to eat, Buffy?”

Buffy’s eyes widen slightly. He’s offering to get it for her? This is new. “Um, I was having spaghetti when Xan – when I was interrupted. It’s on the counter?” Her voice is questioning, still not quite believing what he seems to be offering. She loves this Spike, too. She loves the sexy Spike, the naughty one, the tender one, the loving one and now, this considerate one?

“Alright, be back in a minute. Don’t move.” Spike leans into a kiss, and she can’t help but think of him as the perfect boyfriend. Boyfriend! Spike! Two words she never said together before. Her smile is seductive and Spike hesitates. She pushes it away for a pretend frown. She points wordlessly at the door. Spike shakes his head, wondering how he got so whipped so fast.

Buffy nibbles her lip as his bare bottom walks away from her. She starts to point out that maybe he should put something on, but thinks better of it. The view is really too nice. When he leaves the room, she flings herself back into the covers, stretching and wiggling in the rumpled sheets while she waits. Sjpike’s steps are quick down the steps. Right as she hears him reach the bottom, the phone rings. Buffy’s eyes close with a sigh. “Buffy just can’t be left alone, huh? How often do I take a break from responsibility. Um, never?” Without opening her eyes, Buffy slaps over to her bedside table, grabbing the phone quickly. “Hello?”

“Hi, Buffy.” Buffy bites back another sigh. That Willow has the best timing. Well, she and Spike are still naked, but at least she didn’t interrupt anything naughty this time.

“Hey, Willow. Listen, I’m sorry I missed class again.. can I get the notes from you?”

“Sure, you bet. Um, Buffy?”

Willow sounds nervous and agreed to the notes things without even a scolding. “What is it, Will?”

“Have you had any…um…visitors?” She can almost see Willow hold her breath on the other end of the phone.

“Oh, you mean, Xander?”

Her voice is a squeak on the other end. “Oh phooey. I’m sorry, Buffy! I told him you were sick and I told him not to go to your house and I told him…and oh, he didn’t listen to me one teeny tiny bit!”

“It’s okay. I…lied to him.”

Willow breathes out a sigh of relief. “Oh, good. Whew. My mind – load off!”

“But I’m going to tell him about Spike the next time I see him.”

“Oh god! But that’s tonight!” Willow’s voice pitches towards terror.

“It is? Why?”

“I was planning to call and tell you. Scooby meeting at Giles’ tonight. All he would say is ‘oh, dear’ and rub his eyes when I saw him. Guess something’s rotten in Sunnydale. Again.”

Buffy falls silent. There it is, the golden opportunity to tell everyone about Spike. And she would rather fight a gang of vampires with one hand tied behind her back. Doesn’t matter. Spike deserves the truth. Her voice is quiet, certain.

“Then I can tell Xander…and everyone…then. See you tonight, Will.” Sounds of protest and panic come through the phone as Buffy hangs it up with a click. She pauses with her hand on the handset for a moment and then takes the phone off the hook. Otherwise, she is sure it will ring in a few seconds with more protestations. Lying back and staring at the ceiling, Buffy considers her decision. Now she just has to figure exactly how to explain it. Does she mention the spell or leave it out? Of course, Willow knows about the spell, so she could…

“May I interrupt, luv?” His voice comes from nearer than she expected and is strangely muffled. Her eyes slide to the door to find her completely naked lover holding a steaming hot plate of spaghetti. And a rose. In his teeth. The scene is pure comedy and Buffy feels the giggles rise up from her throat like bubbles before exploding into peals of laughter.

In between bursts of giggles, Buffy manages to stumble over to the bedroom door. Spike grins at her around the flower, loving the way her hazel eyes dance when she is laughing. He meets her eyes with his, trying to tell her that they are in this together. Her worries are his worries. And he knows she was worried when he came to the door the first time and she was on the phone. Hence the snatching of a rose from the flower arrangement in the hallway. And it worked. The concern has vanished from her eyes, replaced by this playful, sexy Buffy he adores. More than he thought possible. Buffy reaches up to take the flower out of his mouth and tosses it over her shoulder.

Buffy’s voice is higher than normal, dripping with innocence. “Oh, thank goodness you came back, Spike. I’m very...” She bites his lip. “Very…” Nibbles his ear. “Very…” Nips against his neck before rising up to meet his eyes again. “Hungry.” The last word rolls off her tongue right as she tackles him against the door, her mouth covering his in a furious kiss as Spike struggles not to drop her lunch all over the carpet.

* * * * *

“Tonight it is. I’ll use the arrows just before the meeting.”

“Oh goody!” Psyche claps in excitement and then shakes her head at the scene unfolding below. “They are unbelievable! Makes me feel rather…frisky.” She grins and raises an eyebrow at Cupid.

“Well, we do have some time, my sweet. Shall we?” Holding out his hand, Cupid takes ahold of Psyche and pulls her against him, his lips finding hers in an instant.

* * * * * Chapter 32: The Midas Touch * * * * *

“Mmmmmm, delicious.” Buffy smiles in pleasure as she licks her lips.

“I think I’m coming over a bit queasy here, luv. You always eat like this?”

“Only when I’m half-starved, so shut up.”

“Ooooh, rough talk.” Spike sits back against the headboard as Buffy swirls her fork in the half-eaten spaghetti.

“I mean it. I’m hungry and nothing you are going to do or say is going to stop me. Again.” She smiles a bit as she remembers the distraction caused by Spike’s naked arrival with her lunch. Spaghetti’s a bit lukewarm now, but still edible.

“Shouldn’t challenge me, Buffy.” She notes the way his voice drops on her name. The way he seems to caress the sounds as they fall from his lips. No one has ever made her name give her goosebumps they way he can. She feels his weight shift behind her and braces herself, trying desperately not to spin around and tackle him again. She really was quite hungry but he is already dividing her attention. And she did already eat half of it…

Buffy hisses when his cool lips press into the top of her bare shoulder. It’s like he knows the exact spot on her body that will set the rest of her alight. She struggles to lift the bite of spaghetti to her mouth, but halfway there, she feels that soft soft mouth on the side of her neck. Her hand begins to shake in mid-air.

“Spike.” Her protest ends up sounding more like a moan and she can feel him smile against her bare skin. And then, the lightest nibble of his teeth working up her neck, slowly, so slow he seems to be dragging time to a standstill. The fork clinks as she lets it drop back to the plate. She can feel her blood begin to rush, flooding her senses with its pounding, insistent need. Hands still shaking, she manages to lay the plate on her bedside table. Spike moves around, kissing against the nape of her neck, her hair brushing over his head in golden waves. He continues his inexorable path, reaching the other side of her neck. Buffy lets her head drop back, resting it against his shoulder as he continues to work up the side of her neck. Her hands drop, sliding back and around to reach for him. She finds his thighs and realizes Spike is kneeling behind her, only inches away, though the only thing touching her until that moment was his mouth. His mouth. The one that can drop a smartass comment in the same breath with a sweet endearment. Can bite into her or lightly brush against her skin. Can turn her to steel or melt her in his arms. And oh, the smirks, the smiles, the little innuendoes that fall from those lips. Buffy smiles, knowing he can’t see her. He makes her want to write an ode to his mouth. And she doesn’t have a clue how to write poetry. Anyway, always been more of an action girl. Better to just show him how much she likes it. And the rest of him. Her fingers dig into his skin, the tight muscles of his thighs clenching underneath them. If he had any doubt, his effect on her is becoming quite obvious.

Spike can smell her arousal growing, can feel her pulse accelerate under his lips. Wishes he could see inside that gorgeous head of hers sometimes. If her scent is any indication, the thoughts that course through her could likely harden him like quick set cement. Though actually, she manages to do that anyway. He smiles ruefully. Slayer has him wrapped around her beautiful little finger. And somehow, he doesn’t really mind if she knows it. At the feeling of her fingers scratching into his flesh, Spike realizes he has won this round of their little Sex Olympics. Thank god he gets more than a medal for making her forget about her lunch. He reaches up, gathers her hair in his hands, lifting it to bare her neck. The neck it is. Spike has realized he can separately worship every part of her body, one after the other, and drive her straight out of her mind. But in a good way. Most gits don’t even realize that women’s erogenous zones are wide-reaching.

With her hair held up, Spike leans in to press his lips against the very base of her neck and then draws a line up to her hairline and back again. Buffy moans quietly, the grip on his thighs not loosening. While the skin is still moist, Spike blows a cool stream of air up her neck, electrifying her. The moan is now a groan and it is decidedly not quiet. Spike feels himself go rock hard at the sweet lift of her voice. She drops her head forward, clearly giving an invitation to continue. Spike leans forward, his mouth a fraction of an inch from her ear.

“Like that, luv?”

“Mmm-hmm.” Buffy doesn’t trust her voice. He completely rattled her senses and his proximity is starting to shut down her higher functions. Soon it will be simply: Sex good, Spike pretty.

“I thought that you might.” Pulling away from her slightly, Spike drags the very tip of his tongue up her spine, slow, slow, slowly reaching the same spot on her neck. Again, he follows with a stream of air through pursed lips. Buffy’s skin erupts in goosebumps, her nipples go hard as a shiver runs through her. As much as she likes what he is doing, she’s having a hard time not touching him more. Feeling the hard lines of his body against hers, pressing into his flesh. He is determined to keep the touch light and she is willing to let him continue – for the moment. Buffy knows he won’t last forever.

Spike releases Buffy’s hair, letting it slowly drop and cover her shoulders again. Like spun light, her hair is the way he imagines sunlight in all its glory. Shimmering, golden but thankfully, fully non-fatal. His hands drop to her shoulders and then move down her arms, just skimming the skin, barely touching.

Buffy holds her breath as his gentle hands continue to cover her body, kissing against her skin. They wrap around, grazing her breasts. She leans her head to the side, exposing her neck to Spike again. She knows her neck is a weak spot for him – and for her. The pulsing blood there, symbol of life and lust and visceral desire for Spike. His hands do not hesitate as they lightly tweak her nipples and his mouth moves down onto her neck. He covers the flesh as if he will bite it, but does not. He plants open-mouth kisses up to her ear before gently sucking the earlobe between his teeth. Buffy inhales sharply. His slow, sensuous movements are lighting her fuse and she is not sure how long it is. Feeling short at the moment.

Spike’s hands meet under her breasts and turn downward, skating over her navel and lower. Buffy contracts her stomach, clenches her inner walls in anticipation of his touch. The fingers dance over her most sensitive areas, skimming her inner thighs, gently spreading her legs further apart. Like a rag doll, she complies, wondering when he hypnotized her with those lips and these hands. Both hands rest between her legs, exerting a firm pressure that sends a sudden surge of warmth straight up her body. Those long, nimble index fingers dip lower, entering her tight channel together. Finally, she can’t take the non-contact any longer. His penetration causes Buffy to throw her body back against his, her arms go up over her head to run into his hair, twisting those white blond locks around suddenly agitated fingers. Spike moves his head around to the other side of her neck and starts to nibble on her ear as his fingers move in and out with slow, deliberate thrusts. Buffy moves with him, rubbing her back against his chest. Spike attempts to maintain the air of being in charge of this endeavor, but the little minx is driving him mad with her wriggling and moaning. And now that hot little body is slammed up against his, blanketing him in her scent, all sex and sunshine. He better escalate matters in a hurry. With that thought, both of Spike’s thumbs drive into Buffy’s clit on the next thrust and on every one thereafter, faster and harder, more insistent.

“Oh. My. God.” Buffy is panting out every word, breaths short and fast as Spike pushes her closer and closer to climax. She feels his erection digging into her back and decides she wants to come around him, looking into those bottomless eyes of his. “Sp – Spike. Wait. Don’t.” A word on every thrust, before it is too late. She whips her hands down and covers his, holding him still even as the warning signals of her orgasm begin to build.

Spike frowns. “Buffy? What’s wrong, luv?”

Without a word, Buffy rotates in his arms, startling him into letting go of her. She finds him and guides his very hard cock right to her entrance. Her green eyes spark like glass in the sun. “Absolutely nothing.” Pinning Spike under her, Buffy wiggles her hips, teasing the head for just a few seconds before driving down onto him in one smooth movement. Slick and ready for him, it is effortless and filling and she sighs. Spike, recovering quickly, takes Buffy’s head in both hands and pulls her mouth down to his for a furious kiss, tangled tongues and bruising lips. That’s his girl. She straddles his hips and wastes no time, pounding down onto him. Her body quivers on every thrust, her already sensitive skin screaming from the continued stimulation. Spike grins up at her before sliding his hand back between her legs, matching her thrusts with his fingers. Buffy screams aloud at the first press of his hands, feeling like she will combust if he touches her again. Which of course, he does. After his long bout with self-control, Spike is close to exploding himself. Buffy’s body flailing above his, blond hair whipping back and forth, breasts rising and falling above him, it’s sensory overload. Within seconds, Buffy cries out, coming with an intensity that makes her nearly faint, shockwaves shooting outwards with bone-rattling strength. Her muscles clenching pull Spike right through with her and he groans as he comes, stars bursting in front of his eyes. Both of them collapse, their muscles continuing to twitch, tighten and finally loosen.

A few minutes pass, nothing but heavy breathing filling the air. Spike’s hand softly smoothes Buffy’s hair, as her fingers lightly circle on his chest. Eyes meeting, they smile.

“You’re amazing, pet.” Spike’s voice is low, lacking the rough edges it often takes.

“Not too bad yourself, Spike.” Buffy is content, perfectly cat curled up in the sun cleaning her paws content. If only she could just stay here always, never leaving the house to… “Oh crap!”

“Well, that was a quick change of heart, Buffy.” Spike’s tone is bemused.

“What time is it?”

“Don’t know. Can’t say I care, luv. Why?”

“Scooby meeting.”

“Oh, right. It’s not even dark yet, Buffy. There’s time.” He feels her body relax again under his arms. She sighs.

“Whew.”

“Since when are you worried about being late to one of your meetings, anyway?”

It’s time to tell him. “Spike. You’re coming, too.”

“To the meeting? Why? Never invited, anyway.” Spike realizes this is what her quiet phone conversation was about. The one that made that cute little line appear between her eyes as she worried.

Buffy looks at Spike’s face, her eyes serious. “You are tonight.” She reaches up, putting her palm against his cheek. “You’re coming with me.”

Spike feels his heart want to pound. He strives for nonchalance, but fails. His voice cracks. “I am?”

“I’m telling them. Remember, we’re in this thing together.” Buffy chews on her bottom lip, watching a series of emotions scurry across Spike’s face. Normally, he wouldn’t give a rat’s ass what the Scoobies think of him, but he knows it matters to her and that is enough.

His blue eyes light up. “Speaking of being in things together…shouldn’t we get a shower first?” The smirk forces her to match him with one of her own.

“Excellent plan, let’s get with the soapy goodness.” One more time, Buffy stuffs her worry behind her newfound love for Spike. How bad could it really be, anyway?

With a squeak as Spike pinches her bare bottom, Buffy leaps up and darts toward the door, the blond vampire close on her heels.

* * * * *

“Well, it looks like it is time, my sweet.” With a flourish, Cupid gathers up the arrows he needs. He waves his hand in a large circle, bringing more of Sunnydale into view around the two lovers. With a small movement of his finger, he marks all of his targets for these specially treated arrows. In turn, he lights Giles, Xander and Anya with a golden glow. He glances over at Psyche. “What do you think, shall we touch the red-haired witch as well? She is the only one that already knows about them.”

Psyche considers this but eventually nods. “I think you had better. She’s very clever and while she means well, she could throw off the whole thing if she isn’t equally affected, don’t you think?”

“My sweet, your brain is as stunning as the rest of you. Of course you are most correct.” With a gesture, he touches Willow as well.

Psyche grins in anticipation as Cupid loads the first arrow. One after the other, he lets the golden arrows fly. He does not invest the same speed and urgency in their flight as the lust arrows and each person in turn notices a strange twinge, but soon forgets. A gentle warmth fills them, seemingly from the sun but really generated internally by the combined effect of Cupid’s light touch and his sister’s special ingredients.

* * * * *

Two hours later, the freshly scrubbed Slayer and vampire stand on Giles’ front stoop. Nervous as hell. Spike keeps fidgeting with his coat, considering a smoke, but thinking better of it. Buffy’s mouth is completely dry, words swirling in her head. ‘So, after we had sex about five or six times, I realized I might have feelings for him.’ No, that won’t do. ‘So, Spike can do this thing with his tongue…’ Agh. No. Buffy is snapped out of her confusion by the feel of Spike’s fingers slowly lacing in hers. She looks up to find him watching her, his fidgeting stopping. His eyes are still and blue.

“It’s going to be fine, luv.” He leans down, lips lightly brushing hers before grazing her ear. “I love you.” She melts, threatening to puddle right here on the doormat. Her hand clasps his, clutching him tighter than strictly necessary.

“And I love you.” She turns to face the door, heart pounding. “Shall we?”

Spike reaches for the doorknob, opening the door in front of them. He gestures for her to continue in. “After you, pet.”

* * * * * Chapter 33: The Gang’s All Here * * * * *

“And I’m telling you, Ms. Wicca, that I-Dream-of-Jeannie could totally take out that witch from Bewitched. Come on! She lived in a bottle and – oh hi, Buffy!” Xander pauses in his diatribe long enough to acknowledge the entrance of the blond pair. Willow rolls her eyes at Xander and waves at Buffy before turning back to him. Xander opens his mouth to continue but then freezes before slowly turning back to the door. Willow does the same, her eyes completely bugged out.

Xander finds his voice again, “Spike? Buffy…why is Spike here? And…and…merciful Zeus, holding your hand?! GILES!”

“Oh what is it, Xander? I am not going to discuss American television with you for one more bloody…oh, it’s you, Buffy. Come in. And…who?” Giles finishes rubbing his glasses with a dishtowel before sliding them back on his face. “Spike? What on earth?”

Willow makes a strangled squeak as her eyes dart from Buffy and Spike to the two gaping men, waiting for the eminent explosion.

Buffy swallows, meeting Spike’s eyes for a second before moving further into the room. He squeezes her hand before following her in, shutting the door behind them. No sense in disturbing the neighbors. Spike’s eyes quickly scan the room, checking for weapons handy to the two other men. No way the Whelp and the Watcher are going to take this news very well.

The two step through the room before settling down on the couch next to Willow. Xander sits across from them in a chair as Giles walks around to face them all.

Giles speaks first. “Buffy, do you plan on explaining this….um….” He gestures at their tightly clenched hands. “…behavior? Did Willow do another spell, perhaps?” His expression is hopeful, the alternative unthinkable.

Before Buffy can say a word, Willow sits up straight, her face suddenly indignant in light of this accusation. “I did not, Giles! I told you it wouldn’t happen again and so it has not! THIS is not my will!” She crosses her arms on her chest before slumping back on the couch, glaring at Giles.

“Well, something’s obviously kerplooie, Will ! Look at ‘em with the hand-holding and stroking. I do see that thumb moving, Dead Boy!” Spike’s thumb, lightly grazing Buffy’s hand, continues as the vampire stares at Xander.

“Alexander Harris, don’t you accuse me of…well, so it happened before, but it didn’t happen this time…”

“…well, Willow, it certainly appears…”

“…they would never…”

As the torrent of words swirls above their heads, Buffy and Spike gaze at each other, wry smiles on their faces. Leaning forward in slow motion, Buffy gently presses her lips to his before standing up. She speaks, but they don’t hear her as the finger pointing and wild gesturing continues. She tries again, but still nothing in the clamor.

Buffy speaks louder, forcefully. “I love him.”

Four heads whip in her direction, as even Spike is surprised she started this way. He figured she would try and explain something about the arrows and Cupid, soften the blow by using the magic as a crutch. But no, his girl is not afraid. He smiles up at her. He is, of course, the only one smiling in the room.

“You what?” Xander’s eyes grow wider as Buffy’s words sink in.

“I love him, Xander. Giles. Willow.” She decides not to let on that Willow already knew, figuring that will just trigger another outburst. “I do. I know it’s kind of out of the blue, but Spike and I are in love. I care about him and I want you all to accept that, to accept him. He is different than we all thought and he is true and loving and he makes me very, very happy.” She grins down at the blond vampire before retaking her seat next to him on the couch. His hand squeezes her thigh before he places a kiss on her cheek.

“Buffy is telling the truth. I love her more than I thought possible. Promise not to try and kill you lot any more. Might even help you.” Spike smirks as Buffy playfully slaps his arm. They both look at the group, all of whom are not speaking, only staring.

***

Psyche clutches Cupid’s hand as they watch the scene unfold. “This is it, sweetheart! This is the moment for the arrows to take effect! Their love is proclaimed!”

Cupid grins. “And so it is. I was right, it is true, this love. True and pure. Now, let’s see those arrows work…”

***

Xander shakes his head. A strange warmth is filling him, fogging his mind. Buffy loves Spike? What the…that’s just…it can’t…well, Spike is quite the attractive man, all sleek and catlike. And strong. Buffy likes ‘em strong and pulseless. Look at Angel. Xander blinks, these thoughts parading unbidden through his head. But making more and more sense with every passing second. He shakes his head again. Something seems amiss. A few minutes ago, didn’t he hate Spike? He looks at the blond vampire, but can’t muster up that hate. He actually kinda likes the guy. In a very manly, clothed way, of course. And Buffy looks happy. That’s nice to see. Maybe this is…a good thing? Xander smiles. Yes, yes it’s a good thing. His doubts fall away with his decision, the fog rolling in thick and convincing.

Meanwhile, Giles and Willow experience similar struggles as their thoughts turn from suspicion, dislike and disapproval to the exact opposite. A funny tickle runs through their bodies, tingling and warm. The love in the room makes them feel so very relaxed, so very open to suggestion. Both look at each other and then at Xander. With a nod, they smile at Buffy and Spike, who are appropriately and completely freaked out by this reaction.

Buffy’s eyes dart at Spike, full of fear. Everyone is so quiet. No yelling. And now…smiling? It must be a trick. She considers how quickly she could get herself and Spike out the door, preferably with him not being a pile of dust.

Then, Xander speaks. “Well, you crazy kids, that’s great news! Giles, you got anything stronger than tea in this place? We should drink a toast!” Giles nods and hops up, heading for the kitchen.

“Yes, of course. I’ve got some champagne left over from New Year’s…” His voice fades as he leans down to look in the refrigerator.

Even Spike is on edge now. Something is seriously on the wrong side of normal. Buffy can’t contain herself one more second.

“What the hell are you talking about, Xander? You approve of our relationship?!?” She leans forward, eyes wide. Xander grins and pats Buffy lightly on the knee.

“Well, yes Buffy. I’ve always liked Spike. You two are perfect for each other.” He gives Spike a playful punch in the shoulder as Spike just stares blankly at him, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“Always liked Spike? You HATE Spike!” Buffy stands up, her voice rising. Xander stands up too, looking concerned by Buffy’s outburst.

“Hate Spike? Why do you say that Buffy? Okay, true, I don’t think…” He pauses, looking briefly confused. “I don’t think we’ve always been close, but that’s in the past now, Buffster. Before you two were the happy couple. Sure, it’s sudden, you little minx…hey, wait a minute! Was he the guy at your house?” His eyes widen a bit, eyebrows waggling suggestively. “Spike, you old dog!” Spike is still struck rather dumb by the entire experience. The Whelp likes him now? It’s very unsettling.

“Uh, yeah, that was him. But Xan, seriously! I don’t get it. How the hell can you like Spike?” Buffy’s voice is strident and higher than normal.

“Hey!” Spike protests at Buffy’s choice of words. “I can be a likeable bloke, Slayer. When I want to be…” He trails off, choosing to stay seated on the couch and let the Slayer duke it out with her friends.

Xander shrugs at the wound-up Slayer in front of him. “Don’t know, Buffy. It just kinda…feels right. What you said made perfect sense. Why shouldn’t I support you wacky kids?” He grins at her.

Buffy continues on without comment, turning to Giles with a look of exasperation. “And what about you, Giles?”

Giles returns from the kitchen with an open bottle of champagne and hands full of glasses. “What’s that, Buffy? Oh yes, you know, Spike’s a good lad. Well, he can be. Just had a rough past – something I can certainly relate to. I’ll admit, I had my doubts about him. Very recently, in fact.” Giles brow furrows, as if he is trying to remember something. “But I…I know you are right. You love him, he loves you. Let’s have a toast!”

Buffy rolls her eyes and flops on the couch. She’s not sure why, but she would have been more comfortable with her friends going ballistic rather than this. It’s just too odd. She turns to Willow as Giles and Xander pour champagne. “Surely you still disapprove, Will.” Her eyes are almost pleading, hoping for some normalcy.

“Oh no, Buffy! I think this is great. I don’t know why I had a problem before…I can’t even really remember being against it. This just all makes such perfect sense. I’m so happy for you both!” Willow leans over, hugging Buffy and Spike in one clumsy maneuver.

After she releases them and turns to Giles and Xander, Buffy and Spike turn to stare at each other. Spike leans over to whisper in her ear. “Buffy, luv, maybe you should stop arguing with them. I know it’s bloody strange, but didn’t you want them to be happy for us?”

Buffy sighs. “Well, of course. It’s just…they didn’t even put up a fight. Don’t they know you’re all dangerous…or were…and a vampire! See, no one even mentioned that you are a vampire! I…” Spike leans closer, cutting off Buffy’s frantic words with a kiss. She feels the anxiety melt a bit. He presses harder into the kiss, his tongue brushing her bottom lip. Forgetting their location, Buffy opens her mouth and their kiss quickly deepens, tongues tangling and hands roaming.

“Whoa!” Xander’s exclamation causes the two blonds to jump away from each other guiltily. “You two might want to locate a room, eh?” He winks conspiratorially at Spike, who just blinks. As much as he knows Buffy wants her friends to approve, this is really just a bit too weird. So weird that he actually brings up work to change the subject.

Spike clears his throat, looks around the room. Buffy blushes and straightens her blouse, clearly at a loss for what to do next. She expected to be in the throes of a huge yelling match right now, not drinking to their health and future together.

“So, Rupert, mate. You called us here for a reason, right? Something evil afoot?”

Giles pauses in his pouring of the champagne, brow furrowed. “Why yes, Spike, you’re right! I was...distracted.” He sets the bottle down and turns to the whole group. “I’ve called you all here because I’ve turned up something unsettling in a shipment of books I bought from a dealer in Greece. Very strange and I don’t quite understand it all, but it seems to be a prophecy or prediction and it seems to be happening soon…let me find the passage…” Giles wanders back to his desk to flip through a few old books stacked there, muttering to himself.

Xander passes around the champagne and whispers, “Let’s have a quick toast before he finds what he’s looking for. After that, one way ticket to Dullsville. To Buffy and Spike, the best new couple in Sunnydale. And of course, welcome to the gang, Spike.” With a wide grin, Xander raises his glass. Willow clinks it, her face equally alight. With a still concerned look on her face, Buffy glances over to Spike. His reaction to Xander’s words is unreadable, but she could swear he seems…pleased? This night could not get any weirder. They finish clinking glasses and take their first sips when Giles exclaims, startling everyone.

“There we have it! Strangest thing…something about a pairing of dark and light springing from the arrow of an immortal… don’t know what that refers to.” Buffy and Willow gape at each other. “And then, it goes on for awhile and this is the part I noticed…it mentions the Slayer, though not in so many words, and it seems to be saying that Spike… I mean, I didn’t know it was Spike until now, but it seems that a vampire, Spike I believe, is key to this prediction. It seems he will…well, he may just save us all.” Giles puts his glasses down, looking over at Spike as every set of eyes settles on him. He stops in mid-swallow and looks at Buffy, completely surprised.

Buffy was wrong. This night just got weirder.

* * * * * Chapter 34: A Prophecy * * * * *

Cupid continues explaining to Psyche, pride brimming. “See, my dear, it worked exactly as I described. Suadela doesn’t advertise it, but she is actually the goddess of persuasion. She has only chosen to use that ability in the ways of love and seduction. Our mother is Aphrodite, what can you expect, right? Suadela prefers direct contact, but was willing to touch my arrows with her power when I explained that I merely wanted to make a few humans a bit more…malleable. It’s a temporary effect, but should give our two lovers enough time to convince the group that their love is real. The arrows have left all of them happy with the idea of love – that’s my part – and extremely willing to believe whatever they are told – that’s the work of sweet Suadela.” Cupid’s self-satisfied grin slowly fades as he realizes his long speech is being ignored. Psyche is distracted, missing her lover’s words as she gazes down into the pool, her delicate brow furrowed in concentration.

“Cupid, darling – did you hear that?”

“I was going to ask you the same thing, sweetheart. What is going on down there? Did the arrows stop working?” Cupid leans over to share in her view, his face showing sudden concern. All he sees is the entire group sitting and staring at Spike in some kind of stunned amazement. He darts his eyes to Psyche. “What did he do? What happened?”

“Well, the other man…Giles, I think they called him, described a prediction or maybe a prophecy. Not uncommon, as we know. But…” Psyche is thinking so hard it appears to be causing her physical discomfort. “…it involved us. And what we did with the Vampire and the Slayer. It said he would save the world.” She turns to Cupid, her deep brown eyes worried. “I don’t understand.”

Cupid pauses, considering. He paces around the pool, watching the Scoobies. Finally, he stops, his handsome features drawn in thought. “The Fates. It’s the only explanation. They are the only ones with that kind of power.” He takes a few more steps. “Wait, they are talking again. I’ll explain in a second, my sweet.” Cupid takes Psyche’s hand and settles on the stone edge of the pool to watch. She reluctantly turns from her lover to the scene below.

* * * * *

“Um, ex-squeeze me? Now, don’t get me wrong, I love Spike as much as the next guy…apparently. But saving us all? Isn’t that more Buffy’s gig? And by all…you mean?” Xander rips his eyes away from the blond vampire to look at Giles.

Giles clears his throat as all eyes turn to him. “Well, Xander, I do realize it is a bit odd, but yes, the passage is clearly focused on a vampire. And this vampire appears to be Spike. I thought it was Angel when I began the passage today, but by the time I finished translating, I saw it could not be. Thankfully, with tonight’s wonderful news, I can say it is most certainly not him. It is our very own Spike.” Giles’ smile is nearly paternal as he looks at Spike, who squirms a bit. Being insulted is a bit more comfortable in this group. This lovefest is making him twitchy. Buffy squeezes his hand in reassurance, though she is equally thrown by the behavior of her friends.

He pauses, maybe for dramatic effect. “And by us all, I mean the world, Xander. Spike will preserve the future, the fate of humanity with his actions.” Spike’s eyes nearly bug out of his head and Buffy squeezes his hand a bit too tight, causing him to yelp in pain.

“Bloody hell! Save the world?! Rupert, what in blazes are you on about?” Spike starts to stand up, but Buffy holds him on the couch, lightly patting his arm in an attempt to calm him.

“It’s alright, Spike. Happens all the time to me. Giles is always telling me I have to ‘save the world.’ Usually he’s exaggerating. I’m sure it’s not…so…bad.” Buffy’s words fade as she observes the look on Giles’ face. Definitely his ‘apocalyptic’ expression, which she knows a little too well. She gulps. “Giles? Um, what does he have to do? And why are you sure it’s Spike, anyway?” A tiny stab of fear digs into Buffy’s heart. Really saving the world tends to be dangerous business.

“Fine, fine. Let me read it. Not like I have any experience interpreting ancient texts, now is it?” Giles’ snarky comeback is lost on the Scooby gang and he rolls his eyes. “Here we go. Pardon me if I don’t read the whole thing. They are rather wordy in these texts. The first bit goes on about the day these things will happen. I’ve done my calculations over and over and it all points to…tomorrow night.”

Willow sits up straight. “Tomorrow night? But that’s a mere 24 hours to work up a good solid panic.” She goes a shade paler than normal. She believes in Spike’s ability to love Buffy and make her happy, but save the world? Is he really up for that?

“Yes, tomorrow night and Willow, there’s no need to panic. We will be prepared, I’m sure of it. And Spike…he’ll do fine.” Giles puts his hand on Spike’s shoulder in a very father-son gesture, gently squeezing. It’s now Spike’s turn to go a few shades paler than normal. Buffy sees that Spike is strangely still, so she pops up.

“Now, Giles. About the rest of that darn prophecy. What does Spike have to do? Something lacking in the danger department, right? Save a kitten up a tree, kick a tiny demon’s ass?” Buffy strains for calm, as she feels the fear bubbling inside her as well. Giles is being way too vague and that has never been a good thing before.

“Alright alright. I’ll just read it. Get you lot to stop and just bloody listen.” Spike nods and smirks a bit. More like it to see Giles acting like something other than a nancy boy. “Okay…here it is. The part about the vampire: ‘One who does not breathe, yet walks the earth. Feeding on life, but never alive.’ Vampire, see? ‘His undead heart belongs to the woman warrior, the one who is chosen to protect humanity.’ See, that’s you, Buffy. And now that I know you and Spike are in love, it makes more sense. And there’s more. Details about this sacred location outside town. The stone circle on the hill at the edge of Breaker’s Woods? As usual, these things are not exactly written like instruction manuals. Finally, it says, ‘Fate will bring him to this night in the light of a half moon. His battle of will is his alone. His triumph will bring humanity to light, his failure will bring only darkness. His existence is the price.’ Giles pauses, looks around the silent room and clears his throat. “Well, they do tend to be a bit overdramatic, those Greeks…and it is a particularly difficult dialect...um, and my translation is a bit rough…might not be so…I mean, it might not be literal. The price.” Giles lets his words fade out as he tries a smile. “Oh, and it does say that the ‘circle of the chosen one’ is near but cannot interfere, so I think that would be all of us. Doesn’t say what we do, though, so…I think we just go with him…” Giles finally just stops talking. The rest of the group remains quiet.

Looking around at the nervous faces, Buffy stands up. “Giles, thanks for scaring the bejeezus out of us all. I’m taking Spike home now.”

“Honestly, Buffy, I’m just reading what I found. You know there is often a sacrifice...” Buffy turns a stony glare on the Watcher, making him fall silent.

“Sacrifice, shmacrifice. You’re not talking about a sacrifice, you’re talking about my boyfriend and…well, actually no, you’re not. ‘Cause we’re done talking. I’m the Chosen One. I take the risks, not him. We’re leaving. Spike?” Buffy pulls at Spike’s hand, but he doesn’t move. She realizes, as does the rest of the group, that Spike has been remarkably quiet throughout these proceedings, considering his rather primary role. His expression is unreadable as he stands to join Buffy. Holding Buffy’s hand tightly, he turns to Giles.

“Rupert, what time should I be there?” He meets Giles’ gaze, unwavering. Buffy’s mouth drops and is soon followed by the rest of the room.

“Spike, no.” Her voice is soft, scared. The look on his face is entirely too certain, too set. Her blood turns to ice water.

Spike turns, his voice dropping, gentle as he takes both her hands. “Slayer, love, it’s the…right thing to do.” The words stumble out of his mouth, but it doesn’t make his decision any less final.

Buffy is speechless. She wants to yell at him that he doesn’t do the ‘right thing’. He’s Spike, of the amoral outlook and the smartass remark suited for every do-gooder request. But in just a few days, she has learned he is more than he appears. Before he fell in love with her, he would have told them to sod off, she’s sure of it. Now, it feels like her fault that he might die. Buffy’s eyes glisten as she searches his expression. He’s not kidding. He really means to do the right thing.

Dammit.

Buffy’s shoulders drop in defeat. She can’t even fall for a soulless vampire without him getting sucked into this world of hers. A world that cycles between apocalypse and near-apocalypse with depressing regularity. She turns to Giles, meets his eyes and sees them soften. “What time should we be there, Giles?”

His smile is fleeting, but she catches it. And sort of wants to shove it down his throat, in a loving Slayer-Watcher kind of way. Yes, yes Buffy is going to do what she is supposed to…what else is new?

“Moonrise. Um…that’s 9:20 tomorrow.”

“Gee. Precise much? We’ll be there at 9.” Buffy purses her lips, unwilling to dull her tongue right now. If Giles wasn’t so into his books, she could be snuggling with Spike tomorrow at 9 instead of developing a big old case of dread. She sighs, knowing that the things Giles reads about tend to happen anyway and really, the warning is a good thing. Not that it feels that way.

Spike turns to the door with a startled Buffy in tow. “Right then. See you tomorrow.” Spike gives a brief salute to the group and yanks the door open.

“But…but Spike. Don’t you want to…prepare...and discuss strategies?” Giles stammers and Willow prepares to chime in as well. Xander looks startled as he looks between them all.

Spike cuts them all off with a wave of his hand. “Not necessary. Here’s mine. You lot read over your books, study them all night if you have to. Figure out there is nothing I can really do to avoid this thing and no weapon I can fight it with. And tell me all about it tomorrow. At 9. I’ll be leaving now with the Slayer.” And with that, he’s gone. Buffy manages a wave before being pulled out the door into the darkness. He may have to be good now, but he doesn’t have to be polite.

They get halfway to the street before Buffy exerts her strength and screeches them to a halt. “Spike! Stop!”

He does. When he doesn’t say a word, Buffy turns his face toward her. “Are you sure? We don’t even know what you are facing tomorrow.”

“Buffy, luv, you may have noticed that Rupert there was implying that I could do something to save humanity. Now, I like humanity as much as the next vamp, but that’s not why I agreed.”

“Then, why?”

“Has it escaped the Chosen One’s notice that she is in fact, human? Do you expect me to stand by and let the love of my undead life suffer?” Spike’s words are a caress to Buffy, but her fear is still a bitter taste. He leans closer, hands lifting gently into her hair. Their lips graze softly.

“Am I late? I brought dip!” Anya appears next to the pair, smile open and curious, a container of french onion dip in hand. “How come you two are not inside pretending to listen to Giles?” She leans toward Buffy conspiratorially, “That’s why I am often late, you know. I always tell Xander it’s because of the dip.” She grins, then looks at Spike. “Spike! What forces you here?”

“Slayer. ‘m in love with her.” He grins at Buffy, who smacks his leather-clad arm.

She mutters to herself, “Didn’t force him, exactly…”

“She does like the vampires. Good for you two. So, what else did I miss? Is it over?” Her eyes light up, hope springing eternal.

“For us it is. Watcher said I might die tomorrow trying to save humanity. They can tell you the details.”

“Oh crap. It’s not an Ascension, is it?” Anya looks put out.

“Nope. Greek prophecy.”

“Figures. Alright, guess I better go in.” Anya heads up the walk towards Giles’ door, before stopping, as if she forgot something. “Oh, you can go back to kissing now. ‘Night!” They watch her swing the door open and announce cheerily, “Am I late? I brought dip!”

Buffy, having watched this conversation like a tennis match, finally loses it and begins to giggle. Spike glances at her, a little surprised. She laughs harder and harder, bending double. “She brought dip. Oh god, do you have any idea how many times she’s brought that damn dip to Scooby meetings?”

Spike chuckles. “Demon bird’s got the right idea. Those meetings are bloody well weird. Remind me not to come next time you invite me.”

Buffy smiles up at him, laughter still bubbling. Anya’s interlude has totally broken her anxiety for the moment. “That’s it, blondie. I’m taking you home.”

“To have your wicked way with me?” Spike lifts his eyebrows, his tongue dancing out to trace his teeth.

Buffy decides the worry isn’t doing her any good right now. But something else surely will. “Wicked ways, Spike. Why stop at just one?” With that remark, she turns and walks away, hips swaying, hair swinging. Spike moans, looking up at the sky.

“If the damn prophecy doesn’t kill me, she surely will.” The grin that stretches across his face is full of sinister promise and anticipation. “Can’t wait to find out how.”