Zaaron sat there chuckling to himself. For the past six hours Spike did nothing but grate on Xanders last nerve and vice versa. Zaaron had thought Spike was only kidding about ruffling Xanders feathers, he soon found out, he wasn't. Buffy came to stand beside Zaaron.

Buffy rolled her eyes. "God this has got to stop."

Zaaron chuckled. "They're ............working out their issues." Zaaron said with amusement in his voice and clearly on his face.

"Oh god, not you too." Buffy huffed annoyed.

Zaaon contained another laugh as he smiled, he drew his attention toward Spike. "Spike, I think playtime is over, your woman is starting to get a little.......shall we say flustered." He said only loud enough for Spike to hear.

Spike turned and nodded to Zaaron with a wide grin on his face, but quickly lost his smile when his eyes met those of his very pissed off slayer. He looked down to his feet as he cleared his throat.

"Sorry luv." He said as he looked back up and smirked at her.

Buffy rolled her eyes and slightly smiled at his "I can't help it" look on his face.

"None of us are tired, we should be out there........doing something. Anything." Buffy said as Spike moved to stand beside her.

"Why don't I call Verik, maybe the others are feeling the same way." Zaaron said as he moved to the phone.

"Or..............we could.......let's see, not and find something else to do with all this extra time." Spike said whispering in her ear as his arm came around her waist and drew circles on her abdomen, as his tongue darted out and licked her neck before lightly nipping her neck, while grinding his erection against her from behind.

Buffy breathed heavily as she and Spike slowly backed up until they were out of sight from everyone. She quickly turned and captured his lips in hers hungrily as he pinned her against the wall. Buffys hands roamed up under his shirt, roughly and demanding.

Spike pressed himself against her heavily as her legs came up to wrap around his waist. Spike slowly opened the door to the closet and carried her in there and sat her down on a pile of boxes.

Buffys fingers quickly pulled off Spikes shirt then Spike slipped hers off, letting it fall to the floor. Her hands deftly moved down and inzipped his jeans freeing him. Spike roughly jeked Buffy to her feet as he pulled her jeans and underwear down. They quickly fell to the floor when Spike scooped her up and placed her once again on the boxes.

"Damn." Spike said as he tore his mouth from hers.

"What?" Buffy asked confused as she captured Spikes lips again tightening her embrace.

Spike broke away again resting his forehead against hers and taking a deep breath. "Zaaron said patrols back on. Seems we weren't the only team a little bored luv." He said as his hands kneaded her thighs.

"Want you." Buffy said kissing him hard and grinding herself against his erection.

Spike gasped as he positioned himself and slipped inside her in a quick fluid motion.

Buffys head rolled back as she took a sharp intake of breath.

Knowing they had little time, they wasted none, as they met one another thrust for thrust. Each one harder and more demanding.

Quickly they fell over the edge as they orgasmed simeoutaneously.

They held on to each other until their bodies finished shaking and their breathing became normal.

Spike bent down and placed a loving kiss to Buffys lips before helping her up and dressing again.

They took a moment to compose themselves before leaving the closet and re-entering the living room.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ * * * * * ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Faith landed uncerimoniously into a pile of crates. She was bleeding from several cut to her face and her arms. Faith got up slowly trying to shake off the pain. She ran quickly and jumped into a flying sidekick , knocking Angelus back about ten feet into a concrete wall. Before Faith could react the Beast landed a kick to her midsection sending her several feet into the air only to land in a heap on the cement floor.

Willow came running into the room and saw Faith laying on the floor, moving slowly. Willow looked around quickly until she spotted her target.

Willow started to run to her destination, when out of the corner of her eye she saw Angelus rising to his feet and running towards her. She looked to him as her eyes turned black and smirked.

"No. " Willow said softly as she held up her hand causing Angelus to fly back against the wall, and held there by a barrier.

Willow went over and grabbed the object as she looked at Faith. She was standing now, but not for much longer.

Willow quickly threw it to Faith. Faith caught it and swiftly ran and lunged at the Beat with all her remaining strength. Embedding it deeply within the Beasts chest.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ * * * * * ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Spike, Buffy, Zaaron , Derclon, Melnick and Kreegin stood in front as the oncoming battle was about to commence.

In front of them stood an entire army of deamons ,possibly up to five hundred.

"I love you." Buffy said quietly to Spike as she looked ahead of her.

"Forever luv." Spike replied seeing her out of the corner of his eyes, but keeping his eyes in front watching the enemy come.

"Can honestly say........wasn't expecting this." Derclon said a little anxious.

They all shook their heads in agreement.

"Vampires. Alot of them." Buffy said quickly.

"Yeah.........coming up behind us." Spike replied.

"Yeah, we're right between them. We don't have enough for a fight this size." Kreegin said as Melnick nodded and took a quick look at their team.

They had only one hundred and fifty. That's all that could come to Sunnydale. The rest were busy fighting in different parts of the world, doing the same thing they were.

"We won't survive this fight." Melnick said as he drew his sword.

"No. We won't." Zaaron replied as he too drew his sword.

"We're gonna take as many of them down as we can." Kreegin said determined.

Spike tore his eyes from the oncoming army of demons and looked at Buffy.

"Are you ready to dance luv." Spike said eyes soaking in every inch of her.

Buffy looked to Spike and smiled warmly. "Always." She whispered.

They held each others eyes for a moment longer.

"What are we waiting for. Let's do it." Derclon said.

They all charged breaking the enemies lines. Their swords sliced through the demons quickly, but there was always another and another to take it's place.

Spike was taken by suprise as he was kicked in the stomack and sent flying back several yards causing him to be separated from Buffy.

Spike quickly got to his feet and turned when he caught a very welcome sight. Coming down the street was a veritable army of vampires...with Kyle leading them. Spike smiled widely as Kyle nodded and they broke into a run to join the battle.

Spike fought dilligently as he made his way back to Buffy, demon body parts landing on the ground as he cut through them with renewed energy.

By the time he made it back to Buffy everyone knew of Kyles arrival.

Zaaron just took heads, it was the fastest way to cut the enemy down, there was no time for fancy moves, it was kill or be killed. Zaaron, out of the corner of his eyes saw at least ten demons attacking Derclon and gaining the advantage when he saw Derclon fall under there attack.

Zaaron quickly fought his way over and killed five giving Derclon a small repreive, Derclon jumped to his feet as his claws extended and the demons recieved blow after deadly blow. Derclon gave a quick nod to Zaaron as he stepped over the bodies to attack the ones coming towards him.

Melnick and Kreegin fought side by side, making a lethal combination.

Demon bodies and parts landed on the street around them as they continued to battle.

The demon Kreegin was fighting got a lucky strike, as his sword sliced across her chest causing her to scream out.

Melnick made the mistake of turning his eyes from his oncoming opponent to help Kreegin, just as he cut the demons head off, he fell to his knees as a sword was embedded into his chest from behind.

Kreegin turned and cut the demon in half as she saw Melnick fall to the ground, lifeless eyes staring up at her.

Tears and blind rage coursing through her veins she swung her sword cutting her enemies down quickly.

Buffy and Spike fought together side by side, and back to back, what ever assured the others safety and did the job.

There were no longer any lines to break, everyone was everywhere. Enemies and alliances were on all sides.

"Spike." Buffy breathed. "I can't tell who's with us and whos not anymore. I can't see which vampires came with Kyle, or which ones were fighting." Buffy said as she staked a vampire.

"They know who we are, don't worry luv." Spike said as he shoved his sword to the hilt into the chest of a Fyarl demon.

Buffy just nodded as she slit a demons throat.

The fighting slowed, and the numbers on both sides had dwindle drastically. Exhaustion was creeping in quickly as Zaaron took down the leader of the demon army. There was only about fifty demons left.

Spike noticed they had maybe twenty left. But Kyle still had around a hundred and fifty vampires.

"We won." Buffy said quietly.

Spike wrapped his arms around her from behind as he watched Kyle and his men charge and destroy what remained of the demons.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ * * * * * ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Faith sagged to the floor as the Beast screamed in agony. She watched as he slowly disintegrated. Faith and Willow quickly looked to the window when streams of light from the sun came beaming through the windows.

"No wonder I couldn't find a spell to reverse it. He had to die to bring it back." Willow said as she moved to help Faith up.

"Damn Red. If I knew it was gonna be this tough and I was gonna hurt this much, I'd a let B come instead." Faith said smirking slightly as she stood on shaky legs.

"Your a walking bruise Faith." Willow said as she looked her over.

"You should feel it from this side." Faith replied.

"I could do a healing spell." Willow said.

"Nah, I'll deal. What about him?" Faith asked pointing to Angelus who was pinned against the wall, looking very pissed off.

"Get him back to the hotel and do the spell." Willow said casually.

"Suns back. How do we get him there?" Faith asked.

Willow smiled. "Well we can cover him and drive back, or we can....poof.....use magic to get there."

"I'm pretty sore. Magic is quicker and I need to lay down. Get to your mojo Red. There's a bed calling my name somewhere." Faith said exhausted.

Willow and Faith went and stood by Angelus. Willow held Faiths hand and placed her other hand on Angelus' shoulder.

She quietly chanted a few words as they disappeared.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ * * * * * ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

They all stood around looking at all the bodies littering the ground. Also taking count of how many they had left. In the last scuffle Kyle lost about twenty before they decimated the last of them.

They walked around the bodies to identify they're team members and remove their pins.

Spike looked up quickly as did the other vampires, when they felt the familliar tingling going up their spine.

"Spike." Buffy looked at him questioningly.

Buffy looked up just in time to see the sun starting to shine.

"The sun." She said smiling. But quickly lost it when she saw Spike, Zaaron, Kyle and the rest of the vampires.

Buffy moved quickly as she grabbed Spike and threw him to the sewer cover.

"SUNS UP, GET IN TO THE SEWER." Buffy screamed bringing the vampires out of their exhausted state and driving them to the sewer.

The sun was fully ablaze when Derclon tried to shadow the last one,

but wasn't successful. Buffy watched as Kyle turned to dust. She heard him yelling at his men, he wasn't going anywhere until all his men were safe first.

"People are going to be coming out now that the sun up. Let's head underground and make our way home from there." Buffy said As Kreegin and Derclon nodded and headed to the sewer.

Everyone slowly made their way to the bar and told Verik of the battle without missing any details.

After having a much needed drink everyone slowly filtered out and made their way home.

Buffy opened the front door as Spike and Zaaron came running in quickly as smoke billowed behind them.

"Buffy, thank god. When the sun came up we were worried." Giles said looking to Spike and Zaaron.

"Hell of a battle we had tonight Rupes. Could've used the witch today." Spike said as he ran his fingers through his hair.

"One we'll tell you about after. We really need to get cleaned up and some rest." Buffy said as she moved towards the stairs.

"Of course, we'll talk after you've rested." Giles said as he moved back to the table.

Buffy and Spike showered and fell onto the bed and slept heavily cradled in each others arms.

Faith watched as the spell ended and Angel fell to his knees and gasped for air.

"Willow. Faith. What happened? What going on?" Angel asked confused.

"Wesley can fill you in on that." Willow said as she started packing her ingredients back into her bag. "We don't really know the details."

"I read the spell ahead of time. You left out a few lines." Wesley said as he looked at Willow.

"Yes I did. You can tell him later. No more happiness clause." Willow said quietly knowing Angel was still to confused to hear her talking to Wesley.

Wesley just smiled and nodded slightly to Willow.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ * * * * * ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Willow and Faith walked in the front door and Dropped their bags and coats on the chair in the dining room.

Willow and Faith looked around and then checked upstairs.

Knocking lightly Willow opened Buffys door and saw Buffy and Spike asleep, and a pile of dirty, bloody clothes by the door. She started to close the door quietly when Faith came up behind her.

"Zaarons sleeping, and looking like he went through a hell of a fight." Faith said quietly.

:Buffy and Spike too. Let's check the basement." Willow said as they headed downstairs. On their way to the basement they heard noises coming from the back yard. As they opened the back door they saw Giles, Xander and Anya sitting in the yard having a drink.

"Is this a private party, or can any one join?" Faith asked as her and Willow descended the stairs.

"You're back." Giles said as he enveloped Willow into a hug.

Willow just held him tightly for a moment before they sat down beside each other.

"Well the suns back. How'd ya do it?" Xander asked Willow.

"Actually, it was Faith." Willow said as she accepted the bottle of beer Anya handed her.

"Really?" Giles looked at Faith obviously very intriged, and wanting details.

"There was no spell to reverse it. The only way to do it was to kill the Beast." Faith shrugged taking a drink from her beer. "Hey, let's have a BBQ." Faith suggested.

"Yeah, Faiths right. We all need a small breather. Xander you can cook the steaks, Anya and I can make the salads. Let's just forget everything for a few hours." Willow said.

"Zaaron and Spike can't come out here now." Anya stated.

"Me and Giles can take care of that." Faith said.

" Sounds like a splendid idea. I think a BBQ sounds good." Giles said.

Anya and Willow went into the kitchen and started working.

Xander went into the shed and Pulled out the BBQ and supplies and went about his task.

Faith and Giles gathered ropes and tarps from the shed and basement.

When they finished Zaaron and Spike had a safe passage from the door to the makeshift three sided shelter with a couple of poles holding up an extra wide awning incase the sun shifted.

Buffy and Spike awoke to laughter coming from the backyard. They got up and quickly went downstairs only to be suprised to see a Xander hovering and cooking over the BBQ and a table full of food. Buffy and Spikes eyes landed on the the shelter. They smiled brightly when they saw Zaaron alredy taking advantage of it and enjoying a beer outside in the middle of the day.

Spike and Buffy quickly joined them. Spike grabbed a beer and sat beside Zaaron. Buffy grabbed a soda and joined Faith and Willow and Anya.

Giles quickly joined Spike and Zaaron when their conversation turned to shoes and shopping.

"Hey turn them over once in a while. Don't want to each charcoal." Spike said to Xander as he hid a smile.

Zaaron chuckled as did Giles.

"Why don't you do it then. Oh that's right you can't, what with you dislike of the sun and all." Xander replied.

Buffy rolled her eyes as Spike and Xander went off on their litle tangents.

"This is gonna be a long day." Buffy said.

"Oh come on. You can't tell me you don't find this funny B." Faith said laughing as Spike got off a really good one to Xander.

Buffy and Willow started laughing.

"Okay I do, but this behaivior shouldn't be encouraged." Buffy said before she doubled over as Giles got a good one off towrds Spike.

Buffy sat on Spikes lap with his arms wrapped tightly around her. Faith

sat beside Zaaron lightly clasping his hand. Giles and Willow sat nearby holding eachother contentedely. Xander was standing and holding Anya from behind her and resting his chin on her shoulder.

The group was silent. None of them uttering a sound. All looking in the same direction.

For Spike and Zaaron, they had just received two gifts. Being outside and watching the sunset for the first time since their turning, and having Buffy and Faith there to share it with.

~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy carressed the back of Spikes neck as his and Zaarons eyes

were riveted on the spot where the sun slipped from the sky leaving darkness in it's wake.

"C'mon Faith lets get them another beer." Buffy said quietly.

Faith nodded as they both got up and headed into the house.

Faith went to the fridge and pulled out a few beers, reached in and grabbed another one and handed it to Buffy.

"Thank you, for everything." Buffy said quietly.

Faith just looked at her as her brow wrinkled. "Sure." she replied a little confused.

"Giles and Willow told me. I already thanked them. They told me it was your idea for the BBQ. That you and Giles came up with the idea and built the shelter so Spike and Zaaron could be part of it. Seeing Spike outside laughing and then so quiet as the two of them watched the sunset. It meant alot to them.....to me. Thank you." Buffy said as she looked out the window. Spike and Zaaron were still watching the horizon in silence.

Faith fidgeted back and forth on her feet, absently peeling the label off of one of the beer bottles.

"It's nothin B. Just an idea to waste some time is all." Faith said quickly taking a drink from the bottle.

"It's something. But you know that don't you." Buffy said smiling as she started for the back door.

"Hey B." Faith said quietly, stopping Buffy from leaving.

Buffy turned around and walked back to Faith.

"Yeah?" Buffy said quietly.

"I.............how do you....." Faith let out a breath and shook her head. "Nothin. I better get these to the guys." Faith said as she grabbed the beers and headed for the door.

"When you're ready to talk I'll be here." Buffy said as she followed Faith out the door.

Buffy went and sat on Spikes lap giving him the beer.

Spike handed a beer to Xander and Anya then handed one to Zaaron as she sat down beside him.

Willow and Anya wrapped up the leftover and started putting them away. Giles and Faith satred picking up all the dishes and taking them into the house. Xander started cleaning the grill when Spike came over and took the steel brush from him.

"I got it. Go to your woman whelp." Spike said as he looked at Xander and smirked.

"I'm capable of cleaning the bbq Spike." Xander spit out heatedly.

"I know." Spike said quietly. "I'm trying to say thank you."

"I did this for Buffy. Not you." Xander replied.

"I know that too. The steak was good. A little to well done for my taste." Spike said as he continued to scrape the grill.

"It was almost raw. It was cooked for maybe 2 minutes." Xander said.

"Bullocks. It was like eating a piece of charcoal." Spike quipped.

"It was not." Xander said getting more angry.

"Go to your woman Harris. She's in there waiting for you." Spike said as he stopped and looked at Xander.

Xander looked toward the house then back to Spike. "It was not charcoal." Xander said as he turned and started walking to the house.

Spike chuckled to himself as Xander walked away.

After Spike finished the grill, he and Zaaron busied themselves taking down the shelter and storing it in the shed.

"I think, when this is all over,that shelter will become a permanent part of the yard." Zaaron said as he locked the shed.

"Yeah. Many a days will be spent out here. You and me watching the sunset everynight. With our women right there with us." Spike said as he ran a hand through his hair and taking a look around making sure nothing was missed.

"Don't know if I'll be here. Might not have a reason to stay." Zaaron said as he slowly sat on the bench.

"You do. Spoke to her. She's just a little skittish when it comes to anything remotely serious. She's never had someone who really cares about her. The blokes she met...." Spike just shook his head. "You make her feel and think things she never has before. Hang in there. She'll come around." Spike finished.

"When did you become so smart?" Zaaron chuckled.

"What can I say, I'm loves bitch. I'm in it for the long haul. She's got me, I'll never leave her." Spike said as they got up and headed for the house.

Spike and Zaaron walked into the kitchen as Buffy was putting the last of the dishes away.

Zaaron nodded to Buffy as he walked through to the livingroom.

Spike came up and hugged Buffy from behind and brushed his lips across the side of her neck.

"Hello cutie." Spike whispered in her ear as he drew circles lightly on her thigh with his finger tips.

"Hey." Buffy breathed as she leaned into him.

Buffy turned around and kissed him hungrily as Spike slowly backed her into the counter.

Spike broke the kiss so Buffy could breathe, reasting his forehead on hers.

"I take it you enjoyed today." Buffy said as she brought her hands up to run through his hair.

"It has to be the fourth best day of my life." Spike replied smiling.

"Only fourth." Buffy pouted.

"My top three are, when you said you loved me is number one, nothing will ever top that. The day you came back from......when you came back is number two. The first time we made love is number three, which also coincided with number one. Then today, because you were there to share it with me. My first sunset in over a century and I got to share it with the woman I love more than anything in this world." Spike whispered as he brushed a stray hair from Buffy face and bringing his finger tips over to carress her bottom lip all the while staring into he eyes. "It's always you Buffy."

Tears slipped from her eyes as he spoke.

When he finished speaking she stood the looking into his eyes at a loss for words. She just smiled as she laid her head on her head on his chest and held on to him tightly.

"I love you. You loving me is the best thing that's ever happened to me." Buffy whispered as the words caught in her throat.

Spike just let out a sigh as his embrace tightened and he rested his face in the crook of her neck.

"Zip it back up fang, scoobie meeting in the livingroom. By the way, scoobie. lame name B." Faith said as she went back to the livingroom.

Spike chuckled against Buffy's neck. "Got you there slayer."

"It's not like I came up with the name." Buffy said gigling too.

"Let's get back to work then." Spike said as he pushed himself off Buffy and slowly started dragging her to the livingroom.

"Was comfortable where I was." Buffy mumbled as she let herself be led by Spike.

"You and me both slayer. Meeting won't last all night." Spike said as he looked back at her and smirked.

Buffy shook her head and smiled as she wrapped her arm around Spikes waist.

Everyone listened intently as Spike, Buffy and Zaaron told them about the battle and the sheer numbers of the deamons. They also told them about Kyle and his veritable army that had came with him.

They told them in detail, the battle, the losses, especailly Melnick and Kyle, then to the trek home through the sewers.

In turn Buff, Spike and Zaaron sat with the others and listened to Willow and Faith tell them of the battle with the Beast and what killed it.

They also told them about Angelus and the spell that returned Angel.

"I still think you should have let me deal with Angelus." Zaaron said looking at Spike as he got up and went over to sit on the stairs.

Willow looked at Spike and Buffy confused.

"It's nothing red." Spike said as he threw a look at Zaaron.

"It's not nothing. They could have been killed." Zaaron said through clenched teeth.

"What? You think we can't handle ourselves. Would step off your pedastal for a minute and get a grip. I've never needed anyone to look after me and I'm not about to start now. You've seen what Red here can do, she doesn't need to be protected anymore than I do." Faith said to Zaaron fuming. "I'll never need you."Faith said as she headed to the front door. "Later. I'm out." Faith said as she slammed the door behind her.

Willow looked at Spike, Buffy and Zaaron confused. "Did I miss something?" Willow asked Buffy.

"Doesn't matter now. I should go after her." Buffy said as she started to get up from Spikes lap.

Spike held her down and shook his head when she looked at him.

"Not you." Spike said softly as he shifted his gaze slightly indicating Zaaron.

Buffy leaned back in to Spike as he tightened his hold on her.

"Go talk to her mate. You'll regret it if you don't." Spike said loud enough for Buffy and Zaaron to hear only.

Zaaron sat there stubbornly for a few more minutes before uttering a few unintelligable curses and getting up and walking to the front door.

Spike shook his head as he heard the door shut.

"Maybe someday they'll get a clue." Buffy said as she watched the door and caressed Spikes neck.

"Oh, how long did it take you?" Spike said smiling.

"Too long." Buffy said as she placed a small and gentle kiss to his lips.

They smiled at one another when they broke apart.

"Let's turn in for the night and continue this in the morning." Giles said as he took Willows hand and led her upstairs.

"My thoughts exactly." Spike said as he stood lifting Buffy with him and carried her upstairs.

"Let's go Ahn, been a long day." Xander said as he grabbed Anyas hand.

Anya nodded and followed Xander downstairs.

"What happened to Derclon?" Anya asked.

"He never came back with them. I don't know. C"mon sweetie let's get some sleep." Xander said as Anya closed the door behind them.

Zaaron didn't have to go far to find Faith. She was sitting on the railing having a smoke.

Faith looked over and rolled her eyes when she saw Zaaron close the door behind him.

"I guess I have some apologizing to do." Zaaron said quietly as ge came over and sat on the railing in front of Faith.

Faith didn't reply she just let let out a plume of smoke.

"I'm sorry. I know you can take care of yourself. Willow too. But hearing how you were thrown around. How badly you were hurt. I didn't like hearing you were in pain. That he was the cause of it. That I wasn't there too help protect you." Zaaron said.

At his last sentence Faith glared at him.

"I know you don't need me to protect you, but I am a man, and whether you like it or not that's how most men think. We protect what's ours." Zaaron said hotly.

"Since when did I become somebodys property. I'm not yours, I belong to no one." Faith said as she got up and started going down the steps.

Zaaron jumped over the railing and went and stood directly in Faiths path.

"Can you feel it." Zaaron said huskily as he slowly inch by inch walked toward her. "The need." He said as he raked his eyes over her tiny frame. "The want." He said as he brought his hand up to lightly carress her bare arm, sending shivers up her spine. "The desire." he said as his hand lightly traced her collar bone. "The attraction. The tension that's always around. The all consuming passion I feel when ever I'm around you. Wanting to feel you in my arms. Touch you. Feel you move beneath me, hear you breath my name when we're joined. Hear your cries of ecstasy when I bring you to the brink." He said as he brought his lips just out of reach of hers.

Faith gasped as she felt his breath caress her face as his hands slid down to wrap around her waist.

"Everything I am...........is yours. I knew it the first moment I saw you." Zaaron whispered moving his lips closer to hers. "Can I keep you." He breathed so lightly she barely heard him.

Zaaron captured her lips in his in a searing, passionate kiss.

Zaaron broke the kiss allowing Faith to breathe.

Faiths hands snaked around his neck and pulled him down for another kiss.

"Take me to the brink." Faith whispered when she pulled away and looked into his eyes.

Zaaron picked her up gently and carried her into the house and up to their room, closing the door toghtly behind them.

Zaaron set Faith gently down on to her feet, keepin his eyes locked on hers.

Slowly he slipped her top off over her head and brought his hands down carressing her back the unclasping her bra. He slowly pushed it down off her shoulders and down her arms to let it land on the floor.

Faith slowly undid his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders letting it pool on the floor around their feet. Faith ran her hands freely over his muscular form until she came to his pants.

They both began undoing each others pants. Zaaron pulled Faiths down first, then picking her up and laying her on the bed pinning her beneath him.

He captured her lips and he was grinding his hardness into her, making her moan as she tried to get closer.

He shifted off of her slightly as he slowly pulled her panties off and removing his jeans.

He settled himself between her legs and captured her lips heatedly.

He started trailing kisses down her neck and chest until he heard her breath hitch when his mouth took hold of her breast. Teasing it with his tongue, before devouring it, sucking hungrily causing Faith to bring her hands up to tangle in his long hair.

His tongue started to wander farther down until his face was nestled at the apex of her thighs.

"No." Faith gasped as she tried to pull him up.

Zaaron looked at her puzzled.

"Just want you." Faith breathed as she pulled him back up and kissed him with a gentleness she had never done before.

When the kiss was broken Zaaron stared into her eyes as he slowly slid into her.

Faith closed her eyes, drowning in the sensations she was feeling.

She opened her eyes and stared deeply into his.

"I can feel it." She whispered as he drew nearer and rested his forehead on hers.

They didn't rush anything. They kept to a painfully slow rythm, each thrust slow and deep, slowly building up until they explode.

When Faith gasped and began to moan, Zaaron started thrusting faster and harder bringing them closer to the edge.

Faiths nails dug into his back as she threw her head back.

"Zaaron." She screamed as she tightened her thighs.

"Faith." Zaaron said through clenched teeth as he felt her inner walls contracting.

Zaaron buried his face in Faiths neck and held her tighter as he moaned her name, spilling his seed inside her womb.

Faith clung to him as her body shook when she had her release.

Zaaron placed a gentle kiss to her lips as he rolled over and scooped her up and laid her on his chest.

They held on to one another until they fell into an exhausted sleep.

Spike rolled over as he opened his eyes. His eyes lingered on the slumbering form that was curled up to his back. Slowly he shifted so she was laying on his chest, hair draped accross his shoulder.

He slowly caressed her arm with the barest touch of his finger tips.

Buffy moaned as she snuggled into him even more.

Spike smiled at the sounds of contentment she made. His smile turned into a frown as he watched her sleep. 'I would give anything to wake up like this every morning for all eternity.' Spike thought as he watched Buffy shift slightly but remain sleeping. Worrying about Buffy was always at the forefront of his mind. Wondering if he could keep her safe from one battle to the next. So far they'd been lucky. But luck won't last forever. He couldn't go on if something happened to Buffy. She was the only thing in his long existence that was true and right and made him want to live. Just too see her smile warmed his unbeating heart more than when he was alive. He has felt more alive with her by his side, then when he still breathed the air that sustained him.

They'd been in battles before, but what was coming, they weren't going to be prepared for. It was gonna hit with a mighty force that is going to touch everyone in one way or another. If luck stayed with them, a few of them may make it out alive. He felt it deep down, there was no way in hell they could possibly do anything to prepare them for what's to come. One way or another, Buffy would survive, he would see to that.

Spike closed his eyes and fell asleep with Buffy nestled in his arms.

~~~***~~~***~~~

Zaaron quietly left his room while Faith slept. He made his way downstairs to the kitchen.

"Shouldn't you be upstairs with your woman?" Zaaron said not turning around as he placed his mug in the microwave and turned it on.

"Shouldn't I be asking you the same thing?" Spike asked raising an eyebrow as Zaaron turned to face him.

"What's on your mind?" Zaaron asked.

"Glad the whelp wasn't around when you asked that." Spike chuckled.

Zaaron smiled.

"You're alot more intelligent than they seem to think you are. How do they not know this?" Zaaron asked as he pulled his mug out and put Spikes in.

Spike shrugged his shoulders. "It was to my advantage to let them think me....shall we say....none too bright. It gave me advantages when I needed them." Spike replied.

"Spike........I haven't been around you for too long, and I can see how smart you are. It's not like it's hidden." Zaaron comented.

"No one really cared enough to look. Other than needing me for muscle, or my nose for tracking, they never paid me any mind." Spike replied honestly.

"Yet you stayed." Zaaron stated.

"Could never leave her." Spike said matter of factly. "No matter what I say about the b.......Xander, Red, Giles and Anya and who could forget the Bit, they're all part of her. I would protect them all, even if it meant my own life." Spike said quietly as he took a drink.

"Do they know this is how you feel?" Zaaron asked.

"No." Spike replied as he walked to the back door. "Not something they need to know. Wouldn't beleive it anyway." Spike said as he opened the door. "I'm going out for a smoke." Spike added as he closed the door behind him.

Zaaron stood there for a minute before speaking.

"I know you're there. You can come out, he's gone." Zaaron said as he moved over to the sink to rinse out his mug.

Xander walked into the kitchen staring at the back door.

"From the look on your face, I know you heard everything." Zaaron said as he sat at the counter.

"Yeah. I heard." Xander replied as he pulled a juice out of the fridge.

"You're suprised to hear him talk like that." Zaaron stated.

"About Buffy no. About the rest of us........little bit." Xander said questioningly.

"You see Spike the way he wanted you too see him. Did you ever try to see him yourself?" Zaaron asked.

"No........I guess I didn't." Xander replied. "Not like he made it easy to do." Xander added.

"When has Spike ever done anything the easy way." Zaaron snickered.

Xander chuckled at Zaarons comment, nodding in agreement.

Xander pulled up a stool and joined Zaaron at the counter.

~~~~****~~~~****~~~~

Spike took a long haul from his smoke as he paced around the yard.

"You know I'm just using you. I'll never really care about you. Your convenient for me. A little cold comfort while I wait for the one I really love."

Spike turned to face the familliar voice. When he turned he saw Buffy standing a few feet in front of him. Smiling, as the words tumble from her lips.

"You know I could never love you. You've always been beneath me."

Spike winced at those words. Knowing what was happening, but still hurt all the same.

"You could die tomorrow and no one would notice. No one would care. They would go on like it was any other day. I know I would. I can find someone else to ........comfort me."

Spike lowered his eyes as his jaw clenched.

"But you'll stay with me anyway. Knowing all this. I could do anything to you and you'd always ask for more. How pathetic is that."

"You're not her. What ever you say means nothing." Spike said quietly.

"You may have been able to get to me once." Spike said as he placed a finger to his temple. "You think I'd let it happen again." Spike looked up through hooded eyes and smirked.

"Buffy will kick you're incorporeal ass, and I'm happy to say, I'll be there to see every little kick. So if you have nothing else to say, not that i'm interested anyway, this is where I walk away." Spike said as he walked back into the house closing the door behind him.

"You speak as though you're sure you're going to win." She said as the door closed. "You won't." She whispered and smiled before disappearing.

Spike closed his eyes as he leaned against the door, taking a calming breath. He knew that wasn't Buffy, but the words she said were something he feared, deep down a part of him beleived.

He slowly opened his eyes to See Zaaron and Xander watching him carefully. A shiver ran up Spikes spine, then he pushed himself of the door and started walking through the kitchen raking his fingers through his hair.

"Night." Was all he muttered as he went straight to his and Buffys room.

Zaaron watched Spike leave the kitchen. Zaaron quickly turned and went to the door and looked out into the yard.

Xander watched him cautiously.

Zaaron started slowly walking back and forth through the length of the kitchen.

"Did you see his face. Have you ever seen him like that? I haven't since I've been around. In all the years I've known him, he's never worn an expression like that." Zaaron said.

"I have." Xander said quietly.

Zaaron turned and stared at Xander waiting for him to finish.

Xander shrugged his shoulders and looked down.

"He was like that for awhile after Buffy saved him when he was being held by the first. When ever Buffy walked into the room, if he woke up and she was standing by him or sitting by the bed. He always had this look of............I don't know.....confusion....acceptance...terror...all mixed into one. He was always like that until he was sure Buffy was real and not the first. I guess that's how it would appear to him. Looking like Buffy. Really did a number on his already fractured mind. But since he got his soul he's alot less zippy with the comments, he's also more withdrawn. " Xander stated.

Zaaron turned his head back to the backyard.

"You think that's what just happened?" Xander asked as he went to the door.

"You see alot more than you let on."Zaaron pointed out.

"Yeah, I guess I do.........should we talk to someone about this?" Xander asked.

"Yeah we should. But not now. We'll talk to Spike tomorrow. No one else will know about this. We'll keep this to ourselves until after we talk to Spike." Zaaron said.

"Fair enough. Okay , we'll talk to Spike tomorrow. I should get back to bed too." Xander said as he bid goodnight to Zaaron and headed to the basement.

Zaaron lingered in the kitchen for a minte longer before retreating to the confines of his and Faiths room.

Zaaron crawled back into bed and hugged Faiths frame to his.

"Hmm. Do we get up now?" Faith mumbles drowsily.

"Shhh. Sleep now." Zaaron said as he kissed her cheek.

Zaaron stayed awake awhile longer listening to Spike pace back and forth in his room.

Later followed by quiet sobs and whispers. Zaaron closed his eyes and fell into a restless sleep.

~~**~~**~~**~~

Zaaron watched as the house came slowly to life. Since leaving their room, Buffy had been almost attached to Spike. Constantly reassuring him. Spike always had his hand on her back,arms around her, holding her hand, the slightest touch made him feel secure, knowing she was right there.

Zaaron and Xander had decided to talk to Spike in the basement where there was more privacy.

"Spike, we need to talk." Zaaron said so only Spike heard as he made his way to the basement.

Spike nodded and turned to Buffy. He nuzzled her ear and whispered what was happening.

She nodded and followed Spike to the basement closing the door behind her.

"Was it the first?" Xander asked quietly as he rose from the chair when they came into veiw.

Spike took a deep breath before nodding his head while he looked at Xander.

"What did she say?" Zaaron asked as he took a seat.

They all followed suit, grabbing the nearest chair and sitting down.

"Oh she was all full of mirth and sunshine that one." Spike quipped as he lit a smoke. "She said alot of things. Nothing you need to hear." Spike said quietly as a plume of smoke danced around his head.

"Spike. The First made an appearance. It's something we need to know." Xander replied keeping his voice low.

"I would tell you if what it said had any bearing on the upcoming fight but.................what she said wasn't about that." Spike replied as her words played over and over in his mind.

"Spike.......we need......." Xander started.

"NO." Spike yelled back frustrated. "It's nothing you need to know." Spike stated.

Xander shook his head in anger.

Zaaron watched all the emotions playing on Spike and Buffys faces.

"It's trying to drive a wedge between you two. Separate you." Zaaron said so only Spike could hear.

Spike looked at Zaaron, not saying anything, but the look on his face answered Zaarons question.

"There's one small peice to the puzzle solved." Zaaron said louder as he looked around the room.

"What?" Xander asked confusedly.

"There's obviously a reason she wants you too apart." Zaaron said matter of factly. "In fact, the First has only ever shown itself to your group. No other seems to be important enough to bother with. That should tell you something right there." Zaaron said as he leaned back in his chair.

"It's gonna take all of us to defeat it, but we still don't know how." Buffy said quietly.

"No we don't. But we will. The first knows it and is trying to stop that from happening." Spike said as he looked at Zaaron, who nodded his head in agreement.

They all just sat back as they absorbed the new information.

~~**~~*~~**~~

Willow , Giles and Faith sat in the kitchen and quietly watched them retreat to the basement.

Curious as to what was being discussed, but not wanting to pry.

"I'm sure if it's of any signifigance they'll inform us." Giles said as he poured a cup of tea.

"Of course. Buffy wouldn't not tell us anything. Would she?" Willow puzzled.

Faith rolled her eyes as she hopped down from the counter.

"Screw this." Faith said as she moved to the basement door.

Faith opened the door and came down the stairs.

"Hey, don't wanna interrupt, but is this anything we need to know about?" Faith asked as she came to stand in front of the group.

"Nah. The First is just worried we're gonna kick it's ass." Xander piped out.

Faith shrugged. "Oh." Faith said as she sat down. "Wanna tell me what happened." Faith said as she looked around.

Faith sat there looking at the group, crinkling her brow when no one answered.

"Cause you know Giles and Willow are up there, wonderin what's goin on." Faith stated.

Buffy let out a breath and stood from her seat. "I'll go fill them in. Come on Faith, let the boys have their testosterone time." Buffy said as she dragged Faith upstairs behind her.

When the girls were gone Zaaron turned to Spike.

"Are you ready to tell us what it said?" Zaaron asked quietly.

Spike dropped his head and nodded slightly, inhaling deeply before stating.

Spike told them word for word what the First had said to him.

Spike ran his fingers through his hair when he finished.

Zaaron and Xander sat back and listened to every word.

"Harsh." Xander said as he looked at Spike. "At least you knew it wasn't Buffy. She wouldn't talk to you like that." Xander said.

Spike didn't even look at Xander he just kept looking at the floor.

"Why did you let it bother you so much?" Xander asked as he sat forward in his seat studying Spike closely.

"It's done with. I don't want to keep on about it." Spike said as he stood up and went up the stairs.

"Did I miss something?" Xander asked.

"We both did."Zaaron said as he watched Spikes retreating form.

~~**~~**~~

"So...........are we patrolling tonight?" Faith asked as she sat down heavily on the sofa beside Buffy.

"Yeah, I think we should." Buffy said as she looked at Faith.

"Just us or are we bringin the guys?" Faith asked as she took a drink from her pop.

"They'll want ot come with. I think Spike needs to pummel something into oblivion." Buffy said as she chuckled slightly.

"Yeah, kinda feelin the same way." Faith replied as she stood up.

Faith started to leave when she turned around and faced Buffy.

Buffy looked at Faith for a moment.

"Something on your mind?" Buffy asked.

"B........how do you know when........you know." Faith said fidgeting and shuffling her feet.

Buffys brow scrunched as she looked at Faith.

"A little more info please." Buffy replied.

Faith huffed as she came back and sat beside Buffy.

"About men. One in particular actually. How do you know when you......." Faith said picking at the sofa.

"When your in love?" Buffy asked.

"Strong word there B." Faith said quickly.

"Okay when you care about someone." Buffy said as she chuckled quietly.

"Yeah." Faith said quietly.

"Cares about who?" Willow said coming into the room.

"Look forget it." Faith said as she started to get up.

"Faith sit. Willow, get over here." Buffy said patting the couch beside her.

Buffy turned to look at Faith. Faith looked like she was headed for the gallows. Buffy held back a chuckle as she started talking.

~~**~~**~~

Spike stood with his hands splayed on the counter leaning casually when he felt arms slide around his waist and hug him from behind.

"Hey baby. You okay?" Buffy asked quietly.

"M' alright Buffy." Spike said as his hands rested on hers, carressing them gently.

"You up for patrol?" Buffy asked.

"Yeah. Could use a spot of empty violence about now." Spike said quietly.

"I know it's still bothering you. What the First said." Buffy stated.

Spike just leaned into her and closed his eyes.

"When I said those things, I was messed up Spike. I was angry at ......" Buffy started to say but was cut off by Spike.

"You don't get it. This has nothing to do with you Buffy. It has everything to do with me." Spike said as he turned to face her.

"It's the way I feel. Deep down a part of me beleives them. Part of me always will. In my unnaturally long existence, I've never had anyone love me back. Never returned my feelings. Keep wondering how you can love me. Why you love me. It's something I have to work out by myself." Spike said as he placed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Buffy nodded as she laid against his chest.

"If you need me." Buffy said quietly.

"I know." Spike replied in a whisper.

"So." Spike said raising his voice and sounding a little too cheery.

"Shall we shove off. " Spike said as he ran his hands up and down her arms.

"Okay." Buffy said as she moved over to the door calling Faith and Zaaron.

~~**~~**~~

Spike twisted the head off of the last vampire. Watching it turn to dust in his hands. He turned at looked at Buffy, Zaaron and Faith.

"I feel better." Spike said as he pulled out a smoke and lit it, taking a long haul.

"Everyone okay?" Buffy asked as she looked around.

"Five by Five B." Faith said as she looked over the corpses on the ground.

"People are leaving town on a daily basis. Can't say I blame 'em." Faith said.

"Clem left this morning. Humans aren't the only ones leaving." Buffy said.

"Buffy."

Buffy and Spike turned quickly.

Faith and Zaaron turned ready to attack only to stop and stare.

"Angel." Buffy said quietly.

Spike gritted his teeth and looked down.

"Spike." Angel spit out venomously.

Spike growled as Angel started walking menacingly towards him.

Spike started to move towards Angel when he was stopped by Zaaron and Buffy stepping between the two.

Angel stopped and looked at Buffy questioningly. Angel looked back towards Spike noticing the vampire standing in front of him.

Angel ducked his head slightly in acknowledgment of Zaarons stature but didn't keep his eyes off Spike for more than a split second.

"What are you doing here?" Angel spit out as he tried to pull Buffy protectively behind him.

"Don't see how it's any of your business Peaches." Spike said matter of factly.

Buffy rolled her eyes at Angel trying to protect her.

"Look, Angel. Spike and......" Buffy started to say but was interrupted.

"Why the hell are you here? Aren't you supposed to be helping the hopeless.........somewhere else. And why are you shoving Buffy behind you? Buffy doesn't need protection......least of all from me." Spike added angrily.

Angel turned to look at Buffy. She stood there with her arms crossed over her chest, leaning on one leg, with a very annoyed look on her face.

"Why is Spike hanging around here? I thought he left town years ago." Angel said as he turned and glared at Spike again.

Spike rolled his eyes and lit a smoke taking a deep hall.

"Well.......he did leave. But he came back.......he helps us now." Buffy said as she looked in Spikes direction.

"Spike will turn on you. He can't be trusted Buffy. You know this." Angel said as he grabbed her arms trying to explain.

Though he knew Angel wasn't holding her hard enough to hurt or even faze her, Spike growled angrily and started to move closer to Angel.

Angels head snapped around morphing as he started moving towards Spike.

Buffy grabbed Angel and shoved him back, stepping between the two vampires.

Buffy looked at Angel then turned her head to look at Spike. Buffy smiled at Spike, calming him as his human face returned.

When Buffy turned her head that's when Angel saw the marks on her neck.

"Buffy......what the hell is going on?" Angel asked furiously.

Buffy turned her head quickly at Angels demanding tone.

"What? Who the hell do you think you are? You come here, for the first time in.......I don't know how long......and you question me and demand answers to something that is none of your business." Buffy said angrily as she stared angel in the eyes.

Spike was quiet as he watched, but inside he was positively gloating over his slayer knocking peaches down a peg or two.

"Why are you here?" Buffy asked still watching him.

"Can we go somewhere and talk?" Angel asked.

Faith and Zaaron watched the display in front of them.

Faith, torn over the feelings she has for Angel. He was the one that helped her find herself when she was lost. He stood by her when no one else did. But watching Spike she could see the uncertainty in his eyes when he looked toward Angel and Buffy standing together. The fear of losing her.........to him...was very evident on his face. Even when he tried to hide it.

Buffy let out a breath as she glanced at her feet and shook her head.

She went over to Spike and placed her hand on his chest.

"I should talk to him. Will you be alright with it?" Buffy asked as she looked into his eyes.

Every fibre of Spikes being screamed no, but Spike nodded his head slowly as his hand covered hers."Meet you at home later?" Spike asked returning her gaze.

"Yeah, I'll see you at home." Buffy gave him a small smile as she brought her hand up and carressed his cheek. "Nothing to worry about." Buffy whispered as she placed a gentle kiss to his lips.

Spike dipped his head and smiled, and nodded in response. Holding her hand for a moment longer he let go, then turned with Faith and started walking back to the house.

Zaaron glared at Angel. "Do not interfere with what you know nothing about Angel , or you may find out exactly what I'm capable of." Zaaron said, speaking only so Angel could hear.

Angel looked as Zaaron turned and followed Spike and Faith.

Buffy and Angel stood there awkwardly for a moment before they started to walk down the street towrds her house, at a much slower pace.

"So are you gonna tell me why you're here or not?" Buffy said getting right down to business.

"So you and Spike..................are together." Angel said quietly.

Buffy rolled her eyes, knowing he wasn't going to let this go.

"Yes.......we are." Buffy finally answered. "I answered your question, are you gonna answer mine now." Buffy stated rather than asked.

"A friend had a vision about Sunnydale. About you. I was given this." Angel said as he pulled out a small velvet bag from his pocket.

He undid the bag and spilled the contents into his palm. "This was given to me, it's supposed to be some kind of weapon. It's said it has the power to take down the first." Angel said as he looked at Buffy.

Buffy stared at the amulet in his hand. She slowly reached out and touched it. She took it from his outstretched hand and lifted it to examine it more closely.

"I'm not sure of it's effects, it could be volitile. It needs to be worn by someone more than human. A champion." Angel stated quietly.

Buffy closed her eyes as she closed her hand around the amulet and held it tightly.

"I came here to help you in the battle, to wear the amulet." Angel said as he looked at Buffy.

"No." Buffy said as her breath hitched. Nausea churning in her stomach. "If I lose and this thing get's past me. It's all up to you. You'll have to defeat it, or the world is lost." Buffy said as she looked at Angel, her eyes starting to fill with water. "You have no idea what this amulet will do?" Buffy asked as she tried to push back her tears.

"No, it could help or it could destroy everything." Angel replied.

Buffy felt a tear slide down her cheek, quickly wiping it away, she looked back at the amulet in her hand.

"You can't wear it Buffy. It has to be worn by someone more than human. That falls to me." Angel said just above a whisper.

"No........it doesn't." Buffy said whispering. "This belongs to Spike." Buffy replied as her voice hitched.

Angels head quickly flew up to look at Buffy questioningly.

"Spike is a demon Buffy. This isn't for him to wear." Angel spit out.

"You said it is to be worn by someone more than human, a champion." Buffy said replaying his words back to him.

"But Spike isn't........

"He has his soul now." Buffy stated cutting off Angel sentence.

Angel stood there in shock. "What do you mean, he has his soul?"

"Exactly that, Spike has his soul." Buffy replied.

"How did it happen?" Angel asked.

"It's not my place to tell you. You would have to ask Spike if you want to know." Buffy said as she contiously ran her thumb over the amulet.

Angel lowered his head as he shifted his feet.

"Go back to L.A. Angel. Thank you for coming here and offering.

But you're needed there." Buffy said quietly.

"I love you Buffy." Angel said quietly.

Buffy smiled. "I know." Buffy said as she put her arms around him and hugged him tightly.

Angel wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her to him. They slowly pulled apart and Angel placed a kiss on Buffys cheek.

Spike dropped his eyes from the scene before him. Buffy had been gone quite awhile, so he went out to make sure she was safe.

Spike stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Angel and Buffy embracing. He turned his back and walked away when from his veiwpoint he saw them kiss. His stomach churned as he walked quickly, wanting be anywhere but where he was.

*************************

Buffy pulled out of Angels arms and smiled. "I have to go. He's waiting for me." Buffy said as she turned and started walking the last block to the house.

Angel watched her until she turned up the walk of her house. He turned around and walked back to his car. Playing back their conversation over and over still absorbing everything.

He climbed into his car and sat there a moment before turning in the ignition and heading back to L.A.

*************************

Buffy came in to the livingroom and sat beside Faith and Willow.

"What did he have to say?" Faith asked as Giles and Xander came into the room hearing her come in.

"I need to talk to Spike about it first. Where is he?" Buffy asked.

"He went looking for you about five minutes ago." Zaaron said as he moved over to sit by Faith.

"Are you sure? I didn't see him." Buffy replied as her brows furrowed.

"Ya, he thought you were gone to long and he got worried. Actually it was more like two minutes ago, just before you walked in the door." Willow said as she sipped her tea.

Buffy shook her head slightly. "Great. Just great. Well I guess I'll go look for him." Buffy said as she got off the couch and walked out the door.

************************

"Thought I'd find you here." Buffy said as she entered his crypt taking a look around. "Wow, the new tenents really let this place go." She quipped as she looked at all the trash covering the floor.

Spike did his best to ignore her and just went over and sat in his chair.

Buffy rolled her eyes and let out a frustrated breath.

"So now you're not gonna talk to me is that it." Buffy said as she slowly walked over and stood in front of Spike.

Spike looked at her then looked away.

"You said you were okay with me talking to Angel." Buffy said matter of factly.

"Yeah talk. Not inhaling his tonsils." Spike spit out.

Buffy shook her head and chuckled.

"What? You find this amusing?" Spike said as he stood up and walked to the other side of the crypt.

"Actually I do. You have no idea what you're talking about." Buffy replied.

"I know what I saw." Spike replied venomously.

"No. You really don't. I didn't kiss Angel." Buffy replied honestly.

Spikes head swung around as he looked at her through hooded eyes.

"What you saw..........was me saying goodbye to Angel. I told him to go back to LA. He did kiss me........on the cheek Spike. I told him about us, how I feel about you." Buffy quieted for a moment before continuing.

"There's something I need to talk to you about. It was the reason why Angel came here." Buffy said as she slowly walked toward Spike.

"You didn't kiss Angel." Spike said whispering as he brought his hand up to brush her hair aside.

Buffy shook her head as she rest her palms on his chest. "No. I love you.........not Angel." Buffy replied just as quietly.

Spike pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. He inhaled her scent deeply, losing himself in her completely. "I'm sorry...........I should have.......I shouldn't have..." Spike stated to say.

"Shhh. It's okay. It's over now." Buffy said pulling out of his embrace far enough to place a gentle kiss to his lips.

Spike rested his forehead against hers. Remember her words from earlier, he broke the silence as he pulled back to look into her eyes.

"What did you have to talk to me about?" Spike asked curiously.

Buffy pulled our of his arms and started pacing.

Spike watched her unease and felt his chest tighten with dread.

"Buffy.......tell me." Spike said cautiously.

Buffy pulled the amulet from her pocket and handed it to Spike.

"Quite the trinket luv. But I'm sure I have nothing that'll go with this." Spike said as his brows furrowed looking at the guady jewel.

"Angel brought this. It's a weapon.......it's also very volitile. It could destroy the First. Or destroy everything."Buffy said as she looked at Spike.

"Angel had planned to wear it during the battle. 'It has to be someone more than human. A champion.'" Buffy replied using Angels words.

"So Peaches is riding in like a knight is he." Spike scowled.

"No................you're my champion Spike" Buffy said as her breath hitched and a tear fell as she looked at Spikes suprised gaze.

Spike smirked slightly as he looked back down at the bauble he held in his hand.

"I've been called many things over the years Buffy. Champion wasn't one of them. Are you sure about this?" Spike asked as hee met her gaze.

Buffy nodded not able to speak.

Spike looked back to his hand before placing it in his pocket.

They lingered there a moment longer before Spike grabbed Buffys hand and led her out of the crypt.

"We should be getting back." Spike said quietly.

Buffy didn't reply. She just held his hand and folled him quietly.

**************************

"Are you sure this is right? Not letting Angel wear it?" Giles asked Buffy questioningly.

"It's not exactly what I want, but it's right. He's the one Giles." Buffy replied.

Giles just bowed his head. "You don't know what'll happen for sure? What it'll do?" Giles asked.

"No. But I beleive it will help us. I have to." Buffy said quietly. "Giles it's been a long day, I'm gonna get some sleep." Buffy added wearily."
"Of course Buffy. I'll see you in the morning." Giles replies as he got up and went into the diningroom to fill everyone else in.

****************************

Buffy went into her room and seen Spike looking out the window.

"Been a hell of a ride eh luv." Spike said as he turned and smiled at Buffy. "You know it's coming to and end though right. Couldn't last forever."

Buffy looked at Spike as crossed her arms over her chest.

"What's that saying you're so fond of ? Oh that's right. All good things must come to an end. What a glorious end it will be." Spike said as he took a deep satisfying breath.

"What do you want?" Buffy asked in her best 'bored now' voice.

Spike chuckled as he spread his arms. "What do I want?" Spike pondered. "Difficult question luv. Well not really. Let's see........what I want is exactly what going to happen. Death, destruction........yours." Spike laughed loudly.

"Wow, like I haven't heard that before." Buffy said rolling her eyes.

"Yeah I'm sure you have ducks, they just didn't have the power to pull it off. I on the other hand...........do. The end is sooner than you think." Spike replied as he moved closer.

"You're nothing but something to warm my bed in my otherwise cold and bleek existance. Surely you don't believe you're anything more than that. Although you were never too bright were you." Spike said as he moved to stand directly in front of her.

"I'm the wolf scratching at your back door..........and the door is opening." Spike smirked. "See you soon pet." Spike said as he disappeared.

Buffy stood there a moment longer before turning around and closing the door. She went over and laid down, replaying the words over again in her mind. Her eyes slowly drifted shut.

Buffy stirred when she heard rustling beside her. She turned her head to see Spike removing his jacket.

"You're back." Buffy replied a little groggily.

Spike turned to face her as he bagan to undress.

"Feel any better?" Buffy asked.

"Not sure what to feel." Spike admitted as he crawled in beside her.

"Well I can feel one of us is wearing to much clothes." Spike quipped.

Buffy chuckled as she got up and undressed then slipped back into his embrace.

"It's going to happen soon." Buffy said sobering.

"You know this how?" Spike asked.

Buffy told Spike about the Firsts visit and what was said.

Spike held her tightly and placed a kiss to top of her head.

"Keep this between us okay." Buffy said as she laid on Spikes chest.

Spike agreed with her and settled down holding her tight as she drifted back to sleep.

*********************

"Ahhhhhh." Spike screamed in pain as a knife embedded itself in his shoulder. "Dammit." Spike used all his strength to ush his attacker away. He pulled the knife from his shoulder and threw it killing his attacker with his own weapon.

He looked over in time to see Buffy fall to the ground clutching her stomach, blood seeping through her fingers.

Spike ran to her killing everything in his path quickly.

"ZAARON." Spike yelled as he fought trying to protect Buffy.

Zaaron and Faith looked over when they heard Spike yelling.

"Shit .....B's down."Faith said as she decapitated a Fyarl demon.

"Where's Willow?" Zaron asked as spilled a demons entrails to the ground.

"Don't know. Lost track when we were ambushed. There's too many of them." Faith replied trying to make her way back near Buffy.

Buffy slowly started to stand as Faith and Zaaron made it to them. Looking around slightly dizzy, she saw more demons closing in.

"We can't beat them, we have to get out of here." Faith said.

"We have to fight." Buffy replied picking up her sword painfully.

"Be smart about this B.......we're gonna lose this fight." Faith replied.

Buffy looked over to Faith just in time to catch the shocked and bewildered look on Faiths face, before she fell to the ground, her liffless eyes staring at her accusingly.

"FAITH." Buffy yelled as she raised her sword and swung it at the Krulton demon standing over her smiling.

Buffy thrust the sword deep into his stomach and pulled up, the sword slicing up through his chest.

When Buffy looked up she saw the face of her victim change....Zaaron was looking at her from the end of her sword.

Buffys mouth dropped open as tears began to fall.

"It wasn't you......it was........." Buffy couldn't finish, no words came to her.

Zaaron turned to dust as he was beheaded from behind.

Buffys sword dropped as his weight disappeared.

Everything stopped. Everything became deathly quiet.

Buffy turned to see Spike standing there smiling at her when his body started smoking as the sun began to rise.

"The wolf is at my heels Buffy." Spike whispered. "It's time." Spike added as he looked into Buffys eyes. "Death comes to us all." Spike said as he was enveloped in flames.

"NOOOOOO." Buffy screamed as she watched him explode into dust.

Buffys eyes ripped open as she sat up in bed trying to catch her breath.

She looked over to see Spike sleeping beside her peacefully.

Buffy closed her eyes as she tried to calm down.

Willow wandered through the house quietly. Thoughts running wild. Desperation for answers gripping her mind.

"What are we gonna do?" Willow said to herself as she looked out the window watching the dark sky lighten just a bit.

"I have no idea." Buffy replied quietly as she came to stand beside Willow watching out the window with her.

"I'm scared Buffy. We haven't found anything yet, besides what Angel brought. We don't know if that's even a good thing." Willow replied.

"I beleive it is. I have too." Buffy answered as put her arm around Willows waist.

Willow laid her head an Buffys shoulder.

"I really love Rupert Buffy." Willow breathed out in a whisper.

"I know. You're afraid of losing him." Buffy stated quietly.

Willow just nodded as a tear slipped down her cheek landing on Buffys shirt. "You won't lose him. I'll make sure of that." Buffy added as she carressed Willows arm.

Willow nodded again as she pulled out of Buffys embrace and sat on the sofa.

"It's been awhile since we've had time to ourselves."Willow said as Buffy sat down beside her.

"Yeah it has." Buffy replied.

"Are you scared Buffy?" Willow asked looking at her friend.

"I'd be an idiot if I said no. Course I'm scared. I'm scared if I make the wrong decision, one of you ar all of you could die. If I don't move fast enough, same result. This is normal for me. For seven years, this is the way it is. This is my life." Buffy said as she shrugged her shoulders.

"What about Spike? How does he feel?" Willow asked.

"Spike is worried........but I think he mostly worries about me. About my safety. He'll openly talk about his feelings for me, but when it comes to other things like this, he's pretty tight lipped." Buffy said as she leaned back.

"Has Giles said anything to you? Maybe some thoughts about what we might be able to use during the fight, or what to expect?" Buffy asked.

"No. He's going completely mad, he can't find anything to help and it's driving him completely insane." Willow replied.

"Is this a private party or can anyone join?" Faith said as she came into the livingroom.

"You can't sleep either?" Willow asked smirking slightly.

"Nah. The guys don't seem to have a problem apparently." Faith replied as she looked around.

"Must be a guy thing." Buffy said.

"Come on, since we're up lets make something to eat." Willow said as she stood up.

"You making pancakes B?" Faith said following the two to the kitchen.

"I usually make the breakfast." Willow said quickly with a smile.

"I can do it this time Will. I haven't had a chance to make them in a long time, you usually have it done before I get up." Buffy said as she pulled the mix out of the cupboard.

"I know it's just................you know you do so much that........you know, cooking is one less thing you have to worry about." Willow said as she tried to grab the box of pancake mix.

"It's fine Willow. I'm up, I can do it. Really.......I want to." Buffy said as she pulled out the mixing bowl.

"Well.......if you're sure. But don't make too much, cause I was just gonna have a fruit salad this morning." Willow said quickly as she moved t the fridge and opened it.

Willows face fell when she saw there was no fruit in the fridge. "Damn." Willow said to herself.

"That's okay, pancakes are more filling anyway." Buffy said as she poured the mix into the bowl.

"You sure you don't want help Buffy? I culd cook the bacon." Willow said smiling wider.

"Sure that be great." Buffy said.

"Okay." Willow said grabbing somw bacon from the freezer, all the while throwing daggers at Faith.

Faith stood there watching the display a little confused. The looks Willow kept throwing her way had Faith wondering what she did that was so wrong.

******************

Willow sat back looking at the mountain of pancakes.

"They're a little dark." Buffy said as she started passing around plates.

"So they're a little dark, not like they're charcoal or anything." Faith said taking a quarter of the stack.

Willow watched trying to hide her horrified look as she watched Faith pour the syrup, then pick up her fork.

Willow slowly picked up a pancake and put it on her plate, quickly dousing it with syrup.

She watched Faith take a bite. Faith stopped chewing and scrunched her eyebrows slightly as she looked down at her plate.

Willows throat closed slightly when she tried to swallow.

Faith looked at Willow who was now shooting daggers st her.

Faith just shrugged her shoulders and continued eating ravenously.

Faith finished her plate and had grabbed seconds when Xander walked into the kitchen.

"Oooh pancakes. You were up early again eh Willow." Xander said as he grabbed a stack.

Willow sat there trying to warn Xander without Buffy noticing.

Buffy took the last bite of her yogurt and threw out the container.

"I made them this morning." Buffy said as Xander shoveled a forkful into his mouth.

"Really good Buffy." Xander said as he chewed. His eyes started to water as he looked at Willow.

"I'm off to shower." Buffy said as she left the kitchen.

When they heard the door upstairs close Willow and Xander dumped their plates in the garbage.

"Come on, it's not that bad." Faith said as she took another bite.

"How can you eat that?" Willow asked horrifically.

"Had worse. My mom was a really bad cook. This isn't too bad." Faith said cleaning her plate.

"Oh pancakes.'' Giles said as he came in and reached for the plate.

"Buffy made them." Willow and Xander said quickly.

Giles pulled his hand back like he'd been burned.

Faith just rolled her eyes as she put her plate in the sink.

Zaaron and Spike came in immediately pulling blood from the fridge and warming it.

When they finished they rinsed their cups, noticing the food on the counter.

They both grabbed plates and helped themselves to the pancakes and bacon.

After they swallowed the first bite, Zaaron looked at Spike.

Spike continued eating.

"They're not too bad." Zaaron said as he took another bite.

"They get a little better every time she makes them. Buffy can cook alot of thing really well, but give her pancakes, french toast, muffins, cakes, things like that, forget it. But she keeps trying." Spike said as he finished his plate.

"You eat everything she makes." Zaaron said chuckling.

"I'm such a ponce." Spike said shaking his head.

"No it's called being in love and keeping her happy." Zaaron replied.

Spike and Zaaron grabbed the remaining pancakes and piled them onto their plates.

"Hey baby. You're eating this morning." Buffy said as she hugged Spike from behind.

"Yeah. Didn't know Willow was making pancakes this morning or I'd have been up earlier." Spike said taking another bite.

"I made them this morning." Buffy said placing a kiss to his cheek and grabbing a juice from the fridge.

"You made them. They're bloody marvelous pet." Spike said as he stood up and put his plate in the sink.

"Thank you." Buffy said smiling as Spike put his arm around her waist.

"Yes, I have to agree. Very good Buffy." Zaaron said smiling.

"Hey B. Gonna work out. Wanna come with?" Faith asked as she headed to the back door.

"Sure. See ya later." Buffy said giving Spike a kiss and following Faith out side.

************************

"Faith can we go somewhere and talk?" Buffy asked quietly.

Faith looked at Buffy curiously.

"Sure B. What's up?" Faith asked.

"Not here. Somewhere we won't be heard." Buffy replied.

Buffy and Faith walked until they reached the park.

They went over and sat on the top of the picnic table.

They sat there quietly before Faith broke the silence.

"So you gonna tell me?" Faith inquired.

"Spike is the only one who knows this. I don't want anyone else to know." Buffy said as she looked at Faith.

Faith nodded to Buffy watching her intently.

"I had a visit from the First lastnight when I went upstairs to go to bed. It was in Spike's form. Faith it said it was scratching at my back door, and the door was opening. That it was coming sooner than we think." Buffy said watching for Faiths reaction.

"Why aren't you telling this to Giles?" Faith asked.

"He can't find anything now. If I tell him this, he'll worry even more." Buffy replied.

"Or it might make him look harder to find something." Faith replied.

"I've watched him Faith. He's been through every book he has so many times. The demon council has found zilch. There's nothing they're gonna find that's going to help." Buffy said.

"Okay, so the back door is open. It's happening soon. Is that all it said?" Faith asked.

"That's all that was relevent." Buffy said. "Any thoughts, ideas, comments." Buffy added.

"Well......I have a thought. I might be way off though." Faith said.

"Anything is better than nothing." Buffy said as she urged Faith on.

"Okay. Well scratching at your back door, obviously it wasn't your house it was talking about right. The back door...... the door to hell. You guard the hellmouth. The hellmouth is opening." Faith finished as she looked at Buffy.

Buffy looked at Faith. "Wanna go have a look?" Buffy asked while thinking over what Faith said.

"You know me. Always up for action." Faith said as she stood up and started walking.

Buffy got up and walked beside Faith heading to the school.

"Do you think we should bring back up." Faith asked.

Buffy stopped walking for a moment. "It could be something, or it could be nothing. Let's just check it out, if there's something we'll pull back and call the cavalry." Buffy said resuming the walk.

"Fine by me." Faith said walking beside her.

"Why tell me about this and not Willow?" Faith asked looking down as she walked.

"I don't want her getting hurt. The less she knows, the less she's involved in. If we find anything, then we'll tell. But if it's nothing then they don't need to know." Buffy answered.

**********************

Buffy and Faith entered the school and made there way down to the basement.

As they drew closer to the seal they saw the etchings on it glowing.

"You were right. Definately been activity here." Buffy said as she looked at all the foot prints around the seal. "Not long ago either."

Buffy sqwated down and reached in and touched the seal lightly.

At her touch the seal shifted slightly causing Buffy to pull he hand back.

"That was so not good."Buffy said standing up.

"I'm right there with ya B." Faith said looking around.

"I'm thinkin we should call them now." Buffy said quickly.

"Or get the hell out of here and go tell them." Faith replied.

"Good thinking. We'll go with your idea." Buffy said backing up from the seal and following Faith out of the basement.

************************

"You went where? With no back up? Are you insane." Spike said to Buffy and Faith.

"We just took a little look and we came right back here." Buffy replied.

Faith looked down when she saw the angry looks she was getting from Zaaron.

"You should know better than that." Giles scolded them.

"What were you thinking?" Willow said angrily. "What if something had happened."

"Nothing did. I mean not really." Faith answered wishing she had stayed quiet.

"What do you mean not really? What happened?" Spike pounced quickly.

"Nothing much. The seal shifted when I touched it it. But is was a tiny shift. Barely noticable." Buffy replied.

"You touched the seal. What were you thinking? Obviously you weren't thinking or you wouldn't have touched it." Spike said.

"It was just an idea we had and wanted to check it out. Hey we came back and told you didn't we." Faith said getting a lttle annoyed with the third degree.

"If it was nothing then there would have been nothing to worry about. At least now we know. That's where it's going to happen." Buffy said.

"What made you check there?" Giles asked.

Buffy stayed quiet not sure if she wanted to answer. She stood there for moment before speaking.

"Had a dream and wanted to see for myself." Buffy settled on.

"You had a prophetic dream then." Giles said as he picked up a book. "Anything else you can remeber." He added.

"No. That's all I could remember when I woke up." Buffy replied.

Buffy and Faith stood there for a while longer before leaving the room unnoticed.

Faith followed Buffy into her room and sat on the end of the bed beside Buffy.

"They'll be here in a moment." Buffy said watching the door.

Spike and Zaaron walked into the room just after Buffy finished her sentence.

"Told ya." Buffy added as they closed the door behind them.

"What were you thinking Buffy." Spike said still angry.

"You shold have called us before going in." Zaaron said looking pointedly at Faith.

"I can just smell the testosterone in here." Faith said rolling her eyes. "Look, I've been looking out for myself for a long time. I don't need protection."

"We know that. But what if something happened. You two will be needed for the fight. What if one of you had been killed. It could cause us to lose." Zaaron said.

"Wow, those words really warm my heart." Faith said getting up and heading to the door.

Zaaron bowed his head in defeat and followed Faith to their own room.

"If something had happened to you........ I don't know what I'd have done." Spike said softly as he sat beside Buffy.

"Faith figured it out. Wolf scratching, door opening. It was the seal. I guard the door to hell." Buffy said looking to Spike.

"The seal shifted when you touched it." Spike said as he looked away deep in thought. " How much did it really shift." he added quietly.

"Just slightly. If we hadn't been that close to it we might not have noticed." Buffy said. "I barely touched it. Maybe that's how it opens. Maybe that's how we have to fight it."

"By opening the hellmouth. Fight it at the source. We don't have the numbers for that Buffy. When the sun came back, alot of the demons went back to protect their own figuring we could handle it now. Only about one hundred and fifty left." Spike replied.

"No. Not fighting at the seal. Opening it and going down." Buffy said as thoughts started coming to her.

"Go into the hellmouth. That's suicide." Spike said as he looked at Buffy worriedly.

"You said it. Fight it at the source. They wouldn't be prepared for us to come to them. We could turn it around. Make their turf ours. It could be done. We could win." Buffy replied looking at Spike a hint of a smile crossing her lips.

"Think we could pull it off then?" Spike said as he started to smile.

"We couldn't lose any worse right?" Buffy said as her smile grew.

"We'll need a plan. Weapons and bodies."Spike said as he grabbed Buffys hand.

"The bodies and weapons is where I'll need you and Zaaron. Go to the council let them know what we're thinking. They'll all help out with weapons. We'll all come up with a plan together. Everybody has skills, time they were combined." Buffy said as they started to rise.

"I'll get Faith and Zaaron. Meet you downstairs." Spike said as he walked to the door.

"Spike." Buffy said quickly.

Spike turned to face her. "Yeah."

"Do you think we can do this?" Buffy aske hesitantly.

"I beleive you can do anything you set your mind too. I think we're gonna win." Spike said making Buffy smile.

Buffy followed Spike into the hall and passed him continuing on downstairs when he stopped at Faiths door.

Buffy stood in front of everyone in the livingroom. Spike came in and stood behind her against the wall, as Faith and Zaaron went and stood by the fireplace.

Buffy was quiet while she looked around the room. She turned when she felt a hand on her back.

"Go on love. Show them why you're the slayer." Spike whispered as he placed a kiss to the nape of her neck before stepping back and giving her the room.

"I know how we can beat this. How we're going to win." Buffy said confidentally as Spike stayed back, smiling and watching as Buffy told them her plan.