[Written: An Age Ago…]
[Evolved: 18th March 2003]
[Posted: 20th December 2003]
[Finished: ...]
Worthy
By PassionFish
Summary: Buffy has to prove her worth to the council, yet again...all the while fighting for her life...her love...and her future!
TimeLine: Season Four, after Something Blue
Rating: NC-17/A
Feedback: Please - morbiddesiresbypassionfish@yahoo.com
ULR: http://www.morbiddesires.com/MD
A/N: Thanks, as always, to Lady Brandywyne for the wonderful job she did beta-ing this crazy fiction!!!
Part 1/3: “Dreams Can Come True…”
With a sigh Buffy climbed into bed, attempting to shake the night’s activities from her mind. She was disgusted. And grossed out. She felt violated, dirty, debased and aroused beyond belief as she recalled the time she'd spent 'engaged' to Spike.
"I'm really sorry, Buffy." Willow's timid voice interrupted the Slayer's thoughts.
"Its okay Willow, I know you wouldn't have consciously done it and I forgive you." Buffy pulled the covers over her body. "Anyway it wasn't that bad." She added quietly.
"It wasn't?" Willow questioned, rolling to face the mass of covers with a frown on her hopeful face.
Buffy blushed as she realised she said it out loud, "I mean...” she coughed and tried to come up with an excuse. "Well, it could have been worse. At least we didn't, uh, go all the way." She finished quickly, ignoring the memory that flashed through her mind of them sneaking off to the bathroom while Giles was blind and going pretty much most of the way!
"Yeah." Willow sighed again, sending up a little prayer of thanks that they hadn't. "I really am sorry."
"And it’s really okay. Really. Look we'll just forget about the whole thing." Buffy answered, attempting calm Willow as well as her over active hormones.
*** *** ***
Spike sighed deeply as he sat down on the couch. He reached over and grabbed the throw pillow that rested on a nearby chair. Placing it behind his head he swung his legs up across the remaining seats. Laying there he focused his attention on the cracks in the ceiling in a useless attempted to mentally disengage from the night’s activities.
He rolled his eyes at the word. Disengage – now that was ironic.
A quiet growl reverberated through his chest, the soft sound bouncing around the otherwise silent room. He could still hear her laughter. Could still feel her body in his arms, her lips on his. He could still taste her on his tongue. His clothing still carried her scent.
"Fucking hell!" He growled, turning viciously on the couch. He slammed his fist into the pillow several times before burying his head in it. He wished he could smother himself.
It was just a spell. A stupid, fucking spell. A stupid, fucking, meaningless spell.
*** *** ***
The dream started as soon as she'd fallen asleep.
Buffy flipped her hair and knocked on Giles' front door. The Watcher answered it, smiling at his ward as he ushered her in.
"Do have a seat, Buffy. I'll be back in just a moment, if you'll be so kind as to wait?"
"Sure, Giles." Buffy responded, moving to the couch, retracting a magazine as she did.
The front door shut and Buffy curled up in a corner, her head resting against one side as she tiredly flicked through the glossy pages. Her eyes began to droop...
From out of nowhere soft, cool lips pressed themselves against the side of her neck and Buffy jumped up in surprise, assuming a defensive position.
Spike chuckled at her reaction and flopped down next to where she'd been sitting.
"Spike! What the hell are you doing?" Buffy demanded, a flush spreading across her cheeks, from both anger and embarrassment.
The Vampire gave her a 'duh' kind of a look, "Sitting down?"
Buffy scowled at him, moving to retrieve her magazine from where she had dropped it. The Slayer shrieked as strong arms wrapped around her and Spike hauled her on to his lap.
"Spike, what the..." Her words were cut off as Spike captured her open mouth in a heavy kiss. Buffy tensed in shock, her body relaxing as the Vampire coaxed her into responding.
She sagged against him, pushing herself bodily against him as he pulled her closer. One of his hands was gently massaging her neck, holding her mouth to his, while the other was caressing the soft curves of her body. Buffy moaned, her own fingertips lightly scratching his chest as the kiss intensified.
As the Vampire's lips moved down her jugular to her chest Buffy moaned audibly, "Spi-i-i-ke!"
*** *** ***
The dream began the moment he'd fallen asleep.
Spike fished out his cigarettes and lit one, bringing it up to his mouth as he inhaled the nicotine into his dead lungs.
Suddenly, he was flat on his back, a grinning Slayer on top of him.
"Hi Spike!" She greeted cheerfully.
He snarled at her, "What the hell are you do..." His words were cut off as the Slayer swooped down; involving his open mouth in a hard, deep kiss.
He growled softly at her as she rocked against his erection, his hands sliding to her hips to hold her heat against him. Her hands were anchoring his face to hers, keeping their mouths fused together.
As the Slayer slid her lips down his neck, Spike thrust his hips up, hissing as she nipped the sensitive skin, "Slayer!"
*** *** ***
Buffy's eyes rolled back in her head as the Vampire began a slow, steady pace. Thrusting in and out of her. His mouth claimed hers once more as his thrusts increased in speed and Buffy clutched at the sofa back, desperate for something to grab on to as her senses overwhelmed her.
She could feel her impending orgasm and she ground her hips up into his, desperation filling her. She heard Spike roar and felt his fangs pierce her neck just as she was about to climax.
*** *** ***
Spike ran his eyes hotly down the Slayer's naked body as she bounced up and down on him. He groaned as she clenched around him and pulled her down so that he could kiss her.
His fingers trailed down her chest, over her erect nipples and taut abdomen, before sliding into her nest of slick curls. One hand pulled apart her folds while the other thumb found her clit, rubbing it.
He heard her coo in pleasure, her muscles clamping down on his cock as her breathy sobs of release filled his mouth through their kissing. Spike thrust up into her twice more, on the precipice of his own orgasm.
The Vampire's face changed and the Slayer offered her neck. Spike groaned and bit down, just about to come.
*** *** ***
Buffy awoke with a jump. She sat up in bed, her breathing ragged. Her hair was slick and her nightie and the sheets were damp with sweat. She squirmed uncomfortably, her panties dripping with unfulfilled desire. She took some deep breaths, attempting to calm down but all her body wanted was release.
Buffy got out of bed and dressed. She wanted release? Well, she was going to get it. Just maybe not the sort she'd had in mind.
Stakes tucked away, the Slayer quietly left the dorm room.
*** *** ***
Spike shot up from the couch, the blanket slipping to the floor. His entire body was wracked with shudders and he was panting unnecessarily.
He rose shakily, sliding his jeans over his painfully hard erection. Slipping on his red shirt he crossed to the bathroom, splashing some cold water on his face.
"Bugger it." He growled. Space was what he needed. Space from the place he'd had his first taste of the Slayer.
Retrieving his long, leather duster off the hook, the Vampire silently left the apartment.
*** *** ***
Spike leant against a tombstone, his eyes closed as he inhaled a deep drag of his cigarette.
Buffy stopped opposite him, unsure what she should do. Her body was screaming at her to go jump his undead bones but her 'Slayer' kept her back...but for how long? She wondered.
"Late night patrol, pet?" Spike's voice made her jump. He hadn't changed his position, his eyes were still closed but he sensed her presence. He opened his eyes and swallowed heavily as lust raged through him. His erection was back in full force, screaming at him to just take her. His demon wasn't far behind.
"Why aren't you at Giles?" Buffy asked instead of responding, unconsciously taking a step closer; her body desiring contact with his.
"Thought I'd go for a walk." She was within reach. He could just grab her now.
"You know I have to take you back." Buffy stated. She folded her arms across her chest, attempting to keep from reaching out for him.
"Sure you want to risk it, love?" Spike asked, his eyebrows raised in implication of the nights prior activities. Buffy blushed as the repercussions of the spell flooded her; both of the real and dream variety.
"Just come with me, I'm not in the mood to fight you." Buffy sighed, her body mildly under control.
Spike inhaled agitatedly as he threw the cigarette away and his eyes shot up to the slayers as the strong scent of arousal hit his nose. His gut tightened when he saw the desire reflecting in her hazel orbs and his entire body began to ache.
When he made no effort to move Buffy sighed and reached out to grab his arm; determined to haul him back to the watchers home. As soon as her hand made contact with his skin, Spike growled loudly yanking her into his arms as his mouth came down on hers.
Buffy's mind was stiff in shock as her body reacted without her, pressing herself against him. Eventually, Buffy came out of her stupor and moaned allowing her tongue to mate with his.
"No....this is so, uh, wrong..."
He interrupted her with wet kisses, "Yeah...wrong..."
"Mmmm..."
Spike felt her arms move up, then lock around his neck and he growled softly in praise. His hands slid down her body, grabbing her ass as he lifted her up against him. Buffy relented, wrapping her legs around his waist. Spike turned and pressed her against the mausoleum he'd been leaning on when she'd entered the graveyard.
His lips slid down her neck, his tongue swirling in the hollow of her throat causing the Slayer to hiss his name and buck her hips up. He pushed her further up the wall so that he could kiss and lick the swell of her breasts that were exposed due to the low cut of her top. One of his hands moved from her ass to her breast, massaging it as the other hand mirrored the motions on her behind.
"Spike..." She moaned, her hips gently rocking against him. "...my mom's ah-ah-a-way..." His erection pressed against her as his tongue found her nipple. "...let's go to my place..." She breathed.
Spike raised his head from her breast, kissing her deeply as he placed her gently on the ground. Taking her hand, he led her from the graveyard.
The walk home was short, made longer by two very aroused fighters stopping for quick kisses that quickly turned more passionate by the light of the moon.
*** *** ***
Buffy opened her bedroom door behind her as her mouth was plundered by a very insistent cool tongue. The Vampire wrapped his arms around her, picking her up as soon as she'd opened the door and carried her to the bed. Buffy groaned, her little fingers digging themselves into his scalp, holding his face to hers when he would try to get away. Spike growled against her lips, and Buffy responded in kind but finally allowed his lips to leave hers, and slide wetly under her chin and down across her chest even as he held her up-right in his arms.
Spike moved them slowly to the bed, gently laying her down and slowly divesting her of her clothes as he began his exploration of her body. Buffy writhed underneath his talented ministrations, gasping his name as his experienced tongue brought her to orgasm yet again.
As she was calming down Spike removed his own clothing, slowly sliding into her slick body. The Slayer moaned his name loudly and he responded with a growl. They moved slowly at first, wishing to prolong the extreme pleasure building within them. As their release neared their bodies slammed into each other, thrusting furiously. The Slayer moaned his name, arching up towards him; exposing her throat to his hungry gaze.
Buffy felt her muscles tighten before she was pushed over the edge by the Vampire's teeth sinking into her neck. She screamed his name as her orgasm rushed through her, leaving her breathless and sated.
The Slayer's warm, powerful blood on his tongue threw Spike into orgasm and he exploded within her, growling loudly against her neck.
They stayed like that for a few moments before Spike retracted his fangs, licking the wound clean. Spike rolled off her then sat up, staring down at her unsurely.
"What?" Buffy asked, scared of what was going to be said, waiting for the half-expected insults.
"Do you want me to go?" Spike asked softly.
Buffy looked at the almost vulnerable look on his face and silently sighed in relief and shook her head, pulling him back down next to her. "Stay." She whispered as she curled up next to him.
"Do you know what you're saying?" Spike asked, quietly.
"Yeah..." Buffy replied sleepily, her arm flopping over his chest as she closed her eyes. "Wanna sleep...."
"What about the Watcher? Your fan club?" Spike asked, wrapping his arms around her.
"They'll deal." Buffy responded, falling asleep.
Spike sighed, then smiled and closed his eyes allowing his fatigued body to relax.
*** *** ***
Twenty minutes from sunrise the Vampire slipped from the bed and crossed to the slightly open window. He looked up into the sky that was beginning to bronze, the colour heralding the upcoming sun. He simply continued to stare, enjoying the tingles on his skin from the not so far away warmth of it.
Fifteen minutes later warm arms wrapped around his waist as a petite warm body pressed up against his back.
"The sun'll be up soon, close the curtain." Buffy whispered, pressing a kiss to his back.
Spike nodded, reaching out to close the window and then shut the blinds. He drew the curtains and turned around, his arms wrapping around the Slayer's body. He lifted her off her feet and settled them both under the covers.
Buffy sighed and snuggled further into the cool embrace. It had been so much better than the last two times. Sure Angel had been nice but the pain that had accompanied her first time, both after and during had kinda ruined her memory. And Parker? She'd barely felt him! Spike was so much better than either!
The feeling of happiness she'd felt under the spell returned to her and she fell back asleep content.
Spike looked down at the girl in his arms and smiled. He knew this was going to be difficult. But did he care? Fuck, no! Since when was anything easy? In his unlife as far as the last three and a half years were concerned nothing! His eyes settled on the bite mark and he felt his demon's contentment - if there was such a thing - at his claiming her.
That was another thing. She'd let him bite her; offered it in fact! And the chip had let him bite her...but she'd let him bite her. Why had she let him bite her? Spike doubted soul-boy had explained what it meant. "Stupid wanker." Spike murmured in agitation at the thought that she had no clue what it had meant to him.
Buffy's left hand, which was placed on his chest, moved and the Vampire felt the metal on his chest. He looked down at her hand and smiled when he found that indeed his ring was still securely on her second finger. He gently raised her hand, bringing it to his lips.
As his lips brushed the ring, Buffy sighed his name in her sleep and slipped a leg in between his. Spike pulled her closer and closed his eyes, allowing his body to finally sleep.
*** *** ***
Buffy and Spike were sitting cross-legged on the floor of Giles' den facing each other.
"You sure you're ready?"
"You sure?"
"Yep, you?"
"Oh, yeah..."
Spike leant forward, cupping Buffy's chin and pressed a tender kiss to her lips. Buffy sighed as he moved back and opened her eyes.
"Okay," she began, "I need to ask you something before we go tell them."
"What, pet?"
"How do you know this isn't the spell?" Buffy asked, uncertainty and slight tears in her eyes, afraid of his answer.
"Why would her spell undo it for every other thing she willed but not us?" Spike asked gently, imploring her with his eyes to believe him, to come to him, to be with him. Buffy nodded slightly, still wary.
Spike sighed; “Pet, if it helps, I’m in no mood to baby-sit the watcher, no matter what you say!”
A slow smile spread across her face at his vehement declaration and she launched herself at the Vampire. Only Spike in his right mind could be so damn annoying! Spike fell on to his back, chuckling he wrapped his arms around her, returning her passionate kiss.
*** *** ***
Willow squeaked in shock at the sight in front of her, but when the involved duo didn't appear to see her she spun around, closing the door as quietly as she could.
Willow left the den just in time to prevent Giles from entering it.
"Giles! Hi, listen, I was wondering if you'd come with me. I wanted to talk to you about this spell and we kinda need more blood for Spike, so you know I was thinking maybe we could do the two birds, one stone thing?" She babbled worriedly, trying her best to come up with as many excuses as possible to leave right now.
The Watcher frowned at her nervousness, "Of course Willow, but I thought Spikehad plenty of blood - I bought a lot."
"Oh I know! It’s just....what with him...not feeding, he kinda drank it all."
Giles nodded slowly then turned around and headed out of the front door, a very relieved witch following.
*** *** ***
"What are we going to tell the others?" Buffy eventually asked. The new couple were sitting on the couch in the living room, facing away from the door. They sat, their hands entwined, Buffy sagging into Spikes' half embrace, her feet tucked under her.
Both feeling a contentment they had never felt before, still amazed that they were finding it in the others arms.
"I guess we say I'm willing to help you in exchange for blood and your not staking me." Spike answered, lightly kissing the top of her ash blonde head.
"No, I mean about 'us'." Buffy clarified.
"What do you want to tell them, love?"
"I don't want to sneak around - it’s annoying and time-consuming and you'll get us caught." She replied with a wry smile.
Spike chuckled, then said, "Then tell them that we're together."
"They are so gonna wig."
"Understatement." Xander said from the doorway, which hadn't been closed properly.
So wrapped up in each other they hadn't heard him arrive.
"Why are you two cuddling, I thought you were mortal enemies." Anya asked, then turning to her boyfriend questioned, "Why don't people tell me when things change, I'm part of the group too - I need to know these things."
"Spike, what have you done to her, huh?" Xander asked angrily, moving menacingly towards the now standing couple. "Spell? Have you put a spell on her? You're a sick shit you know that?" He picked up a spare stake, which was on the desk and held it up in an attacking position.
"Sure if it’s a spell, its gotta be me. Why not -" Spike raised a scared brow as he prepared himself to dodge the incoming attack. *What the fuck does the whelp think he's doing?* he mentally scoffed.
"Spike, you're not helping." Buffy moved in front of Spike, removing the stake from Xander's hand in a blink of the eye.
"Xander, sit down."
He reluctantly complied, keeping a hostile eye on Spike. Buffy sighed, then running a weary hand over her face; she led Spike by the hand to the chair opposite Xander and Anya (who had followed her boyfriend to the sofa).
The Vampire sat down then pulled Buffy on top of him, settling her comfortably. He wrapped his arms around her waist and waited for her to begin. The Slayer took a deep breath and interlaced her fingers with the ones linked around her.
"Spike and I are together, in the 'us' sense of the word. Giles doesn't know yet, but we're going to tell him."
"Buffy what the hell are you thinking? I mean we're talking the peroxide undead here. Am I the only one who remembers he's your mortal enemy?"
"I remembered." Anya interjected.
"Xander who I date is not your decision."
"You're not meant to date the undead Buff, job description: stick pointy bit of wood in their heart. Not - let them stick their pointy bits in you. Fangs included. Don't you remember what happened last time you got pelvic with the undead?" Xander said crudely, uncaring of how his words hurt the blond Slayer.
"Why don't you shut the fuck up?" Spike growled, not understanding how this wanker could call himself Buffy's friend.
Buffy bit back the urge to sob at Xander’s words, allowing her own demon to surface said angrily, “Look Xander, I don't tell you not to date ex-demons, don't tell me who I can and can't date. I know exactly what happened with Angel; don't even try to turn this around. Spike and I are together - get over it."
Xander opened his mouth a couple of times, before wisely deciding not to continue.
"Fine." Xander said angrily knowing that look in her eye meant business, getting up and heading to the door, dragging Anya by the hand, ignoring her "Hey!", he continued to the Slayer, "I'm not gonna hide you two from Giles though."
"I'm not asking you too." Buffy said, while Spike stated, "Just fucking leave already."
Xander and Anya closed the door with a slam.
Spike turned his new girlfriend in his lap and tenderly brushed his lips with hers before quietly asking, "Are you alright, pet?"
Buffy sighed and replied just as quietly, "Yeah, it’s just...." Spike ran his hand up and down her arm in slow, calming movements in an attempt to relax her as he waited for her to continue.
"It’s just, Xander always knows what stuff gets to me and I don't want Giles to be disappointed with me. He's like a father to me."
Spike pressed another gentle kiss to her lips and said, "Your Watcher will want you to be happy love. He'll accept it; he'll just need some time to get used to it, pet."
"They all will." She offered Spike a small smile, which he returned. She captured his lips in a sweet kiss.
The kiss grew more passionate as their lust for each other was ignited once again. Buffy moaned against his mouth as Spike's hands began to slide under her red backless halter neck and caress her warm skin. She slid her hands up his chest to tangle in his hair and moaned louder as he nibbled on her lips before moving to nip and lick down the column if her neck.
Buffy keened in his ear, hissing as he moved his hands higher cupping her breasts, rubbing his thumbs over her sensitive nipples. "Oh, Spike." She moaned, rubbing against his bulging arousal, eliciting a growl of lust from the Vampire. Buffy tugged on his head, and Spike raised his desire filled eyes to meet hers. Picking her up, he carried her up to the den.
Placing her gently on the bed he began to remove her clothes as she worked on his.
Soon they were flying over the edge, the other's name on their lips. Both sated and comfortable they fell in to sleep wrapped around each other under a sheet, Spike curled protectively around Buffy, an arm holding her to him possessively.
Buffy awoke a few hours later from a pleasant dream involving Spike and several cans of whipped cream to the sound of Giles front door opening and Giles and Willow entering the apartment. She scrambled out of Spike's embrace, waking him up.
"What is it, love?" he asked, groaning at the removal of her warm body from his. She looked at him wide eyed and he watched as she pulled on her clothes between words.
"Giles...and Willow, have...just come back."
Finally dressed she threw Spike his clothes and sat on the bed, head in her hands as he dressed. *God, how could I have been so stupid - I'm at Giles's for Christ’s' sake! How the hell am I going to get out of this one?* Spike watched the Slayer out of the corner of his eye as he put his clothes back on.
Walking over to her, he sat behind her and wrapped his arms around her. She leaned into him and calmed slightly as he whispered soothing words to her. Her mind momentarily pausing from its tirade at her stupidity to reel over the fact that Spike was being so caring and considerate.
She looked up at him and smiled. He smiled softly back then briefly pressed his lips to hers.
"Come on, love." Taking her hand, he led her down to the sitting room where Giles and Willow sat.
Giles paused talking when he saw the redhead's eyes widen, focusing on a figure behind him. He turned his head and practically fell off his chair at the sight of William the Bloody and his Slayer standing at the foot of the stairs, both looking liked they'd dressed in a hurry, holding hands.
Buffy gave a small smile and waved with the hand that wasn't holding Spike's;
"Hi guys!"
*** *** ***
"Sooo, what? You just decided you liked the spell better and thought 'Hey, why not keep it that way?'" Xander continued his sarcastic assaults while the ex-demon, Watcher and witch stared; shocked at the couple who'd just began kissing.
"I need a drink." The Watcher stated, rising to the kitchen and reached for the scotch.
"I recon Giles is an alcoholic." Anya stated and surprisingly Willow nodded her agreement then blushed when Buffy moaned audibly.
"Buffy!" Xander shouted as he watched the Watcher slug back three glasses.
"Hmmm..." Buffy pulled away, her fingers splaying over Spike's mouth as he moved in to kiss her again. "What Xander?" She felt a little dizzy from the height of emotions thrown around the room in the last hour or so, and now was left feeling sort of dreamy.
"Did you even hear what I said?" Xander asked, glaring at the couple.
"What? Oh, yeah..." Buffy said, trying not to moan as Spike sucked one of her fingers into his mouth, and bit it gently.
"And?"
"And it's none of your business." Buffy said just before Spike lips claimed hers.
Xander threw up his hands in frustration and Anya snickered. Willow sighed and looked from Giles who was rapidly inebriating himself, to the kissing couple the down at the magic book in her hands. It was going to be a long year.
*** *** ***
An hour and many cups of tea later Spike and Buffy left to patrol. Giles had been deceptively calm at the beginning, turning to full fledged outrage, back to quiet acceptance.
He had mumbled something about Buffy being a very strange girl and that he would kill Spike if any harm came to her then left to bed. The Slayer happily noted that he left the bottle of scotch which meant things couldn't have been all that bad.
Willow, who had known about the two of them earlier, was supportive of her best friend’s decision and though still shocked that it was Spike, was kind to her friend.
Buffy gently swung her and Spike's entwined hands as they walked to her house after patrol. They had dusted several vampires and eviscerated a demon, discovering that
Spike could harm demons, but the violence only seemed to inflame their desire for one another.
After the conversation with Giles, Buffy didn't think that Spike staying there would be a good idea. So halfway through their patrol they swung by Buffy's house, where a newly-arrived Joyce had invited Spike to sleep in the basement for as long as he could stand the smell.
To which Buffy had said it could be a long time since Spike used to live in a crypt. Spike thanked Joyce for her kindness and Joyce had said that she would leave out some cocoa and those little marshmallows Spike liked so much for after their patrol.
Although they hadn't told Joyce about their relationship, as an experienced woman Joyce could tell in the way that Spike and Buffy looked at and interacted with each other; they way they teased one another promoted the fact that there was something going on.
She had resolved to have a talk with her daughter before she went to bed, but the pull of sleep had been too much and she had gone to bed and hour after they had left, leaving out the promised ingredients.
***
*** ***
As the Slayer opened the back door Spike lost the battle with himself not to touch her and grabbing the back of her head, angling his so they fit perfectly, smashed his lips to hers his tongue darting out to touch her lips before entering her mouth to sweep with hers.
Buffy moaned softly as his lips and tongue rapidly aroused her. She shrugged off her jacket and kicked off her shoes as Spike moved his hands from her head and waist to remove his duster and shoes as well, before replacing them.
Closing the door and locking it behind him, he walked them both back to the basement door, not breaking away from Buffy's lips. Buffy opened the door and removing her lips from his she picked up one of his hands and led him down the stairs. Her mother had set up a medium sized bed for Spike once they had left earlier. Leading him to the already turned down bed she sat down.
Spike sat next to her and trailed his thumb lightly around her lips, before replacing it with his lips moving his hand to untie her halter neck. As the material slipped down her breasts spilled free, her nipples already peaked with arousal. Buffy's own hands began exploring, untucking his shirt and t-shirt from his jeans.
Spike broke away from her lips to remove his tops and jeans. He lay Buffy gently down on the bed before joining her.
Using one hand to prop himself up he let the other roam down her body, lightly pinching her nipples causing her to shiver as he claimed her mouth again. Buffy moaned loudly into his mouth, allowing her own hands to wander.
They glided over his taut abdomen before moving lower to caress him in slow, long strokes. Before the feeling became too much, Spike moved down her body, lavishing her breasts, nipping lightly just under her belly button causing Buffy to thrust her hips towards his face.
"Please Spike..." she breathed. Spike didn't disappoint. Removing her trousers and underwear, he kissed up her left thigh before sliding his tongue into her slick folds.
Moving his tongue higher he found her throbbing nubbin and began sucking it repeatedly, flicking his tongue over it as he thrust first one then two fingers deep inside her. Buffy moaned loudly, gasping for air as he brought her closer and closer to the edge. Knowing she was so close and that all it would take was one touch, Spike gently bit into her clit.
Buffy tumbled over the edge, biting her hand in an attempt not to scream and wake her mother, breaking the skin. Spike kissed up her body as her breathing slowed. As he lay nose to nose with her she brought her bloody hand up to his mouth and watched with renewed lust as he sensuously licked away the blood on them.
Moving from her hand, Spike bent his head and kissed her tenderly as he covered her with his cool length. Buffy moved her hand to his cock, guiding it to her entrance. Spike thrust lovingly into her, watching with increased delight at the pleasure he saw on her face.
Moving in a rhythm of the ages, Vampire and Slayer brought each other to a screaming orgasm, the others' mouth muffling the sound. Spike rolled off her once he was able to form a coherent thought. Spooning her warm body into his cool one, they drifted off to sleep to the sound of the blond Vampire's quite purr.
Buffy smiled sappily when she heard her lover purr. She knew from Angel that it was a sound produced unconsciously in a moment of complete contentment. She had made Spike purr.
*** *** ***
Joyce Summers woke the next morning and travelled downstairs to find the cocoa and marshmallows just as she'd left them the previous night and a long leather duster and Doc Martins left haphazardly with her daughter’s jacket and shoes, the trail leading towards......the basement.
Joyce smiled then finishing her coffee picked up her purse left for the gallery, glad that it was Thanksgiving holiday and she wouldn't have to wake her daughter.
*** *** ***
Buffy woke up at about ten to find herself still spooned to Spike's body. She smiled as memories of the previous night resurfaced gleefully in her minds’ eye. Glancing up at the clock her smile transformed into an expression of exasperation as she noted the time. She said she'd meet Willow for a shopping trip at half past eleven.
She tried to extract herself from her lover's embrace without waking him, but the second she moved, the over-perceptive vampire groaned, tightening his hold on her. "Going somewhere, pet?"
"Hey there you," She greeted softly instead of answering. "It’s past ten."
"So?"
"Sooo,” She began, turning to face him, "I have to go out at eleven - to meet Willow."
Spike took in her disappointed face, and mimicked her. "Soooo cancel." He said capturing her lips in a passionate kiss, his hand moving up to massage her breast.
Buffy moaned and arched into his touch but still broke away from his lips to gasp, "Can't…Need to talk…to her."
Spike growled playfully then claimed her lips once again, tugging gently on her nipple.
Again Buffy broke away, this time with greater effort as her sex began to tingle from his ministrations, "Stop it!" She chided playfully,
"While I'm out I can get you some blood." She wheedled, trying to escape the erotic assault.
Spike sighed dramatically, and then released her saying, "Okay, but only cause you made me work up an appetite."
Kissing him briefly, she rolled out of bed then moved over to the dryer, searching through it for a robe. Spike watched her through hooded lids as she threw on a robe, *Beautiful...so fucking beautiful.*
As she walked over to him a possessive grin crossed his features as he pulled her down next to him. *Mine* his mind whispered.
A few minutes passed before Buffy wrenched her lips from his, gasping heavily, her chest heaving. She stood on shaky legs as her desire for him renewed, but she knew if they started again she'd never leave and she really did have to talk to Willow.
Turning back to him, she asked, "Do you want me to close all the curtains, or you gonna sleep some more?"
"Never been a big sleeper, pet."
She smiled then said, "Okay, I'll shut them for you. See you later love." She said mimicking his accent, swinging her hips playfully as she left the basement.
"Cute Slayer, real cute."
*** *** ***
Once she’d managed to extract herself from the basement, Buffy went around the house shutting the curtains, making sure there was as little sunlight as possible. Once upstairs she took a quick shower before dressing. Checking the clock, she nearly tripped when she saw the time: 11: 25. She had to run to meet Willow in time at the mall.
*** *** ***
The girls moved around the mall, casually picking up various items, purchasing some.
Conversation ranged widely but neither mentioned the any Hellmouth experience. As expected the conversation came around to Spike.
"Do you love him?" Willow asked suddenly after Buffy had told her what happened the day before.
Buffy blushed and looked down, "I think I may be falling for him."
The hacker smiled at her friend, "How does he feel about you?"
"I don't know. I mean like I said, up until yesterday when that big horny demon thing nearly squished me on patrol, I thought it was just sex. I mean, mind-blowingly good sex…But Will, there was real concern in his eyes and he was way angry. I've never seen him look that angry at anything. And I was his mortal enemy - you'd have thought if anyone would have seen him mad it would have been me! I tell you - the end result was not pretty!"
Willow giggled, "I think he cares about me but I don't know if he could love me. I mean me Slayer, bane to his existence."
"Well you know Spike - he always refuses to fit into a definitive vamp mould."
"Yeah I guess. Anyway I got plenty of time to figure out all things Spike later - now girl shopping time!" Buffy smiled brightly and Willow returned it and the two best friends continued their mall trip.
*** *** ***
Willow and Buffy had spent the entire afternoon just having fun, doing girly things. So it was almost dark when the Slayer returned home. She walked carefully through the back door, ensuring that she let as little sunlight in as possible and looked around for Spike. When she didn't find him downstairs or in the basement, she honed her senses the way Giles had taught her and psychically reached out in search of her Vampire.
Her spider senses told her he was upstairs and her keen hearing picked up the shower running. She smiled, dumped her bags, removed her jacket and kicked off her sandals. With a secret smile she slipped silently up the stairs.
Buffy stepped in to the steamy room, wrapped only in a towel, her hair clipped up on top of her head and was about to step in the shower when strong, pale arms reached out and pulled her inside.
Spike practically ripped the towel from her body, capturing her lips in a powerful kiss that left her breathless as his hands roamed her body, pausing to tweak her erect nipples.
One hand stayed on her breast, while the other moved lower, stimulating her core. Buffy moaned loudly into his mouth at the dual attack on her body. Less than a minute later she ripped her mouth from his lips to scream his name as she shattered into orgasm, shaking violently. Spike placed soft kisses down her neck, nuzzling his mark as she calmed.
He moved his head to meet her gaze; she smiled contented, "Hey…"
"Hey back." he responded before sweeping her away in a passionate kiss. Reaching down and grabbing her ass, Spike lifted her up to his eye level. She wrapped her legs around him as he pushed her against the wall, thrusting up into her still shaking core. Spike groaned as her walls clamped down on him, almost pushing him over the edge. Reining his control he began moving, setting a slow pace.
Buffy growled into the kiss as he refused to put pressure on her clit. She thrust up onto him and sighed in relief as he lowered a hand, rubbing her swollen nubbin between his thumb and fore finger. His thrusts got quicker and more frenzied as he neared orgasm.
Buffy plummeted into orgasm, biting down hard on his neck as she came. At the feel of her blunt teeth Spike let loose a strangled scream and followed her over into the abyss. A rumbling purr shook his chest as the unintentional implications of his lover’s actions slammed through his brain.
This skin on his neck hadn’t broken, so the claim hadn’t been fully reciprocated, but she had placed her mark on him…and he wasn’t sure how to feel about that.
Spike eventually slipped out of Buffy and they washed each other. Moving quickly the couple crossed the hall to Buffy's bedroom, the sun having set, and fell into bed. They made love until they were too exhausted to move. Completely sated, the Slayer curled up on Spike's chest listening to his contented purr with a sappy smile plastered on her face.
They dozed off for awhile, the only sound in the room being the soft snores emitted from the Slayer. At ten the phone rang waking Buffy from her comfortable slumber. Knowing that her mother wouldn't be back for a few days as she was on a buying trip in New York, groaned, rolling over to answer the phone.
"Hello?" She said slightly miffed and tired.
"Buffy? Did I wake you?" Angel's voice came over the line. Buffy nearly dropped the phone from shock.
Spike saw her stumble and asked with gentle caring in his voice, "Who is it, baby?"
Buffy looked up at his tone and gave him a rueful smile, "Angel." She saw Spike tense up at the name and she reached out to take his hand, entwining their fingers she brought it up to her mouth kissing it gently. Spike smiled sadly at her.
"Buffy? Buffy?" Angel repeated into the phone.
"Yeah, Angel?" She asked tired.
"Was that Spike I heard?" He asked, anger slightly present in his voice.
"Um....Yes."
"What?" He almost screamed.
"Look Angel, you rang? I really have to..." Buffy asked; she did not want to have this conversation right now.
"Buffy, you have to get out of there, Spike is dangerous. I rang because Doyle had a vision about you in trouble; he said that Spike was there. Buffy why is Spike with you?" He interrupted.
"He's staying here." She replied.
"Buffy are you crazy..." Angel began but was cut off.
"Things always are a little crazy around here." She hedged with an awkward laugh.
"That doesn't mean you can shirk your responsibilities as a Slayer and not get rid of-"
"Who the hell are you to lecture me about my life? Don't patronize me Angel and don't start judging me on things you don't understand."
"Don't under..." Angel breathed, "Buffy why is Spike staying with you and why are you okay with that?"
"Spike's helping me." She tensed knowing that she had to say it, "And we're...” she paused, thinking how to phrase it.
Angel took that time to think for a moment, his childe, staying with Buffy, slaying with Buffy. It only being ten o'clock - not late for the slayer yet Buffy had answered the phone sleepy, Spike's being there, his tone of voice, his words - "baby". Suddenly realization struck and Angel chocked out,
"You're together?"
"Yeah." She responded. "Angel?"
Angel didn't reply.
"Please don't be mad." She pleaded.
"Mad? Why should I be mad, I left you so you could have a real life and you date a demon, Spikes one of the worst there is Buffy." His voice sounded almost parental, the tone making bile shoot up in her throat.
"Angel my life isn't your life anymore; we don't live in each others worlds. You made sure of that. Don't dictate to me who I can and can't love." Her anger struck a chord with him, and he saw her point. Both Spike and Buffy looked shocked at her choice of words, but as they weren't looking at each other said nothing.
"I'm sorry Buffy." He said quietly
"Me too."
"I worry about you, I'm sorry if I upset you."
"Its okay.......I - I have to go patrol now."
"Be careful." He murmured.
"I will." She replaced the phone on the base.
"Good bye my love." Angel said into the humming receiver, blood tears rolling down his face.
Buffy lay staring at the phone for a while, before she got up and crossed to her wardrobe and began riffling through looking for something to wear. Eventually she slammed the door shut in frustration, "Urgh!”
She felt Spike's arms around her and she let him lead her back to the bed where she lay down, cuddled up to him.
*She's not crying, so that has to be something.* Spike thought as he gently stroked her hair. His mind was whirring a mile a minute, barely able to comprehend the significance of the Slayer’s words. She’d told Angel…everything. Someone had picked him over Angel.
Buffy had picked him over Angel. Angel – the supposed love of her life. Unless…
What if she’d only said it hurt Angel – to get back at him for everything. Spike didn’t think she was that vindictive; but people did funny things when they were in love. He blanched at the thought and his unbeating heart…stopped.
Buffy pressed a small kiss to his chest before looking up to meet his eyes, "I'm sorry," She whispered.
He pushed his worries aside and concentrated on her alone. "Nothing to be sorry about, love." He replied just as softly. She smiled and pushed herself up to his lips. Moving over him their tongues wove erotically as his hands played across her breasts.
Buffy pulled away, smiling a true smile which Spike returned trying to pull her down for another kiss.
She kissed him briefly but sat up straddling his hips saying, "We have to patrol."
Spike rubbed his hard erection against her nest of curls as his hands moved up her inner thighs, "Right away?" He purred.
Buffy moaned and leant down to kiss him again. Spike used her change of position to his advantage, sliding into her hot, wet core. Spike growled as her walls tightened around him, she rode him hard, the bed bouncing noisily against the wall.
Buffy's walls clamped around him as she came, squeezing him in to orgasm. Unable to stop himself, Spike morphed and sunk his fangs into Buffy's neck. There was no pain at the feel of Spike's fangs and at the taste of Buffy's warm and powerful blood both came again violently.
Buffy screaming and Spike growling continuously as release racked their pleasure filled bodies. Removing his fangs from Buffy's neck, Spike purred loudly as he licked and nuzzled the tender mark. Buffy ran her fingers through his hair as he rolled them so that they were both on their sides, his face never leaving her neck.
*** *** ***
Half an hour later Buffy found enough energy to tug on Spikes' head. He looked up at her with deep contented orbs, Buffy gasped at the emotions she saw swirling in them.
He brushed his lips against hers, before he claimed her lips in a passionate kiss. Both their hearts jumping at the other's close proximity, their arms tightening possessively around one another.
Eventually they broke away both panting from the intensity of the kiss; Spike spoke quietly, "Come on, love. Let’s go before your Watcher has kittens." Buffy giggled at his terminology.
"Okay, I'll be down in a minute." Kissing briefly, Spike crossed the hall to the bathroom to retrieve his clothes, as Buffy crossed to her closet easily picking out an outfit, her body calm and happy. She met Spike downstairs, dressed in a very skimpy black top and tight black pants, her hair loose around her shoulders, the blonde in direct contrast to the black.
Spike swallowed visibly as his eyes slid down her outfit and Buffy smiled knowingly.
Spike put his cup blindly in the sink, the noise very loud in the sexually charged atmosphere in the kitchen. Buffy giggled at the expression on Spike's face and he snapped out of his daze and growled at her playfully, grabbing her bodily plundering her mouth with his tongue.
Buffy moaned, her hands coming up to rest on his forearms, gripping them slightly. Spike broke away and smiled down at Buffy, her flushed face and heaving chest making a very pretty picture. Swatting her rear lightly he chuckled at her squeak, then taking her hand led her out of the house toward the graveyard to meet her friends.
*** *** *** ***
Buffy and Spike walked hand in hand through one of Sunnydale's many cemeteries, Xander and Anya a little way behind them. They had been patrolling for over an hour and Buffy was getting antsy.
"I'm bored. We've been out here for ages and there's been no-one remotely stake worthy." Buffy declared, tugging on his hand as she looked up at him.
"Except Spike." Xander said behind them but they ignored him.
"Where do you wanna go then, ducks?" Spike asked, smiling down at her. "The Bronze?"
Buffy grinned mischievously and pulled his head down to hers, "Let’s go home."
Spike chuckled and lifted her up in his arms carrying her out of the graveyard. The whelp and ex-demon exchanged looks then trudged off towards the Bronze.
*** *** *** ***
"I don't get it. Why do they have to become shag-mates?" Xander asked a few weeks later, the last phrase coming out in a mocking version of Spike’s accent. The group was sat at the Bronze, sipping drink as they half-watched the Slayer and Vampire sway to the gentle love song that rolled around the room.
"They're more then that." Anya stated.
"What?"
"Yeah, Xander. Have you seen them?" The group’s eyes shot over to the couple then back to the others. "They're falling in love." Willow added quietly.
"No!" Xander exclaimed. "Remember what happened last time she fell in love with one of the undead? Anyway they fight all the time." He denied with a flap of his hand.
"Two things." Willow held up two fingers. "One." She held up one finger. "Angel had a soul to loose, Spike doesn't."
"I don't see how that's a good thing." Xander muttered, but Willow ignored him.
"Two." She replaced the other finger. "They're coming over."
The group looked up as the couple walked back to the table hand in hand. Buffy picked her coat off her chair as she spoke, "We're gonna go patrol. See you later?"
"Sure." Willow said as the others nodded and the pair departed.
"Its just plain wrong. I don't get it." Xander complained again once they were out of sight.
"Happens a lot to you doesn't it?" Anya commented and Willow stifled a laugh at the ex-demoness' bluntness.
*** *** *** ***
Spike wrapped his arms around Buffy as she fell asleep and sighed, burying his face in her hair. His eyes fell on her left hand that was flopped over the pillow next to her and he smiled. She was still wearing his ring.
After convincing the group that they weren't under a spell. Sure, they'd argued - same as usual. Just with a little less physical fighting and a lot more sex. He hadn't asked for the ring back and she hadn't offered. They hadn't really discussed the spell or the fact that they were still 'engaged' in a manner of speaking. To be honest, Spike wasn't sure what his opinion would be if they did.
He knew he liked her wearing it; kept the wankers at her college away from her.
Especially the army bloke - Riley. Spike growled at the thought of him. He knew Riley felt something for Buffy and it was more than the platonic friendship Buffy felt for him.
The thought of feelings made Spike wish he'd just gone to sleep. What were his feelings for Buffy? What were hers for him? He knew she wanted him - there was defiantly desire and lust in their relationship. Relationship. Was that even the right word? It wasn't just shagging and it wasn't a quick fling. But the term 'relationship' implied something more than just going together...or whatever they called it these days.
Fuck…he was too old to be dating. And she was too young for you…
He glanced down at her, absently brushing back a lock of hair from her face. She was so beautiful…so perfect….and all his. He’d always wanted her; there were times back when Angel was Angelus that he wasn’t sure if he hated the bastard more because of Dru, or because the wanker had been the Slayers’ first. But she’d managed to pretty much calm any past Angel worries with that phone call the other night. Unless…..
No! He wasn’t going to go there. He was going to sleep and leave the whole damn train of thought far, far behind.
They could make this work…he knew they could. She seemed to care for him – why else would she have said what she said to Angel if she didn’t care a little. And he lov-- No. He didn’t….he couldn’t – not a Slayer. He wanted her; that was all…all it could ever be. He Vampire, she Slayer….non-mixy…except in sex…A smirk spread slowly over his face:- fuck, were they mixy then.
He rolled his eyes; now he was thinking like her! This was getting out of hand…
His arms tightened around her in an attempt to forget the fact that he was a Vampire, and she a Slayer…forget all his thoughts…forget the whole world and just dream…
Buffy whispered something soft in her sleep and Spike's head reared back in surprise. He looked down at her peaceful features and slowly slipped from the bed. He covered her then pulled on his clothing.
He walked to the window, taking a last look at the bed. With a heavy sigh he climbed down the tree. He walked through the streets blindly, her muffled words ringing clearly in his head.
"Love you, Spike."
*** *** *** ***
Buffy awoke an hour before sunrise with a definite sense of ill-being. She reached out behind her, shocked when her hand hit air. She sat up in bed, looking around the room. His clothes were gone.
Getting out of bed she extended her spider senses but found there was no-one in the house but her. She rushed to her closet, hastily dressing before heading out into the night, determined to find him.
The cold air stung the tears in her eyes as she walked through the deserted streets. She'd been through most of the graveyards, checking crypts. She wasn't even sure she wanted to find him. What was he going to say? Why did he just leave?
Buffy looked up at the large crypt and retracted a stake, there was definitely one Vampire inside but it didn't have to be him. She pushed open the door and stepped inside. She stopped in the door way as she saw him sitting on a sarcophagus. The stake disappeared up her sleeve.
"Why did you leave?" Her voice was hollow. Spike looked up at her and inwardly cringed when he saw she'd been crying.
Spike dropped the cigarette in his hands, watching as the stub continued to burn a bright orange. "Just went for a walk."
"At five in the morning? Why didn't you say anything?" She was angry. Angry things couldn't go right. What was it with guys and just leaving in the middle of the night? Was there some sign on her forehead that read; 'Must Leave Her Before She Wakes Up....spend previous time being kind to totally fuck up her brain'?
"You were asleep." He tried.
"Most are at five am." She snapped. Where was this going? What was he doing to her?
Spike watched as her eyes sagged. She was tired. And he'd got her up and worried 'cause he'd had an identity crisis. He moved off the tomb and walked towards her. He really felt like shit now.
"Pet, you're tired..."
"I know!" Buffy snapped, flipping her hair over her shoulder in order to glare at him properly.
"Let’s go home; I'm sorry I scared you." He spoke softly, his hand brushed hers and she frowned.
"Why did you?"
A million reasons flashed through his head, each scarier then the last. In the end he went with the simplest reason he could devise. She didn’t need to hear about his insecurities – god knew she had enough for the both of them…and he cared about her too much to intentionally add to those.
"I just went for a walk - couldn't sleep." He leant down and brushed his lips against hers as he took her hand. "That’s all."
*** *** *** ***
"Maybe he just couldn't sleep. It’s not that far fetched. Vampires don't need as much sleep as humans." Willow tried to reassure her friend for the billionth time over the past three days. “A-and then there’s the whole Vampire physiology…I mean maybe he’s having trouble to adjusting to Buffy-timetable.”
“Or maybe he’s having trouble adjusting to Buffy.” The Slayer muttered, burying her head in her pillow.
“No! No, Buff, that’s not what I meant…And I really don’t think that – I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”
Buffy perked up a little at that. “Yeah?”
Willow scrunched up her nose in a fake-commiserating tone. “’Fraid so, Buff – even Xander can see it’s meant to be!”
Buffy let out a little laugh at that, rolling over to lay on her front. She pulled the pillow she’d previously buried herself under, and tucked it under the arm she was resting on. Facing Willow, who also sat on her own dorm bed, she gave a timid smile. "D'ya really think it’s just the sleep thing?"
"Of course." Willow smiled in what she hoped was another reassuring manner.
Spike listened from outside. Since that night, three nights ago, Buffy had been acting weird. She hadn't spoke much - didn't seem as bubbly. Wasn't interested in anything much in fact. He knew it was his fault.
*Stupid prick! Why muck it up with the Slayer because suddenly you have issues saying how you feel. Just tell her; make her feel better and put it all right. Wanker!*
He twirled the rose in his fingers and knocked on the door. Willow answered it and when she saw who it was smiled politely and said, "I'll see you later Buffy!"
"Hello, love." Spike closed to door behind him and sat on the bed.
Buffy rolled on to her back and smiled up at him, "Hi." She let out a little giggle as he twirled the rose down her face, brushing her lips. His mouth replaced the rose and as they kissed, the petals trailed softly down her body.
As her arms locked around his neck, pulling him down, Spike placed the flower above her head and rolled them both on to their sides. Spike broke the kiss, looking deeply into her eyes as his hand came up to touch her lips. His thumb caressed her lower lip in a long time habit and he simply stared at her, drawing up his courage.
Buffy moved forward to kiss him again but he held her back. She frowned, what was he doing? Oh my god....
"I need to talk to you...." He began. He wasn't looking at her.
Buffy froze, was this it? Is this what he'd been building up to? "Are…are we breaking up?" It was all her irrational-fear fried brain would come up with. His sweet kisses; his beautiful, soulful eyes; the flower… It all fell away when he’d refused her for that single moment.
"What?" Spike frowned, momentarily side-tracked. The question finally registered and he raised wide, shocked eyes to her... "No!...No, baby...." Spike took a deep unneeded breath, "I love you, Buffy."
He watched as her eyes lit up and a huge smile spread across her face, touching her ears. "You do?"
Spike felt the tension drip out of his body at her reaction; and he regained some of his trade-mark cockiness "Yeah, I love you."
She squealed and wrapped her arms around him, crushing their lips together and Spike laughed into the kiss at her reaction. When she pulled back she smiled at him, "I love you too."
"I was kinda counting on that!" Spike said wryly and Buffy laughed before Spike cut off the sound with his mouth.
*** *** *** ***
"Hey Buffy." Buffy turned around from her perusal of the shop window and smiled gently at the Commando.
"Hi, Riley, what'cha doing here?"
"Just window shopping, it's my mom's birthday in a few weeks and I thought I'd start early this year after last years disaster." He answered truthfully.
Buffy laughed, “What happened last year?"
"Well, I come from a big family but I figured no-one would have decided to get her this silk scarf so I didn't bother shopping until the day before."
"Silk scarf?"
"Some hand-made thing that she told me she wanted." Buffy nodded and Riley continued. "I bought it the day before and went home at the weekend. When it came to present opening time Mom had fifteen similar scarves and a hand watch."
Buffy laughed then her beeper beeped. She looked down at it. <Giles> flashed across the screen and she sent him a commiserating look. "I'm really sorry I have to go, but I hope you have better luck this year!"
"Yeah, me too, thanks!" The Commando replied, watching as the Slayer walked forward a few paces. He frowned when a leather-clad figure walked up to her, scowling as the two began to kiss. *Guess that’s 'Spike'. What kind of a name is Spike anyway.*
He heard her beeper go off again and watched as Buffy lead what he assumed was her fiancé away. With a heavy sigh Riley turned his mind back to present shopping.
****
Buffy and Spike entered the Watcher's home hand in hand to find all the books the Watcher must own sprawled around the room, Xander, Willow, Anya and the newly returned Oz standing at the other end of the room all looking at the frantic Giles in the middle of them all.
He was drastically attempting to reorder all of his books, flicking through pages, picking up books then tossing them aside just as quickly. At the sound of their entry the other two couples looked up at them.
"What's going on?" Buffy asked, bug eyed.
"Has he snapped?" Spike asked.
Xander glared at him but answered Buffy, "We got here about half an hour ago and found him like this." Xander indicated the crazed ex-librarian.
"I t-tried ringing but no one was there...that’s why the beep." Willow put in nervously; Oz squeezed her hand in comfort.