Winner of Best Original Character in Blood Ties Awards Round 4. I’ve always been fascinated by Spike’s remarks about his cousin in Goodbye Iowa. This is set just before Christmas and so before Buffy’s birthday party in Older and Far Away. Spike has a big favour to ask the Slayer and it will lead to all sorts of jealousy when she meets a certain member of his family.

When is a date not a date? When you’re going out with Spike to visit his only ‘living’ relation.

Spike has taken Buffy to meet his Cousin Arabella. He really hopes the two girls will be friends. Oh yes, like that’s going to happen!

The party given by Spike’s cousin is turning out to be a disaster for Buffy. Too much champagne, too much jealousy, too much Arabella - She wants to go home.

Arabella has admitted she wants Spike and is using him to get rid of her husband.

Everyone wants to fight everyone at Arabella’s party.

Things are beginning to get heated at the party. Too much fighting and champagne can lead to all sorts of wild behaviour.

Lust or love? Buffy can’t decide. There are packs of demons at the door and to make matters worse, she’s hungry!

Buffy and Spike are forced to spend the day at Arabella’s and the vampire’s cousin asks Buffy a question she can’t - or won’t - answer

Buffy and Spike - in bed - all day with an evil, Slayer hating vampire lurking nearby!

Time has come for a showdown between Buffy and Arabella. And there’s oil involved!

This is the last chp. It’s time for Spike and Buffy to leave the party. But will it be without a final dusting all round?