Just A Little Magic

I - I'm Not Supposed to Be Here Today!

AN: This is just a little fun ficlet just to get in the spirit of the holiday, of course. I'll have to think of something fun for Xmas as well. Weee! LoL (I seriously hope someone gets the quote used for the chapter title *pouts*)

A big thanks to Aribelle and Jessica for betaing this for me.



Buffy sat cross-legged on her bed listening to music as she did some homework for one of her classes. She reached up and pulled her hair into a messy knot to get it out of her face as she worked. Homework was created by evil evil demons... it should be slayed... she thought to herself with a pout.

Her head went up when the door opened, hoping for a nice distraction and smiled when Willow walked in. She set her book aside and swung her legs over the side of the bed.

Willow smiled at her and shrugged out of her sweater while setting her notebook on her desk. "Class was boring. How goes studying? Any better?"

"Deathly boring..." Buffy made a face. "But lightened greatly by a call I got. Was waiting for you to get back so I could spill."

"Ooo, a call that can make studying better?" the redhead teased and walked across the room towards her.

"Well... Mom called to tell me that she was going to get out of town for the next couple weeks on business. She needs me to house sit."

"You're happy to be away from me?" Willow's brows furrowed.

She rolled her eyes. "So missing the point, Will. You can come, too. But, the point is... we'll have the house to ourselves for Halloween." She stood up with a wide smile. "So I was thinking..."

"Halloween party!" Willow's eyes lit up and she clapped her hands.

"Yeah... but I don't want steam coming out my mom's ears when she returns to find the house trashed... so probably just a tiny Scooby party." Buffy nodded. "Me, you, Xander, and Giles. You can invite Oz, and Xander can invite Anya. Mostly just us goofing around with lots of goodies and some uuber scary movies."

"Sounds great." She paused and bit her lip, then lifted a brow shyly. "Can we still wear costumes?" She held up her hands when Buffy started to sigh. "I know we had really bad luck with those in the past, but it's fun. And it's just going to be the six of us and and... well, I want to." She pouted, trying to win her friend over with redheaded cuteness.

"Fine..." Buffy sighed then eyed her friend suspiciously as she headed over to the closet to pull out some patrolling clothes. "You get Oz this way, don't you?"

"Guilty." Willow grinned and watched her. "You're going patrolling? Stupid question... it's dark and you're a slayer. Well, tomorrow though, can we go costume shopping? We'll go find a nice, non-evil shop and everything."

"Yes and I'm sure it'll say right on the sign 'Please come in. We're not evil!'" Buffy rolled her eyes and laughed, then headed for the door, slipping a stake into her pocket. "Sure, we'll begin our quest tomorrow for non-evil costumes. I probably won't patrol long. It's going to be quiet this close to Halloween and when I get back we can study a bit for Psych." She waved and slipped out the door.

*****

There was a throng of people in the store pawing through the costumes in a last minute frenzy. Buffy held up a Renaissance style dress, sharing a look with her best friend before shuddering and shoving it back onto the rack. Really, she knew, better than other people, that just because there were bad people out there and sometimes bad things happened to her, well frequently happened to her, didn't mean she should be afraid to have fun.

So, here she was, talked into dressing in costume again. Definitely nothing of a frilly nature. Nope. She got gaggy just at the thought of it.

"You can be Xena?" Willow wiggled her brows and held up the costume she found.

"Or I could not..." Buffy took it from her and put it back. "Somehow that just screams geek... or geek's wet dream..."

"I'm a geek aren't I?" Said geek pouted slightly.

Buffy chuckled and put an arm around her. "A very loveable and cute geek. You pass for cool as far as I'm concerned."

"Yay me."

The slayer laughed and followed her. "Seriously, knowing my track record... it might be wise to pick a cool costume that I won't be defenseless in if some baddy tries something, you know? Not just the obvious 'I might turn into it', but also... some monsters just don't get the hint that it's my day off. I need something I can have a weapon as an accessory without anyone getting wigged... or I can hide a stake in some part of it."

"Ah, the coveted versatile costume of many uses." Willow nodded. "Well... you know, you can not go all with the geeky Xena costume... but still be a warrior woman or something like that?" She lifted a shoulder.

"Maybe..." Buffy bit her lip in thought as she looked over a wall of stuff. Maybe she wouldn't do the pre-assembled costume-in-a-bag thing. Maybe she would grab what she wanted and throw it together to make something unique. Hmmm... that had possibilities and it would be somewhat versatile. She smiled as she pulled a whip off the wall, considering the possibilities.

*****

The next few days passed in a flurry of excitement over buying party decorations and decorating the house to the nines. They bought loads of goodies even though it was only a small group of them. They didn't care. They were just having fun going all out for the holiday and having a break from the hassles of college.

"I think that's it for now. The pizzas will be here in an hour and we have time to go slip into our costumes," Buffy smiled at Willow then turned to jog up the stairs.

She walked into her room and headed over to the bed where her costume was laid out. A smile played on her lips as she fingered the smooth leather and images filled her mind. Naughty images. She was lost in thought until she realized that a certain bleached man had become a major player in the fantasies. She shook her head to clear it, admonishing herself for going in that direction and quickly slipping out of her clothes.

Her outfit consisted of a corseted top made of soft leather, fishnet stockings, and knee high boots with dangerously high heels. She also had bought bat style wings and some gothic make-up, along with black coloured mousse that Willow was going to help her put in once she got dressed. She figured if she went out she could toss her leather jacket on over it and it would look like it was part of the costume, giving her a place to stash a stake or something.

She headed into the bathroom after she was dressed to do her make-up. Willow came in a few minutes later, grinning widely as she turned to shake her fluffy, little bunny tail at Buffy. She had chosen to be a Playboy bunny, which Buffy just noticed was almost the fluffy pink version of her costume. Both consisted of a strapless top, tights, and shoes. She chuckled to herself then held out the mousse.

They were halfway done when the phone rang. Buffy hurried into her room to snatch up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Miss Summers? I tried calling you at your dorm, but got no answer." An older woman told her, the voice familiar to Buffy.

"Oh, yeah, I'm staying at my mom's house this week and so is my roommate." She glanced over at Willow as her friend poked her head in, giving her a shrug.

"Regardless... This is Dr. Fisk. I was grading your paper that you turned in last week and would like to speak to you in my office. It is very important if you want to pass my class." The professor's voice was severe and Buffy frowned.

"Ma'am... it's Halloween and we're having a party here."

Willow heard this and frowned as well.

"Is some party more important than your passing? Surely you have an hour to spare to save yourself from failing my class."

She sighed. "No, it's not, I guess. Give me a bit and I'll be right there..."

"Thank you, Miss Summers." With that the professor hung up.

Buffy growled and slammed the phone down, glancing over at her confused friend. "Dr. Fisk just demanded I come over for a little chat... on Halloween night of all nights. Sheesh, I know some teachers don't care that they aren't the center of your universe, but good grief..." She continued to mutter as she stomped into the bathroom again.

*****

The campus seemed deserted. Apparently everyone was off having fun that night except for her, Buffy thought woefully. Well, and that anal bitch of a professor... She muttered a few other nasty things as she walked down the hall, the click of her heals echoing eerily.

She paused at Dr. Fisk's office, looking down at the picture of the pretty brunette that accompanied an article by Dr. Gwyneth Fisk. Ugh, how looks could deceive... Buffy rolled her eyes and knocked on the door, then entering when she heard a voice calling to enter. This hopefully would go quickly or she would have to start waving around the stake in her pocket. It might not scare Dr. Fisk, but it may give her some leeway once she was pegged as insane.

Buffy entered and went to sit across from the professor, adjusting her coat and crossing her legs before looking at the older woman expectantly.

"Thank you for fitting me into your busy schedule," Dr. Fisk said disdainfully while glancing Buffy over.

Buffy pressed her lips together in irritation but refrained from shooting back with a nasty retort. "What did you need to speak with me about?"

"I was disappointed at the quality of the paper you turned in," she slid said paper across the desk towards Buffy. "You did not do sufficient research on the topic and what research you did was poorly cited. You should thank me for not reporting you for plagiarism." She gave a brief, acid smile before continuing. "Not to mention, a great number of the sources you did cite were not of scholarly quality. Seriously, a college student should be capable of better work."

"I've been distracted by other things recently. But, I'll try to buckle down in the future." Buffy lifted a brow. "Is that all?" Seriously, this couldn't have waited? Ugh, or it even could have been sent over an email or told to her over the phone. She was seriously just thinking this woman was a sadistic bitch.

"No, it's not." Dr. Fisk's frown deepened. "Yes, I noticed how distracted you have been lately. If you paid more attention in class you would be doing much better, I'm sure. Maybe you should think about cutting down on the partying. Maybe even getting a tutor."

Buffy nearly growled. She was not spending all her time partying. She wished she had that luxury and this woman... She didn't know her at all and how dare she make such assumptions. Ungrateful bitch. Buffy was out there every night, doing her part to save the world countless times... and this bitch was acting like she was some spaz! A smile nearly spread over her face as she imagined herself pummeling the nasty old broad.

"I'll try my best and look into the tutor," Buffy said tightly. "Now, if you don't mind. I need to get home." She stood before Dr. Fisk could interject anything else. "Have a good night."

Dr. Fisk quickly got up and went over to open the door. She gave Buffy a wide smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Have a Happy Halloween, Miss Summers. You look lovely."

Buffy looked at her as if she had sprouted horns and a tail, then brushed past her to hurry out. The new weight to her pocket was too slight to be noticed.

*****

The others had arrived for the most part by the time Buffy got back to her house. It looked like Anya was the only one missing and Xander looked slightly anxious, hoping nothing was wrong. Willow was reassuring him, though, while trying not to flash him cleavage. Oz was munching a piece of pizza behind Willow, looking as mellow as usual in his house coat in his rendition of Hugh Hefner to go with Willow's costume.

Buffy shrugged out of her jacket and tossed it over the banister railing before turning to Xander. "Uh, are you supposed to be a... flasher?" She arched a brow and glanced him over.

He rolled his eyes and looked at Willow and Oz with a 'can you believe this is the slayer' look. "I'm a jedi, Buff... how could you think I was here dressed as a flasher?!"

"Um... cause it's you?" She gave a lopsided grin then glanced around. "Where's Giles?"

"In the kitchen," he motioned in the general direction. "Probably picking leather out of his crack."

"Huh?" Buffy looked alarmed and hurried to the kitchen. She stopped in her tracks when she skidded into the room, eyes nearly bursting out of her head at the sight of Giles dressed like Frankenfurter. "My god, Giles!"

"Buffy," he smiled, looking up from getting himself a glass of punch. "I hope Dr. Fisk didn't give you too hard of a time. Is there anything I could help you with?"

"Um... what? I dunno... uh, might have you proofread my next essay, I guess..." She gulped and stared at him. "But besides that, the usual schmeel about me being distracted... but try explaining that I'm too busy saving the world to some egotistical teacher." Her mouth gaped for a moment then she found speech again. "Uh... should I be alarmed that my watcher is basically wearing a bigger version of my outfit?" Her brows went together and upward.

He looked down at himself and laughed. "I had this in my closet and just threw it on so I wouldn't be the only one here without a costume on."

"Okay... next question... WHY did you have that in the back of your closet?"

Giles just laughed and shook his head, laying his hand on her shoulder before passing her to head back to the living room.

She watched him walk off and continued to blink, still a little alarmed. That image was going to haunt her many a night. It was totally burned into her retinas... She pouted and decided to try to get used to it, heading over to the fridge to get herself a soda. She turned around and her eyes were drawn to the window where she saw a flash of platinum briefly in the bushes outside. A frown spread across her face and she set her soda aside.

Of course there was going to be more trouble tonight. Even if it wasn't a holiday she was a glutton for punishment. She headed for the backdoor with her resolve face on, knowing just who it was lurking around outside. It definitely wasn't Anya. She would just have to pound some sense into the peeping tom. Get the point across to leave her alone.

*****

It was dark in Dr. Gwyneth Fisk's office now and she sat alone in the middle of the floor. She sat inside a glowing circle on the floor, dotted with black candles and dusted with various herbs. A book was open in front of her and she bent over it, reading the spell aloud then repeating it in a low voice. The language was some obscure, unknown one that probably hadn't been spoken in ages. She kept reciting the incantation, letting the magic in the room build and build until it spilled over in a rush. Her eyes blazed red. She lifted her hands and shouted something the same ancient language, her eyes flashing white as ripples went out from the circle. They traveled out of the office and across the campus, continuing across town like a sonic boom.

*****

Buffy stepped out onto the porch then started down the steps, glancing towards the side of the house that was outside the kitchen. She still sensed him, so either he didn't realize he had been spotted or he wasn't smart enough to get his ass out of there before she laid into him.

"Spike... I know you're there..." she called out tiredly.

He stepped out, flicking his cigarette to the ground and grounding it out with his foot. "Figured you would." He looked up from his foot, gaze moving over her slowly. "Nice knickers, Slayer." He smirked.

She rolled her eyes. "Look, I had a really nasty night already. I just want to go back in there and relax with my friends. So just get the hell out of here before I decide to actually put forth the effort to stake your ugly ass." She said it without much conviction, leaning against the deck railing.

"Ohh...." He moved closer to her and looked down at her, tilting his head. "Would make my night t' go a round of dancin' with you. Especially in that get up, pet."

"Ugh, you're a pig, Spike," she took a step back away from him.

"Oink oink."

"Just... just go already!" She shoved him away angrily. "My mom isn't around for you to butter up, okay? Halloween is supposed to be a day of rest for creatures like you, so go rest and get the hell out of here! I just want to have a night with my friends where I don't have to worry about slayer shit or annoying vampires! Got it?" She shoved him again.

He frowned at her and pulled out another cigarette. "You're a right bitch tonight, Slayer. PMSing? Nah, would be able t' smell that. Got a bit of the sexual frustration? Need a good shaggin' t' loosen you up?"

Her fist crashed into his nose with a growl of rage.

"Shit, woman!" He held his nose, dropping his unlit cigarette. "Fine, goin'. Don' get your knickers in a twist." He turned and started around the corner of the house, muttering angrily.

She rolled her eyes and turned to head back up the stairs, but stopped as the ripple hit her. She shook her head after a moment and looked around, clearly confused. Her hands went to her head and rubbed her temples as they throbbed. Still, nothing looked familiar to her suddenly.

"What the-" she gasped and turned around.

Spike stopped and looked back towards her to figure out what the loopy bird was on about now. He stopped in his tracks, shocked by the physical changes that seemed to have happened in the fraction of a second that his eyes had been off her. There was an obvious tightening in his jeans... well, honestly, further tightening from the arousal he already felt when he first saw her standing outside in her sexy outfit.

"Buffy...?" he looked her over, slightly alarmed. This couldn't be good.

Her hair was longer and now obviously black for real, instead of just a bad dye job. Her skin was much paler than her usual light California Girl tan and her black make-up was even more startling, maybe just from the contrast. Her nails were long and black, talon like. The most startling difference and most obvious, was that now the bat wings were very very real and moving.

In fact, they fluttered in agitation and alarm when she spotted him standing there finally.

tbc...

II - Whatta?!

AN: Thank you for all the nice reviews. They made my day. I'm glad there are still nice people out there. Well, this is fic is now halfway done. I only planned four chapters because I didn't want to still be working on it at Xmas, lol.

A big thanks to Aribelle and Jessica for betaing this for me.





Spike continued to study the new Buffy worriedly and she watched him just as warily. He had a feeling it might not be good for him to stick around and started to back away towards the side of the house again. The Scoobies were here to deal with the Slayer and whatever had just happened to her. Unless... something had happened to them as well, then maybe he should not go far in case there was something amusing to witness.

Though, he was going to have nightmares over Rupert's outfit.

Buffy frowned when she saw the man retreating and left the steps to follow after him. "Who are you?" She waved a hand around and demanded, "Did you have something to do with this? Is it some big joke? I can sense the magic from whatever spell must've taken my memories! Did you do it??" She could sense he was some sort of demon like her, but he didn't look it. Perhaps a vampire...? She wasn't sure... but most vampires didn't do magic. They had someone else do it for them.

"Pet, I'm just as confused as you are 'bout this," he glanced her over again, groaning inwardly.

"I'm your... pet?" She blinked then pouted slightly. Disappointment washed over her and she glanced down at her feet, even her wings lowering dejectedly.

A slow smile spread over his face as wicked thoughts filled his brain. He smirked, "Yeah, you're my pet."

"So you know me?" Her disappointment at being a pet was momentarily overcome by the relief of finding someone who could possibly tell her who she was. Her wings fluttered excitedly as she stepped towards him again.

"Yeah. You're the-" he stopped himself and looked her over. She definitely wasn't the slayer anymore. By the look and smell of her, she seemed to be some sort of demon now. Maybe a succubus or bacchae... "Mmm," he purred as he nearly got lost in dirty thoughts again.

"Hello! I'm who?" she reached out and prodded him rather roughly with her talons.

He was brought back to reality and pouted slightly, rubbing his shoulder. "Buffy. You're Buffy."

"Buffy?" her nose wrinkled slightly. She looked slightly disappointed and he chuckled.

"What do you want me t' call you then, luv?" he cocked his head to the side, eyes dancing with amusement. This situation could be used to his advantage. He was looking forward to getting her back to his crypt and exploring the situation a bit further.

"I... I don't know..." she paused in thought and looked away. She started to worry her lip a bit, forgetting her new little fangs until they pricked her lip. "Ow..." she grumbled and reached up to touch her lip. She brought her hand away and there was a drop of crimson blood on her finger. "Remind me not to do that again..."

"Ah, but you looked so lovely," he purred and stepped up close, taking her hand and drawing her finger into his mouth.

God, he nearly fainted like some ponce at the taste. So delicious. Full of such power. Unlike anything else he had ever tasted.

And he wanted more.

Her eyes were wide and shone like emeralds in the moonlight, riveted to his mouth where he sucked gently on her finger. "So... we're close...?" Her brows went up nervously. He drank blood. Well that confirmed it. He must be a vampire like she had guessed before. "I mean, you said pet... but I guess you didn't mean like, a dog chained to a tree sort of thing, huh?"

He drew her finger slowly out of his mouth, giving the tip a slow lick before releasing her hand. "Mmm, very close..."

She took a shaky breath and drew herself up. "You... you must be a powerful vampire to have a demon as a pet... or did I," she blushed and looked down again, "go willingly?" She looked up at him through her long lashes.

Spike groaned, nearly undone by that look. He wasn't going to last much longer if she kept up with the look and the smell and the taste... He groaned again and shifted, trying to alleviate the uncomfortable pressure in his pants. They needed to get back to his crypt soon or he was going to have her down in the grass right there.

"Yeah, quite willingly," he curled his tongue behind his teeth and leered at her.

She swallowed. "Oh... okay..." She smiled slightly, "I guess that sounds a bit better..." She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes slightly, "So really, we're lovers or something?"

"Oh yeah," he breathed out and let his eyes roam over her again. This was too easy.

"So what am I doing here?" She wrinkled her nose as she looked towards the house. "I smell humans inside. And a..." her nose worked for a moment, "werewolf?" She blinked in confusion.

"Yeah, a traitor t' demons, he is. They're demon hunters in there." He nodded. Too too easy... "Sweetling, you probably came t' try t' get at them while they weren' expectin' it. Livin' it up in there an' partyin'."

"Oh? They are?" She pouted and gave the house a little glare. "Have they tried to kill me? And you?"

He nodded.

She frowned intensely. "Not of the good."

*****

Anya walked into the house, as oblivious to the trouble brewing in the backyard as everyone else. She smiled and headed towards Xander to show off her Pixie costume, but froze and let out a frightened shriek when she spotted Willow. She turned on her heal and went to flee the room, but Xander grabbed her.

"What's wrong? It's just Willow!"

"She's been bitten by a werebunny!" Anya tugged to get away.

"No, I haven't..." Willow wrinkled her nose, confused at the girl's behavior. Xander dated the weirdest girls...

"Don't scrunch up your nose all cutesy-wootsy, missy!" The ex-demon clapped her hands over her face so she wouldn't have to look at it, hoping that would make it better.

"It's just her costume. She's a Playboy bunny. The ears are fake," Xander motioned for Willow to take off her ears and tugged Anya's hands away. "See?"

"Yeah, the ears are fake," Willow sighed for a moment then grinned. "But the tail isn't." She giggled and turned around to wiggle her backside at Anya.

Anya yelped and tried to flee again, but Xander grabbed her. He gave Willow a nasty look and she blushed.

"Okay, okay... it's fake, too. I'm sorry," Willow said softly.

"I hate bunnies..." Anya was muttering, barely hearing the apology. "With their wiggling noses and fluffy tails. And their evil, beady eyes. They're just wrong. Abominations. Never turn your back on one. Never."

"Oookay... let's go get some punch, Anya..." Xander led her towards the kitchen to get a drink, exchanging a look with Willow over his shoulder and shrugging.

They shuffled into the kitchen where Oz and Giles were discussing the finer points of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Both men looked up when the others entered, Giles offering the new arrival a smile. The already pale Englishman paled further when she took one look at him and fainted.

*****

"Do you think... we're not going to attack now, because of whatever happened to me, are we?" Buffy looked up at Spike, tilting her head inquisitively.

"No. I'm goin' t' get you back home an' take care of you, luv," he smiled and pulled her close, running his hand over her hair. He wanted to take advantage of as much time as he could with her like this. He didn't know how long the spell would last or how long it would take for the whelps to figure out something was up.

She nodded absently. "That's probably best... I don't even remember who I'm fighting. That can't be a good thing." She closed her eyes as he continued to stroke her hair. This was nice. She wondered if he did this often. She really hoped so. "Just take me home so you can tell me more about us."

"My pleasure," he purred to her and finally took his attention off her hair to lead her away.

They didn't get far when they were swarmed by a group of vampires. Buffy looked around at them confused. They were all demons like her and... She pouted as she realized her lover hadn't told her his name. Oh well, she would have to remember to ask him once they figured out what this was all about. Surely, these vampires weren't here to hurt them. They should all be on the same side... unless those demon hunters had done something. They turned these vampires to their side like they did the werewolf?

She leaned in close to Spike to whisper, "Are these our minions?" She wanted to make sure before she jumped to conclusions. "Or are we in trouble?" Her wings beat excitedly, belying her nonchalance.

"I think we're in a bit of trouble, pet," he grunted, looking around at the vampires. Mentally he was letting loose a string of curses that the William in him wouldn't let him utter in front of the lady as they would probably make a sailor blush. These stupid sods were delaying what looked to be a good shagging.

"Why are you attacking us? We're all supposed to be on the same side." Her brows drew together as she inched closer to Spike.

"Hechana said she'd be a bit loopy," one vampire commented to another with a smirk.

Another frowned, "She didn't say she'd be with Spike, though."

"Okay, second question... do we know a Hechana?" Buffy whispered to Spike again worriedly, but relieved to at least now know his name.

"Doesn' ring any bells an' this's obviously not her welcomin' party."

"Oh. Okay..."

Spike lunged forward to grab the first couple of vampires, calling over his shoulder to her, "Run t' my crypt! Wait... you don' know where that is, do you?" He knocked them together then grabbed one of them off the ground to twist his neck savagely. "Run t' the graveyard, do you know where that is at least?"

She watched him for a moment as she glanced around. "Not really," she winced. "Sorry." She dodged a blow as some of the vampires tried for her while the others distracted Spike. "But that doesn't matter. I'm not leaving."

"Buffy..." he growled over her shoulder but she ignored him.

She rolled her eyes. She hoped he wasn't always like this and started slashing at the vampires with her talons. She tore the throat out of one vampire and he fell to the ground, spraying blood everywhere. He wasn't going to die like that and she knew it, but for a few moments she was busy with the other vampires around her. She followed Spike's lead and snapped the neck of one of them, but the other one was much too tall for the petite ex-slayer to do that.

He hit her and she stumbled, but growled angrily and lunged forward away with talons slashing. She slashed at his chest and dodged more blows, but catching another one that sent her back again. Okay, the usual methods weren't working with this one... She dodged more blows while thinking, then grinned maliciously and drove her fist into his chest to pulverize his heart. It was as effective as anything else for staking and the vampire burst into dust.

By now, she and Spike were thoroughly covered in blood from the wounded vampire flopping on the ground. She looked over at Spike just as he was finishing off the last vamp attacking him. He looked towards her and met her gaze, holding it as he sauntered towards her with a cocky grin. He brought his boot down on the neck of the vampire on the ground, finally putting him out of his misery.

"We work good together, yeah?" He jerked her close, pressing her into the tree behind her and kissing her hard.

He was incredibly turned on by the sight of her standing there covered in blood and ground his erection into her. Every minute with her seemed to bring another thing to raise his ardour higher and higher. At this point, he wasn't sure he would care if he took her right there out in the open with everyone on the block to see. He was the Big Bad after all...

"Spike..." Buffy gasped and tried to tear her mouth from his. "Please, not here. There's people... and kids..."

"Don' care..." he muttered into her neck as he moved his attention there, licking at the blood then biting in to her flesh with blunt teeth.

She couldn't help moaning softly. "I do, though... please..."

"Fine," he said gruffly and lifted his head to frown at her petulantly before simply tossing her over his shoulder.

She yelped in indignation and wiggled for a moment before deciding that it was silly to struggle. She tossed her blood dampened hair out of her face and braced her hands on his back to lever herself up a bit so she wouldn't have all the blood rush to her head.

"Okay, still not sure I appreciate my ass being on parade... but that's better than us re-enacting a porno movie on someone's front lawn..." she sighed and lowered her elbows to his back so she could rest her chin in her hands. She did make a point of beating one of her wings into his face now and then to irritate him, while acting like the movement was involuntary.

When they reached his crypt, he finally set her down on the sarcophagus. He stepped back and she looked down at herself.

"I... uh... don't suppose this crypt has a shower, or a bath, or something like that I could get cleaned off in?" She looked down at herself with a pout then up at him through her lashes.

"Gawd, when you look at me like that... an' lookin' like that..." he groaned and reached down to rub at himself through his jeans.

Buffy's eyes were riveted to his hand and it's work, feeling her own heat rise. He smirked and reached out to take her hand, putting it where his own hand had been and pressing himself into her palm to encourage her to continue where he left off. He groaned and tilted his head back when she did.

She worried her lip, gentle with her fangs this time. He had said they were lovers, but she didn't feel that experienced with such things. Maybe they hadn't been together long? Or was it just a fluke because of her memory loss? She was so confused, but at the same time she was so overheated with longing. Every time he kissed her and touched her... he was either very talented or she didn't know what. She didn't think she was ready to explore the alternative, especially at a time like this. It could wait until she had her memory back.

"Spike...?"

He looked down at her through hazy eyes. "Yes, pet?"

"You never answered my question... shower? Bath? Something?"

"Don' got one," he lied.

"But how do we-"

He cut her off with a slow kiss, bending her back. "Got a better idea for gettin' that blood off your delicious body."

"Oh..." She breathed and looked up at him with wide, trusting eyes.

He purred as his mouth moved to her chest, scooping one of her breasts out of her corset to lave it with his tongue. He cleansed it of every bit of blood and continued to lick it even after it was clean, nipping and suckling at the peak. She squirmed under him, making little noises of pleasure. He put his hand on her abdomen to still her so he could continue his ministrations. She made a frustrated sound and he looked up at her.

"Pet, you taste so delicious... so succulent. Give a bloke time t' enjoy his treat," he flicked his tongue over the hard nub again to elicit a little moan. "Now t' decide if I should finish the other breast... or move on t' another area..." He ran his free hand over her thigh and she whimpered. "You're right. There's no rush. I should do my job right proper an' finish the other breast off first. No dessert 'til I finish my plate an' all that rot."

She actually growled in response and tried to sit up, but he pushed her back down. He looked around but decided the sarcophagus was not the best place for chaining her arms above her head, so he tossed her over his shoulder again and carried her towards the hole to the bottom levels. She rolled her eyes and beat her wings at his head in irritation, this time not even trying to play innocent. She finally buried her talons in his ass to get his attention and he nearly fell off the ladder with a yelp.

"Bloody hell woman!" he groused and tossed her onto the bed roughly.

She got up on her knees to frown at him with her hands on her hips. "Well that's what you get, Mr. Manhandler... tossing me about like a rag doll!"

He vamped out and leaned in close. "You like it rough, baby."

"You know, I've been just going along with everything you keep telling me? But how do I know you won't tell me stuff just to see if I'll do it, huh?" She waved a finger under his nose.

"Shut your gob..." he nipped at her finger and pushed her onto her back.

She bounced on the mattress and her hair flew out around her head on the pillow. Her eyes got wide before narrowing at him. "You really are pushy, you know..." He crawled up the bed towards her and she looked down at him. "You also know... we're getting blood all over the bed. It stains... and you're going to have to get new sheets. And, you probably don't have a mattress cover so you're going to need a new mattress, too."

"Don' care," he replied simply as he reached above her for the chains behind the headboard. He started chaining her wrists. When he was sure she was secure, he looked down into her face again. "Right now, all I care about is shaggin' you right proper. An' if you don' stop talkin', I'll gag you next."

Her brows went up in shock then her jaw dropped in indignation. "Are you always this mean to me?"

"Yeah," he smirked and kissed her hard. "An' you just love it."

"Probably lying to me... I probably pop you a good one every time you say such horrible things to me, but you don't want me to-MMPH!"

Spike finally rolled his eyes and shoved a gag into her mouth then secured it around her head. "I warned you, sweetling."

He winked and kissed her nose before sliding down her body again. He lifted out her other breast and gave it the same treatment its partner had gotten up on the sarcophagus moments ago. She writhed again, tugging at her restraints half-heartedly as she moaned around the gag. When he was satisfied with that, he moved down her body again.

He nudged her knees apart and settled himself between her legs, caressing the inside of her thighs through the fishnets. He dipped his head with a devious grin to nip and kiss at her inner thighs, holding her legs as they went to kick out. His cock ached; damn, she was a responsive little hellion in bed. He wondered if she had been this wild for the poofter or that dickhead, Parker. He doubted it.

His fingers delved into the netting and tore it open over her crotch, then hooked them through the soft leather that was the only thing between him and her sweet core. He ripped it open as well then pushed it out of the way so he could lower his head to her pussy to begin enjoying his treat. God, but he had waited a long time for this. He had been dreaming of doing such things to her since he first saw her dancing. Moving that hot little body of hers. Teasing every man in the place. He growled just at the memory and nipped at her flesh, causing her hips to jerk as she yelped.

"So nice an' wet for the Big Bad, yeah?" He smirked up at her then nipped at her little nubbin. "Gettin' you all hot an' bothered, ain' I? Goin' t' make you scream, yeah?"

He grasped her ass and delved his tongue deep inside her, moving it around in her core then tongue fucking her for all he was worth. She closed her eyes moaning in delight, doing her best to grind herself into his mouth. She wasn't sure if she had ever felt this good before... but if he was her lover, then surely this was not the first time. And no wonder she had willingly given herself over to a vampire if he was this-OH!

Her mind went blank and she cried out around the gag as her first orgasm hit her hard. She arched up off the bed as much as the chains and his hands would allow, then collapsed in a boneless heap.

Spike licked his lips and growled out, "Bloody fuckin' delicious..."

He lifted himself and started to crawl back up her body with a predatory gleam in his eyes. Her own emerald gaze was locked with his helplessly in anticipation, hardly able to wait for the next part she knew was surely going to come.

*****

Xander looked around after a minute as they all started settling in to decide which movie to watch. "Where's Buffy?"

"Dunno," Willow said and the others all shrugged as well.

"When was the last time anyone saw her...?" He asked slowly, apprehension slowly starting to dawn on him.

"Before Anya got here, I believe," Giles said thoughtfully. "She was taking her turn at teasing me over my costume in the kitchen after she got back from the meeting with that teacher. I came in here and don't recall seeing her since."

The Scoobies all looked at each other for a moment before getting up to head for the kitchen. Willow jogged upstairs to check Buffy's room while they looked around. Xander headed down to the basement to look for her while the other three went out the back door to glance around curiously. Willow and Xander joined them after a moment, both with frowns and shaking heads.

"Okay... where can she be?" Willow swallowed nervously.

"Normally, I would say she went off to patrol, needing to release a bit of steam... but not tonight. And, not with a house full of guests and a party going on." Giles shook his head. "It seems our Halloween bad luck may have continued."

"You don't think it's your friend again, do you?"

"Ethan? I don't believe so. I don't think he'll dare showing his face in this town again for awhile."

"Hey," Xander spoke up. "Didn't she mention Spike was back in town?"

Willow's eyes lit up with worry. "She did."

"Yeah, and he didn't seem to honor the demon 'day of rest' last time he was here, either, did he?" Xander said bitterly and started to head back inside. "Where do you think he took her?"

"I can scry for her!" Willow supplied and ran upstairs to get the stuff she would need.

*****

Buffy whimpered and moaned around the still-present gag, bouncing against the mattress as Spike pounded into her roughly. He felt them both nearing their release and worried at her neck without breaking skin.

"You want the Big Bad t' bite you, pet? Bite you good an' hard?" He growled into her ear.

Her eyes got a bit wider for a second and she tried to respond, but gave up on trying to communicate around the gag and nodded. She gripped him tighter with her thighs as well to urge him on. He purred happily at her compliance and nuzzled her neck.

"Goin' t' take care of my mate..." he mumbled into her neck and started to groan louder. He didn't think he could keep from spilling for much longer. His fangs sank easily into her soft neck and her blood spilled into his mouth, sending them both crashing over the edge as he drank deeply.

They were so preoccupied, they didn't notice Xander coming down the ladder and storming towards them with a thunderous look until it was too late. He tore Spike off Buffy and decked him, then turned to release Buffy.

As soon as he got the gag off, she started shrieking at him. "What the hell do you think you're doing?! Who the fuck are you?!"

She kicked at Xander the best she could from her position, making it very hard for him to unchain her. It didn't matter because in the next second, Spike was lunging at Xander and tossing him away from Buffy. Xander stood up shakily and glared between them.

"Buffy, I came to save you from this monster. Why are you fighting me?" He frowned at her, unable to see her wings while she lay on them and thinking her hair was a wig. It was dark down there and difficult for him to see clearly.

"Spike is my mate and if he's a monster, I'd like to hear what that makes me." She growled dangerously and Spike chimed in as well. "Now, I don't know who you are, but you better get out of here before he eats you and I help him." She hissed, eyes flashing.

Xander realized something was definitely wrong here and that it was better that he live to go tell the others. He grunted a "Fine" before scurrying up the ladder to hurry out of the crypt as fast as his mortal legs could carry him. Surely Giles would know what to do about this. Then he could get to work forgetting the scene he had walked in on.


tbc...

III - Damn Bugs...

AN: Getting closer...

And a big thanks to Aribelle and Jessica, my betas. Dominatrix betas who like whips... *whimpers and spells out HELP with her finger on the glass* roflmao



Xander ran from the crypt like his ass was on fire. He paused once he was outside the cemetery to catch his breath and let his brain compute a bit of what happened just then. Buffy... she didn't seem to even know who he was and she had called Spike her mate. Yeah, something was definitely up.

He rested his hand on a mailbox as he caught his breath. That's when he noticed the thick substance all over his hand. It was on his other hand, too. Gawd, it looked like blood.

His eyes shot back over his shoulder in alarm. It must have been all over Buffy; he hadn't been able to see it in the dark. It made him wonder what else he had not been able to see down there. This was definitely not good and he needed to get this straightened out FAST.

*****

As soon as Xander left, Spike went over to be bed and sat down next to Buffy. He reached up and released her wrists from the chains so she could sit up. His hands moved over her, checking to see if her struggling with the whelp had done any damage. He paused, wondering why he cared. He was just taking advantage of her confusion to get in some good shagging, right? He growled, remembering the surge of protectiveness he had felt for her both when the vampires had attacked and when her wanker of a friend had come running in.

Buffy sat up and pushed her hair out of her face, still caked with blood like her clothes. Her wings shook as if trying to get rid of the stuff then stretched. "Okay, you had your fun... NOW can I have a shower?" She tilted her head with a sigh. "I don't feel all sexy like this." Her wings drooped.

He gave her a pout and crawled closer. "I think you're the sexiest thing I've ever laid eyes on. All covered in blood like some warrior goddess an' in that half-naked get up... an' lookin' oh-so properly shagged..." His tongue curled behind his teeth as he leered at her.

She rolled her eyes and pushed him away, then gave him a coy look. "You're telling me you wouldn't enjoy getting wet and wild?"

"I got a hose out back," he continued to tease her. He loved getting her riled up. Her eyes lit up and her cheeks flushed and... he was going to stop thinking such sodding poncy things. Now!

He grumbled inwardly. Shagging her senseless was supposed to be getting this... this whatever it was out of his system, not making him even more hard up for her. Denial. Denial was good when it came to his feelings for the slayer. It was better just not to let his brain go there at all. Now... if it would just listen to him... both his "brains"...

"Well, okay... if you want everyone else around to get a peek of me showering naked." She batted her eyes at him sweetly and her wings fluttered as well.

He growled, jealousy filling him hotly. No... not jealousy... what did he care...

"No," he said a bit gruffly, annoyed with himself, and went over to the far side of the underground chamber. He yanked open a curtain and behind it was a shower more like one seen in a science lab. A pipe came down from the ceiling and a large shower head was affixed to it. He pointed to the valve in the wall. "Only got cold, pet. That's all a randy vampire like me needs."

She nodded slowly and got up, heading towards him as something nibbled at the edge of her consciousness. She wasn't sure she saw anything around here that looked to be hers... except for some make-up on one of the tables. Maybe it was upstairs. She hadn't gotten a good look around upstairs. Not to mention, him saying he only needed cold water. The way he said that made it sound like the shower was only for him. Did she not live with Spike? She sighed inwardly. Well, he only said they were lovers really, not that they were married. Sheesh.

"Well..." she looked up at him through her lashes, "I have you to warm me up, right?"

"Right you do." He licked his lips and there was no way of hiding how he affected her now, standing there in the nude with his engorged cock thrusting forward proudly.

She looked down at it briefly, then blushed and turned away to slip out of the remains of her costume. She heard the water start as she was removing her boots and glanced behind her to watch Spike move around surreptitiously. Stop acting like a silly schoolgirl, she told herself as she finished shedding her clothes and went to step under the spray. Her wings flung water about as the spray hit them and they fluttered again. She pulled the curtain back and spotted a bit of soap off to the side, picking it up to begin washing herself of what blood Spike hadn't licked off.

After a moment, the curtain was pulled back and Spike stepped up beside her with a bottle of shampoo he dug out of one of his drawers. He smirked and turned her around to face away from him, squeezing a generous amount of goop into his hands then working it into a lather. He massaged the shampoo into her hair, working out all the blood and other nasty stuff.

"Mmm, that feels nice..." she murmured and leaned into him, closing her eyes. He certainly had gifted hands and not just for shampooing.

He let one of his hands trail down over her shoulder and to one of her breasts, tweaking the nipple. "Goin' t' feel even better if I got anythin' t' do with it."

He rinsed her hair and then brushed it to the side to kiss her shoulder, sliding his hands down her sides and over her hips. One hand returned to her breast while the other dipped between her legs to caress her slowly. He bit at her neck with blunt teeth, flicking his tongue over the healing pinpricks from where he had bitten her before. She squirmed against him, giving such sweet little moans of pleasure. Her wings tried to flutter where they were pinned between the two lovers.

"Like that, pet? Makin' you feel right good, am I?" he purred in her ear.

She nodded wordlessly.

"Want me t' make you feel even better?"

"No..."

He froze and frowned slightly, "No?"

She turned around and looked up at him through her lashes with a sweet smile, "I want to make you feel good."

His eyes widened slightly and he gulped, actually at a loss for words with the tables now turned on him. Why did she have to say something so innocently sweet like that? He was supposed to be the Big Bad... why did that little statement seem to knock all the unneeded air from his lungs, and nearly make his dead heart pound again.

Probably because no one had ever cared about HIM before. It almost made him wish that this wasn't just some sick game he was playing with an amnesiac slayer. Almost. He gave a growl, reminding himself he was the Big Bad... an unsouled vampire. Evil. Not a bleeding poofter like his Grand-Sire.

So before his mind could betray him anymore, he shoved her against the cold wall and kissed her mouth with bruising force. He ground himself into her, needing to drive them both beyond rational thought before something bad happened to ruin all this.

He lifted his head a fraction of an inch and ground out, "You want t' make me feel good, luv? Give me pleasure?" She nodded and he stepped back. "On your knees."

She blinked, confused for a minute before some function was returned to her brain and she realized what he wanted. With a nod, she did as he said, then reached for him without waiting for further instruction. Her small hand encircled his girth and gave it a slight squeeze before giving it an experimental stroke.

He sucked in an unneeded breath. After a night like tonight, he could be dusted a happy vampire... "Mmm, keep on just like that, pet..."

She nibbled at her bottom lip and looked up at him, starting to stroke him at a steady pace with his encouragement. He thrust into her hand then reached down to encircle her hand with his own, to show how to do it better since he was pretty sure he couldn't find the words at the moment. He then took her other hand and guided it to his balls. Her inexperience confirmed it for him. Angel and Parker must have been piss poor in bed.

Once she got the hang of it, he threaded his hand into the damp tangles of her hair and closed his eyes.

"Pet... start... use... mouth..." he got out between mewls of pleasure.

She looked up at him again before looking back at his cock then giving it a tentative lick. Encouraged by his moan, she gave the head another longer lick while still pumping the length with her hand. His hand tightened in her hair and tugged her closer, leaving little doubt in her mind what exactly he was wanting so she took the head into her mouth. She swirled her tongue around the slit before beginning to suckle gently.

"God, just like that, luv," he continued to mumble encouragements. "Take it deeper, pet... yeah... just like that... mmm, more tongue... ohhhh yeah... faster, harder...." He let out a long groan and thrust into her mouth. "So warm an' wet... look so sexy like that, sweetling... so sexy..."

She looked up at him, watching him as she continued her work. A little less nervous with the signs of his obvious pleasure to spur her on, letting her know she wasn't doing it wrong. She felt bolder and dropped the hand gripping the base of his cock, starting to inch her mouth further down his length then swallowing experimentally. His eyes flew wide as he watched this, seeing her take the initiative suddenly.

"Oh god..." he gave a low groan again.

Her eyes lit up when she got it all in, proud of herself, then resumed sucking at him eagerly. His hands gripped her hair in need of an anchor, starting to thrust into her mouth. So good... so good, was all he could think as his eyes clenched shut. He was so close already.

"Ohhh, luv, I'm goin' t'..." he didn't get it all out before he spilled himself into her waiting mouth.

It surprised her, but she quickly swallowed it down then drew her head back slowly. She licked her lips and smiled up at him before starting to lave his cock with her tongue to clean every last drop from it. Her wings beat lazily behind her as she did, almost like a happy dog wagging his tail.

He had other ideas and dragged her to her feet, then shoved her into the wall again. His mouth ravaged hers hungrily with bruising force, a desperation behind his actions as his hands moved in a frenzy along every inch of skin they could reach. They burned paths in their wake and she arched up into his hands, craving the contact as much as he was.

His cock was already thrusting into her soft belly, hard again so quickly. Vampire stamina was a wonderful thing, they both thought at the same time.

He hooked his hands behind her knees and lifted to encourage her to wrap her legs around his waist before pressing her into the wall again. He teased her entrance with the head of his cock, capturing her wrists in one of his hands when she tried to reach down to take charge impatiently.

"No, sweetling," he purred into her neck as he teased her clit with the head. "I plan on makin' this real good."

He nibbled her bottom lip then rested his forehead against hers, panting needlessly. "Want you t' keep lookin' at me... don' look away. Just keep lookin' at me."

He started to enter her slowly and her eyelashes fluttered, but she forced herself to keep his gaze. He gave her a moment to adjust then began thrusting, watching her as buried himself again and again in her welcoming depths. Soon he was pushing her roughly into the hard wall, striking his pelvic bone against hers again and again.

Her breathing hitched. "Spike... please... bite me... love it... wanna be one with you..." She tossed her head back, continuing to ramble incomprehensibly. "Please, Spike... need it..."

He smirked and kissed her, burying himself in her completely and pausing like that with her pressed to the wall. She whimpered and tried to wiggle, but he only pressed against her more firmly until she couldn't move at all.

"Only if you do somethin' for me, pet," he purred. "You said you wanted t' please me. Well, the blowjob was just the start. I want somethin' else."

"A-anything..." she trembled, desperate for him to continue to their climax.

"I want you t' use those cute lil' fangs of yours t' bite your Big Bad lover. Want t' feel you drinkin' from me as I drink from you, like a proper mate." He nuzzled her neck, lost in her scent and mumbled unknowingly, "My proper mate... can' get enough of my mate..."

"Mmm, okay, Spike..." she smiled and stroked his neck with her tongue. "I'll bite you good and hard. Make it hurt really good for you..." she nipped, far more bolder now than when they had begun.

He gave a growl of pleasure and resumed his hard pace before shifting into game face. His demon fought for control and was winning, recognizing the nipping as an initiation of demon mating. Long gone was rational thought where she was concerned. Actually, all rational thought had gone out the window when she began nibbling at his neck with her dainty little fangs. Some part of him remembered there was a reason that he was supposed to be a little more careful, but the demon quickly maimed that part as he started to reach another orgasm.

"Bite me now, slayer!" he commanded and with another growl buried his fangs in her shoulder in a movement of dominance.

She was briefly confused by the name he had called her, but then he was biting her and her brain shut down. This time biting him in return as he had demanded, her demon recognizing its mate and his dominance. Her demon seemed to know him even when she didn't.

They both drank deeply as their thrusts reached a frenzied peak.

Suddenly, Spike tore his mouth away with a roar and he spilled himself inside her again. "Mine!" The word was out before he realized what his demon was demanding of him. Demanding he claim the slayer as his mate, wanting her as his own now and forever.

Buffy screamed as well, muscles clenching around him and her demon was pleased to finally hear his claim. She smiled and purred in return, "Mine..." She licked the blood from her lips and ran her tongue over the pinpricks in his neck again, sending a shiver through both their bodies.

They lifted their heads to look into each other's eyes, their gazes flashing blue and green for a moment as something tightened between them. Then they were sliding to the ground weakly, panting and still grasping at each other. Even her wings hung limply.

*****

Xander rushed into the house and right past the others in a hurry to get to the sink to wash the blood off his hands. They all watched him, confused and worried at his silence and the sight of the blood. Oz looked a bit uneasy at the scent of the blood until Xander finally got rid of it all.

Xander braced his hands on the sides of the sink to catch his breath for a moment before turning to look at his friends.

"What happened?" Willow finally asked. "Did you find her?"

"Yeah," he frowned, the image replaying in his mind again. "There's obviously something up. She didn't recognize me at all and she was... she was with Spike. She thought they were friends or something." He glanced away, not able to tell them the truth.

The others weren't fooled. They knew he was holding something back, but for the most part figured they didn't want to know.

"So what was the cause of the blood?" Giles motioned to the sink.

"It was all over her. I got it on my hands when I went to pull her out of there. She fought me and refused to come with me, and even threatened to let Spike hurt me. I figured it was best to just get out of there and come tell you guys so we can find a way to fix this." He shook his head, "You know, before it's too late."

"Well, first we need to figure out just what may have happened..." Oz commented. "You have no idea, besides she didn't seem to know you and was obviously favouring fanged company?"

"Not to mention being covered in blood." Anya pointed out then blinked at the others. "Would that be like when lovers put whip cream or syrup on each other maybe?"

"No!" Xander denied quickly, even though he had seen the "loving" first hand.

"Okay... was just a thought." Anya frowned at the floor.

"It was obviously magic, I'd say," Willow cut in to help get the imagery out of all their heads, "and obviously only for her. We got our costumes at the same place, so it's unlikely that it's another evil costume store. Though, it does seem she may have become her costume again. A demon."

"Then we just need to think what could have brought on this change. Did she encounter something strange while slaying in the last couple days?" Giles asked.

"Actually," Willow bit her lip. "She's been a bit lax, figuring she could be a bit lazy, what with the holiday. I've been staying here and we've been doing stuff for the party the last couple days. So we've been together pretty much the whole time... except for tonight when she went to visit that nasty professor."

Oz cracked a grin. "You think the teacher hexed her for falling asleep one too many times in class?"

Willow chuckled, but shook her head. "Sadly, on the Hellmouth, that's entirely too possible." She looked at the others. "So I guess this calls for a little trip over to the college to track down this teacher?"

"Oz and I will go," Xander nodded to the other man. "The rest of you stay here in case she comes back or if we need your help from here." The others nodded and the two of them left out the back door on their mission.

*****

"What are we going to do if she has, you know, like everyone else on campus, gone home for the night finally?" Oz asked as they walked inside the dark building that housed Dr. Fisk's office.

"Come on," Xander rolled his eyes. "If she's really behind this, don't you think she stayed here to see if her plans worked out? Not to mention, if she's as anal as the girls said... then she might just still be here grading papers and stuff."

Oz shrugged, having to almost agree with Xander's logic as they headed down the hall. It seemed he was right when they found the room and the lights were on within. They knocked on the door and when they got no answer they pushed the door open to peek their heads inside.

Suspicions were confirmed when right there in the middle of the floor was the circle still with the candles and herbs still decorating it. The book with various symbols adorning the cover was now closed in the center. They opened the door wider and started to step inside.

"You could get into a lot of trouble for walking into a professor's office without their permission," came an annoyed voice from behind them and they turned to see Dr. Fisk with angry red eyes. "Now, what am I going to do with you two spies?"

"Call it a day and remove the spell then let us go?" Xander lifted a shoulder. She growled in response and he shook his head, glancing at Oz. "It was worth a shot."

"So... you're friends of the slayer. What bad luck for you..." She stepped forward, backing them into the office so she could close the door behind her. "I was only going to take her out, but since you just had to interfere, I must get rid of you and probably then the others since they surely know I'm behind this as well."

"Who works on a holiday?? Sheesh, you really are anal, even for a demon," Xander huffed.

Dr. Fisk hissed at him in response then started to contort into her natural guise. Two more sets of arms extended from her abdomen and her eyes multiplied so that there were ten angry red orbs trained on the two men. She grew a bit taller and her skin took on a steel-blue colour.

"I am Hechana of the Anachri. We believe in being diligent workers." She rasped out angrily. "Something rarely found in humans." Her lips curled into a cruel smile, revealing the flash of fang. "Now... don't make this difficult. A difficult meal gives me indigestion and will only make it harder on you."

Oz growled, muscles starting to ripple and contort as well. "Actually, I think I'd like to make this VERY difficult for you."

"Awww... a werewolf. What a delicacy I have found," Hechana smirked and scurried towards him before he was barely done shifting.

Xander saw that the shapeshifters were about to get down and dirty, and thought it in his best interest to just stay out of the way. He skirted around the wall over to the door to stand by that. In the scuffle, the book got kicked from the circle and Xander bent to retrieve it, realizing he might be able to find out what exactly this Hechana did to Buffy. There was wax stuck to some of the pages, the professor obviously too preoccupied to get a chance to clean it off yet. It led Xander to a page where there was three spells, and he easily saw which one applied to what he had seen of Buffy.

He slipped out into the hall while Oz continued to grapple with Hechana. He had her pinned in the corner and was snapping at her viciously. Xander also thought it best just to get out of the room as Oz wasn't as in control of his transformed self as he would like most of the time.

He pulled out the cell phone Willow had thrust into his hand before he left and dialed the house. "Hey Wils, I got the spell. It calls for a charm to be placed on the person or come in contact with them or something like that. I didn't see a charm on Buffy... maybe it's still at the house."

Willow nodded and looked around. "A charm, a charm, a charm... If I was a charm, where would I be?" She walked into the living room and tapped her foot as she continued to search. "Not to mention, it would have to be somewhere Buffy didn't notice it..." Her eyes fell on the jacket still lying on the banister. "Oh oh!"

She rushed over to jacket and picked it up, starting to go through all the pockets then simply starting to shake it wildly until the charm fell out onto the floor.

"Wow, pretty... I think I've seen one like that before..." Anya glanced over Willow's shoulder.

"Admire later," Willow said and stomped on the charm, sending into tiny pieces. Tiny waves raced outward, unseen to those in the house.

*****

The ripple traveled across town again and to Spike's crypt. The two lovers were still going at it in the lower level, still unable to quench their thirst for each other's body. Buffy started to reach her pinnacle along with Spike, her cries getting louder as she bounced under him in time to his thrusts. The ripple hit her just before the climax did, and her eyes widened. Spike continued, unaware of the change.

"OH MY GOD, SPIKE!" She shrieked from shock and sheer pleasure, arching off the ground.


tbc...

IV - A Case of Coyote Ugly

AN: Last chapter. Now I can work on my other WIPs... at least until Xmas. *innocent grin*

And a big thanks to my betas, Aribelle and Jessica.



Spike laid there taking in unnecessary breaths, yet to become aware of the change in his new mate. Buffy was laying there panting as well, but not just in post-coital cool down. Her eyes were wide in shock and her eyes started to go towards where Spike lay beside her.

This is not happening. This is sooo not happening. Not with Spike. Sooo not with Spike... she thought to herself, hand going to her face as she fought to keep from actually crying.

Spike rolled over on top of her again. "Ready for round..." he paused thoughtfully, "well, I lost count... but ready for another?" He curled his tongue behind his teeth.

"Oh my god," she felt like she was going to be sick and she hurriedly shoved Spike off her. She looked around for something to cover herself with and grabbed one of the rugs lying around, wrapping it around her before hightailing it up the ladder without any word to the shocked vampire behind her.

"Well, at least she didn' bloody stake me..." he muttered when he realized what had happened and started to get up.

He figured it was best not to go after her. It would be best to let her get over her shock and calm down. Surely once she did she would come back for answers and explanations... and surely because of the pull of the claim. That's what he told himself as he headed over to the shower.

*****

Buffy ran all the way home clutching the rug to her and was glad that no one was around to see her at this late hour. She didn't need that adding to the shame she already felt at that moment. How could she... with Spike... Her stomach churned and she paused to throw up in the bushes near her house. Her stomach was still tied in knots as she hurried inside.

She stopped just inside, closing the door behind her and looking towards the living room where all the others were gathered. They stopped talking and turned towards her when she entered. They stared at her in shock over her nakedness. All except for Xander, that is. He was looking away and clenching his teeth. After a moment, Willow started to walk over towards Buffy with a concerned look.

Buffy held up a hand. "I... not now, Will. Okay? I'll be fine. I just can't deal with everything right now, though."

"I-I understand," the redhead nodded. She licked her lips and motioned to the others, "We figured out what happened to you after Xander found you with Spike. We figured it had to do with the teacher, and then he and Oz went to stop Dr. Fisk. Xander found out what spell she did on you and Oz...," she glanced at her boyfriend uncomfortably, "disposed of her."

"Dr. Fisk did this?" Buffy asked a bit incredulously and looked at the others then back to Willow. "I always called her an evil bitch, but sheesh..."

"She was a demon... I forgot the name, though."

"An anachri. They are a spider-like demon... the females are more human looking than the males." Giles supplied. "And she was also into magic to help her pass for a human and get close to you while she plotted. She slipped a charm on you while you were in the office and it enchanted you... Xander was a bit vague on that part, though."

"It turned me into my costume just like Ethan's spell," Buffy chewed her lip, glancing towards Xander with a slight embarrassed look. "I... I think I was a demon." She waved a hand. "But... I... well... I just need to get some rest. All's well once again... we can have a rain check on the movie night, okay?"

Before they could say anything else, she hurried upstairs to her room. She dropped the rug as soon as she had her door closed behind her and some privacy from prying eyes. She padded over to the bed mechanically and dropped to sit on the corner, dropping her head into her hands. This was just so unreal ever since the spell broke. She just couldn't believe that she had... with SPIKE.

She sighed and stood up, running her hand over her stomach which was still feeling wonky. Probably just from all the stress. She started to head towards the door for a shower, then thought against it. She needed sleep or at least to just relax for awhile. She hoped for sleep, though. So, she turned back to the bed and crawled under the covers with another sigh, pulling the blankets over her head and curling up on her side.

*****

Buffy slept late into the day and woke up mid-afternoon. Her stomach was still protesting as she padded to the bathroom for a quick shower before pulling on a pair of sweats and cami. She went downstairs and into the kitchen, passing a couple bags in the hallway. She glanced at them, then up at Willow.

"Oh, I'm figuring I'm going to head back to the dorm," Willow said and washed out the mug she had been drinking from. She put it away then walked over to Buffy. "You... had a bad shock last night and I'll be there if you want to talk about it, but I figure you want some quiet time alone to deal with it." She smiled and hugged Buffy. "The others and I are even willing to take over patrolling for a few nights if you want."

"Nah, that's okay... I can handle patrolling. It's actually therapeutic... maiming evil undead," Buffy gave a small smile.

"I'll see you in a few days then, okay?" Willow picked up her bags and started for the door, waving over her shoulder before leaving.

Buffy watched her go then sagged against the counter. She was alone in the big house and needed to find something to keep her mind off things for a little while longer at least. Right now her motto was avoid, avoid, avoid. Her stomach was still rolling, but she was hungry so she figured she had to force something down. She dug through the fridge then went to curl up on the couch in front of the television for awhile. Watching movies was good for getting a person's mind off things.

Her stomach didn't ease up after she forced down a bit of food. In fact, as time went on it got a little worse. She hugged her stomach as she watched the movie she had found.

Just after dusk, she sat up with the intention of going into the kitchen to dig around for some Pepto-Bismol. She found some and took a long drink of the bottle then carried it back to the living room. She felt her stomach easing and thanked the yucky pink stuff. At the couch she turned around when she felt a familiar tingling.

Spike walked out of the kitchen where she had just come from seconds before.

"Spike..." she said lamely, looking him over before flopping onto the couch again.

"Slayer."

"What are you doing here? Come to make some snarky comments and rub it all in?" she asked and rested her arm over her face, not sure she could stand even looking at him at the moment.

"No," he glanced down at his feet them straightened to approach the couch. "Came t' see how you were doin', pet. You... All that was a bit shockin', yeah? You feelin' okay?"

She peeked out from under her arm at him. She could swear he almost sound concerned about her. "I'm used to the weird and wild life of a slayer by now... and nothing a bottle of Pepto can't fix." She shook the pink bottle at him before setting it down on the coffee table.

"Wasn' the pink stuff," he shook his head then went to sit across from her on the coffee table. "Felt better 'cause I arrived."

"You really are full of yourself, aren't you?" She sneered and lowered her arm to give him a withering look. "And here I usually get sick the moment you show up."

His eyes narrowed and his jaws worked. "It's the truth, you annoyin' chit." He picked up the bottle and shook it at her, "This shit doesn' work that fast." He threw it at the wall where it splattered. "You felt better the moment I showed up outside your house. You can deny it all you want, but it's true."

She sat up quickly to return his hard look with her own. "Oh really? And just what were you doing lurking outside my house anyway, huh?"

"I told you. I came t' see how you were doin' an' t' try t' make you feel better." He waved a hand, "An' this is the thanks I get."

"Excuse me for being skeptical of the evil, soulless undead telling me he cares if I've got an upset tummy," she rolled her eyes at him. Then she paused and wrinkled her nose, "How did you know I was feeling sick anyway?"

"I can answer both of those at the same time," he gave a slight smile. "It's the claim, luv. I care about how you're feelin' an' can sense it, too, because of the claim. You're my mate now. You could sense me too if you concentrated enough an' stopped blockin' the claim."

"C-claim? Mate?" Her eyes got wide and she looked at him in shock. "We're what?!"

"Mated," he repeated patiently. He didn't want to push her lest he end up dust on the floor. "I claimed you last night, while we were..." he made a motion with his hand and smiled at her blush, knowing she got the idea. He then sighed and looked away, "I guess you don' remember what happened while you were under that bloody spell. But, it did happen an' we're tied together forever now. 'Til death do us part an' all that rot, but for real. No divorce here."

"How could you do that without my consent? Especially when you say it's so permanent and... and... what if I don't WANT to be your mate?!" Her voice rose in distress. She stood and threw out her arms, "How could you do this to me? Wait... I know how you could. You're a soulless, evil BASTARD!"

"Hey!" He jumped up in indignation. "Like it or not, slayer, we're stuck together. I'm your mate an' there's no way out of this."

"Oh yes there is..." She growled and went towards the stairs, intending to go upstairs to get a stake.

He caught her and spun her around. "You can' do that, pet. It'll kill you, too."

That stopped her. She had thought when he said the death do they part thing that he had meant if one of them died that it would go away. She took a deep breath and looked forward unseeing in shock, face pale. Then she did the only thing she could think to do. The most familiar reaction to stress for her.

She cocked back her fist and drove it into his nose.

"Bloody hell!"

"Get out of here, Spike. Now." She looked up at him quietly, jaw set.

He knew now was not the time to push it. Just as he did the night before, he decided it was best to give her time to deal with this. Or else he would probably be dust and now take her with him. His gut clenched at that thought, but shoved it aside. No time to turn into a poofter over a bird that had just decked him. With a flare of his duster, he turned to stalk back out of the house and towards his crypt.

As soon as Spike was gone, Buffy collapsed on the stairs crying. When she thought she couldn't cry anymore, she dragged herself up to her room and crawled into bed to cry herself to sleep. She tossed and turned in troubled sleep, whimpering now and then incomprehensibly.

*****

Spike paced in his crypt the next day while waiting for the sun to go down. The rational side of his brain told him just to wait for her to calm down and give her time to accept it. Even try to woo her if she wanted it like that. He was immortal and they were bound for eternity; he definitely had a lot of time to get her to come around. But then, when was Spike ever accused of being the rational one?

He had spent all night as sick as Buffy over being separated from his mate. He had to just sit there while sensing her torment and her distress, not able to go to her and comfort her. She was his mate, it was okay to be a ponce once in awhile for one's mate. Better to keep the birds happy than to suffer their wrath as his bloody nose last night proved. That seemed to be the idea males shared since the beginning of time, and he was no exception. Well, he told himself, he was only going to act soft for that reason. He was the Big Bad... what other reason could there be?

Anyway, he was losing hope that she was going to come to her senses with every moment that passed to prolong his agony. And, being the impatient vampire that he was, he was starting to think of things to do to speed up the process. Going over there and intimidating her might work, if he found a way to subdue her before she beat the shit out of him. But, the demon and the William side of him both actually agreed he didn't want to scare his mate into being with him. He wanted that feeling again. The feeling he had when she told him she cared about his pleasure and wanted to take care of him. That feeling. The one he had never really felt before and now craved so badly.

Just as with the idea of intimidating her, his next idea faced the same problem. It would be very tricky trying to subdue her to turn her. Probably damn near impossible without doing something he really didn't want to do to his own mate.

It spawned another idea. Turning her into A demon, not necessarily a vampire, was probably about the only way to make her come around. She accepted him when she was a demon.

He stopped and nodded. He should turn her back into a demon. Then he could have her back and they could be proper mates again. He went over to the ladder to drop into the lower levels. Surely there were some magic books among all that junk down there. He was sure he had seen a big pile of old, dusty looking books in one corner at some point while digging around.

His inner William thought this wasn't such a hot idea either, but he just told the poof to shut his gob then went in search of those books.

He found the pile of books under some other junk and started pawing through them in search of the magic books. He tossed books here and there as he searched. Now and then he found a magic book with spells and flipped through it to see if it had a spell to do what he wanted. They went over his shoulder as well when he found nothing promising.

He froze when he sensed it. She had just entered his crypt and was walking around upstairs. He started to take a step towards the ladder, then shook his head. He wasn't getting his hopes up. For all he knew, she was there to berate him some more and punish him for claiming her. He went back to searching the books, a little more frantic now.

Buffy came down the ladder and turned around, ducking at the last second to dodge a book that came flying at her. She pouted, thinking Spike had thrown it at her on purpose. Well, she probably did deserve that. Then she saw he wasn't paying attention to her at all, totally engrossed in the pile of books he was pawing through. She walked over curiously, dodging a couple more books on the way there.

He lifted his hand to toss another just as she got there. She pivoted to avoid getting it thrust in her face and grasped his wrist quickly. "Spike. I know you sensed me the moment I walked in..."

"Yeah," he replied, stilling but refusing to look at her, "an' I'm busy with somethin', Buffy."

"Well, now I know something's up. You actually called me by my name," she rolled her eyes and released his wrist.

He rounded on her. "Of course somethin's bloody well up!" He growled at her and raised his hands to grab her by her upper arms, barely resisting the urge to shake her. "I claimed the bloody slayer! Though, I don' care if you're the slayer or the bloody Queen of England. You're my mate an' my mate is refusin' me... an' gave me a broken nose when I went t' comfort her!"

"I..." she blinked up at him with wide eyes, "You... you want me as your mate for real? It wasn't just some big mistake?"

"Well," he relaxed his hands on her arms, "wasn' like it was planned... but you're my mate now either way."

"Oh..." She looked down.

"Oy, don' look like that, luv. I don' mean it like what you're thinkin'. I mean it in that I didn' set out t' have a new mate that night, but I don' think it's some horrible fate. Was here waitin' for you t' calm down so you'd come back an' try t' work this out with me."

"Oh yeah? Then what was up with the tossing of the books at my head?" She arched a brow and motioned around at the books scattered on the floor.

"Wasn' aimin' at your head." He grumbled and took a step back, turning away to hide the guilty look and going over to where his duster lay to dig out a smoke.

"Okay... but doesn't seem like you were just sitting around waiting for me... what was so important that you were looking for?" She watched him then went to look down at the books he had been looking at, picking one up and starting to thumb through it.

Spike snatched it from her and tossed it aside. "Nothin'. Needed somethin' t' occupy me while you got the stick out of your ass, didn' I?"

Her eyes widened briefly then she frowned. "You know, it's comments like that that make it REALLY hard for me to believe you're all happy about this claim thing!" She considered cold-cocking him again, but resisted the urge because she had come here to talk and not pound her annoying mate to a pulp. "I DID finally come here to try to work this out. I almost felt bad for breaking your nose last night and was starting to get over my shock, but you know what. Maybe it wasn't worth it."

She started to turn around and he looked at her stunned before snapping out of it to grab her before she hurried up the ladder. He pulled her back to the bed, clearing everything off it then pushing her down to sit on it.

"Okay okay, let's both call a truce an' try not t' insult each other," he exhaled a stream of smoke slowly as he thought of something to say. "Let's start this again. Yeah, this wasn' planned an' happened cause my demon got a bit overzealous while we were shaggin', but I don' think it's so horrible. You're not so bad when you're not tryin' t' bust my nose."

"If it hadn't been for the spell, though... would you have even... I don't know... realized you didn't want to kill me anymore?" She sighed.

"Maybe eventually," he said defensively. "An' if I had been in my right mind, would have waited 'til after the spell an' asked you proper t' be my mate... or tried t' woo you first even... but your demon an' mine, they... I can' explain it t' you. You wouldn' understand an' probably wouldn' believe me either."

She chewed her bottom lip and looked down at her feet for a moment, then back up at him through her lashes. "I guess we'll never know if we would have eventually come around on our own time. And it's pointless to be thinking of the 'what ifs'. It won't help us deal with the reality of the situation."

"Yeah," he dropped to kneel in front of her. He ran his hands lightly over her denim clad legs. "So what did you come here t' say in the first place, luv?"

"For starters, that I was sorry for hitting you last night and thank you for coming over to try to make sure I was okay," she lifted a corner of her mouth at him. "Then, that maybe there was some sort of compromise or something that we could make to try to make this work since I guess I have to accept that, like it or not, I'm stuck with you... for as long as I live. I got questions about that part... but it can wait. Anyway, compromising seems a bit more rational than me committing a murder-suicide or something."

His eyes lit up then he looked away, busying himself with finding something to put his cigarette out in. He didn't want to look so eager. No need to look like some big wanker.

"Anything you want, pet." He looked back towards her after a moment then caught himself. "Well... you know... within reason an' all that rot..." He frowned slightly.

"Well, that would be the point of compromise..." she rolled her eyes. Gawd, Spike was borderline schizo at times... "Anyway, guess we have to learn to get along for one since, as has been made really apparent to me the last couple days, it's not fun for us to be apart because of the claim."

"Meanin'... you'd be willin' t' live with me?" He tried to not look too hopeful.

"I guess we don't have much choice if we don't want to continue to go around feeling yucky." She paused then waved a finger under his nose, "And me living with you doesn't mean free booty!"

"Wasn' thinkin' anythin' of the sort." He smirked. "Though, maybe eventually... I mean, that's the point of mates..." He lifted a brow.

She rolled her eyes and looked away. "Oh good grief, all you think about is that, isn't it? Your mind is one big porno channel."

"And after the other night, I have such lovely imagery t' fill it." He curled his tongue.

"Yeah, I'm sure..."

"Look, pet. I know you don' remember it all, but it was great. You were great. Like nothin' I've ever experienced before."

She shook her head, cheeks flushing. "Actually, I do remember it. Vividly."

"Y-you do?" He looked shocked, thinking she had led him to believe up to this point that she didn't remember what happened during the spell. But, when he thought back he realized she never did say one way or another and had in fact avoided his comments about it.

"Yeah, though I had been trying so hard to forget it the last couple days."

"Oh..."

She sighed, "Yeah, before I calmed down and tried to be rational about all this."

He lifted his eyes to her again. "Pet, I promise not t' do those things t' you again. You don't have t' be afraid t' be my mate. I let myself get a bit out of hand."

"Spike, that is one promise you better break," she put a hand on her hip. "Or else I might have to rethink the being your mate thing." She grinned impishly and blushed again.

He looked shocked again then smirked, leaning towards her slowly. When she didn't punch him or shove him away, he leaned in the rest of the distance to kiss her. "Okay, then I promise t' do those things t' you as much as you want, luv."

He kissed her again, deeper this time. He pulled her flush against him and eagerly let his hands roam her body, craving her touch after being away from his mate for so long. The demon roared in approval, calling for him to toss her down on the bed and take her again. He reigned it in, just barely. He settled for nibbling at her lower lip and stroking a hand down her back.

She put a hand to his chest and leaned back, taking a deep breath. She tilted her head, "Now tell me... just what were you looking for in those magic books?" She picked one up off the floor.

"Uhh..." he started to stand with a deer in the headlights look, trying to think of a good excuse. "Pet, really... it was nothing."

"Spike," she grabbed him and dragged him back down to her with a sigh. "If it was nothing, you wouldn't be avoiding my question. Now tell your pretty mate what you were doing."

"Lookin' for a spell."

"Obviously..."

"...toturnyouintoademon..." he let it out with a rush of air then tried to pull away, closing his eyes tightly against the impending punch to his nose.

"Whatta?" she let go of his shirt and he toppled backwards. "Why did you want to turn me into a demon?!"

"I was gettin' desperate!" He threw up his hand defensively. "Thought you weren' goin' t' come around an' thought if I turned you into a demon again you'd come back."

"Oh." She put the book back down.

"'Oh'? Is that all you have t' say? 'Oh'? You're not mad?"

"Not really. Not if that's the real reason."

"It is." He looked at her warily.

"Then I guess I can't be mad that you were that willing to get me back." She shrugged and gave him a small smile. "In the interest of the truce, I choose to take it as flattering."

He grinned and dropped to sit beside her on the bed, relieved he wasn't going to get hit. That then dwarfed by the relief that she had finally chosen to be with him as a proper mate. No need for any spells to trick her. Her own free will. His grin turned into a genuine smile. She had chosen him. That feeling of someone actually wanting to make him happy came back in full force and he was nearly knocked to the ground by it.

"Though, you couldn't wait like a couple days for me to come back? I mean, good god, you're immortal for crying out loud!"



La Fin.