This was going to be bloody brilliant. Finally, after two years of having to put up with the Slayer’s punch-first-talk-later methods, the playing field had been levelled once more. Spike wasn’t going to take her crap anymore, wasn’t going to just stand there and let her walk over him. He didn’t have to anymore. After living in her shadow, they were finally equal again and he wasn’t going to let her forget that. She wouldn’t know what had hit her.

She had treated him little better than a dog at times and now the dog was off the leash and ready for a little payback. He wasn’t going to hurt her, as he had told Riley – but he was definitely ready to make her listen. Ready to show her that he wasn’t her punch bag anymore. True, she had been treating him better lately and they were growing closer – but she was still messing with his head.

She ran hot and cold on a daily basis, leaving him with no idea where he stood. She trusted him with her secrets, but would not let him get too close. She even kissed him – and then made a hasty retreat without a word. It was enough to make the most patient man lose it – and Spike had never been known for his patience.



He strode through town, feeling good and strutting just a little. He felt like he had regained a lost part of himself. He smirked and moved onwards, beginning his hunt. There were only a few places Buffy would be about now and as she hadn’t been in his cemetery, there were even fewer to search. He was destined for the second biggest, on the other side of town from his crypt, and couldn’t wipe the smile from his face. It was about time the Slayer had a reminder of just who he was. He was going to enjoy this.

His pace sped up of its own accord and he felt the sweet feeling of anticipation seep through him. He reached the cemetery and caught her scent on the wind, telling him that she was close. He felt a little jolt of excitement go through him and he moved on, stalking his prey in a way he hadn’t done for a long time. Her scent grew stronger and he crept forward quietly, honing in on the sound of her steps.

He cleared a tree and spotted her just ahead of him, moving across the cemetery away from him. He smirked and stepped forward, his fangs itching to descend as he followed her like this. He crept forward carefully but she came to a sudden halt, arms crossing over her chest.

“I know you’re there.”

He didn’t know if it was bluff, but he stepped out of the shadows anyway as she turned around to face him. She had that defensive look on her again – the look he wished she would lose just once in a while.

“What do you want?” she asked, something tired in her voice.

“Just out for a stroll,” he said nonchalantly, restraining himself from pulling out a cigarette, “Free country, last time I checked.”



There was a pause but then she gave him a weak smile.

“Why couldn’t you stroll somewhere where I’m not?” she commented with nothing like her past malice.

“Wouldn’t be as fun,” he answered with a smile.

She rolled her eyes and for those few moments, he forgot why he had come here. She always had had the power to distract him. Not now though. It was too important.

“You know,” he started, moving closer, “I learnt an interesting thing today.”

She sighed and gave him an exasperated look, waiting for him to catch up to her.

“And I have to hear it?”

He narrowed his eyes at her, gritting his teeth in an attempt to keep his patience.

“Oh, I think you’ll be interested in this, love.”

She was putting on a show of boredom but he knew her better than that, saw her eyes brighten with curiosity.

“Well?” she asked impatiently.

He couldn’t stop himself – he pulled back and landed a punch right on her chin.



She went stumbling backwards and came to a halt, wide eyes flying to his.

“Oh God,” she whispered, understanding flooding across her face, “Your chip.”

“Before you get any ideas -“

He had no chance to continue, because she had launched herself at him, throwing punches at him almost desperately – he’d definitely thrown her off. He blocked her hits as best he could and finally took the opportunity to retaliate with a kick that sent her spinning into the nearest gravestone. She grabbed it and righted herself, watching his every move carefully, like the warrior she was.

He strolled forward and blocked the punch she threw at him, spinning her and trapping her back against his chest.

“What’s the matter, darling?” he murmured in her ear, “Don’t like it when I hit back?”

He heard her heart rate speed up and it threw him off just long enough for her to smash her head back into his face. He stepped back and watched her with narrowed eyes, taking in the glint in her eyes, her loose stance, the smile playing at her lips. She was enjoying this!

“I hate to say it,” she remarked with a smirk, “But you’re rusty.”

He growled at her, taking the bait and rushing her – only to be tripped and sent to the floor. He rolled over and quickly got to his feet but she was quicker and she kicked him in the back, sending him stumbling into a nearby crypt. He turned quickly but she had him pinned before he could do anything. He stopped and took in the sight of her bright eyes and heavy breathing – and smiled. She really was enjoying this.

“Having fun, love?” he whispered.



She widened her eyes in surprise and tightened her grip on his lapels. She leaned in close, her lips hovering by his ear, her scent overwhelming him.

“I’m only just getting started,” she whispered.

He didn’t have time to take in her words before she was sending him flying through the air and crashing to the ground. He was annoyed at himself for being so easily distracted and righted himself with a growl.

“Oh, you wanna play, sweetheart?”

She raised an eyebrow at him and came at him, fists flying, completely in her element. He was almost caught up in watching her but managed to stop himself and focus on the task at hand. Their punches were less forceful now and most were blocked by the other – it had turned into a sparring match more than anything. He smirked and dodged a punch, grabbing her arm with the intention of flipping her – but she broke free before he could.

In the moment it took for him to recover, she swept his legs out from under him and he went down hard. From his place on the ground, he took her in in all her glory, propping himself up on his elbows to get a better look at her.

“You’re bloody magnificent.”

The words slipped out before he could stop them but the blush she tried to fight made it worth it.

“Are you just going to lay there?” she asked with the petulant tone of a child.

He smirked and tilted his head at her.

“I like the view from down here.”

The blood rushed to her cheeks once more and she rolled her eyes as a cover, turning away as if to leave.



Before she could take more than one step, he was on his feet, grabbing her by the arm and pinning her against a nearby crypt. She did not resist but looked up at him with wide eyes. He saw her falter for a moment but then she reached up and kissed him, sending his mind into a spin. She wriggled out of his grip and slung her arms around him, pulling him closer as she kissed him hungrily.

When he could think clearly again, he moved, pressing her against the crypt and kissing her back. She let out a delicious little moan and twined her hands in the collar of his coat and his hair. He didn’t dare be gentle, although he ached to, and he tightened his grip on her. If she wanted this, he wasn’t going to hold back. She was so warm and alive and perfect and he thought he might melt under the heat radiating from her. He buried a hand in her hair and held her painfully close, relishing the taste of her.

He felt the tiniest pressure against his neck though and he forced himself to pull away, looking down at her with a carefully veiled expression. She was staring up at him with wide eyes, her lips red and swollen, her breath coming quickly – she was a vision. He froze, waiting to see if this would be a repeat of the last time, but she did not move. She relaxed in his grip ever so slightly and he could have sworn her expression grew a little shy. She spoke up and he couldn’t have been more surprised.

“Wow,” she breathed.



He said nothing, although he was dying to, and continued to watch her carefully, letting her actions guide his. She let out another long breath and he felt her hands loosen their grip.

“I guess I should be focussing on the fact that you can hit me,” she whispered, implying that she was not.

“Don’t,” he murmured, unable to stop himself from reaching out to run a hand over her arm, “It doesn’t mean anything.”

“Your chip…”

“It works,” he said honestly, still touching her for fear she might disappear.

“It can’t,” she replied with a laugh, “Or that wouldn’t have just happened.”

“It’s just you,” he remarked, hating that her face fell immediately.

“Just me?” she whispered with a lost look.

Before she could pull away – as she obviously intended – he caught her shoulders, holding her still and forcing her gaze to his.

“It doesn’t mean anything,” he repeated, “It’s just… I don’t know… you’re different, aren’t you? You were… dead… and now you’re not.”

She raised her gaze to his but he could not read her, could not figure out what she was thinking. She let out a tiny laugh a moment later and he frowned.

“I can’t think straight right now,” she commented lowly, “I’ll deal with this later.”

Before he could say anything in reply, she pulled him close once more and kissed him.