Willow presented her information that evening at the Scooby meeting held at Giles'. Xander had brought pizza as his contribution and had scowled at Spike when the vampire had helped himself to a large slice. However, by now the gang was used to Spike's unusual eating habits and no comment was made.

Giles looked with interest at the documentation Willow had supplied. Removing his glasses, he looked at the young witch. "Excellent work, Willow," he praised. Willow glowed at his approval.

"So what are you thinking, Rupert?" Spike asked. "The head of the snake under that frat house?"

"Yes, I think that a very apt way to put it, Spike," Giles agreed reluctantly. For some reason, it always surprised and unnerved him when Spike made an astute observation. He had to keep reminding himself that Spike hid a sharp intelligence behind a façade of rough talk and punk looks.

"So," Buffy was saying, "I'm not just looking for info when I finally get invited back to Lowell House, I'm also looking for a way into the main facility. Is that right?"

Spike and Giles traded concerned looks. "Buffy, I do wish you would let this go," Giles said. "I'm sure we can come up with the information we need through Willow's research. You don't need to put yourself into the lion's den in this manner."

"Giles, I appreciate your concern for me," Buffy answered,"but do you really think that Willow is going to find out about a secret government research facility on the 'net? She couldn't even find out why the location of the computer lab was moved."

Standing up and pacing she continued, "I'm not sure why, but I keep getting the feeling that we're running out of time. Sometimes it feels like all the hairs on my arms are standing straight up like I'm surrounded by static electricity. I need to know what's going on and I need to know soon."

Giles opened his mouth to protest once again, but then shut it without saying a word. He had voiced his concern over and over. Buffy was well aware of the risks. Just as she was aware of the risks every time she went out on patrol or faced another apocalypse. She was The Slayer. He would allow her to do her job.

***

Buffy and Spike left for patrol, but on their way they stopped at the local discount store and bought some supplies. Returning to the cemetery they had been in last night, they headed straight for the crypt where they had made love. The grounds department had already fixed the broken door, but Spike simply picked the lock and opened the door. Setting down their packages, they first dug out candles and oil lamps. Placing these around the crypt they soon had enough light to make out the interior. It was surprisingly spacious. While Spike dusted and wiped things down, Buffy swept and filled a garbage bag full of the detritus lying about on the floor. After carefully cleaning the top of the sarcophagus, Spike removed sheets, blankets and a pillow and made up a bed.

Completing his task he began to explore more closely and Buffy heard him grunt. Turning, she couldn't see him at first but after walking around to the other side of the sarcophagus, she saw him peering down into a hole revealed by a now opened trapdoor.

"What'd ya find?" she asked curiously. Spike glanced up at her with a pleased smile on his face.

"God, you just gotta love Sunnydale, y'know? Looks like an underground passage here. I'm going down to check it out. Hand me the torch, will you, pet?"

Jumping down, Spike turned on the flashlight and looked around. Buffy watched from the top floor as he disappeared further into the lower area. After about 5 minutes she began to worry and was just ready to call out when she saw his light returning. With a quick "Heads up, pet," Spike tossed the flashlight back up to Buffy and then followed with a cat-like leap. Brushing dirt and cobwebs from his clothing he told her, "Y'know, pet. I think this will be a good place for me to move into when I leave Giles'. There's water pipes and electrical conduits passin' through a tunnel down there. I can tap into that. Make this place right cozy. Get one of them little fridge's like you and Red have, a TV, make a nice little shower. Yeah, this'll make me a fine home."

Buffy was less enthusiastic. As a temporary trysting place, the crypt had its, well, lack of charm. As Spike's home? Buffy wasn't thrilled. But really, where else could he live? With her and Joyce on Revello Drive? A world of no on that. Buffy was still hoping that this - thing - between them would burn out soon. Trouble was, so far there was no sign of it. Every time she saw him after being away from him, she had to keep tight control so that she didn't fly into his arms.

For his part, Spike was awash in a sea of plans. Put the TV there, fridge there, maybe a couch or a couple of chairs...no, a couch so that he and Buffy could have a cuddle while they watched TV together. Maybe once he got that lower area cleaned up and a ladder put in he could fix that up like a proper bedroom. Better for Buffy than shaggin' on a hard sarcophagus.

He was so lost in his own thoughts that Buffy finally had to punch him on the arm to get his attention. "Hey, Earth to Spike!"

"Ow, what the bloody hell was that for, Slayer?" the offended vampire asked.

"I've asked you five times now if you're ready to go on patrol," Buffy exclaimed.

"Yeah, I guess," Spike replied slowly. Then, "Don't you want to break in our new bed?"

Buffy looked down at herself. She was covered in dirt, she was sweaty and she was definitely not feeling sexy.

"You look beautiful to me, Slayer," came Spike's deep caramel voice correctly reading her thoughts. Chills went right down her stomach and into her crotch. How the hell did he do that?!

Turning before she changed her mind, Buffy left the crypt.

***

The next two days proved extremely frustrating for Spike. Buffy met him for patrol, but that was it. She had a big exam coming up that Friday and she insisted that she needed time to study. So the freshly cleaned crypt was left temporarily abandoned.

On Friday night, Buffy and Riley had their first date. Dinner and a movie. Spike was in an agony of jealousy and fear. What if she really liked this git? She hadn't wanted to sleep with him for the past three nights. What if she did go to bed with this Riley Finn? Spike would kill him. And then her. And then him again.

Giles had already gone to bed and Spike was morosely watching TV when a quiet knock sounded on the door. Getting up to answer it, Spike realized who it was halfway to the door. Quickening his pace to almost a run, he pulled the door open to see Buffy standing there looking beautiful in a pale blue si lk blouse and dark blue skirt. Sandals on her feet showed off her pretty toes and slender ankles. Spike was immediately hard.

"Let's go," was all Buffy said. He closed the door behind him and followed her down the street and towards the cemetery. He reached out and took her hand halfway there and Buffy turned and smashed her mouth to his. After that they practically ran to their crypt. Spike's hands were shaking while he worked the lock pick and it took longer than it should have to get it open. He was tempted to just break the bloody door down again, but he didn't want the groundskeepers to find their little nest. At last it was opened, and they entered and pushed the door shut with a resounding slam.

When Spike turned to take her into his arms, she leaped upon him, wrapping her legs around his waist and kissing him passionately. "God I want you, Spike. Hurry please." Buffy was gasping.

Spike didn't have to be asked twice. Carrying her over to their makeshift bed, he laid her on it and then crawled between her thighs. Kissing her, he moved his hand down and pushed up her skirt. Trailing his fingers up her thigh, he found the end of her thong and pushed a finger inside. She was already swollen and wet for him. Thrusting into her, she bucked against him, making the little sounds in her throat that drove him wild. Pulling away from her, he released his cock, pushed her panty aside again, and entered her. Buffy wrapped her legs tightly around Spike and met his thrusts. Reaching down her hand, she played with his balls as they beat against her. Spike screamed and came.

He collapsed on top of her, vaguely aware that he hadn't yet satisfied her, but too drained to move. But he was a vampire and vampires recovered quickly. As Buffy petted him and told him how wonderful he was, he began to move in her once again. This time, Buffy came first.