Thank you to Maria and Flight Of Fancy for betaing.


The next few days passed without any more trouble or drama. Buffy was out of the house early each day, working on her secret project and coming home, covered in dirt and dust, just before sundown.

After a quick shower, Buffy spent her evenings talking with Kendra, bonding over movies and ice cream. Often, Merrick and Joyce would join them, and Buffy was struck by how very much the group felt like a family.

Buffy went to a lot of effort to draw Kendra out, and to learn what situations the Jamaican Slayer had been forced to deal with since her arrival in Sunnydale. At first, Kendra thought that Buffy was just really curious about the strange things that went on in the sleepy little town, but when Buffy pulled out a weathered journal, Kendra suddenly began to understand. Buffy had experienced many of the things that were happening to Kendra, during her original lifetime on the Hellmouth. Now, she wanted to make sure that her sister Slayer wasn’t as unprepared as she herself had been.

Finally, after three long days, Buffy came home from her secret mission a little later than usual. Kendra met her at the door, as the dark Slayer left to do her nightly patrol. The two women agreed to meet up at the Bronze later, after Buffy had enjoyed a long, hot soak in the bathtub.

As expected, quality time in the tub was just what the Light needed, and she emerged from the bathroom feeling relaxed and sensual. Returning to her room to select clothing for a night out, Buffy was distracted when she felt tingles on her neck and butterflies in her stomach.

Buffy frowned, and tried taking a few deep breaths in an effort to calm down. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to see her vampire. In truth, she could hardly wait for another opportunity to see Spike and reassure herself that he was in good health and spirits. It was the other vampire in her life that was getting on her nerves. She knew Angel was close, and guessed he was just right outside her window at the moment, not saying anything to let her know that he was there. Ugh. Buffy wasn’t in the mood to put up with a voyeuristic vampire, especially one that had clearly been told his attentions were unwelcome.

Buffy thought back to when she had first lived in Sunnydale. Her ability to feel vampires wasn’t anywhere near as developed as it was now. Back then, she wouldn’t have felt like this. How many times has he spied on me like this, while I was changing, or maybe sleeping? She remembered many hot summer nights where she had slept in her birthday suit, and shuddered. Buffy tightened the sash on her bathrobe, before turning to the window. As she had guessed, Angel was sitting right outside, watching her and not making a sound.

Silently, Buffy cursed. She realized that Angel currently had an invite to her house. Definitely something to take care of tomorrow.

For now, Buffy needed to get Angel to leave, so she could get dressed without an audience. Trying to keep things light, she poked her head out the window to address the lurking vampire. “Hey there, Peeping Tom. Off you go, or I’ll have to help you on your way.”

“I...I wasn’t...” Angel tried to talk to her.

“Don’t.” Buffy held up her right hand. “I don’t want to hear it. Just leave and we can talk about it tomorrow.” Instead of moving away, Angel looked like he was planning to move into Buffy’s bedroom. “You were warned, Angel,” she told him, a bit of steel coming through in her voice. With a sigh, the Light took a step back from her window, and reached into the right pocket of her robe.

Angel clearly wasn’t picking up on Buffy’s mood, because he moved towards the window again, lifting his foot to cross the sill. “Buffy, we have...AHHHHHH.” Suddenly, the vampire was screaming.

Leaning out the window, Buffy giggled when she saw Angel on the ground, hands held out from his sides. He was trying to get up off the grass without touching his coat. With a smile, Buffy placed the cork back in the bottle that had recently held the water that now dripped from Angel’s coat.

Angel looked up, rage in his eyes. “Why did you do that, Buffy?”

“I warned you. Next time, listen.” The Light wasn’t pulling any punches with the souled vampire this time around.

“What’s wrong with you? Do you plan to attack everyone who wants to talk with you?” Angel had finally made it to his feet, and was trying to wiggle his way out of his coat without touching it with his hands.

“I don’t have any trouble talking to people who come to the door and knock. Peeping Toms, though, well, they’re a little different. They get special treatment.” Buffy reached up to close her curtains. “Good night, Angel.”

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Somewhere, not far from Joyce’s house, Spike was leaning over and roaring with laughter, tears running down his face. Clinging to a tree, the vampire howled until he was gasping for air, a unique feeling for a creature that didn’t need to breathe. It had been decades since he’d had such a good laugh.

Spike was going to have to find Buffy Summers again soon. For now, he had to get away before his hysterical laughter revealed his presence to his Grandsire.

Spike couldn’t help it, he already liked this Slayer. She was giving him a great run for his money, and was so much fun, that Spike started thinking it might be a good idea to let her live a bit longer. After that performance, and the way she cut Angel off at the knees, Spike knew this tiny blonde was special.

He continued on to Willy’s, in need of a drink, and chuckling as he walked. The vampire kept seeing Angel’s face as she tossed holy water at him. It was almost as funny as the actual moment when his Grandsire plummeted off the roof, trying to stop his fall by flapping his arms like a soggy chicken.

Spike didn’t stay at Willy’s for long. He couldn’t stop laughing and chuckling, and the other demons in the bar kept giving him strange looks because of it. If he stayed, he risked being jumped by more trouble than he could handle. Sure, Spike liked a good bar brawl as much as the next guy, but there was a limit to what he would call fun, and he knew when he had reached it. It was one of the reasons why, after over 120 years, he was still alive.

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Buffy knew there would be repercussions for the stunt she just pulled with Angel. Just wait until the vampire hears that it was only regular tap water in the bottle.

She kept chuckling while she dressed in a pair of tight black jeans and a red top. An hour later, she was ready to leave for a night of dancing with Kendra. Her makeup was applied with a light hand, and her hair was loose and thoroughly brushed, spilling down her shoulders and bouncing whenever she moved. For a bit of extra luck, she made sure she used the right shampoo; the one with the scent that Spike loved. Buffy was hopeful that she’d be able to draw her vampire in again tonight.

Before tossing her new leather coat on, she hid a couple of stakes and a small knife in her pockets.

Waving goodbye to her mom and Merrick as she left, she wished them a good night.

Leaving the house, Buffy stretched out her senses. It was clear that Spike wasn’t around anymore. He must have left earlier, after her altercation with Angel. Remembering how much Spike had always loved a good joke at Angel’s expense, she hoped he’d enjoyed the show earlier.

Of course, Fate, not able to care less about Buffy’s perfect hair, insisted that she stop on her way to the Bronze to kill something. A group of young teens had been hanging out in the park, trying to prove how cool and fearless they were. Unfortunately, an even larger group of hungry vampires managed to sneak up and surround them, just as the Light was walking past. With a sigh, and a firm wish that she could keep vampire dust out of her hair and off of her outfit, Buffy leapt into the fray.

“Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to play with your food?” she quipped. A few seconds later, the three vamps closest to her were dust. A few more quick kicks and a thrust or two with Mr. Pointy, and the rest of the vampire group decided to look for dinner elsewhere.

After sending the sheepish teens on their way home with a few sharp words, Buffy turned to the sound of slow applause. Though it was difficult, she managed to restrain the smile that was fighting to make it to her face.

“Nice work, Luv.” Spike lit a cigarette, while giving Buffy a head-to-toe once over. After a brief pause when he reached her breasts, the vampire licked his lips, and then looked the Light in the eye.

“Why, thank you, kind sir.” Buffy returned the look, raising the temperature in the area by at least a few degrees. “I’m having a hard time imagining you as my fan club though. What can I do for you?”

“Well, you’re a Slayer, aren’t you?” Spike started to walk to the right. “I’m a vampire, Luv.” He smirked at her, continuing to pace around the small blonde.

Buffy slowly turned as Spike circled her, never allowing the master vampire to get behind her. She was trying to remember that, at this point in time, Spike was evil, and would kill her if he had the chance. “Really? Is that all there is to it? What a shame, to waste such a fine example of a man.” She couldn’t help but smirk back at him. “Maybe I don’t have to dust you. Surely there’s something else I could do with such a handsome guy?”

Spike began to feel a little uneasy. “What are you talking about? I’m pretty sure the Slayer Handbook doesn’t say anything about not killing good looking vamps, even if it is a capital idea.” He finally stopped trying to circle the petite blonde, and instead tossed his cigarette to the ground, where he used a boot to stomp it out. Then, sure he had Buffy’s full attention, he ran his hands down his chest, stopping only when his thumbs were in his belt loops, and his long fingers framed his crotch.

“Hmm.” Buffy couldn’t help licking her lips, her gaze caught between Spike’s strong hands. With a painful effort, she managed to raise her eyes, until she was looking directly into the vampire’s baby blues. “I’m not a Slayer anymore. I’ve retired.”

“You can’t retire as a Slayer.” Spike dropped his hands, and seemed almost offended at the thought. “And I’ve seen you kill my kind.” He started to fidget and bounce up and down.

“Yeah.” She nodded, lost in her thoughts. Returning her focus to the antsy vampire in front of her, she took a half-step back into a defensible fighting position. “Somebody once told me I needed a spot of violence before bed. The vampires around here have all been light-weights, pretty dull to fight. What do you say, Blondie? Want to have a go yourself?”

Spike’s face lit up. “Hell, yeah. Let’s dance.” Buffy had just enough time to notice the unholy sparkle in his eyes, before he jabbed her twice on the chin. From that moment, the fight was on.

Buffy was having the time of her life, but after an hour of sparring back and forth, she knew it was time to end the fight. Kendra would be looking for her, if she didn’t show up soon. Spike was good, but fighting two Slayers wouldn’t end well, even if one of the Slayers was only playing. Having to explain to Kendra, why she didn’t want Spike hurt, it was more than the Light dared attempt right now. The Slayer could take the information straight to the Scoobies, and then where would Buffy be? Her credibility would be questioned, at the very least.

Spike jumped to his feet for the umpteenth time, laughing out loud and really enjoying himself. This Slayer was a superb vision to watch when she fought, but it was the fight itself that drew Spike in. Buffy was giving him the best fight ever, hands down.

Holding up a hand to pause Spike’s next attack, Buffy quickly tossed the vampire a smile. “We’re going to have to continue this another time. I’ve got to meet someone and I can’t be late.” She noticed that she and Spike were both breathing heavily, and that Spike seemed disappointed that she was calling the fight. “I’m Buffy, by the way.” She sent him a bright smile, and turned to leave.

“The Poofter?” Spike asked, as he searched his pockets for his smokes.

“Angel? No,” she said with a little laugh. “I have no plans to see Angel again tonight.” Buffy continued to walk away.

“The name’s Spike.”

“I know.” Buffy waved over her shoulder, without turning.

Spike lit his smoke, watching the little blonde walk away, and wondering if it was true. Was she really from the future? She knew him, or knew his name, at least, and she knew that Spike was talking about Angel when he mentioned the Poofter.

Buffy hurried to the Bronze, to meet up with Kendra. The Slayer was happy to see her, and gave the Light an extra hug when she turned up. Buffy apologized for her lateness, and explained how she had been delayed by the group of vampires in the park. After that, Buffy went to the bar and grabbed two bottles of water, and then the girls hit the dance floor.

When Buffy wasn’t talking to Kendra or dancing, she let herself get lost in memories of her meeting with Spike. It wasn’t just the fighting, or the witty repartee, that brought a smile to her face. To her delight, after about an hour in the club, Buffy could feel Spike enter the Bronze. He didn’t approach her, but she knew that her vampire was out there, and that he was healthy and whole, and interested in her. Spike stayed somewhere in the back of the club, watching Buffy, until the girls finally headed home around midnight.

When Kendra and Buffy arrived back at Revello Drive, they found a full-scale intervention waiting in the living room. All of the Scoobies, including Giles, began to harangue the former Slayer as soon as she entered the home. Xander was yelling, Willow was crying, and Giles was polishing his glasses, as the group accused her of attacking a valuable ally. Standing at the back of the room, out of the chaos, Angel leaned against the wall, a smug grin on his face. Buffy could read him like a book, and she knew he was pleased with himself, thinking that the others would make her see reason and bring her back into line.

Tired of the verbal attack, Buffy placed her fingers in her mouth and let loose a shrill whistle. She saw Angel bend over and cover his ears, and smiled in response. She knew full well how a whistle like that would affect a vampire. Holding her hands out, Buffy demanded, “Quiet.” She waited patiently for them to quiet down. “You should know by now that it’s impossible to hear your questions when you’re all talking at the same time.” She shook her head. “If you want to take this any further, I expect each and every one of you to go sit down and be quiet. If you want to talk to me, I’m willing to listen, but only if you speak one at a time.”

Kendra stepped back, watching the show and providing support for Buffy. The older girl had filled her in on the confrontation with the older vampire that had happened earlier, and the Slayer was curious to see how this played out.

“Really, Buffy. You can’t expect us to just do what you say.” Giles continued to polish his glasses. Beside the Watcher, Buffy caught the little self-satisfied smile that Angel was doing his best to hide by bowing his head.

Hearing a sound from behind her, Buffy turned and saw her mother and Merrick at the bottom of the stairs. Joyce looked mad, and Merrick looked disappointed. It was clear though, that those emotions were directed at the Scoobies. When the couple met Buffy’s eyes, the only thing she saw was love and support.

“Where do you guys get off treating me like this? And in my own home. I mean, I know I’m moving out, but it’s still my home right now.” Buffy looked at her mother, who nodded her head vigorously, before walking over to stand beside her daughter.

“This will always be your home, Buffy, and I hope you know you’ll always be welcome here.” Joyce gave her daughter a hug, and then pulled back, framing Buffy’s face with her hands. Dropping a kiss on her forehead, Joyce then gave her a smile, and returned to her place beside Merrick. What the Scoobies didn’t hear, was Joyce whispering that Buffy had Merrick and her mother’s complete support. It warmed her from the inside to know that she wouldn’t be alone in the upcoming skirmish with the Scoobies.

“I really expected more from you, Giles. I would have thought that it would be considered common courtesy to take turns when speaking, if only to ensure that I have a chance of understanding what you’re saying.” Buffy crossed her arms, waiting for a reply from the Watcher.

Joyce had to turn around for a moment, and hide her laughter with a cough. Merrick had a bit more self-control and managed to limit his reaction to a twitch in the corner of his mouth.

Giles blushed a deep, red colour. He even forgot about his glasses. “I...I must apologize, Buffy. You are absolutely right.”

“But....” There was a snarl from across the room.

“Oh, do shut up, Xander,” exclaimed Giles, finally remembering to put on his glasses. “I suggest we do as Buffy says and limit our questions to one at a time.” Giles pointed at a chair, and clearly expected the youth to sit down.

Xander hesitated, but then grudgingly did at Giles said. Willow’s face had started to change colour, as she started to see their behaviour from Buffy’s point of view.

With everyone finally seated, Buffy decided it was time to try again. “Thank you. Now, I’m willing to listen to what you have to say. Who would like to start?” Buffy approached the group, and sat down at the end of the coffee table. Nobody spoke up, so Buffy asked, “Since there are no volunteers, why don’t you start, Giles?” She nodded in the Watcher’s direction. Buffy could tell that Xander and Willow were still angry, but she decided to just ignore them and listen to Giles for the moment.

“Angel has told us that you threw a bottle of holy water at him, when he came over to speak with you earlier this evening.” Giles looked at Buffy’s bowed head, thinking it was a sign that she was sorry for what she had done. He just didn’t understand her anymore.

Rather than the shame that Giles thought he was seeing, Buffy had bowed her head to hide the smile she couldn’t keep of her face. Not wanting to upset the Scoobies even more, she counted to ten and collected herself before lifting her head and looking at the group again.

“Well now, here were have a perfect example of how having a soul doesn’t automatically make somebody a good guy.” Buffy looked Angel square in the eye.

“What does any of this have to do with your earlier behaviour? That is not how you should treat a Warrior for the Powers That Be, Buffy,” Giles chided her.

“Your amazing Warrior over there lied,” Buffy stated. “He might have come over to talk to me, but he didn’t tell me he was here. Instead, he was lurking at my bedroom window, while I wandered around in my housecoat and slippers, preparing to get dressed. If I weren’t the Light, I might not have sensed him there before I was naked. With that thought in mind, and thinking of all the times in the past when I’ve gone to bed in nothing at all, I got mad. Angel is nothing but a voyeur. A creepy perv that was peeking in my window.” At that, she looked directly at each of the people gathered in the room. “Oh, and by the way, Angel was splashed with tap water, not holy water,” she said with a suspiciously Spike-like smirk.

Angel looked at Buffy, hurt written all over his face. “Why would you do such a thing?”

“I don’t like having an uninvited audience when I’m nude in my bedroom. If you want to talk with me, next time, try knocking on the front door.” She turned to Giles. “Any other problems we need to discuss tonight?”

The front door banged shut, but nobody bothered to look in that direction. Everyone knew it was Angel, slamming the door on his way out.

“No, I’m sorry, Buffy.” He began to polish his glasses again. “I should have known that you have a good reason for doing as you did.”

“What about you two? Anything more to add?” Buffy looked at Willow and Xander.

Willow shook her head, blushing. Xander looked as if he wanted to say something, but changed his mind at the last minute.

“Fine, then if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a long day tomorrow.” Buffy nodded to Kendra, and then headed up the stairs to her room.

It wasn’t long after that, when she heard her mom directing everyone out the front door. Lying in her bed, she closed her eyes and thought about her encounter with Spike. She relived every single touch before sleep finally claimed her, a soft smile on her lips.