"Oh... My... God! What a mess." Buffy stepped gingerly into the wrecked store, picking her way carefully through the debris to the cash register.

"I am not going to be the one to tell Anya about this." Xander shuffled forward.

All thoughts of Spike and Buffy were wiped from his mind. As he bent down and picked up a small statue of Ganesh, the trunk snapped off. Dropping the damaged statue, he stood; brushing his hands clean on his trouser legs.

Spike stood in the doorway, sniffing the air, trying to tell if it was a human or demon that had done the damage. The scents were hard to pinpoint.

"Hey. Dog boy, what's with the sniffing?"

Spike ignored Xander's question. He inhaled deeply and then shook his head.

"Nothing here. All I can get is you lot and burnt out fuses. Any dosh missing, pet?"

Xander snorted at the endearment. He walked over to the counter, his eyes scanning the wreckage. Buffy winced at his reaction, but she refused to rise to the bait.

"The money is all here by the looks of it."

She piled all the cash into a paper bag and handed it to Xander.

"Take it home. It may help. Anya can count it."

"Yeah, thanks. It'll help. Maybe we should clear up a bit?"

"No, Harris, leave it for demon girl. She'll want to see it."

"Don't call her that Spike!" Xander glared over at the vampire. "She is not a demon any more!" he shouted.

"Hey, stop it, Xander." Buffy stepped over to the two angry men and raised her hands in a calming motion. "Please. He didn't mean anything by it. He calls me Slayer all the time. It's, it's just the way Spike is." Xander looked over at Buffy. Seeing the pleading look on her face, he caved.

"Ok. Not the time for this. I better call Ahn and tell her what's happened. She is going to be pissed."

"Maybe you should give Rupes a bell too; he needs to know what's happened. It's about the right time to call the UK." Spike reached into his duster and pulled out his flask. He took a long drink and then, as an attempt to make the peace, he offered it to Xander. Xander looked at the flask for a second, and then took it with a brief nod of thanks. He took a quick sip.

He then handed it back to a very bemused Spike.

'I guess he's more worried about the shopkeeper from hell than he about is getting Vamp cooties.' Spike took a swift drink. 'Crap, now I'm sounding just like them!'

"No, Anya better talk to Giles once she's had a look at the inventory." Xander looked over at the two blondes. They were now side by side with Buffy's fingers curled around Spike's. He winced. Their relaxed affection was too much for him.

"I'll just check the training room and then we'll head off." He shot off into the darkened room.

"It's clear. Weapons are still on the wall. Nothing has been touched in here..." His voice trailed off at the sight of Buffy and Spike entwined. "Hormones under control please. I don't need this!" Spike looked up and sneered at the agitated brunette.

"It's not all about you, Harris!"

"Look, I'm tired. The shop's a mess. Anya is not going to be happy. The last thing I need is you two slobbering over each other." He snapped the training room lights off and headed over to the shop front.

"Xander stop! Yes, the shop's a mess, but it's fixable. Yes, Anya will be upset, but we will all help to sort it out. Also, Xander, Anya doesn't own this place. So stop making such a big deal! If anyone should be angry it's Giles. So can it!" Buffy stalked over to the fuming figure, took a firm hold of his arm and pulled him round to face her. "Xander, Spike and I are a done deal. You don't like it then keep quiet!"

She took a deep breath. "Nothing you say is going to change this. There is no point in bitching and moaning."

"Buff, this is not right! He's dead. He's a vamp. He is evil. He kills. He's soulless. He can't love you. He is just using you! I won't let you throw your life away on him..."

"Give the boy a Cupie Doll! Dough boy, your powers of observation are staggering!"

Spike paused and looked down at himself. He checked his pulse.

"You know, I think you're right. I am dead. Quick! Call the paramedics!" He snorted in derision and began pacing up and down.

"Oh! Oh! Wait, something is happening!" Spike's game face appeared. He gingerly felt his forehead and fangs.

"Oh! My! God! I am a vampire. Thanks for clearing that up. You know, Harris, I never noticed. Wow!" Spike spun on his heel and stalked over to the two frozen figures in the doorway. Buffy tried to hide her smile at Spike's showboating. She tried not to giggle but, too late, it slipped out.

The girlish sound made Spike pause and grin at her.

"Harris, you're right, I have killed. Was evil. Though according to some people, these days I'm not even kinda naughty!" He curled his tongue over his teeth and raised his eyebrows at Buffy, which elicited another giggle.

"Mate, you have definitely got me pegged." He patted himself down.

"You know, I did have it here somewhere. Now where did I put it?" He pulled his t-shirt away from his muscled torso and looked down.

"Nope, it's not there. Oh bugger, it's gone!" He whirled to Buffy.

"Have you got it? Luv, please say you have it!" He fell to his knees in front of the two silent humans. She shook her head, starting to wonder if he had completely flipped out.

'Maybe I fried his brains. Maybe I shouldn't have told him I loved him.'

"Yeah, Harris, I think you're right." Spike sighed dramatically.

"No soul! I knew I was missing something other than my reflection."

He paused, cocking his head.

He looked up at Buffy and reached his hand out to her.

Buffy took his hand.

"Ahh. There it is."

Xander couldn't contain himself.

"What? There what is?" He demanded.

"My soul. She is in front of me."

Xander rolled his eyes.

'Oh man! I stepped into that.' He looked over at his best friend.

And then he saw it.

She loved Spike.

There was nothing he could do.

She loved Spike.

'I think I am going to be sick!' Xander clutched his stomach. Before he could say or do anything Spike had his shoulders in a strong grip.

"Harris. I do love her. Nothing and no one will change that." Spike ignored the niggling pain in his head.

"Mate, I am using her." Buffy gasped in shock. Xander's head shot up. A look of triumph on his face, his lips twisted into a sneer.

This lasted for a second.

"But it's entirely mutual and only in the best possible way!" Spike leered into Xander's eyes, leaving the fuming boy with no doubt as to what the vampire meant.

"Xander." Buffy's voice broke the quiet.

"I am not throwing my life away." She paused and took a breath.

"Every night he saves me!"

*********

Amy flipped onto her back. She was exhausted. The petition to Artemis had drained her. She shivered, pulling her covers up over her shoulders as she snuggled down into her pillow.

Minutes ticked past. She still couldn't fall asleep.

The power emanating from Willow was making her head ache.

She turned onto her side, facing her bedside table.

The moonlight from the window behind her bathed the two picture frames in pale silver light. She reached out a hand and traced the familiar but hated features of her mother. The photograph wasn't placed there out of love, but as a reminder. Not to ever forget what her mother had done to her. If it hadn't been for Buffy, Giles, Willow and Xander she would not be here today.

That was one of the reasons she had brought Willow home. She owed her.

She owed them all.

They had saved her life.

The other picture was of her father, stepmother and her baby brother. Her feelings for her father were mixed. She hated that he didn't trust her to live in the house. Her step-mom, Judy, was ok. She really tried to make Amy feel at home, but her dad kept them from being too close.

He was frightened that she would end up like Catherine. As for Eric, he was an adorable munchkin who followed his big sister everywhere, always ready for a hug and wanting to play.

She really loved him.

Then she felt it...

Leaping out of bed, she ran to the other room, to check on Willow. The redhead was fast asleep. Her hands twitched every now and then, but then she stilled. Her breathing evened out and she fell back into a deep sleep.

The scratching got louder.

It was Rack...

*********

Rack lay back as he focused his energies outwards.

The three drained bodies of his customers were slumped on the floor. Blood pooling under them, none of them moved. Their life force had been drained from them to give him a needed boost, but it wasn't enough. Their eyes stared emptily at the filthy ceiling. Fine trickles of blood oozed from the corners of their eyes.

Their features twisted in a combination of both pain and pleasure.

He could feel the two witches, but where exactly they were was another question.

A powerful force, a goddess, protected them...

It had a feminine touch and was strong. It was too powerful for him to penetrate. He was incensed. One of them had managed to get out from under his control, and there was no way he could get her back.

'But, which one? Ratty? No, she was too weak. Must be his delicious Strawberry, but how? He had managed to call her to him tonight.'

He stretched his mind further a field, to the Slayer's house, Strawberry's home.

'Bet she didn't realise I knew that. It's been almost too easy to corrupt one of the Slayer's friends.'

He had nearly got her under his control. His frustration mounted. Then, she was snatched out from under him.

'Well not under him, yet!'

It had been a bonus that she was a pretty little thing. She would warm his bed quite nicely. Her power would be sufficient to sustain him for a while. By the time he had finished with her, Willow would have been his slave. She would have done anything and anyone to please him, anything for one of his 'specials.'

He had wanted to use her to kill the Slayer.

Then he could have removed the one obstacle to him controlling the town and the Hellmouth. The death of the Slayer by her best friend would have made his day, not to mention his rep!

The raw power of the Boca del Infierno had been the reason he had come to this fleapit of a town. He had researched it closely and was almost in a position to tap into it directly. Then, he wouldn't have to deal with the dregs that came to him for a bit of fun. He kicked at one of the bodies, which lay next to his sofa.

He hadn't counted on the Slayer being a permanent presence. He had quickly made steps to cloak himself and his business. He wasn't ready or strong enough to take her on yet.

He had watched and waited, but she was too powerful and, surprisingly, she had allies in her fight. He had had to bide his time until Willow had been ripe for the plucking. He had been so close...

His mind had reached 1630 Revello Drive. He swooped down to get closer to the non-descript house.

*********

Tara's head shot up. Her senses tingled. There was something outside, something evil.

"Tara? What's wrong?" Dawn reached out and tugged on the Wiccan's arm to get her attention.

"Dawn, get the kittens and go to the basement. I want you as close to the crystal as possible." Dawn hesitated, surprised at the strength in Tara's voice.

"Now!" Tara stood. She moved the cartons of take out to one side and pressed her hands on the counter to steady herself. For once, Dawn didn't question her. She grabbed the box containing William and Anne and ran down to the basement. The teen could hear Tara moving around in the kitchen, but her eyes were trained on the crimson glow emanating from under the ground.

"Cool!" She sat down next to where the crystal was buried and waited. As she sat there trying to keep calm, the power of the spell washed over her. She felt calm and safe. Resting her head against the wall, she waited, watching Anne and William who were curled up around each other, fast asleep.

Tara walked slowly to the front door and looked out of the small window to the side of it. Nothing moved in the shadows. But it was there, the same power that she had felt earlier.

But now it stank of decay and blood.

It was disgusting.

Closing her eyes, she centred herself. Reaching deep inside her for her power, she released it all into the air. The power activated the wards around the house in a shimmering display of light. She could almost get a bead on whatever it was.

She opened her eyes. If anyone had been there to see they would have been surprised. Unlike Willow when she channelled her power, Tara's pupils were the only things that had changed. They were pale silver, with hints of violet. She reached out further with her mind, trying to catch the intangible attacker. No luck, it was adept at evading her search.

"Sum defendo!" Tara's stutter was non-existent as she uttered the words.

*********

Rack reeled back, screaming. The pain was immense and he curled up into a foetal position. His synapses were fried. Before he passed out, he caught a glimpse of honey blonde hair in his mind's eye and then darkness.

Amy jumped.

Rack was gone. She couldn't feel him scratching at her wards. They were safe for the night.

But how?

*********

"Tara. Tara. Wake up! You're really beginning to scare me!" Dawn cradled Tara's head in her lap, stroking gently at her forehead with a shaking hand.

"Please wake up. I don't want to have to call Buffy and Spike," the scared teen pleaded. Tara groaned and opened her eyes.

"Hey."

"You're awake! What the hell happened? How come the basement is lit up like a Christmas tree? Are you ok? Are we safe?"

"It's ok now, baby. Help me up." Dawn pulled her gently up and guided her over to the sofa.

"Do you need anything? Glass of water?"

"No, I'm fine. I just used too much power tonight with the wards and then zapping whatever was trying to get in. I'll be ok. Just need to sit for a minute," Tara replied. She curled her legs under her and then pulled Dawn into her arms.

"But you're ok? Right?" Dawn was too scared to act cool. Right now she needed to know that they would be all right.

"Yeah, sweetie. I'm okay. Just a bit pooped out. A good night's sleep and I'll be good to go." She smoothed Dawn's soft hair back off her face.

"Look, Dawn, I am going to tell it to you straight. Ok?"

"Sure." Dawn was secretly thrilled that Tara trusted her. Buffy would have sent her to bed by now.

"There was something really evil trying to get into the house just now. I don't know what. It felt like death and smelled weird. I felt it earlier. But I think I managed to get rid of it for now..." Tara's voice trailed off.

"For now? Do we need to get ready for it to attack again?" Dawn was a little freaked.

"No. Not tonight. It's too weak, or it could be dead. We're safe."

"Maybe we should call the Magic Box and warn the guys?" Dawn reached for the phone.

"Ok, call them." Tara laid her aching head back against the cushion and closed her eyes.

'What was it? '

*********

The sound of the phone broke the frozen tableau in the shop.

Spike was still on his knees. Buffy had her hand in his. Xander was staring at the two blondes in shock.

'I wonder if Cheetos taste the same coming up as they do going down?'

"That was a bit hokey wasn't it?" Buffy was feeling a bit stupid. She knew it had been too much before she had said it, but she wanted to ram the point home to denial boy. Spike blinked. The sound of her voice jolted him out of his stupor.

'She was listening that night!'

"I'll get that. It's probably Anya wanting a report." Xander shuffled away and picked up the phone.

"Yeah luv, it was a bit... What did you call it?" Spike tilted his head.

"Hokey." Buffy whispered, her blush now spreading down her neck.

"That's it, hokey..." He grinned and fluidly rose to his feet. He tucked the flushed girl into his arms and rested his chin on her head.

"Okay, I'll tell them." Xander hung up the phone. He half turned towards to front of the shop, but a flashing light on the answering machine caught his eye. He depressed the button.

"Hello? We're trying to contact a Mr Giles. A friend of his has asked us to contact him at this number." There was a pause and a shuffling of papers was heard on the message.

"A patient of ours asked us to call for him. Umm. Mr Wyndam-Price, well he's been injured rather badly. We believe he was mugged. If someone could contact us at 555-6363 we would be grateful. Anytime night or day is alright, there is a nurse on duty."

"Huh?" Buffy moved over to the counter. "Wonder Wuss has been hurt? Why are they calling here? Last I heard he was working with Angel and his team."

"How would I know Buff?" Xander scribbled the number down. "Here, give them a call." She took the scrap of paper, noticing he deliberately kept their fingers from touching.

'Nice Xander! He can't even stand to touch me now.' She tried not to show that she was aware of his repugnance, but she felt Spike step closer and put his hand on her shoulder to steady her.

"Who called, Harris?" Spike tried to keep the contempt out of his voice. The all too observant vamp had noticed the pettiness of the boy.

"The hospital. Are you deaf as well as dead?"

"Nooo, Whelp, who were you speaking to?" Spike marvelled at the stupidity of the git.

"What? Oh, yeah, it was Dawn. She said not to worry. She wanted to know if you could come back. She said not to panic, but that Tara wanted you home."

"Not to worry?" Spike snarled. He stepped forward threateningly, his hands curled into fists. "Oh, that's bright, Special Ed, don't panic!"

"Not now! Spike. Come on! We have to get home!" Buffy tugged at his arm and pulled him out of the shop.

"Xander, tell Anya to call me. We can come by tomorrow and help her. I guess you'll be at work." Buffy paused, considering her friend. Xander stood at the counter, his hands thrust into his pockets. He looked like his puppy had just died. She nodded to Spike and they swept out of the shop.

'Really don't have the energy to deal with Xander's issues.'

*********

Anya paced up and down. She was getting angry and frustrated. Xander hadn't called her yet. She knew she should have gone with him! It was too much...

A hand fell on her shoulder, scaring her witless. She shrieked at the top on her lungs and then kept screaming.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

"Anya! Anya! It's okay! It's me, Xander!"

"Xander!" She batted at his chest weakly. "Don't do that! You made me make funny noises!" She examined her fiancé closely, taking in his pale face and tired eyes. Then she spotted the paper bag he carried. "Oh no! Is that all that is left of the shop?" She grabbed it out of his hands and upended it on the coffee table. "My money! Oh Xander, you're so brave, you saved the float!" She leaped on him and pressed relieved kisses over his face.

"Ahn, stop it." Xander pushed her off his lap and she landed on the sofa next to him. "The shop has been trashed; we couldn't tell if anything had been stolen, but it seemed more like vandalism. They didn't touch the money or go for anything else. Spike couldn't smell if anyone you know...demonic had been there, just us..." He rubbed his hands over his face.

"Trashed?" Her voice wavered slightly at the end. "Oh." Anya shuffled the coins around with her index finger.

"Yeah. We figured that you would want to see it and then, get the insurance adjustors in. You have full coverage don't you?"

"Yes. Giles insisted. At the time, I was worried about how much we spent monthly on insurance. But now..." She trailed off, visibly shaken.

"It's ok, honey, Buffy and Spike..." He grimaced at the mention of their names together. Anya noticed his reaction, but before she could say anything he continued. "They said they'd come over in the morning to help clean up and catalogue what's been broken. I'll take the day off as well."

"Well. That is good of them. It is heartening to see that they are prepared to help me out. Xander, why are you angry. Is it me? Have I done something?" She patted his arm with a stiff handed gesture.

"No. Nothing you've done. It's Buffy. She's gone nuts!"

"Now, Xander, I am sure that you are exaggerating. She seems to have recovered from us leaving her to dig herself out of her grave. Interesting that she had to do that though, isn't? I guess she has some insight into how her prey feels now!" She paused. "But I don't understand why you are more concerned, as usual, with Buffy, rather than telling me what happened at my shop!" Anya tried very hard to keep the hurt from her voice, but she knew Xander wouldn't hear it anyway.

"Ahn, the shop will be fine. It needs a clean and fix up and you're good to go. Don't worry, I'll help and the others too, okay?" He patted her hand patronisingly and forced a smile.

"Oh." She replied in a small voice. "Well then. Why do you think Buffy needs a straightjacket?"

"What? Oh, it's just that..." He paused not really wanting to voice the words, as then it would become a reality. Anya stroked his hands soothingly, her bright eyes fixed on his. "Buffy and Spike are well... You know?"

"They are what? Screwing like crazed minks? Oh, Xander you really are silly. I could have told you that yesterday, she smells different and so does he!"

'Smells different? Yuck and I hope that is not a demon thing...'

"What?"

"Oh, you know. They smell of each other..."

"Okay TMI!" He leapt up and began pacing.

'Here we go again! Buffy rant number one! 'Buffy and Her Vampires', wonder if I should tell him about slayers and vamps? No, Anya, that would make him angry and not able to perform in bed, but one of these days he is going to have to realise that she will never look his way. Why can't he love me completely? What am I doing wrong?' Anya twisted her engagement ring around her finger. 'Why am I second best?' She took a deep breath and decided to distract him in the only way she knew. Sex.

"Xanderbear, come to bed. We can play doctors and nurses; I know how much you like that! But this time, I'll let you be the naughty nurse!" She pulled her unresisting partner into the bedroom. "Come on, orgasms will help us both relax, where's the stethoscope? You know how much I like it when I can hear how hard your heart pounds..." The door shut behind the couple.

*********

"We're here! Dawn! Tara!" Buffy bent over in the hallway trying to catch her breath. She and Spike had run at full speed from the Magic Box to the house.

'Don't panic! Jeeze, Xander, great way to calm me down. Hey Buff, don't panic but Dawn called said to come home straight away! Yeah that's gonna work' She looked up at Spike through her hair and groaned. He was unruffled, as usual.

"What?" Dawn clomped down the stairs, dressed in her Pjs and carrying an empty mug.

"Nib, are you alright?" Spike grabbed the startled girl and held her at arms length checking her for injuries. Dawn wriggled away from him.

"Hey, stop with the eyeballing! I'm fine. What's your malfunction?" She eyed the two of them, as she distanced herself from the frantic vamp.

"You called Xander! Said to come back and not to panic!" Buffy exclaimed.

"Man, he is a dope! Something freaky happened but Tara fixed it. She's a bit burned out so I let her crash in her old room. Not like Willow is using it tonight!"

"Oh." Spike and Buffy relaxed slightly.

"Dawnie, what happened?" Buffy reached out and smoothed her sister's long hair off her face.

"I don't really know. One minute we're eating... Oh, there's loads of food for you guys in the kitchen, come on."

Spike slouched in his chair, cradling a mug of warmed blood in one hand and picking at some spring rolls. Buffy leaned against him, rapidly scooping spoonfuls of rice, chicken and cashews into her mouth. Dawn explained to them both how Tara had cloaked the house with spells of protection.

"It was way cool! The tiny crystals were all warm and glowy. She was amazing, then there was a whoosh and I was all tingly!" The couple kept eating and watched the excited girl as she pranced around the kitchen, her unbroken arm swinging as she made a point.

"She was really tough, 'Dawn get the kitties and wait in the basement.' It was weird. I didn't even question her..." Dawn paused in mid chatter and reached over and grabbed a handful of fortune cookies. She munched on them loudly.

"Nibblet! Then what happened?" Spike prodded her with his chopsticks.

"What? Oh yeah! Well, I waited and watched the red glow. It got real bright then... Whoosh."

"Whoosh?" Buffy raised her eyebrows, trying not to smile at her sister's antics.

"Yeah, whoosh. Then I sat for a while, but Tara didn't come down. When I came up she was out cold on the floor."

"What? Is Glinda okay?" Spike interjected.

"Yeah. I told you guys. She's asleep and that's what I'm gonna do now." Dawn leaned over and kissed Buffy on the cheek. She then turned to Spike and wrapped one thin arm around his neck and squeezed him tight. "Love you both. Night." She headed out of the kitchen. "Try to keep the sexy noises down, ok?"

"Whaa?" Spike stared at Dawn in shock, Buffy just sat there grinning at him.

"That's not a sexy noise, Spike! Try harder..." She squeaked as he yanked her into his lap.

"That hard enough, luv?" He ground his erection into her crotch.

"Hmmm. Nice. So honey, bed or check for Willow?" Buffy trailed her fingers up Spike's arms and then laced them around his neck. She nipped along his neck and settled her lips firmly on his.

'Yum, luscious Spike kisses. That curl a girl's toes and make her stomach flutter.' She nearly came just from the pressure of his soft cool lips as they played across hers.

"Ouch, luv, you poked me!"

"What? Spike you're the one with the pokage!" She ground her crotch down to emphasis her point.

"Yeah, well there is that." He grinned lasciviously and raised his hips. "But hang on..." He reached into her jeans pocket and fumbled around. Buffy inhaled, her pupils dilated. "Here." Spike handed her a folded piece of paper.

"Oh! Crap!" She pushed off his lap and danced to the phone, ignoring the groan of pain.

"Christ, luv, watch out! You crushed m'bits!"

She glanced over as she dialled the hospital number. Spike gingerly patted the said crushed bits and pieces. She reached over and started stroking his stomach. She grinned at the frustrated expression on his face.

"Luv, bit lower, please," he begged.

"Hello, is this LA Memorial? Yes, I am calling about one of your patients. A Mr Wyndam-Pryce? We got a message that he was hurt... Yeah... Oh! Will he recover? Umm... He's a family friend... Yeah... No problem... Okay... We'll be there tomorrow. Which room is he in?" She scribbled down the room number. "Well, yeah. Can he check out tomorrow? Okay. Okay, meds and he'll need the stitches removed in three weeks." She pulled a disgusted face, at whatever was being said at the other end of the line. "Sure, tell him that Buffy Summers will be there at 9.00am. Mr Giles?" Her face fell at the mention of her missing Watcher. "No, sorry, he's out of the country. He's listed as Wes's contact here in US?" She raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Huh? Oh, okay... Who should we ask for? Nurse Blanchett? Okay, I'll see you in the am. Thanks." She hung up.

"Well, what happened?" Spike stepped behind her and rested his arms over her shoulders. Buffy leaned into his embrace.

"I don't get it. How come he asked for Giles? What about Angel or Cordy?"

"Peaches and the Cheerleader or Giles? Well, Slayer, I know who I would want in a pinch."

"Giles?" she queried. He nodded.

"Give the girl a toy surprise. The big brooder or the madam?" He pulled a face. "Not ruddy likely!"

"Spike, his throat has been slit and he was attacked by someone while he was recovering from the surgery. What is happening down there?" He rested his chin on the top of her head.

"Don't know, sweetheart, but we'll find out tomorrow. Okay?"

"You mean you'll come? How?"

"Luv, I can drive you know."

"Spike, sunlight?"

"Yeah, annnd?" He raised his scarred brow.

"Oh, okay. But what about Dawnie?"

"School first. Then, Glinda can look after her, or send her over to demon girl and the Whelp's."

Buffy yawned tiredly and rubbed her eyes.

"Come on, luv, shower and bed." He slapped her gently on the backside, grinning at her as she squeaked and ran off.

*********

Spike sat on the edge of the bed and unlaced his boots. Kicking them off, he stood. Stalking around Buffy's room, he lit all the candles that were littered over the dressing and side tables. He checked the curtains, tugging them firmly closed.

'No need to let the girl wake up and need to reach for the Hoover!' He could hear the shower running. The scent of lemon and lime drifted across the hallway, enticing him. He rubbed his hands over his face, exhausted. 'How the hell did I end up here?'

"Shower's free." Buffy padded into the room rubbing her wet hair dry. Drops of water ran over her shoulders and down into her cleavage, disappearing under the towel that she had wrapped tightly around her tiny form. Spike froze; his eyes fixed on her sun-bronzed neck and shoulders. "Spike? You ok?" She stepped in front of him and poked him in the ribs.

"Beautiful!" He ran his fingers softly over her collarbone and dipped them between her breasts, catching a few stray drops and brought his hand to his mouth. He licked his fingers and tried to suppress his shudder of enjoyment. He could taste the shower gel she had used. But under the fruity flavours was her essence. Strong, yet delicate, just like the radiant woman/child standing staring up at him. Her hazel eyes were clouded with passion and love. She wrinkled her nose at him.

"Spike? Shower? Sorta have funky crypt dust all over you."

'Well that just killed the moment!' He shrugged.

"Okay, pet. Give us a minute." Unable to resist tempting her, he pulled off his t-shirt. He flexed his back muscles deliberately as he stalked out the room.

"Yum." Buffy slapped her hand over her mouth. Spike paused in the doorway, looked over his shoulder and grinned at her, pleasantly surprised at her reaction to his semi nudity. She had been more honest in that one instant than she had ever been in their relationship. 'Prior to this evening,' he amended.

"Wanna scrub my back for me?"

"Erm." She swallowed nervously. "Okay," she whispered, and followed him into the bathroom.

Spike reached over and turned on the taps, relishing the idea of a hot shower. Much better than the cold-water shower he had to endure in the crypt. He managed to get into the YMCA occasionally for a hot shower but he had to be careful that he was alone. Unlike most vamps, he was conscious of not freaking out the muggles with his lack of a reflection. 'Well that and my sexy bod!' He could almost hear Buffy laughing at him.

Buffy pulled off her towel and stepped in behind him, enjoying the experience. The water ran down his muscled back. She reached out and ran her fingertips softly over the pale skin and reached around to tickle his sides. Spike jumped and twisted away from her searching fingers. She had inadvertently discovered his big secret that night in the ruined house. The Big Bad was a ticklish vamp and she found this hysterical! He growled and reached for her giggling form. He watched her jiggling breasts in fascination.

"None of that, Slayer," he hissed quietly. He was trying very hard not to join in the giggle-fest. Not good for the image.

"Shh, Spike, keep it down! Big, flapping Dawn ears can pick up just about anything! She used to catch me sneaking home post-patrol!"

"The Nibs caught the stealthy Slayer?"

"Yeah, she found me out in LA. Weird thing is she never asked for anything to keep quiet. She used to cover for me all the time."

"Well, she loves you. 'Course, she wouldn't let anything slip!"

"Yeah, she does love me. She was also pretty handy with the first aid as well. Still is." Buffy stepped closer and rested her head on Spike's chest, enjoying the relaxed intimacy of the situation.

"It's good you had someone to help you."

"I know! She kept me sane in those last days in LA. Mom and Dad were fighting and then the divorce. Also, there was the whole Master vamp chasing after me, and Pike..." She trailed off, unsure as to whether or not Spike wanted to hear about the early slaying days.

"What Master vamp?" He looked down at the girl huddled in his arms.

"Lothos."

"What? Lothos? That friggin' git!"

"You knew him?"

"Well, no. But you hear things in the demon world. Hang on a mo'. Knew him? Past tense?" Spike asked.

"I killed him."

"You did? Good for you, luv. He was an idiot. What with the get up and the, well..." He trailed off.

"What? The Slayer fixation?" She squeezed him gently.

"Well, yeah." He stopped embarrassed.

"Spike, it's ok. I like your fixation!"

He smiled gently at her. "Sweetheart, I was fixated from the moment I saw you dancing in the Bronze."

"Huh? I thought we met for the first time in the alley. You know, when you were all, 'I'll kill you on Saturday!'"

"No, I watched you wriggling your pretty bum all over the dance floor. The Whelp could barely move from the hard-on he was sporting." He squeezed said bum gently and pulled her closer, his lips playing over her face, nipping and kissing until he found her soft mouth.

She pulled back to catch her breath. Reaching over, she grabbed hold of the shower gel and squeezed it over his chest. She rubbed her hands over his pecs and lathered his torso, running her hands gently over his chest and shoulders. Standing on her tiptoes, she reached around him and smoothed her hands over his back.

"You know, he's the reason I got kicked out of Hemery High. I had to burn the gym down to get rid of the rest of his minions. Then we ended up here." She rubbed her nose against his.

"Well, if he wasn't dust I'd have to send him a fruit basket."

"Why?" She knelt, trying to ignore his erection as she lathered his legs. Spike watched her, bemused at the sight of the mighty Slayer on her knees pulling a Magdalene. He grinned, not that he was Christ-like or anything.

"Well, if it hadn't been for him. We wouldn't have met!"

"Rinse." She pushed him gently under the water and watched him as he pushed his curling hair off his forehead. "Come on, the water's getting cold." She climbed out and reached for a towel, only to be stopped by Spike. He wrapped her tightly in a dry towel and then reached for one for himself and tucked it around his waist.

"Come on, pet." He pulled the tired girl into her room and pushed her towards the bed. Buffy stumbled tiredly over to the welcoming bed, collapsed bonelessly onto the soft covers and yawned. She blinked sleepily then pulled the towel off and threw it on the floor. Buffy rolled over and curled up under the covers. Spike paused and watched her bemusedly, as she yawned again and patted the empty pillow next to her.

"Get in, Spike."

'Three words I had never in my wildest dreams imagined I would hear.' An invitation into Buffy's inner sanctum, he dropped the towel and slid between the covers. Buffy shifted over and wrapped her warm, damp body over his. She snuggled closer and then closed her eyes.

"Too tired to play, Spike."

"It's alright, sweetheart." He pulled her closer, relishing her warmth and the comfort of her bed. "This is perfect."

Within seconds the two of them were sleeping.

*********

Rack rolled onto his back and shivered. He hurt all over. He reached over to the nearest body to see if there was anything left in it. His hand trembled as it ran over the skinny, young boy.

Nothing.

He curled up into a tight ball and screamed. He could feel himself weakening.

"No, no, no, no. Not now! Not when I am so close!" He gripped the floor, desperately trying to stay anchored. His form flickered, vanishing and then reappearing.

Then he vanished, leaving the three cooling corpses lying in an alley. With his power gone, the illusion of his den had disappeared.