Spnae - Spnae

Spike/Buffy

Rated M- Adult content.

Summary: It all started with Spike having nightmares about the woman he loves prompting him to go to her; before a demon got there first. Now where will it lead them? What new challenges will they face in a world with multiple Slayers? Nearly all major characters will eventually make an appearance. Essentially this is a very Spuffy centered continuation of the series.

Rated for sexual content. Canon typical violence and themes. I will try to add appropriate warnings as needed although I think these should suffice for the majority of the story. Stunningly gorgeous banner created by cd85

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

A/N: I am in the process of updating this story. Links will be added as updates are made.

Master List: Table of Contents

Chapter 1 To Paris with Love and Demons

Chapter 2 Demon

Chapter 3 Date Night

Chapter 4 Take the Last Train to Scotland

Chapter 5 A New Leaf

Chapter 6 The New Girls

Chapter 7 Movie Night

Chapter 8 Ghosts and Stockers

Chapter 9 Awkward Moments

Chapter 10 Electric

Chapter 11 Vampire Dust Will Get Ya

Chapter 12 Hospitals Man

Chapter 13 Home Again

Chapter 14 Out For A Walk

Chapter 15 Love a Handyman

Chapter 16 Have a Little Faith

Chapter 17 Underground

Chapter 18 Ohhh Baby

Chapter 19 Baby Blue

Chapter 20 House Guest

Chapter 21 Our Expert

Chapter 22 It’s Complicated

Chapter 23 Bye Bye Baby

Chapter 24 Dance Magic

Chapter 25 Oh What a Night: Part 1

Chapter 26 Oh What a Night: Part 2

Chapter 27 Punk Love

Chapter 28 Changes

Chapter 29 Twisted Sister

Chapter 30 Aftermath

Chapter 31 Third Times a Charm

Chapter 32 Open Up

Chapter 33 Coming Clean?

Chapter 34 Skid

Chapter 35 The Talking Dead

Chapter 36 Redemption

Chapter 37 Sins of Omission

Chapter 38 Living Dead Girl

Chapter 39 When the Levee Breaks

Chapter 40 Couples Retreat

Chapter 41 Time

Chapter 42 Breathe

Chapter 43 Cabin Fever

Chapter 44 Recovery

Chapter 45 Birthday

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 10 Electric

***** ****** ******

Moments later the doorbell rang. Faith ran downstairs to get it but Spike was already there. “Evening, Cal, Faith’ll be along in a minute.”

“Callum,” he corrected gruffly, “and thanks.”

“I’m here, I’m here!” Faith declared, rushing to the door, “Hey!”

Callum looked her up and down taking in her black lacy top, sexy blue skirt and borrowed boots, “Wow… you look…”

“Too much? I knew the skirt was too—“

“You look amazing… gorgeous in fact…”

“Oh… humm, thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself,” she said, gesturing to his blue dress shirt.

Callum handed her a small bouquet of tulips in red, white and yellow, “I hope it’s not too girly.”

“Nah, you’re cool on this one. I actually do like tulips, thank you.

He shot her a thousand watt smile that nearly made her melt. Faith stood there dumbstruck for a few seconds before she snapped out of it.

“Here, I’ll take care of these and put them in your room,” Buffy said, making Faith jump in surprise with her sudden appearance.

Faith quickly schooled her features as Buffy took the flowers from her, “Oh, sure. Cool.”

“Now that’s taken care of, ready to go?” Callum asked.

She cleared her throat, “Yeah, I’m ready.”

“Have fun kids,” Spike sing-songed behind them.

“Shut up, Spike!” Faith threw back over her shoulder as they headed out the door.

Once they were gone Buffy turned to Spike, “So what about us?”

“I assumed the bubble bath was your way of saying you weren’t ready to go out yet,” he smirked.

“You really do get me don’t you?”

“I’ve always liked to think so, but then I’ve been wrong before haven’t I?” Spike asked, shifting himself to lean against the wall.

Buffy gave him a wistful smile, “Not recently. I have been looking forward to trying out the bathtub… and the bubble bath.”

He bit his bottom lip, “Then that’s what we’ll do, Love.”

“Well since nap time is out, I’m going to grab something to eat, you want anything?”

“I’m fine. You take your time, I’ll see you upstairs, Pet,” he said, pushing himself off the wall.

“Ahh huh, ok,” she shrugged, “I know you, you’re scheming…”

Spike grinned wickedly, “I prefer ‘planning’.”

“Have it your way.”

“Oh I plan to, Goldilocks.”

***** ****** ******

Back in town, Faith and Callum arrived at the pub. It was a cozy place with booths set all along the walls and a small stage opposite the bar with wooden tables in between. They had barely set foot inside the pub when a strongly built older man jovially shouted, “Cally my boy!”, from behind the bar.

“Bloody hell…” Callum mumbled, “Faith, I’m really sorry about this.”

“About what?” Faith started to say when the older gentleman had come up to Callum giving him such a strong bear hug that he actually picked him up off the floor a few inches before releasing him, “How are you, Lad? I’ve barely seen you all week. Who’s the pretty Lass?”

Callum rolled his eyes but smiled goodnaturedly, “Didn’t know you were going to be here tonight. Mum said you had off now you cut back your hours.”

“Oh aye, I did. Hadn’t actually planned on it, but when you’re needed… had to take care of a few things.”

“How come I can’t call you ‘Cal’ but this guy can call you ‘Cally’?” Faith interjected.

“Now you see what you’ve done? Got me in the doghouse before it’s even built,” Callum teased the man. “Excuse my manners, Faith. Unfortunately, this one here gets to call me whatever he fancies and I can’t do a damn thing about it… this here is my father. Dad, this is Faith. It’s largely thanks to her and her uncle that Angus and I are finally getting things off the ground,” he cleared his throat, “This is meant to be our first date.”

Mr. Ross raised his eyebrows, “That right now?”

“Yeah, well unless you count last night with my cousin,” Faith countered.

“What’s this?” Mr. Ross asked.

Callum shook his head with a chuckle, “It’s nothing, Dad. Faith asked me over to look at a new job. Professional visit. After that, her cousin and her bloke sort of roped us into watching a film with them.”

Mr. Ross crossed his arms over his expansive chest. “Must be someplace if you’ve hired my boy for multiple jobs.”

“Yeah, big old place. Needs a lot of work done,” Faith answered.

“They’re in the old castle just outside of town,” Callum interjected.

Mr. Ross gave a hum of interest, “And what’s some princess in a castle doing out with a working-class lad like my boy?”

Callum clapped a hand on his father’s shoulder. “Now Dad, Faith isn’t some—“

Faith cut him off, “Naw Callum, it’s cool. Been called a lot of things, but ‘princess’? Damn, that’s a new one on me,” her voice had a slight edge to it.

Callum’s dad smiled and suddenly the resemblance to his son was uncanny, “Oh aye. See why this one caught your attention, Cally.”

“Huh, yeah. Well, I’m no princess, my uncle sort of inherited the place. Started a private school for girls. I teach there,” Faith said.

“What is it you teach, Lass?”

“Advanced Martial Arts and Hand-to-Hand. That enough backstory for you?” She countered.

“Oh aye, that’ll do,” his eyes twinkled as he glanced at his son, “Might have met your match with this one, Cally-boy. Good to meet a woman who can handle herself.”

Callum grinned warmly at Faith for half a second before turning to his father, “Yeah well, I thought you had things to do, Dad.”

“Done, just heading home to your mum now. She’s making mussels tonight and you know what happens if I’m late for dinner,” he widened his eyes comically, “Ross men love a feisty woman.”

Callum rubbed the back of his neck, “Right then before mum’s mussels go wonky. Give her my love, will you?”

“Course I will, Lad.”

“I’ll see you soon, Dad,” Callum gave him a pat on the back and made a move towards the bar guiding Faith with a gentle hand on the small of her back. Faith realized with a jolt in her stomach that she didn’t mind the gesture coming from him.

Callum’s father followed them over, he had a quick word with the bartender and a very pregnant-looking waitress. Then he grabbed his hat from a hook behind the bar, “Alright Cally, I’m heading out, mind your manners. You’ll get in trouble if you don’t mind your manners. Just ask your mother.”

“I’m sure we’ll do just fine,” Callum replied.

“See that you do,” he gave his son a pat on the back and headed out.

It wasn’t until Callum turned to the bartender that Faith realized she recognized him. “Oi, Angus, a couple of beers for me and the lady. Faith, chicken and chips alright with you?”

“Yeah, I could eat.”

“Coming right up,” his cousin answered. The two men looked a lot alike except that Angus had bright red hair instead of Callum’s black hair. The difference was staggering. Angus set two beers down on the counter, “Your dad wants us to take a look at the storage room door. Damn thing keeps getting jammed.”

“Yeah alright,” Callum answered, slightly annoyed.

“How’d it go with that other job you were looking into last night?” His cousin continued.

Callum hitched a thumb at Faith, “Got the client here with me.”

“Blimey, thought you looked familiar,” Angus said as he offered his hand, then turned to his cousin with a knowing look, “you’re taking the job aren’t you?”

“I think we can do it.”

“Yeah, alright, we’ll talk later,” he said with a nod before turning toward another customer.

The two of them grabbed their beers and headed over to a secluded booth. “Must be rough, you guys both working two jobs,” Faith said as she sat down.

“Nah, it’s alright. My family is full of the entrepreneur types, and we all sort of help out at each other’s businesses,” Callum grinned.

“You are all really close then huh?”

“Now. Not always the case, I’d become a bit of a black sheep for a while but I’m over it. Moving on. What about you?”

“Pretty much the same,” Faith shrugged uncomfortably.

He eyed her for a moment before speaking, “Faith, I’m really sorry about my dad. I never imagined you’d meet both my parents before we’d actually been out on a proper date… really bungled things up coming here didn’t I?”

“Naw, it’s fine. Your dad actually seems alright. But what did you mean about meeting both your parents?”

Callum gestured to Faith’s necklace, “I stopped by my mum’s shop earlier. Told her about our date, and she remembered a couple of American girls coming in. Heard you talking, not hard to put it together.”

Faith had a sudden sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Callum took a long pull of his beer and gave her an appraising look, “You're the Slayer aren’t you?”

Faith sat up looking around then noticing his gaze she relaxed a little, “Why would you say that? What do you know about Slayers?”

“So it’s true?”

Her stomach clenched and she leaned forward pinning him with a hard glare, “Look I don’t know what you think you know but if you don’t start talking I’m out.”

He stretched out a hand to cover hers, “It’s alright, Faith. Really, it’s okay.” There was something about his tone that almost reminded her of Angel and had a disarming effect on her. She looked down at his hand covering hers and fought down the impulse to pull away.

“How do you know about Slayers?” She said calmly.

“Didn’t until today, thought my mum was off her nut, until just now. Apparently, my aunt was one. I knew my mum had a sister and that she had died very young but I swear I never knew anything else about her until today.”

“Your mom’s sister? When?”

He thought for a moment, “Think she died in 1970, or thereabouts. Why?”

Same year Robin’s mom was called… the Slayer before her? Damn, I am not history girl.

Faith swallowed dryly, “Say your story tracks, how’d your mom even know?”

“Yeah, well I guess she wasn’t supposed to but they were really close, sort of like you and Buffy I gather… All I know is what she told me.”

“Which is?” Faith prompted, slowly pulling her hand out of his grasp to pick up her beer.

Callum shifted back in his seat, concern on his face. “According to her, there’s only one Slayer in all the world. Now that’s the part I’m really having a hard time swallowing; she says you have these powers to kill vampires and demons and the like— Which seems stupid, how is one person, even one with supernatural abilities, supposed to fight all the vampires in the world?”

“And demons, and save the world at a seriously alarming rate. Does that freak you out?” She asked, taking a drink.

He took a sip of beer and eyed her critically, “You’re serious, it’s true then?” When she didn’t answer, he took a deep breath and bobbed his head, “I guess I’m just trying to wrap my head around it. I was really hoping Mum was just losing it,” he huffed, resting his forearms on the table and rocking his head back, accepting defeat.

“She’s not… but how did she-“ Faith started to ask but stopped herself, unsure if she really wanted to know the answer.

He dropped his gaze, shifting uncomfortably before answering calmly, “I guess from a few things you must have said in the shop, my mum was able to put together enough to realize you were like her sister. And you were having doubts about coming tonight because you’re afraid.”

His answer caught her off guard. “She ah, caught all that did she?”

He turned his beer in his hand, running the pad of his thumb over the glass, clearly holding back a torrent of questions. He

. “How long have you been the Slayer? Does your uncle know? How—“

“Ok so, wait a minute with the twenty questions… are you sure you really want to know all this? I mean really?” Faith asked seriously.

“I know I really want to get to know you. The way mum describes it, it sounds like this is a pretty big part of who you are.”

“This is why you asked to come by early.”

“I was supposed to check out another job, but after talking to mum I rescheduled that appointment. I figured you were more important than some built-in shelves.”

Faith was a little shaken, she wasn’t used to being put first like that. Like she was important. “You know I could bench you easy, and my job involves sticking stakes into vampires, and fighting demons, right? Just last night we evicted a vengeful spirit from Buffy and Spike’s bedroom. This isn’t an every-so-often kind of thing, it's every day. Do you really want to hear about that?”

He took a long drink and waited for the pregnant waitress to set down the chicken and chips they had ordered, “Maybe this is me being bloody stupid. I don’t know, but I do know that I have never met anyone like you in my life and I’d really like to know you better.”

“You’re sure none of this is sending you running for the hills?”

“Not yet anyway. I’ve been waiting to ask you out since we met but I didn’t think I was ready for another go at a relationship yet. When I thought you had a boyfriend, I… Well, I was really glad when you asked me. All this comes as a bit of a shock, sure, but it definitely makes you interesting.” He took a long pull of beer while Faith watched him, “Something I don’t get though, if you’re the Slayer then why does Spike call Buffy ‘Slayer’?”

“You caught that huh?”

“I just thought it was some kind of kinky nickname he had for her until now.”

Faith cleared her throat. Then chugged her beer, set the empty bottle down in front of her, and signaled the waitress for another. “Alright, so, first thing first; the way Spike says it, yeah, there’s definitely some serious kink he has going on there. You have no idea... Second, few things have changed since your aunt was the Slayer. Buffy is ‘The Slayer’ as in the original ‘to every generation’, blah blah…”

“But my mum said, you—“

“Oh I am. Long story short; Buffy died. For about a minute but it was long enough to activate another Slayer. When she was killed, I got called up.”

“Holy… so there’s two of you… and she isn’t really your cousin is she?”

Faith tapped her nose, “More like ‘chosen’ family. Same with Giles.”

“Wow… so… Wow, this is what you have to do… you have to lie to everyone?” He sounded more concerned than angry.

“About certain things, yeah… but it’s just—“ Faith stammered.

“To protect people. It sounds like a really complicated way to live. You’re sort of like a superhero.”

“Just no weird outfits or capes,” she laughed, “Yeah it is I guess, but it’s cool, not like I ever had anything else.”

“But Buffy and Spike; obviously he knows.”

Faith laughed again, “Oh yeah, he knows almost as much about Slayers as Giles does, only from a different angle.

“Should I assume he’s not exactly your typical guy?”

“You catch on fast. Yeah you could say he’s part of a eh- unique set, just like Me and Buffy,” she cocked her head, “Sort of.”

“What’s his story anyway?”

“Oh no, I’m not going there. Let’s just say he can keep up with us in a fight pretty damn well. He’s a good guy to have on our side.”

“Sounds complicated...”

“I haven’t even started on my backstory. It’s almost as complicated as his. You sure you want to get into all this?”

“I am if you are.”

Faith took a deep breath, unsure about what she wanted to tell him, “How do I know you’re not going to—“

“Blab it about town? My own father thinks my aunt died in a horrible rock climbing accident in the highlands. My mum only told me today because she thought, given your concerns, I should know what I was getting into,” he smirked, “Trust me Faith, I won’t say anything you don't want me to.”

Faith took a breath and cleared her throat, ”Good, because we tend to be a little iffy about straights finding out.”

He raised his eyebrows, “You’re not like the mob, I’m not going to find a bomb in my bed or something…”

“You know you’re leaving the door wide open for a great sex joke right?”

Callum flashed a sexy smile, “Not my intention, but ah, if that’s where your mind went with that I take it I’m safe.”

“Yeah, our business is protecting people from the baddies. We’re the good guys.” Faith replied.

“Okay, so what are the good guys doing running a girls school?”

She watched him drink his beer and took a sip of her own, “Alright…” she said as she proceeded to tell him a little more about the school and her role in it.

Callum sat back against the corner of the booth stunned, “So basically, it is what you say it is. You're just very selective on who you take on. So all those girls you teach… they’re—“

“Yup… freaked out yet?”

He let out a low whistle and shook his head, “That’s a lot to take in,” he took a sip of beer and nodded, “Alright I’m good, I’m hanging in. Wow, I bet Spike was really having a laugh about that whole superhero training camp thing.”

“Yeah well wouldn’t you?”

“Suppose so,” he tilted his head slightly and grinned.

“What’s that look for?” Faith asked, cocking her head to the side.

“Most of my adult life, I’ve been dealing with Superman jokes. Comic geeks wanting to call me ‘Kal-El’ or ‘Clark Kent’. Especially now there’s that Tom Welling bloke everyone says I look like. Not sure I see it myself, but that’s not the point. The point is that all this time I’ve tried to distance myself from that and then here I am. Falling hard and fast for a girl who is an actual real-life superhero. Who, by the way, looks like I should be able to pick up with one hand.”

“Did you say you were falling for me?”

He suddenly looked slightly bashful, “Afraid I think I am. That— is that alright?”

Faith covered her sudden desperate need to run by digging into the basket of chicken and chips in front of her. “As long as you’re okay with the fact I could toss you across the room without really trying, and I’ll never need your help opening a freaking jar.”

“Remind me not to piss you off.”

“Yeah, that doesn’t usually go well for the other guy,” Faith grinned and let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding as she relaxed against the booth. She suddenly stiffened slightly again, “Are we talking about incarcerations tonight or are we saving that conversation for another time?”

Callum shifted in his seat, “If you want to…but ah, given everything else, I’m voting another night.”

Faith nodded, “Sorry, didn’t mean to bring down the mood.”

“Impossible.”

“Ah huhh, say that again after you get to know me better,” she chuckled darkly, “So anyway, is that why you don’t like being called ‘Cal’, something to do with comics?”

“Kal-El, with a ‘K’, is Superman's Kryptonian name, it’s just a little too close to ‘Cal’ when you look like the Man of Steel as much as I do.”

“You won’t hear me complain. Never got into comics myself but damn, maybe I’m missing out,” she grinned.

“I’m starting to think this slow and steady thing might be harder than I thought.”

“Kinda getting that vibe too,” Faith took a sip of her beer as she eyed him, his muscles straining under his shirt. The urge to rip it off of him like tissue paper was strong.

She set her beer down, “As much as I’d really, really like to find a nice quiet spot somewhere and make it a whole lot less quiet... Like a week ago. I really want this time to be different. What your mom overheard was all true. I do like you, a lot which is big for me and I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“So the bit about the bathtub?”

Faith nearly choked on her beer, “Your mom heard that too?”

“In her defense, the acoustics in that place are wicked. I used to think my mum was magic or something. I learned fairly early on you can hear everything from behind the counter even when you’re not trying to,” he laughed, “So, I take it this isn’t the tub on the fourth floor then.”

“No, we have a massive jacuzzi type tub in our bathroom. It takes forever to fill so we don’t use it much, but it’s seriously amazing after a long day.”

“Don’t really do baths myself.”

“Not manly enough?”

“Piss on that, I’m just too damn tall for most tubs.”

Faith laughed, “I think this one would work for you.”

Callum raised an eyebrow, “Maybe I’ll have to check it out,” he smirked.

“Maybe the third date,” she said, taking a drink.

Callum gave her a slow smile, “Now, ya know something. That raises an interesting point, is this date number one or number two?”

She watched him as he casually leaned towards her a little and her heart suddenly sped up, “Sort of depends on how the next one goes, I’ll let you know.”

“Already planning another date?”

“Kinda thought this one was going pretty well so far. You already know one biggy. So I’m game if you are.”

Callum grinned, “Oh I’m game.”

***** ****** *****

Back at the castle, Spike rummaged around in the wardrobe in their room looking for candles. It took a minute but he struck pay dirt, a whole box of white candles. They were really there for power outages and spells but they would do just fine to set the mood. He knew he didn’t have much time. He had managed to grab some blood just as the girls came into the kitchen with pizza they’d brought back with them from town for dinner. Buffy had stayed down stairs to eat but he knew she wouldn’t be long.

He had started lighting the last of the candles in the spacious bathroom when he heard Buffy calling for him from their bedroom, “In here, Love. Bring your special bubble bath would you?”

Buffy chuckled to herself. She grabbed the bubble bath and padded her way barefoot into the bathroom carrying it and a bottle of wine and two glasses. It was dark except for the dozen or so candles he had lit. The tub was still filling as Spike stood there shirtless waiting for her. She smiled when she saw him. “I was hoping for candles,” she said, setting down the bubble bath on the side of the tub.

“I’ll take those,” he added, taking the wine and a glass. He poured some into each glass. They touched glass before each taking a sip, “Thought we were out of wine.”

“Got some more today, what do you think?” Buffy set her glass down and started shrugging off her top revealing the lace camisole she had on underneath.

“Little sweet for my taste but it’s not bad,” Spike said as he continued to watch her with hungry eyes as she leaned over to pour bubble bath into the tub.

The scent of blackcurrant and honey filled the air, “That’s better huhh?”

He looped a finger into Buffy’s waistband, pulling her towards him roughly. Buffy gave a playful little squeal as he did so. He tugged at the bottom of her camisole, “I think we can do better,” he smirked.

****** ****** *******

Faith let out a crow of triumph as she sunk another billiard ball, winning her second round against Callum. A local band had begun playing about an hour into their date and the place had filled up.

“You warned me you were good. Best three out of five.”

“You’re just looking to have your ass handed to you.”

“Rather have yours, but I’ll take what I can get,” he grinned.

Faith returned it with her own, “Obviously. Alright, rack’em up, pretty boy.”

“Pretty boy?” He repeated, getting closer to her. Faith allowed him to pin her against the table. “Where do you come down on kissing on a first date?” He asked.

“Sort of feeling like a second date, don’t you think?”

Callum’s grin widened as he leaned in to kiss her. Faith snaked an arm behind his neck to deepen the kiss. It was electric. Faith had never been kissed like that in her life and that was saying something considering the amount of practice she’d had. They broke apart breathing a little heavily, “Holy shit,” she gasped.

Callum steadied himself, he was also feeling the effects of the kiss, “So, ah that wasn’t a one-sided Slayer thing I take it, you felt that too?” he gasped.

Faith nodded, still catching her breath.

“Definitely feels like a second date,” Callum breathed in her ear.

“I’ll say,” she pulled him back down for another kiss as he picked her up onto the billiard table. She felt him pressing hard against her through his jeans and felt her own body responding to him. Gears clicked inside her head, she wanted him now. It was more than clear that he wanted her too. But no. It couldn’t happen, not here, not now. Not yet.

Faith placed a firm hand on his chest just as he started to pull away, “If we don’t stop, Lass, these folks are going to get a very different show than they came in here for.”

They both looked at one another, eyes blazing and breathing heavily. Callum took a step back, allowing Faith to slip down off of the table. She pressed her lips together relishing the after effects of the kiss, “If that’s any indication, I’m thinking you might be right about a bomb going off in your bed.”

Callum’s eyes flashed and he grinned a little, “You’re ruddy dangerous you are. Like you’re trying to take a sledgehammer to my resolve.”

“I could say the same thing to you,” she said, pushing him back just a little, a sly smirk playing on her lips. “Rack'm up, mister, we're not done here.”

*****

A few hours later Callum and Faith were standing at the castle’s door once again. “You want to come in for a drink?” She asked.

”Not so sure that’s the best way to go about this going slow bit, beautiful. Especially after our little display at the pub,” he grinned.

“Who’s stupid idea was this taking it slow thing anyway?”

“Pretty sure it was a mutual consensus,” he chuckled.

“So next time?”

“Next time? How soon can we do next time?”

Faith smiled, “How’s next Friday?”

He pulled her to him, “That’s too far away.”

Faith let out a shuddering breath, “I’m on duty tomorrow night. You’re off from the hardware store on Tuesdays right?”

“Probably coming here to start on the elevator if I can get the parts. How do you feel about mixing business and pleasure?”

She shrugged one shoulder, “Doesn’t bother me.”

“So, Tuesday?”

“Unless I can talk you into coming upstairs now.”

Callum hesitated as Faith pulled him down for another electrifying kiss. “Didn’t we just go over this?” He asked breathlessly.

“Just making sure. Gotta say, your restraint is pretty damn hot.”

“I don’t go into the hardware store until afternoon on Wednesday.”

“Tuesday it is.”

“Tuesday. I’ll take you back to my place, we’ll have a night in. I’ll cook.”

“You cook?”

“Man’s gotta eat. The crockpot is my best friend. Does all the work for me.”

“Fair enough,” she smiled.

They shared one last long kiss before Callum finally left for the evening. Faith’s heart pounded in her chest as she closed the door. She couldn’t help the broad smile on her face as she made her way upstairs. Tuesday. She’d never allowed a guy to get to her like this before. Not even Robin. Sure she had thought they had something going. Neither one of them had ever used the dreaded “L-word”.

This connection she was feeling with Callum, just felt different. Hadn’t Callum even said he was falling for her? Was that what this was? Love… the real deal? The thought put her stomach in knots but then she thought of his smile and couldn’t help but smile again. She was still smiling when she reached her floor. The door to Buffy and Spike’s room was shut but she could still hear muffled sounds from within. Clearly their night hadn’t ended yet.

It all started with Spike having nightmares about the woman he loves prompting him to go to her; before a demon got there first. Now where will it lead them? What new challenges will they face in a world with multiple Slayers? Nearly all major characters will eventually make an appearance. Essentially this is a very Spuffy centered continuation of the series.

Rated for sexual content. Canon typical violence and themes. I will try to add appropriate warnings as needed although I think these should suffice for the majority of the story.

Stunningly gorgeous banner created by cd85

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

“Slayer Central Rome! You got a baddie, we’ll get stabby!”

Spike chuckled “Bloody Hell, Willow is that you? I thought you were in Tibet or some such.”

“Yeah, we just got back a couple of weeks ago, who is this?”

He was starting to get annoyed, “Oh now come on Red, I don’t have time for this bollocks.”

“Spike?” Willow squeaked.

“Course it’s me, I need to speak with Buffy, she around?”

There was a pause on the other end before Willow sputtered, “Hang on, how?”

“I thought Angel said he filled you in, or at least Andrew would have, the git.”

Willow tried to backpedal a little. The call had completely taken her by surprise. “Well sort of… not really. Andrew said you were back but that you didn’t want us telling Buffy until you could talk to her yourself.”

“Bollocks, yeah I guess I did… look, you heard about the apocalypse we put a pin in?” He huffed.

“Well sure, I make Angel check in on all the big stuff, especially now since I guess he’s back on our side. He didn’t sound all that great when he called last.”

“Well no, I suppose not. The man nearly got cut in half, didn’t he now? He’s on the mend… it’s not over by a long shot.”

“So he said…” she sounded doubtful.

“Right, well anyway, that’s not why I’m calling.”

“Why are you calling? What happened to you? Angel didn’t say; in fact, I kinda thought you might have been dusty.”

Spike let his shoulders relax a little, “Me? Nah, not this time anyway. I’m alright or will be. Look Red, I really need to talk to Buffy.”

“She’s not here, not in Rome I mean.”

That made him tense again. “Fu— well when will she be back?”

Willow was starting to get a little uneasy, she couldn’t remember the last time Spike had sounded so agitated. “Probably not for a while, maybe a few more weeks. What’s this all about, Spike?”

Spike sat down roughly into a chair, “It started a few days after this last big one. I— shit I don’t know— I keep having dreams. It’s one of the lesser demons that came through. The damn thing escaped, along with countless others I’d wager, but this one— I- it’s hunting for Buffy. I’ve tried to do some research here but I’m not the bloke for it and ours is gone. Near as I can tell, I think I must have killed its mate and now it’s gunning for Buffy.”

“Wait, but Buffy—“

“Is in trouble, think this is some sort of empathic, telepathic or some-pathic demon. How it knows about Buffy, I don’t know, unless it read me somehow. I’m trying to get a better bead on this thing if I can.” He snapped.

Damn it, this shouldn’t be so sodding hard.

Willow’s voice grew increasingly more concerned, and he could almost picture the pained expression on her face when she spoke. “But these dreams, they are just dreams, right? I mean you’ve never had prolific dreams have you?”

“Not exactly normal for me, no. So that’s what I thought too. I was pretty banged up myself and I just thought it’d messed with my head, right? But then the dreams kept coming… I need to warn her, help her, I need to do something.” He wanted to punch something.

“Spike, I don’t know where she is, exactly…”

He growled, “For Pete’s sake Willow, you don’t stop, I'm going to come to Rome and bite you.”

“Cranky, Spike, I get it! Look, Sunnydale was rough on all of us, and you know Buffy. She was actually really holding it together until a few weeks ago, she sort of ended things with the guy she’d been seeing. Kennedy and I had just got back when we heard LA was still standing, so we sort of convinced her to take some time off since it’s been pretty quiet here.” Willow added defensively.

He sputtered at that, mind spinning, “Time off? You’re jokin’; You mean to tell me I’m worried sick here and she’s on a bloody— she went on sodden holiday!?”

“Uhh huhh…” He could hear the blush in her voice.

“You got contact information or something for the girl or what?”

“Her last email was a few days ago; she was in Paris,” she hedged.

“Pa-Paris? She ah— she’s not, you know, with- she’s not still with The Immortal is she?” A rock had dropped in the pit of his stomach, he didn’t think he could stand hearing it.

“The Immortal? How did you- Andrew— of course—“ Willow groaned, “no, that was the guy I mentioned. I didn’t really get to know him. She’s totally been on a solo trip. Sort of a soul-searchy bohemian kind of thing. I have a cell phone number for her, but she’s been keeping it turned off a lot. I usually just leave messages and she calls back when she can or we email. She’s really burned-out right now so we’ve been giving her some space.”

Spike pinched the bridge of his nose.

I’m not in the mood for this nonsense…

“Yeah well this thing catches up with her and she’s going to be burned to a crisp if she’s not prepared for it.”

“I'd be more worried about her staking you for not telling her you’re back.”

He smirked. She might have a point there— “I’ll handle Buffy.”

“She might be kinda pissed. I mean I only had an idea because when Angel called about the apocalypse he mentioned you were with him on it so then I drilled Andrew while Buffy was out. And none of us really knew if we could trust Angel or not—“

“And so, me? Bugger…” he groaned.

“I didn’t say anything— I didn’t want to upset her or—” she let out a little whimper “And you know what! I don’t remember getting any calls from you mister!”

“Yeah, alright, luv, steady on, you got me. Just being protective. Believe me, I get it. Lot of that goin’ round.”

Willow faltered slightly, “Well good, as long as we all have her best interest at heart.”

“Trust me, that’s all I want.”

“Fine, you got a pen?” Willow rattled off the number while Spike scribbled it down.

“Right, thanks Willow, I mean it. If you get a hold of her, let her know I’m coming. I’d rather not surprise her like that if I can avoid it. I’ll try calling but it doesn’t sound like I’ll have much luck.” He paused, hesitating, “Will— I never wanted to— damn. I was just trying to take some time to figure things out, I didn’t want— forget it. That’s for Buffy’s ears. I’m catching the next flight I can get, with any luck I can beat this nasty to her.”

“Hang on a minute,” there was a slight rustling and clicking on Willow’s end, “wait, here it is. Humm ok, Spike, think she might be staying somewhere close to the Eiffel Tower. I remembered she included a couple of pictures in the email and it was in the background of two of them, but in the distance, I think they might be from her hotel balcony.”

“That’ll narrow the search a bit. At least I got a slightly smaller haystack…” He eyed the phone number he had written down. A tangible thread connecting him to her.

Willow bit her lip, she hadn’t been able to give him much to go on, but hopefully it would be enough, “Good luck!”

*****

Night had already fallen when the plane touched down at the Paris airport. Spike was really missing the private jet. He scrambled out of the luggage compartment where he had stowed away. He was definitely glad the trip was over. At least he had a cell phone with him. He used it to call Willow back to see if she could help out with identifying the demon, she had only come up with a few more tidbits of information. He also tried calling Buffy a few times, as expected it went straight to voicemail.

Spike immediately started towards the Eiffel Tower. What else could he do except start there and work his way out just hoping to catch her scent? It was nearly dawn when he finally did just outside of a little corner cafe. It was a quaint section of the city, perfect for someone looking for the full Paris experience without being right in the thick of it. He should have known she’d be somewhere like this, he thought. He stood on the street inhaling deeply to follow her scent. It led him to a relatively small hotel. The upper floors would have balcony views of the tower for sure.

“Excusez-moi,” he called to the receptionist “Vous parlez anglais? Mon français est un peu rouillé.”

“Oui, yes, how can I help you?” The receptionist answered, taking in his rather rough appearance.

“I’m looking for a friend of mine, I believe she’s staying here. Summers, is the name. Belle, petite, blonde?”

“Ah! Oui, she has been with us for nearly a week. We thought she must be waiting for a lover, but when none joined her…” again the receptionist looked him over skeptically.

“Got held up,” Spike said, bristling a little.

“Oui, monsieur.”

He cleared his throat, “Eh could you tell me which room she’s in?”

The receptionist gave a curt nod, “Oui monsieur, one moment please. Would you like me to call up for you?”

“That won’t be necessary, just the number, s'il vous plaît.”

Minutes later Spike stood outside Buffy’s door wondering if he should’ve let the receptionist call. His stomach clenched and he bounced on the balls of his feet trying to dispel some of the tension in his body. He flexed his fingers and balled up his fist nervously.

No, it’s best to just get it over with.

He reached out to knock, hesitated again, and rapped the door with his knuckles. When she didn’t initially respond, he knocked a little harder. An older man poked his head out of the door across the hall but went back in at the sight of him. Spike swore under his breath and knocked again.

From the other side he could hear her familiar voice answer “Just a minute! Eh… Une minute, une minute! I’m coming!”

He chuckled and his throat suddenly constricted. A moment later the door opened a crack. He could see her adjusting her bathrobe before looking up at him properly. As she did, her mouth fell open, “S—Spike?” She rubbed her eyes with one hand.

“Hello Buffy,” he said, running a nervous hand over the back of his neck. Almost not daring to look at her.

“Is- is it— really you?” She stammered as she opened the door a little wider.

“Yeah, it’s really me, Love, in the flesh. You look...”

“How?”

“I- well, Willow told me where I could track you down. Mind if we have this conversation inside, please?”

That seemed to bring her back a bit, “You talked to Willow?”

“That’s how I found you. Mind if I come in? We need to talk.”

“Understatement,” she answered numbly as she opened the door further for him, revealing the small crossbow she held relaxed towards the floor, “when did you get back?”

“Let’s start with something less complicated, shall we?”

Buffy turned into her rather comfortable room, letting him pass before setting the crossbow on a little table by the door, “Such as?”

“Well, I don’t know if I should start with how amazing you look, the big bad that’s hunting you down, or the fact that you apparently haven’t been checking your messages.”

”This was supposed to be a vacation.” Buffy sat on the edge of the bed, her bathrobe slipping distractingly revealing the edge of a little cotton nightie. Buffy noticed Spike’s gaze and composed herself halfheartedly.

Let him look— she thought.

“So what’s the big bad?” Her tone was almost business-like, but she sat staring at him.

He looked a little banged-up but it suited him, in a ‘worrier-after-battle’ sort of way. He had a few cuts and bruises that weren’t quite healed and he seemed to be moving a little stiffly; she suspected bruised ribs. There was a particularly bad cut across his cheekbone. Otherwise, he looked good. Really good.

God, I missed him— in more ways than one.

“I’d almost forgotten how beautiful you are,” he said softly.

She scrunched her hair that was still pulled back into a low ponytail. It was mussed from sleep and little tendrils had escaped, “You too,” she sighed, “What is this, Spike? Are you here because of this big bad or for me? A little warning would have been nice.”

He scratched the back of his neck again in frustration, “Slow down, Love. Now if you’d check your bloody messages you’d already have a general idea; not to mention that my appearance here might’ve been a bit less… ya know-“

“Shocking?” She pinned him with a deadly stare.

He deflated a little, “I was going to go with ’awkward’, but ‘shocking’ does the job.” He shifted his stance and gave her a nervous smile, “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining about the rather fetching robe here but you’ll probably want to throw on something you can fight in. I got a feeling it’s not far behind. Maybe a day or two if we’re lucky.”

Bugger all, William, you sound like an idiot.

Buffy pulled her robe around her a little tighter and steeled her jaw, “Big bad is a day maybe two out, you haven’t seen or talked to me since you went out with a bang, and you’re seriously worried about my bathrobe not being ‘fighty’ enough?” she gave him a look of mock confusion.

Spike dipped his head and clenched his jaw.

She’s got me there…

“Sound like a prat when you put it like that,” he cleared his throat, “I have tried to call you. Willow too, you know.”

Buffy reached inside the nightstand drawer to retrieve her phone, a ‘Full Mailbox’ warning and several missed calls greeting her. “Ohh… yeah I should probably remember to take that with me,” she frowned, “alright, fill me in, what brings you to Paris?”

Spike sighed, as he threw his leather jacket onto a spindled chair. Then walked around to sit in the other one on the opposite side of a small table. He didn’t dare get close, not yet.

Well she still hasn’t hit me yet, that’s promising— still early though. She’s so beautiful.

He flexed his hand, he wanted nothing more than to advance, but not yet. The truth was that this was one reason he hadn’t called or sought her out before. He had been taking some time to figure out who he was and where he fit in without a woman in his life and he knew if he was with her he’d stay. As an ally or as a lover he’d stay.

The time he spent in LA had given him time to think. Getting a talking to from Andrew, of all people, had given him even more to think about. It wasn’t about who he was with but rather what he was doing. Fighting the good fight, feeling a little more sure of his place in the world. That said, he also knew there was still no other place he’d rather do that than by her side if she would have him. She deserved to hear it from him. He owed her at least that much.

Spike sat with his elbows on his thighs, clasped his hands together and looked directly into her eyes “Firstly Love, it’s a bit of a long story.”

“Oh look, we have nothing but time,” she narrowed her eyes at him, “I’m listening.”

Spike cleared his throat, “It starts with that shiny bauble you gave me. It got sent back to Angel. He opens the package and poof I’m standing in his office. One minute I’m right where you left me. Lit up like a torch, my insides boiling, flesh burning. Savin’ the world so the woman I love can live in it; and the next thing I know, I’m standing in the middle of Angel’s desk.”

She relaxed a little, “You’re joking.”

Spike shook his head, “Afraid not. Spent a good chunk of time incorporeal. Made a right mean ghost, I did.”

“You’re not joking.”

“Nope. Then when I finally got all solid again…” he paused and stood up, “look, I was going to come find you. I started out— I just, well I didn't— I didn’t know what to say or how you’d react. Then I got to thinking maybe it was for the best.” He hesitated and swallowed a lump in his throat, “I sort of wanted to see who I was on my own. Trying to find my own way, figure out if I had a bigger purpose,” his voice was horse, his throat suddenly felt raw, “there was a lot going on in LA and I just sort of decided to stay. Do what I could to help. Turns out it was a good thing I did stay, not that the great ungrateful ponce will ever admit it.”

“You chickened out.”

He resumed his seat across from her, “But don’t you see? I’m glad I did. It gave me a chance to work through some things.”

“Alright, so working with Angel helped you work through whatever it was you needed to work through. And it had nothing to do with, I don’t know, finding someone else or—” she fidgeted with the belt on her robe nervously.

“Is that jealousy? Haven’t you heard anything I’ve been saying? I needed time for myself, Love. You’re still the only woman I can think about,” Spike ran his hand roughly over his leg, “look alright— I’ll admit when I got my body back I- I did something I regret. Yeah. But that made me realize I couldn’t just run right back to you. Not just then.”

Buffy looked down at her knees. When she looked back up her eyes were shining with tears, “I missed you… I- how could you just–“ she stood up and started to pace. “Spike, I’m really, really trying to understand this. Taking time for solo reflection and soul searching is not a new concept for me. Hell that’s what this little vacation is supposed to be all about! But I— I thought you were dead! Dusty-dead! Do you have any idea what that did to me? Did you care about that?”

“I’m sorry, Lo—“ he started to say but he was cut short when Buffy punched him in the face and followed it with a kick that sent him toppling off his chair and into the wall.

“You’re sorry? I tell you ‘I love you’, just before you die and you can’t even call me up to tell me you’re not actually dead? You could have told me you needed time, you could have said you wanted to work some things out, but no…” her eyes burned with the tears she was working hard to hold back. “So you’ve been in LA, with Angel of all people?”

“I— yeah alright, I deserve that,” he said, feeling his jaw. He stood up holding up a placating hand, fixing the chair, “You’re right to be upset. I should have let you know what was going on.”

She sniffed angrily but didn’t speak.

“Look, Buffy, I— there’s no love loss between him and me. Too much history there, bit like working with family I’d wager. But, it was time well spent.”

“I sure hope so. You’re lucky I don’t stake you… or at least beat you up some more. God I missed you,” she sat back down with a huff.

“Missed you too, Love,” he grinned.

She took a deep breath, calming herself down, “I’m still trying to get around you and Angel buddy-copping around LA. I’ll assume that’s what triggered the apocalypse.”

“Yeah, you might be closer to the truth than I care to think about right now,” he said, sitting down again. “In all seriousness, Buffy, we lost good people. People I actually cared about. After this last one— I was laid up for a bit, and then the dreams started…” he moved to take a seat next to her on the bed as he continued filling her in. When he finished, Spike turned to her, “…So that’s why I’m here now.” He moved a strand of hair from the side of her face, she didn’t flinch or move his hand “I’m sorry, Buffy.”

Buffy suddenly stood up, and started to pace, “Okay—” she took a deep breath, “okay, I heard you out. I think I understand this thing. Now I want you to understand something,” she turned to him sharply, “I need you to understand that while you were dead, ghostly, undead and worst of all, silent. I was mourning the man I love,” she paused, waiting for him to respond.

Spike was dumbstruck, “Did you say—“

“Glad I got your attention. When you died, I had fallen in love with you, with the man you were— are, becoming.”

“Buffy?” He stood up and placed his hands gently on her shoulders to stop her pacing. “All I can say is that I’m here now. I’ll stay with you for as long as you want me,” he kissed her forehead “I’m sorry I didn’t call, Love .”

Buffy shuddered a moment, her head buried in his shoulder letting a few tears fall. Then she straightened up looking him squarely in the face “I’m not sure if I’m ready to forgive you yet.”

His head was spinning, she said she had fallen in love with him. Love— that was better than forgiveness. “I deserve that.”

She shifted slightly, “You said we have some time before this thing comes, right?”

He gripped her shoulders gently, “I think so… probably not much. It has my scent, it’s liable to follow me right to you. I’d only hoped to get to you first and figured we’d come up with a plan together.”

“Big bad, two heads, breaths fire, it has some freaky telepathy mojo, and you already killed one by cutting off its heads right?”

“That’s right,” his throat went dry as she ran her hand over his bicep and he suppressed a moan at her touch. She tilted her head towards him slightly, watching his eyes.

“This was supposed to be a vacation. I just have the one little crossbow, a small ax, and a few stakes. What do you have?” She asked as she continued to run her hand up his arm, stopping at the sleeve of his black t-shirt.

Spike swallowed nervously, “Traveling light are you?”

“I brought more shoes than weapons, and saved room for shopping, so yeah.”

“I got a few goodies that should help us out, they’re there in the duffel.”

“So really what you’re saying is that we have what we need already and there isn’t anything more we can do about this thing until nightfall, am I right?”

He cleared his throat, “Suppose that’s right.”

She let her hand skim over his chest, God I missed him— “You probably need to get cleaned up after your trip, maybe get some sleep? I normally go down to the café for some breakfast about this time. Do you want me to get you anything? I think there is a butcher’s shop nearby, you’ll need your strength.”

He glanced down at the hand she held to his chest, “Yeah alright, I guess I could eat,” her sudden domestic tone coupled with her tender touch was throwing him off and he wasn’t sure what else to say. The truth was that he was nearly starving.

“An assortment of pastries, pig’s blood for you, and coffee for me? Unless you’re interested in doing a little catching up?” she couldn’t help herself, she shot him a sultry smile. She really had missed him, all of him.

“All sounds good, Pet, but ah-” he watched her hand traveling up his arm, “Are you sure you really want to jump back in it with me? I just mean—” he broke off, taking a step back. “It’s been a while. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve dreamed about picking up where we left off but… thing is- Buffy, I know you just ended a relationship, and I haven’t exactly been forthright. You clocked me pretty good there but I figure I deserve worse than that.”

“You’re right. I know, a lot has happened and I don’t care, you’re here and I still love you. Shut up,” she said as he started to open his mouth, “I’ve had lots of time to process. You’re right, I did just end a relationship. It was a stupid rebound thing, and the truth is that it actually helped me sort out a few things myself.”

“Now hang on-“

“No, I’m talking. Do you know why I’m not freaking out more than I am? Because I’m just so damn happy to see you. It's like none of that other stuff matters just as long as you’re really here,” she paused briefly for a breath, ”in case you’ve forgotten, you’re not the first boyfriend I’ve had to come back to the land of the living.”

She pulled herself away and walked over to the open window, the morning light was coming nearer now.

“Did you just say boyfriend?”

“Can we stay on topic, please?” Buffy asked as she closed the window and pulled the blinds shut against the sun.

He stepped back over to her pulling her close, “Thought I was. Go on then.”

She didn’t speak right away, instead, she just stood reveling in the feeling of him holding her. “After Sunnydale, do you know what I regretted most?”

“What’s that?”

“The thing I regretted most was not having more time getting to know who you were becoming. I was falling for you, even then with everything going on. I know that now.”

“Buffy—”

She shook her head sadly, “I missed having you in my life. Maybe it is good you did take some time before coming to see me.”

“Yeah?”

“Now you’re back, I don’t intend on letting you go, William.”

He locked eyes with her “‘William’, am I? You’re serious then? About me; Us?”

In reply she pulled him into a deep tender kiss then said, “I am. You are, aren’t you?”

“I’d go to hell and back for you, Buffy, you know that.”

“Didn’t exactly answer the question.”

“I’m with you, Slayer, I love you.”

“Good. Now, how about breakfast?” She asked with a grin.

“Sod breakfast.”

“Oh so you’re over your reservations about—“

“Chivalrous prattle,” he said and leaned in to kiss her. Buffy responded in kind, guiding him back towards the bed.

She let her fingers glide up under the fabric of his t-shirt, caressing his cool skin. Oh God, I missed him. She thought as she pushed off his shirt. She paused for a moment drinking him in. He still bore some bruises, cuts and scrapes that had probably been much worse than they appeared to be now. She ran her fingers over a nearly healed wound on his side.

“You really took some good hits didn’t you?”

“A few. Nearly healed up now.”

“Good.”

Buffy’s robe slipped off revealing a little cotton nightgown with little cartoon cats printed on it. “I’d been wondering what you had on under there.”

Buffy rolled her eyes and laughed, “Oh yeah, my super sexy ‘sleepy kitty’ nightie,” she said as she undid his jeans.

“Damn straight it’s sexy!” Spike growled as he lifted the little nighty to pull off her panties, “it’s on you, that’s enough. Hell you could make a CowChicken hat look fetching.”

“No, I really didn’t.”

He nipped the shell of her ear, “Don’t really matter what you’re wearing, I’d still love it on you.”

Buffy shuddered in anticipation as he reached a hand between her legs and touched her lightly, “You did miss me, didn’t you, Love?”

She let out a sigh of pleasure. She had missed his touch desperately. “Spike… I need you.”

“Right here, Love,” he murmured as he laid her down on the bed kissing her. She wrapped her legs around him as he slowly took her. She pulled him closer, a little desperately but after so much time apart he wanted to take his time, “I love you, Buffy.”

“And I love you, William.”

“Do you really?”

Buffy’s eyes softened. How could he still not believe her? She ran her fingers over the nape of his neck, pulling him into a tender kiss. “Don’t be stupid.”

Spike dug his fingers into Buffy’s hair as he kissed her again. It was purely electrical. Both of them craving more of each other as they pushed further. Hands roaming freely as though trying to commit each other to memory.

Buffy rolled them so that she was on top. She took her cue from him, driving slowly. He pulled her towards him to pull her nightgown up and off. The sight of her nearly drove him over the edge right then and there, but he mastered himself. Buffy paused for a moment as she pressed herself to him, allowing herself to bask in the feeling of their bare skin touching.

She slowly pushed herself back up as she ran her fingers from his tousled hair over his well muscled body and down to his hips. Using his hips for leverage as she slowly and deliberately began to rock again. Spike grinned up at her as she turned herself around carefully. He knew what was coming, because she knew what he liked. Spike pulled himself into a sitting position pressing his chest to her back as she lowered herself onto him slowly rocking her hips. It had been so long since she had felt this connection to anyone. She craved the way he filled her perfectly as she continued to ride him backwards. Spike moved his hands around her hips and waist urging her on. He let his hands roam freely over her body, reacquainting himself with the curves he had been dreaming about for so long. Moving her hair from her neck, Spike started trailing kisses along her neck, shoulder and back. He worked his way back up to her ear, “Turn around, Love ,” he whispered.

“I thought you liked it like this,” she teased as she continued on a little faster.

Spike grunted his approval, “You know I do. It’s been a while, Love. I just want to see you.”

“Well, when you put it like that…” she moved around to face him. Spike pulled her forward towards him helping her settle back down on top of him as she started to glide once more.

“God, you’re so beautiful. I was crazy for not coming back.”

“Shhh,” she twisted herself to the side lying down on the bed. Spike followed her, thrusting deeply into her as she wrapped her upper leg around behind his back. Buffy turned, twisting to give Spike access to her breast. She gasped as he took one breast in his mouth and the other in his free hand. He felt her as her muscles clenched down tightly, making his thrust nearly impossible. It was his turn to gasp as he felt her shutter around him just before he let go, making her arch her back in ecstasy as he pumped into her letting them both ride out their shared orgasm.

Buffy pulled herself into him, gripping his shoulders as she panted for breath. “I’d almost forgotten what that felt like.”

“Oh we’re not done, beautiful. Far from it.”

“Oh you know it.” She murmured as she pulled him back in for a need-filled kiss.

Chapter 9 Awkward Moments

Buffy yawned as she entered Faith’s room later that morning with a cup of tea and some toast she had snagged from the kitchen. As she looked around, Buffy marveled at how simple the room was. A full sized bed, dresser, vanity, a wardrobe, night stand and a large comfortable blue saucer-chair made up the furniture. It was also cleaner than she had expected.

Although Buffy had seen Faith’s room from the door a number of times, this was really the first time she had actually been inside. The room was painted a light blue with white trim. The rest of the room was done in light blue and gray tones with lots of black and white accents. Faith had decided to use weaponry to decorate the walls. A pair of swords and a large crossbow were mounted above the headboard.

Afraid she wouldn’t be able to get out of the big round chair without hurting herself, Buffy opted for a seat on the edge of the bed, “So what’s up?”

“I need date night help.”

“Show me what we have to work with.”

Faith opened her wardrobe revealing a variety of tops and only one very plain black dress, suitable for a funeral. “What you see is pretty much it. The dresser just has jeans and workout gear. Practical stuff.”

“Okay… so it’s a lot less ‘Joan Jett’ than I was expecting but I’m sure there’s something here,” Buffy started shifting hangers, “Faith, I don’t really see the problem. You have at least five tops here that would be perfect for first date drinks. He’s taking you to a local pub not a five-star restaurant,” Buffy pulled out a fitted black top with lace sleeves and lace running across the shoulders, “This one is perfect, just add the right necklace and you’ll be all set.”

“I don't really have any.”

“Then I guess we’re going shopping.”

Faith sighed, “These girls are great and all, but I was really looking forward to having a day off. Not like they all go on these little outings anyway but it’s still a break.”

“So we don’t stick with the group. Giles will understand. It’ll be the first time we’ve been shopping since…”

“Before everything got so screwed up…”

“Come full circle haven’t we?”

“Does that mean we’re friends?”

“I don’t know about friends, Faith, but we’re definitely vital to each other and you definitely belong here. We’re in this together and in my book I guess that sort of makes us family. Pretend cousin thing notwithstanding,” Buffy shrugged.

“Really?”

“Unless you don’t feel the same.”

“I… is that freaky or what? I mean the cousin thing felt sort of… weirdly natural.”

“Yeah… it’s weird, but somehow it fits, right? They say you don’t get to choose your family, but that’s never really been the case for me. I say family is what you make it.”

“I never had that, made up or otherwise. I think I kinda like it. Thanks, B,” she cleared her throat, “Well I guess that means we better get a move on. Giles is gonna wanna leave soon, he promised the girls lunch in town.”

“Yeah, you know I’m totally avoiding that,” Buffy said frankly.

“We’ll hitch a ride with them there, hit a few shops, and walk home.”

“Perfect, I’m starting to feel a little cooped-up, it’s been so nice the last few days,” Buffy said with a sigh, looking out the window.

Faith followed her gaze, looking out over the grounds, it really was shaping up to be a great day.

*****

Buffy and Faith made their way through the people on the sidewalk. This section of town was full of small shops Buffy was excited to check out. She hadn’t been shopping since she got Spike his new hooded motorcycle jacket in Paris.

They had already been to a few but hadn’t had much luck yet. This shop was different from the others. It reminded Buffy of The Magic Box only with clothing and jewelry instead of the extensive collection of occult books Giles had kept. Otherwise it was very similar.

A middle aged woman with black hair streaked with gray and bright blue eyes greeted them, “Good day, ladies. Is there anything I can help you find?”

“I think jewelry mainly. She has a big date tonight and nothing to go with the outfit,” Buffy explained.

“We’ll probably just take a look around,” Faith dismissed.

“We have plenty of unique jewelry. Most of it is here on the display. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks,” Buffy said as she started to browse.

Faith turned to the jewelry display and picked up a silver necklace with a delicate stylized dagger hanging from it. She took it over to show Buffy. “That’s surprisingly pretty, it would go great with that top.”

“I think I’m going to get it…” she paused looking at the necklace, “Do you think I’m wasting my time?” she asked Buffy.

Buffy looked up from the dress he was looking at, “Shopping?”

“Well that, but…”

“Callum?”

“Yeah… I don’t know…”

Buffy followed Faith over to another clothing rack, “Look Faith. Here’s what I think, honest opinion: You got burned on Robin and I think Spike was right.”

“Figured you’d side with him,” she said as she held up an interesting semi-sheer black tunic top with silver threads woven into the fabric.

“Well yeah, if you like the guy then it’s worth taking the risk. You won’t know until you try. And if you don’t get that top I will, that’s super cute,” she said as she continued looking through the clothing rack. Buffy pulled out a dark purple top with black laces up the front and down the short sleeves, “What do you think about this one?”

“Here, let’s trade.”

“In case there’s a second date?”

“I can’t help but feel like I’m not cut out for this, Buffy. What happens when I tell him about, you know, everything?”

“Everything? Slayer stuff and all? You really like this guy huh?”

Faith glanced up at the shopkeeper who had suddenly paused as she rearranged the display case. The woman picked something up off the floor and quickly resumed working. Faith dropped her voice, “Yeah… What if it all sends him screaming? What if it doesn’t and it gets him hurt or worse? I can’t…. Buffy I can’t let Callum get hurt because of me. I just can’t…” Faith turned around looking at a display of herbs.

“We would never let that happen, Faith. You know that right? You, me, Spike, the rest of the gang, it’s our job to protect people and we’re damn good at it. Besides, look at Xander, he’s been in at least as many scrapes with me as Spike, maybe more, and he’s still in one piece, mostly… ok maybe not the best example.”

“Eyepatch says a lot, but I guess you sort of have a point. I really like this guy, Buff.” Faith pulled out a silky green halter top with a raven printed on it and handed it to her, “Here’s a sexy little thing.”

“Oh I like that, give me,” she smiled. “Maybe I’ll try out that massive bathtub tonight.”

“Just remember that I use that tub too.”

“What do you think I’m going to do in there?”

Faith gave her a knowing look, “I’m not worried about what you’d do solo. It’s more like what would happen if your boy-toy is involved” she smirked.

“Dirty… like you’d never try it out if Callum was a willing participant.”

“Sure I would… I’d also remember the cleaner is under the sink.”

Buffy laughed, “Thanks for the tip.”

“What do you think of this?” Faith asked, holding up a simple little black sleeveless dress.

“You need it. You need a little hot in your wardrobe.”

“Fine, I’ll keep an eye out.”

They left the shop almost a half hour later. Buffy found a short skirt with thistles screen printed on the thigh for herself and talked Faith into a skirt and a second dress. They each picked out a few new tops and restocked the herbs they had used along with some Berber-weed for Spike. This had been Buffy’s favorite shop so far. After that they grabbed a quick bite to eat and hit a few more shops. Buffy grinned broadly as they exited a lingerie shop.

“Let’s check out the music store and head back, I think I’m about done,” Faith said, pointing across the street.

“Sure, why not.”

The bell over the door tinkled as they walked in. The store was deserted and there was a slight scuffling sound and a woman’s Scottish accent saying, “Sorry, customers. Won’t be a moment…” in a hushed tone before a very pretty middle aged woman with Asian features came out from behind a heavy beaded curtain. Her sleek black hair had a dyed streak of bright blue and was tied back in a messy bun. She also wore a tiny diamond stud in her nose. “Hello there, anything I can help you find?”

“Oh hello,” Buffy managed to say as she was trying to take in the scope of the store. She redirected her attention to the woman behind the counter, taking in her funky handmade name tag, “I don’t even know where to begin, Zara.”

“Nostalgia, man…” Faith breathed as she looked around the shop. It was full of records, tables of cassettes, CDs, and players of all kinds.

“No kidding, Spike and Giles would both get totally lost in here,” Buffy said as she picked up an album with Jim Morrison’s picture on the cover. She flipped it over and set it back down.

“Rupert Giles?” Zara interjected.

Buffy was taken aback, “Ah yeah, you know him?”

“For most of my life it seems. You seem a touch old to go to his school.”

“Actually we teach there,” Buffy gestured to herself and Faith.

“Oh my God, you must be Buffy and Faith. So nice to meet you!” She said enthusiastically as she offered to shake Buffy’s hand. “So what brings you in today?”

“Her really,” Buffy pointed to Faith.

“I’m just looking. Maybe get something for Gi- ah, Uncle Rupert’s record collection.”

“I happen to know his wishlist,” she winked.

Buffy had the sudden sinking feeling that it was Giles behind the beaded curtain. Faith must have had the same thought because she caught Buffy’s eye and turned back to the shop owner quickly, saying, “Yeah, sure. I’ll take something off his list, surprise him. What about you Buffy? Getting anything?”

Buffy hesitated, “Now you mention it, do you carry MP3 players?”

“Sure do, right over there in the case.”

Buffy went over to take a look, while Zara walked over to the record albums. She pulled one out and handed it to Faith, “Here’s one Rupe wants.”

“Works for me, thanks!”

As Buffy checked out, she heard Giles’s unmistakable voice coming from behind the curtain.

“Zara, darling, I—“ he said distractedly as he removed headphones from his ears. He looked up, startled, “Buffy, why hello, I hum… you’ve met my friend Zara then? Ah, Zara, this is Buffy and—“

“Ah yeah we met, she was super helpful…” Buffy said, and then wished she hadn’t sounded so dumb.

Zara covered the awkward moment that followed with a laugh, “I was nosie I’m afraid. They had said something about your music collection and I interjected. We sort of handled introductions on our own.”

Giles stammered slightly, “We were just having tea. The shop is normally rather quiet this time of day…”

“We sort of picked up on that,” Buffy smirked knowingly.

“Yes well, how is the shopping going?” He asked, trying to change the subject while he looked around until he finally spotted Faith.

“Cool it, Rupe,” Zara soothed as she gave him a smile.

“This is our last stop then we’re heading back,” Buffy answered, holding up her shopping bags realizing a moment too late that her lingerie bag, clearly marked with the shop’s rather evocative name, was front and center.

Giles cleared his throat trying to pretend he hadn’t noticed, “The girls only have another hour and a half before I’m set to meet them; are you sure you don’t want to get a ride back with us?”

“Nah, as soon as Faith is done we’re heading back.”

****** ****** ******

When they got back, Faith started to make her way upstairs before she noticed Buffy going in the opposite direction, “Aren’t you taking your stuff up?”

Buffy turned back towards her, “TV’s on, thought I’d see if Spike is in there.”

Faith shrugged, “Eh, what the hell…” she said, turning to follow Buffy.

Spike wasn’t in the great room. In fact only Addison and Ursula were there. Kissing and grinding on each other with such enthusiasm that they didn’t even notice when Faith and Buffy walked in.

Buffy cleared her throat loudly, “Ladies!”

The two young women looked up, startled. Fear flashed in Addison’s eyes as she looked around for her shirt. Ursula couldn’t have cared less about being caught. She coolly pulled Addison’s shirt off the back of the couch, handing it to her girlfriend.

Buffy continued, “Why don’t you two take that upstairs to your room? The other girls will be back in about an hour.”

With that, the two Level 4 girls rushed past them to the stairs giggling.

Buffy rolled her eyes, “I suppose they’re going to want to be assigned to the same city,” she asked as she turned towards the stairs.

Faith followed, “Yeah, Ursula already brought it up to me the other day, they want to live together.”

“I’ll talk to them about it, later.”

“Yeah, I don’t think you want to walk in on all that again,” Faith shook her head as they reached their floor.

Buffy placed a hand on her doorknob, “Nope, not even a little. I do however want to put these bags down and find my guy.”

She opened the door to find Spike sitting upside down on the loveseat with his legs hanging over the back. His eyes were closed and he had on Buffy’s earphones connected to her laptop listening to music. He was reminding her of Dawn when she was about seven. Buffy set her bags down on the bed and went over to sit down next to him. Spike jumped as he opened his eyes and took off one of the earphones with a start, “What the— bloody— oh, hey Babe. How was the whole bonding experience?”

“It was… actually a pretty good day. I don’t think we’re ever going to be best friends but we’re being civil and we’re getting along for the most part.”

“That’s something,” he answered and closed his eyes again, tapping the beat on his stomach.

“How was your day?”

“Uneventful unless you count walking in on the lovebirds going at it hard in the living room.”

“Ah yeah, I thought you were in there watching TV, boy was I wrong.”

“Intended to. Went down to grab a beer and walked in on them. Turned right around and came back up here. Hope you don’t mind; I downloaded some tunes onto your computer.”

“Nah, it’ll go perfectly with your gift.”

“A gift for me?” Spike removed the headphones and swung his legs around to sit-up in his seat, “What’s the occasion? It’s not my birthday, yet.”

Buffy frowned, “When is your birthday? Do vampires even celebrate birthdays?”

Spike gave her a puzzled look, “Personal preference I suppose. Dru always made a big thing about it.”

“So when is it?”

“August 20th, met Dru ‘round the same time. Original member of the 27 Club,” he shrugged.

Buffy sighed as she relaxed back in her seat, and stretched her legs over Spike’s lap, “Makes you a Leo. I can work with that.”

“What’s this about?” He asked her as she kicked off her shoes and they clunked to the floor.

“Nothing, just gathering all the pieces of the Spike-puzzle I’m going to need for this long-term-commitment thing we’re going for.”

Spike raised his eyebrows, “And birthdays are part of the whole ‘normal-heathy-relationship package’, that right?”

“Basically, yeah.”

“Well I do like presents,” he grinned a little as he spotted the bags sitting on the bed, “Am I allowed to see what you got?”

“You get one gimme”

“That fancy looking one there, the gimme?” He smirked as he ran his fingers down her hair, gliding along her shoulder and down her arm.

“Might be,” she grinned, catching his hand in hers.

“Does my girl have plans for me tonight?”

Buffy leaned in close teasing him with a kiss that didn’t quite connect, “I may have got some fancy bubble bath.”

“You don’t say? Anything else I should be looking forward to?”

“There might be one or two other little surprises.”

Spike let out a low little growl pulling her to him. Buffy responded with a happy sound of her own as she consented to the kiss. She slid easily into his lap as they continued kissing. They stayed like that for several minutes before breaking apart. Spike tapped her on the leg, “I need to eat before I start getting hostile.”

“You go, I’m pretty beat from last night, I think I’m going to take a nap.”

There was a knock at their bedroom door.

“Who goes there?” Spike asked gruffly.

Faith’s voice came through the door, “Are you two decent? Kinda filled my quota of interrupting people in the act today,”

“You’re good,” Buffy laughed.

Faith opened the door, “Right, at least you two are fully clothed.”

“Giles might have actually been having tea, we don’t know.”

“What’s this now? Mr. Stiff-upper-lip, got a special friend?”

“Unclear…”

“Don’t want to know, it’s just too weird,” Faith grumbled.

“So what’s up, for a girl with a hot date you’re awfully bad moody.”

“Nah, 5x5, B. Maybe a few butterflies but it’s cool. Giles and the girls just got back. Callum called.”

Buffy eyed her, “He didn’t cancel did he?”

“Huhh… no… kinda the opposite. He finished his day a little earlier than he thought he would and wanted to know if he could pick me up earlier, get something to eat.”

“But that’s a good thing right?”

“He’s going to be here in about an hour.”

“You better get ready then.”

“I was kinda hoping you might help me with my hair,”

Buffy shrugged, “Sure, how do you want it?” she asked skeptically. Faith never seemed to have any trouble doing her own hair, but Buffy was in a benevolent mood.

“Kinda what I need the help with.”

“I’ll be in.”

As Faith left the room, Buffy turned to Spike, “She is really in knots over this guy.”

“All been there. Not a guy, I just meant—”

Buffy laughed, “You know I’ve always kinda wondered about you and Angel.”

“Oh now you're going to get it,” he said as he pulled her tightly against him grinning. He wove his fingers firmly into her hair and kissed her roughly until he felt her knees start to give way.

“You were saying?”

“Wow…”

“Run along now, Slayer. You go, make friends.”

Buffy took a moment to shake the hormone induced fog from her mind, “Not just yet, I got you something you might want to play with.”

He raised an eyebrow, “Present time?”

“One.” Buffy walked over to the bed and pulled out the MP3 player she bought him. “Here, I got this for you.”

Spike opened the box and held it in his hands, “Buffy… first the jacket, now this. You know I—”

“Call it a belated birthday gift for last year.”

“Thanks for this, Pet,” he held the player up in his hand. “I’ll need to get some music loaded up.”

“You’re welcome. I better go help Faith,” she said, giving him a kiss, “I love you,” she murmured.

“Love you too, Slayer.”

They shared one last lingering kiss before Buffy made her way across the hall to Faith’s room. When she got there Faith had already changed into the black lace top Buffy had picked out and the new dagger necklace. Buffy pursed her lips at the jeans she still had on, “Are you sure about the jeans?”

Faith shrugged as she finished her eye makeup, “You think I should wear slacks?”

“No, I think you should wear that totally hot little skirt you found today.”

Faith rummaged through the bags she’d thrown into her big round chair and pulled out a blue skirt with a 3 inch wide panel of black leather on one side that was bordered with little silver studs running along the edge. “Don’t think it’s too much?”

“Any other guy and you wouldn’t even be asking that. No, you’ll leave him speechless.”

While Buffy plugged in the curling iron, Faith shrugged off the jeans and pulled on the skirt. The skirt hugged her curves well and made her feel a little like a rockstar.

“I think I have an idea for your hair; have a seat.”

Faith sat, allowing Buffy to start on her hair. Buffy had just started a small French braid on one side of Faith’s head starting at her temple when they heard a faint knock. They both looked up to see Ursula standing in the doorway, “Ehh Hallo, Faith, Buffy, I’m glad I caught you both,” she said with a slight German accent.

“Sure, what’s up Urs?” Faith asked.

“I just wanted to say thank you both for being so cool earlier. I know we probably shouldn’t have gotten carried away downstairs like that.”

“Don’t worry about it, it’s fine. But you’re right, privacy is probably the best policy. I know you have to share a room with two other girls but still, do your best alright? Spike spent the day locked in our room so he wouldn’t disturb you.”

“Spike saw us too?”

“Ohh yeah,” Buffy nodded, “He’s way too cool to say anything though.”

“Please don’t tell Addy, she is already very shy about our relationship.”

“Course not,” Buffy said as she finished the little braid then reached for the curling iron.

“What’s this? Why the smoking outfit?”

“I got a date. You like?”

“If I were single… what shoes will you wear?” Ursula asked.

Faith pointed over to her regular boots. Ursula made a face, “No, not with that hot number. Size 8 right?”

“How’d you-“

“I have boots that will be much better, chunky wedge too, so they aren’t too bad in a fight either. I’ll get them,” Ursula ran upstairs and was back down before Buffy had finished the first curl with the curling iron.

Buffy paused, letting Faith pull them on, “Wow, these are surprisingly comfortable.”

“Not to mention totally hot? Who’s the lucky one getting the hot-girl special? It’s not that handyman guy is it?”

At the stunned look on Faith’s face Ursula laughed, “It is, isn’t it?”

“Can we just keep this quiet?”

“Sure, I owe you one anyway,” with that Ursula left to go back upstairs.

Buffy turned back to Faith and continued curling her hair, “Where’s he taking you tonight?”

“Some pub in town, ‘The White Rabbit’ I think he said.”

“Didn’t we pass it on our way back?”

“Yeah, I told him I could walk but he insisted on picking me up.”

“How chivalrous,” Buffy smirked.

“Is that what it is? Damn…”

Buffy laughed, “As strong as we are, sometimes it’s nice to be treated like a lady.”

Faith pressed her lips for a second, “Yeah don’t know, I mean there’s nice and then there’s… freaking annoying. I mean where’s the line?”

“That’s something you really need to work out between you two.”

“How’d you and Spike do it?”

“Oh no, do not go looking at us as a relationship model because, damn.”

“Yeah I get that… I just, how do you find the balance? I mean you’re both a couple of bad asses and then I don’t know… you got this seriously sickening lovey-dovey thing going on. I don’t know how to do that. I keep thinking maybe that’s what went wrong with Robin. I’m just too— hard.”

“I’ve been there, I get it. Honestly, I don’t know. I think once I was able to respect him, love came really easy for me. He’s also not afraid to tell me what I need to hear and I don’t know... That lovey-dovey stuff just sort of randomly comes out.”

Faith sighed as she looked in the mirror, “Damn, B, like the hair.”

“Well, go knock’em dead… figuratively.”

“Got it…”