BY Ripe Wicked Plum

Buffy tapped her pen restlessly against her diary, looking frustrated. For two hours, she tried to find something to write about, and considering her life at this point, that shouldn't have been too difficult.

However, the words would just not come, and writing about what she ate for breakfast, which Spike cooked...again...didn't seem to be like the thing one put in a diary. She was going to kill Giles for insisting she do it.

She finally groaned and rolled over onto her back, staring up at her ceiling, then pulled a pillow over her face, and screamed into it.

"Christ, pet, you all right?"

Buffy growled, lifting her head to glare at the vampire standing in her doorway, but her eyes widened instead. He was standing there, a towel wrapped around his waist, scarred eyebrow raised.

He was looking delciously sexy with his hair plastered against his head from the shower, and water droplets shining on his hard, pale chest, and she idly wondered what it would be like to lick them off. Oh, bad thoughts, Buffy!

"Slayer? What are you bloody gawking at?" He sounded amused despite the scowl on his face, and Buffy glared at him, "Nothing much...get out of my room."

"I'm in the doorway...you don't own the hallway."

"Do you pay rent?"

"No, I pay the goddamn mortgage," He boldly stepped in and closed the door behind him, "So, techinically...I own your room."

"Yeah, right...don't make me throw you headfirst through the..." Her eyes widened as the towel dropped, and her eyes shot down to his crotch automatically before she slammed them shut, "Uh...what was I saying?"

Spike chuckled, a combination of a laugh and a growl that made Buffy's skin raise in goosebumps as she shuddered. Damn it...why do vampires always have to make that sound?!

She jumped when she felt the bed depress, and then cool breath in her ear as Spike leaned over her, "Do you really want me to leave, pet?" He purred, and her eyes opened to meet his, the blue darkening till they were nearly black, boring into her hazel ones.

She swallowed heavily at the intent look he was giving her, his eyes seeming to burn in his hard-lined face, "Sp-Spike?"

His eyes flickered towards her lips, and before she could react, his were pressing against hers, his cool tongue flicking across them.

She opened her mouth to protest, but he took the opportunity to slip his tongue past her lips, the talented organ drawing hers into play. She jerked away in shock after a few seconds, her eyes wide as she stared up at the naked vampire, "Spike...what are you doing?"

"I thought it was obvious," He smirked before gripping her shoulders, and this time, when he smashed his lips against hers, she met his almost punishing kiss whole-heartedly, her tongue thrusting against his as he pulled her closer. Her hands slipped along his slick chest, still damp from his shower, and his hard pecs rippled beneath her fingers, and she moaned against his mouth.

He pulled away, leaving her breathless as he lavished her throat with his tongue, "I love you, Slayer...Buffy..." He murmured against her skin as she threaded her fingers into his short hair, holding his head against her throat as she closed her eyes, "Spike...I want you..." She gasped out as he nipped at her neck.

"SLAYER!"

Buffy yelped, her eyes shooting open as she rolled off her bed. She groaned as she hit the ground, and Spike chuckled from the doorway, "Smooth move," He said with a smirk, "Dinner's ready...you coming?"

"Yeah, I'm coming..." Buffy suddenly blushed, scrambling to her feet and Spike frowned at her, "You all right, Slayer? You look a little heated."

"I'm fine!" She snapped, "No heat! No heat at all!"

Spike's eyes widened slightly as he held up his hands in surrender, "Fine, whatever you say...excuse me for caring," He turned and stalked down the stairs as Buffy groaned, "Oh God...I really need my head checked if I'm dreaming about Spike..."

She glanced at her diary, still sitting on her bed, well, at least now I have something to write about...

"What do you do want to do tonight?" Spike asked Lisa and Dawn, a bit surprised the girl wanted to return, considering her last experience.

Dawn shrugged, "Giles needs some help at the shop, and we volunteered..."

"Right...I just bet you volunteered out of the goodness of your hearts...and it has nothing to do with the Watcher's neat magic crap," Spike replied, raising an eyebrow, and Dawn and Lisa exchanged a look, "Exactly...goodness of our hearts," Dawn answered, and Spike glanced towards the doorway as Buffy came in.

"What do you think, Slayer?"

Buffy shrugged, "I guess it's all right..." She glanced at Lisa, frowning, "But is..."

"She's up to date," Spike rolled his eyes, "She thinks it's cool."

"Of course she does," Buffy smiled at her sister, "Fine...but Spike should drive you there...I don't want you two walking the streets alone," She said as she grabbed her slaying bag and headed out.

Spike rolled his eyes again, "What does she think I'm going to do? Strap steaks to your back and leave you in the middle of Restfield?"

"Oh! Can we do that later?" Dawn asked, and Spike sighed, rubbing his eyes, "Christ...it's going to be a long night."

"Oh...great..." Xander scowled when he saw Spike come into the Shoppe with Dawn and Lisa, "Deadboy Jr..."

Spike ignored him, shooting Giles a curt nod before flopping down in a chair at the table.

Lisa looked around in a bit of awe, "This is so cool. You know the coolest people, Dawney."

Dawn shrugged, grinning at Xander, "Yeah, I know," she replied, and the older boy's mood was alleviated a little.

"Stay away from those!" Spike called when Dawn and Lisa went towards some of the books, "Christ, Watcher...weren't you a librarian at some point? Some of those titles are extremely dangerous..."

"What?" Giles followed his gaze, "No, I'm postive those are the most harmless..."

"Watcher, Santum Aliris? There are spells in there that can make a man's head implode. And the nice looking blue one? Numerous ways to call on evil deities and demons..."

Giles frowned, then grabbed the two that Spike indicated and slipped them behind the counter while the vampire rolled his eyes, "How do you know all that crap?" Xander asked, and Spike shrugged, "Hey, hang around Peaches long enough, you learn a few things. Acaltha wasn't his only spell endeavor."

Dawn pouted at him, "Kill our fun, Spike..."

"Hey, you're just lucky I didn't show the Slayer your report card," Spike said half-threateningly, "Let's see how fast your arse gets grounded."

Giles shook his head, watching Lisa and Dawn worriedly as they looked through a basket of talismans. Please, please don't break anything...

Spike chuckled, catching his look, "Hey, nibblet...what did the Watcher need help with?"

"Oh, right," Giles gestured at a box near the counter, "Could you seperate those crystals for me and put the price tags on them?"

"Crystals?" Dawn wrinkled her nose, "I never get to sort out the cool stuff like reptile parts or something..."

Giles shook his head again as the phone rang, and he picked it up, "The Magic Box...Rupert Giles speaking...oh...Angel!"

Spike scowled, "You two be all right? I need a fag."

"A what?!" Xander stared at him and Dawn giggled, "It's british for cigarrette, Xander," She told him, and he rolled his eyes, "I knew that!"

Spike shook his head, stalking out the door, and Dawn glanced at Lisa, who was looking at her curiously, "Old boyfriend of Buffy's," She told Lisa and she wrinkled her nose, "Angel? He sounds like a british name for a cigarrette..."

Dawn giggled, and Giles chuckled into the phone, then composed himself, giving the girls a stern look, "Sort."

Angel sighed as he rested the phone underneath his chin as he glanced at Wesley and Cordelia, who looked they were evilly contemplating on sending him out for another errand, "Yeah, Giles, I'm still here. Is Buffy there? She wasn't at home."

He sighed again when Giles told him no, "I hate to say this over the phone, but could you tell her I'm sorry about her mother? Joyce was a fine woman..."

"Yes, she was special to all of us," Giles said, looking out the front window, where Spike was just outside, mumbling to himself as he smoked.

"Yeah...listen, is there anything I can do? Does she need help with anything?"

"No, Sp...we've all gotten things taken care of, I think...and Buffy's father is giving her custody of her sister, last we heard."

"Oh...that's good..." Angel said, then frowned, "Wait...Giles...Buffy doesn't have a sister..."

Giles' eyes widened as Spike looked in towards him, and he swore loudly. Dawn looked up, frowning, "Giles, what's wrong?"

"Giles? Are you there?"

"Oh...fuck!" Giles dropped the phone by mistake as Spike came back in, "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Giles?! Is that Spike?"

Giles panicked, fumbling with the phone, "I'll...uh...call you right back..." He stammered, then slammed it back on the reciever.

"What's wrong, G-man?" Xander asked, coming towards the counter as Lisa and Dawn stood up, looking worried.

"Angel doesn't know that Buffy has...uh..."

"Sister..." Dawn finished, frowning, "But I know him! How can he not know me?!"

"Oh...fuck me..." Spike glanced towards the phone, "Call him the hell back before he does something completely stupid!"

"Like what?" Giles snapped, and Spike glared at him, "How 'bout him rushing down here like the bleeding white hat he is, and finding me living with his ex-honey?! I've been staked enough times this month, and I don't think he'll have the decency to miss!"

"Shit...shitshitshit!" Giles fumbled with the phone, dialing up Angel's number, then frowning, "Why is it saying that the number I'm dialing is out of service?"

"What? You dialed it wrong, old man," Spike said, "What's the number?"

Giles gave it to him, and with more sturdy hands, Spike punched the phone number in, "It's still saying it's out of service..."

"Fuck me!" Spike shouted, glaring at him, "You just signed my bloody death warrent, Watcher! I hope you know that!"

"Jesus Christ...Spike...I'm sorry..."

"Come on, nibblet, let's go," Spike was fairly snarling as he stormed towards the door, duster flapping behind him, and Dawn shot Giles a worried look before the two girls followed the vampire.

"Aren't you overreacting?" Dawn asked as Spike hurriedly packed, frowning. They had already brought Lisa home and as soon as they got back in the house, Spike started shoving everything in the boxes and trunks he had brought before.

"I think I'm underreacting," He replied, looking around, "Where in the hell are my books?"

"Downstairs, with mine," Dawn reminded him, pouting, "Where are you going to go?"

"Just back to the crypt till Peaches decides he tortured everyone enough and leaves again," Spike ran a hand through his hair, "And hope he doesn't fucking decide to rip me a new one."

Dawn grimaced as the door slammed downstairs, "Nice imagery," She said as Buffy stomped up the stairs.

She glanced into Spike's room as she passed by, then backed-up, "What's going on?"

"Guess who the monks forgot to plant with false memories?" Spike said in a chipper voice, scowling as he shoved a pair of jeans in a bag, "Bloody nuisance..."

"What's he talking about?" Buffy looked towards Dawn, and she sighed, "Angel, Buff...he doesn't know I exist. I guess they forgot the whole ex-boyfriend."

"But you remember Angel, right? Why wouldn't he remember you?"

Dawn shrugged, "I guess they didn't think he'd show up or something...how am I supposed to know, anyhow?"

"Okay...and this explains Spike packing up how?"

"Giles panicked...Angel's coming down here, so Spike's making himself scarce till he's gone."

Buffy's eyes widened, "He's coming here?"

"Possibly...we couldn't get him after Giles hung-up on him," Spike shrugged, "Apparently he changed his number."

"Oh...shit!" Buffy glared at him, and Spike's eyes widened, "Wot? I didn't do nuthin'!"

"I know you didn't do anything!" Buffy snapped, then raked both hands through her hair, "God! I so can't deal with him right now!"

"Buffy, what about Spike? He's going back to his crypt..."

"I'm fine, nibblet, hell, I lived in that thing for nearly two years."

"Oh, shit again..." Buffy glanced at Dawn, "What about her? I can't leave her alone! She has a half-days at school starting tomorrow..."

Spike sighed, forgetting about that, "Fucking mid-terms...did you study for those yet?" He glanced at the young girl, and she rolled her eyes, "I have one tomorrow for Biology, and you already helped me with that, remember?"

"Right..."

"Spike!" Buffy crossed her arms over her chest, "What if Glory shows up while Dawn's here alone?"

"Fuck, I don't know, Slayer...you really want Peaches to know I'm living here? I'll have to have a fucking doctor removing the stake from my arse, he'll shove it up there so far...and that's the optimistic scenario. Chances are, instead, it'll be buried in my chest!"

"Do you really think I want him to know you're living here?!" Buffy snapped, "It'll only hurt him..."

Spike scowled, "Fine, make sure he's gone to the mansion, or wherever he's staying by sunrise, and I'll sneak in the back or up the tree, all right?"

"Thanks," Buffy looked relieved and Dawn sighed, "What are you going to tell him about me?"

"Um...you're adopted?" Buffy suggested, then sighed, "Yeah, I know...lame. I guess the truth. That's the only thing that's going to work..." Buffy rubbed her eyes wearily, "Just stick your stuff in the basement, Spike, instead of carting it to the cemetary, and I'll change the sheets so he doesn't, you know...sniff you or something..."

"That'll be a laugh," Spike chuckled, "Maybe I can roll around on your sheets, and see how fast he makes a run for the nearest tree branch."

"Don't even think about it," Buffy glared at him, and he shrugged, "Hey, just a thought."

"Thinking's not your strong suit, is it?" Buffy asked innocently, and Spike glared at her as he lifted a trunk, "You're a hell of a lot more trouble then you're worth."

"Yeah, well, just avoid Angel while he's here, please? No teasing or...gloating or just plain you making an ass of yourself?"

"Well, since you asked so nicely...no," Spike grinned as Buffy glared after him as he took a trunk down the stairs, "Spike! You better not make a nuisance of yourself! I'll stake you, myself!"

"Then who'll babysit the mini-Slayer?" Spike called cockily, and Buffy groaned, glancing at Dawn, "Great...I can't even threaten his life successfully anymore."

Dawn shrugged, looking through an open trunk, "Hey! He does have other clothes!"

"What? No way! Let me see!"

Dawn lifted out an ancient pair of jeans and Buffy started to giggle hysterically, "Bell-bottoms? Spike in bell-bottoms?!"

"Drusilla's!" Spike screamed from the bottom of the stairs, and Buffy glanced towards the door, then back at the pants, "I'm stealing these," She said, glancing back at the trunk, "What else does he got in there?"

Spike appeared in the door, then slammed it shut much to the two girls disappointment,"If I went through your stuff, you'd beat me half-to death."

"You're already dead," Buffy reminded him, hiding the bell-bottoms behind her back when he tried to grab them back, "Hey, you never wear them!"

Spike rolled his eyes, "Fine, but stay the hell out of my stuff from now on!"

"How much dirt do you think he's got hiding in there?" Buffy asked and Dawn shrugged, "Loads, but that would be wrong."

"So?" Buffy grinned evilly, and Dawn rolled her eyes, "I'm so not getting involved in this. So...does the not torturing Angel clause refer to me too?"

"Uh..." Buffy smiled slightly, "A little torture's okay..."

"So, as soon as he walks in, rush him, screaming his name happily and jumping on him?"

Buffy giggled again as Spike leaned against the doorway, raising an eyebrow at the two sisters, "Yeah, do that...the look on his face will be classic..."

"What if I do it?" Spike suggested, grinning, "See how old granddad takes that."

Buffy cocked her head, just envisioning the blond vampire jumping on Angel like a child, then laughed, "Oh, man...his heart would stop...um...you know, if it was still beating..."

Angel took a corner in his convertabile much too fast, and he slid on the leather seat a bit.

As soon as Giles had hung up on him, he had jumped in his car without packing and pratically did ninety all the way from LA, making the two and a half hour drive in only a hour.

He screeched to a halt in front of Buffy's house, and pratically fell out his car in his haste to get too her.

He knocked on the door rapidly, and Buffy answered, smiling at him overly sweetly, "Angel? What are you doing here?"

"Buffy..." He stared at her in a small amount of pain, wanting to reach out and hold her, but he buried his hands in his pocket, "Hey...I'm sorry...about your mother..."

"It wasn't your fault," Her tone was slightly regretfully, "Why don't you come in?"

"Thanks...I..."

"ANGEL!"

He jumped in surprise when a teenage girl ran down the stairs and threw her arms around his waist. "I'm so glad you came! I missed you!"

Buffy hid her grin as Angel stared down at Dawn in shock, and went to close the door. She glanced out in the yard when she heard a thump, and saw Spike laying on his back, having fallen out of the tree in his haste to get out. They weren't expecting Angel to get there so fast. "Ow...bloody hell!"

Angel started to turn, and she closed the door quickly, "Angel, remember Dawn?"

"Uh...no...Buffy? What's going on? Who is this?"

"Dawn...she's my sister...sort of..."

Angel stared at her like she had gone insane, and she sighed, "Sit down, Angel...there's something I got to tell you..."

Angel stood in the living room, pacing as he waited for Buffy to come back from tucking Dawn in.

The whole thing disturbed him, especially the way Dawn knew him almost as well as Buffy, but he didn't know a thing about her, except that she was a Key, which didn't tell him much at all.

He glanced at the computer curiously as Buffy came back in, "When'd you get that?"

"Huh?" She glanced towards the computer, then moved towards it, slipping a few papers littering the surface into a drawer, "Oh, for a little while," She replied, and Angel raised an eyebrow, "What's your email address? Then we can keep in touch a little better..."

She caught the slight inflection in his voice, and turned around, looking annoyed, "A lot's been happening here, all right?"

"I know, Buffy," Angel shook his head, "There's no need to get defensive..."

"Right...I'm sorry," She sighed, turning her back on him as she looked towards the clock.

"Do you...want to talk about it?"

"Talk about what?"

"About...Dawn, or your mother...?"

"No, not really," Buffy's voice was a little tense, "I mean...I'm a little tired of talking Angel...there was...a hell of a lot of talking tonight...can't we pick this up again tomorrow?"

"I guess so, Buffy...are you sure?"

She glanced at the clock again, "Yeah...it's almost sunrise anyway...and I have a class in about four hours."

"All right...Buffy, if you need anything..."

She smiled wanly, shaking her head, "I'm fine, Angel, everything's been taken care of...my dad was a big help..."

"Okay," Angel smiled, touching her shoulder, "I'll come back tomorrow...we can do a patrol together...old times..."

"Yeah, old times..." Buffy muttered, seeing him to the door, "I guess...I'll see you tomorrow."

Angel smiled again, but it was strained, "Night, Buffy," he kissed her cheek, "Night, Angel," she closed the door almost in his face, and Angel frowned, staring at the door before shaking his head and going to his car.

As soon as the car started up and pulled away, Buffy opened the door, and glanced around the empty yard, "Spike?" She called but no one answered, and she frowned as she closed the door again.

She sighed as she leaned against it, trying to reel in her feelings. As always, seeing Angel left her feeling lost all over again, and she was ashamed to find she wished he had never shown up at all.

She hated that her ex-lover could make her upset like that, and wondered if it would ever get better. She rubbed a hand over her eyes wearily before crossing to sit down on the couch and think.

Spike sighed when he tried the front door and found it unlocked, "Bloody Slayer...is she trying to get kil--" He paused, seeing Buffy sitting on the living room couch, and locked the door behind him as he shifted the paper-bag in his arms. "You're still up?"

"You were cutting it a little close, aren't you?" Buffy asked and Spike glanced at his watch, "Hey, I'm a risk-taker. Thought you liked that about me."

Buffy shook her head, glancing down at her hands, "Well, how'd Peaches take it?" Spike set the bag down on the floor before sitting on the coffee table across from her.

"Okay, I guess..." Buffy shook her head, "I don't want to talk about Angel..."

"But you want to talk about something," Spike cocked his head, inspecting her face intently, then sighed, "Slayer..."

"Spike...Angel...how come he didn't know? And who else from our past doesn't know? I mean...my Aunt Judy...what if she doesn't know...?"

"Maybe for now on, the Watcher should stop announcing to everyone you have a sister..."

She gave him an exasperated look, "This is serious, Spike."

"I know, luv," Spike shrugged, "But there's not much you can do unless you figure out what spell, exactly, gave Dawn form and us our memories."

"I guess you're right," Buffy sighed, grabbed a pillow and covered her face with it before screaming.

Spike raised an eyebrow, "Need to work on that stress of yours, Slayer...you'll get gray before your time."

"That'll happen," She rolled her eyes as she dropped the pillow, feeling a little better, "What's in the bag?"

"Hmm? Oh, I raided Willy's," Spike shrugged, "Got a little something for you and the nibblet too."

"Oh, surprise...wait, is it from Willy too? Then I probably don't want it..."

Spike chuckled, reaching into his pocket, "Oh, I don't know, thought you'd girls like them." He pulled out a small box and opened it, pulling out a silver ring, interwoven with small green and black stones, "Here ya go...according to that little son of a bitch, these are supposed to protect the wearer from bad elements."

"If I put it on, will you disappear?" Buffy teased, and Spike rolled his eyes, "The black's for protection, the green's for serenity and insight. They're nothing fancy, or anything, but Willy claims they work..."

Buffy started to reach for it, but Spike caught her hand, watching her face as he slid it on her index finger himself. Her eyes shot up, slightly wide, catching his gaze, and blushed, pulling away her hand from him, "Thanks, Spike," She mumbled, standing up as he did the same.

"Slayer..." Spike touched her shoulder, and she tensed, looking away from him, unable to look at him, "Are you all right? Listen, if it makes you uncomfortable, you don't have to take it..."

"It's not that," Buffy was still looking away from him and he sighed, dropping his hand, "It doesn't mean anything, Slayer...I...I was just going to buy one for the nibblet and thought you'd like the other one...it doesn't have to mean anything..."

She couldn't help but smile at his babbling, knowing it was very uncharacteristic for the vampire. "No, Spike...really, it's not you...it's...Angel..."

"Oh," Spike was unable to hide the dejection in his voice, and she shook her head, "I don't mean like that...I'm...that's way I'm a little...ick right now. He always leaves me feeling like that..."

"Oh, I get you...the kind of excited feeling...where your stomach does flip-flops and your breathing shortens, and you feel like you could die..."

"It used to be like that," Buffy murmured, "I miss that feeling. Now, he just leaves me...sort of...I guess, like annoyed, because I want to keep moving on without reminders, but yeah, what you said before...that was a great feeling...I can't remember the last time I felt like that...can you?"

"Yeah, I'm feeling it right now," Spike answered automatically, and Buffy's eyes shot towards him and he grinned in embarresement, "Uh...did I say that out loud?" Buffy nodded, and Spike scowled, "Oh...bugger! Sorry, Slayer...I...uh..you like your ring, right?"

"Spike...I..."

"I know, stupid thing to say...just forget it...I already did..." Spike looked about ready to bolt, "I didn't mean to say anything 'cause I know you don't like it...and...um...you know what I said before, about not keeping their interest, you know I was just jealous, right? Cause you're interesting...and bugger it...I'm going to shut up now..."

"Spike..." Buffy stared at him in some amusement as he continued to fluster himself.

"I really mean it, though...not about the interest thing...but about the being interested...no, you're interested, oh...bugger, I'm doing this all wrong..."

"Spike..." She grabbed his head, pulling his face close to hers, "Shut up," She smashed her lips against his, and Spike's eyes widened in shock before he was wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer against him as he slammed his eyes shut.

Buffy gasped lightly, surprised by herself and Spike's tongue slipped into her mouth, tangling against hers, and she gripped his head tighter as they battled like that, drawing out the kiss for as long as possible before Buffy had to pull away for breath.

Spike stared at her in surprise, and with some fear, as if she would all of a sudden scream and bolt. If she did, he hoped she would stake him first, cause he didn't think he could live after that.

"Uh...wow..." Buffy muttered, staring up at him in surprise, aware of his arms still hanging onto her, "Maybe...bed...bed's good..."

Spike raised an eyebrow, and she blushed, "I mean...bed...and you...your bed...no...I mean...and...uh...going now..."

Spike dropped his arms, looking disappointed as Buffy darted around him. He turned to watch her go, and she glanced over her shoulder at him as she went up the stairs. She stepped on one of Dawn's textbooks sitting on the step and yelped as she tripped.

Spike caught her before she could hit the ground, and Buffy hastily put her feet underneath her, but Spike didn't let go of her this time, and he was looking down at her in some concern, "I'm sorry, Buffy...I didn't mean..."

"No," She shook her head, "No, it was all me...and I'm..."

"Don't say sorry," Spike looked pained as he dropped his arms once more, looking away briefly before meeting her eyes again, "I...don't want you to be sorry about...that..."

She slowly smiled, placing a hand on his chest, and he looked down at it, "I don't think I am, actually," She hesistated before kissing his cheek, "Thanks, Spike...good-night..."

She headed up the stairs, careful this time of killer biology books, and Spike slowly grinned as she looked over her shoulder again and smiled shyly back at him.

He ran a hand through his hair when he heard her door close, sighing heavily, but he was still grinning, "Well, so much for sleep."

Buffy closed her bedroom door tightly, then banged her head against it, What in the hell is wrong with you? She asked herself, nearly groaning. I can't believe I kissed him! Bad Buffy! You're not supposed to be kissing Spike! It's bad...and...and wrong...and even if he's good, doesn't mean you should want him to kiss you again...and oh my God...I'm sick, sick, sick...

She half-opened her door when she heard Spike move past hers to the bathroom, and she glanced at his back as he ran a hand through his hair, pausing to peek in Dawn's room.

He smiled, and before Buffy could duck back in her room, Spike glanced over his shoulder, raising an eyebrow, "You all right, Slayer?"

"Um...yeah...is she asleep?"

Spike nodded, glancing back into Dawn's room, "Like a baby," He said, closing the door again, "Ten to one, within an hour, she'll be in my room again."

Buffy smiled, "I think she loves you."

"With the amount we'll be paying for college, she better loves us," He groused, heading into the bathroom and closing the door behind him.

Buffy went back into him as a slow smile spread across her face. He just promised to stick around...and he doesn't even know it...

She frowned suddenly, wondering how she was supposed to feel about that. He was a soulless vampire, who's obviously totally in love with Dawn, Buff, you can't blame that on an act to get into your pants. Even the horniest guy on the planet wouldn't risk his life like that just for a kid that didn't really matter to him...

She sighed, flopping down on her bed, staring up at the ceiling, he won't let her get taken by Glory, or by dad, he's already made that clear...and he loved mom too. Plus, he had a chance to take advantage of your down there, but he didn't...

She slowly sat up and started to remove her shoes as her thoughts whirled about her head, having no real sense of order or timing. He's good at math...and why in the hell that matters is beyond me...and he's paying my bills, but he doesn't tell me, so he isn't doing it for brownie points...

She heard Dawn's door open down the hall, and then her padding towards Spike's room. The vampire obviously met her at the door, and Buffy smiled as Spike swore beneath his breath good-naturedly, "Really, nibblet...big girl like should sleep in her own bed."

"Yeah...but...your bed's more comfortable," Dawn replied lamely, and Spike chuckled, "All right, but this is the last time..."

"Yeah, that's what you said last night."

"All right, all right, you win...but you kick, I'm tossing your arse out the window."

Dawn snorted, "At least my feet aren't cold."

"I'm dead, luv, my feet are always cold."

Buffy giggled, slapping a hand over her mouth as Spike told Dawn to keep it down.

Buffy shook her head as she got ready for bed, sighing to herself, well, things could always be worse...

Angel paced in the mansion restlessly, despite that he hadn't slept the night before, he was unable to go to sleep.

I cannot believe Buffy has a little sister...who's not even human...

He shook his head, wondering what kind of monks would plant false memories in people's heads. Apparently, monks being nice and all bald was a stereotype.

Maybe Wesley and the others can research the Key...but Buffy said not to tell anyone, but how am I supposed to help her if I don't?

He groaned loudly, running a hand through his brown hair, shaking his head again. There was another problem. The entire discussion with Buffy the night before had been strained, both of them walking on a thin line, each not daring to cross it. Nothing was said that really needed to be said, and he was disappointed that their relationship was in that much trouble.

What relationship? You took off on her, remember? And the one chance you had to finally be with her, you gave up...

He still remembered that one day of him being human clearly, remembering every detail of touching her body, and seeing her love for him shine through her eyes, but he had been too weak for that. He had to help people, so the PTB made it like that day never happened, that the demon had never bled on him. Only he was cursed with the memories, while Buffy was left blissfully unaware.

Maybe it would be better if I told her...yeah, right...after they locked you in the nuthatch, she'd be pissed for me not telling her before...nope, definitly can't tell her...

He sighed, wishing his life wasn't so difficult. At least, when Buffy had Riley, (and he could strangle the bastard for leaving the greatest thing in any man's life and taking her for granted), it was easier to not want to touch her, mentally reminding himself all the time that she was taken, but now, she was free as a bird, and torturing him with it.

Right...look what happened with Darla! Jeez, are you just out to lose your soul or what? Damn it...

Maybe thinking of Buffy wasn't the best tatic at the moment. He frowned when he realized that he hadn't spoken to Giles about hearing Spike over the telephone line before. Christ...Spike...just what I need...what in the hell is he doing in Sunnydale anyhow?

Things had definitaly gone to hell, and he frowned, wondering what he was going to do about it.

Buffy yawned as she came down the stairs. The night before she had been tossing and turning in her sleep, and she idly hoped that Spike had the same problem, however, his cheerful greeting of 'Hiya Cutie!' From the kitchen dispelled that myth.

"How can you be so bloody chipper?" She grumbled, shuffling towards the fridge, "What are you? Closet cheerleader?"

Spike raised an eyebrow, wisely deciding not to comment on her using the word 'bloody,' instead, he handed her the coffee, "Christ, Slayer...what side of the bed did you wake up on?"

She flipped him off grumpily, but he only chuckled, grabbing out the cream for her. "Aren't you supposed to be sleeping, anyway?"

"I always see the nibblet off to school before going back to bed," Spike shrugged. "Just making sure she isn't skipping."

"Yeah, right, Dawn skip?"

"Well, she convinced me to do a little B and E, so I don't think hooking it is really out of her league."

"Hmm...good point," Buffy felt a little better after finishing off her coffee, and Spike rolled his eyes when she held out her mug, "More."

"Pushy brat," Spike grumbled, "What am I? Your waiter?"

"Want a tip?" She asked, and he glanced at her, leaning against the island, coffee cup held in a hostage situation.

"Like what?" He inquired hopefully, arching his brow.

"Don't piss off a sleep-deprieved Slayer," She grabbed the coffee from him, and Spike chuckled.

"You're a peach in the morning, pet. Anyone ever tell you that?"

"You mean the guys that are actually there when I wake up?" Buffy mumbled beneath her breath.

"What was that, pet?"

"Nothing, bitterness against all males, that's all."

"Good God, we haven't lost you to the other side, have we?" He looked horrified, and Buffy rolled her eyes, "Three bad experiences with guys does not make me a lesbian."

"See? That isn't so bad," Spike shrugged, "Three men...all dumbasses, by the way, is not that many, not when you're as young as you are."

"Right...and how many relationships have you had?"

"Hmm...where to start...Cecily, Angelus...and don't even get me started on that..."

"Believe me, I won't..."

"Dru, Harmony, and you...all coincedentally on the same day, which, by the way, gives me extra angst points."

"You expect me to believe that Harmony was a bad experience? You couldn't stand her...she was your version of a sextoy...and ew...not liking the visual..."

"Right, fine...I don't have any respect for Harm...but come on, you have met her right? I've known zombies who are better com'any then her."

"All right, you're a hundred-whatever years old, and have had four bad experiences...I'm already averaging half your record. This is not good."

"Yeah, well, you're not a complete fuck-up like me," Spike sighed, shaking his head, "Near as I can see it, Slayer, really, none of them was your fault. How were you supposed to know bloody Angelus would go psycho...and that poofter... what was his name...?"

"Parker..."

"Yeah, him, was just using you to begin with, and Riley...he can't handle a girlfriend who's stronger then him, so in an effort to make himself seem more manly, let's himself get sucked off by some vamp whores. He had mental problems, Slayer...you don't cause mental problems..."

"And what about you?" Buffy bit the inside of her cheek, and Spike frowned, "What 'bout me?"

"Well...you blamed me for your mental problems..."

"I don't have mental problems..."

"Spike, chains? Remember?"

"Hey! I dated Drusilla for nearly a bloody century, give me a little credit! Jesus, I mean, Drusilla taught me everything about...uh..." Spike suddenly looked embarresed, and Buffy's eyebrows shot up, "Why, William! Was Drusilla your first?"

"Um...I don't have to answer that!" Spike stood up, glancing at his watch, "Don't you have class, or something?"

"Oh my God! It was!" Buffy grinned widely, "And you were always faithful to Dru, right?"

"Um, yeah, sure..." Spike eyed her warily, wondering where she was going with this, "So, by my count, there's Angelus, Dru and Harmony...you've only slept with three people?"

"NO!" Spike glared at her, then mumbled beneath his breath, "Therewere somewhoresdowninBrazil..."

"What was that?"

"IsaidthereweresomewhoresdowninBrazil..."

"English, Spike...speak it."

"There were some whores down in Brazil! Fine?! Happy! Now I'm humilated!"

"Spike, there's nothing to be ashamed of...except the whore part, cause ew..."

"Hey, I was heartbroken," He protested, "An-and very, very, very drunk..."

"So, discounting prostitutes, you slept with only three people in your entire life span?"

"Yeah, so? What of it?"

"I think...that's weird. I mean, not that you're less then a man...it just means...you're monogamous..."

"Oh, I don't know," He waggled his eyebrows, "I did go for the occasional threesome..."

"EW!!!!" Buffy smacked his arm, and he laughed, "What? I thought since we were being so truthful..."

"Note to self: Vampire sex...freaky!"

"You have no idea," Spike grinned at her, and she rolled her eyes, "Keep dreaming, bleachboy."

His face fell a bit, but it rapidly disappeared, "So...Buffy...about last night..."

"Um...last night?" Buffy nearly groaned, "What about last night?"

"What about last night?!" He repeated, incredulous. The most incredible experience of his life, and she had to ask 'what about last night?'

"I know what you mean, I was just trying to buy time..." She shook her head, "I don't know what last night was, Spike...whether it was me trying to get Angel out of my system...or a reaction to my...uh..." She stopped and Spike raised an eyebrow, "Reaction to what?"

"Nothing...but Spike, I don't...know exactly how I feel...about you...or us..."

"You mean, you don't want there to be an us?"

"Spike...I don't know, okay? I'm confused...can't I just be confused for awhile?"

Spike sighed, then banged his head down on the counter, "You're going to be the death of me, Slayer..."

"You're already dead," She reminded him, and he groaned lifting his head, "You know what I mean."

She sighed at the look on his face, a mixture of sadness and disappointment. Oh...fuck...

"Listen...about last night...I'm not saying I love you...or even like you...all right? Just because you're a good kisser..." Buffy blushed furiously, "And I cannot believe I said that alo--"

Spike cut off her words with his mouth, his lips eagerly latching onto hers, and Buffy's eyes closed as he deepened it, his hands digging into her hair to hold her closer.

She awkardly moved around the island, and he wrapped one arm around her waist and pulled her on top of his lap as his cool tongue mingled with hers, lazily exploring her mouth.

"About fucking time!"

Buffy jerked away from Spike and before he could catch her, she slid off his lap and onto the floor with a small yelp, and Dawn giggled as Spike glared at her, "Don't use that fucking word! What would your mum say?"

"About fucking time?" Dawn suggested with a grin, and Buffy grimaced, rubbing her backside as she stood up, "Great...Dawn, you tell anyone..."

"Do I look crazy?" She rolled her eyes at her sister, "Puh-leeze! Xander would have a conniption...and Angel..."

"Nibblet, breakfast...now," Spike grabbed Dawn by the shoulders, giving her a light push towards the fridge, "Stuff your mouth."

She gave him an annoyed glare, but shut up as Spike glanced towards Buffy, frowning when he saw she was glaring at him. "What did I do now?"

She rolled her eyes, and stalked back to the stairs to change for school and Spike shot Dawn a confused look, and she raised an eyebrow, "Don't look at me...I just live here."

Buffy angrily jerked on a shirt, glaring at her reflection in her full-length mirror. "Great...kissing him again...are you insane?" She asked herself as she finished dressing. "You really need to get yourself committed, you know that?"

"Slayer?" Spike called from outside the door, and she covered her eyes with a small groan, "Go 'way!" She snapped, but Spike ignored her, peeking his head in, "Damn, you're decent."

"Ha ha...get out."

Spike crossed his arms over his chest, "Make me," He challenged, "Or...we can talk."

"I'm late for school," She said, and Spike glanced at his watch, "You have an hour till you have to leave. Plenty of time for talk."

"Fine, I don't want too," She glared at him, and Spike sighed, "Buffy, why must you make this bloody difficult?"

"I'm not making anything difficult," Buffy ground out, grabbing her backpack, "Just leave me alone, all right?"

"Slayer..." Spike tried to stop her but she grabbed his arm, and twisted it behind his back, then shoved him over her bed and he yelped as he tripped and rolled off.

She stalked out her room and down the stairs, and Spike swore profusely as she headed out the door.

Dawn glanced in, "How'd it go?"

He growled as he flipped her off, and she grinned, unperturbed by the obscene gesture, "Well, at least she didn't punch you again."

Tara raised an eyebrow, watching as Buffy tapped her pencil against her book over and over again, the sound annoying several people around her.

As the teacher dismissed them, she intercepted Buffy at the door, frowning slightly, "Ar-are you all right?" She asked, "You seemed...ner-nervous."

Buffy smiled wanly, thinking it was funny that Tara of all people was calling her nervous. "Was I?"

"You were really fidgeting," Tara informed her, "I think the guy behind you was about to beat you to death with your own pencil."

"Oh!" Buffy looked over her shoulder as some people passed her, glaring at the two blonds, "Damn...I wasn't even really paying attention to that..."

Tara walked beside her as they went out into the hall and towards the cafeteria, "What's wrong? It's not...An-Angel, is it? Cause...Willow...she told me some...not so good stuff about you and him..."

"Surprisingly, not so much Angel," Buffy winced lightly, then glanced around once again, "Can I tell you something in the absolute confidence? I mean, not even...Willow can know...especially not Willow..."

"Uh...bad secret or good secret?" Tara asked worriedly, and Buffy frowned, "Uh...an in-between, I guess...not end of the world secret...but uh...guy secret..."

"Guy secret? I...I guess that's okay..."

"Thanks," Buffy looked relieved, "I kinda need to talk to someone that doesn't...really have an opinion on him yet..."

"On who?"

"Um...I may have...kissed...Spike...three times..."

"Sp-Spike?" Tara gaped at her, "Your...Spike?"

"No, Spike the Hell's Angel...of course, my Spike. No! Not my Spike...shit," Buffy groaned, shaking her head. "It's really...kinda complicated..."

"Is it?" Tara asked, cocking her head slightly, "Did you like him kissing you?"

"Uh...here's the difficult part...I kind of kissed him first, then it was both of us, and this morning...it was kinda of him, then I joined the party."

"Oh...what did Spike say?"

"I kinda...didn't really...want to talk about it with him..."

"You kissed, and you don't want to talk about it with him?"

"It's awkard...with Angel...and Dawn...and him living in my home...I'm thinking...maybe it's proximity. Should I kick him out or what?"

"I...I don't know how to answer that, Buffy," Tara said with a slight frown, "But did you like it?"

"No...maybe..." She turned to face Tara, "Yes...definitatly a yes...oh God...what am I? A glutton for male punishment? I mean...hello! Spike...guy who tried to kill me...a lot."

"But you trust him...otherwise, you wouldn't have invited him back in, and let him near Dawny. Would you have accepted that kind of help from just anyone?"

"Uh..." Buffy sighed, rubbing her eyes wearily, "No, probably not...he's been a really big help, and Dawn and him...they're like...best friends. He really loves her, and I trust him to protect her..."

"He loves you too. I mean...that's what he's been saying..."

"Yeah, big problem with that...I don't love him..."

"Do you think you ever could?"

"What's with the twenty questions?" Buffy asked a little snipply, then sighed, "Sorry...I don't know. I didn't love Angel at first...or Riley..."

"So, you think there's a little wriggle room?" Tara smiled slightly, "Want my advice?"

"Sure..."

"He's nice...at least, since I've known him, he has been...except...for the whole Adam thing...plus, he's really cute..."

"You think Spike's cute?" Buffy stared at her in surprise, and Tara smiled, "I'm a lesbian...not blind, Buffy...just don't tell Willow I said that," She glanced forward as said redhead waved at them from a lunch table, "Maybe it's time you moved on, and Spike's just as good as the next guy...plus, you know all his secrets, mostly, right? No surprise soul-be-gone, an-and...no secret governement identity..."

"And very possibly he'll be there the next morning..." Buffy smiled shyly at Tara, "Thanks, Tara...you cleared a few things up for me..."

"Pleasure," She smiled back, "You are going to give the details, right?"

Buffy groaned, shaking her head, "Tara! I don't even know if there's going to be details!"

"If he's such a good kisser, I wonder what else he does..."

"TARA!" Buffy's eyes widened, and Tara giggled as several people looked at them, and she leaned towards the Slayer, grinning wickedly as she whispered in a soft voice, "He has a nice butt..."

Buffy's eyes widened as she stared at Tara in shock and she giggled again before crossing to Willow and giving her a kiss.

"Oh my God...I so have to talk to her more..." The Slayer muttered beneath her breath, still surprised, and Tara glanced in her direction, smiling widely.

"Spike...I don't care if you were actually there...it's not in the book! I'm being tested on what I learned from it!"

Spike scowled over Dawn's history book as Buffy returned from school, "I can't believe this bullshit..."

"Hey! Mouth!" Buffy slapped him in the back of the head, dropping her bag on the table, "What's the problem?"

"I'm trying to pass world history, Spike's trying to sabatoge me," Dawn crinkled up her nose, and Spike got off the couch, rolling his eyes, "Well, excuse me for trying to help!"

"What's he talking about?"

"He's telling me about the Boxer rebellion..."

"He was actually there, you know...killed his first Slayer," Buffy said, and Dawn rolled her eyes, "Yeah, yeah, I heard all the gory details..."

"Spike!"

"Hey! I kept it clean," Spike called from the kitchen, glaring out at Dawn, "Just the facts, Slayer, promise."

"Yeah, it was so clean, it made Teletubbies look like Friday the 13th," Dawn shook her head, "But I can't tell my teacher that!"

"Fine, fine...just thought you'd enjoy the bloody real story," Spike rolled his eyes at Buffy, "See what I get for trying to help?"

"Dawn, say thanks."

"What?!" Spike and Dawn stared at her in shock, and Buffy raised an eyebrow at her sister, "Uh...thanks...Spike..." She looked towards the vampire uncertainly, then back at her sister. "Is she possessed by Faith again?"

"Nah...then she'd be giving me a lap dance," Spike answered, still eyeing her warily as Buffy frowned, "You met Faith when she was in my body?"

Spike grinned evilly, "Oh yeah..." He said before escaping into the kitchen and Buffy's eyes widened, "What?! What was that 'Oh yeah?' That was a suspicious 'Oh yeah!'"

Spike laughed, and Buffy stalked after him, "William...whatever the hell your last name is..."

"Waldentree," Spike answered, still grinning, "At least, right now."

"Whatever...what did Faith do?"

"Threatened to stake me," Spike shrugged, still grinning, and Buffy's eyes narrowed, "If you're lying to me...I'll stake you."

"Stake away," Spike replied cockily, ruffling Dawn's hair as she passed by to go to the fridge, "What do you want for dinner, nibblet?"

She grimaced, "Nothing that has a face. I had to dissect a frog today."

"Try dissecting a human, they're more fun," Spike suggested, and Buffy and Dawn stared at him like he had gone insane, "Wot? Please! Like that surprises you two!"

Buffy rolled her eyes, "Dawn, go upstairs."

"What? Why? If you're going to hit him, I want to watch!"

"Dawn!"

"Fine, fine...you never let me do anything fun," Dawn grumbled, grabbing some cookies, but Spike snatched them away, "Not till after dinner, nibblet..."

"Jeez...when'd I get a new dad?"

Spike's eyes widened, and Dawn grinned at him before heading up the stairs.

"Where in the hell did that come from?" Spike asked worriedly, and Buffy shook her head, smiling. Spike glanced at her, then frowned, "You're not going to hit me again, are you?"

"No, I just want to talk..."

"'bout what?" Spike eyed her suspiciously, and Buffy cocked her head, "Why, Spike...you're not afraid of me, are you?"

"Well, a fellow can only get his heart ripped out of his chest and crushed to a bleeding pulp so many times," He scowled, "You're driving me batty, Buffy. One minute, you're hot, the next you're cold. I don't know if you want to kiss me or stake me..."

"A little of both, actually," Buffy shrugged, "That's why you're so damned infuriating, Spike..."

"I'm not the infuriat--did you say both?" He gaped at her like she had done at Tara earlier, and Buffy couldn't restrain her giggle, "You know, Tara said you had a nice butt."

"What?" Spike frowned, "What does that have to do with anything? Wait...she's a lesbian, right?"

"Apparently, that doesn't deter ass-appreciatation," Buffy twisted the ring her had given her the night before on her finger, "So...about last night...and this morning...all the kissing stuff...well, uh..." She frowned, "You know, I had this all planned out in my head..."

"Just say what comes natural-like, pet," Spike answered, a hopeful look on his face, and Buffy sighed, "Right...Spike...what are the chances, that, if you ever get this chip out of your head...that...you'll..."

"Hundred percent, Slayer," He answered, not waiting for her to finish, and she raised an eyebrow, smiling, "That you'll kill me?" She finished, and Spike swore, "Uh...hundred on the not killing you, luv."

"So...you'll..."

"Stick around?"

Buffy nodded, looking down at her feet, and Spike chuckled, "Buffy...you've been trying to get rid of me for two and a half years...what makes you think just because we've kissed a few times that I'm going to bolt?"

"I don't know...Riley...and..."

"Um...pet, I know bringing up your ex is a big no-no, but come on...Dru was bloody nutty, and look how long I stuck with her! And she has none of your passion or light..." Buffy looked up as he cupped her chin lightly, and he smiled down at her, "Face it, luv, you'll never get rid of me..."

"Promise?" She asked softly and Spike nodded emphatically before brushing his lips against hers, "My word, Buffy..."

Buffy leaned against him as his lips played across hers, but a knock at the door interrupted them. Spike jerked away from, his eyes flying towards the clock, "Shit! That'll be dumbass..."

"Spike," She gave him a stern look, and he chuckled, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her again, hungrily devouring her mouth as her fingers threaded into his hair.

He pulled away again, grinning widely as he let go of her, "Have fun on patrol, pet," He said, ducking out the backdoor, and Buffy smiled as he disappeared, then headed to the front door.

"Angel, come in," She greeted the dark-haired vampire cheerfully, and he raised an eyebrow, wondering why she was in such a good mood, "We just have to wait for Xander to show up to watch Dawn, and we can go..."

He smiled back at her, giving her a small hug, "Feeling better?"

"Tons," She smiled again, and Angel frowned, sniffing her, "Is that a new perfume?"

"Uh...what?"

"Nothing," Angel smiled, slightly troubled, but he shook it off as Xander appeared in the doorway, "Move it or lose it, Deadboy."

"Be nice," Buffy slapped him on the arm, and Xander rolled his eyes, "I don't have to be nice to any of your vamps, Buff."

"What?" Angel frowned again, and Buffy shoved Xander, "Dawn's upstairs...why don't you help her with her history? She has a mid-term on it tomorrow..."

"Oh boy," Xander grinned, cackling evilly as he rubbed his hands together, "I love corrupting the young."

Buffy rolled her eyes with a groan, "Let's jet, Angel. Dawn won't go to bed if I'm not home..." Well, at least, when Spike isn't here..."So, let's make this a quickie."

"Sure, Buffy, whatever you want..."

Angel watched Buffy out of the corner of his eye as they patrolled, as if looking at her full-on would hurt too much. "Is Spike back in town?"

"What?" Buffy paused, looking at him in surprise, "Why do you ask?"

"When I called Giles the other night, I thought I heard him..."

"Nah, Spike isn't in town," Buffy shook her head, "Last I saw him, he was pissed off about the Gem of Amara."

"Yeah, I saw that," Angel winced, remembering the torturer Spike had paid the vampire to inflict on him, trying to get the whereabouts of the ring.

"So...nope, no sign of Spike...Spike signs, nil..."

"Well, that's a relief, I guess...I mean, with everything that happened, you really don't need him in your life..."

"Yeah, right...definitly don't need that..." Buffy glanced away, her good mood dampening, and Angel sighed, "Buffy, did I say something wrong?"

"No, Angel, it's not you," She shook her head, "I don't really want to get into it."

"All right," he sighed again, looking around the empty graveyard, "How are things here...I mean, besides the obvious?"

"Well, Glory the hell-bitch is making things difficult...she showed up at Dawn's school..." Buffy hesistated, "Thank God she wasn't hurt."

"Yeah, about that...how do you feel about...you know, Dawn?"

"She's my sister," Buffy answered, and Angel shook his head, "What if I took her off your hands? We could probably protect her a lot better in..."

"NO!" Buffy glared at him, "No one's taking her away from me, Angel...she's all I have left. Even if she's not really my sister, she feels like it...and she needs us...me. If it weren't for her, I probably would have never surivived mom...dying."

"Are you sure? Glory sounds really strong, Buffy, if you keep her in Sunnydale, you could be putting her in more danger..."

Buffy bristled, "I told you my decision, Angel. She's my responsibility, and I'm happy to have her with me."

Angel lapsed into silence and Buffy glanced at her watch, sighing when she saw they had only been out for an hour, "School's been cool," She said after a few moments, and Angel smiled slightly, "Passing all your classes?"

"Yeah, well, sort of...but I'm good."

"What are you going to major in?"

Buffy shrugged, "Haven't really thought about it...I mean, what can a Slayer do, anyway? Although, I could join the army," She smiled wanly, and Angel raised an eyebrow, "How are you handling...Riley?"

Buffy shrugged, "I didn't really cry for him...I know, it sounds horrible...I cared about him, I really did...but I didn't cry..."

"That's nothing to be ashamed about," Angel replied,"Maybe him leaving wasn't a big surprise..."

"No...I guess not..." She sighed, shaking her head, "Can we not talk about that, Angel? It's not something I want to discuss..."

"Sorry," Angel muttered, feeling the strain in the discussion thus far, "So...any new prospects?"

A smile tugged at the edge of her lips before she could supress it, and Angel stopped, "I take that as a yes."

Buffy scowled, "So what? Maybe I like a guy..."

"Well, who is it?"

Buffy glanced away briefly, shit..."Uh...no one, really, just someone who lives in the neighborhood. And everything looks good, considering he's not involved with the military, and there's pretty much an iron-guarentee on him never losing his soul..."

"Ha, ha..."

"Well, it's true," Buffy shrugged, "And he's totally in love with Dawn and she idolizes him..."

"Does he know about you?"

"Oh yeah, he's totally up on the whole Slayer thing, and the Key thing..."

"So, this guy you've been dating, for what? Three months since Riley left, is more up to date then me on this whole thing?" Angel sounded slightly insulted, and Buffy bristled, "Yeah, well, sorry that I didn't bleeding drive down to LA to cause a big angsty scene and tell you about my peachy keen new sis, Angel. I didn't see you giving me a phone call to check in, so why in the hell should I do it?"

"Buffy, there's no need for that tone! I only want to help you!"

"Then why'd you come here, Angel? You know this helps nothing. It only complicates my life!"

"Buffy, how am I supposed to help you with anything if you won't talk to me? Do you hate me that much?"

"Goddamn it, Angel! It's not always about you! My fucking mother died, my sister isn't my sister and Spike..." Buffy swore, snapping her mouth shut, and Angel's eyes narrowed, "Buffy, what about Spike?"

"Nothing, all right?" She glanced over her shoulder, praying that Glory would show up and distract Angel, she was that desperate.

"Buffy, what about Spike?!" Angel bit out, grabbing her shoulders as something clicked in his mind, "His scent...that's what I smelled! He touched you!" He vamped out in anger and Buffy winced when his nails bit into her skin, "Angel!"

She struggled against him, but Angel was only seeing red. The events of the past months with Darla, Drusilla and Wolfram and Hart had been wearing on him, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. He couldn't believe that Spike would dare touch what was his, and that Buffy would allow him too.

He shoved her on the ground, glaring at her with yellow eyes, "Did you fuck him?!" He screamed as he stalked towards her, and she whimpered softly as she scooted on her backside away from him, "Huh? Answer me, you fucking whore!"

Suddenly, he was tackled from behind, and he snarled in surprise as he hit the ground.

Spike whirled back to his feet, snarling at his grandsire.

"Spike! Angel! Stop this!" Buffy scrambled to her feet, and Spike's eyes narrowed, "You take that back, Peaches! She's not a whore!"

"Defending her honor, Spike?" Angel snorted, glaring at the both of them, "There's a surprise...one girl fucks you, and you get all clingy..."

"Sod off, you poncy little shit! I never fucked her, you asshole!"

Angel's eyes narrowed, "Her scent is on you!"

"Dawn's scent, you poofter!" Spike glared at him, "I baby-sit the rugrat when the Slayer's busy, for chrissakes!"

"And why would you do that?"

"Didn't Dru tell you? I'm fucking neutured, plus, the Watcher spots me fifty a night for blood and cigs, you arse!"

Angel frowned, glancing at Buffy, "Is this true?"

She was looking at Spike, her face unreadable, then she turned her eyes on him, "Yeah, Angel...he's got a chip in his head...the Intiative put it in him, he can't kill or hurt any living thing except vamps and demons...so, we made a deal. I protect him from his enemies, he watches Dawn..."

"Jesus...Buffy, I'm sorry..." Angel stepped towards her and touched her shoulder, but she jerked away from him, "Go home, Angel...now."

"Buffy..."

"Don't you fucking touch her, mate," Spike growled, "I can still hurt you."

Angel shot a confused look at him, then a pained one at Buffy, "I'm sorry...I overreacted..."

"Yeah, you think?" She snorted, whirling on her heel, "Stay the hell out of my town, Angel."

Angel watched as she stalked off, and Spike shot him a disgusted look before going in the opposite direction.

Angel glanced after Spike before heading dejectedly towards the mansion, fucked that one up, didn't I? He thought with a wince, deciding that he really needed to shape up. Great, I can just hear Cordy's I told you so speech...fuck...

Spike doubled back to the Summers' home, catching Buffy just as she was going up the walk.

She paused as he stopped beside her, looking down at her feet, "Spike...thank you...I appreciate you not rubbing his face in it."

"Yeah, well, I barely resisted the urge," He chuckled, and Buffy glared at him, "Right...not funny."

"Really not funny," She sighed, "Spike, if Angel reacted like that...how do you think the others are going too?"

"I think Red and Tara will be all right with it," Spike shrugged, "The Watcher and the whelp, well...Rupes may come around, but Harris will become a sex icon before he ever does."

"Yeah, he never accepted Angel," She sighed again, shaking her head, "Spike...what if..."

"Slayer, if you say what if they wig, I'll freak myself," Spike replied, "They'll wig, but so what? Did that ever stop you from doing anything you wanted too before?"

"Well...no..."

Spike nodded, but he was still watching her a bit worriedly. Wow...he's actually afraid that I might change my mind about him...

Buffy smiled slowly, "You know," She moved past him into the house, "You might be a keeper."

"Better bloody believe it," Spike muttered beneath his breath, watching Buffy's backside with a great deal of appreciation.

"Hey, Buff, where's Angel?" Xander asked as soon as she went in the door, and Buffy sighed, "He went home, I hope."

"Nibblet's lights are still on," Spike glared at Xander, "She's supposed to be in bed by ten."

"Hey, you try telling a fifteen-year old girl to go to bed!" Xander complained and Buffy rolled her eyes as Spike grumbled beneath his breath and went up the stairs, "Jeez, she never listens to anyone but him anymore."

"Yeah, Buffy...you know how I feel about Junior...do you really think he should be around the Dawnster? I mean...he's not a good influence, plus...come on, he's Spike..."

Buffy glanced towards the stairs when she heard a squeal, "Xander...he's probably the best one for her," Buffy informed him, and Xander shook his head, "I'll never get you, Buff. One minute you're all..."Argh...down with Spike...'"

"Argh? I was a pirate?" Buffy teased, and Xander glared at her, "I don't like him here, Buffy. He's probably just trying to get into your pants..."

"Probably," She smiled at him as she gave him a light shove to the door and his eyes widened, "What? Buffy...!"

"Night, Xander!" She shut the door on his face, shaking her head as she locked it behind her.

She smiled as she headed up the stairs, peeking in Dawn's room as she screamed again. "Ssspppiikkkeee!"

Buffy watched as Spike tickled Dawn, grinning widely as he sent her into fits, kicking and giggling uncontrobally.

He made us a family again, she thought to herself, still a bit surprised about her current lines of thinking, he makes us laugh, he makes Dawn happy...and finally, I'm afraid he'll leave us...

Spike looked towards her, grinning, "Your turn, Slayer."

"What?!" Her eyes widened as he let Dawn up and Dawn jumped towards her, "NO! Stay away from me, you loonies!" She screeched as Dawn grabbed her around the waist, her hands already going to work, and Buffy was laughing as she tried to dislodge her sister, only succeeding in spilling on the ground. Spike growled and jumped the both of them, and their laughter filled the house.

Angel decided to come back and try and apologize to Buffy again, and he tensed when he heard screams, then quickly scrambled up the tree.

He froze outside a window, eyes widening as he watched Buffy and Dawn team up on Spike, tickling the vampire mercilessly. Jesus Christ...

"Truce, goddamn it! I call a truce!" Spike shouted, and breathless, Buffy and Dawn let go of him, both of them panting, their faces red from the adrenline rush.

Spike grinned, then grabbed Buffy's foot and the Slayer shrieked, batting at him as he ran his fingers along the bottom of her sock clad foot while he tried to fend off Dawn, who was trying to get to him.

He's totally in love with Dawn...Angel stared at Spike as he finally let go of Buffy, flopping down on his back with a groan. Dawn jumped on his stomach and he let out an 'Oof', glaring at the girl, "Bloody hell...what in the hell have you been eating? Bricks?"

Dawn stuck her tongue out at him, and Spike chuckled, sitting up and kissing her forehead, "Bedtime, nibblet, you got your tests tomorrow."

"Can I sleep in your room again?"

"Oh...bloody hell!" Spike shook his head, glancing at Buffy, who only smiled, "It's your room."

Spike rolled his eyes, "Last time, I mean it, little bit."

"Yep, last time," She promised insincerely and Spike rolled his eyes but was still grinning as he swung her up on his back, piggy style, then kissed Buffy on the side of the mouth, "Night, Buffy."

"Good-night Spike," Buffy smiled as she closed the door behind them, then leaned against it, shaking her head fondly.

Angel pulled away from the window, sliding down the roof silently as the light next to Buffy's window went on, and he watched as Spike tucked Dawn into his bed, kissing her forehead again and saying something softly to her before switching off the light.

Christ...Angel dropped off the roof relunctantly, then stood in the yard for several minutes trying to gather his thoughts.

He jumped when the front door opened, and Spike came out, lighting up a cigarrette, and the vampire's eyes narrowed, "What are you doing here?" He growled, standing protectively in front of the door.

Angel sighed, glancing upwards as if praying for strength, "How long have you been living here?"

"Since mum died," Spike shrugged, "She needed help with the nibblet, and volunteered me."

"Yeah, right," Angel muttered beneath his breath as he sat on the front stoop, "And how long have you been in love with Buffy?"

Spike started in surprise, then sighed, "A lot longer then that," He murmured softly, "She doesn't love me, Peaches, so don't worry about that..."

"No, she does," Angel glanced over his shoulder, "She doesn't know it yet, Spike, but she does...if you saw the look on her face..." He shook his head, looking away, "If you let either of them get hurt, I'll kill you."

"If they get hurt, it'll be because I'm already dead," Spike replied, flicking his butt into the yard, "I love them both, Angel...and I'll be a pile of dust before I let Glory get them."

"You just remember that," Angel stood up slowly, looking towards him again, "Tell Buffy I'm sorry, okay? That I didn't mean what I said..."

"Yeah, well, watch your arse, Peaches...Dru and Darla are still gunning for you..."

"You saw Drusilla?" Angel tensed, "And?"

"Told me everything, but I didn't tell the Slayer nothing. It's none of my business what you're doing up in LA...or who, for that matter. Be careful, Peaches, you lose you soul again, and I'll kill you before you can hurt her...understand me?"

Drusilla wanted him back...Angel smiled slowly at his grandchilde, "There's hope for you yet, m'boy."

"Don't call me that," Spike scowled at him, turning towards the house, "Just in case, I'm having Red revoke your invite...just in case..."

"Probably a good idea, after that display in the cemetary," Angel replied almost gratefully, "Things are a bit...off."

"Yeah, I'd say," Spike glanced back at him, "Stay alive, you bastard."

"Your concern touches me, Spike...really," Angel said sarcastically, and Spike glared at him, "Not for you. I don't think she can handle losing another one so completely. She's been hurt enough, yes?"

"Yes," Angel agreed with another sigh, "Take care of her, Spike..."

"I'll take care of them both," Spike replied, going into the house as he muttered beneath his breath, "They're my family..."

The End

Next in Series: The Key Warning: NC-17!!!