Buffy's mind was wandering as she and her friends were walking to the Bronze. Since Willow brought her back, it did that a lot. Between the horrificness of waking up buried alive, readjusting to life outside Heaven, and the enormous pressure on her to take care of Dawn, she felt a little escapism was justified. Apparently, she was the only one, though, because Willow and Xander insisted on dragging her out places "to cheer her up" all the time. Like she didn't have any reason to be out of it right now.

The only person who seemed to accept her need to simply be and nothing else, was Spike. He would come see her every day and just be there, listening to her talk, or just sit there in silence while she drifted off. He was the only one she told that she hadn't been stuck in a Hell dimension; she'd been in Heaven. And they'd ripped her away from it, reinforcing her belief that she didn't belong there.

Death is my gift. Humph. Indian givers, she thought.

"Hey, Buff? What planet you on now?" Xander joked, cutting into her thoughts as he did constantly anymore. Buffy had never been one to well, brood, like this. When she did, it reminded him of Angel, which made him feel ambiguous to the new Buffy. So he tried to bring her out of the shell she was hiding in as often as possible.

"Oh just thinking, Xand. No big. So who's playing the Bronze tonight?" she asked, forcing herself to be cheerful and chatty Buffy. Does it really matter in the end? When I died, it didn't matter who was playing here that night. She stopped, realizing how awful that sounded, even in her head. She just couldn't shake this morbidness, this feeling of all encompassing unhappiness. And no one understood. Of course not, she thought, none of them have ever died. I have twice now.

"It's just a cover band, but I heard they're pretty good. We can dance. It'll be fun, right, Tara?" Willow said excitedly. She was trying so hard to make Buffy comfortable with being alive again, and it was so hard when Buffy seemed to withdraw further into herself every day. Not even Dawn was reaching her anymore. Buffy disappeared all the time, and would come back to give non committal answers about were she was. It worried her, but it always seemed like Buffy was happier when she returned than when she left. Maybe she was going to see her Mom's grave.

"Y-yeah. They play great c-covers of Latin music s-someone said on campus," she said. Her gaze washed over Buffy and the witch could feel the pain radiating from her aura. She knew where Buffy was going when she disappeared. Willow had been so worried the first time that Tara had done a small locator spell, targeting the Slayer and any nearby demons, hoping to make sure she was safe. When it showed Buffy in different places around her house and the shop and the graveyard in the company of one demon, Tara had known what was going on. Buffy was hanging out with Spike. I know the others hate that he loves Buffy, well except Dawn, but I think he really cares. And I know he'll keep her safe. So she had kept it to herself. She'd always thought Buffy was fooling herself about how she felt about Spike anyway. Maybe dying had given her a new view on life.

Buffy smiled weakly, trying desperately to look excited about dancing to Ricky Martin covers all night. Although, it might be amusing to watch Xander do the Snoopy Dance Latin Style. A real smile broke through, and she chuckled a little bit.

Willow and Xander whipped their heads around to look at her happily. Buffy was laughing! She hardly ever laughed now, and anything that made Buffy look even remotely happy was okay with them.

"Where's Anya at?" Buffy questioned. Normally she wouldn't care where the sometimes annoying ex demon was, but it filled the silence and kept her from drifting off.

"She's closing the shop and meeting us there. Some new inventory came in and she felt she had to stock it immediately so she could make money on it tomorrow," he chuckled. "But don't worry Buffster, she'll be there to live the la vida loca with us."

Buffy smiled again, then wondered where Spike was. It was nice to have him around; he was always cracking jokes and keeping people from watching her like she was under glass. I think he understands that I can't take people constantly acting like I'm going to break all the time. It was worse than being a kid again. Shrugging, she followed the gang into the Bronze. At least I know Dawn is at a friends house and there's no Hellbitch after her. I can try to relax and have some fun.

Xander lead them to a table in the corner, and they all sat down. Once he sure they were all settled, he gazed about the room. Seeing one of his work buddies at the pool tables, he turned to the girls. "Care if I go shoot with the guys until Anya gets here?"

Willow shook her head. "Go ahead, we don't need no stinkin boys anyway," she joked.

"B-but we do need the bathroom," Tara said suddenly. "W-wanna come too, Willow? Safety in n-numbers; there's always v-vampires in the B-Bronze." She giggled inwardly, knowing that Spike was hanging out in the corner, watching their table. If we leave, maybe he'll come ask Buffy to dance.

"Okay, baby. Buffy, will you be okay here for a few minutes?"

Buffy gave her a look that clearly said what she thought of that question and Willow frowned. She doesn't have to be mean about it; I'm only watching out for her. She shrugged and took Tara's hand, walking toward the back of the Bronze with her girlfriend.

Buffy sat at the table, clasping and unclasping her hands. Maybe this was a mistake to come here so soon. I'm not sure I even want to be around all these people, even the gang. I'd rather be drinking cocoa and watching Star Wars on my couch. She looked around, preparing to get up and leave, hoping they'd all understand. She scooted to outside of the booth, getting up and running into a wall of muscle.

"Ow," she muttered, looking up to see who was blocking her in. Her breath caught when she saw Spike looking down at her with more tenderness than she ever could thought he could feel. His eyes were soft, and he had his hair in that sweet curly style he'd taken to wearing lately. She preferred it to the hard, slicked back 'Big Bad' look he'd always favored. This hair begged her to run her fingers through it. What the hell am I thinking? she chided herself. Running my fingers through Spike's hair? Sheesh.

"You okay pet? I saw you start looking panicky and thought I'd come keep you company till your mates got back." He ran his eyes over her. Same skimpy clothes, same intoxicating scent, but something was missing from this Buffy. She never seemed present, kind of like she was always miles away in her mind. He wished he knew how to help her, but he didn't so he simply let her decide what she needed from him. It kept him content to know that when she needed to escape, she came to him.

"That was nice of you," she whispered. She watched him look her over, wondering what he saw. Did he know that she felt like she'd left something behind when they called her back? Like she was incomplete forever? He probably does, she decided. Spike always knew things about her that she wasn't even aware of. Her eyes traveled up his body, surprised to see that he had on chinos and brown Docs with a black mock turtleneck, and of course, his duster. He looks positively yummy, she thought. Ooh! No bad Buffy! Not yummy, he looks ... lickable. Now where the hell did that come from?

Shaking her head, she met his eyes, and every argument for him to leave fell out of her brain. "Want to sit down?" she whispered hoarsely.

He watched her fidget for a second, feeling how fast her heart was beating. Is it possible? he thought incredulously. Spike contemplated, then shook his head. "I don't think your mates would want me here when they get back. How about a dance instead?" he asked, his eyes alight with hope. When he asked, Buffy could see William in his eyes, asking Cecily to dance and being shot down.

"Yeah," she answered before her mind could interfere. She tugged on his duster and he took it off, laying it in her seat, then he offered his arm. She giggled and took it, a smile taking over her face before she even realized it. Spike's heart sang when he saw his Slayer smile in a way she hadn't since before Glory came to town. He could almost feel her fire starting to kindle inside and he was glad. He had missed Buffy's spirit, her witty retorts, and her gorgeous smile. At this point, he'd stand on his head and spit nickels if it would make her happy again. He turned to her awkwardly when they reached the dance floor, and suddenly, a slow song came over the speakers. Spike's eyes scanned the crowd and saw the blond Witch waving, a hint of a grin forming on her face. She wiggled her nose and he knew they had been set up. Sighing with happiness that at least someone knew how much he loved the Slayer, he put his arms around her waist loosely and started to move.

Buffy looked up at Spike in amazement. The words to this song seemed to be written for him.

He shrugged, and cocked his head towards Tara, who had rejoined Willow at their table. The red headed Witch was obviously agitated about something, but Tara was talking her down calmly.

Buffy smiled, knowing the blond Witch was very intuitive. She probably knows who I've been visiting when life at home gets to be too much. She turned back to Spike and smiled at him gently, closing her arms around his neck and pulling him a little closer.

Spike was sure he'd died and gone to Heaven. Buffy was wrapped around him, dancing with him, of her own free will. She was here because she wanted to be. And she was smiling and happy. He breathed in her scent, the vanilla lotion, the powerful blood, and her girly smelling perfume. I never knew what love was until I met Buffy. And I failed her. I let her die, and here she is, dancing with me as if it never happened. He tightened his grip on her unconsciously, pulling her close enough to lay her head on his chest.

Buffy's mind was reeling as she listened to the words of the song Tara had chosen for them to dance to. Is that really how he feels about me? He can't still feel responsible for Glory. He did everything he could, including staying and taking care of Dawn when I died. Her heart sped up like a jackrabbit when he pulled her closer. She could smell his unique blend of scents: leather, tobacco, and that earthy musk. She sighed, a ripple of pleasure washing through her at right this felt. Finally, she gave in and laid her head on his hard chest, reveling in how sculpted he felt without that heavy coat on.

Her head snuggled into his chest, and Spike almost moaned. If he died right now, he'd be a happy vampire. Never would he have imagined when he asked her to dance that he'd be so lucky. Hell, I didn't even think she'd say yes, much curl up against me like a kitten. A hot, curvy, sexy kitten. He stopped that trail of thought immediately, knowing if he continued down that path, he would find a stake in his heart for sure. Even thinking about the Slayer got him aroused, and he was hardly in the position to keep that under wraps. His mind took a vacation from his brain, though apparently, because images of the Slayer naked began flashing through his head in rapid succession.

Buffy gasped when she felt a bulge pressing against her stomach, instinctively realigning her hips with Spike's. She heard him take in a sharp breath, and felt his body tense. Slowly, she raised her eyes to his, drowning in the intensity she found there. Her head tilted up, and her lips parted slightly, knowing he was going to kiss her. His lips met hers tenderly, softly, then began to coax hers apart. When his tongue brushed her lower lip, she sighed, allowing him access to her mouth. Her body seemed to melt against his, and she felt a heat forming in her that she knew she hadn't felt since ... since Angel. Riley had never been able to turn her on this much with just a kiss.

Spike was lost. From the moment his lips touched Buffy's, he had lost all sense of the world around him. Only he and Buffy existed, and she was letting him kiss her, really kiss her. He bumped hips with her, unconsciously striving to be closer to the heat her body was emanating. He could feel her pulse racing, and it egged him on, making him shudder with need. He didn't know if she loved him or even if she thought she ever could. All he knew was this felt right. Nothing had ever felt as right as having Buffy is his arms like this.

Buffy broke the kiss off, needing to breathe, and cupped his cool cheek in her hand. Her thumb stroked his amazingly soft lips, and she gazed into his eyes. She swore she could see his soul gazing back at her. Wrapping her arms around him, she pressed herself against him until she couldn't tell where he ended and she began.

And for the first time since she was brought back, Buffy felt complete. She felt everything she had felt in Heaven and more. The world was no longer cold, violent and ugly, but warm, safe and loving. She knew that is was where she belonged, no matter what anyone else thought.

Buffy Summers had finally come home.

Buffy was in Heaven. Again. Everything she thought she'd been ripped away from, she was now finding, ironically, in a vampire's arms. Mom would be proud of me, she thought. She always did like Spike, and the lecture she gave me about being pig headed is one of the things I'll never forget about being dead. She chuckled just a bit, realizing the total weirdness that was her life. Only a Slayer, hell, only she could have things she'd never forget about being dead. She buried her face farther into Spike's neck as they swayed to another slow song. There had been a suspicious abundance of them playing tonight, and Buffy was pretty sure Tara had something to do with it.

The blond witch had practically pushed her Spike together tonight, and it seemed she was determined to make sure it worked out. She felt Spike's chest rumble, and grinned as the purring started. Is there anything sexier than that? she thought ruefully. I never really knew what I missed when I was with Riley, why we never clicked, and it was this. He wasn't enough monster for me. Spike was right. Angel had always purred, and why wouldn't her first love's quirks influence her preferences?

A strong hand grabbed her shoulder suddenly and wrenched her away from Spike. Buffy's eyes slammed shut, trying to not cry at the similarity of this to her resurrection. Beautiful peace, then blinding emptiness. Her hands started to shake, and she wrapped her thin arms around herself, trying to calm down. Spike moved behind her, his body just barely touching hers, and his presence calmed her. Her eyes opened slowly, as if she was afraid she'd see the lid of a coffin again.

Instead, she saw Willow, resolve face and all. Her insides cringed, and she took a moment to center herself. She looked at Willow with the steely gaze of the Slayer, intent on protecting herself.

"May I help you?" she asked in a deceptively sweet voice.

Willow glared at her sarcasm. She's gonna play it this way, is she? the witch thought. I can play rough, too. "Buffy, on behalf of your mother, and Giles, who's British so he's kinda like a mother but not," she stumbled. Great Wil. Real smooth delivery there. Way to make an impression, she grimaced. "On behalf of them, just what in the frilly heck are you doing?" she demanded. Resolve face gave way to concern face as she looked at Buffy, whose face looked like it was about to crumple.

"I'm dancing with Spike. I would think that's obvious, especially to someone as intelligent as you, Wils," she replied, sarcasm dripping off her response.

Willow gritted her teeth. She hated when Buffy behaved like a child. It was like trying to talk sense into a five year old. "Yes, I can see that. But why?"

"He's a pretty good dancer, which I would expect since he has been alive centuries."

Arghhh!!!! Willow shouted in her head. "And the kissage? That's part of the dance package? Cuz if it is, someone should have told me a long time ago."

"Contrary to your attitude, Willow, you are not my mother, nor are you Giles. Though right now, coming in a close second for tweed suit fittings. Quit having a wiggins. I'm allowed to make my own choices about who I want to date," she shot back.

"Buffy, he's a soulless killer. I'm sure you realize that if he didn't have the chip, he'd be out with his nutty ex killing half of LA!" Several people had now gathered, listening to the two girls argue.

Spike raised his hand slowly so no one pulled out a stake and said, "Can we have this discussion back at the table. Since you've gone and destroyed the special moment already might as well get out of the public eye for this discussion," he muttered. Bloody kids. Buffy and I were having the best time I've had since I was turned, and her sodding friends can't leave us be for ten bloody minutes! He growled under his breath, and was surprised to find Buffy squeezing his hand reassuringly.

Willow nodded curtly, heading back toward the table.

Tara shrugged. "I-I t-tried to keep her away, b-but she w-wouldn't listen. She's been r-really strange s-since we did the r-resurrection spell."

When Buffy and Spike reached the table, they found a fuming Willow next to a glaring Xander. Buffy rolled her eyes. Why did she have to bring Xander into this? Ignoring their pointed glares, she sat down, pulling Spike next to her, and snuggled into his embrace. What do they know about dating normal people anyways? Willow has dated a cyber demon, a werewolf, and a witch; Xander dated a mummy girl, a preying mantis, an ex vengence demon, and god help us, Cordelia. Talk about living in glass houses.

Willow cleared her throat, and Buffy looked up, startled. "Buffy, he's tried to kill us all plenty of times," she whispered. "How do you know he won't get the chip out and do it again?"

"Oz-wolf tried to eat us several times and no one gave you this lecture. Xander almost got life sucked by a mummy, eaten by preying mantis, and has a girlfriend who could get her powers back and give us all boils or something, but no one threatens him. Why does everyone pick on me?"

"Because your last undead playmate killed Miss Calendar!" Willow shouted.

Buffy shuddered, gulping back tears. "That was way harsh, Wils."

Spike looked at the witch, sniffing the air around her. There's just something different about her lately. So easy to brass off. I'll have to tell the other witch about it later, he thought. "Look, I have a demon. But I have control of it. Just like your wolf could control himself most of the time. Doesn't mean he didn't almost eat you once or twice, does it?" he smirked.

Buffy swallowed hard, trying to collect herself. She knew the hardest obstacle would be Xander. He was always the hardest. For now, she had to calm Willow down. "Willow, Spike never once really tried to kill us. Or we'd be dead. Even I know that. He's the only vamp I've ever had to call a truce with because I knew I couldn't beat him. I wouldn't just take any vampire into our homes, you know," she explained quietly.

"Aw, Slayer, didn't know you cared so much," Spike said, hugging her close.

"If his chip quits working, Buffy-" she started.

"It's already kaplooie," Xander interjected. Four sets of incredulous eyes stared at him, daring him to explain. "I started noticing little differences in Spike right after Glory did her mojo on him. He could threaten sometimes; he could get a little physical with people. So I watched him. And little by little, I watched the chip fizzle out entirely. It stopped working shortly after Buffy died. He could have been doing anything he wanted really. But mostly, he watched Dawn, patrolled and sat by Buffy's grave drinking himself into a stupor."

Buffy's jaw dropped. Had Spike known all this time? Her big eyes met his, pleading with him to tell the truth. Was he really being good because he wanted to, not because he was forced to?

Spike at least had the grace to look shamed. "Yeah, it's gone. Like the whelp said, it just quit workin. And I didn't say anything because, well, there was nobody I felt like talking to. Cept the Nibblet, and I think she already knew, tell you the truth. So I just did what was needed, what I'd promised, and forced myself not to go sunbathing every day." He looked away, wishing the boy hadn't told Buffy what he was like while she was gone. It wasn't like he was particularly proud of himself.

Buffy smiled at Xander. He knows, she thought. Somehow, just like with Riley, he knows what I feel for Spike. And I guess he figures I deserve to be happy whatever way I can. Amazing. Xander has finally grown up. And to think, all it took was my dying... She poked Spike in the arm and he turned around. "You wanna go finish that dance?"

Spike grinned at her, realizing her acceptance of his explanation meant she trusted him. Damn foolish of her, I guess, but her heart is what's kept her alive longer than any other Slayer. And I intend to keep her that way for as long as possible. He took her hand, preparing to whisk her away to the dance floor again.

"We're not done here," Willow said angrily. "I'm not going to let you risk all of our lives again, Buffy."

Buffy looked at Willow, her gaze steady and unwavering. "Willow, the prophecy states: 'One girl throught out the world, the Chosen One'. Not the chosen gang. Not the Chosen Witch. Just me, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. If you didn't have the decency to leave me in Heaven when I died, have the decency to back off while I try to make a life here on Earth." With that, she pulled on Spike's arm, and they headed for the dance floor.

Willow stared at the spot where Buffy had been standing in shock. "S-She was in Heaven?" she gasped.

Xander nodded. "Hadn't you guessed by now, Wil? Every time we mentioned the demon dimension she was stuck in, she would disappear for hours on end. It took me awhile but I caught on that she had to have been somewhere else. And who wants to tell their friends they pulled them out of Heaven? She was trying to keep from hurting us," he said quietly.

"We were wrong. We never should have messed with the natural order," Tara added.

"But I didn't think it was natural. I thought she was in Hell," Willow said, the tone in her voice bordering on hysteria. "We did, too, honey." Tara put her arm around Willow, hugging the stricken redhead close.

"Or maybe we just wanted to believe that because we needed her too much," Xander contradicted, a tear slipping out of his eye. "Look, I'm not on the soulless demon boat, but I am for Buffy being happy. Look at them." He gestured out to the dance floor where Buffy and Spike were already snuggled close and swaying to the music. 'When was the last time you saw Buffy smile like that? Even before she died?"

The Witches thought for a moment and the silence was damning enough. Neither could remember the last time Buffy had looked so content.

"I can remember. And I believe his name was Deadboy, folks. Since he left, her smile, her laugh, her entire attitude had been totally different. Like she was stuck on permanent bitch mode. We all knew she didn't love Riley, whether we wanted to admit it or not. Let me just say, not expecting the ... the Spike, but hey- She's happy. So I'm happy."

Willow wiped a few stray tears from her face, nodding at Xander. "I guess that makes sense. Maybe he really does love her. If the chip was out and he acted like he did, I guess it's possible. And you're right about Angel, Xander. I never really thought about what had changed in Buffy; I was too busy wallowing in Oz. But when I think about it, you're right." She looked at her arms, the scars from the ritual that brought Buffy back still evident. "About everything."

Xander thought for a moment and a truly happy smile filled his face. "But you know what this means?" At Willow's head shake, he grinned even wider. "I get to tell Deadboy his evil spawn is Buffy's new man. Dude, is that gonna chafe his willy!" He clapped his hands in excitement, already planning how he was going to tell the souled vampire the bad news.

Willow shook her head, chuckling and cast another glance at the dance floor. She smiled ruefully, and twitched her finger at the couple. When their feet raised off the floor, floating in place, she grinned. Now they'll know they have my approval, she thought. Taking Tara's hand, she pulled her girlfriend out to the dance floor.

"Luv?"

"Mmmmm?"

"Are we bloody floating?"

Buffy looked down at their feet, which were dangling about a foot off the floor. Quirking an eyebrow, she swiveled her gaze around until her gaze met Willow's. The redheaded witch winked, then twitched her nose, causing their feet to once again touch the ground. "I think this means Mom approves," she replied drily.

Spike smiled against her ear. For some reason, it had become important to him that her friends accept them. He didn't want her to alienate herself from what little family she had left. His breath hissed through his teeth when he felt Buffy rubbing her little hands down his back and over his ass, squeezing it playfully.

"I think, pet, that you had better stop playing with fire," he growled, grinding his hips against hers.

She grinned naughtily, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Didn't you ever just want to play with matches anyways?"

"I think you already did that once. Burnt a great factory down, as I recall. And there was an incident with a flaming organ, something about a school gymnasium... Perhaps fire is not your friend, pet," he teased.

"Maybe I want to play with fire," she said, her lower pouting at him, begging to be kissed.

He groaned. "Well, you know what they say about playing with fire." He picked her up and began carrying her out the door of the Bronze. "You might just get burned."

With preternatural speed, Spike ran toward Revello Drive, his yellow eyes blazing. His arms clutched Buffy to him tightly, afraid she would suddenly disappear. When he reached her house, he flung the door open, and stepped inside, the demon mask slipping away. He set Buffy on her feet gently, feeling almost as if his undead heart was about begin hammering in nervousness.

She smiled gently, her fingers cupping his cheek. "Why, Spike, are you nervous? You're shaking," she teased lightly.

"Yeah, I'm a right poncy bugger, Slayer. I feel like I'm a high schooler about to lose his cherry," he said, grinning evilly.

She giggled at his bluntness. Spike always told her the truth, well almost always, and it comforted her. Her breath caught when she looked up into his eyes, the intensity burning her form the inside out. Unconsciously, she stepped forward, closing the distance between them.

Spike's lips came crashing down on hers, stealing her breath. His tongue teased her lower lip, asking permission.

Buffy sighed, and her mouth opened to him, and he growled hungrily. His hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against him. Reality seemed to fly out the window as they kissed over and over, each kiss sweeter, more intoxicating than the previous one.

Come on now, try and understand
The way I feel under your command
Take my hand, come under cover
They can't hurt you now

Buffy gasped for breath when their lips parted. Her arms had found their way around his neck and shoulders clutching him to her desperately. Her mind was spinning, and her heart was about to leap out of her chest. The last time she had been this caught up in a ...just a kiss...was too long ago to think about. Her body tingled in anticipation and she wondered just how far she was going to let this go. Do I want to make love with Spike? Did I say love? Oh God...She turned her thought back to Spike, who was sliding his hands over her rear in a torturously slow caress.

Spike was drowning. His body was on fire being pressed this close to Buffy, and he didn't care if he burst into flames right there. She was kissing him like she didn't care if there was a tomorrow, and his hands were roaming her body freely. Did she just grind her hips against me? Are her hands under my shirt? Spike prayed fervently to a deity that didn't listen to demons like him that Buffy wouldn't regain whatever faculties she had lost the moment her hot little hands had slid up his chest tentatively. What a way to go...

Buffy tore her lips away from Spike's, breath heaving with arousal. Grinning, she raised her arms and tossed her shirt to the floor, leaving her chest bare to his widening eyes. She tugged on the hem of his shirt as well, waiting for him to get the hint. When it was obvious he was still stuck on her attire, she reached up and ripped his shirt from the collar, pushing the sides apart. Damn, and I really liked that shirt, too, she thought. Sighing at his sculpted muscles, she leaned in and peppered small kisses and licks over his pectoral muscles. He shuddered, and she ground her hips against his again, hoping he was going to take the hint soon.

Spike raised his eyes from her chest, gazing into Buffy's glazed pupils. The invitation in her eyes almost made him gasp. She wants to...she wants me to... he stuttered in his head. His hand reached and caressed her cheek lightly, and when she turned her face and bit his hand, eyes glinting with arousal, he lost every vestige of control he had. His demon flared, and he grabbed her into his arms, racing up the stairs two at a time.

Dropping her on the bed, Spike dove on top of her, his thighs burrowing between hers. She squeaked, and he graced her with his trademark smirk. His face fell when a thought occurred to him.

"Buffy, where's the Nibblet?" he ground out, trying to ignore the way her thigh felt around his. She blinked, trying to let the question penetrate her lust fogged brain.

"Dawn? Where...is...Dawn? Oh!" She smacked her head. "She's at a friend's house tonight. We have the place to ourselves," she whispered, a big goofy grin coming over her face when he snarled playfully.

"Then I think, Slayer, that you are in for the best night of your life," he bragged.

"Talk about letting your ass overload your mouth," she muttered, squeezing his butt. He cut off her next comment with a searing kiss, and she forgot what she was saying. Her hands scratched furrows in his back as he rotated his hips on top of hers. Her eager hands moved his to his breasts, and she smiled as he sucked in a deep breath. A shuddering gasp erupted from her lips when he took her nipple between his teeth and nibbled, and a rumbling chuckle followed.

"Have a thing for biting, eh, Slayer?" Her mewling moan was answer enough for him, and he moved his lips up to her neck, biting lightly here and there. Does she really want me to? I don't even know if I want to or if I can. Maybe this should wait... Spike wisely moved away from her pulsing jugular until he decided what how he felt about biting Buffy for real.

Buffy arched her hips up, rubbing his erection, and clawed at his pants. They had too many clothes on. Her hands reached for his zipper, dragging it down before he even realized what she was up to. Thanking the heavens that Spike didn't wear underwear, she pulled his jeans down over his ass.

"No need to rush now, Slayer," he teased, kicking his chinos down his legs.

"I beg to differ," she replied, sliding her legs back around his waist. "I think I've been waiting long enough."

"Well, if you insist," he said, grinning devilishly. Spike nearly tore her leather pants off trying to get hem down her legs. She giggled and he scowled at her. When they were finally tossed aside, his eyes roamed over her hungrily. He ripped her tiny underwear off, throwing them over his shoulder as he kissed his way down her belly. Her gasping moans egged him on, and he licked sucked lower until she began keening, babbling his name over and over again. He kept up the sweet torture until she came, shivering and breathing harshly in the dark. Buffy clawed at his shoulders, pulling him up her body until his lips met hers in an intensely passionate kiss. He looked deeply into her eyes, asking permission before he entered her.

A small laugh bubbled from her lips, and she smiled hugely, nodding her head. Then Spike was inside her, moving and stroking in places she'd never known existed. My God...he's...it's... Her thoughts jumbled together, making no logical sense as she felt her body building toward another climax.

"Spike... Spike, I can't.." she gasped out. "Please..."

Looking at her face, he knew what she wanted. Bracing himself for pain, Spike leaned down, shifting his demon face forward and bit softly into her neck. He tried to tell himself he didn't bite her directly over Angel's mark on purpose, but his orgasm hit before he could even contemplate the meaning of such an action. He roared like a beast, vaguely aware of Buffy screaming his name, and collapsed on top of her, spent.

She raised her head weakly, running a hand down his back lightly. Typical man, she thought. Asleep before I can even tell him I love him. Oh, well, I can tell him tomorrow. She grinned to herself when she realized that she had just played with fire...and what a way to burn it had been. Yawning, she wrapped her arms around him, and shifted a bit so she could breathe, then drifted off to sleep.