"So you wanna come play kitten poker with me?"

"No, thanks,"

"One round?"

"Nope,"

"Well, how about bringing a tabby then?"

My eyes went as wide as saucers and I gaped at Spike, "No!"

A laugh emitted from his plump, pink lips and he arched an eyebrow. The over-head lamp lights that lined the street shone on his hair, making the bleach blonde strands light up even more. Gosh, he was beautiful, I thought to myself. But no. No, I couldn't have these thoughts about him. He was a vampire, an enemy to Buffy.

She'd be so mad if she found out her little sister had a crush on him. But it's not like she had feelings for him - no, she just hated him and wanted him dead. And if it wasn't for that little silver chip in his head, he would be. Thank goodness for small favors, Initiative. Biting my lip, I shook my head at Spike.

"I think I'm just gonna go home and watch some TV, eat some Twinkies," I shrugged, dirty blonde hair flipping over my shoulder.

"Well, I'd join you but I don't think Passions is on yet," he said, playfully bumping my shoulder with his.

I shivered underneath my hoodie at the contact and tried to ignore how his blue eyes bored into me. Glancing up though, I realized we'd made it to my house. The light was on in the kitchen window, indicating Buffy was still up. I frowned, a sigh forming on my lips. She'd probably want to know who I was out with. Of course, I'd have to say Spike and then she'd blow a fuse. Spike said goodbye just then and began to walk back the other way when I called out to him.

"Hey, Spike, wait up!" I said, jogging over to where he was, "Is that offer still available?"

He smiled slightly, nodding and we began our trek to the demon bar he so loved to haunt. It took only a few minutes before we arrived. The other players were already there, lined around the table underneath a yellow light hanging over-head. While Spike found an empty chair at the table, I found one of my own next to the wall. Bringing my legs up onto the chair and my knees into my chest, I watched them play. Clem was winning at the moment, doling out cards but my eyes were on Spike - the way his lip curled when he had a hidden card up his sleeve, the way he snickered at other demons when they played a bad hand, or the way he ran a hand over his gelled blond hair.

He was perfect in every definition of the word. After several more minutes though, his luck had changed and he was raking in the, er...tabbies. The game ended soon after and I waited for Spike outside, tapping my foot impatiently.

"Whoa, there, love, you're gonna a wear a hole in that shoe," Spike said from behind me, his warm breath brushing against my neck.

I jumped, startled and Spike let out a laugh that rang out in the night air. My eyes connected to his and the scowl died on my face. With hesitant movements, I reached up a hand and gently ran my fingertips down his high cheek-bones. His skin was soft and smooth underneath my hand and I bit my lip before meeting his eyes, suddenly realizing what I'd done.

"I-" I began to remove my hand but he cut me off by grabbing it and keeping it there.

Everything seemed to go in slow-motion then, so slow I didn't know if it was actually happening or not until his lips met mine under the street-lights. The kiss was slow and gentle, not at all what I expected from a vampire, much less one like Spike. But he was gentle as if he was being extra careful not to hurt me. And maybe, in a way, he was. My hands slid up to rest on his chest. I could feel the toned muscles beneath his tight black t-shirt as he kissed me over and over, his hands coming to rest on my hips and lower back.

Finally, I had to pull away from lack of oxygen. But when I did, he was smiling at me. And not his usual cocky smirk but a real, genuine smile. In retrospect, that was when I knew I was in love with William the Bloody. And maybe, just maybe...I always had been.