Part 41:
"Today Sunnydale mourns the loss of two fine citizens. Mayor Wilkins and Professor Walsh," a female newscaster said. Spike and Buffy were cuddled on the couch of the Summers' living room, watching the morning news. Joyce was out running errands the entire day, and Spike and Buffy were enjoying having the house to themselves. The sound of the doorbell ringing wafted into the living room and Buffy lazily detached herself from Spike's arms and padded over to the front door, combing a hand through her hair absentmindedly.
"Riley," The slayer said in surprise when she opened the door and came face to face with the soldier.
"I found out this was your house," Riley explained, "I wanted to talk to you."
"Should we go out on the porch?" Buffy asked.
"No, this is fine, it will only take a minute."
"I just wanted you to know that I'm going back to Iowa. I figured that I need a little time off from school. And I wanted to thank you. You and Spike really opened my eyes. Helped me see some things. I mean, sometimes the truth is scary, and confusing, but it's the truth. I think that not being ignorant is better than simply being happy,"' Riley said.
"I'm glad you think so. But Spike and I can't take all the credit. You're a good man Riley," Buffy insisted.
"And I really believe that. I just wanted to tell you where I'll be," Riley said, producing a piece of paper from his pocket. "This is the address of where I'm staying. If you ever need help you can call me. I'm a good guy now."
"Stay safe, Riley," Buffy said as Riley turned and walked back to his car.
The Slayer went back inside and moved back into Spike's arms on the couch.
"He fancies you," Spike said to the Slayer after a moment of silence.
"Yeah, well I fancy you, so as you would say 'don't get you're knickers in a twist," the slayer said, imitating Spike's accent.
"I do not sound like that," the vampire protested loudly. Buffy responded with a snort and settled deeper into Spike's arms.
"I love you," She whispered, "so much."
"Love you too pet. More than anything in this world or the next."
"You'll still love me when I tell you something," Buffy said skeptically.
"Of course," Spike assured the Slayer, not prepared for what she said next.
"We're going bowling with Xander and Cordelia, and Willow and Tara," The slayer said. Xander and Cordelia and Willow and Tara had begun dating shortly after the averted apocalypse and had requested that all three couples do something together.
"I can't believe we're going on a date with the whelp and his cheerleader. I mean, red and glinda are decent people. But…" Spike trailed off when he met the Slayer's eyes.
"I'm guessing I'll have to make this up to you," She said softly, her tongue tracing the outline of her lips. Spike watched, mesmerized.
"That might help," The vampire managed to croak out.
"Well we're going tomorrow. So, I'd say I better start thanking you for agreeing now," The Slayer said, standing and making her way to the stairs, hips swinging.
"Where are you going?" Spike asked.
"I think I'm going to go take a bath," Buffy replied. "I might get lonely up there though. Want to come?" The slayer didn't wait for an answer, she continued up the stairs, leaving a trail of discarded clothing that she knew Spike would pick up on his way. Up in the bathroom Buffy could faintly hear Spike approaching, murmuring something about beautiful Slayer' being the death of him. "Oh yeah," Buffy whispered to herself as the door to the bathroom opened slowly. "It's good to be me."
The End
Thanks Everyone. It's been…quite a ride!
A special thank you to…
Colleen, my beta
Everyone who reviewed
And all the authors who serve as my inspiration!