Chapter 3:

"So, that guy actually bought the Orb so that he could become a slug? That's so gross!" Buffy and Anya were enjoying some coffee and down time in the last half hour at the shop. Buffy was on her third dose of Tylenol for the day but was feeling okay so long the meds didn't wear off. "We get some really crazies in here!"

"Yes, but crazies with money!"

"True, crazies with money." She sighed and hoped the last half hour would go quickly, she still had to pick out an outfit for tonight and shower and paint her nails and shave and…

"You should go ahead and leave, there's nothing I can't handle in the last half hour."

"Thanks a ton, An! You're a doll!"

"I know!" Buffy all but ran out to door for the bus stop.

"Mom, if he gets here in the next five minutes stall him! I'm not ready yet!" She was trying to shove her heels on and not fall over. Finally, she stood in front of her mirror and looked over her reflection. Shoulder length blonde ringlets were pinned half back off of a flawless face. A silk and lace pink dress flowed down luscious curves and ended at her knees. She smiled at herself, devoutly hoping that whatever Spike had planned was worth it.

"Buffy, he's here!" She grabbed her purse and house keys and headed down the stairs.

"Spike!" Buffy was shocked. He was dressed in a silvery grey suited that set off his peroxide hair and blue eyes nicely. "Wow, you look great."

"So, do you, luv! Good enough to eat," he leaned in and nibbled her neck, down to her shoulder.

"Ahem," Joyce and Giles glared, "Have a good time, see you later tonight!"

"Uhm, yeah, sorry. I'll be back later." Buffy smiled and they walked out the door.

"So the guy wanted to become a slug? That's disgusting!" Spike sipped his wine and grimace at the idea of becoming a slug. Even though Spike and Buffy saw each other almost every day, they still related their daily horrors of work. "So, how's your fish taste, luv?"

"Good, how's your steak? I think it's rare enough that it's still mooing!" She smiled. Her head still ached a little, but she'd get over it.

"Yeah, yeah, luv 'eard it all before! Oops," he dove for a fork which had slipped out of his grasp.

"Clumsy much?"

"Do you mind?" He came up from the floor kneeling beside her, "I know I'm clumsy, but you love me. Right?"

"Of course I do, you know that!" She kissed his cheek as she felt something slide onto her finger.

"Good to hear. Now I know I didn't buy this for nothing!" He was grinning like a moron, knowing how happy Buffy had to be.

"Oh my god! Oh, my god!" She stared at the ring totally unaware of the scene she was causing.

"So, yes or no?"

"Yes, of course yes!" She kissed him soundly. "Oh man, everyone's going to flip when I tell them!"

"Actually, they already know. I made sure Joyce wasn't gonna kill me when you told her. She's fine with it and very happy we're finally going to settle down together."

"Hmm settle down? Right now I feel like I could go all night." She gave him a lusty smile.

"Check, please!"