Disclaimer: My therapist and I had a long talk, and she finally got me to admit that the rights to 'Buffy' do not belong to me. (Be nice, I'm still struggling with the horror of this concept.)

AN: I know, I know, it took me forever to update! School's been hell-I have a huge project due soon, along with enough tests to sustain an army. Sorry about that, I'll try to get the next chapter up sooner.

Previously: One lonely, rainy night, Buffy goes to Spike's crypt. Did I mention this is after her date with Riley?

Truth or Dare

Chapter 7: C'est la Vie

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The second Buffy opened her eyes she saw Spike. He was sleeping right next to her, his eyes closed as she admired his face. Ivory skin and sharp cheekbones - he looked more like a Greek statue of a god then a sleeping vampire.

Spike was still lying on top of the bedcovers, and the slayer was starting to hate the barrier of cloth between her and Spike. She tried to squirm out from under the blankets, but the strong arms of the still-sleeping Spike held her tighter.

Not wanting to wake him, Buffy stopped moving. Besides, she was so comfortable here: Spike-scent surrounding her, Spike arms holding her. How much better could life get?

Spike mumbled something and opened his eyes slowly.

"Mornin' luv." He said with a yawn.

"Morning." Buffy replied cheerfully.

"Sleep well last night?"

"Better then I have in ages." Buffy said honestly. "Guess I'll just have to sleep here every night from now on." She added, teasing.

"Guess so." Spike agreed.

They laid in a comfortable silence for awhile, staring up at the ceiling of Spike's crypt.

"I love Saturday's." Buffy commented. "No school, no work. And since I'm in college, no mom telling me I've got chores to do-Mom!" Buffy practically jumped out of the bed.

"What is it, pet?"

"I promised my mom I'd meet her at 9:00 this morning . . . I hardly ever see her anymore." Buffy hastily pulled a watch out of her now-dried pants pocket. "Shit! It's 8:30, I've only got a half hour!"

Buffy threw on her clothes and ran out the door, reminding herself to never, ever, make plans so early in the morning again.

Spike sighed, glumly pulling himself out of bed. It was possible that Buffy really had made plans this early, but he couldn't help thinking it was just an excuse she made up to get away from him quickly.

Well, C'est la vie: that's life.

The door came flying open, and only the fact that it was still cloudy outside kept Spike from being fried by the sun as Buffy raced back in.

She pulled him into a long, hard kiss; her entire being pleading for something Spike so wanted to give her.

Buffy finally broke away. "I just wanted to say I'm sorry I have to leave so early, and thanks for last night-I had a really great time."

He answered by pulling her towards him, and their lips met again; divine ecstasy in so small an action. Spike finally released her, and Buffy stared up at him, breathless.

"Go on, pet." Spike said, guiding her towards the door. "Don't keep your mum waitin'."

"Again . . . soon." Buffy managed to say, backing out the door.

" 'F course, luv." He replied, smiling.

Life had just gotten a lot better.

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It was 9:30, when Buffy knocked on her front door. Normally she wouldn't feel bad about being late, it was just the fact that she hadn't bothered to stop by and see Joyce that made her feel guilty, made her feel like she should at least be early on the rare times they did see each other.

Joyce answered the door, pulling her into a welcoming hug.

And then Buffy got the shock of a lifetime, entering the living room and finding no one other that Spike sitting there. Lounged across the large chair, limbs spread out over the piece of furniture.

"Spike came over to say hello." Joyce explained. "I'll get my purse from upstairs, and then we can be on our way!"

"'Ello, luv." Spike said as Joyce disappeared up the steps. "You look a little different than the rain-soaked Buffy I saw last night."

The color rose on Buffy's cheeks. "God, I must have looked horrible, I'm surprised you didn't take me for a demon and try to kill me."

"You looked beautiful." Spike replied, pulling her into a soft kiss. "You always do."

Buffy only turned redder from the compliment. "So, um, not that I mind, but why are you here?"

"Figured I'd keep your mum company while you got ready."

"Thanks." Buffy said gratefully.

"I'm all ready!" Joyce called out as she came into the living room.

"Time for major shopping!" Buffy cried gleefully.

"Spike, you sure you can get home with out bursting into flame?" Joyce asked, concerned.

"I'll be fine." Spike assured her. He bolted down the sidewalk, blanket held over his head as the two women got into the car. He had some shopping plans of his own.

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Buffy walked into her room, exhausted from a full day of shopping. She was staying at her house for the night, no reason to go back to the dorm when she felt like her feet were going to fall of any minute.

She dropped the heavy shopping bags in her room, quickly changing into pajamas. It was only 10:00; Buffy normally wasn't so tired at the hour. Patrolling would just have to wait.

She pulled open the bed covers, and dozens of flowers fell out. Someone had layered jasmine flowers and rose petals under her comforter, and the sweet aroma was quickly consuming the room.

Who would do that for her? Buffy's mind immediately jumped to Spike, but she discarded the idea. The vampire just seemed to, vampiric, to do such a thing.

She picked up one of the white jasmine flowers; its soft petals were as sweet to her touch as its scent was to her nose.

Finding out who did this could be done in the morning, Buffy decided, lying down on top of the red and white flowers spread over her bed. 'God, it smells good.' She though, reaching a hand under her pillow and feeling the distinct texture of heavy paper.

Sure enough, in black ink on the small white sheet of paper there was a message written in elegant handwriting.

Sleep well, luv.

That was all it said, but that was enough. 'Spike.' Buffy thought, a smile rising on her lips.

There was a lot more to that vampire than bleached hair and a leather coat.

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"I'm turnin' into a soddin' poof." Spike informed the demon sitting next to him.

"It can't be that bad." Clem reassured him.

"It is though! I dance with that slayer bint once, just once, and then I can't get her out of my head! We kiss a bit, go farther than kissing, but we haven't even shagged and I'm decoratin' her room with flowers! And those flowers," He added, "Were not poisonous. They were the ones I thought she would like!"

Clem couldn't help laughing at the terror in his friends' voice as he talked. "Well, I'm sure she liked the flowers."

"That's not the point! I'm supposed t' kill her, not leave her presents."

Clem shrugged. "Tell you what, I heard there was a new nest of vamps down in the wherehouse district, why don't you go kill something?"

"Alright." Spike agreed. "Sounds like a good plan."

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~The lotion smelled sweet, a fragrant mix of jasmine and roses. His skilled hands sensually rubbed the lotion onto her back.

"Spike . . ." She murmured, as he massaged her sore muscles.

"Just relax, luv, just relax."

He continued to rub lotion over her back, hands moving to her stomach, and upwards, slowing caressing her full breasts . . .~

The alarm clock went off, waking Buffy up as she frantically tried to find the off button. Why did it always ring when she was having a good dream?

She yawned, glancing at the clock that proudly displayed the time in bright red numbers. What sensible person got up at 2 AM?

She pulled on more slay-worthy clothes: black jeans, white shirt, complete with a leather jacket.

Buffy went through all the other graveyards first, trying to figure out what she would say to Spike. Enlightenment refused to come, so she headed over to his graveyard still contemplating what she would say. Buffy threw open the doors, revealing a very empty crypt.

Sure, the TV was there, as was his favorite chair, and the fridge where he kept his blood . . . but it was missing the distinct, commanding, presence of Spike.

She should have expected this; it was the middle of the night, of course he'd be gone. But the blond slayer couldn't help feeling disappointed, no matter what logic said.

"Lookin' for me?" A familiar English voice asked, startling her.

Buffy spun around, finding herself face to face with Spike. "Well, yeah." She admitted.

"I'm flattered." Spike said, feigning embarrassment.

"You should be." Buffy teased back, pulling him into a soft kiss.

"You smell nice." Spike commented as they pulled apart.

"Probably because I've been sleeping in a bed covered with flowers some one sent me."

"Now who would that be?" Spike questioned, smirk playing across his lips.

Damn, he was sexy when he smirked.

"It was really sweet of you."

"You make it so hard to be evil, slayer."

They kissed again, longer this time; tongues exploring mouths as hands explored bodies.

"You know, my mom's going to be gone tomorrow." Buffy said when they parted again. "You should come over while my bed still smells nice."

Did she have any idea of what she had just suggested? " 'F course I'll come."

"See you then."

Spike watched her walk away, deciding she much less naïve then he had thought. Un-life kept getting better and better.

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AN: Please review, it makes the chapters come faster! (And it makes me feel good. : D )