"Ok, we have to break up." Buffy stood over Spike with her arms crossed.
Spike shot up from the floor. "What?! Why? What?"
"Because we've only been 'intimate' for one day, and you've already broken more furniture than I can afford to fix!" Buffy pouted.
Spike sighed in relief and cocked his head. "Oh, it's all my fault again, is it?"
"Well, I've managed to live here by myself for a while now without breaking anything. You show up, and it becomes a disaster area. We may have to call for federal aide here..."
Spike smiled. "Luv, I told you I'd fix it all. And what I can't fix, I'm sure the whel-Xander....would be willing to work on. We just tell him we were sparring and broke a few things...."
"A *few* things? And besides, the sparring story won't work. You're not supposed to be able to hurt me, remember?"
Spike looked a little confused. "You never told your mates? About the chip?"
Buffy shook her head. "No, and I'm sorry. I know you said secrets were of the bad, but I just....I don't know how they'd take that. I mean, us dating is me making a decision on how to live my life. Not the possibility that you're able to kill again. I think the only reason they're reasonably sane right now is because they think you're chipped and can't hurt me. I'll tell them if you want me to, but I'm really not sure it's a good idea."
"No, for once I'd have to agree with a little secret keeping. Especially with the Watcher. Think he'd stake me good and proper and ask questions later."
Buffy frowned. "Especially after the Angelus mess. He really distrusts vamps, especially vamps that have nothing holding them back from evil."
"But I do, don't I?" Spike slid closer to her.
Buffy moved a bit further away. "If you say so, and I thought I told you to get dressed! If you don't keep your distance, I'm afraid my friends may get a show they weren't planning on! Cuz I gotta tell you, you and naked...really good combo." Buffy looked him over appreciatively, then shook her head. "But you said you'd fix some of this stuff before they got here. You have one hour to make this place presentable!"
Spike chuckled. "Not a problem, luv. But, uh, as soon as I do the mending, I'm gonna head back to my crypt, ok?"
Buffy pouted again. "What? Why? You said you'd stay and be social...."
Spike moved in and leaned down to take her pouting lip between his teeth, giving it a little nibble. "Just thought you'd want me to change my clothes, pet. I mean, this place already reeks of our sex, don't figure I need to add to it. Cuz from what I can tell, not all my clothes made it out of the line of fire. And uh, got a few tears.... Now don't get me wrong, I'd love to wear your scent all evening, but your mates might not appreciate it."
Buffy nodded. "Ok, ok, you win. But don't be gone long. And fix this stuff first!"
"Right. And I'll take Summer home. She can last a few hours without me."
"Yeah, probably best not to leave her alone with me. I'm under the distinct impression that she doesn't like me much, what with brutal attack a couple hours ago."
Spike grinned. "Hey, just my girl lookin' after me. She thought you were hurting me. 'Course, that could have something to do with the growlin' and yellin' and moanin'...."
"Yeah, well for all she knows, *you* were hurting *me*!"
"Hurt so good, luv?" Spike smirked.
"Oh, please....now get to work!"
**
Spike was true to his word, having fixed all the broken items well enough for appearances. He was also back in clean clothes before the first Scoobies arrived. Xander greeted Spike with a curt nod. More than Spike had expected. The girls were, as always, polite. Tara always seemed to give him a little extra smile. Spike wondered if any of the others ever noticed.
Once they were all assembled in the living room and the pizza had been ordered, Xander stood up. "Uh, guys. There's something I want to tell you all, and I can't think of a better time than now. Now that I'm surrounded by my best friends, and Spike." Spike raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. He didn't really fancy being Xander's friend anyway. "Anya and I are getting married." Xander looked down at Anya who looked a bit surprised at first, then immediately started glowing.
She jumped up and ran to get her purse hanging on the coat rack. She returned with the ring, and put it on to model for everyone. "He didn't want to tell anyone for a long time because Buffy was gone. But now she's back and I guess he finally decided everything was settled enough to announce it!" The girls ooohed and aaaahed over the ring, while Spike gave Xander an amused look.
"What, dead boy? Got something to say?" Xander asked coldly. The girls were still mooning over the ring, but Buffy was watching the men out of the corner of her eye.
Spike chewed the inside of his cheek for a moment before saying, "Congratulations. Got yourself a real fine girl. Better than you deserve."
Xander bristled for a moment before relaxing into a small grin. "Yeah, you're not wrong." The men shared a small nod before becoming uncomfortable with the civility between them. They both muttered something that sounded like insults before turning their attention to the women. Anya was smiling brightly while Willow and Tara complimented her ring effusively.
Buffy walked over to Spike and sat down in his lap. "Thank you," she whispered as she nibbled his earlobe.
"For what?"
"You know, for what. Being nice to Xander."
"I was *not* nice. Just trying not to start a fight, ya know...."
"Uh huh...." Buffy turned her attention to the gang. "Well, this calls for a celebration. I think alcoholic beverages are in order! I'll get those, Will, why don't you see if there are any crazy music videos we can make fun of!" Spike followed Buffy into the kitchen to help.
"Aye aye, Cap'n!" Willow turned on the tv, then frowned. "Ugh, look. That guy gives me the creeps."
"Who's that?" Tara asked. When she looked up at the tv, she said softly, "Oh, him....yeah.."
Buffy entered the living room, arms full of drinks. As she passed them out to her somber friends, she asked, "What's up? I just went to get drinks. Not like I died again or anything...." Spike frowned. "What? It's a joke...."
Willow looked up from the tv. "Oh, just that creepy serial killer guy. You know, the one who flays his victims alive....32 dead that they know of. And now they've caught him, and he's all repenty. Yeah, like he couldn't have thought of how sorry he'd be when he was killing those people. Makes my skin crawl."
Spike scoffed, "32? Not bad for a human, I suppose. But I never did understand all that 'sorry' crap. He obviously enjoyed it when he was doing it, why pretend to be sorry after the fact? Or even those people that kill someone on accident. What's to be sorry about something unintentional?"
"Maybe you just have a problem with the concept of 'sorry'..." Xander muttered.
"Well, yeah, I guess I do, now that you mention it, whelp. Never saw much need for someone bein' sorry or feelin' guilty. Doesn't change the deed. No one ever got un-dead by someone feeling sorry for killing them. No one ever got un-run over by the drunk driver feeling guilty. I mean, how about you, Anya? You feel sorry for the thousands of people you cursed?"
Anya looked stunned. "Um, well....yes, of course I do. I mean, ok, sure, there is a certain pride associated with it. But that's because it was my job for a thousand years. Nothing wrong with taking satisfaction in a job well done. But now that I'm human, I do feel bad. I think about them sometimes...the men I cursed. Not that most of them didn't have it coming, but still....my tactics were sometimes harsher than necessary."
Spike nodded. "Right, so you feel bad for being a little hard on those gits who wronged their women. And has that ever changed anything? Has it ever put back someone's entrails? Has it ever turned them back human from being an ogre?"
"Troll," everyone else answered in unison.
"Whatever....m' point is, you lot would be better off if you just accepted the things done as the past and didn't dwell on them. Life would be a lot easier, without the guilt, I think."
"You mean without a conscience," Xander said.
"If you like," Spike offered.
Willow frowned. "So you're saying that this guy who killed 32 people should just be happy with himself?"
"What's he gonna gain by wallowing in guilt? I mean, if he makes a good show, maybe he gets 30 life sentences instead of 32. But he's not puttin' the skin back on any of those people by feeling sorry. Might as bloody well enjoy life while you can. That's the problem with you humans, you dwell too much on the things you did instead of focusing on the things you're doing. You make a mistake, move on. You do something rotten on purpose, move on, cuz you meant it at the time and no amount of sorry is going to change that fact."
Xander chuckled. "I think we could play that Sesame Street game now. 'One of these people is not like the other ones'...But I guess we have to remember what we're dealing with, don't we?" Xander looked pointedly at Spike.
"Right you are, pup. Do you well not to forget it, either." Spike returned his icy look.
"Ok, ok, I think the testosterone is through the roof right now, and I, personally, want to poke some fun at an old Madonna video. Willow, any luck finding some funnies?" Buffy looked too hopefully at Willow.
Willow frowned, having been completely engrossed in Spike's rant. "Uh, right. I think the 'Best of the 80's' is on in a few minutes."
"Good! That will be fun. Spikey, why don't you come outside with me and wait for the pizza man?"
Spike cocked his head. "Don't they usually come to the door?" Buffy grabbed his arm and hauled him out to the porch. "Easy, luv, don't have many more clothes for you to rip."
"What *was* that? I thought you were going to try and get along." Buffy frowned deeply.
"What? That? That was nothing. Just a bit o' banter, luv. Can't help but enjoy getting the whelp's hackles up."
"Well, if you don't mind, let's not do our best to remind my friends that I happen to be dating a soulless killer, ok?" Buffy crossed her arms and stared out into the yard.
Spike bristled but said nothing. Instead, he leaned up against the door and crossed his arms, mimicking Buffy's pose unintentionally. They stood in silence for a while.
When the pizza finally arrived 10 minutes later, Buffy went out to the car to meet the delivery man. She came back to the porch with two boxes, which Spike relieved her of. As she opened the door, Spike grabbed her arm. "Pet, I'm sorry. Didn't know that would make you so mad. Just a bit of talk, is all."
Buffy raised an eyebrow. "Sorry? Thought you didn't believe in 'sorry'."
Spike smiled. "Well, see, there you go again. Turning my world upside down. I *do* care about sorry when it's you. I wouldn't hurt you for anything, you know it."
Her glare softened a bit. "Just try to get along, ok? And let's leave all talk about Anya being an ex-demon out of the conversation. Xander's never happy when that comes up."
"Hey, not my fault he can't accept her for what she is, or was."
"Spike...."
"Ok, ok. For you, luv. I'll be on best behavior. But I certainly hope there is a reward of some kind." Spike winked at her.
"Or what?" Buffy teased.
"Or *you'll* be sorry...for your furniture..." He gave her a wicked grin and flicked his tongue across his bottom lip.
"Promises, promises..." Buffy opened the door as Spike followed her in.
Spike found it wasn't that hard to keep his word. Being nice to Xander was a challenge, but seeing Buffy smile in appreciation was reward enough. But he wouldn't let her know that.
**
TBC
Spike shot up from the floor. "What?! Why? What?"
"Because we've only been 'intimate' for one day, and you've already broken more furniture than I can afford to fix!" Buffy pouted.
Spike sighed in relief and cocked his head. "Oh, it's all my fault again, is it?"
"Well, I've managed to live here by myself for a while now without breaking anything. You show up, and it becomes a disaster area. We may have to call for federal aide here..."
Spike smiled. "Luv, I told you I'd fix it all. And what I can't fix, I'm sure the whel-Xander....would be willing to work on. We just tell him we were sparring and broke a few things...."
"A *few* things? And besides, the sparring story won't work. You're not supposed to be able to hurt me, remember?"
Spike looked a little confused. "You never told your mates? About the chip?"
Buffy shook her head. "No, and I'm sorry. I know you said secrets were of the bad, but I just....I don't know how they'd take that. I mean, us dating is me making a decision on how to live my life. Not the possibility that you're able to kill again. I think the only reason they're reasonably sane right now is because they think you're chipped and can't hurt me. I'll tell them if you want me to, but I'm really not sure it's a good idea."
"No, for once I'd have to agree with a little secret keeping. Especially with the Watcher. Think he'd stake me good and proper and ask questions later."
Buffy frowned. "Especially after the Angelus mess. He really distrusts vamps, especially vamps that have nothing holding them back from evil."
"But I do, don't I?" Spike slid closer to her.
Buffy moved a bit further away. "If you say so, and I thought I told you to get dressed! If you don't keep your distance, I'm afraid my friends may get a show they weren't planning on! Cuz I gotta tell you, you and naked...really good combo." Buffy looked him over appreciatively, then shook her head. "But you said you'd fix some of this stuff before they got here. You have one hour to make this place presentable!"
Spike chuckled. "Not a problem, luv. But, uh, as soon as I do the mending, I'm gonna head back to my crypt, ok?"
Buffy pouted again. "What? Why? You said you'd stay and be social...."
Spike moved in and leaned down to take her pouting lip between his teeth, giving it a little nibble. "Just thought you'd want me to change my clothes, pet. I mean, this place already reeks of our sex, don't figure I need to add to it. Cuz from what I can tell, not all my clothes made it out of the line of fire. And uh, got a few tears.... Now don't get me wrong, I'd love to wear your scent all evening, but your mates might not appreciate it."
Buffy nodded. "Ok, ok, you win. But don't be gone long. And fix this stuff first!"
"Right. And I'll take Summer home. She can last a few hours without me."
"Yeah, probably best not to leave her alone with me. I'm under the distinct impression that she doesn't like me much, what with brutal attack a couple hours ago."
Spike grinned. "Hey, just my girl lookin' after me. She thought you were hurting me. 'Course, that could have something to do with the growlin' and yellin' and moanin'...."
"Yeah, well for all she knows, *you* were hurting *me*!"
"Hurt so good, luv?" Spike smirked.
"Oh, please....now get to work!"
**
Spike was true to his word, having fixed all the broken items well enough for appearances. He was also back in clean clothes before the first Scoobies arrived. Xander greeted Spike with a curt nod. More than Spike had expected. The girls were, as always, polite. Tara always seemed to give him a little extra smile. Spike wondered if any of the others ever noticed.
Once they were all assembled in the living room and the pizza had been ordered, Xander stood up. "Uh, guys. There's something I want to tell you all, and I can't think of a better time than now. Now that I'm surrounded by my best friends, and Spike." Spike raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. He didn't really fancy being Xander's friend anyway. "Anya and I are getting married." Xander looked down at Anya who looked a bit surprised at first, then immediately started glowing.
She jumped up and ran to get her purse hanging on the coat rack. She returned with the ring, and put it on to model for everyone. "He didn't want to tell anyone for a long time because Buffy was gone. But now she's back and I guess he finally decided everything was settled enough to announce it!" The girls ooohed and aaaahed over the ring, while Spike gave Xander an amused look.
"What, dead boy? Got something to say?" Xander asked coldly. The girls were still mooning over the ring, but Buffy was watching the men out of the corner of her eye.
Spike chewed the inside of his cheek for a moment before saying, "Congratulations. Got yourself a real fine girl. Better than you deserve."
Xander bristled for a moment before relaxing into a small grin. "Yeah, you're not wrong." The men shared a small nod before becoming uncomfortable with the civility between them. They both muttered something that sounded like insults before turning their attention to the women. Anya was smiling brightly while Willow and Tara complimented her ring effusively.
Buffy walked over to Spike and sat down in his lap. "Thank you," she whispered as she nibbled his earlobe.
"For what?"
"You know, for what. Being nice to Xander."
"I was *not* nice. Just trying not to start a fight, ya know...."
"Uh huh...." Buffy turned her attention to the gang. "Well, this calls for a celebration. I think alcoholic beverages are in order! I'll get those, Will, why don't you see if there are any crazy music videos we can make fun of!" Spike followed Buffy into the kitchen to help.
"Aye aye, Cap'n!" Willow turned on the tv, then frowned. "Ugh, look. That guy gives me the creeps."
"Who's that?" Tara asked. When she looked up at the tv, she said softly, "Oh, him....yeah.."
Buffy entered the living room, arms full of drinks. As she passed them out to her somber friends, she asked, "What's up? I just went to get drinks. Not like I died again or anything...." Spike frowned. "What? It's a joke...."
Willow looked up from the tv. "Oh, just that creepy serial killer guy. You know, the one who flays his victims alive....32 dead that they know of. And now they've caught him, and he's all repenty. Yeah, like he couldn't have thought of how sorry he'd be when he was killing those people. Makes my skin crawl."
Spike scoffed, "32? Not bad for a human, I suppose. But I never did understand all that 'sorry' crap. He obviously enjoyed it when he was doing it, why pretend to be sorry after the fact? Or even those people that kill someone on accident. What's to be sorry about something unintentional?"
"Maybe you just have a problem with the concept of 'sorry'..." Xander muttered.
"Well, yeah, I guess I do, now that you mention it, whelp. Never saw much need for someone bein' sorry or feelin' guilty. Doesn't change the deed. No one ever got un-dead by someone feeling sorry for killing them. No one ever got un-run over by the drunk driver feeling guilty. I mean, how about you, Anya? You feel sorry for the thousands of people you cursed?"
Anya looked stunned. "Um, well....yes, of course I do. I mean, ok, sure, there is a certain pride associated with it. But that's because it was my job for a thousand years. Nothing wrong with taking satisfaction in a job well done. But now that I'm human, I do feel bad. I think about them sometimes...the men I cursed. Not that most of them didn't have it coming, but still....my tactics were sometimes harsher than necessary."
Spike nodded. "Right, so you feel bad for being a little hard on those gits who wronged their women. And has that ever changed anything? Has it ever put back someone's entrails? Has it ever turned them back human from being an ogre?"
"Troll," everyone else answered in unison.
"Whatever....m' point is, you lot would be better off if you just accepted the things done as the past and didn't dwell on them. Life would be a lot easier, without the guilt, I think."
"You mean without a conscience," Xander said.
"If you like," Spike offered.
Willow frowned. "So you're saying that this guy who killed 32 people should just be happy with himself?"
"What's he gonna gain by wallowing in guilt? I mean, if he makes a good show, maybe he gets 30 life sentences instead of 32. But he's not puttin' the skin back on any of those people by feeling sorry. Might as bloody well enjoy life while you can. That's the problem with you humans, you dwell too much on the things you did instead of focusing on the things you're doing. You make a mistake, move on. You do something rotten on purpose, move on, cuz you meant it at the time and no amount of sorry is going to change that fact."
Xander chuckled. "I think we could play that Sesame Street game now. 'One of these people is not like the other ones'...But I guess we have to remember what we're dealing with, don't we?" Xander looked pointedly at Spike.
"Right you are, pup. Do you well not to forget it, either." Spike returned his icy look.
"Ok, ok, I think the testosterone is through the roof right now, and I, personally, want to poke some fun at an old Madonna video. Willow, any luck finding some funnies?" Buffy looked too hopefully at Willow.
Willow frowned, having been completely engrossed in Spike's rant. "Uh, right. I think the 'Best of the 80's' is on in a few minutes."
"Good! That will be fun. Spikey, why don't you come outside with me and wait for the pizza man?"
Spike cocked his head. "Don't they usually come to the door?" Buffy grabbed his arm and hauled him out to the porch. "Easy, luv, don't have many more clothes for you to rip."
"What *was* that? I thought you were going to try and get along." Buffy frowned deeply.
"What? That? That was nothing. Just a bit o' banter, luv. Can't help but enjoy getting the whelp's hackles up."
"Well, if you don't mind, let's not do our best to remind my friends that I happen to be dating a soulless killer, ok?" Buffy crossed her arms and stared out into the yard.
Spike bristled but said nothing. Instead, he leaned up against the door and crossed his arms, mimicking Buffy's pose unintentionally. They stood in silence for a while.
When the pizza finally arrived 10 minutes later, Buffy went out to the car to meet the delivery man. She came back to the porch with two boxes, which Spike relieved her of. As she opened the door, Spike grabbed her arm. "Pet, I'm sorry. Didn't know that would make you so mad. Just a bit of talk, is all."
Buffy raised an eyebrow. "Sorry? Thought you didn't believe in 'sorry'."
Spike smiled. "Well, see, there you go again. Turning my world upside down. I *do* care about sorry when it's you. I wouldn't hurt you for anything, you know it."
Her glare softened a bit. "Just try to get along, ok? And let's leave all talk about Anya being an ex-demon out of the conversation. Xander's never happy when that comes up."
"Hey, not my fault he can't accept her for what she is, or was."
"Spike...."
"Ok, ok. For you, luv. I'll be on best behavior. But I certainly hope there is a reward of some kind." Spike winked at her.
"Or what?" Buffy teased.
"Or *you'll* be sorry...for your furniture..." He gave her a wicked grin and flicked his tongue across his bottom lip.
"Promises, promises..." Buffy opened the door as Spike followed her in.
Spike found it wasn't that hard to keep his word. Being nice to Xander was a challenge, but seeing Buffy smile in appreciation was reward enough. But he wouldn't let her know that.
**
TBC