Title: The Soulmatchers

Author: Sunglow999

Pairing: Spike/Buffy

Rating: R (Just to be on the safe side)

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon & Mutant Enemy, except Cassie and Orion – they belong to me.

Spoilers:- Up to Dead Things, things are different from there on in. Crossover with Angel later on. This is my first ever fanfiction so reviews would be helpful, email me at sunglow999@hotmail.com

Chapter 7. Sleeping arrangements.

"So, what's the plan?" Gunn was the first to break the silence.

"Angel, what would you suggest." Wesley asked.

Before he could reply, Buffy and Spike looked at each other and as one, replied.

"Flame-throwers."

"I like they way you two think." Gunn smiled appreciatively.

Angel looked at the two blondes but refrained from commenting.

"Wesley?" Cordelia prompted.

"I'm on it." He picked up the phone and started making phone calls.

"Cassie, you'll stay at our house." Buffy said. "We can't run the risk of them getting you as well before the full moon." She had decided to put aside her dislike of the vampiress for the time being, but reserved the right to open up hostilities when they had got her brother back. Then the skanky ho would be run out of town.

"We'll stay at the mansion." Angel said.

"No, you'd all be better off at ours as well. We've got the couch and the basement. If the girls don't mind sharing beds." There was a chorus on no's so everyone started to make moves to leave.

Spike helped Dawn into her coat and handed Buffy hers, not making the mistake of touching her.

"I'll take Cordy, Connor, Dawn and Cassie in my car." Angel said.

"Fred and I can go with Gunn." Wesley had finished his phone calls.

"That leaves me and you on the bike, Slayer." Spike said.

"Oh, here Buffy." Dawn dashed behind the counter and pulled out a full face black crash helmet. "You'll need this."

"Where did this come from?" Buffy asked as she took it gingerly.

"Got it for the 'Bit. Couldn't 'ave 'er ridin' round on the back of me bike with just that football 'elmet for protection."

She nodded and preceded him out of the shop, the others following behind them allowing Anya to lock up again. Spike waited astride his bike while Buffy pulled on the helmet before getting on behind him. The bike roared to life and he pulled away from the kerb, tensing as she slipped her arms round his waist, her warm front nestling against his back. He relaxed after a moment though when he remembered Cassie's words to him. He could afford to wait now.

For Buffy, the ride seemed endless. With every turn of the bike and shift of his body she remembered the times they had been together, in bed and out of bed. It was only a week since she'd last had her arms around him but it seemed like a lifetime. She quickly suppressed that thought but her body ignored her brain and her arms tightened on him as he accelerated towards Revello Drive.

When they arrived just behind the others she reluctantly let him go and got off the bike. She removed the helmet and shook out her now short hair, running her fingers through it to fluff it back up. Spike had to force himself to stay put; he had to get his arousal under control before Peaches saw how Buffy affected him. Buffy handed him the helmet and he hung it from the handlebars.

"Let's go." She turned and headed towards the house where the others were waiting.

Tara was busy reinforcing the barriers around the house and Dawn was talking to Cassie about where she got her clothes. Cassie was learning a lot about Dawn and she was pleased with what she had learnt. Although still a typical teenager, she showed glimpses of the mature adult she would one day become. Cordy and Angel were settling Connor down in his portable crib and Gunn, Wesley and Fred were inspecting Buffy's collection of weapons. Xander and Anya were with Willow in the kitchen making coffee.

When Cassie saw Spike come in through the door she excused herself from Dawn and came across to him.

"Spike, can we talk privately?" She asked, not missing they way Buffy tensed at her words.

"Outside on the porch then. Could do with a fag." Spike didn't miss the way the Americans in the group looked at his strangely. "That's a cigarette to you lot." He shook his head, muttering about bleedin' yanks as he led the way outside.

They sat on the steps and he lit his cigarette.

"Spike, I need to tell Buffy about Orion and Dawn."

"Cassie, 'ave you ever seen a brassed off slayer in action? She'll tear 'im limb from limb before she lets 'im touch Dawn."

"Probably, but I still need to prepare her."

"Better go somewhere where nothing can get damaged then. She'll kick your arse."

"Your crypt then?"

"Oy, 've just got it lookin' good." He protested.

"I mean upstairs, not down below. Nice deco by the way."

"Like it? Put a lot of effort into my pad."

"I'd better go get Buffy and break the news to her." She stood up.

"Good luck." He smirked. "You'll need it."

"Ha, ha." She flicked one long nail against his ear as she passed him, which wiped the smirk from his face.

"Watch it, Grandma, I can still kick your arse after the slayers finished with it."

"Oh, I think you'll be too busy to even notice me." With that, she walked inside, leaving him pondering her words.

***

When Cassie approached Buffy about going to Spike's crypt for a chat alone, Buffy wasn't the only one to try to veto it. Angel tried to to stop them and so everyone saw for themselves how much power a fifteen hundred year old witch/vampire could radiate.

"How dare you presume to tell me what I can and cannot do." Cassie didn't vamp out but her eyes flashed gold. Angel was forced to back down and Xander didn't bother to show his glee at how Cassie was able to dominate him.

For once, Buffy was relieved she didn't have to cope with Angels 'I know what's best for you' attitude and it made her more charitable towards Cassie.

"Let's go." She opened the front door and Cassie followed her out into the warm night air.

A/N. Phew. I'm getting these out as fast as I can, hope you like them. Next chapter, Buffy comes out of denial.