title: Marriage, Sunnydale-Style
author: Heather (heather@hella-good.org)
rating: R
spoilers: none...completely an au/fantasy fic except for things borrowed from the Buffyverse (seasons 1-7) that are twisted to fit in this universe.
disclaimer: If I actually owned anything, I probably wouldn't be doing this :)
summary: After almost 10 years of dating, Buffy and Spike finally find themselves in the midst of planning a wedding and remembering the long journey that got them there.

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Chapter 25

Flashback

"C'mon, luv, get up."

"No. Sleeping is good. Want to sleep."

"You've been asleep for about eleven hours. Time to get up now. I have plans for us today."

"Plans that don't require us to stay in bed?" Buffy asked. Spike smiled and shook his head. "Well, then I don't wanna play. Go away."

"No amount of pouting or whining will get you out of this, Buffy," he said as he ripped the blankets from her body. "Hey..."

"What?" Buffy asked with a smirk.

"When I left this bed, you had on a t-shirt. That along with your knickers has seemed to have disappeared."

"Oh? Really? Huh, would you look at that!"

Spike stepped away from the bed and folded his arms. "I'm not being coerced out of today's activities. I don't care how naked and...can you not rub your hands on yourself?"

Buffy laughed and turned on her side, propping her head on the palm of her hand. "What are we doing today?"

"I can't talk to you like that and I'm not coming over there to cover you up again because you'll do something naughty-"

"Thought you liked me naughty." Spike could only give her a hard stare and she sighed, wrapping the sheet back around her. "So...what are we doing if we're not going to do this?"

"Something I promised to do four years ago." Off Buffy's questioning look, he continued. "We're going driving."

"Where to?"

"Let me amend that. You're driving and I'm teaching."

"No, Spike, I really can't drive. I mean really," Buffy protested.

"You've never had me try to teach you and if you do well, you'll get a cookie," Spike told her with a smirk.

"A Spike-shaped cookie?"

"The best kind."

She threw the blankets off of her, jumped out of bed, ran over to him and threw her arms around his neck. He hoisted her up and her legs went around his waist. "Could I get a little incentive before we start?"

"I think we can manage that," he said, leading them back to the bed.

----------------------

"Pull in here," Spike directed.

"Here? It's an alleyway."

"Right but it's wide enough to practice three-point-turns. There's no other cars coming so it'll be easier for you."

"If you say so..." Buffy mumbled as she pulled in. "So now what?"

"Well, first, stop so we don't go crashing into the building at the end of the way," he said with a chuckle. He lurched forward when Buffy slammed on the brakes. "Okay, pet, ease off on the brakes a bit. Gradually come to a stop, don't put the peddle to the floor."

"Sorry."

"It's all right. You've been doing really well so far." She smiled at his encouragement and gestured for him to continue. "Now put the car in reverse...good...now foot off the brake but don't put it on the gas. You're still a bit peddle happy with that one, as well."

Buffy frowned. "See, I told you I can't do this."

"No, you can and you have been for a half hour now. Your biggest problems are the peddles, which, granted are pretty bloody important but you're learning. Slowly, press down on the gas so you feel the car going backwards. Do you feel that?" Buffy nodded. "Good, now brake. I wanted you to get a feel for that shift first. Reverse can rattle some people."

"This whole experience rattles me, Spike. Can't you just drive me everywhere?"

"Buffy, we're moving to L.A. this summer. Now if I have to work and you want to come visit your Mum, Bit and the rest of them, you're going to have to learn how to get back here on your own. I have a little more than a month to teach you. That should be plenty of time."

"But to get to here from there, I have to get on the highway and that is something-"

"That we will do once we get the small things out of the way," Spike interrupted. He squeezed her thigh in an effort to comfort her. "I wouldn't lie to you if I didn't think you could do it."

"Really? Because I'm thinking this is one of those prime examples of when you lie to make someone feel better but never again let them do it."

"Buffy, you can do this."

Buffy liked the strong assuredness his voice carried and she nodded. "Yeah, I can do anything. I just graduated college, which who ever thought that would happen? I'm going to take that certificate program at UCLA this summer and that's pretty daunting. I can totally do this!"

He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "I love you."

She turned her head a little and smirked. "Yeah, we'll see how much after we finish this lesson. If I crash the car, do I still get my cookie?"

"So, for three pointers-"

"Spike!"

"Like I could ever deny you anything, kitten," he said leaning back into his seat. "Now put the car in drive, coast a bit...good...now turn the wheel so the nose of the car is going towards that wall. Whatever you do, do not press on the gas. When you get close, about an inch away, stop. That was easy, right?" Buffy shrugged in response. "Okay, now reverse and keep your foot on the brake. You can either use the rearview mirror or you can turn. I'm not a mirror driver but some people prefer them. It's more with what you feel comfortable with."

"Why don't you like the mirror?"

"I just don't trust them. You'll use the side mirror to see how close you are in back but I like to turn and look, if I can. It's up to you, pet."

"Um...okay," Buffy turned in her seat and looked behind her. She scrunched her nose and turned around. Her hands went to the rearview mirror and she adjusted it so she could see the back window better. "I like the mirror."

"Then we use the mirror. Car's in reverse, now let up on the brake and you feel it rolling on it's own? Let it do that. There's no rushing when it comes to this, especially here and we don't want to bloody hell!"

"Oops..."

"Were you listening to me? I said don't press on the gas."

"I got confused for a minute. I thought I was pressing on the brake because I was close to the wall," Buffy explained, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Baby, don't cry. It's fine. I'm not mad."

"You yelled at me."

"It was a surprise. It was just a shocked reaction. It's fine."

"Really?"

"Yeah, no worries. I'm just going to check..." He got out of the car and walked to the back. "Damn it." He kicked the tire and sighed, his eyes rolling back in aggravation. Maybe not such a good idea after all, Spike.

"Spike?" Buffy called softly. He looked at her standing outside the driver's side. "Is it bad?"

"Nah, a broken tail light."

"I told you! But no! You had to be all insisty and you made me do this. And three-point turns on my first day out? Probably not the best of ideas, you know! And...and in an alley? An alley that I doubt even you could do it in and now I'm feeling all guilty for ruining your car and-"

"Luv, you're rambling," Spike said, walking around the car to her.

"I know! And don't underestimate the value of a good ramble and don't interrupt me when I'm in said ramble because I have some things to say about all this. You shouldn't have forced me into it. I told you that me, Buffy Anne Summers, would never be able to drive, remember? And you were all I love me a challenge and now see what happens? Your car is ruined!"

Spike had to control himself from not laughing. He didn't think bursting out in hysterics would be the best of plans at the moment. "The car isn't ruined. It's a tail light. It's nothing. Come on, get back in. We're not done with your lesson."

"Oh, no. I'm not getting back in there unless I'm on the passenger side where I belong, Spike. It'll take the end of the world to get me to drive again."

"You're being a tad overdramatic, Buffy. It's a small bender in my fender," he smirked at his play on words, hoping it would loosen her up a bit. It didn't. "Get in the car, pet."

"No."

"Buffy..."

"No," she repeated, crossing her arms.

"Get in the sodding car!"

"Don't yell at me!"

"Don't stand there like a petulant child! Get in the car."

"NO! I'm walking home. I'm staying at my house tonight. Don't call me." She turned and began to walk down the alley, angrily wiping away her tears.

"Buffy!" God damn bleeding women. "Buffy, you're not walking home."

"Fuck off, Spike!" she screamed, not even turning to address him. The next thing she felt was Spike grabbing her upper arms and moving them against the brick wall. "What are you doing? Get your hands off me!"

"No, Buffy, you're not walking anywhere. You're going to get back in that car, you're going to finish that bloody three-point sodding turn and then you're going to drive it out of the bleeding alley and we're going to go home. Understood?"

"You don't tell me what to do. Understood?" she retorted, struggling to get out of his grasp. "You're hurting my arms."

He loosened his hold on her but not enough to allow her to get away from him. He softened his voice and said, "Didn't mean to do that, luv, but you're working my last nerve here."

"Oh, I'm sorry! I told you I didn't-"

"Want to do this, yeah, got it. But you have to learn. You're twenty-two years old, Buffy. You need to learn how to drive. And I'm going to teach you how to drive, even if it fucking kills me. Now, can we please get back in the car and finish?"

She studied him for a couple of minutes and she smiled at his classic mask of impatience. She leaned forward and brushed her lips to his. "Okay, let's give it another go."

He let go of her arms, keeping them close in case she was still planning on running. "Yeah? You're not going to go ballistic again, are you? I'm not keen on the fighting with you."

"It's kind of fun, though. We never do it. Kind of gets the blood boiling..." She lifted her hand and traced a finger down the front of his t-shirt to the buckle of his jeans. "Feeling sort of flustered and hot."

Spike swallowed hard and nodded, suddenly not able to find his voice. He moved his hands to her waist and squeezed which caused a small moan from Buffy's throat. His thumbs began to move in a circular pattern along her hip bone. She thrust her hips forward a bit and he moved his body to her, pressing their bodies together. Buffy placed her lips at a pulse point in his neck and sucked lightly.

"God, pet..." He nudged her hips up, hoping she would catch on, which of course she did. She jumped a bit as he lifted her and she wrapped her legs around him. "We're in an alley."

"Very naughty," Buffy murmured against his skin. She moved to the other side of his neck and worked her way up to his earlobe, taking it in her mouth and biting it lightly.

"Someone could see us."

"Big Bad Spike doesn't want to get caught?" She ground herself against him, causing them both to groan. "I don't think this will take long. At least, not long enough to be seen."

"We don't do-"

"Never underestimate the value of a quickie."

"I thought it was ramble," Spike mused as his hand worked itself under her shirt and began kneading her breast.

"Mmm...whatever works in the given situation."

"That logic works for me. Good thing you wore this skirt." Her hands went to work on his jeans and when she finally had him in her hand, they both sighed in satisfaction.

"Well, I always say, be prepared for anything."

"Very astute of you, luv," he laughed, his hand moving from her shirt to under her skirt, moving her underwear over. His fingers slid over her and she shivered against him in anticipation. "So wet..."

"Always for you," she moaned as she led him to her entrance. "Last chance to chicken out."

In answer, he pushed inside her and she clutched him closer to her. Her legs tightened around his waist, he put one hand on the wall behind them, moving them away from it so she didn't scratch her back. She mumbled her appreciation before her lips found his again, kissing him brutally, in a way they had never kissed before. She broke away from his mouth, her head flung back and she gulped in air. She moved an arm over her head, finding leverage on the wall and pushed harder against him, causing him to go deeper within her.

"Christ!" Spike yelled. "We have...to stop, pet."

"No! No stopping. Keep going."

"Can't keep going if I...bloody hell," he moaned as she pushed again. He leaned his head against her chest, moving along with her erratic breathing. "Can't do this much longer, Buffy."

"Don't stop, Spike. Please...oh god, Spike, please...don't ever stop." He nipped at clothed breast lightly and she groaned in frustration, wishing that he could put his mouth against her skin. "Talk to me. Need to...hear you."

"You're the only one...you've ruined...Jesus...ruined everyone else. Nobody but you, pet. I love-" Buffy's yell of ecstasy cut Spike off and he followed with a yell of his own and thrust into her again, as deep as he could go, not holding himself off any longer. He brushed his lips softly against her breast bone and she mumbled incoherently.

"Can't move," she finally said.

"Have to, luv. We're in a very compromising position, here. Ready?"

"No," she said warily and then rolled her eyes. "Yeah..." His hands went to her waist and lifted her, unsheathing himself from her fully. He quickly tucked himself into his jeans while Buffy adjusted her clothes. She stretched her arms over her head and felt a pain in her back. "Ow!"

"What is it? You hurt?" he asked quickly, his concern showing.

"Probably just the usual post-sex trauma," she answered with a giggle.

"Not usually with the rough and tumble, sweets. Turn around. Let me get a look at your back."

"No, it's fine, really." He placed a hand on her shoulder, turning her anyway. He lifted up her shirt and saw a few scratches from the rough brick of the wall. "Well?"

"You're right. It's nothing. Just a couple of nicks from the wall. Probably just stinging right now because you're-"

"Coming out of my orgasmic haze?" They shared a laugh and she nodded towards the car. "Shall we?"

"You up for it? I can drive. We can finish this some other time."

"No, I'm good. Got a shot of inspiration..."

---------------------------

"It's a great picture," Spike said with a smile. He handed it back to Buffy and she jumped up and down.

"I can't believe it! You really did it, Spike. You actually got me my license."

"That was all on you, luv. But I am one hell of a teacher."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. "In more ways than one." He laughed softly before placing a quick kiss on her mouth and pulling away. "So do I get to drive to L.A. tomorrow?"

"Buffy, maybe we should take it slow."

"But...but I'm an actual, honest to God and legal driver now. It's all I want to do. I just want to drive and drive and then drive some more. I can't get better if I don't practice, right?"

"True..." Spike thought for a moment and then continued, "How's this, then? You can drive the highway part but once we hit L.A., you let me drive. I don't think you're ready for all that traffic and most importantly, pedestrians."

"Hmm...okay!" She kissed him again and then moved away from him. She turned around and yelled to anyone who could hear her, "I love this man!" A woman walking by cast them a strange look and Buffy smiled. "Yeah, that's right. I love him. He's all mine and I can drive!"

"That's nice, dear," the woman said before quickly moving away.

"Buffy..." Spike started.

"Yeah?" She turned to look at him.

"Although I appreciate your love, I'm not sure all the customers at the DMV really care all that much."

"Well, I don't care if they don't care. I care and I'm telling everyone that I care...so there! Ooh, I rhymed."

"You're a regular Keats."

"Hey, I have an idea." Spike raised his eyebrow in response. "Let's take a walk."

"I thought you wanted to drive and drive some more?"

"Yeah, I do, but the park's right over there and I just feeling like walking hand in hand with my honey."

"And maybe bothering a few people along the way with declarations of love and licenses?"

"You know me so well. Plus, after tomorrow, no more park walking because I think they've killed all their natural resources in L.A." She grabbed his hand and pulled him. "C'mon, it'll be nice."

They ran hand in hand across the street to the entrance to the park. They strolled for a bit, taking in the scenery, the people having picnics, the cyclists, the joggers and the other couples whom Buffy thought didn't hold a candle to what she and Spike had. Three years had gone by in a blur for the both of them. School went quickly for Buffy and Spike had reluctantly began to work for Angel, growing to love it over time. She was nervous about leaving Sunnydale for the first time since she moved here but nothing was going to stop her from doing it. She was shocked that she was accepted into the education program at UCLA for the summer. She wasn't even going to apply but Willow had talked her into it, promising her much fun if they both got in. Tomorrow, she, Spike, Willow and Tara were relocating for the summer. Xander declined the offer to join them as he had finally been promoted at the construction company and he wanted to stay with Anya who had ventured into the retail business by opening her own store. Joyce had her reservations at first but knew that as long as Spike was with Buffy, nothing would happen to her. Now Buffy had her license, she found a job doing light secretarial work at a law firm and they had found a nice, not too expensive studio that they would be living in for the next three months. Willow and Tara had found a place about two blocks away and Cordelia's apartment and Angel's office were only a fifteen minute drive, give or take.

"...Rockwell painting."

"What?" Buffy asked, a bit dazed and completely missing what Spike had said to her.

"It's like a bleeding Norman Rockwell painting." He looked at her and she smiled, shrugging. "You all right? Seem a bit distracted."

"Nah, just thinking about stuff. Besides, the Rockwell is nice, right? It could be way worse."

"Right, that's what we got L.A. for."

"It's not that bad, Spike. It's going to be great. I just feel it in my bones," she told him excitedly.

"Are we ever going to talk about what happens after the summer?"

"Sure...except we don't know anything for certain right now. I'm almost positive Will's going to stay on at school and get her Master's and Tara's looking into some specialized art thing-"

"I meant with us...what are we going to do?"

"Well, I don't plan on going back for more school. Sixteen plus years is about all I can handle. The good thing with this program is that I get the certificate as long as I pass the test and I have my Bachelor's in psych so I should be all set to hit the school circuit, see if anyone needs a new, peppy guidance counselor."

"In Sunnydale?" Spike asked, hopefully.

"And work under Snyder? I'd need my own counselor if I had to do that. Why? Do you want to move back there after the summer?" she asked, surprised.

"Yeah, I do. Don't really like the big city all that much."

"Then, we'll move back. Do you think you could get your apartment back? I can always move in with Mom-"

"I thought we'd move in together," Spike interrupted. "We're going to be all summer...I thought it would continue on."

"Oh, yeah. That works, too."

"We can find our own place, you know? Start from scratch, have it be completely ours."

"That sounds nice," she agreed, removing her hand from Spike's and wrapping her arm around his waist. "There's plenty of towns around, I could always commute."

"You want to marry me?" Buffy stopped walking and unwrapped herself from him. She stood in front of him, not saying anything and waited for him to continue. "Not answering is really killing my momentum, pet."

"It's...We haven't even lived together, yet, Spike. I mean, you have no idea about any of my quirky little habits. You may find them completely annoying and unlovable. Sure, they may seem cute at first but after a while, you may become so aggravated-"

"Like what? Give me a for instance."

"Uh...oh, okay! Like you never put your clothes in the hamper, you never hang up your precious leather coat which I would think you'd want to do, you're always leaving the bottle caps to your beer around. I'm telling you, if I step on one more of those things-"

"Buffy," Spike broke into her litany. "Those are my annoying habits."

Buffy blushed and shrugged it off. "I think we should do this living together thing first before we decide on something that definite for our future."

"I'm not saying we get married tomorrow or even in six months. And you're talking like it's not going to work when its been working just fine for the last three years."

"I'm not saying that! It's a whole level of commitment that I'm not sure I'm ready for. Getting a place together and moving to L.A. is pretty big news. It's all I can really take at the moment. An engagement...the idea throws me into a weird emotional upset."

"The idea of being with me for the rest of our lives throws you into an emotional upset?" Spike asked, trying to mask his hurt by not looking at her.

"Stop twisting my words around. That's not what I meant. What we're doing tomorrow is a huge step for us, for me. I know you're all gung-ho for it and don't look at me like I'm not because I am. I'm so excited that I can barely contain myself but there is a large part of me that is scared."

"Of what?" he asked, quietly. He lifted his hand to her head and began to lightly stroke her hair.

"Of this. Moving in, embarking on this whole thing. That you will see me every day, almost twenty-four hours a day, our only breaks being work and school and you'll realize...never mind, I can't do this now." Buffy turned but he quickly followed, stopping in front of her and grasping her hands.

"No, not never mind. Tell me. I'm a big boy. I can handle it."

"But I'm not a big girl, Spike. I may play at it but I'm still just this girl whose father left her with a shitload of baggage. What if...what if after we do this and you see me, I mean really see me...you realize that I'm not the girl you want? That your illusion of me, this Buffy that I've shown you doesn't live up to the real thing."

"Are you saying that after knowing you for four years and being my lady for last three, that I don't know you? Bullocks."

"This isn't something you can just bullocks off, Spike. I'm serious. You have no idea-"

"I have an idea. I see you with perfect clarity, Buffy. You apparently think I don't but I do. I've seen all there is to you. The good, the bad, the ugly-"

"There's ugly?"

"Bad attempt at a joke. One of my annoying quirks." Buffy looked at him and smiled thinly. "You're the one, Buffy. You were made for me and I like to think I was for you. I have never known any one like you. You surprise me, confuse me, make me think, make me feel, make me hard at the thought of you. If you honestly believe that I don't know every inch of you inside and out, then I don't know what we've been doing these last few years."

"Spike-"

"No, we all have our baggage, luv. I have my fair share, believe me. But I look at you and I find comfort from the storm. Some days are hard but I have you and the smallest touch or a smile can set my nerves at ease. And if you don't feel even the tiniest bit of that-"

"I do," she interrupted quietly, and then repeated, louder and clearer, "I do, Spike." She stepped towards him, wrapping her arms around his back, resting her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry."

"Nothing to apologize for," he said against her neck where he had buried his face. He held on to her tighter and let out a sigh. "I don't want to scare you off. I won't mention it again."

Buffy removed her head from his shoulder and looked at him, puzzled. "Ever?"

"Not for a long time, alright?" Buffy nodded. He let her go, grabbing her hand again and began to walk. "We should head home. Still have a lot of things to pack up before we leave."

"You were, you know."

"What?"

"Made for me," she said softly and then looked at him with a big smile on her face, which he eagerly returned. She broke her hand from his and ran a few feet in front. "Come on! I'll race you to the car. Whoever wins, gets a...cookie."

"You're on, pet. But I'll give you a head start first. At least give you the impression that you may win." She stuck out her tongue and turned, running off. "Always surprising me," he mumbled as he took off after her.

-------------------------

Buffy opened the door to their apartment, immediately kicking off her shoes as she shut the door. She yawned and adjusted her far too heavy book bag. She heaved it onto the table and went to the kitchen and grabbed a water from the refrigerator. She threw herself down on the couch and blindly reached for the remote control.

"Want this?" Buffy yelped in surprise and threw her water bottle on instinct. She looked to see Angel, picking the bottle from the floor and rubbing his shoulder. "You always did have good aim."

"I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"

"I'll live, probably. I could go into traction later on, though."

"Well, just send me the hospital bill," Buffy retorted. "So...what are you doing here besides scaring the hell out of me?"

"Waiting for Spike. We're doing a job tonight."

"Together?" Buffy asked, not able to contain her surprise.

"Yeah, it's big so I didn't want him to go it alone. And now that's it only the two of us, with Gunn helping when he feels like it and Cordy not wanting field work..."

"I'm sorry to hear about your friend Doyle. Spike said he was a really nice man."

"That he was," Angel confirmed, a distant look in his eye. Buffy tentatively reached out her hand and patted his arm lightly in an effort to give him some comfort. He looked at her arm in shock and looked back at her, visibly shaking whatever he was feeling off. "It's too bad you only met him that one time. You would have liked him."

"I'm sure I would have. Cordy seemed to think he was...interesting."

"Was he ever in love with her," Angel said with a chuckle, gesturing to the couch. Buffy nodded and tucked her legs under her. "But you know Cordy...she can be very stubborn at times. I thought after dating Xander...Doyle would be a pretty good catch."

"Hey, that's one of my best friend's your talking about," she laughed, playfully hitting him on the arm. He mockingly lifted his hand to the place she hit and made a face of pain that only caused her to giggle more. "So how are you doing?"

"I'm fine," he said too quickly. "It's never easy...losing someone but it happens."

"Sounds like a really healthy way of closing off your emotions and not dealing." The surprise in his eyes made her instantly feel guilty. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I mean, we're not friendly enough for me to be saying that-"

"We used to be," he said, quietly.

"It was different then."

"Now we don't date...but we were friends."

"It won't be too hard?"

"Not for me. I'd like us to at least try. I know you...love him and that...that makes me happy for you. It's what I wanted you to have."

Buffy studied him a moment and nodded her head. "Okay, then we'll give it a go. It will definitely make things easier with Spike and Cordy working for you."

"They work with me, not for me," Angel amended.

"You must be like one of the best bosses ever. Unlike my egotistical, self-righteous, 100-year old boss who thinks all women should only be there to serve coffee, make copies, answer phones, and whatever other menial task he can find. Oh, the cleaning. Let's not forget the cleaning."

"Cleaning?"

"Yeah, he's too cheap to hire a cleaning staff so he makes the office administration staff do it. It's usually me because I'm just a part-timer and so..."

"Not loving the job. Got it. How's school?"

"It is by far one of the best classes I've ever taken. She makes everything seem really simple and it's the little things she teaches and the way she interacts with us that makes me all the more eager to get into the game myself."

"I think Spike told me your test is in three weeks?"

"Yup, three more weeks of L.A. and then we're heading back to the 'dale."

"And Willow?"

"She's staying here. That girl has stamina, let me tell you. She's double-backing all her courses, taking a full year of classes, even over the winter break and taking the rest of the classes in the summer. She wants her degree and she wanted it yesterday. Plus, Tara found this cool art program that she's concentrating on so they won't be going back with us."

"That'll make Cordelia happy. She's always complaining about no one being around. If we hadn't met Lorne, I don't know what she would have done."

"I still hold out that they'll all come back home someday. It's just sad when everyone moves away."

"And Xander?"

"He asked Anya to move in with him. I'm sure the wedding will happen any day now," Buffy said with a smile. "And what about you? Any ladies on the horizon?"

"Me? No."

"Why do you sound so shocked by the concept?"

"I'm too busy with work and it's not really something I want to talk about," Angel finished curtly.

"Okay, we will stay clear of that topic."

"I'm going to run across the way and get a coffee. If Spike ever decides to come out of the bathroom, could you tell him where to find me?" Buffy nodded. "Okay, well, it was good talking to you."

"Yeah, it was," Buffy agreed warmly. "We'll have to do it again before we move back."

"You can count on it." He gave her a wave and was out the door.

Buffy got up from the couch and walked over to the bathroom. "You can come out now. He went to get coffee." Spike slowly opened the door and smiled. "Thank you."

"Figured the two of you had some catching up to do. Didn't want to interrupt."

"I appreciate that and that," she said, her eyes skimming over his body, which only had a towel, wrapped around it. "Will I ever get tired of seeing you like this?"

He smirked and stepped past her, walking over to the long closet that lined the wall. He grabbed a maroon shirt and black pants and quickly put them on. Buffy sighed loudly and he looked at her. "Now, now, pet. You know I have to work tonight. Can't be shagging you 'til the wee hours of the morning."

"I don't know why I was so worried about us being together too much and getting on each other's nerves. I hardly get to see you," she whined as she walked over to him. When she reached him, she took over the task of buttoning his shirt.

"I know but we need to have the money for the new place so I'm taking all the time I can get while Angel's offering it and you have been non-stop with the class and that bastard you work for. We'll have time soon enough." He placed a light kiss on her forehead before bending down to grab his boots.

"If my calculations are correct, and I like to think that they are, I've missed out on about hundred and fifteen orgasms this summer."

He raised an eyebrow and smiled. "A hundred and fifteen? You trying to kill me, Buffy?"

"Well, it is like a small death or so they say..."

"You're scaring me. You're channeling Anya and I have to say, it's a bit frightening. Besides, we still-"

"I know we still but I want to have more stills. Don't you miss the stills?" Buffy asked, pouting a bit.

"I miss all of you, not just the still." He stood up and loosely wrapped his arms around her waist. "We'll have plenty of time to make up for it in three weeks, right?"

"I suppose," Buffy grumbled. "Can you at least take Saturday off? Maybe we can go out on a date?"

"I'll see what I can do but now I best be going before Peaches pops a blood vessel in that over-gelled head of his." He let go of her, grabbed his duster from the coat rack and moved to the door. "I don't know when I'll be back. Don't stay up too late."

"Don't I get a kiss?" Spike walked back to her and quickly kissed her on the lips. Buffy's mouth dropped open when he backed away again. "That's it? You stink."

"If I start kissing you, I'll want to keep kissing you and I have to go. Later, luv, I promise."

"Yeah, yeah. Be careful." Spike winked at her and went out the door. "Might as well do that worksheet."

-------------------------

"Buffy, the reservations are at seven. If we want to make, move that cute ass of yours," Spike said to the bathroom door.

"Jeez, can't a girl get ready for her first date with her boyfriend in months without being pestered?" she answered. "Five seconds."

"I'm holding you to that, pet." He walked away from the door and sat on the couch, tapping his hands on his thighs to an imaginary beat. The bathroom door opened and Buffy stepped out. He thought his heart stopped and he knew his eyes bulged out of and his mouth fell open. She had spent the rest of her day trying to hunt down the perfect dress. By his reaction, she mentally clapped herself on the back. The dress was a vibrant blue that clung to her curves in all the right places. The top scalloped down, the fabric gathering in a couple of layers and accentuating her cleavage. The back had a small v-cut that showed off her shoulder blades which she hoped would encourage him to run his fingers over. It came to a stop right below her knees and the material swayed beautifully when she walked.

"You like?" She laughed a little as she spun around. "You're taking me dancing, by the way."

"I'll take you anywhere you want to go." He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her, lifting her feet of the ground. "You smell good."

"It's that perfume you bought me for Valentine's Day," she told him, giggling. "Put me down."

"Don't want to. Why don't you just wrap those legs around me-"

"What about dinner?" Buffy asked, interrupting.

"I can feast off you."

"Nope, we're going out on a date. End of story." Spike reluctantly placed her back on the floor and loosed his grip around her. "Plus, anticipation makes it that much sweeter, right?"

"Sod anticipation," he grumbled.

"You're such a baby," she said, pinching his cheek playfully.

Dinner was spent in a small Italian restaurant that Cordelia had suggested. They both felt like they hadn't talked about life since they moved here and the evening was spent catching up with one another. They laughed, they touched teasingly, they fed one another, which Spike rolled his eyes at before doing it and when the time came to leave, they felt like they were a unit again. Buffy clutched his hand tightly as they made their way across the parking lot to the small club. He leaned down and lightly kissed her head.

"You sure you want to go dancing?" he asked.

"Heck yeah," she laughed. "Will said this place is great. Small, intimate, great music...good for swaying sensually against each other..."

"Great music, eh?" She bumped against him playfully for ignoring the last part of the sentence. "What kind of music? Probably nothing I like."

"I can say that probably none of the bands that are played have bit heads off of a bat or carved Nancy across their chest before going on stage, but give it a chance. Sexy dancing..." she said, trying to entice him. It worked.

"Alright but if it's really sappy, it's my music on the entire trip back to Sunnydale."

"But...sexy dancing!"

He laughed. "No, not going to work."

"Yeah, but you'll just say you hate it so we'll have to listen to The Buzzdicks or whatever."

"It's The Buzzcocks, luv, and no, I won't." She shot him an disbelieving look and walked through the door. "I won't."

"We'll just see about that."

"We'll see how good your sexy dance is before any decisions are made," he said, smirking.

"Ooohhh, I get it. My sexy dance will have you panting. Believe you me. Hi!" she greeted the bouncer cheerfully.

"I.D."

"I have one of those!"

The bouncer looked at her strangely and as Buffy dug into her purse, Spike said, "She only got her license a couple of months ago. She's still very excited."

"Gotcha." He looked at their licenses, handed them back, stamped their hand and took Spike's money. "You two look like you're on a date."

"That we are," Buffy said, wrapping her arm around Spike's waist.

"If you want a little bit of privacy, there are some open booths in the back. They say reserved but take this yellow card and go sit."

"Thanks, mate," Spike said as he took it.

"That's really nice of you," Buffy said.

"Don't tell anyone that," the bouncer warned with a warm smile. Both nodding to the man in understanding, they made their way in.

"Live band?" Spike asked, surprised.

"Yup," she answered as she slid into the rounded booth. Spike placed the card on the table and sat down. Buffy lifted her leg and placed it on top of his. She picked up a postcard shaped announcement and said, "Their name is...Darling Violetta. I like her voice."

"I like your leg," he told her as he put his hands on her thigh and rubbed it softly.

"Do you want to spin me around the dance floor a couple of times so then we can get this part of the date over with and you can take me home and spin me around the bed a lot of times?" Buffy asked, innocently.

"Can I get you a drink?" Both looked at the waitress, a little startled.

Spike cleared his throat. "Draft, I don't care. Luv?"

"Sex on the beach," Buffy answered, looking at him.

"Oh-kay. I'll get that for you."

"What are you playing at?" Spike asked, moving his face closer to hers.

"Just building up that anticipation."

"Watch it, missy or I'll drag you in the bathroom and bang-"

"Like I'd have sex in a bathroom!"

"You had sex in an alley a few short months ago."

"That was impulsive," she tried to justify.

"Anytime you're feeling impulsive..." he whispered in her ear, running his fingers up her thigh and under her dress.

"Here you go," the waitress interrupted and Spike whipped his hand back so fast that it hit the underside of the table hard. She quickly put the drinks on the table. "Thirteen even." Spike handed her the cash and she practically ran away.

"You think we scared her?" Buffy wondered.

"Jealous. They're all jealous," he said as he kissed her neck.

"Your hand okay?" She lifted it to her lips and kissed it gently.

"Feeling better."

"It's still usable, right?"

"You have plans for my hand?"

"I always have plans for these hands," she said with a smile.

"Fuck the dancing, we're going home." He grabbed her hand and pulled them out of the booth.

"One dance. Please?" she asked, sticking out her bottom lip.

"You owe me," he told her as he led her to the dance floor.

"How would you like to be paid, Mr. Smith?" Spike only smirked at her and wrapped his arms around her. Five dances later and the longest drive home he could remember, Spike finally received his payment.

------------------

"We really appreciate the help, Xander," Buffy said, hugging her friend.

"If that were true, you would pay him for helping," Anya put in.

"No, Anya, that's not what we do," Xander tried to explain.

"Well, that's stupid. Here you are, carrying boxes up the stairs to help them move into their new apartment and what do I get?"

"A sweaty Xander?" Buffy asked, hoping that would spark her interest.

"Very good point, Buffy," Anya agreed.

"Besides, Anya, if we ever move, they are obligated to help us...for free," Xander told her. She smiled brightly at him and then at Buffy. "Saving money or getting money...works every time. Tell Spike I'll give him a call later."

"Will do. Thanks again!" she called, waving to the retreating couple. Buffy plopped herself onto the couch and sighed.

"Tired, pet?"

"Exhausted. Two and half hour drive and moving all on the same day? I'm not doing it again."

"Won't need to for the time being," he said, laying down, resting his head on her thigh. "I think we'll be here for a while, don't you?"

"Oh, yeah, but hopefully we can get something a little bigger some day. I'd like to have a guest room in case anyone wants to visit us."

"Missing Willow and Tara already?"

"I can't help it! Will and I have been practically inseparable since I moved here. It's just hard. It'll be okay."

"I have some news that might cheer you up." Buffy raised her eyebrow in question. "Angel hired someone new and Gunn has finally taken a job. I have weekends off now."

"Are you serious?" she asked, her excitement not at all contained.

Spike nodded and smiled. "I only asked for Saturdays but he said I could have Sunday, too, but if he needs me, I have to work. But he shouldn't need me that much."

"Why'd you ask for Saturday's off?"

"After that date of ours, I decided I wanted to do that every Saturday."

"That is one of the nicest things you've ever said to me." Buffy leaned over and placed a kiss on his forehead. "It doesn't bother you that Angel and I have become friends again, does it?"

"Where's the coming from?"

"I don't know...I mean I've gone out to lunch with him a bunch of times and you've never said anything. I'm wondering if it's okay."

"If I say no..."

"Well, I'll tell you to get over it." They laughed and she continued, "Look, I like being friends with him again without all that love crap hanging over our heads. We were always able to talk about things...maybe not about us but we could. I like him being back in my life in a non-stressful way. But if you're not comfortable-"

"Buffy, it's fine," Spike interrupted. "I'm not jumping up and down for joy but I understand it. My only hesitation is, uh-"

"What? Is what?" Buffy asked, impatiently.

"Are you sure he's over you?"

"God, yes. It's been years-"

"But he hasn't moved on to another chit-"

"He seems to be really busy with work and everything. Maybe he's trying to establish a life for himself before he falls in love again."

"Or he could still be hung up on you and-"

"And nothing. I love you. I don't know why you need justification all of a sudden but you're the man I love. Not Angel. Not ever again." Her hand went to his hair and she stroked through it lightly. "Besides, he's so over it. It'd be pretty silly to hold on to something that he left."

Spike looked at her, furrowing his brow. He didn't believe it. He didn't dislike the man but he didn't trust him. He particularly didn't trust his past feelings for Buffy. "If you say so."

"I say so. Our rest is over. We have tons of stuff to do," she said, nudging his shoulders and lifting him off her. "The sooner we get it done, the sooner we can sit back and enjoy our new home."

Spike nodded and sat all the way up. He watched her walk down the hall, not liking the feeling in his stomach. He knew he shouldn't press the Angel issue. He trusted her with everything that he was but he didn't, and doubted he ever would, trust Angel. It was becoming more apparent that it would be something that Spike would simply have to come to terms with. Unwillingly, of course.

End Flashback

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