Buffy thrust a fist into the grayish demon's jaw and swung around in time to kick the vampire in the chest. While the demon vampire duo regrouped, Buffy did a couple back handsprings to get herself out of the way. The vampire and demon lunged at her with ferocious growls, the demon's face, shoulders, and arms suddenly produced sharp pointy spikes protruding from it's leathery skin in an effort to protect him. The slayer rolled out of the way and landed back on her feet facing the confused duo.

Buffy rolled her eyes. Over here?

The vampire and spiked demon whirled around to find her then charged again. This time they split up and veered away from each other to take the slayer from both sides. Buffy blocked a right hook from the vampire, who had reached her first, and threw her own right hook knocking him to the ground. Twisting around to catch the other demon's fisted attempt, the slayer felt a sudden sting on the upper part of her right arm. Remembering the demon's protective spikes the slayer thrust her foot into his groin downing him instantly.

With a flash of wooden stake and head cracking power, the slayer had dusted the vampire and broken the demon's neck. Slowly pushing herself to her feet Buffy wiped the dust from her hands. Her arm ached with persistence and she glanced over the dark red stain on her jacket sleeve. Sighing with annoyance she headed home.

Can I help you, son? The uniformed man stood behind his desk and watched with interest as the blonde man tried to imitate the soldier in the poster on the wall. His salute was quite a bit off and his slouch was something of a problem, but all in all this man had the body structure to make all marines jealous. The question was, could his body be telling the truth about this man's physical endurance? If so he would be quite the catch for a special forces unit.

Spike broke out of his soldier pose and glanced over at the man. He pointed to the beret on the poster man's head, Do tell a bloke how he'd go about getting one of those fancy hats. Buffy let the door click shut behind her and dropped her jacket on the hooked stand to her left. For some strange reason Spike had taken a liking to the piece of furniture saying it would be 'very homely'. Buffy wondered whether she should check out the kitchen first or take to the bedroom. A creak above her answered her question and with a small smile she began her ascent.

Buffy pushed the bedroom door open and grinned at her man. Spike stood very naked next to the bed and seemed to be looking over his body with some indecision.

I assure you it's perfect in every way possible, Buffy grinned playfully and shut the door, once again, behind her.

Spike looked up for an instant seemingly far away in his mind. Right. Perfect. How anybody could see that I don't know. To me it looks like it always has, of course it's a lot more pink. Spike poked at his arm and watched as it flashed back to pink from the white spot in the shape of his finger.

Buffy chuckled to herself at Spike's interest in his body. She kept forgetting how long it had been since he last felt the beat of his own heart beneath his breast. Perhaps it was time for her to show him how beautiful he truly was.

Suddenly the lights went out and Spike looked up in slight panic. Hey! You know I can't see in the dark anymore. This isn't funny!

Before he could say another word her hands came from behind him and wandered over his chest. Her warm body brushed against his, her clothing tickled the round cheeks of his buttocks and he shivered slightly in the non-cold. Though his body felt like turning and embracing his woman, his mind told him to stay and allow her the pleasure of pleasing him.

Buffy slowly stepped away from Spike and reached up to untie her hair. It fell to her shoulders as she pulled off her shirt and let it fall to the floor. In the silent symphony her trousers also slid to the floor and she resumed her exploring.

First she let her hands gently caress his chest, drawing her fingers over the soft, firm ripples of his abdominal muscles. Each ridge felt strong and secure in its place, threatening to all those who dare oppose their strength. Right above the solid ripples were the sharp hills that formed his rib cage. The bones stood out in harsh contrast to the silky flesh but in perfect unison with the solid muscles. With every breath his ribs would force themselves gently into Buffy's palms with a smoothness that kept her in awe. Moving her hands down she felt once again solid bone as his pelvic structure jutted out in perfection. Her hands sailed evenly down his strong abdomen to his pelvis where they slowly moved around to the small of his back and upwards along his powerful back muscles to his impressive shoulders. His whole body felt firm and strong. Her fingers ran along his arms slowly taking in the feel of his lean yet tough biceps and triceps. So often had she fought him and not once had she appreciated his fine form.

Next her hands slithered down his chest and abdomen once more before finding his sturdy rod which had already hardened and stood waiting for its sweet release. Buffy smiled as she tenderly drew her fingernails along his hardened length causing him to shiver with excitement against her. Her own body was beginning to ache for his touch but she was not finished yet. Buffy removed her hand and took his softly in her own. With the same caress and movement she began her tour of his body, this time his own hand feeling what she had before. First his abdominal muscles then his ribs, down to his pelvis and around to the small of his back, up his mighty back muscles, over his powerful shoulders, down his other arm, his abs again, and finally his manhood.

Spike let his fingertips take in that which the slayer was trying to show him. His body really was a masterpiece as the man had said. Every inch of his body was strong, firm, powerful. Now he held himself in his hand and, with Buffy's direction, began to stroke it the way she had, to see him the way she did. His hardness surprised him even though he new full well it was his best feature. The sensitive tip began to pulsate at his touch and hers, it throbbed for her sheath.

With a sudden understanding of his own beauty and the well oiled machine he had kept for so long without the knowledge of its existence, Spike grabbed Buffy's hand and pulled her around to face him. Slowly he began his own exploration of her body. His hands fell to her breasts first. So plump and firm in his hands, they were his succulent desserts so sweet and ripe. His large hands fell away from her breasts and encompassed her small waist for a moment before sliding down to her strong, round hips and her solid, full buttocks which he squeezed in his palms. All her years of slaying had done nothing but good to her body and he suddenly greatly appreciated every fight he had ever got her into in his unlife. This was his payback. One of his hands unfulfilled sunk deeper and found its way between her things. Gently he slid a finger into her wet womanhood and played with her tender jewel for a moment before deciding he could wait no longer to have her.

Buffy felt her chest begin to heave with quick breaths as her knees began to buckle with pleasure. She fell to the bed as Spike forced himself upon her with a certain subtlety. Wasting no time he kissed her fiercely and with passion while moving himself into position to enter her. With a smooth, controlled thrust he was inside her. Her warmth felt good over his throbbing staff. Her muscles contracted almost automatically around him and he growled low with intense satisfaction. Buffy gripped his neck with her fingertips as her hips pressed themselves upward to meet Spike's thrusts. Deeper and deeper he drove until she felt as if he would go right through her. Her nails dug into his neck and threatened to break the skin as her arousal heightened inside her, her womanhood burning with desire to be taken in completion. Sensing her need Spike gripped the bed with one hand and held himself up with his other. With every ounce of effort and strength he plunged himself hard into her again and again until he felt raw. Buffy moaned loudly and finally gripped the bed in an effort to keep herself grounded. With every move she felt as if she would explode in his heat. Life flowed through her with an intense expansion taking over her very soul. Gritting his teeth Spike felt his body tense as his awaited release came to its moment and let go inside his beauty. Once again they were both complete with each other and all time had stopped for their passion.

Spike woke to the sound of rain pounding on the window pane. Gray light hung about the room giving it a dreary mood. Spike pulled the covers over his chilled shoulders and snaked an arm around Buffy's warm body pulling her close to him. Heat resonated through him and he felt alive and happy. This was the way life should be. This is what he had been dreaming about for so long. A tingle ran through him reminding him that he had the urge to urinate. However, he pushed the thought to the back of his mind and snuggled up against his girl. He wanted to stay like this all day.

Buffy stirred and twisted in his arms. A smile spread over the man's face as he looked down at his beautiful bride-to-be. Mornin' love. A quick kiss on her lips slowed her response.

Buffy smiled, her still voice heavy with sleep,

Spike pulled her around to face him in full and kissed her lips again, this time fully. Have I told you how much I love you, slayer?

Buffy laughed under her breath and smiled. I believe I've heard it once or twice in many a dark warehouse during a set up raid on a vamp's nest.

Oh you're going to be cruel are you? In that case no more mister nice guy! Spike pulled away from Buffy and attempted to crawl out of bed. However, the coverings had another idea and tangled him up causing him to fall out of bed.

Buffy squealed as the warmth was pulled from her and in her attempt to retrieve the coverings she too fell, landing ontop of her lover.

Well this is comfy, Spike grinned at the awkwardness of their positions. Suddenly Spike noticed a line of dried blood on Buffy's arm. Scrambling to sit up, to no avail, he looked her over worriedly. Are you hurt? Why didn't you tell me? I could have been more gentle last night!

Buffy tried to keep from falling over as her man changed positions underneath her. Buffy grasped him by the shoulders and held him down, Spike! Calm down. It's just a scratch.

Spike stared at Buffy awestruck. Had he panicked? A scratch. Right. Mind telling how you came to get the scratch?

I got it fighting a demon last night. Just your regular every night demon fight. He had sharp teeth and I got in his way. Nothing to worry about.

You sure? Spike asked in a whisper. Cuz if you want I can find the demon and show him he can't mess with my girl and get away with it!

Buffy laughed lightly at her fiancee's sincere worry. It's okay, I slayed him. I'm a slayer. I can do that. Buffy grinned playfully. I could slay you if I wanted, Buffys hands suddenly disappeared under the blankets and Spike jumped as her cold fingers found their way down his stomach towards his treasure.

A knock suddenly sounded at the door causing both lovers to fall over each other in surprise.

Uh y-yes? Buffy fidgeted under the blankets trying to find her way out.

It's Willow. I'm so sorry to disturb but it's Dawn.

Buffy immediately found her exit and hurried to her feet to find some clothes, leaving a very irritated and uncomfortable Spike to twist himself out of the bedding. Be right there, she called and pulled on a shirt.

Anya pulled the thermometer out of Dawn's mouth and read the numbers on the tiny display. A hundred and five.

Poor Dawnie, Willow sat on the bed next to her friend. You want a cup of hot cocoa or some tea? It will make you feel better.

Dawn smiled a half smile, That would be great, thank you.

Willow stood up and left the room passing Buffy in the doorway. Buffy walked over to the bed and looked over her sister. She looked terrible.

Hey, you. Buffy took Willow's position on the bed. How are you feeling?

Anya placed the thermometer on the night stand, She has a fever. I'm going to get her some tylenol from the kitchen, she said in a tone expecting great gratitude.

Buffy smiled at Anya, Thank you.

Anya pranced out of the room and left the two sisters alone. Dawn sat herself up more and smiled at her sister. Willow says it's just the flu. I'll be fine in twenty-four hours.

Buffy brushed a strand of hair away from her baby sister's face, Well then you get some rest. Spike and I are going to get some groceries this afternoon, is there anything we can get you? Some magazines maybe or we could rent some videos? Spike is going to bring the TV up to your room later so you can have something to do.

Dawn grinned widely, Maybe being sick isn't so bad after all! Can I have a popsicle? Mom always gave me a popsicle when I was sick.

Buffy laughed lightly at her little sister, Popsicles it is.

Movies would be fun. Maybe you guys can all come in here and we can have a fun movie night. It'll be like a sleepover...even though everybody lives here already.

The sisters laughed together and Buffy assured her sibling that it was a good idea. Of course that would require Dawn to get some serious rest during the day while everybody went about the regular chores. Dawn was glad to be free of her daily responsibilities and settled under her covers to sleep while Buffy went downstairs to make up the grocery list.

Spike met Buffy in the kitchen with a glass of orange juice, The bit going to be all right?

Buffy sipped her juice and nodded, Yeah she'll be fine. It's just the flu. Twenty-four hours of bed rest and she'll be good as new.

Anything I can do for her? Spike asked glancing up.

She wants the TV brought into her room and for the rest of us to have a movie night in her honor. Buffy grinned sarcastically but lovingly.

Anything to make the poor girl feel better.

Buffy laughed, Something tells me she'll be just fine.

Willow plopped some marshmallows into the warm mug she had prepared and Anya placed two white pills on a tray with the hot mug and a tall glass of water. Some buttered toast sat on a small platter next to the beverages.

We'll take this up to Dawnie, Willow pointed out as she lifted the tray and headed out of the kitchen with Anya in tow.

Buffy drank the last drops of her juice and walked over to place the glass in the sink. I guess we better head over to the supermarket. Willow will look after Dawn.

Spike nodded and wiped off the counter with a moist cloth, Do you wanna grab my sweater of the chair in the bedroom, love?

Buffy headed towards the stairs.

Spike paused what he was doing and watched his girl go after his things. Everything was nearly perfect. Soon he would be married to that lovely girl and they would begin a life together as it should be. He had everything he wanted from life. Well almost everything. There was just one thing missing.